Category: CBSE Class 11

Here we are providing Online Education NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Snapshots Chapter 4 Albert Einstein at School. Students can get Class 11 English Albert Einstein at School NCERT Solutions, Questions and Answers designed by subject expert teachers.

Online Education Albert Einstein at School NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Snapshots Chapter 4

Albert Einstein at School NCERT Text Book Questions and Answers

Question 1.
What do you understand of Einstein’s nature from his conversations with his history teacher, his mathematics teacher and the head teacher?
Answer:
Albert Einstein was an intelligent student but was not good at rote learning of dates and facts in history. However, only his mathematics teacher acknowledged his brilliance. Young Albert Einstein hated learning dates and facts by heart. This forever displeased Mr Braun, his history teacher.

Einstein explained his desire to know the reason a battle is fought, rather than remember its date. Mr Braun taunted him by calling his views the “Einstein theory of education” and punished him by detaining him for an extra period at school.

Albert’s brilliance was recognised by his mathematics teacher, Mr Koch, who accepted Einstein’s superiority of knowledge over his own. He gave Einstein a “glowing reference” to aid him continue his higher education. However, his principal clearly did not recognise his merit and expelled him from school. He accused Einstein of disrupting the class and of not making an effort to learn.

Question 2.
The school system often curbs individual talents. Discuss.
Answer:
Hint
1. If no

• It often advances by giving opportunities in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• Different options for different aptitudes
• Offers subject choices/options that help develop the talent a student may not know she/he possesses
• Encourages interaction

2. If yes

• Examination system thrust on learning
• Teacher student ratio often does not permit individual attention
• Time bound classes/specific syllabi permits adherence to standard procedures
• Facilities to cater to individual choices may not be permissible due to lack of resources

Question 3.
How do you distinguish between information gathering and insight formation?
Answer:
Gathering information: Gathering information, generally means, sorting out facts that are relevant to your work. It is usually a passive process and involves a lower level of understanding. It is more of a mechanical process based on the memorisation of facts.

Insight formation: This is a more complex process by which the actual learning occurs. The learner assimilates facts, and based on the acquired knowledge, is able to develop a better understanding of herself/himself, her/his world, and the people in her/his life. Insight formation comprises three ‘primary processes’:

• information reception or perception,
• encoding or interpretation, and
• recall and use.

 

This grammar section explains Online Education English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. Students can also read NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English to get good marks in CBSE Board Exams. https://ncertmcq.com/clauses-class-11/

Online Education Clauses Exercises for Class 11 CBSE With Answers

Clause Exercise For Class 11

♦ Structure of Sentences:

According to their grammatical structure, sentences can be classified into three types:

1. Simple sentence
2. Compound sentence
3. Complex sentence

1. A Simple Sentence has only one clause, i.e., one subject and one predicate, e.g.
The students are learning grammar.
2. A Compound Sentence has two or more main clauses joined together by coordinating conjunctions like and, but, yet, still, so and so, therefore, for, now, otherwise, either ………….. or, neither ………….., nor, not only …………….. but also, e.g.
(i) The child ran fast and won the race.
(ii) Hari works hard and therefore stands first.
3. A Complex Sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses, e.g.
I read the book which I had bought from the Book Fair.

♦ Subordinate Clauses are of three kinds:

• Noun Clause
• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause

1. Noun Clause:

The Noun Clause does the work of a noun in the sentence. It is introduced by the following connectives:

Pronouns: who, what, which, whom, whose
Example:

• I know who he is.

Adverbs: when, where, why, how
Examples:

• I asked him if he knew where the post office was.
• I don’t know why he does not study.

Conjunctions: that, whether, if
Examples:

• I think that Raghu is a liar.
• I asked her whether she wanted a book to read.

Clauses Mcq Class 11

2. Adjective Clause:

Adjective Clauses describe a noun or a pronoun in the main clause or in another subordinate clause.
Adjective clauses are also known as relative clauses as they are usually introduced by relative pronouns like ‘who’, ‘whom’, ‘whose’, ‘which’, ‘that’, e.g.
The house which has large glass windows was burgled yesterday.
The adjective clause describes the noun ‘house’ in the main clause.
I know the boy who won the national championship.
The adjective clause describes the noun ‘boy’ in the main clause.
He who laughs last laughs the best.
The adjective clause describes the pronoun ‘He’ in the main clause.

Clause Class 11

3. Adverb Clause:

The adverb clause functions as an adverb, i.e. it modifies verbs. Therefore, an adverb clause may appear anywhere in a sentence. It tells us why, where, under what conditions, or to what degree the action occurred or the situation existed. Unlike adjective clauses, they frequently change their position within the sentence. Example: When the timer rings, we know the cake is done.

OR

We know the cake is done when the timer rings.
Adverb Clauses may be classified as Adverb Clauses of Condition, Time, Place, Reason, Manner, Purpose, etc.

Question 1.
Vipul and Mahesh are discussing their plans for the summer vacation. Complete their dialogue in an appropriate manner. Write your answers in the space provided. The first one has been done for you as an example.
Answer:

How are you going to spend your summer vacation?
I haven’t thought about it yet.
How do you like the idea (a) ………………… (Shimla)?
That’s nice, (b) ………………. (but).
I’ll come to your house today (c) ………………. (and).

• Mahesh: Oh! that’ll be fine.
• Vipul: (d) in the evening?
• Mahesh: Yes, I don’t think he is going out tonight.
• Vipul: OK. I’ll certainly come and meet him.

Answer:

(a) that we should go to Simla?
(b) but I will have to take my father’s permission.
(c) and request him to allow you to go to Simla.
(d) Should I come

Question 2.
Complete the sentences given below using subordinate clauses.

1. My eyes have become red
2. You should use sunglasses
3. I always wash my eyes
4. One should not use eyecare products
5. I hope

Answer:

1. because I have caught some eye infection.
2. if you cannot tolerate glare.
3. when they become red.
4. which have not been produced by a reputable company.
5. your eyes are free of infection soon.

Question 3.
Complete the dialogue using subordinate clauses.

1. Customer: Will you tell me …………..?
2. Shopkeeper: The price of this watch ……………….. is 900.
3. Customer: I want to know ………………..
4. Shopkeeper: Yes sir, the guarantee is of one year ……………..
5. Customer: Of course, no one …………….. will damage it purposely.

Answer:

1. what this watch costs?
2. which/that you are looking at
3. if it carries a guarantee.
4. if it is not damaged carelessly.
5. who buys it

Question 4.
Complete the letter given below with suitable clauses.
Dear son,
I am well. Hope you are taking good care of yourself. You must lock the doors properly at night (a) ……………..
You are alone (b) ……………… There is no need to be afraid (c) ………………. I shall come back (d) …………….. I miss you (e) ………………..

Yours affectionately
Dad

Answer:
(a) because there have been some thefts in the neighbourhood
(b) and so you must be careful
(c) because you can depend on our neighbours for help
(d) when the work in hand is finished.
(e) and am looking forward to being with you.

Question 5.
Chiki and Miks are planning to visit Kurukshetra during Vacation. Complete the dialogue between them using the given clauses.
(i) how are we going
(ii) what are we carrying?
(til) when I was a child
Chiki: I’m really excited about the trip.
Miki: Let’s decide what we are going to require for the journey.

