Dear Class 12 Samacheer Kalvi students, here are the Prose Unit 4 – The Summit Text Book Solutions for your reference.
1. Based on your reading of the text, answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.
a) What did Hillary do with his wet boots?
Answer: Hillary warmed up his frozen boots over the fire to soften them up.
b) Name an equipment and a tool carried by the climbers during their expedition.
Answer: The climbers carried oxygen apparatus (equipment) and ice-axes (tool) during their expedition.
c) Why did Hillary become clumsy-fingered and slow-moving?
Answer: Hillary became clumsy-fingered and slow-moving because he was running out of oxygen.
d) What did Hillary find in a tiny hollow?
Answer: Hillary found two oxygen bottles left by Evans and Bourdillon.
e) When did Hillary feel a sense of freedom and well being?
Answer: Hillary felt a sense of freedom and well-being after they reached the South Summit and removed their oxygen apparatus, making their load lighter.
f) What did Hillary mean by saying “We had had enough to do the job, but by no means too much”?
Answer: Hillary meant that they had just enough oxygen to complete their climb but no surplus for comfort or emergencies.
2. Answer the following questions in two or three sentences each.
a) How did the mountaineers belay?
Answer: The mountaineers belayed by moving one at a time, with Hillary cutting a forty-foot line of steps while Tenzing belayed him. Hillary would then secure the rope and Tenzing would move up, protected against a breaking step, and they would repeat the process.
b) Why was the original zest fading away?
Answer: The original zest was fading away because the ridge seemed never-ending, and as they cut around one hump, another higher one would come into view. The continuous struggle and the passing time made the climb increasingly gruelling and exhausting.
c) What did Edmund Hillary do to escape the large overhanging ice cornices?
Answer: To escape the large overhanging ice cornices, Hillary cut a line of steps down to where the snow met the rocks on the west. They scrambled on the rocks and cut handholds on the snow, allowing them to shuffle past these difficult portions.
d) What did Tenzing and Edmund Hillary gift to the Gods of lofty Summit? How did they do it?
Answer: Tenzing gifted a bar of chocolate, a packet of biscuits, and a handful of lollies, while Hillary placed a small crucifix given by Colonel Hunt. They made small holes in the snow at the summit and placed their gifts inside as offerings.
e) What did the photograph portray?
Answer: The photograph portrayed a shot down the North Ridge, showing the North Col and the old route made famous by the climbers of the 1920s and 1930s.
f) The soft snow was difficult and dangerous. Why?
Answer: The soft snow was difficult and dangerous because it made the climb more treacherous and unstable. Steps could easily break under their weight, increasing the risk of falls and accidents.
g) How did the firm snow at the higher regions fill them with hope?
Answer: The firm snow at the higher regions filled them with hope because it was stable and secure, making it easier to cut steps and maintain a steady progress. This firm footing boosted their confidence and morale as they approached the summit.
3. Based on the text, answer the following questions in a paragraph in about 100–150 words each.
a) How did Hillary and Tenzing prepare themselves before they set off to the summit? (Para 1, 2 and 3)
Answer: Hillary and Tenzing’s preparation for their summit attempt was meticulous and thorough. They began by igniting their cooker and consuming large quantities of lemon juice and sugar, followed by their last tin of sardines on biscuits. Hillary then brought their oxygen sets into the tent, cleaned off the ice, and tested them to ensure they were in working order. Hillary’s boots, which had become wet and frozen, were softened by cooking them over the fierce flame of the Primus stove. They donned multiple layers of clothing for protection against the harsh cold: down clothing, windproof layers, and three pairs of gloves—silk, woollen, and windproof. Then, they crawled out of the tent, hoisted their 30 lb. oxygen gear onto their backs, connected their masks, turned on the oxygen valves and took a few deep breaths of oxygen.
b) Give an account of the journey to the South Col from 28,000 feet.(Para 4 to 8)
Answer: The journey to the South Col from 28,000 feet was a challenging and cautious endeavour. Tenzing began by kicking steps in a long traverse back toward the ridge. From there, the ridge narrowed to a knife-edge, prompting Hillary to take the lead. The soft snow on the ridge made the route difficult and dangerous, often giving way suddenly. After several hundred feet, they found two oxygen bottles left by Evans and Bourdillon in a tiny hollow. Hillary scraped the ice off the gauges to find that it had enough oxygen to get them down to the South Col if used sparingly. Continuing up the ridge, Hillary led for the last 400 feet to the southern summit despite the dangerous snow conditions. They made frequent changes of lead, and at one point, Hillary slipped back through several steps. They eventually reached firmer snow higher up and chipped steps up the last steep slopes, reaching the South Peak at 9 a.m.
