10th English - Book Back Answers - Prose unit 1

  

 

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Tamil Nadu Board 10th Standard English - Prose Unit 1: Book Back Answers and Solutions

    This post covers the book back answers and solutions for Unit 1 – Prose from the Tamil Nadu State Board 10th Standard English textbook. These detailed answers have been carefully prepared by our expert teachers at KalviTips.com.

    We have explained each answer in a simple, easy-to-understand format, highlighting important points step by step under the relevant subtopics. Students are advised to read and memorize these subtopics thoroughly. Once you understand the main concepts, you’ll be able to connect other related points with real-life examples and confidently present them in your tests and exams.

    By going through this material, you’ll gain a strong understanding of Prose Unit 1 along with the corresponding book back questions and answers (PDF format).

Question Types Covered:

• 1 Mark Questions: Choose the correct answer, Fill in the blanks, Identify the correct statement, Match the following 
• 2 Mark Questions: Answer briefly 
• 3, 4, and 5 Mark Questions: Answer in detail

All answers are presented in a clear and student-friendly manner, focusing on key points to help you score full marks.

All the best, Class 10 students! Prepare well and aim for top scores. Thank you!

Unit 1: His First Flight

Answer the following Questions

1. Why did the seagull fail to fly?
Answer Key:

• The young seagull hesitated and feared to fly. He thought that his wings would not support him. Hence the sea gull failed to fly.

2. What did the parents do when the young seagull failed to fly?
Answer Key:

• His parents, brothers and sister encouraged and also scolded him. They threatened him to go without food.

3. What was the first catch of the young seagull’s older brother?
Answer Key:

• The first catch of the young seagull’s older brother was herring, a type of fish.

4. What did the young seagull manage to find in his search for food on the ledge?
Answer Key:

• The young seagull managed to find dried pieces of mackerel’s tail and eggshell.

5. What did the young bird do to seek the attention of his parents?
Answer Key:

• The young bird stepped slowly out to the brink of the ledge and standing on one leg with the other leg hidden under his wing, he closed one eye, then the other, and pretended to be falling asleep. He would trot back and forth from one end of the ledge to the other, his long gray legs stepping daintily to seek the attention of his parents.

6. What made the young seagull go mad?
Answer Key:

• The sight of food made the young seagull go mad.

7. Why did the young bird utter a joyful scream?
Answer Key:

• The seagull was quite hungry and yearned for food. When he saw a piece of fish in the beak of his mother, the sight was quite tempting and suddenly dived at the fish forgetting that he didn’t know how to fly and uttered a joyful scream falling outwards and downwards into space.

8. Did the mother bird offer any food to the young bird?
Answer Key:

• No, the mother bird did not offer any food to the young bird.

9. How did the bird feel when it started flying for the first time?
Answer Key:

The bird was seized with fear for a moment and could feel the tips of his wings cut through the air. The next moment he was fearless, though felt a bit dizzy, flapped his wings to soar up and down with a joyous scream.

10. What did the young bird’s family do when he started flying?
Answer Key:

• They were flying around him, praising, soaring, and diving together with him.

 

A. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

1. How was the young seagull’s first attempt to fly?
Answer Key:

• The young seagull was very hungry. So he dived at the fish that was in his mother’s beak. But he fell into space and became terribly afraid. His heart stood still. He could hear nothing for just a minute. The next moment he felt his wings spread outwards and began to fly up and down fearless into the sky.

2. How did the parents support and encourage the young seagull’s brothers and sister?
Answer Key:

• The seagull’s parents flew with his brothers and sister. They helped them in the perfect art of flying. They taught them to glide on the waves and dive for fish.

3. Give an instance that shows the pathetic condition of “the young bird”?
Answer Key:

• The young bird, starving for a day, finds a dried piece of mackerel’s tail at the far end of his ledge. He searches in vain the area where he was hatched and gnaws at the dried pieces of eggshell. He is in a pathetic state calling plaintively when he isn’t unable to reach his mother tearing at a piece of fish.

4. How did the bird try to reach its parents without having to fly?
Answer Key:

• The bird walked from one end of the ledge to the other to reach its parents without flying.

