KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN

SILCHAR REGION

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE [184]

Class: X
2024-25

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MINIMUM LEVELOF LEARNING SUPPORT MATERIAL
PATRONS

Shri P.I.T. RAJA

Deputy Commissioner, KVS RO Silchar

Shri Satyaveer Singh Shri Ananta Kumar Seet

Assistant Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner,
KVS RO Silchar KVS RO Silchar

Shri D.B. Singh

Principal KV Happy Valley, Shillong
Co-ordinator, MLL Support Material , English

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Compiled By:

Smt. Soma Nath, TGT (English), K.V, NIT Silchar

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT TEAM

1. Dr. Jagdeesh R Bhanwariya, PM SHRI TGT English KV EAC Upper Shillong

2. Mrs.Mitlesh , TGT English PM SHRI KV Happy Valley Shillong

3. Ms. Anusree Sahoo , TGT English , KV NEHU

4. Ms. Tania Majumdar, TGT English PM SHRI KV NEPA Barapani

5. Ms. Poulomi Chakraborty, TGT English , KV Kunjaban

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 S.NO CONTENT PAGE NO.

1 READING 4-13

2 WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR 14-21

3 FIRST FLIGHT ( PROSE) 22-25

4 FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET 26-28

5 FIRST FLIGHT(POETRY) 29 -40

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SECTION-A READING

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PASSAGE-1 DISCURSIVE PASSAGE

1. Read the following text. (10)

1. A UNICEF report, 2021 pointed out that some 100 million girls are at risk of child marriage over the
next decade. The pandemic has led to "school closures, economic stress, service disruptions, pregnancy,
and parental deaths", leaving a further 10 million vulnerable girls facing the possibility of child
marriage.

2. In Rajasthan, civil society organisations are battling the practice, empowering the girls and
succeeding. Launched on International Women's Day in 2019, Naubat Baja relies largely on the strength
of mobile phones, which have penetrated the remotest corners of India and are the youth's favourite
mode of communication, particularly in areas with little access to television, cable, or the internet.

3. The words Naubat Baja, stand for an ensemble of musical instruments that were played together in
earlier times to catch the attention of people. This initiative is a new incarnation of the digital age,
relaying messages against harmful practices such as child marriage and gender discrimination. Posters
against early marriage are a part of the campaign by Naubat Baja Missed Call Radio, a cloud telephone-
based radio channel in Rajasthan, that addresses issues of adolescents' well-being, empowerment and
health. Volunteers and adolescent group leaders associated with Naubat Baja are called champions.

4. Girls phone the Naubat Baja number and receive a callback, which contains a 15-minute recording of
free entertainment, peppered with Hindi film songs, short stories and audio dramas themed around social
issues narrated through comedy or satire. There is news about job opportunities, general knowledge
facts and information about government welfare schemes aimed at the youth. Messages on themes such
as child marriage, domestic violence, adolescent girls' health, menstrual hygiene, gender sensitisation,
financial awareness are conveyed through the dramas.

5. The regularly updated programme, overseen by UNFPA representatives, is produced in studios with
the help of a content team of researchers and presented by professional audio content makers and
popularised through social media, graffiti and awareness campaigns in rural and urban areas by
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volunteers, community leaders, Panchayats (rural governing bodies), Anganwadi (rural child care
centres) and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers.

6. In Rajasthan, efforts are on to draw in more partners in the drive like the Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangathan (NYKS)- one of the largest youth networks in the world to popularize messages aired by
Naubat Baja. Once the strategies start to bear fruit, thousands of ordinary girls will dare to dream.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(a) Naubat Baja has the distinction of having a mass reach in both rural and urban areas. How has this
been made possible? [Paragraph 2] (2)
(b) Complete the following with the correct option from the two given. (1)
Civil Society Organisations are using the following ways to bring about social change _____________.
(i) Missed Call Radio, a cloud telephone-based radio channel with pre-recorded content.
(ii) print media and television to deal with their flaws. [Paragraph 3 and 4]
(c) What makes young girls more vulnerable, especially in the wake of the Covid pandemic? (1)
[Paragraph 1]
(d) What is special about the messages relayed by the Naubat Baja initiative that they are called a new
incarnation of the digital age? [Paragraph 3] (1)

(e) Say whether the given statement is True or False.

Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) - one of the largest youth networks in the world has joined
hands to popularize messages aired by Naubat Baja. [Paragraph 6] (1)
(f) The phrase 'incarnation of the digital age,' is mentioned in the passage. Which of the following is an
'incarnation' in the following options? [Paragraph 3] (1)
(i) A manifesto or programme. (ii) The embodiment of professional conduct.
(iii) An index of content. (iv) A list of symptoms.
(g) What methods are being employed by UNFPA representatives to spearhead awareness campaigns in
rural and urban areas? Answer in two points. [Paragraph 5] (2)
(h) Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given.
In the phrase 'service disruptions,' the contextual meaning of the word 'service' refers to ___________.
[Paragraph 1] (1)
(i) provisions in a store (ii) repair and upkeep
(iii) ceremonies and rituals (iv) facilities or resources

2. Read the following passage carefully:

1. Hiking is a great source of pleasure for us besides being beneficial for health. Once we leave the
crowded streets of a city and go out for a walking tour away from the mad world, we really feel free.
The open air has a bracing effect on the mind. The congestion of the city, the uproar and tumult, the
intolerable noise of traffic, the hectic daily routine, all these are forgotten and the mind is at ease. We
then feel like running, leaping, singing and laughing. We travel merrily mile after mile in the company
of friends and associates.
2. Hiking takes us in the midst of nature. The sight of waterfalls, flowers, streams, trees and bushes is
pleasing. A connection is established between us and nature. Various sounds of nature, like the murmur
of a book or the song of a bird, acquire a new meaning and significance to us.
3. You enjoy the beauty of nature. Minute observations like a snake casting its slough, a mouse peeping
out of its hole, a squirrel leaping about on the branches of a tree, a bird flying past us, all these are
noticed and they arouse our interest. We have no business worries, no fear of the examinations, no
anxiety about the home. We have leisure to stand, to walk and talk. It is more thrilling and pleasurable to
hike in a mountainous region than in the plains. The excitement of climbing up to the top of a hill, the
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adventure of coming down a slope, the grandeur of sunset behind a mountain - All these sights lend a
rare charm and interest to our journey.
4. We walk along a zigzag motor road or cut across a mountain path in search of adventure. We may
have bright sunny weather or might get caught in a shower of rain. We may look below us into the
yawning chasm or up at the mountain peak. The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap
with joy.
5. Hiking is one of the healthiest sports. It ensures a complete escape from the urgent and busy activities
of life and therefore gives solace to our brain. It regains its lost energy and is able to do twice as much
work as before.
6. The fresh air, beautiful mountains, majestic trees, and chirping sound of birds make one's mind and
soul at peace with nature.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the following questions :
(1x 10= 10)
1. To go out for a walking tour is
(a) to stroll (b) to ramble
(c) to hike (d) to saunter

2. Why does the writer say that the mind is at ease when you hike?
(a) because hiking is an inexpensive activity
(b) because it brings families together
(c) because of the intolerable noise of the traffic
(d) because the depressing daily routine is forgotten

3. Complete the following with a phrase.

The various sounds of nature acquire __________.

4. Infer one reason for the following based on information in paragraph 2.

A contact is established between us and nature.

5. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word from paragraph 2.

aroma : cooking ; fragrance : __________.

6. Give one reason why it is a pleasure to hike in the mountains than in the plains.
(a) because observation is sharpened
(b) because of the excitement of climbing up and the adventure of coming down
(c) because it is leisure to stand, to walk
(d) because there are no worries

7. Hiking gives the brain, the rest it needs because

(a) it is a short time activity (c) it makes us sleep peacefully
(b) it is one of the healthiest sports (d) it is an escape from our busy schedule
8. List any two examples of minute observations you make while on a hike.

9. Supply one point to justify the following:

Hiking gives us a feeling of unlimited joy.

10. Substitute the word 'leap with joy' with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from
the passage.
The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.

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 Answers of Passage 1
(a) Naubat Baja relies largely on the strength of mobile phones owned by almost everyone. They are the
youth's favourite mode of communication, particularly in areas with little access to television, cable, or
the internet.
(b) (i) Missed Call Radio, a cloud telephone-based radio channel with pre-recorded content.
(c) There are already 100 million girls at risk of child marriage in the world. The pandemic has added a
further 10 million more to these numbers because of school closures, economic stress, service
disruptions, pregnancy, and parental deaths.
(d) Naubat Baja volunteers use a cloud-based radio service to address issues of adolescents' well-being,
empowerment and health. It spreads awareness about harmful social practices such as child marriage
and gender discrimination.
(e) True
(f) (ii) The embodiment of professional conduct.
(g) UNFPA representatives are using the following methods to spread awareness:
(i) They have a team of volunteers, community leaders, Panchayats, Anganwadi and ASHA workers to
popularize the campaigns, schemes and programs.
(ii) The radio program is made by a content team of researchers and presented by professional audio
content makers.
(h) (iv) facilities or resources

Answers of Passage 2

Answer
1. (c) to hike
2. (d) because the depressing daily routine is forgotten
3. a new meaning and significance to us
4. Hiking takes us in the midst of nature, so a contact is
established between us and nature.
5. aroma: cooking; fragrance: flowers
6. (b) because of the excitement of climbing up and
the adventure of coming down
7. (d) it is an escape from our busy schedule
8. 1. A mouse peeping out of its hole.
2. A bird flying, past us.
3. A squirrel leaping about on the branches of a tree. (any two)
9. Hiking gives us a feeling of unlimited joy because we connect with nature and it relaxes our brains.
10. The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts rejoice/delighted.

