The Attic (Prose)

Class 10 | English | Unit 4

It is natural for human beings to make mistakes. When we realise our mistakes, we should try to rectify them. If you get a chance to rectify your mistake or pay back for it......... what would you do and how would you correct it?

The Attic

Prose by Satyajit Ray

Aditya and I were returning from the site of our new factory at Deodarganj. We were driving along National Highway 40. We had reached a point where the road bifurcated. If we drove ten kilometres along the road that branched off to the right, we would reach Bramhapur. I asked Aditya whether he was interested in revisiting the place of his birth, which he had left after he had passed the matriculation examination from the local school to continue his studies in Calcutta.

Aditya's father had left the ancestral home and moved to Kolkata, where he had set up his own business. After his death, Aditya was looking after it, and I was his friend and business partner.

But he said he wished to visit the tea shop of Nagen Uncle, if it still existed, and have a cup of tea there.

So we took the turning to the right and decided to drive to Bramhapur, of which Aditya's ancestors were once the zamindars.

• a. When did Aditya leave the local school?
• b. Why did Aditya think that the school would not be recognisable?

It was the month of Magha, that is January – February by the English calendar – the middle of winter. By my watch, it was 3:30 in the afternoon. The sun was soothing. On either side of the road were paddy fields, as far as the eye could see. Harvest was over and there had been a good crop that year.

'When I left our ancestral house, twenty-nine years ago, the house was almost two hundred years old,' recollected Aditya. 'I doubt if even the school building, which may have undergone many changes, will be recognisable any more. Trying to revive old childhood memories may prove disappointing!'

After about ten minutes, we came to the local school. Beyond the iron gates were the playing field and the two-storeyed school building. We got down from the car and stood in front of the gate.

• c. Who were Aditya's ancestors?
• d. How was the landscape through which they travelled.
• e. What did Aditya visit?

I asked Aditya whether everything was still the same. He replied that everything had changed.

'Our school used to be one-storeyed, and a new building has come up, which wasn't there.'

'Were you not a good student?' I asked.

'Yes, but my position was always second,' he replied. We decided to go and have tea at Nagen uncle's tea shop, which stood next to a grocery shop and opposite a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Soon, we caught sight of 'Nagen's Tea Cabin' written on a signboard over the shop.

The owner of the tea shop, now over sixty, a little rustic in appearance, with his white neatly-combed hair and clean look, was the same as before. He was wearing a dhoti and a blue striped shirt that could be seen from under a green shawl.

Not recognising Aditya, he asked us where we had come from.

'Deodarganj,' Aditya replied. 'We are on our way to Kolkata.'

A little surprised, Nagen uncle asked why we were there.

'To have tea at your shop,' said Aditya.

'Certainly, besides tea, I have biscuits and savouries.'

'Give us two nankhatai each.'

• f. Where was Nagen uncle's shop?
• g. Besides tea, what did Nagen uncle have in his shop?

We sat on two tin chairs. There was only one other customer sitting at a corner table, neither eating nor drinking tea, but sitting with his head bent, as though he were sleeping.

Addressing him as Mr Sanyal, Nagen uncle reminded him to go home, as it was already 4 p.m. Other customers would soon be coming. Addressing us he said, with a wink in his eye, 'A little hard of hearing. Cannot see well either. But has no money to buy spectacles.'

From his reaction to this speech, I began to wonder whether Mr Sanyal was not a little crazy as well, because suddenly he stood up, stretched himself and, raising his lean right arm, and with eyes dilated, began to recite a poem by Tagore – Panraksha ('Keeping of a Promise').

Having recited the poem, he left the place, making the gesture of Namaste with his hands, to nobody in particular.

• h. What did Nagen uncle tell about Sanyal?
• i. In what way was Mr. Sanyal's behaviour strange?

I noticed a sudden change in Aditya's expression and I asked him the reason for it. Without answering me, he asked Nagen uncle who the gentleman was and what he did.

Nagen uncle replied, 'Sasanka Sanyal. What can be done? He leads a cursed life – gone crazy, I think, but has not forgotten any incident of the past. Sold his lands to get his only daughter married. He lost his wife and only son last year. Since then he is somewhat changed – not really normal.'

'Where does he stay?'

'He stays with a friend of his father's – Jogesh Kabiraj. Sasanka comes here, has tea and biscuits and always remembers to pay – having an acute sense of self-respect. But how long things will remain like this, I don't know'.

