ANSWER KEY TO FIRST TERMINAL LANGUAGE EXAMINATION, STD. X, RUCHIKA HIGH SCHOOL 2026–27

ANSWER KEY TO FIRST TERMINAL LANGUAGE EXAMINATION 2026–27, STD. X, RUCHIKA HIGH SCHOOL 2026–27

ANSWER KEY TO FIRST TERMINAL LANGUAGE EXAMINATION, STD. X 2026–27, RUCHIKA HIGH SCHOOL

Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allowed: Two Hours

Q 1 [20]

Write a composition (in about 350 words) on any one of the following:

(a) Complete the following story which outlines the contradiction in the two proverbs:

"The pen is mightier than the sword, but actions speak louder than words."

Ans. Rohan was known throughout his school as an excellent speaker and writer. Whenever there was a debate, essay competition, or campaign, he impressed everyone with his powerful words. His speeches on kindness, honesty, and helping others earned loud applause. Teachers praised his command over language, and his classmates admired his confidence.

One day, the school announced a campaign to help the victims of a severe flood in a nearby district. During the morning assembly, Rohan delivered a moving speech. He urged everyone to donate generously and reminded them that "humanity is our greatest religion." His speech touched every heart, and everyone expected him to lead the relief work.

Among the students was Amit, a quiet boy who rarely spoke in public. He neither gave speeches nor wrote articles. Instead, after school he went from house to house in his neighbourhood collecting clothes, medicines, food packets, and money for the flood victims. He spent his weekend sorting the donated items and packing them carefully with the help of a few friends.

On the day the relief materials were to be sent, the teachers noticed that Rohan had contributed very little. He admitted that he had been too busy preparing another speech for an inter-school competition. In contrast, Amit had collected enough supplies to fill several large boxes.

The Principal thanked both boys. Turning to the students, she said, "Rohan's speech inspired many of us. It proves that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword because words can influence minds and awaken compassion. But Amit has shown us another truth—actions speak louder than words. Inspiration has little value unless it is followed by action."

Rohan realised that eloquent words alone could not solve real problems. From that day onwards, he decided not only to speak about noble ideals but also to practise them. During every social service activity, he worked shoulder to shoulder with Amit, learning that true leadership lies in combining persuasive words with meaningful deeds.

Thus, the apparent contradiction between the two proverbs disappeared. Words have the power to inspire, educate, and unite people, but they achieve their true purpose only when they are supported by sincere action.

Glossary:

·       Contradiction – a situation in which two ideas appear to oppose each other / विरोधाभास

·       Compassion – sympathy and concern for the suffering of others / करुणा

·       Generously – willingly and freely; in a liberal manner / उदारतापूर्वक

·       Persuasive – able to convince others / प्रभावशाली, प्रेरक

·       Humanity – kindness and compassion towards fellow human beings / मानवता

·       Relief work – work done to help people affected by disasters / राहत कार्य

·       Eloquent – fluent and effective in speaking or writing / वाक्पटु

·       Leadership – the ability to guide and inspire others / नेतृत्व

(b) Traffic jams are a common sight nowadays. You must also have experienced one. Narrate your experience of being stuck in a traffic jam. Also give a clear description of the scene around you while you were stranded.

Ans. A Memorable Experience of Being Stuck in a Traffic Jam

Traffic jams have become an unavoidable part of city life. They waste valuable time, increase pollution, and test the patience of everyone on the road. One such experience left a lasting impression on my mind.

Last month, I was travelling with my parents to attend my cousin's wedding in the city. We had started well in advance, believing that we would reach the venue comfortably before the ceremony began. However, our confidence soon disappeared when our car came to a sudden halt on a busy flyover. At first, we thought it was a routine signal, but as the minutes passed, it became clear that we were trapped in a massive traffic jam.

Vehicles stretched endlessly in every direction. Cars, buses, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, and trucks stood bumper to bumper, leaving no space to move. The continuous blaring of horns created a deafening noise. Drivers leaned out of their windows, trying to find out what had happened. Some argued impatiently with one another, while others switched off their engines to save fuel.

