Expect the Unexpected

Reading I: Expect the Unexpected

A. Complete the sentences below with the correct words from the text.

Answer:

a. The village nestled comfortably among the hills.

b. The garden was a riot of colour.

c. Sophie liked cooking, gardening and painting murals.

d. Prita screamed loudly when she saw the grisly spider on her foot.

e. This is our privilege to study in such a resourceful school.

f. He showed no vestiges of regret for his crime.

g. We have been the victim of a computer virus incredibly.

h. We were never colonized by any foreign country.

B. Read the text again and tick in the correct table.

Answer:

a. Cycle around the village: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan

b. Visit Durbar squares: Kathmandu

c. Go paragliding: Pokhara

d. Hang out with local people even at night: Kathmandu, Chitwan

e. Meet sadhus and take photographs with them: Kathmandu

f. Walk up to the hill and view the Himalayan ranges: Pokhara

g. Watch the sunrise: Pokhara

C. Answer the following questions.

Answer:

a. Mention the three things that amazed the writer in Kathmandu. Ans: The three things that amazed the writer in Kathmandu are: murals on the street walls, people's smiles on their faces, and outdoor cremation at the Pashupatinath temple.

b. What indicates that street art is rising in Kathmandu? Ans: Colourful walls and the murals there indicate that street art is rising in Kathmandu.

c. Name the two World Heritage Monuments located in Kathmandu. Ans: The two World Heritage Monuments located in Kathmandu are: the Pashupatinath temple and the Durbar squares.

d. How do the Nepalis perceive death, according to the writer? Ans: According to the writer, Nepalis perceive death as an everyday experience.

e. What two special things does the writer mention about the Pashupatinath Temple? Ans: The writer mentions about the Pashupatinath Temple that there are sadhus, the temple is a World Heritage Site, and there is an outdoor cremation place.

f. What does Chitwan National Park offer to its visitors? Ans: Chitwan National Park offers wildlife, jeep safari, canoeing, cycling, etc. to its visitors.

g. Whom does the writer recommend to visit Chitwan? Ans: The writer recommends physically active travellers to visit Chitwan.

h. Write any two things that visitors can do in Pokhara. Ans: Two things that visitors can do in Pokhara are: paragliding and trekking.

i. What is Sarangkot known for? Ans: Sarangkot is known for watching the sunrise.

j. How did the writer feel when he was leaving Nepal? Ans: The writer felt very sad and nearly cried when he was leaving Nepal.

D. If you were given the opportunity to visit one of the places mentioned in the text, which one would it be? Give reasons for your choice.

Answer:

If I were given the chance to visit, I would choose Pokhara. It is because I would like to see the sunrise from Sarangkot. I want to stay there in a homestay. I want to go boating and see the caves there. All these things are not available in the other places mentioned.

Grammar I

A. Match the sentence in column A with their question tags in column B.

Answer:

a. They don't need to come this evening, do they?

b. Ram is working on that, isn't he?

c. Ram's parents have retired, haven't they?

d. It was raining that day, wasn't it?

e. You hadn't met me before, had you?

f. He never came again, did he?

g. She can rarely come these days, can she?

h. You hardly ever came late, did you?

i. I barely know you, do I?

j. You would scarcely expect her to know that, would you?

k. Nothing will happen, will it?

l. I am right, aren't I?

m. You have to go, don't you?

n. I have been answering, haven't I?

o. Nothing came in the post, did it?

B. Supply the correct question tags.

Answer:

a. This'll work, won't it?

b. Well, I couldn't help it, could I?

c. But you don't really love her, do you?

d. We'd never have known, would we?

e. The weather's bad, isn't it?

f. You won't be late, will you?

g. Nobody knows, do they?

h. You have a bath daily, don't you?

i. You couldn't help me, could you?

j. Shut up, will you?

k. She's been working hard the whole day, hasn't she?

l. He was admitted to a hospital last night, wasn't he?

m. You can make it, can't you?

n. Don't forget, will you?

o. Let's have some fun, shall we?

p. Let us chat, will you?

q. Your phone didn't break down, did it?

Writing I

A. Write a short travelogue featuring a place you have recently visited. Use the clues given below.

Answer:

I have visited a scenic town in the hills with my parents. We had planned to visit it to observe the natural beauty around the bazaar. It is a scenic and tranquil town located in the hills of Nepal, known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. A trip there offers visitors the opportunity to explore stunning Himalayan landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, glistening rivers, and lush green forests. The town is also home to several Buddhist monasteries, temples, and traditional villages that offer insight into the local culture and way of life. Outdoor enthusiasts can engage in various activities such as hiking, trekking, and camping, while those seeking a more relaxed experience can enjoy scenic walks, picnics, and meditation in the peaceful surroundings. Overall, the trip is a perfect getaway for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to connect with nature and culture. A small purpose of our visit was to see the hydro project there. I saw it, took photographs and learnt how bigger dams are made.