Morning Star ICSE Total English Class 10 Solutions and Total English Class 10 Chapter 6 Sequence of Tenses, Types of Composition, Test Paper 6 Answers Solutions make the process easier for students by providing all grammar-related topics.
Total English Class 10 ICSE Answers Chapter 6 Test Paper 6
A. Sequence of Tenses
Assignment
Put the appropriate tense of the verb given in brackets.
1. I will not help him until he __________ for it. (ask)
Answer:
I will not help him until he asks for it.
2. She boasted as if she __________ everything. (know)
Answer:
She boasted as if she knew everything.
3. My uncle told me that he __________ a good profit.(make)
Answer:
My uncle told me that he makes a good profit.
4. He called me as many times as he __________ (want)
Answer:
He called me as many times as he wanted.
5. She wrote as fast as she __________ (can)
Answer:
She wrote as fast as she could.
6. I knew the doctor who. __________ here. (come)
Answer:
I knew the doctor who came here.
7. He pretends as if he __________ blind. (be)
Answer:
He pretends as if he is blind.
8. You will be glad to know that I __________ the competition. (win)
Answer:
You will be glad to know that I won the competition.
9. He assured me that he __________ my watch. (repair)
Answer:
He assured me that he would repair my watch.
10. He works hard so that he __________ get the scholarship. (may)
Answer:
He works hard so that he may get the scholarship.
B. Types of Composition
Assignment
Write a composition on any one of the following :
Question 1.
Look before you leap and think before you speak.
Answer:
We should think carefully before we do something. We should take precaution and do deep thinking. Then only we should decide to do something. Some people are impulsive by nature. They do not think before doing a thing. They act rashly and then repent. We should do thorough calculation and also we should do thorough survey.
We should invest money in business only if we have experience in business. If we do not have knowledge we can take guidance from experienced persons in business. We should make a thorough study before starting a business. Similarly, if we want to swim across a river, we should first see whether we can cross or not. We should not start swimming without thinking about the dangers and depth of the river. If we take action rashly or foolishly, it may ruin us.
Speaking before you think is a bad habit that can get you into trouble and hurt you in the most important areas of your life. Relationships will suffer or end, your career will be stalled at a level far below your talents, and most importantly, you will have little confidence in yourself.
Your speech shapes your life. Time and again you find yourself in situations where the outcome depends on what you say and how you say it. Your words are a reflection of who you are. If your words are getting you into trouble, you’re showing others the very worst part of you. You’re presenting yourself as being thoughtless, careless or just plain hurtful.
Not only do your words create a positive or negative reaction in the world around you; your speech influences your thinking and can alter the course of your future. Your words are a way of underlining your thoughts and reinforcing them. When your words are harsh, negative, inconsiderate, or judgmental then these are the aspects of your experience that are emphasized.
It won’t be long before you have developed the habit of always focusing your thoughts on the darker side of life. You know what kind of a person this will turn you into – a miserable, depressing and mean spirited person who sees only the bad and not the good in others or in life.
If you speak before you think about what you’re going to say, you do not take the time to consider what words you will use, what these words will mean to another person, or how. they will feel about what you’re saying. You are also not thinking about what these words say about you as a person or about all of the good things you may be neglecting to focus on.
To break the habit of speaking without thinking you first have to accept the fact that it is up to you to control your tongue. You are responsible for what comes out of your mouth. There is a saying that the tongue is a good servant but a terrible master. Put effort into controlling your words and it will change your life.
Question 2.
Looking through the window.
Answer:
Looking through the window of my car, admiring the soothing the rays of the late evening sun, a familiar tune caught my attention. It was one of my all time favourite songs. The singing was almost perfect. I just had to see the face behind the voice.
I started searching for the singer. There were a few small makeshift houses next to the roadside hotel. With mud walls and a thatched roof, these houses reminded me of the visuals from a classic television series set against a fabled village.
Outside one of these huts I saw an old man sitting on the ground and chewing tobacco. Could he be the voice behind my song, I thought to myself. I decided to wait for him to start singing again.
The old man looked at me and started smiling. It was a familiar smile, as if he had known me for years. He was wearing a ragged shirt missing a few buttons. But he had a divine brightness in his eyes which felt hypnotic.
What happened next left me speechless. The old man got up and within a fraction of a second reached near my car window. It looked like he had floated on thin air.
Before I could comprehend what I had just seen, he knocked on my window and signalled to open it. For some inexplicable reason, I obliged and rolled down the car window.
