CHAPTER 12 - Questions & Answers

ASSIGNMENT

I. Change the Degrees of Comparison without changing the meanings:

1. This stone is less heavy than that.
That stone is heavier than this.

2. Our horse is better trained than yours.
Your horse is not as well trained as ours.

3. Kindness is the greatest virtue in the world.
No other virtue in the world is as great as kindness.

4. Greenland is the largest island.
No other island is as large as Greenland.

5. Mount K2 is less high than Mount Everest.
Mount Everest is higher than Mount K2.

6. There are few cities in India as hot as Agra.
Agra is hotter than most other cities in India.

7. This book is less expensive than the one we bought yesterday.
The book we bought yesterday is more expensive than this one.

8. I am as strong as he is.
He is not stronger than I am.

9. He is less intelligent than his cousin.
His cousin is more intelligent than he is.

10. Nehru was one of the greatest leaders.
Very few leaders were as great as Nehru.

II. Rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each. Change only enough to do what you are asked and make a correct sentence. Do not alter the meaning. You have to make your sentence say the same thing but in a different way.

1. Very few countries are as hot as Nigeria.
Use: 'hotter' instead of 'hot'.
Nigeria is hotter than most other countries.

2. A sunset on sea is one of the loveliest things in nature.
Begin: Very few things in nature ...
Very few things in nature are as lovely as a sunset on sea.

3. I have never seen so big a diamond as this.
End: ... that I have ever seen.
This is the biggest diamond that I have ever seen.

4. No other religious book is as popular in India as the 'Gita'.
Use: 'most popular'.
The 'Gita' is the most popular religious book in India.

5. Iron is the most useful of all the metals.
Use: 'More useful' instead of 'most useful'.
Iron is more useful than any other metal.

6. She is the cleverest pupil in her class.
Begin: No other ...
No other pupil in her class is as clever as she is.

7. Reena is the most industrious student.
Begin: Reena is more ...
Reena is more industrious than any other student.

8. Anita is not as good a singer as Avanti.
Use: than:
Avanti is a better singer than Anita.

9. She could not accuse her sister or her friend.
Begin: Neither ...
Neither her sister nor her friend could she accuse.

10. The aeroplane flies faster than birds.
Begin: Birds ...
Birds do not fly as fast as the aeroplane.

11. India is the largest democracy in the world.
Use: as large as:
No other democracy in the world is as large as India.

12. Very few Indian cricketers are as famous as Sachin Tendulkar.
Use: more famous:
Sachin Tendulkar is more famous than most other Indian cricketers.

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ASSIGNMENT

1. Read the following extract taken from Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and make a note of the humorous elements.
The humor in this extract stems from Tom's exaggerated and systematic attempt to invent an illness so he can avoid going to school. His internal debate over which symptom to use—shifting from hoping for colicky symptoms to considering a loose tooth—is comical. The climax of the humor is his decision to use a "sore toe" as an excuse, eagerly holding it up for inspection and groaning with "considerable spirit," even though he admits he does not actually know the necessary symptoms for it. The stark contrast between the sheer seriousness of his "medical investigation" and the absurdity of his fake ailment creates a highly amusing scenario.

2. School life is full of interesting and humorous events. Write a composition describing some of the humorous incidents during your school life.
One of the most humorous incidents in my school life occurred during our Annual Day drama practice. Our class was performing a serious historical play, and my best friend Rahul was cast as the fierce, terrifying king. He was supposed to draw his wooden sword and shout his dialogue with intense rage. However, during the final dress rehearsal, as he dramatically yanked the sword from its sheath, the bottom half of the prop snapped and flew across the room, landing right in our strict principal’s lap! Instead of breaking character, Rahul improvised and shouted loudly, "My wrath is so great it shatters my own blade!" We were all supposed to look terrified on stage, but the entire cast burst into uncontrollable laughter. Even the principal couldn't help but chuckle. It turned our serious tragedy into an impromptu comedy, and it remains one of my most cherished and hilarious school memories.

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D. PRACTICE PAPER - 12

Question 1
Write a composition (300 - 350 words) on any one of the following:
(iv) Describe your most memorable birthday celebration. State what made it special for you.
Birthdays are always a time of joy, but my 14th birthday remains etched in my memory as the most spectacular one. Unlike previous years where we threw large indoor parties, my parents decided on a completely different approach this time. They woke me up early in the morning and told me we were going on a surprise road trip.

Our destination turned out to be a beautiful, secluded nature reserve situated a few hours away from the hustle of the city. The serene environment, surrounded by lush green trees and the sounds of chirping birds, was a refreshing change from the urban noise. We spent the morning trekking through the forest trails, enjoying the crisp air, and I even managed to spot a family of deer drinking from a small stream.

