Language9

 Language9

Write a composition (350-400 words) on any one of the following:

Question 1(a).
Imagine that you were near the swimming pool where someone almost drowned. Describe what happened.
Answer:
I had gone for a picnic to a nearby resort. It was summers and the main attraction was the pool. We all were excited and as soon as we reached the resort, we changed into our swimming gear and jumped into the pool. After a tiring swim we decided to go and eat at the restaurant. However our meal was disrupted by terrified screams of fear and anguish.Apparently, a thirteen year old boy, Suraj, was with his family at the resort. The family was apparently visiting from their home in Chennai. The accident occurred, while the teen was  playing in the large pool at the resort. The teen was apparently in water that was about four and a half feet deep, with many others in the water and around the pool.It seems that the lifeguards were not on duty at the time, having just left their posts. Suraj somehow became trapped underwater for an extended period of time—several minutes—before he was noticed by another family member. His cousin eventually pulled him out of the water, and onlookers rushed to aid when they realized that he was not breathing. He was given mouth to mouth resuscitation but when he did not revive he was taken to a local hospital. They rushed him to the ICU and water was pumped out .The doctors worked on him and tried to get the water out from his lungs. Finally he reveived and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. But it had left everyone depressed and no one went near the pool inspite of the sweltering heat.

Question 1(b).
Teenagers should be allowed more freedom. Give your views for or against the statement.
Answer:
The fast paced India is today churning out a tribe of disgruntled teens. The pre-youth personality is stuck in a quagmire of adult anxiety, fear, hatred and violence. Neglected and alone, he becomes dissatisfied with himself and vents out his anger on everybody around him.

The teenagers are a neglected tribe. Children are pampered, youth has absorbed itself in career building, but the teens have been totally forgotten. There is nobody to guide them through the quagmire.

The teenager is an individual who wants answers to his questions. Their parents are busy in . making two ends meet. The traditional joint family of Indian society has become a passe. It at least provided grandparents, uncles, aunts, elder cousins, etc. to fall back upon. The Indian teenagers lack advice.

Teenagers should get freedom in their life. If they do not get so they cannot succeed in their life, They have to know that what is going on in their surroundings. As long as they know what to do and not do, and may sometimes even choose the wrong things and decisions they .  will still learn from them. Keeping them locked up and not allowing them to go out, meet friends and have free time is not teaching, instead it’s making their lives more miserable.

The neglect to give freedom has given rise to many violent incidents and degenerating moral values. The teenager has become misguided. He is being fed senseless satellite entertainment,which has its own axe to grind. None is there to guide them to select healthy entertainment among vulgar gyrations, saga of dysfunctional home and tirades of soap opera.

India does not provide the teenager activities to channelize their skills. If we give our teenagers creative outlets, they can develop their personalities. We have to give them facilities like educative clubs, games, hobby centers, gyms, etc. to spend their time. We have to direct the energy of the teenager to purposeful uses. They have tremendous potential. Sachin Tendulkar, Jaspal Rana, Vinod Kambli, A .R. Rehman can be inspirations.

All is not lost. The Indian teenager may be a child lost in the social jungle but they have their own identity, an individuality symbolizing free spirit of knowledge and enterprise. The best thing our society can do for the neglected teenagers is to give them attention and freedom due to them. The teenager needs tender care and attention from his parents and peers.

To build a modern India we need balanced teenagers. They are individuals, who can, with their learning and wisdom, make a decent society.

Question 1(c).
You were at protest rally attended by crowds of people. Give a detailed description of the event and narrate what you did and felt in the gathering.
Answer:
Recently I attended my first ever rally. The rally was pretty cool and only took a little over an hour. It was held at noon next to the offices of our political representative and senator, and protested the effort to “fast track” a new international trade agreement .The agreement comes along with the false promises of “free” trade deals According to the supporters it will “boost economic growth, support jobs, and make our country the most dynamic and fastest growing countries in the world.” These claims are made despite the fact that “free” trade agreements have historically served only to increase the bottom line of multinational corporations. Trade agreements do this by allowing multinational corporations to operate “free” of democratically created laws and tariffs that are designed to support local economies, protect the environment, and prevent jobs and capital from being shipped overseas and given to the lowest bidder.

