GSEB Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 8 A Short Monsoon Diary Solutions

Answer The Following Questions:

Question 1. Look carefully at the diary entries for June 24 – 25, August 2 and March 23. Now write down the changes that happen as the rains progress from June to March.
Answer: June 24 marked the start of the monsoon mist. All the birds became quiet as the mist moved up the hills. The author describes the mist as sad because it not only hides the hills but also wraps them in quietness. On June 25, there was some true early monsoon rain. It felt warm and moist, unlike the cold high-altitude weather the author had experienced all year. It appeared to the author that the plants also sensed this, and the first cobra lily emerged from the ferns. He called the weather 'a paradise that might have been'. There was no storm or loud thunder. The author felt a connection with the rain, yet remained untouched by it. March 23 marked the end of winter. The darkest cloud he had ever seen spread over Mussoorie, and then hailstones like marbles fell for half an hour. The hailstorm cleared the sky, and he saw a rainbow appearing.
In simple words: The diary entries show how the weather changes from the first mist in June, through early monsoon rains, to the end of winter in March, including a hailstorm and a rainbow.

Exam Tip: When asked to describe changes over time, make sure to clearly state the starting point, key events, and the ending condition for each period mentioned.

Question 2. Why did the grandmother ask the children not to kill the Chuchundar ?
Answer: The grandmother told the children not to kill the Chuchundar because it was thought to bring good luck. She mentioned that it brought money into the house.
In simple words: Grandmother said not to kill the Chuchundar because it was believed to be lucky and bring money.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to cultural beliefs or traditions mentioned in the text, as they often explain characters' actions or statements.

Question 3. What signs do we find in Nature which show that the monsoons are about to end?
Answer: The seeds of the cobra lily turning red indicated that the monsoon season was nearing its conclusion.
In simple words: Red cobra lily seeds show that the monsoon is almost over.

Exam Tip: Look for specific natural phenomena or changes that signal the end or beginning of a season as described in the diary entries.

Question 4. Complete the following sentences:
(i) Bijju is not seen but his voice is heard because …………………………
(ii) The writer describes the hill station and valley as …………………………
(iii) The leopard was successful in ………………………… but had to flee when …………………………
(iv) The minivets are easily noticed because …………………………
(v) It looks like a fashion display on the slopes when …………………………
(vi) During the monsoon season, snakes and rodents are found in roofs and attics because …………………………
Answer:
(i) Bijju is not seen but his voice is heard because of the mist in the surroundings.
(ii) The writer describes the hill station and valley as a paradise that might have been.
(iii) The leopard was successful in attacking one of Bijju's cows but had to flee when Bijju's mother came screaming curses.
(iv) The minivets are easily noticed because of their bright colours.
(v) It looks like a fashion display on the slopes when ground orchids, mauve lady's slipper and the white butterfly orchids bloom.
(vi) During the monsoon season, snakes and rodents are found in roofs and attics because they have been flooded out of their holes and burrows.
In simple words: Fill in the blanks with details about Bijju's voice, the writer's description of the valley, the leopard's attack, why minivets are seen, the 'fashion display' of flowers, and why animals move indoors during the monsoon.

Exam Tip: For 'complete the sentence' questions, ensure your answer directly flows from the existing text and accurately completes the thought with information from the lesson.

Question 5. 'Although tin roofs are given to springing unaccountable leaks, there is a feeling of being untouched by, and yet in touch with, the rain.'
(i) Why has the writer used the word, 'springing'?
(ii) How is the writer untouched by the rain?
(iii) How is the writer in touch with the rain at the same time?
Answer:
(i) The word 'springing' means 'to appear suddenly'. The writer uses it to say that tin roofs are likely to get unexpected leaks very quickly.
(ii) The writer remained physically dry from the rain because the tin roof effectively prevented the water from entering.
(iii) The writer feels connected to the rain at the same time because he can sense the rain by listening to its continuous sound on the metal roof.
In simple words: 'Springing' means leaks appear suddenly. The roof keeps the writer dry (untouched), but the sound of rain on the roof makes him feel connected to it (in touch).

Exam Tip: When analyzing a quote, break it down into parts and explain each aspect separately, focusing on word choice and implied meaning.

Question 6. Mention a few things that can happen when there is endless rain for days together.
Answer: When it rains constantly for many days, everything gets damp and soft. There is nowhere for anyone to go outside. The hillsides become green and lush as late monsoon flowers – such as wild balsam, dahlias, begonias, and ground orchids – start to emerge.
In simple words: With endless rain, everything becomes wet and soggy, people stay indoors, and beautiful monsoon flowers start to bloom on the hills.

Exam Tip: Focus on both the negative and positive effects described in the passage when asked about extended weather conditions.

Question 7. What is the significance of cobra lily in relation to the monsoon season, its beginning and end ?
Answer: When the monsoon season starts, the first cobra lily appears from the ferns. When the seeds of the cobra lily turn red, it signals that the monsoon period is coming to an end.
In simple words: Cobra lily blooming marks the start of monsoon, and its seeds turning red signal the end of the season.

Exam Tip: Remember specific natural indicators mentioned in the diary, especially those that mark seasonal transitions.

