Chapter 6: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar solved

Leave a Comment

Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 6: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) workbook solved which comprises Subject Verb Agreement, Types of Composition, Comprehension-Analysis with Suggested Answers, and Test Paper – 6. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Assignment

1. Neither of the two students ……………….. present. (was/were)

Answer: Neither of the two students was present.

Explanation: Think of the word “neither” as meaning “not one”. Even though we are talking about two students, the rule focuses on them one at a time: “not this one” and “not that one.” Since we are thinking about each student individually, we use the singular verb “was.”

2. The manager and director ……………….. appointed him. (has/have)

Answer: The manager and director has appointed him.

Explanation: Imagine your teacher is also the school’s music coach. She is one person with two jobs. In the sentence, “the manager and director” is most likely one person who holds both positions. Because it’s just one person, we use the singular verb “has.” If they were two different people, the sentence would say “The manager and the director.”

3. Many a worker ……………….. injured in the train accident. (was/were)

Answer: Many a worker was injured in the train accident.

Explanation: The phrase “many a” is a special way of saying “many.” Even though it talks about a lot of workers, the grammar rule tells us to treat it as if we’re talking about just one worker at a time. It’s like saying “many a single worker.” So, we use the singular verb “was.”

4. One of the players ……………….. appointed as the captain of the team. (was/were)

Answer: One of the players was appointed as the captain of the team.

Explanation: Look at a whole team of players. Are we talking about all of them, or just one? The sentence starts with “One.” “One” is the real subject. Since “one” is singular, we must use a singular verb, which is “was.”

5. Either Meera or her friends ……………….. to be blamed. (is/are)

Answer: Either Meera or her friends are to be blamed.

Explanation: With pairs like “either…or” and “neither…nor,” the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to it. In this sentence, “her friends” is standing right next to the blank space. Since “friends” is plural (more than one), the verb must also be plural, so we use “are.”

6. None of his books ……………….. read today. (is/are)

Answer: None of his books are read today.

Explanation: The word “none” can mean “not one” (singular) or “not any” (plural). In modern English, when “none” refers to something you can count, like “books,” it’s common to use a plural verb. Since we are talking about multiple books, we use the plural verb “are.”

7. The quality of the shoes ……………….. not good. (was/were)

Answer: The quality of the shoes was not good.

Explanation: What is the main thing the sentence is talking about? Is it the “shoes” or the “quality”? It’s the “quality.” The phrase “of the shoes” just tells us what the quality belongs to. Since “quality” is a single thing (singular), we use the singular verb “was.”

8. Ten thousand rupees ……………….. a good sum. (is/are)

Answer: Ten thousand rupees is a good sum.

Explanation: Even though “ten thousand rupees” sounds like a lot of individual notes, we are thinking of it as one single amount of money. Because we are treating it as one whole thing, we use the singular verb “is.” It’s like saying, “That pile of money is a good sum.”

9. Neither the manager nor the workers ……………….. in the factory. (is/are)

Answer: Neither the manager nor the workers are in the factory.

Explanation: Just like with “either…or,” the verb here looks at the subject that is its closest neighbor. The word “workers” is right next to the blank. Since “workers” is plural, the verb must also be plural. So, the correct verb is “are.”

10. Fifty kilometres ……………….. a long distance to go on foot. (is/are)

Answer: Fifty kilometres is a long distance to go on foot.

Explanation: Similar to the money question, “fifty kilometres” is seen as a single unit of distance, not 50 separate little pieces. Because we are talking about it as one whole journey, we use the singular verb “is.”

11. Sunil, as well as his friends, ……………….. won the competition. (has/have)

Answer: Sunil, as well as his friends, has won the competition.

Explanation: The main subject of this sentence is Sunil. The words “as well as his friends” are just extra information tucked in the middle. The verb must agree with the main subject, Sunil. Since Sunil is one person (singular), we use the singular verb “has.”

12. The size of the sheets ……………….. irregular. (is/are)

Answer: The size of the sheets is irregular.

Explanation: The sentence is not about the “sheets” themselves, but about their “size.” The word “size” is the true subject. “Size” is a singular concept, so it needs a singular verb, which is “is.”

13. The Midnight’s Children ……………….. written by Salman Rushdie. (was/were)

Answer: The Midnight’s Children was written by Salman Rushdie.

Explanation: “The Midnight’s Children” is the title of a single book. Even though the word “Children” in the title is plural, the title itself refers to one thing—one book. Therefore, we use the singular verb “was.”

14. The jury ……………….. divided in their opinions. (was/were)

Answer: The jury were divided in their opinions.

Explanation: A “jury” is a collective noun, meaning it’s a word for a group. If the group acts together as one unit, we use a singular verb. But here, the jury members are “divided,” meaning they are not thinking as one; they are thinking as separate individuals. Because they are acting like a group of individuals, we use the plural verb “were.”

15. My friends as well as I ……………….. present. (were/was)

Answer: My friends as well as I were present.

