Class 9 English Learning The Game

 Learning the Game

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

Read the passage from the extract 'Learning The Game' and answer the questions that follow  :

From a very early age, I played tennis-ball cricket with my colony friends. I loved watching cricket on television and in our games, I often tried to emulate the mannerisms of my favourite players, Sunil Gavaskar and the West Indian legend Viv Richards. But it wasn't just the batsmen that I studied. I also loved bowling. Throughout my career, I have actually bowled a lot in the nets. I was then studying in the New English School, Mumbai. But my brother Ajit knew that compared to other schools in Mumbai, Shardashram Vidhyamandir where Ramakant Achrekar Sir was the cricket coach, gave due importance to the game of cricket. He ran summer camps too. Ajit, one day, took me to the camp to get trained under Sir. Anyone could come for a trial at the camp; but then, it was up to Sir to decide who to

accept. I was eleven years old then. Achrekar Sir, as I refer to him, started playing cricket at the age of eleven in 1943, which is the age I was when I went to him for the first time.

1. What did Sachin try to emulate while watching cricket matches in television?

Answer :

 Sachin Tried to emulate the mannerisms of his favourite players, Sunil Gavaskar and the West Indian legend Viv Richards.

2. With whom did Sachin play tennis ball cricket in his early childhood?

Answer :

With his colony friends

3. Who were Sachin's favourite cricket players in childhood?

Answer :

Sunil Gavaskar and the West Indian legend Viv Richards.

4. Where did Sachin study in childhood?

Answer :

New English School, Mumbai

5. Who is Sachin's brother?

Answer :

Ajit Tendulkar

6. Why did Ajit think Shardashram Vidhyamandir was better school than any other schools in Bombay?

Answer :

Because Shardashram Vidhyamandir school gave much priority to cricket where Ramakant Achrekar Sir was the Cricket coach.

7. What was special about Shardashram Vidhyamandir?

Answer :

Shardashram Vidhyamandir school gave much priority to cricket where Ramakant Achrekar Sir was the Cricket coach.

8. What was the criteria for selection in the camp conducted by Ramakant Achrekar Sir?

Answer :

Those who wanted to get admission must attend a free trial at first. Anybody could come to attend for a trial, but it was up to Sir to decided who to accept.

9. At what age did Sachin came to Achrekar Sir for a trial?

Answer :

Eleven years old

10. What is the common factor in the passage about Sachin and Achrekar Sir?

Answer :

It was at the age of eleven, Achrekar Sir started playing cricket. Sachin too came to him for a trial at the same age.

11. Why did Ajit take Sachin to the Summer Camp?

Answer :

The summer camp was conducted by Ramakant Achrekar Sir. Ajit knew that he was a good coach. So he took Sachin to the camp to get trained under him.

12. Pick out the word from the passage which means 'to imitate'.

Answer :

Emulate

Read the passage from the extract 'Learning The Game' and answer the questions that follow:

I had never batted in the nets before and felt somewhat overawed with so many people around. When I was asked to bat, I was not at all comfortable. With Sir watching me so closely, I failed to make an impact. Sir called Ajit aside and informed him that I was perhaps too young to make the camp and suggested that he should bring me back when I was a little older. My induction into the Mumbai cricket circuit could have ended in failure -- but for Ajit's insistence. Having seen me play in the colony, Ajit knew I was capable of performing far better than I had done in front of Achrekar Sir. He explained that I was nervous and asked Sir to give me one more opportunity. However, he suggested that while doing so, Sir should pretend to go away and then watch from a distance. Sir agreed. Before long, I was asked to bat again and, without Sir's trained eyes scrutinizing me -- or so I thought, I felt more at ease and soon started to hit the ball well. This time, Sir agreed to let me join the camp. I was delighted and I must say it was an opportunity that transformed my life. The camp involved a session every morning and evening at Shivaji Park. I would practise between 7.30 am and 10.30 am in the morning. Then I'd come back in the afternoon and practise till late evening. The schedule was rigorous and I would be exhausted by the end of the day. Travelling to Shivaji Park took forty minutes from my house in Bandra and I had to catch an early morning bus to make it on time. For the first few days, Ajit accompanied me, to get me used to the routine. During the bus journeys, he would talk to me about the nuances of batting, and I always enjoyed these conversations a lot. In fact, the one thing that I have kept with me all my career is a note that Ajit gave me containing some thoughts about batting. It served as a very personal coaching manual.

13. Why did Sachin fail to make an impact at the first trial? / Why did Sachin feel discomfort at the first trial?

Answer :

It was Sachin's first experience to bat in the nets. Sachin felt discomfort as he was asked to bat in front of many people. More over his real tension was the presence of Achrekar Sir who had been waching him very closely.

14. What did Achrekar sir suggest to Ajit about Sachin?

Answer :

He told that Sachin was too young to make the camp and should be brought back when he grew a little older.

15. "My induction into the Mumbai cricket circuit could have ended in failure -- but for Ajit's insistence."- Why did Sachin tell do?

Answer :

As Sachin failed to make an impact in his first trial, Achrekar sir told Ajit that he was too old to join the camp. But Ajit knew well that Sachin can perform far better than he had done in front of Achrekar Sir. So, he explained that Sachin was nervous.  Ajit asked Sir to give him one more opportunity. Sachin played well in the second chance and made Achrekar sir impressed.

16. Why could sachin hit the balls well at the second chance?

Answer :

As Achrekar Sir pretended to go away, Sachin thought that  Sir was not watching him. So, Sachin got more confidence and started to hit the ball well.

17. According to Sachin, What was the opportunity that changed his life? Why did he tell so?

Answer : 

Sachin got admission in the summer camp of Achrekar Sir. Because of Sir's strict training Sachin became a world class cricketer. 

18. What was the schedule of Sachin at the summer camp of Achrekar Sir?

Answer :

The camp involved a session every morning and evening at Shivaji Park. He would practise between 7.30 am and 10.30 am in the morning. Then he'd come back in the afternoon and practise till late evening. The schedule was rigorous and he would be exhausted by the end of the day.

19. Why did Sachin feel that the schedule of the camp was ‘rigorous’?

Answer:

The camp involved a session every morning and evening at Shivaji Park. Sachin would practise between 7.30 am and 10.30 am in the morning. Then he'd come back in the afternoon and practise till late evening. After the practice sessions , Sachin would be completely exhausted. So he felt that the schedule of the camp was a rigorous one.

20. How long did it take to reach to Shivaji Park from Bandra by bus?

Answer :

40 minutes

21. What would Ajit talk to Sachin during the bus journeys?

Answer :

about the nuances of batting.

22. What did serve as a very personal coaching manual to Sachin?

Answer :

The note that Ajit gave Sachin containing some thoughts about batting served as a very personal coaching manual to him.

Read the passage from the extract 'Learning The Game' and answer the questions that follow  :

As a child, I had only one set of cricket clothes and the routine was to wash them as soon as I'd returned from the morning session. While I had my lunch, the clothes would dry out in the sun and I would wear them again in the afternoon. The pattern was repeated in the evening so that I could use the same set of clothes the following morning. The system worked well -- apart from my pockets. There was never quite enough time for the pockets to dry out completely, and for the entire duration of the camp I played with wet pockets. By the middle of the summer camp, Sir had started taking an active interest in my batting and at the end of the two months, informed Ajit that I had the potential to be a good cricketer if I practised all year round. However, my school-- the New English School in Bandra -- did not have cricket facilities and Sir was keen for me to change schools if I wanted to pursue cricket seriously. One evening, Sir called my father and put forward his suggestion. Ajit was in the room with my father at the time and they both accepted that it was necessary, if cricket was to be my priority. My father sat me down and explained that while he did not have any objections to my changing schools, I should do so only if I was really serious about playing cricket. I assured him I was, and so it was agreed that I should move to Shardashram Vidhyamandir, where Achrekar Sir was the cricket coach. All my excess energies were getting channelled into cricket, which acted as a kind of safety valve. My father always said that all he wanted me to do was give it my best effort without worrying about the results.

23. “The system worked well – apart from my pockets.” What is the ‘system’ referred to here by Sachin?

Answer:

Sachin had only one set of cricket clothes. So his routine was to wash and dry them after each session so that he could wear them for the next session. This routine is the ‘system’ referred to by Sachin.

24. What was the problem did Sachin face during his summer camp?

Answer : 

Sachin had only one set of cricket clothes. So his routine was to wash and dry them after each session so that he could wear them for the next session. But the problem was that the time was not enough for drying his pockets. So, he had to play with wet pockets for the entire duration of the camp.

25. What was the suggestion put forward by Achrekar Sir towards Sachin's father and brother?

Answer :

Achrekar Sir suggested that it was better for Sachin to change his studies from New English School to Shardashram Vidhyamandir if he wanted to pursue cricket seriously. 

26. Why was Sachin asked to change the school?

Answer :

The New English School where Sachin studied did not have cricket facilities. His coach advised him to change his school if he wanted to take cricket seriously.

