Dear Class 12 Samacheer Kalvi students, here are the Prose Unit 3 – In Celebration of Being Alive Text Book Solutions for your reference.
1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences based on your understanding of the lesson.
a. What thoughts troubled Dr. Christiaan Barnard as he neared the end of his career as a heart surgeon?
Answer: As he neared the end of his career as a heart surgeon, Dr. Christiaan Barnard was troubled by thoughts of why people should suffer.
b. What were Dr. Barnard’s feelings when he was hospitalized after an accident?
Answer: Dr. Barnard experienced a mix of agony, fear, and anger when he was hospitalized after an accident. He struggled to understand why he and his wife had to suffer, especially given their responsibilities and the work they needed to do.
c. When and where did the accident occur?
Answer: The accident occurred a few years ago when Dr. Barnard was crossing the street with his wife after a lovely meal together.
d. How did the hospitalization of Dr. Barnard and his wife affect their routine?
Answer: The hospitalization of Dr. Barnard and his wife significantly disrupted their routine. Dr. Barnard, with eleven broken ribs and a perforated lung, was unable to attend to his patients and perform surgeries. His wife, with a badly fractured shoulder, was unable to care for their young baby.
e. How was Dr. Barnard’s attitude to suffering different from that of his father’s?
Answer: Dr. Barnard’s attitude toward suffering was marked by confusion, frustration, and a sense of injustice. He struggled to understand why he and his wife had to endure such pain. In contrast, his father’s perspective was more accepting, who viewed suffering as part of God’s will and a means to become a better person through being tested.
f. How was the unattended trolley put to use?
Answer: The unattended trolley was taken over by a couple of young hospital patients who used it to race around the ward.
g. What roles did the duo take up?
Answer: The duo took up the roles of a driver and a mechanic.
h. Why did the choice of roles prove to be easy for them?
Answer: The choice of roles was easy because the mechanic was totally blind and the driver had only one arm.
i. Who encouraged them and how?
Answer: The rest of the patients encouraged them with shouts of laughter and encouragement.
j. What does Dr. Barnard compare this entertainment to?
Answer: Dr. Barnard compared this entertainment to the Indianapolis 500 car race.
k. What happened in the grand finale?
Answer: In the grand finale, the trolley crashed with scattered plates and silverware.
l. How does Dr. Barnard know the boy who played the trolley’s driver?
Answer: Dr. Barnard knew the boy because he had successfully closed a hole in his heart.
m. What was the profound lesson that Dr. Barnard learnt from the boys?
Answer: Dr. Barnard learned that you don’t become a better person because you are suffering; but you become a better person because you have experienced suffering.
2. Answer the following questions in three or four sentences.
a. Detail the statistics Dr. Barnard has provided in his speech.
Answer: The statistics provided by Dr. Barnard in his speech are: Of the 125 million children born in a year, 12 million are unlikely to reach the age of one and another six million will die before the age of five. Of the rest, many will end up as mental or physical cripples.
b. What happened when the doctor couple were crossing the street?
Answer: When the doctor couple were crossing the street, a car hit the doctor and knocked him into my wife. She was thrown into the other lane and struck by a car coming from the opposite direction.
c. What injuries did they sustain in the accident?
Answer: The doctor had eleven broken ribs and a perforated lung. His wife had a badly fractured shoulder.
d. Dr. Barnard couldn’t find any nobility in suffering. Why?
Answer: Dr. Barnard couldn’t find any nobility in suffering because there was no greater purpose to it.
e. Why does Dr. Barnard find suffering of children heartbreaking?
Answer: Dr. Barnard found the suffering of children particularly heartbreaking because of their total trust in doctors and nurses. Children believe that medical professionals will help them, and when they cannot be helped, they accept their fate without complaint, even enduring mutilating surgeries with remarkable resilience and without protest.
f. How did the boy who played the mechanic lose his eyesight?
Answer: One night, when his mother and father were drunk, his mother threw a lantern at his father, missed and the lantern broke over the child’s head and shoulders. He suffered severe third-degree burns on the upper part of his body, and lost both his eyes.
g. Why does Dr. Barnard describe the blind boy as a ‘walking horror’?
Answer: Dr. Barnard described the blind boy as a ‘walking horror’ as he had a disfigured face and long flap of skin hanging from the side of his neck to his body. As the wound healed around his neck, his lower jaw became gripped in a mass of fibrous tissue. The only way this little boy could open his mouth was to raise his head.
h. What were the problems the trolley driver suffered from?
Answer: The trolley driver had a hole in his heart. He had returned to the hospital because he had a malignant tumour of the bone. A few days before the race, his shoulder and arm were amputated.
