IT COULDN’T BE DONE

Summary: Someone said a particular job could not be done but another said he would
not be sure until he tried to do it. And so he set about with determination and he did it. If
he was worried about failure, he did not show his fears. Instead, he sang as he handled
the problem. Someone made fun of him saying no one had ever been successful at the
job. But that did not deter him. He did not grumble, he did not doubt his abilities. He got
down to do it, singing while doing it and he did it. Countless people may deter us from
attempting a job, telling us we will fail. They may show us the dangers we may
encounter. But all we need to do is to get down to doing it and doing it cheerfully. And
we will be successful.

A. Answer these questions.

1. What does the speaker mean by ‘it’ in ‘it couldn’t be done’?

Ans: The “it” over here is any impossible or difficult task in life.

2. What did ‘he’ say when he was told that it couldn’t be done?

Ans: When everyone said it couldn’t be done, he replied saying that ‘maybe it couldn’t
but he would be one who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried’ which means that he wouldn’t
say anything is impossible without attempting it first.

3. Did ‘he’ believe what the others said?

Ans: No, he didn’t believe what others said.

4. Did ‘he’ have doubts about his abilities?

Ans: No, he didn’t have any doubts about his abilities.

5. How did ‘he’ get ready to do the difficult task in the second stanza?

Ans: He got ready to do the thing with a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin and without
any doubts or complaints.

6. What thoughts or feelings do the phrases ‘lift of his chin’ and ‘bit of a grin’ express?

Ans: The expressions ‘lift of a chin’ and ‘bit of grin’ imply a positive attitude and the
confidence to tackle all problems. It means that he is getting ready to face challenges
head on with a smile.
B. Think and Answer

1. There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,

There are thousands to prophesy failure...

a. What effect will these negative comments have on someone who is attempting a
difficult task?

Ans: The negative comments tend to undermine the confidence of someone who is
attempting a difficult task.

b. What should we do in the face of such comments?

Ans: In the face of such comments, we should not lose our confidence and we should
attempt the task with self-confidence and positivity. We should try our best before
admitting failure.

2. He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn’t be done and he did it.

a. What is the importance of these lines? Why have they been repeated in the first and
second stanza?

Ans: The importance of these lines is to emphasise that no job is difficult or no situation
impossible if a person puts in full effort. They have been repeated in the first and second
stanza to motivate the readers to keep trying till they achieve success.

b. How do these lines change in the third stanza? What does it signify?

Ans: This line, in the first two stanzas, tells us what happened when the man attempted
the task that was called impossible. The last stanza changes from ‘he tackled the thing
that couldn’t be done and did it’, to ‘Just to start to sing as you tackle the thing that
couldn’t be done and you’ll do it.’ The last stanza, thus, advices us readers to tackle all
problems with determination.

Appreciating the Poem

1. What is the rhyme scheme of this poem?

Ans: The rhyme scheme of the poem is ababcded.

2. What is the theme or the main idea expressed in the poem?

Ans: The theme of this poem is to try things no matter how impossible someone says it
might be. If someone says you can’t do something then go prove them wrong and do it.
Don’t let someone’s negative attitude take you away from trying before giving up.

3. What does the poem make you feel? Confident? Energised? Inspired? How does it do
so?

Ans: The poem makes us feel confident and inspired .The biggest shift in the poem is
when the man did the thing that others said ‘could not be done’. It went from an
optimistic mood to an inspiring mood. The last paragraph is especially encouraging
because it basically says you can do anything as long as you try.

TRAIL OF THE GREEN BLAZER

Summary: Raju, a pickpocket, sat on a stack of banana stalks in a crowded

place looking out for someone whose pocket he could pick. A man with a
green blazer caught his attention and Raju focused on him. As a pickpocket
he had to watch his prey keenly. He was not always successful. There were
times when he counted himself lucky if he could withdraw his hand from a
pocket without being caught. He was happy if he could steal a bulging purse
with money enough to take slates, books and sweets for his children and a
blouse-piece for his wife. When he did get a lot of money, he had to hide it in
an envelope or under the roof tiles. Or else, his wife would get upset,
suspecting that he had gone back to being a pickpocket. She wanted to
believe that the money he brought home was through honest labour. Deciding
to pick the pocket of the man in the green blazer, Raju followed him at a safe
distance but close enough to hear his gruff voice while arguing with a
coconut vendor about the price of a coconut. He decided the man was stingy
and might make a fuss if he found out that his pocket had been picked. But he
also learnt that the man was soft-hearted. He had heard him say he could not
bear to see his motherless child cry when he stopped to buy a balloon for his
son. Raju picked the pocket of the man with the green blazer when he passed
through a crowded stile. He was happy to find thirty rupees and some small
change. It was enough to keep him from picking a pocket for another
fortnight. He decided to give the change to beggars and take his family to a
movie. He was about to throw away the purse when he found the balloon
tucked inside. Raju could not bear to imagine the child’s disappointment
when his father returned home without the balloon. He had no choice but to
put the purse back in the pocket. As soon as he slipped his hand into the
pocket, the man with the green blazer shouted that his pocket was picked and
began to beat Raju. People laughed when Raju protested that he was putting
the purse back in the pocket. The Magistrate did not believe him. His wife
said he had brought disgrace to their family even when he maintained that he
had only tried to put the purse back in the pocket. He became a joke among
the police. Raju served a sentence for eighteen months and did not know
what to do with himself when he came out of prison.

