Class 12

The Midnight Visitor Book Back Answers Class 12 English Guide Chapter 4 Tamilnadu Solutions

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12th Standard English 4th Lesson The Midnight Visitor Questions and Answers

Warm up

Study the title of the story ‘The Midnight Visitor’. Discuss in groups what the story is all about.
Student activity:

Question (a)
Certain professionals can be identified by their appearance.
Answer:
What comes to your mind first when you think of a ‘pilot’ or a ‘traffic policeman?
Discuss in pairs and share your thoughts with the class:
A pilot controls and steers an airplane. He operates the directional flight controls. He wears milk white uniform and golden stripes on his shoulders. He wears a shiny black cap. A traffic policeman wears white stripes on his shoulders in a khaki uniform. In some states, a traffic policeman wears a white and white uniform also. He regulates traffic, fines people who violate traffic rules. He prevents accidents by monitoring over speeding vehicles and by discouraging drunken driving.

Question (b)
Let us try to picturise people in a few interesting professions (based on common perception there can be exceptions).
Answer:
Form groups of four and draw a picture of one or two of the following:

• scientist
• soldier
• journalist

In your attempt to sketch you may include the following:

• typical dress
• hair style
• accessories

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English The Midnight Visitor Textual Questions

1. Answer in a sentence or two the following questions.

Question (a)
Mention two features of Ausable that were uncharacteristic of a detective.
Answer:
Ausable is different from other secret agents as he is very fast and sloppy. Moreover, he lives in a room where there is no environment of romantic and thrilling adventure.

Question (b)
What was Ausable waiting for?
Answer:
Ausable was waiting for an important report.

Question (c)
Who was the Midnight Visitor? What was the purpose of his visit?
Answer:
The midnight visitor was Max who had come to Ausable’s room demanding a secret report from him and threatened him with a pistol.

Question (d)
How had Max actually entered the room?
Answer:
Max had used a duplicate key to enter Ausable’s room.

Question (e)
Did Max’s presence alarm Ausable?
Answer:
Yes, Max’s presence alarmed Ausable when he had seen him in his room with a pistol unexpectedly. Because he fabricated a story of the balcony in order to fool Max just because of his presence of mind.

Question (f)
How did Ausable describe the balcony and the manner in which one could get into his room, through it?
Answer:
It was not Ausable’s balcony. It belonged to the next apartment. It extends under his window now. One can get on to it two doors down as someone did last month. The hotel management, in spite of his protest, has not blocked the balcony till now.

Question (g)
Where did Max try to hide?
Answer:
Max tried to hide in the balcony where he put his leg over the window.

Question (h)
Who was Henry? Why had he visited Ausable’s room?
Answer:
Henry was the waiter who entered Ausable’s room with his drinks.

Question (i)
What happened to Max finally?
Answer:
Max took the whole story, narrated by Ausable as a gospel of truth. Therefore, he retraced his steps and reached the window sill, and jumped down the balcony which never existed.

Additional Question

Question (a)
How does Ausable say he got in?
Answer:
Ausable wants to confuse Max. So he says that this is the second time in a month that somebody has got into his room through that balcony next to the window.

Question (b)
Was Max deserving to get a chance to accomplish a risky task?
Answer:
I do not believe that Max deserved a chance to accomplish a risky task. He was not intelligent enough to understand that he was being tricked by the detective. Also, his appearance did not startle the detective.

Question (c)
What did so many people risk their lives for?
Answer:
Ausable was waiting for a report. It contained certain important information about new missiles. This report was so important that several men and women had risked their lives to get it.

Question (d)
What did Mr. Ausable tell Max when he heard the knock?
Answer:
Ausable told Max that it would be the police. He said that he had requested the police for extra protection as he was receiving important information that night.

Question (e)
What did Ausable tell Fowler when he said that Max would soon come back from the balcony?
Answer:
Ausable told Fowler that Max would never return as he knew that there was no balcony outside. He said that Max has fallen down to the ground and met his end.

2. Answer the following questions in about three to four sentences each.

Question (a)
Who was Fowler? Why did he meet Ausable?
Answer:
Fowler was a writer who is fascinated by spies and secrets. He met Ausable ¡n his room because Ausable said that he was expecting a sensitive document to arrive that night regarding missiles. So, as a writer, Fowler wanted to meet Ausable.

Question (b)
Why was Fowler initially disillusioned with Ausable?
Answer:
Fowler had a romantic notion of a private detective. Ausable did not look like Mr. Bond. He was very fast and had an American accent. He lived in a small room. So, he was initially disappointed.

Question (c)
Fowler was thrilled when he entered Ausable’s room. Why?
Answer:
Fowler was thrilled when he entered Ausable’s room, because he met another secret agent in Ausable’s room with a pistol in his hand, demanding a report. This situation made Fowler to get frightened.

Question (d)
How, according to Ausable, had Max entered the room?
Answer:
Ausable did not disclose the real method Max must have adopted to enter his room. He invented a story on the spot that it was the second time in a month someone had entered his room through the neighbouring building’s balcony which extended just below his window. He made Max believe that there was another possible route of escape through the window.

Question (e)
How did the three men react to the knocking at the door?
Answer:
When the three men heard the noise at the door, they reacted in a different way than Fowler jumped at the sudden knocking at the door whereas Ausable just smiled. Max hit his lip nervously and asking Ausable, who was at the door.

Question (f)
Was Ausable really waiting for the police? Give reasons.
Answer:
No, Ausable was not waiting for the police. He had ordered his drink with waiter Henry. He was expecting him only. As the knock was heard, he decided to use the opportunity to scare away Max by casually informing that it must be the police. He added the police may fire if they see Max there.

Additional Questions

Question (a)
Do you think that Ausable was a good secret agent? How?
Answer:
Yes, I think that Ausable was a good secret agent. When he saw Max in his room with an automatic pistol, he didn’t get frightened at all. He diverted his attention. He made the story of the balcony next to the window. By his description, he made Max believe his story. All these traits show that he was a good secret agent.

Question (b)
Pride before a fall befits Max, who arrived at Ausable’s room to steal the important documents. Did he acquire it? What lesson can one learn from this?
Answer:
Max was an overconfident and proud spy. He thought to himself that wielding a gun would give a further edge over the apparently slow Ausable. However, his pride and confidence, made Max utterly unsuccessful. Ausable conveniently outwitted him without lifting a finger. Max, jumped to his own death. Thus, one learns that one should not be too proud, and must be vigilant before attempting to do anything.

Question (c)
How did Max enter the room? Why did he tell this to Ausable?
Answer:
Max entered the room through the door. He had a passkey. He told this to Ausable because Ausable told him that it was the second time in a month that somebody had got into his room through the balcony. He told that he had no idea about the balcony.

3. Answer in a paragraph of about 150 words the following questions.

Question (a)
How did Ausable outwit Max?
Answer:
Ausable was a clever secret agent. One day when he entered his room, he found Max in his room who aimed at him with a pistol in his hand. Ausable did not lose his courage. He was a quick wilted man. He fabricated a story about a balcony that extended under his room window. He said that he has informed the management of the hotel to block that window, but till then the management did not block the window.

Just then there was a knocking at the door and Ausable said that he had called in the police to have extra protection as they were having an important paper with them. Max took the whole story as a gospel of truth. He retraced his steps, reached the window-sill, and jumped down the balcony whîch never existed. Thus Ausable outwitted Max with the presence of mind.

Question (b)
Describe the significance of the balcony.
Answer:
On seeing Max, the spy, with a loaded automatic gun in his room, Ausable expressed surprise. Max disclosed his plan very clearly. He had come to receive the report on the new missile which was likely to be handed over to Mr. Ausable in a short while. Ausable, without being shocked sat heavily on an armchair. He grimly stated that he would raise hell with the hotel management because this was the second time that someone had sneaked into his room through the nuisance of the unblocked balcony. Max asks with disbelief, “balcony?” Max remarked that he did not enter through the balcony but with a pass key. Ausable explained that it was the balcony which extended from the living room of the next apartment just below his room. One could walk through two doors and enter his room.

He was not happy with the management as they had failed to block it. When there was a knock at the door, both Max and Fowler got perturbed. But Ausable smiled and said casually it must be the police whom he had informed to check on him for extra protection. Max was confused for a moment. Ausable said as the door was just closed and not locked, the police could enter even by force at any moment and fire at him. This gave Max no time to think. He jumped through the window believing he will end up in the non-existent balcony but fell like a stone from the 6th floor with a scream. The vividly portrayed balcony led to the suicidal jump of Max, the spy who had a gun but was not smart enough to tackle Ausable’s ploy.

Question (c)
Ausable planned to get rid of Max the very moment he noticed him. Explain with supporting evidence from the story.
Answer:
Ausable was a clever secret agent. One day when he entered his room, he found Max in his room, who aimed at him with a pistol in his hand. Ausable did not lose his courage but he planned to get rid of Max though he was a quick-witted man. At once, he started fabricating a story about a balcony that extended under his room window.

He said that he had informed the management to block that window as anyone might enter his room using that window. But till then they hadn’t. Just then, there was a knocking at the door and suddenly Ausable planned to narrate another story that he had called in the police to have extra protection for his sensitive document.

Max took the whole story as a gospel of truth. He retraced his steps, reached the window-sill, and jumped down the balcony which never actually existed. Thus, Ausable planned to get rid of Max, the very moment he noticed him.

Question (d)
Sketch the character of Ausable.
Answer:
Ausable does not look very handsome, worthy of being called a secret agent or a detective. He is the central character of the story “The Midnight Visitor”. He is not physically very strong. There is nothing elegant or mysterious about him. He is an American who is unable to cover up his American accent when he speaks French and German though he has lived in France for over 20 years. He is practical and shrewd. He is a well-balanced individual. Even at gunpoint he keeps his cool and instantly cooks up a story to trap the villain, spy Max. He outwits Max without moving from his armchair. He uses his presence of mind. He tells two lies which not only save him and Fowler but also give the momentum for Max to kill himself in an attempt to hide in the non-existent balcony.

Question (e)
Do you think physical appearance matters most for a secret agent? Answer giving reasons in the context of the story ‘The Midnight Visitor.’
Answer:
Physical appearance is important for heroes like James Bond who act in movies or plays. They need sophisticated cars, a royal lifestyle to flaunt about. But in reality, a detective or a secret agent is not much different from an ordinary citizen at least in appearance. He is an ordinary person who thinks and acts with extraordinary intelligence. When it comes to the question of survival, sharpness of wit and handsome looks would help a person, the disappointment of Fowler, the journalist is very obvious. The young and romantic writer envisioned mysterious figures in the night, the crack of pistols, etc.

The writer must have cherished the idea of beauties with dark eyes passing on secret notes. But he has witnessed nothing but dull music in a French hotel with a sloppy man who made a prosaic appointment only in a prosaic telephone call. Ausable raises the expectations of both the readers and Fowler when he mentions the important paper he waited which many men and women had risked their lives to possess. The drama that ensues in the room testifies the fact that there is no correlation whatsoever with the sharpness of wit and the physical appearance of a person. Only after Fowler witnesses how Ausable had outwitted Max to choose his own death without moving from his armchair, he realizes the truth.

Question (f)
The unexpected presence of a criminal wielding a gun triggers different reactions in the two men who entered the room. In this light, discuss the appropriacy of the title.
Answer:
Indeed, the unexpected presence of the criminal made different reactions to the two men who entered the room, when Ausable and Fowler entered the room, there was another secret agent named Max who had a pistol in his hand and demanding a sensitive document otherwise he could kill both of them.

Fowler was almost frightened by the threatening of the unexpected midnight visitor in Ausable’s room, whereas Ausable used his presence of mind and fabricated a story of a balcony and of the police. Max believed it as a gospel of truth and tried to hide in the window-sill and jumped down the balcony which never existed. Thus the title is almost very appropriate to the story “The Midnight Visitor”.

Additional Questions

Question (а)
What impression do you form about Ausable as a secret agent after reading the story ‘The Midnight Visitor’?
Answer:
Ausable is a secret agent. But his appearance is not appropriate to his profession. He does not look smart and intelligent. He is very fat. But he is a very active person. He proves it throughout the story. He never takes a decision in a hurry. He works with a cool mind. He is good at talking. He understands Fowler’s internal views about himself. He does not lose his temper when he finds Max in his room with a pistol. He sits into an armchair and cooks up a quick story about the balcony. It is his style of conversation that he easily makes Max believe about the balcony. Thus, we find that Ausable is fearless, clever, and fit for the job of a secret agent.

Question (b)
Why was Fowler disappointed after meeting Ausable? Did he change his idea at last?
Answer:
Fowler was a young writer. He wrote for a magazine. He had read in the books that secret agents are mysterious and smart. So he wanted to see all these things in Ausable, a secret agent. But Ausable was a fat man. It appeared that he was not fit for a secret agent’s job. So Fowler was disappointed after meeting Ausable.

But Ausable showed his presence of mind when he saw armed Max in his room. He misled Max and told him that there was a balcony below the window. Max came there to take an important paper relating to missiles. After this, once again Ausable showed his intelligence when Henry knocked at the door. He told Max that it might be the police to protect him. They might shoot him at the sight because he is armed. Without examining the truth of Ausable’s statement, Max jumped from the window to hide in the balcony. But it was the end of Max.
Now Fowler was very happy to see Ausable’s intelligence.

4. Look at the following expressions used in the story. Match them with their meanings.

let down	to complain or scold
chuckled to himself	try one’s luck/ take a risk
take cheer	become enraged
raise the devil	disappointed
black with anger	laughed softly to himself
take chances	to be encouraged

Answer:

let down	disappointed
chuckled to himself	laughed softly to himself
take cheer	to be encouraged
raise the devil	to complain or scold
black with anger	become enraged
take chances	try one’s luck/ take a risk

5. Based on your understanding of the story, complete the Graphic Organiser (GO) suitably.

Answer:

6. Given below are pictures of fictitious detective characters in English & Tamil short stories. Match them with the authors who created them.

 

1. Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot
2. Sujatha – Ganesh, Vasanth
3. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson
4. Devan – Sambu
5. Tamizhvanan – Sankar Lai

The Midnight Visitor About The Author

Robert A. Arthur, Jr. was a mystery and speculative fiction writer known for “The Mysterious Traveller” radio series and his “Three Investigators” series of novels. He was born on November 10, 1909. Arthur was a graduate from the University of Michigan. Between 1930 and 1940, his stories were published in Amazing Stories, Argosy All-Story Weekly, Black Mask, etc. He wrote a number of mystery books for children. Arthur, along with his writing partner David Kogan, was twice honoured by the Mystery Writers of America with an Edgar award for best radio drama. Robert Arthur, Jr. died in Philadelphia in 1969.

The Midnight Visitor Summary in English

The detective Ausable:
Ausable was a detective. But he was very fat and he did not look like a detective. He had a room on the sixth floor in a French Hotel and it was the top floor. It was a cheap accommodation unworthy of a detective’s station in life.

Fowler meets Ausable:
Fowler was a writer. He wanted to write a book on detectives. So he came to meet Ausable. But after meeting Ausable, he was quite disappointed as he did not possess the qualities like a detective like James Bond. Ausable could speak French and German. But he had an American accent. Contrary to his expectations, Ausable told Fowler that there were no beautiful girls around him. Talking to each other, they reached the room in the hotel and opened the door.

Max with a pistol:

After entering the room, Ausable told Fowler that he would see an important paper that could change the course of History. Several men and women were after it. As soon as Ausable switched on the light, they saw a man with an automatic pistol. Seeing him, Ausable said that he was shocked to see him there. He thought that he was in Berlin. At this time Fowler was much frightened.

Spinning a Romance:
To confuse Max, Ausable made a false story of balcony next to the window. He sat in an armchair and started saying that it was the second time in a month that somebody had got into his room through the balcony. It is an extension of the neighbour’s balcony reaching just below his window. The hotel management had failed to close it despite his complaint. Ausable showed anger and disappointment. Max believed him and he told that he had come to take the report about missiles.

The sound of knocking at the door:
Just then, they heard a knock at the door. Ausable immediately made a story and told that the police might have come to provide him security due to this important paper. He told Max that the police would enter the room, if he did not open the door. They might fire if they found Max armed.

Max drops from the balcony:

Max believed Ausable and he went towards the window. He caught the door frame with his free hand and put his gun over Ausable and Fowler. Then he moved his other leg up and over the window sill. The doorknob turned. Max freed himself and dropped in the balcony. He cried loudly.

A waiter enters:
After this, a waiter entered the room with a bottle and two glasses. It was ordered by Ausable. Fowler was very surprised at this. He asked Ausable about Max. Ausable replied that he (Max) would never return. Thus Ausable had proved himself a true detective.

The Midnight Visitor Summary in Tamil

துப்பறியும் நிபுணர் அவுசபில்:
அவுசபில் ஒரு துப்பறியும் நிபுணர். அவர் பிரஞ் ஹோட்டலின் கடைசி மாடியில் அதாவது ஆறாவது மாடியின் அறையில் தங்கி இருந்தார். அவர் பருமனானவராய் துப்பறியும் நிபுணருக்கேற்ற தோற்றம் அற்றவராகத் தெரிந்தார். அது துப்பறியும் நபர் தன் வாழ்நாளில் தங்கக் கூடிய அறையாக இல்லாமல் மிகவும் எளிமையானதாகக் காணப்பட்டது.

பவுலர். அவுசபிலை சந்திக்கிறார்:
பவுலர் ஒரு எழுத்தாளர். அவர் துப்பறிவதை குறித்து நூல் எழுத விரும்புகிறார். ஆதலால், அவுசபிலைக் காண வருகிறார். ஆனால் அவுசபிலை பார்த்த பின்னர் அவர் ஜேம்ஸ் பாண்ட்டை | போல் எந்த விதத்திலும் தோன்றவில்லையே என | ஏமாற்றமடைந்தார். அவுசபில் பிரஞ்சு மற்றும் ஜெர்மன் மொழிகளை பேசினார். ஆனால் அமெரிக்கர்கள் பேசும் வண்ணம் பேசினார். பவுலர் எதிர்பார்த்ததிற்கு மாறாக, அவுசபில் தன்னை சுற்றி அழகான பெண்கன் எவரும் இல்லை என்றார். இருவரும் பேசிக்கொண்டே தங்கும் விடுதியை அடைந்து அறையைத் திறந்தனர்.

கையில் துப்பாக்கியுடன் மாக்ஸ்:

அறையை அடைந்த உடன் அவுசபில், | பவுலரிடம் சரித்திரத்தையே மாற்றக் கூடிய ஒரு | காகிதத்தை அவர் காணப் போவதாக கூறினார். எத்தனையோ, ஆண்களும், பெண்களும் அதன் பின்னே அலைந்தனர் என்றார். அறையின் உள்ளே நுழைந்து மின்விளக்குப் பொத்தானைத் தட்டியவுடன் ஒருவன் தானியங்கி கைத் துப்பாக்கியோடு நிற்பதை அவர்கள் கண்டனர். தான் அதிர்ந்து போய்விட்டதாக அவனிடம் அவுசபில் தெரிவித்தார். அவன் பெர்லினில்

கற்பனைக் கதை ஒன்றை புனைதல்:
மாக்ஸ்சை குழப்புவதற்காக ஜன்னலருகே பால்கனி இருப்பதாக ஒரு பொய் கதையை அவுசபில் கூறினார். சாய்வு நாற்காலியில் அமர்ந்த வண்ணம், இவ்வாறாக இரண்டு முறை அந்த பால்கனி வழியாக தன் அறை உள்ளே எவரோ நுழைந்துள்ளனர் என விவரித்தார்.
மேலும், விடுதி உரிமையாளரிடம் ஏற்கனவே இருமுறை புகார் செய்தும் பயனில்லை எனக் கோபமாகச் சொன்னார். அதை உண்மை என மாக்ஸ் நம்பினான். தான் ஆயுதங்களைப் பற்றிய குறிப்புத் | தாள்களை எடுத்துப் போக வந்ததாக உரைத்தான்.

கதவை தட்டும் சத்தம்:
அப்போது யாரோ கதவை தட்டும் சத்தம் கேட்டது. உடனே ஒரு புனைக்கதையாக, அவுசபில் தன்னிடம் ஆயுத குறிப்பு தாள்கள் உள்ளதால் போலீஸ் பாதுகாப்பு தர வேண்டி வந்திருக்கக் கூடும் என வினவினார். தான் கதவை திறக்காவிட்டால் போலீஸ் உள்ளே நுழைந்து விடுவார்கள் என மாக்ஸிடம் தெரிவித்தார். கையில் துப்பாக்கியோடு நின்றிருக்கும் மாக்சை சுட்டு விடக் கூடும் என கூறினார்.

பால்கனியிலிருந்து மாக்ஸ் குதிக்கிறான்:

அவுசபில் கூறியதை நம்பிக் கொண்டு ஜன்னல் அருகே மாக்ஸ் சென்றான். துப்பாக்கி குறி அவுசபில் மற்றும் பவுலரை நோக்கியிருக்க ஜன்னல் சட்டத்தை எட்டிப் பிடித்தான் மற்ற காலை ஊன்றி ஜன்னல் விளிம்பை எட்டிப் பிடித்தான். கதவின் கைப்பிடி அகன்றது. மாக்ஸ் தன் இடது கைப் பிடியை தளர்த்தி பால்கனி மேல் குதித்தான். குதிக்கும் போது ஒரே ஒரு முறை சத்தமாக அலறினான்.

விடுதி ஊழியன் உள்ளே நுழைகிறான்:
கதவு திறந்ததும் மதுபானம் மற்றும் இரண்டு டம்ளர்களுடன் ஹென்றி உள்ளே நுழைகிறான். அதை அவுசபில் வரவழைத்திருந்தார். இதைக் கண்டு பவுலர் மிகவும் வியந்து போனார். பால்கனியில் நிற்பவன் மீண்டும் வந்து விட்டால் என வினவினார். அவன் வரப்போவதில்லை என்றார். ஏனென்றால், அங்கு பால்கனியே இல்லை என்றார். அவுசபில் தான் ஒரு உண்மையான துப்பறியும் நிபுணர் என நிரூபித்து விட்டார்

The Midnight Visitor Glossary

Textual:

Additional:

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Supplementary

• God Sees the Truth, But Waits Book Back Answers
• Life of Pi Book Back Answers
• The Hour of Truth (Play) Book Back Answers
• The Midnight Visitor Book Back Answers
• All Summer in a Day Book Back Answers
• Remember Caesar (Play) Book Back Answers

A Nice Cup of Tea Book Back Answers Class 12 English Guide Chapter 2 Tamilnadu Solutions

Students can Download English Lesson 2 A Nice Cup of Tea Questions and Answers, Summary, Activity, Notes, Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Guide Pdf helps you to revise the complete Tamilnadu State Board New Syllabus and score more marks in your examinations.

Get a Practical Study with the help of Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Grammar to make learning language much easy for you and score good grades in exams.

12th Standard English 2nd Lesson A Nice Cup of Tea Questions and Answers

Warm Up

Question (a)
Here are a few varieties of tea. How many of these have you tasted? Tick the boxes.

Answer:

Question (b)
You would have seen lovely packets of tea on the shelves in supermarkets and shops. Have you ever wondered how tea powder is obtained from the plants? Look at the pictures and describe the process.

Answer:

• The selected young Leaves are Plucked manually. Nowadays machines are avalible
• It is then left for drying.
• The dried leaves are then powdered and packed.

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English A Nice Cup of Tea Textual Questions

1.Based on your understanding of the text, answer each of the following questions in one or two sentences.

Question (a)
What seems ‘curious’ to the author?
Answer:
The argument which arises for the best way of making tea seems curious to the author.

Question (b)
Why does the author say that it is important to include a tea recipe in cookery books?
Answer:
It is important to include tea in the cookery book because tea is one of the mainstays of civilisation in England, Eire, Australia and New Zealand. Besides, the nicest manner of making tea is a subject of violent disputes among tea-loving nations.

Question (c)
Mention the countries in which tea is a part of civilization.
Answer:
Britain, Eire, Australia, and Newzealand are the countries in which tea is a part of civilization.

Question (d)
Which tea does the author prefer-China tea or Indian tea?
Answer:
The author prefers Indian tea to Chinese tea.

Question (e)
According to the author, what does the phrase ‘a nice cup of tea’ refer to?
Answer:
The phrase “a nice cup of tea” prefers to Indian tea.

Question (f)
What is the second golden rule in the preparation of tea?
Answer:
Second golden rule is that tea should be made in small quantities (i.e.) in a teapot.

Question (g)
How does army tea taste?
Answer:
Army tea tastes of grease and whitewash.

Question (h)
Do tea lovers generally like strong tea or weak tea?
Answer:
Tea lovers generally love strong tea.

Question (i)
Why should tea be directly added to the pot?
Answer:
Tea should be directly added to the pot so that it infuses properly.

Question (j)
Why does the author prefer the cylindrical cup to a flat cup?
Answer:
Cylindrical cups (i.e.) breakfast cup holds more tea. But in the shallow and flat cup, tea turns half cold before one starts drinking it.

Question (k)
What should be poured into the cup first-tea or milk?
Answer:
Tea should be poured into the cup first.

Question (l)
Why does the author advise removing cream from the milk?
Answer:
Cream should be removed before adding the milk to tea because creamy milk gives a sickly taste to tea.

Question (m)
Does the author like drinking tea with sugar? Give reasons.
Answer:
The author does not like drinking tea with sugar as it destroys the flavour of the tea. If sugar is added to tea it means that one is just tasting the sugar and not the tea.

Question (n)
Why does the author refer to himself as being in ‘a minority’?
Answer:
The author takes tea without sugar to relish the real taste of tea. But majority of people take it with sugar. So, the author refers to himself as a minority.

Question (o)
Whom does the author call ‘misguided people’? What is his advice to them?
Answer:
Misguided people are those who needed sugar to take away the taste of the tea. The author advises them to drink tea without sugar for a fortnight so that they will never add sugar to it again.

Additional Questions

Question (a)
What does the author find in his own recipe for the perfect cup of tea?
Answer:
The author finds eleven outstanding points in his own recipe for the perfect cup of tea.

Question (b)
How does the author value tea out of an urn?
Answer:
According to the author, Tea out of an urn is always tasteless.

Question (c)
What is the ‘third golden rule’?
Answer:
The pot should be warmed beforehand.

Question (d)
What is the author’s opinion about strainers or filters in the preparation of tea?
Answer:
Tea should be put straight into the pot. No strainer muslin bags or other devices must be used to imprison the tea.

Question (e)
What is seventh golden rule?
Answer:
After making tea, one should stir it or better give the pot a good shake. Afterwards, the tea leaves may be allowed to settle down.

Question (f)
What is cited as a mysterious social etiquette surrounding the tea pot?
Answer:
It is considered vulgar to drink tea out of your saucer.

Question (g)
What are the subsidiary uses of tea leaves?
Answer:
Telling fortunes, predicting the arrival of visitors, feeding rabbits, healing bums and sweeping the carpet are some of the subsidiary uses of tea leaves.

2. Based on your understanding of the text, answer each of the following questions in four or five sentences.

Question (a)
What are the author’s views on China tea?
Answer:
China tea has many good qualities. It is economical and can be drunk without milk. It lacks behind in excitement. One may not feel wiser, braver, or optimistic after drinking it.

Question (b)
How does adding sugar affect the taste of tea?
Answer:
The author raises a pertinent question, “How can you call yourself a true tea-lover if you destroy the flavour of your tea by putting sugar in it?” He mocks such people that they could add even salt and pepper in tea. Adding sugar to hot water would give them an equal drink. So, the author disapproves of adding sugar to tea to retain its flavour and taste.

Question (c)
Elucidate the author’s ideas about teapots.
Answer:
According to the author the tea made in out of an urn is tasteless on the other hand tea made in cauldron tastes of grease and whitewash. Silver or Britannia ware teapots produce inferior tea, enamel pots are worse and the pewter teapot is considerable. The best teapot is the one which is made of China or earthenware.

Additional Questions

Question (а)
How does A.G. Gardiner explode the myth about the harmfulness of tea leaves?
Answer:
In some countries, teapots are fitted with little dangling baskets under the spout to catch the stray leaves which are supposed to be harmful. The author asserts that one can swallow tea-leaves in considerable quantities without ill-effect. He claims that if the tea is not loose in the pot it never infuses properly with the hot beverage (i.e.) tea.

Question (b)
what are the two schools of thought in tea making which fight against one another in England? Why?
Answer:
In every family in England, two schools of thoughts persist on tea making. One group insists that milk should be poured first and tea should be added to it. But the author seconds the second school which claims tea must be powered first and milk must be added later because one could easily regulate the amount of milk to taste.

3. Answer each of the following questions in a paragraph of 100-150 words.

Question (а)
Summarise George Orwell’s distinctive ideas in “A Nice Cup of Tea”.
Answer:
Tea is one of the mainstays of civilizations of UK, New Zealand, Australia and Eire. But, it is not found in the recipes of cookery books. The nicest manner in which tea must be prepared has become a subject matter of violent disputes among tea loving persons even within a family. Indian tea fits in with the author’s description of “nicest cup of tea” as it rejuvenates the drinker with wisdom, stimulation, bravery and optimism. One cup of strong tea is equal to twenty weak ones. Best tea is prepared by boiling tea leaves first and then adding milk to taste.

Milk first schools and tea first schools still fight. Tea prepared in earthen pot or china ware is good. The real flavour of tea should never be imprisoned by strainers. Consuming tea leaves will not harm one’s health. Adding sugar to tea will naturally ruin its real flavour and taste. The author advises misguided people who drink sweet tea to desist from the practice for a fortnight. He guarantees them that they would like the natural taste of tea and would never again add sugar to tea. Tea should be taken in a cylindrical or breakfast cup to enjoy it. Shallow and flat cups don’t retain warmth and taste for a long time.

Question (b)
Discuss how the essay reveals the factual points and the author’s personal opinions on the preparation of tea.
Answer:
Facts found in the essay: There is no mention of tea in the recipes cookery books except some sketchy ideas on the process of preparation. Tea is one of the mainstays of civilization of UK, Australia, New Zealand and Eire. The process of tea making is a subject matter of violent disputes. The author has come up with eleven golden rules for preparation of a nice tea. Tea pot should be made of china or earthenware. In some countries, teapots are fitted with little dangling baskets under the spout to catch stray tea leaves, which are supposed to be harmful. One should use water that has been freshly boiled. After making tea, one should stir it or better give the pot a good shake, afterwards allowing the leaves to settle down. Some people don’t like tea in itself. They only drink it in order to be warmed and stimulated and they need sugar to take away the taste of tea.

The author’s opinion: The maimer of making the nicest cup of tea is the subject matter of violent disputes. China tea doesn’t give stimulation, wisdom, bravery or optimism. Indian tea means ‘a nice cup of tea’. The army tea tastes of grease and whitewash. The method of swilling tea out with hot water is not a good practice. One strong cup of tea is better than twenty weak ones. One can swallow considerable quantities of tea. One should take the teapot to the kettle and not the other way about. If you use already boiled water or freshly brought to boil does not make any difference in the taste of tea. One should remove cream off before adding the milk to tea. By putting tea leaves in first and stirring it as one pours milk one can regulate the amount of milk. Tea must be drunk without sugar for enjoying the real flavour and taste.

Question (c)
What are the aspects that contribute to humour in the essay?
Answer:
The author claims the best manner of making tea is the subject matter of violent disputes. He compliments china tea for being economical but also says one does not feel rejuvenated after drinking it. One doesn’t feel braver, wiser, more optimistic or stimulated after drinking the Chinese tea. He says army tea tastes of grease and white wash. In Britain there are two schools of thought (i.e.) milk first school and tea first school (i.e.) one school claiming that milk must be poured first and tea added later and another school claiming that tea must be poured first and milk to be added next.

