Unit-8 Hobbies & Interest

8.1 Common Habits

A. Write synonyms and antonyms for the following words from the text.

a. unrevealed (synonym)- hidden

b. sharpen (synonym)- hone

c. boring (antonym)- exciting

d. unexcited (antonym)- passionate

e. healing (synonym)-therapeutic

f. frame (synonym)-easel

B. Find the meanings of the following words/phrases from a dictionary and use them in sentences of your own.

a. Ignite – to set something on fire or to start something burning; to arouse or inspire strong emotions or reactions.

He used a matchstick to ignite the candles on the birthday cake.

b. In-demand – very popular or desired by many people.

Due to her skills and experience, she was always in demand in the job market.

c. Let off – to release or discharge something or someone; to excuse or forgive someone from blame or punishment.

The police officer let off the driver with a warning instead of issuing a ticket.

d. A notch – a V-shaped cut or indentation; a degree or level of measurement.

He turned up the volume a notch so that he could hear the music more clearly.

e. Passionate – having or expressing strong emotions or feelings; enthusiastic or zealous about something.

She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and works tirelessly to promote their welfare.

f. Refurbishing – renovating, repairing or restoring something to make it look or work like new again.

The company is currently refurbishing their old office building to modernize it and improve working conditions.

g. A blog – a website or online platform where a writer or group of writers share their opinions, experiences or information on a particular topic.

Sentence: She writes a fashion blog where she posts about her personal style and fashion trends.

h. Hanging out – spending time with someone in a relaxed or casual way; loitering or lingering in a public place.

We spent the afternoon hanging out at the beach, playing volleyball and enjoying the sun.

C. Write True if the information is true, False if it is false and NG, if the information is not given in the text.

a. Outdoor hobbies are more popular than indoor hobbies. – False

b. You need more effort for reading than for other hobbies. – False

c. Only good dancers choose dancing as their hobby. – False

d. Antiques are also used for interior decoration in a house. – NG

e. Paintings can be used to express your feelings. – True

f. People who choose photography as their hobbies are pro photographers. – False

g. Keeping journals helps people become successful. – True

h. Flexibility in time and place is the best part of knitting.- True

D. Answer these questions.

a. What aspects of our life influence the hobbies we choose?

The aspects of our lives that influence the hobbies we choose include our interests, personality, skills, cultural values, and availability of resources.

b. What makes reading the most popular hobby?

Reading is the most popular hobby because it is a versatile activity that can be enjoyed alone or with others, it can be done anywhere, and it provides opportunities for learning entertainment, and personal growth.

c. How can people practise dancing?

People can practise dancing by putting some music on in their living room, or joining a dance studio, or taking some online dancing courses.

d. What things are necessary for one to go with painting?

Some paints and brushes are the things that are necessary for one to go with painting.

e. Write the benefits of doing photography.

Doing photography allows us to preserve memories, and create beautiful pictures that we can display on our walls.

f. Why has writing become a popular hobby?

Writing has become a popular hobby because of the freedom it offers. People can write about anything and everything, from how they spent their day to new recipes.

g. How can knitting be rewarding to a person?

Knitting can be rewarding to a person because it gives us the chance to make good use of our free time.

E. Do you think a person’s hobby really helps him/her in a professional career? Discuss.

Yes, a person’s hobby can help them in their professional career. Engaging in a hobby can develop skills that are transferable to the workplace, such as creativity, time management, problem-solving, and attention to detail. For example, a person who enjoys photography may develop an eye for detail and composition that can be applied to graphic design or marketing. Likewise, a person who enjoys playing team sports may develop leadership and communication skills that can be valuable in a management role. Additionally, having a hobby that one is passionate about can help to reduce stress and increase job satisfaction, leading to higher productivity and better job performance. Overall, a person’s hobby can be a valuable asset in their professional career, providing transferable skills, stress relief, and increased job satisfaction.

Grammar I

A. Complete the following sentences with the correct passive forms of the verbs.

a. Ganga feeds the clogs.

The dogs are fed by Ganga.

b. The police catch a lot of criminals in London.

A lot of criminals are caught in London.

c. They often help us.

We are often helped.

d. They don’t rent cars there.

Cars aren’t rented there.

e. Do you turn the laptop on first?

Is the laptop turned on first?

f. Somebody follows me home every evening.

Every evening I am followed home.

g. We usually leave a saucer of milk for the cat.

A saucer of milk is usually left for the cat.

h. I like journalists following me on the way.

I like being followed on the way.

i. I loathe people pulling my hair.

I loathe having my hair pulled.

j. Ashmina adores teachers checking her notebooks.

Ashmina adores having her notebooks checked.

k. Deuniya does not mind anyone mocking at him.

