UNIT -1 STUDY MATERIAL & BOOK BACK SOLUTIOND

 

 Prose Chapter 1 His First Flight

His First Flight In Text Questions

a. Why did the seagull fail to fly?
Answer:
The seagull failed to fly because he did not have confidence on his wings and he had fear to fly.

b. What did the parents do, when the young seagull failed to fly?
Answer:
His parents tried to make him fly by scolding him and threatening him to starve on his ledge.

c. What was the first catch of the young seagull’s older brother?
Answer:
The first catch of the young sea gull’s older brother was a herring.

d. What did the young seagull manage to find in his search for food on the ledge?
Answer:
The young seagull managed to find dried pieces of eggshell in his search for food on the ledge.

e. What did the young bird do to seek the attention of his parents?
Answer:
He stood on one leg with the other leg hidden under his wing. He closed one eye, then the other and
pretended to be falling asleep. This was done by the bird to seek the attention of his parents.                                                                                                                         

f. What made the young seagull go mad?

Answer:
His mother was standing on a little high hump on the plateau. She was tearing a piece of fish that lay at her feet. She scraped each side of her beak on the rock. The sight of the food maddened him.

g. Why did the young bird utter a joyful scream?
Answer:
The young bird saw his mother picking up a piece of fish and flying across to him. Seeing this, the bird uttered a joyful scream.

h. Did the mother bird offer any food to the young bird?
Answer:
No, the mother bird did not offer any food to the young bird.

i. How did the bird feel when it started flying for the first time?
Answer:
He felt his wings spread outwards. The wind rushed against his breast feathers, stomach and wings. He could feel the tips of his wings cutting through the air.

j. What did the young bird’s family do when he started flying?
Answer:
They were flying around him, praising, soaring and diving together with him.

His First Flight Textual Questions

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

Question 1.
How was the young seagull’s first attempt to fly?
Answer:
The young seagull tried to fly. But he was scared to do so. His parents, brothers and sister persuaded him to fly. They also motivated him. But the young seagull felt that his wings would not support him.

Question 2.
How did the parents support and encourage the young seagull’s brothers and sister?
Answer:
His parents were flying about with his brothers and sister. They were perfecting them in the art of flight. They also taught them how to skim the waves and how to dive for fish.

Question 3.
Give an instance that shows the pathetic condition of the young bird.
Answer:
The young seagull had not eaten since the previous nightfall. There was not a single scrap of food left. He searched for food every inch of the straw nest. He even chewed at the dried pieces of eggshell.

Question 4.
How did the bird try to reach its parents without having to fly?
Answer:
The young seagull ran back and forth from one end of the ledge to the other end. His long grey legs stepped daintily, trying to find some means of reaching his parents without flying.

Question 5.
Do you think that the young seagulls parents were harsh to him? Why?
Answer:
Yes, they were harsh towards the seagull because they wanted him to learn the art of flying without any one’s help.

Question 6.
What prompted the young seagull to fly finally?
Answer:
His mother picked up a piece of fish and flew across to him with it. But then she halted, just opposite to him. She was almost within reach of his beak. Maddened by hunger, the young seagull dived at the fish. This act of his mother prompted the young seagull to fly finally.

Question 7.
What happened to the young seagull when it landed on the green sea?
Answer:
When the young seagull landed on the green sea, his legs sank into it. He screamed with fright and attempted to rise again. He was exhausted. His feet sank into the sea. His belly touched it. He sank no further. He was floating on it.

Short Questions & Answers – Additional

Question 1.
How many brothers and sisters did the young seagull have? When did they fly away from the ledge?
Answer:
The young seagull had two brothers and one sister. They flew away the previous day from the ledge.

Question 2.
Where did the seagull run back, when he was frightened to fly? Why was he afraid?
Answer:
The young seagull ran back to the little hole under the ledge, where he slept at night. He was afraid to see the vast expanse of the sea beneath him.

Question 3.
What appeared so desperate to the seagull?
Answer:
The seagull failed to gather the courage to take a plunge into the sea. This appeared so desperate to him.

Question 4.
How long was the seagull alone without anyone near him? Why did he feel the heat?
Answer:
He was alone for twenty four hours without anyone near him. He felt the heat because he had not eaten since the previous nightfall.

Question 5.
Where did he search for food?
Answer:
He searched every inch, rooting among the rough, dirt-caked straw nest, where he and his brothers and sister had been hatched.

His First Flight Creative Questions and Answers

Question 1.
For how long had the seagull been alone?
Answer:
The seagull had been alone for twenty-four hours.

Question 2.
Why did the seagull not go with the rest of his family?
Answer:
The seagull did not go with the rest of his family because he was afraid to fly.

Question 3.
(i) What were the ways the seagull had thought of to join his family?
(ii) Did he try any one of them?
Answer:
(i) The seagull thought of joining his family without having to fly. He ran from one end of the ledge to the other. The ledge ended in a steep fall in precipice. He thought of walking upto them but there was a deep chasm between him and them.
(ii) No, he didn’t try anyone of them.

Question 4.
Did the seagull think the sea was like a land? Pick out the words from the text that suggest this.
Answer:
Yes, the seagull thought the sea was like a land. He landed on the sea. When his legs sank into it, he screamed with fear and tried to rise again flapping his wings. This clearly indicates that he thought the sea was like a land.

Question 5.
(i) When did the seagull’s flight begin?
(ii) Where did it end?
Answer:
(i) His flight began when he was falling outwards and downwards into space. His wings spread outwards. Now, he was not falling headlong. He was moving gradually downwards and outwards.
(ii) His flight ended floating on the sea.

Question 6.
When did the seagull get over his fear of the water?
Answer:
The seagull thought the sea was like a land. When he landed on the sea, his feet sank into it. He was seized with fear. He was too tired to rise again. His belly touched the water and he sank no further. Now, he was floating on the sea. He had got over his fear of the water.

Question 7.
Do you sympathise with the seagull? Give reasons.
Answer:
Flying is a natural instinct of birds. But the young seagull develops a fright of flight. We sympathise with him because he has to suffer a lot before he gets over his fear of flying. He has to bear the taunts of his family. He has to go without food for twenty-four hours.

Question 8.
How did the seagull express his excitement when he saw his mother bringing food for him?
Answer:
The seagull was very hungry. When he saw his mother bringing food for him, he was greatly excited. He expressed his excitement by uttering a joyful scream. He leaned out eagerly. He tapped the rock with his feet. He tried to get nearer to her as she flew across. ‘

Question 9.
How did the young seagull’s parents teach him the art of flying?
Answer:
Birds have a natural instinct to fly. However, some birds, like the young seagull in the story are afraid to fly. Then their parents teach them how to fly. The seagull’s parents fly about with their children curveting and banking and soaring and diving and thus, perfecting them in the art of flying.

His First Flight (Story) Textual Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Why was the seagull afraid to fly?
Answer:
The seagull was afraid to fly because below him was the vast sea and he thought his wings would never support him and he would fall into the sea and die.

Question 2.
What did the parents do to motivate the young bird when it failed to muster up enough courage to fly?
Answer:
They came around calling to him loudly. They scolded him and even threatened to starve him.

Question 3.
How did the parents support and encourage the young seagull’s brothers and sister?
Answer:
They flew about wilfi them, trying to perfect them in the art of fiight. They taught them how to skim the waves and how to dive for fish.

Question 4.
Cite an instance which shows the pathetic condition of the young bird.
Answer:
When the sun was shining hot, the young bird felt the heat all the more because he had not eaten anything since yesterday night. He searched everywhere but not a scrap of food was found. He even gnawed at the dried pieces of eggshell, from which he and his brothers and sister were hatched. It was like eating a part of himself.

Question 5.
How did the bird try to reach its parents without having to fly?
Answer:
He trotted back and forth from one end of the ledge to the other, trying to find some means of reaching his parents without flying. But on each side of him the ledge ended in a sheer fall of a precipice with the sea under. There was a deep, wide crack between hi.m and his parents.

