Here are important questions for the 12th Standard English (Tamil Nadu State Board) Quarterly Exam 2025, covering the syllabus up to September 2025, derived from the book-back evaluation questions. The questions are organized lesson-wise under Prose, Poetry, and Supplementary, using the specified section headings.
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### Unit 1: June
#### Prose: Two Gentlemen of Verona
**Understanding the Text**
* Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each based on your understanding of the story [1]:
* a) Who did the narrator meet at the outskirts of Verona?
* b) Why did the driver not approve of the narrator buying fruits from the boys?
* c) The boys did not spend much on clothes and food. Why?
* d) Were the boys saving money to go to the States? How do you know?
* e) Why did the author avoid going to Lucia’s room?
* f) What was Lucia suffering from?
* h) What made the boys work so hard?
**Appreciating the Text**
* Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each based on your understanding of the story [1, 2]:
* g) What made the boys join the resistance movement against the Germans?
* i) Why didn’t the boys disclose their problem to the author?
* Answer the following questions in three or four sentences each [2, 3]:
* a) Describe the appearance of Nicola and Jacopo.
* b) What were the various jobs undertaken by the little boys?
* c) How did the narrator help the boys on Sunday?
* d) Who took the author to the cubicle?
* e) Describe the girl with whom the boys were talking to in the cubicle.
* f ) Recount the untold sufferings undergone by the siblings after they were rendered homeless.
* g) The narrator did not utter a word and preferred to keep the secret to himself. Why? Substantiate the statement with reference to the story.
* Answer the following in a paragraph of 100–150 words each [3, 4]:
* a) What was the driving force that made the boys do various jobs?
* b) How was the family affected by the war?
* c) Write a character sketch of Nicola and Jacopo.
* d) What message is conveyed through the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’?
* e) Justify the title of the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’.
* f ) Adversity brings out the best as well as the worst in people. Elucidate this statement with reference to the story.
* g) Which character do you like the most in the story and why?
**Vocabulary**
* a) Read the following words taken from the story. Give two synonyms and one antonym for each of these words. Use a dictionary, if required [4, 5].
* cautious
* disapprove
* brisk
* engaging
* humble
* eager
* resistance
* persuade
* scarce
* nobility
* b) Homophones and Confusables [5, 6]:
* (i) Given below is a list of common confusables. Distinguish the meaning of each pair of words by framing your own sentences.
* emigrate - immigrate
* beside - besides
* judicial - judicious
* eligible - illegible
* conscience - conscious
* industrial - industrious
* eminent - imminent
* illicit - elicit
* prescribed - proscribed
* affect - effect
* aural - oral
* born - borne
* (ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable homophones or confusables.
* wallet hoard
* fairy desert
* medal night
* wait sweet
* yoke plain
* grown might
* earn quite
* c) Give the meanings of the following phrasal verbs and frame sentences using them [7].
* cut off
* come upon
* put out
* draw up
* pass out
* take off
* turn away
* stand by
* bank on
* d) Form two derivatives from each of the following words by adding prefixes and suffixes [7].
* honour
* respect
* manage
* fertile
* different
* friend
* obey
**Grammar**
* **Tenses** [8]:
* Task 1: Tick the correct options and complete the dialogue [9, 10].
* A: Hello. What (do you watch / are you watching)?
* B: A programme about the Jallian Wala Bagh Massacre, which I recorded last night. I (study / I’m studying) about it this term.
* A: All that I (know / I’ve known) about it is that hundreds of people (died / had died) in it.
* B: Yes, it was much, much worse than anyone (has expected / had expected). It (went on / has gone on) for hours. (Do you want / Have you wanted) to watch the programme with me?
* A: No, thanks. I’ve got to do some veena practice. I (I’ve just remembered / I just remembered) that we’ve got a concert tomorrow, and I (don’t have / haven’t had) time to practise my new piece this week.
* B: OK. I (I’ve already done / I already did) my practice, so I’ve got time to watch TV. See you later.
* Task 2: Complete the sentences with the correct tense form of the verbs in brackets [11, 12].
* a) (tell) me exactly what (happen) last night!
* b) Mrs. Mageswari is my Maths teacher. She (teach) me for four years.
* c) I (never) think of a career in medicine before I spoke to my Biology teacher but now I think (seriously) it.
* d) Oh no! I (forget) to bring my assignment! What am I going to do? This is the second time I (do) this!
* e) I can’t remember what my teacher (say) yesterday about our homework. I (not listen) properly because Hussain (talk) to me at the same time.
* f ) Last year we (go) on a school trip to Kanyakumari. We (have) a very interesting time.
* g) At the moment I (think) about what course to pursue next year but I ( not make) a final decision yet.
* h) I (get) up at 7 every morning but this morning I (sleep) for a long time and I (not get) up until 8.
* Task 3: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets [12-15].
* a) Everyone _______ when the earthquake hit the small town. (sleep)
* b) Evangelene _______ her job a couple of years ago. (quit)
* c) Where _______ your last holidays? (you spend)
* d) I think Suresh _______ for Tiruvallur next morning. (leave)
* e) I was angry that I _______ such a mistake (make).
* f ) My mother was tired yesterday because she _______ well the night before (not sleep).
* g) Her parents _______ in Coimbatore for two weeks from today (be).
* h) Nothing much _______ when I got to the meeting (happen).
* i) Scientists predict that by 2050, man _______ on Mars. (land)
* j) Sh! Someone _______ to our conversation! (listen)
* k) The plane _______ off in a few minutes. (take)
* l) They _______ about me when I interrupted their conversation. (talk)
* m) Justin and his parents _______ in an apartment right now because they can’t find a cheap house. (live)
* n) Rajini Prem’s family _______ in Chengalpet now. (be).
