English Yuvakbharati Textbook PDF - Standard XI

 The Coordination Committee formed by G.R. No. Abhyas - 2116/(Pra.Kra.43/16) SD - 4 Dated 25.4.2016 has given approval to prescribe this textbook in its meeting held on 20.06.2019 and it has been decided to implement it from the Academic Year 2019-20. ENGLISH...

 The Coordination Committee formed by G.R. No. Abhyas - 2116/(Pra.Kra.43/16) SD - 4 Dated 25.4.2016 has given approval to prescribe this textbook in its meeting held on 20.06.2019 and it has been decided to implement it from the Academic Year 2019-20. ENGLISH YUVAKBHARATI (Compulsory English) Standard XI Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, Pune. Download DIKSHA App on your smartphone. If you scan the Q.R. Code on this page of your textbook, you will be able to access full text. If you scan the Q.R. Code provided, you will be able to access audio-visual study material relevant to each lesson, provided as teaching and learning aids. First Edition : 2019 © Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and First Reprint : 2020 Curriculum Research, Pune - 411 004. The Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research reserves all rights relating to the book. No part of this book should be reproduced without the written permission of the Director, Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, ‘Balbharati’, Senapati Bapat Marg, Pune 411004. English Language Committee : Dr Rohit Kawale, Member Dr Manjushree Sardeshpande, Member Shri. Shridhar Nagargoje, Member Dr. Shruti Chaudhary, Member English Language Study Group : Dr. Muktaja Mathkari, Member Smt. Raseshwari Chonkar Dr. Rajesh Pawde Dr. Dipak Damodare, Member Dr. Sangita Ghodake, Member Shri. Pravin Mulay Smt. Manjula Bheed Dr. Ibrahim Nadaf, Member Dr. Dharmaji Kharat Smt. Ishita Sengupta Smt. Arundhati Garud, Member Dr. Sanjay Sanap Smt. Shubhra Roy Shri. Santosh Pawar, Smt. Jayashri Jangle Shri. Santosh Gaikwad Member-Secretary Shri. Avinash Rade Shri. Nadeem Khan Chief Coordinator Smt. Prachi Ravindra Sathe Smt. Medha Shastri Smt. Madhavi Joshi Smt. Meghana Sidhaye Smt. Sanjyot Joshi Cover : Shri. Vivekananda Patil Illustrations : Reshma Barve Dr. Suhasini Jadhav Smt. Dipali Salunkhe Garphics : Ashana Advani Co-ordination : Santosh J. Pawar Assistant Special Officer, English Publisher : Production : Typesetting : Vivek Uttam Gosavi Sachchitanand Aphale Controller DTP Section (Languages) Chief Production Officer Maharashtra State Textbook Bureau, Pune. Textbook Bureau, Rajendra Chindarkar Printer : Prabhadevi, Production Officer Dattakrupa Printers,Nagpur Mumbai - 400 025. Rajendra Pandloskar Assistant Production Officer Print Order No. : Paper : N/PB/2020-21/(0.75) 70 GSM Creamwove  Preface Dear Students, A hearty welcome to you all in standard XI! It is indeed a very special beginning for you who are now on the threshold of selecting your careers. We are happy to place this textbook ‘English Yuvakbharati’ for Standard XI in your hands. Learning a language is a pleasure. It helps you to communicate your feelings, your emotions, your knowledge, your wisdom. Moreover when you are learning English, it helps you to connect with the world. In the age of globalization the world has become a small place. We need to communicate not only with our fellow beings in and around our neighbourhood but with many people around the globe. Till Standard Ten you have acquired a reasonable command over the English language and you can use it for various purposes too. Now as your horizons are widening you need to use the English language more effectively in different walks of life. This book is a beautiful combination of language and literature. You will be able to study advanced use of language, its figurative use, phrasal verbs, collocations, understanding specific use of precise words useful for competitive exams. In this competitive age you need to be expressive, communicate your knowledge effectively, put forward your views and opinions constructively, understand different people, different cultures and make place for yourself in this complex world. For all this you would require effective use of English Language. This book caters to all your needs of language required to satisfy any profession you might venture in the coming years. As enthusiastic netizens you would be able to write emails and blogs. English Literature helps you to understand different people, different cultures, and different psychologies. It helps you to understand the various aspects of life, its various moods, its hues, fragrance and also complexities. This prepares you to deal with any circumstances in life. It will also help you to appreciate, enjoy the bounties of creation. This year we have introduced a special genre of drama. This will help you to understand creativity in the dramatic form, its nuances and its specific requirements. This will definitely help in enhancing your language skills. At this juncture you should be able to make use of the ICT. Interesting audio- visual aids are available for you on the internet. You can surf them for your knowledge and pleasure. Useful audio-video teaching – learning material given in the text will be available through the Q.R. Code and through the medium of App for additional information. It will be definitely useful for your studies. We will be happy if you share your feelings about the contents of this book with us. We hope you enjoy studying it throughout the year. We eagerly look forward for your enthusiastic participation. Happy Learning! wish you all the best in your studies! Pune Date : 20 June, 2019 (Dr Sunil Magar) Indian Solar Year : Director Jyeshtha 30, 1941 Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, Pune.  For Teachers - Before We Teach..... Hello fellow traveller, here is a short note on how we need to equip ourselves for the new course book. The text has been made with a view to enable students to learn the language pleasurably and inculcate in them values inherent in the texts. It also offers scope for us to reinvent ourselves, our knowledge and explore a more engaging and communicative form of effective teaching and learning. We are now expected to play the role of facilitators and motivators, nudging the learners to find their highest joy in books. If the students find the texts absorbing, then half the battle is won, as language learning will happen implicitly. Moreover, it is with the aim of enhancing language skills, quality literary pieces have been introduced and activities have been prepared, accordingly in order to guide the learner to understand the literary qualities as well as language attributes of the chosen text. Furthermore, it is important for us to keep in mind, that English being the medium of instruction and learning for most students at this level, their performance in all the subjects they study, can be enhanced with proficiency in the language. A special reminder for us here is that we need to go through the entire textbook, before embarking on the journey of teaching and learning. The textbook has been designed in such a way, that it lends a lot of flexibility to the act of teaching. The teacher can roughly divide each section into two parts and cover the first part of each section in the first term. However, the entire textbook will serve as testing material for the annual examination. The activities are designed so as to explore the previous knowledge of the students and also enrich them with new learning. It would be a good idea on our part to give them enough time to pause and ponder and to find answers to the open ended activities. One special feature that is introduced in this course book is that, a short biography of the author and some information about the text has been added at the beginning of each chapter. Not only does it satisfy our innate curiosity about the lives of famous and talented people, but it also throws light on the content to be studied. Activity Based Learning, now a part of the new pattern of teaching and learning, is a branch of 'Communicative Language Teaching' or CLT. There is a lot of scope for discussion and sharing of experiences and thoughts, through the Ice Breakers, Brain Storming activities, Writing activities and Extension activities. The selection of texts aims at inculcating among students, different competencies like linguistic skills and life skills. Icebreakers at the beginning of the text are a pedagogical tool, leading the learner smoothly into the text. It will help test their previous knowledge and create interest, curiosity and excitement for the topic, among them. Language study has been introduced now in its functional form whereby learners will naturally connect the grammar they learn, to daily use of the language for speaking as well as writing.  