CASE-BASED PASSAGE
1. Read the following passage carefully:
1. According to WHO, 4.4 lakh people died in 2018 of TB in India, which is 29 per cent of the total 1.5
million TB deaths in the world. India features among the top eight countries in TB cases. Adding to this
are the "million missing cases every year that are not notified, remain either undiagnosed or
inadequately diagnosed", states WHO.
2. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a small, aerobic, non-motile bacillus causes TB which spreads when a
person with an active infection coughs or sneezes and someone inhales the expelled droplets much like
Covid-19. The most common risk factor associated with TB is HIV, consumption of tobacco,
malnutrition and/or alcoholism.
3. Coughing for more than 2 weeks, loss of weight, loss of appetite, fever and night sweats, fatigue are
common symptoms. One should seek medical advice immediately.
Treatment:
Sputum examination- Samples of mucous and phlegm are checked for the presence of bacteria.
Chest X-ray: In TB infection, there are changes in the structure of the lungs.
Drug susceptibility testing: It provides a definitive diagnosis of drug-resistant TB.
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CBNAAT: for early diagnosis and TB in people living with HIV, EP-TB (extra-pulmonary TB) and
pediatric population. The CBNAAT machines are in all districts and major Pediatric hospitals.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan: A series of X-rays
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: A magnetic field and radio waves produce detailed images.
Ultrasound scan: High-frequency sound waves create an image
Urine tests
Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from the affected site
Initiation of appropriate anti-TB treatment in both (public or private health services), awareness about
social support, good diel and removal of stigma are also undertaken.
All health care providers (both public and private providers), laboratories and chemists have to notify
TB cases to local government health authorities using a web-based TB surveillance system called
"NIKSHAY".
Free TR drugs as daily fixed dose combinations (FDCs) according to directly observed therapy (DOT).
4. DOT is a specific strategy, to improve adherence by a person observing the patient taking medications
in real-time. The observer may be a healthcare worker, a friend, a relative or a layperson who works as a
treatment supervisor. If treatment is incomplete, patients may not be cured and drug resistance may
develop.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(a) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option. [Paragraph 3] (1)

The success of web-based NIKSHAY has to be assured by ______________ if we want to manage

Tuberculosis at the micro-level.
(i) making health-care workers notify TB cases to the local government health authorities
(ii) registering all health care providers and chemists
(iii) updating the web-based TB surveillance systems regularly
(iv) making Drug susceptibility testing among TB patients mandatory
(b) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below. [Paragraph 4] (1)
Assertion: DOT is a specific strategy, to improve adherence by à person observing the patient taking
medications in reel time.
Reason: Under DOT, free TB drugs as daily fixed dose combinations (FDCs) are administered.
(i) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(ii) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(iii) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(iv) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
(c) Identify another word in the passage which is similal in meaning to 'ejects' and use it to substitute in
the sentence below: [Paragraph 2] (1)
The human body ejects wastes like urine, sweat, stool and other toxins to maintain our health and its
equilibrium.
(d) Is it correct to claim that the number of TB patients in India as reported by the WHO is a misleading
figure? Give reasons in suport or to refute. [Paragraph 1] (2)

(e) Read the given prompt and select the correct option to complete it: [Paragraph 2] (1)
The author draws a parallel between TB and Covid because of _______________________.
(i) both are airborne and highly infectious.
(ii) TB is bacterial, Covid is viral.
(iii) Both have HIV, consumption of alcohol and tobacco as common risk factors.
(iv) both are caused by low immunity.
(f) Why do the researchers and doctors recommend directly observed therapy (DOT) to combat TB
effectively? [Paragraph 3] (1)

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 (g) Complete the following sentence suitably: [Paragraph 3] (1)

Apart from making drugs and health care available,____________________ will help fight the battle
against Tuberculosis.
(h) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason: [Paragraph 3] (1)
The CBNAAT machines are in all districts and major Pediatric hospitals because they ----------------- .
(i) When should one seek medical advice immediately to eliminate the possibility of TB?
[Paragraph 3] (1)

2. Read the following text. (10)

1. The most characteristic feature of spiders is their ability to produce silken threads. Spiders normally
have six finger-like silk glands, called 'spinnerets' located beneath their abdomen. To spin a web, the
spider squeezes the silk out of its body through two small holes. The liquid silk is thicker than water and
dries into a fine thread as soon as it comes in contact with air.Spider silk is much stronger than steel and
resists breakage because of its elasticity. It can stretch up to 140 per cent of its original length. The
diameter of these silken threads is about 10,000 of an inch. Spiders use this silk to make webs to trap
their prey. The egg sacs of some spiders are also made of silk which pretreats the unborn progeny.
Sometimes the spider can also use this silk as a safety feature. A certain species of spider 'phidippus
apacheanecs' trails a safety line of fine silk as it jumps. It uses the silk line to recover if it misses its
target. The silk of 'Naphils Spider' is the strongest natural fiber known.
2. The spinning of webs is a remarkable example of instinctive behaviour. A spider does not have to
learn how to make a web, although spinning itself can be adopted to unique circumstances. For example,
'orb' webs are circular in shape and take an hour to build. Funnel spiders pin a net-like entrance to their
homes, which helps to trap food. Similarly, trap door spiders dig their homes and spin a trap door out of
their silk for trapping insects.

3. As integral components of our biosphere, spiders have an intrinsic existence value. They are efficient
predators that play an important role in controlling the pests of cotton. They are also a source of food for
other creatures such as birds and wasps. Thus, the presence of spiders is an ecological indicator signalling
the health of natural ecosystem.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(a) Below are mentioned different stages in spinning a web by a spider. Omit the one that is incorrect
[Paragraph 1] (1)
(i) 'Spinnerets' located beneath their abdomen store silk.

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 (ii) The silk keeps coming out of a spider's body through two small holes.
(iii) It dries into a fine thread on contact with air.
(iv) Spiders squeeze finger-like silk glands to eject silk.
(b) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below. [Paragraph 3] (1)
Assertion: Spiders can single-handedly maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Reason: They are efficient predators that play an important role in controlling the pests of cotton.
(i) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(ii) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(iii) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(iv) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
(c) Identify another word the writer has used to denote spinning by spiders. [Refer Infographic] (1)

(d) What are the uses of spider silk? [Paragraph 1] (1)

(e) Use a suitable word that is similar in meaning to the underlined word in this sentence: [Paragraph 3]
(1)

The fact that social and cultural values were beautifully integrated into tales and characters in the
Panchtantra is their key characteristic feature.
(i) component (ii) intrinsic
(iii) efficient (iv) indicator
(f) Why does the author say that spinning can be adapted to unique circumstances by spiders? [Paragraph
2] (1)

(h) Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason: [Paragraph 1] (1)

Spider silk is much stronger than steel and resists breakage because _______________.

(i) Is it correct to say that spiders are integral components of our biosphere? Give reasons to justify your
answer. (2)

Answers of Passage 1
1. (a) (i) making health-care workers notify TB cases to the local government health authorities
(b) (iv) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
(c) expels
(d) The number of TB deaths reported by WHO could be misleading because there are a "million
missing cases every year that are not notified, remain either undiagnosed or inadequately diagnosed."
(e) (i) both are airborne and highly infectious.
(f) DOT is highly recommended because it is a specific strategy, to improve adherence by a person
observing the patient taking medications in real-time. Free TB drugs are given as daily fixed dose
combinations across the country.
(g) awareness about social support, nutritious diet and removal of stigma
(h) help in the early diagnosis of TB in people living with HIV, EP-TB (extra-pulmonary TB) and the
pediatric population.
(i) If one has been coughing for more than 2 weeks and experiencing loss of weight, loss of appetite,
fever and night sweats, and fatigue, it is time to seek medical advice immediately.

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 Answers of Passage 2
2.a) (ii) The silk keeps coming out of a spider's body through two small holes.
(b) (iv) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
(c) weaving
(d) Spiders use this silk to make webs to trap their prey. Some make egg sacs for their unborn ones and
others use the silk as a safety feature to recover if they miss their target.
(e) (ii) intrinsic
(f) Spider species use silk differently. Orb webs are circular in shape and take an hour to build. Funnel
spiders pin a net-like entrance to their homes, which helps to trap food. Similarly, trap door spiders dig
their homes and spin a trap door out of their silk for trapping insects.
(g) ... are called Fisher Spiders.
(h) ... of its elasticity. It can stretch up to 140 per cent of its original length.
(i) Spiders are efficient predators that play an important role in controlling the pests of cotton. They are a
source of food for other creatures such as birds and wasps. Their presence is an ecological indicator
signalling the health of a natural ecosystem.

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 WRITING SKILLS (10 MARKS)
1. Writing a Formal Letter based on a given situation in 100-120 words. One of two questions is to be
answered. [5 marks]
2. Writing an Analytical Paragraph in 100-120 words on a given map/ chart/ graph/cue/s. One of two
questions is to be answered. [5 marks]

FORMAL LETTERS
1. LETTER TO THE EDITOR
2. LETTER OF PLACING ORDER
3. LETTER OF COMPLAINT
4. LETTER OF ENQUIRY

Formal Letter Writing Format

Sender's address: On top left side of the page, just next to the margin, write the sender's address/ contact
details.

Date: ...

Receiver's address: ...

Subject of the letter: ...

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 Salutation: ...

Body: ...

Closing: ...
Sender's name/signature and designation (if applicable)

SAMPLE OF LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

1] You are Steffi Lyngdoh, a resident of Sumer Village, Barapani, Shillong. You are concerned about
the increasing noise pollution in your city, particularly from construction activities, loudspeakers, and
vehicular traffic. This noise has become a constant disturbance, affecting people‘s health and well-
being. Write a letter to the Editor of a popular newspaper, highlighting the problem of noise pollution
and suggesting solutions to create a quieter and healthier city environment.
Answer:
Sumer Village
Barapani
Shillong

5 November 2024

The Editor
The Shillong Times
Shillong

Subject: Rising Concern Over Noise Pollution in Our City

Sir/Madam,

I am writing to draw attention to the growing issue of noise pollution in our city. The continuous noise from
construction sites, honking vehicles, and loudspeakers used during social gatherings has made peace and
quiet increasingly rare. This constant noise not only disrupts daily life but has also been linked to health
problems, including sleep disturbances, stress, and hearing loss. Many residents, particularly children and
the elderly, are deeply affected by this excessive noise, which invades both public spaces and private homes.

