Ways with Words
A. Choose the correct meanings of the underlined words.
a. Martin Luther started a revolt against the conventions of the Roman Catholic Church.
Meaning of conventions:
Accepted customs, beliefs, or traditional practices
b. It blended classical styles with new ideas.
Meaning of blended:
Mixed together
c. The dome marks the beginning of Renaissance architecture.
Meaning of marks:
Serves as a sign of
d. The arts flourished during the Renaissance.
Meaning of flourished:
Grew and developed successfully
e. The new passion for learning also led to amazing discoveries in science.
Meaning of passion:
Strong enthusiasm
C. Explain the meanings of the following idioms and use them in sentences.
a. A hot potato
Meaning:
A controversial or difficult issue
Sentence:
Racial discrimination remains a political hot potato.
b. Once in a blue moon
Meaning:
Very rarely
Sentence:
My father works in Japan and visits us once in a blue moon.
c. A bed of roses
Meaning:
An easy, comfortable, or pleasant situation
Sentence:
We should remember that life is not always a bed of roses.
d. When pigs fly
Meaning:
Something that will never happen
Sentence:
He says he will clean his room every day, but that will happen only when pigs fly.
e. Miss the boat
Meaning:
To miss an opportunity
Sentence:
Apply for the scholarship now, or you may miss the boat.
f. Zip your lip
Meaning:
To remain silent or stop talking
Sentence:
She zipped her lip during the meeting because arguing was pointless.
g. Fight tooth and nail
Meaning:
To fight or try with great determination
Sentence:
I want this job, so I am going to fight tooth and nail for it.
h. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade
Meaning:
To turn a difficult or negative situation into something positive
Sentence:
My grandfather lost his job, but he started a small business because he believed that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade.
i. Goose egg
Meaning:
A score of zero
Sentence:
Our team played well, but we still ended the match with a goose egg.
D. Match the following phrasal verbs with their meanings.
a. Break down
Meaning:
To stop functioning
b. Check out
Meaning:
To leave a hotel after paying the bill
c. Fed up
Meaning:
Tired or annoyed with someone or something
d. Fill out
Meaning:
To complete a form
e. Get away
Meaning:
To escape
f. Give away
Meaning:
To give something to someone for free
g. Give up
Meaning:
To stop doing something or quit a habit
h. Look forward to
Meaning:
To feel excited about something that is going to happen
i. Make up
Meaning:
To invent a story, excuse, or lie
j. Pass away
Meaning:
To die
k. Put out
Meaning:
To extinguish a fire or light
l. Take off
Meaning:
To remove clothes or shoes, or for an aircraft to leave the ground
Comprehension
A. Answer the following questions.
a. What does the word “Renaissance” mean? From which language is it derived?
Answer:
The word “Renaissance” means rebirth. It is derived from the French word renaître, meaning “to be born again.”
b. What did the Greek scholars do in their new locations after leaving the Greek city?
Answer:
After leaving the Greek city, the scholars taught the Greek language and shared their valuable books, knowledge, and classical ideas in their new locations.
c. How did “new learning” teach people to think in different ways?
Answer:
New learning encouraged people to question old beliefs, study classical knowledge, observe nature, and develop new ideas. It inspired them to create paintings, sculptures, buildings, literature, and scientific discoveries.
d. Describe the artistic developments of the Renaissance in brief.
Answer:
The artistic developments of the Renaissance began in Florence and later spread to other Italian cities and European countries.
Trade and banking made cities such as Florence, Venice, and Milan wealthy. Rich citizens and rulers spent money on paintings, music, architecture, sculpture, poetry, and literature.
Great artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Filippo Brunelleschi produced outstanding works of art and architecture.
Writers such as William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes also produced important literary works. Renaissance art focused on realism, human emotions, nature, beauty, and classical Greek and Roman styles.
e. Name three Renaissance scientists who made great discoveries.
Answer:
The three famous Renaissance scientists were:
- Galileo Galilei
- Nicolaus Copernicus
- Sir Isaac Newton
f. Who developed the printing press? Which country was he from?
Answer:
Johannes Gutenberg developed the printing press. He was from Germany.
g. Why is the development of the printing press considered one of the gifts of the Renaissance?
Answer:
Before the development of the printing press, books were handwritten, expensive, and difficult to obtain.
