Tamilnadu Board

Tamilnadu State Board Class 10 English Solutions Prose Chapter 2 The Night the Ghost Got in

The Night the Ghost Got in In Text Questions

a. Where was the author when he heard the noise?
Answer:
The author had just stepped out of the bathtub, when he heard the noise.

b. What did the narrator think the unusual sound was?
Answer:
At first, he thought it was his father or his brother Roy. Next, he suspected that it was a burglar. Later on, he thought that it was a ghost.

c. What were the various sounds the brothers heard when they went downstairs?
Answer:
The brothers heard like a man running and started up the stairs towards them. They thought that they were coming two at a time. They saw nothing, but only heard the steps.

d. Who were the narrator neighbours?
Answer:
The narrator’s neighbours were a retired engraver named Bodwell and his wife.

e. How did the Bodwells react, when a shoe was thrown into their house?
Answer:
Mr. Bodwell was shouting, frothing a little and shaking his fist. Mrs. Bodwell wanted to sell their house and go back to Peoria. For some years, he had been in a bad way and was subjected to mild attacks.

f. What did the Bodwells think when they heard the mother shout?
Answer:
Bodwell thought that there were burglars in his house when they heard the mother shout.

g. What was the grandfather wearing?
Answer:
The narrator’s grandfather was wearing a long flannel nightgown over long woollen pants, a nightcap and a leather jacket around his chest.

h. What conclusions did grandfather jump to when he saw the cops?
Answer:
His grandfather was going through fits where he believes he is in the war. He thinks that General Meade’s men are deserting under fire from Stonewall Jackson.

i. Were the policemen willing to leave the house?
Answer:
No, the policemen were not willing to leave without getting their hand on somebody besides grandfather.

j. What made the reporter gaze at the author?
Answer:
The author had put on one of his mother’s dress, as he couldn’t find anything else. The reporter looked at him with mingled suspicion and interest.

The Night the Ghost Got in Textual Questions

A. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

Question 1.
Why was the narrator sorry to have paid attention to the footsteps?
Answer:
The imagination of the ghost getting into his house lead to a commotion. It caused his mother to throw a shoe through a window of the neighbouring house. It ended with his grandfather shooting a policeman. So the narrator was sorry to have paid attention to the footsteps.

Question 2.
Why did Herman and the author slam the doors?
Answer:
Herman and the author slammed the doors because they thought that someone was coming up their stairs. They were scared as they heard the steps of someone.

Question 3.
What woke up the mother?
Answer:
The slamming of the doors had awakened their mother.

Question 4.
What do you understand by the mother’s act of throwing the shoe?
Answer:
His mother enormously fancied the thrill of throwing a shoe through a glass window of her neighbour. She is a highly excitable woman.

Question 5.
Why do you think Mrs. Bodwell wanted to sell the house?
Answer:
Mrs. Bodwell wanted to sell the house, as she wanted to go back to Peoria, due to the frequent mild attacks.

Question 6.
How did the cops manage to enter the locked house?
Answer:
The cops managed to enter the locked house by breaking the glass of the front door.

Question 7.
Why were the policemen prevented from entering grandfather’s room?
Answer:
The policemen were prevented from entering into grandfather’s room because the narrator realized that it would be bad if they do so. His grandfather was going through a phase, in which he believed that General Meade’s men were beginning to retreat. They were under the control of Stonewall Jackson.

Question 8.
Who used the zither and how?
Answer:
Zither was used by the guinea pig to sleep on it. It would never sleep anywhere except on the zither.

Question 9.
Mention the things that the grandfather imagined.
Answer:
His grandfather imagined that the cops were deserters from Meade’s army. He thought that they were trying to hide away in his attic.

very Short Questions & Answers – Additional

1. How many members were there in the family?
Answer:
There were six members in the family.

2. Where did the noise come from?
Answer:
The noise of the footsteps came from the dining room.

3. Why did the narrator’s brother Herman, slam the door?
Answer:
Herman slammed the door because he was afraid of the sound of the footsteps.

4. Why was Mrs. Bodwell talking about selling the house?
Answer:
Mrs. Bodwell was talking about selling the house, as she wanted to go back to Peoria, due to the frequent mild attacks.

5. How many policemen entered the house?
Answer:
There were about eight policemen who entered the house.

6. How did the cops manage to enter into the locked house?
Answer:
The cops managed to enter the locked house by breaking the glass of the front door.

7. Why were the police pushing the furniture here and there?
Answer:
The police were pushing the furniture here and there to make a thorough search of the burglars.

8. Where was the grandfather sleeping?
Answer:
The grandfather was sleeping in the attic on the old walnut bed.

9. What was the time, when the mother threw a shoe a the neighbour’s window?
Answer:
It was about two o’clock of a moonless night, when the mother threw a shoe at the neighbour’s window.

10. What did they hear in the attic? Why?
Answer:
They heard a creaking in the attic because the grandfather was turning over in his bed.

Short Questions & Answers – Additional

Question 1.
What was the mother’s reaction? How did she manage the situation?
Answer:
When the narrator’s mother got to know of the situation she shouted ‘Burglars’ and decided to call the police. She alerted the immediate neighbour, a retired engraver Bodwell.

Question 2.
How would you react, if on a dark night, there were any sounds in your kitchen?
Answer:
Being quite bold and daring, I would venture into the kitchen and try to find out the cause of the sounds. Then I will try to call my neighbours to help me out.

Question 3.
Do you think it was right on the mother’s part to throw a shoe and break the neighbour’s window?
Answer:
It was right to the extent that the mother was trying to alert in throwing a shoe and breaking their window.

Question 4.
What type of action did the police start taking once they were inside the house?
Answer:
The police went all over the place, checking drawers and cupboards, ransacking the floors, pulling beds away from the walls, tearing clothes off the hooks and pulling boxes and suitcases off the shelves.

Question 5.
Why were the cops reluctant to leave?
Answer:
The cops were reluctant to leave without getting their hands on somebody besides grandfather. The night had been distinctly a defeat for them.

Question 6.
Describe the appearance of a reporter, who spoke to the narrator. What did he ask him?
Answer:
The reporter was a wispy man with a thin face. He went up to the narrator and looked at him with mingled suspicion and interest. He questioned the narrator about what had happened. When the narrator said that they had ghosts, he gazed at him for a long time and walked away.

Question 7.
What was the comment given by the mother about the policeman who was shot by the grandfather?
Answer:
She commented that the policeman who was shot by the grandfather was “such a nice-looking young man”.

B. Answer the following questions in about 100-150 words.

Question 1.
Describe the funny incident that caused the confusion in the house.
Answer:
James, the author comes out of the bathroom, drying himse dining table. He wakes up his brother Herman. They both listen to the footsteps and gets scared. Their mother wakes up. When she comes to know lf. At that moment, he hears the footsteps of someone walking downstairs near theshe alerts her neighbour to call the police. The police arrive with some reporters. They search all over, upstairs and downstairs. When they find nothing, they rush to the attic. The narrator’s grandfather believes that he is still in the war. He thinks that the policemen are deserters. So he starts shooting at them. The policemen leave their house immediately, creating a lot of confusion everywhere.

Question 2.
Narrate the extensive search operation made by the policemen in the house.
Answer:
The police were on hand in a commendably short time. They began banging at the narrator’s front door. When nobody responded, they broke into the house. They searched downstairs and upstairs messing up everything. They opened all the doors and windows. They pulled the drawers and furniture. They began to ransack the floor, pulled beds away from the walls, tore clothes off the hooks in the closets. They also pulled suitcases and boxes off the shelves. Later, they heard some creaking in the attic. They stepped into the attic. As his grandfather thought that they were the deserters from Meade’s army, so he started shooting at them. Then he went back to bed. The cops were unwilling to leave without getting their hand on somebody. They felt it was a defeat for them. They began to poke into things again and finally left the place.

Paragraph Questions & Answers – Additional

Question 1.
What is the theme of the story ‘The Night of the Ghost got in’?
Answer:
One of the central theme of this story is paranoia, which is a mental condition characterized by false beliefs. When the narrator hears footsteps downstairs, he immediately suspects that an intruder has broken into the family home. His mother wakes up, becomes ‘all excited and alerts the neighbours, the Bodwells to call the police. Mrs. Bodwell’s reaction to the news is also one of hysterical paranoia. She says that they ought to sell the house and move away. When the police arrive, their reaction is also one of paranoia. They accuse the narrator of an instance of being a criminal and demand to know what he is doing at the house.

Similarly, the police are “all over the place”, as they search for an intruder, literally leaving no stone unturned. The narrator’s grandfather also believes that the police are “deserters” from the army. While much of this paranoia is tinged with instances of comedy, it also has important consequences. Like the intruder, this supernatural paranoia has no factual basis, leaving the reader to wonder what really happened that night and therefore creating a deeper sense of mystery.

Question 2.
Give the character sketches of (a) Narrator’s Grandfather, (b) Narrator’s mother.
Answer:
(a) Narrator’s Grandfather is a veteran of the Union army of the civil war, which ended fifty-two years earlier. His bedroom is in the attic. When the police come to the house to search for an intruder, the grandfather thinks that they are soldiers who are deserting because they are losing to the south. He calls them “cowardly dogs” and “lily-livered cattle” and then reaches for a policeman’s holster and shoots a man with his own gun. The police retreat afraid of the crazy old man, but next morning at the breakfast table, Grandfather seems perfectly aware of the previous night’s situation, asking everyone what so many police had been doing around their house.

(b) Narrator’s mother is a highly excitable woman, scatterbrained in some regards, yet practical when she needs to be. Hearing a sound in her house and suspecting that it is a burglar, she thinks of the clever plan of alerting a neighbour by throwing a shoe through his closed window. After he has gone to phone to the police, however, she considers throwing the matching shoe, “because the thrill of heaving a shoe through a window glass had enormously taken her fancy”. She is surprised to hear that grandfather has shot a policeman, not because of the daring violence of the act, but because, “He was such a nice-looking young man.”

Vocabulary

C. Look at the following expressions from the text. With the help of your teacher rewrite them in standard English. One has been done for you.

1.	‘Musta got away-whatt’d he like	Must gotaway – what was he like
2.	‘Looky here, Joe	Look here, Joe
3.	‘No sign o’ nothing’	No sign of nothing
4.	‘Back t’ the lines ye goodaam’	Back to the lines you good men
5.	‘What was the idee of all them cops tarryhootin’ round the house last night.’	What was the idea of all the cops working up round the home last night

D. Complete the given tabular column with the suitable plural forms.

chair    – chairs
box      – boxes
eskimo – eskimos
lady      – ladies
radius   – radii
formula – formulae
child     – children
deer     – deer
loaf      – loaves
hero    – heroes

Listening

E. Listen to the story and answer the following.

1. The rich man was from…
(a) Nagaland (b) Thailand (c) Finland
Answer:
(b) Thailand

2. Where did Chulong catch the bird?
Answer:
Chulong caught the bird in a garden.

3. Why did Chulong catch the bird?
Answer:
Chulong caught the bird to make money.

4. What will happen to the bird in imprisonment?
Answer:
The bird will lose its beauty and sweet voice.

5. What did the bird suggest Chulong, in exchange for its freedom?
Answer:
The bird suggested to teach him three simple and useful rules in exchange for its freedom.

6. Does Chulong want to earn money honestly?
Answer:
No, Chulong does not want to earn money honestly.

7. What were Chulong’s plAnswer:for the bird?
Answer:
Chulong wanted to sell the bird for a big amount.

8. Who is wise according to you?
Answer:
The bird is wise.

9. Is the bird a crow?
Answer:
No, the bird was not a crow.

10. What are the three rules given by the bird?
Answer:

1. Never believe everything others say.
2. Never be sad about something you do not have.
3. Never throw away, what you have in your hand.

Speaking

G. Use this passage to play the game. You can collect information on other famous personalities and play too.

Passage on Charlie Chaplin

Sample questions to be asked by one group; “Yes (or) No” Answers to be given by the other group.

1. Are you a male?
2. Are you a famous personality?
3. Are you an actor?
4. Are you a historical figure?
5. Are you young?
6. Are you alive now?
7. Does your name start with C?
8. Is he popular and successful?
9. Did he perform in the movie The Kid?

Reading

H. Read the incident again and answer the following questions.

1. What was the writer always asked to do whenever he planned to go abroad?
Answer:
The writer was always asked to get something for anyone who sees him travelling.

2. What did Gilson want the writer to bring for him?
Answer:
Gilson wanted the writer to bring a tie for him.

3. When did the writer remember the fact that he had to buy something for Mr. Gilson?
Answer:
On Tuesday morning, when the writer saw the airport bus waiting outside the hotel, he remembered the tie.

4. Why were the other passengers in the flight gazing at the writer?
Answer:
The other passengers in the flight were gazing at the writer because departure had been delayed because of him.

5. What is the humour element in the above incident?
Answer:
The humour element in the above incident is that after all the trouble taken by the writer to buy a tie, he leaves the pocket of ties behind in the taxi.

I. Suggesting titles :

1. Title summarises the story. Each paragraph is a part of the story. Look at the following expressions and find out the paragraphs that best suit these expressions.

1. Oh, No! But it happens!
Answer:
“At least I hope you found your tie”, said one who knew the story.
“I did”, I answered triumphantly.
After making myself comfortable, I reached for the paper bag to show the ties.
I had left it behind; in the taxi.

2. Don’t let out your travelling dates
Answer:
“Oh, so you’re going abroad? Can you bring me back…..?” I’ve been asked to bring back a vaccine for a course. Once I searched the suburbs of Paris for two days for a special brand of ceramic paint. Having spent a lot of money for Cartier lighter refills, I had them confiscated at the airport just before boarding because the gas might be dangerous in the air. Now, two months before a trip, I stop talking to people so they won’t suspect I’m about to travel. But someone always catches me. “I’ve heard you’re going to New York, and I want you to get something for me. It’s just a little thing you can find anywhere. I don’t know exactly how much it costs, but it shouldn’t be mush. We’ll settle up when you get back”.

3. Anyway, people will be people
Answer:
When I reached the airport, I paid the taxi driver the double fare and grabbed my suitcase. Panting, I boarded the plane under the reproachful gaze of the other passengers, all primly seated with their seat belts fastened. Ready to take off. Departure had been delayed because of me.

4. Search begins
Answer:
I told the group to go on. I would get a taxi to the airport. And so I went in search of a nearby shop where I had seen ties. But I couldn’t find it. I walked further down the street-one, two, three blocks – all in vain. Back at the hotel, a bit anxious now, I took my suitcase, got a taxi and asked the driver to rush to the street where I had seen them. The driver stopped at each shop we passed so I could look from the window. The stores had all sorts of ties, but not the kind I was looking for.

5. Things are not that easy
Answer:
What Gilson asked me to buy was, in fact a little thing: a tie. But not just any tie. He wanted a tie with a small embroidered G. Any colour would do, as long as it had his initial. Look, this is a special flight, I explained. We are only staying Saturday through Tuesday. On the day we arrived I didn’t have time to think about the tie, but strolling around on Sunday I did see ties bearing various letters in more than one shop window. They were cheap, just a dollar, but all the shops were closed. On Monday, lunch lasted the whole afternoon. Then it was Tuesday morning, time to leave. It was only when I saw our airport bus waiting outside the hotel that I remembered the tie.

6. Hurry invites worry
Answer:
When I finally thought I had located the right shop, I decided to go in and check. The driver refused to wait. Parking was prohibited, he said. I promised to double the fare, jumped out and ran into the shop. Was I going to miss the plane just for a damned tie? The salesman was unbearably slow. When I realized that the smallest change I had was a ten dollar note, I grabbed ten ties of different colours so I wouldn’t have to wait for change. I rushed out with the ties in a paper bag. On the street I looked around the taxi had vanished, taking my suitcase. What is more, I was going to miss the plane. I ran to the corner, and hope flared up again: The taxi was waiting in the next street. Quick to the airport! As I settled down inside the taxi. I sighed with relief. Gilson was going to have enough initialized ties to last him a lifetime.

J. Look at the following situations the writer was in. He could have avoided the situation and saved himself. Glance through the write up again and comment on what the writer should have done in the following situations.

1. Gilson asked the writer to bring a tie.
Answer:
He should have said ‘no’ to him.

2. On the day of arrival, the writer had no time to think about the tie.
Answer:
While strolling around, he could have remembered a shop.

3. The writer remembered about the tie when the bus was leaving for the airport.
Answer:
The writer should have forgotten it totally.

4. The writer walked down in search of the shop.
Answer:
He would have identified one shop and gone there first.

5. The writer rushed out with the tie in a paper bag.
Answer:
As soon as the writer got into the taxi, he should have kept it in his suitcase.

K. State whether the following statements are true or false.

1. The narrator searched for three days to buy ceramic paint. False
2. The author was going to New York. True
3. Gilson asked the narrator to buy a tie. True
4. The taxi driver took away the narrator’s suitcase. False
5. Departure was delayed because of the author. True
6. The author left the ties in the taxi. True

Writing

M. Write a speech for your school Literary Association celebration with the given lead.

1. Opening
2. Purpose
3. Audience
4. Language – Some Good Describing Words (Adverbs And Adjectives), Emotive Words, Imagery etc.
5. Ending

Literary Association Celebration

Good evening to all those who are present here! Respected Chief Guest, Our honourable Principal, beloved teachers, parents and my dear friends. On the auspicious occasion, I stand before you with extreme pleasure on behalf of English Literary Association of Christ Holy Matric. School. First of all, let me express my deep gratitude to you all for selecting me as the President of the English Literary Association. This Association has been a prestigious Association in our school, since its inception. It has been working rigorously during the past few years focussing on the improvement reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of the students in our school. Our vision is to make o school as a full-fledged English medium school, where each student speaks and communicates in English

Language is the medium through which the educational process fulfills its aims. So it is highly essential that students should be able to handle language at its best level. The English Literary Association has been conducting many varied activities and competitions to improve the language skills of the students. ‘Practice makes a man perfect? We do believe in the proverb and constantly endeavor to achieve our aim. I am extremely happy to announce that this year, we will conduct an English week and all the students will get an opportunity to participate and to demonstrate their talents and potential. To conclude, let me once again express my heartfelt gratitude to the Management, teachers and students who all honoured me by giving this great responsibility.

Grammar

Articles

A. Nagarajan and Dhanalakshmi want to buy a new house. They have come to see a house for sale. Complete the conversation below by adding a, an or the.

Nagarajan : Well, here we are, No.8, Kaveri Street. I think this is the house we saw online.
What do you think of the location?
Dhanalakshmi : It is in a nice neighbourhood. And it’s close to the railway station.
Nagarajan : And the bus stop is not too far away.
Dhanalakshmi : How many rooms are there?
Nagarajan : There are three rooms, a kitchen and a balcony.
Dhanalakshmi : There is a lawn behind the house, right?
Nagarajan : That’s right the lawn is actually quite large. Did you see any photos of the living room, online? What does it look like?’
Dhanalakshmi : The living room looks great. It looks bright and airy.
It has a nice view of the hills. But the kitchen looks a little small.
Nagarajan : And, I remember you said there isn’t a store room, right?
Dhanalakshmi : No, but there is an attic, where we can store things.
Nagarajan : I hope this house is a better option.
Dhanalakshmi : Lets wait for a real estate agent. She said, she would be here at three O’clock.
Nagarajan : Look there she is!

B. Few articles are missing in the given passage. Edit the passage given below by adding suitable articles where ever necessary.

My neighbourhood is a very interesting place. My house is located in an apartment building downtown near many stores and offices. There is a small supermarket across street, where my family likes to go shopping. There is also a post office and a bank near our home. In our neighbourhood, there is a small, Green Park where my friends and I like to play on weekends and holidays. There is a small pond near the park and there are many ducks in the park. We always have a great time. In addition, there is an elementary school, close to our home, where my little brother studies in the third grade. There are so many things to see and do in my neighbourhood. That’s why I like it. It’s really a great place.

C. Refer to the dictionary to find out the meaning of the following prepositions and match them with the correct meaning.

	Preposition	Meaning
1.	due to	a. as a substitute for
2.	except for	b. in the interest of
3.	with reference to	c. irrespective of
4.	in spite of	d. added to
5.	in addition to	e. because of
6.	in place of	f. referring to
7.	regardless of	g. with the exception of
8.	for the sake of	h. disregarding the difficulty

Answers:
1 – e
2 – g
3 – f
4 – h
5 – d
6 – a
7 – c
8 – b

D. Fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate prepositional phrase from the given options.

1. Everything falls to the ground …………… earth’s gravitational pull.
(a) in addition to (b) because of (c) cause of
Answer:
(b) because of

2. The trial was conducted ……………. the procedure of law.
(a) in accordance with (b) due to (c) despite of
Answer:
(a) in accordance with

3. There is a temple right …………… my house.
(a) in back of (b) apart from (c) in front of
Answer:
(c) in front of

4. As a ………….. of his hard work, he achieved the target.
(a) instead of (b) result of (c) apart from
Ans:
(b) result of

5. Failure is often the ………….. negligence.
(a) effect of (b) consequence of (c) reason of
Answer:
(b) consequence of

6. Children are given toys be given toys ………. sweets on Children’s day.
(a) on top of (b) in addition to (c) due to
Answer:
(b) in addition to

7. The parents must be informed …………. any indiscipline of their wards.
(a) because of (b) in case of (c) in spite of
Answer:
(b) in case of

8. He didn’t turn up …………….. his busy schedule.
(a) consequence of (b) due to (c) except for
Answer:
(b) due to

9. Global warming is ……….. the green house emission.
(a) an effect of (b) in spite of (c) in addition to
Answer:
(a) an effect of

10. ………….. several warnings, he continued to swim.
(a) due to (b) in spite of (c) because of
Answer:
(b) in spite of

E. Edit the following passage by replacing the underlined incorrect words with correct prepositional phrases.

1. Janu is studying in class X. In the event of the teachers
Answer:
According to

2. she is a disciplined student. In addition to her poverty, she
Answer:
Inspite of

3. is always neat. Many students like her in case of
Answer:
because of

4. her simplicity. According to her studies, she also
Answer:
In addition to

5. participates in sports. She gets on with everyone in case of
Answer:
regardless of

6. age and gender in the school. In opposition to taking leave, she ensures that she completes the work given before she goes to school next day.
Answer:
In the event of

The Night the Ghost Got In By James Grover Thurber

James Grover Thurber’ (1894 – 1961) is an American cartoonist, author, humourist, journalist, playwright and celebrated wit. He is best known for his cartoons and short stories published mainly in The New Yorker Magazine and collected in his numerous books. He is one of the most popular humorists of his time, as he celebrates the comic frustrations and eccentricities of ordinary people.”

