GSEB Class 10 English Supplementary Solutions Chapter 14 The Summit Within

Read the passage and answer the questions.

(1) The emotions arose through me as I stood on the summit of Everest. I looked over miles of panorama below us and exclaimed, “It's all over!” Instead of being happy, there was a shade of sadness because I had already done the ultimate in climbing. There would be nothing higher to climb. All roads hereafter would lead down.

Memory of climbing the summit of Everest lasts a lifetime. The experience changes you completely. After getting down from the summit, the physical tiredness had gone. I asked myself: "Why had I climbed Everest ?” A question came in my mind, "Why do people climb mountains ?” Others have said, “Because it is there.” It presents great difficulties. Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles in climbing a mountain. A climb to a summit means tolerance, hard work and will power. The demonstration of these qualities is very exciting. [Page 61]

Question 1. Which mountain had the author climbed ?
Answer: The writer had scaled Mount Everest.
In simple words: The author climbed Everest, the world's tallest peak.

Exam Tip: For direct questions, state the fact clearly and concisely as mentioned in the text.

Question 2. Why did the author say 'It's all over.' ?
Answer: The writer mentioned 'It's all over' because he had already reached the highest point of Everest.
In simple words: He said 'It's all over' because he successfully climbed to the very top of Everest.

Exam Tip: Explain the reason or cause clearly, using "because" to link the action and its motive.

Question 3. Why was the author a little sad ?
Answer: The writer felt a bit sad since he had already achieved the final goal in climbing, and there was no greater height left to ascend.
In simple words: The author was sad because he had already reached the highest point, and there was nothing left to climb after that.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific emotion and its direct cause from the passage to fully answer the "why" aspect of the question.

Question 4. Instead of being happy,
Answer: Rather than feeling happy, a hint of sorrow was present.
In simple words: Instead of happiness, there was a small amount of sadness.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to phrases that suggest a contrast or alternative feeling/event, and state the actual outcome.

Question 5. What lasts lifetime ?
Answer: The recollection of ascending Everest's peak stays with you for your entire life.
In simple words: The memory of climbing Mount Everest lasts forever.

Exam Tip: Look for phrases like "lasts a lifetime" or similar expressions in the passage to find the specific answer.

Question 6. What changes you completely ?
Answer: The adventure of reaching Everest's top transforms you entirely.
In simple words: The experience of climbing to the top of Everest changes you completely.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific event or experience that the passage describes as having a complete transformative effect.

Question 7. What does man take delight in ?
Answer: People find pleasure in conquering challenges while ascending a mountain.
In simple words: Man enjoys overcoming difficulties when climbing mountains.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific action or process that the passage highlights as a source of enjoyment.

Question 8. What qualities are needed to climb to a summit ?
Answer: Endurance, diligence, and determination are required to ascend to a peak.
In simple words: You need tolerance, hard work, and will power to climb to a summit.

Exam Tip: List all the qualities mentioned in the passage directly and precisely.

(2) From my childhood I have been attracted by mountains. I was unhappy, lost being away from them. Mountains have nature, beauty, majesty and great challenges. It takes the last drop of one's energy. It is a tough struggle with rock and ice. Once taken up, it cannot be given up halfway even at the cost of life.

When the summit is climbed, there is a feeling of victory and of happiness. Seeing a peak, I feel an inner change in myself. By its beauty, loneliness, might and uneven slopes the peak draws me to it. Everest is not just a physical climb. The man who has been to the mountain-top becomes conscious in a special manner of his own smallness. It is a unique achievement and a sense of fulfilment. It is the eternal love for adventure in man. [Pages 61-62]

Question 1. What does the author say about his love for mountains?
Answer: The writer mentions that he has loved mountains since he was a child, feeling sad and lost when he was apart from them.
In simple words: The author has been drawn to mountains since childhood and felt unhappy when away from them.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the author's long-standing connection and feelings towards mountains as described.

Question 2. What do the mountains have ?
Answer: Mountains possess natural scenery, allure, grandeur, and significant difficulties.
In simple words: Mountains have nature, beauty, majesty, and great challenges.