Question 6.
Why could the seagull not succeed in its attempt?
Answer:
The seagull could not succeed in its attempt because there was nothing to walk on that would bring him to his parents. A deep, wide crack separated him from his parents and there was no way for him to reach them except by flying to them.

Question 7.
Do you think that the young seagull’s parents were cruel?
Answer:
No, I don’t think so. They were not cruel, but they were wise.

Question 8.
Can you justify the attitude of the parents?
Answer:
The parents were right in what they did. They wanted to teach him the importance of confidence and self¬reliance. One can’t depend on his parents all his life for his livelihood. He should learn to find food for himself once he reaches a certain stage of his life. We see the mother hen pecking and driving away her chicks once they are grown.

Question 9.
Your parents sometimes behave in the same manner. They may seem cruel and unrelenting. Does it mean that they do not love you?
Answer:
The parents sometimes behave in this cruel and unrelenting manner to make you self-reliant. It doesn’t mean they do not love you. It means they love you and that is why they train you to be independent and self-reliant. If they treat you as a helpless baby all the time, you will remain a helpless baby. So it is their love that forces them to be seemingly cruel and unrelenting at times.

Question 10.
What prompted the young seagull to fly finally?
Answer:
It was his hunger that prompted the young seagull to fly finally. He was very hungry and the mother would not give him the fish she had brought with her. She wanted him to fly to her to get it.

Question 11.
Why was the young bird terrified? How did it overcome its fear?
Answer:
The young bird dived at the fish his mother was carrying. When he dived he fell outwards and downwards into space. The wind rushed against his breast feathers and his stomach and wings. He could feel the tips of his wings cutting through the air. He was not falling how. He was soaring. He thus overcame his fear.

Question 12.
How did the family support the seagull?
Answer:
The mother flew past him, making joyful sounds. His father flew over him, screaming with joy. His two brothers and sister were flying around him, soaring and diving. In this way the family supported him.

Question 13.
Why could not the young seagull stand on the green sea?
Answer:
The young seagull could not stand on the green sea because the legs would go down the water. But when his belly touched the water, he did not sink further.

Question 14.
Do you think the bird’s parents loved him? Why?
Answer:
Of course, the bird’s parents loved him. They wanted to teach him howto be courageous and self-confident. The mother even came with a piece of fish to tempt him to attempt the flight. And when finally he flew, all the family members showed their joy by flying with him-and making happy noises.

B. Answer each of the following questions in a paragraph of about 100-150 words.

Question 1.
Describe the struggles underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying.
Answer:
The young seagull was afraid of flying. His parents strove their level best to teach the young seagull to fly but in vain. The parents, brothers and sister thought a plan to teach him to fly. They flew away to another rock and left him alone. They did not give him anything to eat. He stood there on one leg and closed his eyes. He was very hungry. He searched for food everywhere. He even chewed the dried pieces of the eggshells. He saw his mother tearing a piece of fish. He begged his mother to give him food. So the mother flew with the piece of fish to the young seagull. When she reached over him, she became motionless in the air. She did not get down on the rock. She wanted to give the young seagull an incentive to fly. The seagull bent forward and jumped at the fish. He was much frightened. But he began to flap his wings to save himself.

Question 2.
Your parents sometimes behave like the young bird’s parents. They may seem cruel and unrelenting. Does it mean that they do not care for you? Explain your views about it with reference from the story.
Answer:
Parents really care for about their children. They may be seen as cruel, but they are not so. The mother seagull turned to be cruel but her intention was kind. She wanted to give the young seagull an incentive to fly. Likewise, our parents may be sometimes harsh and strict. We would feel that they don’t understand our feelings and are cruel to us. But we realize later that they are like this, only to give us encouragement and to avoid our fear and doubts. They guide us to overcome our fears in life. We have to conquer our fear and venture forth. Only then we will realize that we are born with wings.

Paragraph Question & Answer Additional

Question 1.
What is the message of the lesson ‘His first flight’?
Answer:
‘His first flight’ is a parable. The seagulls convey the message of self-confidence, motivation and self-reliance. The mother seagull motivates the young one enough to get him to learn flying. The young seagull realises the importance of belief and faith. He flaps his wings to learn . flying and gain the confidence to be independent. The story conveys “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. The parable also stresses the importance of family ties and devoted support. It tells about the painful process of learning an important lesson in life.

Glossary:

Seagull        - a bird that lives near the sea and has short legs, long wings, and white and grey feathers
Ledge        - a narrow horizontal shelf projecting from a wall (or here) a cliff
Brink        - the extreme edge of land before a steep slope or a body or water
Expanse    - a wide continuous area of something

Flapped- (of a bird) move (its wings) up and down when flying or preparing to fly
Muster- gather
Plunge- jump or dive
Shrilly- with a high pitched and piercing voice or sound
Upbraiding- scold    

Herring- a soft-finned sea fish

Devour- eat quickly

Cackle- laugh in a loud, harsh way
Cowardice- lack of bravery

Ascending the sky- the act of rising up through the air
Preening-to tidy and clean its feathers
Hump- a rounded raised mass of earth or land
Scrapped- discard

Derisively- in a manner expressing contempt or ridicule.
Plaintively- sad
Uttered- make a sound with one’s voice
Halted- stopped

Monstrous- horrible
Seized- grab
Headlong- with the head foremost
Soaring- flying or rising high in the air
Swooped- (especially of a bird) move rapidly downwards through the air                           Curvetting- perform a series of jumps on the hind legs

                                    Vocabulary

C. Change the parts of speech of the given words in the chart.

Noun	Verb	Adjective	Adverb
exhaustion	exhaust	exhaustible	exhaustively
wideness	widen	wide	widely
madness	madden	mad	madly
perfection	perfect	perfect	perfectly

D. Read the following sentences and change the form of the underlined words as directed.

Question 1.
His family was screaming and offering him food. (to adjective)
Answer:
His screaming family was offering him food.

Question 2.
The young seagull gave out a loud call. (to adverb)
Answer:
The young seagull gave out a call loudly.

Question 3.
The bird cackled amusedly while flying. (to noun)
Answer:
The bird cackled in amusement while flying.

Question 4.
The depth of the sea from the ledge scared the seagull. (to adjective)
Answer:
The deep sea scared the seagull.

Question 5.
The successful flight of the bird was a proud moment for the seagull’s family. (to verb)
Answer:
The bird successfully flighted and it was a proud moment for the seagull’s family.

E. Use the following words to construct meaningful sentences on your own.

1. coward – They called him a coward.
2. gradual – We noticed a gradual increase in temperature.
3. praise – She received a lot of praise.
4. courageous – She is a very courageous girl.
5. starvation – Many children die of starvation in Somalia.

Listening

F. *Here is a travelogue by the students of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Pattukkottai after their trip to Darjeeling. Listen to the travelogue and answer the following questions.

(i) Fill in the blanks with suitable words.

1. The students visited …………. city.
2. ………….. is the third highest mountain in the world.
3. …………… hill is 13 km away from Darjeeling.
4. The drinking water is supplied by ……….. lake to the city.
5. After Senchal lake, they visited ………………… .

Answers:

1. Darjeeling
2. Kanchenjunga
3. Tiger
4. Senchal
5. Batasia Loop, a spiral railway near Ghum

(ii) Do you think they had a memorable and enjoyable school trip?
Answer:
Yes. They had a memorable and enjoyable school trip.

(iii) Name a few places that you wish to visit with your classmates as a school trip.
Answer:
Ooty, Kodaikanal, Thanjavur, Hogenakkal, Kanyakumari.

(iv) State whether the following statements are True or False.

1. As the sky was cloudy, they could get the glimpse of the Mount Everest.
2. The toy train covers 14 km in three hours.
3. Tiger hill has earned international fame for the best sunset view.

