GSEB Class 12 English Solutions Unit 4 Read 2 Blind, Deaf Fish

 

Question 1. Fill in the blanks.
A dark river flows from a dark cave. Its banks are stony. An old man is sitting on its bank. He is weaving a yam of rainbow. He is humming a song. But the fish does not see yarn or man. It does not hear the old man's everlasting song. She is blind and deaf.
Answer: A deep river runs from a mysterious cave. Its edges are rocky. An elderly man is positioned on its side. He is fabricating a strand of rainbow colors. He is gently singing a melody. However, the aquatic creature cannot perceive the thread or the individual. It does not perceive the man's eternal music. This creature is sightless and hearing-impaired.
In simple words: The passage describes a serene natural scene with an old man creating a rainbow yarn and humming, but the fish is unaware of it because it is blind and deaf. This highlights the limited perception of the fish to its surroundings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on accurately identifying the context words that complete the blanks, ensuring the narrative flow remains consistent and meaningful.

 

Question 2. Complete the table. Write a detailed description and its importance.

	Description
cave	It is dark. A river flows in it.
river	It flows in the dark cave. Its banks are stony.
bank	The bank of the dark river is stony. A very old man is sitting on it.
man	The man is very old even older than the sun. He is sitting on the stony bank of the dark river.
fish	The fish is blind and deaf. It swims in the stream. It does not see yarn or man. It does not hear the man's everlasting song.
song	The song sung by the old man is everlasting.

Answer:

Element	Detailed Description
Cave	This enclosed space is characterized by profound darkness, and a river flows through its depths.
River	The river originates and moves within the dark cave, and its bordering edges are composed of rough, rocky material.
Bank	The riverside alongside the dark river is rugged and stone-laden. An aged individual is seated there.
Man	This individual is extremely elderly, described as being even more ancient than the sun itself. He occupies a seat on the rocky bank of the dark river.
Fish	The fish lacks both sight and hearing. It navigates the currents of the stream without perceiving the colorful yarn or the presence of the man. It also fails to register the man's eternal melody.
Song	The melody produced by the aged man is perpetual and endless.

In simple words: This table describes various elements from the poem, detailing their characteristics such as the dark cave, stony river banks, the ancient man, and the blind and deaf fish, alongside the everlasting song.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure that descriptions are concise, accurate, and directly extracted or logically inferred from the provided text for each element in the table.

 

Question 3. There are three word-pictures in the poem: (1) The river (2) The man (3) The fish. Describe these pictures in detail.
Answer:
(1) The River: A profound cavern exists where daylight cannot penetrate. This cave is shrouded in darkness and appears enigmatic. It functions as the origin point of a river, from which water continuously streams forth and descends onto the rocks.
(2) The Man: The individual is exceptionally old, depicted as being even older than the sun. He is engaged in crafting a multicolored yarn and softly singing a tune. He delivers an unending melody.
(3) The Fish: The fish is navigating through the stream. It is devoid of sight and hearing. Consequently, it neither observes the colorful yarn being woven by the old man nor the man himself, who is also singing a timeless song.
In simple words: The river flows mysteriously from a dark cave, representing life's unknown origins. The old man symbolizes an eternal presence, creating and singing. The fish, being blind and deaf, represents ignorance of the profound natural world around it.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing literary "word-pictures," focus on sensory details and implied meanings to fully convey the imagery presented in the poem.

 

Question 4. The fish is alive but unable to enjoy the world around. Can there be persons like this fish? They are insensitive to beauty, colours, life, etc. They are just busy in routine and food. Are you a fish? Do you absorb your world with all your senses and sensibilities? How do you enjoy life? Write in detail considering these questions: What is your routine? What would you like to see/enjoy?
Answer: I begin my day by engaging in mundane tasks such as brushing my teeth, bathing, eating breakfast, and then preparing for my professional responsibilities. My workday involves performing repetitive duties. Within this monotonous cycle, I often overlook opportunities for enjoyment. I have a strong affinity for music and sports. I derive significant satisfaction from these activities, yet I rarely find time to indulge in music or participate in sports. My daily schedule has become so unvaried, and my life so unstimulating, that I frequently experience periods of sadness or depression. If I were not bound by such constraints, I would have traveled to numerous locations, interacted with more individuals, listened to my preferred music, and engaged in sports to elevate my mood.
In simple words: Many people, like the fish, are alive but too caught up in routine to truly appreciate the world's beauty. The answer reflects on a personal experience of monotonous life and the desire to break free to enjoy travel, music, and sports, highlighting a common human challenge of balancing routine with sensory engagement.

🎯 Exam Tip: For introspective questions like this, provide a personal yet relatable reflection, demonstrating an understanding of the metaphor by connecting it to real-life experiences and aspirations.

 

Question 5. Join 'A' with 'B' so as to find the deeper meaning in the poem.

'A'	'B'
1. cave	a. the creator
2. rainbow	b. man
3. fish	c. insensitive, routine
4. old man	d. beauty
5. river	e. dark
6. blind deaf	f. mystery

Answer: The correct pairings are: (1-e), (2-d), (3-b), (4-a), (5-f), (6-c).
In simple words: This exercise links elements from the poem to their symbolic meanings, helping to uncover the deeper metaphorical interpretations intended by the poet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the allegorical nature of the poem; each physical element ('cave', 'fish') often represents a broader, abstract concept ('darkness', 'man') or human condition.

