The Merchant of Venice Act-1 Scene-1 (Lines 1 - 21) Notes

The Merchant of Venice Act-1 Scene-1 (Lines 1 - 21) Notes 

I) In sooth, I know not.........................................much ado to know myself.

1. Where are Antonio and his friends? What does Antonio say about his

sadness?

Antonio and his friends are in a street in Venice. Antonio says that his

sadness makes him depressed and dull. He further says that he is yet to learn about

the origin and nature of his sadness.

2. Give the meaning of:

(a) whereof it is born:

(b) a want-wit.

(c) That I have much ado to know myself:

(a) whereof it is born: how it originated.

(b) a want-wit : a dull person.

(c) That I have much ado to know myself: That I have much difficulty in

recognising myself.

3. What reason does Salarino give as the probable cause of Antonio's

melancholy?

Salarino tells Antonio that he is sad because his mind is preoccupied with

his ships filled with cargo, which are out at sea.

4. State in your own words the scene on the ocean as described by Salarino

when Antonio's ships were sailing?

Salarino compares Antonio's ships sailing on the waves with the great lords

and wealthy citizens, who look down on lesser men as they walk along the street.

He says that compared to smaller ships, Antonio's ships move swiftly on the sea

with their canvas sails and look like grand spectacles or pageants of the sea.

5. The play begins in an atmosphere of melancholy. Why do you think that

Antonio is presented as a melancholic and passive character?

Antonio is presented as a melancholic and passive character mainly for

three reasons. Firstly, by portraying Antonio as a whimsical person, who is least

bothered about the consequences of his actions, justifies his signing the bond-

agreement. Secondly, Antonio's melancholy creates a tragic atmosphere suitable

for the play. Thirdly, Antonio's melancholy creates a sense of mystery for the

audience.

II) Believe me, sir.................................................... Would make me sad.

1) Where would Salanio's attention be if he had business ventures abroad? Why

would he be 'Plucking the grass'? What else would he be doing in that context?

If Salanio had business ventures abroad, his thoughts would be fixed on the

dangers to his ventures and methods of securing them. He would be plucking the

blades of grass and casting them in the air to see which way the wind blew, to see

if it was blowing in a direction favourable to the course of his ships or not.

Further, he would look into maps for harbours, channels and open road-steads

near to the shores where his ships could be anchored in case of need.

2) What would make Salanio fear some danger to his ventures? Give two

examples from the opening scene to show how some objects remind Salarino of

the danger to the ships.

Every object that might suggest disaster to his business ventures would

undoubtedly make Salanio feel sad. Two examples which reminded Salarino of

the danger to his ships were: (a) The act of cooling his soup by blowing on it,

reminded him of the stormy winds at sea causing terrible damages to his ships.

(b) The sandy hour-glass reminded him of the richly laden vessels wrecked on

the sandy shore.

3)Give the meaning of: Plucking the grass to know where sits the wind.

Plucking of grass and casting them in the air to see which way the wind

blew.

4)In spite of the danger to his ships, why is Antonio not worried about his

financial security?

Despite danger to his ships, Antonio is not worried about his financial

security because his business is neither dependent on any one ship nor on any

single location or commercial transactions of the current year.

5) What light does the opening scene throw on the danger that the sea could

pose to ships?

The opening scene describes the possible dangers that the sea could pose

to ships such as strong winds, dangerous shallow waters, sand banks and

dangerous rocks.

The Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 1 lines(22-58) - notes

The Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 1 lines(22-58)

3) My wind cooling my broth,............................ to kiss her burial.

1.Where does this scene take place? Name the people who are present

there. In what mood is Salarino in this scene?

This scene takes place in a street of Venice. Antonio, Salarino and

Salanio are present in the scene. Salarino is in a talkative mood and

wants to know the reason for Antonio's melancholy. He says that he too

would be feeling melancholic if his ships were sailing on the sea.

2. What would the wind cooling the broth remind Salarino of?

It would remind Salarino of the stormy winds at sea and of the terrible

damages they might cause to the ships.

3. Give the meaning of:

And see my wealthy Andrew docked in sand...................... to kiss her

burial

Wealthy Andrew refers to a Spanish ship called Andrew captured by the

British sailors in 1596. It ran aground when it was being brought to

England. Since then, Andrew refers to a big cargo ship. In the above lines

Salarino imagines that his rich cargo ship is grounded in sand and her

mast dipped down lower than her sides as if trying to kiss the sands that

surround her.

4. What is the 'Sandy hour- glass’? What would it remind Salarino of?

Sandy hour-glass is an apparatus used to indicate time. It would remind

Salarino of the dangers from hidden banks of sand at sea on which a

ship may run aground.

5. When Salarino would go to church what would he see? What would

the scene make him imagine?

Salarino refers to his richly laden ship as wealthy Andrew. It is so

referred because Salarino feels that like the Spanish ship Andrew

captured by the British in 1596, his ship too is majestic and rich with

cargo.

6. When Salarino would go to church what could he see? What would

the scene make him imagine?

When Salarino would go to church he would see the holy building made of

stone. This scene would make him think of the perilous rocks of the sea

and imagine that a collision of his ship with these rocks would be sufficient

to break his vessel into pieces and scatter on the sea all her spices and

silks.

4) Not in love neither? Then let us say you are sad.................... jest be

laughable

1.Who has just said that Antonio was in love? What was the reaction

of Antonio to that remark?

Salarino has just said that Antonio was in love. Antonio calls the

remark as nonsense and completely denies that he is in love.

2.Antonio says that he is not sad because of love. What explanation

does Salarino give in the extract for Antonio's sadness?

Salarino concludes that Antonio is sad because he is not happy. He

remarks that there are some curious creatures in the world. He

swears by Janus, the two-headed Roman God that some people have

merry natures and are continuously laughing whether the things they

see are subject for mirth or not. Again there are others with the

sourest countenance who will not laugh at any thing though the

gravest old warrior Nestor himself confirms the joke as most

amusing.

3.What is meant by the ' two- headed Janus Why is he referred to in

the extract?

Janus is a Roman God usually depicted with two heads looking in

opposite directions, one frowning and the other smiling. He had

received from God Saturn, the gift to see both the past and the

future. He is referred to in the extract to show that there are two

types of people- one happy and the other sad.

4. Describe in your own words the two types of strange fellows who

have been framed by nature.

Nature has framed two types of people. The first type have happy

natures and often laugh even if the subject of laughter is too trivial

.The second are those with serious and grave faces, who do not

laugh even at the most amusing jokes.

5.Who is Nestor? Why he is referred to in the extract?

Nestor was the King of Pylos. He was one of the greatest generals in

the Trojan War. He was famous for his wisdom, justice, knowledge of

war and profound gravity. If he laughed, it meant the joke was really

funny. He is referred to in the extract to describe the sad and grave

people.

6.Give the meaning of:

a)And the other of such vinegar aspect.

b) Though Nestor swear the jest be laughable.

a) The second type of people who are grave and serious.

b) Even if the wise and grave Nestor certify the joke as funny.

7.Why are a class of people compared to Parrots?

A class of people are compared to parrots because they laugh even at

a bag-piper as foolishly as a parrot laughs at anything.

8.Who comes at the end of Salarino's speech ? Why does Salarino

leave then?

Bassanio, Gratiano and Lorenzo come at the end of Salarino’s speech.

Salarino leaves Antonio then because Antonio's friends,

Bassanio,Gratiano and Lorenzo have come to give him company.

Merchant of Venice – Act 3 Scene 2 (lines 142-152) Notes

6. A gentle scroll - Fair Lady, by your leave;

.............  ................... …………….

Until confirme'd, sign'd ratified by you.

1) Where was the gentle scroll? Give the summary of what was written on the scroll.

The gentle scroll was in the lead casket. On the scroll it was written that since he has not chosen by mere out ward appearances, he may be fortunate and make his choice as wisely as he has done. Since this fortune has come to him, he should be satisfied and seek nothing more for his happiness. If he is pleased with his luck and feels that fate has brought him happiness, he should go to his beloved and claim her as his own with a loving kiss.

2) What prize had the speaker won? Give the reasons which led to the winning of the prize.

The speaker has won Portia. The speaker chose the correct casket, i.e., lead casket containing Portia's portrait. It’s simple looks impressed Bassanio more than the protestations of gold and silver. Besides the inscription on the casket stated that the man who chooses it, must give and hazard his whole being which means his true love.

3) What was the speaker asked to give and to receive?

The speaker was asked to go to the lady and claim her as his own with a loving kiss and receive a kiss from her.

4) Give the meaning of:

a) Universal shout:    loud applause of joy. This refers to the clamour of the crowd at Bassanio's choice of the right casket

b) Giddy in spirit:  Over whelmed with joy. This refers of the bewildered state of mind of Bassanio after his choice of the lead casket.

5) To whom does the speaker compare himself? In what way does he compare himself?

The speaker compares himself to the one who is striving to win some contest, like one of two prize- fighters. He compares himself as someone who wins a prize in the contest.

6) Why is the speaker doubtful whether what he sees is true?

Bassanio is at the height of his joy after choosing the correct casket. He hears a loud applause from the people standing there. He is so bewildered by the outcome of making the correct choice, that he is not sure if the applause is for him or not. He asks Portia to confirm it and sanction it by returning his kiss.

Merchant of Venice - ACT 1 Scene 1 Lines 87-97 notes

Merchant of Venice ACT 1- Scene -1 (Lines 87-97)

 

V) Why should a man, whose, blood is warm within,

.....................And when I ope my lips, let no dog bark! (lines)

 

1)    Why is a young man compared to' his grandsire cut in alabaster? Under what condition is he likely to be infected with jaundice?

Gratiano gives the example of a warm - blooded young man who represses his spirits and forces himself to stillness till he looks like the marble image of his grandfather. He does so to advice Antonio not to remain in melancholy. He is likely to be infected with jaundice due to his bad temper.

2)    Give the meaning of:

a)    Do cream and mantle like a standing pond:

b)     do a willful stillness entertain:

a) Some men overcast their faces with a pale expression as unchanging as the cream that forms on the surface of milk and as the scum that forms on the surface of a stagnant pool.

b) Maintain an obstinate silence not to disturb the solemnity of their faces.

3)    What is said in the extract about the people who try to earn a reputation for wisdom?

In the extract, Gratiano speaks about people who try to obtain a reputation for wisdom, seriousness and deep thought by remaining silent. Such people mean to say that they speak with the authority of the Greek Oracle and they alone are infallible in their utterances. When they speak, other should keep quiet.

4)    What is meant by 'I am Sir Oracle' and ' let no dog bark'?

'I am Sir Oracle' means 'I speak with the authority of the Greek Oracle’. The Greek Oracles made known the will of God and we're received by all without questions.

'Let no dog bark' means 'let no one speaks’. It refers to the attitude of those wise men who consider themselves as the fountain of wisdom and want that when they speak, others should remain silent.

