Travel & Adventure
Expect the Unexpected — Exercise
A. Complete the sentences below with the correct words from the text.
a. The village nestled comfortably among the hills.
b. The garden was a riot of color.
c. Sophie liked cooking, gardening, and painting equally.
d. Prita screamed loudly when she saw the huge spider on her foot.
e. This opportunity to study in such a resourceful school.
f. He showed no hint of regret for his crime.
g. We have been the victim of a computer virus recently.
h. We were never invaded by any foreign country.
B. Read the text again and find where a traveller can do the following things. Then put a tick mark (O) in the correct table.
Note: Students are requested to draw the table and mark the symbol accordingly.
a. Cycle around the village — Pokhara and Chitwan are more appropriate for cycling through villages because the areas around Kathmandu are comparatively crowded.
b. Visit Durbar squares — Kathmandu is the most suitable destination because it contains several historic Durbar Squares.
c. Go paragliding — Pokhara is the best option for paragliding because the Annapurna range offers excellent launching locations.
d. Hang out with local people even at night — Pokhara and Chitwan are more suitable. Kathmandu generally has a livelier and more commercial nightlife.
e. Meet sadhus and take photographs with them — Kathmandu provides better opportunities because its many religious sites attract numerous sadhus.
f. Walk up to the hill and view the Himalayan ranges — Pokhara is the most suitable place, with spectacular mountain scenery visible from the surrounding hills.
g. Watch the sunrise — All three destinations provide opportunities to see the sunrise, but Pokhara offers an especially impressive view with the Annapurna range forming the background.
📝 C. Answer the following questions.
a. Mention the three things that amazed the writer in Kathmandu.
=> Answer: Three aspects of Kathmandu particularly caught the writer's attention. He admired the immense city positioned within a green valley and surrounded by gigantic mountains. The colorful murals displayed on street walls also fascinated him. Besides these, he was impressed by the quiet beauty of Patan Durbar Square and its carefully preserved pagodas and stone temples.
b. What indicates that street art is rising in Kathmandu?
=> Answer: The increasing appearance of murals throughout Kathmandu's street walls suggests that street art is developing in the city. The wall paintings portray a variety of symbols, people, animals, and imaginative creations.
c. Name the two World Heritage Monuments located in Kathmandu.
=> Answer: The two World Heritage Monuments located in Kathmandu are Patan Durbar Square and Pashupatinath Temple.
d. How do the Nepalis perceive death, according to the writer?
=> Answer: The writer believes that Nepalis consider death to be a natural part of everyday existence. He draws this conclusion from what he observes at Pashupatinath Temple, where the dead are cremated outdoors and the family members remain unconcerned about visitors witnessing the ritual.
e. What two special things does the writer mention about the Pashupatinath Temple?
=> Answer: Two remarkable features are emphasized by the writer. The temple is a place where outdoor cremations take place beside the Bagmati River. It is also possible for visitors to meet genuine sadhus wearing colorful yellow and orange robes, with ashes on their bodies and long hair and beards.
f. What does Chitwan National Park offer to its visitors?
=> Answer: Chitwan National Park provides visitors with various opportunities for jungle exploration and wildlife observation. They can enjoy Jeep safaris, canoe rides, jungle walks, and cycling around villages. The park also allows them to observe animals such as single-horned rhinos, deer, wild boars, monkeys, and birds at close range.
g. Whom does the writer recommend to visit Chitwan?
=> Answer: The writer suggests Chitwan for physically active travellers who wish to explore the undisturbed remains of wild species.
h. Write any two things that visitors can do in Pokhara.
=> Answer: In Pokhara, visitors can walk up to the World Peace Pagoda to enjoy wonderful views of snow-covered mountains. They can also take part in paragliding, an activity that provides an outstanding aerial view of the surrounding scenery.
i. What is Sarangkot known for?
=> Answer: Sarangkot is famous for its magnificent sunrise views over the Annapurna Himalaya.
j. How did the writer feel when he was leaving Nepal?
=> Answer: Leaving Nepal made the writer emotional because he did not really want his visit to end. He felt attached to the country and expressed his willingness to return whenever he could.
D. If you were given the opportunity to visit one of the places mentioned in the text, which one would it be? Give reasons for your choice.
ans:
If I could select one destination from the places mentioned in the text, I would choose Pokhara. I am attracted to its peaceful setting, clean streets, and relaxed way of life. The view of the snow-covered mountains from Phewa Lake would be one of the main experiences I would look forward to. I would also like to try paragliding and enjoy the magnificent sunrise from Sarangkot. Its combination of peaceful surroundings, mountain scenery, and adventurous opportunities would make Pokhara my first choice.