 

Question 1. Tell her I will see her in the beyond.
(a) Nana will meet Nani after death.
(b) Nani will meet Nana in the next birth.
(c) Nani should know that she was not departing forever.
(d) Nani will return first and then Nana will.
Answer: (b) Nani will meet Nana in the next birth.
In simple words: This statement expresses a belief in reunion in a future existence, specifically that Nani and Nana will be together again in their next life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to phrases that suggest continuity beyond the current life, as these often point to concepts of reincarnation or an afterlife.

 

Question 2. The shift was gradual.
(a) Step by step Nana moved away from himself.
(b) Very slowly Nana got transformed as Nani.
(c) Nana started making adjustment in the family.
(d) Gradually Nana learned to imitate Nani.
Answer: (b) Very slowly Nana got transformed as Nani.
In simple words: The transformation of Nana into Nani was not sudden but a slow, progressive change over time.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing transformations, consider whether the change is immediate or a prolonged process, as indicated by words like "gradual" or "slowly."

 

Question 3. In fact, there is more of her and less of him.
(a) Nana was mostly overpowered by the personality of Nani.
(b) Nana liked Nani more than he liked himself.
(c) Actually the family remembers Nani more than Nana does.
(d) In this story Nani's role is more than Nana's role.
Answer: (a) Nana was mostly overpowered by the personality of Nani.
In simple words: This phrase implies that Nani's personality became dominant, significantly influencing or overshadowing Nana's own identity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for clues indicating dominance or influence in character descriptions to accurately interpret statements about personality dynamics within relationships.

 

Question 4. Let him live his life any way he wants to...........
(a) Nana's likings should be fulfilled by the family members.
(b) Let us allow Nana to live rest of life.
(c) Nana should be free to live or die.
(d) The family should not worry if Nana wants to behave as Nani.
Answer: (d) The family should not worry if Nana wants to behave as Nani.
In simple words: This statement advocates for Nana's autonomy, suggesting that the family should accept his choices, especially if he wishes to embody Nani's characteristics, without concern.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify options that emphasize personal freedom and acceptance of an individual's unique behavioral expressions, especially when they diverge from typical expectations.

(A) Additional Questions And Answers

 

Question 1. The poem 'Blind, Deaf Fish' is full of metaphors. Explain the metaphors.
Answer: The dark cave symbolizes the enigmatic origin of human existence. The dark river represents human life itself, continuously flowing, yet 'dark' because its true nature remains unknown. Many intellectuals have attempted to interpret human life through various perspectives. The stony bank signifies the challenges encountered on either side of life's journey, through which human life progresses. An aged man, an eternal figure, is portrayed as the world's creator, whether God or Nature, weaving the fabric of human life with colors reminiscent of a rainbow. The blind, deaf fish embodies humanity, constantly navigating the current of life's mysterious flow, yet oblivious and unresponsive to the universal harmony, or the eternal rhythm of nature.
In simple words: The poem uses symbols like the dark cave for life's mysterious beginning, the dark river for life's unknown journey, and the stony banks for life's hardships. The old man represents a creator, while the blind, deaf fish symbolizes humanity's unawareness of nature's profound rhythm.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining metaphors, break down each symbolic element and clearly articulate its abstract representation, linking it back to the poem's central themes of life, existence, and perception.

(B) Reading Comprehension

Read the following stanzas and answer the questions:

 

(1)
In
a dark cave
flows
a dark river;
a man,
Old
as the sun-
or
older,
Weaving
a yarn
Of
rainbow
and
humming
a song.

 

Questions:
(1) What does the poet mean by 'Old as the sun or older' ?
(2) What is the old man sitting on the stony bank of the river doing?
Answer:
(1) With the expression 'Old as the sun or older', the poet refers to an individual possessing limitless longevity. It implies an eternal being, potentially the divine creator of the universe.
(2) The aged man, seated on the rugged riverbank, is engaged in creating a colorful yarn and softly singing a tune.
In simple words: The phrase "Old as the sun or older" signifies an entity of immense age, like God. The old man on the bank is weaving a rainbow-colored yarn and humming a song.

🎯 Exam Tip: When interpreting poetic phrases, consider both their literal meaning and their symbolic implications, especially when dealing with exaggerated or timeless descriptions.

 

OR

 

Questions:
(1) What kind of river is it? Where does it flow?
(2) How is the river bank?
(3) What is the old man humming?
Answer:
(1) It is a dark river, and it flows within a dark cave.
(2) The river bank is composed of stones.
(3) The old man is softly singing a tune.
In simple words: The river is dark and flows through a cave with stony banks, and the old man is humming a song.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide direct and concise answers based strictly on the details mentioned in the provided stanza, avoiding external interpretations.

 

OR

 

Questions:
(1) How is the old man?
(2) What is the old man doing?
Answer:
(1) The aged man is as ancient as the sun, or even more so.
(2) The aged man is engaged in weaving a vibrant yarn and softly singing a melody.
In simple words: The old man is extremely ancient, possibly older than the sun, and he is weaving a colorful yarn while humming a song.