The scorching afternoon sun made the situation even worse. The heat radiating from the vehicles was unbearable. Street vendors took advantage of the situation by selling water bottles, cold drinks, fruits, and snacks to the stranded travellers. A traffic police officer was seen directing vehicles and requesting people to remain calm. An ambulance, with its siren blaring, struggled to make its way through the crowded road. Many motorists immediately moved their vehicles aside as much as possible to let it pass. Watching this reminded me of the importance of road discipline and cooperation.

After nearly an hour, we learnt that a loaded truck had broken down near the end of the flyover, blocking two lanes. A crane was finally brought in to remove the vehicle, and traffic slowly began to move again. Although we reached the wedding much later than expected, we were relieved that the jam had been cleared safely without any major accident.

That experience taught me that traffic jams are not merely an inconvenience. They waste fuel, pollute the environment, delay emergency services, and increase stress among commuters. Better road planning, strict traffic rules, regular vehicle maintenance, and responsible driving can help reduce such situations. Above all, patience and civic sense are essential whenever we find ourselves stranded on the road.

Glossary:

·       Stranded – unable to move from a place / फँसा हुआ

·       Deafening – extremely loud / कर्णभेदी

·       Radiating – giving out heat or energy / विकीर्ण करना

·       Commuters – people who travel regularly between home and work or school / दैनिक यात्री

·       Civic sense – awareness of one's duties and responsibilities as a citizen / नागरिक चेतना

·       Bumper to bumper – vehicles standing extremely close to one another in heavy traffic / बहुत घना यातायात

·       Scorching – extremely hot / झुलसा देने वाला

·       Discipline – orderly and responsible behaviour / अनुशासन

(c) "Peace is secured by readiness for war." Express your views either for or against the statement.

Ans. Peace is Secured by Readiness for War.: In support of the Statement

The saying, "Peace is secured by readiness for war," may appear contradictory, yet history has repeatedly proved its truth. A nation that is well prepared to defend itself is less likely to be attacked. Strength often discourages aggression, while weakness may invite it. Therefore, military preparedness plays an important role in preserving peace.

Every country desires peace because it allows people to live safely, develop economically, and enjoy a better quality of life. However, peace cannot be maintained merely through good intentions. There are always nations or groups that may threaten the security of others for political, economic, or territorial reasons. In such situations, a country must possess a strong defence system to protect its sovereignty.

History offers many examples. During the Cold War, several powerful nations possessed advanced military capabilities. Although tensions remained high, the fear of devastating consequences prevented direct large-scale wars between the major powers. This principle of deterrence demonstrates that a strong defence can discourage conflict rather than encourage it.

Readiness for war does not mean promoting violence or encouraging hostility. It includes maintaining a disciplined army, modern equipment, effective intelligence, and well-trained personnel. Such preparedness enables a nation to respond quickly to external threats and natural emergencies. Armed forces also contribute to rescue operations during floods, earthquakes, and other disasters.

India's armed forces provide an excellent example of this principle. Their constant vigilance along the borders ensures the safety of millions of citizens. Their courage and preparedness allow people to live peacefully and carry on with their daily lives without fear.

At the same time, military strength should always be accompanied by diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law. War should remain the last option after all peaceful efforts have failed. True strength lies not in using weapons recklessly but in possessing them responsibly while striving to maintain harmony.

In conclusion, peace is strongest when supported by adequate preparedness. A nation that is alert, united, and capable of defending itself is better equipped to prevent aggression and preserve stability. Thus, readiness for war, when guided by wisdom and restraint, becomes a powerful guardian of lasting peace.

Glossary

·       Deterrence – discouraging an attack by maintaining strong defence / निवारण, प्रतिरोध

·       Sovereignty – the supreme authority of a nation over its own territory / सार्वभौमिकता

·       Vigilance – careful watchfulness against danger / सतर्कता

·       Diplomacy – the art of managing international relations peacefully / कूटनीति

·       Restraint – self-control; avoiding unnecessary force / संयम

·       Aggression – hostile or violent behaviour towards another country / आक्रमण

·       Preparedness – the state of being ready for any situation / तत्परता

Ans. Peace is Secured by Readiness for War.: Against the Statement

The statement, "Peace is secured by readiness for war," suggests that military strength alone guarantees peace. I disagree with this view because genuine peace cannot be built upon fear, weapons, or the constant threat of violence. Lasting peace is achieved through trust, cooperation, justice, and mutual understanding among nations.

