ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

TERM I  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Written as per the syllabus prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education.

CBSECLASS X

Printed at: Repro Knowledgecast Ltd., Mumbai

10290_10460_JUP

P.O. No. 13390

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, C.D. ROM/Audio Video Cassettes or electronic, mechanical including photocopying; recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the Publisher.

Salient Features

• Extensive coverage of the syllabus for Term I in an effortless and easy to grasp format

• In alignment with the latest paper pattern of Central Board of Secondary Education

• Methodical Practice for Reading and Writing Skills

• Solutions for the prescribed Textbook: First Flight and Supplementary Reader: Footprints

Without Feet

• Variety of additional questions important for the Assessment

• Systematic analysis of the prescribed Novels

• Answers for important Board Questions

• Model Question Papers in accordance with the latest paper pattern

First Edition: March 2016

  

PREFACE In the case of good books, the point is not how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.

“Class X: English Language and Literature” is a complete and thorough guide critically analyzed and extensively drafted to foster the student’s confidence. The book ensures extensive coverage of the syllabus for Term I in an effortless and easy to grasp format. The book is divided in five sections to facilitate easy learning for the student. The first section – Reading Skills provides ample Factual and Discursive Passages with numerous Solved and Practice Questions. The second section – Writing Skills includes copious Practice Exercises to enable thorough preparation. The third and fourth section of the book includes solutions for the prescribed Textbook: First Flight and Supplementary Reader: Footprints without Feet. This section also offers a plethora of Questions important from assessment perspective. A Glossary explaining difficult or unusual words and expressions used in the text is incorporated. Summaries of lessons and Paraphrases of poems are provided to communicate the original meaning of the text in an explicit manner. The fifth section covers both the Novels which have been systematically analysed. Solved questions have been provided to enable the student in preparing for the assessment. Additionally answers for all the important Board Questions have been included in all the sections. The book also includes two Model Question Papers as per the latest paper pattern of Central Board of Secondary Education. The journey to create a complete book is strewn with triumphs, failures and near misses. If you think we’ve nearly missed something or want to applaud us for our triumphs, we’d love to hear from you. Please write to us on : mail@targetpublications.org

A book affects eternity; one can never tell where its influence stops.

Best of luck to all the aspirants! Yours faithfully, Publisher

Section Wise Weightage In English Language and Literature  Section Total Weightage 90

A Reading Skills 20 B Writing Skills with Grammar 25 C Literature Textbook and Long Reading Text 25 D Assessment of Speaking and Listening (ASL) 20 Total 90

Note: It is a division of marks assigned to all the four skills of language. The distribution of marks for

Formative Assessments carrying 40% weightage may be done by the schools themselves. A variety of activities to assess all the skills of language may be used for Formative Assessments.

The Summative Assessments Question Papers, if developed by the schools themselves, may be for 70 marks to which 20 marks may be added for Assessment of Speaking and Listening skills making the paper of 90 marks. The one third of the 90 marks i.e. 30 should be added each in both Summative Assessments.

Assessment of Speaking and Listening skills (ASL) will be done formally at the term end examination in Summative – II. Schools can conduct ASL for Summative – I themselves as per the guidelines provided by the CBSE. However assessment of these skills may also be done under the Formative activities spread over two terms.

There will be one written paper of English at the end of each term carrying 70 marks. The time limit will be three hours.

  

QUESTION PAPER PATTERN  Section A: Reading 20 Marks 50 Periods Qs 1-2. This section will have two unseen passages of a total length of 700-750 words. The

arrangement within the reading section is as follows: Q.1. A Factual passage 300-350 words with eight very short answer type questions. 8 marks Q.2. A Discursive passage of 350-400 words with four short answer type questions to test

inference, evaluation and analysis and four MCQs to test vocabulary. 12 marks Section B: Writing and Grammar 25 Marks 60 Periods Q.3. Letter to the Editor/Article in about 100-120 words will make use of any visual/verbal

stimulus and the question will be thematically based on MCB. 5 marks Q.4. Writing a short story based on a given outline or cue/s in about 150-200 words. 10 marks The Grammar syllabus will include the following areas in classes IX and X. 1. Tenses 2. Modals (have to/had to, must, should, need, ought to and their negative forms) 3. Use of passive voice 4. Subject-verb concord 5. Reporting i. Commands and requests ii. Statements iii. Questions 6. Clauses: i. Noun clauses ii. Adverb clauses of condition and time iii. Relative clauses 7. Determiners, and 8. Prepositions The above items may be tested through test types as given below: Q.5. Gap filling with one or two words to test Prepositions, Articles, Conjunctions and Tenses. 3 marks Q.6. Editing or Omission 4 marks Q.7. Sentence reordering or Sentence Transformation in context. 3 marks Section C: Literature Textbook and Long Reading Text 25 Marks 60 Periods Q.8. One out of two extracts from prose/poetry/ play for reference to context. Three very short

answer questions. 3 marks One mark in each extract will be for vocabulary. One question will be used for testing local

and global comprehension and one question will be on interpretation. Q.9. Four short answer type questions from First Flight and Footprints without Feet to test local

and global comprehension of theme and ideas (30-40 words each) 2 4 = 8 marks Q.10. One out of two long answer type questions to assess how the values inherent in the text

have been brought out (First Flight and Footprints without Feet). Creativity, imagination and extrapolation beyond the text and across the texts will be assessed. (80-100 words).

Q.11. One out of two very long answer question on theme or plot involving interpretation, inference and character in about 150-200 words based on prescribed novel. 10 marks

Prescribed Books: Published by NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi First Flight – Textbook for Class X Footprints without Feet Supplementary Reader for Class X Novel (either one) The Diary of a Young Girl – 1947 By Anne Frank (unabridged edition) The Story of My Life – 1903 By Helen Keller (unabridged edition) Note: Teachers are advised to: i. encourage classroom interaction among peers, students and teachers through activities such

as role play, group work etc.

