Maharashtra Board Class 12 English Section 1 Prose Chapter 1.2 On Saying Please Solutions

Question 1. List the words of courtesy that we use in our daily life. Discuss them with your partner and explain the purpose of using each.
Answer: The words of courtesy we use in our daily life and their purposes are:
• Thank you: Used when we get something or when someone does a favor for us.
• Sorry: Used when we hurt someone or make a mistake.
• Please: Used when we want to request something politely.
• Excuse me: Used when we want someone to allow us to pass by or to get someone's attention.
• You're welcome: Used when someone thanks us for something.
• Hello: Used when we greet or meet someone.
• How are you?: Used when we meet someone and want to ask about their well-being.
• I'm fine, thank you: Used when someone asks us how we are.
These polite expressions help maintain harmony and mutual respect in our daily social interactions.
In simple words: Words of courtesy like "please", "thank you", and "sorry" help us talk to others politely and show respect in our daily lives.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always list the courtesy words along with their specific social context or purpose to secure full marks in such descriptive questions.

 

Question 2. Listed below are a few character traits of people. Some are positive traits, while others are not. Tick [✓] the ones you feel are desirable.
Answer: Desirable traits typically include empathy, kindness, politeness, humility, and helpfulness, while undesirable traits include arrogance, rudeness, and selfishness. Cultivating these positive traits helps us build stronger and more meaningful relationships with those around us.
In simple words: Desirable traits are good qualities like kindness and politeness that make someone a good person.

🎯 Exam Tip: In character trait questions, focus on identifying positive values like empathy, cooperation, and respect as desirable traits.

 

Question 2. Read the following characteristic traits and tick the positive ones.
Answer:

Characteristic traits	Characteristic traits	Characteristic traits
Conniving [ ]	Aggressive [ ]	Boastful [ ]
Insensitive [ ]	Scheming [ ]	Humble [✓]
Sly [ ]	Wise [✓]	Servile [ ]
Humorous [✓]	Egoistic [ ]	Territorial [ ]
Naive [ ]	Manipulative [ ]	Patronising [ ]
Benevolent [✓]	Rude [ ]	Generous [✓]

In simple words: Positive traits are good qualities like being wise, humble, kind, and funny, which make a person pleasant and helpful to be around.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on identifying traits that reflect kindness, respect, and intelligence, as these are always considered positive characteristics.

 

Question 3. Etiquette and manners are very important for a person to live in the society. Read the following and put them in proper columns:
1. To receive phone calls while you are in a lecture or class.
2. To knock before you enter your Principal’s office.
3. To thank the person who offers you tea or coffee.
4. To be polite and courteous to others.
5. To leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission.
6. To occupy the seats reserved for ladies or physically challenged or elderly people on a bus or a train.
Answer:

Appropriate	Inappropriate
1. To knock before you enter your Principal’s office.	1. To receive phone calls while you are in a lecture or class.
2. To thank the person who offers you tea or coffee.	2. To leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission.
3. To be polite and courteous to others.	3. To occupy the seats reserved for ladies or physically challenged or elderly people on a bus or a train.

In simple words: Good manners mean doing things that show respect for others, like knocking before entering, while bad manners include disturbing others or taking seats meant for people who need them more.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read each statement carefully and think about how it affects the people around you to easily classify them as appropriate or inappropriate.

3. To be polite and courteous to others.

3. To occupy the seats reserved for ladies or physically challenged or elderly people on a bus or a train.

(A1)

 

Question (i) Form groups and explain the following words with examples:
Answer:
1. Humility: being free from pride and arrogance – greatest example our former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – remember that ‘pride comes before a fall’ – always realize that there are people better than you are – Socrates said ‘One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing.’
2. Self-esteem: self-respect; confidence in one’s own worth or abilities – accept oneself as one is – everyone is different and unique – highly positive quality – leads to achievements, success, healthy relationships – can be developed with a little effort.
3. Gratitude: thankfulness for something that you have got – ready to show appreciation for something – towards the Almighty, towards those who have helped you – strengthens relationships with others – creates positivity.
4. Courtesy: means good manners and polite behavior – means being kind and compassionate towards others – should be real, not artificial – creates good impression – one will be liked by all – human quality not present in animals.
5. Generosity: kindness; big-heartedness – the act of being kind, selfless and giving towards others – very positive trait – influences others – when one is generous, one feels good – many religions consider this a great virtue – encourage charity.
6. Sympathy: feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune – leads to stronger relationships – offering condolences when someone dies – helps us to bond with others - makes the other person’s distress less – beautiful emotion – should be developed.
7. Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another – putting yourself in the shoes of the other person – different from kindness or pity – listen when people talk – see things from the other person’s point of view – makes one a very humane person. Developing these core values is essential for personal growth and building a harmonious community.
In simple words: These terms describe positive human qualities like being humble, thankful, polite, kind, and understanding. Practicing these values helps us get along with others and live a happier, more meaningful life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use clear, real-life examples like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for humility to make your explanations more impactful and score higher marks.

 

Question (ii) Have a Group Discussion on the topic ‘The need of soft skills at the workplace’. Use the following points:

(A2)

 

Question (i). Read the text and state whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the False statements.
(a) Bitter problems in day-to-day life can be solved by sweet words.
(b) Great wars could have been avoided by a little courtesy.
(c) Observance of etiquette in a normal situation is important but more important is their observance when the situation is adverse.
(d) Words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ help us in making our passage through life uneasy.
(e) The law permits anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous.
Answer:
True statements:
(a) Bitter problems in day-to-day life can be solved by sweet words.
(b) Great wars could have been avoided by a little courtesy.
(c) Observance of etiquette in a normal situation is important but more important is their observance when the situation is adverse.

False statements:
(d) Words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ help us in making our passage through life uneasy.
(e) The law permits anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous.

Corrected statements:
(d) Words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ help us in making our passage through life easy.
(e) The law does not permit anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous. Politeness and adherence to legal boundaries are essential for maintaining social harmony.
In simple words: We need to decide if each sentence is true or false. For the false ones, we rewrite them correctly to show that polite words make our lives easier and that the law never allows us to use violence against rude people.

🎯 Exam Tip: When correcting false statements, clearly underline or highlight the corrected words (such as changing 'uneasy' to 'easy') to help the examiner see your changes instantly.

 

Question (ii) Select the most appropriate sentences which suggest the theme of the essay.
(a) The essay tells us about courtesy, civility, morality, responsibility and control.
(b) The essay explores the difficulties that can be incurred by an individual when dealing with the public.
(c) One can keep one’s peace of mind without having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender.
(d) People with low self-esteem are generally difficult to work with and they look down upon others to get a feeling of superiority.
Answer:
(a) The essay tells us about courtesy, civility, morality, responsibility and control.
(c) One can keep one’s peace of mind without having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender.
In simple words: The main ideas of the essay are that we should always remain polite and responsible, and we should not lose our peace of mind or act rudely even if someone else is being mean to us.

🎯 Exam Tip: When multiple options are correct, make sure to write down all the correct statements clearly to secure full marks.

 

Question (iii)(a) Find the reasons for the liftman’s uncivilized behaviour.
Answer: Reasons for the liftman’s uncivilized behaviour when the passenger was rude and ill-mannered towards him:
1. he was acutely hurt by the slur cast by the passenger on his social status
2. the passenger’s discourtesy was a wound to his self-respect
3. he felt insulted by the passenger’s discourtesy.
In simple words: The liftman behaved badly because the passenger's rudeness hurt his self-respect and made him feel insulted about his social standing.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all the points clearly in a numbered format as given in the textbook to make your answer easy for the examiner to read.

