English (First Language) - Solved Activity Sheet
Paper N 815 | Revised Course | Max. Marks: 80
Section I: Language Study
- Pick out the infinitive from the following sentence:
He was asking to go for the concert. - Identify the type of the sentence:
Get out and wait in the yard. - Arrange the following words in alphabetical order:
inventions, inequality, indisputable, interactions. - Complete the word chain of nouns:
Podium, m............, ............., ............., ............. - Punctuate the following sentence:
can you cook
- The infinitive is to go.
- The sentence is an Imperative sentence.
- Alphabetical order: indisputable, inequality, interactions, inventions.
- Word chain of nouns: Podium → museum → mango → ostrich → house.
- Punctuation: Can you cook?
- Rewrite the following sentence in Past Perfect Continuous Tense:
I am doing my bit. - Make a word register of four words related to:
'Bank' - The king executed the bearded man's brother. (Begin the sentence with 'The bearded man's brother...')
- Past Perfect Continuous Tense: I had been doing my bit.
- Word register for 'Bank': cash, loan, deposit, cheque.
- Beginning with the object: The bearded man's brother was executed by the king.
- A diamond is one of the most precious stones. (Complete the following sentences with the help of the above sentence)
- (a) Very few stones .............................................................
- (b) A diamond is more .......................................................
- Make two sentences by using the given word as a noun and as a verb without changing its form: "approach"
-
- (a) Very few stones are as precious as a diamond.
- (b) A diamond is more precious than most other stones.
-
- Approach (as a noun): His approach to solving the problem was very innovative.
- Approach (as a verb): You should approach the teacher if you have any doubts.
Section II: Textual Passages
As of 2009, there are 890 World Heritage Sites that are located in 148 countries. 689 of these sites are cultural and include places like the Sydney Opera House in Australia and the Historic Center of Vienna in Austria. 176 are natural and feature such locations as the U.S.'s Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks. 25 of the World Heritage Sites are considered mixed i.e. natural and cultural. Peru's Machu Picchu is one of these. Italy has the highest number of World Heritage Sites with 44. India has 36 (28 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed) World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage Committee has divided the world's countries into five geographic zones which include (1) Africa, (2) Arab States, (3) Asia Pacific (including Australia and Oceania), (4) Europe and North America and (5) Latin America and the Caribbean.
WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN DANGER
Like many natural, historic and cultural sites around the world, many World Heritage Sites are in danger of being destroyed or lost due to war, poaching, natural disasters like earthquakes, uncontrolled urbanization, heavy tourist traffic and environmental factors like air pollution and acid rain.
| Column 'A' (World Heritage Sites) | Column 'B' (Countries) |
|---|---|
| (i) Machu Picchu | (a) Australia |
| (ii) Sydney Opera House | (b) Austria |
| (iii) Yellowstone National Park | (c) The U.S. |
| (iv) Historic Centre of Vienna | (d) Peru |
| Column 'A' (World Heritage Sites) | Column 'B' (Countries) |
|---|---|
| (i) Machu Picchu | (d) Peru |
| (ii) Sydney Opera House | (a) Australia |
| (iii) Yellowstone National Park | (c) The U.S. |
| (iv) Historic Centre of Vienna | (b) Austria |
- War
- Poaching
- Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes)
- Uncontrolled urbanization
- Heavy tourist traffic
- Environmental factors (e.g., air pollution, acid rain)
| Adjectives | Verbs |
|---|---|
| natural | allocate |
| heavy | protect |
- Pick out the subordinate clause and name it:
There are 890 World Heritage Sites that are located in 148 countries. - World Heritage Sites are in danger. (Frame a Verbal Question)
- Subordinate Clause: "that are located in 148 countries"
Type: Adjective Clause (describing World Heritage Sites). - Verbal Question: Are World Heritage Sites in danger?
We can preserve our historical monuments by promoting public awareness about their importance. We should follow rules when visiting them, such as not littering or defacing the structures. The government should enforce strict laws against vandalism and ensure regular maintenance and restoration work. Promoting responsible tourism also helps in their preservation for future generations.
I give the biggest credit of this honour to my movement's Kaalu Kumar, Dhoom Das and Adarsh Kishore from India and Iqbal Masih from Pakistan who made the supreme sacrifice for protecting the freedom and dignity of children. I humbly accept this award on behalf of all such martyrs, my fellow activists across the world and my countrymen.
My journey from the great land of Lord Buddha, Guru Nanak and Mahatma Gandhi; India to Norway is a connect between the two centres of global peace and brotherhood, ancient and modern.