Preparing for war often leads to an arms race. When one country increases its military strength, neighbouring countries feel insecure and begin expanding their own armed forces. This cycle creates suspicion and tension instead of peace. Enormous amounts of money are spent on weapons that could otherwise be used for education, healthcare, scientific research, and poverty alleviation.

History has shown that many wars began despite extensive military preparations. In fact, excessive dependence on military power sometimes encourages confrontation rather than dialogue. Weapons may deter some conflicts, but they cannot remove hatred, misunderstanding, or political disputes, which are often the real causes of war.

Real peace is built through diplomacy, international cooperation, and respect for human rights. Organisations such as the United Nations encourage nations to resolve conflicts through negotiation rather than violence. Agreements on trade, climate action, education, and cultural exchange strengthen relationships and reduce the chances of armed conflict.

India has often demonstrated its commitment to peaceful coexistence by following the principles of dialogue and mutual respect while maintaining a defensive military posture. This balanced approach shows that peace is better protected through responsible diplomacy than through the continuous expectation of war.

This does not mean that a nation should neglect its defence. Every country has the right to maintain armed forces for self-protection. However, military preparedness should support peace, not become its foundation. The ultimate goal should always be to prevent conflicts through understanding rather than preparing to fight them.

In conclusion, weapons may sometimes discourage aggression, but they cannot create genuine harmony among people or nations. Lasting peace arises from justice, cooperation, tolerance, and dialogue. Therefore, I believe that peace is secured not by readiness for war but by readiness for understanding and reconciliation.

Glossary

·  Arms race – competition among nations to build more weapons / शस्त्रों की होड़

·  Confrontation – a hostile disagreement or conflict / टकराव

·  Diplomacy – peaceful management of international relations / कूटनीति

·  Coexistence – living together peacefully despite differences / सह-अस्तित्व

·  Reconciliation – restoration of friendly relations / मेल-मिलाप

·  Alleviation – making something less severe, especially poverty or suffering / उपशमन, कमी

·  Negotiation – discussion aimed at reaching an agreement / वार्ता

Question 2 [10]

Select any one of the following:

(a) You have lost your ATM Card. Write an application to the Manager of your bank requesting him/her to deactivate your ATM Card and issue you a new ATM Card.

Ans.

The Branch Manager
State Bank of India
M.G. Road Branch
Kolkata – 700001

13 July 2026

Subject: Request for Deactivation of Lost ATM Card and Issuance of a New ATM Card

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am a savings account holder in your branch. My account number is XXXXXXXXXXXX1234. I regret to inform you that I have lost my ATM-cum-Debit Card. Despite making every possible effort, I have been unable to locate it.

I request you to kindly deactivate/block my ATM Card immediately to prevent any unauthorised transactions or misuse. I would also be grateful if you could issue me a new ATM Card linked to my account at the earliest.

I am enclosing a copy of my identity proof along with the duly filled application form, if required. I shall comply with all the necessary formalities for the issuance of the new card.

I shall be highly obliged if you process my request as early as possible.

Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,

ABC
Savings Account No.: XXXXXXXXXXXX1234
Mobile No.: 9876543210

Glossary:
Deactivate : To make something inactive or stop it from functioning / निष्क्रिय करना
Issue : To provide or officially give something / जारी करना
Regret : To feel sorry about something / खेद व्यक्त करना
Locate : To find the exact position of something / पता लगाना
Unauthorised : Done without official permission / अनधिकृत
Misuse : Improper or wrong use of something / दुरुपयोग
Enclose : To include a document with a letter / संलग्न करना
Identity Proof : An official document used to establish a person's identity / पहचान प्रमाण
Formalities : Official procedures or requirements / औपचारिकताएँ
Obliged : Grateful or thankful / आभारी

OR

(b) You wish to study abroad at a prestigious university after passing your school finals. Write a letter to your elder brother/sister telling him/her where you wish to study, and why. Also write how you are preparing yourself to get through it, and in what ways the education there is better than in India.

