PRACTICE SHEET - 1 (PS-1) I. Read the passage carefully. [discursive] Answer the questions given below. Giving an opinion requires knowledge of the subject. a. What should one be wary of before giving an opin- You ought to know what are its strengths and weak- nesses or its pros and cons. Then you should be able ion? to reason out why you are either speaking in favour b. How should opinions be conveyed to the audi- of it or against. For example, if you think that exam- inations are futile and encourage a marks-oriented ence? system, you have to come up with reasons for your c. The author has made use of a few phrases in opinion. These reasons arise from a thorough knowl- edge of the subject. Newspapers have a page dedicat- paragraph 4. For what purpose are such phrases ed to opinions about various issues in the region – the used and what other factors should be taken into good, the bad and the worrisome. consideration? If you are supposed to write an opinion piece on the d. How should one conclude the opinion and why? topic – ‘Bullies should be expelled from school’, you e. Find words from the passage which mean the same need to understand everything about not only the as: [i] vain (para graph 1) [ii] to debar (paragraph 2) term ‘bullying’ but also about the term ‘expel’. Your f. Find words from the passage which are opposite in opinion will be formed keeping in consideration who meaning to [i] rural [para 3) [ii] brief (para 5) are bullies, how do regular kids turn into bullies, what Ans: are some of the acts of bullying, how bullying affects a. Thorough knowledge of the subject; its strengths some of the victims, and what effect will expelling bullies from school have on the victims as well on the and weaknesses or its pros and cons which should bullies. Once you have researched each of these, you be able to reason out why one is either speaking in can form an opinion about whether you are in favour favour of it or against. of expelling of bullies or not. b. One can chalk one’s own path and decide how to While there are many guiding words for writing an convey the opinion to the audience using appropri- opinion piece, you can chalk your own path. Once ate words and phrases. you have made up your mind about which option to c. To list out the reasons; giving facts and figures back, it is really up to you to decide how you want to d. To have a very brief summary of the points to convey that opinion to the audience. Take for exam- bring up the end without any detailed account as ple, a proposal to cut trees and build a direct road to it may make it repetitive. a business area that will help save time and fuel. If e. [i] futile [ii] expel you are in favour of saving the tree, you might start f. [i] urban [ii] detailed something like this – A lot of people may argue in II. You are Saksham/Suhana. You have got admis- favour of urban development – wider roads, larger sion in a college in Jaipur to pursue a course in business areas, easily accessible markets, at a very business management. Since the college does low cost and in very less time, but I would like to …… not have the hostel facility, you are looking for and you may continue. a paying guest accommodation. Write a letter Next you need to list out the benefits of your opin- to the Manager of Marvels PG inquiring about ion. Here is where you will use phrases such as ‘in my the availability of rooms and other facilities. opinion’, ‘I strongly believe’, ‘From my point of view’, Include all relevant details. ‘I would also like to point out’, ‘In addition to this’, ‘Fi- nally’ etc. Giving facts and figures while putting forth Ans: The inquiry should include:Size of the room your opinion is very important. – number of occupants in the room – attached You can have a little summary of your points to bring bathroom – facility to wash clothes – availability up the end. But remember not to make it as detailed of a canteen – nearby areas with facilities – water as your main content otherwise it would get terribly and power supply – distance from the college – repetitive. You could also end with a question teas- wifi facility – monthly rent ing the mind of the audience. Alternatively, you could have them imagine what happens if the opposing opinion prevails. Conclude with that thought and your point will automatically go through. 51
PRACTICE SHEET - 2 (PS-2) Grammar: 1. Read the given conversation and fill in the last as there is not enough water. [e] blanks. The crisis was attributed in several reasons.[f] The situation deteriorated lastly year due to[g] Martin: What have you been doing the last few poorest snowfall in the catchment of [h] weeks? water sources. Sheena: I have been working on a history project. Ans: a. a – an Martin: Haven’t you finished it yet? Sheena: I was unwell for about a week. I am trying to b. frustrating – frustrated complete it as early as possible. c. of – through/on d. stations – station Martin: Let me know if you need any help. e. is – was f. in – to Martin asked Sheena [a] __________. Shee- g. lastly – last na replied that [b] __________. Martin further h. poorest - poor asked [c] __________. Sheena mentioned that [d] __________ and that she [e] __________ as early as possible. Matrin told her [f] __________ any help. 4. In the following passage, one word has been omit- ted in each line. Supply the missing word. Ans: a. what she had been doing the previous few weeks b. she had been working on a history project Post independence India advanced steadily science c. whether/if she had finished it yet and [a] d. she had been unwell for a week technology. There rapid changes in the industry thr e. was trying to complete it ough [b] f. to let him know if she needed economic reforms and liberalization industrial policy. [c] Now India is slowly emerging the leader among 2. Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions. the [d] My favourite place [a] _____ read is [b] _____ a tree developing countries. The development has opened in my backyard. I sat [c] _____ my back [d] _____ two gates us – power and knowledge. Power the trunk. One time I read there [e] _____ three corrupts [e] hours. I like to read about kids like me who go [f] is a well proverb. In the glare of technological power _____ adventures. I imagine they invite me [g] [f] _____ go with them. One day I will go on an adven- we losing sight of ethics and pulls of mankind. [g] ture [h] _____ my own. It is time to wake from slumber and introspect. [h] Ans: Ans: a. to a. steadily in science b. under b. There were rapid c. on c. liberalization of industrial d. against d. emerging as the e. for e. gates for us f. on f. well known proverb g. to g. we are losing h. wake up from 5. Rearrange the jumbled words to form meaningful sentences. 3. In the given paragraph, there is an error in each a. per/chapters/subject/make/of/a list line. Edit the given paragraph. b. before/calculate/exams/the/number of/days/ It is a image that no one will forget [a] the in a hurry: frustrating residents of Shimla [b] c. for each/divide/the/days/of/number/subject urging tourists of social media, not to visit [c] d. day/each/number/subject/of/allot/the/for/the the famous hill stations. The requests were made[d] chapters/per Ans: Make a list of chapters per subject. a. Calculate the number of days before the exams. b. Divide the number of days for each subject. c. Allot the number of chapters per day for each subject. 52
11.1. The Proposal Reading Comprehension Extracts Extract 1: I’m off my balance with joy, absolutely off my balance! Oh, with all my soul.... I’ll go and call Natasha, and all that. 1. Who is the speaker? 2. Why is he so happy? 3. Why is he going to call Natalya? 4. Choose the correct option for the following: Which word in the passage means ‘away from’? (a) that (b) and (c) off (d) with. Ans: l. Chubukov is the speaker. 2. He is so very happy because Lomov wants to marry his daughter, Natasha. 3. He is going to call Natasha because Lomov has come to propose to her. 4. (c) off Extract 2: 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. 1. Who is Ivan and who is speaking to him? 2. Who does ‘them’ in the first line refer to? 3. What appears strange to the speaker? 4. Choose the correct option for the following: Which word or phrase in the passage means ‘for that reason’? (a) on that account (b) put off (c) strange (d) as if. Ans: 1. He is Ivan Vassileviteh Lomov, Naralya’s neighbour. Naralya is speaking to him. 2. The word ‘them’ here refers to the Oxen Meadows. 3. Lomov claims to be the real owner of Oxen Meadows. It appears strange to Natalya because she claims that the land is theirs. 4. (a) on that account 53
