Samacheer Kalvi Class 9 English Solutions Chapter 3 Old Man River

A. Based on your understanding of the play, Choose the correct answer and fill in the blanks.

Question 1. The radio announced that ..................................
(a) the river was above flood stage
(b) the Burnett Dam had given way
(c) there will be a cloud burst
(d) they will be a cyclone
Answer: (a) the river was above flood stage
In simple words: The radio gave a warning that the river water level was very high and could overflow. This was an important announcement for everyone living nearby.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always pay attention to initial announcements or warnings in a story, as they often set the scene for the plot.

Question 2. Mother can't get home from Mrs. Brant's house because ..............................
(a) it was raining heavily
(b) the bridges between there and town were under water
(c) there was an emergency at Mrs. Brant's house
(d) she has broken her leg
Answer: (b) the bridges between there and town were under water
In simple words: Mother was stuck because the bridges were covered by water, making it impossible for her to cross and come back home. This shows how serious the flood situation was.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering "why" questions, look for the direct cause-and-effect relationship explained in the text.

Question 3. The Burnett Dam gave away as ................................
(a) it rained for days
(b) the dam was weak
(c) it rained heavily and the snow was melting
(d) poor maintenance
Answer: (c) it rained heavily and the snow was melting
In simple words: The dam broke because of two big reasons: a lot of rain fell, and snow from the mountains started to melt, adding too much water. Both of these events together caused the dam to fail.

🎯 Exam Tip: Some events have multiple causes; list all contributing factors to give a complete answer.

Question 4. There was no power because ...............................
(a) the power house was out of commission
(b) the power house was flooded
(c) the dam gave away
(d) there was fire
Answer: (a) the power house was out of commission
In simple words: The electricity went out because the power house, which makes electricity, stopped working. This often happens during floods when equipment gets damaged.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the direct consequence of major events like floods on essential services like power.

Question 5. Why did they splint up Sara's leg with pillows?
(a) she was unconscious out of fear
(b) she had broken her leg below the knee
(c) she was too lazy to walk
(d) she was making a fuss
Answer: (b) she had broken her leg below the knee
In simple words: Sara's leg was wrapped with pillows to keep it still because she had a serious injury below her knee. This method helps to support a broken bone before a doctor can treat it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Details about injuries and immediate care often highlight the severity of a situation; note these carefully.

B. Based on your reading, answer the following in two or three sentences each.

Question 1. Why did Jim run from school?
Answer: Jim ran from school because there was a sudden heavy downpour of rain, which is called a cloud burst. He was worried about his family and home, so he hurried back to them. Getting home quickly during such weather was important for safety.
In simple words: Jim ran home from school because a cloud burst (heavy rain) started, and he wanted to get home safely.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the immediate cause mentioned in the text for actions taken by characters.

Question 2. Where was Amy's mother?
Answer: Amy's mother was at Mrs. Brant's house when the events of the story unfolded. The rising water levels and broken bridges made it impossible for her to return home. This left Amy and her siblings alone during the flood.
In simple words: Amy's mother was visiting Mrs. Brant's house and could not come back because of the flood.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the locations of all important characters at the beginning of a story to understand their roles.

Question 3. Why did Amy ask Betty to fill in the water tubs?
Answer: Amy asked Betty to fill the water tubs because she believed the town's normal water supply might stop working due to the flood. It was a safety measure to ensure they had fresh drinking water. Having stored water is crucial during emergencies when utilities might fail.
In simple words: Amy asked Betty to fill water tubs because she thought the town's water supply could get cut off, and they would need clean water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying proactive actions by characters shows their understanding of the emergency, which is a good point to highlight.

Question 4. According to Jim what are the two things that a person should remember in times of emergency?
Answer: According to Jim, the first important thing in an emergency is not to show others how scared you are, helping everyone stay calm. The second thing is to gather necessary items like water, food, blankets, coats, and lights. Being prepared both mentally and practically is key to survival.
In simple words: Jim said that in an emergency, people should not show their fear and should collect important supplies like water, food, and blankets.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for specific points, list them clearly and concisely as given in the text.