Working With Language

Question 1. Here are some words that are ; associated with the monsoon. Add as many words as you can to this list. Can you find words for these in your languages ?
downpour, floods, mist, cloudy, powercuts, cold, umbrella
Answer: storm, hail, lightning, thunder, rainbow, raincoat, etc.
In simple words: Besides the given words, other monsoon-related words include storm, hail, lightning, thunder, rainbow, and raincoat.

Exam Tip: When asked to expand a list, think broadly about all aspects related to the topic (e.g., weather phenomena, clothing, feelings, etc.).

Question 2. Look at the sentences below:
(i) Bijju wandered into the garden in the evening!
(ii) The trees were ringing with birdsong.
Notice the highlighted verbs.
The verb wandered tells us what Bijju did that evening. But the verb were ringing tells us what was happening continually at same time in the past (the birds were chirping in the trees).
Now look at the sentences below. They tell us about something that happened in the past. They also tell us about other things that happened continually, at the same time in the past.
Put the verbs in the brackets into their proper forms. The first one is done for you.
(i) We (get out) of the school bus. The bell (ring) and everyone (rush) to class.
(ii) The traffic (stop). Some people (sit)on the road and they (shout) slogans.
(iii) I (wear) my raincoat. It (rain) and people (get) wet.
(iv) She (see) a film. She (narrate) it to her friends who (listen) carefully.
(v) We (go) to the exhibition. Some people (buy) clothes while others (play) games.
(vi)The class (is) quiet. Some children (read) books and the rest (draw).
Answer:
(i) We got out of the school bus. The bell was ringing and everyone was rushing to class.
(ii) The traffic stopped. Some people were sitting on the road and they were shouting slogans.
(iii) I wore my raincoat, it was raining and people were getting wet.
(iv) She saw a film. She was narrating it to her friends who were listening carefully.
(v) We went to the exhibition. Some people were buying clothes while others were playing games.
(vi) The class was quiet. Some children were reading books and the rest were drawing.
In simple words: Change the verbs in the brackets to their correct past tense forms. Use simple past for single actions and past continuous for ongoing actions.

Exam Tip: When filling in verb forms, consider if the action happened once in the past (simple past) or was ongoing at a specific time in the past (past continuous).

Question 3. Here are some words from the lesson which describe different kinds of sounds.
drum, swish, tinkle, caw, drip
(i) Match these words with their correct meanings:
(1) to fall in small drops
(2) to make a sound by hitting a surface repeatedly
(3) to move quickly through the air, making a soft sound
(4) harsh sound made by birds
(5) ringing sound (of a bell or breaking glass, etc.)
Answer:
(1) drip
(2) drum
(3) swish
(4) caw
(5) tinkle
(ii) Now fill in the blanks using the correct form of the words given above:
1. Ramesh ………………………… on his desk in impatience.
2. Rainwater ………………………… from the umbrella all over the carpet.
3. The pony ………………………… its tail.
4. The ………………………… of breaking glass woke me up.
5. The ………………………… of the raven disturbed the child's sleep.
Answer:
1. drummed
2. dripped
3. swished
4. tinkling
5. cawing
In simple words: Match the sound words with their meanings, then use the correct forms of these words to fill in the blanks in the sentences.

Exam Tip: Understand the nuances of each sound word. For the fill-in-the-blanks, consider the context and the grammatical form needed (e.g., noun, verb, participle).

Question 4. And sure enough, I received a cheque in the mail.
Complete each sentence below by using appropriate phrase below:
sure enough, colourful enough, serious enough, kind enough, big enough, fair enough, brave enough, foolish enough, anxious enough
1. I saw thick black clouds in the sky. And ………………………… it soon started raining heavily.
Answer:
sure enough
2. The blue umbrella was ………………………… for the brother and sister.
Answer:
big enough
3. The butterflies are ………………………… to get noticed.
Answer:
colourful enough
4. The lady was ………………………… to chase the leopard.
Answer:
brave enough
5. The boy was ………………………… to call out to his sister.
Answer:
anxious enough
6. The man was ………………………… to offer help.
Answer:
kind enough
7. The victim's injury was ………………………… for him to get admitted in hospital.
Answer:
serious enough
8. That person was ………………………… to repeat the same mistake again.
Answer:
foolish enough
In simple words: Fill in each sentence with the correct phrase from the list, making sure it fits the meaning.

Exam Tip: When completing sentences with phrases, read the entire sentence to understand the context and ensure the chosen phrase fits logically and grammatically.

Speaking

Question 1. Do you believe in superstitions? Why, or why not ? Working with your partner, write down three superstitious beliefs that you are familiar with.
Answer: To be honest, I do not believe in superstitions. These are simply old, unfounded beliefs. Uninformed and traditional people often follow them. Superstitions lack any scientific basis or clear evidence. Common superstitions include:
(i) The number '13' is considered an unlucky number.
(ii) Do not begin a new project on a no-moon day.
(iii) Do not continue if a black cat crosses your path.
In simple words: I don't believe in superstitions because they are old, unproven beliefs followed by traditional people without scientific support. Examples are '13' being unlucky, not starting projects on no-moon days, or a black cat crossing your path.

Exam Tip: When discussing beliefs, always back up your opinion with clear reasons and specific examples to make your argument stronger.