The lack of effective noise control regulations has worsened the situation, with construction activities
occurring at all hours and noise limits frequently being ignored.I urge local authorities to enforce stricter
noise control measures, especially around residential areas, hospitals, and schools. Limiting construction
work to specific hours, setting decibel limits for loudspeakers, and implementing fines for excessive honking
could help create a quieter city environment. Citizens can contribute by being mindful of noise levels in their
surroundings and supporting community initiatives that advocate for quieter public spaces.

Noise pollution is an often-overlooked issue, yet it significantly impacts the quality of life. I hope this letter
encourages authorities and fellow residents to take proactive steps to make our city a more peaceful and
healthful place to live.

Yours sincerely
Steffi Lyngdoh
(Concerned Resident)
SAMPLE OF LETTERS OF PLACING ORDER
1] Your school's art department is hosting an inter-school Art Competition, and you have been assigned
to arrange the necessary art supplies for the participants. Write a letter to the manager of an art supplies
store, placing an order for items such as sketch pads, acrylic paints, brushes, and canvas boards. Mention
the quantities needed, request a discount for an educational event, and inquire about the delivery date to
ensure that all supplies arrive well before the competition.
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 Answer:
New Hope School
College Square
Kolkata

9 November 2024

The Manager
Paint The World Store
Kolkata

Subject: Order for Art Supplies for Inter-School Art Competition

Sir/Madam,

I am writing on behalf of New Hope School, Kolkata, to place an order for art supplies needed for an
upcoming Inter-School Art Competition, which will be held on 14 November, 2024. We anticipate a large
number of participants and require a variety of materials to support the competition.
Here is the list of items we wish to order:
SL NO. ITEMS QUANTITY
1 Sketch Pads (A4 and A3 sizes) 50 each
2 Acrylic Paint Sets (12 colors) 30 sets
3 Paint Brushes (different sizes) 40 sets
4 Canvas Boards (medium size) 50
5 Palettes and Aprons 20 each

We kindly request any available educational discount, as these supplies will be used by students
participating in the competition. Additionally, please ensure that the delivery is made by 10 November,
2024, to allow us enough time for preparation.

Could you please send a quotation, including any applicable discount, along with confirmation of the
delivery date? We would greatly appreciate your support in making this event a creative and enjoyable
experience for all participants. Thank you for your cooperation.

Yours sincerely
Priya
(Art Department Head)
New Hope School
SAMPLE OF LETTERS OF COMPLAINT

1] You are Penny/ Leonard. You recently purchased a new laptop from a well-known electronics store,
but it has not been functioning properly since the day you bought it. Write a letter of complaint to the
store manager, detailing the issues you have faced with the laptop and requesting either a replacement or
a full refund. Be sure to include any relevant details, such as the model, purchase date, and warranty
information.

Answer:

College Street
Wilson Road
Guwahati

9 November 2024
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 The Manager
Digi World
Guwahati

Subject: Complaint Regarding Defective Laptop

Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally complain about a laptop I purchased from your store on 4th November, 2024.
The model is Lenovo IP 650, and it was bought under warranty. Since the day I unboxed the laptop, I
have encountered several issues. The laptop frequently freezes, the battery drains quickly, and it
sometimes fails to boot up altogether. These problems have rendered the laptop practically unusable,
which is disappointing given the high expectations I had for a product from your reputable store.

I have tried troubleshooting these issues by following the user manual and seeking assistance from
online resources, but unfortunately, the problems persist. I kindly request a replacement laptop or a full
refund for the defective item. I have attached a copy of my receipt and the warranty documentation for
your reference.

I hope to resolve this matter promptly and look forward to your immediate response. Thank you for your
attention to this issue.

Yours sincerely
Penny/ Leonard
SAMPLE OF LETTERS OF ENQUIRY

1] You are planning a family vacation to a hill station and are interested in staying at a specific hotel known
for its excellent amenities. Write a letter of enquiry to the hotel manager, asking for information about room
availability, rates, amenities, and any special packages or discounts for families during the upcoming
holiday season.

Answer:
42 Nilgrins Road
Laitumkhrah
Shillong

10 November 2024

The Manager
Paradise Woods
Cherrapunjee

Subject: Enquiry About Room Availability and Rates

Sir/Madam

I hope this letter finds you well. I am planning a family vacation to Cherrapunjee during the upcoming
holiday season and am interested in staying at Paradise Woods due to its reputation for excellent amenities
and service. Could you please provide me with the following information:

1. Room Availability: Are there any rooms available from 9.12.24 to 15.12.24?
2. Rates: What are the rates for the different types of rooms during this period?
3. Amenities: Could you detail the amenities offered, particularly for families?
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 4. Packages/Discounts: Are there any special packages or discounts available for families during our
stay?

I would appreciate your prompt response so that we can finalize our travel plans. Thank you for your
assistance.

Yours sincerely
Sasha
ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH
Format of Analytical paragraph writing

Introduction
(explain in one or two lines the subject of the graph given)

Body
(explain in detail what the graph is about, use relevant figures, explain trends, make comparisons and
contrasts, divide into sub paragraphs, if required)

Conclusion
(conclude the paragraph giving the overall view or summary of the graph)
SAMPLE QUESTION ON ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH

1] The following pie chart shows the favorite extracurricular activities of students in a particular school.
Write an analytical paragraph in about 120-150 words describing the data.

Answer
The pie chart illustrates the favorite extracurricular activities of students in a school. The most popular
activity is sports, preferred by 35% of students, indicating a high level of interest in physical activities.
Music ranks second with 25%, showing it is also a significant favorite among students. Art & Craft comes
next, with 20% of students enjoying creative expression through artistic projects. Both drama and dance
are the least popular, with 10% each, suggesting that performing arts attract a smaller portion of the student
body. Overall, the data reflects that while students have varied interests, a majority lean toward physical and
creative activities, with sports as the top choice. This could indicate a strong culture of physical engagement
and artistic expression within the school.

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GRAMMAR

Subject Verb Agreement

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct verb given in the options:
1. The teacher ____________ completed this chapter.
A. have B. has C. is D. are
2. Ram and Shyam __________ business partners.
A. have B. has C. are D. had
3. She ___________ her office by 9 a.m. daily.
A. reach B. reaches C. reached D. reaching
4. Rahul and his friends ___________ also invited to the party.
A. is B. was C. hadD. were
5. Neither you nor your sister should ___________ to them.
A. talk B. talks C. talked D. talking
Answers:
1. Has 2. Are
3. Reaches 4. Were 5. talk

Modals
Fill in the blanks with suitable option of modals.
a) Karina‘s engagement ring is enormous! It _________ have cost a fortune.
(i) may (ii) might (iii) can (iv) must (v) none of these
b) I was reading the book last night before I went to bed. I never took it out of this
room. It _________be lying around here somewhere.
(i) should (ii) might (C) ought to (D) must (E) none of these
c) You ________take your umbrella along with you today.
(i) should (ii) might (iii) must (iv) could (v) none of these
d) The board of directors _____ be responsible for payment to stockholders.
(i) need (ii) shall (iii) will (iv) all of these (v) none of these
19
 e) If you think that was amazing, you ________ have seen it last night.
(i)should (ii) would (iii) could (iv) must (v) none of these
Answers:
a) must b) must
c) should d) shall e) should
Determiners
1. Fill in the blanks with the correct determiner given in the options:
1. __________ of the two sisters is married.
A. Both B. Every C. Each D. Any
2. _________ of you should attend the conference.
A. Both B. Each C. Every D. Many
3. We should inform __________ of them.
A. many B. every C. few D. all
4. They have spent __________ for their son‘s wedding.
A. many B. enough C. all D the little
5. __________ of the candidates pass this exam.
A. Enough B. Fewer C. Either D. Most
Answers:
1. Each 2. Both
3. All 4. Enough 5. Most
Tenses
1. I______to the bookstore yesterday
a) went b)go c)will go d)have gone
2.She usually _________ noodles as her lunch
a) is eating b)was eating c)eat d)eats
3.Our co-worker _______(work) with us for five years
a) works b)has been working c)is working d)does work
4.By this time next year, I ________my graduation
A )will complete b)am completing c)will have completed d)completed
5.They _________in the library when I arrived
a) were studying b)study c)have studied d)will study
Answers:
1. a) went
2. d) eats
3. b) has been working
4. c) will have completed
5. a) were studying
Reported Speech
1. Change into Indirect :
He asked, ―Will you be going to the bookfair ?‖
2. Report the dialogue between Arpit and his interviewer, by completing the sentence:
Interviewer: Why do you want to be a computer programmer?
Arpit: I have always been interested in computers.
In response to the question of the interviewer about why Arpit wanted to be a computer programmer, he
replied ................
Choose the correct option:
(A) that I had always been interested in computers.
(B) that he has always been interested in computers.
(C) that he had always been interested in computers.
(D) that I have always been interested in computers
3.Read the conversation between a policeman and a driver. Complete the sentence by reporting the driver‘s
reply correctly.
20
 Policeman: Why did you park your car here? Don‘t you see a ‗no parking area‘? Driver: Sorry Sir! The
engine broke down. The policeman asked the driver why he had parked the car there and if he didn‘t see it
was a ‗no parking area‘. The driver felt sorry and explained ...............
(A) that the engine broke down.
(B) that the engine breaks down.
(C) that the engine had broken down.
(D) that the engine has broken down.
4. Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between Amit and his wife. Amit: I have
invited my friends for dinner. Wife: I‘ll invite my friends too. Amit told his wife that he had invited his
friends for dinner. The wife added that ................
(A) she will invite her friends too
(B) she would invite her friends too
(C) she can invite her friends too
(D) she could invite her friends too
5. Read the conversation between two friends. Ritesh and Srija. Complete the sentence by reporting
Srija‘s reply correctly.
Ritesh: Srija, please me five hundred rupees
Srija: I donot have it right now but I will arrange it for you
Answers:

