CHAPTER 15 - Questions & Answers
ASSIGNMENT 1
Place the adverb in a suitable position in the sentence without emphasising it:
1. The masons have completed the work. (almost)
The masons have almost completed the work.
2. The children arrived. (half an hour ago)
The children arrived half an hour ago.
3. She does good work. (generally)
She generally does good work.
4. He doesn't refer to a dictionary. (often)
He doesn't often refer to a dictionary.
5. He has heard of Marconi. (never)
He has never heard of Marconi.
6. He had been in hospital. (for two months)
He had been in hospital for two months.
7. Have the workmen finished painting the ceiling? (nearly)
Have the workmen nearly finished painting the ceiling?
8. Our teacher has marked these papers. (just)
Our teacher has just marked these papers.
9. They were able to hear what he said. (hardly)
They were hardly able to hear what he said.
10. She doesn't play volleyball. (still)
She still doesn't play volleyball.
ASSIGNMENT 2
Rearrange each of the following groups of words in the normal, unemphatic order of sentences. The words within dashes must remain in the order they appear. One of these has been done for you.
1. - to his house - yesterday - I - went - three times.
I went to his house three times yesterday.
2. - before - had - been - we - there - never.
We had never been there before.
3. - ploughing the field - almost - when I called on him - finished - yesterday afternoon - he had.
He had almost finished ploughing the field when I called on him yesterday afternoon.
4. - the floor - nearly - have - they - in the kitchen - finished - sweeping (in question form).
Have they nearly finished sweeping the floor in the kitchen?
5. - thoroughly - last week - cleaned - the classrooms - were.
The classrooms were cleaned thoroughly last week.
6. - to his parent's home - at weekends - often - goes - he.
He often goes to his parent's home at weekends.
7. - he - in class - reminded - last year - was - to pay attention - often.
He was often reminded to pay attention in class last year.
8. - hardly - this year - able - be - her education - to complete - she will.
She will hardly be able to complete her education this year.
ASSIGNMENT 3
Arrange the adjectives in the correct order before the nouns, changing a to an where necessary:
1. a dress (cotton, yellow, cheap)
a cheap yellow cotton dress
2. a ring (gold, cheap)
a cheap gold ring
3. a house (new, stone)
a new stone house
4. a pen (French, new)
a new French pen
5. a car (grey, large, Indian)
a large grey Indian car
6. a shirt (green, nylon, wet)
a wet green nylon shirt
7. a corridor (dark, narrow)
a narrow dark corridor
8. a machine (modern, duplicating, large)
a large modern duplicating machine
9. a jacket (leather, brown, untidy)
an untidy brown leather jacket
10. a carpet (beautiful, multicoloured, square)
a beautiful square multicoloured carpet
ASSIGNMENT (Invitations)
Write a formal invitation for the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of your school and then write a formal reply to the invitation from a guest, who is unable to come owing to his trip abroad.
Formal Invitation:
The Principal, Staff, and Students of XYZ School
cordially invite you to
the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the school
on Saturday, 25th November, 20..
at 10:00 a.m.
in the School Auditorium.
R.S.V.P.
Principal
XYZ School
Formal Reply:
Mr. Sharma thanks the Principal, Staff, and Students of XYZ School for their kind invitation to the Golden Jubilee Celebrations on 25th November 20.., but regrets his inability to attend owing to a prior trip abroad.
D. PRACTICE PAPER-15
Question 1
Write a composition (300 - 350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) Write an original story based on: a talented musician — a nationwide competition — the outcome — the lesson learnt.
(ii) Narrate an incident that motivated you to change your course of action and, in retrospect, seems to be the best decision you have ever made.
(iii) 'Public performances by animals should be banned'. Express your views either for or against this statement.
(iv) Suppose you were given the power to change into something or someone for a day. Describe what you would choose and why.
(v) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
Sample Answer for Option (ii):
It was a chilly winter morning, and like every other Sunday, I had planned to spend it comfortably tucked in my blanket, playing video games. I had always been someone who took the comforts of life for granted. However, an errand run changed my perspective entirely. My mother asked me to drop off some old clothes at a local orphanage. Initially annoyed, I grabbed the bags and headed out.
When I arrived, the scene I witnessed left a deep impact on me. Children were playing in the courtyard, their faces radiant with joy, despite the biting cold and their frayed sweaters. I handed the bags to the caretaker and watched as a young boy, barely seven years old, received a slightly oversized jacket. The sheer gratitude in his eyes and the bright smile on his face struck a chord in my heart. He didn't complain about the fit or the faded colour; he was simply happy to be warm.