c) Describe the feelings of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing as they reached the top of the Summit. (Para 18)
Answer: As Edmund Hillary and Tenzing reached the top of the summit, their initial feelings were of profound relief. Hillary felt immense relief that the arduous tasks of cutting steps, traversing ridges, and overcoming tantalizing humps were finally over. Tenzing’s face was hidden beneath the balaclava helmet, goggles, and oxygen mask encrusted with icicles. But, Hillary could see his sheer delight and the broad grin as he took in the view. The two climbers shared a heartfelt moment of mutual joy and accomplishment. They shook hands, and Tenzing threw his arm around Hillary’s shoulders. They joyfully thumped each other’s back until they were nearly breathless.
d) The ridge had taken us two and half hours, but it seemed like lifetime. Why? (Para 15 to 17)
Answer: The ridge seemed like a lifetime because the journey was fraught with relentless challenges and uncertainty. The ridge stretched on with giant cornices on one side and steep rock slopes on the other, making it difficult to gauge progress. As Hillary and Tenzing continued, each hump they climbed seemed to reveal a higher one beyond it, contributing to a sense of endlessness. Time passed slowly and their initial enthusiasm waned, turning their effort into a grim struggle. The ridge, which had once seemed like a straightforward ascent, became a dishearteningly endless expanse.
e) Describe the view from the top. What was the most important photograph? (Para 19 and 20)
Answer: From the top of the summit, the view was breathtaking and expansive. To the east, Hillary and Tenzing gazed upon Makalu, a massive and unexplored peak. Far across the clouds, the formidable bulk of Kanchenjunga loomed on the horizon. To the west, the great and uncharted ranges of Nepal stretched into the distance.
The most important photograph they took was of the North Ridge, capturing the North Col and the old route made famous by climbers of the 1920s and 1930s. This image held significant historical value as it documented the route that had been the focus of earlier climbing efforts.
f) ‘There is no height, no depth that the spirit of man, guided by higher Spirit cannot attain’. Discuss the above statement in the context of the achievement of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing.
Answer: The statement, “There is no height, no depth that the spirit of man, guided by higher Spirit cannot attain,” is a profound assertion about the limitless potential of human endeavour. The ascent of Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay stands as a monumental testament to this belief.
Their conquest of the world’s highest peak was not merely a physical feat but a triumph of the human spirit. The duo faced insurmountable challenges: extreme weather conditions, treacherous terrain, the rarefied atmosphere, and the constant threat of death. Yet, they persevered, driven by an indomitable spirit and a shared vision. Their ascent was not just about reaching the summit; it was about pushing the boundaries of human endurance and demonstrating that with courage, determination, and a touch of divine inspiration, seemingly impossible goals can be achieved.
Hillary and Tenzing’s expedition embodies the essence of the statement. They didn’t allow the immense height of Everest to deter them. Instead, they found within themselves the strength and resilience to conquer it. Their achievement is a beacon of hope. It inspires us to believe in the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle. It’s a reminder that while external factors may seem insurmountable, the internal strength of the human soul is the ultimate conqueror.
In essence, the summit of Everest was not just a geographical point; it was a metaphor for the heights the human spirit can reach when guided by a higher purpose. Hillary and Tenzing’s journey epitomizes this idea, making their achievement a timeless symbol of human potential.
