CU-SEM-III-BA-English-III-Second Draft-converted

48. Handle with kid gloves If you handle someone with kid gloves, you treat them with extreme tact and care. Example: The client is hyper sensitive. We need to handle him with kid gloves, or we risk losing the deal. 49. Clear the decks If you clear the decks for something, you remove all hurdles to get started on that work. Example: By sanctioning the budget and filling in the vacancies, the committee has cleared the decks for our new office. 50. Between the devil and the deep blue sea If you’re caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, you’re caught between two undesirable alternatives. Example: If you support your son, your business partner will be hurt, and vice versa. You’re caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. As you get into the first quiz, here is a hint for this and subsequent three quizzes: some of the multiple choices may not even be idioms (revisit definition of the idiom at the beginning of the post to know why) and therefore should be ruled out right at the outset. Click on the tabs below to open the quiz and its answers. Quiz 1 Answers _ Quiz 1 51. The luck of the devil If you’ve the luck of the devil, you’re extremely lucky. Example: X: I’m alive today because I failed to board the plane that crashed yesterday. Y: You really have the luck of the devil. 52. Keep an ear to the ground Be well informed of current trends, opinions, and happenings Example: One of the main reasons for his success in business is that he keeps an ear to the ground to know what the customers want and why they’re dissatisfied with competing products. 53. Turn a deaf ear If you turn a deaf ear, you ignore what others are saying. 151 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: I’ve made the request few times in the past, but it has always fallen on deaf ears. 54. Eat like a horse If you eat like a horse, you eat a lot. Example: He is lean, but he eats like a horse. 55. An eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth It means that if a person does something wrong, then they should be punished with the same thing done to them. Example: I’ll return damage to my car by damage to his car. An eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth. 56. Face the music If you face the music, you’re at the receiving end of somebody’s criticism or reprimand. Example: You’ll face the music for deliberately reporting inflated sales numbers. 57. A flash in the pan If you call something flash in the pan, you say it has happened for only one time and it won’t repeat. Example: Considering their dismal past record, the win in the last match seems to be a flash in the pan. 58. Hold your horses Be patient Example: Hold your horses! I’m not yet done with my explanation. 59. Drag one’s feet To do something slowly deliberately Example: The police is dragging its feet in investigating this case allegedly because influential people are involved in the crime. 60. Worth its weight in gold If someone or something is worth its weight in gold, they’re of high value. Example: The new hire is worth her weight in gold. She has helped us land three big deals this quarter. 61. Go against the grain 152 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

If an idea or action goes against the grain, you don’t do it or accept it because it is against your beliefs or principle. Example: It goes against the grain these days to use polythene bags as carry bags. 62. Jump the gun To do something too soon without proper thought Example: I jumped the gun by sending the proposal to the client without first showing it to my manager. 63. Stick to your guns If you stick to your guns in the face of opposition, you stand firm. Example: Despite opposition from his family, he has stuck to his guns in picking his career path. 64. Let one’s hair down To be relaxed and behave informally Example: Over tea on Sunday, he finally let his hair down and talked about his hobbies and family. 65. Hand in glove If you work hand in glove with someone, you work closely with them often to accomplish something dishonest. Example: Some of the bank employees have been allegedly working hand in glove with business owners to sanction loans without proper due diligence. 66. Look for needle in a haystack Looking for something small in a pile of other things or a vast area Example: The gem in my ring fell somewhere on my way to home. Finding it is like looking for a needle in a haystack. 67. Wear your heart on your sleeve If you wear your heart on your sleeve, you express your sentiments too openly. Example: Wearing your heart on your sleeve can backfire at workplace because you may be seen unprofessional. 68. Move heaven and earth 153 Make supreme effort CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: I’ll move heaven and earth to finish in top 10 percentile in the exam. 69. Hit the bottle To drink alcohol to excess Example: He doesn’t hit the bottle often, but when he does, he can be nasty. 70. Hit the book To study Example: I need to hit the book today or else I’ll fall behind in my exam prep. 71. Hit the sack To go to bed Example: I hit the sack around 11 PM. 72. Get someone off the hook If you get someone off the hook, you help them get out of trouble. Example: The government has intervened by infusing billions of dollars to get the banks off the hook. 73. Cut no ice Fail to influence or make an effect Example: His reason to get leave cut no ice with his manager. 74. On thin ice If you’re on thin ice, you’re in precarious or delicate situation. Example: You’re falling short on class attendance and you failed to submit the last assignment. You’re walking on thin ice in this semester. 75. Strike while the iron is hot To act quickly when the opportunity comes by Example: That’s an amazing deal you’re getting. Don’t wait. Strike while the iron is hot, or else it’ll be gone. 76. Hit the jackpot If you hit the jackpot, you achieve big success, usually through luck. 154 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: We’ve hit the jackpot with our new product – sales have doubled. 77. Have the last laugh If you’ve the last laugh in an argument or disagreement, you ultimately succeed from a seemingly losing position. Example: He was dropped from the team, but he had the last laugh when he was recruited by a rival club at a higher fee. 78. See the light of day When something sees the light of day, it finally happens for the first time. Example: After so many false starts, his book finally saw the light of the day. 79. Light at the end of tunnel If you see light at the end of tunnel, you see signs of improvement in a situation that has been bad for a long time. Example: The business has started to gain momentum after months of struggle. We finally see light at the end of tunnel. 80. Toe the line If you toe the line, you behave according to an official rule, especially when you do not agree with it. Example: In this organization, if you don’t toe the line, you’ll be fast eased out. 81. Live on borrowed time If you live on borrowed time, you continue to exist longer than expected. Example: This 15-year-old car is living on borrowed time. 82. Hold your tongue To hold your tongue means to not speak Example: “Hold your tongue, son. Be patient,” the old man tried to restrain the agitated man. 83. Make a mountain of a molehill If you make a mountain of a molehill, you make something unimportant to seem important. Example: One bad interview doesn’t mean you’re struggling to get the job. Don’t make a mountain of a molehill. 155 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

