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The Chair Book Back Answers | Class 12 English Unit 5 | Samacheer Kalvi

12th English Unit 5 Prose: The Chair

Book-back answers, paragraph questions, vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening, grammar and writing — Class 12 Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi.

12th English Unit 5 Prose The Chair Paragraph Book Back Answers Samacheer Kalvi

The Chair Book Back Answers Class 12 English Guide Chapter 5 Tamilnadu Solutions

12th Standard English 5th Lesson The Chair Questions and Answers

Here are the rewritten answers for the Textual Questions from “The Chair” by Ki. Rajanarayanan, rewritten in Indian English, with key words highlighted, as per the Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi 12th Standard English textbook.


1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each:

Question (a)

What was put on the family agenda?

Answer:

The idea of buying a chair for the house was put on the family agenda. The whole family started discussing and debating about it.


Question (b)

Who visited the family?

Answer:

Their family friend, who was a sub-judge, visited the family. He came wearing a coat, suit, and footwear.


Question (c)

Describe the stool that the narrator’s family had.

Answer:

The family had a three-legged stool that measured a mere three-fourth foot. It would topple over if one did not place one’s weight exactly above the legs.


Question (d)

What did Pedanna suggest to their father?

Answer:

Pedanna suggested that they could buy a chair from the town. But their father rejected the idea, saying it would not be sturdy.


Question (e)

What was offered to Maamanaar by their mother?

Answer:

Their mother offered buttermilk seasoned with asafoetida to Maamanaar in a silver tumbler. The aroma of the buttermilk and asafoetida made everyone crave for it.


Question (f)

Why were the two chairs compared to Rama-Lakshmana?

Answer:

Rama and Lakshmana were brothers who were identical in their character. In the same manner, the two chairs were identical in their appearance — one could not be distinguished from the other.


Question (g)

When did the children shy away from the chair?

Answer:

The children shied away from the chair when it was used to prop up a dead body in their village. After that incident, they feared to sit on it.


Question (h)

How did Maamanaar handle the chair at home?

Answer:

Maamanaar used to wipe the chair every morning. While shifting it, he himself carried it and put it down carefully, as if placing down gently a mud pot brimming with water.


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2. Answer the following questions in three or four sentences each:

Question (a)

What happened to the visitor when he sat on the stool?

Answer:

The stool would topple over if one did not place one’s weight exactly above the legs. Before the family members could caution the sub-judge, he sat on it, fell down with a thud, and rolled over. The family members could not control their giggles. This incident made them decide to buy a chair.


Question (b)

Why did the family find it difficult to make a chair?

Answer:

The family found it difficult to make a chair because there was no model of a chair in their village. Moreover, there was not a single carpenter who knew how to make one. So, they had to discuss and debate about the wood and the design before making it.


Question (c)

What was grandmother’s suggestion of wood? Why?

Answer:

Grandmother suggested making use of teak wood because it would be light in weight and could be carried around easily. Moreover, it would be strong and durable. She said this while rubbing her paralysed legs.


Question (d)

How was the chair made and how did the villagers react to it?

Answer:

The chair was made of black wood with a mirror-like gleam. It had perfectly shaped front legs and curved back legs. The villagers arrived in groups to see the chair. A few touched it gently. An old man lifted it and felt it to be heavy and strong. He commended the carpenter for his good work.


Question (e)

When did the children get over the fear of sitting on the chair?

Answer:

One of their neighbours, Suganthi, came to their home with her baby brother. She put her baby brother on the chair. It was only after that incident that the children got over the fear of sitting on the chair. From then on, they started sitting on it without any fear.


Question (f)

Why did Maamanaar hand over the chair to the villagers to retain it?

Answer:

Maamanaar handed over the chair to the villagers to retain it because he thought that it could be used to prop up dead bodies in the village whenever needed. He was generous and large-hearted. He said, “I told them to use the chair only for that purpose.” This act of his highlighted his generosity.


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Key Words from the Lesson

– family agenda — the list of things to be discussed

– sub-judge — a judicial officer

– three-legged stool — a stool with three legs

– topple over — fall down

– sturdy — strong and stable

– buttermilk seasoned with asafoetida — a traditional drink

– Rama-Lakshmana — identical brothers from the Ramayana

– prop up — support

– shied away — moved back in fear

– mud pot brimming with water — a pot full of water

– thud — a dull, heavy sound

– caution — warn

– giggles — light, silly laughter

– teak wood — a type of strong wood

– paralysed legs — legs affected by paralysis

– mirror-like gleam — shiny surface

– commended — praised

– generous — willing to give

– large-hearted — kind and generous3. Answer the following in a paragraph of 100-150 words each: (Text Book Page No. 149)

Here are the rewritten answers for the paragraph questions from “The Chair” by Ki. Rajanarayanan, rewritten in Indian English, with key words from the lesson highlighted.


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Question (a)

Narrate the humorous incidents that happened in the author’s home before and after the arrival of the chair.

