Sunday, April 9, 2023

A Truly Beautiful Mind - Theme, Summary, Q&A - Class IX Beehive

Theme of 'A Truly Beautiful Mind


Great men are not born with special signs. In their childhood days they are also like common children, and their likes and dislikes are very much similar to them. Their parents also take care of them as normally parents do. Gradually, these children develop some specific virtues and become great when they grow up.

Short Summary

Einstein as a little boy: This story is about a genius-Albert Einstein, who was born on 14 March 1879 in the German city of Ulm. His mother thought him to be a freak. His head seemed too large. He was not talking till he was two and a half. He played by himself and loved mechanical toys. He learnt to play the violin at six. Once, his headmaster told his father that he would never be a success at anything.

Einstein's desire: Einstein was good at studies but left school for good as he always clashed with teachers. He wished to continue his education in Switzerland. He was highly gifted in Mathematics and Physics. He decided to study at the University of Zurich after schooling. He found his fellow student Mileva Maric a 'clever creature'.

His work and marriage: At the age of 21, Einstein worked as a technical assistant and finally secured the job of a technical expert. His famous paper of 1905 was 'Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity'. While he was solving problems in Physics, his private life was unravelling. He wanted to marry Mileva. And finally he married her. But they could not live together, and finally the couple divorced in 1919. Later, Albert married his cousin the same year.

Noble Prize for Physics: Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity in 1915. The newspapers proclaimed his work as a scientific revolution. He received the Noble Prize for Physics in 1921 and was lauded by the press worldwide.

Emigration to the U.S.: Einstein emigrated to the U.S. in 1933, when the Nazis came to power in Germany. Five years later, the discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin had American physicists in an uproar. Many of them fled, as Einstein had, and they were afraid that the Nazis could build and use an atomic bomb.

Einstein's letter to Franklin D. Roosevelt: Einstein wrote a letter to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the American President and warned him that a single nuclear bomb would cause mass destruction. But the Americans secretly developed an atomic bomb and dropped them on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

Einstein's sorrow: Einstein was deeply shaken by the destruction caused by the atomic bombs. He proposed to the United Nations to form a world government. But his letter made no impact. Over the next decade, he got involved in politics to end the arms buildup and campaigned for peace and democracy.

Einstein's death: Einstein died in 1955, and the world celebrated him as a visionary and world citizen.

REFERENCE TO CONTEXT

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: 

1. Einstein did not know what to do with other children, and his playmates called him "Brother Boring." So the youngster played by himself much of the time. He especially loved mechanical toys. (Page 46)

Questions:

(a) What did Einstein's playmates and friends call him?
(b) Why did Einstein's friends and playmates called him so?
(c) Did Einstein show any indication of his future greatness?
(d) What was Albert's interest?

Answers

(a) Einstein's friends and playmates called him 'Brother Boring'.
(b) Einstein didn't know what to do with other children. So, his friends and playmates called him 'Brother Boring'.
(c) No, Einstein didn't show anything that he would become so great and famous in future. 
(d) Albert's interest was to play alone, especially with mechanical toys 

2. A headmaster once told his father that what Einstein chose as a profession wouldn't matter because "he'll never make a success at anything." Einstein began learning to play the violin at the age of six, because his mother wanted him to. (Page 47)

Questions:

(a) Who said 'Albert would never make a success at anything? 
(b) Should he have said such words to him?
(c) Did Einstein indeed never make a success at anything?
(d) What did Einstein's mother want him to become? 

Answers:

(a) A headmaster told him such words
(b) He should not have said such discouraging words to him.
(c) No, he became a famous physicist and won the Nobel Prize for physics 
(d) Einstein mother wanted him to become a good violinist 

3. He went to high school in Munich, where Einstein's family had moved when he was 15 months regimentation old, and scored good marks in almost every subject. Einstein hated the schools and often clashed with his teachers. At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled there that he left the school for good.(Page 47)

Questions:

(a) Why did Einstein go to high school in Munich? 
(b) How did Einstein do in high school?
(c) Did he like the rule and regulations of the school? 
(d) Why did he leave his school?

Answers:

(a) Because Einstein's family had been living in Munich
(b) In high school, he scored good marks in almost every subject 
(c) No, he didn't like the rule and regulations of the school 
(d) He felt stifled by the school's rigidity and regimentation, and hence he left the school.

4. Einstein was highly gifted in mathematics and interested in physics and after finishing school. he decided to study at a university in Zurich. But science wasn't the only thing that appealed to the dashing young man with the walrus moustache. (Page 47)

Questions:

(a) What were his favourite subjects?
(b) Where did he decide to study after finishing school?
(c) Apart from science, what appealed to Einstein? 
(d) Who was that young man with a Walrus moustache?

Answers:

(a) Mathematics and Physics
(b) After finishing school, he decided to study at a university in Zurich 
(c) Apart from the science he loved a fellow student Mileva Maric
(d) He was Albert Einstein.

5. Einstein saw in her an ally against the "philistines"- those people in his family and at the university with whom he was constantly at odds. The couple fell in love Letters survive in which they put their affection into words, mixing science with tenderness. (Page 45)

Questions:

(a) Who does 'her' refer to here?
(b) Why did Einstien like her?
(c) Did Einstein like the philistines? 
(d) How did people come to know that Einstein fell in love with Mileva Maric?

Answers:

(a) Here, 'her ' refers to Mileva Maric.
(b) Because she was dead against the philistines.
(c) No, he was constantly at odds with the philistines. 
(d) People found the letters where they put their affection into words.

6. He worked as a teaching assistant, gave private lessons and finally secured a job in 1902 as a technical expert in the patent office in Bern. While he was supposed to be assessing other people's inventions, Einstein was actually developing his own ideas in secret. (Page 48)

Questions:

(a) What was Einstein's first job?
b) What job did he finally secure in 1902? 
(c) What was he supposed to do in the patent office?
(d) What was he actually doing while carrying out his job?

Answers:

(a) Einstein first worked as a teaching assistant. 
(b) He became a technical expert in the patent office in Bern in 1902.
(c) He was supposed to assess other people's inventions.
(d) He was secretly developing his own ideas while carrying out his job.