🎯 Exam Tip: Combine details from across the stanza to form a comprehensive answer, ensuring all parts of the question are addressed accurately.

 

(2) But
the blind,
deaf
fish
in
that swim
the stream
See
neither
yarn
nor man,
Nor hear
his
everlasting
song.

 

Questions:
(1) Which figure of speech is used in the line, 'But the blind, deaf fish that swim in the stream'?
(2) What does the poet want to convey through the words, 'See neither yarn nor man, nor hear his everlasting song'?
Answer:
(1) The figure of speech employed in the line 'But the blind, deaf fish that swim in the stream' is Metaphor. The phrase 'The blind, deaf fish' symbolizes 'man', and 'swim in the stream' denotes living in this world.
(2) The words, 'See neither yarn nor man, nor hear his everlasting song' communicate that individuals in this world are unaware or oblivious to the ultimate power or divine presence.
In simple words: The line uses metaphor, where the "blind, deaf fish" represents humanity living ignorantly in the "stream" of the world. The phrase "See neither yarn nor man, nor hear his everlasting song" conveys that people often remain oblivious to higher truths or divine presence.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying figures of speech, look for non-literal comparisons or symbolic representations. For interpretation, consider how the literal actions of the characters reflect broader human conditions or philosophical ideas.

Vocabulary

 

Question 1. Replace the underlined word/phrase in List 'A' with a word/phrase in List 'B' indicating suggestive meaning. Write the number of the sentence in the brackets.

List 'A'	List 'B'
1. We hired the trucks to shift our household belongings.	[3] intervene
2. The basketball player was removed from the game when he did not give attention to the referee's warning.	[4] curled up
3. The manager was injured when he tried to get into a fight between two customers.	[1] cart away
4. She rolled on the couch and fell asleep.	[2] pay heed to
5. Doyle smiled at him and made a witty remark.	[6] taken aback
6. I was shocked at his rudeness.	[7] whoosh out
7. The train sped to the station with a sudden fast movement.	[5] quipped

Answer:
1. We hired the trucks to cart away our household belongings.
2. The basketball player was removed from the game when he did not pay heed to the referee's warning.
3. The manager was injured when he tried to intervene a fight between two customers.
4. She curled up on the couch and fell asleep.
5. Doyle smiled at him and quipped.
6. I was taken aback at his rudeness.
7. The train whooshed out to the station with a sudden fast movement.
In simple words: This task involves substituting underlined words or phrases in List 'A' with their appropriate synonyms or equivalent expressions from List 'B', demonstrating an understanding of context-specific vocabulary.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the precise meaning conveyed by the original word in its context to select the most fitting synonym; direct replacements might alter the nuance of the sentence.

 

Question 2. Tick mark the most logical response from the brackets to complete each of these sentences.
(1) Did the policeman ........... the old man ? (reprimand / yelled)
(2) Tom was ........... by his master for telling a lie. (thrashed / hit)
(3) Her grandfather's ashes were ........... into the Ganga. (drowned / immersed)
(4) They are only concerned with their own ........... interests. (minor /petty)
(5) The little princess ........... to her maid that her bed was badly made. (grumbled / complained)
(6) Helen got up this morning like a ........... fairy. (bright / radiant)
(7) Jackson's expression ........... from irritated to amused. (morphed / altered)
Answer:
(1) reprimand
(2) thrashed
(3) immersed
(4) petty
(5) grumbled
(6) radiant
(7) morphed
In simple words: This exercise requires choosing the most fitting word from two options to complete sentences logically, enhancing vocabulary and contextual understanding.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully read each sentence and consider the nuance of meaning for both options before selecting the word that best fits the context and tone.

 

Question 3. Join words with phrases. Write the numbers in the brackets.

Words	Phrases
1. quibbling	(4) a sudden rush of intense emotion
2. intervene	(2) come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events
3. quip	(6) a movable frame on which a corpse is placed before burial or cremation
4. flush	(9) a sudden movement accompanied by a rushing sound
5. provoke	(1) argue or complain about small, unimportant things
6. bier	(8) to give careful attention
7. cart away	(3) a clever remark
8. pay heed to	(5) deliberately make (someone) annoyed or angry
9. whoosh out	(7) take away by means of a vehicle

Answer:
1. quibbling - (1) argue or complain about small, unimportant things
2. intervene - (2) come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events
3. quip - (3) a clever remark
4. flush - (4) a sudden rush of intense emotion
5. provoke - (5) deliberately make (someone) annoyed or angry
6. bier - (6) a movable frame on which a corpse is placed before burial or cremation
7. cart away - (7) take away by means of a vehicle
8. pay heed to - (8) to give careful attention
9. whoosh out - (9) a sudden movement accompanied by a rushing sound
In simple words: This task involves matching words with their corresponding descriptive phrases to enhance vocabulary and understanding of word meanings.

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, read all options in both columns first, then systematically pair them based on the clearest definitions, paying attention to subtle differences in meaning.