84. Cry for the moon If you cry for the moon, you make a demand that can’t be fulfilled. Example: You want such an expensive gift on your birthday. Well, you’re crying for the moon. 85. Hit the nail on the head If you hit the nail on the head, you’re exactly right about something. Example: I think the CEO hit the nail on the head when he said that the organization was losing market share because of complacency and security. 86. Nail in someone’s coffin Nail in someone’s coffin is something that hastens failure of a person or thing Example: The scandal proved to be the final nail in the coffin of the mayor. 87. Pay through the nose If you pay through the nose, you pay too much for something. Example: We’re paying through the nose for petrol and diesel. 88. Under someone’s nose If you do something under someone’s nose, you do it openly, although unnoticed. Example: The dog took away the biscuit right under my nose, but I realized it only later. 89. Cast pearls before swine If you cast pearls before swine, you offer something valuable to someone who does not recognize its worth. Example: To serve an elaborate multi-course dinner to them is like casting pearls before swine. 90. Put the cat among the pigeons If you put the cat among the pigeons, you say or do something that makes lot of people angry or uncomfortable. Example: She put the cat among the pigeons by accusing others in the office of misusing organization’s dinner allowance for working late hours. 91. Put someone in his/ her place If you put people in their place, you let them know that they’re less important than they think. 156 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: When he exceeded his brief to take charge of the project, the boss put him in his place. 92. Point finger at If you point finger at someone, you say that s/he should be blamed Example: Why are you pointing finger at me? I’m not the only person responsible for the loss. 93. Pour out one’s heart If you pour out your heart, you reveal your thoughts or inner feelings. Example: I poured my heart out to my colleague about the mismanagement in the Company. 94. Swallow your pride If you swallow your pride, you do something even though it hurts your self-respect. Example: I swallowed my pride to do menial tasks for six months till I found a better job. 95. When push comes to shove When situation turns desperate Example: If push comes to shove, I’ll take loan to finance my education. 96. Raining cats and dogs If it rains cats and dogs, it rains heavily. Example: It has been raining cats and dogs for the last hour or so. Let’s brace up for the traffic jam. 97. Read between the lines If you read between the lines, you try to understand someone’s real feelings or intentions from what they say or write. Example: The government says that the economy is robust, but if you look at employment data and read further between the lines, you realize that the situation isn’t that rosy. 98. Beat a retreat If you beat a retreat, you withdraw from a dangerous or unpleasant situation. Example: Seeing the cops, the arsonists beat a hasty retreat. 99. Take somebody for a ride 157 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

If you take somebody for a ride, you deceive them. Example: The placement agency took hundreds of people for a ride by promising non- existent jobs. 100. Go through the roof To increase beyond all expectations Example: Petrol and diesel prices have gone through the roof. Quiz 2 Answers _ Quiz 2 101. On the ropes If someone is on the ropes, they’re close to defeat or giving up. Example: High crude oil prices have put many airlines on the ropes. 102. Rub salt into someone’s wounds To make a bad thing worse Example: I was upset at not getting promoted, but the management really rubbed salt into my wounds when they promoted my junior. 103. Give someone a run for their money If you give someone a run for their money, you compete well with them. Example: Despite being an underdog, Division B team gave the best team of the tournament run for their money. 104. Shut one’s eyes to Refuse to see or consider Example: The government can no longer shut its eye to growing pollution arising from stubble burning. 105. In the red (In the black) Operating at a loss or under debt (Operating at a profit or have surplus) Example: Many airlines across the world are in the red because of increase in oil prices. 106. Allow the dust to settle To allow a situation to become calm or normal again after a period of excitement or upheaval 158 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: Farmers are angry because of the low prices at which government agencies are buying their produce. Let’s wait for the dust to settle before we negotiate with them. 107. Take the word out of somebody’s mouth To say exactly what the other person was about to say Example: X: Why don’t we leave early today to watch the 5 PM show of the latest release? Y: You’ve taken the words out of my mouth. I was about to say the same. 108. Eat your words If you eat your words, you retract your statement or words. Example: Experts had to eat their words on the impending doom of abc.com when the fledgling ecommerce website turned in an unexpected profit. 109. A shot in the dark A wild guess Example: Chasing an offender, the policemen took a shot in the dark and turned left on reaching the square. 110. Call the shots If you call the shots, you’ve the power and authority. Example: In this ministry, the junior minister calls the shots. 111. Head and shoulders above Greatly superior to Example: In his prime, Usain Bolt was head and shoulders above his competitors. 112. Put to bed To help a child sleep Example: I’ll be back in few minutes after putting my son to bed. 113. Put something to sleep If an animal is put to sleep, it is killed by a veterinarian to relieve it of its pain and suffering. Example: We put the dog to sleep as it was suffering from age-related ailments. 114. By the skin of your teeth By extremely narrow margin 159 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: He caught the train by the skin of his teeth. 115. Save your skin If you save your skin, you save yourself from an unpleasant or dangerous situation without thinking of what happens to others. Example: They lied and tampered with crucial evidence to save their skin. 116. Have a thick skin To be less affected by criticisms and rebuffs Example: You need to have a thick skin to survive in politics. 117. Start with a clean slate Make a fresh beginning forgetting what happened, usually bad, in the past Example: Relations have not been great between the two countries, but it’s time to start from a clean slate. 118. No smoke without fire A suspicion or rumour is not for nothing. It usually has some basis. Example: I’m hearing that the investment company in which I put my money has been running a Ponzi scheme. I’m going to ask for my money back, because where there is smoke there is fire. 119. No strings attached Free of conditions Example: World Bank rarely gives loans with no strings attached. 120. Throw a spanner in the work To disrupt or cause problems in an activity or project Example: Last-minute withdrawal of the sponsor threw a spanner in our plans to organize the cultural festival. 121. Wear two/ several hats To function in more than one capacity Example: He wears two hats in the company – Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Information Officer. 122. Throw one’s weight around 160 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

To act in a way that suggests you’ve lot of power or authority Example: The politician tried to throw his weight around with the police, but the police ignored him. 123. Throw caution to the wind Behave or speak in a rash manner Example: Just to impress others, he threw caution to the wind and climbed the steep rock without any safety gear. 124. Spill the beans To reveal a secret information unintentionally Example: Someone for sure spilled the beans about the plan of jail inmates to smuggle in weapons. How else could jail authorities know about it? 125. Walk a tightrope If you walk a tightrope, you do something that allows little room for error. Example: Many educational institutions have to walk a tightrope between charging a high tuition fee and facing criticism, and not charging much and depending on grants. 126. Be in a tight spot To be in a difficult situation Example: If the government fails to get support from its key ally, it’ll be in a tight spot during the voting tomorrow. 127. Spread yourself thin To try to do too many things at the same time, implying inadequate time or attention to any of them Example: College students, especially in first year, spread themselves thin by joining multiple elective courses and social activities. 128. Steal the show If you steal the show, you get lot of attention or credit in an event or show. Example: Chinese participants stole the show on the first day of 2018 Asian Games. 129. Let off steam To do or say something that helps you release pent-up emotions such as anger or frustration 161 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: When I get stressed at work, I go on a weekend trek to let off steam. 130. Blow someone’s cover To reveal someone’s secret identity and what they’re doing Example: The police blew the cover on the plot by tapping kidnappers’ phones. 131. Stick to your guns To maintain one’s position despite disagreement and opposition from others Example: No matter how much police grills you, you’ve to stick to your guns and state the same story. 132. Leave no stone unturned To do everything you can to achieve your goal Example: I left no stone unturned to raise money for my company. 133. Set in stone If something is set in stone, it’s very difficult to change. Example: The contract isn’t set in stone. If the deal is compelling enough, we’re open to change it. 134. Set the record straight If you set the record straight, you quash misinformation about something by telling the truth. Example: Let me set the record straight on all the talk in the media about my business relationship with the key accused in the scandal. 135. Go on record If you go on record about something, you say it publicly and officially. (You can’t turn your back on such statement later.) Example: The actors have gone on record describing exploitation of newcomers in the film industry. 136. The last straw (or the straw that broke the camel’s back) If an event is the last straw, it is the last in a series of unpleasant or undesirable events that exceeds your limit of tolerance. Example: Recent hikes in fuel prices are the last straw for the lower middle class. 137. Bitter pill to swallow 162 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Something such as failure or rejection that is difficult to accept, but has to be accepted Example: Not getting admission to any of the colleges I applied to is a bitter pill to swallow. 138. Laugh all the way to the bank To earn lot of money by doing something which others thought to be a foolish pursuit Example: Investors dismissed his idea as immature, but he is now laughing all the way to the bank. 139. Show someone the door To ask someone to leave Example: During my worst period, I was promptly shown the door by very same people who once courted me. 140. Foot in the door If you get your foot in the door, you succeed in achieving an initial step in an area that is difficult to succeed in. Example: It’s your relationships that help in getting your foot in the door in the initial phase of your business. Otherwise, it can be a grind. 141. In full swing If something happens in full swing, it happens at the highest speed or level of activity. Example: Our development team is working in full swing to meet the deadline. 142. Turn the tables on somebody To completely reverse circumstances or gain upper hand on someone who was previously in a stronger position. Example: He turned the tables on his political opponent by reeling off data on how poorly the economy has fared in the last one year. 143. The tail is wagging the dog If you say that the tail is wagging the dog, you mean that a small or unimportant group is controlling the large group. Example: The fringe group is small but vocal. I fear they’ll control the direction of today’s meeting. Talk about the tail wagging the dog. 144. Can’t make head or tail of something Can’t understand someone or something at all 163 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: I haven’t been able to make head or tale of the bugs in the software so far. 145. Keep one’s words To do as promised Example: He always keeps his words. If he has promised to put in a word for you, he will. 146. Lose your temper If you lose temper, you become very angry. Example: When he started giving excuse for not completing the assignment in time, the teacher lost her temper. 147. Test waters If you test waters, you try to find how people will receive your idea or action before actually launching it or telling people. Example: The Company is testing waters with few products before going full steam. 148. Through thick and thin If you do something through thick and thin, you do it whether circumstances are good or not. Example: He is one of those rare employees who has remained with the organization through thick and thin. 149. Thorn in your flesh A person or thing that continually irritates or troubles you Example: Demanding coalition partners have been a thorn in the flesh of the government. 150. Turn the tide To reverse the course of events from one extreme to another Example: With that goal right at the start of the second half, the home team seems to be turning the tide against their arch rivals. Quiz 3 Answers _ Quiz 3 151. On top of the world Extremely happy Example: I was on top of the world after landing the job I so badly wanted. 164 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