* o) Yusuf _______ to the movies once in a while (go)
* p) This _______ an easy quiz so far (be).
* q) Our team _______ any games last year. (not win)
* r) We _______ a wonderful film at the cinema last night. (see)
* s) Hurry up! The movie _______ (already begin)
* **Modal Auxiliaries** [15]:
* Task 1: Fill in the blanks with modal auxiliaries [16-18].
* a) The candidates _______ answer five out of ten questions.
* b) How _______ you open my bag?
* c) Tajudeen _______ finish this work by Monday.
* d) _______ I go to school today?
* e) I wish you _______ tell me the truth
* f ) Poonam _______ not catch the bus yesterday.
* g) People who live in glass houses _______ not throw stones.
* h) You _______ not go to the market as I have brought vegetables.
* i) _______ you have taken all this trouble?
* j) You _______ be joking.
* k) I tried to climb up the tree, but _______ not.
* l) Hima Das ran so fast that she _______ win the medal.
* m) You _______ lead a horse to water, but you _______ make it drink.
* n) I _______ like to have a cup of coffee.
* o) My grandfather _______ visit this temple when he was young.
* Task 2: Complete the following sentences with modals using the clues given [18, 19].
* a) You _______ help the needy. (moral obligation)
* b) If I were you, I _______ not behave like that. (conditional sentence)
* c) I _______ never tell a lie. (determination)
* d) My uncle _______ have reached by now. (possibility)
* e) The patient is critical. He _______ be taken to the hospital.(compulsion)
* f ) I _______ to play hockey when I was a student. (past habit)
* g) You _______ not attend my class. (order)
* h) He _______ come today. (remote possibility)
* i) You _______ follow the traffic rules. (regulation)
* j) He _______ play the match. (willingness)
* k) You _______ not waste time on it. (necessity)
* l) Had the doctor come in time, he _______ have saved the patient.(probability)
* **Reported Speech** [19]:
* Task 1: Read what these people say and rewrite as sentences [20-22].
* 1. Raja: I am very busy.
* 2. Satya: I have completed my work.
* 3. Johnson: I don’t like to go out.
* 4. Akshita: I have just come back from Chennai.
* 5. Jayan: I am learning English.
* 6. Madhu: I bought a pen yesterday.
* 7. Joseph and Mary: We will go shopping tomorrow.
* 8. Afsar and Ayesha: We can’t attend the party.
* 9. Satish: How are you?
* 10. Victor: I am fine. Thank you.
* Task 2: Read the following dialogue and complete the report in the space provided [22, 23].
* a) Priya : Where are you going?
* Vijay : I am going to the railway station.
* Priya : Why are you going there?
* Vijay : I want to receive my uncle who is coming from Bangalore.
* Priya asked Vijay (a) _______.
* Vijay replied (b) _______.
* Priya further inquired (c) _______.
* Vijay stated that (d) _______.
* b) Teacher : Why are you late?
* Divya : I missed the bus.
* Teacher : You should have reached the bus stop on time.
* Divya : My grandmother is ill. So, I had to take her to the doctor.
* Teacher : I am sorry. What ails her?
* Divya : She has high fever.
* The teacher asked Divya why she was late. Divya replied that (a) _______. The teacher told her that (b) _______. Divya said that her grandmother was ill so she had to take her to the doctor. The teacher felt sorry and further asked her (c) _______. Divya explained that she (d) _______ high fever.
* Task 3: Rewrite the following passage in indirect speech [24].
* Pradeep got out of bed with much excitement. “It is going to be a lovely sunny day,” he remarked to his sister Varshini.
* “Just let me sleep a bit longer, Pradeep,” Varshini begged, “and since you are feeling so enthusiastic,” she suggested, “Why don’t you go and help mother in cooking?”
* “Sure, I will”, said Pradeep. “Can I help you, mum?”, he said to his mother.
* “Yes, of course. There are idlis and vadas on the dining table. Have your breakfast.”
* “Thank you, mum; I’ll surely help you by eating them.”
**Writing**
* **Letter Writing** [25]:
* a) Read the following letter carefully, discuss with your partner and answer the questions [26-28].
* (Letter to Editor about motorcyclist racing on East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram road)
* Questions:
* a) Who is the sender of the letter?
* b) Who is the receiver?
* c) What is the issue?
* d) What is the request of the sender?
* e) Who will take steps after reading it?
* b) You have chosen Computer Science in the Higher Secondary Course. Write a letter to your friend giving reasons for your choice [28-30].
* Task a) You had been to your Grandma’s house during the summer holidays. You enjoyed your stay in her company. Write a letter to your Grandma stating how much you miss her after returning to your home [30].
* Task b) You are the head of the English department in a renowned institution. You are invited to preside over the inauguration of the English Literary Club in your alma mater. Respond to the letter you have received either accepting the invitation or expressing your inability to attend the function [30].
* Task c) Write a letter to the Headmaster of your school requesting him to help you obtain a duplicate mark sheet of class XII, which you lost while travelling [31].
* Task d) Write a letter to AZ Company requesting them to replace the defective juicer that you bought recently. Include the following details: the problem, date of purchase, receipt number, model and warranty [31].
* Task e) You wish to become a pilot. Write a letter to a college enquiring about the details of the pilot training course offered by the college. Include the following details in your enquiry: duration of the course, fee structure, scholarships, hostel facilities and placement details [31].
* Task f ) Write a letter to the manager of Waves Furniture Company ordering furniture for a coaching centre. Include the following details: description of the furniture, number of pieces, mode of payment, time and delivery options [32].