• j. What did Nagen uncle tell about Sanyal's past life?
• k. How did Sanyal show that he had a sense of self-respect?

Having paid our bill and ascertained the location of Jogesh Kabiraj's house, we got into the car. Aditya was at the wheel. He expressed the wish to visit his house.

'So you do want to see your house after all?' I said.

'It has become essential to do so,' Aditya replied. His nerves seemed overwrought for some reason. We soon reached the house, which was surrounded by high walls. Even from the ruins, one could easily imagine how grand it must have been once upon a time.

We entered the building, climbed up the stairs and reached the attic on the second floor of the house.

'This was my favourite room,' said Aditya. The attic has always been a favourite with children. It is in the attic that the child seems to be in a world of its own.

A portion of a wall of the attic had crumbled down, and through the 'window' that had been created, we could see the sky, the fields, a part of the rice mill, the spire of the old temple. In the whole house, the attic had probably been the worst hit by wind and weather. The floor was strewn with twigs and straw and pigeon droppings. Among other things, there was a broken cricket bat, the remains of an armchair and a wooden packing case.

• l. Why was the attic 'a favourite place' for the children?
• m. What did Aditya do on reaching the attic?

Aditya got on top of the packing case and pushed his hand inside the ventilator, thus upsetting a sparrow's nest, a part of which fell to the ground. However, he heaved a sigh of relief when he had got what he had been looking for. When I asked him what it was, he said, 'You'll get to know very soon.'

We next went to a jeweller's to find out the weight of the article. The jeweller remarked that it was an antique. Our next stop was the house of Jogesh Kabiraj. Though I was a little curious, I didn't ask Aditya anything.

We entered the house and went to the room where Sasanka Sanyal stayed. Sasanka uncle was busy reciting verses from Tagore. When he had finished, Aditya asked, 'May we come in?'

• n. What did the jeweller say about the article?
• o. Was Sanyal happy about his visitors?

'No one visits me,' he said in an unperturbed manner.

'Would you mind if we come in?'

'Come in.'

Except for a charpoy there was nothing else to sit on, so we remained standing.

'Do you remember Aditya Narayan Chowdhury?' Aditya asked him.

'Of course,' said the gentleman. 'The spoilt child of affluent parents! Was a fairly good student but could never beat me. He was extremely jealous of me. And he used to tell lies.'

'I know,' said Aditya. He then took out a packet from his pocket and handing it over to him, said, 'This is for you, from Aditya.'

'What is it?' he asked.

'Money'.

'Money? How much money?'

'One hundred and fifty rupees. He has said that he will be happy if you accept it.'

'Shall I laugh or cry? Aditya has given me money! Why this sudden generosity?'

'Man does change with time. Perhaps Aditya is not the same Aditya as before?'

'A change? I got the prize. He could not bear it. He took it from me to show his father and never returned it to me. Said that there was a hole in his pocket and it had fallen through it.'

'No one visits me,' he said in an unperturbed manner. 'This is the price of the medal. It is yours.'

Sasanka Sanyal was amazed. He stared at Aditya and said, 'The price of the medal? That could not be more than five rupees. It was a silver medal.'

'Silver is now thirty times costlier than before.'

'Really? I had no news of that. But …'

Sasanka uncle looked at the fifteen ten-rupee notes in his hand and then looked at Aditya. There was a completely new expression on his face. He said, 'Aditya, this smacks too much of charity. Doesn't it?'

We remained silent. Peering intently at Aditya, Sasanka Sanyal smiled and said, 'I had recognised you at Nagen uncle's tea shop by that mole on your right cheek. I could see you had not recognised me. So I recited the same poem that I had recited on the prize-giving day, on purpose, so that you may remember. Then, when you came to visit me, I couldn't help venting my anger on you.'

• p. Why did Sanyal recite the poem in the tea shop earlier?
• q. What was engraved on the medal?

'You have done the right thing. Your grievances are absolutely justified. But I will be happy if you accept the money,' said Aditya.

Sasanka Sanyal shook his head and said, 'No. Money will soon be spent. I would have preferred to have the medal if it were possible. I would have forgotten that unpleasant incident of my childhood if I could get the medal back.'

So, the medal that had been hidden in the attic for twenty-nine long years was eventually restored to its owner.

'Sriman Sasanka Sanyal – Special Prize for Recitation - 1948' was still clearly engraved on it.