27. What was the condition laid down by Sachin’s father for changing the school?

Answer :

Sachin's father said that he could change schools if Sachin was really serious about playing cricket.

28. What did Sachin consider as a kind of safety valve?

Answer:

All his excess energies were channeled into playing cricket and Sachin considered this as a safety valve.

29. What did Sachin's father always say to him?

Answer : 

Sachin's father always advised his son to make his best effort without worrying about the results.

In my first year at Shardashram, I played fifty-five practice matches during the summer break of sixty days. My summer sessions used to start at 7.30 am and end at 4.30 pm. My evening session would start at 5 pm after only a thirty-minute break. During the break, Sir would often give me some money to go and have a vadapav (a popular Mumbai fast food). Between 5 pm and 7 pm I'd have five more net sessions. Towards the last 15 minutes, Sir would place a one-rupee coin on top of the stumps and if I managed to avoid getting out, the coin was mine. In this session, every bowler in the camp would come and bowl to me, with some sixty to seventy boys fielding. It meant I had to hit every ball along the ground to survive those intense fifteen minutes. Winning the one-rupee coin used to give me immense satisfaction and taught me how to concentrate even when physically drained. At the end of it all, Sir would tell me to run two full circuits of Shivaji Park with my pads and gloves on. That was the last part of my training and I'd be completely exhausted by the end of it all. It was a routine I would repeat right through my summer holidays and it helped me to build up physical and mental stamina.

30. How many practice matches did Sachin play during the sixty days of summer camp?

Answer :

fifty-five practice matches

31. What was the timings of the Summer camp?

Answer :

The summer sessions used to start at 7.30 am and end at 4.30 pm. The evening session would start at 5 pm after only a thirty-minute break.

32. What was the experiment did Achrekar Sir give to Sachin during the summer camp?

Answer :

Towards the last 15 minutes, Sir would place a one-rupee coin on top of the stumps and if Sachin managed to avoid getting out, the coin was his. In this session, every bowler in the camp would come and bowl to him, with some sixty to seventy boys fielding. It meant he had to hit every ball along the ground to survive those intense fifteen minutes. 

33. How did the act with the one rupee coin help Sachin become a good cricketer?

Answer :

Winning the one-rupee coin used to give him immense satisfaction and taught him how to concentrate even when physically drained.

34. What activity was the last part of Sachin's training?

Answer :

At the end of the training, Sir would tell Sachin to run two full circuits of Shivaji Park with his pads and gloves on.

35. What helped Sachin to build up physical and mental stamina?

Answer :

His rigorous practice at the summer camp.

Read the passage from the extract 'Learning The Game' and answer the questions that follow  :

Occasionally, my father came to take me home and I would always ask him to treat me to a special fruit cocktail at a juice centre near the club. While this regular demand was a little unreasonable, because at the time I did not realize that my parents also had to take care of the needs of my brothers and sister, my father would invariably end up giving me what I wanted, just to see me happy. On other days, when I made my way home from Shivaji Park on my own, I'd often fall asleep on the bus -- if I managed to sit down. Anyone who has been on a Mumbai bus at peak hours will know just how difficult it is to get a seat. On days when I wasn't so lucky, it was still a challenge just to stand with the kitbag, because the bus conductors would inevitably complain about me taking up the space of another passenger. It could be embarrassing because the conductors were often rude and would sometimes ask me to buy two tickets. I didn't have the money for a second ticket and I had to learn to take these remarks in my stride. Dirty clothes often added to the embarrassment. With time, I evolved a way of wrapping the kitbag around me. Just as the helmet and pads became a part of me while batting, so the kitbag became an extension of me on the bus. I'd often take the bus or train from Bandra to Church gate, and it was all a great learning experience.

36. What would Sachin always ask his father?

Answer :

to treat him to a special fruit cocktail at a juice centre near the club.

37. What was the unreasonable regular demand of Sachin to his father? Why did he feel that it was a little unreasonable?

Answer :

According to Sachin, his regular demand for cocktail was the unreasonable one. He felt so because his parents also had to take care of the needs of his brothers and sister.

38. What was the challenge would Sachin face in the bus?

Answer :

Standing with the kitbag, because the bus conductors would complain about him taking up the space of another passenger and would sometimes ask him to buy two tickets. Dirty clothes often added to the embarrassment.

39. How did Sachin solve his problem about the kitbag in the bus?

Answer :

 He evolved a way of wrapping the kitbag around him. Just as the helmet and pads became a part of him while batting, so the kitbag became an extension of him on the bus.

Read the passage from the extract 'Learning The Game' and answer the questions that follow  :

Even though I loved cricket, there were still occasional days when playing with my friends at home was such fun that I would conveniently forget I was supposed to go to the nets. If I didn't turn up, Achrekar Sir would jump on to his scooter and come to find me. Sir would spot me in the mele'e and virtually drag me out. I would come up with excuses but he would have none of it. He would get me to change and head off to Shivaji Park. On the drive he would tell me, "Don't waste your time playing inane games with these kids. Cricket is waiting for you at the nets. Practise hard and see what magic can transpire." At that time, I hated being dragged off but as I look back, I feel sheepish about my actions and can only admire Achrekar Sir's farsightedness.

Sir also punished me on one occasion when trying to teach me a very important lesson. Once, I bunked my daily evening practice to watch an inter-school cricket match not anticipating that Sir would be there. He was  angry and he said it wasn't for me to come and watch other people play for, if I practised hard enough, one day people from across the world would come and watch me play. Had it not been for Sir, I would not be the cricketer I turned out to be. He was a strict disciplinarian and did everything he could for me. I owe myself to him.

40. Why did Sachin conveniently forget to go to the nets?

Answer :

To play with his friends at home.

41. What would Achrekar Sir do when Sachin skip the nets?

Answer :

Achrekar Sir would come to find Sachin on his scooter and would spot him. He would come up with excuses but Sir wouldn't care it. Sir would then take him to Shivaji Park.

42. ‘Cricket is waiting for you at the nets. Practice hard and see what magic can transpire. ‘What aspect of a coach can you infer in Achrekar here?

Answer :

Achrekar Sir never allowed Sachin to skip his practice. This shows that he was a responsible and sincere coach. He had a far sighting vision about Sachin's Carrier.

43. When did Achrekar Sir punish Sachin?

Answer :

When Sachin bunked his daily evening practice to watch an inter-school cricket match not anticipating that Sir would be there. This made sir very angry and gave Sachin the punishment.

44. What advice did Achrekar sir give Sachin as he bunked his practice?

Answer :

Sir said that it wasn't for him to come and watch other people play for, if he practised hard enough, one day people from across the world would come and watch him play.

s

45. Prepare a character sketch of Ramakant Achrekar.

Ramakant Achrekar : A Talented Coach 

Ramakant Achrekar was an Indian cricket coach from Mumbai. He was most famous for coaching young cricketers at Shivaji Park Mumbai, most notably the great master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. In his early carrier he worked as the coach at Shardashram Vidhyamandir School in Mumbai. He ran summer camps there. He selected the players after watching them closely. Sachin got admission in his summer camp at the age of eleven. Achrekar identified the potential of Sachin. He gave him rigorous practice in the morning and evening. Achrekar had a clear far sighting vision on Sachin's Carrier. So, he requested Sachin's parents to change Sachin's school. Thus Sachin joined Shardashram where Achrekar sir was the cricket coach. He was kind and a very strict coach too. He never accepted the excuses. He also punished Sachin on one occassion. He was angry with Sachin when bunked his evening practice. He advised him not to play insane games with other boys. He was a strict disciplinarian. It's only because of Achrekar's strict discipline and far sightedness, Sachin became a great cricketer. "It wasn't good for you to come and watch other people play. If you practised hard enough, one day people from across the world would come and watch you play." - These words of Achrekar to Sachin show his far sighting vision. Most of all, he is a kind, strict and talented coach who can boost the talent of his Disciples.

Narrate in your own words the hardships underwent by Sachin to become a great cricketer.

46. Prepare a Narrative based on the lesson " Learning the Game "

Answer :

 Hard work is the Key to Success 

Sachin was born in Mumbai. He belonged to a middle class family. He showed his skill and interests in cricket since his early childhood. It was Ajit Tendulkar, Sachin's brother who found the in born talent of Sachin in cricket at first. He decided to give him better training. So, he took Sachin to the camp of popular cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar Sir at the age of 11. Though Sachin failed to make an impact at the first attempt, he got a second chance by the intervention of Ajit. Ajit told Sir that it was because of embarrassment that Sachin couldn't bat well. So, he requested Achrekar Sir to pretend as he was not noticing him. That idea worked well. Thinking that Achrekar Sir was not watching him, Sachin batted well with ease. Thus he got the chance to join the summer camp of Achrekar Sir.

 The practice at the summer camp were very rigorous. The sessions were held every morning and evening. Sachin practised hard at the nets. Sachin had only one set of clothes. So, he had to wash his clothes after each sessions. Though the system worked well, it didn't get enough time to dry out the pockets! Hence, Sachin had to play throughout the sixty days of the summer camp with wet pockets. He had rigorous practice for several hours. He was tired by the end of the day.