Vocabulary
a) Idioms
Idiom | Meaning |
wait for the dust to settle | to wait for a situation to become clear or certain |
get/have all your ducks in a row | to have made all the preparations needed to do something / to be well organized |
fetch and carry (for somebody) | to do a lot of little jobs for somebody as if you were their servant |
do the math | to think carefully about something before doing it, so that you know all the relevant facts or figures |
round the corner | very near |
ii) Fill in the blanks with the right idioms. Choose from the above given idioms.
a) The Sherpas are cheerful, gallant men, who fetch and carry tents, oxygen, food etc., for climbers during their ascent of the summit.
b) The team does the math carefully so as to reach the summit successfully.
c) When they had to climb through deep new snow the party sometimes had to wait for the dust to settle.
d) Each member of the team had all their get/have all your ducks in a row.
e) We could not believe that with a few more whacks of the ice axe in the firm snow we were round the corner to the top.
iii) Understand the meaning of the given idiomatic expression and choose the right one to complete the sentence.
the icing on the cake – something extra and not essential, but is added to make it even better
break the ice – to make people more relaxed, especially at the beginning of the meeting
a) The conference room was silent though packed. The chairman introduced an interactive session to break the ice.
b) Our headmistress not only promised us to take us for an excursion, but also announced that on return we would get a holiday. It was like the icing on the cake.
b) Phrasal Verbs
i) Given below are the phrasal verbs with their meanings. Use the given phrasal verbs in sentences of your own.
turn on | to open |
took over | take lead |
set off | start a journey |
put off | postpone |
Answer:
Turn on: I turned on the oven to preheat it before baking the cookies.
Took over: After the manager retired, I took over the responsibilities and ensured everything ran smoothly.
Set off: We set off on our road trip early in the morning to avoid the traffic.
Put off: I put off the meeting until next week because I needed more time to prepare.
ii) Given below are some Phrasal Verbs which are frequently used in connection with travelling. Guess the meaning and match.
see off | to go to station or airport to say good bye to someone |
stop over | to stay at a place for a short period of time when travelling to another destination |
set off | start off / to begin a journey |
get in | enter a bus, train, plane. |
get off | leave a bus, train etc., |
get on | arrive inside train, bus etc. |
get away | to go away from home for a vacation |
check in | arrive and register at airport or hotel |
check out | pay the bill when leaving a hotel |
c) Compound Words
Compound Word | Meaning |
ice-berg | an extremely large mass of ice floating in the sea |
ice-cap | a layer of ice permanently covering parts of the earth, especially around North and South Poles |
ice-floe | a large area of ice floating in the sea |
ice-sheet | a layer of ice that covers a large area of land for a long period of time |
ice-rink | specially prepared flat surface of ice, where you can ice-skate; |
d) Semantic network
i) Match the following with their right field, choosing appropriately from the box given.
Machinery | Sports | Transportation |
Geography | Weather | Travel |
Answer:
snow-board | Sports |
snow-mobile | Transportation |
snow-chains | Machinery |
snow-storm | Weather |
snow-bird | Travel |
snow-belt | Geography |
Listening
First, read the following statements. Then, listen to the passage read aloud by your teacher or played on the recorder and complete the statements. You may listen to it again, if required.
Complete the following.
a) List any three aspects which contributed to the success of the ascent of the summit.
i. careful planning
ii. knowledge gained from others
iii. Excellent equipment
b) Without the help of Sherpas nothing would have been possible.
c) The main idea of the passage is reasons for the success of the summit.
d) The biggest thing of all is togetherness.
e) Sherpas were cheerful and gallant men.
Speaking
a) Group Activity
i) Have you ever been on an adventurous trip? If so, share your success story with your friends.
A few years ago, I went on an adventurous trek in the Indian Himalayas, specifically to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. The journey was a mix of breathtaking natural beauty and physical challenges. We set off from the base camp, navigating through lush meadows and crossing charming streams. The landscape was dotted with vibrant wildflowers and panoramic mountain views that made every step worthwhile. The trek tested our stamina and resolve, especially as we tackled steep climbs and unpredictable weather. Reaching the Valley of Flowers was a triumph—standing amidst a sea of colourful blooms with the majestic mountains in the backdrop was an experience of a lifetime. This adventure reminded me of the incredible rewards that come from embracing challenges and pushing beyond one’s limits.
ii) How will you organize or plan for a trip or an event? Do you have the habit of preparing a check-list? Discuss.
When planning a trip, I start by deciding on the destination and activities. Next, I create a timeline to manage booking flights, accommodations, and any planned activities. I always prepare a detailed checklist to ensure I don’t forget essential items, such as clothing, travel documents, and gear. Budgeting is also key; I estimate costs for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities to keep track of expenses. As the trip approaches, I review the checklist to make any necessary adjustments and confirm all bookings. This systematic approach helps me stay organized and ensures that I am well-prepared for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
b) Individual Activity
Given below are a few proverbs. Prepare a short speech of two minutes on one of the proverbs.
a) Nothing is impossible.