James Thurber’s autobiography, “My life and Hard Times”, was published in 1933. It is regarded as his greatest work. The extracts of this . lesson are from his autobiography.

The Night the Ghost Got In key Points

• The incident took place in the author’s house on the night of November 17, 1915.
• He heard the footsteps of a man walking rapidly around the dining-table downstairs.
• His mother was asleep in a room upstairs. His brother Herman was in another room and his grandfather was in the attic.
• The author stepped out of the bathroom by hearing a sound.
• He first thought was that his father and his brother Roy, who had gone to Indianapolis, must have returned home. But they hadn’t come.
• Then he suspected that it might be a burglar. But nobody was there.
• It did not enter his mind until later that it was a ghost.
• He went into Herman’s room and asked to accompany him downstairs.
• They went to the back staircase to listen to the footsteps.
• They saw nothing coming and only heard the steps again.
• They shut the doors in fear.
• All the commotion awoke their mother and she demanded to know what was happening.
• She thought there was a burglar downstairs.
• Mother requested the neighbour to inform the police, that there were burglars in her house.
• The neighbour Mr. Bodwell called the police and the police came along with some reporters.
• The police broke open the glass and made a forceful entry.
• They searched downstairs, and they told the author’s mother that there was no sign of anything.
• That’s when they heard the author’s grandfather in the attic. They rushed upstairs to the attic.
• Grandfather was an old man, who believed that he was still in the American Civil War.
• He snatched a gun from a policeman and started shooting at them.
• The police managed to save themselves and came out of the attic.
• When the policeman wanted to get back his gun from that old man, the author assured him that he would bring it to the station the next day.
• Grandfather shot him thinking that the policeman was a deserter of the army.
• The next day morning, the grandfather asked him why the policemen had come the previous day night.
• He further told them that he had to look for water in the dining room, the previous night, as nobody bothered to leave a bottle of water beside his bed.

The Night the Ghost Got In Summary

‘The Night the Ghost Got in’ is a short story by James Thurber. It is a fictionalized account of life in the Thurber household, where the author James Thurber was growing up. The story took place on November 17th 1915. It starts with the author coming out of the bathroom, while drying himself. At that time, he hears footsteps, downstairs near the dining table. He wakes up his brother Herman. They go to the back stairs to listen to the footsteps. Herman gets scared and runs back into his room and slams the door shut. James too shuts the staircase door. All these commotions wake up their mother who comes out and demands to know what was happening. When she does not get a proper answer, she thinks there is a burglar downstairs.

The Mother wanted to call the police, but the phone was downstairs. So she throws her shoe’ at the neighbour’s window to request them to call the police. The police arrive with some reporters. They search downstairs and when they find nothing, they come upstairs to tell the mother. At that moment, they hear the author’s grandfather in the attic. They rush upstairs to the attic. The narrator’s grandfather was an old man, who believes that he is still in the war and as soon as the police enter the attic, he starts shooting at them.

After the police manage to save themselves and get out of the attic, one of the reporters asks James about the matter. James tells him about the ghost. Hearing all this, all the policemen leave their house immediately. The family returns to their respective bedrooms. The next morning, the grandfather comes down to the breakfast, looking fresh and relaxed. James, Herman and their mother think that the grandfather has forgotten the whole scene. The story ends with the grandfather questioning them what on earth, the police had been raiding the house the night before.

The Night the Ghost Got In Glossary

attic (n) – a space or room inside or partly inside the roof of a building
beagle – a small breed of hound used for hunting
bevelled (v) – reduced to a sloping edge
creaking (v) – making a squeaking sound when being moved
deserter (n) – a person who leaves the armed force without permission.
engraver – carver
flannel – face cloth made of wool
frothing – releasing salivary foam
gruffly (adv.) – sadly / roughly
guinea pig (n) – a domesticated tailless South American rodent originally raised for food
holster (n) – a holder made of leather for carrying handgun
hullabaloo (v) – loud noise made by people who are excited.
hysterical (adj.) – affected by uncontrolled emotion
intuitively (adv.) – without conscious reasoning, instinctively
indignant (adj.) – feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
patrolman (n) – a patrolling police officer.
rafter (n) – a beam forming part of the internal framework of a roof
rending (v) – tearing to pieces
slamming (v) – shutting a door or window forcefully and loudly.
whammed (v) – struck something forcefully
yanked (v) – pulled with a jerk
zither (n) – a musical instrument consisting of a flat wooden sound box with numerous strings stretched across it, placed horizontally and played with fingers guinea

Words	Synonyms	Antonyms
advent	arrival	depature
aroused	awakened	asleep
banging	knocking	silencing
beside	aside, near	far away
besides	apart from	—
blaspheming	abusing, cursing	blessing
bothered	cared	carefree
burst	bang, break	—
ceased’”	stopped	began
commendably	accurately, adequately	inadequately
creaked	screeched, sounded	silenced
crisscrossed	went over	—
defeat	failure	success
demanded	asked	responded
desert	leave, quit	stay, hold
despondent	in low spirits, disheartened	cheerful, encouraged
distinctly	clearly	unclearly
emerged	appeared, came out	disappeared
enormously	extremely, greatly	insignificantly
evidently	apparently, clearly         .	unlikely, doubtfully
hunt	dim, dull	bright
fetched	picked up	gave up

Words	Synonyms	Antonyms
grabbed	captured	released
gripped	held, grasped	released
gruffly	harshly	pleasantly
heaving	throwing	receiving
hoarse	rough	smooth
holster	leather case for gun	—
incomparable	unequalled	comparable
indignant	angry	happy
instantly	at once, immediately	gradually, later
intuitively	instinctively	unlikely
mild	moderate	violent
obviously	certainly	doubtfully
peered	appeared	disappeared
poke	interfere	—
prevented.	stopped	allowed
.quick cadenced	fast rhythmical	—
rafters	girders, beams	—
ransack	search thoroughly	organize, care for
rapidly	very quickly	slowly
reluctant	unwilling	eager
rending	tearing, breaking	joining
retreat (v)	withdraw	advance
roared	bellowed, murmured	whispered
slamming	shutting forcefully	opening
smack	sharp slap	—
snapped	uttered abruptly	—
splash	spatter, burst	—
sprang	leap, jump	—
sprawling	lying spread out	—
streaks	rays, beams	—
tinkled	splashed	—
trod	stepped, tramped	crawled
tromping	walking heavily	—
ventured	dared (to say something)	stopped
whammed	struck forcefully	—
whooping	shrieking, shouting	silencing
yanked	pulled	pushed

Tamilnadu Board Class 10 English Solutions

Tamilnadu State Board Class 10 English Grammar If Sentences-Conditions

Condition	If/Subordinate Clause	Main Clause
I. Open condition	If + Subject + Present Tense E.g., 1. If (“Present)2. If I (Present)	Subject + will + V the match will be cancelled. I will get.
II. Imaginary condition	If + Subject + Simple Past Tense (E.g.) 1. If I were you (‘Past’) 2.  If I had money (Past)	Subject + would + V I would accept the job. I would help the poor.
Note: ‘had’ in the above sentence is in simple past tense.
III. Unfulfilled condition	If + Subject + Past Perfect Tense (E.g.) 1. If I had known (“Past Perfect) 2. If she had worked hard	Subject + would + have + Past participle (en, ed) forms I would have visited you. She would have been successful.
Note: When the main clause takes a negative verb use not after would ⇒ wouldn’t have +past participle

If Sentences- Conditions

Examples:
First condition:

1. If it rains, __________. (become wet)
If it rains, the ground becomes wet / the ground will become wet.

2. If night falls, it __________ (to be dark)
If night falls, it is dark/it will be dark.

Second condition:

Improbable / Impossible
1. If I were a bird, __________ (fly)
If I were a bird, I would fly.

2. If my father were a millionaire, __________ (rich)
If my father were a millionaire, we would be rich.

3. If they called me, __________ (answer)
If they called me, I would answer.

Third condition:
Unfulfilled: (Past participle – verb + ‘en’ / ed)

1. If Raju had taken the medicine, __________ (to be well)
If Raju had taken the medicine, he would have been well.

2. If the fisherman had gone fishing, __________ (catch)
If the fisherman had gone fishing they would have caught fish.

Exercises
Which of the options given below will suit the following sentences?

Question 1.
If you study well, __________
(a) you would pass the exam
(b) you will pass the exam
(c) you would have passed the exam
Answer:
(b) you will pass the exam

Question 2.
If I were the Prime Minister, __________
(a) I would implement special schemes
(b) I will implement special schemes.
(c) I would have implemented special scheme
Answer:
(a) I would implement special schemes

Question 3.
If Raja had got enough water, __________
(a) he will share it with his neighbour.
(b) he would share it with his neighbour.
(c) he would have shared it with his neighbour.
Answer:
(c) he would have shared it with his neighbour

Question 4.
If he had more money, __________
(a) he will help the needy
(b) he would have helped the needy
(c) he would help the needy
Answer:
(c) he would help the needy

Question 5.
If I were a bird __________
(a) I would have crossed the ocean.
(b) I would cross the ocean.
(c) I can cross the ocean.
Answer:
(b) I would cross the ocean

Question 6.
If you waste time now, __________
(a) you would have suffered later
(b) you would suffer later
(c) you will suffer later

Question 7.
If I met him, __________
(a) I will speak to him
(b) I would speak to him
(c) I would have spoken to him

Question 8.
If james had performed well __________
(a) he will get an award
(b) he would get an award
(c) he-would have got an award
Answer:

Question 9.
If I were a Millionaire, __________
(a) I will help the needy
(b) I would help the needy
(c) I would have helped the needy
Answer:
(b) I would help the needy

Question 10.
If I won a lottery. __________
(a) I will buy a BMW car.
(b) I would buy a BMW car.
(c) I would have bought a BMW car.
Answer:
(b) I would buy a BMW car

Question 11.
Anand would have found a job, __________
(a) if he performed well
(b) if he had attended the interview
(c) if he attends the interview
Answer:
(b) if he had attended the interview

Question 12.
If the driver had been alert, __________
(a) the accident can be avoided
(b) the accident could be avoided
(c) the accident could have been avoided
Answer:
(ç) the accident could have been avoided

Question 13.
If Somu had studied well, __________
(a) he will score more marks
(b) he would score more marks
(c) he would have scored more marks
Answer:
(c) he would have scored more marks

Question 14.
If it rains, __________
(a) I shall have been wet
(b) I shall get wet
(c) I should be wet
Answer:
(b) I shall get wet

Question 15.
If this morning had been sunny, __________
(a) we would go for a picnic
(b) we would have gone for a picnic
(c) we will have gone for a picnic
Answer:
(b) we would have gone for a picnic

Question 16.
If Naveen is late, __________
(a) he would be punished
(b) he will be punished
(c) he would have been punished
Answer:
(b) he will be punished

Question 17.
If I had worked harder __________
(a) I would succeed
(b) I would have succeeded
(c) I will succeed
Answer:
(b) I would have succeeded

Question 18.
If I had come earlier __________
(a) I would catch the train
(b) I can catch the train
(c) I would have caught the train
Answer:
(c) I would have caught the train

Question 19.
If I had studied diligently, _________ the examination.
(a) I would pass
(b) I will pass
(c) I would have passed
Answer:
(c) I would have passed

Question 20.
If he had been patient, __________
(a) he would have won the argument
(b) he will win the argument
(c) he would win the argument
Answer:
(b) I would have won argument

Tamilnadu Board Class 10 English Solutions

Tamilnadu State Board Class 10 English Grammar Transformation of Sentences

♦ Transformation of Sentences (Text Book Page No.: 200-201)

Sentence clause structure commonly known as sentence composition is the classification of sentences based on the number and kind of clauses.
A simple sentence consists of only one clause. A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses. A complex sentence has at least one independent clause plus at least one dependent clause.
A simple sentence structure contains one independent clause and no dependent clauses.

• I run

This simple sentence has one independent clause which contains one subject, I, and one verb, run.

• The girl ran into her bedroom.

This simple sentence has one independent clause which contains one subject, girl, and one predicate ran into her bedroom. The predicate is a verb phrase that consists of more than one word.

• In the backyard, the dog barked and howled at the cat.

This simple sentence has one independent clause which contains one subject, dog, and one predicate, barked and howled at the cat. This predicate has two verbs, known as a compound predicate: barked and howled. This compound verb should not be confused with a compound sentence. In the backyard and at the cat are prepositional phrases.

A compound sentence is composed of at least two independent clauses. It does not require a dependent clause. The clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (with or without a comma), a semicolon that functions as a conjunction, a colon instead of a semicolon between two sentences when the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence and no coordinating conjunction is being used to connect the sentences, or a conjunctive adverb preceded by a semicolon. A conjunction can be used to make a compound sentence.

Conjunctions are words such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Examples:

• I started on time, but I arrived late.
• I will accept your offer or decline it
• The war was lost; consequently, the whole country was occupied.

A complex sentence has one or more dependent clauses (also called subordinate clauses). Since a dependent clause cannot stand on its own as a sentence, complex sentences must also have at least one independent clause. In short, a sentence with one or more dependent clauses and at least one independent clause is a complex sentence.

Eg.,
Nathan ate pancakes while he read the newspaper.
Whenever she sees a pretty sunset, Nathiya wants to visit the beach.
Because I was hungry, I ate seven idlies.

Exercises: Type – 1
Change the following complex sentences into simple sentences.

Question 1.
After he had learned his lessons, he went out to play.
Answer:
Having learned his lessons, he went out to play.

Question 2.
While I was walking along the Street, I saw a dead cobra.
Answer:
Walking along the street, I saw a dead cobra.

Question 3.
Although he was wealthy and educated, he never made a name.
Answer:
In spite of being wealthy and educated, he never made a name.

Question 4.
If you follow my advice, you will win your object.
Answer:
Following my advice, you will win your object.

Question 5.
As he was suffering from fever, he went to a hospital.
Answer:
Suffering from fever, he went to hospital.

Question 6.
A farmer who was wandering across the fields found the baby.
Answer:
A farmer, wandering across the fields, found the baby.

Exercises: Type – 2
Rewrite the following Simple Sentences as Compound Sentences.

Question 1.
The old man being weak could not walk properly.
Answer:
The old man was weak therefore he could not walk properly.

Question 2.
His father in spite of being poor is a contended man.
Answer:
His father is poor but he is a contended man.

Question 3.
She must work hard to be successful in the examination.
Answer:
She must work hard otherwise she will not be successful in the examination.

Question 4.
Our teacher is popular among students for his diligence.
Answer:
Our teacher is diligent therefore he is popular among students.

Question 5.
But for his faults he would have progressed immensely.
Answer:
He has faults otherwise he would have progressed immensely.

Question 6.
Visualizing a danger ahead, the traveler became cautious.
Answer:
The traveler visualized a danger ahead and he became cautious.

Question 7.
The student must accept his fault to escape his punishment.
Answer:
The student must accept his fault otherwise he will be punished.

Question 8.
The culprit ran away to escape his arrest.
Answer:
The culprit ran away otherwise he would have been arrested.

Question 9.
Taking off their clothes the children jumped into the river.
Answer:
The children took off their clothes and they jumped into the river.

Question 10.
In the event of being late you will not be allowed entry.
Answer:
You must not be late or you will not be allowed entry.

Exercises: Type – 3
Rewrite the following Simple Sentences as Complex Sentences.

Question 1.
Nobody could find out the place of their stay.
Answer:
Nobody could find out the place where they stayed.

Question 2.
The purpose of his visit to this place is not known.
Answer:
It is not known what is the purpose of his visit to this place.

Question 3.
All the laborers set out for their homes at sunset.
Answer:
All the laborers set out for their homes when the sun set.

Question 4.
On seeing the policeman, the thief fled away.
Answer:
The thief fled away when he saw the police man.

Question 5.
You cannot succeed without working hard.
Answer:
Unless you work hard you cannot succeed.

Question 6.
Pious women are always respected by all.
Answer:
All always respect the women who are pious.

Question 7.
I do not know the way leading to his house.
Answer:
do not know the way which leads to his house.

Question 8.
The guests sitting in the room could not hear his voice.
Answer:
The guests sitting in the room could not hear what he spoke.

Question 9.
She hoped to be successful in the examination.
Answer:
She hoped that she would be successful in the examination.

Question 10.
A man fair in his dealings is always trusted.
Answer:
A man who is fair in his dealings is always trusted.

Exercises: Type – 4
Rewrite the following Complex Sentences as Compound Sentences.

Question 1.
I am confident that he is innocent in this matter.
Answer:
He is innocent in this matter and I am confident about it.

Question 2.
Unless he works hard, he cannot pass the examination.
Answer:
He must work hard otherwise he cannot pass the examination.

Question 3.
However hard work she may do she cannot pass the examination.
Answer:
She may do as hard work as she can but she cannot pass the examination.

Question 4.
She is sure that he has stolen her purse.
Answer:
He has stolen her purse and she is sure about it.

Question 5.
As the shopkeeper quarrels with every customer, nobody likes him.
Answer:
The shopkeeper quarrels with every customer, therefore, nobody likes him.

Question 6.
if he does not improve his behavior, he will lose all his friends.
Answer:
He must improve his behavior otherwise he will lose all his friends.

Question 7.
Unless the culprit accepts his fault, he will not be spared.
Answer:
The culprit must accept his fault otherwise he will not be spared.

Question 8.
She did not attend the office because she felt unwell today.
Answer:
She felt unwell today so she did not attend the office.

Question 9.
She has lost the book that she had purchased.
Answer:
She had purchased a book and she has lost it.

Question 10.
If you do not attend the class you will not be allowed to sit in the examination.
Answer:
You must attend the class otherwise you will not be allowed to Sit in the examination.

Exercises: Type – 5
Rewrite the following Compound Sentences as Complex Sentences.

Question 1.
Let me reach my office and then I shall talk to him.
Answer:
I shall talk to him when I reach my office.

Question 2.
Spare the rod and spoil the child.
Answer:
The child is spoilt when the rod is spared.

Question 3.
The thief saw the police man, so he ran away.
Answer:
The thief ran away when he saw the police man.

Question 4.
She is feeling unwell so she cannot attend her office today.
Answer:
She cannot attend her office today as she is feeling unwell.

Question 5.
The child felt hungry, so he started weeping.
Answer:
The child started weeping because he felt hungry.

Question 6.
The news is very good but it is not true.
Answer:
The news is so good that it cannot be true.

Question 7.
Eat less and you will remain healthy.
Answer:
You wifi remain healthy if you eat less.

Question 8.
The old man is very rich but he is a miser.
Answer:
The old man is a miser though he is very rich.

Question 9.
Children put on new clothes and went to see the fair.
Answer:
Children went to see the fair after putting on new clothes.

Question 10.
Keep quiet or you will repent.
Answer:
You will repent if you do not keep quite.

Exercises: Type – 6
Change the following sentences as directed.

Question 1.
Tea is too hot to drink. (into complex)
Answer:
Tea is so hot that it cannot be drunk.

Question 2.
Unless you work hard, you cannot succeed. (into compound)
Answer:
Work hard or you cannot succeed.

Question 3.
I was born in this place. (into complex)
Answer:
This is the place where I was born.

Question 4.
Although she ran fast she could not catch the bus. (into simple)
Answer:
In spite of running fast she couldn’t catch the bus.

Question 5.
She is the girl who won the prize. (into compound)
Answer:
She is a girl and she won a prize.

Question 6.
If he had listened he would have avoided the accident. (into compound)
Answer:
He did not listen and so he could not avoid the accident.

Question 7.
She started early yet she couldn’t reach on time. (into simple)
Answer:
Inspite of starting early she couldn’t reach on time.

Question 8.
As soon as the children heard the bell they ran into the classrooms. (into simple)
Answer:
On hearing the bell the children ran into the classrooms.

Question 9.
This is the flower which smells sweet. (into compound)
Answer:
This is the flower and it smells sweet.

Question 10.
The furniture was so old that it broke into pieces. (into compound)
Answer:
The furniture was very old and it broke into pieces.

Exercises: Type – 7
Combine the pairs of sentences below into simple, complex and compound.

