GSEB Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 8 Fire: Friend and Foe Solutions

Comprehension Check

 

Question 1. Mark the correct answer in each, of the following:
1. Early man was frightened of ...................
A. lightning and volcanoes.
B. the damage caused by them.
C. fire.
Answer: (c) fire.
In simple words: Humans from long ago were scared of fire.

Exam Tip: Always read all options carefully before selecting the most accurate one in multiple-choice questions.

 

Question 1. 2. What is fire ?
A. Fire is energy.
B. Fire is heat and light.
C. Fire is the result of a chemical reaction.
Answer: (c) Fire is the result of a chemical reaction.
In simple words: Fire happens when chemicals react together.

Exam Tip: Understand the scientific definition of fire to correctly identify its nature.

 

Question 2. From the boxes given below choose the one with the correct order of the following sentences :
(i) That is fire.
(ii) A chemical reaction takes place.
(iii) Energy in the form of heat and light is released.
(iv) Oxygen combines with carbon and hydrogen.
A. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
B. (ii) (iii) (i) (iv)
C. (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
D. (iv) (ii) (iii) (i)
Answer: (d) (iv) (ii) (iii) (i)
In simple words: The correct order is that oxygen mixes with carbon and hydrogen, a chemical reaction occurs, then heat and light energy comes out, and that's what fire is.

Exam Tip: When ordering sentences, look for logical cause-and-effect relationships or sequential steps in a process.

Working With The Text

Answer the following questions:

 

Question 1. What do you understand by the 'flash point' of a fuel?
Answer: Every kind of fuel catches fire at a certain temperature. This specific temperature is called the 'flash point' of a fuel.
In simple words: The 'flash point' is the lowest temperature a fuel needs to reach before it starts burning.

Exam Tip: Clearly define key terms like 'flash point' and provide a concise explanation to score well.

 

Question 2. (1) What are some common uses of fire ?
Answer: Fire is often used for cooking food and to keep our homes warm during the colder months. Fire also helps in producing electricity.
In simple words: Fire helps us cook, stay warm, and make electricity.

Exam Tip: List practical and common applications when asked about the uses of something.

 

Question 2. (2) In what sense is it a "bad master"?
Answer: If fire gets out of control, it can cause significant harm to our lives, homes, and property. It is considered a 'bad master' in this way because it becomes destructive when uncontrolled.
In simple words: Fire is a "bad master" because if it goes wild, it destroys lives and property.

Exam Tip: Explain the negative consequences clearly when describing why fire can be a "bad master."

 

Question 3. Match items in Column 'A' with those in Column 'B':

Answer:
(i) fuel - coal, wood, smouldering paper, cooking gas
(ii) oxygen - air
(iii) heat - lighted match, burning coal.
In simple words: Match fuel with things that burn, oxygen with air, and heat with ways to start or produce fire.

Exam Tip: Group related items logically to ensure correct matching, understanding the fundamental components of fire.

 

Question 4. What are the three main ways in which a fire can be controlled or put out ?
Answer: Fire can be extinguished by taking away the fuel, stopping the oxygen supply, or by removing heat from the fuel. These are the three primary methods to put out a fire.
In simple words: To stop a fire, you need to remove the fuel, cut off the air, or take away the heat.

Exam Tip: Remember the "fire triangle" (fuel, oxygen, heat); removing any one element extinguishes the fire.

 

Question 5. Match the items in Box 'A' with those in Box 'B':

Answer:
(i) To burn paper or a piece of wood - we heat it before it catches fire.
(ii) Small fires can be put out - with a damp blanket.
(iii) When water is spread on fire - it absorbs heat from the burning material and lowers the temperature.
(iv) A carbon dioxide extinguisher is the best thing - to put out an electrical fire.
(v) Space left between buildings - reduces the risk of fire.
In simple words: Match how to start a fire, how to put out small fires, how water works, what a CO2 extinguisher does, and why space in buildings is good for fire safety.

Exam Tip: Connect each action in column 'A' with its correct consequence or purpose in column 'B'.

 

Question 6. Why does a burning candle go out when you blow on it ?
Answer: When we blow on a candle, the warm air around the candle gets carried away, which then causes the candle's temperature to drop below its flash point. So, a candle goes out because no fuel can burn below its flash point.
In simple words: Blowing on a candle removes the heat, making it too cold to burn, so it goes out.

Exam Tip: Focus on the removal of heat and the concept of the flash point as the reason for the candle extinguishing.

