English

Life is a series of choices that we make every day. Narrate an incident when you had to make a difficult choice. Elaborate on the positive impact it had on you.

Advertisements
Advertisements

Question

Life is a series of choices that we make every day. Narrate an incident when you had to make a difficult choice. Elaborate on the positive impact it had on you.

Long Answer
Advertisements

Solution

Life is a tapestry woven with choices, each thread leading to a unique destination. I vividly recall a day when I was confronted with a challenging decision, and the positive impact it had on me still resonates.

The dilemma presented itself between participating in a dance event, something I cherished deeply, and stepping up as the Master of Ceremony (MC) for the same event. Dancing had always been a passion, and the contemporary routine was set to a lively tune. The allure of the costume and the anticipation of showcasing my talent in the spotlight fueled my excitement. Days of practice were invested in making this dance performance memorable.

However, fate had a different script ready for me. The designated host fell ill abruptly, leaving a void that needed urgent filling. My English teacher, in charge of the event, approached me with the unexpected proposition of hosting. The challenge was daunting, requiring impromptu hosting skills. Despite my initial hesitation, I chose to be the MC, embracing the unexpected opportunity.

The event was no ordinary affair; prestigious schools from the city were participating, and the Chief Guest was a renowned writer and speaker. The pressure was palpable, but with some notes scribbled for each item, a deep breath, and a leap of faith, I embarked on the hosting journey. The rush of adrenaline and the blessings of Goddess Saraswati seemed to guide my words, ensuring a seamless and enchanting performance.

When the curtains finally fell, exhaustion mingled with satisfaction. The unexpected changes and challenges had tested my resolve, but the experience ended on a high note. Basking in newfound confidence in my oratory skills, I received accolades from teachers, handshakes from peers, and a special memento from the Chief Guest.

This difficult choice, though initially daunting, became a transformative experience. The newfound confidence and recognition fueled my belief in my abilities. As I stood amidst the applause and prideful glances from my parents, I realized the profound impact of taking risks and embracing unforeseen challenges.

This experience became a cornerstone for my personal growth, instilling resilience and adaptability. I am certain that this newfound confidence will propel me to greater heights in my future endeavors, be it in higher education or my career. Life's choices may be unpredictable, but navigating through them with courage can lead to unforeseen triumphs.

shaalaa.com
Writing Skills
  Is there an error in this question or solution?
2022-2023 (March) Official

RELATED QUESTIONS

In the following items, sentence A is complete, while sentence B is not. Complete sentence B, making it as similar as possible to sentence A.  Write sentence B.

(A) It is probable that the ship will reach the shore.
(B) In all ................................................................................. 


Which literary device is used in the last two lines:
Tinkling, luminous, tender, and clear, Like her bridal laughter and bridal tear.


What do you think is the poet’s attitude towards the following 3 things: nature, memory, loneliness?


The Little Match Girl can be viewed as a work of opposites. Justify.


Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space. 

Example:
(0) beginning

Alice was (0)__________(begin) to get very tired of (1)__________(sit) by her sister on the bank and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had (2)__________(peep) into the book her sister was reading, but it (3)__________ (have) no pictures or conversations in it, "and what is the use of a book," (4)__________(think) Alice, "without pictures or conversations?" Alice wondered whether the pleasure of (5)__________(make) a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies  when suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes (6)__________(run) close by her. Alice did not think this was very remarkable, until the Rabbit actually (7)__________ (take) a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and (8) (look) at it, and then hurried on.


I was laid________for three weeks with a broken leg.


Join the following sentence to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. 

Mumbai is densely populated. It is one of the major cities in the country.


The Principal said, “All the prizes will be distributed tomorrow.”
(Begin : The Principal said that ……………. )


The following words used in the text as ship terminology are also commonly used in another sense. In what contexts would you use the other meaning?

Knot stern boom hatch anchor

Look for some other poem on a bird or a tree in English or any other language.


Discuss with your partners

Reading plays is more interesting than studying science.


Who was Roger Presbury and how was John Garrideb connected with him?


Look at the highlighted expressions in the following sentences from the text and explain their figurative meaning.

  • 'I went through it, sir, with a fine-toothed comb and never a Garrideb could I catch.'
  • 'They are my favourite covert for putting up a bird, and I would never have overlooked a cock pheasant as that.'

