Composition on selected ICSE topics

 

 

   Composition: A hill station journey

 

(Introduction) 

The mountains has been always a favourite place of mine.Often I find myself roaming round the Great Himalayas and find its surroundings  so serene and pure that I try to hug the nature and  stick to it,but as it is not possible ,you know in your dreams .The northern part of our country which has its greatest gift "The Himalayan Mountains" from the nature is a real treasure for us.My nature always pulls me towards these parts of the high altitude which has so much known and unknown mysterious facts.So, every time my father plans for a journey I eagerly wait for him to select the mountains.And to my fortune my father knows what her daughter's secret wish and so does he select always a new place in the mountainous region.You know father is always daughter's first love.

 The use of mobile phones has lowered active social life and has become an addiction.

As our life is now addicted to the smart phones, a huge lack of active social life and communication  can be seen. The new enhanced technology has dominated over this so advanced world.At every moment and sector of our life we are dependent upon the highly developed,specially designed device called the smartphone.

                           Earlier our entertainment was based upon mainly a social gathering. A gathering with friends, relatives and family provided us with a great deal of warmth and togetherness , which was really a good tonic for mental fitness. But as the world dived into advancement ,we grew busier day by day.Well a lot of productive things can be done by the smart phones like web surfing,most important, a good deal of communication,as it provides a lot of platforms to communicate with anyone at any part of the world easily, provided with video calling, conference meetings, chats , voice call etc. This indeed reduced the necessity to gather along and join for a gossip as you can get it more easily in the mobiles. Moreover people are nowadays becoming lazier than their previous generation because all the specific needs are provided in-front of you. If you want to post a mail,you have G-mail.For paying the bill, you have those paying apps.So it seems like everything has a solution in mobiles. This is why nowadays people are lacking a basic social communication. In old days people used to go to the post offices for sending a letter or a post. Then for paying the bills they had respective shops to go. Here everywhere you can find a gathering of people , which made them socially active and also made them fit and hardworking.Sitting home and doing these tasks are not more worthier than going to the work spot to get it done.

                            Mobiles are worst for the youth generations as they are making them a phone addict.This may diverge their mind from study,make them harsh and unfit person. All the means of entertainment are provided in applications like YouTube , social media like Facebook, Instagram. People are addicted to smart phones.

                                      Although we may be  linked with  each other on social media, but today's world is really missing those  old gatherings  and socialism a lot. It is good to use phones but, we know, too much of addiction is of no good. We should preserve our culture and should communicate socially,physically and be active mentally.

Tense

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TENSE

Tense is the time described by a verb.There are three types of basic tense

•  PRESENT
•  PAST
•  FUTURE

 The broader classification of  each tense is given below with suitable examples to make understand how these tense works. Right now we will discuss about Present Tense only.

           Present Simple

This form of tense is used to describe situations or things  that exists now.Below are the examples of Present simple.
1. It takes a lot of time to invent a vaccine for any disease.
2. She plays sitar very well.
3. My hair grows more quickly.
Rule 
We can use present simple also in cases of habits like
1. I work for nearly seven hours a day.
2. Every Monday I go to the temple for prayer.

Present Continuous

This form of tense is applied to a situation when the action or event have started but not ended and is continuing at present. Below are the examples of  Present Continuous Tense:

1. Sita is playing in the garden now.
2. She is spending quality time with her family at present.
3. Mr.Bose is teaching Maths in Kendriya Vidyalaya Ichapore. 

                                  
 Tense Practice Series 1
Fill in the gaps using simple present or present continuous form of the word given in the bracket.

1. I am a bit nervous as I  _______(loose) weight day by day.
2. It is a wonderful moment and I _______(cherish)it every moment.
3. It _____(cost)us to much to afford a four wheeler.
4. People  _____(prefer)to use recycled paper.
5. My brother________(have) a routine check up.

Answers
1. am losing
2. am cherishing
3. costs
4. prefers
5. is having
                        

Present Perfect

When we talk about this form tense, it suggests some kind of connection between what happened in past ,and the present time. The things that had happened in the past will have a relation with the situation at present.Below are the examples:

Examples of Present Perfect

1. I have invested a lot of money in the game so that I may get a good return from it.
2. We can't go with the plans as few people have given their consent in this matter.
3. Research has shown the way to end the pandemic very soon.

When we talk about some actions or events repeated  number of times from past to present...
They have been to London ten times. 

Few Examples on Present Perfect
1. She has never seen such a player.
2. The price of the vegetables has risen so high these days.
3. I have been to Beijing two months ago.
4. We have stayed with our maternal aunts few days back.
5. Few of the members of the family has survived  from the fatal injuries.
6. The bank has agreed to grant a loan after fifteen days.
7. I have never followed my teacher's instructions throughout my school life.  