Prose There is a wonderful blend of essays, short stories, biographical sketches, speeches and articles in the prose section of the book. Care has been taken to choose inspiring pieces of literature written by well known authors, which will not only inculcate a wholesome sense of right and wrong in pupils, but also sensitise students to the pleasure and pain of life. The ultimate goal of these prose pieces is that, through familiarity with these texts, students will be motivated to express themselves in the various forms of prose they are exposed to, in the course book. Poetry A fresh addition to teaching and learning poetry is summarising, appreciation and composition of a few lines of poetry. This would enhance the joy of learning poetry and lend beauty and rhythm to the daily usage of the language. Writing Skills In the third section, examples of the various writing skills which we expect the student to learn are included. Through these examples we can hone the writing skills of the various forms discussed in the course book. This, we hope, will eventually lead the learner towards the various forms of written language and towards careers open to them in the field of writing. ICT based writing skills such as email writing and blog writing also have been intentionally introduced. Drama What sets this course book apart is Section 4, in which the pupil will have a glimpse of the genre of drama, an exciting and captivating branch of literature. Some extracts from well loved and popular plays and some thought provoking examples from the genre, have been included. It is an interesting mix of plays having historical, socio-cultural and comic themes, representative of this form of literature. Descriptive responses have been introduced, so that students learn the language effectively. This will enable students to engage with the text for a longer span of time than they generally do. It will also develop a feel for words. They will be encouraged to explore the genre further and this will culminate into some of them becoming dramatists, actors or technicians involved in the various aspects of theatre production. The QR code will make its maiden entry into our textbook. It is a very useful tool for teachers as well as students for the teaching-learning activity. Interesting links, videos and additional information in relation to the given texts have been provided in it. Extensive use of the QR code is recommended as it will simplify, enhance and aid the teaching learning process. Therefore, friends, with this course book, we embark on a new and exciting voyage into previously unchartered waters, discovering new horizons and unknown lands. Let us enjoy the expedition together. ***  Statements of Competencies - English Yuvakbharati (Compulsory English) Standard XI Listening Listen actively and attentively. Enjoy, comprehend and appreciate a variety of poems. Get an exposure to a wide range of vocabulary items through listening exercises. Acquire a global understanding of literary and non-literary audio texts. Develop the ability to listen for specific purposes. Develop the skill of note taking while listening. Understand general oral instructions. Expose the students to different accents and varieties of English i.e. British English, American English and Indian English. Understand different intentions like irony, sarcasm, wit and humour through the tone of the speaker. Comprehend and enjoy live as well as recorded presentations like songs, skits, movies and plays. Understand oral communication without face to face interaction (e.g. telephonic conversation, IVRS Skype calls etc.) Listen with comprehension to lectures, talks, conversations, news-bulletins, interviews, debates and discussions. Identify the genre and register of a text after listening to it. Speaking Use spoken language fluently in day-to-day communication. Speak with acceptable pronunciation. Speak coherently, logically, fluently, confidently and intelligibly on a given topic for a reasonable period of time with appropriate body language. Answer questions orally. Make oral presentations on a given topic. Narrate stories, describe events and experiences, read news loudly and compere programmes. Use formal and informal language according to the context, role and relationships, topics and situations. Express effectively in group discussions, interviews, debates, elocutions and extempore speeches. Communicate through digital media (live chats, interviews, zoom meetings, video conferences, webinars, skype). Give instructions, make complaints, give suggestions, make enquiries, give compliments orally or through IVRS. Comment on the writer’s point of view. Recite poems, deliver speeches with correct pronunciation, intonation and stress. Reading Adopt different reading strategies including silent reading such as skimming, scanning, prediction, inferences etc depending on the type of texts and the purpose of reading. Read aloud and appreciate the rhyme scheme of the poem. Read patiently till the end of the literary piece for better comprehension. Read in order to find the intention and attitude of the writer. Identify verbosity, ambiguity, inconsistency, disparity in texts. Understand and appreciate use of literary devices, figures of speech, etc. Relate and evaluate the information with one’s previous knowledge and develop further insights. Appreciate precision, clarity and transparency in the given text. Learn about other cultures and develop humanistic and liberal mindset. Ascertain the authenticity/reliability of the source of information.  Understand the literal as well as the suggested/implied meaning. Understand the imaginative/informative/narrative/argumentative, pursuasive and reflective nature of texts. Develop the habit of reading the newspapers, magazines, periodicals, journals, reference books and web-graphs for authentic information. Read brochures, reviews and reports on various events, situations, programmes to get information. Distinguish the main ideas from the subsidiary information. Read so as to make notes, summarize and classify for oral and written communication. Read to prepare for competitive exams and understanding different career options. Read to develop wide variety of diction, syntax and semantics. Read and respond analytically as a well-versed reader. Read and understand the situations in modern society and respond in an appropriate manner. Read to distinguish between facts, opinions, important ideas and supporting details. Read extensively so as to develop interest in different forms of literature and writings. Writing Report an event by using an appropriate format such as news drafting and journal writing. Write formal letters, applications and emails. Attempt using different styles of writing and literary devices. Attempt creative writing in different forms-stories, poems, dialogues, graphics, jokes, advertisements, fliers etc. Write correctly, coherently, concisely, clearly and completely while responding to questions, queries, doubts etc. Review and correct his/her own work regularly. Write a conversation and dialogue independently. Express and expand one’s own thoughts, feelings, emotions and ideas in appropriate language. Compare and contrast one’s own experiences with those of others. Review a book, film, a TV programme, play etc. Attempt using different techniques for writing more effectively. Use quotations, idiomatic expressions, phrases and proverbs appropriately in writing. Write short reports on news, interviews, visits and functions. Create advertisements with the help of given clues. Summarize the given text. Prepare a script on various situations such as introducing the speaker, giving vote of thanks, expressing condolences, bidding farewell etc. Write blogs to reach out to the maximum number of people. Write an appreciation of a poem. Study Skills Use of ICT in learning the language and literature. Prepare and compile glossaries and other reference materials through dictionaries, thesaurus, encyclopedias, internet etc. Prepare personal notes to remember and recall information. Make use of films, plays, concerts and presentations and appreciate them critically. Practise note-taking, note-making and summarizing for developing analytical, and critical thinking skills.  Explore different styles of reading, speaking and writing independently. Frame probing questions, queries and comments. Write and express feedback objectively in appropriate language. Prepare questionnaire, opinionnaire, check-list etc. Use of online modes of communication for different purposes such as e-mail, Skype, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Blog, Vlog, Transactions etc. Create audio–visual aids for presentations, posters, booklets, wall magazines, hand-outs, informative strips and power point presentation. Create and use different revision techniques to recall increasingly the larger chunks of information. Practise translating different types of informative texts and literary extracts from mother tongue to English and from English into mother tongue. Practise analyzing errors in oral and written work, which occur due to influence of mother tongue. Use resources from other languages while speaking and writing in English. Practise planning and execution of a survey and present a comprehensive report. Practise presentation of information in a concise and lucid manner, supported by appropriate graphics. Practise paraphrasing techniques. Practise use of computer for the purpose of translation, transcription and presentation. Practise use of social media in a responsible manner. Language Study Students at the +2 stage, need better sentence construction skills, appropriate vocabulary building and usage. Merely knowing the dictionary meaning of words is not enough. They need to know how words take on new meanings according to the context. They should be introduced to the use of thesaurus and should be able to construct sentences well, enrich their vocabulary and bring it into oral and written practice. Similarly, they need to be made aware that when the form of the word changes, the meaning and usage of the word changes too. For word-building they need to be made aware that each word in a given list of synonyms, has a slightly different and nuanced meaning. The above should be introduced in a graded manner through revision of parts of speech, punctuation, sentence construction, vocabulary building, speech, figures of speech, figurative use of language, stylistic devices, word usage, idioms, maxims, proverbs, editing, functional grammar and omissions. They should be made familiar with common gaffes in daily use.    1. Parts of Speech : Verbs (main/auxiliary/modal, transitive/intransitive, gerund, finite/infinite verbs, participles; time, tense, phrasal verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, determiners, articles etc.) 2. Sentence structure : Types of sentences–statements (positive/negative), imperative, exclamatory questions, transformation of sentences (framing questions, negatives, voice, reported speech, joining sentences) 3. Vocabulary and word building : Synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, word register, root word, prefix, suffix, connotation, denotation, collocation, derivatives, compound words, minor processes of word building : blends, introduction to thesaurus. 