10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)(short answers) chapter-1 (A Triumph of Surgery)(James Herriot)

 Important questions for board examination

Lesson 1 - A Triumph of Surgery

Q) Do you think there are parents like Mrs pumphrey ?

Ans) Mrs. Pumphrey loved her dog very much. She overfed him and provided him all the facilities. But excess of all these things created trouble for the tricky. He fell ill.

Parents like Mrs Pumphrey are very common. They think that pampering is good for their children. But this is making them addict to junk foods , Internet and video games. These parents must understand the difference between caring and pampering.

Q) “Tricki’s only fault was greed.” how did it get him into trouble?

Ans) Tricki’s mistress was a rich lady. He lived a very cozy and luxurious life. He kept eating all the time. He never refused any food. He always avoided exercises. This affected his health badly. He became lethargic and listless. Finally doctor was called to take care of him.

Q) What did Mrs Pumphrey tell doctor Herriot about Tricki?

Ans) Mrs pumphrey told the doctor that Tricki was seriously ill. He was not taking interest in any thing. He was not eating even his favourite dishes. For some days he was too weak to move. She wanted some help from the doctor.

Q) What was tricki’s condition when doctor Herriot carried him in his car?

Ans) Trick was seriously I’ll.He was spending his time lying on a rug, panting. He had bouts of vomiting. He didn't want to do anything. Mr Herriot had no choice but to take him to his surgery.

Q) What was Mr Herriot's strict advice? Did Mrs Pumphrey listen to him? what excuses did she make?

Ans) Mr Herriot warned Mrs Pumphrey to cut down the food of Tricki. Sweets like chocolates and cakes must be removed from his diet. He should be taken to a walk daily. There should be regular exercise like ring throwing for him.

Q). Why was it a temptation to keep tricki as a permanent guest?

Ans) When Tricki was in the surgery of Mr Herriot, Mrs Pumphrey called frequently to know the latest condition of her little dog. When she came to know that he is improving, she started to send eggs, wine and later brandy for Trick. All these things were consumed by the doctor and his staff. So, they are tempted to keep the Trick as a permanent guest. 

More questions for practice.

Q) Why was the call from Mrs. Pumphrey expected?

Q) Why did Mrs. Pumphrey send eggs, wine and brandy?

Q) How did Trick surprise Mrs. Pumphrey after the surgery?

Q) Why did Mrs. Pumphrey say " This is a triumph of surgery." ?

CORONA – PARAGRAPH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSE.

CORONA – A PANDEMIC 

This topic is important from the examination point of view. You can easily find information on the various aspects of the corona in the newspaper, TV and Internet. In fact there is an information overload. It’s a problem for the students. In the examination there is always a word limit in the answers. You have to write within the prescribed word limit. Moreover time is also restricted. So students have to choice their words judiciously.

Here three paragraphs are given for junior and senior classes. These paragraphs are only indicative. We can write them in different ways. You should read them as an example, then try to build your own paragraphs. Try not to touch many aspects in a paragraph. Ideally one paragraph should have only one theme. But  in the examination condition you can highlight two or three points, for the ease of writing.

 

 

Paragraph on corona (50 to 80 words)

(For junior classes)

Corona is a pandemic which affected the whole world. It is caused by a virus called COVID-19. It has done a lot of damage to the every sphere of life. Many lost their loved ones. Many lost their jobs and employment. Poors are affected the most. Corona has posed a great challenge before the humanity. We have to fight back. Scientists,  Health workers, Governments are working at war footing. It is our duty to follow all the norms and guidelines and defeat the Corona.

 

 

Paragraph on Corona ( 150 words )

( For 10^th class )

Corona is an ongoing pandemic. It is the largest pandemic of human history. Moreover it is changing its form very rapidly and becoming more lethal. It has taken the whole world under its ambit. It has affected the various countries physically, financially and emotionally.

We are fighting very bravely. On the one hand we are taking protective measures to reduce the pace of spread of corona and on the other hand we are finding effective vaccines and medicines. The medical facilities for the affected people have also increased manifolds. We will definitely win.

In this difficult time many persons, institutions and governments are coming forward for helping one other. There are many instances of sacrifices and donations. Together we will surely cross all barriers.

But it is also a time for introspection.  The coronavirus  enter the human beings from the bats. We were interfering with the Nature. Is it justified ?

 

Paragraph on Corona ( 250 words)

( For 12^th class )

In the long journey of human development we have faced many challenges. Sometimes in the form of climate change sometimes in the form of war and some other times in the form of disease. This time the challenge is posed by a deadly virus COVID-19. With patience and courage we will find a way out.