Question 1.
She is very weak. She cannot walk.
Answer:
Simple, She is too weak to walk.
Complex She is so weak that she cannot walk
Compound She is very weak and so she cannot walk.

Question 2.
The dancer was ill. She performed well.
Answer:
Simple : Inspite of being ill the dancer performed well.
Complex : Although the dancer was ill she performed well.
Compound : The dancer was ill yet she performed well.

Question 3.
Be careful. You might fall down.
Answer:
Simple Incase of being careless you might fall.
Complex Unless you are careful you might fall.
Compound Be careful or you might fall.

Question 4.
Sheela saved money. She became rich.
Answer:
Simple : Having saved money she became rich.
Complex : As she saved money she became rich.
Compound : She saved money and became rich.

Question 5.
It rained heavily. Schools remained closed.
Answer:
Simple Schools remained closed due to heavy rain.
Complex Schools reminded closed because it rained heavily.
Compound It rained heavily and so the schools remained closed.

Question 6.
The thief was caught. He was seen by the police.
Answer:
Simple : Having been seen by the police the thief was caught.
Complex : The police who saw the thief caught him.
Compound : The police saw the thief and caught him.

Question 7.
We waited for a long time. We could not get a taxi.
Answer:
Simple : Inspite of waiting for a long time we did not get a taxi.
Complex : Although we waited for a long time we did not get a taxi.
Compound : We waited for a long time yet we did not get a taxi.

Question 8.
Water the plants every day. It will yield flowers.
Answer:
Simple :
On watering the plants every day they will yield flowers.
Complex : If you water the plants every day they will yield flowers.
Compound : Water the plants every day and they will yield flowers.

Question 9.
You must try. You can win.
Answer:
Simple :
On trying you can win.
Complex : If you try you can win.
Compound : Try and you can win.

Question 10.
It was cloudy. The day wasn’t bright.
Answer:
Simple : The day being cloudy it wasn’t bright.
Complex : As the day was cloudy it wasn’t bright.
Compound : The day was cloudy and so it wasn’t bright.

Tamilnadu Board Class 10 English Solutions

Tamilnadu State Board Class 10 English Solutions Supplementary Chapter 2 Zigzag

Zigzag Textual Questions

A. Identify the speaker/character.

1. ‘Even though I clearly said no!’
Answer:
Dr. Krishnan

2. ‘ The one that spits deadly poison straight into its opponent’s eyes’
Answer:
Maya

3. ‘ Remember the. tiny penknife the gave me last year’.
Answer:
Maya

4. ‘ It’s Somu’s thoughtless ways that reduce me to tears’.
Answer:
Mrs. Krishnan

5. ‘Gome in, Zigzag, come in dear!’
Answer:
Visu, the old cook

Character or Speaker Additional

(a) ‘The beetle is called spitfire’.
Answer:
Arvind

(b) ‘You’re both quite mistaken’.
Answer:
Mr. Krishnan

(c) ‘Uncle Somu has given us some really fabulous gifts’.
Answer:
Arvind

(d) ‘No one but you, Maya.
Answer:
Mrs. Krishnan

(e)‘You can’t deny that it was a great hit with everyone’.
Answer:
Arvind

(f)‘Great hit indeed!’
Answer:
Mrs. Krishnan

(g) ‘Somu says we are sure to love Zigzag’.
Answer:
Mr. Krishnan

(h) ‘This is Zigzag!’
Answer:
Visu

(i) ‘Don’t worry children’.
Answer:
Visu

(j) The moment he fell asleep, he began to snore!
Answer:
Zigzag

B. Read the story again and write how these characters reacted in these situations:

1. You’re both quite mistaken.
Answer:
Dr. Krishnan hastened to explain.
Mrs. Krishnan was horrified on hearing about Zigzag.

2. It’s Somu’s thoughtless ways that reduce me to tears.
Answer:
Mrs. Krishnan spoke irritably.
Dr. Krishnan was hurrying to his clinic.

3. Just wait till zigzag settles down in this new home.
Answer:
Visu comforted everyone.
Arvind and Maya excited to listen to the bird’s talk.

4. Zigzag hardly never sleeps.
Answer:
Somu sent an e-mail to Dr.Krishnan about Zigzag.
Dr.Krishnan predicted it as ridiculously simple.

5. You are an absolute treasure……….
Answer:
Dr.Krishnan sighed and spoke to Zigzag
Zigzag didn’t bother to reply.

C. Complete the given tabular column.

D. Answer the following question in one or two sentences:

1. Why did Dr. Asholds cousin call him?
Answer:
Dr. Ashok Krishnans cousin Somu called him to shelter Zigzag, his pet bird, when he left for Alaska.

2. Mention at least two expressions which show that Mrs. Krishnan was not willing to have Zigzag at home?
Answer:
The following two expressions show that Mrs. Krishnan was not willing to have Zigzag at home.
(i) “I am going crazy with the sound of Zigzag snoring, plus all these angry telephone calls.”
(ii) “And my beautiful painting…”

3. What other various pets did Somu have?
Answer:
Somu had a giant green and gold fighting beetle and an African snake.

4. What was Mrs. Krishnan busy with?
Answer:
Mrs. Krishnan was busy with her paintings to be displayed for sale the following week.

5. What commotion did the boomerang cause in the neighborhood?
Answer:
Boomerang sliced through all the TV aerials in the neighborhood. It caused permanent damage to several cars in the parking lot. It also knocked out their watchman cold with the force thrown by Arvind.

6. What happened when Somu left Zigzag with the Krishnan’s?
Answer:
Zigzag transferred all the walnuts and the fruits to the Chandelier and on the blades of the ceiling fan. Then it perched on the curtain rod, went off to sleep.

7. How did Zigzag communicate with the Krishnan’s?
Answer:
Zigzag did not communicate with the Krishnan’s although everyone tried several times and in several languages to speak to him, he only slept and snored.

8. What was the e-mail message sent to Somu by Dr.Krishnan?
Answer:
Krishnan sent an e-mail to Somu, asking for instructions on how to stop Zigzag from snoring.

9. What did Aravind confess?
Answer:
Arvind confessed that for the first time in his life, he was actually looking forward to go to school. The school was as calm as a monastery compared to their house.

10. Why did Mrs. Jhunjhunwalla buy the painting?
Answer:
Mrs. Jhunjhunwalla bought the painting because she liked the new technique of painting.

E. Answer the following questions in about 100 -150 words:

Question 1.
Write in your own words the various commotions caused by Zigzag at Dr. Krishnan’s residence.
Answer:
When Visu, the old cook of Dr. Somu brought Zigzag to Dr. Krishnan’s house, all were surprised to see such a strange and a weird bird. It was a foot and a half tall. It was a multilingual talking- singing bird. It could talk and sing in twenty-one languages. When it refused to say a word, Arvind brought some juicy fruits and nuts for the bird. It did not eat them, but transferred one ‘ by one to the chandelier and on to the blades of the ceiling fan. Then it perched on a curtain rod, it sank his beak into a plumpy guava and then went off to sleep. Then he began to snore. The snore became louder and very louder. His snoring pounded their eardrums till their heads ached. When the fan was switched on by their maid, the painting of Mrs. Krishnan got spoilt by streaks of orange pulp spreading on it. His snoring troubled all the neighbours and they were complaining about it.

Question 2.
What was the turn of events when Zigzag was taken to the clinic?
Answer:
When Zigzag was taken into the clinic, he was asked to wait in the car by Dr. Krishnan. He warned him not to sleep and snore. But Zigzag was not accustomed to being kept waiting. So he made his way to the reception and perched himself on the nurse’s reception table. Krishnan had hardly walked through the swinging half-door that separated his clinic from the waiting room when he heard a voice. The voice was from Zigzag. It was clear and commanding. There was pin-drop silence in the room as everyone waited, open-mouthed, for Zigzag s next sentence. Dr. Krishnan was amazed. Zigzags bored and grumpy expressions were gone. Instead, the bird ‘ looked happy and alert as it went about the job. It had been trained for this job with the doctors. Thus Dr. Krishnan’s clinic, which was usually a noisy sea of tears and outbursts, was transformed into a calm, orderly place. He efficiently soothed the patients and naughty ones.

Question 3.
Narrate the story Zigzag in your own words.
Answer:
This story is about a multilingual weird bird, named Zigzag. Dr. Krishnan’s clinic usually sounded noisy because of the shouting and crying of children. His friend Dr. Somu requested him to shelter Zigzag, his pet as he was about to leave for Alaska. When Zigzag was brought to his house, it did not speak to anyone. It could sing and talk in 21 different languages. But it did not speak any word to them. Instead he transferred the fruits and nuts given to him to a Chandelier and to the blades of the ceiling fan. It perched on a curtain rod and went off to sleep. When the fan was switched on, all the fruits and nuts fell down. The papaya slice splattered on the painting of Mrs. Krishnan and spoiled it. Mrs. Krishnan was irritated and persuaded Dr. Krishnan to send the bird away to Visu s house. So Dr. Krishnan took the bird to his clinic. There it commanded everyone in an orderly way. He brought peace, calmness and a disciplined atmosphere in the clinic. The painting which had been spoilt by Zigzag was sold out for ₹ 5,000. It was bought because the new technique in painting was liked by the buyer. Thus Mr. Krishnan’s family invited Zigzag to stay with them for another week.

Paragraph Questions & Answer Additional

Question 1.
Describe Zigzag’s appearance and its trained skill.
Answer:
Zigzag was a strange and a weird multilingual bird that Krishnan’s family had ever seen. It was about a foot and a half tall. Its bald head was fringed with a crown of shocking pink feathers, while the rest of its plumage was in various shades of the wet muddiest brown. Its curved beak was sunflower-yellow and its eyes were the colour of cola held to sunlight. His full name was ‘Ziggy-Zagga-king-of -the-Tonga. He could talk so beautifully and could even recite French poetry. It was a multilingual talking-singing bird. It can talk and sing in twenty-one languages. At Krishnan’s home it did not eat anything. It only slept and snored loudly, disturbing everyone around him. It created such a commotion at their house. But when once Krishnan took the bird to his clinic, it brought calmness and order in it. This he did, due to his trained skill given by the doctors. He was an absolute treasure and a great help for the family.

Question 2.
Before Zigzag’s arrival into Krishnan’s house, what did the family was busy talking?
Answer:
Dr.Krishnans friend Somu requested him to shelter his pet Zigzag for some time as he was leaving for Alaska. The children were excited about hearing this news. Maya, his nine year old daughter guessed that Zigzag should be uncle Soniu’s prized giant-green and gold fighting beetle. It is the one that spits deadly poison straight into its opponent’s eyes. Her brother corrected her saying that the beetle is called Spitfire. He guessed that Zigzag must be uncle Somu’s pet snake, the African sidewinder. It slithered Zigzag all over his house. Their father intervened and said that they were both mistaken, Zigzag was a most harmless, unusual and lovable bird. It was Somu’s favourite pet. His wife Mrs. Krishnan contradicted him by saying that whatever possessions Somu had given, were absolute nuisances. She pointed out about the commotion created by the penknife, boomerang and the insect-eating plant. Dr. Krishnan soothed by saying that Zigzag is different.

Zigzag Additional Questions

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. D. Ashok T. Krishnans clinic usually (i) __________ more like an (ii) __________ Chinese torture(iii) __________ than a child specialist s (iv) __________. This was because the tiny children left outa variety of blood-curdling yells and (v) __________ sobs.
(a) chamber
(b) sounded
(c) clinic
(d) ear-splitting
(e) ancient
Answer:
(i) (b) sounded
(ii) (e) ancient
(iii) (a) chamber
(iv) (c) clinic
(v) (d) ear-splitting

2. Somu might be your (i) ______ friend, but most of these so called (ii) ______ possessions that he (iii) ______ us were absolute (iv) ______ countered Mrs. Krishnan (v) ______.
(a) favourite
(b) angrily
(c) best
(d) has given
(e) nuisances
Answer:
(i) (c) best
(ii) (a) favourite
(iiI) (d) has given
(iv) (e) nuisances
(v) (b) angrily

3.“Right! (i) ______ the tiny (ii) ______he gave me last year, the one with a (iii) ______ shark’s tooth (iv) ______hat’s been really useful; Maya joined the (v) ______.
(a) genuine
(b) blade
(c) penknife
(d) protest
(e) remember
Answer:
(i) (e) remember
(ii) (c) penknife
(iii) (a) genuine
(iv) (b) blade
(v) (d) protest.

4. About a foot and a half tall, its (i) ______ was fringed with a crown of (ii) ______ feathers, while the rest of its (iii) ______ was in various (iv) ______ of the muddiest (v) ______brown.
(a) shocking
(b) shades
(c) bald head
(d) sludgiest
(e) plumage
Answer:
(i) (c) bald head
(ii) (a) shocking
(iii) (e) plumage
(iv) (b) shades
(v) (d) sludgiest

II. Match the following.

1.

Answer:
(i) (d)
(ii)(c)
(iii )(e)
(iv) (b)
(v)(a)

2.

Answer:
(i) (e)
(ii) (d)
(iii) (a)
(iv) (c)
(v) (b)

3.

Answer:
(i) (c)
(ii) (e)
(iii ) (d)
(iv) (b)
(v)(a)

4.

Answer:
(i) (e)
(ii) (d)
(iii) (b)
(iv) (c)
(v) (a)

III. Complete the following:

(i) The object of all this _______ was standing cool and unmoved.
(a) wonder
(b) praise
(c) surprise
(d) applause
Answer:
(b) praise

(ii) Bored eyes _______ momentarily as Zigzag picked up a walnut.
(a) illuminated
(b) stared
(c) glanced
(d) brightened
Answer:
(d) brightened

(iii) Zigzag’s snore pounded their ear drums till their heads _______.
(a) cooled down
(b) pained
(c) ached
(d) were anxious
Answer:
(c) ached

(iv) In vain, did they try to wake the _______ bird.
(a) snoring
(b) sleeping
(c) angry
(d) arrogan
Answer:
(a) snoring

(v) Lakshmi had apparently switched on the fan on which Zigzag had left _______.
(a) some eatables ·
(b) a piece of meat
(c) some fruit and nuts
(d) a little food
Answer:
(c) some fruit and nuts

(vi) Finally an_______ Mrs. Krishnan rang up her husband.
(a) excited
(b) elated.
(c) arduous
(d) exhausted
Answer:
(d) exhausted

(vii) On the seventh day _______ arrived
(a) Mr. Krishnan
(b) Dr. Somu’s email
(c) Mrs. Krishnan
(d) the baggage
Answer:
(b) Dr. Somu’s email

(viii) It was Zigzag’s voice, clear and _______.
(a) ordering
(b) sweet
(c) commanding
(d) beautiful.
Answer:
(c) commanding

(ix) Zigzag flew in and _______.
(a) sat on the table
(b) perched on the verandah
(c) looked at the clinic
(d) made a big chaos
Answer:
(a) sat on the table

(x) It was Mrs. Krishnan sounding very pleased _______.
(a) with things around her
(b) with herself
(c) with her son
(d) with everyone
Answer:
(b) with herself

IV. Read the passage:

‘You’re both quite mistaken,’ their father hastened to explain, seeing his wife’s horrified expression. ‘Zigzag is a most harmless, unusual and lovable bird. Apparently, it was bred by a genuine African witch doctor, who gifted it to Somu when he – being a child specialist like me – cured the witch doctor’s son while he was touring the deepest jungles of equatorial Africa last month. Somu says the bird is an absolute treasure and a real help. It’s his favourite pet, you know’.

(a) How was the expression of Mrs. Krishnan, after she heard about Zigzag?
Answer:
Mrs. Krishnan’s expression was horrified when she heard about Zigzag.

(b) Who is Zigzag?
Answer:
Zigzag is the most harmless, unusual and lovable bird.

(c) How was it bred?
Answer:
It was bred by a genuine African witch doctor.

(d) Who gifted Zigzag to Somu?
Answer:
A genuine African witch doctor gifted it to Somu.

(e) What did Somu say about the bird?
Answer:
Somu said that Zigzag was an absolute treasure.

2. Arvind, finding that Zigzag was sulkily refusing to say a word despite all their efforts at striking a conversation, dashed into the kitchen to return with a plate heaped hurriedly with juicy fruit slices and some nuts.

Bored eyes brightened momentarily as Zigzag picked up a walnut. But refusing to speak, he dropped one wrinkled eyelid in a solemn wink and flew clumsily to deposit the nut on the enormous chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Bit by bit, and in total silence, all the fruit on the plate was transferred to the chandelier and on to the blades of the ceiling fan (now switched off).

Then perching comfortably on a curtain rod, Zigzag dropped one wizened eyelid in another solemn wink as he sank his beak into a plump guava.

(a) Did Zigzag speak any word?
Answer:
No, it did not speak anything.

(b) What did Arvind bring for the bird?
Answer:
He brought a plate of fruit slices and some nuts for the bird.

(c) What did Zigzag do with the plates of fruits and nuts?
Answer:
Zigzag picked up a walnut and flew to deposit it on a chandelier.

(d) Where did it transfer all the fruits and nuts?
Answer:
It transferred all the fruits and nuts to the chandelier and on the blades of the ceiling fan.

(e) Where did it perch comfortably?
Answer:
It perched comfortably on a curtain rod.

3. They froze in horror. Lakshmi had apparently switched on the fan on which Zigzag had left some fruit and nuts. Half-pecked fruit streamed off the fan, dampening even Lakshmis enthusiasm as a guava landed on her cheek with a soft squish and one walnut hit her forehead with a loud smack. One slice of over-ripe papaya came whizzing off the fan and, as they watched it helplessly. Orange pulp splattered all over Mrs.Krishnans unfinished masterpiece, sunset at Marina, spreading streaks of gooey orange pulp and shiny black seeds all over it.

Mrs.Krishnan groaned tragically and looked ready to shoot Zigzag, but he was saved by the bell. The telephone bell! They answered one call after another as all the neighbours rang upto demand what the awful KNGRRDRRWHEEZE sound was and if they could please have some peace.

(a) Who froze in horror when Lakshmi yelled?
Answer:
Mr. Krishnan’s wife, son and daughter froze in horror, when they heard Lakshmi yelling.

(b) What did she do?
Answer:
She switched on the fan on which Zigzag had left some fruits and nuts.

(c) What happened to Mrs. Krishnan’s painting?
Answer:
One slice of over-ripe papaya came whizzing off the fan and splattered all over the painting.

(d) Who was Lakshmi?
Answer:
Lakshmi was Mrs. Krishnan’s maid.

(e) What is the title of Mrs. Krishnan’s painting?
Answer:
The title was ‘Sunset at Marina.

IV. Mind map:

1.

Answer:
(i) keep Zigzag
(ii) Alaska
(iii) excited
(iv) happy
(v) nuisances

2.

Answer:
(i) fringed
(ii) various shades
(iii) sunflower yellow
(iv) Sunlight
(v) twenty-one

Zigzag By Asha Nehemiah

Asha Nehemiah was born in the year 1958 in Chennai. Now she lives in Bengaluru. She has always been interested in writing. While growing up, her love for books and reading, led her to study Literature in the college. Humour, fantasy, mystery and adventure are the strong elements in her work. One of her first collection of stories, “Granny’s Sari” has been. reprinted nine times. Her book “The Rajah’s Moustache” was awarded first prize in the competition for writers of children’s books by Children’s Book Trust. Her books have been translated into Bengali, Assamese, Hindi and Tamil. She believes that stories are a wonderful way to get children thinking and talking about various issues.

Zigzag Main Characters

Dr. Ashok T. Krishnan – Child Specialist
Somu – Krishnan’s friend Went to Alaska
Maya – Nine year old daughter
Giant beetle – Spitfire
Arvind – Krishnan’s son harmless bird
Arvind’s school – As calm as a monastery
Zigzag – harmless bird Talk and sing in 21 languages Trained by African witch doctor Snoring Monster
Visu – Somu’s old cook
Mrs. Krishnan – Talented artist Sunset at Marina
Lakshmi -Mrs.Krishnan’s maid
Mrs. Jhunjhunwala – Art critic
Boomerang – Sliced the TV aerials
Insect-eating plant – Amazonian rainforest
Sunset at Marina – Rs. 5,000/-
Tiny children – ear-splitting sobs

Zigzag Key Points

• This is a story about Zigzag, a multilingual talking – singing bird.
• Dr. Krishnan’s clinic usually sounded noisy because of the yelling and crying of children.
• Dr. Krishnan’s cousin Dr. Somu asked him to keep his pet Zigzag with him for some time, as he went to Alaska.
• Dr. Krishnan’s family was surprised to see the strange and weird looking bird. They had never seen such a strange and huge bird.
• Somu’s cook, Visu said that the bird could recite French poetry. It can talk and sing in about twenty-one different languages.
• Zigzag was about a foot and a half tall. Its head was bordered with a crown of shocking pink feathers. The rest of its plumage was in various shades.
• Its curved beak was sunflower-yellow and its eyes were the colour of cola.
• Arvind, the doctor’s son gave Zigzag a plate of juicy fruit slices and some nuts.
• But Zigzag transferred all the walnuts and fruits to the chandelier and on the blades of the ceiling fan.
• Next, it perched on a curtain rod and went to sleep. It snored loudly and then very loudly.
• When Mrs. Krishnan’s maid switched on the fan in their studio, all the fruits and nuts fell from it.
• One slice of over ripped papaya came whizzing off the fan and splattered on Mrs. Krishnan’s unfinished masterpiece.
• It spread streaks of orange pulp and shiny black seeds all over it.
• Mrs. Krishnan was upset and rang to her husband to take Zigzag away.
• So Dr. Krishnan took the bird to the clinic.
• There Zigzag started commanding everyone in the clinic. It was doing its job, for which he was trained earlier.
• The clinic which was a noisy sea of tears, had transformed into a calm and orderly place.
• It was the efficient skill of the bird. It was always busy and active.
• Dr. Krishnan thought that it was really an absolute treasure.
• The painting on which papaya fell was liked by the art critic Mrs. Jhunjhunwala and she bought it for ₹ 5.000/-.
• So, Dr. Krishnan’s family invited Zigzag into their home.