 

Question 7. Spraying water is not a good way of putting out an oil fire or an electrical fire. Give reason.
Answer: Spraying water is not an effective method to put out an oil fire or an electrical fire. If water is sprayed onto an oil fire, the oil will float on top of the water and keep burning. This can be very unsafe because water can quickly spread the burning oil. Similarly, for an electrical fire, the person spraying water might get an electric shock and could be seriously harmed or even killed.
In simple words: Water makes oil fires spread and can cause electric shocks in electrical fires, so it's not safe.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the specific dangers (spreading oil, electric shock) for each type of fire when explaining why water should not be used.

 

Question 8. What are some of the things you should do to prevent a fire at home and in the school?
Answer: Some measures we should take to prevent fire at home and in school include:
(i) Being careful with flammable materials and handling them with care.
(ii) Always remembering that fire can happen in old buildings, like schools or housing complexes, because of exposed or faulty wiring. Therefore, overloaded wires should be changed with new ones, and fuses should be checked regularly.
(iii) Teaching everyone how to handle fuel, its flash point, and how to stay safe after an accident.
(iv) Making sure fire extinguishers are installed and old wiring is replaced. Keeping the fire brigade's contact number in an easy-to-reach spot is important. Regular fire drills should be held in big buildings.
(v) Never ignoring small fires, as they could grow larger. We must not store flammable or combustible items like kerosene or petrol in our homes and schools.
In simple words: To stop fires at home or school, be careful with things that burn, check wiring often, know about fuel safety, have fire extinguishers, practice drills, and never store dangerous liquids.

Exam Tip: Provide a comprehensive list of preventive measures, categorizing them for clarity (e.g., handling flammables, electrical safety, knowledge, equipment, storage).

Working With Language

 

Question 1. Read the following sentences :
To burn paper or a piece of wood, we heat it before it catches fire. We generally do it with a lighted match. Every fuel has a particular temperature at which it burns.
The verbs in italics are in the simple present tense. When we use it, we are not thinking only about the present. We use it to say that something happens all the time or repeatedly, or that something is true in general.
Find ten examples of verbs in the simple present tense in the text 'Fire : Friend and Foe' and write them down here. Do not include any passive verbs.
Answer:
1. is
2. knows
3. combines
4. needs
5. comes
6. make
7. use
8. spend
9. absorbs
10. possesses
In simple words: Identify verbs that show ongoing actions or general truths, like 'is', 'knows', 'combines', 'needs', 'comes', 'make', 'use', 'spend', 'absorbs', and 'possesses'.

Exam Tip: When identifying simple present tense verbs, look for base forms or forms ending in '-s'/'es' for third-person singular subjects, indicating habitual actions or general facts.

 

Question 2. Fill in the blanks in the sentences below with words from the box. You may use a word more than once:
carbon cause fire smother
1. Gandhiji's life was devoted to the ................. of justice and fair play,
2. Have you insured your house against ................. ?
3. Diamond is nothing but ................. in its pure form.
4. If you put too much coal on the fire at once you will ................. it.
5. Smoking is said to be the main ................. of heart disease.
6. When asked by an ambitious writer whether he should put some ................. into his stories. Somerset Maugham murmured, “No, the other way round."
7. She is a ................. copy of her mother.
8. It is often difficult to ................. a yawn when you listen to a long speech on the value of time.
Answer:
1. cause
2. fire
3. carbon
4. smother
5. cause
6. fire
7. carbon
8. smother
In simple words: Choose the best word from the box (carbon, cause, fire, smother) to complete each sentence, making sure the meaning fits.

Exam Tip: Read each sentence carefully and consider the context to select the most appropriate word from the given options, trying each word if necessary.

 

Question 3. One word is italicised in each sentence. Find its opposite in the box and fill in the blanks:
spending shut destroy subtract increase
1. You were required to keep all the doors *open*, not ...................
2. Pupil: What mark did I get in yesterday's Maths test ? Teacher: You got what you get when you add five and ten *from the total*. ................... it.
3. Run four kilometres a day to preserve your health. Run a lot more to *preserve* your health. Run a lot more to ................... it.
4. If a doctor advises a lean and lanky patient to *reduce* his weight further, be sure he is doing it to ................... his income.
5. The world is too much with us; *late* and soon. Getting and ................... we lay waste our powers.
Answer:
1. shut
2. subtract
3. destroy
4. increase
5. spending
In simple words: For each sentence, pick the word from the list that means the exact opposite of the italicized word.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the meaning of the italicized word and its context to find the best antonym from the given choices.

 

Question 4. Use the words given in the box to fill in the blanks in the sentences below:
across along past through
1. The cat chased the mouse ................... the lawn.
2. We were not allowed to cross the frontier. So, we drove ................... it as far as we could and came back happy.
3. The horse went ................... the winning post and had to be stopped with difficulty.
4. It is not difficult to see ................... your plan. Anyone can see your motive.
5. Go ................... the yellow line, then turn left. You will reach the post office in five minutes.
Answer:
1. across
2. along
3. past
4. through
5. along
In simple words: Choose the correct preposition (across, along, past, through) to fill in each blank and make the sentence correct.

