Working with words
A. Crossword Puzzle Clues & Answers
Across
- 1. outdated, of or relating to the Middle Ages : Medieval
- 3. the character and atmosphere of a place : Ambience
- 6. highly decorated : Ornate
- 7. beat with a strong, regular rhythm; survive : Throb
- 10. with the agreement of all people involved : Unanimously
- 11. the destructive effects of something : Ravages
Down
- 1. a large city : Metropolis
- 2. wandering from place to place without any purpose : Loitering
- 4. an unpleasant place; a place of extreme misery : Hellhole
- 5. an active revolt or uprising : Insurgency
- 8. paved with cobbles : Cobbled
- 9. prosperous and growing; flourishing : Thriving
B. Dictionary Meanings
- Amenities: A desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place.
- Exquisite: Extremely beautiful and delicate.
- Etiquette: The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.
- Accommodation: A room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay.
- Mainstay: A person or thing on which something else is based or depends.
- Antique: Having a high value because of age and quality.
C. Underline the Content Words in the Following Sentences
(Note: Content words carry the primary lexical meaning—nouns, main verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Function words like articles, prepositions, and auxiliary verbs are excluded.)
- a. The cat sat lazily on the dirty mat.
- b. She gives performances on the stage beautifully.
- c. Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
- d. I came, I saw, I conquered.
- e. It is my life, my very identity.
Comprehension
Answer the following questions:
- a. Why did the author and his classmates decide to visit Bandipur?
- Answer: The author and his classmates decided to visit Bandipur because all of them were fed up with the hectic pace of life in the Kathmandu metropolis.
- b. What is special about Bandipur?
- Answer: Bandipur is special because it is a place where old Nepal still lives on in that cool, cobbled Newar settlement.
- c. How has the business changed in Bandipur today?
- Answer: Today, the traditional variety of business has changed into tourism-related business in Bandipur.
- d. Why do the local people who have migrated to Kathmandu visit Bandipur time and again?
- Answer: The local people who have migrated to Kathmandu visit Bandipur time and again because they want to escape and be free from the hectic life of Kathmandu.
- e. How do the local people learn to speak English in Bandipur?
- Answer: The local people learn to speak English in Bandipur from the local school children.
- f. What does the author mean when he says that ‘time stops in the town of Bandipur’?
- Answer: When the author says that “time stops in the town of Bandipur,” he means to appreciate the natural beauty and timeless tranquility of Bandipur, which captivates visitors so completely that everyone gets lost in its peaceful atmosphere and originality.
Critical Thinking
a. The writer seems to believe that rural life is better than urban life. Do you agree with him?
Answer: Yes, I agree with the writer that rural life is often better than urban life in terms of well-being and peace of mind. First and foremost, tranquil surroundings and natural environments offer a perfect escape to unwind from the rat-race and hustle-and-bustle of city life. Rural areas are less crowded, less polluted, and boast fresh air and well-conserved scenery.
While city living offers better infrastructure, career prospects, and educational facilities, it frequently brings chronic stress, noise pollution, and isolation. Therefore, living in a rural area provides a healthier balance for the soul, making it a superior choice for those seeking true peace and relaxation.
b. Is the writer’s way of looking at Bandipur just a gaze of an urban tourist? Why? Why not?
Answer: No, the writer’s way of looking at Bandipur is not just the superficial gaze of an ordinary urban tourist. He doesn’t visit Bandipur merely to check off a destination; rather, deeply fatigued by his hectic life in Kathmandu, he seeks genuine psychological and emotional refuge.
Throughout his stay, he connects intimately with the local culture, traditions, organic foods, and community behaviors. He reflects deeply on the lifestyle changes, community resilience, and historical preservation of the town. His appreciation goes far beyond sightseeing—he feels a heartfelt connection that provides the deep mental refreshment he desperately needed. Thus, his perspective is that of a reflective seeker rather than a casual tourist.
Grammar
A. Tick the correct option:
- a. He has obtained full marks.
- b. More than two boys were absent.
- c. One of the boys was not found there.
- d. His wonder knew no bounds.
- e. I give you my word.
- f. He gave me much good advice.
- g. He gave wrong information.
- h. Give me two dozen eggs.
- i. Six miles is a long distance.
- j. The clock has struck four hours. (Note: “four hours” specifies duration, whereas “four” alone indicates hours struck).
- k. Would you lend me a ten-rupee note?
- l. Nepal government makes a five-year development plan.
- m. They went to Singapore on a four-day trip.
B. Choose the correct sentence in each pair and rewrite it:
- a. All my books are lost. (Incorrect: My all books are lost)
- b. Both his brothers are ill. (Incorrect: His both brothers are ill)
- c. Give me a hundred rupees. (Incorrect: Give me a hundred rupee)
- d. Everybody except me was absent. (Incorrect: Everybody except I was absent)
- e. He died of fever. (Incorrect: He was died of fever)
- f. It has been raining for a week. (Incorrect: It is raining for a week)
- g. I saw my friend long ago. (Incorrect: I have seen my friend long ago)
- h. My friend had gone out before I arrived. (Incorrect: My friend has gone out before I arrived)
- i. He said he had never seen him before. (Incorrect: He said he has never seen him before)
- j. He assured he would come. (Incorrect: He assured he will come)
Discussion
Share a helpful question, idea, or explanation with other students.