The old man patted my back and said “Listen to your heart and stay back. The doubts you have about moving away are not without reason. Having your loved ones nearby is more valuable than any amount of money.” He started smiling again.
“How did he come to know about what I was thinking?” I thought to myself. I had not discussed this with anyone in my family or friends. But somehow this stranger knew about the lucrative job offer I had received in the far away city and also about the turmoil in my head about deciding whether to accept it or not. So many questions had popped up in my head simultaneously. I couldn’t figure out which one to ask first.
As I was about to ask the old man who he was and how did he know my secret, I heard my friends coming out of the hotel. I turned around and waved at them to come soon. When I turned back towards the old man, he was gone. I couldn’t see him anywhere. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air. I asked my friends if any of them had seen where the old man had gone. But they swore that none of them had seen any old man near the car or for that matter anywhere in the vicinity.
Our car had started moving again. I was too shocked to speak anything to my friends. Did the old man actually disappear? Was he some sort of a spirit or a ghost? Or was it all just a dream that played out in my head as I fell asleep in the car. I had no answer for these questions.
But the advice given by the old man was echoing in my ears. This must be the divine intervention that I had read about in books and stories. I heard my favourite song being sung once again. But this time it was one of my friends and listening to his voice was truly excruciating. I punched him jokingly and asked him never to sing again in this lifetime. We all had a good laugh.
The evening sun had already set. But the road ahead looked bright, with the possibility of many such fun filled outings with family and friends.
Question 3.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of written examinations.
Answer:
It is a common practice for many schools and colleges to assess their student’s knowledge through different exams and tests. Whether this method has more benefits than drawbacks is debatable. The most important function of a Board or a Council or a University is to hold examinations. From the very beginning of his student life, the very impression of an examination is ingrained in a student’s mind. He is given to understand that, in due course, the examinations are the sole determinants of his future life.
Examinations have gathered a tremendous importance in the scheme of life of a student. There is, of course, no denying the fact that examinations are imperatively necessary for the students. No other method is yet in the horizon to assess the merits of the students objectively.
All the students are not always the willing sorts to mind their lessons and prepare them adequately in order to reap the full benefit out of them. The system of examinations compels them to this direction.
In the written examination the examiners are not known to the examinees. The examiners have no scope to be prejudiced in their job of examining the scripts; and an honest assessment of the merits of the students can be made through written examinations.
The richest endowment a student is offered by the examination is that it inculcates in him a zeal for healthy competition; and without this spirit a student can scarcely shine in life.
However on the flip side is the argument that the present written examination system may offer a possible chance to a mediocre student to score better results than a really meritorious one. The existing system of written examination with its yardstick fails to measure properly the merit of such a student. A student of gifted intelligence and talent can never remain confined to the narrow zone of his text books. His horizon is wider.
On the other hand, a student may be of an average merit. But he guesses with precision about the probable questions; and he reproduces them neatly in the examination. His results may be quite attractive. This anomaly is the creation of the present written examination system.
In the present system an examinee is to answer quite a good number of questions within a very limited time. Obviously, he finds no scope to answer from his conception and thinking. As an inevitable consequence, he crams the lessons and answers from memory. Thus, the true assessment of merit becomes a far cry.
Another disadvantage is that the examiners are to examine a large number of scripts in a comparatively short period of time. In a hurry they too are not expected to do justice in the uniform valuation of the answer scripts. Moreover, the mood of the examiners under varying circumstances is, sometimes, reflected in the task.
This examination system needs an overhauling. The method of judging a student’s merit in a single examination needs some changes. A student’s records with his tutor for the entire academic session should be taken into consideration before making the final judgment of his performance. Methods should be devised to make the qualitative assessment of the students. Thus, the darkness of chaos will disappear in the wake of the illuminating light of cosmos.
Question 4.
Write about a person who has inspired you the most and has been instrumental in changing your life.
Answer:
Every person has an idol in his or her life and that person influences our choices in life as well as inspires and shapes us into the person we dream of becoming.
Right from the word go, my mother has been my inspiration. A woman with immense wisdom she has made me what I am today. She is the linchpin of my success in life. She was a very hard-working person and one who valued education in one’s life. Being a teacher by profession, she used to concentrate all her efforts in making her students score well. This also made me to follow her footsteps by working extremely hard in school. She always encouraged and advised me to work even harder, telling me that the sky was the limit.