Question 5. Why is Jim climbing on the roof?
Answer: Jim is climbing onto the roof to signal for help from there. Being on a higher spot makes him more visible to any potential rescuers passing by. This action shows his resourcefulness in a difficult situation.
In simple words: Jim is climbing on the roof so he can signal for help, as it's a higher place to be seen.

🎯 Exam Tip: Actions taken by characters during a crisis often reveal their problem-solving skills; always explain the 'why' behind their actions.

Question 6. Who was there in the living room? What were they doing?
Answer: Amy, Betty, and Rose were all in the living room during the flood. Amy and Rose were busy knitting, perhaps to stay warm or keep their minds occupied. Betty, meanwhile, was looking at pictures in a magazine. These activities show how they tried to maintain some normalcy amidst the crisis.
In simple words: Amy, Betty, and Rose were in the living room; Amy and Rose were knitting, while Betty looked at a magazine.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions with multiple parts (who and what), ensure you answer both parts completely.

Question 7. Why were they going to sleep in the attic?
Answer: They were planning to sleep in the attic because they felt unsafe staying in the living room. The water level was rising continuously, which made the lower parts of the house dangerous. Moving to the highest part of the house was a safety measure against the floodwater.
In simple words: They were going to sleep in the attic because the water level was rising, and they felt safer on a higher floor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect actions directly to the threat; rising water levels necessitate moving to higher ground.

Question 8. Who came in the boat?
Answer: Mr. Tom Peters and Miss Marsh arrived in the boat to rescue the children. They were part of the rescue team, bringing aid and assistance. Their arrival brought hope to the children trapped by the flood.
In simple words: Mr. Tom Peters and Miss Marsh came in the boat.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify key characters involved in significant events, such as rescue operations.

Question 9. Who is the founder of the Junior Red Cross?
Answer: The founder of the Junior Red Cross is Henry Dunant, who was born Jean-Henri Dunant on 8 May 1828 and passed away on 30 October 1910. He was a Swiss businessman and is also known as the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Dunant's humanitarian efforts led to the creation of the Red Cross Movement.
In simple words: Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman and the first Nobel Peace Prize winner, founded the Junior Red Cross.

🎯 Exam Tip: For historical or factual questions, include important details like birth/death dates or significant achievements to provide a complete answer.

C. Match the following by drawing a line across columns A and B.

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, it is helpful to first identify the most obvious pairs, then use elimination for the remaining items.

D. Based on your understanding of the text, answer the following in about three to four sentences each.

Question 1. Describe the 'home alone' experience of the children?
Answer: The children in 'Old Man River' experienced a critical "home alone" situation during a severe flood. They were stuck at home and felt insecure as the water levels rose, with no adults present to guide them. They had no previous experience facing such a risk and just stayed indoors, not knowing how to call for outside help. This highlights their isolation and lack of worldly experience during the crisis.
In simple words: The children were alone at home during a flood and felt scared because they had no experience dealing with such a big emergency.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing an 'experience', include details about their emotions, actions, and the challenges they faced to provide a complete picture.

Question 2. Elaborate the rescue operation was undertaken by Mr. Peter?
Answer: Mr. Peter and Miss Marsh, who was a Red Cross nurse, arrived at the house in time to begin the rescue operation. This two-person team quickly started helping the children, giving first aid to Sara who had a fractured leg. They also moved Sara, Rose, and Betty to a Red Cross hospital for further care. Their timely and organized actions helped save the children and calm their fears, showing the importance of quick response teams in disasters.
In simple words: Mr. Peter and Miss Marsh, a Red Cross nurse, rescued the children. They gave first aid to Sara and took her and the other children to the Red Cross hospital.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the specific actions, individuals involved, and the positive outcomes when describing an operation.

