GSEB Class 11 Solutions Unit 3 Read 2 Woodman, Spare that Tree

Comprehension

Question 1. Put True (√) or False (X)
(1) This oak is wider than its height. (X)
(2) The tree is known only in the poet's village. (X)
(3) The woodcutter did not listen to the poet's appeal. (X)
(4) The roots of the oak tree have gone deep into the soil. (√)
(5) The woodcutter was invited to cut the oak tree. (X)
Answer:
(1) This oak tree is not wider than its height; therefore, the statement is false.
(2) The tree is renowned beyond the poet's village, making this statement false.
(3) The woodcutter did not disregard the poet's plea; hence, this statement is false.
(4) The roots of the oak tree extend far into the ground, confirming this statement as true.
(5) The woodcutter was not extended an invitation to fell the oak tree, so this statement is false.
In simple words: This question assesses comprehension of specific details about the oak tree and the woodcutter's actions, distinguishing accurate from inaccurate claims based on the text.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to descriptive details and character actions when determining the truthfulness of statements in a comprehension exercise.

 

Question 2. Arrange the sentences in a proper sequence according to the poem:
(1) The tree is very high. [ 4 ]
(2) It was a very famous tree. [ 2 ]
(3) It was planted by the poet's grandfather. [ 1 ]
(4) The poet passed his life in the company of that tree. [ 6 ]
(5) It is well-known in surrounding areas. [ 3 ]
(6) The poet wished to sit under the shade of the big oak. [ 5 ]
Answer:
The correct chronological order of the sentences based on the poem is:
(3) It was planted by the poet's grandfather.
(2) It was a very famous tree.
(5) It is well-known in surrounding areas.
(1) The tree is very high.
(6) The poet wished to sit under the shade of the big oak.
(4) The poet passed his life in the company of that tree.
In simple words: The sentences should be arranged to follow the story or description given in the poem, starting from the tree's origin, its characteristics, and then the poet's interaction with it.

🎯 Exam Tip: When sequencing events from a poem or text, identify key chronological markers or logical progressions to establish the correct order.

 

Complete This Table

Description	Line	Paraphrase
Poet's appeal to the woodcutter	Woodman, spare that tree	Do not cut the tree and leave it.
Poet's appeal to the woodman	Thy ax shall harm it not;	Do not harm it with your axe.
Description of the tree	That old familiar tree;	It was a famous tree.
Description of the tree's height	Now towering to the skies!	It is very tall.

 

Answer The Following Questions In One Or Two Sentences Each

Question 1. What does the poet appeal to the woodman?
Answer:
The poet, G. P. Morris, implores the woodman not to chop down the tree. The poet feels a deep obligation to the tree and shares a profound emotional connection with it, prompting his request to spare it.
In simple words: The poet asks the woodman not to cut down the tree because of his strong emotional connection and gratitude towards it.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about a poet's appeal, identify the direct request and the underlying reasons or emotions driving it.

 

Question 2. What does 'earth-bound ties' mean?
Answer:
Every tree possesses roots that are deeply anchored in the earth. Therefore, 'earth-bound ties' refers to the roots of the tree, which firmly connect it to the ground.
In simple words: 'Earth-bound ties' describes the tree's roots, which hold it firmly to the ground.

🎯 Exam Tip: In poetic contexts, interpret figurative language by relating it back to the literal elements it describes, like the roots for 'earth-bound ties'.

 

Question 3. Describe the tree in brief.
Answer:
The oak tree, which the poet pleads with the woodman not to cut, was originally planted by his forefather. It was an exceedingly ancient and massive tree, widely recognized, with its renown extending across vast land and sea.
In simple words: The tree is an old, huge, and famous oak, planted by the poet's grandfather, known far and wide.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a subject, summarize its key characteristics, such as age, size, origin, and reputation, as presented in the text.

 

Question 4. Which feelings of the poet for the oak tree appeal to you? Mark three priorities.
(1) The tree was planted by the poet's grandfather.
(2) It was planted near his house.
(3) The poet played with his sisters under the tree.
(4) He experienced the tender love of mother under the tree.
(5) It was a very huge and well-known tree.
Answer:
The three most significant priorities reflecting the poet's feelings are indicated by sentences nos. (4), (3), and (1).
(4) He experienced the tender love of mother under the tree.
(3) The poet played with his sisters under the tree.
(1) The tree was planted by the poet's grandfather.
In simple words: The poet's deepest attachments to the tree stem from memories of his mother's love, playing there with his sisters, and its ancestral connection through his grandfather.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to prioritize feelings or reasons, select the options that convey the strongest emotional or historical significance as highlighted in the text.