Answer:

In the story “The Chair”, the narrator Ki. Rajanarayanan amusingly narrates the humorous incidents that took place in his home before and after the arrival of the chair.

Before the arrival of the chair, there was only a three-legged stool in the narrator’s home. The woeful thing about the stool was that if one did not place one’s weight exactly above the legs, the stool would topple over. Their family friend, a sub-judge, paid a visit to their home one day. He was provided with the stool to sit on. Before he was given a caution, he sat on it and fell down with a thud and rolled over. This incident made the family members giggle for a long time.

After the arrival of the chair, there arose a different scenario. The chair was asked for by the villagers whenever there was a death in the village. It was used to prop up the corpse. Whenever the mourners came for the chair, the family members felt very sad, which was misinterpreted by the mourners. The family members had fear to sit on the chair after that incident. They persuaded their visitors to sit on it and made fun that they were rehearsing for their death. When they started to sit on the chair again, it would be asked for by the mourners. Thus the witty incidents continued.


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Question (b)

Write character sketches of Maamanaar and Pedanna.

Answer:

Maamanaar is considered to be a person who is very affectionate and calm. Though his sister’s children tease him to a great extent, he remains mum with a smile. He never scolds them for their action. He is the one who is well-mannered and tidy. The way in which he takes care of his betel box and the newly brought chair reveals his perfection in handling things at home.

His cleanliness also comes to limelight when one has a close look at his lime paste dabba. Though he considers and maintains the things in his home as treasures, he is ready to lend his chair to the villagers. He even asks them to retain it for funeral purpose. This act of his highlights his generosity.

Pedanna seems to be a person who disrespects elders. The way in which he ridicules his Maamanaar when the latter pays a visit to his home proves this statement. He is also very good in making tricks. When the mourners come for the chair, he diverts them to his Maamanaar’s house, which shows his deceitful act. In another sense, based on the above said qualities, we can also consider Pedanna to be a person who likes to lead his life with fun and cheer.


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Paragraph

Introduction:

In the story “The Chair”, the narrator, Rajanarayanan, amusingly narrates the humorous incidents that took place in his home before and after the arrival of the chair.

Fun with the stool:

There was only a three-legged stool in the narrator’s home. It would topple over if one did not place his weight exactly above its legs. Their family friend, a sub-judge, paid a visit to their home one day. He was provided with the stool to sit on. Without knowing the wretched thing about the stool, he sat on it and fell down with a thud and rolled over. The family members could not control their giggles.

The arrival of the chair:

The narrator’s family decided to make a chair for their home. They had a lengthy discussion about it. Finally, they decided to make two chairs. One for them and the other for their Maamanaar. The chair arrived. The narrator and his siblings took turns to sit on it and even fought for it often.

Ordeal of the chair:

The village people came in groups to have a look at the chair as it was the first chair in their village. Unfortunately, there was a death of an eminent person in the village, and the chair was asked for to prop up the corpse of that eminent person. From then on, the chair was asked for whenever there occurred a death in the village. This act disturbed the sleep of the family members as the chair was asked for mostly during late night hours.

Pedanna’s trick:

The narrator and his siblings were afraid to sit on the chair once after it was got back after the funeral ceremony. They washed it with many buckets of water. They made each and every visitor who came to their home sit on it. Only after a long time did they start to sit on the chair again. By that time, the mourners came for the chair again. In order to overcome it, Pedanna diverted the mourners to go to his Maamanaar’s house and get the chair.

Maamanaar’s generosity:

Pedanna thought that his Maamanaar would not give the chair to the mourners. Pedanna and his siblings were of the opinion that their Maamanaar was stingy. But things happened vice versa. Maamanaar was so generous to lend the chair to the villagers and asked them to retain it for funeral purpose.

Conclusion:

Thus the narrator elucidates the incidents that took place because of the chair in a humorous way.


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Vocabulary

a) Find out the synonym of the underlined word in each of the following sentences: (Text Book Page No. 149)

Question 1.
Just as we thought our chuckles had subsided.
a) diminished
b) increased
c) completed
d) submerged.
Answer:
a) diminished

Question 2.
Our father rejected it, saying it wouldn’t be sturdy.
a) weak
b) strong
c) tall
d) good
Answer:
b) strong

Question 3.
Anna would say with an impudent smile.
a) innocent
b) fake
c) disrespectful
d) decent
Answer:
c) disrespectful

Question 4.
A silver tumbler of buttermilk seasoned with asafoetida.
a) mixed
b) garnished
c) filled
d) loosened
Answer:
b) garnished

Question 5.
A few people from the house of bereavement stood outside.
a) rejoice
b) celebration
c) grief
d)war
Answer:
c) grief

b. Find out the antonym of the underlined word in each of the following sentences: (Text Book Page No. 149)

Question 1.
The anticipation of this imagined separation only increases their fondness for the calf.
a) expectancy
b) contemplation
c) outlook
d) ignorance
Answer:
d) ignorance