My mother was a person with a lot of respect for both her elders and those younger to her. My entire life, I have seen the sagacity with which she settled domestic scores and reprimanded us when we erred. In both cases, consultations and dialogue were the key traits that guided her. This has taught me the impoitance of tolerating other people’s injustices and seeking for consultations in times of difficulties. As a consequence, I have been able to live harmoniously with both friends and foes.
My moral decorum and uprightness is all a legacy from my mother. She always warned me against engaging in immoral activities. Being a humble and down-to-earth person, she ensured that I leant the need of swallowing one’s pride whenever success knocks at the door. She advised that forgetting the past success one must work even harder to succeed in the future.
I learnt the true meaning of the word ‘Love’ from her. She taught me that it is a trait that cannot easily be self- cultivated in an individual. It can only be inborn in a person and the person would also shower it onto others in return. It is a trait that my mother had and she was generous in showering it, not only on her family, but also on people who came in contact with her.
Small gestures like understanding others’ problems, comforting those in pain, helping people in need without any expectations were representations of the love within her. The love she showed sparked a kindred one in me too and has enabled me to extend my love to all who associate with me in one way or another.
Question 5.
Morning walk in a park.
Answer:
A morning walk in the park is a rewarding experience. The air is fresh and free of dust and smoke. It is the only time the roads are not crowded. There is hardly any traffic. As one walks, worries and anxieties fade away. The feet stride out in a joyful rhythm. The sheer delight of movement is enough to refresh us for the rest of the day.
In the morning, Nature is at her best. The dewdrops on the green grass and leaves of plants look like pearls. The flowers laden with dew merrily wave their heads and spread their fragrance and colours everywhere. The birds sing cheerfully. An early walker feasts his eyes and ears on such sights and sounds.
A walk on the bank of a river is even more refreshing. The charm is enhanced many folds. A morning walk invigorates the body system. Early morning walk helps the body to overcome to a great extent, the harm caused by many diseases. It tones up the whole system. It prepares a person for the day’s work.
Total English Class 10 Test Paper 6 Answers
D. Test Paper-6
Question 1.
(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.)
Write a composition (300- 350 words) on any one of the following.
i. “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” Write a story to bring out the truth of this statement.
Answer:
It was my first day at college and as I was shy by nature I sat in a corner as quiet as a mouse. The day passed slowly with the various teachers coming and going. Most of the students had joined from the local schools so knew each other and soon groups formed.
I quietly picked up my bag to go and eat my lunch in some corner in the grounds. But one of the gregarious students saw me and shouted, “Hey, come here.” I looked at her and meekly walked to where she stood. Panic was building up in me at being the centre of attraction. There was fear in my eyes but anger in my heart at her for putting me in such a situation. But she was in a mood to have fun at my expense so she ordered me to first walk like a model and then sing a song.
I was dumbstruck. But knew there was no escape. So I tried to walk like a model but all I could do was walk sloppily. Someone forced me to wear her high heels. Unused to them I fell’down, twisting my ankle and screamed in pain. Tears of frustration rolled down my cheeks and at that moment I hated all of them and particularly the cause of my shame.
And then I felt someone helping me up to a chair and offering me a tissue to wipe my tears. I was too embarrassed to look up till I was offered water to drink and a voice saying, “Cheer up, it was all in fun. Don’t take it to heart. We are friends.” At that moment I looked up and saw that it was my tormentor smiling down at me.
She shooed everyone away and started talking to me as if everything was fine, telling me jokes, etc. Slowly my tears stopped and I realised that I was actually enjoying listening to her. From that day we developed a friendship which has lasted all these years and even today she is my best friend and I can listen to her chatter for hours.
She knows me to be an introvert and accepts me as I am while I accept her as a friend who talks too much. But it is fine as we have learned that a friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you. I often marvel how a chance meeting with a person whom I disliked initially turned into a lasting friendship and I know that it was primarily because in spite of knowing each other’s good and bad qualities we loved each other.
ii. You were returning by flight after staying with your relatives abroad. When you landed you discovered that your suitcase containing costly articles was missing. Give a vivid account of your feelings at that time and the subsequent efforts you made to recover your suitcase.
Answer:
Recently while returning back after spending a vacation with relatives abroad, I was devastated and tense when I realized that my suitcase had been lost on the international flight. The suitcase contained many costly items, including my laptop, camera, and jewellery. I was immediately worried about how I would replace these items and how I would get through the rest of my trip to my hometown without them.