3. Answer the following in a paragraph of 100 – 150 words each.
a. Give an account of the medical problems for which the two boys were hospitalized.
Answer: The mechanic was seven years old. One night, in a drunken accident, his mother threw a lantern at his father, which missed and broke over the child’s head and shoulders. He suffered severe third-degree burns on the upper part of his body and lost both his eyes. He was a walking horror, with a disfigured face and long flap of skin hanging from the side of his neck to his body. As the wound healed, his lower jaw became gripped in a mass of fibrous tissue. The only way this little boy could open his mouth was to raise his head.
The trolley’s driver had returned to the hospital because he had a malignant tumour of the bone. A few days before the race, his shoulder and arm were amputated.
b. “These two children had given me a profound lesson …” Elucidate.
Answer: Dr. Barnard learned a profound lesson from the two children about the essence of life and how to cope with suffering. The children, despite their severe hardships and surgeries, displayed remarkable acceptance and resilience. They focused on living joyfully and appreciating life rather than dwelling on their suffering. Dr. Barnard realized that the true essence of living involves celebrating life itself, regardless of the pain and losses one might endure. He understood that suffering does not make someone a better person, but the experience of suffering does, as it provides a deeper appreciation for the positive aspects of life. This shifted his perspective, helping him see the importance of what remains after adversity, rather than what has been lost.
c. Describe the ‘Grand Prix’ at Cape Town’s Red Cross Children’s Hospital.
Answer: The ‘Grand Prix’ at Cape Town’s Red Cross Children’s Hospital was an impromptu and spirited event that unfolded one morning when a nurse left a breakfast trolley unattended. Seizing the opportunity, an enterprising duo—one child serving as the driver and the other as the mechanic—commandeered the trolley. The mechanic, who was completely blind, provided the necessary propulsion by running behind the trolley with his head down. The driver, who had only one arm, adeptly steered by scraping his foot on the floor.
This race quickly became a source of entertainment and joy for the hospital’s patients. The race elicited laughter and shouts of encouragement from their fellow patients, surpassing even the excitement of the Indianapolis 500 car race. The event ended in a dramatic finale with plates and silverware scattered all around before the nurse and ward sister caught up with the duo, reprimanded them, and returned them to their beds. The whole episode provided a memorable and uplifting distraction for everyone involved.
d. How did a casual incident in a hospital help Dr. Barnard perceive a new dimension of life?
Answer: The casual incident in the hospital, where two children turned a breakfast trolley into an impromptu race car, helped Dr. Barnard perceive a new dimension of life. It opened his eyes to the fact that he was missing something in his thinking about suffering. The children’s ability to find amusement and create a playful scenario despite their physical limitations and suffering highlighted to Dr. Barnard that life is about more than just enduring pain. It is about finding joy and celebrating the act of living, regardless of the challenges faced. This incident taught him that suffering itself does not ennoble a person, but the experience of suffering and the way one responds to it can lead to personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life. The children’s actions showed him the importance of focusing on what remains and finding happiness in the present moment, rather than dwelling on what has been lost.
e. Life is unjust and cruel to certain people. Do they all resign themselves to their fate? Can you think of some who have fought their disabilities heroically and remained a stellar example for others? (for e.g. the astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, a paraplegic). Give an account of one such person and his/her struggle to live a fruitful life.
Answer: Indeed, life can be unjust and cruel to certain people, but not all resign themselves to their fate. Many individuals have fought their disabilities heroically and have remained stellar examples for others. One such person is Helen Keller.
Helen Keller, born in 1880, lost her sight and hearing at the age of 19 months due to an illness. Despite these severe disabilities, Keller refused to resign herself to her fate. With the help of her dedicated teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate through finger spelling and later learned to read Braille. Sullivan’s persistent and innovative teaching methods helped her to understand the world around her and find her place in it.
Keller went on to attend Radcliffe College, becoming the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. She became a prolific writer and lecturer, advocating for people with disabilities and championing various social causes, including women’s suffrage, labor rights, and pacifism. Her autobiography, “The Story of My Life,” has inspired countless people worldwide.
Keller’s struggle to live a fruitful life despite her disabilities is a testament to her indomitable spirit and resilience. She demonstrated that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, individuals with disabilities can overcome immense challenges and make significant contributions to society. Her life continues to serve as a beacon of hope and an example of how one can triumph over adversity.
A. Vocabulary
a) Go through the lesson and spot the words which mean the same as the following.
1. profession (para 1) | Career |
2. sorrowful (para 2) | Gloomy |
3. decency (para 5) | Noble |
4. destiny (para 6) | Fate |
5. hijacked (para 8) | Commandeered |
6. motivation (para 9) | Encouragement |
7. serious (para 10) | Severe |
8. significant (para 13) | Important |
b) Go through the lesson and spot the words opposite to the meaning of the following.
