10th English Solution – His First Flight
Unit 1.1 > His First Flight
GLOSSARY
| ledge (n) | a narrow shelf that juts out from a vertical surface | விளிம்பு, மதில் |
| shrilly (adv.) | producing a high-pitched and piercing voice or sound | கிறீச்சிடு |
| herring (n) | a long silver fish that swims in large groups in the sea | உணவாக உதவும் ஒருவித சிறு கடல் மீன்கள் |
| devour (v) | to eat something eagerly and in large amounts, so that nothing is left | விரைவாகப் பேராசையோடு விழுங்கு |
| cackle (n) | a sharp, broken noise or cry of a hen, goose or seagull | கொக்கரி, கோழி அல்லது வாத்தைப் போல கத்து |
| mackerel (n) | a sea fish with a strong taste, often used as food | ஒரு வகை மீன் |
| gnaw (v) | to bite or chew something repeatedly | கடித்து துண்டாக்கு (அ) தொடர்ந்து சுவைத்தல் |
| trot (v) | to run at a moderate pace with short steps | பெரு நடை |
| precipice (n) | a very steep side of a cliff or a mountain | பாறை, மலை, இவைகளின் செங்குத்தான பக்கம் |
| whet (v) | to sharpen | கூராக்கு, சாணைபிடி |
| preening (v) | cleaning feathers with beak | அலகினால் இறகுகளை ஒழுங்குப்படுத்து |
| plaintively (adv.) | sadly, calling in a sad way | துக்கமான, வருத்தம் தோய்ந்த |
| swoop (v) | to move very quickly and easily through the air | திடீரென பாய்ந்து பறி, துரிதமாக இறங்கு |
| beckoning (v) | making a gesture with the hand or head to encourage someone to approach or follow. | சைகை செய் |
II. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.
1. How was the young seagull’s first attempt to fly?
The young seagull was all alone on his ledge where his two brothers and sisters had already flown. The great expanse of sea stretched down beneath made him afraid. He also fell that his wings would never support him
2. How did the parents support and encourage the young seagull’s brothers
and sister?
The parents flew about with them, trying to perfect them in the art of flight. They taught them how to skim the waves and how to dive for fish
3. Give an instance that shows the pathetic condition of the young bird.
The young seagull felt the hear of the sung as he had not eaten anything since the previous night. When he found a dried piece of mackerel’s tail he rushed to it. However, there was not a single scrap of food left in it. He searched every inch, even the straw nest. He searched even the piece of eggshell. It was like eating a part of himself
4. How did the bird try to reach its parents without having to fly?
He then trotted back and forth from one end of the ledge to the other, trying to find some means of reaching his parents without flying. But on each side
of him, the ledge ended in a sheer fall of precipice, with the sea water.
5. Do you think that the young seagull’s parents were harsh to him? Why?
No, I don’t think so. They were not harsh but they were wise.
They wanted to teach him the importance of confidence and self – reliance. one can’t depend on his parents all his life for his livelihood. He should learn to be courageous.
6. What prompted the young seagull to fly finally?
The young seagull was maddened by hunger and he dived on hearing his mother’s scream. He fell outwards and downwards where his mother swooped upwards with the food. Finally, this prompted the young seagull to make his first flight.
7. What happened to the young seagull when it landed on the green sea?
The young seagull’s feet sank into the green sea and then his belly touched it. He sank no further rather than was floating on it, and around him his family was screaming, praising him.
III. Answer each of the following questions in a paragraph of about 100-150 words.
1. Describe the struggles underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying.
| The young seagull was alone in the ledge. He looked down desperately at the vast expanse of sea that stretched down beneath his ledge. He was hungry. His parents had flown away along with his two brothers and his little sisters. He had tried several times but he felt a fear looking at the great expanse of sea stretched down beneath. “The great expanse of sea stretched down beneath, and it was such a long way down – miles down” He felt that he was going to starve to death on the ledge. He searched for food here and there and had found a dried piece of mackerel’s tail. He even gnawed the dried pieces of eggshell. He saw his family members were rejoicing and having food so he made a scream toward his mothers. Even his mother was not looking at him. She was tearing a piece of fish with her baak. The sight of food maddened him. He felt joy seeing his mother approaching him with food. “He waited a moment in surprise, wondering why she did not come hearer, and then maddened by hunger he dived at the fish.” “A monstrous terror seized him, but the very moment he realized that he was flying. He was born to fly and he made his first flight.” |
2. Your parents sometimes behave like the young bird’s parents. They may seem cruel and unrelenting. Does it mean that they do not care for you? Explain your views about it with reference from the story.
