Unit 1 leopard

Ex: 1. Choose the correct option:

1. The author first saw the leopard when …
(c) he was crossing the stream
2. When the author discovered the stream, it was month of …
(d) April
3. The … was a regular visitor of the stream.
(a) Forktail
4. Leopard skins are sold in ….
(a) Delhi
5. ….. is called Hill of Fairies
(d) Pari Tibba

Ex: 2. Answer the following questions:

1. The valley where the leopard lived was a deep ravine with a stream at the bottom,
surrounded by a forest of oak, maple, rhododendron, and diverse flora. It was a haven for
wildlife with few human visitors, making it a natural sanctuary.
2. The author returned to the mountains to renew himself physically and mentally. He had
lived in cities for too long and felt a strong connection to the mountains.
3. The author's approach didn't disturb the birds and animals because he had not come to
take anything from the forest. Over time, they grew accustomed to his presence or
recognized his footsteps.
4. When the leopard sensed the author's presence, it turned its head to look at him and
seemed puzzled. The author clapped his hands to give himself courage, and the leopard
sprang away silently into the shadows, as it had been on a hunt.
5. The author tried to find the forktail's home by following the bird upstream and hiding in a
hollow tree stump near where the forktail often disappeared. However, he accidentally
discovered the leopard's presence instead.
6. The hunters advised the author to carry a gun, believing there was a leopard in the forest
and that it was dangerous.
7. The author's attitude towards men was one of caution and avoidance, similar to the
denizens of the forest. He saw humans as unpredictable and to be avoided if possible.

Suggested speaking skill topics:

1. Beauty of Nature:
In the story, the author vividly describes the beauty of the natural sanctuary near Mussoorie.
The deep ravine with a serene stream at the bottom, surrounded by a lush forest of oak,
maple, and rhododendron, creates an idyllic setting. The presence of diverse flora, wild
roses, and a variety of wildlife contributes to the enchanting environment. The author's
experiences in this sanctuary highlight the restorative power of nature and the profound
connection he feels with the mountains. This setting showcases the mesmerizing beauty of
the natural world, which the author sought to renew himself physically and mentally.
2. Cruelty towards Animals:
The story subtly underscores the impact of hunting and cruelty on wildlife, particularly the
leopard. The leopard, a majestic and rare species, is threatened by the activities of hunters
seeking its skin for sale. The author's account of encountering the leopard and the
subsequent events, including the hunters' arrival and the leopard's tragic demise, highlights
the vulnerability of these magnificent creatures. It serves as a poignant reminder of the
detrimental effects of human actions on the natural world, emphasizing the need for
responsible and ethical treatment of animals and the preservation of endangered species.

3. Environmental Conservation:
The story indirectly advocates for the importance of environmental conservation through the
portrayal of the natural sanctuary near Mussoorie. This sanctuary serves as a refuge for a
wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species like the leopard. The
impact of deforestation and hunting on the ecosystem is evident, as it drives animals into this
sanctuary seeking safety. The author's respect for the environment and his careful,
non-intrusive approach to the wildlife symbolize the need to protect and preserve such
natural sanctuaries. It underscores the significance of conservation efforts to safeguard
these fragile ecosystems and the rich biodiversity they house.
Unit-2 After twenty years

Ex: 1. Choose the correct option:

1. The location of the story is near ...
Correct Answer: (d) Dharmashala
3. Where was the man standing?
Correct Answer: (d) near hardware store
4. When was the appointment made?
Correct Answer: (c) after 20 years
5. The man was waiting for his __________________.
Correct Answer: (b) friend
6. The man and his friend Jimmy belong to ___________ city.
Correct Answer: (a) New York
7. What was the time of appointment?
Correct Answer: (c) 10 o'clock
8. What did the tall man hand over to Bob?
Correct Answer: (d) a note
9. Who wrote the note?
Correct Answer: (b) Jimmy

Ex: 2. Answer the following questions:

8. How did the policeman move up the avenue?
The policeman moved up the avenue impressively, with habitual impressiveness.
9. How was the weather that night?
The weather was cold and windy with a taste of rain.
10. What did the stranger say to the policeman?
The stranger told the policeman that he was waiting for a friend with whom he had made
an appointment twenty years ago.
11. What was there in place of the store at that spot twenty years ago?
Twenty years ago, there was a restaurant called "Big Joe" Brady's at that spot, which had
been torn down.
12. Who was the stranger’s friend?
The stranger's friend was Jimmy Wells.
13. Where did they take the last dinner?
They had their last dinner at "Big Joe" Brady's restaurant.
14. What kind of man was his friend Jimmy?
Jimmy was described as a good and true friend, a kind of plodder, and a fine fellow.
15. What did Bob tell the man in the overcoat?
Bob realized that the man in the overcoat was not Jimmy Wells but someone who had
recognized him as a wanted man in Chicago.
16. Was he really his friend Jimmy Wells?
No, the man in the overcoat was not Jimmy Wells; he was someone who recognized Bob
and reported him to the police.

17. Why was Bob under arrest?

Bob was under arrest because he was wanted in Chicago for some reason.
18. Whose note was handed over to Bob in the end?
The note was from Patrolman Wells, who was the policeman on the beat and recognized
Bob as a wanted man.
.