Answer: Today, I want to share my insights on the proverb “Nothing is impossible.”
This statement encourages us to achieve things that seem beyond our reach. History shows us that with determination, we can overcome the most difficult challenges. Believing in the possibility of success can drive us to reach our goals. Think about Thomas Edison and his invention of the light bulb. Many people said it was impossible to create a reliable electric light. But Edison’s persistence and innovative thinking made it a reality. Today, his invention is a fundamental part of our lives, proving that nothing is truly impossible with determination.
b) Where there is a will there is a way.
This proverb emphasizes the power of perseverance and determination. When we have a strong will and a clear vision, obstacles become stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Consider the story of Helen Keller. Despite being deaf and blind, she had a strong will to communicate and learn. With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she learned to read, write, and speak. Helen Keller’s success demonstrates that a strong will can help overcome significant obstacles.
c) Together we can achieve more.
Collaboration and teamwork are fundamental to success. When we come together and pool our strengths, skills, and resources, we can accomplish far more than we could individually. Consider the success of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with its Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan. This mission was a collaborative effort involving thousands of scientists, engineers, and technicians. Each team member contributed their expertise, from designing and building the spacecraft to planning and executing the launch. Their collective effort made India the first country to successfully reach Mars on its first attempt, demonstrating that teamwork and collaboration can achieve remarkable milestones.
Giving instructions
Here are a few instructions given by a Health Inspector to a group of students, in order to prevent malaria and dengue. Complete the series adding some more important instructions.
1. Do not allow water to stagnate in and around your house.
2. Keep your surroundings clean.
3. Wear long- sleeved shirts / blouses and long pants / skirts that cover your arms and legs.
4. ………
Answer:
4. Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin to prevent bites.
5. Install and maintain screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
6. Sleep under a mosquito net, especially during the peak mosquito activity times.
6. Dispose of or cover any containers that can hold water, such as buckets and flower pots.
7. Regularly check for and clean areas where water may collect, like roof gutters and unused tires.
8. Seek medical advice if you experience symptoms of malaria or dengue, such as fever, chills, or rash.
Now, write a set of 8 to 10 instructions for the following situations.
1. A doctor instructing a patient regarding a healthy diet and proper care after a surgery.
Answer:
- Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid fatty, spicy, and junk foods to promote healing.
- Take prescribed medications as directed and on time.
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry; follow wound care instructions.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities until cleared by your doctor.
- Attend all follow-up appointments for proper monitoring of your recovery.
- Get adequate rest and sleep to support your body’s healing process.
- Monitor for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever, and report them immediately.
- Gradually increase physical activity as recommended by your healthcare provider.
2. A traffic police personnel to the public, as to how to move around in safety, in crowded public places during festival seasons.
Answer:
- Follow all traffic signals and pedestrian crossings.
- Avoid jaywalking and always use designated walkways.
- Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of pickpockets.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Avoid overcrowded areas if possible, and move in an orderly manner.
- Do not push or shove; maintain a steady pace when walking in crowds.
- If you are traveling with children, hold their hands and keep them close.
- Follow the instructions of traffic police and security personnel.
- Use public transport or carpool to reduce congestion on roads.
- Report any suspicious activity to the nearest security personnel immediately.
3. A mother to her children, on safety measures to be taken before leaving home on vacation.
Answer:
- Ensure all doors and windows are locked securely before leaving.
- Turn off all electrical appliances and unplug devices.
- Secure valuables in a safe place or a locked cupboard.
- Inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your travel plans.
- Arrange for someone to collect your mail and newspapers.
- Set timers for lights to make the house appear occupied.
- Double-check that all taps and faucets are turned off.
- Leave emergency contact information with a neighbor or friend.
- Carry a copy of important documents like passports and ID cards.
- Pack a first aid kit and any necessary medications for the trip.
Reading
On the basis of your understanding of the given passage, make notes in any appropriate format.
