Englishgrammar_class_8.pdf

Section-B Part II — Grammar

RESOURCE MATERIAL In the grammar section of the question paper your knowledge of grammar is tested through Gap Filling, Editing Omission, Sentence Completion, Dialogue Completion, Sentence Transformation and Sentence Reordering. The resource material and assignments given in this book will prepare you to solve such questions accurately within the stipulated time.

1. TENSES There are three main tenses (forms of verbs): 1. Present Tense – the time that is passing. 2. Past Tense – the time that has passed. 3. Future Tense – the time to come. Thus, Present tense expresses actions in the present time, past tense expresses actions in the past time, and future tense expresses actions in the future time. For example: (i) Sumit scores good marks. (Present tense) (ii) Sumit scored good marks. (Past tense) (iii) Sumit will score good marks. (Future tense) The tense of a verb shows the time of an action or an event. It also shows continuance and perfection of it. Each of these three main tenses has four kinds: I. Simple or Indefinite II. Continuous or Progressive III. Perfect IV. Perfect Continuous

1. PRESENT TENSE I. THE SIMPLE PRESENT OR THE PRESENT INDEFINITE TENSE In the simple present tense, we normally use the root (first) form of the verb. But with he, she, it and other third person singular subjects, we add –s or –es to the root form of the verb. Structure Positive or Affirmative Sentences Sub + V1 + s or es (V1 or V5 form of verb) Negative Sentences Sub + do not/ does not + V1 Interrogative Sentences Do/ Does + sub + V1 + ? Interrogative-negative Sentences Do/ Does + sub + not + V1 + ? Let’s understand them with examples:

Positive Interrogative- or Negative Interrogative negative Affirmative I talk.

I do not talk.

Do I talk?

Do I not talk?



We talk.

We do not talk.

Do we talk?

Do we not talk?



You talk.

You do not talk.

Do you talk?

Do you not talk?



He/ She/ It (all other He/ She/ It does not Does he/ she/ it talk? third person singular talk. subjects) talks.

Does he/ she/ it not talk?

They (all other third They do not talk. Do they talk? Do they not talk? person plural subjects) talk.

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Note: Short form of do not = don’t Short form of does not = doesn’t

Uses The Simple Present Tense is used to 1. express custom or habitual actions; e.g., (i) The cow gives milk. (ii) Children play in the evening. (iii) My grandmother tells stories at bedtime. (iv) I never tell a lie. 2. express permanent truth; e.g., (i) The sun rises in the east. (ii) Stars twinkle in the sky. (iii) Man is mortal. (iv) Honesty is the best policy. 3. express a fact which is true at the time of speaking; e.g., (i) My uncle lives in London.

(ii) The Rajdhani Express stops at this station.

II. THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS OR PROGRESSIVE TENSE Structure Positive or Affirmative Sentences Sub + is/ am/ are + V1 + ing Negative Sentences Sub + is/ am/ are + not + V1 + ing Interrogative Sentences Is/ Am/ Are + sub + V1 + ing + ? Interrogative-negative Sentences Is/ Am/ Are + sub + not + V1 + ing + ? Let’s understand them with examples: Positive Interrogative- or Negative Interrogative negative Affirmative

I am talking.

I am not talking.

Am I talking?

Am I not talking?



You are talking.

You are not talking.

Are you talking?

Are you not talking?



We are talking.

We are not talking.

Are we talking?

Are we not talking?



He/ She/ It is talking.

He/ She/ It is not talking.

Is he/ she/ it talking?

Is/ He/ She/ It not talking?



They are talking.

They are not talking.

Are they talking?

Are they not talking?

Note: Short form of am not Short form of is not Short form of are not

= amn’t = isn’t = aren’t

Uses The Present Continuous or Progressive Tense is used to 1. show what is happening or going on at the time of speaking; e.g., (i) He is dancing.

(ii) They are eating mangoes.

(iii) The baby is crying loudly.

(iv) Nirupam and his friend are going somewhere.

2. express an action which may not be actually going on at the time of speaking, but it is going on in general; e.g., (i) My father is building a house at the native place. (ii) Ram is preparing a project these days. (iii) Sita is reading the Ramayana these days. (iv) He is preparing for class Xth examination.

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3. express an action which is likely to happen in the near future; e.g., (i) Some guests are coming today. (ii) We are going to a movie tomorrow. (iii) Ram is going abroad the next month. (iv) I am going to the USA next month.

III. THE PRESENT PERFECT TENSE Structure Positive or Affirmative Sentences Sub + has/ have/ + V3 Negative Sentences Sub + has/ have + not + V3 Interrogative Sentences Has/ Have + sub + V3 + ? Interrogative-negative Sentences Has/ Have + sub + not + V3 + ? Let’s understand them with examples: Positive Interrogative- or Negative Interrogative negative Affirmative

I have talked.

I have not talked.

Have I talked?

Have I not talked?



You have talked.

You have not talked.

Have you talked?

Have you not talked?



We have talked.

We have not talked.

Have we talked?

Have we not talked?

He/ She/ It has talked. He/ She/ It has not Has he/ she/ it talked? Has he/ she/ it not talked. talked?

They have talked.

They have not talked. Have they talked?

Have they not talked?

Note: Short form of have not = haven’t Short form of has not = hasn’t

Uses The Present Perfect Tense is used to 1. express an action which has just been completed; e.g., (i) They have done their work. (ii) The girl has opened the door. (iii) Rekha has eaten guavas. (iv) We have completed our work. 2. express an action began in the past and completed at the present time; e.g., (i) The ice has frozen. (ii) We have read the story. (iii) The train has arrived. (iv) Boys have come. 3. express an action which happened in the past at an indefinite time. We either know the time of its happening or we don’t mention it; e.g., (i) They have visited hill stations. (ii) The man has helped me. (iii) I have gone to Mumbai. (iv) I have seen the Taj Mahal. 4. express an action which began in the past and has continued upto the present. For this, we use for and since to denote the length of time. For is used to show the length of time and since is used to show the point of time; e.g., (i) We have lived in Mumbai since 2000. (ii) They have lived in London since 1989. 5. In the sentences having ‘yet’ negative sentences of this are formed; e.g., (i) My father has not come yet. (ii) They have not finished their work yet. (iii) He has not reached home yet. (iv) You have not read the book yet.

IV. THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE Structure Positive or Affirmative Sentences Negative Sentences Interrogative Sentences Interrogative-negative Sentences

Grammar

Sub + has/ have/ + been + V1 + ing + .... . Sub + has/ have + not been + V1 + ing + .... . Has/ Have + sub + been + V1 + ing + .... ? Has/ Have + sub + not + been + V1 + ing + .... ?

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Let’s understand them with examples: Positive Interrogative- or Negative Interrogative negative Affirmative

I have been talking for two hours.

I have not been talking for two hours.

Have I been talking for two hours?

Have I not been talking for two hours?



You have been talking since 5 o’clock.

You have not been talking since 5 o’clock.

Have you been talking since 5 o’clock?

Have you not been talking since 5 o’clock?



We have been talking for a long time.

We have not been Have we been talking talking for a long for a long time? time.

Have we not been talking for a long time?



He/ She/ It has been talking since 8 o’clock.

He/ She/ It has not been talking since 8 o’clock.

Has he/ she/ it been talking since 8 o’clock?

Has he/ she/ it not been talking since 8 o’clock?

They have not been talking for three hours.

Have they been talking for three hours?

Have they not been talking for three hours?

They have been talking for three hours.

Uses The Present Perfect Continuous Tense is used to express an action which began in the past but is still continuing. Since or for is used to denote the length of time; For example: (i) I have been doing work in the kitchen for two hours. (ii) The teacher has taught us since 10 O’ clock. Note: Since is used for a point of time; e.g. – Since Monday, Since 2 O’ clock, Since Morning, etc. For is used for a period of time; e.g. – For several years, For five days, For two weeks, etc.

2. PAST TENSE I. THE SIMPLE PAST OR PAST INDEFINITE TENSE

Structure

Positive or Affirmative Sentences Sub + V2 Negative Sentences Sub + did not + V1 Interrogative Sentences Did + sub + V1 + ? Interrogative-negative Sentences Did + sub + not + V1 + ? Let’s understand them with examples:

Positive Interrogative- or Negative Interrogative negative Affirmative

I talked.

I did not talk.

Did I talk?

Did I not talk?



You talked.

You did not talk.

Did you talk?

Did you not talk?



We talked.

We did not talk.

Did we talk?

Did we not talk?

He/ She/ It talked.

He/ She/ It did not Did he/ she/ it talk? talk.

Did he/ she/ it not talk?



They did not talk.

Did they not talk?

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They talked.

Did they talk?

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Note: Short form of did not

= didn’t

Uses The Simple Past Tense is used to 1. express an action completed in the past; e.g., (i) The man stood in front of me. (iii) I saw an accident today. 2. express some past habit; e.g.,

(ii) They won the match. (iv) Rachna went to the market.

(i) We usually visited our native place during holidays. (ii) My father never told a lie. 3. express some historical events; e.g., (i) Thomas Alva Edison invented bulb.

(ii) Columbus discovered America.

Note: When we express some past habit, we often use words such as generally, usually, never, always, often, sometimes with the simple past tense.

II. THE PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE

Structure

Positive or Affirmative Sentences Sub + was/ were + V1 + ing Negative Sentences Sub + was/ were + not + V1 + ing Interrogative Sentences Was/ Were + sub + V1 + ing + ? Interrogative-negative Sentences Was/ Were + sub + not + V1 + ing + ? Let’s understand them with examples: Positive Interrogative- or Negative Interrogative negative Affirmative

I was talking.

I was not talking.

Was I talking?

Was I not talking?



You were talking.

You were not talking.

Were you talking?

Were you not talking?



We were talking.

We were not talking.

Were we talking?

Were we not talking?



He/ She/ It was talking.

He/ She/ It was not talking.

Was he/ she/ it talking?

Was he/ she/ it not talking?



They were talking.

They were not talking.

Were they talking?

Were they not talking?

Note: Short form of was not = wasn’t Short form of were not = weren’t

Uses The Past Continuous Tense is used 1. to express an action that was continuing at some time in the past; e.g., (i) It was raining heavily when we entered the house. (ii) Children were shouting loudly during the recess. (iii) Tom was painting the door. (iv) They were reading a story when I saw them. 2. with the words like always, continually etc; e.g., (i) Neha was continually making complaints against other girls. (ii) He was always making fun of others.

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III. THE PAST PERFECT TENSE Structure Positive or Affirmative sentences Sub Negative Sentences Sub Interrogative Sentences Had Interrogative-negative Sentences Had Let’s understand them with examples:

+ + + +

had had sub sub

+ V3 not + V3 + V3 + ? + not + V3 + ?

Positive Interrogative- or Negative Interrogative negative Affirmative

I had talked.

I had not talked.

Had I talked?

Had I not talked?

You/ We had talked. You/ We had not talked. Had you/ we talked?

Had you/ we not talked?

He/ She/ It had talked. He/ She/ It had not Had he/ she/ it played? Had/ he/ she/ it not talked. talked?

They had talked.

They had not talked.

Note: Short form of had not



Had they talked?

Had they not talked?

= hadn’t

Uses The Past Perfect Tense is used to 1. express an action that had been completed before another action started; e.g., (i) I had eaten before the guests arrived. (ii) The patient had died before the doctor came. (iii) The thief had run away before the police came. (iv) Namita had washed utensils before the maid came.

Note: If two actions take place in the past, use past perfect tense for the action taking place first (for example, the train had left) and use past indefinite tense for the latter (for example, before I reached the station.)

2. express an action that has completed before the beginning of second action; e.g., (i) She had already done her work by 6 p.m. yesterday. (ii) She had completed her work by 9 p.m. yesterday. 3. express an unfulfilled wish of the past; e.g., (i) I wished that my younger brother had scored the highest marks in his class. (ii) If only you had told the truth. (iii) He wished that he had accepted the offer. (iv) If only you had caught the thief.

IV. THE PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Structure

Positive or Affirmative Sentences Sub + Had + been + V1 + ing Negative Sentences Sub + Had + not + been + + V1 + ing Interrogative Sentences Had + sub + been + V1 + ing + ? Interrogative-negative Sentences Had + sub + not + been + V1 + ing + ?

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Let’s understand them with examples: Positive Interrogative- or Negative Interrogative negative Affirmative

They boy had been typing a letter since 10 o’clock.

The boy had not Had the boy been been typing a typing a letter letter since 10 o’clock. since 10 o’clock?

Had the boy not been typing a letter since 10 o’clock?

Uses The Past Perfect continuous Tense is used to express the continuity of an action at a given point in the past. In other words, the action started before a given point in the past, and it was continuing at that time and probably continued after that also. (i) My father had been waiting for me when I reached home. (ii) The match had been going on for two hours when I reached the stadium.

3. FUTURE TENSE I. THE SIMPLE FUTURE OR THE FUTURE INDEFINITE TENSE (Will/ Shall)

Structure

Positive or Affirmative Sentences Sub + will/ shall + V1 Negative Sentences Sub + will/ shall + not + V1 Interrogative Sentences Will/ Shall + sub + V1 + ? Interrogative-negative Sentences Will/ Shall + sub + not + V1 + ?

Normally we use will with all persons. With First Person, we may use shall, instead of will. Examples: Positive Negative Interrogative Interrogative- or negative Affirmative I shall talk .

I shan’t talk.

Shall I talk?

Shall I not talk?

You will talk.

You won’t talk.

Will you talk?

Will you not talk?

We will talk.

We won’t talk.

Will we talk?

Will we not talk?

He/ She/ It will talk.

He/ She/ It won’t talk.

Will he/ she/ it talk?

Will he/ she/ it not talk?

They will talk.

They won’t talk.

Will they talk?

Will they not talk?



Note: Short form of will/ shall Short form of will not/ shall not

= =

’ll won’t/ shan’t

Uses The Simple Future Tense is used to 1. express some future action or event; e.g., (i) I shall give you my address. 2. express the speaker’s opinion; e.g.,

Grammar

(ii) Saurabh will attend the meeting tomorrow.

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(i) We hope that my friend will get good marks. (ii) Shrey is very naughty. I don’t think I’ll help him. 3. ask somebody to do something; e.g., Will you please give me your pen? 4. promise to do something; e.g., I will always help you in your need. Note: Shall is mostly used in questions: Shall I get you some sweets?



Going to We will use ‘going to’ to suggest people’s intention to do something in the near future; e.g., (i) They are going to participate in the race. (ii) He is going to buy a flat in a few days.

II. THE FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE Structure Positive or Affirmative Sentences Sub + will/ shall + be + V1 + ing Negative Sentences Sub + will/ shall + not + be + V1 + ing Interrogative Sentences Will/ Shall + sub + be + V1 + ing + ? Interrogative-negative Sentences Will/ Shall + sub + not + be + V1 + ing + ? Examples: Positive or Affirmative

Negative

Interrogative

Interrogative negative

I shall be talking.

I shan’t be talking.

Shall I be talking?

You will be talking.

You won’t be talking.

Will you be talking? Will you not be talking?

We will be talking.

We won’t be talking.

Will we be talking?

Will we not be talking?

He/ She/ It will be talking.

He/ She/ It won’t be talking.

Will he/ she/ it be talking?

Will he/ she/ it not be talking?

They will be talking.

They won’t be talking. Will they be talking? Will they not be talking?

Shall I not be talking?

Uses The Future Continuous Tense is used to express an action that will be in progress at a given moment in the future; e.g., (i) He will be going to Chandigarh tomorrow. (ii) They will be shifting to a new place next month.

EXERCISES 1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets: 1. He ............... along the road when suddenly he ............... an old man. (walk, meet) 2. I praised him for what he ............... for the poor. (do) 3. Please give me your pen. I ............... mine at home. (forget) 4. The hungry child ............... for ten minutes. (cry) 5. He ............... there and ran away. (not stop) 6. When I was at school, I ............... part in cultural activities. (take) 7. You cannot go out till you ............... your homework. (complete) 8. There is going to be a bus strike. Everyone ............... for autorickshaws and rickshaws next week. (look)

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9. When I reached the house I ............... that thieves ............... into it. (find, break) 10. My mother ............... food when she ............... a noise. (cook, hear) 11. He is a very rude person. I ............... him. (not help) 12. When you reach there, he ............... a book. (read) 13. If you walk fast, you ............... the train. (catch) 14. The accident ............... at 6 O’ clock this evening. (occur) 15. Everybody ............... good children. (admire) 16. He ............... for two hours. (play) 17. He generally ............... to school by a bus, but today he ............... by a car. (go) 18. I ............... a car next year. (buy) 19. You cannot meet Mr Saxena. He ............... out. (just go) 20. I ............... my friend since Friday. (not meet) 2. Rewrite the following sentences as directed in the brackets. 1. The boy was doing his homework. (negative) 2. Mr Sharma teaches us Maths. (interrogative) 3. My father missed the train by two minutes. (interrogative-negative) 4. Rana is buying toys. (negative) 5. I forgot his name. (negative) 6. It has been raining since morning. (interrogative) 7. My friend runs very fast. (negative) 8. The man died of high fever last night. (interrogative-negative) 9. He writes neatly. (negative) 10. Ruchi and Jolly go to the school together. (interrogative) 11. Cows give us milk. (interrogative-negative) 12. We shall go to the market soon. (interrogative) 3. Rewrite the following sentences by making changes as directed in the brackets. 1. He writes a letter. (present continuous) 2. I will meet the Principal today. (simple past) 3. Radha danced beautifully. (simple present) 4. They rode a horse. (simple future) 5. Boys are making a loud noise. 6. Girls have done their home work. (past continuous) (past continuous) 7. It begins to rain. (present perfect) 8. We go to bed very early. (simple past) 9. The naughty child throws the ball. 10. I do my work sincerely. (past perfect) (present perfect) 4. Put the verbs given in the brackets into Simple Past Tense. 1. I (come) of a family famous for its agility. 2. It (is) very cold here. 3. What (is) the use of a statue if it (can) not keep the rain off? 4. I (do) not think I (like) naughty boys. 5. He (glance) at us hopefully and (say) that his (show) visitors around the town. 6. I (smile) and (say) it (is) all right that he (take) us along. 7. My father (lose) his umbrella yesterday. 8. When I was in Allahabad, I (go) for a dip in the holy Sangam everyday. 9. My teacher never (punish) me. 10. At last I (get) success in achieving a good position in my class. 5. Rewrite the following sentences in Simple Future Tense. 1. He achieved success in exams. 2. You tell me of marvellous things. 3. The man praised me for this act. 4. I rode a horse. 5. He comes to see me. 6. They go to the market in the evening. 7. The meeting began just now. 8. She did this work. 9. He gave me a bouquet of flowers. 10. My father is taking rest just now.

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6. Complete the following paragraph by choosing the correct options given below: In Tigers For Dinner, Tall Tales by Jim Corbett’s Khansama, Ruskin Bond recounts the stories that (a) ................. . Bond’s condition of the tale is simple and picturesque, but his language and style make us (b) ................. every word and every line, bringing a smile to our face. Bond’s immitable style (c) ................. hill and dale, into dark forests and wooden bungalows. (a) (i) he has heard (ii) they have heard (iii) he had heard (iv) he has been hearing (b) (i) wants to linger to (ii) wanted lingering to (iii) linger on (iv) linger with (c) (i) takes us over (ii) take us above (iii) take them on (iv) taking us over 7. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option given below: Kavita (a) ................. the beauty of nature ‘not through right’ but through touch. She (b) ................. hundreds of things through mere touch. She (c) ................. the smoothness of the skin of a silver birth by (d) ................. her loving hands on it. She (e) ................. the same thing and felt the rough and shaggy bark of a pine. She desired that men with sight and hearing power must (f) ................. full use of these powers. (a) (i) enjoyed (ii) was enjoying (iii) had enjoyed (iv) enjoys (b) (i) will find (ii) finds (iii) has found (iv) found (c) (i) had judged (ii) judged (iii) would judge (iv) was judging (d) (i) passing (ii) passed (iii) pass (iv) passes (e) (i) do (ii) does (iii) did (iv) will do (f) (i) have made (ii) will make (iii) made (iv) make

2. MODALS Modals are auxiliary verbs used to express the mood or attitude of a speaker. They are always followed by a main verb. For example:

1. My father will come today.

2. It may rain today.



3. You must follow the traffic rules.

4. May I take your dictionary, please?

All the italicised words are modals which express moods and attitudes such as 1. intention 2. possibility 3. necessity 4. seeking permission The most commonly used modals are:

will — would may — might

can — could must — ought to

shall — should need — dare.

The above modals suggest

1. permission 4. suggestion, advice, duty (obligation) 7. request

2. ability 5. promise

3. possibility 6. intention

Remember these points 1. Modals do not change form with the person and number of subject. The subject remains the same; as, 1. I can go. 2. He can go. 3. They can go. 2. The main verb used after modals must be in the base form.

Uses of ‘CAN’ 1. Can is used to say something that is possible or someone has ability to do something. Can is used for the present tense. For example: (i) Smita can sing well. (ii) They can take part in the competition. 2. Can is used for permission. For example: (i) Can I give food to the beggar?

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(ii) You can ask questions.

Assignments in English Plus – 8

3. Can is used to express possibility. For example: (i) My uncle can come any moment. (ii) His sincerity can bring laurels to him. 4. Can is also used for requests. For example: (i) Can you hold my hand to cross the road? (ii) Can I accompany you? 5. Can is also used to suggest opportunity. For example: (i) Mohit can write an article on this topic. (ii) It means that Mohit has an opportunity to write an article on the given topic.

Uses of ‘COULD’ (Past form of ‘Can’) 1. Could is used to say that something is possible or someone has ability or power to do something. For example: (i) Tom could climb a tree when he was young. (ii) My grandfather could teach me when he was alive. 2. Could is used for permission. For example: (i) Could I go to the park now? (ii) Papa, could you allow me to join the trip? 3. Could is used to express possibility. For example: (i) Shabnam could come within a week. (ii) They could win the tomorrow’s match. 4. Could is also used for polite requests. For example: (i) Could you shut the door, please? (ii) Could you buy me a pocket dictionary, please? 5. Could also suggests as opportunity. For example: (i) I could appear for the test. (ii) Sumit could play for the country.

Uses of ‘WILL’ 1. Will is used with the Second and Third Persons to express simple future time. For example: (i) Amit will deliver a speech tomorrow. (ii) You will play in the evening. 2. Will is used with the First Person to express • willingness; e.g., (i) We will visit Agra very soon.

(ii) I will do my work in time.

• a promise; e.g., (i) I will support you in all circumstances.

(ii) We will buy a flat in the near future.

• determination; e.g., (i) I will always help the needy.

(ii) We will overcome the problems.

• intention; e.g., (i) I will serve the nation when I grow up. (ii) We will get good marks in the coming examination. • a threat; e.g., (i) I will keep you standing outside if you come late. (ii) We will teach him a lesson.

Uses of ‘WOULD’ (Past Form of ‘Will’) Would is used to 1. express past habit; e.g., (i) I would often study till late in the night. (ii) They would visit Haridwar every year. 2. indicate refusal; e.g., (i) The man wouldn’t ask for favour.

(ii) Simran wouldn’t come here.

3. express polite request; e.g., (i) Would you please give me your bicycle?

(ii) Would you lend me your dictionary for a day?

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4. express willingness in the past; e.g., (i) I would follow the instructions of my teacher. (ii) Ramesh would like to deliver the speech in English. 5. denote condition or uncertainty; e.g., (i) My parents would accompany me if I wished. (ii) We would get good marks if we studied sincerely. 6. express wish; e.g., (i) If only you would stop making such mistakes. (ii) Would you like to accompany me? 7. express preference; e.g., (i) I would rather work than sleep. (ii) He would rather start now.

Uses of ‘SHALL’ 1. Shall is used to denote Simple Future time in the First Person; e.g., (i) I shall meet you tomorrow. (ii) We shall write a letter to the Mayor. 2. Shall is used in the Second and Third Persons to express • a command; e.g., (i) You shall speak the truth.

(ii) Amita shall do it just now.

• a promise; e.g., (i) You shall get a mobile if you get good marks. (ii) He shall be appreciated if he helps the poor. • a threat; e.g., (i) They shall be detained if they do not complete the work. (ii) You shall be punished if you come late. • determination; e.g., (i) You shall respect your elders.

(ii) Ankit shall come with me.

3. Shall is used with the First Person in interrogative sentences to know the other’s wishes; e.g., (i) Shall I fetch a doctor? (ii) Shall we go to see a movie today?

Uses of ‘SHOULD’ (past form of ‘SHALL’)

Should is used

1. to express advice, suggestion or inference; e.g., (i) You should take medicine in time. (ii) We should resist injustice. 2. to express duty or obligation; e.g., (i) We should be punctual. (ii) The rich should help the poor. 3. after lest to express negative purpose; e.g., (i) Walk carefully lest you should fall.

(ii) Do good, lest you should feel guilty.

4. to express supposition; e.g., (i) Should you meet my father and tell him to send me one thousand rupees? (ii) Should you come with me? 5. to express assumption; e.g., (i) My grandparents should be here by now. (ii) He should have attended the meeting.

Uses of ‘MAY’

May is used to denote

1. permission; e.g., (i) May I use your dictionary, please?

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(ii) May I come in?

Assignments in English Plus – 8

2. a strong possibility; e.g., (i) Our class teacher may arrive any moment. (ii) It may rain today. 3. doubt, uncertainty; e.g., (i) Ratan Lal may win the case.

(ii) The Principal may fine the boy.

4. a wish; e.g., (i) May you live long!

(ii) May you succeed in life!

5. a purpose; e.g., (i) I help him so that he may obtain good marks. (ii) He helps his friend so that he may be happy. (iii) Amit studies sincerely so that his parents may feel proud. (iv) He walks fast, so that he may reach the station in time.

Uses of ‘MIGHT’ (Past form of ‘May’)

Might is used to express

1. purpose in the past tense; e.g.; (i) The police ran fast so that they might catch the criminal. (ii) Sumit studied the chapter thoroughly so that he might get a clear concept. 2. remote possibility; e.g., (i) The teacher might come tomorrow. (ii) He has not given a word, but he might attend the party. 3. permission; e.g., (i) The team leader said that we might go door to door. (ii) The head boy said that we might make the programme highly successful. 4. doubt, uncertainty; e.g., (i) The train might be late due to foggy weather. (ii) He might not support you.

Uses of ‘MUST’ Must is used to express 1. necessity; e.g., (i) Lalit must study sincerely to get good marks. (ii) They must follow the traffic rules. 2. duty or obligation; e.g., (i) You must obey your teacher. (ii) Namita must be attentive in the class. 3. determination; e.g., (i) I must achieve my goal. (ii) The team must win the match. 4. certainty of belief; e.g., (i) The man must be a thief. (ii) Mr Mathur must be a gentle man. 5. prohibition; e.g., (i) You must not park your car here. (ii) Youngsters must not catch a moving bus. 6. emphatic advice; e.g., (i) You must speak the truth. (ii) They must think deeply before making decisions.

Uses of ‘OUGHT TO’ ‘Ought to’ suggests that something is the right thing to do. It also conveys a sense of duty or moral responsibility. It is used to express 1. moral obligation or desirability; e.g., (i) We ought to do our work sincerely. (ii) You ought to pay attention to your teacher. 2. probability; e.g., (i) My friend ought to be here within an hour. (ii) This book ought to be path-showing.

Grammar

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Uses of ‘NEED’ As a modal auxiliary verb, the form of need always remains the same, i.e., need. Need is used to express 1. necessity in interrogative and negative sentences; e.g., (i) You need not disclose the matter. (ii) Need he speak so fast? 2. doubt and prohibition; as, (i) Need Shyama attend the party?

(ii) No, she needn’t.

Uses of ‘DARE’ Dare means ‘to venture’. It is used mostly in negative and interrogative sentences; e.g., (i) How dare he interrupt me? (ii) Dare you catch a tiger by its tail? (iii) I dare not face the situation. (iv) She dare not tell a lie again.

Uses of ‘USED TO’ ‘Used to’ is used to express 1. a past habitual action; e.g., (i) I used to play the guitar when I was in class V. (ii) My father used to come late a few years ago. 2. a habit in the present; e.g., (i) The poor farmer is used to a hard life. (ii) I am not used to spicy food. SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER 1. May, Can and Could be used to suggest permission. Can is informal. May is polite. Could is more polite than May. 2. May suggests a strong possibility. Might suggest a weak possibility and could suggest a very weak possibility. 3. Will and Shall is to suggest promise. 4. Should is used to express a general suggestion or advice. ‘Ought to’ is a little stronger than should. It conveys a sense of moral duty. 5. Must suggests the desire of the speaker. 6. Needn’t is used to express the absence of necessity or compulsion. 7. Will, Won’t, Would, Can and Could be used to make requests. Can is informal. Would and Could are more polite than Will and Can.

EXERCISE 1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Modals:

134

1. How .................. you disturb the teacher? 2. We .................. carry the first-aid box while going on a long trip. 3. Radha, you .................. wake up early in the morning. 4. Make haste, lest you .................. miss the flight. 5. You .................. use bad language before me. 6. ................. you achieve your goal! 7. We .................. be friendly to animals. 8. He .................. be right. 9. My friend .................. come in the next week. 10. .................. you carry my bag, please? 11. You .................. answer all the questions to get good marks. 12. Children .................. play all the time. 13. The soldiers fought so bravely that they .................. save their motherland from the enemies. 14. The patient .................. take medicine in time.

Assignments in English Plus – 8

15. I .................. attend the party, if I were invited. 16. I .................. see him soon. 17. .................. I cook food for you? 18. He .................. appear before the court. 19. Sarla .................. come tomorrow evening. 20. .................. I use your pen, please? 2. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct modals from the options given below:

1. That .................. be one reason why it broke.



2. Anybody .................. learn how to use a keyboard.



3. The bank .................. lend us the money.



4. .................. I have your pen?



5. You .................. learn to remain calm under pressure.



6. They .................. earn more money for all their efforts.



7. They .................. disrupt the work more than necessary.



8. I think we .................. check everything to ensure the success of the project.



9. You .................. not send me the information.



10. We .................. follow the traffic rule.

1. (i) can (ii) could 2. (i) will (ii) must 3. (i) ought to (ii) may 4. (i) Might (ii) Would 5. (i) ought to (ii) must 6. (i) can (ii) could 7. (i) mustn’t (ii) daren’t 8. (i) will (ii) would 9. (i) may (ii) can 10. (i) can (ii) shall 3. Fill in the blanks with must not or need not.