Towards the last 15 minutes of each day, Sir would place a one-rupee coin on top of the stumps and if Sachin managed to avoid getting out, the coin was his. In this session, every bowler in the camp would come and bowl to him, with some sixty to seventy boys fielding. It meant he had to hit every ball along the ground to survive those intense fifteen minutes. Winning the one-rupee coin used to give him immense satisfaction and taught him how to concentrate even when physically drained. At the end of the training, Sir would tell Sachin to run two full circuits of Shivaji Park with his pads and gloves on.

Achrekar Sir was a very strict coach. He never allowed Sachin to skip the practices. Whenever Sachin tried to evade the nets, Sir would come on his scooter and took Sachin to Shivaji Park. Once, When Sachin bunked his daily evening practice to watch an inter-school cricket match not anticipating that Sir would be there. This made sir very angry and gave Sachin the punishment.Sir said that it wasn't fair for him to come and watch other people play. If he practised hard enough, one day people from across the world would come and watch him play. It's sure that Sir made Sachin a great cricketer. Sachin owed himself to Achrekar.

47. Prepare six interview questions you may ask to Sachin Tendulkar.

Answer :

> Who inspired you to choose cricket as a carrier?

> Do you think your family played an important role in making you a cricketer?

> In your opinion, what qualities should a cricketer possess ?

> What advice would you like to give to the young cricketers of India?

> What is your impression about Achrekar Sir as your cricket coach?

> Who is your favourite cricketer? Why?

> What is your greatest strength and weakness ?

48. Prepare six interview questions you may ask to Sachin's brother Ajit Tendulkar.

Answer :

> How did you identify Sachin's passion to cricket?

> Why did you take Sachin to Achrekar Sir to coach him?

> Have you ever expected that Sachin would become a famous Indian cricketer?

> What advice did you give to Sachin in his budding stage?

> Do you believe that family plays a big role in one's success?

> What quality of Sachin do you like the most?

> What is the greatest strength and weakness of Sachin in your opinion?

49. Determination, hardwork and motivation played a major role in shaping Sachin's Career as a true cricketer. Prepare a speech on "The Role of Motivation in Success" to be delivered in the school assembly highlighting the life of Sachin.

Answer :

Respected teachers and my dear friends,

I'm very happy to get a chance to deliver a few words before you on the topic "The Role of Motivation in Success". Do you know what is the important key behind the success of every person? It's nothing but the motivation. Motivation is very important for the overall development of the personality and mindset of the people. It also puts a person in action and in a competitive state. Furthermore, it improves efficiency and desire to achieve the goal. It leads to stability and improvement in work.

Here is a story I would like to share with you about how motivation and dedication lead one to success. The story is about our one and only legend, the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. You all know that Sachin was born in Bombay in a common middle class family. His passion to cricket is firstly identified by his elder brother Ajit Tendulkar. He took him to Achrekar Sir for better coaching.  Later Achrekar Sir became the best coach and mentor of Sachin. His strict coaching and motivations gave much confidence to Sachin. He motivated Sachin by advising that "It wasn't good for you to come and watch other people play. If you practised hard enough, one day people from across the world would come and watch you play." In short, we can surely say that Sachin owed himself to Achrekar.

It's not only Achrekar Sir and Ajit gave him the motivation, but his father also gave Sachin complete freedom and guidance. When Achrekar gave the proposal to change Sachin's school, his father agreed with that without much hesitation. Sachin's father always advised him to make his best effort without worrying about the results. By all these incidents, we can reach a conclusion that the motivation and guidance given to Sachin is the prime reason behind his great success.

I'm concluding my words by thanking you all for spending your precious time listening my speech.

Thank you.

50. The sports club of your school has decided to organise a function  to congratulate Ramakant Achrekar Sir who made Sachin Tendulkar 'The God of cricket'. Draft a notice for the function giving necessary details .

 Answer :

Class 9 English The Race Questions & Answers

 Read the passage from the story 'The Race' and answer the questions that follow  :

Tarun was a mediocre student. His grades could barely satisfy his parents. And, he was not a good singer, dancer, painter, or even an actor. He always thought of himself as the black sheep of the family. His elder brother, who was pursuing a degree in engineering from a reputed college, always made the family proud. But Tarun was never good at anything like that. However, he was blessed with the strength of a great athlete; he was an excellent runner. He would run for hours, be it day or night. Whenever he felt sad and lonely, he exhausted himself by running, thus releasing all his pent-up emotions. At times, he would miss his school bus and would then run to school, which was five miles away from his home! He just had one dream--to become the fastest runner in the world. Tarun did not know how to achieve his dream. On the one hand, his parents hated his running and wanted him to concentrate more on his studies, which he never did. On the other hand, he belonged to a middle class family, and Tarun knew that, to achieve his dream, he needed an intensive training, the amount for which was well beyond his family's reach.

1. What kind of student was Tarun?

Answer :

Tarun was a mediocre student. His grades could barely satisfy his parentfamilyWhy did Tarun think that he was the black sheep of the family?

Answer:

On the contrary to his parents' wish Tarun was not good at studies. More over he was not a good singer, dancer, painter or even an actor. So he felt himself as the black sheep of the family.

3. Who do you like more, Tarun or his brother? Why?

Answer:

I like Tarun more because, he understands his strength and limitations very well. And he also had a dream in accordance with his talent.

4. How did Tarun's elder brother make proud his family?

Answer :

Tarun's parents always wish their children focussing on studies. As per their wish Tarun's elder brother got admission in a reputed engineering college. Thus he made his family proud.

5. What is the strength of Tarun?

Answer :

He was blessed with the strength of a great athlete; he was an excellent runner. He could run for hours, be it day or night.

6. How did Tarun get rid of his pent-up emotions?

Answer :

Whenever he felt sad and lonely, he exhausted himself by running, thus releasing all his pent-up emotions.

7. What would Tarun do when he missed the school bus?

Answer :

When he missed the school bus, Tharun would then run to school, which was five miles away from his home.

8. What was the only dream of Tarun?

Answer :

Tarun wanted to become the fastest runner in the world.

9. What were the obstacles before Tarun in pursuing his dream?

Answer:

Tarun's parents hated his running and wanted him to concentrate on his studies. On the other hand, his family had no money to provide him better training.

10. Pick out a word from the passage that means 'extremely tired.'

Answer :

Exhausted

Read the passage from the story 'The Race' and answer the questions that follow  :

When Tarun failed in his terminal examinations, his father was very angry with him. His friends too made fun of him. It was a day he wanted to wipe out from his memory and so he took to running. He ran all around the park. The sun beat down to check his rage but nothing could stop Tarun. After about an hour, he was fully exhausted and his fury having subsided, he threw himself on a bench and started panting heavily.

Suddenly, he heard a voice at his elbow. "What is it, son?" Tarun turned to his left and there sat a man of about sixty.   "I failed in two subjects," he replied in a depressed tone.   The man smiled sympathetically and said, "Life is full of ups and downs, my boy. By the way, I am Ram Narayan, and you are one of the best runners I have ever seen." "Ram Narayan? Raaaa...m...Narayan! Are you the same Ram Narayan who won an Olympic medal in the 400-metre race in the 1960s?" Tarun could not hide his excitement.

Yes," pat came the reply. Tarun was dazzled. "Son, I have been watching you for the past 45 minutes," continued Ram Narayan, "and I see a good future in you." Tarun could not help but blush.

11. Why did Tarun's father get angry with him?

Answer :

Because he failed in two subjects.

12. It was a day he wanted to wipe out from his memory….” Why?

Answer:

When Tarun failed in the terminal examinations. His father was angry with him and his friends made fun of him. So he wanted to wipe out that day from his memory.

13. How did Tarun try to wipe out his feelings?

Answer :

He ran around the park about an hour until became completely exhausted.

14. Whom did Tarun meet from the park?

Answer :

Tarun met Mr. Ram Narayan, who won an Olympic medal in the 400 metre race in the 1960's.

15. How many subjects did Tarun fail?

Answer :

Two Subjects

16. What did Tarun do when he was exhausted after running?

Answer :

He threw himself on a bench and started panting heavily.

17. Why was his father angry with Tarun?

Answer :

Because he failed in terminal examination.

18. How did his father and friends respond to Tarun's failure?

Answer :

His father was very angry with him  and his friends too made fun of him.

19. Pick out a word from the passage which means 'to become less strong '

Answer :

Exhausted

20. Pick out a sentence from the paragraph that shows the strong determination of Tarun .

Answer :

The sun beat down to check his rage but nothing could stop Tarun .

21. What made Ram Narayan say “Life is full of ups and downs”?

Answer:

Ram Narayan understood that Tarun had been running around the park for an hour only to wipe out his feelings. When Tarun said him that he failed in two subjects, Ram Narayan told that “Life is full of ups and downs”. As an Olympic Medalist he might have faced many struggles and failures in his life. He knew very well that life Is not always smooth. That's why he said so to console Tarun.