(a) Miki: I have been to this place long back
(b) Chiki: Tell me by car or by train?
(c) Miki: We’ll be going by train. Have you decided
(d) Chiki: I’m not very good at packing. Do you know how to pack the rucksacks?
Answer:
(a) When I was a child
(b) how are we going
(c) what we are carrying?

Question 6.
Fill in the blanks in the following conversation with meaningful clauses.

Sheela: Tomorrow is my birthday. I want to prepare a cake myself. Please tell me (a) …………………………………….
Radha: I can make many types of cakes. Tell me (b) ……………………..
Sheela: I am very fond of chocolates and want to prepare a chocolate cake.
Radha: Please let me know (c) …………….. so that I can come and help you.
Sheela: Oh! Thank you.
Answer:

(a) how I should start
(b) what you want to make
(c) when you wish to make the cake

Question 7.
Fill in the blanks with suitable clauses.

1. He ran so fast …………………
2. You should act ………………
3. He is the boy …………………

Answer:

1. that he became breathless
2. as you feel right
3. who deserves admiration.

Question 8.
Complete the dialogue using the clauses given in the box.

if you want; what you require for packing; how I should pack it nicely

Chiki: Have you bought a birthday gift for Pooja?
Miki: Yes, but I don’t know (a) ……………………
Chiki: I can help you (b) ………………….
Miki: That’s really nice of you. Tell me (c) ………………..

(a) how I should pack it nicely
(b) if you want
(c) what you require for packing

Question 9.
Complete the following using clauses given in the box.

which make housing difficult for the poor; that the poor suffer the most; how it should cut down the cost of housing,

The finding of a housing study shows (a) ………………… The lack of resources, rising cost of material, and of land are the problems (b) ………………. The government’s worry is (c) ……………… so that the poor can buy houses.
Answer:

(a) that the poor suffer the most
(b) which make housing difficult for the poor
(c) how it should cut down the cost of housing.

Question 10.
Complete the following letter using appropriate clauses to fill in the blanks.
Answer:

Dear Sonia
How are you? I haven’t heard from you (a) ………………… I wanted to send you the books (b) ………………. We are all eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the man (c) ………………… Do send a quick reply.

Yours affectionately
Raina

Answer:
(a) or received any communication
(b) that you wanted
(c) who wrote them

Question 11.
Combine the following sets of sentences using clauses.

1. You have met Ashok. He is my friend’s brother.
2. A laser is a new device. It makes the light shine in a red beam.

Answer:

1. You have met Ashok who is my friend’s brother.
2. A laser is a new device which makes the light shine in a red beam.

Question 12.
Complete the sentences using a noun clause with the words given in brackets.

1. The Principal announced that …………….. (holiday after the Annual day).
2. Everybody cheered and felt that …………….. (good idea).
3. ………… the day after the Annual Day would be a holiday.
4. ……….. it was a good idea.

Question 13.
Given below are some sets of simple sentences. Combine each set into a complex sentence by using one of the sentences in each set into an adjective clause.

1. The dog has been shot dead. It went mad.
2. The lady brought to the party the little box. She was very fond of it.
3. She is a girl. I wanted to meet her.

Answer:

1. The dog that went mad has been shot dead.
2. The lady brought to the party the little box that she was very fond of.
3. She is the girl whom I wanted to meet.

Here we are providing Online Education for A Photograph Extra Questions and Answers Class 11 English Hornbill, Extra Questions for Class 11 English was designed by subject expert teachers. Students can also read A Photograph Poem. https://ncertmcq.com/extra-questions-for-class-11-english/

Online Education for A Photograph Important Extra Questions and Answers Class 11 English Hornbill

A Photograph Extra Questions and Answers Short Answer Type

A Photograph Class 11 Extract Questions And Answers Question 1.
The poet talks about a particular cardboard. How is it special to her?
Answer:
The poet talks about a particular cardboard to which is pasted her mother’s photograph taken at the sea beach. The mother seems to have been enjoying her sea holiday. The photograph is special as she has lost her mother sometime back and looking at the photograph makes her happy as well as sad.

A Photograph Class 11 Extract Questions And Answers Pdf Question 2.
What can you say about the childhood of the poet’s mother?
Answer:
The childhood of the poet’s mother must have been filled with fun and happiness. This is clear from the snapshot of the sea holiday. They are enjoying their holiday.

The mother of the poet laughs when looking at the snapshot even after many years have passed since the sea holiday. All this shows us that it was a very pleasant childhood.

A Photograph Class 11 Extra Questions And Answers Question 3.
What moment does the photograph depict?
Answer:
The photograph clicked by. the uncle of the poet’s mother depicts a sea-holiday being enjoyed by the poet’s mother and her two cousins Dolly and Betty. They are full of smiles in their beach dresses, not worrying about their flying hair.

A Photograph Extract Based Questions With Answers Question 4.
Were the three cousins camera friendly? Who was taking their photograph?
Answer:
The three cousins appear to be camera-friendly as they stood at the sea beach without moving when the uncle took the photograph.

The Photograph Class 11 Extra Questions Question 5.
The poet’s mother would laugh looking at the photograph. Why?
Answer:
The poet’s mother was in middle age when she looked at that photograph and used to laugh remembering those golden days of her childhood, enjoying a sea holiday. She would also laugh at the beach dresses which looked weird after many years.

A Photograph Question Answers Question 6.
What impression do you form about the poet’s mother?
Answer:
The poet’s mother was very pretty at the age of twelve. She enjoyed the sea holiday. This is indicated by the happiness that she gets in middle age after looking at her childhood photograph.

Photograph Class 11 Extra Questions Question 7.
The sea ‘appears to have changed less’ in comparison to the three girls who enjoyed the sea holiday. Comment.
Answer:
The poet compares the mortal nature of human beings with the eternal nature of the sea or natural objects. With the passage of time, the poet’s mother died but the vast sea has remained as it was since the photograph was taken.

The Photograph Extra Questions Question 8.
Why does the poet feel nostalgic?
Answer:
The poet sees an old photograph of her mother in which she was standing on the beach with her two cousins — Dolly and Betty. They were enjoying themselves. The photograph captured her mother’s sweet and smiling face. At that time, she was around twelve years old. The poet remembers how her mother used to laugh whenever she looked at that old photograph. But time has passed and now the poet has been left only with the memories of her mother. Thus, she feels nostalgic

A Photograph Class 11 Important Question Question 9.
What does the poet say about her mother’s face?
Answer:
The poet remarks that her mother had a sweet face, smiling and caring for her cousins who were younger to her. The poet also says that her mother used to enjoy these sea holidays, and would laugh heartily, later on when she saw the photograph.

A Photograph Short Question Answer Question 10.
How does the poet react to her past? Why has she not mentioned anything about her mother’s death?
Answer:
The poet remembers with sadness her mother’s laughter which she cannot hear any more. The poet is full of a sense of loss and does not mention about her mother’s death, as it may bring more gloom to her and make her speechless.

A Photograph Class 11 Important Questions And Answers Question 11.
Does the poet appear to be grieving?
Answer:
The poet is certainly filled with a sense of loss. Her mother is long dead and though the poet has adjusted to her absence, she is not able to completely overcome her loss.

She remembers how it used to be when her mother was still with her. The last line is an apt depiction of her state of mind. The loss has filled her life with silence.