This technology can also facilitate the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, through real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of energy production and consumption. For example, digital technologies can be used to track the performance of renewable energy systems and to manage the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
Moreover, digital transformation can enable remote work, reducing the need for commuting and travel, leading to lower carbon emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, and digital technologies are playing a key role in their development. For example, digital technologies are being used to develop more efficient electric motors and batteries.
Besides all this digital technologies can help improve access to education and healthcare, which can lead to a more sustainable future by empowering people to make better decisions about their lives and the environment.
Another added advantage is that digital technologies can help businesses to increase their productivity by automating tasks, improving communication, and providing access to real-time data. This can lead to reduced costs and increased output.
It can also help businesses to make better decisions by providing them with access to realtime data and analytics. This can help them to identify trends, make predictions, and optimize their operations.
Enhanced customer service can be provided through digital technologies which can help clients with more convenient and personalized ways to interact with the company. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Of course, digitalization is not a silver bullet for sustainability. It is important to use digital technologies in a responsible and sustainable way. For example, we need to be mindful of the energy and resources that are used to produce and operate digital devices. We also need to ensure that digital technologies are used to create a more equitable and just world.
Overall, I believe that digitalization has the potential to be a key driver of sustainability. As digital technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative ways to use them to protect the environment and create a more sustainable world.
Against –
Digitalization is the process of using digital technologies to transform business processes, products, and services. No doubt it can improve sustainability in a number of ways, however, digitalization also has the potential to have negative impacts on sustainability. For example, the production and use of digital devices can consume a significant amount of energy and resources. Additionally, the growth of the digital economy can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts.
Overall, the impact of digitalization on sustainability is complex and depends on a number of factors. It is important to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of digitalization before making decisions about how to implement it.
Here are some specific examples of how digitalization can have a negative impact on sustainability:
It can result in increased energy consumption. The production and use of digital devices consumes a significant amount of energy; For example, the data centres that store and process our online data consume a huge amount of electricity.
Digital technologies lead to escalation in electronic waste. As digital devices become obsolete, they are often discarded, creating electronic waste. Electronic waste can be difficult and expensive to recycle, and it can also pollute the environment.
Digitalization can lead to job losses in some industries, as machines and algorithms are able to do the work of humAnswer:This can have a negative impact on people’s livelihoods and can lead to social unrest.
Digitalization can exacerbate existing inequalities, as those who have access to digital technologies are able to benefit from them, while those who do not are left behind.
It is important to be aware of the potential negative impacts of digitalization and to take steps to mitigate them. For example, businesses can choose to use energy-efficient digital technologies and to recycle their electronic waste properly. Governments can implement policies to support people who lose their jobs due to digitalization and to invest in digital skills training.
Overall, digitalization is a powerful tool that has the potential to improve sustainability in a number of ways. However, it is important to be aware of the potential negative impacts of digitalization, and to take steps to mitigate them.
iv. “A dream is not what you experience in your sleep. A dream is that which does not let you sleep.” Describe an incident to prove the truth of this statement.
Answer:
People generally understand that dreams are related to sleep but there is a different connotation also. This relates to our goals and aspirations, our dreams to achieve and become something in life.
My cousin, Namrata, had a dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. She came from a humble background and her parents were struggling to make ends meet. My uncle had lost his job and worked hard at multiple jobs to provide education and a reasonable lifestyle to his children.
But Namrata was determined to make a better life for herself and her family. She knew it would not be easy and meant she would often have sleepless nights but she was not fazed. She worked hard in school and got good grades. She also participated in extracurricular activities and developed her leadership skills. After high school, she got a scholarship to a good college. She excelled in her studies and graduated with honours.
After college, she got a job at a prestigious company. She worked hard and quickly rose through the ranks. But this was not her goal. She had bigger dreams and this meant more hard work and less rest. She eventually started her own company and became a successful entrepreneur.
Her dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur did not let her sleep. She worked hard and never gave up on her dreams. She is an inspiration to us all.
She proved through her story that a dream is not what you experience in your sleep. A dream is that which does not let you sleep. It is a strong wish or desire that we want to have fulfilled or a goal that we earnestly pursue to make it a reality.
v. Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it tuggests to you. Your composition maybe about the subject of the picture or may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
Answer:
Health is a basic human right and should be accessible to all individuals regardless of their financial status. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that its citizens have equal access to healthcare, which in turn, promotes equality and social justice.
