Maharashtra Board Class 10 Solutions for English Reader – With iPad and Notebook around, who needs a pen any more?
Pre-reading Activities
Question 1:
Electronic gizmos
Look at the table given in your textbook. It shows some electronic / digital gadgets. Discuss in pairs their use or purpose.
Answer:
Question 2:
E-gizmos
Given table shows some electronic/digital gadgets. Discuss in pairs their use or purpose.
Answer:
Question 3:
“Good handwriting is always appreciated”. Give your views.
Answer:
Yes, indeed, good handwriting is always appreciated because handwriting reflects one’s personality. It gives clarity to one’s expressions and creates a good impression on the readers. It shows the efforts taken in completion of a task and highlights the positive attitude of the writer. Hence, I think good handwriting is always appreciated.
A1. Factual Reading
Question 1:
Read the passage carefully and complete the sentences.
*i. With a lot of passion, I learnt both .
*ii. I took pride in .
iii. There has been an unknown psychic connection between .
*iv. My handwriting .
Answer:
i. calligraphy and cursive writing
ii. my handwriting when it was appreciated
iii. my soul, the pen and the paper
iv. has become wobbly, flowing uncertainly underneath my unsteady fingers
Question 2:
Quickly glance through the passage again and state whether the following statements are True or False.
i. English teachers considered the writer’s handwriting very graceful and fluent at school.
ii. The writer took pride in handwriting when it was appreciated.
iii. The writer has lost all the papers.
iv. There was no connection between the writer’s soul, the pen and the paper.
v. At present, the writer’s handwriting has become wobbly.
Answer:
i. True ii. True
iii. False iv. False
v. True
Question 3:
Match the columns.
Answer:
(i – b), (ii – d), (iii – a), (iv – c)
Question 4:
Match the pairs of words.
Answer:
(i – c), (ii – d), (iii – a), (iv – b)
A2. Understanding the Passage
Question 1:
Complete the table.
Answer:
A3. Meaning from the Text
Question 1:
Write from the passage words that mean ?
i. went across
ii. coming out with force
iii. having strange mental powers
iv. move unsteadily from side to side
Answer:
i. traversed
ii. oozing
iii.psychic
iv. wobbly
A4. Lae Study
Do as directed.
Question 1:
My English teachers considered my handwriting very graceful and fluent.
(Change the Voice)
Answer:
My handwriting was considered very graceful and fluent by my English teachers.
Question 2:
With a lot of passion, I learnt both calligraphy and cursive writing.
(Rewrite using ‘not only but also’)
Answer:
With a lot of passion, I learnt not only calligraphy, but also cursive writing.
Question 3:
I used to take pride in my handwriting when it was appreciated.
(Identify the Main Clause and the Subordinate Clause)
Answer:
I used to take pride in my handwriting – Main clause
when it was appreciated – Subordinate clause
Question 4:
As I wrote poetic odes calligraphically, I sensed that the loquacious movement of my pen was akin to ripple on the surface of water.
(Rewrite using ‘-ing’ form of the underlined word)
Answer:
By writing poetic odes calligraphically, I sensed that the loquacious movement of my pen was akin to ripple on the surface of water.
Question 5:
Write from the passage two words that describe the writer’s handwriting.
Answer:
i. graceful ii. fluent
A5. Personal Response
Question 1:
What do you think are the advantages of good handwriting?
Answer:
According to me, good handwriting has a lot of advantages. They are as follows:
i. It is scientifically proven that handwriting develops one’s personality.
ii. It can boost a writer’s self confidence.
iii. It reflects his creativity and calmness of mind.
iv. It proves that the writer enjoys the work assigned to him.
v. It gives a good impression about the writer.
A1. Factual Reading
Question 1:
Read the passage carefully and choose the correct alternative answer to the following questions.
i. What is the purpose of a pen now?
a. to sign a cheque
b. to write beautiful poetry
c. to draw
Answer:
a. to sign a cheque
*ii. What does the writer’s laptop have?
a. audio and video
b. MS word or notepad
c. games and graphics
Answer:
b. MS word or notepad
*iii. What is the advantage of typing on laptop?
a. save time and money
b. save energy and strength
c. save paper and edit innumerable times
Answer:
c. save paper and edit innumerable times
*iv. Writing and typing have become
synonymous because of
a. choreography b. calligraphy
c. technology
Answer:
c. technology
Question 2:
Complete the following sentences with reference to the passage.
i. The writer says that even a …………………
ii. MS Word or a notepad on the writer’s laptop …………………….