The printing press made it possible to produce books quickly and at a lower cost. It helped writers publish their works and allowed knowledge, education, and new ideas to spread among a larger number of people.
Therefore, the printing press is considered one of the greatest gifts of the Renaissance.
h. Name five famous explorers of the Renaissance.
Answer:
The five famous explorers of the Renaissance were:
- Christopher Columbus
- Vasco da Gama
- John Cabot
- Ferdinand Magellan
- Sir Francis Drake
i. Why do some people consider the Renaissance the beginning of modern history?
Answer:
Some people consider the Renaissance the beginning of modern history because it brought major changes in art, architecture, science, literature, education, navigation, culture, and human thought.
It encouraged people to question traditional beliefs, value human abilities, and make new discoveries. These developments helped create the modern world.
B. Choose the best answers.
a. Before the Renaissance, education was mainly available to:
Answer:
Scholars and privileged people
b. Which statement is true?
Answer:
The Greeks had a strong influence on Renaissance thinking.
c. What did the Renaissance do?
Answer:
It encouraged people to make changes in their lives.
d. What were the major causes of the Renaissance?
Answer:
Printing, reading, and learning
Critical Thinking
a. Do you agree with Machiavelli’s view that a good leader can do bad and dishonest things to preserve power and protect the government? Explain.
Answer:
I partly agree with Machiavelli’s view that a leader may sometimes have to make difficult decisions to protect the government and the nation. However, dishonest and immoral actions should not become normal methods of leadership.
A leader is responsible for maintaining peace, security, and political stability. During war, rebellion, or a national emergency, a leader may have to take strict actions that are unpopular. Such decisions may be necessary to protect the country and its citizens.
However, the desire to preserve power can also make leaders selfish and cruel. Some leaders violate laws, suppress opponents, spread false information, or harm innocent people only to remain in power.
When leaders place personal power above justice and morality, they may become authoritarian. They may destroy anyone who challenges them and create fear among the people.
A good leader should protect the government through lawful, transparent, and ethical means. Strict action may sometimes be necessary, but it should serve the public interest rather than personal ambition.
Therefore, leaders should not be allowed to justify every dishonest action in the name of national security or political stability.
b. Do you think art and literature are important assets of a country? Give reasons.
Answer:
Yes, art and literature are valuable assets of a country. They preserve its history, culture, traditions, beliefs, and collective experiences.
Literature expresses human emotions, struggles, dreams, and social realities. Through stories, poems, plays, essays, and novels, people learn about the lives and ideas of different generations.
Art and literature also create awareness about social injustice, poverty, discrimination, unemployment, corruption, and oppression. Writers and artists can inspire people to question unfair practices and work for social change.
Historical and religious works such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Bible, and other literary texts preserve the knowledge and beliefs of earlier societies.
Art also contributes to national identity. Paintings, sculptures, music, architecture, dance, and handicrafts represent the creativity and uniqueness of a country.
In addition, art and literature support tourism, education, employment, and cultural industries.
Therefore, art and literature are not merely forms of entertainment. They are powerful means of preserving culture, developing awareness, and building a more thoughtful and civilised society.
Writing
a. Write an essay on “Literature is the Reflection of Society.”
Literature Is the Reflection of Society
Literature is often called the mirror of society because it presents the beliefs, customs, traditions, conflicts, achievements, and problems of human life.
Since ancient times, people have used stories, songs, poems, and spoken language to preserve knowledge and pass it from one generation to another. Before the invention of writing, history and culture were mainly transmitted orally.
Literature transforms human thoughts, emotions, and experiences into written form. Writers observe society and express its political, social, cultural, religious, and economic realities through their works.
Many writers have represented poverty, injustice, war, love, discrimination, migration, social change, and human suffering in their poems, stories, plays, and novels.
Literary works also preserve history. Ancient epics, religious texts, myths, and historical writings help present generations understand their ancestors and cultural backgrounds.
Society creates literature because writers obtain their themes, characters, and experiences from the world around them. At the same time, literature can influence society by spreading new ideas and challenging harmful customs.
However, the nature of this reflection depends on the writer’s perspective. A progressive writer may question injustice, while a conservative writer may defend traditional beliefs.
Therefore, literature is the reflection of society because it contains both the positive and negative aspects of human life and records the social and political events of its time.
b. “Today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader.” Do you agree? Explain.
Answer:
Yes, I agree with the statement that today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader.