1. He asked if I would be going to the bookfair.

2. C. Present perfect changes to past perfect in indirect speech
3. C. Simple past will change into past perfect same
4. B. Will changes to would in indirect speech
5. Ritesh asked Srija to lend him five hundred rupees, to which Srija replied that-
She did not have it right then but she would arrange it for him

21
 BOOK: FIRST FLIGHT

IMPORTANT QUESTION-ANSWER :- CHAPTER 1. A LETTER TO GOD By G L Fuentes

Q1. Why was Lencho angry when he counted the money?
Ans. Lencho became angry when he counted the money that God had sent him. He believed that the post
office employees have stolen the rest of the amount because God could never make a mistake. Also, God
would never deny Lencho what he had requested.
Q2. Why was the family really not upset?
Ans. Though Lencho‘s family was facing ruin, yet they were not really upset. It was because having
immense faith in God, they were confident that God would help them.
Q5. There are two kinds of conflicts in the story: between humans and nature; and between humans
themselves. How are these conflicts illustrated?
Ans. The story "A Letter to God" depicts two types of conflicts; one between man and nature and the
other among men themselves. In the beginning of the story, the farmer hopes for a rain shower for the
benefit of his corn field. On actually receiving rain, he becomes overjoyed and startsthinking about
all the profit that would come in. Not much later, his joy is turned into sorrow when the wind becomes
strong leading to a hailstorm. This depicts the disagreement between man and nature wherein humans
want the nature to act according to their aspirations. The second divergence arises when Lencho starts
doubting the honesty of the post-office employees who actually helped him with the money anonymously.
This is the conflict among men themselves, wherein, we are ready to trust in the idea of God's existence
but we are not ready to trust each other.
CHAPTER 2: NELSON MANDELA:A LONG WALK TO FREEDOM- By Nelson Rolihlahla
Mandela
Q1. What are the ideals which Mandela set for the future of South Africa in his swearing- in
ceremony?
22
 Ans. Mandela emphasized to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other
discriminations in his swearing-in ceremony.
Q2. What happened after Anglo-Boer war?
Ans. After Anglo-Boer war, the white people of South Africa erected a system of racial discrimination
against the black people of their own land.
Q3. What freedom meant to Mandela in childhood?
Ans. During childhood the meaning of freedom for Mandela was quite limited he considered it to be
free to run in the fields, to swim in the clear stream, free to roast mealies and ride the board backs of
slow moving bulls.
CHAPTER-3 TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYING(A) HIS FIRST FLIGHT By LiamO‟Flaherty
(B) THE BLACK AEROPLANE By Frederick Forsyth
Q1. Why did the young seagull not go with the rest of his family?
Ans. The young seagull did not go with the rest of his family because his confidence was very poor and he
was afraid to fly. The young seagull also felt that his wings would never support him.
Q2. How did seagull‟s parents try to make him fly?
Ans. Seagull‘s parents tried many activities to make him fly. They screamed, scolded and threatened to
let him starve on the ledge unless he flew away. Thus, his parent‘s efforts gave him success.
Q3. “The sight of the food maddened him.” What this statement suggests? What made the young
seagull to finally fly?
Ans- The young seagull was very hungry and it was this hunger that ultimately made it fly. Not being able
to control its hunger, it dived at the food which was in its mother‘s beak and his hunger overpowered his
fear of the sea. The natural reaction of its body was only to fly.
Q4. “They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why do you think the seagull‟s father and mother
threaten him and cajole him to fly?
Ans- The young seagull was afraid to fly and take its first flight. Even after seeing its brothers and sisters
flying, and its parents helping them, it could not gather the courage to fly. This was the reason its father
and mother were calling to it shrilly and scolding it.
CHAPTER- 4 FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK By ANNE FRANK
Q1. How did Anne Frank regard her diary and what name did she give to it?
Ans. Anne regarded her diary as her long awaited friend in her imagination. She didn‘t want to jot down
facts in this diary, but she wanted the diary to be her friend and she named her diary ‗Kitty‘.
Q2. Why does Anne want to keep a diary? Why does she feel she can trust a diary more than the
people?
Ans. She wanted to keep a diary because she felt that people change and can‘t be trusted but paper doesn‘t
change. Moreover, it patiently documents one‘s experiences. And she would keep it confidential.
Q3. The classmates of Anne Frank were shaking with fear and nervousness. Why?
Ans. The classmates of Anne Frank were shaking with fear and nervousness because it was time to move
to the next class. The students did not know how to be kept back and who would be promoted.
CHAPTER 5-GLIMPSES OF INDIA
(A) A BAKER FROM GOA by Lucio Rodrigues (B) COORG by Lokesh Abrol
(C) TEA FROM ASSAM by Arup Kumar Datta
Q1. Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance is easily compared to a baker.
Explain.
Ans: Bread-making is a prosperous business in Goa. The physique of the baker, i.e., his plump and round
body is testimony to that. Therefore, anyone who was fat and plump just like a jackfruit was easily
compared to a baker.
Q2. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?
Ans: Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life even today. This we can definitely say because bread is
not only a part of their daily life but also of important occasions like Christmas, festivals, weddings and
engagements. These occasions are incomplete without a special preparation for each event, made from
bread.
Q1. Describe Coorg in about 40-50 words.
Ans: Coorg is a place blessed by nature. It is surrounded by beautiful hills of Brahmagiri. It is covered
23
 with the evergreen rainforests and receives heavy rainfall. Many animals and birds live in these forests. It
is famous for its coffee.
Q2. Write two characteristics of the people of Coorg.
Ans: The people of Coorg are fiercely independent and brave. Coorgi houses have a tradition of
hospitality. The Coorg Regiment is the most decorated in the Indian army. They feel proud in sharing the
courageous tales of their sons and fathers.
Q1. What are the various legends regarding the origin of tea?
Answer. There are two legends about the discovery of tea. According to one story, it was the Chinese
emperor who discovered it accidentally. He always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves
of plants fell into the boiling water which gave it a delicious taste. It is said that they were tea leaves. The
emperor started their use in boiling water. Another Indian legend says that an ancient Buddhist ascetic cut
off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves
of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep. Thus, tea came into existence.
Q2.-What excited Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share his excitement?
Ans.-The sight of the vast sea of lush green tea bushes coupled with tall sturdy trees excited Rajvir.
Pranjol did not share Rajvir‘s excitement as he was born in Assam where the same sight is common for
him.
CHAPTER 6- MIJBIL THE OTTER By Gavin Maxwell
Q1.What, according to the writer, is the „real play‟ of the otter?
Ans: The real play of an otter is lying on his back and juggling with small objects between his paws.
Marbles were Mijbil‘s favourite toys for this pastime. He would roll two or more of them up and down
on his wide,fat belly. He never dropped one to the floor.
Q2.What things does Mij do which tell you that he is an intelligent, friendly and fun loving animal
who needs love?
Ans: Mij develops a bond of friendship with the author in just twenty-four hours. He sleeps comfortably
in the crook of the author‘s knees. His behavior in the aeroplane shows that he is intelligent,friendly and
fun loving animal who needs love. Mijbil was successful in screwing up the tap to its full flow.
Q3.How did Mij invite the attention of the teachers and the students of a primary school in
London?
A:There was a primary school opposite to Maxwell‘s house. It was a single storey building. It had a
wall of thirty yards. It was only two feet in height. Mij used to jump and run over it with full speed. This
always distracted the teachers and the students of the school.
CHAPTER-7 MADAM RIDES THE BUS By Vallikkannan
Q1.What was the favourite pastime of Valli?
Ans. Valliammi or Valli was eight years old. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of
her house. From there, she watched what was happening in the street outside. For her, standing at the front
door was an enjoyable as any of the games other children played.
Q2. What was the tiny wish that crept into Valli's head?
Ans. The sight of the bus was the most fascinating thing for Valli. Day after Day she watched the bus. A
tiny wish crept into her head. She wanted to ride on that bus, at least, once. This wish became so strong
that it grew into an overwhelming desire.
Q3. How did Valli board the bus? Why did she say, 'I can get on by myself.'?
Ans. When Valli sighted the bus she shouted 'stop the bus‘! She raised her tiny hand commandingly. The
bus slowed down and finally stopped. She told the conductor that she wanted to go to the town and she
tried to handover the money. The conductor seeing that she was just a child, stretched out his hand to help
her up. Valli replied that she could get on by herself and didn't need any help.
CHAPTER- 8 THE SERMON AT BENARES- By Betty Crenshaw.
Q1. Mention the incident which prompted Prince Siddhartha to become a beggar?
Ans-Once Prince Siddhartha had gone for hunting where he came across a sick man, an aged man, a
monk asking for alms and also witnessed a funeral procession. Unable to understand those sufferings, he
became a beggar and went in search of spiritual knowledge.
Q2. How did Buddha teach Kisa Gotami the truth of life?

24
 Ans- Kisa Gotami was searching everywhere for someone who could revive her dead child. But nobody
can do such a miracle. Finally, a person sends her to Buddha because he was sure that Buddha would help
the poor woman to come to terms with her lost and grief. Buddha told Kisa Gotami to bring mustard seeds
from a house where no one has ever died. Kisa Gotami goes in search of such a house but couldn't find it.
The poor lady realised the important lesson which Buddha wanted to teach her. Death comes to every
family. Human life is filled with suffering and each person must overcome them. Real wisdom is to accept
the inevitable and continue the journey of life.
The story of Kisa Gotami speaks of mortal human beings who must face suffering and death. It is a lesson
on the necessity of overcoming personal tragedies and moving on in life.
CHAPTER 9 – THE PROPOSAL By Anton Chekov
Q1. What was the topic of dispute between Lomov and Natalya the second time?
Ans: The topic of dispute second time between Lomov and Natalya was Dogs namely Guess and
Squeezer. Natalya contended that her dog Squeezer was a better dog than Lomov‘s dog. Lomov argued
that it was vice-versa.
Q2. How did Natalya react when she came to know that Lomov had come to propose her? What does
her reaction reveal about her character?
Ans. When she comes to know that Lomov has come to propose her, she falls into a chair and starts
wailing. She starts saying, ―Bring him back, bring him back, I‘m dying, fetch him‖. She also accuses her
father that he drove Lomov out. She becomes hysterical. Natalaya‘s reaction shows that she is impulsive.
She is a 25 year old woman but does not act with maturity. She argues endlessly with Lomov and annoys
him but as soon as she comes to know that he had come with the intent of proposing to her, she changes
her stand completely and becomes impatient about calling Lomov back.