 

Question (iii)(b) List the people and their behaviour that made the passenger rude and ill-mannered.
Answer: The people who made the passenger rude and ill-mannered in the chain of bad temper are:
• Housemaid (was rude to the Wife)
• Wife (was rude to the Employer)
• Employer (was rude to the Passenger)
• Passenger (was rude to the Lift-man)
• Lift-man (was rude to his Wife)
In simple words: Bad temper is contagious; it started with the housemaid being rude to the wife, which eventually passed down to the passenger being rude to the liftman.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the sequence of characters in the chain of bad temper to accurately fill in flowcharts or lists in the exam.

Chain of Behaviour:

• Housemaid
• Cook
• Employer’s wife
• Employer
• Passenger
• Lift-man

 

Question (iv) Good manners are required in our daily life for making our social contacts more cooperative and friendly. Illustrate the behaviour of the polite conductor with different people in various situations.
Answer: The polite conductor's exemplary behavior serves as a wonderful model for fostering harmony in society. His interactions with different passengers are detailed in the table below:

Situation	Behaviour
1. The writer’s sensitive toe was trampled on	The conductor said sorry with an apology and courtesy.
2. In the rainy season dealing with people	He would run up the stairs to give someone the tip that there was “room inside”.
3. Dealing with old people	He was as considerate as a son.
4. Dealing with children	He was as solicitous as a father.
5. Dealing with young people	He always indulged in some merry jest with them.
6. Dealing with a blind man	He set him down safely on the pavement and then took him wherever he wanted to go, after telling the driver to wait for a while.

In simple words: The conductor showed kindness and respect to everyone he met, whether they were young, old, blind, or caught in the rain. His polite actions made the passengers feel comfortable and cared for.

🎯 Exam Tip: Presenting comparison or situational data in a neat table format helps the examiner read your answer easily and awards full marks. Ensure you capture all six situations mentioned in the text.

 

Question (v) Discuss and Write the impact of good temper and kindliness on society in the light of the good-mannered conductor.
Answer: The conductor was always cheerful and kind-hearted to everyone in the bus. This spread to his passengers and they too became cheerful and good-humored. They would naturally pass on this feeling after getting off the bus. Thus, in society, if people are good-tempered, cheerful and kind, it will spread to others and they too will start behaving in a similar manner. This will lead to a happy and compassionate society. By spreading positivity, we can make our daily interactions much more pleasant.
In simple words: When we are polite and happy, it makes others happy too. This good mood spreads from person to person, making the whole community a friendlier place.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use keywords like "chain reaction", "positivity", and "compassionate society" to secure high marks in value-based questions.

 

Question (vi) ‘A modest calling can be made dignified by good temper and kindly feeling’. Explain the statement with examples.
Answer: This means that whatever career or job one has, however simple or modest, it can be made more dignified by behaving in a good-tempered and cheerful manner and with kindliness towards the people one comes in contact with. For example, even a simple job like that of a security guard at a mall can be made pleasant and dignified if the guard smiles and says ‘Thank you’ or ‘Good morning’ every time he/she checks a person. A sweeper’s job can also be made more dignified if he/she just nods and smiles at passers-by or helps them if they are in need. Showing respect to everyone regardless of their job is a hallmark of a civilized society.
In simple words: No job is too small or low. If you do your work with a smile and treat others kindly, you bring respect and dignity to your job.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define "modest calling" as any simple profession and explain how attitude elevates its value.

 

Question (vii) The service of the police is necessary for the implementation of law in our society. Do you think you require this service for a good social environment? Discuss and write.
Answer: No, we cannot have the police monitoring us for social and moral offences. For example, one cannot be punished if one refuses to smile at an acquaintance or say 'Thank you'. One cannot be punished if one doesn’t hold the door open for the person who is following. These are good manners, or courtesy, and they have to be taught right from childhood, and they will change in different cultures and different circumstances. Whether a person follows them or not depends on the individual. However, if we all practice these small acts of kindness, our society becomes a much better place to live.
In simple words: The police can enforce laws, but they cannot force people to be polite. Good manners must come from within ourselves and our upbringing.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the contrast between "legal laws" and "social/moral codes" to structure your answer logically.

(A3)

 

Question (a) Find out the words in Column B which collocate with the words in Column A:

A	B
regular	meal
mid day	concept
key	food
fast	exercise
try	decorated
richly	hard
free	jam
traffic	time
social	animal
wild	justice

Answer:

A	B	Answer
regular	meal	regular exercise
mid day	concept	mid-day meal
key	food	key concept
fast	exercise	fast food
try	decorated	try hard
richly	hard	richly decorated
free	jam	free time
traffic	time	traffic jam
social	animal	social justice
wild	justice	wild animal

In simple words: Collocations are pairs of words that naturally fit together in English, like "fast food" or "free time", to make sentences sound correct and natural.

🎯 Exam Tip: When matching collocations, read the paired words aloud to check if they sound familiar and natural in everyday English.

 

Question (b) Learning collocations is essential for making your English sound fluent and natural. Make the following collocations and use them in your own sentences.
Answer:
Collocations:

• Big: Big mistake, Big surprise, Big welcome, Big meal, Big deal, Big challenge, Big news, Big shock
• Well: Well-dressed

Sentences:
(1) BIG:
1. It was a big mistake to hold a party on a rainy day.
2. “Did you get a big surprise when you saw me?” asked the little girl to her mother.
3. There was a big welcome waiting for the winning team.
4. The hungry beggar prayed that he would get a big meal at the rich man’s home.
5. Writing the difficult exam was no big deal for the intelligent boy.
6. Rohan realized that it would be a big challenge for him to win the match.
7. The discovery of a new element was big news in the scientific community.
8. Losing the beauty contest was a big shock for the arrogant girl.

(2) WELL:
1. The well-dressed man jumped over the puddle carefully. Learning how to pair these words correctly helps us speak and write English much more naturally.
In simple words: Collocations are words that naturally go together, like "big mistake" or "well-dressed". Using these common word combinations helps you speak and write English more naturally.

🎯 Exam Tip: When creating sentences with collocations, make sure the context clearly shows the meaning of the paired words to score full marks.

 

Question (ii) Sometimes while using a word in a sentence, we have to change its word class. We can make several more words from the root word. I asked Sumit to ................ my pencil for me. (sharp)
Answer: I asked Sumit to sharpen my pencil for me. This demonstrates how we can convert an adjective into a verb to show an action.
In simple words: Sometimes we need to change the form of a word, like changing the adjective 'sharp' into the verb 'sharpen', so that it fits correctly into the sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the action required in the sentence to decide whether you need a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.

 

Question 1. Now read the following sentences and use the words given in the brackets. Change the word class and rewrite the sentences.
(a) Leena was eating a very ............. apple and obviously enjoying it. (crunch)
(b) This picture looks ............. (colour)
(c) I’m afraid that your behaviour is just not ............. (accept)
(d) I like my elder brother. He is very ............. (help)
Answer:
(a) Leena was eating a very crunchy apple and obviously enjoying it.
(b) This picture looks colourful.
(c) I’m afraid that your behaviour is just not acceptable.
(d) I like my elder brother. He is very helpful. These transformations show how root words can be modified with suffixes to function as adjectives.
In simple words: We can change words by adding endings like '-y', '-ful', or '-able' to make them fit the sentence correctly as adjectives.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the noun being described to choose the correct adjective form, such as 'crunchy' for 'apple' or 'colourful' for 'picture'.

 

Question 2. Complete the following table. Put a cross if a word class does not exist.
Answer: The completed table below shows the correct word forms for each category. Understanding these word families helps in building a stronger vocabulary.