A. Answer these questions.

1. What did Raju love to find in the pockets he picked?

Ans: Raju loved to find a nice, bulging purse with loads of money in the pockets he
picked.

2. Why do you think the speaker called Raju an ‘idler’?

Ans: The speaker called Raju an ‘idler’ as he was lazy and wasn’t interested in doing
any work but theft.

3. Why did Raju select the Green Blazer as his ‘prey’?

Ans : The Green Blazer stood out among the crowd with its bright colour and the
promise of good money. This attracted Raju to it.

4. What made Raju think the Green Blazer was mean and petty?
Ans: Raju calls the Green Blazer ‘mean and petty’ as he haggled with the coconut seller
over the price of coconuts even though he was well off .

5. Why didn’t Raju throw the empty purse into the well?

Ans: Raju didn’t throw the empty purse into the well because he saw a balloon folded
and tucked away inside the purse. The Green Blazer had bought this to give to a
motherless child. Raju did not have the heart to rob the child of its balloon.

B. Choose the correct answers.

1. Why did Raju hide extra money in his house?

Ans: b) It would upset his wife to know that Raju was stealing.

2. What did Raju do when he realised that the balloon was in the purse?

Ans: c) He put the purse with only balloon back into the Green Blazer’s pocket.

3. Why was Raju’s wife ashamed of him?

Ans: a) She was ashamed that him being a criminal.

C. Think and Answer

1. Was Raju an innocent man? Do you sympathise with his situation? Why or why not?

Ans: Raju is a pick-pocket. One day, he stole the purse from a person wearing a Green
Blazer. However, when he discovered the balloon that was bought by Green Blazer to
give to a motherless child, he was caught in a dilemma—whether to throw the purse or
return it to Green Blazer. He knew that a child would be left disappointed and so
attempts to put the purse minus the money back where he took it from. This shows that
though Raju is a pickpocket, he has a conscience. While putting the purse back into
Green Blazer’s pocket, he is caught and jailed. But Raju did not consider what he was
doing wrong. For him pickpocketing is a job that supports his family. In Raju’s eyes, he
tried to do the right thing and only ended up in prison. While we sympathise with him,
stealing is wrong and a crime. And so, Raju cannot be called innocent.

2. Whom do you like more – Raju or the Green Blazer? Why?

Ans: Raju’s character is more likeable in the story because he is generous. Though a
pick-pocket by profession, he loves his family and he steals only to support his family.
He picks the pocket of the Green Blazer, who, though well-off, is portrayed as stingy
and miserly. He even bargains with the coconut seller over the price of coconuts. Raju
takes a huge risk in trying to return the purse, all because he is overcome with pity for a
child. The Green Blazer, however, has no mercy. He beats Raju up cruelly on catching
him. Raju’s kindness makes him a more likeable person.
Appreciating The Text

1. Irony is a strange and amusing situation where what happens is the oppposite of what
was expected. What incident in Raju’s life can be considered an irony?

Ans: In this story, a pickpocket named Raju, is punished for attempting to do a good
deed. One instance of irony in the story is that Raju’s wife and family lead a comfortable
life on the money that Raju steals and when Raju is sentenced to 18 months in prison,
his wife says that he has shamed them. Another example of irony is when Raju is
successful in robbing Green Blazer, but is caught while trying to do something good:
putting back the wallet into Green Blazer’s pocket.

