SHORT QUESTIONS
Answer the following question in about 75 words:
1. Why did the writer go back home after twenty years? (My Old Home)
Ans: The writer went back home after twenty years because he wanted to give his final farewell to his hometown and to take his family with him to another area where he worked. He had left his childhood home long ago and had not seen any significant changes in his village. He had many flashbacks to his past, especially his friendship with Runtu, a former temporary servant of his family. He was curious to see how Runtu was doing and what had happened to him over the years. He also wanted to see his mother, his nephew and his old house before he abandoned them for good.
2. According to the author, what are the different things that Nepal has given to the west? (The half Closed Eyes of the Buddha and the West)
Ans: According to the author, the different things that Nepal has given to the West are:
The religion and the Puranas: The author says that Nepal has given them the teachings of Buddha and the ancient Hindu scriptures that contain stories, myths and wisdom.
The images of brass and ornaments of ivory: The author says that Nepal has given them the artistic creations of metal and ivory that reflect the culture and history of Nepal.
The manuscripts of palm leaves and inscriptions on copperplate: The author says that Nepal has given them the literary treasures of palm leaf manuscripts and copperplate inscriptions that preserve the knowledge and heritage of Nepal.
A civilization and its wisdom: The author says that Nepal has given them a glimpse of a civilization that is rich in diversity, tolerance and harmony. He admires the coexistence of different communities, religions and philosophies in Nepal.
3. Why was the author biased towards science? (On Libraries)
Ans: The author was biased towards science because he was fascinated by the mysteries of the universe and the natural phenomena. He loved to read books about astronomy and chemistry, and he wanted to learn more about the stars, planets, atoms and molecules. He also had a small laboratory where he could conduct experiments and observe the results. He was not interested in literature or history, but only in science. He thought that science was the only way to understand the world and to satisfy his curiosity.
4. Whom does the poet call 'poor creature' and why? Give reasons. (Every Morning I Wake)
Ans: he poet calls ‘all poor creatures born to die’ as ‘poor creatures’ in the first stanza of the poem. He uses this term to refer to all the human beings and animals who live under the Milk Wood, a small village where the poem is set. He calls them ‘poor creatures’ because they are mortal and vulnerable, and they have no control over their fate or destiny. He also calls them ‘poor creatures’ because they are not wholly good or bad, but they have both virtues and vices, and they need God’s mercy and forgiveness. He contrasts them with God, who is immortal and omnipotent, and who can see their best side, not their worst.
5. What makes the author conclude that morality, art, spirituality and creativity are universal human abilities embedded in our DNA? Give reasons. (Humility)
Ans: The author concludes that morality, art, spirituality and creativity are universal human abilities embedded in our DNA because he provides various examples of how different cultures and civilizations have developed similar ideas and expressions throughout history. He argues that these abilities are not exclusive or unique to any particular group, but rather they are common to all humans regardless of their time and place. He also suggests that these abilities are not dependent on any external factors such as technology or social structures, but rather they are inherent in our nature as Homo sapiens. He claims that these abilities are part of what makes us human, and that they have been with us since the dawn of our species.
6. Do you agree with the author that wisdom is more important than knowledge? Why, why not? Give reasons. (Knowledge and Wisdom)
Ans: Yes, I agree with the author that wisdom is more important than knowledge. I think that knowledge is the accumulation of facts and information, but wisdom is the ability to use that knowledge in a meaningful and beneficial way. Knowledge without wisdom can be dangerous, as it can lead to arrogance, misuse, or harm. Wisdom without knowledge can be limited, as it can lack the basis or evidence for making sound decisions. Therefore, I think that wisdom is more important than knowledge, because it involves not only knowing what is true, but also knowing what is good and right. Wisdom also requires humility, compassion, and curiosity, which are essential qualities for living a fulfilling and ethical life. (You may present your own perspective)
7. What role does the 'letter' have in the play 'A Matter of Husbands?'
Ans: The ‘letter’ has a crucial role in the play ‘A Matter of Husbands’ by Ferenc Molnar. The letter is the evidence that the Earnest Young Woman has to prove that her husband is having an affair with the Famous Actress. The letter is the reason why the Earnest Young Woman confronts the Famous Actress and accuses her of stealing her husband. The letter is also the trigger for the Famous Actress to tell a fabricated story of how the husband is trying to make his wife jealous by pretending to love the actress. The letter is the tool that the Famous Actress uses to manipulate the Earnest Young Woman and make her believe that her husband is innocent and faithful. The letter is the symbol of the deception and illusion that the Famous Actress creates as an actor on stage and in real life.
LONG ANSWER
Write Long answers to the following questions in about 150 words each:
1. As the chief of a local governance unit of your country (Nepal), what would you do to address the feelings of the women like Julia de Burgos? Explain. (I was My Own ....)
Ans: As the chief of a local governance unit of Nepal, I would do the following things to address the feelings of the women like Julia de Burgos:
I would promote gender equality and women empowerment in my area by ensuring equal access to education, health, employment, and decision-making for women and girls. I would also raise awareness about the rights and responsibilities of women and men in the society and challenge the stereotypes and norms that discriminate against women.
I would support the artistic and creative expression of women in my area by providing them with opportunities and platforms to showcase their talents and skills. I would also encourage them to pursue their passions and interests and celebrate their achievements and contributions to the culture and heritage of Nepal.
I would respect the diversity and individuality of women in my area by acknowledging their different backgrounds, identities, preferences, and aspirations. I would also protect them from any form of violence, harassment, or oppression that may threaten their dignity and freedom. I would also empower them to voice their opinions and concerns and participate in the development of their community.