Ans.

12, Lake View Road
Kolkata – 700029

13 July 2026

Dear Brother,

I hope you are in good health and high spirits. We are all doing well here. My studies are going on smoothly, and I have been thinking seriously about my plans after the school finals. I wanted to share them with you because your advice has always guided me in making important decisions.

I wish to pursue my higher education at the University of Oxford in England. It is one of the world's most prestigious universities and is renowned for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and rich tradition of research. Studying there would provide me with an opportunity to learn from experts, interact with students from different countries, and develop a global outlook.

I know that gaining admission to such a university is not easy. Therefore, I have started preparing myself well in advance. I devote extra time to my studies every day and pay special attention to English, Mathematics, and my chosen subjects. I regularly read newspapers, journals, and reference books to improve my general knowledge and language skills. I also participate in quizzes, debates, and online courses to broaden my knowledge and strengthen my communication skills. Besides academics, I am trying to build a good profile through extracurricular activities and community service, as these are also considered during the admission process.

Although India has many excellent educational institutions, universities abroad often provide greater exposure to advanced research facilities, modern laboratories, flexible courses, and practical learning methods. Students are encouraged to think independently, participate actively in discussions, and undertake innovative research projects. Such an environment helps develop creativity, critical thinking, and leadership qualities. Moreover, studying with students from different cultures broadens one's perspective and prepares one for a global career.

I understand that studying abroad requires hard work, determination, and financial planning. I am determined to work sincerely so that I can earn admission on merit and, if possible, secure a scholarship. Your guidance and encouragement have always inspired me, and I hope you will continue to support me in achieving this dream.

Please write back with your valuable suggestions. Convey my regards to everyone at home.

Yours affectionately,

ABC

Glossary:

·       Prestigious – highly respected and admired / प्रतिष्ठित

·       Renowned – famous and well-known / प्रसिद्ध

·       Distinguished – highly successful and respected / विशिष्ट

·       Extracurricular – activities outside the regular curriculum / पाठ्येतर

·       Exposure – opportunity to experience something new / अनुभव, परिचय

·       Innovative – introducing new ideas or methods / नवोन्मेषी

·       Perspective – a particular way of thinking about something / दृष्टिकोण

·       Scholarship – financial aid awarded to a student for academic merit / छात्रवृत्ति

Question 3 [10]

(a) Notice Writing [5]

An Inter-School Cultural Fiesta is going to be held at Mount Herman School, Lucknow. The events include competitions in the field of Music, Dance and Dramatics. As the Cultural Secretary of your school, write a notice for the school notice board inviting the interested students to register their names for participation.

Ans.

ABC PUBLIC SCHOOL, LUCKNOW
NOTICE

13 July 2026

Inter-School Cultural Fiesta

This is to inform all students that an Inter-School Cultural Fiesta is being organised by Mount Herman School, Lucknow on 5 August 2026. The events include competitions in Music, Dance, and Dramatics.

Students who are interested in participating are requested to register their names with the undersigned in the Cultural Room during the recess, on or before 20 July 2026. The selection trials will be held on 22 July 2026.

For further details, contact the undersigned.

ABC
Cultural Secretary

(b) E-mail Writing [5]

Write an e-mail to the Teacher-in-Charge of the Cultural Club requesting him/her to assist in the selection of students for the Inter-School Cultural Fiesta.

Ans.

From: abc@gmail.com
To: culturalclub@abcschool.edu.in
Date: 13 July 2026
Subject: Request for Assistance in the Selection of Students for the Inter-School Cultural Fiesta

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope you are doing well.

The Inter-School Cultural Fiesta to be held at Mount Herman School, Lucknow, is fast approaching. As the Cultural Secretary of our school, I request you to kindly assist us in selecting students who will represent our school in the competitions.

