Question

Read the extract and complete the activities given below:

Shaaz Jung is a wildlife photographer, cinematographer, big cat tracker, man-animal conflict resolution seeker and lodge owner - all rolled into one. When he’s away from the jungles of Nagarhole, officially called The Rajiv Gandhi National Park, he’s leading photography safaris in Africa or showcasing his work at Art Galleries in capital cities and speaking to those interested in conserving the planet’s riches. Shaaz recalls with great clarity the incident that ultimately leads to his answering the call of the felines over a career dedicated to finance. “It was somewhere around sunset. We were at a junction. The deer were calling,” he says, “we went around a blind turn,” he continues, “and up ahead on the path was this old leopard. You could tell he was past his prime. The jungle had taken a toll on him. He only had three canines. His eyes were sagging. Close to this leopard was another very young, good looking male who was soon to come into his prime. It was clear that there was going to be a fight. Unfortunately, the sun was setting, and we had to leave. But the next morning, I went back to the spot. Sitting on a high rock was that young leopard. Blood was dripping from a gash across his face. He sat there like he was, ‘king of the jungle.’ I knew right then that he had taken over, that it was the beginning of a new journey for him. And for me.” Photographs of that leopard, the victor, Scarface, as Shaaz named him, not only made Shaaz famous among India’s wildlife community, but also led to Shaaz’s enviable reputation as a chronicler of the wild. “Through my journey of photographing Scarface, I have discovered other leopards, his mates and discovered his nemeses-tigers. I also discovered the current protagonist of my work-Saya-while tracking Scarface. This is the world’s first black panther, the behaviour of which is being documented so intimately on camera, by tracking its movements. So far all the research on the animal has been done through camera traps.” Through many months of toil, Shaaz has managed to collect precious footage, including that of the animal mating, to piece together the incredible landscape of a black panther’s life.

A1. Read and rewrite the following sentences and state whether they are True or False:     [2]

1. Jungles of Nagarhole is called the Rajiv Gandhi National Park.
2. Nearly at sunset, Shaaz was at a Junction.
3. Shaaz had collected precious footage very easily.
4. By tracking black panther’s movements, its behaviour is documented.

A2. Complete the following web-diagram mentioning any four of Shaaz Jung’s professional achievements:     [2]

A3. Give reasons:     [2]

The writer says, “It was like looking at the past and the present” because ...........

A4. ‘Wildlife photography is a thrilling hobby.’ Write your views to justify the statement.     [2]

A5. Do as directed:     [2]

1. You could tell he was past his prime.
   (Choose the correct option where ‘be able to’ is used from the options given below and rewrite)
   
   1. You are able to tell he was past his prime.
   2. You will be able to tell he was past his prime.
   3. You weren’t able to tell he was past his prime.
   4. You were able to tell he was past his prime.
2. The Jungle had taken a toll on him.
   (Choose the correct Passive voice from the given options and rewrite.)
   
   1. A toll on him had been taken by the jungle.
   2. A toll on him had taken by the jungle.
   3. A toll on him has been taken by the jungle.
   4. A toll on him was being taken by the jungle.

A6. Find out the synonyms of the following from the extract:     [2]

1. closely
2. exhibiting
3. long deep cut
4. drooping lags

Answer 1

A1.

1. This statement is true.
2. This statement is true.
3. This statement is false.
4. This statement is true.

A2.

A3. The writer says, “It was looking at the past and the present because the writer was watching an old, powerless leopard with sagging eyes as well as another very young, healthy and good-looking male, both in a single frame.

A4. Wildlife photography is a thrilling hobby as it brings one close to nature and its unpredictable beauty. The excitement of capturing animals in the wild offers both adventure and wonder, making it an exhilarating and rewarding pursuit.

A5.

1. You were able to tell he was past his prime.
2. A toll on him had been taken by the jungle.

A6.

1. closely - intimately
2. long deep cut - gash
3. exhibiting - showcasing
4. drooping lags - sagging