In many countries, healthcare is provided through a system of public health insurance. In these countries, individuals who are unable to afford private health insurance can still access healthcare through the public system. However, in many countries, public health insurance does not cover all healthcare costs. This can leave individuals who are unable to afford private health insurance with significant financial burdens.
Free medical checkups in schools can help to address this problem by providing students with access to healthcare that they would otherwise be unable to afford. These checkups can help to identify health problems early on, when they are most treatable. They can also help to educate students about healthy habits and encourage them to make healthy choices.
There are many benefits to providing free medical checkups in schools. Some of the benefits include:
Early detection of health problems as regular health checkups can help identify health problems at an early stage. This includes physical conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and vision or hearing problems, as well as mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Early detection of these problems can lead to early treatment, which can improve the chances of a successful outcome.
They say, ‘Prevention is better than cure’ and this is completely true with regard to health problems. In addition to identifying health problems early on, health checkups can also help to prevent health problems from occurring in the first place. For example, health checkups can provide education about healthy eating habits and exercise, which can help to prevent obesity and other chronic diseases.
Providing free medical checkups in schools can save money in the long run. By identifying health problems early on and preventing them from occurring in the first place, free medical checkups can help to reduce the need for more expensive medical care later on.
There are a number of ways to provide free medical checkups in schools. One way is to partner with local hospitals or clinics. These organizations may be willing to provide free or discounted services to students. Another way to provide free medical checkups is to hire a team of healthcare professionals to work in the schools. This can be a more expensive option, but it can also be more convenient for students.
No matter how they are provided, free medical checkups in schools can be a valuable asset to students and their families. They can provide students with access to healthcare that they would otherwise be unable to afford, and they can help to promote healthy habits and prevent health problems from occurring in the first place.
Question 2
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question)
Select one of the following.
i. During your winter break you had gone to the hills to witness snowfall. Write a letter to your father, describing your expectations, the reality and the aftermath of snowfall.
Answer:
Aurobindo Enclave
Jamnagar
12 the January, 2024
Dear Dad
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you today to tell you about my recent trip to the hills to see the snowfall. As you are well aware I have always had a desire to experience and see for myself the magic of snowfall. I have been curious to see how soft the falling white flakes feel on the skin and how it must be an unique experience. I have always been fascinated by snow. I love the way it looks, the way it feels, and the way it makes the world look like a winter wonderland.
So when I had the opportunity to go to the hills to see the snow fall, I jumped at the chance. I arrived in the hills on a cold, clear day. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the mountains were covered by a thin layer of snow. It was absolutely beautiful and surreal. My fantasy was going to become a reality.
I spent the next few days exploring the hills and enjoying the snow. I went sledding, built snowmen, and had snowball fights.
I even went for a walk in the snow-covered forest. It was the most magical experience of my life.
The aftermath of the snowfall was just as beautiful. The snow had melted, and the world was green and lush. The flowers were in bloom, and the birds were singing. It was like the world had been reborn. I felt the beauty and changing facets of nature. I felt so humbled as opposed to the inexplicable panorama that nature was capable of creating for us to behold and admire.
I hope you also get a chance to enjoy the snowfall this winter. If not, I hope you can go next year. It is truly an experience you will never forget.
Your Loving daughter
Shruti
ii. Write a letter to the Municipal Counsellor complaining about the quality of water supplied to your home. Since he water is dirty, muddy and smelly, you have to purchase bottled drinking water. Request him/her to take necessary steps to ensure supply of clean water in your colony.
Answer:
From
Ravi Kumar
Lajpat Rai Colony
Surat
8th April, ’24.
To
The Municipal Counsellor
Lajpat Rai Colony
Surat
Subject: Complaint about the quality of water supplied to our area
Sir
I am writing to bring to your attention the serious issue of unhygienic and irregular supply of water in our area. Despite paying regular water bills, the quality of water supplied to our community is not up to the standards of hygiene and potability of drinking water.
The water that is supplied to our area is often discoloured and has a foul odour. It is also often contaminated with dirt and debris. This has made it difficult for us to use the water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. We are also concerned about the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. To safeguard our health we have started purchasing bottled drinking water which is quite costly.
We have tried to bring this issue to the attention of the local water supply department, but they have not been responsive to our concerns. We are therefore appealing to you to intervene on our behalf and take necessary action to ensure that we are supplied with clean and safe drinking water.