Explanation: The real subject of the sentence is “My friends.” The phrase “as well as I” is just extra information and doesn’t change the subject. Since “My friends” is plural (more than one person), the verb must also be plural. So, the correct answer is “were.”

Assignment

Write a composition on any one of the following:

(i) Look before you leap and think before you speak.

Answer: Look before you leap and think before you speak

The old gymnasium echoed with the squeak of sneakers and the rhythmic dribbling of a basketball. It was the final selection round for the school team, and my heart hammered against my ribs. I was a decent player, but so was Sameer. We were both vying for the last spot on the team. The coach, a stern man with a face carved from granite, watched our every move.

During a practice match, the score was tied. I saw an opening, a clear path to the basket. Sameer was in a better position to receive a pass, but the glory of scoring the winning shot was too tempting. I ignored his call, leaped into the air, and took the shot. The ball hit the rim and bounced away. The other team recovered it and scored just as the final buzzer sounded. We lost.

Later, in the locker room, the silence was heavy. The coach walked in and his gaze fell on me. “Rohan,” he said, his voice low but clear, “a team player thinks of the team first. You saw only yourself.” His words were a physical blow. Sameer, who should have been angry, simply looked at me with disappointment. In my haste for personal achievement, I had let everyone down. My impulsive leap had cost us the game and, for me, a place on the team.

That evening, my grandfather found me sitting alone. He listened patiently as I recounted the story. “There is wisdom in old sayings, Rohan,” he said gently. “‘Look before you leap’ is not just about physical safety. It is about considering the consequences of your actions. And ‘think before you speak’ is its cousin; it reminds us to consider the impact of our words.” I realised he was right. If I had taken just a second to think, to look for my teammate, the outcome would have been different. That day, I learned a lesson far more valuable than any game: foresight and consideration are the true marks of a winner, in sports and in life.

(ii) Looking through the window.

Answer: Looking through the window

The world from my bedroom window is a constantly changing painting. It is a simple, rectangular frame, but through it, I have watched seasons turn and stories unfold on the quiet street below. This morning, a gentle rain is falling, blurring the edges of the world into a soft watercolour. Each droplet that traces a path down the glass carries with it a tiny, distorted reflection of the green lawn and the grey sky.

The old banyan tree across the street stands as the silent protagonist of this daily drama. Its leaves, washed clean by the rain, are a deep, glossy green. A family of sparrows has made its home in the thick branches, and I watch them flit in and out, their chirps a cheerful counterpoint to the steady drumming of the rain. An elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Sharma, emerge from their house, sharing a single large, black umbrella. They walk slowly, their steps synchronised, a testament to a lifetime spent together. They pause under the banyan tree, perhaps sharing a memory, before continuing on their way.

As the rain subsides, a young boy in a bright yellow raincoat comes out to play. He jumps with glee in every puddle, sending sprays of water into the air, his laughter echoing in the clean, fresh air. His uninhibited joy is infectious, a small, bright spark in the otherwise tranquil scene.

This window is more than just an opening in a wall; it is my connection to the small, beautiful moments of life that often go unnoticed. It teaches me to pause, to observe, and to appreciate the simple, quiet rhythm of the world outside. It is a reminder that even in the most ordinary of settings, there is always something extraordinary to see if one only takes the time to look.

(iii) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of written examinations.

Answer: Strengths and Weaknesses of Written Examinations

Written examinations have long been the cornerstone of educational assessment, a traditional method for gauging a student’s knowledge and understanding. Their primary advantage lies in their objectivity and standardisation. A written test provides a uniform platform for all students, where each individual answers the same questions under the same conditions. This allows for fair and impartial grading, creating a level playing field where performance can be measured against a common benchmark. Furthermore, examinations encourage students to engage in thorough and disciplined study. The pressure of an upcoming exam motivates learners to review and consolidate months of coursework, helping to commit information to long-term memory. They also test a student’s ability to articulate thoughts coherently, structure arguments logically, and manage time effectively under pressure—skills that are valuable in many professional fields.

However, this traditional system is not without its significant drawbacks. One of the most frequently cited disadvantages is that written examinations often promote rote learning over genuine comprehension. Students may focus on memorising facts and figures simply to reproduce them in the exam hall, without truly understanding the underlying concepts. This can stifle creativity and critical thinking. Moreover, the high-stakes nature of these exams can induce immense stress and anxiety among students, which can negatively affect both their mental health and their performance. A single examination on a given day may not be a true reflection of a student’s abilities, as performance can be affected by illness, anxiety, or other external factors. Critics also argue that written tests fail to assess a wide range of skills, such as practical abilities, communication skills, teamwork, and creativity, which are essential for success in the real world. A student who excels in practical application might perform poorly in a theory-based written test, leading to an inaccurate assessment of their overall competence.

(iv) Write about a person, who has inspired you the most and has been instrumental in changing your life.