152. Try one’s patience To test the limit of one’s patience Example: The constant chatter at the back of the class tried the professor’s patience. 153. Twist someone’s arm Make someone do something by pressurizing them Example: The government brought the rebel leaders to the negotiating table by twisting their arms by launching investigation into their shady business deals. 154. Change hands If something changes hands, it gets a new owner. Example: This car has changed hands so many times since its first buy in 2009. 155. Wash dirty linen in public If you wash your dirty linen in public, you discuss those matters in public which should have been kept private. Example: The two brothers went public accusing each other of fraud, washing dirty linen in the public in the process. 156. Have one’s hands full To be extremely busy Example: Working on two projects, I’ve my hands full. 157. Throw up one’s hands To express anger or frustration when a situation becomes unacceptably bad Example: The manager threw up his hands in despair when nothing concrete emerged even after hours of negotiations. 158. Watch one’s step Be careful about how you behave or conduct yourself, lest you get into trouble Example: Watch your steps at least in the first few months at your new job. 159. White elephant Something that is white elephant costs a lot (on maintenance etc.) to keep, but does little useful 165 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: The new Formula 1 race track is proving to be a white elephant for the owners. It is used for just few weeks in the year, but sucks a lot in maintenance. 160. Be off the mark If something is off the mark, it is incorrect or inaccurate. Example: The meteorology department was quite off the mark in predicting rainfall this week. 161. Wild-goose chase A search that turns out to be time-wasting and unsuccessful because the thing being searched doesn’t exist or you were given wrong information about its location Example: The treasure hunt to find gold coins expectedly proved to be a wild-goose chase. 162. Know which way the wind is blowing If you know which way the wind is blowing, you anticipate how certain situation is likely to develop. Example: Politicians are good at knowing which way the wind is blowing, and they form alliances with other political parties accordingly. 163. Have your work cut out If you’ve your work cut out to do something, you’ve a difficult task at hand. Example: The government has its work cut out in controlling air pollution this winter. 164. Back the wrong horse To support a person or action that later turns out to be unsuccessful Example: The political party fielded a businessman from the prestigious seat in the national capital, but he lost. They clearly backed the wrong horse. 165. From the horse’s mouth If you hear from the horse’s mouth, you hear from the original or trustworthy source. Example: We’ve lost the deal we bid for last month. It’s true, because I’ve heard it from the horse’s mouth – my manager. 166. Eat like a bird To eat little food Example: You claim to be eating like a bird for the past three months, but you’ve hardly lost any weight. 166 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

167. Kill two birds with one stone To achieve two goals with a single effort Example: I can kill two birds with a stone by picking up the laundry while going to the college. 168. Eat humble pie Be humiliated by admitting that you are wrong Example: The e-commerce company claimed that they’ll surpass the market leader in two years, but they had to eat humble pie after the latest sales numbers. 169. Have one’s cake and eat it too To have two good things at the same time that are incompatible and therefore not feasible Example: You don’t want to pay more taxes and still have better services. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. 170. Shoot from the hip To speak bluntly or rashly without thinking carefully Example: If you want to be a spokesperson, you need to avoid your habit of shooting from the hip. 171. Shoot oneself in the foot To harm one’s own cause inadvertently Example: He shot himself in the foot in the interview by disclosing too much personal information. 172. In cold blood If you do something violent and cruel in cold blood, you do it deliberately and in an unemotional way. Example: He was murdered in cold blood. 173. Draw first blood If you draw first blood, you cause the first damage to an opponent in a conflict or contest. Example: Federer drew the first blood by breaking Anderson’s service in the fourth game of the first set. 174. Ace up one’s sleeve 167 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