Corona is caused by a zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2. Starting from one city  it spread in the whole world in a short span of time. It spreads in air. Many people were infected  in different countries and many lost their lives. Coronavirus attacks the lungs. Victims face difficulty in breathing. Most of the time they need oxygen supply. It also damages other organs like kidney. So it infects rapidly and severely.

All countries of the world stand firmly against this invisible enemy. Individuals, institutions, societies and governments play their role aptly. Our scientists have developed many vaccines. Experiments are going on to find medicines. People in various parts of the world observing lockdown and maintaining social distancing.

In this difficult time we must cooperate with one another. Countries who have vaccines and other resources must provide them to others also. It’s a fight between humans and a lethal virus. We cannot survive in isolation. We must join hands. Help must reach to the last man.

In future, to deal with such global problems we must develop international institutions in which all countries should participate and contribute. There should be international laws to be followed by all the nations in the  situation of emergency.  As united we stand, divided we fall.

 

You can also read " How to write good paragraphs"

 

 

 

 

Epidemic and Pandemic?

 

Q) What is the difference between epidemic and pandemic?

OR

Describe the terms outbreak, epidemic, endemic and pandemic.

Ans)

In this article we will try to understand the meaning of outbreak, endemic, epidemic and pandemic.

Endemic - lf an infectious disease is  regularly  present in a community or a people for long time then it is called endemic.

In some parts of Africa malaria is endemic. Dengue is endemic to many Caribbean nations.

Disease is restricted to  a region or country. And number of cases does not go beyond a threshold.

Outbreak  - If there are greater than anticipated increase in the number of endemic cases, it is called outbreak.

If a infectious disease spread to some new area then it is an outbreak even if only one case is there.

Epidemic - It affects a large number of people within a community, population or region. Here the rate of increase in cases is rapid.

 In the case of COVID-19, it was epidemic until disease was restricted to the city Wuhan in China.

Pandemic - If an epidemic spread over multiple countries or continents then it is called pandemic.

 For example COVID-19. WHO declared it a pandemic on 11^th March 2020.

(Note - One should always remember that epidemics and pandemics are defined on the basis of rate  and distance of spread and not on the severity of the disease.)

To editor- plight of students dealing with online classes.

 

Q) You are Naresh resident of 15/2,kailash nagar,Delhi. You are Concerned about the plight of the students dealing with online classes. Write a letter to the editor, Hindustan times and request for raising this issue in his newspaper.

 

Ans)

 

Examination Hall          

27^th May, 2021

 

To

      The Editor,            

      Hindustan Times,

      Delhi.

 

Sub-> plight of students dealing with online classes.

Respected sir,

Through your esteemed newspaper I want to draw attention of concerned authorities towards the plight of students dealing with online classes.

Due to corona pandemic schools are closed for almost a year. The students are compelled to get instructions from the school online. Some of the private schools are providing online live classes.

But most of the other private schools and government schools are not in a position to provide these online classes. Here students are given guidance and study material on the WhatsApp group. But it is just not possible for a student to study from these materials by their own. This practice is futile. 

Students are worried about their studies. This year is almost zero year for them. Even the private schools which are providing online live classes are not doing any good. Most of the time quality of video and audio is to compromising that students are getting nothing. 

Moreover in many schools final term examinations were not conducted. They are promoted to the next class on the basis of the average performance throughout the year. The students know very well that they will suffer in the next class.

I expect that you will understand the gravity of the problem. Kindly provide some space in your newspaper.

 

Thanking you

 

Yours sincerely

Naresh

Online teaching

 

How is online teaching or virtual classes?

 

Virtual world of education

Question)

Write a paragraph or article on the advantages and disadvantages of online teaching?

Or

What are the pros and cons of online/ virtual teaching?

Answer)

Definition

Online teaching is gaining Momentum day by day. Online teaching simply means teacher and students are far apart connected by high speed internet . It can be divided broadly into two parts - live classes of different teachers and institutes and recorded videos lectures.

Only three facilities are needed to conduct online classes. Firstly one needs a smartphone, PC or laptop. Another facility required is a high speed internet. Finally there should be uninterrupted supply of electricity.

 

Advantages

 There are many advantages of online classes. There are many good teachers available on the Internet. A student is not restricted to choose a teacher or institute from the neighbourhood. He can find a teacher in another city or even in another country.

Online coaching is generally economical as compared to the offline classes.

In online mode a teacher can give better illustrations by using graphics, pictures, videos and animations. It is the power of audio video medium. A teacher can carry the students in depth. A student will have enriched learning experience. Things will be easy to understand, memorize and recall later.