 

Additional Questions And Answers

Answer The Following Questions In Two To Three Sentences Each

Question 1. What is the poet's request to the woodman?
Answer:
The poet asks the woodman not to cut down the tree. He specifically requests him to spare it, refraining from touching even a single branch. He earnestly urges the woodman to let the tree remain standing and not harm it with his axe.
In simple words: The poet begs the woodman to leave the tree untouched, asking him to spare it completely and not harm it with his axe.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight all aspects of the poet's request, from the general plea to specific actions he wishes the woodman to avoid.

 

Question 2. Which childhood memories come alive in the poet's mind when the woodman is about to cut the tree?
Answer:
As the woodman prepares to fell the tree, the poet's thoughts are filled with vivid childhood recollections. He remembers playing joyfully in the shade of the enormous tree as an idle boy, and his sisters also found delight there. He recalls his mother kissing him under its branches and his father pressing his hand on its trunk.
In simple words: The poet remembers his childhood, playing under the tree with his sisters, and receiving affection from his parents there, all coming back as the tree faces destruction.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on identifying specific nostalgic moments and family interactions connected to the tree to fully answer this question.

 

Question 3. Describe the tree in three or four sentences,
Answer:
The majestic oak tree was planted by the poet's forefather. It was ancient and enormous, cherished by the poet's family, and celebrated for its widespread glory and fame. Its immense height made it seem to reach the sky, fostering a deep emotional bond with the poet.
In simple words: This ancient, tall, and famous oak tree was planted by the poet's ancestor, was loved by his family, and held great emotional value for him.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing, combine details about the tree's origin, physical attributes, and its emotional significance to the poet.

 

Question 4. Why do you think that the poet is emotionally attached to the tree?
Answer:
The tree holds significant emotional value for the poet because it was planted by his forefather. He spent his youth playing in its shade with his sisters, and it was a place where his mother showed affection and his father offered comfort. The poet's feelings for the tree are as integral as the tree's own bark, making him deeply distressed at the thought of it being cut.
In simple words: The poet is deeply attached because the tree was planted by his forefather and is a focal point of cherished childhood memories with his family, making it feel like a part of himself.

🎯 Exam Tip: To explain emotional attachment, connect personal memories and family history directly to the object in question, showing how these experiences forge a strong bond.

 

2. Poetry Comprehension

Read The Stanzas And Answer The Questions:

Question 1.
That old familiar tree;
Whose glory and renown
Are spread o'er land and sea-
And wouldst thou hew it down ?
Woodman, forbear thy stroke!
Cut not its earth-bound ties;
Oh, spare that aged oak Now towering to the skies !
Questions:
(1) For what reasons should the tree not be felled?
(2) What does the poet mean by 'its earth- bound ties'?
(3) Find out different expressions in which the poet asks the woodman not to cut the tree.
Answer:
(1) The tree should not be cut because it is ancient and familiar, and its fame is widespread across various regions.
(2) By 'its earth-bound ties,' the poet refers to the tree's roots, which extend deep into the earth.
(3) The poet uses several phrases to ask the woodman not to cut the tree, including:
- Woodman, forbear thy stroke !
- Cut not its earth-bound ties.
- Oh, spare that aged oak.
In simple words: The tree should be spared because it is old, famous, and deeply rooted; the poet uses direct appeals like "forbear thy stroke" and "spare that aged oak" to prevent its cutting.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing a poem, identify key phrases that directly convey the speaker's requests or emotions, and explain figurative language by relating it to concrete elements.

 

Question 2.
When but an idle boy,
I sought its grateful shade;
In all their gushing joy Here, too, my sisters played.
My mother kissed me here;
My father pressed my hand- Forgive this foolish tear,
But let that old oak stand.
Questions:
(1) Why is the shade of the tree called 'grateful' ?
(2) Describe the associations of the poet and his family members with the tree.
(3) Pick out the line from the stanza showing the poet's emotional attachment to the tree.
Answer:
(1) The shade of the tree is described as 'grateful' because it provided comforting shelter to the children who played beneath it, protecting them from the scorching sun.
(2) The poet and his family shared a profound connection with the old oak tree. As a boy, the poet himself played joyfully in its shade, as did his sisters. He cherishes memories of his mother's kisses and his father's reassuring hand pressed beneath the tree.
(3) The line that reveals the poet's deep emotional attachment to the tree is: 'Forgive this foolish tear'.
In simple words: The tree's shade is 'grateful' because it offered comfort to children; it's a place where the poet, his sisters, mother, and father shared loving memories, making his attachment so strong he feels tears welling up.