25
 BOOK: FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET

CHAPTER- 1 A TRIUMPH OF SURGERY By James Herriot

Q1- Why Mrs. Pumphrey is worried about Tricki?
Ans- Mrs. Pumphrey was worried because Tricki would not eat anything and was even refusing its
favourite dishes. It was just lying around on the rug and panting.
Q2- Why Mrs. Pumphrey thought that the dog‟s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
Ans- Mrs. Pumphrey thought that the dog‘s recovery was actually ―a triumph of surgery‖ becausejust in
two weeks Tricki had recovered completely. Tricki was transformed into a hard-muscled animal.
CHAPTER 2 - THE THIEF‟S STORY By Ruskin Bond
Q1. Why was it difficult for Hari Singh to rob Anil?
Ans: It was difficult for Hari Singh to rob Anil because he was the most trusted person he had never
met in his life. Hari Singh thought that it was easy to rob a greedy man as he can afford to be robbed but it
was difficult to rob a careless men like Anil he doesn't even notice that he has been robbed and it takes all
the pleasure out of the work.
Q2. What are the different reactions of people when they are robbed?
Ans: Hari Singh was an experienced thief. He had made a study of men's faces when they had lost their
goods. According to him the greedy man showed fear. The rich man showed anger. The poor man showed
acceptance of their fate but he knew that when Anil would discover the theft his face would show only at
touch of sadness not for the loss of money but for the loss of trust.
Q3. How did Hari Singh know that Anil had forgiven him?
Ans. It seems Anil knew about theft but neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything. He gave him fifty
rupees and told him that now he would be paid regularly. He informed him that he would teach him to
write sentences. It shows that Anil had forgiven him.
CHAPTER 3- THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR By Robert Arthur
26
 Q.1 What made the story of the balcony so convincing?
Ans. Ausable showed his annoyance for the nuisance created by the balcony. He said that this was the
second time that someone had got into his room through it. He also said that the balcony was not his but
belongs to the next apartment and earlier his room used to be a part of a large unit.
Q.2 How did Ausable kill Max without using a weapon?
Ans. Ausable was an intelligent spy. When he found Max waiting for him in his room, he made a story of a
balcony under his window. He convinced Max about the balcony. And thus, when someone knocked at the
door, Max fearing it to be the police, jumped out of the window and died.
CHAPTER 4- A QUESTION OF TRUST By Victor Canning
Q1.What are the subtle ways in which the lady manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking she is
the lady of the house? Why doesn‟t Horace suspect that something is wrong?
Ans1.Her confident walk, her familiarity with the dog Sherry, her act of touching up her make-up and the
ease with which she picks a cigarette from the right place are enough to deceive anybody. Horace was too
frightened to think properly, so he didn‘t suspect anything.
Q2.“Horace Danby was good and respectable – but not completely honest”. Why do you think this
description is apt for Horace? Why can‟t he be categorized as a typical thief?
Ans2.Horace‘s habits were not typical of a thief. He was fond of books. He used to steal only once in a
year so he was never stealing more than his needs. However, an act of theft is still a crime; no matter how
well a thief behaves, so this description is apt for Horace. He can‘t be categorised as a typical thief because
he is not a regular offender like other thieves.
Q3.What do you think is the meaning of the phrase „honour among thieves‟? Which of the two
thieves lack the honour?
Ans 4.―There is honour among Thieves‖ means that ‗dishonest people may have certain standards of
behaviour which they will respect‘. The young lady pretended to be the owner of the house and innocently
asked Horace Danby to-open the safe as she would need the jewels to wear to the party that day. Horace
Danby found himself trapped in a tricky situation and could not make out how to escape. He was arrested
and nobody believed that the lady of the house asked him to open the safe.
CHAPTER-5 FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET By H. G. WELLS
Q1. Why does Mrs.Hall find the scientist eccentric?
Ans. Mrs.Hall found the scientist eccentric because he had uncommon appearance. He didn‘t want to talk
her in spite of being friendly nature to him.
Q2. Why was Miss Hall prepared to excuse his eccentric behavior?
Ans: Miss Hall was prepared to excuse his strange habits and irritable temper as she was satisfied that his
guest was an eccentric scientist and the real fact was that he had paid her in advance.
Q3. Why were the two boys surprised to see the imprints of a pair of bare feet?
Ans: The two boys were surprised to see the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet on the steps of a
house in the middle of London, descending the steps and progressing down the street .It was surprising to
see, at last the muddy impressions became fainter and fainter and disappeared altogether.
CHAPTER- 6 THE MAKING OF A SCIENTIST By Robert W. Peterson
Q1. Mention any two contributions of Richard Ebright to the world of science?
Ans: Richard Ebright carried out experiments to prove that hormone produced by the gold spots of Pupa
is responsible for the growth of formation of butterfly‘s Wings. Secondly he also discussed how a cell
could read the blueprints of its DNA that controls heredity.
Q2. What are the main qualities that go into the making of a scientist?
Ans: The main qualities that go into the making of a scientist are first rate mind ,curiosity to learn and do
new things and will to win for the right reasons .Consistency is also highly appreciated and equally
important.
Q3. How did the book „The Travels of Monarch X‟ became a turning point in Richard Ebright‟s life?
Why did he lose interest in tagging butterflies?
Ans: The book ‗The Travels of Monarch X‘ became a turning point in his life when his mother bought the
book and Doctor Urquhart had invited readers to help him studying the Migration of Monarch butterfly at
the end of the book. Richard Ebright lost interest in tagging butterflies because it was a tedious work that
did not provide much feedback to him.

27
CHAPTER- 7 THE NECKLACE By Guy De Maupassant
Q1. Why did Mathilda not want to see her rich friends?
Ans: Her friends were rich and full of money power but she was married to a simple clerk, had inferiority
complex. Mathilda did not want to see her rich friends because she suffered from inferiority complex. She
was married to a simple clerk; whereas her friends were rich and full of money power.
Q2.What was Loisel‟s reaction to his wife‟s desire for a new dress?
Ans: The Loisel‘s had been invited to a party at the minister‘s residence. When Matilda told her husband
that she wanted a new dress to wear, first of all he asked her to wear whatever she possessed. When she
got angry and refused to go to the party at all, he finally agreed to let her buya new one.
CHAPTER- 8 BHOLI By K. A. ABBAS
Q1.Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi and not about his other children?
Ans: Ramlal was more worried about Bholi because she was the weakest child in their family while her
brothers and sisters were healthy. He was worried about her ugly looks because of the pock- marks all
over her body and also because of her stammering. He was worried that no one would come forward to
marry Bholi because of her being weak and ugly.
Q2.How did her fear disappear after she had gone to school?
Ans: Her teacher proved a gem to her who always provided all possible help and assistance to her and
turned her into a bold and confident girl. The teacher always encouraged her and asked her to come to
school daily.
Q3.Why did Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber at last?
Ans: Bholi refused to marry Bishamber because he was greedy and mean. She refused to allow him to
garland her and told him that he was a contemptible person.
CHAPTER- 9 THE BOOK THAT SAVED THE EARTH By Claire Bioko
MAIN POINTS:-
Q.1 Why was the twentieth century called the „Era of the Book‟?
Ans: The twentieth century was called the ‗Era of the Book‘ because in those days there were books about
everything, from anteaters to Zulus. Books taught people ‗how to‘, ‗when to‘, ‗where to‘ and ‗why to‘. They
illustrated, educated, punctuated and even decorated
Q.2. How did a nursery rhyme book save the Earth from a Martians invasion?
Ans. Think Tank misinterpreted the book of nursery rhymes completely and interpreted it in a verbal
manner. When Omega read the nursery rhyme ‗Mistress Mary‘, he was shocked to discover that on earth,
metals can be grown in fields. He thought that the earthlings had discovered how to combine agriculture and
mining and were now able to grow high explosives. When Omega transcribed ‗Hey Diddle Diddle‘, he
thought that the animals on earth were also ready for a space attack. When he saw the image of Humpty-
Dumpty, he thought that it was his own brain and the earthlings were planning to capture the Mass Central
Control and therefore, they got ready to save their own lives instead of invading the earth. Thus, the nursery
rhyme book saved the earth.
Q.3. Compare and contrast the characters of Noodle and Think-Tank.
Ans. Noodle and Think-Tank have contrasting characters. Think-Tank likes to be called the ‗Great and the
Mighty‘. He orders and commands. He is the ruler of Mars, but has no intelligence. He thinks books to be
sandwiches and later on misinterpreted the rhymes completely. He is wrong about everything. He demands
that the crew obey him. He likes to pass on other‘s idea as his own. He is a coward who simply boasts about
his power.
On the other hand, Noodle, his apprentice, is very clever and wise. He corrects the mistakes of the ruler
(Think-Tank) very gently. He is a smart and intelligent fellow. He is wise and uses logical reasoning, which
is evident in the way he recognizes that the books are some means of communication. He is also a great
leader, which can be seen in the conclusion of the play. After 500 years, the people of earth are in good
relationship with Martians with Noodle as the commander.