Question 2.
Fortuitously, a quest visited our house.
a) luckily
b) peacefully
c) unfortunately
d) happily
Answer:
c) unfortunately

Question 3.
There he was sitting in splendour on his chair.
a) magnificence
b) pomp
c) effulgence
d) simplicity
Answer:
d) simplicity

Question 4.
Maamanaar was unmatched.
a) inferior
b) incomparable
c) excellent
d) supreme
Answer:
a) inferior

Question 5.
He greeted me with his usual smile and banter.
a) flattery
b) small talk
c) chitchat
d) repartee.
Answer:
a) flattery

c. Identify the correct combination of the following compound words: (Text Book Page No. 150)

  1. Haircut – Noun + Verb
  2. waterfall – Noun + Verb
  3. drawback – Verb + Adverb (verb+noun)
  4. output – Preposition + Verb
  5. show case – Verb + Noun
  6. headmaster – Noun + Noun
  7. swimming pool – Gerund + Verb
  8. public speaking – Adjective + Gerund
  9. software – Adjective + Noun
  10. world famous – Noun + Adjective

d. Blend the following words: (Text Book Page No. 150)

Question 1.
binary + digit
Answer:
bit

Question 2.
electronic + mail
Answer:
email

Question 3.
foreign + exchange
Answer:
forex

Question 4.
motor + pedal
Answer:
moped

Question 5.
parachute + troop
Answer:
paratroop

e. Replace the underlined word/ expressions with possibly polite forms: (Text Book Page No. 150)

Question a.
The culprit was sent to jail.
Answer:
Jail – Penitentiary

Question b.
Dheeraj is unemployed.
Answer:
unemployed – between jobs

Question c.
I saw a disabled man.
Answer:
disabled – physically challenged

Question d.
Subsidies are given to the poor.
Answer:
poor – needy

Question e.
Elambrathi has a second-hand car.
Answer:
second hand – Preowned

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Listening

After listening to the pledge played on the tape recorder carefully, fill in the following statements with the right options given: (Text Book Page No. 153)

Question a.
The medical graduates take oath to dedicate their _______ to the service of humanity.
i) money
ii) talent
iii) life
iv) nation
Answer:
iii) life

Question b.
The _______ of the patient should be the doctor’s greatest concern.
i) dignity
ii) gratitude
iii) health
iv) honour
Answer:
iii) health

Question c.
The would-be graduates promise to practise their profession with _______ and dignity.
i) conscience
ii) knowledge
iii) understanding
iv) respect
Answer:
i) conscience

Question d.
They should respect the _______ of the patients.
i) age
ii) wealth
iii) background
iv) secrets
Answer:
iv) secrets

Question e.
The pledge is also to treat the patients without any _______.
i) fee
ii) discrimination
iii) interest
iv) hatred
Answer:
ii) discrimination

a. Read the following passage carefully and answer the following questions: (Text Book Page No. 153)
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the environment that cause harm to the ecosystem. The different kinds of pollution are air pollution, water pollution and land pollution. The release of various gases, finely divided solid particles, or liquid droplets that escape into the atmosphere to disperse and dilute in the environment is called air pollution. Modern society is also concerned about specific types of pollutants, such as noise pollution, light pollution, and plastic pollution.

Particulate Matter (PM), also known as particle pollution, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that get into the air. These particles if inhaled can affect health. The impact of PM 2.5 is particularly high in South Asia. Outdoor pollution is caused by a variety of pollutants like public and private vehicles, waste burning in the open, power production industries and construction and even cigarette smoking in public places.

Presently, air pollution is a major and growing risk factor for ill health in India. Delhi is one of the most air polluted cities in India. The air in the city as well as areas surrounding it has worsened to extremely hazardous levels in the recent years. This year’s pollution level is the worst in four years. Several studies have shown that poor air quality is a cause for many health issues among people with lower respiratory disorders with symptoms like dry cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest discomfort, serious lung infections and cardio vascular diseases. Some studies throw light on the fact that about 16 per cent of the deaths worldwide in 2015 were due to pollution.

Air Masks are an option to protect oneself outdoor. Air masks can be used while commuting or while one is exposed to a polluted area. Some of these masks also include a layer of Activated carbon to filter the air. They protect us from suspended air particles and particulate matter up to the size of 2.5 microns and above. Their usage is limited to some days and should be disposed off after their prescribed duration of usage. The price for air masks starts from Rs 100 and can go up to Rs 500 and more.

We have to take active measures to control pollution and protect ourselves to lead a healthy and pollution free life.

Here are the rewritten answers for the reading passage on Pollution, based on the text provided. The answers are written in Indian English, with key words from the passage highlighted.


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Question 1

What is meant by pollution? Mention the different kinds of pollution.

Answer:

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the environment that cause harm to the ecosystem. The different kinds of pollution are air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. Modern society is also concerned about specific types of pollutants such as noise pollution, light pollution, and plastic pollution.


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Question 2

How does Particulate Matter cause air pollution?