2. Do you think it was the right step that Monsieur Durand took at the end of the play? Why, why not? Justify your opinion. (Facing Death)
Ans: I think that it was not the right step that Monsieur Durand took at the end of the play. I think that his decision to set fire to his house and die in it was a desperate and tragic act that did not solve his problems or help his daughters. I think that he should have looked for other alternatives to overcome his financial crisis and secure his daughters’ future. Some possible alternatives are:
- He could have sought help from his relatives, friends, or neighbors who might have been willing to lend him some money or offer him some advice or support.
- He could have applied for a loan or a grant from a bank or a government agency that might have helped him pay his debts or start a new business.
- He could have encouraged his daughters to find some work or education that might have improved their skills and prospects. He could have also taught them some values and morals that might have made them more responsible and respectful.
- He could have accepted his situation with courage and optimism and tried to make the best of what he had. He could have also found some happiness and meaning in his life by spending time with his daughters or pursuing some hobbies or interests.
I think that by choosing any of these alternatives, Monsieur Durand would have shown more wisdom and love for himself and his daughters. He would have also set a better example for them and for others who might face similar challenges in life. He would have also honored the value of life and avoided the sin of suicide.
3. Recall Runtu's case in the Chinese society. Also decide whether the living conditions of average Nepali people at present are getting better or worsening. Now, explain your position with examples.
Ans: Runtu’s case is a story of a former temporary servant of the writer’s family in China, who suffered from poverty, oppression, and injustice. Runtu was born into a poor peasant family and had to work as a child laborer for the writer’s family. He was treated harshly and unfairly by the writer’s father and brother, who beat him, insulted him, and exploited him. Runtu had no education, no freedom, and no hope for his future. He tried to escape from his miserable condition by joining the army, but he was captured by the enemy and tortured. He later returned to his village, but he found no peace or happiness there. He became a bandit and a rebel, but he was eventually killed by the government forces.
I think that the living conditions of average Nepali people at present are getting better in some aspects, but worsening in others. Some of the positive aspects are:
- The literacy rate and the enrollment rate of children in schools have increased significantly in the past decades. More people have access to education and information, which can improve their skills and opportunities.
- The health status and the life expectancy of Nepali people have improved due to the expansion of health services and facilities, the reduction of infant and maternal mortality rates, and the control of communicable diseases.
- The political situation and the human rights situation have improved after the end of the civil war and the establishment of democracy and federalism. People have more voice and representation in the governance and development of their country.
Some of the negative aspects are:
- The economic situation and the employment situation have worsened due to the lack of industrialization, diversification, and innovation. Many people face poverty, inequality, and insecurity. Many people migrate abroad for work, leaving behind their families and communities.
- The environmental situation and the disaster situation have worsened due to the effects of climate change, deforestation, pollution, and urbanization. Nepal faces frequent natural hazards such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and droughts, which cause loss of lives and properties.
- The social situation and the cultural situation have worsened due to the erosion of values, norms, and traditions. Nepal faces various challenges such as caste discrimination, gender violence, ethnic conflict, religious intolerance, and corruption.
CREATIVE QUESTIONS
1. Your school/college has allocated some money for purchasing sports goods. Being the General Secretary of the sports club in your school/college, write a letter in about 180 words to Ekta Books and Stationers, Thapathali, Kathmandu, a leading firm dealing to sports requesting them to supply their trade catalogue. You may mention the items you intend to buy and ask for a discount on the catalogue prices.
Ans:
To
Ekta Books and Stationers
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Subject: Request for trade catalogue and discount
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you as the General Secretary of the sports club in ABC School/College. Our school/college has allocated some money for purchasing sports goods for the upcoming academic year.
We are interested in buying some items from your firm, such as footballs, volleyballs, badminton rackets, shuttlecocks, table tennis bats and balls, chess sets, carrom boards, etc. We have heard that your firm is a leading one in dealing with sports goods and that you offer a wide range of quality products at reasonable prices.
We request you to kindly send us your latest trade catalogue along with the price list and the terms and conditions of sale. We also request you to offer us a generous discount on the catalogue prices, as we are placing a bulk order and we are a regular customer of your firm.
We hope to hear from you soon and receive your trade catalogue at the earliest. Please reply to this letter at the address given below.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
XYZ
General Secretary
Sports Club
ABC School/College
AddressAns:
Contact: General Manager Udaypur Cement Factory Phone: 1234567890 Email: gm@ucf.com Udaypur Cement Factory announces delay in production of highest quality cement Udaypur, May 9, 2023 - Udaypur Cement Factory (UCF), a leading manufacturer of cement in Nepal, regrets to inform its valued customers and stakeholders that there will be a delay in the production of its highest quality cement due to unforeseen circumstances. The delay is caused by the breakdown of one of the main machines in the factory, which is essential for producing the highest quality cement. The machine has been damaged due to a power surge and requires urgent repair. The repair work is expected to take at least two weeks to complete. UCF apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this delay and assures its customers and stakeholders that it is doing everything possible to resume the production of the highest quality cement as soon as possible. UCF values the trust and loyalty of its customers and stakeholders and strives to provide them with the best products and services. UCF requests its customers and stakeholders to bear with this temporary setback and continue to support UCF in its mission to produce and supply high-quality cement for various construction projects in Nepal. UCF thanks its customers and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation. About Udaypur Cement Factory Udaypur Cement Factory (UCF) is a state-owned enterprise that was established in 1987 with the aim of producing and supplying high-quality cement for various construction projects in Nepal. UCF has a production capacity of 800 tons per day and produces various grades of cement, such as OPC, PPC, PSC, etc. UCF is committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility and has received several awards and recognitions for its excellence in quality and performance.
To be Continue....