Walt Disney: An Example of Struggle and Success

Reading I: Walt Disney: An Example of Struggle and Success

A. Use the correct words/phrases given below to complete the sentences.

(domineering, solace, apprentice, bankrupt, afloat, mounting, harness, plotting, perseverance, colossal) Answer:

a. Ram had to sell his house to keep his business afloat.

b. He was accused of plotting the robbery of the bank.

c. Scientists are trying to harness the sun's rays as a new source of energy.

d. Many companies went bankrupt during the economic depression.

e. Courage and perseverance are the keys to success in life.

f. The government had mounting pressure from the public to withdraw the bill.

g. After his graduation, he worked as an apprentice electrician in a company.

h. The government spent a colossal amount of money on the renovation of the historical buildings.

i. Ram was brought up by an unkind, domineering stepmother.

j. Ram took solace in the company of his mates.

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

Answer:

a. make ends meet: to have enough money to cover expenses. It is difficult to make ends meet for teachers.

b. silver lining: the bright side of something. I can see the silver lining of my business.

c. nervous breakdown: psychological disorder. Ram went through a nervous breakdown when he failed the exam three times.

d. drop out: to leave a place. He dropped out of school because he couldn't improve his studies.

e. kick in the teeth: a humiliating insult. When I asked my close friend for money, I got a kick in the teeth.

f. set off: to begin a journey. He set off for India in search of better opportunities.

C. The following sentences represent some events in Disney's life. Study and rewrite them in chronological order.

Answer:

a. Disney left home and went to France to work as an ambulance driver.

b. He returned to Chicago and worked as a trainee at an art studio.

c. The cartoon company collapsed.

d. He created the characters Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse.

e. Disney suffered severe mental and emotional illness.

f. He shifted his focus from big screens to television shows.

g. He successfully founded the famous Disneyland.

D. Answer these questions.

Answer:

a. How was Walt Disney's childhood? Ans: Walt Disney's childhood was not so good. He suffered from a domineering father.

b. Describe Disney's family background. Ans: Walt Disney was one of five siblings. His childhood was not so good. He suffered from a domineering and abusive father. They were poor too.

c. What did Disney do after his failure in the first business? Ans: After his failure in the first business, he tried acting.

d. How was the character of Mickey Mouse created? Ans: After many years of eating beans and driving up his debt, the character of Mickey Mouse was created.

e. Why did Disney have a mental breakdown? Ans: Disney had a mental breakdown because his employer stole his best animation film.

f. Which of his films were commercially unsuccessful? Ans: Pinocchio, Fantasia and Bambi were commercially unsuccessful films.

g. Which films produced great financial returns for him? Ans: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs produced great financial returns for him.

h. Why do you think the opening of Disneyland was called 'Black Sunday'? Ans: The opening of Disneyland was called 'Black Sunday' because many people had trouble in line and there was not enough water to drink in the summer heat.

i. What special quality of Disney made him finally a successful entrepreneur? Ans: Determination and perseverance made Disney a successful entrepreneur.

j. What lesson do you learn from Disney's life? Ans: From Disney's life I learn that determination and perseverance are the keys to success in life.

E. Who has inspired you significantly in your life? Share her/his life story to the class.

Answer:

A famous footballer's life story is one of determination, hard work, and success. Born in a humble family, he showed immense talent and passion for football from a young age. His professional journey began when he joined a youth academy. His performances caught the attention of top clubs. He moved to a major league where he began to shine on the world stage. His athleticism, skilful dribbling, and goal-scoring ability earned him several prestigious awards. His work ethic was legendary, and he always pushed himself to improve. He later made a record-breaking transfer to another top club, where he achieved remarkable success and broke numerous records. Despite his advancing age, he continued to defy expectations and maintain an exceptional level of performance. Off the field, his philanthropy and charitable efforts have left a lasting impact. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unyielding desire to succeed and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His life story teaches us the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Grammar I

A. Choose the correct preposition.

Answer:

a. A: When did you reach school? B: I reached sometime between 9:00 and 9:15 am.

b. I usually stay in my office from 10 am to 4 pm.

c. You should finish your test in the next 30 minutes.

d. Ram worked in the hotel until 2010.

e. I have been looking for my spectacles. I don't remember where I kept them.

f. Mr. Ram has ten members working under him.

g. There is a knock at the door. Who can be calling us now?

h. Ram is in her twenties.

i. There is a great deal of violence in some countries.

j. Their discussion turned into an unpleasant quarrel.

B. Complete the sentences with in, on, or at.

Answer:

a. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

b. Last year, we went on a trip to the National Botanical Garden, Godawari from our school.

c. Can you turn the light on, please? I don't want to sit in the dark.

d. She was married at the young age of 20.

e. Science and technology have developed at a great pace.

f. In my opinion, violent films should be banned for children.

g. I heard the news on the radio this morning. My father is not at home at the moment.

Writing I

A. Imagine that your school football team has won the title of 'Inter-school Football Tournament' organised by the District Sports Development Committee. Write a message of congratulation to the team on behalf of the school to appear on the school notice board.

Answer:

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations on the well-deserved victory of our school football team who have won the title of 'Inter-school Football Tournament' organised by the District Sports Development Committee last week. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport have paid off. You should be very proud of yourselves. Your victory is a true reflection of your determination, discipline, and athletic ability. We couldn't be more proud of you. Congratulations once again for the trophy and the cash prizes! Wishing you the best for your athletic future!

– Grade X students and School Family

B. Your maternal uncle has recently been promoted to the post of Inspector of Nepal Police. Write a letter of congratulation extending him your best wishes.

Answer:

xyz
12th April 2023

Dear Uncle,

I'm so happy to know that you were promoted to the post of Inspector of Nepal Police recently. Huge congratulations for all that you've achieved. You deserve all the success that comes your way. You always strive for excellence, and it's great to see all your hard work paying off. Congratulations once again on your achievement, my dear uncle! I am sure that you will be a role model in that promoted post. I always wish you a bright future.

With regards,
Ram