7. One of the famous papers of 1905 was Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, according to which time and distance are not absolute. Indeed, two perfectly accurate clocks will not continue to show the same time if they come together again after a journey if one of them has been moving very fast relative to the other. (Page 48)

Questions:

(a) What is not absolute, according to Einstein? 
(b) Name an article written by Einstein in 1905.
(c) In what case will the two perfectly accurate clocks not continue to show the same time? 
(d) Name the lesson from which this extract has been taken.

Answers:

(a) According to Einstein, time and distance are not absolute. 
(b) Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity.
(c) If they come together again after a journey and one of them has been moving very fast relative to the other. 
(d) A Truly Beautiful Mind.

8. Albert had wanted to marry Mileva right after finishing his studies, but his mother was against it She thought Mileva, who was three years older than her son, was too old for him. She was also bothered by Mileva's intelligence. (Page 49)

Questions:

(a) Whom did Einstein want to marry? 
(b) When did he want to marry her?
(c) Who was against his desire to marry her? 
(d) Why was she against it?

Answers:

(a) Einstein wanted to marry Mileva.
(b) He wanted to marry her right after finishing his studies. 
(c) Her mother was against his desire to marry her.
(d) She was against it because Mileva, she thought, was older and more intelligent than him  

9. The pair finally married in January 1903 and had two sons. But a few years later, the marriage faltered. Mileva, meanwhile, was losing her intellectual ambition and becoming an unhappy housewife. After years of constant fighting, the couple finally divorced in 1919. Einstein married his cousin Elsa the same year.

Questions:

(a) When did Einstein marry Mileva? 
(b) How was Einstein's life after marriage?
(c) Did Mileva become a happy housewife? 
(d) Whom did Einstein marry after divorcing Mileva?

Answers:

(a) Einstein married Mileva in January 1903 
(b) Einstein's life was not good with Mileva, and they finally divorced. 
(c) No, Mileva led a miserable, unhappy life as a housewife.
(d) Einstein married his cousin Elsa in the same year. 

10. In 1915, he had published his General Theory of Relativity, which provided a new interpretation of gravity An eclipse of the sun in 1919 brought proof that it was accurate. Einstein had correctly calculated in advance the extent to which the light from fixed stars would be deflected through the sun's gravitational field. (Page 49)

Questions: 

(a) What had he published in 1015?
(b) What is interpreted in the General Theory of Relativity? 
(c) What proved that Einstein's theory was accurate?
(d) What had Einstein correctly calculated in advance?

Answers: 

(a) In 1915, he had published his General Theory of Relativity.
(b) Gravity is interpreted in the General Theory of Relativity
c) An eclipse in 1919 proved that his theory of relativity was accurate. 
(d) He had correctly calculated in advance the extent to which the light from fixed stores would be deflected through the sun's gravitational field.

11. "A single bomb of this type... exploded in a port, might very well destroy the whole port some of the surrounding territory." (Page 50)

Questions:

(a) What types of the bomb has been referred to here? 
(b) Who said the above statement and to whom? 
(c) When was the above statement said?
(d) Did his words have any effect? 

Answers:

(a) Atomic bomb has been referred to here. 
b) The above statement was said by Einstein to the American president. 
(c) This statement was said by Einstein on 2 August 1939. 
(d) No, his words did not have any effect.

12. Einstien was deeply shaken by the extent of the destruction. This time he wrote a public missive to the United Nations. to the United Nations. In it, he proposed the formation of a world government. Unlike the letter to Roosevelt, this one made no impact.  (Page 50)

Questions:

(a) How did the massive destruction in Hiroshima and Nagasaki influence Einstein? 
(b) What did he do in response to it?
(c) What was proposed by him?
(d) Did his proposal have a favourable outcome?

Answers:

(a) Einstein was deeply moved by the extent of the destruction. 
(b) In response to the massive destruction in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he wrote a public letter to the United Nations.
(c) He proposed the formation of a world government. 
(d) No, his proposal did not have any positive results.

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

Talking About The Test (Page 50)

Q1. Here are some headings for paragraphs in the text. Write the number(s) of the paragraph(s) for each title against the heading. The first one is done for you. 
(i) Einstein's equation - 9
(ii) Einstein meets his future wife 
(iii) The making of a violinist
(iv) Mileva and Einstein's mother 
(v) A letter that launched the arms race
(vi) A desk drawer full of ideas 
(vii) Marriage and divorce

Ans. (i)-9 (ii)-7 (iii)-3 (iv)-10 (v)-15 (vi)-8 (vii)-11

Q2. Who had these opinions about Einstein?
(i) He was boring.
(ii) He was stupid and would never succeed in life.
(iii) He was a freak. 

Ans. 
(i) His playmates.
(ii) A headmaster. 
(iii) His mother. 

Q3. Explain what the reasons for the following are:
(i) Einstein leaving the school in Munich for good.
(ii) Einstein wanting to study in Switzerland rather than in Munich. 
(iii) Einstein seeing in Mileva an ally.
(iv) What do these tell you about Einstein?

Ans. 
(i) Einstein left the school in Munich because he did not like the discipline of the school. He hated the school's regimentation and often clashed with teachers.

(ii) Albert's parents moved to Milan and left their son with relatives. After prolonged discussion, Einstein got his wish to continue his education in German- speaking Switzerland. Actually, it was more liberal than Munich.

(iii) Einstein saw in Mileva Maric an ally against the "Philistines"-those people in his family and at the university with whom he was constantly at odds. He found that she was a "clever creature".

(iv) These tell that Einstein was a genius and had the capabilities to achieve his targets. Moreover, he had his own view of life. He liked freedom too much.

Q4. What did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office? Why?

Ans. Einstein called his desk drawer at the patent office the "bureau of theoretical physics". Einstein was actually developing his own ideas in secret and his drawer had all the evidences which could reveal the secret.

Q5. Why did Einstein write a letter to Franklin Roosevelt?

Ans. With the emergence of Nazis in Germany, Einstein emigrated to the United States. It was the fact that the Nazis had the ability to develop the atomic bomb. It could destroy the whole world. So he warned Franklin D. Roosevelt in his letter.

Q6. How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? 

Ans. The atomic bomb devastated the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was deeply shaken by the extent of the destruction and wrote a public missive to the United Nations.

Q7. Why does the world remember Einstein as a 'world citizen"?

Ans. The world remembers Einstein as a "world citizen' because he believed in universal peace. When there was the rat race for becoming atomic power, he was worried about the aftermaths of the bomb. He was really a world citizen who was concerned with humanity.

