Dear Class 12 Samacheer Kalvi students, here are the text book solutions to the first lesson in Unit 1: Two Gentlemen of Verona.
1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each based on your understanding of the story.
a) Who did the narrator meet at the outskirts of Verona?
Answer: At the outskirts of Verona, the narrator and his companion, Luigi, meet two young boys named Nicola and Jacopo who were selling strawberries by the roadside.
b) Why did the driver not approve of the narrator buying fruits from the boys?
Answer: The driver, Luigi, did not approve of the narrator buying fruits from the boys because he was skeptical about them. He likely thought that the boys, being young and shabbily dressed, may be untrustworthy or not selling good quality products.
c) The boys did not spend much on clothes and food. Why?
Answer: The boys, Nicola and Jacopo, did not spend much on clothes and food because they were saving all their money to pay for their sister Lucia’s medical treatment.
d) Were the boys saving money to go the States? How do you know?
Answer: No, the boys were not saving money to go to the States. They were saving all their money to pay for their sister Lucia’s medical treatment. This is revealed towards the end of the story when the narrator learns the truth about their situation.
e) Why did the author avoid going to Lucia’s room?
Answer: The narrator avoided going to Lucia’s room because he wanted to respect the boys’ privacy and their desire to maintain their dignity. He also did not want to disturb the happy family reunion.
f) What was Lucia suffering from?
Answer: Lucia was suffering from tuberculosis of the spine.
g) What made the boys join the resistance movement against the Germans?
Answer: The boys joined the resistance movement against the Germans because the German’s killed their father during the war. It was their way of seeking justice and contributing to the struggle for their country’s freedom.
h) What made the boys work so hard?
Answer: The boys worked very hard to support their sister Lucia, who was suffering from tuberculosis of the spine. They were determined to earn enough money to pay for her medical treatment and ensure she received good care at the hospital.
i) Why didn’t the boys disclose their problem to the author?
Answer: The boys didn’t disclose their problem to the author because they were proud and independent. They did not want to seek pity or charity from others.
2. Answer the following questions in three or four sentences each.
a) Describe the appearance of Nicola and Jacopo.
Answer: Nicola and Jacopo were two young boys with weather-beaten faces and worn-out clothes. They were shabbily dressed, suggesting that they did not have much in terms of material possessions. Despite their modest appearance, their eyes reflected a certain maturity and determination beyond their years. Nicola, the elder brother at thirteen, had a serious and responsible demeanor. Jacopo, aged twelve, had a lively and mischievous look about him.
b) What were the various jobs undertaken by the little boys?
Answer: The little boys undertook various jobs to earn money for their sister Lucia’s medical treatment. Some of the jobs they took on included selling strawberries by the roadside, gathering firewood, helping out in the fields, and doing odd jobs for the locals. They worked tirelessly and took on whatever work they could find to ensure they could save enough money to pay for Lucia’s care.
c) How did the narrator help the boys on Sunday?
Answer: On Sunday, the narrator helped the boys by driving them to a large red-roofed villa, in the village of Poleta. The villa, which was surrounded by a high stone wall was a hospital where their sister Lucia was admitted for treatment of tuberculosis.
d) Who took the author to the cubicle?
Answer: When the narrator visits the hospital in the hills to see Lucia, a nurse leads the narrator through the hospital corridors to the specific cubicle where Lucia is staying.
e) Describe the girl with whom the boys were talking to in the cubicle.
Answer: The girl with whom the boys were talking to in the cubicle was about twenty years old. She was propped up on pillows, wearing a pretty lace jacket. She was listening to their chatter, with her eyes soft and tender.
f) Recount the untold sufferings undergone by the siblings after they were rendered homeless.
Answer: After they were rendered homeless, the siblings faced numerous untold sufferings. For months they lived in a sort of shelter they built with their own hands amidst the rubble. They suffered horribly from near starvation and exposure to the cold winter. When they returned from the war, they discovered that their only sister Lucia was suffering from tuberculosis of the spine. The boys persuaded a hospital to admit their sister for treatment and took up menial jobs to help pay for her medical expenses.
g) The narrator did not utter a word and preferred to keep the secret to himself. Why? Substantiate the statement with reference to the story.
Answer: The narrator chose to keep the secret to himself and didn’t utter a word about the boys’ situation because he respected their privacy and dignity. Throughout the story, the narrator observes the boys’ pride and independence, understanding that they prefer to handle their difficulties on their own. When he learns about their struggles to support their sister Lucia, he recognizes the depth of their sacrifice and doesn’t want to intrude or offer charity that they might find demeaning.