Sr.No.	Noun	Verb	Adjective	Adverb
1.	absence	absent	absent	absently
2.	alarm	alarm	alarming	alarmingly
3.	attraction	attract	attractive	attractively
4.	ability	enable	able	ably
5.	admiration	admire	admirable	admirably
6.	agreement	agree	agreeable	agreeably
7.	application / applicability	apply	applicable	applicably
8.	avoidance	avoid	avoidable	avoidably
9.	difference	differ	different	differently

In simple words: This table shows how a single root word can change its form to become a noun, a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. Learning these forms helps us use the right word in different parts of a sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize common suffixes like '-tion' for nouns, '-able' for adjectives, and '-ly' for adverbs to easily convert words from one class to another.

 

Question (iii) Write appropriate expressions and words you have to use while facing an interview :
Answer:
(a) May I come in?
(b) May I have a seat?
(c) Thank you.
(d) I’m sorry, but I did not catch what you said.
(5) Please let me know.
Using polite expressions helps establish a positive and respectful tone during your interaction with the interviewers.
In simple words: These are polite phrases you should use during a job interview to show respect and good manners to the employers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize these standard polite phrases as they demonstrate your communication skills and professionalism to the interviewer.

 

Question (b) You are writing a letter of complaint. List the proper expressions that you would like to write.
Answer:
1. I disagree.
2. I’m sorry to say that….
3. I would like to suggest….
4. This was not expected from a company like yours.
5. Please replace the defective piece as soon as possible.
Writing these expressions clearly helps the company understand your issue without sounding overly aggressive.
In simple words: When you write a complaint letter, you should use these formal phrases to explain what is wrong and what you want the company to do to fix it.

🎯 Exam Tip: In complaint letters, always maintain a formal yet firm tone by using structured expressions to state your grievance clearly.

 

Question (iv) Distinguish between a legal offence and a moral offence on the basis of the extract.
Answer:
While legal offences are punishable by law, moral offences are social and ethical lapses that affect personal relationships.

Legal offence	Moral offence
Burglary	Rude behaviour
Assault	Discourtesy
Battery	Haughtiness

In simple words: A legal offence is a crime like stealing or hurting someone that the police can arrest you for, while a moral offence is just being rude or impolite to others.

🎯 Exam Tip: Present comparison questions in a neat table format with clear headings to make it easy for the examiner to award full marks.

 

Question (v) Find out the meaning of the phrase ‘give and take’ and use it in your own sentence.
Answer: Meaning: An exchange of ideas, compromise, or mutual concessions. Sentence: The TV stars engaged in an interesting give-and-take which was enjoyed by the audience.
In simple words: 'Give and take' means making compromises and sharing ideas so that people can work together happily.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to use a phrase in a sentence, ensure the sentence is grammatically correct and clearly demonstrates the phrase's meaning.

 

Question (vi) Complete the table with polite expressions that we must use in our day-to-day life:
Answer: Being polite helps us communicate effectively without hurting others. Here is the completed table with polite alternatives:

Don'ts	Dos
I want a cup of tea.	I would like to have a cup of tea.
Send me the mail.	Please send me the mail.
Go away or leave me alone.	Please let me be by myself.
You are wrong.	Are you sure you’re right?
That’s a bad idea.	That is not a very good idea, is it?
Your work isn’t good.	Your work can do with some improvement

In simple words: Instead of saying things in a harsh or demanding way, we should use softer, polite words to show respect to others.

🎯 Exam Tip: To make sentences polite, try rephrasing commands into questions or adding words like 'please' and 'would'.

(A4)

Question (i) Edit the given paragraph using a/ an/the wherever necessary:
Rakesh is a/an ideal son who remains devoted to his father as he grows professionally to become a/the famous doctor. As his father grows old, he takes care to spend time with his father, bringing him tea in a/the morning and taking him out for a/the walk in an/the evening.
Answer: Rakesh is an ideal son who remains devoted to his father as he grows professionally to become a famous doctor. As his father grows old, he takes care to spend time with his father, bringing him tea in the morning and taking him out for a walk in the evening. Proper use of articles makes the paragraph grammatically correct and smooth to read.
In simple words: We use 'an' before vowel sounds like 'ideal', 'a' before consonant sounds like 'famous' and 'walk', and 'the' for specific times of the day like 'morning' and 'evening'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the sound of the next word when choosing between 'a' and 'an', and use 'the' for specific, well-defined things.

 

Question (ii) Spot the Errors in Each of the Following Sentences and Correct the Incorrect Ones:

 

Question (a) Radha brought pens and distributed them between her five children.
Answer: Radha bought pens and distributed them among her five children. Note that 'brought' is also corrected to 'bought' to match the context of distributing pens.
In simple words: Use 'between' when talking about two people, and 'among' when sharing things with more than two people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use 'between' for two entities and 'among' for three or more entities to score full marks.

 

Question (b) Jayshree and Sujata sat besides each other in complete silence.
Answer: Jayshree and Sujata sat beside each other in complete silence. This correction ensures the spatial relationship is accurately described.
In simple words: 'Beside' means next to someone, while 'besides' means in addition to something.

🎯 Exam Tip: Do not confuse 'beside' (by the side of) with 'besides' (in addition to) as this is a very common grammar test trap.

 

Question (c) His best friend Vijay was blind within one eye.
Answer: His best friend Vijay was blind in one eye. The preposition 'in' is the correct standard English usage for this phrase.
In simple words: We say someone is 'blind in' an eye, not 'blind within' or 'blind of' an eye.

🎯 Exam Tip: Prepositions have fixed collocations with certain adjectives; always pair 'blind' with 'in' when referring to eyes.

 

Question (d) One could dare to encroach on his rights.
Answer: One could not dare to encroach on his rights. Adding the negative 'not' restores the logical meaning of the sentence.
In simple words: The sentence needs 'not' to show that nobody would have the courage to violate his rights.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for contextual clues to see if a sentence requires a negative word like 'not' or 'never' to make logical sense.

 

Question (e) She was taken with surprise when she saw the famous Taj Mahal.
Answer: She was taken by surprise when she saw the famous Taj Mahal. The idiom 'taken by surprise' is the correct phrase to express unexpected wonder.
In simple words: The correct English phrase is 'taken by surprise', which means to be shocked or amazed by something.

🎯 Exam Tip: Learn common idiomatic expressions like 'taken by surprise' as examiners frequently test these exact prepositional phrases.

 

Question (f). It is not possible to exchange the goods once the sale has been completed.
Answer: It is not possible to exchange goods once the sale has been completed, as the definite article 'the' is deleted to make the statement general.
In simple words: We do not need the word 'the' before 'goods' here. Removing it makes the sentence sound more natural and correct.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look out for unnecessary articles ('the', 'a', 'an') before plural nouns when they are used in a general sense.

 

Question (g). Dr. Sengupta has been trying to master the craft for the last five years.
Answer: No error in this sentence. The sentence correctly uses the present perfect continuous tense to show an action continuing up to the present.
In simple words: This sentence is completely correct. It properly describes an action that started five years ago and is still happening.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that sentences using 'has been' with 'for' to show duration are often correct and do not need changes.

 

Question (h). The top-ranking candidates will be appointed in senior jobs in banks.
Answer: The top-ranking candidates will be appointed to senior jobs in banks. The preposition 'to' is the correct choice to follow the verb 'appointed' in this context.
In simple words: We should use the word 'to' instead of 'in' after 'appointed'. This is the correct English phrasing for placing someone in a job.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize common verb-preposition pairs like 'appointed to' to quickly spot errors in sentences.

 

Question (i). She knows very well what is expected from her but she is unable to perform.
Answer: She knows very well what is expected of her but she is unable to perform. Using 'of' instead of 'from' is the standard idiomatic usage for expectations.
In simple words: We say 'expected of someone' instead of 'expected from' when talking about what someone is supposed to do.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to prepositions following verbs like 'expect'; 'expected of' is the correct idiomatic form.