* Task g) Write an application for the post of Personal Secretary to the Managing Director of a company. Include the following details: Educational qualification, experience, various other qualifications required for the post [32].
* Task h) Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper about the nuisance created by the roadside vendors blocking the pavements and occupying the parking zone [32].
* Task i) Write a letter to your relative or friend who is admitted in hospital for treatment of jaundice. Advise him/her not to worry about the illness and be positive. Assure him/her of your psychological and financial help during the crisis [33].
#### Poetry: The Castle
**Understanding the Text**
* 1. Based on your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions in one or two sentences each [34-36]:
* a) Who is the narrator in the poem?
* b) How long had the soldiers been in the castle?
* c) Why were the soldiers in the castle fearless?
* d) Where were the enemies?
* e) Why does the narrator say that the enemy was no threat at all?
* f) Did the soldiers fight with the enemies face to face?
* g) Who had let the enemies in?
* h) How did the enemies enter the castle?
* i) Why were the secret galleries bare?
* k) Why didn’t the narrator want to tell the tale to anybody?
* l) Why did the narrator feel helpless?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 1. Based on your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions in one or two sentences each [36]:
* j) What was the ‘shameful act’?
* m) Who was the real enemy?
* 2. Read the poem again and complete the summary using the words given in box [36, 37]. (Summary text and word box provided in source)
* 3. Read the poem and answer the following in a short paragraph of 8-10 sentences each [38]:
* a) How safe was the castle? How was it conquered?
* b) Bring out the contrasting picture of the castle as depicted in stanzas 3 and 5.
* c) Human greed led to the mighty fall of the citadel. Explain.
* 4. Read the given lines and answer the questions that follow in a line or two [38-40]:
* a) All through that summer at ease we lay, And daily from the turret wall We watched the mowers in the hay
* i. Who does ‘we’ refer to?
* ii. How did the soldiers spend the summer days?
* iii. What could they watch from the turret wall?
* b) Our gates were strong, our walls were thick, So smooth and high, no man could win.
* i. How safe was the castle?
* ii. What was the firm belief of the soldiers?
* c) A foothold there, no clever trick Could take us dead or quick, Only a bird could have got in.
* i. What was challenging?
* ii. Which aspect of the castle’s strength is conveyed by the above line?
* d) Oh then our maze of tunneled stone Grew thin and treacherous as air. The castle was lost without a groan, The famous citadel overthrown,
* i. Bring out the contrast in the first two lines.
* ii. What is the rhyme scheme of the given stanza?
* e) We could do nothing, being sold.
* i. Why couldn’t they do anything?
* ii. Why did they feel helpless?
* 5. Explain the following with reference to the context in about 20-30 words each [41].
* a) Our gates were strong, our walls were thick,
* b) Our captain was brave and we were true…
* c) They seemed no threat to us at all.
* d) How can this shameful tale be told?
* e) I will maintain until my death
* f ) Our only enemy was gold
* 6. Read the poem and complete the table with suitable rhyming words [41].
* lay
* hay
* 7. Underline the alliterated words in the following lines [41].
* a) With our arms and provender, load on load.
* b) A little wicked wicket gate.
* c) The wizened warder let them through.
* 8. Identify the figure of speech used in the following lines [42].
* a) A little wicked wicket gate.
* b) Oh then our maze of tunneled stone
* c) Grew thin and treacherous as air.
* d) How can this shameful tale be told?
* e) Our only enemy was gold,
* 9. Can you call ‘The Castle’ an allegorical poem? Discuss [42].
#### Supplementary: God Sees the Truth but Waits
**Understanding the Text**
* 1. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two each, based on your understanding of the story [43, 44]:
* a) Why did Aksionov’s wife stop him from going to the fair?
* b) What is the importance of Aksionov’s wife’s dream?
* c) What made Aksionov leave the inn before dawn?
* d) What were the circumstances that led to Aksionov’s imprisonment?
* e) Why did Aksionov give up sending petitions?
* f) Why didn’t Makar disclose that he had killed the merchant?
* g) Did Makar feel guilty when he heard Aksionov’s story?
* h) What made Aksionov think that Makar was the real murderer?
* i) What was Aksionov’s realization by the end of the story?
* j) Why did Aksionov’s wife suspect him of involvement in the murder?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 2. Answer the following questions in three or four sentences each [45]:
* a) Did the police officer have sufficient evidence to convict Aksionov?
* b) What impact did the book “The Lives of Saints” have on Aksionov?
* c) Pick out the clues that convey that Makar Semyonich recognized Aksionov.
* 3. Answer the following questions in a paragraph in about 150 words each [45, 46]:
* a) Compare and contrast the main characters, Aksionov and Makar Semyonich, in the story.
* b) How did Aksionov react when his wife suspected him?
* c) Describe the life of Aksionov in prison.
* d) Why did Aksionov decide not to reveal the truth about Makar Semyonich?
* e) Discuss the meaning and importance of the saying “God sees the truth but waits”.
* f ) Forgiveness is the best form of revenge. Substantiate the statement with reference to the story.
* 4. Using the mind map given below, write a brief summary of the story in your own words [46-48]. (Mind map details are provided in the source for context)
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### Unit 2: July
#### Prose: A Nice Cup of Tea
**Understanding the Text**
* 1. Based on your understanding of the text, answer each of the following questions in one or two sentences [49-52]:
* a) What seems ‘curious’ to the author?
* b) Why does the author say that it is important to include a tea recipe in cookery books?
* c) Mention the countries in which tea is a part of civilization.
* d) Which tea does the author prefer– China tea or Indian tea?
* e) According to the author, what does the phrase ‘a nice cup of tea’ refer to?
* f) What is the second golden rule in the preparation of tea?