3. Answer the following in a paragraph of 100–150 words each.
a) What was the driving force that made the boys do various jobs?
Answer: The driving force that compelled the boys to take on various jobs was their unwavering dedication to their sister, Lucia, who was suffering from tuberculosis. The boys were deeply committed to ensuring Lucia received the medical treatment she needed. Their love for their sister and their sense of responsibility towards her well-being motivated them to work tirelessly and take on any job they could find, no matter how difficult or menial. Their primary goal was to earn enough money to pay for Lucia’s medical expenses, driving them to endure hardship and persevere in their efforts to support her.
b) How was the family affected by the war?
Answer: The family was profoundly affected by the war. They experienced the loss of their father early in the conflict. With their father’s death, the burden of providing for the family fell solely on the shoulders of the two young boys. This loss not only left them without a paternal figure but also plunged them into financial hardship and instability. After their father’s death, their house was bombed during the war, rendering them homeless. For months they lived in a sort of shelter they built with their own hands amidst the rubble. The children suffered horribly from near starvation and exposure to the cold winter. The boys then joined the war and, on their return discovered that their only sister Lucia was suffering from tuberculosis of the spine. They persuaded a hospital to admit their sister for treatment and took up menial jobs to help pay for her medical expenses.
c) Write a character sketch of Nicola and Jacopo.
Answer: Nicola and Jacopo are two brothers who epitomize resilience, selflessness, and unwavering devotion in A.J. Cronin’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” Nicola, the elder brother at thirteen, has a serious and responsible demeanor. He shoulders the weight of responsibility for his family with determination. Despite his young age, Nicola demonstrates remarkable maturity, taking on multiple jobs and managing the household affairs in the absence of their father. His steadfast commitment to caring for his sister Lucia, even at the expense of his own well-being, showcases his profound sense of duty and love for his family.
In contrast, Jacopo, aged twelve, exudes a lively and mischievous spirit. He brings moments of levity and joy amidst the family’s hardships with his infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy. While Jacopo may seem carefree on the surface, he shares his brother’s deep sense of responsibility and devotion to Lucia. His willingness to work alongside Nicola, despite his younger age, reflects his understanding of the gravity of their situation and his readiness to contribute to their family’s well-being.
Nicola and Jacopo embody the qualities of resilience, courage, and selflessness, making them truly admirable characters in the story.
d) What message is conveyed through the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’?
Answer: The story “Two Gentlemen of Verona” conveys several messages, but one of the central themes is the power of love and sacrifice. Through the characters of Nicola and Jacopo, the story illustrates the profound lengths to which individuals are willing to go for the sake of their loved ones. Despite their young age and the hardships they face, Nicola and Jacopo selflessly devote themselves to caring for their sister Lucia, demonstrating the depth of their love and the sacrifices they are willing to make on her behalf.
Additionally, the story highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Nicola and Jacopo endure significant challenges, including the loss of their father, homelessness, and financial hardship. However, they refuse to succumb to despair, instead displaying remarkable perseverance and resourcefulness as they navigate their difficult circumstances.
This story also emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy. The narrator’s encounter with Nicola and Jacopo serves as a reminder of the impact that small acts of kindness and understanding can have on others. By showing compassion towards the boys and respecting their dignity, the narrator helps to alleviate their burdens and reaffirm their sense of worth.
Overall, the story delivers a powerful message about the transformative power of love, sacrifice, resilience, and compassion in overcoming life’s challenges and adversity.
e) Justify the title of the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’.
Answer: The title “Two Gentlemen of Verona” is justified by the portrayal of Nicola and Jacopo as exemplary figures of integrity, compassion, and selflessness. Despite their humble circumstances and the hardships they face, Nicola and Jacopo conduct themselves with dignity, grace, and a sense of honor, earning them the title of “gentlemen.”
Firstly, Nicola and Jacopo exhibit a strong sense of moral character and responsibility towards their family, particularly their sister Lucia. They undertake various jobs and make great sacrifices to provide for her medical needs, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to her well-being.
Secondly, their interactions with others, including the narrator, reflect their kindness, humility, and respectfulness. Despite their own struggles, Nicola and Jacopo display compassion towards those around them, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.