Question 3. How did Jim prove himself as a good rescuer in the flood situation?
Answer: Jim proved to be a good rescuer because he was a member of the Junior Red Cross emergency squad, which gave him useful experience. He acted quickly, instructing the other children on necessary tasks and alerting them to dangers. Jim also gave valuable advice not to show fear, helped save Sara, and his precautions instilled confidence. His leadership and quick thinking were crucial for the children's survival during the flood.
In simple words: Jim, with his Junior Red Cross experience, quickly organized the children, gave good advice not to be scared, and led the rescue efforts, proving he was a capable rescuer.

🎯 Exam Tip: To show how a character "proved" something, provide examples of their actions, advice, and the positive impact they had.

Question 4. Briefly narrate the happenings of the play in Scene II.
(a) How did Amy manage the situation at home?
Answer: Amy managed the situation at home by working together with Jim to take all necessary precautions for the children's safety. She took responsibility for collecting fresh drinking water and ensured everyone had basic needs like food and shelter. Amy also assigned tasks to Betty and Rose, and she was very helpful to Sara with her injury. Furthermore, she worried about her mother who couldn't come home, showing her caring and mature approach during the crisis.
In simple words: Amy worked with Jim to keep everyone safe, collected water, made sure they had food and shelter, and helped Sara, all while worrying about her mother.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing management, include leadership, division of tasks, and provision of basic needs.

Question (b). How did the Marshal save the children?
Answer: After the flood, when the children were scared and sleeping in the attic, the Marshal (Mr. Peter and Miss Marsh) arrived in a boat. They gave first aid to Sara, whose leg was fractured, and then took her to the Red Cross hospital. Betty and Rose were also taken with them in the boat, while Amy and Jim chose to stay behind. Thus, Miss Marsh, the Red Cross nurse, and Mr. Peter successfully rescued several children from the dangerous situation.
In simple words: Mr. Peter and Miss Marsh came in a boat, gave first aid to injured Sara, then took Sara, Betty, and Rose to the Red Cross, saving them from the flood.

🎯 Exam Tip: Outline the specific steps taken by the rescuers, identifying who was rescued and how they were helped.

Think and Answer

Question. You are one of the survivors of an earthquake that has affected your city a lot. Share the trauma you underwent and what helped you to sail through it. Give a two-minute talk.
Answer:
Speech: THE EARTHQUAKE
Last year, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit our town at night, destroying everything instantly. Many big buildings collapsed, causing panic, and everyone ran to open areas. I wept seeing my house ruined. Thousands of people gathered, scared and crying. About 3000 people died, thousands were injured, and hundreds became homeless. My parents survived but were injured, and we lost our pets. Even now, small sounds make me remember the tremor. We live in a temporary camp, unsure about the future or government help, but we try to reclaim what we can. This experience changed us forever.
In simple words: An earthquake destroyed my city, causing much sadness and loss. Many people died, and thousands were hurt or left without homes, including my family. Even now, I feel scared, but we are slowly trying to rebuild our lives.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a speech about a personal experience, use descriptive language to convey emotions and sensory details, and include a sense of the aftermath and lingering impact.

E. Using a dictionary find out the synonyms and the antonyms of the words given below. One has been done for you.

🎯 Exam Tip: To master synonyms and antonyms, practice using a thesaurus and try to incorporate new words into your daily writing and speaking.

F. Listen to the paragraph and fill in the blanks.
South Indian floods resulted from heavy rainfall generated by the annual north east monsoon in (1) 2015. They affected the (2) Coromandel region of the South Indian states of (3) Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of (4) Puducherry, with (5) Chennai particularly hard-hit. More than (6) 18 lakh people were killed and over 200 billion rupees to over 1 trillion rupees, the (7) floods were the costliest to have occurred in 2015, and were among the costliest natural disasters of the year. The flooding has been attributed to the 2014-16 (8) El-Nino event.
Answer:
(1) November-December
(2) Coromandel
(3) Tamil Nadu
(4) Puducherry
(5) Chennai
(6) 18 lakh
(7) floods
(8) El-Nino event
In simple words: The floods in South India in 2015 were caused by heavy monsoon rain and affected many areas, especially Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Chennai. Millions were affected, and the floods were very expensive, linked to the El-Nino weather pattern.