1. rare (para 1) | prevalent |
2. primitive (para 6) | sophisticated |
3. fiction (para 7) | fact |
4. fearful (para 8) | intrepid |
5. benign (para 11) | malignant |
6. diffidence (para 11) | hope |
7. boredom (para 12) | amusement |
8. criticize (para 13) | appreciate |
c) Frame illustrative sentences to distinguish the meaning of the words in the following clusters.
1. career – carrier – courier
Answer:
She pursued a career in medicine and became a renowned doctor.
The carrier delivered the package to my doorstep.
The courier promised same-day delivery for the important documents.
2. patients – patience – patents
Answer:
The doctor saw many patients in the clinic today.
It takes a lot of patience to deal with slow internet.
The company filed several patents for their new inventions.
3. accident – incident – incidence
Answer:
The car accident caused a traffic jam for miles.
There was an incident at the school involving a fire alarm.
The incidence of flu cases has increased this winter.
4. scraping – scrapping – scrubbing
Answer:
The cat was scraping its claws against the furniture.
They are scrapping the old car because it’s no longer functional.
She spent the afternoon scrubbing the kitchen floor clean.
5. accept – except – expect
Answer:
He decided to accept the job offer.
Everyone was invited to the party except John.
I expect it to rain later today.
6. lesson – lessen – lesion
Answer:
The teacher prepared an interesting lesson for the class.
The medication helped to lessen the pain.
The doctor examined the lesion on the patient’s skin.
7. severe – sever – sewer
Answer:
The storm caused severe damage to the buildings.
He had to sever ties with his business partner.
The sewer system needs urgent repairs.
8. raise – rise– rice
Answer:
The company plans to raise salaries next year.
The sun will rise at 6 AM tomorrow.
She cooked a pot of rice for dinner.
9. quiet – quite – quit
Answer:
The library is a quiet place to study.
She is quite happy with her new job.
He decided to quit smoking for his health.
10. final – finale – feline
Answer:
She worked hard to prepare for the final exam.
The series finale of the TV show was thrilling.
The feline stretched lazily in the sun.
d) Fill in the blanks with the words given in brackets.
[profound, amusement, confidence, agony, solace, intrepid, disfigured, perforated]
1. Theatrical plays were a main source of amusement before the advent of television.
2. The intrepid warriors of the Spartan Army marched into battle against a powerful enemy.
3. The agony of parents finally came to an end when their lost child was found with the help of police.
4. Social media has brought about a profound impact on the lives of millennials.
5. The tyres of the car got perforated when the vehicle rolled over the rusted nails scattered on the road.
6. Thomas Alva Edison did not lose his confidence, even after facing a series of experimental failures in his quest to discover tungsten.
7. Many victims of the pipeline explosion in an oil refinery were left permanently disfigured.
8. The old lady found solace in the company of the children in the neighbourhood.
e) Form a phrase with each of the following pairs of nouns given below.
Here is an example from the lesson: fibre + tissue – fibrous tissue
1. muscle + pain – muscular pain
2. skeleton + system – skeletal system
3. nerve + disorder – nervous disorder
4. digestion + enzymes – digestive enzymes
5. surgery + instruments – surgical instruments
6. agony + experience – agonizing experience
7. glory + victory – glorious victory
8. fancy + idea – fanciful idea
9. emotion + song – emotional song
10. sense + issue – sensitive issue
f) Fill the empty boxes with suitable words under each word class.
Noun | Verb | Adjective | Adverb |
amusement | amuse | amusing | amusingly |
appreciation | appreciate | appreciative | appreciatively |
Success | succeed | successful | successfully |
pride | pride | proud | Proudly |
hope | hope | hopeful | hopefully |
g) Spot the errors in the following
sentences and rewrite them correctly.
1. My grandfather is well-known in the village for his nobel deeds.
Error: My grandfather is well-known in the village for his nobel deeds.
Correct answer: My grandfather is well-known in the village for his noble deeds.
2. I had my evening meals in a restaurant near my office.
Error: I had my evening meals in a restaurant near my office.
Correct Answer: I had my evening meal in a restaurant near my office.
3. The Boss had full confidence on his Manager for successful completion of the project.
Error: The Boss had full confidence on his Manager for successful completion of the project.
Correct Answer: The Boss had full confidence in his manager for successful completion of the project.
4. After the complicated surgery, the patient hoped of complete recovery.
Error: After the complicated surgery, the patient hoped of complete recovery.