Answer:

Particulate Matter (PM), also known as particle pollution, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that get into the air. These particles, if inhaled, can affect health. The impact of PM 2.5 is particularly high in South Asia. Outdoor pollution is caused by a variety of pollutants like public and private vehicles, waste burning in the open, power production industries, construction, and even cigarette smoking in public places.


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Question 3

Identify three major causes of pollution in air.

Answer:

The three major causes of air pollution are:

1. The release of various gases into the atmosphere.

2. Finely divided solid particles that escape into the atmosphere.

3. Liquid droplets that disperse and dilute in the environment.

These pollutants escape into the atmosphere and cause harm to the ecosystem.


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Question 4

Name the types of pollution we encounter now.

Answer:

The types of pollution we encounter now are noise pollution, light pollution, and plastic pollution. Apart from these, we also face air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution.


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Question 5

What sort of health issues do people face due to air pollution?

Answer:

Several studies have shown that poor air quality is a cause for many health issues among people with lower respiratory disorders. The symptoms include dry cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest discomfort, serious lung infections, and cardiovascular diseases. Some studies throw light on the fact that about 16 per cent of the deaths worldwide in 2015 were due to pollution.


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Question 6

How can we protect ourselves outdoor from air pollution?

Answer:

Air masks are an option to protect oneself outdoor. Air masks can be used while commuting or while one is exposed to a polluted area. Some of these masks also include a layer of Activated carbon to filter the air. They protect us from suspended air particles and particulate matter up to the size of 2.5 microns and above. Their usage is limited to some days and should be disposed off after their prescribed duration of usage.


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Question 7

Suggest a suitable title to the passage.

Answer:

‘Air Pollution’ is a suitable title for the passage.


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Question 8

Identify the meaning of the word similar to the one used in the fourth para:

Answer:

The word similar to the one used in the fourth para is b) filtering.


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Key Words from the Passage

– Contaminants — harmful substances that pollute

– Ecosystem — the natural environment and all living things in it

– Particulate Matter (PM) — tiny particles and liquid droplets in the air

– PM 2.5 — particles smaller than 2.5 microns

– Hazardous — dangerous to health

– Respiratory disorders — diseases related to breathing

– Wheezing — breathing with a whistling sound

– Cardiovascular diseases — heart-related diseases

– Commuting — travelling regularly to work or school

– Activated carbon — a material used to filter air

– Suspended air particles — tiny particles floating in the air

– Disposed off — thrown away

– Prescribed duration — the recommended time period


b) Read the following information given in the table below and answer the questions: (Text Book Page No. 154)

A nice choice from Chennai to the National capital
RAJADHANI EXPRESS TIMETABLE
Shortest Route between Chennai and Hazrat Nizamuddin 8 Halts & 324 intermediate<br>stations in between
Station Name Departs Day Speed
Chennai Central 06.05 1 75
Vijayawada 11.55 1 76
Warangal 14.40 1 77
Balharshah 18.00 1 78
Nagpur 20.45 1 74
Bhopal 02.10 2 89
Jhansi 05.31 2 99
Gwalior 06.32 2 85
Agra Cantt 07.57 2 76
Hazrat Nizamuddin 10.25 2 –

Question a.
The number of stations between Chennai Central and Hazrat Nizamuddin is _______.
i) five
ii) ten
iii) eight
iv) eleven
Answer:
iii) eight

Question b.
The train is expected to reach ______ around 8.45 PM.
i) Warangal
ii) Vijayawada
iii) Bhopal
iv) Nagpur
Answer:
iv) Nagpur

Question c.
Between ____________ the train runs at its maximum speed.
i) Bhopal and Gwalior
ii) Bhopal and Jhansi
iii) Bhopal and Hazarat Nizamudin
iv) Bhopal and Agra
Answer:
ii) Bhopal and Jhansi

Question d.
Almost ____________ the train reaches Vijayawada.
i) the day after
ii) around early morning
iii) late night
iv) around noon
Answer:
iv) around noon

Question e.
People prefer the Rajadhani Express to travel from Chennai to reach the capital because ______.
i) it reaches the destination on the same day
ii) the charge is reasonable
iii) the train halts at ten stations
iv) it is the shortest route from Chennai to New Delhi
Answer:
iv) it is the shortest route from Chennai to New Delhi

Question f.
The destination of Rajadhani express is ______.
i) Hazarat Nizamuddin
ii) New Delhi junction
iii) Old Delhi
iv) Rajkot
Answer:
i) Hazarat Nizamuddin

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Grammar

Non-finite Verbs

Task 1:
Underline the gerunds in the following sentences: (Text Book Page No. 155)

Question 1.
Boys love playing cricket.
Answer:
playing

Question 2.
I love eating ice creams.
Answer:
eating

Question 3.
Jessie enjoys bothering others.
Answer:
bothering

Question 4.
Painting is an interesting hobby.
Answer:
interesting

Question 5.
Dancing gives me joy.
Answer:
Dancing

Task 2:
Use the gerundial form of the verb in the brackets and fill in the blanks: (Text Book Page No. 156)