What made this celebration truly special was the afternoon. My parents had secretly invited three of my closest friends, who suddenly appeared from behind the reserve's guest house, shouting "Surprise!" They had brought homemade sandwiches, a chocolate cake baked by my mother, and a handmade scrapbook filled with our favorite photos and funny memories. We sat by the lake, cutting the cake, sharing stories, and laughing until our stomachs hurt.

The sheer thoughtfulness of my parents and the effort my friends put into making the day perfect filled my heart with overwhelming gratitude. It wasn't about expensive gifts, loud music, or a grand venue; it was about the warmth of true companionship and the simple beauty of nature. That birthday taught me that the best celebrations are those shared with people who genuinely care about you, making it an unforgettable milestone in my life.

Question 2
Select any one of the following:
(i) Write a letter to the Principal of your school, requesting him/her to extend the 40-minute Games period to one hour. Give reasons for your request.
To,
The Principal,
St. Xavier's High School,
Mumbai.

Date: 25th July 2026

Subject: Request for extension of the Games period.

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you on behalf of the students of Class IX to kindly request an extension of our current 40-minute Games period to one hour.

While we deeply appreciate the time allotted for physical education, a 40-minute duration often proves insufficient. By the time students assemble on the ground, divide into teams, and set up the necessary sports equipment, almost 15 minutes are already lost. This leaves us with very little time to actually engage in the sports, get a proper workout, or participate in meaningful practice.

An extended period of one hour would allow us to properly warm up, play a full game, and cool down before returning to our academic classes. This will not only improve our physical fitness but also enhance our focus and concentration during the subsequent study periods.

We kindly request you to consider our appeal and make this favorable change in the timetable.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
Rohan Sharma
Class IX - A

Question 3
(i) You are the Head Boy/Head Girl of your school. Write a notice for your school notice board asking the students of Classes VI to X to contribute towards the relief fund meant for the flood-affected people in Punjab.
ST. XAVIER'S HIGH SCHOOL
NOTICE
25th July 2026

CONTRIBUTION FOR FLOOD RELIEF FUND

This is to inform all students of Classes VI to X that our school is organizing a collection drive for the relief fund meant to help the flood-affected people in Punjab. The recent floods have caused severe devastation, and it is our moral duty to support those in need. Students are requested to contribute generously in the form of cash, dry rations, or new clothing. All contributions must be handed over to the respective class teachers by 5th August 2026. Let us come together and make a meaningful difference.

Rahul Verma
Head Boy

(ii) Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school, requesting him/her to ask the students of his/her school to contribute towards the relief fund meant to help the flood-affected people in Punjab.
To: principal@modernschool.edu
Subject: Appeal for Contribution to Punjab Flood Relief Fund

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you on behalf of St. Xavier's High School. In light of the recent devastating floods in Punjab, our school has initiated a relief fund drive to support the affected families.

We believe that collective efforts can bring about a much larger impact. Therefore, I kindly request you to encourage the students and staff of your esteemed institution to join hands with us in this noble cause. Contributions can be in the form of funds, dry food items, or essential supplies. We would be grateful if you could organize a collection at your school by the first week of August, after which our volunteer team can collect the donations directly from your premises.

Looking forward to your positive response and support.

Warm regards,

Rahul Verma
Head Boy
St. Xavier's High School

Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. sidewalk (line 10)
(a) road (b) passage (c) pavement (d) path
(c) pavement

2. confounded (line 19)
(a) embarrassed (b) confused (c) bright (d) distinguished
(b) confused

(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word 'gently'?
(a) certainly (b) generally (c) little (d) savagely
(d) savagely

(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) Why did the narrator need a match? Whom did he ask for the match?
The narrator needed a match to light a candle so he could examine what had happened to the engine of his car. He asked a passing decent, ordinary-looking man for a match.

(b) Why was the man unable to find a match in his waistcoat?
The man was unable to find a match in his waistcoat because he was not actually wearing one, as the narrator pointed out.

(c) After throwing down his walking stick what did the man say about his son? What did he intend to do to the latter?
The man angrily blamed his "cursed young boy" for fooling around in his pockets. He intended to "warm him up" (spank or punish him) as soon as he got home.

(d) What did the narrator request the man on seeing him all worked up?
The narrator requested the man to stop taking so much trouble and pleaded with him not to take off his overcoat, throw away his letters, or tear out his pockets aggressively. He also asked him not to trample his coat or crush the parcels.

(e) Why did the man finally give a grunt of exultation? What was the outcome of his intensive search?
The man gave a grunt of exultation because he finally felt something inside the lining of his coat, believing he had found a match. However, the outcome was disappointing, as he pulled out a simple toothpick.