He says those who take tea with sugar for its sweetness alone as misguided people. He says that they could veiy well add salt and pepper to tea and drink it. He claims that there are some mysterious social etiquette surrounding teapot. It is vulgar to drink tea out of one’s saucer. There are some subsidiary uses of tea leaves such as telling fortunes, predicting the arrival of visitors, feeding rabbits, healing bums and sweeping the carpet.

4. Based on your understanding of the text, complete the chart given below by choosing the appropriate words or phrases given in brackets.

(add sugar, shaken, milk, infused properly, strainers, without cream, taken to the kettle, small quantities, China or earthenware, stirred, warmed)

Answers

1. small quantities
2. China or earthenware,
3. warmed
4. strainers
5. taken to the kettle
6. infused properly
7. stirred
8. shaken
9. without cream
10. add sugar

Vocabulary

(a) Find out the synonym of the underlined word in each of the following sentences.

Question 1.
But because the best manner of making it is the subject of violent disputes.
(a) agreements
(b) applauses
(c) conflicts
(d) discussions
Answer:
(c) conflicts

Question 2.
________ tea is one of the mainstays of civilization in the country.
(a) a society in an advanced state of social development
(b) a society that has slow progress
(c) a society that has no progress
(d) a society in an average state of social development
Answer:
(a) a society in an advanced state of social development

Question 3
________ that they only drink it in order to be warmed and stimulated.
(a) motivated
(b) discouraged
(c) passive
(d) admired
Answer:
(a) motivated

Question 4
________ under the spout to catch the stray leaves.
(a) fresh
(b) loose
(c) gathered
(d) harmful
Answer:
(b) loose

Question 5.
One is liable to put in too much milk.
(a) likely
(b) certain
(c) eager
(d) responsible
Answer:
(d) responsible

Additional

Question 1.
At least four others are controversial.
(a) harmonious
(b) disputable
(c) agreeable
(d) comprehensive
Answer:
(b) disputable

Question 2.
One does not feel more optimistic after drinking it.
(a) dejected
(b) despaired
(c) positive
(d) disdainful
Answer:
(c) positive

Question 3.
China tea has virtues.
(a) vices
(b) admirable qualities
(c) despicable traits
(d) alarming wickedness
Answer:
(b) admirable qualities

Question 4.
They are not to be despised.
(a) loved
(b) yearned
(c) hated
(d) doted
Answer:
(c) hated

Question 5.
Army tea is made in cauldron.
(a) stove
(b) mini cooker
(c) boiler
(d) cup
Answer:
(c) boiler

Question 6.
It is not to be done with the usual method of swilling it with hot water.
(a) rinsing
(b) drenching
(c) chirping
(d) cutting
Answer:
(a) rinsing

Question 7.
In a time of rationing, this is not an idea.
(a) liberal supply
(b) confiscating
(c) blocking
(d) restricting supply
Answer:
(d) restricting supply

Question 8.
In some countries, teapots are fitted with little dangling baskets.
(a) dancing freely
(b) hanging freely
(c) severed
(d) tied tightly
Answer:
(b) hanging freely

Question 9.
No, strainers, muslin bags, or other devices to imprison the tea.
(a) discharge
(b) release
(c) acquit
(d) detain
Answer:
(d) detain

Question 10.
One should stir it well.
(a) mix thoroughly
(b) drain fully
(c) soak completely
(d) dried fully
Answer:
(a) mix thoroughly

Question 11.
You can prepare a very similar drink.
(a) unidentical
(b) almost the same
(c) unique
(d) distinct
Answer:
(b) almost the same

Question 12.
You could make a drink by dissolving sugar in hot water.
(a) segregating
(b) filter
(c) strain
(d) making a solution
Answer:
(d) making a solution

Question 13.
A shallow type cup doesn’t hold much.
(a) deep
(b) profound
(c) cylindrical
(d) of little depth
Answer:
(d) of little depth

Question 14.
Milk that is too creamy always gives the tea a sickly taste.
(a) rich
(b) flavoured
(c) unpleasant
(d) un healthy
Answer:
(c) unpleasant

Question 15.
There is also a mysterious social etiquette.
(a) clear
(b) comprehensible
(c) lucid
(d) incompressible
Answer:
(d) incompressible

Question 16.
A social etiquette surrounds the teapot.
(a) evils
(b) goods and services
(c) vices
(d) socially accepted behaviour
Answer:
(d) socially accepted behaviour

Question 17.
There is some subsidiary.
(a) major
(b) crucial
(c) vital
(d) supplementary
Answer:
(d) supplementary

Question 18.
Such as telling fortune…
(a) evil
(b) wisdom
(c) luck
(d) omen
Answer:
(c) luck

Question 19.
predicting the arrival of visitors.
(a) cautioning
(b) addressing
(c) foretelling
(d) doubting
Answer:
(c) foretelling

Question 20.
Be quite sure of wringing out of one’s ration the twenty good, strong cups of tea.
(a) smothering
(b) squeezing out
(c) making out
(d) breathing out
Answer:
(b) squeezing out

(b) Find out the antonym of the underlined word in each of the following sentences.

Question 1.
which are not to be despised.
(a) hated
(b) liked
(c) respected
(d) defeated
Answer:
(b) liked

Question 2.
One does not feel wise, braver, or more optimistic.
(a) opportunistic
(b) cheerful
(c) realistic
(d) pessimistic
Answer:
(d) pessimistic

Question 3.
Not the flat, shallow type…
(a) narrow
(b) wide
(c) deep
(d) direct
Answer:
(c) deep

Question 4.
Predicting the arrival of visitors…
(a) journey
(b) departure
(c) migration
(d) perusal
Answer:
(b) departure

Question 5.
but they are sufficient to show how subtilized the whole business has become,
(a) enough
(b) suffocative
(c) inadequate
(d) submissive
Answer:
(c) inadequate

Additional

Question 1.
They give no ruling on several of the most important points.
(a) many
(b) plentiful
(c) a few
(d) a large number of
Answer:
(c) a few

Question 2.
It is a subject of violent disputes.
(a) brutal
(b) reckless
(c) vicious
(d) gentle
Answer:
(d) gentle

Question 3.
China tea has virtues.
(a) attributes
(b) vices
(c) injuries
(d) problems
Answer:
(b) vices

Question 4.
It is economical.
(a) frugal
(b) expensive
(c) mean
(d) niggardly
Answer:
(b) expensive

Question 5.
One can swallow considerable quantities without ill-effects.
(a) large
(b) significant
(c) sizeable
(d) paltry
Answer:
(d) paltry

Question 6.
I find no fewer than eleven outstanding points.
(a) exceptional
(b) excellent
(c) exclusive
(d) mediocre
Answer:
(d) mediocre

Question 7.
At least four others are acutely controversial.
(a) disagreeable
(b) contentious
(c) agreeable
(d) disputable
Answer:
(c) agreeable

Question 8.
You will probably find that it is unmentioned.
(a) improbably
(b) apparently
(c) plausibly
(d) tied perhaps
Answer:
(a) improbably

Question 9.
Britannia teapots produce inferior tea.
(a) junior
(b) superior
(c) senior
(d) circular
Answer:
(b) superior

Question 10.
If the tea is not loose in the pot, it never infuses properly.
(a) pervades
(b) permeates
(c) imbues
(d) drains
Answer:
(d) drains

Question 11.
Stray leaves are supposed to be harmful.
(a) hurtful
(b) damaging
(c) evil
(d) harless/safe
Answer:
(d) harless/safe

Question 12.
I am in a minority.
(a) popularity
(b) scarcity
(c) paucity
(d) majority
Answer:
(d) majority

Question 13.
One can exactly regulate the amount of milk.
(a) correctly
(b) inaccurately
(c) precisely
(d) fully
Answer:
(b) inaccurately

Question 14.
Some drink it only to be stimulated.
(a) motivated
(b) encouraged
(c) discouraged
(d) rejuvenated
Answer:
(c) discouraged

Question 15.
The milk-first school can bring forward some fairly strong arguments.
(a) progressive
(b) leeward
(c) backward
(d) onward
Answer:
(c) backward

(c) Fill in the boxes with the correct answers. The first one has been done for you.

SI. No.	Word with meaning and part of speech	Sentence	Noun/Verb/ Adj. form	Sentence
1	Word: wise meaning: clever part of speech: adjective	My brother is wise.	wisdom	My brother showed great wisdom in business.
2	harm
3	stimulate
4	argue
5	strong
6	destroy

Answer:

SI. No.	Word with meaning and part of speech	Sentence	Noun/Verb/ Adj. form	Sentence
1	Word: wise meaning: clever part of speech: adjective	My brother is wise.	wisdom	My brother showed great wisdom in business.
2	harm	Too much sugar can harm one’s health in the longer run.	harm	The hon’ble prime minister vowed that the harm (n) done to the fibre of democracy through the Pulwama attack will not go unpunished.
3	stimulate	Tea stimulates (v) one’s brain.	stimulate	Population explosion is a major stimulant (n) to the industrial development in China.
4	argue	My brother is an argumentative (adj), scholar.	argue	You may win an argument (n) but lose a friend
5	strong	Loyal and patriotic citizens alone make a country strong (adj)	strong	The strength (n) of Mary Kom amazed fellow boxers.
6	destroy	Prolonged conflict at the border could be destructive (adj) for both sides.	destroy	Pakistan continues to downplay the destruction (n)caused by India’s preemptive attack on the Balakot camp.

Listening Activity

Listen to the passage about the ‘Significance of Tea’ and answer the questions.

The Significance of Tea

Tea has been an important beverage for thousands of years. It is consumed by two-thirds of the world’s population. India is the second-largest tea producer in the world after China, although over 70 percent of its tea is consumed within India. Tea has been proved to offer numerous health benefits. Scientists and researchers have found that drinking tea could reduce the risk of heart diseases. The antioxidants in tea might prevent cancer.

Regular tea drinking might help one in lowering blood sugar and blood pressure. Tea might be an effective agent in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders. The consumption of tea results in the strengthening of one’s teeth, bones, and immune system. However, drinking too much tea may prove to be harmful to one’s health. So, drinking tea moderately could make one healthier. Researchers have confirmed the significant overall health benefits of drinking tea.

Questions:

Question 1.
Which country is the largest tea producer in the world?
Answer:
China is the largest producer of tea in the world.

Question 2.
________ percent of the tea produced in India is exported.
Answer:
30

Question 3.
What is the role of antioxidants in tea?
Answer:
The antioxidants in tea might prevent cancer.

Question 4.
Drinking tea strengthens one’s ______ , and _____
Answer:
teeth, bones, immune system

Question 5.
How does drinking tea help a diabetic?
Answer:
Regular tea drinking lowers blood sugar and thus helps a diabetic.

Speaking Activity

Read the story silently.

Once upon a time, a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn’t know how she was going to make it. She was tired of fighting and struggling all the ( time. It seemed that just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed. Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on high flame. Once the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and .ground coffee beans in the third pot. He then let them boil, without saying a word to his daughter. The daughter moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing.‘

After twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the boiled eggs out and placed them in a bowl. He then ladled the coffee out and poured it in a cup. Turning to her he asked. “Daughter, what do you see?”

“Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she hastily replied, “Look closer,” he said, “and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After peeling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to her face. “Father, what does this mean?” she asked. He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs, and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity – the boiling water. However, each one reacted differently. The potato was strong, hard, and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it became soft and weak. The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the eggs became hard. However, the ground coffee beans were unique.

After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new. “Which are you?” he asked his daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean? Things happen around us, things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us. Which one are you?

This story shows how people react to different situations in life. Some become weak and soft like the potatoes and some others harden like the egg. The best way to face difficulties is illustrated by the coffee beans which change their colour and add flavour.

Now use these ideas and prepare a speech on the topic ‘The importance of developing a positive attitude’ and deliver the speech in the school assembly.

The importance of developing a positive attitude:

Respected Chief Guest, dignitaries on the Dias, teachers, and my dear friends. I would like to say a few words on the importance of developing a positive attitude.

A positive attitude is necessary to succeed in life. A person with a positive attitude has self-confidence and empathy. To highlight this I would like to quote some incidents in the life of Amelia Earhart, the first woman pilot. She watched a pilot taking off in his small plane. On the runway, he wanted to scare her, he drove the small plane very close to her, she didn’t panic or run away. The plane which whizzed past her seemed to invite her. She worked at various jobs such as a photographer, truck driver, and stenographer.

She managed to save 1000 dollars for her flying lessons. In order to reach the air-field, Amelia had to take a bus to the end of the line and walk 6 km. Earhart’s commitment to flying required her to accept frequent hardwork. After proving her professional skills as a lady pilot, she popularized flying and encouraged many girls to take pilot training. She proved that women can also shine in the field which was till then dominated by men.

The next best example is the positive attitude of Abinandan, the pilot whose parachute drifted into Pakistan and was taken a prisoner. Even while in the custody of the Pak military, he did not lose his confidence. He conducted himself bravely. He did not fear, he believed in himself and in his country. He is back home as a living legend spreading the message that a positive attitude can help one overcome any obstacle in life.

Reading

Non-verbal Representations.
Look at the following non-verbal representation. Based on your understanding and inference, write a paragraph on career trends in the next decade.

Fastest growing occupations:

It is true that most of us were not aware of the current demands in the job market 10 years ago. As the emerging jobs and the required skill sets change all the professional qualifications become irrelevant. In addition to the basic degree, it is necessary to foresee the emerging trends in the job market. This paragraph shows that the topmost opportunity to grow is in the field of wind and solar energy. Technicians are needed in this sector. There is a 100% chance of placement for those who qualify themselves in operating windmills, designing, installing, and maintenance of solar panels. The paramedical profession is likely to grow exponentially.

It means that those who pursue nursing, lab technician courses would get placed soon. Strikingly, Mathematicians and Statisticians will be next in huge demand as 70% growth is for them only. As there is a boom in media services, T.V., radio, newspapers, and periodicals, there is a rising demand for media persons and journalists. Against the common belief, only 50% growth opportunity is there for professionals qualified in software development. It is heartening to note that cycle repairers and two-wheeler mechanics will get opportunities next to software engineers. Though lakhs of graduates do B.Ed. course the growth opportunity in teaching jobs in colleges and schools is only 30%. The dismal picture for sportsmen and coaches is discouraging. Only 20% of growth is predicted in placements for coaches and sportsmen. Finally, only 10% of growth is possible for those who specialise in food analysis and working in hotels.

Task
Now read the following article on the emerging career options in the modern era and answer the questions that follow.

The students at the higher secondary level in schools start thinking of suitable courses to take up at the university level based on their aptitude, ability, and interests. While considering the higher education options, they should also plan the career path they wish to take. In today’s complex job scenario, there is a mismatch between demand and supply on one hand we have qualified professionals desperately trying to find a job, while on the other hand, there are many professions that need suitable talented employees. But such skilled employees are unavailable. Therefore, the need of the hour is that students have an understanding of the emerging career options.

Schools should take the initiative to organise career guidance and counselling sessions for students. However, students need to remember that to build a strong career, they must understand the perspective field and their primary interest. It is also important for students to focus on overall personality development and hone their communication skills as these are important for the success of their career. Students are also advised that in order to build a solid career foundation, they need to qualify suitably by pursuing a degree course in the chosen area of interest and also consider post-graduate education. Diploma/Short-term courses may help one find a job in the short run but may not promise career progression. Rapid advancement in science and technology and globalisation have widened the scope of career options in the twenty-first century. Let us consider some popular careers.

Fashion Designing:
The current cosmopolitan and fashion-conscious wave that has taken over our country has .opened up a huge arena for careers in fashion. These careers encompass designing clothes, costumes, jewellery, footwear, wardrobe, costumes, accessories, and the like.

Culinary Arts:
With food and cookery shows being a major trend across the world, culinary arts, a sub-domain of the hospitality sector, has now become the most sought after career.

Paramedical sciences:
In recent times, there has been a great demand in the health care industry. Paramedical professionals who support medical practitioners in areas such as optometry, pathology, nursing, physiotherapy, and dentistry are much sought after.

Media, Journalism, and Advertising:
In this information era, print and entertainment media have become a force to reckon with. This arena has become a huge career playground because youngsters are attracted to it as the exposure and reach is greater through such mass media. We notice that radio and TV channels, internet companies, and advertising agencies are increasingly recruiting qualified professionals.

Hotel Management:
The hotel industry is the fastest growing industry in India. The number of international travellers (both for business and leisure) is increasing. The hospitality and service industry offers career options such as housekeeping, front-desk executives, tourism management, etc.
76 English-12

Sports Management:
With multinational companies supporting sports, careers in sports offer enormous scope. One need not be a player or an athlete to shine in a sports career because the field of sports offers various career options such as technical trainers, commentators, sports journalists, dieticians, referees, etc. Conducting sports events successfully, organizing the event laudably, preparing the ground for the event are all part of sports management.

Questions:

Question (a)
When do students start thinking about their career path?
Answer:
At the end of plus two exams, students start thinking about their career path.

Question (b)
How can students build a strong career?
Answer:
To build a strong career, students must understand the prospective field and their primary interests. They need to qualify suitably by pursuing a degree course in their chosen area of interest.

Question (c)
What are the integral aspects of a successful career?
Answer:
Personality development, communicative competence, required skill sets, keeping abreast of technological advancements in addition to qualification in the respective field are the integral aspects of a successful career.

Question (d)
What is meant by ‘culinary art’?
Answer:
Cooking is called culinary art.

Question (e)
Why is media a popular career option?
Answer:
Media is a popular career option because print and entertainment media have become a force to reckon with. Radio, TV channels, internet companies, and advertisement companies are increasingly recruiting qualified professionals.

Question (f)
Name some paramedical courses mentioned in the passage.
Answer:
Optometry, pathology, nursing, physiotherapy, and dentistry are some popular paramedical courses.

Question (g)
Why is the hotel industry seen as the fastest growing in India?
Answer:
The number of international travellers visiting India is rapidly growing. This has resulted in the exponential growth of the hospitality and service industry. A lot of career options such as housekeeping, front-desk executives, tourism management, etc. are now open.

Question (h)
Does one have to be a player to opt for a career in the field of sports? answer giving reasons.
Answer:
No. Sports journalists, dieticians, technical trainers, and commentators need not be sportspersons.

Question (i)
Pick one word from the passage which is the opposite of ‘modern’.
Answer:
Traditional

Question (j)
Which word in the passage means ‘composed of people from many parts of the country’?
Answer:
International travellers

Grammar

Prepositions
Task 1
Recall your learning of basic prepositions and complete the sentences using the prepositions given in brackets.

over	under	on	between
among	into	with	since
in front of		near/beside

1. The boy jumped ______ a narrow stream.
2. Afsar will meet me ______ Friday morning.
3. The temple is ______ the bank.
4. My friend will meet me ______ his brother tomorrow.
5. There is usually a garden ______ a bungalow.
6. Yuvan has been studying well ______ childhood.
7. A trekker climbed ______ a mountain meticulously.
8. There was a skirmish ______ my brother and sister.
9. The laudable thoughts were apparent ______ many scholars in a conference.
10. It is easy to work ______ the aegis of a visionary leader.

Answers:

1. into
2. on
3. near/beside
4. with
5. in front of
6. since
7. over
8. between
9. among
10. under

Task 2
Complete the following passages using the prepositions given in brackets.
(among, for, at, to, in,)

Question (i)
______ When Lakshmi was (1) ______ school, she practised music from Monday (2) ______ Friday. She involved herself (3) ______ the school orchestra. She was responsible (4) ______ conducting many programmes. She was very popular (5) ______ her schoolmates, as she was kind, friendly and helpful.
Answers:

1. at
2. to
3. in
4. for
5. among

Question (ii)
(after, with, on, before, of, in, for)
(1) _____ the interview, Solomon was confident (2) _____ getting the job. He knew that he was qualified (3) _____ the job. He was interested (4) _____ discharging his duty perfectly. The interview panel was impressed (5) _____ his attitude and skills. So (6) _____ the interview, he was (7) _____ cloud nine.
Answers:

1. Before
2. of
3. for
4. in
5. with
6. after
7. on

Prepositional Phrases
Task 1
Underline the prepositional phrases. The first two examples have been done for you.

1. With reference to your advertisement in a local newspaper, I am applying for the post of a salesman.
2. The assignment will be completed in a few weeks.

Question (c)
Ravi was appreciated by his teachers.
Answer:
Ravi was appreciated by his teachers.

Question (d)
We feel sorry for our mistakes.
Answer:
We feel sorry for our mistakes.

Question (e)
The boy studied well in spite of many obstacles.
Answer:
The boy studied well in spite of many obstacles.

Question (f)
Our nation is famous for its glorious culture.
Answer:
Our nation is famous for its glorious culture.

Question (g)
We are proud of our children.
Answer:
We are proud of our children.

Question (h)
My brother will return home in the evening.
Answer:
My brother will return home in the evening.

Task 2
Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositional phrase given in brackets.

(in favour of, in case of, according to, on the whole, on account of, on behalf of, in spite of, instead of)

1. _____ Kiran, Rajesh may attend a programme.
2. Many tourists visited Ooty ______ heavy rains.
3. Expressing gratitude ______ others is common in a vote of thanks.
4. ______ I had a happy childhood.
5. Our teacher always acts like ______ her students.
6. ______ his laziness, the boy remained passive for a long time.
7. ______ Gandhiji, ahimsa means infinite love.
8. ______ rain, take an umbrella.

Answers:

1. instead of
2. in spite of
3. on behalf of
4. on the whole
5. in favour of
6. On account of
7. According to
8. In case of

Connectives or Linkers

Task 1
Choose the appropriate linker from within the brackets and complete the sentences.

1. I could not complete my paper in the examination ______ (because, but) I was slow in answering the questions.
2. It started raining, ______ (yet, so) we could not play.
3. ______ (As, If) I got up early, I managed to reach school on time.
4. ______ (Though/Whereas) he committed a mistake, he apologised (and/since) promised that he would not repeat it.
5. This is ______ (how/what) it must be done.
6. The vendor saw the train moving slowly from the platform, ______ (therefore/until) he got
7. I was not well, ______ (but/so) I did not attend the class.
8. (If, Although) ______ she can drive , she travels by bus.
9. (If/Unless) ______ you register your name, you cannot participate in the competitions.
10. (As soon as/Besides) ______ my father arrived home, I narrated the incident.
11. Be quick to hear ______ (then/ and) slow to speak.
12. I am ______ (neither/either) an ascetic in theory (nor/or) in practice.
13. We fail to harness the rain water, ______ (consequently, nevertheless) we suffer.
14. My brother will certainly clear GRE; ______ (yet/for) he works very hard.

Answers:

1. because
2. so
3. As
4. Though, and
5. how
6. therefore
7. so
8. Although
9. Unless
10. As soon as
11. and
12. neither, nor
13. consequently
14. for

Task 2
Combine the sentences and rewrite them using the words given in the brackets.

Question (a)
The well was deep. Therefore, the fox could not get out of the well, (because)
Answer:
The fox could not get out of the well because the well was deep.

Question (b)
The work was over. We went home, (when)
Answer:
When the work was over, we went home.

Question (c)
A library is a public place. We see a number of books kept there for reading, (where)
Answer:
A library is a public place where we see a number of books kept for reading.

Question (d)
The culprit was caught. Immediately, he was taken to the police station, (as soon as)
Answer:
As soon as the culprit was caught, he was taken to the police station.

Question (e)
The boys were stealing mangoes from a grove. At that time, the owner of the grove came in. (while)
Answer:
While the boys were stealing mangoes, the owner of the grove came in.

Question (J)
Artificially flavoured juices are hazardous to health. Moreover, they lead to kidney problems, (and)
Answer:
Artificially flavoured juices are hazardous to health and they lead to kidney problems.

Question (g)
Adit has been promoted. Ranjan has been promoted, (as well as)
Answer:
Adit as well as Ranjan have been promoted.

Question (h)
Caesar was declared emperor. The conspirators killed him. (After)
Answer:
After Caesar was declared the emperor, the conspirators killed him.

Task 3
Fill in the blanks with appropriate correlative conjunctions.

1. She is _____ an understanding person _____ everybody likes to be with her.
2. Suraj owns _____ a typewriter _____ a computer.
3. Vani is _____ a good singer _____ a good dancer.
4. Amit did not know _____ his father met his class teacher _____ not.
5. I would _____ starve _____ beg.

Answers:

1. such, that
2. not only, but also
3. not only, but also
4. whether, or
5. neither, nor

Writing

Article Writing
Task 1

The Government of Tamil Nadu has imposed a ban on the use of plastic. Effective implementation of this ban depends on public awareness and individual responsibility.

Write an article of 150 words for your school magazine to create an awareness of the dangers posed by indiscriminate use of plastic. Expand the ideas given below as notes.

Notes:

a. Introduction:

1. Plastic – synthetic material – doesn’t decompose in the soil
2. Inevitable role of plastic – man’s day-to-day life

b. Human Health Hazard:

1. Leeching of plastic into food – microplastic entering the food chain
2. Human body’s inability to deal with this unnatural substance
3. The reaction of microplastic in the human body and ill effects

c. Adverse effects on plants and animals:

1. Plastic particles choking waterways – affect aquatic animals
2. Ingestion by aquatic and terrestrial animals -blocking of intestines and respiratory passages

d. Environmental Degradation:

1. The manufacturing process and burning of plastics – pollute the atmosphere
2. Plastic-non-biodegradable – interferes with soil microorganisms – affects soil fertility

e. Conclusion:

1. Suggestions for restricted use – alternatives for one-time use of plastics
2. Segregation of plastic waste – for recycling

Use of Plastic in Daily Life

Introduction:
One of the greatest threats to the sustainability of living environment is plastics. It is a synthetic material. It is not biodegradable, it takes hundreds of years to break down into small particles. Without knowing the long term harm plastic can cause to the environment, plastic has entered all walks of life.

Human health Hazard:
AS hot food items are packed in polythene bags, the microplastic enters the food chain. Besides, the plastic waste that is scattered is eaten by stray animals and even huge whales and they die eventually unable to digest them. The microplastic that goes into the human body blocks intestine and also causes respiratory disorders. Reaction to microplastic in human body leads to a lot of disorders and diseases.

Adverse Effects:
Plastic particles choke the arteries of water ways and affect the lives of marine organisms as well. Ingestion caused by plastic congestion leads to blocks in the intestine, lungs and eventually death in animals.

Environmental Degradation:
Both the processing involved in the production of plastics and the burning of broken plastic items result in air pollution. The plastic fragments interfere with soil microorganisms and accelerate the infertility of the soil.

Conclusion:
People need to be sensitized on the uses of safe disposal of plastic waste and not mix it with organic waste. Besides, people must be encouraged to reduce, recycle, and reuse plastic instead of throwing them away.

Task 2
Urban living brings with it the possibility of various communicable diseases.
Now write an article of about 150 words for a leading newspaper on the various ways of maintaining personal hygiene and sanitation in order to ensure a healthy living. Make use of the hints given below.
Hints:

(a) Introduction – ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’ – brief explanation

(b) Personal hygiene:

1. Frequent washing of hands and regular bathing
2. Brushing of teeth, trimming of nails and hair
3. Wearing clean clothes

(c) Keeping diseases at bay:

1. Avoid street food
2. Keep food containers covered
3. Drink boiled water
4. Wash fruits and vegetables in flowing water

(d) Keeping living areas, surroundings, and the environment clean:

1. Disposal of domestic organic waste on a daily basis and hazardous waste in designated places
2. Regular sweeping, mopping, and dusting
3. Disinfection of toilets and bathing areas
4. Avoid littering of public places
5. Avoid spitting, urinating, and defecating in public places

(e) Conclusion – hygiene – a collective exercise – everyone’s involvement and practice, a must – ensure community health and happiness – celebrate life

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Introduction:
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. Those who keep themselves and their surroundings clean and green live safely without the threat of infectious or contagious diseases.

Personal hygiene:
Regular bathing and hand washing, brushing of teeth, combing the hair, paring the nails and wearing neat dresses are indispensable for ensuring personal hygiene.

Keeping diseases at bay:
People who take street food must avoid them because the food items are exposed to dust and disease-spreading germs. Even at home, we must ensure that the vessels containing food items are well-covered with plates or lids. As water-borne diseases are prevalent in cities and villages, one must drink only boiled water. Farmers use pesticides and hence we should always wash the vegetables and fruits in flowing water before using them for cooking or eating.

Keeping living areas, surroundings, and the environment clean:
We must dispose of organic waste on a daily basis. Hazardous waste must be disposed of in the designated places only. Littering in public places must be avoided. One must have the civic sense and refrain from spitting, urinating and defecating in public places.

Conclusion:
Hygeine is a collective responsibility of all people. For ensuring the health and happiness of the community, everyone must get involved in maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

Suggested Topics:
Importance of Physical Exercises / Sports and Games

Introduction:
A sound mind in a sound body goes the old saying. It holds good in modem times. Physical exercises play a vital role in keeping the body strong.

Kinds of exercises:
The simplest form of exercise is walking. Today people use two wheelers powered by petrol and biologists fear that after a hundred years babies maybe bom without legs using the theory of selection. As free bus pass is given, students have stopped cycling or walking even a kilometer a day.

Some do cycling on a regular basis and keep fit. Some go to the gym and do body building exercises. But everyone’s body’ constitution may not permit long hours of work out in a gym.

By playing traditional games like kho-kho, kabaddi, etc. also can maintain good health. In villages, climbing a huge tall oiled smooth pole is a contest during festivals. People stand in circles on whose shoulders young ones climb up to take the prize money kept on the top of the pole. Playing various games such as Tennis, cricket, basket ball, volleyball, foot ball can also give sufficient physical exercises. Students can partake in athletic events and sports to get enough exercise.

Conclusion:
Students should avoid playing games in the phone and watching domestic poison (i.e.) TV serials. Playing and doing physical exercises in the open air will tone up their muscles and build their immune system against diseases.

Travel and its Benefits

Introduction:
Travelling is a great teacher. Augustine says, “the world is a great book of which those who don’t travel read only a page.” Reading about Kashmir or Kodaikanal may not be as fascinating as traveling by car or train and drink and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Heresy vs the first-hand experience:
Reading about Ooty is less interesting than visiting Ooty in person. Seeing the flower show when Ooty is in full bloom is equal to seeing it in a hundred movies. Walking around Botanical gardens, gazing at the valley below from Doddabetta peak, enjoying the boat ride dipping the hands into the chill waters, and looking at the Pykara hydel power project are all scenic beauties one etches in one’s memories for long.

Advantages of travelling:
Life is a book full of surprises. As we travel we meet many new and interesting people. We learn about new cultures, life styles, superstitions and rituals followed in different communities across the globe.

Travelling-testing ground of skills:
During travels, one may face unforeseen emergencies. One’s latent skills of problem-solving come to limelight during such emergencies. One would also be amazed to learn how total strangers bestow kindness he/she may not have expected in crises.

Conclusion:
Travel broadens one’s outlook of life. It is also a means of education. It is one of the precious gifts of life. One must travel far and wide to enjoy life-transforming experiences which can never be had inside the four walss of classrooms or home.

Water Conservation

Introduction:
Water is the elixir of life. Earth is the only lonely planet having life-supporting water in abundance. The earth is covered with 71% water. But potable water is only around 1%.

Need to conserve water:
Due to erratic rainfall caused by deforestation, water tables are fast drying up. Global warming is adding to the problem. Even underground water is sucked up by sunlight. Tamil Nadu Government is very strict about water harvesting. Permission to build is given only after ensuring a water harvesting facility is added to the blueprint.

War for water:
In the olden days, wars were waged on rare beauties and gold. But in modem times, the countries which possess a large amount of drinking water will become envious targets of water-hungry nations. Abdul Kalam, the rocket scientist, predicted, for a water can, people would go to the extent of murdering fellow humans. Already interstate quarrels have started over the sharing of river waters. On the one hand, the surplus rainwater goes to ocean and during summer, there is a scarcity of water. There are no check dams on the path of rivers. There is greedy robbery of sand. River beds are becoming moist-free desert-like plains.

