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9th Class - English (TS)

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9th Class - English (TS)
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TS 9th Class English Guide Unit 1A The Snake and the Mirror

Look at the picture and answer the Questions that follow.
Question 1.
What would have prompted the monkey to look at its own reflection in the mirror?

Answer: It might have seen any human looking into the mirror and admiring his/her own beauty, (or) It might have seen its own reflection in a clear stream

Question 2.
What could be the monkey thinking at this point?

Answer: The monkey could be thinking that it had missed the admiration of its own beauty till then

ORAL DISCOURSE:
Question.
Speech - "Role of humour in our life." ?

Answer: Good morning to respected Principal, teachers and dear students. I, Gautam, IX A stand here to speak on the role of humour in our life. Laughter is the best medicine is a saying which is popular with almost all of us. Most of us would always come across people who are fond of jokes. It can be claimed that leaving aside the few odd individuals, all of us do like humour and would prefer humorous friends, and even humorous life-partners. In everyday life, the individual human being suffers from a lot of stress and tensions. The school-going children are increasingly being burdened with exams and competition, the college- goers are to look for jobs, thebread-earner has to be concerned about his family and the housewife has to care for all the domestic issues in the house. Everyone is caught up in this vicious circle of life. There, at times, seems to be no way out of all these. Even though we may try to bring about a sense of real-life humour, circumstances do not permit it

Most of us may be aware of the fact that in India film industry is a dream industry. The reason as to why most people would go to the cinemas is when a comedy film is being screened. Most Indian movie channels would and do go to great lengths to show comedy movies over and over again. The target audiences never seem to get tired with comedy

Even the scenario with the TV fraternity is not so different. The TV channels mainly focus on comedy serials, even in the face of increasing shift of the audiences towards reality shows.

Comedy has the power of changing human moods. It can take a person out of depression and make him/her feel better. This is the factor on which the film and television fraternity bases its existence. Even if it is for a moment, the viewer completely finds himself in a world which is tension-free. Therefore it is not surprising to see that many doctors would suggest patients with the laughter therapy even though it is an informal way or treatment. Laughter, if properly utilized, can break the ice in conflicts both domestic and abroad. Thus, it can be safely confirmed that laughter is indeed the best medicine. Thank you

Comprehension:

I. Answer the following

Questions

Question 1.
The doctor heard a sound coming from above three times. What was it?

Answer: The doctor heard a sound coming from above three times. The sound was the hissing of a snake moving under the roof. But the doctor thought it was the movement of rate

Question 2.
Why did the doctor sit like a stone?

Answer: The doctor sat like a stone image holding his breath without a slight movement because the snakes head with the spread hood was hardly three or four inches from his face. He feared greatly that, if he moved, the snake would bite him

Question 3.
What made the doctor forget his fears and have a sense of relief?

Answer: The doctor sat like a stone in fear of the snakes bite. But unknowingly he thought of the. medicine he had to take if he was bitten by the snake. Then he realised that there were no medicines in the room to relieve him from the danger of the snakes bite. When he realised the thing he felt that he was poor, foolish and stupid. Those thoughts made the doctor forget his fears and have a sense of relief

Question 4.
Did the snake admire its beauty? Yes or no? Pick the lines from the passage in support of your answer?

Answer: Yes, the snake admired its beauty looking into the mirror. The following lines support that the snake admired its beauty looking into the mirror

  1. The snake unwound itself from my arm and slowly slithered into my lap
  2. From there it crept onto the table and moved towards the mirror
  3. Perhaps it wanted to enjoy its reflection at closer quarters
    4. When we logically think we can say that the snake would have more surprised at its own reflection rather than admired its own beauty
Question 5.
Why did the doctor want to marry a woman doctor? What kind of woman doctor would he like to marry?

Answer: He wanted to marry a woman doctor who had plenty of money and a good medical practice because he hoped that he would get out of his financial troubles by marrying such a woman doctor. He also hoped that the woman doctor had to be fat because he wanted that she should not be able to run after him and catch him if he made some silly mistake and needed to run away

Question 6.
In those days, I was a great admirer of beauty. Do you think looks are more important than skills and behavior? Why?

Answer: I dont think so. Ones looks are temporary whereas ones skills and behaviour bring him/her fame and make him/her great. Ones success depends upon ones skills and behaviour. Ones beauty doesnt make him/her successful

Question 7.
What did the doctor think about the snake when it looked into the mirror?

Answer: When the snake began looking at its reflection, the doctor thought whether the snake was admiring its own beauty and was trying to make an important decision about growing a moustache or using eye shadow and mascara or wearing a vermilion spot on its forehead. He also thought whether it was male or female. He finally thought that the snake wanted to enjoy its reflection. All the thoughts of the doctor were humorous and imaginary

Question 8.
Why did the doctor run to his friends house? Did the snake want to harm the doctor? Why or why not?

Answer: The doctor ran to his friends house because of his fear. Moreover he needed a bath, clothes, shelter and consolation. The snake did not want to harm the doctor because its attention was diverted towards its reflection when it looked into the mirror. It did not even follow the doctor when he ran out of the room

QuestionII.
Here is a list of sentences from the story. Tick (?) the sentences that tell you that the doctor was afraid of the snake?