 

Question 4. While reading the passage, you have come across the synonyms of these words. Find out the actual words from the read.
unimportant, rebuke, inflame, astonished, dispute, baggage, submersion, gamble, redden
Answer:
(1) unimportant - petty
(2) rebuke - reprimand
(3) inflame - provoke
(4) astonished - stunned
(5) dispute - quibbling
(6) baggage - belongings
(7) submersion - immersion
(8) gamble - stake
(9) redden - flush
In simple words: This task requires identifying the original words from the passage that correspond to the given synonyms, effectively testing vocabulary recognition.

🎯 Exam Tip: To effectively find synonyms, recall the context in which words were used in the passage; this helps differentiate between similar words and choose the most accurate match.

 

Question 5. Read the sentence and tick mark the option that best conveys its meaning more appropriately.

Example :
You people provoke and my mother has to bear the brunt.
A. My mother has to suffer the pain when she is pushed by people. (√)
B. My mother has to surrender when she is instigated by people.
C. My mother has to tolerate when she is annoyed by people.
D. My mother has to give up when she is irritated by people.
Answer: A. My mother has to suffer the pain when she is pushed by people.
In simple words: "Bearing the brunt" means enduring the main force or worst part of a negative situation, like suffering pain from others' actions.

🎯 Exam Tip: For idiomatic expressions like "bear the brunt," focus on the core meaning of suffering the primary impact or hardship, and select the option that best reflects this consequence.

 

Question 1. He would arrogantly parade into the house with his new wife.
A. When moving in with his newly wed wife into the house, he looked humble.
B. When entering with his newly wed wife into the house, he looked haughty.
C. When walking with his newly wed wife into the house, he looked shameless.
D. When marching with his newly wed wife into the house, he looked proud. (√)
Answer: (D) When marching with his newly wed wife into the house, he looked proud.
In simple words: The sentence describes his entry as a proud and somewhat showy display with his new wife.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Arrogantly parade" suggests a confident, possibly ostentatious display. Look for options that combine a sense of pride with a deliberate, visible entry.

 

Question 2. He would keep quibbling with her all the time.
A. He kept on opposing her all the time.
B. He kept on fighting with her all the time.
C. He kept on objecting over petty issues all the time. (√)
D. He kept on worrying about her all the time.
Answer: (C) He kept on objecting over petty issues all the time.
In simple words: "Quibbling" refers to constantly arguing or finding fault over minor and insignificant matters.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that "quibbling" implies arguing about trivialities, so choose the option that emphasizes disagreements over "petty issues."

 

Question 3. Nani would whoosh out a few words together from her toothless mouth.
A. Nani would blurt out a few words quickly from her toothless mouth.
B. Nani would speak out a few words softly from her toothless mouth
C. Nani would utter a few words with a hissing sound from her toothless mouth. (√)
D. Nani would articulate a few words with a loud sound from her toothless mouth.
Answer: (C) Nani would utter a few words with a hissing sound from her toothless mouth.
In simple words: The term "whoosh out" suggests a quick, forceful expulsion of air, resulting in a hissing sound when speaking, especially from a toothless mouth.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Whoosh" implies a rushing or hissing sound. Relate this to the action of speaking from a toothless mouth, where air expulsion might create such a sound.

 

Question 4. I do not want my grandchildren to be thrashed by their stepmother.
A. I do not want my grandchildren to be pampered by their stepmother.
B. I do not desire my grandchildren to be advised by their stepmother.
C. I do not wish my grandchildren to be beaten by their stepmother. (√)
D. I do not expect my grandchildren to be whipped by their stepmother.
Answer: (C) I do not wish my grandchildren to be beaten by their stepmother.
In simple words: "Thrashed" means to be severely beaten, so the speaker is expressing a desire that their grandchildren should not be physically harmed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify synonyms for "thrashed" that clearly indicate physical violence or beating, as this is the primary meaning of the word in this context.

 

Question 5. At times a petty quarrel would push them into long silence.
A. It is bad that small fights harm ! communication. (√)
B. It is bad that a trifling quarrel results from serious provocation.
C. It is bad that an insignificant fight would result in long arguments.
D. It is bad that a small quarrel ends up in long discussions.
Answer: (A) It is bad that small fights harm communication.
In simple words: Even minor disputes can lead to prolonged periods of no communication, indicating that even small conflicts can significantly damage relationships.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the consequence described – "long silence" – and link it to the negative impact of "petty quarrels" on "communication."

 

Question 6. Underline the proper word from the brackets and mark its proper place by the sign.

Example: I went to Hardwar for the immersion of the ashes of my grandfather. (immersion / impression)

 

Question 1. (1) I was taken aback by her assumption that I knew all about her domestic misfortune. (taken aback/ scooped)
Answer: I was taken aback by her assumption that I knew all about her domestic misfortune.
In simple words: "Taken aback" means to be surprised or shocked by something.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Taken aback" implies surprise or shock, fitting the context of being unexpectedly confronted with an assumption; "scooped" would not make sense here.

 

Question 2. (2) She received a strong reprimand when she lost her mother's diamond necklace. (flush / reprimand)
Answer: She received a strong reprimand when she lost her mother's diamond necklace.
In simple words: "Reprimand" means a formal expression of disapproval, which is appropriate for losing a valuable item.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Reprimand" clearly means a stern rebuke, which is a logical consequence for losing a valuable item like a diamond necklace, unlike "flush."