Additionally, the term “gentlemen” implies a certain level of refinement and nobility of character, qualities which Nicola and Jacopo embody despite their disadvantaged circumstances. Their resilience, courage, and selflessness elevate them as role models and exemplars of true gentlemanliness.
In conclusion, the title “Two Gentlemen of Verona” aptly captures the essence of Nicola and Jacopo’s characters and their portrayal as admirable figures of virtue and honor.
f) Adversity brings out the best as well as the worst in people. Elucidate this statement with reference to the story.
Answer: In “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” adversity indeed brings out both the best and the worst in people, as seen by the characters’ reactions to their challenging circumstances.
Adversity brings out the best in Nicola and Jacopo, the two young brothers at the heart of the story. Faced with the adversity of poverty, homelessness, and the illness of their sister Lucia, Nicola and Jacopo demonstrate remarkable resilience, selflessness, and determination. Despite their tender ages, they take on multiple jobs, endure hardship, and make great sacrifices to provide for Lucia’s medical needs. Their unwavering commitment to their family and their willingness to put Lucia’s well-being above their own exemplify the best qualities of humanity—love, sacrifice, and compassion.
Conversely, adversity also reveals the worst in some characters, particularly those who exploit the vulnerability of others for personal gain. For instance, the driver who discouraged the narrator from buying fruits from the boys due to their shabby appearance represents a cynical attitude that prioritizes self-interest over compassion.
Moreover, the contrast between the narrator’s initial judgment of the boys based on their appearance and the eventual revelation of their selflessness underscores how adversity can challenge preconceived notions and reveal hidden depths in people.
Overall, “Two Gentlemen of Verona” illustrates how adversity serves as a crucible that tests the character of individuals, bringing to light both their noblest virtues and their darkest flaws. While some rise to the occasion with grace and integrity, others succumb to selfishness and indifference.
g) Which character do you like the most in the story and why?
Answer: In “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” I find Nicola to be the most compelling character. His unwavering dedication to his family, particularly his sister Lucia, is truly admirable. Despite his young age, Nicola shoulders immense responsibilities with maturity and grace, demonstrating resilience, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to caring for his loved ones.
Nicola’s character embodies the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion. His willingness to take on multiple jobs, endure hardship, and make great sacrifices to ensure Lucia receives the medical treatment she needs is incredibly touching. Nicola’s actions exemplify the power of familial bonds and the depth of his love for his sister.
Additionally, Nicola’s humility, kindness, and respectfulness towards others, despite his own struggles, further endears him. His interactions with the narrator and others reflect a genuine empathy and understanding, highlighting his innate goodness of character.
Overall, Nicola’s character resonates deeply with me due to his resilience, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to his family. His portrayal serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love in the face of adversity.
Vocabulary
a) Read the following words taken from the story. Give two synonyms and one antonym for each of these words. Use a dictionary, if required.
Word | Synonym | Synonym | Antonym |
cautious | careful | prudent | reckless |
disapprove | object | oppose | approve |
brisk | quick | lively | sluggish |
engaging | captivating | charming | dull |
humble | modest | unassuming | arrogant |
eager | enthusiastic | keen | indifferent |
resistance | defiance | opposition | compliance |
persuade | convince | influence | dissuade |
scarce | rare | limited | abundant |
nobility | aristocracy | royalty | commoner |
b) Homophones and Confusables
Given below is a list of common confusables. Distinguish the meaning of each pair of words by framing your own sentences.
a) Emigrate – Immigrate
- Emigrate: Many people decide to emigrate from their homeland in search of better opportunities abroad.
- Immigrate: After receiving their visas, they were excited to immigrate to a new country and start a new chapter in their lives.
b) Beside – Besides
- Beside: She sat beside her best friend during the concert.
- Besides: Besides studying for exams, she also volunteers at the local animal shelter.
c) Judicial – Judicious
- Judicial: The judicial system ensures that justice is served fairly and impartially.
- Judicious: She made a judicious decision to invest her money wisely for long-term growth.
d) Eligible – Illegible
- Eligible: I am eligible to vote in the elections because I just turned 18 years old.
- Illegible: The handwriting on my answer paper was so illegible that my teacher had difficulty reading it.
e) Conscience – Conscious
- Conscience: His conscience bothered him after he lied to his friend.
- Conscious: She was conscious of the time and made sure to leave early for the meeting.
f) Industrial – Industrious
- Industrial: The city’s economy relies heavily on its industrial sector.