Answer:

Sentence Boxes for Tickin
1. I dont tremble. I dont cry out ?
2. I sat there holding my breath ?
3. I forgot my danger and smiled feebly at myself. ?
4. Holding my breath I got up from the chair. ?
5. I leapt into the yard and ran for all I was worth ?
6. I dont claim that it was the first snake that had ever looked into a mirror. ?
Vocabulary:

I. Tick (?) the correct meaning of the words underlined below

Question 1.
The house was not electrified?
  1. There was no electricity in the house
  2. The house was not away from the electricity board
  3. The house was not lit up

Answer:

  1. There was no electricity in the house
Question 2.
The earnings were meagre?
  1. very high
  2. very small
  3. nil

Answer:

  1. very small
Question 3.
I also possessed one solitary black coat?
  1. single
  2. unique
  3. expensive

Answer:

  1. single
Question 4.
I made another earth-sfrakinc; decision?
  1. valuable
  2. dangerous
  3. important

Answer:

  1. important
Question 5.
The room was surrounded bu darkness?
  1. full of
  2. covered
  3. encircled

Answer:

  1. encircled
Question 6.
Some thief had removed most of my things?
  1. damaged
  2. destroyed
  3. stolen

Answer:

  1. stolen
QuestionII.
Read the following sentence from the text and notice the underlined word Suddenly there came a dull thud as if a mbber tube had fallen to the ground. Thud means to fall with a low dull sound. Here is a list of words related to sounds. Say what these words mean. Refer to a dictionary?

Answer:

word Meaning
bang a sudden loud noise
clang a Loud ringing sound
buzz a continuous low sound
ring a sound that a bell makes / a loud clear sound
QuestionIII.
Use the linkers given in the box to complete the story. A linker may be used more than once?

Answer:

    A young doctor lived in a village. The doctor told his friends an interesting story about himself and a cobr

    Answer: It was a hot summer night. when

  1.  he opened the door, he heard a sound which
  2.  was well known to him. He and rats shared the same room. There was no electricity in the house, so
  3.  he took out a box % of matches and lit a kerosene lamp. He took off his clothes and lay down but
  4.  he could not sleep. He got up from the bed and started reading a story-book. Near the table there was a mirror, which
  5.  tempted him to look into at himself. He was unmarried so
  6.  he was particular about his handsomeness. He wanted to marry a woman doctor who
  7.  had plenty of money and should be fat. while
  8.  he was having such thoughts, suddenly he felt as if
  9. a mbber tube had fallen to the ground when
  10.  a snake landed on his shoulder. At that time the only thing he could do was to pray to God. The snake would bite him at any moment but
  11. suddenly it turned its head and started admiring its beauty in the mirror. The doctor was thus saved
Grammar:
QuestionI.
Read the following sentences from the story. We found we had little to carry. Some thief had removed most of my things. In the above two sentences, the first one is in the simple past (found, had) and the second is in the past perfect tense (had removed). As you can see, the action which occurred earlier, is expressed in the past perfect tense, whereas the action which occurred later, is expressed in the simple past tense?

Answer:Here are a few more examples.

  1. Sujatha had arrived at the station before the train came
  2. The doctor arrived after the patient had died
  3. I bought the ticket as soon as I boarded the bus

When two actions occur nearly simultaneously in the past, both are expressed in the simple past tense. Now combine the following patrs of sentences using the past perfect and the simple past. fuse after, before or when as linkers) The first one has been done for you

Question 1.
I brushed my teeth. I took my breakfast?

Answer: After I had brushed my teeth, I took my breakfast. (Or) I had brushed my teeth before I took my breakfast

Question 2.
She started to go to market. It rained heavily?

Answer: After she had started to go to market, it rained heavily. (Or) She had started to go to market before it rained heavily

Question 3.
He completed his homework. He went to bed?

Answer: After he had completed his homework, he went to bed. (Or) He had completed his homework before he went to bed

Question 4.
I finished my dinner. Then my father came?

Answer: After I had finished my dinner, my father came. (Or) I had finished my dinner before my father came

Question 5.
I fell seriously ill. I met my family doctor?

Answer: After I had fallen seriously ill, I met my family doctor. (Or) I had fallen seriously ill before I met my family doctor

Question 6.
I locked the door. I went out to meet my friend at a restaurant?

Answer: After I had locked the door, I went out to meet my friend at a restaurant. (Or) I had locked the door before I went out to meet my friend at a restaurant

II. Phrasal Verbs:

Look at the following phrasal verbs and their meanings

  1. take out - to remove something from inside
  2. set up - to arrange for something to happen / to start
  3. take off - to remove
  4. lie down - to take rest
  5. take time off - to take some time for something
  6. look into - to observe keenly
  7. ook at - to have a look at something
  8. get up - to wake up
  9. change into - to turn into
  10. leave behind - to leave something as a token of memory or gift

As you can see, a phrasal verb is a unit of a verb and one or more particles / a preposition. It cannot be understood on the basis of the meanings of the individual parts in isolation, but rather it must be taken as a whole

Use the above phrasal verbs in the blanks. Make necessary changes in the verb forms

    Venkata Rao was a rich man. He wanted to set up
  1.  some business in the town. So he took out
  2.  a lot of money from the bank. On an auspicious day he started his medical business, which prospered by leaps and bounds. He became so busy that he could not take time off
  3. for any rest. He used to get up
  4.  very early in the morning and go to his office. In the afternoon he would take off
  5.  his shirt and lie down
  6. on his couch in the office. After a nap he would put on his shirt. Then he would look into
  7.  the mirror and look at
  8.  himself admiringly. Anyhow he left behind
  9.  some fame in the town even when he went abroad. Everybody believed that he changed into
  10.  a new man
Writing:
QuestionI.
Write a descriptive essay on any unusual or humorous incident you may have witnessed or experienced?
Features :
  • Title
  • Introduction/Thesis statement
  • Providing main ideas/details
  • Providing supporting ideas/details
  • Sequencing of ideas
  • Giving appropriate conclusion

Answer: An Unusual Incident An unusual incident took place recently at the Lecture Hall in our school. It was on the occasion of 50th anniversary of our school and we had invited a guest speaker from a local educational trust to present a speech. It was 2.30 p.m. and the huge crowd of children was already waiting at the old Lecturing Hall. Outside, it was drizzling and this caused some uneasiness among the organisers as they have planned to have the reception out in the front lawn