Exam Tip: Consider the spatial relationship or movement implied in each sentence when selecting the appropriate preposition.

Speaking And Writing

 

Question 1. Look at the following three units. First re-order the items in each unit to make a meaningful sentence. Next, re-order the sentences to make a meaningful paragraph. Use correct punctuation marks in the paragraph:
(1) and eighteen fire tenders struggled / the fire began on Monday / to douse the blaze till morning
(2) in a major fire/over 25 shops /were gutted
(3) but property / was destroyed / worth several lakhs/no casualties were reported.
Answer:
(1) The fire began on Monday and eighteen fire tenders struggled to douse the blaze till morning.
(2) Over 25 shops were gutted in a major fire.
(3) No casualties were reported, but property worth several lakhs were destroyed.
In simple words: Arrange the jumbled phrases to create clear sentences, then put those sentences in an order that makes a logical story, using commas and periods correctly.

Exam Tip: Start by identifying the subject and verb for each sentence, then arrange them chronologically or by importance to form a coherent paragraph. Pay attention to transition words.

 

Question 2. Read the following newspaper report given in the box below:

Fire Station Goes Up in Flames
A fire chief was embarrassed when a station without a smoke alarm went up in flames. The building and a fire engine were destroyed in the blaze. Nobody was injured in the fire that was tackled by 30 firefighters in six fire engines from neighbouring towns.

Answer: Do it yourself.
In simple words: This is an activity for you to do, not a question to answer with text.

Exam Tip: For "Do it yourself" activities based on a text, focus on understanding the passage and practicing the implied skill, such as summarizing or discussing it orally.

Writing

 

Question. Write a paragraph in about 100 words on 'A House on Fire'.
Answer: It was the month of May, a very hot day. I heard a loud noise, so I got up and ran outside to see my neighbor's house on fire. The flames were rising high into the sky, making everyone afraid the fire would spread to the whole neighborhood. Many people rushed with buckets of water and bags of sand, throwing them on the fire. Many men, women, and children gathered, trying to help. Soon, two fire-engines arrived, and the firefighters started directing powerful jets of water from their pipes. They bravely went into the burning house and helped the family get out. Luckily, no one was badly burned. The fire brigade took about half an hour to put out the fire, and thankfully, no lives were lost. Whenever I recall this scene, my heart feels heavy.
In simple words: One hot May day, a neighbor's house caught fire, with flames shooting up and everyone scared. People tried to put it out with water and sand. Firefighters arrived, saved the family, and put out the fire in about 30 minutes, luckily with no loss of life. Remembering it always makes me sad.

Exam Tip: When writing a descriptive paragraph, use vivid imagery and sensory details to make the scene come alive for the reader. Organize your thoughts chronologically.

GSEB Class 7 English Fire: Friend and Foe Additional Important Questions and Answers

Select the most appropriate options as answers and complete the following sentences:

 

Question 1. Early man must have seen .................... long before he began to use fire himself.
A. volcanoes
B. lightning
C. earthquakes
D. Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: Ancient people probably saw both volcanoes and lightning before they learned how to make their own fire.

Exam Tip: Consider natural phenomena that produce fire or heat when thinking about early man's observations.

 

Question 2. To make fire .................... is / are needed.
A. fuel
B. oxygen
C. heat
D. All of these three
Answer: (d) All of these three
In simple words: To create fire, you need three main things: fuel, oxygen, and heat.

Exam Tip: Remember the three essential elements of the fire triangle: fuel, oxygen, and heat. All are crucial.

 

Question 3. 'Kindling temperature' is ....................
A. 'flash point'.
B. the temperature at which a fuel begins to burn.
C. the temperature at which oxygen is availed to produce heat.
D. Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: 'Kindling temperature' is another name for 'flash point,' and it also refers to the temperature where a fuel starts burning.

Exam Tip: Understand that 'kindling temperature' and 'flash point' are often used interchangeably to describe the minimum temperature for a fuel to ignite.

 

Question 4. Fire can become dangerous if ....................
A. we do not use it properly.
B. we do not have enough knowledge of it.
C. it goes out of control.
D. too much of oxygen is around.
Answer: (c) it goes out of control.
In simple words: Fire becomes unsafe when it is no longer controlled.

Exam Tip: The core danger of fire arises from its uncontrolled spread, causing harm and destruction.