PRACTICE SHEET - 1 (PS-1) Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passage) I. Read the passage carefully. [factual] containers in a secure and well-ventilated area. Dis- pose all unwanted products containing VOCs. Consid- Not just cars, a new study by researchers at the Uni- er purchasing low-VOC options of paints and furnish- versity of Colorado has found that household chem- ing. In general, ensure that there is good ventilation ical products are equally to be blamed for urban air in your house. pollution. The study, which focused on Volatile Or- Answer the questions given below. ganic Compounds [VOCs], suggests that we probably a. What is the finding of the researchers at the underestimated the impact of these products on air quality. The US Environmental Protection Agency has University of Colorado? held so far that 75% of toxic emissions come from ve- b. What conclusion has the US Environment hicles and 25% from consumer products. Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals that have Protection Agency arrived at? low boiling point and are easily evaporative. Even at c. What are VOCs? room temperature, the molecules evaporate in large d. Where are the VOCs generally present? numbers. VOC is present in most of the petroleum e. When are VOCs released? products such as cleaning fluids, room fresheners, f. What are PM and how are they harmful? shampoos and paints. g. Mention two ways to reduce VOC effect. For instance, naphthalene is a VOC which is used in h. How is ground level ozone generated? the making of moth balls. Benzene, ethylene, glycol, Ans: formaldehyde, methylene chloride, xylene are some a. A new study by researchers at the University of of the VOCs used in our daily products. Products containing VOCs can release these chemi- Colorado has found that household chemical cals when used. Building materials, furnishings and products are equally to be blamed for urban air painted walls slowly release VOCs over time. VOCs pollution. often give out odour. Outdoors, VOCs can also be re- b. The US Environmental Protection Agency has leased during manufacturing. When you use a prod- concluded that 75% of toxic emissions come uct containing VOCs indoors, the level of these chem- from vehicles and 25% from consumer prod- icals in the air increases. ucts. VOCs can waft into the atmosphere and react with c. Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals other molecules in the air, such as oxygen and nitro- that have low boiling point and are easily evap- gen oxide, to generate ground-level ozone as well as orative. fine particulate matter [PM]. Ozone [O3] is the main d. VOC is present in most of the petroleum prod- ingredient in smog. Breathing ozone can trigger a va- ucts such as cleaning fluids, room fresheners, riety of health problems including chest pain. PM are shampoos and paints. a complex mixture of organic and inorganic particles. e. Products containing VOCs can release these They include dust, pollen, soot, smoke and liquid chemicals when used. Building materials, fur- droplets. High levels of PM make it hard to breathe nishings and painted walls slowly release VOCs and contribute to chronic lung problems. People over time. VOCs can also be released during with respiratory problems, children, the elderly and manufacturing. those with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may f. PM are a complex mixture of organic and inor- be more susceptible to the effects of VOCs. Chemicals ganic particles. High levels of PM make it hard can enter the body through touch and accidental in- to breathe and contribute to chronic lung prob- gestion too. lems. To reduce VOC effects – check the label of the prod- g. Any two points from the last paragraph. uct to find out if they contain VOCs, follow ‘Direction h. VOCs can waft into the atmosphere and react for Use’, remove or reduce the number of products in with other molecules in the air, such as oxygen your house that give off VOCs, if you must store prod- and nitrogen oxide, to generate ground-level ucts containing VOCs, do so in tightly sealed, original ozone. 54
PRACTICE SHEET - 1 (PS-1) II. Recently you have met many parents who have 2. Do as directed. opted for homeschooling. This trend has put many others in a state of confusion. Write an a. The king would perform heavy exercises every article on 'Should formal schooling be made morning. [Use ‘used to’] optional?' b. He handed everyone a packet of sweets. [Begin Ans: with ‘everyone’] Formal schooling – classroom-based, provided by trained teachers, curriculum structured for differ- c. When the man came to know the truth, he was ent levels, students get to meet new people, social furious. [use ‘No sooner …. Than] skills enhanced, more fun and engaging, gives an opportunity to work with others. Disadvantages d. How fortunate you have been! [Rewrite as asser- – students get exposed to an unhealthy world of tive sentence] competition, marks oriented approach to evaluate student’s performance, forced to learn things e. Sonu is the tallest boy in the class. [Rewrite in beyond one’s interest, pressures inevitable, prone positive degree] to comparisons. Home schooling – parents can determine the cur- Ans: riculum based on the child’s needs, create personal a. The king used to perform heavy exercises every bonds with children, adapt teaching methods suited to the children without time constraints, morning. create flexible schedules, provide children with b. Everyone was handed a packet of sweets by him. personal interaction, take children on vacations c. No sooner did the man come to know of the truth whenever possible. Disadvantages – Parents need to be around children all day long, no structured than he was furious. curriculum which may lead to confusion, finding d. You have been very fortunate. playmates in similar circumstances, social skills e. No other boy in the class is as tall as Sonu. are not enhanced. PRACTICE SHEET - 2 (PS-2) Grammar: 1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. Road safety is essential [a] _____ young people because [b] _____ a time, they [c] _____ the cause as well as the victim of serious road acci- dents. They risk [d] _____ own lives by driving [e] _____breakneck speed. They become a potent source [f] _____ danger to others. [g] _____ root cause of accidents are haste, rash driving or reckless driving [h] _____ flouting traffic rules. Ans: a. to b. many c. are d. their e. at f. of g. The h. and 55
PRACTICE SHEET - 2 (PS-2) 3. In the given paragraph, there is an error in each 5. Rearrange the jumbled words to form meaning- line. Edit the given paragraph. ful sentences. Woman in Japan have launched an [a] a. getting/ways/the/running/one/is/of/best/of/fit online movement over workplace dress codes[b] b. and/requires/inexpensive/it is/equipment/special/ who have made wearing high heels mandatory[c] for women. While both men or women are [d] no supposed to wear suit when hunting for a [e] c. interesting/and/make/teachers/teaching/inspiring job and to their workplace, heels is the [f] d. concentration/active/demands/listening de facto dress for work women in Japan. [g] Flats are usual frowned upon. [h] Ans: Ans: a. Running is one of the best ways of getting fit. a. Woman – Women b. It is inexpensive and requires no special equip b. over - against c. who – which/that ment. d. or – and c. Teachers make teaching interesting and inspiring. e. suit – suits d. Active listening demands concentration. f. is – are g. work – working h. usual - usually 4. In the following passage, one word has been omitted in each line. Supply the missing word. I had decided not to go home the Dussehra holidays. [a] I didn’t the fare nor did I want to impose the burden [b] for it my parents – I knew that what they were [c] giving me already was far their resources. And on top [d] of I was concerned about exams. I had a lot left to study [e] and who can any studying when he goes home? [f] But then I didn’t to stay on alone like a ghost in the [g] either, so when Rishan invited me home him, I followed [h] him happily. Ans: a. home during the b. didn’t have the c. it on my d. far beyond their e. of that I f. can do any g. didn’t want to h. home with him 56
Part A This sections contains grammar topics, and is an extension of the refresher covered in Class 9. For each of the topic a short summary with the key points and examples is given, followed by three practice exercises.