Zigzag Key Summary

This is a story about Zigzag, a multilingual talking – singing bird. Dr. Krishnan’s clinic usually sounded noisy because of the yelling and cry of children. Dr. Krishnans cousin Somu asked him to keep his pet Zigzag with him for some time. Dr. Krishnan’s family were surprised to see the strange and weird looking bird. They had never seen such a strange and huge bird. Somu’s cook, Visu said that the bird could recite French poetry. It can talk and sing in about twenty-one different languages.

Zigzag was about a foot and a half tall. Its head was bordered with a crown of shocking pink feathers. The rest of its plumage was in various shades. Its curved beak was sunflower-yellow and its eyes were the colour of cola. Arvind, the doctors, son gave Zigzag a plate of juicy fruit slices and some nuts. But Zigzag transferred all the walnuts and fruits to the chandelier and on the blades of the ceiling fan. Next, it perched on a curtain rod and went to sleep. It snored loudly and then very loudly. Every member in Dr. Krishnan’s family tried to wake the bird but in vain. When Mrs. Krishnan’s maid switched on the fan in their studio, all the fruits and nuts fell from it. One slice of over ripped papaya came whizzing off the fan and splattered on Mrs. Krishnan’s unfinished masterpiece. It spread streaks of orange pulp and shiny black seeds all over it.

Mrs. Krishnan was upset and wanted to shoot Zigzag. She rang to her husband to take Zigzag away. Dr. Krishnan sent an email to Somu asking for clear instructions on how to stop Zigzags snoring. On the seventh day, he received a message stating that Zigzag hardly ever sleeps and he had never heard him snore. Mrs. Krishnan persuaded Dr. Krishnan to take Zigzag away. So Dr. Krishnan took the bird to the clinic. There Zigzag started commanding everyone in the clinic. It was doing its job, for which he was trained earlier. All its bored and grumpy expressions vanished. The clinic which was a noisy sea of tears, had transformed into a calm and orderly place. It was the efficient skill of the bird. It never slept or snored even for a second. It was always busy and active. Dr. Krishnan spoke to the bird and said that it was an absolute treasure. The painting on which papaya fell was liked by the art critic and she bought it for Rs. 5,000/-. So, Mrs. Krishnan was happy about and she invited Zigzag into their home. She wanted to shelter the bird for another week.

Zigzag Key Glossary

aboriginal (adj.) – native, local
absolute – complete
chamber – hall
commotions – confusions
coyote (n) – a wolf like wild dog native to North America,
crinkly (adj.) – wrinkly
curdling – clotting
dab – pat
deafeningly – ear-shatteringly
fringed (v) – bordered
grumpiness (adj.) – bad tempered
multilingual – using more than one language.
plumage (n) – a bird’s feather collectively
sarcasm (n) – use of irony to mock or convey contempt
slithers – moves smoothly over a surface with a twisting motion.
sludgiest (adj.) – wet mud
smack – slap
snorted – made a sudden explosive sound
solemn – majestic
squirt (n) – spray
sternly – strictly
streaks (n) – line, strap
sulkily – angrily
tantrum (n) – outburst, flare-up
tottered – jogged
unraveling – unwinding

Tamilnadu Board Class 10 English Solutions

Tamilnadu State Board Class 9 English Solutions Prose Chapter 2 I Cant Climb Trees Anymore

Chapter 2 I Cant Climb Trees Anymore In – Text Questions

Question 1.
What was the old house built with?
Answer:
The old house was built with solid blocks of granite, which wasn’t altered at all.

Question 2.
Does the visitor still live in the house?
Answer:
No, the visitor had sold his house, after his grandmother’s death and went away.

Question 1.
What did the visitor hide in the jackfruit tree?
Answer:
The visitor hid his grandfather’s Iron Cross in the jackfruit tree.

Question 2.
When did the visitor actually hide the iron cross?
Answer:
The visitor actually hid the Iron Cross twenty-five years ago.

A. Based on your understanding of the story, indicate either T (True) or ‘F’( False) against the columns.

B. Based on your understanding of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct answer.

Question 1.
The story I Can’t Climb Trees Anymore highlights the importance of __________________.
(a) old age
(b) youth
(c) adulthood
(d) middle age
Answer:
(b) youlh

Question 2.
The house which was visited by the man __________________.
(a) remained unchanged
(b) was totally changed
(c) was slightly repaired
(d) was given a facelift
Answer:
(c) was slightly repaired

Question 3.
Who said, “A blessing rests on the house where the shadow of a tree falls”?
(a) Grand mother
(b) Uncle
(c) Grand father
(d) The visitor
Answer:
(a) Grand mother

Question 4.
The visitor came back to the house because he __________________.
(a) wanted to see the jackfruit tree
(b) was looking for his lost youth
(c) wanted to look again at his old house
(d) wanted to buy the house.
Answer:
(b) was looking for his lost youth

Question 5.
The visitor gifted the __________________ to the little girl.
(a) iron cross
(b) marbles
(c) bronze medal
(d) old coins
Answer:
(a) iron cross

MCQs – Additional

Question 1.
The flying trapeze is a __________________ in which people swing from and end to another end.
(a) circus act
(b) circus ring
(c) circus show
Answer:
(a) circus act

Question 2.
Who said, “I can’t climb trees anymore,”
(a) Narrator
(b) Little girl
(c) Grand father
Answer:
(a) Narrator

C. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

Question 1.
Explain : “Blessings rest on the house where the shadow of a tree falls”.
Answer:
It shows the importance of trees to a house. The tree keeps on yielding fruits and gives shade.

Question 2.
What did the writer observe about the house?
Answer:
The house was not altered but there was a new outhouse and fewer trees. The turnstile was gone and the opening walled up.

Question 3.
What was the local superstition about trees?
Answer:
If the shadow of a tree falls on the house, then the house will be a blessed one.

Question 4.
What did the visitor do with the turnstile when he was a boy?
Answer:
As a boy, the visitor would swing on it, going round and round until he was quite dizzy.

Question 5.
Who is the owner of the house now?
Answer:
A colonel, the father of the little girl, is the owner of the house.

Question 6.
Why did the visitor return to his old house?
Answer:
The visitor returned to his old house just to relive his childhood memories.

Question 7.
How did he get back the Iron Cross?
Answer:
The little girl climbed up the tree and brought him his Iron Cross.

Question 8.
How did the grandfather get the iron cross? (^)
Answer:
Grandfather got the Iron Cross from a German soldier. It was awarded for bravery during the first World War.

Question 9.
What did he do with the old Iron Cross?
Answer:
The visitor left it in the hollow of the jackfruit tree and forgot all about it, while vacating the house.

Question 10.
Where had he left his childhood treasures?
Answer:
He had left his childhood treasures in a small hollow of the jackfruit tree.

Short Questions and Answers; Additional

Question 1.
What was the visitor looking at?
Answer:
The visitor stood on the grass verge by the side of the road and looked over the garden wall at the old house.

Question 2.
What were the slight changes observed by the visitor?
Answer:
There was a new outhouse, and there were fewer trees. At the spot where he stood there had once been a turnstile, now the turnstile was gone, the opening walled up.

Question 3.
Name the two things about the house that had not changed.
Answer:
The old house built with solid blocks of granite wasn’t altered at all. The Jackfruit tree still stood at the side of the building casting its shade on the wall.

Question 4.
Describe the little girl.
Answer:
The little girl was only twelve or thirteen with lively eyes and long black hair.

Question 5.
When had the visitor lived in the house? Why had he left the house? .
Answer:
The visitor had lived in the house twenty-five years ago, as a boy and as a young man.
His grandmother died, and his house had been sold. He then went away.

Question 6.
What according to the girl, made the visitor come back?
Answer:
She thought the visitor had come back to buy the house, but he did not have enough money to do so.

Question 7.
What liberty had the girl’s parents granted her?
Answer:
She was allowed to bring her friends home. Her parents would not mind if she did so.

Question 8.
How did the visitor prove his youthful energy?
Answer:
The visitor decided to climb over the wall instead of going round to the gate. In the process of climbing up, he rested on the wall, breathing heavily.

Question 9.
What was the significant of the stone bench?
Answer:
The stone bench under the mango tree was the one on which his grandmother used to rest, when she was tired of pruning rose bushes and bougainvillaea.

Question 10.
What memories flooded into the visitor’s mind in the garden? „
Answer:
The visitor closed his eyes and remembered other times – the music of a piano, the chiming of a grandfather clock, the constant twitter of budgerigars on the veranda, his grandfather cranking up the old car.

Question 11.
Mention the treasures the visitor had kept in the hollow of the tree.
Answer:
Marbles he had won, a book he was not supposed to read, a few old coins he had collected and his grandfather’s iron cross were kept in the hollow of the tree.

Question 12.
Why wasn’t the Iron Cross actually his grandfather’s?
Answer:
The Iron Cross was a German decoration awarded for bravery during the First World. War, when his grandfather fought in France. It was not given to him because he was a British soldier. He got it from a German soldier.

Question 13.
Why had the visitor left the Iron Cross in the tree?
Answer:
The visitor was so excited at the time of leaving, packing and saying goodbye to people and thinking about the ship he was going to sail on that he had simply forgotten all about the iron cross.

Question 14.
What was the purpose of the narrator’s visit?
Answer:
He had not come to get the iron cross. He had come there to relive his youth.

Question 15.
What might have been the reason for the visitor’s sprightliness?
Answer:
The visitor recalled his childhood days, spent at the house and enjoyed every moment of it. He felt he had regained his youth, though he was not able to climb trees any longer as he had surpassed youthful days of courage and strength.

Paragraph Questions and Answers : Additional

Question 1.
What were the visitor’s reminiscences of his youthful days at the old house?
Answer:
As a boy, the visitor would swing on the turnstile, going round and round until he was quite dizzy. The visitor, as a boy, would sit on a stone bench under a mango tree, where his grandmother rested after pruning rose bushes and bougainvillea. He would listen to the music of a piano, the chiming of a grandfather clock, the constant twitter of birds on the veranda and his grandfather cranking up his old car.

Question 2.
Trace the purpose of the narrator’s visit to the house and the treasure he retrieved in the end.
Answer:
The visitor had come to the house, thinking of old times. He would hide his treasures like marbles, a book and a few old coins in the hollow of the jackfruit tree. He had hidden his grandfather’s Iron Cross, while vacating the house. The girl urged him to keep it, but he gave it back to her. After having spent some time with the innocent girl, sharing his childhood memories, he felt he had got back his youth. His heart was filled with joy and he left the place happily.

Question 3.
Describe the bond of friendship that spruced up between the visitor and tha little girl.
Answer:
The visitor did not come to frighten the girl or take away her belongings. The girl was carried away to know why the visitor had paid her a visit. She learnt of the joyful days of the visitor’s childhood. She even got the medal – Iron Cross that belonged to his grandfather and had been left in a small hollow in the branch of the jackfruit tree for twenty five years. The visitor, as a token of love, had given it to her. Thus both the visitor and the girl became thick friends, in their short span of their brief acquaintance.

D. Match the words in column A with the meanings in column B by drawing a line as shown.

Answer:

1. (f)
2. (e)
3. (a)
4. (b)
5. (c)
6. (d)
7. (j)
8. (h)

E. Read these shortened forms of words and write the flillform for the remaining words and complete the table given below.
Eg : won’t: will not
I’d: I had /1 would
I’ll: I will

Speaking

F. You are visiting a primary school where on studied classes I to IV, after six years. You get a chance to go to your standard two classrooms and you are permitted to sit at the same place where you used to sit.

Question 1.
What would you remember?
Answer:
Teachers, friends, stories, playtime would be the things remembered.

Question 2.
Describe your feelings at that time.
Answer:
I used to enjoy coming to school when I was in second standard, I used to play and colour and draw and listen to stories.

Question 3.
Who do you miss very badly, your friends or teachers?
Answer:
I miss my friends.

Question 4.
Share your thoughts with the class.
Answer:
I also think of my teachers with gratitude and love. They shaped me and moulded me with virtues and good principles. I would very much like to talk to them and thank them. I also wish to meet my friends, whom I played with and relive those happy moments of innocent childhood, filled with happiness and petty fights.

Writing

G. On. Seeing these iictures, you would have gone down your memory lane. Write a paragraph in about 50 words describing your favourite sport when you were young.

Answer:
When I was young, I used to run about swinging my catapult and aiming at monkeys, crows and fruits on trees. I also played cricket with my friends on the road. Whenever a vehicle passed by, we had to stop the game. When people passed that way, we would stop and then resume the game after they had left. It was a wonderful period full of happiness and no responsibilities at all.

Think and Write

H. Based on the story and your own ideas write your answers in about 80 to 100 words each:

Question 1.
Imagine yourself as the writer. Narrate the story of your visit to your ancestral house.
Answer:
I visited my ancestral home after 25 years. I used to live there before 25 years and enjoyed playing in the garden swing, climbing trees and discussing with my friends and relatives on various topics. My ancestral home belongs to my grandfather and he inherited it from my great grandfather. When I went there after twenty five years, I was almost fifty years old. Certain parts of the house, were changed but the Jack-fruit tree continued to be there, giving shade. This was considered as a blessing to the house. I had hidden same treasures in the hollow of the tree and found the Iron Cross when a small girl of 13 years climbed and searched for it in the tree. My visit brought many memories of the past. I couldn’t stay there because my grandfather sold it to someone else.

Question 2.
The man who came to the house gave the cross as a gift to the girl. Why did he do this? What do you think would have happened if he had taken back the cross with him?
Answer:
He gave the cross as a gift to the girl because he might have felt she found the treasure so she could have it. If he had carried it with himself he would have saved it as a treasure because it would remind him of his days in youth when he could, climb the Jackfruit tree in his ancestral home. Now the house does not belong to him nor was he able to climb the tree as he was no more a youth.

Creative Writing

I. Write a letter to your friend describing your ancestral house.
Answer:

25, Rajaji Street,
Kumbakonam.
12th May, 2019

Dear Naresh,

You would be surprised to know that I am now writing this letter from Kumbakonam, as I have come here to visit my grandmother. Oh, what a palatial house she’s got, here in the heart of the town. It has two storeys, and imagine, the steps are made of wood. There is a big granary at the comer of the house and she grazes three cows, all succulent one, in the backyard. The backyard is a big to walk about. The lovely garden in the backyard is lull of pageant flowers and true music of various sweet chirping birds. It is such a wonderful house. Nearly fifty people can live there. I enjoy being here. I welcome you here too.

Convey my regards to all at home.

Your loving friend,
Md. Yusuf.

Grammar

Degrees of Comparison

A. Work with a partner and fill in the table with information about your locality. You may add more information, if necessary. When you finish filling the table, write a short paragraph comparing the two places.

My partner’s place is farther than my place to the railway station. But she is closer to the airport than me. I have shopping centres and temples more closer than my partner. The important heritage centres are fewer in my area than my partner’s area. There is a pond in my partner’s location and the traffic is not heavier than my area. There are four hotels and a park closer to my/esidence than my partner’s place.

B. Give your opinion and compare the items in each picture using -er, more, less, or an irregular form. Use the words. You may form your sentences in more than one way.

[healthy, wholesome, calorific]
1. (a) Fresh vegetables are healthier than pizza.
(b) They are wholesome than fast foods.
(c) Pizza is not calorific than fresh vegetables.

[eco-friendly, economical, safer]
2. (a) Using a bicycle is eco-friendly than using a motorbike
(b) Bicycle is economical than motorbike.
(c) It is also safer than the motorbike.

[educational, interesting, trendy]
3. (a) The Radio does not give more educational benefits than a mobile phone.
(b) Mobile phone is more interesting than a radio.
(c) It is also more trendy than a radio.

[safe, comfortable, quick]
(a) It is safer to travel in a train than a bus.
(b) Train is more comfortable than a bus.
(c) A train travels quicker than a bus.

[cozy, costly, sturdy]
5. (a) The sofa is costlier than a chair.
(b) It is cozier than a chair.
(c) The sofa looks sturdier than a chair.

C. Look at the bar-graph. Write five sentences using the appropriate degrees of comparison.

Answer:

1. Paragliding’s popularity in 2001 was more than in 2017.
2. Rafting is more popular in 2017 than in 2001.
3. Rock-climbing attracted more climbers in 2017 than in 2001.
4. Bungee jumping is more popular in 2017 than in 2001.
5. The sport surfing attracted less people in 2017 than in 2001.

D. Listen to the conversation between Leena and her mother and list down a few new words. Using a dictionary find out the meaning for those words.

Warm up

Question a.
Have you ever tried swinging from a tree?
Answer:
Yes, as a child I had attached ropes to the branches and had been swinging frequently.

Question b.
Have you ever climbed up a tree to pluck fruits?
Answer:
Yes. I have competed with my friends in climbing up and plucking fruits.

Question c.
Think of other occasions when you have climbed up trees, either near your homes or outside. Share your reasons with the class.
Answer:
I had climbed up a tree

• to look at a lovely bird and its nest;
• to pluck tasty fruits and eat them;
• to observe the young ones of trees etc.

Synonyms & Antonyms: Additional Questions

Choose the appropriate Synonym of the underlined words.

Question 1.
He was glad to see that the Jack fruit tree still stood at the side of the building casting its shade on the wall.
(a) throwing
(b) dancing
(c) lighting
(d) showering
Answer:
(a) throwing

Question 2.
At the spot where he stood, there had once been a turnstile.
(a) plant
(b) revolving gate
(c) shrub
(d) tree
Answer:
(b) revolving gate

Question 3.
He stood on the grass verge by the side of the road and looked over the garden wall at the old house.
(a) comer
(b) at the top
(c) at the edge
(d) middle
Answer:
(c) at the edge

Question 4.
when she was tired of pruning rose bushes and bougainvillea.
(a) augmenting
(b) growing
(c) trimming
(d) spreading
Answer:
(c) trimming

Question 5.
It was on the tip of his tongue to make a witty remark.
(a) funny
(b) intelligent
(c) awkward
(d) foolish
Answer:
(b) intelligent

Question 6.
He did not look very prosperous.
(a) poor
(b) flourishing
(c) well
(d) popular
Answer:
(b) flourishing

Question 7.
‘Middle-aged man on the flying trapeze’ he muttered to himself.
(a) utter in a low voice
(b) speak loudly
(c) shouted
(d) screamed
Answer:
(a) utter in a low voice

Question 8.
He slithered down into a flowerbed.
(a) stood
(b) slipped
(c) looked
(d) sat
Answer:
(b) slipped

Question 9.
He shattered the stem of a hollyhock.
(a) pasted
(b) broke
(c) joined
(d) attached
Answer:
(b) broke

Question 10.
They stood on either side of the wall appraising each other.
(a) talking
(b) shouting
(c) assessing
(d) commenting
Answer:
(c) assessing

Another type of exercise

Choose the appropriate Synonym of the underlined words.

1. He stood on the grass verge (i) by the side of the road and looked over the garden wall at the old house. It hadn’t changed much. The old (ii) house built with solid blocks (iii) of granite wasn’t altered (iv) at all. But there was a new outhouse, and there were fewer (v) trees.

i) (a) middle
(b)edge
(c) sphere
(d) outfield
Answer:
(b) edge

ii) (a) fresh
(b) current
(c) new
(d) ancient
Answer:
(d) ancient

iii) (a) balls
(b) openings
(c) edges
(d) bars
Answer:
(d) bars

iv) (a) retained
(b) worsened
(c) changed
(d) not updated
Answer:
(c) changed

v) (a) other
(b) less
(c) more
(d) outsize
Answer:
(b) less

2. As they walked across the grass he spotted (i) a stone bench under a mango tree. It was the bench on which his grandmother used to rest (ii) when she was tired (iii) of pruning (iv) rose bushes and bougainvillea. ‘Let’s just sit here,’ he said. ‘I don’t want to go inside.’ She sat beside (v) him on the bench

i) (a) cleaned
(b) unstained
(c) bleached
(d) noticed
Answer:
(d) noticed

ii) (a) hurry
(b) relax
(c) struggle
(d) move
Answer:
(b) relax

iii) (a) fresh
(b) energetic
(c) weary
(d) active
Answer:
(c) weary

iv) (a) trimming
(b) watering
(c) lengthening
(d) augmenting
Answer:
(a) trimming

v) (a) further
(b) farther
(c) near
(d) apart from
Answer:
(c) near

3. She didn’t understand that, but she walked with him to the gate and waited. Where the road turned (i), he looked back and waved to her. Then he quickened (ii) his steps and moved briskly (iii) towards the bus stop. There was sprightliness (iv) in his step, and something cried aloud (v) in his heart.

i) (a) straightened
(b) revolved
(c) departed
(d) flourished
Answer:
(b) revolved

ii) (a) hastened
(b) lagging
(c) slowed
(d) weakened
Answer:
(a) hastened

iii) (a) listlessly
(b) energetically
(c) sluggishly
(d) slowly
Answer:
(b) energetically

iv) (a) laziness
(b) inactivity
(c) indolence
(d) liveliness
Answer:
(d) liveliness

v) (a) inaudibly
(b) placidly
(c) in a loud noise
(d) vaguely
Answer:
(c) in a loud noise

(ii) Choose the correct Antonyms of the word underlined below.

