Write a short story in 200-250 words, with the help of the cues given below. Give a suitable title to the story.

It is not always true that slow and steady wins the race-this was discovered by Rohan/Renu when ……….

OR

Rohan/Renu and his/her pet inseparable – one day – long trek – lost their way – separated from other – used good sense – reunited – retuned safely.

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

Peer Pressure

1. Peer Pressure is a phenomenon wherein we tend to get influenced by the lifestyle and the ways of thinking of our peers. Peer pressures can prove beneficial but it is most often observed to have negative effects.

2. The thought, behaviour and taste in fashion, music, television and other walks of life of the massage are often seen to have a deep impact on society. We tend to get influenced by the lifestyle of our peer group. The changing ways of life of our peers often force us to change our ways of looking at life and leading it. It’s a human tendency to do what the crowd does. Few have the courage to resist the peer pressure and be their own selves rather than being one among the lot. Peer pressure is bound to affect most of us both positively and negatively. The distinction between positive and negative peer pressure lies in a thoughtful analysis of the views of the masses. Following your peers blindly leaves a negative impact on your life while an analytical approach of looking at peer behaviour can help you act positively. Peer pressure is not always can bad. It can help you analyse yourself and contemplate on your ways of life. Some of the practise that the masses follow may actually teach you the way of living. You may be able to change yourself for the better. Looking at what other do, can help you bring about a positive change in your way of thinking. If you can pick selectively, peer pressure can actually result in a positive change in your way of life.

3. Teenage is that phase of life when are exposed to the world outside. These are the tears when you spend most of your time with your time with your friends. Teenage is the phase of beginning to become independent in life; the years of forming your ideals and principles, the years that shape your personality and the years that introduce you to your own self. As adolescents you often spend most of your daily time with friend and owing to this, you tend to imitate your friends. The people around you are bound to influence you. However, the effect of the influences of the masses is greater during your teen years. Parents have a vital role to play during your teen year’s life. Parents and teachers need to be careful while dealing with teenagers, as they are most susceptible to succumb to peer pressure during these years of their life. Teenage individuals need to be taught to distinguish between the good and the bad, the right and the wrong and should be taught to be thoughtful in life.

4. A strong support from family, an ability to differentiate between the positive and the negative and a skill chose friend from among the peers- this three-pronged strategy is the best way to keep away from negative peer pressure.

2.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each.

(i) How can changing ways of life of our peers affect us?

(ii) What needs courage?

(iii) Name any two factors which can help you gain from peer pressure.

(iv) State any two characteristics of teenage.

(v) Why are teenagers more likely to be affected by peer pressure?

2.2 On the basis of your reading of the passage, fill in any two of the following black with appropriate words/phrases:

(i) A negative impact on life can be left by ____________.

(ii) A thoughtful analysis of views of masses will lead to ________________.

(iii) Selective picking can result in ____________.

2.3 Attempt any two of the following. Find out the words that mean the same as under:

(i) Affected (Para 1)

(ii) Difference (Para 2)

(iii) Give in to (Para 3)

Write a letter in 100-120 words, to the Editor of The Hindu, Chennai discussing in detail the advantage of ban on crackers. You are Anu/Anuj, 112, Lawrence Road, Kochi.

OR

Write an article in 100-120 words on the topic, ‘Increasing Population in the Cities’. You are Ram/Rama. You may us the following clues: migration from village – more jobs – better educational facilities – effect on living condition – overcrowding -slums – water and power supply – traffic jams.

Fill in any four of the following blanks choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below.

A. Politeness is said to (a) ………………. One of the important characteristics of a civilized person.

B. The (b) …………… enemy of politeness is ego.

C. To be a polite person, you (c) ………….. to sacrifice your ego.

D. It is difficult (d) ……………… an egoist to be polite.

E. Polite actions (e) ………………. fine results.

(a) (i) is (ii) be (iii) are (iv) being

(b) (i) less great (ii) more great (iii) greatest (iv) greater

(c) (i) have (ii) had (iii) has (iv) must

(d) (i) by (ii) of (iii) since (iv) for

(e) (i) give (iii) gave (iii) gives (iv) giving

In the following paragraph one has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along with the that comes before it and the words that follows it. (any four).

Best to save the match.