 

Question 3. (3) Her frustrated despair morphed into mockery. (quipped / morphed)
Answer: Her frustrated despair morphed into mockery.
In simple words: "Morphed" means to transform or change form, indicating that despair gradually changed into mockery.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Morphed" accurately describes a transformation from one emotional state to another, whereas "quipped" refers to making a witty remark and doesn't fit the context of despair changing.

 

Question 4. (4) For a moment Lisa was too stunned to say anything. (stunned / curled up)
Answer: For a moment Lisa was too stunned to say anything.
In simple words: "Stunned" means to be so surprised or shocked that one is unable to react or speak.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Stunned" means unable to react due to shock or surprise, which aligns with being unable to speak. "Curled up" refers to a physical posture and is irrelevant here.

 

Question 5. (5) Nicholas looked radiant into the eyes that were gazing at him, and continued to turn over the pages and read. (flush / radiant)
Answer: Nicholas looked radiant into the eyes that were gazing at him, and continued to turn over the pages and read.
In simple words: "Radiant" means shining brightly with happiness or health, indicating a positive and glowing appearance.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Radiant" conveys a sense of glowing happiness or beauty, fitting the positive interaction described, while "flush" relates to redness of the face and is less appropriate here.

 

Question 6. (6) Your constant quarrels are making things unpleasant for the petty others in the office. (petty / unburdened)
Answer: Your constant quarrels are making things unpleasant for the petty others in the office.
In simple words: "Petty" describes something as trivial or insignificant, implying that the quarrels are bothering even those who might not be directly involved but are affected by the trivial nature of the conflicts.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Petty" implies that the quarrels are minor and trivial, making the office environment unpleasant for everyone, including those indirectly affected. "Unburdened" means free from worries, which does not fit the context.

 

Question 7. Frame sentences using all the words. You may change the forms of the words if needed.

Example: Gulliver - ship - stony - sink Answer: Gulliver's ship hit the stony seashore and sank down.

 

Question 1. she - sit - garden - quiet - humming - song
Answer: She sat in the garden quietly humming a song.
In simple words: The sentence describes a person sitting calmly in a garden, softly singing a tune.

🎯 Exam Tip: When framing sentences, ensure all given words are included in a grammatically correct and coherent structure, modifying their forms as necessary to fit the context.

 

Question 2. my friend - not speak - deaf
Answer: My friend cannot speak as he is deaf.
In simple words: The sentence indicates that the friend's inability to speak is due to being deaf.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly connect the cause (deafness) to the effect (inability to speak) using appropriate conjunctions like "as" or "because" to form a logical sentence.

 

Question 3. fishing - bank - river
Answer: We went to the river-bank for fishing.
In simple words: The sentence states that the activity of fishing took place at the bank of a river.

🎯 Exam Tip: Construct a sentence that naturally integrates all given words, ensuring the activity and location are clearly expressed in a simple, direct manner.

 

Question 4. grandmother - weave - sweater
Answer: My grandmother wove nice sweaters.
In simple words: The sentence describes the grandmother's activity of knitting sweaters.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the past tense for "weave" (wove) to describe a completed action, and ensure the sentence clearly links the grandmother to the creation of sweaters.

 

Question 8. Tick mark the words nearest in meaning.

(1) stony	:	critical		rocky	✔	musical		stunning
(2) bank	:	shore	✔	account		money		river
(3) humming	:	rushing		hurling		hammering		buzzing	✔
(4) yarn	:	yawn		wool	✔	sheet		cover

Answer:
(1) stony: rocky
(2) bank: shore
(3) humming: buzzing
(4) yarn: wool
In simple words: This task matches words to their closest synonyms, testing vocabulary knowledge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the core meaning of each word and select the option that shares the most direct and accurate synonym, considering all potential alternatives.

Function (Expressing The Manner Of Action And Making Supposition About It)

 

Question 1. Here is a description of Khushwant Singh's grandmother by the writer himself. Read the following passage and observe the underlined words :
My grandmother, like everybody's grandmother, was an old woman. She often told us the games she used to play as a child. That seemed quite absurd and undignified on her part and we treated it like the fables of the prophets she used to tell us. My grandfather's portrait hung above the masterpiece in the drawing room. He did not look the sort of person who would have a wife or children. He looked as if he could only have lots and lots of grandchildren.
In simple words: The passage describes the author's grandmother as a typical elderly woman who shared childhood memories, and how her stories were perceived. It also depicts the grandfather's portrait, noting his appearance suggested he was more suited to having many grandchildren than a wife or children.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to words and phrases that create comparisons (like, as) or introduce hypothetical situations (as if), as these are key to understanding the manner of action or supposition.

 

Question 2. Observing the underlined words in F.1 say whether these sentences are True or False.
(1) Writer's grandmother was a younger one unlike everybody's grandmother.
(2) The grandfather of the writer looked like an ordinary social man.
(3) The grandmother in her childhood used to play games of children.
(4) The writer considered those games as they were real ones.
Answer:
(1) False
(2) False
(3) True
(4) False
In simple words: The statements assess comprehension of the passage, clarifying details about the grandmother's age, the grandfather's appearance, and the nature of the stories shared.