Suggested speaking skills topics:

Certainly, here are some notes for the suggested speaking skills topics based on the story
you provided:

Friendship**
- The story highlights the enduring nature of friendship.
- Bob and Jimmy's friendship was so strong that they made a pact to meet after twenty
years, regardless of their circumstances.
- Discuss the importance of having a loyal and true friend like Jimmy, who remembered the
appointment.
- How do true friendships like this enrich our lives and provide support over the years?
- Share personal experiences or examples of long-lasting friendships.

What is more important - duty or relations?**

- The story presents an ethical dilemma faced by the policeman who recognized Bob as a
wanted man but had a duty to uphold the law.
- Analyze the choices the policeman made. Was he right in arresting Bob despite their
conversation?
- Discuss the balance between one's duty as a law enforcer and their sense of loyalty or
relations with others.
- Explore real-life scenarios where individuals face similar dilemmas and how they navigate
them.
- Encourage a debate on whether duty should always take precedence over relations.

The choice between Right and Wrong**

- The story presents moral choices made by the characters – Bob's life of crime and the
policeman's decision to report him.
- Examine the consequences of Bob's actions – he was a wanted man.
- Analyze the consequences of the policeman's decision to uphold the law even when he
recognized Bob.
- Discuss the concept of justice and how it plays out in the story.
- Encourage a debate on the significance of making the right choices, even when it's difficult
or has personal implications.
Unit-3 Stopping by woods on a snowy evening(Poem)

Q.1 The speaker was going through the woods, and he stopped to watch the woods fill up
with snow.

Q.2 The speaker believes that the horse will find it strange or unusual that they are stopping
in the middle of the woods with no farmhouse nearby.

Q.3 The phrase "fill up with the snow" suggests that the speaker is observing the woods as
they become covered in snow, emphasizing the quiet and peaceful transformation of the
landscape.

Q.4 The poet does not provide specific details about the owner of the woods, but we know
that the owner's house is in the village, and he is unaware of the speaker's presence in the
woods.

Q.5 The poet describes the sights and sounds in the woods, including the falling snow, the
horse's harness bells, the easy wind, and the downy flakes of snow. It creates an
atmosphere of serene and tranquil nature.

Q.6 The promises the poet has to keep are not explicitly mentioned in the poem, but they are
likely responsibilities and commitments in the poet's life that he must fulfill.

Q.7 The last paragraph conveys a sense of duty and responsibility. The repetition of "And
miles to go before I sleep" emphasizes the idea that the speaker must continue his journey
and fulfill his obligations before resting or, metaphorically, before the end of his life.

Q.8 The horse in the poem plays a role as a companion and symbolizes the poet's sense of
duty. The horse's behavior and reactions highlight the unusualness of stopping in the woods,
and it nudges the poet to continue the journey, reminding him of his responsibilities.

Q.9
- Description of Nature: The poem beautifully describes a wintry scene in the woods with
imagery of snow, darkness, and the tranquility of nature. It portrays the woods as "lovely,
dark and deep" and captures the peaceful and serene ambiance as the snow falls. The
horse, harness bells, and the sounds of the wind and snowflakes create a vivid sensory
experience.

- Central Idea of the Poem: The central idea of the poem is a contemplation of one's
responsibilities and commitments in the midst of nature's beauty and tranquility. The speaker
is drawn to the allure of the snowy woods but realizes he must continue his journey and fulfill
his promises and obligations in life. It reflects the conflict between the allure of nature's
beauty and the duties and responsibilities that hold us back from indulging in it.
Unit-4 Where the mind is without fear(Poem)

Q.1 What is meant by “mind is without fear and head is held high”?
Answer: (i) to be fearless and self-respecting

Q.2 What does the poet mean by “where knowledge is free”?

Answer: The poet means a society where knowledge is accessible and available to all
without restrictions or discrimination.

Q.3 The ‘domestic walls’ are usually associated with safety, comfort, and love. What is the
meaning of 'narrow domestic walls'?
Answer: (ii) ideas which are petty and narrow-minded.

Q.4 What according to the poet do people tirelessly strive towards?

Answer: The poet suggests that people tirelessly strive toward perfection and the pursuit of
truth.

Q.5 How does the poet describe the old habit?

Answer: The poet describes the old habit as the "dreary desert sand of dead habit,"
implying that it is like a barren and lifeless routine or customs that hinder progress and
growth.

Q.6 How does the poet describe ‘heaven of freedom’?

Answer: The poet describes the 'heaven of freedom' as a state where the mind is free from
fear, where knowledge is accessible, and where people have a sense of self-respect. It is a
state of unrestricted thought and action.

Q.7 Who does the poet address as ‘thee’ and my father?

Answer: The poet is addressing God or a higher power as 'thee' and is likely referring to a
father figure or a mentor as 'my father.'

Q.8 What kind of freedom does the poet desire for his country?
Answer: The poet desires a comprehensive and all-encompassing freedom for his country,
which includes freedom from fear, access to knowledge, unity, and the ability to pursue truth
and self-improvement.

Q.9 Write a short note on the central idea of the poem.

Answer: The central idea of the poem is to express the poet's vision of an ideal society and
an awakened, free nation. It emphasizes the importance of fearlessness, knowledge, unity,
and the pursuit of truth and self-improvement. The poet envisions a country where people
are unburdened by narrow-mindedness, where the mind is led by a higher purpose towards
progress and enlightenment. It is a call for a free and awakened India.