Question 2. How many different kinds of birds do you come across in the lesson ? How many varieties do you see in your neighbourhood? Are there any birds that you used to see earlier in your neighbourhood but not now? In groups discuss why you think this is happening.
Answer: We encounter several types of birds in this lesson, such as minivets, drongos, treecreepers, and crows. In our neighborhood, we typically see sparrows, pigeons, and nightingales. Previously, we used to observe large birds like kites and parrots in our area, but these have since vanished. The two primary reasons for these endangered species are:
(i) Loss of natural living places
(ii) Significant environmental pollution.
In simple words: The lesson mentions minivets, drongos, treecreepers, and crows. In my area, sparrows, pigeons, and nightingales are common, but big birds like kites and parrots are gone due to habitat loss and pollution.

Exam Tip: When listing things, ensure clarity and conciseness. For cause-and-effect questions, clearly state the reasons for observed changes.

Writing

Question 1. The monsoons are a time of great fun and even a few adventures: playing in the rain and ... Write a paragraph describing an incident that occurred during the rains which you can never forget.
Answer: It was August, and the rain was falling very heavily. It was also time for my school to start. I walked through water that reached my knees on the way to school. It continued raining throughout the day. When the last bell rang, the rain stopped. The clouds began to part. On our way back home, we noticed a small puppy struggling to get out of a ditch where it had fallen. I helped the puppy get out of the ditch. Even though my clothes got dirty, I was happy that I saved a life. If left in the ditch, the puppy would have certainly died.
In simple words: During a very rainy August, I waded through knee-deep water to school. On my way home, I found a puppy stuck in a ditch. I rescued it, and even though my clothes got messy, I was happy to save its life.

Exam Tip: When narrating an incident, use descriptive language to make the story vivid and include your personal feelings about the event.

Question 3. Write an essay on ' A Rainy Day'.
Answer: This year, the summer season was unusually long and extremely hot. It was July, and schools had reopened. The burning sun and the intense heat had made life very difficult. Going to school, staying indoors for long, or playing outside all felt like a punishment. One morning, clouds gathered in the sky. There were bright flashes of lightning. Suddenly, it started raining. There was a heavy downpour for a short while, but soon it changed into steady rain. It was time for school, so we picked up our umbrellas and left.
In simple words: This year's summer was long and hot. In July, as schools reopened, the heat was unbearable. Then, one morning, lightning flashed, and it started raining heavily, then steadily. It was time for school, so we took our umbrellas.

Exam Tip: When writing an essay, structure your thoughts logically, starting with an introduction, developing main points, and concluding effectively.

Gseb Class 8 English A Short Monsoon Diary Additional Important Questions And Answers

Select The Most Appropriate Options As Answers And Complete The Following Sentences:

Question 1. The author could hear Bijju …………………………
A. chopping the sticks.
B. crying in the forests.
C. running about on the hillside.
D. singing songs loudly.
Answer: (c) running about on the hillside.
In simple words: The author could hear Bijju moving quickly around the hilly area.

Exam Tip: For multiple-choice questions, eliminate obviously wrong options first, then choose the best fit based on the text.

Question 2. 'A paradise might have been' is the description of …………………………
A. hill station and landscapes.
B. hill station and valley.
C. landscapes and forests.
D. valley and landscapes.
Answer: (b) hill station and valley.
In simple words: The phrase 'A paradise might have been' refers to the hill station and its surrounding valley.

Exam Tip: Understand the context of descriptive phrases to identify what they are referring to in the story.

Question 3. The leopard had to flee at the approach of …………………………
A. a barking dog.
B. Bijju's mother.
C. the continuous rains.
D. the leeches.
Answer: (b) Bijju's mother.
In simple words: The leopard ran away when Bijju's mother came close.

Exam Tip: Identify key characters and their actions in narrative questions to pinpoint the correct cause or effect.

Question 4. Grandmother advised the children not to kill Chuchundars as they. …………………………
A. are cute.
B. are harmless.
C. bring ill-luck.
D. bring money.
Answer: (d) bring money.
In simple words: Grandmother told the children not to kill Chuchundars because they are believed to bring wealth.

Exam Tip: Recall specific advice or warnings given by characters and the reasons behind them.

Question 5. The trees turning grey gives the diarist a feeling of …………………………
A. attractiveness.
B. dreariness.
C. loneliness.
D. loveliness.
Answer: (c) loneliness.
In simple words: The grey trees make the person writing the diary feel isolated.

Exam Tip: Connect descriptive details (like grey trees) to the emotional state or feelings of the characters involved.

Question 6. The scarlet minivets are …………………………
A. females.
B. males.
D. animals.
Answer: (b) males.
In simple words: The scarlet minivets mentioned are the male birds.

Exam Tip: Note specific details provided about animals or plants, such as their gender or distinguishing features.

Question 7. How do the minivets plan to fly away unnoticed ?
A. Hiding themselves in a leafy tree.
B. Making their brightness dull.
C. Not making any noise.
D. Flying away in dark at night.
Answer: (c) Not making any noise.
In simple words: The minivets try to fly away without being seen by staying completely quiet.

Exam Tip: Look for strategic behaviors described for animals or birds, especially those related to avoiding detection.