5. Do you think that the young seagull’s parents were harsh to him? Why?
Answer Key:

• No, the young seagull’s parents weren’t harsh to him. They were just teaching him a lifetime learning experience which is vital for his survival.

6. What prompted the young seagull to fly finally?
Answer Key:

• The sight of food maddened him and he dived at the fish. This prompted the young seagull to fly finally.

7. What happened to the seagull when it landed on the green sea?
Answer Key:

• When the young seagull landed on the green sea, he completely forgot that he had not always been able to fly and shrieked shrilly, turning his beak sideways and crowed amusedly. He screamed with fright when he dropped his legs to stand on the green sea and sank into it.

B. Answer the questions in a paragraph of 100-150 words. 

1. Describe the struggles underwent by the young seagull to overcome its fear of flying.
Answer Key:
Introduction:

• Liam O’ Flaherty is an Irish novelist and short-story writer. One of the best stories of him is “His First Flight”. This story is a parable about overcoming fears in life.

The young seagull:

• The young seagull was one among the four off springs. He was not courageous. He was alone on the ledge. His parents, brothers and sister had flown away. He was afraid of flying. The little bird felt that his wings would not support him.

The reaction of parents:

• The young bird’s parents, brothers and sister not only scolded, but also encouraged him. But he did not have enough courage to fly. He was left alone for many hours. He could find nothing except the dried pieces of egg shells. He felt that he was starving to death.

The young one’s first flight:

• The young bird was hungry. He begged his mother to bring a piece of fish. His parents wanted to teach him to fly. The mother seagull picked up a piece of fish. She flew across him. The sight of food maddened him. He cried and screamed. His wings opened up automatically. He flapped his wings. He realized that he was flying.”

Encouragement of the family:

• The young bird’s family was very happy. His mother divided him. His father flew over him. His brothers and sister were flying around him. His family joined him in his first flight. They praised him for his effort. He was offered scraps of dog fish.

Conclusion:

• This story speaks about the reluctance and courage of the bird.

(OR)

 

Title: His First Flight
Author: Liam O’Flaherty
Theme: The secret of happiness is courage.

• The young seagull was alone on the ledge. He was afraid to fly. His parents, brothers and sister encouraged and scolded him. 
• But he didnot have enough courage to fly. The little bird felt that his wings would not support him. 
• He was left alone for many hours and he ate nothing. So he was very hungry. He begged his mother to bring a piece of fish.
• His parents wanted to teach him to fly. The mother seagull picked up a piece of fish and flew across him. The sight of food maddened him. He dived. 
• He cried and screamed. His wings opened up automatically. He flapped his wings. He realized that he was flying. His family joined him in his first flight. 
• They praised him for his efforts. Thus his first flight became a success.

(OR)

1.    The young seagull was afraid of flying.
2.    The parents motivated the bird to fly.
3.    But he didn’t fly.
4.    One day he was hungry.
5.    The mother seagull picked up a piece of fish.
6.    He tried to catch the food.
7.    He started to fly.
8.    The seagull learnt the art of flying.

C. Change the parts of speech of the given words in the chart. 

Answer Key:

 

 

D. Read the following sentences and change the form of the underlined words as directed.

1. His family was screaming and offering him food (to adjective)
Answer Key:

• His screaming family was offering him food.

 

2. The young seagull gave out a loud call (to adverb)
Answer Key:

• The young seagull gave out a call loudly.

 

3. The bird cackled amusedly while flying (to noun)
Answer Key:

• The bird cackled in amusement while flying.

 

4. The depth of the sea from the ledge scared the seagull (to adjective)
Answer Key:

• The deep sea from the ledge scared the seagull.

 

5. The successful flight of the bird was a proud moment for the seagull’s family (to a verb)
Answer Key:

• The bird flew successfully and it was a proud moment for the seagull’s family.

 

E. Use the following words to construct meaningful sentences on your own. 

1. coward           -  _________
2. gradual          -  _________
3. praise             -  _________
4. courageous    -  _________
5. Starvation     -  _________

Answer Key:

1. coward         – He is a coward.
2. gradual         – There is a gradual improvement in my health.
3. praise           – People praise honest leaders.
4. courageous  – We must be courageous to speak against injustice.
5. Starvation    – Millions will face starvation next year

 

Listening Activity 

F. Here is a travelogue by the students of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Pattukkottai after their trip to Darjeeling. Listen to the travelogue and answer the following questions.