🎯 Exam Tip: For true/false questions, directly compare each statement with the information provided in the passage, looking for exact matches or clear contradictions rather than making assumptions.

 

Question 3. Read aloud these sentences and try to understand the expressions. Write down (A) for an advice and (S) for a supposition (a condition which is unreal, imagined or supposed).
(1) If I were you, I would study more. - (A)
(2) I wouldn't do that if I were you. - (A)
(3) If he were taller, he could be selected in team. - (S)
(4) If I were not in debt, I would quit my job. - (S)
(5) If I were sick, I wouldn't be here. - (S)
Answer:
(1) If I were you, I would study more. - (Advice)
(2) I wouldn't do that if I were you. - (Advice)
(3) If he were taller, he could be selected in team. - (Supposition)
(4) If I were not in debt, I would quit my job. - (Supposition)
(5) If I were sick, I wouldn't be here. - (Supposition)
In simple words: This exercise differentiates between statements that offer counsel (advice) and those that present hypothetical or imaginary situations (suppositions).

🎯 Exam Tip: "If I were you" structures typically signal advice, while conditional clauses describing unreal or imagined scenarios often indicate supposition.

 

Question 4. Here are some chits. Find out the role assigned to you in it. Perform it before the classmates. Tell one of the classmates to describe the performance using 'as if', 'as', 'like'.

Example :
(1) walk - soldier
Description:
1. Paresh is walking like a soldier.
2. Paresh walks as if he were a soldier.
3. Paresh is walking as a soldier walks.
In simple words: This activity asks students to embody a role and then describe the performance using comparative language (like, as if, as) to show how they imitated the character.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a performance, utilize "like" for direct comparisons, "as if" for hypothetical resemblance, and "as [character] walks" for mirroring a specific action, ensuring precise articulation of the imitation.

 

5. Join these sentences using expressions 'as if' and 'like'.
Example : He walks in style of a king. Virsinh is not a king.
Answer: Virsinh is walking as if he were a king.
In simple words: This exercise teaches how to combine two sentences using 'as if' to show a hypothetical comparison, indicating that someone behaves in a certain way even if they are not what they seem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the context of each sentence pair to determine whether 'as if' (for hypothetical situations) or 'like' (for direct comparisons) is the more appropriate conjunction to convey the intended meaning accurately.

 

Question 1. The rabbit sat still. It is not a toy.
Answer: The rabbit sat still as if it were a toy.
In simple words: The rabbit was so motionless that it seemed to be a toy rather than a living creature.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using "as if," ensure the verb in the dependent clause (e.g., "were") reflects the hypothetical nature, especially if the main clause states a fact.

 

Question 2. Her eyes are blazing. They are tongues of fire.
Answer: Her eyes are blazing like tongues of fire.
In simple words: Her eyes were shining with such intensity that they resembled flames.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Like" is used for direct comparisons, showing a similarity between two things. Understand the difference between "like" and "as if" for accurate usage.

 

Question 3. They met after a long time. They were strangers.
Answer: They met after a long time like strangers.
In simple words: Despite meeting after a long time, their interaction was as formal and distant as if they had never known each other.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider how the comparison ("like strangers") emphasizes the unexpected lack of familiarity or warmth in their reunion.

 

Question 4. He looked very stubborn. He didn't care at all.
Answer: He looked very stubborn as if he didn't care at all.
In simple words: His stubborn appearance gave the impression that he was completely indifferent to the situation.

🎯 Exam Tip: "As if" helps convey an inference or an appearance, linking an observable trait (stubbornness) to a presumed internal state (not caring).

 

Question 5. The shadow was approaching. It was a tiny dark cloud.
Answer: The shadow was approaching like a tiny dark cloud.
In simple words: The shadow moved closer, resembling a small, dark cloud.

🎯 Exam Tip: The use of "like" effectively creates a visual simile, comparing the movement of the shadow to that of a cloud.

 

Question 6. Nana would keep quibbling with Nani. They were two people who had just married in s the first flush of love.
Answer: Nana would keep quibbling with Nani as if they had just married in the first flush of love.
In simple words: Nana and Nani's constant playful disagreements suggested the fresh, affectionate arguments typical of a newly married couple.

🎯 Exam Tip: This sentence uses "as if" to draw a contrast: while they might have been together for a long time, their interactions had the vibrant, sometimes contentious, energy of new love.

 

Question 7. Nana became all the more irritable now. He had lost a wager.
Answer: Nana became all the more irritable now as if he had lost a wager.
In simple words: Nana's increased irritability suggested that he might have recently suffered a loss, like losing a bet.

🎯 Exam Tip: The phrase "as if" here indicates a probable cause for Nana's mood, based on an assumption about his recent experiences.

 

6. Match 'A' with 'B' and make meaningful sentences.

'A'	'B'	Answers
1. If I were a millionaire	a. I would reduce the tax	(1 - d)
2. I would have travelled all the seas	b. If I were very handsome	(2 - e)
3. I would have become a Bollywood hero	c. If I were a kite	(3 - b)
4. I would fly across the Himalayas	d. I would give a lot to charity	(4 - f)
5. If I were the president	e. If I were a dolphin	(5 - a)
6. I would catch the clouds	f. If I were an eagle	(6 - c)

Answer:
(1 - d) If I were a millionaire, I would give a lot to charity.
(2 - e) I would have travelled all the seas if I were a dolphin.
(3 - b) I would have become a Bollywood hero if I were very handsome.
(4 - f) I would fly across the Himalayas if I were an eagle.
(5 - a) If I were the president, I would reduce the tax.
(6 - c) I would catch the clouds if I were a kite.
In simple words: This exercise involves connecting conditional clauses with their most logical outcomes to form coherent hypothetical sentences.