Question 1.
The old house built with solid blocks of granite wasn’t altered at all.
(a) changed
(b) fixed
(c) turned
(d) transferred
Answer:
(b) fixed

Question 2.
He was glad to see that the Jackfruit still stood at the side of the building.
(a) happy
(b) merry
(c) sad
(d) joyful
Answer:
(c) sad

Question 3.
A blessing rests on the house, where the shadow of a tree falls.
(a) curse
(b) gratitude
(c) luck
(d) chance
Answer:
(a) curse

Question 4.
She was only twelve or thirteen with lively eyes and long black hair.
(a) dull
(b) active
(c) enthusiastic
(d) hopeful
Answer:
(a) dull

Question 5.
The man burst out laughing.
(a) wailing
(b) grinning
(c) mocking
(d) kidding
Answer:
(a) wailing

Question 6.
He got up on the wall all right, but had to rest there, breathing heavily.
(a) strongly
(b) lightly
(c) calmly
(d) amply
Answer:
(b) lightly

Question 7.
You found it after all’
(a) got
(b) regained
(c) lost
(d) captured
Answer:
(c) lost

Question 8.
‘Yes, I was so excited at the time.
(a) joyful
(b) happy
(c) merry
(d) calm
Answer:
(d) calm

Question 9.
I was a bit of crow, you know, collecting bright things and putting them away.
(a) scattering
(b) throwing
(c) gathering
(d) putting
Answer:
(a) scattering

Question 10.
Something cried aloud in his heart.
(a) big
(b) small
(c) large
(d) silent
Answer:
(d) silent

Question 11.
He did not look prosperous.
(a) success
(b) failure
(c) victorious
Answer:
(b) failure

Another type of exercise

Choose the appropriate Antonyms of the underlined words.

1. They were silent (i) for some time. The man closed his eyes and remembered other times – the music of a piano, the chiming of a grandfather clock, the constant (ii) twitter of budgerigars on the veranda, his grandfather cranking up the old (iii) car…. ‘I used to climb (iv) the jackfruit tree,’ he said, opening (v) his eyes.

i) (a) quiet
(b) mute
(c) clamorous
(d) dumb
Answer:
(c) clamorous

ii) (a) inconsistent
(b) continual
(c) uninterrupted
(d) regular
Answer:
(a)inconsistent

iii) (a) archaic
(b) modem
(c) antique
(d) vintage
Answer:
(b) modern

iv) (a) rise
(b) ascent
(c) descend
(d) mount
Answer:
(c) descend

v) (a) fling
(b) chinking
(c) clefting
(d) closing
Answer:
(d) closing

2. ‘No, no. Not after (i) climbing the garden wall. Let’s just sit here for a few (ii) minutes and talk. I mention the jackfruit tree because it was my favourite (iii) place. Do you see that thick (iv) branch stretching out over the roof? Half way along it there’s a small (v) hollow in which I used to keep some of my treasures.’

i) (a) later
(b) back
(c) next
(d) before
Answer:
(d) before

ii) (a) petty
(b) many
(c) scanty
(d) slight
Answer:
(b) many

iji) (a) choice
(b) ideal
(c) disliked
(d) main
Ans:
(c) disliked

iv) (a) obtuse
(b) thin
(c) dull
(d) dense
Answer:
(b) thin

v) (a) little
(b) tiny
(c) minor
(d) big
Answer:
(d) big

3. “I left it in the jackfruit tree.” “You left it in the tree?”. “Yes, I was so excited (i) at the time, packing and saying goodbye to people and thinking about the ship I was going to sail on that I simply (ii) forgot all about it”. She quietly (iii) said, “It may still (iv) be there. In the hallow (v) part of the branch”.

i) (a) thrilled
(b) stimulated
(c) aroused
(d) bored
Answer:
(d) bored

ii) (a) merely
(b) hardly
(c)just
(d) plainly
Answer:
(b) hardly

iii) (a) gently
(b) softly
(c) loudly
(d) calmly
Answer:
(c) loudly

iv) (a) even now
(b) so far
(c) yet
(d) no longer
Answer:
(d) no longer

v) (a) sublimate
(b) consecrate
(c) defile
(d) solemnize
Answer:
(c) defile

I Cant Climb Trees Anymore By Ruskin Bond

May 1934. He is an award winning Indian He is much renowned for his role in creating The Indian Council for Child Education has of childrens literature in India. He received 1 for Xhir trees still grow in Dehra”. Padma Bhushan in 2014.

I Cant Climb Trees Anymore Summary

A visitor watched the old house that had not changed. It was built with granite walls. It had a new outhouse with fewer trees. The Jackfruit tree was still there giving shade. His grandmother felt the shade was a blessing from, the trees. As a boy he used to swing on a turnstile going round and round. Now it was gone. The tall hollyhocks grew on the other side of the wall. A girl stood between the red hollyhocks staring at the man. She was twelve or thirteen years old, slim, with lovely eyes and long black hair.

The girl asked the man whether he wanted to buy the house. The girl said it was her father’s house and that he was a Colonel. She says that her mother said that he should have become a brigadier. They stood on either side of the wall appraising each other. The man said that he looked at the house because he lived there once and they had sold the house after his grandmother’s death. She asked whether he would like to buy the house then. Later she realised he didn’t have the money as he didn’t look prosperous. He said he only wanted to see it and the girl said that they had lived there for three years. She called him in to have a better view of the house and that her parents wouldn’t mind. She finds that he is middle aged. He climbed the wall, got up on the wall and rested breathing heavily.

She said she would help him on the flying trapeze. She gave him her hand. He slipped down into a flower bed, breaking the stem of a hollyhock. Across the grass he spotted a stone bench under a mango tree. It was the bench where his grandmother sat trimming rose bushes and bougainvillea. He wanted to sit outside. She sat with him on the bench. They were silent and the man closed his eyes and remembered the music of a piano, the chiming of a grandfather clock, the noise of the birds on the veranda and his grandfather repairing the old car.

He remembered climbing the jackfruit tree. She said her parents wouldn’t mind him climbing the tree. He only wanted to sit and talk for a few minutes. His favourite place was the Jackfruit tree. He said he used to keep his treasures in the hollow of the tree. Treasures were only marbles he had won, a book he wasn’t supposed to read, old coins, grandfather’s Iron Cross awarded for bravery during the first world war in France. He got it from a German soldier. She asked whether he had the Iron Cross. He didn’t. He had left it in the Jackfruit tree. Being very excited at that time and bidding goodbye before sailing in the ship he forgot all about it.

Thinking it might still be there in the hollow of the tree, he said unless someone else found it, since twenty five years had passed. He said he can’t climb trees anymore to have a look and she said she would. She found it and ran towards him with a rusty old medal in her hand. He made sure that it was the same Iron Cross. She asked him whether he had come to find it. He said he wasn’t sure and asked her to have it as she found it and that it would have even been there for another 25 years.

He placed the medal in her hands and said that he had come for his youth and not for the Iron Cross. As he walked away to the bus stop he remembered his youth and the air filled with the smell of the sweet mango and the summer breeze made his blood rush in his veins forgetting the feel that he was so old that he couldn’t climb trees anymore.

I Cant Climb Trees Anymore Mind map

I Cant Climb Trees Anymore Glossary

Synonyms

Antonyms

Tamilnadu Board Class 9 English Solutions

Tamilnadu State Board Class 10 English Grammar Prepositional Phrases

♦ Prepositional Phrases (Text Book Page No.: 42-44)

A prepositional phrase is a series of words made up of a Preposition and its object. The object may be a Noun, Pronoun, Gerund or Clause. A prepositional phrase functions as an Adjective or an Adverb.

These prepositions are formed by two-word or a three-word combination such as according to, along with, at the time of, because of, owing to, instead of etc. These kinds of prepositions are used frequently in our day to day life.

Preposition	Meaning	Example
according to	as stated by, on the authority of	According to the weatherman, we can expect more cold weather this week.
along with	together with	We have to give importance to Physical Education along with all the academic subjects.
because of	on account of	We stayed at home because of the bad weather.
owing to	because of	I can’t accept your invitation owing to a previous engagement.
instead of	in place of, substituting for	I wish I were going to a party instead of my brother.
in the event of	in case of	The match will be stopped in the event of heavy rain.

Here are some commonly used Phrasal prepositions.

1. According to : Cut your coat according to your cloth.
2. Along with : She came to the party along with her friend.
3. Because of : He won the case because of his sincere efforts to find the truth.
4. By means of : He was pulled out of the well by means of a long rope.
5. Due to : Kamal was refused hail ticket due to lack of attendance.
6. In spite of : In spite of facing hardships, he gave money to his friend.
7. Instead of : I gave the children pizza instead of idijes for breakfast today.
8. On account of : He got a promotion on account of his hard work.
9. In case of : In case of any emergency, dial loo to call the police.
10. With reference to: He gave details to the police with reference to his complaint regarding the theft.
11. In the event of : Dont use elevators in the event of fire in this building.
12. In order to : He burnt midnight oil in order to score more in the exams.
13. On behalf of : I thanked the sponsors on behalf of all participants.

Exercise
Choose the appropriate prepositional phrase and complete the sentences

Question 1.
He succeeded ___________ hard work.
(a) in case of
(b) by dint of
(c) in course of
(d) on behalf of
Answer:
(b) by dint of

Question 2.
___________ rain, take an umbrella.
(a) In case of
(b) On behalf of
(c) Due to
(d) On account of
Answer:
(a) In case of

Question 3.
____________ his illness, he retired from hisob.
(a) In spite of
(b) In case of
(c) According to
(d) Owing to
Answer:
(d) Owing to

Question 4.
He realized his mistake ___________ time.
(a) in spite of
(b) in case of
(c) according to
(d) In course of
Answer:
(d) in course of

Question 5.
He presented the report ____________ his colleagues.
(a) in case of
(b) on behalf of
(c) due to
(d) on account of
Answer:
(b) on behalf of

Question 6.
He persevered ____________ difficulties.
(a) in spite of
(b) in case of
(c) according to
(d) in course of
Answer:
(a) in spite of

Question 7.
Prove your worth by doing something ___________ talking.
(a) in spite of
(b) due to
(c) instead of
(d) in case of
Answer:
(c) instead of

Question 8.
Act ___________ my instructions.
(a) in view of
(b) in lieu of
(c) according to
(d) looking to
Answer:
(c) according to

Question 9.
Why don’t you go ___________ your parents?
(a) along with
(b) with in
(c) in to
(d) on to
Answer:
(a) along with

Question 10.
There is a big tree ___________ his house.
(a) In case of
(b) in behind to
(c) in front of
(d) on front to
Answer:
(c) in front of

Question 11.
They migrated to America ___________ higher studies,
(a) for the safe of
(b) for the sake of
(c) in front of
(d) in case of
Answer:
(b) for the sake of

Question 12.
He gave theudgement __________ his eldest son.
(a) with reference to
(b) with respect to
(c) in favour of
(d) on favour to
Answer:
(c) in favour of

Question 13.
He attended school ___________ his illness.
(a) in spite of
(b) in case of
(c) according to
(d) owing to
Answer:
(a) in spite of

Question 14.
The company suffered huge losses ___________ his incompetence.
(a) in view of
(b) in lieu of
(c) on account of
(d) looking to
Answer:
(c) on account of

Question 15.
___________ your advertisement, ¡ apply for the vacant post.
(a) With reference to
(b) with respect to
(c) in favour of
(d) on favour to
Answer:
(a) With reference to

Tamilnadu Board Class 10 English Solutions

Tamilnadu State Board Class 9 English Solutions Poem Chapter 4 The Spider and the Fly

A. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions in a sentence or two.

The Spider and the Fly Questions and Answer Question 1. “The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I’ve many curious things to show when you are there ”

Question (a).
How to reach the spider’s parlour.
Answer:
The spider’s parlour can be reached through a winding stair.

Question (b).
What will the fly get to see in the parlour?
Answer:
The fly will get to see many curious things in the parlour.

2. “Oh no, no, ” said the little Fly, “kind Sir, that cannot be,
I’ve heard what s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see! ”

Question (a).
Is the fly willing to enter the spider’s pantry?
Answer:
No. The fly is not willing to enter the spider’s pantry.

Question (b).
Can you guess what was in the pantry?
Answer:
Only remains of dead flies may be found in the pantry.

3. “Sweet creature! ” said the Spider, “You ’re witty and you’re wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!”

Question (a).
List the words used by the spider to describe the fly.
The Spider and the Fly Workbook Answer:
Sweet, witty, wise, handsome, gauzy, brilliant.

Question (b).
Why does the spider say that the fly is witty?
Answer:
The spider calls the fly witty because the fly is clever to avoid entering the web.

4. The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:

Question (a).
Why is the poet using the word ‘den’ to describe the spider’s web?
Answer:
The spider is like a lion in its web. So the poet uses the word.

Question (b).
Why was the spider sure that the fly would come back again?
Answer:
The spider has flattered the fly of its beauty, so he was sure it would come back again.

With buzzy wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue-

Question (a).
Who does’she’refer to? ON)
Answer:
She refers to the fly.

Question (b).
What was’she’thinking of? 0
Answer:
She was thinking of her beautiful eyes and the colours of her wings.

6. And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne ’er give heed:

Question (a).
Who does ‘I’ refer to?
Answer:
I refers to the poet.

Question (b).
What is the advice given to the readers?
Answer:
The poet advises us not to fall a prey to flattery and sweet words.

Poem Comprehension and Poetic Devices Additional Questions

1. ‘Will you walk into my parlour? ” said the spider to the Fly,
Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;

Question (a).
Whose parlour is the prettiest?
Answer:
The spider’s parlour is the prettiest.

Question (b).
Who does the spider ask to walk into his parlour?
Answer:
The spider asks the fly to walk into his parlour.

2. “Oh, no, no, ” said the little fly, “to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair
can never come down gain

Question (a).
What will happen to those who go up the spider’s winding stair?
The Spider and the Fly Poem Questions and Answer:
They can never come down again.

Question (b).
What do you mean by the word ‘vain’?
Answer:
‘Vain’ means useless.

3. “Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple — there’s a crest upon your head;

Question (a).
How does the spider describe the beauty of fly’s wings?
Answer:
The spider says that the wings ware pearl and silvery.

Question (b).
Whose robes are green and purple?
Answer:
The fly’s robes are green and purple.

Question (c).
What is the poetic device used in the first line?
Answer:
Repetition is used here. ‘Hither, hither’ are the words repeated together for emphasis’.

4. “Sweet creature! ” said the Spider, “you ’re witty and you ’re wise,

Question (a).
Name tire poetic device in this line.
Spider and the Fly Question Answer:
Alliteration is used here.
you’re – you’re; witty – wise; sweet – spider.

5. ‘How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes! ’ .

Question (a).
What is the poetic device used here?
Answer:
Anaphora. Repetition of the word, “how” at the beginning of two successive phrases.

B. Complete the summary by Ailing in the spaces with suitable words.

The poem begins with the spider’s pursuit of the fly. He chats to the fly to come into its home. The spider describes his parlour as the prettiest one. The spider kindles the curiosity of the fly so that she may enter his home. Fortunately, the fly was witty and refused to get into his home. Now the spider pretends to be a host and asks her to come and rest in his home. He offers her food and a bed to rest. This time also the fly declines the spider’s offer very politely. The next weapon that the spider uses is flattery. The spider praises the wings and eyes of the fly and also praises her wisdom. He invites her to look at herself in the mirror which is in his parlour. The fly is tempted by the words of the spider and she falls a prey to her flattery.

C. Answer the following questions in about 80-100 words.

Question 1.
Write a character sketch of the spider.
Answer:
This poem takes us through a spider’s ultimately successful attempts in enticing a fly into its web. The spider is cunning in capturing its victim. It ensnares the fly through the use of seduction and flattery. In stanza one, it does its best to trap the fly into its parlour with the promises of pretty things to see. Next, it tries a different tactics, offering the fly a pretty and a comfortable place to sleep, and lovely food. Finally, it tries to flatter the fly by praising its beauty and traps the fly into his den.

The Spider and the Fly Isc Question 2. What happens if we fall a prey to flattery? Give instances from the poem ‘The Spider and the Fly’.
Answer:
If we fall a prey to flattery, we have to face evil consequences, just like the fly who falls a prey to the spider’s flattery and seduction. The spider uses different tactics to entice the fly into its web. It invites the fly into its parlour with the promises of pretty things to see. When the fly refuses, it entices him by offering a pretty, comfortable bed and lovely food. When the fly refuses again, finally it flatters the fly for its beautiful appearance. The fly gets flattered and gets trapped into its den. This poem teaches us that we should be cautious against those who use flattery and charm to disguise their true evil intentions.

The Spider and the Fly Question 3.
In your own words, give a detailed description of:
a) The Spider’s Parlour.
Answer:
The Spider’s Parlour had winding stairs. It is the prettiest parlour that had ever been seen by the fly. It has been filled with many pretty things, which would arouse the curiosity of the fly. There are also pretty curtains, whose sheets are fine and thin. It had a pretty and a comfortable bed.

b) The Fly’s Appearance
Answer:
The fly had gauzy wings and brilliant eyes. But the spider flattered it saying that it had pearl and silver wings, green and purple body and its antenna is like a crown on him.

Paragraph : Additional Question

The Spider and the Fly Mind Map Question 1.
How does the spider entice the fly?
Answer:
In the beginning, the spider entices the fly into its parlour with the promise of pretty things to see. Next it tries a different tactic, offering the fly a pretty and a comfortable place to sleep. Then it asks the fly how can it prove its warm affection towards the fly. So it comes forward to offer him good food. When the fly refuses all these, then it tries to trap him by flattering him by praising his appearance. The fly gets trapped at its flattery and never comes out again.

Question 2.
‘Tht spider was sura that the fly will coma to his den.1 Why did he think so?
Spider and the Fly Poem Questions and Answer:
The spider makes some attempts to entice the fly into its web. It invites him to its parlour, promising to show curious things. It offers a comfortable place to sleep and good food to eat. But the fly refuses all these things. At last, the spider uses a powerful weapon of flattering the fly. It praises its wings, eyes, and robes. It invites him to look at his beauty in its mirror. The fly gets flattered but refuses to go in, assuring that he will come another day. This made the spider to analyze that the silly fly would soon come back again. It comes back to its den, getting mesmerized by the wily sweet talk of the spider and falls a prey to it.

Appreciating the Poem

Figures of Speech

1. Consonance : Repetition of similar consonant sounds in the neighbouring words. It is used to refer to the repetition of sounds at the end of the word, but also refers to repeated sounds in the middle of a word.
(e.g.):
T’is the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; – repetition of the “t, ” and “r” sounds.
Pick out one more instance of consonance from the poem.
Answer:

1. The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, – repetition of the “r ” sound.
2. For who goes up your winding stair – repetition of the “r ” sound.
3. To idle, silly flattering words, – repetition of the “l” sound.

2. Assonance : Repetition of similar vowel sounds in the neighbouring words.
(e.g.):
T’is the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; – repetition of the “i ” sounds.
Pick out one more instance from the poem.
Answer:
“There are pretty curtains drawn around; – repetition of the “aw” sounds.

3. Anaphora : Repetition of a word or a phrase at the beginning of a sequence of sentences, paragraphs and lines.
(e.g.): How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes! – repetition of the word “how” at the beginning of two successive phrases.

Identify the figures of speech.
“Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead! ”
Answer:
Simile (spider’s eyes are compared with diamond, using the word “like”)

4. Alliteration : Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
Pick out the words in alliteration.
“Sweet creature! ” said the Spider, “You ’re witty and you ’re wise, ”
Answer:
“Sweet – Spider; witty – wise”

Please note the difference among Consonance, Assonance and Alliteration :

Consonance is used to refer to the repetition of consonant sounds at the end of the word, but also refers to repeated sounds in the middle of a word.
Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in the middle of a word.
Alliteration, is the repetition of a consonant sound at the beginning of a word.

Listening

D. Listen to the passage and tilt in the blanks with appropriate answers.

Question 1.
Without trust there is no ________.
Answer:
relationship at all

Question 2.
_________ is a very rare thing to find in life.
Answer:
trust

Question 3.
When people betray you learn from the _______.
Answer:
situation

Question 4.
Dont’t let ______ on the road _________.
Answer:
small bumps, throw you back

Question 5.
If we keep moving forward you will have a wonderfully _______.
Answer:
fulfilling life

Speaking

E. The cunning spider was waiting for a chance to pull the fly into its web and it used all the possible ways to trap her. Have you ever been trapped by flattery to do something you did not want to do? Discuss in pairs and share your experience in the class.
Answer :
My classmate tried to flatter me to make her project done by me. She praised my hand writing and my brilliant ideas that I had put into my project. She urged me to give the same ideas and help her to complete the project as early as possible. She tried to entice me by flattering me as much as possible. But I didn’t fall into her trap, and avoided her, as I had to finish my project on the very same day.