- Industrious: Despite facing many challenges, she remained industrious and dedicated to her work.
g) Eminent – Imminent
- Eminent: He is an eminent scholar in the field of astrophysics.
- Imminent: The storm clouds gathered overhead, signaling that a thunderstorm was imminent.
h) Illicit – Elicit
- Illicit: The authorities cracked down on illicit drug trafficking in the area.
- Elicit: Her speech managed to elicit cheers and applause from the audience.
i) Prescribed – Proscribed
- Prescribed: The doctor prescribed medication to help relieve his symptoms.
- Proscribed: The school rules proscribed any form of cheating during exams.
j) Affect – Effect
- Affect: His mood was greatly affected by the news of his promotion.
- Effect: The new policy had a positive effect on employee morale.
k) Aural – Oral
- Aural: The aural exam tested students’ listening comprehension skills.
- Oral: She gave an oral presentation to the class on the topic of climate change.
l) Born – Borne
- Born: She was born on a sunny day in July.
- Borne: The weight of the heavy boxes was borne by the delivery workers.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable homophones or confusables.
wallet | valet |
fairy | faerie |
medal | meddle |
wait | weight |
yoke | yolk |
grown | groan |
earn | urn |
hoard | horde |
desert | dessert |
night | knight |
sweet | suite |
plain | plane |
might | mite |
quite | quiet |
c) Give the meanings of the following phrasal verbs and frame sentences using them.
Certainly! Here are the meanings of the phrasal verbs along with example sentences:
Cut off:
- Meaning: To disconnect or isolate someone or something from others.
- Example: During the storm, a tree fell and cut off the power to our house.
Come upon:
- Meaning: To encounter or find something unexpectedly.
- Example: While hiking in the woods, we came upon a hidden waterfall.
Put out:
- Meaning: To extinguish something.
- Example: He quickly put out the fire before it could spread to the neighboring buildings.
Draw up:
- Meaning: To prepare or create a plan, document, or agreement.
- Example: My lawyer will draw up the contract for the sale of my house property.
Pass out:
- Meaning: To lose consciousness; to faint.
- Example: The heat was so intense that several people passed out during the concert.
Take off:
- Meaning: To start
- Example: The plane was not allowed to take off in the thunderstorm.
Turn away:
- Meaning: To refuse entry or to reject someone or something.
- Example: The hotel had to turn away customers because they were fully booked for the evening.
Stand by:
- Meaning: To be ready to provide assistance or support.
- Example: The firefighters stood by, ready to respond to any emergency calls.
Bank on:
- Meaning: To depend or rely on someone or something.
- Example: I’m banking on the weather forecast being accurate so that we go for a picnic tomorrow.
d) Read the list of words formed by adding suffixes.
frequently satisfaction willingness comfortable resemblance nobility
Form two derivatives from each of the following words by adding prefixes and suffixes.
Word | Prefix | Suffix |
patient | impatient | patiently |
honour | dishonour | honourable |
respect | disrespect | respectful |
manage | mismanage | manageable |
fertile | infertile | fertility |
different | indifferent | differentiate |
friend | befriend | friendship |
obey | disobey | obedience |
Listening
Floods are an inevitable natural disaster which can occur in any part of the world. Floods can prove all the more disastrous in localities, where population density is high. Preparation for Disaster Management has become imperative for any city, town or village during monsoons.
The Government Department entrusted with Disaster Management makes periodic announcements about the precautions to be taken whenever floods are anticipated.
Now, you are going to listen to the cautionary instructions that are given to the general public living in flood-prone areas. Listen carefully and complete the following sentences.
a) The announcement was made by the Department of Disaster Management.
b) Widespread heavy rains are expected from the early hours of Sunday.
c) The public is asked to find out the locations of the closest flood shelters available and routes to reach them.
d) An emergency kit should contain water bottles, biscuit packets and a whistle to signal for help.
e) A list of emergency telephone numbers should be displayed on the wall.
f) Important documents can be secured by keeping them in a waterproof case.
g) Damage to refrigerators can be avoided by leaving their door open.
h) Mobile phones should be charged to enable the marooned to contact their friends, relatives and emergency services.
i) Sandbags should be placed in the toilet bowls to prevent sewage inflow.
j) Listen to the periodic news updates and follow the instructions implicitly.
Drafting a Speech
Task 1
On the occasion of World Environment Day, you have been asked to deliver a speech during morning assembly on the importance of tree planting. Write the speech in about 100 – 150 words.