Question 8. Because of the continuous rain at night …………………………
A. the writer cannot sleep.
B. the writer goes to sleep.
C. the writer is greatly frightened.
D. Both 'A' and 'B'.
Answer: (b) the writer goes to sleep.
In simple words: The constant rain at night makes the writer fall asleep.

Exam Tip: Identify the direct consequence or effect of an event mentioned in the question.

Question 9. The synonymous word for 'a number of' in the extract is …………………………
A. corrugated.
B. downpour.
C. unaccountable.
D. tropical.
Answer: (c) unaccountable.
In simple words: The word 'unaccountable' means 'a number of' or too many to count easily.

Exam Tip: For vocabulary questions, consider the context of the original phrase in the text to choose the best synonym.

Question 10. The writer cannot go out because of …………………………
A. continuous rain.
C. being damp and soggy everywhere.
D. Both 'A' and 'C'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'C'
In simple words: The writer cannot go outside due to constant rain and everything being wet and damp.

Exam Tip: When multiple factors contribute to a situation, choose the option that includes all relevant reasons.

Question 11. The writer spends his time by...
A. pacing the room.
B. counting umbrellas.
C. watching lush hillsides from the window.
D. Both 'A' and 'C'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'C'
In simple words: The writer passes his time by walking around the room and observing the green hills from the window.

Exam Tip: Look for activities or observations described for the writer when they are confined indoors or during periods of reflection.

Say Whether The Following Sentences Are True Or False:
1. Birds become silent when mist gets down the hill.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is incorrect.

Exam Tip: Verify each statement against the explicit information or descriptions given in the text.

2. With mist all over, the forest becomes deathly still.
Answer: True
In simple words: This statement is correct.

Exam Tip: Confirm details about the atmosphere and sounds during misty conditions as described by the author.

3. Bijju's cows could not be saved in spite of his mother's curses.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is incorrect.

Exam Tip: Remember the outcome of the leopard's attack and Bijju's mother's intervention.

4. Flitting scarlet minivets looked like brilliant jewels.
Answer: True
In simple words: This statement is correct.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to similes and metaphors used to describe the appearance of birds or other natural elements.

5. The seeds of cobra lily turning red signify the beginning of heavy rain.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is incorrect.

Exam Tip: Recall what the red seeds of the cobra lily actually indicate about the monsoon season.

6. Chuchundars are lucky according to the children's grandmother.
Answer: True
In simple words: This statement is correct.

Exam Tip: Reconfirm the grandmother's belief about Chuchundars as stated in the text.

7. Winter rain starts in September.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is incorrect.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the specific months or timeframes given for seasonal changes.

Answer The Following Questions In Two To Three Sentences Each:

Question 1. According to the diarist who are the ; seasonal visitors ?
Answer: According to the diarist, the seasonal visitors are a leopard and many thousands of leeches. They arrive in the area when it starts raining.
In simple words: The diarist says seasonal visitors are a leopard and many leeches, appearing when it rains.

Exam Tip: Clearly identify and list the seasonal visitors mentioned, along with the condition that brings them.

Question 2. Why is there no dearth of food for the insectivorous birds?
Answer: There is plenty of food for insect-eating birds because countless insects emerge with the rain. They are so numerous that insectivorous birds do not need to search far for them. They never lack insects during this season.
In simple words: Insect-eating birds have lots of food because many insects appear with the rain, so they don't have to look hard for them.

Exam Tip: When explaining why something is abundant, focus on the direct cause and its impact on the availability.

Question 3. How has lush monsoon growth reached its peak?
Answer: There is continuous rain, so by almost the end of August, abundant monsoon growth has reached its highest point. The seeds of the cobra lily have turned red. There are strong, green, and upright ferns. Ground orchids have started to grow. Wild dahlias of red, yellow, and magenta have emerged from the rocky cracks. In this way, monsoon growth has reached its peak.
In simple words: By late August, constant rain makes monsoon growth peak with red cobra lily seeds, upright ferns, and wild dahlias and orchids blooming from rocky areas.

Exam Tip: Describe specific examples of plant life and their appearance to illustrate the extent of the monsoon growth.

Question 4. How is the silence within contrasted with the sound of winter rains in the hills ?
Answer: The narrator sits alone in a room, experiencing a profound quietness. It is very solitary and calm. The narrator, sitting in the room, enjoys a deep quiet, which is contrasted with the noisy rain outside. This creates a clear difference between the inner peace and the outer sounds.
In simple words: The silence inside the room feels lonely and quiet, contrasting sharply with the loud, drumming sounds of the winter rain outside.

Exam Tip: When asked to contrast, explicitly mention both elements (inner silence, outer noise) and how they differ or interact.

Question 5. What did the leopard do ?
Answer: The previous afternoon, the leopard snatched a dog from near the servants' quarter below the school. In the evening, it attacked one of Bijju's cows, but quickly ran away when Bijju's mother appeared.
In simple words: The leopard took a dog from near the school and later attacked Bijju's cow, but fled when Bijju's mother arrived.

Exam Tip: List the leopard's actions in chronological order to provide a complete answer.