Deuniya does not mind being mocked at him.

B. Change the following sentences into passive voice.

a. The gardener waters the flowers every day.

The flowers are watered every day by the gardener.

b. People see foxes in their gardens at night.

Foxes are seen in their gadens at night.

c. We expect students not to talk during examination.

Students are expected not to talk during examination.

d. Rivers of fresh water form this lake.

This lake is formed by rivers of fresh water.

e. National parks attract many domestic and foreign tourists.

Many domestic and foreign tourists are attracted by National parks.

f. They promise him higher wages.

He is promised hight wages.

g. Does Biraj always beat Balgopal?

Is Balgopal always beaten by Biraj?

h. Nobody knows the secret.

The secret is not known.

i. They are sure to help the helpless.

The helpless are sure to be helped.

j. Scientists have to discover a more effective vaccine for Covid-19.

A more effective vaccine for Covi-19 has to be discovered by scientists.

k. What do they prefer to eat?

What is preferred to eat?

l. Sources say most people in the region are still illiterate.

Most of the people are said to be still illiterate.

Writing I

People have different hobbies and interests which may lead them to the careers they adopt. Write an essay on your hobbies explaining how they might influence your career.

My Hobby

Hobbies are activities that we enjoy doing in our leisure time. They provide us with a sense of fulfilment, relaxation, and joy. However, what many people fail to realize is that hobbies can also influence our career choices. By exploring our passions and interests, we can gain insights into the type of work that would be most fulfilling for us. In this essay, we will explore the ways in which hobbies can shape our career paths.

Firstly, hobbies can help us discover our strengths and weaknesses. When we engage in activities we enjoy, we are more likely to excel at them. For example, if someone has a hobby of playing chess, it can indicate that they have strong analytical and strategic skills. This can lead them to a career in finance, management, or even game development. On the other hand, if someone has a hobby of writing, it can indicate that they have strong communication skills and creativity, which can lead them to a career in journalism, writing, or marketing.

Secondly, hobbies can provide us with a network of like-minded individuals who share similar interests. This can help us gain insights into different career paths that we may not have considered before. For example, if someone is passionate about photography, they may join a photography club or online community. This can help them gain insights into different career paths such as wedding photography, photojournalism, or even advertising.

Thirdly, hobbies can help us develop important skills that are transferable to the workplace. For example, if someone enjoys playing sports, it can indicate that they have teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. These skills are highly valued in the workplace and can be applied to a wide range of careers, including sales, marketing, and management.

Lastly, hobbies can provide us with a sense of purpose and meaning. When we engage in activities that we are passionate about, we feel more fulfilled and satisfied. This can lead us to seek out careers that align with our values and beliefs. For example, if someone has a hobby of volunteering at a local animal shelter, it can indicate that they have a strong sense of compassion and a desire to help others. This can lead them to a career in social work, non-profit organizations, or even veterinary medicine.

In conclusion, hobbies are not just activities that we enjoy doing in our free time. They can also provide us with insights into our strengths, weaknesses, and interests. By exploring our passions and interests, we can gain insights into the type of work that would be most fulfilling for us. So, if you have a hobby that you are passionate about, take some time to reflect on how it might influence your career path. Who knows, it might just lead you to your dream job.

8.2 Climbing

A. Find the words from the text above that have the following meanings.

a. a small flash of light, especially a reflected one- glint

b. main branch of a tree-bough

c. a little tower of a building or a castle- turret

d. a set of steps leading from one floor of a building to another- stair

e. causing great wonder; extraordinary- marvelous

B. Choose the correct answer.

a. What does the speaker view from the branch of the tree?

i. the sky

ii. the earth iii. the town

iii. the town

b. What aids the speaker to go up and up?

i. the apple tree ii. the branches on the tree iii. a stair bought for her support

ii. the branches on the tree

c. What does the speaker compare the glow of a dome with?

i. a turret ii. a spire

iii. sea foam

d. Which of the following statements is true?

i. The speaker used to climb onto the tree top.

ii. The speaker is sure to get to the top of the tree now.

iii. The tree leaves will certainly prevent her from going higher and higher.

ii. The speaker is sure to get to the top of the tree now.

e. Which of the following statements carries the message of the poem?

i. We should not give up in the middle of any situation or a goal.

ii. Be satisfied with what you have at the moment.

iii. We cannot enter heaven without a staircase.

iv. We should not give up in the middle of any situation or goal.

C. Answer these questions.

a. Why does the speaker want to climb on the tree?

The speaker wants to climb on the tree to see the town shining up.

b. What things are shining brightly when viewed from above?

A turret and dome are shining brightly when viewed from above.

c. Is it the first time that the speaker has climbed up the tree? How do you know?