🎯 Exam Tip: To understand poetic descriptions, consider the feeling or benefit implied (e.g., 'grateful shade' implies it gives comfort). For emotional attachment, look for direct expressions of sentiment or personal connection.

 

Question 5. Do you remember any tree which you liked when you were a child ? Mention two to three memories connected with that tree.
Answer:
Yes, I vividly remember a massive tamarind tree from my childhood. During summer afternoons, especially, it served as our primary shelter, and we even considered it our play-house, rather than staying confined indoors. My friends and I often played hide-and-seek in its shade, climbed its branches like monkeys, and swung freely. We would also pick and eat the tamarind fruits, whose sourness would make all our faces pucker. Many birds built their nests in its branches, and cattle often sought refuge under its cool shade. For us, this tree was far more than just a tree-it was a gym, a clubhouse, and a hub for various country-popular games.
In simple words: I remember a huge tamarind tree from my childhood that served as our play-house and shelter, where we climbed, played games, and ate its sour fruits, creating many fond memories.

🎯 Exam Tip: When sharing personal memories, include sensory details and actions to make the description engaging and specific.

 

Question 6. Read any Gujarati poem about a your thoughts feelings about the poem.
ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह प्रश्न छात्रों के लिए एक गतिविधि है जिसमें उन्हें एक गुजराती कविता पढ़नी है और उसके बारे में अपने विचार और भावनाएँ लिखनी हैं। यह एक रचनात्मक लेखन कार्य है जो छात्रों को अपने विचारों को व्यक्त करने का अवसर देता है।
In simple words: This is an activity for students to read a Gujarati poem and write down their thoughts and feelings about it.

🎯 Exam Tip: For creative writing tasks, focus on expressing personal feelings and insights clearly, using descriptive language to articulate your response to the poem.

 

Vocabulary

To correct the meaning of the sentence, rewrite one of the underlined parts:
Example: In modern times, the gladiators were made to fight till the last breath of life.
Answer: In ancient times, the gladiators were made to fight till the last breath of life.

Question 1. Afforestation is the hewing down a lot of trees in the forest area.
Answer:
Deforestation is the hewing down a lot of trees in the forest area.
In simple words: The correct term for cutting down many trees in a forest is 'Deforestation', not 'Afforestation'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the precise definitions of environmental terms like 'afforestation' and 'deforestation' to avoid common misconceptions.

 

Question 2. Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, using, destroying and repairing forests.
Answer:
Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, using, renewing, and repairing forests.
In simple words: Forestry involves renewing forests, not destroying them, alongside creating, managing, using, and repairing them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to keywords that change the meaning of a definition; in this case, 'renewing' replaces 'destroying' for accuracy.

 

Question 3. Deforestation is the permanent construction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses.
Answer:
Afforestation is the permanent construction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses.
In simple words: The correct term for permanently establishing forests for various land uses is 'Afforestation', not 'Deforestation'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between terms related to forest management; 'afforestation' means planting new forests, while 'deforestation' means clearing them.

 

Question 4. Examples of deforestation include conservation of forestlands into croplands.
Answer:
Examples of regeneration include conservation of forestlands into croplands.
In simple words: Transforming forestlands into croplands is an example of land regeneration, not deforestation.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure that examples align accurately with the terminology; 'conservation of forestlands into croplands' refers to a form of land use change or regeneration, not 'deforestation'.

 

Question 5. Deforestation is the natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have been destroyed.
Answer:
Afforestation is the natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have been destroyed.
In simple words: The process of naturally or intentionally restoring destroyed forests and woodlands is called 'Afforestation'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize that 'restocking' or 'restoring' forests after destruction is a positive action, which aligns with 'afforestation' rather than 'deforestation'.

 

2. Read The Sentence And Tick The Option That Best Conveys Its Meaning More Appropriately:

Question 1. Woodman, spare that tree.
(A) Woodman is prevented from saving the tree.
(B) Woodman is instructed not to use even a branch of the tree.
(C) Woodman is prevented from cutting the tree.
Answer: (C) Woodman is prevented from cutting the tree.
In simple words: The phrase "spare that tree" directly tells the woodman to avoid cutting it down.