28
 POETRY SECTION
(2024-2025)
Contents [NCERT Class 10 English First Flight textbook]
1. FIRST FLIGHT
B. Poems
1. Dust of Snow
2. Fire and Ice
3. A Tiger in the Zoo
4. How to Tell Wild Animals
5. The Ball Poem
6. Amanda!
7. The Trees
8. Fog
9. The Tale of Custard the Dragon
10. For Anne Gregory
MIND MAP

POEM 1 ―Dust of Snow‖ -- Poetic Devices

Rhyme Scheme: abab
Imagery: Frost uses simple imagery like a crow scattering snow from hemlock tree, and ‗Dust of
Snow‘falling on the poet to depict the positive effect of nature on the poet.
Alliteration: Has given my heart
• And saved some part
Symbolism: The ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock tree’. The poet has used these as a symbol to show the emotions like
dejection, gloom and depression. Also, he has used these as symbols to show that these ‗inauspicious‘ things
29
of nature can also change a person‘s mood and mind.
Competency based Questions
Qi The poem evokes a sense of black and white. Justify.
Ans: The poem is set in all-white surroundings; everything is covered with snow. Amidst this white
surrounding, a black crow appears and does something that clears the blackness from the poet‘s mind and
heart. Hence, we can say that the crow and sorrow depict ‗black‘ and snow and the happiness of the poet
signify the white colour in the poem.
Qii. Rationalise what you think the poet was probably doing when the dust of snow fell on him.
Ans: The poet was feeling extremely sad when the dust of snow fell on him. He was lost in his thoughts but
the falling of snow changed his mood and attention.
Important and Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q1. How does the poet react to the crow and the hemlock tree?
Ans. The crow and the hemlock tree are considered inauspicious in the west. They are generally taken as
bad omen. But the poet did not take them in a negative way. They saved his day. His negative outlook
changed into a positive one.
Q2.What changed the poet's mood?
Ans. The poet was upset. He was going somewhere on a snowy morning. As he stood under a hemlock tree,
a crow on the hemlock tree shook down the dust of snow on the poet. The falling dust of snow on the poet
changed his mood.
Q3.What is the Central Idea of Poem, The Dust of Snow?
Ans. The poem Dust of Snow by Robert Frost is a small and simple poem, but with a deeper meaning. It
expresses the significance of small things in changing one‘s attitude. The poem explains that the little things
in life can make huge changes in our future. It also reflects that hard times in the life will lead to the happier
times if we can persist with it.
POEM 2 - Fire and Ice - Literary devices
1. Rhyming scheme- Aba abc bcb
2. Assonance- it is repetition of vowel sounds in same line. The repetition is at different places in different
words.
Example- The long sound of ―o‖ in ―I hold with those who favour fire‖
3. Alliteration- alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound at the start of two or more closely placed
words.
Example- The sound of ―f‖ in ―favour fire‖, ―w‖ in ―world will‖
4. Imagery- Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. Example- ―Some
say the world will end in fire‖
―To say that for destruction ice Is also great‖
5. Anaphora- the repetition of a word or expression at the start of two or more consecutive lines.
Example – ―Some say‖ is repeated at the start of lines 1 and 2.
6. Personification- Personification is to give human qualities to inanimate objects. In this poem, ―fire‖ and
―ice‖ are capable of destruction. Thus, the poet personifies fire and ice by giving them mind and power to
destroy anything.
7. Enjambment- it is defined as the thought or clause that does not come to an end at a line break, rather it
moves over to the next line.
Example- ―From what I‘ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire‖
Competency based Questions
Q1. 1st Extract
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I‘ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice

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Is also great
Qi.Choose the CORRECT statement about the given poem.
a) Fire and ice are images—they help the readers visualize the power of nature over man.
b) Fire and ice are symbols—not of natural disasters, but of humanity‘s ability to create disasters of its own.
c) Fire and ice are elements—not of Nature but man-made and possess the ability to create havoc for
mankind.
d) Fire and ice are agents—they change the thinking of mankind from negative to positive and bring
harmony.
Qii Select the option that correctly classifies the connotations for fire and ice, as suggested in the
poem.
(1) rage (2) violence (3) indifference (4) hate (5) greed
a) Fire- 3,4; Ice- 1,2,5
b) Fire- 2, 5; Ice-1,3,4
c) Fire-1,3,5; Ice- 2, 4
d) Fire- 1,2,4; Ice- 3,5
Qiii The poem is a ___, put across by the poet.
a) powerful warning
b) heartfelt apology
c) earnest appeal
d) vengeful threat
Qiv The poet uses the phrasal verb -hold with.

Choose the option that DOES NOT indicate a valid phrasal verb.
a) option 1
b) option 2
c) option 3
d) option 4
Qv Pick the option that is NOT TRUE about the poet according to the extract. The poet
a) is inclined to believe that the world would most likely end with fire.
b) has heard divided opinions about the way the world would end in all likelihood.
c) preaches love and kindness to combat the spread of hate among all.
d) declares the power of ice to be as destructive as that of fire.
Qvi Identify the most likely tone of the poet in the lines- „To say that for destruction ice/Is also great‟.
a) sarcastic b) serious
c) amused d) celebratory
Answer Key- (Fire and ice MCQ)
Q3 (A) (i) b (ii) d (iii) a (iv) d (v) c (vi) a
Important and Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q1. What do „fire‟ and „ice‟ stand for?
Ans. In the poem ‗fire‘ stands for desire whereas ‗ice‘ stands for hatred.
Q2.What are the two popular views in the society regarding the destruction of the world?
Ans. Some believe that the world will end in fire and others believe that it will end in ice.
Q3. Which two ideas about how the world will end have been mentioned in the poem? Which idea
does the poet support more?
Ans. The two ideas mentioned are that the world will end in fire or in ice. Though the poet thinks both are
great for destruction, yet he seems to favour the idea of the destruction of the world in a fire a little more
than in ice.
Q4. The poem „Fire and Ice‟, carried with it very deep thematic ideas. Elaborate on these darkest
traits of humanity.
Ans. ‗Fire‘ symbolizes desire and ‗Ice‘ symbolizes hatred. Desire is a kind of intense love or want that
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focuses people on getting and possessing and acquiring. Our society is full of people who spend their lives
working to get a bigger and better TV, a more stylish car or a more extravagant house. This kind of desire
can lead people to destruction in the form of bankruptcy or even broken relationships. Frost‘s poem speaks
on the issue of greed corrupting people and even society. The power of hate, which is symbolized by ice, is
just as great as desire. While desire consumes quickly, hate produces shy yet restrained devastation. For
instance, hate is the root cause of racism and war. It can linger in people‘s mind for lifetimes. Moreover, it
consumes the hater even more than the person being hated. It thus, ruins lives.
POEM 3 - A Tiger in the Zoo - Literary devices
Rhyme Scheme: abcb rhyme scheme is followed (edge, village)
Enjambment: Line continues to next line without punctuation marks (He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle‘s edge,)
Onomatopoeia: using words which denote sound (snarling)
Assonance: use of vowel sound ‗o‘ and ‗I‘ (should, around, houses), (Baring, his, white, his)
Consonance: use of consonant sound ‗s‘ (his, fangs, his, claws)
Competency based Questions
QI. IT IS SAID THAT AN ANIMAL‟S EYES HAVE THE POWER TO SPEAK A GREAT
LANGUAGE. EXPLAIN WITH REFERENCE TO THE TIGER.
Answer: The tiger is ignoring the visitors depicts that he does not want to make eye contact with them. His
eyes want to say that he is angry with humans. His act of staring at the stars shows his desire to live in the
open sky.
QII DO YOU THINK THE TIGER IN THE POEM HAD LOST ITS NATURAL INSTINCT DUE
TO CAPTIVITY? SUPPORT YOUR RESPONSE WITH EVIDENCE FROM THE POEM.
Answer: Tiger is a carnivorous animal and is known for its sharp and sudden attack on other animals and
humans. Even after being surrounded by people he is attacking nobody. He is full of anger but his rage has
turned quiet. He is no more than a showpiece or toy for entertainment. All these points show that he has lost
his natural instinct due to captivity.
Important and Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q1. How does the tiger feel in the zoo?
Ans: The poet describes the feelings of the tiger in the zoo. He keeps on moving from one corner to
another. He is not happy. He expresses his silent anger.
Q2.What would the tiger do in a forest?
Ans: In the forest, the tiger can enjoy complete freedom. He would walk around freely without any fear. He
would terrorize the villagers by growling. He would show his teeth and claws.
Q3.What does the poet want to convey through this poem?
Ans: In this poem, the poet is trying to contrast a tiger in the zoo with the tiger in its real natural habitat. In
order to show the contradiction the poet shifts the scene from the jungle to the zoo. The poet wants to show
the difference between the two environments. The poet wants to convey that like human beings, animals also
like freedom. They do not want to be caged; they cannot live a miserable life. If their habitat is destroyed by
human beings, these animals cannot survive.
POEM 4 - HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS
Literary Elements: How to Tell Wild Animals
Rhyme Scheme - The rhyme scheme of the poem is ‘ababcc’.
Tone - The poet narrates the poem in a humorous tone.
Imagery: The image of the Bengal tiger is created when we read the lines ‗A noble beast greets you, with
black stripes with a yellow background.
Oxymoron - The oxymoron is used in ―noble wild beast‖. The word ―noble‖ implies a sense of honour,
dignity, and grace, while ―wild beast‖ suggests an untamed, savage animal. These two terms are
contradictory and create a paradoxical expression, making it an oxymoron.
The same can be found in the phrase ‗true Chameleon‗ .
Metaphor - roar with pain – the painful voice compared ironically with the roar of a leopard.
 A noble wild beast – Ironically leopard is shown here as a noble one
 the term ‗caress‘ is used ironically for a bear‘s claw attack.
Alliteration - The phrases ‗lep and lep again‘, ‗roaming round‘, ‗very, very hard‘ and ‗novice might