* g) How does army tea taste?
* h) Do tea lovers generally like strong tea or weak tea?
* i) Why should tea be directly added to the pot?
* j) Why does the author prefer the cylindrical cup to a flat cup?
* k) What should be poured into the cup first–tea or milk?
* l) Why does the author advise removing cream from the milk?
* m) Does the author like drinking tea with sugar? Give reasons.
* n) Why does the author refer to himself as being in ‘a minority’?
* o) Whom does the author call ‘misguided people’? What is his advice to them?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 2. Based on your understanding of the text, answer each of the following questions in four or five sentences [52]:
* a) What are the author’s views on China tea?
* b) How does adding sugar affect the taste of tea?
* c) Elucidate the author’s ideas about teapots.
* 3. Answer each of the following questions in a paragraph of 100–150 words [52, 53]:
* a) Summarise George Orwell’s distinctive ideas in “A Nice Cup of Tea”.
* b) Discuss how the essay reveals the factual points and the author’s personal opinions on the preparation of tea.
* c) What are the aspects that contribute to humour in the essay?
* 4. Based on your understanding of the text, complete the chart given below by choosing the appropriate words or phrases given in brackets [53, 54]. (Chart and word list provided in source)
**Vocabulary**
* a) Find out the synonym of the underlined word in each of the following sentences [54, 55].
* 1. But because the best manner of making it is the subject of violent **disputes**.
* 2. ...tea is one of the **mainstays** of civilization in the country.
* 3. ...that they only drink it in order to be warmed and **stimulated**.
* 4. ...under the spout to catch the **stray** leaves.
* 5. One is **liable** to put in too much milk.
* b) Find out the antonym of the underlined word in each of the following sentences [56, 57].
* 1. …which are not to be **despised**.
* 2. One does not feel wise, braver or more **optimistic**.
* 3. Not the flat, **shallow** type…
* 4. Predicting the **arrival** of visitors…
* 5. ...but they are sufficient to show how **subtilized** the whole business has become.
* c) Fill in the boxes with the correct answers. The first one has been done for you [57]. (Words: harm, stimulate, argue, strong, destroy)
**Grammar**
* **Prepositions** [58]:
* Task 1: Recall your learning of basic prepositions and complete the sentences using the prepositions given in brackets [59, 60]. (Sentences a-j and prepositions provided in source)
* Task 2: Complete the following passages using the prepositions given in brackets [60, 61]. (Passages i, ii and prepositions provided in source)
* **Prepositional Phrases** [62]:
* Task 1: Underline the prepositional phrases. The first two examples have been done for you [62, 63]. (Sentences c-h provided in source)
* Task 2: Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositional phrase given in brackets [63, 64]. (Sentences a-h and phrases provided in source)
* **Conjunctions** [64]:
* Task 1: Choose the appropriate linker from within the brackets and complete the sentences [65-67]. (Sentences a-n and linkers provided in source)
* Task 2: Combine the sentences and rewrite them using the words given in the brackets [68, 69]. (Sentences a-h and words provided in source)
* Task 3: Fill in the blanks with appropriate correlative conjunctions [69, 70]. (Sentences a-e provided in source)
**Writing**
* **Article Writing** [70]:
* TASK 1: The Government of Tamil Nadu has imposed a ban on the use of plastic. Effective implementation of this ban depends on public awareness and individual responsibility. Write an article of 150 words for your school magazine to create an awareness of the dangers posed by indiscriminate use of plastic. Expand the ideas given below as notes [71-73]. (Notes provided in source)
* TASK 2: Urban living brings with it a possibility of various communicable diseases. Now write an article of about 150 words for a leading newspaper on the various ways of maintaining personal hygiene and sanitation in order to ensure a healthy living. Make use of the hints given below [73-75]. (Hints provided in source)
* **Essay Writing** [76]:
* Task 1: Write an essay of about 200 words each [77].
* 1. The profession you would like to choose
* 2. The importance of a balanced diet
* 3. A memorable journey
#### Poetry: Our Casuarina Tree
**Understanding the Text**
* 2. Based on your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions in one or two sentences each [78, 79]:
* a) What is the creeper compared to?
* b) How does the creeper appear on the tree?
* c) Describe the garden during the night.
* d) How does the poet spend her winter?
* e) Name the bird that sings in the poet’s garden.
* f) Why is the casuarina tree dear to poet’s heart?
* g) Does nature communicate with human beings?
* h) What has Wordsworth sanctified in his poem?
* i) To whom does Toru Dutt want to consecrate the tree’s memory?
* j) The casuarina tree will be remembered for ever. Why?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 1. Fill in the blanks choosing the words from the box given and complete the summary of the poem [78, 80]. (Summary text and word box provided in source)
* 3. Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow [79, 81, 82]:
* a) A creeper climbs, in whose embraces bound No other tree could live.
* i) Which tree is referred to in the above lines?
* ii) How does the tree survive the tight hold of the creeper?
* iii) Why does Toru Dutt use the expression ‘a creeper climbs’?
* b) The giant wears the scarf, and flowers are hung In crimson clusters all the bough among!
* i) Who is the giant here?
* ii) Why is the scarf colourful?
* c) “ Fear, trembling Hope, and Death, the skeleton, And Time the shadow”, and though weak the verse That would thy beauty fain, oh, fain rehearse, May Love defend thee from oblivion’s curse.
* i) What does the poet mean by the expression ‘May love defend thee from oblivion’s curse?’
* ii) What does the expression ‘fain’ convey?
* iii) What does the poet convey through the expression ‘Fear, trembling Hope’?
* 4. Explain the following lines with reference to the context [82].
