Class 10

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions Narrating (Story Writing) Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Narrating (Story Writing)

Narrating (Stories)

1. The Lion And The Mouse
Or
Do Good, Have Good

Outline: A lion asleep ……………… a mouse jumps on his body ……………… lion awakens ……………… loses temper ……………… catches mouse ……………… mouse frightened ……………… requested ……………… kind ……………… might help some day ……………… lion caught in net ……………… mouse bites with teeth ……………… set free ……………… Moral.

Once there was a lion in the jungle. He was sleeping. A mouse lived nearby. It came out of its hole. It began to jump over the lion. The lion woke up. He caught the mouse. The mouse begged for mercy. The lion took pity on it. He let it go.

One day a hunter came into the jungle. He cast his net. The same lion was caught in it. He began to roar. The mouse heard his roar. It came out. It cut the net. The lion was free. He thanked the mouse.

Moral: Do good, have good.

2. The Hare And The Tortoise
Or
Slow And Steady Wins The Race
Or
Pride Hath A Fall

Outline: A hare ……………… laughs at a tortoise. slow speed ……………… they agree to run a race. hare runs fast. ……………… goes much ahead ……………… sleeps on the way. ……………… the tortoise moves on ……………… wins the race ……………… Moral.

Once there was a hare. He lived in a jungle. There was a tortoise also. They became friends. One day the hare laughed at the tortoise. He said that the tortoise was very slow. The tortoise could not bear the insult. He asked the hare to run a race.

A goal was fixed. The race began. The hare ran fast. He came much ahead. He thought of taking rest. He fell asleep. The tortoise moved slowly. But he went on. He did not stop. He passed by the hare. The hare was sleeping. The tortoise reached the goal.
After some time, the hare woke up. He ran fast. But the tortoise had won the race.

Moral: Slow and steady wins the race.

3. The Wolf And The Lamb
Or
Might Is Right

Outline : A wolf at a river ……………… drinking water ……………… see a lamb ……………… lamb is drinking lower down ……………… wishes to eat lamb ……………… makes lamb excuses ……………… kills the lamb and ate it up ……………… Moral.

Once there was a wolf. He felt thirsty. He went to a river. He started drinking water. He saw a lamb. It was also drinking water. It was lower down. The wolf’s mouth watered. He wanted to eat the lamb. He said to the lamb, “Why are you making the water muddy?” The lamb replied, “Sir, the water is flowing from you to me. How can I make it muddy ?”

Now the wolf said, “Why did you abuse me last year?” The lamb replied, “I was not even bom then.” At this the wolf again said, “Then it must be your mother.” Saying this he killed the lamb. Then he ate it up.

Moral: Might is right.

4. Two Friends And The Bear
Or
A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed

Outline : Two friends ……………… pass through a jungle ……………… they saw a bear. ……………… one climbes up a tree ……………… the other lies down ……………… the bear smells him ……………… goes away ……………… the first friend asks what the bear said ……………… Beware of a false friend ……………… Moral.

Mohan and Sohan were two friends. Mohan was a good friend. But Sohan was selfish. One day they passed through a jungle. They saw a bear. They were afraid. Sohan at once climbed up a tree. He did not care for Mohan. Mohan lay down on the ground. He held his breath. The bear came and smelt him. He thought that Mohan was dead. He went away. Sohan came down. He went to Mohan and asked, “What did the bear say in your ear?” Mohan replied, “The bear asked me to beware of false friends.”

Moral: Beware of selfish friends.

5. The Hidden Treasure

Or
No Pains, No Gains

Outline : An old farmer ……………… three sons ……………… idle ……………… always quarrelling ……………… father dying ……………… calls his sons ……………… tells them that there is a treasure in the field ……………… dies ……………… the sons dig the field ……………… there is no treasure ……………… they sow the seed ……………… rich harvest ……………… Moral.

Once there was an old farmer. He had three sons. They were idle. They did nothing. They were always quarrelling. One day the farmer fell ill. He knew that his death was near. He called his sons. He said, “There is a treasure in our field. Dig it out after my death.” Then the farmer died.

The sons went to the field. They dug the whole field. But there was no treasure. A wise man advised them to sow wheat. They sowed wheat. They had a good crop. They learnt the value of hard work. They began to work hard.

Moral: No pains, no gains.

6. Honesty Is The Best Policy
Or
God Mercury And The Woodcutter

Outline : Once a woodcutter ……………… cutting a tree ……………… axe fell into the water. ……………… God appeared ……………… golden axe ……………… woodcutter refused. ……………… silver axe ……………… then iron axe ……………… god pleased. ……………… Moral.

Once there was a poor woodcutter. One day he was cutting a tree on the bank of a river. His axe fell into the water. He was sad. God Mercury appeared. He asked the woodcutter why he was sad. The woodcutter said that his axe had fallen into the water. God Mercury dived. He brought out a golden axe. But the woodcutter said, “This is not mine.” The God dived again. He brought out a silver axe. But the woodcutter said again, “This is not mine.”

At last the God brought an iron axe. The woodcutter was happy. He said, “This axe is mine.” The God was pleased at his honesty. He gave him all the three axes.

Moral: Honesty is the best policy.

7. The Dove And The Bee
Or
One Good Turn Deserves Another
Or
Do Good, Have Good

Outline : A bee falls into the water ……………… a dove helps it. ……………… throws a leaf into the water ……………… the bee gets on it ……………… it flies away ……………… some days pass ……………… a hunter comes ……………… he aims at the dove ……………… the bee sees ……………… it stings the hunter ……………… the bee is saved ……………… Moral.

Once there was a bee. It felt thirsty. It went to the river. It fell into the river. It was about to die. A dove saw it. She plucked a leaf. She threw the leaf into the water. The bee got on to it. Its life was saved. It flew away.

Some days passed. A hunter came. He saw the dove. He aimed at the dove. The bee saw all this. It stung the hunter. His gun fell down. The dove flew away. She thanked the bee.

Moral: Do good, have good.

8. United We Stand. Divided We Fall
Or
Union Is Strength

Outline : An oldfarmer ……………… his sons always quarrel ……………… sends for them ……………… gives them a bundle
of sticks to break ……………… sons unable to do so ……………… asks them to untie the bundle ……………… sticks broken one by
one ……………… Moral.

There was a farmer. He had four sons. They always quarrelled with one another. The farmer was very sad. He advised them not to quarrel. But in vain.

One day the farmer fell ill. He knew that his end was near. He called his sons. He gave them a bundle of sticks. He asked them to break it. But they failed to do so. Then the bundle was untied. The farmer asked his sons to break the sticks one by one. Each son broke the sticks. The father said, “Be united like the bundle. If you are united, none will harm you.” The sons leamt a lesson. They never quarrelled again.

Moral: Union is strength.

9. The Fox And The Crow
Or
Beware of Flatterers

Outline : A hungryfox ……………… sees a crow with a piece ofcheese wants to have it ……………… praises the crow ……………… the piece of cheese falls down ……………… eats it up ……………… goes away ……………… Moral.

Once there was a fox. He was very hungry. He went here and there in search of food. But he did not get food anywhere. At last he reached a garden. There he saw a crow in the tree. The crow had a piece of cheese in his beak.

The fox was very clever. He began to praise the crow. He said, “Dear crow ! You are very beautiful. Your voice is very sweet. Please sing me a song.” The crow was taken in. He opened the beak to sing. The piece of cheese fell down. The fox ate it up and went away.

Moral: Beware of flatterers.

10. The Shepherd Boy And The Wolf

Outline : A shepherd boy ……………… habit, of telling lies ……………… grazes sheep ……………… decides to make fun of villagers ……………… cries, wolf wolf ……………… villagers come ……………… one day a wolfreally comes ……………… cries ……………… but nobody comes ……………… Moral.

Once there was a shepherd boy. He grazed his sheep outside the village. There was a forest nearby. One day the shepherd boy was grazing his sheep. He thought of making fun of the villagers. He started shouting, “Wolf ! Wolf ! Come and save me.” The villagers came running. There was no wolf. The boy laughed at them. He said that it was a joke. The villagers were angry. They went away.

One day a wolf really came there. The shepherd boy cried for help. But the villagers thought that he was joking. They did not come. The wolf killed many sheep. It wounded the boy. The boy leamt a lesson. He never told a lie again.

Moral: Never tell a lie.

11. The Greedy Dog
Or
Greed Is A Curse

Outline : A dog. ……………… was very hungry ……………… in search of food ……………… reaches a shop ……………… steals a piece of meat. ……………… goes to a river ……………… reflection ……………… barks ……………… .piece of meat falls into water ……………… Moral.

A dog was very hungry. He went here and there. But he did not find food anywhere. He stole a piece of meat from a meat shop. He wanted to eat it alone. So he went to the jungle.

There was a river on the way. When he went on the bridge, he saw his own reflection in the water. He thought that it was another dog. That dog also had a piece of meat. This dog was greedy to get that piece also. So he barked at him. His own piece of meat fell into the water. He was very sad. But it was too late.

Moral: Greed is a curse.

12. The Fox And The Goat

Outline : The fox ……………. thisty in search of good …………….. reaches a shop steals a piece of meat …………….. goes to a river …………… reflection …………….. barks …………. piece of meat falls into water ……………….. Moral.

Once there was a fox. He was thirsty. He went to a well. He tried to drink water. By chance he fell into the well. He was sad.

A goat came there. She looked into the well. The fox said to her, “The water is cold and sweet.Please come in.” The foolish goat believed him. She jumped into the well. The fox climbed up the goat. He came out of the well. The goat died there.

Moral: Look before you leap.

13. The Cap Seller And The Monkeys

Outline : A cap seller. ……………… going to a village ……………… a bundle of caps in his hands ……………… falls asleep under a tree ……………… monkeys on the tree ……………… they take away his caps ……………… the cap seller wakes up ……………… throws down his cap ……………… the monkeys do the same ……………… Moral.

Once there was a cap seller. He had a bundle of caps. He was going to a village. There was a forest on the way. It was very hot. He wanted to take rest. He lay under a tree. He fell asleep.

There were some monkeys on the tree. They came down. They took away all his caps. The cap seller woke up. He found his caps missing. He looked up. He saw the monkeys. The caps were on their heads. The cap seller thought of apian. He threw down his cap. The monkeys also threw down their caps. The cap seller got his caps. He went away.

Moral: Do not give up hope in difficulty.

14. The Hen That Laid Golden Eggs
Or
Greed Is A Curse

Outline : A farmer. ……………… had a wonderful hen ……………… laid a golden egg daily ……………… greedy ……………… wanted to have all the eggs ……………… killed the hen ……………… felt sorry ……………… Moral.

Once there was a farmer. He had a wonderful hen. It laid one golden egg daily. The farmer soon became rich. The farmer was greedy. He thought there were many eggs in the hen. He wanted to get all the eggs at once. He thought of a plan. He killed the hen. But there was no egg inside it. The farmer became sad. But it was too late. He had lost his hen.

Moral: Greed is a curse.

15. The Tailor And The Elephant

Outline : An elephant. ……………… goes to the river daily ……………… a tailor’s shop ……………… the elephant and the tailor became friends ……………… one day tailor pricks elephant’s trunk ……………… elephant spoils his clothes ……………… Moral.

Once there was an elephant. He went to the river daily. He took bath in the river. There was a tailor’s shop on the way. The tailor gave bananas to the elephant daily. They became friends.

One day, the tailor was angry. The elephant came. The tailor did not welcome him. The elephant put his trunk into the shop. The tailor pricked his trunk with a needle. The elephant was angry. But he went away.

The elephant went to the river. He filled his trunk with dirty water. He came back. He threw the dirty water into the shop. Tailor’s new clothes were spoiled. The tailor was sad.

Moral: Tit for tat.

16. The Thirsty Crow
Or
Where There Is A Will, There Is A Way

Outline : A hot day of summer ……………… a crow was very thirsty ……………… in search of water ……………… saw a pitcher ……………… water was low ……………… .put pebbles in the pitcher ……………… water came up ……………… drank it ……………… flew away ……………… Moral.

It was sumiper. It was very hot. A crow was thirsty. He flew here and there in search of water. But he did not find water anywhere. He reached a garden.

The crow saw a pitcher of water. But the water was very low. His beak could not reach it. He saw some pebbles near the pitcher. The crow thought of a plan. He picked the pebbles one by one. He put them into the pitcher. The water rose up. He drank the water and flew away.

Moral: Where there is a will, there is a way.

17. The Fox And The Grapes
Or
The Grapes Are Sour

Outline : A fox hungry ……………… sees some grapes ……………… tries to get them ……………… fails to do so ……………… says
that grapes are sour ……………… Moral.

Once there was a fox. He was very hungry. He went here and there in search of food. But he did not get food anywhere. At last he reached a garden. There he saw ripe grapes. His mouth watered. He wanted to eat them.

The grapes were very high. The fox jumped again and again. But he could not get at them. Soon he was tired. He went away saying. “These grapes are sour. I shall not eat them.”

Moral: The grapes are sour.

18. Bad Company

Outline: A boy ……………… bad company ……………… father ……………… reform ……………… buy ……………… good apples ……………… asks the boy to place one bad apple ……………… all apples ……………… rotten ……………… the boy learns the lesson ……………… moral.

A rich man had only one son. He loved him very much. But the boy fell into a bad company. He remained away from home. He did not obey his father. The father thought of a plan. One day the father brought home some apples. The apples were very fine. He also brought a rotten apple. He asked his son to put the rotton apple with the fine apples. After a couple of days, the father asked the son to bring the apples.

The son brought the apples : when he took them out of the basket all the apples were rotten. At this, the father told his son that one rotten apple had spoiled all the fine apples. In the same way, the company of bad boys will spoil you. The son learnt a lesson.

Moral: Better alone than in a bad company. Or Avoid bad company.

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 1 Dust of Snow Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Poem 1 Dust of Snow

HBSE 10th Class English Dust of Snow Textbook Questions and Answers

Thinking about the Poem

1. What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?
Answer:
A “dust of snow” means particles of snow. The poet’s mood changed because of shaking down of something from the hemlock tree. He was holding the day in regret when this dust of snow fell on him and this simple little thing brought him some joy.

2. How does Frost present nature in this poem? The following questions may help you to think of an answer.
(i) What are the birds that are usually named in poems? Do you think a crow is often mentioned in poems? What images come to your mind when you think of a crow?
(ii) Again, what is “a hemlock tree”? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine?
(iii) What do the “crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent – joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?
Answer:
(i) In poems, usually birds like nightingales and sparrows are mentioned. Frost has presented nature in quite an unconventional manner. The poet has used a crow in this poem. A crow is usually not mentioned in poems. A crow is usually considered to be dark, black and foreboding. That is why other poets usually mention singing nightingales or beautiful white doves in their poems.
(ii) A hemlock tree is a poisonous tree with small white flowers. The poet has not written about a more beautiful tree such as a maple, or oak, or pine because these trees symbolise beauty and happiness. Frost wanted to symbolise the feelings of sadness, despondency and regretfulness, that is why he has used a hemlock tree.
(iii) The crow and the hemlock tree represent sorrow and grief. The dust of snow that is shaken off by the crow stands for joy that Frost experiences. He has, therefore, used an unconventional tree and bird in order to contrast them with joy in the form of snow.

3. Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
Answer:
Several times I felt depressed or hopeless. One day, one of my classmates told me that I had got only 40 marks in English out of 80. At that time, I felt depressed and dejected. But after an hour, the result was announced and I got 75 out of 80. The English teacher also congratulated me on my success, and after this, I felt relaxed and happy.

HBSE 10th Class English Dust of Snow Important Questions and Answers

I. Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
What is the underlying message for us in our hectic life with reference to the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’?
Answer:
The underlying message for us in our hectic life is that we should enjoy nature more often and should have a positive attitude even towards simple acts because they can lead to the learning of greater lessons of enjoying life.

Question 2.
Why does the poet say that he had saved some part of the day he had rued?
Answer:
In the morning, the poet was sad and listless. He thought that the entire day would go waste. But, the falling of dust of snow on him changed his mood suddenly. It brought a ray of hope in him. This way he felt that he had saved some part of the day.

II. Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
Why did the poet use poetically uncommon bird and tree?
Answer:
The poet appears to be in a depressive and sorrowful mood. In this kind of state, one can not look at the beautiful things which nature has to offer, only gloomy and miserable thoughts strike in one’s mind. Therefore, the poet has used the poetically uncommon bird and tree which reflect his depressed state of mind.

Question 2.
Does the poet present a bright and pleasant side of nature in the poem?
Answer:
No, the poet does not present a bright and pleasant side of nature in the poem. He presented the situation as a dull and depressive cold day. The fall of fine dust of snow does bring a sudden change in the mood of the poet by uplifting his spirits and refreshing his mind.

Question 3.
What message does the poet want to convey through the poem ‘Dust of Snow’?
Answer:
The poet conveys that sadness, hopelessness and disappointment do come into the life of mankind. It makes them feel dejected and depressed. But there is always happiness behind sadness. If sadness comes, happiness is bound to come in our life. As the poet was sad and low in spirits in the morning but the falling of dust of snow on him brought a sudden change in his mood. So, we should not get disheartened in any circumstance.

III. Long Answer Type Questions (100-120 words & 5 marks each)

Question 1.
No matter how ordinary or unimportant an incident may be, it’s the reaction or the response that matters. Taking inspiration from the poet’s reaction write how inherent values can be picked up and learnt. Mention any two lessons for students like you that could be useful.
Answer:
Yes, response matters a lot. Inherent values can be picked up by adopting a positive attitude towards nature, because nature is a great teacher. Each little thing in nature can teach us some important lessons at times and even a small flake of snow has its own significance. We should not judge anything by its appearance. Although crow and hemlock tree are considered as bad omen but even then they can bring cheerfulness in uplifting poet’s mood. So nothing is useless in nature. Nature is very beautiful. One should live one’s present cheerfully.

Question 2.
Robert Frost opens before us a new world in which at times evil doer by chance do a good act before us. Discuss the philosophy of life with reference to the poem ‘Dust of Snow’.
Answer:
Robert Frost opened a different world before us through the poem ‘Dust of Snow’. It gives us a philosophy of life that at times when we are completely dejected and in bad mood, we get surprised. In fact, it also depicts his philosophy of life through which he passed. In the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’ the poet is wandering in a dejected mood. The whole mood changes when bad omen of crow is shown. Snow falls from the hemlock tree and mood of the poet changes. So evil is released by good luck.

Question 3.
In life, people feel sad and frustrated. It is his thinking that things will never change.
But suddenly change occurs in his life and his sadness is converted into happiness.
Discuss it on the basis of the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’.
Answer:
Life is full of miseries. The circumstances in life never remain the same. They keep on changing with the passage of time. So far the poem is concerned, the poet is in sad and frustrated mood. At the beginning of the day, he feels sad. He feels that his entire day has been wasted. But, it does not happen. The falling of the fine dust of snow on him brings a sudden change in his mood. He realises that all is not lost. Although he has lost the most part of the day. The change of landscape has changed his mood. His spirits are not listless. The sudden change has changed his heart and mood. So, we should not be sad and disappointed.
Life is a cycle. Happiness and sorrow are its two wheels.

Question 4.
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
of a day I had rued.
What type of change in the mood does the poet talk about? Discuss it with reference to the given passage.
Answer:
The famous poet, Robert Frost has given a vivid description about the change of his mood. The arrival of a crow and its sitting on the hemlock tree is not a very big incident. It is a very ordinary incident. The poet has used symbolism here. Here crow denotes an ‘ill omen’ and hemlock tree symbolises ‘Poison’. But these things create a deep impression on the mind of the poet. According to the poet, this is a dull and disappointing day and it is not good for him.

But the falling of flakes and dust of snow on him are good or welcome signs for the poet. This phenomenon has suddenly changed the mood of the poet. His mood is now better and spirits are highly enthusiastic. He realises that the whole day has not gone waste. The moment the snow falls on him is the most happiest moment of the day. They lift up his mood and also gladden his heart. Ultimately, he realises that at least some part of the day has been spent happily. Now the moment of disappointment has changed into a happier one.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Paraphrase: The poet was walking by a hemlock tree in the morning hour. He was perhaps in a bad mood. Hemlock tree is considered to be a poisonous tree. As he was walking, a crow threw some dust of snow on him. The “crow’ and ‘hemlock tree’ denote “sadness’ and ‘gloom’. The poet thought that day was not good for him.

Choose the correct option:

(a) Which tree is covered with snow?
(i) Acacia
(ii) Hemlock
(iii) Areca palm
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Hemlock

(b) Which bird shook down the tree?
(i) Sparrow
(ii) Ostrich
(iii) Crow
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Crow

(c) The crow was on a …………………. tree.
(i) hemlock
(ii) palm
(iii) coconut
(iv) mango
Answer:
(i) hemlock

(d) What is the rhyme scheme of the given extract?
(i) abab
(ii) cdcd
(iii) abcd
(iv) Free Verse
Anwer:
(i) abab

(e) What does “Dust of Snow” represent?
(i) The cool weather
(ii) The healing power of nature
(iii) The nature of mankind
(iv) The particles of snow
Answer:
(ii) The healing power of nature

2. Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

Paraphrase: The falling of the snow on the poet’s head made his mood upbeat. Till now, he had spent his day in a bad mood but now his mood had changed and also saved some part of the day. The poet here emphasises that inauspicious things can also bring joy and happiness to us.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What did lift the mood of the poet instantly?
(i) Falling of the snow on his head
(ii) Falling of the leaves of trees on his head
(iii) Drizzling on his body
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(i) Falling of the snow on his head

(b) What does the poet talk about here?
(i) Change of his mood
(ii) Change of his nature
(iii) Change of his habits
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(i) Change of his mood

(c) The poet saved same part of the ……………… being rued.
(i) night
(ii) day
(iii) life
(iv) all of these
Answer:
(ii) day

(d) What can inauspicious things even bring too?
(i) Only sadness
(ii) Joy and happiness
(iii) Nothing
(iv) Our past memories
Answer:
(ii) Joy and happiness

(e) What does the poet suggest through this?
(i) Dust of snow is very useful.
(ii) Crow is an insignificant bird.
(iii) Hemlock tree has a lot of importance.
(iv) Small things can bring big changes in life.
Answer:
(iv) Small things can bring big changes in life.

Dust of Snow Summary

Dust of Snow Introduction

About the Poet

Robert Frost was born on March 26, 1874 in San Francisco, California, to journalist William Prescott Frost, Jr., and Isabelle Moodie. His mother was a Scottish immigrant, and his father descended from Nicholas Frost of Tiverton, Devon, England, who had sailed to New Hampshire in 1634 on the Wolfrana. Frost was a descendant of Samuel Appleton, one of the early settlers of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and Rev. George Phillips, one of the early settlers of Watertown, Massachusetts. His notable works are A Boy’s Will, North of Boston, etc. Frost’s father was a teacher and later an editor of the San Francisco Evening Bulletin (which later merged with The San Francisco Examiner), and an unsuccessful candidate for city tax collector. After his death on May 5, 1885, the family moved across the country to Lawrence, Massachusetts, under the patronage of Robert’s grandfather William Frost, Sr., who was an overseer at a New England mill. Frost graduated from Lawrence High School in 1892. Frost’s mother joined the Swedenborgian church and had him baptized in it, but he left it as an adult. Although known for his later association with rural life, Frost grew up in the city, and he published his first poem in his high school’s magazine. He attended Dartmouth College for two months, long enough to be accepted into the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. Frost returned home to teach and to work at various jobs, including helping his mother teach her class of unruly boys, delivering newspapers, and working in a factory maintaining carbon arc lamps. He did not enjoy these jobs, feeling his true calling was poetry. Frost was honoured frequently during his lifetime, receiving four of his Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry for his book “New Hampshire’. He became one of America’s rare “public literary figures, almost an artistic institution.” He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1960 for his poetic works. On July 22, 1961, Frost was named poet laureate of Vermont. He died on January 29, 1963 at the age of 88 in Boston.

Central Idea of the Poem

Through this poem, the poet conveys that worst time often comes in the life of mankind. But a little good thing can change the entire course of action. The crow, dust and the hemlock tree symbolise bad things which make the people believe that something wrong is bound to happen. The poet is in quite disappointed mood. When he comes out of his home to wander in the snow, a crow shakes and snow falls on him. It makes him quite happy. So, the poet conveys that one should hope for the best even in the worst situation.

Dust of Snow Summary

The short poem by Robert Frost throws light upon the unimaginable healing power of nature and tiny things. From a bad mood to ill-health, there is nothing that can’t be cured by nature. The poet was experiencing one such bad day when a crow’s movement near a hemlock tree dusted snow upon him. The soft and cold touch of snow changes the poet’s mood from despondency to happiness. He starts feeling soothed and refreshed. In this way, a simple moment proves to be very significant and saves the rest of the day of the poet from being wasted and held in regret. The black crow is a symbol of death and fear.

Since the crow is not associated with goodness, it is ironic that in this poem, it is doing a good deed by shaking off the snow. The poet uses the elements of the fearsome crow and poisonous hemlock tree to do something good – shake the white, pure snow off the branches.

The poem, “Dust of Snow’ reiterates that the little things in life can make huge changes in our future. It also shows that if we can take the hard times of life in stride, eventually something will happen to change our situation into happier times. The simple things we do for others can make all the difference. Just think about those random acts of kindness we do and how much they brighten our day and sometimes change our future.

Poem at a Glance

On a winter day, the poet was quite upset and sitting under the hemlock tree.
Suddenly, a crow alighted on the hemlock tree.
The snowflakes fell down on the poet while he was sitting under the tree.
The falling of snowflakes on the poet made a tremendous effect on him.
Now, he was feeling refreshed.
It changed the mood of the poet and also his mental state.
A little thing saved the entire day of the poet.

Dust of Snow Word-Meanings

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions Paragraph Writing Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Paragraph Writing

1. How I Spent My Last Sunday

Last Sunday we went out on a picnic. We went to Badkhal Lake. This lake is situated near Faridabad. This is a natural lake among rocks. It is very deep and wide. The Haryana government has developed the lake and the area around it into a fine picnic spot. 1 went to the lake with my friends. There is facility of boating. We took three boats and did a lot of boating on the lake. One of my friends had a good camera with him. He took our snaps in various poses. There is a very good restaurant on the bank of this lake. This is run by the tourist department of Haryana. In the afternoon we took our meals in the restaurant. Then we took rest on the lawns. A friend of mine sang songs. I sang a gazal. After sometime we took a walk around the lake. In the evening we came back. I will never forget that pleasant Sunday.

2. Recent Floods In Our State

Last year, the monsoon in Haryana was in a great fury. It rained continuously and heavily for fifteen days. This caused floods everywhere in Haryana. Many villages were affected by these floods. The standing crops were drowned in water. Many mud-houses fell down. The condition was not much better in the cities. The road and railway traffic was disrupted. Trees were uprooted. In many villages people passed their time on house tops or on the trees. Many people died of hunger. A great number of cattle died. Water diseases spread everywhere. The Government rushed help to the people caught in the floods. The army was called to help the civil officers. Food packets were dropped by aeroplanes also. Many people were taken to safe places. But the sight of the flood was unbearable.

3. Price Hike

Price hike or rising prices are the terms used to denote rise in prices of goods and services. Price hike is a common phenomenon and happens in most economies. For the common man, a hike in prices is always a matter of some concern. In an economy like India the concern is even bigger because a big part of our population is below poverty line and near to poverty line. For the common man, a price hike in one particular commodity can affect his entire budget and cut into his savings. In our country prices of vegetables are most vulnerable. Sometimes the prices of onions and tomatoes sour so high that people are stunned. There are many factors behind the price hike. In some cases the false shortage of commodities created by the black market traders cause the price hike. This type of hike creates panic among the people. Thus the government must take stem actions against the people involved in black market trading.

4. My First Visit To A Big City

I live in a small town. But last month I visited Delhi. It is the capital of India. It is a very big city. I was wonder-struck to see the life in this big city. There is big rush in Delhi. People are rushing from here to there all the day. The rush and traffic increase at about 9 A.M. When people go to offices, schools and colleges. There is again a great rush at about six in the evening when people come home from offices. I saw big buildings in Delhi. The railway station and the bus stand are big and crowded. There are a number of cinema houses in Delhi. While loitering on the road, 1 felt thirsty. I looked for a tap or a hand pump but 1 found none. 1 was surprised to find that even drinking water is sold there. I visited the Parliament House, the Zoo, the Red Fort and the Birla Mandir. I heaved a sigh of relief when I returned to the calm and peaceful atmosphere of my small tow n.

5. My Visit To A Hill Station

Last year, I visited Mussourie. I and two of my friends went together. Mussourie is a beautiful hill station. It is surrounded by tall and majestic hills. From Dehradun, Mussourie is only one hour away by bus. The way to Mussourie from Dehradun is very steep. At night one can see the beautiful and shining city of Mussourie from Dehradun. In the same way, from Mussourie one can see below the lights of Dehradun at night. There are a number of beauty spots in and around Mussourie.

Thousands of tourists visit this hill station from India and the other countries. We stayed at Mussourie for a week. We went to see the Kempti Falls. We had a beautiful glimpse of the Himalayas from Lai Tibba hill. We enjoyed a ride in the rope-way trollies at gunhill. We visited Dhanllti also. The lake at Mussourie is small but beautiful. We did some shopping at the Chinese market. The memory of my visit to Mussourie will always remain fresh in my mind.

6. A Visit To A Historical Place

Last year, I went to Agra with one of my friends. We saw many buildings there. We went to see the Red Fort and the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri. But I was charmed by the beauty of the Taj Mahal. We saw the Taj in a full moon night. This glorious building was shining beautifully. Inside the Taj, there are graves of Shah Jahan and his queen Mumataz Mahal. Shah Jahan built this great building in the memory of his queen. When he died, he was also buried in the Taj. This grand building stands on the bank of the river Yamuna. The marble for the Taj Mahal was brought from Rajasthan. Every year a great number of tourists from all over the world come to see the Taj Mahal. The Agra City itself is not beautiful. The streets of the old city are narrow and dirty. But Agra is world famous because of the Taj Mahal.

7. My Visit To An International Trade Fair

Every year, an International Trade Fair is held at Delhi. Last year I also visited the International Trade Fair. It was held at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. I went with our school tour. We made our entry from Gate No. 1 and went inside. There was a lot of rush. Thousands of people and school and college students had come to visit this trade fair. Nearly all the states of India had set up their pavilions. These pavilions highlighted the industrial development achieved by each state. Apart from the industrial and technical progress, these pavilions gave a glimpse of the cultural life of these states. Many countries of the world also took part in it. They had put their stalls in a big building called ‘The Hall of Nations’. The main attractions of the fair was electronic goods.

8. How A Stranger Helped You

Last week, I was travelling in a train. I was going to New Delhi to see my sister. At a station I got down to buy a water bottle. But the train started to move before its time. I ran fastly to catch the train. Suddenly, I fell down and got hurt badly. One of the passengers saw me. He came to me and helped me in boarding the train. He took me to my seat. He gave me some water. He cleaned my wounds with his own handkerchief. Then he got some medicines and bandages from the nearby passengers. He gave me some tablets and put bandages on my wounds. He also helped me to reach at my sisters home. He was a very kind man. I will never forget him. Now, I have also decided to help others in their problems.

9. My Visit To A Zoo

Last Sunday, I happened to visit Delhi. There I went to see the Zoo. I went there with my uncle. The zoo in Delhi is one of the biggest zoo in Asia. It is situated near the Old Fort. As we entered the zoo, first of all, we saw birds. There were many kinds of birds. Some of them were very beautiful and rare. In the beginning there were water birds and then other kinds of birds. We saw ducks, geese, swans, parrots, cranes, herons, peacocks and many other birds. Then we saw the wild beasts. We saw lions, tigers, rhinos, bears and wolves. We enjoyed an elephant ride also. In a big pond there were hippos also. Their big mouths were fearful to look at. There is a separate enclosure for snakes. Some of these snakes looked fearful. We also saw huge crocodiles and alligators. We came back in the evening.

10. Role Of Newspapers

Reading of newspapers has become a habit for most of the people. Newspapers have a very important place in our life. A good newspaper is very useful for society. It satisfies the tastes of all kinds of people. A newspaper gives us latest news about the national and international events. For businessmen, there are advertisements. There is a sports page for the lovers of sports. The unemployed people can look for vacancies. There are matrimonial columns for the unmarried people. A good newspaper is a watch-dog of democracy. It fights against the injustice of the government. It informs people about what is happening in the society. A good newspaper is a source of entertainment also. Its Sunday edition carries articles and stories. Thus newspapers have become an important part of our life.

11. Torrential Rains In My Village

This year there were heavy rains in many parts of North India. There were torrential rains in our village and the surrounding areas. At first, people welcome rains. They got relief from the scorching heat of the summer. But soon the rains became a source of trouble. It continued raining for ten days. The people of the village faced a lot of difficulty. The streets of the village were full of water. As these are kutcha streets, they became muddy and slippery. There was a flood in the nearby ri ver. The flood water entered the village also. The standing crops were destroyed. A number of kutcha houses collapsed due to flood and continuous torrential rains. Many cattle died. The normal life was disrupted. Our village was cut off from the other villages or cities because the roads were washed away. After ten days, the rains stopped. But still it took many days for life to return normally.

12. When I Caught A Pick-Pocket

Last week, I went to Delhi to meet my uncle. In the evening we went to the Connaught Place. Suddenly a man cried that his pocket had been picked. Someone had taken out his purse from his back pocket. I saw that a man was running away. There was no doubt that he was the pick-pocket. I ran after him. It was a time of traffic rush. It was not easy to run after him on the busy roads of New Delhi. But I did not lose courage. At one point, he seemed to have been lost in the traffic. But I spotted him again because of his red shirt. At last 1 caught him near Palika Bazar. In the mean time a few other persons had gathered there. The pick-pocket took out a knife to strike me. But the crowd which had gathered there over-powered him and handed him over to the police. The man whose pocket had been picked also came there. He thanked me greatly when I returned his purse to him.

13. Travelling On The Roof Of A Crowded Bus

One day I was to go to Assandh from Kamal. It was very urgent for me to reach Assandh before 10 a.m. I reached Kamal bus stand at 8 a.m. There was a great rash at the bus stand. No bus had left for Assandh for the last thirty minutes. There was no sign of bus for my destination. I could do nothing but wait. After a long wait ultimately a private bus came. The conductor announced to board for Assandh. A big crowd rushed to board the bus. Everybody was in a hurry. I did try my best but in vain. The bus was almost packed. Not a single person could get in now. I was helpless. Then the conductor asked the passengers to sit on the roof of the bus. Soon the roof was also full. I made my mind to follow the crowd. I also climbed up the roof of the bus. The bus started for Assandh at 9 a.m. It was a frightening experience for me to travel on the roof of the bus but I thanked God when I reached Assandh and got down the bus.

14. When I Was Punished By My Teacher

I will never forget the day when I was punished by my teacher. It was the period of English. Our English teacher Sh. Ved Parkash Khanna was teaching us. The chapter was boring. I thought of having some fun. I made a paper aeroplane. When the teacher turned his back to write on he black-board, I flew the aeroplane. I wanted to send it to my friend sitting in the last row. But due to wind, the paper aeroplane flew towards the teacher. It settled on his bald head. All the boys of the class roared with laughter. The teacher became red with anger. From the comer of his eye, he had seen me flying the paper aeroplane. He took his stick and beat me. I felt pain but I tolerated it. It was my mistake. So I felt sorry and asked the teacher to forgive me. The teacher forgave me but I felt pained as I had been beaten before my class-fellows.

15. How I Felt When I Reached The Examination Hall Late

On 1st March, I set out of my house for taking my examination. It was the paper of English on that day. I went to the bus stand to catch the local bus. But due to rain, the local buses were not running on that day. I took a three-wheeler and asked the driver to rush me to the examination centre. But unluckily, a tyre of the three¬wheeler got burst on the way. I was worried as the time for the examination was drawing near. Luckily, I saw one of my friends going on a cycle. I asked him to give me a lift. He agreed, and I sat behind him on the bicycle. But the examination centre was far away. He tried his best but 1 reached the examination hall half an hour late. The examination had already started. Tears came into my eyes. But the Superintendent was a kind man. He told me not to worry and admitted me to the examination hall. His kind words gave me courage and I started writing my answers. I fared well in the examination. I will always remain indebted to that kind superintendent.

16. Watching A Cricket Match On T.V. Screen

Cricket has become a very popular game in our country. I am also fond of cricket. Recently 1 watched the one day cricket match between India and Pakistan for the World Cup. I remained sitting before the T.V. set for the whole day, watching the match. It is joyful to watch a cricket match on the T.V. screen. Three of my friends also came to my house. We four friends watched the cricket match together. It is a pleasure to see a cricket match alongwith our friends. We can gossip while watching the game. We can share our joy when Indian team plays well. The match between Pakistan and India was very interesting. India won the match by their superior batting and bowling. Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir batted well. But it was the bowling of Harbhajan and Shri Kant which brought us victory.

17. How I Helped The Victims Of An Accident

Last Sunday there was an accident in our city. A bus collided with a truck. Six bus passengers died at once. More than twenty passengers were wounded. Ten of them were in a serious condition. I was passing by that area when the accident occurred. 1 at once decided to help the injured passengers. I stopped the taxis and rickshaws and requested them to take the passengers to the hospital. In a few minutes all the ten seriously wounded passengers were taken to the hospital. The doctors at once attended to them. But five of these passengers immediately needed blood transfusion. Unluckily the blood was not available in the hospital. So I rushed to my college. 1 talked to my friends and told them about the accident. Within a few minutes seven boys agreed to donate blood. We all rushed to the hospital. We told the doctors to take our blood. Our blood was given to the seriously injured passengers and their lives were saved.

18. ‘Telephone : A Nuisance’

In today’s world demand of telephone as well as mobile phone is souring day-by-day. It has taken place of calenders, clocks, dictionary, etc. Apart from all its advantages, it has many disadvantages. The children these days are becoming addicted to mobile phones. They are getting serious brain disorders and personality disorders. It has started harming their health as they are becoming lazy. Their physical growth is hampered because they are stuck to mobile phones all the time. Sometimes while walking on the roads, people are used to talking on phone. They forget about road signals and meet serious accidents. It has harmed the social fabric of the society also. If there are five members in a family sitting in their drawing room, they have little time to talk to one another. Each one of them is busy with the mobile phone using facebook or twitter account. Thus telephone has become a nuisance to the modem society.

19. Corruption In Public Life

Corruption has become very common these days. This evil is spread in all fields of life. Taking and giving of bribes is a common thing now. Nobody feels any shame about it. In today’s life nothing can be done without bribes. In government offices, the clerks as well as officers openly demand bribes. We have become immoral. We are running after money all the time. This desire for more and more money has made us corrupt. But there is an urgent need to fight against corruption. We should neither demand nor give bribes. This is not only a legal crime but also a crime against morality. The government has made anti-comlption laws. But only laws cannot do anything. We must change our own character. We must fight against corruption. We should boycott those persons who are corrupt. They should be put to shame. Only then we can check the growing corruption.

20. My Experience At An Nss Camp

Last year, I attended an NSS Camp at village Kashipur. This camp was organised by the NSS unit of our school. The aim of the camp was to educate the villagers about cleanliness and adult education. The duration of the camp was fifteen days. We found that the villagers were illiterate. We taught them how to read and write. We met the Zamindar of the village. His name was Shibu Babu. We asked him to work for the welfare of the villagers. We taught the villagers how to keep their streets neat and clean. We went into the houses of
many persons. We also met Gafur. He was a very poor villager. But he was a kind man. He offered us tea. We enjoyed our NSS camp greatly. Time passed very fast. At last the camp came to end and we returned to our homes.

21. Helping The Flood Affected People

Last year, there were wide-spread floods in Haryana. Many areas were completely submerged in water. A great number of people became homeless. Their crops and houses were destroyed. There was a huge loss of life and property. Many water-borne disease were spread. However, many good people helped the victims of floods. A number of organizations came to the help of the flood affected people. A number of camps were organised. Here, people were given free food, shelter and medicines. Some teams of doctors went from village to village and distributed free medicines. Some people were trapped in their village. The government dropped food packets to them from helicopters. Some marooned people were saved with the help of boats.

22. When I Celebrated My Birthday

Last month, I celebrated my 16th birthday. It was celebrated with pomp and show. The big drawing room of our house was decorated beautifully. My father had invited all his close friends. I had invited all my class- fellows. Many families from our colony were invited. The birthday cake was big and beautifully made. Sixteen candles were put on it. These candles showed that it was my sixteenth birthday. I touched the feet of my parents and received their blessings. Then I blew out the sixteen candles one by one. All the guests shouted with joy, “Happy birthday to you.” Then I cut the birthday cake and distributed its small pieces among the guests. I got beautiful presents from my near and dear ones. My father had arranged an orchestra for this purpose. It presented very good programme of music. In the end, the guests were given a dinner. I will never forget my sixteenth birthday.

23. The Morning Scene In A Village

Life in a village is calm and peaceful. The morning scene in a village is very different from that in a city. In the village, the atmosphere is very peaceful. There is no noise or sound. The air is pure and fresh. Birds are chirping in the trees. Last week I went to one of my friends who lives in a village. I spent the night with him. In the morning, we went out for a walk. It was a pleasant experience. The farmers and labourers were going to work in the fields in the early morning. The sight of the crops waving in the wind gave me a lot of pleasure. We went to the river that lies beyond the village. In the morning light, the water of the river looked clean and sparkling. Some persons were taking bath in the river. We also took off our clothes and jumped into the river. The cool and fresh water refreshed our bodies and minds. Indeed the morning scene in a village is very pleasant.

24. A Visit To Rajghat

Rajghat is a great monument of Modem India. It is a sacred place. It is the place where the body of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, was cremated. It is situated in Delhi on the banks of the Jamuna. It has become a place of pilgrimage. I went to see it along with my school friends. We went along a stony path that led us to the inner gates. Then we reached the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a mound covered with black stone slab. On the slab, the word “Hey Ram” are carved. These were the last words uttered by the Mahatma. We saw a variety of flowers all around and an air of peace appeared to be prevailing all over the place. We paid our homage to the great soul. This place is visited by all the foreign dignitaries who come to India. It is a place of utmost sanctity.

25. A Science Fair

Last week a science fair was organized in our school. It was organized by the Science Club of our school. The students and the teachers had worked hard for the fair. The fair was held in the big hall of the school. The District Education Officer inaugurated the Science Fair. The aim of the fair was to show the progress of our country in the field of science. Secondly, it aimed at creating interest for science among the students. In the fair, more than 12 items were on display. Most of these were working models. The model of the steam engine was wonderful. Then there were charts which showed how an atomic chain reaction takes place. The model of the space rocket was fascinating. The students who ran the different stalls, explained things with confidence. Apart from the students, people from the city also visited the fair. They were impressed by it. The District Education Officer appreciated the work done by the students and the teachers.

26. An Ideal Citizen

The greatness of a country depends on the quality of its citizens. An ideal citizen fights for his rights. But he first performs his duties and then demands his rights. An ideal citizen knows the value of his vote. Therefore, he votes for the most deserving candidate no matter to which party he belongs. An ideal citizen is broad-minded. He does not hate the people belonging to the other castes or religions. An ideal citizen follows the path of reason. He is not a slave to old customs and traditions. He is ready to adopt the good wherever he finds it and give up the evil wherever it may be. An ideal citizen always keeps hjmself away from evil. Because he does no wrong, he is fearless and always holds his head high. An ideal citizen is law-abiding and has respect for the rights of his fellow-citizens. He is hard working and earns his living only through honest means. It is on such ideal citizens that the future of a country depends.

27. Knowledge Is Power

Gone are the days when might was right. There is no doubt that a man who is physically strong and whose purse is full, commands power over others. But the power of knowledge is greater. A man of knowledge can overcome even wealthy persons.

Knowledge enables man to discriminate between right and wrong, between good and bad. It enables man to face dangers and difficulties with courage and confidence. It gives him mental, moral and spiritual advancement. In the past man lived in caves in the jungles. He was afraid of animals. But as he gained knowledge, he gained mastery over nature. He gained mastery over wild beasts. Today he can control the forces of nature. He has landed on the moon. Nothing remains unknown to him. He has become a great scientist, a noble artist and a mighty creator of things. Advancement of civilization and culture would be impossible without knowledge, Thus, knowledge is power.

28. My Favqurite Teacher

I read in S.D. High School, Ferozpur. There are twenty teachers in my school. They are very good and hard working. I like them all. But Sh. Bharat Bhushan is my favourite teacher. He teaches us English. He is an M.A.B.Ed. He is about forty years old. He is active and good looking. He is quite healthy. He has black hair and bright eyes. He is Very popular in the school. All the students love him. He also loves the students. He teaches in a good way. He has good habits. He gets up early in the morning. He wears simple but clean clothes. He is polite to all. He is very hard working. He is very regular. He is never late. He is an ideal teacher. He helps the poor students. He has written many books also. He is a good speaker. I love my teacher. May he live long !

29. Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was a great son of India. He was a great leader. He was bom on 2nd October, 1869. His mother was a gentle lady. His father was the Diwan of a state. He passed his matriculation examination. He went to England for higher studies. He passed law. He became a barrister. Then he came back to India. Mahatma Gandhi went to South Africa. He worked for the good of the Indians living there. Then he came back to India. He fought for our freedom. He went to jail many times. He got India freed. India became free in 1947. People called him Bapu with love. He loved truth. He worked for the poor people and the Harijans. He was assassinated on 30th January, 1948. Mahatma Gandhi was a great Indian. We can never forget him.

30. Claboad Accident

In March last year, I was going to Delhi. The bus was going very fast. Near Bahadurgarh, the driver saw a boy crossing the road. In order to save the boy, he turned to the left. But as the bus was very fast, he could not control it. He struck against a way side tree and turned turtle. I thought that my end had come. There were cries of men, women and children. But it was a miracle that no life was lost. Some of the passengers received minor injuries. Luckily, I escaped without any injury. All the passengers came out of the upside down bus. There was a doctor among the passengers. He had some medicines with him. He gave first aid to the injured passengers. After about one hour, we boarded another bus and resumed our journey, I thanked God for saving me and others.

31 .Road Safety

Today in India our roads have become much overloaded by vehicles. While being on the road, road safety is very necessary. Today road accidents are the leading cause of deaths in India. Thousands of people lose their lives in road accidents every year in our country. If road users are well aware of road safety rules, the number of deaths in road accidents can be reduced. Everyone should learn the road traffic and safety rules at a very early age to perform safer behaviours in the later life. Everyone going on the road, especially drivers, must be to the left and let other vehicles pass on the opposition direction to the right.

Drivers should be in slow speed while bending or turning on the roads. People should take extra precaution while going on the over-crowded roads. Bikers or people using two wheel vehicles must wear helmets of superior quality. Speed of the vehicles should be within the speed limits and slow especially in the areas of school, hospital, colony etc. Every vehicle on the road should maintain the right distance among them \o avoid accidents. Everyone using road should be well aware of the road signs and must follow traffic rules. All the road safety rules and regulations must be in mind while travelling.