The speaker arrived on stage at 2.45 p.m. The rain got heavier and it became very dark. A damp patch appeared on the ceiling directly above the speaker who was then engrossed in his speech. Tiny drops of water began to fall from the patch on the ceiling. The speaker pretended to ignore this but he could not do this for long as the sudden downpour outside caused water to really fall down from the ceiling

The speaker was drenched from head to toe. A few of the organizers rushed up onto the stage. There was confusion on the stage as people tried to persuade the speaker to come down. Before he could do so, the ceiling collapsed directly.above him. The unfortunate speaker was hurt very badly and was given first aid treatment on the spot. Panic in the hall continued as the speaker was taken away

While the commotion was continuing, a voice announced over the public address system that the meeting which was scheduled after the reception was to be cancelled

A Funny Incident

I still remember it was 19th of May in summer holidays. It was the day after my 13th birthday. That night, I went for a session of spoken English class which was started at 7.00p.m. and ended at 9.30 p.m. When the class was over, I rushed out from the institute and sat on my bag waiting for my car. I was so angry because my car had not arrived yet. I wanted to msh home to continue to play a computer game as Friday was the only day I can play computer games. After I waited for 5 minutes, eventually I saw my car turning into the road where I was and stopped in front of me. I opened the back door immediately and got into the car. Then, I closed the door of the car and then, the car started to move. On the way, I was taking a nap so that I can play longer later in the night. But after two minutes I felt the car turning here and there. I had the feeling of the car was not going. But I was too lazy to open my eyes

Ten minutes later, the car engine was off and I opened my eyes slowly. To my surprise, I was in an unknown place, a house which I never came before. I quickly raised my head to the front and wanted to have a look at the driver. I was so surprised that it was neither my parents nor siblings. The driver had a great shock too when he saw me. And only now, both of us realized that we were wrong. The father thought I were his son while I thought the driver was one of my family members

Fortunately the car was OK in five minutes. He brought me to my house in his car and went in hurry in search of his son. Everybody at home felt happy on seeing me returning safe

QuestionII.
Preparation of a Poster : Tell the names of some important events/happenings. If you want to puplicize the matter, what would you do ?

Now reflect on the following

Questions

  1. What are the elements of an effective poster? (colour, size, layout, font size, language etc.)
  2. Who issued the poster? (THE HYDERABAD LAUGHING CLUB, Nampally, Hyderabad)
  3. What is the purpose of the poster? (Awarding THE RAJABABU PRIZE for the best write-up on THE ROLE OF COMEDY IN HUMAN LIFE)
  4. What is the deadline? (July 27)
  5. What are the other details highlighted? (Write-up languages, Amount of the prize money, Contact Details)
  6. What should be highlighted in a poster? (Issuing Authority, Purpose, Deadline, Contact Information, Targeted Audience, Other Details)
  7. What are the target audience of the poster? (Print Media Journalists)

Now prepare a poster using the information given below by arranging it in a proper sequence

Highlights Infromation
Theme Humour
Occasion The Laughter Day
Category Stories, Songs, Poems, Essays, Articles and Cartoons
Award Best Comic Writer Award
Prize Amount ? 10,000
Contact No. 98XXXXXX49
Deadline 9th August
Issued by ABC Laughing Club, Dhannur, Adilabad Dist. 504 304
Target Audience Writers, Journalists, Poets, Essayists,Cartoonists and Lyricists

Answer:

Study Skills:

Here is a short narration. Read it carefully and make a list of important points, especially with regard to what are facts and what are superstitions. Suggest a suitable title for it. The young doctor married a rich fat foreign woman. He told her the episode of the snake and the mirror. She laughed heartily. He went on talking about cobras and some funny facts (associated) related to them. He said to her "Cobras are the most poisonous, active and dangerous snakes. But, surprisingly, most Hindus worship them. It is funny to know that some women drop eggs and pour milk into the anthills where cobras usually reside

It is funny to know that some people believe cobras dance to the tunes of charmers. In fact, they have no ears. It is equally humorous tobe aware of the fact that most cobra victims go to the charmers instead of the doctors. The charmers enchant some so-called mantras taking some rxeem leaves into their hands. The cobra victim dies and they say the victim came late to them. It is funnier to know that some farmers cremate cobras and perform funeral rites as if one of the members of their family has died." "Are there any other funny stories related to cobras?" The young wife enquired. "Yes". There are so many stories to tell but I will tell them tomorrow. The patients may be waiting for me at hospital." The doctor said and left for hospital in a hurry.

Answer: COBRAS : SOME BELIEFS AMONG HINDUS

  • An Indian doctor tells his foreign wife about cobras and some beliefs about them
  • Cobras are the most poisonous, active and dangerous snakes
  • Yet, most Hindu women worship cobras
  • Women offer eggs and milk to cobras
  • People believe cobras dance to the tunes of charmers. Cobras do not have ears
  • Cobra victims go to charmers, instead of to doctors
  • Some farmers cremate cobras and perform funerals
Listening:

Practise listening carefully. Then you will be able to speak, Your teacher will tell you the story, Master of the Game. Listen to it carefully and answer the following

Questions

Master of the Game An old man who lived in a small side street in the city of Mumbai had to put up with the nuisance of having boys play cricket outside his house, at night. One evening when the boys were particularly noisy, he went out to talk to them. He told them that he would enjoy boys playing his favourite game, cricket. He said he would give them ? 25 each week to play in the street at night. The boys were thrilled. They were being paid to do something they enjoyed!