I have been reading a book on this and one of the messages I have is that free trade agreements are one of the biggest obstacles to doing anything about climate change. The agreements actually allow corporations to sue governments over any kind of restrictions or legislation that they find to be “protectionist” or that in any way “restrict trade.

It felt great to be able to do something – to speak with my physical presence and my voice – rather than simply wait until the next election to vote for someone based on their promises. We held signs, chanted, marched in and out of our representative’s office, marched to the public space outside the office, and listened to speeches. The whole thing was well organized and easy to participate in.

Being unused to protests and somewhat unfamiliar with this particular issue, I went to the rally as an individual citizen. Meaning I didn’t wear anything that could identify me as a protestor.

One of the speakers was a priest and he said

“Why, some may ask, would a priest be speaking at a rally to oppose a trade deal? What does trade policy have to do with religion, after all? Well, let me tell you: People of faith are taught to care for – and stand up for – the poor and the exploited. People of faith are taught to see creation as a sacred gift of God. If the agreement passes, there will be even more fossil fuel use and pollution. People of faith uphold the inherent worth of every person, and yet, if the  it passes, even more human rights abuses will go unchecked.”I was very impressed by his words and everyone cheered. We did a peaceful march and then we dispersed.

Question 1(d).
Using most of the disjointed notes below and rearranging them where necessary, write an account for your local newspaper of an exciting expedition you have undertaken.You may include your own ideas, in addition, to make it more interesting.Your notes. 
Party of ten pupils…equipment carried…purpose of expedition………. plant and animal life….local people    ….camped at awkward spot…unlucky fall…welcome sight…a lorry at last…speedy return.
Answer:
Mountain climbing or mountaineering is a very exciting and adventurous sport, but equally dangerous and should be taken seriously. I had always been told this and now I had the opportunity to plan an expedition into the Shivalik hills. We were supposed to be a group of ten students. I was given charge of ensuring that we packed whatever we would require. Special clothing to protect from the harsh winds and blazing sun at the mountain’s high altitudes, special equipment, such as mountain sticks, spike and rope, to assist in the climb.

I knew I had to pack carefully and lightly as weight is very important, but also be prepared of the sudden changes in the weather which is equally important.

Packing lightly is difficult, considering the possibility of the weather changes and the fact that packing something to eat and drink is also required. Nevertheless, making a list and taking only the equipment needed for that area, as different mountains need different equipment, helped me to pack lightly.

The purpose was to build stamina and physical fitness in the students as well as to make us ; get a first- hand experience to study the plant and animal life as this would help us in our biology classes. Another reason for this expedition was to become familiar with the culture, habits and the life of the local people who lived in these mountains without the amenities of city life.

Finally we started climbing and at nightfall chose a secluded spot on the side of the mountain to camp. But this is where are inexperience nearly cost us dearly. We forgot that we should not camp too near the edge. The spot we chose proved to be awkward as it was very near a precipice and one of the students was in the habit of night-walking and would have had _ an unlucky fall but thankfully his friend saw him and pulled him back to safety. This made us cautious and next day on our return journey our spirits were a bit dampened and when we saw a lorry going past, laden with fruit sit was a real welcome sight and we rushed to steal some of the juicy apples. This revived us and soon we were all running downhill, in a hurry to return speedily tour hostel.

Question 1(e).
Study the picture given below. Write a story or an account of what the picture suggests to you. Your composition maybe about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; but there must be a clear connection between the picture and the composition.

Answer:
Technology enables us to have a fast and easy way to acquire unlimited access to tons of information. Technology advancement is similar to a tidal wave, growing silently in strength, then falling with an unstoppable roar upon those who paid no attention or showed little interest.

