English Chapter 2_A Tale of Valour

 A Tale of Valour - Questions and Exercises Answers

Let us do these activities before we read.

 

1 What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January? The Republic Day Parade on 26 January is a grand and spectacular event that showcases India's rich cultural heritage, military might, and technological advancements. It's a moment of national pride and unity, where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

2 What are the highlights of this parade? The highlights of the parade typically include the unfurling of the national flag by the President, followed by the national anthem. It features impressive displays by various regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, including tanks, missiles, and aircraft flypasts. Cultural tableaux from different states, showcasing their unique traditions and diversity, are also a major attraction. Additionally, schoolchildren perform patriotic dances and songs, and bravery award winners are honored.

3 What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them? On Republic Day, various bravery awards are given to individuals who have displayed exceptional courage and selflessness. The most prominent military bravery awards include the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, awarded to armed forces personnel for their gallantry in the face of the enemy. Civilian bravery awards, such as the National Bravery Awards, are also presented to children for their acts of courage.

 

II Work in groups of four and discuss.

 

4 What qualities do you think a soldier should have? A soldier should possess a multitude of qualities, including courage, discipline, resilience, integrity, and a strong sense of duty and patriotism. They must be physically and mentally tough, capable of making quick decisions under pressure, and demonstrate unwavering loyalty to their country and comrades. Leadership, teamwork, and adaptability are also crucial for success in military operations.

5 If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be? My message to a soldier would be: "Thank you for your selfless service and unwavering dedication to protecting our nation. Your courage and sacrifice ensure our safety and freedom. We stand with you, we honor you, and we are eternally grateful for everything you do. Stay strong, stay safe, and know that your efforts are deeply appreciated."

 

Let us discuss

I Arrange the following events in chronological order. The first and the last events have been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

 

Here are the events in chronological order:

 

6 Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. (1)

7 Major Somnath Sharma underwent training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

8 Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.

9 The D Company, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar.

10 Major Somnath Sharma requested air strikes to combat the enemy at Badgam.

11 Major Somnath Sharma was killed immediately after a mortar shell hit him.

12 Even after losing Major Somnath Sharma, the soldiers fought bravely to save Srinagar for India.

13 Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. (8)

 

Let us think and reflect

I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

 

Extract 1: "Vastly outnumbered and facing devastating fire, Major Somnath Sharma and his men stood resolute. The air was thick with the sound of gunfire and the cries of battle, but Major Somnath Sharma’s voice cut through the chaos, urging his men to fight with tenacity and valour. Despite heavy casualties and his own injuries, Major Somnath Sharma displayed unparalleled bravery. He moved fearlessly through the battlefield, directing fire, filling magazines for his gunners, and encouraging his men to hold their ground."

 

(i) What can be inferred about the conditions from the line: ‘The air was thick with gunfire...’    B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.

 

(ii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.    Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because he was committed to his men and his country, and he believed in fighting to the last man and the last round to defend Srinagar.

 

(iii) Select the correct option for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below:(A): Major Somnath Sharma moved fearlessly through the battlefield, even though he was injured.
    (R): He believed his courage was important to motivate the soldiers.
    A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

 

(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from those given in the brackets:    Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite injuries.

 

Extract 2: "Born on 31 January 1923, in the picturesque town of Dadh in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Somnath Sharma belonged to a family with a rich military legacy. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had served the nation with distinction, and young Somnath was deeply inspired by the valorous tales of the Mahabharata, imparted to him by his grandfather."

 

(i) What can be inferred about Somnath Sharma’s early influences on his career?    C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty.

 

(ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false:    Somnath Sharma belonged to a wealthy family.    False. The text mentions a "rich military legacy" and his father serving "with distinction," implying a legacy of service and honor, not necessarily wealth.

 

(iii) What does the phrase ‘served the nation with distinction’ tell us about Major General Amar Nath Sharma?    The phrase ‘served the nation with distinction’ indicates that Major General Amar Nath Sharma performed his duties for the country with exceptional skill, honor, and a high level of achievement, earning recognition and respect for his service.

Let us learn"

I. Matching Expressions and Situations

Matches:

1. Fight to the last man — (ii) The soldiers fought valiantly until each one laid down his life for the nation.
2. Foil the plan — (iv) A spy disrupts the enemy’s efforts to invade a country by intercepting their communications.
3. Deliver a blow — (i) A sports team scores a last-minute goal, giving them the lead and shaking the opponent’s confidence.
4. Hold their ground — (iii) Soldiers stay in their position and fight back, even though the enemy is stronger.

Sentences: A. The detective managed to foil the plan by finding the hidden evidence. B. The company’s new advertising campaign was meant to deliver a blow to their competitors’ sales. C. The hikers chose to hold their ground despite the heavy rain, refusing to turn back. D. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the soldiers vowed to fight to the last man, refusing to surrender.

II. Collective Nouns

Matches:

1. regiment — (ii) a permanent unit of an army commanded by a lieutenant colonel/colonel.
2. squadron — (iii) a small unit of 12–24 aircraft and their crews.
3. fleet — (iv) a group of ships sailing together.
4. battalion — (i) a large body of troops ready for battle, especially an infantry unit.

Sentences: A. The commanding officer addressed the entire regiment of soldiers during the morning assembly. B. The admiral ordered the entire fleet to set sail for battle. C. The battalion of infantry advanced slowly through the dense forest. D. A squadron of fighter jets was sent to intercept the enemy planes.

III. Words with 'Over' Prefix

1. To take and seize control: overthrow
2. To invade or occupy an area in large numbers: overrun
3. To flood or overpower someone or something emotionally: overwhelm

Five other 'over' verbs:

1. Overcome: He worked hard to overcome his fears.
2. Overlook: Don't overlook the small details in the report.
3. Oversee: She was appointed to oversee the construction project.
4. Overhear: I happened to overhear their conversation in the hallway.
5. Overdo: Be careful not to overdo it at the gym on your first day.

IV. Nouns (c) and Verbs (s)

1. The teacher’s (i) advice is always helpful, and she continues to (ii) advise students.
2. The musician believes that daily (i) practice helps, so she is ready to (ii) practise her lessons.
3. The scientist uses a strange (i) device and plans to (ii) devise new methods.
4. The village (i) council met to discuss issues and decided to (ii) counsel the villagers.

V. Subject-Verb Agreement

1. The bouquet of flowers is beautiful.
2. Neither the teacher nor the students were aware of the change.
3. Each of the participants has submitted their projects.
4. The data collected by the researchers shows significant trends.
5. One of the players was injured during the match.
6. Either the children or their guardian has to attend the meeting.
7. A pair of shoes is missing from the rack.
8. Neither of the statements is true.
9. The members of the jury have delivered their verdict.
10. Mathematics is an interesting subject for many students.

VI. Correcting Verb Usage

Corrected Passage: "Each soldier salutes with pride while the commander and his assistants inspect the parade. The sound of marching feet echoes through the air as a group of cadets prepares for their drill. Meanwhile, a convoy of military vehicles passes by, drawing cheers from the gathered crowd."