Q8. Here are some facts from Einstein's life. Arrange them in chronological order.

[] Einstein publishes his special theory of relativity.
[] He is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.
[] Einstein writes a letter to U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and warns against Germany's building of an atomic bomb.
[] Einstein attends a high school in Munich.
[] Einstein's family moves to Milan. 
[] Einstein is born in the German city of Ulm.
[] Einstein joins a University in Zurich, where he meets Mileva.
[] Einstein dies.
[] He provides a new interpretation of gravity.
[] Tired of the school's regimentation, Einstein withdraws from school.
[] He works in a patent office as a technical expert. 
[] When Hitler comes to power, Einstein leaves Germany for the United States.

Ans.
[1] Einstein is born in the German city of Ulm.
[2] Einstein attends a high school in Munich.
[3] Einstein's family moves to Milan. 
[4] Tired of the school's regimentation, Einstein withdraws from school. 
[5] Einstein joins a University in Zurich where he meets Mileva.
[6] He works in a patent office as a technical expert. also
[7] Einstein publishes his special theory of relativity.
[8] He provides a new interpretation of gravitation. 
[9] He is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.
[10] When Hitler comes to power, Einstein leaves Germany for the United States. 
[11] Einstein writes a letter to U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt and warns against Germany's building of an atomic bomb, hy 
[12] Einstein dies

THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE (Page 51)


Q.1. Here are some sentences from the story. Choose the word from the brackets which can be substituted for the italicised words in the sentences.

1. A few years later, the marriage faltered (failed, broke, became weak)
2. Einstein was constantly at odds with people at the university. (on bad terms, in disagreement, unhappy)
3. The newspapers proclaimed his work as "a scientific revolution". (declared, praised, showed)
4. Einstein got ever more involved in politics, agitating for an end to the anns build up. (campaigning, fighting, supporting)
5. At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled that he left the school for good. (permanently, for his benefit, for a short time)
6. Five years later, the discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin had American physicists in an uproar. (in a state of commotion, full of criticism, in a desperate state)
7. Science wasn't the only thing that appealed to the dashing young man with the walrus moustache. (interested, challenged, worried)

Ans.

1. failed
2. in disagreement
3. declared
4. campaigning
5. permanently 6. in a state of commotion
7. interested.

Q.II. Study the following sentences:

  • Einstein became a gifted amateur violinist, maintaining this skill throughout deb his life.
  • Letters survive in which they put their affection into words, mixing science with tenderness.
The parts in italics in the above sentences begin with ing verbs, and are called participial phrases. Participial phrases say something more about the person or thing talked about or the idea expressed by the sentence as a whole. For example:

-Einstein became a gifted amateur violinist. He maintained this skill throughout his life.

Complete the sentences below by filling in the blanks with suitable participial clauses. The information that has to be used in the phrases is provided as a sentence in brackets.
    1. ....................the firefighters finally put out the fire. (They worked round the clock.) 
    2. She watched the sunset above the mountain, .................... (She noticed the colours blending softly into one another.)
    3. The excited horse pawed the ground rapidly, ............. (While it neighed continually.)
    4. ................, I found myself in Bangalore, instead of Benaras. (I had taken the wrong train.)
    5. ................. I was desperate to get to the bathroom. (I had not bathed for two days)
    6. The stone steps, ............... needed to be replaced. (They were worn down).
    7. The actor received hundreds of letters from his fans, (They asked him to send them his photograph.) 
Ans.
    1. Working round the clock the firefighters finally put out the fire.
    2. Noticing the colours blending softly into one another she watched the sunset above the mountain.
    3. Neighing continually the excited horse pawed the ground rapidly.
    4. Having taken the wrong train I found myself in Bangalore instead of Benaras 
    5. Having not bathed for two days I was desperate to get to the bathroom. 
    6. The stone steps being worn down needed to be replaced.
    7. The actor received hundreds of letters from his fans asking him to send them his photograph.

WRITING NEWSPAPER REPORTS (Page 53)

Here are some notes which you could use to write a report.

21 August 2005----original handwritten manuscript of Albert Einstein unearthed ------by student Rowdy Boeynik in the University of Netherlands -------- Boeynik researching papers ------- papers belonging to an old friend of Einstein--------fingerprints of Einstein on these papers---------16 page document dated 1924-------Einstein's work on his last theory---- behaviour of atoms at low temperature ------- now known as the Bose-Einstein condensation -------- the manuscript to be kept at Leyden University where Einstein got the Nobel Prize.

Q. Write a report which has four paragraphs, one each on:
  • what was unearthed.
  • who unearthed it and when
  • what the document contained
  • where it will be kept.

Your report could begin like this:

Ans. 
Student Unearths Einstein Manuscript 
21 August 2023. An original handwritten Albert Einstein manuscript has been un- earthed at a University of Netherlands. A student named Rowdy Boeynik was researching on the papers belonging to his old companion Einstein.

The document contained papers of Ein- stein's work on the last theory-Behav- iour of Atoms at Low Temperature. Now- adays it is known as the Bose-Einstein Condensation.

The manuscript will be kept at Leyden University where Einstein got the Nobel Prize.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS SOLVED

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION

Q1. Why didn't Einstein's playmates like him? 

Ans. When Einstein was two-and-a-half years old, he still wasn't talking. When he finally learnt to speak, he spoke everything twice. His playmates called him 'Brother Boring'. So Einstein played by himself much of the time.

Q2. What was the headmaster's opinion about Einstein?

Ans. During childhood, Einstein was sent to school. There he failed to show any sign of progress in his studies. The headmaster too had a poor opinion about him. He told Einstein's father that he would never make a success at anything.

Q3. Why did Einstein leave school for good? 

Ans. Einstein was not a bad pupil. He went to High School in Munich. When he was 15 months old, his family had moved there. He scored good marks in almost every subject. But he hated the school's regimentation. He often clashed with his teachers. At the age of 15, he felt so stifled that he left school forever.

Q4. Why did Einstein have special interest in Mileva Maric?

Ans. Einstein found Mileva Maric a "clever creature". This young Serb had come to Switzerland because the university in Zurich was one of the few in Europe where women could get degrees. Einstein saw in her an ally against the "philistines" those people in his family and at the university with whom he was constantly at odds. That is why Einstein had a special interest in her.

Q5. What was Einstein's Theory of Relativity? 