4. Speech : Pronunciation, syllables, stress, intonation, rhyme, rhythm, accent etc. 5. Figures of Speech and stylistic devices : Simile, metaphor, personification, apostrophe, hyperbole, euphemism, antithesis, irony, pun, onomatopoeia, alliteration, consonance, synecdoche, metonymy and ambiguity. 6. Phrases, proverbs and maxims and their usage : 7. Functional grammar : Editing, omission, finding errors, common gaffes. (errors)  - Contents - SECTION ONE (Prose) 1.1 Being Neighborly Louisa May Alcott 1 1.2 On to the Summit : We Reach the Top Tenzing Norgay 15 1.3 The Call of the Soil Venkat Iyer 25 1.4 Pillars of Democracy Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar 35 1.5 Mrs. Adis Sheila Kaye-Smith 43 1.6 Tiger Hills General Ved Prakash Malik 53 SECTION TWO (Poetry) 2.1 Cherry Tree Ruskin Bond 65 2.2 The Sower Victor Hugo 71 2.3 There is Another Sky Emily Dickinson 75 2.4 Upon Westminster Bridge William Wordsworth 81 2.5 Nose versus Eyes William Cowper 87 2.6 The Planners Boey Kim Cheng 91 SECTION THREE (Writing Skills) 3.1 Expansion of Ideas - 97 3.2 Blog Writing - 101 3.3 E-mails - 105 3.4 Interview J.. Krishnamur 111 3.5 Film Review - 117 3.6 The Art of Compering - 122 SECTION FOUR (Genre-Drama) 4.1 History of English Drama - 128 4.2 The Rising of the Moon Lady Gregory 138 4.3 Extracts of Drama - (A) A Midsummer Night's Dream William Shakespeare 151 (B) An Enemy of the People Henrik Johan Ibsen 174  SECTION ONE WRITING SKILLS TITLE / TYPE OF LANGUAGE STUDY EXTENSION ACTIVITIES/ VALUES/ NO FUNCTIONAL/ THE TOPIC / POETIC DEVICES PROJECT LIFE SKILLS CREATIVE 1.1 Being Neighborly Direct-Indirect speech Narration, Career Development Human Being Friendly Extension of a story Resource Management, Empathy Reading 1.2 On to the Summit : Suffixes Letter writing Report writing and Courage, We Reach the Top E-mail comparison Perseverence Dedication, 1.3 The Call of the Soil Simple, complex and Preparing a Blog Plant a tree, Agriculture, Conservation of compound sentences Note-Making, View and Horticulture biodiversity, Counterview, Appeal Perseverence 1.4 Pillars of Democracy Wh questions Drafting a speech Opportunities in various Democratic values Homographs fields 1.5 Mrs. Adis Simple Past Tense Dialogue writing Reading short stories as a Forgiveness form 1.6 Tiger Hills Idioms/ phrases though Report writing Carrer opportunities in Army, Patriotism /although, but, prefix 'a' Navy and Air Force Valour  SECT ION ONE 1.1 Being Neighborly ICE BREAKERS Read the following statements and mark those that apply to you. (i) I make friends easily. (ii) I wish to be friends with someone but my friendship is rejected. (iii) Someone has extended a hand of friendship towards me and I have not accepted it. (iv) I have a large group of friends but no best buddy. (v) I have a small group of close friends and have no wish to interact with anyone else. (vi) I have cordial relationships with all but I cannot connect with anyone. Complete the following web diagram. (i) Having long conversations Friendship to me means Giving and receiving gifts (ii) If you see someone lonely or sad you will - (a) (b) (c) 1  Louisa May Alcott : (1832-1888) An American writer in the mid to late 19th Century, is considered to be one of the earliest feminist writers. Out of the several books she wrote, her series, beginning with ‘Little Women’, has been hugely popular among the masses and critics alike for a century and a half. Her simple style and lively characters have left a mark and influenced generations of children and adults alike. The setting of her books is the suburbs of Boston. Her world view is wholesome and full of believable yet charming characters which captivates the readers. The following extract is from ‘Little Women’ first published in 1868. This story of four sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, their friend Laurie, their wise and loving parents of modest means, living in a suburb of a city in the East coast of America has caught the imagination of generations of readers young and old alike. Each character is real and distinctive. We remain firmly with the sisters through all their struggles, conflicts, triumphs and joys. It serves as a guiding light to us in all the phases of our lives. The extract affords us a tantalising glimpse into the book and narrates the beginning of a lifelong friendship between Jo, the brightest and liveliest of the four sisters and Laurie their wealthy, new neighbour. The March girls and Laurie, become best buddies and much more as the book progresses. Being Neighborly Neighborly: American spelling of ‘neighbourly’ “What in the world are you going to do now, Jo?” (British) asked Meg one snowy afternoon, as her sister came tramping through the hall, in rubber boots, old sacque sacque: infant short jacket and hood, with a broom in one hand and a shovel and hood in the other. “Going out for exercise,” answered Jo with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “I should think two long walks this morning would have been enough! It’s cold and dull out, and I advise Jo doesn’t want to be a you to stay warm and dry by the fire, as I do,” said pussy-cat because... Meg with a shiver. “Never take advice! Can’t keep still all day, and not being a pussy-cat, I don’t like to doze by the fire. I like adventures, and I’m going to find some.” 2  Meg went back to toast her feet and read "Ivanhoe"; and Jo began to dig paths with great Ivanhoe : a historical energy. The snow was light, and with her broom she novel by Walter Scott soon swept a path all round the garden, for Beth to walk in when the sun came out and the invalid dolls invalid dolls : the dolls with broken limbs which needed air. Now, the garden separated the Marches’ Beth loves. house from that of Mr. Laurence. Both stood in a suburb of the city, which was still countrylike, with groves and lawns, large gardens, and quiet streets. A low hedge parted the two estates. On one side was an old, brown house, looking rather bare and shabby, robbed of the vines that in summer covered its walls and the flowers, which then surrounded it. On the other side was a stately stone mansion, plainly betokening every sort of comfort and luxury, from the betokening : indicating big coach house and well-kept grounds to the conservatory: glass room conservatory and the glimpses of lovely things one outside the house used as caught between the rich curtains. Yet it seemed a green house too. lonely, lifeless sort of house, for no children frolicked on the lawn, no motherly face ever smiled at the windows, and few people went in and out, except the old gentleman and his grandson. To Jo’s lively fancy, this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace, full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed. She had long wanted to behold hidden glories : guess the these hidden glories and to know the Laurence boy, meaning of hidden glories who looked as if he would like to be known, if he in the context. only knew how to begin. Since the party, she had been more eager than ever, and had planned many ways of making friends with him, but he had not been seen lately, and Jo began to think he had gone away, when she one day spied a brown face at an upper wistfully : longingly, sadly window, looking wistfully down into their garden, thinking of the past where Beth and Amy were snow-balling one another. “That boy is suffering for society and fun,” she Explain: “That boy is said to herself. “His grandpa does not know what’s suffering for society and good for him, and keeps him shut up all alone. He fun”. needs a party of jolly boys to play with, or somebody young and lively. I’ve a great mind to go over and tell the old gentleman so!” 3  The idea amused Jo, who liked to do daring things and was always scandalizing Meg by her queer performances. The plan of “going over” was not forgotten. And when the snowy afternoon came, Jo resolved to try what could be done. She saw Mr. sallied: set out to do Lawrence drive off, and then sallied out to dig her something way down to the hedge, where she paused and took a survey. All quiet, curtains down at the lower windows, servants out of sight, and nothing human visible but a curly black head leaning on a thin hand at the upper window. “There he is,” thought Jo, “Poor boy! All alone and sick this dismal day. It’s a shame! I’ll toss up a snowball and make him look out, and then say a kind word to him.” listless: lacking energy Up went a handful of soft snow, and the head turned at once, showing a face which lost its listless look in a minute, as the big eyes brightened and the mouth began to smile. Jo nodded and laughed, and flourished: waved flourished her broom as she called out… “How do you do? Are you sick?” Laurie opened the window, and croaked out as hoarsely as a raven… “Better, thank you. I’ve had a bad cold, and been shut up a week.” as dull as tombs: Discuss “I’m sorry. What do you amuse yourself with?” and name the figure of “Nothing. It’s as dull as tombs up here.” speech. “Don’t you read?” “Not much. They won’t let me.” “Can’t somebody read to you?” “Grandpa does sometimes, but my books don’t interest him, and I hate to ask Brooke all the time.” “Have someone come and see you then.” “There isn’t anyone I’d like to see. Boys make such a row, and my head is weak.” “Isn’t there some nice girl who’d read and amuse you? Girls are quiet and like to play nurse.” 