| Parents card and pamper their children more than any other relative in this world. They stand as a backbone of their children’s achievement. Not all parents are friendly with their children, they may seem cruel and unrelenting also. But ti doesn’t mean they are not caring, rather than they are showing more care from the bottom of their heart. Like the seagull’s mother, all the parents care for them everytime. The young seagull’s mother didn’t behave rudely to him. She showed the right path towards overcoming the struggles in life. The young seagull’s mother motivated him to overcome his cowardice. Parental love will teach us the importance of independence, self – belief and confidence and the need for motivation to attain goals. Only the mother knew well that the tick was to arouse his need and she eventually lures him for food – to his momentary horror and then great joy. Every journey of a thousand miles begins but with a sing step. But that single step is the most difficult one to help conquer the fear and venture forth and we realize that we were born with wings. A mix of carrot and stick always gives the desired results. Probably seagull’s parents have learn this lesson through their experience. That is why they are following this policy. |
VOCABULARY
I. Change the parts of speech of the given words in the chart.
| Noun | Verb | Adjective | Adverb |
| exhaustion | exhaust | exhaustive | exhaustively |
| wide | widen | wide | widely |
| madness | madden | mad | madly |
| perfection | perfect | perfect | perfectly |
II. Read the following sentences and change the form of the underlined words as directed.
1. His family was screaming and offering him food. (to adjective)
- His screaming family offered him food.
2. The young seagull gave out a loud call. (to adverb)
- The young seagull called out loudly.
3. The bird cackled amusedly while flying. (to adverb)
- The bird cackled in amusement while flying.
4. The depth of the sea from the ledge scared the seagull. (to adjective)
- The deep sea from the ledge scared the seagull.
5. The successful flight of the bird was a proud moment for the seagull’s family. (to verb)
- The bird flew successfully and it was a proud moment for the seagull’s family.
III. Use the following words to construct meaningful sentences on your own.
1. coward
- A coward is afraid to fight for his rights.
2. gradual
- There is a gradual improvement in his health.
3. praise
- Everyone praised our captain when he shot a goal.
4. courageous
- The courageous young man saved the life of the drowning boy.
5. starvation
- These poor people live in hunger and starvation.
LISTENING
Here is a travelogue by the students of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Pattukkottai after their trip to Darjeeling. Listen to the travelogue and answer the following questions.
i. Fill in the blanks with suitable words.
- The students visited Darjeeling city.
- Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world.
- Tiger hill is 13 km away from Darjeeling.
- The drinking water is supplied by Senchal lake to the city.
- After Senchal lake, they visited Batasia Loop.
ii. Do you think they had a memorable and enjoyable school trip?
Yes, I think that they had a memorable and enjoyable school trip.
iii. Name a few places that you wish to visit with your classmate as a school trip.
I would like to visit Darjeeling, Kancgenjunga, Toger Hill, Senchal Lake and Batasia Loop.
iv. State whether the following statements are True or False.
- As the sky was cloudy, they could get the glimpse of the Mount Everest. (False)
- The toy train covers 14 km in three hours. (True)
- Tiger hill has earned international fame for the best sunset view. (False)
SPEAKING
Here is a dialogue between a father and his daughter. Continue the dialogue with at least five utterances and use all the clues given above.
Father : Hi Mary, it has been a very long time since we went on a trip. Let’s plan one.
Mary : Yes , dad. I am also longing to go. Why don’t we plan one for this weekend?
Father : Sure. Tell me, where shall we go?
Mary : Some place nearby but for at least two days.
Father : Hmm… I think we should go to the reserved forest nearby.