(i) Fill in the blanks with suitable words:
1. The students visited _________ city.
2. _________ is the third highest mountain in the world.
3. _________ hill is 13km away from Darjeeling.
4. The drinking water is supplied by _________ lake.
5. After Senchal lake, they visited _________.
Answer Key:
1. Darjeeling
2. Kanchenjunga
3. Tiger
4. Senchal
5. Batasia Loop

(ii) Do you think they had a memorable and enjoyable school trip?
Answer Key:
Yes, I am sure they had a memorable and enjoyable school trip.

(iii) Name a few places that you wish to visit with your classmates as a school trip?
Answer Key:
I wish to visit the Andaman Islands, Kashmir, and Kathmandu with my classmates as a school trip.

(iv) State whether the following statements are True or False.
1. As the sky was cloudy, they could get a glimpse of Mount Everest.
Answer Key:
False
 

2. The toy train covers 14 km in three hours:
Answer Key:
True
 

3. Tiger hill has earned international fame for the best sunset view.
Answer Key:
False

 

Speaking Activity

G. Here is a dialogue between a father and his daughter. Continue the dialogue with at least five utterances and use all the clues given above.   

Father: Hi Mary, it has been a very long time since we went on a trip. Let’s plan one.
Mary: Yes, dad. I am also longing to go. Why don’t we plan one for this weekend? Father: Sure. Tell me, where shall we go?
Mary: Someplace were nearby but at least for two days.
Father: Hmm… I think we should go to the reserved forest nearby.
Mary: Yeah. I’ve never been to a forest. I have seen a forest only on TV and in movies. The forest is a good choice!
Father: OK. If we are going to the forest, we must list out what we should carry with us for two days.
Mary: I think we should carry suitable clothes like (1) _________.
Father: What about the food? Do you have any idea, Mary?
Mary: Yeah. For food, I suggest (2) _________.
Father: (3) _________.
Mary: (4) _________.
Answer Keys:
1. Sweaters, raincoats, woollen caps, night coats, and gowns.
2. Bread, jam and butter, We can have biscuits as well as fruits.
3. What would you like to have to drink?
4. Apart from water, we need to have tinned juice. We can carry hot water.

 

Reading Activity

H. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.   

1. What is Bungee jumping?
Answer Key:

• Bungee jumping is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a long elastic cord.

2. Can Bungee be performed from a movable object? How?
Answer Key:

• Yes, it is possible to perform from a movable object such as a hot-air-balloon or helicopter that has the ability to move above the ground.

3. When do you think Bungee becomes thrilling?
Answer Key:

• When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up and down until all the kinetic energy is dissipated. Now, Bungee becomes thrilling from the free-falling and the rebound.

4. What is the experience when one falls off the platform?
Answer Key:

• When one falls off the platform, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up and down until the kinetic energy is dissipated.

5. Where is the Bungee jumping point located in India?
Answer Key:

• Bungee jumping point is located in Mohan Chatti village, in Rishikesh, India at a height of 83 meters.

6. What is the minimum age to Bungee jump?
Answer Key:

• The minimum age to Bungee – jumping is 12 years.

 

Writing

I. Prepare attractive advertisements using the hints given below.  

1. Home appliances – Aadi sale – 20-50% – Special Combo Offers – Muthusamy & Co, Raja Street, Gingee.

 

2. Mobile Galaxy – Smart phones – accessories – Sim Cards – Recharge – Free power banks on mobile purchase – No.1, Toll gate, Trichy

Report Writing

J. Write a report of the following events in about 100-120 words.  

1. ‘Educational Development Day’ was organized in your school on 15th July. The District Collector was the Chief Guest of the event. As part of the event, many competitions were held and the prizes were distributed to the winners and participants. It was a grand and successful event. Now, as a member of the organizing committee, write a report on the event in about 120 words.
Answer Key:

Educational Development Day

15th July 2019:

K.Mukilan

   St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Nellai, organised the Educational Development Day on 15th July, 2019 to commemorate the birth anniversary of K. Kamaraj, the former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. The event was to promote the development of education in Tamil nadu. About 800 students participated in the programme organised by the students and teachers. The event began with the prayer song by the school choir. The Headmaster welcomed the gathering.