 

Question (j). They will put on a note in this regard for your consideration.
Answer: They will put up a note in this regard for your consideration. The phrasal verb 'put up' is used here to mean presenting or submitting a proposal.
In simple words: We use 'put up' to mean presenting or submitting a note for someone to read. 'Put on' means to wear something.

🎯 Exam Tip: Learn the differences between common phrasal verbs like 'put up', 'put on', and 'put out' to solve these questions easily.

 

Question (iii). Read the following.
Santosh purchased a computer. He read the operating manual and followed the instructions.
(a) He linked the monitor, keyboard and printer.
(b) He plugged in the main cable.
(c) He switched on the monitor at the back.
(d) When the light appeared on the screen, he placed the Day Disk in Drive A.
(e) He pushed in the disk until the button clicked out.

 

Question. Convert the following sentences into passive voice by filling in the blanks:
(f) He pressed the Drive button and the disk shot out.
(g) He replaced the Day Disk with the Document Disk.
(h) He pressed function key 7.
Answer: Firstly the monitor, keyboard and printer were linked up. Then the main cable was plugged in. The monitor was switched on at the back. When the light appeared on the screen, the Day Disk was placed in Drive A. The disk was pushed in until the button clicked out. It took the computer 30 seconds to load the program. The drive button was pressed and the disk shot out. The Day Disk was replaced with the Document Disk. Finally, the function key 7 was pressed. The word processor was then ready to use. This step-by-step guide helps users set up their systems correctly.
In simple words: This exercise shows how to change active sentences where someone does an action into passive sentences where the action happens to the object.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting to passive voice, focus on the action and the receiver of the action rather than the person doing it.

(A5)

 

Question (i) Write a speech on ‘Courtesy is the light of life’ with the help of the following points.
(a) People have a good impression of you.
(b) You will be acknowledged and appreciated by all.
(c) You will he happier and contented with life.
Answer:
Courtesy is the light of life
Dear friends,
Good morning. You may be surprised with the topic I have chosen for this speech, for today the word ‘Courtesy’ seems to be an old-fashioned word for us. But it is really the light of life. I, Shivam Goswami, would like to say a few words on why I think so. This speech aims to highlight how small acts of politeness can brighten our daily lives.

First of all, what does courtesy mean? It means good manners and polite behaviour. It means being kind and compassionate towards someone. When you are courteous, people have a good impression of you; but that is not the reason for being courteous. Politeness should be real, and not artificial.

A courteous person will be appreciated by all. People will like to spend time with him/her and find pleasure in the person’s company. Someone may ask ‘What is
In simple words: Courtesy means being polite and well-mannered to everyone around us. When we are kind, it makes both us and others feel happy and respected.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use a warm greeting and introduce yourself clearly at the beginning of a speech to engage your audience immediately.

 

Question (ii) ‘Manners maketh man’ – Expand the idea in your own words with proper examples.
Answer:
Manners maketh man

‘Manners maketh Man’ : so goes a famous saying. In the world of today, people are judged by their manners and conduct. Manners distinguish us from animals, and make us human. A person who is courteous and considerate towards others is said to possess good manners. Such a person is respectful to his superiors, courteous to his equals and sympathetic towards his subordinates. He always shows concern for the well-being and comfort of others. He uses words like ‘Please’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘Sorry’ while talking to others; he helps senior citizens and those in need.

Everyone likes a person who speaks and behaves politely and treats others respectfully. Good manners cost practically nothing but can buy everything. They win us friends and help us influence people. They make the world a happier place to live in by reducing friction and avoiding tension.

When we meet a person for the first time, it is the person’s courtesy which impresses us deeply. Good manners are generally taught by parents at home, and by teachers in school. Manners that are learnt during childhood generally remain with us throughout our lives. Cultivating these habits early on helps build a strong moral foundation for life. They become a part of our personality. Hence, it is desirable that good manners are instilled in children when they are very young, so that they grow up to become courteous, considerate adults.
In simple words: This saying means that our behavior and how we treat others define who we are as human beings. Good manners like saying "thank you" and being respectful help us make friends and make the world a better place.

🎯 Exam Tip: When expanding an idea, structure your answer with a clear introduction, body paragraphs with examples, and a strong conclusion to secure maximum marks.

 

(A6)

p>Question (i) Read A. G. Gardiner’s essay “The Open Window’ and compare its theme with the essay ‘On Saying “Please.”
Answer: In "On Saying 'Please'", A. G. Gardiner highlights the significance of social etiquette, courtesy, and polite behavior in making daily interactions pleasant and cooperative. In his essay "On an Open Window", he explores the theme of mental and physical openness, advocating for fresh air, freedom, and a receptive attitude towards nature. While "On Saying 'Please'" focuses on external social manners, "On an Open Window" emphasizes internal mental freedom and breaking away from stuffy conventions. Both essays reflect Gardiner's unique ability to draw profound philosophical lessons from simple, everyday observations.
In simple words: "On Saying 'Please'" teaches us to be polite and well-mannered with others, while "On an Open Window" encourages us to keep our minds open to nature and new ideas. Both essays show how small habits can greatly improve our lives.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing two essays, clearly state the core theme of each and highlight how the author uses simple everyday examples to deliver a deeper message.

 

Question (ii) ‘Nothing clears up my spirits like a fine day’ – Keats. Collect information of the poet Keats and write it in your notebook.
Answer: John Keats (1795–1821) was a prominent English Romantic poet known for his vivid imagery, sensory appeal, and deep appreciation of beauty and nature. Despite his tragically short life, he produced masterpiece odes such as "Ode to a Nightingale" and "Ode on a Grecian Urn." His quote, "Nothing clears up my spirits like a fine day," perfectly captures his belief in the healing and rejuvenating power of the natural world. Keats believed that nature is a source of infinite joy and that experiencing its beauty can cure mental weariness and elevate the human soul.
In simple words: John Keats was a famous English poet who loved nature. He believed that a beautiful, sunny day has the power to make a sad person feel happy and peaceful again.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention Keats' association with the Romantic movement and his focus on nature and beauty to secure maximum marks.

 

(A7)

 

Question (i) Soft skills are required in all walks of life including careers and industries. They are increasingly becoming the essential skills of today’s workforce. Soft skills are an integral part of finding, attracting and retaining clients also. Highly developed presentation skills, networking abilities, and etiquette awareness can help you win new clients and gain more work. The following are considered the most important soft skills.
Answer: Based on professional standards, the most important soft skills required in today's workforce include:

• Effective Communication (verbal, non-verbal, and written)
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Time Management and Work Ethic
• Leadership and Conflict Resolution

These skills complement technical expertise and are crucial for career advancement and building strong professional relationships.
In simple words: Soft skills are personal qualities like talking politely, working well with others, and managing your time. They help you succeed in your job and get along with everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Present the list of soft skills using clear bullet points to make your answer structured and easy for the examiner to read.

 

Question (ii) Following are some of the institutions where you will get the courses related to soft skills.
(a) Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
(b) Indian School of Business Management, Hyderabad
(c) XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
(d) Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi
Jobs available at –
• Customer service centre
• Management schools
• Hotel industry, etc.
Answer: These premier institutions offer specialized courses in soft skills, leadership, and management. Completing these courses opens up diverse career opportunities in sectors such as customer service centres, management schools, the hotel and hospitality industry, corporate training, and human resource management.
In simple words: These top colleges teach you how to communicate and lead. After studying there, you can get good jobs in hotels, customer service, or teaching management.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly link the institutions to the career paths they open up to show a comprehensive understanding of the question.

 

Question 1. Read the following sentences and find out True and False sentences. Correct the false sentences:
1. The liftman invited the passenger into the lift.
2. If you knock down a burglar, the law will acquit you.
3. There is no legislation against bad manners.
4. The complainant had to pay a fine.
Answer:
True sentences:
2. If you knock down a burglar, the law will acquit you.
3. There is no legislation against bad manners.