🎯 Exam Tip: For interpreting phrases, choose the option that most directly and accurately reflects the core meaning of the instruction or plea.

 

Question 2. It was my forefather's hand that placed it near his cot.
(A) The poet had a forefather who used a cot.
(B) The cot of his forefather always stayed near the tree.
(C) The tree was planted by the poet's forefather.
Answer: (C) The tree was planted by the poet's forefather.
In simple words: This line means the poet's grandfather planted the tree.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that "placed it" implies planting when referring to a tree's origin, especially in the context of a forefather.

 

Question 3. Whose glory and renown are spread o'er land and sea-
(A) Many people like the poet were emotionally attached to the tree.
(B) Oak trees are found everywhere.
(C) Oak tree is famous everywhere.
Answer: (C) Oak tree is famous everywhere.
In simple words: The line signifies that the oak tree's fame and reputation are widespread.

🎯 Exam Tip: Interpret phrases like "spread o'er land and sea" as indications of wide recognition or fame.

 

Question 4. When but and idle boy-
(A) The poet has never been idle.
(B) When the poet was a young boy who had a lot of spare time and no activities.
(C) When the poet liked to sleep idly.
Answer: (B) When the poet was a young boy who had a lot of spare time and no activities.
In simple words: This refers to the poet's childhood, when he had much free time and few responsibilities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Contextualize phrases within the poem; "idle boy" refers to a time of leisure and youth, not necessarily sleeping.

 

Question 5. I sought its grateful shade.
(A) The tree was grateful to the poet for using its shade.
(B) The poet always needed and praised the tree's shade for which he was grateful.
(C) The poet always had a sight of the shadow of the tree when he was a young boy.
Answer: (B) The poet always needed and praised the tree's shade for which he was grateful.
In simple words: The poet appreciated the shade provided by the tree and found comfort in it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that "grateful shade" is personification, meaning the shade was beneficial and appreciated by the poet, not that the tree itself felt gratitude.

 

Question 6. My father pressed my hand.
(A) The poet's father punished him by painfully pressing his hand.
(B) The poet's father consoled or encouraged him.
(C) The poet's father oppressed the poet.
Answer: (B) The poet's father consoled or encouraged him.
In simple words: The action indicates a gesture of comfort or support from the father.

🎯 Exam Tip: Interpret physical gestures within the emotional context of the poem; "pressed my hand" typically implies comfort or reassurance, not punishment.

 

Question 3. Match pairs of words in part A with part B appropriately and use them in the sentences of your own. Read them loud.

Part A	Part B	Sentences
mountain	government	Example: Alibhai used to travel alone in the Himalayan mountain ranges. In summer months certain areas of our state suffer a great water shortage. Air, water and food are the basic needs of human beings. Post-independence Movement brought about drastic changes in people's lives. Government should take intensive actions to regenerate degraded forests. Ever-flowing streams add a great beauty to mountain ranges. Still in some interior parts of our country railway network is not laid. State government should be stricter in the matter of forest conservation. Commercial felling of the trees should be discouraged at all costs. Rich croplands are washed away by soil-erosion. What are the sources for animal-fodder in your area?
water	felling
basic	network
post-independence	streams
degraded	shortage
ever-flowing	fodder
railway	erosion
state	range
commercial	forests
soil	needs
animal	movement

 

4. Tick Mark To The Text:

Question 1.
(1) A.branch
B. bough
C. twig
D. forest [✓]
Answer: (D) forest
In simple words: The correct option that fits the context is 'forest'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose the option that best completes the meaning or categorization based on the provided context.

 

Question 2.
(2) A. exploit
B. oppose
C. destroy [✓]
D. oppress
Answer: (C) destroy
In simple words: The most suitable choice here is 'destroy'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Select the word that aligns most accurately with the intended action or concept in the question.

 

Question 3.
(3) A felling [√]
B. conservation
C. forestation
D. reforestation
Answer: (A) felling
In simple words: The correct option to choose is 'felling'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure your selection precisely matches the context, often implying an action related to trees, like 'felling' (cutting down).

 

Question 4.
(4) A fruits
B. nuts
C. herbs
D. jam [√]
Answer: (D) jam
In simple words: The most appropriate term among the choices is 'jam'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When presented with a list, identify the item that either belongs to a specific category or completes a common phrase related to the topic.