22. Why did Tarun feel blush?

Answer :

Ram Narayan praised Tarun by saying that he was one of the best runners he had ever seen and added that he saw a good future in him. On hearing Ram Narayan's words, Tarun felt very proud and blushed.

23. Pick out a word from the passage that means "to become red in the face because of embarrassment or shame".

Answer :

Blush

Read the passage from the story 'The Race' and answer the questions that follow  :

"All you need to do is keep that passion burning in you and never give up. Have you joined some training school?" the man enquired. Tarun's smile faded and he seemed distraught. "A training school is very expensive, sir, and I am unemployed," said Tarun, feeling happy that he could joke even in these circumstances.   But Ram Narayan seemed pretty serious. "I will train you if you want, but I put forward a condition." "What is your condition?" Tarun's voice showed curiosity and anxiety. "There is a race on Children's Day at the Nehru Stadium. Children of your age are competing there. If you participate and win that race, I promise I will start training you," said Ram Narayan. "That is no big deal. I can do it, can't I?" thought Tarun. "I will, I will, sir!" he heard himself saying with complete conviction. "Fine, boy! It is my job to get you entry in the race and remember, yours to win it. Tell me, what is your name?" asked Ram Narayan.   "Tarun...Tarun Kapoor, sir."   "Tarun, I will meet you here after five days to give you your participation card. All the best," said Ram Narayan and left. On the way home, Tarun thought that if his father had not scolded him, he wouldn't have got this opportunity.

24. What was the advice given by Ram Narayan to Tarun?

Answer :

Ram Narayan advised him to keep his passion of running burning in him and never give up.

25. What was the joke did  he deliver according to Tarun?

Answer :

When Ram Narayan asked him if he had joined any training school, Tarun replied that a training school was very expensive and he was unemployed.

26. What was the condition did Ram Narayan put forward before Tarun?

Answer :

Ram Narayan told that Tarun should participate and win the race that was going to be held at Nehru stadium on Children's day. He also added that if Tarun won the race, he would train him.

27. What did Tarun think while going back to home?

Answer :

Tarun thought that if his father had not scolded him, he would not have  met Ram Narayan and not to get the opportunity to participate in the race.

Read the passage from the story 'The Race' and answer the questions that follow  :

The next day brought a new ray of hope. Tarun got up early, had milk and before his mother could finish her query on what he was up to, he ran out and went to the Nehru Stadium to check the details of the race. He was very happy indeed. Tarun started practising zealously. Every day, he would get up at four in the morning and run up to ten miles. In the evenings, he would time himself according to the 1,000-metre distance prescribed by the competition. He wanted everything to be perfect. It was for the first time in his life that he was demanding such perfection in things he did, he thought.  He also wanted someone to back him up and so he told everything to his mother. Tarun practised vigorously for five days, and then promptly met Ram Narayan to collect his participation card. He gazed at the piece of paper on which his name had been printed boldly.  It meant so much to him. "However hard, I must win this race," thought he. He wanted to show his father that he was not really the black sheep of the family and that he could be good at something at least.

28. What did Tarun do in the next morning?

Answer :

Tarun got up early, had milk and before his mother could finish her query on what he was up to, he ran out and went to the Nehru Stadium to check the details of the race.

29. How did Tarun prepare for the race?

Answer:

Tarun started practicing zealously. Every day he would get up at four in the morning and run up to 10 miles. In the evening he would time himself according to the 1000-meter distance prescribed by the competition.

30. Why dy did Tarun need someone to back him up? Whom did he select for this?

Answer :

Tarun is getting ready for the race on Children's day. The race is very important for Tarun. If he win the race, he will get the training from Ram Narayan. This is his last hope to achieve his dream to become the fastest runner of the world.  He knows that if somebody supports him at this time, he can make it so easy. So he needs a back up. He chose his mother as his back up.

31." It meant so much to him". What can you understand from this ?

Answer :

As Tarun saw his name had printed boldly on the participation card, he felt very happy. It meant so much to him.

32. What did Tarun want to prove by winning the race?

Answer :

He wanted to show his father that he was not really the black sheep of the family and that he could be good at something at least.

Read the passage from the story 'The Race' and answer the questions that follow  :

It was 14th November. Bowing low for the blessings of his mother, Tarun pedalled away to the stadium. There was a huge crowd waiting to go inside. Tarun entered the office where a signboard read 'Participants only' with his heart beating faster every second. Inside, there were about fifty participants waiting for the race to begin.  He felt someone patting him on the shoulders. "Hello, Tarun!" It was Ram Narayan. "All the best!" he said affectionately. Tarun smiled at him but did not say a word. Fear had gripped him from head to foot. All the participants lined up. Every face glittered with the hope of winning the race. Each one of them had his family and friends in the stands to cheer for him. To his amazement, Tarun caught sight of his mother in the stands. The fear in his eyes gave way to confidence. The whistle blew and all the participants started off with all their might. They were all determined to be the winner of the race. In the lead was the fastest of them all, Tarun. Seeing himself ahead of everybody, Tarun felt very proud of himself.

33. On which day did the race take place?

Answer :

On 14th November

34. How many children were arrived there to participate in the race?

Answer :

About fifty participants

35. Why didn't Tarun say anything to Ram Narayan?

Answer :

Because Tarun was a little worry about the match. Fear had gripped him head to foot.

36. What was the amazing sight did Tarun catch in the stands?

Answer :

His mother was in the stands.

37. When did Tarun get the confidence?

Answer :

When he saw his mother in the stands.

38. Who was in the lead as the whistle blew?

Answer :

Tarun

39. “Tarun felt very proud of himself.” What made him proud?

Answer:

Tarun felt very proud of himself because he saw that he was ahead of everybody else in the race.

Read the passage from the story 'The Race' and answer the questions that follow  :

On the track there was a shallow path. As he was running fast, Tarun did not notice that and he slipped.Breathing fast, he saw the other kids going past him. He could not be a loser today, and so without wasting a second, he got up to run once more. Being quick, Tarun overtook a few kids ahead of him. But as fate had it, he slipped once again!   What was happening to him? He could not bear it. He looked into the crowd and saw his mother. She was saying something to him: "Get up, son, get up and run." Tarun got up once again. He was among the last few. But he did not give up. Once more he overtook some children. Since he was fretting a little too much, he fell a third time! Tears were rolling down his cheeks. How will he get into Ram Narayan's training now? How will he prove to his parents that he was talented? He was the last kid on the track now.  He turned his eyes towards the stands. Then he heard Ram Narayan screaming from somewhere, "Come on, Tarun, run!" And so he got up a third time. This twelve-year-old determined boy, who was last on the track, got up and ran with all the strength he had.

40. Why did Tarun slip on the track?

Answer :

On the track there was a shallow path. As he was running fast, Tarun did not notice that and he slipped.

41. What did Tarun do when he fell down on the track?

Answer :

Without wasting a second, he got up to run once more. Being quick, Tarun overtook a few kids ahead of him.

42. How many times did Tarun fall down on the track?

Answer :

Three times

43. Did Tarun stop his running when he fell down thrice on the track? Why?

Answer :

No. Each time Tarun got with more energy and started running again. Because he didn't want to be a loser today. He knew that he could have achieved his dream only if he had won the race.

44. Why did Tarun feel cry  as he fell down for the third time?

Answer :

Tarun realised that he couldn't win the race. So, he felt sad by thinking about how he could get the training from Ram Narayan and prove to his parents that he was talented.

Read the passage from the story 'The Race' and answer the questions that follow  :

The crowd was cheering for Pawan, the boy who had won the race. But to Tarun's surprise, there was a louder applause when he crossed the finishing line last. The audience cheered for his determination and his valour for never giving up. He bowed his head with shame and said to Ram Narayan, "I am sorry, sir, I lost." "No, son, to me you have won the toughest race, the race of your life. You got up and started afresh each time you fell. You are a real-life hero. Your training starts tomorrow." Tarun could not believe his ears. Tears filled his eyes again. He smiled at his mother who hugged him and said, "You are the best son in the world!"

45. Who was the winner of the race?

Answer :

Pawan

46. Who got louder applause from the crowd?

Answer :

Tarun

47. Why did the crowd make louder applause for Tarun?

Answer :

The audience cheered for his determination and his valour for never giving up even though he crossed the finishing line last.

48. Why did Ram Narayan   say to Tarun " You are a real-life hero"?

Answer :

Tarun got up and started running even though he fell down thrice on the track. According to Ram Narayan, Tarun had won the toughest race of life. Tarun taught a life lesson that never give up until we reach our goal. That is why Ram Narayan told that 'Tarun is a real life Hero.'

49. What did Tarun's mother do after the race ?

Answer :

 His mother hugged him and said, "You are the best son in the world!"

50. Prepare a character sketch of Tarun :

Answer :

Tarun : An inborn Athlete

Tarun is the central character of the inspirational short story ' The race' written by Nisha Punjabi, a popular freelance writer based in Lucknow. In this story, Tarun is portrayed as a 12 year old determined, hard working and courageous boy who never turns back from his goal. He is a mediocre student who is always blamed by his parents for his low grades . He considers himself as the blacksheep of the family because he is not good at singing , dancing , acting or anything like that . he is blessed with the strength of a great athlete; he is an excellent runner. He can run for hours, be it day or night. Whenever he feels sad and lonely, he exhausts himself by running, thus releasing all his pent-up emotions.  His only dream is to become the fastest runner in the world . Since he belongs to a middle class family, it is not easy to get a good training. More over his parents hate his running.