Answers:

1. False (The sky was not cloudy.)
2. True
3. False (Best sunrise view.)

Speaking

Dialogue

G. Here is a dialogue between a father and his daughter. Continue the dialogue with at least five utterances and use all the clues given above.

Father : Hi Mary, it has been a very long time since we went on a trip. Let’s plan one.
Mary : Yes, dad. I am also longing to go. Why don’t we plan one for this weekend?
Father : Sure. Tell me, where shall we go?
Mary : Some place nearby but for at least two days.
Father : Hmm… I think we should go to the reserved forest nearby.
Mary : Yeah. I’ve never been to a forest. I have seen a forest only on the TV and movies. The forest is a good choice!
Father : OK. If we are going to the forest, we must list out what we should carry with us for two days.
Mary : I think we should carry suitable clothes like long-sleeved shirts and jean pants.
Father : What about the food? Do you have any idea, Mary?
Mary : Yeah. For food, I suggest taking bread, jam and biscuit packets.
Father : Anyway, we will stay in the Government guest house inside the jungle.
Mary : Will they provide breakfast or lunch?
Father : I think they will. I will inquire about food whole booking accommodation.
Mary : “Will the forest animals hurt the inmates of the guest house?
Father : No. Our stay will be safe.
Mary : Is it possible to see all the places in the forest just by walking?
Father : No. Nature watch and wildlife viewing are possible in an open four wheeler Jeep or on elephant back.

Reading

H. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

Question 1.
What is Bungee Jumping?
Answer:
Bungee jumping is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a long elastic cord.

Question 2.
Can Bungee be performed from a movable object? How?
Answer:
Yes. Bungee can be performed from a movable object, such as a hot-air-balloon or helicopter, that can hover above the ground.

Question 3.
When do you think Bungee becomes thrilling?
Answer:
The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound.

Question 4.
What is the experience when one falls off the platform?
Answer:
When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils and continues to oscillate up and down until all the kinetic energy is dissipated. It is an experience of breathtaking quality.

Question 5.
Where is the Bungee jumping point located in India?
Answer:
The Bungee jumping point is located in Mohan Chatti village, in Rishikesh.

Question 6.
What is the minimum age to Bungee jump?
Answer:
The minimum age to Bungee jump is 12 years.

Writing

I. Prepare attractive advertisements using the hints given below.

Question 1.
Home appliances – Aadi Sale – 20-50% – Special Combo Offers – Muthusamy & Co., Raja Street, Gingee.
Answer:

Question 2.
Mobile Galaxy – Smartphones – accessories – SIM cards – Recharge – Free Power banks on Mobile purchase – No.1, Tollgate, Trichy
Answer:

Writing

J. Write a report of the following events in about 100-120 words.

Question 1.
‘Educational Development Day’ was organized in your school on 15th July. The District Collector was the Chief Guest of the event. As part of the event, many competitions were held and the prizes were distributed to the winners and participants. It was a grand and successful event. Now, as the member of the organizing committee, write a report on the event in about 120 words.
Answer:
Educational Development Day
by Ravi Tej
Ratna Matriculation Higher Secondary organized the Educational Development Day on 15th July 2018. The event was to inculcate the skills of writing, reading, listening and speaking in the students. Approximately 500 students participated in this Programme. The programme began with a prayer song sung by the school choir. After this, the Headmaster delivered the welcome speech. This programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mrs. Malini Ramesh, the District Collector.

Many competitions were held for the students in three levels – Sub. Junior, Junior and Senior levels. In each level, there were various competitions like recitation, elocution, slogan reading and some listening activities. Many students took part in all these competitions with enthusiasm and a winning spirit. At the end of the programme, prizes were distributed to the winners and participants. They were given valuable books and certificates. The Chief Guest praised all the winners and participants for their wonderful performance. The event ended with the National Anthem. It was a grand and successful event.

Question 2.
You are the School Pupil Leader. You have been asked to write a report on the Inaugural Ceremony of English Literary Association of your school which was held recently. Write a report on the same in not more than 120 words.
Answer:
Inaugural Ceremony of English Literary Association
by Karen Raj (School Pupil Leader)
Christ Matriculation School organized the inaugural ceremony of English Literary Association on 22nd February 2019. The event was to create a better learning atmosphere in our school and to make the students overcome their fear, when they perform in front of the audience. The Chief Guest was our Headmaster Mr. Rahul Pandey. The programme began with an invocation (prayer) by our school choir. Our English teacher, Mrs. Premalatha welcomed the gathering. Our Headmaster addressed the gathering with an inspirational speech and guidance. After his speech, he inaugurated the English Literary Association. A skit was enacted by the students of X Std and elocution on the, Importance of Education, was given by R. Ranjini of X Std A? The programme ended with the vote of thanks by the Asst. School Pupil Leader, R. Bharath, of XII Std.

Question 3.
You are the Coordinator of the Science Forum of your school. An event had been organized on account of National Science Day for the members of the forum. Now, write a report based on your observation of “National Science Day” at your school.
Answer:
National Science Day
by Suhasini (Coordinator of Science Forum)
St. John’s School of Pallavaram organized a Science Exhibition in the event of National Science Day for the members of the forum on 28th February 2019. The purpose of this event was to commemorate and honour Sir C. V. Raman for his legacy. He had discovered Raman Effect on the 28th February 1928. All the members of this forum and the students from nearby schools were invited to have a glance at the science exhibition. The Chief Guest for this event was Mr. Natesan, Professor of S.G. Arts & Science College, Vellore. He gave some motivational tips and guidelines to promote our Forum and Science department. The event came to an end with the National Anthem.

Grammar

A. Complete these sentences using appropriate modals. The clues in the brackets will help you.

1. When I was a child, I ………. climb trees easily but now I can’t. (ability in the past)
2. I ………… win this singing contest. (determination)
3. You …………. buy this book. It is worth buying. (advice or suggestion)
4. Poongothai ………….. speak several languages. (ability in the present)
5. I swear I …………. tell lies again. (promise)
6. My father ………… play badminton in the evenings when he was at college. (past habit)
7. You ……………. do as I say! (command)
8. ………… I have another glass of water? (request)
9. Sibi has not practised hard but he ……………. win the race. (possibility)
10. We …………… preserve our natural resources. (duty)
Answers:

1. could
2. can
3. should
4. can
5. shall not
6. used to
7. should
8. May
9. can
10. ought to

B. Rewrite the following sentences by rectifying the errors in the use of models.

Question 1.
Would I have your autograph?
Answer:
May l have your autograph?

Question 2.
I can be fifteen next April.
Answer:
I shall be fifteen next April.

Question 3.
Take an umbrella. It should rain later.
Answer:
Take an umbrella. It may rain later.

Question 4.
The magistrate ordered that he might pay the fine.
Answer:
The magistrate ordered that he must pay the fine.

Question 5.
Make me a cup of tea, shall you?
Answer:
Make me a cup of tea, will you?

Question 6.
You may speak politely to the elders.
Answer:
You must / ought to speak politely to the elders.

Question 7.
You will get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.
Answer:
You should get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

Question 8.
We could grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.
Answer:
We used to grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.

Question 9.
Must I get your jacket? The weather is cold.
Answer:
Shall I get your jacket? The weather is cold.

Question 10.
Could the train be on time?
Answer:
Will the train be on time?

C. Read the dialogue and fill in the blanks with suitable modals.

Dad : Shall we go out for dinner tonight?
Charan : Yes, Dad. We shall go to a restaurant where I can have some ice cream.
Dad : OK. Then, I shall be home by 7 p.m. Mom and you must be ready by then.
Charan : Sure. We shall. My friend told me that there is a magic show nearby. Will you please take us there?
Dad : We may not have time to go for the magic show, I suppose. If we have enough time left, we shall plan.
Charan : By the way, must we inform our gate keeper about our outing?
Dad : Yes, we must so that he will be aware we aren’t at home.
Charan : Shall I call up Mom and tell her about our plan today?
Dad : You have to. Otherwise, we might be in trouble when she returns home.
Charan : Hmm… by the time you come home in the evening, we will be waiting for you. Hope you won’t be late. Bye.