Water conservation:
When Israel is able to do agriculture profitably with very little rains, we struggle to ensure lucrative prices for farm products. Many states in India have failed to conserve rainwater where surplus rainwater rushes to the ocean through flood canals.

Conclusion:
Unwise use of water is rampant across the country. Through leaky pipes, good water goes down the drain. It is the collective responsibility of citizens and municipal authorities to conserve water and sustain life on the earth.

Child Labour

Introduction:
Child labour has emerged as a major issue in India. To address this social issue, NGOs, parents, social activists and society have to join hands to attack this issue. There is a legal provision to safeguard exploited persons beyond the age of 16. But young children don’t get the advantage of legal cover.

Causes of child labour:
In many developing countries, child labour is rampant. The prominent reasons are sibling care, poverty and lack of schooling opportunities. In developing countries 50% of school aged population (in the age group of 5-14) are engaged in child labour.

Distribution of child labour:
In the farming industry, child labour is rampant. In labor-intensive cotton industries, bricklaying industries and in the informal sector we find a large number of children employed. In small scale industries like weaving, match works, fire crackers, children are engaged as bond labourers to lessen the financial burden of parents.

Conclusion:
It is a cruel paradox that instead of eliminating child labour, we have NCLP, non-formal schools to give education to child labourers. Mainstreaming is not a success due to inadequate monitoring. It is comforting to learn that international organization have taken up the cause of fighting against child labour. All must realize that healthy children are the real future of India. Child labour is retarding the progress of the children and the nation.

Mobile Phone – Advantages and Disadvantages

Introduction:
Mobile phone is a palm-held device which has revolutionized the world of communication. A mobile phone does not require a fixed landline and makes two way communication easy and affordable. Telegram department had to be closed due to the lightning speed with which messages could be sent orally or through SMS.

Mobile functions and advantages:
A mobile phone can be used for watching cricket, movie or just listen to the news. Students now google for collecting information for their assignments and projects. A recent survey says 50% of youth read newspapers only through their android phones. The habit of reading books or dictionaries is falling due to quick access to information via mobile and internet services. Through Ola and Uber apps one can summon a call taxi or even order food from Uber eats or Ola food through these apps for a cheap cost. Railway and flight tickets can be booked online.

Memorable events can be frozen in photos or videos and saved in the phone itself. Money transfer is now possible through using PayTM, Bhim app, or googles money app. As many online newspapers are freely available, people save money.
Big Bazaar sells even vegetables through the phone. Flipkart and Amazon apps help one to place an order for any home appliances at competitive prices.

Disadvantages:
Social websites such as Whatsapp, Twitter, and Facebook keep young ones continuously engaged and crazy for likes. Sometimes evildoers access valuable information and exploit women and children. Sharing vital information, photos, videos, etc. with total strangers can jeopardize one’s honour and life too. Students who get addicted to video games and watching explicit content waste their time and energy and dropout of school.

Conclusion:
The mobile phone is a technological marvel. Similar to any new technology, it has its fascinating traps. One must use mobile phones judiciously and stay out of harm and disgrace.

Consumerism – Wants and Needs

Introduction:
The consumer has the right to decide what he needs and what he wants to buy. But due to the explosive non-stop advertisements on the television, theatres, print media, and in handbills, the consumer is often influenced to buy what he actually does not need.

The problem of plenty:
A good trader needs to find a balance between both the need and want of the consumer. As many malls have sprung up in big cities and departmental stores in small towns, the consumer’s rights to choose what he needs are eroded. There’s a problem of plenty.

Astute traders Vs gullible customers:
As seasons change, consumers want to change the design of their jewels, wardrobes, etc. Astute traders dump a lot of varieties and under the pretext of discount and offers sub-standard commodities are sold to the consumers.

Conclusion:
The rules of business have changed widely now. Each consumer is different. Traders who are able to recognize the need of the consumer and supply custom-made or tailored commodities can only satisfy their wants and stabilize their business in the competitive market.

Value of Education

Introduction:
Education helps young ones acquire essential knowledge and skills. In modem times, the teacher alone is not the dispenser of knowledge. School alone is not the abode of learning. There are many avenues from where students can learn freely.

Value of education:
Education teaches students to understand the fast-changing world and problems of modem society and also evolve solutions in unconventional ways. Education shapes the destiny of a nation. It enables young ones to become productive members of the civilized society and equips them with the required skill sets to seek jobs and shine in them too.

Education teaches us how to meet day to day challenges and overcome obstacles. It helps us leam how to become a well-rounded personality and perpetuate Indian culture. Education teaches young citizens non-negotiable rules in life and manners too. It lays the foundation stone for the future of children. It guides young ones to lead a disciplined life and gives them with skills to earn jobs which would pay them well.

Conclusion:
India has to invest more in quality education in our country because education is the prerequisite to the nation’s prosperity and modernization of the country.

Value-based Education

Introduction:
Education needs to ennoble human beings. It should teach sensitivity to the social issues which affect the progress of the nation. Education must sensitize students to the sweeping changes occurring around them in modem times.

Importance of value-based Education:
Education without values seems rather make a man a mere clever devil. Nelson Mandela once rightly said, “Education is the most powerful weapon through which you can change the world.” The aim of education should not be confined only to impart knowledge but to inculcate values in young and impressionable minds.

Rote memory vs value-based education:
Currently, rote memorization is largely emphasized. Factual information needs to be mastered and not memorized and regurgitated during examinations. This system fails to give any opportunity to think outside the box. As we are moving towards becoming a knowledge economy, moral values have taken a back seat. Juvenile delinquency is threatening the value system of the country. The students may be intelligent and smart but they lack empathy. The schooling system has failed to inculcate the right values among children. It is unfortunate that neither teachers nor the students focus on values for it is not graded. Virtue should never ask for a reward because it is a reward in itself. India would regain its glory when students inculcate values like honesty, patriotism, compassion and hardwork.

Conclusion:
Education is a life long process. In real life, it is to be translated into qualities of truthfulness, self-confidence, compassion to all living things, and integration of mind, body and brain. In short, value-based education has the capacity to transform the corrupt mind into a very innocent, healthy, natural, fresh mind embellished with agape love.

Essay Writing

Task 1
Write an essay of about 200 words each.

1. The profession you would like to choose

Introduction:
People do have dreams right from their childhood days about their careers. Albert Einstein was asked in his death bed, “what did you want to become in your life?” Tears trickled down his eyes and he said, “I wanted to be a plumber. But my vocational instructor drove me out saying. That I don’t have the required skills.

Changing ambitions of children:
Children keep changing their ambitions as their role models change as they grow older and wiser. But I have decided to become a pilot in the Indian force. I want to conquer the skies and fly faster than sound. I know it is a challenging career. After the Pulwama attack, the heroic role played by the twelve pilots of the Indian Air force struck at the hearts of terrorists in Pakistan. destroying the hideouts and training schools of terror impressed me. I do foresee the threat to life. Abinandhan, wing commander was released after India’s persistent diplomatic efforts across the world. I was overwhelmed by the united voice of India seeking Abinandhan, every Indian citizen was praying for the safe return of the sky warrior who had shot down F-16 with MiG 21 Bison, an aging aircraft.

His composure under the custody of Pak army really motivated young people to stay calm during crisis. In Tamil Nadu, two soldiers who died in Pulwama attack were mourned by the whole state. Transcending barriers of caste, religion, and political alliances, all came to console the family members. Unkown people started donating their life-time savings. So, I have made up my mind to serve the Indian Airforce. I want to live and die as a jawan with legitimate pride. Only in the armed forces, I find dignity in both services and in death.

Conclusion:
People pursue various kinds of careers for the sake of monetary aspects. But I choose airman’s career so that I will become a part of the pride of Indian armed forces.

2. The importance of a balanced diet

Introduction:
This is a pertinent topic when young children are becoming early victims of obesity. Most of the children in cities have got addicted to fat-saturated foods such as pizza, burgers, and other fast foods which cause cholesterol. Eating balanced diet (i.e.) nutritious food is crucial if one wants to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Balanced diet:
Balanced food is not about having the right kind of foods alone, but eating them at the right time in the right proportions. Millets and nutritious food items are available in plenty even in rural areas.

Intake of liquids:
Fluids are quite indispensable for the human body to lead a healthy lifestyle. Scientists claim that 80% of the human body is filled with water. It is also a co-factor in many of the metabolic activities in the body leading to metabolic changes. At least two to three litres of water is essential for everyone. This can be achieved by restricting the intake of coffee and tea and consuming water as frequently as possible.

Fresh vegetables and fruits:
Regular intake of fruits and vegetables will invariably avoid many health disorders. It is believed that a balanced diet must contain all five tastes (i.e.) bitter, pungent, sour, sweet and salt. The avoidance of processed or tinned food is good because processed foods are deprived of their nutritional values. Transfat substances in processed and junk foods is harmful to us.

How to eat:
One must chew the food one consumes to ensure easy digestion. One must eat only what is required. Overeating will result in obesity and overweight. One can start the diet as per the directions of one’s family doctor or dietician.

Conclusion:
If one does not take a balanced diet with green vegetables and fibre, one may have to spend a lot to recover the lost health.

3. A memorable journey

Introduction:
One learns a lot about the world and life during travels. One gets to meet new people and find new cultures. I had an opportunity to visit Darjeeling along with my uncle who is working there.

Darjeeling, the Queen of hill stations:
Daijeeling is a mesmerizing hill station located in West Bengal. While travelling in the amazing toy train I was transported to heaven. The lush green hills, beautiful serene monasteries, tea plantations, and the clouds that played hide and seek with the Sun really dazzled me.

I spoke to the natives. They understood Hindi and Bengali. Fortunately my uncle knew Bengali and he could translate what people said in English and Tamil which broke the barrier of language. There were frequent mild rainfalls which ran chills down my spine. I can never forget the travel on the toy train from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The tracks rise from sea level to 7500 ft in just about 70 km. In order to overcome the gradients, the train used zig zag reverses and loops. Batasia loop is the most famous loop with the figure of eight. As the train slowly went for seven hours, I could drink the beauty of nature and take in the fresh air of the green forests.

I went to Kangchenjunga the third highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8586 meters above the sea. I felt like standing on top of the World. Sunrise from tiger hill was the most fascinating scene I can never forget in my life.

Conclusion:
I strongly recommend that all my friends must visit Daijeeling once in their life.

A Nice Cup of Tea About The Author

Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903-21 January 1950), better known by his pen name George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic whose work is marked by clear prose, awareness of social iniquity, opposition to totalitarianism, and candid support of democratic socialism.

Orwell wrote literary criticism, poetry, fiction and polemical journalism. He is best known for the allegorical novella Animal Farm (1945) and the dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949). In 2008, The Times ranked him second on a list of “The 50 greatest British writers since 1945”.

A Nice Cup of Tea Summary in English

About Nice Cup of Tea
Tea is one of the mainstays of civilization in India, China, U.K., Japan, Australia and New Zealand. It is curious because the best manner of making it is the subject of violent disputes. For George Orwell it is a national issue. Orwell himself went through a great deal of trouble in importing tea to drink personally. This essay is probably a reflection of his passion of preparing and drinking tea. It is a discussion on the craft of making a cup of tea.

Another view is that Orwell wrote the essay with political undertones. He used a cup of tea as the instrument for airing his political views.

Missing entry in the cookery book
‘Tea’ is not mentioned in the cookery book. There may be sketchy references on the instructions about the process of making tea.

Tea-making – A subject of controversies
The author admits that tea is a mainstay of the civilization in UK, Australia, New Zealand and in Eire. What is the best manner of making a nice cup of tea is the subject of violent disputes between tea lovers.

Eleven tips for making tea Indian tea – the nicest tea
Firstly, the author prefers Indian to Chinese tea. The Chinese tea is economical in the sen e one can drink it without milk. But Chinese tea doesn’t give the stimulation, wisdom or bravery one expects after the intake of a nice cup of tea. The author associates “nice cup of tea” only with Indian tea.

Quantity vs Quality
Tea ought to be made in small quantities (i.e) in a tea pot. Tea made in the urn is tasteless. Army tea made in Cauldron tastes of grease and whitewash. Tea pot should be made of China clay or earthenware. The tea produced with silver or Britannia ware and enamel pots is always inferior in quality. However, he agrees that tea made in pewter teapots is not so bad.

Method
Thirdly the pot should be warmed beforehand. This could be done better by placing the teapot on the hob than by swilling it out with hot water.

Strong vs weak tea
Fourthly, tea must be strong. Six heaped tea spoons of leaves would be right if the quart holding pot is to be filled with water to the brim. Maybe it is ideal when the rationing of tea leaves is done. But one cup of strong tea is better than twenty weak ones. True tea lovers, as they age, want to take stronger tea and hence extra rationing of tea is done in ration shops for old age pensioners.

Indicator of quality of tea
Fifthly tea should be put straight into the pot. Muslin bags and strainers or other devices imprison tea. Baskets meant for filtering tea leaves are harmful. One can swallow tea-leaves in considerable quantities. Loose tea in the pot is an indicator of quality.

Boiled or Boiling teapot
Sixthly, one should take the teapot to the kettle. The water should be boiled at the moment of impact (i.e.) while pouring it. Some maintain that tea should be poured from freshly boiled water which makes no difference.

Shake well
Seventhly, after making the tea, one must stir well and allow the tea leaves to settle down.

Drink from breakfast cup
One should drink from a big breakfast cup which is cylindrical in shape. The flat shallow cup starts cooling off quickly thereby the quality gets lost.

Creamless milk
One should throw away the cream of the milk before mixing it with tea. The cream gives a sickly taste to the tea.

Milk first vs Tea first schools

Tenthly, the author believes strongly that tea must be poured and stirred. Then the milk must be added. This would exactly regulate the amount of milk poured. If milk is already poured and tea is added the quantity and impact of tea will not be optimum.

Sugarless tea- the nicest tea
Lastly, the author disapproves of Russian tea or tea that is taken with sugar. He doubts the sanity of the choice of tea with sugar as it would really spoil the taste of tea. He recommends misguided individuals who take tea with sugar to switch over to sugarless tea for a fortnight. He guarantees that they would not go back to sweet tea as they would realize the real taste of tea.

Mysterious social etiquette
Some claim that it is vulgar to take tea from the saucer. There are other advantages of tea leaves such as telling fortunes, predicting the arrival of guests, feeding rabbits, healing bums, and sweeping the carpets.

Conclusion
The author tries to reiterate the point only by using boiling water one can get twenty strong cups of tea from two ounces of tea leaves given in ration. The point that sugarless tea is good is endorsed by doctors also as a good practice.

A Nice Cup of Tea Summary in Tamil

முன்னுரை
| இந்தியா, சீனா, இங்கிலாந்து. ஜப்பான், ஆஸ்திரேலியா மற்றும் நியூசிலாந்து நாட்டு சமுதாயத்தினரிடம் முக்கியமானவையாகக் கருதப்பட்டவைகளுள் தேயிலையும் ஒன்றாகும். இதன் மேல் பேரார்வம் கொண்டதன் காரணம் இதன் செய்முறை குறித்து தீவிர சர்ச்சை நிலவுவதே. ஜியார்ஜ் ஆர்வெல்லுக்கோ தேசிய அளவிலான பிரச்சனையாக அது இருந்தது. போர் தன் சுயதேவைக்கு தேயிலையை இறக்குமதி செய்வதில் பெருத்த சங்கடத்திற்கு அவர் உள்ளாக வேண்டியிருந்தது. இந்தக் கட்டுரை அநேகமாக அவர் தேனீர் தயார் செய்வதிலும் அதை அருந்துவதிலும் கொண்ட ஆர்வத்தின் பிரதிபலிப்பே ஆகும். ஆக, இது தேனீர் தயாரிப்பின் கைப்பக்குவத்தை விவாதிக்கக் கூடிய ஒன்றே ஆகும். ஆர்வெல் இந்தக் கட்டுரையை அரசியல் அடித்தளத்துடன் எழுதியுள்ளார் என்ற மற்றொரு கருத்தும் நிலவுகிறது. அவர் தன் அரசியல் கருத்துக்களை வெளிப்படுத்த ஒரு கோப்பை தேனீர் அருந்துவதைக் கருவியாகக் கையாண்டுள்ளார்.

சமையற்குறிப்பில் விடுபட்ட பதிவு:

தேனீர் பெரும்பாலான சமையற்குறிப்புப் புத்தகங்களில் குறிப்பிடப்படுவதில்லை. தேனீர் தயாரிப்பு மேலோட்டமாக சில சமையல் குறிப்புகளில் காணப்படலாம்.

தேனீர் தயாரிப்பு-சர்ச்சைக்குரிய விஷயம்:
இங்கிலாந்து, ஆஸ்திரேலியா, நியூசிலாந்து மற்றும் ஐயரில் நாடுகளில் முக்கியமான ஒன்று தேநீர் என்பதை ஒப்புக்கொள்கிறார். எந்த விதத்தில் நல்ல சுவையுள்ள தேனீர் தயாரிப்பது என்பதே தேனீர் பிரியர்களிடத்தே உண்டாகும் தீவிர சர்ச்சை ஆகும்.

தேனீர் தயாரிப்பில் 11 குறிப்புகள்:
இந்தியத் தேனீர் இன்பகரமான தேனீர். முதலாவதாக சிக்கனம் எனப் பார்த்தால் பால் சேர்க்காமல் சீனத் | தேயிலையைப் பருகலாம் என்றாலும் ஆசிரியர் இந்தியத் | தேயிலையே சாலச் சிறந்தது எனக் கூறுகிறார். ஆனால், | நல்ல தேனீர் அருந்திய பின் ஒருவர் எதிர்பார்க்கக்கூடிய ஊக்கம், விவேகம் அல்லது வீரம் சீனத் தேனீர் கொடுப்பதில்லை. இன்பகரமான தேனீருடன் ஆசிரியர் தொடர்புபடுத்துவது இந்தியத் தேயிலையையே.

அளவு மற்றும் தரம்:
இரண்டாவதாக தேனீர் சிறிய அளவிலேயே தயாரிக்கப்பட வேண்டும். கெண்டியில் தயாரிக்கப்படும் தேனீர் சுவைமிக்கதாக இருப்பதில்லை. இராணுவத்தினருக்கு பெரிய அண்டாக்களில் தயாரிக்கப்படும் தேனீர் எண்ணெய் பிசிர் மற்றும் சுண்ணாம்புக் கரைசலின் சுவையைக் கொடுக்கும். தேனீர் தயாரிக்கும் பாத்திரம் சீனக் களிமண் அல்லது களிமண்ணால் செய்யப்பட்டிருக்க வேண்டும், வெள்ளி, பிரிட்டானியா சாமான்கள் மற்றும் எனாமல் பூசப்பட்ட பாத்திரங்களில் தயாரிக்கப்படும் தேனீர் தரம் குறைந்ததே. ஆனால் காரீயத் தேனீர் கெண்டியில் தயாரிக்கப்படும் தேனீர் அவ்வளவு மோசமாக இருப்பதில்லை என்பதை ஆசிரியர் ஆமோதிக்கிறார்.

செய்முறை:
மூன்றாவதாக, தேனீர் பாத்திரத்தை தேனீர் போடுவதற்கு முன்னதாக சூடுபடுத்திக் கொள்ளவேண்டும். இதை அடுப்பின் அருகில் உள்ள மேடை மீது சிறிது நேரம் வைத்து பிறகு கொதிக்கும் நீரை விட்டு அலச வேண்டும்.

கசாயம் அதிகமுள்ள மற்றும் கசாயம் குறைந்த தேனீர்:
நான்காவதாக, தேயிலை கசாயம் நிறைந்ததாக | இருக்கவேண்டும். கால் கேலன் (3.785 லிட்டர்) (Quarter | Cup) அளவு கொண்ட கெண்டியில் விளிம்பு வரை நீரை நிறைத்து அதில் ஆறு தேக்கரண்டி நிறைய | தேயிலைத்தூள் போதுமான அளவாகும். இதுவே
போதுமான அளவுகோல் எனக் கொள்ளலாம். ஆனால், | 20 கோப்பை கசாயம் குறைந்த தேனீரைக் காட்டிலும் ஒரு கோப்பை கசாயம் நிறைந்த தேனீர் சிறந்தது. உண்மையான | தேனீர் பிரியர்கள் வயதாக ஆக அதிக கசாயம் மிகுந்த | தேனீரை உட்கொள்ள விரும்புவதால் நியாய விலைக் | கடைகளில் கூடுதல் தேயிலை ஓய்வூதியம் பெறுபவருக்கு கொடுக்கப்படுகிறது.

தேயிலையின் தரத்தைப் பாதிக்கும் கூறுகள் யாவை?
ஐந்தாவதாக தேயிலையைக் கெண்டியில் போட | வேண்டும். மஸ்லின் பை மற்ற வடிகட்டிகள் மூலம் | தேயிலையை வடிகட்ட உதவும் தேயிலை பைகள் ஆபத்தானவை. அளவுக்கு அதிகமான தேயிலையை ஒருவர் விழுங்கிவிட வாய்ப்புள்ளது. ஆனால் அது உடல்நலத்துக்கு ஒரு போதும் கேடு விளைவிக்காது. அது உடல்நலத்துக்கு நன்று. கெண்டியில் (kettle) போட்டுத் தயாரிக்கும் தேயிலை உயர்தர வகைக்கு சான்று.

கொதித்த அல்லது கொதிக்கும் கெண்டி:
ஆறாவதாக, கொதித்த தேநீரை கெண்டியில் ஊற்ற வேண்டும். ஊற்றும் போது நீர் கொதிக்க வைக்கப்பட வேண்டும். சிலர் தேனீரை கொதித்த நீரில் | போட வேண்டும் என்பர். அதனால் எந்த வித்தியாசமும் இல்லை. நன்றாகக் கெண்டியை குலுக்கினால் போதும்.

நன்றாக கிளறுங்கள்
ஏழாவதாக தேனீர் தயாரித்த பிறகு நன்றாக கிளறி தேயிலைத் தூள் கீழே தங்குமாறு செய்யவேண்டும்.

பசியாறும் கோப்பையில் ஊற்றி குடிக்கவேண்டும்:
எட்டாவதாக கோள (Cylinderical) வடிவிலான பெரிய பசியாற்றும் கோப்பையில் ஊற்றிப் பருகவேண்டும். தட்டையான கோப்பைகளில் ஊற்றுவதால் எளிதில் சூடு ஆறி அதன் சுவை பருகும்போதே தொலைந்துவிடுகிறது.

வெண்ணைய் இல்லாத பால்:
ஒன்பதாவதாக தேனீருடன் கலப்பதுக்கு | முன் பாலில் உள்ள வெண்ணையை அப்புறப்படுத்த வேண்டும். அந்த வெண்ணைய் நுரை தேனீரில் கலந்து பிசுபிசுப்புத் தன்மையைக் கொடுக்கிறது.

முதலில் பால் மற்றும் முதலில் தேனீர்:
பத்தாவதாக, கதையாசிரியர் தேயிலை நீரை முதலில் ஊற்றி கலக்கவேண்டும் என நம்புகிறார். அதன் பின் பால் சேர்க்கப்பட வேண்டும். இது நாம் எவ்வளவு பால் உபயோகிக்கிறோம் என்பதைத் திட்டமிடச் செய்யும், பாலை முதலில் எடுத்துக்கொண்டு தேனீரை ஊற்றுவது ஏற்ற வகையான அனுகூலத்தைத் தராது.

சர்க்கரை இல்லாத தேனீர்-இனிமையான தேனீர்:
கடைசியாக ஆசிரியர் ரஸ்யன் வகை தேயிலை அல்லது சர்க்கரை சேர்த்த தேனீரை ஆட்சேபிக்கிறார். சர்க்கரை சேர்த்த தேனீரின் தன்மையை அவர் சந்தேகிக்கிறார். ஏனெனில், அது தேனீரின் சுவையைக் கெடுத்து விடுகிறது. வழிநடத்தப்பட்டவர்களே தவறுதலாக தேனீருடன் சர்க்கரை சேர்த்துக் கொள்கிறார்கள். அவர்களை சர்க்கரை சேர்க்காத தேனீருக்கு மாறும்படி சிபாரிசு செய்கிறார். அவர்கள் மறுபடியும் சர்க்கரை சேர்த்த தேனீருக்கு திரும்ப மாட்டார்கள் என உத்திரவாதம் அளிக்கிறார். ஏனெனில், அவர்கள் இரு வார காலத்தில் தேனீரின் மெய்யான சுவையை அறிந்திருப்பார்கள்.

மர்மமான சமூக ஆசாரம்:
சிலர் பீங்கான் தட்டில் தேனீரை ஊற்றி அருந்துவது அருவெறுப்பு உடையது என ஏன் கருதுகிறார்கள்? என்றும் மற்றும் தேயிலை உபயோகத்தின் இரண்டாம் பட்சமான உபயோகமான குறி சொல்வது, விருந்தினர் வருகையை அறிவிப்பது, முயலுக்கு ஆகாரமாகக் கொடுப்பது, தீப்புண்ணை ஆற்றுவது மற்றும் சமுக்காளத்தைக் கூட்டுவது என மர்மமான சமூகச் சடங்குகளும் தேனீர் கெண்டியைச் சூழ்ந்துள்ளது.

முடிவுரை:
நியாய விலைக் கடைகளில் கொடுக்கும் 2 அவுன்ஸ் தேயிலையைக் கொதிக்கும் நீரில் இட்டால் 20 கோப்பை நிறைந்த கசாயம் கூடிய தேனீர் கிடைக்கும் என்று அறிவுறுத்துகிறார். சர்க்கரை இல்லாத தேனீர் நல்ல பழக்கம் என்னும் கருத்தை மருத்துவர்களும் வலியுறுத்துகிறார்கள்.

A Nice Cup of Tea Glossary

Textual:

Additional:

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Prose

• Two Gentlemen of Verona Book Back Answers
• A Nice Cup of Tea Book Back Answers
• In Celebration of Being Alive Book Back Answers
• The Summit Book Back Answers
• The Chair Book Back Answers
• On the Rule of the Road Book Back Answers

The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language Book Back Answers Class 12 English Guide Chapter 5 Tamilnadu Solutions

Students can Download English Lesson 5 The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language Questions and Answers, Summary, Activity, Notes, Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Guide Pdf helps you to revise the complete Tamilnadu State Board New Syllabus and score more marks in your examinations.

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12th Standard English 5th Lesson The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language Questions and Answers

Warm up

Question (a)
Name a few languages spoken in India:
Answer:
Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi

Question (b)
Mention a few international languages:
Answer:
Spanish, French, Latin, Hebrew, Greek, English

Question (c)
The box below gives details of a few languages and their origin. Arrange them chronologically.

Chinese – 1250 BC (BCE)	Hebrew – 1000 BC (BCE)	Latin – 75 BC (BCE)	Arabic – 512 AD (CE)
Tamil – 300 BC (BCE)	Greek – 1500 BC (BCE)	Sanskrit – 2000 BC (BCE)

Answer:

Sanskrit – 2000 BC (BCE)	Greek – 1500 BC (BCE)	Chinese – 1250 BC (BCE)	Arabic – 512 AD (CE)
Hebrew-1000 BC (BCE)	Tamil – 300 BC (BCE)	Latin – 75 BC (BCE)

Question (d)
Following are some of the great works in Tamil. Find out their names by filling in the missing letters.

Answer:

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language Textual Questions

1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences based on your understanding of the letter.

Question (а)
Which is considered the oldest work in Tamil? When was it written?
Answer:
Tholkappiyam is the oldest work in Tamil. It dates back to 200 BCE.

Question (b)
What is the evidence that supports the finding of the oldest Tamil work?
Answer:
Earliest Tamil inscriptions are the evidences which support the finding of the oldest Tamil work.

Question (c)
Mention the Tamil works that date to the first two centuries of the current era.
Answer:
Sangam anthologies and Pattuppattu date to the first two centuries of the current era.

Question (d)
Name the great Tamil work that speaks volumes on ethics.
Answer:
“Tirukkural” is the great Tamil work which speaks volumes on ethics.

Question (e)
What are the other classical languages mentioned by the author?
Answer:
The other classical languages mentioned by the author are viz. Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Chinese, Persian and Arabic.

Question (f)
Can you define and list the themes explored in Tamil Literature? Why?
Answer:
No, one can’t define the themes explored in Tamil literature. There is not a facet of human experience that is not explored and illuminated by Tamil literature.

Question (g)
What is unique about Tamil and its sources?
Answer:
Tamil is one of the primary independent sources of modem Indian culture and tradition.

Question (h)
Modern Indian languages are productive on earth. Why does the author say so?
Answer:
Modem Indian languages are the most fecund and productive languages on the earth. Each has begotten a modem (often medieval) literature that can stand with any of the modem literatures of the world.

Question (i)
Which language is as old as Latin?
Answer:
Tamil is as old as Latin and older than Arabic.

Question (j)
Why is it said that Tamil has the most independent tradition?
Answer:
Tamil arose as an entirely independent tradition with almost no influence from Sanskrit and other languages. Its ancient literature is indescribably vast and rich.

Question (k)
What is the role of Classical Tamil in Modern Tamil and Malayalam?
Answer:
Just as Sanskrit is the source of the modem Indo-Aryan languages, classical Tamil is the source language of modem Tamil and Malayalam.

Additional Questions

Question (a)
Who is considered “Tamil Thatha” and why?
Answer:
Dr. U. Ve. Swaminatha Aiyar is considered Tamil Thatha because he had collected old palm leaf manuscripts of ancient Tamil books and catalogued them with the support of Damotharapillai.

Question (b)
What has Mr. George L Hart try to make?
Answer:
Mr. George L Hart has tried to make a comparative analysis of classical languages of the world.

Question (c)
What was the specific task assigned to George Hart by Prof. Maraimalai?
Answer:
Professor Maraimalai has asked George Hart to write regarding the position of Tamil as a classical language.

Question (d)
What does George L Hart state unequivocally?
Answer:
He unequivocally states that, by any criteria one may choose, Tamil is one of the greatest classical literatures and traditions of the world.

Question (e)
How antique is Tamil?
Answer:
Tamil is of considerable antiquity. It predates the literatures of modem Indian languages by more than thousand years.

2. Answer the following questions in three or four sentences each.

Question (а)
Supreme works in Tamil elevate it to be treated as sacred as the Vedas. How?
Answer:
Tamil has its own works that are considered to be as sacred as the vedas that are recited alongside vedic mantras in the great Vaisnava temples of South India.

Question (b)
Tamil is a touchstone to understand the Dravidian’s nature and development. Elucidate.
Answer:
As Sanskrit is the most conservative and least changed of Indo-Aryan languages, Tamil is the most conservative of the Dravidian languages, the touchstone that linguists must consult to understand the nature and development of Dravidian culture.

Question (c)
How do you correlate the richness of Tamil language With Indian culture?
Answer:
Unlike other modem languages of India, Tamil meets the criteria laid down for a classical tradition. It meets each of the requirements. It is extremely old. It is as old as Latin and older than Arabic. It arose as an entirely independent tradition, with almost no influence from Sanskrit or other languages. And its ancient literature is indescribably vast and rich.

Additional Questions

Question (а)
How are Sangam anthologies and pattupattu important?
Answer:
The great work of ancient Tamil, the Sangam anthologies and the pattupattu, date to first two centuries of the era. They are the first great secular body of poetry written in India, predating Kalidasa’s works.

Question (b)
How does the author compliment the indigenous nature of Tamil?
Answer:
Tamil Constitutes only literary tradition indigenous to India that is not derived from Sanskrit. Indeed, its literature arose before the influence of Sanskrit become strong in the south. So it is qualitatively different from anything we have in Sanskrit or other Indian languages.