(iii) would (iii) could (iii) might (iii) Could (iii) will (iii) ought to (iii) could (iii) shall (iii) should (iii) must



1. Students .................. disobey their teachers.



2. You .................. wait for me.



3. We .................. eat much food.



4. Need we start the work without delay? No, we .................. .



5. You .................. park your car in front of my gate.



6. Students .................. think of using unfair means in the examination.



7. You .................. have scolded him so harshly.

(iv) shall (iv) can (iv) shall (iv) Should (iv) shall (iv) would (iv) ought to (iv) should (iv) need (iv) should

8. We .................. be rude to anyone. 4. Fill in the blanks with dare, ought to or used to.

1. We .................. bathe in the river in our childhood.



2. He .................. not meet me again.



3. My grandparents .................. give us money on festive occasions.



4. You .................. do as your parents wish.



5. Now we can do nothing. We .................. have studied hard.



6. The little child .................. not touch burning candle.



7. How .................. you enter my cabin?



8. I .................. visit temples with my parents when I was very young.

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3. ACTIVE & PASSIVE VOICE Voice is the verb form that shows the relation of subject to action in a sentence. When the subject of the verb does something, the verb is in Active voice, when something is done to the subject, the verb is in Passive Voice. Examples: (i) Rekha reads a mail. (Active Voice) (ii) A mail is read by Rekha. (Passive Voice)

Rules for Changing Voice

A sentence in the active voice can be changed into passive voice by making the following changes: 1. The object of the verb in Active Voice is changed into the subject in the Passive Voice. 2. The subject in the Active Voice becomes the object in the Passive Voice and it generally takes the prepositions by before it. 3. The verb in the Active Voice is changed into past participle in the Passive Voice and it takes the verb to be in one of its forms depending upon the tense of the Active Voice. 4. While changing the sentences from Active Voice to Passive Voice we need to be careful about the use of personal pronouns; e.g.;

(i) She plucks a flower. (Active Voice) (Subject form of the pronoun she) A flower is plucked by her. (Passive Voice) (Object form of the pronoun she) (ii) Seema insulted me. (Active Voice) (Object form of the pronoun I) I was insulted by Seema. (Passive Voice) (Subject form of the pronoun I) (iii) He bought a car. (Active Voice) (Subject form of the pronoun him) A car is bought by him. (Passive Voice) (Object form of the pronoun him) Let’s learn them:

Subject in the Active Voice

Object in the Passive Voice

Subject in the Active Voice

Object in the Passive Voice



I

me

She

her



We

us

It

it

You

you

He

him

They

them

Passive Verb-forms:

Tense

Simple Present Simple Past Simple Future Present Continuous Past Continuous Present Perfect Past Perfect Modals

Active Voice

Passive Voice

teach/ teaches taught shall/ will/ teach am/ is/ are teaching was/ were teaching has/ have taught had taught may/ might/ can/ could etc. teach

am/ is/ are/ taught was/ were/ taught shall/ will be taught am/ is/ are being taught was/ were being taught has/ have been taught had been taught may/ might/ can/ could etc. be taught

Note: • Future Continuous and Perfect Continuous tenses do not have passive forms.

• When the verbs which take two objects after them in the active voice are changed to passive voice, one of the objects becomes the subject in the passive voice and the other remains as object; e.g.,

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(i) My grandfather told me an interesting story. (Active voice) (ii) An interesting story was told to me by my grandfather. (Passive voice) (iii) I was told an interesting story my grandfather. (Passive voice) • Now we will study the active and passive forms of voices in different tenses.

PRESENT TENSE

Simple Present Sub + am/ is/ are + V3 (past participle) + by + object Examples: (i) Active : The barber cuts hair. Passive : Hair is cut by the barber. (ii) Active Passive

: :

Chanda reads adventurous stories. Adventurous stories are read by Chanda.

(iii) Active Passive

: The postman delivers letters. : Letters are delivered by the postman.

(iv) Active Passive

: :

I obtain first position every year. First position is obtained by me every year.

(v) Active Passive

: :

Children like sweets. Sweets are liked by children.

Present Continuous Sub + am/ is/ are + being + V3 + by + object Examples: (i) Active : The gardener is watering plants. Passive : Plants are being watered by the gardener. (ii) Active Passive

: :

They are distributing sweets among children. Sweets are being distributed among children by them.

(iii) Active Passive (iv) Active Passive

: : : :

She is writing a letter. A letter is being written by her. Shambhu and Rajat are playing badminton. Badminton is being played by Shambhu and Rajat.

(v) Active Passive

: :

I am watching a movie. A movie is being watched by me.

Present Perfect Sub + has/ have/ + been + V3 + by + object Examples: (i) Active : They have washed the clothes. Passive : The clothes have been washed by them. (ii) Active : The farmer has ploughed the field. Passive : The field has been ploughed by the farmer. (iii) Active : Sweepers have cleaned the road. Passive : The road has been cleaned by the sweepers. (iv) Active : Boys have done the wrong. Passive : The wrong has been done by boys. (v) Active : Diya has sung a song. Passive : A song has been sung by Diya.

Grammar

137

PAST TENSE

Simple Past Sub + was/ were + V3 + by + object Examples: (i) Active Passive

: :

Ramesh threw the ball. The ball was thrown by Ramesh.

(ii) Active Passive

: :

Children caught a kite. A kite was caught by children.

(iii) Active Passive

: :

The young man killed a snake. A snake was killed by the young man.

(iv) Active Passive

: :

They learnt the lesson. The lesson was learnt by them.

(v) Active Passive

: :

I bought an envelope. An envelope was bought by me.

Past Continuous Sub + was/ were + being + V3 + by + object Examples: (i) Active Passive

: :

The man was cleaning the street. The street was being cleaned by the man.

(ii) Active Passive

: :

Raman was teaching English. English was being taught by Raman.

(iii) Active Passive

: :

Girls were singing religious songs. Religious songs were being sung by girls.

(iv) Active Passive

: :

Boys were painting the door. The door was being painted by the boys.

(v) Active Passive

: :

The carpenter was making chairs. Chairs were being made by the carpenter.

Past Perfect Sub + had + been+ V3 + by + object Examples: (i) Active : Tom had painted the door. Passive : The door had been painted by Tom. (ii) Active Passive

: :

I had written an article. An article had been written by me.

(iii) Active Passive

: :

Sonu had repeated the mistake. The mistake had been repeated by Sonu.

(iv) Active Passive

: :

The man had drunk tea. Tea had been drunk by the man.

(v) Active Passive

: :

I had cooked food. Food had been cooked by me.

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Assignments in English Plus – 8

FUTURE TENSE

Simple Future Sub + will/ shall + be + V3 + by + object Examples: (i) Active : My mother will forgive me. Passive : I will be forgiven by my mother. (ii) Active Passive

: :

The teacher will help me. I will be helped by the teacher.

(iii) Active Passive

: :

My friend will buy a scooter. A scooter will be bought by my friend.

(iv) Active Passive

: :

I will draw beautiful pictures. Beautiful pictures will be drawn by me.

(v) Active Passive

: :

They will help the poor man. The poor man will be helped by them.

(vi) Active Passive

: :

My brother will write a story. A story will be written by my brother.

Future Perfect Sub + will/ shall + have + been+ V3 + by + object Examples: (i) Active : Shilpa will have done the homework. Passive : The homework will have been done by Shilpa. (ii) Active Passive

: :

The cobbler will have mended the shoes. The shoes will have been mended by the cobbler.

(iii) Active Passive

: :

Ram will have finished this work. This work will have been finished by Ram.

(iv) Active Passive

: :

The police will have caught the thief. The thief will have been caught by the police.

(v) Active Passive

: :

My father will have repaired the house. The house will have been repaired by my father.

Verb with Two Objects When the verbs which take two objects after them in the active voice are changed to passive voice, one of the objects becomes the subject in the passive voice and the other remains as an object; e.g., Examples: (i) Active : The man taught him a lesson. Passive : A lesson was taught to him by the man. Or He was taught a lesson by the man. (ii) Active Passive

: :

He gave me a good advice. I was given a good advice by him.

Or A good advice was given to me by him. (iii) Active

Grammar

:

The Principal gave me a prize.

139

Passive : A prize was given to me by the Principal. Or I was given a prize by the Principal. (iv) Active : The teacher told us an interesting story. Passive : An interesting story was told to us by the teacher. Or We were told an interesting story of the teacher. (v) Active : Mrs. Saha teaches her English. Passive : English is taught to her by Mrs. Saha. Or She has taught English by Mrs. Saha.

Passive of Interrogative Sentences Interrogative sentences are changed from the active voice to the passive voice in the following ways: Examples: (i) Active : Why did you beat him? Passive : Why was he beaten by you? (ii) Active : Which boy scolded you? Passive : By which boy were you scolded? (iii) Active : What do children do in the field? Passive : What is done by children in the field? (iv) Active : Who wrote this letter? Passive : By whom was this letter written? (v) Active : Have you closed the window? Passive : Has the window been closed by you?

Passive of Commands

Examples: (i) Active Passive (ii) Active Passive (iii) Active Passive (iv) Active Passive (v) Active Passive

: : : : : : : : : :

Open the window. Let the window be opened. Switch off the bulb. Let the bulb be switched off. Help the needy. Let the needy be helped. Kindly solve this problem. You are requested to solve this problem. Please give me a pencil. You are requested to give me a pencil.

Passive of Negative Sentences

Examples: (i) Active Passive (ii) Active Passive (iii) Active Passive (iv) Active Passive (v) Active Passive

140

: : : : : : : : : :

I can’t lift this box. This box can’t be lifted. I don’t like cheese. Cheese is not liked by me. Some children didn’t play football. Football was not played by some children. I didn’t hug the little boy. The little boy was not hugged by me. Rajat doesn’t read stories. Stories are not read by Rajat.

Assignments in English Plus – 8

EXERCISE 1. Change the voice of following sentences from Active to Passive: 1. My uncle gave me a beautiful wrist watch. 2. Pappu laughed at me. 3. Please give me your dictionary. 4. Jimmy will have drawn the map. 5. Who wrote the Mahabharata? 6. They were playing volleyball. 7. Children have finished the work. 8. The peon rings the bell. 9. Switch off the fan. 10. Some children don’t like spicy foods. 11. Columbus discovered America. 12. The man is digging the ground. 13. They should not ignore the traffic light. 14. I have washed the clothes. 15. They had bought the slippers. 16. Ruchi is learning the lesson. 17. How did you prepare tea? 18. The chief guest gave me the trophy. 19. Why do we buy junk foods? 20. Rehan saved the duck. 2. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets.

1. Let this work be ............... . (do) 2. The picture has been ............... . (draw) 3. Cotton is ............... in black soil. (grow) 4. The boy was ............... for his mistake. (punish) 5. The mobile is being ............... . (repair) 6. Malayalam is ............... in Kerala. (speak) 7. The thief has been ............... . (arrest) 8. The window was ............... . (break) 9. He is ............... to the post of manager. (appoint) 10. This article was ............... by me. (write)

4. SUBJECT–VERB AGREEMENT • In a sentence, a verb must agree with its subject in number and person. Look at the following examples: 1. Sony plays in the field. 2. Sonu and Ranjan play in the field. 3. The cow gives us milk. 4. Cows give us milk. In sentence 1, the subject Sonu is singular in number and therefore the verb ‘plays’ is also in the singular form. In sentence 2, the subject ‘Sonu and Ranjan’ is plural in number and therefore the verb ‘play’ is also in the plural form. • In sentences 3 and 4 the same rule is applied.

Note: Two or more singular subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb, as is shown in sentence 2.

Look at the following:

Singular Plural

Ist Person – I am/ have/ do/ was .... IInd Person – You are/ have/ do/ were .... IIIrd Person – He, She, It is/ has/ does/ was .... Look at the following examples: 1. I am going to the market. 3. The boy laughs loudly. 5. He is brave.

We are/ have/ do/ were .... You are/ have/ do/ were .... They are/ have do/ were ....

2. We are going to the market. 4. Boys laugh loudly. 6. They are brave.



Note: • All the verbs in their original form are in plural number, for example, jump, go, come, run, sing, etc. We make them singular by adding –s or –es. For example, jumps, goes, comes, runs, sings, etc.



• Can, will, may, must, shall, should, would and ought to are used in the same form with both singular and plural subjects. For example: 1. He will go. 2. They will go.



Grammar

141



3. He must obey his teacher.

4. They must obey their teacher.



5. The child should not make noise.

6. Children should not make noise.



• Had, did and verbs in the past tense like sang, drew etc. are used in the same form with singular and plural subjects. For example:



1. I had a toy car.

2. We had a toy car.



3. Shyam did his duty.

4. Shyam and Chandan did their duty.



5. The girl sang sweetly.

6. Girls sang sweetly.



• If the subject in the sentence consists of two or more than two singular nouns or pronouns joined by and, it takes a verb in plural form. For example:



1. Tom and John are siblings.

2. Abdul and I were present in the party.



3. Diamond and Ruby are very costly.

4. Rehan, Sumit and Saurabh have gone to the market.

But if the two singular nouns joined by and suggest only one idea, or refer to the same person or thing, the compound subject is considered singular and so the verb used is singular in form. For example: 1. Hammer and sickle is new. 2. Bread and butter is wholesome food. 3. Slow and steady wins the race.

4. The author and scientist is a gentle man.

5. My friend, philosopher and guide helps me all the time.

• If two singular subjects in a sentence are joined by or, the verb is singular in form.



1. Jolly or Saumya is arriving in the evening.



2. Ramesh or Daniel does not want to attend the party.



3. Abdul or Raman has gone to the mall.



• Many, both, several, a few take a plural verb. For example:



1. Many cows are grazing in the field.



2. Both the children were absent yesterday.



3. Several students have failed in the annual examination.

4. A few policemen have arrived on the spot. Note: But many a is followed by a verb in the singular. For example;



1. Many a student is absent today. 2. Many a girl has become conscious of her rights.

• Each and every take a singular countable noun and a singular verb. For example:



1. Each cow is weak.

2. Every boy has performed well.



3. Each girl is studious.

4. Every country doesn’t have natural resources.



• Everyone, someone, nobody, everybody, somebody, no one and each one take singular verb. For example:



1. Everyone is satisfied with me.

2. Somebody is standing behind the door.



3. Nobody was there to help me.

4. Everybody seems to be ambitious.



5. No one is irresponsible here.

6. Each one was worthy of appreciation.



• Either of, each of and neither of take plural subject but singular verb. For example:

1. Either of the two boys has come to help me. 2. Each of the boys has done well. 3. Neither of the dresses are new.



4. Either of the students is good.

• Many of, several of, a few of, two of and the majority of take plural subject and plural verb. For example:



1. Many of the soldiers are very sincere.

2. Several of the mangoes have been thrown out.



3. A few of the boys are hardworking.

4. Two of the thieves were caught.



• Some sentences begin with There. In such sentences the real subject is placed after the verb, which may be singular or plural according to the subject. For example:

142

Assignments in English Plus – 8

1. There is a temple in front of my house. 2. There are children playing in the field.



• Some English words are always singular and take singular verbs. A list of such words is given below:



advice electricity furniture progress

apparatus equipment information scenery

For example: 1. All my furniture has been sold. 3. All the apparatus in their lab is new. 5. Dust is everywhere.

behaviour fruit luggage traffic

dust food music weather

2. His progress is not fast. 4. The fruit was fresh.

• Some English words end with ‘s’ but they are singular and take singular verbs. A list of such words is given below:

mathematics athletics barracks

classics physics measles statistics

linguistics ethics wages news

For example: 1. Physics is a difficult subject. 3. Politics does not suit to many. 5. The barracks was attacked last night.

politics phonetics innings billiards

2. No news is reliable. 4. The wages of these labourers is very low.



• ‘A number of’ is considered plural and it takes a plural subject and a plural verb. For example: 1. A number of boys are missing. 2. A number of students have come.



• The collective nouns such as a bunch of, a bouquet of, a set of, a pack of, etc. take plural nouns but singular verbs. For example: 1. A team of players is ready. 2. A flock of sheep is grazing in the field. 3. A swarm of bees has flown out. 4. A crew of sailors is ready to set off.



• Some proper nouns end with ‘s’ but they are singular and therefore take singular verbs. For example: 1. The United States is a powerful country. 2. Algiers belongs to Africa. Other such words are—Athens, Naples, The United Nations, etc. • Words like dozen, hundred, thousand, million, etc. are plural in themselves and are followed by plural nouns and plural verbs. For example: 1. A dozen cars are sold everyday. 2. A hundred guests have come to the party. • If ‘more than’ is followed by plural subject, we apply plural verb, but if it is followed by singular subject, we apply singular verb. For example: 1. More than two hundred students have done very well in the examination. 2. More than one woman is present there.

EXERCISE 1.

Fill in the blanks with suitable verbs given in the brackets. 1. The horse and carriage .................... waiting outside. (is/ are) 2. More than fifty students .................... got 80 percent marks. (has/ have) 3. Each of the farmers .................... given loan at a low interest rate. (was/ were) 4. Both the boys .................... really very naughty. (is/ are) 5. Bread and butter .................... liked my many. (is/ are) 6. The examination of my daughters .................... over. (is/ are) 7. Do children .................... chocolates? (love/ loves) 8. Neither of us .................... enough food. (has/ have)

Grammar

143

9. One of the girls .................... very obedient. (is/ are) 10. Mathematics .................... practice. (need/ needs) 11. The police .................... caught the thieves. (has/ have) 12. Neither of the applicants .................... worthy of the post. (is/ are) 13. A bunch of grapes .................... given to the beggar. (is/ are) 14. Both of my parents .................... very concerned about me. (is/ are) 15. A thousand people .................... dislocated. (was/ were) 16. Politics .................... not suit me. (do/ does) 17. All my furniture .................... very costly. (is/ are) 18. Many of the students .................... intelligent. (is/ are) 19. A bevy of girls .................... taken the responsibility. (has/ have) 20. Either Rita or Kanta .................... done this mistake. (has/ have) 2. Correct the following sentences:

1. The scholar and politician are now no more. 2. Time and tide wait for no one. 3. Neither boys nor girls is sincere. 4. Neither of the applicants are eligible for the post. 5. He does not wants to attend the party. 6. A pair of trousers are lying there. 7. The colour of these sarees are the same. 8. A team of players have won the trophy. 9. The United States are a developed country. 10. All these pens belongs to me.

5. NARRATION (Direct and Indirect Speech) There are two ways of reproducing the words of a speaker: • You can reproduce the actual words of the speaker, or • You can give only the substance or gist of his speech in your own words; e.g., Rohan said, “My father is watching a movie”. Rohan said that his father was watching a movie. In the first sentence, we give the exact words of the speaker. This is called Direct speech. In the second sentence, we do not reproduce the exact words of the speaker. Instead, we give the gist of what he said. This is called Indirect speech.

Two Parts of Direct Speech The actual words of the speaker which are put within inverted commas are called Reported Speech. The verb that introduces the reported speech is called Reporting Verb. Let’s understand this through an example:



Rohan said, “My father is watching a movie.”

(Reporting verb) (Reported speech) Important points about Direct Speech: 1. The direct speech is always placed within inverted commas. 2. The first word of the reported speech begins with a capital letter. 3. A comma is placed after the reporting verb to separate it from the rest of the sentence.

144

Assignments in English Plus – 8

Important points about Indirect Speech: 1. No inverted commas are used in the indirect speech. 2. No comma is placed after said. 3. The reported speech is generally introduced by the conjunction that. 4. The tense of the verb in the reported speech is changed from the present to the past. Personal pronouns, possessive adjectives and words denoting nearness of time and position also change; as, Rani said, “I will go to meet my friend tomorrow.” Rani said that he would go to meet his friend the next day.

Rules for the Change of Tenses Assertive Sentence 1. If the reporting verb is in the present tense or future tense, the tense of the verbs in the reported speech does not change. Examples: (i) Direct : He says, “I am playing.” Indirect : He says that he is playing. (ii) Direct : Ahmed will say, “I go the market.” Indirect : Ahmed will say that he goes to the market. (iii) Direct : The boy has said, “Coffee is ready.” Indirect : The boy has said that coffee is ready. (iv) Direct : Mother says, “I am washing clothes.” Indirect : Mother says that she is washing clothes. 2. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tenses in the reported speech are changed into the past tense. Look at the following: • Present Indefinite .................... Past Indefinite (do/ does) (did) • Present Continuous .................... Past Continuous (is/ are/ am) (was/ were) • Present Perfect .................... Past Perfect (has/ have) (had) • Past Indefinite .................... Past Perfect (did) (had done) • Past Perfect .................... (had done)

Past Perfect (no change) (had done)



• Past Continuous

....................

Past Perfect Continuous



• shall

....................

should



• will

....................

would



• may

....................

might

....................

could

• can Examples: (i) Direct Indirect

: :

Father said, “I go to the office.” Father said that he went to the office.

(ii) Direct Indirect

: :

He said, “Amit does his work.” He said that Amit did his work.

(iii) Direct Indirect

: :

The gardener said, “I am watering plants.” The gardener said that he was watering plants.

(iv) Direct Indirect

: :

The boy said, “My mother is going to the market.” The boy said that his mother was going to the market.

(v) Direct Indirect

: :

Hari said, “I have lost my pen.” Hari said that he had lost his pen.

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(vi) Direct Indirect

: :

The teacher said, “The Principal delivered a speech”. The teacher said that the Principal had delivered a speech.

(vii) Direct Indirect

: :

Joya said, “My friend had broken the window.” Joya said that her friend had broken the window.

(viii) Direct Indirect

: :

Ruchi said, “My father was driving a car.” Ruchi said that her father had been driving a car.

(ix) Direct Indirect

: :

Divesh said, “Shobhit can lift this box.” Divesh said that Shobhit could lift that box.

(x) Direct : He said, “I can help my friend.” Indirect : He said that he could help his friend. 3. If the reported speech expresses a universal truth, a habitual action, a historical fact, a geographical fact or a scientific fact, its tense is not changed. These are exceptions to the above rule. Examples: (i) Direct : Father said, “The earth revolves round the sun.” Indirect : Father said that the earth revolves round the sun. (ii) Direct : The teacher said, “The sun rises in the east.” Indirect : The teacher said that the sun rises in the east. (iii) Direct : Grandfather said, “I go for a morning walk daily.” Indirect : Grandfather said that he goes for a morning walk daily. (iv) Direct : He said, “Honesty is the best policy.” Indirect : He said that honesty is the best policy.

Rules for the Change of Pronouns and Possessive Adjectives 1. Pronouns and possessive adjectives of the First Person (I, We) are changed into pronouns and possessive adjectives of the same person as that of the subject of the reporting verb. Examples: (i) Direct : I said, “I am going to my native place.” Indirect : I said that I was going to my native place. (ii) Direct : You said, “I do my homework” Indirect : You said that you did your homework. (iii) Direct : He/ She said, “I am solving my problems.” Indirect : He/ She said that he/ she was solving his/ her problems. (iv) Direct : I said, “I am going to my cousin’s home.” Indirect : I said that I was going to my cousin’s home. 2. Pronouns and possessive adjectives of the Second Person (You) are changed into pronouns and possessive adjectives of the same person as that of the object of the reporting verb. Examples: (i) Direct : He said to me, “Your brother obeys the teacher.” Indirect : He told me that my brother obeyed the teacher. (ii) Direct Indirect (iii) Direct Indirect 3. Pronouns and Examples: (i) Direct Indirect (ii) Direct Indirect

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: :

He said to me, “Your sister respects you.” He told me that my sister respected me.

: Roshan said to me, “You are honest.” : Roshan told me that I was honest. possessive adjectives of the Third Person (He, She, It, They, etc.) are not changed. : :

Ajit said to me, “They are good children.” Ajit told me that they were good children.

: :

I said, “She is washing her clothes.” I said that she was washing her clothes.

Assignments in English Plus – 8

(iii) Direct Indirect

: :

Kamal said to me, “Rohan works hard.” Kamal told me that Rohan worked hard.

Note: If the reporting verb ‘said’ is followed by an object, it is changed into ‘told’. The verb told is not followed by the preposition to.

Time Expressions and Place The words indicating time or place are changed in the following ways in indirect speech:

Direct Speech

Indirect Speech

this that these those now then ago before today that day yesterday the previous day, the day before tomorrow the next day, the following day tonight that night next week the following week here there Examples: (i) Direct Indirect (ii) Direct Indirect (iii) Direct Indirect (iv) Direct Indirect (v) Direct Indirect (vi) Direct Indirect

: : : : : : : : : : : :

John said, “David will do this work”. John said that David would do that work. He said, “These are my pens.” He said that those were his pens. The teacher said, “Naveen, do this work now.” The teacher told Naveen to do that work then. He said, “I met her two days ago.” He said that he had met her two days before. Sahib said, “My uncle will arrive here today.” Sahib said that his uncle would arrive there that day. Priya said, “My teacher did not come yesterday.” Priya said that her teacher had not come the previous day.

Interrogative Sentences 1. The reporting verb is changed into ask, enquire, demand, etc. 2. No conjunction is used when the sentence begins with question words such as who, which, what, where, whose, whom, why, when, etc. 3. We use if or whether as a conjunction if the sentence begins with verbs like is, are, am, were, do, does, did, will, would, shall, should, can, could, etc. Examples: (i) Direct : He said, “Why are you so sad?” Indirect : He asked me why I was so sad. (ii) Direct Indirect

: :

The man said to me, “What does your father do?” The man asked me what his father did.

(iii) Direct Indirect

: :

The teacher said to me, “What are you doing?” The teacher asked me what I was doing.

(iv) Direct Indirect

: :

He said to me, “Where is the purse?” He asked me where the purse was.

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(v) Direct Indirect

: :

Father said to me, “Is Amit playing?” Father asked me if Amit was playing.

(vi) Direct Indirect

: :

Garvit said to me, “Are you going abroad?” Garvit asked me whether I was going abroad.

(vii) Direct Indirect

: :

Arpit said to me, “Have you a pen?” Arpit asked me if I had a pen.

(viii) Direct Indirect

: :

The teacher said, “Were students alright?” The teacher asked me whether students were alright.

Commands, Requests, advice 1. The reporting verb is changed into request, order, command, advise, etc. 2. Words like ‘please’ and ‘kindly’ are removed from indirect speech. 3. Put ‘to’ after the reporting verb. Examples: (i) Direct : The poor boy said to the man, “Please give me ten rupees.” Indirect : The poor boy requested the man to give him ten rupees. (ii) Direct Indirect

: :

The teacher said to the students, “Be quiet.” The teacher ordered the students to be quiet.

(iii) Direct Indirect

: :

Ben said to Tom, “Please give me a chance.” Ben requested Tom to give him a chance.

(iv) Direct Indirect

: :

The doctor said to the patient, “Take medicines in time.” The doctor advised the patient to take medicines in time.

(v) Direct Indirect

: :

The teacher said to me, “Work hard.” The teacher advised me to work hard.

Negative Commands Examples: (i) Direct Indirect

: :

The teacher said to the students, “Don’t talk in the class.” The teacher ordered the students not to talk in the class.

(ii) Direct Indirect

: :

My father said, “Don’t be foolish.” My father told me not to be foolish.

(iii) Direct Indirect

: :

The man said to me, “Please don’t shout loudly.” The man requested me not to shout loudly.

(iv) Direct Indirect

: :

My brother said, “Don’t indulge in bad habits.” My brother advised me not to indulge in bad habits.

(v) Direct Indirect

: :

The old man said to me, “Please don’t walk so fast.” The old man requested me not to walk so fast.

EXERCISE 1. Change the following into indirect speech: 1. Mohit said, “My brother has won a trophy today.”

2. He said to my uncle, “I will meet you in London.”



3. The man said, “Where do you live?”



4. The beggar said, “Please, give me some food.”



5. My father said, “Sleep early.”



6. Abdul said, “My father is coming today.”



7. The old woman said to Simmi, “Kindly hold my hand.”

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8. “How far is the hotel?” The stranger inquired. 9. He said, “I will get good marks in this paper.” 10. Reena said to her friend, “Am I late?” 11. Prem said to Ali, “Let me write this letter, please.” 12. Mother said to me, “What are you learning?” 13. Ram said, “My father left Hyderabad yesterday.” 14. Rachna said, “I have achieved my goal.” 15. The woman said, “I was preparing sweets.” 16. The boy said, “I can speak Japanese fluently.” 17. I said, “He was searching his ring.” 18. “Please wait for a while”, she said to her husband. 19. The teacher asked the students, “What do you want to do?” 20. He said, “My grandfather has been standing here for two hours.”

6. CLAUSES A Clause is a group of words that forms part of In simple language we can say — a clause is a 1. This is the man who won the trophy. 3. Tell me where you go.

sentence and has a subject and a finite verb of its own. sentence within a sentence. For example: 2. I know that it is true. 4. My uncle is a man whom everybody respects.

In the above sentences there are two parts.

Part 1

Part 2

1. This is the man who won the trophy. 2. I know that it is true. 3. Tell me where you go. 4. My uncle is a man whom everybody respects. Part 1 Sentences do not depend on Part 2. But Part 2 depends upon Part 1 to give its complete sense. Part 1 is independent and therefore called an Independent or Main or Principal Clause. And Part 2 is called a Subordinate or Dependent Clause.

Kinds of Subordinate Clause There are three kinds of Subordinate Clause: 1. Noun Clause 2. Adverbial Clause 3. Adjective Clause 1. Noun Clause in a sentence does the function of a noun. It functions as • subject to a verb • object to a verb • complement to a verb • object to a preposition • case in apposition Examples: (i) What you say is true. (ii) I knew that the boy was visually impaired. (iii) I don’t know whether he will go or stay at home. (iv) I don’t know about what you plan. A Noun Clause is generally introduced by that and question words such as why, what, how, etc. 2. Adverbial Clause in a sentence does the function of an adverb. Examples: (i) He got good marks because he was sincere. (ii) They left the purse where they found it. (iii) Rohit visits hill stations whenever he has extra money. (iv) I went to him so that I might help him. (v) Walk fast lest you should miss the train.

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3. Adjective Clause in a sentence does the function of an adjective. Examples: (i) This is the man who gave me money. (ii) He gave me the book which I wanted. (iii) This is the car that I bought. (iv) The man whom you talked about is a social activist. (v) The girl whose ring was lost went to the police station.

EXERCISE 1. Pick out the subordinate clauses in the following sentences and say what kind of clause each is: 1. He comes to me whenever he gets time. 2. I was glad to know that he had won the first prize. 3. I think that it would rain. 4. Tell me why you did this. 5. Do you know who he is? 6. What you say is totally wrong. 7. I am not sure what I have to do. 8. He did not attend the meeting because he was not well. 9. Do you know when he will come? 10. He hoped that he would pass. 11. This is the man who gave me the award. 12. This is the school that Gandhiji once visited. 13. I learned a lot of things while I was at school. 14. There was complete silence as the leader stood to speak.

7. DETERMINERS Determiners are the words used before nouns to determine the meaning. Little, a little, the little; few, a few, the few; each, every; some, any; either, neither; much, many; all; several; both; less, fewer; a lot of, a great deal of, a large number of, lots of etc. are used as determiners. These are also called Indefinite Adjectives.

Uses 1. Little, A little, The little These are adjectives of quantity. Little means not much or hardly any. It is a negative adjective. Examples: (i) My father has little time for this work. (ii) Nowadays parents have little control on their children. A little means some at least. It is an affirmative adjective. Examples: (i) A little water is left in the jug. (ii) My grandfather drinks a little tea in the evening. The little means the whole, though very little. Examples: (i) The little money he has is not enough for this purpose. (ii) The little food he has is not enough for his hunger. 2. Few, A few, The few These are adjectives of number. Few means not many. It is a negative adjective. Examples: (i) Few students were present today. (ii) I have few dresses for formal occasions. A few means some, though not many. It is an affirmative adjective.