🎯 Exam Tip: For conditional sentences, ensure correct tense usage (e.g., past subjunctive "were" for hypothetical present situations) and logical connection between the condition and its result to score full marks.

 

7. Match 'A', 'B' and 'C' with relevant expressions and frame sentences using 'as' and 'like'.

'A'	'B'	'C'
1. Rucha	A. twinkled	a. lion
2. Tarzen	B. climbed	b. stars
3. They	C. singing	c. lightening
4. Eyes	D. runs	d. Sunidhi Chauhan
5. Usain Bolt	E. roared	e. mountaineers

Answer:
(1 - C - d), (2 - E - a), (3 - B - e), (4 - A - b), (5 - D - c).

Sentences:
(1) Rucha is singing as Sunidhi Chauhan sings.
(2) Tarzen roared as a lion roars.
(3) They climbed the mountain like real mountaineers.
(4) Eyes twinkled as stars twinkle.
(5) Usain Bolt runs like lightening.
In simple words: This task requires pairing subjects with actions and suitable comparisons, then constructing sentences that use "as" or "like" to express these resemblances or manners.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between "as" (implying 'in the way that' or 'being') and "like" (implying 'similar to') for precise sentence construction, especially when describing actions or qualities.

Writing

Write a paragraph on 'My Grandparent'.

 

Question 1. Name of grandparent – age – health – how much time you pass together – do you eat together? breakfast, lunch, dinner – visit places like temple, river, garden, etc. with them - what you learn from him / her – how you express your love – what care you take of them - how they express their love to you - what care they take of you.
Answer: My grandfather, Govindbhai, is 91 years old and remains healthy and robust. He leads a simple and straightforward life, which I deeply admire. I cherish his company greatly.
When I'm away at school or with friends, he often anticipates my return with concern. In the evenings, he's usually found reading on the swing. The moment I approach, he sets aside his reading to engage in conversation with me. Even at his age, he demonstrates a keen interest in current events and global advancements.
Through spending time with me, he has become proficient in using computers and browsing the internet. He actively uses his mobile phone for various tasks, including cashless transactions. This allows him to assist my father with online shopping and bank transactions from home. He enjoys a variety of dishes, and I always ensure to dine with him, especially at dinner. He also frequently visits the garden and interacts with people his age.
Every morning, he visits the temple with my grandmother. He expresses profound sadness over the decline of values in contemporary society. He often shares stories from his youth, using numerous examples to teach me how to be a responsible citizen. Each day, he offers new insights from which I can learn.
He is exceptionally caring and plays a vital role in keeping our family united. If any misunderstandings arise, he steps in to mediate and resolve them. I, in turn, ensure he receives excellent care. Even now, he maintains his independence. If he ever needs anything, I prioritize fulfilling his requests promptly. He also shields me from my parents' or others' reprimands within the family; I appreciate his dignified manner.
In simple words: My grandfather, Govindbhai, is an elderly but active and caring individual whose simple lifestyle, wisdom, and loving nature make him an invaluable part of my family and a source of constant learning for me.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a descriptive paragraph about a person, focus on providing specific examples of their character, habits, and interactions to make the description vivid and personal.

 

Question 2. You visited an old age home in your week. Prepare a short report on it. Name - place - date - how many old persons living - what is their daily life - their problems – how you pass your day with them - what you learnt
Answer:

Visit to Jeevan Sandhya (An Old Age Home)

Ahmedabad, February 6, 2019

On February 4th, my birthday, I decided to visit an old age home with my parents. We chose Jeevan Sandhya, located near our home, for our visit. Knowing there were 60 residents, we brought a generous supply of sweet-boxes. We planned our visit for the afternoon, hoping to find most residents relaxed after their tea. Upon our arrival, some individuals were walking on the open lawn, others were enjoying swings, and several groups were engaged in discussions on various current topics.

A few residents, whose mobility was restricted due to poor physical health, were in their rooms. They were occupied with reading books or magazines or watching television. We distributed sweets and sought their blessings. The bright smiles on their faces filled me with immense joy. I sat with a few residents who were keen to share their stories with me.

I was curious about their daily routine. They wake up early, perform their morning ablutions, and gather in a large hall for prayers. This is often followed by a Yoga Session, which, though not mandatory, is well-attended. They shared that these activities provide them with significant energy for the day. Afterwards, they return to their rooms, bathe, perform 'Pooja', and read newspapers.