False sentences:
1. The liftman invited the passenger into the lift.
4. The complainant had to pay a fine.

Corrected sentences:
1. The liftman threw the passenger out of the lift.
4. The liftman had to pay a fine.
In simple words: Some statements are true according to the law, while others are false. The false statements have been corrected to show that the liftman actually threw the passenger out and was the one who had to pay a fine.

🎯 Exam Tip: When correcting false sentences, ensure you change only the incorrect part of the statement to make it factually accurate according to the text.

 

Question 2. Explain the penalty, if any, that one has to pay if one is rude or boorish.
Answer: There is no legal penalty to pay if one is rude or boorish except the penalty of being called an ill-mannered person. Society does not legally punish bad manners, but it does judge them socially. Therefore, the only consequence is the loss of social respect and goodwill.
In simple words: The law does not punish you for being rude or having bad manners. However, people will think poorly of you and consider you an impolite person.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between legal penalties (like fines or prison) and social penalties (like losing respect) when answering this question.

 

Question 3. The behaviour of the people who made the passenger rude and ill-mannered:
Answer: The passenger's rudeness was a direct result of the liftman's uncivil behavior, which itself was part of a chain reaction of bad temper. The liftman was angry because his employer had not said "Good morning" to him, the employer was annoyed because he had been henpecked by his wife, the wife was angry because the housemaid had been insolent, and the housemaid was rude because the cook had back-answered her.
In simple words: Bad temper and rudeness are contagious. The passenger was rude because the liftman was rude, and the liftman's bad mood was passed down through a chain of angry people starting from a cook.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the concept of a "chain reaction of bad temper" to explain how rudeness spreads from one person to another in this story.

p>Question 3. Complete the flowchart showing the chain of discourtesy.
Answer:
1. housemaid is rude to the cook
2. cook is therefore very rude to the passenger's employer's wife
3. employer is henpecked by his wife at breakfast
4. employer does not say ‘Good morning’ to passenger
5. passenger is rude and ill-mannered towards the liftman
6. liftman throws passenger out of the lift.
In simple words: This flowchart shows how rudeness spreads like an infection from one person to another, starting with a housemaid and ending with a liftman throwing a passenger out.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use sequential numbering to clearly show the cause-and-effect relationship in flowchart questions.

 

Question 4. Complete the following:
Answer:
1. The first requirement of civility is that we should acknowledge a service.
2. The Underground Railway Company insists that their employees are civil.
3. The words which make life smooth are ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ because they sweeten our daily interactions.
4. The job of a bus conductor is very difficult and sometimes painful.
In simple words: Politeness and kind words like 'please' and 'thank you' make our daily lives much happier and smoother for everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Underline the completed parts of the sentences clearly so the examiner can easily identify your answers.

 

Question 5. Tick mark the correct words:
Answer:
1. The author finally found/did not find the money for the ticket.
2. The author thought he had left home with/ without any money.
3. The conductor gave/did not give the author a ticket.
4. The author was pleased/displeased with the conductor, appreciating his warm and friendly nature.
In simple words: Even though the author thought he had no money, he eventually found some, but not before the kind conductor generously offered him a ticket anyway.

🎯 Exam Tip: When choosing between two options, read the entire sentence to ensure the selected word fits the context of the story perfectly.

 

Question 6. Complete the web by choosing the correct words from the brackets that describe...

Question. Choose the correct qualities of the conductor from the options given in the brackets:
(mean, cheerful, considerate, grumpy, patient, solicitous, impatient, polite, irritable, good-tempered, haughty, good-natured, kind)
Answer: The qualities of the conductor are:
• cheerful
• considerate
• patient
• solicitous
• polite
• good-tempered
• good-natured
• kind
These positive traits made him well-liked by all his passengers.
In simple words: The conductor had many good qualities like being polite, patient, kind, and cheerful, which made everyone happy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize these positive personality adjectives as they are frequently asked in character sketch questions.

 

Question 7. Complete the following:
Answer:
1. A modest career can he made dignified by good temper and kindly feeling.
2. The law can only protect us against material) attack.
3. The narrator says he does not want to apologise for praising an unknown bus conductor.
4. A man who is polite may lose material advantage but he always has the spiritual victory.
In simple words: Having a good attitude makes any job respectable, and while being polite might not give you physical rewards, it makes you a better person inside.

🎯 Exam Tip: Underline the completed parts of the sentences clearly in your answer sheet to help the examiner locate them easily.

Complex Factual

 

Question 1. Explain what the liftman wanted the passenger to do, and what happened afterwards.
Answer: The passenger, on entering the lift, said ‘Top’. The liftman wanted him to say ‘Top please’. When the passenger refused to comply with this polite request, the liftman became angry and threw him out of the lift.
In simple words: The liftman wanted the passenger to say "please" when asking to go to the top floor. When the passenger refused, the liftman got angry and threw him out.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly describe both the cause (refusing to say 'please') and the effect (being thrown out) to get full marks.

 

Question 2. Explain the sentence: The pain of a kick on the shins soon passes away but the pain of a wound to our self-respect or our vanity may poison a whole day.
Answer: This means that if we are physically attacked and injured, the pain of the wounds will soon heal and be forgotten. Physical injuries heal relatively quickly because our bodies have a natural capacity to repair themselves. But if our self-respect or pride is hurt, it may poison our lives and behaviour for a much longer time.
In simple words: Physical wounds heal quickly, but emotional wounds from being insulted can hurt our feelings and ruin our mood for a very long time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always explain both parts of the comparison—the physical pain versus the mental pain—to secure full marks.

 

Question 3. It is not possible for the law to become the guardian of our private manners. Explain.
Answer: The area of moral offences is quite vast and no laws or commandments can cover this area. In addition, social civilities, speech and manners are of so many types and the interpretation of these (whether they are good or bad) is so different that no court could administer a law which governed them. Our personal interactions are too subjective and diverse for any legal framework to regulate effectively. Hence, it is not possible for the law to become the guardian of our private manners.
In simple words: The law cannot control how we behave or speak to each other because manners are too personal and varied for any court to judge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that moral offences and manners are too vast and subjective for courts to regulate.

 

Question 4. Mention a couple of ways to keep the machine of life oiled and running sweetly.
Answer: We can keep the machine of life oiled and running sweetly by using courteous words like ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ to acknowledge a service. These simple words act as a lubricant that removes friction from our daily social interactions.
In simple words: Saying polite words like 'please' and 'thank you' makes our daily interactions with others smooth and pleasant.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the metaphor of 'oil' or 'lubricant' when explaining how polite words help in daily life.

 

Question 5. Complete the following:
Answer: The public owes much to the Underground Railway Company because they insist on a certain standard of civility in their employees, and take care that the standard is observed. This ensures a pleasant and respectful journey for all passengers.
In simple words: People are grateful to the railway company because they make sure their workers are always polite and well-behaved.

🎯 Exam Tip: Make sure to underline or highlight the completed part of the sentence in your answer sheet.

 

Question 6. Complete the table:
Answer: [Please refer to your textbook to complete the table for this question.]
In simple words: This question asks you to fill in a table based on the details in the lesson.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing tables, ensure that each column matches the specific category requested in the question.