Mary : Yeah. I’ve never been to a forest. I have seen a forest only on the TV and movies. The forest is a good choice!
Father : OK. If we are going to the forest, we must list out what we should carry with us for two days.
Mary : I think we should carry suitable clothes like sweaters, jackets.
Father : What about the food? Do you have any idea, Mary?
Mary : Yeah. For food, I suggest some packed foods such as bread, butter, some soft drinks and fruits.
Father : Ok, that’s fine. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit and medicines. It will be helpful in need of emergency.
Mary : Sure dad, I shull pack all the necessary things before our trip. wecan enjoy a lot there.
READING
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
BUNGEE-JUMPING Bungee jumping is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a long elastic cord. The tall structure is usually a fixed object, such as a building, bridge or crane; but it is also possible to jump from a movable object, such as a hot-air-balloon or helicopter, that has the ability to hover above the ground. The thrill comes from the free- falling and the rebound. When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up and down until all the kinetic energy is dissipated. Jumping Heights, located in Mohan Chatti village, in Rishikesh has been rated as one of the most preferred bungee jumping destinations in India at a height of 83 meters. It is the only place in India where bungee jumping can be done from a fixed platform. This is also India’s only fixed platform Bungee- performed from a professional cantilever, to separate it from entertainment parks, and create instead, an extreme adventure zone. The Bungee has been designed by David Allardice of New Zealand. The Cantilever platform is built over a rocky cliff over-looking the river Hall, a tributary of River Ganges. Bungee-ing amidst the vastness of nature lends the experience an absolutely breathtaking quality. Jumping heights is well known for its safety measures and experienced staff. It costs around Rs 2500 per jump, a bit expensive, but totally worth the experience. The Bungee jumping experience has been set amidst the astoundingly stunning landscape of Rishikesh. To Bungee jump, one must be at least 12 years and should weigh between 40-110 kg
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GRAMMAR
I. Complete these sentences using appropriate modals. The clues in the brackets will help you.
- When I was a child, I used to climb trees easily but now I can’t. (ability in the past)
- I will win this singing contest. (determination)
- You may buy this book. It is worth buying. (advice or suggestion)
- Poongothai can speak several languages. (ability in the present)
- I swear I won’t tell lies again. (promise)
- My father used play badminton in the evenings when he was at college. (past habit)
- You should do as I say! (command)
- Can I have another glass of water? (request)
- Sibi has not practiced hard but he may win the race. (possibility)
- We must preserve our natural resources. (duty)
II. Rewrite the following sentences by rectifying the errors in the use of modals.
1. Would I have your autograph?
- Can I Have your autograph?
2. I can be fifteen next April.
- I will be fifteen next April
3. Take an umbrella. It should rain later.
- Take an umberlla. It may rain later
4. The magistrate ordered that he might pay the fine.
- The magistrate ordered that he should pay the fine.
5. Make me a cup of tea, shall you?
- Make me a cup of tea, will you?
6. You may speak politely to the elders.
- You must speak politely to the elders.
7. You will get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.
- You need to get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.
8. We could grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.
- We used to grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.
9. Must I get your jacket? The weather is cold.
- Can I get your jacket? The weather is cold.
10. Could the train be on time?
- Will the train be on time?
III. Read the dialogue and fill in the blanks with suitable modals.
Dad: Shall we go out for dinner tonight?
Charan: Yes, Dad. We should go to a restaurant where I can have some ice cream.
Dad: OK. Then, I will be home by 7 p.m. Mom and you should be ready by then.
Charan: Sure. We shall My friend told me that there is a magic show nearby. Will you please take us there?
Dad: We may not have time to go for the magic show, I suppose. If we have enough time left, we will plan.
Charan: By the way, should we inform our gate keeper about our outing?
Dad: Yes, we should so that he will be aware we aren’t at home.
Charan: Shall I call up Mom and tell her about our plan today?
Dad: You ought to. Otherwise, we might be in trouble when she returns home.
Charan: Hmm… by the time you come home in the evening, we be waiting for you. Hope you won’t be late. Bye.