D. Read the following dialogues and supply appropriate modals.

Student : Can we leave our bags in the class during the break?
Teacher : Yes, you may but arrange them neatly.
Passenger : My child is 6 years old. Do I have to buy him a ticket?
Conductor : Yes, you must. It costs half of the price of an adult ticket.
Vani : Can we go for coffee after the meeting?
Yoga : No, I shan’t. I have to go home.
Salesman : When will I receive my order?
Customer : I shall assure you sir, the order will be delivered tomorrow.
Neela : Do you think I should write about my education background in the resume?
Preethi : Yes, you must. You may get a better job.

E. Here are a few sentences already done for you. The clues given would be helpful to \ make more sentences on your own.

1. I would suggest that you take the Uzhavan Express to Thanjavur from Chennai.
2. You will be more comfortable if you could book 3 tier A/C.
3. You could enjoy the trip.
4. You should visit the temples,
5. You mustn’t miss visiting the Big Temple.
6. You can buy many artistic things.
7. You must see the Saraswathi Mahal and its library.
8. A big palace can be seen in Thanjavur.
9. We shall buy Dancing Dolls.
10. Thiruvaiyaru, Kallanai Dam and Poondi Church can be visited from Thanjavur.

F. Active and Passive Change the following sentences to the other voice.

Question 1.
The manager appointed many office assistants.
Answer:
Many office assistants were appointed by the manager.

Question 2.
You are making a cake now.
Answer:
A cake is being made by you.

Question 3.
That portrait was painted by my grandmother.
Answer:
My grandmother painted that portrait.

Question 4.
Malini had bought a colourful hat for her daughter.
Answer:
A colourful hat had been bought by Malini for her daughter.

Question 5.
They have asked me to pay the fine.
Answer:
I was asked to pay the fine by them.

Question 6.
The militants were being taken to prison by the police.
Answer:
The police were taking the militants to prison.

Question 7.
His behaviour vexes me.
Answer:
I am vexed by his behaviour.

Question 8.
Rosy will solve the problem.
Answer:
The problem will be solved by Rosy.

Question 9.
Our army has defeated the enemy.
Answer:
The enemy has been defeated by our army.

Question 10.
The salesman answered all the questions patiently.
Answer:
All the questions were answered patiently by the salesman.

G. Change the following into Passive voice.

Question 1.
Please call him at once.
Answer:
You are requested to call him at once.

Question 2.
How did you cross the river?
Answer:
How was the river crossed by you?

Question 3.
No one is borrowing the novels from the library.
Answer:
The novels are not being borrowed from the library.

Question 4.
Will you help me?
Answer:
Will I be helped by you?

Question 5.
Go for a jog early in the morning.
Answer:
You are advised to go for a jog early in the morning.

Question 6.
Why have you left your brother at home?
Answer:
Why has your brother been left at home by you?

Question 7.
Nobody should violate the rules.
Answer:
The rules should not be violated.

Question 8.
Someone has to initiate it immediately.
Answer:
It has to be initiated immediately.

Question 9.
Have you invited Raman to the party?
Answer:
Has Raman been invited to the party by you?

Question 10.
Please do not walk on the grass.
Answer:
You are requested not to walk on the grass.

Question 11.
Cross the busy roads carefully.
Answer:
You are advised to cross the busy roads carefully. / Let the busy roads be crossed carefully.

Question 12.
When will you book the tickets to Bengaluru?
Answer:
When will the tickets be booked to Bengaluru by you?

H. In the following sentences the verbs have two objects namely Direct and Indirect objects. Change each of the following sentences into two passives using direct object as the subject in one and indirect in the other.

Question 1.
John gave a bar of chocolate to Jill.
Answer:
(a) Jill was given a bar of chocolate by John.
(b) A bar of chocolate was given to Jill by John.

Question 2.
Pragathi lent a pencil to Keerthana.
Answer:
(a) Keerthana was lent a pencil by Pragathi.
(b) A pencil was lent to Keerthana by Pragathi.

Question 3.
Sudha told the truth to her friend.
Answer:
(a) The truth was told to her friend by Sudha.
(b) Her friend was told the truth by Sudha.

Question 4.
They offered the job to Venkat.
Answer:
(a) Venkat was offered a job by them.
(b) A job was offered to Venkat by them.

Question 5.
The boss showed the new computer to Kaviya.
Answer:
(a) Kaviya was shown the new computer by the boss.
(b) The new computer was shown to Kaviya by the boss.

I. Rewrite the following passage in Passive Voice.

A few days ago, someone stole Ambrose’s motorbike. Ambrose had left it outside his house. He reported the theft to the police. The police told him that they would try to find his motorbike. This morning, they found his motorbike. The police called Ambrose to the police station. The thieves had painted it and then sold it to someone else. The new owner had parked the motorbike outside a mall when the police found it. After an enquiry, the police arrested the thieves.
Answer:
A few days ago, Ambrose’s motorbike was stolen by someone. It had been left outside his house by Ambrose. The theft was reported to the police by him. He was told by the police that they would try to find his motorbike. This morning, his motorbike was found by them. Ambrose was called to the police station by the police. It had been painted and then sold to someone else by the thieves. The motorbike had been parked outside a mall by the new owner, when it was found by the police. After an enquiry, the thieves were arrested by the police.

J. Write a recipe of your favorite dish in passive voice. Remember to list out the ingredients of the dish you have chosen and their quantity. Use Simple Present tense to write your recipe.
Answer:
Recipe of my favorite dish:
Pulka Chapathi Roti

Ingredients :

1. 500 gms wheat flour
2. 1 teaspoon salt
3. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4. 400 ml water

500 gm of wheat flour should be taken in a bowl. A teaspoon of salt should be added to it. One tablespoon of vegetable oil should be added to it. Water should be poured little by little and kneaded well. It should not be kneaded too hard. After kneading it, it should be covered with wet cloth for twenty minutes. Little rolls should be taken to be rolled to a circle. Then it should be heated on a low flame on both sides in a tava. Then it can be eaten hot with potato kurma.

K. Write a report of an event held at your school using Passive voice. Use Simple Past Tense to narrate the event.
Answer:
Report of an event :
Farewell Party
A farewell party was organized for our XII Std students on 28th February 2019. The students of X were invited by the students of XII Std. Teachers handling XII and XI Std were present for the party. Two or three events were arranged by the students of XI Std. Then the XII Std students were given some snacks and a memento each as a token of remembrance by the students of XI. The party was enjoyed by each and every student and it ended at 6.00 p.m with a farewell speech by an XI Std student.

His First Flight  by Liam O’Flaherty

Liam O’Flaherty (1896 – 1984) is an Irish novelist and short-story . Lwriter. He is a major figure of the Irish Renaissance. He was a founding member of the Communist Party of Ireland. Some of his best short stories were written in Irish. His autobiography, Shame the Devil, was published in 1934. His novel The Informer was made into a film. His First Flight and The Sniper are regarded as some of his best short stories. Collections of his short stories and letters were republished after his death. He is regarded as a strong voice for Irish nature and its culture.

His First Flight Key Points

• “His first flight” is an interesting story of a young seagull who was afraid of flying.
• He did not have confidence. He was full of pessimism.
• His parents, brothers and sister encouraged, scolded, tempted and taunted him to make his first flight.
• But he did not have enough courage to fly.
• He was left alone for twenty four hours, and he ate nothing. He was extremely hungry.
• He begged his mother for food.
• She picked up a piece of fish and flew across him. The sight of food maddened him. He dived.
• He cried and screamed. His wings opened up automatically. He flapped his wings.
• His family joined him in his first flight and praised him for his efforts.
• They offered him scraps of dogfish.