Once, he happens to meet the Olympian Ram Narayan and that meeting changes his life and behavior. Ram Narayan offers him free training if he win a race that is going to be held on Children's day. Tarun practices vigorously for the race. But, due to the lack of proper guidance and training, Tarun falls down thrice on the track. But he is never ready to give up. Each time he gets up and starts running. This incident proves that he is a determined and courageous character.

51. The race at Nehru Stadium on Children's Day attracted a lot of public attention. Being a reporter of a  leading daily, you are asked to prepare a news report of the event. Prepare the likely news report.

Answer :

   A Twice-born Athlete

Lucknow: The race conducted by the Children's Day Celebration Committee on the Children's Day of 2004 witnessed the rise of a new athletic star at the Nehru Stadium, Lucknow. On the track, a boy fell down thrice. Undeterred, he continued running and finished the race, though in the last position. He is Tarun, son of Mr Vimal Kapoor and Mrs Rani Devi. Though he finished last in the race, the coach Ram Narayan recognized the fire within him and agreed to train him. The audience also admitted his determination valour for never giving up. They gave more applause to Tarun than Pawan who was the winner of the race. It was a turning point in his life. According to his parents: "Tarun was born twice". It's his new birth as an athlete on 14th November 2004.

52. The race Tarun participated in was very much exciting.  Suppose you are asked to deliver an announcement for the race. Prepare the announcement.

Answer :

Ladies and gentlemen,

We Welcome you to the Nehru Stadium for watching the exciting race to be held at in connection with the Children’s Day Celebrations. Young talented athletes from various schools are enrolled here to participate the race. It's Mr. Ram Narayan, the great Olympic gold medalist will flag off the race. It will be a battle of champions! Let's see who will be the hero today... Whistles will blow Shortly. Hold your breathe and watch the outcome..

Thank you.

53. The Sports Club of your school is organizing a meeting to congratulate Tarun. You are asked to make an announcement about the programme. Prepare a script of your announcement.

Answer :

Respected teachers and my dear friends,

I proudly announce before you that it's the time to congratulate Tarun, the  pride of our school. He is the real winner, the life hero, the role model for all of us. The confidence, valour and determination shown by him to overcome the challenges have no parallel in the history of our school. He taught us the life lesson ' Never give up until you meet your goal'. That's the real heroism. The Sports Club of our school has decided to conduct a grand ceremony to honor Tarun at the school auditorium today at 3 pm. All students and teachers are requested to gather in the school auditorium in time.

Thank you.

54. Imagine that Tarun is a student of your school. Narrate to one of your friends the events that made Tarun a hero.

Answer :

Tarun : A Twice-born Athlete

Tarun was a mediocre student. He was 12-year-old. Though he was not good at studies, he was blessed with the strength of an athlete; he was an excellent runner. He could run for hours be it day or night. Whenever he felt sad and lonely, he exhausted himself by running, thus releasing all his pent-up emotions.

Once, when Tarun failed in terminal examination, his father became angry with him and his friends made fun of him. He wanted to wipeout the day from his memory. So, as usual,he went to the park and started running. After an hour he became completely exhausted and sat on a bench. At that time,the famous Olympic medalist Mr. Ram Narayanan came to meet Tarun. He had been watching Tarun's running for a while. He realised that Tarun was a good runner. Ram Narayan put forward a condition before Tarun. If Tarun won a race that was going to be held on Childrens' Day, he will train him. Tarun felt very happy on that promise.

Since the next day morning, he started practicing zealously. He spent hours in the mornings and evenings.

He wanted someone to back up him. So, he told everything to his mother.

Eventually the expected day arrived and Tarun got ready to run with several other children. The presence of his mother and Ram Narayanan in the gallery gave him more courage and confidence. As the whistle blew, Tarun ran like a wind and reached ahead of other participants. But, unfortunately he fell down on a shallow path of the track! He was shocked! He just looked at his mother. She encouraged him to get up and run. Without wasting a second, Tarun got up and ran again, overcoming some of the participants. But the same tragedy repeated again and again. Tarun fell down thrice on the track! He felt very sad.  How could he get the training of Ram Narayan ? How could he prove his parents that he was talented? Tears rolled out of his cheeks. But the twelve year old determined boy got up again each time and ran with all his strength.

Although Tarun came last in the match, the crowd gave louder applause to him than Pawan, the winner of the race. They congratulated Tarun for his determination and his valour for never giving up. Ram Narayanan also impressed with Tarun's performance. He said to Tarun "You are a real-life hero" and agreed to train him. His mother hugged him and said, "You are the best son in the world!"

55. You have read the story 'The Race' by Nisha Punjabi and understood the importance of motivation and encouragement  in one's life. Prepare a write- up on the importance of motivation and encouragement in life.

Answer :

 Importance of motivation in  one's life

Do you know what is the important key behind the success of every person? It's nothing but the motivation. Motivation is very important for the overall development of the personality and mindset of the people. It also puts a person in action and in a competitive state. Furthermore, it improves efficiency and desire to achieve the goal. It leads to stability and improvement in work.

Motivation helps us to hope for the best even amongst the worst. In the story 'The Race' written by Nisha Punjabi, we get a clear picture of how motivation gives a person more confidence and energy to work. In the story, the protagonist Tarun was merely a mediocre student. His grades never satisfied his parents. He also felt himself as a black-sheep of the family. But he had dream : to become the fastest runner of the world. But he didn't know how to reach his goal. But his life got a dramatic change when he met Mr. Ram Narayan, the famous Olympic Medalist. He tried to encourage Tarun by saying that 'Life is full of ups and downs' and 'You are one of the best runners I have ever seen.' Those words gave Tarun more confidence. Ram Narayan also gave him a challenge that he would train him if he won the race at the Nehru Stadium on Childrens Day. He accepted the condition and practiced hard for the race.

Tarun wanted somebody else to back him up. So he told everything to his mother. She also gave him much courage.

At the Nehru Stadium, the presence of his mother and Ram Narayan gave him much confidence. So, he could ran very fastly and reach ahead of others! But unfortunately he fell down three times on the track. But each time he got up and continued his running. It's only because of the motivation of his mother and Ram Narayan who were still supporting him from the gallary.

Even though Tarun crossed the finishing line last, he got louder applause from the crowd. The audience cheered for his determination and his valour for never giving up. Ram Narayan also congratulated him by saying that he had won the the toughest race, the race of his life and also said that he was a real-life hero. His mother also hugged him and said, "You are the best son in the world!" Thus we can say that inspiration and encouragement can do wonders in ones life.

56. Your school decides to invite Ram Narayan as the chief guest on the School Day. You are asked you prepare a letter inviting him the school day celebrations. Prepare the likely letter.

Answer :

Arun Kumar. K

Secretary

Sports Club

Govt. Higher Secondary School

Delhi -07

Mr. Ram Narayan

World Athletics Level 1 Coach

AB Street

Delhi -02

20 May 2023

Sub: Invitation letter for chief guest on a school day celebration

Dear Sir,

 Hope to find you in a good health condition. I am writing to inform you regarding our School day celebrations of 2023-24. The celebration committee has decided the date 05th Jun 2023 on Monday. The decided venue is the school auditorium.Sir, all preparations are at its peak. Students are taking part with much enthusiasm. At the auspicious moment, your kind presence as a chief guest will make the function more glamorous. Kindly make out sometime and appear  in between us all as an honourable chief guest. Timing is from 10am to 11 am. Then we planned a prize giving ceremony with your short motivational speech. We acknowledge your hectic routine, but without your presence our function will be incomplete.

We are eagerly waiting for your positive response on this letter which will help us complete the preparations. Hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you 

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

Arun Kumar. K

57. "You are a real life hero"- these words of Ram Narayan motivated Tarun and he wrote his feelings on the diary.

Answer :

14 November 2023

Sunday

Oh! What a memorable day it was! I participated the race in Nehru Stadium. I got the chance only because of Mr. Ram Narayan. He had put forward a condition before me that if I won the race, he would train me. I had practiced very well for the race. But unfortunately I couldn't win. I was a little nervous as I entered the stadium. Every other participants were arrived there with their parents and relatives. But I.... I was alone. That lost my confidence. But suddenly I came across my mother in the stadium. Soon my fear changed into confidence. As my expectation, I was in the lead at very first lap.. But Alas.. I fell down thrice on the track. I wondered what had happened to me? What should I do? I recognized my mother's cry from the crowd. " Tarun, get up and run... " That was my inspiration.  I got each time and ran with all my strength. But unfortunately I could finish as the last one! I thought all my dreams lost. But to my surprise, all the people stood and gave me a louder applause. I know they congratulated me for my determination and valour for never giving up. Ram Narayan sir said " You're the real life hero". And my mother hugged me and said "you are the best son in the world." Even though I failed in the race, I am very happy now. Because Ram Narayan sir assured me that he will train me. Anyway It's the most unforgettable day in my life.