Correct Answer: After the complicated surgery, the patient hoped for complete recovery.
5. The new health care scheme announced by the Government will bring relief to the children suffering with acute tuberculosis.
Error: The new health care scheme announced by the Government will bring relief to the children suffering with acute tuberculosis.
Correct Answer: The new health care scheme announced by the Government will bring relief to the children suffering from acute tuberculosis.
6. In spite of his poverty and setbacks, he was able to launch his dream carrier.
Error: In spite of his poverty and setbacks, he was able to launch his dream carrier.
Correct Answer: In spite of his poverty and setbacks, he was able to launch his dream career.
Listening
Listen to the passage being read out.
Based on your understanding, complete the statements given below with appropriate answers.
1. Boredom occurs when a person is unable to stay attentive
2. Anger and frustration are emotional consequences of boredom.
3. Two physical signs of acute boredom are
a. eyelids droop
b. the frown on the face
4. How does boredom affect the quality of work a person does?
Answer: A bored person commits a lot of errors in his work.
5. Mention two ways by which one can overcome boredom.
a. exercise
b. set goals and work for them
Speaking
1. You are rushing to attend to an important work and you witness an accident on your way. Will you go to the rescue of the injured person? Share your views with the class.
Answer: If I were rushing to attend to an important work engagement and witnessed an accident on my way, my immediate reaction would be to stop and help the injured person. While my work is important, the well-being and safety of another human being take precedence in such situations.
First, I would ensure the scene is safe and call emergency services. If no one else is available to assist, I would provide basic first aid and comfort to the injured person until professional help arrives. Ultimately, while work commitments are significant, the ethical responsibility to help someone in need outweighs the urgency of my personal schedule. Prioritizing human life and showing compassion are essential values that guide my actions in such situations.
2. Every person should take up the responsibility to serve the society in his or her own way. Discuss the various ways in which you can serve the society.
Answer: Serving society is a crucial responsibility that each individual can embrace in various ways. For example, volunteering with local NGOs, or participating in community development programs directly supports those in need and enhances community well-being. Additionally, sharing knowledge and skills through tutoring or mentoring can empower others and foster personal growth. By actively participating in these activities, individuals contribute to a more supportive and equitable society, creating a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone. Each person’s efforts, no matter how small, play a vital role in strengthening the fabric of our communities.
Dialogue
a) Pair work: Practice the dialogue with another student. Then write a similar dialogue between a student and the class teacher regarding an educational trip.
Answer:
Student: Excuse me, Miss Sharma, could I ask about the upcoming educational trip?
Teacher: Of course, Riya. What do you need to know?
Student: What’s the itinerary, and how much will it cost?
Teacher: We’ll visit the Science Museum and a historical site. The trip costs ₹1,500, which covers everything.
Student: What should we bring?
Teacher: Please bring a packed lunch, a water bottle, and wear comfortable shoes. If you have any financial concerns, let me know.
Student: Got it. Thanks, Miss Sharma!
Teacher: You’re welcome, Riya. Looking forward to the trip!
b) Build a conversation for the following situations with a minimum of five exchanges.
1. A passenger and a railway staff regarding the cancellation of the reserved tickets.
Answer:
Passenger: Excuse me, I need to cancel my reserved tickets for the train. Can you help me with that?
Railway Staff: Certainly. Could you please provide me with your ticket number and ID?
Passenger: Here’s my ticket and ID. The number is 123456789.
Railway Staff: Thank you. I see your reservation here. The cancellation fee is ₹200. Would you like to proceed?
Passenger: Yes, please go ahead. How will I get the refund?
Railway Staff: The amount will be credited to your account within 7-10 working days. Is there anything else I can assist you with?
Passenger: No, that’s all. Thank you!
Railway Staff: You’re welcome. Have a good day!
2. Two friends about the NSS camp which they are going to attend.
Answer:
Friend 1: Hey, are you excited about the NSS camp next week?
Friend 2: Definitely! I’m looking forward to the community service activities. What about you?
Friend 1: Same here. I heard we’ll be working on a few environmental projects. I’m really interested in that.
Friend 2: That sounds great! Have you packed everything you need?
Friend 1: Almost. I just need to get a few more supplies. What about you?
Friend 2: I’ve packed my essentials and checked the list. Can’t wait to get started!
Friend 1: Me too! See you at the camp.
Friend 2: Absolutely. It’s going to be a lot of fun!
3. A salesman and a customer at an electronic shop.
Answer:
Customer: Excuse me, I’m looking for a new laptop. Can you recommend one?
Salesman: Certainly! What are your main requirements? For example, do you need it for gaming, work, or general use?