A Photograph Question And Answer Question 12.
Comment on the tone of the poem.
Answer:
The tone of the poem is that of sadness. Shirley Toulson looks at an old photograph of her mother and is sadly reminded of her mother who is no more. She mentions about death of her mother indirectly only but this photograph has made her speechless and silent.

A Photograph Extra Questions and Answers Long Answer Type

Class 11 English Poem A Photograph Extra Questions Question 1.
The poet has paid a tribute to her mother. Similar instances can be seen in ‘The Portrait of a Lady’. This made you think that writing about a loved one is much better than building their statues or drawing their portraits. Comment.
Answer:
Many writers have paid tributes to their loved ones through beautiful writing. Khushwant Singh gave an adorable description about his grandmother through his story. Shirley Toulson remembered her mother through her heart-touching poem.

In my opinion, writing about a loved one is much better than building their statues or drawing their portraits. One can never tell the true personality of a person just by looking at their sculptures or portraits. One can never know about the amazing time someone has spent with them. That magic can only be created by words.

Words stand the passage of time, whereas sculptures or portraits may get damaged by it. Hence, words are the best way by which anyone can pay a tribute to one’s loved ones.

A Photograph Important Questions Question 2.
“Its silence silences,” writes Shirley Toulson. The loss of her mother has silenced her. Do you think that this attitude of the poet is the right attitude to live life? Why/ why not?
Answer:
There is no doubt that Shirley Toulson has given a very touching tribute to her mother by remembering her through her verses. It is apparent that she is very much nostalgic and is grieving at the loss of her mother. Though she says that over the years she has adjusted to her mother’s absence, but circumstances have surely filled her with silence and a deep void.

We cannot deny that it hurts very much to lose someone, but the attitude shown by the poet at the end is not the right way to live your life. Life will keep going on even if we stop to lament our loss.

Loss is universal. It is the law of nature. We cannot let ourselves get depressed just because of this. It is also understandable that we will grieve. However, grieving to the point of hampering the normal functioning of our lives is not acceptable.

Extract Based Questions Class 11 English A Photograph Question 3.
Happy moments are short-lived but provide a lifetime memory. They provide a cushion to bear the difficulties which the future has in store for you. Comment in the light of the poem ‘A Photograph’ by Shirley Toulson.
Answer:
Our life is a mixture of happy as well as adverse times. We must learn to move on with the help of those happy memories which provided us with so much enjoyment and happiness. As life is not a bed of roses, everyone at one stage or another is likely to face difficulties.

At the time of difficulties, happy moments can give us solace and fill us with positivity which is required during difficult times. Happy moments will certainly provide us with a hope that, as happy moments are short-lived, so are difficult times. One must learn to cope with the situation. The memories of happy times can provide us a cushion to bear difficulties with patience and peace.

A Photograph Poem Question Answer Question 4.
‘Both wry with the laboured ease of loss.’ The poet is missing her mother. What is the role of the mother in forming the personality of a child?
Answer:
A mother’s role in shaping the personality of a child is of paramount importance. The child watches his/ her mother intently and learns about the world and how to react to it at the initial stages. The mother can

play an important role by making the child to deal constructively with mistakes, forgive others, handle frustration, show kindness and share love.
When a mother is nurturing and caring the child, it will develop a healthy bond with not only the mother but will be willing to form new relationships with others.

Children and adults both want a sense of independence and autonomy. It is very important on a mother’s part to offer choices to the child. This makes the child feel that he/she is smart enough to make choices.

The mother’s thoughts nourish a child’s mind and soul as her personal attention nourishes a child’s body. She is a child’s first teacher. She tries to imbibe such values that may help a child lifelong.

A Photograph Extract based Questions and Answers

I. Read the extract given below and answer any two of the questions that follow.

“The cardboard shows me how it was When the two girl cousins went paddling, Each one
holding one of my mother’s hands,
And she the big girl – some twelve years or so.”

Question 1.
What does the cardboard here refer to?
(a) A thick paper on which the poet’s photograph was pasted
(b) A thick envelope
(c) A thick paper on which the poet’s mother’s photograph was pasted
(d) A paper boat
Answer:
(c) A thick paper on which the poet’s mother’s photograph was pasted

Question 2.
What does the cardboard depict?
(a) It depicts a scenery
(b) It depicts the picture of a house
(c) It depicts the picture of a school
(d) It depicts the picture of three girls
Answer:
(d) It depicts the picture of three girls

Question 3.
Who is the ‘big girl’ mentioned here?
(a) The big girl is the poet herself
(b) The big girl is the poet’s mother
(c) The big girl is the poet’s relative
(d) The big girl is the poet’s friend
Answer:
(b) The big girl is the poet’s mother

II. Read the extract given below and answer any two of the questions that follow.

“All three stood still to smile through their hair At the uncle with the camera. A sweet face,
My mother’s, that was before I was born.
And the sea, which appears to have changed less,
Washed their terribly transient feet.”

Question 1.
What does the poet mean by ‘smile through their hair’?
(a) It means that a smile was painted on the hair of the photographed girls
(b) It means that the photographed girls were wearing a mask
(c) It means that the hair of the photographed girls were covering their face when they were smiling
(d) It means that the hair of the girls in the photograph was smiling too
Answer:
(c) It means that the hair of the photographed girls were covering their face when they were smiling

Question 2.
What has not changed over a period of time?
(a) The photo
(b) The cardboard
(c) The girls
(d) The sea
Answer:
(d) The sea

Question 3.
Find a word from the extract which means “lasting only for a short time”?
(a) Still
(b) Transient
(c) Changed
(d) Less
Answer:
(b) Transient

III. Read the extract given below and answer any two of the questions that follow.

“Some twenty-thirty – years later She’d laugh at the snapshot. “See Betty And Dolly,” she’d
say, “and look how they Dressed us for the beach.” The sea holiday Was her past, mine is her
laughter. Both wry With the laboured ease of loss.”

Question 1.
Why did ‘she’ laugh?
(a) Because of the funny dresses that they were wearing at the sea holiday
(b) Because one of them cracked a joke
(c) Because of the funny dresses they were wearing at the party
(d) Because of the funny man they saw at the sea holiday
Answer:
(a) Because of the funny dresses that they were wearing at the sea holiday

Question 2.
Who are Betty and Dolly?
(a) They are poet’s cousins
(b) They are poet’s friends
(c) They are poet’s mother’s friends
(d) They are poet’s mother’s cousins
Answer:
(d) They are poet’s mother’s cousins

Question 3.
…………. in the extract is the synonym of ‘photograph’.
(a) Snapshot
(b) Picture
(c) Mine
(d) Laboured
Answer:
(a) Snapshot

IV. Read the extract given below and answer any two of the questions that follow.

“Now she’s been dead nearly as many years As that girl lived. And of this circumstance There
is nothing to say at all.
Its silence silences.”

Question 1.
Who does ‘she’ refer to?
(a) The poet’s dead aunt
(b) The poet’s dead mother
(c) The poet’s dead cousin
(d) The poet’s sister
Answer:
(b) The poet’s dead mother

Question 2.
Why is there nothing to say about the death of the poet’s mother?
(a) Because the poet is confused
(b) Because the poet was not in her senses when her mother expired
(c) Because the death of the poet’s mother has left a deep void in the poet’s heart
(d) Because the poet did not have a good relationship with her mother
Answer:
(c) Because the death of the poet’s mother has left

Question 3.
Which word in the extract means the same as “events that change your life, over which you have no control”?
(a) Silences
(b) Circumstances
(c) Situation
(d) Circumstance
Answer:
(d) Circumstance

Though speech is essentially an essay, it is significantly different. Whereas an essay or an article is read by people at a distance in time and place, a speech is delivered ‘live’ to an audience. This fact determines, to a great extent, the language and style of the composition.