At the end of the first week they knocked at the old mans house and asked to be paid. He did so. The second week when they asked for payment he said he had run out of money and sent them away with only ? 15. The third week the man said he had not yet received his pension and gave them only ? 10. The boys were very disappointed but there was not much they could do about it

The fourth week the man said he could not afford to pay them ? 25 as he had promised, but would give them ? 5 each week without fail. This was unbearable for the boys. "You expect us to play seven days a week for a measly ? 5!" they yelled. "Go to blazes." They stormed away and never played on the street again

Answer the following

Questions

Question 1.
What made the old man talk to the boys?

Answer: The old man lived in a small side street in the city of Mumbai. He had to put up with the nuisance of having boys play cricket outside his house at night. One evening the boys were particularly noisy. That made the old man talk to the boys

Question 2.
Why did the boys stop playing cricket in the night outside the old mans house?

Answer: The old man made the children feel they were playing for money by offering money to them. In the beginning he gave them ? 25 each week. Later in the fourth week he paid only ? 5 instead of ? 25. So the boys decided not to play in the street for just ? 5

The Snake and the Mirror Summary in English

The Snake and the Mirror is a frightening tale told in a humorous way. The story has been written by VM. Basheer, a well known Malayalam writer. The incident in the story is both humorous and frightening. It also has a surprise ending. It is about a doctors encounter with a snake in his room

An unmarried doctor (homeopath) with a very little income lived in a small rented room. The valuables in his room were some shirts, dhotis, a black coat, a vest, a box, a large mirror, a small comb, a kerosene lamp, a box of matches, a bed and sixty rupees of money in a suitcase. The room had no electricity but it had many rats on its beams making noise

On a hot summer night the doctor reached his room after finishing his meal. He heard a familiar noise from above as he opened the door. He lighted the kerosene lamp and took off his clothes and hung them. As he could not sleep, he sat down on the chair and started reading the book The Materia Medica at the table on which stood the lamp and the large mirror

He felt tempted and took a look into the mirror. He began to admire his handsomeness and adjusted the parting of his hair. He had many youthful thoughts and decided to grow a thin moustache and to have an attractive smile on his face. Meanwhile the doctor heard that sound two times from above.

He continued to have some more funny and silly thoughts like marrying a fat rich woman doctor. Suddenly there came a dull sound as if a rubber tube had fallen to the ground. When he turned to look what it was, a snake landed on his shoulder. The doctor became silent and did not make a move in fear. The snake coiled around his left arm. He sat in the chair like a stone image in panic mood holding his breath. Fortunately the snake turned its head. It looked into the mirror and saw its reflection. It slowly moved into his lap, crept onto the table and moved towards the mirror. The doctor became a normal man and got up from the chair. He quietly went out through the door and ran till he reached a friends house

The next morning he took his friend and one or two others to his room to move his things. But to his surprise all his valuables were stolen by a thief except his dirty vest. He felt it was an insult for him the thief leaving his vest treating it as a useless thing. Finally the doctor laughed saying that the snake was attracted by its own beauty and he had never seen it since

About the Author :

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (21 January 1908 - 5 July 1994) was a Malayalam fiction writer from the state of Kerala in India. He was a humanist, freedom fighter, novelist and a short story writer

He is noted for his down-to-earth style of writing that made him equally popular among literary critics as well as the common man. He is regarded as one of the most successful and outstanding writers from Indi

Answer: Translations of his works into other languages have won him worldwide acclaim. The story The Snake and the Mirror was translated into English. His notable works include Baalyakaalasakhi, Shabdangal, Mathilukal, andAnarga Nimisham. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1982. He is fondly remembered as the Beypore Sultan

Glossary: coil (v) : wind into circles full-blooded (adj) : strong homeopath (n) : a doctor who treats illness using homeopathic methods attentively (adv) : carefully and with interest familiar (adj) : well known, often heard shared (v) : use something at the same time medical practice (n.ph): the work or business of treating illness meagre (adj) : small in quantity solitary (adj) : single possessed (v) : had/owned took off (phr.v) : removed vest (n) : a garment worn under a shirt/a piece of underwear gable (n) : upper part of a wall below a sloping roof ceiling (n) : the top inside of surface of a room lay down (phr.v) : took rest got up (phr.u) : woke up taken time off (phr.v) : taken sometime for something took out (phr.v) : removed/took something from inside the Materia Medica (n) : a reference book used in medical practice tempted (v) : attracted look into (phr.v) : observe oneself keenly presence (n) : the fact of being parting (n) : a line on a persons head where the hair is divided with a comb bachelor (n) : an unmarried person earth-shaking (adj) : important and momentous pace (v) : to walk up and down many times valid (adj) : (here) logical or true thud (n) : (here) a dull sound made when a heavy object falls wriggled (v) : moved by twisting and turning landed (v) : came down by falling simultaneous (adj) : happening or done at the same time tremble (v) : shake in fear slithered (v) : moved/glided elbow (n) : the part in the middle of the arm, where it bends at closer quarters (phr. v) : from a short distance away hood (n) : an expanded part of a snakes head merely (adv) : simply I was turned to stone : The doctor sat like a stone without a movement surrounded by : encircled Creator (n) : God (here) leaden (adj) : heavy molten (adj) : heated to a very high temperature crushing (v) : pressing/squeezing drained (v) : made weaker slightest (adj) : smallest strike (v) : hit hard/bite lurk (v) : be about/lie in wait stupid (adj) : lack of thought feebly (adv) : very weakly appreciated (v) : (here) recognized/understood claim (v) : say that something is true mascara (n) : a substance put on eyelashes to make them look dark and thick vermilion (n) : bright red in colour sex (n) : gender/sexual category (male or female) crept (v) : crawled at closer quarters (n) : the parts closely I was no mere image cut in granite : the doctor no longer stood there like a statue a man of flesh and blood : a normal man (The doctor became normal.) leapt (v) : jumped a long way Phew ! (IntJ) : a sound that shows happiness heaved a sigh of relief (phr) : made a slow sound that expresses relief willed (v) : made happen life companion (n.phr) : wife reedy (adj) : not pleasant sprinter (n) : a fast runner smeared (v) : spread changed into (phr.v) : put on (wore) different clothes taken with (phr.v) : attracted by

Important Question

TS 9th Class English 1st Lesson The Snake and the Mirror Important Question and Answers

Section - A : Reading Comprehension Questions : (1 - 7) A. Reading

Read the following passage.