Answer: My Grandfather

The person who has inspired me the most and fundamentally changed the course of my life is my grandfather. He was not a famous man, nor was he wealthy, but he possessed a richness of character that I have always strived to emulate. He was a retired schoolteacher, and his entire life was a lesson in patience, curiosity, and kindness.

I remember spending my childhood summers at his house, which was filled with more books than furniture. He never told me to read; instead, he made reading an adventure. He would sit in his old armchair, a thick book in his lap, and read aloud stories of distant lands, brave heroes, and scientific wonders. His voice would rise and fall with the narrative, and his eyes would sparkle with the magic of the words. He taught me that books were not just collections of pages but gateways to new worlds and ideas. It was through him that I developed a lifelong love for learning.

Beyond academics, my grandfather taught me the value of simple things. He was an avid gardener, and he would spend hours tending to his plants. He showed me how a tiny seed, with care and patience, could grow into a plant that bears fruit. “Life is like this garden, my child,” he once told me, his hands covered in soil. “You must nurture the good things—kindness, honesty, hard work—and weed out the bad. Then you will see yourself blossom.”

This simple metaphor has stayed with me, guiding my actions and choices. He was a man of quiet strength and unwavering integrity. He faced hardships with a calm resolve and treated every person, regardless of their station, with respect. His life was a quiet demonstration that a person’s worth is measured not by their possessions but by their impact on others. He has passed on, but his lessons and his spirit continue to be the guiding light in my life.

(v) Morning walk in a park.

Answer: Morning walk in a park

The first light of dawn was just beginning to spill over the horizon as I entered the park gates. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the sweet scent of damp earth and blooming jasmine. The usual hum of the city was absent, replaced by a serene quiet broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant cooing of a pigeon. This was the park in its most tranquil state, a peaceful sanctuary before the world fully awoke.

My feet found a familiar rhythm on the gravel path that wound its way through manicured lawns and clusters of ancient trees. The dew-drenched grass sparkled like a carpet of diamonds under the soft, emerging light. A group of elderly men were already engrossed in their daily laughter therapy session, their hearty chuckles echoing through the calm morning. Nearby, a woman practiced Tai Chi, her movements slow, graceful, and deliberate, a perfect picture of harmony with her surroundings.

I walked towards the small lake at the center of the park. The water was still, mirroring the pastel colours of the sky—pinks, oranges, and soft blues. A pair of ducks glided silently across the surface, leaving faint ripples in their wake. I sat on a bench, watching as the sun climbed higher, its golden rays filtering through the canopy of leaves, creating dancing patterns of light and shadow on the ground.

The park slowly began to fill with life. Joggers in colourful tracksuits passed by, their breaths visible in the cool air. Children, full of energy, ran towards the play area, their excited voices adding a new layer of sound to the morning symphony. The morning walk was not just an exercise for the body; it was a refreshment for the soul. It was a time to connect with nature, to observe the simple beauties of life, and to start the day with a sense of peace and clarity.

Test Paper – 6

Question 1

(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.)
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:

(i) Take risks: if you win you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise. Write an original or imaginative story to bring out the truth of this statement.

Answer: Title: The Potter’s Gamble

For years, Elara had been just another potter in the quiet village of Oakhaven. Her hands, stained with the earth’s clay, crafted bowls and pots that were sturdy and functional, but never remarkable. She sold just enough to get by, her life moving in a predictable, comfortable circle. Inside her, however, a different kind of vessel was taking shape—an idea, fragile and bold. She dreamt of creating a porcelain glaze, a secret whispered to be impossible with their local minerals, a brilliant, sky-blue finish that shimmered like a captured star.

The village elders warned against it. “Why waste good clay on foolish dreams, Elara?” old Manon would say. “Stick to what sells.” Her savings were meagre, and every failed experiment meant less food on her table. The risk was immense. Failure meant not just disappointment, but potential ruin. Yet, the thought of a lifetime of crafting plain, brown pots felt like a heavier burden.

One evening, clutching her small pouch of coins, she decided. She would risk it all. For weeks, her small kiln glowed through the night. She ground minerals, mixed compounds, and tested temperatures, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration. Batch after batch cracked in the heat or emerged a dull, murky grey. Her savings dwindled, and the whispers in the village grew louder. She was losing.

On the brink of giving up, with only enough clay for one final vase, she tried a new combination, adding a pinch of river salt, a desperate, intuitive guess. She placed the vase in the kiln, her hands trembling, and waited.

When she opened the kiln the next morning, she gasped. The vase was not the brilliant blue she had imagined. It was a deep, swirling indigo, streaked with veins of silver she had never intended. It was a failure by her original standards, but it was breathtakingly beautiful, unlike anything anyone in Oakhaven had ever seen.

A travelling merchant saw the vase and bought it for a price that would sustain her for a year. More importantly, Elara had discovered a unique process. She had lost the battle for the sky-blue glaze, but in doing so, she had become wise. She learned about resilience, about the unexpected beauty of failure, and about the true nature of her craft. She never achieved that perfect blue, but her ‘Midnight Silver’ pottery made her a legend. She had taken a risk. She hadn’t won the prize she sought, but the wisdom she gained was far more valuable.