A secret or hidden advantage that you can use when you need it Example: Murali, the mystery bowler whom the opposite team has never played, is an ace up the home team’s sleeve. 175. Play your cards right To behave or work in a way that gives you an advantage or improves your odds of success. Example: You’ve to play your cards right to cross level 4 in this game. 176. Egg on your face If you’ve egg on your face, you look stupid and face embarrassment because of something you’ve done. Example: The case of the minister issuing statement in favour of a convicted person has left the government with egg on its face. 177. Kill the goose that lays the golden eggs To destroy something that gives you lot of money to get immediate returns Example: Thomas killed the goose that laid the golden eggs when he sold off his business before setting up another. 178. An arm and a leg If something costs an arm and a leg, it costs a lot. Example: Two days in the hospital for a minor ailment cost me an arm and a leg. 179. Behind one’s back If you do something behind someone’s back, you do it secretly without their knowledge (used in negative way). Example: I don’t give a damn to people who say all sorts of things behind my back. 180. Stab someone in the back Harm someone who trusts you. Example: It’s not uncommon for people to stab colleagues in the back to move ahead in the professional world. 181. Take a back seat If you take a back seat, you choose not to be in a position of responsibility or power. 168 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: After being in the leadership position for more than a decade, it’ll be tough for him to take a back seat. 182. Back to the drawing board If you go back to the drawing board, you make a fresh start or try another idea because the earlier one didn’t succeed. Example: After the new product failed to set the sales number rolling, the team went back to the drawing board. 183. Right off the bat If you do something right off the bat, you do it immediately. Example: I learnt right off the bat that I need to build good rapport with the marketing team to do well in the organization. 184. Heart misses (skips) a beat If your heart misses a beat, you feel excited or nervous. Example: My heart skipped few beats while scrolling down the exam result on the notice board. 185. Have your heart in your mouth If you’ve your heart in mouth, you’re feeling extremely nervous. Example: My heart was in my mouth when he slipped and fell down on the floor. 186. Not the only fish in the sea Not the only suitable thing or person one can find Example: You shouldn’t be so heartbroken at the rejection by her. Remember, she’s not the only fish in the sea. 187. Not your cup of tea If you say that someone or something is not your cup of tea, you mean that they’re not the kind of person or thing you like. Example: Sales is not my cup of tea. 188. A piece of cake If something is a piece of cake, it’s easy to do. Example: Solving such math problems is a piece of cake for me. 169 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

189. Call it a day If you call it a day, you stop what you’re doing because you’re tired of it or you’ve not been successful. Example: Faced with increasing competition and thinning profits, the owner decided to call it a day after twenty years in the business. 190. The pot calling the kettle black Accusing someone of faults that you yourself have Example: He called me a cheat – that’s pot calling the kettle black. 191. Call a spade a spade To speak truth even if it’s unpleasant Example: He doesn’t hold his words and calls a spade a spade. 192. A bolt from the blue A sudden, unexpected event Example: The resignation of the minister this morning came as a bolt from the blue. 193. In the same boat If two or more persons are in the same boat, they’re in the same difficult situation. Example: Both of us are in the same boat – without jobs. 194. Miss the boat/ bus To miss an opportunity Example: He waited far too long to get a good deal. Most good ones are gone now. He missed the boat. 195. Over my dead body If you say something will happen your dead body, you mean you dislike it and will do everything you can to prevent it. Example: X: We’re selling your old bike to remove the junk that’s gathering in the house. Y: Over my dead body. 196. Make one’s blood boil To make someone extremely angry 170 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Example: An excessive penalty for just one-day delay in payment of the bill made my blood boil. 197. Bounce something off someone If you bounce something off someone, you discuss ideas or plan with someone to get their view on it. Example: X: Can I see you after the office to bounce few ideas off you? Y: Sure. Let’s meet at 6 PM. 198. Bell the cat To undertake a risky or dangerous task Example: Who’s going to bell the cat and tell the teacher that no one else but her son has pulled off the mischief? 199. Like a cat on hot tin roof In an uneasy or nervous state Example: Waiting for the result of my medical tests, I was like a cat on hot tin roof. 200. Like a fish out of water If you’re like a fish out of water in certain situation, you feel awkward because you haven’t experienced that situation before. Example: I was like fish out of water when I moved to the capital from my hometown. 8.3 PHRASE A phrase is a small group of words that are like a unit. These units are a part of a bigger sentence or a clause. Phrases are unlike idioms; they are actually direct and to the point. They do not figurative meanings, the expression means what the words indicate. A phrase, unlike a complete sentence, does not have a subject and a verb. So, it does not express a complete sentence, they are a unit of a complete sentence. There are broadly eight types of phrases – noun, verb, infinitive, gerund, appositive, participial, prepositional and absolute phrases. Some examples of phrases are The phone was on the table The children were giggling and laughing when the teacher left the room The nice neighbor offered him a glass of water. 171 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

8.4 SUMMARY • An idiom is a widely used phrase that, when taken as a whole, has a particular meaning that you would not be able to deduce from the meanings of the individual words. • English prepositional idioms are numerous and often arbitrary. • They are enormously challenging for English language learners, and for that matter, they give native English speakers plenty of trouble, too. • In standard English, you can comply with a rule or conform to a rule, but you can’t comply to a rule. • A phrase is “a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit”, while an idiom is “a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words”. “A herd of cats” is a phrase but not an idiom. 8.5 KEYWORDS • Idioms: an expression whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words in it • Phrases: a group of words that are used together. A phrase does not contain a full verb 8.6 LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. Prepare a list of idioms and phrases with their meanings and usage in sentence. _______________________________________________________________ _________________________________ 8.7 UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Question 1. What are idioms and phrases? Explain with examples? 2. List 20 idioms with meanings. 3. What are Phrases? 4. What is a common phrase? B. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Choose the option that best describes the underlined idiom: It will take him some time to get a handle on how things run in this part of the world. 172 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

a. Teach himself b. Develop an understanding of c. Write it down d. Explain to someone 2. To make clean breast of a. To gain prominence b. To praise oneself c. To confess without of reserve d. To destroy before it blooms 3. To keep one’s temper a. To become hungry b. To be in good mood c. To preserve one’s energy d. To be aloof from 4. To catch a tartar a. To trap wanted criminal with great difficulty b. To catch a dangerous person c. To meet with disaster d. To deal with a person who is more than one's match Answers 1-b, 2-c,3-b,4-b),5-b) 8.8 REFERENCES Reference’s book • Murphy, R., English Grammar in Use -Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English, Cambridge University Press (2013), UK. 173 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

• Hewing, Martin, Advanced Grammar in Use, Cambridge University Press, 3rd Edition (2013), UK. Web Sources: • https://www.smart-words.org/list-of-synonyms/ • https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/basic-grammar • https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/ • https://journals.openedition.org/lexis/478 174 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

UNIT-9: WRITING: COMPREHENSION FROM UNSEEN PASSAGE, NOTICE WRITING, NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT Structure 9.0 Learning Objectives 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Comprehension from unseen passage 9.3 Notice writing 9.4 Newspaper Advertisement 9.5 Summary 9.6 Keywords 9.7 Learning Activity 9.8 Unit End Questions 9.9 References 9.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this unit, you should be able to: • To have a thorough study and understanding of the given comprehension passage which may consist of one or more than one paragraphs. • Develop the reading ability and the intellectual skills. • Write notice • Newspaper ads 9.1 INTRODUCTION Comprehension of an unseen passage means a complete and thorough understanding of the passage. The main object of comprehension is to test one's ability to grasp the meaning of a given passage properly and also one's ability to answer, in one's own words, the questions based on the passage. 9.2 COMPREHENSION FROM UNSEEN PASSAGE Types of Passages: There are two types of passages which help to testify the reading skills of the students during their examination. They are: Factual Passage: A factual passage contains 300 to 350 words. It is a detailed description in which some information is added along with a detailed description of physical attributes. A 175 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