A student in the remote  Area or a student belonging to lower strata of the society can also access a fine quality, experienced teacher of a metropolitan city. This leads to the democratization of the education.

Online teaching-virtual school

Disadvantages

Online teaching has some limitations also. Firstly there are many areas in the world where Internet connection is not available or Internet speed is very slow. In such areas online teaching is a distant dream.

Students in financially weaker section can not afford costly PCs or smart phones.

The students are deprived of direct observation and eye contact of teachers.  We need to device new methods of testing and examinations so that students level of understanding can be judged.

Many good experienced teachers are unable to work on modern gadgets and technologies. They need to  upgrade their technical skills or we will lose their valuable teaching experience.

 

Conclusion

Online teaching has its own pros and cons. In most of the cases it is advantageous. With the advent of 4G and 5G Internet and reduction in the cost of Internet services and smart phones it seems that online teaching has a bright future.

 

Corona and students

 

 

Effects of Covid Pandemic on the Students

 Covid pandemic has widespread effects on every sphere of life and students are not spared.

 They are affected physically, mentally and emotionally. 

For a long period, they are unable to meet with their mentors and class fellows. They can’t go outside. They can’t meet with their friends and relatives. They are lonely. This is hampering there growth.

 

Why Can’t we open the schools?

Kids are not  Mature enough to follow  covid appropriate behaviour (CAB). 

It is very difficult for them to maintain the social  distancing in the classroom. In a class of 40 to 50 students it is just not possible. 

Kids are not expected to communicate with masks on their faces. 

Moreover a student has low immunity as compared to adults.  

If there is any spread of corona in the schools, it will be very difficult to control. Schools can be hub of Corona. Schools can be main corona spreader if they are opened without preparation.

 

Problems if schools remain closed for long time.

Schools are integral part of a student life. A major part of his day is spent in the school. If schools remain closed for long then it will have very negative effect on the students.

 This will affect not just their studies but also their personalities. Students are facing very difficult time.

 

Limitations of online classes

There are no offline classes as schools and coaching centers are closed. So students are deprived of valuable suggestions and guidance of their teachers. 

Although many schools are providing online classes but they cannot compensate for the offline classes where the student has direct interaction with a teacher. He can put his doubts and ask questions directly.

In online classes there is one more problem which is faced by most of the students in India that is the poor quality of Internet. Many times classes got disconnected and sometimes picture and voice quality is compromising . 

Moreover there is no eye to eye contact between teacher and his students. So teacher is unable to judge if students are getting whatever he is delivering. It is almost impossible to create conducive teaching learning experience in an online class.

 

No examination for one year

In April 2020 first wave of corona pandemic started and in the beginning of 2021 its second wave spread all over the India. Therefore schools and other educational institutions remain closed for more than one year. 

During this time there was no pen paper examination of the students. It is almost impossible for a teacher to find out if a student is understanding everything that is taught in the online classes without examinations. 

Exams are not only the test of understanding of the students but it also provides basis for the remedial classes. A teacher after studying the result of the class decides which topics need to be revised in the class. 

He also comes to know the types of mistakes the students are committing. It gives her an insight about the level of understanding of the syllabus. 

In the absence of any examination the whole learning process is deteriorating. It will be very difficult to fill this gap in the future.

 

In remote and backward areas

In the backward areas of the country where economic status of the people is already low the position of education is even more disadvantageous . 

The students of these areas belong to the poor families and most of them study in the government run schools. It is not possible for them to manage costly smart phones or computers for taking online classes. 

Most of the students do not have good Internet connection . Even in many areas there is irregular supply of electricity. 

In such a scenario it is just not possible to acquire education by online mode. 

For these students this year is almost a zero year. Although most of the state boards and CBSE have promoted the students to the next class but we know it very well that they do not acquire proper knowledge in the previous class . This will definitely affect their study in the next class also.

 

Mental  And emotional stress on the students

During the Corona time many families suffered directly and indirectly. Some families lost their jobs and  there is decline in income of self dependent families. 

In some families members are affected by the Corona . Some of them were hospitalized. There was a scarcity of medicines, oxygen cylinders and even beds in the hospitals. This causes additional tension in the families. Children also face this stress. 

These circumstances leads to an environment where learning activities cannot go on. We cannot expect a student to carry his studies if family is passing through such a challenging time. This creates a great mental and emotional stress on the family members especially the children

Uncertain future

Students who are in the higher most class of their institutions are facing one more problem. After completing the education in their Institute they need to be transferred to the next higher Institute. In this pandemic situation it is very difficult for them to get admission. 