Question (c)
How does the author prove that Tamil has an extremely rich and vast intellectual tradition?
Answer:
Tamil has its own poetic theory, its own grammatical tradition and its own esthetics. A large body of its literature that is quite unique. It shows Indian sensibility that is entirely different from Sanskrit or other Indian languages. Then it contains rich and vast intellectual tradition.

3. Answer the following in a paragraph of 100-150 words each.

Question (a)
How does the author justify the statement that Tamil is a classical language?
Answer:
To qualify as a classical tradition, a language must fit several criteria. It should be ancient. It should be an independent tradition that arose mostly on its own, not an off-shoot of another tradition. It must have a large and extensively rich body of ancient literature. Unlike the other modem languages of India, Tamil meets each of these requirements. It is extremely old as Latin and older than Arabic. It arose as an entirely independent tradition with almost no influence from Sanskrit or other languages. Its ancient literature is indescribably vast and rich.

Tamil is of considerable antiquity. It predates the literatures of other modem Indian languages by more than a thousand years. Its oldest work Tholkappiyam, contains parts that, judging from the earliest Tamil inscriptions, dates back to about 200 BCE. The greatest works of ancient Tamil, the Sangam anthologies and Pattuppattu, date to the first two centuries of the current era. They are the first great secular body of poetry written in India, predating Kalidasa’s works by two hundred years.

Question (b)
Tirukkural is a fine example of an outstanding quality of classical Tamil Literature. Substantiate.
Answer:
Tirukkural is one of the greatest works on ethics. But this is merely one of a myriad of major and extremely varied works that comprise Tamil classical tradition. There is not a facet of human existence that is not explored and illuminated by this great literature. Tirukkural the sacred verses, is a classical text considered one of the greatest works ever written on ethics and morality, chiefly secular ethics. It is known for its universality and non-denominational nature. Traditionally it has been appreciated as “the universal veda” and “universal code of conduct”. The ‘Kural’ is often called the masterpiece of Tamil literature both in philosophical and literary calibre. Next to Bible, Tirukkural is translated into a large number of languages across the world. Its universality appeals to readers in Japan and Singapore as well.

Additional Questions

Question (a)
The credentials of Mr. George L Hart make him absolutely eligible to write regarding the position of Tamil among the classical languages of the world – Explain.
Answer:
George L Hart has been a professor of Tamil at the university of California, Berkeley since ’ 1975. He is currently the holder of Tamil chair at the institution. He received his degree in Sanskrit in 1970 from Harvard University. He was appointed at first as Sanskrit professor at the University of Wisconsin Madison, in 1969. Besides Tamil and Sanskrit, he knows languages of Greek and Latin. He has read extensively in Greek and Latin literatures in their original. He is also well acquainted with comparative linguistics and literatures of modem Europe. Thus, he is the most eligible person to write regarding the position of Tamil among classical languages of the world.

Question (b)
How does George L Hart prove beyond doubt that Tamil is one of the primary independent sources of modern Indian culture and tradition?
Answer:
Prof. George L Hart has extensively written on the influence of Tamil tradition on Sanskrit’s poetic tradition. But equally important, the great sacred Hindu devotional literature in Tamil beginning with Sangam anthologies have undergirded the development of modem Hinduism. Bhagavatpurana has widely borrowed from it. There are other texts in Telugu, Kannada and Sanskrit which have drawn heavily from Tamil literature. Tamil has its work which are considered as sacred as the Vedas that are recited alongside Vedamantras in the great Vaisnava temples of South India. Then, George L Hart proves Tamil is one of the primary independent sources of modem Indian culture and tradition.

Question (c)
How does the author endorse the greatness of modern Indian languages?
Answer:
The author is aware of the richness of modem Indian languages. They are among the most fecund and productive languages on the earth. Each has begotten a modem (and often medieval) literature that can stand with any of the major literatures of the world. Yet none of them is a classical language. Like English and the other modem languages of Europe with possible exception of Greek, they rose on preexisting traditions rather late and developed in the second millennium.

Vocabulary

(a) Analogy

Now complete each analogy with appropriate words from the list given below:

changeable	indifference
nuance	insignificant
refusal	long-established
drastic	hide

CLASSICAL : TRADITIONAL
ancient : ______

UNIQUE : COMMON
sensibility : ______

INDIGENOUS : NATIVE
extreme : ______

FACET : ASPECT
subtlety : ______

SACRED : IRREVERENT
conservative : ______

OBVIOUS : DOUBTFUL
vital : ______

INFLUENCE : IMPACT
denial : ______

ILLUMINATE : DARKEN
explore : ______

Answer:

1. long-established
2. indifference
3. drastic
4. nuance
5. changeable
6. insignificant
7. refusal
8. hide

(b) Suffixes
Match the -ics words with their appropriate meanings. You can make use of a dictionary.

S. No.	Words	Meanings
1.	Linguistics	the scientific study of a language
2.	Numismatics	the study of principles of beauty
3.	Electro Dynamics	the study of speech sounds
4.	Phonetics	the study of genes
5.	Aesthetics	the study of analysing information shown in numbers
6.	Genetics	the study of government and using power in public life
7.	Statistics	the study of building and flying air-craft
8.	Politics	the study of money and coins
9.	Aeronautics	the study of processing data for storage and retrieval
10.	Informatics	the study of the way that electric currents and magnetic fields affect each other

Answer:

1. the scientific study of a language
2. the study of money and coins
3. the study of the way that electric currents and magnetic fields affect each other
4. the study of speech sounds
5. the study of principles of beauty
6. the study of genes
7. the study of analysing information shown in numbers
8. the study of government and using power in public life
9. the study of building and flying air-craft
10. the study of processing data for storage and retrieval

(c) Homonyms, Homophones and Homograph Complete the following with appropriate words from the box given.

night/knight	scent/sent/ cent	stationary/ stationery	lead/lead	reign/rain/rein
band/banned	bows/boughs	sell/cell	pass/pause/paws	present/present

1. My mother brought an expensive watch as a birthday _______
2. Everybody accepted the fact that overeating could easily _______ to obesity.
3. In the middle ages, people were trained to become a _______ at a young age.
4. Akshitha’s brother plays the bugle in his school _______
5. The weather is fine and the air is filled with the _______ of lemons.
6. What a splendid _______ the emperor Alexander’s might have been!
7. Humans have foot, animals have _______
8. They know how to _______ their mobile phones online.
9. The teacher is so happy that all the students are
10. The cars were in the traffic jam.
11. It is not easy for him to tie in his shoe laces

Answer:

1. present
2. lead
3. knight
4. band
5. scent
6. reign
7. paws
8. sell
9. present
10. stationary
11. bows

(d) Collocation
Collocation: It is a pair or group of words that always appears in the same order. Here are some collocations picked from the lesson:

subtlety and profundity	greatness and richness
culture and tradition	vast and rich

Some of the commonly used collocations are:

read and write	pros and cons	sooner or later
dead or alive	null and void	black and white

(e) Descriptive Words
Go through the letter of Prof. George L Hart once again and enlist the words describing Tamil.

e.g. oldest	indegenous	unique	classical	secular
universal	independent	vast	rich	vital

Identify the words that mean the following.

Indigenous	myriad
conservative	indescribable
antiquity	aesthetics
universality	secular

1. This is something that is related to ancient time ______
2. The word that describes pleasing in appearance ______
3. Things that are not specifically religious ______
4. The word to mention a large number ______
5. This describes something which is produced or belongs to a particular region ______
6. The thing that cannot be described ______
7. This one is something which cannot come out of tradition
8. The quality of existing or involving everywhere

Answer:

1. antiquity
2. aesthetics
3. secular
4. myriad
5. indigenous
6. indescribable
7. conservative
8. universality

Listening Activity

The oath taken by Graduates of Medicine is given as Listening passage.

Hippocratic Oath:
I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;
I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity;
The health of my patient will be my first consideration;
I will respect the secrets which are confided in me;
I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honour and the noble tradition of the medical profession;

My colleagues will be my brothers; I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;
I will maintain the utmost respect for human life, from the time of conception, even under threat. 1 will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;
I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.

After listening to the pledge played on the tape recorder carefully, fill in the following . statements with the right options given:

Question (a)
The medical graduates take oath to dedicate their ______ to the service of humanity.
(a) money
(ii) talent
(iii) life
(iv) nation
Answer:
(iii) life

Question (b)
The ______ of the patient should be the doctor’s greatest concern.
(i) dignity
(ii) gratitude
(iii) health
(iv) honour
Answer:
(iii) health

Question (c)
The would-be graduates promise to practise their profession with ______
and dignity.
(i) conscience
(ii) knowledge
(iii) understanding
(iv) respect
Answer:
(ii) knowledge

Question (d)
They should respect the ______ of the patients.
(i) age
(ii) wealth
(iii) background
(iv) secrets
Answer:
(iv) secrets

Question (e)
The pledge is also to treat the patients without any ______
(i) fee
(ii) discrimination
(iii) interest
(iv) hatred
Answer:
(ii) discrimination

Speaking Activity

Debate
Important Rules

• The speakers must greet the chairperson, judges and the audience.
• The team supporting or opposing the motion must not change their point of view.
• If a speaker makes a statement, he or she must be able to provide evidence or reasons to support.
• The facts presented in a debate must be accurate.
• Speakers may not bring up new points in a rebuttal speech. Reinforce your points and conclude confidently.
• Points must be conveyed clearly and effectively without getting diverted from the main stream.

Task

(a) Now it’s your turn to speak against the motion “Wars create more problem than they solve.” Express your views with valid points.

Student A
Respected judge, dignitaries on the dias and off the dias. I have come before you to speak against the topic” wars create more problems than they solve.

Abraham Lincoln waged the civil war in America to put an end to slavery. Of course many people died on both sides and Lincoln himself was assassinated soon after the abolition of slavery in America. But today America is a dream destination for any one who wants to make a fortune trading his individual expertise in Science, technology and ICT because the democratic foundation in America is solid and pluralistic culture encourages people from multi-ethnic backgrounds to emigrate and settle there as Americans. Trump administration is now taking a tough stand against emigrants and immigrants.

Student B
Next point we would like to put forward is that when we say “war” do not always think about conventional war. We wage war against poverty, illiteracy, drug addiction, alcoholism, bribery and terrorism. Such wars may not be won over quickly but they are necessary. We can’t allow the government alone to fight such social evils, we need NGOs, students and civil societies and even-principled political parties to fight against them to build a healthy society.

Student C
I would like to add that Swachata Abhiyan itself is a war against ignorance of people about the consequences of keeping their surroundings unclean and polluted. The campaign against Malaria, Dengue fever is a war against ill-health which necessarily generates awareness among people to prevent mosquito-caused illness among the masses.

We can also wage a war against the most dangerous social evil (i.e.) educated unemployment. Instead of just using war of words trying to prove our oratorical skills, we had better focus on skilling of youth in our country so that they can become self-reliant entrepreneurs giving employment to others by utilising ‘Mudra loan’. In fact launching of Atal tinkering labs all over the country at the higher secondary level is the first step in the direction of skilling school students. It is time we realized that paper degrees will not guarantee jobs, we should arm ourselves with the skills demanded in the job market or for opening our own small-scale industries. On behalf of my team, I conclude wars against social evils can solve problems not create new ones.

(b) Conduct a debate for and against the motion.“Mobile phone – a big boon”

Debate – Mobile phone boon or bane
Student A:
Shakespeare has very wisely said: “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Similarly, mobile phones in themselves are neither good nor bad; however, the way they are used makes them good or bad. Mobile phones have made our life so easy and full of comforts! Everything is available online now. Our mobile phones have become our e-wallets, e-books, e-payments, e-files, e-folders, etc. Our mobile phones are connected with our Adhar Card, Bank Account, Loans, etc. We do our buying and other transactions using our mobile phones. Life without mobile phones is almost impossible in the modem times. It is neither addiction nor creates distraction. Rather it is a basic necessity in the contemporary times.

I conclude that it is irrational and illogical to say anything negative about mobile phones. As said earlier, they should be used with discretion and precautions.

Mobile Phones – A bane
Student B:
My friend used a beautiful quote in my team’s favour, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Unfortunately , Mobiles have become a source of major distraction for the students. Young boys and girls seem to have become inordinately addicted to these sites. They are thoughtlessly and uselessly wasting their precious time on useless sites.

The overuse of mobile poses serious health issues. Radiation affects eyesight due to over exposure to mobile screen for hours. Besides, mobile phones are also responsible for difficulty in concentration, fatigue, headaches and sleep disorders that can further trigger health complications. Text-neck is a serious health issue faced by mobile phone users. Owing to late night use of mobile phones, the youngsters skip on sleep which further causes health complications. This makes them aggressive and irritated. If you withhold an android phone from a child addicted to games in the mobile phone, he/she starts throwing tantrum. It is a curse that majority of the parents give the android phones to pacify the young children who refuse food and refuse to do homework if phone is withheld for even five minutes. Many young children who gaze at the mobile phone for hours tend to develop eye problems too. Addiction to mobile technology is a dangerous problem facing young children and adults of this country. Child psychologists and social activists are really worried how on earth we are going to wean young children away from the obsessive compulsive disorder of using android mobile phones and how we are going to redeem the youth from the sure disillusionment in continuing virtual friends to the point of ignoring family ties.

The other major disadvantage of the increasing use of such networking sites is the spread of obscenity or addiction to viewing explicit content. It is worrying because even adolescents have easy access to such sites because of the cheap data provided by greedy telecom business men. This is having a very negative impact on the impressionable minds of our young children and leading them astray.

The parents, teachers and the government must look into the problems being caused by mobiles and these networking sites and must formulate a strategy either to curb or completely stop its fast growing negative influence on the minds of our youth. Our youth is the future of our nation. We cannot allow this youth to waste their precious time on mobiles, chatting on the facebook and whatsapp. The same time must be spent on studying, researching and developing leadership or other life-skills. I conclude that it is our moral duty as well as responsibility to lead children and youth on the right path and teach them to make best use of these wonderful gadgets to improve themselves only.

(c) Organize a class debate on the motion ‘The advantages of social websites’. (Use the expressions for arguments like – First, firstly, I mean, My point is, In my opinion, Let me consider, etc.)

The advantages of Social websites
At the outset, let us consider some irrefutable facts .We live in a time and age where information is just a button press away. We are swayed by information all around us. We millennials want to know, read, understand and then speak our minds about it. That is where social media comes into play. Social media is one of the biggest elements that we live with and cannot ignore it. Social media plays a big role in our lives today. We have the access to any kind of information at just a button push away. Anything that is so vastly expanded has both positives and negatives related to it. The power of social media is very high and has its effects on each individual. It is difficult to imagine our lives with social media today and we do pay a price for excessive use. There is a lot of debate about the effects of social media on the society as a whole. Some feel that it’s a boon whereas other feels that it is a curse.

Social media is a collection of websites, applications and other platforms that enable us to share or create content and also helps us to participate in social networking. Social media is not limited to blogging and sharing pictures, there are a lot of strong tools also that social media provides. That is because that the impact of social media is very high and far reaching, it can make or break images.

Of course, I agree that social media is a topic of controversy today, many feel it’s a boon but there is a majority who feels that it is a curse. It has become an inevitable evil. Mostly people feel that social media has destroyed human interaction with a rapid rate and has modified modem human relationships. But there are others who feel that it is a blessing that has connected us to every part of the world, we can meet our loved ones that are far, we can spread awareness through it, we can send security warnings etc. There is a lot that social media can do. But it is an unarguable fact the presence of social media has made our lives convenient, easier and much faster.

In my opinion, mobile phones have not lowered active social life. On the contrary, they have made our social life more active! You must be wondering I am kidding! No I am not. Let, me prove it. The IT revolution has made the internet network so fast and easily accessible. As a result we are using Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. more often sharing our latest whereabouts regularly, daily, or hourly! We wish our friends, relatives good morning, good afternoon, good, evening, or good night almost daily using picture messages or videos. Was social life ever so active in the past? We send receive invitations, news, and one another’s views through these socializing applications! What will you call this exchange of information? Has it lowered active social life or heightened active social life?

Role of media in Jasmine revolution:
I would like to give some examples as to how social websites can overhaul even governments. In an article “The Emerging Role of Social Media in Political and Regime Change” by Rita Safranek, published in ProQuest, talks about social media as a major catalyst in bringing about the change in many countries that were going through a major period of political unrest. The author talks about the triggering point of the Jasmine Revolution, the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi was captured by passers-by and posted and re-posted on YouTube for everyone to see. Furthermore, the mass protests at his funeral also spread quickly all over. The author goes on to say that despite very strict censorship of the internet by Tunisia’s government, Tunisians were able to emerge as highly connected – 33% of the Tunisian population uses the internet, 16% uses Facebook and 18% uses Twitter.

Although the government did block YouTube during the crucial period of protests, it was unable to stop experienced bloggers and activists from finding alternate methods like by using private and proxy networks to post and re-post various contents and videos all over the cyber world. In fact, there was an eight percent increase in the number of Facebook users in Tunisia in the beginning of January 2011. The nature of the content being shared also changed with time – more content related to the current political situation and unrest was being shared. Although the author credits social media with helping organize the protest and connect activists, she also goes on to say that the social media will not be helpful with running the country which is the current concern in the country at present.

Social media and Jallikkattu Protests:
In my opinion, the success of Jallikkattu is a recent example. The youth of the entire state of Tamil Nadu clamoured for the right to conduct a traditional sport that half of them had only seen on television. How did the Jallikattu case that has been in court for years, suddenly capture the imagination of the masses, enough to make them skip school, college and work . and take to the streets? How they gathered in millions in the Marina beach and camped there for weeks to press their demands in the most incredible manner. The answer to this is buried ‘ beneath superior internet connectivity, hash tags, viral videos, disenchantment and the post-truth phenomenon. Tamil Nadu boasts of spectacular rural teledensity, well ahead of most other parts of the country.

Student B:
In my strong opinion, social media is the single most factor causing depression and anxiety in people. It is also a cause of poor mental growth in children. Increased use of social media ‘ can lead to poor sleeping patterns. There are many other negative effects like cyber bullying, hacking, etc. as well. There is an increased ‘Fear of Missing out’ (FOMO) at an all-time high i in youth because of social media. Such ill inclinations need to be prevented by educating boys, girls and vulnerable women against unguarded use of social websites.

Conclusion: One must carefully weigh the positives and the negatives before engaging excessively in social media. If used in the most judicious way, social media can be a boon for mankind.

Reading

(a) Read the following passage carefully and answer the following questions.

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the environment that causes harm to the ecosystem. The different kinds of pollution are air pollution, water pollution and land pollution. The release of various gases, finely divided solid particles, or liquid droplets that escape into the atmosphere to disperse and dilute in the environment is called air pollution. Modem society is also concerned about specific types of pollutants, such as noise pollution, light pollution, and plastic pollution.

Particulate matter (PM), also known as particle pollution, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that get into the air. These particles if inhaled can affect health. The impact of PM 2.5 is particularly high in South Asia. Outdoor pollution is caused by a variety of pollutants like public and private vehicles, waste burning in the open, power

production industries and construction and even cigarette smoking in public places. Presently, air pollution is a major and growing risk factor for ill health in India. Delhi is one of the most air polluted cities in India. The air in the city as well as areas surrounding it has worsened to extremely hazardous levels in the recent years. This year’s pollution level is the worst in foi r years. Several studies have shown that poor air quality is a cause for many health issues among people with lower respiratory disorders with symptoms like dry cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest discomfort, serious lung infections and cardio vascular diseases. Some studies throw light on the fact that about 16 per cent of the deaths worldwide in 2015 were due to pollution.

Air Masks are an option to protect oneself outdoor. Air masks can be used while commuting or while one is exposed to a polluted area. Some of these masks also include a layer of Activated carbon to filter the air. They protect us from suspended air particles and particulate matter up to the size of 2.5 microns and above. Their usage is limited to some days and should be disposed off after their prescribed duration of usage. The price for air masks starts from Rs 100 and can go up to Rs 500 and more. We have to take active measures to control pollution and protect ourselves to lead a healthy and pollution free life.

Questions:

Question 1.
What is meant by pollution? Mention the different kinds of pollution.
Answer:
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the environment that can cause harm to the ecosystem. The different kinds of pollution are air pollution, water pollution and land pollution.

Question 2.
How does Particulate matter cause air pollution?
Answer:
Particulate matter (PM) also known as Particle pollution. It is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that get into the air. These particles, if inhaled can affect health.

Question 3.
Identify three major causes of pollution in air.
Answer:
The release of various gases, finely divided solid particles, or liquid droplets that escape into the atmosphere to disperse and dilute in the environment are the major causes of air pollution.

Question 4.
Name the types of pollution we encounter now.
Answer:
We encounter air pollution, noise pollution, light pollution and plastic pollution.

Question 5.
What sort of health issues do people face due to air pollution?
Answer:
The quality of air in cities has reduced to hazardous levels. This causes lower respiratory disorders with symptoms like dry cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest discomfort, serious lung infections and cardio-vascular diseases.

Question 6.
How can we protect ourselves outdoor from air pollution?
Answer:
Air masks can be used while commuting or while one is exposed to a polluted area. Some of these masks also include a layer of Activated Carbon to filter the air. They protect us from suspended air particles and particulate up to the size of 2.5 microns and above.

Question 7.
Suggest a suitable title to the passage.
Answer:
Rising levels of Pollution and ways to avoid health issues.

Question 8.
Identify the meaning of the word similar to the one used in the fourth para:
Answer:
(a) emerging
(b) filtering
(c) floating
(d) falling

(b) Read the following information given in the table below and answer the questions.

Question (a)
The number of stations between Chennai Central and Hazrat Nizamudin is ______
(i) five
(ii) ten
(iii) eight
(iv) eleven
Answer:
(iii) eight

Question (b)
The train is expected to reach around 8.45 PM
(i) Warangal
(ii) Vijayawada
(iii) Bhopal
(iv) Nagpur
Answer:
(iv) Nagpur

Question (c)
Between the train runs at it’s maximum speed.
(i) Bhopal and Gwalior
(ii) Bhopal and Jhansi
(iii) Bhopal and Hazarat Nizamudin
(iv) Bhopal and Agra
Answer:
(ii) Bhopal and Jhansi

Question (d)
Almost the train reaches Vijayawada.
(i) the day after
(ii) around early morning
(iii) late night
(iv) around noon
Answer:
(iv) around noon

Question (e)
People prefer the Rajadhani express to travel from Chennai to reach the capital because
(i) it reaches the destination on the same day
(ii) The charge is reasonable
(iii) the train halts at eight stations
(iv) it is the shortest route from Chennai to New Delhi
Answer:
(iii) the train halts at eight stations

Question (f)
The destination of Rajadhani express is
(i) Hazarat Nizamudin
(ii) New Delhi junction
(iii) Old Delhi
(iv) Rajkot
Answer:
(i) Hazarat Nizamudin

Grammar

Non-Finite Verbs
Task 1
Underline the gerunds in the following sentences.

1. Boys love playing cricket.
2. I love eating ice creams.
3. Jessie enjoys bothering others.
4. Painting is an interesting hobby.
5. Dancing gives me joy.

Task 2
Use the gerundial form of the verb in the brackets and fill in the blanks.

1. _________ (exercise) is good for health.
2. _________ (fly) a kite is fun.
3. _________ (shop) is my favourite hobby.
4. My friend waited for the _________ (meet).
5. Huckleberry Finn was responsible for _________ (signal).

Answers

1. Exercising
2. Flying
3. Shopping
4. meeting
5. signalling

Task 3
Fill in the blanks with the correct infinitives.

1. Deva forgot ______ the letter.
2. The doctor advised the patient ______ his medicines without fail.
3. Rajesh went to the airport ______ his friend.
4. The bear climbed up the tree ______ the honey.
5. The boys went to the forest ______ birds.
6. tried hard ______ both ends meet.
7. The archaeologists are trying ______ the ruins of Keelady.
8. Solar energy is used ______ electricity.
9. ______ concession, you have to apply well in advance.
10. We have plans ______ to London during summer vacation.

Answer:

1. to post
2. to take
3. to receive
4. to eat
5. to trap
6. to make
7. to rebuild
8. to produce
9. To get
10. to go

Task 4
Combine each of the following pairs of sentences using participles. The first one is done for you.
Example: 1 didn’t know what to do. I phoned the police.

Not knowing what to do, I phoned the police.

Question 1.
The baby cried. She was feeling sleepy.
Answer:
Feeling sleepy, the baby cried.

Question 2.
He lived alone. He had forgotten everybody.
Answer:
Living alone, he had forgotten everybody

Question 3.
She walked out. She was smiling.
Answer:
Smiling, she walked out.

Question 4.
The child says he needs attention. He shouts loudly.
Answer:
Shouting loudly, the child says that he needs attention.

Question 5.
threw the pen. It was broken.
Answer:
The pen being broken, I threw it away.

Question 6.
His coat is tattered. It needs mending.
Answer:
Being tattered, the coat needs mending.

Question 7.
heard the noise. I turned around.
Answer:
Hearing the noise, I turned around

Question 8.
He was dissatisfied. He quit his job.
Answer:
Being dissatisfied, he quit his job.

Question 9.
The politician entered the campus. He was accompanied by many comrades.
Answer:
Being accompanied by many comrades, the politician entered the campus.

Question 10.
The girl entered the room. She was singing a song.
Answer:
Singing a song, the girl entered the room.

Articles And Determiners

Articles
Task 1
Complete the following exercise using a/ an/ the/ ‘o’ (no article) in the underlined space where appropriate. Change capital letters to lower case letters at the beginning of a sentence if necessary.

According to (1) ______ National Weather Report, cyclones are winds circulating (2) ______ counter clockwise in (3) ______ Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in (4) ______ southern Hemisphere. Cyclones are usually accompanied by(5) ______ stormy weather. Tornadoes and hurricanes are types of cyclones.(6) ______ hurricane is (7) ______ cyclone that forms over (8) ______ tropical oceans and seas. (9) ______ hurricane rotates in (10) ______ shape of (11) ______ oval or a circle. (12) ______ Hurricane Andrew, which hit (13) ______ coasts of Louisiana and Southern Florida in August 1992, caused (14) ______ extreme devastation. It was one of (15) ______ most devastating hurricanes ever to hit (16) ______ U.S.. Fourteen people died of (17) ______ Andrew’s effect.
Answer:

1. the
2. ‘o’
3. the
4. the
5. a
6. the
7. The
8. a
9. the
10. The
11. the
12. an
13. The
14. the
15. ‘o’
16. the
17. the
18. the

Task 2
Complete the following sentences using appropriate determiners.

1. Only _____ people can afford to buy a flat in Chennai.
2. She earns so _____ that she could not make a decent living.
3. _____ information that she gave proved false.
4. How _____ sugar do you want?
5. I am very tired today, as I had _____ guests today.
6. _____ of my students have become doctors.
7. _____ do I know about his personal life.
8. How _____ pages did you read?
9. _____ fertilizer used these days spoils the soil.
10. During my student life I used to give _____ trouble to my teachers.

Answer:

1. a few
2. little
3. The
4. much
5. some
6. Some
7. Little
8. many
9. The
10. much

Degrees Of Comparison- Transformation
Task 1
Transform each of the following sentences using the comparative degree without changing the meaning.

Question 1.
Very few Indian languages are as ancient as Tamil.
Answer:
No other Indian language is more ancient than Tamil.

Question 2.
Hurricanes are as dangerous as tornadoes.
Answer:
Hurricanes are not more dangerous than tornadoes.

Question 3.
This is the most challenging task I have ever undertaken.
Answer:
This task is more challenging than any other task I have undertaken.

Question 4.
E-mail is the fastest means of communication.
Answer:
E-mail is faster than all other means of communication.

Question 5.
Compulsive gambling is the worst habit a man can develop.
Answer:
No other habit is more compulsive than gambling that a man can develop.

Task 2
Rewrite each of the following sentences using the superlative degree retaining the meaning.

Question 1.
Shakespeare is greater than many other dramatists of the world.
Answer:
Shakespeare is the greatest dramatist in the world.

Question 2.
Some people think that nothing is as important as money in life.
Answer:
Some people think that money is the most important thing in life.

Question 3.
The peacock is more colourfull than any other bird found in India.
Answer:
The peacock is the most colourfull bird in India.

Question 4.
Very few people in this town are as generous as Mr. Mohan.
Answer:
Mr. Mohan is the most generous person in this town.

Question 5.
No other planet in our solar system is as cold as Neptune.
Answer:
Neptune is the coldest planet in our solar system.

Question 6.
cannot do anything better for you than this.
Answer:
This is the best thing I can do for you.

Task 3
Replace the comparative adjectives in the following sentences with their positive forms.

Question 1.
Rural life is certainly more peaceful than urban life.
Answer:
Urban life is not so peaceful as rural life.

Question 2.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
Answer:
Sword is not so mighty as the pen.

Question 3.
Train journey is more comfortable than bus journey.
Answer:
Bus journey is not so comfortable as train journey.

Question 4.
My mother can speak more sweetly than anyone else.
Answer:
No one can speak so sweetly as my mom.

Question 5.
Gold is not more useful than iron.
Answer:
Gold is not so useful as iron.

Writing

Slogan Writing
Tips for writing an effective slogan

Highlight a key benefit. The point of a slogan is to differentiate a product or brand from that of its competitors, while also underscoring the company’s general mission.

1. Explain the company’s commitment.
2. Be consistent.
3. Keep it short and simple.
4. Give them a rhythm, rhyme and ring.
5. Stay honest.
6. Make it timeless.
7. Be unique and different.

While writing slogans to create awareness among the public

• Explain the need for the change.
• Make it sensible and easy to understand.
• Keep in mind the target audience and use catchy phrases to suit the audience.

Look at the pictures given below, and write slogans to advertise the products. Suggest your own

Sparkle Toothpaste – Removes bacteria and strengthens the gums.
Zoom Cam – Captures beautiful moments
Revos Water Purifier – Pure, natural, refreshing and healthful.
Mughal Gulab Jamun – Roly-poly syrupy sweet, melts in your mouth as soon as you eat.

Write slogans to create awareness of the following topics using the tips given above.

• Junk food – Fast food and fast death
• Labour Day – Labours are your many hands, keep them relaxed and happy.
• Save Water – Don’t let life slip down the drain.
• Yoga – Takes nothing but gives you health, fitness and peace.
• Blood Donation – Your blood can give life to someone.

Paragraph Writing

Write a paragraph of about 150 words, on the following topics.

Question (a)
The teacher I like the most
Answer:
I like my science miss Sangeetha very much. She always uses very lively demonstration to help us understand not only principles or formulaes in Science, but also human values. One day she taught us how plants also have the capacity to feel happiness and respond to the language of love. We thought it was a joke. The next day she brought two plants of the same size in two pots. She asked us to keep one in the next room window and one in our classroom near the window. Both plants were watered regularly. The plant in the classroom window was showered with love and we sang songs and spoke to her in an endearing language. The other plant was ignored. In three months time, the plant we doted on grew tall and started blooming. But the other plant was drooping and about to die. One girl in my class begged the teacher to give the same treatment to the other plant. Both the plants were kept together and the treatment continued. In the next few7 months both grew tall. It became difficult to tell them apart when we asked science miss how7 this happened she said, “With love everything grows.” So, I like Sangeetha teacher very much.

Question (b)
The value of discipline
Answer:
Discipline is of much value in every walk of our lives. We need to be disciplined in the school,home, office, institutions, factory, playground, battlefield or other places. It is necessaiy for leading a happy and peaceful life. It gives us lots of great opportunities, the right way to go ahead, to learn new things in life, to experiences more within less time, etc. and grow. Whereas, indiscipline gives no peace and progress in life, instead it creates lots of problems. Discipline is the act of keeping one’s body, mind and soul under control and doing all the works in the right manner in the right time. It is also following the orders of our parents, elders, superiors, teachers and officers who lead us towards success. We need to behave well in an orderly manner. We should value the importance of discipline in our daily lives. People, who are not disciplined in their lives; face lots of problems and ultimately feel disappointed with themselves.