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Examples: (i) My parents bought a few storybooks for me. (ii) Only few children obeyed me. The few means all of them, though very few. Plural noun is used after the few. Examples: (i) The few volunteers I have are really very gentle. (ii) The few men present there came to help me. 3. Each, Every Each means one of two things or one of any number more than two. Examples: (i) Each student of this school is praiseworthy. (ii) Each of the two girls knows knitting. Every is used when we speak of more than two. Examples: (i) Every child should be sent to school. (ii) Every country is facing environmental problems. 4. Some, Any Some is used in affirmative sentences and any is used in negative sentences. So far interrogative sentences are concerned, we generally use any. Examples: (i) Some friends of mine are very helpful. (ii) I gave some food to the beggar. (iii) Lalit has not got any new friends. (iv) Is there any water in the glass?

Note: When any is used in affirmative sentences, it means – every. Example, Any boy can carry this box.

(Here, any means every) 5. Either, Neither Either is used in two ways — if we mean one or the other and if we mean both. Examples: (i) Either saree is cheap. (either means one or the other) (ii) There were trees on either side of the road. (either means both) Neither means neither the one nor the other. Examples: (i) Neither student has done the homework. (ii) He accepted neither of the two proposals. 6. All, Both All determines number and quantity. It takes both singular and plural verbs. Examples: (i) All students are doing their homework. (ii) All work is done. Both is used when we mean two objects/ persons/ animals. Examples: (i) Both the sisters are intelligent. (ii) Both the dresses are beautiful. 7. Enough, Several Enough denotes both the number and quantity. It takes a plural verb. Examples: (i) I have enough water to drink. (quantity) (ii) My mother bought enough books for me. (number) Several denotes only number. Examples: (i) There are several dancers on the stage. (ii) He took several hours to complete the work. 8. Another Another is used in the sense of addition.

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Examples: (i) The author demanded another reference book. (ii) The beggar asked for another bread. 9. Much, Many Much means a large quantity of. It is used with uncountable nouns. Examples: (i) There is much joy in life. (ii) There is much water in this bottle. Many means a large number of. It is used with countable nouns. Examples: (i) The little boy got many toys. (ii) Many flats are still vacant in this apartment. 10. Less, Fewer: Less is used when we refer to quantity. It is used with uncountable nouns to mean ‘a smaller amount of’. Examples: (i) My father cannot give me less than two weeks time. (ii) The doctor has advised me to drink less tea or coffee. Fewer is used when we refer to the number. It is used with countable nouns to mean ‘not as many as’. Examples: (i) Fewer than two hundred students came to school today. (ii) There are no fewer than fifty guests in the party.

EXERCISE 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners. 1. There were .................... persons at the dinner. 2. .................... boy in the group got a prize. 3. There is .................... hope for his survival. 4. I have not .................... time for outdoor activities. 5. I saw a flock of sheep on .................... side of the road. 6. There isn’t .................... book on economics in my library. 7. My mother spends .................... money on extravaganza. 8. Nawal has bought .................... story books from the book fair. 9. “Please give me .................... more soup.’ 10. Is there .................... new matter in this book? 11. .................... people took part in the protest. 12. My sister can’t buy .................... material on make-up. 13. .................... books I purchased are worth-reading. 14. I have invited .................... friends on my birthday. 15. .................... books are good. 16. .................... people are aware of their rights and duties. 17. No .................... than sixty people supported the cause. 18. .................... people believe in boasting. 19. I haven’t .................... ball to play with. 20. .................... pen is new. 21. Please wait .................... longer for me.

8. PREPOSITIONS The word Preposition means placing before. It shows the relation between a noun or a pronoun and some other word in a sentence. The other words can be a noun, a verb or an adjective. For example:

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(i) The pen is lying on the table. (ii) The man is standing under the banyan tree. (iii) He came at midnight. (iv) She cuts vegetables with a knife. In sentence 1, on shows the relation between the pen and the table. In sentence 2, under shows the relation between the man and the banyan tree. In sentence 3, at shows the relation between he and midnight. In sentence 4, with shows the relation between she and knife.

Uses of some Prepositions • At, In: At is used for exact time. It is used to denote villages or smaller towns. In is used to show the total length of time for the completion of some activity or action. It is used to denote bigger towns, states, countries. For example: (i) The train arrived at midnight. (ii) The guests took lunch at 3 O’ clock. (iii) I reached there in a few minutes. (iv) Mr Sinha lives at Boring Canal Road in Patna. • For, Since: For is used for a period of time while Since is used to denote a point of time from which an action has been continuing. For example: (i) He has been learning this lesson for two hours. (ii) It has been raining since morning. • From, Since: From is used for the starting point of action and is generally combined with to/ till/ until. Since is used to denote the point of time. For example: (i) We lived in Mumbai from 1995 to 2010. (ii) He waited from 9 till 12:30. (iii) We have been friends since 2010. (iv) He has been studying since 5 O’ clock in the morning. • On: On is used for day and date. For example: (i) The Gandhi Jayanti falls on 2nd October. (ii) My uncle will arrive here on Sunday. • Between, Among: Between is used with two persons or things, Among is used with more than two. For example: (i) The purse is lying between two pillars. (ii) Sweets were distributed among children. • Beside, Besides: Beside means ‘near’ or ‘at the side of’; Besides means ‘as well as’ or ‘in addition to’. For example: (i) There is huge banyan tree beside the temple. (ii) Besides being intelligent, he is gentle also. • On, Upon: On is used in speaking of things at rest; Upon is used with things in motion. For example: (i) Put your bag on the table. (ii) The hungry lion fell upon the deer. • Above/ Over: Above, Over means ‘higher than’. For example: Many birds flew over/ above the tower. • Though...yet: (i) Though he is poor, yet he is happy. (ii) Though  Mr Kalra is  a good man, yet he is not respected. • So...that: (i) He is so hungry that he needs food immediately. (ii) I am so happy that I can give anything to anyone.

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• Below/ under: Below/ Under means ‘lower than’. For example: (i) Standing on the top of the hill we saw a valley below us. (ii) I saw a little boy standing alone under a tree. • In, Into: In denotes position or rest and into denotes motion inward. For example: (i) Grandfather is taking rest in his room. (ii) The naughty boy threw a ten rupee coin into the well. • By, With: By is placed before an agent or doer and with relates to the instrument with which the action is done. For example: (i) The book is written by Ravi (ii) Raman writes with a pen. • Of, Off: Of relates to somebody. Off shows separation. For example: (i) He comes of a good family. (ii) He fell off the tree.

List of some words followed by Appropriate Prepositions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31.

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abstain from (to stay away from something)—I try my best to abstain myself from bad company. access to (approach)—I don’t have any access to the Principal. account for (to explain)—You have to account for the money you spend on this project. accustomed to (habituated)—I am accustomed to noisy environment. acquit of (to make free)—The man was finally acquitted of all charges. addicted to (to fall badly in the habit of)—The Chinese easily became addicted to opium. afraid of (fear)—I am afraid of stray dogs. agree to (to give consent to a proposal)—My father readily agreed to my proposal. agree with (be ready with a person)—I am totally agree with you. ashamed of (feeling of shame)—The man is ashamed of misconduct. boast of (feel proud off)—He always boasts of his experience. break into (to enter by force)—The thief broke into the house at midnight. come across (meet)—I came across an old friend of mine on the road. depend on (be unable to do without)—Rohit depends on one of his distant relatives for everything. die of—Several people have died of dengue fever. eligible for (fit for)—I am not eligible for this post. famous for (reputed)—Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal. fed up with (bored)—My father is fed up with his driver’s carelessness. guard against (protect against)—We should guard our belongings against theft. hope for—I am so positive by nature that I always hope for the best. interested in (liking)—My friend is interested in social service. injurious to (harmful)—Smoking is injurious to health. key to (secret of)—Hard work is key to success. negligent of (careless)—Most of the ladies are negligent of their health. obedient to—Students should be obedient to the teachers. pray to—(to offer prayer)—I pray to God everyday. prey to (to become a victim)—One should not be prey to selfish desires. proud of —(to feel self-respecting)—Parents are proud of their sons and daughters. rely on (depend on)—You can rely on my support. responsible to—You yourself are responsible to your defeat. stand against (resist)—We should stand against corruption.

Assignments in English Plus – 8

32. 33. 34. 35.

stick to (adhere to)—One should stick to one’s good opinion. trust in (believe in)—Trust in good deed and go ahead. wait for—My father waited for the Principal but he did not come. worthy of—A man of principles is worthy of respect.

List of some Phrasal Prepositions

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

according to—I did according to my father’s advice. because of—Several students did not go to school because of viral fever. in spite of—Kanta achieved her goal in spite of several obstacles. on account of—I got good marks on account of my hard work. on behalf of—Shrey took the award on behalf of his sister. instead of—We enjoyed skating instead of skiing. In order to—I went to my native place in order to meet my grandparents and other relatives. for the sake of—Mahatma Gandhi sacrificed a lot for the sake of our country.

EXERCISES 1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions: 1. Sita was married ............... Ram. 2. Everyday my grandmother goes to the temple to pray ............... God. 3. The Chief guest arrived ............... 10 O’ clock. 4. The land was distributed ............... the two sons. 5. We should not laugh ............... anyone. 6. The man died ............... malaria. 7. I am fond ............... a light music. 8. My father is not agree ............... me in this matter. 9. Nisha is confident ............... her success. 10. This book belongs ............... me. 11. My cousin sister lives ............... us. 12. He wrote ............... a pencil. 13. Some boys were listening ............... the music. 14. One must raise voice ............... injustice. 15. Some people always boast ............... their knowledge. 16. Mrs Arora is popular ............... her students. 17. I was born ............... the year 2000. 18. Jyoti has been preparing for the interview . ............... several days. 19. My boss is satisfied ............... my work. 20. The students are sitting ............... the classroom. 2. Fill in the gaps with correct prepositions. 1. When Napoleon was a mere boy, he used to identify himself (i) ............... the great heroes (ii) ............... ancient history he read about. Today he is remembered as one of the few men (iii) ............... history who have been immensely powerful and exercised much influence (iv) ............... others. He used his power (v) ............... the good of the people. 2. Tigers are sensitive (i) ............... heat. Its paws are adapted (ii) ............... silent movement. Tigers love water. Water isn’t just cooling drink (iii) ............... them. They spend a lot of time (iv) ............... and around it to get relief (v) ............... both the heat and the flies.

9. ARTICLES There are three articles – a, an, and the. These three articles have been categorised as indefinite article and definite article. • A or an is indefinite article because it does not point out any particular or definite person, place or thing. For example:

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(i) We came across a wiseman. (ii) They gave me a bouquet. (iii) Tom had an apple in his bag. (iv) An elephant has a long trunk. • The is definite article because it points out a particular person or thing. For example: (i) The mobile phone which I bought yesterday has been stolen. (a particular stolen thing) (ii) The man whom I helped blessed me. (a particular man)

Remember these rules

1. A common noun in the singular number must have an article before it; e.g., (i) I ate an egg. (ii) They are sitting on a cot. (iii) The bag I like most is lost. (iv) The letter I wrote didn’t reach my friend. 2. When a common noun in the singular number is used in a general sense, no article comes before it; e.g., (i) Man is mortal. (ii) Lion is the king of forest. 3. When we speak of a person or thing for the first time we use a or an; but when we speak of the same person or thing a second time we use the; e.g., (i) I saw a boy lying on the road. The boy was wearing a cap. (ii) I saw a bag. The bag was new. 4. Common nouns in the plural number do not have the definite article the placed before them; e.g., (i) Deer run fast. (ii) Girls are talkative

Uses of article ‘A’ A is used: 1. before a common noun beginning with a consonant and has a consonant sound; e.g., a girl, a boy, a pen, a table, a river, a hill, etc. 2. before a word beginning with ‘u’, ‘u’, giving the consonant sound ‘yu’; e.g., a union, a university, a unique book, a European, a useful tourch, etc. 3. before the word ‘one’ which begins with the consonant sound ‘wa’; e.g., a one–rupee note, a one– eyed man, etc. 4. before a word beginning with ‘h’ and the letter sounds ‘h’; e.g., a hero, a hospital, a horse, a hen, etc.

Uses of article ‘An’ An is used: 1. before a word beginning with a vowel and has a vowel sound; e.g., an apple, an orange, an inkpot, an umpire, an eagle, etc. 2. before a word beginning with a silent ‘h’; e.g. an honest man, an hour, an heir, etc. 3. before abbreviations; e.g., an M.L.A., an M.P., an S.D.O., an M.Sc., an F.I.R., an X-ray, etc. These abbreviations though start with consonants but they have vowel sound. Hence, an is used before them.

Uses of article ‘The’ The is used: 1. before a particular person or thing or one already referred to; e.g., (i) The men sitting in the first row are well-known economists. (ii) The old lady whom I met on the way is no more. 2. before a common noun in singular number which is used to indicate a whole class or kind; e.g., (i) The teacher should be a good learner. (ii) The woman should be empowered. 3. before common nouns unique of their kind; e.g., the sun, the moon, the earth, the sky, etc. (i) The sky is blue. (ii) The moon is completely round tonight. (iii) The earth moves round the sun. (iv) The sun gives us energy.

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4. before the names of rivers, seas, oceans, gulfs, mountain ranges and groups of islands; e.g., (i) The Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganga. (ii) The Indian ocean is named after our country. (iii) The Himalayas lie in the north of India. (iv) The Ural mountains are in Russia. 5. before the names of newspapers and holy books; e.g., (i) We read the Hindu. (ii) The Quran is a religious book of the Muslim. 6. before adjectives in the superlative degree; e.g., (i) Diamond is the hardest metal of all. (ii) Mahatma Gandhi was the most famous leader of India. 7. before the names of races or religions; e.g., (i) The English believed in colonization. (ii) The Hindus go to the temple to offer prayers. (iii) The Indians are proud of their culture. (iv) The Sikhs offer prayers in the gurudwara. 8. before ordinal numeral adjectives; e.g., (i) March is the third month of the year. (ii) The second boy in the row is my brother. 9. before the directions; e.g., (i) The sun sets in the west. (ii) Kanyakumari lies in the south of India. 10. before the names of musical instruments; e.g., (i) I know to play the violin. (ii) He plays the harmonium. 11. before empire, dynasty, historical ages and events; e.g., (i) Babar established the Mughal Empire. (ii) The Russian Revolution occurred in the reign of Tsar Nicholas II. 12. before well known buildings; e.g., (i) We have visited the Hawa Mahal. (ii) I love to spend time in the Lotus Temple?

Omission of Articles The article is not used in the following context: 1. before proper nouns; e.g., (i) West Bengal, Bihar, Meghalaya (names of states) (ii) Kolkata, Patna, Kohima (names of cities) (iii) Amartya Sen, APJ Kalam, Kalidas (names of persons) (iv) Mount Everest, Mount Abu (names of mountain peaks) (v) Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (names of the days of the week) (vi) January, February, March (names of the months of the year) 2. before the names of languages, arts, subjects, diseases; e.g., (i) Malayalam is spoken in Kerala. (ii) Hindi is the official language of India. (iii) Painting is an art. (iv) Cancer is a deadly disease. 3. before the names of materials; e.g., (i) My saree is made of cotton. (ii) Diamond is a precious metal. 4. before abstract nouns used in general sense; e.g., (i) Honesty is the best policy. (ii) Health is better than wealth. (iii) Beauty is admired by all. (iv) Character is more precious than wealth. 5. before such common nouns; e.g., father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, etc. 6. before uncountable nouns; e.g., (i) Water is useful for life. (ii) Tea is grown in Assam. Note: But if these nouns are particularised, we have to use article ‘the’ before them; as, (i) The water of this river is clean. (ii) The tea of Assam is very popular.

EXERCISE 1. Insert Articles wherever necessary.

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157

1. My uncle has acted in ............... one-act play. 2. I received ............... postcard from my friend. ............... postcard gave me news about where he was. 3. I want to meet ............... boy who saved my daughter’s life. 4. One of my friends is ............... European. 5. ............... teacher gave my friend . ............... warning. 6. Many children love to play ............... cricket. 7. ............... Ganga flows into ............... Bay of Bengal. 8. We cannot live without ............... water. 9. ............... Himalayas protect India from invasion and ............... cold winds which would otherwise sweep across ............... Northern plains. 10. Chandan was appointed ............... teacher. 11. I found ............... purse which I lost yesterday. 12. My uncle is ............... MLA who brought ............... map of India for me. 13. ............... mountains are home to ............... number of flora and fauna. 14. We will spend ............... Holi at our native place this year. 15. ............... Punjabi is ............... official language of ............... Punjab. 16. One of my relatives lives in ............... USA. 17. Don’t throw it. It is ............... useful item. 18. Rachit is ............... best boy in my class. 19. Zakir Hussain plays ............... tabla. 20. My father is ............... honourable man in the locality.

10. CONNECTORS A word which joins two words, phrases, clauses or sentences is called a linking device or connector. Conjunctions, prepositions and adverbial phrases can serve as linking devices in sentences.

Rules and Examples Two or more ideas in a paragraph can be connected in four different ways: RULE 1 — By using a Conjunction Time : and, before, after, while Examples : The consignment was delivered while we were very busy. Reason, Cause or Result : and, because, so that, so, that Examples : I called her back so that I could confirm one or two details. Contrast : but, although Examples : The books were delivered last week but we could not inspect them. RULE 2 — By using a linking Adverbial Phrase (often starting a new sentence) Time : Before that, After that, And then, During this time Examples : The letter was delivered on Friday. During this time we were busy. Reason, Cause or Result : Because of this, That is why, As a result, Consequently Examples : I wanted to confirm one or two details. That is why I called her back. Contrast : Nevertheless, However Examples : The books were delivered last week. However, there was no one to inspect them. RULE 3 — By using a Preposition Time : before, after, during Examples : The consignment was delivered during a very busy time. Reason, Cause or Result : because of, due to Examples : Ravi was punished in the class because of his carelessness. Contrast : In spite of Examples : In spite of hard work, Mohit failed to score high marks.

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An infinitive clause can also be used to show purpose : Examples : The procedure has been computerised in order to/ so as to save time and money.

EXERCISE 1. Fill in the blanks by using the connectors given in the box:

yet despite

however inspite of

though whereas

even though while

although but

still

Smita had very high temperature last night (1) .................... she responded to medicines and recovered enough to sit for her examination this morning. (2) .................... it is doubtful if she will be able to attend the marriage of her friend Anita. (3) .................... all her friends will be expecting her. (4) .................... her doctor advised her to rest, Smita decided to spend a little while with Anita (5) .................... her exhaustion, (6) .................... Sunita did not bother to even drop a card. (7) .................... Sunita’s careless attitude, Anita’s mother had bought a sari for her, like she had for all her other friends. (8) .................... Anita’s friends were surprised, they were excited at receiving the sarees. (9) .................... Sunita had missed out on all the fun, she would (10) .................... be excited at receiving her sari. 2. Match the questions in A with the answers in B and underline the connectors used in the sentences: A

B

1. Why does the crane have such long legs? For biting into fruits 2. Why does the crane have such a long beak? In case it is underwater it can still breathe. 3. Why does a parrot have a hooked beak? So that it can wade into the water to fish. 4. Why does the lizard leave behind its tail Otherwise it cannot catch fish from under water water? 5. Why does a frog have lungs and gills? To be fool its enemy and escape.

11. THE SENTENCE — KINDS OF SENTENCES The Sentence A group of words that makes a complete sense is called a sentence. A sentence always begins with a capital letter and ends with a full stop(.). For example: (i) Mahipal is a very active man.

(ii) Road accidents are common in big cities.

(iii) A stranger helped me.

(iv) The carpenter was a funny man.

The above groups of words make complete sentence. Therefore, they are sentences.

The Phrase A group of words that makes sense but not complete sense is called a Phrase. Unlike a sentence, a phrase has no verb of its own. For example: (i) for a while (iii) in the dark night (v) in the north (vii) across the road

(ii) against all odds (iv) between a rock and hard place (vi) on the table (viii) to a certain extent.

The above groups of words make sense but not complete sense. Therefore, they are phrases.

Kinds of Sentences There are four kinds of sentences: 1. Assertive or Declarative Sentence or Statement 2. Interrogative Sentence or Question

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3. Imperative Sentence 4. Exclamatory Sentence 1. Assertive or Declarative sentences say or state something. For example: (i) Indian culture is full of diversities. (ii) The earth rotates on its axis. (iii) The capital of West Bengal is Kolkata. (iv) Solomon was a wise man. Note: A full stop(.) is placed at the end of all Assertive or Declarative Sentences. 2. Interrogative sentences ask questions. For example: (i) Why are you looking so sad? (ii) Did you attend the meeting yesterday? (iii) Have you seen the Statue of Liberty? (iv) Do you know the location of your school? Note: A mark of interrogation(?) is placed at end of all Interrogative sentences. 3. Imperative sentences give an order or an advice or make a request. For example: (i) Keep quite. (order or command) (ii) Don’t shout. (order or command) (iii) Spare some time for exercise. (advice) (iv) Give me your bicycle, please. (request) Note: A full stop(.) is put at the end of all Imperative sentences. 4. Exclamatory sentences express some strong or sudden feelings by making an exclamation. For example: (i) What a surprise ! (ii) How brilliant you are! (iii) What a pleasant evening! (iv) How clever you are! Note: A mark of exclamation(!) is put at the end of all Exclamatory sentences.

FORMATION OF NEGATIVE SENTENCES 1. A sentence is made negative in English by placing the adverb not after the finite verb. Such verbs are: be (is, are, am, was, were), have (has, had) and modal verbs like can (could), shall (should), will (would), may (might), must and ought. Examples:

Affirmative

Negative

(i) That girl is very sweet.

That girl is not sweet.

(ii) I am preparing an email

I am not preparing an email.

(iii) They are naughty.

They are not naughty.

(iv) The baby was sleeping.

The baby was not sleeping.

(v) We were working on a project.

We were not working on a project.

(vi) My cousins have come today.

My cousins have not come today.

(vii) She has a long nose.

She has not a long nose.

(viii) They will arrive today.

They will not arrive today.

(ix) Sarla would sleep early.

Sarla would not sleep early.

(x) I can speak English fluently.

I cannot speak English fluently.



(xi) Arjun may come.

Arjun may not come.

(xii) You must do your homework now.

You must not do your homework now.

(xiii) We shall come to your party.

We shall not come to your party.

(xiv) We should help the needy.

We should not help the needy.

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Note: Short form of am not = amn’t is not = isn’t are not = aren’t has not = hasn’t have not = haven’t had not = hadn’t cannot = can’t could not = couldn’t will not = won’t would not = wouldn’t shall not = shan’t should not = shouldn’t must not = mustn’t 2. Negative sentences are also formed by using do not, does not and did not. Examples:

Affirmative



(i) I wish to meet you soon.

Negative

I do not wish to meet you soon.

(ii) They go to school by bus.

They do not go to school by bus.

(iii) Radha dances well.

Radha does not dance well.

(iv) He speaks loudly.

He does not speak loudly.

(v) Birds fly in the sky.

Birds do not fly in the sky.

(vi) The baby cries loudly.

The baby does not cry loudly.

(vii) The teacher teaches us.

The teacher does not teach us.

(viii) Children play in the evening.

Children do not play in the evening.

(ix) We came across a river.

We did not come across a river.

(x) The tiger roared in the jungle.

The tiger did not roar in the jungle.

(xi) I bought a new car.

I did not buy a new car.

(xii) They went to the market.

They did not go to the market.

(xiii) Somebody knocked at the door.

Nobody knocked at the door.

(xiv) Speak loudly.

Do not speak loudly.

Note: Short form of do not Short form of did not

Short form of does not =

= don’t = didn’t

doesn’t

FORMATION OF INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES Affirmative sentences or statements are changed into interrogative or questions in the following ways: 1.

Statements

(i) I am studying. (ii) Sarla is typing a letter. (iii) They are sincere people. (iv) He is intelligent. (v) My mother is in the kitchen (vi) Children have done their work. (vii) Sumit has a new ball. (viii) She had gone to Kolkata. (ix) We will attend the party. (x) She can go the market alone. (xi) Soni may come with me. (xii) We shall visit Agra tomorrow.

Grammar

Questions

Am I studying? Is Sarla typing a letter? Are they sincere people? Is he intelligent? Is my mother in the kitchen? Have children done their work? Has Sumit a new ball? Had she gone to Kolkata? Will we attend the party? Can she go to the market alone? May Soni come with me? Shall we visit Agra tomorrow?

161

2. We use do or does for the Simple Present Tense and did for the Simple Past Tense.

Statements

(i) I live with my parents.

Questions

Do I live with my parents?

(ii) Sneha sings sweetly.

Does Sneha sing sweetly?

(iii) Jimmy writes a letter.

Does Jimmy write a letter?



Did they raise their voice against the injustice?

(iv) They raised their voice against the injustice.

(v) The teacher punished the students.

Did the teacher punish the students?

(vi) Birds built nests in the tree.

Did birds build nests in the tree?

EXERCISES 1. Change the following affirmative sentences into negative. 1. I can lift this box. 2. They are writing a letter. 3. Nisha has a new pen. 4. My father bought a new flat. 5. The cow gives us milk. 6. Children ran fast. 7. They will take part in the debate. 8. We should do our duty well. 9. The politicians of today are selfish. 10. I have seen the Dal Lake. 11. They are enjoying holidays in Shimla. 12. My parents had gone to Kashmir last year. 13. Smita is ready to work hard. 14. Laborious students get good marks. 15. The soldiers fought bravely. 2. Change the following into interrogative sentences. 1. He lives for others. 2. These students have a good memory. 3. My teacher is annoyed with me. 4. They are talking loudly. 5. This book belongs to me. 6. My grandfather went to the market. 7. I wrote a letter to my friend. 8. Tea is ready. 9. The maid came late. 10. The dog barks at night. 11. Tigers roar in the jungle. 12. The carpenter is making chairs. 13. We had a good time yesterday. 14. There are apples in the basket. 15. She can solve all these sums.

12. THE NOUN — KINDS OF NOUNS Words which are used as names of persons, animals, places or things are called nouns. Nouns may also name a feeling or an idea. In short, we can say—All naming words are nouns. For example: Rachit, Urmila, cat, hare, Kolkata, table, knife, mob, beauty etc.

Kinds of Nouns There are five kinds of nouns: 1. Proper Noun 2. Common Noun 3. Collective Noun 4. Material Noun 5. Abstract Noun 1. Proper Noun: It is the name of a particular person, animal, place or thing. For example: (i) Shruti is a gentle girl.

(ii) Chandigarh is a planned city.

(iii) The Ramayan is written by Maharshi Valmiki.

(iv) Have you visited Agra?

In the above sentences, all the italicised words are proper nouns. They stand for the names of a particular person, place, animal, book and day respectively. Proper noun includes the names of persons, villages, countries, cities, towns, rivers, ships, historical places, mountains, streets, newspapers, books, months of the year, days of the week, festivals, etc.

Note: A proper noun always begins with a capital letter.

2. Common Noun: A noun that does not point out any particular person, place or thing, but is common to all persons, places or things of the same class or kind is called a Common Noun. For example:

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(i) The dog is barking.

(ii) This is a cow.

(iii) This is a seasonal river.

(iv) Our country is very big.

In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Common Nouns. 3. Collective Noun: A Collective Noun stands for a collection of persons or things, considered as one complete whole. For example: (i) The mob was soon dispersed.

(ii) A crew of sailors was captured by some pirates.

(iii) The team played well.

(iv) The army of soldiers fought bravely.

In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Collective Nouns.

List of Some Collective Nouns



1. an army of soldiers

2. a bunch of flowers, grapes, keys, bananas



3. a bouquet of flowers

4. a bundle of sticks



5. a bevy of girls

6. a crowd of people



7. a crew of sailors

8. a flock of sheep



9. a fleet of ships

10. a herd of cattle



11. a library of books

12. a litter of puppies



13. a mob of people

14. a pack of wolves



15. a pair of shoes

16. a shoal of fish



17. a suite of rooms

18. a swarm of bees



19. a team of players

20. a troupe of musicians

4. Material Noun: Material Noun stands for the matter or substance of which things are made. For example: (i) This gate is made of iron. (ii) Your shirt is made of wool. (iii) The bangle is made of glass. (iv) My ear-ring is made of gold. In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Material Nouns. 5. Abstract Noun: An Abstract Noun is the name of some state, quality, feeling or idea that we can only think of or feel but cannot see or touch. For example: (i) Animals should be treated with kindness. (ii) Laughter is the best medicine. (iii) The feeling of motherhood is amazing. (iv) Childhood must not be ruined. In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Abstract Nouns.

Formation of Abstract Nouns

1. From adjectives:

deep

strong – strength

true

– truth

coward – cowardice

brave – bravery

bold

– boldness

innocent – innocence 2. From verbs: judge – judgement choose – choice hate – hatred protect – protection 3. From common nouns: slave – slavery mother – motherhood brother – brotherhood

popular – popularity

Grammar

– depth

act – action laugh – laughter obey – obedience

know – knowledge move – movement invent – invention

child – childhood friend – friendship girl – girlhood

boy man

– boyhood – manhood

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Formation of Abstract Nouns with the help of common suffixes

1. acy private – privacy

accurate – accuracy

urgent – urgency

short bond

marry – marriage

2. age pass – passage break – breakage

– shortage – bondage

3. al arrive – arrival survive – survival

dismiss – dismissal

propose – proposal

– freedom

wise

king

– kingdom

– boyhood – girlhood

child – childhood mother – motherhood

man

– manhood

innocent – innocence

patient – patience

popular – popularity clear – clarity

real

pay

punish – punishment

4. dom free

– wisdom

5. hood boy girl 6. ence excellent – excellence absent – absence 7. ity human – humanity brief – brevity

– reality

8. ment appoint – appointment agree – agreement

– payment

9. ness kind blind

– kindness – blindness

happy – happiness

dark

– darkness

– hardship

friend – friendship

lecture – lectureship

– birth – growth

dear true

deep wide

10. ship hard 11. th bear grow

– dearth – truth

– depth – width

12. tion act – action educate – education

invent – invention

protect – protection

omit

provide – provision

13. sion decide – decision invade – invasion

– omission

EXERCISES 1. Fill in the blanks with collective nouns given in the box: fleet flock crew swarm herd crew jury bundle bouquet class

164

1. The ship set off with a .................... of sailors. 2. I saw a small boy tending a .................... of cattle. 3. I gave my friend a .................... of flowers. 4. You can see a .................... of ships near the sea.

Assignments in English Plus – 8



5. The members of the .................... minutely observed the case.



6. A huge .................... gathered on the road as soon as the accident took place.



7. Have you seen a .................... of bees?



8. The .................... of soldiers fought bravely and won the battle.



9. A .................... of sheep is grazing in the field.

10. The whole .................... was shouting when the teacher came. 2. Fill in the blanks with Abstract Nouns formed from the words given in the brackets.