THE DEATH OF CAESAR

Summary: Caesar is on his way to the Senate House when he sees the
soothsayer and says that the Ides of March had come. The soothsayer replies
that it had not gone yet. Both Artemidorus and Decius present their petitions
to Caesar. Artemidorus insists that Caesar should read his first since it
concerns Caesar. But Ceasar says he will read it last for that very reason; the
affairs of the state come first. He wants the petitioners to present their
grievances at the Capitol, not on the street. As Caesar proceeds to the Senate
Hall, Senator Popilius wishes Cassius all the best with his mission. Cassius
tells Brutus he fears their plot may have been discovered. If it failed, he
would commit suicide. Brutus calms him down as he watches Popilius
talking to Ceasar and sees the two of them smiling. Cassius also notes
Trebonius getting Antony out of the way. As previously planned, Decius,
Brutus and Cinna take up their positions close to Caesar to get their plan
underway: Mettelus Cimber is to present a petition on behalf of his brother
and Decius is to be close to him as if to support his plea. Cinna reminds
Casca that he is the first to stab Caesar. Caesar calls for petitions for his
considerations. Kneeling before him to flatter him Mettelus presents his plea
on behalf of his banished brother, Publius Cimber. But Caesar is not
impressed by his fawning. He says the brother was banished justly, according
to law and, therefore, he would not condone the wrong. Brutus steps forward
to kiss Caesar’s hand as if to support Mettellus. Cassius too falls at his feet.
But Caesar is not moved by the overwhelming support for Mettelus Cimber.
He insists that he will not forgive Publius Cimber. Casca stabs Caesar and the
other conspirators follow him. The last to stab is Brutus. Caesar is shocked to
see his friend turn traitor. He dies.

A. Answer these questions

1. What date is Caesar’s assassination planned for?

Ans: Caesar’s assassination was planned for the Ides of March or 15 March according to
the old Roman calendar.

2. What does Atremidorus ask for Caesar? What reply does he get?

Ans: Artemidorus, a soothsayer, foresees the plot against Caesar and writes down the
names of those plotting against him in the form of a petition which he urges Caesar to
read immediately. He insists that it is of great importance to Caesar. Caesar says that
Rome’s affairs are more important to him than his own and that he will read the note
later. He dismisses Artemidorus and calls him mad when the Soothsayer does not stop
begging.

3. What is the plan that the conspirators have made to kill Caesar?

Ans: The senators planned to kill Caesar while presenting the petitions to him. They
distracted him by asking him to repeal Publius Cimber’s exile. As they begged on behalf
of Cimber, they got closer and closer till they surrounded Caesar completely and stabbed
him to death.

4. Who is Publius Cimber? What has happened to him?

Ans: Publius Cimber is Roman senator Metellus Cimber’s brother who has been exiled
by Caesar.

5. Who is the first to stab Caesar? Whose betrayal hurts Caesar the most?

Ans: Casca stabs Caesar first but Caesar’s lifelong friend Brutus’s betrayal hurts him the
most.
6. What are Caesar’s last words? What emotions do they express?

Ans: Caesar’s last words are “Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar.” The words “You too,
Brutus?” express deep shock and pain at having been betrayed by someone he
considered a close friend.

7. What do the conspirators think Caesar’s death has achieved?

Ans: The conspirators think that killing Caesar means that they are free of a cruel and
unfair rule. They think they have punished Caesar’s cunning ambition and have achieved
freedom and liberty.

B. Read these sentences from the text and answer the questions

1. I fear our purpose is discovered

a. Who says this to whom?

Ans: Cassius says these words to Brutus.

b. What purpose is the speaker referring to? Why is the speaker fearful?

Ans: The purpose the speaker is referring to is the plot to assassinate Caesar. The
speaker is fearful because he think that Popillus has gotten wind of the plot and will
warn Caesar, thus ruining their plan and putting them in danger.

2. These couchings and these lowly courtesies

Might fire the blood of ordinary men,
And turn pre-ordinance and first decree
Into the law of children.

a. Who says this to whom?

Ans: Caesar says these lines to Cimber.

b. What effect will the couchings and lowly courtesies have on ordinary people?

Ans: Caesar thinks that flattery will get ordinary, common people to change their mind
and behaviour. It might get them to change what was just and lawful into child’s play.

c. Who will they not effect? Why?

Ans: Caesar says that flattery will not affect a principled man like him. His mind is
constant and unchangeable.

3. But I am constant as the northern star,

Of whose true-fix’d and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.

a. Who says these lines? When?

Ans: Caesar says these lines when Cassius falls at Caesar’s feet and he and the co-
conspirators demand the reversal of Publius Cimber’s exile and return to Rome.

b. How does the speaker think he is as ‘constant as the northern star’? How does he wish
to prove this?

Ans: Caesar declares himself to be ‘constant as the northern star’. Just as the northern
star never changes its position in the sky, he too will never change his decision about
Publius Cimber’s exile and punishment.

c. Does the speaker think he is unique? How do we know?

Ans: Yes, the speaker thinks he is unique. He says that out of all the men in the world, he
knows only himself to be perfectly strong of mind and constant like the north star.

4. People and Senators, be not affrighted.

Fly not; stand stiff: ambition's debt is paid.

a. Who says this to whom?