Question 1.
______ (exercise) is good for health.
Answer:
Exercising

Question 2.
______ (fly) a kite is fun.
Answer:
Flying

Question 3.
______ (shop) is my favourite hobby.
Answer:
Shopping

Question 4.
My friend waited for the ______ (meet).
Answer:
meeting

Question 5.
Huckleberry Finn was responsible for _______ (signal).
Answer:
signaling

Task 3:
Fill in the blanks with the correct infinitives: (Text Book Page No. 156)

Question 1.
Deva forgot ______ the letter.
Answer:
to post

Question 2.
The doctor advised the patient ______ his medicines without fail.
Answer:
to take

Question 3.
Rajesh went to the airport ______ his friend.
Answer:
to receive

Question 4.
The bear climbed up the tree ______ the honey.
Answer:
to drink

Question 5.
The boys went to the forest ______ birds.
Answer:
to watch

Question 6.
I tried hard ______ both ends meet.
Answer:
to make

Question 7.
The archaeologists are trying ______ the ruins of Keelady.
Answer:
to study

Question 8.
Solar energy is used ______electricity.
Answer:
to generate

Question 9.
______ concession, you have to apply well in advance.
Answer:
To get

Question 10.
We have plans ______ to London during summer vacation.
Answer:
to go

Task 4:
Combine each of the following pairs of sentences using participles. The first one is done for you: (Text Book Page No. 156)

Example: I didn’t know what to do. I phoned the police.
Not knowing what to do, I phoned the police.

Question 1.
The baby cried. She was feeling sleepy.
Answer:
Feeling sleepy, the baby cried.

Question 2.
He lived alone. He had forgotten everybody.
Answer:
Having forgotten everybody, he lived alone.

Question 3.
She walked out. She was smiling.
Answer:
She walked out smiling.

Question 4.
The child says he needs attention. He shouts loudly.
Answer:
Shouting loudly the child says she needs attention.

Question 5.
I threw the pen. It was broken.
Answer:
I threw the broken pen.

Question 6.
His coat is tattered. It needs mending.
Answer:
His tattered coat needs mending.

Question 7.
I heard the noise. I turned around.
Answer:
Hearing the noise I turned around.

Question 8.
He was dissatisfied. He quit his job.
Answer:
Being dissatisfied he quit the job.

Question 9.
The politician entered the campus. He was accompanied by many comrades.
Answer:
Accompanied by many comrades the politician entered the campus.

Question 10.
The girl entered the room. She was singing a song.
Answer:
Singing a song the girl entered the room.

Articles and Determiners

Articles

Task 1:
Complete the following exercise using a / an / the / ‘o’ (no article) in the underlined space where appropriate. Change capital letters to lower case letters at the beginning of a sentence if necessary: (Text Book Page No. 156)

According to (1) ______ National Weather Report, cyclones are winds circulating (2) ______ counter clockwise in (3) ______ Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in (4) ______ southern Hemisphere. Cyclones are usually accompanied by (5) ______ stormy weather. Tornadoes and hurricanes are types of cyclones. (6) ______ hurricane is (7) ______ cyclone that forms over (8) ______ tropical oceans and seas. (9) ______ hurricane rotates in (10) ______ shape of (11) ______ oval or a circle. (12) ______ Hurricane Andrew, which hit (13) ______ coasts of Louisiana and Southern Florida in August 1992, caused (14) ______ extreme devastation. It was one of (15) ______ most devasting hurricanes ever to hit (16) ______ U.S.. Fourteen people died of (17) ______ Andrew’s effect.

Answer:

  1. the
  2. O
  3. the
  4. the
  5. a
  6. A
  7. a
  8. the
  9. A
  10. the
  11. an
  12. The
  13. the
  14. an
  15. the
  16. the
  17. O

Task 2:
Complete the following sentences using appropriate determines: (Text Book Page No. 157)

Question 1.
Only ______ people can afford to buy a flat in Chennai.
Answer:
a few

Question 2.
She earns so ______ that she could not make a decent living.
Answer:
little

Question 3.
______ information that she gave proved false.
Answer:
Every

Question 4.
How ______ sugar do you want?
Answer:
much

Question 5.
I am very tired today, as I had ______ guests today.
Answer:
some

Question 6.
______ of my students have become doctors.
Answer:
Most

Question 7.
______ do I know about his personal life.
Answer:
Little

Question 8.
How ______ pages did you read?
Answer:
many

Question 9.
______ fertilizer used these days spoils the soil.
Answer:
Each

Question 10.
During my student life I used to give ______ trouble to my teachers.
Answer:
much

Degrees of Comparison – Transformation

Task 1:
Transform each of the following sentences using the comparative degree without changing the meaning: (Text Book Page No. 159)

Question 1.
Very few Indian languages are as ancient as Tamil.
Answer:
Tamil is more ancient than many other Indian languages.