Question (c)
Need for Moral Education in schools
Answer:
Education is said to be complete only when it leads to the all round development of an individual, which encompasses not only intellectual but also moral development. The social thinking of an individual is influenced by moral education which makes him/ her a person who can distinguish between what is right and what is wrong. In modem times, imparting moral education has become a basic need, where one is fast witnessing a degeneration of moral values. Students are the future of our country. The future of our country depends on the moral values imparted to them. Moral lessons should be properly taught among students in homes, schools and colleges. Moral education is concerned with moral virtues, such as respect for others, honesty and responsibility. It is important as it gives an understanding of diversity, tolerance, mutual respect and pluralistic values. Since young students readily and unconsciously learn whatever is taught to them, whether good or bad, if they do not have proper guidance, they may get misled. Therefore, it is crucial that the students be given moral education which will make them acquire sound religious and moral principles, that will lead to the development of appropriate attitudes and values that will help them take good decisions in their adulthood.

Question (d)
The importance of Good Health
Answer:
We are familiar with the saying, “Health is wealth”. Health is a state of complete physical, social and mental well being and not merely the absence of a disease which is more important than any amounts of wealth. When there is health and peace of mind, a person can achieve more than even he/she can imagine. It is a resource of everyday life. Mahatma Gandhi has said, “It is health which is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver”. There is nothing more blessed than to be healthy all through life without being dependent on anyone. People who don’t have a healthy lifestyle, suffer a range of health disorders like obesity, high blood pressure, heart diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney problems, liver disorders, etc. An unhealthy person will always be worried and cannot be cheerful. Being healthy takes lots of efforts, although, it is rewarding. Being in good health alone allows a person to perform well in their daily lives and be successful.

Question (e)
The importance of Reading
Answer:
Descartes says, “The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest people of the past centuries.” It is rightly said that Books are your best friend as reading helps build up your confidence and uplifts your mood. Reading can help one grow and give a new perspective in life. The more one reads, the more one falls in love w’ith reading. Reading develops language skills and vocabulary. Reading books is also a way to relax and reduce stress. Reading increases creativity and enhances one’s understanding of life.

Reading also inspires one to develop writing skill as well. If one wants to adopt some good habits in life then reading should definitely be on the top of one’s list. It plays a vital role in the positive mental attitude and development of a person. Reading leads to self-improvement. The pleasure of reading cannot be expressed in words. One needs to read to experience the joy of reading. There are many advantages of good reading habits which keeps one’s mind active, strong and healthy. Reading is essential for one’s overall personality growth and development. Besides, one will never feel bored or lonely if one develops good reading habits.

Observe the following pictures and write a paragraph in about 150 words about each one of them.

Question (a)

Answer:
Now, in India, we have the technology to predict the time and location of a cyclone at least 6 to 10 hours prior to its occurrence. This picture reminds one of the devastation caused by Gaja cyclone in the recent past.

Tamil Nadu government was much appreciated for the timely warning given to the people. Many farmers in Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur and Pudukkottai districts who had coconut farming were disheartened because it would take a minimum of 15 to 20 years to raise them again. On such disasters, instead of just waiting for the state or centre to give doles of mercy, youth across the state, ‘ who are volunteers in NSS, NCC, JRC, Scouts and Guides can swing into action and help rebuild the victims’ homes by raising funds and by offering labour.

Volunteers can generate awareness among people to go for mixed crops and not depend on only one type of crop for their sustenance. Students can dig wells in such cyclone prone districts because water becomes scarce as all electricity gets disrupted for many weeks. If students pitch in and join in rescue and rehabilitation work, they would be recognised as responsible citizens of the country.

Question (b)

Answer:
Animals in captivity always long for freedom even if they are fed regularly. But, they don’t like it. Animals love to hunt and eat their prey alive. Cats roam freely and chase the rats and eat them. Even if domesticated they don’t want to be kept in a cage like an object showcased for an audience. They want to roam inside the house and even share the pillow of the mistress of the house. The canary’ bird we find in the picture is a singing bird. It is sure that if the cat were out, it would try to make a meal of him. Yet, the bird feels sorry for the caged cat. It tries to appeal to the mistress of the house to let the cat free.

The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language About The Author

George Luzerne Hart is a professor of Tamil language at the University of California, Berkeley. His work focuses on classical Tamil literature and on identifying the relationships between Tamil and Sanskrit literature. In 2015, the Government of India awarded him the title of Padma Shri, the third highest civilian honour. He studied Latin, Greek, Sanskrit and several modem and European languages.

The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language Summary in English

Introduction
Mr. George L. Hart, a linguistic anthropologist, has made an attempt to make a comparative analysis of classical languages of the world. In response to Prof. Maraimalai’s request, the author, after a meticulous analysis of world’s classical languages writes about the position of Tamil, which is the best among the equals.

Eligibility of the scholar
Prof. George L. Hart is heading the Department of Tamil in the University of Carolina, Berkeley, since 1975. Currently he holds the Tamil chair there. He has done his degree in Sanskrit in Harward. Initially, he was appointed as Professor of Sanskrit in the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1969. Besides Tamil and Sanskrit, the author is well-versed in Greek and Latin. He has read extensively in their literature in the original. He has a strong grounding in the comparative linguistics and literatures of modem Europe. In recognition of his deep knowledge of Indian classical languages, he was conferred Padma Shri award, the third highest civilian honour

Tamil – A classical language with classical tradition and literature

Three most important things according to the author make Tamil indisputably the best classical language in the world in comparison with Greek, Latin, Arabic and Sanskrit. The first is its antiquity. Sangam literature and the Pattuppattu date to first two centuries of the current era. Secondly, Tamil possesses indigenous literary tradition independent of Sanskrit or any other Indian languages. | In fact, Tamil has influenced Sanskrit and Malayalam to a great extent. Thirdly, it is fit to stand beside the great literatures of Sanskrit, Greek, Persian and Arabic. The subtlety and profundity of Tamil works, their varied scope and universality qualify Tamil to be rated as one of the greater classical tradition of the world. Thirukkural is one of the world’s greatest work on ethics. It covers every facet of human life.

Meeting all criterion of a classical language

Tamil is extremely old (i.e.) as old as Latin and older than Arabic. It arose as an entirely independent tradition with almost no influence from Sanskrit or any other Indian Languages. There’s god’s plenty in Tamil literature.

Conclusion
It is established beyond doubt that Tamil is one of the greatest classical languages of the world. It has become a vital and central part of the greatness and richness of Indian culture.

The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language Summary in Tamil

முன்னுரை
திரு. ஜியார்ஜ் எல். ஹார்ட் எனும் மொழி விற்பன்னர் உலகத்தின் சிறந்த மொழிகளை ஒப்பிடும் முயற்சியில் ஈடுபட்டார். பேராசிரியர் மறைமலை அவர்களது வேண்டுகோளுக்கு இணங்க, ஆசிரியர் உலகத்தில் உள்ள தொன்மையான மொழிகளைப் பகுப்பாய்வு செய்து செம்மொழிகளுள் தமிழ் தலைசிறந்தது என்ற தமிழின் நிலையைப் பற்றி எழுதுகிறார்.

பண்டிதனின் தகுதி:
பெர்க்லேயில் உள்ள பேராசிரியர் ஜியார்ஜ் எல். ஹார்ட், கலிபோர்னியா பல்கழைக்கழகத்தில் தமிழ் துறையில் தலைமை பொறுப்பாளராகப் பொறுப்பேற்று 1975 முதலே பணியாற்றி வருகிறார். தற்போது தமிழ்த்துறையின்

பொறுப்பாளராகப்பணியாற்றுகிறார். சமஸ்கிருத மொழியில் பட்டப்படிப்பை ஹர்வேட் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் முடித்தார். அவர் முதன் முதலாக மடின்சனில் உள்ள விஸ்கான்சின் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் சமஸ்கிருத மொழியின் பேராசிரியராக நியமிக்கப்பட்டார். தமிழ், சமஸ்கிருதத்தைத் தவிர கதாசிரியர் கிரேக்க மற்றும் லத்தீன் மொழிகளிலும் புலமை பெற்றிருந்தார். அந்த இலக்கிய நூல்களின் மூலப்பிரதிகளை பரவலாகப் படித்துள்ளார். மொழிகளை ஒப்பிடுவதிலும் ஐரோப்பிய இலக்கிய நூல்களிலும் பலமான அடிப்படை நுணுக்கங்களைப் பெற்றிருந்தார். இந்திய பாரம்பரிய மொழிகளின்பால் அவருக்கிருந்த ஆழ்ந்த’ புலமையை அங்கிகரிக்கும் வகையில் அவருக்கு மூன்றாம் நிலை உயர்ந்த குடிமகன் விருதான ‘பத்மஸ்ரீ’ வழங்கப்பட்டது.

தமிழ் – பாரம்பரியமும் மற்றும் இலக்கியமும் கொண்ட சிறந்த மொழி:

லத்தீன், அரேபிய மற்றும் சமஸ்கிருத மொழிகளுக்கு நிகராக சர்ச்சைக்கு இடமே இல்லாத வகையில் தமிழ் மொழியை ஆசிரியர் கணிக்க மூன்று காரணங்கள் உள்ளன. முதலாவதாக தமிழ் பண்டைய காலத்திய மொழியாகும். சங்க இலக்கியமும் மற்றும் பத்துப்பாட்டும் இந்த நூற்றாண்டில் முதல் 200 ஆண்டுகளைத் தழுவியது. இரண்டாவதாக தமிழ் மொழியானது சமஸ்கிருத மொழியையோ அல்லது வேறு இந்திய மொழியையோ தழுவாத தேசிய இலக்கிய பாரம்பரியத்தைப் பெற்றது. இரண்டாவதாக, தமிழ்மொழி தேசிய இலக்கிய பாரம்பரியத்தைப் பெற்றிருப்பதோடு, சமஸ்கிருத மொழியிலிருந்தும் இதர இந்திய மொழிகளிலிருந்தும் தனித்துவம் பெற்று இருந்தது. சொல்லப் போனால், தமிழ் மொழி சமஸ்கிருத மற்றும் மலையாள மொழிக்கு ஊன்றுகோலாக அமைந்தது. மூன்றாவதாக சமஸ்கிருத, கிரேக்க, பெர்சிய மற்றும் அரேபிய இலக்கியங்களுக்கு நிகராக நிற்கும் தகுதியையும் அது பெற்றிருந்தது. தமிழ் மொழியின் நுணுக்கம், ஆழ்ந்த தன்மை, அதன் விசாலம் மற்றும் எங்கும் பரவியிருக்கும் தன்மைகள் தமிழை உலகிலேயே உன்னத பாரம்பரிய தத்துவங்களைத் தழுவியது என உறுதி செய்கிறது. திருக்குறள் உலகிலேயே உன்னதமான நீதிநெறி நூலாகும். அது மனித வாழ்க்கையின் எல்லாக் கோணங்களையும் படம் பிடித்துக் காட்டுகிறது.

பாரம்பரிய மொழிக்கான எல்லா தகுதியையும் உடையது:

தமிழ் மிகப் பழமையான மொழியாகும். லத்தீன் மொழியை ஒத்ததும், அரேபிய மொழிக்கும் அப்பாற்பட்டதாகும். தமிழ் தனி பாரம்பரிய மொழியாக எந்த மொழியின் தொடர்பும் இன்றி சுயம்பு போலத் தோன்றியது. கடவுளின் அருள் நிறைந்தது தமிழ் மொழி.

முடிவுரை:
சந்தேகத்திற்கு இடமில்லாமல் தமிழ் உலகிலேயே மிகச் சிறந்த பாரம்பரிய மொழி என நிலைநாட்டப்பட்டுள்ளது. அது தமிழ் கலாச்சாரத்தின் முக்கிய மற்றும் மையமான புகழையும் மற்றும் சிறப்பையும் கொண்டதாக விளங்குகிறது.

The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language Glossary

Textual:

Additional:

The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language Synonyms

Find out the synonym of the underlined word in each of the following sentences.

Question 1.
Tamil is unequivocally one of the greatest classical literature.
(a) unruly
(b) unbiasedly
(c) unambiguously
(d) uncontrollably
Answer:
(c) unambiguously

Question 2.
I am well acquainted with comparative linguistics.
(a) familiar
(b) similar
(c) polar
(d) scholar
Answer:
(a) familiar

Question 3.
Tamil is of considerable antiquity.
(a) modernness
(b) staleness
(c) ancientness
(d) sophistication
Answer:
(c) ancientness

Question 4.
They are the first great secular body of poetry.
(a) religious
(b) devotional
(c) pious
(d) non – religious
Answer:
(d) non – religious

Question 5.
Tamil constitutes the only literary tradition indigenous to India.
(a) foreign
(b) alien
(c) native
(d) unique
Answer:
(c) native

Question 6.
It has its own aesthetics.
(a) fairness
(b) justice
(c) sense of humour
(d) sense of beauty
Answer:
(d) sense of beauty

Question 7.
It shows a sort of Indian sensibility.
(a) senility
(b) serenity
(c) serendipity
(d) sensibility
Answer:
(d) sensibility

Question 8.
The subtlety and profundity of its works amaze us.
(a) politeness
(b) nuance
(c) rudeness
(d) sanity
Answer:
(b) nuance

Question 9.
Tamil is the only pre-modem Indian literature to treat the subaltern extensively.
(a) narrowly
(b) wildly
(c) mildly
(d) broadly
Answer:
(d) broadly

Question 10.
Every facet of human existence is explored.
(a) face
(b) stage
(c) phase
(d) feature
Answer:
(d) feature

Question 11.
The sacred works of Tamil literature have undergirded the development of modem Hinduism,
(a) superficially supported
(b) ornamentally supported
(c) provided fundamental support
(d) gave fake support
Answer:
(c) provided fundamental support

Question 12.
Tirukkural has illuminated all facets of human life.
(a) made clear
(b) made ambiguous
(c) made vague
(d) made a clutter
Answer:
(a) made clear

Question 13.
Sanskrit is the most conservative language.
(a) modem
(b) radical
(c) traditional
(d) innovative
Answer:
(c) traditional

Question 14.
Tamil is the touchstone that linguists must consult to understand the nature of development of Dravidian.
(a) base
(b) foundation
(c) criterion
(d) cradle
(c) criterion

Question 15.
Modem Indian languages are the most fecund and productive ones.
(a) infertile
(b) arid
(c) fertile
(d) poor
Answers:
(c) fertile

The Status of Tamil as a Classical Language Antonyms

Find out the antonym of the underlined word in each of the

Question 1.
I am well acquainted with comparative linguistics.
(a) well-versed
(b) familiar
(c) conversant
(d) unfamiliar
Answer:
(d) unfamiliar

Question 2.
Tamil is one of the greatest classical literatures.
(a) ancient
(b) time-tested
(c) medieval
(d) modern
Answer:
(d) modern

Question 3.
They are the first great secular body of poetry written in India.
(a) irreligious
(b) religious
(c) irrevered
(d) irascible
Answer:
(b) religious

Question 4.
Tamil is indigenous to India.
(a) native
(b) foreign
(c) local
(d) fecund
Answer:
(b) foreign

Question 5.
They are the most fecund and productive languages.
(a) fertile
(b) rich
(c) barren
(d) nutrients
Answer:
(c) barren

Question 6.
Tamil is unequivocally a classical language.
(a) clearly
(b) candidly
(c) slyly
(d) vaguely
Answer:
(d) vaguely

Question 7.
The great sacred works are equally important.
(a) holy
(b) unholy
(c) corrupt
(d) saintly
Answer:
(b) unholy

Question 8.
Sanskrit is the most conservative language in India.
(a) traditional
(b) orthodoxical
(c) ritualistic
(d) modern
Answer:
(d) modern

Question 9.
it is quite unique.
(a) normal
(b) distinctive
(c) common
(d) drab
Answer:
(c) common

Question 10.
Tamil has treated the subaltern extensively.
(a) inferior
(b) superior
(c) ugly
(d) wise
Answer:
(b) superior

Question 11.
Tirukkural illuminated every facet or human life.
(a) exposed
(b) explored
(c) exploited
(d) concealed
Answer:
(d) concealed

Question 12.
Their universality makes Tamil stand as one of the greatest.
(a) prevalence
(b) acceptance
(c) popularity
(d) denial
Answer:
(d) denial

Question 13.
It is patently obvious to anyone who knows the subject.
(a) clearly
(b) ambiguously
(c) candidly
(d) obviously
Answer:
(b) ambiguously

Question 14.
Tirukkural is merely one of the myriad of major works.
(a) plenty
(b) several
(c) a few
(d) bountiful
Answer:
(c) a few

Question 15.
Tamil is of considerable antiquity.
(a) ancientness
(b) modernness
(c) fun
(d) seriousness
Answer:
(b) modernness

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Prose

• Two Gentlemen of Verona Book Back Answers
• A Nice Cup of Tea Book Back Answers
• In Celebration of Being Alive Book Back Answers
• The Summit Book Back Answers
• The Chair Book Back Answers
• On the Rule of the Road Book Back Answers

The Hour of Truth (Play) Book Back Answers Class 12 English Guide Chapter 3 Tamilnadu Solutions

Students can Download English Lesson 3 The Hour of Truth (Play) Questions and Answers, Summary, Activity, Notes, Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Guide Pdf helps you to revise the complete Tamilnadu State Board New Syllabus and score more marks in your examinations.

Get a Practical Study with the help of Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Grammar to make learning language much easy for you and score good grades in exams.

12th Standard English 3rd Lesson The Hour of Truth (Play) Questions and Answers

Warm up

Question (a)
We judge people around us, based on their qualities and actions. We brand some people as good and some bad. What qualities, do you think, characterise a gentleman? Some of them may be merely external and some others internal

Answer:

Question (b)
When we see a few coins scattered on the ground, we would probably pick them up on the sly or walk away ignoring them. What if it was an envelope full of 2000 bills? How are people likely to react in such a situation?

Answer:
Discuss with a partner and share your views:
People may react differently. Reader’s Digest conducted an honesty test on the busy roads of major cities of India. They had obviously left a costly mobile in the middle of the pavement. A candid camera was taking video footage. Many tried to pocket it. One poor man tried to contact a policeman on the beat and hand it over to him. Recently in Saravana Bhavan hotel in Chennai, an old lady had left behind a yellow bag. There were 25 lakhs in the bag.

The old lady had come to buy jewels for her grand daughter’s wedding. One of the waiters who attended the lady and her family members passed on the bag to the manager, who in turn gave it in-person to Inspector, Mambalam Police station. Fortunately, a tear-filled lady and worried family members also reached the spot. The Inspector sent for the honest waiter and through him gave the money to the old lady.

Whether it is big money or small coins, one should not covet others’ wealth. The person who lost must be feeling the pain of loss. We should never think of enjoying life at the cost of the pain of others.

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English The Hour of Truth (Play) Textual Questions

1. Rearrange the following sentences in a meaningful sequence and write the summary of the play.

(a) Baldwin who returned home after meeting Gresham, informed his family that Gresham had offered a hundred thousand, if he would utter the words ‘I don’t remember’ in court, during the trial.
(b) The family members tried to justify Gresham’s act and enticed Baldwin into accepting the money.
(c) Thus ‘The Hour of Truth’ had dawned relieving Baldwin of the heavy burden and guilt.
(d) Baldwin was an honest and upright man, working under John Gresham, in a bank.
(e) To save Baldwin, Mr. Marshall, President of the Third National, visited him and informed him that Gresham had confessed his crime, in order to free him from betraying his trusted friend and testifying painfully against him.
(f) Gresham and Baldwin had been thick friends for over 30 years and Baldwin had even named his son after Gresham.
(g) Baldwin felt disgusted with himself and the attitude of his family members.
(h) Gresham had been arrested for misappropriation of money at the bank and Baldwin was to testify against him.
(i) Mr. Marshall also offered Baldwin a job in his Bank, to reward him for his honesty and integrity.
(j) The family members who were initially against Gresham, changed their mind on hearing the huge sum offered by him.

Answer:

(f) Gresham and Baldwin had been thick friends for over 30 years and Baldwin had even named his son after Gresham.
(d) Baldwin was an honest and upright man, working under John Gresham, in a bank.
(h) Gresham had been arrested for misappropriation of money at the bank and Baldwin was to testify against him.
(a) Baldwin who returned home after meeting Gresham, informed his family that Gresham had offered a hundred thousand, if he would utter the words ‘I don’t remember’ in court, during the trial.
(b) The family members tried to justify Gresham’s act and enticed Baldwin into accepting the money.
(j) The family members who were initially against Gresham, changed their mind on hearing the huge sum offered by him.
(g) Baldwin felt disgusted with himself and the attitude of his family members.
(e) To save Baldwin, Mr. Marshall, President of the Third National, visited him and informed him that Gresham had confessed his crime, in order to free him from betraying his trusted friend and testifying painfully against him.
(c) Thus ‘The Hour of Truth’ had dawned relieving Baldwin of the heavy burden and guilt.
(i) Mr. Marshall also offered Baldwin a job in his Bank, to reward him for his honesty and integrity.

2. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.

Question (a)
Why did Baldwin meet Gresham?
Answer:
Baldwin met Gresham in order to discuss the misappropriation of money in the bank as he was the personal secretary of Gresham.

Question (b)
What made Martha withdraw her money from the bank?
Answer:
Martha had a doubt that the bank was crashing. So, she withdrew the money from the bank.

Question (c)
How is Martha’s strong conviction in Baldwin’s integrity revealed?
Answer:
Martha knew very well that her husband was so honourable and he was very loyal to his duty. In spite of her compulsion to accept the bribe, Baldwin was very honest and he did not obey her words. It shows Martha’s strong conviction about Baldwin’s integrity.

Question (d)
What had Donovan told John?
Answer:
Donovan had said that nobody had any idea as to what was ailing the bank. The wreck of the bank was too sudden. He had married on the strength of the cashier’s job in the bank. He said the crash would not have happened without the knowledge of Governor Baldwin.

Question (e)
John feels Gresham deserves punishment. Why?
Answer:
John felt Gresham to be deserved for punishment because Gresham had been arrested for misappropriation of money at the bank. Moreover, Gresham convinced his father by offering him a high bribe in spite of his honesty. This made John to feel Gresham deserved punishment.

Question (f)
What was Baldwin’s advice to Gresham?
Answer:
Baldwin advised Gresham to close the bank and make up for the losses.

Question (g)
What did Gresham want Baldwin to do?
Answer:
When John Gresham tried to offer money, he understood that it was impossible to persuade Baldwin to accept the bribe.

Question (h)
Explain the significance of the words ‘I don’t remember’.
Answer:
‘I don’t remember’ were the three words which Gresham wanted Baldwin to say when technical questions on misappropriation of funds are asked in the court. Gresham offered one hundred thousand dollars in hot cash to say them. But Baldwin did not want to do that dishonest and dishonourable thing.

Question (i)
Why does John turn wild on hearing that Gresham had offered his father money?
Answer:
After hearing that Gresham had offered his father money, John said that as he was named after Baldwin’s friend Gresham, he will be put to shame for bearing the name of a criminal. Though John accused Baldwin of betraying his dear friend Gresham, later he regretted it.

Question (j)
When would Baldwin part company with Gresham?
Answer:
Baldwin has always been loyal to Gresham. But when John Gresham ceases to be an honest man, John Gresham and Baldwin would part company.

Question (k)
What does John consider ‘a technicality’?
Answer:
Baldwin had worked with Gresham for many years and spend the best part of his life with him. Gresham knew well that Baldwin was very honest and loyal. When Gresham tried to cease to be an honest man, Baldwin parted the company of Gresham.

Question (l)
Why was John filled with shame?
Answer:
John was filled with shame because as he is named after Baldwin’s best friend Gresham, he will be put to shame for bearing the name of a criminal. This emotional blackmail is made to ask Baldwin to let Gresham off the hook.

Question (m)
How much did Gresham offer to pay Baldwin for saving his skin and how did he justify that?
Answer:
Gresham offered to pay Baldwin a hundred thousand dollars for saving his skin and he justified that it was not wrong to tell lie for the sake of his friend by answering ‘I don’t remember’ in the court.

Question (n)
What was Mr. Marshall’s offer to Baldwin?
Answer:
Mr. Marshall offered Baldwin a job in the Third National Bank.

Question (o)
How was Baldwin’s honesty rewarded?
Answer:
Mr.Marshall informed Baldwin that Gresham had admitted his guilt, as he knew that Baldwin, being a honest and upright man would never give false testimony. Mr.Marshall also offered Baldwin a job in his bank. Thus Baldwin’s honesty was rewarded.

3. Based on your understanding of the play, complete the Graphic Organiser given below.

Answer:

4. Answer in a paragraph of about 150 words each.

Question (a)
Trace the bond of friendship between Baldwin and Gresham. Explain why Baldwin wished to attribute some credit to his friend.
Answer:
Baldwin and Gresham-friends-30 years-Baldwin-work bank-personal secretary-loyal to Gresham- honest like him-but-misappropriated-arrested by the police-convince Baldwin-offering-hundred thousand dollars-Baldwin-did, not accept-very sad-testimonial against hs friend-voluntarily confess his crime.

Baldwin and Gresham had been thick friends for over 30 years and Baldwin named his son after Gresham out of his friendship. Baldwin had been working under Gresham in his bank as a personal secretary. He was very loyal! and upright to Gresham. Baldwin believed that Gresham had also been very honest like him but he misappropriated the money of depositors in the bank. So, Gresham had been arrested by the police and Baldwin was to testify against him as Ire was the personal secretary to him. Meanwhile, Mr.Gresham tried to convince Baldwin by offering him a huge bribe of a hundred thousand dollars, but Baldwin did not accept it.

Gresham insisted him to say I don’t remember’ when the trial came in court. This made Baldwin get angry with him and he parted his company from Gresham. However, Baldwin felt very sad about the situation of standing as a testimonial against his friend. He wished him to be free rather than to go to jail. Moreover, Gresham had admitted his guilt as he knew that Baldwin, being an honest and upright man, would never give false testimony. So he respected his friendship as Gresham had voluntarily confessed his crime.

Question (b)
How did Martha and John react when they came to know that Baldwin had rejected the generous offer made by Gresham?
Answer:
Martha and John cherished a grudge against Gresham for having underpaid Baldwin for about two decades. They openly said that he deserved punishment. Initially, Gresham condemned the bribe claimed as a difference in the salary paid. Had he been made a similar offer he claimed he would have asked him to go to the devil. Baldwin said that having been a friend he couldn’t use such abusive language. Casually John asked how much he offered. Baldwin said that it was one hundred thousand dollars. Suddenly Martha and John changed their attitude towards Gresham. John viewed a shame if Gresham got indicted because he shared his name. Martha also desperately tried to convince him not to testify against Gresham. John even suggested that he could say those three words “I don’t remember” as the depositor would not lose a cent. Baldwin felt miserable because the family members who he wanted to feel proud of his uprightness wanted him to crossover to the side of corrupt practices because of the generous offer made by Gresham.

Question (c)
Is Baldwin really honest or does he maintain his honesty fearing criticism? Why do you say so?
Answer:
Percival-play-The hour of Truth-psychological study-influence of money on people-plot-angle tempted- Robert Baldwin-shows-forgot-moral value end-realizes-isolation-punishment-positive note-Baldwin-works- hard-arrest-Gresham Robert Baldwin-honesty-rewarded end-honest men.

Percival Wilde’s play “The Hour of Truth” is an intense psychological study. It studies the corrupting influence of money on people. The plot of the play explores greed from different angles. Almost all individuals in this play are tempted by money except Robert Baldwin. It shows how easily people forget their moral values and principles. But at the end of the story, the reader realizes that money only brings isolation, punishment, deception, frustration, and endless shame. The story brings a positive note when the bad people get punished and the good people get rewarded.

Though Mr. Baldwin works hard for a living, his salary is not enough to support his family. When Gresham was arrested for the misappropriation of money in the bank, we lose confidence in his character, and teaches the readers how badly money influences people. After the arrest, Mr.Gresham begs Mr.Baldwin to say three words at the time of his trial ”I don’t remember”. As a reward, he offered him one hundred thousand dollars.

At this offer, we see how his virtuous family members changed their opinion and insisted Baldwin to accept the offer. It is at this time we can see the moral level of Mr.Baldwin who rejects the offer. Robert Baldwin’s honesty and integrity are rewarded in the end. It shows that Mr.Baldwin is really an honest man.

Question (d)
Sketch the character of:
(i) Robert Baldwin
(ii) John Gresham.
Answer:
(i) Robert Baldwin:
Robert Baldwin is the central character around whom the whole one-act play revolves. He is a middle-class father who values honesty and loyalty to the organization more than 35-year long friendship. He rises in the esteem of the readers and theatre-goers on realizing that he wants to leave a legacy of honesty to his children and not the ill-gotten hundred thousand dollars which could give his family a life of comfort they did want to lead. Baldwin is really hurt by the three-sided attack (i.e.) a war of words waged against his honesty by Martha, Evie, and John. Even before the trial begins against Gresham, Baldwin is made to feel like a traitor.

His family members accuse him of letting down the honour of a close family friend who had made a very generous offer. The mental agony experienced by Baldwin is a hundred times more at home. He is elated initially as he had successfully forced Gresham with a whip in hand (i.e.) honesty to ‘ close the bank and make up the loss to the customers. But when he discloses the offer of one hundred thousand dollars, as a private fortune without causing loss of a cent to depositors, he is made to experience hell by the emotional blackmail of his family members who knew very well how those three words “I don’t remember” would choke him. Baldwin holds on to honesty even at the prospect of losing both 35-year-old friendship and one hundred thousand dollars he had never had in his life.

(ii) John Gresham:
John Gresham is a worldly-wise founder of a private bank. He values friendship and appoints his boyhood chum Robert Baldwin as the Governor in his bank. He is clever and is very, successful in running his bank profitably. In the meantime, he uses the deposits accrued in a 1 way that enhances his own private fortune of course without costing anything to the depositors, It is in fact a breach of trust. Nobody has had an inkling that any malpractice is going on. Even Donovan the cashier claims that the closure of the bank came as a rude shock to him as he had married on the strength of the job and salary from the bank.

Martha claims she withdrew her money without telling Baldwin who is very loyal to Gresham. He would never have approved of it. After being found out and when the trial against him on misappropriation of funds is in “progress he offers a bit of one hundred thousand dollars from his private fortune. He knows’ that only Baldwin alone could help the law to nail him. But if he says, “I don’t remember” again using the goodwill regained in the lawsuit. But he understands the body language of Baldwin. He realizes it would be a painful thing for Baldwin to testify against him. He might be bad as a banker, but he values the feelings of Baldwin and his honesty. He confesses to avid embarrassment to Baldwin and informs ‘Third National’ chairman that Baldwin has not for technical questions, he would be let off the hook. If acquitted, he could make money budged even after the offer of one hundred thousand dollars.

Question (e)
Who do you think exhibits true friendship-Baldwin or Gresham? Justify your answer.
Answer:
The play-The hour of truth-concerned-shows-true friendship-between Baldwin and Gresham-thick friends-30 years-boyhood honesty-Gresham-misuses-money-depositors-bank didn’t accept-understands- Baldwin-friendship’s-exhibited-Mr. Gresham is rather than-Baldwin.

As far as the play “The Hour of Truth” is concerned, from the beginning till the end of the story, it shows the true friendship between Baldwin and Gresham. They had been thick friends for more than 30 years, even from their boyhood. Being an honest man by nature Baldwin doesn’t take any risk to exhibit his honesty. Moreover, as a protagonist, Baldwin seems to be a good person to the readers.