  • 'There is no bolt-hole for you in this country.'

  • 'When his castle in the air fell down, it burred him beneath the ruins.'


Identify instances of ironical comment in the story.


Discuss the following with your partner and complete the following sentence.

Before eating apples brought from the market, I wash and peel them off ____________________.


Rewrite the given statements in their order of occurrence.

The most difficult task of maintaining the hold on Tiger Hill was achieved in this way:

  1. 8 Sikh was ordered to attack and capture Helmet and India Gate.
  2. Bodies of the Pakistani soldiers were collected and buried appropriately.
  3. During the ferocious artillery duels, the Grenadiers hung on their precarious perch with grit and determination.
  4. Sikh fought back successfully two counterattacks with forty to fifty personnel.
  5. An ad-hoc column of 8 Sikh climbed the steep rock and captured India Gate.
  6. In spite of heavy casualties, 8 Sikh captured Helmet on 5 July.

Write a letter to any one of the following to tell them how much you appreciate them.

  • Your mother
  • Your father
  • Any one of your relatives
  • Your teacher

Describe the picture in about fifty words and give a suitable title. Make use of the words/phrases given below.

many sea animals wonders ocean fishes different colours
sizes varieties rare species deep sea under the sea  


Using a red pencil, choose and circle the things whose smell you like. Now with a blue pencil circle the things whose smell you do not like. Make five sentences like this

I like/do not like the smell of ______ because it reminds me of______.

  1. ______.
  2. ______.
  3. ______.
  4. ______.
  5. ______.

Some word have similar sound, but different meaning. Choose the correct word from the options and fill in the blank.

Do you ______ a secret?


In the sentence below the capital letter, comma, full stop and question mark are missing. Put these in the correct place.

what is the colour of the sky


What is your favourite book? Write down the name of the book. Then write down the story.


How did the grandmother spend the last few hours of her life?


Write conversation on the following situation.

Between two friends on the benefits of early rising


What advice did Aunt Jane offer the couple?


Write a dialogue between a student and teacher on 'Importance of Yoga'.


Prepare a set of questions to interview -

A well-known social worker in your area.


Observe your surroundings and write whether such facilities are available. How can you help to improve the situation?

Disability Disability Necessary facilities
Hearing loss and deafness    
Vision loss and blindness    
Speech disorders    
Physical disability    
Intellectual disability    
Learning disorder    

Write about your own experience. Do you remember an occasion when you did something successfully for the first time? Write about it in short (10-12 lines). Prepare an outline of your composition before you write it.


Read the passage given below and answer the questions (i), (ii) and (iii) that follow.

(1) “Can I see the Manager?” I said, and added solemnly, “Alone.” I don't know why I said “Alone.” “Certainly,” said the accountant and fetched him.  
(2) The Manager was a grave, calm man. I held my fifty-six dollars clutched in a crumpled ball in my pocket.
“Are you the Manager?” I asked. God knows I did not doubt it.
“Yes,” he said.
“Can I see you …. alone?” I asked.
5
(3) The Manager looked at me in some alarm. He felt that I had an awful secret to reveal.
“Come in here,” he said, and led the way to a private room. He turned the key in the lock.
“We are safe from interruption here,” he said; “Sit down.”
We both sat down and looked at each other. I found no voice to speak.
“You are one of Pinkerton’s men, I presume,” he said.
10


(4)

He had gathered from my mysterious manner that I was a detective. I knew what he was thinking, and it made me worse.
“No, not from Pinkerton’s,” I said, seeming to imply that I came from a rival agency. “To tell the truth,” I went on, as if I had been prompted to lie about it,
“I am not a detective at all. I have come to open an account. I intend to keep all my money in this bank.”
The Manager looked relieved but still serious; he concluded now that I was a son of Baron Rothschild or a young Gould.
“A large account, I suppose,” he said.
“Fairly large,” I whispered. “I propose to deposit fifty-six dollars now and fifty dollars a month regularly.”