* a) Dear is the Casuarina to my soul;
* b) It is the tree’s lament, an eerie speech,…
* c) Unto thy honor, Tree, beloved of those Who now in blessed sleep for aye repose,
* 5. Identify the figure of speech used in each of the extracts given below and write down the answer in the space given below. The first one is done for you [83].
* a) “ LIKE a huge Python, winding round and round The rugged trunk, indented deep with scars”,
* b) “ A creeper climbs, in whose embraces bound No other tree could live. But gallantly The giant wears the scarf, and flowers are hung......”
* c) “A gray baboon sits statue–like alone’’
* d) “The water-lilies spring, like snow enmassed.”
* e) “ What is that dirge - like murmur that I hear Like the sea breaking on a shingle -beach?
* 6. Answer each of the following questions in a paragraph of 100–150 words [84]:
* a. Describe the reminiscences of the poet, when she sees the casuarina tree.
* b) How does nature communicate with the poet?
* c) The poet immortalizes the tree. Elucidate.
#### Supplementary: Life of Pi
**Understanding the Text**
* 1. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two each, based on your understanding of the story [85, 86]:
* a) Describe the pathetic condition of Pi in the middle of the ocean.
* b) Who was Richard Parker?
* c) Richard Parker's survival seemed incredible to Pi. Why?
* d) Why was the great beast not behaving naturally?
* e) Why was Pi not afraid of the hyena?
* f) Describe Pi’s struggle to find drinking water.
* g) What was Pi's reaction when he discovered drinking water?
* h) Why did Pi want to tame Parker?
* i) What saved Pi’s life?
* j) How did Pi reunite with this family?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 2. Answer the following questions in about 50 words [86]:
* a) How did the presence of Richard Parker help Pi?
* b) Describe the lifeboat.
* c) How did Pi feel after drinking water?
* d) Did Pi want Richard Parker to die? Answer, giving reasons.
* 3. Answer in a paragraph [87]:
* a) How did the presence of Richard Parker influence the attitude of Pi?
* b) Water is the elixir of life. Substantiate the statement with reference to the story of 'Life Of Pi'.
* c) If you were lost at sea for as long as Pi was, what is the one item you would want with you? Write a diary entry in which you identify the item and explain why it is the one thing you would want with you.
* 4. Sequence the following incidents logically to write the summary of the story ‘Life of Pi’ [87-89]. (Incidents provided in source)
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### Unit 3: August
#### Prose: In Celebration of Being Alive
**Understanding the Text**
* 1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences based on your understanding of the lesson [90-93]:
* a. What thoughts troubled Dr. Christiaan Barnard as he neared the end of his career as a heart surgeon?
* b. What were Dr. Barnard’s feelings when he was hospitalized after an accident?
* c. When and where did the accident occur?
* d. How did the hospitalization of Dr. Barnard and his wife affect their routine?
* e. How was Dr. Barnard’s attitude to suffering different from that of his father’s?
* f. How was the unattended trolley put to use?
* g. What roles did the duo take up?
* h. Why did the choice of roles prove to be easy for them?
* i. Who encouraged them and how?
* j. What does Dr. Barnard compare this entertainment to?
* k. What happened in the grand finale?
* l. How does Dr. Barnard know the boy who played the trolley’s driver?
* m. What was the profound lesson that Dr. Barnard learnt from the boys?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 2. Answer the following questions in three or four sentences [92-94]:
* a. Detail the statistics Dr. Barnard has provided in his speech.
* b. What happened when the doctor couple were crossing the street?
* c. What injuries did they sustain in the accident?
* d. Dr. Barnard couldn’t find any nobility in suffering. Why?
* e. Why does Dr. Barnard find suffering of children heartbreaking?
* f. How did the boy who played the mechanic lose his eyesight?
* g. Why does Dr. Barnard describe the blind boy as a ‘walking horror’?
* h. What were the problems the trolley driver suffered from?
* 3. Answer the following in a paragraph of 100 – 150 words each [94]:
* a. Give an account of the medical problems for which the two boys were hospitalized.
* b. “These two children had given me a profound lesson …” Elucidate.
* c. Describe the ‘Grand Prix’ at Cape Town’s Red Cross Children’s Hospital.
* d. How did a casual incident in a hospital help Dr. Barnard perceive a new dimension of life?
* e. Life is unjust and cruel to certain people. Do they all resign themselves to their fate? Can you think of some who have fought their disabilities heroically and remained a stellar example for others? (for e.g. the astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, a paraplegic). Give an account of one such person and his/her struggle to live a fruitful life.
**Vocabulary**
* a) Go through the lesson and spot the words which mean the same as the following [95].
* 1. profession (para 1)
* 2. sorrowful (para 2)
* 3. decency (para 5)
* 4. destiny (para 6)
* 5. hijacked (para 8)
* 6. motivation (para 9)
* 7. serious (para 10)
* 8. significant (para 13)
* b) Go through the lesson and spot the words opposite to the meaning of the following [95].
* 1. rare (para 1)
* 2. primitive (para 6)
* 3. fiction (para 7)
* 4. fearful (para 8)
* 5. benign (para 11)
* 6. diffidence (para 11)
* 7. boredom (para 12)
* 8. criticize (para 13)
* c) Frame illustrative sentences to distinguish the meaning of the words in the following clusters [96].
* 1. career – carrier – courier
* 2. patients – patience – patents
* 3. accident – incident – incidence
* 4. scraping – scrapping – scrubbing
* 5. accept – except – expect
* 6. lesson – lessen – lesion
* 7. severe – sever – sewer
* 8. raise – rise– rice
* 9. quiet – quite – quit
* 10. final – finale – feline
* d) Fill in the blanks with the words given in brackets [96-98]. (Words and sentences 1-8 provided in source)
* e) Form a phrase with each of the following pairs of nouns given below [98, 99].