It is only because of his uprightness, he stands as a witness against his friend Gresham. But on the other hand, Gresham always misuses the money of the depositors in his bank. He seems to be out of an honest man but he respects the friendship of Baldwin. When Baldwin comes to know that Gresham ceases to be an honest man, he is ready to part from him.

In order to tempt Baldwin, Gresham offers him a huge bribe of a hundred thousand dollars, but he didn’t accept it. At this point, Gresham understands that it is impossible to persuade Baldwin to accept the bribe. That is why Gresham has admitted his guilt, as he knew that Baldwin, being an honest and upright man, would never give false testimony. Therefore, it is so clear that true friendship is exhibited by Mr. Gresham rather than Baldwin.

Additional Questions

Question (a)
Explain the significance of the words ‘I don’t remember’.
Answer:
‘I don’t remember’ were the three words which Gresham wanted Baldwin to say when technical questions on misappropriation of funds are asked in the court. Gresham offered one hundred thousand dollars in hot cash to say them. But Baldwin did not want to do that dishonest and dishonourable thing. But having been honest earning just 60 dollars a week Baldwin felt like choking. His children and wife persuaded him. Gresham understood Baldwin would not say those words though Baldwin didn’t say it openly. John told Baldwin it was a compliment that cost him a hundred thousand dollars. But Baldwin felt it was a compliment worth a hundred thousand dollars.

5. IDIOMS

Now match the idioms under column A with their meanings in column B:

A. IDIOMS	B. MEANINGS
save one’s skin	a sudden unexpected event or news
make both ends meet	to be the most powerful
a bolt out of a clear sky	viewed with suspicion and distrust
go to grave	to protect oneself from difficulty
have the whip hand	manage one’s expenses within one’s income
under a cloud	to exit the world

Answer:

A. IDIOMS	B. MEANINGS
save one’s skin	to protect oneself from difficulty
make both ends meet	manage one’s expenses within one’s income
a bolt out of a clear sky	a sudden unexpected event or news
go to grave	to exit the world
have the whip hand	to be the most powerful
under a cloud	viewed with suspicion and distrust

Speaking Activity

(a) Imagine you are Baldwin and your partner is Gresham. Try your best to persuade your partner to confess the truth. Build a conversation describing how both of you would react in such a situation. Work in pairs.

Gresham: Baldwin, why do you look cross?
Baldwin: Ask your conscience.
Gresham: Well, my conscience is clear. What is wrong with you?
Baldwin: I found out that you are siphoning small negligible changes to your own account. Now it amounts to a few hundred thousand dollars as none of the depositors have noticed the disappearance of small changes.
Gresham: Well, none of the depositors would lose a cent. I have transferred it in some investment. I have got tenfold gains. Now we shall quietly transfer the amount in their own accounts. No one will ever come to know of it.
Baldwin: Is it not a breach of trust? I’m not going to keep quiet about this.
Gresham: What do you want to do?
Baldwin: Close the bank and make good the loss to all the depositors. (After a few days)
Gresham: Well, Baldwin I have closed the bank. Third National is going to do the reorganization. Now I want you to say three words.
Baldwin: What?
Gresham: “I don’t remember” When you are cross-examined on vital statistics for which you would require references.
Baldwin: How does that absolve you of your crime.
Gresham: Don’t you know the fact that I’ve earned enough money and no depositor will lose a cent. It is just a technicality.
Baldwin: What do you mean?
Gresham: Well, I will give you one hundred thousand dollars for letting me off the hook. I just want you to say “I don’t remember”.
Baldwin: Already you have used the funds of depositors. You want them to become paupers?
Gresham: Baldwin, you frustrate me. Look here. This is hot cash from my own private fortune. Baldwin, why don’t you say something?
Baldwin: You have known me for more than 35 years.
Gresham: You are silent. Say yes or no. I know you have been an upright man all through your life. The offer is final.
Baldwin: You have one option Gresham. We will meet in court. You can confess. For God’s sake don’t force me to say anything now. I am disturbed.
Gresham: Why do you think it is a bribe or a bait. It is the difference in your salary, the salary you have received and what you should have got all these years.
Baldwin: As long as you are honest, I will be loyal to you Gresham. When you part with loyalty, we would part ways. The matter is closed.

(b) ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed’. Does this hold good in all situations? Share your views with your class.

The saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed” is relevant to only those situations when both the friends pursue the goals with justifiable means. I read an interesting story written by O. Henry entitle “After twenty years”. Two boyhood chums, Bob and Jimmy, decided to pursue their dream careers and decide to meet at Big Joe Brady’s Restaurant. Jimmy becomes a policeman and Bob a criminal and notorious robber. Jimmy recognizes the features of the most wanted criminal by Chicago police in Bob. The friend’s need is to help him escape but duty consciousness gives him the painful choice of sending a plain clothes man to arrest him. So, the saying “A friend in need is a friend indeed” is not applicable on all occasions. When there is a debate with the conscience on moral grounds and professional ethics, one can’t continue to be a friend “in need”.

The Hour of Truth (Play) About The Author

Percival Wilde (1887 – 1953) was a prolific American author and playwright. He wrote many novels, short stories, and one-act plays. His plays were popular in the little theatre movement. He also authored a textbook on the theatre arts. He was a native of New York City, worked for a time as a banker. He began writing plays in 1912.

Percival Wilde chose to portray the values of life in his plays, throwing light on a specific trait of an individual. His one-act play The Hour of Truth is a testimony to his craftsmanship where the three classical unities of time, place, and action are observed.
The climax of the play develops rapidly and ends with a pleasant surprise

The Hour of Truth (Play) Summary in English

Introduction
In ‘The hour of truth’, the integrity of Baldwin is the dominant trait around which the whole play is spun. This one-act play evidences his craftsmanship where the classical unites time, place, and action were observed meticulously. The climax has an O. Henry twist and thus a surprising end.

Baldwin is a middle-class man earning 60 pounds a week. He is working in a private bank for Mr. Gresham. They are close friends for over thirty years. Baldwin Christens his son as Gresham Baldwin. He leads a contented life. He finds out that his boss has been misappropriating money very cleverly. Technically speaking the depositors will not lose a scent. But Baldwin coerced Mr. Gresham to close the bank and | settle the account of the depositors. Mr. Gresham promised to return the depositor’s money. He offered Baldwin one hundred thousand dollars if he chose to tell the enquiry officers that he had forgotten some important details. This would help Gresham get out of the problem safely. Baldwin was shocked by the offer.

He went home and told Martha, his wife, and Gresham Baldwin about the offer. On hearing the handsome offer, both the wife and son persuaded him to take the money as it was just a technicality and the depositors would not lose money. Actually, Baldwin had a faith that his family regarded his integrity far higher than material gains. When he learned his son and family members were trying to convince him to take the money, he felt disgusted. Just then, Mr. Marshal, President of Third National Bank, informed Baldwin that his boss Mr. Gresham has confessed to his crime. He had told him that one hundred thousand dollars couldn’t shake Baldwin’s integrity. Though he had told him that it was a difference in salary he had paid and what he ought to have paid. He said Gresham did not want him to undergo the pain of testifying against him in the court. Hearing this, Baldwin cried. His heartfelt light. Mr. marshal offered him a position in his bank. This has been the honour conferred on his honesty.

Conclusion
The dramatist reflects the foibles of modem society. People value riches more than honesty and integrity. He rewards honesty at the end reaffirming the common faith “Honesty is always rewarded.”

The Hour of Truth (Play) Summary in Tamil

முன்னுரை
“உண்மை , தெரிந்த நேரம்” என்னும் கதையில் பால்ட்வின் நேர்மையான நடத்தையையும் அதன் பின்னணியில் முழுக்கதையும் சுழல்கிறது. இந்த ஓரங்க நாடகம் ஆசிரியர் இடம், காலம், செயல் இவற்றுக்கிடையே உள்ள பாரம்பரிய ஒற்றுமையைத் துல்லியமாகக் காட்டுகிறது. நாடகத்தில் உச்சக் கட்டத்தில் ஓ.ஹென்றிக்கே உரிய திருப்பத்தால் நாடகம் வியப்பூட்டும் வண்ணம் முடிகிறது. பால்ட்வின் வாரம் 60 டாலர் மட்டுமே சம்பாதிக்கிற நடுத்தர வகுப்பைச் சார்ந்தவர். அவர் திரு.கிரெசாம் நடத்துகிற தனியார் வங்கியில் பணி புரிந்தார். அவர்கள் 30 வருடங்களாக நண்பர்கள். பால்ட்வின் தன் மகனுக்கு கிரெசாம் பால்ட்வின் எனப் பெயர் சூட்டினார். அவர் மனம்

நிறைந்த வாழ்க்கை வாழ்ந்து வந்தார். அவர் தன் முதலாளி மிகத் தந்திரமாகப் பணத்தைக் கையாளுகிறார் என்பதைக் கண்டுபிடித்தார். நுட்பமாகப் பார்த்தால் பணம் செலுத்துபவருக்கு ஒரு பைசா நஷ்டமும் ஏற்படாது. ஆனால், பால்ட்வின் வங்கியை மூடிவிட்டு பணத்தைச் செலுத்திய வாடிக்கையாளர்களுக்கு திரும்பிக் கொடுத்து விடுமாறு கிரெசாமை நிர்பந்தப்படுத்தினார். கிரெசாம் வாடிக்கையாளரின் பணத்தை திருப்பிக் கொடுத்து விடுவதாக வாக்குறுதி அளித்தார். பால்ட்வின் விசாரணை அலுவலர்களிடம் தான் சில முக்கிய தகவல்களை மறந்து விட்டதாகக் கூறும்படியும், அதற்கான சன்மானமாக ஒரு லட்சம் டாலர் தருவதாகவும் கிரெசாம் கூறினார். இது கிரெசாம் பிரச்சனையிலிருந்து தப்பிக்க உதவும். பால்ட்வின் இத்தகைய லஞ்ச அறிவிப்பைக் கேட்டு அதிர்ந்து போனார்.

வீட்டுக்குச் சென்று தன் மனைவி மார்த்தாவிடமும், மகன் கிரெசாம் பால்ட்வினிடமும் ஒப்பந்தத்தைக் குறித்துச் சொன்னார். இதைக் கேட்ட இருவரும் ஒப்பந்தப் பணத்தைப் பெற்றுக் கொள்ளுமாறு தூண்டினர். மேலும், இதனால் நுட்பமாகப் பார்த்தால் வாடிக்கையாளர் எதையும் இழக்கப் போவதில்லை என்றனர். உண்மையாகப் பார்த்தால் தன் குடும்பத்தினர் தன் நாணயத்தின் மீது, பணத்தைவிட அதிக மதிப்பு வைத்திருந்தனர் என்பதில் நம்பிக்கை கொண்டிருந்தார். அவர்கள் பணத்தைப் பெற்றுக் கொள்ளுமாறு தன்னை சம்மதிக்க வைப்பதை எண்ணி வெறுப்படைந்தார். அப்போது தான் மூன்றாவது தேசிய வங்கியின் தலைவரான மார்சல் அவர்கள், கிரெசாம் தன் தவற்றை ஒப்புக்கொண்டதாக பால்ட்வினுக்குத் தெரிவித்தார். அவர் கிரெசாம் கொடுப்பதாகச் சொன்ன 1 லட்சம் டாலர் பால்ட்வினின் நேர்மையைத் தகர்க்கவில்லை எனத் தெரிவித்தார். அதை அவரின் சம்பளத்தில் தான் தந்திருக்க வேண்டிய தொகையின் வித்தியாசமே எனக் கிரெசாம் கூறியும் அதை மறுத்து விட்டார். பால்ட்வின் நீதிமன்றத்தில் தனக்கு எதிராக சாட்சி அளிப்பதில் | தனக்கு விருப்பமில்லை என்பதைக் கிரெசாம் தெரிவித்ததாக மார்சல் கூறினார். இதைக் கேட்ட பால்ட்வின் கண் கலங்கலானார். அவர் மன உலைச்சல் | தளர்ந்தது. மார்சல் தன் வங்கியிலேயே பால்ட்வினுக்கு | வேலை வாய்ப்பு ஏற்படுத்தினார். இதுதான், அவர் நாணயத்திற்கு கிடைத்த சன்மானம்.

முடிவுரை:
‘நாகரீக சமுதாயத்தின் குறைகளை ஆசிரியர் பிரதிபலித்துக் காட்டுகிறார். மனிதன் நேர்மை, நாணயத்தைக் காட்டிலும் பணத்தையே மதிக்கிறான். கதையின் முடிவில் கதாபாத்திரத்திற்கு கிடைக்கும் சன்மானம், ‘நாணயம் சன்மானத்திற்கு உரியது) என்பதை மீண்டும் உறுதிபடுத்துகிறது.

The Hour of Truth (Play) Glossary

Textual:

Additional:

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Supplementary

• God Sees the Truth, But Waits Book Back Answers
• Life of Pi Book Back Answers
• The Hour of Truth (Play) Book Back Answers
• The Midnight Visitor Book Back Answers
• All Summer in a Day Book Back Answers
• Remember Caesar (Play) Book Back Answers

Our Casuarina Tree Book Back Answers Class 12 English Guide Chapter 2 Tamilnadu Solutions

Students can Download English Poem 2 Our Casuarina Tree Questions and Answers, Summary, Activity, Notes, Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Guide Pdf helps you to revise the complete Tamilnadu State Board New Syllabus and score more marks in your examinations.

Get a Practical Study with the help of Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Grammar to make learning language much easy for you and score good grades in exams.

12th Standard English 2nd Lesson Our Casuarina Tree Questions and Answers

Warm Up

Question 1.
You visit your school after several years. As you cross the banyan tree at the entrance, cheerful memories fill your mind. Fill the bubbles with a your memories.

Answer:

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Our Casuarina Tree Textual Questions

1. Fill in the blanks choosing the words from the box given and complete the summary of the poem.

[python, statue, nature, casement, nostalgic, lamenting, impressive, forgotten, giant, consecrates, springing, sanctified]

The casuarina tree is tall and strong, with a creeper winding around it like a (1) _____ The tree stands like a (2) _____ with a colourful scarf of flowers. Birds surround the garden and the sweet song of the birds is heard. The poet is delighted to see the casuarina tree through her (3) _____ She sees a grey monkey sitting like a (4) _____ on top of the tree, the cows grazing and the water lilies (5) _____ in the pond. The poet feels that the tree is dear to her not for its (6) _____ appearance but for the (7) _____ memories of her happy childhood that it brings to her. She strongly believes that (8) _____ communicates with human beings. The poet could communicate with the tree even when she was in a far-off land as she could hear the tree (9) _____ her absence. The poet (10) _____ the tree’s memory to her loved ones, who are not alive. She immortalizes the tree through her poem like the poet Wordsworth who (11) _____ the yew tree of Borrowdale in verse. She expresses her wish that the tree should be remembered out of love and not just because it cannot be (12) _____
Answer:

1. python
2. giant
3. casement
4. statue
5. springing
6. impressive
7. nostalgic
8. nature
9. lamenting
10. consecrates
11. sanctified
12. forgotten

2. Based on your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.

Question (a)
What is the creeper compared to?
Answer:
The creeper is compared to a huge python. The Casuarina tree is referred to here.

Question (b)
How does the creeper appear on the tree?
Answer:
The creeper appears like a huge python.

Question (c)
Describe the garden during the night.
Answer:
During the night, the garden seems delightful to watch it. Birds surround the garden and the sweet song of the birds is heard.

Question (d)
How does the poet spend her winter?
Answer:
In winter the poet observes a gray baboon that sits in the crust of Casuarina Tree. It looks like a statue sitting and watching the sunrise. At the same time, her young ones leap about and play in the lower branches of the tree.

Question (e)
Name the bird that sings in the poet’s garden.
Answer:
The bird that sings in the poet’s garden is Kokilas.

Question (f)
Why is the casuarina tree dear to the poet’s heart?
Answer:
Casuarina tree is dear to the poets’ heart because she and her childhood friends played under that tree.

Question (g)
Does nature communicate with human beings?
Answer:
Yes, nature communicates with human beings.

Question (h)
What has Wordsworth sanctified in his poem?
Answer:
Wordsworth has sanctified trees in Borrowdale in his poems.

Question (i)
To whom does Toru Dutt want to consecrate the tree’s memory?
Answer:
The poet Toru Dutt wants to consecrate the tree’s memory to her loved ones, who are not alive.

Question (J)
The casuarina tree will be remembered forever. Why?
Answer:
The casuarina tree will be remembered forever because it is immortalized in Toru Dutt’s poem.

Appreciate The Poem

3. Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow.

(a) “A creeper climbs, in whose embraces bound
No other tree could live.’’

Question (i)
Which tree is referred to in the above lines?
Answer:
‘Casuarina tree’ is referred to in the above lines.

Question (ii)
How does the tree survive the tight hold of the creeper?
Answer:
The tree takes the tight hold of the creeper like the embraces of lady love. So, it doesn’t hurt the tree. It grows stronger bearing the bite marks of love.

Question (iii)
Why does Toru Dutt use the expression ‘a creeper climbs’?
Answer:
Toru Dutt uses the expression ‘A creeper climbs’ because it has left deep marks on the trunk of the tree and it holds the tree tightly to the height.

(b) “The giant wears the scarf, and flowers are hung
In crimson clusters all the bough among!”

(i) Who is the giant here?
Answer:
Casuarina tree is the giant here.

(ii) Why is the scarf colourful?
Answer:
The scarf is colourful because the tight embrace of the creeper has caused the crimson colour on its outer skin. The poem has a reference to the three young Dutt’s who were affected by tuberculosis and eventually died. The creeper could also refer to TB which sapped the tree’s life.

(c) “Fear, trembling Hope, and Death, the skeleton,
And Time the shadow”, and though weak the verse That would thy beauty fain, oh, fain rehearse,
May Love defend the tree from oblivion’s curse.”

Question (i)
What does the poet mean by the expression ‘May love defend thee from oblivion’s curse?’
Answer:
Any living thing will have to meet death. But the poet deeply believes that her love for the tree would ensure its immortality. She will live forever in her verses.

Question (ii)
What does the expression ‘fain’ convey?
Answer:
Fain means eagerly.

Question (iii)
What does the poet convey through the expression ‘Fear, trembling hope’?
Fear and trembling hope mean the fear of lurking death and trembling hope is that death may not attack in the near future.

Additional Questions

Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow.

(a) “And oft at nights the garden overflows
With one sweet song that seems to have no close,
Sung darkling from our tree, while men repose ”

Question (i)
What overflows the garden at night?
Answer:
One sweet song overflows in the garden at night.

Question (ii)
What is called ‘darkling’?
Answer:
Nightingale is called the darkling.

Question (iii)
When does the bird sing her sweet song?
Answer:
The bird sings her sweet song when people sleep at night.

Question (b)
“A gray baboon sits statue-like alone
Watching the sunrise; while on lower boughs
His puny offspring leap about and play; ”

Question (i)
What is called a baboon?
Answer:
Baboon is a type of large monkey.

Question (ii)
What is curious about the baboon?
Answer:
The baboon sits like a statue and watches the sunrise from the crest of the Casuarina tree.

Question (iii)
What do the puny offsprings of the monkey do?
Answer:
The puny offsprings of the monkey were leaping and playing at the lower branches of the tree.

(c) “But not because of its magnificence Dear is the Casuarina to my soul:
Beneath it we have played; though years may roll,”

Question (i)
What is not the cause for Toru Dutt’s love for the Casuarina tree?
Answer:
The magnificence or the impressive appearance of the tree is not the cause for Toru Dutt’s love for the Casuarina tree.

Question (ii)
What makes the tree dear to the poet?
Answer:
As children, the poet and her friends had played under the tree. This experience has made the tree dear to the poet.

Question (iii)
What is the poet unable to forget despite the passage of years?
Answer:
The poet is unable to forget the wonderful time she had under the tree with her friends.

(d) “For your sakes, shall the tree be ever dear.
Blent with your images, it shall arise
In memory, till the hot tears blind mine eyes!”

Question (i)
For whose sake the trees will be dear to the poet?
Answer:
For the sake of three younger Dutts who died of Tuberculosis, the tree will be dear to Toru ‘ Dutt.

Question (ii)
Whose images bring out hot tears?
Answer:
The images of siblings who died due to TB bring out hot tears.

Question (iii)
What blinds the poets’ eyes?
Answer:
Tears fill and blind her eyes.

Question (e)
“ What is that dirge-like murmur that I hear Like the sea breaking on a shingle-beach?
Answer:
It is the tree’s lament, an eerie speech, ”

Question (i)
What do you mean by dirge?
Answer:
‘Dirge’ means a lament for the dead.

Question (ii)
Why does the tree lament?
Answer:
The tree laments the absence of the poet.

Question (iii)
What appears to be an “eerie speech”?
The dirge like murmur appears to be an “eerie speech”.
OR
What do you mean by “eerie speech?”
Eerie speech means unearthly or ghostly speech.

(f) “My inner vision rose a form sublime,
Thy form, O Tree, as in my happy prime
I saw tree, in my own loved native clime.”

Question (i)
What rose in the mind of the poet?
Answer:
A glorious inner vision arose in the mind of the poet.

Question (ii)
What was found in the sublime inner vision?
Answer:
The tree’s youthful and handsome figure was found in the inner vision of the poet.

(iii) What do you mean by native clime?
Answer:
It means the natural climate in the home background.

(g) “Therefore I fain could consecrate a lay
Unto thy honor, Tree, beloved of those
Who now in blessed sleep for aye repose,”

Question (i)
What does the poet want to do?
Answer:
The poet wants to consecrate the tree.

Question (ii)
In whose honour does she want to consecrate the tree?
Answer:
She wants to consecrate the tree to the memory of her beloved siblings.

Question (iii)
What does ‘blessed sleep’ mean?
Answer:
‘Blessed sleep’ means death.

Question (h)
“Maysi thou be numbered when my days are done
With deathless trees – like those in Borrowdale,
Under whose awful branches lingered pale’”

Question (i)
What does the poet predict in the words “when my days are done”?
Answer:
The poet predicts her own death in the words “when my days are done”.

Question (iii)
What was the condition of the trees in Borrowdale?
Answer:
The tree was aging fast. It looked sickly as if it was waiting for the sickle of death.

Question (iii)
Who made the tree deathless? How?
Answer:
William Wordsworth sang about the trees in Borrowdale and thus the trees became deathless.

4. Explain the following lines with reference to the context.

Question (a)
“Dear is the Casuarina to my soul;”
Answer:
Reference: These words are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Torn Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says this while highlighting the importance of the Casuarina tree in her life. The poet explains that she, her friends, and siblings have spent long hours playing and enjoying themselves under the tree’s shade. So, it is dear to her soul.

Question (b)
“It is the tree’s lament, an eerie speech,…”
Answer:
Reference: These words are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Torn Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while explaining the grief experienced by the Casuarina tree in the long spells of her absence. Even when she was as far as in the coasts of Italy and France she could hear the murmur of grief or lament from her tree. It appeared an eerie speech.

Question (c)
“Unto thy honor, Tree, beloved of those
Who now in blessed sleep for aye repose,”
Answer:
Reference; These lines are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Torn Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says this while consecrating the memories of the tree to the dear departed. The poet remembers with pain three younger Dutts who succumbed to tuberculosis.

Additional Questions

Explain the following lines with reference to the context.

Question (a)
“A creeper climbs, in whose embraces bound No other tree could live”
Answer:
Reference: These words are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Torn Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says this while appreciating the strength of her Casuarina tree. The creeper saps the tree for its survival and growth. But the tree treats the creeper’s tight hold as a lover’s embrace. It ignores bite marks oflove.lt allows the creeper to lean on its trunk and live. The tree also grows stout and strong.

Question (b)
“The giant wears the scarf, and flowers are hung”
Answer:
Reference: These words are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Toru Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while describing the might of the Casuarina tree. The climber has climbed around the tree like a python trying to sap its life out. But the gallant tree wears the creeper like a scarf around its neck. The poet calls the tree a ‘giant’ unmindful of the attempt of the creeper to strangle it.

Question (c)
“Sung darkling from our tree, while men repose”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Toru Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says this while describing Casuarina and its inhabitants at night. When men are sleeping, Darkling (i.e.) Nightingale sings sweetly from the Casuarina tree. It is a kind of a lullaby to sleeping humans.

Question (d)
“When first my casement is wide open thrown
At dawn, my eyes delighted on it rest;”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Toru Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while talking about the early influences of the Casuarina tree in her life. Her day started with seeing the tree with delight. The very first thing she used to see was the Casuarina tree through her casement (i.e.) door-like window.

Question (e)
“Unknown, yet well-known to the eye of faith! Ah,
I have heard that wail far, far away”
Reference: These words are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Toru Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while talking about the faith-fuelled communication between herself and the Casuarina though divided by thousands of kilometers of distance. William Wordsworth also could sense communication of nature similar to Toru Dutt. The tree and the poet shared an emotional bond. Even when she was far away she could hear the ‘wail’ or lament of the tree expressing the grief of missing her presence.

Question (f)
“Thy form, O Tree, as in my happy prime
I saw thee, in my own loved native clime.”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Toru Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words recalling the appearance of the lush green giant Casuarina tree when she was a little girl. The image of the giant Casuarina tree is etched in the memory of the poet.

(g) “Dearer than life to me, alas, were they!”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Toru Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while recalling younger Dutts who had succumbed to Tuberculosis. She remembers with poignance the numerous days they had spent under the Casuarina tree.

Question (h)
“May Love defend thee from oblivion’s curse.”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Tom Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while expressing her wish to ensure the immortality of the tree. Her love for the Casuarina tree frozen in her poem will invariably help the tree to escape the curse of death and death-caused oblivion or forgetfulness.

Question (i)
“Mays/ thou be numbered when my days are done With deathless trees – like those in Borrowdale,”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Our Casuarina Tree” written by Tom Dutt.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while sharing her obvious concern for the ageing Casuarina tree. She is sure that the tree may meet the fate of humans and all other trees. But her unfathomable love for the tree influences her to make it as immortal as the yew tree in Borrowdale which was immortalized by William Wordsworth.

5. Identify the figure of speech used in each of the extracts given below and write down the answer in the space given below. The first one is done for you.

Question (а)
“LIKE a huge Python, winding round and round
The rugged trunk indented deep with scars”,
Answer:
Zoomorphism / Simile

Question (b)
“A creeper climbs, in whose embraces bound
No other tree could live. But gallantly
The giant wears a scarf, and flowers are hung. ”
Answer:
Personification (As the creeper is said to embrace the tree, the tree also gallantly, like a bold lover, accepts the embrace)

Question (c)
“A gray baboon sits statue-like alone”
Answer:
Simile

Question (d)
“The water-lilies spring, like snow enmassed.”
Answer:
Simile

Question (e)
“ What is that dirge-like murmur that I hear Like the sea breaking on a shingle – beach?”
Answer:
Simile

Additional Questions

Identify the figure of speech used in each of the extracts given below and write down the answer in the space given below. The first one is done for you.

Question (a)
“It is the tree’s lament, ”
Answer:
Personification

Question (b)
“Fear trembling hope. ”
Answer:
Personification

Question (e)
“Time the shadow”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (d)
“The giant wears the scarf”
Answer:
Personification

Question (e)
“Like snow enmassed”
Answer:
Simile

Question (f)
“The waves gently kissed”
Answer:
Personification

Question (g)
“The earth lay tranced in dreamless…”
Answer:
Personification

Question (h)
“Ah, I have heard that wail far away
Answer:
Personification

6. Answer each of the following questions in a paragraph of 100 -150 words.

Question (a)
Describe the reminiscences of the poet, when she sees the casuarina tree.
Answer:
The poet remembers how her days started with the sight of the Casuarina tree from her casement. She remembers how her loving companions played under the giant Casuarina tree. The memory of her beloved companions brings hot tears because they had succumbed to cruel tuberculosis. She remembers how well the tree accommodated birds to sing songs during days and nights. The tree had allowed the creeper to embrace it like a lady love. Though it sapped its vitality, like a gallant lover, allowed the creeper to stay around its neck like a scarf. She remembers how a baboon seated at the crest of the tree had watched beautiful sunrise while her young ones were leaping and playing in the lower branches of the giant tree.

Question (b)
How does nature communicate with the poet?
Answer:
Like Wordsworth, Toru Dutt is also a great lover of nature. She has also had mystical experiences in communion with nature. The emotional bonding between herself and the giant Casuarina tree is beyond reason. When she is away on the shores of Italy and France, she could distinctly hear the dirge-like murmur of her beloved tree who obviously missed her. She could perceive it as the tree’s lament and eerie speech expressing its anguish over the long spells of her absence.

Ordinary human eyes will fail to perceive the distinct communication of the Casuarina tree. But through the eyes of faith, similar to William Wordsworth’s inward eye in the poem ‘Daffodils’ it is possible. She was able to vividly see in her inner vision the sublime form of the Casuarina tree. The surprising thing is that she was able to see the tree in its prime in her own “loved native clime.”

Question (c)
The poet immortalizes the tree. Elucidate.
Answer:
The poet, Toru Dutt was conscious of the fact that her most endeared Casuarina tree was growing old. The fate that befalls aged humans and trees would ultimately grab the Casuarina tree too. Time, though slow, is ready with its sickle to harvest the lives of all living things. Being a well-read poet, she recalls how William Wordsworth had immortalized his favourite lonely tall yew tree in his poem, “Yew-trees”. Taking inspiration from him, she decides to prevent her favourite tree from dying and passing into the irreversible world of oblivion by writing a poem about the tree. True to her faith the tree lives on in our memories. As long as tongues can speak and eyes can see, the Casuarina tree will live in the hearts of millions of people till the end of the world.

Additional Questions

Question (a)
Give a summary of the poem
“Our casuarina tree”
Answer:
The poet Toru Dutt describes the perpetually young Casuarina tree in this poem. The tree is tall and mighty. A creeper winds around its huge and wide trunk like a python. Birds chirp happily. The poet is ecstatic seeing the tree from her casement/window. In fact, she greets the tree every day soon after getting up from the bed. She finds a baboon sitting like a statue on top of the tree. The cows are grazing in the lush green meadows around the tree. Water lilies add to the charm of the pond. She recalls that the tree is dear not because of its majestic looks but because of the nostalgic memories attached to it.

She remembers the happy times she had spent with her siblings, who are now no more, under the tree. They died of consumption. Their absence makes the tree much more endearing to the poet. Mysteriously she hears the grief-filled lament of the tree when she is on the shores of France and Italy. She consecrates the tree’s memory to her dear departed siblings. Taking inspiration from William Wordsworth’s poem ‘Yew-trees’, she also wishes to immortalize the Casuarina tree. So she sings about it in her poem.

Listening Activity

First, read the questions given below, then listen to the poem, read aloud by the teacher, or played on an audio player. Then answer the questions based on your listening of the poem.

Midnight Wonders
I was tossing in my bed in the midnight hour, struggling to get a wink of sleep, but my eyes lay on the clock tower.

I looked upon the dark sky; it was adorned with sparkling pearls, which giggled at me and put a shine to my curls.

I gazed at the chubby moon, which was white and glistening like milk. Gave me a lovely, motherly smile through her lips as rosy pink.

All these magnificent objects made my mind calm. My eyelids started drooping. I was grateful for their wonderful charm.

Nature had arrived to aid me when I was trying to catch sleep. She, with her caring palms, lulled me to slumber, so deep.

