Ways with Words
A. Match the words with their meanings.
a. Brevity
➜ The quality of lasting only for a short time
b. Conquest
➜ Victory over a place or people through the use of military force
c. Resemblance
➜ The state of being alike
d. Barbarian
➜ A member of an uncivilised group of people or culture
e. Ally
➜ One state united with another by a treaty or league for a military purpose
f. Nobility
➜ The state of being noble in character, quality, or rank
g. Ruthlessness
➜ The quality of having no pity or compassion
h. Decimation
➜ The killing or destruction of a large part of a population
i. Harsh
➜ Cruel
j. Elixir
➜ A liquid believed to cure all illnesses
B. Find the following words in the text and use them in sentences of your own.
1. Invasion
The people live under a constant threat of invasion.
2. Disregard
The present article will disregard this distinction.
3. Paramount
His happiness was of paramount importance.
4. Populace
The leaders had the populace on their side.
5. Revolt
The peasants’ revolt was crushed by the king.
6. Assassination
He lived in constant fear of assassination and distrusted everyone around him.
7. Serfdom
The unfair political system reduced the people to serfdom.
D. Consult a dictionary and prepare a list of ten homographs.
| Homograph | Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | A type of fish | A low, deep voice |
| Bat | A piece of sports equipment | A flying mammal |
| Evening | The period after sunset | Making something even or smooth |
| Bear | A large wild animal | To tolerate or endure |
| Close | Near or connected | To shut something |
| Lean | Thin | To rest against something |
| Bow | To bend forward | The front part of a ship |
| Lead | A type of metal | To guide or go in front |
| Skip | To jump lightly | To leave something out |
| Fair | Reasonable or just | An exhibition or public event |
Comprehension
B. Answer the following questions.
a. Why is the Zhou Age called a feudal age?
Answer:
The Zhou Age is called a feudal age because the Zhou rulers followed the system of feudalism. Land was divided among nobles, who governed their territories and provided military support to the king.
b. What was the geographical advantage of the Qin?
Answer:
The Qin state was protected by mountains and natural barriers. Its geographical location made it difficult for enemies to attack and helped the Qin strengthen its military power.
c. What contributed to the success of the Qin in warfare?
Answer:
The location of the state, the large size of its army, and the expert use of chariots contributed to the Qin’s success in warfare.
d. Why did the Qin invite the foreign adviser Shang Yang?
Answer:
The Qin invited the foreign adviser Shang Yang because the state lacked capable intellectuals and administrators. Shang Yang was invited to introduce political, legal, and military reforms.
e. What were the key features of the Qin political system?
Answer:
The key features of the Qin political system were strict control, fear, discipline, obedience, and the enforcement of harsh laws.
f. How were people treated during the Qin Period?
Answer:
People were treated almost like slaves during the Qin Period. They were forced to contribute labour to national construction projects and were deprived of educational and political freedom.
g. Why did Shi Huangdi stop educating ordinary people?
Answer:
Shi Huangdi stopped educating ordinary people because he believed that uneducated people could be controlled more easily.
h. What did the Qin achieve by putting Legalism into practice?
Answer:
By putting Legalism into practice, the Qin developed a powerful army, a disciplined population, and an obedient society. It also completed major projects such as the Great Wall, canals, roads, and other public structures.
i. Why did Shi Huangdi never sleep in the same room for two consecutive nights?
Answer:
Shi Huangdi never slept in the same room for two consecutive nights because he constantly feared assassination.
j. What are the everlasting marks of the Qin Dynasty?
Answer:
The everlasting marks of the Qin Dynasty include:
- The Terracotta Army
- The concept of Legalism
- The Great Wall of China
- The Grand Canal
- An extensive network of roads
Critical Thinking
a. “The Great Wall and the Taj Mahal are the creations of autocratic rulers.” Present your views for or against this statement.
Answer:
Yes, I agree that the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal were created under autocratic rulers.
The Great Wall of China was constructed to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire from enemy attacks. Different walls had already been built before the Qin Dynasty, but Emperor Shi Huangdi connected and expanded them.
Such a massive structure could not have been built through individual effort. Large numbers of labourers, prisoners, soldiers, and ordinary citizens were forced to work on the project. The Qin rulers imposed strict laws and severe punishments. People who disobeyed the state could be enslaved, mutilated, or executed.
Many people were also forced to work on projects such as roads, canals, palaces, and the Great Wall. Although these constructions strengthened the empire, they caused enormous suffering among ordinary people.