We would be grateful if you could look into this matter and take the necessary steps to address our concerns. We would also like to request that you arrange for a meeting with us to discuss this issue in more detail.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Your Sincerely,
Ravi Kumar
Resident
Lajpat Rai Colony
Question 3
The Residents Welfare Association of your colony is conducting a Charity Drive to build a temporary winter shelter for stray animals like dogs, cats, cows, etc. in a portion of an open ground outside your colony. Write out a notice to be put up in the supermarket of your colony, requesting the residents to donate for the cause.
Answer:
Residents Welfare Association, Surya Colony
NOTICE
Dear residents Surya Colony
This is to inform you that we are building a shelter for stray animals in the open ground opposite our colony. We are appealing to all the residents to donate generously for this cause.
The number of stray animals (dogs, cats, cows etc) in our colony has been increasing alarmingly. These animals are a nuisance to the residents and also pose a threat to their safety. The shelter will provide a safe and secure place for these animals to live.
We are requesting all the residents to donate whatever they can. Even a small amount will make a big difference. Donations must reach the concerned person latest by 12th March, 2024.
We hope that you will all come forward and donate generously for this cause. Thank you for your cooperation.
Donations can be finade in cash or kind to the following person:
Bishan Singh (Mob No-90000870)
Secretary RWA
Surya Colony
ii. Write an email to the MLA of your colony seeking his help for organising the ‘Animal Shelter’. (Hint: Help would be required for the permission for using the land, manpower, supply of essentials, etc. that would be required for the shelter)
Answer:
To: [email protected]
Sub: Help for Animal Shelter
Sir
As you are aware the RWA of Surya Colony proposes to build an ‘Animal Shelter’ stray animals like dogs, cats, cows, etc. which have increased alarmingly and pose a threat to the safety and hygiene of the residents. Your help is sought regarding the following:
Permission to build the animal shelter in the open ground located opposite to the colony.
Manpower
Supply of Essential Materials
The residents will be donating for covering partial costs but you are requested to sanction the remaining amount to cover the costs if required.
Thanking you for your cooperation.
Yours sincerely
Bishan Singh (Mob No-90000870)
Secretary RWA
Surya Colony
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
“I never could hold my partner, Andy Tucker, down to legitimate ethics of pure swindling,” said Jeff Peters to me one day. He used to devise schemes of money-getting so fraudulent that they would not have been allowed in the by-laws of a railroad rebate system.
Myself, I never believed in taking any man’s dollars unless I gave him something in return for it.
One day Andy came to me and said, “I was thinking of a little hunt without horn, hound or camera among the great herd of the Pittsburg millionaires.”
As a concession to my ideas of self-preservation and rectitude he promised that if I should take an active and incriminating part in any business venture there would be something actual for the victim for the money. After that I entered cheerfully into the foul play and I went to Pittsburg with Andy. There we drifted about town three or four days getting our bearings.
One evening Andy came at about 11 o’clock into my room in the hotel.
“Landed one, Jeff,” said he. “Twelve millions. Oil, rolling mills, real estate and natural gas. He is a fine man; no airs about him. Made all his money in the last five years. He took a fancy to me and took me to show his apartment on Liberty street.
He had 40,000 worth of pictures in one room, and 20,000 worth of curios and antiques in another. His name is Scudder.”
“All right,” says I. “But what good is the art junk to us?”
“He showed me a little carving,” said Andy. “It was something like 2,000 years old. It was a lotus flower with a woman’s face in it carved out of a solid piece of ivory. Scudder said that an Egyptian carver named Khafra made two of them for King Rameses II. The other one can not be found. Scudder paid 2,000 for the one he has.”
Next day Andy showed me an ivory carving just as he had described the millionaire’s to me.
“I got it from an old second hand pawnshop for 25 ” said Andy.
“But how shall we go about compelling him to purchase it?” I asked Andy.
Andy had his plan all ready.
I went as Professor Pickleman to Scudder. I told him that I had recently purchased the second piece of the ivory statue which he had in an obscure museum in Vienna and wanted to purchase his. I showed it to Scudder.
“It’s the article,” said he. “It is a duplicate of mine, every line and curve of it. I would not sell, but I will buy. Give you $\$ 2,500$ for yours.”
“Since you won’t sell, I will,” I said.
Scudder gave a cheque and went off with his piece of antiquity and I hurried back to the hotel.