1. It is not easy to measure the .................... (deep) of this well. 2. One should not give speech that spreads .................... (hate). 3. The victim’s family is not satisfied with the .................... (judge). 4. .................... (know) makes a man perfect. 5. What is the .................... (arrive) time of the train? 6. All my .................... (patient) has been lost. 7. .................... (Dark) spread as soon as the light went off. 8. I have already taken the .................... (appoint) of the doctor. 9. The .................... (grow) of plants increases during the rainy season. 10. I appealed the authority to take immediate .................... (act).

13. THE PRONOUN — KINDS OF PRONOUNS Words which are used in place of nouns are called pronouns. For example:

• Sagar is very popular. He helps everyone. His teachers like him. In the above example, the words he, his and him stand for Sagar and so they are pronouns.

Note: • Pronouns are used to avoid the repetition of nouns. • The noun for which a pronoun stands is called its antecedent. In the example given above Sagar (noun) is the antecedent of the pronouns he and his.

Kinds of Pronouns

There are eight kinds of pronouns:

1. Personal Pronoun 4. Reflexive Pronoun 7. Relative Pronoun

2. Demonstrative Pronoun 5. Emphasising Pronoun 8. Indefinite Pronoun

3. Interrogative Pronoun 6. Possessive Pronoun

1. Personal Pronoun: Personal pronoun stands for persons or things. For example: (i) We are brave. (iii) You are honest.

(ii) They are healthy. (iv) I am strong.

In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Personal Pronouns. Other Personal Pronouns are—you, he, she, they, them, etc. These Personal Pronouns stand for three persons:

• the person speaking (First Person) • the person spoken to (Second Person) • the person spoken of (Third Person)

The pronouns I and we denote the person or persons speaking. So, they are said to be personal pronouns of the First Person. The pronoun you denotes the person or persons spoken to. So, they are said to be personal pronouns of the Second Person.

Note: ‘You’ is used both in singular and plural. The pronouns they/ he/ she/ Vinay/ Veena denote the person or persons spoken of. So, they are said to be personal pronouns of Third Person.

Grammar

165

The various forms of personal pronouns are given below:

Person Singular

First person I, me, mine Second person you, yours Third person he, him, his (masculine) she, her, hers (feminine) it (neuter)

Plural

we, us, ours (used for both masculine and feminine) you, yours (used for both masculine and feminine) they, them, theirs (used for masculine, feminine and neuter genders)

2. Demonstrative Pronouns are used to point out the object/ objects to which they refer. For example: (i) This is a mango. (ii) These are mangoes. (iii) That is a mountain. (iv) Those are mountains. In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Demonstrative Pronouns. Note: The words this, that, these, those, etc. are adjectives when used with a noun, but pronouns when used for a noun; as This pen is mine. (This qualifies the noun pen, hence, it is an adjective) This is my pen. (This stands for the noun pen, hence, it is a pronoun, i.e. demonstrative pronoun) 3. Interrogative Pronoun: It is used in asking questions. For example: (i) What are your parents? (iii) Which is your house?

(ii) Who found your purse? (iv) Whom did you meet yesterday?

In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Interrogative Pronouns. Note: The words what and which can be used both as an interrogative pronoun and an interrogative adjective; as What is your idea? (Interrogative pronoun) What idea did you give? (Interrogative adjective) 4. Reflexive Pronoun: Pronouns like myself, yourself, ourselves, when used as the receiver of an action are called Reflexive Pronouns. For example: (i) I praised myself. (ii) He hurt himself. (iii) They helped themselves. (iv) We deceived ourselves. In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Reflexive Pronouns. 5. Emphasising Pronoun: It is used to convey emphasis. Like Reflexive Pronouns they are formed by adding ‘–self’ or ‘–selves’ to the personal pronouns. For example: (i) Mohan himself came to help me. (iii) They themselves disclosed the mystery.

(ii) You yourself found the purse. (iv) We ourselves are to blame.

In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Emphasising Pronouns. 6. Possessive Pronoun: It shows possession. For example: (i) That house is mine. (iii) This furniture is hers. (iii) This bag is yours. (iv) Those books are his. In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Possessive Pronouns. 7. Relative Pronoun: It relates a noun to a group of words that follow. For example: (i) I know the man who helped me. (ii) The woman whom I met yesterday lives in my friend’s neighbourhood. (iii) The story that I wrote was published. (iv) I cannot contact Mr Bhatia whose address I have. In the above sentences, all the italicised words relate a noun to the group of words that follow the noun.

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8. Indefinite Pronoun: It refers to persons or things in a general way but does not stand for particular persons or things. For example: (i) Never underestimate others. (ii) Somebody sat beside me. (iii) One should be aware of one’s responsibilities. (iv) Nobody helped me. In the above sentences, all the italicised words are indefinite pronouns.

EXERCISES 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable pronouns. The large hall was full of young girls. (1) .................... were listening to the girl in yellow (2) .................... was playing the guitar and a tall dark girl singing a song. (3) .................... had tears in her eyes as she sang and it was evident that the song that she sang was the outcome of (4) .................... suffering that she had experienced. The young girls were visibly moved. (5) .................... too could feel the sadness of (6) .................... song. A number of (7) .................... also had tears in (8) .................... eyes. (9) .................... girls were even dabbing their eyes with hankies. At (10) .................... of the windows stood alone a boy (11) .................... was hidden by the creeper growing near it and so none of the girls saw (12) .................... . 2. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Relative, Interrogative and Reflexive pronouns.

1. She learnt .............. in the absence of the tuitor. 2. The old man .............. I helped one day is now no more. 3. They .............. came to me. 4. .............. is this book? 5. .............. did you see on the way? 6. The man .............. believes in back-biting is not respected. 7. My brother applied for the job .............. was advertised last month. 8. .............. broke my window? 9. Children .............. ran away. 10. All the four sons of the dying farmers started quarrelling among .............. . 11. .............. dress is this? 12. The people .............. live in our neighbourhood are very helpful. 13. .............. story are you reading?



14. My sisters .............. prepared all the dishes.

15. The scooter .............. I bought last month is stolen. 3. Join the following pairs of sentences by using a relative pronoun.

1. He is a good man. Everyone respects him.



2. The postman is always early. He has dark hair.



3. The boy is my cousin. He has brown eyes.



4. My native house is collapsed. It was very old.



5. This is the book. I wanted for so long.



6. We can contact Mr Lal. I have his address.



7. The old woman is now no more. I helped her one day.



8. This is the dish. My mother prepared.



9. The car is stolen. I bought it last week.

10. I applied for a job. It was advertised last month. 4. Fill in the blanks with suitable interrogative pronouns.

1. ............... do you want to meet?

2. ............... do you prefer, milk or curd?



3. ............... of these dresses is cheap?

4. ............... shall we do today?



5. By ............... was the picture hung?

6. ............... of these toys will you buy?

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167



7. .............. came just now?

8. ............... are you waiting for?



9. .............. is the painting that you won yesterday. 10. ............... is your essay?

14. THE VERB — KINDS OF VERBS Verbs consist of one or more words. They show the actions of people and things (doing verbs), what people and things have (having verbs), how living things express themselves (saying verbs) and what people and things are (being verbs). For example: (i) Raman kicks the ball. (action)

(ii) The teacher is teaching. (action)

(iii) An elephant has a big trunk. (having)

(iv) Mr Mathur is a lecturer. (being)

Kinds of Verbs There are two kinds of verbs: 1. Transitive Verb 2. Intransitive Verb 1. Transitive Verbs require an object to complete their meaning. For example: The angry man kicked the boy. In this sentence, boy is the object of the verb kicked and this object is needed to complete the meaning of above sentence. If we don’t use an object (boy) here, the sentence remains incomplete. Some other examples: (i) The rat ate the grass.

(ii) They bought a car.

(iii) Rajat was helping a poor man.

(iv) The Principal is delivering a speech.

In the above sentences, grass is the object of the verb ate, car is the object of the verb bought, a poor man is the object of the verb was helping and speech is the object of the verb delivered. 2. Intransitive Verbs do not require an object to complete their meaning or sense but make good sense by themselves. For example: (i) The man went away. (ii) Birds fly. (iii) The dog barked the whole night.

(iv) The boy shouted loudly.

In the above sentences, the verbs make good sense by themselves and they do not need objects after them. There are some verbs which can be used both as transitive and intransitive verbs. For example: (i) He writes stories. (transitive)

(ii) He writes neatly. (intransitive)

(iii) Farmers grow a variety of crops. (transitive) (iv) Small children grow fast. (intransitive) (v) They fly kites. (transitive)

(vi) Birds fly high in the sky. (intransitive)

Incomplete Verb: Verbs like be (is, are, am, was, were, will be, shall be, etc.), appear, seem and look are incomplete verbs and they require complements to complete their meaning. For example:

(i) He is gentle.

(ii) Mr Sharma appears weak.

(iii) The man seems worried.

(ii) Ratna became panicked.

In the above sentences, the italicised words are incomplete verbs and they need complements like ‘gentle’, ‘weak’, to complete their meaning.

Double Object: There are some transitive verbs which take two objects after them. One is called Direct object and the other is called Indirect object. Direct objects are usually the names of things and Indirect objects are usually the names of persons. For example:

(i) The teacher gave me a book.

(ii) Mrs Saxena teaches us Maths.

In the above sentences, the words like slap and Maths are direct objects and the words like me and us are indirect objects.

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EXERCISES 1. Pick out transitive and intransitive verbs in the following sentences. Name the objects of transitive verbs. 1. Mohit kicked the ball. 2. The sun is very hot. 3. A carpenter makes furniture. 4. He always speaks the truth. 5. The teacher punished the naughty students. 6. The cat is mewing. 7. Fire burns brightly. 8. The young boy snatched my necklace. 9. The girl smiled sweetly. 10. The baby cried loudly. 11. The thief ran away. 12. The police caught the criminal. 13. My mother cooks food. 14. Village women work hard. 15. The naughty boy broke my specs. 2. Pick out direct and indirect objects in the following sentences. 1. Sheela gave me food. 2. Grandfather told them interesting stories. 3. Mr. Rana teaches us Social Science. 4. I offered him a job. 5. The  chief  guest  gave Ruchika the medal. 6. The moneylender lent Swapana one thousand rupees. 7. Tom gave me an orange. 8. The farmer told his sons a story of morals. 9. Mr Sinha forgave us our mistakes. 10. I taught him a lesson.

15. STRONG AND WEAK VERBS Verbs are classified into two groups—

1. Strong verbs

2. Weak verbs

1. Strong verbs: Verbs which form their past tense by merely changing the vowel in the body of the present tense are called strong verbs. For example: come came fall fell begin began blow blew run ran see saw 2. Weak verbs: Verbs which form their past tense by adding -ed, -d or -t to the present tense are called weak verbs. For example: laugh laughed show showed love loved receive received burn burnt send sent

List of Strong Verbs Present arise awake bear (carry) bear (give birth to) become behold begin bid bind bite blow break come choose

Grammar

Past Past Participle arose arisen awoke awoken bore borne bore born became become beheld beheld began begun bade, bid bidden, bid bound bound bit bitten blew blown broke broken came come chose chosen

169

cling dig do draw drink drive eat fall fight find fling fly forget forsake freeze get give go grind grow hang hide hold know lie (put body in resting position) ride ring rise run see shake shine shrink sing sink sit slay slide sling smite speak spin spit spring stand stick strike sting string

170

clung clung dug dug did done drew drawn drank drunk drove driven ate eaten fell fallen fought fought found found flung flung flew flown forgot forgotten forsook forsaken froze frozen got got gave given went gone ground ground grew grown hung hung hid hidden held held knew known lay lain rode ridden rang rung rose risen ran run saw seen shook shaken shone shone shrank shrunk sang sung sank sunk sat sat slew slain slid slid slung slung smote smitten spoke spoken spun spun spat spat sprang sprung stood stood stuck stuck struck struck stung stung strung strung

Assignments in English Plus – 8

strive swear swim take tear thrive throw tread wake wear weave win wind wring write

strove striven swore sworn swam swum took taken tore torn thrived, throve thrived, thriven threw thrown trod trodden woke woken wore worn wove woven won won wound wound wrung wrung wrote written

List of Weak Verbs Present Past Past Participle bend bent bent beseech besought besought bleed bled bled breed bred bred bring brought brought build built built burn burnt burnt buy bought bought catch caught caught clothe clothed clothed creep crept crept curse cursed cursed dare dared dared deal dealt dealt deceive deceived deceived die died died dream dreamed, dreamt dreamed, dreamt dwell dwelt dwelt feed fed fed feel felt felt flee fled fled flow flowed flowed hang hanged hanged have had had hear heard heard keep kept kept kneel knelt knelt lay laid laid lead led led lean leaned, leant leaned, leant leap leaped, leapt leaped, leapt

Grammar

171

learn learned, learnt learned, learnt leave left left lend lent lent light lighted, lit lighted, lit lie (speak falsely) lied lied lose lost lost make made made mean meant meant meet met met melt melted melted pay paid paid prove proved proved raise raised raised say said said seek sought sought sell sold sold send sent sent sew sewed sewed, sewn shave shaved shaven shoot shot shot show showed showed sleep slept slept smell smelled, smelt smelled, smelt sow sowed sowed, sown speed sped, speeded sped, speeded spell spelled, spelt spelled, spelt spend spent spent spill spilled spilled, spilt strew strewed strewed, strewn sweep swept swept swell swelled swollen teach taught taught tell told told think thought thought travel travelled travelled weep wept wept wet wetted wetted work worked worked

List of verbs having the Three Forms Alike Present Past Past Participle bet bet bet burst burst burst cast cast cast cost cost cost cut cut cut hit hit hit hurt hurt hurt let let let put put put read read read

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rid rid rid set set set shed shed shed shut shut shut split split split spread spread spread thrust thrust thrust

EXERCISES 1. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct options given below: 1. Yesterday our school .................... the Republic Day. (a) celebrates (b) celebrated (c) has celebrated 2. There are no birds in the corridor. They .................... away. (a) has flown (b) flew (c) have flown 3. Someone .................... me not to disclose the truth. (a) tells (b) has told (c) have told 4. Several people .................... in the accident that took place yesterday. (a) died (b) has died (c) die 5. As soon as the police .................... near the thief, he ran away. (a) go (b) went (c) gone 6. The property dealer .................... at in the broad day light. (a) was shot (b) is shot (c) has shot 7. Please give your pen for a while. I .................... my own. (a) lost (b) have lost (c) lose 8. I .................... an old friend of mine while I was coming back to home. (a) meet (b) have met (c) met 9. Don’t .................... all the students. (a) forgive (b) forgave (c) forgiven 10. The teacher told those students to stand up who .................... the homework. (a) have not done (b) had not done (c) has not done 2. Re-write the following sentences by changing the verbs into past and past participle forms. 1. Rajat sprinkles coloured water on me. 2. Neha dances in the party. 3. The naughty boy hits his brother. 4. The cloud hides the sun. 5. Mr Sukhija helps me. 6. My brother gets good marks in the exams. 7. Children shout at one another. 8. The tiger kills the deer. 9. Ratna cooks delicious dishes. 10. They speak loudly.

16. THE ADJECTIVE — KINDS OF ADJECTIVES

An Adjective is a word that adds something to the meaning of a noun or a pronoun. For example: (i) My mother is a kind lady. (ii) No body likes a cunning man. (iii) It is a pleasant day today. (iv) King Ashoka was a great man. In the above sentences, all the italicised words are Adjectives.

Kinds of Adjectives There are six kinds of Adjectives: 1. Adjective of Quality 2. Adjective of Quantity 3. Adjective of Numbers 4. Demonstrative Adjective 5. Interrogative Adjective 6. Possessive Adjective 1. Adjective of Quality tells us what kind of a person or a thing is. For example: (i) My mother is a kind lady. (ii) No body likes a cunning man. (iii) It is a pleasant day today. (iv) King Ashoka was a great man. Adjectives of Quality answer the question – ‘of what kind?’

Grammar

173

2. Adjective of Quantity tells us how much of a thing is intended. For example: (i) Don’t give me much sugar. (ii) I gave enough food to the poor. (iii) There is little water in the glass. (iv) I need some salt in the soup. Adjectives of Quantity answer the question – ‘how much?’ 3. Adjective of Number tells us how many persons or things there are or in what order any of them stands. For example: (i) They put several questions before me. (ii) All the students had to participate in the show. (iii) The first boy from the left has won the prize. (iv) Several people gathered on the road. Adjectives of Number answer the question – ‘how many?’ or ‘in what order?’ 4. Demonstrative Adjective is used to point out which persons or things are meant. For example: (i) These books are new. (ii) I don’t like such people. (iii) I want those dresses. (iv) This pen is mine. Demonstrative Adjectives answer the question – ‘which?’ 5. Interrogative Adjective is used to ask questions. For example: (i) Which bag is yours? (ii) Whose pen is this? (iii) What colour is your shirt? (iv) Which flat is his? 6. Possessive Adjective shows possession or belonging. For example: (i) My car is new. (ii) His mobile phone has been stolen. (iii) I got my wrist watch. (iv) Some criminals broke into their house. Possessive Adjectives answer the question – ‘whose?’

EXERCISE 1. Pick out all the Adjectives in the following sentences, and say to which class each of them belongs: 1. Mr Singh is an industrious person. 2. There is little water in the jug. 3. The farmer has four sons. 4. The lamb is an innocent creature. 5. How much money do you need? 6. Which bag do you like? 7. I ate some rice. 8. I have enough food to eat. 9. The first from left won the prize. 10. Those students are very intelligent. 11. I don’t like such boys. 12. Her nature is very sweet. 13. These apples are fresh. 14. There were many girls in the party.

17. THE ADVERB — KINDS OF ADVERBS An Adverb is a word that adds to the meaning of a verb and tells how a thing is done, when it is done or where it is done. For example: (i) The horse ran fast. (ii) Mamta came late. (iii) Our examination will start tomorrow. (iv) We looked above. All the italicised words are adverbs.

Kinds of Adverbs There are six kinds of Adverbs:

1. Adverb of Manner 3. Adverb of Time 5. Adverb of Degree

2. Adverb of Place 4. Adverb of Number 6. Interrogative Adverb

1. Adverb of Manner tells how or in what manner an action is done or performed. For example: (i) We did our job perfectly. (ii) Smriti writes neatly. (iii) The soldiers acted bravely. (iv) The old man walks slowly.

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Adverbs of Manner answer the question – ‘how?’ 2. Adverb of Place tells where or at what place an action is done. For example: (i) My study room is upstairs. (ii) Someone has come outside. (iii) People were asked to stay inside. (iv) They went there to buy a bouquet. Adverbs of Place answer the question – ‘where?’ 3. Adverb of Time tells when or at what time an action is done. For example: (i) The guests arrived timely. (ii) I met one of my old friends yesterday. (iii) I will reach there soon. (iv) The teachers told the students to do the work  now. Adverbs of Time answer the question – ‘when?’ 4. Adverb of Number tells how often an action is done. For example: (i) I have never gone to Lucknow. (ii) We frequently visit our native place. (iii) We should always be punctual. (iv) I have met him thrice. Adverbs of Number answer the question – ‘how often?’ 5. Adverb of Degree tells how much or to what extent a thing is done. For example: (i) He is totally confused. (ii) I am very happy. (iii) The old man was nearly tired. (iv) What you say is partly true. Adverbs of Degree answer the question – ‘how much?’ 6. Interrogative Adverb is used to ask questions. For example: (i) How did you reach the temple? (ii) Where are you? (iii) Why is Neha so silent? (iv) When will you come to me?

Formation of Adverbs

1. Most adverbs are formed from adjectives by adding –ly; e.g.

active – actively careless – carelessly

slow – slowly coward – cowardly

loud – loudly beautiful – beautifully

2. Some adverbs have exactly the same form as adjectives; e.g. Adjective

The boy is a fast runner. It is my daily routine. I often go for a short walk in morning. I am an early riser.

Adverbs

The boy ran fast. He comes here daily. I often go short of food. We arrived early at the party.

Comparison of Adverbs Some adverbs, like adjectives, have three degrees of comparison. Such adverbs are therefore compared like adjectives. 1. Adverbs of one syllable form their comparative by adding –er and superlative by adding –est to the positive:

Positive

Comparative

early

earlier

earliest

loud

louder

loudest

long

longer

longest

hard

harder

hardest

fast

faster

fastest

soon

sooner

soonest

near

nearer

nearest

high

higher

highest

Grammar

Superlative

175

2. Adverbs ending in –ly form their comparative by adding more and superlative by adding most:

Positive

sweetly freely skilfully bravely swiftly quietly gladly

more more more more more more more

Comparative sweetly freely skilfully bravely swiftly quietly gladly

Superlative

most most most most most most most

sweetly freely skilfully bravely swiftly quietly gladly

3. Some adverbs form their comparative and superlative degrees in an irregular manner:

Positive

Comparative

Superlative

much more most well better best ill, badly, evil worse worst little less least late later latest, last far farther, further farthest, furthest near nearer nearest, next

Position of Adverbs 1. Adverbs of manner are generally placed after the verb or after the object if there is one; e.g. (i) The stranger behaved gently. (ii) I cannot speak English fluently. (iii) We faced the situation bravely. (iv) Ranjana did her work skillfully. 2. Adverbs of place and time are also usually placed after the verb or after the object if there is one; e.g. (i) I visited the place yesterday. (ii) You can wait outside. (iii) He searched his purse everywhere. (iv) My uncle will come tomorrow. 3. Adverbs of frequency, adverbs of degrees and sometimes adverbs of manner generally put: • between the subject and the verb if the verb consists of one word; e.g. (i) He never cries. (ii) Ranjita never laughs. • after the first word in case the verb consists of two words; e.g. (i) My father has just come. (ii) We should always obey the elders. • after the verb if it is is/ are/ am/ was/ were; e.g. (i) I am always at home in the evening. (ii) She is quite happy to wait for me. 4. When an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, the adverb generally comes before it; e.g. (i) The horse looked very tired. (ii) We should not agree to his suggestion so quickly. 5. But the adverb enough is always put after the word it modifies; e.g. (i) He is strong enough to lift the box. (ii) Rohit is brave enough to face all the odds in his life.

Correct use of Some Adverbs 1. Very, Much: Very is used with adjectives, adverbs in the positive degree, while much with comparative degree; e.g. (i) Sanju speaks very loudly. (ii) The new dress is much the same as the old one.

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2. Fairly, Rather: Fairly is used with favourable adjectives and rather is used with unfavourable ones; e.g. (i) I know Mr Arora fairly well. (ii) These instructions are rather complicated. 3. Enough: Enough is used in positive sense. It is put after the adjective which it modifies; e.g, (i) I am clever enough to tackle the situation. (ii) The boy is tall enough to reach the table. 4. Quite: Quite means completely, fully; e.g. (i) I am quite healthy. (ii) He is quite happy. 5. Too: • Too means excess of something; e.g. (i) I am too strong. (ii) It is too cold. • Too is used in negative sense also and then it is followed by an infinitive; e.g. (i) The old man is too weak to walk. (ii) The box is too heavy to lift. 6. Of course, certainly: Of course is used to denote a natural or inevitable consequence. Certainly is used to emphasise that what we are saying is correct, e.g., (i) Wouldn’t you like to visit the Taj Mahal in the near future? Of course I would. (ii) My mother certainly is very sincere.

EXERCISES 1. Fill in the blanks with the Adverbs given in the box. politely badly soon patiently wisely silently today early nearly partly 1. He treated me ............... . 2. The boy listened to me ............... and then went out. 3. We rise ............... everyday. 4. My father tackled the situation ............... . 5. Little children cannot sit ............... even for a while. 6. Your answer is ............... correct. 7. The bus of this route will arrive ............... . 8. We behaved with the strangers ............... . 9. I have to attend a party ............... . 10. Raman is ............... as intelligent as Shyam is. 2. Insert the Adverbs given in the brackets in their correct places. 1. She eats rajma and chawl. (only) 2. They arrive on time. (never) 3. My father has come now. (just) 4. He makes a mistake. (rarely) 5. We know each other. (hardly) 6. The boy replied. (intelligently) 7. I would never hurt anyone. (intentionally) 8. We are not responsible for this. (legally) 9. The bottle is empty. (nearly) 10. He spoke to me. (softly). 3. Fill in the blanks with appropriate degree of adjective/ adverbs given in the brackets. 1. Ram is ............... than his brother. (wise) 2. My father knows ............... than me. (well) 3. Teachers arrived ............... than the guests. (early) 4. She walks ............... than me. (fast) 5. I do my work ............... . (carefully)

Grammar

177

6. There is a church ............... to the college. (near) 7. This route is the ............... of all. (far) 8. She proved herself the ............... of all. (wise) 4. Insert the adverbs given in the brackets in their correct position. 1. The boy ran fast to catch the train. (enough) 2. I shall obey my elders. (always) 3. He is now well. (quite) 4. He goes to a restaurant. (sometimes) 5. I am jogging regularly. (fairly) 5. Fill in the blanks with very, much, enough, quite or too. 1. She is .................... weak in studies to score good marks. 2. The climate of this place is good .................... for me. 3. This is .................... a different problem. 4. He is .................... impressed with me. 5. I was .................... appreciated in the party. 6. My brother is .................... wiser than me. 7. Your answer is .................... correct. 8. Sneha is .................... weak to walk. 9. He told me a story which was .................... interesting. 10. We are able .................... to do this work.

18. CONJUNCTION A Conjunction is a word used to join words, groups of words or sentences. For example: (i) I helped him because he was needy. (ii) Ratna is studying but her brother is playing. (iii) John and David are good friends. (iv) Do you know that he is a man of knowledge? All the italicised words are conjunctions because they join words, groups of words or sentences.

Kinds of Conjunctions 1. Co-ordinating Conjunction 2. Sub-ordinating Conjunction 1. Co-ordinating conjunctions are conjunctions which join two words or sentences of equal rank or order together. For example: • The sun rises in the east. The sun sets in the west. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. • Nidhi loves noodles. Her sister loves chocolates. Nidhi loves noodles but her sister loves chocolates. • Walk fast. You will miss the bus. Walk fast or you will miss the bus. • Ratna is intelligent. She does not get good marks. Ratna is intelligent yet she does not get good marks. Take the first pair of sentences. The sentences “The sun rises in the east” ‘and’ “The sun sets in the west” are two independent sentences, each able to stand alone. They are of equal rank or order. None of the part depends on the other for its complete meaning. If we join these two independent sentences by the word and, we make one sentence. “The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.” Here, the joining word ‘and’ is a Co-ordinating Conjunction. In other pair of sentences also words like but, or and yet join together the sentences of equal rank or order. Therefore, they are all Co-ordinating Conjunctions. We also call a conjunction co-ordinating when it joins two single words together because they are of the same rank or order. For example: Two and two make four. Time and tide wait for none. In the above sentences, the word ‘and’ is a co-ordinating conjunction.

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2. Sub-ordinating Conjunctions are conjunctions which join two sentences of unequal rank or order. One of the two sentences is dependent upon, or subordinate to the other. For example: • I could not go to school because I was ill. • I shall be happy if I get good marks. • My grandmother is very active though she is very old. • He won’t come unless we cordially invite him. Take the first sentence. It contains two statements— • I could not go to school because I was ill. These two statements or sentences are not independent. They cannot stand alone. The sentence, ‘because I was ill’ is dependent upon the sentence, ‘I could not go to school’ for its complete meaning. We can also say that two sentences are not of equal rank or order. Hence, the word ‘because’ is sub-ordinating conjunction. In other sentences also, the words like if, though and unless join two sentences of unequal rank or order. Therefore, they are all sub-ordinating conjunctions. Note: The sub-ordinating conjunction is always the first word in the dependent sentence.

Uses of Conjunctions • and: (i) Sneha loves light music. Sneha loves dance. Sneha loves light music and dance. • but: (i) He is very simple. He is very strict. He is very simple but very strict. • or, otherwise: (i) Run fast. You will not win the trophy. Run fast or you will not win the trophy. Run fast otherwise you will not win the trophy. • unless: (i) You do not study well. You will fail Unless you study well, you will not pass. • therefore, so: (i) I have a headache. I cannot go to play. I have a headache therefore I cannot go to play. I have a headache so I cannot go to play. • because, since: (i) He could not attend the meeting. He was ill. He could not attend the meeting because he was ill. Since he was ill, he could not attend the meeting. • as well as: (i) My mother purchased books. My mother My mother purchased books as well as purchased copies. copies. • whereas, while: (i) Rama was of cool nature. Lakshmana Rama was of cool nature whereas (or while) was aggressive. Lakshmana was aggressive. • either ..... or: (i) Keep quiet. Go outside. Either keep quiet or go outside. • neither ..... nor: (i) He is not helpful. He is not reliable. He is neither helpful nor reliable. • though, although, still: (i) He was not selected. He worked day and night. He was not selected though he worked day and night. Although he worked day and night, he was not selected. He worked day and night still he was not selected.

Grammar

179

EXERCISES 1. Pick out the Conjunctions in the following sentences and say whether they are Co-ordinating or Sub-ordinating. 1. Radha went out to play but her sister stayed indoors. 2. You will be shocked if you know about the tragedy. 3. The Chief guest could not come to the function because he got an accident. 4. I shall be surprised if my brother takes part in the debate. 5. A man came to me and snatched my purse. 6. He is poor but happy. 7. My grandmother is very old, therefore, she cannot walk a long distance. 8. Unless you work hard, you will not pass. 9. I was doing my homework when my friend came. 10. Walk fast or you will miss the programme. 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable conjunctions. 1. You will get success ............... you are honest. 2. Wait here ............... I return. 3. ............... he is bold, he can fight for the cause. 4. He could not attend the meeting ............... he was out of station. 5. He was suffering from high fever, ............... he could not attend the meeting. 6. Make hay ............... the sun shines. 7. ............... you study hard, you will not good marks. 8. Sit quietly ............... go outside. 9. He likes rice ............... his brother likes bread. 10. Study well ............... you will fail. 3. Re-write the following by joining them with the help of Conjunctions: 1. Roshan is not strong. Roshan is not weak. 2. The pilot died. The passengers died. 3. I got the first rank. I studied hard. 4. Neha is intelligent. Her sister is dull. 5. We waited. The guests arrived. 6. He could not catch the train. He ran very fast. 7. The old man got angry. Some naughty boys laughed at him.

19. DEGREES OF COMPARISON There are three degrees of comparison:

1. The Positive Degree

2. The Comparative Degree

3. The Superlative Degree

1. The Positive Degree of an adjective is used when we do not make any comparison. For example: Shobhita is a bold girl. Here, the word bold is said to be in the positive degree. 2. The Comparative Degree of an adjective is used when we compare two persons or things. For example: Suhana is bolder than Shobhita. Here, the word bolder is said to be in the comparative degree. 3. The Superlative Degree of an adjective is used when we compare more than two persons or things. For example: Romila is the boldest of the three. Here, the word boldest is said to be in the superlative degree.