Complete the Table

The words	Who said!	To whom	When
1. “I haven’t a copper on me.”	The narrator	The conductor	When the conductor and the narrator found that he had left home without any money in his pocket.
2. “Oh, you’ll see me some day alright.”	The conductor	The narrator	When the narrator asked where (to which address) he could send the borrowed money.
3. “Where shall I send the fare?”	The narrator	The conductor	When the narrator wanted to repay the ticket money to the conductor.
4. “Where do you want to go?”	The conductor	The narrator	When the narrator explained that he did not have any money on him, and the conductor

 

Question 7. Write the narrator’s opinion about how the liftman should have dealt with the passenger’s uncivility. Give reasons for the same.
Answer: In the opinion of the writer, the liftman, instead of throwing the passenger out of the lift, should have treated him with elaborate politeness. He would have then had the victory not only over the rude passenger, but also over himself, and that was the spiritual victory that was more important. His revenge would then have been more subtle and effective. True victory lies in self-control rather than physical retaliation.
In simple words: The author believes the liftman should have been extremely polite instead of getting angry. By staying calm and kind, he would have won a moral victory over the rude passenger and kept his own peace of mind.

🎯 Exam Tip: To score full marks, highlight the contrast between physical retaliation and 'spiritual victory' as mentioned by the author.

 

Inference/Interpretation/Analysis

 

Question 1. Name the ‘unpleasant specimen’ mentioned in the extract and describe his behaviour.
Answer: The ‘unpleasant specimen’ mentioned in the extract is the type of bus conductor who regards his passengers as natural enemies whose chief purpose on the bus is to cheat him, and who can only be kept honest by using a loud voice and an aggressive manner. Such conductors often make the journey highly stressful for everyone involved.
In simple words: The "unpleasant specimen" refers to a rude bus conductor. He treats passengers like enemies who want to cheat him and behaves aggressively toward them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use precise adjectives from the text, like "aggressive" and "natural enemies", to describe the conductor's negative behavior.

 

Question 2. Describe the stale old trick, according to the conductor.
Answer: Pretending that you have forgotten your purse at home, and hence do not have the fare for the ticket is a stale old trick, according to the conductor. (The conductor does not say this the narrator only imagines that he may do so.) This excuse is commonly used by dishonest passengers to get a free ride.
In simple words: The old trick is when a passenger pretends they forgot their wallet at home so they do not have to pay for their ticket.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clarify that this trick is what the narrator imagines the conductor is thinking, as this shows deep understanding of the text.

 

Question 3. Describe the reactions of the bus conductor.
Answer: No, the conductor did not think that the narrator was dishonest. He cheerfully accepted what the narrator said without doubting him and offered him a free ticket. His warm response immediately put the narrator at ease.
In simple words: Instead of being angry or suspicious, the conductor was very kind. He believed the narrator and happily gave him a ticket for free.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the contrast between the expected negative reaction and the conductor's actual cheerful behavior to score full marks.

 

Question 4. Describe the experience which made the narrator comfortable in the bus.
Answer: The conductor had trampled on the narrator’s sensitive toe, causing him pain and agony. However, the conductor had then explained matters and apologized so profusely that the narrator forgot his pain and anger. After this experience, the narrator always observed his constant good nature and cheerful behaviour with pleasure and felt comfortable in his presence. This incident laid the foundation for a mutual respect between them.
In simple words: The conductor accidentally stepped on the narrator's toe, which hurt a lot. But because the conductor apologized so sincerely and politely, the narrator forgave him and began to admire his cheerful attitude.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention both the painful accident and the sincere apology, as both parts are crucial to explaining why the narrator felt comfortable.

 

Question 5. Describe the narrator’s justification of his praise of the conductor.
Answer: The narrator says that if the famous poet Wordsworth could gain wisdom from a poor leech-gatherer, he sees no reason why ordinary people should not take lessons on conduct from a bus conductor, who shows how a modest job can be dignified by good temper and kindly feeling. He believes that everyday interactions can teach us valuable life lessons.
In simple words: The narrator explains that just as great poets learn from simple people, we can also learn good manners from a polite bus conductor. Even a simple job can be done with dignity and kindness.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mentioning the reference to the poet Wordsworth and the leech-gatherer is essential for securing full marks on this question.

Personal Response:

 

Question 1. Describe a person you have come across who is always polite and helpful. What do you think about him/her?
Answer: The security guard of our building is always polite and helpful. He will help senior citizens get in and out of their cars or into the lift; he will help any person who has heavy bags. He also replies politely to any question asked by anyone. We all like him very much and often share our chocolates and biscuits with him. We also give him books, stationery and toys for his little child. His cheerful attitude always brightens up everyone's day.
In simple words: Our building's security guard is very kind and helps everyone with a smile. We appreciate his helpful nature and often share treats and gifts with him.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a person, use positive adjectives like polite, helpful, and cheerful, and support them with real-life examples of their actions.

 

Question 2. Describe a pleasant/unpleasant experience you have had with a bus conductor.
Answer: This is an experience I had when I was new to Mumbai. I got into a bus and asked the conductor for a ticket to Dadar. The conductor shook his head and told me that I had got into the bus going in the wrong direction. He patiently explained that I would have to get off at the next stop, cross the road, and catch a bus having the same number but going in the opposite direction. He even pointed out the bus stop to me. Though I felt a bit embarrassed, I thanked him for his kindness. This small act of guidance saved me a lot of time and confusion in a new city.
In simple words: When I boarded the wrong bus in Mumbai, the conductor kindly guided me. He explained where to get off and which bus to take next, making my journey much easier.

🎯 Exam Tip: Narrate personal experiences in the first person ('I') and use chronological order to make the story easy to follow.

 

Question 3. Give your opinion about the conductor’s behaviour.
Answer: The conductor was really a good and kind human being who saw the best in everyone and believed everyone. He was ready to pay the fare for the narrator’s ticket himself, even though he was not sure whether it would be returned. It is difficult to find such generous and helpful people in the world today, and it leaves a very pleasant feeling in the heart when you do. Such selfless acts restore our faith in humanity and inspire us to be kind to others.
In simple words: The conductor showed great kindness and trust by offering to pay for the narrator's ticket. His generous nature is rare and heartwarming.

🎯 Exam Tip: When giving an opinion, clearly state your viewpoint and back it up with specific character traits shown in the story.

 

Language Study:

 

Question 1. The law does not compel me to say ‘Please’.

Question 1. (Rewrite as an interrogative sentence.)
Answer: Does the law compel me to say ‘Please’? This question form makes the statement more active and engaging.
In simple words: To change a statement into a question, we start with a helping verb like "Does" and end with a question mark.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting to an interrogative sentence, ensure you add a question mark at the end and use the correct helping verb based on the tense.

 

Question 2. It was a question of ‘Please’. (Add a question tag.)
Answer: It was a question of ‘Please’, wasn’t it? This tag question invites agreement from the listener.
In simple words: A question tag is a short question added to the end of a statement, using the opposite helper verb (positive statement gets a negative tag).

🎯 Exam Tip: If the main sentence is positive, the question tag must be negative, and always use a comma before the tag.

 

Question 3. It will permit me to retaliate with reasonable violence. (Pick out the finite and non-finite verbs.)
Answer: will permit – finite verb; to retaliate – non-finite verb (infinitive). Identifying these verb forms helps in understanding sentence structure.
In simple words: Finite verbs change with the tense or subject (like "will permit"), while non-finite verbs (like "to retaliate") do not change.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that infinitives (verbs starting with 'to') are always non-finite verbs because they do not show tense.

 

Question 4. The pain of a wound to our self-respect may poison a whole day. (Pick out the auxiliary and state its function.)
Answer: may – possibility. The auxiliary verb here indicates that something is likely but not certain to happen.
In simple words: An auxiliary verb is a helping verb, and "may" is used here to show that something is possible.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state both the auxiliary verb and its specific function (like possibility, permission, or ability) to secure full marks.

 

Question 5. For there are few things more catching than bad temper. (Write the part of speech of the underlined word.)
Answer: Gerund. This noun-like verb form functions as the subject or object in various contexts.
In simple words: A gerund is a verb ending in "-ing" that acts like a noun in a sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Do not confuse gerunds with continuous verbs; look at how the word is used in the sentence to see if it acts as a noun.