4  “Don’t know any.” “You know us,” began Jo, then laughed and stopped. “So I do! Will you come, please?” cried Laurie. “I’m not quiet and nice, but I’ll come, if Mother will let me. I’ll go ask Her. Shut the window, like a good boy, and wait till I come.” With that, Jo shouldered her broom and marched into the house, wondering what they would all say to her. Laurie was in a flutter of excitement at the idea of having company, and flew about to get ready, for Complete the sentence : as Mrs. March said, he was “a little gentleman”, and did honor to the coming guest by brushing his curly 'a little gentleman' means pate, putting on a fresh color, and trying to tidy up - the room, which in spite of half a dozen servants, was anything but neat. Presently there came a loud ring, than a decided voice, asking for “Mr. Laurie”, and a surprised-looking servant came running up to announce a young lady. “All right, show her up, it’s Miss Jo,” said Laurie, going to the door of his little parlor to meet Jo, who appeared, looking rosy and quite at her ease, with a covered dish in one hand and Beth’s three kittens in the other. “Here I am, bag and baggage,” she said briskly. “Mother sent her love, and was glad if I could do anything for you. Meg wanted me to bring some of blanc-mange: almond her blanc-mange, she makes it very nicely, and Beth flavoured milk pudding thought her cats would be comforting. I knew you’d laugh at them, but I couldn’t refuse, she was so anxious to do something.” It so happened that Beth’s funny loan was just the thing, for in laughing over the kits, Laurie forgot his bashfulness: shyness bashfulness, and grew sociable at once. “That looks too pretty to eat,” he said, smiling with pleasure, as Jo uncovered the dish, and showed Make a list of gifts you the blanc-mange, surrounded by a garland of green give/receive to/ from your friends. leaves, and the scarlet flowers of Amy’s pet geranium. “It isn’t anything, only they all felt kindly and 1. 2. wanted to show it. Tell the girl to put it away for 3. 4. 5  your tea. It’s so simple you can eat it, and being soft, it will slip down without hurting your sore throat. What a cozy room this is!” “It might be if it was kept nice, but the maids are lazy, and I don’t know how to make them mind. It worries me though.” “I’ll right it up in two minutes, for it only needs to have the hearth brushed, so – and the things made straight on the mantelpiece, so – and the books put here, and the bottles there, and your sofa turned from the light, and the pillows plumped up a bit. Now then, you’re fixed.” And so he was, for, as she laughed and talked, Jo had whisked things into place and given quite a different air to the room. Laurie watched her in respectful silence, and when she beckoned him to his sofa, he sat down with a sigh of satisfaction, saying gratefully… “How kind you are! Yes, that’s what it wanted. Now please take the big chair and let me do something to amuse my company.” “No, I came to amuse you. Shall I read aloud?” and Jo looked affectionately toward some inviting books near by. “Thank you! I’ve read all those, and if you don’t mind, I’d rather talk,” answered Laurie. “Not a bit. I’ll talk all day if you’ll only set me going. Beth says I never know when to stop.” “Is Beth the rosy one, who stays at home good deal and sometimes goes out with a little basket?” asked Laurie with interest. “Yes, that’s Beth. She’s my girl, and a regular good one she is, too.” “The pretty one is Meg, and the curly-haired one is Amy, I believe?” Guess the meaning of following word: “How did you find that out?” colored up Laurie colored up, but answered frankly, “Why, you see I often hear you calling to one another, and when I’m alone up here, I can’t help looking over at 6 your house, you always seem to be having such good times. I beg your pardon for being so rude, but sometimes you forget to put down the curtain at the window where the flowers are. And when the lamps are lighted, it’s like looking at a picture to see the fire, and you all around the table with your mother. Her face is right opposite, and it looks so sweet behind the flowers, I can’t help watching it. I haven’t got any mother, you know.” And Laurie poked the fire to hide a little twitching of the lips that he could not control. The solitary, hungry look in his eyes went straight Complete the sentence in your own words: Hunger to Jo’s warm heart. She had been so simply taught is related to food. Laurie is that there was no nonsense in her head, and at fifteen ‘hungry’ for she was as innocent and frank as any child. Laurie was sick and lonely, and feeling how rich she was in home and happiness, she gladly tried to share it with him. Her face was very friendly and her sharp voice unusually gentle as she said… “We’ll never draw that curtain any more, and I Bring out the contrast in the lives of Jo and Laurie give you leave to look as much as you like. I just in a few lines. wish, though, instead of peeping, you’d come over and see us. Mother is so splendid, she’d do you heaps of good, and Beth would sing to you if I begged her to, and Amy would dance. Meg and I would make you laugh over our funny stage properties, and we’d have jolly times. Wouldn’t your grandpa let you?” “I think he would, if your mother asked him. He’s very kind, though he does not look so, and he lets me do what I like, pretty much, only he’s afraid I might be a bother to strangers,” began Laurie, brightening more and more. “We are not strangers, we are neighbors, and you Laurie has : 1. needn’t think you’d be a bother. We want to know you, and I’ve been trying to do it this ever so long. We 2. 3. haven’t been here a great while, you know, but we He doesn’t have have got acquainted with all our neighbors but you.”1. “You see, Grandpa lives among his books, and 2. doesn’t mind much what happens outside. Mr. Brooke, 3. my tutor, doesn’t stay here, you know, and I have no 7  one to go about with me, so I just stop at home and get on as I can.” Describe the effect of “That’s bad. You ought to make an effort and go Laurie’s words on Jo. visiting everywhere you are asked, then you’ll have plenty of friends, and pleasant places to go to. Never mind being bashful. It won’t last long if you keep going.” Laurie turned red again, but wasn’t offended at being accused of bashfulness, for there was so much good will in Jo it was impossible not to take her blunt speeches as kindly as they were meant. “Do you like your school?” asked the boy, changing the subject, after a little pause, during which he stared at the fire and Jo looked about her, well pleased. to wait on “Don’t go to school, I’m a businessman – girl, I Find out the meaning of mean. I go to wait on my great-aunt, and a dear, the phrase. cross old soul she is, too,” answered Jo. cross: old-fashioned word Laurie opened his mouth to ask another question, for anger but remembering just in time that it wasn’t manners to make too many inquiries into people’s affairs, he shut it again, and looked uncomfortable. Jo liked his Find out what good good breeding and didn’t mind having a laugh at breeding means. Aunt March, so she gave him a lively description of the fidgety old lady, her fat poodle, the parrot that revelled: enjoyed in a talked Spanish, and the library where she revelled. lively, noisy way without Laurie enjoyed that immensely, and when she told drinking and dancing about the prim old gentleman who came once to woo Aunt March, and in the middle of a fine speech, how Poll had tweaked his wig off to his great dismay, the boy lay back and laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks, and a maid popped her head in to see what was the matter. “Oh! That does me no end of good. Tell on, please,” he said, taking his face out of the sofa cushion, red and shining with merriment. Much elated with her success, Jo did “tell on”, all about their plays and plans, their hopes and fears for Father, and the most interesting events of the little world in which the sisters lived. Then they got to talking about books, and to Jo’s delight, she found 8 that Laurie loved them as well as she did, and had read even more than herself. “If you like them so much, come down and see ours. Grandfather is out, so you needn’t be afraid,” said Laurie, getting up. “I’m not afraid of anything,” returned Jo, with a toss of the head. “I don’t believe you are!” exclaimed the boy, looking at her with much admiration, though he privately thought she would have good reason to be a trifle afraid of the old gentleman, if she met him in some of his moods. The atmosphere of the whole house being summerlike, Laurie led the way from room to room, letting Jo stop to examine whatever struck her fancy. And so, at last they came to the library, where she clapped her hands and pranced, as she always did pranced when especially delighted. It was lined with books, Find out the meaning of and there were pictures and statues, and distracting the word. little cabinets full of coins and curiosities, and Sleepy Hollow chairs, and queer tables, and bronzes, and Hollow chairs : a large best of all, a great open fireplace with quaint tiles all armchair round it. List some of the things that “What richness!” sighed Jo, sinking into the depth you need in order to be of a velour chair and gazing about her with an air happy. of intense satisfaction. “Theodore Laurence, you ought to be the happiest boy in the world,” she added 1. 