SSLC English The Snake And The Mirror Notes

 1. ' Has a snake ever coiled itself round any part of your body? A full-blooded cobra?- Who asked this question? When did he ask this question?

Answer :

The question is asked by a homeopath.

It was asked when the homeopath and his friends were discussing  about snakes.

2. What was the topic that came up for discussion between the doctor and his friends?

Answer:

The topic was about snakes.

3.What does the expression ‘full-blooded cobra’ suggest?

Answer:

It suggests that the cobra was fully grown, energetic and highly venomous.

4. Which season is mentioned here?

Answer :

Summer

5. When did the doctor return to his room?

Answer :

About ten o' clock at night.

6.“The sound was a familiar one.” What was the sound?

Answer:

The sound of rats.

7. What did the doctor do as soon as he entered the room?

Answer :

He took out his box of matches and lighted the kerosene lamp on the table.

8. What kind of room did the homeopath stay?

Answer :

The house was not electrified; it was a small rented room with tiled roof. The house is filled with rats.

9. What were the possessions of the homeopath?

Answer :

He had about sixty rupees in his suitcase. Along with some shirts and dhotis, he also possessed one solitary black coat.

10. Pick out a word from the passage that means " a small amount "

Answer :

Meagre

11. Why didn't the doctor get the sleep?

Answer :

Because it was too hot inside and there is no electricity in the house.

12. Why did the doctor go out to the veranda?

Answer :

To get some air

13.  What did he take from the box beneath the table?

Answer :

A book named 'The Materia Medica.'

14. What were the things found on the table?

Answer :

The kerosene lamp, A large Mirror, and a comb.

15. "In those days I was a great admirer of beauty and I believed in making myself look handsome" - Who is the 'I' referred to here?

Answer :

The homeopath

16. “In those days I was a great admirer of beauty…” Pick out the phrases and expressions from the story that justify the statement.

Answer:
> I picked up the comb and ran it through my hair and adjusted the parting so that it looked straight and neat.

> I took a close look at my face in the mirror. I made an important decision - I would shave daily and grow a thin moustache to look more handsome.

> I would always keep that attractive smile on my face . . . to look more handsome.

17. pick out the word that used here to refer an ' unmarried person'.

Answer :

Bachelor

18. Pick out a word from the passage that is antonym to the word 'spinster'

Answer :

Bachelor

19. What was the important decision did the doctor make at that night?

Answer :

He would shave daily and grow a thin moustache to look more handsome.

20. What was the earthshaking decision did the doctor make at that night?

Answer :

He would always keep that attractive smile on his face . . . to look more handsome.

21. What was the lovely thought struck in doctor's mind?

Answer :

He would marry. He would get married to a woman doctor who had plenty of money and a good medical practice.

22. What kind of woman would the doctor like to marry?

Answer :

He would get married to a woman doctor who had plenty of money and a good medical practice. She should be fat. 

23. What kind of a woman does the doctor want to marry? Why?

Answer:

He wants to marry a woman doctor who had plenty of money and a good medical practice. She should also be fat because if he made any mistake and wanted to run away, she could not run after him and catch him.

24.  ‘Again came that noise from above.’ Did the doctor pay much attention to the noise? Why?

Answer:

He didn’t pay much attention to the noise because he thought that It might be the noise of rats running across the beam. It was a familiar sound to him.

25. What happened when the doctor was sitting on his chair?

Answer:

A fat venomous cobra fell from the roof and wriggled over the back of the chair and coiled itself on the doctor’s shoulder.

26. How did the doctor react when the snake landed on him?

Answer :

He didn't even jump, tremble or cry out.  He stood there holding his breath like a stone image. 

27. Why did the doctor sit in the chair ‘like a stone image in the flesh’?

Answer:

Because the doctor knew very well that if he made any slightest movement, the snake would strike him.

28. Pick out the word that means "happening or done at the same time"

Answer :

Simultaneous

29. Pick out the word that means " to move smoothly over a surface with a twisting or oscillating motion."

Answer :

Slither

30. Why did the doctor call himself as a 'foolish doctor'?

Answer :

Because he realised that if the snake struck him, he would get no medicine in his room. Even though he is a doctor he forget his danger and didn't carry any medicine with him.

31.'It seemed as if God appreciated that. The snake turned its head. It looked into the mirror.' What did God appreciate?

Answer :

The doctor realize that he is nothing but a fool. Because he couldn't even realise his danger and stock some medicine with him. God might have surely realise his helplessness.

32. How did the doctor escape from the snake?

Answer :

When the snake turned its head , it saw its own reflection in the mirror. Then it unwound itself from the doctor's arm and slowly slithered on to the table and moved towards the mirror. At this time the doctor cautiously stood up and moved outside and escaped.

33. Where did the doctor reach after escaping from the snake?

Answer :

He reached one of his friend's house.

34. What kind of woman did the doctor get married?

Answer :

 His wife is a thin reedy person with the gift of a sprinter.

35. What did the doctor do when he reached his friend's house?

Answer :

He smeared oil all over himself and took a bath. Then changed into fresh clothes.

36. What was the unexpected incident that took place the next day?

Answer :

When the doctor and his friends reached his room to move his things from there, they couldn't see anything! Some thief had removed most of his things.

37. What was the only thing that the thief had a left there as a final insult ?

Answer :

 The doctor's dirty vest.

38 ".…the thief had left behind one thing ass final insult!” What was the insult? Why did the doctor tell so?

Answer:

The thief took everything from the room except the doctor's dirty vest. The doctor knew that his friends might have got a bad impression about him while seeing the dirty vest. So he mentioned here that it was an insult.

39. Prepare the character sketch of the homeopath in the story'The snake and the mirror'.

Homeopath : The dreamer

Homeopath is the central character of the short story written by the popular writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, who is fondly remembered as Beypore Sultan.  In this story,  Basheer portrays the homeopath as an admirer of beauty. He lives in the world of dreams. He is very proud of himself for being a young handsome bachelor and a doctor by profession. He is a typical representive of young generation in Kerala. At the very beginning of the story, the doctor is presented as a young man who is proud of his own beauty and talent. He had just started his medical practice and his earnings were meagre. He lives in a rented room that was not electrified. In order to look more handsome , he decides to shave daily, keep an attractive smile always on his face and grow a thin moustache.  He would also wish to marry a woman doctor who has plenty of money and a good medical practice. She should be fat so that even if he made any mistakes, she wouldn’t be able to run after him. But, the phrase " Man proposes, God disposes " is very much apt for the doctor's life. On the contrary to his plan, God willed something different! His wife is a thin reedy person with the gift of a sprinter.

Hhomeopath is a satirical character who often delivers some silly jokes himself. At the beginning he mentions that he and the rats share the rented room. Though he went out side to get some air, he couldn't. At that moment he comment " But the wind god seemed to have taken time off" gives another comical element to the story. His conceptions about his fiancée also reveals his sense of humor. When the snake coiled his body, his comment " I didn't jump. I didn't tremble. I didn't cry out. There was no time to do any such a thing. " gives another example for his humor sense. While the snake is looking at the mirror, the doctor mocking it by commenting "Was it trying to make an important decision about growing a moustache or using eye shadow and mascara mascara or wearing a vermilion spot on its forehead?" Like the same, at the end of the story the doctor feels shame himself as the thief left his dirty vest. He presents the matter comically by saying that "The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness . . .! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water." When the cobra coiled around his arm, he was frightened and admits that he was a stupid person because he had forgot to keep any medicines with him. In short, the doctor is a simple but a humorous character.

40. The story 'The Snake and the Mirror' is narrated by the doctor to his friends. After reading the story, you narrate it to your friend. How would it be? Draft the likely narrative.

 The Snake And The Mirror

   I am going to tell you a humorous story of a homeopath who had an encounter with a cobra. The homeopath is a bachelor who lived in a rented room without electrified. He had recently set up his medical practice and his earnings were meagre . One summer night, after having his dinner from a restaurant, homeopath returned  his room around ten 'O clock. When he opened the door he heard a noise from the above. But he didn't pay any attention to that because it felt like the familiar sounds of rats running across the beam. Entering the room, he lit a kerosene lamp on the table. The after removing his clothes, he made his bed to go to sleep. But it was too hot inside. So, he couldn't get sleep.  He got up and went to the veranda to get some air. But didn't get!  He came back into the room and sat on the chair beside the table. He tried reading a book named 'The Materia Medica.' At that time, he was tempted by a mirror there on the table. He was a great admirer of beauty and also a bachelor. Soon, he combed his hair and thought himself: “I am very handsome, bachelor, and moreover a doctor . I should make my presence felt among women.” He took a close look at the mirror and made an important decision : “I am going to shave daily and grow a thin moustache to look more handsome .He felt that his smile was very attractive. So he made another earthshaking decision :"I would always keep that attractive smile on my face . . . to look more handsome." He again got up and paced the room. At that moment, another lovely thought struck him. “I will marry a woman doctor who has plenty of money and practices. She should be fat because if I make any mistake, she will not be able to run after me.” he thought.

