People and Places

People and Places

Reading I

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

a. Insipid lacking taste

b. Inscribed wrote words

c. Tangled twisted together

d. Suffocating causing difficulty in breathing a particular attitude towards

B. Complete the sentences below choosing the correct words from the text.

a. The word ‘calm’ is opposite in meaning to restless.

b. The phrase passed away means ‘died’.

c. The word invisible means incapable of being seen.

d. The word ‘wish’ and desire are synonyms.

e. The word soiling means making dirty.

C. State whether the following statements are true or false.

a. Jhamak Ghimire defines her life as a beautiful flower of creation. True

b. According to her, our fortune decides how our life will be. True

c. The author was happy with how she spent her childhood. False

d. People blamed Jhamak herself for her physical disability. True

e. According to the writer, Homer was incomplete because he was physically incapable. False

f. Jhamak could make grandmother happy with her voice. False

g. Jhamak’s grandmother still looks after her. True

D. Answer these questions.

a. Why does Jhamak think her life as a burdensome life?

Ans: Jhamak thinks her life is burdensome because she feels robbed by fate and believes she lacks the sweetness and joy of life.

b. When does the fortune draw a line of fate?

Ans: The fortune is believed to draw a line of fate on the night when a newly born child is bathed, washed, made clean, and put her to sleep with an exercise book and a pen under her pillow.

c. How did people respond to her life? Was she happy with their behavior?

Ans: People responded to Jhamak’s life with displeasure and anger. They considered her cursed by the gods and blamed er for her physical disability. Their behavior lacked sympathy and love towards her. Jhamak was not happy with their behavior towards her.

d. Who does Thamak compare herself with? What made them different from Jhamak?

Ans: Jhamak compares herself to figures such as Homer, Nikolai Otrovsky, and Helen Keller. Despite their physical weaknesses, they made substantial contributions and offered unique perspectives on the human experience before their deaths. However, the key distinction lies in the recognition and appreciation they received, whereas Jhamak encountered criticism and negative attitudes throughout her journey.

e. Did achieving awareness become a curse for her? Why?

Ans: Yes, achieving awareness became a curse for her as it made her aware of her desires and dreams that she could not fulfill due to her physical limitations. She longed to speak, walk, and engage with others but lacked the voice and physical strength to do so. The awareness of her limitations intensified her pain.

f. How does Jhamak picturise her family’s economic condition during her childhood?

Ans: Jhamak portrays her family’s economic condition during her childhood as challenging. It was difficult for them to manage two meals a day, and her parents often went hungry. Despite the economic hardships, her grandmother, who loved her dearly, would feed and care for her, even sacrificing her own meals.

E. Read the opening chapter of ‘Jivan Kadan Ki Phul’ in Nepali and narrate the story of Jhamak’s life in your own words.

Ans: Jhamak’s life began amidst adversity, and she questions whether her existence can be considered a beautiful creation. Despite enduring hardship, she has survived, though she perceives her life as burdened by harsh truths. From her birth, Jhamak felt that unfortunate lines of fate were written for her, despite her mother’s ritual to change it. She has endured a life devoid of joy and human sympathies, feeling as though she lived like an animal.

Society has treated Jhamak with disdain and anger due to her physical disability, making her question why she is considered incomplete while celebrated figures like Homer, Nikolai Otrovsky, and Helen Keller, who also faced physical weakness, are revered. She recognizes her wife as unequal and marked by limitations that have kept her from fulfilling basic desires.

Despite these challenges, Jhamak fondly recalls her grandmother’s love and care, even in difficult economic circumstances. Her grandmother’s selflessness in providing for her,

even when it meant going without herself, is a source of gratitude and warmth in Jhamak’s life.

In summary, Jhamak’s early life was filled with adversity, physical limitations, and economic struggles. Yet, she finds beauty and meaning in the unwavering love and support of her grandmother. Despite her challenges, she continues to face life with determination and resilience.

Grammar

A. Read the conversation below and underline the relative clauses used in it.

Swikriti: Abdul, look at this photo.

Abdul: Is this Sahara, the girl who plays the piano?

Swikriti: No, this is Reema, the girl who won the singing competition last year.

B. Fill in the gaps With the correct relative pronouns.

a. I admired the player whose performance was fantastic.

b. We had some juice which was in the fridge.

c. She didn’t tell her teacher about her problem which was her mistake.

d. My mother, who is farmer, grows a lot of vegetables.

e. You are my friend whom I want to sit with.

f. I want to help those children whose economic condition is very bad.

g. This is the road where the accident took place.

h. The mobile phone, which I bought six years ago, is still working.

i. It was in 2015 when the earthquake hit Nepal badly.

j. Marima is a wonderful lady whom everyone can trust.