Similarly, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world, but its construction required the labour of thousands of workers for many years.
The rulers receive most of the credit for these monuments, while the suffering and labour of ordinary workers are often forgotten. Therefore, the Great Wall and the Taj Mahal can be regarded as magnificent creations built under the authority of autocratic rulers.
b. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of feudalism.
Answer:
Feudalism was a dominant social and political system in medieval Europe. Under this system, kings granted land to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service. Peasants worked on the land and received protection from the nobles.
Advantages of Feudalism
- Feudalism provided protection during periods of political instability and warfare.
- It helped maintain social order after the collapse of strong central governments.
- Local lords protected communities from invaders and criminals.
- It encouraged qualities such as loyalty, bravery, generosity, and responsibility.
- It created a system of mutual duties between kings, nobles, knights, and peasants.
Disadvantages of Feudalism
- Feudalism divided society into powerful and powerless social classes.
- Poor and weak people were dependent on nobles and landlords.
- Lords could misuse their authority and exploit ordinary people.
- Peasants were required to work on their lords’ land.
- Serfs were often forbidden from leaving the land without permission.
- Ordinary people had limited freedom, education, and economic opportunities.
- The system created inequality and prevented social mobility.
Therefore, feudalism provided security and social organisation, but it also caused inequality, exploitation, and restrictions on individual freedom.
Writing
a. Write an email to your friend living abroad describing the contributions of Prithvi Narayan Shah to the unification of Nepal.
To: ariana23@gmail.com
From: austinadam56@gmail.com
Subject: Contributions of Prithvi Narayan Shah to the Unification of Nepal
Dear Ariana,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to tell you about the important contributions of Prithvi Narayan Shah to the unification of Nepal.
Before his unification campaign, Nepal was divided into many small kingdoms and principalities. These states frequently fought against one another and were vulnerable to foreign interference. Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king of Gorkha, recognised the need to unite them into one strong nation.
He began his unification campaign by strengthening the army and administration of Gorkha. He successfully conquered Nuwakot, which was strategically important for trade and military movement. He later captured the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
Prithvi Narayan Shah ended the political divisions and conflicts among the small states. His efforts laid the foundation of modern Nepal and strengthened its national unity. He also understood the geographical and political importance of Nepal and described it as a yam between two large stones.
His contributions were not limited to military conquest. He promoted national independence, economic self-reliance, cultural harmony, and protection from foreign influence.
Therefore, Prithvi Narayan Shah is remembered as the founder of modern Nepal. His leadership and determination played a decisive role in creating the unified country that we have today.
Yours lovingly,
Austin
Grammar: Past Tense
B. Complete the texts using the correct past forms of the verbs given in brackets.
a.
The Maya established a highly advanced civilisation in the jungles of the Yucatan. However, their culture had disappeared by the time Europeans first arrived in the New World.
b.
When I turned on the radio yesterday, I heard a song that was popular when I was at the basic level of my studies. It took me back to some old memories.
c.
I was looking for a job. I applied for a job last week. Fortunately, I got it, and now I am employed.
C. Choose the correct words and complete the sentences using the correct verb forms.
a.
Newton saw an apple falling from the tree.
b.
Ramesh Bikal wrote many popular stories.
c.
My jacket is expensive. It cost me Rs 5,000.
d.
She got up early yesterday morning.
e.
When I was young, my father taught me at home.
f.
Why did you throw the cap away?
D. Put the verbs into the correct forms and complete the sentences.
a. I went to see the film, but I __________ it.
(not/enjoy)
Answer: Did not enjoy
Complete sentence:
I went to see the film, but I did not enjoy it.
b. I __________ Rojina in town a few days ago.
(meet)
Answer: Met
Complete sentence:
I met Rojina in town a few days ago.
c. It was very warm, so I __________ my coat.
(take off)
Answer: Took off
Complete sentence:
It was very warm, so I took off my coat.
d. Although the bed was very comfortable, I __________ very well.
(not/sleep)
Answer: Did not sleep
Complete sentence:
Although the bed was very comfortable, I did not sleep very well.
e. I __________ a new job last week.
(start)
Answer: Started
Complete sentence:
I started a new job last week.
f. He __________ very busy in the office yesterday.
(be)
Answer: Was
Complete sentence:
He was very busy in the office yesterday.
g. Nita __________ her to the party, but she did not come.
(invite)
Answer: Invited
Complete sentence:
Nita invited her to the party, but she did not come.
Discussion
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