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Remember these points 1. The positive degree of an adjective is the adjective itself in its simple (original) form. It is used to denote the mere existence of a quality we speak of. 2. The comparative degree of an adjective denotes a higher degree of quality than the positive degree. 3. The superlative degree of an adjective denotes the highest degree of quality.

Formation of Comparative and Superlative Degrees 1. By adding –er and –est to the positive degree.



Positive

Comparative Superlative





sweet sweeter sweetest



cheap

cheaper

cheapest



great

greater

greatest



old

older

oldest



young

younger

youngest



fast

faster

fastest



high

higher

highest



low

lower

lowest



deep

deeper

deepest



strong

stronger

strongest



bold

bolder

boldest



tall

taller

tallest



2. By adding –r and –st to the positive degree ending in –e.

Positive

Comparative Superlative



fine humble safe noble dense able brave large wise

finer humbler safer nobler denser abler braver larger wiser

finest humblest safest noblest densest ablest bravest largest wisest

3. By changing the last ‘y’ of the positive degree into ‘e’ and adding –er and –est.

Positive

Comparative



healthy happy dry busy pretty heavy

healthier healthiest happier happiest drier driest busier busiest prettier prettiest heavier heaviest

Grammar

Superlative

181

4. By doubling the final (last) consonant of positive degree if preceded by a vowel and then adding –er and –est.

Positive

Comparative

Superlative



sad big full hot red thin fat wet

sadder saddest bigger biggest fuller fullest hotter hottest redder reddest thinner thinnest fatter fattest wetter wettest

5. By adding more to the positive degree to form the comparative degree and most to form the superlative degree. Remember that these adjectives are usually of two syllables and more than two syllables.

Positive

Comparative

Superlative



honest beautiful cheerful intelligent interesting pleasant powerful difficult active famous important popular careful

more more more more more more more more more more more more more

most most most most most most most most most most most most most

honest beautiful cheerful intelligent interesting pleasant powerful difficult active famous important popular careful

honest beautiful cheerful intelligent interesting pleasant powerful difficult active famous important popular careful

6. By comparing in an irregular way.





182

Positive

Comparative

Superlative

good bad far late little fore easy early wealthy lovely many, much old

better worse farther, further later, latter less former easier earlier wealthier lovelier more older, elder

best worst farthest, furthest latest, last least foremost, first easiest earliest wealthiest loveliest most oldest, eldest

Note: • The comparative degree is generally followed by the word ‘than’ and the superlative degree is preceded by ‘the’ and followed by ‘of’. However, adjectives like superior, inferior, senior,

Assignments in English Plus – 8

junior, prior, interior, posterior are followed by ‘to’ and not by ’than’. For example: Incorrect : Mr Sharma is more senior than me. Correct

: Mr Sharma is senior to me.

• Double comparatives and double superlatives are not used. For example: Incorrect : Ritu is more wiser than her sister. Correct : Ritu is wiser than her sister. Incorrect : Shubham is the most bravest boy in the class. Correct : Shubham is the bravest boy in the class. Adjectives like unique, chief, perfect, dead, universal, excellent, false, extreme etc. are not changed into comparative or superlative degree. For example: Incorrect : Radhika is more excellent girl. Correct : Radhika is an excellent girl.

EXERCISE 1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the Adjectives given in the brackets. 1. Ajit is the .................... boy in the class. (popular) 2. Gold is .................... than silver. (heavy) 3. Chandigarh is a .................... city. (beautiful) 4. Akbar was one of the .................... Mughal Emperors. (wise) 5. I don’t know the .................... news of the place. (late) 6. The Jupiter is .................... than any other planet in our galaxy. (big) 7. Which is the .................... mountain in the world? (high) 8. This is the .................... building here. (old) 9. Abdul’s presence of mind is .................... than Rohan. (good) 10. Your handwriting is .................... than me. (bad) 2. Choose the correct word.

1. His personality is inferior .................... his brother.



(a) to

(b) than

(c) for

(a) to

(b) than

(c) for

4. My mother is a .................... lady.



(c) for

3. My father prefers coffee .................... tea.



(b) to

2. Sunanda is junior .................... me.



(a) than

(a) perfect

(b) more perfect

(c) most perfect

5. Raju is the bravest .................... all men in this locality.



(a) to (b) than

(c) of

20. NON–FINITE VERBS We place verbs in two categories:

I. Finite Verbs

II. Non-finite Verbs

I. A Finite Verb is limited by the person and number of the subject; e.g.,

1. The boy plays in the field.

Grammar

2. Boys play in the field.

183

In sentence 1, the subject boy is in singular form and so the verb plays is also in singular form. In sentence 2, the subject boys is plural and so the verb play is also in plural form. In both the sentences the verb play is guided by its respective subjects. Here the verbs plays and play are finite verbs. II. A Non-finite Verb is not limited by the person and number of the subject; e.g., 1. A child loves to eat chocolates.



2. Children love to eat chocolates.

In both the sentences to eat is a verb but it remains unchanged. Hence, it is a non-finite verb.

Kinds of Non-finite verbs There are three types of non-finite verbs:

1. Infinitive

2. Gerund

3. Participle

1. INFINITIVE An Infinitive is the base form of a verb. Its structure is — to + V1. It is not limited by the number and person of the subject. It functions as a noun. For example; to do, to learn etc. But sometimes the verb is not preceded by ‘to’. For example; Let him do the work, etc.

Uses of Infinitives • As subject of a verb; e.g., 1. To demand something is easy.

2. To speak French is difficult.

In the above sentences, the italicised words are Infinitives used as a subject of a verb. We begin such sentences with an introductory ‘It’. For example: 1. It is easy to demand something. 2. It is difficult to speak French.

• As object of a verb; e.g., 1. Children like to play.

2. We decided to write to the Principal.

In the above sentences, the italicised words are Infinitives used as object of a verb. List of verbs which take infinitive with to after them: •

afford choose happen manage remember

agree care hope offer seem

aim demand like prepare try

appear decide learn plan want

attempt forget love promise wish

arrange fail long refuse

As complement of a verb; e.g., 1. My favourite pastime is to play the harmonium. 2. The country has many problems to solve. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Infinitives used as complements of a verb.



• There are verbs which are followed by the conjunctions such as how, what, when, where, which, why. For example; 1. I do not know how to drive. 2. Tell me what to do. 3. He does not know when to leave. 4. They know where to go. List of verbs which take question words + to infinitive discover

decide

find

learn

know

remember

show

• As object of a preposition; e.g., 1. The bus is about to start. 2. The tiger came out of the den to attack the deer. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Infinitives used as object of a preposition.

184

Assignments in English Plus – 8

• As case in apposition to a noun or a pronoun; e.g., 1. He allowed the children to play outside. 2. My father told me to work hard. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Infinitives in apposition to a noun or a pronoun.

List of verbs which take object + infinitive with to after them:

al1ow oblige tell

advise force order permit teach warn

instruct invite remind request wish want

Infinitive without ‘to’ or Bare Infinitive There are some verbs which take the Infinitive without to. Such verbs are: (i) let, make, hear, help, know, observe, feel, notice, see, watch, please, overhear (ii) Modal auxiliary verbs: can; could, may; might, shall; should, will; would; dare; must; need Examples: 1. He let me go. 2. I made him laugh. 3. I heard the boy cry. 4. My father helped me face the situation. 5. He saw her go. 6. These students can speak English. 7. I dare not stand before him. 8. You need not shout. 9. We must do our duty. 10. It may rain today.

2. GERUND A word having the characteristics of a noun as well as of a verb is called a Gerund. A gerund is a noun made from a verb by adding ‘ing’. For example: 1. Walking is good for health. 2. Dancing keeps our body fit. In the above sentences, the words like walking and dancing are like a verb and a noun. Therefore, they are Gerunds. Gerunds are also called Verbal Nouns.

Uses of Gerunds • Gerund as a subject; e.g., 1. Smoking is bad for health. 2. Cycling is a type of exercise. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Gerunds used as a subject of a verb. • Gerund as an object; e.g., 1. My brother likes playing the guitar. 2. Children love reading adventurous stories. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Gerunds used as object of a verb. • Gerund as complement of a verb; e.g., 1. My favourite pastime is collecting stamps. 2. Seeing is believing. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Gerunds used as the complement of a verb. • Gerund after preposition; e.g., 1. We can’t live without breathing air. 2. My sister is fond of painting. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Gerunds used after the preposition. List of Prepositions which are followed by gerund (–ing form). of before

without at by on

from in

off up

for

• Gerund as case in apposition to the pronoun ‘It’; e.g., 1. It is no good quarrelling over trifles. 2. It is worth mentioning this point. In the above sentences, the italicised words are case in apposition to a pronoun.

Grammar

185

• Gerund with possessive adjectives or ‘is’, e.g., 1. I like his being so punctual. 2. My father does not like John’s interrupting him. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Gerunds used as nouns. List of verbs usually followed by Gerund(–ing form):

admit delay forgive miss resist

appreciate deny hate pardon save

avoid excuse keep postpone suggest

consider continue enjoy finish like live prevent quarrel understand remember

3. PARTICIPLE A Participle is the form of verb which has the characteristics of a verb as well as an adjective. Its form is — Verb + Adjective = Participle. For example: 1. He told me an amusing incident. 2. It was a tiring job. In the above sentences, the words like amusing and tiring have been made from the verbs amuse and tire. Since amusing and tiring are followed by incident and job respectively therefore they act as adjectives. Thus, we can say that amusing and tiring are participles because they have the characteristics of both a verb and an adjective.

Participles are of three types:

1. Present Participle

2. Perfect Participle

3. Past Participle

1. Present Participle: Form : infinitive (V1) + ing; as talking, singing, working, etc.

Uses of Present Participle • As an adjective; e.g., 1. It was a horrifying sight. 2. It is an interesting tale. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Present Participles used as adjectives. • As a subject complement; e.g., 1. The sight was horrifying. 2. The tale is interesting. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Present Participles used as subject complement. • As an object complement; e.g., 1. He saw me working in the field. 2. I left Sarita writing an article. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Present Participles used as an object complement. • To combine sentences; e.g., 1. The criminal saw the police. He ran away. Seeing the police, the criminal ran away. 2. Boys went out of the room. They were shouting. Boys went out of the room shouting. 2. Perfect Participle: Form : Having + past participle (V3)

Uses of Perfect Participle In Active voice — having + past participle; as having done. In Passive voice — having been + past participle; as having been done.

• Perfect Participles help to combine sentences; e.g.,

186

Assignments in English Plus – 8

1. Sonu has seen the movie. He wants to tell the story to his friends. Having seen the movie, Sonu wants to tell the story to his friends. (Active Voice) 2. We did hard labour. We got good marks. Having done hard labour, we got good marks. (Active Voice) 3. The man was caught. He became upset. Having been caught, the man became upset. (Passive Voice) 4. The examination was over. The students started talking. The examination having been over, the students started talking. (Passive Voice) 3. Past Participle: Form : Infinitive (V1) + –d/ –ed/ –en/ –n

Uses of Past Participle • As an adjective; e.g., 1. Mother threw out broken toys. 2. The police handed over the stolen watch to me. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Past Participles used as an adjective. • As a subject complement; e.g., 1. All the jhuggies were burnt. 2. The boy is saved. In the above sentences, the italicised words are Past Participles used as a subject complement. • To combine sentences; e.g., 1. Some students came to me. They were accompanied by their parents. Accompanied by their parents, some students came to me. 2. He was alerted by the sound. He leapt to his feet. Alerted by the sound, he leapt to his feet.

EXERCISE 1. Point out the Infinitives, the Gerunds and the Participles in the given sentences: 1. Dancing keeps the body fit. 2. I saw a drowning boy. 3. It was a horrifying experience. 4. The police found the man stealing a watch. 5. Barking dogs do not bite. 6. I like to visit hill stations. 7. My brother is learning how to swim. 8. He allowed me to enter the classroom. 9. We should not eat rotten vegetables. 10. Having gone to the station, I met my uncle. 11. We have stopped talking. 12. The boy enjoys reading stories. 13. I love to listen old songs. 14. Seeing the police, the thief ran away. 15. He made me think positively. 2. Put the verbs in brackets into correct form–Infinitive, Gerund or Participle. 1. Boys like ............... games. (play) 2. My father wished ............... my class teacher. (meet) 3. We enjoy ............... cards. (play) 4. I am sorry for ............... late. (arrive) 5. Let him ............... hard. (work) 6. ............... mountains is difficult. (climb) 7. My friend is good at ............... . (paint) 8. We should not board a ............... train. (run) 9. ............... is my favourite pastime. (read) 10. He promised ............... with me for two days. (stay) 11. ............... the police, the criminal ran away. (see) 12. I made my friend ............... loudly. (laugh) 13. My uncle told me an ............... story. (interest) 14. John kept me ............... for a long time. (wait) 15. He sat in a ............... chair. (break)

Grammar

187



21. VOCABULARY A. HOMOPHONES (Words that are pronounced like another words but have different spellings or meanings)

1. Affect (to produce a change) — over eating affects our health.

Effect (consequence) — Regular exercise has beneficial effect on our body.

2. Access (the right to enter, approach) — Lalit has an access to a few influential leaders.

Excess (more than enough) — Excess salt intake is harmful.

3. Adopt (take as one’s own) — A middle-aged couple adopted a new-born child.

Adapt (become suitable for new conditions) — I can easily adapt myself to new surrounding.



Adept (very skilful) — My friend is adept in painting.

4. Assent (express agreement) — I can’t start this project without my father’s assent.

Ascent (ascending) — We began our gradual ascent up the hill.

5. Advise (suggest) — Advise your younger brother not to eat junk food.

Advice (suggestion) — I got success following my father’s advice.

6. Birth — The date of birth of our grandfather is unknown.

Berth — I reserved a berth in the Rajdhani Express.

7. Break — The naughty boy broke my window-pane.

Brake — The brake of the scooter is not working.

8. Check — The police checked the mob from being violent.

Cheque — The cheque of one lakh has not reached yet.

9. Caste — We should not believe in caste system.

Cast (register one’s vote, throw) — We mustn’t cast our votes under anyone’s influence.

10. Childlike (simple and innocent like a child) — His childlike activities gladdened me.

Childish (behaving in a silly way) — His childish behaviour is not liked by anyone.

11. Careless — Raman is so careless that his parents are always worried about him.

Carefree (light hearted, free from worry) — One should be carefree to enjoy life in its full.

12. Council (a group of elected people) — My brother is a member of council.

Counsel (advice) — He gave me good counsel.

13. Decent (very good) — Her decent behaviour pleased everyone.

Descent (downward) — The plane began its descent to the airport.

14. Diseased (affected with illness) — The diseased man died in the morning.

Deceased (dead) — The government announced compensation for the family of the deceased.

15. Fair — Village fairs present a colourful sight.

Fare (travelling charge) — There is a steep rise in the train fare.

16. Human — Human life is full of ups and downs.

Humane (kind) — His humane behaviour is really praiseworthy.

17. Piece — Babulal quarrelled with his neighbour for a piece of land.

Peace — Peace brings happiness.

18. Proceed (to continue doing something) — We should proceed with the same project.

188

Precede (to happen before something) — Mr. Verma preceded his friend in the job.

Assignments in English Plus – 8

19. Right — We must be aware of our rights and duties.

Rite (ritual) — His funeral rites were performed with heavy hearts.

20. Route (a way) — There is always rush in this route.

Root — Continuous rain weakens the roots of small plants.

21. Story — The stories of Rajput chivalry are famous.

Storey — We have a two-storeyed building.

22. Stare (look fixedly) — Why are you staring at me?

Stair (fixed indoor steps) — The stairs of my building are very comfortable.

23. Stationary (not movable) — The jeep collided with a stationary vehicle.

Stationery (writing material) — There is a stationery shop in my locality.

24. Shoulder (a body part) — My brother carried the airbag on his shoulders.

Soldier (an army man) — The Indian soldiers are brave.

25. Some — Give me some salt.

Sum — This sum is not at all difficult.

26. Zealous (eager to do something) — Raja Rammohan Roy was a zealous social reformer.

Jealous (resentful towards a rival) — We should not be jealous of anyone.

B. SYNONYMS (Words having same meaning) 1. able

— capable

23. bright

— shining

2. abolish

— destroy

24. beneficial

—

profitable

3. abundance — plentiful

25. clear

—

open, transparent

4. absolute

— despotic

26. clever

— wise

5. advantage

—

27. cause

— reason

6. appreciate — praise

28. convenient

—

7. anxiety

— worry

29. complicated — complex

8. admit

— accept

30. contrary

— opposite

9. apparent

— obvious

31. conceal

— hide

10. authority

— power

32. curtail

— reduce

11. adhere

—

33. cease

— stop

12. alter

— change

34. civil

—

13. adept

—

35. comply

— agree

14. affection

— love

36. diligent

— laborious

15. ample

—

enough, sufficient

37. diminish

— reduce

16. answer

—

reply

38. difficult

—

17. assemble

— gather

39. dangerous — risky

18. ancient

— old

40. defer

—

delay, postpone

19. beautiful

— pretty

41. dear

—

costly, beloved

20. blank

— empty

42. desperate — hopeless

21. brief

— short

43. energy

— power

22. broad

— wide

44. eminent

—

Grammar

benefit

stick to skilful, expert

easy, suitable

polite, courteous

hard, tough, knotty

famous, noted

189

45. endure

—

46. effect

— impact

70. protect

— defend

47. evade

— avoid

71. prompt

— quick

48. feeble

— weak

72. peculiar

— strange

49. foolish

— silly

73. quiet

— silent

50. firm

—

74. rural

— rustic

51. fascinate

— attract

75. reject

— renounce

52. freedom

— liberty

76. slender

— slim

53. familiar

— intimate

77. severe

— harsh

54. faithful

— loyal

78. submissive — humble

55. glory

— honour

79. solitary

— lonely

56. high

—

elevated, lofty

80. secular

— worldly

57. haughty

—

proud, vain

81. savage

—

58. imperial

—

regal, kingly

82. subtle

— delicate

59. insolent

—

rude, impolite

83. serious

— critical

60. invade

— attack

84. tedious

— intricate

61. judicious

—

85. urbane

—

civil, courteous

62. lucky

— fortunate

86. ultimate

—

final

63. lavish

— extravagant

87. violent

—

fierce

64. least

— minimum

88. willing

— voluntary

65. marry

— wed

89. wrath

— rage

66. meek

— humble

90. yield

— bear

67. modest

— shy

91. zealous

— enthusiastic

68. novice

— beginner

92. war

— battle

bear, tolerate

stiff, hard

wise, prudent

69. nourishing — healthy

wild, brutal, ruthless

C. ANTONYMS

(Words having opposite meaning) 1. able

— unable

15. end

— start

2. agree

— disagree

16. bold

— timid

3. active

— passive

17. blunt

— sharp

4. awake

— asleep

18. collect

— distribute

5. arrival

— departure

19. careful

— careless

6. accept

— refuse

20. confess

— deny

7. attack

—

21. creditor

— debtor

8. ascend

— descend

22. compose

— decompose

9. abundance

—

23. coarse

— smooth

10. appreciate — criticise

24. clear

— vague

11. broad

— narrow

25. desperate

—

12. brave

— coward

26. dear

— cheap

13. barren

— fertile

27. efficient

—

14. busy

— idle

28. fresh

— stale

190

defend crisis, scarcity

hopeful, positive inefficient

Assignments in English Plus – 8

29. freedom

— slavery

49. rapid

— slow

30. famous

— notorious

50. rural

— urban

31. former

— latter

51. rare

— common

32. foe

— friend

52. rude

—

33. firm

—

53. rowdy

— quiet

34. honour

— shame

54. ruthless

—

35. income

— expenditure

55. retreat

— advance

36. joy

— sorrow

56. seldom

— often

37. lend

— borrow

57. solid

— hollow

38. lucky

— unlucky

58. timid

— fearless

39. meek

—

59. thick

— thin

40. mournful — joyful

60. tedious

— simple

41. noisy

— quiet

61. unique

—

42. public

— private

62. vacant

— occupied

43. please

— displease

63. urbane

—

44. permanent — temporary

64. union

— separation

45. pleasant

— unpleasant

65. victory

— defeat

46. pure

—

66. virtue

— vice

47. poetry

— prose

67. wax

— wane

48. qualify

— disqualify

68. wisdom

— folly

smooth

proud, haughty

adulterated, impure

civil, polite kind, humane

ordinary, common rustic, rude

D. ONE WORD FOR A GROUP OF WORDS 1. An assembly of listeners

—

audience

2. Being unable to pay one’s debts

—

bankrupt

3. One who wastes one’s money on luxury

—

extravagant

4. A list of books or other articles

—

catalogue

5. Resulting in death

—

fatal

6. That which is no longer in use

—

obsolete

7. Subject to death

—

mortal

8. A cure of all diseases

—

panacea

9. One who is made to suffer for another

—

scapegoat

10. Performing work without pay

—

honorary

11. Government run by an absolute ruler

—

dictatorship

12. Not possible to express

—

inexpressible

13. Beyond correction or reform

—

incorrigible

14. One who makes a scientific study of language

—

linguist

15. One who eats human flesh

—

cannibal

16. Of or from all parts of the world

—

cosmopolitan

17. One who knows many languages

—

polyglot

18. One who has no belief in the existence of God

—

atheist

Grammar

191

19. Without the name of the author

—

anonymous

20. Happening at the same time

—

simultaneously

21. Spoken or done without any previous preparation

—

extempore

22. All of one mind

—

unanimous

23. A place where clothes are kept

—

wardrobe

24. Happening, done, published, etc after a person has died

—

posthumous

25. The life history of a person written by himself

—

autobiography

26. The life history of a person written by another

—

biography

27. A child whose parents are dead

—

orphan

28. One who takes a dark view of things

—

pessimist

29. One who takes a bright view of things

—

optimist

30. A government run by the representatives of the people

—

democracy

E. HOMONYMS (Words that are spelt like another words but have different meanings) 1. Arm (a body part) — The man was grabbed by the arm (N).

Arm (to provide weapons for yourself/ somebody) — The soldiers got armed (V) against the enemy.

2. Battle — The battle (N) of Buxar was won by the East India Company.

Battle — The Indian soldiers battled (V) against the soldiers of Pakistan.

3. Book — I purchased a book (N) on adventure.

We booked (V) a room in a hotel in Shimla.

4. Bear — Bears (N) look attractive.

Bear (to produce) — The guava tree has started bearing (V) fruits.

5. Bank — There are only two banks (N) in this small city.

Bank (N) (edge of a river) — I spent sometime on the bank (N) of a river.

Bank (V) (to rely) — You can bank (V) upon me for any type of help. 6. Fan — The fan (N) is moving slowly.

Fan — The poor lady was fanning (V) her sick child with a piece of cloth.

7. Fine — We came through several fine (N) sights in Shimla.

Fine — The court fined (V) the man five thousand rupees.

8. Fast — People keep a day’s fast (N) on Mahashivaratri.

Fast — David is my fast (Adj.) friend.



Fast — Ria runs fast (Adv.).

9. Man — The man (N) seems emotionally strong.

Man — The hall was manned (V) with people.

10. Water — We need water (N) to live.

192

Water — I water (V) plants in the evening.

Assignments in English Plus – 8

ANSWERS 1. TENSES

1. 1. was walking, met

2. had done

3. have forgotten

4. has been crying

5. did not stop

6. took

7. have completed

8. will be looking

9. found, had broken

10. was cooking, heard

11. shan’t help

12. will be reading

13. will catch

14. occurred

15. admires

16. has been playing

17. goes, is going

18. will buy

19. has just gone

20. have not met



2. 1. The boy was not doing his homework.

2. Does Mr Sharma teach us Maths?

3. Did my father not miss the train by two minutes?

4. Rana is not buying toys.

5. I did not forget his name.

6. Has it been raining since morning?

7. My friend does not run very fast.

8. Did the man not die of high fever last night?

9. He does not write neatly.

10. Do Ruchi and Jolly go to the school together?

11. Do cows not give us milk?

12. Shall we go to the market soon?



3. 1. He is writing a letter.

2. I met the Principal yesterday.

3. Radha dances beautifully.

4. They will ride a horse.

5. Boys were making a loud noise.

6. Girls were doing their home work.

7. It has begun to rain.

8. We went to bed very early.

9. The naughty child has thrown the ball.

10. I had done my work sincerely.

4. 1. I came of a family famous for its agility.

2. It was very cold here. 3. What was the use of a statue if it could not keep the rain off? 4. I did not think I liked naughty boys. 5. He glanced at us hopefully and said that he showed visitors around the town. 6. I smiled and said it was allright that he took us along. 7. My father lost his umbrella yesterday. 8. When I was in Allahabad, I went for a dip in the Holy Sangam everyday. 9. My teacher never punished me. 10. At last I got success in achieving a good position in my class.

5. 1. He will achieve success in exams.

2. You will tell me of marvellous things. 3. The man will praise me for this act. 4. I will ride a horse. 5. He will come to see me. 6. They will go to the market in the evening. 7. The meeting will begin just now. 8. She will do this work. 9. He will give me a bouquet of flowers. 10. My father will take rest just now.

Grammar

193



6. (a) (i) he has heard



7. (a) (i) enjoyed

(b) (iii) linger on (b) (iv) found

(e) (iii) did

(c) (i) takes us over (c) (ii) judged

(d) (i) passing

(f) (iv) make

2. MODALS 1. 1. dare

2. should

3. must

4. should



7. must

8. may

9. might

6. May

5. daren’t 10. Will

11. must

12. must not

13. might

14. must

15. would



17. Shall

18. daren’t

19. could

20. Could

16. shall

2. 1. (ii) could

2. (iv) can

3. (iii) might

4. (i) Might

6. (iii) ought to

7. (i) mustn’t

8. (iv) should

9. (iv) need

10. (iii) must

3. 1. mustn’t

2. needn’t

3. need not

4. needn’t

5. mustn’t



7. needn’t

8. mustn’t

4. 1. used to

2. dare

3. used to

4. ought to

5. ought to



7. dare

8. used to

6. mustn’t 6. dare

5. (i) ought to

3. ACTIVE & PASSIVE VOICES

1. 1. I was given a beautiful wrist watch by my uncle.

2. I was laughed at by Pappu.





3. You are requested to give me your dictionary.

4. The map will have been drawn by Jimmy.



5. By whom was the Mahabharata written?

6. Volleyball was being played by them.



7. The work has been finished by children.

8. The bell is rung by the peon.



9. Let the fan be switched off.

10. Spicy foods are not liked by some children.



11. America was discovered by Columbus.

12. The ground is being dug by the man.



13. The traffic light should not be ignored.

14. The clothes have been washed by me.



15. The slippers had been bought by them.

16. The lesson is being learnt by Ruchi.



17. How was tea prepared?

18. The trophy was given to me by the chief guest.



19. Why are junk foods bought by you?

20. The duck was saved by Rehan.



2. 1. done



6. spoken

2. drawn

3. grown

4. punished

7. arrested

8. broken

9. appointed

5. repaired 10. written

4. SUBJECT–VERB AGREEMENT 1. 1. is

2. have

3. was

4. are



6. is

7. love

8. has

9. is

10. needs



11. have

12. is

13. is

14. are

15. were



16. does

17. is

18. are

19. has

20. has



5. is

2. 1. The scholar and politician is now no more.

2. Time and tide waits for no one.

3. Neither boys nor girls are sincere.

4. Neither of the applicants is eligible for the post.

5. He does not want to attend the party.



6. A pair of trousers is lying there.



7. The colour of these sarees is the same.

194

Assignments in English Plus – 8



8. A team of players has won the trophy.



9. The United States is a developed country.



10. All these pens belong to me.

5. NARRATION (Direct

and

Indirect Speech)

1. 1. Mohit said that his brother had won a trophy that day.

2. He told my uncle that he would meet him in London. 3. The man asked me where I lived. 4. The beggar requested me to give him some food. 5. My father advised me to sleep early. 6. Abdul said that his father was coming that day. 7. The old woman requested Simmi to hold her hand. 8. The stranger inquired how far the hotel was. 9. He said that he would get good marks in that paper. 10. Reena asked her friend whether she was late. 11. Prem requested Ali that he might be allowed to write that letter. 12. Mother asked me what I was learning. 13. Ram said that his father had left Hyderabad the previous day. 14. Rachna said that she had achieved her goal. 15. The woman said that she had been preparing sweets. 16. The boy said that he could speak Japanese fluently. 17. I said that he had been searching his ring. 18. She requested her husband to wait for a while. 19. The teacher asked the students what they wanted to do. 20. He said that his grandfather had been standing there for two hours.

6. CLAUSES

1. 1. whenever he gets time — Adverbial Clause 2. that he had won the first prize — Noun Clause

3. that it would rain — Noun Clause

4. why you did this — Noun Clause

5. who he is? — Noun Clause

6. What you say — Noun Clause

7. what I have to do — Noun Clause

8. because he was not well — Adverbial Clause

9. when he will come — Adverbial Clause 10. that he would pass — Noun Clause 11. who gave me the award — Adjective Clause 12. that Gandhiji once visited — Adjective Clause 13. while I was at school — Adverbial Clause 14. as the leader stood to speak — Adverbial Clause

7. DETERMINERS

1. 1. many

7. less

2. Each

3. little

8. a few

9. some

13. The few 14. some

15. All

19. any

21. a little

Grammar

20. Neither

4. much

5. either

6. any

10. any

11. Many

12. any

16. A few

17. fewer

18. Many

195

8. PREPOSITIONS

1. 1. to

2. to

3. at

4. between



6. of

7. of

8. with

9. of

5. at 10. to

11. with

12. with

13. to

14. against

15. of



16. with

17. in

18. for

19. with

20. in



2. 1. (i) with

(ii) of

(iii) of

(iv) on

(v) for

(ii) to

(iii) for

(iv) in

(v) from

2. (i) to

9. ARTICLES

1. 1. a



6. X

2. a, The

3. the

4. a

5. The, a

7. The, the

8. X

9. The, the, the 10. X

11. the

12. an, a

13. The, a

14. X

15. X. the, the



17. a

18. the

19. X

20. an

16. the

10. CONNECTORS

1. 1. but



6. whereas

2. However

3. yet

4. Although

5. despite

7. Inspite of

8. Though

9. Even though 10. still

2. 1. So that it can wade into the water to fish.



2. Otherwise it cannot catch fish from underwater.

3. For biting into fruits.

4. To befool its enemy and escape.



5. In case it is underwater it can still breathe.

11. THE SENTENCE — KINDS OF SENTENCES

1. 1. I can’t lift this box.

2. They aren’t writing a letter.



3. Nish hasn’t a new pen.

4. My father didn’t buy a new flat.



5. The cow doesn’t give us milk.

6. Children didn’t run fast.



7. They won’t take part in the debate.

8. We shouldn’t do our duty well.



9. The politicans of today aren’t selfish.



11. They aren’t enjoying  holidays  in  Shimla. 12. My parents hadn’t gone to Kashmir last year.



13. Smita isn’t ready to work hard.



15. The soldiers didn’t fight bravely.



2. 1. Does he live for others?