Exam Tip: List all the distinct characteristics of mountains that the passage attributes to them.

Question 3. Climbing a mountain is a tough
Answer: Ascending a mountain involves a difficult fight against rocks and ice.
In simple words: Climbing a mountain is a tough struggle with rock and ice.

Exam Tip: Complete the sentence using the exact descriptive phrase from the passage.

Question 4. What does the author say about taking up mountain climbing ?
Answer: The writer states that once you begin mountain climbing, you cannot abandon it halfway, even if it puts your life at risk.
In simple words: The author says that once you start mountain climbing, you cannot give it up halfway, even if it costs your life.

Exam Tip: Highlight the author's strong stance on the commitment required for mountain climbing.

Question 5. What happens when the summit is climbed ?
Answer: Reaching the peak brings a sense of triumph and joy.
In simple words: When the summit is climbed, there is a feeling of victory and happiness.

Exam Tip: Focus on the immediate feelings or outcomes described right after reaching the summit.

Question 6. What does the author feel when he sees a peak ?
Answer: Upon seeing a peak, the writer senses a deep personal transformation.
In simple words: When the author sees a peak, he feels an inner change within himself.

Exam Tip: Describe the author's internal reaction or change in feeling when confronted by a peak.

Question 7. What draws the author to a peak ?
Answer: The attractiveness, solitude, power, and irregular inclines draw the writer towards a peak.
In simple words: The beauty, loneliness, might, and uneven slopes attract the author to a peak.

Exam Tip: Enumerate all the specific characteristics of a peak that act as a magnetic force for the author.

Question 8. What does a man who has been to a mountain-top become conscious of?
Answer: Someone who has reached a mountain's summit becomes aware of their own insignificance.
In simple words: A man who has been to a mountain-top becomes conscious of his own smallness.

Exam Tip: Highlight the specific self-realization or perspective shift that occurs after such an experience.

Question 9. Reaching the mountain-top is
Answer: Reaching a mountain's top is a special accomplishment and provides a feeling of satisfaction.
In simple words: Reaching the mountain-top is a unique achievement and a sense of fulfillment.

Exam Tip: Complete the sentence with the full description of the achievement and its emotional reward.

(3) Looking round from the summit you tell yourself that it was important. Other silvery peaks appear through the clouds. If you are lucky the sun may be on them. The surrounding peaks look like a jewelled necklace around the neck of your summit. Below, you see vast valleys sloping into the distance. It is a thrilling experience to look down from the summit. You bow down to the God. The experience of climbing the summit changes you completely.

There is another summit in your own mind. You must climb it to reach a fuller knowledge of yourself. The inner summit is fearful and hard to understand. It cannot be climbed by anyone else. You yourself have to do it. The effects of both the climbs are the same. They teach you much about the world and yourself. The internal summits are higher than Everest. [Page 62]

Question 1. What do the surroundings peak look like ?
Answer: The nearby peaks resemble a decorative necklace made of jewels around the main summit.
In simple words: The surrounding peaks look like a jewelled necklace around the neck of your summit.

Exam Tip: Use the specific metaphor given in the passage to describe the appearance of the surrounding peaks.

Question 2. What do you feel when you look down from the summit ?
Answer: Looking down from the peak is an exciting experience, and you feel as if you are humbling yourself before the Divine.
In simple words: When you look down from the summit, it is a thrilling experience, and you feel like you are bowing down to God.

Exam Tip: Capture both the emotional (thrilling) and spiritual (bowing to God) aspects of looking down from the summit.

Question 3. What changes you completely ?
Answer: The act of ascending the summit transforms you entirely.
In simple words: The experience of climbing the summit changes you completely.

Exam Tip: Reiterate the transformative power of the summit climbing experience.

Question 4. What is the other summit that the author is talking about ?
Answer: The other peak the writer discusses is the one located within our own thoughts.
In simple words: The other summit the author talks about is the summit in our own mind.

Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between the physical Everest and the metaphorical "inner summit."

Question 5. Why must we climb the summit of our own mind ?
Answer: We need to ascend the peak within our own minds to gain a more complete understanding of who we are.
In simple words: We must climb the summit in our own mind to reach a fuller knowledge of ourselves.