Technological advancements have shown a substantial growth concerned with each and every, field whether it be the communication systems, astronomy, semiconductor devices, automobiles, electronic devices of daily usage, bio electronics devices, building and architectural design techniques or the computers. Advancements in technology have refurbished almost everything for instance development of the radio wave communication systems which is further extended to mobile communications and the GPS, the semiconductor devices that drastically reduced the bulk of the aborigine (primitive) Vacuum tubes and could fit 100’s of gigabytes into one’s pocket, the fast and “intelligent” super-computers, calculators and other similar high-end devices being used extensively in the field of research

These advancements not only provide a stimulus for the betterment of the living standards but also exhilarate new ideas and vistas and act as a motivating factor for further enhancements. Needless to add that these advancements also invigorate economic development as the effective use of technology reduces the material production cost and the overhead charges which generate savings in the economy and thus lead to national development.

The future looks very promising It truly is impossible for anyone to deny the tremendous effect technological growth has had on our society, the explosion of new technologies has changed the way we live from the way we do business to the way we communicate with each other. Therefore, obviously, technological advancements are also affecting the way we teach and learn. Society must take advantage of all the emerging technologies so its children can have a brighter future.

(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
Select one of the following:
Question 2(a).
Write a letter to the editor of The Times of India expressing your views on pollution in your town or city.
Answer:
23, XYZ Street
New Delhi
12^th July 2014.
To
The Editor
The Times Of India
New Delhi
Sir,
As you know the pollution in Delhi is increasing day by day and has reached dangerous levels. This is an alarming situation and I would like to draw your attention to it so that you can spread awareness.

Pollution is the one of the biggest problem affecting the people in Delhi. Even though the government has established strict law to control this issue, pollution is still inevitable to some extent. Now how can we help people understand the dangers to their health and teach them to respect their environment?

There are many kinds of pollution. Air, soil, water and sound pollution are some. It is difficult to say which one is more risky than the other because all of them are dangerous and equally damaging to people’s health.

Pollution can cause diseases like asthma, cancer, and also different types of allergies. Soil pollution most especially damages crops. Cars, planes and factories cause air pollution because they release toxic gases like carbon monoxide.

This level of ignorance is unacceptable, so it is time to change. I suggest that the government starts creating awareness among the people, teach them the dangers and encourage them to recycle. Companies that dump their toxic waste in water bodies should be brought to justice and assigned heavy fines to be donated to public hospitals. Factories should be encouraged to use renewable sources of energy.
Hope you will take necessary action to improve the situation.
Yours sincerely
Mr XYZ

Question 2(b).
Write a letter to your friend informing him or her about your short visit to his place and what you propose to do there.
Answer:
24, XYZ Street
Moradabad
Dear Shwet
Hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. I am writing this to confirm to you my plan to visit you in my holidays. You have been inviting me since a long time and finally my parents have agreed I will visit you during my short Easter break. Let me give you some insight into my plan.

As you know, for last couple of months I am going through a hectic schedule in my workplace. In this situation, I thought only an excellent holiday can be a stress reliever. Additionally, 1 will get a chance to explore a new city too and you have told me so much about your place that I am very keen to see it for myself. I have heard other people also praising Melbourne and 1 really can’t wait to get there.

Now coming to my holiday plan, I designed the trip to be short and compact. Apart from city tour, I want to visit Twelve Apostles which is a spectacular view of the coast line. Also, 1 believe there is a historical gold mining spot named Ballarat which 1 would love to see. Once the main attractions are covered within first three days, on fourth day we can just relax; do some shopping, taste local cuisines, etc.

If the time and plan suit you, please confirm so that I can make the ticket bookings. I am also very keen to meet your family and your younger sister.
Hope to hear from you soon.
With regards to your family
Your loving friend
XYZ.