(ii) It is said that one of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is to have a happy childhood. Narrate an experience in support of this statement.

Answer: The Mango Orchard

Of all the threads that make up the fabric of my memory, the brightest are those woven from the summers of my childhood. If a happy childhood is a treasure, then mine was a chest overflowing with gold, and the key to it was the annual family trip to my grandfather’s farm. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, and the air was thick with the sweet scent of mangoes and wet earth.

I must have been about eight years old during the summer that stands out the most. The journey itself was an adventure, with my sister and I counting cars and singing off-key in the back of our father’s old Ambassador. The real magic, however, began the moment we turned onto the dusty track leading to the farmhouse. My grandfather, a man with a smile as warm as the summer sun, would be waiting on the porch.

That particular year, the mango trees in his orchard had yielded a bumper crop. The branches hung low, heavy with golden fruit. My grandfather declared the start of the “Great Mango Heist,” a game where my sister, my cousins, and I were the “thieves,” and he was the “watchman.” Our mission was to pluck the ripest mangoes without him “catching” us.

I remember the thrill of creeping through the orchard, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, our bare feet sinking into the cool soil. We would climb the sturdy, low-hanging branches, our laughter echoing through the trees. Grandfather would pretend to doze off in his armchair, only to jump up with a playful roar, sending us scattering in mock terror, our small hands full of our sweet loot.

The afternoons were spent sitting on the veranda, feasting on the mangoes. Juice would drip down our chins and arms, and no one ever told us to be neat. My grandmother would tell us stories of her own childhood, her voice a gentle hum against the backdrop of chirping crickets. In those moments, surrounded by family, love, and the simple joy of a ripe mango, I felt a sense of security and belonging that has anchored me throughout my life.

Those summers taught me that happiness isn’t found in grand events, but in small, shared moments. That feeling of unconditional love and carefree joy is a foundation upon which I have built my life. Whenever I face challenges, the memory of that mango orchard, of my grandfather’s laughter and the taste of summer, reminds me of the goodness in the world and gives me the strength to move forward. It is a luck that continues to bless me every day.

(iii) ‘Coaching classes or private tuitions should be banned.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.

Answer: Ban Coaching Classes and Private Tuitions

The mushrooming of coaching classes and the culture of private tuitions have become a pervasive and, I believe, detrimental feature of our education system. While they promise to unlock success, they often chain students to a regimen of rote learning and relentless pressure, stifling the very essence of true education. It is for these reasons that I firmly support the view that coaching classes and private tuitions should be banned.

Firstly, the coaching industry creates a glaring disparity in the educational landscape. It fosters an unequal playing field where academic success becomes a commodity, available only to those who can afford it. Students from economically weaker backgrounds are immediately at a disadvantage, no matter how intelligent or hardworking they are. Education, which should be a great equaliser, becomes a tool of division, reinforcing social and economic hierarchies. A ban would help restore a semblance of equity, ensuring that success is a measure of merit and diligence, not parental income.

Secondly, these institutions promote a culture of “spoon-feeding” and rote memorisation over genuine understanding and critical thinking. Their primary goal is to teach students how to crack examinations, not how to learn. They provide shortcuts, predicted questions, and formulaic answers that may yield high marks but leave the student intellectually impoverished. This approach discourages curiosity and creativity, producing students who are excellent test-takers but poor problem-solvers. The joy of learning is replaced by the anxiety of performance, which is a grave disservice to young minds.

Furthermore, the immense pressure exerted by these coaching centres takes a severe toll on the mental and physical health of students. Their schedules are packed, leaving little to no time for sports, hobbies, or social interaction—all of which are crucial for holistic development. The constant competition and the fear of failure lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, and in tragic cases, depression. By banning these institutions, we would be giving children their childhood back, allowing them the time and space to grow into well-rounded individuals, not just academic machines.

In conclusion, while coaching classes may offer short-term gains in examination scores, their long-term impact is overwhelmingly negative. They deepen inequality, hinder intellectual growth, and compromise student well-being. Banning them would be a bold step towards creating a more equitable, meaningful, and humane education system.

(iv) You were selected at the last moment to represent your school in an inter-school badminton tournament which you won. Describe your excitement on being selected in the team, the competition and your feelings on having won laurels for your school.

Answer: The Unforeseen Victory

The morning of the inter-school badminton tournament began like any other. I was in the library, trying to focus on a history chapter, when our sports captain, Rohan, burst in, his face pale with panic. “Aarav is down with a fever,” he announced, his voice a stressed whisper. “We need a partner for the doubles match. You’re in.” My heart leaped into my throat. I was a reserve player, someone who practised with the team but never expected to play in a crucial tournament. A wave of nervous excitement washed over me; this was the chance I had secretly dreamed of but never thought I would get.