10. I haven’t seen the Dal Lake. 14. Laborious students don’t get good marks. 2. Have these students a good memory?



3. Is my teacher annoyed with me?

4. Are they talking loudly?



5. Does this book belong to me?

6. Did my grandfather go to the market?



7. Did I write a letter to my friend?

8. Is tea ready?



9. Did the maid come late?

10. Does the dog bark at night?



11. Do tigers roar in the jungle?

12. Is the carpenter making chairs?



13. Had we a good time yesterday?

14. Are there apples in the basket?



15. Can she solve all these sums?

196

Assignments in English Plus – 8

12. THE NOUN — KINDS OF NOUNS

1. 1. crew

5. jury 9. flock

2. herd

3. bouquet

4. fleet

6. crowd

7. swarm

8. army

10. class

2. 1. depth

6. patience

2. hatred

3. judgement

4. knowledge

7. Darkness

8. appointment

9. growth

5. arrival 10. action

13. THE PRONOUN — KINDS OF PRONOUNS 1. 1. They

2. who

3. She

7. them

8. their

9. Some



2. 1. herself

6. who 11. Whose

4. some 10. one

5. They 11. who

2. whom

3. themselves

4. which

7. that

8. Who

9. themselves

12. who

13. Which

14. themselves

6. her 12. him 5. Whom 10. themselves 15. which

3. 1. He is a good man whom everyone respects.

2. The postman who has dark hair is always early. 3. The boy who has brown eyes is my cousin. 4. My native house, which was very old is collapsed . 5. This is the book which I wanted for so long. 6. We can contact Mr. Lal whose address I have. 7. The old woman whom I helped one day is now no more. 8. This is the dish which my mother prepared. 9. The car which I bought last week is stolen . 10. I applied for a job which was advertised last month.

4. 1. Whom

6. Which

2. What

3. Which

4. What

5. whom

7. Who

8. Who

9. Which

10. Which

14. THE VERB — KINDS OF VERBS

1.

Transitive verbs 1. kicked 2. ×× 3. makes 4. speaks 5. punished 6. ×× 7. ×× 8. snatched 9. ×× 10. ×× 11. ×× 12. caught 13. cooks 14. ×× 15. broke

Grammar

Objects

ball ×× furniture the truth naughty students ×× ×× my necklace ×× ×× ×× the criminal food ×× my specs

Intransitive verbs

×× is ×× ×× ×× is mewing burns ×× smiled cried ran ×× ×× work ××

197



2. Direct objects

Indirect objects

1. food

me

2. stories

them

3. Social Science

us

4. a job

him

5. the medal

Ruchika

6. one thousand rupees

Swapana

7. an orange

me

8. a story of morals

his sons

9. our mistakes

us

10. a lesson

him

15. STRONG AND WEAK VERBS

1. 1. (b) celebrated

5. (b) went 9. (a) forgive

2.

2. (c) have flown

3. (b) has told

4. (a) died

6. (a) was shot

7. (b) have lost

8. (c) met

10. (a) have not done Past form

Past participle form

1. Rajat sprinkled coloured water on me.

• Rajat has sprinkled coloured water on me.

2. Neha danced in the party.

• Neha has danced in the party.

3. The naughty boy hit his brother.

• The naughty boy has hit his brother.

4. The cloud hid the sun.

• The cloud has hidden the sun.

5. Mr. Sukhija helped me.

• Mr. Sukhija has helped me.

6. My brother got good marks in the exams. • My brother has got good marks in the exams. 7. Children shouted at one another.

• Children have shouted at one another.

8. The tiger killed the deer.

• The tiger has killed the deer.

9. Ratna cooked delicious dishes.

• Ratna has cooked delicious dishes.

10. They spoke loudly.

• They have spoken loudly.

16. THE ADJECTIVE — KINDS OF ADJECTIVES

1. 1. industrious — adjective of quality

2. little

— adjective of quantity

3. four

— adjective of number

4. innocent — adjective of quality

5. much

— adjective of quantity

6. Which

— interrogative adjective

7. some

— adjective of quantity

8. enough

— adjective of quantity

9. first

— adjective of number

10. Those

— demonstrative adjective

11. such

— demonstrative adjective

12. Her

— Possessive adjective

13. These

— demonstrative adjective

14. many

— adjective of number

17. THE ADVERB — KINDS OF ADVERBS

1. 1. badly

6. partly

198

2. patiently

3. early

4. wisely

7. soon

8. politely

9. today

5. silently 10. nearly

Assignments in English Plus – 8



2. 1. She eats only rajma and chawal.



3. My father has come in just now.

4. He rarely makes a mistake.



5. We hardly know each other.

6. The boy replied intelligently



7. I would never hurt anyone intentionally.

8. We are not legally responsible for this.



9. The bottle is nearly empty.



3. 1. wiser



5. more carefully

2. They never arrive on time.

10. He spoke to me softly.

2. better

3. earlier

4. faster

6. nearer

7. farthest

8. wisest

4. 1. The boy ran fast enough to catch the train.

2. I shall always obey my elders.

3. He is now quite well.

4. He sometimes goes to a restaurant.

5. I am jogging fairly regularly.

5. 1. too

6. much

2. enough

3. quite

4. very

5. much

7. quite

8. too

9. very

10. enough

18. CONJUNCTION 1.

Conjunctions

Whether they are co-ordinating or sub-ordinating

1. but

co-ordinating

2. if

sub-ordinating

3. because

sub-ordinating

4. if

sub-ordinating

5. and

co-ordinating

6. but

co-ordinating



7. therefore

sub-ordinating



8. unless

sub-ordinating



9. when

sub-ordinating



10. or

co-ordinating

2. 1. if

2. till

3. Since

4. because

5. therefore/ so





7. Unless

8. or

9. whereas

10. or/ otherwise



3. 1. Roshan is neither strong nor weak.

6. while

2. The pilot as well as the passengers died.

3. I got the first rank because I studied hard.

4. Neha is intelligent but her sister is dull.

5. We waited till the guests arrived.



6. He could not catch the train though he ran very fast.



7. The old man got angry because some naughty boys laughed at him.

19. DEGREES OF COMPARISON 1. 1. most popular

6. bigger

2. 1.

Grammar

2. heavier

3. beautiful

4. wisest

5. latest

7. highest

8. oldest

9. better

10. worse

(b) to 2.

(a) to 3.

(a) to 4.

(a) perfect 5.

(c) of

199

20. NON–FINITE VERBS 1.

Infinitives

1. ×××

Gerunds

Participles

dancing

×××



2. ×××

×××

drowning



3. ×××

×××

horrifying



4. ×××

×××

stealing



5. ×××

×××

barking



6. to visit

×××

×××



7. to swim

×××

×××



8. to enter

×××

×××



9. ×××

×××

rotten

10. ×××

×××

having

11. ×××

talking

×××

12. ×××

reading

×××

13. to listen

×××

×××

14. ×××

×××

seeing

15. think

×××

×××

2. 1. to play

2. to meet

3. playing

4. arriving

5. work

6. Climbing

7. painting

8. running

9. Reading

10. to stay



11. Seeing

200

12. laugh

13. interesting

14. waiting

15. broken

Assignments in English Plus – 8

Section-B Part II — Grammar

INTEGRATED EXERCISE FOR PRACTICE 1. Fill in the gaps with one or two words: I. Buddha is the only prophet who said, “I (a) ......................... care to know your various theories. (b) ......................... God. What is the use (c) ......................... discussing all the subtle doctrines (d) ......................... the soul? Do good and (e) ......................... good. And this will take you (f) ......................... freedom and (g) ......................... whatever truth there (h) ......................... II. The Booker Prize is awarded (a) ......................... the best full-length novel (b) ......................... the year, decoded by a panel (c) ......................... judges. Only a novel written (d) ......................... a citizen of the commonwealth or (e) ......................... Republic of Ireland is eligible(f) ......................... the award. The book must be (g) ......................... unified and substantial piece (h) ......................... work. III. The history of Arunachal Pradesh is rich (a) ......................... myths and traditions. The recorded history (b) ......................... this state is available only from (c) ......................... sixteenth century onwards. It was (d) ......................... this point of time (e) ......................... the Ahom kings began (f) ......................... rule Assam. The modern history of the state begins (g) ......................... the imposition of British rule (h) .........................Assam following the Treaty of Yandaboo (1826). IV. The rapid industrialisation of India (a) ......................... the past has created significant environmental problems. (b) ......................... the most significant is the enormous volume of solved waste, (c) ......................... is being produced. In India, polythene and plastic (d) ......................... two of the most commonly (e) ......................... material is consumer products. They (f) ......................... consumed widely. (g) ......................... everyone from street vendors......................... (h) ......................... educated people.

V. Confecious laid stress (a) ......................... good character. He preached that people (b) ......................... respect their parents. He hold a prominent place (c) ......................... philosophers and religious reformers. The syllabus (d) ......................... his teaching was a wode one (e) ......................... includes morals, family duties, social reforms and personal relationship. He (e) ......................... many languages and arts. He has (g) ......................... about his experiences (h) ......................... life in a book entitled chin chinking.

2. In the passages given below one word has been omitted in each line. A slash (/) has been given where the word is missing. Write the missing word in the space provided.

I. The atmosphere/ made up of many layers.

(a) ....................................



The pressure, density/ temperature of the

(b) ....................................



atmosphere vary/ its distance from the

(c) ....................................



earth. At a height/ 6 km, the air pressure

(d) ....................................



is reduced to half/ what it is at the

(e) ....................................



earth’s surface. Similarly,/ temperature falls

(f) ....................................



by 1°F/ every 91 metres. On the basis of its

(g) ....................................



physical properties, the atmosphere/ divided

(h) ....................................



into five layers.



II. Pure pearls are very precious. You/ be

(a) ....................................



surprised/ know that only a small

(b) ....................................



sea creature, oyster makes them./ oyster can

(c) ....................................



crawl on the ground also./ biggest tragedy

(d) ....................................



with this little creature is/ fish of the sea

(e) ....................................



or the bigger members/ its own family eat it

(f) ....................................

Grammar

201



away. When the oyster/ to the sea-shore to

(g) ....................................



save its life, man eats/.

(h) ....................................



III. Pure radium/white in colour. It.

(a) ....................................



in quite heavy and thousands/times

(b) ....................................



costlier/gold. The quantity of pure

(c) ....................................



radium available/the world in very

(d) ....................................



small. Radioactive rays/very harmful

(e) ....................................



to the body. It handled carelessly its



radioactive rays/cause bad radiation burns.

(f) ....................................



There are 16 isotopes/radium. The most common

(g) ....................................



is radium 226. It is used/medicine to destroy cancer growth.

(h) ....................................



IV. Reading/book is one of the

(a) ....................................



best things/the world. It transports

(b) ....................................



you in a world of/own, peopled

(c) ....................................



by its kind/people. The situations,

(d) ....................................



though normal, /completely unique!

(e) ....................................



The more interesting/read, the

(f) ....................................



better it is. And then, you get plenty!

(g) ....................................



insights to deal/your own problems.

(h) ....................................



V. Ours is a culture/considers

(a) ....................................



woman as the deliverer/the world.

(b) ....................................



She is the one/brings us to life, who

(c) ....................................



nurtures and cares! us. As a mother

(d) ....................................



the stands/us. As a sister she completes

(e) ....................................



us. As a wife she builds/foundation

(f) ....................................



of our lives together. As a daughter

(g) ....................................



reflects our own beliefs. And we/even

(h) ....................................



protect her? What a shame!

3. The following passages have not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the space provided. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied. I.

Rubber, what is in common use, is of two types, name, natural rubber and synthetic rubber. Natural rubber come from a juice of a tree while synthetic rubber is made with chemicals. Rubber whether natural and synthetic, is one of a most versatile material available to industry.

(a) ............... .............. (b) ............... .............. (c) ............... .............. (d) ............... .............. (e) ............... .............. (f) ............... .............. (g) ............... .............. (h) ............... ..............

II.

The liver is a large but vitally important organ into the abdomen. It can be think of as a living laboratory and the chemical plant. More than hundred different processes are know to take place in it. It has reddish brown in colour and locating in the upper

(a) ............... .............. (b) ............... .............. (c) ............... .............. (d) ............... .............. (e) ............... .............. (f) ............... .............. (g) ............... ..............



abdominal cavity under the diaphragm and ribs.

(h) ............... ..............

202

Assignments in English Plus – 8



III. Leaves owe its green colour to

(a) ............... ..............



a substance calling chlorophyll. In

(b) ............... ..............



autumn leaves turned dry and yellow

(c) ............... ..............



as the chlorophyll break up. Other

(d) ............... ..............



pigments into them give the dying

(e) ............... ..............



leaf their glorious reds, browns and oranges.

(f) ............... ..............

IV. Tropical rainforests who occur in the regions near an equator and close with tropics are thick forests. These regions are hot and received heavy rainfall thorough the year. As there are no particular dry season, the tress does not shed their leaves altogether. This is reason why they are called evergreen

(a) ............... .............. (b) ............... .............. (c) ............... .............. (d) ............... .............. (e) ............... .............. (f) ............... .............. (g) ............... .............. (h) ............... ..............

V.

(a) ............... .............. (b) ............... .............. (c) ............... .............. (d) ............... .............. (e) ............... .............. (f) ............... .............. (g) ............... .............. (h) ............... ..............

Transport system are well-developed in a Ganga-Brahmaputra basin. In the plain area the roadways but railways transporting the people from one place with another. The waterways is a effective means of transport particularly above the rivers. the plain area also have a large number of airports.

4. Rearrange the following words/phrase to make meaningful sentences. 1. (a) varied/has/basin area/the topography/ (b) an important role/the environment/distribution/in/the population/of/the/plays/ (c) Steep slopes/the mountain areas/inhospitable/have/with/terrain. (d) not suitable/these area/human/for/are/habitation/. 2. (a) neither/dreams/real/reliable/are/nor/ (b) who/he/is guided by/misguided/dreams/is/ (c) loses/present/future/he/both/and/his/her/ (d) believe/one/hard work/should/in/nothing else/and/ 3. (a) is/Prime Minister/head/the/ruling/party/the/of/ (b) Lok Sabha/leader/he/the/is/of/also/the (c) acts/President/the/advice/Prime Minister/on/of/the (d) link/Prime Minister/people/the/between/a/the/President/the/ 4. (a) Wrote/Bankim Chandra Chatterji/national song/Vande Matram/our/ (b) salutation/the song/motherland/is/to/a/our/ (c) appears/this song/Bengali novel/in/Anand Math/the (d) translated/Shree Aurbindo/English/the song/into 5. (a) long history/our/a/national flag/has/ (b) hoisted/it/all/on/national/is/festivals/ (c) flown/all/it/on/is/buildings/important/government/ (d) national flag/flown/sunrise/from/sunset/to/the/only/may/be/outdoors/ 5. Fill in the gaps by choosing the correct options from those given below: I. Rameshwaram captures the essence (a) ......................... the rich Tamil culture and lore. The

Grammar

203

(b) ......................... legacy of the Ramayana still survives in Rameshwaram, a little island (c) ......................... the southcast coast of India. The (d) ......................... prominent heritage of its association with the epic was undoubtedly, the Rameshwaram Temple. (a) (i) of

(ii) off

(iii) to

(iv) for

(b) (i) lively

(ii) live

(iii) liveable

(iv) living

(c) (i) of

(ii) off

(iii) to

(iv) with

(d) (i) much

(ii) more

(iii) most

(iv) many



II. When the sun is rising or setting it looks like a huge reddish orange ball (a) ......................... us. This happens because of the layers (b) ......................... air that surround Earth called the atmosphere. Sunlight, (c) ......................... is made up of seven colours, (d) ......................... us after it has passed through the atmosphere.

(a) (i) at

(ii) for

(iii) to

(iv) on

(b) (i) to

(ii) off

(iii) with

(iv) of

(c) (i) whom

(ii) what

(iii) when

(iv) which

(d) (i) reaches

(ii) reach

(iii) reaching

(iv) reached



III. The Army, the Navy and the Air Forces (a) ......................... the three wings of the Armed Forces of India. Each of the forces (b) ......................... headed by a Chief of Staff. The President of India is (c) ......................... supreme commander of the Armed Forces. The Defence Minister (d) ......................... Union Cabinet is, however, responsible for all matters concerning Defence services.

(a) (i) is

(ii) are

(iii) has been

(iv) have been

(b) (i) is

(ii) are

(iii) was

(iv) will be

(c) (i) a

(ii) an

(iii) the

(iv) some

(d) (i) in

(ii) at

(iii) of

(iv) on

IV. Wearing a pair of spectacles (a) ......................... a common sight. All men, women and children (b) ......................... have weak eye-sight, (c) ......................... spectacles. Scientists have developed spectacles (d) ......................... help in seeing both the near and distant objects clearly. (a) (i) are (ii) has been (iii) is (iv) was (b) (i) that (ii) who (iii) which (iv) whoever (c) (i) uses (ii) using (iii) used (iv) use (d) (i) what (ii) when (iii) that (iv) who V. (a) I shall have completed my work before ......................... . (b) We shall entertain you if ......................... . (c) I wish my mother ......................... . (d) Five years have passed since ......................... . (a) (i) he came (ii) he has come (iii) he comes (iv) he will come (b) (i) you come (ii) you were coming (iii) you came (iv) you are coming (c) (i) were here (ii) was here (iii) has been here (iv) could be here (d) (i) his mother had died (ii) his mother has died (iii) his mother have died (iv) his mother died 6. Complete the following dialogues by choosing the correct options given below: Amar : (a) .........................? Rajdeep : We’re planning to visit Kashmir during this summer. Amar : A very good plan. (b) .........................? Rajdeep : Not, I but my parents have gone there several times. Amar : (c) .........................? Rajdeep : We’ll visit the Dal Lake, the Shalimar and Nishat Bagh, etc.

204

Assignments in English Plus – 8

(a) (i) Where would you go during this summer (ii) How will you enjoy this summer (iii) What is your plan for this summer (iv) Where do you go during this summer (b) (i) Have you visit Kashmir (ii) Have you visited Kashmir earlier (iii) When did you visit Kashmir earlier (iv) Did you visit Kashmir earlier (c) (i) What different places would you visit there (ii) What different places will you visit there (iii) Will you visit different places there (iv) What different places you will visit there 7. Choose the most appropriate versions of the statements given below in the form of a dialogue: (a) Father said to me, “Avoid bad company”. Father (i) said to me to avoid bad company (iii) advised to me to avoid bad company

(ii) advised me to avoid bad company (iv) told to me to avoid bad company

(b) Rani said to her class teacher, “Please forgive me this time”. Rani (i) requested her class teacher to forgive her that time (ii) requested to her class teacher to forgive her that time (iii) advised her class teacher to forgive her that time (iv) requested her class teacher to forgive her this time (c) Our teacher said, “The earth revolves round the sun.” Our teacher (i) told that the earth revolves round the sun (ii) said that the earth revolved round the sun (iii) said that the earth revolves round the sun (iv) replied that the earth revolved round the sun 8. A man has come to a new city. He does not know where to go. He is confused. Soon he recalls the name of a famous hotel of the city. It is Jubilee Hotel. He goes to a shopkeeper and asks about the hotel and other details. Complete their conversation by choosing the correct options given below: Man Shopkeeper Man Shopkeeper

: : : :

Can you tell me (a) .........................? It is about five kilometres from here. (b) .........................? Autorickshaw is not easily available here. You can take the city bus. It is both time saving and pocket saving. Man : (c) .........................? Shopkeeper : No, this is the closest hotel from here and also the best. (a) (i) where is Jubilee Hotel (ii) how far the Jubilee Hotel is (iii) how far may be the Jubilee Hotel (iv) how far is the Jubilee Hotel (b) (i) Should I take an autorickshaw to reach there (ii) Can I take an autorickshaw to reach there (iii) May I take an autorickshaw to reach there (iv) Should I go with an autorickshaw for reaching there (c) (i) Is there any other hotel nearer (iii) will there be any other hotel nearer

(ii) was there any other hotel in neighbourhood (iv) Can I find other hotel nearer

9. Re-write the following sentences using the word in brackets in its proper place: (a) My father has arrived. (just)

(b) My brother makes a mistake. (frequently)

(c) We are waiting for the money. (still)

(d) He tells a lie. (never)

(e) Mr. Jain is late for his lecture. (often)

(f) Julia goes out at late night. (seldom)

10. Do as directed in the brackets: (a) He knew that his master was outside. (change into an ‘Interrogative Sentence’) (b) The tiger followed the children to school. (change into ‘Passive Voice’)

Grammar

205

(c) He said to me, “Will you visit Chandigarh tomorrow?’ (change into ‘Indirect Speech’) (d) My family members have gone to Chennai to attend a marriage ceremony. (re-write it by making correction) (e) consisting of/ the Supreme Court/ the Constitution/ the Chief Justice of India/ the guardian of/ other judges/ and/ is (re-arrange to make a meaningful sentence) (f) Unless you do not work hard you will not succeed. (correct the sentence) (g) Differentiate between ‘loose and lose’ by using them in sentences. (h) He said to me, “When will you do this work?” (change into ‘indirect speech’) (i) Shut the door. (change into passive voice) (j) My brother works hard. He wants to stand first in the examination. (combine into a single sentence by using an ‘infinitive’) (k) I am fond of .................... (read). (fill up with a suitable ‘Gerund’) (l) The sun rose. We returned home. (combine into a single sentence by using ‘Perfect Participle’) (m) Mihir went to Chennai last week. (change into ‘interrogative-negative’) (n) Be careful lest you .................... fall. (fill up with a suitable ‘modal’) (o) The window was .................... by some naughty children. (fill up with suitable form of the verb ‘break’) (p) I think that it would rain. (pick out the subordinate clause and say what kind of the clause it is) (q) I met Sumit. He paid my money back. (combine unto a single sentence by using a ‘Relative Pronoun’) (r) I cannot walk any more. I am badly tired. (combine into a single sentence by using a suitable ‘Conjunction’) (s) You said, “Naveen had gone to the market.” (change into ‘Indirect Speech’) 11. Change the following into passive voice: (a) Boys are writing an article for the newspaper. (b) The servant opened the door. (c) I have not received any news from my ailing uncle. (d) We have purchased a new washing machine. (e) Some strangers were knocking at the door. (f) The police enquired into the matter. (g) The thief broke into the house and took away all the valuables. (h) Switch off the computer. (i) Please give some food to the hungry boy. (j) How do you prepare soup? 12. Combine the following sentences by using Perfect Participle or Past Participle: (a) She entered the room. She was accompanied by her sister. (b) He was altered by the sound. He leapt to his feet. (c) They collected money. They went to see a movie. (d) I taught the students. Then I left the class. (e) We crossed the road. We went to a furniture shop. 13. Change the following into indirect speech. (a) The doctor said to the patient, “Take medicines in time.” (b) Father said to me, “Is Rohit coming here today?” (c) The teacher said, “The Principal distributed prizes among the students.” (d) Father said to Lalit, “Do you want me to visit Agra with you?” (e) He said to the girl, “Are you afraid of stray dogs?” (f) He said to me, “Do you know the answer?” (g) My parents said, “God is everywhere.” (h) The old said, “May God bless you!”. (i) He said, “I don’t like pizzas.” (f) The teacher said to me, “You may go.”

206

Assignments in English Plus – 8

Section-B Part II — Grammar

10 Marks

SOLVED ASSIGNMENT – 1 1. Fill in any three of the following blanks choosing the most appropriate option from the ones given below. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) The flood situation remained grim in most of north India (a).............................. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar being the worst affected. More than a hundred people (b).............................. since the start of the monsoon and thousands of people rendered homeless. Standing crop (c).............................. in several districts and livestock of many villages (d) ............................. away. (a) (i) but and (ii) from (iii) within (iv) with (b) (i) have died (ii) has died (iii) died (iv) have been died (c) (i) is damaged (ii) has damaged (iii) has been damaged (iv) damaged (d) (i) has swept (ii) has got swept (iii) was swept (iv) swept 2. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the passage. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) India is a big but important (a) ............... ................ country because it is an ancient (b) ............... ................ background. Its history starts by (c) ............... ................ a Harappan civilisation and many (d) ............... ................ emperor ruled in India. (e) ............... ................ 3. Re-arrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences:  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) has its flag/each and every/world/country/the/of/ (b) too/India/flag/a/national/has/ (c) has/it/attached/great/a/to/history/it/ (d) struggle for freedom/natural flag/our/reminds us/our/of/ ANSWERS 1. (a) (iv) with (b) (i) have died (c) (iii) has been damaged (d) (ii) has got swept 2. (a) but and (b) is has (c) by from (d) a the (e) emperor emperors 3. (a) Each and every country of the world has its flag. (b) India too has a national flag. (c) It has a great history attached to it. (d) Our national flag reminds us of our struggle for freedom.

Grammar

207

Section-B Part II — Grammar

10 Marks

SOLVED ASSIGNMENT – 2 1. Complete any three of the following sentences by choosing the correct options from those given below: (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) The train to Delhi .............................. 8:00 pm. (b) A strong wind .............................. last night. (c) When I arrived at the station, Amit .............................. for me. (d) He can’t go now as he .............................. unwell. (a) (i) is leaving at (ii) leaves on (iii) leaves at (iv) leave at (b) (i) blew for (ii) is blowing since (iii) has blown from (iv) has been blowing since (c) (i) was waiting (ii) is waiting (iii) has been waiting (iv) waited (d) (i) feels (ii) felt (iii) is feeling (iv) was feeling 2. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the passage in the space provided. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) After graduating with honours, I become (a) ............... ................ a junior assistant clerk in a magnificence (b) ............... ................ law firm. I was sent, not to prepared (c) ............... ................ legal briefs, but to serve summon, like (d) ............... ................ the cheap private detective. (e) ............... ................ 3. Re-arrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) constituted/ the body/ elements/ of/ is (b) six kinds of/ it/ modifications/ undergoes (c) unborn/ soul/ eternal/ is/ and/ constant/ ancient/ the (d) not killed/ the body/ it/ when/ is/ slain/ is ANSWERS 1. (a) (iii) leaves at (b) (iv) has been blowing since (c) (i) was waiting (d) (iii) is feeling 2. (a) become became (b) magnificence magnificent (c) prepared prepare (d) summon summons (e) the a 3. (a) The body is constituted of elements. (b) It undergoes six kinds of modifications. (c) The soul is unborn, eternal, constant and ancient. (d) It is not killed when the body is slain.

208

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT – 1 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Confucius laid great stress (a) .............................. good character. He preached (b) .............................. people should respect their parents. He held a prominent place (c) .............................. philosophers and religious reformers. The syllabus (d) .............................. his teaching was a wide one which included morals, family duties, social reforms and personal relationship. (a) (i) with (ii) about (iii) for (iv) on (b) (i) because (ii) since (iii) that (iv) which (c) (i) in (ii) within (iii) amidst (iv) amongst (d) (i) of (ii) on (iii) from (iv) for 2. In the passage given below one word has been omitted in each line. A slash (/) has been given where the word is missing. Write the missing word in any four lines of the passage in the space provided:(1 × 4 = 4 marks) Gangtok, / capital of Sikkim, appears (a) .......................................... like any other town / urban India, (b) .......................................... but it / the surrounding places that (c) .......................................... are worth visiting. One of / most (d) .......................................... interesting places in Yumthong, known / being (e) .......................................... as beautiful / Switzerland. 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) many/ India/ ethnic groups/ is/ with/ country/ a (b) many languages/ there/ sects/ beliefs/ are/ religious/ and/ here (c) great variations/ runs through/ inspite of/ a common stream/ diversities/ the (d) India/that is why/unity in diversity/it is paid/a/is/of/land/that

Space for Notes

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Grammar

209

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210

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT – 2 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) The early history of Tripura is described in the Rajmala, (a) .............................. account of people who are supposed to be the early rulers of Tripura. (b) .............................. Rajmala, written in Bengali verse, (c) .............................. . by the countries of Dharma Manikya, one (d) .............................. the greatest rulers for Tripura. (a) (i) an (ii) a (iii) the (iv) some (b) (i) that (c) (i) is completed (d) (i) of

(ii) the (ii) was completed (ii) to

(iii) this (iii) has been completed (iii) with

(iv) A (iv) completed (iv) off

2. In the passage given below one word has been omitted in each line. A slash (/) has been given where the word is missing. Write the missing word in any four lines of the passage in the space provided:(1 × 4 = 4 marks) 3.

I believe/ prayer is the very soul and (a) .................... essence/ religion, and therefore prayer must (b) .................... be the very core of the life of man, for no man/ (c) .................... live without religion. There are some/ in the (d) .................... egotism of their reason declare/ they have (e) .................... nothing to do with religion. Given below is a set of instructions for issuing a book from the library of your school. Read the instructions carefully and complete any three of the blanks of the paragraph that follows.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Example: • Go to the library with your library card. • Select the book of your choice • Take the book to the library counter • Get the book issued



If you want to issue a book from your school library, the library card (a) ..................... for entering the library. The book of choice (b) .................... . The selected book is then (c) .................... to the library counter and (d) .................... to the counter clerk who will issue the book.

Space for Notes

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Grammar

211

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212

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –3 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

20 Min.

Marks

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Cinema is one of the most significant phenomenon (a) .............................. our time. It is most potent and versatile art form. It (b) .............................. by photography and theatre (c) .............................. its present stage. It commands respect as it (d) .............................. various forms of art. (a) (i) of

(ii) by

(iii) at

(iv) in

(b) (i) developed

(ii) develops

(iii) was developed

(iv) is developed

(c) (i) from

(ii) at

(iii) for

(iv) to

(d) (i) has combined

(ii) is combined

(iii) combined

(iv) was combined

2. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the passage. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) A metaphor is a figure to speech in

(a) ...............

................

which the implied comparison is

(b) ...............

................

made among two unlike things

(c) ...............

................

that actually has something important

(d) ...............

................

in common. A word metaphor itself

(e) ...............

................

is a metaphor. 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) Ivan Dmitritch/ a/ was/ man/ middle-class (b) with his family/ he/ twelve hundred/ lived/ an income/ of/ on/ a year (c) he/ but/ satisfied/ very well/ was/ with his lot (d) on the sofa/ he/ after supper/ began/ sat down/ the newspaper/ reading/ began/ and

Space for Notes

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Grammar

213

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214

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –4 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Buddha is the only prophet who said, “I (a) ......................... care to know your various theories about God”. What is the use (b) ......................... discussing all the stale doctrines (c) ......................... the soul? Do good and be good. And this will take you to freedom and (d) ......................... whatever truth there is. (a) (i) did not

(ii) do not

(iii) does not

(iv) will not

(b) (i) to

(ii) by

(iii) for

(iv) of

(c) (i) over

(ii) upon

(iii) about

(iv) of

(d) (i) to

(ii) for

(iii) in

(iv) at

2. In the passage given below one word has been omitted in each line. A slash (/) has been given where the word is missing. Write the missing word in any four lines of the passage in the space provided:(1 × 4 = 4 marks) How / put an end to the Caste System?

(a) ..........................................

The first obstacle / in the system of

(b) ..........................................

graded inequality / is the soul of the

(c) ..........................................

Caste System. Where people / divided

(d) ..........................................

into two classes, higher/lowers.