“We have got just eleven minutes,” said Andy, “to catch the Westbound train. Grab your baggage.”
“What’s the hurry?” I asked “It was a square deal. And even if it was only an imitation of the original carving it will take him some time to find it out. He seemed to be sure it was the genuine article.”
“It was,” said Andy. “It was his own. When I was looking at his curios yesterday he stepped out of the room for a moment and I pocketed it. Now, will you pick up your suitcase and hurry?”
“Then, why was that story about finding another one in the pawn shop?” I asked him.
“Oh,” said Andy, “out of respect for that conscience of yours. Come on.”
i. For each of the word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided.
Question 1.
fraudulent (line 3)
(a) legitimate
(b) truthful
(c) dishonest
(d) deceit
Answer:
(c) dishonest
Question 2.
rectitude (line 9)
(a) dishonesty
(b) morality
(c) evil
(d) deception
Answer:
(b) morality
ii. Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word ‘renowned?
(a) genuine
(b) compelling
(c) incriminating
(d) obscure
Answer:
(d) obscure
iii. Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
a. Explain Andy Tucker’s traits as described by Jeff Peters.
Answer:
Jeff Peters described Andy Tuckers as a dishonest man who could never adhere to the ‘legitimate ethics of pure swindling.’ In other words he was a rogue who did not even follow the ethics which other rogues followed.
b. On what condition did Peter agree to take part in Andy’s business ventures?
Answer:
Peter agreed to take part in Andy’s business ventures after the latter assured him that if Peter took an active and incriminating part in any business venture there would be something as compensation for the victim whom they would swindle of his money.
c. Who was Scudder? What did he show Andy?
Answer:
Scudder was a millionaire, who had made his money from oil, rolling mills, real estate and natural gas.
Scudder liked Andy and took him to his apartment to show him his collection of pictures worth 40,000, curios worth 20,000 and antiques. He also showed Andy a 2000 years old carving of a lotus flower with a woman’s face in it carved from a solid piece of ivory which had cost Scudder 2000.
d. How did Peters compel Scudder to buy the piece of ivory?
Answer:
Peter went to Scudder as Professor Pickleman and offered to buy the ivory piece that Scudder had in his collection. Scudder on seeing the ivory piece that Peter showed him found it to be an exact replica of the piece he owned. Scudder was unaware that Peter was actually showing him the piece which Andy had cleverly stolen from Scudder and which Peter was passing of as a copy. Scudder then told Peter that he was not prepared to sell his own piece but would buy the one Peter had for 2500.
c. What did Andy show Peters? From where did he get it?
Answer:
Andy showed Peter an ivory carving just like the one he had described the millionaire, Scudder, owned. Andy told Peter that he had purchased it from an old, second hand pawn shop for 25.
iv. In not more than 50 words, explain the sting in the tail in the story.
Answer:
Andy stole an antique ivory piece from Scudder. Aware of Peter’s code of ethics he lied that he had purchased a duplicate of an antique ivory piece owned by the millionaire Scudder for 25 from a pawnshop. Peters sold the piece to Scudder for 2500. Andy then disclosed his lie.
Question 5.
i. Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
In ancient times, a king had his men place a boulder on a roadway. He then …..0 ….. (hide) in the bushes, and watched to see if anyone would move the boulder out of the way. Some of the king’s wealthest merchants and courtiers ….1…. (pass) by and simply walked around it. Many people ….2…. (blame) the King for not ….3…. (keep) the roads clear, but none of them did anything about ….4…. (get) the stone removed. One day a peasant came along ….5…. (carry) vegetable. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant …6…. (lie) down his burden and tried to push the stone out of the way. After much pushing and straining, he finally …. 7 …. (manage) to push aside the boulder. After the peasant went back to pick up his vegetables, he noticed a purse lying on the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained gold coins and a note from the King ….8…. (explain) that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the road.
Answer:
In ancient times, a king had his men place a boulder on a roadway. He then hid in the bushes, and watched to see if anyone would move the boulder out of the way. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers passed by and simply walked around it. Many people blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none of them did anything about getting the stone removed.
One day a peasant came along carrying vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to push the stone out of the way. After much pushing and straining, he finally managed to push aside the boulder.
After the peasant went back to pick up his vegetables, he noticed a purse lying on the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained gold coins and a note from the King explaining that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the road.
ii. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
a. The ball fell. the well.
Answer:
The ball fell into the well.
b. The victim died _____ the loss of blood.