Writing

F. The fly gives into flattery and becomes the spider’s prey. If you are asked to give a happy ending to the poem, how will you save the fly? Write in your own words.
Answer:
If the fly had kept listening to her inner sense, it would have been safe and not have fallen a prey to the spider. The fly begins to refuse the spider’s offers initially. But it gets trapped finally, when the spider flatters it. If it had not been carried away by the , spider’s seduction and flattery, it could have been saved. It would have been cautious and escaped from the spider’s enticing web without getting trapped at all.

The Spider and the Fly Textual Activities

Warm up

If your little brother or sister does not like to eat any of these following vegetables,

1. how will you make him or her eat them?
2. what are all the flattering or tempting words you might use to convince them?
3. work in pairs and enact that moment in front of your classmates.

Answer:
If my little brother or sister does not like vegetables, I will threaten with frightening stories and tnake him/her eat. I will also tell them that veggies will keep us beautiful, strong and look like heroes, etc.

The Spider and the Fly About the Author

Mary Howitt (12 March 1799 – 30 January 1888) was an English poet. She was born at Coleford, in Gloucestershire. Their Queen Anne house is now known as Howitt Place. Mary Botham was educated at home, and read widely; she commenced writing verses at a very early age. She married William Howitt and began a career of joint authorship with him. Together with her husband, she wrote over 180 books. Their literary productions at first consisted chiefly of poetical and other contributions to annuals and periodicals, of which a selection was published in 1827 under the title of The Desolation ofEyam and other Poems.

William and Mary mixed with many important literary figures of the day including Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. On moving to Esher in 1837, she commenced writing her well-known tales for children, a long series of books which met with signal success. Mary Howitt has double-fame in the realm of Children’s literature. She was the first English translator of Hans Christian Andersen.

The Spider and the Fly Summary

‘The Spider and the Fly’ is a poem by Mary Howitt (1799-1888), published in 1828.This is a funny little serious piece in the vein of the spider sense. The poem takes us through a spider’s ultimately successful attempts in enticing a fly into its web. Now, if only that fly would have kept listening to her ‘spider sense’, it would have been safe and not have fallen a prey.

• This poem tells the story of a cunning Spider who ensnares a Fly through the use of seduction and flattery.
• The poem teaches children to be cautious against those who use flattery and charm to disguise their true evil intentions.
• The gruesome ending in this cautionary tale is used to reinforce the important life lesson being taught.

In stanza one, the spider does its best to entice the fly into its parlour with the promise of pretty things to see. The fly refuses and says it will never visit, because it knows whoever goes there is never seen again.

In stanza two, the spider tries a different tactic, offering the fly a pretty and comfortable place to sleep. Again, the fly refuses, citing the disappearance of others who have accepted this offer.

In stanza three, the spider asks what it can do to prove its motives are pure; it offers lovely food to the fly, but once again, the fly refuses, saying it has heard about the spider’s pantry and isn’t interested.

In stanza four, the spider tries to flatter the fly by praising its appearance and inviting it in to look into a mirror. Though flattered, the fly refuses – but leaves the door open a bit by implying “some other time.”

In stanza five, the spider knows it has won and begins preparations to feast on the fly. After setting a tlever trap, it again appeals to the fly’s vanity and praises its beauty compared to the spider’s less appealing appearance.

In stanza six, the vain fly comes by to hear more blandishments about its beauty, and the spider strikes, taking the fly into its parlour, from which it never emerges.

In stanza seven, the narrator speaks directly to readers with an imperative: never fall for the flattery of a predator—learn from this fable of the spider and the fly.

The Spider and the Fly Main Characters:

1. The spider,
2. The Fly
3. The narrator

The Spider and the Fly Poem Overview

No. 1-4

Poem Lines
” Will you walk into my parlour? ”said the  Spider to the Fly,
“This the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And Fve many curious things to show when you are there. ”

Explanation:
The first stanza is the spider’s pursuit of the fly – with a charming invitation into his home. Yet this sociable chat is edged with a sense of mistrust, a sense of danger that comes with these two characters, the spider and the fly, being natural predator and prey.
The spider describes his parlour as the ‘prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy’. The act of spying is to watch something secretly. We share secrets and confidences with our closed ones. Inviting the fly to spy into his abode, the spider is trying to send the message that he considers the fly to be close. The spider portrays his home as a mysterious wonderful place.
More details are added to arouse the fly’s curiosity. The parlour may be reached through a ‘winding stair’ and it is filled with ‘many pretty things’.

No. 5-7

Poem Lines
“Oh no, no, ” said the little Fly, ‘‘to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair
can never come down again. ”

Explanation:
Thankfully, the fly wisely sees through the spider’s deviousness. She knows that those who go through the ‘winding stair’ into his home never come out. It implies she is aware that the spider has eaten his previous guests. This is one extended invitation she shouldn’t be accepting. She clearly declines, telling the spider that to ask her into his home is ‘in vain’ – or useless.

No. 8-11

Poem Lines
“I’m sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed? ” said the Spider to the Fly.
“There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I’ll snugly tuck you in! ’’

Explanation:
The spider has been keeping a close eye on the fly. He tries a different tactic for his next move. This time the spider feigns concern.

Posing as a sympathizer, the spider pretends to fret over how tired the fly must be (I’m sure you must be weary, dear) after what he feels is a day of intense flying. He goes so far as to personally offer her a respite from the day’s activities.

The cunning villain also adds a subtle dose of flattery.

‘Soaring up so high’ is how he describes the fly’s flight. He hopes the fly will lower her guard if she feels that she has a kindly shoulder to lean on.

He temptingly offers prospect of a little rest like offering water to a thirsty traveller. A cosy little bed, with light sheets to rest on. A quiet place, with pretty curtains drawn around to make it cool and dark. To an exhausted person, this would be a bliss. The perfect atmosphere to ‘snugly tuck’ in. This means to ensure a comfortable snooze, by securing the bed-sheets closely around one-self.

Interestingly, the ‘fine and thin’ sheets bring to mind the fine silk of a cobweb. If the spider tucks the fly into this bed, she could find herself in permanent slumber.

No. 12-13

Poem Lines
“Oh no, no, ” said the little Fly, “for I’ve often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed! ”

Explanation:
Then again, perhaps the spider tried too hard when he proposed to personally tuck the fly in. Weary or not, the fly is still alert to the perils of falling for the spider’s flattery. She turns him down on his own offer, remarking that everyone knows of the spider’s ill repute as a host. As she hears, no one who goes for a sleepover at the spider’s ever wakes up again. Her refusal is not just based on her own observations now.

This time, she is even more firm. In addition to her “0 no, no!” note her repetition of ‘never’ for emphasis- “They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed.”

No. 14-17

Poem Lines
Said the cunning Spider to the Fly,
“Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm aff ection I’ve always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that’s nice;
I’m sure you’re very welcome – will you please to take a slice? ”

Explanation:
Still the spider perseveres. Now he tries to manipulate the fly into feeling guilty for not accepting his many gestures of friendship.

“Dear friend, what shall I do…?” The spider is eager to prove his friendship – but is still on his terms. At the end of the day, he’s using guilt as another roundabout way to get the fly into his home.“I have within my pantry good store of all that’s nice”- These constant invitations to see or sample something or another in his house is almost a pitiful refrain. He is desperate and at his wit’s end (or so it seems) on how to gain the fly’s trust.

No. 18 – 19

Poem Lines
“Oh no, no, ” said the little Fly, “kind Sir, that cannot be,
I’ve heard what s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see! ”

Explanation:
It’s commendable the way the fly fights politeness with politeness. She addresses the spider as ‘Kind sir’ – a dainty reply to his ‘Dear friend’. It shows that while the fly shows courtesy to the spider, she is not keen on him as a friend and will still keep her distance. The fly then proceeds to firmly turn down his invitation and tactfully alludes that she already knows what’s in the spider’s pantry (his past victims) and is not interested in knowing more.

No. 20-23

Poem Lines
“Sweet creature!’’ said the Spider, “you ’re witty and you ’re wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I’ve a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf
If you ‘ll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.”

Explanation:
Vanity is the spider’s choice weapon now. He heaps flattery on the fly. In praising her wit and wisdom, the spider sends the message that he acknowledges that the fly is a smart cookie. This well-placed compliment could have lulled her into a false sense of security, for the fly could assume that she was smart enough to see through the spider’s evil plans. Immediately after, the spider begins to praise her loveliness – those gauzy wings and brilliant eyes. The spider speaks as if the fly does not realize her own beauty. He wants to show her how lovely she is. Again an invitation, to see herself in the looking glass. One moment is all he asks of her, one moment is all he needs.

No. 24-25

Poem Lines
“I thank you, gentle sir, ” she said, “for what you ‘re pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I’ll call another day

Explanation:
From the earlier unhesitating “O no, no!”, our little fly doesn’t seem too vehement in her refusal now. She hasn’t accepted the spider’s invite; we could even say she is stalling. After all, the fly still hasn’t specified when she will visit the spider. But while she hasn’t said yes, she hasn’t given an outright ‘no’ like she used to earlier either.

This hesitation from the fly and not an outright falling for the spider’s flattery is an insight into the poet’s understanding of the human psyche.

No. 26-29

Poem Lines
Spider turned him roundabout, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little comer sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly

Explanation:
After all that talk of the fly being witty and wise, the spider calls her ‘silly’. Like so many others he has lured before, he is confident that she has predictably fallen for his honey tongued scheme. Up until now, just like the fly, we had our suspicions – the fly’s discomfort, her observations on the guests that never return, the rumours about the spider, the spider’s continuous wheedling to come to his home. But it is at this point in the poem, that the spider’s evil intent becomes clear.

He is seen gloating. He weaves a web not easily noticeable (a subtle web) – ready to trap the fly. His devious plan comes to light as he sets his table for the fly – not as his guest to dine with, but as his feast to dine on.

No. 30-33

Poem Lines
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
“Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple there’s a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead! ”

Explanation:
‘Come hither, hither, pretty fly,’ the spider calls out eagerly. Feeling like he has baited his prey, the spider rapidly reels the fly in with vivid flattery. The ‘robes of green and purple’ refer to the colour of the fly’s body, the ‘crest’ or crown likely the fly’s antenna. ‘Gauzy wings’ have now become ‘pearl and silver wing’; ‘brilliant eyes’ are now ‘eyes like diamond bright’.

Simile is used here. The poet likens the fly’s bright eyes to diamonds, against the spider’s dull eyes which are compared to lead. The spider is self- depreciating so as to highlight the fly’s beauty.

No. 34-35

Poem Lines
Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by

Explanation:
‘Alas, Alas!’ – The poetic lament for ‘Oh no!’ is uttered! With these words, one can only foresee doom for the fly. What’s even more vexing is that the fly was actually a wise creature at the beginning. But as the poet says Alas! – Vanity will be her downfall and she becomes silly and foolish. Lured in by the spider’s devious sweet talk – his ‘wily, flattering words’- the fly sets aside her sensible self. Yet, there’s still a part of her that is wary of how safe the situation is. We see her ‘slowly flitting by ’- guardedly testing the waters as she comes closer to the spider’s home.

No. 36-41

Poem Lines
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew.
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue –
Thinking only of her crested head – poor foolish thing!
At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour – but she ne ’er came out again

Explanation:
Mesmerized by thoughts of her reflection, she gradually approaches the spider’s web. Unheeding her instincts, the fly hardly offers any resistance. Clearly engrossed in her own beauty, the fly is impervious to the danger she is in.

This was the moment the spider had been building up so long for. Quickly, he pounces on her – ‘fiercely held her fast’. Now deadly and focused on his goal, the spider wastes no time. The home that he had so charmingly described before reveals its deadly designs.

As the poem rapidly takes us through the spider’s winding stair, his dismal den, his little parlour; our foreboding is realized and we know there is a grisly end for the poor fly. For just like she remarked once of the others before her, ‘she ne’er came out again! ’

No. 42 – 45

Poem Lines
And now dear little children, who may this story real
To idle, silly flattering words, 1 pray you ne ‘er give heed:
Unto an evil counselor close heart and ear and eye.
And lake a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

Explanation:
There’s a change in the narration style of the poem as the poet ends her tale. She breaks off from the storytelling mode and directly addresses her audience, offering up a warning or moral to conclude the poem.

‘Take a lesson from the Spider and the Fly’, the poet counsels. Be distrustful of useless, sweet talk that is insincere. Not aH praise or advice is genuine, therefore you must be careful of who you listen to.

‘Unto an evil counsellor, close heart, and ear, and eye’ – For that matter, the poet would rather like us not coming into contact at all with sweet tongued people with not-so-sweet intentions.

The Spider and the Fly Mind Map

The Spider and the Fly Glossary

Tamilnadu Board Class 9 English Solutions

Tamilnadu State Board Class 10 English Solutions Poem Chapter 3 I am Every Woman

I am Every Woman Textual Questions

A. Read the Lines and answer the questions.

I Am Every Woman Poem Figure of Speech Question 1. The summer of life she’s ready to see in spring.
She says, “Spring will come again, my dear
Let me care for the ones who’re near.”
(a) What does the word summer mean here?
(b) How does she take life?
(c) What does she mean by “spring will come again”?
Answer:
(a) The word ‘Summer means good and prosperous times.
(b) She takes life with an optimistic approach.
(c) She means that good days will come again!

I Am Every Woman Poem Question 2. Strong is she in her faith and belief.
“Persistence is the key to everything,” says she.
(a) What is she strong about?
(b) How does she deal with the adversities in life?
Answer:
(a) She is strong in her faith and belief.
(b) Determination is her key to everything. With this attitude, she deals with the adversities in life.

I Am Every Woman Question 3. Despite the sighs and groans and moans,
She’s strong in her faith, firm in her belief!
(a) Is she complaining about the problems of life?
(b) Pick out the words that show her grit.
Answer:
(a) No, She is not complaining about the problems of life.
(b) The words that show her grit are ‘strong’ and ‘firm’.

4. Don’t ever try to saw her pride, her self-respect. .
She knows how. to thaw you, saw you – so beware!
(a) What do the words thaw and saw mean here?
(b) What is the tone of the author?
Answer:
(a) The words ‘thaw’ and ‘saw’ mean as ‘freeze’ and cut’.
(b) The tone of the poet is threatening.

I Am Every Woman Poem Explanation Question 5. She’s today’s woman. Today’s woman dear.
Love her, respect her, keep her near…
(a) Describe today’s woman according to the poet.
(b) How should a woman be treated?
Answer:
(a) Today’s woman is empowered, brave, strong and determined in all what she decides and does.
(b) A woman should be treated respectfully for the growth of a nation.

Poetic comprehension – Additional

1. A woman is beauty innate”
What is meant by innate?
Answer:
Innate means inborn and natural.

I’m Every Woman Poem Meaning Question 2. “A symbol of power and strength”
Who is a symbol of power?
Answer:
A woman is a symbol of power.

Respect A Woman Poem Question 3. “Shes a lioness; don’t mess with her”
What is meant by ‘mess with’?
Answer:
‘mess with’ means to tease or play a joke.

I am a Woman Poem Question 4. “She’ll not spare you if you’re a prankster.”
Who is a prankster?
Answer:
Prankster is a person who acts mischievously.

B. Read the lines and identify the figure of speech.

1. A woman is beauty innate,
A symbol of power and strength.
She puts her life at stake,
She’s real, she’s not fake!
(a) Pick out the rhyming words from the above lines.
(b) Add another word that rhymes with it.
(c) Give the rhyme scheme for the above lines.
Answer:
(a) ‘Stake – fake’ are the rhyming words from the above lines.
(b) Stake – fake – bake – are the rhyming words. ‘Bake’ is added to it.
(c) The rhyming scheme is ‘abcc’.

Every Woman Poem Question 2. She’s a lioness; don’t mess with her.
She’ll not spare you if you’re a prankster.
(a) Pick out the line that has a metaphor in it.
(b) Give your examples of metaphor to describe the qualities of a woman.
Answer:
(a) “She is a lioness” is a metaphor. A woman is compared to a ferocious lioness.
(b) “She’s power; She’s strength and She’s beauty innate,” are the examples of metaphor to describe the qualities of a woman.

3. She’s strong in her faith, firm in her belief.
(a) Pick out the alliterated words from the above.
(b) Pick out other alliterated words from the poem.
Answer:
(a) ‘Faith – firm,’ and ‘her – her’ are the alliterated words.
(b) ‘Symbol – strength; she’s – she’s; she’s – she; says – spring; says – she; saw – so; her – her are the other alliterated words.

Poetic Devices – Additional

1. “She’s today’s woman. Today’s woman, dear.
Love her, respect her, keep her near…”
Pick out the rhyming words in these lines.
Answer:
‘dear – near’ are the rhyming words.

C. Fill in with a word in each blanks to complete the summary of the poem. Use the help box given below.

dignified	healthier	today’s	persistent	care	symbol	innate
fake	adversity	hope	life	disgrace	prankster	woman
near	faith	optimistic	quitter	thaw	respect	lioness
fear	beliefs	self-respect	saw	strength

Every woman is beautiful (1) ________. She is the (2) ________ of power and (3) ________ She is prone to put her (4) ________ at risk. Every woman is true in expressing her love and she is never (5) ________ .She is very (6) ________ in her approach even at times of (7) ________ she finds a ray of (8) ________ and she continues to (9) ________ for her (10) ________ ones. She is the (11) ________ and she has no (12) ________ . She is forceful in her (13) ________ and (14) ________ She is never a (15) ________ and she is (16) ________ She is ferocious like a (17) ________ it’s better for the (18) ________ to stay away from her. Never should one try to bring (19)________ to her pride and (20) ________ . for she knows how to (21) ________ and (22) ________ them. She is (23) ________ woman. It is (24) ________ to love her (25) ________ her and to keep her (26) _________.
Answer:
(1) innate
(2) woman
(3) strength
(4) life
(5) fake
(6) optimistic
(7) adversity
(8) hope
(9) care
(10) near
(11) woman
(12) fear
(13) faith
(14) beliefs
(15) quitter
(16) persistent
(17) lioness
(18) prankster
(19) disgrace
(20) self-respect
(21) thaw
(22) saw
(23) today’s
(24) healthier
(25) respect
(26) dignified

D. Answer the following in a paragraph of about 80 to 100 words.

I Am Every Woman Poem By Rakhi Nariani Shirke Question 1. How are today’s women portrayed by the poet?
Answer:
Today’s women are empowered, brave, strong, and resolute. They are always ready to take up new ventures. They are persistent and work tirelessly to prove what they are capable of. Every woman is naturally beautiful. She is the symbol of power and strength. She is prone to put her life at risk. Every woman is true in expressing her love towards her dear ones. She is never fake. She continues to care for her near ones. She has no fear of anything. She is forceful in her faith and beliefs. Thus women had to be treated respectfully for the growth of a nation.

I Am Every Woman Poem Lines Question 2. What qualities have made women powerful?
Answer:
Every woman in this world is naturally beautiful. She is the symbol of power and strength. She is prone to put her life at risk. She is very optimistic in her approach even at times of adversity. She finds a ray of hope and continues to care for her near ones. She is the woman and has no fear. She is forceful in her faith and beliefs. She never quits any work. She is always persistent. She is ferocious like a lioness. She knows how to freeze and cut the attitude of a mischievous person. She is today’s woman.

Paragraph Question & Answer – Additional

I Am Every Woman Poem Summary Question 1. What is the theme of the poem,‘I am Every Woman’?
Answer:
This poem highlights the inborn qualities of a woman. The poet talks about the multifaceted nature of woman. They are determined, strong, ferocious, caring, brave, strong and loving. They work hard continuously to prove to the world that they are capable of doing anything. ‘Persistence’ is the key to everything. Never should anyone try to bring disgrace to her pride and self-respect. She is todays woman. So it is always healthier to love her, to respect her and to keep her dignified. They have to be treated respectfully in all aspects of their life.

I am Every Women By Rakhi Nariani Shirke

Rakhi Nariani Shirke was a teacher who worked in Ryan International School, Kharghar. She has a passion for writing poems as a medium of self-expression. She is a post-graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. At present, she lives in New Mumbai.

I am Every Women Key points

• Every woman is naturally beautiful.
• She is a symbol of power and strength.
• She is very optimistic in her approach even at times of adversity.
• She finds a ray of hope.
• She continues to care for her dear ones.
• She has no fear.
• She is strong in her faith and beliefs.
• She never quits and is always persistent.
• She is a lioness. So a mischievous person should stay away from her.
• She is today’s woman. Love her, respect her and keep her dignified.

I am Every Women Summary

The poem is about the wonderful qualities of women. It talks about the multifaceted nature of women. Today’s women are empowered, brave, strong and resolute. They are always ready to take up new ventures. They are persistent and work tirelessly to prove what they are capable of. Women have to be treated respectfully for the growth of a nation.

The poet says that every woman is naturally beautiful. She is the symbol of power and strength. She is optimistic in her approach even at times of adversity. She is never a quitter and she is always persistent. She continues to care for her near and dear ones. She has no fear of anything. She is forceful in her faiths and beliefs. We should never try to bring disgrace to her pride and self-respect. She is today’s woman. So, we have to love her, respect her and keep her dignified.

I am Every Women Explanation of Poetic Lines

Line No. 1 – 4
A woman is beauty innate,
A symbol of power and strength.
She puts her life at stake,
She’s real, she’s not fake!
Explanation:
Every woman is an inborn beauty. She is a symbol of power and strength. She is prone to put her life at risk. She is real. She is true in expressing her love and she is never fake.