2. impressively. 3. “A fellow can’t live on books,” said Laurie, 4. shaking his head as he perched on a table opposite. Before he could say more, a bell rang, and Jo flew A fellow can’t live on up, exclaiming with alarm, “Mercy me! It’s your books - Explain it. grandpa!” Guess the meaning in the “Well, what if it is? You are not afraid of anything, context: wicked: you know,” returned the boy, looking wicked. “I think I am a little bit afraid of him, but I don’t know why I should be. Marmee said I might come, and I don’t think you’re any the worse for it,” said Jo, composing herself, though she kept her eyes on the door. 9  “I’m a great deal better for it, and ever so much I’m happy as a cricket obliged. I’m only afraid you are very tired of talking here. Name and explain to me. It was so pleasant, I couldn’t bear to stop,” the figure of speech. said Laurie gratefully. “The doctor to see you, sir,” and the maid beckoned as she spoke. “Would you mind if I left you for a minute? I suppose I must see him,” said Laurie. “Don’t mind me. I’m happy as a cricket here,” answered Jo. List the things that Jo Laurie went away, and his guest amused herself notices in the portrait: in her own way. She was standing before a fine 1. portrait of the old gentleman when the door opened 2. again, and without turning, she said decidedly, “I’m 3. sure now that I shouldn’t be afraid of him, for he’s got kind eyes, though his mouth is grim, and he looks as if he had a tremendous will of his own. He isn’t as handsome as my grandfather, but I like him.” 10  “Thank you, ma’am,” said a gruff voice behind Find out the reason for her, and there, to her great dismay, stood old Mr. Jo’s dismay. Laurence. Poor Jo blushed till she couldn’t blush any redder, and her heart began to beat uncomfortably fast as she thought what she had said. For a minute a wild desire to run away possessed her, but that was cowardly, and the girls would laugh at her, so she resolved to stay and get out of the scrape as she could. A second look showed her that the living eyes, under the bushy Complete the sentence: eyebrows, were kinder even than the painted ones, and In spite of Jo’s apprehensions, Grandpa is there was a sly twinkle in them, which lessened her 1. fear a good deal. The gruff voice was gruffer than 2. ever, as the old gentleman said abruptly, after the 3. dreadful pause, “So you’re not afraid of me, hey?” “Not much, sir.” “And you don’t think me as handsome as your grandfather?” “Not quite, sir.” “And I’ve got a tremendous will, have I?” “I only said I thought so.” “But you like me in spite of it?” “Yes, I do, sir.” That answer pleased the old gentleman. He gave a short laugh, shook hands with her, and, putting his finger under her chin, turned up her face, examined it gravely, and let it go, saying with a nod, “You’ve got your grandfather’s spirit, if you haven’t his face. He was a fine man, my dear, but what is better, he was a brave and an honest one, and I was proud to be his friend.” “Thank you, sir,” And Jo was quite comfortable after that, for it suited her exactly. Discuss what Jo meant by this. “What have you been doing to this boy of mine, (1) “Only trying to be hey?” was the next question, sharply put. neighbourly, sir.” “Only trying to be neighbourly, sir.” And Jo told (2) seems a little lonely how her visit came about. “You think he needs cheering up a bit, do you?” “Yes, sir, he seems a little lonely, and young folks 11  would do him good perhaps. We are only girls, but (3) splendid Christmas we should be glad to help if we could, for we don’t present forget the splendid Christmas present you sent us,” said Jo eagerly. The word affair in the “Tut, tut, tut! That was the boy’s affair. How is context means... the poor woman?” “Doing nicely, sir.” And off went Jo, talking very fast, as she told all about the Hummels, in whom her Hummels : a poor family, whom the March mother had interested richer friends than they were. family helps. “Just her father’s way of doing good. I shall come and see your mother some fine day. Tell her so. There’s the tea bell, we have it early on the boy’s account. Guess the meaning of the Come down and go on being neighborly.” phrase in the context: “If you’d like to have me, sir.” go on being neighborly “Shouldn’t ask you, if I didn’t.” And Mr. Laurence offered her his arm with old-fashioned courtesy. “What would Meg say to this?” thought Jo, as she was marched away, while her eyes danced with fun as she imagined herself telling the story at home. - Louisa May Alcott BRAINSTORMING DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD (A1) (i) Jo’s decision to make friends with the lonely boy next door proves to be a good one. Elaborate. You may begin with 'Jo was a bold, friendly and warm person...' (ii) Read the extract 'Being Neighborly' and complete the following statements: (a) To Jo the fine house seemed like (b) Jo swept a path around the garden for (c) Jo entered the old stone house carrying (d) In order to tidy the room, Jo (iii) Bring out the contrast between the two houses with the help of the following points. House of March House of Laurence 1. Old, brown house a. 2. b. Well kept grounds 12  3. Children played all around. c. 4. d. No motherly face smiled at the windows. (A2) The traits of the characters you meet in the extract are jumbled. Sort them out and write them in the appropriate columns. (Shy, bold, gruff, friendly, withdrawn, perceptive, empathetic, playful, lonely, happy, gentlemanly, frank, mature, dull, sharp, adventurous.) Jo Laurie Grandpa (A3) (i) Write down in your own words the way Laurie confirmed the names of the March sisters. (ii) Give a brief account of the interaction between Grandpa and Jo. (A4) (i) Find proverbs, maxims and idioms related to ‘friendship’. (a) For example: Birds of a feather flock together. (b) (c) (d) (e) (ii) The extract deals with the atmosphere of two homes. Collect the words associated with - (a) Home (b) Library (c) Garden (A5) Change into indirect speech. (a) “Do you like your school?” asked the boy. “Don’t go to school; I’m a businessman - girl, I mean”, answered Jo. (b) Jo flourished her broom as she called out… “How do you do? Are you sick?” Laurie opened the window and croaked out as hoarsely as a raven…… “Better, thank you. I’ve had a bad cold and been shut up a week.” (c) “The pretty one is Meg and the curly-haired is Amy, I believe?” – Laurie “How did you find that out?” – Jo 13  (d) “I’m not afraid of anything,” returned Jo, with a toss of the head. “I don’t believe you are!” exclaimed the boy. We use indirect speech when we use our own words to report what someone says. Changes should be made to the original words when changing from Direct speech to Indirect. The boy wanted to know whether she (Jo) liked school. To which, Jo answered rather emphatically that she did not go to school. She further added that she was a businessman, and jovially corrected the gender. Note: Observe the aspects of tenses, Reflexive Pronouns that have undergone changes while transforming Direct speech into Indirect speech certain meanings will have to be conveyed when converting to Indirect speech. For example : In the above sentence – Jo has corrected herself when she claims she is a business woman. Since she is a girl she says she is a businessman – girl. (Note – At the time when this novel was written, ‘businesswomen’ was not a prevalent term). (A6) (i) Narrate in 100 words an incident, that illustrates the way a friend of yours ‘made you feel happy and accepted’, at some point in your life. (ii) Give reasons, for us being reluctant to make friends with some strangers, but being comfortable with some, even after meeting them for the first time. (iii) Are friends different from neighbours? Are you friends with your neighbours? Give examples and write. (iv) Make a note in your exercise book about how people amused themselves in earlier times, without TV, internet or social media for entertainment. (A7) Use your imagination and extend the story in about 100 to 150 words. (A8) Project: If you are social, like to meet new people, can empathise and connect with people easily, make a list of careers available to you and write in brief about them. For example: Human Resource Development or HRD. *** 14  1.2 On to the Summit: We Reach the Top ICE BREAKERS Discuss with your partner and complete the web of different activities related to climbing. Rapelling CLIMBING Rock Climbing There are certain prerequisites for Mountaineering. With reference to the following points, develop a short dialogue between you and your friend about mountaineering. Time Distance Equipment Mental and Training Clothes physical fitness Discuss with your partner the various hazards and risks that a mountaineer/ trekker has to face in an expedition. 