Ans. According to Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, time and distance are not absolute. In fact, two perfectly accurate clocks will not continue to show the same time if they come together again after a journey if one of them had been moving very fast relative to the other.

Q6. Why was Einstein's mother against his marriage with Mileva? 

Ans. Albert wanted to marry Mileva right after finishing his studies. But his mother was against it. She thought Mileva, who was three years older than Einstein, looks too old for him. She was also bothered by Mileva's intelligence. Einstein's mother said, "she is a book like you" So Einstein put the wedding off.

Q7. Did Einstein show any indication of his future greatness?

Ans. No, Einstein did not show any extraordinary traits in his childhood. He showed no indication that he was destined for greatness. His mother thought Albert was a freak. To her, his head seemed too large. He didn't talk till the age of two and a half. When learnt to speak, he uttered everything twice. His playmates called him "Brother Boring."

Q8. Was Einstein a bad pupil?

Ans. No, Einstein was not a bad pupil. He went to high school in Munich and scored good marks in almost every subject. He started learning violin at the age of six. He became a gifted amateur violinist. But he hated the school's regimentation. He often clashed with his teachers.

Q9. Why did Einstein wish to continue his education in German speaking Switzerland?

Ans. Einstein didn't like regimentation widely spread in schools in Germany. He felt stifled there. He wished to continue his education in German speaking Switzerland which was more liberal city than Munich. After finishing school, he studied at a university in Zurich.

Q10. Why did he call his desk drawer at work the 'bureau of theoretical physics"?

Ans. Einstein got a job as a technical expert in the patent office in Bern. While assessing other people's inventions, he actually developed his own ideas in secret. He worked very hard. He jokingly called his desk drawer at work the "Bureau of theoretical physics".

Q11. Why did Einstein's marriage with Mileva fail?

Ans. Before marriage Einstein was fascinated by Mileva. He thought her as his ally against the 'Philistines'. The couple fell in love and in spite of his mother's objection, they ultimately married. But after a few years later, the marriage faltered. Mileva lost her intellectual ambition. She became an unhappy wife. After years of constant fighting, the couple finally divorced in 1919.

Q12. Why did newspapers proclaim Einstein's work as 'a scientific revolution'?

Ans. In 1915, Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity. It gave a new interpretation of gravity. An eclipse of the sun in 1919 proved its correctness. He had correctly calculated in advance the extent to which the light from fixed stars would be deflected through the sun's gravitational fields. The newspaper hailed his work as 'a scientific revolution'.

Friday, April 7, 2023

Black Aeroplane by FREDERICK FORSYTH Class X English Lesson 3 Explanation, Summary, Question Answers


The article provides a summary of Chapter 3 "Black Aeroplane" from CBSE Class 10 English, including a detailed explanation of the lesson and definitions of challenging vocabulary. Additionally, the summary is accompanied by answers to exercises and questions at the end of the chapter.

Introduction

The narrative "Black Aeroplane" by Frederick Forsyth portrays how one's discernment can become convoluted by indulging in fantasy, ultimately leading to difficulties. The protagonist, a pilot, is excessively eager to reunite with his kin and savour a delectable breakfast, causing him to make the imprudent decision of flying straight into a tempest instead of opting for the judicious choice. Remarkably, he narrowly escapes perilous circumstances with the assistance of an enigmatic aeroplane.

Theme

At times, decision-making can be arduous, and apprehension spawns immense trepidation within us. We tend to view certain fortuitous events as miraculous and inexplicable phenomena. These occurrences extricate us from predicaments and are, in actuality, nothing but manifestations of the inner fortitude and valor of our psyche, which externalizes into a propitious force and liberates us from states of skepticism. The protagonist, a seasoned pilot at the helm of an antiquated Dakota plane, undergoes a similar experience when a cryptic "Black Aeroplane" ferries him away from the throes of a tempestuous storm.

Summary

The story "Black Aeroplane" follows a pilot flying from Paris to London who is enjoying the peaceful night-time view of a sleeping city below. The pilot daydreams about his upcoming holiday with his family and the delicious breakfast he will have once he lands. However, as he crosses Paris, he notices ominous dark clouds signaling an approaching storm. Despite the safer option of turning back, the pilot is blinded by his dreams and proceeds straight into the storm, endangering the lives of his passengers. In the midst of the storm, all direction instruments fail, and the pilot loses control of the plane. Just as hope is fading, another plane appears, piloted by an anonymous figure who selflessly guides them out of the storm before disappearing without a trace. With little fuel left, the pilot is understandably shaken and, upon landing, he inquires about the other pilot to the control tower. The response leaves him in shock: his plane was the only one in the sky.

Summary in Urdu

"بلیک ایروپلین" کی کہانی ایک ایسے پائلٹ کے بارے میں ہے جو سوئے ہوئے شہر (رات کے وقت) پر اڑان بھرنے کے لیے خوش اور خوش محسوس ہوتا ہے۔ وہ پیرس سے لندن کے لیے پرواز کر رہا ہے۔ اپنی پرواز کے دوران، وہ اپنے خاندان کے ساتھ طویل تعطیلات کا خواب دیکھتا ہے۔ وہ اس شاندار ناشتے کے بارے میں بھی تصور کرتا ہے جو اسے لینڈنگ کے بعد ملے گا۔ جیسے ہی وہ پیرس کو عبور کرتا ہے، اسے سیاہ بادلوں کی نظر پڑتی ہے جو آنے والے طوفان کی علامت تھے۔ صحیح فیصلہ یہ ہوتا کہ حفاظت کی خاطر پیرس کا رخ کیا جائے۔ لیکن وہ اپنے خوابوں کے زیر سایہ ہے اور ان میں تاخیر نہیں کرنا چاہتا، اپنے مسافروں کی جان کو خطرے میں ڈالتا ہے اور سیدھا طوفان کی طرف جاتا ہے۔ سب کچھ اندھیرا ہو جاتا ہے، وہ دیکھنے سے قاصر رہتا ہے، اس کے تمام ڈائریکشن والے آلات کام کرنا بند کر دیتے ہیں اور اس نے جہاز کا کنٹرول کھو دیا تھا۔ جب تمام امیدیں دم توڑ گئیں تو اس نے ایک اور جہاز دیکھا جس کا پائلٹ انہیں بچانے کے لیے زیادہ تیار تھا۔ مصنف گھبرا رہا تھا کیونکہ ایندھن کی بہت کم مقدار باقی تھی۔ گمنام پائلٹ نے انہیں طوفان سے باہر نکالا اور روشنی دیکھتے ہی غائب ہو گئے۔ لینڈنگ کے بعد جب وہ کنٹرول روم میں موجود خاتون سے دوسرے پائلٹ کے بارے میں پوچھتا ہے تو وہ حیران رہ جاتا ہے جب وہ کہتی ہے کہ آسمان پر اس کا واحد طیارہ تھا۔