With this thoughts, he sat on the chair and suddenly he heard a dull thud behind him. No sooner had he turned than a fat snake wriggled over the back of the chair and landed on his shoulder. He sat still like a stone image. He felt the presence of God. The snake coiled his left arm and its hood spread out. Death lurked 3 or 4 inches away from him. If he tried to move slightly, the snake would bite him. His real fear was that he had no medicine with him at that time. So, he called himself "I am a stupid and foolish doctor.” After a while, the snake just turned its head and saw its reflection in the mirror. To his surprise, the snake unwound itself and moved closer to the mirror on the table. Was it admiring its own beauty? Was it trying to make an important decision about growing a moustache or using eye shadow and mascara mascara or wearing a vermilion spot on its forehead?

 At that moment, the homeopath managed to escape from the room and reached one of his friends' house. Reaching there, he smeared oil all over and took a bath. The next day he went to his room with his friends to remove his belongings from there. When they reached there they found that some thief had stolen all the things except his dirty vest.

On seeing that the doctor said "The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness . . .! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water."

41. The doctor in the story 'The Snake and the Mirror' ran out of the house after his encounter with the snake. Reaching his friend’s house,  he jotted down his experience in his diary. Prepare the likely diary entry.

20 May 2023
Sunday

What an unforgettable day it was! How can I forget today? Thank God. I thought it would be the last day in my life..... As usual, returned to my room after having dinner from the restaurant. As I opened the door, I heard that sound actually! But thought that it might be the familiar sounds of the rats . It was too hot inside. So couldn’t get sleep. Then I sat on the chair and looked into the mirror. I was admiring my own beauty.  I made lot of decisions regarding my future. I felt myself that I'm too handsome. So, I decided to shave daily, grow a thin moustache and always to keep an attractive smile on my face to look more handsome. I also wished to marry a woman doctor with plenty of money and practices. I think, the God didn't like my arrogance. All of a sudden, I heard a dull thud from behind.No sooner had I turned than a fat snake wriggled over the back of the chair and landed on my shoulder. I sat still like a stone image. I felt the presence of God. The snake coiled my left arm and its hood spread out. Death lurked 3 or 4 inches away! If I tried to move slightly, the snake would bite me. My real fear was that I had no medicine with me at that time.  I realised the fact that I am a stupid and foolish doctor. After a while, the snake just turned its head and saw its reflection in the mirror. To my surprise, the snake unwound itself and moved closer to the mirror on the table. Was it admiring its own beauty? Was it trying to make an important decision about growing a moustache or using eye shadow and mascara mascara or wearing a vermilion spot on its forehead? Any how without wasting a second, I managed to escape from the room and reached my friend’s house. Reaching here I smeared oil all over and took a bath.Oh God! I will never forget this incident. God appeared before me in the form of a mirror to save my life.

42. The doctor in the story writes a complaint to the Inspector of police about the burglary that happened in his house. Draft the likely letter.

Dr. Sunil Kumar
C. P Villa
AB Road
Calicut - 43

20 May 2023

The Sub-Inspector of Police
Police station
Calicut - 03

Deae Sir,

Sub: Burglary at my residence 

I would like to bring an important matter to your kind attention. There took place a burglary at my rented house at Calicut which is under your station limit. Last night, when I was sitting in my room, a cobra fell on my shoulder and coiled around my arms. Fortunately, after a while, the cobra uncoiled itself and moved towards the mirror on the table. Without wasting any time, I ran out of the house and took refuge in my friend’s house. In the hurry, I forgot to lock the door. When I returned to my room along with my friends the next day morning , I found that all my belongings were stolen. The possessions include a suitcase with 60 rupees, some shirts and dhotis and a black coat.  I request you to registere a case on my complaint and investigate as soon as possible. I expect you can find the culprit and reclaim my stolen possessions. Thank you for spending your valuable time to consider my complaint. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank You

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
Dr. Sunil Kumar

SSLC English Adventures In A Banyan Tree Notes

Adventures in a Banyan Tree - Ruskin Bond

 1. Whose domain were the house and grounds of the narrator's home in India? 

Answer :

Grandfather's

2. Why did the boy say that the magnificent old banyan tree was his domain?

Answer :

The boy said so because, though the all surroundings of the house were under the control of his grandfather, he was unable to climb over the banyan tree. He was at the age of 65 and too weak to climb a tree. So, the banyan tree became his domain and got freedom to do whatever he liked.

3. Who was Countess of Desmond?

Answer :

Countess of Desmond was an English woman who lived to the age of 117 years and died by falling from an apple tree.

4. What was special about the Countess of Desmond?

Answer :

She lived to the age of 117 and would have lived longer if she had not fallen while climbing an apple tree.

5. Why did grandmother tease grandfather ?

Answer :

Grandfather was at the age of 65 and could no longer climb the banyan tree. So, grandmother used to tease him by mentioning about his age and weakness.

6. How did grandmother tease grandfather ?

Answer :

Grandmother would speak about a certain Countess of Desmond who lived to the age of 117 and would have lived longer if she had not fallen while climbing an apple tree. This is actually a warning for grandfather not to try climbing over the banyan tree.

7. What gave the boy an endless pleasure?

Answer :

The spreading branches of the banyan tree, which curved to the ground and took root again, forming a maze of arches, gave the boy endless pleasure.

8.  How did the narrator mention the age of the banyan tree?

Answer :

The banyan tree was older than the house, older than Grandfather, as old as the town of Dehra.

9. Where is the town of Dehra situated?

Answer :

The town of Dehra is situated in a valley at the foot of the Himalayas.

10. Pick  out the word from the passage that means " an area under ones control."

Answer :

Domain

11.Pick  out the word from the passage that means " a confusing network of passages ."

Answer :

Maze

12. The spreading branches of the banyan tree, which curved to the ground and took root again, forming a maze of arches, gave the boy endless pleasure.

a) Identify the Noun Phrase (NP) in the Subject position

b) Identify the Head Noun (HN) in the Subject position

c) Identify the Relative Clause from the sentence.

d) Identify the Verb Phrase (VP).

e) Identify the Prepositional Phrase (P. P)

Answer :

a) Noun Phrase : The spreading branches of the banyan tree, which curved to the ground and took root again, forming a maze of arches.

b) Head Noun : branches

c) which curved to the ground and took root again, forming a maze of arches.

d) Verb Phrase : gave the boy endless pleasure.

e) Prepositional Phrases : of the banyan tree,  to the ground, of arches

13. Who was the first friend and familiar one of the boy on the banyan tree?

Answer :

A small grey squirrel

14. How did the squirrel react the boy's invasion to its privacy?

Answer :

By arching his back and sniffing into the air.

15. Why did the squirrel made friendlier with the boy?

Answer :

The squirrel found that the boy didn't try to harm it with a catapult or airgun . More over the boy started offering it pieces of cake and biscuits. Then it grew bolder and took food from his hands. The squirrel even searched for food from the boy’s pockets.

16. Why did the friends and relatives of the squirrel think about him as headstrong and foolish?

Answer:

Because of trusting a human

17. Pick out the word from the passage that means "to search thoroughly and carefully".

Answer :

Delving

18. In which season, the banyan tree was filled with red figs?

Answer :

Spring Season

19. In which season, birds of all kinds would flock into the branches of the banyan tree?

Answer :

Spring Season

20. Why did birds of all kinds flock into the branches of the banyan tree during the spring?

Answer :

Because, during the spring, the banyan tree was filled with red figs. The birds came there to eat the fruits.

21. Pick out the word from the passage that means "A number of birds resting together."

Answer :

Flock

22. Pick out the word from the passage that means "a minor fight or argument ."

Answer :

Squabbling

23. What were the birds flock into the branches of banyan tree during fig season?

Answer :

red-bottomed bulbul, gossiping rosy pastors, parrots and crow

24. How did the banyan tree become the noisiest place on the road?

Answer :

During the spring, birds from all kind would flock to the branches of the banyan tree and squabble each other. This makes the banyan tree the noisiest one.

25. Where did the boy make the platform?

Answer :

Halfway up the banyan tree.

26. Where did the boy spend his afternoons?

Answer :

The boy made a platform halfway up the banyan tree on which he spent all the afternoons.

27. How did the boy spend the afternoon on the banyan tree?

Answer :

By reading different types of books.

28. What were the books which the boy read from the banyan tree?

Answer :

Treasure Island, Huckleberry Finn, The Mowgli stories, and the Novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Louisa May Alcott.

29. What did the boy do When he did not feel like reading?

Answer :

He would look down through the banyan leaves at the world below, at Grandmother hanging up or taking down the washing, at the cook quarrelling with a fruit vendor or at Grandfather grumbling at the hardy Indian marigolds which insisted on springing up all over his very English garden.