Friends, the Nobel Committee has generously invited me to present a "lecture." Respectfully, I am unable to do that. Because, I am representing here - the sound of silence. The cry of innocence. And, the face of invisibility. I represent millions of those children who are left behind and that's why I have kept an empty chair here as a reminder.
I have come here only to share the voices and dreams of our children - because they are all our children - (gesture to everyone in the audience). I have looked into their frightened and exhausted eyes. I have held their injured bodies and felt their broken spirits.
- (i) Kaalu Kumar
- (ii) Dhoom Das
- (iii) Adarsh Kishore
- (iv) Iqbal Masih
- Two centres of global peace:
- The speaker represents:
- Two centres of global peace: India and Norway.
- The speaker represents: The sound of silence, the cry of innocence, and the face of invisibility.
(a) honour × ............
(b) broken × ............
(ii) Give one word for the following from the passage:
(a) a person who works for social change.
(b) a person who sacrifices his/her life for the country.
(i) Antonyms:
- (a) honour × dishonour
- (b) broken × unbroken
(ii) One word:
- (a) activist
- (b) martyr
- I humbly accept this award on behalf of all such martyrs. (Pick out two determiners)
- I have held their injured bodies and felt their broken spirits. (Rewrite the sentence by using 'not only-but also')
- Determiners: this, all.
- Using 'not only-but also': I have not only held their injured bodies but also felt their broken spirits.
Yes, I would like to be a social worker when I grow up. Seeing the challenges people face, like poverty and lack of education, motivates me to contribute to society. Being a social worker would allow me to directly help those in need, create positive change, and work towards a more just and equitable world. The satisfaction of making a real difference in someone's life would be incredibly rewarding.
Section III: Poetry
More candles, more lanterns, more neighbours,
more insects, and the endless rain.
My mother twisted through and through,
groaning on a mat.
My father, sceptic, rationalist,
trying every curse and blessing,
powder, mixture, herb and hybrid.
He even poured a little paraffin
upon the bitten toe and put a match to it.
I watched the flame feeding on my mother.
I watched the holy man perform his rites to tame the
poison with an incantation.
After twenty hours
it lost its sting.
My mother only said
Thank God the scorpion picked on me
And spared my children.
- The narrator's father was a rationalist.
- It was summer when the incident took place.
- Mother found relief after twenty hours.
- Mother thanked the neighbours for sparing her children.
- True (The poem explicitly states, "My father, sceptic, rationalist").
- False (The poem mentions "the endless rain", suggesting the monsoon season, not summer).
- True (The poem states, "After twenty hours it lost its sting").
- False (She "Thank God... And spared my children").
The father, a rationalist, tried every curse and blessing, powder, mixture, herb, and hybrid. He even went to the extreme of pouring paraffin on the mother's toe and setting it on fire. The holy man, on the other hand, performed religious rites and used incantations to try and tame the poison.
The example of Antithesis is in the line: "trying every curse and blessing". Here, two opposite ideas, 'curse' and 'blessing', are placed together in a balanced phrase.
Where the Mind is Without Fear......
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by Thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
— Rabindranath Tagore
Points: Title, The poet, Rhyme scheme, Figures of speech, Central Idea/Theme.
The poem, 'Where the Mind is Without Fear', is a profound prayer by the great Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore. It is written in free verse, so it does not have a specific rhyme scheme, which gives it a direct and sincere tone. The poem is rich in figures of speech. For instance, "tireless striving stretches its arms" is a beautiful example of Personification. The most striking is the Metaphor in "the clear stream of reason has not lost its way / Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit," where reason is compared to a clear stream and old customs to a suffocating desert. The central idea of the poem is the poet's vision for a new and truly independent India. He prays for a nation where people are fearless, knowledgeable, truthful, and united, free from the shackles of prejudice and outdated traditions. It is an appeal to God to awaken his country into a "heaven of freedom" where people are guided by logic and progressive thought.
Section IV: Non-textual Passage
The term RANGOLI is derived from 'Rang' (colour) + 'aavalli' (row of colours). Rangoli is an age-old traditional folk art done across India. The term rangoli refers to designs made with coloured powders on the ground in front of the house. In some parts of the country, the designs are done on walls and even on ceilings. The designs vary in different parts of India but the basic methodology remains the same in all the areas. The designs are mostly geometric and symmetrical, while some natural elements like flowers, birds etc. may be included.