Question 2.
Hurricanes are as dangerous as tornadoes.
Answer:
Tornadoes are not more dangerous than hurricanes.

Question 3.
This is the most challenging task I have ever undertaken.
Answer:
This task is more challenging than any other task, I have ever undertaken.

Question 4.
E-mail is the fastest means of communication.
Answer:
E-mail is faster than any other means of communications.

Question 5.
Compulsive gambling is the worst habit a man can develop.
Answer:
Compulsive gambling is worse than any other gambling a man can develop.

Task 2:
Rewrite each of the following sentences using the superlative degree retaining the meaning: (Text Book Page No. 159)

Question 1.
Shakespeare is greater than many other dramatists of the world.
Answer:
Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in the world.

Question 2.
Some people think that nothing is as important as money in life.
Answer:
Some people think that money is the most important in life.

Question 3.
The peacock is more colourful than any other bird found in India.
Answer:
The peacock is the most colourful bird found in India.

Question 4.
Very few people in this town are as generous as Mr. Mohan.
Answer:
Mr.Mohan is one of the most generous persons in this town.

Question 5.
No other planet in our solar system is as cold as Neptune.
Answer:
Neptune is the coldest planet in the solar system.

Question 6.
I cannot do anything better for you than this.
Answer:
This is the best thing, I can do for you.

Task 3:
Replace the comparative adjectives in the following sentences with their positive forms: (Text Book Page No. 159)

Question 1.
Rural life is certainly more peaceful than urban life.
Answer:
Urban life is certainly not as peaceful as rural life.

Question 2.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
Answer:
The sword is not as mighty as the pen.

Question 3.
Train journey is more comfortable than bus journey.
Answer:
Bus journey is not as comfortable as train journey.

Question 4.
My mother can speak more sweetly than anyone else.
Answer:
No one speaks as sweet as my mother.

Question 5.
Gold is not more useful than Iron.
Answer:
Iron is as useful as Gold.

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Writing

Slogan Writing

Look at the pictures given below, and write slogans to advertise the products. Suggest your own brand name for each of the products. (Text Book Page No. 159)

1. Toothpaste → “Smile with strength”, Everyday protection for sensitive teeth.
2. Water purifier → “Purifying agent”, Perfect quality for perfect living.
3. Camera → “Candid camera”, we capture your memories.
4. Apples → “Orchard apples”, An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Write slogans to create awareness of the following topics using the tips given above: (Text Book Page No.159)

Here are the rewritten slogans for each topic, written in Indian English, with key words highlighted and a fresh, catchy tone suitable for a school awareness campaign.


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1. Junk Food

Rewrite:

– “Eat healthy, stay wealthy — junk food makes you unhealthy.”

– “Say no to junk, say yes to life — good food keeps you free from strife.”

– “Junk today, regret tomorrow — choose fruits, not fizzy drinks.”

– “Your body is not a dustbin — feed it well, feel it well.”


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2. Labour Day

Rewrite:

– “Hard work is the salt of life — respect every labourer’s strife.”

– “No hands to work, no world to build — honour labour, honour life.”

– “Every brick, every road — a labourer’s story untold.”

– “Work is worship, workers are gods — celebrate them, not just one day.”


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3. Save Water

Rewrite:

– “Save water, save tomorrow — every drop is a drop of life.”

– “No water, no life — conserve it, don’t waste it.”

– “Water is precious, water is power — save it every single hour.”

– “A drop saved today is a life saved tomorrow.”


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4. Yoga

Rewrite:

– “Yoga — a gift to mankind, a cure for body and mind.”

– “Stretch, breathe, relax — yoga is the secret to a healthy life.”

– “Yoga keeps you young and strong — practice it all day long.”

– “From stress to strength, from illness to wellness — yoga is the way.”


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5. Blood Donation

Rewrite:

– “Donate blood, donate life — be someone’s hero today.”

– “A drop of your blood can save a life — be a lifesaver.”

– “Blood is red, hearts are gold — donate blood, be brave and bold.”

– “Don’t wait for a miracle — be the miracle. Donate blood.”

Here are the paragraphs rewritten in Indian English, with key words highlighted, for the topics from Text Book Page No. 160.

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a) The Teacher I Like the Most

A teacher is a person who educates a group of students known as his pupils. The teacher instills in his students the values of discipline, responsibility, honesty, courage, and truthfulness. The teacher guides his students in the right direction and prevents them from falling prey to bad intentions and influences. My favourite teacher is my English teacher. She is an elderly lady with great knowledge. Her class is my favourite of the day.

She is a well-known face in our school. In her class, almost every student pays attention to what she says. She uses the help of charts and new methodology to make us understand even better. She makes sure that her students are comfortable with her and not threatened by her. My English teacher was like a mother to me.

Her affection towards me was like a mother’s towards her child. She is the person who pushed me to try everything in life. Her constant dedication towards my interests and hobbies motivated me to pursue the same with more enthusiasm. It is because of her that I complete my work in time and with sincerity even today.

