Assignment Code: FEG-1/BEGF-101/TMA/2024-25

Course Code: FEG-01/BEGF-101

Assignment Name: Foundation Course in English

Year: 2024-2025

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Answer all the questions. 

1 Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: 

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity. 

At the dawn of history India started on her unending quest, and trackless centuries are filled with her striving and the grandeur of her success and her failures. Through good and ill fortune alike she has never lost sight of that quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. We end today a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future? 

Freedom and power bring responsibility. That responsibility rests upon this Assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. Before the birth of freedom we have endured all the pains of labour and our hearts are heavy with the memory of this sorrow. Some of those pains continue even now. Neverthless, the past is over and it is the future that beckons to us now. That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfil the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over. 

-Jawaharlal Nehru 

1a. What does 'tryst with destiny' mean? 

Ans) "Tryst with destiny" refers to a solemn and significant appointment or meeting with the future that India had made with its fate. It symbolizes the country's long struggle for freedom and the crucial moment when that struggle was finally coming to fruition. 

1b. Explain 'at the stroke of the midnight.' 

Ans) "At the stroke of the midnight" refers to the exact moment when the clock strikes twelve, marking the beginning of a new day. In this context, it symbolizes the precise moment when India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, as the new day dawned. 

1c. Explain: 'when the world sleeps.' 

Ans) "When the world sleeps" refers to the fact that while other countries around the world might be in their usual state of rest or sleep during midnight, India was awakening to a new era of freedom and independence. It emphasizes the uniqueness of this moment for India compared to the rest of the world. 

1d. Which moment is the author talking about? 

Ans) The author, Jawaharlal Nehru, is talking about the moment of India's independence, when the country was stepping out of colonial rule and entering a new era of freedom and self-governance. 

1e. What kind of achievement is the author talking about? 

Ans) The author is referring to the achievement of India's independence from British rule. This achievement is seen not just as the end of colonial rule but as the beginning of a new journey towards greater successes, addressing challenges like poverty, inequality, and suffering in the country. 

1f. Give a suitable title to the passage. 

Ans) A suitable title for the passage could be "India's Tryst with Destiny: A New Dawn of Freedom". 

1g. Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following: 

(i) prolonged (ii) before (iii) fate (iv) regain (v) liberty (vi)compassion 

(vii) triumph (viii) misfortune (ix) aspiration (x) agony 

Ans) (i) Prolonged - Unending 

(ii) Before - Before (This word is directly in the passage; no synonym is used) 

(iii) Fate - Destiny 

(iv) Regain - Redeem 

(v) Liberty - Freedom 

(vi) Compassion - Dedication (In the context of serving others, though not a perfect match) 

(vii) Triumph - Success 

(viii) Misfortune - Ill fortune 

(ix) Aspiration - Ambition 

(x) Agony - Pains 

2. Select the correct form of the verbs given in brackets in each of the following sentences:   

i. He went to Bombay yesterday.  

ii. I have been waiting for two hours.  

iii. They will serve you lunch if you attend the function.  

iv. They had left when he arrived.  

v. The bus left an hour ago.  

vi. Had I known you were coming I would have waited for you.  

vii. I have not written the essay yet.  

viii. She has lived in Jaipur since 1947.  

ix. I have not heard from her for a year.  

x. A new TV channel was started last Monday. 

3. Complete the sentences given below: 5 

ii. If the soil is eroded, the land will become barren.  

iii. If the soil lacks nutrients, crops will not grow well.  

iv. If nothing grows on the land, the ecosystem will be disrupted.  

v. If people have nothing to eat, there will be widespread hunger and malnutrition.  

vi. If the government doesn’t do anything for the starving people, there could be a humanitarian crisis. 

4. Complete the following sentences with appropriate main clauses. 

i. The door opened just as I was ringing the bell.  

ii. They always greet me warmly every time I meet them.  

iii. You can keep the book as long as you want it.  

iv. I had already finished my homework by the time mother came home.  

v. The audience started clapping the moment he went on the stage. 