1. Determiners EXERCISE 1 EXERCISE 2 1. I always keep _____ money in my pocket for In the sentences given below determiners have not emergencies. [any/some/many] been used appropriately. Rewrite the sentences using appropriate determiners. 2. The dogs were _____ given a bone. [any/every/ each] 1. There wouldn’t be so many accidents if there was few traffic on the roads. 3. The police spoke separately to _____ suspect. [some/each/every] 2. Last month was good for the company as we found much new customers. 4. We interviewed twenty candidates but _____ of them fit the post. [neither/much/none] 3. Only a little houses were spared by the earthquake. 5. _____ Sarah and Mary come here often but _____ of them offers any help. [Both…..either/Either….. 4. You can put the books somehow you like. both/Both…..neither] 5. Hurry up! We haven’t got many time to waste. 6. Anyone has cut the telephone wires. 6. _____ should have a check-up with the dentist 7. Many birds have wings but much cannot fly. _____ six months. [Everyone…..every/None…… 8. I dropped two eggs but either egg was broken. some/someone…..all] 9. Pedro asked his mother for much money because 7. Unfortunately she has _____ talent for dance he had to pay the cab driver. though she wanted to be a dancer. [less/few/ 10. Some child received a gift but only one thanked little] the teacher. 8. There were _____ people at the meeting earlier Ans: but _____of them left early so there aren’t many 1. There wouldn’t be so many accidents if there left now. [several…..any/many…..all/several….. most] was less traffic on the roads. 2. Last month was good for the company as we 9. I didn’t have _____ trouble getting the passports. I only had a problem with my photo because it found many new customers. was _____ old one. [any…..an/many…..the/any… 3. Only a few houses were spared by the earth- ..a] quake. 10. Very _____ people prefer to fly long distances 4. You can put the books anywhere you like. without a break. [little/few/many] 5. Hurry up! We haven’t got much/any time to waste. 6. Someone has cut the telephone wires. Ans: 7. All birds have wings but some cannot fly. 1. some 8. I dropped two eggs but neither egg was broken. 2. each 9. Pedro asked his mother for some money because he 3. every 4. none had to pay the cab driver. 5. Both…..neither 10. Every child received a gift but only one thanked the 6. Everyone…..every 7. Little teacher. 8. Several…..most 9. Any…..an 10. Few 59
1. Determiners EXERCISE 3 Fill in the blanks with appropriate determiners. A. Sarah cut the pizza into ten pieces and gave _____ slice to _____ of her guests. There was _____ left for her but she did not mind. She had already had _____ to eat. Ans: [a/each/none/enough] B. Flames appeared and _____ rushed towards the exit. There was _____ that _____ could do to stop the fire. _____ was burnt. Ans: [everyone/nothing/anyone/everything] C. _____ his documents were lost during transit. He does not have copies of _____ of his documents. He is trying his best to get the duplicate copies of at least _____ of them. Hope he finds _____ to help him. Ans: [all/any/some/someone] 60
2. Prepositions EXERCISE 1 EXERCISE 2 Choose the appropriate preposition and complete Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions. the paragraph. 1. I have searched everywhere _____ my friend Rohit was walking [a] _____[across, over] the campus [b] _____ [in, at] the afternoon when he but haven’t been able to find her anywhere. met a friend whom he had not seen [c] _____ [since, 2. Please don’t shout _____ the poor beggar! Be during] summer. They stopped [d] _____ [in front of, around] the library and sat down [e] _____ [in, nice to the old man! on] the steps. After they had talked [f] _____ [for, 3. I saw my neighbour as we were driving along. during] about ten minutes, Rohit said, “I must go[g] _____ [in, to] work in the nearby firm this semester. I shouted _____ him but he didn’t hear. Why don’t you drop by some afternoon [h] _____ 4. Saloni has been suffering _____ severe knee [over, after] classes?” pain since last week. Ans: 5. The children are addicted _____ watching a. across b. in cartoons. c. since 6. When I saw my cousin, I congratulated him d. in front of e. on _____ passing his medical entrance test. f. for 7. Be careful with those scissors. Don’t point g. to h. after them ________ me! 8. It’s not very pleasant when you accuse someone _____ something that he didn’t do. 9. Mrs. Holmes is _____ Rome now, but tomorrow she’s leaving _____ Venice. 10. Mr. Shyam prefers coffee _____ tea. 11. Non-vegetarian food does not agree _____ me. 12. The committee members agreed _____ a certain course of action. 13. I was the first _____ alight from the plane. 14. The sweets were distributed _____ the students present in the playground. 15. The village women were seriously engaged _____ talking to the Director of the Women’s Welfare Committee. Ans: 1. for 2. at 3. to 4. from 5. to 6. on 7. at 8. for 9. in….. for 10. over 11. with 12. on 13. to 14. to 15. in 61
2. Prepositions EXERCISE 3 The following is an extract from the short story ‘Two Friends’ by Guy de Maupassant. Complete the story by filling the blanks with prepositions. Besieged Paris was [a] _____ the throes of famine. Even the sparrows [b] _____ the roofs and the rats [c] _____ the sewers were growing scarce. People were eating anything they could get. As Monsieur Morissot, watchmaker [d] _____ profession and idler [e] _____ the nonce [an expression meaning stupid], was strolling [f] _____ the boulevard one bright January morning, his hands [g] _____ his trouser pockets and stomach empty, he suddenly came face to face [h] _____ an acquaintance—Monsieur Sauvage, a fishing chum. Before the war broke out Morissot had been in the habit, every Sunday morning, of setting forth [i] _____ a bamboo rod in his hand and a tin box [j] _____ his back. He took the Argenteuil train, got out [k] _____ Colombes, and walked thence [l] _____ the Ile Marante. The moment he arrived [m] _____ this place [n] _____ his dreams he began fishing, and fished till nightfall. Ans: a. in b. on c. in d. by e. for f. along g. in h. with i. with j. on k. at l. to m. at n. of 62
3. Modals EXERCISE 2 EXERCISE 1 Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals. 1. If you are the owner of this house, you _____ Choose the correct option and fill in the blanks. 1. My parents ____ [must/can/would] often be able to tell who the previous owner was. 2. They _____ carry their identity cards for the invite people to the house. 2. My grandmother says that children _____ function tomorrow. 3. He wouldn’t _____ go against his father’s [can’t/ shouldn’t/shan’t] stay up late. 3. The doctor said that I _____ [can/will/need] wishes. 4. I thought that you _____ like to join me for not worry. 4. We _____ [need to/ought to /has to] borrow dinner tonight. 5. One _____ not leave small objects lying money as there is not much fund. 5. Dad, _____ [must/may/will] I please buy around. Small children _____ swallow them. 6. Sania _____ have gone on a holiday. I just those shoes? 6. As it is raining heavily, it ____ [should/ought met her at the market. 7. Nowadays women have dual responsibilities to/might] take Rahul a long time to get back home. as they _____ work at home and office as 7. The teacher ____ [can/must/may] analyse well. people’s handwriting. 8. The government _____ pay attention to 8. The men _____ [may/can/ought to] walk fast getting the roads repaired before the as they are getting late. monsoons this year. 9. He told his wife that he _____ [may/can/had 9. You _____ take your raincoat. It isn’t raining. to] go to Delhi as an important meeting was 10. The kids are calm today. They _____ be very going to be held the next day. tired. 10. I asked him if I _____ [will/won’t/ may] take Ans: his bike. 1. should Ans: 2. must 1. would 3. dare to 2. shouldn’t 4. might/would 3. need 5. should/must…..may 4. need to 6. couldn’t 5. may 7. have to 6. might 8. needs to 7. can 9. needn’t 8. ought to 10. must 9. had to 10. may 63