32. Road Safety Rules For Children

According to the statistics it is found that there are most of the road accidents in which children are involved, so they are at high risk than other age group people. Children are children, no one can be sure about what they will do next at home or other crowded places especially road during traffic situation. They must be taught some of the basic road safety rules. Parents should teach their children to be extra attentive and look left and right before crossing the road. They should always cross the roads by holding hands of their elders or friends.

When they are walking on foot on the road they should walk only on the footpath. They should never run on the road. They need to be more cautious on the road without getting distracted by anything. They should be taught to only cross the roads at crossroads after seeing traffic signals for pedestrians. They must be aware of the meaning of colours-red means stop, green means go and yellow means also stop or be ready to stop or start. Children should be taught not to play on the road. They should not use earphones or other music listening instruments while riding bicycles on the road. Parents should follow all the road safety rules and traffic rules while driving vehicles to establish good examples in front of their children as they are first example in the lives of their kids.

33. A Hot Summer Day

It was the day of 25th May. The sky was all clear. The sun rose very brightly. From the very morning the sun started showering fire. It was very hot that day. There was no sign of air any where. Unfortunately the electricity supply failed due to high temperature. There was burning heat that day. Human beings, animals and birds-all seemed restless. All were searching for shade. The streets looked deserted. Everyone was praying God for a shower of rain. But it seemed that God was with the sun. It was evening by then. The sun set. But even after the sun set there was heat in the atmosphere. At about 9p.m. a cool breeze started blowing. It was a blessing for everyone. It was a hard hot summer day.

34. Birthday Party

Last Sunday, I attended a birthday party of my friend Somesh. He arranged his birthday party in the hotel ‘The Palm’. The scene of the party was very beautiful. Our all friends were wearing new clothes. Somesh was looking very smart. I wished him for his birthday and gave a birthday present to him. When he cut the cake all of us sang a birthday song for him. Then we had some refreshment. The musicians played a party song and requested to all friends to come for dance. One of our friends gave a beautiful performance of his dance. Then we went for dinner. The food was very tasty. Before leaving I wished my friend again. I reached home at 10.00 pm. It was a great day for me.

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions Reading Comprehension Unseen Passages Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Reading Comprehension Unseen Passages

What is Comprehension?
Comprehension का अर्थ है किसी बात को अच्छी प्रकार समझना। Comprehension के पैराग्राफ के नीचे दिए गए प्रश्न इस बात को परखने के लिए होते हैं कि आपने उस पैराग्राफ को कितनी अच्छी तरह से समझा है।

इस प्रश्न के उत्तर में छात्र प्रायः दो गलतियाँ करते हैं :
(a) वे पैराग्राफ को अच्छी तरह पढ़ते नहीं हैं और
(b) वे प्रश्नों का उत्तर अपनी भाषा में नहीं देते। वे प्रश्नों के उत्तर बिना भाषा बदले Passage में से नकल कर लेते हैं, चाहे वे ठीक या सही न भी बैठे।

Comprehension का प्रश्न हल करते समय निम्नलिखित कुछ नियमों को ध्यान में रखें :
1. Passage को ध्यान से पढ़ो और उसे अच्छी प्रकार समझो। अगर कुछ शब्दों के सही अर्थ आपको पता नहीं लग रहे तो भी ध्यान से पढ़ने पर Passage का भाव आपको समझ आ जाएगा।
2. पूरे Passage का भाव या main idea समझो और देखो कि लेखक क्या कहना चाहता है।
3. अब सभी प्रश्नों को ध्यान से पढ़ो और समझो कि उनमें क्या पूछा गया है।
4. अब Passage में जहाँ-जहाँ इन प्रश्नों के उत्तर हैं, वहाँ निशान लगा लो।
5. अब इन प्रश्नों के उत्तर उत्तरपुस्तिका में अपनी भाषा में लिख दीजिए।
6. प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर उसी Tense में दो जिस Tense में यह पूछा गया है अर्थात यदि प्रश्न में do लगा होता है तो उत्तर verb की Ist form में देते हैं। यदि प्रश्न में does लगा होता है तो उत्तर verb की Ist form + s/es के साथ देते हैं और यदि प्रश्न में did लगा होता है तो उत्तर verb की 2nd form में देते हैं।
7. प्रश्नों के उत्तर सटीक (Tothe point) होने चाहिएँ। जो कुछ पूछा गया है, केवल उसी का उत्तर दो। व्यर्थ की बातें मत लिखें।
8. यदि Passage का शीर्षक देने को कहा गया हो तो शीर्षक संक्षिप्त होना चाहिए और उस Passage के theme पर आधारित होना चाहिए।
9. उत्तर लिखते समय लिखाई का विशेष ध्यान रखें तथा cutting और overwriting न करें।
10. सभी प्रश्नों के उत्तर क्रमानुसार दें।

Comprehension With Question Answer

Some Solved Examples

Read the following passages and answer the questions given at the end of each :

PASSAGE 1

There is no doubt that wine is a curse. Gandhiji said that wine destroys both the body and the soul. Drinking is the mother of many evils. It is injurious to health. Alcohol shortens the life of those who drink much. Its most disastrous effect is on kidneys, liver, heart and nervous system.

Drinking wine gives rise to many crimes. Some criminals make, spurious wine. Many deaths are caused by drinking such wine. It makes a man brute. It ruins mans family life. A drunkard is not able to devote time, to his children and family. As a result his children go astray in life. He spends most of his money on wine as a result his children are deprived of proper food, education, clothes etc. There are often quarrels between the drunk husband and his wife. This has bad effect on the minds of the growing children.

The government should enforce prohibition. There should be a ban on granting licenses for opening wine shops. There should be check on drinking.

Questions:
(a) Why does the narrator call drinking wine a curse?
(b) What is the view of Gandhiji in this regard?
(c) How does drinking give rise to many crimes?
(d) What ruins man’s family life and how?
(e) What should the government do?
(f) Find word from the passage which means ‘not genuine/false/fake’
Answers:
(a) The narrator calls drinking wine a curse because it destroys both the body and the soul.
(b) In Gandhiji’s view wine destroys both the body and the soul.
(c) Some criminals make spurious wine. Many deaths are caused by drinking such wine.
(d) A drunkard is not able to devote time, to his children and family. As a result his children go astray in life.
(e) The government should enforce prohibition.
(f) Spurious.

PASSAGE 2

Subhash Chandra Bose was a great leader of India. He was bom on 23rd January, 1896. People called him ‘Netaji’ because he led them to the right path. He went to jail many times. Soon he found out that more efforts should be made to make India free. The British power was getting weakened in the second world war. He thought of striking it from all sides. One day, he escaped from Kolkata in the guise of a Pathan and went to Germany. From there, he went to Japan. He organized the Indian National Army that fought many battles against the British armies. He said to his countrymen, ‘Give me blood and I will give you freedom’. At this appeal, hundreds of Indians abroad gave their all for the good of India. It was a bad day for India when Netaji died in an air crash. We shall always remember him as the greatest fighter for the freedom of India.
Questions:
(a) Who was Subhash Chandra Bose and when was he bom?
(b) How was Subhash Chandra Bose addressed by people? Why?
(c) Where did he escape and how?
(d) What did he do to fight against British armies?
(e) What slogan did he give to his countrymen?
(f) What was the response of people at his call?
Answers:
(a) Subhash Chandra Bose was a great leader of India. He was bom on 23rd January, 1896.
(b) People called him ‘Netaji’ because he led them to the right path..
(c) He escaped from Kolkata in the guise of a pathan.
(d) He organized the Indian National Army to fight against British armies.
(e) ‘Give me blood and I will give you freedom’
(f) At his appeal, hundreds of Indians abroad gave their all for the good of India.

PASSAGE 3

AIIMS admitted 150 patients with alcohol-related liver failure from 2011 to 2015. Of this, the study said, 96 died within 10 days despite all possible medical intervention.
Follow – up of the rest of the patients who were discharged when their condition got stable revealed that nearly 20% died within three to four months and another 20% in a year.

‘Once you have got acute-on chronic liver failure due to alcohol, survival is rare. Transplant, the only life-saving treatment option, is not possible immediately because three months of abstinence from alcohol is required’ said Dr Shalimar, associate professor of gastroenterology at AIIMS.

There is no medicine for alcoholism. ‘Abstinence is the only way to prevent liver failure and deaths caused by that. The government needs to create awareness to prevent excessive drinking’

A recent survey published in Global Heart, a reputed medical journal, showed alcohol use has gone up from 16.1% to 25.6% among urban dwellers in Delhi in the past 20 years. The increase in alcohol use in rural areas in the corresponding period is nearly four times – from 8% to 33.2% – the survey found.

‘We admitted 427 patients with acute – on chronic liver failure from 2011 to 2015 at the hospital. Of this, a maximum 150 (40.8%) cases were alcohol-related, followed by hepatitis B virus infection (71, 19.3%), hepatitis E (45,12.2%), autoimmune hepatitis flare – up (17,4.6%), antituberculosis drugs (16, 4.3%) and hepatitis A (2,0.5%). In 67 patients (18.2%), the cause of acute liver failure couldn’t be ascertained’ he said.

The AIIMS doctor added alcohol-related liver failure cases have poorer prognosis, ‘Most of them required ventilator supports, their blood was thinner and brain damage was higher too’, he added. Dr. S.K. Sarin, director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), said most alcoholics are calorie – deprived, ‘Most infections cause leaky bowel. But in case of alcoholics, this problem is severe. Due to this, bacteria easily get into liver from the small intestine, thus aggravating organ failure status, he added.
He, however, stressed the need to create awareness about harmful effects of binge drinking.
Questions :
(a) What happens to the patients who go to AIIMS with alcohol-related liver failure ?
(b) What is the best treatment for patients suffering from acute on chronic liver failure due to alcohol ?
(c) What is the best way to prevent liver failure and death due to alcohol ?
(d) In which areas of India is the use of alcohol increasing more rapidly ?
(e) What is the effect of binge drinking ?
Answers:
(a) 96 patients out of 150 patients died within 10 days.
(b) Liver transplant is the best treatment for patients suffering from acute or chronic liver failure.
(c) Abstinence is the only way to prevent liver failure and death due to alcohol.
(d) In rural areas of India the use of alcohol is increasing more rapidly.
(e) Due to binge drinking the organs of the body get infection and their working fail.

PASSAGE 4

Every civilization has its periods of progress and fall. Many civilizations of the world, like the Babylon and the Greece were once very high. But today Babylon has disappeared and the Greeks are just a pale shadow of their ancient selves. India too had its period of ascendancy. There was a time when India was called ‘A sparrow of Gold’. Our periods of history like the Gupta or the reign of Ashoka were glorious.

But then came the downfall of India. Our country committed a mistake. We grew rich but not powerful. We had wealth, but no power to protect that wealth. As a result a number of invaders attacked us, looted us and then left. But some rulers came to stay, like the Muslims. They exploited the country.

The coming of the British added to our woes and finished us. They took away whatever wealth was left in the country. We were at zero level economically when they left India. At present we are again rich and one of the top economies of the world. We are also powerful, no country can attack and loot us so easily now.
Questions:
(a) What do you know about the civilization of Babylon?
(b) What was the fate of the civilization of Greece?
(c) What was India’s position in ancient times?
(d) What mistake contributed to the downfall of India?
(e) What do you know about Muslim invaders from the passage?
(f) Who added to our woes and how?
Answers:
(a) Once, the Babylon was a very high civilization but today it has disappeared.
(b) The Greece was once a very high civilization but today they are just a pale shadow of their ancient.
(c) There was a time when India was called ‘A sparrow of Gold’.
(d) Our country committed a mistake. We grew rich but not powerful. We had wealth, but no power to protect that wealth. As a result a number of invaders attacked us, looted us and then left.
(e) The Muslim invaders stayed in India and exploited the country.
(f) The British added to our woes and finished us. They took away whatever wealth was left in the country.

PASSAGE 5

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom. Knowing his father could well afford it, he told him all that he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible with the young man’s name embossed in gold. Having been angry, he raised his voice to his father and said, ‘with all your money, you give me a Bible ?’ and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had beautiful home and wonderful family. He realized that his father was very old, and hence he should have gone to him. He had not seen him since the graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and reverence filled his heart. He began to search through his father’s important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. And as he did, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words ‘ PAID IN FULL’.

How many times do we miss spirit’s blessings and answers to our prayers because they do not arrive exactly as we have expected ?
Questions :
(a) What did the young man want from his father ?
(b) Why did his father call the young man in his private study ?
(c) What was the reaction of the young man to see the present ?
(d) After many years, what did the young man realize ?
(e) Find word from the passage which means raised design
Answers:
(a) The young man wanted a beautiful sports car from his father.
(b) His father called the young man in his private study to give him a beautiful wrapped gift box.
(c) The young man was very much angry to see the present.
(d) After many years, the young man realized that his father was very old and he should have gone to him.
(d) Embossed.

PASSAGE 6

Language is a wonderful gift given to man. No animal possesses this gift, but they have their own way of expressing themselves. When a rabbit sees an enemy, it runs away into its hole. Its tail, which is white, bobs up and down as it runs. The other rabbits see it and they run too. They know that there is a danger. When a cobra is angry, it raises its hood and makes itself look fierce. This warns other animals. When a bee has found some food, it goes back to the hive. It cannot tell the other bees where the food is by speaking to them, but it does a kind of dance in the air. Some animals say things by making sounds. A dog barks when a stranger comes near.
Questions :
(a) What is a wonderful gift to man?
(b) How does a rabbit express itself in case of danger?
(c) What does cobra do when it is angry?
(d) How does a bee inform about the presence of food?
(e) How does a dog communicate?
(f) Use the word possess in your own sentence.
Answers:
(a) Language is a wonderful gift to man.
(b) When a rabbit sees an enemy, it runs away into its hole by bobbing up and down its tail as it runs.
(c) When a cobra is angry it raises its hood and makes itself look fierce.
(d) A bee does a kind of dance to tell the other bees where the food is.
(e) A dog communicates by barking.
(f) My uncle possesses great communication skills.

PASSAGE 7

Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. It aims at the welfare of all people and not that of one person or a group of persons. When India became free in 1947, our great leaders decided to have a democratic form of Government in India. The Indian Constitution gives equal rights to every citizen. Every person in India has the right to equal opportunities. We have freedom of speech, and the right to property, our fundamental rights are meant for ensuring equality between every individual.

Over the past years, there have been many setbacks to our democracy. The declaration of emergency in 1975 was the biggest attack on it. There are many other challenges to face as a nation. There is corruption in the country. No body thinks in terms of the nation. People like to think in terms of region, religion, race, caste and language. People have no tolerance for others religion, race, caste and language. Even political parties seek vote in the name of religion, race, caste, area and language. All these factors make the country weak. We should work unitedly.
Questions :
(a) What is the definition of democracy?
(b) What is its aim?
(c) What are the different fundamental rights given in the Constitution?
(d) What was the biggest setback to Indian democracy?
(e) What factors make the country weak?
(f) What should we do to make it strong?
Answers:
(a) Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
(b) It aims at the welfare of all people and not that of one person or a group of persons.
(c) Every person in India has the right to equal opportunities. We have freedom of speech and the right to property.
(d) The declaration of emergency in 1975 was the biggest setback to Indian democracy.
(e) Factors of corruption, region, religion, caste, area, race and language make the country weak.
(f) We should work unitedly to make it strong.

PASSAGE 8

Drug addiction is a major social evil of modem times. It has transcended all barriers of caste, colour creed and sex. It is a problem that is eating into the vitals of society. In the beginning, a person takes a drug out of curiosity. There are some who take drugs simply for the thrill it gives them. The tragedy is that once a person gets used to taking any kind of intoxicating drug it becomes addiction. His body develops dependence on the drug. He has to steadily increase the dose. Even if at any point of his life, he realizes his folly, it becomes extremely difficult for him to give up drugs.

It is like being in the clutches of a monster. It is pathetic to see a drag addict, when he does not get his usual dose. His whole body writhes in pain which drives him to madness. Besides, taking drugs is expensive. Therefore, it drives drug addicts to stealing, committing petty crimes and other antisocial activities. It is not surprising that drug addicts become antisocial elements. Drugs completely destroy their mental faculties to think clearly and to rationalize.
Questions :
(a) What harm is the evil of drug addiction doing to our society ?
(b) Why does a person take drugs in the beginning ?
(c) When does drug-taking become addiction ?
(d) What happens when a drug addict does not get his usual dose ?
(e) Which word in the passage means to stop or quit ?
Answers:
(a) The evil of drug addiction is eating into the vitals of society.
(b) In the beginning a person takes drugs simply for the thrill it gives him.
(c) Once a person gets used to taking any kind of intoxicating dmg it becomes addiction.
(d) When a drug addict does not get his usual dose, his whole body writhes in pain which drives him to madness.
(e) to give up.

PASSAGE 9

God created universe in the image of paradise. And there is no doubt. Once the world was very beautiful and could be called heaven. There were clean and sparkling rivers. There were dense jungles. In those jungles there was wildlife in abundance. The air was fresh and pure. But all this has changed. Man has polluted the whole world.

The world today faces a great danger. It is the danger of environmental pollution. During the last few years there has been reckless cutting of trees all over the world. Also, there has been fast industrialization of every country. Big factories emit millions of tons of smoke every day. Then there has been great increase in the number of trucks, buses, cars and scooters. These emit poisonous gases that pollute the atmosphere.
Questions :
(a) How was the world (universe) created by God?
(b) What type of world was in earlier times?
(c) What was the condition of forests, rivers, wildlife and air at that time?
(d) Who is responsible for polluting the world?
(e) How has the increase in the number of factories contributed to environmental pollution?
(f) Why is not the increasing number of vehicles good for atmosphere?
Answers:
(a) God created world (universe) in the image of paradise.
(b) In the earlier times the world was very beautiful and could be called heaven.
(c) There were clean and sparkling rivers. There were dense jungles. In those jungles there was wildlife in abundance. The air was fresh and pure.
(d) Man is responsible for polluting the world.
(e) Big factories emit millions of tons of smoke every day.
(f) These.emit poisonous gases that pollute the atmosphere.

PASSAGE 10

A fuel is a material that is burned in order to get heat and light and also to generate power. The process of burning is a chemical reaction. A material combines with oxygen from the air and gives off energy. The energy is given off in the form of heat and light. Fuels can also be classified as solid; liquid and gaseous. Wood was one of the first fuels used by man. It was the easiest to get and the cheapest. After wood started becoming scarce, it was replaced by coal.

Coal contains a high percentage of carbon. Carbon is the most important ingredient in most fuels. Fuels with a high percentage of carbon bum evenly and with a hot flame. The most important liquid fuels come from petroleum. However petroleum reserves are becoming exhausted with the passage of time.
Questions:
(a) Why is the fuel burned?
(b) What is the process of burning called?
(c) In which form is the energy released?
(d) How has fuel been classified?
(e) What does coal contain?
(f) Which liquid fuel is mentioned in the passage?
Answers:
(a) The fuel is burned in order to get heat and light and also to generate power.
(b) The process of burning is called a chemical reaction.
(c) The energy is released in the form of heat and light.
(d) Fuel has been classified as solid, liquid and gaseous.
(e) Coal contains a high percentage of carbon.
(f) Liquid fuel petroleum is mentioned in the passage.

PASSAGE 11

Just by the use of colours you can balance your diet. All you need to do is to pay a little attention to the food you eat. Nutrition experts strongly recommend adding colours to your diet. Sweets and candy bars are generally colourful, but remember they do not contain natural colours and hence are not healthy. The key solution is a variety of naturally coloured foods. The deeper the colour, the greater the benefits. Getting more colours in your diet doesnt mean you have to drastically change your current eating habits.

Have a glass of 100% juice in the morning. Keep a mix of dried fruits on hand for a quick snack. Grab an apple or banana on your way out. Include at least two vegetables in your dinner. Get into the habit of starting your dinner with a salad. Eat fruit for dessert. Always add greens to sandwiches.

Most red fruits and vegetables contain an antioxidant, which offers protection against ultraviolet rays and Cancer and helps to prevent urinary tract infections and diseases related to the circulatory system. Green vegetables not only look great but also possess excellent antioxidant properties that protect your eyes by keeping the retina in good condition and reduce the risk of cancerous tumours.

Orange and yellow group contain beta – carotene, an antioxidant that improves cell communication and thereby helps to stop the spread of cancer. Blue and purple group not only adds an element of tranquility and richness to your plate, but also has an influence on the pineal gland (the third eye) and the nervous system. White group contains sulphur compounds that protect DNA and also contain flavonoids, the antioxidants that protect cell membranes.

Therefore, the more colourful your diet is (all natural colours, of course), the better equipped your immune system is to cope with diseases.
Questions :
(a) Why are sweets and candy bars not healthy ?
(b) How do antioxidants help us ?
(c) How do green vegetables help us ?
(d) What improves our immune system to cope with diseases ?
(e) Find word from the passage which means greatly
Answers:
(a) Sweets and candy bars are not healthy because they do not contain natural colours.
(b) Antioxidants help us in protecting against ultraviolet rays and cancer and help to protect urinary tract infections.
(c) Green vegetables possess excellent oxidant properties that protect our eyes by keeping the retina in good condition and reduce the risk of cancerous tumours.
(d) A diet full of natural colours improves our immune system to cope with diseases.
(e) Richness.

PASSAGE 12

Junk food is a term describing food that is perceived to be unhealthy or having poor nutritional value, according to Food Standard Agency. The term is believed to have been coined by Michael Jacobson, Director of the Centre for Science in the public interest, in 1972. The term has since become common usage.

Junk food typically contains high level of fat, salt or sugar and numerous food additives such as monosodium glutamate and tartrazine; at the same time it is lacking in proteins, vitamins and fibre, among others. It is popular with suppliers because it is relatively cheap to manufacture, has a long shelf life and may not require refrigeration. It is popular with and has lots of consumers because it is easy to purchase, requires little or no preparation, convenient to consume and lots of flavours. Consumption of junk food is associated with obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and dental cavities. There is also concern about the targeting of the marketing at children.

What constitutes a junk food may be confusing and according to critics, includes elements of class snobbery and moral judgement. For example, fast food such as hamburgers and French fries supplied by companies such as McDonalds KFC and Pizza Hut are often perceived as junk foods whereas same meals supplied by more upmarket outlets such as Pizza Express or Nandos are not despite often having the same or worse nutritional content. Other food such as Foie Gras, roast potatoes and bread are not considered junk food despite having limited nutritional content. Similarly, breakfast cereals are often regarded as healthy but may have high level of sugar, salt and fat. Many critics believe that junk food is not harmful when consumed as part of a balanced diet and some believe that the term should not be used at all.
Questions :
(a) How is junk food perceived ?
(b) What does junk food typically contain ?
(c) With what is junk food associated ?
(d) When, according to many critics, is junk food not harmful ?
(e) Find out a word in the passage which is similar in meaning to seen ?
Answers:
(a) Junk food is perceived to be unhealthy or having poor nutritional value.
(b) Junk food typically contains high level of fat, salt or sugar and numerous food additives such as monosodium glutamate and tartrazine.
(c) Junk food is associated with obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and dental cavities.
(d) Many critics believe that junk food is not harmful when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
(e) Perceived.

PASSAGE 13

Polythene shopping bags and wrappers are potential threat to urban environment. Once you have discarded them after use, you do not lose your link with them. They return to you in a variety of ways, though you do not realize it. For example, they choke your drains and provide breeding facilities to deadly germs. A recent study has shown that about 250 tonnes of plastic wastes come out of various colonies of major cities alone every day. This disrupts the sewer system, the essential arteries of city life. These plastic wastes choke the land mass and clog the pores of the wetlands.

Unfortunately, even the villages and small towns are not free from this danger. Millions of people returning to their hometowns everyday carry their shopping in colourful bags. This pleases their family and children, who after preserving them for a time, dispose them in wells, rivers, tanks and drains. Many throw them off into the fields. They do it with a sense of pride, to show off. When their neighbours see that their men from the cities regularly bring them those good things of life, they are impressed.

In Delhi, the worst offenders are the upper – income groups of the so – called posh colonies. Though educated, the residents of these affluent areas are unaware of the damage done by the plastic bags. Nearly a million children in Delhi schools carry their lunch boxes in plastic bags. They callously throw them away and cause unhealthy environment.
Questions:
(a) When do we throw away our polythene shopping bags ?
(b) What are the essential arteries of city life ?
(c) What do the villagers want to convey to their neighbours by throwing the plastic bags into the fields?
(d) How do the school children pollute the environment ?
(e) Which word in the passage means thrown away ?
Answers:
(a) After use we throw away our polythene shopping bags.
(b) The sewer system is the essential arteries of city life.
(c) They do it with a sense of pride, to show off.
(d) The school children carry their lunch boxes in plastic bags. They callously throw them away and cause unhealthy environment.
(e) Discharged.

PASSAGE 14

Living on the earth is rather like being at the bottom of a sea hundreds of miles deep. Without the atmosphere there would be no people or animals, birds or fishes, trees or plants. There would be no weather, winds or rain. And there would be no blue sky, no rosy sunsets or dawns. Fire would be impossible without air, for burning is the union of oxygen with whatever is burned. Nor would there be any noise, which is the vibration of air-waves against our ear drums.

By day the atmosphere serves as a great sun-shade. It protects the earth from the full force of the sun by absorbing most of its harmful radiation. But for the atmosphere the daytime temperature would rise to 230 degrees F : hotter than boiling water. By night, the air acts like a giant greenhouse. It imprisons the heat collected during the day, and prevents it from spreading into space. Otherwise the temperature at night would plunge to -300 degrees F : far colder than we could stand.

Finally the atmosphere catches and bums up, by friction, practically all the million meteors that fall each day from outer space into the earths field of gravity. If all these meteors actually landed here, the earths surface would be pitted and dented like the face of the moon, which has no atmosphere to stop them.
Questions:
(a) What is living on the earth like?
(b) For which creatures is atmosphere needed ?
(c) What are the other purposes for which atmosphere is needed ?
(id) Why is atmosphere needed for noise ?
(e) How does atmosphere serve as great sunshade ?
(f) How does atmosphere save earth from the impact of the meteor?
Answers: .
(a) Living on the earth is like being at the bottom of a sea hundreds of miles deep.
(b) Atmosphere is needed for people, animals, birds, fishes, trees or plants.
(c) Atmosphere is also needed for winds, rain, fire burning etc.
(d) Because without atmosphere there would not be any noise, which is the vibration of air-waves against our ear drums.
(e) It protects the earth from the full force of the sun by absorbing most of its harmful radiation.
(f) The atmosphere catches and bum up, by friction, practically all the million meteors that fall each day from the outer space into the earths field of gravity.

PASSAGE 15

It is widely acknowledged that education contributes significantly to economic development. The developed world understood much earlier the fact that individuals with proper education have an edge over their non-educated or half- educated counterparts. In terms of literacy, Indias achievements as compared to several Asian countries are disappointing. According to economists, the poor performance of India on the literacy field has affected the countrys economic development.

India has launched an ambitious project, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, to provide primary education to all children. One of the major aims of the government has been to reduce the large number of drop-outs from the schools because it affects the economic development.

Various studies by different economists have shown that investment in education promotes economic growth. In any field, illiterate workers are unskilled and untrained; their general health is very poor. Literacy as well as education can create more productive labour force having enhanced knowledge and skills which ultimately tend to boost productivity both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Literacy among common people is also necessary for political stability in any country. Literacy increases the thinking power and understanding of the good or bad. When the people are literate, they can easily see through the cunningness of corrupt political leaders, thereby lessening the possibility of their being shortchanged by the latter. Furthermore, educated folks tend to show a greater tendency towards fruitfully associating themselves with the establishment. With the increased participation rate of both men and women in local selfgovernance institutions, people can avail the opportunity to improve their local economic factors such as roads, electricity, etc.
Questions:
(a) What is the widely acknowledge fact about education ?
(b) What did the developed world understand about the importance of education ?
(c) What is the ambitious project launched by our government ?
(d) How does investment in education promote growth ?
(e) Find word from the passage which means accepted ?
Answers:
(a) It is widely acknowledged that education contributes significantly to economic development.
(b) The developed world understood much earlier the fact that individuals with proper education have an edge over their non-educated or half-educated counterparts.
(c) India has launched an ambitious project, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, to provide primary education to all children.
(d) ‘Literacy as well as education can create more productive labour force having enhanced knowledge and skills which ultimately tend to boost productivity both quantitatively and qualitatively.
(e) Acknowledged.

PASSAGE 16

Sarojini Naidu was educated in her early years under her fathers own care. He wanted her to become a great mathematician or scientist but she loved to dream and write poems. She was hardly eleven when she wrote her first poem. At thirteen she wrote a long poem in the manner of famous English poets.

After her matriculation .in India she went to England for higher education. In London she met Sir Edmund Gosse – a distinguished man of letters. He was impressed by her knowledge and intelligence. He was surprised to see that she had written poems in flawless English but felt disappointed to find that they had nothing of the east in them. They were all about English sights. From this day onwards, she devoted herself in writing verses about India.
Questions:
(a) Under whose care did Sarojini Naidu receive her education?
(b) What did Sarojinis father want to make her?
(c) At what age did Sarojini Naidu write the poem?
(d) At what age Sarojini Naidu write a long poem?
(e) What did Edmund Gosse find in her poems?
(f) What did she ultimately decide to write?
Answers:
(a) Sarojini Naidu received her education under the care of her father.
(b) He wanted her to become a great mathematician or scientist.
(c) Sarojini Naidu wrote the poem at the age of eleven.
(d) She wrote a long poem at the age of thirteen.
(e) Edmund Gosse found that there was nothing of the east in her poems.
(f) She ultimately devoted herself in writing verses about India.

PASSAGE 17

Trees give shade for the benefit of others, while they themselves stand in the sun and endure the scorching heat; they produce the fruit by which others profit. The character of a good man is like that of trees. What is the use of this perishable body, if it is not used for the benefit of the mankind ? Sandalwood – the more it is rubbed, the more scent does it yield. Sugarcane – the more it is peeled and cut into pieces, the more juice does it produce.

Gold – the more it is burnt, the more brightly it shines. The men who are noble at heart do not lose their qualities even by losing their lives. What matters whether men praise them or not ? What difference does it make whether riches abide with them or not? What does it signify whether they die at this moment or whether their lives are prolonged ? Happen what may, those who tread in the right path will not set foot in any other. Life itself is unprofitable to a man who does not live for others. To live for the mere sake of living ones life is to live the life of dogs or crows. Those who lay down their lives for the sake of humanity will assuredly live forever in the world of bliss.
Questions:
(a) What do trees do for us ?
(b) Why is a good man compared with gold ?
(c) What lessons do trees teach us ?
(d) What makes life profitable for a person ?
(e) What should be the ideals of a good man ?
Answers:
(a) Trees give us shade, fruit and wood.
(b) A good man is compared with gold because he never lose his good qualities even by losing his life.
(c) Trees teach us the lesson of laying down our life for the sake of humanity.
(d) Living for the welfare of others makes life profitable for a person.
(e) Living for the welfare of others should be the ideals for a good man.

PASSAGE 18

There are several reasons for a headache. Physical, emotional and mental factors, anxiety and tension are some of them. Sometimes, headache can be a signal of an underlying disease. More than medicines, Yoga therapy suits all needs. Yoga is a comprehensive mode of culturing the body and the mind. Yoga can cure some tough headaches. It includes breathing asanas, pranayamas, meditation and devotional sessions.

Yogasanas, especially the ones imitating the natural postures of animals have great tranquilizing effect without using common drugs. Pranayam checks random agitations in Pranic (energy) flows in Pranamayakosa, and stabilizes nervous system. Dhyana and Samadhi relax the mind. It changes the attitude of the sufferer from headache.
Questions:
(a) What are some of the reasons for a headache?
(b) What is the headache sometimes a signal of?
(c) What is Yoga?
(d) Which approach of Yoga is used to cure tough headaches ?
(e) What are the constituents of this approach ?
(f) What are the advantages of Dhyana and Samadhi?
Answers:
(a) There are physical, emotional and mental reasons for a headache.
(b) Sometimes the headache is a signal of an underlying disease.
(c) Yoga is a comprehensive mode of culturing the body and the mind.
(d) Integrated Approach of yoga is used to cure tough headaches.
(e) The constituents of this approach are breathing asanas, pranayamas, meditation and devotional sessions.
(f) Dhyana and Samadhi relax the mind.

PASSAGE 19

Money has become a kind of God in the modem times. The modem generation is becoming more and more money-minded. We have become materialistic. It is true that money is very important in our life. In order to remain alive we must have money.

However, money is not everything. There are many things which cannot be bought with money. There are many things which are far more precious than money. The innocent smile on the face of a child, first love in the eyes of a young man or girl or the look of gratitude on the face of an old person whom you have helped- these are things no one can buy, however rich he may be.

When we spend money, we think of its gain. But there are certain fields in which the gains are in term of mental satisfaction. It means that money is not everything. Always remember that money is made for man and man is not made for money.

Thus we see that there are many things which are more important than money. They are honesty, service, belief in God and helping the poor. The most important wealth is the peace of mind. The man who has it is really rich.
Questions:
(a) What is modem mans attitude towards money?
(b) Is it true that money is very important in mans life?
(c) Can every thing in life be bought with money?
(d) What other gain instead of monetary gain does the narrator talk about in the passage?
(e) Who is really rich?
(f) What should one always remember regarding money?
Answers:
(a) The modem generation is becoming more and more money-minded.
(b) Yes, is it true that money is very important in mans life.
(c) No, everything in life cant be bought with money.
(d) There are many things which are more important than money. They are honesty, service, belief in God and helping the poor.
(e) The man who has peace of mind is really rich.
(f) One should always remember that money is made for man and man is not made for money.

PASSAGE 20

Gum Gobind Singh, the last of ten Sikh Gums, was a great son of India. He led India to sublime heights of glory. He brought about moral resurgence and created order out of disorderly social condition. He was a multifaceted personality. He was a poet, soldier, statesman, leader and a tme socialist-all in one. He put life into the dying social order by giving it a wholly new outlook. He was a practical socialist who founded a social order based on fraternity, equality and love. In him were combined the spiritual vision, unmatched organizing capacity and a gift of politic intuition and insight. Such a rare combination of qualities would inspire the most downtrodden people to look forward to an optimistic future.
Questions:
(a) Who was Gum Gobind Singh ?
(b) What are the rare contribution of Gum Gobind Singh to India ?
(c) Why does the author call him a multifaceted personality ?
(d) Why has he been called a practical socialist ?
(e) What qualities of Gum Gobind Singh inspired the most downtrodden people to look forward to an optimistic future ?
Answers:
(a) Gum Gobind Singh was the last of ten Sikh Gums and a great son of India.
(b) He led India to great heights of glory by bringing moral resurgence and creating order out of disorderly social condition.
(c) He was a poet, soldier, statesman, leader and a tme socialist.
(d) He has been called a practical socialist because he founded a social order based on fraternity, equality and love.
(e) Spiritual vision, unmatched organizing capacity and a gift of politic intuition and insight.

PASSAGE 21

Do not study for too long at a stretch, so long as the mind acts with ease, it may be allowed to continue working, but if we find that it moves slowly and extra efforts are needed to keep the attention fixed, it is far better to break off and take a walk or some other recreation than plodding on until one feels completely exhausted. To continue forcing the mind to work is likely to lead to injurious results and may end in nervous breakdown. Violent exercise which may cause bodily harm and weariness, is not what is wanted, for with a tired body, a little mental peace is possible. Useful exercise as a change for study should give energy, not exhaust it.
Questions :
(a) What advice does the author give regarding study ?
(b) What danger is there in working with a tired mind ?
(c) What advice does the writer give regarding exercise ?
(d) When should one stop studying ?
(e) Give a suitable title to the passage.
Answers:
(a) The author gives advice to not do study for too long at a stretch.
(b) It is likely to lead to injurious results like nervous breakdown.
(c) The,writer says that violent exercise which may cause harm to body and weariness is not advised.
(d) When the mind moves slowly and extra efforts are needed for concentration, then one should stop studying.
(e) Benefits of Exercise

PASSAGE 22

Indeed the path Florence had chosen was full of difficulties. It was almost an unimaginable thing in those days for a woman of means to live a life of independence, but the particular profession for which she had trained herself was a disreputable one. The nurses in those days were noted for their immoral conduct. They could hardly be trusted to carry out the simple medical duties. No wonder, therefore, that Florences parents did not like their daughter should take up that profession. Florence, however, did not see eye to eye with them. She felt wretched. Her sadness increased. She was always sad.
Questions:
(a) What was unimaginable thing in those days for a woman ?
(b) What profession had Florence chosen ?
(c) Why were her parents opposed to her profession ?
(d) What effect did her parents opposition have on her nature ?
(e) Give a suitable title to the passage.
Answers:
(a) In those days it was unimaginable for a woman to lead a life of independence.
(b) Florence had chosen the profession of nursing.
(c) Because the nurses were noted for their immoral conduct.
(d) She felt wretched and her sadness increased.
(e) Nursing and Florence

PASSAGE 23

For a student, walking is preferable to all other exercises. The advantage of this mode of exercise is that it is simple. The apparatus is at hand complete. Y ou need not wait for the importation of machinery. It is in the open air that the lungs can at once receive the pure air of heaven and the eyes gaze upon hill and dale, upon trees and flowers, upon the objects animate and inanimate. The very objects of sight and sound cheer the mind and raise the spirit.

Another advantage of walking is that you can have a friend to walk with an unbend the mind by pleasant conversation. Try once the method of walking with a friend regularly for a few weeks and you will be surprised at the marvellous results. On those afternoons, when study is not required, be sure to take long walks and lay up health for days to come.
Questions:
(a) What is the preferable exercise for the students ?
(b) What is the first advantage of walking according to the writer ?
(c) What is advantage of walking in the open air ?
id) How is it beneficiary to have a walk with a friend ?
(e) Does the writer recommend walk during the afternoons and if yes, why ?
Answers:
(a) Walking is the preferable exercise for the students.
(b) According to the writer, the first advantage of walking is that it is simple.
(c) The advantage of walking in the open air is that our lungs get pure air of heaven.
(d) We can have pleasant conversation with the unbend mind.
(e) Yes, we can lay up our health for days to come by walking during the afternoons.

PASSAGE 24

Trees give shade for the benefit of others, while they themselves stand in the sun and endure the scorching heat. They produce fruit which others eat. The character of a good man is like that of trees. What is the use of this perishable body if it is not used for the benefit of mankind. The more sandalwood is rubbed, the more scent it gives. The more sugarcane is peeled and cut into pieces, the more juice it produces. The more gold is burst, the more brightly it shines. Noble people do not lose their qualities even by losing their lives. Come what may, those who tread on the right path will not set foot on any other. Life itself is unprofitable for a man who does not live for others. To live for the sake of living one’s life is to live a worthless life.
Questions:
(a) What do the trees do for us ?
(b) What is the correct use of human body ?
(c) What is the result of rubbing of sandalwood ?
(d) How can more juice be obtained from sugarcane ?
(e) What enhances the brightness of gold ?
Answers:
(a) Trees give us shade, fruit and wood.
(b) The human body should be used for the benefit of the mankind.
(c) The more it is rubbed, the more scent it gives.
(d) To obtain more juice from sugarcane, it should be peeled and cut into pieces.
(e) Burning enhances the brightness of gold.

PASSAGE 25

One of the most difficult things in life is to find a way of behaviour that is not dictated by circumstances. Circumstances and people dictate or force you to behave in a certain way. The way that you conduct yourself, the way you eat, the way you talk, your moral, your ethical behaviour depends on where you find yourself and so your behaviour is constantly varying, constantly changing. This is so when you speak to your father, your mother or to your servant-your voice, your words, are quite different. The ways ofbehaviour are controlled by environmental influences, and by analysing behaviour you can almost predict what people will do and will not do.
Questions:
(a) What is one of the most difficult things in life ?
(b) How do circumstances affect people ?
(c) Why is ones behaviour constantly changing ?
(d) What changes are made while talking to different people ?
(e) Give a suitable title to the passage.
Answers:
(a) One of the most difficult things in life is to find a way of behaviour that is not dictated by circumstances.
(b) Circumstances dictate or force people to behave in a certain way.
(c) Ones behaviour constantly changing because of constant change in circumstances.
(d) Different voice and different words are used while talking to different people.
(e) Influence of circumstances in life

Comprehension With Multiple Choice Questions

Some Solved Examples

Read the following passages and answer the questions by choosing the right option :

PASSAGE 1

Proper food is the basic requirement of health. Health does not mean absence of disease; it rather means the presence of energy and vitality. Most of the food we eat daily does not contain essential nutrients needed for the preservation of health and prevention of disease. There are various kinds of foods. Protective foods are essential for prevention of disease and are needed both by the healthy and the sick. They are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Energy giving foods are rich in carbohydrates, and are needed by those who are engaged in hard physical labour. Body building foods are rich in proteins. Diet of growing children, adolescents and nursing mothers should contain sufficient quantity of protein for growth and for repair and maintenance of body tissues.

Questions:
1. The basic requirement of health is:
(A) medicines
(B) proper food
(C) new clothes
(D) air conditioned houses
Answer:
(B) proper food

2. The real meaning of health is:
(A) absence of disease
(B) a fat body
(C) presence of vitality and energy
(D) sharp memory
Answer:
(C) presence of vitality and energy

3. Which food is needed both for the healthy and sick?
(A) fast food
(B) junked food
(C) protective food
(D) boiled food without fats
Answer:
(C) protective food

4. What are body building foods rich in?
(A) vitamins
(B) fats proteins minerals
(C) proteins
(D) minerals
Answer:
(C) proteins

5. What is the main function of food ?
(A) providing taste
(B) to quench our hunger
(C) repair and maintenance of body tissue
(D) providing us time to rest and enjoy
Answer:
(C) repair and maintenance of body tissue

PASSAGE 2

Health of the citizens is the responsibility of the state. For this purpose the state sets up health services, health centres, hospitals, maternity and child welfare centres. But all this has only a curative value. Diseases are located and cured. But the public is hardly educated in hygienic living. Prevention is better than cure. More attention should be paid towards the prevention of diseases than is being done.

The preventive measures include vaccination, inoculation and above all instructing and educating the public in hygienic living. The school can play an important role in instructing the parents and the pupils in healthy living. Through a programme of health instructions the pupils can have scientific knowledge about the body and its functioning, the principles of hygienic living, the advantage of healthful habits and the means of preventing diseases. Health instruction is so important that it should form an integral part of school education.

Questions:
1. Whose responsibility is the health of the citizens ?
(A) self
(B) state
(C) UNO
(D) WHO
Answer;
(B) state

2. Which one is not the disease preventive measure ?
(A) vaccination
(B) inoculation
(C) providing jobs to citizen
(D) educating people about hygienic living
Answer:
(C) providing jobs to citizen

3. What should be an integral part of school education ?
(A) technical education
(B) moral education
(C) craft education
(D) health education
Answer:
(D) health education

4. What is public hardly educated in ?
(A) technical education
(B) fats protiens minerals
(C) medical education
(D) providing us time to rest and enjoy
Answer:
(B) hygienic living conditions

5. On what should more attention be paid ?
(A) employment
(B) to quench our hunger
(C) holding fairs
(D) prevention of disease
Answer:
(D) prevention of disease

PASSAGE 3

The great advantage of early rising is the good start it gives us to our day’s work. The early riser has done a large amount of hard work before other men have got out of bed. In the early morning the mind is fresh, and there are few sounds or other distractions, so the work done at that time is generally well done. In many cases the early riser also finds time to take some exercise in the fresh morning air, and this exercise supplies him with a fund of energy that will last until the evening.

By begining so early, he knows that he has plenty of time to do thoroughly all the work he can be expected to do, and is not tempted to hurry over any part of it. All his work being finished in good time, he has a long interval of rest in the evening before the timely hour when he goes to bed. He gets to sleep several hours before midnight, at the time when sleep is most refreshing, and after a sound night’s rest rises, early next morning in good health and spirits for the labours of a new day.

Questions:
1. How is early rising different from other hours of the day?
(A) there are few sounds and other distractions
(B) dull and boring
(C) polluted air
(D) stormy weather
Answer:
(A) there are few sounds and other distractions

2. Who finds time to take exercise in the fresh morning air?
(A) a late riser
(B) an early riser
(C) a sick person
(D) an office going fellow
Answer:
(B) an early riser

3. At what time sleep is most refreshing?
(A) during day
(B) after midnight
(C) early in the morning
(D) before midnight
Answer:
(D) before midnight

4. What gives a good start to our day’s work?
(A) early rising
(B) late rising
(C) good health
(D) richness of a person
Answer:
(A) early rising

5. What provides us energy?
(A) richness of a person
(B) exercise early in the morning
(C) good health
(D) good diet
Answer:
(B) exercise early in the morning

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions Grammar Figure of Speech Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 9th Class English Grammar Figure of Speech

Figure of Speech

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that has a meaning something different than its literal meaning. It can be a metaphor or a simile that is designed to further explain a concept.

(‘A figure of speech’ कोई ऐसा शब्द या शब्द समूह होता है जिसका अभिप्राय उसके शाब्दिक अर्थ से भिन्न होता है।)

I. Metaphor

Metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that refers, for rhetorical effect, to one thing by mentioning another thing.

(किसी एक चीज में आलंकारिक प्रभाव पैदा करने के लिए जब किसी दूसरी चीज का उदाहरण प्रस्तुत किया जाता है।) जैसे-
Lencho was an ox of a man.

यहाँ पर इस पंक्ति का अर्थ यह नहीं है कि Lencho एक बैल जैसी शक्ल वाला आदमी था, बल्कि इसका अर्थ यह है कि वह एक परिश्रमी आदमी था।

Metaphor is a figure of speech in which a similarity between two dissimilar objects has been suggested but not clearly stated with the help of ‘as’ or ‘like.’