A speech consists of the words spoken by a person to a gathering. The speaker could be a leader, a learned man, a man in a position of power and authority or an ordinary person, a student. The ‘address’, the language and style are determined by the occasion and the audience.

This grammar section explains Online Education English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English will help you to write better answers in your Class 11 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts. https://ncertmcq.com/speech-writing-format-cbse-class-11/

Online Education for Speech Writing Format CBSE Class 11 Examples, Samples, Topics

Speech Writing Class 11

♦ Format:

(a) Address the gathering, e.g., Respected Principal, teachers, students, Good Morning.
(b) Speech in three or four paragraphs.
(c) A speech ends with Thank you. The speaker thanks the listeners for their patient hearing. Content:

♦ Content:

According to the occasion, you may include quotations. Organise the speech into introduction, main points and conclusion.

Language and style should be a mingling of the serious and conversational modes.

Speech Topics For Class 11 Question 1.
You are Mukesh/Mukta of Saket. You have been reading the news items on Nithari killings. Write a speech in 150-200 words to be given in the morning assembly, stressing the need of keeping a close vigil on the anti-social elements of the locality and taking care of young children of the area so that they don’t fall prey to bad characters.
Answer:

Crimes Against Children
by Mukta (XIA)

Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends. Good Morning. I am Mukta of Class XI. Today I would like to share my views with you on crimes against children. It is a horrifying reality with which we have to contend.

Some recent tragic events have opened our eyes to the magnitude of crimes against children. Mostly, children are kidnapped for ransom if they are from rich families, or for begging and stealing if they are from ordinary families. Cases of child abuse are growing in alarming proportions.

The most disgusting and horrifying of these cases was the one discovered at Noida, where the owner- servant team carried out dastardly crimes against children behind closed doors. Investigations are unveiling horrible acts.

In such a scenario, it is imperative that parents take good care of their children. Children should be trained not to.trust strangers.

The security of a neighbourhood depends on the alertness of the citizens. We have a tremendous responsibility towards our youngsters.

I hope my words will make you think about the matter.
Thank you

Format Of Speech Writing For Class 11 Question 2.
Children usually come to school without taking breakfast in the morning and eat junk food from the school canteen. This habit affects adversely the performance of students in academics and sports. Write a speech in 150-200 words to be given in your school assembly about ‘How Health is Affected by Lifestyle’.
Answer:

How Health is Affected by Lifestyle

Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends,

Good morning, I am Mamta of XI A, and I wish to speak to you on a very important matter. I wish to speak to you on how our health is affected by our lifestyle.

Yesterday, a class VI student fainted in the assembly. The reason was that she had not taken her breakfast of porridge, fruit and milk. She wanted noodles only with coffee!

Friends, the breakfast her mother had prepared was nutritious, it would have given her energy for the whole day. If we fill our stomach, meal after meal, with junk food, how shall we grow tall and strong? How will we get the energy for mental work?

Like food, rest is an important part of our lifestyle. My friend Roshan was unable to answer his English paper in the unit test; he was feeling sleepy. He had studied till 3 a.m. because he thought English could be studied in a few hours. Had he been regular in work and study, he would have done well, for he is very intelligent.

My last word is for my obese friends who form almost 30% of our student body. Exercise, exercise and regular exercise is the answer to your problems.

I sincerely hope you will improve your lifestyle to be healthier and stronger.

Thank You.

♦ Analysis:

1. Notice that the speech opens with an address to the listeners. They are addressed in order of importance. Do not forget to address the student audience.
2. Notice the conclusion. The speech ends with thanking the audience.
3. Notice that the language and style are more conversational than that of an article.
4. The structure of the content of a speech is very similar to that of an article/essay, i.e., having an introduction, main body and conclusion.

Speech Format Class 11 Question 3.
A recent survey by the Ministry of Health shows that the growing tendency of obesity among children today is caused by addiction to junk food and lack of physical exercise, and it adversely affects their learning power. Write a speech in 150-200 words to be delivered in the morning assembly of the school highlighting the importance of good health and motivating the children to eat healthy, balanced diet.
Answer:

Side Effects of Junk Food

Respected Principal, Vice Principal, teachers, and dear friends. Good morning.

I am grateful to the Principal, Dr N. Ravi, for giving me this opportunity to speak on a matter that is close to the heart of all teenagers.

As I stand here, I can see about eight to ten overweight students in each class line. Surely, they are embarrassed and have become the butt of jokes. To look fit and trim is vital for a good personality.

Friends, I want you to look at your daily routine and see what you are doing to get this bulky figure. Are you excessively fond of cold drinks, pizzas and hamburgers? Do you love to sit before TV and munch wafers and packaged chips of all brands ? Is your favorite snack during the long break everyday a spicy oily ‘samosa’ or ‘bread pakora’?

Later in the evening do you just sit indoors and work on your computer, complete your homework or watch TV ?

If the answer to these questions is ‘Yes’, you know why you have this ungainly figure. In order to be slim and athletic, you need to eat right, exercise briskly in fresh air and live a disciplined life. The food that your mother prepares is what you should consume rather than junk food.

Thank you

Format Of Speech Writing Class 11 Question 4.
With the visual media technology overtaking the print-media, you have observed a decline in the people’s interest in reading books. You are disturbed by this excessive dependence of the young on television and computer games as the source of entertainment. Write a speech in 150-200 words for your school magazine on the “Pleasures of Reading” or “The Company of Books. ”
Answer:

The Pleasures of Reading
by ABC

Reading affords pleasure like no other activity. It is deeply fulfilling and satisfying. While reading, the reader is in direct communication with the writer, however distant he may be in time or space. The reader is fully focussed and enjoys the content as well as the beauty and power of language. Reading offers an infinite variety according to one’s taste. Knowledge, imagination and the reader’s own appreciation of the written word are some of the rewards of reading. If one is adventurous, one can venture into unknown cultures through books. For example, a reading of Tolstoy or Chekhov gives us an insight into the life of the Russians as a reading of Dickens gives us of the British, particularly of London dwellers.

Reading makes us more sensitive to human greatness as well as human suffering. A reading of Premchand’s short stories acquaints us with the strengths and weaknesses of human character. The classics of literature are eternal in their appeal.

Unfortunately, today most of us visit the celluloid version of Sharat Chandra’s ‘Devdas’ three four times, and the original printed one not even once.

Speech Writing Format Class 11 Question 5.
The world that we are living in is under a great threat of extinction. Large scale pollution, deforestation and industrialization are suffocating the environment. You, as a concerned citizen, want to share the causes and effects of global warming. You would also like to give a few suggestions on how to contribute to the making of a better world. As Vivek/Vineeta Arora, Head Boy/Girl of the school, prepare a speech on this issue for the morning assembly under the heading “The Hazards of Global Warming”. (150-200 words)
Answer:

The Hazards of Global Warming

Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends,

This morning, I wish to draw your attention to the catastrophe that is slowly and surely coming towards us. I am talking about the hazards of global warming.