Question 6. Describe the arrival of the minivets.
Answer: After the rains, the scarlet minivets appear. They fly quietly among the leaves, looking like bright jewels. Even when they rest in leafy trees, their vibrant color prevents them from hiding completely. Sometimes they try to go unnoticed by staying very silent, but they often fail to conceal themselves. A pair of drongos then chases them away.
In simple words: After the rain, bright scarlet minivets appear, moving silently. Their bright colors make it hard for them to hide, even when they try to be quiet. Drongos often chase them away.

Exam Tip: Include details about their appearance, movement, and interactions with other birds to fully describe the minivets' arrival.

Question 7. Describe the rain in the first half of August.
Answer: In the first half of August, it rains without stopping. There are no storms or thunder. It is simply a steady flow of tropical rain. It may pause for a day or so, but then there is more endless rain and a constant mist. The sun is not seen for many days. Everything feels wet and soggy.
In simple words: The first half of August has continuous, steady tropical rain with no storms. It's often misty, the sun doesn't appear for days, and everything feels damp.

Exam Tip: Focus on the duration, intensity, and associated atmospheric conditions (e.g., mist, sun visibility) when describing the rain.

Answer The Following Question In Five To Six Sentences:

Question 1. Write in detail on: 'The monsoon rain and the winter rain': Comparisons and Contrasts
Answer: The summer monsoon brings heavy rains and creates a moisture-rich environment, while the winter monsoon causes long periods of dry and arid conditions. The summer monsoon usually starts in April and continues until late September. In contrast, the winter monsoon arrives in October and ends in March. Rainfall during the summer monsoon can be very intense and may even lead to flash floods. Winter monsoons are typically less powerful than summer monsoons and may bring strong winds in addition to dry air. This shows distinct differences in their timings, intensity, and overall effects on the climate.
In simple words: Summer monsoons bring heavy, wet rains from April to September, sometimes causing floods. Winter monsoons, from October to March, bring dry, windy conditions with less powerful rain.

Exam Tip: When comparing and contrasting, create a clear structure by addressing each point for both subjects (e.g., timing, intensity, effects) to ensure a comprehensive answer.

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

The rains have heralded the arrival of some seasonal visitors – a leopard, and several thousand leeches.

Yesterday afternoon the leopard lifted a dog from near the servants' quarter below the school. In the evening it attacked one of Bijju's cows but fled at the approach of Bijju's mother, who came screaming imprecations.

As for the leeches, I shall soon get used to a little bloodletting everyday.

Other new arrivals are the scarlet minivets (the females are yellow), flitting silently among the leaves like brilliant jewels. No matter how leafy the trees, these brightly coloured birds cannot conceal themselves, although, by remaining absolutely silent, they sometimes contrive to go unnoticed. Along come a pair of drongos, unnecessarily aggressive, chasing the minivets away.

Question 1. Who were the seasonal visitors ? Why are they called so?
Answer: A leopard and several thousand leeches were the seasonal visitors. They are called seasonal because they only come out during the rainy season.
In simple words: The seasonal visitors were a leopard and many leeches. They are called "seasonal" because they only appear when it rains.

Exam Tip: When explaining why something is called a "seasonal visitor," always mention its appearance being linked to a specific season.

Question 2. How were Bijju's cows saved ?
Answer: Bijju's mother came screaming curses at the leopard. As a result, it ran away without harming Bijju's cows.
In simple words: Bijju's mother yelled loudly at the leopard, scaring it away before it could hurt the cows.

Exam Tip: Focus on the immediate action that led to the cows being saved. The specific details, like "screaming curses," add to the completeness of your answer.

Question 3. What will the writer get soon used to ?
Answer: The writer will soon get used to experiencing a little bloodletting by leeches every day.
In simple words: The writer will soon get used to leeches biting him and taking some blood daily.

Exam Tip: Use exact phrasing from the passage where possible to show you understood the context.

Question 2. August 3, August 12

August 3

The rain stops. The clouds begin to break up, the sun strikes the hill on my left. A woman is chopping up sticks. I hear the tinkle of cowbells. In the oak tree, a crow shakes the raindrops from his feathers and caws disconsolately. Water drips from a leaking drainpipe. And suddenly, clean and pure, the song of the whistling thrush emerges like a dark sweet secret from the depths of the ravine.

August 12

Endless rain, and a permanent mist. We haven't seen the sun for eight or nine days. Everything damp and soggy. Nowhere to go. Pace the room, look out of the window at a few bobbing umbrellas. At least it isn't cold rain. The hillsides are lush as late-monsoon flowers begin to appear-wild balsam, dahlias, begonias and ground orchids.

Question 1. What is the crow in the oak doing after the rain stops?
Answer: After the rain stops, the crow in the oak shakes the raindrops from its feathers and caws sadly.
In simple words: When the rain finishes, the crow in the tree shakes off the water from its feathers and makes unhappy cawing sounds.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to adverbs like "disconsolately" (sadly) as they provide important details about the scene or character's mood.

Question 2. From where does the song of a thrush come?
Answer: The song of a thrush comes from the deep parts of the ravine.
In simple words: The thrush's song comes from deep inside the valley.

Exam Tip: Note descriptive phrases like "depths of the ravine" to answer location-based questions accurately.

Question 3. Why hasn't there been the sun for eight or nine days?
Answer: The sun has not been seen for eight or nine days due to continuous rain and a constant mist.
In simple words: The sun hasn't shown for over a week because of unending rain and thick fog.