🎯 Exam Tip: When filling in blanks from a listening exercise, try to understand the context of the paragraph to help predict or confirm the missing words.

Writing:

G. As a local government official working in the flood-affected area you are talking to an old lady who has lost her belonging. Write a dialogue between you and the old woman to complete the conversation.
Answer:
You: Good morning, Madam.
Old lady: Good morning.
You: I am from the Fire and Rescue department. How can I help you?
Old lady: Can you help me find my lost diamond?
You: I am here to help you. What have you lost, Mam?
Old lady: I could not find my diamond.
You: When did you miss it?
Old lady: I lost it only after the flood.
You: Where was it when there was a flood?
Old lady: It was in my bedroom.
You: Is it very dear to you?
Old lady: It is very precious to me. I have no safety without it.
You: We will find it out by checking your house completely.
Old lady: Do it quickly before my diamond dies!
You: How can it die, Mam?
Old lady: It will surely die because 'diamond' is my pet dog.
You: Oh my God! I'm helpless. May God bless you, old lady.
In simple words: As an official, I offered help to an old lady who lost her "diamond" after the flood. It turned out her "diamond" was actually her pet dog, making me realize she needed comfort and assistance.

🎯 Exam Tip: In dialogues, ensure the responses are natural, appropriate to the characters, and move the conversation forward logically, including revealing plot twists or misunderstandings.

J. You are a volunteer in your locality to serve people who are affected by floods. How will you caution them to move to a safer place taking only their bare necessities? Describe?
Answer:
Flooding and flash floods are very dangerous, so it is essential to be prepared to overcome these crises. Getting educated about floodwaters can help save lives and protect loved ones during a strong flood. Here's how I would caution them:
1. Do not walk or drive through floodwaters, as currents can be strong and debris might be hidden.
2. Avoid any recreational contact with floodwaters to prevent drowning and sickness.
3. Stay away from floodwaters and move to higher ground immediately.
4. Do not go floating, boating, swimming, or rowing in floodwaters, streams, or the river, as it is extremely risky.
5. Use extra caution to move around in the dark, as hazards may not be visible.
6. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires because electrocution is a major risk.
7. Collect essential medicines and a three-day supply of clothing to take with you.
8. Turn off electricity and gas cylinders, then lock your doors and windows before you leave.
9. Collect important documents, mementos, photos, and pets to take them with you when you evacuate.
10. Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds, and benches, or move them to higher ground to protect them from water damage.
In simple words: As a volunteer, I would tell people affected by floods to avoid floodwaters completely, collect only important things, turn off utilities, and move to higher, safer places quickly to stay safe.

🎯 Exam Tip: When providing advice for emergencies, use clear, actionable points, and structure them logically to cover safety, preparation, and evacuation steps.

Question K. Given below are some qualities that the characters in the play displayed during the floods for survival. Identify and write the character with the qualities.
Answer:

🎯 Exam Tip: When matching characters to qualities, ensure you recall specific actions or dialogues from the story that demonstrate each trait.

L. Based on your reading answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

Question 1. Is mountaineering a dangerous sport? Why?
Answer: Yes, mountaineering is a dangerous sport. This is because as a person climbs higher, the air becomes thinner, making it harder to breathe. This can be very tiring and risky for climbers.
In simple words: Mountaineering is dangerous because it gets harder to breathe as you go up higher mountains.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering "why" questions, always provide a clear reason that directly explains the statement given in the question.

Question 2. What is frostbite?
Answer: Frostbite is a type of injury that happens when parts of your body get too cold, causing the skin and the tissues underneath to freeze. Fingers, toes, and feet are usually the first body parts to be affected by frostbite. It can cause serious damage if not treated quickly.
In simple words: Frostbite is when parts of your body, like fingers and toes, freeze because of extreme cold.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to mention both the cause (exposure to cold) and the effect (freezing of tissues) when defining frostbite.