The District collector presided over the function. She delivered the presidential address on the importance and development of education. She also unveiled the portrait of Thiru K. Kamaraj in the auditorium. The students and teachers also spoke on the occasion. This was followed by various cultural programme by the junior and senior boys and girls. Mementos were given to the chief guest and the guests of honour. The participation certificates were also given to the students. The assistant Headmaster proposed the vote of thanks. The event came to an end with the National Anthem.

 

2. You are the School Pupil Leader. You have been asked to write a report on the Inaugural Ceremony of English Literary Association of your school which was held recently. Write a report on the same in not more than 120 words.
Answer Key:

Inaugural ceremony of English Literary Association

16th July 2019:

K.Mukilan

English Literary association was inaugurated in the auditorium of T.D.T.A. Higher Secondary School, Christianagaram on 16th June, 2019. The programme began with a prayer song. Prof. Dr. J. Alex, Principal of St. Thomas college of Education was the chief guest. The Headmaster welcomed the gathering. The chief guest delivered the presidential address. He spoke on the importance of English and the need for communicative skills in English. The Senior English teacher proposed the vote of thanks. The programme came to an end with the National Anthem.

 

3. You are the Coordinator of the Science Forum of your school. An event had been organized on account of National Science Day for the members of the forum. Now, write a report on the observation of “National Science Day” at your school?
Answer Key:

National Science Day

17th July 2019:

                                                                                                                                                     K.Mukilan

National Science Day was celebrated on 28th February 2019 at St. Paul’s Higher Secondary School, Nellai. It was organised by the coordinator of the Science Club. This day is celebrated every year to remember the Indian Scientist. The students of St. Paul’s school organized a special assembly to mark the occasion.

The programme began with an introductiontory speech by the H.M. Students from Std X to XII participated in Quiz, debate and innovative projects. Children disguised themselves as famous scientists from various fields. Certificates were distributed to the winners of various competitions. The main purpose of the programme is to blossom budding scientist.

Grammar.

A. Complete these sentences using appropriate modals. The clues in the brackets will help you.  

1. When I was a child, I _________ climb trees easily but now I can’t. (ability in the past)
2. I _________ win the singing contest. (determination)
3. You _________ buy this book. It is worth buying (advice or suggestion)
4. Poongothai _________ speak several languages (ability in the present)
5. I swear I _________ tell lies again (promise)
6. My father _________ play badminton in the evening when he was at college (past habit)
7. You _________ do as I say! (command)
8. _________ I have another glass of water? (request)
9. Sibi has not practised hard but he _________ win the race (possibility)
10. We _________ preserve our natural resources (duty)
Answer Keys:
1. could
2. can
3. should
4. can
5. shall not, won’t
6. used to
7. should, must
8. may
9. can
10. ought to

 

B. Rewrite the following sentences by rectifying the errors in the use of modals.

1. Would I have your autograph?
Answer Key:

• May, can I have your autograph.

2. I can be fifteen next April.
Answer Key:

• I shall be fifteen next April.

3.Take an umbrella. It should rain later.
Answer Key:

• Take an umbrella. It may rain later.

4. The Magistrate ordered that he might kitchen garden but we don’t do it now. pay the fine.
Answer Key:

• The Magistrate ordered that he should / must pay the fine.

5. Make me a cup of tea, shall you?
Answer Key:

• Make me a cup of tea, will you?

6. You may speak politely to others.
Answer Key:

• You must / ought to speak politely to others.

7. You will get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.
Answer Key:

• You should get your teeth cleaned once a year.

8. We could grow vegetables in our Kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.
Answer Key:

• We used to grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.

9. Must I get your jacket? The weather is cold.
Answer Key:

• Shall I get your jacket? The weather is cold.

10. Could the train be on time?
Answer Key:

• Will the train be on time?