30. What were the usual sights that the boy would see from the banyan tree?

Answer :

Grandmother hanging up or taking down the washing, the cook quarrelling with a fruit vendor or Grandfather grumbling at the hardy Indian marigolds which insisted on springing up all over his very English garden.

31. What was the exciting sight did the boy see from the banyan tree on April afternoon?

Answer :

He saw a deadly fight between a mongoose and a cobra.

32. Where was the boy while the mongoose and the cobra fighting each other ?

Answer :

He was on the banyan tree.

33. Why did everyone go inside on the April afternoon?

Answer :

It was too hot outside. The hot air of approaching summer had sent everyone including grandfather indoors.

34. Where did the cobra come from?

Answer :

The cobra come from the clump of cactus.

35. Where did the mongoose cime from?

Answer :

The mongoose emerged from the bushes.

36. What were the features of mongoose?

Answer :

The mongoose, three feet long, was a superb fighter, clever and aggressive.

37.What were the features of cobra?

Answer : Cobra was skilful and experienced fighter . It could move swiftly and strike with the speed of light, and the sacs behind its long, sharp fangs were full of deadly venom.

38. What had saved the mongoose from snake bites in the past according to the narrator?

Answer :

Its long and thick hair on the spine.

39. Who were the two spectators came to see the battle other than the boy?

Answer :

A jungle crow and a Myna

40. Why did the boy mention that the crow was not so wise?

Answer :

Because it lost its life by making a foolish mistake. While the fight was going on, the crow flew towards the snake and then the snake struck it hard. Thus it died.

41. Where did the crow and myna settle to watch the outcome of the battle between the mongoose and the cobra ?

Answer: 

They settled on the cactus

42. The cobra was a good fighter. Pick out one of his fighting techniques.

Answer:

The cobra stood on the defensive, swaying slowly from side to side, trying to mesmerize the mongoose into making a false move. His great hood came down so swiftly that the boy thought the mongoose would be killed.

43. The mongoose proved that he was clever. Can you cite any instance of his cleverness?

Answer:

When the cobra struck, the mongoose jumped neatly to one side and darted in swiftly biting the snake on the back. Then he jumped away from the snake, out of his reach.

44. What were the reactions of the spectators when the cobra struck?

Answer:

Both the myna and the crow wanted to participate in the battle. When the cobra struck, both of them hurled themselves at the snake. But they collided in mid air and returned to the cactus making angry noises at each other.

45. How did the crow push itself into trouble?

Answer:

The myna and the crow dived at the cobra, but they missed it. The myna flew back to safety. But the crow couldn't turn back and reach the safer place. At that moment, the cobra struck it with great force and it caused the death of the crow.

46. Why is the myna said to be wise?

Answer:

When the myna saw it missed the cobra when it dived at it, it flew away to the safer place of the cactus. More over, it didn't try to fly towards the snake again as it witnessed the tragic fate of the crow.That is why it is said to be wise.

47. Who won the battle? What made the myna peer into the bushes?

Answer:

The battle was won by the mongoose. The myna peered into the bushes to assure that whether the cobra was dead so that it could congratulate the mongoose.

48. What did the myna do after realising that the snake was killed?

Answer :

The myna dropped cautiously to the ground, hopped about, peered into the bushes from a safe distance, and then, with a shrill cry of congratulation, flew away.

49. What prevented the Grandfather from taming the mongoose?

Answer:

Grandfather knew that a wild mongoose was more useful than a domesticated one. So, he didn't try to tame it.

50. Why would Grandmother forgive the mongoose for stealing the eggs?

Answer:

Because she believed that the mongoose kept the snakes away and it did not harm the chicken.

51. Who was the new friend of the squirrel?

Answer:

The new friend of the squirrel was a white rat that Grandfather had bought from the bazaar for four annas.

52. What was the strange case did the boy mentioned here?

Answer :

The mating of grey squirrel and white rat

53. How did the boy come to know that the squirrel was building a nest?

Answer :

When he went indoors and changed clothes, he discovered straw and grass falling out of his pockets.

54. Where did the boy find his grandmother's knitting? Who took that?

Answer :

He found it from a hole of the banyan tree. 

It was taken by the grey squirrel itself.

55. What was the wonder that nature had kept for them in the nest?

Answer:

The wonder nature had kept for them was the three white baby squirrels in the nest. Grandfather said that rats and squirrels were related each other and it was possible for them to have offsprings.

56. The boy was very much thrilled by his acquaintance with the squirrel. He writes a letter to his friend telling him about his new friend. Help him complete the letter.

Answer :

Ivy Cottage

Landour Cantt

Dehradun - 07

28 April 2023

My dear Sam,

How're you? Hope you're fine. I'm also OK here. How's your vacation ? Hope you are enjoying there.

Dear, I would like to share  some interesting matters with you. I had lots of funs and adventures in our old house. There is a magnificent old banyan tree here. It's my favourite hideout. I had already made a platform halfway up the tree where I used to spend my afternoons by reading a Large variety of books. You know, I also had many friends on the banyan tree. My first friend was a grey squirrel. At first, it didn't accept my friendship. But later it got enough courage to take food even from my hands and pockets.

My grandfather had bought a white rat from the bazaar for four annas. I loved the rat very and often took it to the banyan tree. Soon the rat made a close relationship  with one of the squirrels there! Then they often went for short excursions to the branches of the banyan tree. One day I discovered that squirrel had started to make its nest. At first it tried building the nest in my pockets! when I changed my clothes I would find straw and grass falling out.

Then one day my Grandmother's knitting was missing. Though we searched everywhere, we couldn't find it. Next day I saw something glinting in the hole of the banyan tree. I found that it was the end of Grandmother's steel knitting-needle. On looking further, I discovered there three baby squirrels-all of them white !

We were puzzled for some time, but when I mentioned the white rat's frequent visits to the tree, Grandfather told me that the rat must be the father. Rats and squirrels were related to each other, he said, and so it was quite possible for them to have offspring--in this case, white squirrels!

Dear Sam, hope you enjoyed my letter. Let me conclude my words. Convey my warm regards to all your friends and family. Expecting your favourable reply.

Yours lovingly,

Sd/-

Ruskin Bond

57. ‘And amongst the wool were the three baby squirrels - all of them white!’ The boy couldn’t stop wondering about the white squirrels. If he scribbled down this unforgettable sight in his diary, how would it be?

20 May 2023

Monday

What a memorable day! How can I forget today? I still can't believe my eyes ! It was quite unexpected that I found something shining in the hole of the banyan tree. It was my grandmother's lost knitting! On looking further, I discovered the most beautiful sight...! There were three cute white baby squirrels! I'm sure, it was the most exciting moment that I had ever experienced. I couldn't control my curiosity. When I informed everything to my grandfather, he told that the white rat which he had bought from the bazaar will be the father of the white squirrels. Anyway, I'm very happy to witness for this beautiful gift of nature. 

58. The boy was thrilled at seeing the fight between the cobra and the mongoose. You may also have the same feeling. Narrate the fight scene in your own words.

Answer:

A Deadly Battle of Champions

 

It was an April afternoon. As usual he was sitting on the banyan tree. The warm breezes of approaching summer had sent everyone, including Grandfather, indoors. The boy was feeling drowsy and decided to go to the pond behind the house for a swim. As he began to climb down, he saw a huge black cobra gliding out of a clump of cactus! At the same time a mongoose also emerged from the bushes and went straight for the cobra. They came face to face.

The Cobra knew that the three feet long mongoose is a superb fighter, clever and aggressive. But the cobra was also an experienced fighter. He could move swiftly and strike with the speed of light, and the sacs behind his long, sharp fangs were full of deadly venom. So, it was a battle of champions!

Darting his forked tongue in and out, the cobra began to hiss and raised three of his six feet off the ground, and spread his broad, spectacled hood. The mongoose bushed his tail. Thus both of them ready gor the fight. As the boy was on the banyan tree, the combatants didn't see him. But soon they were aware of another two spectators. They were a myna and a jungle crow. Both of them wanted to watch the outcome of the fight and so they perched on a cactus.

 After a while, the mongoose opened the attack. Moving forward quickly until he was just within the cobra's reach, he made a feint to one side. Immediately the cobra struck. His great hood came down so swiftly that I thought nothing could save the mongoose. But the little fellow jumped neatly to one side, and darted in as swiftly as the cobra, biting the snake on the back and darting away again out of reach. The moment the cobra struck, the crow and the myna hurled hurled themselves at him, only to collide heavily in mid-air. Shrieking at each other, they returned to the cactus plant. The same thing happened twice. But the third time got a  dramatic change. As the mongoose bit the cobra, both the birds flew towards the snake, but they missed it. The myna managed the situation and turned back neatly to the cactus. But unfortunately the crow couldn't turn. At the moment it was struck hard by the cobra. Thus the life of the crow had a tragic end.

The mongoose proved his Excellency in fighting and easily defeated the cobra.  Finally the snake was killed and was dragged into the bushes by the little fellow. The myna dropped cautiously to the ground, hopped about, peered into the bushes from a safe distance, and then, with a shrill cry of congratulation, flew away.