Customer: It’s for work and some light gaming. I’d like something with a good processor and enough RAM.
Salesman: In that case, I recommend the XYZ model. It has an Intel i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, which should meet your needs well.
Customer: That sounds good. What’s the price?
Salesman: It’s currently priced at ₹55,000. We also offer a one-year warranty and free software installation.
Customer: Great! I’ll take it. Can you help with the payment process?
Salesman: Of course. Let me assist you with that.
4. A father and his daughter about the advantages of the habit of newspaper reading.
Answer:
Daughter: Dad, why do you read the newspaper every morning?
Father: Reading the newspaper keeps me informed about current events and important issues. It’s a great way to stay updated.
Daughter: But isn’t it a bit old-fashioned?
Father: Not really. It improves general knowledge, helps you understand different perspectives, and enhances your vocabulary.
Daughter: That makes sense. I suppose I could start reading it more regularly.
Father: Absolutely. It’s a useful habit that can help you in many areas, including school and future career.
Daughter: Thanks for explaining, Dad. I’ll give it a try!
Father: You’re welcome! Let me know if you need any recommendations on which sections to start with.
c) Extend the conversation with two more relevant exchanges.
1. Receptionist : Good evening, sir. Welcome to Chennai.
Traveller : I would like to book a deluxe room in your hotel for 3 days.
Receptionist: Certainly, sir. May I please have your name and identification for the booking?
Traveller: Sure, my name is Rajesh Kumar, and here’s my ID.
Receptionist: Thank you, Mr. Kumar. I’ve checked availability, and we do have a deluxe room available. The rate is ₹6,000 per night, including breakfast. Would you like to proceed with the booking?
Traveller: Yes, that sounds good.
2. Student : Good morning, sir. May I come in?
Teacher : Good morning, why are you late today?
Student: I’m sorry, sir. There was a major traffic jam on my way to school.
Teacher: I understand. Did you inform anyone about your delay?
Student: Yes, I called the school office as soon as I realized I would be late.
Teacher: Thank you for letting us know.
Reading
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
Humans have long been fascinated by fiction. We experience excitement in assigning supernatural power to imaginary characters in fictional stories – and so we have Spider man, Batman, He–man, Titans and many more. The ‘Cyborg’ was an offshoot of such wild imagination of humans to invest our species with superhuman powers. Today, the Cyborg is no more an imaginary organism. We are living in a world where a sizeable population of humans have merged their bodies with technological implants. The term ‘Cyborg’, short for ‘cybernetic organism’, was coined to describe a man, whose body is implanted with technological devices to supplement and substitute body functions.
Cyborgs include people with cardiac pacemakers, contact lenses, bionic ears and eyes, prosthetics and so on. In other words, a cyborg is partly human and partly machine. The technological innovations in the field of medicine and healthcare augment humans with machines, producing a beta version of the human body. The advent of brain machine interfaces is certain to blur the boundary between humans and machines. Scientists are working hard to find a technique for age reversal too. People do not want to die, so mankind is striving to get to the final frontier, which is development of machines and devices that would accord man immortality.
The needs of humans are not limited. As time passes, food habits change, thinking patterns change, and even appearances change. We are about to travel by driverless, fully automated vehicles. Computers and smart phones have become our masters. The more we depend and merge with technological advancements, the more the humanness in us slowly erodes. Intelligence is sought to be infused into machines and robotics are designed in such a way to give man a virtual human companion. The field of artificial intelligence is overtaking the human brain and many fear that it could even harm the human race. Despite certain limitations and potential threats, many believe that cyborgs will be the next step in the evolution of mankind. The amalgamation of man and machine is sure to add a new dimension to the life of mankind and this will prove to be the ‘biggest evolution in Biology’ since the emergence of life, four billion years ago.
a) Account for the popularity of characters with supernatural powers.
Answer: The popularity of characters with supernatural powers, such as Spider-Man and Batman, arises from the excitement of imagining beings with extraordinary abilities.
b) Who is referred to as a ‘Cyborg’?
Answer: A ‘Cyborg’ refers to a person whose body is implanted with technological devices to supplement or substitute natural body functions.
c) What is expected to happen with the advent of the brain machine interface?
Answer: The advent of brain-machine interfaces is expected to blur the boundary between humans and machines, potentially merging human cognitive functions with technological advancements.
d) The needs of humans are not limited. How is this statement elaborated in the passage?
Answer: The statement is elaborated by describing how human needs evolve over time. Changes in food habits, thinking patterns, and appearances reflect our evolving needs. Additionally, advancements such as driverless vehicles and the dependence on computers and smartphones show the expanding nature of human requirements and how technology adapts to meet them.
e) How can a machine turn into a virtual companion for humans?