The rural and urban women of India have kept this art alive by passing the expertise down through the generations. These are decorative designs made on floors at the time of Hindu festivals.
Traditionally, such floor decorations were done only on auspicious occasions or festivals. But today they are done on any occasions like; wedding, birthday parties, opening ceremonies etc. Different Indian states have different ways of Rangoli-painting and also have different names in their regional or local languages. For example: Maharashtra - Rangoli, Tamil Nadu - Kolam, Uttar Pradesh - Chowkpurna, Andhra Pradesh - Mugullu.
The traditional material used for rangoli is rice flour so as to offer food to the ants, the birds and the squirrels. Even coloured rice can be used for the purpose. It is pretty simple to get rice coloured with food colours readily available in the market. Nowadays white stone powder is used for making Rangoli. Saw dust can also be used to make Rangoli patterns; its advantage is that it floats on water; which can be utilized to create Floating Rangoli patterns.
- Rangoli is an ....................................
- .................................... remains the same in all the areas.
- The traditional material used for rangoli is ....................................
- Nowadays .................................... is used for making Rangoli.
- Rangoli is an age old traditional folk art done across India.
- The basic methodology remains the same in all the areas.
- The traditional material used for rangoli is rice flour.
- Nowadays white stone powder is used for making Rangoli.
- Art of rangoli has been kept alive by women.
- It is easy to get coloured rice for rangoli.
- "The rural and urban women of India have kept this art alive by passing the expertise down through the generations."
- "It is pretty simple to get rice coloured with food colours readily available in the market."
- The English word 'Grass' has been .................... from the Sanskrit word 'Ghas'.
- The main .................... of Dr. Patel's life is to educate poor and needy children.
- It is a .................... to apply mehendi to the bride before the wedding day.
- The school had organized a parade on the .................... of Independence Day.
- The English word 'Grass' has been derived from the Sanskrit word 'Ghas'.
- The main purpose of Dr. Patel's life is to educate poor and needy children.
- It is a tradition to apply mehendi to the bride before the wedding day.
- The school had organized a parade on the occasion of Independence Day.
- The designs vary in different parts of India but the basic methodology remains the same in all. (Rewrite the sentence beginning with 'Though')
- These are decorative designs made on floors at the time of Hindu Festival. (Pick out prepositions)
- Though the designs vary in different parts of India, the basic methodology remains the same in all.
- The prepositions are: on, at, of.
Yes, we should follow traditions like Rangoli in our life. Traditions connect us to our culture and history, giving us a sense of identity and belonging. Traditions like making rangoli with rice flour, which also serves to feed small creatures, teach us values like compassion and co-existence with nature. They bring families and communities together during festivals and celebrations, strengthening social bonds. While we should not follow traditions blindly, those that promote art, community, and positive values are worth preserving.
Title: Rangoli: A Vibrant Indian Tradition
Rangoli is an ancient Indian folk art of creating decorative designs, usually on floors, with coloured powders. Though designs and names like Kolam or Mugullu vary by region, the basic method is consistent. This art, kept alive mainly by women, was traditionally for festivals but is now popular for many occasions. Traditionally, rice flour was used, which also fed small creatures, reflecting a harmony with nature. Today, materials like stone powder and sawdust are also used. Rangoli is a significant cultural practice that combines artistic expression with deep-rooted traditions.
Section V: Writing Skills
Situation: Your school will celebrate A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's Birth Anniversary as 'Reading Inspiration Day' on 15th October.
Attempt any one letter based on the given situation.
A1. Formal Letter: Write a letter to an educationist, Mr. Anil Tripathi from your city, inviting him to address the students on the above-mentioned occasion.
A2. Informal Letter: Write a letter to your cousin, Nitu/Nilesh, making her/him aware of the importance of reading.
Pawan Aurade
102, Prestige Chambers,
Shivpuri Road,
Solapur-420003.
4th October, 2023
Mr. Anil Tripathi,
45, Vidya Nagar,
Solapur-420005.
Subject: Invitation to be a guest speaker on 'Reading Inspiration Day'
Respected Sir,
I am writing to you on behalf of the student council of my school. Our school is celebrating the birth anniversary of our former President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, as 'Reading Inspiration Day' on 15th October. The aim of this event is to encourage students to develop a lifelong habit of reading.
Given your immense contribution to the field of education and your passion for inspiring young minds, we would be greatly honoured if you would grace the occasion as our chief guest and keynote speaker. Your insights on the importance of reading would undoubtedly motivate all the students.
