The poem beautifully expresses the speaker’s longing for moonlight to illuminate the dark path between the city and their village, making it safer for their father’s nightly return. It captures the innocence of a child’s wish to spend more time with their father and hear his stories, emphasizing the importance of family connection and safety. The imagery of sowing “small, small, moons of light” along the path adds a whimsical touch to the poem, enhancing its magical and hopeful tone. Overall, it’s a heartfelt plea for guidance and protection, wrapped in the gentle glow of moonlight.
Sidebar Activities on Basketful of Moonlight
What does the poet wish to get from the moon and why?
And: The poet wishes to get Seeds of moonlight to sow along the path from village to City.
Why is the road from the city to the village dangerous? Ans : There are snakes and Scorpions on the dark road.
Why does the poet want his father home early?
Ans : The poet wants his father home early to listen to the stories from his father.
How do you spend your evening time with your family members?
Ans : I spend my evening time with my family members. I work in the garden and talk with my mother. I watch T.V . along with my family and discuss the episodes.
1. Complete the following sentences with the help of the poem Basketful of Moonlight.
(a) The child wants to sow small moons of light from the city to her village.
(b) According to the child the route of his village is tough and full of snakes, and scorpions.
(c) The child wants a basketful of moonlight on loan.(d) The child wants to light the dark route so that his father returns early.
2. Write down the describing words used for the following nouns from the poem Basketful of Moonlight.
Small moons
dark route tough
whole village
early morning
3. The child in the poem ‘Basketful of Moonlight’ wants to solve the problems of his village. How can the child solve them with the following wishes? Answer in your notebook.
(a) Give me moonlight, basketful or two baskets full, with seeds of moonlight.
(b) I want to light the dark route so that my father returns early.
4. Pick out and write the lines from the poem Basketful of Moonlight that prove the following.
(a) Father reaches home late, after dark.
I want to light the dark route.
6. Pick out the examples of Alliteration and Repetition, Apostrophe from the poem Basketful of Moonlight
5Write as many words as you can, using -ful as a suffix. For example, basketful, handful bucketful, cupful mouthful spoonful Jarful glassful bagtul boxful mugful
Alliteration: give me moonlight, I want to sow seeds of moon
History of Novel is included in std 12 English language syllabus purposely to attract attention of teenagers towards the literature.
There will be memory based questions on it in the examination of HSC . The weightage for this chapter is 4 marks. Two MCQ type activities will be there. Maharashtra State Board has provided question bank. You will find the solution for it here.
The novel, a long narrative in prose, has a rich history that reflects the evolution of human storytelling and societal changes. Here’s a concise overview:
Origins:
Early Narratives: The novel’s roots can be traced back to ancient and medieval narratives, including Greek romances and Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales (14th century).
‘The Tale of Genji’: Written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, this Japanese work is often considered the world’s first novel.
17th and 18th Centuries:
Emergence as a Genre: The 18th century marked the novel’s rise as a dominant literary form, capturing the intellectual, sentimental, and realistic spirit of the time.
Notable Works: Significant novels from this period include John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678), Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe (1719), and Samuel Richardson’s Pamela (1740).
19th Century:
Victorian Era: This period saw the novel become the leading literary genre in English, with authors like Charles Dickens appealing to both simple and sophisticated tastes.
Diverse Genres: The century introduced various novel genres, including Gothic novels characterized by terror, supernatural elements, and haunted settings.
20th Century:
Modernist Innovations: Authors like Virginia Woolf pioneered the ‘stream of consciousness’ technique, delving into characters’ inner thoughts.
Science Fiction: Writers such as H.G. Wells explored futuristic settings and speculative concepts, contributing to the genre’s development.
Indian English Novels:
Early Works: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya’s Rajmohan’s Wife (1864) is recognized as the first Indian English novel, focusing on nationalistic and social themes.
Prominent Authors: The mid-20th century featured a notable trio of Indian writers: Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan, and Raja Rao, who enriched Indian English literature with their narratives.