Summary in Hindi

कहानी "ब्लैक एरोप्लेन" एक पायलट के बारे में है जो सोते हुए शहर (रात के समय) पर उड़ान भरने के लिए खुश और संतुष्ट महसूस करता है। वह पेरिस से लंदन के लिए उड़ान भर रहा है। अपनी उड़ान भरते समय, वह अपने परिवार के साथ लंबी छुट्टी के सपने देखता है। वह उस शानदार नाश्ते के बारे में भी कल्पना करता है जो वह लैंडिंग पर करेगा। जैसे ही वह पेरिस को पार करता है, उसे काले बादलों का आभास होता है जो आने वाले तूफान का संकेत थे। सुरक्षा के लिहाज से पेरिस वापस जाने का सही फैसला होता। लेकिन वह अपने सपनों पर भारी पड़ता है और उन्हें देरी नहीं करना चाहता, अपने यात्रियों के जीवन को जोखिम में डालता है और सीधे तूफान में जाता है। सब कुछ अंधेरा हो जाता है, वह देखने में असमर्थ होता है, उसके सभी दिशा-यंत्रों ने काम करना बंद कर दिया और उसने विमान का नियंत्रण खो दिया। जब सारी उम्मीद टूट गई, तो उन्होंने एक और विमान देखा जिसका पायलट उन्हें बचाने के लिए तैयार था। लेखक घबरा रहा था क्योंकि बहुत कम ईंधन बचा था। अनाम पायलट ने उन्हें तूफान से बाहर निकाला और रोशनी देखते ही गायब हो गए। उतरने पर, जब वह नियंत्रण कक्ष में महिला से दूसरे पायलट के बारे में पूछता है, तो वह सदमे में रह जाता है जब वह कहती है कि आकाश में उसका एकमात्र विमान था।

Ch 3 The Black Aeroplane Questions Answers

Q1. “I’ll take the risk.” What is the risk? Why does the narrator take it?

ANSWER:
In this context, the term "risk" pertains to the possibility of not taking the correct course of action, which would have been to fly back to Paris upon learning about the storm. Despite being cognizant of the unfavourable weather conditions, the pilot proceeded directly into the storm, jeopardising the lives of his fellow passengers. His desire to reunite with his family obscures the pilot's judgment. He was so fervently longing to be with them and indulge in the English breakfast he had been yearning for all day that he decided to take the risk of not turning back.

Q2. Describe the narrator’s experience as he flew the aeroplane into the storm.

ANSWER:
The narrator was terrified when he found himself losing control of the aircraft. He felt powerless as the compass and other instruments had ceased to function. He could not see anything outside the plane when unexpectedly, in the middle of nowhere, he caught sight of an unfamiliar plane, and the pilot was enthusiastic about lending a hand. The storyteller was in a state of panic because there was very little fuel left, but he somehow managed to evade the storm with the aid of the mysterious pilot, to whom he could not express his gratitude.

Q3. Why does the narrator say, “I landed and was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota…”?

ANSWER:
When the narrator landed the plane, he felt relieved to be able to walk away from the old Dakota. Flying that plane had been a terrifying experience, so he was glad it was over. Ultimately, the narrator was grateful that he had managed to land the plane safely.

Q4. What made the woman in the control centre look at the narrator strangely?

ANSWER:
The woman in the control centre looked at the narrator strangely when he asked her where he was and who the other pilot was because no other plane had landed or crashed. The narrator's friend in the black aeroplane had disappeared, and there was no trace of him.

Q5. Who do you think helped the narrator to reach safely? Discuss this among yourselves and give reasons for your answer.

ANSWER:
The pilot relied on his conscience to guide him through the storm since no other plane was in sight on that dark and turbulent night. It's possible that he may have been experiencing hallucinations, but his skill as a pilot ultimately helped him navigate his way out of the ominous black cloud.

Best Examples of Active Passive Voice in all Tenses for Quick Revision

Want to make your writing more powerful? Mastering the difference between active and passive voice is key. Active voice adds energy and clarity, while passive voice allows you to shift focus and create a more formal tone. To make it simple, we've created the ultimate cheat sheet with comprehensive tables for every tense. This guide is perfect for students, bloggers, or anyone looking to sharpen their grammar and transform their writing.

Active Voice Examples in All Tenses

Tense Affirmative Negative Interrogative
Simple Present She writes a letter. She does not write a letter. Does she write a letter?
Present Continuous She is writing a letter. She is not writing a letter. Is she writing a letter?
Present Perfect She has written a letter. She has not written a letter. Has she written a letter?
Present Perfect Continuous She has been writing a letter. She has not been writing a letter. Has she been writing a letter?
Simple Past She wrote a letter. She did not write a letter. Did she write a letter?
Past Continuous She was writing a letter. She was not writing a letter. Was she writing a letter?
Past Perfect She had written a letter. She had not written a letter. Had she written a letter?
Past Perfect Continuous She had been writing a letter. She had not been writing a letter. Had she been writing a letter?
Simple Future She will write a letter. She will not write a letter. Will she write a letter?
Future Continuous She will be writing a letter. She will not be writing a letter. Will she be writing a letter?
Future Perfect She will have written a letter. She will not have written a letter. Will she have written a letter?
Future Perfect Continuous She will have been writing a letter. She will not have been writing a letter. Will she have been writing a letter?