3. Modals EXERCISE 3 Complete the conversation using suitable modals. Sonia: Dad, we have long summer vacations. We [a] _____ visit Mehra uncle as he has called us many times. Father: I am not sure about my programme. It [b]_____ be clear by the weekend. We [c] _____ leave after that only. Sonia: [d] _____ we take my friend Sunita along? Father: You [e] _____ if you like. Mother: Y ou [f] _____ not. It [g] _____ be a huge responsibility for all of us. She is very mischievous. Sonia: That is my responsibility. You know she [h] _____ not go against my instructions. Father: Well then it is alright. Ans: a. must b. will c. can d. shall e. may f. should g. will h. dare 64
4. Verb Concord EXERCISE 1 EXERCISE 2 Choose the correct form of the verb and fill in the There are errors in each of the given sentences. blanks. Rewrite the sentences with corrections. 1. Few _____ what it really takes to get going in 1. Something have gone wrong here. 2. He run four miles every day life. [knows/know] 3. Most of the seats was taken. 2. Most of the cookies _____ eaten. [was/were] 4. The weather on the coast appear to be good 3. The table and chair I got at the today. store _____ really nice in here. [look/looks] 5. One of my friends believe in astrology. 4. The committee _____ here every Thursday. 6. A bunch of grapes are on the table. 7. Measles are a disease most children [meets/meet] 5. Neither black nor white _____ my favorite experience. 8. The women doesn’t know how to reach the color. [is/are] 6. Everybody _____ a good book. [enjoy/ theater. 9. Neither of us are going for work. enjoys] 10. The girl with the books look like my sister. 7. At the school level, each student _____ a Ans: trophy for playing the match. [get/gets] 1. Something has gone wrong here. 8. One of my friends _____ gone to France. 2. He runs four miles every day 3. Most of the seats were taken. [have/has] 4. The weather on the coast appears to be good 9. My mother and I never _____ any concert today. that happens in our city. [misses/miss] 5. One of my friends believes in astrology. 10. One of the nails _____ sticking out. [is/are] 6. A bunch of grapes is on the table. 7. Measles is a disease most children experi- Ans: 1. know ence. 2. were 8. The women don’t know how to reach the 3. look 4. meets theater. 5. is 9. Neither of us is going for work. 6. enjoys 10. The girl with the books looks like my sister. 7. gets 8. has 9. miss 10. is 65
4. Verb Concord EXERCISE 3 Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb given in the bracket. Do you [a] _____ [know] how to play bocce? The game [b] _____ [do] not require any special athletic abilities. Bocce [c] _____ [be] a game for people of all ages. There [d] _____ [be] four players in each team. The players [e] _____ [take] turns rolling a ball down the court. Each of the players takes one ball and [f] ____ [aim] for the pallino. [Pallino is a small ball]. The players [g] _____ [try] to get their balls as close to the pallino as possible. Rick often [h] _____ [try] to bounce his ball off the side of the court. Nobody enjoys playing bocce more than Rick [i] _____ [do]. Everybody who [j] _____ [play] bocce enjoys the game. Ans: a. know b. does c. is d. are e. take f. aims g. try h. tries i. does j. plays 66
5. Clauses EXERCISE 2 EXERCISE 1 Rewrite the sentences by matching the parts of the sentences from Column A to those in Column Fill in the blanks with one of the words given in B. the help box. You may have to use some of them more than once. Sl COLUMN A COLUMN B No. and/but/or/so/furthermore/therefore/however/too/ instead 1 It was a wish if you have a pass It was a cold [a] _____ windy day. I wanted to spend the evening drinking some hot tea [b] 2 She is the girl that I took in Paris _____ a cup of hot chocolate, [c] _____ that appeared far from reality. I had to attend a 3 Unless you give me with whom I share the dance rehearsal at the dance club near the city the address flat centre. I would have loved to ring up [d] ____ say that I was unwell. [e] _____ I had agreed to 4 You may enter the where she spent her help with the choreography, [f] _____ I couldn’t auditorium childhood let the dancers down. [g] _____, I always give my friend Rosy a lift to the rehearsal. She cannot 5 We shall not let the to whom we have drive [h] _____ public transport is very poor. She man in given our order [i] _____ has no other means of getting there. I sometimes give my trainer a lift [j] _____, [k] 6 Would you like to see that came true _____ she had already phoned me to say that the photos she was going with her husband [l] _____. 7 My mother took me to how you managed to Ans: a village cross the road a. and b. or 8 This is the waiter that was lying on the c. but floor d. and e. However 9 I don’t know I can’t deliver the f. so goods g. Furthermore h. and 10 The kid picked up the unless he discloses his i. therefore coin identity j. too k. but Ans: l. instead 1. It was a wish that came true. 2. She is the girl with whom I share the flat. 3. Unless you give me the address, I can’t deliver the goods. 4. You may enter the auditorium if you have a pass. 5. We shall not let the man in unless he disclose his identity. 6. Would you like to see the photos that I took in Paris? 7. My mother took me to a village where she spent her childhood. 8. This is the waiter to whom we have given our order. 9. I don’t know how you managed to cross the road. 10. The kid picked up the coin that was lying on the floor. 67
5. Clauses EXERCISE 3 Complete the statements. 1. It is strange………………………. 2. The minister thinks………………………. 3. The truth is……………………………. 4. I know …………………………….. 5. I am sure…………………………. 6. The children will return………………….. 7. This is the place………………………… 8. I don’t know……………………………… 9. They heard that……………………………… 10. It was certain……………………………………… Ans: The answers given below are just some suggestions. Students should be allowed to exercise their freedom of thought. 1. …..that the masons are working at this hour. 2. …..that he is the most intelligent of all. 3. …..that there is no money in the box. 4. …..that they will go for a movie tomorrow. 5. …..that she will return my book by next week. 6. …..when it stops raining. 7. …..where I learn music. 8. …..how far the market is. 9. …..some people had entered the colony forcefully. 10. …..that there would be ample food. 68