Since the event includes Music, Dance, and Dramatics, your experience and guidance will help us identify talented participants. I would be grateful if you could conduct the selection trials on 22 July 2026 in the school auditorium during the activity period. Your valuable suggestions will also help the selected students prepare confidently for the competition.

I sincerely hope you will accept my request and extend your support in making our school's participation a success.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

ABC
Cultural Secretary
ABC Public School

Glossary:
Approaching : Coming near in time / निकट आना
Assist : To help or support / सहायता करना
Represent : To act or compete on behalf of someone / प्रतिनिधित्व करना
Guidance : Advice or direction / मार्गदर्शन
Selection Trials : Tests conducted to choose participants / चयन परीक्षण
Auditorium : A large hall used for meetings and performances / सभागार
Consideration : Careful thought or attention / विचार
Participation : The act of taking part in an event / भागीदारी

Question 4 [20]

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The Indian must have had that nice window seat from London. He looked under forty, of medium height and slim, wearing a blazer. I boarded the Emirates flight at Dubai in October 2003 and got a seat next to him. I looked at him and smiled as I sat down. His face was blank. He had a distant look that made me stop mid-smile.

Whenever I take a flight, I try to chat with a fellow passenger. Most people are responsive when they are alone at 40,000 feet. There are some who barely nod; that's when I keep to myself. Flying has helped me get to know perfect strangers. To a journalist, this could be the seed of an unexpected story or a chance to hear something different. In good company, time flies too. I've met all types; you never know who you'll meet next, and they are usually interesting once you've broken the ice.

The man on my left, wearing a blazer, on that three-hour Dubai–Mumbai flight, was a puzzle. I glanced his way and he looked through me. One of the snooty non-resident Indians, I thought. What does one lose if you smile at a fellow human being? He just stared fixedly at the seat in front of him. Why are some people so full of themselves?

When the stewardess brought lunch, the unfriendly man had his eyes shut. She gave me a Should-I-wake-him-up look. I didn't say anything, and he didn't get his lunch. Serves him right, I thought.

He soon got up and saw me eating, but he didn't say anything or ask for his meal. He only had to press a button. That's his problem, I thought.

We still had almost two hours of the flight left. I read a magazine, tried to play a video game and listened to music. He did nothing.

At times our eyes met, but he isn't all there, I thought. He's unlike any other passenger I've ever sat next to. By the time our jet landed in Mumbai, I found his presence almost unbearable and very uncomfortable.

As we taxied down the runway, the intercom announced the usual closing message. It ended with a request to keep all cell phones switched off for a little longer. That's when I heard the man speaking on his cell phone. The cheek!

He was discussing his connecting flight and someone who would receive him. It sounded as though special arrangements had been made. I had half a mind to tell him to switch off his phone.

Just before the aircraft came to a halt, he was the first passenger to stand up.

"Excuse me. May I leave? I can't miss my connecting flight."

Hmm! I got up to make way when he went on mechanically,

"My wife and child died in a road accident in Delhi."

"Oh!" I exclaimed inadequately. "I'm so sorry."

As I watch him rushing out before the other passengers could block the aisle, I’m shell-shocked by the revelation. Suddenly everything falls into place. The tables have turned:  I’m the bad guy for having judged him so hastily—and so wrongly.

I could have spoken first! Despite his terrible loss and the torment he was enduring, he was so calm, controlled and dignified. May be in his soul-crushing sorrow, he did not want to burden a stranger with his pain.

That was a brave fellow traveller from whom I learned an invaluable lesson: To look beyond the façade and to never assume anything until you have walked in the other person's shoes.

(i) For each of the words given below, choose the correct meaning as used in the passage. From the options provided. [2]

(1) Snooty
(a) low-spirited
(b) showing contempt towards others
(c) faulty
(d) appealing

Ans. (b) showing contempt towards others

(2) Aisle
(a) gap
(b) corridor
(c) passage between rows of seats
(d) trench

Ans. (c) passage between rows of seats

(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of 'genuineness'? [1]

(a) mechanically
(b) façade
(c) assume
(d) distant

Ans. (b) façade

(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.