5. Fill in the blanks with the correct tense of the verb given in brackets: 

Many years ago when Martin Luther King (address) a public meeting, someone (throw) a shoe at him. There (be) a deep silence. King (pick) up the shoe and (tell) the gathering that some king gentlemen, knowing that he (can) not afford shoes (throw) one for him. He (request) the gentlemen to throw him the other one too. The man(feel) embarrassed and (go) away from there. 

Ans) Many years ago when Martin Luther King was addressing a public meeting, someone threw a shoe at him. There was a deep silence. King picked up the shoe and told the gathering that some kind gentleman, knowing that he could not afford shoes, had thrown one for him. He requested the gentleman to throw him the other one too. The man felt embarrassed and went away from there. 

6. Asking Wh-Questions, example: 

You want to know where the post office is. 

Where is the post office? 

Now make questions in a similar way.   

i Find out why your brother is angry. 

ii Find out when your exam will start 

iii Find out why he arrives late at the office. 

iv You want to know where the Railway station is 

v Find out how far is your father’s office from your home. 

vi You’re interested in knowing where he’s coming from. 

vii You need to know when you could reach him. 

viii Find out what the number of the Chairperson is. 

ix Find out how she goes to the office. 

x Find out how to reach the airport. 

Ans) i. Why is my brother angry?  

ii. When will my exam start?  

iii. Why does he arrive late at the office?  

iv. Where is the railway station?  

v. How far is my father’s office from our home?  

vi. Where is he coming from?  

vii. When can I reach him?  

viii. What is the number of the Chairperson?  

ix. How does she go to the office?  

x. How do I reach the airport? 

7. Write a about 300 words on any one of the following topics: 20 

i Educating girl child 

Ans) Educating the girl child is one of the most significant steps toward achieving gender equality and fostering social and economic development. In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, girls have historically been denied access to education due to cultural norms, economic barriers, and systemic discrimination. However, the importance of educating girls cannot be overstated, as it has far-reaching impacts on families, communities, and entire nations. 

Firstly, educating a girl child empowers her to make informed decisions about her life. An educated girl is more likely to delay marriage and childbirth, thereby reducing the risk of maternal and infant mortality. She is also more likely to have fewer children, which helps in controlling population growth. Educated women tend to invest more in their children's health and education, creating a positive cycle of development that benefits future generations. 

Moreover, education equips girls with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in the workforce, thereby contributing to the economy. When women are educated and employed, they can support their families financially and reduce poverty. The economic empowerment of women also leads to greater financial stability in households, which can have a significant impact on the overall economic growth of a country. 

Educating girls also promotes social change. Women who are educated are more likely to challenge discriminatory practices and advocate for their rights. This can lead to a reduction in gender-based violence, early marriages, and other harmful practices. Moreover, educated women often become role models in their communities, inspiring other girls to pursue education and break free from traditional gender roles. 

8. In about 200 words, write a conversation between: 20 

i You and elder brother where you are asking his suggestions regarding which stream you should go for after completing 10 

Ans) You: Hi, Bhaiya! I need your advice on something important. 

Elder Brother: Sure, what's up? 

You: I'm really confused about which stream to choose after 10th. I can't decide between Science, Commerce, and Humanities. 

Elder Brother: It’s a big decision, but don’t worry. Let’s figure this out together. What are your interests? 

You: Well, I enjoy studying science, especially biology, but I'm also interested in economics and business studies. And I like reading about history too. 

Elder Brother: That’s a good mix of interests. If you’re passionate about science, especially biology, you might enjoy the Science stream. It opens up paths like medicine, engineering, or research. 

You: But I also like economics. I think business studies could be interesting too. 

Elder Brother: In that case, Commerce could be a good option. It’ll give you a strong foundation in economics, business, and finance. You can go into fields like accounting, business management, or even entrepreneurship. 

You: What about Humanities? 

Elder Brother: Humanities is great if you’re interested in subjects like history, political science, or sociology. It’s ideal for careers in law, journalism, or civil services. 

You: I’m still a bit unsure, though. 

Elder Brother: Take some time to think about what excites you the most. You can also talk to your teachers or even explore some career counseling. Just remember, choose what you love, and you'll excel in it. 

You: Thanks, Bhaiya. I’ll think it over and make a decision soon. 

Elder Brother: Anytime! I’m here if you need to talk more.