(Translated from the Bengali story Chilekotha)

About the Author:

Satyajit Ray (1921 - 1992) was an Indian film maker, screen writer, graphic artist, music composer and author. He was born in Kolkatta. He authored several short stories and novels meant primarily for young children and teenagers.

He revived the children's magazine 'Sandesh' (which his grandfather had started in 1913) and edited it until his death in 1992. Ray was more interested in writing, rather than film making. His stories have been translated in Europe, the United States and many other countries. Ray received many awards including 32 National Film Awards by the Government of India, notably the Padma Bhushan in 1965 and the highest civilian honour 'Bharat Ratna' shortly before his death.

Glossary

Nankhatai – Nankhatai is an authentic Indian sweet which is popular in India and Pakistan.

• bifurcated (v) – divided into two
• revive (v) – to bring something back to life
• soothing (v) – making someone feel calm
• rustic (adj.) – typical of the countryside
• dilated (v) – widened than usual
• ascertained (v) – confirmed
• overwrought (adj.) – state of being upset
• attic (n) – the space or room at the top of a building, under the roof
• crumbled (v) – broken
• spire (n) – a tall, pointed structure on top of a building, especially on top of a church tower
• unperturbed (adj.) – undisturbed
• affluent (adj.) – wealthy
• smacks (v) – drive or put forcefully into or on to something

Comprehension Questions

A. Answer the following questions in two or three sentences.

1. Write a few lines about the owner of the shop.
2. What was the daily routine of Sanyal?
3. Why was there a sudden change in Aditya's expression?
4. Why did Aditya decide to visit his ancestral home?
5. What was the condition of the attic?
6. When did Aditya heave a sigh of relief? Why?
7. Why did Aditya and his friend go to the jeweller?
8. What did Aditya offer Sanyal?
9. "Your grievances are absolutely justified." Who says this to whom? Why?

B. Answer in detail the following questions in about 100-150 words.

1. Give a detailed account of all thoughts and questions in the narrator's mind while accompanying Aditya from the tea shop to Sanyal's house?
2. 'Man does change with time'-What were the various changes that came about in Aditya?
3. Give a brief character sketch of Sasanka Sanyal.

Grammar: Compound Words

Read these sentences:

1. Beyond the iron gates were the playing field and the two-storeyed school building.
2. The owner of the tea shop, now over sixty, a little rustic in appearance, with his white neatly-combed hair and clean look, was the same as before.
3. His nerves seemed overwrought for some reason.

The words in italics are Compound words.

A compound word is a combination of two or more words that function as a single unit of meaning.

C. Complete the following table with two more compound words.

• Noun + Noun kitchen garden,
• Noun + Verb mouthwash
• Verb + Noun watchman
• Preposition + Noun overcoat
• Gerund + Noun bleaching powder
• Noun + Gerund housekeeping
• Adjective + Preposition + Noun good for nothing
• Noun + Preposition + Noun mother-in-law

D. Combine the words in column A with those in column B to form compound words as many as you can.

Column A
rain
snow
star
draw
play
lottery
under
man
side
foot Column B
light
thing
fall
ball
back
ticket
walk
note
world
hole

E. Form compound words from the boxes given below and fill in the blanks in the sentences that follow with the appropriate compound words.

waiting out income
green sun room
tax alarm dry
traffic wall house
clock jam glasses
hair cleaning cut
put paper

1. Siva visited the hair stylist to have a clean __________.
2. Tharani had given the sarees for __________.
3. The __________ effect is a natural process that warms the earth's surface.
4. Never wait for an __________ to wake you up.
5. The children were late to school as there was a __________ near the toll plaza.
6. The government expects every individual to promptly pay the __________.
7. People usually wear __________ during summer.
8. The patients were asked to sit in the__________ until the doctor arrived.
9. With teamwork we are able to multiply our __________.
10. The room was looking bright with the colourful __________.

Affixes

In the English language, new words can be formed by a process called affixation. Affixation means adding affixes to the root word to form a new word. Affixes can be classified into prefix and suffix. If an affix is attached to the beginning of a word, it is called a Prefix. If an affix is attached to the end of the word, it is called a Suffix.

Examples:

Prefixes:
illiterate, disqualify, supernatural, suburban, malnutrition.

Suffixes:
childhood, ability, examination, establishment, slavish.