Ans: Brutus says these words to the senators and the public.

b. Whose ambition is he talking about? How is he punished for his ambition?

Ans: Brutus is talking about Caesar’s ambition of being the ultimate and most powerful
ruler of Rome. Caesar’s ambitions were punished by his death.

C. Think and Answer

1. What does the play say about fate and destiny?

Ans: The hand of fate can be seen in the many prophecies the characters heard
throughout the play. Almost as soon as Act III begins, the Soothsayer warns Caesar of
his fate saying, “Beware the ides of March”. Caesar is extremely proud and considers
himself almost superhuman or god-like. He brushes aside the Soothsayer’s warning. He
had earlier ignored his wife’s dream about him in danger. He also ignores his friend
Artemidorus when he tries to tell him something important about the murders. He thinks
that being almost a god, he will be protected from whatever fate has in store. Caesar’s
decision to go to the Senate, despite the many warnings he receives show us his belief
that he would remain untouched by the hand of fate. Had he listened to the warnings and
stayed home that day, he might have been able to prevent his unfortunate end.

2. In the previous unit, you learned about irony. What is ironic about Brutus and his
companions killing Caesar in order to protect freedom and democracy?

Ans: Brutus and his companions kill Caesar because they think he is getting too
powerful and will become a dictator. They want to save the freedom of the Roman
people and protect the democracy by killing him. But in a democracy, everyone is
guaranteed the right to life and murdering Caesar takes away his right to freedom and
life. The act of assassination would be undemocratic. Thus, Brutus behaving in an
undemocratic way in order to restore democracy is ironic (doing the opposite of what
you say/believe)

WRITING SKILLS

DIARY ENTRY

A diary entry is a form of writing where an individual records an account of the day. We record
important and significant days and with it our personal feelings. Thus, it is a personal docu-
ment. The general format of a diary is given below.

Format:

 Top left – Date, day

 Top right- Time
 Tense most frequently used – Simple past, Present perfect and future.
 Written in the first person.

Steps:
  Begin the entry with a general sentence describing the day or your feelings.
 In the body, you may discuss an event, your feelings towards it. How it is likely to
affect your future plans.
 Conclude with a final remark and future course of action.

SAMPLE

It was the happiest day of your life when your class teacher informed you that you have been
selected as the ‘Best sportsman of the year’. You are thrilled as now you will receive the
award at the Annual Day Celebrations. Make a diary entry recording your feelings in it.

Thursday, 10th November, 2022                                     9.00 pm

Today was the best day of my life. Guess why ? Sumati mam told me that I have been se-
lected as the ‘Best sportsman of the year’. I am so happy that all the hard work that I had
done, paid back today. I can never forget how much I had toiled in the field, during the sum-
mer camp to get into the school football team. My coach had appreciated my efforts. My par-
ents will be so proud of me when I will receive the trophy for the ‘Best Sportsman’ from the
Chief Guest. All the parents and teachers will clap for me. I will be a hero at that moment.
I have also been selected to represent the team for the School Nationals to be held next
month.
May God give me strength and endurance to live up to the expectations of my coach and my
parents.

Piyush

REPORT WRITING

Report For Newspaper

A report is a brief account of an event that has already taken place. A report helps in recording events
of importance that occurs in our day to day life. A report attempts to present the first hand information
of an incident or event. A report of an event presents a record of events that took place. A report on an
event includes ones ideas, opinions and impression on the event.

Points to remember

Mentions the place, date, time and other relevant facts about the event.
Include information collected from people around or affected by the event.
Write the name of the reporter.
Provide a suitable title/heading.
Write a past tense.
Write in a less formal and more descriptive manner while writing a report for a school magazine.
Present your ideas and impressions to make the report interesting.

Format of newspaper report

I. Headline- A descriptive title which is expressive of the contents of the report.
II. By line- Name of the person writing the report along with the designation. It is
generally given in the question. Remember, you are not supposed to mention
your personal details in your answer.
III. Place and date of reporting- It is generally not mentioned in a magazine report
separately, but here, it is.

IV. Opening paragraph- It includes expansion of the headline.  It needs to be short
as it is a general overview of the report. It may include the '5 Ws' namely,
WHAT, WHY, WHEN and WHERE and WHO.
V. Account of the event in detail- It is generally written in two parts: First, com-
plete account of what happened in it’s chronological sequence (preferably) and
second, the witness remarks.
VI. Concluding paragraph- This will include the action that has been taken so far
or that will be taken. It is the last paragraph.