Exam Tip: Explain the purpose of climbing the inner summit—self-discovery and profound self-knowledge.

Question 6. What does the author say about the inner summit ?
Answer: The writer states that the inner peak is daunting and difficult to comprehend, and only you can ascend it yourself.
In simple words: The author says that the inner summit is fearful and hard to understand, and it cannot be climbed by anyone else but yourself.

Exam Tip: Describe the challenging and personal nature of the inner summit as highlighted by the author.

Question 7. What are the effects of both the climbs ?
Answer: Both types of climbs have similar results – they provide significant lessons about the world and your own self.
In simple words: The effects of both the physical and inner climbs are the same – they teach you much about the world and yourself.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the shared outcome of both external and internal climbs, focusing on knowledge and understanding.

Question 8. What is higher than the Everest ?
Answer: The peaks within our minds are greater than Mount Everest.
In simple words: The internal summits are higher than Everest.

Exam Tip: State the author's philosophical claim directly, highlighting the superiority of inner challenges.

Vocabulary Recognition

Select the word having the nearest meaning.

Question 1. summit
(a) meeting
(b) length
(c) height
(d) peak
Answer: (d) peak
In simple words: The word "summit" means the very top point of something, like a mountain. So, "peak" is the closest meaning.

Exam Tip: For vocabulary questions, consider all options and choose the one that is a direct or very close synonym for the given word.

Question 2. ultimate
(a) last
(b) first
(c) warning
(d) notice
Answer: (a) last
In simple words: "Ultimate" refers to the final or most extreme point. "Last" captures this meaning most accurately.

Exam Tip: Understand that "ultimate" often implies a finality or a highest degree, making "last" a suitable synonym.

Question 3. difficulty
(a) easiness
(b) trouble
(c) pain
(d) ache
Answer: (b) trouble
In simple words: "Difficulty" means something that is hard to do or causes problems. "Trouble" shares this meaning.

Exam Tip: When evaluating options, think about situations where both words could be used interchangeably to ensure they are true synonyms.

Question 4. overcome
(a) overrun
(b) overtake
(c) lose
(d) defeat
Answer: (d) defeat
In simple words: To "overcome" means to successfully deal with or conquer a problem or opponent. "Defeat" means to win a victory over someone or something.

Exam Tip: Consider the outcome of the action; "overcome" implies a positive result against an adversary, similar to "defeat" in the context of winning.

Question 5. obstacle
(a) direction
(b) observation
(c) object
(d) difficulty
Answer: (d) difficulty
In simple words: An "obstacle" is something that blocks or hinders progress. This is closely related to a "difficulty" or challenge.

Exam Tip: Think of "obstacle" as a barrier or impediment, which directly translates to a form of difficulty.

Question 6. will power
(a) strength of body
(b) strength of mind
(c) strength of power
(d) strength of limbs
Answer: (b) strength of mind
In simple words: "Will power" is the ability to control yourself and stay determined, which comes from the strength of your mind.

Exam Tip: Connect "will power" to mental fortitude and determination, which are functions of the mind.

Question 7. tough
(a) difficult
(b) easy
(c) simple
(d) common
Answer: (a) difficult
In simple words: "Tough" means strong, resilient, or hard to do. "Difficult" is the most direct synonym for something that is not easy.

Exam Tip: Remember that "tough" can mean physically strong or challenging; in the context of a task, "difficult" is the best fit.

Question 8. uneven
(a) not in level
(b) not in slope
(c) not in shape
(d) not in fom
Answer: (a) not in level
In simple words: "Uneven" describes a surface or quality that is not smooth or flat. "Not in level" perfectly captures this meaning.

Exam Tip: Visualize what "uneven" looks like; it means there are variations in height or smoothness, hence "not in level."

Question 9. conscious
(a) know
(b) ignorant
(c) aware
(d) unaware
Answer: (c) aware
In simple words: To be "conscious" means to be awake and knowing about something. "Aware" shares this exact meaning.

Exam Tip: "Conscious" relates to one's state of mind and perception, making "aware" a precise synonym.