  

ii. reduce teacher-talking time and keep it to the minimum, iii. take up questions for discussion to encourage pupils to participate and to marshal their

ideas and express and defend their views, and iv. use the performance descriptors, scale for conversation skills to test the students for

continuous assessment. Besides measuring attainment, texts serve the dual purpose of diagnosing mistakes and areas of non-learning. To make evaluation a true index of learners’ attainment, each language skill is to be assessed through a judicious mixture of different types of questions. In addition to the summative tests, formative assessment is essential to measure the level of attainment in the four language skills and the learners’ communicative competence. Formative assessment should be done through ‘in class’ activities throughout the year. Reading Section: Reading for comprehension, critical evaluation, inference and analysis is a skill to be tested in Formative as well as Summative Assessments. Writing Section: All types of short and extended writing tasks will be dealt with in both I and II Terms in both Formative as well as in Summative Assessments. Grammar: Grammar items mentioned in the syllabus will be taught and assessed formatively over a period of time. There will be no division of syllabus for Grammar in the summative Assessment for the two terms. Speaking and Listening Skills: 50 Periods Since the introduction of Assessment of Speaking and Listening Skills (ASL) in classes IX and X, it has become imperative to carry out speaking and listening activities in regular classroom teaching. Sufficient practice should be given to students in order to prepare them for ASL. Performance descriptors should be shared with students from time to time.

English Language and Literature Course Summative Assessment (2015-16) Class X

Textbooks

Literature Reader Summative Assessment – I Summative Assessment – II

Prose (First Flight) 1. A Letter to God 1. Glimpses of India 2. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom 2. Mijbil the Otter 3. Two Stories about Flying 3. Madam Rides the Bus 4. From the Diary of Anne Frank 4. The Sermon at Benares 5. The Hundred Dresses - I 5. The Proposal 6. The Hundred Dresses - II Poetry 1. Dust of Snow 1. Animals 2. Fire and Ice 2. The Trees 3. A Tiger in the Zoo 3. Fog 4. How to Tell Wild Animals 4. The Tale of Custard the Dragon 5. The Ball Poem 5. For Anne Gregory 6. Amanda! Supplementary Reader (Footprints without Feet) 1. A Triumph of Surgery 1. The Making of a Scientist 2. The Thief’s Story 2. The Necklace 3. The Midnight Visitor 3. The Hack Driver 4. A Question of Trust 4. Bholi 5. Footprints without Feet 5. The Book that Saved the Earth Long Reading Text-Novels (either one) The Diary of a Young Girl- 1947 June 12, 1942 to March 14, 1944 by Anne Frank (unabridged edition) The Story of My Life- 1903 Chapters 1-14 by Helen Keller (unabridged edition)

The Diary of a Young Girl-1947 March 16, 1944 to August 04, 1944 by Anne Frank (unabridged edition) The Story of My Life-1903 Chapters 15-23 by Helen Keller (unabridged edition)

  

Class X

English Language and Literature 2015-16 (Code No.184)

Typology Testing

competencies/learning outcomes

VSAQ 1 mark

SAQ 30-40 words

2 marks

LAQ-I 80-100 words

4 marks

LAQ-II 100-120 words

5 marks

VLAQ 150-200 words

(HOTS) 10 marks

Marks

Reading Skills

Conceptual understanding, decoding, analyzing, inferring, interpreting and vocabulary

12 04 --- --- --- 20

Creative Writing

Skills and Grammar

Expressing an opinion, reasoning, justifying, illustrating, appropriacy of style and tone, using appropriate format and fluency. Applying conventions, using integrated structures with accuracy and fluency.

10 --- --- 01 01 25

Literature and

Textbooks

Recalling, reasoning, appreciating, applying literary conventions, extrapolating, illustrating and justifying etc. Extracting relevant information, identifying the central theme and sub themes, understanding the writer’s message and writing fluently.

03 04 01 --- 01 25

Total

2501 = 25 marks

0802 = 16 marks

0104 = 04 marks

01 05 = 05 marks

0210 = 20 marks

70 marks

Assessment of Speaking

and Listening

Skills

Interaction, reasoning, diction, articulation, clarity, pronunciation and overall fluency

20 marks

Total 90 marks

  

Contents No. Topic Name Page No.

Section A : Reading Skills 1 Factual Passages 2 2 Discursive Passages 12 Section B: Writing Skills

1 Letter Writing 22 2 E-mail Writing 34 3 News Report Writing 39 4 Writing Articles 45 5 Story Writing 52 6 Speech Writing 57 7 Notice Board Writing 61 8 Paragraph Writing 65 9 Debate Writing 68

10 Dialogue Writing 74 Section C: First Flight

Prose: 1 A Letter to God 78 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom 90 3 Two Stories About Flying I. His First Flight 107 II. Black Aeroplane 115

4 From the Diary of Anne Frank 122 5 The Hundred Dresses-I 136 6 The Hundred Dresses-II 148

Poetry: 1 Dust of Snow 161 2 Fire and Ice 165 3 A Tiger in the Zoo 168 4 How to Tell Wild Animals 173 5 The Ball Poem 177 6 Amanda! 182 Section D: Footprints without Feet

1 A Triumph of Surgery 188 2 The Thief’s Story 193 3 The Midnight Visitor 199 4 A Question of Trust 204 5 Footprints without Feet 208 Section E: Novel/Long Reading Texts