C. Join the following pairs of sentences as in the example.

a. The letter reached me this morning. My friend sent it from abroad.

The letter, which my friend sent from abroad, reached me this morning.

b. This is the palace. Bhimsen built it.

This is the palace that Bhimsen built.

c. The boy committed cybercrime. The judge sent him to the jail.

The boy whom the judge sent to the jail committed cybercrime.

d. He is a liar. You should not believe him.

He is a liar whom you should not believe.

e. I know an artist. He moves with an artificial leg.

– I know an artist who moves with an artificial leg.

f. Bring me the file. The file is about our new project.

– Bring me the file which is about our new project.

g. We met a girl. The girl had lost her way.

-We met a girl who had lost her way.

h. I saw a soldier. His bravery impressed everyone.

– I saw a soldier whose bravery impressed everyone.

i. Once upon a time, there lived a giant in a forest. Nobody dared to go there.

– Once upon a time, there lived a giant in a forest where nobody dared to go.

j. The dog took away the ball. The kids were playing it.

– The dog took away the ball that the kids were playing.

Writing I

Write a short biography of Nepali literary figure Til Bikram Nembang Limbu aka Bairagi Kainla. Use the outlines given below.

Bairngi Kainla: A Star of Nepalese Literature

Bairngi Kainla, also known as Til Bikram Nembang Limbu, was born on August 9, 1939, in Pauchthar, Nepal. Despite facing limited resources and opportunities, he became a prominent figure in Nepali literature, leaving a lasting impact with his contributions.

Bairngi Kainla received his early education at home, learning the basics of reading and writing from local teachers. His passion for literature and language grew as he immersed himself in the world of words, gradually honing his skills as a poet.

Throughout his career, Bairngi Kainla produced several notable publications, including “Bairagi Kainlaka Kavitaharu,” “Sappok-Chomen: Limbu Jatima Kokh-Puja,” and “Nawacoit Mundhum,” among others. These works demonstrate his deep understanding of language, culture, and spirituality.

Bairngi Kainla’s contributions extended beyond his literary achievements. He served as the Chancellor of the Nepal Academy, playing a crucial role in promoting and preserving the Nepali language and literature. His dedication to his craft and involvement in the literary community significantly influenced and nurtured the Nepali literary scene.

Recognized for his exceptional talent and contributions, Bairngi Kainla received numerous awards and accolades. He was honored with the prestigious Jagdamba Shree Award in 2076 B.S. Additionally, he received the Sajha Puraskar in 2031 B.S. and the Vishist Shrasta Samman in 2066 B.S., among others.

Bairngi Kainla’s literary journey and his pioneering role in the Tesro Aayam (Third Dimension) movement have left an indelible mark on Nepali literature. His deep understanding of language, exploration of cultural nuances, and artistic expressions continue to inspire and resonate with readers, ensuring his legacys a respected and influential figure in Nepali literature.

Sugarloaf Mountain: 5 Interesting Facts

Reading II

A. Match these words with their meanings.

a. landmark: an object or structure on land that is easy to see and recognize

b. spectacular: very impressive

c. sprawling: covered with buildings across a large area

d. tranquil: calm, quiet, and peaceful

e. blockbusters: very successful films

f. fortifications: walls or other constructions built to strengthen a place against attack

g. peninsula: a piece of land that is almost entirely surrounded by water and is attached to a larger land area

h. bustling: full of lively activity.

B. We can form adjectives by adding -ing or ‘-ed’ at the end of the verbs as in sprawling, bustling and unfolding in the text. Complete the following sentences by changing the verb in the brackets into an adjective by adding -ing’ or ‘ed’ Answer:

a. The children were annoyed when they missed the beginning of the movie.

b. Have you read Agni by Nabarai Lamsal? It’s a great book if you are interested in reading poems.

c. The result of the game was surprising The best team didn’t win!

d. I don’t enjoy going out with Sumi.

She’s the most boring person I’ve ever mot.

e. The students were so excited when their school decided to take them on a trip.

f. Angela was quite terrified when she was flying for the first time.

g. I love to go to the fairs because they perform very interesting_magic.

C. Match the paragraphs in Reading II with their correct headings.

A: Rock Climbing

B: Neighboring Mountains

C: Hollywood Star

D: Guanabara Bay.