 

Question 6. Bad manners probably do more to poison the stream of general life than all the crimes in the calendar. (Rewrite in the present perfect tense.)
Answer: Bad manners have done probably more to poison the stream of general life than all the crimes in the calendar. This tense shift emphasizes the ongoing impact of past actions.
In simple words: To write in the present perfect tense, use "has" or "have" followed by the third form of the verb (past participle), which is "done" here.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify the main verb first, then change it to 'has/have + past participle' while keeping the rest of the sentence intact.

 

Question 7. There is a social practice much older and much more sacred than any law which
Answer: [This question is incomplete in the source text.]
In simple words: This sentence is cut off and incomplete in the original text.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always read the full sentence carefully before attempting to analyze or rewrite it.

 

Question 8. Most people will have a certain sympathy with him. (Rewrite using the verb form of the underlined word.)
Answer: Most people will sympathize with him. This shows that they feel sorry for his situation.
In simple words: Instead of saying people "have sympathy," we can use the action word "sympathize" to say the same thing more directly.

🎯 Exam Tip: To change a noun like 'sympathy' to a verb, identify its action form ('sympathize') and adjust the helper verbs in the sentence accordingly.

 

Question 9. Here and there you will meet an unpleasant specimen who regards the passengers as his natural enemies. (Replace the verb in the future tense with a modal auxiliary showing possibility.)
Answer: Here and there you might meet an unpleasant specimen who regards the passengers as his natural enemies. This change makes the statement sound less certain and more like a chance occurrence.
In simple words: We replace "will" with "might" to show that meeting such a person is only a possibility rather than a certainty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that modal auxiliaries like 'might', 'may', and 'could' are used to express different degrees of possibility in English grammar.

 

Question 10. I had left home without any money in my pocket. (Pick out the verb and state the tense.)
Answer: 'had left' - Past Perfect Tense. This tense is used to show an action that was completed before another action in the past.
In simple words: The verb is "had left," and it is in the past perfect tense because it talks about an action completed in the past.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the auxiliary verb 'had' followed by the past participle form of the main verb to easily recognize the past perfect tense.

 

Question 11. I know that stale old trick. (Rewrite beginning ‘That stale old trick ’.)
Answer: That stale old trick is known to me. This changes the sentence from active voice to passive voice.
In simple words: We changed the sentence so that the object "that stale old trick" comes first, making it passive.

🎯 Exam Tip: When changing 'know' to passive voice, always use the preposition 'to' (known to me) instead of 'by' (known by me).

 

Question 12. I said it was very kind of him. (Identify the clauses.)
Answer:
I said – Main Clause
it was very kind of him – Subordinate Noun Clause. This subordinate clause acts as the object of the verb 'said' in the main clause.
In simple words: "I said" is the main part of the sentence that can stand alone, while "it was very kind of him" is a supporting part that acts like a noun.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify a noun clause, ask 'what' after the main verb (e.g., I said... what? That it was very kind of him).

 

Question 13. I began to observe him whenever I boarded his bus. (Pick out the subordinate clause and state the type.)
Answer: subordinate clause – whenever I boarded his bus; adverb clause of time. This clause indicates the specific time when the action of observing began.
In simple words: The subordinate clause is "whenever I boarded his bus" because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It is an adverb clause of time because it tells us when the action happened.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify the subordinating conjunction (like 'whenever', 'because', 'although') first to easily locate the subordinate clause.

 

Question 14. He seemed to have an inexhaustible fund of patience and a gift for making his passengers comfortable. (Rewrite using ‘as well as…’)
Answer: He seemed to have an inexhaustible fund of patience as well as a gift for making his passengers comfortable. This structure highlights both of his positive qualities equally.
In simple words: We replace the word "and" with "as well as" to connect the two good qualities of the conductor.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using 'as well as', ensure that the subject-verb agreement remains correct if it affects the main verb of the sentence.

 

Question 15. In lightening their spirits he lightened his own task. (Rewrite using the verb form of the underlined word.)
Answer: When he lightened their spirits he lightened his own task. Using the verb form helps to show the action more dynamically.
In simple words: We changed the noun-like word "lightening" into the active verb "lightened" by starting the sentence with "When".

🎯 Exam Tip: To convert a gerund/noun into a verb, you often need to introduce a conjunction like 'when' or 'as' to maintain the sentence's meaning.

 

Question 16. A very modest calling may be dignified by good temper and kindly feeling. (Rewrite as an interrogative sentence.)
Answer: Can’t a very modest calling be dignified by good temper and kindly feeling? This rhetorical question strongly asserts that even simple jobs can be made respectable through good behavior.
In simple words: We turned the statement into a question that expects a "yes" answer to make the point stronger.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting an assertive sentence into an interrogative sentence, make it negative if the original statement is positive, and vice versa.

 

Question 17. “I never give the wall to a scoundrel,” said a man who met Chesterfield one day in the street. “I always do,” said Chesterfield, stepping with a bow into the road. (Rewrite using reported speech.)
Answer: A man who met Chesterfield one day in the street said that he never gave the wall to a scoundrel. Chesterfield, stepping with a bow into the road, replied that he always did. This indirect narration smoothly captures the witty exchange between the two men.
In simple words: We changed the direct dialogue into indirect speech by changing the tenses to the past tense and using reporting words like "said" and "replied".

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to pronoun changes (like 'I' to 'he') and tense shifts (like 'give' to 'gave') when converting direct speech to indirect speech.

 

Question 18. The polite man may lose the material advantage, but he always has the spiritual victory. (Rewrite beginning ‘Though’)
Answer: Though the polite man may lose the material advantage, he always has the spiritual victory. This construction emphasizes the contrast between physical loss and moral gain.
In simple words: We started the sentence with "Though" and removed the word "but" to connect the two contrasting ideas smoothly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Never use 'though' and 'but' together in the same sentence, as both are contrasting conjunctions and using both is grammatically incorrect.

Though the polite man may lose the material advantage, he always has the spiritual victory.

Vocabulary

Find Out the Meanings of the Following Phrases and Use Them in Your Own Sentences

 

Question 1. knock someone down –
Answer: Meaning: to hit someone forcefully so that he/she falls down. Sentence: The young boy was so angry with the bully that he knocked him down. He learned to control his temper later on.
In simple words: To knock someone down means to hit them so hard that they fall to the ground.

🎯 Exam Tip: When using a phrase in a sentence, ensure the tense of the verb matches the context of your sentence.

 

Question 2. to comply with :
Answer: Meaning: to obey. Sentence: We must comply with the laws of the country we live in. This ensures peace and order in society.
In simple words: To comply with means to follow or obey rules and laws.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always underline the target phrase when using it in a sentence to make it stand out to the examiner.

 

Question 3. Find out 2 words with prefixes and 2 with suffixes from the extract and write them down.
Answer:
1. Words with prefixes : discourtesy, uncivil.
2. Words with suffixes : instruction, reasonable. These morphological additions alter the base meaning of the root words.
In simple words: Prefixes are added to the beginning of a word (like 'dis-' or 'un-'), while suffixes are added to the end (like '-tion' or '-able').

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly separate your answers into prefixes and suffixes using numbered lists to make it easy to read.

 

Question 4. Complete the following:
Answer:
1. A liftman is a person who is employed to operate a lift.
2. An assailant is a person who attacks another person.
3. A complainant is a person who makes a formal complaint in a law court.
4. A burglar is a person who illegally enters houses and steals things. Knowing these terms helps in understanding legal and everyday descriptions.
In simple words: This list defines different roles and terms for people, such as someone who operates an elevator, someone who attacks, someone who complains in court, and a thief.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to spelling for terms like 'assailant' and 'complainant' as they are frequently misspelled.