The journey to the host school was a blur of frantic strategy discussions with my partner, Sameer. The weight of expectation was immense. We were the underdogs, an untested pair thrown together at the eleventh hour. The roar of the crowd in the auditorium was deafening as we stepped onto the court for our first match. My hands were clammy, and my racket felt like a foreign object.

The initial games were a struggle. Our coordination was off, and we dropped the first set. But during the break, Sameer looked at me and said, “Forget the crowd. Forget the score. Just play.” His words broke through my anxiety. We went back onto the court not as a last-minute replacement and a star player, but as a team. We started anticipating each other’s moves, covering the court with a newfound synergy. We fought for every point, our smashes growing more confident, our net play more precise. We scraped through the quarter-finals and then, to everyone’s astonishment, the semi-finals.

The final match was against the reigning champions. The game was a nail-biting spectacle of long rallies and breathtaking saves. We were tied at match point. The shuttlecock flew high, a white speck against the bright lights. I saw my opponent move in for a killer smash. I lunged forward, my body acting on pure instinct, and played a soft drop shot that just trickled over the net. There was a moment of stunned silence, followed by an eruption of cheers from our school’s supporters. We had won.

The feeling was indescribable. Sameer and I were mobbed by our teammates, our shoulders sore from the congratulatory pats. Standing on the podium, with the winner’s trophy in my hands and the school banner held high behind me, I felt a surge of pride that I had never experienced before. I wasn’t just a reserve player anymore. I had faced the pressure, seized the unexpected opportunity, and brought glory to my school. That day, I learned that sometimes the most unforeseen challenges lead to the most triumphant victories.

(v) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.

Answer: The Final Whistle

The air on the netball court was electric, thick with the tension of the final sixty seconds of the championship game. For the five girls of the Ravens team, this was more than just a match; it was the culmination of months of early morning practices, grueling drills, and a shared dream. The scoreboard glowed with a tied score: 24-24. The ball was in their possession.

Maya, the team captain, stood at the centre, her eyes scanning the court. Her dark green uniform was damp with sweat, her expression a mask of intense focus. To her left, Priya, the agile wing attack, bounced on the balls of her feet, ready to sprint into any open space. On the other side, Anjali and Rina held their defensive positions, their faces grim with determination, forming a human wall to protect their goal. A little ahead, Sia, their goal shooter, waited near the opponent’s post, her hands poised to catch the decisive pass.

They were a team forged not just in practice but in friendship. They had supported each other through missed shots and scraped knees, celebrated small victories, and pushed each other to be better. They knew each other’s moves without having to look, communicating through subtle nods and glances. This final minute was their ultimate test.

The whistle blew, and the game resumed with a ferocious pace. Maya passed the ball to Priya, who dodged a defender with a swift pivot. The opposition was relentless, their defence tight, leaving no clear path to the goal. The seconds ticked away, each one feeling like an eternity. The crowd was a roaring wave of sound, but for the five girls on the court, the world had shrunk to the white lines, the ball, and each other.

With ten seconds left, Priya saw a fleeting opening. She hurled the ball in a high arc towards the goal post. For a heart-stopping moment, it seemed to fly too high. But Sia, with a spectacular leap, caught it mid-air. She landed, took a steadying breath, and aimed. The ball left her fingertips, spinning gracefully towards the hoop.

Time seemed to freeze as it soared. It hit the rim, circled it once, twice, and then dropped cleanly through the net. The final whistle blew at that exact instant.

A wave of pure joy erupted from the Ravens. They rushed together, a tangle of green uniforms and triumphant shouts. They had done it. It wasn’t just the skill of one player, but the trust, unity, and unwavering spirit of all five that had won them the championship. In that moment of shared victory, under the bright lights of the court, they were more than a team; they were sisters in sport.

Question 2

(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
Select any one of the following:

(i) Write a letter to the Manager of a courier company in your town, complaining to him/her about the non-delivery of a parcel you had sent a week ago to your brother, who lives in Pune.

Answer:

21, Park Avenue
Greenwood Colony
Mumbai – 400058

15th July 2024

The Manager
Swift Couriers Pvt. Ltd.
Andheri (West) Branch
Mumbai – 400053

Subject: Complaint regarding non-delivery of parcel (AWB No. SC789456123)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to register a formal complaint about the non-delivery of a parcel that I sent through your courier service a week ago. The details of the shipment are as follows:

Air Waybill (AWB) Number: SC789456123
Date of Booking: 8th July 2024
Contents: Important academic books and documents
Recipient’s Name: Mr. Rohan Sharma
Recipient’s Address: Flat 5B, Rosewood Apartments, Viman Nagar, Pune – 411014

I booked the parcel from your Andheri (West) branch and was assured that it would be delivered to the recipient in Pune within three working days. However, it has been over a week, and my brother has not yet received the package. The online tracking system has not been updated for the last five days and still shows the status as “In Transit.”

The contents of the parcel are of great importance and are needed urgently. This inordinate delay and the lack of clear communication from your end have caused significant inconvenience and anxiety. I have tried calling your customer service helpline multiple times, but the response has been unsatisfactory.