(even an iPhone or an iPad) is ……………..
iii. The only advantage is saving paper as …………..
iv. Certainly a bleak future awaits those legendary ……………
Answer:
i. signature seems to have become electronic
ii. doing the job a notebook did some years ago
iii. I can edit innumerable times that don’t cost a thing to get final version
iv. Pdrker and fountain pen
A2. Understanding the Passage
Question 1:
Complete the following web.
Answer:
i. laptop
ii. iPhone
iii. MS Word
iv. iPad
A3. Meaning from the Text
Question 1:
Choose the correct alternative.
i.
Answer:
advent – (a) arrival iii.
ii.
Answer:
black – (a) unlikely
iii.
Answer:
fathom – (c) to understand
iv.
Answer:
black – (a) unlikely
A4. Language Study
Do as directed.
Question 1:
I still use a pen but its purpose has been restricted to signing a cheque.
Answer:
Although I still use a pen, its purpose has been restricted to signing a cheque.
Question 2:
I still use a pen but its purpose has been restricted to signing a cheque.
(Rewrite using ‘-mg’ form of the underlined word)
Answer:
I am still using a pen but its purpose has been restricted to signing a cheque.
Question 3:
The only advantage is saving paper.
(Rewrite as a negative sentence)
Answer:
There is no advantage other than that of saving paper.
Question 4:
The advent of technology has brought in so
many changes. (Add a question tag)
Answer:
The advent of technology has brought in so many changes, hasn’t it?
Question 1:
There might come a time when our future generations laugh at the very idea that their ex-generations were using a pen to write.
(Identify the modal auxiliary and state its function)
Answer:
might – possibility
A5. Personal Response
Question 1:
Electronic devices have made our life smooth and comfortable – Do you agree with the statement? Give your own opinions.
Answer:
Yes, I agree with the statement that electronic devices have made our life smooth and comfortable. They save our time and the quality of work has improved to a great extent. „ Space can also be saved as these small devices can store huge data in them. Be it communication via.
internet, booking tickets online, cooking food in a microwave or talking to people far away from us, electronic devices have made an impact on all aspects of our life.
Question 2:
We have become so dependent on electronic media that we cannot imagine a day without some of them – can you mention some of them? Why are they so important to you?
Answer:
We have indeed become so dependent on electronic media that we cannot imagine a day without some of them. Some of these electronics are laptop, computer, mobile phone, iPod, etc. They are important to me because of the following reasons:
i. Using a laptop or a computer gives me easy access to information.
ii. By using my mobile phone, I can contact my near and dear ones from anywhere and at anytime. It also enables me to play games and listen to music.
iii. iPod entertains me by playing the music of my choice whenever I want.
Additional Questions for Practice
Question 1:
Words related to writing
Given below is a list of words. Choose words related to ‘writing’ from the text (Part I and II). Support your answers with evidence from the text.
i. cursive ii. Parker pen
ii. fountain pen iv. poetic odes
v. wobbly vi. pocket diary
vii. scribbling viii. signature
Answer:
i. Cursive: I learnt both calligraphy and cursive writing. (Part I)
ii. Parker Pen: Writing with a Parker or fountain pen gave me a feeling of high. (Part I)
iii. Fountain Pen: Writing with a Parker or fountain pen gave me a feeling of high. (Part I)
iv. Poetic Odes: As I wrote poetic odes calligraphically, I sensed that the loquacious movement of my pen was akin to ripple on the surface of water. (Part I)
v. Wobbly: My handwriting has become wobbly. (Part I)
vi. Pocket Diary: There was a time when I had a pocket diary and a pen wherever I went. (Part II)
vii. Scribbling: I still use a pen but its purpose has been restricted to signing on a cheque or scribbling a few words here and there. (Part II)
viii. Signature: Even a signature seems to have become electronic. (Part II)
Question 2:
Read part I again and after discussing with your friend answer the following questions.
i. Answer in short.
a. When did the writer take pride in his own handwriting? (situation)
Answer:
The writer took pride in his own handwriting when it was appreciated.
b. What do the papers remind the writer of? (past)
Answer:
The papers remind the writer of his passion for writing.
c. Who may have a tough time, according to the writer? (condition)
Answer:
According to the writer, anybody who wants to study the writer’s personality through his handwriting might have a tough time.
ii. Answer in one or two sentences.
a. What was the effect of calligraphy on the writer’s poetic life? (imagination)
Answer:
Calligraphy gave the writer a sense of pride and a feeling of high when his writing was appreciated. His good handwriting also inspired him to give an expression to his creative imagination as a’poet.
b. What changes have taken place in the writer recently? (updates)
Answer:
The writer does not write with the same authority and frequency as before. His handwriting has become wobbly,
flowing uncertainly underneath his unsteady fingers. He does not have the same need to use a pen anymore.
c. Why has the writer’s handwriting become wobbly? (use of pen)
Answer:
The writer’s handwriting has become wobbly because now he does not write as frequently as he used to. It flows uncertainly underneath his unsteady fingers. This is not a result of any injury or accident, it’s just that he does not have the same need as before to use a pen anymore.