Question 3.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Answer:
Muthachi made a living by selling gramflour savouries, which she prepared herself. With this, the penniless old woman was barely able to eke out a living. She had arranged to give her daughter in marriage to Madasami, a casual labourer. The marriage was to take place the next morning.

At five-thirty on the eve of the marriage, Muthachi was sitting in the house of the goldsmith. She was in a hurry to go back home before the nightfall as she had to travel through a lonely forest.

Muthachi was becoming anxious about the new earrings. The goldsmith said that he was working hard to finish the job. And he continued soothingly: “But tell me, have you heard this story? Chettiar, who has a pawn shop was returning with money tied around his waist. He was waylaid near Mallaperambu and robbed.

“And who was it that perpetrated all these atrocities and escaped?” enquired the old woman.
“Oh, who else but that Sangu Thevan.”
“May the Lord of the Bamboo Reed protect me. Well have you finished?
“Just a minute. A little finishing here and it is done,” said the goldsmith, and presently he wrapped the pair of earrings in a piece of red tissue paper and handed them over to the old woman.

The hour of twilight, soon passed and night came swiftly. Soon it grew darker and darker till “one couldn’t see the palm of one’s own hand,” as the old woman said. Muthachi had never been afraid. But today, she seemed to see a Sangu Thevan behind every tree; on every branch, ready to pounce on her.

Suddenly, she saw a dark form that disappeared ahead of her in the same direction in which she was going. Pinning her faith on the Lord of the Bamboo Reed, she went forward and called: “Who is it, please? Stop, Sir! Stop!” As she walked briskly forward, she could see a man’s big turban, long side-whiskers, his short dhoti tied tightly around his sturdy waist.

“Look here, old woman; where are you going in this pitch-dark night?” asked the stranger.

“Tomorrow is my daughter’s wedding. I have to reach home and get everything ready. I have obtianed on hire a pair of earrings. Even the poor must try to impress people with such things.” They walked on in silence. The man repeatedly glanced at the old woman as he continued on his way, lost in his own thoughts.

A little later the old woman said: “At last! There I see the temple. Now I can go home by myself.”
“Wait. I have something for you,” said the stranger. “Take this bag, it is a present to your daughter. Let your first grandson bear my name.”
“What name shall I give him?”
“Sangu The van.”

The bag of gold coins Muthachi had received fell from her hand and she whispered in terror, “Spare me.’
“Don’t be afraid. No harm will come to you.” And the man picked up the bag, put it back into her hand. The old woman, too frightened to speak hurried away, only turning to look at him again and again. Sangu Thevan sat down on a rock nearby, and chuckled to himself.

Question 3(a).
Give the meanings of the following words as used in the passage. One word answers or short phrases will be accepted.

(1) Perpetrated
Ans. perpetrated—committed

(2) Pounce
Ans. pounce—jump upon suddenly

(3) Sturdy
Ans. sturdy— strong

Question 3(b).
Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.

Question 1.
Why did Mutachi go to the goldsmith? Why was she anxious to go back home?
Answer:
Mutachi had gone to the goldsmith to get the earrings she had got made for her daughter. She was anxious to go back home before nightfall as she had to travel through a lonely forest and she was alone.

Question 2.
Who was Sangu Thevan? What was Mutachi told about him?
Answer:
Sangu Thevan was a robber. The goldsmith told Mutachi that Sangu Thevan had robbed Chettiar, a local pawn shop owner, of his money when he was returning home.

Question 3.
What does the author say to show that it was a very dark night?
Answer:
To show that it was a very dark night the author says that it was so dark that one could not see the palm of one’s own hand.

Question 4.
What imaginary fears did Mutachi have about Sangu Thevan? What did she see that made her more frightened?
Answer:
Mutachi imagined that there was a Sangu Thevan hiding behind every tree, on every branch, ready to jump on her and rob the earrings from her. When she saw a dark form disappear ahead of her in the same direction in which she was going she became more frightened.

