📘 War and Peace
🔤 Working with Words
A. What do the underlined words in the following sentences mean? Tick the best answer.
a. clamour : a loud and confused noise
b. precariously : not securely
c. scrutiny : examination
d. absconded : hid somewhere secretly
e. anglicized : characteristics of English
f. platitudes : doubtful remarks
B. Many words have been borrowed in English from different languages. Find the meaning of the following words which are borrowed from Hindi language.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Veranda | a roofed platform along the outside of a house, level with the ground floor. |
| Khaki | A strong cloth of wool or cotton, often used for military or other uniforms. |
| Pashmina | a shawl made from fine-quality goat's wool. |
| Pajamas | loose-fitting jacket and trousers for sleeping in. |
| Pukka | genuine, excellent |
| Pundit | an expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called upon to give their opinions to the public. |
| Avatar | the incarnation of a deity, particularly Vishnu. |
| Bangle | A rigid bracelet or anklet, especially one with no clasp. |
| Cheetah | a large slender spotted cat found in Africa and parts of Asia. |
| Guru | A Hindu or Sikh spiritual teacher. |
| Jungle | an area of land overgrown with dense forest and tangled vegetation, typically in the tropics. |
| Karma | good or bad luck, viewed as resulting from one's actions. |
| Nirvana | Complete cessation of suffering; a blissful state attained through realization of sunyata; enlightened experience. |
| Shampoo | an ideal or idyllic state or place. |
| Raita | an Indian side dish of yogurt containing chopped cucumber or other vegetables, and spices. |
C. Add the given suffixes to the following words to make new words. Notice whether ‘e’ is retained or dropped.
a. change + -able / -ing / -ed / -less
changeable, changing, changed, changeless
b. time + -ly / -ing / -ed / -less
timely, timing, timed, timeless
c. notice + -able / -ing / -ed
noticable, noticing, noticed
d. praise + -worthy / -ing / -ed
praiseworthy, praising, praised
e. home + -less / -ing / -ly
homeless, homing, homely
📖 Comprehension
Answer the following questions.
a. Why did Iqbal want to sleep in the afternoon?
=> Answer: Iqbal needed to rest during the afternoon after enduring an uncomfortable night in the train. He had spent the night sitting on his bedroll in a packed third-class compartment.
b. How did people react with each other in the train?
=> Answer: The people in the compartment communicated in a noisy and boisterous manner, with their interactions taking place at a very high volume.
c. Why did the book Iqbal was reading bring commotion in the compartment?
=> Answer: The book created curiosity among the passengers because Iqbal was reading it in English. They viewed knowledge of English as something associated with intelligence, education and prestige, so they became excited by the sight of him reading it.
d. Why did Iqbal have to give clarification with his personal details?
=> Answer: The passengers formed the impression that Iqbal was a highly educated and intelligent man because he knew English. Their curiosity about him consequently grew, and they insisted that he explain his background and reveal personal information.
e. Who was Meet Singh and what did he report to Iqbal?
=> Answer: Meet Singh served as the priest of the Gurudwara. He told Iqbal about the killing of a fellow villager, which was suspected to have been carried out by Jugga, a dacoit belonging to the village.
f. How according to Meet Singh, was Jugga Singh different from his forefathers?
=> Answer: Meet Singh explained that Jugga's ancestors, although they had also been dacoits, did not turn their criminal activities against their own village. They avoided robbing or hurting fellow villagers and even protected them from other dacoits. Jugga broke away from this tradition by robbing people in his own village and killing one of its residents.
g. How does the author show contradiction in Meet Singh's character?
=> Answer: The writer reveals Meet Singh's contradictory character through his unusual attitude toward Jugga. Although he was a religious priest who knew about the murder of a fellow villager, he did not seem greatly concerned about Jugga's alleged crime. Instead, he was ready to swear on the holy Granth and support Jugga in defending himself against the murder accusation.
h. Who was Hukum Chand and how did he succeed in his career?
=> Answer: Hukum Chand was the Deputy Sahib, also known as Nar Adami. He advanced in his professional life by keeping his superiors satisfied, which resulted in him receiving repeated promotions.
💭 Critical Thinking
a. Iqbal is addressed as Babu Sahib by general folk simply because he knew English. Are Nepali people who can speak English taken with respect? Discuss the importance of learning English in the Nepali context.
Ans:
Yes, English-speaking people in Nepal are often given considerable respect. English is widely connected with education, social prestige and membership in an elite section of society. Consequently, someone who speaks English fluently may automatically be considered educated, intelligent and successful.
The language can influence how people judge another person's social position even before knowing that person's actual abilities. This is comparable to the different attention a customer might receive in a shop depending on whether they are dressed in expensive or ordinary clothes. Similarly, English can create an impression of status. Therefore, learning English is important in Nepal not only for communication but also because it is closely associated with education, opportunities and social recognition.
b. Do you agree with Iqbal’s comments on crime and punishment? In your view, what should the state, society and individuals do for peace and order in social lives?
Ans:
Yes, I agree with Iqbal's comments on crime and punishment. A peaceful and orderly society can be achieved only when individuals, society and the state cooperate and fulfill their respective duties.