5)     What advice does Gratiano give to Antonio at the end of his speech?

At the end of the speech, Gratiano advices Antonio not to be one of those who try to gain reputation for wisdom by being silent. He further tells Antonio not to use melancholy as a bait to win the reputation of wisdom and cheap popularity, which is like a worthless cheap fish, a gudgeon.

Grand Father and the Python - By Ruskin Bond - ICSE - English Class - 8 Notes

ICSE - English Class - 8 Notes - Question and answers

Grand Father and the Python - By Ruskin Bond 

Ruskin Bond (born 19 May 1934) is an Indian author of British descent. He lives with his adopted family in Landour, Mussoorie, India. The Indian Council for Child Education has recognised his role in the growth of children's literature in India. He was awarded the Sahitya Academy Award in 1992 for Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra, his novel in English. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.

He worked for a few years freelancing from Delhi and Dehradun. He sustained himself financially by writing short stories and poems for newspapers and magazines. On his youth, he said, "Sometimes I got lucky and some [work] got selected and I earned a few hundred rupees. Since I was in my 20s and didn’t have any responsibilities I was just happy to be doing what I loved doing best."In 1963, he went to live in Mussoorie because besides liking the place, it was close to the editors and publishers in Delhi. He edited a magazine for four years. In the 1980s, Penguin set up in India and approached him to write some books. He had written Vagrants in the Valley in 1956, as a sequel to The Room on the Roof. These two novels were published in one volume by Penguin India in 1993. The following year a collection of his non-fiction writings, The Best Of Ruskin Bond was published by Penguin India. His interest in supernatural fiction led him to write popular titles such as Ghost Stories from the Raj, A Season of Ghosts, and A Face in the Dark and other Hauntings. Since then he has written over five hundred short stories, essays and novels, including The Blue Umbrella, Funny Side Up, A Flight of Pigeons and more than 50 books for children. He has also published his autobiography: Scenes from a Writer's Life describes his formative years growing up in Anglo-India and a further autobiography, Lone Fox Dancing, was published in 2017. The Lamp is Lit is a collection of essays and episodes from his journal.

Since 1963 he has lived as a freelance writer in Mussoorie, a town in the Himalayan foothills in Uttarakhand where he lives with his adoptive family in Landour, Mussoorie's Ivy Cottage, which has been his home since 1980.  Asked what he likes the most about his life, he said, "That I have been able to write for so long. I started at the age of 17 or 18 and I am still writing. If I were not a professional writer who was getting published I would still write."  In his essay, "On being an Indian", he explains his Indian identity, "Race did not make me one. Religion did not make me one. But history did. And in the long run, it's history that counts." 

His sister Ellen lived in Ludhiana with his step sister until she died in 2014. He also has a brother, William, who lives in Canada.

Questions and answer

 1)Where did Grandfather find the python? Where did he do with it?

          Grandfather found the python with a snake charmer at the bazaar bought it for six rupees, slung it         across his shoulders and walked home.

        2) What was Grand Mother’s reaction on seeing the python?

            When Grandmother saw the python, she was afraid that the python might strangle Grandfather.

Reference to context

I) ’He’s gone’, announced Grandfather. ‘He must have felt hungry?

A) Who is being referred to in these extracts?

The python is being referred to in the exact.

B) Where did he go away from? How?

The python was missing from the bathroom where it had been kept by the narrator’s grandfather the narrator guessed that it may have gotten out through the bathroom’s window that had left open.

 Quick Answers:

c.       Who arrived at the narrator’s grandparents’ home, shortly?

               Shortly after the incidents, Aunt Mabel came to the narrator’s grandparents’ home.

      d.      Where did the guest first see the python?

              The guest saw the python on the guava tree

      Reference to Context :

    After this incident, the python began to make a series of appearances, often in the most un expected places.

    a.       After which incident did the python start making regular appearances?

    The incident being referred to here was the one in which Aunt Mabel saw the python on the guava tree.

    b.      What were some of these ‘unexpected places’?

        Later on the snake was seen under the cushion, in the garden and in front of the mirror of the dressing table admiring his own reflection.

    c.       Who was the most affected by the python’s visits? How did this person react to these visits?

        The one most affected by the python’s visits was Aunt Mabel.    

        She wailed and screamed, and yet when the snake persisted in making appearances before her, she            packed her bags and left.

      III)              He set about preparing a large cage with a mirror at one end. In the cage he left a juicy     chicken and various other delicacies, and fitted up the opening with a trap door

        a.       Who began to make this cage and for whom?

            The narrator ’s grandfather made the cage for the python.

        b.      Why was this cage being prepared?

            The cage was being prepared so that the snake could be caught.

       c.       Why were such elaborate arrangements being made while preparing the cage? What does this say             about who ever was expected to enter the cage?

            The elaborate arrangements were being made for a couple of reasons. First of all, the narrator’s             grandfather happened to know the weakness of the snake and secondly, they wanted to make sure         that the snake did not prowl in the garden for an indefinite period of time. The python was really             fond of admiring his own reflection in the mirror!

Read, Reflect and Write

 

5.  Describe Aunt Mabel’s reaction when she first saw the python.

When Aunt Mabel first saw the snake, she was extremely frightened and came running up the steps of the veranda. It seemed as if she had seen a ghost; she was also exasperated. When the narrator’s Grandmother tried to console her, she broke down saying she had seen a twenty feet long boa constrictor. She described its look like a ‘queer’ one and told the narrator’s Grandmother about how she felt that it would devour her.