Line No. 5 – 8
The summer of life she’s ready to see in spring.
She says, “Spring will come again, my dear.
Let me care for the ones who ‘re near”
She’s The Woman – she has no fear!
Explanation:
She is very optimistic in her approach even at times of adversity. She says, “Spring will come again, my dear”. She finds a ray of hope and continues to care for her near and dear ones. She is the woman and she has no fear of anything.

Line No. 9 – 12
Strong is she in her faith and beliefs.
“Persistence is the key to everything,”
says she. Despite the sighs and groans and moans,
She’s strong in her faith, firm in her belief!
Explanation:
She is strong in her faith and beliefs. She says that “Persistence (determination) is her key for everything. In spite of the complaints, the grumbles and the grievances, she is strong in her faith. She is firm in her beliefs.

Line No. 13 – 16
She’s a lioness’; don’t mess with her.
She’ll not spare you if you’re a prankster.
Don’t ever try to saw her pride, her self-respect.
She knows how to thaw you, saw you – so beware!
Explanation:
She is ferocious like a lioness. Don’t tease or- play a joke with her. It is better for a mischievous person to stay away from her. We should never try to bring disgrace to her pride and self¬respect. She knows how to freeze and cut them. So, be careful of her.

Line No. 17 – 18
She’s today’s woman. Today’s woman, dear.
Love her, respect her, keep her near…
Explanation:
She is today’s woman, dear ones! Therefore, it is safer and healthier to love her, respect her and keep her near to our heart. She should be kept as a dignified person.

I am Every Women Glossary

beware – be careful
fake – not real
firm – determined
groans (v) – complaints and grumbles
innate (adj) – inborn and natural
mess with (p) – to tease or play a joke
moans (v) – grieves
persistence (n) – determination
prankster (n) – a person who acts mischievous
saw (v) – cut
sigh (v) – expressing grief
stake (n) – risk
thaw – freeze

Tamilnadu Board Class 10 English Solutions

Tamilnadu State Board Class 10 English Picture Comprehension

Exercises

Look at the picture given below carefully and answer the questions.

1.

(a) What is the name of the folk dance?
(b) Where can you see this dance performance?
(c) What do the dancers have on their head?
(d) What is the significance of this dance?
(e) Mention any one of the folk dances other than this dance.
Answer:
(a) Karakattam is the name of this folk dance.
(b) We can see this dance performance in village fetivals.
(c) The dancers have karagam on their head.
(d) It is a traditional dance, praising the Tamil Goddess.
(e) Silambattam/Thappattam/Oyilattam/Mayilattam/Poikkal Kuthirai attam.

2.

Questions :
(a) What do you see in the picture?
(b) Does the scene portray an authorized parking lot?
(c) Is it advisable to use the roadside for parking vehicles? Give reason for your answer.
(d) Would you resort to such a measure when you park a vehicle?
(e) What would be your advice to your friends in this regard?
Answer:
(a) Vehicles are parked in a ‘No parking’ space.
(b) It is an unauthorized parking lot which is the space under an overhead bridge,
(c) The roadside is not advisable to park vehicles as they construct the space for transport.
(d) No, I will never disobey road rules.
(e) I would advise my friends to park their vehicles only in authorized parking lots.

3.

Questions:
(a) What do you see in this picture?
(b) How many persons do you see on the road?
(c) What danger do the pedestrians face in this locality?
(d) Who do you think is responsible for this negligence?
(e) What would you do if you had to walk down this road?
Answer:
(a) A pedestrian is seen walking towards an uncovered manhole.
(b) Only one pedestrian is seen on the road.
(c) Pedestrians face the danger of falling into open man-holes.
(d) The Municipality or the Corporation is responsible for this negligence.
(e) I would walk carefully on the road avoiding man-holes.

4.

Questions:
(a) How many birds are flying in the sky?
(b) Mention the animal you see in the picture?
(c) Who is watching them?
(d) What does the man hold in his hand?
(e) Name the bird which is seen in the river.
Answer:
(a) Two birds are flying in the sky.
(b) I see deer in the picture.
(c) A man is watching them.
(d) He holds a small branch of a plant in his hand.
(e) Crane is the bird seen in the river.

5.

Questions:
(a) What is this picture about?
(b) What tells you that the bus is in motion?
(c) What dangers would the boy encounter in his wild chase after kite?
(d) Where should a kite normally be flown? Why?
(e) What would you advise your little brother or sister in this regard?
Answer:
(a) This picture is about safety while playing.
(b) The smoke is coming from the bus tells me that the bus is.in motion.
(c) He would meet an accident.
(d) A kite normally should be flown in a open ground. Otherwise, it leads to problems.
(e) I would advise them not to play on the road side.

Tamilnadu Board Class 10 English Solutions

Tamilnadu State Board Class 9 English Solutions Prose Chapter 1 Learning the Game

Learning the Game In-Text Questions

Question.
Who were Sachin’s favourite players?
Answer:
Sachin’s favourite players were Sunil Gavaskar and West Indian legend Viv Richards.

Question.
What was special about Shardashram Vidyamandir in Mumbai?
Answer:
Shardashram Vidyamandir gave due importance to the game of cricket.

Question.
What was the opportunity that transformed the life of Sachin?
Answer:
When the coach Achrekar agreed to let Sachin join the camp, he was delighted. It was an opportunity that transformed his life.

Question.
What sort of conversations did Ajit and Sachin have while travelling?
Answer:
Ajit and Sachin would talk a lot about the precise changes of in batting.

Question.
What routine did Sachin follow in washing his clothes?
Answer:
Sachin’s routine was to wash his only one set of cricket clothes, as soon as he returned from his morning session. He would dry them and would wear them again in the afternoon. The pattern was repeated in the evening so that he could use the same set of clothes the following morning.

Question.
What did Achrekar inform Ajit?
Answer:
Achrekar informed Ajit that Sachin had the potential to be a good cricketer, if he practised all the year around.

Question.
What was the suggestion given by Achrekar to Sachin’s father?
Answer:
Achrekar suggested Sachin’s father to change his son’s school. He wanted him to come to Shardashram Vidhyamandir, where Achrekar was the cricket coach.

Question.
What acted as a safety valve?
Answer:
All of Sachin’s excess energies were getting channelled into cricket. This acted as a kind of safety valve to him.

Question.
What did Sachin do during the thirty minute break?
Answer:
During the thirty-minute break, Achrekar would often give Sachin some money to go and have a Vadapav, a popular Mumbai fast food.

Question.
What is the intense ‘fifteen minutes’ mentioned?
Answer:
Towards the last fifteen minutes, Achrekar would place a one rupee coin on top of the stumps and if Sachin managed to avoid getting out, the coin was his. In this session every bowler in the camp, would come and bowl to him with some sixty to seventy boys fielding. It meant that he had to hit every ball along the ground to survive those intense fifteen minutes.

Question.
What did Sachin’s father do just to make Sachin happy?
Answer:
Sachin’s father would always end up giving Sachin what he wanted just to see him happy.

Question.
What did embarrass Sachin in the bus?
Answer:
It was a challenge for Sachin to stand with his kitbag in the bus. The conductors would complain about Sachin taking up the space of another passenger. They were often rude to him and would sometimes ask him to buy two tickets. This situation was so embarrassing to Sachin.

Question.
What made Sachin forget, to go to the nets?
Answer:
Sachin felt that playing with his friends at home was such a fun that he would conveniently forget to go to the nets.

Question.
What did Achrekar advise Sachin?
Answer:
Achrekar would advise Sachin not to waste his time playing disordered games with the kids. Cricket is waiting for him at the nets. Practice hard and see what magic it can show.

A. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

Question 1.
What was coach Achrekar’s first impression on Sachin?
Answer:
Achrekar’s first impression on Sachin was that he felt he was too young to make the camp.

Question 2.
Why did Sachin feel that the schedule of the camp was ‘rigorous’?
Answer:
The camp involved a session every morning and evening at Shivaji Park. Sachin would practice between 7.30 am and 10.30 am. He would again go in the afternoon and practice till late evening. He would be exhausted at the end of the day. Thus the schedule was rigorous.

Question 3.
What did serve as a very personal coaching manual to Sachin?
Answer:
A note, which was given by his brother Ajit, served as a very personal coaching manual. It contained some thoughts about batting.

Question 4.
Why was Sachin asked to change the school?
Answer:
Sachin was asked to change the school, as the New English School did not have any cricket facilities.

Question 5.
What was the condition laid down by Sachin’s father for changing the school?
Answer:
The condition laid down by Sachin’s father for changing the school was that if Sachin is really serious about playing cricket, he would change his school.

Question 6.
How did the act with the one rupee coin help Sachin become a good cricketer?
Answer:
Winning the one-rupee coin used to give Sachin immense satisfaction and taught him to concentrate even after he was physically drained.

Question 7.
What did help Sachin to build his physical and mental stamina?
Answer:
As the last part of Sachin’s training, Achrekar would ask Sachin to run two full circuits of Shivaji Park with his pads and gloves on. Sachin would be completely exhausted by the end of it. It was a routine he would repeat right through his summer holidays. This helped him to build up his physical and mental stamina.

Question 8.
Which incident triggered the coach to be angry on Sachin?
Answer:
Once, Sachin avoided his daily evening practice to watch an inter-school cricket match. Least did he expect that his coach would be there. The coach became angry on Sachin and told him that people all over the world should watch him play.

Question 9.
Why do you think Achrekar punished Sachin?
Answer:
When the coach Achrekar was trying to teach a very important lesson, Sachin was inattentive and did not carry out his orders. So he was punished.

Question 10.
7 owe my self to him’ – What does Sachin mean by this?
Answer:
Had it not been for the coach Ramakant Achrekar, Sachin would not be the cricketer he turned out to be. Achrekar was a strict disciplinarian and did everything, he could for Sachin. So Sachin says that he owes himself to Achrekar.

Short Questions and Answers : Additional

Question 1.
What did Sachin play from a very early age?
Answer:
Sachin played tennis ball cricket with his colony friends.

Question 2.
What did Sachin often tried to emulate?
Answer:
Sachin often tried to imitate (emulate) the mannerisms of his favourite players Sunil Gavaskar and Vivian Richards.

Question 3.
Where was he studying at first?
Answer:
At first, he was studying in the New English School in Mumbai.

Question 4.
When did the coach Achrekar started playing cricket?
Answer:
Ramakant Achrekar started playing cricket at the age of eleven in 1943.

Question 5.
What was the timing given to Sachin for his practice at Shivaji Park?
Answer:
The timings were between 7.30 am and 10.30 am in the morning.

Question 6.
Why did Sachin keep a note, given by his brother all throughout his career?
Answer:
Sachin kept a note given by his brother carefully, since it contained some thoughts about batting and served as a very personal coaching manual.

Question 7.
How many matches did Sachin play in his first year at Shardarshram?
Answer:
In the first year at Shardashram, Sachin played fifty-five practice matches during the summer break of sixty days.

Question 8.
What was Sachin’s regular demand, while going home with his father?
Answer:
Sachin would always ask his father to treat him to a special fruit cocktail at a juice centre near the club.

Question 9.
What was a great learning experience for Sachin?
Answer:
Taking the bus or train from Bandra to Church gate with a lot of embarrassing moments was a great learning experience for Sachin.

B. Answer the following in a paragraph of120-150 words:

Question 1.
‘Achrekar was a sincere coach’. Substantiate.
Answer:
Ramakant Achrekar coached young cricketers at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. At the age of twelve, Tendulkar would practice for hours and hours in the nets. If he became exhausted, Achrekar would put a one rupee coin on top of the stumps and the bowler who dismissed Tendulkar would get the coin. If Tendulkar passed the whole session without getting dismissed, the coach would give him the coin. Achrekar used to encourage Sachin at all times and gave him practice thoroughly. Tendulkar lauded his contribution to cricket and said his mentor looked after all players really well. During the training session, Achrekar worked sincerely and gave rigorous training to everyone in the camp. Had it not been for Achrekar, Sachin would not be the cricketer he turned out to be. The coach Achrekar was a strict disciplinarian and did everything he could for Sachin.

Question 2.
Narrate in your own words the hardships underwent by Sachin to become a great cricketer.
Answer:
Sachin started playing cricket at the age of eleven in 1984. He was trained at Shivaji Park by his coach Ramakant Achrekar, who worked in Shardashram Vidhyamandir. He ran summer camps too. Sachin had a vigorous training under him. He would practise between 7.30 am and 10.30 am in the morning. Then he would come back in the afternoon and practise till evening. The schedule was rigorous and he would be exhausted by the end of the day. During the bus journeys, he would have a conversation with his brother Ajit about the various changes in batting. He used to have only one set of cricket clothes.

So he had to wash the set after every session, to wear them for his next session. He had to face a lot of embarrassing moments while travelling in the bus to Shivaji Park. There was also an immense fifteen minutes training with a one rupee coin by the coach. Though his coach punished him on one occasion, the coach contributed a lot in the success of Sachin Tendulkar. Without the coach Achrekar, Sachin would not be the cricketer, he turned out to be. Sachin says he owes himself to Achrekar.

Question 3.
Quote the sentences which you find most inspiring from ‘Learning the Game’. How do they inspire you? Explain.
Answer:
The game would be most inspiring to the youngsters of today such ones are: “All my excess energies were getting channelled into cricket, which acted as a kind of safety valve”.’ My father always said that all he wanted me to do was give it my best effort without worrying about the results’. “Winning the one rupee coin used to give me immense satisfaction and taught me how to concentrate even when physically drained”. “Had it not been for Sir, I would not be the cricketer I turned out to be”. “I owe myself to him”.

All these sentences would inspire each and everyone who reads this extract as it reveals the determination, the will power, hard work and the difficulties undergone by Sachin Tendulkar and his family to achieve his goal as a cricketer. His family members also supported him and encouraged him throughout his career. The youngsters should learn a lot from this all-rounder.

Paragraph Questions and Answers : Additional

Question 1.
Narrate the incident of Sachin’s induction into the Mumbai Cricket circuit.
Answer:
Sachin loved watching cricket on television. In his games, he often tried to imitate the mannerisms of his favourite players. Seeing the interest of Sachin in the game of cricket, his brother Ajit took him to Ramakant Achrekar, the cricket coach. When Sachin was asked to bat by the coach, he felt nervous and failed to make an impact. His coach told Ajit that Sachin was too young to make the camp. He suggested that he should bring him when he was a little older. Sachin thought that his induction into the Mumbai cricket circuit could have ended in failure. But his brother requested the coach to give Sachin another opportunity. He also suggested that the coach should pretend to go away and then watch him play from a distance. The coach agreed and asked Sachin to bat again. Sachin felt more at ease without his coach near him. So he batted well and was delighted to join in the camp.

Question 2.
What made Sachin’s father agree to Achrekar’s suggestion?
Answer:
One evening, the coach Achrekar called Sachin’s father and suggested to change Sachin’s school. He told him to move Sachin to Shardarshram Vidhyamandir. His father and brother accepted that it was necessary to change the school, if cricket was to be Sachin’s priority. His father advised his son Sachin that he would change his school, if Sachin was really serious about playing cricket. Sachin assured that he was serious about it. His father always said that all he wanted Sachin to do was to give his best effort without * worrying about the results.

Vocabulary

C. Match the words in column A with their synonym in column B.

Answer:
1. (c)
2. (e)
3. (b)
4. (a)
5. (d)

D. Match the words in column A with their antonym in column B.

Answer:
1. (b)
2. (e)
3. (d)
4. (a)
5. (c)

Homonyms

E. Use the words given below in your own sentences so as to get different meanings. One is done for you.

Homophones

F. Consult a dictionary, to find the homophones for the given words.

Prefix and Suffix

C. Look at the prefixes and suffixes given and frame two new words for each one of them. One is done for you.

Listening

H. Listen to the passage on Paralympics and choose the correct answer.

Question 1.
The Paralympic games are for __________.
(a) children
(b) disabled people
(c) women
Ans:
(b) disabled people

Question 2.
The Paralympic games usually happen __________.
(a) in Greece
(b) every four years
(c) after the Olympic Games
Answer:
(b) every four years

Question 3.
The first true Paralympic Games happened in Rome in __________.
(a) 1960
(b) 1952
(c) 1848
Answer:
(a) 1960

Question 4’.
In 394 BCE, the __________ stopped the Greek Olympic Games, because they didn’t like them.
(a) Romans
(b) Greeks
(c) British
Answer:
(a) Romans

Question 5.
__________was a doctor at the Stoke Mandeville hospital in England.
(a) Pierre de Coubertin
(b) Sir Ludwig Guttmann
(c) Natalie du Toit
Answer:
(b) Sir Ludwig Guttmann

Speaking

Just a minute

Given below are five main qualities for true sportsmanship.

Get into groups of four. Each group will choose one quality to talk about to the whole class for about one minute. But before you talk, you have two minutes to think about it. You can make notes if you wish.

Sp. A : I feel determination is the essential quality of a champion. It is this determination that fills the player with a killer-instinct to win the match/game. When one is determined to win, nothing can stop that person from achieving the goal. “Where there is a will there is a way”. Hence friends, I feel determination helps a person to achieve his goal.

Sp. B : Dear friends, Optimization, according to me, is the essential keynote to success. We have to put in the maximum efforts and make use of the opportunities to the best. Hardwork and determination lead us to the path of success. It requires intelligence to optimise our resources and put them to full use. Hence there is no doubt that optimization leads to victory.

Sp. C : All determination and optimization cannot win without stamina. The mind should be strong and we should be doing enough to overcome challenges and face situations with confidence. A strong heart with unterminated courage has the ability to overcome any hardship and withstand the test of time. So it is the stamina that is the vital requirement for the sportsman.

Sp. D : Perseverance is very much required in our daily walks of life. It is a continuous effort to achieve our aim. We can learn great lessons on perseverance from the activities of bees, ants, etc. Robert Bruce learnt it from a spider and liberated Scotland. Successful people have the quality of perseverance which makes them assume impossible activities to be possible.

Sp. E : Decisiveness is the ability to decide with speed and clarity. In any situation the ability to decide is crucial. Without clear decisions there can be no action and no results. Being decisive is simply the most rational way to take on any problem. The best decision is the best one we can make with the information available at the time.

J. Prepare a speech in about 80-100 words for the morning assembly, stressing on the importance of games and sports in ensuring a healthy body and mind.:
Answer:

Importance of Games and Sports

‘A sound mind in a sound body’ is the adage. It is true and worthy. The mind when free of pain or physical stress thinks clearly and remains active. It has the ability to march # towards its goal as there are no stress psychologically and physically due to fear and ’ illness. Active exercises, fresh air, activities like cycling, swimming and walking refresh
the mind and keep it cheerful and relaxed. To overcome our stress we should play our favourite game, be it chess, cricket or any other game and remain calm and relaxed. Hence sports are an essential part of life.

Writing

K. Your friend who lives in another town/city has won his / her championship trophy in the recent sports meet. Write a letter congratulating him/her.
Answer:

14, Rajaji Street,
K. City 20th March, 2019.

Dear Rajesh,

My heartiest congratulations to you on winning the Trophy in Athletics at the Sports Meet. You had the traits of a champion always. Your hard work, determination and tireless efforts have enabled your win. I am sure that many more laurels are on your way. You shall soon become an international champion.

Never give up and keep reaping more and more laurels.

Your loving friend,
S. Naresh
Address on the envelope :

L. Collect information from newspapers, magazines, periodicals and books about any two famous sports women. Prepare their profiles. Use the following format.
Answer:

Learning the Game Creative Writing

M. Write a newspaper article in about 100 words, comparing the achievements of the two sportswomen based on the information you have already collected.

Two Women Icons

– An article by M. Adhitya, IX. ‘A’.

Answer:
We need sportswomen of generation to achieve the reigns and encourage the coming
generations. The efforts of such sporting personalities have yielded fruit. The female sensation in badminton today is World Ranking Topper Saina Nehwal and in Squash, it is Dipika Pallikal. While they are almost of the same age and have settled in South India, their growth in the sports arena is highly appreciable. They have received the ‘ prestigious Arjuna award and they have been ranked among the top 10. While Saina has been in World Rank 1 in 2015, Dipika was Rank 10 in 2012. The two young sports icons are embodiments of hardwork, sincerity and dedication.

A Talk Show

Question.
Work in groups of 4-6. Choose one folk art from, that is rarely or no longer performed. Find out the reasons for this and suggest practical solutions/steps that can be taken to prevent this. After discussion and research, conduct a talk show in the class on the topic FOLK ARTS – A REVIVAL. The following inputs will help you.
Each group will consist of the following members.

1. The host
2. A folk artist
3. A representative from an NGO engaged in reviving some of the dying folk arts.
4. A student
5. A citizen from the city

Answer:
Host : Dear friends, I am going to talk to you about ‘ Silambattam’ – or tactics with sticks. It is a long forgotten art wherein the man who holds the stick rotates it so fast, that it flashes like a lightning before your eyes and is a plaything in his hands. Sometimes women too practise it. Let me now introduce you to Ms. Valliammaal, an expert in yielding the ‘Silambu’. She is from a village in Thanjavur and has inherited this skill from her grandfather. Over to you, Madam!