At that moment, I realised how much I complained about trivial things—a slow internet connection or not getting the latest phone. I had so much, yet appreciated so little. That day became a turning point in my life. I decided to change my course of action. I started volunteering at the orphanage every weekend and became more mindful of my privileges. In retrospect, that simple errand was the best decision I ever made, as it taught me the invaluable lesson of gratitude and the joy of giving.
Question 2
Select any one of the following:
(i) For the past one week, water supplied to your home has been muddy and has a foul smell. Write a letter to the MLA of your area complaining about the poor quality of water being supplied to the residents of your area.
(ii) Write a letter to your cousin describing your recent visit to an animal shelter.
Sample Answer for Option (ii):
14, Park Street
Kolkata - 700016
20th July, 20..
Dear Rohan,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to tell you about an incredible experience I had last weekend. I visited the 'Paws & Claws' animal shelter in our city.
It was heartbreaking yet heartwarming at the same time. There were so many abandoned dogs and cats, some injured and others just looking for a loving home. The volunteers there are doing a fantastic job. I spent hours playing with a golden retriever named Buddy who had been rescued from the streets. We also helped feed the puppies and clean their enclosures.
The visit made me realise how much love these animals have to give. I have decided to volunteer there twice a month. You should definitely join me next time you visit!
Give my regards to Uncle and Aunt.
Yours affectionately,
Amit
Question 3
(i) You are the Head Boy/Head Girl of your school. Write a notice for the school notice board informing the students of Classes VI to X to submit their names for different events to be held on the occasion of the school's Founders Day.
NOTICE
XYZ SCHOOL
15th October, 20..
FOUNDERS DAY AUDITIONS
This is to inform all students from Classes VI to X that our school is celebrating its Founders Day on 10th November. Various cultural events, including drama, singing, and dance competitions, will be held on this occasion. Interested students must submit their names to the undersigned by 20th October. Auditions will begin on 25th October in the school auditorium.
Rahul / Riya
Head Boy / Head Girl
(ii) Write an email to the Education Minister of your State requesting him/her to be the Guest of Honour at the Founders Day celebrations of your school.
To: minister.education@state.gov.in
Subject: Invitation to be the Guest of Honour for Founders Day
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing on behalf of the Principal, Staff, and Students of XYZ School. We are celebrating our Annual Founders Day on 10th November 20.. from 4:00 PM onwards in the school auditorium. It would be our utmost privilege if you could grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour and inspire our students with your words of wisdom.
We eagerly await a positive response from your end.
Yours faithfully,
Rahul / Riya
Head Boy / Head Girl
XYZ School
Question 4
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. labyrinth (line 6)
(a) arrangement (b) maze (c) pathways (d) cave
(b) maze
2. cautioned (line 21)
(a) warned (b) described (c) asked (d) demanded
(a) warned
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word 'straight'?
(a) monster (b) confusion (c) winding (d) placed
(c) winding
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) Who was Daedalus? Why was he in Crete?
Daedalus was a great builder. He was sent as a punishment into exile from Greece to Crete.
(b) What task was set for Daedalus by King Minos?
King Minos ordered Daedalus to build an underground prison so strong that nobody could escape from it.
(c) How did King Minos use the labyrinth?
King Minos used the labyrinth to house a monster called Minotaur. He sent the creature to live in its dark winding passages.
(d) How did Theseus enter and exit from the labyrinth?
Theseus entered the labyrinth by placing a ball of thread at the entrance and unwinding it as he went deep into the passages. After defeating the Minotaur, he followed the thread back out to find his exit.
(e) What did Daedalus and his son do in the cave?
In the cave, they selected bird feathers and stuck them together using wax to make two beautiful pairs of wings, one for each of them.
(iv) Imagine you are Icarus. Narrate your flight. Answer in not more than fifty words.
I flew high into the sky, ignoring my father's warning. The sun felt so warm and glorious! I soared like an eagle, but soon, the wax on my wings began to melt. The feathers fell away. I beat my arms in terror as I plunged down into the deep sea.
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.
Commando Comics and Indian War Comics, revisit war heroes and their stories of valour. The (0) illustrations (illustrate) of adrenaline-pumping sequences of the men in the 1. armed (arm) forces or sketches of dog fights between planes give a 2. gripping (grip) experience to the readers, while 3. inspiring (inspire) them too.