Question 3:
Framing sentences
Read Part I again and complete the given sentences from the text. Make one more sentence of your own of the same type.
Answer:
Question 4:
Pairs of words
Given below is a list of words joined with ‘and’ from the text. Find out the actual sentences from Part I and make one sentence of your own using these pairs of words.
i. graceful and fluent
ii. calligraphy and cursive writing
iii. oozing out and slipping down
iv. write and rewrite
v. sense and essence
vi. pen and paper
vii. authority and frequency
Answer:
Question 5:
Read part II and after discussing with your partner answer the following questions.
a. What has become synonymous? (things, objects)
Answer:
Writing and typing have almost become synonymous.
b. What is the effect of technology on the writer’s handwriting? (disadvantage)
How has technology affected the writer’s handwriting?
Answer:
Technology has made the writer’s handwriting no more writing in its truest sense.
c. What future does the writer predict about Parker and fountain pens? (fact file)
Answer:
The writer predicts a bleak future for Parker and fountain pens.
Answer in one or two sentences each.
a. What different changes have taken place in the writer’s use of pen recently? (disadvantage)
Answer:
There was a time when the writer had a pocket diary and a pen wherever he went, but now he has a laptop and an iPhone. Now, he uses a pen only to sign a cheque or scribble a few words here and there.
b. How does the writer experience and enjoy typing? (the new process)
Answer:
The writer’s fingers work all by themselves when he is typing on the keyboard of his laptop or the touch screen of his iPhone. The only advantage is saving paper as the beautiful thoughts that ooze out of his heart and through his fingers can be edited innumerable times to get his final version.
c. Why would the future generations laugh at their ex-generations, according to the writer? (reason)
Answer:
According to the writer, the future generations would laugh at their ex¬generations for using a pen to write, inspite of so many changes brought in by technology. To them, a pen would seem to be like a dinosaur that existed once upon a time in history until they became extinct.
Question 6:
Complete
Go through Part II to find out the relevant part to complete the following sentences. Frame similar sentences of your own beginning with the same words.
i. The only difference is …………..
ii. The only advantage is …………..
iii. The technology has brought ……………..
iv. There might come a time ……………….
v. They may come to know ……………
Answer:
Question 7:
Past and Present
In the table given below, column A lists the past experiences and column B mentions present experiences as described in Part II. Read Part II and complete the column B. One is done for you.
Answer:
Question 8:
Coin words
Look at the following words and observe how they are formed.
ipad – internet pad iphone – internet phone
Frame some new words of this type using the following letters:
i. internet + school = ischool
ii. internet + learning = …………….
iii. internet + …………… = ………….
iv. ……………. + ……………. = ………….
Answer:
i. internet + school = ischool
ii. internet + learning = ileaming
iii. internet + music = imusic
iv. internet + college = icollege
v. internet + diagnosis = idiagnosis
vi. internet + books = ibooks
Question 9:
-ing forms
Frame sentences of your own using the following expressions.
Classify the above connectors into phrases and present participles used as ‘describing words’
Answer:
i. I need to keep short nails on my typing fingers to facilitate easy typing.
ii. Writing in shorthand helps us to note down all the important points discussed during lectures and meetings.
iii. My brother is accompanying me to the adventurous trek this weekend.
iv. We can save trees by saving paper.
v. I kept typing on till I felt sleepy.
vi. My friend has a unique style of holding a pen between his two fingers.
vii. The boss was busy signing on the important papers.
Question 10:
Modals
i. Read the given sentences and in pairs discuss the questions that follow.
a. We can fathom the effects of technology on the future generation.
b. We will fathom the effects of technology on the future generation.
c. We must fathom the effects of technology on the future generation.
d. We may fathom the effects of technology on the future generation.
e. We should fathom the effects of technology on the future generation.
Discuss
• Which are the common words in all the above sentences?
Answer:
‘We fathom the effects of technology on the future generations’ are the common words in all the above sentences.
• Which are the uncommon words in the above sentences?