 

C. Read the dialogue and fill in the blanks with suitable modals.

Dad: (1) _________ we go out for dinner tonight?
Charan: Yes, Dad. We (2) _________ go to a restaurant where I (3) _________ have some ice cream.
Dad: OK. Then I (3) _________ be home by 7 p.m. Mom and you (4) _________ be ready then.
Charan: Sure, we (4) _________ My friend told me that there is a magic show nearby, (5) _________ you please take us there?
Dad: We (6) _________ not have time to go for the magic show, I suppose. If we have enough time left, we (7) _________ plan.
Charan: By the way, (8) _________ we inform our gatekeeper about our outing.
Dad: Yes, we (9) _________ so that he will be aware we aren’t at home.
Charan: (10) _________ I call up Mom and tell her about our plan today?
Dad: You (11) _________ Otherwise, we might be in trouble when she returns home.
Charan: Hmm… by the time you come home in the evening, we will be waiting for you. Hope you (12) _________ be late. Bye.
Answer Keys:
1. shall
2. shall, can
3. shall, must / should
4. shall, will
5. may, shall
6. should / must, will
7. shall
8. ought to
9. will, won’t

D. Read the following dialogues and supply appropriate modals.  

Student: Can we leave our bags in the class during the break?
Teacher: Yes, You (1) _________ but arrange them neatly
Passenger: My child is 6 years old. Do I have to buy him a ticket?
Conductor: Yes, You (2) _________ It costs half of the price of an adult ticket.
Vani: Can we go for coffee after the meeting?
Yoga: No, (3) _________. I have to go home.
Salesman: When (4) _________. I receive my order?
Customer: I (5) _________ assure you, sir, the order will be delivered tomorrow.
Neela: Do you think, I should write about my educational background in the resume?
Preethi: Yes, you (6) _________ You (7) _________ get a better job.
Answer Keys:
1. may
2. must
3. must
4. I can’t / shan’t
5. will
6. should / must
7. may

 

E. Here are a few sentences already done for you. The clues given would be helpful to make more sentences on your own.  

1. I would suggest that you take the Uzhavan Express to Thanjavur from Chennai.
2. You will be more if you could book 3 tier A/C
3. You could enjoy _________.
4. You should visit _________.
5. You mustn’t miss _________.
6. You can buy the _________.
7. _________.
8. _________.
9. _________.
10. _________.
Answer Keys:
3. the journey if you would travel by train.
4. all the important places.
5. visiting the places around Thanjavur.
6. the unique products of Thanjavur.
7. Art plates could be presented to your friends and relatives.
8. Paintings can be used to decorate the walls at home.
9. Bronze statues and dancing dolls will be identified with Thanjavur.
10. Poondi church can attract tourists for its miracles. Manora Fort Pattukkottai can remain as a historical monument.

 

F. Change the following sentences to the other voice.  

1. The manager appointed many office assistants?
Answer Key:

• Many office assistants were appointed by the manager.

 

2. You are making a cake now?
Answer Key:

• A cake is being made by you now.

 

3. This portrait was painted by my grandmother?
Answer Key:

• My grandmother painted that portrait.

 

4. Malini had bought a colourful hat for her daughter?
Answer Key:

• A colourful hat had been bought by Malini for her daughter.

 

5. They have asked me to pay the fine?
Answer Key:

• I have been asked them to pay the fine by them.

6. The militants were being taken to prison by the police?
Answer Key:

• The police were taking the militants to the prison.

7. Does his behaviour vex me?
Answer Key:

• I am vexed by his behaviour.

8. Rosy will solve the problem?
Answer Key:

• The problem will be solved by Rosy.

9. Our army has defeated the enemy?
Answer Key:

• The enemy has been defeated by our army.

10. The salesman Answer Keyed all the questions patiently?
Answer Key:

• All the questions were Answer Keyed patiently by the salesman.

 

G. Change the following into passive voice.   

1. Please call me at once?
Answer Key:

• You are requested to call me at once.

2. How did you cross the river?
Answer Key:

• How was the river crossed by you?

3. No one is borrowing the novels from the library?
Answer Key:

• The novels are not being borrowed from the library.

4. Will you help me?
Answer Key:

• Will I be helped by you?

5. Go for a jog early in the morning?
Answer Key:

• You are advised to go for a jog early in the morning.

6. Why have you left your brother at home?
Answer Key:

• Why has your brother been left at home by you?