good factual passage describes the reader to compare or contrast the relevant information regarding facts, data, etc. A student learns to get a comprehensive view of the subject and he discusses to improve his mental ability. There are instructive, descriptive and reporting passages in it. The questions are asked on the factual passage in the following way: Discursive Passage: A discursive passage contains a text which is either argumentative or interpretative or persuasive in nature. They may also include opinions or feedback. The students are able to come to a conclusion through their reasoning power rather than intuition. They discuss the subject to reach a balanced and objective approach. The questions are asked on the discursive passage in the following way: Discursive passage carries 12 marks in the examination. They include 4 short answer type questions of 2 marks each which bear the questions to test inference, evaluation and analysis and 4 very short answer type questions of one mark each which are based to test vocabulary including meanings, synonyms, antonyms, etc. of the words given in the passage. Tips for solving comprehension passages: Read the passage thoroughly. The reading should be quick. Focus on the relevant details and underline them with a pen or a pencil. Read the questions carefully and go back to the passage to find the answers. The answers are generally in a logical sequence. Try to write the answer in your own words. To find answer to the vocabulary-based questions like synonyms etc., replace the word with the meaning. If you find that it is the same in meaning, the answer is correct. To find the correct option in Multiple Choice Questions, go through all the options. Re-read the passage and then tick the correct option. Unseen Passage| Steps for Complete Comprehension • Skim once as rapidly as possible to determine the main idea before you look at the questions. Don’t worry about words you don’t know at this stage. • Underline the words that you do not understand to facilitate a complete understanding of the passage. This will enable you to solve the vocabulary questions quicker. • Look through questions carefully. You are advised to keep to the order in which the questions appear in the test paper. Read intensively the portion relevant to the answers. • Concentrate on the vocabulary items and puzzle out the meaning of any words you don’t know from the context. • Most passages require at least two readings. • Before writing the answer, check the questions again to be sure you’ve really understood them. • You must write complete sentences as answers. 176 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

• Answers must be relevant and to the point. If the question is for one mark given one point. If it is for two marks give at least two points unless specified differently in the paper. Steps to Follow in Skimming for the Main Ideas: Read the title of the passage / poem carefully. Determine what clues it gives you as to what the passage / poem is about. Watch for key words like ’causes,” results,” effects, ‘etc. Do not overlook signal words such as those suggesting controversy (e.g., ‘versus,” pros and cons’), which indicate that the author is planning to present but sides of an argument. Concentrate on the main ideas and ignore the details. Unseen Passage | How to Approach Comprehension Questions 1. The ‘why’ question In the ‘why’ question you are required to give reasons, provide explanations and give evidence for an answer. It is essential therefore, to look out for word that show cause, effect and purpose in order to arrive at the answer. These words are: (I) Cause word; Because words signal the cause or reason for an event or an action. These include: Because due to as since owing to on account of In that Resulting from for that reason on the grounds that (ii) Effect words; effect words signal the result of an event or an action. These include: Consequently, so as a result resulting in therefore With the effect of Consequently so as a result resulting in there fore With the effect of (iii) Purpose words; purpose words indicate the reason for an event or an action. These include: For so that so as to in order that for the purpose of In order to 177 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

For so that so as to in order that for the purpose of In Order to 2. The inference question In the inference question you are required to make a deduction or draw a conclusion based on the information given in the passage. Since these are not straightforward questions, it is essential therefore, to read between the lines for clues or hidden meanings. This can be done by understanding certain key words and phrases. At times, you can draw an inference only after reading the entire poem / passage. 3. The rephrasing question: At times you are required to explain a word/phrase in your own words or substitute a word/phrase in the passage without altering its meaning. To do so it is essential to understand the word/phrase in its context. So, it is essential to read carefully what comes before and after it/ 4. Vocabulary: When you react passage or a poem, you will come across words that are unfamiliar. However, you don’t need to look up the meaning of every new word or expression that you come across. When you have finished reading the passage, try to understand the overall meaning of the passage. Try to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words/ expressions from the context. For this you need to look for clues in the text itself. 9.3 NOTICE WRITING NOTICE WRITING A notice is a formal means of communication. The purpose of a notice is to announce or display information to a specific group of people. Notices are generally meant to be pinned up on specific display boards whether in schools or in public places. Notices issued by the government appear in newspapers. A Notice gives the reader some information regarding an important event that is about to happen or that has happened. It is usually displayed publicly. It is a formal piece of writing and involves a specific style. A notice is a written or printed information that can be in the form of an official statement of public importance or a warning in advance. Since a notice is primarily meant to inform a large number of people, it must be clear and brief. It is a very important form of written communication used by individuals and organisations to convey information about functions, events and occasions. 178 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

The main purposes of writing a notice are to provide information regarding an important event that is about to happen or has happened. publicly display information either in the newspapers or on specific display boards for others to know and follow. announce births or deaths. announce occasions like inaugurations or sales. make appeals or extend invitations. Types of Notice Different types of notice are as given below Notice for meeting Notice for events like competition/celebration/annual sports event/cultural festival/winter carnival etc Notice for lost or found Notice for tours/fairs/exhibitions/campaigns/seminars/workshops/debates/group talk etc Notice for appeal/warning/guideline/message in public interest Notice for change of name/residence/company/bank account/timings etc Points to Be Kept in Mind Write the name of the organisation/institution/office issuing the notice. The word ‘NOTICE’ is always written under the name of the organisation/institution/office. Date of issuing notice is written on the left-hand side. Heading/subject should be eye-catching, brief and precise. The content must include complete information. It must include the 7 W’s of writing (who, what, where, why, when, in what way and for whom). The purpose of the notice should be very clear. The name and designation of the issuing authority should be mentioned. The language used must be lucid and must be written in the third person i.e., pronouns like I, you, me, mine, your, our etc should not be used. Choice of tense will depend on the nature of the notice e.g., in a notice announcing an event, future time reference will be used more than any other tense forms. The notice should be presented within a box. 179 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Notice Writing Format You are Avinash, Cultural Secretary of Queen Mary Convent, Lucknow. You want suitable students to represent your school in the Inter-School English Debate to be held shortly. Providing the necessary details, write a notice inviting participation. Types of Notice 180 TYPE 1 Notice for Meeting Details/Value Points The points given below are required while writing a notice for a meeting, Who has called the meeting? Agenda/purpose of the meeting Date/time/venue of the meeting Who is to attend the meeting? Number of persons/departments included Specific instructions for the persons called for the meeting Signatory with name and designation CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

In case of further details, contact person with designation 181 TYPE 2 Notice for Events (Competition/Celebration/’ Annual Sports Event/Cultural Festival) Details/Value Points The points given below are required while writing a notice for events. Who is organising the event? Objective/purpose/occasion Date/time/duration/ venue of the event Who can participate/essential qualifications/eligibility conditions? Last date for registering names/depositing the amount etc Specific instructions (if any) Contact person with designation TYPE 3 Notice for Lost or Found Details/Value Points The points given below are required while writing a notice for lost or found. Name of the object lost or found Date, time, day when you lost or found it Place where you lost or found it Brief description/identification marks (colour, size, make, contents, model etc) Whom to contact, when and where A suitable gift/reward for the person who returns that article/ object Contact person and designation/class/address/phone number TYPE 4 Notice for CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