"It was a hot summer night about ten o clock. I had my meal at the restaurant and returned to my room. I heard a noise from above as I opened the door. The sound was a familiar one.One could say that rats and I shared the room. I took out my box of matches and lighted the kerosene lamp on the table

The house was not electrified; it was a small rented room. I had just set up medical practice and my earnings were meagre. I had about sixty rupees in my suitcase. Along with some shirts and dhotis, l also possessed one solitary black coat which I was then wearing

I took off my black coat, white shirt and not-so-white vest and hung them up. I opened the two windows in the room. It was an outer room with one wall facing the open yard. It had a tiled roof with long supporting gables that rested on the beam over the wall. There was no ceiling. There was a regular traffic of rats to and from the beam. I made my bed and pulled it close to the wall. I lay down but I could not sleep. I got up and went out to the veranda for a little air, but the wind god seemed to have taken time off

I went back into the room and sat down on the chair. I opened the box beneath the table and took out a book. The Materia Medic

Answer: I opened it at the table on which stood the lamp and a large mirror; a small comb lay beside the mirror

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (Q or (D) in your answer booklet. (4 × 1 = 4M)

Question 1.
The season mentioned in the above passage is ________?
  1. Spring
  2. Rainy season
  3. Winter
  4. Summer

Answer:

  1. Summer
Question 2.
What sound was familiar to the narrator ?
  1. Rats
  2. Snake
  3. Cockroaches
  4. Mosquitoes

Answer:

  1. Rats
Question 3.
The narrator lighted the kerosene lamp on the table because ________?
  1. there was a power cut at that time
  2. he liked kerosene lamp
  3. the house was not electrified
  4. only kerosene lamps were used in that village

Answer:

  1. the house was not electrified
Question 4.
He got up and went out to the veranda?
  1. for a little air
  2. as he could not sleep
  3. as he wanted to go for a walk
  4. as he wanted to enjoy the beauty of the moon in the sky

Answer:

  1. for a little air

Answer the following Questions in two or three sentences each. (3 × 2 = 6M)

Question 5.
Why were the narrators earnings meagre ?

Answer: Because he had just set up medical practice

Question 6.
Describe the room in your own words?

Answer: It was an outer room with one wall facing the open yard. It had a tiled roof with long supporting gables that rested on the beam over the wall. There was no ceiling

Question 7.
What did he possess in his suitcase ?

Answer: Sixty rupees along with some shirts and dhotis

Read the following passage.

One feels tempted to look into a mirror when it is near. I took a look. In those days I was a great admirer of beauty and I believed in making myself look handsome

I was unmarried and was a doctor. I felt I had to make my presence felt. I picked up the comb and ran it through my hair and adjusted the parting so that it looked straight and neat. Again I heard that sound from above. I took a close look at my face in the mirror. I made an important decision - I would shave daily and grow a thin moustache to look more handsome. I was, after all, a bachelor, and doctor!

I looked into the mirror and smiled. It was an attractive smile. I made another earth-shaking decision. I would always keep that attractive smile on my face . to look more handsome. I was after all a bachelor, and doctor too on top of it!

Again came that noise from above. I got up, lit a beedi and paced up and down the room. Then another lovely thought struck me. I would marry. I would get married to a woman doctor who had plenty of money and a good medical practice. She had to be fat; for a valid reason

If I made some silly mistake and needed to run away, she should not be able to run after me and catch me! With such thoughts in my mind I resumed my seat in the chair in front of the table. There were no more sounds from above. Suddenly there came a dull thud as if a rubber tube had fallen to the ground. surely nothing to worry about. Even so I thought I would turn around and take a look. No sooner had I turned than a fat snake wriggled over the back of the chair and landed on my shoulder. The snakes landing on me and my turning were simultaneous

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (C) or (D) in your answer booklet. (4 × 1 = 4M)

Question 1.
The marital status of the narrator was ________?
  1. an unmarried person / bachelor
  2. a married person
  3. a widower
  4. a legally separated person

Answer:

  1. an unmarried person / bachelor.
Question 2.
The lovely thought that struck the narrator was ________?
  1. that he would marry
  2. that he would not marry
  3. he would increase his practice
  4. he would leave the village

Answer:

  1. that he would marry
Question 3.
The decision made by the narrator after a close look at his face in the mirror was ________?
  1. that he would marry
  2. that he would marry a woman doctor
  3. that he would marry a fat woman doctor
  4. he would shave daily and grow a thin moustache to look more handsome

Answer:

  1. he would shave daily and grow a thin moustache to look more handsome
Question 4.
What was the earth-shaking decision of the narrator ?
  1. He would marry
  2. He would marry a woman doctor
  3. He would marry a fat woman doctor
  4. He would always keep an attractive smile on his face

Answer:

  1. He would always keep an attractive smile on his face

Answer the following Questions in two or three sentences each. (3 × 2 = 6M)

Question 5.
What was the narrator ? What did he believe in ?

Answer: The narrator was a doctor and he believed in making himself look handsome

Question 6.
What was the valid reason for the speakers desire to marry a fat woman ?

Answer: If he made some silly mistake and needed to run away she should not be able to run after him and catch him

Question 7.
What type of qualities do you observe in the narrator ?