1 The Diary of a Young Girl 213 2 The Story of My Life 227 Model Question Paper

1 Model Question Paper – I 249 2 Model Question Paper – II 252

Note: All the Textual questions are represented by * mark

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Reading SkillsSection A

Factual Passages

Discursive Passages

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Solved Passages Passage 1 With the introduction of the mobile-app based model in the taxi market, the business is experiencing a vast difference. The earnings of the cab drivers are skyrocketing with many of them earning anywhere between ` 75,000 to ` 1,00,000 per month. Citing one example of a cab driver, Mr. Lokesh R. from Bengaluru earns around ` 80,000 per month and sometimes earns more than ` 1,00,000 per month if he gets more rides. He adds that prior to this, he was making a meager amount of ` 15,000 to ` 20,000 per month. Mr. Arvind Singhal, CEO of TaxiforSure said that with such changes in the taxi business, many educated professionals have approached him to become cab drivers. They are looking at it as an entrepreneurial venture against a 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. IT job. The online taxi market is driven by mobile-app technology. Also, the highly competitive rates is giving a tough competition to the local cab drivers. The taxi companies blooming in India are Ola, Uber and TaxiforSure. Ola, which is currently valued at $ 2.5 billion, started its operations four years ago and is currently present in over 100 cities. Uber, being globally successful and valued above $ 50 billion started business in India in August 2013 and is currently present in 11 cities. Uber across the world runs only on credit card payment system, wherein the customer fills in the credit card details while booking the cab. But, looking at the cash payment demand in Indian market, the global giant has made a shift in the payment method to make a place in the taxi market. The taxi market is growing leaps and bounds and currently estimated to be around ` 11,000 crore and is growing in double digits. The drivers are making hay while the sun shines by earning more than the regular cab drivers. In case of Uber, for every trip made, the drivers are paid 80% of the fare, which is credited to their bank account. Also, a bonus of ` 150 is paid for every trip during the peak hours and ` 50 during non-peak hours. Ola, provides the bonus to drivers if they do six trips in a day, while TaxiForSure charges the drivers with only 8-12% of the ride fare. With such schemes introduced, the drivers are encouraged to serve the customers. At the same time, the customers also get a cab when in need. Hence, it appears to be a win-win situation for both the parties. Citing one more example, Mr. Basavaraj from Bengaluru who was under heavy family debts bought

a taxi under Ola financing scheme. Under this scheme, Mr. Basavaraj purchased a cab, the financing for which was done by Ola. Here, the cab/vehicle for initial few years is attached to the company. Later, he was able to clear all his debts. Nevertheless, the job has its associated pressures. The cab drivers can never keep their mobiles away, as they can’t ascertain when they will get their next call. It’s an ongoing process as the demand keeps coming in. In certain cases, even the wives of certain cab drivers have taken a leap into the business, by tracking the cab movement on GoogleMaps and co-ordinating with the drivers. The drivers have become mini-entrepreneurs. Questions: 1. How has the mobile-app based taxi business

model brought a revolution among the masses?

Ans: Customer can book a cab on a single click. Post booking, the cab driver receives the customer from his doorstep. This makes the customer’s ride easier as opposed to arguments with regular cab drivers and this is how the mobile-app based taxi business model has brought a revolution among the masses.

2. In what way have the cab drivers benefited after the shift to mobile-app based taxi hailing service?

Ans: The cab drivers are not only paid well but also receive bonus for their efforts put in. Moreover, they have a systemized process in order to take the booking from a customer and to receive payments.

3. Why are professionals now opting to become cab drivers over their 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. IT job?

Ans: From the app-based taxi model, the cab drivers can now make anywhere between ` 80,000 to ` 1,00,000 a month. Moreover, it is not a 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. job. Professionals see it as an entrepreneurial venture and hence opt it for both, its flexibility as well as the good pay.

4. What are the various payment benefits given to the cab drivers by the companies?

Ans: In case of Uber, the drivers are paid 80% of the fare for every trip made, which is directly credited to their bank account. Also, a bonus of ` 150 is paid for every trip during the peak hours and ` 50 during non-peak hours. Ola, provides the bonus to drivers if they do six trips in a day. TaxiForSure charges the drivers with only 8-12% of the ride fare.

01.  Factual Passages 

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Reading Skills 01: Factual Passages

5. The cab drivers working under mobile-app based taxi model are benefited. Cite an example of happy cab drivers from the passage.

Ans: Mr. Lokesh R. from Bengaluru, working under the mobile-app based taxi model business earns anywhere between ` 80,000 to ` 1,00,000 per month. He can be surely called a Happy cab driver as prior to this change, he was making a meager amount of ` 15,000 to ` 20,000 a month.

6. How are families joining hands with the cab drivers to support them?

Ans: Work pressure is a part and parcel of the cab driver’s job. The cab drivers can never keep their mobiles away, as they can’t ascertain when they will get their next call. At such times, wives of cab drivers help them track the cab movements through Google Maps and co-ordinate with them.

7. How the companies help the drivers in new purchase of the cabs?

Ans: There are companies who offer cab purchasing schemes. Under this scheme, the drivers can purchase a cab, the financing for which is done by the companies. Here, the cab/vehicle for initial few years is attached to the company.

8. Have the mobile-app based cabs affected the regular cabs, if yes, explain?

Ans: The mobile-app cabs have affected the regular cab drivers severely. This is because regular cab drivers are difficult to track and they have their choices for a place. Very few regular cabs are air-conditioned and in a good state.

Passage 2 As a student, when one decides to step out of the country for studies, it means planning to push oneself beyond the comfort zone. It also means to live life in an independent way. At the same time, learning to manage own finances, accommodation along with academics. As per the research conducted by the Guardian Professional Networks, the Indian students strive for exposure on a global platform and the best way to do it is through a quality education. 61% of the students consider it to be the biggest reason for moving abroad. The other reasons being the institution, its reputation, the program, its professors, etc. This in all, could help build a student’s career. The range of subjects offered with various streams and the top-notch facilities provided are a way ahead then that provided in one’s native country. Popular options among Indian students at the graduate level are business and STEM-related (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

They learn to socialize with students from a different background. They meet native students as well as international students; which facilitates building up a global network of friends.

At the same time, the student is introduced to different cultures and languages. It brings about an overall change and the student adapts to a new culture.

As per the ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) Report of June 2013, “Although the fall in the rupee seems to have shaken the aspiration of (Indian) students willing to study abroad, it has not shattered their dreams altogether.” It may result in a higher cost by a few lakh of rupees, but the higher studies should be seen as a long term investment rather than an expense. Post securing a reputable job, one can get the return on investment. If the student needs to send money home, with the current rupee value, his/her family would gain abundantly.