(e) ..........................................

3. Read the conversation between Ranjan and his friend Manjeet. Then complete any three of the sentences that follow. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Ranjan : My parents have promised to buy me a motor bike if I pass the final examinations. Manjeet : Then you must be studying very hard. Ranjan : Yes, I have to achieve good marks. Only then I will get motorbike. Ranjan told his friend Manjeet that his parents (a) ......................... the final examination Majeet asked Ranjan that (b) .......................... Ranjan replied in affirmative. He told Manjeet that (c) ......................... . He further said that (d) .......................... he would get a motor bike.

Space for Notes

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Grammar

215

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216

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –5 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Anna Hazare’s tryst with the army came when many Indian soldiers (a) .............................. martyrs in the Indo-China war of 1962 and the Government of India (b) .............................. to young Indians to join the Indian army. Being passionate about patriotism, he promptly (c) .............................. appeal and joined the Indian Army in 1963. During his 15-years tenure as a soldier, he (d) .............................. to several states like Sikkim, Bhutan, Leh, Ladakh etc. and braved challenging weathers. (a) (i) became (ii) had become (iii) have become (iv) become (b) (i) has appealed (ii) appealed (iii) appeals (iv) had appealed (c) (i) responding to (ii) responds to (iii) responded to the (iv) had responded to (d) (i) posted (ii) was posted (iii) was posting (iv) is posted 2. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the passage in the space provided. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied. (1 × 4 = 4 marks) Stainless steel who is a very useful (a) ............... ............... metal contain 18% chromium, 8% nickel (b) ............... ............... apart by steel. In India, for making stainless (c) ............... ............... steel, manganese is use instead of nickel (d) ............... ............... because availability to nickel is rare in our (e) ............... ............... country. 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) born on/ Napoleon Bonaparte/ 15 August/ was/ 1769 (b) Corsica island/ he/ France/ a poor family/ belonged to/ of/ in (c) he/ because of/ joined/ war-like nature/ his/ army/ the (d) proved/ by/ suppressing a revolt/ his/ military ability/ in Toulon/ he

Space for Notes

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Grammar

217

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218

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –6 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) The lion which once ruled the forest was old and weak and often (a) .............................to go without food. In fact, he had been trying to hunt for his prey for the past few days, (b) .............................. to no avail. He was no longer strong enough to hunt. He thought that his world was coming to an end and he (c) ............................. die of starvation. Suddenly an idea (d) .............................. to his mind and he (h) .............................. happy. (a) (i) has

(ii) have

(iii) had

(iv) is

(b) (i) and

(ii) but

(iii) while

(iv) because

(c) (i) was

(ii) may

(iii) would

(iv) be

(d) (i) come (ii) came (iii) coming (iv) has come 2. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the passage. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) For ages, King Solomon’s name is (a) ............... ................ regarded as synonymous for wisdom. (b) ............... ................ Hundreds of stories circulated all (c) ............... ................ over a world regarding his sense (d) ............... ................ of justice. (e) ............... ................ 3. Read the conversation between Yash and Karan. Then complete any three sentences that follow.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Yash : Karan, where are you going? Karan : I am going to see a patient in a hosptial. Yash : How much time will you take? Karan : I will be back within an hour. Yash asked Karan (a) .............................. Karan replied that (b) .............................. a patient in a hospital. Yash asked Karan (c) ............................... Karan replied that (d) ...............................

Space for Notes

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Grammar

219

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220

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –7 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) The rapid growth of human settlement resulted (a) .............................. the clearing out of must of (b) .............................. forest cover of the Punjab. Consequently, trees (c) .............................. replaced by bush vegetation in the Shivalik Hills. Attempts of afforestation have been on the hills (d) .............................. eucalyptus trees have been planted along major roads. (a) (i) at

(ii) in

(iii) into

(iv) with

(b) (i) the

(ii) a

(iii) some

(iv) many

(c) (i) was

(ii) is

(iii) have been

(iv) has been

(d) (i) whole

(ii) which

(iii) when

(iv) where

2. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines for the passage in the space given. Do not forget to underline the correct word: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) The whole tree does not grows upwards. (a) ............... ................ Part of a tree, that is a root, grows (b) ............... ................ downwards within the soil. But the (c) ............... ................ part above the earth, the trunk with his (d) ............... ................ branches but leaves, grows upwards (e) ............... ................ because it needs the sun light and air. 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) new/and/to India/floods/are not/subcontinent/this (b) have/the danger/of flood/human actions/heightened the (b) they/tree/as well as/cut/in the mountains/in the plains (c) change/climate/of/is the result/actions/human

Space for Notes

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Grammar

221

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222

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –8 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

20 Min.

Marks

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) The weather office had (a) .............................. that it would rain frequently. Their predictions are usually accurate. (b) .............................. it did not rain for several days. When at last the rain did (c) .............................. , it was insufficient (d) .............................. the crops were damaged. (a) (i) predictions (ii) predicted (iii) predict (iv) predicts (b) (i) However (ii) But (iii) Though (iv) Instead (c) (i) come (ii) came (iii) comes (iv) coming (d) (i) also (ii) even (iii) that (iv) and 2. In the passage given below one word has been omitted in each line. A slash (/) has been given where the word is missing. Write the missing word in any four lines of the passage in the space provided: (1× 4 = 4 marks) Once / capital city of the Pandyas, (a) .......................................... Madurai, / the second largest (b) .......................................... city in Tamil Nadu. It is / for the (c) .......................................... Meenakshi Temple / its towering (d) .......................................... gopurams / rare sculptures. (e) .......................................... 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) activities/ we engage in/ hobbies/ free time/ are/ that/ our/ in (b) our minds/ hobbies/ day’s work/ refresh/ after/ hard/ a (c) daily life/ they/ us/ relieve/ monotony/ from/ of/ the (d) hobbies / engagement / increased / in / has / late 19th century / since / the /

Space for Notes

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Grammar

223

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224

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –9 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) When the train had gone, I (a) .............................. myself standing alone on the (b) .............................. platform. I had no idea (c) .............................. to spend the night. I had no friends, (d) ............................ that friends were more trouble than help. (a) (i) got (ii) saw (iii) found (iv) had found (b) (i) lovely (ii) deserting (iii) clear (iv) deserted (c) (i) how (ii) when (iii) where (iv) what (d) (i) believing (ii) thinking (iii) guessing (iv) finding 2. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the passage in the space provided. Also underline the incorrect word that you have supplied. (1 × 4 = 4 marks) The World Sparrow Day is celebrate (a) ................. ................. on March 20. The rationale to celebrating (b) ................. ................. the World Sparrow Day was not only (c) ................. ................. to commemoration the event for a day, (d) ................. ................. but also to using it as a platform (e) ................. ................. to highlight the need to conserve sparrows as well as urban biodiversity. 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) necessary/ punctuality/ all public affairs/ a civilised society/ habit/ is/ of/ in/ a (b) nothing/ brought to a/ without/ could ever be/ conclusion/ it (c) would/ everything/ chaos/ in a state/ be/ of (d) who/ people/ can never be/ are/ appreciated/ not/ punctual

Space for Notes

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Grammar

225

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226

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –10 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Coming face to face (a) .............................. much venerated Goverdhan hill (b) .............................. the first time can be an awesome experience. It is a fairly widespread hill (c) .............................. of large stones. The first thought that comes to mind, “Is this the same hill that the seven-year-old Krishna” (d) ............................ so effortlessly on his little finger. (a) (i) for (ii) to (iii) with (b) (i) at (ii) for (iii) in (c) (i) making (ii) has made (iii) made (d) (i) lift (ii) has lifted (iii) lifted 2. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each word and the correction in any four lines of the passage in the space the incorrect word that you have supplied.

(iv) from (iv) with (iv) is made (iv) is lifted line. Write the incorrect provided. Also underline (1 × 4 = 4 marks)

Millions of people are unwittingly pour (a) ................. ................. hundreds of tonnes from tiny plastics (b) ................. ................. beads down the drain. This can (c) ................. ................. persists in the environment from more (d) ................. ................. than 100 years and have been find (e) ................. ................. to contaminate a wide variety of fresh water. 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) contributes/ to economic/education/ development/significantly (b) has/Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan/India/launched/ambitious project (c) provides/it/education/primary/to all/children (d) is also/necessary/literacy/in common/people

Space for Notes

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Grammar

227

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228

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –11 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) A busy social life with lots of friends (a) ................................... be helpful in being slimmer than (b) ................................... hours on a treadmill, scientists have (c) ................................... . According to scientists, (d) ................................... their research on mice, socialising and meeting with friends helps boost levels of ‘brown fat’ in the body. (a) (i) can (ii) would (iii) could (b) (i) spoiling (ii) spending (iii) using (c) (i) found (ii) find (iii) founded (d) (i) which conduct (ii) who conducted (iii) who conduct 2. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each word and the correction in any four lines of the passage in the space the incorrect word that you have supplied.

(iv) might (iv) wasting (iv) said (iv) whom conducting line. Write the incorrect provided. Also underline (1 × 4 = 4 marks)

Swami explained matters with Mani (a) ............... ................ and asked him to arranging for (b) ............... ................ six paise, what he urgently needed. (c) ............... ................ But Mani has no money of his own (d) ............... ................ at the time. At Swami suggestion they (e) ............... ................ looked for the money in the uncle’s box. 3. Put the verb in correct form, ‘active’ or ‘passive’ and fill any three blanks:(1 × 3 = 3 marks) Children who fall into the hands of bad elements (a) .............................. (force) to carry out all types of illegal activities ranging from begging to stealing and smuggling. The children who fall prey to such criminals are poor and their childhood (b) .............................. (spoil) by the darkness of the criminal world. The law will have to (c) .............................. (play) its part so that the little angels (d) .............................. (save) from becoming daredevils.

Space for Notes

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Grammar

229

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230

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –12 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

20 Min.

Marks

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Every free nation has a national emblem. It (a) ........................... prominently on things connected with the Government. The emblem represents the authority (b) ........................... the nation. It is used on all official stationery and seals of the Government of India. It (c) .............................. appears on Government publications and films (d) .............................. by the Film Division. (a) (i) looks (b) (i) of (c) (i) also (d) (i) producing

(ii) appears (ii) to (ii) may (ii) produced

(iii) shows (iii) with (iii) too (iii) production

(iv) uses (iv) from (iv) so (iv) products

2. In the passage given below, one word has been omitted in each line. A slash (/) has been given where the word is missing. Write the missing word in any four lines of the passage in the space provided. (1 × 4 = 4 marks) Rhinos keep/ themselves grazing (a) ............... ................ happily/ open grasslands and attack (b) ............... ................ only/ startled. In fact, the animal (c) ............... ................ / poor eyesight and will not detect (d) ............... ................ anything/ stands 100 feet away if (e) ............... ................ the object remains still. 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) are felt/ salty and sweet tastes/ our tongue/ tip/ by/ of/ the (b) is detected/ the buds/ sour taste/ by/ the tongue/ sides/ the/ of/ an (c) back portion/ the tongue/ bitter taste/ by/ is felt/ the/ of (d) love / eat / sweet dishes / to / I / hate / but / sour things /

Space

for Notes

.....................................................................................................................................

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Grammar

231

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232

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –13 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) The magnificent land of Rajasthan has always been (a) .............................. to the people across the globe with its heart (b) .............................. beauty and natural serenity. To add to the colours, this land of colour has (c) .............................. the people with its culture of celebrations and festivity. Tradition still (d) .............................. to breathe life in Rajasthan. (a) (i) fascinating (ii) catching (iii) calling (iv) persuading (b) (i) captured (ii) captures (iii) capturing (iv) capturable (c) (i) seldom mesmerised (ii) mesmerised (iii) never mesmerised (iv) always mesmerised (d) (i) continues (ii) continued (iii) continuing (iv) continue 2. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the passage in the space provided. Also underline the incorrect word that you have supplied. (1 × 4 = 4 marks) Mount Kailash, on the central Himalaya, is saying to be the abode to Lord Shiva. In painting and sculpture, a Lord is shown into deep meditation, sitting in a tiger skin. 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to 

(a) ............... (b) ............... (c) ............... (d) ............... (e) ...............

................ ................ ................ ................ ................

make meaningful sentences. (1 × 3 = 3 marks)

(a) the fittest/ survival/ law of nature/ of/ the/ is (b) strong/ be/ or/ others/ slave/ shall/ you/ make (c) no/ a weak person/ anywhere/ has/ say (d) attention / no one / to / pays / a / person / such /

Space for Notes

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Grammar

233

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234

Assignments in English Plus – 8

10 Marks

Section-B Part II — Grammar

ASSIGNMENT –14 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

20 Min.

Max. Marks  10

/10 Teacher’s Sign

1. Fill in any three of the following blanks with appropriate words to complete the following passage. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Everyone thought that Horace Danby was a good, honest citizen. He was about fifty years old (a) ............................ unmarried, and he lived with a housekeeper who was worried over his health. In fact he was usually (b) .............................. well and happy except for attacks of hay fever (c) .............................. summer. He made locks and was successful enough (d) .............................. his business to have two helpers. (a) (i) but (b) (i) quiet (c) (i) in (d) (i) in

(ii) so that (ii) very (ii) into (ii) on

(iii) even (iii) so (iii) within (iii) at

(iv) and (iv) much (iv) over (iv) with

2. In the passage given below, one word has been omitted in each line. A slash (/) has been given where the word is missing. Write the missing word in any four lines of the passage in the space provided. (1 × 4 = 4 marks) The 8598-metre-high, Kanchenjunga, / second (a) .......................................... highest peak of the Himalayas / India, (b) .......................................... can / viewed from Darjeeling, in (c) .......................................... West Bengal. Conquered / the Indian (d) .......................................... Army expedition / 1977. (e) .......................................... 3. Rearrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) Louis Braille/ his eyesight/ lost/ an accident/ as a result of (b) a/ leather/ his father/ workshop/ had (c) a sharp needle/ one day/ took/ hit it/ he/ and/ with a hammer/ playfully (d) bounced up/and pierced/ the needle/eyes/ one of his

Space for Notes

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Grammar

235

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236

Assignments in English Plus – 8

50 Marks

Reading, Writing & Grammar

UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 1 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

1 Hour

Marks

Max. Marks  50

/50 Teacher’s Sign

SECTION – A : READING (20 MARKS) 1. Read the following passage carefully:

(8 marks)

At times, Anna Hazare used to be frustrated with life and wondered about the very existence of human life. His mind yearned to look out for a solution to this simple and basic question. His frustration reached the peak level and at one particular moment, he also contemplated suicide. For this, he had also penned a two page essay on why he wants to live no more. Fortunately for him, inspiration came from the most unexpected quarters — at the book stall of the railway station of New Delhi, where he was located then. He came across a book of Swami Vivekananda and immediately bought it. He was inspired by Vivekananda’s photograph on the cover. As he started reading the book, he found answers to all his questions, he says. The book revealed to him that the ultimate motive of human life should be service to humanity. Striving for the betterment of common people is equivalent to offering a prayer to the God, he realized. In the year 1965, Pakistan attacked India and at that time, Hazare was posted at the Khemkaran border. On November 12, 1965, Pakistan launched air attacks on Indian base and all of Hazare’s comrades became martyrs. It was a close shave for Hazare as one bullet had passed by his head. Hazare believes this was the turning point of his life as it meant he had a purpose to life. Anna was greatly influenced by Swami Vivekananda’s teachings. It was at that particular moment that Hazare took an oath to dedicate his life in the service of humanity. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any eight questions in brief: 1. What did Anna Hazare wonder about? 2. What happened to him at one particular moment? 3. How did he overcome his mental anxiety? 4. What did the book of Swami Vivekananda teach Anna Hazare? 5. What did Anna Hazare realize after reading the book of Swami Vivekananda? 6. Where was he posted in the year 1965? 7. What happened on November 12, 1965? 8. How was Anna Hazare a lucky soldier?

(1 × 8 = 8 marks)

9. Which incident inspired Anna Hazare to serve humanity? 2. Read the following passage carefully:

(12 marks)

“Karan! Stop pushing the food around your plate and eat! What is the matter with you?” asked Mrs. Kapoor. “I don’t like this sabzi (vegetable) and...and...I hate this stupid school!” he burst out. “Why? What can be wrong with your new school, Karan?” Mr. Kapoor asked patiently. “There is no football! That is what is wrong!” “But surely you could take up some other sport!” “Oh, yes! We have basketball, badminton and table tennis, don’t we, Karan?” piped in Seema, his sister who, at twelve, was two years younger than him. She was easily pleased and made a lot of friends, unlike Karan. “Who wants to play silly games!” He gave her a scornful look.

Reading, Writing & Grammar

237

At this Mrs. Kapoor spoke briskly, “Karan, that is enough of a tantrum! Stop moping about things you don’t have, and make the best of the things you do!” Karan was silent for the rest of the meal. After dinner, he went to his favourite spot for sulking – the back steps of his house. He went there quite often these days since he felt miserable most of the time. The conversation at the dinner table had been repeated a dozen times in the last two months, though in different forms. It was his mother who always put a stop to it; his father had never once, in all this time, lost his temper. Karan had been selected to play for the under-15 football team of Franklin Public School, when his father’s company suddenly closed down. The dues from the company did not come and Mr. Kapoor could not get another job either. Unable to manage all the expenses - the high rent and the school fees of both children on Mrs. Kapoor’s salary alone, they had shifted to this house in Anand Nagar, where the rents were less. I. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any four questions in brief:  (2 × 4 = 8 marks) 1. What did Karan do to show his annoyance? Why didn’t he like his new school?

2. How was Seema different from her brother Karan?



3. What did Karan’s mother suggest him?



4. Why did Karan’s father never want to get involved in Karan’s problem?



5. How did Mr. Kapoor lose his job?

II. On the basis of your reading of the passage, fill in any two of the following blanks with appropriate words/phrases : (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. Karan’s favourite spot for sulking was _________________________ .

2. Karan’s father was a man of _________________________ .



3. Mr. Kapoor and his family shifted to Arvind Nagar after _________________________ .

III. Attempt any two of the following. Find out the words that mean the same as under.  (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. ‘outburst’

2. ‘unhappy’



3. ‘at once’

SECTION – B : WRITING & GRAMMAR (30 MARKS) 3. Delhi administration has launched a campaign against use of crackers on the occasion of Diwali. Write an article on ‘Ban Crackers’ in about 100-120 words for your school magazine. (8 marks) 4. Develop the following outline into a readable story in about 200-250 words.

(12 marks)

A fox invites a stork to dinner .............. prepare soup .............. puts in a flat dish .............. stork having a long beak fails to eat anything .............. decides to teach lesson .............. also invites the fox .............. serves rice in a jar .............. the fox fails to eat .............. . Moral: ...................................................................... . 5. Fill in any three blanks by choosing the correct options from those given below: (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction (a) .............................. as the Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, (b) .............................. is the famous shopping centre of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla (c) .............................. Lakkar Bazar, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected (d) .............................. the Ridge. (a) (i) known (ii) knew (iii) knowing (iv) has known (b) (i) that (ii) whom (iii) which (iv) while (c) (i) liking (ii) like (iii) liked (iv) likes (d) (i) through (ii) by (iii) with (iv) from

238

Assignments in English Plus – 8

6 In the passage given below one word has been omitted in each line. A slash (/) has been given where the word is missing. Write the missing word in any four lines of the passage in the space provided:(1 × 4 = 4 marks) Many people lead / lives strictly (a) .......................................... following the laws / the place they (b) .......................................... live in. We call / law-abiding (c) .......................................... citizens. Their lives / straightforward, (d) .......................................... simple and without any mystery / intrigue. (e) .......................................... 7. A set of instructions has been given below for making Chinese Blossom tea. Read these instructions carefully and then fill in any three blanks of the paragraph that follow in the present passive form:  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) I nstructions • Boil four cups of water • Add 2 tablespoons of tea • Boil for 5 minutes • Rinse tea pot with boiling water • Put layer of rose, mogra or jasmine flowers • Pour tea and then let stand for 5 minutes • serve before/after meal When the water is boiled two tablespoons of tea (a) .............................. and allowed to boil for five minutes. Meanwhile, the tea pot (b) .............................. with boiling water. A layer of either rose, jasmine or mogra flowers (c) .............................. the tea pot. However, it should not be served immediately. It (d) .............................. for five minutes before it is served.

Space for Notes

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240

Assignments in English Plus – 8

50 Marks

Reading, Writing & Grammar

UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 2 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

1 Hour

Marks

Max. Marks  50

/50 Teacher’s Sign

SECTION – A : READING (20 MARKS) 1. Read the following passage carefully:

(8 marks)

Ladakh is lyrical. More than the rarified atmosphere, it is the awesome mountains that take your breath away. But in the crevasses of giant rocky outcrops lie the most beautiful surprises. A furry one peeked out accidentally into the camera frame as it panned the sun-bathed slopes at 16,000 feet. The barren mountainsides hold little life, few of them mammalian. The snow leopard is almost impossible to sight and the eagles and lammergeiers, large-winged vultures, if seen would be mere specks in the azure sky. But tourists can get lucky with the Himalayan marmots, the size of a groundhog with a coat like a squirrel’s. Very little is known about these marmots, which have been seen mostly above 14,000 feet. Also known as the Tibetan snow pig, these creatures burrow their way under the rocks and live mostly on berries and small vegetation. Above 17,000 feet, plants almost disappear, making it virtually impossible for any mammalian life to survive. Ladakhis say marmots are the easy prey for the snow leopards as the rodent-like animals can’t waddle away fast enough into their lairs once the leopard spots them. A distant cousin of the plain squirrel, these marmots (Marmot Himalayan) are spread across rocky barrens of Ladakh, Tibet, Nepal and even as Mongolia. The Ladakhis leave them alone but, as folklore goes, curiosity often kills them in Mongolia, where villagers eat the flesh and use the fur for winter garments. Once they sight a family of marmots, Mongol hunters are known to hide and wave pom-poms that attracts the attention of these cuddly creatures, drawing them out of their burrows. And slowly they are drawn into the line of fire and shot at with .22 rifles that kill them without damaging the fur. Source: The Times of India (Crest Edition) On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any eight questions in brief:

(1 × 8 = 8 marks)

1. What is Ladakh known for? 2. How are the Himalayan marmots described in paragraph 2? 3. Where do these marmots live and what do they eat? 4. What happens at the height of 17,000 feet? 5. How does it affect mammalian life? 6. How do marmots become easy prey to the snow leopards? 7. Why do the Mongolians kill marmots? 8. What are pom-poms? 9. Why do Mongol hunters hide and wave pom-poms?

2. Read the following passage carefully:

(12 marks)

To whom it may concern: On March 5, 2010, I bought a Perfect Muffin Kit from your store at Midfield Mall. The cashier who assisted me was George. George was very friendly and assured me that the Perfect Muffin Kit would live up to the guarantee on the box: “Perfect Muffins Every Time!” Unfortunately, this product did not live up to its claim. Although the box promised, as I stated above, to provide “Perfect Muffins Every Time,” the muffins I made were far from perfect. I followed the direction included in the package very carefully. First, I removed the bag of mix from the box. Then, I poured

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it into a bowl. Next, I added the correct amount of water to the mix and stirred it. The directions said that after stirring the mixture, I could, and I quote, “add half a cup of raisins, nuts, berries, or another favorite ingredient.” My favorite ingredient happens to be hot sauce. I find that a dash of hot sauce makes pizza, pasta, and soup taste very delicious. So, continuing to follow the directions, I added half a cup of hot sauce to the mix and stirred it. Finally, I poured the mix into muffin tins and baked it in the oven at 350 degrees for exactly 20 minutes. When the muffins finished baking, I was very excited to eat the “Perfect Muffins” as promised on the box. You can imagine my disappointment when, upon tasting the muffins, I discovered that they were not perfect. These muffins were, in fact, absolutely terrible. Not even my dog was interested in eating these supposedly “perfect” muffins. I would appreciate a full refund ($3.99) for this product as soon as possible. Enclosed are the receipt, the empty box, and one of the un-perfect muffins so that you can experience it for yourself. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely Michelle Bauer I. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any four questions in brief:  (2 × 4 = 8 marks) 1. Whom is the letter most likely addressed to? What is the tone of the author?

2. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this letter?



3. What did the author discover upon tasting the muffins?



4. What did the author enclose with the letter?



5. Who was George? What did he assure the author?

II. On the basis of your reading of the passage, fill in any two of the following blanks with appropriate words/phrases : (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. The cashier George was a man of _________________________ .

2. The author wanted _________________________ for the product.



3. The author found that the muffins were not _________________________ .

III. Attempt any two of the following. Find out the words that mean the same as under.  (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. ‘promise’ (Para–1)

2. ‘distress’ (Para–4)



3. ‘quick’ (Para–5)

SECTION – B : WRITING & GRAMMAR (30 MARKS) 3. You had been to Kerala, God’s Own Country, on a week’s holiday. Kerala is famous for its backwaters, and huge boathouses. Write a diary entry of a day’s sightseeing in Kerala in about 100-120 words. (8 marks) 4. Expand the following into a meaningful story. Do not exceed 200-250 words. (12 marks) It was the month of December. It was biting cold. People slept in inside the rooms closing the doors. At about 2:00 a.m. I woke up to go to the toilet. Suddenly I heard some sound in my neighbourhood. I saw through the windowpane, a man was breaking the door. I took courage and went .......................... . Moral: ...................................................................... . 5. Fill in any three blanks by choosing the correct options from those given below:  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) Ruchika said that there were many people who .............................. her. (b) The patient .............................. before the doctor arrived. (c) It .............................. since morning. (d) He talks as if he .............................. a powerful man. (a) (i) know (ii) knows (iii) were knowing (iv) knew (b) (i) has died (ii) is died (iii) was died (iv) died

242

Assignments in English Plus – 8

(c) (i) has rained (ii) rains (iii) is raining (iv) has been raining (d) (i) were (ii) is (iii) was (iv) are 6. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the paragraph in the space given. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) Global warming was not a permanent

(a) ...............

................

process. We can reversed all

(b) ...............

................

the damage that has been doing but

(c) ...............

................

it calls to a collective efforts from

(d) ...............

................

everyone, especially the people which

(e) ...............

................

have the power to influence others. 7. Re-arrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.   (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) is established/ Nainital Ropeway/ Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam/ by (a) ropeways/ it/ one of the/ of/ advanced/ India/ is (b) controlled by/ both/ it/ and/ electronically/ mechanically/ is (c) used to carry/ a single time/ it/ 12 persons/ is/ in

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244

Assignments in English Plus – 8

50 Marks

Reading, Writing & Grammar

UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 3 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

1 Hour

Marks

Max. Marks  50

/50 Teacher’s Sign

SECTION – A : READING (20 MARKS) 1. Read the following passage carefully:

(8 marks)

Cheraw is the most colourful Mizo dance. Bamboos are used in this dance. Hence the dancer moves by stepping alternately in and out from between across a pair of horizontal bamboos, held against the ground by people sitting face to face at either side. They tap the bamboos open and close in rhythmic beats. Two bases support the bamboos, placed horizontally, one at each end. The bamboos, when clapped, produce a sharp sound, which forms the rhythm of the dance. It indicates the timing of the dance as well. The dancers step in and out to the beats of the bamboos with ease and grace. The patterns and stepping of the dance have many variations. Sometimes the steppings are made in imitation of the movements of birds, sometimes the swaying of trees and so on. Little is known about the origin of Cheraw. It may be possible that the forefathers of the Mizos brought it with them when they left home in Far-East Asia. Cheraw is performed on any occasion these days. But, so goes the legend. It used to be performed in earlier times only to ensure a safe passage for a dead child to paradise. Cheraw is, therefore, a dance of sanctification and redemption performed with great care, precision and elegance. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any eight questions in brief: (1 × 8 = 8 marks)

1. What is Cheraw? 2. What is the use of bamboos in Cheraw? 3. What happens when the bamboos are clapped? 4. What are the special features of the patterns and steppings of Cheraw? 5. What do the people of Mizoram speculate about the origin of Cheraw? 6. Why is Cheraw performed? 7. What do dancers need while performing Cheraw? 8. How do they tap the bamboos? 9. Give a suitable title to the above passage. 2. Read the following passage carefully:

(12 marks)

Himalayan valley is the geographical guard of the Indian territory against any foreign invasion keeping the enemy at bay from the western to the eastern subcontinent of the Asian sphere. The valley abounds with a classified variety of different glaciers, wildlife, peaks and thick vegetation liable to support the homo sapiens. Pindari glacier is a range of four glaciers, namely Sunderdunga, Namik, Pindari and Kafni. To go to Pindari glacier it is a 54 km trek and the walking part is normally covered in four days. In this trek, we cross many mountains and forests and see a lot of wildlife. We were eight members in the team. The whole trip took us ten days in the mountains. Throughout the way, our guide and my father explained to us the various features of the Himalayas we were passing through. We had to face bad weather for two days. There was a steep climb at some places and as we climbed up we were affected by high altitude sickness and lack of oxygen and we felt very tired. Pindari glacier is surrounded on all sides by snow-covered peaks such as Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Nanda Khat, Bailiuri and many more. This glacier is a frozen river of ice and settled in such a way that it looks like a huge staircase. There I saw all physical features such as gorges, moraines, hanging valleys. etc.

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245

I. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any four questions in brief:  (2 × 4 = 8 marks) 1. Based on paragraph 1, what is the geographical importance of Himalayan valley? 2. What is Pindari glacier? What is its length? 3. How much time does it take to cross the total length? 4. (i) How is a trip to Pindari glacier useful? (ii) What happened to the members when they climbed up? 5. Based on paragraph 3, what are the special features of Pindari glacier? II. On the basis of your reading of the passage, fill in any two of the following blanks with appropriate words/phrases : (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. Pindari glacier is a range of _________________________ . 2. The weather remained bad for _________________________ . 3. Pindari glacier looks like a _________________________ . III. Attempt any two of the following. Find out the words that mean the same as under.  (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. ‘characteristics’ (Para–2) 2. ‘illness’ (Para–2) 3. ‘large’ (Para–3)

SECTION – B : WRITING & GRAMMAR (30 MARKS) 3. A bund was breached during last year’s flood. Although monsoon is soon to come, the bund has not been repaired by authorities. Write a letter to the editor of a daily newspaper requesting him to give enough coverage to the issue so that the concerned authorities can take necessary actions. (Word limit: 100-120 words) (8 marks) 4. Develop the following outline into a readable story in about 200-250 words. (12 marks) Two goats step on the bridge from opposite directions .............. one sat down .............. allowed the other to step over his body .............. cross the bridge. Moral: ...................................................................... . 5. Fill in any three gaps by supplying the correct word/words:  

(1 × 3 = 3 marks)

The Idea of the elevator (a) .............. by no one man; it was developed over a long period of time. This is because the mechanical principles (b) .............. elevators had been in use for centuries. The ancient Greeks (c) .............. how to lift objects, using pulleys and winches. A pulley is a grooved wheel/over which a rope (d) .............. over. 6. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the paragraph in the space given. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) e.g. children

If your children is overweight,

child

avoids fruit but vegetables,

(a) ...............