His First Flight Summary

‘His first flight by Liam O’Flaherty is a true parable about overcoming fears in life. Every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But that single step is the most difficult one to make. When we conquer the fear and venture forth, we will realize that we are born with wings.

A young seagull looked desperately at the vast expanse of water that stretched before him. His parents, brothers and little sister had flown away. They left him along on the rock. There was no food and he was hungry. He could not fly. Many times, he had tried to run forward to the brink of the ledge and flap his wings. But he was afraid that his wings would not support him. His parents made countless efforts to make him fly. Yet they could not persuade him, to make an attempt to fly. He was starving and felt that he would die, if he did not get any food. He saw his mother tearing a piece of fish with her beak.

When he cried out to her, she just screamed back. Then he saw his mother approaching him with food and was very happy. But she stopped at a distance. He was very hungry. So he dived at the fish. His mother flew upward and he started falling. He was terrified for a moment, but then he realized that he was flying. In this way, he made his ‘first flight. His parents and sister praised him. He was offered scraps of dogfish..

His First Flight Glossary

beckoning (v) – making a gesture with the hand or head to encourage someone to approach or follow
cackle (n) – a sharp, broken noise or cry of a hen, goose or seagull
devour (v) – to eat something eagerly and in large amounts, so that nothing is left
gnaw (v) – to bite or chew something repeatedly
herring (n) – a long silver fish that swims in large groups in the sea
ledge (n) – a narrow shelf that juts out from a vertical surface
mackerel (n) – a sea fish with a strong taste, often used as food
plaintively (adv.) – sadly, calling in a sad way
precipice (n) – a very steep side of a cliff or a mountain
preening (v) – cleaning feathers with beak
shrilly (adv.) – producing a high-pitched and piercing voice or sound
soared (v) – rose quickly to a high level
swoop (v) – to move very quickly and easily through the air
trot (v) – to run at a moderate pace with short steps
whet (v) – to sharpen

Words given in bold in this Glossary are taken from Textbook Glossary.

Poem Chapter 1 Life

Life Textual Questions

A. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions that follows.

Life Poem by Henry Van Dyke Line by Line Explanation Question 1. Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
(a) Whom does the word ‘me’ refer to?
(b) What kind of life does the poet want to lead?
Answer:
(a) ‘Me’ refers to the poet, Henry Van Dyke.
(b) The poet wants to live a joyous life with plenty of positivity towards the future.

2. Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
(a) Why do you think the poet is not in a hurry?
(b) What should one not mourn for?
Answer:
(a) The poet wants to move towards his goal without hurrying or turning away from it.
(b) One must not mourn for the things lost in the past.

Life Poem Figure of Speech by Henry Van Dyke Question 3. In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
(a) What does the poet mean by the phrase ‘in the dim past’?
(b) Is the poet afraid of future?
(c) How can one travel on with cheer?
Answer:
(a) ‘In the dim past’ means the sad days of the past.
(b) No, the poet is not afraid of future.
(c) One can travel on with cheer by retaining the pleasures of childhood.

So Let the Way Wind Up the Hill or Down Figure of Speech Question 4. So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown
(a) How is the way of life?
(b) How should be the journey of life?
(c) What did the poet seek as a boy?
Answer:
(a) The way of life could go up the hill or down, rough or smooth.
(b) The journey of life must be joyful.
(c) The poet seeks new friends and high adventure.

English Poems about Life Question 5. My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road’s last turn will be the best.
(a) What kind of quest does the poet seek here?
(b) What is the poet’s hope?
Answer:
(a) The quest is to seek a purposeful life with courage and determination.
(b) The poet hopes for a beautiful life with a clear sense of purpose.

6. In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
(a) Identify the rhyming words of the given lines.
Answer:
fear – cheer; whole – toll.

Let Me But Live My Life from Year to Year Poem Question 7. Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
(a) Identify the rhyme scheme of the given lines.
Answer:
The rhyming scheme: a b b a.

Poetic Comprehension – Additional

Poem on Life In English Question 1. Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
(a) How does the poet want to live his life?
(b) What does he say about past events?
Answer:
(a) He wants to live his life happily with forwarding momentum and positivity.
(b) He tells us not to worry about the past things that disappeared.

Poetic Devices – Additional

English Poem about Life Question 1. With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
(a) What literary device is used here?
(b) Pick out the alliterated words in these lines.
Answer:
(a) Couplet is used in this poem. A couplet is two lines of verse that are joined by a rhyme.
(b) The alliterated words: Forward – face; (1st line), Not-nor; (2nd line)

Poem about Life Journey Question 2. “So let the way wind up the hill or down”
(a) What is the figure of speech used here?
Answer:
Personification. The way is personified as a human. It takes us up the hill or down.

3. “My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road’s last turn will be the best”.
(a) What is the literary device used here?
Answer:
Couplet is the literary device used here.

B. Answer the following question in about 80-100 words.

1. Describe the journey of life as depicted in the poem by Henry Van Dyke.
Answer:
In this poem, life is described not as an entity, but as an experience. One should live with courage and dedication. Life should be lived without hurry and with a clear sense of purpose that drives the mind and soul. The poet encourages us to let go of all that has been lost in the past as well as the uncertainty the future holds. He tells us to embrace the present with the happiness which nourishes the young and the old. Happiness gives us nourishment on this journey with a smile on our face. Whatever situation life throws at us, it is the journey that should be joyous, for it teaches us to grow and live. Our imagination should have the innocence and fearlessness of childhood. We should seek out new friendships, new adventures and new experiences which enrich us. He encourages us to have faith and determination in our hearts, as we take on this beautiful journey. We should have eternal hope that our story ends joyfully.

Paragraph Questions & Answers Additional

English Poetry on Life Question 1.
What is the message of the poem “Life”?
Answer:
Henry Van Dyke was a visionary American author. His poem “Life” describes life taking on life in its truest form, an adventure. The poet wants to live his life looking ahead, willing to do something. He neither wants to hurry nor move away from his goal. He does not want to mourn the things he has lost, not hold back for fear of the future. He instead prefers to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels from youth to old age. Therefore, it does not matter to him whether the path goes up or down the hill, rough or smooth, the journey will be joyful. He will continue to seek what he wanted as a boy – new friendship, high adventure and a crown (prize). His heart will remain courageous and pursue his desires. He hopes that every turn in his life’s journey will be the best.

Question 2.
What does the poet narrate to us in this poem?
Answer:
In this poem, the poet narrates to us about how he would want to look forward with a happy and cheerful mind without worrying too much about the future. He thinks that he should live life to the fullest by retaining the child-like innocence and pleasures of life. Finally, he hopes that his life will be meaningful and that better things will happen to him in the future which lies ahead of him.

English Poem on Life Question 3.
What are the main concepts and ideas in the poem ‘Life’?
Answer:
The poet wants to live his life looking ahead, willing to do something. He neither wants to hurry nor move away from his goal. He does not want to mourn the things he has lost, not hold back for fear of the future. He instead prefers to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels from youth to old age. Therefore, it does not matter to him whether the path goes up or down the hill, rough or smooth, the journey will be joyful. He will continue to seek what he wanted as a boy – new friendship, (vii) high adventure and a crown (prize). His heart will remain courageous and pursue his desires. He hopes that every turn in his life’s journey will be the best.

C. Based on your understanding of the poem, complete the following passage by using the phrases given in the box.

youth to old age	up or down the hill	to hurry nor move away
high adventure	joyful	mourn	looking ahead

The poet wants to live his life (i) ________, willing to do something. He neither wants (ii) ________ from his goal. He does not want to (iii) ________ the things he has lost, not hold back for fear of the future. He instead prefers to live his life with a whole and happy heart which cheerfully travels from (iv) ________. Therefore, it does not matter to him whether the path goes (v)________, rough or smooth, the journey will be (vi)________. He will continue to seek what he wanted as a boy – new friendship, (vii) _______ ________ and a crown (prize). His heart will remain courageous and pursue his desires. He hopes that every turn in his life’s journey will be the best.
Answer:
(i) looking ahead
(ii) to hurry nor move away
(iii) mourn
(iv) youth to old age
(v) up or down the hill
(vi) joyful
(vii) high adventure

Life By Henry Van Dyke

Henry Van Dyke (1852 – 1933) was born in Pennsylvania, USA. A nature lover and avid reader, he earned degrees from Princeton, then served as a Presbyterian minister for more than 20 years. (He was considered one of the best preachers in New York City). He eventually returned to Princeton, where he spent nearly 20 years as a professor of English, with a bit of service as the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg and the Netherlands in between. A writer whose talent extended to many different genres, Henry’s best-known works are probably the lyrics of the hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and the two Christmas stories, “The Other Wise Man” and “The First Christmas Tree”.

Henry Van Dyke is a visionary American author. His poem “Life” describes life taking on life in its truest form, an adventure. This poem is beautiful and inspiring but also idealistic. One cannot help but be charmed by his childlike hope and absolute faith in the abilities of a warm heart and an able mind.

Life Key points

• Life is an experience.
• To be lived with courage.
• One should not worry about the uncertain future.
• Happiness nourishes life with extra energy.
• Imaginations to be fearless and pure.
• New friendships, new adventures, new explorations to enrich us.
• To always hope for a joyous future with determination and faith.

Life Summary

In this poem, life is described not as an entity, but as an experience. One should live with courage and dedication. Life should be lived without hurry and with a clear sense of purpose that drives the mind and soul. The poet encourages us to let go of all that has been lost in the past as well as the uncertainty the future holds. He tells us to embrace the present with the happiness which nourishes the young and the old. Happiness gives us. nourishment on this journey with a smile on our face.

Whatever situation life throws at us, it is the journey that should be joyous, for it teaches us to grow and live. Our imagination should have the innocence and fearlessness of childhood. We should seek out new friendships, new adventures and new experiences which enrich us. He encourages us to have faith and determination in our hearts, as we take on this beautiful journey. We should have eternal hope that our story ends joyfully.

Life Explanation of Poetic Lines

Line No. 1 – 2
Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Explanation:
The poet is giving advice to the readers from his own personal experiences. The poet wants to live his life happily as it comes with forward momentum and optimism. He wants to live his life every year with a happy heart.

Line No. 3 – 4
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
Explanation:
The poet does not like to hurry in any matters or situations. He doesn’t want to turn away from his aims. What he wanted to achieve, he will do it with confidence and hope. He does not like to feel sad and keep on worrying about the things that have passed away.

Line No. 5 – 6
In the dim past, nor holding back in
fear From what the future veils;
Explanation:
He doesn’t want to think about his dull past and hold back in fear about the uncertainty of his future. He wanted to look forward with a happy and cheerful mind. He doesn’t want to worry too much about his future.

Line No. 6 – 8
but with a whole.
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with
cheer.
Explanation:
He thinks that he should live life to the fullest by retaining the child-like innocence and pleasures of life. He likes to travel his journey of life cheerfully.

Line No. 9 -10
So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Explanation:
Though his way goes up in the path of a mountain or down the valley, he would enjoy his journey. No matter whatever happens if his path is difficult or easy, he will make it a joyful journey.

Line No. 11 – 12
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
Explanation:
He is searching to find what he was searching for when he was a boy – his new adventures, his hopes, his new friendship and his new experiences which enrich him.

Line No. 13 – 14
My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road’s last turn will be the best.
Explanation:
Life is described not as an entity but as an experience. One should live with courage, dedication and a clear sense of purpose that drives the mind and soul. The poet encourages us to have faith and determination in our hearts, as we take on this beautiful journey.

Life Glossary

crown (n) – a prize or position offered for being the best
dim – dark
goal – aim
mourning (v) – feeling or expressing great sadness
quest (n) – a long search for something that is difficult to find
seeking – hunting
sought – desired
toll – payment
unreluctant (adj.) – willing to do something (This form is generally not used but the poet has coined it for emphasis)
veils (v) – to hide or cover something so that you cannot see it clearly or understand it
wind – curve

The Tempest Textual Questions

A. Choose the correct answer.

1. _______ was the chief of all spirits.
(a) Sycorax
(b) Caliban
(c) Ariel
(d) Prospero
Answer:
(c) Ariel

2. _______ raised a threadful storm.
(a) Ariel
(b) Prospero
(c) Miranda
(d) Sycorax
Answer:
(b) Prospero

3. Miranda was brought to the island _______ years ago.
(a) fourteen
(b) ten
(c) twelve
(d) five
Answer:
(c) twelve

4. Prospero ordered Arief to bring _______ to his place.
(a) Gonzalo.
(b) Ferdinand
(c) King of Naples
(d) Antonio
Answer:
(b) Ferdinand

5._______ had provided Prospero formerly with books and provisions.
(a) Antonio
(b) Ferdinand
(c) Gonzalo
(d) Antonio
Answer:
(c) Gonzalo

6. The second human being that Miranda saw on the island was _______.
(a) Ariel
(b) Próspero
(c) Ferdinand
(d) Gonzalo
Answer:
(c) Ferdinand

MCQ – Additional

(i) They lived in a cave made out of _______.
(a) bricks
(b) wood
(c) cement
(d) rock
Answer:
(d) a rock

(ii) There he kept his books, which chiefly treated of _______.
(a) strength
(b) power
(c) magic
(d) wisdom
Answer:
(c) magic

(iii) Caliban was employed like a slave to _______ and do the most laborious offices.
(a) guard the cave
(b) fetch wood
(c) fetch water
(d) run errands
Answer:
(b) fetch wood

(iv) With the help of these spirits, Prospero could _______.
(a) support the people
(b) bring in commotion
(c) work on his study
(d) command the winds
Answer:
(d) command the winds

(v) By his orders, they raised _______.
(a) violent storm
(b) a great commotion
(c) fearful fight
(d) a building
Answer:
(a) violent storm

(vi) Our food lasted till we landed on this _______.
(a) rural area
(b) desert island
(c) Peninsula
(d) forest
Answer:
(b) desert island

(vii) She timidly answered, she was no _______.
(a) fairy
(b) princess
(c) angel
(d) goddess
Answer:
(d) goddess

(viii) This young man you see was in the _______.
(a) forest
(b) ship
(c) island
(d) cave
Answer:
(b) ship

(ix) Prospero had commanded _______ to pile up some heavy logs of wood.
(a) Gonzalo
(b) Ariel
(c) Ferdinand
(d) Caliban
Answer:
(c) Ferdinand

(x) Ariel soon returned with the king, Antonio and _______.
(a) Old Gonzalo
(b) Caliban
(c) Young Ferdinand
(d) wicked Sycorax
Answer:
(a) Old Gonzalo

B. Identify the character or speaker

1. She imprisoned the spirits in the bodies of large trees.
Answer:
Sycorax, the witch

2. He was the chief of all spirits.
Answer:
Ariel

3. It seems to me like the recollection of a dream.
Answer:
Miranda

4. I was Duke of Milan, and you were a princess.
Answer:
Prospero

5. What a trouble must I have been to you then!
Answer:
Miranda

6. Now pray tell me, sir, your reason for raising this sea-storm?
Answer:
Miranda

7. I will soon move you.
Answer:
Ariel

8. I will tie your neck and feet together.
Answer:
Prospero

9. I must finish my task before I take my rest.
Answer:
Ferdinand

10. He repented and implored his brother’s forgiveness.
Answer:
Antonio

Character or Speaker – Additional

1. ‘That was my delicate Ariel’
Answer:
Prospero

2. ‘I left them searching for Ferdinand’
Answer:
Ariel

3. ‘Heaven thank you my dear father’
Answer:
Miranda

4. ‘Wherefore, did they not that hour destroy us’
Answer:
Miranda

5. ‘Be not so amazed daughter, Miranda’
Answer:
Prospero

6. Poor souls ‘they will all perish.
Answer:
Miranda

7. I will resist this?
Answer:
Ferdinand

8. Why are you so ungentle
Answer:
Miranda

9. ‘Come on young man’
Answer:
Prospero

10. O my dear lady I dare not’
Answer:
Ferdinand

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

1. Who were the inhabitants of the island?
Answer:
The inhabitants of the island were an old man named Prospero and his daughter Miranda.