Question 1.
The poet was tossing in the bed awake because ________
(a) he was worried
(b) he was struggling to sleep
(c) it was day time
(d) he was tired
Answer:
(b) he was struggling to sleep

Question 2.
The ________ were ‘sparkling as pearls’.
(a) moon
(b) sun
(c) stars
(d) meteoroids
Answer:
(c) stars

Question 3.
The ________ gave the poet a motherly smile.
(a) sun
(b) stars
(c) moon
(d) sky
Answer:
(c) moon

Question 4.
________ made the poet’s eyelids droop.
(a) Nature
(b) Rosy lips
(c) Songs
(d) Tiredness
Answer:
(a) Nature

Question 5.
________ is the title of the poem.
(a) Wonders
(b) Midnight Wonders
(c) Nature
(d) Midnight dreams
Answer:
(b) Midnight Wonders

Our Casuarina Tree About The Poet

Torn Dutt (1856 – 1877) was a Bengali poet from the Indian subcontinent, who wrote in English and French. She was the third daughter of the family. The Dutt family was a family of distinguished intellectuals and poets. Despite being taught by British tutors, she retained her fondness for Indian culture and sensibilities. ‘Ancient Ballads’ and ‘Legends of Hindustan’ (1882) are her well-known collections of poems in English. She has to her credit a volume of poems in French titled ‘Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields’ (1875). ‘Our Casuarina Tree’, the most well-known of Toru’s poems, was included in her ‘Miscellaneous Poems’.

Our Casuarina Tree Summary in English

Introduction

‘Our Casuarina Tree’ is the most celebrated poem of Torn Dutt. The theme of the poem is about last friendships and lost childhood. The Casuarina Tree is the living symbol of their childhood friendship. So, she writes an ode to it.

Description of the tree
The poet recalls that the Casuarina Tree was almost tall enough to touch the stars. It was strong with scars on its trunk. Though the creeper had cut into its trunk, it had given its support like a gentleman, for the creeper to lean and grow.She remembers that the tree was always in full bloom giving room to bees and birds. Throughout her childhood, the tree was seen not only as a paragon of strength but also as a gentle and peaceful asylum loved by birds and bees.

Mornings in the company of the Casuarina Tree
She always used to wake up to the sight of the tree. Whatever be the season (i.e.) winter or summer, her mornings would never be complete without seeing the Casuarina Tree. She had often seen a baboon sitting at its crest. The poet paints a serene picture of the morning. Kokilas sing, cows graze in the pasture and water Lillies smile in the spring. But the tree plays the central role in the mornings and in the life of the poet.

Reasons for the bonding between the tree and the poet

The poet does not hold the tree dear just because of its gigantic structure. There was an emotional bond between her and the tree. She and her friends played under the tree during their childhood days. As she held her childhood friends dear she couldn’t think the tree apart because it had become a living reminder of her precious friends.

Lament of the friendly tree
Whenever the poet was away far in the coasts of Italy or France, she could hear the lament of the tree conveying its grief of feeling her absence. Strolling under moonlight on the sea coasts she could hear the sad song of the tree. It reminded her of the Casuarina Tree. In moments of tranquil solitude. She travels down the memory lane to the childhood days which are interlinked with the Casuarina Tree. The tree has become an integral part of her life. She moved on. Her friends also did. But the tree is rooted to the same spot as a monument of her pure childhood friendship with her friends

Immortality conferred
Similar to Shakespeare, the poet believes in the ability of her poem to immortalize the Casuarina Tree. She wishes to add it to the list of deathless trees of Borrowdale. She expresses her wish that her love expressed in her poems would confer immortality on the tree. The tree would live forever.

Conclusion
The Casuarina Tree holds a special place in the heart of Torn Dutt because it was under the same tree she and her friends played. Her own younger siblings also had spent a lot of time under the tree. They had died. The tree had become a symbol of their everlasting friendship. So, the tree is endearing to the poet.

Our Casuarina Tree Summary in Tamil

முன்னுரை:

டோரு தத் அவர்களின் மிகவும் (புகழ் பெற்ற) கவிதை ‘Our Casuarina Tree’ “எங்கள் சவுக்கு மரம்” ஆகும். தொலைந்த நண்பர்கள் மற்றும் தொலைந்த குழந்தை பருவம் என்ற கருவை மையமாகக் கொண்ட கவிதை. சவுக்கு மரம் குழந்தை பருவ நட்பின் நினைவுச் சின்னமாகும். இந்தக் கவிதை அந்த மரத்திற்கு சமர்ப்ப ணம்.

மரத்தின் விளக்கம்:
வானத்து நட்சத்திரத்தைத் தொடும் அளவுக்கு சவுக்கு மரம் உயர்ந்து வளர்ந்திருந்தது எனக் கதையாசிரியர் நினைவு கூர்கிறார். அடிமரத்தில் ஆழமான தழும்புகள் காணப்படும் அளவுக்கு முரடான மரம் அது.
| தன்னைச் சுற்றியக் கொடிகளை பெருந்தன்மையுடன் படரவிட்டு கம்பீரமாக பூக்கள் பூக்க, கொத்தாக குலுங்க பறவைகளுக்கும், தேனீக்களுக்கும் இருப்பிடமாக நின்றது அம்மரம் என நினைவு கூர்கிறார்.

சவுக்கு மரத்தடியில் கழிந்த காலை காலைப் பொழுதுகள்:
அதிகாலை கண்விழித்துப் பார்க்கும் போது முதலில் தெரிவது சவுக்கு மரம்தான். எக்காலமாக இருப்பினும், மழைக் காலமோ அல்லது வெயில் காலமோ சவுக்கு மரத்தைக் காணாமல் தன் பொழுது நிறைவடைவதில்லை என்கிறார். உச்சியில் ஒரு வாலில்லாக் குரங்கு மரத்தில் உட்கார்ந்து இருப்பது அவர் அடிக்கடி காணும் காட்சியாக இருந்தது. கவிஞர் அதிகாலை வேலையின் அமைதியை வர்ணிக்கிறார். குயில்கள் கூவுவதும், மாடுகள் புல்வெளியில் மேய்ந்துக் கொண்டிருப்பதும், இளவேனிற் காலத்தில் அல்லிப் பூக்கள் பூத்துக் குலுங்குவதுமே அந்தக் காட்சி. அந்த மரம் கருத்தில் நின்றது அதிகாலை வேலையிலும் மற்றும் கவிஞரின் வாழ்க்கையிலும் எனலாம்.

மரத்திற்கும், கவிஞருக்கும் ஏற்பட்ட உறவின் காரணம்:

மரத்தின் பிரம்மாண்டத்திற்காக மட்டும் அவர் அதன்பால், ஈர்க்கப்படவில்லை . இருவருக்கும் | இடையே உணர்ச்சி பூர்வமான நெருக்கம் இருந்தது. | கவிஞரும் அவர் தோழிகளும் அம்மரத்தடியில் குழந்தைப் பருவத்தில் விளையாடி உள்ளனர். தன் சிறு வயது தோழிகள் போலவே அவர் அந்த மரத்திற்கும் தன் இதயத்தில் இடமளித்திருந்தார். அவர் அந்த மரத்தைப் பிரித்து பார்த்ததே இல்லை. ஏனெனில், அது தன் தோழிகளை நினைவூட்டும் அது சின்னமாக அமைந்துவிட்டது.

அன்பார்ந்த மரத்தின் புலம்பல்:
அம்மரத்திடம் இருந்து தூரமாக இத்தாலியிலோ, | பிரான்ஸ் நாட்டிலோ இருந்தால் அந்த மரம் கவிஞரை காணாமல் அழுது புலம்புவது கேட்பதாக கூறுகிறார். நிலவொளியில் கடலோரம் நடக்கும் போது அம்மரம் வேதனையோடு பாடும் பாட்டு சத்தம் கேட்பதாகக் கூறுகிறார். அந்தத் தருணங்கள் சவுக்கு மரத்தை நினைவு கூர்ந்தன. தனிமையில் அங்ஙனம் தோன்றுகிறது என்கிறார். தன் | நினைவுப் பாதையில் கீழிறங்கிச் செல்கையில் சிறு | பருவத்தில் சவுக்கு மரத்துடன் உண்டான நெருக்கத்தை நினைவு கூர்கிறார். இளம் பருவத்தில் காச நோயால் மரணம் அடைந்த தனது

சாகாவரம் பெற்றது:
சேக்ஸ்பியர் போல் தன் கவிதை வாயிலாக சவுக்கு மரம் சாகாவரம் பெறக் கூடும் என நம்புகிறார். வேர்ட்ஸ்வெர்த்தின் பொர்ரோடேலின் (Borrowdale) சாகாவரம் பெற்ற மரங்களின் வரிசையில் இதையும் சேர்க்க விரும்புகிறார். இந்த மரம் சாகாவரம் பெற்று வாழும்.

முடிவுரை:
சவுக்கு மரம் டொரு டத்தின் மனதில் ஓர் அரிய இடத்தைப் பிடிக்கக் காரணம் அவரும் அவர் தம் தோழிகளும் அதன் அடியில் விளையாடியதே எனலாம். அந்த மரம் அவர்களின் நிரந்தரமான தோழமையின் அடையாளமாகத் திகழ்ந்தது. அதனால் தான் அம்மரம் கவிஞரின் அன்புக்குரியதாய்த் திகழ்ந்தது.

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Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Poem

• The Castle Book Back Answers
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Life of Pi Book Back Answers Class 12 English Guide Chapter 2 Tamilnadu Solutions

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12th Standard English 2nd Lesson Life of Pi Questions and Answers

Warm Up

Imagine you are going on a trek or an adventure. It requires grit and a strong will to survive the odds and emerge unscathed. Most importantly, you should carry an emergency kit.

Choose the ten most essential items from the box below and complete the table.

Answer:

First-Aid Kit	Flashlights	Batteries	Warm blanket	Knife
Tube tent/Bivvy bag	Local Maps	Candles	Matches	Whistle to signal for help

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Life of Pi Textual Questions

1. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two each, based on your understanding of the story.

Question (a)
Describe the pathetic condition of Pi in the middle of the ocean.
Answer:
The life of Pi in the middle of the ocean is very pathetic that he was alone and orphaned. He was totally surrounded by a terrible creature in the ocean, hoping that he might drown before being eaten.

Question (b)
Who was Richard Parker?
Answer:
Richard Parker was a Bengal tiger. It stayed in the same boat. Each was cautious of the other.

Question (c)
Richard Parker’s survival seemed incredible to Pi. Why?
Answer:
Richard Parker’s survival seemed incredible to Pi because as a tiger it gives Pi the motivation to continue living and becomes his companion on the small lifeboat. Despite the obvious dangers of being trapped on a small boat with a tiger, he develops mutual respect and a close relationship with Richard Parker.

Question (d)
Why was the great beast not behaving naturally?
Answer:
It was unnatural of the 450-pound heavy tiger to lie quietly for two and half days unnoticed by Pi in the lower deck of the boat. It was suffering from seasickness and sedation. Pi’s father had sedated it early to lessen the stress of sea voyage on the animal. That is why it behaved unnaturally.

Question (e)
Why was Pi not afraid of the hyena?
Answer:
Pi was no longer afraid of the hyena because it was not ten feet away from the visible of Richard Parker. Richard Parker’s presence in the lifeboat made Pi not to get afraid of the hyena.

Question (f)
Describe Pi’s struggle to find drinking water.
Answer:
Pi was just two feet above Richard Parker. He moved the yellow tarpaulin. Thirst egged him on to unroll the tight tarpaulin. He saw the bow and it had an end bench. Upon it, a harp glittered like a diamond. He found a lid shaped like a rounded-out triangle. He found a pile of orange life jackets. He undid the harp and opened the lid. It opened on to a locker. The open locker shined with new things. He found water cans piled up.

Question (g)
What was Pi’s reaction when he discovered drinking water?
Answer:
Pi’s reaction when he discovered drinking water in the lifeboat did not have any limit to his joy. On seeing the 500ml water bottle, Pi was happy that he was about to be delivered from his hellish thirst. His pulse raced at the thought.

Question (h)
Why did Pi want to tame Parker?
Answer:
A part of Pi was glad about Richard Parker. A part of Pi did not want Richard Parker to die because if he died, Pi would be left alone to deal with despair, a foe is much more formidable than a tiger. So, he wanted to tame Richard Parker.

Question (i)
What saved Pi’s life?
Answer:
Richard Parker’s presence in the lifeboat keeps Pi alive because it calms him and saves him from loneliness.

Question (j)
How did Pi reunite with this family?
Answer:
Richard Parker and Pi reached an island. Parker left him without even looking back at him. A ship did find Pi and he got reunited with his family.

Additional Questions

Question (a)
How many days did Pi drift on a lifeboat in the pacific ocean?
Answer:
Pi drifted on a boat in the pacific ocean for 227 days.

Question (b)
What happened to the ship Pi sailed with his family?
Answer:
The ship disappeared with much burbling and belching lights flickered and went out.

Question (c)
What did Pi look for after the ship sank?
Answer:
Pi looked about for his family, for survivors, for another boat, and for anything that might bring him hope.

Question (d)
Why did Pi find himself very weak?
Answer:
For about three days Pi had not had a drop of water to drink. He did not have a minute of sleep in three days. So, he found himself very weak.

Question (e)
What appeared to be a conundrum for Pi?
Answer:
Pi had failed to notice the presence of a 450 pound Bengal Tiger in his lifeboat for about two and a half days. The boat was just twenty-six feet long. So, his failure to notice the big beast in a small boat appeared to be a conundrum.

Question (f)
Why did Richard Parker seem to be the largest stowaway in the history of navigation?
Answer:
Richard Parker was 450 pounds heavy. He was covered from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail over a third of the length of the ship he was on. So, the feat surely made Richard Parker the largest stowaway proportionately speaking in the history of navigation.

2. Answer the following questions in about 50 words.

Question (a)
How did the presence of Richard Parker help Pi?
Answer:
Richard Parker, the adult Bengal tiger who ended up in the lifeboat with Pi, helped to keep him alive in many ways. Due to the presence of Richard Parker, Pi escaped from the hyena as the tiger is responsible for killing it. Richard Parker also helps Pi to keep alive through his companionship. Thus the presence of Richard Parker helped Pi.

Question (b)
Describe the lifeboat.
Answer:
The life-boat was three and a half feet deep, eight feet wide, and twenty-six feet long exactly. It was designed to accommodate a maximum of thirty-two people. But just the presence of three (i.e.) Zebra, hyena, and the tiger along with him made it appear that the boat was already crowded. In the lower part, there were many orange lifeboats and packaged drinking water kept in a closed box.

Question (c)
How did Pi feel after drinking water?
Answer:
After drinking water Pi feels very pure, delicious, beautiful, and crystalline water flowed into his system. He drank four cans, out of thirst and felt better in his life. A sense of well being quickly overcame him. His mouth became moist and soft. His heart began to beat like a merry drum and blood started flowing through his veins.

Question (d)
Did Pi want Richard Parker to die? Answer, giving reasons.
Answer:
No, Pi did not want Richard Parker to die. He was in fact glad about Parker. If he still had the will to live, it was because of Parker. He kept him from thinking too much about his family and the tragic circumstances. Though he hated him for his capability to strike terror in his heart, he wanted him to live. If Parker died, Pi will have to live alone with despair which is a much more formidable enemy than Parker himself.

Additional Questions

Question (a)
Why did Pi compare himself to a losing Tennis champion who bounces back towards the end?
Answer:
Pi was pitted against two foes. The first was a hyena and the second was Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger. The presence of a tiger made the hyena very quiet. Though he was scared of a hyena, the presence of Parker outmatched him. Thirst made him overcome the fear of both foes. The debilitating thirst made him look for water inside the boat. This was like a losing Tennis champion who attacks the confident foe fearing nothing.

3. Answer in a paragraph.

Question (a)
How did the presence of Richard Parker influence the attitude of Pi during his stay on the boat?
Answer:
[Richard Parker-gives Pi-motivation-becomes-companion-small life boat-in the middle of the ocean-one another for survival-develops a mutual respect-with Richard Parker-allegorical representation of God].

Richard Parker as a tiger gives Pi the motivation to continue living and becomes his companion on the small lifeboat. Stranded in the middle of the ocean, both Richard Parker and Pi are forced to rely on one another for survival. Pi discovers a sense of duty to Richard Parker, which forces him to get up each morning and attempt to feed the tiger.

Despite the obvious dangers of being trapped on a small boat with a tiger, Pi develops mutual respect and a close relationship with Richard Parker. It represents allegorically and each representation influences Pi’s survival differently. Richard Parker as an allegorical representation of God offers Pi motivation to survive through the fear of death and the hope of discovering the truth through religion. Thus the presence of Richard Parker influenced the attitude of Pi.

Question (b)
Water is the elixir of life. Substantiate the statement with reference to the story of ‘Life Of Pi’.
Answer:
The author calls it ‘liquid life’. For a thirsty man, a cup of water is more precious than gold. He had not drunk water for two and a half days after the shipwreck. Pi drank two liters of the most exquisite nectar (i.e.) water. Suddenly Pi’s forehead was wet with fresh perspiration. Everything in him right down to the pores of his skin was expressing joy. A sense of well-being quickly overcame him. His skin relaxed, his joints moved with greater ease.

His heart began to beat like a merry drum. Blood started flowing through his veins like cars from a wedding party honking their way through the town. Strength and suppleness came back to his muscles. His head became clearer. Truly he was returning to life from the world of the dead. After being thirsty for a while, to be drunk on the water is noble and ecstatic basked in bliss and plentitude for several minutes. These experiences of Pi highlight the indisputable fact that water is the elixir of life.

Question (c)
If you were lost at sea for as long as Pi was, what is the one item you would want with you? Write a diary entry in which you identify the item and explain why it is the one thing you would want with you.
Answer:
There are many essential things that we may need in our life. For everyone’s life, it is important to note that they must bring the necessary things on their way to journey. If I were lost at sea like Pi in the story, I would no doubt bring only water with me. Because life in the ocean is very crucial without water. Though surrounded by full of water, it is not suitable for drinking as it contains salt.

Moreover, it is very difficult to survive without water. One may live without food and not without water. One can tolerate one’s hunger but nobody can tolerate his thirst. Thirst may kill a person rather than hunger. We can adjust to any situation but not to feelings of thirst. Therefore it is essential to bring necessary things along with them when they go out for a journey.

Additional Questions

Question (а)
Why does Pi say that thirst is worse than hunger?
Answer:
Prolonged hunger may result in the discomfort of death due to lack of oxygen. But thirst is a long drawn affair. Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross due to suffocation. But his only desire during the last moments of his life was water to drink. If thirst can be so taxing even God incarnate desires of, one can imagine how an ordinary human could drive a thirsty man to go raving mad in thirst. Pi had never before experienced physical hell than that putrid taste and pasty feeling in the mouth. It was an unbearable pressure at the back of his throat. He had a sensation that his blood was turning into a thick syrup that barely flowed through his veins.

Question (b)
How did Pi convince himself that there must be water on board?
Answer:
The divining rod in Pi’s mind dipped sharply and spring gushed forth. He remembered that he was on a genuine regulation lifeboat and such a lifeboat was surely outfitted with supplies. A captain would never fail in so elementary way of preserving water to ensure the safety and survival of his crew in the event of a disaster. Besides, it is natural that a ship chandler would think of making a little extra money under the noble pretext of saving lives. It was settled beyond doubt that there was water on board.

4. Sequence the following incidents logically to write the summary of the story ‘Life of Pi’.

1. As he looked around, he was shocked to find Richard Parker on board.
2. His search for water took him dangerously close to Richard Parker but nothing could stop him neither Richard Parker nor the hyena
3. Pi left Richard Parker in a jungle and reunited with his family.
4. Pi came back to life and his senses after drinking the elixir of life.
5. He understood that it was Richard Parker who helped him survive for 227 days.
6. He was pinned by weakness having had no food, water or even sleep for nearly three days.
7. Strangely his thirst overpowered his fear of Richard Parker and he went about exploring for ‘ freshwater.
8. A little later, he succeeded in his search, when he found stacks of cans of drinking water.
9. Pi was stranded in the Pacific on a lifeboat.
10. Then, he realized that Parker who scared him earlier brought him peace, purpose, and wholeness.

Answer:

1. Pi was stranded in the Pacific on a lifeboat.
2. He was pinned by weakness having had no food, water or even sleep for nearly three days.
3. As he looked around, he was shocked to find Richard Parker on board.
4. Strangely his thirst overpowered his fear of Richard Parker and he went about exploring for freshwater.
5. His search for water took him dangerously close to Richard Parker but nothing could stop him neither Richard Parker nor the hyena.
6. A little later, he succeeded in his search, when he found stacks of cans of drinking water.
7. Pi came back to life and his senses after drinking the elixir of life.
8. He understood that it was Richard Parker who helped him survive for 227 days.
9. Then, he realized that Parker who scared him earlier brought him peace, purpose and wholeness.
10. Pi left Richard Parker in a jungle and reunited with his family.

Life of Pi About The Author

Yann Martel was born in Spain to French Canadian parents. Martel’s father worked as a diplomat and the family moved to Costa Rica, France, Mexico, and Canada during Martel’s childhood. He grew up speaking both French and English. Martel studied philosophy at Trent University in Ontario and later spent a year in India visiting religious sisters and zoos.
His first three books received little critical or popular attention but with the publication of Life of Pi in 2001, Martel became internationally famous and he was awarded the Man Booker Prize in 2002.

Life of Pi Summary in English

Introduction
Pi recounts the ordeal he faced in the middle of the pacific ocean after the shipwreck. Francis Adirubasamy, a close business associate of his father, a swimming champion taught him to swim. He also gave him his unusual name Piscine Molitor, a Persian swimming club he used to frequent. Pi is named after that swimming club (i.e) Piscine Molitor. Pi’s father once ran a zoo in Pondicherry. As the political situation in India was volatile, he decided to shift the family to Canada. They set sail in a cargo ship on June 21, 1977. A crew and many cages full of animals sailed along with them in that cargo ship.

Crisis in the mid-ocean
When the cargo ship was sailing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there was a huge storm. The ship started sinking. Pi jumped into a lifeboat. Very soon he found himself in the company of Richard Parker, a tiger, a zebra, and a hyena, all in a state of shock. Initially, the hyena keeps quiet and hides behind the zebra unwilling to confront the tiger. After two and a half days of drifting in the lifeboat, Pi discovered that Richard Parker was on board just below him. He was unusually quiet because of sea-sickness and the impact of heavy sedation given to him by Pi’s father.

Water, water everywhere but no water to drink

Pi felt very thirsty. His blood had thickened. His .legs had become stiff. He was afraid that he may die if he did not drink liquid life.

Search for drinking water
When he lifted the yellow tarpaulin, he found Richard Parker just two feet below his legs. Initially, he was scared of seeking the attention of Richard Parker. But his thirst was so much that he preferred to risk his life to find water. The narrator says, ‘thirst is worse than hunger’. Even Jesus Christ who died on the cross yearned for water only before dying. He opened the tarpaulin still further and found a hyena looking at him. But Pi wasn’t afraid as much more formidable 450-pound heavy beast was there between him and the hyena

Analysis of the boat
Pi found that the boat was three and a half feet deep and eight feet wide and twenty-six feet long. It was designed to accommodate 32 people. But it appeared to be cramped due to the presence of three animals (i.e.) zebra, Richard Parker, and the hyena. Tarpaulin, life jackets the lifeboat, and the oars were also orange in color. Even the plastic headless whistle was orange in colour.

Discovery of drinking water

The narrator felt like a dried out lizard. He undid the hasp quietly. He pulled on the lid. It opened on to a locker. He looked down between his legs and got delighted because new things glistened. He experienced a heady mixture of hope, surprise, disbelief, thrill, gratitude all crushed into one. He was positively giddy with happiness. The wine of life was found in pale golden cans. Each can contain 500 ml. He felt that he was about to be released from the hell of thirst. He had water stock to last for 124 days.

Returning from the world of the dead

He hit the other end of the can hard against the hook. At a stretch, he gulped down 4 cans (i.e.) 2 liters of water. It was the most exquisite of nectars. His forehead was wet with fresh, clean refreshing perspiration, his skin relaxed. His joints moved with greater ease. His heart began to beat like a merry drum, blood flowed through his veins like cars from a wedding party honking their way through the tour. Strength and suppleness came back to his muscles. Truly, he was coming back from the world of the dead to life.

Parker and Pi
Richard Parker had finished off the hyena and the zebra. So, Richard Parker and Pi were literally and figuratively in the same boat. He wanted to tame Parker to stay alive.

Richard parker’s help
It was Richard Parker’s presence that shut off all the other memories of family tragedy and the tragic circumstances he was in. Richard Parker egged him to go on living. He hated Parker yet felt grateful to him. He admits that without Parker, he wouldn’t have been alive to tell the story of his survival.

Inevitable separation
At last Pi’s boat reached an island. Richard Parker jumped and walked away without even looking back at Pi. Pi was found by a ship. He got reunited with the other family members.

Conclusion
The life of Pi teaches us the great lesson that one should focus on living even in the most adverse situation in life.

Life of Pi Summary in Tamil

முன்னுரை:
பசுபிக் கடலின் நடுவே கப்பல் முறிந்ததும் தான் எதிர்கொண்ட சோதனையை பை விவரிக்கிறார். பிரான்சிஸ் அதிருபசாமி தன் தந்தையின் நெருங்கிய தொழில் ரீதியான நண்பனும், நீச்சல் வீரனும் ஆவார். அவர் தான் பைக்கு நீச்சல் கற்றுக் கொடுத்தார். அவர் தான் அடிக்கடி, செல்லும் கிளப் ஒன்றின் பேரான *Pisune molitor’ என்ற வழக்கத்தில் இல்லாத பெயரை இவருக்கு சூட்டினார். பெயரை உச்சரிக்க எளிமையாக அதைச் சுருக்கி “பை” என்று அவர் அழைக்கப்பட்டார். ஒருபோது பை யின் அப்பா பாண்டிச்சேரியில் விலங்கியல் பூங்கா ஒன்றை நடத்தினார். இந்தியாவில் அரசியல் சூழ்நிலை நிச்சயமற்றதாக இருந்ததால் அவர் தம் குடும்பத்தை கனடாவிற்கு மாற்ற முடிவு செய்தார். அவர்கள் ஒரு சரக்குக் கப்பலில் ஜுன் 21, 1977 ஆம் ஆண்டு பயணத்தை மேற்கொண்டனர். கூண்டு நிறைய விலங்குகளும், ஒரு பணியாள் சகிதமாய் கப்பல் பயணத்தை மேற்கொண்டனர்.

நடுக்கடலில் நடந்த விபத்து:
சரக்குக் கப்பல் பசுபிக் கடன் நடுவில் சென்று கொண்டிருந்த போது திடீரென்று புயல் காற்று வீசியது. கப்பல் மூழ்கத் தொடங்கியது. பை மீட்பு படகு ஒன்றில் தாவி ஏறிக் கொண்டார். அங்கு, ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கர் எனும் புலி, ஒரு வரிக்குதிரை, ஒரு கழுதைப்புலி உடன் காணப்பட்டது. அவை யாவும் அதிர்ச்சிக்கு உள்ளாகி | இருந்தன. தொடக்கத்தில் புலியுடன் சண்டையிடும் | நோக்கம் இல்லாமல் வரிக்குதிரைக்குப் பின்னால் கழுதைப்புலி ஒளிந்து கொண்டது. இரண்டரை நாள் நிதானமான பயணத்திற்கு பின்னால் ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கர் தனக்கு கீழ்த்தளத்தில் இருக்கிறது என்பதை அறிந்தார் பை. கடல் வியாதி காரணமாகவும், ‘பை’ யின் தகப்பனார் அதற்கு உடலில் செலுத்திய மயக்க மருந்தின் காரணமாகவும் அது அமைதியாகக் காணப்பட்டது.

எங்கும் தண்ணீர், ஆனால் குடிப்பதற்கு தண்ணீர் இல்லை :

‘பை’ க்கு மிகவும் தண்ணீ ர் தாகம் ஏற்பட்டது. இரத்தம் கட்டியாக மாறியது போல அவர் உணர்ந்தார். கால்கள் விறைப்பாக மாறின. உயிர் தரும் நீரைக் குடிக்காவிட்டால் இறந்து விடுவோமோ என்ற ஐயம் அவருக்குத் தோன்றியது.

குடிநீரைத் தேடும் படலம்:
மஞ்சள் நிற தார்ச்சீலையை அகற்றிப் பார்த்தால் இரண்டடி கீழே ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கர் இருந்தது. ஆனால் தாக மிகுதியால் அதைப் பொருட்படுத்தாமல் நீரைத் தேடலானார். கதையாசிரியர் தாகம் பசியைவிடக் கொடுமையானது என்கிறார். ஏசு கிறிஸ்துவும் இறப்பதற்கு முன்னர் ஏங்கியது தண்ணீருக்காகத்தான். தார்ச்சீலையை மேலும் நீக்கிப் பார்த்தால் அங்கு கழுதைப்புலி பையை நோக்கியது. ஆனால், பை பயப்படவில்லை . ஏனெனில், அதைவிட பலமிக்க 450 பவுண்ட் கனம் கொண்ட மிருகம் அவருக்கும் கழுதைப் புலிக்கும் இடையே இருந்தது.

படகை ஆராய்தல்:
படகானது 3 ஆழமாகவும், 8 அடி அகலமாகவும், 26 அடி நீளமாகவும் இருந்தது. அது 32 ஆட்களைக் கொள்ளும் அளவுக்கு வடிவமைக்கப்பட்டு இருந்தது. அது வரிக்குதிரை. ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கர் மற்றும் கழுதைப் புலி இருந்ததால் குறுகியதாகக் காணப்பட்டது.) தார்ச்சீலை. உயிர்க் கவசம். மீட்பு படகு மற்றும் துடுப்பும் ஆரஞ்சு நிறத்தில் இருந்தன. பிளாஸ்டிக்காலான தலையற்ற விசிலும் ஆரஞ்சு நிறத்தில் இருந்தது.

குடிநீரைக் கண்டுபிடிக்கும் படலம்;

கதையாசிரியர் உலர்ந்து போன பல்லியைப் போல் உணர்ந்தார். கொக்கியை அகற்றி, மூடியைக் கழற்றினார். ஒரு அலமாரி தென்பட்டது. கால்களுக்கு நடுவே புதிய பொருட்கள் மின்னின. கதையாசிரியருக்கு தன்னம்பிக்கை, ஆச்சரியம், அவநம்பிக்கை, சிலிர்ப்பு, நன்றியுணர்வு என அனைத்தும் கலந்த கலவையான ஒரு உணர்வு ஏற்ப்பட்டது. சந்தோசத்தால் தலை கிறுகிறுத்துப் போயிற்று. தங்க நிறக் குவளைகளில் தண்ணீர் என்ற பானம் தென்பட்டது. ஒவ்வொரு குவளையிலும் 500மிலி, தண்ணீ ர் இருந்தது. தாகம் எனும் நரகத்தில் இருந்து தான் விடுதலை ஆகப் போவதை உணர்ந்தார். அவருக்கு 124 நாட்களுக்கு தேவையான நீர் இருந்தது.

இறந்தவர்களின் உலகத்தில் இருந்து மீண்டு வருதல்;

குவளையைக் கூர்மையான கொக்கியால் துளைத்தார். முத்தாக நீர் தென்பட்டது. குவளையை கொக்கியை நோக்கி இடித்தார். ஒரே மூச்சில் 2 லிட்டர் தண்ணீரைக் குடித்தார். அருமையான தேனைப் போல் நீர் இருந்தது. நெற்றி வியர்வைத் |துளியால் நனைந்தது. சதை தளர்ந்தது. மூட்டு இலேசாக நகர்ந்தது. நெஞ்சு படபட என அடித்தது. சத்தத்துடன் கல்யாண கேளிக்கையில் நுழையும் மகிழுந்துகளைப் போல் இரத்தம் நாடியில் ஓடியது. பலமும், மிருதுவான | தன்மையும் சதைக்கு மீண்டும் வந்தது. இறந்தவர்கள் உலகத்தில் இருந்து உண்மையிலேயே மீண்டு வந்தது போல் உணர்ந்தார்.