Question 10. unique
(a) normal
(b) common
(c) one of its own
(d) one of its kind
Answer: (d) one of its kind
In simple words: "Unique" means being the only one of its type or having no equal. "One of its kind" clearly conveys this special quality.

Exam Tip: Focus on the exclusivity implied by "unique"; it signifies something singular and distinct from all others.

Question 11. achievement
(a) victory
(b) result
(c) success
(d) failure
Answer: (c) success
In simple words: An "achievement" is something important that you succeed in doing. "Success" is the most direct synonym.

Exam Tip: "Achievement" highlights the accomplishment of a goal, which is synonymous with "success."

Question 12. fulfillment
(a) affection
(b) satisfaction
(c) fining
(d) emptiness
Answer: (b) satisfaction
In simple words: "Fulfillment" means a feeling of happiness and satisfaction because you are doing what you want or need. "Satisfaction" is the closest meaning here.

Exam Tip: "Fulfillment" is associated with a deep sense of contentment and meeting one's potential, aligning well with "satisfaction."

Question 13. eternal
(a) brief
(b) short-lived
(c) everlasting
(d) temporary
Answer: (c) everlasting
In simple words: "Eternal" means lasting or existing forever; without end. "Everlasting" is a perfect synonym.

Exam Tip: Understand that "eternal" refers to timelessness and unending duration, directly matching "everlasting."

Question 14. companion
(a) guide
(b) opponent
(c) enemy
(d) friend
Answer: (d) friend
In simple words: A "companion" is a person with whom one spends time or travels. This definition directly matches "friend."

Exam Tip: "Companion" implies a close associate or fellow traveler, making "friend" the most appropriate synonym among the options.

Question 15. thrilling
(a) boring
(b) exciting
(c) frightening
(d) chilling
Answer: (b) exciting
In simple words: "Thrilling" means causing a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure. "Exciting" is its direct synonym.

Exam Tip: Recognize "thrilling" as an intensifier for excitement, so "exciting" is the most fitting word.

Question 16. fearful
(a) scared
(b) brave
(c) tough
(d) strong
Answer: (a) scared
In simple words: "Fearful" means feeling or showing fear or anxiety. "Scared" is a direct synonym for this feeling.

Exam Tip: "Fearful" is an adjective describing a state of being afraid, which is precisely what "scared" means.

The Summit Within Summary in Gujarati

ભાષાંતર જેવો હું એવરેસ્ટના શિખર પર ઊભો રહ્યો કે એકાએક ભાવાવેશમાં આવી ગયો. અમારી નીચેના માઈલોમાં પથરાયેલા વિશાળ વિસ્તાર પર મેં નજર કરી અને મોટેથી બોલી ઊઠ્યો, “કામ પૂરું થયું !” આનંદ થવાને બદલે થોડી ઉદાસી ફરી વળી કારણ કે પર્વતારોહણના અંતિમ ચરણ પરે હું પહોંચી ગયો હતો. આનાથી વધારે ઊંચે ચડવા જેવું કંઈ નથી. હવે પછીના બધા રસ્તાઓ નીચે લઈ જશે, એવરેસ્ટના શિખર પર ચડવાની સ્મૃતિ જીવનભર યાદ રહે છે. આ અનુભવ તમને સાવ બદલી નાખે છે.

શિખર પરથી ઊતરી ગયા પછી શારીરિક થાક તો ઊતરી ગયો હતો. મેં જ પ્રશ્ન કર્યો, “હું શા માટે એવરેસ્ટ ચડ્યો હતો?' મારા મનમાં જ પ્રશ્ન ઊડ્યો, “લોકો શા માટે પર્વતારોહણ કરે છે?” બીજાઓએ કહ્યું છે,

“કારણ કે તે (પર્વત) છે.” તેમાં ઘણી મુશ્કેલી હોય છે, પર્વતારોહણમાં પડતી અડચણો પર વિજય મેળવવામાં લોકોને આનંદ આવે છે. શિખર સર કરવું એટલે સહનશક્તિ, સખત પરિશ્રમ અને મનોબળ. આ ગુણોનું નિદર્શન ખૂબ ઉત્તેજક હોય છે.