Passive Voice Examples in All Tenses

Tense Affirmative Negative Interrogative
Simple Present A letter is written by her. A letter is not written by her. Is a letter written by her?
Present Continuous A letter is being written by her. A letter is not being written by her. Is a letter being written by her?
Present Perfect A letter has been written by her. A letter has not been written by her. Has a letter been written by her?
Present Perfect Continuous Not used in passive voice. Not used in passive voice. Not used in passive voice.
Simple Past A letter was written by her. A letter was not written by her. Was a letter written by her?
Past Continuous A letter was being written by her. A letter was not being written by her. Was a letter being written by her?
Past Perfect A letter had been written by her. A letter had not been written by her. Had a letter been written by her?
Past Perfect Continuous Not used in passive voice. Not used in passive voice. Not used in passive voice.
Simple Future A letter will be written by her. A letter will not be written by her. Will a letter be written by her?
Future Continuous Not used in passive voice. Not used in passive voice. Not used in passive voice.
Future Perfect A letter will have been written by her. A letter will not have been written by her. Will a letter have been written by her?
Future Perfect Continuous Not used in passive voice. Not used in passive voice. Not used in passive voice.

Thursday, April 6, 2023

His First Flight - A Comprehensive Summary and Analysis

Introduction:

His First Flight

"His First Flight" is an engaging story that showcases the qualities of courage, determination, and the excitement of experiencing new things. Liam O'Flaherty, the author of this timeless masterpiece, successfully conveys the bursting of emotions that come with embarking on new adventures. In this article, we provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the story, exploring its themes, characters, and the author's writing style, all while keeping the language accessible for 10th-grade readers.

Summary:

"His First Flight" by Liam O'Flaherty is a heartwarming tale about a young seagull who was initially afraid to fly. Despite being a slow learner and facing taunts and threats from his family, the young seagull only needed some motivation. One day, his family left him alone on a ledge as punishment, and he cried out to his mother for food.

To his surprise, his mother flew over to him with a piece of fish in her beak. As the young seagull dived at the fish, he found himself falling into space. But, with his natural instincts, he spread his wings and flapped them. Suddenly, he soared upwards, and all his fear vanished instantly. This was a joyous moment for his family, and the young seagull realized he had forgotten his fear of flying.

Through the story's burstiness, Liam O'Flaherty illustrates how overcoming one's fears can lead to newfound joy and confidence. 

Analysis:

The story of "His First Flight" is a metaphor for life. The young seagull's fear and uncertainty represent the challenges we face when we try something new. However, his mother's encouragement and guidance represent the support we receive from our loved ones. The hawk that attacks the seagull represents the obstacles and difficulties we encounter on our journey. But the seagull's determination and bravery represent the qualities we need to overcome these obstacles and succeed.

The author's writing style is simple yet powerful. He uses vivid descriptions to bring the story to life and make it relatable. For example, when the young seagull takes his first flight, the author writes, "The air was like a warm bath as it rushed over his body, and the wings were moving so fast that the feathers whistled." This description creates a sensory experience that allows the reader to feel the same sense of exhilaration as the seagull.

Themes:

The story of "His First Flight" explores several themes, including:

Courage: The young seagull shows courage by facing his fear and taking his first flight. He also shows courage by fighting back against the hawk that attacks him.

Determination: Despite being injured, the seagull does not give up. He fights back and ultimately succeeds in defeating the hawk.

Family: The young seagull's mother plays an important role in the story. She encourages him to take his first flight and supports him throughout his journey.

Discovery: The young seagull discovers the world's beauty from above when he takes his first flight.

Conclusion:

"His First Flight" is a beautiful and inspiring story that teaches us the importance of courage, determination, and the support of loved ones. By providing a comprehensive summary and analysis of the story, we hope to have created content that is valuable to readers and helps you outrank other websites in Google search results. We recommend reading the story for yourself and discovering its beauty and meaning firsthand.

Thinking About the Text (Q&A)

  1. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps?

    The young seagull was afraid to fly because he feared his wings would not support him and he would fall into the sea. It is likely that many young birds feel scared to fly for the first time, though some may be braver than others. Similarly, a human baby may also find it difficult and scary to take their first steps, but with encouragement, they eventually overcome their fear.

  2. “The sight of the food maddened him.” What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to finally fly?

    This suggests that the young seagull was extremely hungry, and the sight of food made him desperate. His hunger, combined with his mother's act of teasing him with food, compelled him to make his first attempt to fly. In his desperate attempt to grab the fish, he overcame his fear and flew.

  3. “They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why did the seagull’s father and mother threaten him and cajole him to fly?

    The seagull's parents threatened and coaxed him to fly because they knew that he needed to learn how to fly to survive. They were trying to encourage him to take that leap of faith, as flying was essential for him to find food and become independent.

  4. Have you ever had a similar experience, where your parents encouraged you to do something that you were too scared to try? Discuss this in pairs or groups.

    Yes, many people experience this. For example, learning to ride a bicycle or swim can be scary at first. Parents often encourage their children to try new things, even if they are afraid, because they want them to learn and grow.

  5. In the case of a bird flying, it seems a natural act, and a foregone conclusion that it should succeed. In the examples you have given in answer to the previous question, was your success guaranteed, or was it important for you to try, regardless of a possibility of failure?

    In human experience, success is not always guaranteed. However, it is important to try, as trying helps build confidence and skills, regardless of whether one succeeds or fails initially. Failure is often part of the learning process, just as the seagull's attempt to fly was crucial to his growth.

Speaking

We have just read about the first flight of a young seagull. Your teacher will now divide the class into groups. Each group will work on one of the following topics. Prepare a presentation with your group members and then present it to the entire class. 
 • Progression of Models of Airplanes 
 • Progression of Models of Motorcars 
 • Birds and Their Wing Span 
 • Migratory Birds — Tracing Their Flights

ANSWER:

To prepare a group presentation on one of these topics, here's an outline for each option:

1. Progression of Models of Airplanes

  • Introduction: Brief history of the invention of airplanes.
  • Key Milestones:
    • The Wright Brothers' first successful flight in 1903.
    • World War I & II airplanes (biplanes, fighter jets).
    • The development of commercial airliners (e.g., Boeing 747, Concorde).
    • Modern-day airplanes: Jumbo jets, supersonic jets, and innovations in eco-friendly planes.
  • Visuals: Images of different airplane models.
  • Conclusion: Current trends and future of aviation technology.

2. Progression of Models of Motorcars

  • Introduction: The invention of the first motorcars.
  • Key Stages:
    • Early motorcars (e.g., Karl Benz’s Motorwagen in 1885).
    • Introduction of Ford's Model T (mass production).
    • Evolution of design and performance in the 20th century.
    • Modern cars: Electric vehicles, hybrid technology, self-driving cars.
  • Visuals: Timeline of different car models.
  • Conclusion: What the future holds for the automobile industry.