 

Question 5.
(5) A.ban
B. resistance [√]
C. policy
D.government
Answer: (B) resistance
In simple words: The fitting word for this context is 'resistance'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Evaluate each option to determine which one logically fits the context or implies a relevant action or state, such as 'resistance'.

 

Question 6.
(6) A. mother
B. grave [✓]
C. longing
D. death
Answer: (B) grave
In simple words: The best choice to complete the intended meaning is 'grave'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the common associations or idioms when selecting from options, as 'grave' often pairs with serious or final concepts.

 

Question 5. Tick mark the word or pair of words that best completes the relationships to the given pair. Consult text for clarifying the relationship between words.

Question 1. thou : woodman :: ....... : ........ :
(a) old tree : friend
(b) thee: the oak tree
(c) the poet: hand
(d) axe: woodman
Answer: (b) thee: the oak tree
In simple words: "Thou" refers to the woodman, just as "thee" refers to the oak tree, showing a direct address in the poem.

🎯 Exam Tip: For analogy questions, identify the relationship type (e.g., direct address, possession, action-object) between the first pair to find the corresponding second pair.

 

Question 2. towering: oak :: ....... : ........ :
(a) idle : boy
(b) forgive: tear
(c) spare: tree
(d) wild-bird: sing
Answer: (a) idle : boy
In simple words: "Towering" describes the oak, just as "idle" describes the boy in the poem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for a descriptive adjective-noun relationship; "towering" characterizes the oak, similar to how "idle" characterizes the boy.

 

Question 3. thy: your :: ....... : .........
(a) you: thee
(b) thou: you
(c) you: your
(d) your : you
Answer: (b) thou: you
In simple words: "Thy" is an archaic form of "your", and "thou" is an archaic form of "you", matching the relationship.

🎯 Exam Tip: When dealing with archaic language, identify the modern equivalent to correctly establish the analogous relationship.

 

Question 4. forefather : planted :: ....... : ........ :
(a) woodman: cut
(b) poet: planted
(c) branches: bend
(d) birds : sing
Answer: (a) woodman : cut
In simple words: A forefather plants, just as a woodman cuts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the agent-action relationship: a 'forefather' performs the action of 'planting,' just as a 'woodman' performs the action of 'cutting.'

 

Function

Question 1. Mr Kotak was an employee in the Monarch Company. Though he worked sincerely, he was never promoted. He met the manager with an application in this regard but he was not heard. However gentle the manager was, he did not show any sympathy towards him. In spite of being angry, Mr Kotak tolerated the injustice. Fed up as he was, he continued working.
Answer:
This paragraph describes Mr. Kotak's situation at Monarch Company. Despite his diligent work, he faced a lack of promotion. His attempt to discuss this with the manager was unsuccessful, as his concerns were not acknowledged. Even though the manager had a gentle demeanor, he displayed no empathy. Despite his frustration over the injustice, Mr. Kotak endured the situation and persisted in his work.
In simple words: Mr. Kotak worked hard but wasn't promoted, his concerns were ignored by the manager, and despite his anger, he continued working due to the injustice.

🎯 Exam Tip: When summarizing a narrative, identify the main character, their primary actions, the challenges they face, and their emotional response or resolution.

 

Question 2. Study the table and frame sentences:

Situation	Contrast	Connector
was a barrister	remained a typical farmer	though
is old	active	although
immensely rich	miser	as
a man of honesty	never appreciated	in spite of
affected by earthquake	not lose courage	however

(1) Though Sardar Patel was a barrister, he remained a typical farmer till his death.
(2) Although Bachukaka is old, he is active.
(3) Immensely rich as Mr Kulkarni is, he is a miser.
(4) Sudesh was never appreciated, in spite of being a man of honesty.
(5) The Kutchhi people were affected by earthquake, however they did not lose courage
Answer:
(1) Despite being a barrister, Sardar Patel led the life of a typical farmer until his passing.
(2) Even though Bachukaka is advanced in age, he maintains an active lifestyle.
(3) Mr. Kulkarni, despite his immense wealth, is known for being a miserly individual.
(4) Sudesh, a person of integrity, unfortunately never received due appreciation.
(5) Although the people of Kutch were impacted by the earthquake, they bravely did not lose their spirit.
In simple words: The sentences illustrate how to combine a 'situation' and a 'contrast' using an appropriate 'connector' to form complex sentences, showing various ways to express opposing ideas.