F. (i) Form new words by adding appropriate prefix/suffix:

1. accurate __________
2. understand __________
3. practice __________
4. technology __________
5. fashion __________
6. different __________
7. child __________
8. national __________
9. origin __________
10. enjoy __________

(ii) Frame sentences of your own using any five newly formed words.

G. Fill in the blanks by adding appropriate prefix/suffix to the words given in brackets.

1. He was sleeping __________ in his couch. (comfort)
2. Kavya rides a __________ to school. (cycle)
3. There was only a ___________ of people in the theatre.(hand)
4. It is ___________ to cut sandalwood trees.(legal)
5. The ___________ of the President has been expected for the last half an hour.(arrive)
6. The man behaved ___________ in front of the crowd. (normal)
7. Swathy had no ___________ of visiting the doctor. (intend)
8. The bacteria are so small that you need a ___________ to see them. (scope)

Conjunctions

• Conjunctions are also known as connectors or linkers or link words.
• We use Conjunctions to join words, a group of words or sentences.
• There are three types of Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions	Coordinating Conjunctions link two groups of words that independently make sense. Examples: and, or, for, otherwise, so, but, yet, still, as well as, etc. FANBOYS :- F - For, A - And, N - Nor, B - But, O - Or, Y - Yet, S - So
Subordinating Conjunctions	These Conjunctions help us to introduce Subordinate Clauses. They are also used to join Subordinate or dependent Clauses to Main clauses. Examples: when, though, although, since, until, till, after, as, before, if, unless, whereas, while, in case, as long as, as soon as, as much as, therefore, so that, because, as if, however, etc.
Correlative Conjunctions	These Conjunctions are always used in pairs. The two Connectors in each sentence that are related to each other are known as 'Correlative Conjunctions'. Examples: neither.......nor, either.........or, not only.......but also, scarcely.......when, both........and, no sooner.........than , such...... that , etc.

Conjunctions And Their Functions

Conjunctions	Functions
and, not only, but also, as well as, moreover, furthermore, besides, in addition to	to add information
Since, as, for, because, since then, before that, after that	to indicate cause/reason
but, yet, still, nevertheless, on the other hand, though, although, even though, however, on the contrary	to express contrast
therefore, consequently, then, so, so that, hence, thus	to show result or purpose
when, while, after, before, till, until, as soon as, as long as	to indicate time
if, unless, whether, in case, provided that	to add condition
or, either.........or, neither........nor, otherwise, or else	to express choice
Likewise, similarly	to denote comparison
where, wherever	to denote place

Now, let us see various types of Conjunctions and practise how to use them in sentences.

I. Coordinating Conjunctions:

1. I rang up but he didn't speak to me.
2. Slow and steady wins the race.
3. Finish your work or you will not be sent home.
4. The child was ill so he was admitted in the hospital.
5. He is rich for he is hard-working.

II. Subordinating Conjunctions:

1. Unless you work hard, you cannot secure good marks.
2. Wait till I return.
3. He is honest, though he is poor.
4. As John is very weak, he is not able to walk fast.
5. I will return home after sunset.
6. My uncle entered my house, while I was doing my homework.

III. Correlative Conjunctions:

1. Sheeba is both a singer and a dancer.
2. Neither Jane nor Ram has attended the function.
3. No sooner did the teacher enter the class than the boys stood up.
4. Scarcely had they gone out when it started raining.
5. The car is not only economical but also feels good to drive.

Exercise:

A. Complete the sentences given below choosing the right connectors given in brackets.

1. Call me _________ you need money. (so that, in order that, in case)
2. I forgot _________ I had to meet the Principal. (whether, that, if)
3. _________ he is ninety years old, he is in the pink of health. (when, since, though)
4. It is raining. Take an umbrella _________ you will get drenched. (or else, and, but)
5. They faced many hardships _________ they are always cheerful. (although, nevertheless, otherwise)

B. Fill in the blanks with the connector that goes with the underlined words.

1. Both the minister _________ the officers visited the affected areas.
2. Jaya teaches not only English _________ Science.
3. Either Raghu _________ Bala will have to buy vegetables from the market.
4. No sooner did I enter the house _________ it started drizzling.

C. Combine the pairs of sentences using appropriate connectors.

1. We came late. We did not miss the train.
2. They checked the packet twice. Then they sealed it.
3. Sita saw a snake. At once she ran away.
4. Robert completed the project. He submitted it to the teacher.
5. Yusuf was running high temperature. He could not take part in the competition.