* 1. muscle + pain
* 2. skeleton + system
* 3. nerve + disorder
* 4. digestion + enzymes
* 5. surgery + instruments
* 6. agony + experience
* 7. glory + victory
* 8. fancy + idea
* 9. emotion + song
* 10. sense + issue
* f ) Fill the empty boxes with suitable words under each word class [99]. (Words: amusement, appreciate, success, proudly, hopeful)
* g) Spot the errors in the following sentences and rewrite them correctly [99, 100].
* 1. My grandfather is well-known in the village for his nobel deeds.
* 2. I had my evening meals in a restaurant near my office.
* 3. The Boss had full confidence on his Manager for successful completion of the project.
* 4. After the complicated surgery, the patient hoped of complete recovery.
* 5. The new health care scheme announced by the Government will bring relief to the children suffering with acute tuberculosis.
* 6. In spite of his poverty and setbacks, he was able to launch his dream carrier.
**Grammar**
* **Active & Passive Voice** [101]:
* Task 1: Change the following sentences into Passive Voice [102-104]. (Sentences a-o provided in source)
* Task 2: Change the following sentences into Active Voice [104, 105]. (Sentences a-l provided in source)
* **Interrogations or Questions** [105]:
* Task – 1: Add suitable question tags to the following sentences and punctuate properly [106, 107]. (Sentences 1-15 provided in source)
* Task – 2: Correct the error found in the question tag in each of the following [107-109]. (Sentences 1-14 provided in source)
**Writing**
* **Story Writing** [109]:
* Task 1: Expand the following outlines into complete stories and supply a suitable title for each [110, 111].
* 1. Big cotton merchant – owned a factory – many employees – one day a heap of cotton stolen – no clue – merchant’s secretary assured to find out - asked him to host dinner - invite all workers – merchant agreed – middle of feast – secretary suddenly shouted – cotton sticking to hair of thieves – the guilty dusted their heads – tried to clear – caught in the trap – punished.
* 2. Mr. X, a rich businessman – runs a company - always very busy with office work – one day his son – 10 years old – approaches dad and asks – how much he earns in one hour – father gets furious – boy persuades – father says Rs. 500 – immediately son asks for Rs. 300 – father shouts – wasting money on toys - son leaves to his room crying – father feels bad – thinks might need some stationery – enters boy’s room and gives money – boy becomes happy – takes some crumpled notes – under his pillow – counts everything together – total Rs.500 – gives it to dad – wants to buy – one hour of his time – father realizes his mistake – feels sorry and guilty – hugs son – closes all office files - takes him on a picnic – decides to spend more time with near and dear ones.
* Task 2: Continue and complete the following stories and suggest suitable titles for the same [111-113]. (Story beginnings 1, 2 provided in source)
#### Poetry: All the World’s a Stage
**Understanding the Text**
* 2. From your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions briefly in a sentence or two [114, 115]:
* a) What is the world compared to?
* b) “And they have their exits and their entrances” - What do the words ‘exits’ and ‘entrances’ mean?
* c) What is the first stage of a human’s life?
* d) Describe the second stage of life as depicted by Shakespeare.
* e) How does a man play a lover’s role?
* f) Bring out the features of the fourth stage of a man as described by the poet.
* g) When does a man become a judge? How?
* h) Which stage of man’s life is associated with the ‘shrunk shank’?
* i) Why is the last stage called second childhood?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 1. Fill in the blanks using the words given in the box to complete the summary of the poem [114, 116, 117]. (Summary text and word box provided in source)
* 3. Explain the following lines briefly with reference to the context [115]:
* a) “They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts,”
* b) “Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation”.
* c) “Is second childishness and mere oblivion; Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.”
* 4. Read the poem once again carefully and identify the figure of speech that has been used in each of the following lines from the poem [118]:
* a) “All the world's a stage”
* b) “And all the men and women merely players”
* c) “And shining morning face, creeping like snail”
* d) “Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,”
* e) “Seeking the bubble reputation”
* f) “His youthful hose, well sav’d, a world too wide”
* g) “and his big manly voice, turning again toward childish treble”
* 5. Pick out the words in ‘alliteration’ in the following lines [119]:
* a) “and all the men and women merely players”
* b) “And one man in his time plays many parts”
* c) “Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel.”
* 6. Read the given lines and answer the questions that follow [119, 120]:
* a) Then the whining school-boy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school.
* i. Which stage of life is being referred to here by the poet?
* ii. What are the characteristics of this stage?
* iii. How does the boy go to school?
* iv. Which figure of speech has been employed in the second line?
* b) Then a soldier, full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth.
* i. What is the soldier ready to do?
* ii. Explain ‘bubble reputation’.
* iii. What are the distinguishing features of this stage?
* c) And then the justice, In fair round belly with good capon lin'd, With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws and modern instances;
* i. Whom does justice refer to?
* ii. Describe his appearance.
* iii. How does he behave with the people around him?
* iv. What does he do to show his wisdom?
* 7. Complete the table based on your understanding of the poem [121]. (Table provided with some entries in source)
* 8. Based on your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions in about 100 – 150 words each. You may add your own ideas if required, to present and justify your point of view [121]:
* a) Describe the various stages of a man’s life picturised in the poem “All the World’s a stage.”
* b) Shakespeare has skilfully brought out the parallels between the life of man and actors on stage. Elaborate this statement with reference to the poem.
#### Supplementary: The Hour of Truth (Play)
**Understanding the Text**
* 2. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each [122-124]:
* a) Why did Baldwin meet Gresham?
