Class 12 Section I English Lesson 11

Working with words

A. Find the words from the text which have the following meanings.

a. a wave-like motion

Ans 👉 undulation

b. to make or do something again exactly in the same way

Ans👉 replicate

c. decayed, deteriorated, or fallen into partial ruin especially through neglect or misuse

Ans 👉 dilapidated

d. a bright, smooth surface

Ans 👉 sheen

e. the feeling of having no energy and enthusiasm

Ans 👉 listlessness

f. a state of noise, commotion and confusion

Ans 👉 cacophonous

g. being alone, often by choice

Ans 👉 solitude

h. to regard with respect, often tinged with awe

Ans 👉 revere

i. said in a way that is not direct, so that the real meaning is not immediately clear

Ans 👉 obliquely

B. Find the meaning of the following words from a dictionary.

Sophisticated : deprived of native or original simplicity, highly complicated

Conscious : likely to notice, consider or appraise

Blistering : extremely intense or severe

Proximity : immediately preceding or following

Invisible : inaccessible to view, recognize or identify

Comprehension

Answer the following questions.

a. What is the author’s favourite hobby? Why does she like it so much?

Ans 👉 The author’s favourite hobby is walking. She likes it so much because the movement, the rhythm, the undulation of the senses and of the body it initiates is enjoyable.

b. What sorts of roads did the writer prefer to walk on when she was very young?

Ans 👉 The writer preferred to walk on the roads that were unpaved and uneven, like the paths around her mamaghar when she was very young.

c. How did walking give the author and her classmates a sense of freedom?

Ans 👉 Walking gave the author and her classmates a sense of freedom because they could be free-willed masters of their time and could find their own way.

d. In what ways were the roads in Kathmandu different from the ones in Sydney?

Ans 👉 The roads in Sydney were far quieter and organized when compared to the cacophonous streets of Kathmandu.

e. How did walking help the author in the new country?

Ans 👉 Walking was an escape of all kinds of pressures, a search for pace and a rhythm to the author. It helped her to navigate the new country and it renewed the circumstances of her life.

f. What were the treasures of Petersham, where the writer lived with her family?

Ans 👉 The treasures of Petersham, where the writer lived with her family were a tiny park which was a minute down the Parramatta road, another park with a huge rock at one end, a buffer zone suburb etc.

g. What things became her permanent friends with whom she could share her feelings?

Ans 👉 The components of nature such as the earth, the sky, the trees, water, air became her permanent friends with whom she could share her feelings.

h. Why did she feel that she had travelled to ‘a desert, to emptiness’ as she went to the United States?

Ans 👉 She felt that she had travelled to ‘a desert, to emptiness’ as she went to the United States because people living there were running after material pursuit and comfort because of which she felt lonely and a barrier of communication with them.

i. Why did the author eventually feel that the strange city was known to her?

Ans 👉 Eventually the author felt that the strange city was known to her because she found the place similar to every other place on the earth. The essence of the nature she felt in the strange city was same to the one she found in her hometown.

j. How did walking make her feel at home with different places she visited?

Ans 👉 Walking made her feel thankfulness to all the streets she walked on because they gave shape to her feet, her body and her being.

Critical thinking

a. Do you believe that walking helps us understand ourselves? Give reasons in support of your opinion.

Ans 👉 Yes, I believe that walking helps us to understand ourselves. Walking provides the physical benefits of exercise while boosting emotional well-being. It can reduce anxiety, depression, and a negative mood. It helps clear our head and think creatively. While walking we interact with our inner self, evaluate ourselves, our works, our behavior, and gain self-realization. Thus walking helps us understand ourselves.

b. Think of one of your hobbies. How does this hobby relate to your psyche and self?

Ans 👉 I enjoy reading and have always been a voracious reader. Reading transports me to different locations whilst I’m still on my couch. It has helped me develop analytical thinking, open-mindedness, and broadened my imagination across horizons. Reading is a hobby that nurtures my mind and self-awareness.

c. Many people turn their hobbies into careers. Is it good to turn one’s hobby into a career?

Ans 👉 Turning a hobby into a career can be good if a person is truly passionate about it. However, it may also turn a joyful activity into a stressful job. Hobbies are important for personal growth and enjoyment. If pursued as a career without genuine passion, it may become burdensome.

Writing

a. Highlighting the advantages of walking, Henry David Thoreau says, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” Write an essay on the advantages of morning walk.

Ans 👉 Morning walks are highly beneficial for both body and mind. They improve physical health, protect against diseases, and help maintain a good body shape. Morning walks reduce laziness, increase energy, and create a positive mindset. They also give time to plan one’s schedule and reflect on life. Walking enhances mental well-being, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of equality among people. Overall, morning walks keep the body and mind healthy and should be a part of everyone’s daily routine.

Grammar

B. Change the following sentences into passive voice.

a. I want someone to love me.

Ans 👉 I want to be loved.

b. Someone broke into our house while we were on holiday.

Ans 👉 Our house was broken into while we were on holiday.

c. I don’t like people staring at me.

Ans 👉 I don’t like being stared at.

d. Is it true that someone stole your car?

Ans 👉 Is it true that your car was stolen?

e. The cat enjoys someone tickling him.

Ans 👉 The cat enjoys being tickled.

f. Would Swostika open the window?

Ans 👉 Would the window be opened by Swostika?

g. Did they confess the crime?

Ans 👉 Was the crime confessed by them?

h. He thinks that someone is teaching Jennie.

Ans 👉 He thinks that Jennie is being taught.

i. Sabina hates people laughing at her.

Ans 👉 Sabina hates being laughed at.

C. Complete the following sentences as in the example.

a. English people think that the number thirteen is unlucky.

Ans 👉 The number thirteen is thought to be unlucky by English people.

b. What are you wearing for the wedding?

Ans 👉 Actually, I am having a suit made. They will give it tomorrow.

c. The carpet in our drawing room is very dirty.

Ans 👉 It needs to be cleaned.

d. There are rumours that the factory at the corner is manufacturing bombs.

Ans 👉 The factory at the corner is rumoured to be manufacturing bombs.

e. Some people believe that Silajit from Jumla cures all indigestion problems.

Ans 👉 Silajit from Jumla is believed to cure all indigestion problems.

f. People claim that Changu Narayan temple is the oldest temple in Nepal.

Ans 👉 Changu Narayan temple is claimed to be the oldest temple in Nepal.

g. A: Your car is making a terrible noise.

B: Thank you. I am not a mechanic and I will make it be repaired soon.

Ans 👉 I will have it repaired soon.

h. The police suspect that the criminal left the country.

Ans 👉 The criminal is suspected to have left the country.

i.A: Where are you going?

B: I am going to the stationery to get my document photocopied.

Ans 👉 I am going to get my document photocopied.

j. People allege that the corrupt leader has embezzled millions of rupees.

Ans 👉 The leader is alleged to have embezzled millions of rupees.