I request you to take immediate action to locate my parcel and ensure its prompt delivery to the correct address. I also expect a clear explanation for this delay. If the parcel is not delivered within the next 48 hours, I will be forced to escalate this matter and seek compensation for the items and the deficiency in your service.

I look forward to your swift response and resolution of this issue.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
Amit Sharma
(Contact No: 9XXXX3210)

(ii) Write a letter to your younger sister advising her to read books, magazines and newspapers to improve her vocabulary and writing skills.

Answer:

5/C, Rainbow Apartments
Kolkata – 700019
15th July 2024

My dear Riya,

I hope this letter finds you in great spirits. Mom mentioned in her last call that your half-yearly exams are approaching, and I know you are working hard. While you are focusing on your subjects, I wanted to share a little piece of advice that will help you not just in your exams, but throughout your life. I want to talk to you about the magic of reading.

I know you find writing essays and long answers a bit challenging sometimes. The best way to overcome this is to develop a regular reading habit. It’s the most effective way to improve your vocabulary and strengthen your writing skills. When you read, you expose yourself to new words, different sentence structures, and diverse ways of expressing ideas. This automatically seeps into your own writing, making it more articulate and impressive.

You don’t have to start with thick, difficult books. Begin with something you enjoy. Pick up a storybook by an author like Ruskin Bond or Sudha Murty. Their simple yet beautiful language is a great starting point. Besides books, try reading a good newspaper every day, even if it’s just the headlines and the front-page articles. This will not only improve your English but also keep you updated on current affairs.

Also, get a subscription to a good children’s magazine like The Children’s World or National Geographic Kids. They are full of interesting articles, stories, and facts presented in an engaging way. Make it a habit to read for at least 30 minutes every day. Keep a small notebook to jot down any new words you come across and try to use them in your conversations or writing.

Believe me, Riya, reading is like a superpower. It opens up new worlds, sparks your imagination, and gives you the gift of words. It will make your studies easier and your thoughts clearer.

Give my love to Mom and Dad. I am eagerly waiting for your reply.

With all my love,
Your loving brother,
Aditya

Question 3

(i) You are Ashish/Aarti, Secretary of the Eco Club of your school. Draft a notice to be displayed on the school notice board, asking students of Classes IX and X to submit their names for participating in a cleanliness drive on the river bank in your city.

Answer:

GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

NOTICE

15th July 2024

CLEANLINESS DRIVE – LET’S SAVE OUR RIVER!

This is to inform all students of Classes IX and X that the Eco Club is organising a

Cleanliness Drive at the city’s river bank as part of our ‘Clean City, Green City’

initiative. This is an opportunity for us to contribute to our environment and make a

real difference.

Details of the drive are as follows:

Date: 27th July 2024 (Saturday)

Time: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Venue: Ganga Ghat (Assembly at school gate at 7:30 AM)

Students who wish to volunteer for this noble cause are requested to submit their

names to the undersigned on or before 22nd July 2024. Participants will be

provided with gloves, masks, and refreshments.

Let’s join hands to restore the beauty of our river.

Aarti

Secretary, Eco Club

(ii) Write an email to a famous environmentalist requesting him/her to guide the students of your school on how to make people aware about their role in keeping the rivers pollution free.

Answer:

To: sunitanarain@email.com
From: Ashish@email.com

Subject: Invitation to Guide Students on River Pollution Awareness

Dear Ms. Sunita Narain,

My name is Ashish, and I am the Secretary of the Eco Club at Greenwood High School, Delhi. Our club is deeply committed to promoting environmental consciousness among students and the local community.

We are currently planning an awareness campaign titled ‘Our River, Our Responsibility’, which aims to educate people about their role in preventing river pollution. As a leading voice in environmental conservation in India, your work has been a great inspiration to all of us.

On behalf of our school, I would like to cordially invite you to an interactive session with our students. We would be honoured if you could spare some time from your valuable schedule to guide our students on effective strategies to raise public awareness. Your insights on how young people can be powerful agents of change would be immensely beneficial for our campaign.

We are flexible with dates and can schedule the session at your convenience anytime in the first week of August.

Thank you for considering our request. We eagerly look forward to the possibility of hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
Ashish
Secretary, Eco Club
Greenwood High School, Delhi

Question 4

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

[Elk is a large deer that lives in northern Europe and Asia.]

Teresa was the richest old woman in the county of Woldshire. Bertie, her younger grandson, was the heir-designate to her property; and as such he was a centre of interest and concern to some half-hundred ambitious mothers with daughters of marriageable age.

At the house party that gathered under Teresa’s roof during the Christmas week of that year, Mrs. Yonelet confided to the vicar’s wife that Dora Yonelet and Bertie were so obviously made for each other, and if the old lady were accustomed to seeing them about a lot together she might adopt the view that they would make a suitable married couple.