(रूपक कथन का एक अंग होता है जिसमें दो असमान तत्त्वों के बीच में समानता का भाव पैदा किया जाता है, लेकिन इसमें यह समानता का भाव as ; जैसे like की तरह का प्रयोग करके नहीं किया जाता।)

Example 1

1. He has a heart of stone, (it means that he is a hard hearted person)
2. Huge mountains of clouds appeared before him. (very big)
3. There was a sea of sorrow in his life, (deep sadness)
4. My brother was boiling mad. (very angry)
5. The assignment was a breeze, (not difficult)
6. Her voice is music to his ears, (pleasing)
7. The skies of the future began to darken, (the coming time was going to be difficult)
8. It is going to be clear skies from now. (the coming time was going to be easy)
9. It is raining cats and dogs, (raining heavily)
10. All that glitters is not gold, (illusions)

Example 2

1. He left the job with a broken heart, (sad mood)
2. His monkey mind is always full of new ideas, (mischievous)
3. You live by the words, you die by the words, (keeping promises)
4. Kisses are the flowers of love in bloom, (comparison of kisses to a flower of love)
5. Her eyes were fireflies, (eyes glitter like fire flies-very beautiful)
6. I was lost in a sea of nameless faces, (a big unknown crowd)
7. The promise between us was a delicate flower, (very sensitive)
8. She cut him down with her words, (defeated)
9. Words are the weapons with which we wound, (hard spoken words)
10. My heart swelled with a sea of tears, (weeping bitterly)

Elements Of Metaphor

A metaphor can be analyzed into two elements.
(Metaphor को दो तत्त्वों में बाँटा जा सकता है।)

(a) Tenor: The subject to which the metaphoric word is applied.
(जिस कर्ता कारक के लिए रूपक शब्द का प्रयोग किया जाता है।)
जैसे-
“O My love’s a red, red rose.”
में My love

(b) Vehicle : The metaphoric word itself.
(स्वयं में metaphoric word)
जैसे उपरोक्त उदाहरण में “rose”.

Types of Metaphor:

1. Mixed Metaphor : The use of two or more diversel incongruous metaphoric vehicles in the same expression creats a mixed metaphor.
(दो भिन्न या असंगत metaphoric vehicles का एक ही भाव में प्रयोग किया जाना)
जैसे-
(i) Girding up his lions, the chairman ploughed through the mountainous agenda.
(ii) To take arms against a sea of troubles.
(ii) If we can hit that bull’s-eye then the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards.

2. Compound or loose metaphor : It is a type of metaphor that catches the mind with several points of similarity.
(यह इस प्रकार का metaphor है जो कई प्रकार की समानताओं से मन को बाँधता है।)
He has the wild stag’s foot.

यह Phrase : grace, speed और daring के भाव को पैदा करती है।

3. Dead metaphor :
A metaphor which is so commonly used that we don’t find any discrepancy or difference between the vehicle and tenor. Such metaphor loses its metaphorical beauty and freshness.

Dead metaphor of metaphoric word (vehicle) का उसके subject (tenor) से भेद करना कठिन होता है।
e.g.
(i) the heart of the matter
(ii) the legs of a table
(iii) to grasp a concept
(iv) to gather what you have understood.

4. Implicit metaphor :
A metaphor in which tenor (i.e. the subject) is not stated but is implied by the verbal context. In this type only vehicle (metaphoric word) is stated. 57 4101 metaphoric word af subject (i.e. tenor) नहीं दिया होता केवल metaphoric word (vehicle) ही दिया होता है।
e.g.,
(i) Shut your trap!
इस वाक्य में listener का मुँह अस्पष्ट tenor (कर्ता) है।

(ii) That seed was too frail to survive the storm of its sorrows.
उपरोक्त उदाहरण में “seed” एक अवर्णित tenor (मनुष्य) के लिए एक vehicle (metaphoric word) है।

5. Metonymy metaphor :
The term (vehicle) for one thing is applied to another with which it has become closely associated in experience.
(जब एक रूपक शब्द (vehicle) का प्रयोग बिल्कुल उसी जैसी किसी अन्य चीज के साथ किया जाता है।)
e.g.,
(i) “the crown” is used for the king.
(ii) “Hollywood” is used for the film industry.
(iii) “I have read all of milton” milton mean all the writings of milton.
(iv) “doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous (males) to petticoat (females).

6. Synecdoche metaphor :
A part of something is used to signify the whole or the whole is used to signify apart.
(जब एक भाग का प्रयोग पूरे को प्रदर्शित करने के लिए या पूरे का प्रयोग एक भाग को प्रदर्शित करने के लिए किया जाता है।)
e.g.,
(i) “ten hand”-for ten workers.
(ii) “blind mouths”-for corrupt and greedy clergy used by milton in Lycidas.
(iii) “a hundred sails”-for ships

7. Submerged metaphor :
In which the metaphorical word (vehicle) is implied or indicated by one aspect.
जिसमें रूपक शब्द (vehicle) एक पहलू के द्वारा व्यक्त किया जाता है।
e.g.,
my winged thought
उपरोक्त उदाहरण में श्रोतागण पक्षी के बारे में सोचते हैं।

8. Implied metaphor :
It is not clearly stated or obvious that compares two things by using adjectives that commonly describe one thing but are used to describe another comparing the two.
(इसमें विशेषणों का प्रयोग एक वस्तु को स्पष्ट करने के लिए किया जाता है लेकिन दूसरी वस्तु की तुलना भी कर दी जाती है।)
e.g.,
(i)”Golden baked skin”.
उपरोक्त उदाहरण में बेकरी वस्तुओं की तुलना skin से की गई है।
(ii) “green blades of nausea”.
(iii) leafy golden sunset.

9. Absolute metaphor :
Absolute metaphor denotes a figure or a concept that cannot be reduced to or replaced with sorely conceptual thought and language.
(एक ऐसा भाव जिसका अवमूल्यन नहीं किया जा सकता।)
e.g.,
“light-for truth
“seafaring – for human existence

* Personification : Personification is a figure related to metaphor in which an inanimate object or an abstract concept is spoken of as though it were endowed with life or with human feelings.
Milton wrote in paradise lost.

“Sky lowered, and muttering thunder, some sad drops Wept at completing of the mortal sin.”
उपरोक्त वाक्य में निर्जीव तत्त्वों जैसे बादल, गर्जन, बूंदों को सजीव करके दिखाया गया है।

“Little sorrows sit and weep.’-William Blake
“Confusion now hath made his masterpiece.’-William Shakespeare

Exercise 1

State the type of metaphor
1. “Are you a man or a mouse”
2. I have read all of Shakespeare.
3. the sceptre
4. “wheels”
5. He has the wild stag’s foot.
6. leafy golden sunset.
7. To grasp a concept.
8. Shut your trap! ’
9. “Hollywood”
10. To take arms against a sea of troubles.
Answers:
1. dead metaphor
2. metonymy metaphor
3. metonymy metaphor
4. synecdoche metaphor
5. compound metaphor
6. implied metaphor
7. dead metaphor
8. implicit metaphor
9. metonymy metaphor
10. mixed metaphor

II. Simile

Simile is a stated comparison between two different things that have certain qualities in common.

Example 1

1. Her words were as dull as a dirt.
2. Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
3. He is as cunning as a fox.
4. His cheeks are red like a rose.
5. The water well was as dry as a bone.
6. He is as funny as a monkey.
7. O my Luve’s like a red red rose.
8. He is a big as an elephant.
9. The gathering is as silent as the grave.
10. They fight like cats and dogs.

Example 2

1. The truth was like a bad taste on his tongue.
2. The handshake felt like warm laundry.
3. She is as wise as an owl.
4. The clouds were like ice-cream castles in the sky.
5. When he reached the top of the hill, he felt as strong as a steel gate.
6. Her hair was a soft as a spider web.
7. The man held the blanket like a memory.
8. The river flows like a stream of glass.
9. The town square was buzzing like a beehive.
10. The flowers were as soft as thoughts of budding love.
In making comparison of two things when the words ‘like ’or ‘as’ are used, it means the simile device is used in that sentence.

Difference between ‘Simile’ and ‘Metaphor’.
Simile : Similarity is suggested with the help of ‘ as’ or ‘ like’.
‘as’ और ‘like’ का प्रयोग करके समानता का भाव पैदा किया जाता है।
जैसे
“O My love’s like a red, red rose.”

Metaphor : Similarity between two dissimilar object is suggested without using ‘as’ or ‘like’.
रूपक : बिना ‘as’ or like’ के प्रयोग के दो असमान तत्त्वों के बीच में समानता का भाव पैदा किया जाता है। जैसे-
“O My love’s a red, red rose.”

III. Rhyme Scheme

A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of a poem or song. It is usually referred to by using letters to indicate which lines rhymes.
(किसी कविता या गीत की प्रत्येक पंक्ति के अंत में एक जैसी लय वाले शब्दों का प्रयोग किया जाना Rhyme Scheme है।)

Example
Twinkle, twinkle little star 1. (a)
How I wonder what you are 2. (a)
Up above the world so high 3. (b)
Like a diamond in the sky. 4. (b)

यहाँ पर Line और Line 2 के अंत में star और are एक जैसी लय प्रस्तुत करते हैं, अतः इनकी rhyme scheme aa है। जबकि Line 3 और Line 4 में high और sky Line 1 और Line 2 से भिन्न लय प्रकट करते हैं, अतः इनकी rhyme scheme bb है।

इसी प्रकार से

Twinkle, twinkle little star 5. (a)
How I wonder what you are 6. (a)
When the blazing sun is gone. 7. (c)
When the nothing shines upon 8. (c)
Then you show your little light 9. (d)
Twinkle, twinkle all the night 10. (d)
Twinkje, twinkle little star 11. (a)
How I wonder what you are 12. (a)
अतः इस poem की rhyme scheme aa bb aa cc dd aa है।

Types of Rhyme Scheme:

1. Alternate rhyme : It is also known as ab ab rhyme.
The way a crow (a)
Shook down on me (b)
The dust of snow (a)
From a hemlock tree (b)

2. Ballade : It contains three stanzas with rhyme scheme of ab abb cbc be be.
3. Monorhyme : It is a poem in which every line uses the same rhyme scheme.
4. Couplet: It contains two line stanzas with a a, bb, c c, d d, rhyme scheme.

Belinda lived in a little white house (a)
With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse (a)
And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon (b)
And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon (b)
………
Now the name of the little black kitten was ink (c)
And the little grey mouse she called him blink (c)
And the little yellow dog was sharp as mustard (d)
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him custard (d)
अतः poem ‘The Tale of custard the Dragon’ एक Couplet है।

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal

HBSE 10th Class English The Proposal Textbook Questions and Answers

Before You Read 

Activity

1. The word ‘proposal has several meanings. Can you guess what sort of proposal the play is about?
(i) a suggestion, plan or scheme for doing something
(ii) an offer for a possible plan or action
(iii) the act of asking someone’s hand in marriage
Answer:
(iii) The act of asking someone’s hand in marriage

2. Do you think Indian and Russian weddings have any customs in common? With the help of a partner, fill in the table below.

Answer:

Thinking about the Play

1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.
Answer:
Chubukov suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money. He is not at all sincere when he says so. He has decided that he will not give Lomov any money if he tries borrowing from him. If he had truly meant what he has said, then he would not have thought of not giving him money. He said so only because Lomov had come with the proposal to marry his daughter.

2. Chubukov says of Natalya: “… as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat…” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Chubukov thought that Lomov was a very suitable candidate for his daughter. He had been waiting for this proposal for a long time. When Lomov expressed his doubt regarding Natalya’s consent to the proposal, Chubukov immediately told him that she was in love with him. However, this was not true. Natalya did not seem to be in love with Lomov at any point in the play. It seemed that she was more attached to her land, meadows and dogs than to Lomov. Their argument of trivial matters suggests that neither Lomov nor Natalya was in love with each other.

3. (i) Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other, and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other. (For example, Lomov in the end calls Chubukov an intriguer; but earlier, Chubukov has himself called Lomov a “malicious, doublefaced intriguer.” Again, Lomov begins by describing Natalya as “an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well educated.”)
Answer:
(i) Lomov calls Chubukov – Intriguer, grabber
(ii) Lomov calls Natalya – Well educated, an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking
(iii) Natalya calls Lomov – the rascal, monster
(iv) Chubukov calls Lomov – My precious

(ii) Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each
character in the play.
Answer:
Chubukov – cunning, mean, insensible
Lomov – weak, frail, stupid, simpleton
Natalya – immature, foolish, parsimonious, miserly, mingy

(iii) Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?
Answer:
From the play, it is clear that they quarrel over petty matters and will do so even later on.

Thinking about Language

I. 1. This play has been translated into English from the Russian original. Are there any expressions or ways of speaking that strike you as more Russian than English? For example, would an adult man be addressed by an older man as my darling or my treasure in an English play?

1. Read through the play carefully, and find expressions that you think are not used in contemporary English, and contrast these with idiomatic modern English expressions that also occur in the play.
Answer:
Expressions not used in contemporary English

1. “my darling”; “my beauty”, “my precious”“my angel” (In this play, an older man is addressing to an adult man)
2. “…and so on…” (It is used to complete a sentence)
3. “…and all that sort of thing.”
4. “the scarecrow”; “the stuffed sausage”; “the wizen-faced frump” (derogatory remarks to insult each other)

Modern English expressions

• “Madam”, “my heart; “honoured Natalya Stepanovna” (used by Lomov for Natalya)
• “Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch” (used by Lomov for Chubukov)
• “My dear fellow” (Chubukov addressing Lomov)
• “malicious, double-faced intriguer”; “fool” (Chubukov insulting Lomov)

2. Look up the following words in a dictionary and find out how to pronounce them. Pay attention to how many syllables there are in each word, and find out which syllable is stressed, or said more forcefully.

palpitations
interfere
implore
thoroughbred
pedigree
principle
evidence
misfortune
malicious
embezzlement
architect
neighbours
accustomed
temporary
behaviour
documents
Answer:
Do it yourself.

3. Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to find out their meaning, and then use each in a sentence of your own.
(i) You may take it that
(ii) He seems to be coming round
(iii) My foot’s gone to sleep
Answer:
(i) You may take it that I am lying, but in fact it will help you in the long run.
(ii) He seems to be coming round after the trauma of his father’s death.
(iii) After the three hour long yoga session, my foot’s gone to sleep.

II. Reported Speech

A sentence in reported speech consists of two parts: a reporting clause, which contains the reporting verb, and the reported clause. Look at the following sentences.

(a) “I went to visit my grandma last week,” said Mamta.
(b) Mamta said that she had gone to visit her grandma the previous week.

In sentence (a), we have Mamta’s exact words. This is an example of direct speech. In sentence (b), someone is reporting what Mamta said. This is called indirect speech or reported speech. A sentence in reported speech is made up of two parts — a reporting clause and a reported clause.

In sentence (b), Mamta said is the reporting clause containing the reporting verb said. The other clause — that she had gone to visit her grandma last week — is the reported clause.
Notice that in sentence (b) we put the reporting clause first. This is done to show that we are not speaking directly, but reporting someone else’s words. The tense of the verb also changes; past tense (went) becomes past perfect (had gone).

Here are some pairs of sentences in direct and reported speech. Read them carefully, and do the task that follows:

1. (i) LOMOV : Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, do you think I may count on her
consent? (Direct Speech)
(ii) Lomov asked Stepan Stepanovitch respectfully if he thought he might count on her
consent. (Reported Speech)
2. (i) LOMOV : I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement. (Direct Speech)
(ii) Lomov said that he was getting a noise in his ears from excitement. (Reported Speech)
3. (i) NATALYA : Why haven’t you been here for such a long time? (Direct Speech)
(ii) Natalya Stepanovna asked why he hadn’t been there for such a long time. (Reported Speech)
4. (i) CHUBUKOV : What’s the matter? (Direct Speech)
(ii) Chubukov asked him what the matter was. (Reported Speech)
5. (i) NATALYA : My mowers will be there this very day! (Direct Speech)
(ii) Natalya Stepanovna declared that her mowers would be there that very day. (Reported Speech)

You must have noticed that when we report someone’s exact words, we have to make some changes in the sentence structure. In the following sentences fill in the blanks to list the changes that have occurred in the above pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.

1. To report a question, we use the reporting verb…………….asked……………. (as in Sentence Set 1).
2. To report a statement, we use the reporting verb
3. The adverb of place here changes to
4. When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the…………….tense (as in Sentence Set 3).
5. If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to ……………. tense. For example, changes to was getting.
6. When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb ……………. in the reporting clause (as in Sentence Set 1).
7. The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as ……………., ………………. or ………….. in reported speech.
Answer:
1. To report a question, we use the reporting verb asked.
2. To report a statement, we use the reporting verb declared.
3. The adverb of place here changes to there.
4. When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the past tense.
5. If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to past continuous tense. For example, am getting changes to was getting.
6. When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb respectfully in the reporting clause.
7. The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as he/she, him/her, their or his/her in reported speech.

III. Here is an excerpt from an article from the Times of India dated 27 August 2006.
Rewrite it, changing the sentences in direct speech into reported speech. Leave the other sentences unchanged.

“Why do you want to know my age? If people know I am so old, I won’t get work!” laughs 90-year-old A. K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors. For his age, he is rather energetic. “What’s the secret?” we ask. “My intake of everything is in small quantities. And I walk a lot,” he replies. “I joined the industry when people retire. I was in my 40s. So I don’t miss being called a star. I am still respected and given work, when actors of my age are living in poverty and without work. I don’t have any complaints,” he says, adding, “but yes, I have always been underpaid.” Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. “No doubt I am content today, but money is important. I was a fool not to understand the value of money earlier,” he regrets.
Answer:
90-year-old A.K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors, asked why we wanted to know his age. If people knew he was that old, he would not get work. For his age, he is rather energetic. We asked him what the secret was. He replied that his intake of everything was in small quantities and he walked a lot. He said that he had joined the industry when people retired. He had been in his 40s. So he did not miss being called a star. He was still respected and given work, when actors of his age were living in poverty and without work. He said he did not have any complaints, adding that he had always been underpaid. Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. He said that no doubt he was content at present, but money was important. He said regretfully that he was a fool not to understand the value of money before.

Speaking and Writing

1. Anger Management: As adults, one important thing to learn is how to manage our temper. Some of us tend to get angry quickly, while others remain calm. Can you think of three ill-effects that result from anger? Note them down. Suggest ways to avoid losing your temper in such situations. Are there any benefits from anger?
Answer:
Anger is a basic human emotion. It is usually experienced as an unpleasant feeling. When it gets out of control, it can lead to numerous problems, like ill-effects to health, tension, accidents, etc.

• Anger can result in domestic violence.
• It affects rational thinking. Hence, it leads to wrong decisions.
• It reduces emotional feelings and causes physiological arousal.

Tips to prevent Anger

Certainly, there is no benefit from anger. Following tips can be helpful.

• Meditation
• Sense of discipline
• Improve your analytical capacity
• Be sociable
• Be tolerant

2. In pairs, prepare a script based on the given excerpt from The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore. You may write five exchanges between the characters with other directions such as movements on stage and way of speaking, etc.

One afternoon, when I happened to be specially busy, word came to my office room that Bimala had sent for me. I was startled.
“Who did you say had sent for me?” I asked the messenger.
“The Rani Mother”.
“The Bara Rani?”
“No, sir, the Chota Rani Mother.”

The Chota Rani! It seemed a century since I had been sent for by her. I kept them all waiting there, and went off into the inner apartments. When I stepped into our room I had another shock of surprise to find Bimala there with a distinct suggestion of being dressed up. The room, which from persistent neglect, had latterly acquired an air of having grown absentminded, had regained something of its old order this afternoon. I stood there silently, looking enquiringly at Bimala.

She flushed a little and the fingers of her right hand toyed for a time with the bangles on her left arm. Then she abruptly broke the silence. “Look here! Is it right that ours should be the only market in all Bengal which allows foreign goods?”

“What, then, would be the right thing to do?” I’asked.
“Order them to be cleared out!”
“But the goods are not mine.”
“Is not the market yours?”
“It is much more theirs who use it for trade.”
“Let them trade in Indian goods, then.”
“Nothing would please me better. But suppose they do not?”
“Nonsense! How dare they be so insolent? Are you not…”
“I am very busy this afternoon and cannot stop to argue it out. But I must refuse to tyrannise.”
“It would not be tyranny for selfish gain, but for the sake of the country.”
“To tyrannise for the country is to tyrannise over the country. But that I am afraid you will never understand.” With this I came away.
Answer:
Sahib is sitting in his office room. It is afternoon. He seems to be very busy. All of a sudden, a messenger comes to him and says that Bimla had sent a message for him. Hearing this, he gets surprised.

Sahib asked the messenger suddenly. “Who did you had sent for me? The messenger speaks hesitatingly that the Rani Mother has sent me. Sahib tells Bara Rani? Messenger says, no, the Chota Rani Mother.

It seems that the Chota Rani had been sent for by her since ages. When the messenger entered the room, he gets surprised and asks Bimla to get dressed. The room was not properly arranged. The messenger stood there silently and enquired about Bimla.

Bimla flushed a little and the fingers of her right hand toyed with the bangles on her left arm. She broke the silence and told that it should be the only market in Bengal which allows foreign goods.

Sahib asked, “What would be the right thing to do?” The Rani Sahib ordered them to be cleared out. Sahib told that goods do not belong to him. It seems to be the trade done by the English merchants. But, let them sell Indian goods. Sahib does not approve it. He advocates for the traders. He seems a bit confused how to convey his thoughts to Rani Mother. He can’t stop selling foreign goods in Bengal. The Rani advocates for the country. But Sahib thinks it would be selfish to drive away the traders though he prefers ‘Swadeshi goods. Sahib fails to communicate and convey his feelings. Above all, he was busy and had no time to discuss over the matter for a long time. Taking an excuse he left the place, immediately.

3. In groups, discuss the qualities one should look for in a marriage partner. You might consider the following points.
Personal qualities
– Appearance or looks
– Attitudes and beliefs
– Sense of humour

Value system
– Compassion and kindness
– Tolerance, ambition
– Attitude to money and wealth

Education and professional background
Answer:
Marriage partner should be co-operative, compassionate, tolerant and kind. She should have
sense of humour. Education also plays a significant role. She should be professional, rational and active. Money and wealth also should be taken into consideration. Honesty and integrity, respect and affection, etc. should be there.

4. Are there parts of the play that remind you offilm scenes from romantic comedies? Discuss this in groups, and recount to the rest of the class episodes similar to those in the play.
Answer:
Do it yourself.

HBSE 10th Class English The Proposal Important Questions and Answers

Short Answer Type Questions (20-30 words & 2 marks each)

Question 1.
What was Chubukov’s reaction when Lomov told him the reason of his coming home?
Answer:
Lomov visited Chubukov to ask for her daughter’s hand for marriage. Listening that, Chubukov became overwhelmed with joy. He embraced and kissed Lomov and told him that he had expected that to happen. He further told Lomov that he had always loved him as his own son.

Question 2.
Why did Lomov want to marry Natalya despite knowing that Natalya was not his real love?
Answer:
Though Natalya was not Lomov’s real love, he still wanted to marry her. It was so because he was already at a critical age of 35 and wanted to lead a quiet and regular life. Moreover, he would never get married if he kept looking for an ideal love and also Natalya was beautiful and educated.

Question 3.
Who is Lomov and why does he visit Chubukov?
Answer:
Lomov is a landowner in Russia. He is about thirty-five years old which is a critical age for marriage. He visits Chubukov’s house in his best dress to put his proposal for Natalya. But Chubukov thought that he had come here to borrow money.

Question 4.
What did Lomov say to Nataya and Chubukov to prove that he is the rightful owner of Meadows?
Answer:
Lomov told Nataya and Chubukov that his aunt’s grandmother had given the Meadows for free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants on temporary basis. That is why he is the rightful owner of Meadows.

Short Answer Type Questions (40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Question 1.
Was Lomov a quarrelsome person?
Answer:
Yes, Lomov was a quarrelsome person. He came to Chubukov’s house to ask Natalya’s hand for marriage but started arguing about the meadow. Later, he kept on proving that his dog Squeezer was better than Chubukov’s dog Guess. During all this, he did not care of his health and his proposal of getting married to Natalya.

Question 2.
How was Natalya not convinced that Oxen Meadows were owned by Lomov?
Answer:
When Lomov said that his Oxen Meadows touched Natalya’s birchwoods, a verbal duel started between them. Natalya asserted that they owned Oxen Meadows for nearly 300 years. It was ridiculous if somebody else claimed it to be his own. Natalya’s father, Chubukov also joined the quarrel.

Question 3.
Why did the marriage proposal remain unmade during Lomov’s first visit?
Answer:
The proposal of Lomov remained unmade during his visit to Chubukov’s house as he was very nervous. He did not understand how to put forward his proposal of marriage. But, somehow he told about it to Natalya’s father. When Natalya came, they began to quarrel on a piece of land. He got very much excited and left the room, cursing and threatening the old
man and his daughter. In this chaos, he forgot everything about his proposal.

Question 4.
What happened when Lomov was thought to be almost dead?
Answer:
Lomov had come with the proposal of marrying Natalya. When he fell unconscious in an armchair, both the father and the daughter got worried. Natalya started crying thinking Lomov to be dead. Chubukov called for a doctor and he threatned to shoot himself or cut his throat. When Lomov became conscious, Chubukov grabbed the opportunity to bless them for a happy married life.

Question 5.
What was the matter of controversy about dogs?
Answer:
Natalya claims that Squeezer, her dog, is better than Guess, who is the dog of Lomov. He claims that Guess is a first rate dog. Each one wants to dominate the other on dog. Lomov says that Squeezer is overshot. His lower jaw is shorter than the upper. But Natalya says that Guess is very old and ugly. This was the only matter of controversy. 6. What do you learn about Natalya from the play, “The Proposal?? Ans. Natalya is the only daughter of the landowner, Chubukov. She was very possessive about her land. She was a short-tempered lady. She used to quarrel with anyone even on petty matters. She always pinpointed the amount of help she had offered to her neighbours. She did not want to give a part of it to anyone.

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
Justify the title of the play ‘The Proposal’.
Answer:
The title of the play ‘The Proposal is very appropriate.A thirty-five year old bachelor, Lomov wants
to propose Natalya for marriage. He goes to her house with the same purpose. Being confused, he doesn’t propose at once. He beats about the bush. He talks irrelevantly. As Natalya doesn’t know that he has come to propose her, she thinks that he has come to claim Oxen Meadows as his own. She starts quarrelling. This results in one after another quarrel. After Chubukov’s interference, Natalya comes to know that he has come to propose her. Then atonce she forgets the issue of fighting. Then the proposal is made and accepted. Finally, they getengaged. Thus, it can be said that the title of the play is quite apt.

Question 2.
‘Discussions and disputes seldom solve a problem’. Describe the dispute between Natalya and Lomov over the dogs and their superiority.
Answer:
Natalya and Lomov had a hot discussion over the superiority of their dogs – Squeezer and Guess. Lomov was aware of the fact that despite many qualities, Guess had two major defects, i.e., the dog was old and short in the muzzle. Lomov was proud of his dog’s pure breed and its well sprung ribs. It was also a good hunter. On the other hand, Natalya’s Squeezer was a bad hunter. Natalya pointed out that her dog Squeezer was better than Guess. She remarked that Guess was old, ugly and a worn out cab horse. She also called Guess a lame dog. Though Lomov had come there to propose Natalya as he wanted to marry her, they involved themselves in silly arguments – that also over petty issues. Their main purpose was sidelined in the dispute. But such petty arguments should never come in the way of matrimony. Rather it is the attribute of tolerance and acceptance that paves the way to good relationship.

Question 3.
What are the main points of pleading between Chubukov and Lomov over Oxen Meadows?
Answer:
On hearing about quarrel between Natalya and Lomov, Chubukov comes at the spot.
Immediately Natalya asks her father about the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Chubukov too pleaded that these were the properties of theirs. But Lomov denied their ownership. He pointed out that it was his aunt’s grandmother who gave the meadows to the peasants of Chubukov’s grandfather on the pretext that they would prepare bricks for his aunt. 4. Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and Natalya do not have.

Question 4.
Describe the first fight between them.
Answer:
Lomov and Natalya were next-door neighbours. One day, Lomov came to Natalya to propose
her. Natalya, who didn’t know that he had come to propose her, thought that he had come to claim Oxen Meadows as his own. When Chubukov, Natalya’s father, interfered with them and also pleaded that the Oxen Meadows were the properties of Chubukov, the fight aggravated. For a few moments, Lomov’s real purpose was overshadowed by that issue and he continued the bias that meadows belonged to his aunt’s grandmother who gave them to the peasants of Chubukov’s grandfather on the condition that they would prepare bricks for her. So how it would be considered as Natalya’s property. Though both Lomov and Chubukov, Natalya’s father, were very rich landlords, they quarrelled over a tiny piece of land, called, “Oxen Meadows. But that was not the end of quarrel. Natalya didn’t agree with Lomov’s explanation. Instead, she offered to make a present of it to Lomov who, in turn, rejected the suggestion. And the quarrel continued endlessly. Such first meeting of Lomov and Natalya had in itself seeds of things (quarrels over petty issues)
to be expected in their married life.

Question 5.
Natalya and Lomov lose their temper on trivial issues. It shows their poor skills at anger management. Suggest some ways that help you in maintaining cordial relationship with people around you.
Answer:
Anger is a basic human emotion. Someone controls over anger but someone gets outburst
within a very short span of time. Angry people even lose their temper on trivial issues. But anger should be controlled. It always leads to destruction. In the play, Natalya and Lomov lose their temper on petty issues. It could somehow be controlled by them. Some ways that help us in maintaining cordial relationships with people around us are:

• good behaviour
• etiquette
• manners
• give due respect to others
• be co-operative
• patience

Question 6.
“In the first place, I’m already 35-a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations. I’m excitable and always in my right eyebrow. But the very worst of all is the way I sleep.” On the basis of the passage given what does the author want to say through this?
Answer:
Through this passage, the author wants to highlight the physical features and mental state of Lomov. This is conversation between Lomov and Chubukov. Lomov was a funny man. He was physically weak but economically sound. He was a rich bachelor and he wanted to marry Natalya. He was 35 years old. He wanted to lead a quiet and regular life. But the worst things about him was the way he slept. He always suffered from palpitations. Sometimes he got upset. His tips also trembled with fear. At this critical age, be would never get married if he kept looking for an ideal life. So, the only intention of Lomov was to get married at any cost because he was just on verge of expiry of marriage. After getting married he wanted to lead a quiet and regular life.

Question 7.
“Don’t excite yourself, my precious one. Allow me, your Guess certainly has his good points. He’s purebred, firm on his feet, has well spring ribs, and all that. But, my dear man, if you want to know the truth, that dog has two defects he is old and he’s short in the muzzle.” In the given passage, what has been discussed here?
Answer:
Through this passage, the author has discussed the merits and defects of Guess, the dog.
Chubukov tells that Guess has numerous merits. He has certainly some good points. His bred is pure. He has very firm or strong feet on which he can stand at stretch. He has well-spring ribs. But that is not the reality of the dog. There are two defects in dog. The dog is short and old in the muzzle. So, Chubukov asks Lomov not to excite himself. Guess is loyal and obedient to his master. He keeps a strict vigil on his master’s house. His master also likes him and takes proper care of the dog. This way Guess is a the good and loyal servant to his master. Except a few defects, Guess is a fit and fine.

Reference To Context

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. CHUBUKOV : [aside] He’s come to borrow money. Shan’t give him any!
[aloud] What is it, my beauty?
LOMOV : You see, Honoured Stepanitch… I beg pardon Stepan Honouritch… I
mean, I’m awfully excited, as you will please notice… In short, you alone can help me, though I don’t deserve it, of course… and haven’t any right to count on your assistance….

Choose the correct option:

(a) What does Lomov need?
(i) Money
(ii) Help
(iii) Property
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) Help

(b) Who has been referred to as ‘beauty’in the above extract?
(i) Lomov
(ii) Money
(iii) Natalya
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Natalya

(c) Lomov stutters while speaking to Chubukov because he is awfully.
(i) sad
(ii) excited
(iii) depressed
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) excited

(d) Who does not rely on anyone’s assistance?
(i) Lomov
(ii) Chubukov
(iii) Natalya
(iv) Stepanitch
Answer:
(i) Lomov

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to ‘support.’
(i) contradict
(ii) oppose
(iii) helpless
(iv) assistance
Answer:
(iv) assistance

2. I’ve been hoping for it for a long time. It’s been my continual desire. [Sheds a tear] And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son. May God give you both – His help and His love and so on, and so much hope… What am I behaving in this idiotic way for? I’m off my balance with joy, absolutely off my balance! Oh, with all my soul… I’ll go and call Natalya, and all that.

Choose the correct option:

(a) For how long has Chubukov been hoping?
(i) For 1 minute
(ii) For a long time
(iii) For 1 hour
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) For a long time

(b) Who considers himself behaving in an idiotic way?
(i) Lomov
(ii) Natalya
(iii) Chubukov
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Chubukov

(c) Natalya getting married to Lomov has been Chubukov’s continual
(i) dejection
(ii) desire
(iii) inspiration
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(ii) desire

(d) Who is referred to as “angle’ here?
(i) Chubukov
(ii) Lomov
(iii) Natalya
(iv) Stepanitch
Answer:
(ii) Lomov

(e) Find out a word from the passage opposite in meaning to “despair.’
(i) decide
(ii) reject
(iii) hope
(iv) degrade
Answer:
(iii) hope

3. Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated. What more
do I want? But I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement. [Drinks] And it’s impossible for me not to marry. In the first place, I’m already 35 — a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, I’m excitable and always getting awfully upset; at this very moment my lips are trembling, and there’s a twitch in my right eyebrow. But the very worst of all is the way I sleep. I no sooner get into bed and begin to go off, when suddenly something in my left side gives a pull, and I can feel it in my shoulder and head… I jump up like a lunatic, walk about a bit and lie down again, but as soon as I begin to get off to sleep there’s another pull! And this may happen twenty times…

Choose the correct option:

(a) Who is Natalya Stepanovna?
(i) An excellent orator
(ii) An excellent housekeeper
(iii) A good scholar
(iv) A good sportswoman
Answer:
(ii) An excellent housekeeper

(b) How old is Lomov?
(i) Twenty-five years old
(ii) Thirty years old
(iii) Thirty-five years old
(iv) Forty years old
Answer:
(iii) Thirty-five years old

(c) Lomov suffers from
(i) palpitations
(ii) asthma
(iii) influenza
(iv) none of these
Answer:
(i) palpitations

(d) What happens with Lomov while he goes for sleeping?
(i) He faints from time to time.
(ii) He gets one pull after another.
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) Neither (i) nor (ii)
Answer:
(ii) He gets one pull after another.

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to ‘maniac’.
(i) sensible
(ii) reasonable
(iii) sane
(iv) lunatic
Answer:
(iv) lunatic

4. But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, it’s true, were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows that they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father’s grandfather had the free use of the Meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own, when it happened that…

Choose the correct option:

(a) What were once the subject of dispute?
(i) Oxen Meadows
(ii) Oxen Shadows
(iii) Sea Springs
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Oxen Meadows

(b) Oxen Meadows belongs to whom?
(i) Natalya
(ii) Lomov
(iii) Ivan Vassilevitch
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Lomov

(c) The peasants belonging to Natalya’s father’s grandfather made ………….. for her in return.
(i) bricks
(ii) cement
(iii) iron
(iv) plastic
Answer:
(i) bricks

(d) How many years did they make free use of the Meadows?
(i) Twenty years
(ii) Twenty-five years
(iii) Forty years
(iv) Fifty years
Answer:
(iii) Forty years

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to “permanently’.
(i) temporarily
(ii) perpetuity
(iii) momentary
(iv) transitory
Answer:
(ii) perpetuity

5. What a surprise! We’ve had the land for nearly three hundred years, and then we’re suddenly told that it isn’t ours! Ivan Vassilevitch, I can hardly believe my own ears. These meadows aren’t worth much to me. They only come to five dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand unfairness. Say what you will, I can’t stand unfairness.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What can the speaker not tolerate?
(i) People
(ii) Fairness
(iii) Unfairness
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Unfairness

(b) What is the cost of these meadows?
(i) 300 roubles
(ii) 400 roubles
(iii) 500 roubles
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) 300 roubles

(c) …………….. can hardly believe her own ears.
(i) Natalya
(ii) Lomov
(iii) Vassilevitch
(iv) Stepanitch
Answer:
(i) Natalya

(d) What is ‘dessiatins’?
(i) A unit of land measurement in Russia
(ii) A unit of land measurement in England
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) A unit of land measurement in Russia

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to ‘value.’
(i) frugal
(ii) worth
(iii) worthless
(iv) insignificant
Answer:
(ii) worth

6. I can make you a present of them myself, because they’re mine! Your behaviour, Ivan Vassilevitch, is strange, to say the least! Up to this we have always thought of you as a good neighbour, a friend; last year we lent you our threshing-machine, although on that account we had to put off our own threshing till November, but you behave to us as if we were gypsies. Giving me my own land, indeed! No, really, that’s not at all neighbourly! In my opinion, it’s even impudent, if you want to know.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What is the matter of dispute between both the characters?
(i) Land
(ii) Meadows
(iii) Cows
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) Meadows

(b) Till which month did the narrator put off their own threshing?
(i) October
(ii) November
(iii) December
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(ii) November

(c) Last year Natalya lent Lomov their
(i) threshing-machine
(ii) binding-machine
(iii) washing-machine
(iv) all of these
Answer:
(i) threshing-machine

(d) How is the behaviour of Ivan Vassilevitch?
(i) Rude
(ii) Strange
(iii) Good
(iv) Ill-tempered
Answer:
(ii) Strange

(e) Find out a word from the passage opposite in meaning to “respectful.’
(i) impudent
(ii) sycophant
(iii) dissident
(iv) satisfied
Answer:
(i) impudent

7. Don’t excite yourself, my precious one. Allow me. Your Guess certainly has his good points.
He’s purebred, firm on his feet, has well-sprung ribs, and all that. But, my dear man, if you want to know the truth, that dog has two defects: he’s old and he’s short in the muzzle.

Choose the correct option:

(a) What are the major defects of Guess, according to the speaker?
(i) Old and short in the muzzle
(ii) Young and stout
(iii) Short and thin
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Old and short in the muzzle

(b) What kind of breed is the dog?
(i) Purebred
(ii) Mixedbred
(iii) Monobred
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Purebred

(c) Chubukov asks Lomov not to himself.
(i) oppress
(ii) enthuse
(iii) incite
(iv) excite
Answer:
(iv) excite

(d) What are the good points of Guess?
(i) Weak feet and well sprung ribs
(ii) Firm feet and well sprung ribs
(iii) Flexible feet and inflexible ribs
(iv) All of these
Answer:
(ii) Firm feet and well sprung ribs

(e) Find out a word from the passage similar in meaning to definitely’.
(i) excitedly
(ii) uncertainly
(iii) certainly
(iv) roughly
Answer:
(iii) certainly

The Proposal Summary

The Proposal Introduction

• Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (29 January, 1860 — 15 July, 1904) is considered one of the greatest writers of short fiction in history.
• He completed his school education in 1879.
• He was a physician, short-story writer and playwright of Russia.
• “The Seagull’, ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Three Sisters’ and ‘The Cherry Orchard are some of his notable plays.
• He was bestowed with the coveted Pushkin Prize for the best literary production.

Gist of the Lesson

In ‘The Proposal, the author Anton Chekhov has given a detailed description of the marriage. Its theme is based on two people who love each other by fighting. It is a story about Stepanovitch Chubukov and his neighbour Lomov. Natalya is the daughter of Chubukov. The main purpose of the play is to increase their estates and land properties.

Lomov enters the house of Chubukov with a request. Chubukov thinks that Lomov has come to take some money. But that is not true. Instead Lomov has come to ask for Natalya’s hand. At this, Chubukov gets happy and embraces Lomov. Chubukov gives his consent and also tells him that Natalya is also in love with him. Natalya is beautiful and educated. So he wants to lead a happy and married life with Natalya.

When Natalya comes and asks about his visit, he changes the track of conversation. Lomov tells that he has great respect for his family. When Lomov talks about Oxen Meadows, birchwoods, there starts a verbal duel between the two. At this, Natalya refuses Lomov’s claim.

Lomov calls Chubukov a land grabber and threatens to drag Chubukov into the court. They start abusing each other. Chubukov calls Lomov the villain and the scarecrow. Natalya calls Lomov ‘a rascal’. They also quarrel over their dogs. They also want to prove each other’s dog superior. Lomov’s heart starts palpitating. But after a few moment, he regains his consciousness and Chubok tells him that Natalya is ready to marry. But ultimately they tie a nupital knot. And they start leading their married life.

The Proposal Summary

Lomov and Chubukov meet: Lomov in a formal evening dress comes to visit Chubukov. He is so excited about the purpose of his visit that he beats around the bushes rather than saying his purpose.

Lomov asks for Natalya’s hand: After gathering courage, Lomov finally speaks up to Chubukov that he has come to ask for Natalya, his daughter’s hand in marriage.

Chubukov calls Natalya: Chubukov becomes very happy at the proposal of Lomov and calls Natalya. Lomov asks Chubukov whether she will accept his proposal. Chubukov consoles him by saying that she is like a lovesick cat and will accept his proposal.

Lomov’s thoughts about Natalya: Lomov thinks that Natalya is an amazing house-keeper, educated and beautiful. He should not miss this opportunity of getting married at the age of thirtyfive.

Lomov’s reasons of getting married: Lomov suffers from serious diseases like palpitation, excitement and insomnia. Therefore, he wants to settle down and have a peaceful married life.

Natalya enters the drawing-room: Natalya sees Lomov in drawing-room and welcomes him. She compliments his dress which excites Lomov before he can tell his proposal.

Lomov’s claim of Oxen Meadows: Lomov starts talking how their families had good relations over many decades and also his Oxen Meadows touch their birchwoods.

Lomov and Natalya quarrel: Natalya opposes Lomov’s claim of calling Oxen Meadows his as the meadows belongs to her family. They both quarrel over the ownership of the Oxen Meadows. Lomov goes out after listening to the insults of her family.

Natalya gets to know the proposal: Chubukov enters the drawing room and gets angry on how Lomov dared to come with marriage proposal for his daughter and insulted him afterwards.

Natalya feels sad: After knowing about the proposal, Natalya becomes sad and repents for the fight she picked up with Lomov. Chubukov goes out to call Lomov.

Natalya pacifies Lomov: Natalya calms down Lomov by saying that the Oxen Meadows belongs to him. But Lomov is still disturbed and therefore, he starts praising his dog Guess, that he purchased for 125 roubles.

Another fight between Lomov and Natalya: Natalya says that her dog, Squeezer which she purchased for 85 roubles, is better than his dog Guess. They both start fighting over the qualities of their dogs.

Lomov falls unconscious: Chubukov also sides with his daughter rather than ending their quarrel. While throwing abuses at each other, Lomov falls into the armchair. Both Chubukov and Natalya think he is dead. She laments that her chance of getting married to Lomov has gone.

Lomov and Natalya decide to marry: After a few moments, Lomov regains his consciousness and without missing this opportunity, Chubukov tells him that Natalya is ready to marry him. He asks them to kiss each other. Later, they playfully debate over their dogs’ qualities again.

Lesson at a Glance

• Chubukov and Lomov are neighbours. They both are landowners.
• Lomov is thirty-five years old and he wants to live a peaceful married life.
• Lomov goes to Chubukov’s house to ask for his daughter Natalya’s hand in marriage.
• In Lomov’s opinion, Natalya is an amazing housekeeper and not bad looking either.
• After coming to her house, he forgets the purpose of his visit and starts fighting with Natalya over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.
• Chubukov enters and asks what the matter is about. He supports his daughter in the quarrel.
• Lomov threatens them to go to the court. They further abuse one another.
• Later, Natalya comes to know about the marriage proposal Lomov has come up with. She is annoyed with her father that he did not tell her about the proposal.
• She asked her father to bring Lomov back, else she would end her life.
• Lomov comes back and this time they start quarrelling over their dogs.
• Natalya asserts that her dog Squeezer is better than Lomov’s dog Guess.
• Chubukov also takes his daughter’s side and says that Squeezer is the best dog in the district.
• In between all this fighting, Lomov becomes excited and his palpitations start rising.
• He falls down in the chair and loses his consciousness.
• Chubukov gets confused and threatens to cut his throat or shoot himself.
• Gradually, Lomov regains his consciousness and Chubukov tells them to get married soon.

Character Sketch

Lomov: Lomov was a funny man. He was physically weak but economically sound. He was a rich bachelor who wanted to marry Natalya. He was not really in love with Natalya but wanted to marry her because he thought that she was a good-housekeeper and beautiful. Lomov said if he had desired for an ideal or real love, he would never have got married. It was his feeling that at the age of 35, he must lead a quiet and regular life. When he went to propose her, Natalya thought that he had come to claim Oxen Meadows as his own. That is why quarrel took place between them. They even quarrelled over their dogs. Before finally proposing to her, he fainted and after that shouted a lot but finally succeeded to get acceptance.

Chubukow: Chubukov was a landowner. He loved his daughter a lot. He was in search ofa good match for his daughter. He called Lomov, angel, treasure etc. He was a cunning man. Whenever Chubukov fought with Natalya, he supported his daughter. He even abused Lomov and told him to leave his house.

Natalya: Natalya was a very short-tempered girl. She was much concerned about the honour of her family and land. She had even hot discussion with Lomov about the ownership of Oxen Meadows and her dog, Squeezer. She was also ready to tie a nupital knot.

Word-Meanings

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions Grammar Phrasal Verb Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 9th Class English Grammar Phrasal Verb

Phrasal Verb :
In English, a verb can give different meanings when different prepositions are added to it. The various combinations of verbs with prepositions or adverb particles are known as Phrases or Prepositional Phrases:

For example:
Bring about = cause to happen
Bring out = bring to light
Bring up = to rear

Position of object in Pepositional Phrases:

(i) Noun objects are placed at the end of the phrasai verb or before the preposition/adverb particle;
The wind blew away his hat.
Or
The wind blew his hat away.

(ii) If the object is a pronoun, it can be placed only before the preposition/adverb particle:
If you have a hat on, take ¡t off.
I will ring you up.

(iii) A long object usually goes after the adverb/preposition:
The wind blew away everything that was lying on the roof.