Answer:
Good morning everyone,
As most of you know, today, is World Environment Day. This is a good time to reflect on the crucial role that trees play in sustaining life on our planet. Trees are not merely a source of beauty; they are the lungs of our Earth. They purify the air we breathe and provide a home for countless species of flora and fauna. However, we are seeing how deforestation and urbanization have led to the loss of vast forested areas, worsening climate change and threatening biodiversity.
It is our duty to recognize the importance of planting trees as a fundamental solution to these pressing environmental challenges. By planting trees, we not only combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, but we also enhance soil fertility, prevent erosion, and create valuable habitats for wildlife.
On this World Environment Day, let us pledge to take concrete actions to protect and preserve our precious forests. Let us commit to planting and nurturing trees, not just today, but every day, for the betterment of our planet and future generations.
Thank you.
Task 2
Prepare a speech on “The importance of a reading habit” in about 100–150 words using the hints given below together with your own ideas.
- Introduction
- Suggested value points
- Knowledge enrichment
- – Skill development
- – Meaningful usage of time
- – Overall development
- Conclusion
Answer:
Good morning everyone,
Today, I want to talk to you about the importance of cultivating the reading habit. Reading is not just a hobby; it’s a valuable practice that enriches our lives in numerous ways.
Firstly, reading enhances our knowledge and broadens our perspectives. It exposes us to new ideas, cultures, and experiences. It helps us to become more informed and well-rounded individuals.
Moreover, reading is essential for skill development. Whether it’s improving vocabulary, critical thinking, or comprehension skills, regular reading exercises our mental faculties and sharpens our intellect.
Additionally, cultivating a reading habit is a meaningful use of our time. Instead of idly scrolling through social media or watching TV, reading allows us to engage with enriching content and stimulate our minds.
Most importantly, a reading habit contributes to our overall development. It fosters empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence, nurturing qualities that are essential for personal and professional success.
In conclusion, let’s make a commitment to prioritize reading in our daily lives. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, let’s embrace the transformative power of books and unlock the countless benefits they offer.
Thank you.
Reading
Read the passage given below and make notes.
To match the best cities across the world, the Government of India initiated ‘smart cities’ to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people. The agenda under smart city promises to resolve urban sustainability problems. Urban forests provide a range of important
ecosystem services that are critical for the sustainability of cities. Urban forestry, which is defined more as ‘Management of Trees’ contributes to the physiological, sociological and economic well-being of the society. Mangroves, lakes, grasslands, and forests in and around our cities, act as sponges that absorb the air and noise pollution and they present themselves as our cultural and recreational hotspots.
However, these spots are rapidly being reclaimed and replaced in the name of development. Presence of urban green has shown to increase the economic value of the place.
Urban forests contribute to reduce the cost of building storm water drain systems
for municipalities and neutralizing urban heat island effect. Plants not only provide
shade but also help in regulating the micro-climate. They help regulate energy budgets, improve air quality, and curtail noise pollution. Trees, herbs, shrubs and grasses arrest sedimentation and prevent other pollutants from entering our water systems. This will give a chance for our urban lakes and rivers to recover and help improve aquatic ecosystems.
Biodiversity also gets a boost through the urban forests and helps create corridors connecting the forest areas. High biodiversity areas can also help to build resilient ecosystems. Availability of forests within our urban areas gives an opportunity for children to connect to the natural environment and learn about native species.
Answer:
Title: Importance of Urban Forests for Sustainable Cities
Government of India’s initiative:
a) Smart cities for economic growth and improved quality of life.
b) Aim to resolve urban sustainability problems.
Benefits of Urban Forests:
a) Ecosystem services critical for city sustainability.
b) Urban forestry contributes to physiological, sociological, and economic well-being.
Importance of Green Spaces:
a) Act as sponges for air and noise pollution.
b) Cultural and recreational hotspots.
Threats to Urban Greenery:
a) Rapid loss due to development.
b) Reclamation and replacement in the name of progress.
Economic and Environmental Value:
a) Increase in economic value of areas with urban greenery.
b) Contribution to reducing stormwater drain costs and urban heat island effect.
Environmental Benefits:
a) Regulation of micro-climate, improvement of air quality, and noise reduction.
b) Prevention of pollutants from entering water systems, aiding in aquatic ecosystem recovery.
Grammar
Task 1
Tick the correct options and complete the dialogue.