No, it is not the first time that the speaker has climbed up the tree. She says that before she always had to stop, but today she is sure she will reach the top. This implies that she has attempted the climb before.

d. Make a list of words from the poem which describe the light or brightness.

shining

gleam

glint

glittering

flash

e. What do the sky and the earth symbolise in the poem?

The sky represents the ultimate goal or destination, while the earth represents the starting point or the journey towards that goal. The sky and the earth emphasize the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the top of the tree or achieving one’s goals.

D. “The more determined you are, the better opportunity you will achieve in life and obtain what you want in life.” Do you agree with this statement? Discuss.

On one hand, a determination can play a significant role in achieving one’s goals. Being determined and persistent in pursuing a particular objective can lead to increased motivation and focus, making it more likely that one will overcome obstacles and reach their desired outcome. It can also help individuals develop a strong work ethic and a positive mindset, which can be beneficial in all areas of life.

On the other hand, simply being determined may not always be enough to guarantee success. Other factors, such as access to resources and opportunities, socioeconomic status, and systemic barriers, can all impact an individual’s ability to achieve their goals, regardless of how determined they are. Additionally, being overly fixated on a particular outcome can lead to tunnel vision and prevent individuals from being open to alternative paths or opportunities that may ultimately lead to greater success or fulfilment.

While determination can be an important factor in achieving one’s goals, it is not the only factor. Success is often the result of a combination of factors, including hard work, determination, access to resources, and sometimes even luck. It is important to recognize the role that determination can play, but also to acknowledge that success is not always solely determined by an individual’s level of determination.

Grammar II

Now, change the following sentences with passive voice using ‘being’ or ‘having’.

a. Puja hates people shouting at her in the street.

Puja hates being shouted at in the street.

b. Jahagir can’t stand beggars wiping his feet.

Jahagir can’t stand having his feet wiped.

c. Our class teacher detests students flattering her.

Our class teacher detests being flattered.

d. The headteacher likes teachers checking students’ homeworks.

The headteacher likes having students’ homeworks checked.

e. The actress does not mind journalists following her.

The actress does not mind being followed.

f. Rebika prefers people writing to her better than talking to her on the lines.

Rebika prefers being written to better than talked to on the lines.

B. Change the following sentences into active voice.

a. A lot of books are stored online by various sites.

Various sites store a lot of books.

b. Computers are repaired with warranty here.

We repair computers with warranty here.

c. Chinese is rarely spoken in our community.

People in our community rarely speak Chinese.

d. The criminal is thought to have fled to another country.

Police think that the criminal has fled to another country.

e. It is believed that the film can spell the spectators.

Many believe that the film can spell the spectators.

f. It is expected that the war is going to end soon.

We expect the war is going to end soon.

g. She is supposed to be married.

They suppose she is married.

h. I hate being kept waiting.

I hate people keeping waiting me.

i. She loves having her clothes praised.

She loves me praising her clothers.

j. This road is not very often used.

People do not use this road very often.

k. Ajima is never punished by teachers.

Teachers never punish Ajima.

l. Many accidents are caused by speeding.

Speeding causes many accidents.

Writing II

A. Imagine you are the headteacher of a school and your school has a vacancy for the post of Secondary Level English teacher. Write an advertisement for the post mentioning the required academic qualification, experience, deadline and other necessary information.

Vacancy Announcement

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Secondary Level English Teacher.

Key Responsibilities:

– Delivering high-quality English language lessons to secondary-level students

– Preparing lesson plans and teaching materials to meet the needs of diverse learners

– Assessing students’ progress and providing timely feedback to students and parents

– Collaborating with colleagues to plan and implement a comprehensive English language curriculum

– Participating in school activities and events as required

Qualifications and Requirements:

– Bachelor’s degree in English language

– Teaching certification or licensure

– At least 3 years of experience teaching English language at the secondary level

– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

– Strong organizational and time management skills

– Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to abcschool@gmail.com no later than March 20, 2023. Please indicate “Secondary Level English Teacher” in the subject line of your email.

SkulTech Academy

Pokhara, Nepal

B. Paraphrase the following text.

paraphrased text

Historically, women were predominantly perceived as caregivers and homemakers. However, in recent years, they have started to make notable progress in entering the workforce. Although achieving complete gender equality with men is still a distant goal, there has been noticeable improvement in the situation.

Paraphrased text

During the 1920s, Elton Mayo, a scholar from America, conducted research on how the physical environment influenced workers’ productivity. The study, commonly known as the Hawthorne Studies after the electrical company where it was conducted, discovered that minor changes to the workplace, like adjusting lighting or room arrangement, could stimulate workers to increase their productivity.