Exam Tip: When a question asks "why," ensure your answer provides a clear cause-and-effect explanation.

Question 4. Describe the scene outside the room.
Answer: Outside the room, there are a few bobbing umbrellas. The rain is not cold. The hillsides are full of lush late-monsoon flowers such as wild balsam, dahlias, begonias, and ground orchids.
In simple words: Outside, people are holding umbrellas, and the air is not cold. The hillsides are green and full of flowers like balsam, dahlias, and orchids from the late monsoon.

Exam Tip: For descriptive questions, include as many sensory details (sight, sound, feel) as the passage offers to provide a comprehensive answer.

Question 3. January 26 Winter Rains in the Hills

In the hushed silence of the house when I am quite alone, and my friend, who was here has gone, it is very lonely, very quiet, as I sit in a liquid silence, a silence within, surrounded by the rhythm of rain, the steady drift of water on leaves, on lemons, on roof, drumming on drenched dahlias and window panes, while the mist holds the house in a dark caress.

As I pause near a window, the rain stops. And starts again. And the trees, no longer green but grey, menace me with their loneliness.

March 23

Late March. End of winter.

The blackest cloud I've ever seen squatted over Mussoorie, and then it hailed marbles for half an hour. Nothing like a hailstorm to clear the sky. Even as I write, I see a rainbow forming.

Question 1. Where is the writer and what is he doing?
Answer: The writer is alone in the house, sitting in a liquid silence. He is experiencing a sense of loneliness and quiet.
In simple words: The writer is alone inside his house, sitting quietly in a calm atmosphere and feeling lonely.

Exam Tip: When describing a character's state, include both their physical location and their emotional or sensory experience.

Question 2. What is the writer surrounded by ? Describe his feelings.
Answer: The writer is surrounded by the rhythm of rain, feeling the constant movement of water on leaves, lemons, and the roof. The rain drums on wet dahlias and window panes, and the mist gently embraces the house. He feels a sense of quiet solitude.
In simple words: The writer is surrounded by the sounds of rain falling on everything like leaves, lemons, and the roof, along with mist around the house. He feels alone but in a calm, peaceful way.

Exam Tip: Use vivid verbs and adjectives from the text to paint a clear picture of the surroundings and the writer's emotions.

Question 3. What does the writer see through his window?
Answer: Through his window, the writer sees the rain stopping and then starting again. He also observes that the trees look grey.
In simple words: From his window, the writer watches the rain start and stop, and notices the trees have turned grey.

Exam Tip: Focus on direct observations made by the character from their vantage point, as stated in the text.

Vocabulary

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

Question 1. (1) Harry walked through the kitchen and 1 snapped up two cookies on the way.
(stole, ate up, grasped quickly)
Answer: grasped quickly
In simple words: To "snap up" means to take something very fast.

Exam Tip: When replacing words, choose the option that best fits the context and maintains the original meaning and tone.

Question 1. (2) You must keep the child from her mother until the mother is infection-free.
(hold away from, keep in touch, keep alert about)
Answer: hold away from
In simple words: "Keep from" means to stop something from getting to someone.

Exam Tip: Understand the nuance of phrasal verbs; "keep from" implies separation or prevention.

Question 1. (3) He's my brother, so I support him all the way.
(completely, closely, thoughtlessly)
Answer: completely
In simple words: "All the way" means fully or entirely.

Exam Tip: Consider how adverbs modify the intensity or extent of an action.

Question 1. (4) The bright light suffused the leaves with a golden glow.
(saturated with, deprived with, made wet with)
Answer: saturated with
In simple words: "Suffused" means something slowly spread through or covered something else.

Exam Tip: For words like "suffused," think about the effect it describes – often a gentle, pervasive spreading.

Question 1. (5) The blackest cloud squatted over the city.
(showered over, flew over, settled down over)
Answer: settled down over
In simple words: "Squatted over" implies something settled heavily and covered an area.

Exam Tip: Visualize the action described by the word to choose the most accurate synonym.

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

Question 1. (climbing, blankets, silent, melancholy, mist, conceal) The first day of monsoon .1............. ...... And it's strange how all the birds fall .2......... as the mist comes ...........3... up the hill. Perhaps that's what makes the mist so ...........4........... ; not only does it .................5......... the hills, it .6. them in silence too.
Answer:
1. mist
2. silent
3. climbing
4. melancholy
5. conceal
6. blankets
In simple words: Fill in the blanks with the best words from the list to make the sentences describe the first misty day of monsoon, where birds become quiet, and the mist covers the hills and silences them.

Exam Tip: Read the full passage and options carefully. Look for contextual clues and word associations (e.g., "birds fall silent," "mist comes up the hill") to pick the most suitable words.

Question 2. (tropical, steady, drumming, awake, corrugated, thunder) All night the rain has been.....………………………………1 on the ..........2.... tin roof. There has been no storm, no ............................, just the ...........………4.……………… .4.............. swish of a 5................. downpour. It helps me to lie .6............... ; at the same time, it doesn't keep me from sleeping.
Answer:
1. drumming
2. corrugated
3. thunder
4. steady
5. tropical
6. awake
In simple words: Complete the sentences using the provided words to describe how the rain sounded all night on the tin roof, the type of storm, the kind of rain, and the narrator's state of mind.