15  Tenzing Norgay (29 May1914- 9 May 1986), known by birth as Namgyal Wangdi and often referred to as Sherpa Tenzing, was a Nepali-Indian Sherpa mountaineer. He was one of the first two individuals known to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which he accomplished with Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. Sr No Honour Medal Honoured by For 1 Tiger Medal 1938 Himalayan Club III Everest Expedition 2 Star of Nepal 1953 King Tribhuvan All accomplishments 3 Padma Bhushan 1959 Govt. of India All accomplishements Tenzing describes the climb to the top and all events occurred during the historic climb. The article also describes what brought him to climbing mountains. On to the Summit: We Reach the Top When we left Camp Nine on Friday morning, I was determined to get to the top on this day. That morning I remember thinking, “I was to get to the top even if I die.” I was not afraid to die that day. We alternated : changed set out early and all the way from Camp Nine to the places peak we alternated. I would take the lead and then Hillary. The man who follows when climbing has a difficult job both in climbing up and climbing down. He is the anchor. The man going in the lead cuts the steps and breaks the way. In my pocket I had four flags. When we were still at Camp Four, Colonel Hunt gave me three flags, those of Britain, the United Nations and Nepal. He charged me with the duty of planting them on the top of the world. “These three flags are in your care,” he said. “When you and Hillary reach the top, put them at the peak. I am sure that you and Hillary are going to do it.” 16  I told Colonel Hunt that I was carrying the Indian flag with me and I would like to be on the top with the other flags. I had to ask Colonel Hunt’s permission in his capacity as leader of the expedition. Indian Flag Colonel Hunt said, “By all means, I am glad to know that you brought an Indian flag”. After one hour of steady going, we cut across from the south face and started up the west side where we had to pass up a steep line of rocks. This was slow and difficult. Once we had cleared these, there was nothing barring our way to top but a snow-covered incline, sloping less and less as it neared sloping : slanting up or down the top. These last sixty or seventy feet up the top were not very dangerous. But we kept up the same steady pace. And we reached the small, flattened summit summit: the highest point almost together : of a hill or mountain During the last fifty feet from the peak, Hillary and I were moving about twenty feet apart. We were Give reasons for the tied together with a rope. Most of the time the rope 'rope’ being called a was loose, but when we went over dangerous ground, symbol. we drew it taut. This rope was a symbol. It tied us together. One could not move without the other. We were not two individuals, but a team. I have been asked many times, “Who was first?” When we were within reach of the summit, I did not think of who was going to be “first.” I am sure that Hillary was not thinking that. Climbing takes all your attention. You have many more important worries. What does it matter whether I reached the top first or Hillary? Our main thought was that both of us reach the top. We had to. One couldn’t do it alone. If there had been a difference of one thousand feet between us, then one could make the claim that he was first. But even then, only the man behind him could confirm the distance between the two of them. 17 controversy: prolonged When we reached Kathmandu we discovered that public disagreement or a controversy had arisen. We talked it over, Hillary, heated discussion. Colonel Hunt and I. We agreed that all the talk was childish. Discuss in pairs about any controversy in which So we made a pact, and each of us signed it in you have got embroiled. the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal. Each one Also speak of your signed his own statement. I have a copy of Hillary’s experience to the class. statement which I carry in my pocket. pact: a formal It reads: “Kathmandu, June 22, 1953.” agreement between “On May 29th, Tenzing Sherpa and I left our high individuals or parties camp on Mt. Everest for our attempt on the summit. As we climbed upwards to the South Summit, first one and then the other would take a turn at leading. ridge: a long narrow We crossed over the South Summit and moved along piece of raised land the Summit ridge. We reached the summit almost together. We embraced each other overjoyed at our embrace : hug, hold success, then I took photograph of Tenzing holding (someone) closely in aloft the flags of Great Britain, Nepal, the United one's arms Nations and India.” (Signed: E.P. Hillary) There is another paper like this in English, signed by me. Thus, we will not take part in any controversy. As the statement says, Hillary and I embraced when we reached the top. We did as well as our bulky equipment would let us. I remember saying to him: “We have done it.” But we couldn’t hear. We had our oxygen mask on. First Thought My first thought on reaching the top was a sense of gratitude to God, that after having failed six times, He had blessed me with fulfillment of this desire I in accord with : in had held so long. agreement with, I placed on the summit the offerings to God that harmonious or I had carried with me. This is in accord with my consistent with religion. Both my wife and I are Buddhists. I could not kneel because of my clothes and equipment. But I offered a silent prayer in my heart. The offerings were biscuits, candy and a little blue pencil. My youngest daughter, Nima, had given me the pencil before I left home. She asked me to put it on the top of the mountain as her offering. It was an 18 ordinary blue pencil, not even a long one, but it was one of her prized possessions. List the ways in As I put it down, I pointed it out to Hillary. He which Tenzing Norgay gave me a big smile, showing that he understood. celebrates on reaching Then I got out the flags which I had on piece of the top. string about four feet long. I fastened one end to my 1. 2. ice axe and Hillary took pictures as I held it up. 3. As I had to bring my ice axe down with me, I buried one end of the string in the ice on the top, and the other in snow on the slope down below. When we left, they were lying flat against the summit. I was very thirsty. I took out a water tumbler for a drink, but found the water in the metal container had frozen so I couldn’t quench my thirst. I ate some quench: satisfy one’s biscuits and offered some to Hillary. thirst I was wearing a red scarf which my great friend Lambert (leader of the 1952 Swiss expedition) had given me last year. It was just a year ago, on May 28th, when we were standing at 28,215 feet, that he gave me the scarf. I wore it all the way up the mountain from Darjeeling. As I stood at the top, I remembered him, and felt that he was with me. I felt absolutely fit at the summit. My mind was absolutely clear. I didn’t exhilarated: very happy feel tired I felt exhilarated. It was a very clear and excited sensation. Below, all the hills and mountains looked like Gods and Goddesses to me. The plains below looked like so many broken pieces of the map. Two or three people could stand there on the roof of the world if you cut ice. Twenty or 30 feet below the top, there was enough flat square for two people to sleep. You could pitch one tent there. The summit is flat on one side and steep on the other. There is snow on the northern side, rocks on the South and East and snowy rock on the West. We stayed on the top a little more than fifteen minutes. We were lucky that there was no gale, or it would have swept us gale: strong wind off. My next thought was how to get down safely. 19  On the descent from the summit, I was walking behind Hillary. I was following him and holding the rope tightly, and my determination was to make sure he descended safely. I must say that the climb down was more difficult and dangerous than the climb up. If you slipped down, you would go into Kangshung glacier and there would be no trace left of you. More Caution Needed Of course it took less time climbing down, but you needed more “husiar” (caution). When I reached Camp Nine, my first thought was: “Thank God we have been spared an accident, and if up to now there have been no accidents I hope there will be none in future.” I had always prayed to God and he had saved me. At Camp Nine, Hillary and I were in no mood for any talking. We just attended to our own things. We stayed there about half an hour. We boiled some snow to make lemon water and drank it. When we left, we took only our sleeping bags and left everything else behind in the tent. From Camp Nine to Camp Eight, where we spent the night, was an easier job. Just above Camp Eight where the others could see us. I raised my arm with my thumb up. (C.W.F.) Noyce and (W.G.) Lowe saw us and their faces flushed with joy. In this way I was able to tell them of our success. As we got nearer to Camp Eight, Lowe came to meet us and came up about 300 feet with tea and coffee. apparently: as far as Another 50 feet down, we met Noyce who brought one knows or one can us more tea. This tea smelled kerosene. Apparently it see had been made in a hurry and somehow some kerosene got into the welcome cup. But I thought since the gentleman had taken so much trouble to bring it, I was going to enjoy it whatever the smell. -Tenzing Norgay (From archives of TOI) 20  BRAINSTORMING DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD (A1) Summarise to the class in your own words the highly risky and dangerous journey of Tenzing and Hillary from the base to the top of Mt. Everest. (A2) (i) Complete the web highlighting the feelings/emotions of Tenzing after reaching the summit. Tenzing’s feelings/ emotions after reaching the summit (ii) Glance through the text again and explain the qualities of Tenzing Norgay. Pick lines that show his unique qualities. One is done for you. Sr No. Qualities Lines 1. Patriotic I told Colonel Hunt that I was carrying the Indian flag with me and I would like it to be on the top with other flags. 