Answer: He was humorous and a great admirer of beauty

Read the following passage

I didnt jump. I didnt tremble. 1 didnt cry out. There was no time to do any such thing.The snake slithered along my shoulder and coiled around my left arm above the elbow. The hood was spread out and its head was hardly three or four inches from my face

It would not be correct to say merely that I sat there holding my breath. I was turned to stone. But my mind was very active. The door opened into darkness. The room was surrounded by darkness. In the light of the lamp, I sat there like a stone image in the flesh

I felt then the great presence of the Creator of this world and this universe. God was there. Suppose 1 said something and he did not like it. I tried in my imagination to write in bright letters outside my little heart the words O God!

There was some pain in my left arm. It was as if a thick leaden rod - no, a rod made of molten fire - was slowly but powerfully crushing my arm. The arm was beginning to be drained of all strength. What could I do? At my slightest movement the snake would strike me! Death lurked four inches away. Suppose it struck, what was the medicine I had to take? There were no medicines in the room. I was but a poor, foolish and stupid doctor. I forgot my danger and smiled feebly at myself

It seemed as if God appreciated that. The snake turned its head. It looked into the mirror and saw its reflection. I do not claim that it was the first snake that had ever looked into amirror. But it was certain that the snake was looking into the mirror. Was it admiring its own beauty ? Was it trying fo make an important decision about growing a moustache or using eye shadow and mascara or wearing a vermilion spot on its forehead

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (C) or (D) in your answer booklet. (4 × 1 = 4M)

Question 1.
The narrator was turned to a stone because?
  1. he was playing a game
  2. he held his breath
  3. a snake slithered along his shoulder and coiled around his left arm above the elbow

Answer:

  1. he was doing yoga
Question 2.
Why was there some pain in the narrators left arm ?
  1. because of an injury
  2. because he did physical labour with that hand
  3. because the snake was powerfully crushing his arm
  4. because there was no strength in his arm

Answer:

  1. because the snake was powerfully crushing his arm
Question 3.
What do you mean by the sentence "Death lurked four inches away." ?
  1. He was bedridden for a long time
  2. He faced a severe injury
  3. He was ready to die
  4. At any slightest movement of the narrator the snake would strike him

Answer:

  1. He faced a severe injury
Question 4.
Why did the snake turn its head ?
  1. to strike the narrator
  2. to slither away
  3. to look into the mirror
  4. to take an important decision

Answer:

  1. to look into the mirror

Answer the following Questions in two or three sentences each. (3 × 2 = 6M)

Question 5.
If you were the narrator, what would you do ?

Answer: If I were the narrator, 1 would sit like a stone due to terrible fear

Question 6.
Why did the doctor smile feebly at himself ?

Answer: If the snake struck him, he could not survive because there were no medicines in the room. So he smiled feebly at himself

Question 7.
Have you ever seen a snake looking into the mirror to see its reflection ? Was the snake in the text really admiring its beauty ? How can you say ?

Answer: No, I havent. No, it wasnt. I think it was observing its own reflection

Read the following passage

I did not know anything for certain. What sex was the snake, was it male or female? 1 will never know; for the snake unwound itself from my arm and slowly slithered into my lap. From there it crept onto the table and moved towards the mirror. Perhaps it wanted to enjoy its reflection at closer quarters.

I was no mere image cut in granite. I was suddenly a man of flesh and blood. Still holding my breath I got up from the chair. 1 quietly went out through the door into the veranda. From there 1 leapt into the yard and ran for all I was worth."

"Phew!" Each of us heaved a sigh of relief. All of us lit beedis. Somebody asked, "Doctor, is your wife very fat?" "No," the doctor said. "God willed otherwise. My life companion is a thin reedy person with the gift of a sprinter." Someone else asked, "Doctor, when you ran, did the snake follow you?

The doctor replied, "1 ran and ran till I reached a friends house. Immediately I smeared oil all over myself and took a bath. I changed into fresh clothes. The next morning at about eight-thirty I took my friend and one or two others to my room to move my things from there. But we found we had little to carry. Some thief had removed most of my things. The room had been cleaned out! But not really, the thief had left behind one thing as a final insult!"

"What was that?" I asked. The doctor said, "My vest, the dirty one. The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness .! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water." "Did you see the snake the next day, doctor ?" The doctor laughed, "Ive never seen it since. It was a snake which was taken with its own beauty!"

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (Q or (D) in your answer booklet. (4 × 1= 4M)

Question 1.
Why did the snake creep onto the table and move towards the mirror ?
  1. to enjoy its reflection at closer quarters
  2. because it was a female snake
  3. to make an important decision about growing a moustache
  4. to wear a vermilion spot on its forehead

Answer:

  1. to enjoy its reflection at closer quarters
Question 2.
The narrator quietly went out through the door into the veranda?
  1. to run far away from the snake to protect himself
  2. to heave a sigh of relief
  3. to leap into the yard
  4. to become a man of flesh and blood

Answer:

  1. to run far away from the snake to protect himself
Question 3.
What do you mean by the sentence God willed otherwise" from the text ?
  1. The will of the speaker and the God were the same
  2. The will of the speaker and the God were different
  3. The will of the speaker was fulfilled
  4. The speakers will was fulfilled by the God

Answer:

  1. The will of the speaker and the God were different
Question 4.
I changed into fresh clothes. What does this sentence mean ?
  1. The person bought new clothes
  2. The person made his clothes fresh by ironing
  3. The person wore fresh clothes
  4. The person made-his clothes fresh by washing

Answer:

  1. The person wore fresh clothes

Answer the following Questions in two or three sentences each. (3 × 2 = 6M)

Question 5.
Why did the speaker smear oil all over himself ?