(iv) Summarise the efforts made by the man to look for the match. Answer in not more than fifty words.
The man eagerly searched his overcoat and non-existent waistcoat. Growing increasingly frustrated, he threw down his walking stick, aggressively plunged into his pockets, and blamed his son. Ignoring the narrator's pleas to stop, he ruthlessly rummaged through his coat lining, only to triumphantly pull out a simple toothpick.

Question 5
(i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
In a discovery that could reshape how scientists read Earth's ancient weather, researchers (1) at the University of New Mexico have found (2) that horsetails — primitive, hollow stemmed plants that predate dinosaurs — act like natural (3) isotope filters. As water moves (4) through them, it undergoes (5) extreme oxygen isotope shifts similar to those seen (6) in meteorites. The study, which was published (7) in the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences' and led by geochemist Zachary Sharp, says these "engineering (8) marvels" can trap traces of prehistoric humidity in fossilised silica.

(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) He did not comply with the wishes of his father.
(b) She looks much pulled down.
(c) The two families are living under the same roof.
(d) He has acted in conformity with your wishes.
(e) There was a dispute between the father and the son.
(f) We shall discuss this matter over a cup of tea.
(g) Have you gone through the accounts?
(h) The family always failed for want of help.

(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. The boy is still very weak. He must not play tennis yet.
(a) The boy is too weak, he must not play tennis.
(b) The boy is too weak to play tennis yet.
(c) The boy is still too weak to play tennis yet.
(d) The boy is still too weak that he can not play tennis.
(c) The boy is still too weak to play tennis yet.

2. He is simple. He will believe anything.
(a) Although he is simple, he will believe anything.
(b) He is too simple to believe anything.
(c) He is simple enough to believe anything.
(d) He is so simple enough to believe anything.
(c) He is simple enough to believe anything.

3. That box is very small. It is of no use for you.
(a) That box is too small to be of any use to you.
(b) That box is too small that it is of no use for you.
(c) That box is very small that it is of no use for you.
(d) That box is small enough to be of no use for you.
(a) That box is too small to be of any use to you.

4. He will succeed in his life. It is certain.
(a) It is certain that he will succeed in life.
(b) It is certain that he would succeed in life.
(c) It is certain to him to succeed in life.
(d) It is certain for him to succeed in life.
(a) It is certain that he will succeed in life.

(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. Ben is not such a good player as Joe. (Use: ...than...)
(a) Joe is the better player than Ben.
(b) Joe is the best player than Ben.
(c) Joe is a good player than Ben.
(d) Joe is a better player than Ben.
(d) Joe is a better player than Ben.

2. His suggestion was received well by the team. (Use: ...went down...)
(a) His suggestion went down received well by the team.
(b) His suggestion was received well and went down with the team.
(c) The team went down well with his suggestion.
(d) His suggestion went down well with the team.
(d) His suggestion went down well with the team.

3. Our new home has been burgled. (Begin: Someone...)
(a) Someone has burgled our new home.
(b) Someone had burgled our new home.
(c) Someone have burgled our new home.
(d) Someone has got our new home burgled.
(a) Someone has burgled our new home.

4. Not only did she put up with his nonsense, but also helped him. (Begin: Besides...)
(a) Besides put up with his nonsense, she helped him.
(b) Besides putting up to his nonsense, she also helped him.
(c) Besides putting up for his nonsense, she also helped him.
(d) Besides putting up with his nonsense, she also helped him.
(d) Besides putting up with his nonsense, she also helped him.

5. If Mohan apologises, he will be given another chance. (Use: ...unless...)
(a) Unless Mohan apologises, he will not be given another chance.
(b) He will not be given another chance unless Mohan apologises.
(c) He would not be given another chance unless Mohan apologises.
(d) Unless Mohan apologise, he will not be given another chance.
(a) Unless Mohan apologises, he will not be given another chance.

6. He is sometimes lazy. (Use: ...active...)
(a) He is seldom active.
(b) He is sometimes active.
(c) He is not always active.
(d) He is not sometimes active.
(c) He is not always active.

7. "What will be the outcome of such a terrible decision?" He asked himself. (Begin: He wondered...)
(a) He wondered what will be the outcome of such a terrible decision.
(b) He wondered what the outcome would be of such a terrible decision.
(c) He wondered about what would be the outcome of such a terrible decision.
(d) He wondered what would be the outcome of such a terrible decision.
(d) He wondered what would be the outcome of such a terrible decision.

8. Because he had broken the window, his mother forbade him to go out and play. (Begin: Having broken...)
(a) Having broken the window, his mother forbade him to go out and play.
(b) Having broken the window, he was forbade by his mother to go out and play.
(c) Having broken the window, his mother had forbidden him to go out and play.
(d) Having broken the window, he was forbidden by his mother to go out and play.
(d) Having broken the window, he was forbidden by his mother to go out and play.