Valli: You folks of the city would be surprised to see a stick being used so rapidly and literally spinning before your eyes. It all depends upon precision and practice. 100% concentration is required in this art, also you stand a chance to get killed by a fatal blow or unable to move you limbs. In my village, even little children practise this art. But now-a-days, with more and more people migrating to the city, the interest in the art too has deteriorated. I convey my thanks to Mr. Saravanan, an NGO, who has offered me financial support to set up a school, for teaching this art to youngsters.

Student: Madam I am Suresh, a student of XYZ college. I am very much interested in this traditional art and interested to learn the technique from you.

Citizen: Yes, Madam, I am Sadasivam and I work in a bank. I admire the graceful movements. I would like my children learn this art. Will Mr. Saravanan arrange for some classes in the city and enable us to benefit learning this ancient folk-art?

A rep: Why not? Very soon I shall do so.

Citizen: Thank you sir, We are immensely grateful to you.

Grammar

A. Choose the most appropriate preposition from the brackets:

Question 1.
We have been living in Chennai _________ eight years. (for/since)
Answer:
for

Question 2.
Abdul has taken _________ his father. (after/at)
Answer:
after

Question 3.
Vimal generally goes to his workplace ________ bus. (by/on)
Answer:
by

Question 4.
The cricket ball was hidden ________ the leaves. (among/between)
Answer:
among

Question 5.
Mani divided his toys _____ his brothers and sisters. (among/between)
Answer:
between

B. Identify the prepositions in the given sentences and underline them.

1. Riya borrowed a dress from me and lent it to her friend, Mary.
2. When I moved back to the city, things had changed considerably.
3. The burglar found the keys under the pot in the balcony.
4. Prabhu was hiding behind the door when his sister came looking for him.
5. My dog sat on my hat and squashed it.

C. Complete the passage by filling in appropriate prepositions from the list- (with, out, to, in, from, during, of, for, by). Some prepositions may be used more than once.

In Tamil Nadu, a very interesting form of recitation named Villupattu developed
(a) _________ the 15th century. Villupattu means bow-song because a bow-shaped musical instrument (b) _________ strong high tension string is used (c) _________ placing it (d) _________ an earthen pitcher. It is believed that this narrative form was an invention (e) _________ Arasa Pulavar. The troupe gives its performance mostly (f) _________ temple festivals. There are seven to eight persons in a troupe who form a kind (g) _________ chorus that supports the main singer-narrator. When the chief narrator sings, the chorus takes (h) _________ the refrain (i) _________ the song and repeats it in unison. The whole party sits (j) _________ the ground and performs (k) _________ a lot (l) _________ gesticulation and facial expression to suit the narrative they have taken. The ballad style songs are composed (m) _________ the rural dialect which appeals (n) _________ the audience
who sometimes join the troupe (o) _________ suitable notes or words.
Answer:
(a) in
(b) with
(c) by
(d) on
(e) of
(0 during
(g) of
(h) out
(i) from
(j) on
(k) with
(l) of
(m) in
(n) to
(o) by

Prepositional verbs

D. Frame sentences using the prepositional verbs given in the box.

1. The benefit from trees is immense.
2. I stood in for my friend at the discussion.
3. The children stayed at their grandmother’s house, during the vacation.
4. She went into a trance.
5. We are preparing for the exams vigorously.
6. Let me pay for the lunch.
7. I can’t rely on you.
8. The boys joked about their friend’s performance.
9. The class consists of 50 students.
10. The doctor attended to the patient day and might.

E. Given below is a picture of a carnival. Complete the factual description by filling in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

A thiruvizha is a source of excitement and thrill for villagers. The village thoroughfare wears a festival look, as the open spaces are cleaned, spruced up and decorated (a) _________ colourful streamers. People throng the premises (b) _________ catch a glimpse (c) _________ their village deity (d) a magnificently decorated chariot, and pay their respects. There is a big crowd (e) _________ the food stalls that serve free piping hot sakkarai Pongal (sweet Pongal), lemon rice and curd rice.

People (f) _________ nearby villages and towns display their wares attractively, and call out loudly (g) _________ the people (h) _________ buy their wares. Cotton candy, cut raw mangoes smothered (i) _________ salt and chilly powder, boiled groundnuts, murukku, sweets, buttermilk etc are sold. Men, women, grandmas, grandpas and little children, dressed (j) _________ their best clothes, enjoy the Thiruvizha greatly.

You can hear the shrieks (k) _________ happy children enjoying the rides on ferris wheels and carousels, elders looking (l) _________ each other with smiles on their faces.

The entire day is spent (m) _________ fun and gaiety. All the village people irrespective of their age, look forward (n) _________ the thiruvizha every year.

Answers:
(a) with
(b) to
(c) of
(d) on
(e) in
(f) from
(g) to
(h) to
(i) with
(j) in
(k) of
(l) at
(m) in
(n) to

F. Write a letter to your friend, describing the joy of celebrating festivals in a village, with the inputs given above.

12, Netaji Street,
Chennai-23.
28-2-2019

Dear Balu,

I am fine and wish to hear the same from you. Last month I celebrated the Pongal festival in my native village “Chinna Thadakam” in Coimbatore district. My grandparents are living there. I had an unforgettable time with them. Since Pongal is the festival of harvest, the farmers bathed their cows and bulls and painted their horns. There was a village fair and bullock cart race. Jallikattu, the traditional bull taming spectacle, was also held as part of the four-day Pongal festival. I visited the village fair and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life like bathing in the river, strolling in the fields, eating food cooked in earthen utensils over firewood, sleeping on a cot on the terrace under the star-lit sky, visiting temple fairs and watching Karagattam presentation. I really enjoyed the rural life. Next year I wish to take you to our native village to celebrate Pongal.

Convey my love to your parents.

Yours lovingly,
R. Prashanth
Address on the Envelope :

Project

G. Your class has to stage a Puppet Show in the Assembly Open Forum on the topic ‘Child Labour’. Divide yourselves into groups and discuss the requirements for the presentation like storyline, characters, dialogues, choice of puppets and music for the interlude. Now complete the dialogues given below.

Ramesh: Let us present a Puppet Show on CHILD LABOUR for our Assembly Open Forum.
Mohammed: That is a very good idea! Let us start planning right away.
Geetha: But long talks on the topic would be boring and uninteresting.
Leema: I suggest we begin with the storyline first.
Mani: How do we decide the plot? How many characters can we choose?
Ramesh: We can have around five characters.
Mohammed: What would be the theme of the play?
Meena: We can focus on the problems of poverty and illiteracy as major reasons for child labour.
Ramesh: Can we present a puppet – show on the topic? It would really be a novel experience to the viewers.
Leema: I am good at making stick puppets. I will make them myself. But I require some help.
Mani: I shall help you with the dolls. Tell me, when can we start our work?
Leema: Thank you, Mani, Let us stay back after the meeting and discuss.
Ramesh: Have something interesting to attract the audience.
Meena: I think we should have some music for the interlude.
Geetha: That would make it really interesting. I will get my music group to start working on the tunes for our puppet show.

H. Now you are ready to start writing your script for Bommalattam on ’Child Labour’.

(To be done by the student)

Synonyms & Antonyms : Additional Questions

I. Choose the appropriate Synonym of the underlined words.

Question 1.
I often tried to emulate the mannerisms of my favourite players.
(a) disregard
(b) imitate
(c) overlook
(d) observe
Answer:
(b) imitate

Question 2.
I wanted to pursue cricket seriously.
(a) assist
(b) retreat
(c) follow
(d) give up
Answer:
(c) follow

Question 3.
I felt somewhat overawed with so many people around.
(a) undaunted
(b) supported
(c) intimidated
(d) surprised
Answer:
(c) intimidated

Question 4.
My induction into the Mumbai cricket circuit could have ended in failure – but for Ajit’s insistence.
(a) dissolution
(b) rejection
(c) elimination
(d) inclusion
Answer:
(d) inclusion

Question 5.
The schedule was rigorous.
(a) easy
(b) severe
(c) gentle
(d) flexible
Answer:
b) s :re

Question 6.
He would talk to me about the nuances of batting.
(a) subtleties
(b) antiquity
(c) disgrace
(d) history
Answer:
(a) subtleties

Question 7.
I would always ask my father to treat me to a special fruit cocktail near the club.
(a) sauce
(b) cake
(c) mixed drink
(d) pav bhaji
Answer:
(c) mixed drink

Question 8.
Sir would spot me in the melee and virtually drag me out.
(a) peaceful place
(b) theatre
(c) harmony hall
(d) confused crowd
Answer:
(d) confused crowd

Question 9.
Practice hard and see what magic can transpire.
(a) stop
(b) remove
(c) vanish
(d) reveal
Answer:
d) reveal

Question 10.
He was a strict disciplinarian and did everything he could for me.
(a) lenient
(b) stem
(c) easy going
(d) tolerant
Answer:
(b) stem

Another Type of Exercise

Choose the appropriate Synonym of the underlined words.

1. From a very early (i) age, I played tennis-ball cricket with my colony friends. I loved watching cricket on television and in our games, I often (ii) tried to emulate (iii) the mannerisms of my favourite players, Sunil Gavaskar and the West Indian legend (iv) Viv Richards. Ramakant Achrekar Sir ran (v) summer camps too.

i) (a) late
(b) initial
(c) middle
(d) later
Answer:
(b) initial

ii) (a) rarely
(b) seldom
(c) sometimes
(d) frequently
Answer:
(d) frequently

iii) (a) disregard
(b) imitate
(c) overlook
(d) observe
Answer:
(b) imitate

iv) (a) unknown
(b) orthodox
(c) celebrity
(d) obscurity
Answer:
(c) celebrity

v) (a) rush
(b) moving fast
(c) hasten
(d) conduct
Answer:
(d) conduct

2. I had never batted in the nets before and felt somewhat overawed (i) with so many people around. When I was asked to bat, I was not at all comfortable (ii). With Sir watching me so closely, I failed to make an impact (iii). Sir called Ajit aside (iv) and informed him that I was perhaps (v) too young to make the camp.

i) (a) undaunted
(b) intimidated
(c) supported
(d) surprised
Answer:
(b) intimidated

ii) (a) cozy
(b) hard
(c) harsh
(d) unpleasant
Answer:
(a) cozy

iii) (a) agreement
(b) impression
(c) concord
(d) discord
Answer:
(b) impression

iv) (a) besides
(b) beside
(c) upside
(d) preside
Answer:
(b) beside

v) (a) unlikely
(b) impossibly
(c) may be
(d) emphatically
Answer:
(c) may be

3. The schedule was rigorous (i) and I would be exhausted (ii) by the end of the day. For the first few days, Ajit accompanied (iii) me, to get me used to the routine (iv). During the bus journeys, he would talk to me about the nuances (v) of batting, and I always enjoyed these
conversations a lot.

i) (a) easy
(b) flexible
(c) gentle
(d) severe
Answer:
(d) severe

ii) (a) tired
(b) active
(c) refreshed
(d) energetic
Answer:
(a) tired

iii) (a) abandoned
(b) stranded
(c) joined
(d) deserted
Answer:
(c) joined

iv) (a) different
(b) regular
(c) strange
(d) unusual
Answer:
(b) regular

v) (a) subtleties
(b) antiquity
(c) disgrace
(d) history
Answer:
(a) subtleties

4. There wqs never quite enough (i) time for the pockets to dry (ii) out completely, and for the entire (iii) duration of the camp I played with wet pockets. By the middle of the summer camp, Sir had started taking an active (iv) interest in my batting and at the end of the two months, informed Ajit that I had the potential (v) to be a good cricketer if I practised all year round.

i) (a) insufficient
(b) scarce
(c) adequate
(d) deficit
Answer:
(c) adequate

ii) (a) damp
(b) moistureless
(c) humid
(d) wet
Answer:
(b) moistureless

iii) (a) partial
(b) abridged
(c) complete
(d) flawed
Answer:
(c) complete

iv) (a) apathetic
(b) ignorant
(c) lethargic
(d) dynamic
Answer:
(d) dynamic

v) (a) limitation
(b) ineptitude
(c) capacity
(d) weakness
Am :
(a) capacity

II. Choose the appropriate Antonyms of the underlined words.

1. I wanted to pursue cricket seriously.
(a) continue
(b) give up
(c) follow
(d) chase
Answer:
(c) give up

2. It helped me to build up physical and mental stamina.
(a) strength
(b) vigour
(c) force
(d) weakness
Answer:
(d) weakness

3. Dirty clothes often added to the embarrassment.
(a) shame
(b) comfort
(c) awkwardness
(d) humiliation
Answer:
(a) comfort

4. Winning the one rupee coin used to give me immense satisfaction.
(a) extensive
(b) little
(c) enormous
(d) great
Answer:
(b) little

5. Practice hard and see what magic can transpire.
(a) reveal
(b) emerge
(c) result
(d) hide
Answer:
(d) hide

6. He was a strict disciplinarian.
(a) easy going
(b) stem
(c) tough
(d) draconian
Answer:
(a) easy going

7. Sir also punished me on one occasion.
(a) chastened
(b) exonerated
(c) birched
(d) penalized
Answer:
(b) exonerated

8. Don’t waste your time playing insane games with these kids.
(a) bizarre
(b) lunatic
(c) sensible
(d) crazy
Answer:
(c) sensible

9. I’d often take the bus or train from Bandra to Church gate.
(a,) usually
(b) rarely
(c) regularly
(d) frequently
Answer:
(b) rarely

10. When I was asked to bat, I was not at all comfortable.
(a) affluent
(b) uneasy
(c) contented
(d) cozy
Answer:
(b) uneasy

Another type of exercise

1. Choose the appropriate Antonyms of the underlined words.

1. Ajit was in the room with my father at the time and they both accepted (i) that it was necessary if cricket was to be my priority (ii). My father sat me down and explained that while he did not have any objections to my changing schools, I should do so only if I was really serious (iii) about playing cricket. I assured (iv) him I was, and so it was agreed (v) that I should move to Shardashram Vidhyamandir.

i) (a) endorsed
(b) approved
(c) rejected
(d) agreed
Answer:
(c) rejected

ii)
(a) prime concern
(b) unimportance
(c) preference
(d) supremacy
Answer:
(b) unimportance

iii) (a) arduous
(b) grave
(c) ambitious
(d) light minded
Answer:
(d) light minded

iv) (a) convinced
(b) repudiated
(c) ensured
(d) guaranteed
Answer:
(b) repudiated

v) (a) concurred
(b) conceded
(c) disagreed
(d) assented
Answer:
(c) disagreed

2. On days when I wasn’t so lucky (i), it was still a challenge just to stand with the kitbag, because the bus conductors would inevitably (ii) complain about me taking up the space of another passenger. It could be embarrassing (iii) because the conductors were often rude (iv) and would sometimes ask me to buy (v) two tickets.
i)
(a) fortunate
(b) prosperous
(c) happy
(d) unlucky
Answer:
(d) unlucky

ii) (a) unavoidably
(b) surely
(c) avoidably
(d) eventually
Answer:
(c) avoidably

iii) (a) shameful
(b) pleasant
(c) humiliating
(d) awkward
Answer:
(b) pleasant

iv) (a) polite
(b) impolite
(c) indelicate
(d) coarse
Answer:
(a) polite

v) (a) acquire
(b) procure
(c)get
(d) sell
Answer:
(d) sell

3. Even though I loved (i) cricket, there were still occasional days when playing with my friends at home was such fun (ii) that I would conveniently (iii) forget I was supposed (iv) to go to the nets. If I didn’t turn up, Achrekar Sir would jump on to his scooter and come (v) to find me. Sir would spot me in the melee and virtually drag me out.

i) (a) adored
(b) cherished
(c) hated
(d) esteemed
Answer:
(c) hated

ii) (a) amusement
(b) boredom
(c) enjoyment
(d) glee
Answer:
(b) boredom

iii) (a) suitably
(b) favourably
(c) desirably
(d) inconveniently
Answer:
(d) inconveniently

iv) (a) unlikely
(b) presumed
(c) likely
(d) assumed
Answer:
(a) unlikely

v) (a) arrive
(b) appear
(c) go
(d) enter
Answer:
(c) go

MCQs – Additional

Answer the following questions by choosing the correct answer.

Question 1.
From a very early age, I played ___________ cricket with my colony friends.
(a) tape-ball
(b) windball
(c) tennis-ball
Answer:
(c) tennis-ball

Question 2.
Ramakant Achrekar Sir was the cricket coach in ___________ .
(a) New English School
(b) Shardashram Vidhyamandir
(c) Modem School
Answer:
(b) Shardashram Vidhyamandir

Question 3.
Ajit took me to Ramakant Achrekar when I was ___________ years old.
(a) fourteen
(b) twelve
(c) eleven
Answer:
(c) eleven

Question 4.
Achrekar started playing cricket at the age of eleven in the year ___________.
(a) 1943
(b) 1963
(c) 1953
Answer:
(a) 1943

Question 5.
With Sir watching me so closely, I ___________ to make an impact.
(a) emulated
(b) asked
(c) failed
Answer:
(c) failed

Question 6.
Ajit explained the coach that I was and ___________ asked to give one more opportunity.
(a) comfortable
(b) nervous
(c) unexcited
Answer:
(b) nervous

Question 7.
The camp’involved a session every morning and evening at ___________.
(a) Bandra
(b) Church gate
(c) Shivaji Park
Answer:
(c) Shivaji Park

Question 8.
During the bus journeys, Ajit would talk to me about the .
(a) mannerisms of players
(b) nuances of batting
(c) importance of exercises
Answer:
(b) nuances of batting

Question 9.
In my first year at Shardashram, I played practice matches during sixty days.
(a) forty
(b) fifty five
(c) twenty one
Answer:
(b) fifty five

Question 10.
By the middle of the __________ camp, Sir had started taking an active interest in my batting.
(a) summer
(b) winter
(c) autumn
Answer:
(a) summer

Question 11.
Sir would often give me some money to go and have a __________ .
(a) fruit cocktail
(b) vadapav
(c) bread toast
Answer:
(b) vadapav

Question 12.
Sir would place a __________ rupee coin on top of the stumps.
(a) one
(b) two
(c) five
Answer:
(a) one

Question 13.
I would always ask __________ to treat me to a special fruit cocktail at a juice centre.
(a) my brother
(b) my father
(c) Achrekar Sir
Answer:
(b) my father

Question 14.
It could be embarrassing because the conductors were often __________ .
(a) respectable
(b) polite
(c) rude
Answer:
(c) rude

Question 15.
Travelling to Shivaji Park took forty minutes from my house in __________ .
(a) Church gate
(b) Bandra
(c) Dadar
Answer:
(b) Bandra

Question 16.
Achrekar Sir would jump on to his __________ and come to find me.
(a) bike
(b) scooter
(c) bicycle
Answer:
(b) scooter

Question 17.
I’d often take the bus or train from Bandra to ___________.
(a) Shivaji Park
(b) Dadar
(c) Church gate
Answer:
(c) Church gate

Learning the Game About The Author

The retired Indian Cricket Player Sachin Ramesh Tendukar is considered as one of the greatest batsmen of all times. He was born on 24^th April 1973 in Mumbai. He was introduced to cricket at the age of eleven by his brother Ajit Tendulkar. In 2005, he became the first cricketer to score 35 centuries (100 runs in a single inning) in Test play. In 20 IT, Tendulkar achieved his dream of winning the Cricket World Cup at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. He is the only player to have scored one hundred international centuries and the first to score double century in a One Day International cricket.

He played 664 International Cricket matches in total, scoring 34,357 runs. In 2012, Tendulkar was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. He retired from Cricket on 16^th November 2013. He is also the recipient of the Arjuna Award (1994), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (1997), Padma Shri (1999), Padma Vibhushan (2008) and Bharat Ratna (2013).

Learning the Game Summary

Learning the Game’ is an extract from Sachin Tendulkar’s autobiography ‘Playing it My Way’. He played tennis ball cricket with his colony friends from a very early age. He loved watching cricket on television and tried to imitate the mannerisms of his favourite players like Sunil Gavaskar and Viv Richards. It wasn’t just about batsman that Sachin studied, but he also loved to bowl. Throughout his career, he had actually bowled a lot in the nets.

Sachin was studying in the New English School at Mumbai. But his brother Ajith wanted him to study in ‘Shardashram Vidhyamandir’ where Ramakant Achrekar was the cricket coach. This school gave more importance to the game of cricket. Ramakant Achrekar ran summer cricket camps. One day, his brother Ajit took him to Achrekar to get trained well. It was because, only Achrekar could decide who to accept for a trial at the camp. But there, Tendulkar failed to make an impact on Achrekar, the coach. So the coach informed his brother that Sachin was too young to get into the camp.

But Ajit insisted him to give his brother another chance, as he was nervous. So he was given another chance and the coach watched his batting from a distance. Seeing him batting well, the coach agreed to train him. It was an opportunity that transformed Sachin’s life. His coach Achrekar advised Sachin to change his school if he really wanted to pursue cricket seriously. In his first year, at Shradasram, Sachin played 55 practice matches during the summer break of 60 days.

Achrekar used to place a one rupee coin on top of the stumps and asked Sachin to bat. If Sachin remained not out, Achrekar Sir would gift the coin to him. Whenever Sachin tried to bunk practice session, Achrekar Sir came to take him to the ground. Had it not been for Achrekar Sir, Sachin would not be the cricketer he turned out to be. The coach was a strict disciplinarian and did everything he could for Sachin. Finally, Sachin says that he owes himself to Achrekar Sir.

Learning the Game Mind Map

Learning the Game Glossary 

Tamilnadu Board Class 9 English Solutions