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b) The Value of Discipline

Discipline is important in our everyday life. It is also important for the better development of a society. It helps in time management. When one is disciplined, they are better able to manage their time at school, work, and at home. Discipline also helps to build respect. It also helps one to achieve better grades in school.

One is able to concentrate more on their studies and not on other things. Discipline is a virtue that every person should have. There are many benefits associated with discipline. One is able to live a better life when they are disciplined. The absence of discipline brings disorder and chaos. If we do not obey our parents at home and our teachers at school, we can imagine what will happen. So both our parents and the teachers are very anxious to make us see the need for disciplined soldiers.


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c) Need for Moral Education in Schools

Education is only complete when it leads to all-round development of the individual — not only mental but also moral development. Moral Education influences the social thinking of the individual and makes him or her distinguish between what is right and what is wrong. Moral Education is important as it teaches diversity, tolerance, mutual respect, and moral values.

Moral values are values that express ideas about the good life. Honesty, responsibility, and respect for others is the domain of moral education. The study of morality is vital because we live in a world of rapid change. Education should make children learn moral values such as truthfulness, honesty, charity, hospitality, tolerance, love, kindness, and simplicity. Moral education should be taught as a separate subject like moral science. Thus moral education is important in schools as it teaches many good things.


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d) The Importance of Good Health

Good health is important because a man of health can enjoy great happiness during his lifetime. Without health, we cannot do anything in this world. “Health is wealth” is a common proverb which reveals a very simple meaning by comparing the value of health with wealth. Everyone knows that nothing is more important in life than good health. No one can be happy and peaceful without good health.

There is no success in people’s life if they suffer with bad health. In reality, health is more valuable for a person than money because money cannot buy good health and happiness intellectually and financially. Maintaining health is not so simple. Good or bad health depends upon several factors including healthy food, environment, lifestyle, sleeping habits, social status, psychological condition, financial condition, and many more things.


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e) The Importance of Reading

Reading is one of the most important and priceless activities. If you have ever read a book in life, you will know the pleasure of reading. Reading is the kind of exercise that keeps your mind active and healthy. It is important to develop the habit of reading not only for knowledge but also for personal growth and development. It develops positive thinking and gives you a better perspective of life.

Reading habits develop imagination, knowledge, and vocabulary. The most important reason for reading is that we gain knowledge. Books are a rich source of information and knowledge. It also develops the creative mind of a person. It is the best way to relieve your stress and enhance your mood. It builds your confidence and leads to higher self-esteem. So it is very important to develop a good reading habit.

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ஆசிரியரைப் பற்றி

ராஜநாராயணன் என்பவர் எல்லோராலும் தமிழிலில் கி.ரா. என்று அழைக்கப்படுபவர். இவர் ஒரு தமிழ் நாட்டார் வழக்காற்றியலாளர் (Folklorist) மற்றும் ஏராளமாகப் படைத்தளித்த (prolific) ஆசிரியர். “தி சேர்” என்ற சிறுகதை, 1969ல் நாற்காலி என்ற தலைப்பில் எழுதப்பட்டது. நாவல்கள் கோபால கிராமம் மற்றும் கோபாலபுரத்து மக்கள் அனைவராலும் மிகவும் பாராட்டப்பட்டது (acclaimed). இதற்காக 1991ல் அவருக்கு சாகித்ய அகாதமி விருது வழங்கப்பட்டது. நாட்டார் வழக்காற்றியல் துறையில் இருந்ததால், கி.ரா. 10 ஆண்டுகளில் (decade) நாட்டுப்புற கதைகளை கரிசல் காடுகளில் இருந்து சேகரித்து, இதனை மிகப் பிரபலமான இதழ்களில் வெளியிட்டார்.

2007ல் தஞ்சாவூரில் இருக்கும் புத்தக வெளியீட்டு நிறுவனம் (publishing house) “அன்னம்” இந்த நாட்டுப்புறக் கதைகளை, 944 பக்கங்களைக் கொண்ட ஒரு புத்தகமாகத் தொகுத்து “நாட்டுப்புறக் கதைக் களஞ்சியம்” என்ற தலைப்பில் வெளியிடப்பட்டது. 2009ல் கிட்டத்தட்ட அவர் 30 புத்தகங்களை வெளியிட்டார். அதிலிருந்து ஒரு சில புத்தகங்களைத் தேர்ந்தெடுத்து பிரித்தம் K. சக்கரவர்த்தி என்பவர் ஆங்கிலத்தில் மொழிபெயர்த்து, அதனை வேர் ஆர் யு கோயுங், யு மங்கீஸ்? என்ற தலைப்பில் தமிழ்நாட்டு நாட்டுப்புறக் கதைகளாக, புத்தக வடிவில் 2009ல் வெளியிட்டார்.