Reading is essential for the overall development of a person’s personality. It improves language, vocabulary, knowledge, imagination, communication skills, and critical thinking.
A person who reads regularly becomes familiar with different ideas, cultures, histories, and experiences. Books teach readers how successful people faced challenges and made important decisions.
Reading also develops wisdom and practical understanding. Good leaders need knowledge, patience, communication skills, and the ability to understand different viewpoints. These qualities can be strengthened through reading.
Books prevent people from feeling intellectually isolated. They introduce readers to new worlds and guide them towards better decisions.
A leader must continue learning throughout life. Reading newspapers, biographies, history, literature, and academic books helps a person remain informed and thoughtful.
Therefore, people who wish to become effective leaders in the future should develop strong reading habits in the present.
c. Write a short biography of a national literary, artistic, or historical figure you admire.
Bhanubhakta Acharya
Bhanubhakta Acharya was the first major poet of the Nepali language and is honoured with the title Adikavi, meaning the first poet.
He was born on 29 Ashar 1871 B.S. in Chundi Ramgha, Tanahun district. He was born into a Brahmin family and received his early education from his grandfather.
Bhanubhakta Acharya is best known for translating the Sanskrit epic Ramayana into the Nepali language. His translation made the great religious text accessible to ordinary Nepali-speaking people.
His major works include the Bhanubhaktiya Ramayana, Badhu Shiksha, Prashnottar, Bhaktamala, and several poems and letters.
He was once imprisoned because of a misunderstanding related to official documents. While in prison, he wrote a poetic letter to the prime minister. His poem helped draw attention to his situation and eventually contributed to his release.
Bhanubhakta died in 1868 without receiving widespread recognition for his literary contribution. His works were later collected and published by Motiram Bhatta.
Today, his birthday is celebrated as Bhanu Jayanti with poetry recitations, literary programmes, and cultural events.
Bhanubhakta Acharya played an important role in developing and popularising the Nepali language. Therefore, he remains one of the most respected literary figures in Nepal.
Grammar
B. Complete the sentences with appropriate relative pronouns and identify whether the clauses are defining or non-defining.
a. That is the house __________ I was born.
Answer: Where
Complete sentence:
That is the house where I was born.
Type: Defining relative clause
b. My aunt Nita, __________ is a journalist, is coming to visit next week.
Answer: Who
Complete sentence:
My aunt Nita, who is a journalist, is coming to visit next week.
Type: Non-defining relative clause
c. People __________ like outdoor activities will love our holidays.
Answer: Who
Complete sentence:
People who like outdoor activities will love our holidays.
Type: Defining relative clause
d. The early 1960s, __________ the Beatles first became popular, was an exciting period in pop culture.
Answer: When
Complete sentence:
The early 1960s, when the Beatles first became popular, was an exciting period in pop culture.
Type: Non-defining relative clause
e. My essay on Shakespeare, __________ I found quite difficult, received a very good mark.
Answer: Which
Complete sentence:
My essay on Shakespeare, which I found quite difficult, received a very good mark.
Type: Non-defining relative clause
f. The Mayans, __________ lived in Central America, built many magnificent temples.
Answer: Who
Complete sentence:
The Mayans, who lived in Central America, built many magnificent temples.
Type: Non-defining relative clause
g. That is the girl __________ brother is in your class.
Answer: Whose
Complete sentence:
That is the girl whose brother is in your class.
Type: Defining relative clause
h. The snake __________ was in the garden last week belongs to our next-door neighbour.
Answer: That
Complete sentence:
The snake that was in the garden last week belongs to our next-door neighbour.
Type: Defining relative clause
C. Join the following pairs of sentences using appropriate relative clauses.
a. He is a musician. His albums have sold millions of copies.
Answer:
He is a musician whose albums have sold millions of copies.
b. Amelia speaks English and Chinese fluently. She is from Shanghai.
Answer:
Amelia, who is from Shanghai, speaks English and Chinese fluently.
c. That is the stadium. Real Madrid plays there.
Answer:
That is the stadium where Real Madrid plays.
d. Dublin is my favourite city. It is the capital of Ireland.
Answer:
Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland, is my favourite city.
e. The person was very helpful. They spoke to him.
Answer:
The person to whom they spoke was very helpful.
f. This smartphone takes excellent photographs. I bought it last week.
Answer:
This smartphone, which I bought last week, takes excellent photographs.
Discussion
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