* b) What made Martha withdraw her money from the bank?
* c) How is Martha’s strong conviction in Baldwin’s integrity revealed?
* d) What had Donovan told John?
* e) John feels Gresham deserves punishment. Why?
* f) What was Baldwin’s advice to Gresham?
* g) What did Gresham want Baldwin to do?
* h) Explain the significance of the words ‘I don’t remember’.
* i) Why does John turn wild on hearing that Gresham had offered his father money?
* j) When would Baldwin part company with Gresham?
* k) What does John consider ‘a technicality’?
* l) Why was John filled with shame?
* m) How much did Gresham offer to pay Baldwin for saving his skin and how did he justify that?
* n) What was Mr. Marshall’s offer to Baldwin?
* o) How was Baldwin’s honesty rewarded?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 1. Rearrange the following sentences in a meaningful sequence and write the summary of the play [122, 125, 126]. (Sentences a-j provided in source)
* 3. Based on your understanding of the play, complete the Graphic Organiser given below [124]. (Sections: Setting, Title, Theme, Climax, Characters, Plot, Values highlighted in the play, Author)
* 4. Answer in a paragraph in about 150 words each [124, 127]:
* a) Trace the bond of friendship between Baldwin and Gresham. Explain why Baldwin wished to attribute some credit to his friend.
* b) How did Martha and John react when they came to know that Baldwin had rejected the generous offer made by Gresham?
* c) Is Baldwin really honest or does he maintain his honesty fearing criticism? Why do you say so?
* d) Sketch the character of: i) Robert Baldwin ii) John Gresham.
* e) Who do you think exhibits true friendship–Baldwin or Gresham? Justify your answer.
**Vocabulary**
* 5. IDIOMS: Match the idioms under column A with their meanings in column B [127, 128]. (Idioms and meanings provided in source)
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### Unit 5: August & September
#### Prose: The Chair
**Understanding the Text**
* 1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each based on your understanding of the story [129, 130]:
* a) What was put on the family agenda?
* b) Who visited the family?
* c) Describe the stool that the narrator’s family had.
* d) What was Pedanna’s suggestion to their father?
* e) What was offered to Maamanaar by their mother?
* f) Why were the two chairs compared to Rama-Lakshmana?
* g) When did the children shy away from the chair?
* h) How did Maamanaar handle the chair at home?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 2. Answer the following questions in three or four sentences each [130, 131]:
* a) What happened to the visitor when he sat on the stool?
* b) Why did the family find it difficult to make a chair?
* c) What was grandmother’s suggestion of wood? Why?
* d) How was the chair made and how did the villagers react to it?
* e) When did the children get over the fear of sitting on the chair?
* f) Why did Maamanaar hand over the chair to the villagers to retain it?
* 3. Answer the following in a paragraph of 100–150 words each [131]:
* a) Narrate the humorous incidents that happened in the author’s home before and after the arrival of the chair.
* b) Write character sketches of Maamanaar and Pedanna.
**Vocabulary**
* a) Find out the synonym of the underlined word in each of the following sentences [131, 132].
* 1. Just as we thought our chuckles had **subsided**.
* 2. Our father rejected it, saying it wouldn’t be **sturdy**.
* 3. Anna would say with an **impudent** smile.
* 4. A silver tumbler of buttermilk **seasoned** with asafetida.
* 5. A few people from the house of **bereavement** stood outside.
* b) Find out the antonym of the underlined word in each of the following sentences [132-134].
* 1. The **anticipation** of this imagined separation only increases their fondness for the calf.
* 2. **Fortuitously**, a guest visited our house.
* 3. There he was sitting in **splendour** on his chair.
* 4. Maamanaar was **unmatched**.
* 5. He greeted me with his usual smile and **banter**.
* c) Compound Words: Identify the correct combination of the following compound words [134, 135].
* Haircut, headmaster, waterfall, swimming pool, drawback, public speaking, output, software, show cause, world famous.
* d) Portmanteau: Blend the following words [135, 136].
* 1. binary + digit
* 2. electronic + mail
* 3. foreign + exchange
* 4. motor + pedal
* 5. parachute + troop
* e) Euphemism: Replace the underlined word/ expressions with possibly polite forms [136, 137].
* a. The culprit was sent to **jail**.
* b. Dheeraj is **unemployed**.
* c. I saw a **disabled** man.
* d. Subsidies are given to the **poor**.
* e. Elambrathi has a **second-hand** car.
**Grammar**
* **Non-finite verbs** [138]:
* Task 1: Underline the gerunds in the following sentences [139, 140]. (Sentences 1-5 provided in source)
* Task 2: Use the gerundial form of the verb in the brackets and fill in the blanks [140]. (Sentences 1-5 provided in source)
* Task 3: Fill in the blanks with the correct infinitives [140, 141]. (Sentences 1-10 provided in source)
* Task 4: Combine each of the following pairs of sentences using participles. The first one is done for you [141-143]. (Sentences 1-10 provided in source)
* **Articles and Determiners** [143]:
* Task 1: Complete the following exercise using a/ an/ the/ ‘o’ (no article) in the underlined space where appropriate [143, 144]. (Passage provided in source)
* Task 2: Complete the following sentences using appropriate determiners [144, 145]. (Sentences 1-10 provided in source)
* **Degrees of Comparison-Transformation** [145]:
* Task 1: Transform each of the following sentences using the comparative degree without changing the meaning [146]. (Sentences 1-5 provided in source)
* Task 2: Rewrite each of the following sentences using the superlative degree retaining the meaning [146, 147]. (Sentences 1-6 provided in source)
* Task 3: Replace the comparative adjectives in the following sentences with their positive forms [147, 148]. (Sentences 1-5 provided in source)
**Writing**
* **Slogan Writing** [148]:
* Look at the pictures given below, and write slogans to advertise the products. Suggest your own brand name for each of the products [149]. (Note: Pictures are not provided in the source text.)
