Question 1

Report these questions using if/whether or why/when/where/how/which/what. Remember the italicised verbs change into the past tense.

1. Meena asked her friend, “Do you think your teacher will come today?”
2. David asked his colleague, “Where will you go this summer?”
3. He asked the little boy, “Why are you studying English?”
4. She asked me, “When are we going to leave?”
5. Pran asked me, “Have you finished reading the newspaper?”
6. Seema asked her, "How long have you lived here?"
7. Sheila asked the children, "Are you ready to do the work?"

Accepted Answer

1. Meena asked her friend if she thought her teacher would come that day.
2. David asked his colleague where he would go that summer.
3. He asked the little boy why he was studying English.
4. She asked me when we were going to leave.
5. Pran asked me if I had finished reading the newspaper.
6. Seema asked her how long she had lived there.
7. Sheila asked the children if they were ready to do the work. — In reported speech, questions beginning with question words (why, when, where, how, etc.) retain those words. The verbs change from present to past tense, and time/place references change accordingly. For yes/no questions, use 'if' or 'whether'. Pronouns and time expressions are adjusted as per the context.

Question 2

Using some of the expressions given above in exercise III, talk about an incident when you were very scared. You may have a competition to decide whose story was the most frightening.

Accepted Answer

This is a speaking activity. Students should use reported speech expressions such as 'asked', 'inquired', 'wondered' to narrate an incident when they were scared. For example, "I wondered why the lights went off suddenly," or "I asked myself if I was alone." The goal is to practice reported speech in a conversational context. — The activity encourages use of reported speech question forms in spoken English, helping students practice transforming direct questions into indirect ones while narrating personal experiences.

Question 3

The following paragraph is about the Indian cobra. Read it twice and close your book. Your teacher will then dictate the paragraph to you. Write it down with appropriate punctuation marks.

Accepted Answer

Students should listen carefully to the dictated paragraph about the Indian cobra and write it down accurately, paying attention to punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. The paragraph describes the cobra's venomous nature, hood, and behavior when threatened. — This dictation exercise helps improve listening, writing, and punctuation skills. Students learn to transcribe spoken English accurately.

Question 4

Try to rewrite the story without its humour, merely as a frightening incident. What details or parts of the story would you leave out?
2. Read the description given alongside this sketch from a photograph in a newspaper (Times of India, 4 September 1999). Make up a story about what the monkey is thinking, or why it is looking into a mirror. Write a paragraph about it.

Accepted Answer

1. Students should rewrite the story focusing only on the frightening aspects, omitting humorous elements such as jokes or funny descriptions. They might leave out any light-hearted comments or ironic remarks.

2. Students should imagine and write a creative paragraph about the monkey's thoughts or reasons for looking into the mirror, possibly reflecting vanity, curiosity, or self-admiration, as suggested by the caption 'THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL'. — These writing tasks develop creative and analytical skills. The first requires identifying tone and style changes, while the second encourages imaginative writing based on a visual prompt and caption.

Question 5

Compare the two translations on the basis of the following points.

- the tense of narration (past and present tense)
- short, incomplete sentences
- sentence length

Which of these translations do you like? Give reasons for your choice.

Accepted Answer

The first translation (A) uses past tense narration, longer and more complete sentences, and a descriptive style. The second translation (B) uses present tense narration, shorter and sometimes incomplete sentences, creating a more immediate and informal tone.

Preference depends on the reader's taste: some may prefer A for its narrative flow and detail, others B for its freshness and conversational style. Reasons should be supported by examples from the texts. — This question tests comprehension and analytical skills by comparing two different translation styles, focusing on tense, sentence structure, and narrative effect.

Question 6

What are the Paralympic Games?

Accepted Answer

An international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities — The Paralympic Games are an international multi-sport event involving athletes with a range of disabilities, promoting inclusiveness and equality in sports.

Question 7

Who is credited with organizing the first competition that led to the Paralympic Games?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann — Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, a neurologist, organized the first competition for war veterans with spinal cord injuries in 1948, which later evolved into the Paralympic Games.

Question 8

In which year and city were the first official Paralympic Games held?

Accepted Answer

1960, Rome — The first official Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960 with 400 athletes from 23 countries participating.

Question 9

Which of the following disabilities is NOT typically classified in the Paralympic Games?

Accepted Answer

Common cold — The Paralympics classify athletes with disabilities such as limb deficiency, visual impairment, and cerebral palsy, but not temporary illnesses like the common cold.

Question 10

Why is the classification system important in the Paralympic Games?

Accepted Answer

To group athletes based on the degree and type of their disability for fair competition — The classification system ensures fair competition by grouping athletes according to the degree and type of their disability, preventing undue advantage.

Question 11

Which sport in the Paralympics is specifically designed for visually impaired athletes and relies on sound to track the ball?

Accepted Answer

Goalball — Goalball is a unique sport played only by visually impaired athletes, where players use sound to track the ball during the game.

Question 12

How do wheelchair basketball rules differ from regular basketball to accommodate athletes?

Accepted Answer

Use of specially designed wheelchairs and modified rules for fast-paced play — Wheelchair basketball uses specially designed wheelchairs and modified rules to enable fast-paced competition adapted for athletes with disabilities.

Question 13

Which of the following is a major challenge faced by Paralympic athletes?

Accepted Answer

Lack of infrastructure and accessible sports facilities — Many Paralympic athletes face challenges such as lack of infrastructure, limited funding, social stigma, and psychological barriers.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the impact of the Paralympic Games on society?

Accepted Answer

Promoting inclusivity, changing perceptions about disability, and influencing policies — The Paralympic Games have helped change societal attitudes, promote inclusivity, and influence policies on accessibility and employment for people with disabilities.

Question 15

The Stoke Mandeville Games were originally organized for which group of people?

Accepted Answer

British war veterans with spinal cord injuries — The Stoke Mandeville Games, organized in 1948 by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, were for British war veterans with spinal cord injuries.

Paralympics

Paralympics — Study Notes

Introduction

History of the Paralympic Games

Types of Disabilities and Classifications

Practice Questions — Paralympics

All 8 Chapters in Beehive