7. Nobody should violate the rules?
Answer Key:

• The rules should not be violated.

8. Some one has to initiate it immediately?
Answer Key:

• It has to be initiated immediately.

9. Have you invited Raman for the party?
Answer Key:

• Has Raman been invited to the party? (or) Has Raman been invited for the party by you?

10. Please, do not walk on the grass?
Answer Key:

• You are requested not to walk on the grass.

11. Cross the busy road carefully?
Answer Key:

• You are advised to cross the busy road carefully (or) Let the busy roads be crossed carefully.

12. When will you book the tickets to Bengaluru?
Answer Key:

• When will the tickets be booked to Bengaluru? (or) When will the tickets be booked to Bengaluru, by you?

 

H. In the following sentences the verbs have two objects namely Direct and Indirect objects. Change each of the following sentences into two passives using direct object as the subject in one and indirect in the other.  

1. John gave a bar of chocolate to Jill.
(a) Jill was given _________.
(b) A bar of chocolate was given  _________.
Answer Key:
(a) a bar of chocolate by John.
(b) to Jill by John.

2. Pragathi lent a pencil to Keerthana.
(a)  _________.
(b)  _________.
Answer Key:
(a) Keerthana was lent by a pencil by pragathi.
(b) A pencil was lent to keerthana by pragathi.

3. Sudha told the truth to her friend.
(a)  _________.
(b)  _________.
Answer Key:
(a) The truth was told to her friend by sudha.
(b) Her friend was told the truth by sudha.

4. They offered the job to venkat.
(a)  _________.
(b)  _________.
Answer Key:

(a) A job was offered to venkat by them.
(b) Venkat was offered the job by them.

5.The boss showed the new computer to Kaviya.
(a)  _________.
(b)  _________.
Answer Keys:
(a) The new computer was shown to kaviya by the boss.
(b) Kaviya was shown the new computer by the boss.

 

I. Rewrite the following passage in passive voice.   

A few days ago, someone stole Ambrose’s motorbike. Ambrose had left it outside his house. He reported the theft to the police. The police told him that they would try to find his motorbike. This morning, they found his motorbike. The police called Ambrose to the police station. The thieves had painted it and then sold it to someone else. The new owner had parked the motorbike outside a mall when the police found it. After an enquiry, the police arrested the thieves.

Answer Key:

• Ambrose’s motorbike was stolen a few days ago. It had been left outside his house by Ambrose. The theft was reported to the police by him. He was told by the police that they would try to find his motor bike. Ambrose was called (by the police) to the police station. It had been painted by the thieves and then it was sold to someone else. The motorbike had been parked outside the mall by the new owner and it was found by the police. The thieves were arrested by the police, after an enquiry.

 

J. Write a recipe of your favourite dish in passive voice. Remember to list out the ingredients of the dish you have chosen and their quantity. Use simple present tense to write your recipe.   

Ingredients:

1. Mangoes – 3
2. Chilly powder – 3 spoons
3. Salt – 2 spoons
4. Asafoetida – 1 spoon
5. Oil – 3 tea spoonfuls

• Three mangoes are washed and dried. They are chopped into small pieces and dried. Then the salt is added along with a little asafoetida. Chilly powder is also added to it. The ingredients are mixed well and kept in the sunlight for a day.
   
• 2 or 3 spoonfuls of oil is poured in the frying pan. Oil is heated and mustard is added and fried. The heated oil is added to the ingredients. It must be kept in the sunlight for one more day. Now the mango pickle is ready.

 

K. Write a report of an event held at your school using passive voice. Use simple past tense to narrate the event.   

"A Report of an event held in our school"

Once a cultural programme was organised by the teachers to entertain the school children on children’s day. It was performed by the teachers through a typical gypsy dance. They were all dressed up in the gypsy costumes. A sheer make up was done by an expert teacher. They were called to the stage by an announcement.

This was watched by a dog in the school. They looked like strangers and it was assumed by the dog. The dog started to bark at the participants. One of the teachers was chased by the dog. She ran for help and her tin was dropped. All the children were given a great surprise. And it was an interesting event given by the teachers on that day. Nobody could control their laughter besides their fear.