Moreover students who are planning for some professional courses after completing the school are also in dilemma. Their future is very uncertain. There is a great loss of their valuable time. At this time they should focus on the preparation for the competitive examinations but they are fighting with the disease and family problems.

 

3^rd wave of corona

Doctors and other experts are claiming that danger is not over yet. There will be a 3^rd wave of Corona that will affect the children the most.  This is creating a panic among the parents. 

When a hope was in sight that school will open after this short lockdown and decline in Corona cases, at this time this declaration of 3^rd way of Corona is not a good sign. 

We need a widespread preparation to tackle this coming danger. Government should improve facilities in the hospitals and other health care centers. Necessary supplies of medicines and other equipments should be maintained in advance. 

On the other hand people should understand their responsibilities. They should maintain social distancing. One should not stop wearing masks even after vaccination.

 

Ray of hope

Even in this distress one should not lose hope. We should also see the positive side. 

Our country is one of the few nations in the world which has developed vaccine for Corona. Vaccination drive is moving very fast and we should expect that majority of our population will be vaccinated in a few months only. 

There is research going on to develop vaccine for children. I am confident that it will be available very soon. We should observe Corona appropriate behavior until at least 70% of our population including children is vaccinated.

We will definitely win over this deadly virus.

 

8th class-cbse english (It so happen) Chapter-11 (Ancient education system of India)

Ancient Education System of India

(I)

Q1) Why were travellers attracted towards India?

Ans) In the ancient time India was famous for its culture, wealth, religion, art, architect and educational practices. Our education system was known for the openness, humanity, all-round-development of students and higher standards of teachers. Many travellers were attracted towards India because of this fame.

Q2) What were the sources of the ancient education system?

Ans) There was wide range of sources in ancient education system of India. Prominent among them were

(i) Vedas, Upanishads, Brahmanas and Dharamsutras.

(ii) Writings of Aryabhatt, Panini, Katyayana and Patanjali.

(iii)Medical treatises of the Charak and Sushruta.

(iv) Various Shastras and Kavyas.

Q3) What were the features of education system in Ancient India?

8th class-cbse english (It so happen) Chapter-10(Comet - II) [Jayant Narlikar]

Chaper 10 ( Comet-II )

(I)

Q1) “ For a moment James wonders if he had done his sums right” Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?

Ans) From the window of his room in hotel in London, James was looking at the peaceful star-studded sky. In such atmosphere it was hard to believe that a calamity was so near. He wondered, for a moment, if he had done his sums right.

Q2) What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums’?

Ans) Scientists at the conference checked and rechecked the calculations of James’ paper and concluded that calculations were correct and his prediction was right. Collision with the comet Dutta was inevitable. Only slight possibility was that it missed the head on collision and just grazed the atmosphere of the earth. In that case total loss of life would not happen but harm would be big.

Q3) Immediate action was needed, scientists decided. Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.

8th class-cbse english (It so happen) Chapter-9(Comet - I) [Jayant Narlikar]

Chapter 9 ( Comet-I )

                                                            (I)

                                                                               

Q1) Why does Indrani Devi dislike Duttada’s ‘hobnobbing’ with Dibya?

Ans) Dibya was the telescope of Duttada. He bought it after his retirement. It was his dream for long to have both - his own telescope and time to observe the night sky. He spent lot of time with the telescope. When he was with Dibya, he became so absorbed that he forgot the world around him, even his wife. That’s why his wife disliked the Dibya.

Q2) She is complaining and smiling. Why is she smiling?

Ans) On one winter night Indrani devi’s sleep was disturbed by the cool breeze. She awoke and found that Duttada was not on his bed. She became annoyed but smiled on a second thought. Duttada was so attached to his telescope Dibya and his star-observations that he even forgot to wore his sweater in this cold December night. Indrani Devi accepted that he could not remember to close the door.

Q3) (i) What was Duttada’s secret ambition?

8th class-cbse english (It so happen) Chapter-8(Jalebis) [Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi]

(Translated from urdu by Sufiya Pathan)

Part (I)

Q1) Why didn’t he pay the school fees on the day he brought money to school?

Ans) He could not pay the fees on the day he bought money to school because the teacher who collected the fees, Master Gulam Mohammad, was on leave. Fees and funds were to be collected the next day.So, he brought money back.

Q2) (i) What were the coins ‘saying’ to him?

Ans) Coins were persuading him to spent the money and purchase the crispy, syrupy jalebis. They told him to look at the hot jalebis that are coming out from the kadhao in the shop to be eaten by someone who had money. And you had the money.

Q2) (ii) Do you think they were misguiding him?