 

Question 5. To stop fire, we need to ....................
A. take away the fuel.
B. prevent oxygen from reaching it.
C. remove heat.
D. All of these three.
Answer: (d) All of these three.
In simple words: To put out a fire, you must remove the fuel, stop the oxygen supply, or take away the heat.

Exam Tip: Recalling the fire triangle elements (fuel, oxygen, heat) helps identify all methods for extinguishing a fire.

 

Question 6. It is not .................... fire using water.
A. an electrical
B. an oil
C. a house
D. Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: It is not safe to use water to put out either an electrical fire or an oil fire.

Exam Tip: Remember the specific types of fires (electrical, oil) where water is ineffective and dangerous due to conductivity or buoyancy.

 

Question 7. Long ago to put out fire, people ....................
A. used carbon dioxide.
B. formed human chains.
C. sent for fire brigade.
D. None of these three
Answer: (b) formed human chains.
In simple words: In earlier times, people made human chains to pass water and put out fires.

Exam Tip: Focus on historical methods of fire suppression, particularly community efforts before organized fire services existed.

 

Question 8. Now the firefighters are also trained in .................... to help people suffering from burns.
A. forming human chains
B. cutting off electric supply
C. first aid
D. knocking down dangerous walls
Answer: (c) first aid
In simple words: Today, firefighters also learn first aid to help burn victims.

Exam Tip: Firefighters have multiple roles, including medical assistance for fire-related injuries like burns.

Say whether the following sentences are True or False:

 

Question 1. Early man was frightened of fire.
Answer: True
In simple words: It is true that humans from long ago were scared of fire.

Exam Tip: Consider the primitive understanding and uncontrolled nature of fire in ancient times to determine early man's reaction.

 

Question 2. Fire is the result of a chemical reaction.
Answer: True
In simple words: Fire happens because of a chemical reaction, which is true.

Exam Tip: Recall the scientific explanation of fire as a rapid oxidation process, confirming it's a chemical reaction.

 

Question 3. Fuel and oxygen do not make fire by themselves.
Answer: True
In simple words: Fuel and oxygen alone cannot make fire, which is true.

Exam Tip: Remember the fire triangle; heat is the third essential component besides fuel and oxygen.

 

Question 4. Fire is very useful as long as it is kept under control.
Answer: True
In simple words: Fire is really helpful as long as it's controlled, that's a true statement.

Exam Tip: Think about the dual nature of fire—beneficial when controlled, destructive when not—to answer correctly.

 

Question 5. Supply of oxygen means no fire.
Answer: False
In simple words: It's false to say that having oxygen means there's no fire.

Exam Tip: Oxygen is a necessary component for fire; its supply does not prevent fire but rather enables it.

 

Question 6. Carbon dioxide does not allow oxygen to reach the burning material.
Answer: True
In simple words: Carbon dioxide stops oxygen from getting to something that is burning, which is true.

Exam Tip: Carbon dioxide extinguishers work by smothering the fire, cutting off its oxygen supply.

 

Question 7. Water absorbs heat from the burning fuel and lowers the temperature.
Answer: True
In simple words: Water takes away heat from fuel that's on fire and makes it cooler, which is true.

Exam Tip: Water primarily extinguishes fires by cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature.

 

Question 8. If water is sprayed onto an oil fire, the oil will float to the top of the water and continue to burn.
Answer: True
In simple words: It's true that if you spray water on an oil fire, the oil floats and keeps burning.

Exam Tip: Oil is less dense than water, so it floats and continues to burn, making water ineffective and dangerous for oil fires.

 

Question 9. Now fire is not worshipped in any part of the world.
Answer: False
In simple words: It is false that no one worships fire anywhere in the world anymore.

Exam Tip: Consider the cultural and religious practices globally; some traditions still revere fire.

Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each:

 

Question 1. How is fire a good servant ?
Answer: Fire serves us well when it is kept under control. We use fire for cooking our food and to keep ourselves warm during the cold winter months. It is also utilized in generating electricity for various purposes.
In simple words: Fire helps us when controlled; it cooks food, keeps us warm, and makes electricity.

Exam Tip: Highlight practical and beneficial applications of fire to illustrate its role as a "good servant."

 

Question 2. Before fire brigades were formed, how people tried to put out fire.
Answer: Before fire brigades existed, people would form human chains to extinguish fires. Everyone acted as a firefighter in such situations, passing buckets filled with water from a pond or well to the person at the far end, who then poured it over the flames.
In simple words: Before fire brigades, people fought fires by forming lines to pass water buckets from wells or ponds onto the flames.

Exam Tip: Describe the communal and improvised methods used for fire fighting before the establishment of formal fire services.