Currently, banks have duly introduced top-up schemes for the educational loans to fill the gap caused by the exchange rate fluctuation. If a student has a family member or a relative in his/her destination country, he can find out how to make arrangements to acquire a loan from a local bank. Also, these banks provide loans at a lower rate of interest. This would probably provide an opportunity to repay the educational loan in the same foreign currency as and when he gains employment in the country.

Not only this, the Universities also help the students by providing assistance while searching a job. The help is provided on making resume, interviewing skills and job search through career fairs. During the course, the students are groomed with relevant skills as per the industrial requirement. The universities are associated with the industry and help students find a job. The universities also help in getting an internship during studies for added experience.

Post completion of the studies, students become available to employers. Students experience will be an added value as much as their academic grades and qualification. They can get the desired job, if they convince the employers that the skills and knowledge acquired are transferrable into the working world. The experience once added to their resume can do wonders to their career path. Questions:

1. What helps in making the decision to study abroad?

Ans: Students strive for exposure on a global platform and the best way to do it is through a quality education. They look for a quality education to prosper in their career. This urge to prosper helps in the decision to study abroad.

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Class X: English Language and Literature

2. How does the bank help the students, in case of devaluation of rupee?

Ans: The devaluation of rupee causes a rise in the fees to be paid. To avoid such a situation, the banks have introduced top-up schemes for the educational loans to fill the gap caused due to the exchange rate fluctuation. This is how the bank helps the students, in case of devaluation of rupee.

3. How do courses abroad provide an edge over while looking for a suitable job?

Ans: The universities help the students by providing assistance in various ways like making resume, interviewing skills, job search through career fairs etc. The students are also groomed with relevant skills as per the industry requirement. This is how courses abroad provide an edge over while looking for a suitable job.

4. Discuss the benefits of getting a degree from an offshore university.

Ans: By procuring a degree from an offshore university, he/she gets an opportunity to learn and interact with students from various cultural background. This helps to build a global network.

5. How does it bring an overall development in the student?

Ans: The overall development of students occur as they learn to move out of their comfort zone and start living life independently. They learn to manage their finances and accommodation along with academics. They learn to socialize, meet and interact with people from different cultures.

6. Is it a wise decision to make a huge investment for education abroad?

Ans: The exorbitant amount of fees to be paid can be viewed as a long term investment. Once the student successfully completes the course, he/she can seek a job; through which he earns a desirable salary and the amount could be sent to the family. Hence, it is a wise decision to make a huge investment for education abroad.

7. The level of some Indian Universities fail to match with those in abroad. Explain.

Ans: The Indian universities fail to compete with the universities abroad due to their poor infrastructure, lack of efficient professors, outdated content quality, etc. On the other hand, the universities abroad provide world class quality content, highly skilled and experienced faculty, proper infrastructure, various streams that can be offered to students, etc.

8. In the era of globalization, how does higher education from abroad benefit the students in their career path?

Ans: After completing the studies, students become available to employers. They get the desired job, if they convince the employers that the skills and knowledge acquired while studying abroad are transferrable into the working world. The experience once added to the resume can do wonders to their career path. In this way, higher education from abroad benefits the students in their career path, in the the era of globalization.

Passage 3

Food delivery is a segment with innumerable market opportunities and is considered as a profitable segment to invest at the moment. Zomato, an online restaurant directory and food ordering company, has decided to spruce up its delivery process by seizing the opportunity of the growing food delivery segment. It has made strategic investments in Gurgaon-based Pickingo, and Mumbai-based Grab.

Grab, a food logistics firm, was founded by Jignesh Patel, Nishant Vora and Pratish Sanghvi in 2012. Oliphans Capital has invested $1 million in the company along with an independent investor Haresh Chawla. Pickingo is a B-2-B on-demand hyperlocal start up. It raised $1.3 million from Orios Venture partners headed by Rehan Yar Khan.

Both these companies are providers of hyper local delivery service. Zomato’s investment will enable restaurants to provide last-mile delivery including dine-in-only restaurant that don’t otherwise deliver. Apart from these companies, Zomato has also partnered with digital commerce focused logistics venture, Delhivery. The partnership with Zomato has enabled Delhivery to enter the hyperlocal delivery segment.

Deepinder Goyal, Founder and CEO of Zomato, says, “We have unequivocally the largest restaurant base in India and we will work closely with Pickingo, Grab, and Delhivery to improve the last-mile delivery experience for users placing orders online on Zomato. So far, restaurants have been delivering on their own, but with this partnership, we will also be able to target restaurants across the country that doesn’t otherwise deliver. We are also launching our online ordering service in Dubai, Australia, and South Africa. Along similar lines, we are also in conversation with hyper local logistics firms in other countries to ensure that we are able to provide a seamless and quality experience to our users there.”

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Reading Skills 01: Factual Passages

Rahul Gill, Co-founder and CEO of Pickingo, says “This investment will not just infuse funds into the company but will also allow us to scale rapidly with Zomato’s online ordering business, while also leveraging Zomato’s strong relationship with restaurants across the country. We have already started working together to deliver from selected restaurants in New Delhi, and we look forward to taking this partnership further.” According to Pratish Sanghvi, Co-founder and Director of Grab, “last-mile logistics is a challenge for most merchants across India, especially restaurants, and the company views this investment as a great opportunity to solve this problem using technology along with Zomato. Zomato is making strides to move from being a search and discovery portal to a platform offering technology that helps merchants connect more effectively with customers with the launch of online ordering, cashless payments, soon to be launched table reservations, and a point of sale system.” Sahil Barua, Founder & CEO of Delhivery, says “The food-tech space in India is heating up, and we’re excited about this partnership with Zomato. Delivery logistics for restaurants have always been a challenge, and we believe the technology-first approach will help simplify operations for them, as well as enrich customer experiences.” Over the past years, Zomato has expanded its reach into global markets. It has acquired nine more companies with the aim of expanding its market in the restaurant search space. One such company is Urbanspoon, which has helped Zomato to occupy a dominant position in overseas market in Australia, Canada and the United States. Questions: 1. Which are the investments made by

Zomato in the food delivery segments? Ans: Zomato has made strategic investments in

Pickingo, a B-2-B on-demand hyper local venture and Grab, a food logistics firm. It has also entered into a partnership with Delhivery.