(Tours/Fairs/Exhibitions/Campaigns/ Seminars/Workshops/Debates/Group Talk) Details/Value Points The points given below are required while writing a notice for tours, fairs, exhibitions, campaigns, seminars, workshops, debates, group talk etc. Name and nature of the event Objective/purpose/occasion Subject of the programme/seminar/debate/workshop etc Who can participate/attend? Expenditure/entry fee etc Specific instructions TYPE 5 Notice for Appeal/Warning/Guidelines/Message in Public Intrest Details/Value Points The points given below are required while writing a notice for appeal, warning, guideline or message in the public interest. Whom to appeal/warn 182 Target audience Objective/purpose Name of the person issuing the notice Date/time/place/venue (where applicable) Wording of appeal/slogan Consequences Punitive action – fine etc (if required) Specific/important instructions Contact person and designation CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

TYPE 6 Notice for Change of Name (Residence/Company/ Bank Account/Timings) Details/Value Points The points given below are required while writing a notice for change of name, residence, company, bank account or timings. Drawing attention Who are being informed about the change? Existing/current and new (changed to) Reason for change Contact details 9.4 NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT Newspaper advertising is often a double-edged sword. It can provide you with exposure and leads, but your response rate will probably be less than overwhelming in comparison to other advertising mediums, such as an Internet or broadcast advertising. Advertising in regional and national newspapers can be expensive. Advertising in local or community newspapers is less so and may provide a more focused advertising approach. If your business trade is localized, it certainly makes more sense to focus on the community or local papers that your customers are more likely to read. Running ads in major metropolitan newspapers can be effective if your product or service offering is strong enough or unique enough to pull in customers from throughout the readership or circulation area. A Few Basic Pointers on Writing Newspaper Ad Headline Get readers’ attention with a headline or an eye-catching phrase. Keep it short and simple, and avoid the use of controversial phrases or slang. Copy Length 183 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Use a copy length that supports your message. Long copy looks informative and is good for technical or business products. Short copy leaves room for graphics. This combination is appropriate for an image ad selling fashion, home decor, and other lifestyle products. Comparison Use comparative advertising phrases such as “You’ve tried the others. Now try us!” only if your product or service has an obvious advantage over the offerings of your competitors. Benefits The body of the ad should list benefits or reasons why the customers should buy your product or service now. Emphasize the customer by using the word “you” instead of the word “we.” Use bulleted text to highlight key points. Closing The closing copy should make the sale possible by including any contact, telephone, website, address, or other ordering information necessary for the consumer to act on his or her purchasing decision. 9.5 SUMMARY Do’s & Don’ts of solving unseen passage ● Do not use outside knowledge in selecting or formulating your answer. ● Always answer only from what is in the passage. ● Any answer that cannot be supported with ● information written or implied in the passage ● should be eliminated. 9.6 KEYWORDS ● Factual Passage: A factual passage contains 300 to 350 words. It is a detailed description in which some information is added along with a detailed description of physical attributes ● Discursive Passage: A discursive passage contains a text which is either argumentative or interpretative or persuasive in nature. 9.7 LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. You are Naseem Sharif, SHO of Karampur Police station. An abandoned laptop has been found in the locality which nobody is claiming. Draft a notice to be put up at prominent places within the locality giving its details, asking the owner to visit the Police Station to claim it. 184 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

__________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 9.8 UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Questions Short Questions 1. Explain with an example how to write a notice? 2. What is a format of notice writing? Long Questions 1. Read the passage and answer the questions below: What is it to be a gentleman? Is it to have lofty aims; to lead a pure life; to keep your honour virgin; to have the esteem of your fellow citizens; and the love of your friends, to bear good fortune meekly, to suffer evil with constancy and through evil or good to maintain truth always? Show me the happy man, whose life exhibits these qualities, and him we will salute as gentleman whatever his rank may be. Show me the prince, who possesses them, and he may be sure of our love and loyalty. Answer the following questions: 1. Give a suitable title to the passage. 2. What is the theme of the passage? 3. What qualities are expected of a gentleman? 4. Do we find such kind of gentleman often? 5. What does the writer wish to do, if he finds such a person? 6. What is meant by ‘lofty aims? 7. Which word in the paragraph means the same as ‘display’? 8. Write the summary of the passage in your own words. 9. Do you agree with the writer’s views? If Yes, why? If no, why? 2. Write a notice for a meeting of security employees with the Director of their agency to discuss security hazards and arrive at a specific resolution. Give the agenda of the meeting in the notice. B. Multiple Choice Questions 185 Read the following passage to answer the given questions based on it. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

One day Nandu rode his horse to the village fair. On his way back he met Somendra, the merchant. The merchant was a crafty man, ready to do anything to earn some money. The villages knew this. In fact, no one knew what trick he would be up to next. Now, Nandu was poor and had no one in the world to call his own except a beautiful, white horse. He loved it more than anything else in the world. The merchant had his eye on the horse for a long time and tried to think of a way to get it for himself. Seeing Nandu, the merchant thought, Nandu is a simpleton. Let me see if I can trick him out of his horse. So, he said to Nandu, you live all alone. How do you manage? What does a young boy like you need with a horse? Sell it to me and I shall make you rich in return. Nandu replied, \"No I don’t want to sell my horse.\" But the merchant refused to give up so easily. He offered Nandu more money. Finally, when the offer reached five hundred gold coins, Nandu paused and spoke. Five hundred gold coins seems like a good price. But I have a condition. If you agree to it, I shall give you, my horse. \"What is it?\", the merchant asked impatiently. \"Give me the money right now and I shall give you my horse when I have given you ten lashes.\" After all he would resell the horse for over a thousand gold coins in the market. He would take twenty lashes for such a gain. He agreed instantly. He ran home and got the money for Nandu and brought along his whip as well. Nandu counted the money carefully. He then took the whip and the lashes fell on the merchant’s back in quick succession. By the eighth lash the merchant was almost in tears but he told himself that there were only two lashes to go and the horse would be his. The merchant held his breath waiting for the final lashes. But Nandu had mounted his horse and was riding off. \"Wait!\", shouted the merchant in anger. \"What about the last lashes? Where are you going with the horse? We had a deal. Nandu stopped and said, \"I agree to give you the horse only after I had given you ten lashes. But it is upsetting my horse. I’ll give you the last lashes later. Till then goodbye!\" \"Come back you cheat!”, the merchant shouted. But the crowd that had gathered around agreed with Nandu. A deal was a deal. Till the last lash was given, the horse could not belong to the merchant. Nandu rode away richer by five hundred gold coins and Somendra waited in vain for several days for the final lash which never came. 1. Cook settled in the continent of Australia because: a. he had under taken the task of criminal reforms b. he was upset with the apathy of the British Government c. the British Government had not taken his suggestion seriously d. None 2. James Cook found that: a. the coastal areas of Australia were already overcrowded by the British b. the coastal areas of Australia were suitable for the British to live c. criminals and murderers were occupying the coastal areas of Australia d. the coastal areas of Australia were unsuitable for others to settle 186 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