 

6.  Why do you think Grandfather only made half-hearted attempts to get the python out of the house?

It was the Grandfather who brought the snake into the house, slinging it around his neck. It shows he was a brave soul. Through the various incidents described in the chapter, it is indicated that he wanted to keep it as a pet. Hence, he never perhaps made a very serious attempt to get rid of it

 

7. What about the python that was concluded to be its ‘weaknesses’?

It was found that the python loved its reflection in the mirror. This was construed to be its weakness.

 

8.  The author says that his Grandmother drew the line at snakes being brought to the house. Having read the story, do you believe that Grandmother was unkind to snakes or to the particular snake that Grandfather brought to the house?

 

The various depictions in the story, especially in the initial half suggest that Grandmother was not especially fond of snakes or any reptile for that matter. She tolerated all the various animals brought into the house but did not really like reptiles of any kind. Also, the impending arrival of a guest to their house was another reason why she felt they needed to get rid of the python. But there is no indication of her being unkind to snakes or this snake in particular in the story.

The Tiger in the Tunnel By Ruskin bond

Detailed Summary on:

The Tiger in the Tunnel  By Ruskin bond

Thembu’s father, Baldeo, was a small-time employee in the railways. His job demanded working at night. No matter how cold or wet the night was, he had to brave the elements to go out of his hut for duty. His humble dwelling was beside a jungle.

On one occasion, Thembu was awake in his bed when his father got ready to step out. It was a dark, quiet and forbidding night. The stillness was broken by the shrill cry of the cicadas. One could even hear the faint tik tak sounds of the woodpeckers, digging into barks of trees with their beaks. A mild breeze blew. The grunt of a wild boar digging out its delicious roots punctuated the pervasive silence of the jungle.

Baldeo worked as a watchman in the railways. He lay awake as he had to go out on his night duty. He removed the thick shawl from his body rather reluctantly. The cold was biting. The midnight’s cold was unforgiving. The station he was attached to was very rudimentary set-up where trains stopped only occasionally. There was a long tunnel ahead, and the trains needed to be flagged in due to safety considerations. This was the reason why the trains slowed down briefly as they went past the station to enter the tunnel.

On Baldeo’s shoulders lay the responsibility of inspecting the tunnel for any possible obstruction of the track. He would signal the trains in only if there was no hindrance to obstruct the train. Baldeo used to stand guard at the tunnel entrance and manually wave the train in by his hand-crafted signal. Despite, the basic nature of this arrangement, Baldeo’s contribution to the safe passage of the train was critical.

On that fateful night, the young boy Thembu wanted to accompany his father. His curiousity got the better of his comfort in the warm bed. But, Baldeo didn’t want his son to be exposed to that night’s cold. Thembu was asked not to venture out.

Thembu was a 12-year-old then. He had to extend a helping hand to his mother and young sister in household chores and in the work in the family farm. This robbed him of the opportunity to sleep in the station beside his father, Baldeo. From the station to their hut that stood bordering the tribal village, it was a three mile trek. Baldeo’s salary from the railways, although meager, came in handy to meet his family’s needs. The paltry income from their paddy farm fell well short of their needs. Baldeo, had thus managed to avoid grinding poverty. His love for the railways and the Khalasi job he did was, therefore, understandable.

Baldeo, with sleep weighing down his eye lids, struggled to rise. It took him some effort to find the match box he wanted to light the lamp. Undeterred by the darkness and the cold, he stepped out of his hut and set off for the station treading the same solitary jungle path which he used every night on his way to duty. Thembu had fallen asleep again in the meanwhile.

Baldeo was not sure if the lamp in the signal post was alight. Wrapping the shawl around his body, he trudged forward along the track in the chill. It was not a pleasant job, but he did it each night dutifully. But, he loved to return to the warmth of his hut.

The hills on either towered over the rail track. An uncanny feeling of fear seemed to grip the desolate area. The wild animals were there around the place. Baldeo had to be very alert to their presence. He had heard many stories about the man-eaters that stalked the tunnel, but he consciously brushed these tales as nothing but figments of imagination. Till that night, he had not encountered any wild animal.

Some panthers, obviously, were there. One such cat was killed by the villagers. Their spears pierced its body to death. Panthers had stayed clear of Baldeo’s hut so far.

Baldeo, undaunted by the looming danger of wild animals in the area, walked forward confidently. His tribal blood had trained him to defy the fears. He carried a small axe, which he could use to deadly effect when the need rose. He used it to chop off trees, and as a bulwark against the jungle animals’ possible attack.

On one occasion, he had killed a boar with the same axe. His family feasted on its meat for three days. The axe was a precious family possession. It had belonged to his father who had wrought its steel blade quite deftly over charcoal fire. The blade’s shine had remained intact over the years. In the hand of Baldeo, it was a formidable weapon against any attack. On occasions, railway officials had offered good money to buy the weapon, but Baldeo was too proud of it to part with it.

Baldeo, finally, reached the tunnel. It was a frightening sight as the dark interior seemed to awe any intruder.

Baldeo’s concern was the lamp. It had stopped burning. Had it run dry? He wanted to ascertain if there was enough oil left in it. If not, he would have to rush home to fetch some. The train was due soon. He lowered the lamp using its chain.

As he ran his hand over his body to get hold of the match box, he could hear the shriek of a deer from afar. He heard a big thud from nearby undergrowth. It made Baldeo’s hairs stand on their roots. Luckily for him, there was some oil left in the lamp. That saved him the trouble of going back to his hut. He lit the lamp, put it in position, and looked around apprehensively.