🎯 Exam Tip: When forming sentences using connectors for contrast, ensure that the chosen connector (e.g., 'though', 'although', 'as', 'in spite of', 'however') correctly expresses the relationship between the two clauses.

 

Question 3. Collect the information of your three classmates and fill in the boxes:

Name	Situation	Contrast	Connector	Sentence
Kavita	ran fast	won race	but	Kavita ran fast but she could not win the race.
Bhavya	performed well	appreciated	though	Though Bhavya performed well, he/she was not appreciated.

 

Question 4. Write five sentences about yourself which express contrast. :
Example: I would like to give a speech in school assembly, but I have stage fright.
Answer:
(1) Although I read the paragraph twice, I still found myself unable to grasp its meaning.
(2) Despite my intelligence, I struggle with solving certain complex riddles.
(3) Despite my earnest attempts, I couldn't persuade my sister.
(4) Even though I was extremely tired, I found it impossible to achieve sound sleep.
(5) Do not compel me to eat until I'm full, or I will certainly become ill.
In simple words: These sentences use contrasting connectors (though, however, in spite of, even if) to highlight discrepancies between actions/abilities and their outcomes or feelings.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing sentences of contrast, use a variety of connectors (e.g., but, although, however, in spite of, even if) to demonstrate a flexible command of language and convey nuances in opposing ideas.

 

Question 5. Complete the following sentences using the guiding words given in the brackets:
(1) The boy didn't give up playing ....... (though, injured)
(2) ... I work for minimum wage.(though, master degree)
(3) However well Tejal performed (not get, prize)
(4) Though the police drove fast........ (thief, escape)
(5) The novel was interesting .... (but, my cousin, enjoy)
(6) ....... the match was not won. (in spite of, put in, sincere efforts, players)
Answer:
(1) The boy didn't give up playing, though he was injured.
(2) Though I have a master's degree, I work for minimum wage.
(3) However well Tejal performed, she did not get a prize.
(4) Though the police drove fast, the thief escaped.
(5) The novel was interesting, but my cousin didn't enjoy it.
(6) Though the players put in sincere efforts, the match was not won.
In simple words: These sentences are completed by adding conjunctions like 'though,' 'however,' or 'but' to link two contrasting ideas or outcomes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose connectors that logically and grammatically link the contrasting clauses, ensuring the completed sentence flows naturally and conveys the intended opposition.

 

Question 6. Rewrite the passage by filling up the blanks using the words given in the brackets (but, though, as, however, in spite of)
Answer:
Though we know that water is the elixir of life, we waste it. We admit it but we do not follow it. However easily available it is, somewhere there is a shortage of it. Important as it is for human life, we do not save it. In spite of the government's appeal to all of us to use it rightly, nobody cares.
In simple words: This passage highlights the contrast between water's importance and its waste, using connectors like "though," "but," "however," "as," and "in spite of" to show this contradiction.

🎯 Exam Tip: When filling in blanks with contrasting conjunctions, ensure the chosen word logically connects the two clauses and accurately reflects the relationship between them, whether it's concession, contradiction, or emphasis.

 

Writing

Question 1. You are planning to visit the Sundarbans. Necessary information regarding the Sundarbans is given below. Search more information from the Internet and write a letter to your friend regarding your visit to the Sundarbans.
The Sundarbans National Park
Place: West Bengal
Area: 10000 sq km
Animals: Royal Bengal Tiger, reptiles,
aquatic mammals
Plants / Tree: World's largest mangrove forest
River: Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna
Specialities : World's largest River Delta with a lot many waterways
Answer:
The Sundarbans is a distinct natural region encompassing parts of Southern Bangladesh and a smaller portion of Eastern India. It stands as the world's largest contiguous block of tidal mangrove forest. Covering approximately 10,000 square kilometers (3900 square miles), the majority of the Sundarbans lies within Bangladesh, with the remainder extending into West Bengal, India. This ecologically vital area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sundarbans Mangroves ecoregion, situated along the coast, forms the delta's characteristic seaweed fringe. It is the planet's largest mangrove ecosystem, spanning 20,400 square kilometers (7900 square miles). The Sundarbans' flora is marked by an abundance of Sundari, gewa, goran, and keora trees.