Question 3. What are the qualities of a good climber?
Answer: A good climber needs to be in excellent physical shape and must have courage, never giving up easily. They also need proper training, the right skills, and good knowledge about climbing. Strong mental focus is crucial for overcoming tough challenges.
In simple words: A good climber is fit, brave, doesn't give up, and has learned how to climb safely.

🎯 Exam Tip: List a variety of qualities, including both physical attributes (good physical condition, endurance) and mental ones (courage, perseverance, skill, knowledge).

Question 4. What do climbers carry with them?
Answer: Climbers usually carry backpacks filled with important items like first-aid kits for injuries, food for energy, and extra clothes. This extra clothing helps them stay warm and prepared for any sudden changes in weather on the mountain. Planning for emergencies is key in mountaineering.
In simple words: Climbers take first aid, food, and extra clothes in their bags to be ready for emergencies and bad weather.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the essentials that address both survival needs (food, first-aid) and environmental challenges (extra clothing for weather changes).

Question 5. Where are the highest peaks in India?
Answer: The highest peaks in India are found in the mighty Himalayan mountain range. This range is home to some of the world's tallest and most challenging mountains. The Himalayas stretch across several countries, forming a natural boundary.
In simple words: India's highest mountains are in the Himalayas.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the name of the mountain range where the highest peaks are located.

Question 6. What qualities of humankind are brought out by this adventurous sport?
Answer: This adventurous sport brings out the brave and heroic qualities of people. It shows how humans can push their limits, face danger, and work together to achieve great feats. Climbing difficult mountains often requires immense bravery and teamwork.
In simple words: This sport makes people show their brave and heroic sides.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the positive and strong traits that such challenging sports reveal in people.

Question 7. Why do mountaineers deserve praise?
Answer: Mountaineers deserve praise because they are incredibly brave and heroic. They face dangerous conditions and push their physical and mental limits to reach difficult peaks. Their determination and resilience are truly inspiring.
In simple words: Mountaineers are praised because they are brave and heroic, facing tough challenges.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight courage and heroism as the main reasons for their deserved praise, connecting it to the challenges they overcome.

Question 8. What kind of visitors does Mt. Everest get?
Answer: Mount Everest attracts climbers who have reached its summit, some even without needing extra oxygen. It is a challenging feat that only the most skilled and enduring climbers attempt. Mrs. Bachendri Pal is a famous Indian woman who achieved this remarkable feat, inspiring many others.
In simple words: Mount Everest gets visitors who climb to the top, some even without extra oxygen. Mrs. Bachendri Pal from India is one such famous climber.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note that Everest visitors are primarily climbers, and mention the extra challenge of climbing without supplemental oxygen, including the notable example.

Question M. The Adventure Club of your school is organising an expedition to Kolli Hills. Design an attractive poster for the same, giving relevant details. (The following table will help you design your poster)
Answer: A poster for an expedition to Kolli Hills should be visually appealing to attract students. It should have a catchy title like "Expedition to Kolli Hills!" or "Explore Kolli Hills with Us!". The poster must include simple visuals related to hills, nature, and adventure. It should provide details about the expedition's theme, what students will do, and where and when it will happen. The name of the school's Adventure Club or the organizing authority should be clearly mentioned. The language used should be clear and encourage participation, highlighting the excitement and learning opportunities of the trip. The content should be well-organized and creatively presented to make it impactful. For example, the poster could show lush green mountains, rivers, or local wildlife, along with text about trekking, nature walks, and dates. The image in the source shows different pictures of hills with the title "EXPEDITION FAIR LET'S GO TO KOLLI HILLS".
In simple words: To make a good poster for a trip to Kolli Hills, use a bright title and simple pictures of nature. Write about what the trip is for, when it is, and who is organizing it. Make sure the words are clear and exciting to make people want to join.

🎯 Exam Tip: For creative design tasks, focus on describing the essential components: a catchy title, relevant visuals, clear content (who, what, when, where), and an engaging tone. You don't need to actually draw it, just describe it well.

A. Identify the dependent clauses or phrases in the following sentences and underline them.

Question 1. ___________, the man swerved into a ditch. (Phrase)
Answer: The missing phrase is "Texting on his phone". The full sentence is: Texting on his phone, the man swerved into a ditch.
In simple words: The part that describes the man texting is the phrase we need to find.