The event is scheduled to be held in our school auditorium from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We would be grateful if you could spare some of your valuable time to address our students.
We eagerly await a positive response from you.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Pawan Aurade
(Student Representative)
Pooja Aurade
102, Prestige Chambers,
Shivpuri Road,
Solapur-420003.
4th October, 2023
Dearest Nilesh,
I hope this letter finds you in great health and spirits. I was just preparing for an event at my school and it made me think of you.
My school is celebrating 'Reading Inspiration Day' on October 15th, which is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's birthday. It’s all about encouraging us to read more, and it got me thinking about how amazing the world of books is. Reading isn't just about school textbooks; it's a window to countless different worlds, ideas, and perspectives. It improves our vocabulary, boosts our imagination, and helps us understand the world and people better. More than anything, it's a wonderful way to relax and escape from daily stress.
I know you love stories, so why not pick up a good book? You could start with something simple like a mystery or an adventure novel. I am sure you will love it. We can even exchange books the next time we meet!
Give my regards to Uncle and Aunty. I hope to hear from you soon.
With love,
Your cousin,
Pooja
Soil erosion, a major environmental hazard today is caused by both natural and man-made factors. Soil erosion is caused by unobstructed overflow and the flow of running water, which carry away the topmost layer of the soil. Forest fires which destroy the roots of the plants which bind the soil together and lead to erosion. The effects of soil erosion are flood, drought etc. As the vital nutrients of soil get wasted away, the soil turns barren. Soil erosion can be prevented by construction of dams, bunds etc. Afforestation helps to prevent soil erosion as trees hold the soil together with their roots. Improved method of agriculture such as contour ploughing also help checking soil erosion.
Soil Erosion
| Causes | Effects | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
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Title: The Blueprint for Student Success
Achieving success as a student is a multifaceted journey that depends on a combination of personal attributes and disciplined habits. The foundation of success is built on a strong desire to learn and excel. This inner drive, coupled with sheer will power and determination, provides the motivation needed to overcome challenges. Hard work is non-negotiable, but it must be managed effectively through disciplined time management. Students who organize their schedules and stick to them are better equipped to handle their academic workload and extracurricular activities.
Beyond internal drive, success also relies on a holistic approach to well-being and personal growth. Maintaining good physical and emotional health is crucial, as a healthy body and a calm mind are essential for effective learning. Equally important is embracing discipline in all aspects of life and having the resilience to learn from mistakes. Instead of viewing failures as setbacks, successful students see them as learning opportunities, which helps them grow stronger and more knowledgeable on their path to achieving their goals.
- No energy crisis
- Economical
- Saves on electricity bills
- Celebrated on 22nd October
- Conserves natural resources
Good morning, respected teachers and dear friends.
Today, on 22nd October, we observe World Energy Day, a day to reflect on our energy consumption and its impact on our planet. On this important occasion, I want to talk about a powerful solution that holds the key to a sustainable future: Solar Energy. The message is simple: Go Solar!
For decades, we have relied on fossil fuels, but this has led us to the brink of an energy crisis and severe environmental damage. Solar power offers a clean and infinite alternative. By harnessing the power of the sun, we can ensure there is no energy crisis for future generations. It helps us conserve precious natural resources like coal and gas, which are finite and polluting.
Going solar is not just good for the planet; it is also highly economical. While there is an initial installation cost, it saves a huge amount on electricity bills in the long run. Imagine a world where our rooftops generate the power we need, reducing our dependence on the grid and making us energy-independent.
Let us pledge today to embrace solar energy. Let's encourage our families, communities, and governments to invest in this clean technology. Let’s go solar and light up our world sustainably.
Thank you.
Views:
- Equal distribution of work
- Moral values are preserved
- Good bondage between siblings
- Respect for elders
Title: The Challenges of a Joint Family System
While the joint family system is often idealized, it comes with significant challenges that can outweigh its benefits.
- Unequal Distribution of Work: The idea of 'equal distribution of work' is often a myth. In reality, the burden of household chores disproportionately falls on a few members, particularly the women of the family, leading to fatigue and resentment.
- Suppression of Individuality, Not Preservation of Values: While 'moral values are preserved', this can often mean that outdated and regressive traditions are enforced. Younger members may find their freedom, modern ideas, and personal choices stifled by the rigid expectations of the elders.
- Conflicts and Lack of Privacy: 'Good bondage between siblings' can easily turn into constant comparison, competition, and interference. Living under one roof with so many people leads to a severe lack of privacy and personal space, which is essential for individual growth and peace of mind.