6. Tenses EXERCISE 1 7. The masons _____ the mall when a strike _____ all construction. Choose the appropriate option and fill in the a. built / is stopping blanks. b. were building / will stop 1. Ryan_____ his job in the bar, and now he _____ c. will build / will stop d. were building / stopped as a sales assistant in a department store. a. have been quitting / works 8. Although many people ___ women b. quit / is working empowerment to be a recent phenomenon, c. quits / has been working in fact, it ___ for nearly a thousand years. d. has quit / has worked a. believed / is existing 2. Although Sania normally _____ clothes, she b. are believing / exists _____ working as a sales assistant because of the c. believe / has existed financial requirements. d. have believed/is existing a. designs / has started Ans: b. is designing / starts 1. [b] quit / is working c. has designed / starts 2. [a] designs / has started d. has designed / has been starting 3. [c] have gotten / is marrying 3. None of my close friends _____ married until 4. [a] is living / hopes now, but my best friend Ronit _____ Laura next 5. [b] stopped / was walking week. 6. [d] made / was looking a. got / marries 7. [d] were building / stopped b. gets / has married 8. [c] believe / has existed c. have gotten / is marrying d. was getting / marries 4. My aunt_____ in a small apartment at the moment, but she _____ to find a house with a terrace garden soon. a. is living / hopes b. lives / has hoped c. lives / was hoping d. has been living / hoped 5. The lorry in front of us _____very suddenly because an old man _____ slowly across the road. a. has stopped / walks b. stopped / was walking c. is stopping / has walked d. was stopping / was walking 6. The robber _____ sure that no one _____ before he crept through the window. a. was making / will look b. made / is looking c. will make / is looking d. made / was looking 69
6. Tenses EXERCISE 2 EXERCISE 3 Fill in the blanks with the appropriate forms of the Complete the paragraph using the correct verb verbs given in the brackets. forms. 1. Peter is an author. He _____ (write) mystery Next month I have a week’s vacation. I (a) _____ (plan) to take a trip. First, I (b) _____ (go) to novels and travelogues. Last year, he _____ Mumbai, to visit my brother. After I (c) _____ (leave) (write) one novel, three short stories and a book Mumbai, I (d) _____ (travel) to Delhi to see a friend of haiku poems. who (e) ____ (study) at a university there. She 2. Soham ___________ (try) to change a light bulb (f) _____ (live) in Delhi for three years, so she (g) when he _____ (slip) and _____ (fall). _____ (know) her way around the city. She (h)_____ 3. When Jimmy _____ (call) last night, I _____ (promise) to take me to many interesting places. (watch) my favorite show on television. I (i) _____ (be, never) in Delhi, so I (j) _____ (look) 4. My grandfather _____ (work) for this company forward to going there. for more than thirty five years when he _____ (retire) last month. Ans: 5. The students _____ (be) usually taught by Mrs. Leena. But next week they _____ (be) taught by a. Am planning Mr. John. b. Will be going 6. Sharon _____ (love) to travel. Next year she c. Leave _____ [travel] to Japan. d. Will travel 7. I _____ (hear) loud sounds coming from the e. Is studying street. I _____ (walk) over to the window to see f. Has been living what _____ (happen). g. Knows 8. For a long time people _____ (think) that the h. Has promised world was flat. i. Have never been j. Am looking Ans: 1. writes……wrote 2. was trying….. slipped….. fell 3. called…..was watching 4. had worked…..retired 5. are…..will be taught 6. loves…..will be travelling 7. heard…..walked…..was happening 8. thought 70
7. Voice EXERCISE 1 EXERCISE 2 Change the following sentences from active to passive Expand the newspaper headlines. voice. 1. GIRL RESTORED TO PARENTS 1. Alladin found a magic lamp. The girl who had gone missing __________ to her 2. The corporation has installed huge dustbins near the parents last week by the police. apartment. 2. HIGH COURT STAYS CBI RULING 3. He had written many books before his 60th birthday. Today the High Court __________ the CBI ruling 4. People speak Portuguese in Brazil. 5. Who will read the news in the assembly tomorrow? after much deliberation and thought. 6. Please buy a few packets of noodles. 3. JEWEL THIEF TO SURRENDER TODAY 7. Robert is cleaning the chimney. The most wanted jewel thief __________ himself to 8. The sweepers sweep the roads early in the morning. 9. At 8 o’ clock someone was narrating a horror story. the authorities today. 10. Who has broken the window pane? 4. MINISTER AND BROTHER DENY INVOLVEMENT IN Ans: THE BLACK MONEY SCAM 1. A magic lamp was found by Alladin. In a television interview telecast recently, a senior 2. Huge dustbins have been installed by the corporation minister and his brother __________ in the black near the apartment. money scam. 3. Many books had been written by him before his 60th 5. INDIA TO PLAY AUSTRALIA IN A HOME SERIES India _________ Australia in a home series to be birthday. held next month. 4. Portuguese is spoken in Brazil. 6. FIVE KILLED AS A TRUCK RAMMED INTO A JEEP 5. By whom will the news be read in the assembly tomor- Five passengers __________ as a truck rammed into a jeep yesterday. row? 7. GANESHA IDOLS IMMERSED 6. Let a few packets of noodles be bought. The week-long Ganesha festival came to an end 7. The chimney is being cleaned by Robert. with the idols __________ today. 8. The roads are swept by the sweepers early in the morn- 8. STUDENT DEVELOPS ZERO MAINTENANCE WATER PURIFIER ing. A mechanical engineering student __________ a 9. A horror story was being narrated by someone at 8 o’ water purifier that requires no maintenance. clock. Ans: 10. By whom has the window pane been broken? 1. has been restored 2. has stayed 3. will be surrendering 4. have denied involvement 5. will play 6. were killed 7. being immersed 8. has developed 71
7. Voice EXERCISE 3 Given below are a set of instructions on how to build a website. Read the instructions and complete the paragraph. • purchase a domain name and a hosting package • download and install word press • choose a template as the design for your website • customize the template with your website’s name and logo • install plugins to enhance the site’s functionality • post the content • spread the word In order to build a website, firstly, a domain name and [a] __________ . Word Press [b] __________. A template [c] __________ for the website. The template [d] __________ with the website’s name and logo. Plugins [e] __________ the site’s functionality. The [f] __________ and the word [g] __________ with regard to the launch of the website. Ans: a. a hosting package is purchased b. is downloaded and installed c. is chosen as the design d. is customized e. are installed to enhance f. content is posted g. is spread 72