E: Awesome Cable Car Ride

D. Answer these questions.

a. Where is Sugarloaf Mountain located?

Ans: Sugarloaf Mountain is located at the entrance to Guanabara Bay in Southeastern Brazil.

b. How did the mountain get the name ‘Sugarloaf Mountain’?

Ans: The mountain got the name ‘Sugarloaf Mountain for its unique shape that resembles a traditional form of refined sugar used in the 19th century.

c. Do you think many people can do rock-climbing at a time when they visit the mountain Why?

Ans: Yes, many people can do rock- climbing at a time when they visit the mountain because there are 270 different routes there.

d. Which of the sites do you think the children would love to visit? Why?

Ans: I think the children would love to visit Morro de Urca because this place offers the children a good playing area.

e. Name the first film in which Sugarloaf Mountain was featured.

Ans: The first film in which Sugarloaf Mountain was featured was ‘Now, Voyager’.

f. What is historic about Guanabara Bay?

Ans: Guanabara Bay was home to several fortifications built by the colonial government in the 16th century.

g. What should you do to enjoy the best scene of Guanabara Bay?

Ans: To enjoy the best scene of Guanabara Bay, I should take the two cable cars that take me to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. From there, I can enjoy stunning views of Rio de Janeiro, including the beautiful natural scenery of Guanabara Bay and the surrounding area.

h. Do you think a visitor should ride the cable cars while visiting the mountain? Why?

Ans: Yes, a visitor should ride the cable cars while visiting the mountain to see beautiful scenes below.

E. Do you think a visitor should ride cable cars while visiting the mountain? Why? Which of the facts of Sugarloaf Mountain interested you the most? Give reasons.

Answer: I would like to see Guanabara Bay that is in front of Sugar Loaf Mountain because it is beautiful to look at and has historical significance of 16th century. Guanabara is made up of more than 130 islands and surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

Reading 2 Grammar II

A. Complete the following sentences choosing the correct preposition from the brackets.

Answer:

a. I love to travel. Therefore, I went to Delhi by plane last week.

b. Namrata visited Lumbini in 2002.

c. My best friend lives in a beautiful house across the street.

d. We had to walk up to the edge of tha desert to find water.

e. The Prime Minister died from head injury a few days after his accident.

f. My family has been living in Dharan for two years.

g. I am very pleased to meet you.

h. He is a tall boy with long brown hair.

i. Guman Singh is a student at Tribhuvan University.

j. On November 2, we will start our new semester.

k. I love your house by the river.

I. She misses her grandfather because she has not met him for ages.

B. Complete the text below with the correct prepositions.

Answer:

I live in Bhairahawa, but every summer I like to travel to Pokhara. I am afraid of travelling by plane. Last summer I decided I would travel by. bus. According to the ticket I received from the travel agency, the bus would leave Pokhara at 9:15 pm on Friday and arrive in Pokhara the following day at 5:30 in the morning. The travel would include boating in Fewa Lake from one end of the lake to another end. We would also drive to different beautiful places. It would be really wonderful.

Reading 2 Writing II

There are many tourist destinations in Nepal. Choose one of them and write a letter or an email to your foreign friend mentioning interesting facts about the place. Also invite him/her to visit the place.

Name of the place: Melamchi

Location: Sindhupalchok District Accessibility: 4 hour drive from Kathmandu, Araniko Highway Major attractions: Green forest, white water, Gumbas, Local food Contact information: Melamchi Municipality

office.

Email: [email protected]

Entry requirements: None

Answer:

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: About Kathmandu city In Nepal

Dear friend Kazi, I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out and extend invitation to visit me here in Kathmandu, Nepal. I’ve been living here for some time now, and I think you would really enjoy exploring the city and experiencing the unique culture and traditions of Nepal. Kathmandu is a vibrant and bustling city, with a rich history and a diverse mix of people and cultures. There are so many things to see and do here, from visiting ancient temples and historical sites to trying delicious Nepali cuisine and shopping in locat markets.

I would be more than happy to show you around and take you to some of favorite spots in the city. We could explore the bustling streets of Thamel, visit the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, or take a trip to the nearby hills and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas. Additionally, the weather in Kathmandu is fantastic in most of the time of year, with clear blue skies and warm temperatures. It’s the perfect time to plan a visit and enjoy all that this incredible city

has to offer.

Let me know if you’re interested in visiting, and we can work out the details. I can’t wait to show you around and share the beauty and culture of Nepal with you.

Best regards 
Raj Subedi