3. Birds and Their Wing Span

  • Introduction: Importance of wingspan for birds' ability to fly.
  • Examples:
    • Small birds (e.g., sparrows) with shorter wingspans.
    • Medium-sized birds (e.g., pigeons).
    • Large birds (e.g., albatross, with the largest wingspan of any bird).
  • Factors Affecting Wingspan:
    • Flight style, size, and habitat.
  • Visuals: Illustrations of birds with different wingspans.
  • Conclusion: How wingspan affects birds' ability to migrate and survive.

4. Migratory Birds — Tracing Their Flights

  • Introduction: What are migratory birds and why they migrate.
  • Notable Migratory Species:
    • Arctic tern (longest migration).
    • Monarch butterflies (a unique migratory insect).
    • Flamingos, cranes, and other well-known migratory birds.
  • Flight Routes:
    • Mapping common migratory routes (e.g., North-South migrations).
  • Challenges: Weather conditions, human interference, climate change.
  • Conclusion: The importance of preserving migratory routes and habitats.

Tips for Presentation:

  • Divide roles (researcher, presenter, designer, etc.).
  • Use visual aids (maps, charts, images) to make your presentation engaging.
  • Practice speaking clearly and confidently.

Writing

Write a short composition on your initial attempts at learning a skill. You could describe the challenges of learning to ride a bicycle or learning to swim. Make it as humorous as possible.

ANSWER:

My First Attempt at Learning to Ride a Bicycle

I still remember the day I decided to learn how to ride a bicycle. I was convinced it would be a breeze—I mean, how hard could it be? All you had to do was pedal and balance, right? Wrong!

My dad, eager to turn me into the next cycling champion, brought out my shiny new bike. It looked so innocent, standing there with its bright red frame and two wheels of doom. He gave me a pep talk, as if I were about to enter a race, and I felt pretty confident—until I actually got on the bike.

The first challenge? Balancing. It turns out that the laws of physics and I were not on speaking terms that day. As soon as my dad let go of the bike, I immediately tipped over like a clumsy giraffe. I hadn’t even managed a single pedal! After brushing off the dust and my wounded pride, I tried again. This time, I got two pedals in before wobbling like a toddler on stilts and crashing into a bush. The bush wasn’t very forgiving, by the way.

But I was determined, or maybe just too stubborn to give up. My dad gave me a push—one of those "you’ve got this!" pushes—and before I knew it, I was zooming down the street like I had rockets strapped to my feet. The only problem? I had no idea how to stop! My brain went blank, and instead of using the brakes, I decided to yell at the top of my lungs as I zoomed past my laughing neighbors. Eventually, I crashed (again), this time into a conveniently placed trash can, which, as it turns out, provides a much softer landing than bushes.

Despite the bumps, bruises, and general chaos, I learned something that day—riding a bike is a lot like life. You fall, you crash, but you get back up and laugh about it later. And hey, at least I wasn’t eaten by the trash can!


His First Flight Extra Practice Questions and Answers

Q 1. For how long had the seagull been alone?

Answer:
The seagull had been alone for twenty-four hours.

Q 2. Why did the seagull not go with the rest of his family?

Answer:
The reason why the seagull did not join its family was due to its fear of flying.

Q 3.
(i) What were the ways the seagull had thought of joining his family?
(ii) Did he try any one of them?

Answer:
(i) The seagull seemed quite apprehensive about flying alongside its family. It pondered the idea of rejoining them without having to take to the skies, and so it started running back and forth along the ledge. However, the ledge abruptly ended with a sheer drop, leaving the seagull stranded on one side. As it gazed across the gap, the seagull yearned for a way to reunite with its family without having to fly.

(ii) No, he didn’t try anyone of them.

Q 4. Did the seagull think the sea was like a land? Pick out the words from the text that suggest this.

Answer:
The seagull was under the impression that the sea was just like any other land. It confidently landed on the water's surface, but as soon as its legs sank into the salty waves, it let out a terrified screech and frantically attempted to take flight once again by flapping its wings. This behaviour strongly suggests that the seagull had assumed the sea was solid ground, which was clearly not the case.

Q 5.
(i) When did the seagull’s flight begin?
(ii) Where did it end?
Answer:
(i) His journey started as he fell away from the safety of Earth, spreading his wings to slow his descent. Rather than plummeting straight down, he began to glide downward and outward through the vast expanse of space.

(ii) His flight ended floating on the sea.

Q 6. When did the seagull get over his fear of the water?

Answer:
The seagull thought the sea was just like any other land but the moment he landed on the sea, he was in for a surprise - his feet sank right into it! Poor birdie got so scared that he couldn't even flap his wings and fly away. He was too exhausted to even try. His belly touched the water and he just floated there. But guess what? He soon realized that he wasn't sinking any further! That's when it hit him that he was actually floating on the sea! And just like that, his fear of water disappeared.

Q 7. Do you sympathise with the seagull? Give reasons.

Answer:
Birds have a natural instinct to fly, but sometimes even the young ones can get a little scared. Take this seagull for example - he was frightened of flying! It's understandable, and we feel for him because he had to go through a lot before he finally overcame his fear. Not only did he have to deal with teasing from his own family, but he also had to go without any food for a whole day.

Q 8. How did the seagull express his excitement when he saw his mother bringing food for him?

Answer:
The seagull had a rumble in his tummy and was feeling super hungry. And then, he spotted his mama bringing him some food! Oh boy, was he thrilled! He let out a happy screech and leaned out eagerly, tapping his little feet on the rock beneath him. He even tried to get closer to her as she flew over with his meal. That's how excited he was!

Q 9. How did the young seagull’s parents teach him the art of flying?

Answer:
It's in a bird's nature to fly, but sometimes they need a little help to get started, like in the story of the young seagull who was afraid of flying. Thankfully, his parents were there to teach him how it's done! They showed him the ropes by flying alongside him, curving, banking, soaring, and diving - all the fancy moves that make flying such an art. And just like that, the little seagull became a pro!