2. Give details about the company ‘Grab’. Ans: Grab is a food logistics firm based in

Mumbai. It was founded by Jignesh Patel, Nishant Vora and Pratish Sanghvi in 2002.

3. Give details about ‘Pickingo’ venture. Ans: Pickingo is a Gurgoan based firm. It is a

B-2-B on-demand hyperlocal start up. They provide hyper local delivery service.

4. What does Zomato aim to achieve by making the investments in delivery service?

Ans: By investing in the delivery service companies, Zomato aims to improve the last-mile delivery experience for users placing orders online on Zomato and target restaurants across the country that don’t deliver.

5. How Pickingo has benefited from Zomato’s investment in it?

Ans: Zomato’s investment in Pickingo will infuse funds into the company and also help it to increase its business rapidly.

6. What problem do most restaurants face and how can it be solved?

Ans: Most restaurants face the challenge of last mile logistics; which could be solved with the help of technology that would connect the merchants more effectively with customers.

7. How does Zomato plan to expand its reach in global markets?

Ans: Zomato plans to expand its reach in the global markets by acquiring more companies such as Urbanspoon which has helped to occupy a dominant position in the overseas market in Australia, Canada and the United States.

8. Do you think Zomato is right in investing in the food delivery segments?

Ans: Yes, Zomato is right in investing in food delivery segments as it offers innumerable market opportunities. The food-tech space in India is heating up and with the help of technology; Zomato can offer a big platform to spruce up food delivery services.

Passage 4 ‘Ganges River Dolphins’ are found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system mainly in India and Bangladesh. They are listed as endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) due to a probable population decline of approximately 50% over the last five decades and projected a future population decline too. Many dolphins died in the upper reaches of rivers, mainly due to irrigation barrages and dry season habitat. When compared, the level of deaths is lesser in the Brahmaputra River than the Ganges. Therefore, the Brahmaputra River is of great importance for survival of the subspecies. For ensuring the survival of dolphins, a recent proposal by Oil India Ltd. was rejected. The proposal was to find oil reserves by initiating seismic exploration using explosives and air guns along the bed of the Brahmaputra River. Moreover, the behavioral studies on dive time, surfacing interval and acoustic investigations were carried out in two dolphin hotspots.

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Class X: English Language and Literature

Dolphins spent on an average 107.3 seconds under water and 1.26 seconds above water. Mortality through fisheries by-catch was observed as one of the major threats to Ganges dolphins in the Brahmaputra. On the basis of high abundance, potential for protection and possibilities for dolphin eco-tourism, eight river sections were identified as potential protected areas and community-based conservation areas. Questions: 1. Where are ‘Ganges River Dolphins’ found? Ans: ‘Ganges River Dolphins’ are found in the

Ganges-Brahmaputra river system primarily in India and Bangladesh.

2. Why are the dolphins listed as endangered

species? Ans: Dolphins are listed as an endangered species

by the IUCN due to a probable population decline of 50% (approximately) over the last five decades and projected future population decline too.

3. What is the behavioral pattern of dolphins? Ans: Dolphins spend on an average 107.3 seconds

under water and 1.26 seconds above water. Behavioral studies on dive time, surfacing interval and acoustic investigations were observed in two dolphin hotspots.

4. On what basis have the potential protection

area been identified? Ans: It is based on high abundance, potential for

protection and possibilities for dolphin eco-tourism. Moreover, the eight river sections were identified as potential protected areas and community-based conservation areas.

5. Why was the oil exploration in

Brahmaputra rejected? Ans: The proposal by Oil India Ltd. to initiate

seismic exploration using explosives and air guns along the bed of the Brahmaputra River to prospect for oil was rejected as it would have resulted in disastrous implications for ‘Ganges River Dolphins’.

6. How have the upper reaches of rivers been

polluted? Ans: The upper reaches of the rivers have been

polluted due to irrigation barrages and dry season habitat.

7. How can the survival of dolphins be

ensured? Ans: The government to a greater extent can ensure

the survival of dolphins by taking appropriate measures. Also, by making the upper reaches of rivers less polluted, the life of said species can be enhanced.

8. How has the aqua life been affected due to the industrial development?

Ans: The industrial developments have forgotten to take into consideration the nature’s gift i.e. water. They pollute the water by disposing wastes into rivers and lakes, etc. This makes the survival of fishes difficult, thus forcing them to come towards the shore in search of fresh water and are often found on shores i.e. thrown out of the water.

Passage 5 The free style wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt’s story is a story of passion and determination. The Olympic bronze medalist’s passion and perseverance helped him realize his dreams in spite of unfavorable circumstances. He faced the danger of losing his leg due to a knee injury. That was a difficult period for him. The Mittal Champions Trust helped him when his knee was injured after the Beijing Olympics. He even had problems with his eyesight due to the injury. Yogeshwar hails from Bhainswal Kalan, a village some 20 km away from Sonepat, in Haryana. The village has become famous because of him. Yogeshwar displays all the qualities of a champion. He is a humble person who always respects others and is ready to help the needy. These qualities have made him endearing to all. Due to the injuries, he could not fulfill his dream of winning an Olympic Medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, his intense desire to win a medal overshadowed his injuries. His sole aim was to win a medal in the 2012 Olympics and he trained himself hard for it. God heard his prayers. He aimed at participating in more competitions. But, he faced drawbacks when he was injured again in 2009. This injury robbed his one entire year. He could not reduce his weight after the injury. Even when he was injured, he never gave up his dream of winning an Olympic medal. He got over his back injury. He also got immense support from his family and friends who shared his responsibilities allowing him to focus on wrestling with free mind. Questions: 1. Where does Yogeshwar Dutt hail from? Ans: Yogeshwar Dutt hails from Bhainswal Kalan,

a village some 20 km away from Sonepat, Haryana.

2. What qualities of Yogeshwar made him

endearing to all? Ans: Yogeshwar was very humble in nature and he

respected everyone. He was always ready to help the needy. These qualities made him endearing to all.