D. Tick the correct linker.

1. _________ he was honest, he was punished. (though / but)
2. Walk carefully _________ you will fall down. (unless / otherwise)
3. My mother called me _________ I was playing football. (or / while)
4. My salary is low _________ I find the work interesting. (nevertheless / similarly)
5. The passengers rushed to board the bus _________ it arrived. (as soon as / as long as)

E. Supply suitable linkers.

1. "__________ I was alive and had a human heart, " answered the statue, "I did not know what tears were, __________ I lived in the palace __________ sorrow was not allowed to enter. My courtiers called me the Happy Prince __________ Happy Indeed I was. So I lived and __________ I died.
2. Many writers make incorrect sentences __________ they try to put sentences together. They may make grammatical errors __________ leave out important punctuation marks. Making such mistakes is quite common __________ preparing the first draft . __________ he must carefully edit his final draft.
3. In most large cities __________ towns of our country, there are special schools for girls. __________ , there are many co-educational schools __________ girls __________ boys study together. Most parents allow their daughters to attend these schools, __________ there are some parents __________ are against such schools for girls __________ the age of 14 or15.

F. Rearrange the words in the correct order to make meaningful sentences.

1. as / I / healthy / are / you / am / as
2. your / today / put on / new / since / is / birthday /dress / the
3. allergic / dogs / Rani / though / is / to / of / six / she / them / has
4. speaks / Ruben / besides / German / languages / two
5. loan/apply/you/if/for/you/a/get/will/ immediately/it/

Nominalisation

• The term "nominalisation" refers to the process of producing a noun from another part of speech by adding a derivational affix.
• A grammatical expression is turned into a noun phrase when we nominalise a sentence. For example,

(A) After 1885, trade with Europe grew. (Verb)
(B) After 1885, there was a growth in trade with Europe. (Noun)

In sentence B, we have used the word 'growth' which is the noun form of the verb 'grow' by adding the suffix 'th'.

Nominalisation can be done in the following ways:

1. By adding a suffix to a verb:

Verb	Noun	Suffix
grow	growth	-th
decide	decision	-ion
achieve	achievement	-ment
develop	development	-ment
examine	examination	-ation
discuss	discussion	-ion
establish	establishment	-ment
analyse	analysis	-sis

2. By adding a suffix to an adjective:

Adjective	Noun	Suffix
able	ability	-ity
different	difference	-ence
dark	darkness	-ness
happy	happiness	-ness
strong	strength	-th
important	importance	-ance
slave	slavery	-ry
kind	kindness	-ness

Examples of Nominalisation in Sentences:

Original Sentence (Verb/Adjective)	Nominalised Sentence (Noun)
The government decided to build a new road.	The government made a decision to build a new road.
The students achieved great results.	The students showed great achievement in their results.
The scientist developed a new medicine.	The scientist made a new development in medicine.
The team performed well in the competition.	The team gave an excellent performance in the competition.
The teacher explained the lesson clearly.	The teacher gave a clear explanation of the lesson.

G. Nominalise the underlined verbs/adjectives in the following sentences.

1. They concluded the meeting at 5 p.m.
   Answer: They came to a conclusion at 5 p.m.
2. The team performed well on stage.
   Answer: The team gave a good performance on stage.
3. The manager approved the new plan.
   Answer: The manager gave approval to the new plan.
4. Scientists discovered a new planet.
   Answer: Scientists made a new discovery of a planet.
5. The workers refused to work overtime.
   Answer: The workers showed refusal to work overtime.

Practice Practice Exercises

h. What did Nagen uncle tell about Sanyal?

i. In what way was Mr. Sanyal's behaviour strange?

j. What did Nagen uncle tell aboutSanyal's past life?

k. How did Sanyal show that he had a sense of self-respect?

2. Many writers make incorrect sentences they try to put sentences together. They may make grammatical errors leave out important punctuation marks. Making such mistakes is quite common preparing the first draft. he must carefully edit his final draft.

3. In most large cities towns of our country, there are special schools for girls. , there are many coeducational schools girls boys study together. Most parents allow their daughters to attend these schools, there are some parents are against such schools for girls the age of 14 or 15.