Some Important Prepositional Phrases:

Some Other Useful Phrasal Verbs:

Exercises Based on The Text Book

Exercise 1

Complete the following sentences by using one of the phrases provided after each. Use the appropriate tense form:

1. Though there are several difficulties on our way, yet we should be firm and not …………. (take over, get over, give in, run down).
2. Many people think that India will not be able to …………. her present turmoil in the near future. (take over, give up, get over, put across)
3. How many of us can …………. our traditional habits completely? Perhaps none. (take out, put forward, make up, give up)
4. To everybody’s swpnse, John …………. quite early that day. (turn out, look around, turned up, take over)
5. All present at the meeting agree that they should …………. the question in all detail. (go into, Uy out, pull, bring up)
6. There was so much of noise in the hail that I could not …………. what the speaker was saying. (put across, make out, put up with, get through)
7. There is a rumour that/the husband and the wife have …………. (Break out, fall out, give away, leave out)
8. YoGr washing machine is …………. again, why don’t you take it to the mechanic. (act up, get on, hoot down, back up).
9. Cholera has …………. in the town. The government must do something about it (break down, fall out, break out, leak out)
10. They may not be able to …………. the problem without our help. (tide over, patch up. round up, size up)
Answers:
1. Though there are several difficulties on our way, yet we should be firm and not give in (take over, get over, give in, run down).
2. Many people think that India will not be able to get over her present turmoil in the near future. (take over, give up, get over, put across)
3. How many of us can give up our traditional habits completely? Perhaps none. (take out, put forward, make up, give up)
4. To everybody’s swpnse, John turned up quite early that day. (turn out, look around, turned up, take over)
5. All present at the meeting agree that they should go into the question in all detail. (go into, Uy out, pull, bring up)
6. There was so much of noise in the hail that I could not make out what the speaker was saying. (put across, make out, put up with, get through)
7. There is a rumour that/the husband and the wife have fallen out (Break out, fall out, give away, leave out)
8. Yogr washing machine is acting up again, why don’t you take it to the mechanic. (act up, get on, hoot down, back up).
9. Cholera has broken out in the town. The government must do something about it (break down, fall out, break out, leak out)
10. They may not be able to tide over the problem without our help. (tide over, patch up. round up, size up)

Exercise 2

Fill In the blanks with Prepositions:
1. This book consists …………. 200 pages.
2. He lives …………. fruits only.
3. Please look …………. this word in the dictionary.
4. He is looking …………. his lost cow.
5, The issue of reservations has been blown ………….
6. After a fierce fight, the enemy gave ………….
7. He came …………. a lot of wealth.
8. He was brought …………. by his uncle.
9. The old beggar begged …………. alms.
10. We should not boast …………. our abilities.
11. We must abide …………. the rules of the road.
12. Hard work is a key …………. success.
13. I will look …………. the matter.
14. He made …………. a false story.
15. We should stand …………. honour and dignity.
Answers:
1. This book consists of 200 pages.
2. He lives on fruits only.
3. Please look for this word in the dictionary.
4. He is looking for his lost cow.
5, The issue of reservations has been blown over
6. After a fierce fight, the enemy gave in
7. He came by a lot of wealth.
8. He was brought up by his uncle.
9. The old beggar begged for alms.
10. We should not boast of our abilities.
11. We must abide by the rules of the road.
12. Hard work is a key to success.
13. I will look into the matter.
14. He made up a false story.
15. We should stand for honour and dignity.

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions Grammar Reported Speech Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 9th Class English Grammar Reported Speech

* Finite and non-finite Derbs Verbs दो प्रकार के होते हैं-
(a) Finite verbs
(b) Non-finite verbs

Finite का अर्थ होता है ‘सीमित’। इसलिए Finite verbs वे होते हैं जिन पर Number (वचन), Person (व्यक्ति) या Tense (काल) की सीमाएं होती हैं अर्थात इन Verbs को Number, Person या Tense के अनुसार स्वयं को बदलना पड़ता है, जैसे-
The boy wants a book.

The boys want books.
The boys wanted books.

I want a book.
He wants a book.
उपरोक्त वाक्यों में Verb ‘want’ Number, Person और Tense के अनुसार बदलता रहा है।

Non-finite verbs : जैसा कि नाम से स्पष्ट है, इन शब्दों पर कोई बंधन नहीं होता अर्थात ये Number, Person या Tense के बंधनों को स्वीकार नहीं करते और सदा एक समान रहते हैं, जैसे-
I want to swim.
He wants to swim.
They want to swim.
He wanted to swim.
She will want to swim.
The boys want to swim.
उपरोक्त वाक्यों में ‘to swim’ नाम का शब्द Number, Person या Tense के बदलने पर नहीं बदला।
यह एक Non-finite verb है। इस पाठ का हमारा विषय है-Non-finite verbs.

Non-finites तीन प्रकार के होते हैं-
(a) The Infinitive
(b) The Gerund
(c) The Participles.
इन Non-finites और इनके रूपों को निम्नलिखित चार्ट द्वारा दर्शा सकते हैं-

अब हम एक-एक करके इनका अध्ययन करेंगे।

A. The Infinitive

Form (रूप)-The infinitive का प्रयोग To के साथ (To+ verb) और बिना To के भी होता है। बिना To के Infinitive को Bare Infinitive कहते हैं।

वे Verbs (क्रियाएं जिनके साथ Infinitive का प्रयोग होता है :
1. Verbs followed by Infinitive-निम्नलिखित क्रियाओं के साथ Infinitive का प्रयोग होता है-
learn, remember, forget, promise, swear, consent, agree, neglect, refuse, propose, regret, try, endeavour, attempt, fail, care, hope, hesitate, prepare, decide, determine, undertake, manage, arrange, cease, seem.
He promised to work hard.
I hope to win the prize.
He managed to run away.
He decided to help me.
He tried to climb the tree.

2. Verbs followed by Infinitive alone or Object+Infinitive-निम्नलिखित क्रियाओं के साथ Infinitive या Object + Infinitive का प्रयोग होता है-
want, with, love, have, like, prefer, ask, help, expect, beg, mean, intend.
He wants to read the book.
He wants me to read the book.

I asked to see the officer.
I asked Mohan to see the officer.

I expect to do this work.
I expect Puneet to do this work.

3. Verbs followed by Object + Infinitive-निम्नलिखित Verbs के साथ केवल Infinitive नहीं लग सकता। Infinitive से पहले कोई Object लगाना आवश्यक है-
tell, order, invite, ask, oblige, compel, allow, permit, teach, instruct, war, urge, advise, tempt, encourage. request, forbid etc.
She invited me to take lunch with her.
The captain ordered the soldiers to fire at the enemy.
Father asked me to bring a book for him.

4. Bare Infinitive (Infinitive without ‘to’) बिना ‘To’ वाले Infinitive का प्रयोग निम्नलिखित अवस्थाओं में होता है:
(i) ‘to feel’, ‘to notice’, ‘to see’, ‘to watch’, ‘to make’, ‘to bid’, ‘to observe’, ‘to hear’, ‘to let’ af fout पश्चात, जैसे-
I let him read the book.
We made him apologize.
I saw her enter the garden.
She heard me sing a song.
He bade me go.

किंतु जब इन क्रियाओं का प्रयोग Passive Voice में किया जाता है, तो इनके बाद to सहित Infinitive का ही प्रयोग किया जाता है, जैसे-
I was heard to sing a song.
He was seen to enter the room.
He was made to go.

लेकिन, जब let का प्रयोग Passive Voice में किया जाता है तो इसके बाद बिना ‘to’ के Infinitive (Bare Infinitive) का ही प्रयोग किया जाता है, जैसे-
He was let play.

(ii) Ought’ एवं ‘used’ के अतिरिक्त Modal Auxiliaries के बाद Bare Infinitive (‘to’ रहित Infinitive) का ही प्रयोग किया जाता है, जैसे-
Can you lift this box?
We should respect our teachers.
Could you help me please?
It may rain today.
You need not go.
We ought to respect our elders.
They used to live here.

लेकिन, जब ‘dare’ तथा ‘need’ का प्रयोग Main Verb के रूप में किया जाए तो प्रायः ‘to’ सहित Infinitive का प्रयोग किया जाता है, जैसे-
He does not need to go there.
She does not dare to come here.

(iii) ‘had better’, ‘would rather’ तथा ‘had rather’ के बाद Bare Infinitive का ही प्रयोग किया जाता है, जैसे-
I would rather die than beg.
You had better stay here.

(iv) Except, than और but के बाद Bare Infinitive का प्रयोग करते हैं, जैसे-
I did nothing but wait for him.
He does nothing except play.
I would sit idle than go to the theatre.

5. Uses of Infinitive (Infinitive के प्रयोग)
(i) उद्देश्य को व्यक्त करने के लिए, जैसे
We go to school to study.
He came here to meet his friend.

(ii) Verb के Subject के रूप में, जैसे
To play with fire is dangerous.
To tell lies is bad.

(iii) Verb के object के रूप में, जैसे-
He wants to go.
She hopes to pass.

(iv) Verb के complement (पूरक) के रूप में, जैसे
His intention is to cross the river.
My hobby is to collect stamps.

(v) Question Words what, how. where के बाद, जैसे-
Tell me what to say.
I don’t know how to solve this sum.

(vi) Adjective के object के रूप में, जैसे-
I am very happy to see you.
It is bad to abuse others.

(vii) किसी Noun की विशेषता प्रकट करने के लिए, जैसे-
This cloth is easy to wash.
English is difficult to learn.

(viii) Noun या Pronoun की विशेषता प्रकट करने के लिए, जैसे
I have some letters to write.
Give me something to eat.

(ix) Too + adjective के साथ Infinitive के प्रयोग का अर्थ नकारात्मक होता है, जैसे-
He is too weak to walk.
(इसका अर्थ है वह इतना कमजोर है कि चल नहीं सकता।)
He was too angry to speak.
He is too poor to buy a bicycle.

(x) Adjective + enough के साथ Infinitive का वही अर्थ है जैसा वाक्य का, जैसे-
He is rich enough to buy a car.

(वह इतना अमीर है कि कार खरीद सकता है।)
Mohan is not intelligent enough to pass the test.

(xi) वाक्यों को संयुक्त करने के लिए; जैसे-
Separate : He went to the post office. He wanted to buy some stamps.
Combined : He went to the post office to buy some stamps.
Separate : He is very ill. He cannot sit up.
Combined : He is too ill to sit up.
Separate : I should come the next day. He want me so.
Combined : He wants me to come the next day.

Exercise 1

Insert ‘to’ where necessary before the infinitives in brackets :

1. He made me (repeat) the lesson.
2. She can (sing) quite well.
3. He will be able (swim) very soon.
4. You ought (go) today, It may (rain) tomorrow.
5. You needn’t (say) anything.
6. How dare you (open) my letters?
7. Can you help me (move) this table?
8. It is easy (find) fault with others.
9. Visitors are asked (not feed) the animals.
10. He tried (make) me (believe) that he was a police officer.
11. Would you like (come) in my car?
12. He heard a cock (crow) in a neighbouring village.
13. You may as well (tell) the truth. It will (be) easy (check) your story.
14. There is nothing (do) but (wait) till somebody comes (let) us out.
15. Iam sorry (disappoint) you but I can’t (let) you (have) any more money.
Answers:
1. repeat
2. sing
3. to swim
4. ought to go; may rain
5. say
6. open
7. move
8. to find
9. not to feed
10. to make; believe
11. to come
12. crow
13. tell; will be easy; to check
14. to do; wait; to let
15. to disappoint; let; have.

Exercise 2

Put the appropriate form of the infinitive (with ‘to ’ or bare infinitive) of the verbs given in brackets:

1. I made them (give) my money back.
2. This dress is simple (wear).
3. You ought (obey) your parents.
4. Why not (take) the day off?
5. He tried (make) me a fool.
6. Do you want (see) this film.
7. I wanted (help) her but I could not (meet) her.
8. He was heard (open) the door.
9. He doesn’t allow me (smoke) in his room.
10. Iam sorry (disturb) you.
11. riow dare you (open) my letter?
12. He would rather (die) than (beg).
13. The thief was seen (enter) the building.
14. This cloth is easy (wash).
15. He is too weak (walk).
Answers:
1. give
2. to wear
3, to obey
4. take
5. to make
6. to see
7. to help, meet
8. to open
9. to smoke
10. to disturb
11. open
12. die, beg
13. to enter
14. to wash
15. to walk.

* Dummy Subject ‘IT’ का प्रयोग-

Dummy या मूक Subject उसे कहते हैं जो वाक्य में किसी प्रकार का अर्थ देने के लिए प्रयुक्त नहीं होता, किंतु वह वाक्य रचना में सहायता करता है। It का प्रयोग dummy subject के रूप में कर सकते हैं।

It+ be के साथ Infinitive का प्रयोग –
हम जानते हैं कि infinitive का प्रयोग वाक्य के subject के रूप में हो सकता है, जैसे-
To smoke is wrong.
To play with fire is dangerous.

लेकिन इस प्रकार के वाक्यों के स्थान पर It + be के साथ infinitive लगाकर प्रयोग करना अधिक बेहतर है, जैसे-
It is wrong to smoke.
It is dangerous to play with fire.

इस प्रकार के वाक्यों को चार प्रकार से प्रयोग किया जा सकता है-
(i) It + be + adjective+ infinitive, जैसे-
It is easy to leam English.
It is bad’to abuse others.
It is wrong to tell lies.

(ii) It+ be + adjective + for + noun/pronoun + infinitive, जैसे-
It is wrong for you to smoke.
It is dangerous for a child to play with fire.
It is easy for Mohan to leam English.
It is wrong for you to tell lies.

(ii) It + be + noun + infinitive, जैसे-
It is a sin to steal.
It was a shame to cut those trees.
It is a pleasure to meet you.

(iv) It+ be + noun + for + noun/pronoun + infinitive. जैसे-
It is a shame for you to abuse him.
It is a pleasure for me to meet you.
It is a sin for man to deceive others.

Note 1. उपरोक्त नियम नं० (ii) में अगर adjective किसी व्यक्ति के गुणों के बारे में हो तो वहां ‘for के स्थान पर ‘of लगता है, जैसे-
It was selfish of Mohan to deceive Hari.
It was kind of you to help me.
It is nice of you to come here.

Note 2.Gerund या clause वाले वाक्यों को भी उपरोक्त तरीके से It+be + infinitive से आरंभ होने वाले वाक्यों में बदल सकते हैं, जैसे-
(i) Smoking is bad for you.
It is bad for you to smoke.

(ii) Playing with fire is dangerous.
It is dangerous to play with fire.
Note 3. Adverb वाले वाक्यों को It + be + Adjective के साथ बदलते हैं, जैसे
(i) He will certainly come.
It is certain that he will come.

(ii) She will surely pass.
It is sure that she will pass.

Exercise 3

Rewrite the following sentences beginning with “It” :

1. To cheat in examination is a sin.
2. To wash this shirt is easy.
3. Laughing at the beggar is very bad.
4. He said that. It was wrong.
5. I leam music. It is difficult for me.
6. He is abusing others. It is not good.
7. Your father helped me. It was very nice.
8. To serve our parents is our duty.
9. Playing is good for health.
10. Stealing is a crime.
11. To abuse others is wrong.
12. He will leam music. It is easy for him.
13. The bear is dancing. It is a fun to see it.
14. To take what belongs to others is bad.
15. To cross the river now is impossible.
Answers:
1. It is a sin to cheat in examination.
2. It is easy to wash this shirt
3. It is bad to laugh at the beggar.
4. It was wrong for bim to say that.
5. It is difficult for me to learn music.
6. It is not good for him to abuse others.
7. It was very nice of your father to help me.
8. It is our duty to serve our parents.
9. It is good for health to play.
10. It is a crime to steal.
11. It is wrong to abuse others.
12. It is easy for him to learn music.
13. It is a fun to see the bear dancing.
14. It is bad to take what belongs to others.
15. It is impossible to cross the river now.

Exercise 4

Complete the following sentences by adding an infinitive or an infinitive followed by other words. Use infinitive without ‘to ’ where necessary:
1. The robber forced the travellers …………….. .
2. No one heard them …………….. .
3. The children’s teacher made them …………….. .
4. I do not wish the neighbours …………….. .
5. The police would not allow anyone …………….. .
6. The conductor asked the passengers …………….. .
7. We expect the repairs …………….. .
8. You should not let that dog …………….. .
9. A spell of fine weather enabled us …………….. .
10. We have an hour to spare, so let’s …………….. .
11. Can’t you persuade your friend …………….. .
12. Most of us felt the suggestion …………….. .
13. They saw two men in dark overcoats …………….. .
14. The manager wants us …………….. .
15. That is the first time I have known your father …………….. .
Answers:
1. to part with their money
2. enter the room
3. repeat the homework
4. to disturb me
5. come near the scene of the crime
6. to take tickets
7. to be completed soon
8. attack people
9. to play a match
10. go out for a walk
11. to help me?
12. to be good
13. enter the house
14. to work hard
15. to smoke.

B. The Gerund

1. Form and Function (रूप एवं कार्य)-Verb (क्रिया) की Ist form के साथ ing लगाकर Gerund बनता है। यह क्रिया (Verb) तथा संज्ञा (Noun) दोनों का कार्य करता है।
2. Gerund का प्रयोग
(i) क्रिया के Subject के रूप में, जैसे-
Smoking is bad for health.
Playing with fire is dangerous.

(ii) क्रिया के Object के रूप में, जैसे-
I avoid smoking.
He risked going outside.

(iii) Subject के पूरक (Complement) के रूप में, जैसे-
Seeing is believing.
The worst thing was waiting.

(iv) किसी Preposition के Object के रूप में, जैसे-
She was fined for coming late.
He congratulated me on winning the prize.

(v) कुछ विशेष वाक्यों में, जैसे-
No smoking.
No parking.
We are looking forward to receiving her.

(vi) Busy और worth विशेषण के बाद, जैसे-
I am busy packing.
This book is worth reading.

(vii) यदि Used to से पहले [is, am, are] लगा होता है तो Gerund का प्रयोग करते हैं; जैसे-
He is used to making excuses.
I am used to visiting trade fairs.

(viii) object to के तुरंत बाद Gerund का प्रयोग करते हैं; जैसे-
He objected to giving me admission.
They objected to playing on the damp ground.

(ix) It is no use के object के रूप में; जैसे-
It is no use crying over spilt milk.
It is no use waiting for her now.

3. निम्नलिखित Verbs के बाद Gerund का प्रयोग होता है-
Stop, finish, dread, prevent, avoid, risk, admit, deny, start, love, hate, recollect, resent, delay, postpone, defer, enjoy, fancy, imagine, forgive, pardon, excuse, suggest, keep, understand, consider, miss, involve etc.^%- The time is over. Please stop writing.
He denied having seen the thief.
Please pardon my saying so.
Don’t risk going out in the storm.
I avoid meeting Mohan.

4. The Gerund and the Infinitive-
कुछ क्रियाओं के बाद Gerund या Infinitive किसी का भी प्रयोग हो सकता है-
begin, continue, attempt, intend, can’t bear, like, prefer, remember, forget, regret, permit, allow, advise, recommend, it needs/requires/waits, try, propose, mean etc.

Note (i) Remember, forget और reset के साथ infinitive का प्रयोग तब होता है जब ‘याद रखना, भूलना, अफसोस करना’ पहले हो और Verb (क्रिया) बाद में। मगर Gerund का प्रयोग तब होता है जब क्रिया (कार्य) तो पहले हो जाए मगर उसे ‘याद करना’, ‘भूलना’, ‘अफसोस करना’ आदि बाद में हो, जैसे-
Please remember to post the letter.
I remember meeting Mohan. I met him last week.
I regret to tell you that Ram has failed.
I regret beating my younger brother yesterday.

(ii) Need और want के साथ Gerund का प्रयोग Passive अर्थ में होता है, जैसे
Your dress needs repairing (to be repaired).
My hair wants cutting (to be cut).

(iii) Try के साथ Infinitive का अर्थ है, ‘प्रयत्न करना’, जबकि इसके साथ Gerund का अर्थ है ‘प्रयोग करना’ या ‘करके देखना’, जैसे
I tried to sleep, but couldn’t.
If you cannot sleep, try taking a sleeping pill.

(iv) Like+gerund का अर्थ है ‘आनन्द उठाना’ मगर Like+Infinitive का अर्थ है चाहना, सहमत होना पसंद करना आदि, जैसे-
I like swimming (i.e. I enjoy swimming).
I did not like to disturb her as she was sleeping.

Exercise 5

Fill in the blanks using the Gerund for the non-finite verbs :
1. It is no use …………….. (cry) over spilt milk.
2. …………….. (run) after the thief. I caught him.
3. I was praised for …………….. (catch) a thief.
4. He insisted on …………….. (buy) a new shirt.
5. …………….. (walk) is a good exercise for heart.
6. He suggested …………….. (break) open the door.
7. I am busy …………….. (Pack).
8. She is expert in …………….. (paint)
9. This book is worth …………….. (read)
10. Please stop …………….. (talk)
11. Would you mind …………….. (help) me a little.
12. She kept …………….. (weep) all the way.
13. …………….. (smoke) is injurious to health.
14. We are looking forward to …………….. (receive) him.
15. Seeing is …………….. (believe)
Answers:
1. crying
2. Running
3. catch
4. buying
5. Walking
6. breaking
7. packing
8. painting
9. reading
10. talking
11. helping
12. weeping
13. Smoking
14. receiving
15. believing.

Exercise 6

Fill in the blanks using the Gerund for the non-finite verbs :
1. My grandmother dislikes …………….. (use) face power.
2. She denied …………….. (take) anything from my bag.
3. I object to …………….. (write) on my walls.
4. He objected to …………….. (give) me admission.
5. Seeing the teacher the boys started …………….. (read)
6. Kittu hates …………….. (make) false excuses.
7. Brave people love …………….. (climb) mountains.
8. …………….. (cheat) in examination is bad.
9. She is fond of …………….. (make) stories.
10. The boy suggested …………….. (go) for a picnic.
11. What I hate most is …………….. (drink).
12. He admitted to …………….. (tell) lies.
13. She practiced …………….. (dance) everyday.
14. Forgive my …………….. (say) so.
15. Let us go for …………….. .(shop)
Answers:
1. using
2. taking
3. writing
4. giving
5. reading
6. making
7. climbing
8. Cheating
9. making
10. going
11. drinking
12. telling
13. dancing
14. saying
15. shoping.

C. The Participles

The Participles एक ऐसा शब्द होता है, जो क्रिया (adjective) तथा विशेषण दोनों का कार्य करता है। Participles तीन प्रकार के होते हैं-
1. Present Participle : Verb की Ist form के साथ ing लगाकर बनता है।
2. Past Participle : इसे क्रिया की III form भी कहते हैं।
3. Perfect Participle : Having के साथ क्रिया की III form लगाने से बनता है।
अब हम इन तीनों के प्रयोगों का अध्ययन करेंगे।

1. Present Participle के प्रयोग-

(a) Continuous Tense बनाने के लिए, जैसे-
She was sleeping.
It will be raining.

(b) एक adjective (विशेषण) के रूप में, जैसे
Barking dogs seldom bite.
He told me an interesting story.

(c) Subject के पूरक (Complement) के रूप में, जैसे
The girl was charming.
The work is tiring.
The story is interesting.

(d) Object के पूरक के रूप में, जैसे-
f I saw him running.
We heard the bombs exploding.

(e) एक साथ होने वाले दो कार्यों के लिए Present Participle का प्रयोग कर सकते हैं। ऐसे में Present Participle एक क्रिया विशेषण (Adverb) का कार्य करता है, जैसे-
He went away laughing.

(f) जब दूसरा कार्य पहले वाले कार्य का भाग हो या उसका परिणाम हो तो दूसरे कार्य के लिए Present Participle का प्रयोग कर सकते हैं, जैसे-
He fired, killing the tiger.
She went away, breaking my heart.

(g) दो वाक्यों को जोड़ने के लिए, जैसे-
I was lying on the beach. I saw a ship.
Lyiwg on the beach, I saw a ship.

2. Past Participle के प्रयोग-

(a) Perfect Tense बनाने के लिए, जैसे-
I have done my work.
Mohan has gone to Delhi.
Shfe had written the letter.

(b) Adjective (विशेषण) के रूप में, जैसे-
I saw a wounded bird.
The tired man took rest.
A faded rose does not smell.

(c) Subject के पूरक (Complement) के रूप में, जैसे-
I am tired.
The shops are closed.

(d) Object के पूरक के रूप में, जैसे-
I found the lock broken.
The news left me surprised.

(e) Adverb (क्रिया-विशेषण) के रूप में, जैसे-
He finished the work, greatly satisfied.
He left the hospital cured.

(d) वाक्यों को जोड़ने के लिए, जैसे-
The speeding car hit him. He died at once.
Hit by the speeding car, he died at once.

3. Perfect Participle के प्रयोग-

जब कोई एक कार्य किसी अन्य कार्य के पूरा हो जाने के बाद होता है तो उस कार्य के लिए Perfect Participle का प्रयोग करते हैं, जैसे-
(i) He milked the cow. Then he went to market.
Having milked the cow, he went to market.

(ii) He finished his work. He went home.
Having finished his work, he went home.

(iii) He completed his studies. Then he started looking for a job.
Having completed his studies, he started looking for a job.

Exercise 7

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (Gerund or Infinitive) :

1. Let me ……………. (go) home please.
2. This cloth is easy ……………. (wash)
3. He is used to ……………. (go) to cinema.
4. She objected to ……………. (take) part in the debate.
5. None knows where ……………. (stay).
6. His aim was ……………. (get) a gold medal.
7. He was afraid ……………. (complain).
8. He was happy ……………. (see) me.
9. How dare you ……………. (abuse) me?
10. Could you ……………. me please ? (help/to help/helping)
Answers:
1. Let me go (go) home please.
2. This cloth is easy to wash (wash)
3. He is used to going (go) to cinema.
4. She objected to taking (take) part in the debate.
5. None knows where to stay (stay).
6. His aim was to get (get) a gold medal.
7. He was afraid of complaining (complain).
8. He was happy to see (see) me.
9. How dare you abuse (abuse) me?
10. Could you help me please ?

Exercise 8

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (Gerund or Infinitive) :
1. You had better ……………. (stay/to stay/staying) here.
2. It is no use ……………. (wait) for her.
3. Iam looking forward to ……………. (meet) you.
4. He is rich enough ……………. (buy) a car.
5. ……………. English quickly is not an easy thing, (leam/to leam/leaming)
6. She was fined for ……………. (come) late.
7. Let him ……………. (go) now.
8. He wanted me ……………. (ring) in the morning.
9. He did nothing but ……………. . (laugh)
10. My watch keeps on ……………. .(stop)
Answers:
1. You had better stay (stay/to stay/staying) here.
2. It is no use waiting (wait) for her.
3. Iam looking forward to meeting (meet) you.
4. He is rich enough to buy (buy) a car.
5. To learn English quickly is not an easy thing, (leam/to leam/leaming)
6. She was fined for coming (come) late.
7. Let him go (go) now.
8. He wanted me to ring (ring) in the morning.
9. He did nothing but laugh . (laugh)
10. My watch keeps on stopping .(stop)

Exercise 9

Use the appropriate forms of the verbs given in the bracket:
1. I like ……………. my room clean, (keep)
2. The rice will grow well in the ……………. (come) season.
3. ……………. recklessly on the highway is dangerous, (drive)
4. He was too drunk ……………. (drive) home.
5. I prefer storybooks to ……………. my textbooks, (study)
6. ……………. the stolen car wasn’t easy for the police, (find)
7. Are you interested in ……………. a computer ? (buy)
8. The teacher warned her for ……………. late. (be)
9. They felt the floor ……………. (vibrate).
10. Please let me ……………. (go) home.
Answers:
1. I like to keep my room clean, (keep)
2. The rice will grow well in the coining (come) season.
3. Driving recklessly on the highway is dangerous, (drive)
4. He was too drunk to drive (drive) home.
5. I prefer storybooks to studying my textbooks, (study)
6. Finding the stolen car wasn’t easy for the police, (find)
7. Are you interested in buying a computer ? (buy)
8. The teacher warned her for being late. (be)
9. They felt the floor vibrating (vibrate).
10. Please let me go (go) home.

Exercise 10

Use the appropriate forms of the verbs given in the bracket (Gerund or Infinitive) :
1. His mother allowed him ……………. (do) as he liked.
2. He avoids ……………. (meet) me.
3. The teacher made him ……………. (repeat) the exercise.
4. The old man is too weak ……………. (walk).
5. It is easy ……………. (advise) others.
6. Please stop ……………. (make) noise.
7. He will be able ……………. (cross) the bridge.
8. He is intelligent enough ……………. (solve) this sum.
9. Stop ……………. (smoke) as it is injurious to health.
10. Let us go for ……………. (shop).
11. He is intent on ……………. (go) there.
12. I heard a cock ……………. (crow) in the morning.
Answers:
1. His mother allowed him to do (do) as he liked.
2. He avoids meeting (meet) me.
3. The teacher made him repeat (repeat) the exercise.
4. The old man is too weak to walk (walk).
5. It is easy to advise (advise) others.
6. Please stop making (make) noise.
7. He will be able to cross (cross) the bridge.
8. He is intelligent enough to solve (solve) this sum.
9. Stop smoking (smoke) as it is injurious to health.
10. Let us go for shopping (shop).
11. He is intent on going (go) there.
12. I heard a cock crow (crow) in the morning.

Other Exercises (Solved)

Fill in the blanks with Non- Finites:

SET 1

After circling the globe and (a) …………….. (look) at scores of museums, the trustees decided (b) …………….. (appoint) an eminent architect, Richard who had a rich experience of (c) …………….. (design) museums. Richard (d) …………….. (know) for his excellence, started working on this project in 1983 at on (e) …………….. (estimate) cost of 100 million and completed it in 14 years time after (f) …………….. (spend) a billion dollars. This is an act of (g) …………….. (do) something special (h) …………….. (enrich) our cultural heritage.
Answers:
(a) looking
(b) to appoint
(c) designing
(d) known
(e) estimated
(f) spending
(g) doing
(f) to enrich.

SET 2

Group life made the task of (a) …………… (collect) food easier, (b) …………… (Hunt) wild and fast (c) …………… (run) animals with weapons also became easier. Red Indian tribes used (d) …………… (hunt) in groups. Care of (e) …………… (bring up) the young also became possible in a group. Mothers could stay at home (f) …………… , (look) after the children. Thus they managed (g) …………… (get) their food by (h) …………… (kill) wild animals.
Answers:
(a) collecting
(b) hunting
(c) running
(d) to bunt
(e) bringing up
(f) to look
(g) to get
(h) killing.

SET 3

During elections, we can see the supporters of political parties (a) …………… (shout) slogans in the streets. Even the candidates walk on foot (b) …………… (greet) the people. They catch the opportunity (c) …………… (shake) hands with anyone they meet. Their supporters assure the people (d) …………… (solve) the problems (e) …………… (be) faced by them. They urge them (f) …………… (exercise) their votes in favour of their candidates. But after (g) …………… (win) the election it becomes just impossible (h) …………… (meet) these
leaders.
Answers:
(a) shouting
(b) greeting
(c) shaking
(d) to solve
(e) being
(f) to exercise
(g) winning
(h) to meet.

SET 4

It has been decided (a) …………… (build) a number of fly-overs in Delhi. That would mean (b) …………… (cut) hundreds of trees. It would certainly create ecological imbalance, (c) …………… (Think) that this balance should be preserved, several organisation have come forward (d) …………… (sustain) this green cover by (e) …………. (plant) new trees. They are also trying (f) …………… (create) awareness among the people.
Answers:
(a) to build
(b) cutting
(c) Thinking
(d) to sustain
(e) planting
(f) to create.

SET 5

(a) …………… (be) sick for a long time, Aruna stopped (b) …………… (take) interest in anything. She just kept on (c) …………… (think) about her illness. She would not listen to any advice. She developed a habit of (d) …………… (argue) endlessly (e) …………… (know) that it was more a mental problem than a physical one, a specialist began (f) …………… (treat) her on these lines.
Answers:
(a) Being
(b) taking
(c) thinking
(d) arguing
(e) knowing
(f) to treat.

SET 6

I know how (a) …………… (swim). I had learnt (b) …………… (swim) when I was a child. I like (c) …………… (climb) mountains also. But it is very efficient and dangerous (d) …………… (climb) the steep rocks. Once I decided (e) …………… (scale) a steep rock. It was a (f) …………… (thrill) experience.
Answers:
(a) to swim
(b) swimming
(c) climbing
(d) to climb
(e) to scale
(f) thrilling.

SET 7

(a) …………… (Teach) is a passion for some teachers. Rachna, (b) …………… (be) one such teacher wanted (c) …………… (conduct) an experiment for the improvement of results in Mathematics in her school. So instead of (d) …………… (teach) the whole class, she began (e) …………… (take) tutorials with a small groups of students. This method helped in (f) …………… (develop) a sense of confidence in the students and the results greatly improved.
Answers:
(a) Teaching
(b) being
(c) to conduct
(d) teaching
(e) to take
(f) developing.

SET 8

(a) …………… (Sit) on a soft chair or sofa for a long time, is the main cause of back pain. People (b) …………… (have) much fat, become victim of this disease. Those who are used (c) …………… (sit) in a wrong posture also suffer from this pain. It is, therefore, necessary not (d) …………… (sit) in wrong postures and not (e) …………… (use) a sofa seat for a long time. Steps (f) …………… (reduce) fat should also be taken.
Answers:
(a) Sitting
(b) having
(c) to sit
(d) to sit
(e) to use
(f) to reduce.

SET 9

It we want (a) …………… (live) in peace we should try (b) …………… (learn) the art of (c) …………… (give) ‘ more and more to others (d) …………… (build) beautiful cities is not enough. War will destroy them. What is needed is (e) …………… (purify) the inner hearts of the people, if we want (f) …………… (form) a peaceful society.
Answers:
(a) to live
(b) to learn
(c) giving
(d) building
(e) to purify
(f) to form.

SET 10

There was scarcity of rains this year. The villagers were seen (a) …………… (pray) to the Rain God. Their crops had withered. The money they had spent on (b) …………… (buy) the seeds was wasted (c) …………… (be) poor the small farmers could not buy new seeds, Even their young children had taken to (d) …………… (farm) fro want of jobs. The only hope left for them was (e) …………… (pray) to Gods (f) …………… (please) them.
Answers:
(a) to play
(b) buying
(c) being
(d) farming
(e) to pray
(f) to please.

SET 11

It was amusing (a) …………… (watch) him (b) …………… (follow) her. He tried (c) …………… (catch) up with her, but she was bent on (d) …………… (avoid) him.
Answers:
(a) to watch
(b) follow
(c) to catch
(d) avoiding.

SET 12

(a) …………… (Smoke) is very injurious to our health. We must not let our children (b) …………… (fall) a prey to this pernicious habit. Those who are addicted to (c) …………… (smoke) must be made (d) …………… (give) it up if they want to live a healthy life.
Answers:
(a) Smoking
(b) fall
(c) smoking
(d) to give.

SET 13

When the teacher saw Mohan (a) …………… (doze) in the class, he made him (b) …………… (stand) up on the bench. Mohan apologized to the teacher for (c) …………… (neglect) his lecture and promised (d) …………… (not do) so in future.
Answers:
(a) doze/dozing
(b) stand
(c) neglecting
(d) not to do.

SET 14

The cricket series between India and Pakistan was high history in the (a) …………… (make). However for an average cricket fan it was an (b) …………… (entertain) battle between bat and ball. The single-minded goal of (c) …………… (win) was responsible for India’s victory. The Indian team confirmed the idea of feel good (d) …………… (circulate) in the Indian Press.
Answers:
(a) making
(b) entertaining
(c) winning
(d) circulating.

SET 15

(a) …………… (Rise) prices is one of the major problems of the country these days. It has become difficult for the common man (b) …………… (survive). (c) …………… (Live) has become all the more difficult for the poor man, for they do not have enough (d) …………… (buy) the bare necessities of life.
Answers:
(a) Rising
(b) to survive
(c) Living
(d) to buy.

SET 16

(a) …………… (Set) a new precedent, the President of India on 17th April, 2004 urged his fellow citizens (b) …………… (vote) in the (c) …………… (come) Lok Sabha Elections (d) …………… (make) the largest democracy of the world a great success.
Answers:
(a) Setting
(b) to vote
(c) coming
(d) to make.

SET 17

It is difficult especially for lady teachers (a) …………… (report) for duty early morning at the polling centres which are situated as far as 20 kilometres away from their homes. Each time the pre-poll promise of (b) …………… (spare) them from duty is not kept. If it is not possible (c) …………… (spare) them, at least special arrangements should be made (d) …………… (carry) them to and from the pjace of duty.
Answers:
(a) to report
(b) sparing
(c) to spare
(d) to carry.

SET 18

(a) …………… (Hear) the story of my misfortune he agreed (b) …………… (help) me. I was happy (c) …………… (find) a true friend in this hour of trouble. But when he came to know about my requirement he refused (d) …………… (give) me any money.
Answers:
(a) Hearing
(b) to help
(c) to find
(d) to give.

SET 19

Summer is the right time (a) …………… (go) for (b) …………… (spot) the tiger. Corbett National Park, situated just at 300 km North-East of Delhi, is an ideal place for it. You can enjoy (c) …………… (see) the number of tigers (d) …………… (roam) about freely in the open.
Answers:
(a) to go
(b) spotting
(c) seeing
(d) roaming.

SET 20

He suggested (a) …………… (hold) a meeting (b) …………… (discuss) this issue. But his suggestion was turned down because the boss did not want (c) …………… (make) it public. By (d) …………… (consult) his confidants, he decided (e) …………… (put off) the matter.
Answers:
(a) holding
(b) to discuss
(c) to make
(d) consulting
(e) to put off.

SET 21

You had better (a) …………… (leave) his company and concentrate on (b) …………… (study) your books. I fear that he will not let you (c) …………… (study) properly if you don’t shun his company. He is very fond of (d) …………… (talk) on trivial issues. Your father wants you (e) …………… (become) a good engineer. You can’t achieve this goal if you continue (f) …………… (waste) your time in his company.
Ans
(a) leave
(b) studying
(c) study
(d) talking
(e) to become
(f) wasting.

SET 22

I resent (a) …………… (be) treated like this, I am used to (b) …………… (respect) others and (c) …………… (be) respected by others. I will not let you id) …………… (treat) me so rudely. By (e) …………… (speak) so rudely to me, you have made me (f) …………… (avoid) your company.
Answers:
(a) being
(b) respecting
(c) being
(d) treat
(e) speaking
(f) avoid.

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus

HBSE 10th Class English Madam Rides the Bus Textbook Questions and Answers

Activity

1. Look at the words and phrases given below. Then put a tick against the ones you think you will find in the text.

______ a set of passengers
______ get on the bus
______ get off the bus
______ platform
______ Tickets, please
______ a roar and a rattle
______ a row of seats
______ slowing down to a crawl
______ blowing a whistle
Answer:
a set of passengers
get on the bus
get off the bus
a roar and a rattle

2. You must have travelled by bus more than once. What can you see from a fast-moving bus ? Given below are some suggestions. Speak briefly about some of these scenes, or about other such scenes that you have seen; or write a sentence or two about them.

rivers
roadside shops
moving trains
a crowd
green fields
market places
vehicles on the road
clothes in shops
hills
railway tracks
trees
animals
Answer:
Usually the following scenes can be seen from a fast-moving bus :

• green fields
• roadside shops
• market places
• grazing animals
• moving trees
• a crowd
• vehicles on the road
• crops in fields
• people walking on the road
• factories
• distant hills
• rivers
• valleys

The above scenes are generally visible when the bus is moving in the plains and passing through cities. When the bus leaves the city, we can see green fields on both side of the road. In these fields we can see the grazing animals, standing crops, etc. We also see the trees moving towards us when the bus runs. We also see factories and the people walking on the road. When the bus passes through the cities, we can see market places, crowds of people and roadside shops. But when the bus passes through a hilly area, we can see hills, far off mountains, rivers, valleys, etc. All these things look very charming and beautiful.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 119)

1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime ? (वल्ली का प्रिय शौक क्या था?)
Answer:
Valli’s favourite pastime was to stand in the doorway of her house and watch what was happening in the street outside.
(अपने घर के सामने वाले दरवाजे पर खड़े होकर गली में घट रही घटनाओं को देखना वल्ली का प्रिय शौंक था।)

2. What was a source of unending joy for Valli ? What was her strongest desire ?
(वल्ली के लिए प्रसन्नता का कभी समाप्त न होने वाला स्रोत क्या था? उसकी सबसे मज़बूत इच्छा क्या थी?)
Answer:
The sight of the bus filled each time with a new set of passengers was a source of unending joy for Valli. Her strongest desire was to enjoy a ride on that bus.
(हर बार नए यात्रियों के समूह से भरी हुई बस का दृश्य वल्ली के लिए कभी समाप्त न होने वाला प्रसन्नता का स्रोत था। . उसकी सबसे अधिक मज़बूत इच्छा उस बस पर सवार होकर सफर करने की थी।)

3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey ? How did she find out these details ? (बस यात्रा के बारे में वल्ली को क्या जानकारी हासिल हुई? उसने ये जानकारियाँ कैसे हासिल की?)
Answer:
Valli found out about the bus journey that the bus fare was thirty paise one way.The town was six miles from the village. She found out these details after hearing the conversation between her neighbours and those who had travelled by the bus.
(वल्ली को बस यात्रा के बारे में पता चल गया कि बस यात्रा का एक तरफ का किराया तीस पैसे था। कस्बा गाँव में छह मील की दूरी पर था। उसने ये जानकारियाँ अपने पड़ोसियों और उन लोगों की बातचीत से हासिल की थीं जो बस की यात्रा कर चुके थे।)

4. What do you think Valli was planning to do? (आपके विचार में वल्ली क्या करने की योजना बना रही थी?)
Answer:
She was planning to save money so that she could ride on the bus. She could take the one-o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town at one forty-five and be back home by about two forty-five.
(वह पैसे बचाने की योजना बना रही थी ताकि वह बस पर सवार हो सके। वह दोपहर बाद एक बजे वाली बस ले सके, एक बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट पर कस्बे में पहुँच सके और दो पैंतालिस पर अपने घर लौट सके।)

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 122)

1. Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
(परिचालक वल्ली को ‘मैडम’ क्यों कहता है?) ।
Answer:
The conductor was amused to see the self-confidence of Valli. She behaved like a grown up woman. She was quick in her answers to the conductor’s questions. So he addresses Valli as ‘madam.’
(परिचालक वल्ली के आत्मविश्वास से अति प्रसन्न था। वह एक सयानी महिला की तरह व्यवहार कर रही थी। वह परिचालक के प्रश्नों का तेजी के साथ उत्तर दे रही थी। इसलिए वह वल्ली को ‘मैडम’ कहता है।)

2. Why does Valli stand up on the seat ? What does she see now ? (वल्ली सीट पर क्यों खड़ी हो जाती ? अब वह क्या देखती है?)
Answer:
Valli stands up on the seat because she couldn’t see outside as the bus curtain had covered the lower part of her window. Now she sees the outside scenes and is filled with wonder.
(वल्ली सीट पर खड़ी हो जाती है क्योंकि वह बस से बाहर नहीं देख सकती है क्योंकि बस में लगे पर्दो ने उसकी खिड़की के निचले भाग को ढक रखा है। अब वह बाहर के दृश्यों को देखती है और आश्चर्य से भर जाती है।)

3. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child ? (वल्ली वृद्ध आदमी को क्या बताती है जब वह उसे बच्ची कहकर पुकारता है?)
Answer:
Valli feels angry when the elderly man calls her a child. She tells him that she is not a child and that she has a full ticket for the bus journey.
(वल्ली क्रोधित हो जाती है जब वृद्ध आदमी उसे बच्ची कहकर पुकारता है। वह उसे बताती है कि वह बच्ची नहीं है और उसके पास बस यात्रा का पूरा टिकट है।)

4. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman ? (वल्ली वृद्ध महिला के साथ मित्रता क्यों नहीं करना चाहती थी?)
Answer:
Valli did not want to make friends with the elderly woman because she looked ‘repulsive’ and ‘smelled foul.’
(वल्ली वृद्ध महिला के साथ मित्रता नहीं करना चाहती थी क्योंकि वह ‘घृणित’ लग रही थी और उससे ‘बुरी गंध’ आ रही थी।)

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 125)

1. How did Valli save up money for her first journey ? Was it easy for her ?
(वल्ली ने अपनी पहली यात्रा के लिए धन कैसे बचाया? क्या यह उसके लिए आसान था?)
Answer:
Valli saved up money for her first journey by resisting the temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, etc. It was difficult for her. She even suppressed her desire to enjoy a merry-go-round at the village fair.
(वल्ली ने पिपरमिंट की गोलियाँ, खिलौने, गुब्बारे इत्यादि खरीदने से अपने आपको रोककर धन बचाया। यह उसके लिए कठिन था। उसने गाँव के मेले में झूले का आनन्द लेने की अपनी इच्छा को भी दबाया।)

2. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh ? (वल्ली ने रास्ते में क्या देखा जिससे वह हँसने लगी?)
Answer:
Suddenly a cow which came before the bus with her raised tail. The driver sounded the horn. But more he honked, the animal became more frightened and the faster it galloped. This made Valli laugh.
(अचानक ही एक गाय जिसने अपनी पूँछ उठा रखी थी बस के आगे आ गई। चालक ने हॉर्न बजाया। लेकिन जितना ज्यादा वह हॉर्न बजाता था, जानवर उतना ज्यादा डर जाता था और तेजी से भागने लग जाता था। इससे वल्ली हँस पड़ी।)

3. Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station? (वह बस स्टेशन पर बस से नीचे क्यों नहीं उतरी?)
Answer:
Valli didn’t get off the bus at the bus station because she was going back on the same bus. So she gave the money to the conductor for the ticket for her return journey.
(बस स्टैण्ड पर वल्ली बस से नीचे नहीं उतरी क्योंकि वह उसी बस से वापस जा रही थी। इसलिए उसने चालक को उसकी वापसी की यात्रा के टिकट के पैसे दे दिए।)

4. Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
(वल्ली दुकान पर जाकर शीतल पेय क्यों नहीं पीना चाहती थी? इससे आपको उसके बारे में क्या जानकारी मिलती है?)
Answer:
Valli did not want to go to the stall and have a drink because she didn’t have the money for that. The conductor offered to pay for her. But she declined this offer. It tells that she was a wise and confident girl.
(वल्ली दुकान पर नहीं जाना चाहती थी और पेय पदार्थ नहीं लेना चाहती रो क्योंकि उसके पास इसके लिए धन नहीं था। परिचालक ने इसके लिए पैसे देने की पेशकश की। लेकिन उसने इस पेशकश को इंकार कर दिया। इससे पता चलता है कि वह एक बुद्धिमान और विश्वस्त लड़की थी।)

Thinking about the Text

1. What was Valli’s deepest desire ? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.
(वल्ली की तीव्रतम इच्छा क्या थी? कहानी में से वे शब्द या वाक्यांश छाँटिए जो इसके बारे में आपको बताते हैं।)
Answer:
Valli’s deepest desire was to ride on the bus which ran from her village to the nearby town. The words and phrases which tell this are : ‘Day after day she watched the bus’, ‘she wanted to ride on that bus’, “This wish became stronger and stronger.’ ‘until it was an overwhelmin
(वल्ली की तीव्रतम इच्छा थी कि वह अपने गाँव से निकटतम कस्बे में जाने वाली बस की सवारी करे। जो शब्द या वाक्यांश हमें इसके बारे में बताते हैं कि-‘दिन-प्रतिदिन वह बस को निहारती थी’, ‘वह बस पर सफर करना चाहती थी’, ‘यह इच्छा मज़बूत-से-मजबूत होती गई’, ‘जब तक कि यह एक अनियंत्रित इच्छा नहीं बन गई।)

2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?
(वल्ली ने अपनी बस की यात्रा की योजना कैसे बनाई? उसने बस के बारे में क्या जानकारी हासिल की, और उसने किराया कैसे बचाया?)
Answer:
Valli planned her bus ride after knowing all the related facts like the fare, the time it took to reach the town, when it started to and fro. She found out all these details by listening carefully to conversation between her neighbours and the persons who had travelled by the bus. :
(वल्ली ने बस के बारे में सारे तथ्यों; जैसे किराया, शहर पहुँचने में लिया जाने वाला समय, यह यहाँ और वहाँ से किस समय चलती थी जानने के बाद अपनी बस यात्रा की योजना बनाई। उसने ये सारी जानकारियाँ अपने पड़ोसियों और उन लोगों की बातचीत को जो बस की यात्रा कर चुके थे ध्यान से सुनकर हासिल की थीं।)

3. What kind of a person is Valli? To answer this question, pick out the following sentences from the text and fill in the blanks. The words you fill in are the clues to your answer.
(वल्ली किस प्रकार की लड़की है? इस प्रश्न के उत्तर के लिए पाठ से निम्नलिखित वाक्य लो और खाली स्थान को भरो। जो शब्द आप भरेंगे वही आपके उत्तर के लिए संकेत होंगे।)
(i) “Stop the bus ! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised
(ii) “Yes,I .go to town,” said Valli, still standing outside the bus.
(iii) “There’s nobody here ______.” she said haughtily.“I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.”
(iv) “Never mind,” she said, “I can ____ . You don’t have to help me. I’m not a child, I tell you,” she said,
(v) “You needn’t bother about me. I _____________. “Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
(vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope ____.”
Answer:
(i) commandingly
(ii) simply have to
(iii) who’s a child
(iv) get on by myself
(v) can take care of myself
(vi) to see you again

4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’ ?
(परिचालक वल्ली को मैडम क्यों कहता है?)
Answer:
The conductor was impressed by Valli’s self-confidence. She behaved like a grown up woman. She was quick in her answers to the conductor’s questions. She was self-dependent. So he addressed Valli as ‘madam.’