The Sundarbans covers an expansive area of 14,600 square kilometers (5600 square miles) within the vast Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta. Its reach extends from the northern reaches of Khulna District and culminates at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal, with scattered segments reaching into India's West Bengal State.
The Sundarbans offers a unique ecosystem and a rich habitat for wildlife.
In simple words: The Sundarbans is the world's largest tidal mangrove forest, located in Bangladesh and India, known for its unique ecosystem, diverse flora (like Sundari trees), and abundant wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🎯 Exam Tip: When presented with information and asked to write, ensure your answer incorporates key details, facts, and descriptions provided, even if the requested format (like a letter) is not directly supplied in the answer key.

Question 2. Write a letter to the collector of your district for saving trees.
Answer:
Chiranjeev H. Shukla
At & Post-Kada-384 305.
Ta. Visnagar,
Dist. Mahesana
To,
The Collector,
Mahesana District,
Office of Collector, Rajmahal Road, Mahesana - 384 001.
Sir,
Sub: Save Trees
This letter is to respectfully inform you that numerous trees are being cut down in the local grazing grounds (Gochar) and subsequently sold. The 'Sarpanchs' of these villages appear to have a vested interest in facilitating such actions. We have frequently reported this type of activity in our village and nearby areas. Sir, this poses a significant threat to the ecological balance. Groundwater levels are continually receding, and rainfall is becoming sparse. The felling of these trees deprives local residents of essential fuel and fodder.
Our animals are losing their natural shelters, and birds, which support human life, are also losing their habitats.
Sir, we are prepared to cooperate if you initiate an afforestation project. We are committed to regenerating forests, but we are helpless without your support. Therefore, we earnestly appeal to you to take decisive action against tree-felling and implement concrete measures for afforestation.
Truly yours,
Chiranjeev Shukla
(On behalf of the villagers in the district)
In simple words: This letter highlights the serious issue of rampant tree-felling in grazing grounds, noting its negative impact on the environment, water levels, and the provision of fuel and fodder for villagers and wildlife. It appeals to the district collector for urgent intervention to stop this destructive activity and promote afforestation.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a formal letter, ensure you include the sender's and receiver's addresses, a clear subject line, and a polite yet firm tone. Conclude with a call to action and a professional closing.

Question 3. Write a paragraph on 'Forests, the Friends of People' in about 150 words.
Answer:
A forest is a region characterized by a high concentration of trees. Forests have historically served as long-standing allies to humanity. They are an immense blessing for the Earth and represent one of the most vital components of the planet's biosphere, an invaluable natural resource.
Forest ecosystems encompass diverse living organisms, including wild animals, various trees, shrubs, ferns, mosses, lichens, fungi, and microscopic soil organisms. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's water cycle and regulating global temperature and oxygen levels through photosynthesis, thereby mitigating global warming and preventing dust storms and soil erosion.
Moreover, forests are a rich source of timber and have consistently provided products essential for human sustenance. They supply a wide array of vegetables, fruits, medicinal items, and raw materials for numerous industries.
As natural habitats for diverse wild plants and wildlife, forests offer a secure and conducive environment for breeding. Indigenous communities often depend on forests for their livelihood, and a significant portion of the Indian populace, particularly the economically disadvantaged, relies on nearby forests to meet fundamental daily necessities. The economic framework of many villages is deeply rooted in forests. Therefore, preventing the degradation of forests is paramount, as they are truly the lifeline of human existence.
In simple words: Forests are essential natural resources, offering numerous benefits like maintaining ecological balance, providing food and raw materials, and serving as habitats for wildlife. They are crucial for human well-being and the survival of many communities.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a paragraph, start with a strong topic sentence, support it with relevant details and examples, and conclude with a summary sentence to create a coherent and informative piece.

Question 1. Opposite meaning word to start with letter 'G':
(1) Lose
(2) Special
(3) Lady
(4) Take
(5) Boy
(6) Bad
(7) Little
(8) Bride
(9) Ripe
(10) Generous
Answer:
(1) Gain
(2) General
(3) Gentleman
(4) Give
(5) Girl
(6) Good
(7) Great
(8) Groom
(9) Green
(10) Greedy
In simple words: This exercise requires identifying words that are opposite in meaning to the given words, with the additional constraint that the opposite word must begin with the letter 'G'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For word puzzles like this, quickly scan through the given words and mentally list common opposites. Then, filter those opposites to find ones that start with the specified letter, ensuring accuracy and speed.