பார்க்கரும், பையும்:
ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கர் கழுதைப் புலியையும், வரிக் குதிரையையும் கொன்று தின்று முடித்துவிட்டது. ஆதலால், ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கரும், பையும் எதிர் எதிராக ஒரே படகில் இருந்தனர். பார்க்கரை பழக்கப்படுத்தி தன் வசப்படுத்திக் கொண்டால் தான் அவர் உயிர் தப்பமுடியும் என பை எண்ணினார்.

ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கரின் உதவி:
ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கர் அங்கு இருந்தது தான், அவர்தன் குடும்ப கவலையையும், தான் மாட்டிக் கொண்டிருக்கும் துயரமான சூழ்நிலையையும் மறக்கும் வண்ணம் செய்தது என்றார். ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கர் கதாசிரியர் உயிர் வாழத் தூண்டுதலாக இருந்தது. பார்க்கர் இல்லாவிடில் தான் இந்தக் கதையைக் கூறுவதற்கு உயிருடன் இருந்திருக்க இயலாது என்பதை அவர் ஒப்புக் கொண்டார்.

நிச்சயம் நேரிடக்கூடிய பிரிவு:
கடைசியில் ‘பைன் படகு ஒரு தீவை அடைந்தது. ரிச்சர்ட் பார்க்கர் படகில் இருந்து குதித்துக் கதையாசிரியரைத் திரும்பிக் கூடப் பார்க்காமல் சென்றுவிட்டது. ‘பையை ஒரு கப்பல் கண்டுகொண்டது. அவர் மீட்கப்பட்ட பின் இதர குடும்பத்தினருடன் அவர் சேர்ந்து கொண்டார்.

முடிவுரை:
பையின் வாழ்க்கை நமக்கு கற்றுத் தரும் பாடம் என்னவென்றால், எப்பேர்ப்பட்ட சூழ்நிலையிலும் | மனிதன் வாழவேண்டும் என்ற குறிக்கோளுடன் இருக்க வேண்டும் என்பதே ஆகும்.

Life of Pi Glossary

Textual:

Additional:

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Supplementary

• God Sees the Truth, But Waits Book Back Answers
• Life of Pi Book Back Answers
• The Hour of Truth (Play) Book Back Answers
• The Midnight Visitor Book Back Answers
• All Summer in a Day Book Back Answers
• Remember Caesar (Play) Book Back Answers

Ulysses Book Back Answers Class 12 English Guide Chapter 4 Tamilnadu Solutions

Students can Download English Poem 4 Ulysses Questions and Answers, Summary, Activity, Notes, Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Guide Pdf helps you to revise the complete Tamilnadu State Board New Syllabus and score more marks in your examinations.

Get a Practical Study with the help of Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Grammar to make learning language much easy for you and score good grades in exams.

12th Standard English 4th Lesson Ulysses Questions and Answers

Warm Up

Introduction:
The poem ‘Ulysses’ is a dramatic monologue that contains 70 lines of blank verse. Ulysses, the king of Ithaca, gathers his men together to prepare for the journey and exhorts them not to waste their time left on earth. Ulysses has grown old, having experienced many adventures at the battle of Troy and in the seas. After returning to Ithaca, he desires to embark upon his next voyage. His inquisitive spirit is always looking forward to more and more of such adventures.

The poem can be divided into three parts:

1. the thirst for adventure, which does not allow Ulysses to remain in his kingdom as a mere ruler
2. Ulysses handing over the responsibility to his son Telemachus, with total confidence in his abilities
3. Ulysses’ clarion call to his sailors, urging them to venture into unknown lands.

Samacheer Kalvi 12th Ulysses English Textual Questions

1. Complete the summary of the poem, choosing words from the list given below. Lines 1 to 32

It little profits that an idle king,
By this still hearth, among these barren crags,
Match’d with an aged wife, I mete and dole
Unequal laws unto a savage race,

That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me.
I cannot rest from travel: I will drink
Life to the lees: All times I have enjoy’d
Greatly, have suffer’d greatly, both with those

That loved me, and alone, on shore, and when
Thro’ scudding drifts the rainy Hyades
Vext the dim sea: I am become a name;
For always roaming with a hungry heart

Much have I seen and known; cities of men
And manners, climates, councils, governments,
Myself not least, but honour’d of them all;
And drunk delight of battle with my peers,

Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy.
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro’
Gleams that untravell’d world whose margin fades

For ever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!
As tho’ to breathe were life! Life piled on life

Were all too little, and of one to me
Little remains: but every hour is saved
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were

For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this gray spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.

This is my son, my own Telemachus,
To whom I leave the scepter and the isle,
Well-loved of me, discerning to fulfill
This labour, by slow prudence, to make mild

A rugged people, and thro’ soft degrees
Subdue them to the useful and the good.
Most blameless is he, centered in the sphere
Of common duties, decent not to fail

offices of tenderness, and pay
Meet adoration to my household gods,
When I am gone. He works his work, I mine.
There lies the port; the vessel puffs her sail:

There gloom the dark, broad seas. My mariners,
Souls that have toil’d, and wrought, and thought with
me That ever with a frolic welcome took
The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed
Free hearts, free foreheads – you and I are old;

Old age hath yet his honour and his toil;
Death closes all: but something ere the end,
Some work of noble note may yet be done,
Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods.

The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks:
The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep
Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends,
‘T is not too late to seek a newer world.

Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.

It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’

We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

fullest	unquenchable	unattainable
experience	knowledge	king
matters	rust	adventure
unwilling	travel	breathing

Ulysses is (1) ______ to discharge his duties as a (2) ______ , as he longs for (3) ______ He is filled with an (4) ______ thirst for (5) ______ and wishes to live life to the (6) ______ He has travelled far and wide gaining (7) ______ of various places, cultures, men and (8) ______ He recalls with delight his experience at the battle of Troy. Enriched by his (9) ______ he longs for more and his quest seems endless. Like metal which would (10) ______ if unused, life without adventure is meaningless. According to him living is not merely (11) ______ to stay alive. Though old but zestful, Ulysses looks at every hour as a bringer of new things and yearns to follow knowledge even if it is (12) ______
Answers:

1. unwilling
2. king
3. adventure
4. unquenchable
5. travel
6. fullest
7. experience
8. matters
9. knowledge
10. rust
11. breathing
12. unattainable

Lines 33 to 42

prudence

kingdom

quest

tender

Ulysses desires to hand over his (1) _____ to his son Telemachus, who would fulfill his duties towards his subjects with care, and (2) _____ Telemachus possesses patience and has the will to civilise the citizens of Ithaca in a (3) _____ way. Ulysses is happy that his son would do his work blamelessly and he would pursue his (4) _____ for travel and knowledge.
Answer:

1. kingdom
2. prudence
3. tender
4. quest

Lines 44 to 70

world	thunder	meaningful
gather	undaunted	heaven

Ulysses beckons his sailors to (1) _____ at the port where the ship is ready to sail. His companions who have faced both (2) _____ and sunshine with a smile, are united by their undying spirit of adventure. Though death would end everything, Ulysses urges his companions to join him and sail beyond the sunset and seek a newer (3) _____, regardless of consequences. These brave hearts who had once moved (4) _____ and earth, may have grown old and weak. physically but their spirit is young and (5) _____ His call is an inspiration for all those who seek true knowledge and strive to lead (6) _____ lives.
Answers:

1. gather
2. thunder
3. world
4. heaven
5. undaunted
6. meaningful

2. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.

Question (а)
‘Ulysses is not happy to perform his duties as a king.’ Why?
Answer:
Ulysses is not happy to perform his duties as a king because he wants to travel and he wants to take to the high seas and embark upon exciting new adventures.

Question (b)
What does he think of the people of his kingdom?
Answer:
The citizen of Ithaca hoard, sleep, and feed. They don’t understand the aspirations of the dreamer Ulysses.

Question (c)
What has Ulysses gained from his travel experiences?
Answer:
Ulysses has gained more experience in various places, cultures, men and matters, etc, from his travel.

Question (d)
Pick out the lines which convey that his quest for travel is unending.
Answer:
“How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!
The lines quoted above convey his quest for travel is unending.

Question (e)
‘As tho’ to breathe were life!’ – From the given line what do you understand of Ulysses’ attitude to life?
Answer:
Ulysses views that life is about more than just ‘breathing’ and going through the motions. It’s about adventure Ulysses attitude towards life is to quest for travel which gives him more delight.

Question (J)
What does Ulysses yearn for?
Answer:
Ulysses yearns for following knowledge like a sinking star beyond the utmost bound of human thought.

Question (g)
Who does the speaker address in the second part?
Answer:
The speakers addressed in the second part Ulysses son Telemachus.

Question (h)
Why did Ulysses want to hand over the kingdom to his son?
Answer:
Ulysses finds Telemachus discerning and prudent. Besides, Ulysses is wearing the crown uneasily as the call for adventure and desire to sail beyond sunset is obsessing his mind. So, he wants to hand over the kingdom to Telemachus.

Question (i)
How would Telemachus transform the subjects?
Answer:
Telemachus possesses patience and care. He has the power to transform the subjects in a nice way though they are rugged people. He will civilize the citizens with tenderness.

Question (j)
‘He works his work, I mine’ – How is the work distinguished?
Answer:
Telemachus would do the work of ruling Ithaca with prudence and tenderness. Ulysses will pursue his dream of adventure and try to meet great Achilles in the other world.

Question (k)
In what ways were Ulysses and his mariners alike?
Answer:
Ulysses and Mariners were alike. Both have brave hearts and ready to face everything with daring performance. Both have a passion to travel to unknown lands.

Question (l)
What could be the possible outcomes of their travel?
Answer:
The sailors and Ulysses may be washed down by the gulfs or they could touch Greek paradise and meet their hero Achilles. They may die happily braving the elements of nature.

3. Identify the figures of speech employed in the following lines.

Question (a)
“Thro” scudding drifts the rainy Hyades
Vext the dim sea…”
Answer:
The figure of speech Personification is employed in the above lines.

Question (b)
“For always roaming with a hungry heart”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (c)
“And drunk delight of battle with my peers;”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (d)
“…..the deep
Moans round with many voices.”
Answer:
Personification

Question (e)
“To follow knowledge like a sinking star.”
Answer:
Simile

Question (f)
“ There lies the port the vessel puffs her sai”
Answer:
Personification

Additional Questions

Question (a)
“I will drink life to the lees'”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (b)
“Vext the dim sea:”
Answer:
Personification

Question (c)
“Yet all experience is an arch wherethro”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (d)
“Gleams that untravell’d world whose margin fades”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (e)
“To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (f)
“There gloom the dark, broad seas. My mariners,”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (g)
“Souls that have toil’d, and wrought, and thought with me”
Answer:
Synecdoche (part of the whole)

Question (h)
“The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (i)
“T is not too late to seek a newer world.”
Answer:
Synecdoche

Question (j)
“…in order smite The sounding furrows;”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (k)
“To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths”
Answer:
Metaphor

Question (l)
“It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,”
Answer:
Allusion (in Greek mythology the place is known as Greek paradise)

Question (m)
“And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.”
Answer:
Allusion (Greek mythology)

Appreciate The Poem

4. Read the sets of lines from the poem and answer the questions that follow.

(a) “…I mete and dole
Unequal laws unto a savage race,
That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know, not me.”

Question (i)
What does Ulysses do?
Answer:
Ulysses, like a grocery shop owner, measures and delivers rewards and punishments to a large number of uncivilized citizens.

Question (ii)
Did he enjoy what he was doing? Give reasons.
Answer:
No, he did not enjoy his work. He does not like the idea of ministering variable justice to people who like “drones” or animals just eat, sleep, and multiply their kind. He wants to leave such work to his son.

Question (b)
“Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades
Forever and forever when I move. ”

Question (i)
What is experience compared to?
Answer:
Experience is compared to an arch.

Question (ii)
How do the lines convey that the experience is endless?
Answer:
Through the arch of experience, one can see the untravelled world. But the experience in the untravelled has a margin whose border fades as one moves forward. Thus experience is endless.

Question (c)
“Little remains: but every hour is saved
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it was”

Question (i)
How is every hour important to Ulysses?
Answer:
One lives in this world for a limited time. Every hour can provide new knowledge. So, every hour is very important.

Question (ii)
What does the term ‘Little remains’ convey?
Answer:
Ulysses realizes that he has become old. He has not much time left. He doesn’t want to die resting in his kingdom. He states that his remaining lifetime is very limited.

Question (d)
“This is my son, mine own Telemachus,
To whom I leave the scepter and the isle
Well-loved of me,”

Question (i)
Who does Ulysses entrust his kingdom to, in his absence?
Answer:
Ulysses entrusts his kingdom to his beloved son Telemachus in his absence.

Question (ii)
Bring out the significance of the ‘sceptre’.
Answer:
Sceptre is an ornamental staff carried by a King on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty. It symbolizes the power of a king.

(e) ‘‘That ever with a frolic welcome took
The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed”

Question (i)
What do ‘thunder’ and ‘sunshine’ refer to?
Answer:
Thunder and sunshine refer to misfortunes and happy days. Ulysses and his comrades had undergone both kinds of experiences.

Question (ii)
What do we infer about the attitude of the sailors?
Answer:
The sailors shared the undying quest for exploration, adventure, and seeking newer knowledge in the untravelled world. They even welcomed dangers in fighting with Gods. They enjoyed the thrill of action and never worried about the outcome of battles or quests. They have an equal temper of heroic hearts.

(f) ‘‘Death closes all: but something ere the end,
Some work of noble note may yet be done,
Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods.”

Question (i)
The above lines convey the undying spirit of Ulysses. Explain.
Answer:
Ulysses is aware of ageing and a substantial decrease in his physical strength. He knows that will close in on him sooner or later. But before that happens, he wants to sail beyond the sunset/horizon and if possible meet warriors like Achilles. He wants to achieve something worthy of those who challenged and fought with God. Thus these lines show the undying spirit of Ulysses.

Question (ii)
Pick out the words in alliteration in the above lines,
Answer:
ere, end, noble, note are the words that alliterate.

(g) “……… for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die.”

Question (i)
What was Ulysses’ purpose in life?
Answer:
Ulysses proposes to sail beyond sunset and baths. His goal is not death but is in death. He seeks life in death. Ordinary mortals can’t reach ‘Happy isles’ or baths while they are alive. Ulysses wants to find direct evidence of spiritual reality after death. He wants to venture into the unknown.

Question (ii)
How long would his venture last?
Answer:
His venture would last until he confronts his death.

Question (h)
“One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. ”

Question (i)
Though made weak by time and fate, the hearts are heroic. Explain.
Answer:
Ulysses and his compatriots have visited many strange places in their previous voyages and enjoyed misfortunes and glorious triumphs with the same heroic temperament. They might have become old and may not have the same strength they had in their youth. But they still share the thirst for travel and pursuit of knowledge in the unexplored world. Their bravery and spiritual strength are intact.

Question (ii)
Pick out the words in alliteration in the above lines.
Answer:
Strive, seek, heroic, hearts are the words that alliterate.

5. Explain with reference to the context in the following lines.

Question (a)
“I cannot rest from travel: I will drink
Life to the lees:”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: Ulysses, after spending many years in the seas returns to Ithaca and starts ruling his country. But his heart is not in the administration of his kingdom. He wants to sail again. In this context, he says these words. He wishes to enjoy life to the fullest and so he can’t afford to idle away his remaining life as a king.

Question (b)
“I have become a name;
For always roaming with a hungry heart”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: Ulysses says these words while discussing the reputation he has earned among the common multitude due to his daring adventures. He has roamed the world like a hungry lion. This line has a biblical allusion as well “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness” – Matthew V. 6.

Though Ulysses is aware of his fame, it doesn’t motivate him to stay or settle down in the kingdom of Ithaca. His inquisitive spirit is always looking for newer knowledge through ‘the arch’ to the untravelled world.

Question (c)
“How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while discussing the mental agony of Ulysses who is unable to settle down with his aging wife Penelope and son Telemachus. Ulysses finds doling out justice to savage people as ‘boring’. He does not want to settle down and die in Ithaca. He compares himself to a sword which may rust if left unused. He wants to lead an active and adventurous life till his death.

Question (d)
“To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while describing the quest Ulysses has for adventure and fulfillment. Similar to a sinking star, Ulysses wants to pursue in his failing old age to pursue knowledge like the goal of Goethe’s Faust, his quest is defined by the pursuit of new and unique knowledge “beyond the utmost bound of human thought”.

Question (e)
“He works his work, I mine.’’’’
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while justifying the decision of Ulysses to pass on his kingdom to Telemachus. Ulysses explains the polar difference between himself and his son Telemachus. His son will be a ‘fair’ and ‘decent’ ruler. Unlike Ulysses, Telemachus is rooted in regular political life. He enjoys leading the “savage” population and the responsibility of showing the subject better moral codes of conduct and upholding justice. Whereas Ulysses finds this “slow” and intolerable. So, he wishes his son to rule Ithaca and for himself, he wishes to set sail to the unknown.

Question (f)
“….you and I are old;
Old age hath yet his honour and his toil;”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: Poet, in this part of the monologue describes the address made by Ulysses to his compatriots who were with him during “thunders and sunshine”. He admits the fact that they are growing old. But he does not want to retire like ordinary mortals. He accepts gratefully the honour befitting old age as a result of varied cultural experiences. Yet, he does not want old people to bow out of the field of action. He sincerely believes there is more work to be done, lands to be explored and newer knowledge to be acquired in old age before death.

Question (g)
“The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep
Moans round with many voices.”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: The poet continues to discuss old age and the tantalizing call of the oceans to conquer. Ulysses hints at the probable end of the cycle of life in the words “The long clay wanes”. The symbol of darkness or night is mostly associated with death. The lure of the ocean to resume his voyages beyond the point of sunset is too tempting to resist. The dark unfathomable sea beckons him and his compatriots with mysterious voices.

Question (h)
“It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words through Ulysses as to the probable outcome of the daring voyage at the fag end of his life. Ulysses is uncertain about the probable outcome of his last voyage. But he infers that he might reach ‘Happy Isles’ and see the ‘great Achilles’ who was dipped in the river of life.

Question (i)
“We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven;”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: The poet says these words through Ulysses when he wants to justify the reasons for resuming the daring voyage. He admits the decline in the compatriots’ physical strength with which they were able to move heaven and earth in their youth. He asks his compatriots to ignore the infinity of age and draw on their inner spiritual strength to resume their voyage beyond sunset.

Question (j)
“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
Context and Explanation: Tennyson says these words through Ulysses who makes his motto loud and clear in these words. The final line of the poem is Ulysses’ enduring challenge to readers as well. The challenge if the aged ones could push ahead with vigour and strength of will no matter how fragile their bodies are. To yield to age or weakness is to be less than fully human. It might be honourable to live a peaceful settled life in old age. But one would naturally miss out on most exciting moments of life if one does not venture out, at least a little towards the unknown.

6. Answer the following questions in a paragraph of about 100 words each.

Question (a)
What makes Ulysses seek newer adventures?
Answer:
In the context of the poem, Ulysses has grown old. He has experienced all daring adventures. He has won the hearts of people during the battle at Troy. Back home, as per the prophecy of Tiresias, he rules Ithaca for a brief time. But he is fed up with the conventional duties of a king. He laments his own uselessness as a ruler of idle people who lead life like savages, just eating and sleeping. They don’t understand the over vaulting ambition of their adventurous king Ulysses who had moved earth and heavens in the past. He wishes to embark upon his next voyage. It might be his last. He is quite sensitive to the moans of the seas tantalizing him and his compatriots to set sail quickly. He wants “to drink life to the lees”. Ulysses doesn’t want to bask in the glory he has earned in the past.

His inquisitive spirit is restless. He has seen much’ and acquired knowledge of various cultures of the world. But he considers all such experiences like an “arch” leading him to the unexplored or “untravelled world”. He wants to sail towards the area ‘beyond sunset’. He must shine in use as a sword but not “rust unburnished”. Yet at home, in the kingdom of Ithaca, he feels bored and yearns to truly engage with what is left of life. He is impatient for “new” experiences lamenting every day and every hour to seek “something more”. His quest for adventure and fulfillment, like the goal of Goethe’s Faust, is defined by the pursuit of new knowledge “beyond the utmost bound of human thought”.

Question (b)
List the roles and responsibilities Ulysses assigns to his son Telemachus, while he is away.
Answer:
The entire poem is a monologue. Yet the second part of the poem is an address to the readers justifying his decision to transfer the rule to his son Telemachus. The cloak of a king seems to be unfit for the temperament of Ulysses. He finds ruling Ithaca a boring thing. He finds Telemachus rooted in the political life of Ithaca. His role is merely to lead a ‘savage race’ to accept standard norms of behaviour in society. He believes Telemachus fits well with the role of the ruler of “uninspired and imprudent citizens” and may discharge his duties with honour and grace. When he is away, he wants his son Telemachus to dispense variable justice to the subjects of Ithaca and guide them in the path of virtues and morals.

Question (c)
What is Ulysses’ clarion call to his sailors? How does he inspire them?
Answer:
In the third part of the poem, Ulysses makes a clarion call to his hearty compatriots (i.e.) mariners. They have been with him both during ‘thick and thin’ or thunders or sunshine. Similar to Ulysses they possess “free hearts and free foreheads” (i.e.) their hearts and brains are unburdened by domestic cares and responsibilities. They had frolicsome time fighting along with Ulysses against great warriors and Gods in the past. Ulysses does not want to live in the memory of glory. He believes they need not waste away their precious time in nostalgic memories just recounting their escapades to the younger generation. They can really do ‘ something of noble note’ before the end. He is conscious of the impending death in old age. But he tells it is not “too late to seek a newer world”.

The many “voices of the ocean” call out to the mariners to resume the voyage. Ulysses is not content with having earned a name for himself. He has seen many countries and acquired knowledge of various cultures. Those experiences are not to be taken as accomplishments. They are just an ‘arch leading them to an “untravelled world” and constantly sailing to the ever-expanding horizon. He does not want his compatriots to miss even an hour which could provide them with novel experiences in their voyage. He persuades his compatriots to gather at the port as the sails are already puffing up welcoming them all. Their life would be one of fulfillment only when they venture out into the unknown on the seas. He uses an emotional bait to his mariners. He highlights the probable outcome of their voyage. They might reach the “Happy Isles” (i.e.) great paradise and meet Achilles, their war hero. No matter how much strength they have, they still have some “strength of will” left to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Listening Activity

Listen to the poem and fill in the blanks with appropriate words and phrases. If required listen to the poem again.

Wander-thirst

BEYOND the East the sunrise, beyond the West the sea, And East and West the wander-thirst that will not let me be; It works in me like madness, dear, to bid me say good-bye; For the seas call, and the stars call, and oh! the call of the sky!

I know not where the white road runs, nor what the blue hills are; But a man can have the sun for a friend, and for his guide a star; And there’s no end of voyaging when once the voice is heard, For the rivers call, and the roads call, and oh! the call of the bird!

Yonder the long horizon lies, and thereby night and day The old ships draw to home again, the young ships sail away; And come I may, but go I must, and, if men ask you why, You may put the blame on the stars and the sun and the white road and the sky.

Choose the best option and complete the sentences:

Question 1
works like madness in the poet.
(a) Wander – Thirst
(b) Bidding Farewell
(c) Eastern Sunrise
(d) Western Seas
Answer:
(a) Wander – Thirst

Question 2.
A man could choose as his guide.
(a) the sun
(b) the hills
(c) a star
(d) a bird
Answer:
(c) a star

Question 3.
There is no end once the voice is heard.
(a) walking
(b) roaming
(c) talking
(d) voyaging
Answer:
(d) voyaging

Question 4.
The old ships return, while the young ships
(a) drift
(b) move
(c) sail
(d) wander
Answer:
(c) sail

Question 5.
The blame is on the sun, stars, the road and the
(a) hills
(b) trees
(c) seas
(d) sky
Answer:
(d) sky

Ulysses About The Poet

Alfred Tennyson was the poet laureate of England and Ireland during Queen Victoria‘s reign. Tennyson excelled in writing short lyrics such as “Break, Break, Break“, “ Tears Idle Tears“, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” and.‘Crossing the Bar’. Tennyson’s use of the musical qualities of words to emphasize his rhythms and meanings is sensitive.

Ulysses Summary in English

Introduction
‘Ulysses’ is a dramatic monologue in which Ulysses, the king of Ithaca expresses his undying thirst of adventure overseas. Tennyson has written this poem in memory of Arthur Henry Hallam who died young. Death is not the end for both Arthur and Ulysses.

Thirst for adventure
Ulysses addresses mariners in the third part. Ulysses does not see any worth in staying in the comfort of family life with his wife. As a king, he listens to the complaints of people and gives rewards and punishments for the citizens of his country. He discloses his inner nature, “cannot rest from travel!” He has become a living icon of travel overseas. He wants “to drink life to the lees”. He confesses that he has both enjoyed and suffered a lot during his travels. He has gained profound wisdom during his travels and battles. Enriched by his newly gained cultural knowledge, he longs to resume his voyages. He believes that to rest is rust. Every hour has the potential to bring new knowledge. So, it is meaningless to stay.

Passing on the inheritance
In the second part addresses the reader explaining why Ulysses doesn’t want to continue to rule. Ulysses wishes to hand over his kingdom to his son Telemachus. He believes he would rule the kingdom and render appropriate justice to his subjects. Telemachus, unlike Ulysses, is rooted in the soil. He is kind to the subjects and addresses their needs. Besides, Ulysses hopes that Penelope, his aging wife would be happy to spend her last years with her son and grandchildren. So, Ulysses can resume his voyage along with his old friends.

Call to set sail
Ulysses called his old companions to the port where the ship awaits them all. His old companions have fought many battles alongside him and share the undying quest for adventure. Ulysses persuades his friends to join him on his voyage to the edge of the world and beyond to find a new world. He knows the limitations of his companions. They may have grown old and weak due to age. Their physical powers may not be the same as when they had once moved heaven and earth. But he is confident that their spirit is young and undaunted. His clarion call would inspire invariably all those who seek knowledge and strive to lead meaningful lives.

Conclusion
People who are endowed with an unquenchable thirst for ever-expanding knowledge and incurable love for long distances Ulysses continues to be a source of inspiration.

Ulysses Summary in Tamil

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சாகசத்தின் மேல் ஆவல்
யுலிசஸ் மூன்றாம் பாகத்தில் கப்பலோட்டிகளிடத்தில் சொற்பொழிவாற்றுகிறார். தன் குடும்பத்தாருடன் சொகுசு வாழ்க்கை வாழ்வதில் எந்தப் பயனும் இல்லை என எண்ணுகிறார். ஒரு அரசனாக குடிமக்களின் கூற்றுகளைக் கேட்டு அதற்கு ஏற்ற பரிசையும் மற்றும் தண்டனையும் வழங்குகிறார். கடற் பயணம் செய்யாமல் இருக்க முடியாது என்ற தன்னுடைய உள்ளுணர்வை வெளிப்படுத்துகிறார். கடல் கடந்த பயணங்களை மேற்கொள்ளும் உயிரோவியமாகத் திகழ்ந்தார். வாழ்க்கை முழுவதும் பயணிக்க விரும்புகிறார். அவர் பயணத்தில் மேற்கொண்ட இன்ப துன்பங்களை ஒப்புக் கொள்கிறார். அவர் பயணத்தின் போது ஏற்பட்ட அனுபவங்களாலும் மற்றும் எதிர்கொண்ட போர்களினாலும் ஆழ்ந்த ஞானத்தை அடைந்திருந்தார். புதிதாக பெறப்பெற்ற பண்புகளின் புலமையால், அவர் பயணங்களை மேற்கொள்வதில் ஆர்வத்தைக் காட்டினார். சோம்பலாக கிடந்தால் உடல் துருப்பிடித்து விடும் என எண்ணினார். ஒவ்வொரு கணமும் புதுப் பொலிவைக் கொண்டு வரும் ஆற்றல் மிக்கது. ஆதலால், ஓரிடத்தில் ஒண்டிக் கிடப்பதில் பயனில்லை என எண்ணினார்.

பரம்பரை சொத்துக்களை கைமாற்றம் செய்தல்:
இரண்டாம் பாக சொற்பொழிவில் அவருக்கு அரசாள்வதில் ஏன் விருப்பம் இல்லை என்பதைக் குறித்துக் கூறுகிறார். யுலிசஸ் தன் இராஜ்ஜியத்தை தன் புதல்வன் டெலிமேக்கஸ் (Tele Macus) இடம் கைமாற்றுகிறார். அவர் தன் புதல்வன் நல்ல முறையில் அரசாண்டு தன் குடிமக்களுக்கு தக்க நீதி வழங்குவான் என எண்ணினார். டெலிமாக்கஸ், யுலிசஸ் போல் அல்லாமல் ஒரே இடத்தில் ஊன்றி நிற்பவராய் இருந்தார். அவர்தம் குடிமக்களுக்கு அன்பார்ந்தவராகவும் அவர்கள் குறைகளைக் கேட்டறிபவராகவும் இருந்தார். அது தவிர யுலிசஸ் தன் வயது முதிர்ந்த மனைவி பெனைலோப்பிம், மகனுடனும் பேரப் பிள்ளைகளுடனும் மகிழ்ச்சியோடு இருப்பார் என நம்பினார். ஏனெனில், அது அவர் தன் தோழர்களுடன் கடல் பயணம் மேற்கொள்ளத் தக்கவாறு அமையும்.

கடல் பயணம் மேற்கொள்ளல்:
யுலிசஸ் தன் நண்பர்களைத் தமக்காக காத்துக் கொண்டிருக்கும் துறைமுகத்திற்கு வருமாறு அழைப்பு விடுகிறார். அவர் தோழர்களும் கடல் பயணத்தின் போது பல கடற்போர்களில் ஈடுபட்டு தனக்கு உள்ள கடல் பயணத்தின் மேல் உள்ள ஆவலைப் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டனர். உலகின் விளிம்பை அடைந்து அதற்கு அப்பாலும் செல்வதற்கு தன்னுடன் கடல் பயணம் மேற்கொள்ள நண்பர்களைத் தூண்டுகிறார். அவர் தம் நண்பர்களின் குறைகளை அறிந்திருந்தார். அவர்கள் வயது முதிர்ச்சியால் பலவீனமாகக் காணப்பட்டனர். அவர்கள், முன்னர் வானத்தையும், பூமியையும் அளந்தது போல் அவர்கள் உடல் வலிமை தற்போது இல்லை. ஆனால், அவர்கள் ஊக்கம் குன்றாமல், சளைக்கா வண்ணம் தொடரவேண்டும் என்பதில் உறுதியாக இருந்தார். அவரின் வீர முழக்கம் புதிய அனுபவத்தை நாடி மற்றும் அர்த்தமுள்ள வாழ்க்கையை வாழ முயற்சிக்கும் அனைவருக்கும் தூண்டுதலாக இருக்கும்.

முன்னுரை:
யூலிஸ் என்பது வியத்தகு மோனோலாலஜி ஆகும். இதில் இதாகா மன்னனான யுலிசஸ் வெளிநாடுகளில் சாகசத் தன்மையற்ற தாகத்தை வெளிப்படுத்துகிறார். டென்னிசன் இளம் கவிஞரான ஆர்தர் ஹென்றி ஹாலமின் நினைவாக இந்தக் கவிதை எழுதினார். ஆர்தர் மற்றும் யுலிசஸ் இருவருக்கும் முடிவே இல்லை.

Ulysses Glossary

Textual:

Additional:

Samacheer Kalvi 12th English Book Solutions Poem

• The Castle Book Back Answers
• Our Casuarina Tree Book Back Answers
• All the World’s a Stage Book Back Answers
• Ulysses Book Back Answers
• A Father to his Son Book Back Answers
• Incident of the French Camp Book Back Answers