Class 12 Compulsory English Hobbies Notes

Working with Words

A. Find the words from the text which have the following meanings:

• a. a wave-like motion $\rightarrow$ undulation
• b. to make or do something again exactly in the same way $\rightarrow$ replicate
• c. decayed, deteriorated, or fallen into partial ruin especially through neglect or misuse $\rightarrow$ dilapidated
• d. a bright, smooth surface $\rightarrow$ sheen
• e. the feeling of having no energy and enthusiasm $\rightarrow$ listlessness
• f. a state of noise, commotion and confusion $\rightarrow$ cacophonous
• g. being alone, often by choice $\rightarrow$ solitude
• h. to regard with respect, often tinged with awe $\rightarrow$ revere
• i. said in a way that is not direct, so that the real meaning is not immediately clear $\rightarrow$ obliquely

B. Find the meaning of the following words from a dictionary:

• Sophisticated: Deprived of native or original simplicity; highly complicated or advanced.
• Conscious: Likely to notice, consider, or appraise; aware of one’s surroundings and thoughts.
• Blistering: Extremely intense, severe, or scorching.
• Proximity: Nearness in space, time, or relationship.
• Invisible: Inaccessible to view, recognize, or identify.

Comprehension

Answer the following questions:

a. What is the author’s favourite hobby? Why does she like it so much?

The author’s favourite hobby is walking. She likes it because the movement, rhythm, and the undulation of the senses and the body it initiates are deeply enjoyable.

b. What sorts of roads did the writer prefer to walk on when she was very young?

When she was very young, the writer preferred to walk on roads that were unpaved and uneven, much like the paths around her mamaghar (maternal home).

c. How did walking give the author and her classmates a sense of freedom?

Walking gave them a sense of freedom because they could be the free-willed masters of their own time and choose their own paths without restriction.

d. In what ways were the roads in Kathmandu different from the ones in Sydney?

The roads in Sydney were far quieter and more organized when compared to the cacophonous, chaotic streets of Kathmandu.

e. How did walking help the author in the new country?

Walking served as an escape from pressures, a way to find pace and rhythm, a tool to navigate the new country, and a means to renew the circumstances of her life.

f. What were the treasures of Petersham, where the writer lived with her family?

The treasures of Petersham included a tiny park a minute down Parramatta Road, another park featuring a huge rock at one end, and the surrounding buffer zone suburbs.

g. What things became her permanent friends with whom she could share her feelings?

Natural components such as the earth, sky, trees, water, and air became her permanent friends with whom she shared her feelings.

h. Why did she feel that she had travelled to ‘a desert, to emptiness’ as she went to the United States?

She felt she had travelled to a desert because people there were frantically running after material pursuits and comfort, making her feel lonely and creating a communication barrier.

i. Why did the author eventually feel that the strange city was known to her?

She felt the strange city was known to her because she found its core essence—the natural world—to be similar to every other place on earth, echoing her hometown.

j. How did walking make her feel at home with different places she visited?

Walking filled her with thankfulness toward all the streets she walked on, as they helped shape her feet, her body, and her overall being.

Critical Thinking

a. Do you believe that walking helps us understand ourselves? Give reasons in support of your opinion.

Yes, walking helps us understand ourselves. It bridges physical exercise with emotional well-being by reducing anxiety, clearing the mind, and stimulating creative thinking. Walking alone in nature allows us to disconnect from daily noise, engage in self-reflection, and achieve self-realization, helping us understand who we truly are.

b. Think of one of your hobbies. How does this hobby relate to your psyche and self?

My favorite hobby is reading. It acts as an escape from the daily grind and transports me to different worlds while sitting comfortably at home. Reading broadens my imagination, improves analytical thinking, and deepens my empathy by exposing me to varied perspectives. It deeply shapes my inner psyche by fostering open-mindedness and continuous self-growth.

c. Many people turn their hobbies into careers. Is it good to turn one’s hobby into a career?

Turning a hobby into a career can be a blessing for those deeply passionate about it, but it can also backfire. Hobbies often serve as a vital form of escapism and relaxation. When monetized, the pressure of deadlines, financial dependence, and high expectations can strip away the joy and turn a comforting pastime into a stressful obligation.

Writing

Essay: Advantages of Morning Walk

The modern-day world is plagued by psychological disorders, poor health, and relentless stress. Many people live lives that are a mad rush from one task to another without any break, prioritizing work over health. However, effective remedies exist, and a morning walk is one of the most accessible and powerful tools to restore physical and mental well-being.

From childhood, we have heard the saying, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” This holds true because morning walks directly improve physical fitness, muscle tone, and overall bodily shape, shielding us against numerous diseases. Furthermore, morning walks foster a sense of equality and community as people from all walks of life share the quiet paths.

Above all, a morning walk infuses the body with energy, banishes laziness, and cultivates a positive mindset. It strengthens vital organs, particularly the heart, and provides quiet time to plan the day ahead. Incorporating a morning walk into your daily routine adds vitality and longevity to your life, making it an essential practice for people of all ages.

Grammar

B. Change the following sentences into passive voice:

• a. I want someone to love me. $\rightarrow$ I want to be loved.
• b. Someone broke into our house while we were on holiday. $\rightarrow$ Our house was broken into while we were on holiday.
• c. I don’t like people staring at me. $\rightarrow$ I don’t like being stared at.
• d. Is it true that someone stole your car? $\rightarrow$ Is it true that your car was stolen?
• e. The cat enjoys someone tickling him. $\rightarrow$ The cat enjoys being tickled.
• f. Would Swostika open the window? $\rightarrow$ Would the window be opened by Swostika?
• g. Did they confess the crime? $\rightarrow$ Was the crime confessed by them?
• h. He thinks that someone is teaching Jennie. $\rightarrow$ He thinks that Jennie is being taught.
• i. Sabina hates people laughing at her. $\rightarrow$ Sabina hates being laughed at.

C. Complete the following sentences:

• a. English people think that the number thirteen is unlucky. $\rightarrow$ The number thirteen is thought to be unlucky by English people.
• b. What are you wearing for the wedding? $\rightarrow$ Actually, I am having a suit made. They will give it tomorrow.
• c. The carpet in our drawing room is very dirty. $\rightarrow$ It needs to be cleaned.
• d. There are rumours that the factory at the corner is manufacturing bombs. $\rightarrow$ The factory at the corner is rumoured to be manufacturing bombs.
• e. Some people believe that Silajit from Jumla cures all indigestion problems. $\rightarrow$ Silajit from Jumla is believed to cure all digestion problems.
• f. People claim that Changu Narayan temple is the oldest temple in Nepal. $\rightarrow$ Changu Narayan temple is claimed to be the oldest temple in Nepal.
• g. Your car is making a terrible noise. $\rightarrow$ Thank you. I am not a mechanic and I will have it repaired soon.
• h. The police suspect that the criminal left the country. $\rightarrow$ The criminal is suspected to have left the country.
• i. Where are you going? $\rightarrow$ I am going to the stationery to get my document photocopied.
• j. People allege that the corrupt leader has embezzled millions of rupees. $\rightarrow$ The leader is alleged to have embezzled millions of rupees.