Every individual has a role in establishing peace. People should understand that their personal decisions and behaviour can affect the wider community. They should therefore avoid violence, respect others and accept responsibility for creating a peaceful environment. Peace should be understood as something greater than simply having no war. It also depends on justice, equal rights and equal opportunities. War causes enormous losses of human and financial resources and has historically proved ineffective as a means of settling conflicts. Genuine peace requires continuous involvement from both individuals and communities.
The community must also contribute to maintaining social order. Families should remain united and cooperate with one another to make their surroundings safe. Society can establish a responsible group to help maintain peace and order and to deal with criminal behaviour appropriately. Such a group can assist in managing social discipline and determining suitable measures against criminals.
The government has a major responsibility as well. It must formulate and enforce laws that protect people and preserve social stability. Security systems should be effective enough to reduce crime and violence. The state must have firm legal provisions against criminal activities and should ensure that punishments are properly administered.
In this way, peaceful social life becomes possible when responsible citizens, supportive communities and an effective state work together.
✍️ Writing
A. Meet Singh says Jugga a badmash. There can be such people in your locality, too. Write a paragraph describing him / her.
Ans:
When I was studying at school, I became close to a boy who seemed extremely friendly when we first met. Since our friendship developed quickly, I trusted him with many personal matters, including things that I normally would not tell others. Later, I discovered that he was sharing my private information with his foolish friends and presenting my words in a misleading way. I felt deeply hurt when I realized that someone I trusted had behaved like this. Even though he did not sincerely apologize, I chose not to remain angry with him forever. I forgave him and decided to continue with my life. I believe that the best response to such people is to leave the bitterness behind, forgive when possible and move forward, while remembering the important lesson their behaviour has taught us.
B. You may have travelled by bus or train. During your travel, you might have got different experiences. Write a letter to your friend describing about your unforgettable journey.
Ans:
Date: 2082-10-13
Pokhara-7, Kaski
Dear Pratik,
I hope you are healthy and everything is going well in your life. I want to share with you an unforgettable bus journey that I experienced while travelling to my hometown, Sankhuwasabha. I travelled by Manakamana Yatayat, numbered Nine Hundred and Ten. The bus departed at 05:30 AM on 10/10/2082, and I reached my destination at 06:30 PM on the same day.
The trip was filled with enjoyable moments and beautiful sights. The scenery visible through the window made the journey particularly fascinating. As the bus moved along the road, the trees appeared to run backward, while waterfalls beside the route added beauty to the surroundings. The fresh air coming through the window made me feel relaxed and refreshed. The fare was affordable, and meals were already covered in the ticket cost. I also got a corner seat, which made the long journey more comfortable.
The passengers travelling with me were pleasant and friendly. We spent much of the journey playing cards, ludo and chess, so the hours passed quickly. Instead of feeling tired during the long ride, I found myself enjoying the experience.
It was a wonderful journey that gave me memories I will always value. I think everyone should experience such a pleasant trip at least once. I am planning to travel again in the future, and I hope you will join me on my next trip.
Until we meet, take care and stay happy.
Much love,
Aayusha Sharma
📚 Grammar
C. Fill in the gaps with the suitable form of the verb in the brackets. Use past simple/past continuous/past perfect tenses. You may need to use negative too.
It was Sunday afternoon. I was watching (watch) a cookery programme on TV when I realised (realise) how hungry I was. But of course, I was hungry; I hadn't eaten (eat) anything since lunch, and I had run (run) a race in the morning. "Biscuits!" I thought (think). My mother had given (give) me a jar of delicious home-made biscuits.
I went (go) into the kitchen, opened (open) the fridge and poured (pour) some milk in a big glass. Then I looked (look) for the kitchen chair but it wasn't (be) there: somebody had taken (take) it away. And there were no biscuits in the biscuit jar: somebody had eaten (eat) them all! I was sure I had put (put) the jar there the previous day and I had eaten (eat) only one cookie. It was very strange.
A few minutes later, I was drinking (drink) my glass of milk when I heard (hear) a loud noise coming from the dining room. I went (go) there quickly and I opened (open) the door. I couldn't believe my eyes. An enormous monkey was eating (eat) the biscuits excitedly on the kitchen chair.
D. Rewrite the following sentences correcting the mistakes.
a. She played the flute and then she had sung in their choir.
=> Answer: She had played the flute and then she had sung in their choir.
b. I borrowed Rima’s car. Had you known about it?
=> Answer: I had borrowed Rima’s car. Had you known about it?
c. After the lesson had finished, we run out of school.
=> Answer: After the lesson had finished, we ran out of school.
d. Had you be there? - Yes, the previous year.
=> Answer: Had you been there? -Yes, the previous year.
e. Did you liked my article published in the Himalayan Times yesterday?
=> Answer: Did you like my article published in the Himalayan Times yesterday?
f. I recognized him because I saw him before.
=> Answer: I recognized him because I had seen him before.
g. I hadn’t gone out because I hadn’t finished my homework.
=> Answer: I didn't go out because I hadn’t finished my homework.
h. We had done nothing like this at that time.
=> Answer: We did nothing like this at that time.
i. It was quite difficult. I had had no idea what to do.
=> Answer: It had been quite difficult. I had no idea what to do.
j. As far as I’d known, she had always had some pets.
=> Answer: As far as I knew, she had always had some pets.
k. When I met Jim, he was already a soldier for three years.
=> Answer: When I met Jim, he had already been a soldier for three years.
l. He had gone to the coffee because somebody had told him.
=> Answer: He went to the the coffee because somebody had told him.