32
nonplus‘ are examples of alliteration in the poem.
Repetition: He‘ll only lep and lep again.
 Who hugs you very, very hard
Personification - The poet refers to the tiger not as ‗it‘ but as ‗he‘.In the poem, the ‗hyena‘ and ‗crocodile‘
have been personified.The human qualities of ‗smiling‘ and ‗weeping‘ have been given to the hyena and
crocodile respectively.
Irony - A noble wild beast greets you.
 He‘ll give you just one more caress.
Poetic Licence - In some stanzas, she has shortened words like ‘lept’, ‘lep’, and ‘dyin’.
 Also, certain sentences are framed differently in the poem like ‗novice might nonplus‘ and ‗if
strolling forth, a beast you view‘.
Competency based Questions
I “IF HE ROARS AT YOU AS YOU‟RE DYIN‟/ YOU‟LL KNOW IT IS THE ASIAN LION…”
COMMENT ON THE IRONY OF THE QUOTE FROM THE POEM “HOW TO TELL WILD
ANIMALS”.
ANS: The greatest irony in ‗How to tell wild animals‘ is that the poetess suggests awful and dangerous ways
to recognise an animal. To identify an Asian lion one has to risk his life and be ready to face a deadly
encounter with the wild beast.
II “ALL KNOWLEDGE IS USEFUL. BUT NOT ALL KNOWLEDGE IS WORTH THE COST.”
ELABORATE ON THE QUOTE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE POEM “HOW TO TELL WILD
ANIMALS”.
ANS: Through the poem, Ms Carolyne Wells elaborates on the unique styles of wild animals. But the ways
specified in the poem can lead to death and injuries. There are other easy and safe options available to
identify animals. So we can say that ‗All knowledge is useful, but not all knowledge is worth the cost.
POEM 5 - THE BALL - Poetic Devices Used in The Poem: -
Repetition: - Repetition of words/phases in the same line - What, What
Balls, balls
Alliteration: - Repetition of initial consonant sound in the same line- What, What
Balls, balls, Buys a ball back
Metaphor: - Comparison between two different objects without the use of comparison words
The lost ball here is a metaphor of the boy‘s childhood. With the loss of the ball, the childhood of the boy is
also lost.
Competency based Questions
MCQ ON THE BALL POEM CLASS 10
(A) What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over-there it is in the water!
II THE POET SEEMS TO HAVE INDICATED THE MERRY BOUNCING OF THE BALL TO
a) create a sense of rhythm in these lines.
b) support the happiness of the experience of playing.
c) contrast with the dejected feeling of the boy.
d)indicate the cheerful mood of the boy.
III CHOOSE THE SITUATION THAT CORRESPONDS TO THE EMOTION BEHIND THE
EXCLAMATION MARK IN THE POEM.

33
a) option 1 b) option 2 c) option 3 d) option 4
IV THE POEM BEGINS WITH A QUESTION. BASED ON YOUR READING OF THE POEM,
THE SPEAKER
a) wants the boy to answer the question.
b) expects the passers-by to respond.
c) is looking for answers in a self-help book.
d) is thinking to himself.
V ALLITERATION IS A LITERARY DEVICE THAT OCCURS WITH THE SAME LETTER OR
SOUND AT THE BEGINNING OF ADJACENT OR CLOSELY CONNECTED WORDS. PICK
THE OPTION THAT SHOWCASES AN EXAMPLE OF ALLITERATION FROM THE
EXTRACT.
a) What is the boy now
b) who has lost his ball
c) I saw it go
d) and then/ Merrily over
MCQ (A) Answer Key - i) a, ii) c, iii) d, iv) d, v) b
Important and Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q1. When do people learn to stand up loss?
Ans: Everyone must learn to stand up loss some day. But most of the people take too long to stand up loss.
They can't forget their loss in a day and continue to grieve over it for many days.
Q3.What was the behaviour of the boy after losing the ball?
Ans: After losing the ball, the boy was shocked with grief. He stood rigid. He trembled and stared at the
harbour where his ball went. He was lost in the memories of his early childhood when he used to play with
that ball.
Q4. Why does the poet say he won't ' intrude on him'? What does he say about the boy‟s loss at this
point?
Ans: The poet says that he won't 'intrude' on the boy. It is because the boy has now understood the loss of
the ball. He is in a shock. He is trying to understand what it is all about. The poet says that the boy now
senses his first responsibility. It is towards the world of materialism.
POEM 6 - Amanda - Literary devices
1. Alliteration: ‗Stop that slouching and sit up straight‘ – ‗s‘ sound is being repeated at the start of closely
placed words.
‗Stop that sulking‘ – ‗s‘ sound is repeated at the start of closely placed words
2. Allusion: ‗mermaid‘ is a well known imaginary creature
use of famous fairy tale character Rapunzel
3. Anaphora: Repeated use of a word at start of two or more lines (don‘t bite… don‘t hunch)
Repeated use of a word at start of two or more lines (did you finish….did you tidy)
4. Assonance: use of vowel sound ‗o‘ (Thought, told, you, your, shoes)
use of vowel sound ‗o‘ (don‘t hunch your shoulders)
use of vowel sound ‗e‘ and ‗o‘ (Will you please look at me when I‘m speaking to you
5. Consonance: use of sound ‗r‘ (I am Rapunzel; I have not a care …..Bright hair)
6. Imagery: drifting blissfully
7. Metaphor: use of word emerald sea for green colour of sea being similar to the colour of emrald
silence is golden – silence is said to be glorious like golden colour
34
freedom is sweet – freedom is said to be sweet in taste.
8. Repetition: use of word ‗Amanda‘
9. Rhyme scheme: aaha (Amanda, Amanda, you, Amanda)
10. Rhyme: aaba ccc (Amanda, Amanda, straight, Amanda, sea, me, blissfully)
rhyme scheme aafa ggg (Amanda, Amanda, you, Amanda, care, rare, hair)
Rhyme scheme is aada eee (Amanda, Amanda, shoes, Amanda, street, feet, sweet)
Competency based Questions
Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract
(A) (I am an orphan, roaming the street.
I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.
The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.)
i The tone of the given lines is
a) analytical.
b) despairing.
c) peaceful.
d) nervous.
ii Read the statements A and B given below, and choose the option that correctly evaluates these
statements.
Statement A – The figure ‗I‘ imagines a less than realistic view of being an orphan.
Statement B – The figure ‗I‘ does not like the speaker.
a) A is true, B is false, according to the extract
b) A is true, B cannot be clearly inferred from the extract.
c) A cannot be clearly inferred from the extract, B is false.
d) A is true and can be inferred from the poem, B is true too.
ii The golden silence is contrasted with the __.
a) chaos of the street.
b) constant instructions received.
c) sweetness of freedom.
d) hushed, bare feet.
iv The rhyme scheme „aaa‟ in the above extract is followed in all other stanzas of the poem that are
written in parenthesis, i.e. (). Why? Read the reasons given below, and choose the option that lists the
most accurate reasoning:
(i) It shows the simplicity of the child‘s thoughts.
(ii) It reflects the harmony and rhythm of the child‘s inner world.
(iii) It mirrors a child‘s expression.
(iv) It highlights the poet‘s aesthetic sensibility.
a) (i) and (iv)
b) (i) and (ii)
c) (ii) and (iii)
d) (iii) and (iv)
v. Pick the option that lists the usage of the word „pattern‟, as in the extract above.
a) That is a lovely pattern for wallpaper.
b) He decided to wear a patterned shirt to the party.
c) Poetry is a form of pattern making.
d) She patterned her hair after her favourite celebrity.
Important and Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q1. Why is Amanda scolded for having chocolate?
Ans: Amanda is getting scolded for having chocolates as previously it had caused her acne. Amanda‘s
mother is particular about such things. She is made conscious about her physical appearance. It is sad that
she is made to worry about natural experiences.
Q2. Is Amanda at fault at all?
Ans: Amanda is not at fault at all. It is too harsh for her to understand the concept of acne and not eating
chocolate. Love of parents is missing from Amanda‘s life. It is pity that we look towards Amanda. So she

35
wishes to be orphan. She wants to be free from the overpowering environment around her.
Q3. What is the central theme of the poem “Amanda”?
Ans: The poem ―Amanda‖ by Robin Klein highlights the importance of upbringing of a child. It points out
that upbringing doesn‘t involve making a child responsible and fit for society only. It is important to note
that upbringing involves understanding from both the sides. One can‘t just force a child to be civilized and
good mannered. Love and proper care is required in nurturing a child. In order to get rid of her parents she
wants to be orphan. Love and care should always be a part of this.
POEM 7 - The Trees - Literary Devices
1. Alliteration: ‗long letters‘ forest from‘ ‗sky still‘ ‗leaves and lichen‘
2. Anaphora: 2 lines begin with ‗no‘
3. Enjambment: Continuation of a sentence to the next line (the forest that was…… trees by morning).
continuation of sentence to the next line (the leaves strain……. Half dazed)
continuation of sentence to the next line (doors open….the house)
4. Imagery: ―The trees inside are moving out into the forest‖ – shows kinestatic imagery
the poet has tried to create a scene in which she is observing all the things happening (the night is fresh……
in the rooms)
5. Personification: Sun bury it‘s feet. Sun has been personified.
twigs and boughs have been personified.
6. Simile: The moon is compared to a mirror (Moon is broken like a mirror)
trees compared to patients (like newly discharged patients)
Competency based Questions
QI. In the poem “The Trees”, the poet compares the trees to “newly discharged patients”. Highlight
any two reasons for the same.
Ans. There are two main reasons why the poet Adrienne Rich compares the trees to ―newly discharged
patients‖ are:
1. Both the trees and the patients have been confined to a space that is not natural to them.
The trees are planted in pots or tubs in the house, and the patients are confined to hospital beds. Both the
trees and the patients are struggling to survive in these unnatural environments.
2. Both the trees and the patients are eager to return to their natural surroundings.
The trees long to return to the forest, and the patients long to return home. Both the trees and the patients
know that they will only be able to thrive in their natural environments.
3. Both the trees and the patients are weak and vulnerable.
4. Both the trees and the patients need time to heal and recover.
QII. Change never comes easy. Justify the quote in the context of the poem “The Trees”.
Ans. The quote "Change never comes easy" is justified in the context of the poem "The Trees" by Adrienne
Rich. The poem describes the process of moving trees out of a house and into the forest, which is symbolic
of the challenges that people face when trying to achieve freedom and liberation. The trees in the poem are
reluctant to leave the house because they are afraid of the unknown and the pain of change. However, they
eventually realize that they must leave the house in order to thrive. The poem suggests that change is often
difficult and painful, but it is also necessary for growth and transformation. The trees in the poem learn that
change is not easy, but it is worth it.
Important and Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q.1In the poem “The Trees”, the poet compares the trees to “newly discharged patients”. Highlight
any two reasons for the same.
Ans. In the poem, the poet compares the ‗trees‘ to ‗newly discharged patients‘.
Firstly, the trees were enslaved inside the house like patients in the hospital.
Secondly, the trees were exerted like patients, due to their effort that they had to put in order to be freed
from the house.
Q 2. The process of “moving out” was tedious for the trees. Support the statement with reference to
the poem.
Ans. Every part of the confined trees rises in revolt and struggle hard to free itself. The roots and leaves
struggle to come out of the glass. Small twigs become hard due to over work and the long-cramped boughs
are trying to break open the roof. So ‗moving out‘ is tedious for trees.