(परिचालक वल्ली के आत्मविश्वास से अति प्रसन्न था। वह एक सयानी महिला की तरह व्यवहार कर रही थी। वह परिचालक के प्रश्नों का तेजी के साथ उत्तर दे रही थी। वह आत्म-निर्भर थी। इसलिए वह वल्ली को ‘मैडम’ कहता है।) .

5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus. (अध्याय में से पंक्तियाँ छाँटिए जो आपको बताती हैं कि वल्ली अपनी यात्रा का आनन्द ले रही थी।)
Answer:
The following lines tell us that Valli was enjoying the bus ride : ‘Suddenly Valli clapped her hands with glee,’ ‘Somehow this was very funny to Valli,’ ‘She laughed and laughed …,’ ‘Struck dumb with wonder, Valli gaped at everything.’

6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back ? (घर वापसी में वल्ली खिड़की से बाहर देखने से क्यों मना कर देती है?)
Answer:
On her way back, Valli sees the dead cow. It makes her sad. So she refuses to look out of the window on her way back because what was so beautiful a little while ago now looked so horrible. The memory of the dead cow haunts her. It dampens her enthusiasm.
(वापसी में, वल्ली एक मृत गाय को देखती है। इससे वह उदास हो जाती है। इसलिए घर वापसी पर वह खिड़की से बाहर देखने से मना कर देती है क्योंकि थोड़ी देर पहले जो कुछ इतना सुन्दर था अब इतना भयानक लग रहा था। मृत गाय की याद उसे परेशान कर रही है। यह उसके उत्साह को ठंडा कर रही है।)

7. What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge.”
(वल्ली का क्या भाव है जब वह कहती है “मैं तो सिर्फ आपकी बात से सहमत हो रही थी जो हमारी जानकारी के बिना चीजों के घटित होने के विषय में आप ने कहा था।”)
Answer:
Valli means to say that many things happen in our midst and in the world outside. We do not know about them all. Even if we know them, we can’t understand them completely.
(वल्ली के कहने का भाव है कि हमारे बीच में और बाहर संसार में बहुत-सी चीजें घटित होती हैं। हम उनके बारे में सब कुछ नहीं जानते। यदि हम उनके बारे में जानते भी हैं तो हम उन्हें पूर्णतया समझ नहीं सकते हैं।)

8. The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year-old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for this statement ?
(लेखक चीज़ों का वर्णन उस रूप में करता है जिस रूप में एक आठ साल की लड़की वल्ली उन्हें देखती है। क्या आप अध्याय से कुछ प्रमाण ढूँढ सकते हैं जो इस कथन की पुष्टि करते हैं?)
Answer:
The following evidence from the text tells us that the poet describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year old’s point of view :
“The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town,’
“Valli devoured everything with her eyes,’
‘Oh, it was all so wonderful!’ palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue, blue sky,”
‘Valli’s stands to look outside as the bus curtain covers the lower part of her window,’
‘Somehow this was very funny to Valli’ (seeing the cow run ahead of the bus),
“She laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes.

Speaking

This story has a lot of people talking in it. The conductor jokes and laughs with Valli, some passengers try to show their concern for her, and her mother and her aunt spend time chatting.
Read the conversations carefully. Then think of similar people, or similar situations that you have experienced. Mimic a person or persons who spoke to you, saying what they said, along with your replies.
Answer:
I often travel by a bus. The memory of one such journey is till fresh in my mind. The conductor of the bus was a very jolly person. He was perhaps a man who could never be sad. He replied to every question in a humorous way. I saw the bus stand. I went near it asked the conductor where the bus would go. He looked at me and said, “How can the bus go? Do you find any legs attached to the bus?” Everyone laughed. I too enjoyed the joke. In the meantime someone had told me that the bus was going to Delhi. It was the right bus so I boarded it. After sometime a person asked the conductor as to what was the last stop of the bus. At this conductor replied, “The last stop of every bus is the junk dealer’s shop.” Again everybody laughed. At next stop, an old man boarded the bus. He was a stammered while talking. He said something to the conductor, who replied, “Sir, applying the brakes is the driver’s job. Why do you apply brakes when speaking?” Thus the conductor kept making humorous remarks. As a result, I and the other passengers had a good time.

Writing

Write a page—about three paragraphs on one of the following topics.

1. Have you ever planned something entirely on your own, without taking grown-ups into your
confidence ? What did you plan, and how ? Did you carry out your plan ?
Answer:
What I Planned Entirely on My Own

I remember that once I planned a visit to the International book fair on my town, without taking any elders into confidence. I am a book lover. When I learnt that an international book fair was being held in Delhi, I could not resist the temptation of visiting it. I told my father that I wanted to visit my uncle who lived in Delhi. After some hesitation, my father agreed. A few days ago I had won a cash prize at a declamation contest held in our school. So I had money in my pocket for the books. My father gave me the bus fare. I was very happy. On reaching Delhi, I boarded a local bus for the Pragati Maidan. After one hour, I reached the book fair site. I was thrilled to see so many book stalls there. I kept money only for the return fare and spent the rest of money on the books. I purchased some very good books. I shall always remember that visit.

2. Have you made a journey that was unforgettable in some way? What made it memorable ?
Answer:
My Unforgettable Journey

Once I went to Ludhiana by bus. That journey will always remain fresh in my mind. Everything went wrong from the start to the finish. First of all I was late for the bus. I hired an auto-rickshaw for the bus stand. But the auto-rickshaw struck an electric pole and turned over. Luckily I escaped without any injury. I rushed to the bus stand and found the bus just leaving. I ran very hard and was able to catch it. But as I entered the bus, I collided against a lady who was standing. She asked me if I was blind. Everyone laughed at me. I was red in the face. Then the bus broke down on the way. After waiting for one hour for the bus to be repaired, I finally took another bus. I reached Ludhiana at night. Then I forgot the adder’s of my friend. I kept wandering in his colony. However, all is well that ends well. Luckily I found my friend coming in the street. I went to his room and heaved a sigh of relief.

3. Are you concerned about traffic and road safety ? What are your concerns ? How would you
make road travel safer and more enjoyable ?
Answer:
My Concern about Traffic and Road Safety

I am concerned about the traffic and the road safety. In India, the traffic rules are very commonly ignored. As a result, there are many accidents in which numerous people lose their lives.

We must follow the traffic rules for our own and others’ safety. We should keep to the left while driving on the road. We should use the zebra crossing while crossing the road. When we are driving a vehicle, we must slow it when we approach the zebra crossing. The most important thing is that public should be educated about traffic rules and traffic safety. The police must check the traffic violations strictly. Those who violate the traffic rules should be punished severely.

HBSE 10th Class English Madam Rides the Bus Important Questions and Answers

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Who was Valli?
Answer:
Valli was an eight years old village girl.

Question 2.
What was Valli’s favourite pastime ?
Answer:
Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.

Question 3.
How old was Valli ?
Answer:
Valli was eight years old.

Question 4.
Who did Valli live with ?
Answer:
Valli lived with her mother.

Question 5.
What was the most fascinating thing for Valli ?
Answer:
The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers was the most fascinating thing for Valli.

Question 6.
When would Valli be jealous ?
Answer:
Valli would be jealous when one of her friends described the sight of the town to her.

Question 7.
What did Valli carefully listen to ?
Answer:
Valli carefully listened to conversations of her neighbours who used the bus regularly.

Question 8.
How far was the town from the village ?
Answer:
It was at a distance of six miles.

Question 9.
What type of a man was the bus conductor ?
Answer:
The bus conductor was a jolly and fun loving type of person.

Question 10.
How much money did Valli save for the bus ride ?
Answer:
She saved sixty paisa for the bus ride.

Question 11.
What made Valli sad ?
Answer:
The sight of the dead cow made Valli sad.

Question 12.
What was Valli’s deepest desire?
Answer:
Valli’s deepest desire was to have a bus ride to the town.

Question 13.
What does the bus conductor call Valli?
Answer:
The bus conductor calls her ‘madam’.

Question 14.
What did Valli buy from the town?
Answer:
She bought nothing from the town.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Write down the conductor’s advice to Valli?
(परिचालक के द्वारा वल्ली को दी गई सलाह लिखिए।)
Answer:
Calling Valli a child, the conductor requested her to sit down. It will make her comfortable. Standing up again and again can make her fall and get hurt because the bus can make a sharp turn.
(वल्ली को बच्ची कहते हुए, परिचालक ने उसे नीचे बैठ जाने को कहा। इससे वह आरामदायक रहेगी। बार-बार खड़े होने से वह गिर सकती है और उसे चोट लग सकती है क्योंकि बस को तीव्र मोड़ काटने पड़ते हैं।)

Question 2.
How did Valli manage to leave the house?
(वल्ली ने घर से जाने का प्रबंध कैसे किया?)
Answer:
Valli knew that after lunch her mother would nap for about one to four or so. It was Valli’s habit to engage these hours for her excursions and move outside the village.
(वल्ली जानती थी कि दोपहर का खाना खाने के बाद उसकी माँ एक बजे से लेकर चार बजे तक हल्की नींद लेती थी। वल्ली की आदत थी कि वह इन घंटों का प्रयोग भ्रमण करने या गाँव में इधर-उधर घूमने में करती थी।)

Question 3.
What did Valli calculate and plan?
(वल्ली ने क्या गणना की और क्या योजना बनाई?)
Answer:
Valli calculated and planned that if she took one o’clock afternoon bus, she would reach the town at one forty-five. On reaching town if she stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise she could return home by the same bus by about two forty-five.
(वल्ली ने गणना की और योजना बनाई कि यदि उसने दोपहर बाद एक बजे वाली बस पकड़ ली तो वह एक पैंतालिस पर शहर पहुँच जाएगी। शहर पहुँचकर यदि वह अपनी सीट पर ही बैठी रही और अतिरिक्त तीस पैसे का भुगतान कर दिया तो वह उसी बस से दो बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट तक घर पहुंच जाएगी।)

Question 4.
What type of person was the conductor?
(परिचालक किस प्रकार का व्यक्ति था?)
Answer:
The conductor was very wise man and knew how to tackle and talk with the passengers. He was fond of jokes and in his jolly tone interrogated Valli many times.
(परिचालक बहुत ही बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति था और जानता था कि यात्रियों से किस तरह व्यवहार किया जाना चाहिए। वह मजाक पसंद करने वाला था और उसने कई बार मजाक की मुद्रा में वल्ली से बात की।)

Question 5.
What did Valli’s mother say about the things happening without our knowledge?
(वल्ली की माँ ने हमारी जानकारी के बिना घटित होने वाली चीज़ों के बारे में क्या कहा?) ।
Answer:
Valli’s mother said that so many things happen amidst us and in the world outside. We cannot know about everything. Even when we know about something we often can’t understand it completely.
(वल्ली की माँ ने कहा कि कितनी सारी चीजें हमारे बीच में और हमारे से बाहर की दुनिया में घटित होती हैं। हम प्रत्येक चीज़ के बारे में नहीं जान सकते हैं। यहाँ तक कि यदि हम कभी किसी चीज़ के बारे में जान भी लेते हैं तो हम उसे पूर्ण रूप से समझ नहीं सकते हैं।)

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
Who was Valli? What was her overwhelming desire?
(वल्ली कौन थी? उसकी तीव्र इच्छा क्या थी?)
or
Who was valli? What was her favourite pastime?
(वल्ली कौन थी? उसका प्रिय शौंक क्या था?)
Answer:
Valli was an eight-year old girl. She was a curious girl. She wanted to know many things. She did not have playmates of her own age. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house to see what was happening outside. The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that passed through the street each hour. The bus travelled between her village and the nearest town. The sight of the bus was a source of unending joy for Valli. It was a great joy for her to watch new sets of passengers everytime the bus passed through the street. As she watched the bus day after day, she developed a wish to have a ride on that bus. Her wish became stronger and stronger until it was an overwhelming desire.

(वल्ली एक आठ वर्ष की लड़की थी। वह एक जिज्ञासु लड़की थी। वह बहुत-सी चीजें जानना चाहती थी। उसके पास उसकी उम्र के साथी नहीं थे जिनके साथ वह खेल सके। उसका प्रिय शौक था अपने घर के सामने वाले दरवाजे में खड़े होकर गली में हो रही घटनाओं को निहारना। उसके लिए सबसे आकर्षक चीज़ थी गली में से हर घंटे गुजरने वाली बस। यह बस उसके गाँव और निकटतम कस्बे के बीच चलती थी। बस का दृश्य वल्ली के लिए कभी न समाप्त होने वाली प्रसन्नता का स्रोत था। जैसे-जैसे वह गली में से प्रतिदिन बस को गुजरते हुए देखती गई बस में सवार होने की उसकी इच्छा विकसित होती रही। उसकी इच्छा मजबूत-से-मजबूत होती रही, जब तक कि वह अनियंत्रित इच्छा में नहीं बदल गई।)

Question 2.
How did Valli plan to have a bus ride?
(वल्ली ने बस की यात्रा करने की योजना कैसे बनाई?)
or
How did Valli plan her visit to the town ?
(वल्ली ने अपने शहर जाने की योजना कैसे बनाई? व्याख्या करें।).
Answer:
Valli carefully listened to the conversations between her neighbours and people who had travelled on the bus or who regularly used it. She asked some casual questions also. She came to know that the town was six miles away from her village. It took forty-five minutes to reach there. The fare was thirty paise for one way. Valli planned her journey to the town and back. It would be her first journey out of her village. She saved every paisa by resisting her desire to buy icecream, toys, balloons, etc. She had also killed her desire to visit the village fair and have a ride in the merry-go-round. When she had saved sixty paise, she was ready for her first bus journey. Then she planned how she would slip out of house. She knew that her mother slept daily after lunch. She decided to use these hours for her journey.

(वल्ली अपने पड़ोसियों तथा उन लोगों के वार्तालाप को बड़े ध्यान के साथ सुनती थी जो बस की यात्रा कर चुके थे या बस का नियमित रूप से प्रयोग करते थे। वह कुछ सामान्य प्रश्न भी पूछती थी। उसे पता चल गया था कि कस्बा उसके गाँव से छह मील की दूरी पर है। वहाँ पहुँचने में पैंतालिस मिनट लगते हैं। एक तरफ का किराया तीस पैसे था। वल्ली ने शहर जाने और वापस आने की योजना बनाई। गाँव से बाहर की यह उसकी पहली यात्रा थी। उसने आईसक्रीम खाने, खिलौने खरीदने, गुब्बारे खरीदने इत्यादि की इच्छा को दबाकर पैसे बचाए। उसने गाँव के मेले में जाने और झूला झूलने की इच्छा को भी दबा दिया। जब उसने साठ पैसे बचा लिए, तो वह अपनी पहली बस यात्रा के लिए तैयार थी। तब उसने योजना बनाई कि वह घर से बाहर कैसे निकलेगी। वह जानती थी कि उसकी माँ दोपहर का खाना खाने के बाद सोती है। उसने इन घंटों का प्रयोग अपनी यात्रा के लिए करने का निर्णय लिया।)

Question 3.
What did Valli notice after she boarded the bus? (बस में सवार होने के पश्चात् वल्ली ने क्या देखा?)
Answer:
Valli looked around in the bus. It had soft and comfortable seats. It had a beautiful clock above the wind screen. The overhead bars shone like silver. Then she tried to look outside. She found her view cut off by a curtain that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood on her seat to enjoy the outside scene. The bus was going along the bank of a canal. She saw palm trees, mountains and the blue sky. On the other side, there were green fields. Suddenly an elderly man warned Valli not to stand on the seat. He called her a child and said that she could fall and get hurt. But Valli did not care for him. She told him proudly that she was not a ‘child’. She had paid the full fare like the others. The conductor told the man that Valli was a grown up madam. Valli looked at the conductor angrily and said that she was not a madam.

(वल्ली ने बस में चारों ओर देखा। इसमें नरम और आरामदायक सीटें थीं। हवा रोकने वाले शीशे के ऊपर एक सुन्दर घड़ी लगी हुई थी। ऊपर लगी हुई सलाखें चाँदी की तरह चमक रही थीं। तब उसने बाहर देखने का प्रयास किया। उसने पाया कि उसकी खिड़की के निचले भाग पर लगा हुआ पर्दा उसके बाहर देखने में बाधा बना हुआ था। इसलिए वह अपनी सीट पर खड़ी होकर बाहर के दृश्यों का आनन्द लेने लगी। बस एक नहर के किनारे-किनारे जा रही थी। उसने खजूर के वृक्ष, पर्वत और नीला आसमान देखे। दूसरी ओर हरे वृक्ष थे। अचानक ही एक वृद्ध आदमी ने वल्ली को सीट पर खड़ा न होने की चेतावनी दी। उसने उसे बच्ची कहकर सम्बोधित किया और कहा कि वह गिर जाएगी और चोट खा लेगी। लेकिन वल्ली ने उसकी बात पर ध्यान नहीं दिया। उसने उसे गर्व से कहा कि वह ‘बच्ची’ नहीं है। उसने भी दूसरों की भाँति पूरा टिकट खरीदा है। परिचालक ने उस आदमी को बताया कि वल्ली एक समझदार मैडम है। वल्ली ने परिचालक की ओर क्रोधपूर्वक देखा और कहा कि वह मैडम नहीं है।)

Question 4.
Describe Valli’s return journey. (वल्ली की वापसी यात्रा का वर्णन करो।) .
Answer:
The bus resumed its return journey. There were the same wonderful sights. Valli enjoyed the scene again. But suddenly she saw a young cow lying dead, by the roadside. It had been struck by a fast moving vehicle. She asked the conductor if it was the same cow they saw earlier. The conductor nodded. Valli became sad. It had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little ago. But now the cow was without its charm and its life. The bus moved on. The memory of the dead cow haunted Valli. She no longer wanted to see out of the window. She kept sitting on her seat until her village came. She got down and wished the conductor to see him again. The conductor smiled. He told Valli that whenever she felt like riding the bus she could come and join them.

(बस ने अपनी वापसी की यात्रा आरम्भ की। रास्ते में वही अद्भुत दृश्य थे। वल्ली ने पुनः दृश्यों का आनन्द लिया। लेकिन अचानक ही उसने एक छोटी गाय को सड़क के किनारे मृत पड़े हुए पाया। इसको किसी तेज गति वाले वाहन ने टक्कर मार दी थी। उसने परिचालक से पूछा कि क्या यह वही गाय है जो उन्होंने पहले देखी थी। परिचालक ने हाँ में सिर हिलाया। वल्ली उदास हो गई। थोड़ी देर पहले तो वह एक प्यारा, सुन्दर जीव था। लेकिन अब गाय अपने आकर्षण और जीवन के बिना थी। बस आगे बढ़ गई। मृत गाय की याद वल्ली को परेशान कर रही थी। अब वह खिड़की से बाहर नहीं देखना चाहती थी। जब तक उसका गाँव नहीं आया वह सीट पर ही बैठी रही। वह बस से नीचे उतरी और परिचालक से पुनः मिलने की कामना की। परिचालक मुस्कराया। उसने वल्ली को बताया कि जब भी उसका दिल बस की सवारी करने को करे तो वह उनके पास आ जाए।)

Question 5.
Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
(घर लौटते समय वल्ली खिड़की से बाहर देखने से क्यों मना कर देती है?)
Answer:
On her way to the town Valli laughed heartily to see a young cow running at high speed in the middle of the road just in front of their bus. But on her way back, she saw a young cow lying dead near the road. She asked the bus conductor if it was the same cow that was running in front of the bus. The bus conductor nodded. She was shocked and sad. So she refuses to look out of the window on her way back because what was so beautiful a little while ago now looked so horrible. The memory of the dead cow haunts her. It dampens her enthusiasm.

(शहर जाते समय वल्ली अपनी बस के आगे-आगे सड़क के बीच में तेज गति से भागती हुई एक युवा गाय को देखकर खूब जोर से हँसी। लेकिन घर लौटते समय उसने एक युवा गाय को सड़क किनारे मृत पड़े पाया। उसने बस कंडक्टर से पूछा कि क्या यह वही गाय है जो बस के आगे दौड़ रही थी। बस कंडक्टर ने हाँ में सिर हिलाया। उसे आघात लगा और वह उदास हो गई। अतः वह घर लौटते समय बस से बाहर देखने से भी मना कर देती है क्योंकि थोड़ी देर पहले जो चीज इतनी सुंदर लग रही थी अब वह बहुत दर्दनाक दिख रही थी। मृत गाय की याद उसे परेशान कर रही है। यह उसके उत्साह को ठंडा कर रही है।)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
How old was Valli ?
(A) eight years
(B) ten years
(C) twelve years
(D) fourteen years
Answer:
(A) eight years

Question 2.
Valli’s favourite pastime was :
(A) riding the bus
(B) visiting the town
(C) standing at her door
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(C) standing at her door

Question 3.
How far was the town from Valli’s village ?
(A) four miles
(B) six miles
(C) eight miles
(D) ten miles
Answer:
(B) six miles

Question 4.
Who did Valli live with ?
(A) her father
(B) her mother
(C) her aunt
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(B) her mother

Question 5.
What type of a man was the bus conductor ?
(A) jolly
(B) wise
(C) fun loving
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(D) all of the above

Question 6.
Valli had the strongest desire of :
(A) swimming
(B) riding on the bus
(C) playing
(D) dancing
Answer:
(B) riding on the bus

Question 7.
How much time the bus takes from her village to the town?
(A) forty-five minutes
(B) one hour
(C) an hour and half
(D) two hours
Answer:
(A) forty-five minutes

Question 8.
The conductor called Valli as :
(A) child
(B) madam
(C) baby
(D) auntie
Answer:
(B) madam

Question 9.
Who did Valli find in her home when she returned from the town?
(A) her father
(B) her teacher
(C) her aunt
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(C) her aunt

Question 10.
What did Valli buy from the town ?
(A) a set of bangles
(B) cold drinks
(C) a frock
(D) nothing
Answer:
(D) nothing

Question 11.
What made Valli sad?
(A) the cow running in front of the bus
(B) the dead cow
(C) the sights in the town
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(B) the dead cow

Question 12.
Who is the author of the lesson ‘Madam Rides the Bus’?
(A) Gavin Maxwell
(B) Vallikkannan
(C) Anton Chekov
(D) Arup Kumar Datta
Answer:
(B) Vallikkannan

Madam Rides the Bus Important Passages for Comprehension

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :

PASSAGE 1

There was a girl named Valliammai who was called Valli for short. She was eight years old and very curious about things. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside. There were no playmates of her own age on her street, and this was about all she had to do.
But for Valli, standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences.
The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once coming back. The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers, was a source of unending joy for Valli.

Word-meanings : Curious = eager (उस्तुक); pastime = hobby (शौका); elaborate = detailed (विस्तृत)

Questions :
(a) Name the chapter and its author.
(b) What was full name of Valli.
(c) What was Valli’s favourite pastime ?
(d) How many playmates of her age did Valli have ?
(e) Find words from the passage which mean the same as : (a) eager, (b) hobby.
Answers :
(a) Chapter : Madam Rides the Bus, Author : Vallikkannan.
(b) The full name of Valli was ‘Valliammai’.
(c) Valli’s favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.
(d) She had no playmates of her own age
(e) (a) curious, (b) pastime.

PASSAGE 2

Day after day she watched the bus, and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there: she wanted to ride on that bus, even if just once. This wish became stronger and stronger, until it was an overwhelming desire. Valli would stare wistfully at the people who got on or off the bus when it stopped at the street corner. Their faces would kindle in her longings, dreams and hopes. If one of her friends happened to ride the bus and tried to describe the sights of the town to her, Valli would be too jealous to listen and would shout, in English: ‘Proud ! proud” Neither she nor her friends really understood the meaning of the word, but they used it often as a slang expression of disapproval.

Word-meanings : Gradually = slowly (धीरे धीरे); overwhelming = strong (मजबूत); wistfully = with longing (इचासे); disapproval = refusal (असहमति).

Questions :
(a) What was Valli’s ‘tiny wish’?
(b) What would Valli wistfully stare at?
(c) When were Valli’s longings, hopes and dreams kindled?
(d) When would Valli be jealous?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means “excite’.
Answers :
(a) Valli’s tiny wish was to travel by a bus.
(b) She would stare wistfully at the people who got on or off the bus.
(c) The sight of the bus passengers would kindle in her longings, dreams and hopes.
(d) She felt jealous when one of her friends described the sights of the town to her.
(e) “kindle.

PASSAGE 3

Over many days and months Valli listened carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus, and she also asked a few discreet questions here and there. This way she picked up various small details about the bus journey. The town was six miles from her village. The fare was thirty paise one way— “which is almost nothing at all,” she heard one well-dressed man say, but to Valli, who scarcely saw that much money from one month to the next, it seemed a fortune. The trip to the town took forty-five minutes. On reaching town, if she stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise, she could return home on the same bus. This meant that she could take the one-o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town at one forty-five, and be back home by about two forty-five …

Word-meanings : Discreet = quiet (शांत); various = many (कई); scarcely = hardly (मुश्किल से )

Questions :

(a) What did Valli carefully listen to?
(b) What seemed ‘a fortune’ to Valli ?
(c) How much time did the bus take from Valli’s village to the city?
(d) How far was the town from the village?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘hardly.’
Answers :
(a) Valli listened carefully to conversations of her neighbours who used the bus regularly.
(b) “Thirty paise’ seemed ‘a fortune’ to Valli.
(c) It took forty-five minutes.
(d) It was six miles away.
(e) ‘scarcely.’

PASSAGE 4

The conductor was a jolly sort, fond of joking. “Oh, please don’t be angry with me, my fine madam,” he said. “Here, have a seat right up there in front. Everybody move aside please – make way for madam.”.
It was the slack time of day, and there were only six or seven passengers on the bus. They were all looking at Valli and laughing with the conductor. Valli was overcome with shyness. Avoiding everyone’s eyes, she walked quickly to an empty seat and sat down.

“May we start now, madam?” the conductor asked, smiling. Then he blew his whistle twice, and the bus moved forward with a roar.
It was a new bus, its outside painted a gleaming white with some green stripes along the sides. Inside, the overhead bars shone like silver. Directly in front of Valli, above the windshield, there was a beautiful clock. The seats were soft and luxurious.

Word-meanings : Slack time = when there is not much work ( जब अधिक काम न हो); luxurious = comfortable (आरामदाकाया))!

Questions :

(a) How does the author describe the conductor?
(b) By what name did the conductor call Valli?
(c) What does the author mean by ‘the slack time of day’ ?
(d) How were the seats of the bus?
(e) Find a word from the passage which is the opposite of ‘serious’.
Answers :
(a) The conductor was a jolly sort of man.
(b) He called Valli ‘madam’.
(c) The author means that there were not many passengers riding the bus at that time.
(d) The bus had soft and luxurious seats.
(e) “jolly’.

PASSAGE 5

Valli devoured everything with her eyes. But when she started to look outside, she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood up on the seat and peered over the blind.
The bus was now going along the bank of a canal. The road was very narrow. On one side there was the canal and, beyond it, palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue, blue sky. On the other side was a deep ditch and then acres and acres of green fields—green, green, green, as far as the eye could see. Oh, it was all so wonderful!

Word-meanings : Devoured = looked attentively (ध्यान से देखना); peered over = looked over (ऊपर देखना); ditch = pot hole (खड्डा) !

Questions :

(a) How was Valli’s view cut off?
(b) Why did Valli stand up on the seat?
(c) There were fields on one side of the road. What was there on the other side?
(d) Was the road wide?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘curtain’.
Answers :
(a) Vallli’s view was cut off by a canvas curtain.
(b) She stood up on the seat because a canvas blind cut off the view for her.
(c) There was a canal on the other side.
(d) No, the road was narrow.
(e) ‘blind.’

PASSAGE 6

An elderly woman came and sat beside her. “Are you all alone, dear?” she asked Valli as the bus started again.
Valli found the woman absolutely repulsive – such big holes she had in her ear lobes, and such ugly earrings in them! And she could smell the betel nut the woman was chewing and see the betel juice that was threatening to spill over her lips at any moment. Ugh! – who could be sociable with such a person?

“Yes, I’m travelling alone,” she answered curtly. “And I’ve got a ticket too.” “Yes, she’s on her way to town,” said the conductor. “With a thirty-paise ticket.”
“Oh, why don’t you mind your own business,” said Valli. But she laughed all the same, and the conductor laughed too.

Word-meanings : Absolutely = compulsive (पूरी तरह से); ugly = dirty (गंदी); betel = a chewing leaf (पान); spill over = fall (गिरना)

Questions :

(a) What did the elderly woman ask Valli?
(b) How were the woman’s ear lobes and earrings?
(c) What was the woman chewing?
(d) Did Valli like the elderly woman sitting beside her?
(e) Find a word in the passage which means “completely’.
Answers :
(a) She asked Valli if she was travelling all alone.
(b) Her ear lobes had big holes and her earrings were ugly.
(c) She was chewing a betel nut.
(d) ‘No, she found the woman repulsive.
(e) “absolutely.

PASSAGE 7

After she had enough money saved, her next problem was how to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge. But she managed this without too much difficulty. Every day after lunch her mother would nap from about one to four or so. Valli always used these hours for her “excursions’ as she stood looking from the doorway of her house or sometimes even ventured out into the village; today, these same hours could be used for her first excursion outside the village.

Word-meanings : Slip out = go to secretly (चुपके से जाना), excursion = a short journey (सैर), ventured ont = going somewhere (बहार निकलना)

Questions :

(a) What was her next problem?
(b) What time did she use for her excursions?
(c) What was Valli’s first excursion outside the village?
(d) Find the word from the passage which means ‘went cautiously’.
(e) Name the chapter and its author.
Answers :
(a) Her next problem was how to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge.
(b) When her mother would nap from about one to four or so.
(c) Going to the town by bus was her first excursion outside the village.
(d) Ventured
(e) Chapter : Madam Rides the Bus, Author : Vallikkannan.

PASSAGE 8

Sometimes the bus seemed on the point of gobbling up another vehicle that was coming towards them or a pedestrian crossing the road. But lo! somehow it passed on smoothly, leaving all obstacles safely behind.

Trees came running towards them but then stopped as the bus reached them and simply stood there helpless for a moment by the side of the road before rushing away in the other direction.
Suddenly Valli clapped her hands with glee. A young cow, tail high in the air, was running very fast, right in the middle of the road, right in front of the bus. The bus slowed to a crawl, and the driver sounded his horn loudly again and again. But the more he honked, the more frightened the animal became and the faster it galloped – always right in front of the bus.

Word-meanings : obstacles = hindrances (रुकावटें); honked = sounded (बजाया); galloped = ran (भागी) :

Questions :
(a) Name the chapter.
(b) What did the bus seem on the point of gobbling up ?
(c) Why did Valli clap her hands with glee?
(d) Why did the driver sound the horn again and again ?
(e) Find a word from the passage similar in meaning of ‘gobbling up.’
Answers :
(a) The name of the chapter is ‘Madam Rides the Bus’.
(b) The bus seemed on the point of gobbling up another vehicle that was coming up towards them.
(c) Valli clapped her hands with glee to see a young cow, tail high in the air, running fast in the middle of the road just in front of the bus.
(d) The driver sounded the horn again and again for the cow to get away.
(e) Swallow.

Madam Rides the Bus Summary in English

Madam Rides the Bus Introduction in English

This is a story about the first bus journey of an eight year old girl, Valli. She was a curious girl. She had a strong desire to go to the nearest town by riding on a bus. She saves money for this purpose. When she has money for the ticket, she boards the bus. She enjoys her first bus journey. She does not get down the bus in the town. She remains sitting at her seat. She pays another thirty paise for the ticket and reaches home back.

Madam Rides the Bus Summary in English

This is a story about the first bus journey of an eight-year old girl. Her name was Valliammai. She was called Valli for short. She was a curious girl. She wanted to know many things. She did not have playmates of her own age. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house to see what was happening outside.

Watching the happenings in the street gave her many new unusual experiences. The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that passed through the street each hour. The bus travelled between her village and the nearest town: The sight of the bus was a source of unending joy for Valli. It was a great joy for her to watch new sets of passengers everytime the bus passed through the street. As she watched the bus day after day, she developed a wish to have a ride on that bus. Her wish became stronger and stronger until it was an overwhelming desire.

Valli carefully listened to the conversations between her neighbours and people who had travelled on the bus or who regularly used it. She asked some casual questions also. In this way, she learnt about small details about the journey. She came to know that the town was six miles away from her village. It took fortyfive minutes to reach there. The fare was thirty paise for one way. One could keep sitting in the bus and return to the village by paying another thirty paise. Valli planned her journey to the town and back. It would be her first journey out of her village. She saved every paisa by resisting her desire to buy ice cream, toys, balloons, etc. She had also killed her desire to visit the village fair and have a ride in the merry-go-round. When she had saved sixty paise, she was ready for her first bus journey.

Then she planned how she would slip out of house. She knew that her mother slept daily after lunch. She decided to use these hours for her journey. She decided to board the bus at one o’clock so that she could be back by two forty-five. So one fine spring day Valli boarded the bus. The conductor was surprised; but seeing her confidence, he allowed her to board the bus. He was a jolly fellow. He understood that Valli spoke with pride. He called her Madam and offered a seat. He asked others to make way for the ‘madam’. There were only six or seven passengers in the bus. They were all looking at Valli. They and the conductor were laughing. Valli overcame her shyness, quickly walked to an empty seat and sat down.

Valli looked around her in the bus. The bus had a fine painting of green stripes on the white. It had soft and comfortable seats. It had a beautiful clock above the wind screen. The overhead bars shone like silver. Then she tried to look outside. She found her view cut off by a curtain that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood on her seat to enjoy the outside scene. The bus was going along the bank of a canal. She saw palm trees, mountains and the blue sky. On the other side, there were green fields. Suddenly an elderly man warned Valli not to stand on the seat. He called her a child and said that she could fall and get hurt. But Valli did not care for him. She told him proudly that she was not a child’. She had paid the full fare like the others. The conductor told the man that Valli was a grown up madam. Valli looked at the conductor angrily and said that she was not a madam. The conductor told her that she should not stand on the seat. She could fall when the bus took sharp turns. But Valli ignored his remarks also.

On the way bus stopped and some new passengers got on. Afraid of losing her seat, Valli finally sat down. An elderly woman came and sat beside her. Valli looked at the woman. She found her repulsive. She had big and ugly earrings. She was chewing a betel. Valli could see that the betel juice was likely to spill over her lips. That woman asked Valli whether she was travelling all alone. Valli told her that she was alone and she had got a ticket too. Then the old woman asked her if it was proper for a child to travel alone. She also asked whether Valli knew exactly where she was going in town. Valli told the old woman that she need not bother about her. Then she turned her face towards the window.

The bus moved on across a bare landscape. Valli enjoyed the outside scene. Trees came running towards them. Sometimes, the bus seemed to strike the oncoming vehicle. But both passed safely. Suddenly Valli clapped her hands with joy. A cow was running in the middle of the road, in front of the bus. The bus slowed down. The driver sounded the horn again and again. But the cow became more frightened and continued running before the bus. Valli laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes. At last the cow moved off the road. The bus passed by the side of a railway crossing. Valli enjoyed the scene of trains. Then the bus entered the city area. There were huge crowds of people. Valli looked at different things with surprise. Then the bus reached the city bus stand and stopped. Everybody got off the bus except Valli. The conductor asked Valli to get down.

But she told him that she was going back on the same bus. He was surprised and asked her why she had come to the city. She replied that she just wanted to take a ride on the bus. He asked Valli if she would like to have look at the sights outside the bus. Valli said that she was afraid of that. He asked to have a cold drink. Valli said that she had not enough money for that. The conductor offered to pay for her drink. But Valli did not accept the offer.

The bus resumed its return journey. There were the same wonderful sights. Valli enjoyed the scene again. But suddenly she saw a young cow lying dead, by the roadside. It had been struck by a fast moving vehicle. She asked the conductor if it was the same cow they saw earlier. The conductor nodded. Valli became sad. It had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little ago. But now the cow was without its charm and its life. The bus moved on. The memory of the dead cow haunted Valli. She no longer wanted to see out of the window. She kept sitting on her seat until her village came. She got down and wished the conductor to see him again. The conductor smiled. He told Valli that whenever she felt like riding the bus she could come and join them.

Valli reached home. She found her mother was awake. She was talking to her aunt who lived in the South Street. She was a chatterbox. She asked Valli where she had been. But Valli just smiled. Her mother and the aunt were discussing about the things outside the world. Her mother said that no one could know about everything. At this Valli remarked that there were many things happening without our knowledge. Her mother asked her what she meant. Valli’s aunt called her a chit of a girl She took interest in things which did not concern her. She behaved as if she were a grown up lady. Valli smiled to herself. She didn’t want them to understand her smile.

A Letter to God Summary in Hindi

Madam Rides the Bus Introduction in Hindi

(यह एक आठ वर्षीय वल्ली नाम की लड़की की पहली बस यात्रा की कहानी है। वह एक जिज्ञासु लड़की थी। उसकी तीव्र इच्छा थी कि वह बस में सवार होकर निकटतम कस्बे की यात्रा करे। इस उद्देश्य के लिए वह पैसे एकत्र करती है। जब उसके पास टिकट के पैसे हो जाते हैं, तो वह बस में सवार हो जाती है। वह बस की अपनी पहली यात्रा का आनंद लेती है। वह कस्बे में बस से नीचे नहीं उतरती है। वह अपनी सीट पर बैठी रहती है। वह टिकट के लिए और तीस पैसे का भुगतान करती है तथा वापस घर पहुँच जाती है।)

Madam Rides the Bus Summary in Hindi

यह कहानी आठ साल की एक लड़की की पहली बस यात्रा की है। उसका नाम वलियामायी था। उसे संक्षेप में वल्ली कहा जाता था। वह एक जिज्ञासु लड़की थी। वह बहुत-सी चीज़ों के बारे में जानना चाहती थी। उसके अपनी उम्र के खेल के साथी नहीं थे। उसका पसंदीदा शौक था अपने घर के दरवाजे में खड़ा हो जाना और देखना कि बाहर क्या हो रहा है।

गली की घटनाओं को देखने से उसे बहुत-से असाधारण अनुभव हुए। इनमें से सबसे अधिक आकर्षक चीज़ थी वह बस जो गली में से हर घंटे बाद गुज़रती थी। वह बस उसके गाँव और नजदीक के शहर के बीच चलती थी। बस को देखना वल्ली के लिए असीमित प्रसन्नता का स्रोत था। जब भी बस गली में से गुजरती थी तो वल्ली के लिए हर बार नए प्रकार के यात्रियों को बस में देखना एक बड़ी खुशी की बात थी। बस को दिन-प्रतिदिन देखते रहने से उसके अन्दर एक इच्छा पैदा हो गई कि वह भी बस की सवारी करे। उसकी यह इच्छा अधिक मज़बूत होती गई और एक दिन यह बहुत तीव्र इच्छा बन गई।

वल्ली अपने पड़ोसियों और उन लोगों के बीच की बातचीत को ध्यान से सुनती थी जो बस में सफर कर चुके थे या जो नियमित रूप से इसका प्रयोग करते थे। उसने कुछ सामान्य से प्रश्न भी पूछे। इस प्रकार, उसने यात्रा के बारे में छोटी-छोटी बातें भी जान लीं। उसे पता चला कि शहर गाँव से छह मील दूर है। वहाँ तक पहुँचने में पैंतालिस मिनट लगते हैं। एक तरफ का किराया तीस पैसे है। कोई व्यक्ति चाहे तो तीस पैसे और देकर बस में बैठा रह सकता है और वापस गाँव में आ सकता है। वल्ली ने शहर जाने और फिर वहाँ से वापस आने की यात्रा की योजना बनाई। यह उसकी अपने गाँव से बाहर पहली यात्रा होगी। उसने आईसक्रीम, खिलौने, गुब्बारे आदि खरीदने की अपनी इच्छा को दबाकर प्रत्येक पैसा बचाया। उसने गाँव के मेले में जाने और वहाँ पर झूले का आनन्द उठाने की अपनी इच्छा को भी दबाया। जब उसके पास साठ पैसे इकट्ठे हो गए तो वह अपनी पहली बस की यात्रा करने के लिए तैयार थी।।

तब उसने योजना बनाई कि वह घर से बाहर कैसे निकलेगी। वह जानती थी कि उसकी माता रोज़ दोपहर के खाने के बाद सोती है। उसने उन घंटों को अपनी यात्रा के लिए प्रयोग करने की बात सोची। उसने फैसला किया कि वह बस में एक बजे सवार होगी ताकि वह दो बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट तक वापस लौट आए। इस प्रकार, बसंत के एक सुंदर दिन को वल्ली बस में सवार हुई। परिचालक हैरान हो गया; मगर उसके विश्वास को देखकर, उसने उसे बस में सफर करने दिया। वह एक हँसमुख व्यक्ति था। वह समझता था कि वल्ली गर्व से बोल रही है। उसने वल्ली को ‘मैडम’ कहकर पुकारा और उसे एक सीट दी। उसने दूसरों को भी ‘मैडम’ के लिए रास्ता बनाने के लिए कहा। बस में केवल छह या सात यात्री ही थे। वे सभी वल्ली को देख रहे थे। वे और परिचालक हँस · रहे थे। वल्ली ने अपने शर्मीलेपन पर काबू पाया, जल्दी से एक खाली सीट पर गई और बैठ गई।

वल्ली ने बस में अपने चारों ओर देखा। बस में सफेद रंग पर सुंदर हरी धारियों का पेंट किया हुआ था। इसकी सीटें नरम और आरामदायक थीं। हवा रोकने वाले शीशे के ऊपर एक सुंदर दीवार घड़ी लगी हुई थी। ऊपर का डंडा चाँदी की तरह चमक रहा था। तब उसने बाहर झाँकने का प्रयत्न किया। उसने देखा कि बाहर का दृश्य एक पर्दे से रुका हुआ है जिसने खिड़की के नीचे के भाग को ढक रखा था। इसलिए बाहर के नज़ारे को देखने के लिए वह अपनी सीट पर खड़ी हो गई। बस एक नहर के किनारे के साथ-साथ जा रही थी। उसने खजूर के वृक्षों, पहाड़ों और नीले आसमान को देखा। दूसरी तरफ, हरे खेत थे। अचानक एक वृद्ध व्यक्ति ने उसे चेतावनी दी कि वह सीट पर खड़ी न हो। उसने उसे बच्ची कहकर पुकारा और कहा कि वह गिर सकती है और उसे चोट लग सकती है। मगर वल्ली ने उसकी परवाह नहीं की। उसने उसे गर्व से बताया कि वह ‘बच्ची’ नहीं है। उसने अन्य लोगों की तरह पूरा किराया दिया है। परिचालक ने उस व्यक्ति को बताया कि वल्ली एक विकसित मैडम है। वल्ली ने परिचालक को गुस्से से देखा और कहा कि वह मैडम नहीं है। परिचालक ने कहा कि उसे सीट पर खड़ी नहीं होना चाहिए। जब बस एकदम मोड़ लेगी तो वह गिर सकती है। मगर वल्ली ने उसकी बातों की भी उपेक्षा कर दी।

रास्ते में बस रुकी और कुछ अन्य यात्री सवार हुए। अपनी सीट को खो देने के भय से वल्ली आखिर बैठ गई। एक बुजुर्ग महिला आई और वल्ली के पास बैठ गई। वल्ली ने महिला को देखा। उसे वह महिला घृणित लगी। उसने बड़ी और गंदी बालियाँ पहनी हुई थीं। वह पान चबा रही थी। वल्ली ने देखा कि पान की पीक उसके होठों से कभी भी गिर सकती है। उस महिला ने वल्ली से पूछा कि क्या वह अकेली सफर कर रही है। वल्ली ने उसे बताया कि वह अकेली है और उसके पास टिकट भी है। तब उस बूढ़ी महिला ने पूछा कि क्या एक बच्ची के लिए अकेले सफर करना उचित है। उसने यह भी पूछा कि वल्ली जानती है कि शहर में वह निश्चित रूप से कहाँ जा रही है। वल्ली ने उस बूढ़ी महिला से कहा कि वह उसके बारे में चिंता न करे। तब उसने अपना चेहरा खिड़की की ओर कर लिया।

बस एक खाली भू-दृश्य के बीच से गुजरी। वल्ली ने बाहर के दृश्य का आनंद उठाया। वृक्ष उनकी तरह भागते हुए प्रतीत होते थे। कई बार, ऐसा लगता था कि बस सामने से आते हुए किसी वाहन से टकराने वाली है। मगर वे दोनों सुरक्षित गुजर जाते थे। अचानक वल्ली ने खुशी से तालियाँ बजाईं। एक गाय बस के आगे-आगे सड़क के बीचों-बीच भाग रही थी। बस धीमी हो गई। ड्राइवर ने बार-बार हॉर्न बजाया। मगर गाय और भी भयभीत हो गई और बस के आगे भागती रही। वल्ली तब तक हँसती रही जब तक उसकी आँखों में आँसू नहीं आ गए। आखिर गाय सड़क से हट गई। बस एक रेलवे फाटक के पास से गुजरी। वल्ली ने गाड़ियों के दृश्य का आनंद लिया। तब बस ने शहर के क्षेत्र में प्रवेश किया। वहाँ पर लोगों की बहुत भीड़ थी। वल्ली ने विभिन्न वस्तुओं को हैरानी से देखा। तब बस शहर के बस स्टैंड पर पहुँची और रुक गई। वल्ली के अलावा हर व्यक्ति बस से उतर गया। परिचालक ने वल्ली से उतर जाने को कहा।