IV. Read the following dialogues and supply appropriate modals.
| Student: Can we leave our bags in the class during the break? Teacher: Yes, you may but arrange them neatly. |
| Passenger: My child is 6 years old. Do I have to buy him a ticket? Conductor: Yes, you should. It costs half of the price of an adult ticket. |
| Vani: Can we go for coffee after the meeting? Yoga: No, I should. I have to go home. Salesman: When I receive my order? |
| Salesman: When will I receive my order? Customer: I can assure you sir, the order be delivered tomorrow. |
| Neela: Do you think I should write about my education background in the resume? Preethi: Yes, ought to. to you . You get a better job. |
V. Here are a few sentences already done for you. The clues given would be helpful to make more sentences on your own.
- I would suggest that you take the Uzhavan Express to Thanjavur from Chennai.
- You will be more comfortable if you could book 3 tier A/C.
- You could enjoy yourself by visiting Museum and Place.
- You should visit Brihadeeswara Temple where you can see the marvelous architeclure portrayedd by the King Raja Chola.
- You mustn’t miss Saraswathi Mahal, a store house of Knowledge.
- You can buy dancing dolls which represents the name of Thanjavur.
- You may also like to by Art plates, Paintings, Bronze statue which stond as unique products of Thanjavur.
- you can spend some of your time in the nearby holy places such as kumbakonam, Thiruvaiyaru, Poondi (Church).
- You shouldn’t resist yourself from visiting kallanai dam which was the historical monument of Karikala Cholan.
- Hope, you will enjoy yourself and have a great time.
VI. Change the following sentences to the other voice.
1. The manager appointed many office assistants.
- Many office assistants were appointed by the manager.
2. You are making a cake now.
- A cake is being made by you now.
3. That portrait was painted by my grandmother.
- My grandmother painted that portrait
4. Malini had bought a colourful hat for her daughter.
- A colourful hat had been bought by malini for her daughter.
5. They have asked me to pay the fine.
- I have been asked to pay the fine by them
6. The militants were being taken to prison by the police.
- The police were taking the militants to prison
7. His behaviour vexes me.
- I am vexed by his behaviour
8. Rosy will solve the problem.
- The problem will be sloved by Rosy
9. Our army has defeated the enemy.
- The enemy has been defeated by our army
10. The salesman answered all the questions patiently.
- All the questions were answered by the salesman patiently
VII. Change the following into Passive voice.
1. Please call him at once.
- You are requested to call him at once
2. How did you cross the river?
- How was the river crossed by you?
3. No one is borrowing the novels from the library.
- The novels from the library are not being borrowed.
4. Will you help me?
- Shall I be helped by you?
5. Go for a jog early in the morning.
- You are advised to go for a jog early in the morning
6. Why have you left your brother at home?
- Why has your brother been left at home by you?
7. Nobody should violate the rules.
- The rules should not be violated
8. Someone has to initiate it immediately.
- It had to be initiated immediately
9. Have you invited Raman to the party?
- Has Raman been invited to the party by you?
10. Please do not walk on the grass.
- You are requested not to walk on the grass
11. Cross the busy roads carefully.
- You are advised to cross the busy roads carefully.
12. When will you book the tickets to Bengaluru?
- When will the tickets be booked to Bangaluru by you?
VIII. In the following sentences the verbs have two objects namely Direct and Indirect objects. Change each of the following sentences into two passives using direct object as the subject in one and indirect in the other.
1. John gave a bar of chocolate to Jill.
- Jill was given a bar of chocolate by John.
- A bar of chocolate was given to Jill by John.
2. Pragathi lent a pencil to Keerthana.
- A pencil was lent to Keerthana by Pragathi.
- Keerthana was lent a pencil by pragathi.
3. Sudha told the truth to her friend.
- The truth was told to her friend by Sudha.
- Her friend was told the truth by Sudha.
4. They offered the job to Venkat.
- The job was offered to Venkat by them.
- Venkat was offered the job by them.
5. The boss showed the new computer to Kaviya.
- The new computer was showed to Kaviya by the boss.
- Kaviya was shown the new computer by the boss.