2. 3. 4. (iii) Write down the significance of the following in the context of 'On to the Summit' : (i) Red Scarf (ii) husiar (iii) Kerosene flavoured tea (iv) Ice axe (v) Anchor (A3) (i) Add suitable suffixes (-tion,- ly, -ment, -ous) and prefixes (un, il, im) to the words given below. One is done for you. Sr. No Word Prefix Suffix 1. absolute - absolutely 2. fulfill 3. determine 4. danger 5. tight 6. clear 7. sure 8. legal 9 legitimate 10. possible 21  (ii) By filling appropriate letters in the blank spaces, you will get a past participle from it. Use the word as adjective in your own sentence. One is done for you. (a) s _ _ n _ d Word- signed. The advocate took all the signed documents to the court. (b) p_ _ z _ d (c) f_ _ t_ e n e_ (d) b _ i _ e_ (iii) Spot the error. One is done for you. I was not afraid for die that day. Correct Sentence- I was not afraid to die that day. (a) Tenzing and Hillary made an pact at the office of P M of Nepal. (b) I has to bring my ice axe down with me. (c) Tenzing have spent a night with Camp Eight. (d) Pact was signed from Tenzing and Hillary. (e) I and Hillary were in no mood of talking. (A4) When Tenzing and Hillary reached the summit, Tenzing in utter joy said, “We have done it.” In this sentence the subject (we) is the doer of the action while it (achieving the feat) is the subject. The verb of passive voice is formed by using the correct form of the verb ‘to be’ + past participle of the main verb. Construct the sentences accordingly. Now carefully go through the changes in both the sentences and do the changes accordingly in the remaining sentences. We have done it. It has been done by us. (a) We made a pact. (b) I offered silent prayer in my heart. (c) Colonel Hunt gave me three flags. (d) I was carrying the Indian flag. (e) I took photographs of Tenzing holding aloft the flags. (f) I remembered him. (g) We spent the night at Camp Eight. (A5) (i) After reading the text one can easily understand that there is a lot of risk involved in mountaineering. Write in short about any adventure sport that you like and the risk involved in it. 22  (ii) Give your opinion: We should/should not participate in adventure sports because (A6) (i) Tenzing and Hillary created history by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. There are many mountains in Maharashtra where one can fancy his or her chances of climbing them. Imagine that you have climbed a mountain and are immensely thrilled and excited. Write a letter to your friend about it. (ii) You are the college representative and your Principal has assigned to you the task of writing a letter to the Divisional Officer, Satpuda Mountain Ranges, Nagpur, seeking permission for the mountaineering expedition to be organized by your college. Write the letter. (iii) Convert the letter into e-mail format. Name Address } Sender Date Receiver's designation Address Salutation Subject : Respected Sir/Madam, Introductory paragraph (purpose) Main body (information/explanation/elaboration) Concluding paragraph (opinion/request) Complimentory close Signature List of enclosures 23 Comparisons Look at the sentences given below. Find out which one is correct. If the sentence is wrong give reasons. a. Sunita is the quieter of four sisters. b. Sunita is the quietest of the four sisters. c. Anil’s computer is more new than mine. d. Anil’s computer is newer than mine. e. I have the wonderfullest mother in the world f. I have the most wonderful mother in the world. g. Aditi is more carefuller than Mary. h. Aditi is more careful than Mary. When we compare two nouns, we use comparative adjectives. When we compare more than two nouns, we use superlative adjectives. For example – a. Milind is taller than John. b. Zakir is the tallest of the three brothers. Look at the following sentences and observe the changes in the three sentences. Discuss the changes and note your responses: a. Atul is not as bright as Milind in studies. b. The dining room is brighter than the kitchen. c. Anne is the brightest girl in the class. Make a list of adjectives in three different forms of comparison. Use different texts to find these. Fill in the blanks with positive, comparative and superlative forms of the correct adjectives in the brackets. a. You are your brother. (clever) b. The tiger is the animal in the zoo. (dangerous) c. This is road in town. (busy) d. My new house is the one I used to live in. (big) e. He is the boy in the class. (forgetful) (A7) Project: Go to your college library or surf the internet for names of various mountaineers who have successfully climbed Mt. Everest. Write in your notebook about their struggles, the interesting anecdotes they have shared, their failures and the message that we get from their lives. Submit them to your teacher. *** 24  1.3 The Call of the Soil A Scent of Rice ICE BREAKERS Discuss the following with your partner and complete the following sentences. One is done for you. (a) Before eating apples brought from the market, I wash and peel them off. (b) In a farmers’ market, we find (c) Food adulteration means (d) Organic food is grown by using (e) Organic fertilizer means Complete the following web diagram : Rice varieties available at my Grocer’s shop (i) Find out from your grandparents or parents the names of vegetables and fruits they had eaten in their childhood and mention how the vegetables and fruits are different from the ones today. Name of the vegetable or fruit Shape Colour Taste 1. 2. 3. (ii) You might have learnt about organic farming. Make groups and discuss the difference between conventional farming and organic farming and write it down. Sr.No. Conventional Farming Organic Farming 1. 2. 3. 25  Venkateshwaran (Venkat) Iyer : Born in 1966, Venkateshwaran (Venkat) Iyer is a science graduate and a certified project management professional. He last worked with IBM in Mumbai as a project manager for software implementation. After seventeen years in the IT industry, he quit in 2004 to live on his organic farm in Peth village in Dahanu Taluka, Palghar District, Maharashtra. His book 'Moong over Microchips' traces his transition from techie to farmer, over a period of 15 to 17 years. "It was not a career change, but a life style change I was looking for," he says about his decision to shift to the quieter environs of a village. He insisted on practising organic farming from the outset. He was resolute inspite of numerous challenges which he faced. Today not only does he deliver lectures on organic farming, but also has joined hands with organic farmers and NGOs working in the organic field to propagate organic farming to "ensure that the land at least is not ravaged while they try to make a living out of agriculture." The Call of the Soil A Scent of Rice The First Crop It was April 2004. I stood in the middle of the Guess the meaning of lush green field of moong (green gram) and looked the word ‘lush’ in this around me. It was just before sunrise and the sky was context. turning a bright orange. The ground was damp and the leaves were shining with dew. My bare feet were gingerly: very cautious muddy as I walked around gingerly, inspecting the or careful plants. Around me were rows of chikoo trees and below foliage: the leaves of a a dense foliage of moong. At that point, I could not tree or a plant have asked for anything more. The moong plants, not more than two feet tall, had green pods hanging out. The pods were not yet ripe and there was a light fuzz growing on them. There was still some time before the harvest. I felt exhilarated. I stood watching the sun rise above the towering trees across the fence and slowly made my way back to the house, a white structure in the middle of this greenery. I could not believe that I was the owner of this land and that I was looking at my first crop as 26 a farmer. After I had paid the advance money for the land, I thought I would have some time to get familiar with farming. But Moru Dada, the broker who got us the land, had other ideas. He was keen that we plant moong at once. I was not prepared for this. I was still reading books and trying to figure out what we could sow and how we should go about it. Moru Dada was quite firm. He said the season was right Find words related to agriculture. for sowing moong and the best seeds were available in Surat in the adjacent state of Gujarat. I made a quick trip to Surat and bought around 10 kilograms of moong. Moru Dada rented his tractor to plough the land and quickly planted moong all over the place. A few days later, we were overjoyed to see tiny green leaves. I had never seen moong growing before and was thrilled at the sight. It was the same thrill I had felt as a young boy when I saw the first of the hibiscus I had planted bloom at the Railway Quarters in Vile Parle in Mumbai. I was grateful to have taken Moru’s advice. The writer disagreed with The next thing Moru Dada wanted to do was spray Moru Dada because some pesticide on the plants. He claimed that it would give a higher yield. This was something we did not want to do. We were clear that we would not use any chemicals and tried to explain it to him. He reacted as hara-kiri : a formal way if we had suggested hara-kiri. It took a lot of of killing yourself by convincing to ensure that Moru Dada and his friends cutting open your stomach did not use any chemicals on the farm. They refused with a sword. to understand how crops could grow without sprays. Contrary to what everyone had told us, nature