Some of my friends may not be aware of ‘global warming’. This term means the rise of the temperature of the atmosphere surrounding our planet. This is happening because of over industrialisation, large-scale pollution and deforestation. Hot emissions from industry and release of chemicals in the air are making the atmosphere of the earth warmer.

What are the hazards of global warming? Already, the polar ice caps have started melting. This can bring disaster to the world. Huge glaciers in the Himalayas and other mountains are shrinking. This will cause a rise in the sea level and will eventually lead to the flooding of coastal areas. Global warming will also bring about changes in the world climate. There will be excess rains, floods, unbearable heat and cold. These changes will surely bring disaster to the flora and fauna of our planet.

What can we do about this problem? The countries need to exercise discipline ajpout putting up industries. Effective measures to control pollution are needed.

Friends, I have tried to acquaint you with the problem the whole world is facing.

Thank you.

Speech Writing Class 11 Format Question 6.
You are the Class Representative, Class XI of Gandhi Memorial School, Pushp Vihar. You have been asked to prepare a speech on the need to imbibe principles of truthfulness, gentleness and cooperation to counter the growing violence in today’s world. Write this speech in 150-200 words.
Answer:

Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends,

Today, I wish to speak to you on the very familiar subject of values like truthfulness, gentleness and cooperation. If we wish to counter the growing violence around us, these values are the only recourse open to us. (Develop these points).

Truthfulness – the basis of social stability – will rid society of deceit and fraud – example of Gandhiji! who could defeat the mighty British with the weapon of truth.

Gentleness – tolerance of the other colour, religion and caste, patience and compassion advocated by Buddha and Mahavir.

Cooperation – inevitable in the era of globalization.

Thank you

Speech Class 11 Question 7.
You are Rajini/Rajat Gaur. After seeing some obese children in your school, you are worried about
the craze for junk food and electronic gadgets in students. Write a speech to be read out in the morning assembly highlighting the need to have good eating habits and the benefits of outdoor activities. (Word limit: 150-200 words)
Answer:

Respected principal, teachers and dear friends. Today I am standing before you to express my views on the topic “obesity among school children”. Obesity has become a cause of concern for one and all. With the entry of companies like McDonalds, Kentucky chicken, wimpeys, Pizza Huts, etc. the concept of fast food has spread like a wild fire. More and more school children have taken to chocolates and soft drinks without worrying for colories. The result is obesity increasing by leaps and bounds among school children.

‘Junk food’ appeals to our taste buds but our digestive system repels it. Oil and extra fat harm our liver. We put on flesh and increase our weight. Fresh home cooked meals are hygenic, better and full of vitamins. Minerals can be easily digested. Our food should consist of coarse cereals, green and leafy vegetables, fruits, and pulses, etc. To keep ourselves agile, energetic and robust, we must do physical exercises, play games like football, badminton, kabbaddi, volleyball, etc.

By eating healthy food, doing regular physical activities not only our body will be healthy and toned our minds would remain active. I hope you all will give some consideration to my suggestion and try to instil it in your daily routine.

Thank you all for giving me a patient hearing.

Speech Writing Examples For Class 11 Question 8.
Yoga is beneficial. Speak about the benefits of yoga in the morning assembly. (Word limit: 150-200)
Answer:

Respected Principal, teachers and friends, a very good morning to one and all. Today I am standing before you to express my views on the benefits of practising yoga.

Many of us perform yoga but do we know what this entails and why is it performed? Basically yoga is a means to attain balance in our body, i.e., gaining strength, increasing flexibility and attaining spirituality. Postures and asanas are an indispensable part of yoga. These are performed keeping in mind all the body parts, combining breathing practices, and include guided mediation, Yoga is a union between body and mind. In other words, we can say it is a balance between mind and helps us keep ourselves fit and fine.

Yoga has the potential to cure many diseases like respiratory problem, abdominal problem and diseases related to the nervous system. Yoga helps in releasing toxins, reduces stress and increases concentration. In short, yoga helps us keep disease-free, happy, wealthy, wise and toned up. Yoga is a never-ending process. The deeper you delve into it the more fruitfull will be the results.

I would like to end my speech on this note.

Here we are providing Online Education for Class 11 Geography Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 11 Water in the Atmosphere. Important Questions for Class 11 Geography are the best resource for students which helps in class 11 board exams.

Online Education Important Questions for Class 11 Geography Chapter 11 Water in the Atmosphere

Water in the Atmosphere Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What is the greatest source of atmospheric moisture?
Answer:
The surface of the ocean is the greatest source of atmospheric moisture.

Question 2.
What is meant by humidity?
Answer:
The state of the atmosphere with respect to its content of moisture or water vapour is called humidity.

Question 3.
What is meant by sensible temperature?
Answer:
It is the cold or heat felt by the human body, depending not only on actual temperature but also on relative humidity and wind.

Question 4.
Name three states in which water exists.
Answer:
Water exists in three states or forms:

1. Solid (ice),
2. Liquid (water),
3. Gas (water vapour).

Question 5.
What is the measure of absolute humidity?
Answer:
Absolute humidity is measured in grams per cubic metre (g/m³).

Question 6.
What is the dew point?
Answer:
It is the temperature at which air, on cooling, becomes saturated with water vapour, and below which condensation begins and dew forms.

Question 7.
Why dew and frost form on grass quite readily?
Answer:
Because grass is a good radiator and, therefore, cools quickly.

Question 8.
Identify various forms of precipitation.
Answer:
Various forms of precipitation include rainfall, snowfall, hail, sleet and drizzle.

Question 9.
Name three types of precipitation.
Answer:
The three types of precipitation are convectional, orographic and cyclonic precipitation.

Question 10.
How does precipitation take place?
Answer:
Precipitation takes place as a result of the continued condensation and growth of the moisture particles until they become too large to remain suspended in the air.

Question 11.
What is the source of atmospheric moisture?
Answer:
The oceanic surface is the main source of atmospheric moisture.

Question 12.
Which factors control evaporation?
Answer:
There are three main factors which control evaporation:

1. aridity,
2. temperature,
3. movement of air.

Question 13.
Name the various types of clouds.
Answer:
Cirrus clouds, stratus clouds, stratocumulus and cumulus clouds.

Question 14.
What are the different types of fog?
Answer:
Fogs are of three types: radiating, advection and frontal fog.

Question 15.
What is condensation?
Answer:
Cooling of saturated air is called condensation.

Question 16.
What are the different types of rainfall?
Answer:
Rainfall is of three types: convectional, orographic and cyclonic rainfall.

Question 17.
What is sublimation?
Answer:
The process of conversion of ice into liquid or vapour is known as sublimation.

Question 18.
Name the temperature at which a given sample of air becomes saturated.
Answer:
Dew point.

Question 19.
What do you mean by saturated air?
Answer:
The air that contains moisture to full capacity.

Question 20.
What is relative humidity?
Answer:
The ratio of the amount of water vapour actually presents in the air at a particular temperature to the amount of water vapour required to saturate the same air at the same temperature.

Question 21.
What is sleet?
Answer:
The falling of frozen raindrops and frozen melted snow on the earth’s surface is known as sleet.

Question 22.
Name the various types of humidity.
Answer:
Absolute humidity, specific humidity and relative humidity.