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Reading Skills 01: Factual Passages

3. Who helped Yogeshwar to recover from his knee injury?

Ans: The Mittals Champion Trust helped Yogeshwar to recover from his knee injury.

4. What was the sole aim of Yogeshwar Dutt? Ans: The sole aim of Yogeshwar Dutt was to win

an Olympic medal. 5. What drawbacks Yogeshwar had to face

towards fulfilling his dreams? Ans: Yogeshwar was injured during 2008 Olympics

and was further injured in 2009. He had to face these drawbacks towards fulfilling his dreams.

6. What helped Yogeshwar achieve his dreams?

Ans: Yogeshwar’s passion for the sport along with his perseverance and determination helped him achieve his dreams.

7. What stopped Yogeshwar from winning a medal in the 2008 Olympics?

Ans: A knee injury stopped Yogeshwar from winning the 2008 Olympics.

8. What lesson can be learnt from the success story of Yogeshwar?

Ans: We learn the lesson of being passionate and determined. In this way, we can achieve our dreams despite of any hardships.

Unsolved Passages Passage 1: The concept of Disneyland began when Walt Disney was visiting Griffith Park in Los Angeles with his daughters Diane and Sharon. While watching them ride the merry-go-round, he came up with the idea of a place where adults and their children could go and have fun together. He may have also been influenced by his father’s memories of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago (his father worked at the Exposition). The Midway Plaisance included a set of attractions representing various countries from around the world and others representing various periods of man; it also included many rides including the first Ferris wheel, a “sky” ride, a passenger train that circled the perimeter, and a Wild West Show. Another likely influence was Benton Harbor, Michigan’s nationally famous House of David’s Eden Springs Park. Disney visited the park and ultimately bought one of the older miniature trains originally used there; the colony had the largest miniature railway setup in the world at the time. The earliest documented draft of Disney’s plans was sent as a memo to studio production designer Dick Kelsey on August 31, 1948, where it was referred to as a ‘Mickey Mouse Park’. Based on notes, Walt made during his and Ward Kimball’s trip to Chicago

Railroad Fair the same month, with a two-day stop in Henry Ford’s Museum and Greenfield Village, a place with attractions like a Main Street and steamboat rides, which he had visited eight years earlier. Disneyland Park, originally Disneyland, is the first of two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, opened on July 17, 1955. It is the only theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. It was originally the only attraction on the property; its name was changed to Disneyland Park to distinguish it from the expanding complex in the 1990s. Walt Disney came up with the concept of Disneyland after visiting various amusement parks with his daughters in the 1930s and 1940s. He initially envisioned building a tourist attraction adjacent to his studios in Burbank to entertain fans who wished to visit; however, he soon realized that the proposed site was too small. After hiring a consultant to help him determine an appropriate site for his project, Walt bought a 160-acre site near Anaheim in 1953. Construction began in 1954 and the park was unveiled during a special televised press event on the ABC Television Network on July 17, 1955. Since its opening, Disneyland has undergone a number of expansions and major renovations, including the addition of New Orleans Square in 1966, Bear Country (now Critter Country) in 1972, and Mickey's Toontown in 1993. Opened in 2001, Disney California Adventure Park was built on the site of Disneyland’s original parking lot. Disneyland has a larger cumulative attendance than any other theme park in the world, with over 650 million guests since it opened. In 2013, the park hosted approximately 16.2 million guests, making it the third most visited park in the world that calendar year. According to March 2005 Disney Company Report, 65,700 jobs are supported by the Disneyland Resort, including about 20,000 direct Disney employees and 3,800 third-party employees (independent contractors or their employees). Questions: 1. How was the idea of Disneyland conceived? 2. How was Mr. Walt influenced about the theme

park? 3. Where and how was the Disneyland built? 4. What expansions took place after the making

of the Disneyland? 5. How and when was the park unveiled? 6. How has the Disneyland been the host of

highest number of guests in 2013? 7. What is the number of employees supported

by the Disney Company? 8. What is the distinguishing factor of

Disneyland?

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Passage 2 Chihuahua, also known as the pocket dog, is the world’s smallest dog weighing barely 1 kg or 2 kg as an adult. It is a popular breed amongst the dog lovers and its popularity has increased over the years. Even though its roots have been traced back to China, it is actually named after a Mexican State. This breed of dogs doesn’t require much exercise. Just small walks inside the house are sufficient for them. With a mere glance, one would imagine them to be dull dogs. However, they surprise everyone with their sharp and alert nature. They have strong characteristics and are very curious in nature. Therefore, they make good guard dogs. For participating in shows, the maximum permissible weight for these dogs is 0.9 kg to 1.8 kg. There are two types of Chihuahuas. First is the long coated ones who have a flat or slightly wavy coat and the second is the smooth coated ones who are soft textured and glossy in appearance. Chihuahuas vary in color. They have apple dome-shaped heads. In some dogs, the frontal areas of the skull do not fuse. They have short nose and their ears are at an angle of 45 degrees to their head. Their body is longer than their tails and is compact. Their tail is carried like a sickle and barely touches their backs. They have a very graceful appearance. As compared to other pups, they do not require much care except the long hair which needs grooming. They don’t go outside most of the times and tend to exercise within the confines of the house. Because of this, they are prone to overgrown nails which need to be clipped regularly. They are fussy and choosy eaters. People do not possess much awareness about this dog. They are surprised when they know more about Chihuahuas. These small dogs are intelligent, energetic and good with children. They make good watch dogs and hence literally can be called as burglar alarms. There is just one hurdle in keeping this pocket dog as a pet and that is a pinch in the pockets. Questions: 1. Chihuahua’s roots can be traced to which

place? 2. Describe the physical features of Chihuahuas. 3. What are the different types of Chihuahuas? 4. Why people are surprised to know more about

the Chihuahuas? 5. Why are Chihuahuas prone to overgrown

nails? 6. Why can Chihuahuas be called as burglar

alarms? 7. Why do you think Chihuahuas create an

impression of being dull dogs? 8. Why are Chihuahuas popular as pet dogs?