2. What powers did Prospero possess?
Answer:
Prospero possessed magical powers.

3. Who was Caliban? What was he employed for?
Answer:
Caliban was the son of a witch named Sycorax. He was employed like a slave to fetch wood and do the most laborious work.

4. Who were on the ship? How were they related to Prospero?
Answer:
Prospero’s brother Antonio, the King of Naples, the king’s son Ferdinand and an old lord Gonzalo were on the ship. Antonio, with the help of the King of Naples, deprived Prospero of his dukedom.

5. Why had Prospero raised a violent storm in the sea?
Answer:
Prospero raised a violent storm in the sea to make his enemies repent for the injustice done to him and his daughter.

6. How did Miranda feel when her father raised the storm to destroy the ship?
Answer:
Miranda felt extremely sad for the distress of the members in the ship. She wanted Prospero to have pity on the poor souls.

7. What was Ariel ordered to do with the people on the ship?
Answer:
Prospero ordered Ariel to torment the inmates of the ship by raising a violent storm. He also instructed Ariel to bring Ferdinand, the Prince of Naples to his cave.

8. Give two reasons why Miranda was so concerned about Ferdinand.
Answer:
Ferdinand was the second human whom Miranda had seen after her father. She was attracted by him and had more concern towards him.

9. Why did Prospero set Ferdinand a severe task to perform?
Answer:
Prospero set Ferdinand a severe task to perform to try his constancy. He resolved to throw some difficulties in his way.

10. How was Gonzalo helpful to Prospero when he left Milan?
Answer:
Gonzalo had privately placed water, provisions, clothes and some books, which Prospero loved the most in the boat.

D. Answer the questions in a paragraph of about 100 – 150 words.

Question 1.
Write a detailed character sketch of Prospero.
Answer:
Prospero was skilled magically and used his powers to create storms, provide entertainment, manipulate others, exercise power and control over the lives of others. He enjoyed knowledge and learning of spells. He became so entranced by his magic that he did not notice his brother trying to take his title and kill him. Prospero controlled all those who were around him. In the beginning of the play, he got the help of Ariel, the chief of gentle spirits, to create a violent and windy storm to punish his enemies who harmed him and his daughter. Ariel worked for Prospero in exchange for his freedom from a witch, Sycorax. But Caliban was the son of Prospero’s old enemy Sycorax. So, Prospero employed Caliban like a slave, to fetch wood and do the most laborious work.

Question 2.
Narrate how Prospero made his enemies repent to restore his dukedom.
Answer:
Prospero, the Duke of Milan, was more interested in reading books and in the art of magic. He trusted his brother Antonio and asked him to look after his affairs in his kingdom. But Antonio overthrew Prospero out of the kingdom, with the help of the king of Naples. Prospero reached an island with his daughter and stayed there for twelve years. He released many good spirits from the clutches of the witch Sycorax. With the help of Ariel, he created a violent storm in the sea. He made his enemies travelling in the ship, to suffer for their mistakes done to him. He asked Ariel to bring Ferdinand to the cave. There, Miranda and Ferdinand were attracted to each other. But Prospero tested Ferdinand to try his constancy. At last, he forgave all of them, as they realized their mistakes and repented. Everyone left the island and Prospero restored his dukedom.

Paragraph Questions & Answers – Additional

Question 1.
What role does the storm play in the development of the plot (Tempest)?
Answer:
In Shakespeare’s classic play the tempest, the storm is the plot’s inciting incident, which causes the King of Naples and the royal party to be shipwrecked on Prospero’s island. There he can seek revenge and regain his position as Duke of Milan. With Ariel’s assistance, Prospero takes revenge on his enemies. Once the royal party arrives on the island, Prospero uses his magic to manipulate and confuse his captives, before attaining his revenge and being restored to his rightful position of authority. Overall, the storm serves as the catalyst for placing the royal party on the island, which leads to Prospero’s restoration. The storm also brings Ferdinand and Miranda together. After being separated from the king’s party, Ferdinand discovers Miranda and the two fall in love.

Question 2.
Why is Prospero overthrown?
Answer:
Prospero was so engrossed in his studies, in his books on magic, that he neglected his duties as Duke of Milan. He was more than happy to leave the day to day administration of the Dukedom to his brother, Antonio. This turned out to be a foolish mistake. If someone in a position of authority gives the impression that they are no longer interested in performing their duty, then one can be certain that someone will gladly step into the breach and do it for them. And that is precisely what happens in relation to Prospero. As Antonio was effectively left in charge of the government, he wondered why he couldn’t take over as Duke in form as well as substance. So he made his move and Prospero was removed from office and subsequently banished along with Miranda to a remote island.

E. Rearrange the following sentences in coherent order.

1. He ordered Ariel to torment the inmates of the ship.
2. Miranda was attracted by Ferdinand and had more concern towards him.
3. Prospero and Miranda came to an island and lived in a cave.
4. Prospero forgave them and restored his dukedom, Milan.
5. He raised a violent storm in the sea to wreck the ship of his enemies.
6. Prospero wanted to test Ferdinand and gave a severe task to perform.
Using his powers, Prospero released the good spirits from large bodies of trees.
8. The King of Naples, and Antonio the false brother, repented the injustice they had done to Prospero.
9. Ariel was instructed to bring Ferdinand, the prince of Naples to his cave.
10. Ferdinand was the second human whom Miranda had seen after her father.
Answer:
3,7,5, 1, 9, 10, 2, 6, 8, 4
3. Prospero and Miranda came to an island and lived in a cave.
7. Using his powers, Prospero released the good spirits from large bodies of trees.
5. He raised a violent storm in the sea to wreck the ship of his enemies.
1. He ordered Ariel to torment the inmates of the ship.
9. Ariel was instructed to bring Ferdinand, the prince of Naples to his cave.
10. Ferdinand was the second human whom Miranda had seen after her father.
2. Miranda was attracted by Ferdinand and had more concern towards him.
6. Prospero wanted to test Ferdinand and gave a severe task to perform.
8. The King of Naples, and Antonio the false brother, repented the injustice they had done to Prospero.
4. Prospero forgave them and restored his dukedom, Milan.

The Tempest Additional Questions

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. There was an (i)________ in the sea, the only (ii) ________ of which were an old man named Prospero and his daughter Miranda, a very (iii) ________young lady. She came to this island so young, that she had no (iv)________ of having seen any other human face than her (v)________.
(a) beautiful
(b) memory
(c) island
(d) father’s
(e) inhabitants
Answer:
(i) (c) island
(ii) (e) inhabitants
(iii) (a) beautiful
(iv) (b) memory
(v) (d) father’s

2. By (i)________ of his art, he had released many good spirits from a witch called (ii)________ who had them imprisoned in the bodies of large trees. These gentle (iii)________ were ever after (iv)________ to the will of Prospero of these (v)________ was the chief.
(a) obedient
(b) spirits
(c) virtue
(d) Ariel
(e) Sycorax
Answer:
(i) (c) virtue
(ii) (e) Sycorax
(iii) (b) spirits
(iv) (a) obedient
(v) (d) Ariel

3. Having so said, Prospero gently (i)________his daughter with his magic (ii)________and she fell fast asleep; for the spirit Ariel just then (iii) ________himself before his (iv)________, to give an account of the Tempest and how he had (v) ________ of the ship’s company.
(a) presented
(b) master
(c) wand
(d) disposed
(e) touched
Answer:
(i) (e) touched
(ii) (c) wand
(iii) (a) presented
(iv) (b) master
(v) (d) disposed

4. Ariel gave a (i) ________ description of the storm and of the terrors of the (ii) ________ and how the king’s son Ferdinand, was the first who (iii) ________ into the sea; and his father (iv) ________, he saw his dear son (v) ________ up by the waves and lost.
(a) thought
(b) swallowed
(c) lively
(d) mariners
(e) leaped
Answer:
(i) (c) lively
(ii) (d) mariners
(iii) (e) leaped
(iv) (a) thought
(v) (b) swallowed

II. Match the following

(a)

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

(b)

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

(c)

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

III. Read the passage:

1. They lived in a cave made out of a rock; it was divided into several apartments, one of which Prospero called his study; there he kept his books, which chiefly treated of magic. By virtue of his art, he had released many good spirits from a witch called Sycorax who had them imprisoned in the bodies of large trees. These gentle spirits were ever after obedient to the will of Prospero. Of these Ariel was the chief.