Water in the Atmosphere Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Describe various processes involved in the change of state (form) of water.
Answer:
Water exists in three forms, solid (ice), liquid (water) and gas-(vapour). All three states are interchangeable. The change of solid to ‘ liquid is called melting; from liquid to solid is freezing; from liquid to gas is evaporation and from gas to liquid is condensation. But sometimes ice directly converts into vapour or vice-versa. This is called sublimation.

Question 2.
Describe various sources of atmospheric moisture on the earth.
Answer:
The surface of the ocean is the greatest source of atmospheric moisture. Besides, smaller water bodies, vegetation and damp surfaces also contribute significant amounts of moisture.

Question 3.
What is relative humidity and how is it measured?
Answer:
The amount of water vapour in the air compared with the amount that would be present if the air was saturated at that temperature. It is expressed in percentage determined by dividing the absolute humidity by water holding capacity of air. If the air is saturated, its relative humidity is 100%; if only half saturated, the relative humidity. is 50%. Since the capacity of air for absorbing and retaining moisture varies with temperature, the relative humidity of air mass can be altered by merely lowering its temperature without changing the actual amount of moisture present in it.

Question 4.
Discuss the reasons which impede the formation of dew or frost.
Answer:
On cool nights in early winter, when Radiation from the ground is relatively rapid, the air in contact with the ground may be chilled to the dew point and moisture condenses on the leaves and grass in the form of dew. If the dew point is below the freezing point, the condensation takes place in the form of ice crystals or frost. The formation of dew or frost is impeded by

1. Dry air,
2. Wind mixes the air and prevents its lower portion from reaching the dew point, and
3. Clouds which slow down terrestrial radiation.

Question 5.
What are the middle clouds?
Answer:
The clouds which form at height of2000-7000 km. above the ground are called middle clouds. Altostratus and altocumulus are examples.

Altostratus – It is a uniform sheet of cloud, grey or bluish in colour and usually has a fibrous structure.

Altocumulus – These are flattened globular masses of clouds arranged in lines or waves. They have large globules with shadows.

Question 6.
Why does the amount of water vapour decrease rapidly with altitude?
Answer:
Water vapour in the atmosphere is the result of the evaporation of water from the earth’s surface, a continual process dependent on air. Since the air becomes thinner with the altitude, so also does the water vapour.

Question 7.
What is condensation and how does it take place?
Answer:
Condensation is the process of water vapour changing to a liquid state. If the air is cooled below its dew point, some of the air’s water vapour becomes liquid. Thus, any amount of cooling of saturated air starts the process of condensation. Condensation may start with the addition of any further water vapour to the saturated air, or with the reduction of its temperature.

Question 8.
What is precipitation? What are the conditions to determine the form of precipitation?
Answer:
Precipitation is a process of condensation of water vapour in ‘ the atmosphere which falls to the earth in the form of rain, snow, hail or sleet. These are the various forms of precipitation.
Conditions for precipitation.

1. There should be evaporation so that the relative humidity is „ high in the air.
2. There should be adiabatic cooling of the moist air.
3. There should be dust particles in the air.

Question 9.
What are the effects of humidity?
Answer:
The main effects of humidity are:

1. The skin of the human body starts to crack due to low relative humidity.
2. It causes joint pain in the human body.
3. The high relative humidity is harmful to the human body.
4. The joints of furniture get loosened.

Question 10.
Why does the amount of water vapour decrease rapidly with altitude?
Answer:
The amount of water in the atmosphere is variable from place to place and from time to time. It decreases rapidly with altitude. The temperature decreases as the altitude increases.

Question 11.
How is rainfall caused?
Answer:
The moist air is cooled, saturated and condensation takes place. Water vapour condenses on a large number of dust particles to form clouds.

The cloud droplets merge to form raindrops. When these raindrops become so heavy that air cannot hold them, these fall on the earth in the form of rainfall. The release of moisture in the form of drops of water is called rainfall.

Question 12.
Describe the conditions for the formation of dew.
Answer:
Following are the favourable conditions for the formation of dew:

1. Clear sky
2. Calmness, i.e., the wind should not blow
3. High relative humidity
4. Rich vegetation cover
5. Long nights

Water in the Atmosphere Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Distinguish between:
1. Relative humidity and Absolute humidity.
2. Evaporation and Condensation.
3. Dew and Frost.
Answer:
1. Relative humidity and Absolute humidity:
Relative humidity:
The amount of water vapour in the air compared with the amount that would be present if the air was saturated at that temperature. It is expressed in percentage determined by dividing the absolute humidity by water holding capacity of air. If the air is saturated, its relative humidity is 100%; if only half saturated, the relative humidity. is 50%. Since the capacity of air for absorbing and retaining moisture varies with temperature, the relative humidity of air mass can be altered by merely lowering its temperature without changing the actual amount of moisture present in it.

Absolute humidity:
It is the actual amount of water vapour present per unit volume of air and it is measured in grams per cubic meter.

2. Evaporation and Condensation
Evaporation is the process by which a solid or liquid is converted to a gaseous state or vapour. It occurs whenever energy is transported to an evaporated surface and temperature rises. The molecules become more mobile and overcome the forces binding them to the water surface and break away resulting in evaporation.

Condensation:
Condensation is the process of water vapour changing to a liquid state. If the air is cooled below its dew point, some of the air’s water vapour becomes liquid. Thus, any amount of cooling of saturated air starts the process of condensation. Condensation may start with the addition of any further water vapour to the saturated air, or with the reduction of its temperature.

3. Dew and Frost:
Dew: When the moisture is deposited in the form of water droplets on cooler surfaces of solid objects, such as stones, grass blades and plant leaves, it is known as dew. Clear sky, calm air, high relative humidity, cold and long nights are the ideal conditions for the formation of dew.

Frost: Frost forms on cold surfaces at a dew point which is at or below the freezing point when an excess of moisture is deposited in the form of minute ice crystals instead of droplets of water.

Question 2.
Write short notes on:
(a) Convectional precipitation
(b) Cyclonic precipitation
(c) Orographic precipitation
Answer:
(a) Convectional precipitation:
It occurs when moist air over the heated ground becomes warmer than the surrounding air and is forced to rise, expand, cool and yield some of its moisture.

Convectional rain is common in low latitudes and usually comes in the form of short heavy showers, often during the hottest part of the day. Thunder and lightning generally accompany the showers. If the convection currents are especially strong and turbulent, hail is formed.

(b) Cyclonic precipitation:
It occurs in low-pressure areas, where cyclonic winds coming from various directions converge and force the large volumes of light air to rise and cause rain.

Cyclonic precipitation is generally associated with the passage of depression in middle or high latitudes, as the warm moist air mass of the depression rises and over-rides colder, heavier air.

(c) Orographic precipitation:
It is caused due to relief. It occurs when the moist wind is forced to rise over a mountain or any other height. Precipitation occurs due to cooling of moisture-laden air as it rises over a high relief barrier. It happens, particularly on the windward slopes! On the other side of the barrier or on the leeward side of the slopes, there develops rain shadow area with no or very little rainfall because as the moisture-laden wind descends down the slope, after precipitating on the windward side, it becomes warmer and drier. Such a situation occurs along the western coasts of Qudra, North America and South America. The moist air from the Arabian Sea is forced by Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats to rise up resulting in expansion, cooling and rainfall.

Amount of precipitation depends on slope, the height of the hills, temperature and moisture content of the air mass. On the other side of the mountain, the descending wind is devoid of moisture and, hence, does not give rain. The eastern slope of Sahyadri mountains in India falls in the rain shadow area.