Passage 3 It talked about how being caught napping shouldn’t be seen in the negative way, always. On the contrary, “Six hours sleep for a man, seven for a woman and eight for a fool”, advocated Napoleon Bonaparte, who preferred regular 10-minute naps to relax in bed. Amongst the famed, Leonardo da Vinci, Margaret Thatcher, Thomas Edison, are known to having enjoyed 40 winks a day. Siestas have always been considered as a relaxation technique since our history of being. It is known to relax us by encouraging better learning abilities along with improved alertness, productivity and mood. Mid-day naps have been a part of many cultures in the world. However, due to the current trend of workplaces, there is a decline in day time naps. As per a study, a day-time siesta of 60-90 minutes brings in an improvement in the person as long as the napper experiences both slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement. These are sleep stages associated with deep sleep. Also an afternoon nap helps in reducing the risk of death due to heart disease, particularly in young healthy men, as it reduces the stress levels (as per the Greece research). Dr. M. S. Kanwar, a senior consultant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi says that, “Any person who has a good 7-8 hours (depending upon individuals) of night sleep does not biologically require an afternoon nap. But, of course, a siesta can be very refreshing and re-energizing for the people in active professions. It’s a different matter, however, that in today’s hectic life and demanding workplaces, a nap is an absolute luxury. However, for those who can afford this luxury, say for instance self-employed, retired or housewives, it can be a great stress-buster.” He also adds that the benefits cannot be generalized and the effect of daytime naps varies from person to person. According to some, the body clock is set for two sleeps a day, the main one at night and another in the afternoon. Researchers also point out that the body prefers a nap during 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., when the body temperature dips slightly. At the same time, it is not a compulsion as some people cover their entire requirement of sleep in a single cycle. It is generally accepted that digestion process is a major cause of afternoon nap (Heavier the lunch, the greater is the sleepiness). The concept of ‘power napping’ siestas have brought changes in certain companies. They have started providing power nap rooms, which has further led to reduction in people thronging to coffee and tea breaks. Some of them are: US Architectural Firm, Gould Evans Goodman Associates, California-based computer consultancy 42 IS Consulting, etc.

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Reading Skills 01: Factual Passages

Questions: 1. How important is it to have a siesta? 2. Name the famous people having a routine of

taking an afternoon nap. 3. How does a deep sleep in the afternoon,

proves to be beneficial? 4. How has the power nap, brought a change in

companies? 5. What does Dr. Kanwar have to say about

having an afternoon nap? 6. What is the preferred amount of siesta

recommended for the day? 7. Why is an afternoon nap taken negatively? 8. Who all have the privilege of taking a nap? Passage 4 Every time you pick up a glass of milk, pause and think how it made its way to your kitchen. So, where is the milk coming from? Most states have village level dairy co-operatives and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) guides and helps develop them. The NDDB website has an interesting fact: The dairy co-operative network in India, as on March 2007, was owned by around 12.96 million farmer members, of whom 3.4 million were women. When people become members of an organization on equal terms and use their resources towards achieving common goals, it is called a co-operative. Suppose a person with a cow has surplus milk, he or she might want to sell it and make some money. In villages, the local trader or the middleman would buy this surplus milk at a price which suited him. Then he would add water and sell it at a higher price. Thus, the seller made no profit, the end buyer got diluted milk, but the trader minted money. This is where a co-operative steps in. The milk sellers form a co-operative. They organize for the milk to be collected at village level and transport it to a plant where it can be pasteurized. Then this milk is packed in pouches and transported to distributors of various towns and cities. Here good quality milk is sold to the end buyer. Co-operatives have a reputation for selling unadulterated goods and do not emphasize on maximizing profit. Because every seller of milk is an equal member of the co-operative; they run a transparent organization and work towards its growth. This avoids traders and money lenders, increases ownership and accountability, ensures better voice of dairy farmers in management, gets them timely payments and provides them access to useful technical guidance and information. The reason of the stupendous success of co-operatives in India can be summed up in one word - empowerment. The sheer hard work of ordinary and marginalized dairy farmers, their unstinting co-operation with one another, an

indomitable will to achieve a common goal, together with the visions of people like V. Kurien, the father of Indian dairy farming, milk co-operatives have scripted success stories like Amul, Verka and Operation Flood. Today milk is country’s number one agricultural commodity. Thus both, milk producers, mostly marginal, small and landless farmers and consumers, who get value for their money and healthy milk, are mutually benefitted. Questions: 1. What is a co-operative? 2. How does NDDB help villages? 3. Why do most people trust dairy co-operatives? 4. Give a reason why milk co-operatives are

successful. 5. How do co-operatives help the dairy farmers? 6. How has the dairy farming scripted success

stories? 7. How have small farmers and consumers

benefitted mutually? 8. How do the traders earn big profits? Passage 5 Working women in India face many challenges both, at workplace and at home. Many working women do not enjoy the same promotions and growth opportunities at workplaces as the men. A majority of them do not even get equal pay, under the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 and are paid less as compared to their male counterparts. Such cases are mainly found in factories and labour-oriented industries. Women in India also have to deal with the orthodox mindset that the society has about working women. They have stereotyped working women as someone who cannot balance their domestic environment because of the professional responsibilities. Many families do not approve of women working late in the office. Even if they agree they are plagued by anxiety about her safety. Working woman is closely protected and monitored by her family. Many families do not expect their daughter-in-laws to work as they don’t want them to give their domestic responsibilities a backseat. This view can be supported by a survey conducted by ASSOCHAM, on 1000 working women. According to it, around 80% of the households expect daughters-in-laws to give priority to the household work over professional commitments. Many women are abused both physically and psychologically by their in-laws and husbands but they choose to maintain silence as they do not want it to effect their family especially children. Laws have been passed to provide women the financial security, in case of separation from husband. A woman’s legal right to claim maintenance from her husband is recognized under

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Class X: English Language and Literature