8. Reported Speech EXERCISE 1 EXERCISE 2 Change the given sentences to indirect Read the conversation given below and complete speech. the paragraph. 1. The boy said, “I visited my aunt last Priya: You are wearing a beautiful dress. Where did weekend.” you buy it from? 2. The teacher said to the students, “ Keep the Sana: Aunty Sunita designed this dress for me. Priya: I too want one like yours. workbooks away.” Sana: I will take you to Aunty Sunita’s boutique and 3. The maid said to me, “I will help you if I can.” 4. Priya said, “What a beautiful resort this is!” you can talk to her. 5. Rohit said to the receptionist, “Does the Priya: When can we go? Sana: Next week, I will be free on Thursday. I will hotel have a Presidential suite?” 6. Mother said to me, “You are a smart kid.” take you along with me. 7. My grandmother said, “I will be going on a Priya told Sana [a] __________. She also asked pilgrimage next month.” 8. The landlady said, “A thief broke into my [b] __________. Sana replied that [c] _________. Priya said that [d] __________. Sana told Priya [e] neighbour’s home yesterday.” __________ and that [f] __________. Priya asked [g] 9. Rakesh said to Harry, “You have a vast __________. Sana mentioned [h] __________ and that she would take Priya along with her. estate.” 10. Johny said to Pooja, “We had gone for a Ans: a. that she was wearing a beautiful dress picnic with Uncle Sharma last month.” b. where she had bought it from c. Aunty Sunita had designed it for her Ans: d. She too wanted one like hers 1. The boy said that he had visited his aunt the e. that she would take her to Aunty Sunita’s bou- previous weekend. tique 2. The teacher told the students to keep the f. she could talk to her g. when they could go workbooks away. h. that she would be free the following week on Thurs- 3. The maid told me that she would help me if day she could. 4. Priya exclaimed that it was a beautiful resort. 5. Rohit asked the receptionist if/whether the hotel had a Presidential suite. 6. Mother told me that I was a smart kid. 7. My grandmother said that she would be go- ing on a pilgrimage the next month. 8. The landlady said that a thief had broken into her neighbour’s home the previous day. 9. Rakesh told Harry that he had a vast estate. 10. Johny told Pooja that they had gone for a pic- nic with Sharma uncle the previous month. 73
8. Reported Speech EXERCISE 3 Read the given dialogue and rewrite the same in reported speech. Rohan: Raju, will you come with me to watch a movie today? Raju: My aunt arrived from London yesterday evening and she is staying with us today. She will be leaving early tomorrow. Ans: Rohan asked Raju whether he would go with him to watch a movie that day. Raju told Rohan that his aunt had arrived from London the previous eve- ning and that she was staying with them that day. He added/He also said that she would be leaving early the next day. 74
Part B This section contains creative writing tasks as relevant to class 10. For each of the tasks, a short checklist with the format is mentioned followed by one sample and two practice exercises [hints will be provided]
9. Formal Letters Formal letters include business letters, letters to …………………………………………………………… the editor, letters to government officials, letters of …………………………………………………… complaint, letters of inquiry etc. Subscription CHECKLIST Signature Name • Begin with the sender’s address on the left. [should include the house number, name of the apartment, LETTERS OF INQUIRY locality, name of the city, pin code] The following points need to be included while writing • The date has to be written on the left hand side. a letter of inquiry. [12th March 20….] Mention clearly what you are looking for - product or services • Receiver’s address must begin with the designation Make a query for all the relevant things associated followed by the office/name of the newspaper and with your inquiry. the name of the city with the pin code. You may also ask for further details in the form of cat- alogues, brochures etc. • The subject should be written in 4-5 words. The key words must begin in capital letters. Sample letter of inquiry You are Vihan/Vaishali. You wish to take your • Complete sentences must not be written. grandparents on a short trip to Kanyakumari. Write • Salutation should be written in brief [Sir, Madam] a letter to the Tour Manager of Geo Travels making • The content should be written in 3-4 paragraphs. It an inquiry for bookings, means of travel and other facilities. should include: Introduction Details – causes, effects. House No : 43 Conclusions – suggestions Raja Rammohan Roy Road • The content must end with a complimentary close Bangalore – 29 which is included in the last paragraph. 18th April 20…. • Subscription – ‘Yours truly’, ‘Yours faithfully’ on the To left hand side. Mr. Sandeep Kumar • The letter should conclude with the signature of Tour Manager Geo Travels the sender followed by the full name written in 15, Mahatma Gandhi Road brackets. Bangalore – 70 • Word limit: 120 words or as mentioned in the question paper. The format of a formal letter is given below. Sender’s address Date Receiver’s Address Sir/Ma’am, Subject: Sub : Inquiry for a trip to Kanyakumari Salutation [Sir/Madam] I read the advertisement of your company in the …………………………………………………………… ‘Times of India’ and I am interested to know a few de- …………………………………………………………… tails before deciding on availing your services. …………………………………………………………… I would like to travel to Kanyakumari with my grand- …………………………………………………………… parents in the month of May. I am interested in know- …………………………………………………………… ing about the accommodation, food, the preferable ……………………………………………. Content …… mode of transport and the approximate time required …………………………………………………………… to complete the tour. …………………………………………………………… I would like to mention that I would prefer a three or …………………………………………………………… a four star hotel preferably close to the seaside. Since …………………………………………………………… 77
9. Formal Letters my grandparents are aged, I would also like a comfort- LETTERS TO PLACE AN ORDER able mode of inbound transport. The following points need to be kept in mind while Kindly let me know the cost per head for the entire writing a letter for placing an order. package and also send me your brochure, if available, Mention in brief about who you are. for further details. Include the details of the products/things that you need Looking forward to a quick response from your end Mention the description and the numbers clearly [in a so that I can decide and make my reservations at the table] earliest. Request for quick delivery without any damages caused to the products Yours sincerely Ask for additional discount [Signature] Mention your mode of payment Vihan/Vaishali Sample Letter You are Ravikumar, the Admin In-charge of Harvard ASSIGNMENT 1 Public School, Sector 8, Gurgaon. You wish to place an order for notebooks for your school for the next aca- You are Gaurav, a resident of Thakur Complex, demic session. Write a letter to the Manager of Sunny Mumbai. You have got a scholarship to pursue Printers placing your order for the required number of your higher studies in France. You have to notebooks. complete a basic course in French before leaving Harvard Public School for France. Write a letter to the Language Head Sector 8 of Alliance Francais making an inquiry for the Gurgaon available courses. 