“My dear,” said the vicar’s wife resignedly, “my own Sybil was thrown together with Bertie under the most romantic circumstances but it made no impression on Teresa; she put her foot down in the most uncompromising fashion, and Sybil married an Indian civilian.”

Mrs. Yonelet was a woman of resourceful energy; she involved the other members of the house party, in all manner of exercises and occupations that segregated them from Bertie and Dora. Whatever sport or exercise or occupation Bertie and Dora indulged in together—playing billiards, photographing the tame elk in the park, etc.—was unfailingly chronicled and advertised by Mrs. Yonelet for the due enlightenment of Bertie’s grandmother.

On the afternoon after Christmas Day, Mrs. Yonelet dashed into the drawing room, and announced, “Bertie has saved Dora from the elk!” In swift, excited sentences, broken with maternal emotion, she gave an account of how the treacherous animal had ambushed Dora and how Bertie had dashed to her rescue and driven the beast off in the nick of time. “Teresa,” Mrs. Yonelet further exclaimed, “after those two young people have been thrown together so dramatically, one cannot help feeling that Fate has consecrated them for each other.”

“Exactly what the vicar’s wife said when Bertie saved Sybil from the elk a year or two go,” observed Teresa placidly.

“Teresa is devoid of feelings,” said Mrs. Yonelet afterwards to the vicar’s wife.

“Of course you know whom she really intends Bertie to marry,” said the vicar’s wife; “I have noticed it for some time. The Bickelbys’ German Governess. She is of quite a good family, I believe. In fact, next to Teresa, she is about the most assertive and combative personality in the neighbourhood.”

“But”, objected Mrs. Yonelet, “surely Bertie hasn’t shown the least sign of being attracted in that quarter?”

“Oh, she’s quite nice-looking in a way and dresses well. One of these days Bertie will rescue her from the elk, and Teresa will say that Fate has consecrated them to each other. Bertie would not dream of opposing his grandmother.”

Six months later, the elk had to be destroyed. In a fit of exceptional moroseness, it had killed the Bickelbys’ German Governess. Dora Yonelet married Bertie three months after his grandmother’s death—Teresa did not long survive the German Governess fiasco. At Christmas time every year, Dora hangs an extra large festoon of evergreens on the elk horns that decorate the hall.

“It was a fearsome beast,” she says to Bertie, “but I always feel that it was instrumental in bringing us together.”

(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:

1. confided (line 5)

(a) hid
(b) divulged
(c) concealed
(d) suppressed

Answer: (b) divulged

2. resourceful (line 12)

(a) powerful
(b) hopeful
(c) meaningful
(d) beautiful

Answer: (a) powerful

(ii) Which word in the passage is the opposite of ‘harmless’? 

(a) ambushed
(b) consecrated
(c) assertive
(d) treacherous

Answer: (d) treacherous

(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.

(a) Why was Bertie in demand among ambitious mothers?

Answer: Bertie was in demand among ambitious mothers because he was the designated heir to the property of his grandmother, Teresa, who was the richest old woman in the county. They saw him as a very desirable and wealthy match for their marriageable daughters.

(b) What did Mrs. Yonelet confide to the vicar’s wife?

Answer: Mrs. Yonelet confided to the vicar’s wife her belief that her daughter Dora and Bertie were perfectly suited for each other. She also shared her strategy that if Teresa, Bertie’s grandmother, saw them together frequently, she might approve of them as a married couple.

(c) What incident did Mrs. Yonelet mention to indicate that Fate had consecrated Bertie and Dora?

Answer: Mrs. Yonelet fabricated and announced an incident where Bertie had supposedly saved Dora from a treacherous elk, presenting it as a dramatic event to suggest that Fate had destined them for each other.

(d) Whom did Teresa want Bertie to marry? Why?

Answer: Teresa wanted Bertie to marry the Bickelbys’ German Governess. The vicar’s wife suggests this is because the Governess, like Teresa herself, had a very assertive and combative personality and was from a good family.

(e) Finally what happens to Bickelby’s German Governess?

Answer: Finally, the Bickelbys’ German Governess is killed by the elk when the animal has a fit of exceptional moroseness.

(iv) Whom did Bertie marry? How was the elk instrumental in bringing them together? Answer in not more than fifty words.

Answer: Bertie married Dora Yonelet. The elk was instrumental first when Dora’s mother falsely claimed Bertie saved Dora from it to impress his grandmother. More significantly, the elk later killed the German Governess whom his grandmother wanted him to marry, removing the main obstacle to their union.

Question 5

(i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space. 

Example: (0) accounted

India ….0…. (account) for 11.6 per cent of the total viral hepatitis disease burden ….1…. (global) in 2022, ….2…. (make) it the country with the second ….3…. (high) disease load after China, according to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Hepatitis Report 2024 ….4…. (release) recently.