Aditya Bakshi, who 4. made (make) one of India's first war comics on Captain Vikram Batra in 2008, says, "I met Captain Vikram Batra's parents, 5. heard (hear) his story from them and 6. published (publish) a comic in 2008 in the Commando Comics format. I 7. observe (observe) that children read comic books cover to cover. Through these stories, children come to know of the armed forces as well, for often the stories show the hero's journey right from 8. recruitment (recruit) to a typical day in the life in the armed forces."
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) He broke off in the middle of his speech.
(b) My brother has run into debt.
(c) Recently there has been a small reduction in the price of petrol.
(d) The candidate won a victory over his rivals.
(e) I was shocked by the sudden news of the minister's death.
(f) I acted upon my teacher's advice.
(g) Do not blow the problem out of proportion.
(h) After the modifications, things are looking up.
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. He took his umbrella. He feared it might rain.
(a) He took his umbrella for it might rain he feared.
(b) He took his umbrella for feared it might rain.
(c) He took his umbrella, in case it rained.
(d) He took his umbrella if it might rain.
(c) He took his umbrella, in case it rained.
2. Do not disturb the sleeping dog. It will bite.
(a) If you do not disturb the sleeping dog, it will bite.
(b) If you disturb the sleeping dog, it will bite.
(c) If you will disturb the sleeping dog, it will bite.
(d) If you would disturb the sleeping dog, it will bite.
(b) If you disturb the sleeping dog, it will bite.
3. Rima is intelligent. Sarla is more intelligent.
(a) Rima is intelligent, yet Sarla is more.
(b) Sarla is more intelligent than Rima.
(c) Sarla is more intelligent then Rima.
(d) Sarla is as more intelligent as Rima.
(b) Sarla is more intelligent than Rima.
4. The old lady is helpful. She is very poor.
(a) The old lady is helpful despite of being very poor.
(b) Although the old lady is very poor, she is helpful.
(c) Besides the old lady is very poor, she is helpful.
(d) Even the old lady is very poor, she is helpful.
(b) Although the old lady is very poor, she is helpful.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. "I am sorry I did not recognise you," said Saloni to Kush. (Begin: Saloni apologised...)
(a) Saloni apologised to Kush for not recognising him.
(b) Saloni apologised to Kush for did not recognising him.
(c) Saloni apologised to Kush for he did not recognise her.
(d) Saloni apologised to Kush for being not be able to recognise him.
(a) Saloni apologised to Kush for not recognising him.
2. He was unpopular due to his arrogance. (Use: ...because...)
(a) He was unpopular because he was arrogant.
(b) He was unpopular because of his arrogant.
(c) He was arrogant because he was unpopular.
(d) His arrogance was because of his unpopularity.
(a) He was unpopular because he was arrogant.
3. She was too simple to understand his tricks. (Begin: She was so...)
(a) She was so simple to understand his tricks.
(b) She was so simple that she did not understood his tricks.
(c) She was so simple for understanding his tricks.
(d) She was so simple that she did not understand his tricks.
(d) She was so simple that she did not understand his tricks.
4. There are eleven players in a football team. (Begin: A football team comprises...)
(a) A football team comprises of eleven players.
(b) A football team comprises eleven players.
(c) A football team comprises till eleven players.
(d) A football team comprises with eleven players.
(b) A football team comprises eleven players.
5. He is getting so rude; he cannot get along with his co-workers. (Begin: He is getting too...)
(a) He is getting too rude to get along with his co-workers.
(b) He is getting too rude that he cannot get along with his co-workers.
(c) He is getting too rude to be getting along with his co-workers.
(d) He is getting too rude for getting along with his co-workers.
(a) He is getting too rude to get along with his co-workers.
6. Renu is very beautiful but she is not very clever. (Begin: Renu is not as...)
(a) Renu is not as clever than she is beautiful.
(b) Renu is not as clever as she is beautiful.
(c) Renu is not as clever than as she is beautiful.
(d) Renu is not as beautiful as she is clever.
(b) Renu is not as clever as she is beautiful.
7. As soon as the leader arrived everyone cheered him. (Begin: No sooner...)
(a) No sooner the leader did arrived than everyone cheered him.
(b) No sooner did the leader arrive than everyone cheered him.
(c) No sooner had the leader arrived when everyone cheered him.
(d) No sooner the leader arrived than everyone cheered him.
(b) No sooner did the leader arrive than everyone cheered him.
8. Although he was selected for the post, he did not join the office. (Begin: Despite...)
(a) Despite he was selected for the post, he did not join the office.
(b) Despite being selected for the post, he did not join the office.
(c) Despite selected for the post, he did not join the office.
(d) Despite of being selected for the post, he did not join the office.
(b) Despite being selected for the post, he did not join the office.