36
Poem 8 – Fog -Literary devices
1. Enjambment: When a sentence continues to next line (It sits looking….. then moves on)
2. Metaphor: Fog is compared to cat (On little cat feet)
3. Personification: fog has been personified – Fog comes, it sits
4. Rhyme scheme: There is no rhyme scheme followed. Poem is in free verse.
Competency based Questions
Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract
The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbour and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
I CHOOSE THE OPTION WITH THE QUALITIES OF THE CAT THAT CARL SANDBURG
APPLIES TO THE FOG.
1) Cats are independent animals, they don‘t follow rules, and they slip and slide in and out of our lives as
they please.
2) Cats are distrustful of strangers and can be jealous and moody.
3) Cats are stealthy, moving in slow motion at times and they appear to be moving in a mysterious fashion.
4) Cats often communicate with a combination of a distinctive sounds and body language.
5) Cats like to move on at their own pace and before you know it, they‘ve disappeared.
a) Only 1
b) 2, 3 and 4
c) 1,3 and 5
d) Only 4
ANS: c) 1,3 and 5
II WHICH ONE/S OF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO THE GIVEN LINES?

a) 1 and 4
b) 2 and 3
c) Only 1
d) Only 3
ANS: d) Only 3
III PICK THE OPTION THAT INCLUDES AN IMAGE OF THE CAT ON ITS HAUNCHES.

37
a. Option (1)
b. Option (2)
c. Option (3)
d. Option (4)
ANS: b. Option (2)
IV CHOOSE THE OPTION THAT DOES NOT LIST THE MOVEMENT OF THE FOG.

a. Option (1)
b. Option (2)
c. Option (3)
d. Option (4)
ANS: c. Option (3) (Explanation: it talks about the fog but not the movement of fog)
V THE POET HAS USED SHORT LINES TO COMPOSE THE GIVEN POEM. CHOOSE THE
OPTION THAT LISTS THE MOST APPROPRIATE EXPLANATION FOR THE SAME.
a. By keeping the lines short, the poet keeps the liberty in stepping away from a rule, traditional form, logic,
or fact, in order to produce a desired effect.
b. By keeping the lines short, the poet wants the reader to omit some parts of a sentence, which gives the
reader a chance to fill in the gaps while reading it out.
c. By keeping the lines short, the poet wants to introduce ambiguity or contradiction into an otherwise
straightforward sentence.
d By keeping the lines short, the poet is controlling the pace to make the reader slow down thereby reflecting
the slow rolling in of the fog.
ANS: d
Important and Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q.1.How is the fog like a cat?
The poet finds the fog like a cat. The fog comes stealthily like a cat. It sits looking over the harbour and city
as a cat does. Later, it moves on just like a cat to settle somewhere else. These things prove that the fog‘s
comparison to a cat is appropriate.
Q.2. How does the fog spread over the harbour and the city?
The fog-comes to a city stealthily just like a cat. It makes no noise. It spreads over the harbour and the city
and settles over them for sometimes. There, it rises high and moves away. In this way the fog arrives over a
city, observes it and then leaves it to move away.
Q.3. Describe the similarities that have been mentioned in the poem between the fog and a cat.
Ans: It is a dual image that changes and merges again in the original. The fog changes into a cat and the cat
changes into the fog. Both of them come silently unseen and suddenly. Both engulf everything underneath
them. The fog engulfs everything, the harbour and the city in its fold. The fog sits silently as a cat sits on its
haunches. Then it disappears and moves ahead.
Poem 9 – The Tale of Custard the Dragon- Literary Devices
1.Alliteration: ―coward, and she called him Custard‖ – ―c‖ sound
Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears ―b‖ sound is repeated
beard was black ―b‖, he held his ―h‖
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gulped some grog ―g‖
glee did gyrate ―g‖
2. Allusion: reference to any person or place (Percival)
3. Anaphora: repeated use of word at the start of two consecutive lines. (And a little ….And a realio)
repeated use of word at the start of two consecutive lines (And the little grey…And the little yellow)
4. Assonance: use of vowel sound ‗o‘ (no one mourned for), use of vowel sound ‗I‘ (ink and blink in glee
did), use of vowel sound ‗a‘ (that ate the pirate)
use of vowel sound ‗a‘ (Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears)
5. Consonance: use of consonant sound ‗s‘ (Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound)
6. Imagery: An image is created about the appearance of the pirate.
They have shown the reaction and actions made by the pirate on seeing the dragon.
The attack by the dragon is expressed in a way to make an image in our minds.
7. Onomatopoeia: usage of sound words to create a dramatic effect (giggled, weeck)
usage of sound words to create a dramatic effect (Mustard growled, Meowch, cried ink)
usage of sound words to create a dramatic effect (clatter, clank, jangling)
8. Oxymoron: use of two words with opposite meanings ‗ ―pet dragon‖
9. Personification: Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival
10. Poetic license: window is written as ‗winda‘ to create rhyme.
use of the word mousehold to rhyme with household
realio, trulio for real, true. The spellings have been changed to create a musical effect
11. Refrain: Repetition of a sentence again and again (And a realio, trulio)
12. Repetition: stanza has been repeated, help help
Custard cried for a nice safe cage, use of the word ‗tickled him‘, use of the word ‗little‘
13. Rhyme scheme: aabb (house-mouse, wagon-dragon)
aabb (ink-blink, mustard-custard)
aabb (bears-stairs, rage-cage)
aabb (unmerciful-Percival, wagon-dragon)
aabb (house-mouse, rage-cage)
aabb (sound-around, Belinda-winda)
14. Simile: dog compared to mustard ―And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard‖
Belinda‘s bravery is compared to that of a barrel full of bears (as a barrel full of bears), Mustard‘s bravery is
compared to that of an angry tiger (Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage)
sound of dragon is compared with sound of engine (snorting like an engine), Clashed his tail like irons in a
dungeon, dragon‘s attack on pirate is compared to robin bird (like a robin at a worm)
15. Transferred epithet: terrified yelp
Competency based Questions
QI CUSTARD HUMBLY ACCEPTS THAT OTHER ANIMALS ARE BRAVER THAN HIM. GIVE
A REASON TO SUPPORT YOUR STANCE THAT HUMILITY IS A VIRTUE WORTH
POSSESSING.
ANS: Humility is a great virtue as it shows real maturity, confidence and strength. Custard knew of his
capabilities and showed it through his actions rather than speaking in front of others. He was a humble
dragon.
QII THE USAGE OF WORDS LIKE „REALIO TRULIO‟ CREATES A WONDERFUL POETIC
EFFECT. HOW?
ANS: This poem is a Ballad. The poet has changed the spellings of the words ‗real‘ and ‗true‘ to realio and
trulio. It has created a musical effect on the poem. These words would not have added the same effect with
their correct spelling.
Important and Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q1. How did everyone react after Custard ate the pirate?
Ans. Belinda embraced Custard because he had saved everyone by killing the pirate. Mustard licked him
to show his affection while Ink and Blink started dancing around Custard out of happiness.
Q2. How did the other three pet boast of their bravery?
Ans. After Mustard, Ink and Blink fled on seeing the pirate, it was Custard, who fought him and killed him.

39
The other pets soon made excuses for their cowardice and said that they would have been twice and thrice as
brave as Custard.
Q3. Did Custard accept his cowardice and their bravery?
Ans. Yes, Custard seemed like a really humble animal as even after killing the pirate he accepted that he is a
coward and everyone else is braver than he.
POEM 10 - For Anne Gregory - Literary Devices:
1. Alliteration: repetition of consonant‗s‘ sound at the start of two consecutive words. (Set Such)
he had, your yellow
2. Anaphora: Repeated use of a word at the beginning of two lines (That he….That only god)
3. Metaphor: honey-coloured Ramparts at your ear (Anne‘s hair is compared to the ramparts of a fort)
4. Rhyme Scheme: abcbdb
I.What does the poet mean by, “those great honey-coloured ramparts at your ear”?
Answer: Ramparts here refer to locks of Anne‘s beautiful yellow hair and external beauty that hides her
soul and true nature and lets other people see only her outer self.
II. Why do you think the other speaker mentioned the old religious man and the text that proves that
only God can love Anne for herself alone?
Answer: The speaker mentioned the text found by an old religious man that proves that only God can love
Anne for herself alone. It is so because the speaker wanted to tell Anne that her desire that men should not
see her outer beauty is not going to be fulfilled. The speaker tells Anne that only God can be so great as to
avoid external beauty and look beyond it. Man, on the other hand, falls for all things that appear pretty from
outside and never bothers about what lies inside.
Important and Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q.1The poet in the poem 'For Anne Gregory‟ conveys that we should give importance to the inner
beauty and not to the physical appearance. Elaborate with reference to the poem.
Ans: The poet in the poem 'For Anne Gregory‘ conveys that we should give importance to the inner beauty
and not the physical appearance, and this is evident from the conversation that takes place between Anne
and the speaker in the poem. The speaker says to Anne that her beautiful looks and honey-coloured hair can
make men fall in love with her any given day. However, they shall never look past her outer appearance and
take notice of her inner beauty or get to know the real Anne. Hence, the speaker is sure that no man would
love her when her looks fade away. They will love her only for her gorgeous yellow hair. Anne points out
that physical appearance is changeable and thus, secondary. She says that her looks can change, and so can
the colour of her hair, for instance she can change it to brown or carrot, but she will remain the same person
on the inside. She feels therefore, men should not love her for her superficial looks, they should learn to love
the person that she is underneath her surface.
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