 

Question 3. How have we learnt to control fire ?
Answer: Every year, we spend large amounts of money trying to find ways to stop fires from occurring. Through this effort, we have learned how to manage fire and use it for our benefit. This ongoing learning helps us better control and apply fire constructively.
In simple words: We learned to control fire by spending money to understand how to prevent it and use it wisely.

Exam Tip: Emphasize continuous research and investment in prevention and control methods as key to learning how to manage fire.

Answer the following questions in four to five sentences each:

 

Question 1. Explain with an example how can, you put out fire by cutting the supply of s oxygen.
Answer: Oxygen is one of the three crucial elements needed for a fire to start and continue burning. If we can interrupt the flow of oxygen, we can effectively put out the fire. This method is especially useful for smaller fires. For instance, if you throw a damp blanket or a sack over a small fire, it quickly cuts off the oxygen supply, causing the fire to extinguish immediately.
In simple words: Oxygen helps fire burn. To put out a fire, you can stop its oxygen. For example, throwing a wet blanket over a small fire cuts off air and puts it out quickly.

Exam Tip: Clearly state oxygen's role in combustion and provide a practical, simple example to illustrate how cutting its supply extinguishes a fire.

 

Question 2. Why can we not use water to put out some fires?
Answer: We cannot use water to put out oil fires or electrical fires because it can be dangerous. For oil fires, oil floats on water, so spraying water would cause the burning oil to spread further, making the fire worse. In the case of electrical fires, water is a good conductor of electricity. Using water could lead to the person spraying it receiving a severe electric shock, which could be fatal.
In simple words: We can't use water on oil fires because the oil floats and spreads, making the fire bigger. We also can't use it on electrical fires because water conducts electricity, risking a deadly shock.

Exam Tip: Explain the specific reasons (oil buoyancy/spread, water conductivity/electric shock) for not using water on certain types of fires clearly and separately.

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions given below them:

Fire may have puzzled early man but we now know that fire is the result of a chemical reaction. When the oxygen in the air combines with carbon and hydrogen in a fuel, a chemical reaction takes place. Energy in the form of heat and light is released in this process. This is what we call fire.

Three things are needed to make fire-fuel, oxygen and heat. Wood, coal, cooking gas and petrol are some examples of fuel. Oxygen comes from the air. That is why, when you blow on smouldering paper, it often bursts into flame. The third thing needed to make fire is heat. Fuel and oxygen do not make fire by themselves, or else a newspaper or a stick lying in the open would catch fire on its own.

Questions:
(1) When does fire take place ?
Answer: Fire occurs when oxygen from the air combines with carbon and hydrogen present in a fuel. This combination causes a chemical reaction, which then releases energy as heat and light.
In simple words: Fire happens when oxygen from the air mixes with carbon and hydrogen in a fuel, causing a chemical reaction that creates heat and light.

Exam Tip: When answering passage-based questions, directly extract the information from the text to ensure accuracy.

 

Question. (2) What process takes place in fire ?
Answer: In fire, a chemical reaction happens. This occurs when the oxygen in the air combines with the carbon and hydrogen found in a fuel source. During this process, energy is released in the form of heat and light.
In simple words: Fire involves a chemical reaction where oxygen combines with fuel, giving off heat and light.

Exam Tip: Identify the core scientific process described in the passage (chemical reaction) and its key components (oxygen, fuel, energy release).

 

Question. (3) Oxygen is very much available any time because ....................
Answer: Oxygen is always available because it is a constant component of the air we breathe. It stays in the air, making it readily accessible for various processes, including combustion.
In simple words: Oxygen is always around because it's part of the air.

Exam Tip: Connect the constant presence of oxygen in the atmosphere to its continuous availability for fire.

 

Question. (4) Fuel and oxygen do not make fire by themselves. How can you say so?
Answer: Fuel and oxygen alone cannot create fire by themselves; three components are necessary for fire to ignite: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Without any one of these three elements, a fire will not start. We can say this because if fire could be made without heat, then everything left out in the open would quickly catch fire, as fuel and oxygen are always present in the air.
In simple words: Fuel and oxygen alone can't make fire; heat is also needed. If not, everything outside would burn, as fuel and oxygen are everywhere.

Exam Tip: Refer back to the "three things needed to make fire" (fire triangle) from the passage to support the explanation.

 

Question 2. It is sometimes said that fire is a good servant but a bad master. It only means that fire is very useful as long as it is kept under control.

For instance, we use it to cook our food, warm our homes in winter and to generate electricity. But, on the other hand, if fire gets out of control it can be very dangerous. Each year thousands of homes and shops are damaged by fire. Vast areas of forest are also destroyed and hundreds of people are killed or injured.