મારા બાલ્યકાળથી મને પર્વતો પ્રત્યે આકર્ષણ રહ્યું છે. પર્વતોથી દૂર થવાથી હું દુઃખી અને ખોવાયેલો રહેતો. પર્વતોમાં પ્રકૃતિ, સૌંદર્ય, ભવ્યતા અને મોટા પડકારો રહેલાં છે. એ (પર્વતારોહણ) તમારી ઊર્જાનું છેલ્લું બુંદ શોષી લે છે. એ (પર્વતારોહણ) ખડક અને બરફ સાથેનો સખત સંઘર્ષ છે. એક વાર સ્વીકાર કર્યા પછી જીવનના ભોગે પણ તે કામ અર્થેથી છોડી શકાતું નથી.

જ્યારે શિખર પર ચડી જઈએ છીએ ત્યારે વિજય અને આનંદની લાગણી થાય છે. શિખર જોઈને મને મારામાં આંતરિક પરિવર્તનનો ભાવ થાય છે. તેના સૌંદર્ય, તેની એકલતા, તેની તાકાત, અને ઊંચા-નીચા ઢાળવાળા પ્રદેશથી તે શિખર મને તેના તરફ આકર્ષે છે.

એવરેસ્ટ(નું ચડાણ) એ ફક્ત એક શારીરિક ચડાણ નથી. જે વ્યક્તિ પર્વતના શિખર પર પહોંચે છે. તે પોતાની ક્ષુદ્રતા પ્રત્યે વિશિષ્ટ રીતે સભાન થાય છે. એ એક અજોડ સિદ્ધિ છે અને આત્મસંતોષનો ભાવ છે. માણસમાં સાહસ પ્રત્યેનો શાશ્વત પ્રેમ છે. લાક્ષણિક આરોહણ એટલે શું? બીજા આરોહક સાથે તમે દોરડાને પકડી રાખો છો. તે કઠણ બરફમાં પગથિયાં કરે છે. પછી એ દોરડું બેસાડે છે અને તમે ત્યાંથી ઉપર ચડો છો. દરેક ડગલે તમે ઊર્જાનું એક-એક બુંદ વાપરો છો. શ્વાસોચ્છવાસની તકલીફ પડે છે.

કોઈ કોઈ વાર તો તમને પાછા ફરી જવાની લાગણી થઈ આવે છે. ઉપર જવા કરતાં નીચે જવામાં ખૂબ રાહત થાય. પણ તમારામાં એક એવું તત્ત્વ પડેલું છે જે તમને આફતોનો સામનો કરવામાંથી પીછે હઠ કરવા દેતું નથી. અને તમે આગળ ને આગળ જતા રહો છો. તમારા સાથીદાર તમારી સાથે રહે છે. બીજા પચાસ કે સો ફૂટ, કદાચ હોય. તમે

સ્વગત પૂછો. ક્યાંય અંત નથી? તમે તમારા સાથીદાર સામે જુઓ છો અને તે તમારી સામે જુએ છે. તમે પરસ્પરમાંથી પ્રેરણા મેળવો છો અને પછી, તમે શિખર પર છો. શિખર પરથી આસપાસ નજર કરતાં તમે તમારી જાતને સ્વગત કહો છો કે એ મહત્ત્વનું હતું. બીજા રૂપેરી શિખરો વાદળાંની આરપાર દેખાય છે.

તમે જો નસીબદાર હશો તો તેમના પર સૂર્ય (પ્રકાશ) હશે. આસપાસનાં શિખરો તમારા શિખરના ગળામાં હીરે મઢેલા હાર જેવાં શોભે છે. નીચે દૂર દૂર સુધી ઢળતી વિશાળ ખીણો તમને દેખાય છે. શિખર પરથી નીચે જોવું એ એક રોમાંચક અનુભવ છે. તમે ઈશ્વરને નમી પડો છો.