🎯 Exam Tip: A phrase does not have a subject and a verb, but acts as a single part of speech. A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Question 2. It isn't necessary to cram all night if you have studied a little each day (Dependent clause)
Answer: The dependent clause is: if you have studied a little each day. This part depends on the main sentence to make complete sense. It tells us the condition under which cramming is not needed.
In simple words: The "if" part of the sentence, which needs the rest of the sentence to make sense, is the dependent clause.

🎯 Exam Tip: Dependent clauses often begin with words like "if", "when", "because", "although", "while", or "who/which/that".

Question 4. We enjoy painting ___________ (Phrase)
Answer: The missing phrase is "to enjoy the view". The full sentence is: We enjoy painting to enjoy the view.
In simple words: The phrase tells us why we enjoy painting.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify infinitive phrases (like "to enjoy the view") which act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.

Question 5. ___________ I have decided to do (Dependent clause)
Answer: The dependent clause that fills the blank is "Whether he attends the party or not". The full sentence is: Whether he attends the party or not, I have decided to do. This clause acts as an adverbial clause, modifying the main clause.
In simple words: The "whether" part of the sentence is the dependent clause. It tells us the condition for the decision.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for introductory words like "whether" that signal a dependent clause, especially when it provides a condition or choice.

Question 6. I will stop playing the drum when you go to sleep. (Dependent clause)
Answer: The dependent clause in this sentence is: when you go to sleep. This clause tells us when the action of stopping the drum will happen.
In simple words: The part that starts with "when" and tells us about the time is the dependent clause.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clauses starting with "when" often indicate adverbial clauses of time, functioning as dependent clauses.

B. Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositional phrases.

Question 1. I would like to order coffee ___________ tea.
(a) instead of
(b) instead from
(c) instead to
Answer: (a) instead of
In simple words: "Instead of" is the correct phrase to show a choice between two things.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Instead of" is commonly used to express an alternative or substitution for something else.

Question 2. ___________ the rains, we went out.
(a) In spite of
(b) In spite
(c) In spite of
Answer: (a) In spite of
In simple words: "In spite of" means "despite" or "even though" something happened.

🎯 Exam Tip: The phrase "in spite of" always includes the word "of" when followed by a noun or pronoun.

Question 3. ___________ five break the place to escape.
(a) in case of
(b) In case
(c) In the case with
Answer: (a) in case of
In simple words: "In case of" is used to talk about what to do if something happens, like a fire breaking out, so you can escape.

🎯 Exam Tip: "In case of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a precautionary measure for a possible event.

Question 4. I am standing here ___________ my friends
(a) in behalf of my friends.
(b) on behalf of
(c) on behalf
Answer: (b) on behalf of
In simple words: "On behalf of" means acting as a representative for someone else.

🎯 Exam Tip: The correct idiom is "on behalf of," not "in behalf of."

Question 5. We solved the problem ___________ a new device developed by our engineers.
(a) by means of
(b) by means
(c) by means to
Answer: (a) by means of
In simple words: "By means of" explains how something was achieved, like using a new device to solve a problem.

🎯 Exam Tip: "By means of" is a prepositional phrase that describes the method or instrument used to do something.

Question 6. ___________ we are impressed with their performance.
(a) In general
(b) On general
Answer: (a) In general
In simple words: "In general" means usually or for the most part, showing a common opinion.

🎯 Exam Tip: "In general" is the correct phrase to express a broad or overall statement, while "on general" is incorrect in this context.

C. Look at the action words in bold. Identify whether they are either finite or non-finite verb.
Answer:

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that a finite verb always has a subject and shows tense (past, present, future), while a non-finite verb does not.

D. Read the following pairs of sentences.

Question 1. Identify the subject in the first sentence "Travelling".
Answer: In the sentence "Travelling might satisfy your desire for new experiences," the subject is "Travelling". Here, "Travelling" functions as a gerund, acting as a noun. Subjects tell us who or what the sentence is about.
In simple words: The word "Travelling" is the subject because it is what the sentence is talking about.