Question 3.
Describe the factors controlling the rate of evaporation and evapotranspiration.
Answer:
vaporation is the process by which liquid water or ice changes into water vapour. It occurs whenever energy is transported to an evaporated surface and temperature rises. The molecules become more mobile and overcome the forces binding them to the water surface and break away resulting in evaporation.

Evapotranspiration, on the other hand, is the amount of moisture transferred to the atmosphere by evaporation of liquid and solid water plus transpiration from living tissues principally from the plants.

Factors like the temperature of the air, source of moisture, vegetation cover, latitude, permeability and water retention effect evaporation and evapotranspiration.

Evaporation depends upon air temperature. Greater the temperature, higher is the rate of evaporation and so on. Therefore, the highest rate of evaporation occurs in deserts in conditions Of great heat and lack of surface cone.

The surface of oceans is the greatest source of atmospheric moisture.

Vegetation is an important factor, particularly in evapotranspiration. Because, under transpiration, the loss of water takes place from the green plants resulting in a stream of water with dissolved mineral salts surfing up through the plants.

Question 4.
Describe the various forms of precipitation and the major precipitation regimes of the world.
Answer:
Precipitation results from the continued condensation and growth of the moisture particles until they become too large to remain suspended in the air.

If condensation takes place at a temperature above 0°C, the resulting precipitation is in the form of rain.

If the process through a layer of colder air on the way down, it may freeze and fall as sleet.

In a strong turbulent current of a thunderstorm, water drops may be carried upward into freezing temperatures and eventually fall as hail. In fact, violent air currents may keep hailstones shuttling up and down until they grow to enormous sizes.

When the more. moisture crystallises into ice particles from vapour at a temperature below freezing point, it called snow. If snowflakes grow without interference, they form beautiful symmetrical, six-sided Crystals.

Ice-storms result when rain, already near the freezing point, falls on colder ground and vegetation and freezes upon contact.

Major precipitation regimes:
(a) Convectional precipitation:
It occurs when moist air over the heated ground becomes warmer than the surrounding air and is forced to rise, expand, cool and yield some of its moisture.

Convectional rain is common in low latitudes and usually comes in the form of short heavy showers, often during the hottest part of the day. Thunder and lightning generally accompany the showers. If the convection currents are especially strong and turbulent, hail is formed.

(b) Cyclonic precipitation:
It occurs in low-pressure areas, where cyclonic winds coming from various directions converge and force the large volumes of light air to rise and cause rain.

Cyclonic precipitation is generally associated with the passage of depression in middle or high latitudes, as the warm moist air mass of the depression rises and over-rides colder, heavier air.

(c) Orographic precipitation:
It is caused due to relief. It occurs when the moist wind is forced to rise over a mountain or any other height. Precipitation occurs due to cooling of moisture-laden air as it rises over a high relief barrier. It happens, particularly on the windward slopes! On the other side of the barrier or on the leeward side of the slopes, there develops rain shadow area with no or very little rainfall because as the moisture-laden wind descends down the slope, after precipitating on the windward side, it becomes warmer and drier. Such a situation occurs along the western coasts of Qudra, North America and South America. The moist air from the Arabian Sea is forced by Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats to rise up resulting in expansion, cooling and rainfall.

Amount of precipitation depends on slope, the height of the hills, temperature and moisture content of the air mass. On the other side of the mountain, the descending wind is devoid of moisture and, hence, does not give rain. The eastern slope of Sahyadri mountains in India falls in the rain shadow area.

Question 5.
Why dew is not formed on cloudy, windy nights and in shady places?
Answer:
Dew is formed when objects radiate heat thoroughly so that the moist air coming into contact with them may be sufficiently cooled down and the water vapour condenses into water droplets. The clouds act as a blanket for the earth’s surface. They check the radiation of heat so it does not radiate heat thoroughly. Hence, dew is not formed on cloudy nights and in shady places.

Similarly, dew is not formed on windy nights, because the winds blow fast and the moist air does not come long enough into contact with cold objects to get cooled. Hence, condensation does not take place and no dew can be formed.

Here we are providing Online Education NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 8 Silk Road. Students can get Class 11 English Silk Road NCERT Solutions, Questions and Answers designed by subject expert teachers.

Online Education Silk Road NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 8

Silk Road NCERT Text Book Questions and Answers

Silk Road Understanding the text

I. Give reasons for the following statements.

Question 1.
The article has been titled ‘Silk Road.’
Answer:
The article has been titled Silk Road because it chronicles the author’s expedition to Mount Kailash through the Silk Road region. The name Silk Road or Silk Routes, coined by German geographer and traveller, Ferdinand von Richthofen, refers to a network of trade roads that connected the East and the West. The road’owes its name to the silk trade that was established between China, Europe and Africa.

Question 2.
Tibetan mastiffs were popular in China’s imperial courts.
Answer:
Tibetan mastiff is a ferocious breed of dog found in Tibet. These dogs are used as guards and hunting dogs. These are big dogs with massive jaws. They cock their big heads when they see an approaching stranger and fix them in their sights. They are totally fearless and shoot straight at the stranger like a bullet from a gun. While passing by nomads’ tents, the author’s car was chased by Tibetan mastiffs.

They put up a fierce chase for about a hundred meters and gave up only when they realised the car was off the property. The sinister sight of the dogs and their aggressive behavior made the author realise why the Tibetan mastiff was popular in China’s imperial courts as hunting dogs.

Question 3.
The author’s experience at Hor was in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the place.
Answer:
The earlier travel accounts the author read or heard of presented the town in a completely different light from what he saw before his eyes. He found the place grim and miserable, dusty and rocky with no vegetation. Years of accumulated refuse scattered all over the place. It was an unfortunate sight given the fact that Hor was situated on the shore of Lake Manasarovar.

The author expected something spectacular which would appeal to his senses and his psyche. According to one of the earlier accounts, Ekai Kawaguchi, a Japanese monk who arrived at Lake Manasarovar in 1900, was so moved by the sight that he burst into tears. The same happened to a Swedish traveller, Sven Hedin, who broke into tears too at the Lake. However, the author found his experience in stark contrast to the earlier accounts.

Question 4.
The author was disappointed with Darchen.
Answer:
The author was slightly disappointed in Darchen. To begin with, he had an acute breathing problem. Due to cold as well as the height of the place from the sea level, he felt heaviness in his chest and was unable to breathe every time he tried to lie down. He literally spent the first night in Darchen sitting wide awake against a wall. The problem, however, subsided after he visited a doctor the next day and took Tibetan medicine.

Secondly, the place was dusty and partly neglected. There were heaps of rubbish scattered around. Since the author was too early to arrive, there were hardly any pilgrims in Darchen. He was lonely and felt so because there was hardly anyone who spoke English. Had it not been for a clear sky and a brightly shining sun, Darchen would itself gloomier than ever to the author.

Question 5.
The author thought that his positive thinking strategy worked well after all
Answer:
The author was dejected in Darchen. A bad health, a gloomy town, almost no pilgrims and no one around to talk to made his stay in the town quite demoralising. Although he was trying to boost himself up with positive thinking, his options to make it to Mount Kailash seemed severely limited to him. It was then that he met Norbu, a Tibetan academic, in the only cafe of Darchen. Norbu worked in Beijing, spoke English and was on his way to Mount Kailash.