As per the report, the disease is the second ….5…. (lead) infectious cause of death globally – with 1.3 million deaths per year, the same as tuberculosis, a top infectious killer. Every day, there are 3,500 people ….6…. (die) globally due to Hepatitis B and C infections. Half the burden of chronic Hepatitis B and C infections is among people aged 30-54 years, with 12% among children under 18 years of age. Men account for 58% of all cases. Hepatitis B can be ….7…. (prevent) through ….8…. (vaccine), and Hepatitis C is curable with medicines.

Answer:

1. globally
2. making
3. highest
4. released
5. leading
6. dying
7. prevented
8. vaccination

(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

(a) He has not been to his home town ……………………………… December 15, 2020.
(b) The bridge is built ……………………………… the river.
(c) The court proceeded ……………………………… the criminals.
(d) The car crashed ……………………………… a tree.
(e) She will join as the CEO of the company ……………………………… Tuesday.
(f) The dance reality show will be telecast ……………………………… Monday.
(g) We intend to get ……………………………… to our ancestral village after father retires.
(h) He needs to brush ……………………………… his French before going to Paris.

Answer:

(a) since
(b) across / over
(c) against
(d) into
(e) on
(f) on
(g) back
(h) up on

(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option. 

1. The lady is honest. The lady is trustworthy.

(a) The lady is honest since she is trustworthy.
(b) The lady is honest as well as trustworthy.
(c) The lady is honest to be trustworthy.
(d) The lady should be honest to be trustworthy.

Answer: (b) The lady is honest as well as trustworthy.

2. He tells his sister strange things. She believes them all.

(a) She believes all the strange things he tells his sister.
(b) His sister believes the strange thing he tells him.
(c) His sister believes all the strange things he tells her.
(d) She believed all the strange things he told his sister.

Answer: (c) His sister believes all the strange things he tells her.

3. It was late. I hoped to find the shop open.

(a) It was too late to hope to find the shop open.
(b) Although it was late, I hoped to find the shop open.
(c) Unless it was late, I hoped to find the shop open.
(d) Since it was late, I hoped to find the shop open.

Answer: (b) Although it was late, I hoped to find the shop open.

4. I have borrowed a book from Aditi. I must return it to her.

(a) I must return the book that I have borrowed from Aditi.
(b) I must have to return the book that I had borrowed from Aditi.
(c) I must be returning the book that I have borrowed from Aditi.
(d) I must return the book I have to borrow from Aditi.

Answer: (a) I must return the book that I have borrowed from Aditi.

Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence. 

1. Didn’t I meet you in the library yesterday? (Use a question tag)

(a) I meet you in the library yesterday, didn’t I?
(b) I met you in the library yesterday, didn’t I?
(c) I did met you in the library yesterday, hadn’t I?
(d) Yesterday I had met in the library, had I?

Answer: (b) I met you in the library yesterday, didn’t I?

2. “I will help you if I can,” he promised me. (Begin with: He promised me that…)

(a) He promised me that he would help me if he could.
(b) He promised me that if he would help me he could.
(c) He promised me that unless he would help me if he could.
(d) He promised me that only he would help me if he could.

Answer: (a) He promised me that he would help me if he could.

3. Health is far better than wealth. (Use: preferable)

(a) Preferable is health than wealth.
(b) Health is preferable to wealth.
(c) Health is preferable than wealth.
(d) Preferable is health to wealth.

Answer: (b) Health is preferable to wealth.

4. To sleep under a tree at night is not advisable. (Begin with: It …)

(a) It is not advisable to be slept under a tree at night.
(b) It is not to be advisable to sleep under a tree at night.
(c) It is not advisable to sleep under a tree at night.
(d) It is not advised to be able to sleep under a tree at night.

Answer: (c) It is not advisable to sleep under a tree at night.

5. He said that he wondered if his friend was interested in the property then. (Begin with: He said, “…)

(a) He said, “I wonder if my friend is interested in the property now.”
(b) He said, “I wonder if my friend was interested in the property now.”
(c) He said, “I wonders my friend being interested in the property now.”
(d) He said, “I wondered my friend is interested for the property then.”

Answer: (a) He said, “I wonder if my friend is interested in the property now.”

6. He saw the police and ran away. (Begin with: As soon…)

(a) As soon he saw the police than he ran away.
(b) As soon as he saw the police, he ran away.
(c) As soon as the police saw him, he ran away.
(d) As soon as he sees the police, he immediately ran away.

Answer: (b) As soon as he saw the police, he ran away.

7. Who is helping you in your studies? (Begin with: By whom…)

(a) By whom you are been helped in your studies?
(b) By whom are you helped in your studies?
(c) By whom are you being helped in your studies?
(d) By whom have you being given help with your studies?

Answer: (c) By whom are you being helped in your studies?

8. It would be sensible to call the fire brigade, before the fire destroys everything. (Begin with: We had…)

(a) We had better call the fire brigade before the fire destroys everything.
(b) We had to call the fire brigade before the fire destroys everything.
(c) We had called the fire brigade before the fire destroys everything.
(d) We had called the fire brigade before the everything fire destroys.

Answer: (a) We had better call the fire brigade before the fire destroys everything.