Answer: A machine can become a virtual companion by being designed with artificial intelligence to interact in a human-like manner, thus providing emotional support and companionship similar to a human friend or partner.
f) Explain the flipside of the rapid technological advancement.
Answer: The flipside of rapid technological advancement includes the erosion of human qualities and increased dependency on technology. As we merge more with technological devices and artificial intelligence, there are concerns about the potential loss of humanness and the risk of machines and robots surpassing human intelligence, which could pose threats to the human race.
g) Identify the word in para 1 which means ‘everlasting life’.
Answer: immortality
h) Which of the following words is synonymous with ‘amalgamation’?
a) recreation b) integration c) exploration d) proposition
Answer: b) integration
i) Which of the following options is the antonym of the word ‘advent’?
a) drawback b) dispute c) departure d) danger
Answer: c) departure
j) Find out the word which is the antonym of ‘natural’ in para 3.
Answer: The antonym of ‘natural’ in para 3 is “artificial.”
Grammar
Task 1
Change the following sentences into Passive Voice.
a. The Governor inaugurated the exhibition at ten o’ clock.
Answer: The exhibition was inaugurated by the Governor at ten o’ clock.
b. The crowd expected their leader to arrive early in the morning.
Answer: Their leader was expected to arrive early in the morning by the crowd.
c. Who taught her Computer Science?
Answer: By whom was she taught Computer Science?
d. They unanimously named Ravi the captain of team.
Answer: Ravi was unanimously named the captain of the team.
e. The President gave the commander an award.
Answer: The commander was given an award by the President.
f. Do not tell a lie.
Answer: A lie should not be told.
g. Please open the door.
Answer: The door should be opened, please.
h. It is time to stop the work.
Answer: It is time for the work to be stopped.
i. They say he is a spy.
Answer: He is said to be a spy.
j. One should keep one’s promise.
Answer: One’s promise should be kept.
k. People burn a great deal of wood in winter.
Answer: A great deal of wood is burned in winter.
l. Where had you kept the book?
Answer: Where had the book been kept by you?
m. When did you feel the tremors?
Answer: When were the tremors felt by you?
n. How did you do the experiment?
Answer: How was the experiment done by you?
o. Whose car did someone park in front of your gate?
Answer: Whose car was parked in front of your gate by someone?
Task 2
Change the following sentences into Active Voice.
a) The smuggler has been nabbed by the police.
Answer: The police have nabbed the smuggler.
b) By whom were you interviewed?
Answer: Who interviewed you?
c) Why were you scolded by your parents?
Answer: Why did your parents scold you?
d) Not a word was spoken by the convict in self–defence.
Answer: The convict did not speak a word in self-defense.
e) Good news is expected shortly.
Answer: We expect good news shortly.
f) The mail has just been received.
Answer: We have just received the mail.
g) Sundari has been taken to hospital by her husband.
Answer: Her husband has taken Sundari to the hospital.
h) Our television is being repaired now.
Answer: They are repairing our television now.
i) Sweets have not been distributed to children by the organisers.
Answer: The organisers have not distributed sweets to the children.
j) Prizes were being given by the chief guest.
Answer: The chief guest was giving out prizes.
k) Nobody has been seen in the library this week.
Answer: We have not seen anybody in the library this week.
l) Nobody would have known the truth if you had not disclosed it.
Answer: If you had not disclosed it, nobody would have known the truth.
m) You are advised to help the poor and needy.
Answer: We advise you to help the poor and needy.
n) You are requested to make a cup of tea for the guest.
Answer: We request you to make a cup of tea for the guest.
Interrogations or Questions
Task – 1
Add suitable question tags to the following sentences and punctuate properly.
1. The children are very happy today.
Answer: The children are very happy today, aren’t they?
2. You have not returned my books yet.
Answer: You have not returned my books yet, have you?
3. We enjoyed the trip very much.
Answer: We enjoyed the trip very much, didn’t we?
4. Let’s clean the shelves this weekend.
Answer: Let’s clean the shelves this weekend, shall we?
5. My mother rarely travels by bus.
Answer: My mother rarely travels by bus, does she?
6. Somebody must bell the cat.
Answer: Somebody must bell the cat, mustn’t they?
7. Anita never comes late to office.
Answer: Anita never comes late to the office, does she?
8. I am always the winner.
Answer: I am always the winner, aren’t I?
9. Don’t commit this mistake again.
Answer: Don’t commit this mistake again, will you?
10. There is a pharmacy near that bus stand.
Answer: There is a pharmacy near that bus stand, isn’t there?
