2022 English Exam - Reading & Writing Skills

The passage discusses the difficulties and advantages of traveling by train, car, sea, and air, highlighting the unique challenges and comforts associated with each mode of transport.

The rhythmic sound of the wheels on the tracks causes drowsiness, making it difficult to focus on reading.

Train compartments often feel cramped and lack fresh air, which can be uncomfortable for long journeys.

Sea travel offers a variety of enjoyable activities, such as walking on spacious decks, playing games, swimming, meeting new people, and enjoying good food.

Rough seas can cause seasickness, making sea travel unpleasant for some.

Sea journeys can take a long time, which is a major drawback for travelers with limited time.

Air travel is known for its speed and comfort, offering a fast and enjoyable way to reach your destination.

Air travel is often perceived as dangerous, which can intimidate some travelers.

Air travel is the most expensive form of transport, which can be a barrier for some.

Long car journeys are considered unpleasant because of the inability to read and the frequent travel on narrow, bumpy roads.

The writer dislikes long car journeys because it is almost impossible to read, unlike traveling by train or plane.

The word "stuffy" means lacking fresh air or ventilation.

The opposite of "narrow" is "wide".

The author uses the word "wars" to refer to conflicts involving the use of gas, fire, and weapons that cause widespread destruction.

The warmongers seek a victory that leaves no survivors, suggesting a complete annihilation of all life.

The poet suggests that those who prepare for such destructive wars should instead focus on peaceful coexistence and brotherhood, abandoning their violent pursuits.

The words "survivors" and "victory" are synonyms for those left alive and win, respectively.

The traffic passed quickly and without paying attention to the roadside stand, suggesting a lack of engagement with the surroundings.

The speaker felt out of sorts because the roadside stand, with its simple painted signs, seemed to disrupt the pristine beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The roadside stand sold wild berries in wooden quarts and crook-necked golden squash with silver warts, highlighting the simple produce offered.

The speaker suggests that if one wants to be mean, they should simply keep their money and not make a purchase from the roadside stand.

Keats refers to pain caused by the loss of loved ones, disillusionment with life's uncertainties, and the constant struggle against death.

Kamala Das describes her childhood fear of being different and how she concealed it by pretending to be like other children.

The speaker's parting words and smile symbolize her strength and resilience in the face of her mother's aging and her own feelings of sadness.

The sadness referred to in the poem 'Keeping Quiet' is a yearning for peace, contemplation, and unity among all people, even when confronted with differences.

The Earth teaches us the importance of interconnectedness and interdependence, emphasizing the interconnected web of life and the need for balance and harmony.

The people running the roadside stand ask for some city money because they believe that city dwellers have more financial resources and are willing to pay for their simple produce.

In 'A Thing of Beauty,' Keats suggests that the appreciation for beauty and art helps us to overcome pain and disappointment, offering a sense of hope and joy.

M. Hamel taught for forty years at the village school, dedicating his career to educating the young generations.

Mukesh, the young boy from the bangle-making family, lives in Firozabad, a town known for its bangle industry.

Saheb, a young boy who works as a rag picker, seeks aluminum scraps in the garbage dumps because he can sell them for meager earnings.