मगर उसने उसे बताया कि वह उसी बस से वापस जा रही है। वह हैरान हो गया और पूछा कि वह शहर में क्यों आई है। उसने कहा कि वह केवल बस की सवारी करना चाहती थी। उसने वल्ली से पूछा कि क्या वह बस से बाहर के दृश्यों को देखना चाहेगी। वल्ली ने कहा कि उसे इन सबसे डर लगता है। उसने उससे कहा कि वह शीतल पेय ले ले। वल्ली ने कहा कि उसके पास इसके लिए पैसे नहीं हैं। परिचालक ने उसके पेय के लिए पैसे देने की पेशकश की। मगर वल्ली ने उसकी पेशकश को स्वीकार नहीं किया।

बस ने वापसी की यात्रा आरंभ की। वे अद्भुत दृश्य फिर से आए। वल्ली ने दृश्य का फिर से आनंद उठाया। मगर अचानक उसने सड़क के किनारे पड़ी एक मरी हुई गाय देखी। वह किसी तेज़ चलते हुए. वाहन से टकरा गई थी। उसने परिचालक से पूछा कि क्या वह वही गाय है जिसे उन्होंने पहले देखा था। परिचालक ने हाँ में अपना सिर हिलाया। वल्ली उदास हो गई। केवल कुछ समय पहले से यह एक प्यारी और सुंदर प्राणी थी। मगर अब यह गाय बिना आकर्षण और बिना जीवन के थी। बस चलती रही। मरी हुई गाय की याद वल्ली को बार-बार आती रही। अब खिड़की से बाहर देखने की उसकी इच्छा नहीं थी। वह तब तक अपनी सीट पर बैठी रही जब तक कि उसका गाँव नहीं आ गया। वह उतर गई और उसने परिचालक को कहा कि वे फिर मिलेंगे। परिचालक मुस्कराया। उसने वल्ली को बताया कि जब भी उसका बस में सफर करने का मन करे तो वह आ सकती है।

वल्ली घर पहुँची। उसने देखा कि उसकी माता जाग गई है। वह उसकी चाची से बात कर रही है जो दक्षिण गली में रहती थी। वह बहुत बातूनी थी। उसने वल्ली से पूछा कि वह कहाँ थी। मगर वल्ली केवल मुस्करा दी। उसकी माता और चाची बाहर के संसार की वस्तुओं के बारे में बात कर रही थीं। उसकी माँ ने कहा कि कोई भी हर चीज़ के बारे में नहीं जान सकता। इस पर वल्ली ने कहा कि ऐसी बहुत-सी बातें हो रही हैं जिनका हमें ज्ञान नहीं है। उसकी माँ ने पूछा कि उसका अभिप्राय क्या है। वल्ली की चाची ने कहा कि वह तो एक छोटी-सी लड़की है। वह ऐसी बातों में रुचि लेती है जिनसे उसका कोई वास्ता नहीं है। वह ऐसे व्यवहार करती है जैसे कि वह एक बड़ी स्त्री हो। वल्ली अपने आप में मुस्कराई। वह नहीं चाहती थी कि वे उसकी मुस्कराहट का अर्थ समझें।

Madam Rides the Bus Translation in Hindi

[Part I]

[PAGE 116] : यह उसके जीवन और मृत्यु का रहस्य है। वह इस बात के अंतर को समझती है कि हम मौत के बारे में क्या जानते हैं और क्या समझते हैं।

[PAGE 117] : वलियामायी नाम की एक लड़की थी जिसे संक्षेप में वल्ली कहते थे। वह आठ साल की थी और चीज़ों के बारे में बहुत उत्सुक रहती थी। उसका प्रिय शौक अपने घर के सामने वाले दरवाजे में खड़े होकर यह देखना था कि बाहर गली में क्या हो रहा है। उसकी गली में उसके साथ खेलने के लिए उसकी उम्र के साथी नहीं थे और वह तो बस यही करती थी।
लेकिन वल्ली के लिए, अपने सामने वाले दरवाजे पर खड़ा होना उतना ही आनंददायक था जितना कि अन्य लड़कों के लिए कोई विस्तृत खेल खेलना । गली में देखना उसे बहुत-से नए असाधारण अनुभवों का ज्ञान कराता था।

[PAGE 118] : उसके लिए सबसे अधिक आकर्षक चीज़ वह बस थी जोकि उसके गाँव और निकटतम कस्बे के बीच चलती थी। यह हर घंटे बाद उसकी गली में से गुजरती थी, एक बाहर कस्बे में जाते समय और एक बार वहाँ से वापस आते समय । हर बार नए यात्रियों से भरी उस बस का दृश्य, वल्ली के लिए निरंतर आनंद का स्रोत था।

दिन-प्रतिदिन वह बस देखती थी, और धीरे-धीरे एक छोटी-सी इच्छा उसके दिमाग में रेंगने लगी और वहाँ पैदा हो गई। वह बस पर सवार होना चाहती थी चाहे सिर्फ एक बार ही। यह इच्छा मज़बूत-से-मज़बूत होती गई, जब तक कि वह एक तीव्र इच्छा नहीं बन गई। वल्ली बहुत ही गहन इच्छा के साथ एकटक भाव से लोगों को बस में चढ़ते और उतरते हुए देखती थी तब वह गली के कोने पर रुकती थी। उनके चेहरे उसकी इच्छाओं, सपनों और आशाओं को प्रकाशित करते थे। यदि उसकी कोई सहेली बस में सवार हो जाती है और वह उसे शहर के दृश्यों के बारे में बताती, तो वल्ली को उससे इतनी ईर्ष्या होती थी कि वह उसकी बात नहीं सुनती थी और अंग्रेजी में चिल्ला उठती थी ‘घमंडी! घमंडी!’ न तो वह स्वयं और न ही उसकी सहेलियाँ इस शब्द का अर्थ समझती थीं लेकिन वे असहमति का भाव प्रकट करने के लिए इस शब्द का प्रयोग करती थीं।

बहुत-से दिनों और महीनों तक वल्ली सावधानीपूर्वक अपने उन पड़ोसियों और लोगों के बीच की बातचीत को सुनती थी जो नियमित रूप से बस में सफर करते थे और कभी-कभार वह उनसे कुछ शांत से सवाल भी पूछ लिया करती थी। इस तरह से बस की यात्रा के बारे में उसने कई छोटी-छोटी जानकारियाँ हासिल कर ली थी। कस्बा उसके गाँव से छह मील की दूरी पर था। एक तरफ का किराया तीस पैसे था–“जोकि लगभग न के बराबर था” उसने एक अच्छी पोशाक पहने हुए व्यक्ति को कहते सुना, लेकिन वल्ली ने इतना अधिक धन कभी नहीं देखा था। एक महीने से दूसरे महीने, उसके लिए तो यह बड़ी धन-सम्पत्ति था। कस्बे तक की यात्रा में पैंतालिस मिनट लगते थे। शहर पहुँचकर यदि वह अपनी सीट पर बैठी रहती और तीस पैसे का भुगतान कर देती, तो वह उसी बस पर गाँव लौट सकती थी। इसका अर्थ था कि वह एक दोपहर बाद एक बजे की बस ले सकती थी और एक बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट पर कस्बे में पहुँच सकती थी और लगभग दो बजकर पैंतालिस मिनट तक घर लौट सकती थी…।।
जैसे-जैसे वह गणना और पुनर्गणना, योजना और पुनर्योजना बनाती गई उसके मन में विचार चलते रहे।

[PART-II]

[PAGE 119] : बसंत ऋतु में एक सुहावने दिन को जब दोपहर बाद वाली बस में गाँव से जाने ही वाली थी और मुख्य मार्ग पर मोड़ मुड़ने ही वाली थी, एक छोटी-सी बच्ची के चिल्लाने की आवाज़ सुनाई दी, ‘बस को रोको! बस को रोको!’ और आदेशात्मक मुद्रा में एक छोटा-सा हाथ उठा।
बस की गति धीमी हो गई और परिचालक ने दरवाजे से सिर बाहर निकालकर कहा, ‘जल्दी करो! जो कोई भी आ रहा है उसे जल्दी आने को कहो।’
‘यह मैं हूँ,’ वल्ली ने चिल्लाकर कहा, ‘मैं ही अकेली हूँ, जिसे बस में चढ़ना है।’
अब तक बस रुक चुकी थी और परिचालक ने कहा, ‘ओह, सचमुच! तुम ऐसा नहीं कहते!’
‘हाँ, मुझे तो सिर्फ कस्बे में जाना है,’ वल्ली ने अभी भी बस से बाहर खड़े हुए कहा, ‘और ये मेरे पैसे हैं’ उसने उसे कुछ सिक्के दिखाए।
‘ठीक है, ठीक है, लेकिन तुम पहले बस पर तो चढ़ जाओ’, परिचालक ने कहा और उसने उसे ऊपर चढ़ाने में मदद करने के लिए अपना हाथ आगे बढ़ाया।
‘चिन्ता मत करो, मैं स्वयं ही बस में चढ़ जाऊँगी। आपको मेरी मदद करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है,’ उसने कहा। __ परिचालक एक हँसमुख स्वभाव का मजाक का शौकीन व्यक्ति था, “ओह, मेरी सुन्दर मैडम कृपया मुझसे नाराज मत होइए’ उसने कहा, ‘वहाँ सामने एक सीट ले लीजिए। कृपया सभी रास्ते से हट जाइए। मैडम के लिए रास्ता बनाइए।”

यह दिन का मंदी वाला समय था और बस में केवल छह या सात सवारियाँ थीं। वे सभी वल्ली की ओर देख रही थी और परिचालक के साथ हँस रही थीं। वल्ली को शर्म आ रही थी। सभी की नज़रों से बचते हुए, वह तेजी से एक खाली सीट तक गई और बैठ गई।

[PAGE 120] : “मैडम, क्या अब हम चल सकते हैं?” परिचालक ने मुस्कराते हुए पूछा। तब उसने दो बार अपनी सीटी बजाई और एक शोर के साथ बस आगे चल दी।
यह एक नई बस थी, इसके बाहर चमकदार सफेद रंग हुआ था जिस पर हरे रंग की कुछ पट्टियाँ बनी थीं। अंदर ऊपर लगी लोहे की सलाखें चाँदी की तरह चमक रही थीं। वल्ली के बिल्कुल सामने हवा रोकने वाले शीशे के ऊपर वहाँ एक सुन्दर घड़ी लगी थी। सीटें नर्म और आरामदायक थीं।
वल्ली ने अपनी नज़रों से सब कुछ खोजा। लेकिन जब उसने बाहर देखना शुरु किया, उसने पाया कि उसकी नज़र को मोटे कपड़े से बने एक पर्दे से रुकावट पैदा हो रही थी जो उसकी खिड़की के निचले भाग को ढके हुए था। इसलिए वह उठकर सीट पर खड़ी हो गई और पर्दे के ऊपर से झाँकने लगी।
अब बस एक नहर के किनारे के साथ-साथ जा रही थी। सड़क बहुत तंग थी। उसके एक ओर तो नहर थी तथा इसके पार खजूर के पेड़, घास के मैदान, दूरी पर पर्वत व नीला-नीला आसमान था। दूसरी ओर एक गहरी खाई थी और फिर कई एकड़ में फैले हरे खेत, चारों ओर जहाँ तक नज़र जाती थी हरियाली-ही-हरियाली थी।।
‘ओह, यह सब कुछ कितना अद्भुत था।
अचानक ही वह एक आवाज़ सुनकर चौंक पड़ी, “सुनो, बच्चे,” आवाज़ ने कहा, “तुम्हें इस तरह से खड़े नहीं होना चाहिए, नीचे बैठ जाओ।”।

[PAGES 121-122] : नीचे बैठते हुए, उसने यह देखने का प्रयास किया कि कौन बोला था। वह एक बूढ़ा आदमी था जो सचमुच में उसके प्रति परवाह कर रहा था, लेकिन वह उसके ध्यान की वजह से नाराज़ हो रही थी।
“यहाँ ऐसा कोई नहीं है, जो बच्चा है,” उसने घमंडपूर्वक कहा, “मैंने भी अन्य सभी की तरह तीस पैसे का भुगतान किया है।”
परिचालक बीच में बोल पड़ा, “अरे, श्रीमान जी, लेकिन यह तो एक बहुत ही व्यस्क मैडम है। आपके विचार में क्या मात्र एक लड़की अपना किराया खुद दे सकती है और बिल्कुल अकेली शहर जा सकती है?”
वल्ली ने क्रोधित नज़रों से परिचालक की ओर देखा और कहा, ‘मैं मैडम नहीं हूँ। कृपया यह बात याद रखना कि आपने अभी तक मुझे मेरा टिकट नहीं दिया है।”
“मैं याद रखूगा,” परिचालक ने उसकी आवाज़ की नकल उतारते हुए कहा। हर कोई हँसने लगा और धीरे-धीरे वल्ली भी हँसी में शामिल हो गई।
परिचालक ने एक टिकट पर नम्बर छेदे और उसे वल्ली को पकड़ा दिया, “अब आराम से बैठ जाओ। जब तुमने सीट के पैसे दे रखे हैं तो तुम खड़ी क्यों हो?” .
“क्योंकि मैं खड़ा होना चाहती हूँ,” उसने उत्तर दिया, फिर से खड़ी होते हुए।
“लेकिन यदि तुम सीट के ऊपर खड़ी होती हो तो तुम गिर सकती हो और तुम्हें चोट लग सकती है। जब बस कोई तेज मोड़ काटेगी। बच्ची यही कारण है कि हम चाहते हैं कि तुम बैठ जाओ।” .
“मैं एक बच्ची नहीं हूँ, मैं आपको बता देती हूँ”, उसने चिढ़ते हुए कहा, “मैं आठ साल की हूँ।” ‘निःसंदेह, निःसंदेह। मैं भी कितना मूर्ख हूँ! आठ साल! हे भगवान!’
बस रुक गई, कुछ नए यात्री अंदर आए और थोड़ी देर के लिए परिचालक व्यस्त हो गया। अपनी सीट के खो जाने के भय से वल्ली अंततः नीचे बैठ गई।
एक वृद्ध महिला उसके पास आकर बैठ गई। “प्रिय, क्या तुम बिल्कुल अकेली हो?” जैसे ही बस पुनः चली उसने वल्ली से पूछा।
वल्ली को वह औरत पूर्णतया घृणाजनक लगी। उसके कानों के तलवों में कितने बड़े-बड़े सुराख थे और उनमें कितनी भद्दी बालियाँ थीं तथा वह उस सुपारी की गंध सूंघ सकती थी जिसे वह महिला चबा रही थी और पान के उस रस को देख सकती थी जो किसी भी पल उसके होठों से गिरने का भय पैदा कर रहा था। ओह! इस तरह के व्यक्ति के साथ कौन मिलनसार हो सकता है?

[PAGE 122] : “हाँ, मैं बिल्कुल अकेली यात्रा कर रही हूँ” उसने तीखे स्वर में उत्तर दिया। “और मैंने टिकट भी लिया है।” “हाँ, वह शहर जा रही है’ परिचालक ने कहा, तीस पैसे का एक टिकट लेकर”। “ओह, आप अपने काम पर ध्यान क्यों नहीं देते हो?” वल्ली ने कहा। लेकिन वह फिर भी हँस पड़ी और परिचालक भी हँसने
लगा।
लेकिन बूढ़ी औरत ने अपनी बकबक जारी रखी। “क्या इतने छोटे व्यक्ति के लिए अकेले यात्रा करना उचित है? क्या तुम्हें सही-सही पता है कि तुम शहर में कहाँ जा रही हो? कौन-सी गली है? क्या मकान नम्बर है?”
“आपको मेरे बारे में चिंता करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है। मैं अपना ख्याल खुद रख सकती हूँ।” वल्ली ने खिड़की की ओर अपना चेहरा घुमाते हुए कहा और बाहर देखने लगी।

[PART-III]

उसकी पहली यात्रा इसके लिए उसको कितना ध्यानपूर्वक, परिश्रम के साथ और सोच-समझकर योजनाएँ बनानी पड़ी थीं! जो भी छोटे-छोटे सिक्के उसके हाथ लग जाते थे कितनी किफायत के साथ उन्हें बचाकर के रखा था और कैसे अपने-आपको पुदीने की गोलियाँ, खिलौने, गुब्बारे और इस तरह की अन्य चीजें खरीदने से रोककर रखा था और आखिरकार उसने 60 पैसे बचा लिए थे। यह सब कुछ उसके लिए कितना कठिन था, खासतौर पर गाँव के मेले वाले दिन लेकिन उसने दृढ़ निश्चय के साथ झूलों पर सवार होने की अपनी इच्छा को दबा दिया था, जबकि उसके पास पैसे भी थे।

उसने पर्याप्त धन बचा लिया था, उसके बाद उसकी अगली समस्या थी अपनी माँ को बिना बताए कैसे घर से बाहर निकले। लेकिन बिना किसी अधिक कठिनाई के उसने इसकी व्यवस्था कर ली। दोपहर का भोजन करने के पश्चात् उसकी माँ एक बजे से लेकर चार बजे तक हल्की नींद लिया करती थी। वल्ली इन घंटों का प्रयोग हमेशा अपने ‘सैर-सपाटे’ के लिए किया करती थी। जब वह अपने घर के दरवाजे पर खड़ी होकर बाहर देखती थी या फिर कई बार गाँव में भी जाने का साहस कर लेती थी। आज वह इन घंटों का प्रयोग गाँव से बाहर उसके पहले भ्रमण के लिए करेगी।

[PAGE 123] : कभी बस एक पेड़ रहित भूमि क्षेत्र, कभी किसी छोटे-से गाँव से भागती हुई तथा रास्ते के किनारे बनी किसी दुकान के पास से निकलती हुई आगे बढ़ रही थी। कई बार ऐसा प्रतीत होता था कि बस अपनी ओर आते हुए किसी दूसरे वाहन अथवा सड़क पार कर रहे किसी पद यात्री को निगल जाएगी। लेकिन यह तो सभी बाधाओं को सुरक्षित भय से पीछे छोड़ते हुए आराम से निकल जाती थी। वृक्ष उनकी ओर भागते हुए प्रतीत होते थे लेकिन जब बस उनके पास पहुँचती थी तो वे वहीं रुक जाते थे और सड़क के एक ओर एक पल के लिए असहाय हुए खड़े रहते और फिर दूसरी दिशा में भागने लगते।

अचानक ही वल्ली ने (खुशी से) अपने दोनों हाथों से ताली बजा दी। एक छोटी-सी गाय हवा में अपनी पूँछ को उठाकर बहुत तेजी से भाग रही थी, बिल्कुल सड़क के बीच में, ठीक बस के सामने। बस की गति धीमी हो गई और चालक बार-बार हॉर्न बजा रहा था। लेकिन वह जितना ज्यादा हॉर्न बजाता पशु उतना अधिक भयभीत हो जाता तथा और तेजी से भागता हमेशा ठीक बस के आगे।

[PAGE 124] : यह बात वल्ली को बहुत अधिक मनोरंजक लगी। वह तब तक हँसती रही जब तक कि उसकी आँखों से आँसू नहीं आ गए।
‘अरे युवती, क्या तुम बहुत ज्यादा नहीं हँस ली हो?’ परिचालक ने आवाज लगाई, ‘बेहतर होगा, कुछ हँसी कल के लिए बचाकर रख लो।’
अंततः गाय सड़क से हट गई और शीघ्र ही बस एक रेलवे क्रॉसिंग के पास आ गई। दूर से रेलगाड़ी एक छोटे-से धब्बे के समान दिखाई दे रही थी, जैसे-जैसे वह निकट आ रही थी, बड़ी और बड़ी होती जा रही थी। तब वह बहुत अधिक शोर और खट-खट के साथ क्रॉसिंग गेट को पार कर गई, बस को हिलाते हुए। तब बस चल दी और उसने स्टेशन को पार किया। वहाँ से उसने एक अच्छी तरह से सजी हुई दुकानों वाले बाजार को पार किया और मुड़ने के बाद एक अधिक चौड़े रास्ते पर आ गई। इतनी बड़ी, चमकदार दुकानें। वस्त्रों तथा बेचने की अन्य चीज़ों का कितना चमकदार प्रदर्शन हो रहा था। इतनी ज्यादा भीड़!
हैरानी के कारण मूक बनी वल्ली हर चीज़ को मुँह खोले देखती रही। ‘हे युवती,’ परिचालक ने कहा, ‘क्या तुम नीचे उतरने के लिए तैयार नहीं हो? तुम्हारे तीस पैसे तुम्हें यहीं तक ला सकते थे।’
‘नहीं, वल्ली ने कहा, ‘मैं इसी बस पर वापस जा रही हूँ।’ उसने अपनी जेब से और तीस पैसे निकाले तथा सिक्के परिचालक को सौंप दिए।
‘क्यों, क्या कुछ बात हो गई है?’ ‘नहीं, कोई बात नहीं है। मैं तो सिर्फ बस की सवारी करना चाहती थी और वह मैंने कर ली।’ ‘क्या तुम कुछ दृश्यों को नहीं देखना चाहोगी, अब तब तुम यहाँ आ ही गई हो।’ ‘बिल्कुल अकेली? अरे, मुझे बहुत अधिक डर लगेगा।’
लड़की के बोलने के ढंग से अत्यधिक प्रसन्न होकर परिचालक ने कहा, ‘लेकिन तुम्हें बस में आते समय तो डर नहीं लगा।
‘उसमें डर वाली कोई बात नहीं थी, उसने उत्तर दिया। ‘ठीक है, तो फिर तुम वहाँ उस दुकान पर जाकर कुछ पीना क्यों नहीं चाहोगी? उसमें तो डरने की भी कोई बात नहीं है।’ ‘अरे नहीं, मैं ऐसा नहीं कर सकती हूँ।’ ‘तो ठीक है, मुझे तुम्हारे लिए एक शीतल पेय लाने दो।’ .

[PAGES 125-126] : ‘नहीं, मेरे पास पर्याप्त पैसे नहीं हैं। बस मुझे तो मेरा टिकट दे दो, यही काफी है।’ यह मेरी तरफ से दावत रहेगी और इसका तुम्हें कोई खर्च नहीं करना पड़ेगा। ‘नहीं, नहीं’ उसने दृढ़तापूर्वक कहा, ‘कृपया नहीं।’
परिचालक ने अपने कंधे सिकोड़ लिए तथा वे प्रतीक्षा करते रहे जब तक कि बस की वापसी की यात्रा का समय नहीं हो गया। दोबारा बस में फिर से अधिक यात्री नहीं थे।

[PART-IV]

‘क्या तुम्हारी माँ तुम्हें ढूंढ नहीं रही होगी?’ परिचालक ने पूछा जब उसने उसे टिकट दिया। ‘नहीं, कोई भी मेरी तलाश नहीं कर रहा होगा,’ उसने कहा। बस चल दी और फिर से वहाँ वहीं अद्भुत दृश्य थे।
वल्ली का मन बिल्कुल भी नहीं ऊबा और वह प्रत्येक चीज़ का उसी उत्साह से स्वागत कर रही थी जैसा पहली बार देखने पर किया था। लेकिन अचानक ही उसने एक छोटी गाय को सड़क किनारे मृत पड़े हुए पाया, ठीक उसी स्थान पर जहाँ किसी तेज रफ्तार वाले वाहन ने उसे टक्कर मारी थी।
‘क्या यह वहीं गाय नहीं है जो शहर आते समय हमारी बस के आगे भाग रही थी?’ उसने परिचालक से पूछा।
परिचालक ने हाँ में सिर हिलाया और उस पर उदासी छा गई। कुछ ही समय पहले जो एक प्यारा, सुन्दर जीव था अब अचानक अपनी सुन्दरता और जीवन खो चुका था और इतना भयानक और डरावना लग रहा था। जब वह वहाँ पड़ा हुआ था, टाँगें फैली हुईं, बेजान आँखों में एक स्थायी टकटकी भरे हुए और सब जगह खून के साथ।
बस आगे चल दी। मृत गाय की याद उसे परेशान कर रही थी, उसके उत्साह को ठंडा कर रही थी। अब वह खिड़की से बाहर नहीं देखना चाहती थी।
वह अपनी सीट पर तब तक चिपकी हुई बैठी रही जब तक कि तीन चालीस पर बस उसके गाँव नहीं पहुंच गई। वह उठी और उसने एक अंगड़ाई ली। तब वह परिचालक की ओर मुड़ी और कहा, ‘अच्छा श्रीमान जी, मैं आपसे फिर मिलने की आशा रखूगी।’

[PAGE 126] : ‘ठीक है, मैडम,’ उसने उसे मुस्कराते हुए उत्तर दिया, ‘जब कभी भी बस की सवारी करने को तुम्हारा मन करे, तो हमारे साथ आ जाना और अपना किराया लाना मत भूलना।’
वह हँसी और उसने बस से छलाँग लगा दी। तब वह सीधी घर की ओर भाग गई।
जब वह घर में घुसी तो उसने अपनी माँ को जागा हुआ पाया और दक्षिणी गली में रहने वाली वल्ली की एक मौसी से बातें करते हुए पाया। वह मौसी वास्तव में एक बातूनी थी, यदि एक बार बोलना शुरु कर देती थी तो कभी अपना मुँह बंद नहीं करती थी।
‘और तुम कहाँ थी?’ उसकी मौसी ने पूछा जब वल्ली अंदर आई। वह बहुत बेरुखी से बोली, उसे उत्तर की आशा नहीं थी। इसलिए वल्ली सिर्फ मुस्कराई और उसकी माँ तथा मौसी अपने वार्तालाप को जारी रखती रही।
‘हाँ, तुम ठीक हो,’ उसकी माँ ने कहा, ‘कितनी सारी चीजें हमारे में और हमारे से बाहर की दुनिया में होती हैं। हम संभवतः हर चीज़ के बारे में कैसे जान सकते हैं और यदि हमें किसी बात के बारे में पता भी चल जाता है तो हम उसे पूर्णतया समझ नहीं पाते हैं, क्या समझ पाते हैं?’
‘ओह, हाँ!’ वल्ली ने सांस लेते हुए कहा।
‘ओह, वल्ली ने कहा, ‘मैं तो केवल उस बात से सहमति व्यक्त कर रही थी जो आप कह रही थी हमारी जानकारी के बिना घटित होने वाली बातों के बारे में।
‘एक छोटी-सी लड़की है वह,’ उसकी मौसी ने कहा।
‘और देखो वह हमारी बातचीत में बिना किसी मतलब के अपनी टाँग अड़ा रही है जैसेकि वह एक समझदार औरत हो।’
वल्ली स्वयं पर मुस्कराई। वह नहीं चाहती थी कि वे उसकी मुस्कराहट का अर्थ समझें। लेकिन फिर इसकी कोई ज्यादा सम्भावना भी नहीं थी, क्या थी?

Madam Rides the Bus Word-Meanings in Hindi

[PART-I]

[PAGE 116] : Induction = entry (प्रवेश); mystery = secret (रहस्य); gap = difference (अंतर)।
[PAGE 117] : Curious = eager (उत्सुक); pastime = hobby (शौक); elaborate = detailed (विस्तृत)।
[PAGE 118] : Fascinating = attractive (आकर्षक); gradually = slowly (धीरे-धीरे); overwhelming = strong (मज़बूत); stare = look fixedly (घूरना); wistfully = with longing (इच्छा से); kindle = create (पैदा करना, उकसानां); longings = strong desires (तीव्र इच्छाएँ); slang = informal language (अनौपचारिक भाषा); disapproval= refusal (असहमति); discreet = quiet (शांत); various = many (कई); scarcely = hardly (मुश्किल से); calculated = made a count (गिनती करना)।

Haryana State Board HBSE 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 7 Glimpses of India Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 10th Class English Solutions First Flight Chapter 7 Glimpses of India

HBSE 10th Class English Glimpses of India Textbook Questions and Answers

Part I: A Baker From Goa

Discuss in class

1. What images of people and of places come to your mind, when you think of our country ? (जब आप अपने देश के बारे में सोचते हो तो आपके मन में लोगों और स्थानों की कौन-कौन सी तस्वीरें आती हैं?)
Answer:
When I think of my country the images of the variety of India come to my mind. I visualize people wearing different dresses, speaking different languages and having different customs. There is geographical variety also. I think of different places like snow-clad mountains, deserts, plains, forests, etc.
(जब मैं अपने देश के बारे में सोचता हूँ तो भारत की भिन्न-भिन्न तस्वीरें मेरे दिमाग में आती हैं। मैं लोगों को भिन्न-भिन्न तरह की पोशाकें पहने, भिन्न-भिन्न भाषाएँ बोलते और भिन्न-भिन्न रीति-रिवाज़ मनाते हुए देखता हूँ। इसमें भौगोलिक विभिन्नता भी है। मैं भिन्न-भिन्न स्थानों; जैसे बर्फ से ढके पर्वतों, मरुस्थलों, मैदानों और जंगलों इत्यादि के बारे में सोचता हूँ।)

2. What parts of India have you lived in, or visited ? Can you name some popular tourist destinations?
(आप भारत के किस भाग में रह चुके हैं या यात्रा कर चुके हैं? क्या आप कुछ प्रसिद्ध पर्यटक स्थलों के नाम बता सकते हो?)
Answer:
I have lived in the north of India. There are many popular tourist destinations in this part of India. These are : The Baradari of Patiala, The Red Fort of Delhi, The Taj Mahal in Agra, Qutub Minar, Humayun Tomb, Raj Ghat, etc. Forts, palaces and other monuments in Gwalior, Jaipur, etc.
(मैं भारत के उत्तर में रह चुका हूँ। भारत के इस भाग में बहुत-से प्रसिद्ध पर्यटक स्थल हैं। ये हैं-पटियाला की बारादरी, दिल्ली का लाल किला, आगरा का ताजमहल, कुतुबमीनार, हुमायु का मकबरा, राजघाट इत्यादि । ग्वालियर और जयपुर के किले, महल और अन्य यादगार चीजें।)

3. You may know that apart from the British, the Dutch and the French, the Portuguese have also played a part in the history of our country. Can you say which parts of India show French and Portuguese influences ?
(आप शायद जानते हो कि अंग्रेजों के अलावा डचों, फ्रांसीसियों और पुर्तगालियों ने भी हमारे देश के इतिहास में भूमिका निभाई है। क्या आप बता सकते हो कि हमारे देश के किन भागों पर फ्रांसीसियों और पुर्तगालियों का प्रभाव था?)
Answer:
We can see the French influence in Pondicherry because France ruled it for years. In the same way, we find the Portuguese influence in Goa as it was ruled by Portugal.
(हम फ्रांसीसी प्रभाव को पांडिचेरी में देख सकते हैं, क्योंकि फ्रांस ने उस पर वर्षों तक शासन किया था। उसी प्रकार से हम पुर्तगाली प्रभाव को गोआ में देख सकते हैं, क्योंकि गोआ पर पुर्तगाल का शासन था।)

4. Can you say which parts of India grow (i) tea, (ii) coffee ? (क्या आप बता सकते हो कि भारत के किन भागों में (i) चाय, (ii) कॉफी पैदा होती है?)
Answer:
Assam and Darjeeling in the north-east grow tea and Western Ghats grow coffee.
(उत्तर-पूर्व में आसाम, दार्जिलिंग में चाय का उत्पादन होता है और पश्चिमी घाटों पर कॉफी का उत्पादन होता है।)

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 86)

1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?:
(गोआ के बुजुर्ग किस बात का शौक के साथ वर्णन करते हैं?)
Answer:
The elders of Goa are nostalgic about the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread.
(गोआ के बुजुर्ग पुर्तगालियों और उनकी पावरोटियों का शौक के साथ वर्णन करते हैं।)

2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa ? How do you know ?
(क्या पावरोटी बनाना गोआ में अभी भी प्रसिद्ध है? आप कैसे जानते हो?)
Answer:
Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. The furnaces where bread is made still exist there. The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in the morning. This is clear from the sentences, : ‘The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished…’ ।
(हाँ, गोआ में पावरोटी बनाया जाना अभी भी प्रसिद्ध है। भट्टियाँ, जहाँ पावरोटी बनाई जाती है, गोआ में अभी भी पाई जाती हैं। बेकर की धानी की ठक-ठक और झंकार प्रातःकाल के समय में अभी भी सुनी जा सकती है। यह बात इस वाक्य से स्पष्ट है’भट्टी की आग अभी तक भी नहीं बुझाई जा सकी है…..।’) .

3. What is the baker called ?
(बेकर को किस नाम से पुकारा जाता है?)
Answer:
The baker is called pader in Goa.
(गोआ में बेकर को पेदर के नाम से पुकारा जाता है।)

4. When would the baker come everyday ? Why did the children run to meet him ?
(बेकर हर रोज कब आता था? बच्चे उससे मिलने के लिए क्यों भागते थे?)
Answer:
He would come twice a day. Once in the morning and again after selling all his breads. The children ran to meet him because they were fond of the ‘bread-bangles’ sold by him.
(बेकर दिन में दो बार आता था। एक बार तो वह सुबह के समय आता था और दोबारा तब आता था जब उसकी सारी पावरोटियाँ बिक जाती थीं। बच्चे उससे मिलने के लिए दौड़ते थे, क्योंकि वे उसके द्वारा बेचे जाने वाले पावगजरों को बहुत पसंद करते थे।)

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 87)

1. Match the following. What is a must
(i) as marriage gifts ? – cakes and bolinhas
(ii) for a party or a feast ? – sweet bread called bol
(iii) for a daughter’s engagement ?- bread
(iv) for Christmas ? – sandwiches.
Answer:
(i) as marriage gifts – sweet bread called bol
(ii) for a party or a feast – bread
(iii) for a daughter’s engagement – sandwiches
(iv) for Christmas – cakes and bolinhas

2. What did the bakers wear : (i) in the Portuguese days, ?
(बेकर क्या पहनते थे? (i) पुर्तगालियों के दिनों में?)
(ii) when the author was young?
(ii) जब लेखक छोटा था?)
Answer:
(i) In the Portuguese days, the bakers wore the kabai. It was a single-piece long frock that reached down to the knees. (ii) When the author was young, the bakers wore a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants.
(i) पुर्तगालियों के दिनों में बेकर कबाई पहनते थे। यह एक ही कपड़े से बनी लंबी फ्रॉक होती थी जो घुटनों तक पहुँचती थी।
(ii) जब लेखक छोटा था तो उन दिनों बेकर कमीज और पैंट पहनते थे जोकि पूरी पैंट की लम्बाई से छोटी होती थी और निक्कर से लम्बी होती थी।)

3. Who invites the comment —“he is dressed like a pader” ? Why? .
(किस पर यह टिप्पणी की जाती है “उसने पेदर जैसी पोशाक पहन रखी है”? क्यों?)
Answer:
Any one who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites this comment because trousers like that used to be the typical dress of a baker or pader.
(कोई भी जो घुटनों से नीचे आने वाली निक्कर पहनता है, उस पर यह टिप्पणी की जाती है क्योंकि इस तरह की पैंटे बेकर अर्थात् पेदर के द्वारा पहनी जाती थी।)

4. Where were the monthly accounts of the baker recorded ?
(बेकर का मासिक हिसाब कहाँ दर्ज किया जाता था?)
Answer:
They recorded the accounts on some wall in pencil.
(वे हिसाब को किसी दीवार पर पैंसिल के साथ दर्ज करते थे।)

5. What does a jackfruit-like appearance’ mean?
(‘कटहल जैसा लगने’ का क्या अर्थ है?) ।
Answer:
It means fat and plump like the jackfruit itself.
(इसका मतलब है कटहल की तरह मोटा और गोल-मटोल होना।)

Thinking about the Text

1. Which of these statements are correct ?

(i) The pader was an important person in the village in old times.
(ii) Paders still exist in Goan villages.
(iii) The paders went away with the Portuguese.
(iv) The paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock.
(v) Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life in the old days.
(vi) Traditional bread-baking is still a very profitable business.
(vii) Paders and their families starve in the present times.
Answer:
(i) correct,
(ii) correct,
(iii) incorrect,
(iv) incorrect,
(v) correct,
(vi) incorrect,
(vii) incorrect.

2. Is bread an important part of Goan life ? How do you know this ?
(क्या पावरोटी गोआ के जीवन का एक अभिन्न अंग है? आप यह कैसे जानते हो?)
Answer:
Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. It is clear from marriage gifts, cakes and bolinhas for Christmas, etc.
(हाँ, पावरोटी गोआ के जीवन का एक अभिन्न अंग है। यह बात शादी के उपहारों, केक, बोलिनाह, क्रिसमस इत्यादि से स्पष्ट है।)

3. Tick the right answer. What is the tone of the author when he says the following ?

(i) The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in some places. (nostalgic, hopeful, sad)
(ii) Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. (nostalgic, hopeful, sad)
(iii) I still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. (nostalgic, hopeful, naughty)
(iv) The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all. (naughty, angry, funny)
(v) Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. (sad, hopeful, matter-of-fact)
(vi) The baker and his family never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous. (matter-of-fact, hopeful, sad)
Answer:
(i) nostalgic, (ii) hopeful, (iii) nostalgic, (iv) naughty, (v) matter-of-fact, (vi) matter-of-fact.

Writing

I. In this extract, the author talks about traditional bread-baking during his childhood days. Complete the following table with the help of clues on the left. Then write a paragraph about the author’s childhood days.

Answer:

Author’s Childhood Days

The author remembers his childhood days. He recollects that the baker was an important part of the village in those days. He was called pader. He used to come twice a day to sell his bread. He carried a bamboo stick. With this stick he made a musical sound, jhang, jhang’ sound with his bamboo staff. He placed his basket on the vertical bamboo. He wished ‘Good morning’ to the lady of the house. The bread was usually bought by the maid servant of the house. The author as a child would climb a bench or the parapet to peep into his basket of loaves of bread. He and other children longed for bread-bangles which were sweet bread of special make. Bread was an essential part of every function. The bread-seller collected his bills at the end of the month. The accounts were generally written on a wall in pencil. The bread-sellers were well off. It was evident from their plump bodies.

II.

1. Compare the piece from the text (on the left below) with the other piece on Goan bakers (on the right). What makes the two texts so different ? Are the facts the same ? Do both writers give you a picture of the baker ?

Answer:
The two texts tell about the Goan Paders. But they are different because they differently about the same thing. The first text tells us about paders and the things with which they make bread. The
second text emphasises the fact that Portuguese bread vanished when Goa was liberated and the · Portugueses left Goa. The facts in both the texts relate to bread-making. The facts are almost the same. Both the writers give us a picture of the baker. But the first text gives a more elaborate picture than the one given by the second text.

2. Now find a travel brochure about a place you have visited. Look at the description in the brochure. Then write your own account, adding details from your own experience, to give the reader a picture of the place, rather than an impersonal, factual description.
Answer : For self-attempt.

Group Discussion

1. In groups, collect information on how bakeries bake bread now and how the process has · changed over time.
Answer:
For self-attempt.

2. There are a number of craft-based professions which are dying out. Pick one of the crafts below. Make a group presentation to the class about the skills required, and the possible reasons for the decline of the craft. Can you think of ways to revive these crafts ?
(i) Pottery,
(ii) Batik work
(iii) Dhurri (rug) weaving
(iv) Embroidery
(v) Carpentry
(vi) Bamboo weaving
(vii) Making jute products
(viii) Handloom
Answer:
For self-attempt.

Part II: Coorg

Thinking about the Text

1. Where is Coorg ?
(कुर्ग कहाँ पर है?)
Answer:
Coorg lies midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is situated in the Karnatka state of India.
(कुर्ग मैसूर और तटीय नगर मंगलौर के मध्य मार्ग पर स्थित है। यह भारत के कर्नाटक राज्य में स्थित है।)

2. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent ? [B.S.E.H. 2019
(कोडावु लोगों के वंश के बारे में क्या कहानी प्रचलित है?)
Answer:
According to the story, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast. As their return became impractical, they settled there. They married among the locals..
(कहानी के अनुसार, सिकन्दर की सेना का एक भाग तट के साथ-साथ दक्षिण की ओर चला गया। जब उनकी वापसी असंभव हो गई, तो वे वहीं बस गए। उन्होंने स्थानीय लोगों में शादी कर ली।)

3. What are some of the things you now know about
(i) the people of Coorg?
(ii) the main crop of Coorg?
(iii) the sports it offers to tourists ?
(iv) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg ?
(v) its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there?
(आप इनके बारे में अब कौन-कौन सी बातें जानते हो?) (कुर्ग के लोग?) (कुर्ग की मुख्य फसल?) (पर्यटकों के लिए यहाँ जो खेल हैं?) (आप कुर्ग में कौन-से पशु देख पाओगे?) (बंगलौर से इसकी दूरी और यहाँ पहुँचा कैसे जाता है?)
Answer:
I now know about all the things given from (i) to (v) here. The text gives the whole information in the following way:
(i) The people of Coorg are greatly independent. They are of Greek or Arabic descent.
(ii) The main crop of Coorg is coffee.
(iii) Coorg offers adventurous sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking to tourists.
(iv) The animals one is likely to see in Coorg are Macaques, Malabar squirrel, langurs and loris.
(v) The distance between Bangalore and Coorg is around 260 km. One can reach Coorg by Air, by Rail and by Road.

(मैं इन सभी चीज़ों के बारे में जानता हूँ जो यहाँ (i) से (v) तक दी गई हैं। अध्याय में इन सभी बातों के बारे में निम्नलिखित जानकारी दी गई है-

(i) कुर्ग लोग पूर्णतया स्वतंत्र रहने वाले लोग हैं। वे यूनानियों और अरबों के वंशज हैं।
(ii) missing
(iii) कुर्गों के साहसिक खेल हैं जैसे रिवर रैफ्टिंग, नौका चलाना, रस्सियों के सहारे पहाड़ियों पर चढ़ना-उतरना, चट्टानों पर चढ़ना और पर्वतारोहण इत्यादि
(iv) कुर्ग क्षेत्र में दिखाई दिए जाने वाले पशु हैं-अफ्रीकी लंगूर, मालाबारी गिलहरियाँ, लंगूर और तोते।
(v) बंगलौर और कुर्ग के बीच की दूरी लगभग 260 कि०मी० है। कुर्ग में हवाई जहाज से, रेल से और सड़क मार्ग द्वारा जाया जा सकता है।)

4. Here are six sentences with some words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning. (Look at the paragraphs indicated)
(i) During monsoons it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg. (para 2)
(ii) Some people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there. (para 3)
(iii) The Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their sons’ and fathers’ valour. (para 4)
(iv) Even people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high-energy adventure sports of Coorg. (para 6)
(v) The theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt they wear. (para 3)
(vi) Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy. (para 7)
Answer:
(i) to keep many visitors away.
(ii) as the story goes
(iii) more than willing to recount
(iv) the most laidback individuals become converts to
(v) draws support from
(vi) keep a watchful eye

Thinking about Language

Collocations

Certain words ‘go together’. Such ‘word friends’ are called collocations. The collocation of a word is “the company it keeps’. For example, look at the paired sentences and phrases below. Which is a common collocation, and which one is odd ? Strike out the odd sentence or phrase.
(a) ‘How old are you?’
‘How young are you ?’
(b) a pleasant person
a pleasant pillow

1. Here are some nouns from the text.
culture
monks
surprise
experience
weather
tradition

Work with a partner and discuss which of the nouns can collocate with which of the adjectives given below. The first one has been done for you.

unique
terrible
unforgettable
serious
ancient
wide
sudden

(i) culture : unique culture, ancient culture
(ii) monks ……………………
(iii) surprise ……………………
(iv) experience : ……………………
(v) weather : ……………………
(vi) tradition : ……………………
Answer:
The following shall collocate together :
(ii) monks z serious monks, unique monks
(iii) surprise : terrible surprise, sudden surprise
(iv) experience : unique experience, terrible experience, unforgettable experience.
(v) weather : pleasant weather, terrible weather, unique weather
(vi) tradition : unique tradition, ancient tradition.

2. Complete the following phrases from the text. For each phrase, can you find at least one other word that would fit into the blank ?

(i) tales of……………………
(ii) coastal ……………………
(iii) a piece of ……………………
(iv) evergreen ……………………
(v) Plantations
(vi) ……………………bridge
(vii) wild ……………………
You may add your own examples to this list.
Answer:
(i) tales of valour
(ii) coastal town
(iii) a piece of heaven
(iv) evergreen rainforests
(v) coffee plantations
(vi) rope bridge
(vii) wild elephants

Some other examples :

Tales of heroism
hilly areas/terrains
river beds
Tibetan settlements
adventure sports

Part III: Tea from Assam

Thinking about Language

I. 1. Look at these words : upkeep, downpour, undergo, dropout, walk-in. They are built up from verb (keep, pour, go, drop, walk) and an adverb or a particle (up, down, under, out, in). Use these words appropriately in the sentences below. You may consult a dictionary.

(i) A heavy ___has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
(ii) Rakesh will ______major surgery tomorrow morning.
(iii) My brother is responsible for the ______of our family property.
(iv) The _______ rate for this accountancy course is very high.
(v) She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a _ ___ interview.
Answer:
(i) downpour
(ii) undergo
(iii) upkeep
(iv) dropout
(v) walk-in

2. Now fill in the blanks in the sentences given below by combining the verb given in brackets with one of the words from the box as appropriate.

over
by
through
out
updown

(i) The Army attempted unsuccessfully to ______ the Government. (throw)
(ii) Scientists are on the brink of a major ______ in cancer research. (break)
(iii) The State Government plans to build a ______ for Bhubaneshwar to speed up traffic on the main highway. (pass)
(iv) Gautama’s ______ on life changed when he realised that the world is full of sorrow.(look)
(v) Rakesh seemed unusually ______after the game. (cast)
Answer:
(1) overthrow (ii) breakthrough (iii) bypass (iv) outlook (v) downcast

II. Notice how these -ing and -ed adjectives are used.

(a) Chess is an interesting game. — I am very interested in chess.
(b) Going trekking in the Himalayas this summer is an exciting idea. — We are very excited about the trek.
(c) Are all your school books this boring? — He was bored as he had no friends there.

The -ing adjectives show the qualities that chess, trekking, or these books have : they cause interest, excitement, or boredom in you. The -ed/-en adjectives show your mental state, or your physical state: how you feel in response to ideas, events or things.