Answer:
The uncommon words in the above sentences are – ‘can’, ‘will’, ‘must’, ‘may’ and ‘should’.
• Do all of the above sentences mean the same?
Answer:
No, all of the above sentences do not mean the same.
• What change do you notice in these sentences?
Answer:
There are slight differences in the meaning conveyed by each sentence. This is due to the different words, i.e. modal auxiliaries used before the verb ‘fathom’.
• What can be the occasion of using these sentences?
Answer:
These sentences can be used on the following occasions:
ii. Go through the words in boxes A and B. Then discuss and answer the questions that follow, note your observations:
Discuss:
a. Where do we use words from box ‘A’?
Answer:
The words in box ‘A’ are used as independent words to show ‘the state of being or existing’, ‘possession’ or ‘wilful action’, (past and present tense)
b. Where do we use words from box ‘B’?
Answer:
The words in box ‘B’ are used to indicate the intention or mood or situations.
c. Do the words from box ‘A’ change according to the number or person of the subject? What about the words in the box ‘B’?
Answer:
The words in box ‘A’ do change according to the number or person of the subject. The words in box ‘B’ do not change according to the number or person of the subject.
d. Do the words in box ‘B’ change according to the gender?
Answer:
No, the words in box ‘B’ do not change according to the gender.
e. Can we use words from box ‘B’ independently?
Answer:
No, the words from box ‘B’ cannot be used independently. They have to be used along with a finite verb.
f. Do you think words from box ‘B’ are related to any ‘time’?
Answer:
No, the words from box ‘B’ are not related to any ‘time’.
iii. Glance through the different situations that you want to express. Form sentences using proper modal auxiliary verb in your sentence. Look at the words underlined to get a clue. One is done for you.
e.g. It is very essential for students to learn calligraphy. = Students must learn calligraphy.
a. It is possible for students to improve their handwriting with practice. = ………………
Answer:
Students can improve their handwriting with practice.
b. My handwriting probably will turn wobbly, if I do not write regularly. = ………………..
Answer:
My handwriting may/might turn wobbly if I do not write regularly.
c. Nowadays it is needed to use computer technology in education. = …………………
Answer:
Nowadays computer technology must be used in education.
d. In future the electronic gizmos are sure to create wonder. = …………….
Answer:
In future the electronic gizmos will surely create wonder.
e. We better keep ourselves updated in the use of computers. = ………………..
Answer:
We must/should keep ourselves updated in the use of computers.
iv. Match the modal auxiliaries given in column A with their functions given in column B. Also make one sentence of your own using these modal auxiliary verbs expressing their meaning.
Answer:
[Some modal auxiliaries have more than one function.]
For example:
Possibility – You may write an article on our school trip.
Permission – May I write an article on our school trip?
Question 12:
Differentiate
For writing our message we can use variety of instruments. Look at the following table and after discussing with yo*11. Handwriting Competition.
Answer:
Question 13:
Features of iPhone and iPad
The table given below shows features of an iphone and an ipad. Develop a paragraph based on the information given. Discuss with your partner. You may begin as ‘iPhone is basically a smartphone, whereas ………….
Answer:
An iPhone is basically a smartphone, whereas an iPad is a tablet PC. An iPhone has a small screen of 3.5 inches whereas an iPad has a comparatively bigger screen of 9.7 inches. An iPhone allows us to make and receive calls whereas this facility is not available on an iPad. Videos can be viewed from both iPhone and iPad, but the iPad is better to view videos due to its large screen. An iPhone is difficult to operate whereas an iPad allows better computer work. An iPhone is quite different from an iPad. An iPad is similar to net-books and laptops.
Question 14:
Developing paragraph
i. Go through the words given below. You will find that these words are related to a computer. Develop a short paragraph using the words in the same order.
You may bigin your paragraph as:
I switched on my PC. Then I
Answer:
First, I switched on my PC. Then I started working on my project. I opened the project file. I wanted to save some information in another file. So, I opened a new file and began typing the important facts and – figures. I formatted the file and gave it a name. I then saved all the information that I had typed. Lastly, I closed the file and switched off the computer.
ii. Now, prepare one more paragraph. This time instead of ‘I’ use ‘You’. Use the modal auxiliary verbs given in the balloons to develop your own sentences.
Answer:
You should switch on your PC first. Then you can start working on your project. You must open the project file. If you want to save some information in another file, you may open a new file. You can then begin typing the important facts and figures. You may format the file and give it a name. You must then save all the information that you have typed. Finally, you should close the file and switch off the computer because you might need it later.