Ans: a) Greek Romances b) Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales c) Murasaki Shikibu’s Tale of Genji d) The appearance of magazines and newspapers
History Of Novel
2. Write in chronological order
a) Industrial Revolution 1
b) Drama and Poetry started fading away 4
c) Novel gained popularity 3
d) The rise of middle class 2
Ans : a) Industrial Revolution b) The rise of middle class c) Novel gained popularity d) Drama and Poetry started fading away
3. Given below are some novels, events and writers of Indian English. Arrange them in chronological order.
a) Rise of famous Indian Trio 2
b) Nayantara Sahgal, Arun Joshi, Manohar Malgaonkar 3
c) Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai, Kiran Nagarkar 4
d) Rajmohan’s Wife by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya 1
Ans : a) Rajmohan’s Wife by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya b) Rise of famous Indian Trio c) Nayantara Sahgal, Arun Joshi, Manohar Malgaonkar d) Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai, Kiran Nagarkar
4. Given below are some Novels in English literature. Arrange them in their order of their appearance.
a) The Pilgrim’s Progress and Oroonaku 3
b) Ecologues and Morte De Arthur 1
c) Pamela and Gulliver’s Travels 4
d) The Tale of Genji and Don Quxiote 2
Ans: a) Ecologues and Morte De Arthur b) The Tale of Genji and Don Quxiote c) The Pilgrim’s Progress and Oroonaku d) Pamela and Gulliver’s Travels
History Of Novel
4. State whether the following sentences are True or False
1. Novel is recognized as the most dominant literary genre in modern times. True
2. A Novel is relatively a short narrative. False
3. ‘Tale of Genji’ is described as world’s first novel.True
4. Middle class people had a little interest in romances and tragedies.True
5. Novel gave voice to the aspirations and longings of middle class. True
6. The women novelists haven’t contributed significantly in English Literature. False
7. Novella is greater in length than Novel. False
8. Setting doesn’t affect plot or characters. False
9. The struggle in opposite forces in a story is called as conflict. True
10. Epistolary Novel is a series of correspondence, other documents and diary entries as well. True
5. Match the following
6. Complete the sentence:
1. The Periodical Essay and Novel are the gifts of ………… .
(18 th century/ 17 th century /19 Th century)
2. A Novel is relatively a ………….
(a short narrative fiction/ a long narrative fiction / a fiction of moderate length)
3. The industrial revolution gave birth to ……… .
(poor class/ middle class/ rich class)
4. Appearance of newspaper in 18 th century attracted a large number of readers from
……….. (poor class/ middleclass/ rich class)
5. Rise of Novel as a literary genre resulted in lowering the importance of ………………
(poetry/ drama/ DramaandPoetry)
6. Salman Rushdie, V. S. Naipaul, Kazuo Ishigura are ………..
(Indian authors/ immigrantauthors/ writers of Indian origin)
On Saying Please by A G Gardiner is a lesson on Good manners and words of courtesy. Icebreaking, brainstorming activities and question bank solution are available here.
“On Saying ‘Please'” by Alfred George Gardiner is an essay that emphasizes the importance of politeness and the simple act of saying “please.” Gardiner argues that politeness is not just a formality but a fundamental aspect of human interaction that reflects respect and consideration for others. He illustrates how the absence of “please” can lead to strained relationships and misunderstandings, while its presence fosters goodwill and cooperation. Through anecdotes and examples, Gardiner demonstrates how the use of “please” can enhance communication and contribute to a more harmonious society. Ultimately, the essay serves as a reminder of the significance of basic manners in everyday interactions.
ICE BREAKERS on On Saying ‘Please’
A.List the words of courtesy that we use in our daily life. Discuss them with your partner and explain the purpose of using each
Words of courtesy- On Saying Please
B. Listed below are a few character traits of people. Some are positive traits,while others are not. Tick ✓ the ones you feel are desirable. ( Meanings of the words are provided. Students can tick now desirable traits. On Saying Please Activity)
Conniving – conspiring Insensitive – pretending ignorance Sly- wise in practical affairs Humorous – Naive – deficient in worldly wisdom Benevolent – disposed to doing good Aggressive – Scheming Wise Egoistic Manipulative – influence others in an artful way/ unfair way Rude- Boastful Humble – not proud Servile – slave like Territorial- organised for home defence Patronising – treating good Generous – liberal
Characteristic traits
Characteristictraits
Characteristic traits
Characteristic traits
Conniving
Insensitive
Sly
Humorous
Naive
Benevolent
Aggressive
Scheming
Wise
Egoistic
Manipulative
Rude
Boastful
Humble
Servile
Territorial
Patronising
Generous
C. Etiquette and manners are very important for a person to live in the society. Read the following and put them in proper columns. On Saying Please Activity. 1. To receive phone calls while you are in a lecture or class. 2. To knock before you enter your Principal’s office. 3. To thank the person who offers you tea or coffee. 4. To be polite and courteous to others. 5. To leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission. 6. To occupy the seats reserved for ladies or physically challenged or elderly people on a bus or a train.