Answer: The snake slithered along his shoulder and coiled around his left arm above the elbow. Later it slithered into his lap and moved away from him. So the doctor smeared oil all over himself to get rid of the aroma of the snake

Question 6.
What does the phrase life companion mean ? Who is the life companion of the doctor ?

Answer: Life companion refers to wife. The doctors life companion is a thin reedy person with the gift of a sprinter

Question 7.
What was the final insult mentioned by the speaker ? Why did he think so ?

Answer:

  1. The thief stole all the things except his dirty vest. The speaker felt that it was an insult for him. He thought so, because the thief had such a sense of cleanliness
  2. What happened when the speaker was away from his room ? What does one thing refer to in this passage ? A thief stole all the things except his dirty vest, one thing refers to the dirty vest of the doctor
Questions : (8 - 12) 1. Read the following stanzas

Said the Duck to the Kangaroo, "Good gracious! How you hop! Over the fields and the water too, As if you never would stop! My life is a bore in this nasty pond. And I long to go out in the world beyond! wish I could hop like you!" Said the Duck to the Kangaroo. "Please give me a ride on your back!" Said the Duck to the Kangaroo. 7 would sit quite still, and say nothing but QUACK, The whole of the long day through! And wed go to the Dee and the Jelly Bo Lee, Over the land, and over the sea; Please take me a ride! O do!" Said the Duck to the Kangaroo

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (C) or (D) in your answer booklet. (3 × 1 = 3M)

Question 8.
Where did the Duck want to go ?
  1. over the land
  2. over the sea
  3. Dee and Jelly Bo Lee
  4. all the above

Answer:

  1. all the above
Question 9.
Who requested whom for a ride ?
  1. Duck requested the Kangaroo
  2. Kangaroo requested the Duck
  3. Duck requested the Deer
  4. Deer requested the Duck

Answer:

  1. Duck requested the Kangaroo
Question 10.
Pick out the word which means want or wish very much?
  1. gracious
  2. long
  3. ride
  4. hop

Answer:

  1. long

Answer the following Questions in one or two sentences each. (2 × 1 = 2M)

Question 11.
Why did the Duck get bored in life ?

Answer: Though the Duck wanted to go round the world it couldnt, because it was limited to the pond. So it felt bored

Question 12.
What did the Duck want to do ?

Answer: It wanted to go round the world

2. Read the following stanzas

Said the Kangaroo to the Duck, "This requires some little reflection; Perhaps on the whole it might bring me LUCK, And there seems but one objection, Which is, if youll let me speak so bold, Your feet are unpleasantly wet and cold, And would probably give me the roo- Matiz!" said the Kangaroo. Said the Duck, "As I sat on the rocks, I have thought over that completely. And I bought four pairs of worsted socks Which fit my web feet neatly. And to keep out the cold Ive bought a cloak, And everyday a cigar Ill smoke, All to follow my own dear true Love of a Kangaroo!"

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (C) or (D) in your answer booklet. (3 × 1 = 3M)

Question 8.
What problem did the Kangaroo find with the Duck ?
  1. Ducks tail
  2. Ducks beak
  3. Wet and cold feet of Duck
  4. Ducks weight

Answer:

  1. Wet and cold feet of Duck
Question 9.
How many socks did the Kangaroo wish to buy ?
  1. Eight
  2. Four
  3. Two
  4. Six

Answer:

  1. Eight
Question 11.
What expressions of joy are mentioned in the stanza ?
  1. Boredom with present life
  2. Desire to go round the world
  3. Wearing socks and smoking cigarettes
  4. Displeasure due to wet and cold feet

Answer:

  1. Wearing socks and smoking cigarettes

Answer the following Questions in one or two sentences each. (2 × 1= 2M)

Question 11.
What disease would the Kangaroo get with the wet and cold feet of the duck ?

Answer: Roo-matiz

Question 12.
How was the problem of the Kangaroo solved ?

Answer: The Duck got socks, a coat and cigars ready to save them from cold

3. Read the following stanza

Said the Kangaroo. "Im ready! All in the moonlight pale; But to balance me well, dear Duck, sit steady! And quite at the end of my tail!" So away they went with a hop and a bound, And they hopped the whole world three times round; And who so happy - 0 who, As the Duck and the Kangaroo

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (Q or (D) in your answer booklet. (3 × 1 = 3M)

Question 8.
When did the Kangaroo and the Duck take a ride?
  1. in the morning
  2. in the afternoon
  3. in the evening
  4. in the moonlight pale

Answer:

  1. in the moonlight pale
Question 9.
The Kangaroo requested the Duck?
  1. to sit at the end of his tail
  2. to be quiet
  3. to sit steady
  4. all the above

Answer:

  1. all the above
Question 10.
Who was happy at the end?
  1. Kangaroo
  2. Duck
  3. Both the Kangaroo and the Duck
  4. None

Answer:

  1. Both the Kangaroo and the Duck

Answer the following Questions in one or two sentences each. (2 x 1 = 2M)

Question 11.
What is the underlying message in the poem?

Answer: Desire to see new places is a natural way to better oneself. Seeking others help promotes co-operative living. Foreseeing the problems and providing solution is a good lesson

Question 12.
What is the tone of the poem? What is the theme of the poem?