18th December 20… To HINTS: The Manager Details of the requirement to be mentioned Sunny Printers Inquiry of the following to be made: Sector 36 Duration, timings, number of students in each Gurgaon batch, course fees, certificate Sir/Ma’am, The format given above has to be strictly followed. Sub: Order for Notebooks I am Ravikumar, Admin In-charge of Harvard Public ASSIGNMENT 2 School. I had, earlier, made an inquiry for notebooks and would like to place an order for the same now. The You are Sudhanshu/Sudha, librarian of Rainbow details of the requirement are given below. International School, Mumbai. You have a pretty good collection of books in the library but you Serial Description No. Of Numbers wish to add more to the collection. Write a letter Number pages required to the Manager of Scholastic India Publishing House making an inquiry for the books currently 1 Four line 200 100 available with them which you can add to your notebooks stock. 2 Single line 200 120 HINTS: A brief description of the existing books in the li- brary to be given- mention the types of books re- quired – include the intent behind looking for such books – add the ability of the readers and how you expect the books to help budding readers – mention age group – ask for the price and discount notebooks 3 Plain notebooks 100 150 4 Interleaf notebooks 100 100 5 Drawing notebooks 100 75 78
9. Formal Letters I shall be grateful if you could deliver the above men- COMPLAINT LETTERS tioned items within the next two weeks. Since it is a bulk order, I would request you to consider giving us The following points need to be kept in mind while some additional discount. Please ensure that the pa- writing a letter of complaint. per used is of good quality. I assure you that the full The complaint should be clear so that action can be and final payment will be made by cheque on delivery initiated without further query. of the products. It should be factual giving all necessary details, dates, Yours sincerely problem etc. If it is a complaint against faulty function of a [Signature] machine, instrument or gadget, the date of purchase Ravikumar and receipt number and warranty period need to be ASSIGNMENT 1 mentioned. Request for replacement /repair/refund of the money You are Shyam, the hostel warden of Indus to be included. Residential School. Some of the electronic appliances in your hostel have become old Sample letter and need to be replaced. Write a letter to the Manager of Reliance Digital, placing an order for You are Sana. Recently you placed an order for a wash- the required goods. ing machine with Pacific Electonics Centre. Within a week of delivery, the machine has developed some HINTS: faults and the clothes are not being rinsed and dried Follow the format shown above well. Write a letter of complaint to the Manager includ- Mention the details of the items that are needed in a ing all relevant details. table only. [Items may include fans, geysers, wash- ing machine, microwave oven, room heaters etc.] House No 20 Dream Apartments Request for delivery on time and discount Park Street Payment mode Kolkata ASSIGNMENT 2 14th November 20… To You are Akshay/Akshaya, the lab in-charge of The Manager your school. You need some items for the lab as Pacific electronics Centre the number of students is on the rise. Write a Kolkata – 26 letter to the Manager of Ruby Agency [supplier Sir/Ma’am, of lab equipment] placing an order for the lab Sub: Faulty Washing Machine equipment for the next academic year. HINTS: Follow the format I wish to bring to your notice that I purchased a wash- Mention the details of all the items [brand, item, co- ing machine on 5th November 20… from your store. It lour, size, quantity etc.] in a table only. is a …….. machine, [name of the brand] model Num- ber –DG009, 7 kg fully automatic machine. Within Give the mode of dispatch and payment one week the washing machine has developed some Conclude the letter by requesting for quick and safe faults. Rinsing and drying of clothes is not happening delivery of the items. at all. The machine stops suddenly during the course of a wash and some noise can be heard. I request you to kindly get the machine replaced as it is in the warranty period. Your store is a store of re- pute and I look for quick action from your end. I have attached a copy of the bill and warranty card for your consideration. 79
9. Formal Letters I have been a satisfied customer of your store for the last three years and this is the first time I have encoun- COMPLAINT LETTERS tered such a problem. If you need to contact me you may call me on the number mentioned in the bill. The following points need to be kept in mind while Yours sincerely writing a letter of complaint. [Signature] The complaint should be clear so that action can be Name initiated without further query. It should be factual giving all necessary details, dates, ASSIGNMENT 1 problem etc. If it is a complaint against faulty function of a You are Bipin/Bindu. Recently you purchased a machine, instrument or gadget, the date of purchase television from Khurana Digital Stores. Within and receipt number and warranty period need to be a month the picture tube has developed some mentioned. faults. Write a complaint letter to the Manager Request for replacement /repair/refund of the money of the store requesting for quick action to fix the to be included. problem. Sample letter HINTS: You are Sana. Recently you placed an order for a wash- Follow the format ing machine with Pacific Electonics Centre. Within a Include all details – model, make, date of purchase, week of delivery, the machine has developed some bill number, warranty period faults and the clothes are not being rinsed and dried Describe the problem well. Write a letter of complaint to the Manager includ- Request for immediate action ing all relevant details. House No 20 ASSIGNMENT 2 Dream Apartments Park Street You are Reena/Remo, a resident of Kamraj Kolkata road, Chennai. Recently your area has been 14th November 20… facing frequent power cuts which causing a lot To of problems to the residents. Write a letter to The Manager the Director of Chennai Electricity Department Pacific electronics Centre complaining about the frequent power cuts in Kolkata – 26 the area. Sir/Ma’am, HINTS: Sub: Faulty Washing Machine Follow the format I wish to bring to your notice that I purchased a wash- Introduce yourself ing machine on 5th November 20… from your store. It Mention how often you have power cuts – who are is a …….. machine, [name of the brand] model Num- the worst affected – mention in brief – mention the ber –DG009, 7 kg fully automatic machine. Within rise in electricity tariff – no improvement after a one week the washing machine has developed some steep rise in tariff - request for quick action faults. Rinsing and drying of clothes is not happening at all. The machine stops suddenly during the course 80 of a wash and some noise can be heard. I request you to kindly get the machine replace as it is in the warranty period. Your store is a store of re- pute and I look for quick action from your end. I have attached a copy of the bill and warranty card for your consideration.