3. Which of the following discoveries had Cook accomplished successfully? 1. River Lawrence of Canada 2. Way to Venus 3. Australia and its Southern parts a. Both 1 and 2 b. Both 2 and 3 c. Both 1 and 3 d. All the three Answers 1-d; 2-b; 3-c; 9.9 REFERENCES Reference’s book • Murphy, R., English Grammar in Use -Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English, Cambridge University Press (2013), UK. • Hewing, Martin, Advanced Grammar in Use, Cambridge University Press, 3rd Edition (2013), UK. • Wren and Martin Web Sources: • https://www.smart-words.org/list-of-synonyms/ • https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/basic-grammar • https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/ • https://journals.openedition.org/lexis/478 187 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

UNIT – 10: GRAMMAR: SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT, SENTENCE COMPLETION Structure 10.0 Learning Objectives 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Subject verb agreement 10.3 Sentence Completion 10.4 Summary 10.5 Keywords 10.6 Learning Activity 10.7 Unit End Questions 10.8 References 10.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this unit, you should be able to: ● A brief study of Suryakant Tripathi’s life as a poet ● Introduce the poetry of Suryakant Tripathi ‘NIRALA’ ● Introduction to ‘REMEMBERING SAROJ’ 10.1 INTRODUCTION Subjects must agree with verbs and pronouns must agree with antecedents. Otherwise, your sentences will sound awkward and jarring, like yellow teeth with a red tie. The basic rule of sentence agreement is really quite simple: A subject must agree with its verb in number. Sentence completion tests require an individual to provide the final word to a series of sentences. Sentence completion tests used in research, however, often require individuals to suppress their initial response while providing either a given response or a nonsense response as a measure of inhibition. 10.2 SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT As the name says itself, the verb used in the sentence should be in accordance with the subject. Both should be either plural or singular at the same time. E.g., The girl was reading. (Singular) 188 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

The girls were reading. (Plural) A verb must agree with its Number and Person. In other words, the Verb of a sentence agrees with the Number and Person of the Subject of that sentence. Error of Proximity Often, the ‘Verb’ is made to agree in number with a norm near it instead of its proper Subject. It is an error. This common error is called the ‘Error of Proximity’. It should be avoided. The verb must agree with its proper Subject. The price of the apples was very high. (✓) The price of the apples were very high. (✗) Sentence no. 2 is wrong because in it the verb ‘were’ is wrongly agreed with the noun ‘apples’ near it. It is an Error of Proximity. 1. Number The basic principle of Subject-Verb agreement is that singular subjects need singular verbs. Plural subjects need plural verbs: 2. Person: The rules regarding the person are as follows: (i) The first person singular or plural takes a singular verb: I like this scenery. We like this scenery. (ii) The second person singular or plural takes a singular verb: You like this scenery. (iii) The third-person singular takes a singular verb: He likes this scenery. (v) The third person plural takes a plural verb: They like this scenery. 189 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

More Resources for CBSE Class 10 3. Uncountable Noun: When we use an uncountable noun as the subject of a verb, we use a singular form of the verb: Honesty is the best policy. Fear begins to haunt him. 4. Singular and Plural Nouns: When we use a singular noun as the subject of a verb, we use a singular verb. Plural nouns take a plural verb: The moon was shining in the sky. The sun is about to set. The children were swimming. The farmers were ploughing. 5. One of + Plural Noun: When the subject consists of ‘one of + plural noun’, the verb is singular: One of the girls was singing. One of the students was talking. One of the birds was chirping. 6. Long Subject: When a clause or a long group of words is the subject, we have to be careful to make the verb agree with the subject: The chairs which I bought yesterday are very costly. The woman whom I met in the market was my friend’s sister. 7. Introductory ‘there’: The verb has to agree with the real subject that follows the introductory there. If the subject is singular, then there will be followed by a singular verb. If the real subject is plural, then ‘there’ will be followed by a plural verb: There is no chair in the room. There are no chairs in the room. There are fifty boys in the class. There is one girl in the class. 190 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

You can master in English Grammar of various classes by our articles like Tenses, Clauses, Prepositions, Story writing, Unseen Passage, Notice Writing etc. 8. Two or More Nouns: When two or more nouns function as the subject, a plural verb is used: Satish and his sister have gone to see a movie. My friend and his father are meeting us tomorrow. 9. Distances, Weight, etc: For distances, weight, height or amounts of money, we use a singular verb even when the subject is plural: Ten thousand rupees is not a small sum. Three kilometers is a small distance. Five hundred feet above sea level is not a great height. 10. Plural Names: The title of a book, the name of a house or a hotel in plural takes a singular verb: “The Arabian Nights” has interesting stories. “The Hotel Brewers” is a five-star hotel. 11. Plural Nouns with Singular Meaning: Nouns which are plural in form but singular in meaning usually take a singular verb: Mathematics is not an easy subject. Economics is a dull subject. Measles is an infectious disease. The latest news is that the criminal has been arrested. 12. Singular Nouns with Plural Verb: Some nouns which appear to be singular in form take a plural verb: The police have arrested three terrorists. 191 The Indian cricket team won the match. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

13. Collective nouns like group, crowd, flock, regiment, etc. are generally followed by a singular verb: A group of boys was playing in the ground. A crowd of people rashes into the hall. A regiment of soldiers was marching towards the town. 14. ‘Class’ nouns such as food, furniture, clothing, etc. take a singular verb: This furniture is very old. This imported cutlery is very costly. His clothing consists of a bullet-proof jacket, a blue pair of trousers and some other items. 15. Some nouns which appear to be plural in form when preceded by a pair of take a singular verb, for example, shoes, scissors, trousers, etc. A pair of scissors was taken out of the drawer. A pair of trousers was washed by the servant. A pair of shoes was bought by him. But when these nouns are used without ‘a pair of’, they take a plural verb: His shoes have worn out. My scissors do not cut well. 16. Some nouns are preceded by a lot of, a plenty of, a great deal of, etc. These nouns take a singular verb when they refer to amount or quantity. But they take a plural verb when they refer to number: A lot of people visit the exhibition. A plenty of water was supplied to the villagers. 17. When a singular subject is joined by as well as, in addition to, except, etc. with another noun or pronoun, we use a singular verb. Sohan as well as his brother has come. My father in addition to our neighbour has gone out for a walk. Everyone except Satish was present. 18. A singular verb is used with singular pronouns, e.g., each, either, neither, anyone, etc. Each of the boys was given a prize. Neither of the students was absent. 192 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Everybody has helped her. 19. When two or more subjects are connected by nor or or, the verb is used according to the number of the noun nearest to it: Neither she nor her sisters visit the temple. Either they or he is telling a lie. 20. A collective noun such as jury, committee, family, etc. takes a singular verb when it is considered one unit. But when they are regarded as individuals, they take a plural verb: The jury is about to give its decision. The jury are divided in their opinion. The committee is meeting tomorrow. The committee have decided to raise the membership fee. Our family has decided to visit Shimla this summer. The family now lives in London. 21. When some nouns are regarded as one unit, they take a singular verb: Bread and butter are wholesome food. Brick and stone are lying scattered all over the place. Time and tide wait for none. The novelist and poet are dead. Exercise (Solved) Read the following sentences and write their corrected forms in the space provided. Question 1. The show is at six Answer: The show is at six. Question 2. Bryan loves the painting Answer: 193 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Bryan loves the painting. Question 3. Either of the boys are coming today Answer: Either of the boys is coming today. Question 4. The family have a long history Answer: The family has a long history. The families have a long history. Question 5. Some of the files seem to be missing Answer: Some of the files seem to be missing. Exercise (Unsolved) 10.3 SENTENCE COMPLETION Types: There are possibly four types of sentence completions: Restatement: Containing words such as namely, in other words, in fact, that is, etc. Example: The pickpocket was a trickster, in other words, a ______. Here answer will be knave or scoundrel, which restates “trickster,” Comparison: Containing the words such as likewise, similarly, and, just as, as like as, etc. Example: Jack was cleared of all charges; similarly, Jill was ______. Here we have to compare ‘cleared of all charges’ with the suitable word, and hence vindicated is the answer. 194 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Contrast: Containing the words such as though, although, however, despite, but, yet, on the other hand, but, however, despite, or, on the contrary, etc. Example: Although the tiger is a solitary beast, its cousin the lion is a ______ wild animal. Here answer should be in contrast with “solitary”. Therefore, gregarious or sociable are possible answers. Cause and effect: Containing words such as this, therefore, consequently, because of, etc. Also contains phrases such as due to, as a result, leads to, etc. Example: A truck stole her parking spot; consequently, Rocky’s ______ look showed her displeasure. Here answer should be to find the cause for someone to steal. Therefore, answer may be scowling or sullen. Suitable Approaches for Sentence Completion: A good vocabulary can be a great help for such sentence completion. Although we can use many approaches for such type of questions, even without knowing all the choices. Some of them are as follows. Read the Sentence: Use the sentence clues by reading thoroughly. The question may be difficult due to difficult words and the structure of the sentence. One has to dissect the sentence to figure out what fits best, otherwise one cannot crack the question though knowing the word meanings. Hints: The hints given may indicate what should go into the blank for the meaningful sentence. Here’s a test to locate the right hint. If we change the hint, then the choice in the blank must change. We can check the hint by putting that word or phrase into the blank itself. Pluses and Minuses: Once we find the word clues, indicate the kind of word we are now looking for with positive meaning or negative meaning. Also, to indicate synonyms or antonyms, we can use these symbols. Structure Words: See and try for words like but, rather, although, however, and, while, but, therefore, etc. 195 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