(a) Describe the author's neighbour on the plane. [2]

Answer: The author's neighbour was an Indian man, apparently under forty years of age, of medium height and slim build. He wore a blazer and remained quiet, expressionless, and distant throughout the flight, avoiding conversation and appearing completely withdrawn.

(b) Quote the sentence that states the nature of the author's work. [1]

Answer: "To a journalist, this could be the seed of an unexpected story or a chance to hear something different."

(c) How did the neighbour miss his lunch? [2]

Answer: When the lunch was served, the man had his eyes closed. The stewardess looked at the author to ask whether she should wake him, but the author remained silent. As a result, the stewardess did not disturb him, and he missed his lunch.

(d) What did the author do to pass the time during the flight? [2]
Answer: The author spent the time reading a magazine, playing a video game, and listening to music. He also occasionally glanced at his fellow passenger but found him unusually silent and unresponsive.

(e) What shocked the author in the end? What lesson did he learn from the incident? [2]
Answer: The author was shocked to learn that the man's wife and child had died in a road accident and that he was travelling to catch a connecting flight after this tragedy. He learnt that one should never judge people by their outward behaviour because everyone may be carrying unseen pain. It is important to understand others before forming opinions.

Glossary

Blank : Showing no expression or emotion / भावहीन
Distant : Unfriendly and not emotionally involved / उदासीन, अलग-थलग
Responsive : Reacting positively or readily / उत्तरदायी
Journalist : A person who writes or reports news / पत्रकार
Puzzle : A person or thing that is difficult to understand / पहेली
Snooty : Showing contempt towards others; arrogant / घमण्डी
Stewardess : A female flight attendant / विमान परिचारिका
Intercom : A communication system used for announcements / आंतरिक उद्घोषणा प्रणाली
Mechanically : Without emotion or feeling / यंत्रवत्
Torment : Severe mental suffering / मानसिक पीड़ा
Dignified : Calm, noble and worthy of respect / गरिमामय
Façade : An outward appearance that hides the true reality / बाहरी दिखावा
Assume : To accept something as true without proof / मान लेना
Invaluable : Extremely useful and precious / अमूल्य

(iv) In not more than 50 words, describe how the author learnt not to judge a book by its cover. [8]

Answer (50 words):

The author mistook his silent co-passenger for an arrogant and unfriendly man. At the end of the journey, he discovered that the man had just lost his wife and child in a tragic accident. Realising his mistake, the author learnt never to judge people without understanding their circumstances.

Question 5

(a) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage. Write only the correct answers in serial order. [4]

Another course that I didn't like but somehow (1) ________ (manage) to pass was Economics. I (2) ________ (go) to that class straight from the Botany class, which didn't help me in understanding either subject. I used to get them (3) ________ (mix) up. But not as much as another student in my Economics class who (4) ________ (come) there as a footballer. He (5) ________ (be) a tackle on the football team, (6) ________ (name) Bolenciecwcz. In order to be eligible to play, it (7) ________ (be) necessary for him to keep up his studies, a very difficult matter, for while he (8) ________ (be) not dumber than an ox, he was not any smarter.

(a) Answers: 1. managed 2. went 3. mixed 4. came 5. was 6. named 7. was 8. Was

1. (b) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. [4]

1.     I correspond ________ James reg I correspond ________ James regularly.

2.     Rising early is beneficial ________ health.

3.     She is not blind ________ her own faults.

4.     Can a doctor cure me ________ my headache?

5.     Hari does not agree ________ your proposal.

6.     The seat in front of me was occupied ________ a tall lady.

7.     One should not be irritable ________ a small baby.

8.     As anticipated, Parliament came ________ with a bill ________ inheritance rights for women.

Answers: 1. with 2. to 3. to 4. of 5. to 6. by 7. with 8. out, on

(c) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using 'and', 'but' or 'so'. Choose the correct option. [4]

1. Sheila found the keys. They were in her bag.

(a) Sheila found the keys which were in her bag.
(b) The keys were in Sheila's bag.
(c) Sheila found the keys, which were in her bag.
(d) Sheila found the keys in her bag.