* Write slogans to create awareness of the following topics using the tips given above [149].
* Junk food
* Labour Day
* Save Water
* Yoga
* Blood Donation
* **Paragraph Writing** [150]:
* Write a paragraph of about 150 words, on the following topics [151]:
* a) The teacher I like the most
* b) The value of discipline
* c) Need for Moral Education in schools
* d) The importance of Good Health
* e) The importance of Reading
* Observe the following pictures and write a paragraph in about 150 words about each one of them [151]. (Note: Pictures are not provided in the source text.)
#### Poetry: A Father to his Son
**Understanding the Text**
* 2) Based on your understanding of the poem answer the following questions in one or two sentences [152, 153]:
* a) How would the poet’s advice help his son who is at the threshold of the manhood?
* b) ‘A tough will counts.’ Explain.
* c) What happened to the people who wanted too much money?
* d) What has twisted good men into thwarted worms?
* e) How would his being alone help the boy?
* f) Where are the final decisions taken?
* g) What are the poet’s thoughts on ‘being different’?
* h) Why does the poet advise his son to have lazy days?
* i) The poet says ‘Without rich wanting nothing arrives’ but he condemns ‘the quest of lucre beyond a few easy needs.’ Analyse the difference and write.
**Appreciating the Text**
* 1. Fill in the blanks choosing the words from the box given and complete the summary of the poem [152, 154-157]. (Summary text and word boxes provided in source)
* 4. Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow [158-160]:
* a) “Life is hard; be steel; be a rock.”
* i) How should one face life?
* ii) Identify the figure of speech in the above line.
* b) “ Life is a soft loam; be gentle; go easy.” And this too might serve him.
* i) Why does the poet suggest to take life easy?
* ii) Identify the figure of speech in the above line.
* c) Tell him solitude is creative if he is strong and the final decisions are made in silent rooms.
* i) Can being in solitude help a strong human being? How?
* ii) Identify the figure of speech in the above line.
* d) Tell him time as a stuff can be wasted. Tell him to be a fool every so often
* i) Why does the poet suggest that time can be wasted?
* ii) Identify the figure of speech in the above line.
* e) Tell him to be a fool ever so often and to have no shame over having been a fool yet learning something out of every folly hoping to repeat none of the cheap follies
* i) Is it a shame to be a fool at times?
* ii) What does one learn from every folly?
* f ) -----------------------Free imaginations Bringing changes into a world resenting change.
* i) How does free imagination help the world?
* ii) Identify the figure of speech.
* 4.e) Pick out the alliterated words from the poem and write [160]. (Line provided in source: And this might stand him for the storms)
* 5. Explain the following lines with reference to the context [160, 161]:
* a) and guide him among sudden betrayals and tighten him for slack moments.
* b) Brutes have been gentled where lashes failed.
* c) Yet learning something out of every folly hoping to repeat none of the cheap follies
* d) He will be lonely enough to have time for the work
* 6. Answer the following questions in about 100-150 words each [161]:
* a) Explain how the poet guides his son who is at the threshold of manhood, to face the challenges of life.
* b) How according to the poet is it possible for his son to bring changes into a world that resents change?
#### Supplementary: All Summer in a Day
**Understanding the Text**
* 1. Based on your understanding of the story, answer the following questions in a sentence or two [162, 163]:
* a) What do children get ready for at the beginning of the story?
* b) How is life in the planet Venus described?
* c) Who is Margot? How is she different from the rest of the children?
* d) What does Margot like the most - the sun or the rain?
* e) What was Margot waiting for? Why did William say that it was a joke?
* f) Why does Margot wish to return to the earth?
* g) Why did the children lock Margot in a closet?
* h) Margot could recall what the sun looked like while the other children could not. Why?
* i) How long did the Sun shine on Venus?
* j) Why did one of the girls wail?
**Appreciating the Text**
* 2. Based on your understanding of the story, answer the following in three or four sentences [163-165]:
* a) What is the significance of the particular day described in the story “All summer in a day”?
* b) What happens to Margot while the teacher is out of the classroom?
* c) How did Margot describe the sun to others?
* d) How did the children react when the sun came out after seven years?
* e) Why did William and the other children bully Margot?
* f ) What were their feelings towards Margot at the end of the story?
* g) What does the title of the story convey?
* 3. Answer the following questions in a paragraph in about 100–150 words each [165]:
* a) What is the conflict between Margot and the other children in the story, “All Summer in a day”?
* b) How do the children react to the long awaited event in the story?
* c) The sun brought about a positive change in the attitude of the children. Illustrate the statement.
* d) Did the children regret having locked Margot in a closet? Answer citing relevantly from the story.
* 4. Based on your understanding of the story, complete the story map [165]. (Sections: Title, Author, Setting, Beginning, Middle, End, Character)
**Vocabulary**
* Find out and encircle the following words in the word grid. (Words: fades, predict, discriminate, locks, reminded, experience, anticipated, unlock, recalls) [165, 166]
* Now read the sentences below. Complete them appropriately with the words you identified from the grid [166-169].
* The scientists_________ that the Sun would come out on Venus that day after seven years.
* The children are getting ready for the _________event.
* The children _______Margot as she _____the Sun.
* William and other children have bullied her and ______her in a closet.
* When the Sun comes out, the children _________the Sun.
* The Sun ______behind a stir of mist. Again it started raining on Venus.
* The children are ______ of Margot and ________the door and let her out.
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