1. Think of suitable -ing or-ed adjectives to answer the following questions. You may also use words from those given above. How would you describe :

(i) a good detective serial on television ? _____
(ii) a debate on your favourite topic ‘Homework Should Be Banned’ ? _____
(iii) how you feel when you stay indoors due to incessant rain ? _____
(iv) how you feel when you open a present ? _____
(v) how you feel when you watch your favourite programme on television ? _____
(vi) the look on your mother’s face as you waited in a queue ? _____
(vii) how you feel when tracking a tiger in a tiger reserve forest ? _____
(viii) the story you have recently read, or a film you have seen ? _____
Answer:
(i) interesting
(ii) exciting
(iii) bored
(iv) thrilled
(v) excited
(vi) worrying
(vii) excited
(viii) interesting

2. Now use the adjectives in the exercise above, as appropriate, to write a paragraph about Coorg.
Answer:
A visit to Assam was really interesting. It was an invigorating. The magnificent scenery was invigorating. I felt excited and thrilled to visit this beautiful place. I was thrilled when I read that Assam tea is the best in the world. The wildlife and the panoramic view of the entire misty landscape excited me. A walk among the hills was thrilling. But the idea that man is creating pollution here also made me worried. However, the whole scene of tea plantations was breathtaking.

1. Read the following passage about tea.

India and tea are so intertwined together that life without the brew is unimaginable. Tea entered our life only in the mid-nineteenth century when the British started plantations in Assam and Darjeeling! In the beginning though, Indians shunned the drink as they thought it was a poison that led to umpteen diseases. Ironically, tea colonised Britain where it became a part of their social diary and also led to the establishment of numerous tea houses. Today, scientific research across the world has attempted to establish the beneficial qualities of tea-a fact the Japanese and the Chinese knew anyway from ancient times, attributing to it numerous medicinal properties.
[Source : ‘History : Tea Anytime’, by Ranjit Biswas from Literary Review, The Hindu, 1 October 2006]

Collect information about tea, e.g. its evolution as a drink, its beneficial qualities. You can consult an encyclopedia or visit Internet websites. Then form groups of five and play the following roles. Imagine a meeting of a tea planter, a sales agent, a tea lover (consumer), a physician and a tea-shop owner. Each person in the group has to put forward his/her views about tea. You may use the following words and phrases.

• I feel _
• It is important to know_
• I disagree with you _
• I think that tea _
• I would like you to know _
• I agree with _
• It is my feeling _
• I suggest _
• May I know why you _
• I am afraid _

Answer:
For self-attempt at class level. Students should consult an encyclopedia or visit some Internet sites for getting this information. Then they may form groups and play these roles.

2. You are the sales executive of a famous tea company and you have been asked to draft an advertisement for the product. Draft the advertisement using the information you collected for the role play. You can
draw pictures or add photographs and make your advertisement colourful.
Answer:
For self-attempt as in case of Question 1 above.

BSE 10th Class English A Baker From Goa Important Questions and Answers

Part I: A Baker From Goa

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What do the elders of Goa remember nostalgically?
Answer:
They remember nostalgically the old Portuguese days and the loaves of bread.

Question 2.
What are the time tested things which still exit in Goa?
Answer:
The furnaces of the bakers of Goa are time tested things which still exist there.

Question 3.
When did the baker come daily?
Answer:
He came daily twice. Once in the morning when he set out for his selling and the other time after selling the breads.

Question 4.
What was the baker’s place in Goa is the author’s childhood days?
Answer:
In those days the baker was the friend, companion and guide.

Question 5.
How is the entry of the baker described?
Answer:
The entry of the baker is described as musical.

Question 6.
What did the author and the other children do to look into the baker’s basket?
Answer:
They would climb a bench or the parapet to look into the baker’s basket.

Question 7.
What is the name of the dress worn by baker in olden days?
Answer:
It was known with the name of kabai.

Question 8.
What is the baker called in Goa?
Answer:
The baker is called ‘pader’in Goa.

Question 9.
What is the financial status of a baker of Goa?
Answer:
A bakes of Goa is mostly in a sound financially position.

Question 10.
What is a kabai?.
Answer:
A kabai is a type of frock made out of single piece of cloth.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What are the childhood memories described by the author in this extract?
(इस अध्याय में लेखक के द्वारा बचपन की किन-किन यादों का वर्णन किया गया है?)
Answer:
The author passed his childhood days in Goa. In this extract, he remembers his old days in Goa when the village baker occupied an important place in life. Although, with the passage of time, people do not . eat so much bread, yet the village bakers are still there.
(लेखक ने अपने बचपन के दिन गोआ में बिताए थे। इस अध्याय में वह गोआ में अपने बचपन के दिनों को याद करता है जब गाँव के बेकर का जीवन में महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान होता था। यद्यपि समय बीतने के साथ-साथ लोगों ने पावरोटी खाना कम कर दिया है, फिर भी ग्रामीण बेकर वहाँ पर पाए जाते हैं।) .

Question 2.
What marks of the Portuguese way of life can still be seen in Goa?
(पुर्तगाली जीवन के तरीकों के कौन-कौन से संकेत अभी भी गोआ में देखे जा सकते हैं?)
Answer:
Goa was once occupied by the Portuguese. They were famous for preparing the loaves of bread. They left Goa long ago. But the traditional work of the bakers can still be seen in Goa. The furnaces in which the bread was baked still exist there.
(गोआ पर पुर्तगालियों का कब्जा था। वे पावरोटियाँ तैयार करवाने के लिए प्रसिद्ध थे। वे काफी समय पहले गोआ से चले गए। लेकिन गोवा में बेकरों का परंपरागत काम अभी भी देखा जा सकता है। जिन भट्टियों में पावरोटी पकाई जाती थी वे अभी भी वहाँ पर हैं।)

Question 3.
What does the author recall about the visit of the baker to his village?
(लेखक अपने गाँव में बेकर की यात्रा के बारे में क्या बातें याद करता है?)
Answer:
The author recalls that a baker used to visit the village twice a day. He used to be the author’s friend and guide. He used to carry a bamboo stick. The sound of this stick used to wake up the author and others from sleep.
(लेखक याद करता है कि एक बेकर दिन में दो बार उनके गाँव में आता था। वह लेखक का मित्र और मार्गदर्शक हुआ करता था। वह एक बाँस का डंडा उठाए रखता था। डंडे की आवाज़ लेखक और अन्य लोगों को नींद से जगा देती थी।)

Question 4.
How was the village baker very important for special occasions in the village?
(गाँव में विशिष्ट अवसरों पर गाँव का बेकर अति महत्त्वपूर्ण कैसे हो जाता था?) .
Answer:
The village baker was specially important for festive occasions. The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘bol’. Marriage gifts were meaningless without these sweet breads. Sandwiches, cakes and bolinhas were a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These were made with the bread.
(त्योहारों के अवसरों पर गाँव का बेकर अति महत्त्वपूर्ण हो जाता था। गाँव वाले उसकी मीठी पावरोटी ‘बोल’ के बहुत शौकीन थे। इन मीठी पावरोटियों के बिना शादी के उपहार अर्थहीन थे। क्रिसमस और अन्य त्योहारों के लिए सैंडविच, केक और बोलिनाह अति आवश्यक होते थे। ये पावरोटी से बनते थे।)

Question 5.
Describe the bread-seller’s dress. (पावरोटी विक्रेता की पोशाक का वर्णन करें।).
Answer:
The baker or the bread-seller wore a special, peculiar dress. It was known as the ‘kabai’. It was a single-piece long frock. It reached down to his knees. During narrator’s childhood Bakers wore trousers which were shorter than full-length and longer than half pants.
(बेकर अर्थात् पावरोटी विक्रेता एक विशेष और विचित्र किस्म की पोशाक पहनता था। इसे कबाई के नाम से जाना जाता था। यह एक ही कपड़े से बनी लम्बी फ्रॉक होती थी। यह घुटनों से नीचे तक जाती थी। लेखक के बचपन के दिनों में बेकर कमीज़)

Question 6.
When did the baker collect his bills? What showed that the bakers were prosperous?
(बेकर अपने बिलों का संग्रह कब करता था? किस बात से पता चलता था कि बेकर अमीर थे?)
Answer:
The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. In the household, the baker’s monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. Baking was a profitable business in those days. Their families never starved. Their plump bodies showed that they were prosperous.
(बेकर प्रायः महीने के अंत में अपने बिलों का संग्रह करता था। घर में बेकर के महीने के हिसाब को किसी दीवार पर पेंसिल के साथ लिख दिया जाता था। उन दिनों में बेकिंग का कार्य बहुत फायदे वाला था। उनके परिवार कभी भूखे नहीं मरते थे। उनके मोटे-ताजे शरीर दिखाते थे कि वे सम्पन्न लोग थे।)

Question 7.
When would the baker come everyday? Why did the children run to the baker?
(बेकर हर रोज किस समय आता था? बच्चे बेकर के पास क्यों भागे आते थे?)
Answer:
The baker would come twice a day. Once in the morning when he set out on his selling round, and then again after emptying his basket. In the morning the children ran to him to have bread-bangles.
(बेकर दिन में दो बार आया करता था। एक बार तो सुबह के समय जब वह अपनी बिक्री की फेरी पर निकलता था और दूसरी बार तब जब अपनी टोकरी खाली करके लौटता था। सुबह के समय बच्चे उसके पास से पाव-गजरे लेने के लिए भाग कर जाते थे।)

Question 8.
How did the baker make his entry in the morning?
(सुबह के समय बेकर अपना आगमन कैसे करता था?)
Answer:
In the morning the baker made his musical entry on the scene with the “jhang-jhang’ sound of his specially made staff. One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on the ground.
(सुबह के समय बेकर दृश्य पर आगमन एक विशेष रूप से बनाई गई बाँस की लंबी छड़ी की ‘झंग-झंग’ जैसी संगीतमयी आवाज़ के साथ करता था। उसका एक हाथ सिर पर टोकरी को थामे रखता था और दूसरा हाथ जमीन पर बाँस को पटकता रहता था।)

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
How is the effect of the traditional bread bakers can still be seen in Goa of today?
(परम्परागत बेकरों का प्रभाव आज के गोआ में भी कैसे देखा जा सकता है?)
Answer:
The author remembers his old days in Goa when the village baker occupied an important place in life. Bread eating was very common in those days. Apart from eating bread daily, bread held an important place at the time of Christmas, marriages and other functions. Although, with the passage of time, people do not eat so much bread today, yet the village bakers are still there. The Portugueses were famous for earns the loaves of bread. They left Goa long ago. But the traditional work of the bakers can still be seen in Goa. The furnaces in which the bread was baked still exist there. The sound of the traditional bakers’ bamboo can still be heard. These bakers are known as Pader in Goa even today. . .

(लेखक गोआ में अपने पुराने दिनों की याद करता है जब गाँव के बेकर का उनके जीवन में महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान होता था। उन दिनों में पावरोटी खाने का बहुत प्रचलन था। हर रोज पावरोटी खाए जाने के अतिरिक्त पावरोटी का क्रिसमस, शादियों तथा अन्य उत्सवों पर अति महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान होता था। यद्यपि समय के बीतने के साथ-साथ लोग अब इतनी ज्यादा पावरोटी नहीं खाते हैं लेकिन अभी भी गाँवों में बेकर हैं। पुर्तगाली पावरोटियाँ तैयार करवाने के लिए बहुत प्रसिद्ध थे। उन्होंने काफी समय पहले गोआ को छोड़ दिया। लेकिन बेकरों का परम्परागत काम अभी भी गोआ में देखा जा सकता है। जिन भट्टियों में पावरोटी पकाई जाती थी अभी भी वहाँ पर हैं। बेकर के परम्परागत बाँस (धानी) की आवाज़ अभी भी सुनी जा सकती है। इन बेकरों को गोआ में आज भी पेदर के नाम से जाना जाता है।)

Question 2.
What was the importance of the baker in the village? What kind of dress did he wear?
(गाँव में बेकर का क्या महत्त्व होता था? वह किस तरह की पोशाक पहनता था?)
Answer:
The village baker was specially important for all occasions. The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘Bol’. Marriage gifts were meaningless without these sweet breads. San and bolinhas were a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These were made with the bread. Thus the presence of a baker’s furnace was very essential in each village. The baker or the bread-seller wore a special, peculiar dress. It was known as the ‘kabai’. It was a single-piece long frock. It reached.down to his knees. During narrator’s childhood bakers wore trousers which were shorter than full-length and longer than half pants. Even today if someone wears a half pant, he is said to be dressed like a pader.

(गाँव का बेकर सभी अवसरों पर विशेष रूप से महत्वपूर्ण होता था। ग्रामीण उसकी मीठी पावरोटी, जिसे ‘बोल’ कहा जाता था, के बहुत अधिक शौकीन थे। इन मीठी पावरोटियों के बिना शादी के उपहार महत्त्वहीन होते थे। सैंडविच, केक और बोलिनाह क्रिसमस तथा अन्य अवसरों के लिए अति आवश्यक होते थे। ये पावरोटी से बनाए जाते थे। अतः प्रत्येक गाँव में बेकर की भट्टी का होना बहुत जरूरी था। बेकर अर्थात् पावरोटी विक्रेता एक खास तरह की और विचित्र पोशाक पहनता था। इसे ‘कबाई’ के नाम से जाना जाता था। यह एक ही कपड़े से बनी लम्बी फ्रॉक होती थी। यह उसके घुटनों से नीचे तक जाती थी। लेखक के बचपन के दिनों में बेकर पैंटें पहनते थे जोकि पूरी पैंट की लम्बाई से कम और निक्कर की लम्बाई से अधिक होती थी। यदि आज भी कोई निक्कर पहनता है, तो ऐसा कहा जाता है कि उसने पेदर की तरह पोशाक पहन रखी थी।)

Question 3.
Give a pen-portrait of a Goan Village baker.
(गोवा के एक ग्रामीण बेकर का चित्रण कीजिए।)
Answer:
A Goan village baker used to sell all kinds of bread loaves. He used to come in the morning with a basket of breads loaves on his head. He made a musical entry on the scene with the ‘jhang-jhang’ of his bamboo stick. He used to wear a peculiar dress known as the ‘kabai’. It was a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees. The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days. The baker always looked happy and prosperous. He had a plump physique.

(गोवा का एक ग्रामीण बेकर सभी प्रकार के पाव बेचा करता था। वह सुबह के समय सभी प्रकार के पाव अपने सिर पर टोकरी में भरकर लाता था। वह अपनी बाँस की छड़ी की झंग-झंग की संगीतमयी आवाज़ के साथ दृश्य पर अपना आगमन करता था। वह एक विचित्र तरह की पोशाक पहनता था जिसे ‘कबाई’ कहते थे। यह कपड़े के एक ही टुकड़े से बनी विशेष प्रकार की फ्रॉक होती थी जो घुटनों से नीचे तक आती थी। बेकर महीने के अंत में अपने बिल एकत्र किया करता था। उन पुराने दिनों में बेकरी का व्यवसाय लाभ का काम था। बेकर हमेशा प्रसन्न और खुशहाल दिखाई देता था। शारीरिक रूप से वह गोल-मटोल होता था ।)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Where were bakers specially found in India ?
(A) Goa
(B) Karnataka
(C) Assam
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(A) Goa

Question 2.
Who ruled over Goa?
(A) British
(B) Portuguese
(C) French
(D) Dutch
Answer:
(B) Portuguese

Question 3.
In the olden days baker in Goa was known as :
(A) baker
(B) pader
(C) kabai
(D) bolinhas
Answer:
(B) pader

Question 4.
What did the children like to buy ?
(A) bread
(B) bangle-bread
(C) bol
(D) cake
Answer:
(B) bangle-bread

Question 5.
Which name is used for the sweet bread?
(A) bol
(B) kabai
(C) pedar
(D) cake
Answer:
(A) bol

Question 6.
The bakers used to wear…………
(A) kabai
(B) bol
(C) pedar
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(A) kabai

Question 7.
When were the bills collected?
(A) daily
(B) weekly
(C) fortnightly
(D) at the end of the month
Answer:
(D) at the end of the month

Question 8.
What type of people are bakers?
(A) poor
(B) prosperous
(C) both (A) and (B)
(D) starving
Answer:
(B) prosperous

Question 9.
How are bakers in their physique?
(A) weak
(B) sick looking
(C) plump
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(C) plump

Question 10.
The elders in Goa are nostalgic about :
(A) the portuguese people
(B) the good old Portuguese days
(C) their famous loaves of bread
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(D) all of the above

Question 11.
The baker used to come ………….. daily.
(A) only once
(B) twice
(C) thrice
(D) four times
Answer:
(B) twice

Question 12.
Who is the author of the lesson “A Baker from Goa’?
(A) Lucio Rodrigues
(B) Lokesh Abrol
(C) Arup Kumar Datta
(D) Gavin Maxwell
Answer:
(A) Lucio Rodrigues

A Baker From Goa Important Passages for Comprehension

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :

PASSAGE 1

Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters of loaves might have vanished but the makers are still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves. Those age-old, time-tested furnaces still exist. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished. The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo, heralding his arrival in the morning, can still be heard in some places. Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. These bakers are, even today, known as pader in Goa.

Word-meanings : Reminiscing = remembering (याद करना); vanished = disappeared (गायब हो गया); moulders = those who mould (फफूंद बनाने वाले); extinguished = put out (बुझा देना); furnaces = ovens (भट्ठियाँ)

Questions :

(a) What do the elders remember nostalgically?
(b) Whom do the residents of Goa still have among them?
(c) What are the time tested things which still exist there?
(d) How are the bakers known as in Goa?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means “put out’.
Answers :
(a) They remember nostalgically the old Portuguese days and the loaves of bread.
(b) They still have the mixers, the moulders and bakers of bread.
(c) The furnaces of the bakers are the time-tested things which still exist there.
(d) The bakers are known as pader.
(e) ‘extinguished’.

PASSAGE 2

During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide. He used to come at least twice a day. Once, when he set out in the morning on his selling round, and then again, when he returned after emptying his huge basket. The jingling thud of his bamboo woke us up from sleep and we ran to meet and greet him. Why was it so? Was it for the love of the loaf ? Not at all. The loaves were bought by some Paskine or Bastine, the maid-servant of the house! What we longed for were those bread-bangles which we chose carefully. Sometimes it was sweet bread of special make.

Word-meanings : Greet = welcome (स्वागत करना); longed for = wished for (इच्छा करना)

Questions :

(a). What was the baker’s place in Goa in the author’s childhood days?
(b) What happened after the author woke up on hearing the baker’s jingling sound?
(c) Who bought the loaves?
(d) What did the narrator long for?
(e) Find a phrase from the passage which means “wished for’.
Answers :
(a) In those days the baker was the friend, companion and guide.
(b) He ran to meet and greet him.
(c) The maid-servant of the house bought the loaves of bread.
(d) The author longed for ‘bread-bangles’.
(e) ‘longed for’.

PASSAGE 3

The baker made his musical entry on the scene with the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his specially made bamboo staff. One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on the ground. He would greet the lady of the house with “Good morning” and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke and the loaves would be delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the basket, somehow. I can still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. Loaves for the elders and the bangles for the children. Then we did not even care to brush our teeth or wash our mouths properly. And why should we? Who would take the trouble of plucking the mango-leaf for the toothbrush? And why was it necessary at all ? The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all!

Word-meanings : Supported = helped (सहारा देना); banged = beat with (ठक-ठक करना); greet = welcome (स्वागत करना); fragrance = smell (सुगन्ध) |

Questions :

(a) Who would push aside the kids and why ?
(b) Why did the kids climb the bench or the parapet ?
(c) What did the baker have for the kids and the elders ?
(d) How did the narrator brush his teeth ?
(e) What did the writer (as a child) think about brushing his teeth ?
Answers :
(a) The baker pushed aside the kids to deliver the loaves to the servant.
(b) They climbed the bench or the parapet to peep into the bakers’s basket.
(c) The baker had loaves for the elders and bangles for the children.
(d) The narrator brushed his teeth with a mango leaf.
(e) The writer thought that there wasn’t any need of brushing teeth as hot tea can do it so nicely.

PASSAGE 4

Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol, just as a party or a feast loses its charm without bread. Not enough can be said to show how important a baker can be said to show how important a baker can be for a village. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely essential.

Word-meanings : Feast = grand party (प्रीतिभोज, दावत); charmi = attraction (आकर्षण ); absolutely = completely (पूरी तरह ); essential = necessary (आवश्यक ) |

Questions :

(a) Name the chapter and the writer.
(b) What makes marriage gifts meaningless?
(c) When does a party or a feast lose its charm?
(d) What has the lady of the house to do on the occassion of her daughter’s engagement?
(e) What is a must for Christmas?
Answers :
(a) Chapter : A Baker From Goa.
Writer : Lucio Rodrigues.
(b). Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol. . (c) A party or a feast loses its charm without bread.
(d) She must prepare sandwiches on such a occassion.
(e) Cakes or bolinhas are a must for Christmas.

PASSAGE 5

Not enough can be said to show how important a baker can be for a village. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely essential.
The baker or bread-seller of those days had a peculiar dress known as the Kabai. It was a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees. In our childhood we saw bakers wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants. Even today, anyone who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed like a pader !

Word-meanings : Furnace = an oven (बट्टी ); peculiar = strange (विचित्र ); childhood = the state of a child(बचपन)

Questions :

(a) Name the chapter.
(b) On which occasion must the lady of the house prepare sandwiches ?
(c) What is a must for Christmas ?
(d) When is one said to be dressed like a pader ?
(e) Find a word opposite in meaning to ‘partially’.
Answers :
(a) The name of the chapter is ‘A Baker from Goa’.
(b) The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement.
(c) Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas.
(d) When one is wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full length ones and longer than half pants, he is said to be dressed like a pader.
(e) Absolutely

Part II. Coorg

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Where is Coorg situated ?
Answer:
Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.

Question 2.
What are the people of Coorg a descent of ?
Answer:
The people of Coorg are a descent of Greek and Arab people.

Question 3.
Which crops grow in Coorg in plenty ?
Answer:
Coffee and spices grow in Coorg in plenty.

Question 4.
What is the best time of the year to visit Coorg ?
Answer:
The best time of the year to visit Coorg is between September and March.

Question 5.
Why did a part of Alexander’s army settle here?
Answer:
A part of Alexander army settled here because their return had become impractical.

Question 6.
What is so similar between the Kodavus and the Arabs ?
Answer:
The long black coat with an embroidered waistbelt is so similar to the one worn by the Arabs.

Question 7.
What kind of tales do the Coorg people tell their children ?
Answer:
They tell them the stories of bravery of their sons and fathers.

Question 8.
Who was the first chief of Indian Army?
Answer:
The first chief of Indian Army was General Cariappa.

Question 9.
Which river flows through Coorg ?
Answer:
The river Kaveri flows through Coorg.

Question 10.
Which hills are found there in Coorg ?
Answer:
The Brahmagiri hills are found there in Coorg.

Question 11.
What is the district headquarters of Coorg ?
Answer:
Madikeri is the district headquarters of Coorg.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What does the writer say about Coorg ? (लेखक कुर्ग के बारे में क्या कहता है?)
Answer:
The writer says that Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is known as Kodagu also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore. It is a very beautiful place. The writer says that it must have come from the kingdom of God.
(लेखक कहता है कि कुर्ग कर्नाटक का सबसे छोटा ज़िला है। इसे कोडागु के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। कुर्ग तटीय नगर मंगलौर और मैसूर के मध्य मार्ग पर स्थित है। यह एक अति सुन्दर स्थान है। लेखक कहता है कि यह तो अवश्य ही भगवान् के राज्य से आया है।)

Question 2.
What is Coorg famous for ? What is the best season to visit Coorg ? (कुर्ग किसलिए प्रसिद्ध है? कुर्ग जाने के लिए सबसे बढ़िया मौसम कौन-सा है?)
Answer:
Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests and spices. Thirty per cent of its area is covered with the evergreen rainforests. The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The air is full of coffee flavour.
(कुर्ग अपने कॉफी बागानों, सदाबहार वर्षा वनों और मसालों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इसके तीस प्रतिशत भू-क्षेत्र पर सदाबहार वर्षा वन पाए जाते हैं। इस क्षेत्र की सैर करने का सबसे बढ़िया मौसम सितंबर से लेकर मार्च तक है। हवा कॉफी की गंध से भरपूर होती है।)

Question 3.
What does the writer say about the people of Coorg ? (लेखक कुर्ग के लोगों के विषय में क्या कहता है?).
Answer:
The writer says that the people of Coorg are independent and brave. They are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of Alexander’s army did not return and was settled here. They married among the locals. This culture can be seen in the martial traditions, marriage and religious customs.
(लेखक,कहता है कि कुर्ग लोग स्वतंत्र और बहादुर हैं। वे यूनानियों और अरबों के वंशज हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार, सिकन्दर की सेना का एक भाग वापस नहीं लौटा और यहीं पर बस गया। उन्होंने स्थानीय लोगों में शादियाँ कीं। यह संस्कृति उनकी युद्ध परम्पराओं, शादी और धार्मिक रीति-रिवाजों में झलकती है।)

Question 4.
What supports the theory that the people of Coorg originated from the Arabs ?
(इस सिद्धान्त को किस बात से बल मिलता है कि कुर्ग लोगों की उत्पत्ति अरबों से हुई है?)
Answer:
According to a theory, the people of Coorg originated from the Arabs. It is evident from the long, black coat worn by the people. It is like the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
(एक सिद्धान्त के अनुसार, कुर्ग लोगों की उत्पत्ति अरबों से हुई है। यह बात इन लोगों के द्वारा पहने जाने वाले काले लम्बे कोट से स्पष्ट होती है। यह अरबों और कुर्दो के द्वारा पहने जाने वाले कुफिया के समान है।)

Question 5.
What does the writer say about the bravery of the Coorgi people ? . (लेखक कुर्गी लोगों की बहादुरी के बारे में क्या कहता है?)
Answer:
The writer says that the Coorgi people are brave people. Their tales of bravery are famous. The Coorg regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without licence.
(लेखक कहता है कि कुर्गी लोग बहादुर लोग होते हैं। उनकी बहादुरी की कहानियाँ प्रसिद्ध हैं। भारतीय सेना की कुर्ग रेजिमेंट सबसे अधिक सुसज्जित है। भारतीय सेना का पहला मुखिया जनरल करियप्पा एक कुर्गी था। आज भी, भारत में कोडावु केवल मात्र ऐसे लोग हैं, जिन्हें बिना लाइसेंस के आग्नेयास्त्र रखने की अनुमति है।)

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
Where is Coorg situated ? What is it famous for ?
(कुर्ग कहाँ पर स्थित है? यह किसलिए प्रसिद्ध है?) ।
Answer:
Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is known as Kodagu also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore. It is a very beautiful place. The writer says that it must have come from the kingdom of God. Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests and spices. Thirty per cent of its area is covered with the evergreen rainforests. The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The air is full of coffee flavour.

(कुर्ग कर्नाटक का सबसे छोटा जिला है। इसे कोडागु के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। कुर्ग तटीय नगर मंगलौर और मैसूर के मध्य मार्ग पर स्थित है। यह एक अति सुन्दर स्थान है। लेखक कहता है कि यह तो अवश्य ही भगवान के राज्य से आया है। कुर्ग अपने कॉफी बागानों, सदाबहार वर्षा वनों और मसालों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इसके तीस प्रतिशत भू-क्षेत्र पर सदाबहार वर्षा वन पाए जाते हैं। इस क्षेत्र की सैर करने का सबसे बढ़िया मौसम सितंबर से लेकर मार्च तक है। हवा कॉफी की गंध से भरपूर होती है।)

Question 2.
What does the author say about the people of Coorg ?
(लेखक कुर्ग लोगों के विषय में क्या कहता है?)
Answer:
The writer says that the people of Coorg are independent and brave. They are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of Alexander’s army did not return and was settled here. They married among the locals. This culture can be seen in the martial traditions, marriage and religious customs. According to an another theory Coorg people originated from the Arabs. It is evident from the long, black coat worn by the people. It is like the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds. Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality. They are brave people. Their tales of bravery are famous. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without licence.
(लेखक कहता है कि कुर्ग लोग स्वतंत्र और बहादुर हैं। वे यूनानियों और अरबों के वंशज हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार, सिकन्दर की सेना का एक भाग वापस नहीं लौटा और यहीं पर बस गया। उन्होंने स्थानीय लोगों में शादियाँ कीं। यह संस्कृति उनकी युद्ध परम्पराओं, शादी और धार्मिक रीति-रिवाज़ों में झलकती है। एक सिद्धान्त के अनुसार, कुर्ग लोगों की उत्पत्ति अरबों से हुई है। यह बात इन लोगों के द्वारा पहने जाने वाले काले लम्बे कोट से स्पष्ट होती है। यह अरबों और कुर्दो के द्वारा पहने जाने वाले कुफिया के समान है। कुर्गी लोगों की अतिथि-सत्कार की अपनी एक परंपरा है। वे बहुत बहादुर लोग हैं। उनकी बहादुरी की कहानियाँ प्रसिद्ध हैं। भारतीय सेना की कुर्ग रेजिमेंट सबसे अधिक सुसज्जित है। भारतीय सेना का पहला मुखिया जनरल करियप्पा एक कुर्गी था। आज भी, भारत में कोडावु केवल मात्र ऐसे लोग हैं, जिन्हें बिना लाइसेंस के आग्नेयास्त्र रखने की अनुमति है।)

Question 3.
What does the writer say about the natural beauty of Coorg?
(लेखक कुर्ग की प्राकृतिक सुंदरता का वर्णन कैसे करता है?)
Or
Write a note on the climate and natural wealth of Coorg.
(कुर्ग की प्रकृति और प्राकृतिक संपत्ति पर नोट लिखें।)
Answer:
Coorg is situated in Karnataka midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It looks like a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God. This is a land of rolling hills. It is a home of evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen forests cover thirty percent of Coorg district. The river Kaveri flows through Coorg. Big elephants are also found here. Birds, bees and butterflies are there to give the visitors company. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings (the visitors) into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. It is said that the people searching for the heart and soul of India visit Coorg.

(कुर्ग कर्नाटक राज्य में मैसूर और तटीय कस्बे मंगलौर के मध्य में स्थित है। यह स्वर्ग के एक अंश की तरह लगता है जो अवश्य ही भगवान के राज्य से भटक कर आया होगा। यह घुमावदार पहाड़ियों वाली भूमि है। यह सदाबहार-वर्षा वाले वनों, मसालों और कॉफी के बागानों का घर है। सदाबहार वन कुर्ग जिले के 30 प्रतिशत भू-भाग को घेरते हैं। कावेरी नदी कुर्ग से होकर बहती है। यहाँ पर बड़े-बड़े हाथी भी पाए जाते हैं। पर्यटकों को संगति प्रदान करने के लिए यहाँ पक्षी, मधुमक्खियाँ और तितलियाँ पाई जाती हैं। ब्रह्मगिरी पहाड़ियों की चढ़ाई चढ़ते समय हमें पूरे कुर्ग के धुंधले भू-भाग का नजारा नजर आ जाता है। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि भारत के दिल और आत्मा की खोज करने वाले भ्रमणकारी कुर्ग अवश्य आते हैं।)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
In which state of India is Coorg situated ?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Goa
(C) Kerala
(D) Tamilnadu
Answer:
(A) Karnataka

Question 2.
Coorg is famous for its :
(A), coffee plantation
(B) evergreen rainforests
(C) spices
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(D) all of the above

Question 3.
The best season to visit Coorg is :
(A) September to March
(B) April to June
(C) July to August
(D) all the years
Answer:
(A) September to March

Question 4.
How much area of Coorg is covered by evergreen forests ?
(A) ten per cent
(B) twenty per cent
(C) thirty per cent
(D) forty per cent
Answer:
(C) thirty per cent

Question 5.
From which river do Coorg get water ?
(A) Krishna
(B) Kaveri
(C) Narmada
(D) Tapi
Answer:
(B) Kaveri

Question 6.
The Coorgi people are famous for the tradition of :
(A) enmity
(B) selfishness
(C) cleverness
(D) hospitality
Answer:
(D) hospitality

Question 7.
Coorg is descents of :
(A) Greeks
(B) Arabs
(C) Hindus
(D) both (A) and (B)
Answer:
(D) both (A) and (B)

Question 8.
Who was General Cariappa ?
(A) the first chief of Indian Army
(B) a great political leader
(C) a great coffee planter
(D) a british officer
Answer:
(A) the first chief of Indian Army

Question 9.
The freshwater fish of Coorg is :
(A) whale
(B) shark
(C) mahaseer
(D) dolphin
Answer:
(C) mahaseer

Question 10.
We can reach Coorg by :
(A) air
(B) rail
(C) road
(D) all of the above of the above

Question 11.
What is the district headquarter of Coorg?
(A) Mangalore
(B) Bangalore
(C) Mysore
(D) Madikeri
Answer:
(D) Madikeri

Question 12.
What is the distance between Bangalore and Coorg?
(A) 135 kms
(B) 260 kms
(C) 300 kms
(D) 335 kms
Answer:
(B) 260 kms

Question 13.
What is Nisargadhama?
(A) a river
(B) an island
(C) a city
(D) a coffee plantation
Answer:
(B) an island

Question 14.
Who is the writer of the lesson ‘Coorg’?
(A) Lucio Rodrigues
(B) Lokesh Abrol
(C) Arup Kumar Datta
(D) Gavin Maxwell
Answer:
(B) Lokesh Abrol

Coorg Important Passages for Comprehension

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :

PASSAGE 1

Midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sits a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of god. This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.

Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners.

Word-meanings :
Coastal =of the coast (तटीय); drifted = carried along (बह जाना); inhabited = resided by (निवासी); canopies = hanging covers (छतरी) |

Questions :

(a) Where is Coorg situated ?
(b) What does the author say about the people of Coorg?
(c) Which crops grow in Coorg in plenty ?
(d) What is the best time of the year to visit Coorg?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘health giving’.
Answers :
(a) Coorg is situated between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.
(b) The author says that the Coorg is inhabited by proud race of martial men and beautiful women.
(c) Spices and coffee grow in Coorg in plenty.
(d) The best period to visit Coorg is between September and March.
(e) ‘invigorating.

PASSAGE 2

The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and their-culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus. Known as kuppia, it resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

Word-meanings : Fiercely = great (बहुत अधिक); descent = ancestry (वंश); apparent = clear (स्पष्ट)

Questions :

(a) What does the author say about the descent of the people of Coorg ?.
(b) Why did a part of Alexander’s army settle here?
(c) Which things show that their culture is distinct from the Hindu mainstream ?
(d) What is so similar between the Kodavus and the Arabs ?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘different’.
Answers :
(a) The author says that the people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent.
(b) They settled here because their return had become impractical.
(c) Their martial traditions, marriage and religious rites show that they are distinct from the Hindu mainstream.
(d) The long black coat with an embroidered waist-belt known as kuppia or kuffia is so similar to the one worn by the Arabs.
(e) ‘distinct.

PASSAGE 3

Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

The river, Kavery, obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. MaHaseer — a large freshwater fish — abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive for their catch, while squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit for the mischief of enjoying the splash and the ripple effect in the clear water. Elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts.

Word-meanings : Hospitality = reception of guests (मेहमान-नवाज़ी); recount = narrate (वर्णन करना) I

Questions :

(a) What kind of tales do the Coorgi people tell their children ?
(b) Which famous Coorgi is mentioned in this paragraph ?
(c) What does the narrator say about the Coorg Regiment ?
(d) Which wild animals are described here ?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘many’.
Answers :
(a) They tell them the tales of bravery of their sons and fathers.
(b) The first Chief of Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi.
(c) The writer says that Coorg Regiment has won many medals and awards for actions of bravery in battlefields. .
(d) Squirrels, langurs, kingfishers, elephants, etc. are described here. (e) ‘numerous’. .

PASSAGE 4

The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings you into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. A walk across the rope bridge leads to the sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama. Running into Buddhist monks from India’s largest Tibetan settlement, at nearby Bylakuppe, is a bonus. The monks, in red, ochre and yellow robes, are amongst the many surprises that wait to be discovered by visitors searching for the heart and soul of India, right here in Coorg.

Word-meanings : Panoramic = beautiful (सुन्दर); misty = full of mist (धुंध भरा); landscape = land scene (धरती का दृश्य) ; bonus = plus point (अच्छी बात) |

Questions :

(a) Name the chapter and its author.
(b) What view is seen from the Brahmagiri hills?
(c) How can one reach Nisargadhama island?
(d) What is bonus for the visitors who visit Coorg ?
(e) Find words from the passage which mean the same as :
(a) view of wide area of land, (b) full of mist.
Answers :
(a) Chapter : Coorg.
Author : Lokesh Abrol.
(b) A panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg is seen from the Brahmagiri hills.
(c) One can reach Nisargadhama island having a walk across the rope bridge.
(d) India’s largest Tibetan settlement, at nearby Bylakuppe, is a bonus for the visitors who visit Coorg.
(e) (a) landscape, (b) misty.

Part III. Tea from Assam

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Which state did Pranjol belong to?
Answer:
Pranjol belonged to Assam a North-Eastern State of India.

Question 2.
What was Pranjol’s father?
Answer:
Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea garden in upper Assam.

Question 3.
Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going ?
Answer:
They were going to Assam to visit Pranjol’s home in summer vacation.

Question 4.
What could Rajvir see as far as his eyes could see?
Answer:
There were tea bushes as far as his eyes could see.

Question 5.
According to Rajvir how many cups of tea are drunk daily throughout the world?
Answer:
According to Rajvir over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk daily throughout the world.

Question 6.
When was tea drunk first in China ?
Answer:
Tea was first drunk in China 2700 B.C.

Question 7.
Where was Pranjol’s father Tea Estate situated ?
Ans.
It was situated at Dhekiabari.

Question 8.
Where was tea first drunk ?
Answer:
Tea was first drunk in China.

Question 9.
Why did Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids?
Answer:
He cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations.

Question 10.
When did tea come to Europe ?
Answer:
Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century.

Question 11.
Who cut off his eyelids?
Answer:
Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Who were Pranjol and Rajvir? Where were they going? (प्रांजल और राजवीर कौन थे? वे कहाँ जा रहे थे?)
Answer:
Pranjol and Rajvir were friends. Pranjol belonged to Assam. He was studying in a school in Delhi. Rajvir was his classmate. Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam. Pranjol invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Both of them travelled to Assam in a train.
. (प्रांजल और राजवीर मित्र थे। प्रांजल आसाम का रहने वाला था। वह दिल्ली के एक स्कूल में पढ़ रहा था। राजवीर उसका . एक सहपाठी था। प्रांजल का पिता ऊपरी आसाम के एक चाय-बागान का प्रबंधक था। प्रांजल ने ग्रीष्मावकाश में राजवीर को अपने घर आमंत्रित किया। दोनों ने एक रेलगाड़ी से आसाम की यात्रा की।)

Question 2.
What did Rajvir and Pranjol do after the train pulled out of the station? (जब रेलगाड़ी स्टेशन से बाहर निकली तो राजवीर और प्रांजल ने क्या किया?)
Answer:
When the train pulled out of the station, Pranjol became busy in reading a detective book. Rajvir was looking out of the train. It was green, green everywhere. He had never seen so much greenery before.
(जब रेलगाड़ी स्टेशन से बाहर निकली तो प्रांजल एक जासूसी किताब पढ़ने में व्यस्त हो गया। राजवीर रेलगाड़ी से बाहर देख रहा था। चारों ओर हरा-ही-हरा था। उसने पहले कभी भी इतनी हरियाली नहीं देखी थी।)

Question 3.
Which story of a Chinese emperor is associated with the discovery of tea? (चाय की उत्पत्ति के साथ चीनी सम्राट की कौन-सी कहानी जुड़ी हुई है?)
Answer:
According to one legend a Chinese emperor discovered tea by chance. He always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water. As a result, the boiled water got a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves.
(एक दंत कथा के अनुसार एक चीनी सम्राट् ने संयोगवश ही चाय की खोज कर दी। वह पानी को पीने से पहले हमेशा उबालता था। एक दिन बर्तन के नीचे जल रही टहनियों के कुछ पत्ते पानी में गिर गए। इसके परिणामस्वरूप, उबले हुए पानी से स्वादिष्ट गंध आने लगी। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि वे चाय की पत्तियाँ थीं।)

Question 4.
What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea?
(चाय की खोज के बारे में भारतीय दंत कथा क्या है?)
OR
What is the Indian legend regarding tea ?
(चाय के बारे में भारतीय दंत कथा क्या है?)
Answer:
According to an Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist monk, felt sleep during meditations. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.
(एक भारतीय दंत कथा के अनुसार, बोधिधर्म, एक प्राचीन बौद्ध भिक्षुक को समाधि के दौरान नींद आती थी। इसलिए उसने अपनी पलकें काट दीं। इन पलकों पर चाय के दस पौधे उग आए। इन पौधों की पत्तियों को जब गर्म पानी में डालकर पिया गया तो नींद दूर भाग गई।)

Question 5.
Where was tea first drunk? When did tea come to Europe? (चाय पहली बार कहाँ पी गई? चाय यूरोप में कब आई?)
Answer:
It is believed that tea was first drunkinChina in2700 B.C.Words like chai’ and ‘chini areChinese. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. At first it was used more as a medicine than as a beverage.
(ऐसा माना जाता है कि चाय पहली बार 2700 ई० पू० चीन में पी गई। ‘चाय’ और ‘चीनी’ जैसे शब्द चीन से संबंधित हैं। यूरोप में चाय का आगमन सोलहवीं सदी में हुआ। पहले-पहले तो इसका प्रयोग एक पेय पदार्थ की अपेक्षा एक औषधि के रूप में अधिक किया जाता था।)

Question 6.
What is the best season for tea Production? (चाय उत्पादन के लिए सर्वोत्तम मौसम क्या है?).
Answer:
Rajvir and Pranjol reached Assam in the sprouting season. This season lasts from May to July. The best tea is produced during this season.
(राजवीर और प्रांजल चाय के अंकुरण काल में आसाम पहुँचे। यह मौसम मई से जुलाई तक चलता है। इस मौसम के दौरान सर्वोत्तम चाय का उत्पादन होता है।)

Essay Type Question

Question 1.
Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going? What did Rajvir see when he looked out of the train on the way? .
(प्रांजल और राजवीर कहाँ जा रहे थे? जब राजवीर ने रेलगाड़ी से बाहर रास्ते पर देखा तो उसने क्या पाया?)
Answer:
Pranjol belonged to Assam. He was studying in a school in Delhi. Rajvir was his classmate. Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam., Pranjol invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Both of them travelled to Assam in a train. When the train stopped on the way at a station, a vendor called, ‘chai-garam … garam-chai, they took tea and started sipping it. Rajvir told Pranjol that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. Pranjol started reading his detective book again. But Rajvir looked out of the window of the moving train. There was beautiful scenery outside. Soon the soft green paddy fields were left behind and there were tea bushes everywhere. Rajvir was fascinated by the magnificent view of tea gardens.

(प्रांजल आसाम का रहने वाला था। वह दिल्ली के एक स्कूल में पढ़ रहा था। राजवीर उसका एक सहपाठी था। प्रांजल का पिता ऊपरी आसाम के एक चाय-बागान का प्रबंधक था। प्रांजल ने ग्रीष्मावकाश में राजवीर को अपने घर आमंत्रित किया। दोनों ने एक रेलगाड़ी से आसाम की यात्रा की। जब रेलगाड़ी रास्ते में एक स्टेशन पर रुकी तो एक फेरीवाले ने आवाज़ लगाई “चाय-गर्म, गर्म-चाय……”। उन्होंने चाय ली और पीना शुरु कर दिया। राजवीर ने प्रांजल को बताया कि पूरे विश्व में हर रोज 80 करोड़ से भी ज्यादा कप चाय पी जाती है। प्रांजल फिर से अपनी जासूसी किताब पढ़ने लग जाता है। लेकिन राजवीर चल रही गाड़ी की खिड़की से बाहर देखता है। बाहर सुंदर दृश्य था। शीघ्र ही धान के हरे-भरे खेत पीछे रह गए और चारों ओर चाय की झाड़ियाँ थीं। चाय के बागों के शानदार दृश्यों को देखकर राजवीर आकर्षित हो रहा था।)

Question 2.
What did Rajvir tell Pranjol about the discovery of tea ? (राजवीर ने प्रांजल को चाय की खोज के बारे में क्या बताया?)
Answer:
Rajvir said that no one really knows who discovered tea. He told Pranjol that there were many legends attached to discovery of tea. According to one story a Chinese emperor discovered tea by chance. He always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water. As a result, the boiled water got a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves. According to another Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist monk, felt sleep during meditations. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep. It is believed that tea was first drunk in China in 2700 B.C. Words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are Chinese. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. At first it was used more as a medicine than as a beverage.

(राजवीर ने कहा कि वास्तव में कोई नहीं जानता कि चाय की खोज किसने की। उसने प्रांजल को बताया कि चाय की खोज के बारे में दंत कथाएँ प्रचलित हैं। एक दंत कथा के अनुसार एक चीनी सम्राट् ने संयोगवश ही चाय की खोज कर दी। वह पानी को पीने से पहले हमेशा उबालता था। एक दिन बर्तन के नीचे जल रही टहनियों के कुछ पत्ते पानी में गिर गए। इसके परिणामस्वरूप उबले हुए पानी से स्वादिष्ट गंध आने लगी। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि वे चाय की पत्तियाँ थीं। एक दूसरी भारतीय दंत कथा के अनुसार, बोधिधर्म, एक प्राचीन बौद्ध भिक्षुक, को समाधि के दौरान, नींद आती थी। इसलिए उसने अपनी पलकें काट दीं। इन पलकों पर चाय के दस पौधे उग आए। इन पौधों की पत्तियों को जब गर्म पानी में डालकर पिया गया तो नींद दूर भाग गई। ऐसा माना जाता है कि चाय पहली बार 2700 ई० पू० चीन में पी गई। ‘चाय’ और ‘चीनी’ जैसे शब्द चीन से संबंधित हैं। यूरोप में चाय का आगमन सोलहवीं सदी में हुआ। पहले-पहले तो इसका प्रयोग एक पेय पदार्थ की अपेक्षा एक औषधि के रूप में अधिक किया जाता था।)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Which state did Pranjol belong to ?
(A) Assam
(B) Goa
(C) Karnataka
(D) Delhi
Answer:
(A) Assam

Question 2.
Pranjol and Rajvir were student in a school in :
(A) Dhekiabari
(B) Mariani
(C) Delhi
(D) none of the above
Answer:
(C) Delhi

Question 3.
Pranjol and Rajvir go to Assam by :
(A) air
(B) train
(C) taxi
(D) ship
Answer:
(B) train

Question 4.
Assam is famous for the production of :
(A) tea
(B) coffee
(C) bread
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(A) tea

Question 5.
Tea was first drunk in ………..
(A) China
(B) Europe
(C) India
(D) America
Answer:
(A) China

Question 6.
What was Pranjol’s father ?
(A) a bank manager
(B) a school manager
(C) a tea-garden manager
(D) a transport manager
Answer:
(C) a tea-garden manager

Question 7.
Tea came to Europe in ……………………. century.
(A) fifteenth
(B) sixteenth
(C) seventeenth
(D) eighteenth
Answer:
(B) sixteenth

Question 8.
Tea was first drunk in China in :
(A) 2000 B.C
(B) 2300 B.C
(C) 2700 B.C
(D) 3100 B.C
Answer:
(C) 2700 B.C

Question 9.
How many cups of tea are drunk across the world daily?
(A) eighty thousand
(B) eighty lakh
(C) eighty crore
(D) eighty million
Answer:
(C) eighty crore

Question 10.
Tea was mainly drunk in Europe as ……..
(A) medicine
(B) sleep banishing drink
(C) soft drink
(D) all of the above
Answer:
(A) medicine

Tea from Assam Important Passages for Comprehension

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :

PASSAGE 1

The train pulled out of the station. Pranjol buried his nose in his detective book again. Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective stories, but at the moment he was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery.
It was green, green everywhere. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before. Then the soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes.
It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures. In the distance was an ugly building with smoke billowing out of tall chimneys.

