 17. Countries and Towns
Reading I
London VS Paris
A. Find the words from the text and fill in the cross word puzzle. DOWN
1. a person who lives in a town - urbanite
4. an impressive display of a particular type of thing - showcase
2. a person who approaches passers-by in the street asking for donations - chugger
3. a set of rails that forms the route for a tram - tramway
5. full of energy and life - vibrant
8. a long, narrow French loaf - baguette
9. the art of choosing, cooking and eating good food - gastronomy
10. a small close - knit group of people-clique
B. Choose the correct alternative.
a. The transport network in London is
1. limited
ii. widespread
iii. ruined
iv. Luxurious
b. The number of museums in London is
i. 69
ii. 153
iii. 240
iv. 380
c. Paris is better and has more to offer than London in terms of
i. variety in cuisine
ii. number of museums
iii. arts and crafts
iv. Transport
d. Which of the following is not the major attraction of Paris?
i. fashion
ii. cuisine
iii. art
iv. public library
e. Which of the following is not the similarity between the two cities?
i. Both London and Paris are the capital cities.
ii. Both cities can be travelled all the year round with nice weather.
iii. People in both cities are friendly and welcoming.
iv. Both cities are famous for viewpoints and museums.
C. State whether the following statements are True or False.
a. The French prefer handshakes to kisses. (False)
b. People in London are easy to get along with. (False)
c. The French enjoy talking informally in espresso bar. (True)
d. London is almost fifteen times larger than Paris in terms of geography. (False)
e. The cost of living in Paris is almost the same as that of London. (False)
f. If you are looking for a less populous city, than Paris would be a perfect suit. (False)
D. Answer these questions.
a. What are the famous rivers in London and Paris?
- The famous river in London is the River Thames, and the famous river in Paris is the Seine River.
b. Why do football fans prefer London to Paris?
- Football fans may prefer London to Paris because London hosts six major football clubs that play in the top league, providing more options for football enthusiasts compared to Paris, which has only one major club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
c. Which of the two cities was visited by more tourists in 2018?
- According to a 2018 report by MasterCard mentioned in the text, London recorded the highest number of tourists after Bangkok, making it the second most visited city globally. Paris came in third.
d. What time of the year is suitable to visit London?
- Autumn is described as the most appropriate period to visit London. During this season, temperatures are warm and pleasant, and the city hosts British events and festivals.
e. Which of the two cities is cheaper to travel?
- In terms of local transportation costs and utility bills, Paris appears to be cheaper than London. Therefore, Paris is comparatively cheaper to travel.
f. Where do you think it is easier to catch a cab: In London or Paris? Why?
- According to the text, Paris has an estimate of 17,000 registered taxis, while London has 22,500. Therefore, it is easier to catch a cab in London.Â
G. Which of the two cities would yon like to visit? Give reasons.
- I would like to visit London. The city is a melting pot of cultures, making it a vibrant and diverse city. With its diverse population, there is a wide range of cuisines, languages, and traditions to experience. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the colorful markets of Brick Lane, London offers a unique fusion of cultures from around the world. This cultural diversity also extends to the arts scene, with a plethora of theaters, art galleries, and music venues showcasing a variety of performances and exhibitions.
Grammar I
A. Choose the correct adjective or adverb to complete the following sentences.
a. My poor family can't afford a car. (adjective)
b. Sujata performed poorly at the concert. (adverb)
c. Suraj is calm under pressure. (adjective)
d. The cook patiently removed the boiling pot from the stove. (adverb)
e. The teacher spoke loudly to the students. (adverb)
f. Sunil walked to the kitchen quietly. (adverb)
g. The quiet children listened to the teacher. (adjective)
h. The woman softly sang a lullaby to her infant. (adverb)
i. The kitten timidly peered from under the couch. (adverb)
B. Choose the correct form of the adjectives or the adverbs given in brackets and rewrite the sentences.
a. Some people think that the Sanskrit language is much more complicated to deal with than the Nepali language. (adjective)
b. Metal is heavier than wood. (adjective)
c. Wood is not as heavy as iron. (adjective)
d. He ran more quickly than I did. (adverb)
e. Albert Einstein was an intelligent person. (adjective)
f. My sister can speak English better than Juna can. (adverb)
g. A family car is not as fast as a sports car. (adjective)
h. I wrote more beautifully than he did. (adverb)
i. Sunita did not dance as gracefully as Mamata did. (adverb)
j. The journey home by bus takes much longer than by plane. (adverb)
Writing I
Write a couple of paragrahps comparing out capital city, Kathmandu with any other city in Nepal.
Kathmandu vs Pokhara
Kathmandu and Pokhara are two of the most popular cities in Nepal, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Kathmandu, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis situated in the Kathmandu Valley. It is known for its rich history, ancient temples, and vibrant cultural heritage. The city is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions, with its narrow streets lined with colorful shops, bustling markets, and centuries- old monuments. Kathmandu is also the gateway to the majestic Himalayas, making it a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Pokhara is a picturesque city nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, and it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Pokhara offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The city is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. Visitors can enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, explore the famous World Peace Pagoda, or indulge in adventurous activities like paragliding and hiking. Pokhara also serves as a gateway to popular trekking destinations like the Annapurna Circuit and the Mustang region.