A: Hello. What do you watch / are you watching?
B: A programme about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which I recorded last night. I study / I’m studying about it this term.
A: All that I know / I’ve known about it is that hundreds of people died / had died in it.
B: Yes, it was much, much worse than anyone has expected / had expected. It went on / has gone on for hours. Do you want / Have you wanted to watch the programme with me?
A: No, thanks. I’ve got to do some veena practice. I’ve just remembered / I just remembered that we’ve got a concert tomorrow, and I don’t have / haven’t had time to practise my new piece this week.
B: OK. I’ve already done / I already did my practice, so I’ve got time to watch TV. See you later.
Complete the sentences with the correct tense form of the verbs in brackets.
a) (tell) me exactly what (happen) last night!
Answer: Tell me exactly what happened last night!
b) Mrs. Mageswari is my Maths teacher. She (teach) me for four years.
Answer: Mrs. Mageswari is my Maths teacher. She has been teaching me for four years.
c) I (never /think) of a career in medicine before I spoke to my Biology teacher but now I (seriously/ consider) it.
Answer: I had never thought of a career in medicine before I spoke to my Biology teacher, but now I am seriously considering it.
d) Oh no! I (forget) to bring my assignment! What am I going to do? This is the second time I (do) this!
Answer: Oh no! I have forgotten to bring my assignment! What am I going to do? This is the second time I have done this!
e) I can’t remember what my teacher (say) yesterday about our homework. I (not listen) properly because Hussain (talk) to me at the same time.
Answer: I can’t remember what my teacher said yesterday about our homework. I was not listening properly because Hussain was talking to me at the same time.
f) Last year we (go) on a school trip to Kanyakumari. We (have) a very interesting time.
Answer: Last year we went on a school trip to Kanyakumari. We had a very interesting time.
g) At the moment I (think) about what course to pursue next year but I ( not make) a final decision yet.
Answer: At the moment I am thinking about what course to pursue next year, but I have not made a final decision yet.
h) I (get) up at 7 every morning but this morning I (sleep) for a long time and I (not get) up until 8.
Answer: I get up at 7 every morning, but this morning I slept for a long time and I did not get up until 8.
Task 3
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets.
a) Everyone when the earthquake hit the small town. (sleep)
Answer: Everyone was sleeping when the earthquake hit the small town.
b) Evangelene her job a couple of years ago. (quit)
Answer: Evangelene quit her job a couple of years ago.
c) Where your last holidays? (you spend)
Answer: Where did you spend your last holidays?
d) I think Suresh for Tiruvallur next morning. (leave)
Answer: I think Suresh is leaving for Tiruvallur next morning.
g) Her parents in Coimbatore for two weeks from today (be).
Answer: Her parents will be in Coimbatore for two weeks from today.
h) Nothing much when I got to the meeting (happen).
Answer: Nothing much was happening when I got to the meeting.
i) Scientists predict that by 2050, man on Mars. (land)
Answer: Scientists predict that by 2050, man will have landed on Mars.
j) Sh! Someone to our conversation! (listen)
Answer: Sh! Someone is listening to our conversation!
k) The plane off in a few minutes. (take)
Answer: The plane will take off in a few minutes.
l) They about me when I interrupted their conversation. (talk)
Answer: They were talking about me when I interrupted their conversation.
m) Justin and his parents in an apartment right now because they can’t find a cheap house. (live)
Answer: Justin and his parents are living in an apartment right now because they can’t find a cheap house.
n) Rajini Prem’s family in Chengalpet now. (be).
Answer: Rajini is with Prem’s family in Chengalpet now.
o) Yusuf to the movies once in a while (go)
Answer: Yusuf goes to the movies once in a while.
p) This an easy quiz so far (be).
Answer: This has been an easy quiz so far.
q) Our team any games last year. (not win)
Answer: Our team did not win any games last year.
r) We a wonderful film at the cinema last night. (see)
Answer: We saw a wonderful film at the cinema last night.
s) Hurry up! The movie (already begin)
Answer: Hurry up! The movie has already begun.
Modal Auxiliaries
Task 1
Fill in the blanks with modal auxiliaries.
a) The candidates must answer five out of ten questions.
b) How dare you open my bag?
c) Tajudeen will finish this work by Monday.
d) Shall I go to school today?
e) I wish you would tell me the truth.
f) Poonam could not catch the bus yesterday.
g) People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
h) You need not go to the market as I have brought vegetables.
i) Should you have taken all this trouble?
j) You must be joking.
k) I tried to climb up the tree, but could not.
l) Hima Das ran so fast that she could win the medal.
m) You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.
n) I would like to have a cup of coffee.
o) My grandfather used to visit this temple when he was young.