Not losing any more time, he went on his inspection tour of the tunnel’s passageway. The lamp on his hand swung as he walked briskly. The shadows danced to and fro on the wall. The tunnel was clear. Baldeo paced back to the entrance and waited for the train’s approach.
The train was late. Baldeo wrapped himself up tightly to kkeep warm and sat down. Soon, he dozed off, forgetting the unusual sounds he had heard some time earlier.

In the hut, the rumbling sound of the train set the environment alive. Thembu woke up from his sleep, and thinking that he was beside his father, blurted out, ‘Father, it is time to light the lamp.’ Soon, he discovered that his father had left much earlier leaving him on the warm bed of the hut. He lay wide awake hoping to see his father back from duty after the train departed.

Baldeo was woken up hearing the frightening grunt of a jungle cat very close to him. Bracing up for the danger, Baldeo grabbed his axe firmly, and wanted to figure out the location from which the sound came. An ominous silence lasted for a while. Was it the lull before a storm?
A few pebbles came cascading down the slope preceded by a thump. The tiger had arrived at Ground Zero!

Baldeo knew for certain it was a tiger, but he did not know the direction in which it was moving. ‘Was the tiger heading towards his hut, where his son Thembu was asleep?’ wondered Baldeo.

Just about a minute after, the majestic animal unveiled itself within yards of where Baldeo stood. I t was coming straight at him. The tiger’s shone brightly with their piercing gaze. Baldeo’s sense told him the futility of fleeing. Outpacing a tiger on the prowl is humanly impossible, he reasoned. With the signal post at his back, Baldeo stood still frozen fear as the tiger approached. 
The tiger was a man-eater. He knew how feeble humans were against its might. Expecting no great fight-back from his prey, the tiger assumed a frightening aggressive posture with its right paw forward.

Baldeo moved swiftly to evade the paw and swung back at his attacker with his axe. The axe landed on the tiger’s shoulder. The enraged tiger charged against Baldeo with full fury. Baldeo again hit back at it with his axe. The axe inflicted a deep cut on the tiger’s leg, almost chopping it off. Unfortunately, the axe remained stuck in the tiger’s body leaving Baldeo without his only weapon of defence. Baldeo became utterly vulnerable now.

The tiger, seething in pain, pounced upon Baldeo with savage vengeance, and tore his body apart in no time. For Baldeo, the end came swiftly. He felt an excruciating pain on his back before falling silent for good. He had perished.

The tiger retreated to a distance and licked its limb. The pain of the cut made him to grunt intermittently. The tiger was also shaken by the encounter. It could not hear the sound of the approaching train. The Overland Mail came in majestically with its furnace aglow and smoke and sparks shrouding the engine as it struggled to climb up the incline.
Just before entering the tunnel, the driver blew the steam whistle, as was customary. The intent was to ward off obstructions from the track. The train kicked up a big noise inside the narrow tunnel. After a while, it emerged triumphantly at the other end. The din in the forest died down fast. Everything fell silent as if nothing had happened.

As a routine practice, the driver halted the train to re-charge water into the engine. He got down for unwinding a bit, and inspecting the headlamp. But, what he saw sent a shiver down his spine. He had never see anything like this before.

The tiger’s mangled body was stuck just above the cowcatcher of the engine. Obviously, the tiger had been mauled by the steel giant. 
People soon gathered around the place. They gaped at the carcass, and made their own judgments in shock and wonder.

Thembu had arrived on the spot where the deadly encounter with the tiger had ended his father’s life. The poor boy sobbed as he looked on with his tear-filled eyes at what remained of his dead father. He sat there, undeterred by the approaching darkness. He wanted to guard his father’s dead body from the jungle animals who relished human flesh. The relief watchman came in due course.

For two complete days a pall of gloom hung over Thembu, his sister and the mother. The grief almost numbed them into silence.

But, life had to go on, regardless of the misfortune. On Thembu’s shoulder fell the responsibility of earning a living. Just three nights after the ghastly incident involving his father, Thembu was there at the tunnel doing exactly what his dead father did. It was a legacy he was proud of.

To cut the boredom, Thembu sang silently to himself as he waited for the incoming train. His father had fought valiantly winning everyone’s acclaim. The tiger’s death was sweet revenge for Thembu’s family. Besides, he had inherited the legendary axe that had inflicted such a fatal cut on the tiger. He felt proud.

Active and passive Voices

Active voice
In most English sentences with an action verb, the subject performs the action denoted by the verb.
These examples show that the subject is doing the verb’s action.

Because the subject does or “acts upon” the verb in such sentences, the sentences are said to be in the active voice.

Passive voice
One can change the normal word order of many active sentences (those with a direct object) so that the subject is no longer active, but is, instead, being acted upon by the verb – or passive.
Note in these examples how the subject-verb relationship has changed.

Because the subject is being “acted upon” (or is passive), such sentences are said to be in the passive voice.
NOTE: Colorful parrots live in the rainforests cannot be changed to passive voice because the sentence does not have a direct object.
To change a sentence from active to passive voice, do the following:
1. Move the active sentence’s direct object into the sentence’s subject slot

2. Place the active sentence’s subject into a phrase beginning with the preposition by

3. Add a form of the auxiliary verb be to the main verb and change the main verb’s form

Because passive voice sentences necessarily add words and change the normal doer-action-receiver of action direction, they may make the reader work harder to understand the intended meaning.
As the examples below illustrate, a sentence in active voice flows more smoothly and is easier to understand than the same sentence in passive voice.