Word-meanings : Pulled out = came out (बाहर आना); detective = suspenseful (जासूसी); dwarfing = making others look small (छोटा करते हुए)।

Questions :

(a) What was Rajvir looking at?
(b) What kind of a scenery was it ?
(c) What was there as far as the eye could see?
(d) What was there in the distance ?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘spread’.
Answers:
(a) Rajvir was looking at the beautiful scenery outside.
(b) The scenery was very beautiful. There was greenery everywhere.
(c) There were tea bushes as far as the eye could see.
(d) In the distance there was an ugly building with smoke coming out of its chimney.
(e) ‘stretched’.

PASSAGE 2

“I have been reading as much as I could about tea,” Rajvir said. “No one really knows who discovered tea but there are many legends.”
“What legends?”
“Well, there’s the one about the Chinese emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea-leaves.”
“Tell me another !” scoffed Pranjol.“We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.

Word-meanings : legends = myths (किवदंतियाँ); twigs = branches (टहनियाँ); delicious = tasty (स्वादिष्ट)।

Questions :

(a) What kind of water did the Chinese emperor drink?
(b) What happened when a few leaves of the twigs fell into the water kept for boiling ?
(c) What did Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids ?
(d) What banished sleep ?
(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘tasty’.
Answers :
(a) He drank boiled water.
(b) The water got a delicious flavour.
(c) He cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations.
(d) The tea leaves when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.
(e) delicious’.

PASSAGE 3

We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.

“Tea was first drunk in China,” Rajvir added, “as far as 2700 B.C.! In fact words such as tea, chai and chini are from Chinese. Tea came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk more as medicine than as beverage.”

Word-meanings : Meditation = deep thought (साधना चिन्तन); ascetic = monk (भिक्षु); banished = put off (दूर करना); beverage = a drink (पेय) |

Questions :

(a) Who cut off his eyelids and why?
(b) What kind of plants grew out of the eyelids?
(c) When was tea first drunk in China? When did it come to Europe?
(d) What purpose was tea drunk in Europe for?
(e) Find from the passage words that means :
(i) a story from the past that may or may not be true
(ii) any type of drink except water
Answers :
(a) Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation.
(b) Tea plants grew out of the eyelids.
(c) Tea was first drunk in China in 2700 B.C. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century.
(d) Tea was drink in Europe as medicine.
(e) (i) legend, (ii) beverage

A Baker From cha pater name Goa Summary

A Baker From Goa Introduction in English

This is a pen-portrait of a traditional Goan village baker who still has an important place in the society. What changes take place in the life of the baker with the passage of time a glimpse is presented in this extract.

A Baker From Goa Summary in English

In this extract, the author remembers his old days in Goa when the village baker occupied an important place in life. Although, with the passage of time, people do not eat so much bread, yet the village bakers are still there. The Portuguese were famous for preparing the loaves of bread. They left Goa long ago. But the traditional work of the bakers can still be seen in Goa. The furnaces in which the bread was baked still exist there. The sound of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard. Someone in the baker’s family still carries on the business and the tradition. These bakers are known as Pader in Goa even today.

The author recalls that a baker used to visit the village twice a day. He used to be the author’s friend and guide. He used to carry a bamboo stick. The sound of this stick used to wake up the authors and others from sleep. The servants from the different houses bought loaves. But the author ran to the baker for buying breadbangles.

The baker’s bamboo stick was a special one. He made the sound “jhang, jhang’ by banging his bamboo on the ground. With one hand the baker supported the basket of bread on his head and with the other he struck the ground with the bamboo. Whenever, someone came to him buy bread, he placed the basket on the bamboo. The author and the others looked into his basket. In those times, it was a fashion to eat bread with hot tea. The author was so fond of bread that he would not even brush his teeth before eating it.

The village baker was specially important for all occasions. The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘Bol’. Marriage gifts were meaningless without these sweet breads. Sandwiches, cakes and bolinhas were a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These were made with the bread. Thus the presence of a baker’s furnace was very essential in each village. On all occasions the villagers needed one or another type of cake which could be baked in the furnace.

The baker or the bread-seller wore a special, peculiar dress. It was known as the “kabai’. It was a singlepiece long frock. It reached down to his knees. During narrator’s childhood, Bakers wore trousers which were shorter than full-length and longer than half pants. Even today if someone wears a half pant, he is said to be dressed like a pader.

The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. In the household, the baker’s monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. Baking was a profitable business in those days. The bakers used to be well off. Their families never starved. Their plump bodies showed that they were happy.

A Baker From Goa Introduction in Hindi

(गोआ के एक परम्परागत गाँव के बेकर, जिसका वहाँ के समाज में अभी भी एक महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान है, का इस पाठ में पैन-चित्रण किया गया है। समय के बीतने के साथ-साथ उस बेकर के जीवन में क्या परिवर्तन आते हैं, इसकी एक झलक इस पाठ में दी गई है।)

A Baker From Goa Summary in Hindi

इस अंश में लेखक गोआ में अपने पुराने दिनों को याद करता है जब गाँव का बेकर (पावरोटी आदि बनाने वाला) जीवन में एक महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान रखता था। यद्यपि, समय के बीतने के साथ लोग अब इतनी अधिक पावरोटी नहीं खाते, मगर गाँव में बेकर अब भी हैं। पुर्तगाली लोग पावरोटी बनाने के लिए प्रसिद्ध थे। वे गोआ को बहुत पहले ही छोड़ गए। मगर गोआ में बेकर के परम्परागत काम को अब भी देखा जा सकता है। वे भट्ठियाँ जिनमें पावरोटी बनाई जाती थी अब भी वहाँ विद्यमान हैं। परम्परागत बेकरों की बाँस की छड़ी की आवाज़ को अभी भी सुना जा सकता है। बेकर के परिवार में से कोई-न-कोई अभी भी उस व्यवसाय और परम्परा को आगे बढ़ाए हुए है। गोआ में इन बेकरों को आज भी पेदर कहा जाता है।

लेखक याद करता है कि एक बेकर गाँव में रोज दो बार आता था। वह लेखक का मित्र एवं पथ-प्रदर्शक होता था। उसने बाँस की एक छड़ी उठाई होती थी। इस छड़ी की आवाज़ से लेखक और अन्य लोग नींद से जाग जाते थे। अलग-अलग घरों के नौकर पावरोटी खरीदते थे। मगर लेखक पावगजरों को खरीदने के लिए बेकर के पास भाग जाया करता था।

बेकर की बाँस की छड़ी विशेष होती थी। उस बाँस को ज़मीन पर पटककर वह ‘बैंग-बैंग’ की आवाज़ पैदा करता था। बेकर एक हाथ से अपने सिर पर पावरोटी की टोकरी को सहारा देता था और दूसरे से वह बाँस को ज़मीन पर पटकता था। जब भी कोई उसके पास पावरोटी खरीदने के लिए आता था तो वह टोकरी को बाँस पर रखता था। लेखक और अन्य लोग उसकी टोकरी में देखते थे। उन दिनों में गरम चाय के साथ पावरोटी खाने का रिवाज़ था। लेखक पावरोटी का इतना शौकीन था कि वह इसे खाने से पहले अपने दाँत भी साफ नहीं करता था।

गाँव का बेकर प्रत्येक अवसर पर विशेष तौर पर महत्त्वपूर्ण होता था। गाँव वाले उस मीठी पावरोटी, जिसे ‘बोल’ कहा जाता था, के विशेष शौकीन थे। इन मीठी पावरोटियों के बिना शादी के उपहारों का कोई अर्थ नहीं था। क्रिसमस एवं अन्य त्योहारों पर सैंडविच, केक और बोलिनाह बहुत जरूरी होते थे। ये पावरोटी से बनाए जाते थे। इस प्रकार बेकर की भट्ठी का प्रत्येक गाँव में होना बहुत आवश्यक था। सभी अवसरों पर गाँव वालों को किसी-न-किसी प्रकार के केक की जरूरत होती थी जिसे भट्ठी में बनाया जाता था।

बेकर या पावरोटी बेचने वाला एक विशेष प्रकार की पोशाक पहनता था। इसे ‘कबाई’ कहा जाता था। यह एक ही टुकड़े की लम्बी फ्रॉक होता था, यह उसके घुटनों तक आता था। लेखक के बचपन के दिनों में बेकर ऐसी पैन्टें पहनते थे जो पूरी लम्बी पैन्ट से छोटी होती थीं और आधी लंबाई की पैन्ट से लम्बी होती थीं। आज भी अगर कोई आधी लंबाई की पैन्ट पहनता है तो कहा जाता है कि उसने पेडर जैसे कपड़े पहने हैं। बेकर अपना बिल आमतौर पर महीने के अन्त में लेता था। घर में बेकर के महीने भर के हिसाब को किसी दीवार पर पेन्सिल से लिखा जाता था। उन दिनों में पावरोटी बनाना फायदे का कारोबार था। बेकर लोग समृद्ध होते थे। उनके परिवार कभी भी भूखे नहीं रहते थे। उनके मोटे शरीर इस बात को दर्शाते थे कि वे प्रसन्न हैं।

A Baker From Goa Word-Meanings

[PAGE 85] : Traditional = conventional (परम्परागत); baker = one who bakes bread (पावरोटी आदि बनाने वाला); reminiscing = remembering (याद करना); nostalgically = fondly (स्नेह से); loaves = pieces of bread (पावरोटी); vanished = disappeared (गायब हो गया); moulders = those who mould (फफूंद बनाने वाले); exist = being still there (मौजूद होना); furnaces = ovens (भट्ठियाँ); extinguished = put out (बुझा देना); thud and jingle = falling sound along with musical sound (गिरने की संगीतमय आवाज़ के साथ)।

[PAGE 86] : Heralding = announcing (घोषणा करना); carries on = continues (जारी रखना); profession = occupation (व्यवसाय); pader = a kind of baker (एक प्रकार का बेकर); longed = wished (इच्छा की); staff = a long stick (लम्बी छड़ी); supported = helped (सहारा देना); banged = beat with (ठक-ठक करना); greet= welcome (स्वागत करना); vertical = straight (सीधी); mild = light (हल्का ); rebuke = chide (डाँटना); parapet = wall on the edge of roof (मुंडेर); peep = see (देखना); fragrance = smell (सुगन्ध)।

[PAGE 87] : Feast = grand party (प्रीतिभोज, दावत); absolutely = completely (पूरी तरह); peculiar = strange (विचित्र); starved = die of hunger (भूख से मरना); prosperous = well to do (खुशहाल); plump = having a soft round body (गोल मटोल); testimony = statement (कथन, सबूत); jackfruit = a kind of vegetable (कटहल)। .

A Baker From Goa Translation in Hindi

गोआ से एक बेकर

[PAGES 85-86] : यह गोआ के एक परम्परागत गाँव के बेकर का पैन से किया गया चित्रण है जिसका समाज में अभी भी महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान है।
हमारे पूर्वजों को प्रायः पुर्तगाल शासन के उन पुराने अच्छे दिनों को शौक के साथ याद करते हुए सुना जाता है, पुर्तगालियों और उनकी प्रसिद्ध पावरोटियों को। उन पांवरोटियों को खाने वाले तो लुप्त हो गए हैं, परन्तु बनाने वाले अभी वहीं पर हैं। हमारे बीच में अब भी मिश्रण तैयार करने वाले, साँचों में ढालने वाले और उन्हें पकाने वाले अभी भी विद्यमान हैं। वे युगों पुरानी समय की कसौटी पर खरी उतरने वाली भट्टियाँ अभी भी हैं। उन भट्टियों की आग अभी तक बुझाई नहीं जा सकी है। बेकर की परम्परागत धानी की संगीतमय आवाज़ अभी भी बंद नहीं हुई है, जो प्रातःकाल के आगमन की उद्घोषणा करती है और कुछ स्थानों पर अभी भी सुनाई देती है। इन बेकरों को गोआ में अभी भी पेदरों के नाम से जाना जाता है।

[PAGE 86] : गोआ में हमारे बचपन के दौरान, बेकर हमारा मित्र (साथी और मार्गदर्शक) हुआ करता था। वह दिन में कम-से-कम दो बार आता था। एक बार जब वह सुबह के समय अपनी बिक्री की फेरी पर आता था तब और दूसरी बार तब, जब वह अपनी बहुत बड़ी टोकरी को खाली करके आता था। उसकी धानी (बाँस) की संगीतमय आवाज़ करती झंकार हमें नींद से जगा देती थी और हम उससे मिलने और उसका स्वागत करने के लिए भागते थे। ऐसा क्यों था? क्या यह पावरोटियों के प्रति प्यार के कारण था? बिल्कुल भी नहीं। पावरोटियाँ तो घर की नौकरानी पेस्किन या बेस्टिन के द्वारा लाई जाती थीं। जिस चीज़ की हमें इच्छा होती थी वे पावगजरे थे जिनका हम बड़ी सावधानी के साथ चयन करते थे। कई बार तो वह एक मीठी पावरोटी होती थी।

बेकर उस दृश्य पर अपना संगीतमय प्रवेश विशेष रूप से बनाई गई बाँस की लम्बी छड़ी की ‘झंग-झंग’ जैसी आवाज़ के साथ करता था। उसका एक हाथ सिर पर टोकरी को थामे रखता था और दूसरा ज़मीन पर बाँस को ठक-ठक मारता रहता था। वह ‘प्रातःकाल’ के साथ घर की महिला का अभिवादन किया करता था और तब अपने लम्बवत् बाँस (धानी) के ऊपर टोकरी को रख देता था। बच्चों को एक हल्की-सी डाँट के साथ दूर कर दिया जाता था और पावरोटियाँ नौकरों को सौंप दी जाती थीं। लेकिन हम हार नहीं मानते थे। हम किसी बेंच या मुंडेर पर चढ़ जाते और किसी-न-किसी तरह उसकी टोकरी के अंदर झाँकते। मैं अब भी उन पावरोटियों की विशिष्ट गंध को महसूस कर सकता हूँ। बड़ों के लिए पावरोटियाँ और बच्चों के लिए गजरे। उस समय हम अपने दाँतों को ब्रश से साफ करने या अपना मुँह धोने की भी परवाह नहीं किया करते थे। और करते भी क्यों? दाँतों के ब्रश के लिए आम के पत्तों को तोड़ने का कष्ट कौन करता? और यह किसी भी तरह से जरूरी क्यों था? बाघ कभी भी अपने दाँतों पर ब्रश नहीं करता है। गर्म चाय इन्हें अच्छी तरह से धो देती थी और साफ़ कर देती थी।

[PAGE 87] : मीठी पावरोटी जो ‘बोल’ के नाम से जानी जाती है शादी के उपहार निरर्थक हैं, उसी प्रकार के जैसे कोई पार्टी या दावत पावरोटी के बिना। इस बात को व्यक्त करने के लिए कि गाँव के लिए बेकर कितना महत्त्वपूर्ण होता है पर्याप्त नहीं कहा जा सकता है। घर की मालकिन को अपनी बेटी की सगाई पर सैंडविच अवश्य तैयार करने होते हैं। क्रिसमस और अन्य त्योहारों के लिए केक और बोलिनाह जरूरी होते हैं। इस प्रकार से गाँव में बेकर की भट्टी की उपस्थिति अति आवश्यक है।

उन दिनों में बेकर अथवा पावरोटी-विक्रेता की एक विशेष पोशाक हुआ करती थी जिसे कबाई कहा जाता था। यह एक ही कपड़े से बनी लंबी फ्रॉक होती थी जो घुटनों तक आती थी। अपने समय में हमने बेकरों को कमीज और पैंट पहने देखा था जोकि पूरी लंबाई की पैंट से छोटी होती थी और आधी लंबाई की पैंट से लम्बी होती थी। यहाँ तक कि अगर आज भी कोई घुटनों से नीचे तक की निक्कर पहनता है तो उस पर यह टिप्पणी होती है कि उसने पेदर जैसी पोशाक पहन रखी है।

प्रायः महीने के अंत में बेकर अपनी वसूली किया करता था। महीने का हिसाब किसी दीवार पर पेंसिल के साथ लिख दिया जाता था। पुराने दिनों में बेकर का धन्धा सचमुच लाभकारी होता था। बेकर और उसका परिवार कभी भूखे नहीं मरते थे। वह, उसका परिवार और उसके नौकर हमेशा खुश और खुशहाल नज़र आते थे। उनका गोल-मटोल शरीर इस बात का खुला प्रमाण हुआ करता था। यदि आज भी देखने में कोई व्यक्ति कटहल जैसा शरीर रखता है तो उसकी तुलना आसानी से एक बेकर के साथ की जा सकती है।

Coorg Summary

Coorg Introduction in English

Coorg is a coffee producing area in Karnataka State of India. It is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. This land is famous for it rainforests and spices.

Coorg Summary in English

Coorg is a small district of Karnataka. It is known as Kodagu also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore. It is a very beautiful place. The writer says that it must have come from the kingdom of God. It is the smallest district of Karnataka.

Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen rainforests and spices. Thirty per cent of its area is covered with the evergreen rainforests. The best season to visit this place is from September to March. The weather is perfect. The air is full of coffee flavour. There are beautiful colonial bungalows in prime corners.

The people of Coorg are independent and brave. They are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of Alexander’s army did not return and was settled here. They married among the locals. This culture can be seen in the martial traditions, marriage and religious customs. Another theory says that these people originated from the Arabs. It is evident from the long, black coat worn by the people. It is like the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality. They are brave people. Their tales of bravery are famous. The Coorg regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms without licence.

There are a variety of natural scenes which can be enjoyed by the tourists. Kaveri, the only river of the area, gets its water from Coorgi hill. This river is full of Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish. One can see elephants, kingfishers, squirrels and langurs enjoying themselves in the lap of nature. Birds, bees and butterflies give one a good company here. Elephants enjoy being bathed here by their mahouts. The river and mountain offer various adventurous games like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. The trekkers find numerous walking trails in this area. From the Brahmagiri hills one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire landscape of Coorg. There is a sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama near by. It can be reached through a ropebridge. Buddhist monks are settled in Bylakuppe which is very close to this place. Their red, ochre and yellow robes are very attractive to look at.

Coorg Introduction in Hindi

(कुर्ग भारत के कर्नाटक राज्य का कॉफी उत्पादक क्षेत्र है। यह मैसूर और तटीय शहर मंगलौर के मध्य मार्ग में स्थित है। यह क्षेत्र वर्षा वनों और मसालों के उत्पादन के लिए प्रसिद्ध है।)

Coorg Summary in Hindi

कुर्ग कर्नाटक का एक छोटा-सा ज़िला है। इसे कोडागु भी कहा जाता है। यह तटीय शहर मंगलौर और मैसूर के बीच पड़ता है। यह एक बहुत सुन्दर स्थान है। लेखक कहता है कि यह अवश्य ही भगवान् के प्रदेश से आया होगा। यह कर्नाटक का सबसे छोटा ज़िला है।
कुर्ग अपने कॉफी के बागानों, सदाबहार जंगलों और मसालों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इस इलाके का तीस प्रतिशत भाग सदाबहार जंगलों से ढका हुआ है। इस इलाके में आने का सबसे अच्छा मौसम सितम्बर और मार्च के बीच में है। मौसम एकदम सही है। हवा कॉफी की सुगन्ध से भरी हुई है। हर सुन्दर कोने में सुन्दर अंग्रेजों के जमाने के बंगले हैं।

कुर्ग के लोग स्वतन्त्र और बहादुर हैं। वे यूनानी या अरब वंश के हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार, सिकन्दर की सेना का एक भाग वापस नहीं लौटा और यहीं पर बस गया। उन्होंने स्थानीय लोगों के बीच शादियाँ कर लीं। यह संस्कृति बहादुरी के रीति-रिवाज़ों, शादी और धार्मिक कार्यक्रमों में नज़र आती है। एक अन्य सिद्धांत कहता है कि ये लोग अरबों के वंशज हैं। यह बात इन लोगों द्वारा पहने जाने वाले लम्बे कोटों से झलकती है। ये कोट अरबों और कुर्ड लोगों द्वारा पहने जाने वाले कुफिया की तरह होते हैं।

कुर्गी-घरों में मेहमान-नवाजी की परम्परा है। वे लोग बहादुर हैं। उनकी बहादुरी के किस्से प्रसिद्ध हैं। कुर्ग रेजिमेन्ट भारतीय सेना में सबसे अधिक सम्मानित रेजिमेन्ट है। भारतीय सेना का पहला चीफ, जनरल करियप्पा एक कुर्गी था। आज भी कोडावु भारत के एकमात्र ऐसे लोग हैं जिन्हें बिना लायसेन्स के आग्नेयास्त्र रखने की अनुमति है।

यहाँ बहुत-से प्राकृतिक नज़ारे हैं, पर्यटक जिनका आनन्द ले सकते हैं। इस इलाके की एकमात्र नदी कावेरी को अपना पानी कुर्ग की पहाड़ियों से मिलता है। यह नदी ताजे पानी की मछली महासीर से भरी है। यहाँ पर हाथी, किंगफिशर, गिलहरियाँ और लंगूर प्रकृति का आनन्द उठाते हुए देखे जा सकते हैं। यहाँ पक्षी, मधुमक्खियाँ और तितलियाँ अच्छी संगत देती हैं। हाथी अपने महावतों द्वारा नहलाए जाने का आनन्द लेते हैं। नदी और पर्वत रोमांचकारी खेलों, जैसेकि रिवर रैफ्टिंग (रेफ्ट किश्ती में सफर), नौका विहार, रैपेलिंग, पर्वतारोहण और पर्वत हाइकिंग का अवसर प्रदान करते हैं। भ्रमणकारियों को इस इलाके में कई अच्छे रास्ते मिलते हैं। ब्रह्मगिरि की पहाड़ियों से व्यक्ति कुर्ग के सारे इलाके का मनोरम दृश्य देख सकता है। पास में ही चौंसठ एकड़ का निसर्गधाम नाम का द्वीप है। इस तक रस्से के एक पुल द्वारा जाया जा सकता है। बाइलाकुपे में बौद्ध भिक्षु बसे हुए हैं जोकि पास में ही है। उनके लाल, गेरुए और पीले पहनावे देखने में बहुत आकर्षक लगते हैं।

Coorg Word-Meanings

[PAGE 90] : Coastal = of the coast (तटीय); drifted = carried along (बह जाना); inhabited = resided by (निवासी); martial= concerning war (युद्ध-सम्बन्धी); wild = untamed, natural (जंगली); spices = condiments (मसाले); plantations = big fields (बड़े खेत, बागान); pours = rains (बरसात); commences = begins (आरम्भ होना); showers = rains (बरसात); invigorating = strength giving (शक्ति देने वाला); tucked = placed (रखा पड़ा); canopies = hanging covers (छतरी); prime = of the best quality (सर्वोत्तम); fiercely = (here) great (बहुत अधिक); descent = ancestry (वंश); apparent = clear (स्पष्ट); religious rites = religious ceremony (धार्मिक रिवाज़); distinct = separate (अलग); origin = lineage (वंश)।

[PAGE 91] : Embroidered = work of needle and thread (कढ़ाई का काम); resembles = being similar (शक्ल का मिलना); hospitality = reception of guests (मेहमान-नवाज़ी); recount = narrate (वर्णन करना); numerous = many (कई); valour = bravery (बहादुरी); most decorated = most rewarded (सबसे अधिक पुरस्कृत); firearms = weapons, etc. (हथियार आदि); abound in = be in plenty (प्रचुरता में); partially = in part (आंशिक); ripple =round waves formed in water (लहरें); scrubbed = rubbed (रगड़ना); mahout = man who controls the elephant (महावत); converts = people who change (लोग जो बदल जाते हैं); adventure = risky work (जोखिम भरा काय); rafting = sailing in a raft (रेफ्ट किश्ती में सफर करना); canoeing = sailing in a canoe (नौका विहार); rappelling = going down a cliff by a rope (रस्सी के सहारे सीधी चट्टान से उतरना)।

[PAGE 92] : Trails = paths for walking (चलने के रास्ते); region = area (इलाका); trekkers = those who undertake walking tours (भ्रमणकारी); macaques = monkeys (बंदर); squirrels = a kind of animal (गिलहरियाँ); langurs = a,kind of monkey (लंगूर); panoramic = beautiful (सुन्दर); misty = full of mist (धुंध भरा); landscape = land scene (धरती का दृश्य); settlement = place of residence (रहने का स्थान); bonus = plus point (अच्छी बात); monks = mendicants (भिक्षु); ochre = a colour (गेरुआ, भगवा रंग); robes = dresses (पोशाक)।

Coorg Translation in Hindi

कुर्ग कॉफी, वर्षा वनों और मसालों के लिए प्रसिद्ध देश है।

[PAGES 90-91] : मैसूर और तटीय नगर मंगलौर के मध्य मार्ग में स्वर्ग का एक भाग रखा है जोकि भगवान के राज्य से कहीं भटककर आ गया है। उतार-चढ़ाव वाली पहाड़ियों का यह क्षेत्र वीर पुरुषों, सुन्दर स्त्रियों तथा वन्य जीवों का निवास स्थान है।

कुर्ग अथवा कोडागु, कर्नाटक का सबसे छोटा ज़िला सदाबहार वनों, मसालों और कॉफी के बागानों का घर है। इस जिले के 30 प्रतिशत क्षेत्र पर सदाबहार वन हैं। मानसून के दौरान यहाँ इतनी ज्यादा वर्षा होती है कि बहुत-से पर्यटक स्वयं को यहाँ से दूर ही रखते हैं। खुशियों का मौसम सितम्बर से शुरु होकर मार्च तक चलता है। मौसम हर तरह से ठीक रहता है, कभी कुछ ज्यादा वर्षा भी हो जाती है। हवा में शक्ति-वर्धक कॉफी की गंध भरी होती है। कॉफी पैदा करने वाले क्षेत्र तथा औपनिवेशिक काल के बंगले अति सुन्दर कोनों में वृक्ष रूपी छतरों के नीचे सुरक्षित खड़े नज़र आते हैं।

आक्रामक रूप से स्वतंत्र रहने वाले कुर्ग लोग संभवतया यूनानी या अरबी लोगों के वंशज हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार सिकन्दर की सेना तट के साथ-साथ दक्षिण की ओर चली गई और जब वापसी असंभव हो गई तो वे लोग यहीं पर बस गए। इन लोगों ने स्थानीय लोगों में शादियाँ कर ली और इनकी संस्कृति सैनिक परम्पराओं, शादी और धार्मिक रीतियों में साफ दिखाई देती है, जो कि हिन्दू धर्म की मुख्य धारा से अलग है। अरबी वंश से उत्पत्ति के सिद्धांत को उनके लम्बे, काले कोट, जिस पर कढ़ाई वाली कमर-पेटी, जिसे कोडावु लोग पहनते हैं, से पता चलता है, कुपिया के नाम से प्रसिद्ध यह कुफ़िया जैसा लगता है, जिसे अरबी और कुर्द लोग पहनते हैं। .

[PAGE 91] : कुर्गी घरों में अति सत्कार की एक परंपरा है, और वे अपने बेटों तथा पिताओं की वीरता की कहानियों को सुनाने के लिए सदा तत्पर रहते हैं। कुर्ग रेजिमेंट भारतीय सेना की सबसे अधिक सुसज्जित रेजिमेंट है और भारतीय सेना का पहला मुखिया, जनरल करियप्पा एक कुर्गी था। आज भी भारत में कोडावु एकमात्र ऐसे लोग हैं, जिन्हें बिना लाइसेंस के आग्नेयास्त्र रखने की अनुमति है।

कावेरी नदी पहाड़ियों और कुर्ग के जंगलों से इस क्षेत्र का जल हासिल करती है। महासीर जो कि ताजे पानी की एक मछली है इस क्षेत्र में बहुत अधिक संख्या में पाई जाती है। राम चिरैया पक्षी अपना शिकार करने के लिए इसमें गोते लगाते हैं, जबकि गिलहरियाँ और लंगूर आधे खाए हुए फलों को इसमें गिराकर पानी की छपाक और छोटी-छोटी उठने वाली तरंगों का आनन्द लेते हैं। हाथी नदी में अपने महावतों के द्वारा नहलाए जाने और रगड़े जाने का आनन्द लेते हैं।

सबसे अधिक शांत स्वभाव वाले लोग भी बहुत ताकत वाले साहसिक कारनामें अपना लेते हैं जैसेकि नदी में रैफ्टिंग करना, नौका चलाना, रस्सियों के सहारे पहाड़ी पर चढ़ना-उतरना, चट्टानों पर चढ़ना और पर्वतारोहण करना। इन क्षेत्रों में अनेकों पगडंडियाँ पैदल चलने वालों की सबसे अधिक पसन्द वाली चीज़ हैं।

[PAGE 92] : यहाँ पर पक्षी, मधुमक्खियाँ और तितलियाँ आपकी संगति करने के लिए विद्यमान हैं। अफ्रीकी लंगूर, मालबारी गिलहरियाँ, लंगूर और पतले तोते वृक्षों के छत्रों में बैठे हुए आपको बड़े गौर से देखते रहते हैं। लेकिन जंगली हाथियों को देखने के लिए मैं एक तरफ होकर चलना पसन्द करता हूँ।

ब्रह्मगिरी पहाड़ियों की चढ़ाई करने के पश्चात् आप कुर्ग के सम्पूर्ण धुंधले भू-दृश्य का अवलोकन कर सकते हो। रस्सियों से बने एक पुल को पैदल पार करके आप चौंसठ एकड़ क्षेत्र में बने निसर्गधाम द्वीप पर पहुँच जाते हो। वहाँ पर भारत की सबसे बड़ी तिब्बती (बस्ती बाइलाकुप्पे) में भिक्षुकों से अचानक भेंट हो जाने पर आपको अतिरिक्त प्रसन्नता का लाभ प्राप्त हो जाता है। लाल, गेरुए और पीले परिधान पहने हुए भिक्षुक जो बहुत-से अजूबों के मध्य में हैं, जो आगन्तुकों द्वारा भारत की आत्मा और दिल की टोह की प्रतीक्षा करते हैं, यहाँ पर वे कुर्ग में ही हैं।

तथ्य संचिका
कैसे पहुँचा जाए
मादीकेरी, जिला मुख्यालय कुर्ग का केवल मात्र एक प्रवेशद्वार है। रहस्यमयी पहाड़ियों, हरे-भरे जंगलों और कॉफी के बागान आप पर जादू कर देंगे। सचमुच में एक कुर्गी अनुभव के लिए कोई पर्यटक विश्राम गृह, कॉफी बागान या किसी घर में ठहर जाइए।
हवाई जहाज से : निकटतम हवाई अड्डे मंगलौर 135 कि०मी० और बंगलौर 260 कि०मी० हैं। मंगलौर के लिए मुम्बई से उड़ान है, जबकि बंगलौर के लिए अहमदाबाद, चेन्नई, दिल्ली, गोवा, हैदराबाद, कोच्चि, कोलकाता, मुम्बई और पुणे से उड़ान है।
रेल से ; निकटतम रेलवे मुख्यालय मैसूर, मंगलौर और हासन में है। ,
सड़क से : बंगलौर से कुर्ग जाने के दो रास्ते हैं। दोनों की दूरी लगभग एक-समान (250-260 कि०मी०) है। मैसूर से होकर जाने वाला रास्ता अधिक प्रचलित है। दूसरा रास्ता नीलमंगल, कुनिगल, चनरायणापतना से होकर जाता है।

Tea from Assam Summary

Tea from Assam Introduction in English

This is a very short description of Assam, a North-Eastern State of India. This state is famous for its tea plantations. In this extract Pranjol, a youngster from Assam, is Rajvir’s classmate at school in Delhi. Pranjol’s father is the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam and Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation.

Tea from Assam Summary in English

Pranjol belonged to Assam. He was studying in a school in Delhi. Rajvir was his classmate. Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam. Pranjol invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Both of them travelled to Assam in a train. When the train stopped on the way at a station, a vendor called, ‘chai-garam … garam-chai’. They took tea and started sipping it. Rajvir told Pranjol that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world.

Pranjol started reading his detective book again. But Rajvir looked out of the window of the moving train. There was beautiful scenery outside. Soon the soft green paddy fields were left behind and there were tea bushes everywhere. Rajvir was fascinated by the magnificent view of tea gardens. There were shade trees also. He was very excited. Pranjol didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement because he had been born and brought up on a plantation. He told Rajvir that Assam has the largest concentration of tea plantation in the world.

Rajvir said that no one really knows who discovered tea. He told Pranjol that there are many legends attached to tea, to discovery of tea. According to one story a Chinese emperor discovered tea by chance. He always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water. As a result, the boiled water got a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves. According to another Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist monk, felt sleep during meditations. So he cut off his · eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.

Rajvir told Pranjol that tea was first drunk in China in 2700 B.C. Words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are Chinese. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. At first it was used more as a medicine than as a beverage. Both Rajvir and Pranjol reached Mariani junction. Pranjol’s parents received them on the platform. They took them in a car to Dhekiabari, the tea estate managed by Pranjol’s father. On both sides of the road there were acres and acres of tea bushes. Women with bamboo baskets on their backs were plucking the new tea leaves. They had come there in the sprouting season. Rajvir said that this season lasts from May to July The best tea is produced during this season. Pranjol’s father told Rajvir that he knew many things about tea plantations. He said that he would learn more about tea there..

Tea from Assam Introduction in Hindi

(यह भारत के उत्तर-पूर्वी राज्य आसाम का एक संक्षिप्त विवरण है। यह राज्य अपने चाय बागानों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इस अंश में प्रांजल, आसाम का एक छोटा लड़का दिल्ली के एक स्कूल में राजवीर का सहपाठी है। प्रांजल के पिता ऊपरी आसाम में एक चाय बागान के प्रबंधक हैं और प्रांजल राजवीर को ग्रीष्मावकाश में अपने घर पर आमंत्रित करता है।)

Tea from Assam Summary in Hindi

प्रांजल आसाम का रहने वाला था। वह देहली के एक स्कूल में पढ़ता था। राजवीर उसका सहपाठी था। प्रांजल का पिता ऊपरी आसाम में चाय के एक बाग का प्रबंधक था। प्रांजल ने राजवीर को गर्मी की छुट्टियों में अपने घर आने के लिए आमंत्रित किया। दोनों ने एक रेलगाड़ी से आसाम के लिए यात्रा की। रास्ते में जब एक स्टेशन पर गाड़ी रुकी तो एक चाय वाले ने कहा, “चाय गरम, गरम चाय”। उन्होंने चाय ली और उसे पीना आरंभ कर दिया। राजवीर ने प्रांजल को कहा कि सारे संसार में प्रतिदिन अस्सी करोड कप से अधिक चाय पी जाती है।

प्रांजल ने अपनी जासूसी पुस्तक फिर से पढ़नी आरंभ कर दी। मगर राजवीर चलती हुई गाड़ी से बाहर देखने लगा। बाहर का दृश्य सुन्दर था। शीघ्र ही धान के नर्म हरे खेत पीछे रह गए और चारों तरफ चाय की झाड़ियाँ थीं। राजवीर चाय के बागों के शानदार नज़ारे से आकर्षित हो गया। वहाँ पर छायादार वृक्ष भी थे। वह बहुत उत्तेजित हो गया। प्रांजल ने राजवीर की उत्तेजना में कोई भाग नहीं लिया क्योंकि उसका पालन-पोषण चाय के बागानों में ही हुआ था। उसने राजवीर को बताया कि आसाम में संसार के सबसे ज्यादा चाय के बागान हैं।

राजवीर ने कहा कि इस बात का किसी को पूरा ज्ञान नहीं है कि चाय की खोज किसने की। उसने प्रांजल को बताया कि चाय की खोज के साथ बहुत-सी किवदंतियाँ जुड़ी हुई हैं। एक कहानी के अनुसार एक चीनी सम्राट् ने संयोग से इसकी खोज कर दी। वह पानी सदा उबालकर पिया करता था। एक दिन बर्तन के नीचे जलती हुई टहनियों के कुछ पत्ते पानी में गिर गए। परिणामस्वरूप, पानी में स्वादिष्ट सुगंध आ गई। यह कहा जाता है कि वे चाय के पत्ते थे। एक अन्य भारतीय कहानी के अनुसार, बोधिधर्म, नाम के एक प्राचीन बौद्ध भिक्षु को, साधना के दौरान नींद आया करती थी। इसलिए उसने अपनी पलकों को काटकर फेंक दिया। उसकी पलकों से चाय के दस पौधे पैदा हुए। इन पौधों के पत्तों को गर्म पानी में डालकर पीने से नींद गायब हो जाती थी।

राजवीर ने प्रांजल को बताया कि सबसे पहले चाय को 2700 ईसा पूर्व चीन में पिया गया। ‘चाय’ और ‘चीनी’ जैसे शब्द चीन के हैं। चाय यूरोप में सोलहवीं शताब्दी में आई। शुरु में इसे पेय पदार्थ से अधिक एक दवाई के रूप में पिया जाता था। राजवीर और प्रांजल दोनों मैरियानी स्टेशन पहुंचे। प्रांजल के माता-पिता ने उनका प्लेटफार्म पर स्वागत किया। वे उन्हें कार में धेकियाबारी ले गए, जोकि चाय का बाग था जहाँ प्रांजल के पिता प्रबंधक थे। सड़क के दोनों ओर कई-कई एकड़ों तक चाय की झाडियाँ थीं। अपनी पीठ पर बाँस की टोकरियाँ रखे हुए औरतें चाय के ताजे पत्तों को तोड़ रही थीं। वे वहाँ पर नई पत्तियाँ उगने के मौसम में आए थे। राजवीर ने कहा कि यह मौसम मई से जुलाई तक चलता है। इस मौसम के दौरान सर्वोत्तम चाय उगती है। प्रांजल के पिता ने राजवीर से कहा कि वह चाय के बागों के बारे में बहुत कुछ जानता है। उसने कहा कि वह वहाँ पर चाय के बारे में और बहुत कुछ सीखेगा।

Tea from Assam Word-Meanings

[PAGE 94] : Vendor = seller (फेरी वाला, विक्रेता); high-pitched = sharp sound (तीखी आवाज़); sipped = drink with lips (चुस्की लेना); steaming = emitting steam (धुआँ छोड़ना); whew = word of exclamation (विस्मय का . शब्द); pulled out = came out (बाहर आना); detective = suspenseful (जासूसी); ardent = strong (तीव्र); keener = very much (बहुत अधिक); magnificent = beautiful (सुन्दर); backdrop = background (पृष्ठभूमि); densely wooded = thick forest (घना जंगल); stretched = spread (फैला हुआ); dwarfing = making others look small (छोटा करते हुए); sturdy = strong (मज़बूत)।

[PAGE 95] : Billowing out = coming out (बाहर आना); excitedly = with excitement (उत्तेजना से); concentration = with a large number (बड़ी संख्या में); legends = myths (किवदंतियाँ); twigs = branches (टहनियाँ); delicious = tasty (स्वादिष्ट); flavour = smell (सुगंध); scoffed = laughed (हँसे); ascetic = monk (भिक्षु); eyelids = the layers covering the eyes (पलकें); meditations = deep thoughts (साधना चिन्तन); banished = removed (दूर करना); beverage=adrink (पेय); clattered = made aclattering sound (खड़खड़ की आवाज़ करना); veered =moved (हिला); pruned = cut (काटना); aprons = outer dress (एप्रन); sprouted = grown (उगना)।

[PAGE 96] : Second-flush = second season (दूसरा मौसम); lasts == remains (रहना); yields = gives out (प्रदान करना)।

Tea from Assam Translation in Hindi

(PAGE 94] : प्रांजल, आसाम का एक छोटा लड़का, दिल्ली के एक स्कूल में राजवीर का सहपाठी है। प्रांजल के पिता ऊपरी आसाम में एक चाय बागान के प्रबंधक हैं और प्रांजल राजवीर को ग्रीष्मावकाश में अपने घर पर आमंत्रित करता है।

“चाय-गर्म, गर्म-चाय…….” एक फेरी वाले ने ऊँचे स्वर में आवाज़ लगाई। वह उनकी खिड़की तक आया और पूछा, “चाय, साहब?” “हमें दो कप दे दो,” प्रांजल ने कहा।
उन्होंने भाप उठाते हुए गर्म पेय पदार्थ के चूंट भरे। उनके विभाग में लगभग हर व्यक्ति चाय पी रहा था।
“क्या आप जानते हो कि हर रोज पूरे विश्व में 80 करोड़ से भी अधिक चाय के कप पिए जाते हैं?” राजवीर ने कहा।

हैरानी के साथ प्रांजल ने कहा, “चाय वास्तव में बहुत लोकप्रिय है।”
गाड़ी स्टेशन से बाहर आ गई। प्रांजल फिर से अपनी जासूसी की पुस्तक पढ़ने लग जाता है। राजवीर भी जासूसी की कहानियों का बहुत बड़ा प्रशंसक था, लेकिन उस समय वह सुंदर दृश्यों को देखने में रुचि ले रहा था।
चारों ओर हरियाली-ही-हरियाली थी। राजवीर ने पहले कभी इतनी अधिक हरियाली नहीं देखी थी। तब धान के हरे खेतों का स्थान चाय की झाड़ियों ने ले लिया।

यह एक शानदार दृश्य था। घने जंगलों वाली पहाड़ियों की पृष्ठभूमि के लिए चाय की पहाड़ियों का सागर वहाँ तक फैला हुआ था जहाँ तक नज़र जाती थी। बड़े और शक्तिशाली छायादार पेड़ों के नीचे चाय के छोटे पौधे थे जो क्रमबद्ध पंक्तियों के बीच में गुड़ियों जैसी छोटी तस्वीरों की भाँति झाड़ियों की तरह हिलते थे। दूर एक भद्दी-सी ईमारत थी जिसकी चिमनी में से धुंआ बाहर आ रहा था।

PAGE 95] : “अरे, चाय का बाग!” राजवीर ने जोश सहित कहा। प्रांजल जिसका जन्म और पालन-पोषण बागान में ही हुआ था, ने राजवीर की उत्सुकता में भागीदारी नहीं की। __“अरे, अब यह चाय का प्रदेश है” उसने कहा! आसाम संसार में चाय का सबसे बड़ा उत्पादन केंद्र है। तुम्हें यहाँ इतने बागान दिखाई देंगे कि इसमें तुम्हारा पूरा जीवन निकल जाएगा!
“मैं चाय के बारे में जितना पढ़ सकता था पढ़ता रहा हूँ,” राजवीर ने कहा। “कोई भी नहीं जानता कि चाय की खोज किसने की लेकिन बहुत-सी दंत कथाएँ प्रचलित हैं।”
“कौन-सी दंत कथाएँ?”
“अच्छा, इनमें से एक दंत कथा एक चीनी सम्राट् के बारे में है जो पीने से पहले अपने पानी को उबालता था। एक दिन बर्तन के नीचे जल रही टहनियों के कुछ पत्ते पानी में गिर गए जिससे इसमें एक स्वादिष्ट गंध आ गई। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि वे चाय के पत्ते थे।”

“मुझे कोई दूसरी कहानी बताओ!” प्रांजल ने मजाक उड़ाते हुए कहा।
“हमारे यहाँ एक भारतीय दंत कथा भी है। बोधिधर्म नाम का एक प्राचीन बौद्ध तपस्वी था। उसने अपनी पलकें इसलिए काट दी थीं क्योंकि उसको समाधि के दौरान नींद आ जाती थी। इन पलकों में चाय के दस पौधे उग आए। इन पौधों के पत्तों को जब गर्म पानी में डाला गया और पिया गया तो उससे नींद गायब हो गई।”
“चाय पहली बार चीन में पी गई,” राजवीर ने बात को आगे बढ़ाते हुए कहा, “2700 ई० पू० की बात है! ‘वास्तव में ‘चाय’ और ‘चीनी’ जैसे शब्द चीन से आए हैं। यूरोप में चाय का आगमन सोलहवीं सदी में हुआ था और इसे एक पेय की अपेक्षा दवाई के रूप में अधिक पिया जाता था।”
रेलगाड़ी मैरियानी जंक्शन पर प्रवेश कर गई। लड़कों ने अपना सामान उठाया और भीड़ भरे प्लेटफार्म से अपने रास्ते पर आगे बढ़ गए।

प्रांजल के माता-पिता उनकी प्रतीक्षा कर रहे थे।
शीघ्र ही वे धेकियाबारी की ओर यात्रा कर रहे थे, वह चाय बागान जिसका प्रबंधक प्रांजल का पिता था।
एक घंटे के पश्चात् कार ने मुख्य सड़क पर अचानक एक मोड़ लिया। उन्होंने एक पुल को पार किया और धेकियाबारी चाय बागान में प्रवेश किया।

पथरीली सड़क के दोनों ओर चाय की झाड़ियों के अनेक एकड़ खेत थे, सभी एक-जैसी ऊँचाई पर सफाई के साथ छांटकर काटी गई थीं, अपनी पीठों पर, बांस की टोकरियाँ लगाए चाय तोड़ने वालों की टोलियाँ जिन्होंने प्लास्टिक के एपरन पहने हुए थे, हाल ही में उगी हुई पत्तियों को तोड़ रहे थे।

(PAGE 96] : प्रांजल के पिता ने चाय की पत्तियों से भरे एक ट्रेलर को खींच रहे ट्रैक्टर के गुजर जाने के लिए, कार की गति कम कर ली।
“यह पौधों का दूसरी बार फूटना (अंकुरित होना) है, क्या ऐसा नहीं है, मि० बरुआ?” राजवीर ने पूछा। “यह मई से जुलाई तक चलता है और इसमें सर्वोत्तम चाय का उत्पादन होता है।”
“ऐसा लगता है कि आपने यहाँ आने से पहले पूरी तैयारी की है,” प्रांजल के पिता ने हैरानीपूर्वक पूछा।
“हाँ, मि० बरुआ,” राजवीर ने स्वीकार किया, “लेकिन मैं यहाँ रहते हुए और बहुत कुछ सीखना चाहता हूँ।”