These may reveal the sentence organization and the relationship between hint and blank. They tell about kinds of words to look for as they change the thought process in the sentence. Visualize: Before going for the choices, think of the possible words for the blanks. It will save us from wrong choices. If we know roughly the type of words required, the process of elimination becomes much easier. The word we see doesn’t have to be fancy and a general idea is fine. Elimination: Ruling out the wrong choices is now easy. But remember that words have to fit in the given order for the correct answer. If one word is a perfect choice without making sense, then the answer is incorrect. Don’t rule out choices if don’t know their meanings. If doubts are there, leave it and return to other choices. Working Backwards: The two-blank questions can be easier as we have more opportunities to eliminate wrong choices. If we can eliminate a choice based on one word, we don’t need to know the other word. Often, working I backtracking way works better. 10.4 SUMMARY • Subject verb agreement refers to the fact that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. • In other words, they both must be singular or they both must be plural. You can’t have a singular subject with a plural verb or vice versa. • The tricky part is in knowing the singular and plural forms of subjects and verbs. • Sentence completion tests require an individual to provide the final word to a series of sentences. • Sentence completion tests used in research, however, often require individuals to suppress their initial response while providing either a given response or a nonsense response as a measure of inhibition. 10.5 KEYWORDS ● Error of Proximity: common error ● Uncountable Noun: That cannot be counted ● Restatement: Containing words such as namely, in other words, in fact, that is, etc 196 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

10.6 LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. Study the rules of subject verb agreement ad practice more questions. __________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 10.7 UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Questions Short Questions Choose the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets in the following sentences: a. The jury…………………. divided in their opinions, (was, were) a. There……………………… many exceptions to this rule, (is, are) b. Bread and butter…………………. my favourite breakfast, (is, are) c. Neither Ramesh nor his friends…………………… hurt, (was, were) d. 5.Slow and steady………………. the race, (win, wins) b. No news…………… good news, (is, are) c. There………………… sixty students in our class, (is, are) d. Mathematics……………. my favourite subject, (is, are) e. The poet and singer…………. dead, (is, are) f. 10. He as well as his classmates working, (is, are) Long Questions 1. What are the main rules of subject verb agreement? 2. Choose the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets in the following sentences: Each of these producers……………………… his own advantage, (has, have) Ten miles……………………… long distance, (is, are) Many a student …………………. hard to pass his entrance exam, (try, tries) The furniture in his house…………………. impressive, (look, looks) Few students………………. present in the class today, (is, are) Ritesh, my best friend…………………… leaving for Japan next week, (is, are) Most of my friends………………… government employees, (is, are) 197 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

The level of intoxication…………………. from subject to subject, (vary, varies) Either boys or girls……………. telling lies, (is, are) A number of people………………………. reported to be missing in the train accident at Jhansi. (was, were) 3. There is an error in each of the following lines. Underline the error and write the correct word in the space provided against each line. Animal cruelty can take many different forms. 1. ……………………………. It does include obvious and intentional acts of violence, 2. ……………………………. but it also includes animals neglect or the failure to 3. …………………………….. looks after its welfare. In fact, this also 4. …………………………….. include any form of psychological harm. There 5. …………………………….. is so many ways of being cruel that Animal Welfare Acts 6? …………………………….. may include act such as confining or transporting an animal 7. in a way that are inappropriate for its welfare. 8. ……………………………. 4. Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verb given in brackets. Besides encountering the strange aborigines, the first English settlers ………………………. (find) themselves in the presence of new and wide variations of climate. In their old home, they ………………………. (accustom) to a moderate temperature. Now they ………………………. (have) before them a great range of climate from the cold coasts of Maine to the hot savannahs of Georgia, with all the gradations from the far North to the deep South. To the exigencies of these variations, all the immigrants, from the British Isles as well as the Continent, ………………………. (have) to adapt themselves. Wherever the colonists set to work, they ………………………. (brave) hostile weather conditions. B. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Suresh’s skin was ______ to burn if he spent too much time in the sun. a. Prone b. Eminent c. Erect d. Daunted 198 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

2. The Security officer ______ the crowd to step back from the fire to avoid any mishappening. a. Undulated b. Enjoined c. Stagnated d. Delineated 3. The teacher ____________ completed this chapter. a. have b. has c. is d. are 4. Ram and Shyam __________ business partners. a. have b. has c. are d. had 5. She ___________ her office by 9 a.m. daily. a. reach b. reaches c. reached d. reaching 6. Rahul and his friends ___________ also invited to the party. a. is b. was c. had 199 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

d. were Answers 1-b; 2-c; 3-b; 4-d; 5-a; 6-b 10.8 REFERENCES Reference’s book • Murphy, R., English Grammar in Use -Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English, Cambridge University Press (2013), UK. • Hewing, Martin, Advanced Grammar in Use, Cambridge University Press, 3rd Edition (2013), UK. Web Sources: • https://www.smart-words.org/list-of-synonyms/ • https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/basic-grammar • https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/ • https://journals.openedition.org/lexis/478 200 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)