📚 Grammar I
A. Match the sentences in column A with their question tags in column B.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| a. They don't need to come this evening. | do they? |
| b. James is working on that. | isn't he? |
| c. Punam's parents have been retired. | haven't they? |
| d. It was raining that day. | wasn't it? |
| e. You hadn't met me before. | had you? |
| f. He never came again. | did he? |
| g. She can rarely come these days. | can she? |
| h. You hardly ever came late. | did you? |
| i. I barely know you. | do I? |
| j. You would scarcely expect her to know that. | would you? |
| k. Nothing will happen. | will it? |
| l. I am right. | aren't I? |
| m. You have to go. | don't you? |
| n. I have been answering. | haven't I? |
| o. Nothing came in the post. | did it? |
B. Supply the correct question tags.
a. This work, does it?
b. Well, I couldn't help it, could I?
c. But you don't really love her, do you?
d. We'd never have known, would we?
e. The weather's bad, isn't it?
f. You won't be late, will you?
g. Nobody knows, do they?
h. You have a bath daily, don't you?
i. You couldn't help me, could you?
j. Shut up, will you?
k. She's been working hard the whole day, hasn't she?
l. He's admitted to Patan Hospital last night, hasn't he?
m. You can make it, can't you?
n. Don't forget, will you?
o. Let's have some fun, shall we?
p. Let us chat, shall we?
q. Your phone didn't break down, did it?
✍️ Writing I
Write a short travelogue featuring a place you have recently visited. Use the clues given below.
Title: Exploring Coral Bay in the Maldives
My wife and I recently travelled to the beautiful beaches of Coral Bay in the Maldives. The idea of spending a holiday in a tropical setting had been on our minds for months. Once we finally settled on the plan, we quickly completed the arrangements and prepared for the trip within a week.
We travelled by air from Kathmandu to Male, a journey that took nearly nine hours. After arriving in Male, we continued by speedboat for another forty minutes before reaching our resort on Coral Bay Island. As we approached the island, the brilliant blue-green sea and brilliant white sand immediately caught our attention and created a scene that looked almost unreal.
Our intention was not to follow a busy sightseeing schedule. Instead, we wanted to rest, refresh ourselves, and enjoy some uninterrupted time together. We spent many hours beside the beach, took swims in the exceptionally clear lagoon, and enjoyed seafood meals close to the shore.
Snorkeling became the highlight of our visit. Just a short distance from the resort, we discovered colorful coral formations surrounded by a wide variety of fish. At one point, we even saw a moray eel looking out from its shelter. The opportunity to observe the underwater world so closely made the experience particularly memorable.
The holiday also gave me a valuable reminder about life. I realized that taking occasional breaks from our normal routine allows us to appreciate simple experiences and spend meaningful time with the people who matter to us. Even a short escape to a tropical destination can refresh our minds and make ordinary life seem more wonderful.
Although our stay at Coral Bay was brief, it gave us beautiful memories that we will treasure for a lifetime.
Unit 14
Reading II: Weather
Introduction
Thomas Hardy's poem “Weather” presents two contrasting seasonal conditions and the different attitudes they produce. The first section portrays a pleasant spring environment that appeals to the cuckoo and the speaker. Light showers fall around the chestnut trees, while the nightingale sings beautifully. Young women appear in muslin clothes, and people imagine travelling towards the south and west. The speaker also enjoys this pleasant atmosphere.
The second section introduces an unpleasant setting associated with winter. The shepherd does not appreciate this kind of weather. The beech trees become covered in brown and dull shades, the hillsides appear full of flowing water, and meadow streams overflow after continued rainfall. Rooks return home in groups, reinforcing the image of severe weather. The speaker shares the shepherd's dislike of these conditions.
Thus, the poem contrasts pleasant and unpleasant weather while showing that natural conditions can influence the emotions and experiences of different living beings.
📖 Weather Exercise — Grade 10
A. Find the words from the poem that are similar in meaning to the following words/phrases.
| Words / Phrases | Words from the Poem |
|---|---|
| a. a brief and usually light fall of rain | showers |
| b. sings | bills |
| c. young women | maids |
| d. to tumble about; throw into disorder | betumble |
| e. baby birds | nestlings |
| f. dislikes | shuns |
| g. a dull greyish-brown color | duns |
| h. beat or sound with a strong, regular rhythm | throb |
| i. small rivers; streams | rivulets |
📝 B. Answer these questions.
a. What do the nestlings do in the spring?
=> Answer: In the spring, the nestlings fly.
b. What does the nightingale do?
=> Answer: The little brown nightingale sings its best.
c. How do the girls come out in spring?
=> Answer: The girls come out dressed in sprig-muslin in the spring.
d. What plan do people make?