Appropriate.
Inappropriate.
1. To knock before you enter your Principal’s office. 2. To thank the person who offers you tea or coffee. 3. To be polite and courteous to others.
1. To receive phone calls while you are in a lecture or class.
2. To leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission.
3. To occupy the seats reserved for ladies or physically challenged or elderly people on a bus or a train.
Moral vs. Legal Responsibility – The law enforces actions, but manners are left to personal choice.
Social Harmony – Good manners contribute to a peaceful society.
The Power of Words – Simple words like “please” and “thank you” can improve human interactions.
2. Key Characters and Their Roles
The Liftman –
A central figure in the essay.
He refuses service to a rude passenger who does not say “please.”
His reaction (throwing the passenger out) is legally punishable, but his frustration is understandable.
The Bus Conductor –
An example of politeness and patience.
He remains cheerful despite difficult passengers.
His good manners influence others and make society better.
3. Contrast Between the Liftman and the Bus Conductor
4. Key Ideas from the Essay
Manners cannot be enforced by law, but they shape society.
Being polite benefits both the speaker and the listener.
Rudeness should not be fought with more rudeness; kindness is the best response.
Small acts of politeness (e.g., saying “please”) create a more pleasant world.
5. Discussion Points
Why is politeness important in daily life?
How does the bus conductor’s attitude contrast with the liftman’s?
Can politeness be taught, or is it a personal choice?
How does the essay remain relevant in modern society?
Brain Storming from Text Book
(A1) (i) Form groups and explain the following words with examples. You can take help of your teacher. • Humility – freedom from pride• Self-esteem – a confidence in oneself • Gratitude – thankfulness• Courtesy – respect• Generosity – big heartedness • Sympathy – compassion, pity• Empathy – experiencing the feelings of others
(A2) (i) Read the text On Saying Please and state whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the False statements. (a) Bitter problems in day-to-day life can be solved by sweet words. True
(b) Great wars could have been avoided by a little courtesy. True
(c) Observance of etiquette in a normal situation is important but more important is their observance when the situation is adverse. True
(d) Words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ help us in making our passage through life uneasy. False
(e) The law permits anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous. False
(ii) Select the most appropriate sentences which suggest the theme of the essay.
(a) The essay tells us about courtesy, civility, morality, responsibility and control.
(b) The essay explores the difficulties that can be incurred by an individualwhen dealing with the public.
(c) One can keep one’s peace of mind without having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender.
(d) People with low self-esteem are generally difficult to work with and they look down upon others to get a feeling of superiority. (iii) (a) Find the reasons for the lift-man’s uncivilized behaviour. Ans : A passenger refused to say ‘Top-please’ to the liftman. The refusal hurt him acutely and damage his social standing.
(b) List the people and their behaviour that made the passenger rude and ill-mannered.
on Saying Please flowchartOn Saying Please
(iv) Good manners are required in our daily life for making our social contacts more cooperative and friendly. Illustrate the behaviour of the polite conductor with different people in various situations.
Situation.
Behaviour
1. The writer’s sensitive toe was trampled on
The conductor said sorry with an apology and courtesy.
2. In the rainy season dealing with people
He would give the tips that there is room in the bus.
4. Dealing with children
as solicitous as father
5. Dealing with young people
as considerate as son
6. Dealing with a blind man
He took him across the road and see safe landing.
On Saying Please
(v) Discuss and write the impact of good temper and kindliness on the society in the light of the good-mannered conductor from the lesson on saying please. Ans : The narrator pointed out that there was always fine weather on the polite conductor’s bus , and his civility, friendly feelings and humorous nature spreaded among the passengers. Kindliness is rewarded with kindness.
(vi) ‘A modest calling can be made dignified by good temper and kindly feeling’. Ans : Explain the statement with examples.
(vii) The service of the police is necessary for the implementation of law in our society. Do you think you require this service for good social environment?Discuss.
(A3) (i) • He committed the crime in broad daylight (not bright daylight or narrow darkness
• I had a cup of strong tea (not rich tea).
• The fast train is coming (not quick train).
Such words or group of words which habitually occur together and thereby convey meaning by association are called collocations. A collocation is a combination of words in a language that often go together.
Activity from the lesson On Saying Please
(a) Find out the words in column ‘B’ which collocate with the words in column ‘A’.
Column A.
Column B.
regular
meal
mid day
concept
key
food
fast
exercise
try
decorated
richly
hard
free
jam
traffic
time
social
animal
wild
justice
On Saying Please
Ans: regular exercise, mid day meal, key concept, fast food, try hard, richly decorated, free time, traffic jam, social justice,wild animal
(b) Learning collocations is essential for making your English sound fluent and natural. Make collocations and use in your own sentences.
(ii) Sometimes while using a word in a sentence, we have to change its wordclass. We can make several more words from the root word.We can make several new words from the root word.I asked Sumit to my pencil for me. (sharp)
I asked Sumit to sharpen my pencil for me Now read the following sentences and use the words given in the brackets. Change the word class and rewrite the sentences. (a) Leena was eating a very crunchy 🍎apple and enjoying it. (crunch) (b) This picture looks colourful . (colour) (c) I’m afraid that your behaviour is just not acceptable. (accept) (d) I like my elder brother. He is very helpful . (help)
Complete the following table. Put a cross if a word class does not exist.
Sr.No.
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
1
absence
absent
2
alarm
alarm
alarming
alarmingly
3
attraction
attract
attractive
attractively.
4
ability
enable
able
5
admiration
admire
admiring
admiringly
6
agreement
agree
agreeable
agreeably
7
application
apply
applicable
8
avoidance
avoid
avoidable.
avoidably.
9
difference
differ
different
differently
Verb Formation from On Saying Please
(iii) Register often refers to the degree of formality of language, but in a more general sense it means the language used by a group of people who share similar work or interest, such as doctors or lawyers. Imagine that your Principal or teacher is coming. When you meet him, you would never say, ‘Hey, dude ! What’s up?’ This is a formal situation, so you would say ‘Good morning, Sir’. In every situation, you use an appropriate expression according to the person. The language you use, when you meet someone depends on their age, position etc. There are formal and informal registers in spoken and written language. Write appropriate expressions and words which you have to use while facing an interview
You are writing a letter of complaint. List the proper expressions that you would like to write. (a) I disagree. (b) I have a different opinion. (c) Kindly avoid this. (d) I am sorry.
(iv) Distinguish between a legal offence and a moral offence on the basis of the given text. Legal offence Moral offence Burglary, Rude behaviour
Legal offence.
Moral offence.
Burglary
Rude behaviour
Assault and battery
Wound to self respect
To box people’s ears
Hurt feelings and emotions
Kick on the shins
Moral and intellectual damage
Offence Type – On Saying Please
(v) Find out the meanings of the following phrases. Use them in your own sentences. (a) give and take (b) a black eye (c) lower than the angels (d) knock someone down (vi) Find out the words with prefixes and suffixes from the text and write them down.
Prefix.
Suffix
uncivil, uncouth, unfriendly, unpleasant.
requirement. investment
discourtesy , disagreeable
compensation
incivility, inexhaustible
comfortable
Inconvenience
Infectious
Suffix and Prefix – On Saying Please
(vii) Complete the table with polite expressions that we must use in our day to-day life.
Don’ts.
Dos.
I want a cup of tea
I would like to have a cup of tea.
Your work isn’t good
I am afraid your work isn’t good. 🙂
Send me the mail.
Send me the mail please.
Go away or leave me alone.
Please go away. Could you leave me alone?
You are wrong.
I am afraid you are wrong.
That’s a bad idea.
Thanks for the idea but it’s bad.
Polite Expression – On Saying Please
Grammar Section from On Saying Please
(A4) (i) Edit the given paragraph using a/an/the wherever necessary.
Rakesh is a/an ideal son who remains devoted to his father as he grows professionally to become a/the famous doctor. As his father grows old, he takes care to spend time with his father, bringing him tea in a/the morning and taking him out for a/the walk in an/the evening.
(ii) Spot the errors in each of the following sentences and correct the incorrect ones. (a) Radha brought pens and distributed them betweenher five children. (among) (b) Jayshree and Sujata sat besides each other in complete silence.(beside) (c) His best friend Vijay was blind within one eye. (with) (d) One could dare to encroach on his rights. (One’s) (e) She was taken with surprise when she saw the famous Taj Mahal.(by) (f) It is not possible to exchange the goods once the sale has been completed. (return) (g) Dr. Sengupta has been trying to master the craft for the last five years. () (h) The top-ranking candidates will be appointed in senior jobs in banks. (to) (i) She knows very well what is expected from her but she is unable to perform. (yet) (j) They will put on a note in this regard for your consideration.(down) (iii) Read the following sentence. Santosh purchased a computer. He read the operating manual and followed the instructions. (a) He linked the monitor, keyboard and printer. (b) He plugged in the main cable . (c) He switched on the monitor at the back. (d) When the light appeared on the screen, he placed the Day Disk in Drive A. (e) He pushed in the disk until the button clicked out. (It took about 30 seconds for the computer to load the programme.) (f) He pressed the Drive button and the disk shot out . (g) He replaced the Day Disk with the Document Disk.
(h) He pressed function key 7
Convert these sentences into passive voice by filling in the blanks.
The first sentence has been done as an example. (Answers are given in the brackets.) Firstly the monitor, keyboard and printer were linked up. Then the —- (main cable) —- was —- —–(plugged in). The monitor —- (was switched) at the back. When the light appeared on the screen, —- —- —- —– Day Disk was placed in Drive A. The disk —- — — (was pressed )until —– — —- —(the button clicked out). It took the computer 30 seconds to load the programme. The drive button —- —- —- was pressed and the disk shot out. The — —- — — (Day Disk was replaced) with Document Disk. Finally, the function key 7………………….( was pressed) The word processor was then ready to use.
(A7) (i) Soft skills are required in all walks of life including careers and industries. They are increasingly becoming the essential skills of today’s work force. Soft skills are an integral part of finding, attracting and retaining clients also. Highly developed presentation skills, networking abilities, and etiquette awareness can help you win new clients and gain more work.
Vocabulary Test Click on test to take the test. You will learn the meaning of the words while taking the test. Quick result for individual word. Choose the next option if you get wrong . Do it until you get the right option Spelling Test After taking the above test , check your spelling and memory with the similar words. For the same test meaning are given you have to write the words .
Ans : The writer’s father was a medical professional.
Describe the campus where the writer’s family lived?
Ans: A large campus with green grass colourful flowers, and tall trees
How did the family relax after lunch?
Ans: The family lay down for an afternoon nap and the narrator read stories.
What wicked custom is practiced by animals who live in groups?
Ans: A powerful male usually does not allow another male baby or adult to survive within its group.
What attempts helped the baby langur to revive?
Splashes of cold water, cleaning of wounds and offering of a peeled banana helped the baby langur to revive.
When did baby langur finally find comfort?
The baby langur finally found comfort when his mother picked her up in her arms and held close to the bosom.
What truth about animal-human relationship did this incident reveal to the narrator?
Ans:
What did the mother seem to convey to the narrator?
Communication and mutual trust between animals and humans is indeed a reality. Bond can be established between them by striking the right chord.
An Encounter of a Special Kind : Textual Activities
1. State whether you agree or disagree with the following statements. Justify your choice with proper reasons.
(a) The compound where the writer was living, rich in nature’s bounty.
Ans: I agree with this statement.
(b) Holidays provide us an opportunity to read various magazines and storybooks .
Ans: I agree with this statement.
(c) The narrator made a mistake by saving the baby langur.
Ans : I do not agree with this statement. Saving the baby langur he realised the feelings of animals.
(d) Animals cannot convey emotions.
I do not agree with this statement.The Mother langur conveyed her gratitude by looking into the narrator’s eyes.
(e) The narrator was fifty-five years old when this incident occurred.
I do not agree with this statement. The narrator was fifteen years old at that time. He remembered this incident even after fifty five years.
2. Match the phrases given in Group ‘A’ with their meanings in Group ‘B’
Group A Phrases
Group B Meanings
(a) to be a part and parcel of
(1) to observe and give attention
(b) to be engrossed in
(ii) to be able to solve a problem
(c) to take notice of
(iii) to find comfort and peace
(d) to figure out
(iv) to think about seriously
(e) to ponder over
(v) to be completely occupied in
(f) to be overwhelmed by
(vi) to be an essential or integral part
(g) in a flash
(vii) to be affected emotionally in a powerful way
(h) to find a solace
(viii) very quickly
An Encounter of a Special Kind
3. Write in your own words.
(a) Why did the narrator ignore the barking of dogs?
