Countries & Towns
Reading I:London vs Paris
A. Find the words from the text and fill in the crossword puzzle.
Answer:
DOWN
1. a person who lives in a town: urbanite
4. an impressive display of a particular type of thing: showcase
6. in accordance with the highest standards; faultless: impeccable
7. impaired by lack of recent practice: rusty
ACROSS
2. a person who approaches passers-by in the street asking for donations: chugger
3. a set of rails that forms the route for a tram: tramway
5. full of energy and life: vibrant
8. a long, narrow French loaf: baguette
9. the art of choosing, cooking and eating good food: gastronomy
10. a small close-knit group of people: clique
B. Choose the correct alternative.
Answer:
a. The transport network in London is widespread.
b. The number of museums in London is 240.
c. Paris is better and has more to offer than London in terms of variety in cuisine.
d. Which of the following is not the major attraction of Paris?
Ans: public library
e. Which of the following is not the similarity between the two cities?
Ans: Both cities can be travelled all year round with nice weather.
C. State whether the following statements are true or false.
Answer:
a. The French prefer handshakes to kisses
Ans: False
b. People in London are easy to get along with
Ans: False
c. The French enjoy talking informally in espresso bars
Ans: True
d. London is almost fifteen times larger than Paris in terms of geography.
Ans: True
e. The cost of living in Paris is almost the same as that of London.
Ans: False
f. If you are looking for a less populous city, then Paris would be a perfect suit.
Ans: False
D. Answer these questions.
Answer:
a. What are the famous rivers in London and Paris?
Ans: Jhamak thinks her life as a burdensome life because she couldn’t do anything by herself.
b. Why do football fans prefer London to Paris?
Ans: The fortune draws a line of fate on the sixth day after the birth.
c. Which of the two cities was visited by more tourists in 2018?
Ans: People said that her life was the fruit of sins of her former life. No, she was not happy with their behavior.
d. What time of the year is suitable to visit London?
Ans: Jhamak compares herself with Nikolai Otrovskys and Helen Kellers. They were different from Jhamak because they wrote history before they died.
e. Which of the two cities is cheaper to travel?
Ans: Yes, achieving awareness became a curse for her because she didn’t have voic to speak and strength to walk.
f. Where do you think it is easier to catch a cab: In London or Paris? Why?
Ans: Jhamak picturises her family’s economic condition during her childhood as poor one. They had no sufficient food to eat.
E. Which of the two cities would you like to visit? Give reasons.
Answer:
Jhamak Kumari Ghimire is a Nepalese writer, poet, and disability activist who was born with cerebral palsy. Despite her physical disability, she has overcome numerous challenges and obstacles to become one of the most renowned literary figures in Nepal.
Jhamak faced many challenges due to her disability. Her parents could not afford to provide her with proper medical care, and she was unable to attend school like other children. However, Jhamak was determined to learn and educate herself, and she taught herself to read and write using her left foot.
Despite facing discrimination and ridicule from her community, Jhamak continued to pursue her passion for writing and poetry. She wrote her first book, a collection of poems titled “Sindhuli Gatha” (Sindhuli Tales), at the age of 17, using a typewriter with her left foot.
Jhamak’s talent and perseverance did not go unnoticed, and her book received critical acclaim, winning numerous awards and accolades. Her writing explores themes of love, loss, and social injustice, and her works have been translated into many languages.
In addition to her literary contributions, Jhamak has also been an advocate for disability rights and has worked to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Nepal. She has inspired many people with her courage, determination, and creativity, and her life story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and strength.
Grammar I
A. Choose the correct adjective or adverb to complete the following sentences..
Answer:
a. My (poor/poorly) family can’t afford the car.
Ans: My poor family can’t afford the car.
b. Sujata performed (poor/poorly) at the concert.
Ans: Sujata performed poorly at the concert.
c. Suraj is (calm/calmly) under pressure.
Ans: Suraj is calm under pressure.
d. The cook (patient/patiently) removed the boiling pot.
Ans: The cook patiently removed the boiling pot.
e. The teacher spoke (loud/loudly) to the students.
Ans: The teacher spoke loudly to the students.
f. Sunil walked to the kitchen (quiet/quietly)
Ans: Sunil walked to the kitchen quietly.
g. The (quiet/quietly) children listened to the teacher.
Ans: The quiet children listened to the teacher.
h. The woman (soft/softly) sang a lullaby.
Ans: The woman softly sang a lullaby.
i. The kitten (timid/timidly) peered from under the couch.
Ans: The kitten timidly peered from under the couch.
B. Choose the correct form of the adjectives or the adverbs given in brackets and rewrite the sentences.
Answer:
a. Sanskrit language is much more complicated to deal with Nepali
b. Metal is heavier than wood.
c. Wood is not as heavy as iron.
d. He ran much more quickly than me.
e. Albert Einstein was an intelligent person.
f. My sister can speak English better than Juna.
g. A family car is not fast as a sports car.
h. I wrote more beautifully than he did.
i. Sunita did not dance as gracefully as Mamata did.
i. The journey home by bus takes much longer than by plane.
Writing I
Write a couple of paragraphs comparing our capital city, Kathmandu with any other city in Nepal.
Answer:
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a vibrant and bustling city that offers a unique mix of history, culture, and modernity. With its ancient temples, narrow alleys, and colorful markets, Kathmandu is a city that is steeped in tradition and has a rich cultural heritage. However, it is also a city that is rapidly developing and growing, with modern amenities and infrastructure. In contrast, Pokhara is a smaller and more relaxed city located in the western part of Nepal. While it is also a popular tourist destination, Pokhara is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the picturesque Phewa Lake and the surrounding Himalayan mountains. The city is a great place to relax and unwind, with its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
While both cities have their unique charms, they offer very different experiences. Kathmandu is a bustling and chaotic city that can be overwhelming for some, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into Nepali culture and history. On the other hand, Pokhara is a more laid-back and relaxing city, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. Ultimately, the choice between these two cities will depend on one’s preferences and what they are looking for in a travel experience.
Reading II: The Country Mouse & the City Mouse
A. Match the following words with their correct meanings.
Answer:
a. snug: warm, comfortable and protected, especially from the cold
b. unmolested: not disturbed or attacked by anything.
c. stray: very unpleasant, rough
d. frown: a facial expression indicating disapproval or displeasure
e. horrid: frightening
f. reluctant: unwilling and hesitant
g. custard: a sweet yellow sauce made from milk, sugar, eggs, and flour
h. trifle: a cold dessert of sponge cake and fruit
h. regale: entertain or amuse somebody with a talk
i. endure: to deal with something painful or unpleasant
B. Write whether the following statements are true or false.
Answer:
a. The country mouse was happy with the way she was living.
Ans: True
b. The country mouse enjoyed the grand meal every day.
Ans: True
c. The town mouse was unhappy with the food he was served.
Ans: True
d. The town mouse invited the country mouse for a dinner in the town.
Ans: True
e. In the town, the country mouse was served delicious food.
Ans: True
f. There was no peace for the mice in the town.
Ans: True
C. Answer these questions.
Answer:
a. How did the country mouse live?
Ans: The country mouse lived happily.
b. Why did the town mouse go to the country?
Ans: The town mouse went to the country to pay a short visit.
c. Was the country mouse happy to get an invitation to visit the town? Why?
Ans: Yes, she was. She wanted to go there to have better food.
d. What happened while the mice were having dinner?
Ans: While the mice were having dinner, cats, dogs and a maid What happened while the mice were having dinner
e. What did the country mouse request her friend for?
Ans: The country mouse requested her friend to take her safely to the country again.
D. Do you live in a town o ra country? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living there?
Answer:
Town:
Living in a town can have both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages of living in a town include:
Accessibility: Towns tend to have good transport links, making it easier to get around and access amenities like shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Community: Towns often have a strong sense of community, with many opportunities to meet and interact with other people. This can lead to a sense of belonging and support.
Infrastructure: Towns typically have well-developed infrastructure, including good roads, public transportation, and other public services like schools and hospitals.
Convenience: Living in a town can be convenient, as many amenities and services are located close by.
However, there are also some disadvantages of living in a town, including:
Cost of living: The cost of living in a town can be higher than in rural areas due to higher property prices, rent, and other expenses.
Crowd: Towns can be crowded and noisy, which can be stressful for some people.
Lack of green space: Towns often have limited green space, which can make it challenging to find quiet, natural areas for relaxation and exercise.
Pollution: Towns can also have higher levels of pollution, including air and noise pollution, which can have negative health effects.
Crime: Crime rates in towns can be higher than in rural areas, which can lead to safety concerns for residents.
In conclusion, living in a town has both advantages and disadvantages, and the decision to live in a town will depend on an individual’s preferences and needs. It is important to consider both the pros and cons of town living before making a decision.
Village
Living in a village can have both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages of living in a village include:
Peaceful environment: Villages offer a peaceful and serene environment that can be beneficial for one’s mental and emotional health.
Lower cost of living: The cost of living in a village is typically lower than in urban areas, which can make it more affordable to live comfortably.
Strong sense of community: Villages tend to have a strong sense of community, with close-knit relationships between neighbors and a sense of mutual support.
Access to nature: Villages are often surrounded by natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
However, there are also some disadvantages of living in a village, including:
Limited job opportunities: Villages typically have fewer job opportunities than urban areas, which can make it difficult to find employment.
Limited amenities: Villages may have limited access to amenities such as shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Limited healthcare services: Villages may have limited healthcare services, which can be a challenge for those with health issues.
Limited educational opportunities: Villages may have limited educational opportunities, which can make it difficult for young people to access quality education.
Isolation: Living in a village can be isolating, especially for those who value social interaction and cultural diversity.
In conclusion, living in a village has both advantages and disadvantages, and the decision to live in a village will depend on an individual’s preferences and needs. It is important to consider both the pros and cons of village living before making a decision.
Grammar II
A. Complete the following sentences using the correct connectives given below.
(because, because of, although, however, despite/in, spite of, but)
Answer:
a. Although it was summer, the days were rather cold.
b. A piece of stone struck the workman’s head. However he was not hurt.
c. I like popcorn but I don’t like pizza.
d. In spite of her age, she is still working very hard.
e. Although Narayan is a skillful worker, he can’t read and write very well.
f. Because petrol had become so expensive, Brian sold his car and bought a motorcycle.
g. I took a taxi because it was raining.
h. All flights were cancelled because of the fog.
I. Despite feeling unwell, she went to school.
j. Prinja felt cold although she was wearing a winter coat.
Writing II
The villages of Nepal that are untouched by modernity are the treasure of true natural beauty. They still hold their simplicity and rural appeal. There are several such hidden charms in the country. Lamidada Village is one of them. Describe the villages using the following information.
Located in the Khotang district gateway to the sacred temple of Halesi Mahadev enriched with gorgeous landscape, agricultural land, traditional houses, mountain views, humble villagers, dense forest, and many more thick settlements of the Rai people walking the stone-paved path uphill, you will come across some villagers carrying woods from the forest and children grazing domestic animals
weather: the morning can be slightly chilly, the daytime is warm
Answer:
Lamidanda is a small village located in the Khotang districts of eastern Nepal. The village is situated at elevation of 1554 meter above sea level, and is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan mountains. Lamidanda is primarily a farming village, with most of its residents engaged in agriculture.
The village is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush green forests, terraced farms, and scenic mountain views. The main crops grown in the village include rice, maize, wheat, and millet, and many farmers also keep livestock such as cows, goats, and chickens. The weather is cool in the morning and normal during the daytime.
The people of Lamidanda are primarily from the Rai/Limbu ethnic group, and they are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life. The village has several ancient temples and shrines, including the Shri Shankha Devi Temple, which is believed to be over 400 years old.
Despite its remote location, Lamidanda has access to basic amenities such as electricity, clean water, and healthcare services. The village is connected to the outside world by a small airstrip, which serves as a lifeline for the local community. The village is also a popular trekking destination, with several trekking trails leading through the surrounding mountains.
Overall, Lamidanda is a picturesque village that offers a glimpse into traditional Nepali life and culture. It is a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature and rural living.