It is generally preferable to use the ACTIVE voice.

To change a passive voice sentence into an active voice sentence, simply reverse the steps shown above.
1. Move the passive sentence’s subject into the active sentence’s direct object slot

2. Remove the auxiliary verb be from the main verb and change main verb’s form if needed

3. Place the passive sentence’s object of the preposition by into the subject slot.

Because it is more direct, most writers prefer to use the active voice whenever possible.
The passive voice may be a better choice, however, when
• the doer of the action is unknown, unwanted, or unneeded in the sentence
Examples

• the writer wishes to emphasize the action of the sentence rather than the doer of the action
Examples

• the writer wishes to use passive voice for sentence variety.

Here are examples of sentences written in both the active voice and the passive voice, with the active voice sentence appearing first:
1. Harry ate six shrimp at dinner. (active)
At dinner, six shrimp were eaten by Harry. (passive)
2. Beautiful giraffes roam the savannah. (active)
The savannah is roamed by beautiful giraffes. (passive)
3. Sue changed the flat tire. (active)
The flat tire was changed by Sue. (passive)
4. We are going to watch a movie tonight. (active)
A movie is going to be watched by us tonight. (passive)
5. I ran the obstacle course in record time. (active)
The obstacle course was run by me in record time. (passive)
6. The crew paved the entire stretch of highway. (active)
The entire stretch of highway was paved by the crew. (passive)
7. Mom read the novel in one day. (active)
The novel was read by Mom in one day. (passive)
8. The critic wrote a scathing review. (active)
A scathing review was written by the critic. (passive)
9. I will clean the house every Saturday. (active)
The house will be cleaned by me every Saturday. (passive)
10. The staff is required to watch a safety video every year. (active)
A safety video will be watched by the staff every year. (passive)
11. She faxed her application for a new job. (active)
The application for a new job was faxed by her. (passive)
12. Tom painted the entire house. (active)
The entire house was painted by Tom. (passive)
13. The teacher always answers the students’ questions. (active)
The students’ questions are always answered by the teacher. (passive)
14. The choir really enjoys that piece. (active)
That piece is really enjoyed by the choir. (passive)
15. Who taught you to ski? (active)
By whom were you taught to ski? (passive)
16. The forest fire destroyed the whole suburb. (active)
The whole suburb was destroyed by the forest fire. (passive)
17. The two kings are signing the treaty. (active)
The treaty is being signed by the two kings. (passive)
18. The cleaning crew vacuums and dusts the office every night. (active)
Every night the office is vacuumed and dusted by the cleaning crew. (passive)
19. Larry generously donated money to the homeless shelter. (active)
Money was generously donated to the homeless shelter by Larry. (passive)
20. No one responded to my sales ad. (active)
My sales ad was not responded to by anyone. (passive)

Grammar for Xth and XIIth students

OLD Questions answered

ICSE Examinations Grammar Questions from 2008
Question 4
(a)    In the following passage, fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
Example:        (0) was. There (0)    (be) some confusion in the doorway. A man (1)     (get) into the compartment (2) _    (stammer) an apology. Then the door (3)    (bang) and the world was (4)     (shut) out again. I (5)     (return) to my berth. The
guard (6)    (blow) his whistle and we (7)    (move) off. Once again I (8)    (has) a game to play.                             

0. was 1. got 2. stammering 3 banged. 4. shut 5 returned 6. blew 7. moved 8. had

(b)    Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:- (i)        The   elderly   man  prepared   himself  for a   life of retirement. 

(ii)       Do you take his word  against mine?
(iii)     Rohini is very concerned   of/about her father's health.
(iv)      Altaf had many books and papers scattered all over the room.
(v)       The Phoenix is a legendary bird that rises from its ashes.
(vi)      The police pulled the briefcase from   under the table.
(vii)     The mob rushed onto the pavement, everyone seemed angry with everyone else.
(viii)    The old woman looked inside the cupboard, searching for the photograph.                                            [4] [c] Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. (i)    The heart attack was mild. Mr. Bose stayed in bed for three weeks.

Although the heart attack was mild, Mr.Bose stayed in bed for three days.

(ii)   The men went out to see if anyone was missing. The women stayed behind to care for the injured.

While the men went out to see any one was missing , the women stayed behind to take care of the injured.

(iii)  Her mother warned her not to talk to strangers. She told her not to accept gifts from people she did not know.

Not only did her mother warn her not ot talk to strangers but also not to accept gifts from them

(iv)      Everyone was drenched wet by now. The rain had come down harder.                                                    [4] As the rain had come down harder, everyone was drenched wet by now. [d] Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence,

(i)        "Have you walked alone, this long distance today?" he asked Sumita. (Begin: He asked Sumita if.    )

He asked Sumita if she had walked alone that long distance on that day. (ii)       The detective interrogated the suspect closely for over three hours. (Begin: The suspect   ………..)

The suspect was  closely interrogated by the detective for over three hours.

(iii)       I suddenly realized that the room was too small for the three of us to share. (Begin: I suddenly realized that the room was so    )

I suddenly realised that the room was so small that the three of us could not share it.

(iv)      Inspite of all her efforts, Susan did not succeed. (Begin: Despite    )

Despite all her efforts, Susan did not succeed
(v)       As soon as the bell rang, the children rushed out of class. (Begin: No sooner    )

No sooner did the bell ring than the children rushed out of the class. (vi)      Sachin stood first in class and he also excelled at debate. (Begin: Not only    )

Not only did Sachin stand first in the class but also excelled at the debate.
(vii)     She was the only person capable of being House Captain. (Use: capability)

She was the only person who had the capability to be the a House Captain.