(1) He was engrossed in reading
(2) He thought some dogs might have attacked a pig.
(b) Why did mother-langur make no effort to grab her baby from the coop?
Ans : She was convinced that there was no harm to her baby.
(a) What would you do, if you found an injured bird while returning from your school?
Ans: I would stop there I lift the injured bird. and Then I would offer water to drink. I would see the injury and take the bird home. I would caress the bird to soothe and apply turmeric powder on injury. However I would release the bird to fly.
Q. 2.(A) Read the following passage and do the activities: (10 marks)
A1. Write whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’ : (2)
(1) After a hearty lunch, the narrator settled down with a storybook. True
(ii) The quiet afternoon presented the perfect backdrop for reading a mysterious story. False
(ii) The narrator ignored the commotion at first. True
(i) The narrator rushed to the veranda to see where his family was. False
After a hearty lunch, my parents and my younger sisters lay down for an afternoon nap and I settled down with a storybook. The quiet afternoon presented the perfect backdrop for reading an adventure story. The silence was occasionally broken by the sound of my family snoring, the intermittent chirping of house sparrows, the harsh cawing of a crow the shrill call of a kite flying high above the ground. Minutes ticked by. I became deeply absorbed in the book.
Suddenly, I heard a group of street dogs barking furiously in the distance. I chose to ignore the commotion thinking that the pack of dogs might have cornered a hapless pig. But soon, the barking became louder and more aggressive and the alarmed cawing of a flock of crows added to the cacophony. I also heard the disturbance approaching closer. Curiosity got the better of me. Leaving the book aside, I rushed to the veranda to see what was going on.
A2. Complete the following web :
An Encounter of a Special Kind
A3. Match the describing words from the passage with the given noun below :(2)
Nouns
Describing words
(i)adventure
(a) pig
(ii)hearty
(b) story
(ii) younger
(c) lunch
(iv) hapless
(d) sisters
Ans : adventure story, hearty lunch, younger sisters, hapless pig
“An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K. Narayan is a short story that revolves around an astrologer who makes a living by reading people’s futures and pasts. The protagonist sets up his stall by a busy street and attracts clients with his confident demeanor and accurate readings. One evening, a man approaches him, seeking to find the astrologer who predicted his death. The astrologer realizes that the man is actually the person he thought he had killed years ago. This revelation leads to a twist in the story, showcasing themes of fate, redemption, and the complexity of human nature. Ultimately, the story explores the idea of second chances and the power of forgiveness.
Activity Sheet 1 on An Astrologer’s Day
Read the extract from ‘An Astrologer’s Day’ beginning with – ” Punctually at Midday………the end of day’
A1. Complete the web chart.
An Astrologer’s Day
A1. Complete the web chart.
An Astrologer’s Day
A2. People were attracted to the astrologer as bees are attracted to cosmos or dahila stalks. Give reasons.
A2. People flocked to fried groundnut vendor. Give reasons.
A3 Insufficient light suited the astrologer’s business. Explain.
A3. Half the enchantment of the place was due to the fact that it did not have the benefit of municipal lightening. Explain
A4. Astrologer’s by the roadside deserves no wages. Give your opinion.
A4. Describe your plan about earning while learning.
A5 Rewrite as instructed.
1. The colour scheme never failed. (Make it affirmative.)
2. The place was lit up by the shop lights. (Identify the voice.)
A6. Vocabulary Match the pair
An Astrologer’s Day
Column A Column B
1. Sacred. A. red pigment
2. Vermillion B. surprised
3. Flanked. C. holy
4. Astonished. D. divided
Activity Sheet No. 2 on An Astrologer’s Day
A1. Put the statements in order as the events occur.
1. A client showed his palm to astrologer with challenge.
2. The astrologer began to bundle up his paraphernalia.
3. The astrologer sensed a man as his client and pressed invitation.
4. The nuts vendor rose to go home.
A2. State whether the following statements are true or false.
1. A client looked careworn.
2. The astrologer was challenged.
3. He charged four pies for a question.
4. A client did not agree to pay the fees.
A3. Guess
The astrologer recognised the client but didn’t show. Support the statements with proof from the extract.
A4. Opinion
Astrology is a truthful occupation. Give your opinion.