15

 

 

 

20

 


25

(5) The Manager got up and opened the door. He called to the accountant.
“Mr. Montgomery,” he said unkindly loud, “this gentleman is opening an account, he will deposit fifty-six dollars. Good morning.”
I rose. A big iron door stood open at the side of the room.
“Good morning,” I said, and stepped into the safe. “Come out,” said the Manager coldly and showed me the other way.

30
(6) I went up to the accountant’s wicket and poked the ball of money at him with a quick convulsive movement as if I were doing a conjuring trick. My face was ghastly pale.
“Here,” I said, “deposit it.” The tone of the words seemed to mean, “Let us do this painful thing while the fit is on us.”
He took the money and gave it to another clerk.

35
(7) He made me write the sum on a slip and sign my name in a book. I no longer knew what I was doing. The bank swam before my eyes.
“Is it deposited?” I asked in a hollow, vibrating voice.
“It is,” said the accountant. “Then I want to draw a cheque.”
My idea was to draw out six dollars of it for present use. Someone gave me a chequebook through a wicket and someone else began telling me how to write it out. The people in the bank had the impression that I was an invalid millionaire. I wrote something on the cheque and thrust it in at the clerk. He looked at it.

40

 

 

45

(8) “What! Are you drawing it all out again?” he asked in surprise. Then I realised that I had written fifty-six instead of six. I was too far gone to reason now. I had a feeling that it was impossible to explain the thing. I had burned my boats. All the clerks had stopped writing to look at me. Reckless with misery, I made a plunge.
“Yes, the whole thing.”
“You withdraw all your money from the bank?” “Every cent of it.”
“Are you not going to deposit anymore?” said the clerk, astonished.
“Never.”

 

 

50

 

 

55

(9) An idiot hope struck me that they might think something had insulted me while I was writing the cheque and that I had changed my mind. I made a wretched attempt to look like a man with a fearfully quick temper.  
(10) The clerk prepared to pay the money.
“How will you have it?” he said. This question came as a bolt from the blue.
“What?”
“How will you have it?”
“Oh!”— I caught his meaning and answered without even trying to think— “in fifties.”
He gave me a fifty-dollar bill. “And the six?” he asked dryly.
“In sixes,” I said.
He gave it to me and I rushed out.
As the big door swung behind me. I caught the echo of a roar of laughter that went up to the ceiling of the bank. Since then, I bank no more. I keep my money in cash in my trousers pocket and my savings in silver dollars in a sock.

60

 

 

65

 

 

70

Adapted from: My Financial Career
By Stephen Leacock
 
    1. Find a single word from the passage that will exactly replace the underlined word or words in the following sentences.    [3]
      1. The kind stranger went and got back the ball from where it had rolled into the bush.
      2. I took offence at the expression on his face that was clearly meant to insinuate I was a liar.
      3. The firm experienced a financial loss when the contract went to a contender who had just entered the business.
    2. For each of the words given below, choose the correct sentence that uses the same word unchanged in spelling, but with a different meaning from that which it carries in the passage.   [3]
      1. alarm (line 8)
        1. The silence from the other end set off alarm bells in her head.
        2. The pallor of his skin alarmed those standing around.
        3. I set my alarm for six o’clock but slept through it.
        4. The sound of the approaching jets caused some alarm in the war room.
      2. wicket (line 44)
        1. The wicketkeeper was the true saviour of the day for that one match.
        2. The team wanted to bat while the wicket was still dry.
        3. The man at the window handed us our tickets through the wicket.
        4. The quick loss of wickets demoralised the team.
      3. reason (line 48)
        1. After the tragedy, his ability to reason is severely diminished.
        2. They reasoned they could get better seats if they arrived early.
        3. Recipients of funds were selected without rhyme or reason.
        4. We have every reason to celebrate.
  1. Answer the following questions as briefly as possible in your own words.
    1. With reference to the passage, explain the meaning of the expression of the ‘I had burned my boats?’   [2]
    2. Cite any two instances of the behaviour of the bank employees that indicate the insignificance of a deposit of fifty-six dollars.    [2]
    3. Why do you think the people in the bank thought of the narrator as an “invalid millionaire?”    [2]
  2. Summarise why the narrator decided ‘to bank no more’ (paragraphs 6 to 10). You are required to write the summary in the form of a connected passage in about 100 words. Failure to keep within the word limit will be penalised.    [8]

Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×