Just as three things are needed to start a fire, there are three main ways in which a fire can be put out. In each, one of the three things needed for burning is taken away.

For example, we can take away the fuel. If the fire has no fuel to feed on, no burning can take place. We often let a fire die out simply by not adding more fuel to it.

Questions:
(1) 'Fire is a good servant but a bad master.' What does this mean?
Answer: The phrase 'Fire is a good servant but a bad master' means that fire is incredibly useful and beneficial as long as it is managed and kept in check. However, if fire becomes uncontrolled and gets out of hand, it can become extremely destructive and dangerous, causing harm and devastation.
In simple words: This saying means fire is helpful when controlled, but dangerous when it gets out of hand.

Exam Tip: Explain both aspects of the idiom: the benefits of controlled fire and the dangers of uncontrolled fire, as described in the passage.

 

Question 3.
Long ago, there were no firemen. When fire broke out, everybody became a firefighter. People formed human chains (they still do if required) and passed buckets of water from a well or a pond to the blaze. Now there are laws about building construction which ensure that space is left between buildings to reduce the fire risk. Every new building, especially a public place, must ensure observance of ' fire prevention norms.
Bands of firefighting workers with special equipment, known as fire brigades, are there to put out fires. Firefighters are highly trained people. They possess many skills. They cut off electricity supply, knock down dangerous walls, spray water and other materials to bring fire under control.
Questions:
(1) What happened when fire broke out long ago?
Answer: When a fire started long ago, everyone became a firefighter. People made human chains and passed water buckets from a well or a pond to the flames.
In simple words: A long time ago, if a fire began, everyone acted as a firefighter, passing water from wells or ponds in human chains.

Exam Tip: For historical questions, describe the actions people took and the simple methods they used before modern systems existed.

Question 3. (2) What laws are applicable in building construction now?
Answer: Rules for building construction make sure that enough space is kept between structures to lower the chance of fire.
In simple words: Current building rules require space between buildings to lower fire risk.

Exam Tip: Remember to mention the purpose of these laws – preventing fire spread and ensuring safety.

Question 3. (3) How are firefighters prepared to encounter fire?
Answer: Firefighters get special gear to deal with fires. They have many important abilities.
In simple words: Firefighters are trained with special tools and many skills to manage fires.

Exam Tip: Highlight both the equipment and the specialized training firefighters receive to effectively combat fires.

Question 3. (4) What different actions are taken to put out fire?
Answer: Fire crews turn off power, pull down unsafe walls, and use water and other items to bring fires under control.
In simple words: Firefighters stop electricity, take down dangerous walls, and spray water or other things to control a fire.

Exam Tip: List a variety of actions taken, covering both stopping the source and controlling the spread of the fire.

 

Vocabulary

 

Replace the underlined words selecting the most appropriate options from the brackets:

Question 1. (1) We have our bad times but on the whole we're fairly happy. (usually, generally, widely)
Answer: We have our tough times but generally we're quite happy.
In simple words: We experience difficult periods, but mostly we are happy.

Exam Tip: Choose the synonym that best fits the overall meaning and tone of the sentence.

Question 1. (2) In the electronics industry, for instance, 5000 jobs are being lost. (soon, after a short time, for example)
Answer: Within the electronics sector, for example, 5000 jobs are disappearing.
In simple words: For example, in the electronics field, 5000 jobs are vanishing.

Exam Tip: Look for the word or phrase that serves to introduce an illustrative case or specific detail.

Question 1. (3) I'd like a job which pays more, on the other hand, I enjoy the work I'm doing at the moment. (as another point of view, opposite to it, at the same time)
Answer: I would prefer a job that gives more money, as another point of view, I like the work I am doing right now.
In simple words: I want a job with higher pay, but I also enjoy my current work.

Exam Tip: Identify the phrase that introduces a contrasting or alternative perspective within a sentence.

Question 1. (4) Fire broke out in the mall. (damaged much, extinguished, started suddenly)
Answer: A fire started suddenly in the shopping center.
In simple words: A fire began unexpectedly in the mall.

Exam Tip: Pick the option that describes an event beginning abruptly and unexpectedly.

Question 1. (5) It must be difficult to cope with three small children and a job. (deal successfully with, calm down, teach)
Answer: It can be tough to manage well with three young kids and work.
In simple words: It can be hard to handle three little kids and a job at the same time.

Exam Tip: Choose the phrase that means to handle or manage a challenging situation effectively.