Sample News Report

Ruskin Bond Chief Guest at the 42nd Kolkata Book Fair

SAMPLE REPORT
-by Rajani

Rajarhat, 12 November: The 42nd Kolkata Book Fair opened its doors to book lovers this af-
ternoon amidst much fanfare. The fortnight-long fair is focusing on children’s literature this
year. Booksellers from across the world, including Columbia, Sri Lanka and Japan, are par-
ticipating this year. In keeping with this theme, the chief guest was Ruskin Bond, one of In-
dia’s best-known children’s writers and the creator of beloved characters such as Rusty and
his grandfather. Inaugurating the fair along with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bond said
that he looked forward to interacting with his readers. ‘I have heard so much about the love
of books that people in Kolkata have. It is really exciting, especially at a time when kids are
moving away from books and towards video games and television,’ Bond said.
Reflecting youngsters’ interest in things other than the printed word, the theme pavilion on
international children’s literature had kiosks with e-book readers and other interactive gad-
gets. I found some of the gadgets quite interesting, but I prefer the feel of an actual book
over a device,’ said Purba Ghosh, a fourteen-year-old who had come to the fair with her par-
ents. This year, extensive arrangements have been made for people who are differently
abled. There are toilets with wheelchair accessibility and ramps at the entrances of every
book stall. The western corner of the fair has a cluster of restaurants serving a variety of de-
licious dishes. There are three fully equipped fire trucks stationed at designated spots in
case of accidents.

On Wednesday, there will be a panel discussion with eminent children’s authors on the topic,
The relevance of books in today’s world of fast-paced technology. The panel will include
Bond and authors like Manjula Padmanabhan, Anushka Ravishankar and Devdutt Pattanaik.

The Publishers’ and Book Sellers Guild had announced that there would be 397 book stalls
this year. Last year the maximum sales were seen in the textbook segment. The fiction sec-
tion is expected to have a boost because the fair coincides with the Children’s Day celebra-
tions.

SPEECH WRITING

 A speech is a formal piece of writing.

 A speech is a talk that is delivered to an audience in a public gathering. A speech may be de-
livered on social issues and in public interests.
 A speech should be made for a good reason i.e. to inspire, to instruct or to offer support.

Purposes of Writing a Speech

The main purposes of writing a speech are:

1. To convey information orally to a large gathering of people.

2. To express opinion and facts.
3. To convince people with a befitting message.

Points to be Remembered while Delivering a Speech

1. The speech should have a catchy and an interesting introduction.

2. The speech should have two objectives: firstly, it should leave a good impression on the
listener and secondly the audience should take back some information.
3. The ideas should be conveyed logically, and reliable evidence should be used to sup-
port facts.
4. The Chief Guest, Principal and other dignitaries should be greeted formally.
 5. A speech must reflect the speaker’s clarity of thought, accuracy of facts and a balanced
view through a comparison and contrast with other viewpoints.
6. Reference to newspaper reports, posters, advertisements or other stimuli can be given.
7. Measures to improve situations and predictions can be given.
8. The speech should be concluded by thanking the listeners.

Format of a speech

 Heading/ Title of the speech

 Byline
 The speech should be written in at least three paragraphs: Introduction, content and con-
clusion.

SAMPLE SPEECH

Junk food can be very appealing to children, but they cause more harm to them than they can
imagine. Prepare a speech, to be delivered in the school assembly on the harmful effects of
Junk Food on School Children. Use the hints given below.

Hints

 Proves to be harmful.
 Addictive.
 Obesity, chronic illness, low self-esteem, depression.
 Decreases concentration level.
 High calorie, fats, carbohydrates and added sugars.
 Creates deficiency of nutrients.
 Diabetes, blood pressure, stroke.
 Slow poison.

Harmful effects of Junk Food

By…….

Good morning, respected Principal, Vice Principal, teachers and my dear friends.
Today, I am going to speak/express my views on the topic- ‘Junk Food- Poison for Children’.

Junk food appeals to all of us because of the good taste and convenience. But if we come to
know about its harmful consequences, I am sure, none of us are going to touch junk food ever
in life again.

Junk food may appear especially appetising. However, regular consumption of junk food can be
addictive for children and lead to complications like obesity, chronic illness, low self-esteem and
even depression. All this may affect a child’s performance in school. According to a study con-
ducted, diet has a significant effect on children’s study habits. Foods with high sugar content
deplete energy levels and ability to concentrate for extended periods of time.

By consuming junk food, children take in a high amount of calories, fats, carbohydrates and
added sugars in one fast food meal, with the result that their bodies become deficient in fibre
 and other nutrients. Such eating habits increase the risk of obesity. They are thus at a risk for
developing diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.
So, friends it is in our hands to decide what kind of food to choose. If we want to lead a healthy
life, we must put an end to the consumption of this poison called junk food.

Thank you.