1. Read the extract from An Astrologer’s Day and complete the activities given below: (12)
Punctually at midday he opened his bag and spread out his professional equipment, which consisted of a dozen cowrie shells, a square piece of cloth with obscure mystic charts on it, a notebook, and a bundle of Palmyra writing. His forehead was resplendent (glorious) with sacred ash and vermilion, and his eyes sparkled with a sharp abnormal gleam (shine) which was really an outcome of a continual searching look for customers, but which his simple clients took to be a prophetic light and felt
comforted. The power of his eyes was considerably enhanced by their position placed as they were between the painted forehead and the dark whiskers (moustaches) which streamed down his cheeks: even a half-wit’s eyes would sparkle in such a setting. To crown the effect he wound a saffron-coloured turban around his head. This colour scheme never failed. People were attracted to him as bees are attracted to cosmos or dahlia stalks. He sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree which flanked a path running through the Town Hall Park. It was a remarkable place in many ways. A surging crowd was always moving up and down this narrow road from morning till night. A variety of trades and occupations was represented all along its way :medicine sellers, sellers of stolen hardware and junk, magicians, and above all, an auctioneer of cheap cloth, who created enough din all day to attract the whole town. Next to him in vociferousness came a vendor of fried groundnut, who gave his ware a fancy name each day, calling it “Bombay Ice Cream” one day and on the next “Delhi Almond,” and on the third “Raja’s Delicacy,” and so on and so forth, and people flocked to him. A considerable portion of this crowd dallied before the astrologer too.
The astrologer transacted his business by the light of a flare which crackled and smoked up above the groundnut heap nearby. Half the enchantment of the place was due to the fact that it did not have the benefit of municipal lighting. The place was lit up by shop lights. One or two had hissing gaslights, some had naked flares stuck on poles, some were lit up by old cycle lamps, and one or two, like the astrologer, managed without lights of their own. It was a bewildering crisscross of light rays and moving shadows. This suited the astrologer very well, for the simple reason that he had not in the least intended to be an astrologer when he began life; and he knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to himself next minute. He was as much a stranger to the stars as were his innocent customers. Yet he said things which pleased and astonished everyone: that was more a matter of study, practice, and shrewd guesswork. All the same, it was as much an honest man’s labour as any other, and he deserved the wages he carried home at the end of a day.
A1. State if the given statements are True or False. (2)
i. The astrologer used to have the preparation of his business in quite professional way.
ii. The physical appearance of the astrologer hardly created an impact on the customers.
iii. The place was busy with a variety of occupations.
iv. The astrologer’s style of handling the business lies in his skills.
Ans : i. The astrologer used to have the preparation of his business in quite professional way. True
ii. The physical appearance of the astrologer hardly created an impact on the customers. False
iii. The place was busy with a variety of occupations. True
iv. The astrologer’s style of handling the business lies in his skills. True
A2. Complete the given web. (2)
An Astrologer’s Day
1. Opened his bag and spread out professional equipment
2. Wound a saffron coloured turban around his head
3. Sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree
4. Transacted his business of astrology
(Note : Draw a web chart and write these points in it.)
A3. The astrologer was a shrewd judge of a character. Explain with some details from the extract. (2)
Ans : He was punctual in his work. Though he did not intend to be an astrologer, he used professional equipment for astrology. He dressed as an astrologer and chose appropriate place for the transaction . He accepted that study, practice and shrewd guesswork helped him to please and astonish his customers.
A4. We need to understand even the smallest details of the business in order to succeed. Write your views. (2)
Ans :
A5. Do as directed. (2)
1) It was a remarkable place in many ways.
(Choose correct alternative to rewrite the given sentence as an exclamatory sentence)
i. It was a remarkable place in many ways!
ii. How a remarkable place in many ways it was!
iii. What a remarkable place in many ways it was!
iv. What remarkable in many ways the place it was!
2) He spread out his professional equipment, which consisted of a dozen cowrie shells.
(Choose correct alternative to rewrite the given sentence as a compound sentence)
i. He spread out his professional equipment but it consisted of a dozen cowrie shells.
ii. He spread out his professional equipment and it consisted of a dozen cowrie shells.
iii. He spread out his professional equipment that it consisted of a dozen cowrie shells.
iv. He spread out his professional equipment and it had consisted of a dozen cowrie shells.
A6. Find the synonyms for the following words from the passage. (2)
a. Confusing b. hanging around c. difficult to understand d. magical effect 2