did her job and she needed no bribes to get the work done. Soon it was harvest time and we managed a respectable 300 kilograms. An awful lot of moong and with it a lot of confidence. Now I was certain the land was fertile and that it was possible to grow crops without chemicals. It was a major morale booster. The Scent of Rice The first year I was late for the rice-sowing season and had to resort to growing the GR4 variety that 27  was short term and recommended by the agricultural The writer wanted to officers at Kosbad. The next year we decided that we grow the traditional would start early and try to find some good traditional variety of rice because variety of rice to grow. We had read about traditional varieties of rice and knew that they did not require 1. very high inputs of fertilizers. These varieties were 2. also quite strong and resisted pests. We were sure that it was this type of rice that would grow well in our farm where we did not use any chemicals at all. Our previous year’s experience and low yield had taught us a lesson and we were sure we would not plant hybrids this year. The writer almost gave up In April 2005, we started to look for a good variety hope of finding the desi variety of rice because of traditional rice. It was one of our neighbours in the village, a businessman from Mumbai who owned land, 1. who suggested that we plant a local scented variety 2. of rice. Most of the farmers in and around the village of Peth had switched over to hybrids. The younger generation of farmers thought I was crazy to ask for the ‘desi’ variety, as they called it. My regular visits to the villages around searching for a good traditional variety also did not yield any results and we were almost giving up hope. I decided to give it one last try and spoke to Baban’s father and some other elders. After many Mention the varieties of meaningful conversations, they mentioned the name of rice from the passage Kasbai. Kasbai is a traditional long-grained rice variety which has a distinct aroma, though much milder than Basmati. It’s a long-duration crop and most of the older people remembered growing it years ago. But they all shook their heads when I asked them about the seeds and told me that it had ‘disappeared’. The tales of Kasbai made us more determined to get it. We decided that if we did manage to get some seeds this would be a great rice to grow. I thought the enlightening: give government may know something about it. A visit to greater knowledge and the agricultural officer was enlightening. He had not understanding even heard of this rice variety. He said the villagers were taking me for a ride and there was no rice by 28 this name. He rattled off the names of a number of rattled off : talked latest hybrids and even offered to give me some of rapidly and at length them free of cost for a trial. Cursing myself for wasting time with him I moved on to the next destination. This time it was the Adivasi Mahamandal at Kasa which buys rice from the Adivasi villagers on behalf List ways in which of the government. Kasbai did not figure in their files. the Government officer cooperated with the author A good indication why people did not grow it any 1. more. The market itself did not recognize the rice, so 2. if you grew it you would not be able to sell it. 3. However, the officer incharge here had more knowledge of rice and did remember Kasbai being sold to him a few years ago. So when I in Dhanivari, Baban and I started looking for Devu Handa and found a greying old man wearing a cap, sitting outside his house on a charpoy. An ex-sarpanch of the village, he had acres of land, a huge house and a large family. After exchanging the usual pleasantries we came to the topic of Kasbai. The mere mention of Kasbai and Devu Handa drifted into the past. His eyes turned dreamy and with a Find synonyms for tremble in his voice he told us how the entire village ‘insipid’. at one time grew only Kasbai. He said, "There was a time when people passing our village during lunchtime would be forced to stop and ask for a meal. Such was the alluring aroma of Kasbai." The entire area would have this heady aroma hanging in the air as all the houses cooked the same rice. Today, he said, no one grew Kasbai and everyone had shifted to growing the new hybrid varieties. He claimed he had to force himself to eat this rice that was so insipid! With the advent of irrigation, farmers were tempted to grow a second crop and Kasbai, being a long- duration rice, was replaced by the shorter duration hybrids so that the harvest could be done earlier. This ensured that the farmers could take up a second crop. I asked why he had shifted if he was so unhappy with the hybrids. No one forced him to, did they? He smiled and replied that their fields did not have fences and once the harvest was over the cattle were released 29  into the fields. ‘If my field alone has Kasbai it will be a treat for the cattle,’ he explained. ‘Sometimes, we have to fall in line with the lamented : made a community,’ he lamented. Hybrids need more water, passionate expression fertilizers and pesticides. He said that yields were of grief good initially but of late, had reduced a lot. Besides he said that each year they had to increase the quantity of urea and pesticides they used. It was as if the insatiable: impossible to newer hybrids had an insatiable appetite for chemicals. satisfy He told us that even when there were flash floods in the sixties, Kasbai had stood its ground. He fondly remembered how the rice was still standing when they all returned to the village after the floods had receded. ‘Such was the strength of the rice. But look what we have done,’ he rued. reminiscing: remembering As he went on reminiscing about the rice, we a story about a past event gently guided him back to the reason for our visit, the Kasbai seeds. He was sure that there was not a single villager in his area who would have the seeds of Kasbai. According to him, the only people who still grew it were the Adivasis in a hamlet at the foothills of the mountains in the next village Asarvari. We bid farewell to Devu Handa who lovingly blessed us and said, ‘Mahalaxmi, the local Goddess, will give you the seeds of Kasbai.’ In Asarvari village, we asked the sarpanch to help us as we were not very fluent with the local dialect. He sent his assistant Jeevan with us into the hills. After a half-hour walk through thick vegetation, crossing numerous streams and ditches and scrambling over rocks and gravel, we reached the sleepy hamlet ramshackle: in a state of Boripada. There were just two ramshackle houses of severe disrepair in front of us and we wondered if this was the right place. A wrinkled old woman sitting before one of the houses looked at us with curiosity. As we approached her we signalled to Jeevan to ask the crucial question. She muttered in reply and we looked at Jeevan for a quick interpretation. He broke into a smile and informed us that she did have the rice and wanted to know who we were and why we wanted it. 30  It was a difficult task to keep a straight face and I had to control a strong desire to hug her. After searching for months, we had found the elusive elusive: difficult to find Kasbai. We explained to her that we were from Peth catch or achieve nearby and we needed the seeds to grow it. We asked for 10 kilograms of rice. She muttered and scowled. Jeevan interpreted that she had never heard of Peth village and also did not have a weighing scale. She was willing to give the seeds only in baskets. We asked for a single basket of rice and Jeevan told us to pay her something. I handed over a 100-rupee note and for the first time in the last ten minutes, her face broke into a smile. She nodded her head in approval. As we walked back, against the fading sunset, leaving behind a smiling old lady, I couldn’t help but wonder that here, nestling in the foothills of an unknown mountain away from the hustle and bustle of the road or the city, were the real people of India. These were the people who still held on to the rich biodiversity of our land and no one even cared about them. They had never heard of hybrids, fertilizers or pesticides. They just grew their rice and ate what they got. The old lady we met had probably never left Boripada. Her world was unspoilt by ‘progress’. And for once I was grateful for that. -Venkat Iyer BRAINSTORMING DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD (A1) (i) Read the extract and state whether the following statements are true or false. Correct the false statements. (a) Growing in abundance is more important than the quality of the crop. (b) The author wanted to grow the desi variety of rice. (c) The author did not succeed in finding Kasbai. (d) The aroma of the ‘desi’ rice would spread around the village. (e) Newer hybrid crops have a great appetite for chemicals. (f) The author is an example of ‘reverse migration’. 31  (ii) Complete the flow chart. Consider this to be an example of Note-Making. Discovery of Kasbai rice April 2005 Bought Kasbai rice from an Started his Adivasi search for woman in a Kasbai rice remote area (iii) Read the text and fill in the blanks. One is done for you. (a) The author wanted to grow organic moong. (b) Moru Dada wanted to spray on the moong crop. (c) Baban’s father and some elders mentioned the name of. (d) “Hybrids need more ”, said Devu Handa. (e) The author bought of rice from an Adivasi woman who lived in remote hills. (A2) (i) List the reactions of the agricultural officer to the author’s inquiry about Kasbai rice seeds. One is done for you. (a) He had not heard of Kasbai. (b)