CHAPTER 5 - Questions & Answers
ASSIGNMENT (Articles)
I. Insert 'a' or 'an' where required in the gaps in the following sentences. Put a 'x' mark where no article is required.
1. Their function turned out to be quite an occasion.
2. She took a pen and wrote a letter.
3. x glass, unlike x water, is a poor conductor of x electricity.
4. He needs a few books from the library.
5. I have only read a little of the book so far.
6. Sibia did an exemplary act by saving the life of a woman.
7. I prefer x classical music to x rock music.
8. Not many people liked the film, but quite a few liked its x story.
9. He takes a glass of x water before going to play football.
10. He can't afford such an expensive shirt.
II. Insert the definite article where required in the following sentences. Put a 'x' mark where no article is required.
1. The earlier everybody agrees, the sooner we can start our journey.
2. The more he works the more tired he looks.
3. x oil is vital to the economy of America.
4. x dosas are made of x rice.
5. The vase we bought x last month needs polishing.
6. The office he was working in was on x loan from a bank.
7. It was on the fifth of the month that he got his salary.
8. He went abroad at the age of 18.
9. The old man was taken to x hospital.
10. I doubt if x man will ever be able to avoid x war.
ASSIGNMENT (Narrative Composition)
Write a composition on any one of the following:
(i) Riding on a bicycle on a country road with your friends, you hear the announcement that a person wearing a red cap and pink shirt has stolen a bicycle and has disappeared with it. After some time you see a person wearing a red cap and pink shirt riding desperately on a bicycle. Your friends suggest to follow him. Write an account of your reactions and any subsequent adventure.
Answer (Sample): It was a breezy Sunday evening as we pedalled down the rugged countryside lane. Suddenly, a police patrol vehicle passed by, announcing the theft of a bicycle by a suspect in a pink shirt and red cap. Ten minutes later, a man matching that exact description rushed past us. My heart started pounding. When my friends suggested we trail him, I was both terrified and thrilled. We kept a safe distance, eventually seeing him abandon the cycle near an old barn. We immediately informed the local authorities, feeling like true detectives for the rest of the day.
(ii) Write an account of a religious festival at which you were present.
Answer (Sample): Last Diwali, my entire neighborhood was transformed into a glowing paradise. The preparations began weeks in advance with deep cleaning and decorating. On the day of the festival, our house smelled of fresh marigolds and sweet delicacies. As evening fell, we lit hundreds of earthen diyas, their warm light contrasting beautifully against the night sky. The collective joy, the exchanging of sweets with neighbors, and the vibrant fireworks made the atmosphere utterly magical and deeply fulfilling.
(iii) Write an account of an event which has happened during the last year, and which you feel has affected the destiny of your country.
Answer (Sample): The recent successful lunar landing mission by our space agency was a monumental event that unified the nation. I watched the live broadcast with my family, holding our breath during the final descent. When the touchdown was confirmed, tears of joy filled everyone's eyes. This achievement not only showcased our technological prowess but also inspired millions of young students across the country to pursue science and innovation, forever altering our nation's trajectory.
(iv) An evening walk, looked forward to with enthusiasm, turns out to be a disaster. Write a real or imaginary account of such an occurrence.
Answer (Sample): The crisp evening air had promised a refreshing walk, but my enthusiasm was short-lived. Barely ten minutes into the park, a sudden, torrential downpour began without warning. Taking shelter under a brittle gazebo, I ended up stepping into a massive puddle of mud, ruining my new shoes. To make matters worse, a stray dog chased me on my hurried sprint back home, leaving me soaked, shivering, and thoroughly exhausted by the time I reached my doorstep.
ASSIGNMENT (Precision in Comprehension)
Tick mark the correct answer for each of the following questions:
1. As a long-distance runner, he is second to none. The italicised phrase indicates that:
(a) he is better than somebody;
(b) he is a second-rate runner;
(c) he has won all his races;
(d) nobody is better than he is;
(e) he has never come second in a race.
Answer: (d) nobody is better than he is
2. Reading between the lines, I would say that she is unhappy. The meaning of this statement is:
(a) I am telling you confidentially that she is unhappy.
(b) She has said in a special code that she is unhappy.
(c) Although she has not said so explicitly, it is possible to guess that she is unhappy.
(d) At intervals, while reading she tells me that she is unhappy.
(e) Every few lines she indicates that she is not happy.
Answer: (c) Although she has not said so explicitly, it is possible to guess that she is unhappy.
3. My husband will buy whatever kind of car he personally wants, regardless of my wishes. Regardless here means:
(a) forgetful
(b) out of concern
(c) irrespective
(d) in consideration
(e) respecting
Answer: (c) irrespective