1. as /I / healthy / are / you / am / as

2. your / today / put on / new / since / is / birthday /dress / the

3. allergic / dogs / Rani / though / is / to / of / six / she / them / has

4. speaks / Ruben / besides / German / languages / two

5. loan/apply/you/if/for/you/a/get/will/ immediately/it/

1. beautiful

2. breathe

3. enter

4. know

5. deafen

6. zealous

7. familiar

8. accept

9. dangerous

1. The boy had to give a proper for being late. (explain)

2. They could make about the future.(predict)

3. At one point in life, he had no but to trust his friend. (choose)

4. The monuments are to be preserved because of their historical . (significant)

5. It is very difficult to work with so many . (distract)

1. We succeeded in our attempt.

2. Nalini leads a happy life.

3. She failed and it disappointed her.

4. India became an independent country in the year 1947.

5. The child resembles her father.

1. He is an honest person. Everyone likes him.

2. Sathya gave an explanation. The police wanted her to prove it.

3. He speaks well. It attracts all.

4. Suresh is always punctual and regular. It has earned him a good job.

5. The policeman arrived quickly. It made us happy.

1. My sister wanted to go to Mumbai last week. She made a (decide) to buy a ticket at once. As (reserve) could be done online, she gave (prefer) to book a ticket that way. First, she collected (inform) about the (arrive) and (depart) of trains and airplanes.

2. A few days later, Androcles was captured by his master. He had to suffer all kinds of (punish). At last, he was thrown to a lion which was in great (hungry).It had been kept in an (enclose) and had not been fed for several days. His friends stood there with (tear) eyes as the lion rushed towards him. The lion stopped near him and stood for a while (look) at him. Then it lay down by his side like a pet dog. (obvious), the lion recognized Androcles and the (help) he had given it.

1. The girl in blue saree is my sister.

2. Kohli hopes to win the trophy.

3. The train halts at every junction.

4. I have never seen such a picture.

5. She worked in an enthusiastic manner.

1. Ram bought a pen that doesn't write well.

2. Come back as soon as possible.

3. Most of her friends whom she had invited attended her wedding.

4. My brother visits my father whenever he comes to Chennai.

5. Call me in case there is an emergency.

6. Until the sun sets, the old woman cannot step out of her house.

7. She knows where I go.

8. You can go wherever you want.

1. into your IRCTC account.

3. The and of your journey must also be selected.

4. List of trains will appear.

5. You must check on the and for the train of your choice.

6. Your personal details like and are a must.

7. After filling information and captcha click booking.

8. You can make the payment either by or

i. Mr. Anand Tony, director of the award winning movie 'Poo', is meeting the press. Take turns to be the director and media persons. Conduct a perfect discussion.

ii. Ms. Pavithra Rao, the squash player who won the gold medal at the recent Asian Games, is holding a press conference. Let the discussion focus more on the strategies that helped her to win.

iii. GL Home Appliances have introduced a product to purify salt water. The CEO of the company has agreed to meet the press to launch their new product.

1. What did the coach teach the child?

2. What values did the child learn?

3. The parents noticed some changes in the child. What were they?

a. things that the coach taught...

b. transformation in the child...

c. things that amazed the writer...

a. The parent's earlier view of the child-

b. One of the qualities of the teacher-

c. Words related to prize-

i. You are the school monitor, of Modern Matriculation School, Villupuram. Your school Principal has requested you to inform the students about a trip to Yercaud for 3 days. Prepare a notice giving the details such as date of journey, mode of transportation, amount, dress code etc.

ii. You are the Secretary of Park Circus Residents Welfare Association. Write a notice to inform the residents of your colony of a Meditation program under the guidance of Dr. P. Ranjit with a view to understanding the self better. The program is exclusively for the residents It will be conducted on the second Saturday of the following month from 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. at the children's park nearby.

iii. You are Ganesh/Gayathri Head boy/ Head girl, of your school. Write a notice for your school notice board informing the students about the 'Fancy Fete' that is going to be organised in your school campus on the 10th of next month.

Choose an interesting, relevant or a current issue.

The title suggests the core idea of the article. It has to be brief and captivating, kindling the interest of the readers.

Forming an outline of the article is very essential. It can be done in three steps:

When your outline is complete start expanding on the title.

Never submit an article in its first draft. Revise the article until it expresses your thoughts completely. Give it a final reading. Edit it and correct the errors.