11. Bacteria can never survive in extreme weather conditions.
Answer: Bacteria can never survive in extreme weather conditions, can they?
12. I am not as smart as you are.
Answer: I am not as smart as you are, am I?
13. The boys broke the window pane last evening.
Answer: The boys broke the window pane last evening, didn’t they?
14. Leaves wither during autumn.
Answer: Leaves wither during autumn, don’t they?
15. You should add a little salt to the buttermilk.
Answer: You should add a little salt to the buttermilk, shouldn’t you?
Task – 2
Correct the error found in the question tag in each of the following.
1. The evil doers cannot cross the path of truth, can’t they?
Answer: The evil doers cannot cross the path of truth, can they?
2. The vegetables in the fridge are still fresh, aren’t it?
Answer: The vegetables in the fridge are still fresh, aren’t they?
3. The village head understood the intention of the politician, doesn’t he?
Answer: The village head understood the intention of the politician, didn’t he?
4. I claim to be a person of faith and prayer, aren’t I?
Answer: I claim to be a person of faith and prayer, don’t I?
5. The employees are seldom allowed to meet their boss, aren’t they?
Answer: The employees are seldom allowed to meet their boss, are they?
6. Let’s organize a trip to Goa, can we?
Answer: Let’s organize a trip to Goa, shall we?
7. The landlady will charge me for the damage, shan’t she?
Answer: The landlady will charge me for the damage, won’t she?
8. Both the sisters have left for Canada, aren’t they?
Answer: Both the sisters have left for Canada, haven’t they?
9. That’s definitely not the right thing to do in this situation, isn’t that?
Answer: That’s definitely not the right thing to do in this situation, is it?
10. We needn’t apply for a bank loan, do we?
Answer: We needn’t apply for a bank loan, need we?
11. The Chief Guest spoke a few words, did he?
Answer: The Chief Guest spoke a few words, didn’t he?
12. The rhinoceros has a horn made of keratin, haven’t they?
Answer: The rhinoceros has a horn made of keratin, doesn’t it?
Story Writing
Exercise
1. Big cotton merchant – owned a factory – many employees – one day a heap of cotton stolen – no clue – merchant’s secretary assured to find out – asked him to host dinner – invite all workers – merchant agreed – middle of feast – secretary suddenly shouted – cotton sticking to hair of thieves – the guilty dusted their heads – tried to clear – caught in the trap – punished.
Answer: The Clever Secretary and the Cotton Thieves
Once upon a time, there was a big cotton merchant who owned a prosperous factory. He employed many workers who diligently processed cotton daily. However, one day, a large heap of cotton was stolen from the factory, and there were no clues to indicate who the thief might be. The merchant was distraught and had no idea how to solve the mystery.
His secretary, a clever and observant individual, assured the merchant that he would find out who the culprit was. He proposed a plan and asked the merchant to host a grand dinner and invite all the factory workers. The merchant agreed, hoping this unconventional approach would reveal the thief.
The day of the feast arrived, and all the workers gathered at the merchant’s house, enjoying the delicious food and the festive atmosphere. In the middle of the meal, the secretary suddenly stood up and shouted, “There is cotton sticking to the hair of the thieves!”
Startled by the accusation, the guilty workers instinctively began dusting their heads and trying to clear any imaginary cotton from their hair. This action revealed their guilt, as they were the only ones reacting to the secretary’s sudden outburst. The rest of the workers, who were innocent, looked on in surprise.
The merchant and the secretary quickly identified the culprits and caught them in the act. The guilty workers were punished accordingly, ensuring that justice was served. The merchant praised his secretary for his cleverness and felt relieved that the mystery had been solved. From that day on, the factory workers knew that honesty was the best policy, and such incidents never occurred again.
2. Mr. X, a rich businessman – runs a company – always very busy with office work – one day his son – 10 years old – approaches dad and asks – how much he earns in one hour – father gets furious – boy persuades – father says Rs. 500 – immediately son asks for Rs. 300 – father shouts – wasting money on toys – son leaves to his room crying – father feels bad – thinks might need some stationery – enters boy’s room and gives money – boy becomes happy – takes some crumpled notes – under his pillow – counts everything together – total Rs.500 – gives it to dad – wants to buy – one hour of his time – father realizes his mistake – feels sorry and guilty – hugs son – closes all office files – takes him on a picnic – decides to spend more time with near and dear ones.
Answer: A Priceless Hour
Mr. X, a wealthy businessman, ran a successful company. He was always engrossed in his office work, leaving little time for anything else. One day, his 10-year-old son approached him and asked, “Dad, how much do you earn in one hour?”