After breakfast, they usually have two hours of free time. Following lunch around 12:30 PM, most take a nap. Around 7:00 PM, they reconvene for a common prayer, followed by dinner. Post-dinner, most return to their rooms to read, write, or watch TV before bedtime. From my conversations with them, I learned about their resilience and perseverance through life's struggles. I also realized that honesty, diligence, and perseverance are crucial for achieving great success. As I left, my heart was filled with compassion, feeling that this visit was a truly meaningful way to celebrate my birthday.
In simple words: My birthday visit to Jeevan Sandhya old age home in Ahmedabad revealed a community of resilient elderly individuals engaged in daily routines, offering valuable lessons on life, perseverance, and the importance of compassion.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a report, include specific details like date, place, number of participants, and observations. Organize content with clear paragraphs covering daily life, problems, interactions, and lessons learned for a comprehensive account.

 

Question 3. Write a story of a movie which shows family bonding specially with grandparents like Baghban in your words.
Answer: Currently, films rarely focus on themes of family bonding. Last summer, my father brought home a DVD of "Baghban," a movie he particularly loved and often referenced. This sparked my sister's and my curiosity, so we watched it on our living room's wide-screen TV.
The story revolves around a father of three sons who has retired from his job. He dedicated his entire life to building his sons' careers, getting them married, and ensuring their stability. Now, he anticipates a happy retired life. For his birthday, he invites all three sons, their wives, and children to celebrate. However, over time, the elderly couple finds themselves forced to live separately – one with one son and the other with another.
This separation is unbearable for them, as they have never been apart throughout their married life. Their hardships begin as their sons and daughters-in-law start ignoring them. They frequently endure humiliation, but as parents, they bear it with a smile, albeit with a pang of sorrow in their hearts. In his old age, the father is compelled to seek employment to pass the time, while his wife suffers humiliation, confined to the home. A particular song depicting them talking on the phone is profoundly moving. Ultimately, both decide to run away from their homes, ready to face any consequences.
Eventually, a wealthy individual, whom they had adopted earlier in his career, discovers their plight and comes to their aid like an angel. The underlying message of the story is so poignant that watching this movie often brings tears to one's eyes. What a truly touching film!
In simple words: The movie "Baghban" tells the emotional story of an elderly couple, separated by their ungrateful children, who endure hardships but eventually find help and solace, highlighting the profound importance of family bonding and respect for elders.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a story, especially a movie summary, focus on key plot points, character motivations, and the central message to convey the narrative effectively and emotionally.

Blind, Deaf Fish Summary in Gujarati

આ કાવ્ય આ એક પ્રતીકાત્મક કાવ્ય છે. આ કાવ્યને ગૂઢાર્થ (Mystical) કાવ્યની પંક્તિમાં મૂકી શકાય. આ કાવ્યમાં કવિએ જુદાં જુદાં પ્રતીકો પ્રયોજ્યાં છે. શરૂઆતમાં એક ગાઢ અંધારી ગુફાનો ઉલ્લેખ છે, જે કદાચ રહસ્યમય માનવની ઉત્પત્તિનો સ્ત્રોત છે.

અંધકાર એ તે સ્રોત વિશે આપણું અજ્ઞાન દર્શાવે છે. તેમાંથી નીકળતી નદી એ વહેતા માનવજીવનનું પ્રતીક છે. માનવજીવન કઠીન છે, તેવું સૂચવવા કદાચ નદીના કિનારાઓને પથરાળ (Stony) દર્શાવાયા છે. જેના પર સૂર્યથી પણ પ્રાચીન “વૃદ્ધ માણસ' બેઠો છે, જે કદાચ સમગ્ર વિશ્વના સર્જક Creator)નું પ્રતીક છે.

તેના ઉપક્રમ મેઘધનુષનું સૂતર વણવું અને કદાપિ નષ્ટ ન પામનાર (સનાતન) ગીત ગાવાં એ કદાચ સર્જક(પરમાત્મા)ના સનાતન અસ્તિત્વનાં પ્રતીક છે. નદી(જીવનનો પ્રવાહ)માં તરતી માછલી એ કદાચ

Glossary (શબ્દાર્થ)

stony (adj.) (સ્ટોની) rocky-ખડકાળ
bank (n.) (બેંક) (here) slope of land adjoining a river, shore-નદીનો કિનારો
weaving (v.) (વીવિંગ) knitting-ગૂંથતો, વણતો
humming (v.) (હમિંગ) murmuring– ગણગણતો
deaf (adj.) (ડેફ) hearing impaired – બહેરો
yarn (n.) (યાર્ન) fibre, thread - સૂતર
everlasting (adj.) (એવરલાસ્ટિંગ) eternal, unending-સદાકાળ ટકનારું, સનાતન, શાશ્વત

ભાષાંતર

એક
ગૂઢ ખીણમાં
વહે છે
એક ગુપ્ત નદી
અને તેના ખડકાળ કિનારા પર
બેઠો છે
એક માણસ
સૂર્ય જેટલો
(કદાચ એથીય) વધુ વૃદ્ધ,
ગૂંથી રહ્યો છે
એક આંટી\
મેઘધનુષની
અને
ગણગણી રહ્યો છે.
એક ગીત
પણ
પેલી અંધ
બહેરી
માછલી
જે તરી રહી છે

પેલા ઝરણાંમાં
જુએ છે
નહિ તો આંટી
કે (પેલો) માણસ
કે નથી સાંભળતી
તેનું
શાશ્વત
ગીત. – આનંદ આચાર્ય