Once the article is edited, give it a final read. Check if it adheres to the requirements.

i You are Jansi/Avinash of Class X studying in GHSS, Chengalpet. You believe that physical activities improve our health and reduce the risk of sickness. It has got immediate and long term benefits. Write an article in not more than 150200 words for your school magazine stressing the importance of physical activities in a students day to day life.

ii The service provided by the conservancy workers in your city is very poor. You find all the street corners dumped with garbage thrown by the residents of the locality. It causes a menace for the public at large. You are Ramya/Rajan of Class X, studying in TM Model School, Dharmapuri. Write an article in about 150-200 words to the editor of The Indian Express, about this and suggest ways by which the situation could be improved.

iii Recently while returning home from school you were knocked down by a speeding motorcycle. You escaped with minor injuries. You are Kishore/ Kavitha of class XI, studying in GHSS, Coimbatore. Write an article to The Hindu, in about 150-200 words expressing your concern about the increasing number of road accidents due to reckless driving. Also stress the importance of following traffic rules.

l. Why was the attic 'a favourite place' for the children?

m. What did Aditya do on reaching the attic?

n. What did the jeweller say about the article?

o. Was Sanyal happy about his visitors?

p. Why did Sanyal recite the poem in the tea shop earlier?

q. What was engraved on the medal?

1. Write a few lines about the owner of the shop.

2. What was the daily routine of Sanyal?

3. Why was there a sudden change in Adityas expression?

4. Why did Aditya decide to visit his ancestral home?

5. What was the condition of the attic?

6. When did Aditya heave a sigh of relief? Why?

7. Why did Aditya and his friend go to the jeweller?

8. What did Aditya offer Sanyal?

9. “Your grievances are absolutely justified.” Who says this to whom? Why?

1. Give a detailed account of all thoughts and questions in the narrator's mind while accompanying Aditya from the tea shop to Sanyal's house?

2. 'Man does change with time'-What were the various changes that came about in Aditya?

3. Give a brief character sketch of Sasanka Sanyal.

1. Siva visited the hair stylist to have a clean .

2. Tharani had given the sarees for

3. The is a natural process that warms the earth's surface.

4. Never wait for an to wake you up.

was a near the toll plaza.

6. The government expects every individual to promptly pay the .

7. People usually wear during summer.

8. The patients were asked to sit in the until the doctor arrived.

9. With teamwork we are able to multiply our .

10. The room was looking bright with the colourful .

1. accurate

2. understand

3. practice

4. technology

5. fashion

6. different

7. child

8. national

9. origin

10. enjoy

1. He was sleeping in his couch. (comfort)

2. Kavya rides a to school. (cycle)

3. There was only a of people in the theatre.(hand)

4. It is to cut sandalwood trees.(legai)

5. The of the President has been expected for the last half an hour. (arrive)

6. The man behaved in front of the crowd. (normal)

7. Swathy had no of visiting the doctor. (intend)

8. The bacteria are so small that you need a to see them. (scope)

1. Call me you need money. (so that, in order that, in case)

2. I forgot I had to meet the Principal. (whether, that, if)

3. he is ninety years old, he is in the pink of health. (when, since, though)

5. They faced many hardships they are always cheerful. (although, nevertheless, otherwise)

1. Both the minister the officers visited the affected areas.

2. Jaya teaches not only English Science.

3. Either Raghu Bala will have to buy vegetables from the market.

4. No sooner did I enter the house it started drizzling.

1. We came late. We did not miss the train.

2. They checked the packet twice. Then they sealed it.

3. Sita saw a snake. At once she ran away.

4. Robert completed the project. He submitted it to the teacher.

5. Yusuf was running high temperature. He could not take part in the competition.

1. he was honest, he was punished.

Though , but

2. Walk carefully you will fall down.

Unless , otherwise

3. My mother called me I was playing football.

Or , while

4. My salary is low I find the work interesting.

Nevertheless , similarly

as soon as , as long as

1.” I was alive and had a human heart,” answered the statue, “I did not know what tears were, I lived in the palace sorrow was not allowed to enter. My courtiers called me the Happy Prince Happy Indeed I was. So I lived and I died.

a. When did Aditya leave the local school?

b. Why did Aditya think that the school would not be recognisable?

c. Who were Aditya's ancestors?

d. How was the landscape through which they travelled.

e. What did Aditya visit?

f. Where was nagen uncle's shop?

g. Besides tea, what did Nagen uncle have in his shop?