DEBATE
What is debate?
 A debate is a formal discussion, or an argument on a subject on which people have different
opinion.
Purpose
 To show skill and ability in arguing.

Format:

 Salutation - Respected Chairperson, Jury, moderators and all present here

 Introduction - Your name and designation (if required) and your stance on the topic.
“The motion of the house is…. and vehemently stand against/for it”
 Body- place your arguments and use necessary facts to support your stance. Try
contradicting common beliefs that in your opinion are not factually correct.
 Conclusion- clarification of your statement and your stance.

Some Common phrases Used:

 I’d like to raise/the question/argue…..
 In my opinion………..
 Nothing could be more illogical than
 I feel very strongly that…….
 I would like to draw attention to…..
 I fail to understand…….
 I submit that…….
 May I ask all present…….
 I strongly oppose……..
 On the contrary…….
SAMPLE DEBATE SPEECH

 You are Reshma/ Rahul a student of class 8, ABC School, Dehradun. Your school has orga-
nized a debate on "Social Media and It's Effects". Prepare your views against or in favour of
the motion. (150 words)                                           
  SOCIAL MEDIA AND IT's EFFECTS

 FOR THE MOTION:

"We are all now connected by the internet.”

 Honourable judges, teachers and my worthy opponents, thank you for giving me the opportu-
nity to join this debate on the topic, "Social Media and It's Effects". I am Reshma/Rahul and I
would like to speak in favour of the motion.

 How many people do not have a smile on their faces on finding an old friend on Facebook?
Well, social media has removed all the barriers and boundaries to communication by bringing
the globe on a single platform. It keeps us updated about everything going on in every nook
and corner of the world on a real-time basis. From emergency alerts, announcements and dec-
larations to knowing how our friends are doing has all become so convenient. It provides free-
dom of speech and thus, enables everyone to speak their mind. Not to forget the incalculable
access it provides to the extensive information
.   
 With so much advancement and innovation, it would be an unimaginable world without having
social media in it. Someone has rightly put it into words by saying,
"Social media is addictive precisely because it gives us something what the real-world lacks: it
gives us immediacy, direction and a value as an individual."

 Thank you.

 AGAINST THE MOTION:

 What a world it is, with everyone on their phones, all the time, faking their lives and keeping a
count of their likes?

 Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen! I am Reshma/Rahul and my topic for the day is, "Social
media and its effects". I would like to speak against the motion.
It has now become doubtful to trust the saying that goes like "Technology was developed to
save time and make our lives easier", because people have become addicted and unproduc-
tive. It takes a lot of effort and discipline to stay away from social media. Results have shown
that it has had adverse effects on human minds and their functioning. Outdoor activities among
children have also reduced significantly.

 No doubt it provides access to useful information, but it is hard to ignore the fake news that
spreads like wildfire and the extent of impact it has on the society.

 It is one of the reasons behind insecurities and depression among teenagers. It is right that
technology was introduced to save time, but we forgot to mention, "In the right amount". So, re-
member, you leave the present moment every time you check the phone, move away from the
real world, family and friends. So, my dear friends, I urge you all to keep control over the usage
of social media and use it wisely and judiciously.

 Thank you for your cooperation and patient hearing.

GRAMMAR
 WORKSHEET 6

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE

In English, we can use active or passive verbs to determine the focus of a sentence. These form the
voices of a sentence: the active and the passive voice.

Active and Passive Verbs

 An active verb results in the subject doing the action in the sentence. That is the subject
is active and the object receives the action or it is acted upon.
 A passive verb results in the subject being acted upon, formed by the verb “to be” and
the past participle form of the main verb in the sentence. Here the subject is passive
and receives the action.
 While changing the voice of a sentence, the subject of the active becomes the object of
the passive and vice-versa and there is a change in the verb form.

Transformation of sentences form active to passive

Tense Active Change in the verb Passive
form
Simple Present I bake cakes. is/are/am+V3+Obj Cakes are baked by me.
I bake a cake. A cake is baked by me.
She teaches me. I am taught by her.
Pre. Continuous I am baking a cake is/are/am+being+V3 A cake is being baked by me.

Pre. Perfect They have baked a cake has/have+ A cake has been baked by
They have baked cakes. been+V3+obj them.
Cakes have been baked by
them.
Simple past I baked a cake. Was/were+V3 A Cake was baked by me
I baked cakes Cakes were baked by me.
Past continuous We were baking cakes was/were+being+V3 Cakes were being baked by
us.
Past Perfect They had baked cakes had+been+V3 Cakes had been baked by
them
Simple future Will you bake the Will+be+V3 Will the cake be baked by
cake? you? The cake will be baked
I will bake the cake. by me.
Future perfect I will have baked the Wil+have+been+V3 The cake will have been
cake. baked by me.