10. Letter to the Editor LETTER TO THE EDITOR show but along with that the incessant use of loudspeakers has been one of the chief causes of The following points have to be kept in mind while concern for the residents. Through the columns of writing a letter to the editor. your esteemed daily, I wish to voice my opinion with The first paragraph should highlight the topic/issue/ regard to the same. problem mentioned in the question. The second paragraph has to include the causes or The use of loudspeakers has become an integral reasons behind the problem and the effects of the part of almost all celebrations. Some people seem same. to believe that even private occasions like marriages The third paragraph has to include some suggestions and birthday parties would be incomplete without or measures. the blaring of the loudspeakers. The student may start a formal letter to the editor using the cues given below: Noise pollution is already one of the biggest • I read an article in the newspaper on ………….. problems that people in the area have to deal with. The excessive use of the loudspeakers makes it even [mention the issue] and wish to express my opinion worse. The worst hit are the elderly people and on the same. children. It disturbs the sleep of the elderly people • Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish and children find it difficult to concentrate on their to express my opinion on…….. studies. In spite of the repeated requests, no one • I am a resident of ……….. Recently our colony/area seems to be bothered. has seen a rise in …… I wish to bring the problem to the notice of the concerned authorities through It is high time the concerned authorities take some the columns of your newspaper stringent measures. A strict time limit needs to be Sample followed and people using the loudspeakers beyond You are Malcolm/Martha, a resident of Green View the stipulated time should be made to pay fine. The Apartments, Nehru colony, Ghaziabad. Your colony police can also play an active role by pulling up those is always abuzz with activities. One concern that has who refuse follow the rules. Such measures may help been bothering the residents has been the use of loud- curb the problem immediately. speakers for long hours which has become a nuisance not only to the residents but has also been one of the I hope that my letter finds space in newspaper so that chief causes of noise pollution. Write a letter to the Ed- the concerned higher authorities initiate quick action. itor of newspaper voicing your concerns regarding the same. Yours sincerely Flat No. 306 [Signature] Green View Apartments Martha Nehru Colony Ghaziabad ASSIGNMENT 1 10th June 20….. You are Vishal/Vishaka, a resident of Chembur, To The Editor Mumbai. Road accidents have increased by The Times of India large numbers recently. Write a letter to the Ghaziabad editor of a newspaper expressing your views on Sub: Problems caused by loudspeakers the same. Sir/Ma’am, HINTS: I am Martha, a resident of Green View Apartments, noticed an accident on the road – deeply disturbed Nehru colony. Our area, in the past couple of years, – innocent lives lost – reckless driving – not follow- has been facing a serious problem. Various events ing traffic rules – insensitive to the pedestrians on and festivals are celebrated with great pomp and the roads – truck drivers and auto drivers causing more nuisance – drunken driving – exceeding the speed limit Measures – strict action against those who flout rules – fine to be imposed – awareness to be spread. 81
10. Letter to the Editor [Students must ensure that they follow the format as shown in the sample] ASSIGNMENT 2 You are Ravish/Ritika, a student of Grade XII of Deccan International School. One of your friends has been admitted to a rehabilitation centre to help him get over his addiction to drugs. Write a letter to the editor a newspaper expressing your concern on the growing addiction to drugs among youth. HINTS: Growing addiction to drugs among youth – various reasons – not able to handle pressure – means to re- lax – peer pressure – tendency to try something new – taking to something as a means of showing dis- content – prey to truth and dare games – becomes a habit – taking to the wrong path – distraction from studies – leading to psychological and health issues – waste of a valuable life Measures – regular counseling sessions for the stu- dents – constant motivation – engage them in other activities – awareness programmes – make them feel wanted Strict action to be taken against drug peddlers – heavy punishment 82
11. Story Writing The structure of a story: Sample • Plot Write a short story beginning with the given lines. • Characters • Setting The football season was on. My father was a very tough Plot: Needs to be well-planned. It can be adventurous, person and he had laid out strict rules about spending mysterious, funny or a sci-fi. There can be a moral or time in front of the television...... message being conveyed. Some stories may have un- usual ends or may end on a note of suspense. A WHITE LIE Characters: Stories may have people, animals or oth- The football season was on. My father was a very tough er creatures as characters. Usually there is one main person and he had laid out strict rules about spend- character/the protagonist and the rest are supportive ing time in front of the television. All my friends were characters. watching the matches and discussing about the same Setting: The background provided to a story is its set- in the school I was feeling very bad that I could not ting. It can be an island, a planet, a city, a forest or just enjoy the same like the others. I was one of the best a room! The details should be carved keeping the set- football players in my school and had represented the ting in mind. school in various competitions and won accolades for Evaluation: It will be based on creativity, structure the school. Not being able to watch the matches live and coherence/relevance. frustrated me. Title: It is important to give the story a title. Dialogues may be used while writing a story but in The next match was between Germany and Brazil and such cases, proper punctuations must be used. I did not want to miss this match at any cost. It had Different types of questions for writing a story: been decided that all friends would gather at Am- Spin-a yarn where just a hint of a beginning is given it’s house to watch the match together. Exams were and the student is expected to weave a story with knocking at the doors. All of us knew that our parents what is given. wouldn’t agree to this proposal. But the thrill of the match tempted all of us to cook up a white lie. Using group studies, prior to the exams as an excuse, we all decided to meet at Amit’s house. Amit’s parents were not in town and they were supposed to return the next evening. This was the golden opportunity all of us were looking forward to. Stories based on visual stimuli The match was on and Germany and Brazil were tied The ending lines are given and students are expected at two goals each at the end of the first half. Each one to end the story with the given lines. of us was supporting our favourite teams and we were A story outline may be given and students have to having a great time. Suddenly there was a knock on build a story based on the given outline. the door. We were totally engrossed in the match and Word limit: 200 – 250 words none of us wanted to move an inch from seat. Reluc- tantly, I decided to go and open the door. To my great surprise I found my father at the door. He told me that he had to come as the driver had to leave due some urgent work and there was no one to pick me up. This was absolutely unexpected. As he entered, he could see everyone bundled up in front of the television. I felt extremely embarrassed as I was caught. Though my favourite team was winning, all the excitement was gone. I went home with my father and on the way I started apologizing to him. My father, in spite of being the strict person, calmly put his hand on my shoulder and told me that he had overheard me talking to Amit over the phone and so he had come himself to check out on all of us. I felt very sorry for having lied to him and 83
11. Story Writing promised to him that I would never repeat the mistake again. ASSIGNMENT 1 Write a story in about 200 words on the basis of the given outline. illiterate boy – caught for stealing – sent to juvenile prison – forced to attend classes – becomes very depressed and also rebellious – watches cookery shows on television during free hours – fascinated with the creativity and presentation – requests for training in cooking – chef at a reputed star hotel today ASSIGNMENT 2 Write a story beginning with the given lines. It was Soham’s birthday and I was at the shop looking for something interesting to gift him……… Given below is just an idea. Students should be allowed to use their creativity to build the story. Soham’s birthday – looking for a gift – knew his choice well – looking for a particular brand of binoc- ulars – saved enough pocket money – sought permission of parents – found the right one- near the billing counter – saw a boy crying outside the store – in rags – another young girl seen along with the boy – find out that there mother had an accident in the nearby street – car hit her – no one to help – I leave the gift at the counter promising to go back – lady in bad condition – seek help of passersby – call a taxi – take the lady to the hospital – spend all the money there – no regret – money used for a good cause. Stories belong to different genres humorous, tragic, suspense, thrillers etc. Students have the free- dom to exercise their choice. I have not said two types of stories, rather different types of question, which I have already shown above – stories which may have a skeleton or stories which have the first line give. I hope I have cleared your doubt. 84
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