- Respect Can Turn into Domination: 'Respect for elders' is a noble value, but in a joint family, it can sometimes be used to justify unquestioning obedience. This can prevent younger members from making their own life decisions regarding career, marriage, or lifestyle, leading to frustration and conflict.
Section VI: Creative Writing
'Nothing Will Work Unless You Do'
The saying, 'Nothing will work unless you do', is a powerful reminder that success is rooted in action, not just intention. It encapsulates the fundamental truth that dreams, plans, and goals remain mere fantasies without the essential ingredient of hard work. We can spend hours planning the perfect strategy or wishing for a better outcome, but the universe does not reward thoughts; it rewards effort.
This principle applies to every aspect of life. A student who wishes to score high marks must study diligently. An athlete who dreams of a gold medal must train relentlessly. An entrepreneur who wants a successful business must put in the long hours. The 'work' is the bridge between the dream and the reality. It is the active, and often difficult, process of turning an idea into a tangible result. Procrastination and passive hope are the enemies of progress. Therefore, if we truly want to achieve something, we must roll up our sleeves and get to work, for it is only through our own actions that we can make things happen.
Dengue Fever Claims 10 Lives in Dhule; Health Officials on High Alert
Dhule, 15th October: A severe outbreak of dengue fever has gripped the city of Dhule, resulting in the tragic death of at least 10 people over the last two weeks, with hundreds more hospitalized. The alarming rise in cases has prompted the district health administration to declare a public health alert and initiate emergency control measures.
Hospitals across the city are reportedly overwhelmed with patients exhibiting symptoms of high fever, severe headache, and joint pain. The deceased include two children under the age of 10. Health officials attribute the sudden surge to stagnant water collected after recent intermittent rains, which has created ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
In response, the Dhule Municipal Corporation has launched a massive fumigation drive in affected areas and has deployed teams to conduct door-to-door surveys to identify potential breeding spots. Awareness campaigns are being run to urge citizens to clear stagnant water from coolers, pots, and tyres. The District Collector has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to contain the outbreak and has appealed to citizens for their full cooperation.
................................................................ they learnt a lesson to live with the thought "Be Punctual".
Title: The Missed Concert
Rohan, Sameer, and Alisha were the best of friends, but they shared a terrible flaw: they were always late. Whether it was for a class, a movie, or a friend's party, they would saunter in long after the scheduled time, laughing it off as their 'coolly late' style. Their friends and family had warned them many times, but the trio never took it seriously.
One day, they won free passes to the concert of their favourite band, 'Starlight'. It was a dream come true. The concert was in a neighbouring city, and the entry gates were to close sharp at 7:00 p.m. On the day of the concert, they planned to meet at 4:00 p.m. to start their journey. As usual, Rohan arrived at 4:20, and Alisha strolled in at 4:40. Sameer, who was waiting impatiently, got frustrated but they all dismissed his concerns.
They finally started their journey, only to get stuck in heavy evening traffic. Panic began to set in. They raced against time, but when they reached the venue, it was 7:15 p.m. The massive gates were firmly shut. They pleaded with the security guards, showed their passes, but the rules were strict. They could hear the roar of the crowd and the faint sound of their favourite songs from inside, a painful reminder of what they were missing.
Heartbroken and dejected, they sat outside, the weight of their mistake crushing them. It was a long, silent journey back home. That evening, as they missed the biggest event of their lives due to their own carelessness, they learnt a lesson to live with the thought "Be Punctual".
It was raining heavily and I was going to ....................................
It was raining heavily and I was going to my tuition class. The streets had turned into small streams, and the sky was a dark, angry grey. I clutched my umbrella tightly, trying to shield myself from the diagonal slaps of rain. My usual route was through a narrow lane, which was now partially flooded. As I carefully navigated my way, I saw an old woman huddled under the small overhang of a closed shop, shivering.
She was trying to protect a small basket of vegetables from the rain, but her efforts were futile. Water was seeping into her basket, and she looked utterly helpless. My class could wait. I walked up to her and held my umbrella over her and her basket. She looked up at me with tired, grateful eyes. "Thank you, child," she whispered.
I asked her where she lived, and she pointed towards a small settlement a little further down the road. Without a second thought, I decided to help her. I held the umbrella for her, and with my other hand, I helped her carry her heavy basket. We walked slowly, my shoes squelching in the water. When we reached her small hut, she blessed me with all her heart. I might have missed my class that day, but the warmth of her gratitude was a lesson far more valuable than any I could have learned in a classroom.