 

Question 5. Write the meanings of the following words :

Question. Write the meaning of the following words:
1. redress
2. henpecked
3. black eye.
Answer:
1. redress – to set right to remedy.
2. henpecked – being controlled by and frightened of one’s wife.
3. black eye – an area of skin around the eye that has gone dark because it has been hit. This physical mark often indicates a recent injury or conflict.
In simple words: These terms describe correcting a wrong, being dominated by a spouse, and having a bruised eye from an impact.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing definitions, try to use precise synonyms to show a clear understanding of the vocabulary.

 

Question 6. Use the phrase ‘a black eye’ in your own sentence.
Answer: When I saw my friend with a black eye, I knew that he had been in a fight with someone. It is always important to avoid physical altercations and resolve conflicts peacefully.
In simple words: This sentence shows how to use the phrase to describe someone who has a bruise around their eye from a fight.

🎯 Exam Tip: When creating your own sentences, ensure the context clearly demonstrates the meaning of the phrase used.

 

Question 7. Find out 2 words with suffixes and 2 compound words from the extract and write them down.
Answer:
1. words with suffixes: vanity, really.
2. Compound words: breakfast, housemaid. Understanding how words are formed helps in building a stronger vocabulary.
In simple words: Suffixes are endings added to words (like -ty or -ly), while compound words are made by joining two whole words together (like breakfast or housemaid).

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that compound words must consist of two independent, meaningful words joined together without a hyphen.

 

Question 8. Write the meaning of the following words:
1. endorse
2. verdict
3. resentment
4. calling
Answer:
1. endorse – express support
2. verdict – judgement
3. resentment – anger
4. calling – vocation or profession. Knowing these formal terms is highly beneficial for comprehension of legal and professional texts.
In simple words: These words mean to support something, a decision or judgment, feeling angry about unfair treatment, and a person's career or life's work.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the context in which these words are used, as some words like 'calling' can have multiple meanings depending on the sentence.

 

Question 9. Find out 2 words with suffixes from the extract and write them down.
Answer: Words with suffixes: sympathy, requirement. Suffixes are letters added to the end of a word to create a new form.
In simple words: Suffixes are endings like '-thy' or '-ment' added to base words to make new words.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for common ending patterns like '-ment', '-ness', or '-ty' to quickly identify words with suffixes.

 

Question 10. Find out two words with prefixes and two with suffixes from the extract and write them down.
Answer:
1. Words with prefixes: unfriendliness, inconvenience
2. Words with suffixes: existence, discovery. These word parts help us understand how complex words are built from simpler roots.
In simple words: Prefixes are added to the front of a word (like 'un-' or 'in-'), while suffixes are added to the end (like '-ence' or '-y').

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that some words, like 'unfriendliness', can have both a prefix ('un-') and a suffix ('-ness') at the same time.

 

Question 11. Pick out four adverbs of manner from the extract.
Answer: coldly, cheerfully, luckily, easily. These words describe the specific way in which an action is performed.
In simple words: Adverbs of manner tell us 'how' something happens, and they usually end in '-ly'.

🎯 Exam Tip: To find adverbs of manner, ask 'How?' after the verb in a sentence; the word that answers it is your adverb.

 

Question 12. Write the meanings of the followings words:
1. countenance
2. treading
3. assured (someone)
4. benediction
5. uncouth
Answer:
1. countenance – face.
2. treading – walking on.
3. assured (someone) – made something certain to someone.
4. benediction – a blessing.
5. uncouth – impolite, unrefined. Learning these words helps expand your vocabulary for reading comprehension.
In simple words: This list explains difficult words, like 'countenance' meaning face, and 'uncouth' meaning rude or impolite.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing word meanings, try to use simple and clear synonyms that convey the exact sense of the original word.

 

Question 13. Find out 2 words with prefixes and 2 with suffixes from the extract and write them down.
Answer:
Words with prefixes: unhappy, dislike
Words with suffixes: slowly, darkness. Identifying these word parts makes it much easier to decode unfamiliar vocabulary.
In simple words: Prefixes go at the start of a word to change its meaning, and suffixes go at the end.

🎯 Exam Tip: Break down long words into their root, prefix, and suffix to easily figure out their meanings during exams.

Question 14. Write the meaning of ‘moral affront’.
Answer: moral affront: a deliberate offence or insult to one’s dignity or self-respect. This term is often used when someone's core values or personal honor are deeply disrespected.
In simple words: A moral affront is an action or statement that deeply hurts someone's self-respect or offends their sense of what is right.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining terms, use precise vocabulary like 'deliberate offence' and 'dignity' to secure maximum marks.

 

Question 15. Find out the meaning of the following phrase and use it in your own sentence: lower than the angels
Answer: lower than the angels – Meaning : less than perfect. Sentence: The unexpected behaviour of the religious men was somewhat lower than the angels. This phrase reminds us that human beings are inherently flawed and cannot achieve absolute perfection.
In simple words: 'Lower than the angels' means being human and making mistakes, rather than being completely perfect.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure your original sentence clearly shows the meaning of the phrase in context.

 

Question 16. Write four words with suffixes from the extract and write them down.
Answer: agreement, politeness, institution, sweeten. These words demonstrate how suffixes can change a base word's part of speech or meaning.
In simple words: Suffixes are letters added to the end of a word, like '-ment' in agreement or '-ness' in politeness, to make a new word.

🎯 Exam Tip: Underline the suffix part of the words (like -ment, -ness, -tion, -en) to make your answer clear to the examiner.

Vocabulary

A Collocation is a combination of words in a language that often go together. They habitually occur together and hence convey some meaning by association, e.g. early morning, hot dinner, fast train.

Non-Textual Grammar

Do As Directed

 

Question 1. Hearing the sound of music from a side street, Mona had an idea. (Rewrite as a compound sentence.)
Answer: Mona heard the sound of music from a side-street and had an idea. By using the coordinating conjunction 'and', we successfully joined two independent clauses.
In simple words: To make a compound sentence, we split the action into two complete thoughts and connect them with a word like 'and'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that a compound sentence must have two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction like 'and', 'but', or 'or'.

Question 2. Siddharth could not ask his father for a cricket bat. (Rewrite using the antonym of ‘able’.)
Answer: Siddharth was unable to ask his father for a cricket bat, showing his hesitation to make demands.
In simple words: Siddharth could not bring himself to ask his father for a cricket bat, so we use 'unable' instead of 'could not'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to use the antonym of 'able' (which is 'unable'), remember to adjust the helping verb (could not -> was unable) to keep the tense consistent.

 

Question 3. “I will try,” the lady smiled. (Rewrite in indirect speech.)
Answer: The lady smiled and said that she would try, conveying her positive attitude through her words.
In simple words: We change the direct words "I will try" to "she would try" and connect them using "that" after the reporting verb.

🎯 Exam Tip: In indirect speech, 'will' changes to 'would' when the reporting verb is in the past tense.

 

Spot the Error in the Following Sentences and Rewrite Them Correctly:

 

Question 1. I picked some of the lovely, tasty fruits and had eaten my fill of them.
Answer: I had picked some of the lovely, tasty fruits and had eaten my fill of them, maintaining tense consistency throughout.
In simple words: Both actions happened in the past, so we use "had picked" to match "had eaten" for correct grammar.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure that parallel actions in a sentence maintain tense consistency, especially when using past perfect tense.

 

Question 2. I miss my friends a lots.
Answer: I miss my friends a lot, as 'a lot' is the correct adverbial phrase to use here.
In simple words: We say "a lot" instead of "a lots" because "a lots" is grammatically incorrect.

🎯 Exam Tip: Never write 'a lot' as one word ('alot') or with an 's' ('a lots') in formal English writing.

12th Secretarial Practice Chapter 2 Exercise Sources Of Corporate Finance Practical Problems Solutions Maharashtra Board