Exam Tip: Focus on adjectives describing the rain's sound and type, and verbs that match the roof and personal experience.

Grammar

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

Question 1. It is a good sound to read ..1..... -the rain outside, ...................... quiet within - and, .................3....... tin roofs are given .......................... springing unaccountable leaks, there is .............5.......... feeling of being untouched by, and ……………………………………6…………………………...... in touch with, the rain.
Answer:
1. by
2. the
3. although
4. to
5. a
6. yet
In simple words: Fill in the blanks with the right small words like "by," "the," "although," "to," "a," and "yet" to complete the passage about the sound of rain and the feeling of being connected to it.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to how each word connects ideas or describes relationships between elements in the sentence.

Question 2. In ..................1.................... hushed silence of the house ..................2........ I am quite alone, .................3.................... my friend, who was here has gone, it is very lonely, very quiet, .................4............ I sit in a liquid silence, a silence ...............5.................... surrounded .................6.................... the rhythm of rain.
Answer:
1. the
2. when
3. and
4. as
5. within
6. by
In simple words: Use words like "the," "when," "and," "as," "within," and "by" to complete the sentences describing the quiet house, the writer's loneliness, and how he is surrounded by the rain's rhythm.

Exam Tip: Understand how conjunctions (like 'when', 'and', 'as') link clauses and how prepositions (like 'in', 'within', 'by') show relationships between nouns and other words.

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

Question 1. The blackest cloud I ..............1....... ever (see) squatted over Mussoorie, and then it ........................... (hall) marbles for half an hour. Nothing like a hailstorm .................3............. (clear) the sky. Even as I write, I see a rainbow ........................... (form).
Answer:
1. have seen
2. hailed
3. to clear
4. forming
In simple words: Complete the sentences by changing the verbs in brackets to their correct forms, describing how the black cloud appeared, the hailstorm occurred, how it cleared the sky, and how a rainbow formed.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the tense and aspect of the verbs (e.g., past participle, simple past, infinitive, present participle) to ensure they fit the sentence structure and time frame.

Question 2. All night the rain ………………………………….1.…………...... (drum) on the corrugated tin roof. There ………………………………….2.…………...... (be) no storm, no thunder, just the steady swish of a tropical downpour. It helps me ………………………………….3.…………...... (lie) awake; at the same time, it doesn't keep me from ………………………………….4.…………...... (sleep).
Answer:
1. has been drumming
2. has been
3. to lie
4. sleeping
In simple words: Fill in the blanks with the correct verb forms to describe the continuous sound of rain on the roof, the absence of storms, how it helps the narrator stay awake, and how it doesn't stop him from sleeping.

Exam Tip: Use continuous tenses for ongoing actions ("has been drumming") and infinitive or gerund forms as required by the sentence structure ("to lie awake," "from sleeping").

Change the voice of the following:

Question 1. (1) It blankets them in silence.
Answer: They are blanketed in silence by it.
In simple words: The silence covers them.

Exam Tip: To change to passive voice, make the object of the active sentence the subject, use a form of "to be" + past participle, and optionally add "by [original subject]".

Question 1. (2) Bijju is calling to his sister.
Answer: His sister is being called by Bijju.
In simple words: Bijju's sister is receiving the call.

Exam Tip: For continuous tenses in passive voice, use "being" + past participle (e.g., "is being called").

Question 1. (3) The mist affords a certain privacy.
Answer: A certain privacy is afforded by the mist.
In simple words: Privacy is given by the mist.

Exam Tip: Identify the action (affords) and who or what performs it (the mist) versus who or what receives it (privacy).

Question 1. (4) A school boy asked me to describe the hill-station.
Answer: I was asked by a school boy to describe the hill-station.
In simple words: A school boy asked me to talk about the hill-station.

Exam Tip: When the object is a pronoun like "me," it becomes "I" in the passive subject position.

Question 1. (5) The rains have heralded the arrival of some seasonal visitors.
Answer: The arrival of some seasonal visitors has been heralded by the rains.
In simple words: The rains announced the coming of some visitors.

Exam Tip: For perfect tenses (have/has + past participle), the passive structure is "have/has been" + past participle.

Question 1. (6) A woman is chopping up sticks.
Answer: Sticks are being chopped up by a woman.
In simple words: Sticks are getting cut by a woman.

Exam Tip: Ensure that the new subject agrees with the verb (e.g., "Sticks are," not "Sticks is").

Question 1. (7) We haven't seen the sun for eight or nine days.
Answer: The sun hasn't been seen by us for eight or nine days.
In simple words: The sun has not appeared for over a week.

Exam Tip: Maintain the negative form and the time phrase in the passive voice.

Turn the following dialogue into indirect speech:

Question 1. The nephews said, “Sir, the bird's education has been completed.” "Does it hop?" the Raja enquired. “Never!” said the nephews. "Does it fly?" "No."
Answer: The nephews reported to the Raja respectfully that the bird's education had been completed. The Raja enquired if it hopped. The nephews replied loudly that it never hopped. Then the Raja enquired further if it flew. Once more the nephews replied negatively.
In simple words: The nephews told the Raja that the bird was fully trained. The Raja asked if it hopped, and the nephews said no. The Raja then asked if it flew, and they again said no.

Exam Tip: Remember to change tenses (present to past), pronouns, and convert questions into reporting clauses when shifting from direct to indirect speech. Adverbs like "loudly" should be retained or implied.

Question 2. Prometheus: Zeus must be very angry with me. Epimetheus: Yes, but we must be very careful. Prometheus: Mortals needed it. Fire is useful for them. Epimetheus: Yes, but we must be very careful.
Answer: Prometheus shared his feelings with Epimetheus that Zeus must be very angry with him. Epimetheus told him that he knew that and giving the reason, he told that he had promised not to steal the fire, yet he had done it. Prometheus explained that he had stolen the fire as mortals had needed it and told further that fire was useful for them. Epimetheus agreed with Prometheus's argument and accepted that they must be very careful.
In simple words: Prometheus told Epimetheus he thought Zeus would be very mad at him. Epimetheus agreed but warned they needed to be careful. Prometheus then explained he took the fire because people needed it and it was helpful. Epimetheus again agreed and said they still needed to be cautious.

Exam Tip: For longer dialogues, break down each speaker's turn and report their statements, questions, or responses in a sequential and logical flow, changing pronouns and tenses consistently.

Rewrite as directed:

Question 1. (1) Not only does the mist conceal the hills, it blankets them in silence too., (Use 'both'.)
Answer: The mist both conceals the hills and blankets them in silence.
In simple words: The mist hides the hills and also covers them in quiet.

Exam Tip: When using "both...and...", ensure the parallel structure, applying it to two distinct actions or qualities.

Question 1. (2) I can hear him running about on the hillside. (Change the Voice.)
Answer: He can be heard running about on the hillside by me.
In simple words: Someone can hear him running on the hillside.

Exam Tip: To change to passive voice, the object ("him") becomes the subject ("He"), and the verb "hear" changes to "be heard."

Question 1. (3) They sometimes contrive to go unnoticed. (Use 'without'.)
Answer: They sometimes contrive to go without being noticed.
In simple words: They sometimes manage to stay hidden.

Exam Tip: The phrase "without being noticed" functions as a prepositional phrase, replacing "unnoticed" while maintaining the meaning.

Question 1. (4) It doesn't keep me from sleeping. (Turn into Affirmative.)
Answer: It hardly deprives me of sleeping.
In simple words: It barely stops me from sleeping.

Exam Tip: To make a negative sentence affirmative while keeping the meaning, use a word with a similar but positive connotation (e.g., "doesn't keep from" -> "hardly deprives").

Question 1. (5) Water drips from a leaking drainpipe. (Turn into Complex.)
Answer: Water drips from a drainpipe which is leaking.
In simple words: Water falls from a drainpipe that has a hole.

Exam Tip: To create a complex sentence, add a dependent clause (e.g., "which is leaking") to the independent clause.

Question 1. (6) The seeds of the cobra lily are turning red, signifying that the rains are coming to end. (Turn into Simple)
Answer: The seeds of the cobra lily turning red signify the coming end of the rain.
In simple words: Red cobra lily seeds mean the end of the rain is near.

Exam Tip: To convert to a simple sentence, reduce clauses to phrases while retaining the core information. "Signifying that" becomes "signify the coming end."

Question 1. (7) It is very lonely, very quiet. (Turn into Exclamatory.)
Answer: How lonely and quiet it is !
In simple words: It is incredibly lonely and quiet!

Exam Tip: Exclamatory sentences often begin with "How" or "What" and end with an exclamation mark, expressing strong emotion.

A Short Monsoon Diary Summary:

These are the diary entries by the famous writer Ruskin Bond for ten different days spreading across a period of ten months of the year. Here he tells us about the nature of silent miracles and life's little joys and regrets. June 24 was the first day of monsoon mist. The mist was saddening. It concealed the hills and spread silence. The birds stopped singing suddenly. June 25 brought early monsoon rain. It became warm and humid. The mist, in a way, afforded some privacy. A boy asked him to describe the hill station and the valley.

Ruskin only said that it could have been a paradise. The rain marked the arrival of- some seasonal visitors like a preying leopard and a large number of leeches. Then there are new arrivals of minivets flitting around and some drongos chasing those minivets. Insectivorous birds find a lot of insects to feed on.

The diary of August 2 mentions the steady swish of a tropical downpour drumming on the corrugated tin roof keeping the writer from sleeping. The diary note of August 3 gives a brief description of the activities on the hillside after the rain stops and the song of the whistling thrush from the depths of the ravine. In the diary note of August 12, endless rain and longlasting mist is described. The hillsides are lush with monsoon flowers. The diary of August 31 tells as about the lush monsoon growth which reaches its peak.

Changes of colour in different flowers and plants suggest the end of monsoon. Snakes and other rodents also come out as their holes and burrows are submerged. Chuchundars also start running about rooms. October 3 diary suggests the onset of winter rain. There is snow at higher altitudes. After an evening hailstorm, the sky and hills turn golden with sunlight. The note of January 26, relates the winter rains in the hills. After steady rain, the mist pervades all over. The diary entry of March 23 marks the end of winter and the forming of a rainbow.