Task 2
Complete the following sentences with modals using the clues given.
a) You help the needy. (moral obligation)
Answer: You should help the needy.
b) If I were you, I not behave like that. (conditional sentence)
Answer: If I were you, I would not behave like that.
c) I never tell a lie. (determination)
Answer: I will never tell a lie.
d) My uncle have reached by now. (possibility)
Answer: My uncle might have reached by now.
e) The patient is critical. He be taken to the hospital.(compulsion)
Answer: The patient is critical. He must be taken to the hospital.
f) I to play hockey when I was a student. (past habit)
Answer: I used to play hockey when I was a student.
g) You not attend my class. (order)
Answer: You must not attend my class.
h) He come today. (remote possibility)
Answer: He might come today.
i) You follow the traffic rules. (regulation)
Answer: You must follow the traffic rules.
j) He play the match. (willingness)
Answer: He will play the match.
k) You not waste time on it. (necessity)
Answer: You should not waste time on it.
l) Had the doctor come in time, he have saved the patient.(probability)
Answer: Had the doctor come in time, he could have saved the patient.
Reported Speech
Task 1
Read what these people say and rewrite as sentences.
1. I am very busy.
Answer: Raja said that he was very busy.
2. I have completed my work.
Answer: Satya said that he had completed his work.
3. I don’t like to go out.
Answer: Johnson said that he didn’t like to go out.
4. I have just come back from Chennai.
Answer: Akshita said that she had just come back from Chennai.
5. I am learning English.
Answer: Jayan said that he was learning English.
6. I bought a pen yesterday.
Answer: Madhu said that she had bought a pen the previous day.
7. We will go shopping tomorrow.
Answer: Joseph and Mary said that they would go shopping the next day.
8. We can’t attend the party.
Answer: Afsar and Ayesha said said that they could not attend the party.
9. How are you?
Answer: Satish said how he was.
10. I am fine. Thank you.
Answer: Victor said that he was fine and thanked him.
Task 2
Read the following dialogue and complete the report in the space provided.
a)
Priya : Where are you going?
Vijay : I am going to the railway station.
Priya : Why are you going there?
Vijay : I want to receive my uncle who is coming from Bangalore.
Priya asked Vijay (a) where he was going.
Vijay replied (b) that he was going to the railway station.
Priya further inquired (c) why he was going there.
Vijay stated that (d) he wanted to receive his uncle who was coming from Bangalore.
b)
Teacher : Why are you late?
Divya : I missed the bus.
Teacher : You should have reached the bus stop on time.
Divya : My grandmother is ill. So, I had to take her to the doctor.
Teacher : I am sorry. What ails her?
Divya : She has high fever.
The teacher asked Divya why she was late. Divya replied that (a) she had missed the bus. The teacher told her that (b) she should have reached the bus stop on time. Divya said that her grandmother was ill so she had to take her to the doctor. The teacher felt sorry and further asked her (c) what ailed her garandmother? Divya explained that she (d) had high fever.
Task 3
Rewrite the following passage in indirect speech.
Pradeep got out of bed with much excitement. “It is going to be a lovely sunny day,” he remarked to his sister Varshini.
“ Just let me sleep a bit longer, Pradeep,” Varshini begged, “and since you are feeling so enthusiastic, ” she suggested, “Why don’t you go and help mother in cooking?”
“ Sure, I will”, said Pradeep. “Can I help you, mum?”, he said to his mother.
“ Yes, of course. There are idlis and vadas on the dining table. Have your breakfast.”
“ Thank you, mum; I’ll surely help you by eating them.”
Answer: Pradeep got out of bed with much excitement and remarked to his sister Varshini that it was going to be a lovely sunny day. Varshini begged him to let her sleep a bit longer and suggested that since he was feeling so enthusiastic, he should go and help their mother with cooking. Pradeep agreed and asked his mother if he could help her. His mother responded positively, telling him that there were idlis and vadas on the dining table and that he should have his breakfast. Pradeep thanked his mother and assured her that he would help by eating them.
Letter Writing
Click here to find the solutions to the letter writing section in the Lesson : Two Gentlemen of Verona.
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