................

and prefers computer games than real

(b) ...............

................

ones, you should being concerned.

(c) ...............

................

You should moulds your .

(d) ...............

................

child positive.

(e) ...............

................



(a) (i) was invented

(ii) invented

(iii) is invented

(iv) has been invented



(b) (i) with

(ii) of

(iii) off

(iv) to



(c) (i) knows

(ii) has known

(iii) known

(iv) knew



(d) (i) can slid

(ii) can slide

(iii) could slide

(iv) slide



(e) (i) positivity

(ii) positively

(iii) positivism

(iv) posits

246

Assignments in English Plus – 8

7. Re-arrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.   (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) potter/ in/ once/ a/ a/ lived/ there/ village (b) innocent/ was/ a very/ and/ fellow/ simple/ he (c) for him/ a problem/ old donkey/ his/ had become (d) sold/ it/ the donkey/ the potter/ fed up with/ being

Space for Notes

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248

Assignments in English Plus – 8

50 Marks

Reading, Writing & Grammar

UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 4 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

1 Hour

Marks

Max. Marks  50

/50 Teacher’s Sign

SECTION – A : READING (20 MARKS) 1. Read the following passage carefully:

(8 marks)

No one knows exactly how old the pyramids are. A thousand years before Christ, they were already old and mysterious. The Great Pyramid at Giza has been attributed to King Cheops of the fourth dynasty (about 2900 B.C.) The pyramids are tombs. The ancient Egyptian kings believed that their future lives depended upon the perfect preservation of their bodies. The dead were therefore embalmed, and the mummies were hidden below the level of the ground in the interior of these great masses of stone. Even the inner passages were blocked and concealed from possible robbers. Food and other necessities were put in the tombs for the kings to eat in their future lives. The building of such a tremendous structure was a marvellous engineering feat. It is said that it took 1,00,000 men working for twenty years to build the Great Pyramid! Each block of stone is 7 metres high. Some are 5.5 metres wide. Let’s see if we can trace the story of the building of this particular pyramid. The blocks of limestone and granite used in building the pyramid were brought by boat from quarries across the Nile and to the south. This could be done for only three months each spring when the Nile was flooded. So it took twenty years and some 5,00,000 trips to bring all the stones needed! Boats unloaded at a landing space connected to the site of the pyramid by a stone road. The blocks weighing about 2 tonnes each, were then pulled up the road on sledges by gangs of men. Stone blocks pulled up the road were laid out in neat rows and then pulled to the site by other gangs of men. The number of blocks in the Great Pyramid have been estimated at 2,300,000. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any eight questions in brief: (1 × 8 = 8 marks) 1. What are pyramids? To whom has the Great Pyramid at Giza attributed to? 2. Why did the ancient Egyptian kings build pyramids? 3. Why were food and other necessities put in the tombs? 4. How much time did it take to build the Great Pyramid at Giza? 5. What is this Great Pyramid built of? 6. Why did it take so much time to build this Great Pyramid? 7. What was the weight of each block of limestone? 8. How were the blocks pulled up the road? 9. How many blocks have been used in building the Great Pyramid? 2. Read the following passage carefully:

(12 marks)

As religious people believing in God, we are all aware of the influence of prayer in our individual lives. It is true our temples, gurudwaras, churches and mosques reverberate with the prayers of the devout on festive occasions and even in the course of daily life. When individuals face dire situations, often they are let into prayer; their faith thus opens for them a source of comfort and encouragement in their hour of need. But how does this nation, as a collective entity, exercise its faith in prayer? It may be recalled that during the freedom struggle and subsequently after Independence, the Father of the Nation used to

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lead the people in prayer on matters affecting its destiny. The men of different faiths used to take part in such meetings, which gave them a sense of purpose and also a sense of solidarity as people sharing one destiny. Since the Mahatma fell to the bullets of an assassin, no one else probably came forward to provide leadership to an exercise of prayer at the national level. No doubt, people of all faiths had organised prayers at their places of worship in the aftermath of national tragedies like the Gujarat earthquake or the Orissa cyclone. The hijacking of an Indian plane with its passengers to Khandahar in the recent past had moved this nation to pray. The whole nation, again had taken to prayer en masse on two other earlier occasions—when Amitach Bachchan fell seriously ill and also when Mother Teresa was on bed. “Man’s need for prayer is as great as his need for bread. As food is necessary for the body, prayer is necessary for the soul. I have not a shadow of doubt that the strife and quarrels with which our atmosphere is so full today are due to the absence of the spirit of true prayer. “True prayer never goes unanswered” wrote Gandhiji. According to Vasudevan, Secretary of the Rajghat Samadhi Samiti, allreligion prayer meetings are held every Friday at Rajghat from 4 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. It is said that act of prayer changes people and situations. There is a general impression that prayer is an act of seeking favour from good for selfish ends. It is as if all praying people are only interested in taking their shopping lists to their maker ! Far from it. The very act of praying teaches one to empathise with those who suffer. It broadens one’s vision and outlook. It builds up one’s character by imparting a sense of responsibility towards other people and situations. I. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any four questions in brief: 

(2 × 4 = 8 marks) 1. Why do people pray? What does it show? 2. What did Mahatma Gandhi give importance to? Why? 3. When do people generally organise collective prayers? Mention some of the occasions when people of all faiths had organised prayers in their places of worship. 4. According to Mahatma Gandhi, our atmosphere is full of strife and quarrels. Why? 5. What does the very act of praying teach us?



II. On the basis of your reading of the passage, fill in any two of the following blanks with appropriate words/phrases : (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. Religious people give great importance to _________________________ .

2. We should give as much importance to prayer as _________________________ .



3. Prayer broadens one’s _________________________ .

III. Attempt any two of the following. Find out the words that mean the same as under.  (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. ‘remembered’ (Para–2)

2. ‘empathise’ (Para–5)



3. ‘expands’ (Para–5)

SECTION – B : WRITING & GRAMMAR (30 MARKS)

3. The image shown may send shivers down most of the spines. Yes, we are talking about police brutality. Especially in India, many policemen still believe that they are working for their colonial masters. Write a letter to the editor in about 100-120 words of a leading daily on police brutality. (8 marks)

4. Develop the following outline into a readable story in about 200-250 words.

(12 marks)

Dog crossing a bridge .............. a bit of flesh in mouth .............. sees his image .............. takes it for another dog .............. jumps down. 5. Fill in any three blanks by choosing the correct options from those given below:  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) A rich man from Punjab who (a) .............. to Rohtak to purchase land (b) .............. of 20 lakhs from his

250

Assignments in English Plus – 8

car on Monday. His son (c) .............. inside the car when the robbery took place. But he (d) .............. do nothing. (a) (i) comes (ii) came (iii) was coming (iv) had come (b) (i) being robbed

(ii) has robbed

(iii) robbed

(iv) was robbed

(c) (i) was sitting

(ii) is sitting

(iii) sat

(iv) was seated

(iii) does

(iv) will not

(d) (i) can (ii) could

6. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the paragraph in the space given. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) Erosion is the process whereby a surface e.g. a the of the earth was slowly being (a) ...............

................

wear away. The rain falls on the (b) ...............

................

soft ground but runs off in (c) ...............

................

streams and rivers thick by mud. (d) ...............

................

A wind, scooping earth with the field (e) ...............

................

gives sand and dust to them. 7. Re-arrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.   (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) Herbivorous animals/grass and plants/feed on/that/deer are (b) usually/ are/ very timid/ they/ animals (c) depend on/ they/ for safety/ speed/ their (d) live/ they/ group/ feel/ sense of security/in/to/a/

Space for Notes

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252

Assignments in English Plus – 8

50 Marks

Reading, Writing & Grammar

UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 5 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

Marks

1 Hour

Max. Marks  50

/50 Teacher’s Sign

SECTION – A : READING (20 MARKS) 1. Read the following passage carefully:

(8 marks)

In this world it is not only futile for the small to appeal to authority, it is dangerous as well. Fortunately, the tiny voice seldom reaches big ears or who knows what might happen? When Gafur returned home from the landlord’s and quietly lay down, his face and eyes were swollen. The chief cause of so much suffering was Mahesh. When Gafur left home that morning, Mahesh broke loose from his tether, and entering the grounds of the landlord, had eaten up flowers and upset the corn drying in the sun. When finally they tried to catch him, he had hurt the landlord’s youngest daughter and had escaped. This was not the first time this had happened, but Gafur was forgiven because he was poor. If he had come around, and as on other occasions, begged for the landlord’s forgiveness, he would probably have been forgiven but instead he had claimed that he paid rent, and that he was nobody’s slave. This was too much for Shibu babu, the landlord, to swallow. Gafur had borne the beatings and tortures without protest. At home, too, he lay in a corner without a word. His heart burnt within him like the sun outside. He kept no count of how time had passed. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any eight questions in brief: (1 × 8 = 8 marks) 1. What does the author mean by the expression ‘..... the tiny voice seldom reaches big ears’. 2. Why were Gafur’s face and eyes swollen? 3. Which family did Gafur belong to? 4. What do the last two-three sentences reveal about Gafur? 5. Who was the chief cause of Gafur’s suffering? 6. What had Mahesh done in Gafur’s absence? 7. Earlier Gafur was forgiven by the landlord. Why? 8. Why was he not forgiven this time? 9. Who was Shibu Babu? How did he behave with Gafur? 2. Read the following passage carefully:

(12 marks)

Ilkal, a small town famous for its ethnic saris is in the northern district of Bijapur in Karnataka. But soon the sound of the loom may belong to the past as more and more weavers leave this art to join more profitable occupations. These saris are unique for their four to six inch broad reddish maroon borders with traditional, distinct designs. It is the families of dyers and weavers who together produce the Ilkal sari—a deep blue-black indigo body with red borders. It is woven in cotton or silk or a combination of both. The cotton before the advent of chemical colours, was indigo dyed, and the red border dyed with colours derived from flowers. A weaver’s living room includes a handloom pit, where the weaver works on the loom at the same time entertaining guests and customers. The bedroom is the store room for yarn and also doubles as the domain of womenfolk of the house. It takes around a week to complete a sari. It is tiresome work. “The wholesaler gives us the required raw materials, mainly yarn, and we weave the sari on a piecemeal basis”, he elaborates. “We are then sure the sari is sold and we are not stuck with dead stock. This is how the system mostly works now.” Traditionally, Ilkal saris were made using natural indigo dyes. Then, in the 1970s, the synthetic German indigo replaced this vat dying process. Today, this has given way to naphtha based dyes.

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The famed and centuries old indigo dying is now on the verge of extinction. As the new generation steps into more profitable avenues the skyline of Ilkal is fast changing too. “The most profitable business in the area now is granite,” states a weaver. With this stone being available in plenty here, a number of granite selling agencies and chimneys of granite processing units are proliferating all over. As more and more of town’s younger citizens step into newer ventures like that of selling stones, the loom may become a mere memory. I. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any four questions in brief: (2 × 4 = 8 marks) 1. Why are the weavers of Ilkal leaving the art of weaving Ilkal saris? 2. What are Ilkal saris known for? 3. Why does the new generation of the weavers’ community not seem to be interested in looms? 4. Why are younger citizens of Ilkal town engaged in selling granite? 5. Why do you think the loom may become a mere memory? II. Fill in any two blanks with appropriate words/phrases. (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. Ilkal is endowed with abundant _____________________ . 2. The young generation in Ilkal is not interested _____________________ . 3. The skylines of Ilkal is fast changing because_____________________ . III. Find any two words from the above passage which mean the same as:  (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. ‘clear’ (para 1) 2. ‘a lot of’ (para 3) 3. ‘dying out’ (para 3)

SECTION – B : WRITING & GRAMMAR (30 MARKS) 3. Children in the younger age group view the advertisements on television with great interest and enthusiasm. Write an article on ‘Children and TV Advertising’ in about 120 words. (8 marks)

4. Develop the following outline into a readable story about 200-250 words.

(12 marks)

Wolf drinking at a pool .............. sees lamb drinking below .............. mouth waters .............. makes lame excuses .............. overpowers lamb .............. kills it. Moral: ...................................................................... . 5. Fill in any three blanks by choosing the correct options from those given below:  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Japan has many things in common with India. India is a democracy and so (a) .............................. Japan. We have two houses of Parliament and so (b) .............................. Japan. We elect our representatives to these two Houses, and so (c) .............................. the Japanese to theirs. So they have a form (d) .............................. government which is very much like ours. (a) (i) do (b) (i) has (c) (i) is (d) (i) to

(ii) has (ii) had (ii) has (ii) of

(iii) are (iii) do (iii) do (iii) off

(iv) is (iv) is (iv) had (iv) with

6. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the paragraph in the space given. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) My friend Todd owes me the dollar. (a) ............... ................ He has owed it to him for twelve (b) ............... ................ months, but I fear there is little (c) ............... ................ prospect of his ever return it. (d) ............... ................

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Assignments in English Plus – 8

I can realised whenever I meet (e) ............... ................ him that he has forgotten that he owed me a dollar. 7. Re-arrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.   (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) Chris/ his sister Curly/ with their mother/ Mumbai/ and/ went to/ for a holiday (b) when/ young/ their father/ were/ had died/ they/ very (c) always/ the children/ beach/ had/ wanted/ see/ the/ to (d) saved/ the mother/ over the years/ had/ some money/ so that/ they could/ a sea-side/ enjoy

Space for Notes

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256

Assignments in English Plus – 8

50 Marks

Reading, Writing & Grammar

UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 6 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

1 Hour

Marks

Max. Marks  50

/50 Teacher’s Sign

SECTION – A : READING (20 MARKS) 1. Read the following passage carefully:

(8 marks)

Like meditation, Yoga is an extremely popular and effective method for becoming a more relaxed, easy going person. For centuries Yoga has been used to clear and free the mind, giving people feelings of ease and tranquility. It is easy to do and take only a few minutes a day. What’s more, people of any age and fitness level can participate. Yoga is noncompetitive in nature. You can work and progress at your own speed and comfort level. Although Yoga is physical in nature, its benefits are both physical and emotional. On the physical side, Yoga strengthens the muscles and the spine, creating flexibility and ease of motion. On the emotional side, Yoga is a tremendous stress reduce. It balances the body, mind-spirit connection, giving you a feeling of ease and peace. Yoga is practised by engaging in a series of stretches, both gentle and challenging. The stretches are designed to open the body and lengthen the spine. The stretches focus on very specific, usually tight and constricted places—the neck, back, hips, legs and spine. While you are stretching, you are also concentrating, focusing your attention on what you are doing. The effects of Yoga are truly amazing. After only a few minutes, you feel more alive and open, peaceful and relaxed. Your mind is clear. The rest of your day is easier and more focused. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any eight questions in brief:

(1 × 8 = 8 marks)

1. How does yoga help a person? 2. For what has yoga been used for centuries? 3. People of what age can participate in yoga? 4. ‘Yoga is noncompetitive in nature’. What does this mean? 5. What are the physical benefits of Yoga? 6. What are the emotional benefits of Yoga? 7. Yoga is practised by engaging in a series of stretches. What do these stretches focus on? 8. What are the amazing effects of yoga? 9. Give a suitable title to the above passage. 2. Read the following passage carefully:

(12 marks)

Indian mythology is not confined to the epics; it goes back to the Vedic period and appears in many forms and garbs in Sanskrit literature. The poets and the dramatists take full advantage of it and build their stories and lovely fancies round it. The Ashoka tree is said to burst into flowers when touched by the foot of a beautiful woman. We read of the adventures of Kama, the god of love, and his wife, Rati (or rapture), with their friend Vasanta, the god of spring. Greatly daring, Kama shoots his flowery arrow at Shiva himself and is reduced to ashes by the fire that flashed out of Shiva’s third eye. But he survives as Ananga, the bodiless one. Most of the myths and stories are heroic in conception and teach adherence to truth and the pledged word, whatever the consequences, faithfulness unto death and even beyond, courage, good works and sacrifice for the common good. Sometimes the story is pure myth, or else it is a mixture of fact and myth, an exaggerated account of some incident that tradition preserved. Facts and fiction are so interwoven together as to be inseparable, and this amalgam becomes an imagined history, which may

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not tell us exactly what happened but does tell us something that is equally important – what people believed had taken place, what they thought their heroic ancestors were capable of, and what ideals inspired them. So, whether fact or fiction, it became living element in their lives, ever pulling them up from the drudgery and ugliness of their everyday existence to higher realms, ever pointing towards the path of endeavour and right living, even though the ideal might be far off and difficult to reach. I. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any four questions in brief:  (2 × 4 = 8 marks) 1. What do we know about the adventures of Kama? 2. What do myths and stories teach us? 3. Why is it difficult to separate facts from fiction in the stories? 4. Why should we read myths and stories? 5. What is said by the Ashoka tree? II. Fill in any two blanks with appropriate words/phrases. (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. Kama is the __________________ . 2. Most of the myths and stories teach us to __________________ . 3. Most of the stories point towards the path of __________________ . III. Find any two words from the above passage which mean the same as:  (1 × 2 = 2 marks) 1. ‘bold’ (para–1) 2. ‘hard work’ (para–2) 3. ‘attempt’ (para–2)

SECTION – B : WRITING & GRAMMAR (30 MARKS) 3. Recently you happened to visit a book fair held in your town. Write a diary entry in about 100-120 words.  (8 marks)

Or Today children are inclined towards computer and internet. They use it continuously without caring for their normal study. They don’t bother about it. It creates some sort of anxiety among parents. Write an article on the same in about 100-120 words. (8 marks) 4. Develop the following outline into a readable story about 200-250 words. (12 marks) Lion catches mouse .............. mouse begs for life .............. lion spares it .............. lion trapped in net .............. tries to come out .............. fails .............. mouse sees .............. comes to help .............. gnaws through net .............. lion escapes. Moral: ...................................................................... . 5. Fill in any three blanks by choosing the correct options from those given below:  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) When it was very hot during the day, we (a) .............................. find lions lying asleep. They were the colour of the grass and we didn’t (b) .............................. them at first but the man did, and he led us back and a long way round (c) .............................. they slept. I wanted to lie down like the lions. My little brother was (d) .............................. then but he was very heavy. (a) (i) would (ii) will (iii) could (iv) should (b) (i) saw (ii) see (iii) look (iv) seeing (c) (i) where (ii) when (iii) while (iv) whenever (d) (i) looking (ii) keeping (iii) gaining (iv) getting 6. In the passage given below one word has been omitted in each line. A slash (/) has been given where the word is missing. Write the missing word in any four lines of the passage in the space provided: (1 × 4 = 4 marks)

258

Assignments in English Plus – 8

The oldest stone buildings / the world (a) .......................................... are the pyramids of Egypt. They / stood (b) .......................................... for nearly 5000 years, / it seems likely (c) .......................................... that they / continue to stand for thousands (d) .......................................... of years yet. They are over eighty / them (e) .......................................... scattered along the bank of the Nile. 7. Re-arrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.   (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) the most/ stonefish/ venomous/ the world/ in/ is/ fish (b) Indo – Pacific oceans/ are found/ in/ they/ coastal regions/ the/ of (c) dorsal / they / spikes / have /

(d) venomous / these spikes / glands / carry / below them/

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260

Assignments in English Plus – 8

50 Marks

Reading, Writing & Grammar

UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 7 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

1 Hour

Marks

Max. Marks  50

/50 Teacher’s Sign

SECTION – A : READING (20 MARKS) 1. Read the following passage carefully:

(8 marks)

English is the world’s most widely used language. It is useful to distinguish three primary categories of use: as a native language, as a second language, and as a foreign language. English is spoken as a native language by nearly three hundred million people in the United States, Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean and South Africa, without mentioning smaller countries or smaller pockets of native English speakers (for example in Zimbabwe and Kenya). In several of these countries, English is not the sole language: the Quebec province of Canada is French-speaking, much of South Africa is Afrikaans speaking, and for many Irish and Welsh people, English is not the native language. But for these Welsh, Irish, Quebecois and Afrikaners, English will even so be a second language: that is, a language necessary for certain official, social, commercial or educational activities within their own country. This second language function is more noteworthy, however, in a long list of countries where only a small proportion of the people have English as their native language: India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya and many other Commonwealth countries and former British territories. Thus, six decades after independence, India maintains English is the second language in countries of such divergent backgrounds as the Philippines and Ethiopia, while in numerous other countries (Burma, Thailand, South Korea and some Middle Eastern countries, for example) it has a second language status in respect of higher education. It is one of the two ‘working’ languages of the United Nations and of the two it is by far the more frequently used both in debate and in general conduct of UN business. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any eight questions in brief:

(1 × 8 = 8 marks)

1. What are the three primary categories of languages? 2. How many people in the world speak English as a native language? 3. Name the countries that use English as a native language. 4. What is meant by second language? 5. Which language is spoken by the people living in the Quebec province of Canada? 6. Write the name of any four countries where only a small proportion of the people speak English as their native language. 7. In which countries is English used as the second language? 8. Which language is more often used in the general conduct of the United Nations? 9. Give a suitable title to the above passage. 2. Read the following passage carefully: (12 marks) I felt stupid, being made to stand on the desk while the other kids were bent over their notebooks. I couldn’t understand my new school or my new classmates, or their alien language—English—and the fact that they could do sums in their head, while I struggled with a paper and pencil. For me, at age six, the good times had ended. Life seemed a far cry from those days in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, all thanks to my grandfather’s reflected glory. He was a military doctor, a great man, and I lived with him. And so even policemen gave me affectionate salaams, which I learned to acknowledge with a nod. I’d simply lay my head down on the desk and sleep in class, if bored. I was a pampered little prince. In early 1971, my parents decided it was time I moved to Bombay where father worked. My first few days were a disaster. No one spoke Tamil or Telugu, the only languages I knew. I couldn’t keep pace

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261

with their writing or reading. Then one day, a slight plump lady with large spectacles, wearing trousers walked into the classroom. “Hello,” she said, “My name is Miss Jean. I am your new class teacher.” She’d done her homework. Spotting me in a back corner, she beckoned me to the front. My almost empty notebooks must have given Miss Jean a clue that I needed the extra attention. If the class had to write a page, I’d be made to write two. Even during PT, I had to stay back and write. When I was caught sneaking to the window to watch the others playing, Miss Jean put me in the middle row, far from the window. I. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any four questions in brief:  (2 × 4 = 8 marks) 1. Why did the author feel awkward in the class?

2. What was the problem with him?



3. Why did even the policemen give him salaams? What would he do when he got bored in the class?



4. Why does the author say–‘My first few days were a disaster’?



5. Who was Miss Jean? What indicated her that the author as a child needed extra attention? II. Fill any two blanks with appropriate words/phrases. (1 × 2 = 2 marks)



1. The author moved to Bombay where ____________________ .



2. Miss Jean beckoned the author to the front because he ____________________ .



3. The author’s empty notebooks gave Miss Jean a clue that ____________________ . III. Find any two words from the above passage which mean the same as:  (1 × 2 = 2 marks)



1. ‘spoiled’ (para–1)



2. ‘fat’ (para–2)



3. ‘gave signal’ (para–2)

3. Many of you often have to carry heavy school bags. This not only creates pressure on your body but also on your psyche. Write an article in about 100-120 words suggesting some ways to reduce load on students, like you. (8 marks) 4. Develop the following outline into a readable story about 200-250 words.

(12 marks)

A crow lived on a tree .............. a snake lived in a hole at the foot .............. ate up crow’s young ones .............. one day crow stole the necklace of the prince .............. dropped it into snake’s hole .............. king’s men found it .............. dug into the hole .............. snake was killed.. Moral: ...................................................................... . 5. Fill in any three blanks by choosing the correct options from those given below:  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Today, new methods of farming help prevent (a) .............................. damage of erosion. For one thing, farmers don’t (b) .............................. the plough so much anymore. They leave the litter (c) .............................. the wheat and corn crops on the surface, which (d) .............................. keep the soil there. (a) (i) some (ii) a (iii) the (iv) title (b) (i) use (ii) uses (iii) using (iv) used (c) (i) to (ii) off (iii) of (iv) with (d) (i) helps (ii) help (iii) has helped (iv) with is helping 6. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in any four lines of the passage in the space given. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied: (1 × 4 = 4 marks) We can’t afford to lost any blood. e.g. lost lose Even though the healthy person (a) ...............

................

can lose as much as one third to all (b) ...............

................

his blood and still lives, a steady (c) ...............

................

loss of blood, or loss to blood (d) ...............

................

while we were sick, would be

(e) ............... ................

dangerous.

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Assignments in English Plus – 8

7. Re-arrange any three of the following groups of words/phrases to make meaningful sentences.   (1 × 3 = 3 marks) (a) both/voluntary/breathing/involuntary/is/and (b) regularly/goes on/it/are/asleep/even when/we (c) can stop/but/short time/we/breathing/for/a/we wish/if (d) feel / by / deep breath / we / relaxed / taking

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264

Assignments in English Plus – 8

50 Marks

Reading, Writing & Grammar

UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 8 Name

Time

Class

Section

Roll No.

Date

1 Hour

Marks

Max. Marks  50

/50 Teacher’s Sign

SECTION – A : READING (20 MARKS) 1. Read the following passage carefully:

(8 marks)

Why Do Our Teeth Decay? Man has only a single replacement of his teeth. By the time a baby is about two years old, it has a total of 20 teeth, called the milk teeth. Beneath these milk teeth, there is a second series of teeth which begin to appear after the age of six. The milk teeth are replaced by about the age of twelve and then more teeth appear until the adult finally has his full set of 32 permanent teeth. Since we don’t get another chance at new teeth, it is important to keep them healthy and free from decay. The enamel is where decay usually begins. Let us say that some defect appears in the enamel. It can be an almost invisible opening, but since we always have bacteria in our mouth, they soon find this break in the surface and settle under the enamel. They cannot eat the enamel, but they can feed on the juicy dentine and the lymph which is in the dentine canals. Soon they erode the walls of the canals, and a cavity is created beneath the enamel. This may go unnoticed for sometime, but if the wall of the tooth becomes thin as a result of the work of the bacteria, then we notice it very quickly. This is because heat and cold can now penetrate more strongly to the pulp cavity. The pulp occupies a hollow space in the centre of the tooth and contains nerves. These nerves are stimulated by the heat or cold. When a tooth feels sensitive to heat or cold, you can be pretty sure it’s a danger signal that decay is taking place. When the bacteria penetrate through the dentine canals into the pulp cavity, they find a perfect feeding and breeding ground. Now we get a toothache. The decay of the tooth continues, the network of vessels that supply food to the tooth wither away, and the tooth, no longer nourished, becomes a dead shell. Moral: Have your teeth examined regularly by your dentist! (Source: More Tell My Why) On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any eight questions in brief: (1 × 8 = 8 marks) 1. How many teeth does a baby of two years have? 2. What are these teeth called? 3. When are these teeth replaced? How many teeth does an adult have? 4. Why is it important to keep our teeth healthy? 5. Where does tooth-decay usually begin? How? 6. How is a cavity created beneath the enamel? 7. What indicates that tooth-decay is taking place? 8. When do we get a toothache? 9. What message does the above passage convey? 2. Read the following passage carefully:

(12 marks)

The scriptures clearly define the three qualities of Tamas, Rajas and Sattva present in all of us. Tamas is inertia or resistance to transformation. Rajas is aggressiveness, restlessness or result oriented action. Sattva is the characteristic of purity inside us. As human beings, all of us have this quality of Sattva, which gives us patience, tolerance and establishes

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us in a state of utter tranquility. But our Sattvic nature has been pushed to the background. That is why we make no progress in spiritual practices like meditation. Total confusion, problems and worries are the fruits of Tamas. Lack of peace or a disturbed mind is the fruit of Rajas. Peace, happiness and contentment are the fruits of Sattva. Our Sattvic nature is given to us in the form of energy by God Himself. It empowers us to cope with problems in a very systematic way without affecting our mental peace or depleting our human qualities. It turns us to Divinity and activates our Soul. Just like we preserve food using a preservative, we should preserve our minds using the energy called Sattva. If we want to have unflagging inspiration, zeal, zest and dynamism, we have to soak our minds in Sattva. Sattva gives us the ability to remain unruffled at all times. We interact with so many people. Whatever people say, we should never allow inner peace to get destroyed. If there is a grain of Sattva in us, other people’s thoughts, words and actions will bombard and kill it if we react to them. Even if somebody accuses us, keep quiet. After a while that person will realise his mistake. When we don’t react and become completely quiet inside, what comes out of us in Sattva and peace. This is in the form of a vibration. We cannot see it, but we can feel and experience it. These divine vibrations are extremely powerful. They transform people and situations, as no words can. I. On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer any four questions in brief:  (2 × 4 = 8 marks)

1. Name the three qualities that all of us possess.



2. What do these qualities represent?



3. What do Tamas, Rajas and Sattva result in?



4. Based on paragraph 3, describe the benefits of following a Sattvic life.



5. What does the author say in the last paragraph?

II. Fill in any two blanks with appropriate words/phrases. 1. Sattva gives us _________________.

(1 × 2 = 2 marks)



2. If we keep quiet when somebody accuses us, that person realises_________________.



3. We should keep quiet even if _________________.

III. Find any two words from the above passage which mean the same as:  1. ‘inactivity’ (para–1)

2. ‘satisfaction’ (para–2)



3. ‘protect’ (para–3)

(1 × 2 = 2 marks)

3. A busy expressway has been built through your village. As there is no foot overbridge, people face problem while crossing the road. There had been some fatal accidents also because of this. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily in about 100-120 words highlighting the plight of people and requesting the Surface Transport Minister for building pedestrian bridges as soon as possible. (8 marks) 4. Be imaginative and complete the story with the help of the given opening in about 200-250 words. (12 marks) I alongwith some of my friends went to a canal for a bath in the morning. The canal water was flowing at full speed. Suddenly we heard a loud cry .............. . Moral: ...................................................................... . 5. Fill in any three blanks by choosing the correct options from those given below:  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Almost every civilisation that (a) .............................. kept a written history, has recorded the sighting (b) .............................. strange objects and lights in the skies. Today, unexplained aerial phenomena (c) .............................. generally referred (d) .............................. to as unidentified flying objects or flying saucers.

6. In the passage given below, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word alongwith the word that comes before and the word that comes after it in any four lines. Ensure that the word that forms your answer is underlined: (1 × 4 = 4 marks)

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Assignments in English Plus – 8

Man always looked for some (a) ............... ................ ................ way explain life and what (b) ............... ................ ................ happened in world about him. (c) ............... ................ ................ In primitive times, this was by

(d) ............... ................ ................

creating myths in which nature controlled (e) ............... ................ ................ by spirits. 7. Read the following conversation. Then complete any three blanks in indirect speech:  (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Salesman Customer Salesman Customer

: : : :

May I help you, sir? Do you have a leather belt? Yes, will this one suit you? No, I want a brown one.

The salesman asked the customer if he (a) .............................. . The customer asked (b) ........................ . The salesman replied in affirmative and asked (c) .............................. . The customer replied in negative and said that (d) .............................. .

Space for Notes

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Reading, Writing & Grammar

267

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Assignments in English Plus – 8