(viii)    Rohan was the tallest boy in the basketball team. (Rewrite using: taller)    [8]

Rohan was taller than any other boy in the basket ball team.

ICSE Examinations Grammar Questions from 2009
Question 4
(a)    In the following passage, fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets.  Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
Example: (0)    spoke. As she (0)    (speak) 1(1)     (rise) and (2)     (go) to the centre blackboard, 1(3)    (find) the chalk (4)    (write) in block letters the title of the book. Then 1 (5)     (put) the chalk down and went to (6)     (sit), beside her, to (7)    (hold) her hand.

The day had barely (8)     (begin).                                                                                                       [4] 
1. rose 2. went 3. found 4, wrote 5. put 6. sit 7. hold 8. begun 

(b)    Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:- (1)    I prevailed upon    him to join the gymnasium.
(ii)      The curious child eagerly begged for   an answer to the riddle.
(iii)     He was bent  on  coming first in the examinations.
(iv)     The theory exam was followed by    a group discussion.
(v)      1 ran across    my teacher at the show last night.
(vi)     She is extremely anxious about  an interview next week.
(vii)     What a contrast   between  the two siblings!
(viii)  The brothers fought over their  father’s property.                                                                                                   

(c)  Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so: (i)    Swarna asked me a question. I was unable to answer it.

I was unable to answer the question Swarna asked me.
(ii)    You helped Tania. She will always be grateful.

Tanya  will always be grateful for your help.

(iii)    I heard you won a prize. I am extremely delighted.

I am extremely delighted to hear that you won a prize. (iv)    There was heavy traffic. We reached the stadium on time.                       

Inspite of the heavy traffic, we reached the stadium on time.                                                        [4] (d)    Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence. (i)       Study hard now or you will regret it.  (Begin: Unless    )

Unless you study hard , you will regret. (ii)       The boy asked, 'Why are you lying on the road in this manner?' (Begin: The boy asked why he    )

The boy asked why I was/ we were lying on the road in that manner. (iii)      Megha is too tall to crawl under the table. (Begin: Megha is so    )

Meghana is so tall that she cannot crawl under the table. (iv)      He arrived in school on time even though he stopped for a bite on the way. (Use 'in spite of instead of even though)

In spite of stopping for a bite on the way, he arrived in School on time.

(v)       She opened the kitchen door and a cockroach ran out. (End with 'cockroach'.)

When she opened her kitchen roar, out ran a cockroach.

vi)     Arjun was a better speaker than his brother. (Begin: His brother    )

His brother is not as good a speaker as as Arjun. (vii)     Asha missed her examination because of her illness. (Begin: Her illness    )

Her illness caused Asha to miss her examination.
(viii)    As soon as the curtain came down the applause rang out. (Begin: No sooner    )  

No sooner did the curtain come down than the applause started.

Grammar questions from year 2004

Question 1

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence.

1. The thieves stole everything from the merchant and left him for dead. (Begin: Having................)
   Answer:- Having stolen everything from the merchant , the thieves left him for dead.


2. Prerna consulted her parents before accepting the job offer. (Begin: Prerna did not............)
   Answer:- Prerna did not accept job offer without consulting her parents.


3. The driver lost his job because of rash driving. (Begin: iI the driver.................)
   Answer:- If the driver was not rash, he would have continued this job.


4. Very few doctors in the hospital are as dedicated as he is. (Begin: He is...................)
   Answer: He is one of the most dedicated doctor in the hospital.


5. The Principal dealt with the miscreants firmly. (Begin: The Principal was...............)
   Answer:- The Principal was firm in dealing with the miscreants.

Question 2

Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions:-

1. He may run ------------------- when we least expect him.


2. The jewel was sold ------------------ at thrice its cost price.


3. They took --------------- his company with all liabilities.


4. The new manager gets ----------- well with his colleagues.


5. Please contact me ------------- 9 A.M. and 10 A.M.


6. Priya was knocked -------------- by a speeding car.


7. Pursued by his enemies, he swam ----------- this river to safety.


8. They drove him ------------- the city in their new car.


9. ------------ with other things they found a old sword near the ruins of the building.


10. He flew ----------- a rage when he was challenged.

Answers:-

1. up
2. at
3. up
4. on
5. between
6. down
7. across
8. to
9. with
10. into

Question 3

Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so:-

1. He got married suddenly. This took everyone by surprise.
   Answer:- Every one surprised with his sudden marriage.


2. He completed the work on time. There were many obstacles.
   Answer:- Though there were many obstacles, he completed the work on time.


3. Ritu's plan is perfect. She want everyone realize this.
   Answer:- Ritu wants everyone realize that her plan is perfect.