(a) Where did they live?
Answer:
They lived in a cave made out of a rock.

(b) How was it divided?
Answer:
It was divided into several apartments.

(c) What did Prospero keep in one of his apartments?
Answer:
He kept his books which chiefly treated of magic.

(d) How did he release many good spirits?
Answer:
He released many good spirits by virtue of his art.

(e) Who was the chief of all the spirits?
Answer:
Ariel was the chief of all the spirits.

2. Ariel gave a lively description of the storm, and of the terrors of the mariners; and how the king’s son, Ferdinand, was the first who leaped into the sea; and his father thought he saw his dear son swallowed up by the waves and lost. “But he is safe,” said Ariel, “in a corner of the isle, sadly lamenting the loss of the king, his father.
“That’s my delicate Ariel,” said Prospero. “Bring him here: my daughter must see this young prince. Where is the king, and my brother?”
“I left them,” answered Ariel, “searching for Ferdinand, whom they have little hopes of finding, thinking they saw hitft perish. Of the ship’s crew not one is missing; though each one thinks himself the only one saved: and the ship, though invisible to them, is safe in the harbour.

(a) Who gave the lively description of the storm?
Answer:
Ariel gave the lively description of the storm.

(b) What did Ferdinand do?
Answer:
Ferdinand was the first to leap into the sea.

(c) What did the king of Naples think?
Answer:
He thought that his dear son was swallowed up by the waves and lost.

(d) Was the King of Naples safe?
Answer:
Yes the King of Naples was safe.

(e) What happened to the ship?
Answer:
The ship was safe in the harbour.

3. She timidly answered, she was no goddess, but a simple maid, and was going to give him an account of herself, when Prospero interrupted her. He was well pleased to find they admired each other, but to try Ferdinand’s constancy, he resolved to throw some difficulties in their way: therefore advancing forward, he addressed the prince with a stern air, telling him, he came to the island as a spy, to take it from him who was the lord of it. “Follow me,” said he, “I will tie your neck and feet together. You shall drink sea-water; shell-fish, withered roots, and husks of acorns shall be your food.” “No,” said Ferdinand, “I will resist this” and drew his sword; but Prospero, waving his magic wand, fixed him to the spot where he stood, so that he had no power to move.

(a) Who answered timidly?
Answer:
Miranda answered timidly that she was no goddess.

(b) Why was Prospero well pleased?
Answer:
He was well pleased to find they admired each other.

(c) Why was Prospero harsh towards Ferdinand?
Answer:
Prospero was harsh towards Ferdinand because he wanted to try Ferdinand’s constancy.

(d) What did he resolve to do?
Answer:
He resolved to throw some difficulties in their way.

(e) What did Prospero do to Ferdinand by his magic wand?
Answer:
By waving his magic wand, Prospero fixed Ferdinand to the spot where he stood, so that he had no power to move.

IV. Mind Map

1.

Answer:
(i) astonished
(ii) maid
(iii) Duke of Milan
(iv) never saw him
(v) second father

2.

Answer:
(i) astonished
(ii) maid
(iii) Duke of Milan
(iv) never saw him
(v) second father

The Tempest By William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (1564 -1616) is an English poet, playwright and actor. He is regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the worlds greatest dramatist of all time. He is often called ‘England’s National Poet’ and ‘Bard of Avon. His works consist of approximately 37 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems.

The Tempest Main characters

Prospero – An old man Rightful Duke of Milan Miranda’s father Antonio’s brother
Miranda – Beautiful young lady Prospero’s daughter
Sycorax –  A witch Caliban’s mother
Ariel – Chief of gentle spirits
Caliban – Ugly monster Son of Sycorax
King of Naples – Powerful prince Prospero’s enemy Father of Ferdinand
Ferdinand – Prince of Naples
Gonzalo – Kind lord of Prospero’s court

The Tempest Key Points

• Prospero and his daughter Miranda came to an island and lived in a cave.
• A witch, Sycorax, imprisoned many good spirits in the bodies of large trees.
• Prospero released these gentle spirits using his magical powers.
• Ariel was the chief of these gentle spirits. ‘
• Prospero raised a violent storm in die sea to wreck the ship of his enemies.
• He ordered Ariel to torment the inmates of the ship.
• Ariel was instructed to bring Ferdinand, the prince of Naples to his cave.
• Ferdinand was the second human whom Miranda had seen on the island, after her father.
• Prospero wanted to test Ferdinand and gave a severe task to perform.
• Miranda was attracted by Ferdinand and had more concern towards him.
• The King of Naples and Antonio, repented the injustice they had done to Prospero.
• Prospero forgave them and restored his dukedom, Milan.

The Tempest Summary

The play opens with a storm raised by Prospero. Earlier he was the rightful Duke of Milan. He had been set adrift in a boat with his three-year-old daughter, Miranda, by his usurping brother, Antonio. Prospero was more interested in his books and his magic than in the pragmatics of ruling Milan. This caused him to be overthrown by his brother. Arriving at an island, Prospero proceeded to make good use of his magic by freeing the spirit Ariel from the torment of imprisonment by a witch called Sycorax. Prospero found no living person on the island other than Sycorax’s son, an ugly monster, Caliban. Prospero employed Caliban, as a slave, to fetch wood and do the most laborious works. As the play begins, Prospero creates a tempest in order to dash a fine large ship, in which the King of Naples, his son Ferdinand, and Prospero’s brother, Antonio were travelling. He creates this tempest with the help of Ariel. He asks Ariel to bring Ferdinand to his cave. Before the arrival of Ferdinand, he tells his daughter of the misdeeds of his brother Antonio and the King of Naples. He tells the reason for creating the violent storm. He has no intentions of hurting them. But he wants them to realize their mistake and repent. When Ferdinand comes to his cave, he gets attracted to Miranda. They fall in love with each other. Prospero tests Ferdinand’s constancy by making him to perform severe tasks. Finally, Ariel makes Prospero’s enemies to realize their mistake. They repent for it. Prospero forgives them and restores his dukedom Milan.

The Tempest GLOSSARY

afflict – trouble
altered – changed
apparel – dress; clothes on
charge – duty
compelling – forcing
constancy – loyalty
deprive (v) – to take something important or necessary away from someone
dreadful (adj.) – extremely bad or unpleasant
duke (n) – a man of very high social rank in some European countries; a king
enchanted – charmed
famished (adj.) – extremely hungry
fatigue (n) – extreme tiredness
lamenting – shedding tears
mast – a tall upright post on a ship or boat
perish –  die
repent (v) – to be very sorry for something bad you have done.
resistance (n) – The act of fighting against something
resolved – determined to do something
stupefied – stunned
tackle – try to solve
tormenting (v) – making someone suffer or worry a lot
vexation (n) – worry or anger
voracious  (adj.) – very eager for something
withered – dried