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பாடத்தைப் பற்றி

கீழே உள்ள கதையில் ஒரு நாற்காலி இல்லாத குடும்பத்தைப் பற்றி பார்ப்போம். (இருப்பினும் அந்த ஒட்டுமொத்த (entire) கிராமமே நாற்காலியைப் பார்த்ததில்லை ) இங்கு கதை சொல்பவர் (narrator) கிராம மக்கள் அந்த திட்டங்களை செயல்படுத்தும் விதம் பற்றியும் மற்றும் நாற்காலி வந்த பிறகு ஏற்படும் பின்விளைவு (aftermath) பற்றியும் ஒரு நகைச்சுவை சம்பவமாக மிகவும் வேடிக்கையாகக் கூறுகிறார். இதைப் பற்றி விரிவாக கீழே காண்போம்.

The Chair Summary in Tamil

Here is a crisp rewrite of the Tamil translation of “The Chair” by Ki. Rajanarayanan, with key words highlighted.


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சுருக்கம்: நாற்காலி

கி. ராஜநாராயணன் எழுதிய “நாற்காலி” கதையில், ஒரு குடும்பம் நாற்காலி வாங்குவதற்கு முன்னும் பின்னும் நடக்கும் நகைச்சுவை சம்பவங்களை நூலாசிரியர் வேடிக்கையாகக் கூறுகிறார்.

நாற்காலிக்கு முன்

வீட்டில் ஒரு முக்காலி மட்டுமே இருந்தது. அதன் கால்களுக்கு நேர் மேலே எடையை வைக்காவிட்டால், அது கவிழ்ந்து விடும். ஒரு நாள், ஒரு துணை நீதிபதி வீட்டுக்கு வந்தார். அவருக்கு அந்த முக்காலியை கொடுத்தனர். எச்சரிக்கை சொல்வதற்கு முன்பே, அவர் அதில் அமர்ந்து “தொப்” என்று விழுந்து உருண்டோடினார். குடும்பத்தினர் சிரிப்பை அடக்க முடியவில்லை.

நாற்காலியின் வருகை

குடும்பம் ஒரு நாற்காலி செய்ய முடிவு செய்தது. கிராமத்தில் நாற்காலியின் மாதிரி கூட இல்லை; தச்சர் ஒருவரும் அதைச் செய்யத் தெரியாது. பெடன்னா நகரத்தில் வாங்கலாம் என்றான்; தந்தை நிராகரித்தார். பாட்டி தேக்கு மரம் பரிந்துரைத்தார் — எடை குறைவு, எளிதாக கொண்டு செல்லலாம். இறுதியில் கருப்பு மரத்தில் இரண்டு நாற்காலிகள் செய்யப்பட்டன — ஒன்று வீட்டுக்கு, ஒன்று மாமனாருக்கு. அவை ராமன்-லெட்சுமணன் போல ஒத்து இருந்தன.

நாற்காலியின் வேதனை

கிராம மக்கள் கூட்டமாக வந்து நாற்காலியைப் பார்த்தனர். சிலர் தட்டிப் பார்த்தனர். ஒரு முதியவர் அதை தூக்கி, “நல்ல பலமாக இருக்கிறது” என்று பாராட்டினார். பின்னர், கிராமத்தில் ஒருவர் இறந்தபோது, அந்த நாற்காலியை பிணத்தை சாய்த்து வைக்கக் கேட்டனர். அதிலிருந்து, எந்த இறப்பு நடந்தாலும் நாற்காலி கேட்கப்பட்டது. இரவில் தூக்கம் கெட்டது.

பெடன்னாவின் தந்திரம்

இறுதிச்சடங்குக்குப் பின், குழந்தைகள் நாற்காலியில் அமர பயந்தனர். 15 வாளிகள் தண்ணீரால் கழுவினர். ஒவ்வொரு விருந்தினரையும் அதில் அமர வைத்தனர். பெடன்னா துக்க வீட்டாரை மாமனார் வீட்டுக்கு திருப்பி விட்டான் — அவர் கஞ்சன் என்று நினைத்தனர்.

மாமனாரின் தாராளம்

ஆனால் மாமனார் மிகவும் தாராளமாக நாற்காலியை கொடுத்தார். “அதை அந்த ஒன்றுக்கு மட்டும் பயன்படுத்துங்கள்” என்றார். அவர் வீட்டில் நாற்காலியை தானே துடைத்து, மண் பானை போல கவனமாக தூக்கினார். அவரது வெற்றிலைப் பெட்டி, சுண்ணாம்பு டப்பா, டார்ச் விளக்கு — அனைத்தும் 15 ஆண்டுகள் ஆகியும் புதியது போல இருந்தது.

முடிவு

சுகந்தி தன் குழந்தைத் தம்பியை நாற்காலியில் வைத்தபோது, குழந்தைகளின் பயம் போனது. இறுதியில் மாமனார் தரையில் அமர்ந்திருந்தார். “நான் அவர்களை அந்த ஒன்றுக்கு மட்டும் பயன்படுத்தச் சொன்னேன்” என்றார். நூலாசிரியர் இதை நகைச்சுவையாக சொல்கிறார்.

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