 

Choose the correct words from the brackets and complete the following passage:

Question 1. (reaching, damp, supply, putting, burning, prevent)
The second way of __________ out a fire is to __________ oxygen from __________ it. No __________ of oxygen means no fire. Small fires can be put out or 'smothered' with a __________ blanket or a sack. This stops oxygen reaching the __________ material.
Answer: The second way of putting out a fire is to prevent oxygen from reaching it. No supply of oxygen means no fire. Small fires can be put out or 'smothered' with a damp blanket or a sack. This stops oxygen reaching the burning material.
In simple words: To put out a fire, you must stop oxygen from getting to it. Small fires can be smothered with a wet blanket or sack, cutting off oxygen to the burning material.

Exam Tip: Read the passage carefully and consider the context of each blank to choose the most fitting word from the given options.

 

Question 2. (sprayed, continue, dangerous, fires, spreading, float)
Some __________ cannot be put out with water. If water is __________ onto an oil fire, the oil will __________ to the top of the water and to __________ burn. This can be very __________ because water can flow quickly, carrying the burning oil with it and __________ the fire.
Answer: Some fires cannot be put out with water. If water is sprayed onto an oil fire, the oil will float to the top of the water and continue to burn. This can be very dangerous because water can flow quickly, carrying the burning oil with it and spreading the fire.
In simple words: Water cannot extinguish some fires, like oil fires. If water is sprayed on an oil fire, the oil will float and keep burning, which is risky as water can spread the burning oil.

Exam Tip: Understand why water is ineffective or dangerous for certain types of fires, such as oil or electrical fires, and use the correct terms to describe the process.

 

Grammar

 

Choose the correct Article(s), Conjunction(s) and Preposition(s) and complete the following passage:

Question 1.
We spend millions __________ rupees each year __________ figlitirig flres __________ we spend more trying to find new ways of preventing fires __________ happening and getting __________ control. On the whole, we have learnt rather well to control fire and put it __________ good use In our everyday life.
Answer: We spend millions of rupees each year in fighting fires. And we spend more trying to find new ways of preventing fires from happening and getting out of control. On the whole, we have learnt rather well to control fire and put it to good use In our everyday life.
In simple words: We spend a lot of money each year fighting fires. We also try to find new ways to stop fires from starting and getting out of control. Overall, we have learned to manage fire well and use it properly in our daily routines.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the context and flow of the passage to select the articles, conjunctions, and prepositions that make the most sense grammatically and semantically.

 

Question 2.
The discovery of fire and Its uses helped early man to cope __________ nature better __________ gradually adopt __________ settled mode of life. Fire is still worshipped in many parts of the world. Fire Is indeed a friend __________ as we know, It can be a dangerous enemy __________ it gets out of control.
Answer: The discovery of fire and Its uses helped early man to cope with nature better and gradually adopt a settled mode of life. Fire is still worshipped In many parts of the world. Fire is Indeed a friend but, as we know, It can be a dangerous enemy once It gets out of control.
In simple words: Finding fire and learning how to use it helped early humans manage nature better and slowly start a more stable life. Even now, fire is revered in many places. It is truly a friend, but it becomes a dangerous foe when it goes out of control.

Exam Tip: Consider the logical connections between phrases to correctly fill in conjunctions like 'and', 'but', and prepositions like 'with' that complete the meaning.

 

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate forms of verbs given In the brackets and complete the texts:

Question 1.
Every fuel.........…………….1. (have) a particular temperature at which It .2. (begin) to burn.This temperature .........3. (call) the 'flash point'.
Answer:
1. has
2. begins
3. is called
In simple words: Each type of fuel has a specific temperature where it starts to burn, which is known as its 'flash point'.

Exam Tip: Ensure that the verb forms match the subject's singularity or plurality and the tense of the surrounding sentences in the passage.

 

Question 2.
The second way of ............................. (put out) a fire is ........................... (prevent) oxygen from reaching It. No supply of oxygen ..………………………3………………....... (mean) no fire.
Answer:
1. putting out
2. to prevent
3. means
In simple words: The second method to extinguish a fire is to prevent oxygen from reaching it. No oxygen means no fire.

Exam Tip: For verbs in brackets, consider if a gerund (e.g., 'putting out') or an infinitive (e.g., 'to prevent') is required by the sentence structure.

 

Change the voice of the following:

Question 1. (1) Early man didn't know what fire was.
Answer: What fire was, was not known by early man.
In simple words: Early humans did not understand what fire was.

Exam Tip: When changing to passive voice, ensure the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.

 

Question 1. (2) Fire may have puzzled early man.
Answer: Early man may have been puzzled by fire.
In simple words: Fire might have confused early humans.

Exam Tip: For modal verbs in passive voice, use 'modal + be + past participle' (e.g., 'may have been puzzled').

 

Question 1. (3) Three things are needed to make fire.
Answer: We need three things to make fire.
In simple words: To create fire, we require three main elements.