Sec. 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Sec. 24 of Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, which entitles a woman to claim maintenance extendable to her minor children, from her estranged husband. The husband is liable to pay the maintenance even prior to the divorce; when they are separated. Earlier it was maintained that a working women cannot claim for maintenance from her estranged husband as she is earning an income. However, in a significant decision in Bhagwan vs. Kamla Devi case, (1975) 2 SCC 386 any confusion regarding the maintenance to be paid to a working women was cleared. The Supreme Court held that a working woman can claim maintenance from her estranged husband, if her monthly income is not enough for her maintenance. The Court further clarified that ‘unable to maintain herself’ does not mean that she has to be destitute. She can claim for maintenance as long as she does not remarry or changes her religion. There have been instances where the Court has ordered working women with substantial earnings to give maintenance to her husband. However, the legal right of a woman to claim equal pay still remains unaddressed as majority of the women are not confident enough to stand up and complain. Even technological advancement results in women being displaced as upgrading the skills of women is not given much thought. Even granting maternity leave is a problem in many workplaces as they feel it is much easier to hire someone else. Trade unions too don’t give importance to address issues of women as it is not a priority for them. The major reason for these problems faced by working women is the widely accepted social perspective regarding a women’s position. Traditionally men were seen as the bread-winners of the family and women were type casted as the house-keepers and child-bearers. Hence, this perception creates obstacles for women who decide to go against it. All these problems cannot be solved unless there is a change in the attitude of the employers, colleagues, policy makers, family members, relatives and the public at large. Questions: 1. What are the challenges faced by women in

their workplaces? 2. What social mindset does the working women

has to face? 3. What legal framework is there to protect the

right of women to claim their maintenance from their separated husband?

4. What does a working women need to fight against?

5. Why the legal right of a woman to claim equal pay still remains unaddressed?

6. What measures can be taken to ensure equal rights to women?

7. What family pressures do working women have to deal with?

8. What is the root cause of the problems faced by working women and how do you think it can be solved?

Passage 6 Mother Teresa was a humanitarian. This means she did things to help out other people. Her entire life was devoted to helping the poor, the sick, the needy, and the helpless. Mother Teresa was born in Uskub, Ottoman Empire on August 26, 1910. This city is now called Skopje and is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia. Her birth name was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu. Her father died when she was eight and she was raised by her mother. She was raised as a Roman Catholic and decided at a young age to devote her life to God. She joined the Sisters of Loreto at the age of 18 to become a missionary in India. She first had to learn English. So she went to Ireland to learn English at the Loreto Abby. A year later she started her missionary work in Darjeeling, India. She learned the local language, Bengali, and taught at the local school. She soon took her first vows as a nun and took the name, Teresa. She taught for many years in India, becoming the headmistress at a school in eastern Calcutta. When she was 36 years old, she felt the call from God to help the poor of India. She received some basic medical training and then set out to help the sick and needy. This wasn’t an easy task in 1948 India. She had very little support and, while trying to feed and help the poorest of the poor, she herself was constantly hungry and even had to beg for food. Soon other women joined her and she formed the Missionaries of Charity. Mother Teresa described the purpose of the Missionaries of Charity as an organization to take care of ‘the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved and uncared for throughout society’. It wasn’t an easy task to build such an organization and to keep the focus on the poorest people. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitutes a threat to peace. She was beatified in 2003, the first step on the path to sainthood, within the Catholic Church. She worked almost up until her death on September 5, 1997. Questions: 1. Why was Mother Teresa called a

‘humanitarian’? 2. When and where was Mother Teresa born? 3. Why did she go to Ireland?

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Reading Skills 01: Factual Passages

4. When did Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu change her name to ‘Teresa’?

5. When did she decide to help the poor in India? 6. What hardships did she face while helping the

poor? 7. What is the purpose of the Missionaries of

Charity according to Mother Teresa? 8. Why was Mother Teresa honored with the

Nobel Peace Prize? Passage 7 Popcorn, also known as popping corn, is a special variety of corn. Each kernel contains a tiny drop of water. When it is heated, the water expands causing the kernel to explode and flip inside out. Most US popcorn is grown in Nebraska and Indiana, and increasingly in Texas. Native Americans first discovered popcorn thousands of years ago in Guatemala or Mexico. It was popped in China during the Song Dynasty (960-279) as well as in Sumatra and India long before Columbus reached America. In 1519, when he invaded Mexico, Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortes first saw popcorn when he met the Aztecs. Popcorn was important to the Aztecs as food, as decoration for ceremonial headdresses and necklaces, and as ornaments on statues of their gods. Around 1612, French explorers around the Great Lakes met Iroquois who used heated sand in a pottery vessel to make popcorn. There is an unproven theory that an Indian named Quadequina brought a deerskin bag of popped corn for first Thanksgiving feast on October 15, 162(a). In 1948 and 1950, anthropologist Herbert Dick and botanist Earle Smith discovered ears of popcorn in the Bat Cave of west central New Mexico. The ears measured from smaller than a penny to about 2 inches. They were determined to be about 5,600 years old. Colonial housewives served popcorn with sugar and cream for breakfast. Some colonists used a cylinder of thin sheet-iron that revolved on an axle in front of the fireplace to make popped corn. In 1885, Charles Cretors of Chicago, Illinois, invented the first popcorn machine. Street vendors were soon pushing steam or gas-powered poppers through fairs, parks, and public exhibitions. Today much of the popcorn you buy at movies and fairs is popped in machines manufactured by the Cretors family. Americans eat more than 17 billion quarts of popcorn a year, an average of 60 quarts per person per year. As the result of an elementary school project, popcorn became the official state snack food of Illinois. January 19 is National Popcorn Day, and October is National Popcorn Month.

Questions: 1. Where are the most popcorns grown? 2. Who discovered popcorn? 3. When is National Popcorn Day celebrated? 4. When did Hernando Cortes first see popcorn? 5. With what did colonial housewives serve

popcorn for breakfast? 6. Who invented first popcorn machine? 7. Which is the National Popcorn month? 8. Find a word from the passage which means ‘of

indigenous origin of growth’.