When the author revealed that that was his intention too, Norbu suggested that they made a team. This was something the author wanted and hoped for. He needed a company, someone who knew the region and could also spoke English. At that point in time, there could not be any better companion for him than Norbu. This made the author feel his positive thinking really worked.

II. Briefly comment on

Question 1.
The purpose of the author’s journey to Mount Kailash.
Answer:
The author, Nick Middleton, is a geographer and a traveller. His purpose of the journey to Mount Kailash was to do the kora, which is the pilgrimage walk around Tibet’s most sacred mountain, Mount Kailash.

Question 2.
The author’s physical condition in Darchen.
Answer:
The author’s physical condition in Darchen was far from being good. He had already been suffering from cold and one of his nostrils was blocked compelling him to breathe through only one nostril. He also suffered from breathlessness due to high altitude. The first night in Darchen was all the more difficult for him as he could not sleep due to heaviness in the chest. This problem, however, was cured by the Tibetan treatment he received the next day.

Question 3.
The author’s meeting with Norbu.
Answer:
The author’s meeting with Norbu was accidental, which, for him was more than a welcome accident. He met Norbu at the cafe of Darchen where he sat pondering over his options of making it to Mount Kailash. Norbu approached the author and struck up a conversation with him. The author was happy to meet Norbu, primarily because he spoke English. Norbu was a Tibetan academic working at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in Beijing. He was in Darchen for the Kailash kora on which he had written many academic papers but never did it himself. When he heard the author also hoped to do the kora, he suggested that they made a team. This was what the author wanted too to complete his expedition and hence it was a happy meeting for him.

Question 4.
Tsetan’s support to the author during the journey.
Answer:
Tsetan was a good guide and a competent driver. He was very careful driving the car in the rough terrain. He knew everything about the region which made the journey of the author quite easy. Tsetan also took care of the author when he fell sick. He took the author to the hospital and saw to it that the latter got proper treatment.

Question 5.
“As a Buddhist, he told me, he knew that it didn’t really matter if I passed away, but he thought it would be bad for business. ”
Answer:
Tsetan was a Buddhist and believed that death was not the end of all. Moreover, passing away at the Manasarovar Lake near Mount Kailash would actually be a good thing. So he told the author that it didn’t really matter if the author passed away at Darchen. However, it wouldn’t be good for his business because if any of his tourists passed away, he would lose his credibility as someone who could not look after his tourists.

Silk Road Talking about the text

Discuss in groups of four

Question 1.
The sensitive behaviour of hill-folk.
Answer:
Hill-folk shown in the text are shown to be very cordial and empathetic towards the narrator. The driver Tsetan shows perseverance to ensure the narrator’s safety, while he struggles with breathing and a persisting cold in the freezing high altitude. The Tibetan doctor’s unusual local medicine help the author with his recovery, while Norbu is willing to team up on their pilgrimage after a brief meeting with the narrator. All these characters show a sense of concern and desire to help visitors adapt to an unfamiliar environment.

Question 2.
The reasons why people willingly undergo the travails of difficult journeys.
Answer:
In this text, the narrator undertakes this difficult journey because he wishes to complete the Kailash kora, a difficult pilgrimage through several rocky mountain passes to the high altitude Mount Kailash. Both Darchen and he are academics, who decide to travel together for scholarly purposes. However, many other pilgrims undertake this difficult journey for spiritual growth. Other reasons that people may undergo such difficult journeys include a desire for such adventures or as tourists a genuine interest in visiting such historic sites.

Question 3.
The accounts of exotic places in legends and the reality.
Answer:
The narrator describes his experiences in the small Tibetan town Hor as very different from the accounts of earlier travellers that he has read. Accounts by a Japanese monk and a Swede visitor describe how they were both sentimentally overwhelmed by the sanctity of the lake. However the narrator describes Hor as a miserable place full of rocks and years of accumulated garbage. This indicates that portrayals in exotic accounts may starkly differ from personal experiences of places.

Silk Road Thinking about language

Question 1.
Notice the kind of English Tsetan uses while talking to the author. How do you think he picked it up?
Answer:
We notice the influence of Tsetan’s mother tongue Tibetan on his use of the English language. Phrases like “Not knowing, Sir” when queried about snowfall and “but no smoking” referring to the car’s petrol tank, indicate that he is relatively comfortable communicating in English and he prefers to use short sentences while speaking the language. As a driver who regularly takes foreign visitors all over Tibet, Tsetan may have learned English through his interactions , with these visitors.

Question 2.
What do the following utterances indicate?
i) “I told her, through Daniel…”
Answer:
This utterance indicate that since the narrator doesn’t speak Tibetan, Daniel translates his sentences from English to Tibetan so he can communicate with Lhamo, to tell her that he plans to complete the kora pilgrimage.

(ii) “It’s a cold, ” he said finally through Tsetan.
Answer:
The doctor, who speaks Tibetan, gets Tsetan to translate his words into English, to inform the narrator that he has a cold and will be giving him medicine to cure this.

Question 3.
Guess the meaning of the following words,
kora , drokba , kyang
In which language are these words found?
Answer:

• Kora – A Tibetan meditation practice or Pilgrimage
• Drokba – Tibetan Nomads who manage herds
• Kyang – Wild asses found in Tibet

Silk Road Working with words

Question 1.
The narrative has many phrases to describe the scenic beauty of the mountainside like:
A flawless half-moon floated in a perfect blue sky.
Scan the text to locate other such picturesque phrases.
Answer:
Other picturesque phrases include:
Extended banks of cloud like long French loaves glowed pink
Sun emerged to splash the distant mountain tops with a rose-tinted blush
Snow-capped mountains gathering on the horizon
River was wide and mostly clogged with ice, brilliant white and glinting in the sunshine.
The trail hugged its bank, twisting with the meanders Big rocks daubed with patches of bright orange lichen.
It was marked by a large cairn of rocks festooned with white silk scarves and ragged prayer flags.
The plateau is pockmarked with salt flats and brackish lakes

Question 2.
Explain the use of the adjectives in the following phrases.

• shaggy monsters – Tibetan mastiff dogs with lots of fur
• brackish lakes – Water bodies with lots of salt
• rickety table – Table that shook because its legs were not fastened well together
• hairpin bend – A U-shaped bend along a road
• rudimentary general stores – Basic stores found everywhere that sell most necessary provisions

Silk Road Noticing form

Question 1.
The account has only a few passive voice sentences. Locate them. In what way does the use of active voice contribute to the style of the narrative.
Answer:
What was the likelihood of that I asked.
By late afternoon we had reached.
That night, after my first full day’s course, I slept very soundly.
Once he saw that I was going to live Tsetan left me…
The pilgrimage trail was well-trodden…
The cafe had a single window beside which I’d taken up position…
Active voice is used to indicate that the subject is the person, place or thing that is responsible for the action. The use of the active voice in this narrative puts the reader in the position of the narrator. It makes us identify with his journey as the “I” in the narrative, and also makes us feel like we are travelling along with them through Tibet.

Question 2.
Notice this construction: Tsetan was eager to have them fixed. Write five sentences with a similar structure.
Answer:

• I was hoping to have the windows repaired.
• The man was impatiently waiting to have his teeth fixed.
• The driver was going to have his license cancelled.
• The kids were waiting to get their ice-cream cones refilled.
• The teacher was longing to have her tenure extended.