=> Answer: People dream of the south and west in the spring.
e. What happens to beeches in winter?
=> Answer: In winter, beeches drip in browns and duns.
f. Where do rooks go? Why do they migrate?
=> Answer: Rooks go homeward in families. They migrate to find suitable places for nesting and feeding.
g. Does the poet enjoy the winter or the spring? Why?
=> Answer: The poet enjoys the spring because the weather described in the poem is the one he likes.
📖 C. Complete the interpretation of the poem using suitable words or phrases given below.
[chestnut, young girls, south and west, Thomas Hardy, severity sunny, beeches, rooks, hang]
ans:
The poem 'Weathers' was composed by an English poet, Thomas Hardy, who talks about two different seasons which are the spring and the winter. In the first stanza, the pleasant spring season is described. Cuckoo and Nightingale feel good in this season. The light rain flows over the pointed leaves of the chestnut tree.
The poet is pleased as the nightingale sings at his best tune. People come out of their houses to enjoy the weather and the birds' song. The young girls are seen in their fine clothes. The people plan to visit different places in the south and west. To an English person, the south and the west are associated with summer holiday destinations, where the weather at that time is often warm and sunny, and many coastal towns provide welcoming accommodations and amusements. The poet likes this weather as it is liked by all the birds, animals, and humans as well.
In the second stanza, he talks about the winter's coldness and severity. All the natural beauty turns into dullness and discomfort. The cuckoo hates this weather. The beeches turn dull and brown as their leaves are threshed by the wind. The water drops hang from the wooden bars of the gates. One can see some streams overflowing as it has been raining a lot. The rooks fly to their homes as the harshness of winter gradually grows. The poet dislikes the winter season because it is very cold and wet.
Symbolically the poet tries to state the bright and dark aspects of human life and the word 'weathers' indicates human life. The spring represents the bright whereas the winter represents the dark aspects of our life.
🌸 D. In which season would you like to travel? Why?
ans:
I would prefer to travel in spring. The season brings fresh growth, flowering plants, and attractive natural scenery, while the weather is generally comfortable for travelling. The pleasant temperature makes activities such as walking, sightseeing, and exploring outdoor places more enjoyable.
Spring also allows travellers to experience colorful landscapes without necessarily facing the crowds associated with the busiest tourist periods. A quieter environment can make a journey more comfortable and memorable. Therefore, the combination of mild weather, natural beauty, and peaceful surroundings makes spring my preferred season for travel.
📚 Grammar II
A. Add suitable question tags.
a. I'd rather go travelling, wouldn't I?
b. Everything is okay, isn't it?
c. I shan't be in your position, shall I?
d. I don't think he'll come soon, won't I?
e. Let's not have cold drinks, shall we?
f. All is well, isn't it?
g. There is a coffee shop near the gate, isn't there?
h. Nothing was there, was it?
i. The car sped along the road, didn't it?
j. He's got a very peculiar voice, hasn't he?
k. Asmina, bring me your pen, will you?
l. Nawaraj seldom plays cards, does he?
m. Everyone will be satisfied with my job, won't they?
n. None met me last week, did they?
o. Everything is perishable, isn't it?
p. I think he's busy, isn't he?
📝 Writing II
Prepare a brochure of a tourist place in your locality. Include the following points:
i. Name of the place
ii. Location
iii. Accessibility
iv. Major attractions
v. Entry requirements (if any)
vi. Contact information
🌺 Surya Binayak Temple
Balaju, Kathmandu
Discover a peaceful spiritual destination away from the busy atmosphere of Kathmandu at Surya Binayak Temple. The temple is surrounded by attractive gardens and natural scenery, making it a pleasant place to visit.
Location:
The temple is situated in Balaju, near the outskirts of Kathmandu city. It lies at the foot of Shivapuri Hill and provides panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.
Accessibility:
Reaching the temple is convenient by car or bus. Buses regularly travel between Kathmandu and Balaju, and the journey generally takes around 30–45 minutes.
Major Attractions:
- •The principal attraction is the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
- •Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the temple, which contain a variety of flowers and plants.
- •Scenic walking trails extend from the temple premises towards Shivapuri Hill.
- •The hilltop provides panoramic views across the Kathmandu Valley.
Entry Requirements:
Admission is free for all visitors. Visitors should dress appropriately by keeping their shoulders and knees covered.
Contact Information:
Surya Binayak Temple Committee
Balaju, Kathmandu
Phone: 01-4377979
Email: suryabinayaktemple@gmail.com
Website: www.suryabinayaktemple.org.np
Timings: 5 am – 8 pm
We warmly welcome visitors to explore this peaceful spiritual and scenic destination in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley.