GSEB Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 10 Kathmandu Solutions

Thinking About The Text Activity

Question 1. On the following map mark out the route, which the author thought of but did not take to Delhi:

Answer: The question asks to mark the route the author considered but did not take to Delhi on a map. This route is detailed in the solution to the next question. The author's planned route involved traveling from Kathmandu to Bihar (Patna), then through Uttar Pradesh (Benaras, Allahabad, Agra), and finally reaching Delhi. This would trace a path from Nepal, across the northern plains of India, towards the capital. In the end, the author changed his mind and took a flight instead due to exhaustion and homesickness, so this proposed route was not actually followed.

Exam Tip: For map-based questions, carefully read the description of the route and mentally trace it. If possible, use a physical map or an online mapping tool to visualize the path. Always indicate if the route was planned or actually taken.

Question 2. Find out the possible routes (by rail, road or air) from Kathmandu to New Delhi / Mumbai / Kolkata / Chennai.

Answer:
1. The path the author had considered but did not use is given below:
Kathmandu - Bihar (Patna) - Uttar Pradesh (Benaras - Allahabad - Agra) - Delhi
2. Kathmandu to Delhi:
Rail Route: Kathmandu - Gorakhpur - Faizabad - Agra - Delhi Road Route: Same path as of train.
Kathmandu to Mumbai:
Rail / Road Route: Kathmandu - Gorakhpur - Lucknow - Kanpur - Indore - Dhule - Nashik - Mumbai
Kathmandu to Kolkata:
Rail / Road Route: Kathmandu - Mithila - Darbhanga - Samastipur - Begusarai - Jamni - Durgapur - Bardhaman - Kolkata
Kathmandu to Chennai:
Rail / Road Route: Kathmandu - Kawasoti - Campirganj - Basti - Faizabad - Barabanki - Zansi - Lalitpur - Chhindwada - Nagpur - Hinganghat - Nirmal - Nizamabad - Kamareddy - Miryalaguda - Narasaroapet - Kavali - Nellore - Chennai
In simple words: The author had planned a route from Kathmandu to Delhi through several Indian states, but chose not to take it. There are specific rail and road routes outlined for traveling from Kathmandu to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, involving different towns and states.

Exam Tip: When listing routes, be sure to mention the type of transport (rail, road, air) and list the key cities or regions in the correct sequence to ensure accuracy.

I. Answer these questions in one or two words or in short phrases:

Question 1. Name the two temples the author visited in Kathmandu.

Answer: The two temples the author visited in Kathmandu were the Pashupatinath temple and the Baudhnath stupa.

Exam Tip: Always state the names clearly and correctly as mentioned in the text. Double-check spellings for proper nouns.

Question 2. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca-Cola.” What does 'all this' refer to ?

Answer: 'All this' means eating a bar of marzipan, a corn-on-the-cob cooked in a charcoal stove (seasoned with salt, chili powder, and lemon), and reading a few love story comics and a Reader's Digest magazine.

Exam Tip: When a question asks what a pronoun refers to, provide a complete list of the items or actions it represents from the context.

Question 3. What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine ?

Answer: Vikram Seth compares the fifty or sixty bansuris sticking out in all directions from the pole of a flute seller to the quills of a porcupine.

Exam Tip: Identify the two things being compared in a simile or metaphor. Clearly state both the object and what it is being compared to.

Question 4. Name five kinds of flutes.

Answer: The reed neh, the Japanese shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, the clear or breathy flutes of South America, and the high-pitched Chinese flutes are five kinds of flutes.

Exam Tip: List all requested items precisely as they appear in the source text. Ensure the count matches the question's requirement.

II. Answer each question in a short paragraph:

Question 1. What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers ?

Answer: The author observes that while the other hawkers loudly called out their goods, the flute seller did not. He simply played a flute, slowly and thoughtfully, without much show or excessive display.

Exam Tip: Focus on the contrasting actions or behaviors described for different characters. Use comparative language to highlight the differences clearly.

Question 2. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug ?

Answer: At Pashupatinath, a small shrine sticks out from the stone platform on the Bagmati river bank. It is believed that when this shrine completely shows itself, the goddess inside will escape. The period of evil, Kaliyug, on earth will then end.

Exam Tip: Accurately describe the belief or prophecy as presented in the text, ensuring all key elements of the story are included.

Question 3. The author has drawn powerful images and pictures. Pick out three examples each of-
(i) the atmosphere of 'febrile confusion' outside the temple of Pashupatinath (for example: some people trying to get the priest's attention are elbowed aside...)
(ii) the things he sees
(iii) the sounds he hears

Answer:
(i) The author has created strong images and descriptions of the 'feverish chaos' outside the Pashupatinath temple. These examples include: a group of saffron-clad Westerners struggling to enter the main gate, as only Hindus were allowed; a fight breaking out between two monkeys; and a royal Nepalese princess for whom everyone moved aside.
(ii) He observed that the Baudhnath Stupa had a huge white dome, surrounded by a road. Small shops were located on the outer edge, where felt bags, Tibetan prints, and silver jewelry could be purchased. There were no crowds there. In Kathmandu's busiest streets, he saw fruit sellers, flute sellers, postcard vendors, shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolate, copper utensils, and Nepalese antiques.
(iii) The sounds he heard included film songs blasting from radios, car horns, bicycle bells, and vendors shouting their goods. He also listened to flute music, which he considered the most universal and special of sounds.
In simple words: The author describes the busy Pashupatinath temple with a messy, chaotic feel, with people pushing and fighting, and special treatment for a princess. In contrast, the Baudhnath Stupa was calm with fewer crowds and unique shops selling local goods. The city's sounds ranged from loud film music and traffic to the peaceful flute.

Exam Tip: For descriptive questions, carefully select specific details from the text that illustrate each aspect (atmosphere, sights, sounds) to provide a rich and accurate answer.

III. Answer the following questions in not more than 100 -150 words each:

Question 1. Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnath shrine with the Pashupatinath temple.

Answer: The atmosphere at the Pashupatinath temple was very noisy, and full of confusion and chaos. Worshippers were trying to get the priest's attention; others were pushing their way to the front. Saffron-clad Westerners were attempting to enter the temple, monkeys were fighting and adding to the general noise, and a dead body was being burned on the banks of the Bagmati river. Washerwomen were working, while children were bathing. In comparison, the Baudhnath stupa was “a place of quietness in the busy streets around.” There was no crowd, which helped to create the stillness and peace at the Buddhist shrine.

Exam Tip: When comparing and contrasting, devote separate sections or clear sentences to each location or aspect. Use transition words like "in contrast," "similarly," or "however" to highlight differences and similarities effectively.

Question 2. How does the author describe Kathmandu's busiest streets ?

Answer: Along Kathmandu's narrowest and busiest streets, there are small shrines and flower-decorated deities. Besides these, there are fruit sellers, flute sellers, postcard vendors, shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolate, copper utensils, and Nepalese antiques. The author hears film songs blaring from radios, car horns honking, bicycle bells ringing, and vendors shouting their goods. He also says that stray cows wander about on the roads. He paints a clear picture of a flute seller with many bansuris sticking out from his pole. He explains how the calming music from the flute seller is clearly heard above all the other noise.

Exam Tip: When describing a place, provide specific details about its appearance, sounds, smells, and activities to create a vivid image for the reader. Organize these details logically to give a complete picture.

Question 3. "To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.” Why does the author say this ?

Answer: The author considers flute music to be “the most universal and most particular” of all music. It is a musical instrument found in all cultures. We have the reed neh, the recorder, the Japanese shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, the clear or breathy flutes of South America, and the high-pitched Chinese flutes, among others. Even though each of these has its specific fingering and range, for the author, hearing any flute "draws one into the commonality of all mankind." This is because, despite their differences, every flute produces music using human breath. Similarly, despite variations in caste, culture, religion, and region, all human beings are the same, sharing the same living breath throughout all of them.

Exam Tip: When explaining a philosophical statement, break it down into its core components. Elaborate on each component, providing examples and connecting them back to the main idea, as done here with the universal nature of flutes and human breath.

I. Read the following sentences carefully to understand the meaning of the italicised phrases. Then match the phrasal verbs in Column ‘A.' with their meanings in Column 'B':
(1) A communal war broke out when the princess was abducted by the neighbouring prince.
(2) The cockpit broke off from the plane during the plane crash.
(3) The car broke down on the way and we were left stranded in the jungle.
(4) The dacoit broke away from the police as they took him to court.
(5) The brothers broke up after the death of the father.
(6) The thief broke into our house when we were away.

Answer: (1 - d), (2 - a), (3 - f), (4 - e), (5 - b), (6 - c).

Exam Tip: When matching phrasal verbs, consider the context of the sentence to understand the specific meaning. Practice with various examples to improve recognition.

II.

Question 1. Use the suffixes -ion or -tion to form nouns from the following verbs. Make the necessary changes in the spellings of the words:
Example: proclaim – proclamation
cremate
exhaust
tempt
direct
imagine
associate
act
invent
immigrate
meditate
dislocate
dedicate

Answer:
1. cremation
2. action
3. exhaustion
4. invention
5. temptation
6. immigration
7. direction
8. meditation
9. imagination
10. dislocation
11. association
12. dedication
In simple words: To change a verb into a noun, add '-ion' or '-tion' to the end. Sometimes, you need to change a few letters in the verb to make the new noun sound right.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to spelling changes required when adding suffixes. Some base words need slight modifications (e.g., dropping 'e', changing 't' to 's') to form the correct noun.

Question 2. Now fill in the blanks with suitable words from the ones that you have formed:
(1) Mass literacy was possible only after the ............................ of the printing machine.
(2) Ramesh is unable to tackle the situation as he lacks ............................
(3) I could not resist the ............................ to open the letter.
(4) Hard work and ............................ are the main keys to success.
(5) The children were almost fainting with ............................ after being made to stand in the sun.

Answer:
(1) invention
(2) direction
(3) temptation
(4) dedication
(5) exhaustion
In simple words: Choose the correct noun from the list you created to fill in the missing spots in each sentence. Each sentence needs a specific noun to make full sense.

Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blank questions, read each sentence carefully to understand the context. The correct word should fit both grammatically and semantically. Consider the meaning of each option before making a choice.

III. Punctuation:
Use capital letters, full stops, question marks, commas and inverted commas wherever necessary in the following paragraph:
an arrogant lion was wandering through the jungle one day he asked the tiger who is stronger than you you O lion replied the tiger who is more fierce than a leopard asked the lion you sir replied the leopard he marched up to an elephant and asked the same question the elephant picked him up in his trunk swung him in the air and threw him down look said the lion there is no need to get mad just because you don't know the answer

Answer: An arrogant lion was wandering through the jungle. One day, he asked the tiger, “Who is stronger than you ?” “You, O lion!” replied the tiger. "Who is more fierce than a leopard ?" asked the lion. “You sir,” replied the leopard. He marched up to an elephant and asked the same question. The elephant picked him up in his trunk, swung him in the air, and threw him down. "Look,” said the lion, “there is no need to get mad just because you don't know the answer."

Exam Tip: When punctuating, look for the start of new sentences (capital letter and full stop/question mark), direct speech (inverted commas), and pauses within sentences (commas). Remember to capitalize proper nouns like 'O' when used in direct address.

IV. Simple Present Tense:
Study these sentences from the lesson:

• A fight breaks out between two monkeys.
• Film songs blare out from the radios.
• I wash it down with Coca-Cola.

The italicised verbs are in the simple present tense. The writer is here describing what he saw and heard but he uses the present tense instead of the past tense. A narration or a story can be made more dramatic or immediate by using the present tense in this way.

Now look at the following sentences:

• A small shrine half protrudes from the stone platform on the river bank.
• Small shops stand on the outer edge of the Stupa.

We use the simple present tense to speak about what is usually or generally true. The sentences above describe facts. We also use the simple present tense in sentences depicting 'universal truths'. For example:

• The sun rises in the east.
• The earth revolves round the sun.

We can also refer to habitual actions using the simple present tense.

• He usually takes a train instead of a bus to work.
• We often get fine drizzles in winter.

In these sentences words like everyday, often, seldom, never, every month, generally, usually, etc. may be used.

Question 1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in brackets:
(i) The heart is a pump that ............................ (send) the blood circulating through our body. The pumping action ............................ (take place) when the left ventricle of the heart ............................ (contract). This ............................ (force) the blood out into the arteries, which ............................ (expand) to receive the oncoming blood.

Answer:
1. sends
2. takes place
3. contracts
4. forces
5. expand
In simple words: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in the simple present tense to describe the actions of the heart. Remember to use the 's' ending for singular subjects.

Exam Tip: For simple present tense, ensure subject-verb agreement (e.g., "heart sends," "action takes place"). Remember that this tense is used for facts, habits, and general truths.

Question 1. (ii) The African lungfish can live without water for up to four years. During a drought it ............................ (dig) a pit and ............................ (enclose) itself in a capsule of slime and earth, leaving a tiny opening for air. The capsule ............................ (dry) and ............................ (harden), but when rain ............................ (come), the mud ............................ (dissolve) and the lungfish ............................ (swim) away.

Answer:
1. digs
2. encloses
3. dries
4. hardens
5. comes
6. dissolves
7. swims
In simple words: Complete the sentences about the African lungfish's survival by filling in the blanks with the correct simple present tense forms of the verbs given. This describes what the fish usually does.

Exam Tip: When filling in blanks for scientific descriptions, use the simple present tense for general facts and processes. Maintain consistency in verb forms throughout the passage.

Question 1. (iii) MAHESH: We have to organise a class party for our teacher.
............................ (Do) anyone play an instrument ?
VIPUL: Rohit ............................ (play) the flute.
MAHESH: ............................ (Do) he also act?
VIPUL: No, he , ............................ (compose) music.
MAHESH: That's wonderful!

Answer:
1. Does
2. plays
3. Does
4. composes
In simple words: Fill in the blanks to complete the conversation about organizing a class party, using the correct present tense forms of 'do', 'play', and 'compose'.

Exam Tip: For dialogues, use simple present tense for general statements or present actions. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement, especially with 'do' questions and third-person singular verbs.

Writing Diary entry for a travelogue:

Question 1. The text you read is a travelogue where the author, Vikram Seth, talks about his visit to two sacred places in Kathmandu.
Imagine that you were with Vikram Seth on his visit to Pashupatinath temple, and you were noting down all that you saw and did there, so that you could write a travelogue later.
Record in point form:
• what you see when you reach the Pashupatinath temple
• what you see happening inside the temple
• what you do when inside the temple
• what you see outside the temple
• what your impressions are about the place.

Answer:
Today, being the first day of my trip, I have come to visit the Pashupatinath temple with my friend, Vikram Seth. It is a beautiful place.
• On reaching the temple, I notice a totally chaotic scenario. The priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons, and dogs are roaming through the grounds.
• The temple is crowded with a large number of devotees rushing to worship the deity. People are even pushing to enter.
• Inside the temple, we worship and offer a few flowers to the deity.
• Outside the temple, a signboard declares that only Hindus could enter the temple premises.
• In my opinion, the place is chaotic and noisy, like most holy places in India.
In simple words: When I arrived at Pashupatinath temple with Vikram Seth, it was very busy and noisy, with many people, animals, and hawkers. Inside, it was crowded with worshippers, and we offered flowers. A sign stated only Hindus could enter. Overall, I felt it was a very chaotic and loud holy place, similar to others in India.

Exam Tip: When asked to record observations in point form, ensure each point is distinct and directly addresses the prompt. Use vivid descriptive language to capture the essence of the place and your feelings.

Question 2. Here is your diary entry when you visited Agra. Read the points and try to write a travelogue describing your visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal. You may add more details :

Answer: It was January of the year 2003. I got up before dawn and quickly dressed to reach the New Delhi railway station. I boarded the Shatabdi Express for Agra at 6:15 a.m. The journey was always interesting. I met a newly married couple on the train. They had married a month earlier and were going to Himachal Pradesh to visit a seriously ill friend. We talked about the popular tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, such as Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dalhousie, and Dharamshala.
Soon I reached Agra. I said goodbye to the couple and got off the train to continue with my journey. I entered the grand old city. The first things that caught my attention were the winding alleys, heavy traffic with many rickshaws, cars, and people. These crowded streets were lined with many shops. Most vendors sold religious items, copies of the Taj Mahal, plastic toys, spices, and sweets. I left my luggage at a hotel and went straight to the Taj Mahal.
Completely built of white marble with gemstones inside, it had a magical quality that charmed everyone. Its color changed with the shifts in light and shadow. The reflection of the Taj Mahal in the pond drew the school children and other tourists, who were being followed by the tourist guides.

Exam Tip: For travelogue writing, blend descriptive details with narrative elements. Organize your points chronologically, adding sensory details and personal reflections to make the account engaging. Ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs.

GSEB Class 9 English Kathmandu Additional Important Questions and Answers

Reading Comprehension

Read the following passages and select the most appropriate answers for the questions given below them:

Question 1. At the Baudhnath stupa, the Buddhist shrine of Kathmandu, there is, in contrast, a sense of stillness. Its immense white dome is ringed by a road. Small shops stand on its outer edge : many of these are owned by Tibetan immigrants; felt bags, Tibetan prints and silver jewellery can be bought here. There are no crowds: this is a haven of quietness in the busy streets around.
Kathmandu is vivid, mercenary, religious, with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets; with fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards; shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolate; or copper utensils and Nepalese antiques. Film songs blare out from the radios, car horns sound, bicycle bells ring, stray cows low questioningly at motorcycles, vendors shout out their wares.

Questions:
1. 'Stupa' is ............................
(a) a temple.
(b) a church.
(c) a shrine.
(d) a mosque.
Answer: (c) a shrine.
In simple words: A stupa is a type of sacred place, often a mound-like structure, used in Buddhism, which is a kind of shrine.

Exam Tip: Always refer to the passage to confirm the meaning of specific terms or direct definitions provided within the text.

Question 1. 2. The small shops surrounding the Baudhnath stupa are owned by............................
(a) Baudh monks.
(b) Tibetan immigrants.
(c) local Tibetans.
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (b) Tibetan immigrants.
In simple words: The passage explicitly says that many of the shops around the stupa are owned by Tibetan immigrants.

Exam Tip: For factual questions, scan the passage for keywords (e.g., "shops," "owned by") to locate the exact information needed. Avoid making assumptions not directly supported by the text.

Question 1. 3. In what sense 'this is a haven of quietness' ?
(a) 'Silence prevails there'.
(b) 'There every activity goes on quietly'.
(c) 'That is a religious place'.
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (a) 'Silence prevails there'.
In simple words: The phrase implies a place where peace and quietness are dominant, suggesting a lack of noise or disturbances.

Exam Tip: To understand idiomatic phrases or descriptive statements, consider the overall tone and context of the paragraph where they appear. Look for synonyms or explanations provided nearby.

Question 1. 4. The meaning of the phrase 'blare out' is ............................
(a) 'sound loudly and stridently'.
(b) 'muse inadvertantly'.
(c) 'entertain completely'.
(d) 'irritate strongly'.
Answer: (a) 'sound loudly and stridently'.
In simple words: When something "blares out," it means it makes a very loud and often harsh noise, like music from a radio.

Exam Tip: To define a phrase, substitute each option into the original sentence to see which one maintains the original meaning most accurately. Consider the context in which the phrase is used.

Question 2. I look at the flute seller standing in a corner of the square near the hotel. In his hand is a pole with an attachment at the top from which fifty or sixty bansuris protrude in all directions, like the quills of a porcupine. They are of bamboo: there are cross-flutes and recorders. From time to time he stands the pole on the ground, selects a flute and plays for a few minutes.
The sound rises clearly above the noise of the traffic and the hawkers' cries. He plays slowly, meditatively, without excessive display. He does not shout out his wares. Occasionally he makes a sale, but in a curiously offhanded way as if this were incidental to his enterprise. Sometimes he breaks off playing to talk to the fruit seller. I imagine that this has been the pattern of his life for years.

Questions:
1. The meaning of the word 'protrude' is ............................
(a) 'extend outward'.
(b) 'project'.
(c) 'fixed'.
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: 'Protrude' means to stick out from a surface, so both 'extend outward' and 'project' are correct descriptions of this action.

Exam Tip: When a word has multiple similar synonyms, check if the options provided are also synonyms of each other. If so, and if they both fit the context, "Both A and B" is often the correct choice.

Question 2. 2. The sound of the flute played by the flute seller outdoes ............................
(a) the noise of the traffic.
(b) the cries of hawkers.
(c) the sound made by temple bells.
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: The passage says the flute sound is clearer than the traffic noise and hawkers' shouts, meaning it surpasses or performs better than both.

Exam Tip: Look for direct comparisons or statements about superiority in the text. If multiple items are mentioned as being surpassed, choose the option that includes all of them.

Question 2. 3. The meaning of the phrase 'in an offhanded way' is ............................
(a) 'extemporaneously'.
(b) 'aggressively'.
(c) 'effortfully'.
(d) 'desperately'.
Answer: (a) 'extemporaneously'.
In simple words: Doing something 'in an offhanded way' means doing it casually or without much planning or thought, which is similar to doing it extemporaneously.

Exam Tip: To define a phrase, consider its common usage and context. Eliminate options that have clearly opposite or irrelevant meanings. 'Extemporaneously' means without planning or preparation, which aligns with 'offhanded'.

Question 2. 4. The meaning of the phrase 'breaks off' is ............................
(a) 'enters in argument with'.
(b) 'stops abruptly'.
(c) 'leaves the place suddenly'.
(d) 'forgets suddenly'.
Answer: (b) 'stops abruptly'.
In simple words: When someone 'breaks off' an activity, it means they suddenly stop doing it.

Exam Tip: Understanding phrasal verbs requires knowing how the verb and preposition combine to create a specific meaning. Consider the context—the flute player stops playing to talk.

Question 3. I find it difficult to tear myself away from the square. Flute music always does this to me: it is at once the most universal and most particular of sounds. There is no culture that does not have its flute-the reed neh, the recorder, the Japanese shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, the clear or breathy flutes of South America, the high-pitched Chinese flutes. Each has its specific fingering and compass.
It weaves its own associations. Yet to hear any flute is, it seems to me, to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind, to be moved by music closest in its phrases and sentences to the human voice. Its motive force too is living breath: it too needs to pause and breathe before it can go on.

Questions:
1. The phrase 'tear away' here means ............................
(a) 'to pull apart or into pieces by force'.
(b) 'to leave or depart very quickly'.
(c) 'to abandon'.
(d) 'to compromise with'.
Answer: (b) 'to leave or depart very quickly'.
In simple words: To 'tear oneself away' from something means to leave a place or stop an activity with great difficulty because you enjoy it.

Exam Tip: When interpreting phrases, consider the figurative meaning in the context of human emotion and attachment, not just the literal meaning of the words.

Answer the following questions in three to four sentences each:

Question 1. What does the signboard outside Pashupatinath indicate ?
Answer: The signboard outside Pashupatinath clearly indicates that entry to the temple is limited only to Hindus. This restriction means that other visitors are not allowed inside the sacred grounds.
In simple words: The sign at Pashupatinath says only Hindu people can go into the temple.

Exam Tip: Always identify the specific information a signboard provides, as it often highlights important rules or historical facts.

Question 2. Who are elbowed aside? By whom?
Answer: Worshippers trying to get the priest's attention are often pushed aside. Other people who are also attempting to force their way to the front are the ones doing the elbowing. It shows the crowded and chaotic environment.
In simple words: People pushing to the front shove aside other worshippers who want the priest's attention.

Exam Tip: When asked about who does what to whom, specify both the subject and the object of the action clearly.

Question 3. What did the people do when a princess of the Nepalese royal house appeared ?
Answer: When a princess from the Nepalese royal family arrived, everyone immediately bowed down. They respectfully made way for her. This shows the honor and regard given to royalty in that setting.
In simple words: When a Nepalese princess came, everyone bowed and moved aside.

Exam Tip: Note how characters react to authority or important figures, as this reveals social customs or hierarchies in the narrative.

Question 4. Why were the Westerners struggling for permission to enter Pashupatinath?
Answer: The Westerners found it hard to persuade the policeman that they were Hindus. Since only Hindus were allowed to enter the temple, their inability to prove their Hindu identity meant they were denied entry. This caused them to struggle for permission.
In simple words: Westerners wanted to enter Pashupatinath, but they couldn't convince the police they were Hindus, so they weren't allowed inside.

Exam Tip: Focus on direct reasons for character actions, especially when cultural or religious restrictions are mentioned.

Question 5. What is the belief about a small shrine protruding from the stone platform on the river bank ?
Answer: It is thought that when the small shrine completely emerges from the stone platform, the goddess inside will escape. This event is believed to signal the conclusion of the evil period of Kaliyug on Earth. The local people hold this as a significant prophecy.
In simple words: People believe that when a small shrine on the river fully appears, the goddess inside will come out, ending the evil Kaliyug age.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific local beliefs or legends described in the text, as they often add cultural depth to the narrative.

Question 6. Which two temples did Vikram Seth visit in Kathmandu ?
Answer: Vikram Seth visited two main religious sites in Kathmandu. He went to the Pashupatinath temple and the Baudhnath stupa. These two places represent different spiritual traditions.
In simple words: Vikram Seth visited the Pashupatinath temple and the Baudhnath stupa in Kathmandu.

Exam Tip: When asked for a list, ensure you include all the items mentioned in the text without adding or omitting any.

Question 7. What is marzipan?
Answer: Marzipan is a type of sweet confection. It is primarily made from ground almonds. The preparation often includes sugar or honey, and sometimes egg whites, to create a dough-like consistency.
In simple words: Marzipan is a sweet made from ground almonds.

Exam Tip: For definition questions, provide a clear and concise explanation of the term as given in the context.

Question 8. Why did the writer not want to tear himself away from the square?
Answer: The writer truly enjoyed the flute music being played in the square. He also did not wish to leave the place while the beautiful music was still occurring. His affection for the melody kept him there.
In simple words: The writer loved the flute music and didn't want to leave the square while it was playing.

Exam Tip: Connect character feelings or preferences to their actions, as this explains their motivations within the story.

Answer the following questions in five to six sentences each:

Question 1. Describe the scenes at the Bagmati river.
Answer: The sacred Bagmati river flows right below the Pashupatinath temple. On its banks, a dead body was being cremated, showing a ritual of passage. Washerwomen were busy washing clothes, and children were bathing, adding to the daily activities. From a balcony, a basket of flowers and leaves was being dropped into the river, along with old, dried offerings. There is also a small shrine that half protrudes from the stone platform on the river bank, a site with its own beliefs.
In simple words: At the Bagmati river, dead bodies were being burned, women washed clothes, children bathed, and old offerings were thrown into the water. A small shrine also stuck out from the river bank.

Exam Tip: When describing a scene, include multiple sensory details (sights, sounds, actions) to create a vivid picture for the reader.

Question 2. What was the writer's idea of returning home ? Did it change ? How ?
Answer: Initially, the writer considered a long and adventurous route home from Kathmandu. He thought of traveling by bus and train to Patna, then sailing up the Ganges past Benaras to Allahabad, and further up the Yamuna to Agra and Delhi. However, his feelings changed. He felt very tired and homesick after his travels. As a result, he decided against the long journey and instead bought a flight ticket for the very next day from a Nepal Airlines office.
In simple words: The writer first planned a long journey home by bus, train, and boat, but he changed his mind because he was tired and homesick. He then bought a flight ticket to get home faster.

Exam Tip: Trace the evolution of characters' plans or feelings, noting the initial thought, any changes, and the reasons behind those changes.

Question 3. Write a note on Vikram Seth's interest and knowledge of flutes.
Answer: Vikram Seth has a deep affection and extensive understanding of flute music. He regards it as both the most universal and most specific of sounds, a musical instrument that transcends cultures. He knows many different types of flutes, including the reed neh, the recorder, the Japanese shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, and the clear, breathy flutes of South America and high-pitched Chinese flutes. Seth recognizes that each flute has its own distinct fingering and range. For him, listening to any flute feels like being connected to all of humanity, as its music closely mirrors the human voice and needs the living breath to continue, requiring pauses to breathe before it can go on.
In simple words: Vikram Seth really likes and knows a lot about flutes. He thinks flute music is special and universal, and he knows about many different kinds, like reed neh, shakuhachi, and bansuri. He understands that all flutes need human breath to make music, connecting everyone.

Exam Tip: When writing a note on a character's interest, include both their personal feelings and specific details that show their knowledge.

Vocabulary And Grammar

Vocabulary

Fill in the blanks choosing the correct words given in the brackets:

Question 1. (square, standing, hotel, look) I ............................... at the flute seller ............................ in a corner of the ............................ near the ................................"
Answer:
a. look
b. standing
c. square
d. hotel
In simple words: (Answer text directly from source as it's a fill-in-the-blanks type, not a descriptive answer needing polish.)

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to context clues and prepositions when choosing words to fill in blanks, as they often indicate the correct grammatical fit.

Question 2. (pattern, sometimes, imagine, playing) ............................. he breaks off ............................... to talk to the fruit seller. I ............................ that this has been the ............................ of his life for years."
Answer:
a. Sometimes
b. playing
c. imagine
d. pattern
In simple words: (Answer text directly from source as it's a fill-in-the-blanks type, not a descriptive answer needing polish.)

Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, try each option in the sentence to see which one fits best both grammatically and semantically.

Grammar

Rectify the errors in the passage:

Question 1. A fight breaks down between two monkeys. One chases another, who jumps onto a shivalinga, then runs screamed around the temples and down to the river, the holy Bagmati, that flows under. A small Shrine half protrude from the stone platform on the river bank. When it emerged fully, the goddess inside will escape.
Answer:
A fight **breaks out** between two monkeys.
One chases **the other**, who jumps onto a shivalinga, then **screaming** around the temples and down to the river, the holy Bagmati, that flows **below**. A small shrine half **protrudes** from the stone platform on the river bank. When it **emerges** fully, the goddess inside will escape.
In simple words: (The question and answer are already in a clear, corrective format, so a simple words explanation is not needed.)

Exam Tip: When correcting grammar, carefully check verb tenses, phrasal verbs, articles, and subject-verb agreement in each sentence.

Question 2. Kathmandu is vivid, mercenary, religion with small shrines to flower-adorn deities along the narrower and busiest streets; with fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards; shops sold Western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolate; but copper utensils and Nepalese antiques.
Answer:
Kathmandu is vivid, mercenary, **religious** with small shrines to **flower-adorned** deities along the **narrowest** and busiest streets; with fruit sellers, flute sellers, **hawkers** of postcards; shops **selling** Western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolate; **or** copper utensils and Nepalese antiques.
In simple words: (The question and answer are already in a clear, corrective format, so a simple words explanation is not needed.)

Exam Tip: Always proofread for correct word forms (e.g., noun vs. adjective), parallelism in lists, and appropriate conjunctions to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Question 3. I consider that route I should take back home. If I was propelled by enthusiasm for travel per se, I will go by bus and train to Patna, then sail up Ganges passed Benaras to Allahabad, then up the Yamuna, past Agra to Delhi. But I am to exhausted and homesick; today is a last day of August.
Answer:
I consider **what** route I should take back home. If I **were** propelled by enthusiasm for travel per se, I **would** go by bus and train to Patna, then sail up Ganges **past** Benaras to Allahabad, then up the Yamuna, past Agra to Delhi. But I am **too** exhausted and homesick; today is **the** last day of August.
In simple words: (The question and answer are already in a clear, corrective format, so a simple words explanation is not needed.)

Exam Tip: Focus on pronoun agreement, conditional sentences (if-then structures), proper use of prepositions, and correct adverb usage like "too" versus "to."

Fill in the blanks using article(s), conjunctions(s) and preposition(s) at the correct places:

Question 1. ............................ princess of .......................... Nepalese royal house appears; everyone bows .......................... makes way. ....................the main gate, a party....….……………………..…………………………………… saffron-clad Westerners struggle .......................... permission to enter.
Answer:
a. A
b. the
c. and
d. By
e. of
f. for
In simple words: (Answer text directly from source as it's a fill-in-the-blanks type, not a descriptive answer needing polish.)

Exam Tip: Correctly identifying articles (a, an, the), conjunctions (and, but, or), and prepositions (of, for, by) is key to accurate sentence structure.

Question 2. ............................. I can be so affected ..........................b....................... ......................... few familiar phrases ................ ............................. bansuri, surprises me ............................ first.
Answer:
a. That
b. by
c. a
d. on
e. the
f. at
In simple words: (Answer text directly from source as it's a fill-in-the-blanks type, not a descriptive answer needing polish.)

Exam Tip: Ensure that your chosen articles, conjunctions, and prepositions create a logical flow and grammatically sound sentence structure.

Punctuate the following passage:

Question 1. Kathmandu is vivid mercenary religious with small shrines to flower adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets with fruit sellers flute sellers hawkers of postcards shops selling Western cosmetics film rolls and chocolate or copper utensils and Nepalese antiques.
Answer: Kathmandu is vivid, mercenary, religious, with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets; with fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards; shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolate; or copper utensils and Nepalese antiques.
In simple words: (The question and answer are already in a clear, corrective format, so a simple words explanation is not needed.)

Exam Tip: Proper punctuation, especially commas and semicolons, helps separate items in a list and clarifies complex sentences.

Convert the following into Indirect Speech:

Question 1. Gerrard: You're not particularly decorative. Intruder: No ! Well, that goes for you, too. I've only got to wear specs and I'll be enough like you to get away with it. Gerrard: What about your clothes ? They'll let you down if you're not careful. Intruder: That'll be all right. Yours will fit me fine.
Answer: Gerrard told the Intruder that he was not particularly decorative. The Intruder refused to believe that and in return he told him that he was also not so decorative. Then he added that he had only got to wear specs and he would be enough like him to get away with it. Gerrard raised doubt what he would do for his clothes. He warned him that they would let him down if he was not careful. The Intruder welcomed his suggestion and told that his clothes would fit him fine.
In simple words: (The question and answer are already in a clear, converted format, so a simple words explanation is not needed.)

Exam Tip: When converting to indirect speech, remember to change pronouns, tenses, and time/place expressions, and use reporting verbs appropriately.

Rewrite as directed:

Question 1. Pashupatinath is the most sacred temple for Hindus. (Change the Degree.)
2. A corpse is being cremated on the banks of the Bagmati river. (Change the Voice.)
3. I am too exhausted to go further. (Remove 'too'.)
4. The sound rises clearly not only above the noise of traffic but also above the hawkers' cries. (Use 'not only... but also'.)
5. He does not shout out his wares. (Turn into Affirmative.)
6. I do not find it easy to tear myself away from the square. (Turn into Negative.)
7. There is no culture that does not have its flute. (Use ‘Every'.)
Answer:
(1) Pashupatinath is more sacred than any other temple for Hindus. OR No other temple for Hindus is so sacred as Pashupatinath.
(2) They are cremating a corpse on the banks of the Bagmati river.
(3) I am so exhausted that I cannot go further.
(4) The sound rises clearly not only above the noise of traffic but also above the hawkers' cries.
(5) He sells his wares silently / without shouting.
(6) I do not find it easy to tear myself away from the square.
(7) Every culture has its flute.
In simple words: (The question and answer are already in a clear, converted format, so a simple words explanation is not needed.)

Exam Tip: Understand the specific rules for each type of transformation (degrees of comparison, active/passive voice, negative/affirmative, 'not only... but also') to avoid errors.