4. Sophia is a quite girl. She is an introvert.
   Answer:- Sophia is not only a quite girl but also an introvert.


5. I met Shiela's mother. She works in a school nearby.
   Answer:- Shiela's mother who works in a nearby school met me.

Grammar questions from year 2005

Question 1

In the following passage, fill in each of the numbered blanks with correct form of the word given in the brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order or phrase appropriate to blank space:-

After Christopher Columbus returned from his famous voyage across the Atlantic, the king of Spain(1)------------(wish) to celebrate the great event and do honour to the man who(2)--------- (make) himself a national hero. He(3)-------(do) so by holding a banquet in honour of the explorer. To this banquet he(4)---------(invite) many of the nobles of the kings court. some of them(5)--------- (be) jealous of the success Coumbus (6)---------(achieve). One of them sat next to Columbus. He turned towards Columbus and said, "Of course you (7) ------------ (be) a brave man but anyone can take ship and sail on and on till he(8)----------- (reach) land. " 

Answers:- 

1. wished
2. had made
3. did
4. invited
5. were
6. had achieved
7. are
8. reaches

Question 2

Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions:-

1. The safari parks of South Africa abound------------- wild animals.


2. The young man excels-------- of both music and dance.


3. She is diligent student, worthy --------- praise.


4. I saw --------- his plan and realized that he was going to cheat us.


5. I was-------- the impression that the meeting had been cancelled.


6. Always be true ---- yourself.


7. The villager's lodged a complaint-----------the corrupt officials.


8. I can rely----- my sister for help.

1. in
2. at/in
3. of
4. through
5. under
6. to
7. against
8. on/upon

Learn and practice some more Grammar questions 

Question 3

Explain the difference in meaning between the pairs of sentences given below:-
Question:-

1. She must have repainted the car.


2. She must have the car repainted.

Answers:

1. This means that she must have painted the car again.


2. This means that the car needs to be painted again.

Question:-

3. "The girl", said the boy, "was ugly".


4. The girl said the boy was ugly.

Answers:

3. This means that the girl stated that the boy was ugly.


4. This means that the girl stated that the boy was ugly.

Question 4

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may necessary; but do not change the meaning of each sentence:

1. Jasdeep has probably forgotten his mother's birthday. (Begin: in------------)
   Ans. In all probability Jasdeep has forgotten his mother's birthday.


2. Mr. Sharma advised the children not to go in the cold.(End with:"-------------------------",said Mr. Sharma)
   Ans. "Children, I advise you not to go out in the cold", said Mr.Sharma.


3. For more information please contact the secretary of the club. (Begin: Should------------)
   Ans. Should more information may be required, the secretary of the club may please be contacted.


4. Ritika returned to school a week ago. (Begin: It has been-------------)
   Ans. It has been a week since Ritika returned to school


5. She was beautiful and humble. (Begin: Not only-----------)
   Ans. Not only she was beautiful but she was humble as well.


6. Both the players not adequately prepared for the tournament. (Begin: Neither)
   Ans. Neither of the players is adequately prepared for the tournament.


7. A fragrant flower is the loveliest creation of nature.(Begin: No other--------------)
   Ans. No other creation of nature is as lovely as fragrant flower.


8. He could not take part in singing competition as he had a sore throat. (Use: Prevented----------)
   Ans. A sore throat prevented him from taking part in the singing competition.

Grammar questions from year 2006

Question 1

In the following passage, fill in each of the numbered blanks with correct form of the word given in the brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order or phrase appropriate to blank space:-
Example:(0) giving
Mid-afternoon (0)--------(give) my reports to Mrs. Biggs, I (1)------- (hear) a loud thumping (2)---------(come) from the direction of her store room. "What (3)------(be) all that noise downstairs and (4)--------(open) the store room door. There was Mr. Biggs (5)-------(look) very dusty and very disgruntled; he wanted to know why Mrs. Biggs (6)-------(shut) him up for hours. Hehad gone into the store room in search of walking stick and Mrs. Biggs, (7)------(see) the door open, had promptly (8) ----------(bolt) it.

Answers:- 

1. heard
2. coming
3. is
4. opened
5. looking
6. had shut
7. having seen
8. bolted

Question 2

Fill up the blanks with appropriate words:-

1. He refused to put -------- with their interference in his affairs.


2. She has been going ---------- the script for days.


3. It is our duty to protest---------injustice.


4. He soon became accustomed --------- the harsh weather.


5. Dilip went out------- his way to help the poor.


6. He was able to put-------- his ideas so cleverly that he impressed everyone.


7. He persists ------ teasing the other children in the class.


8. I have been waiting for you ------- four o'clock.

Answers:-

1. up
2. through
3. against
4. to
5. of
6. up
7. in
8. since

Question 3

Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so.

1. Sahil composed a wonderful song. It became a hit.
   Ans. Sahil composed a song which became a hit.


2. Rani reached the spot. We were to mate there.
   Ans. Rani reached the spot where we were to meet her.


3. Dick met me. I gave him the document.
   Ans. I gave the document when he met me.


4. Shenaz was very upset. I wanted to help her out.
   Ans. As Shenaz was very upset, I wanted to help her out.

Question 4

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence.

1. As soon as the Chief Guest arrived, the band started playing. (Begin: No sooner--------)
   Ans. No sooner did the Chief Guest arrive than the band started playing.


2. He went to the library and to the bank. (Begin: Not only--------)
   Ans. Not only did he go to the library but also to the bank.


3. Though he is very poor, he helps others need. (Begin: Inspite----------)
   Ans. Inspite of his poverty, he helps others in need.


4. He does not intend to leave the company.(Use: intention)
   Ans. He has no intention to leave the company.


5. "Do you want some more ice-cream or a slice of cake?" asked my aunt. (Begin: My aunt asked------)
   Ans. My aunt asked me if I wanted some more ice-cream or a slice of cake.


6. They are painting a mural on the front wall. (Begin: A mural)
   Ans. A mural is being painted on the front wall by them.


7. Tansen was the best singer in Akbar's court. (Use: better)
   Ans. No other singer in Akbar's court was better than Tansen.


8. You remembered to buy a loaf of bread, didn't you? (Begin: You didn't------)
   Ans. You didn't forget to buy a loaf of bread.