The Sherpas were nomadic people who first migrated from Tibet approximately 600 years ago, through the Nangpa La pass and settled in the Solukhumbu District, Nepal. These nomadic people then gradually moved westward along salt trade routes. During 14th century, Sherpa ancestors migrated from Kham. The group of people from the Kham region, east of Tibet, was called “Shyar Khamba”. The inhabitants of Shyar Khamba, were called Sherpa. Sherpa migrants travelled through Ü and Tsang, before crossing the Himalayas. According to Sherpa oral history, four groups migrated out of Solukhumbu at different times, giving rise to the four fundamental Sherpa clans: Minyagpa, Thimmi, Sertawa and Chawa. These four groups have since split into the more than 20 different clans that exist today.
Sherpas had little contact with the world beyond the mountains and they spoke their own language. AngDawa, a 76-year-old former mountaineer recalled “My first expedition was to Makalu [the world’s fifth highest mountain] with Sir Edmund Hillary’’. We were not allowed to go to the top. We wore leather boots that got really heavy when wet, and we only got a little salary, but we danced the Sherpa dance, and we were able to buy firewood and make campfires, and we spent a lot of the time dancing and singing and drinking. Today Sherpas get good pay and good equipment, but they don’t have good entertainment. My one regret is that I never got to the top of Everest. I got to the South Summit, but I never got a chance to go for the top.
The transformation began when the Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and the New Zealander Edmund Hillary scaled Everest in 1953. Edmund Hillary took efforts to build schools and health clinics to raise the living standards of the Sherpas. Thus life in Khumbu improved due to the efforts taken by Edmund Hillary and hence he was known as ‘Sherpa King’.
Sherpas working on the Everest generally tend to perish one by one, casualties of crevasse falls, avalanches, and altitude sickness. Some have simply disappeared on the mountain, never to be seen again. Apart from the bad seasons in 1922, 1970 and 2014 they do not die en masse. Sherpas carry the heaviest loads and pay the highest prices on the world’s tallest mountain. In some ways, Sherpas have benefited from the commercialization of the Everest more than any group, earning income from thousands of climbers and trekkers drawn to the mountain. While interest in climbing Everest grew gradually over the decades after the first ascent, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the economic motives of commercial guiding on Everest began. This leads to eclipse the amateur impetus of traditional mountaineering. Climbers looked after each other for the love of adventure and “the brotherhood of the rope” now are tending to mountain businesses. Sherpas have taken up jobs as guides to look after clients for a salary. Commercial guiding agencies promised any reasonably fit person a shot at Everest.
Answer:
Sherpas’ History and Evolution
- Origins and Migration
- Origin: Nomadic people from Tibet.
- Migration: Approximately 600 years ago through Nangpa La pass. Settled in Solukhumbu District, Nepal.
- Movement: Westward along salt trade routes. 14th-century migration from Kham. Sherpa ancestors known as “Shyar Khamba.”
2. Sherpa Clans
- Four fundamental clans: Minyagpa, Thimmi, Sertawa, Chawa.
- Development: Split into 20+ different clans today.
3. Lifestyle and Early Expeditions
- Isolation: Little contact with the outside world.
- Language: Spoke their own language.
- Early expeditions: Example: Ang Dawa’s first expedition to Makalu with Sir Edmund Hillary.
- Equipment: Leather boots, limited salary.
- Entertainment: Sherpa dance, singing, and drinking around campfires.
4. Significant Events
- 1953: Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary scaled Everest.
- Contributions of Edmund Hillary: Built schools and health clinics; Raised living standards; Known as “Sherpa King.”
5. Challenges and Risks
- Dangers: Crevasse falls, avalanches, altitude sickness.
- Casualties: Individual deaths, not en masse (exceptions: 1922, 1970, 2014).
- Role: Carry heaviest loads, pay highest prices.
6. Economic Impact
- Benefits: Income from climbers and trekkers.
- Commercialization: Growth in the 1990s; Shift from amateur mountaineering to commercial guiding.
- Jobs: Sherpas as guides for climbers.
- Promises: Agencies offer reasonably fit persons a chance at Everest.
Grammar
Task 1
Pick out the finite verbs in the following sentences:
a) You can solve this problem in different ways.
Answer: can solve
b) The professor has been working on the last chapter of the book since March.
Answer: has been working
c) Despite being a celebrity, Ravi mingles easily with everyone.
Answer: mingles
d) You must speak clearly to make yourself understood.
Answer: must speak
e) The chairman being away, the clerk is unable to approve the proposal.
Answer: is
f) Getting down from the car, the Chief Guest walked towards the dais amidst applause.
Answer: walked
g) The old man struggled to walk without support.