Answer: The tone of the poem is amusing. The theme of the poem is the wish of the Duck to round the world

C. Reading Read the following passage

Little Bobby came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner

His birthday was coming up and he thought this was a good tim to tell his mother what he wanted. Mom, 1 want a bike for my birthday. Little Bobby was a bit of a troublemaker. He had gotten into trouble at school and at home. Bobbys mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday

Now, answer the following

Questions. Each
Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (C) or (D) In your answer booklet. (3 × 1 = 3M)

Question 8.
What kind of a little boy was Bobby ?
  1. Good boy
  2. Bad boy
  3. Troublemaker
  4. Intelligent

Answer:

  1. Troublemaker
Question 9.
What was the occasion mentioned in the passage ?
  1. Wedding day
  2. Birthday
  3. Anniversary
  4. Housewarming ceremony

Answer:

  1. Birthday
Question 10.
What did little Bobby want as a birthday gift ?
  1. Bike
  2. Bicycle
  3. Car
  4. Bus

Answer:

  1. Bike

Answer the following Questions in one or two sentences each. (2 × 1 = 2M)

Question 11.
What did Bobbys mother ask her son ?

Answer: Bobbys mother asked him to think whether he deserved to get a bike for his birthday

Question 12.
Why did she ask to do so ?

Answer: Because he was a troublemaker

Read the following passage

Little Bobby, of course, thought he did. Bobbys mother wanted Bobby to reflect on his behaviour over the last year and said,"Go to your room, Bobby, and think about how you have behaved this year. Then write a letter to God and tell Him why you deserve a bike for your birthday." Little Bobby stumped up the steps to his room. Jessy, his pet dog followed him. Bobby thought for some time and sat down to write a letter to God. Jessy sat beside him and started watching what Bobby was doing

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (Q or (D) in your answer booklet. (3 × 1 = 3M)

Question 8.
Who asked Bobby to write a letter ?
  1. Bobbys mother
  2. Bobbys father
  3. Jessy
  4. Bobbys neighbour

Answer:

  1. Bobbys mother
Question 9.
Who did Bobby address in his letter ?
  1. Mother
  2. Father
  3. God
  4. Friend

Answer:

  1. God
Question 10.
Who followed Bobby ?
  1. God
  2. Jessy
  3. Bobbys mother
  4. Bobbys friend

Answer:

  1. Jessy

Answer the following Questions in one or two sentences each. (2 × 1= 2M)

Question 11.
What did Bobbys mother want ?

Answer: Bobbys mother wanted Bobby to reflect on his behaviour over the last year

Question 12.
What must Bobby tell God ?

Answer: Bobby must tell God why he deserves a bike for his birthday

Read the following text Letter 1:

Dear God, I have been a very good boy this year and I would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one. Your friend, Bobby

Bobby knew that this wasnt true. He had not been a very good boy this year. So, he tore up the letter,and started again to write another letter

Letter 2:

Dear God, This is your friend Bobby. I have been a good boy this year and I would like a red bike for my birthday. Thank you, Your friend, Bobby

Bobby knew that this wasnt true either. So, he tore up the letter and started again

Letter 3:

Dear God, I have been an OK boy this year. I still would really like a bike for my birthday. Bobby

Bobby knew he could not send this letter to God either. So, Bobby wrote the fourth letter

Letter 4:

God, I know I havent been a good boy this year. I am very sorry. I will be a good boy if you just send me a bike for my birthday

Please! Thank you, Bobby

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (C) or (D) in your answer booklet. (3 × 1= 3M)

Question 8.
Bobby refers himself as a ________ to God?
  1. lovable child
  2. good child
  3. troublesome child
  4. friend

Answer:

  1. friend
Question 9.
What coloured bike does Bobby want ?
  1. white
  2. red
  3. green
  4. blue

Answer:

  1. red
Question 10.
What character trait of Bobby do you observe from his-letters ?
  1. innocence
  2. arrogance
  3. innocence with honesty
  4. truant nature

Answer:

  1. innocence with honesty

Answer the following Questions in one or two sentences each. (2 × 1 = 2M)

Question 11.
If you wanted a bike, what would you write to God ?

Answer: If I were to write one, I would very humbly request God for a bike

Question 12.
Have you ever received a birthday gift from your parents ? What is it ?

Answer: Yes, I received a wrist watch as a birthday gift.

Read the following passage

Bobby knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get him a bike. Now, Bobby was very upset. He went downstairs and told his mom that he wanted to go to church. Bobbys mother thought that her plan had worked, as Bobby looked very sad. Just be home in time for dinner. Bobbys mother told him

Bobby walked down the street to the church on the corner. Little Bobby went into the church and up to the altar. He looked around to see if anyone was there

Bobby bent down and picked up a small statue of Mary, the mother of God. He slipped the statue under his shirt and ran out of the church, down the street, into the House, and up to his room

He shut the door of his room and sat down with a piece of paper and pen. Bobby began to write his letter to God

God, IVE KIDNAPPED YOUR MOM, IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE!!! Bobby

Now, answer the following Questions. Each Question has four choices. Choose the correct answer and write (A), (B) (C) or (D) in your answer booklet. (3 × 1= 3M)

Question 8.
Why was Bobby upset ?
  1. because he did not like to write a letter to God
  2. because his mother cheated him
  3. because he was tired
  4. because he knew that the letter was not going to get him a bike

Answer:

  1. because he knew that the letter was not going to get him a bike
Question 9.
Bobbys mother thought that her son was convinced?
  1. because Bobby looked very sad
  2. because Bobby looked very happy
  3. because Bobby looked very angry
  4. because Bobby looked very hungry

Answer:

  1. because Bobby looked very sad
Question 10.
Who did Bobby kidnap ?
  1. Gods statue
  2. God
  3. Gods father
  4. A small statue of Mary

Answer:

  1. A small statue of Mary

Answer the following Questions in one or two sentences each. (2 × 1 = 2M)

Question 11.
What would happen if anyone was there in the church ?

Answer: If anyone was there in the church, they would scold Bobby and complain to his parents

Question 12.
Would you like the behaviour of little Bobby ? Why or why not ?

Answer: No, I would not like the behaviour of little Bobby because it is a foolish thing to get things by using mean ways

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