શિખર પર ચડવાનો અનુભવ તમને સાવ બદલી નાખે છે. તમારા મનમાં બીજું એક શિખર છે. તમારી જાતનું સંપૂર્ણ જ્ઞાન મેળવવા માટે તમારે તે શિખર પર ચડવું જોઈએ. આંતરિક શિખર ડરામણું અને સમજવામાં અઘરું છે. એ શિખર પર બીજું કોઈ ચડી શકે નહિ. તમારે જાતે જ તે ચડવું પડે છે. બંને (શિખરો) ચડવાની અસર સરખી જ છે. એ (શિખરો) તમને વિશ્વ અને તમારી જાત વિશે ઘણું શીખવી

જાય છે. મનુષ્યના મનમાં રહેલાં શિખરો એવરેસ્ટ કરતાં ઘણાં ઊંચાં છે. “સ્વ” પર વિજય, એ વિશ્વ પર વિજય છે.

Word Meanings

summit (સમિટ) શિખર

panorama (પૅનરામ) આસપાસનો પ્રદેશ

to exclaim (ઈક્સક્લેમ) આનંદથી ઉદ્ગાર કાઢવો

ultimate (અલ્ટિમિટ) અંતિમ

to lead (લીડ) -ની તરફ લઈ જવું

memory (મેમરિ) યાદ

to last (લાસ્ટ) ટકવું, ચાલવું

lifetime (લાઈફટાઈમ) જીવન, આયુષ્ય

experience (ઈક્સપિઅરિઅન્સ) અનુભવ

difficulty (ડિફિકલ્ટિ) મુશ્કેલી

to overcome (ઓવરકમ) -ની ઉપર પ્રભુત્વ મેળવવું, જીતવું

obstacle (ઑબ્સ્ટકલ) વિઘ્ન, નડતર

tolerance (ટૉલરન્સ) સહન કરવાની શક્તિ

will power (વિલ-પાવર) આત્મબળ, મનોબળ

quality (ક્વૉલિટિ) ગુણવત્તા

majesty (મૅજિસ્ટિ) ભવ્યતા

tough (ટફ) મુશ્કેલ

struggle (સ્ટ્રગલ) લડત, ઝઝૂમવું

victory (વિક્ટરિ) જીત, વિજય

inner (ઈનર) આંતરિક

uneven (અનઈવન) ઊંચું-નીચું

slope (સ્લોપ) ઢાળ

conscious (કૉન્શસ) વાકેફ, સભાન

smallness (સ્મૉલનસ) ક્ષુદ્રતા

unique (યુનિક) વિશિષ્ટ, અજોડ

achievement (અચીવમન્ટ) સિદ્ધિ

fulfilment (ફુલફિલમન્ટ) આત્મસંતોષ

eternal (ઈટરનલ) શાશ્વત

adventure (ઍડ્વેન્ચર) આરોહણ

typical (ટિપિકલ) લાક્ષણિક

rope (રોપ) દોરડું

relief (રિલિફ) રાહત

companion (કમ્પેન્યન) સાથીદાર

inspiration (ઈનસ્પિરેશન) પ્રેરણા

silvery (સિલ્વરિ) ચાંદી જેવું ચમકતું

jewelled (જુઅલ્ડ) હીરે મઢેલું

valley (વૅલિ) ખીણ

thrilling (થ્રિલિંગ) રોમાંચક

knowledge (નૉલિજ) જ્ઞાન

fearful (ફિઅરફુલ) ડરામણું

internal (ઈન્ટરનલ) આંતરિક

Phrases

(1) to take delight in (ટેક ડિલાઈટ ઈન) –માં આનંદ થવો/લેવો

(2) to be attracted by (બી અટ્રેક્ટડ બાઈ) -થી આકર્ષાવું

(3) at the cost of (ઍટ ધ કૉસ્ટ ઑવ્) –ના ભોગે

(4) to draw (something) to (ડ્રો (સમથિંગ) ૨) ને તરફ ખેંચવું

(5) to share with (શેઅર વીધ) -ની સાથે વહેંચવું

(6) to keep up with (કીપ અપ વીથ) –ની સાથે રહેવું

(7) to draw from (ડ્રો ફ્રૉમ) -માંથી લેવું

(8) to appear through (અપિઅર થૂ) -માંથી દેખાવું

(9) to look down from (લૂક ડાઉન ફ્રૉમ) -થી નીચે જોવું