Question 5.
Describe the physical appearance of Sangu Thevan.
Answer:
Sangu Thevan was a sturdy man with long side -whiskers wearing a big turban.

Question 6.
How can you conclude that Sangu Thevan was kind and generous to Mutachi?
Answer:
Sangu Thevan did not rob Mutachi although she told him about the earrings which she was carrying with her .Rather when he heard about her daughter’s wedding he gave her a bag of gold coins as a gift for her daughter and asked her to name her first grandchild after him. We can thus conclude that he was kind and generous to Mutachi.

Question 7.
In not more than 60 words state how even a robber has some concern for the poor.
Answer:
Sangu Thevan, the robber was kind and generous to Mutachi, the poor old woman, as he not only spared robbing her but also gave a bag of gold coins as a gift for her daughters.

Question 8.
Give a title to the passage and give a reason to justify your choice.
Answer:
“Robber with a heart of Gold” is an appropriate title as the story is about a robber who is kind to a poor woman.

Question 4(a).
In the following passage, 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 the correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.

The ruler was about to celebrate the silver jubilee of his reign and his subjects met__ 1__ (discuss) what they could do to please him. “ Let us,” said one , “set up a great wine cask and fill up with the best wine our country _______ 2___ (produce)for him to drink with his guests at the___ 3___ (celebrate) of the feast. This plan 4 (approve).The subjects agreed that each of them should bring a bottle of the best wine he had and pour it into the cask until it was full. So it was done. On the day of the feast, the servants were busy 5 (draw) wine from the great tub,and 6 (find) to their surprise that it was colourless like water. They tasted it .It was water! This had happened because each of the men ___7____ (think), “In the great cask,no one  ___8____ (notice) if I put in only water instead of wine.

1.    to discuss

2.    produces

3.    celebration

4.    was approved

5.    drawing

6.    found

7.    thought

8.    will notice.

Question 4(b).
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

1.    The town lies under a thick black cloud of smoke.

2.    I looked at the stars through the telescope.

3.    We had to get across the river.

4.    Tickets have been on sale since last Wednesday.

5.    Most people are into these changes.

6.    We cruised in the canal for a few miles.

7.    He joined the company ten years ago.

8.    We went to board the ship.

Question 4(c).
Combine each set of the following sentences without using and, but or so

(1) She is going to Mumbai .She wants to pursue her studies there.
Ans. She is going to Mumbai because she wants to pursue her studies there.

(2) Our football team won the match. The principal declared a holiday.
Ans. The principal declared a holiday because our football team won the match.

(3) She has a huge property. She must look after it.
Ans. She has a huge property which she must look after.

(4) The Principal will be back in the office. It will not be long.
Ans. It will not be long when the Principal will be back in the office.

Question 4(d).
Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other necessary changes, but do not change the meaning of each sentence.

(1) I’m afraid I spoke to you rather rudely yesterday. (Begin: I must apologise….)
Ans. I must apologise because I spoke to you rather rudely yesterday.

(2) “Do not drive rashly in the city,” he said to her. (Begin: He warned…)
Ans. He warned her not to drive rashly in the city.

(3) “This is how you make a pot,” the potter said to us. (Begin: The potter explained…)
Ans. The potter explained to us how a pot is made.

(4) They were so kind to me that I’ll never forget it. (Begin: I’ll never forget…)
Ans. I’ll never forget their kindness to me.

(5) I do not mind big cities but I prefer small towns 9 Begin: I prefer…)
Ans. I prefer small towns to big cities.

(6) If she feels worse during the night give her these tablets. (Begin: Should…)
Ans. Should she feel worse during the night give her these tablets.

(7) The result surprised everybody in the country. (Begin: The result took…)
Ans. The result took everyone by surprise.

(8) “Don’t play on the road,” the teacher said to the children. (Begin: The teacher forbade…)
Ans. The teacher forbade the children to play on the road.