What was it about Mount Everest that the author found irresistible?

Fill in the blanks in the following dialogues choosing suitable phrases from those given in the box.

(i) Teacher: You were away from school without permission. Go to the Principal ______ and submit your explanation.

Pupil: Yes, Madam. But would you help me write it first?

(ii) Arun: Are you unwell?

Ila: No, not _____. Why do you ask?

Arun: If you are unwell. I would send you to my uncle. He is a doctor.

(iii) Mary: Almost every Indian film has an episode of love ____.

David: Is that what makes them so popular in foreign countries?

(iv) Asif: You look depressed. Why are your spirits _____ today?

(Use such in the phrase)

Ashok: I have to write ten sentences using words that I never heard before.

(v) Shieba: Your big moment is close _____.

Jyoti: How should I welcome it?

Sheba: Get up and receive the trophy.

Fill in the blanks in the sentences below with appropriate words from under A.

(a) There were ______ obstacles on the way, but we reached our destination safely.

(b) We have no ______ of finding out what happened there.

(c) Why he lives in a house ______ from any town or village is more than I can tell.

(d) _____ by gratitude, we bowed to the speaker for his valuable advice.

(e) The old castle stands in a _____ position above the sleepy town.

Write the noun forms of the following words adding -ance or – once to each.

(i) endure_______ (ii) persist_______

(iii)signify_______ (iv) confide______

(v) maintain_____ (vi) abhor_______

Standing on Everest, the writer was

(i) Overjoyed

(ii) Very sad

(iii) Jubilant and sad

Choose the right item.

Write a composition describing a visit to the hills, or any place which you found beautiful and inspiring.

Before writing, work in small groups. Discuss the points given below and decide if you want to use some of these points in your composition.

● Consider this Sentence

Mountains are a means of communion with God.

● Think of the act of worship or prayer. You believe yourself to be in the presence of the divine power. In a way, you are in communion with that power.

● Imagine the climber on top of the summit –the height attained; the limitless sky above; the climber’s last ounce of energy spent; feelings of gratitude, humility, and peace.

● The majesty of the mountains does bring you close to nature and the spirit and joy that lives there if you have the ability to feel it.

Some components may be read aloud to the entire class afterward.

“He becomes conscious in a special manner of his own smallness in this large universe”. This awareness defines an emotion mentioned in the first paragraph. Which is the emotion?

One does not do it (climb a high peak) for fame alone. What does one do it for, really?

What according to the writer, did his experience as an Everester teach him?

What were the ‘symbols of reverence’ left by members of the team on Everest?

Why is an adventure, which is risky, also pleasurable?