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Class 9 - Beehive - Chapter 3 - The Little Girl - by Katherine Mansfield, NCERT Solution

Introduction

The Little Girl by Katherine Mansfield
Famous author Katherine Mansfield Beauchamp was bred and born in colonial New Zealand. When she relocated to the UK at the age of 19, she began writing under the pen name Katherine Mansfield. She connected with well-known UK authors, like D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf. Tragically, she was given a TB diagnosis in 1917 and died at the age of 34. Mansfield made substantial contributions to the short story form with her distinctive literary style, which frequently resembled poetry. Her works are well renowned for their emphasis on psychological tensions and for the oblique narration that frequently resembles Anton Chekhov's plays. During the last years of her life, Mansfield was a prolific writer, but a significant portion of her work remained unpublished until after her death.

Summary

In The Little Girl by Katherine Mansfield, Kezia is a young girl who fears her strict father. She feels relieved when he leaves for work and finds her parents distant even on Sundays. Her grandmother suggests she make a pin cushion for her father’s birthday, but Kezia unknowingly uses his important papers as stuffing. When they go missing, she is harshly punished. Kezia envies her neighbors, the Macdonalds, whose father is fun and loving. However, when her father comforts her after a nightmare, she realizes he also has a caring, gentle side beneath his strictness.

Theme

The story The Little Girl shows how children slowly understand their parents' actions. At first, Kezia fears and dislikes her strict father, but as she grows, she begins to see his caring side. The story highlights how children’s views of their parents change over time. Another theme is control, with Kezia’s father being the main authority in the family. Kezia, her mother, and the servants all answer to him. Kezia fears her father and feels distant from him, having to follow his demands. Like her mother, Kezia has duties when her father is home, showing how the female characters lack independence.

Character sketch of Kezia 'the little girl'

Kezia is a little girl who is very scared of her strict father. Though her exact age isn’t mentioned, she seems to be about four or five years old. She finds her father big, loud, and frightening, and she often stammers when speaking to him. Kezia is happy when he leaves for work and follows her mother’s orders to help him, but she sometimes wishes there were no fathers in the world. She envies the Macdonald children, who are loved by their father. One day, Kezia accidentally tears down her father’s important papers, which leads to trouble. Later, when he comforts her after a nightmare, she begins to see him differently, realizing his love and hard work. This changes her feelings, making her more affectionate toward him.

Character sketch of Kezia's Father

In the story The Little Girl, Kezia’s father appears strict and demanding at first. He is portrayed as an imposing figure who expects complete obedience from his family. His loud voice and serious demeanour make Kezia fear him, and she stammers in his presence. He orders his wife and daughter around, expecting them to meet his needs, like taking off his shoes and bringing his slippers. However, when Kezia's mother is away, he shows a caring side by comforting her during a nightmare, warming her feet and holding her close. This reveals his softer, loving side, contrasting with his usual strictness.

II. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

  1. Why was Kezia afraid of her father?

    Kezia was afraid of her father because he was strict, spoke harshly, and his large figure intimidated her.

  2. Who were the people in Kezia's family?

    Kezia's family included her father, mother, and grandmother.

  3. What was Kezia’s father’s routine (i) before going to his office? (ii) after coming back from his office? (iii) on Sundays?

    (i) Before going to his office, he would give Kezia a casual kiss.
    (ii) After coming back from his office, he would demand tea, his slippers, and his newspaper.
    (iii) On Sundays, he rested on the sofa, sleeping and snoring while the mother read.

  4. In what ways did Kezia’s grandmother encourage her to get to know her father better?

    Kezia's grandmother encouraged her to talk to her father and even suggested she make him a birthday gift to improve their relationship.

III. Answer the following in two or three paragraphs.

  1. Kezia’s efforts to please her father resulted in displeasing him very much. How did this happen?

    Kezia wanted to surprise her father by making him a pin-cushion for his birthday. She unknowingly tore up his important speech papers to use as stuffing. When her father discovered this, he became furious and punished her harshly, making Kezia feel deeply upset despite her good intentions.

  2. Kezia decides that there are “different kinds of fathers.” What kind of father was Mr. Macdonald, and how was he different from Kezia’s father?

    Mr. Macdonald was a playful and affectionate father who spent time laughing and playing with his children. He was kind and approachable, unlike Kezia’s father, who was stern and rarely showed affection. This contrast made Kezia realize that not all fathers were as strict as hers.

  3. How does Kezia begin to see her father as a human being who needs her sympathy?

    Kezia's view of her father changed when he comforted her during a nightmare. As he held her close, she realized he wasn't just a strict figure but someone who worked hard and also needed love and care. This moment helped her see his vulnerability and understand his actions better.

Extra Questions with Answers on 'The Little Girl'

  1. What was Kezia’s routine when Father returned from office?

    Upon Father's arrival home from work, Kezia's mother would instruct her to come downstairs and remove Father's shoes, and then take them outside. Father would engage Kezia in conversation, to which she would often stutter in her replies. He would then ask her to place his teacup back on the table, and Kezia would seize the opportunity to leave his presence.

  2. What was Father’s and Kezia’s morning routine?

    Kezia's father would visit her room and quickly give her a kiss before heading to the office. Kezia would respond with a simple "Goodbye, Father." However, due to her fear of him, she always felt a sense of relief once he had left.

  3. Why did Kezia go slowly towards the drawing room when mother asked her to come downstairs?

    Kezia was intimidated by her strict father who often scolded her without showing any affection towards his little daughter. She felt so frightened of him that when asked to come downstairs to take off his shoes, she moved towards the drawing-room very slowly.

  4. Why was Father often irritated with Kezia?

    Kezia's father was often irked by her nervous stuttering, and terrified expression when speaking to him. Her demeanour of wretchedness in his presence made him feel as if she was on the brink of suicide.

  5. What was unusual about Kezia’s stuttering?

    Kezia could speak fluently to everyone in her household except for her father. When she was in his imposing presence, she could hardly speak and would stutter while attempting to communicate with him.

  6. Why did Kezia stutter while speaking to Father?

    Kezia's father had a loud and dominating personality, and he often reprimanded her for her behaviour and appearance. His constant criticism and scolding shattered her self-confidence, and his imposing size frightened her. Despite Kezia's efforts to please him, she became tongue-tied and stuttered when she tried to talk to him, which only worsened her fear of him.

  7. Why did Kezia feel that her father was like a giant?

    Kezia thought her father was like a giant because of his big hands and neck. She noticed that his mouth looked large when he yawned. His voice was loud, and he frequently barked orders. His stern and unfeeling demeanour made Kezia feel like he was a giant.