🎯 Exam Tip: The subject of a sentence is usually a noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb or is described by the verb. Gerunds (-ing forms used as nouns) can often be subjects.

Question 2. Identify the direct object in the first sentence "Singing".
Answer: In the sentence "They do not appreciate my singing," the direct object is "singing". A direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. Here, "singing" receives the action of "appreciate."
In simple words: "Singing" is the direct object because it's the thing they do not appreciate.

🎯 Exam Tip: To find the direct object, ask "Who or what receives the action of the verb?"

Question 3. Identify the subject complement in the first sentence "Sleeping".
Answer: In the sentence "My cats' favourite activity is sleeping," the subject complement is "sleeping". A subject complement follows a linking verb (like "is") and renames or describes the subject. Here, "sleeping" renames "favourite activity".
In simple words: "Sleeping" describes what the cats' favourite activity is, coming after the verb "is".

🎯 Exam Tip: A subject complement always follows a linking verb (such as forms of 'to be' like is, am, are, was, were) and completes the meaning of the subject.

E. You May Role-Play the Conversation.

Teacher: This is Mr. Gerund. You may have seen him after these verbs: 'enjoy', 'finish', 'keep', 'mind', 'suggest', 'forgive', 'excuse', 'postpone', 'go'.

Gerund: I come after a preposition too.

Teacher: Mr. Gerund comes in handy to describe a real action.

Infinitive: Hello friends, I am Infinitive. Words such as 'like', 'refuse' are followed by me.

Dinesh: I know you. I take your help to describe a general or future action. (I think I need to get up early tomorrow to complete my grammar exercise).

Divya: You have helped me to express purpose (I wish to finish my assignment by tonight).

Gerund: Do you know, after verbs like 'begin', 'love' continue 'try', 'learn', 'start' 'neglect' you can use either of us?

Infinitive: But remember we mean different things when used after 'stop'.

Dinesh: Divya, When we saw Rajesh at the mall, I stopped to talk to him. Why didn't you wait?

Divya: Don't you know I stopped talking to him?

Gerund: I am also used after these phrases – 'It's no use', 'It's no good'.

Dinesh and Divya: Thank you, mam. Bye Mr. Gerund and Ms. Infinitive.

F. Now, work in pairs and help Dinesh and Divya complete the exercise given below.

Write the nominal infinitive forms of the verbs in the blanks.
Answer:

1. The astronauts managed to complete their training in record time.

2. They learned how to survive in space without gravity.

3. The best astronaut almost quit trying to learn the complex information.

4. Their mission appeared to be in jeopardy.

5. Then Marina encouraged him by saying, "It's no good quitting the project right at the end."

6. Being an astronaut will enable you to achieve great success in life.

7. If you give up studying now, our mission will be scrubbed.

8. Think of your fellow astronauts who wouldn't hesitate to help you in time of trouble.

9. We astronauts must keep on preparing for our space launch.

10. Some say it's no use travelling to distant planets, because it takes too long.

11. But we really want to visit other planets and find out if life exists on them.

12. Can you imagine walking, saying, "Hello, how are you?"

13. We really look forward to meet, finding alien creatures and out what they are really like.

14. Many scientists have warned us not to take this dangerous journey, but we are not discouraged.

15. Travelling to far away planets involves risking our lives for the thrill of discovery.

16. However we won't delay blasting off into space.

17. Would you like to accompany us on our journey if you could?

18. During our training we have got used to being, living under difficult conditions.

19. Scientists admit to being intensely curious about life on other.

20. I'm sure they would also enjoy travelling with our crew.

21. We told them to come, searching with us on our trip, but some of them think it is a waste of time for life that doesn't exist.

22. We have been taught how enduring hardships during our training and now we can't afford wasting money. We're on our way!

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the verb or preposition immediately preceding the blank, as it often determines whether to use an infinitive (to + verb) or a gerund (verb + -ing).