Exercise- Active- Passive voice

Change the following sentence from active to passive voice.

 1. We have written the summary of the poem.
2. Mithali draws beautiful pictures.
3. We liked the chief guest’s speech.
4. My father was baking cookies.
5. Who wrote the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’?

Answers

1. The summary of the poem has been written by us.

2. Beautiful pictures are drawn by Mithali.
3. The chief guest’s speech was liked by us.
4. Cookies were being baked by my father.
5. By whom was the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ written?

Change the following sentences from passive to active

1. Let the tree be planted.

2. Lovely gifts have been bought by me.
3. He was surprised by the amazing performance.
4. The project will have been completed by us.
5. Those photos were being uploaded by me.

Answers

1. Plant the tree.

2. I have bought lovely gifts.
3. The amazing performance surprised him.
4. We will have completed the project.
5. I was uploading those photos.

TENSES

In English grammar, verbs are often used in a way that it indicates or denotes the time when an event oc-
curred. These verbs that take up different forms to indicate the time of an action, event or condition by
changing its form are called as tenses. Tenses can be broadly classified into three broad categories:

1. Past Tense

2. Present Tense

3. Future Tense

Past Tense
This tense is used to refer to something that happened in the past.

 Simple Past tense:  Used to describe a completed event. Example: We stayed in a hotel.
  Past Continuous Tense: This type of past tense is used to describe an event or occur-
rence that was ongoing or continuing in the past. Example: We were playing tennis at
the club. 

 Past Perfect Tense: This type of tense is used to describe an event in the past that had
been completed before another action of the past. Example: We had completed our
match before the final bell rang.        

 Past Perfect Continuous: This type of past tense verb is used to indicate an event, ac-
tion or occurrence that started before another event, action or occurrence in the past
and continuing at that time. Example: I had been playing the drums since school time.

 Present Tense
 This tense is used to refer or indicate to something that occurs in the present.
 The Simple Present: Used to describe an action, event, or condition that is occurring in the
present while being spoken about or written.  Also used to indicate proverbs, universal truths, sci-
entific facts and habitual actions (PUSH). Example: The dogs’ bark.
 Present Continuous Tense: This tense indicates the continuous nature of an act or
event in the present and has not been completed. Example: She is preparing sand-
wiches for breakfast.

 Present Perfect Tense: This tense is used to describe an action that had begun in the
past, continues into the present and has just been completed. Example: I have just
completed my dinner.

 Present Perfect Continuous Tense: This tense is used to describe an action, event or

occurrence that has begun in the past and continues into the present. Example: They
have been trying to contact her.

Future Tense
This tense is used to refer to or indicate something that hasn’t happened at the time of speaking or writ-
ing.

 Simple Future: Used to talk about an action about to occur in the future time, commonly formed
with the use of words ‘will’ and ‘shall’. Example: We shall be there by noon.
 Future Continuous Tense: This tense is used to describe actions that are ongoing or
continuing in the future. Example: His parents will be attending the convocation.

 Future Perfect Tense: Is used to refer or describe an event that will be completed
sometime in the future before another action takes place. Example: I will have com-
pleted 10 years of work in August this year.

 Future Perfect Continuous Tense: This tense is used to describe an action com-

menced in the past, continuing in the present and that is continuing into the future Ex-
ample: I shall have been living in Mumbai for five years by May 2019. 
 Some examples of tenses

1. I get up at 5 am every day. (Simple present)

2. They are writing their exams. (Present continuous)
3. They have built bridges. (Present perfect)
4. I have been waiting here since 9 am. (Present perfect continuous)
5. It rained yesterday. (Simple Past)
6. They were watching T.V. (Past continuous)
7. The bell had rung when I entered the class. (Past perfect)
8. It had been raining heavily. (Past perfect continuous)
9. I will complete my work. (Simple future)
10. I will be writing my exams at this time tomorrow. (Future continuous)
11. Humans will have landed on Mars by 2050. (Future perfect)
12. She will have been working here for twenty years by 2021. (Future perfect continuous)

Worksheet 7

Subject - Verb Agreement

The Subject and Verb in a sentence must always agree with each other in number. The basic
rule is singular subject takes a singular verb and Plural subject takes a plural verb
(Exceptions are first and second person singular)
First person singular -I – we use a plural verb.

Ex: I have a book. / He has a book.

I know the answer/ She knows the answer.

Second person singular- You- We use a plural verb

Do you have a book?
You are great.
(Have, know, are- plural verbs).
Singular verbs: has, does, knows, swims, writes, runs, draws, sings, is, etc.
Plural verbs: have, do, know, swim, write, run, draw, sing, are, etc.