Answer: struggled
h) In case of emergency, please contact this number.
Answer: contact
i) The sun having set, the temperature fell rapidly.
Answer: fell
j) But for your help, I could not have completed the assignment.
Answer: completed
Task 2
Read the following passage and identify the simple sentences.
Sunflowers turn according to the position of the sun. In other words, they ‘ chase the light’. Have you ever wondered
what happens on cloudy, rainy days when the sun is completely covered by clouds? If you think the sunflower withers or turns its head towards the ground, you are completely mistaken. Do you know what happens? Sunflowers turn to each other to share their energy. Learning from Nature, we too should support and empower each other.
Answer:
- Sunflowers turn according to the position of the sun.
- In other words, they ‘chase the light’.
- Sunflowers turn to each other to share their energy.
b) Complex sentences
Task 1
Look at the following complex sentences. Circle the Main clauses and underline the Subordinate clauses.
a) Nobody knows when the power supply will resume.
Answer:
Main clause: Nobody knows
Subordinate clause: when the power supply will resume
b) Please tell me what the time is.
Answer:
Main clause: Please tell me
Subordinate clause: what the time is
c) The man who directed the film was my schoolmate.
Answer:
Main clause: The man was my schoolmate
Subordinate clause: who directed the film
d) I believe that all men are basically good.
Answer:
Main clause: I believe
Subordinate clause: that all men are basically good
e) No one knows when he will return.
Answer:
Main clause: No one knows
Subordinate clause: when he will return
Task 2
Pick out the complex sentences in the following passage.
A man saw a lion in the bush, as he was walking through the forest. He did not know what to do. He was helpless. He was too scared to turn around and run. He just knelt down as if he were getting ready to pray. He closed his eyes, thinking that the lion would pounce on him anytime. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the lion on its knees too. Shocked, he asked the lion what it was doing. The lion replied that he was praying before he started his meal.
Answer:
1. A man saw a lion in the bush.
2. He just knelt down.
3. He closed his eyes.
4. The lion replied.
c) Compound sentence
Task 1
Identify the two Main clauses and conjunction in each of the following sentences.
a) It started raining suddenly and people ran for shelter.
Answer:
Main clauses: It started raining suddenly. People ran for shelter.
Conjunction: and
b) Understand the concept well, otherwise you cannot solve the problem.
Answer:
Main clauses: Understand the concept well. You cannot solve the problem.
Conjunction: and
c) Fifty candidates appeared for the interview, but only five were selected.
Answer:
Main clauses: Fifty candidates appeared for the interview. Only five were selected.
Conjunction: but
d) Ramesh did not know Spanish, so he wanted a translator.
Answer:
Main clauses: Ramesh did not know Spanish. He wanted a translator.
Conjunction: so
e) He is a good actor, still he is not popular.
Answer:
Main clauses: He is a good actor. He is not popular.
Conjunction: still
Task 2
Pick out the compound sentences in the following passage.
The food we eat has to be digested and then thrown out of the body. The air we breathe in, has to be thrown out, to help us survive. But we hold negative emotions like insecurity, anger and jealousy within ourselves for years. If these negative emotions are not eliminated, the mind grows corrupt and diseased. Let us do away with hatred and lead a healthy life filled with peace and joy.
1. The food we eat has to be digested and then thrown out of the body.
2. Let us do away with hatred and lead a healthy life filled with peace and joy.
Task 3
Complete the sentences choosing the right endings.
We were thoroughly disappointed | since our team did not get a prize |
Hardly had he stepped out | when it began to rain |
They wanted | to find out his address |
Since we had run out of petrol | we could not go further |
The cause of his injury | was his reckless driving |
Conditional Clauses
Task 1
Read the following sentences and fill in the blanks.
a. If I were (be) a spider, I would weave (weave) webs.
b. If Raj were (be) a sculptor, he would make (make) beautiful idols.
c. If Mary had an umbrella, she would lend (lend) it to me.
d. Rex would have played with me, if he had (has) time.
e. If I were you, I would accept (accept) this offer.
f. We will select (select) story books for kids, if we allot time for storytelling.
g. The Education Minister will visit (visit) our school tomorrow, if he goes by this way.
h. You will be rewarded by the wise, if you stand (stand) for truth.
i. If my mother knows (know) of my poor performance in the exam, she will not allow me to watch a movie.
j. If I had won the lottery, I would have donated (donate) relief materials for the flood victims.
