- (I) Do you find life leisurely or fast?
Answer: Some find life very fast because of school, homework, and other activities. But a few feel it’s okay as they manage time well. Most of us think life is more fast than relaxed. - (II) Are you satisfied with what you see today?
Answer: No, we are not fully satisfied. Many things have improved, but life has also become more stressful. We miss the simple and peaceful time people had earlier.
B. Answer the following question briefly:
1. Where did the writer watch the play?
Answer: The writer watched the play in Dublin.
2. Who was the chief character in the play?
Answer: The chief character was an old corn merchant in a small Irish country town.
3. Does the writer dislike rapid movement in every field?
Answer: No, the writer does not dislike rapid movement in every field. He enjoys it in driving and travel but not in thinking and mental work.
4. In which situation does the writer find himself in the cinema?
Answer: In the cinema, the writer feels confused and cannot follow the story properly, so he asks his wife for help.
5. How does the writer classify himself as?
Answer: The writer classifies himself as a slow thinker.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Write a few sentences about the elderly corn-merchant.
Answer:
The elderly corn-merchant was the main character in the play the writer saw in Dublin. He lived in a small Irish town and had many worries. His health was weak, his nephew was cheating him, and his wife wanted to spend money on a holiday. He felt that life was moving too fast for him and he couldn’t handle it anymore.
2. “They tell me there’s an aeroplane now that goes at 1,000 miles an hour. Now that’s too fast!” What light does the remark of the corn-merchant throw on the fast life today?
Answer:
This remark shows how modern life is moving too fast for many people. The corn-merchant’s words express the feelings of stress and helplessness that people experience in today’s fast-moving world. It highlights that not everyone is comfortable with the speed and pressure of modern life.
3. What sort of excitement do we have today which our ancestors lacked? Is it an advantage or a disadvantage?
Answer:
Today, we have the excitement of speed—fast cars, airplanes, and quick communication. Our ancestors did not experience such fast travel or technology. This can be an advantage because it saves time and adds thrill, but it is also a disadvantage because it takes away the real joy of slow, peaceful living and increases stress.
4. Who are taken to be slow thinkers? How are the slow thinkers handicapped today?
Answer:
Slow thinkers are people who take more time to think or respond. They may find the right answer, but not quickly. In today’s world, where speed is praised, slow thinkers are at a disadvantage. They may perform poorly in intelligence tests and struggle to keep up with fast-moving life, which makes their life more difficult.
5. What enlightenment does the writer seek from his wife? What does it suggest about the plight of the modern man?
Answer:
The writer feels lost while watching a movie and often asks his wife to explain what is happening. This shows that modern life moves so fast that some people cannot keep up with it. It suggests that many people feel confused, stressed, and helpless in trying to follow the quick pace of today’s world.
6. Summarise the central idea of this essay.
Answer:
The central idea of the essay is that modern life has become too fast and stressful. People are under constant pressure to move quickly, think fast, and act immediately. While some enjoy this speed, others, especially slow thinkers, struggle to cope. The essay shows how the fast pace of life affects mental peace and the ability to enjoy simple pleasures.
GROUP DISCUSSION
Discuss the following in groups or pairs:
1. Life has become too fast today.
People are always busy with work, studies, travel, and technology. There is little time for rest, family, or peaceful moments. This fast life is causing stress and confusion.
2. The fast life of the western society is compelling the westerners…
to live under pressure and lose the joy of simple living. They are running after speed, success, and material things, but they miss peace and real happiness.
1 Write a letter to your mother about a hectic day that you spent.
Examination Hall
14 April 2025
Dear Mummy,
Namaste! I hope you and everyone at home are doing well. I am also fine here, just a little tired after a very busy and hectic day. I wanted to tell you all about it.
Today, my day started early in the morning. I had to reach school by 7:00 a.m. for extra classes. After that, we had regular periods till 1:30 p.m. The teachers gave a lot of classwork and homework because exams are near. Then I had lunch quickly and went for tuition at 2:30 p.m. That class continued till 4:00 p.m. After coming back, I was so tired, but I still had to complete my homework and revise for a test tomorrow.
By evening, my head was aching a little, but I managed to finish everything. It was a tough and tiring day, but I am trying my best to manage everything well.
I miss your care and delicious food very much. Please don’t worry about me. I’ll take rest and sleep early today.
Give my love to Papa and little brother/sister.
Your loving son,
Manikant
2. As the secretary of the Drama Society of your school, write a notice to invite the students to watch a play in Hindi, Mention the title of the play, its writer, the venue and the time.
📢 NOTICE
Drama Society – School Play Invitation
Date: 14 April 2025
All the students are informed that the Drama Society of our school is organizing a Hindi play for entertainment and learning.
📌 Title of the Play: “Andher Nagari Chaupat Raja”
✍️ Written by: Bhartendu Harishchandra
📍 Venue: School Auditorium
🕔 Time: 11:00 a.m. onwards
📅 Date of the Play: 20 April 2025
All students are invited to come and enjoy the play. Entry is free. Don’t miss this chance to witness a classic Hindi drama full of fun and learning.
(Sign)
Master Manikant
Secretary, Drama Society
Word study
| Incorrect Spelling | Correct Spelling |
|---|---|
| funtasticn | fantastic |
| Asestors | ancestors |
| complent | complement |
| greatfully | gratefully |
| ninty | ninety |
| garantid | guaranteed |
Word Formation
| Original Word | Derived Word |
|---|---|
| king | royal |
| ears | aural |
| eyes | ocular |
| moon | lunar |
| sun | solar |
Use the new words in your own sentences:
- Royal: The royal family attended the grand event. (राजसी परिवार ने भव्य आयोजन में भाग लिया।)
- Aural: The doctor checked his aural health during the routine examination. (डॉक्टर ने नियमित जांच के दौरान उसकी श्रवण स्वास्थ्य की जांच की।)
- Ocular: He wore special ocular glasses to improve his vision. (उसने अपनी दृष्टि को सुधारने के लिए विशेष नेत्रगहण चश्मा पहना।)
- Lunar: The lunar eclipse was visible across the city last night. (चंद्र ग्रहण पिछले रात पूरे शहर में दिखाई दिया।)
- Solar: The solar panels on the roof help save energy. (छत पर सोलर पैनल ऊर्जा बचाने में मदद करते हैं।)
D. 3. Word-Meaning
Match the words in Column A with their meanings in Column B:
- Notion: An idea
- Despair: State of hopelessness
- Illustration: Example
- Gratefully: With a feeling of gratitude
- Tribe: A group of people of the same race
- Prejudice: Every conceived idea