Exam Tip: To convert from passive to active voice, identify the implied agent (e.g., 'we' or 'people') and make it the subject.

 

Question 1. (4) People formed human chains.
Answer: Human chains were formed by people.
In simple words: Humans created lines of people.

Exam Tip: When changing to passive voice, the auxiliary verb (e.g., 'were') must agree with the new subject ('human chains').

 

Question 1. (5) We generally do it with a lighted match.
Answer: It is generally done with a lighted match.
In simple words: This action is usually performed using a lighted match.

Exam Tip: In passive voice, 'it' can function as a placeholder subject when the real subject is implied or less important.

 

Question 1. (6) Small fires can be put out or 'smothered' with a damp blanket or a sack.
Answer: We can put out or 'smother' small fires with a damp blanket or a sack.
In simple words: One can extinguish or cover small fires using a wet blanket or bag.

Exam Tip: When the agent is general (e.g., 'we' or 'one'), it can be introduced in the active voice to clarify who performs the action.

 

Question 1. (7) We spend millions of rupees each year in fighting fires.
Answer: Millions of rupees are spent by us each year in fighting fires.
In simple words: Millions of rupees are used annually by us to combat fires.

Exam Tip: Ensure that the tense (present simple) and auxiliary verb ('are') are correctly used when converting to the passive voice.

 

Rewrite as directed:

Question 1. (1) Fire is a good servant but a bad master. (Use 'Though'.)
Answer: Though fire is a good servant, it is a bad master.
In simple words: Even though fire serves us well, it can also be very dangerous.

Exam Tip: 'Though' is used to introduce a contrasting idea, connecting two clauses with an opposite relationship.

 

Question 1. (2) Fire is very useful as long as it is kept under control. (Use 'Till'.)
Answer: Fire is very useful till it is kept under control.
In simple words: Fire helps us a lot only as long as we keep it managed.

Exam Tip: 'Till' indicates a condition or limit; the usefulness of fire lasts up to the point it's no longer controlled.

 

Question 1. (3) Vast areas of forest are also destroyed and hundreds of people are killed or injured. (Use 'Not only... but also'.)
Answer: Not only vast areas of forest are destroyed but also hundreds of people are killed or injured.
In simple words: Huge forest areas get destroyed, and many people are also harmed or die.

Exam Tip: 'Not only... but also' is used to emphasize that both elements mentioned are true or happen.

 

Question 1. (4) There are three main ways in which a fire can be put out. (Make it Simple.)
Answer: Fire can be put out in three main ways.
In simple words: There are three simple methods to extinguish a fire.

Exam Tip: To simplify a sentence, remove unnecessary words or phrases that do not add significant meaning.

 

Question 1. (5) If the fire has no fuel to feed on, no burning can take place. (Turn into Affirmative.)
Answer: Burning can take place only if there is fuel to feed on.
In simple words: Fire needs fuel to burn.

Exam Tip: An affirmative statement confirms something, often by rephrasing a negative condition into a positive one.

 

Fire: Friend and Foe Summary in English

Fire: Friend and Foe Summary:
Early man must have found fire to be dangerous and frightening. Fire must have been a mystery for an early man but it is known today that it is a result of chemical reaction. When oxygen present in air combines with carbon and hydrogen present in a fuel, energy is released in the form of heat and light and this is 'fire'. To make fire fuel, heat and oxygen is needed. Wood, coal, gas are fuel. Oxygen is available in air. But to cause fire heat is essential. A piece of paper doesn't catch fire until oxygen is supplied to it. Every fuel burns at a particular temperature which is also called its 'flash point' or 'kindling temperature'.
Fire is a boon if it is kept under control but can be dangerous if it goes out of it. It is used in our house daily for cooking food, lighting candles and so on, but if it goes out of control it can cause damage to life, houses and even forests. Fire can be controlled by taking away any three of the things required for burning it. It can be stopped immediately by taking away the fuel.
Fire can also be controlled by cutting the oxygen supply, for this many a time blankets are thrown over burning objects. Another way is to reduce the flash temperature; this can be done by spraying water which lowers the temperature. However, water cannot be used to put out electrical fires or an oil fire. Carbon dioxide extinguisher is the best way to control electrical fire.
Earlier people used to form human chains and pass buckets of water from ponds or wells to the blaze. These days, there are trained personnel to handle this. The trained team of firefighters is called fire brigade. They are skilled people to handle all kind of fire. They have the knowledge of first-aid as well and are able to provide immediate help to people suffering from burn injuries or from the effect of the smoke. Discovery of fire has been a great boon to mankind. Fire is still worshipped in many parts around the globe. It is a dear friend if we use it properly, but can turn dangerous if it goes out of control.