Task 2
Rewrite the following sentences using ‘If’ without changing the meaning.
a) Sindhu would not have won the world championship, unless she had had singleminded devotion.
Answer: Sindhu would not have won the world championship if she had not had single-minded devotion.
b) You will not reach your goal, unless you chase your dream.
Answer: You will not reach your goal if you do not chase your dream.
c) Unless we plant more trees, we cannot save our planet.
Answer: If we do not plant more trees, we cannot save our planet.
d) The rescue team would not have saved the victims unless they had received the call in time.
Answer: The rescue team would not have saved the victims if they had not received the call in time.
e) The palace cannot be kept clean, unless we appoint more people.
Answer: The palace cannot be kept clean if we do not appoint more people.
f) The portraits would not have been so natural unless the artist had given his best.
Answer: The portraits would not have been so natural if the artist had not given his best.
g) The manager would not have selected Nithiksha unless she exhibited good accounting skill.
Answer: The manager would not have selected Nithiksha if she had not exhibited good accounting skills.
h) The policeman would not have arrested the man unless he had violated the rules.
Answer: The policeman would not have arrested the man if he had not violated the rules.
i) Mr Kunaal would not sponsor my higher education unless I studied well.
Answer: Mr. Kunaal would not sponsor my higher education if I did not study well.
j) Kavin will not stop flying kites unless he understands the risk involved in it.
Answer: Kavin will not stop flying kites if he does not understand the risk involved in it.
k) Tanya would not know the answer unless she referred to the answer key.
Answer: Tanya would not know the answer if she did not refer to the answer key.
l) My village cannot achieve 100 % literacy rate, unless the elders of the village cooperate with the education department.
Answer: My village cannot achieve 100% literacy rate if the elders of the village do not cooperate with the education department.
Writing
Summarizing
Refer the reading passage. You must have completed reading. Now go through the passage once again and refer to the notes made and do the summarizing.
Answer: Sherpas’ History and Evolution
Sherpas are nomadic people who migrated from Tibet to Nepal approximately 600 years ago, forming four fundamental clans: Minyagpa, Thimmi, Sertawa, and Chawa. These clans have now diversified into over 20 different clans. Sherpas initially had minimal contact with the outside world and spoke their own language. Ang Dawa, a former mountaineer, recalled early expeditions with limited equipment, low pay, and high entertainment value through dancing and singing. The significant turning point for Sherpas came with Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s 1953 Everest ascent. Edmund Hillary’s efforts to build schools and health clinics raised the living standards of the Sherpas, earning him the title “Sherpa King.”
Sherpas face high risks in mountaineering, including crevasse falls, avalanches, and altitude sickness, often carrying the heaviest loads and paying the highest prices on Everest. Despite these dangers, Sherpas benefit economically from the commercialization of Everest, earning income from guiding climbers and trekkers. The 1990s saw a shift from amateur mountaineering to commercial guiding, where Sherpas took up roles as guides to support clients. This commercialization promises reasonably fit individuals a chance to climb Everest, highlighting the transition of Sherpas from traditional mountaineering to professional guiding roles.
Reading a map
Let us together scale the summit. Here is a drawing of the Everest showing the way to the summit, and the position of the camps with their heights. Trace the trekking trail to reach the summit with the given details and write an interesting paragraph in about 100 words.
Answer:
Scaling the summit of Mount Everest is an exhilarating journey, starting from the Base Camp at 17,900 feet. The trail leads us through the perilous Khumbu Glacier to Camp 1 at 19,400 feet. From there, the path ascends through the treacherous Ice Fall to reach Camp 2 at 20,200 feet. We then navigate the Western CWM to arrive at Camp 3 at 21,200 feet. The journey continues up the Lhotse Face to Camp 4 at 23,000 feet, and then to Camp 5 at 24,000 feet. The final camps, Camp 6 at 26,000 feet and Camp 7 at 27,900 feet, are arduous, culminating in the South Summit at 28,700 feet. The ultimate destination, the summit of Mount Everest, stands proudly at 29,035 feet, offering a breathtaking reward for those who conquer the climb. Each step requires immense determination and resilience, making the achievement of reaching the summit a testament to human spirit and endurance.
Leave a Reply