The Rules of Subject- Verb Agreement.

1. When the subject of a sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected
by and, use a plural verb.
1. She and her friends are at the fair.
2. He and his friends have/has gone out.

2. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by or, either…or or
neither… nor, use a singular verb when both are singular and plural verb when both are
plural.
1. The book or the pen is in the drawer.
2. The books or the pens are on the table.
3. Neither my friend nor my sister knows the answer to this question.
4. Either John or his cousin knows swimming.
5. Either my friends or my siblings have/has the keys to the door.
 6. Neither my cousins nor my brothers are/is coming today.

3. When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined by
either… or or neither…. nor, not only…but also, the verb should agree with the part of the
subject that is nearer the verb i.e the second subject.

1. The boy or his friends run every day.

2. His friends or the boy runs every day.
3. Either my sister or my brothers are coming to pick me up.
4. Neither my cousins nor my brother is coming to pick me up.
5. Neither my brother nor my cousins are coming to pick up.
6. Neither my sisters nor I know the answer.
7. Not only my brother but also my cousins have arrived today.

4. Doesn't is a contraction of does not and should be used only with a singular

subject. Don't is a contraction of do not and should be used only with a plural subject. The
exception to this rule appears in the case of the first person and second person
pronouns I and you. With these pronouns, the contraction don't should be used.

1. He doesn't like it.
2. They don't like it.

5. Do not be misled by a phrase that comes between the subject and the verb. The verb
agrees with the subject, not with a noun or pronoun in the phrase.
1. One of the boxes is open.
2. Many of the boxes was/were open.
3. The people who listen to that music are few.
4. The team captain, as well as his players, is anxious.
5. The book, including all the chapters in the first section, is boring.
6. The woman with all the dogs walks down my street.
7. The dogs with their owner are/is walking.

6. The words each, each one, either, neither, everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, nobody,
somebody, someone, and no one are singular and require a singular verb.
1. Each of these hot dogs is juicy.
2. Everybody knows Mr. Jones.
3. Either is correct.

7. Nouns such as civics, mathematics, dollars, measles, and news require singular verbs.
1. The news is on at six.

Note: The word dollars is a special case. When talking about an amount of money, it requires
a singular verb, but when referring to the dollars themselves, a plural verb is required.
1. Five dollars is a lot of money.
2. Dollars are often used instead of rubles in Russia.

8. Nouns such as scissors, tweezers, trousers, and shears require plural verbs. (There are
two parts to these things.)
1. These scissors are very sharp.
 2. Those trousers are made of wool.

9. In sentences beginning with "there is" or "there are," the subject follows the verb. Since
"there" is not the subject, the verb agrees with what follows.
1. There are many questions.
2. There is a question.

10. Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person but that are considered
singular and take a singular verb when it acts as one unit and unanimously but take a plural
verb when the group acts separately. Examples: group, team, committee, class, jury, crew,
staff and family.
1. The team runs during practice.
2. The committee decides how to proceed.
3. The family has a long history.
4. My family has never been able to agree.
5. The crew is preparing to dock the ship.
6. The Jury has made a unanimous decision.
7. The Jury were divided in their decision.

11. Expressions such as: with, together with, including, accompanied by, in addition to, or as
well as, the verb agrees with the first subject.
1. The President, accompanied by his wife, is traveling to India.
2. The ministers as well as the Prime Minister are attending the conference.
3. The Prime Minister along with his cabinet ministers is attending the meeting.
4. George together with his friends is going for a movie.
5. His friends along with George are going for a movie.

12. Two nouns qualified by each or every, even though connected by ‘and’, require a singular
verb.

1. Ex: Every boy and every girl was vaccinated.

2. Each of the hens was sick.
3. Each boy and each girl has to bring his/her own snacks.
4. Each of the players was injured during the match.

13. The title of a book, play, story or a musical composition, distance, even though plural,
takes a singular verb.

1. Ex: The Three Musketeers is a very good book.

2. Ten miles is a long distance to walk.

14. When two subjects joined by ‘and’, together express one idea, singular verb is used.
 1. Ex: The horse and carriage is at the door.
2. Bread and butter is the breakfast I like the most.

15. When two words joined by ‘and’ (the article ‘the’ used only once before the first subject)
refers to the same person, it’s a singular subject which requires a singular verb and if the
article ‘the’ is repeated for the second word, it’s a plural subject which requires a plural verb.

Ex: The orator and poet has come.

The orator and the statesman have arrived.

The director and producer likes to take comedy movies.

The poet and the novelist know how to impress the readers.

The dancer and the singer are friends.

The student and the teacher are discussing a problem.

The designer and architect has completed her/his work.