Mr. X was taken aback and furious at the seemingly trivial question. “Why do you want to know that?” he snapped. But the boy persisted, and Mr. X, exasperated, finally replied, “I earn Rs. 500 an hour.”
Immediately, his son asked for Rs. 300. Angered by what he assumed was another request for a toy, Mr. X shouted, “Why are you wasting money on toys?” and sent his son to his room, crying.
After some time, Mr. X began to feel guilty. He wondered if his son might need the money for something important, like stationery. He went to his son’s room and handed him Rs. 300. The boy’s face lit up with happiness. He took some crumpled notes from under his pillow and counted them along with the money his father had just given him. The total was Rs. 500.
The boy handed the money to his father and said, “Dad, can I buy one hour of your time? I want to spend it with you.”
Mr. X was overwhelmed with emotion. He realized his mistake and felt deep remorse. Hugging his son tightly, he promised to change. He closed all his office files, took his son on a picnic, and decided to spend more time with his loved ones. From that day forward, Mr. X understood that time spent with family was truly priceless.
Task 2
Continue and complete the following stories and suggest suitable titles for the same.
Exercises
1. A rich man had a neighbour who was suffering from acute poverty. The rich man was proud of his wealth and treated his poor neighbour with disrespect and derision. One day, a fortune-teller told the rich man that all his wealth would be possessed by his neighbour within a month. The rich man became greatly worried and spent sleepless nights. He did not know how to safeguard his wealth round the clock. Suddenly he thought of a plan. He disposed of everything he had and with all that money, he bought a large, precious diamond. He sewed up the diamond in his turban. He proudly saidto himself, “Now, there’s no way. My poor neighbour can never secure my wealth. The words of the fortune-teller will prove false.”…………………
Answer: The Fortune-Teller’s Prediction
Satisfied with his cleverness, the rich man went about his life, but with a noticeable change in his behavior. He began to avoid his neighbor and everyone else, fearing they might somehow discover his secret. His paranoia grew, and he became isolated and anxious.
One day, while crossing a river, the rich man lost his balance. In the commotion, his turban came loose and fell into the water. Desperately, he tried to retrieve it, but the current was too strong, and the turban, along with the precious diamond, was swept away.
The rich man was devastated. With no wealth left, he had no choice but to seek help from his poor neighbor. The neighbor, despite the rich man’s past behavior, welcomed him warmly and shared what little he had. The rich man was humbled by this act of kindness and realized the true value of generosity and respect.
A month later, the rich man, now living with his neighbor, found that he was happier than he had ever been. The fortune-teller’s prediction had come true, but not in the way the rich man had expected. He had lost his material wealth, but in return, he gained a friend and a new perspective on life.
2. Four friends decided to go to a restaurant for dinner. They ordered an extra-large pizza with grated cheese and other choice toppings. The next 20 minutes seemed to be too long a time. Their eyes widened and their mouth watered, when the server brought the steaming hot pizza and placed it on the table. They could barely control the drool. Simultaneously, all the four hands pulled at a slice from the plate, their faces beaming with a victorious grin.Silence prevailed as they were absorbed in the taste of their favourite food. They relished every mouthful to the core and savoured the taste of each topping with a smile of approval. Soon, the plate was empty and clean with no trace. The boys dabbed their mouths and wiped their hands with tissues. Mission accomplished, they leaned back with immense joy and satisfaction not knowing, it would be short-lived. The waiter arrived with the bill. Joseph, who had brought the others to the restaurant for a treat casually slipped his hand into his pocket to get his wallet. He gave a soft shriek accompanied by an expression of dismay and utter disbelief. He exclaimed, “It’s not there! Someone has pinched my wallet! What are we to do now?” …………….
Answer: A Price to Pay
Panic set in among the friends as they quickly checked their own pockets for any spare cash. Realizing they were short on funds, they discussed their options in hushed tones. Suddenly, one of the friends, Rahul, suggested they explain the situation to the restaurant manager and offer to work off the debt.
Nervously, they approached the manager and explained their predicament. The manager, a kind-hearted person, listened patiently and appreciated their honesty. He agreed to their proposal on the condition that they would work in the kitchen for the next few hours to cover the cost of the meal.
The friends rolled up their sleeves and got to work, washing dishes, cleaning tables, and helping out in the kitchen. Although it was tough, they managed to have some fun and learned a lot about teamwork and responsibility.
At the end of the night, the manager thanked them for their hard work and even offered them a small discount for their next visit. The boys left the restaurant tired but with a sense of accomplishment and a valuable lesson learned. They realized the importance of being responsible and always being prepared.
From that day on, they made sure to double-check their wallets before heading out and never took their blessings for granted.
If you have any doubts in this lesson, please let us know in the comments section.
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