While Kathmandu offers a blend of historical charm and urban energy, Pokhara captivates visitors with its natural splendor and laid-back ambiance. Both cities have their own distinct appeal and attractions. Kathmandu showcases ancient palaces, temples, and vibrant street life, while Pokhara offers breathtaking mountain views, tranquil lakes, and a serene environment. Whether one seeks cultural exploration or a peaceful retreat in nature, both Kathmandu and Pokhara provide unique experiences that make Nepal a remarkable destination to explore.
The Country Mouse and the City Mouse by Ruchard Scrafton Sharpe
Reading II
A. Match the following words with their correct meanings.
a. snug = iv. warm, comfortable and protected, especially from the cold
b. unmolested = ix. not disturbed or attacked by anything
c. stray = i. move away aimlessly from the place where one should be
d. frown = x. a facial expression indicating disapproval or displeasure
e. horrid = ii. very unpleasant, rough
f. reluctant = iii. unwilling and hesitant
g. custard = v. a sweet yellow sauce made from milk, sugar, eggs, and flour
h. trifle = vil. a cold dessert of sponge cake and fruit
i. regale = vi. entertain or amuse somebody with talk
j. endure = viii. to deal with something painful or unpleasant
B. Write whether the following statements are true or false.
a. The country mouse was happy with the way she was living. (False)
b. The country mouse enjoyed the grand meal every day. (False)
c. The town mouse was unhappy with the food he was served. (True)
d. The town mouse invited the country mouse for a dinner in the town. (True)
e. In the town, the country mouse was served delicious food. (False)
f. There was no peace for the mice in the town. (True)
C. Answer these questions.
a. How did the country mouse live?
- The country mouse lived in a cottage in the fields.
b. Why did the town mouse go to the country?
- The town mouse went to the country to visit the country mouse.
c. Was the country mouse happy to get an invitation to visit the town? Why?
- Yes, the country mouse was happy to get an invitation to visit the town because she was curious about the town's food and wanted to experience a different lifestyle.
d. What happened while the mice were having dinner?
- While the mice were having dinner in the town, the dog, cat, and maid with a broom entered the room and interrupted their meal.
e. What did the country mouse request her friend for?
- The country mouse requested her friend to safely take her away from the town because she couldn't tolerate the disturbances and wanted to return to her simple life with bacon and peas.
D. Do you live in a town or a country? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living there?
I live in a country. Living in the countryside offers a peaceful and beautiful lifestyle. I can wake up to the sounds of birds, breathe fresh air, and enjoy stunning landscapes. There's plenty of space for gardens and outdoor activities, and you can find solitude and privacy. The tight-knit community provides a sense of belonging and support. Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and biking is easily accessible. While there may be some trade-offs, the advantages of country living make it a fulfilling and enriching experience.
Grammar II
Complete the following sentences using the correct connectives given below.
[because, because of, although, however, despite/in spite of, but]
a. Although it was summer, the days were rather cold.
b. A piece of stone struck the workman's head; however, he was not hurt.
c. I like popcorn, but I don't like pizza.
d. Despite her age, she is still working very hard.
e. Although Narayan is a skillful worker, he can't read and write very well.
f. Because petrol had become so expensive, Brian sold his car and bought a motorcycle.
g. I took a taxi because it was raining.
h. All flights were cancelled because of the fog.
i. Despite feeling unwell, she went to school.
j. Prinja felt cold, although she was wearing a winter coat.
Writing II
The villages of Nepal that are untouched by modernity are the treasure of true natural beauty. They still hold their simplicity and rural appeal. There are several such hidden charms in the country. Larnidadd Village is one of them. Describe the villages using the following information.
Lamidada Village: Nepal's Hidden Gem of Natural Beauty and Charm
Lamidada Village, located in the Khotang district of Nepal, is a hidden gem that retains its untouched natural beauty and rural charm. With stunning landscapes, this village offers a picturesque view of agricultural lands, traditional houses, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
The village is predominantly inhabited by the Rai people, and their rich cultural heritage can be observed in the traditional houses and the way of life. The villagers are known for
their humility and warm hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms.
As we walk along the stone-paved path uphill, we'll witness the villagers carrying woods from the dense forest, highlighting their sustainable way of life. The forest surrounding the village is lush and vibrant, contributing to the overall natural beauty and ecological diversity of the area.
The weather in Lamidada Village varies throughout the day. In the morning, you may experience a slight chill in the air, which adds a refreshing touch to the surroundings. However, as the day progresses, the temperature rises, and the village basks in warm sunshine. This comfortable climate allows for various outdoor activities and exploration of the village's natural wonders.
Lamidada Village serves as a gateway to the sacred temple of Halesi Mahadev, adding a spiritual significance to its already captivating ambiance. The combination of untouched natural beauty, rural simplicity, and cultural richness makes Lamidada Village a true treasure worth discovering in Nepal.
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