Answer: (d) Sheila found the keys in her bag.

2. Jane received the news late. She could not meet her mother.

(a) As Jane received the news late, she cannot meet her mother.
(b) As Jane received the news late, she could not meet her mother.
(c) Jane received the news late as she could not meet her mother.
(d) Jane, receiving the news late, could not meet her mother.

Answer: (b) As Jane received the news late, she could not meet her mother.

3. Sharad was a fast runner. He sprained his ankle. He lost the race.

(a) Being a fast runner, Sharad sprained his ankle and therefore lost the race.
(b) Sharad sprained his ankle because he was a fast runner and lost the race.
(c) Although Sharad was a fast runner, he lost the race because he had sprained his ankle.
(d) Though Sharad was a fast runner, he sprained his ankle because he lost the race.

Answer: (c) Although Sharad was a fast runner, he lost the race because he had sprained his ankle.

4. Tanmay was quiet. The boys bullied him.

(a) The boys bullied Tanmay because he was quiet.
(b) The boys bullied Tanmay, the quiet boy.
(c) The boy, Tanmay, who was bullied, was quiet.
(d) The boys bullied Tanmay, who had been quiet.

Answer: (a) The boys bullied Tanmay because he was quiet.

(d) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given. Choose the correct option. [8]

1. Mt. Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
(Use: higher)

(a) No other mountain can be higher in the world than Mt. Everest.
(b) No other mountain is higher than Mt. Everest.
(c) Mt. Everest is the higher mountain in the world.
(d) No other mountain in the world is higher than Mt. Everest.

(e) No other mountain in the world is as high as Mt. Everest.

Ans. (e) No other mountain in the world is as high as Mt. Everest.

2. If the movie is interesting, I will watch it.
(Begin: Unless …)

(a) Unless the movie is interesting, I will not watch it.
(b) Unless the movie is interesting, I will watch it.
(c) Unless the movie is not interesting, I will watch it.
(d) I will watch the movie unless it is not interesting.

Ans. a. Unless the movie is interesting, I will not watch it.

3. Mohan was the cause of Ravi's downfall.
(Begin: Ravi's …)

(a) Ravi's downfall caused by Mohan.
(b) Ravi's downfall was being caused by Mohan.
(c) Ravi's downfall was caused by Mohan.
(d) Ravi's cause led to Mohan's downfall.

Ans. c. Ravi's downfall was caused by Mohan.

4. "Please leave your luggage here, Sir," said the servant.
(Begin: The servant requested …)

(a) The servant requested to the guest to please leave the luggage there.
(b) The servant requested the guest to leave the luggage here.
(c) The servant requested the guest to please leave the luggage there.
(d) The servant requested the guest to leave the luggage there.

Ans. d. The servant requested the guest to leave the luggage there.

5. As soon as the office closes, he returns home.
(Begin: No sooner …)

(a) No sooner does the office close than he returns home.
(b) No sooner does the office closes than he returns home.
(c) No sooner does the office close than he return home.
(d) No sooner do the office close than he returns home.

Ans. a. No sooner does the office close than he returns home.

6. Though he is diligent, he is not appreciated.
(Begin: Despite …)

(a) Despite of being diligent, he is not appreciated.
(b) Despite being diligent, he is not appreciated.
(c) Despite he is diligent, he is not appreciated.
(d) Despite the diligence, he is not appreciated.

Ans. b. Despite being diligent, he is not appreciated.

7. Shalu has no friends because she is proud.
(Use: pride)

(a) As a result of pride, Shalu has no friends.
(b) Shalu has pride, so she has no friends.
(c) As for her pride, Shalu has no friends.
(d) Shalu has no friends because of her pride.

Ans. d. Shalu has no friends because of her pride.

8. Only the brave deserve the award.
(Begin: None …)

(a) None deserve the award except the brave.
(b) None but the brave deserve the award.
(c) None other than the brave deserves the award.
(d) None except for the brave deserves the award.

Ans. b. None but the brave deserve the award.