Answer:
The victim died from the loss of blood.
c. She was invited ______ the function.
Answer:
She was invited for the function.
d. Aditi spoke to me yesterday _______ the phone.
Answer:
Aditi spoke to me yesterday over the phone.
e. Our soldiers fell _____ the enemy.
Answer:
Our soldiers fell upon the enemy.
f. We went to our house ______ foot.
Answer:
We went to our house on foot.
g. Rita was cautioned ____ spreading rumours.
Answer:
Rita was cautioned against spreading rumours.
h. Don’t jump ____ hasty conclusions.
Answer:
Don’t jump to hasty conclusions.
iii. Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
Question 1.
The race had jus commenced. Two horses dislodged their riders.
(a) Two horses dislodged their riders on the commencement of the race.
(b) The race began when the two horses dislodged their riders.
(c) When the race began than the two horses dislodged their riders.
(d) No sooner did the race commence than the two horses dislodged their riders.
Answer:
(d) No sooner did the race commence than the two horses dislodged their riders.
Question 2.
There was a storm. We ran for shelter.
(a) We run for shelter in the storm.
(b) We took shelter in the storm.
(c) As there was a storm, we ran for shelter.
(d) When we ran for shelter there was a storm.
Answer:
(c) As there was a storm, we ran for shelter.
Question 3.
This is my classmate. I was speaking of him.
(a) This is my classmate who is speaking of him.
(b) This is my classmate about whom he is speaking.
(c) This is my classmate of whom I was speaking
(d) This is my classmate of whom I was speaking about.
Answer:
(c) This is my classmate of whom I was speaking.
Question 4.
I speak frankly. I am not afraid of it.
(a) I am not afraid of speaking frankly.
(b) I speak frankly as I was not afraid of it.
(c) I am not afraid of being speaking frankly.
(d) I speak frankly for being not afraid.
Answer:
(a) I am not afraid of speaking frankly.
iv. Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
Question 1.
This watch may be expensive, but I will buy it. (Begin with: However. _______)
(a) However I might buy the watch as it is expensive.
(b) However expensive the watch might be I will buy it.
(c) However expensive the watch is I want to buy it.
(d) However expensive the watch I bought it.
Answer:
(b) However expensive the watch might be I will buy it.
Question 2.
Should he warn you, take heed to his warning. (Begin with: Were. _______)
(a) Were you warned by him, take heed to his warning.
(b) Were he to warn you, take heed to his warning.
(c) Were you are warned by him, take heed to his warning.
(d) Were he is required to warn you, take heed to his warning.
Answer:
(b) Were he to wárn you, take heed to his warning.
Question 3.
We congratulated her because she got married. (Begin with: We congratulated her on_____)
(a) We congratulated her on getting married.
(b) We congratulated her on being married.
(c) We congratulated her on becoming married.
(d) We congratulated her on her marriage.
Answer:
(a) We congratulated her on getting married.
Question 4.
You would help me greatly by your advice. (Begin with: I would______)
(a) I would greatly be helped by your advice.
(b) I would be greatly helped by your advice.
(c) I would has been greatly helped by your advice.
(d) I would have been greatly helped by your advice.
Answer:
(b) I would be greatly helped by your advice.
Question 5.
I saw you at the park. (Use: the passive voice)
(a) You were seen by me at the park.
(b) You saw me at the park.
(c) I was seen at the park by you.
(d) I am seen at the park by you.
Answer:
(a) You were seen by me at the park.
Question 6.
Did the witness speak the truth? (Begin with: Was ____)
(a) Was the witness to speak the truth?
(b) Was the witness speak the truth?
(c) Was the truth spoken by the witness?
(d) Was that truth the witness spoke?
Answer:
(c) Was the truth spoken by the witness?
Question 7.
He saw the police and ran away. (Begin with:As soon_____)
(a) As soon as he sees the police he runs away.
(b) As soon as he saw the police he ran away.
(c) As soon as he will see the police he would run away.
(d) As soon as he will see the police he will run away.
Answer:
(b) As soon as he saw the police he ran away.
Question 8.
He wrote several letters to the magistrate. (End with: him____)
(a) Several letters to the magistrate were written by him.
(b) Several letters to the magistrate are written by him.
(c) Several letters are being written to the magistrate by him.
(a) Several letters to the magistrate were being written by him.
Answer:
(a) Several letters to the magistrate were written by him.