Present Perfect Continuous

Rule 1: This form of tense is for situations which has started in past and has been in progress for a period until now.

         I have been staying in Mumbai for over a decade.
         The course has been running every year since 1989.

Rule2: It is sometimes used, when we ask some question with How long?         
        

          How long have you been standing here?
          How long have you been staying in Kolkata ?    

Rule3: It is also used in case of recent activity or situation and focuses on its present results.
          

           It has been raining heavily all night.
          
Fill in each of the numbered blanks with correct form of the words given in brackets:
Free Practice

The story is told of a man in China who___0(raise) horses for a _____1(live).When one of his prized horses  was lost, the neighbours _______2(gather) at his home to mourn the great loss.After they _______3(express) their concern, the man said,"How do I know whether what happened is bad or good?God _______4(know) what is best."A couple of days later the runaway horse returned with several wild horses_____5 (follow) close behind. The same acquaintances came again to his house, this time to celebrate his good fortune."but how do I know whether it is good or bad?" said the man."God knows what is better,"the old gentleman told them.That very afternoon the horse kicked the owner's son and broke the young man's leg.Once more the crowd assembled, now ______6(express) their sorrow over the incident."But how do I know if this is bad or good?"."God knows what is best,"the neighbour said again.Well ,only a few days later,war broke out/ The man's son, however,________7(exempt) from military service because of his ________8(break) leg.

Answers
0. raised
1. living
2. gathered
3. expressed
4. knows
5. following
6. expressing
7. was exempted
8. broken

Transformation of Sentences (With instructions in Bracket)

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Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each.Make other changes that may necessary,but do not change meaning of each sentences.

1.Our secret plan has been discovered.
(Begin: Someone.....)

 
Ans: Someone has discovered our plan.

2.They won the match,so I congratulated them.
(Begin: I congratulated them.......)

 
Ans:  I congratulated them as they won the match.

3.You must not be late or you will be fined.
(Begin:In the event...)
Ans:In the event of being late ,you will be fined.

4.".Have lunch with us on Friday,"Mohit said to us.
(Use: invited)
Ans: Mohit invited us to have lunch with him.

5.We must listen to his words.
(Begin: His words.....)
Ans: His words must be listened.

6.My father was very generous to all.
(Begin: My father treated .....)
Ans:My father treated all very generously.

7.As soon as I arrived,I had a sandwich.
(begin:upon)
Ans:Upon my arrival, I had a sandwich.

8. Mohan will not resign unless he is compelled.
(Begin: Mohan will resign only.......)
Ans: Mohan will resign only if he is compelled.

9. In spite of being fat, he runs very fast.
(Begin:despite...)
Ans: Despite being fat,he runs very fast.

10.Rita is sometimes careless.
(Use: careful)
Ans: Rita is not always careful.

11.Sumit was driving very fast and could not stop at once.
(Use: so...that)
Ans:Sumit was driving so fast that he could not stop at once.

12.My dog is too old to learn new tricks.
(Begin:My dog is so old........)
Ans:My dog is so old that it cannot learn new tricks.

13.The bomb will not explode unless it is touched.
(Begin:The bomb will explode.......)
Ans:The bomb will explode only if it is touched.

Transformation of sentences set 2

1. As soon as we reached the station,the train left.
 (Begin: No sooner.....)
Ans:   No sooner did we reach the station than the train left.

2. But for the heavy rain,they should have had a good picnic.
(Begin: If......)
Ans: If it had not rained heavily,they should have a good picnic.

3.If Unmesh apologises,she will be set free.
(Begin: unless......)
Ans: Unless Unmesh apologises,she will not be set free.

4.As one grows older,one becomes wiser.
(Begin: The older.....)
Ans: The older one grows,the wiser one becomes.
5.My coat was not returned until it had been dry cleaned.
(End:....before it was cleaned)
Ans: My coat had been dry cleaned before it was returned.

6.He not only advised me but also helped me.
(Begin:In addition ......)
Ans: In addition to advising me,he also helped me.

Transformation of sentences set 3

1.As soon as we returned from the market,the maid entered our home. 
(Begin:No sooner.....)

 
2.My shirt was stitched properly before it was returned.
(use: until)

 
3.He not only showed me the way but also helped me to find the house.
(Begin:In addition....)

 
4.Unless her father returns, she will not have the dinner.
(Begin:if.....)

 
5.But for the heavy rain,they should have a good journey.
(Begin:if)

Refer to the answers:(set 3)

1. No sooner did we return from the market than the maid entered our home.

 
2. My shirt was not returned until it was stitched properly.

 
3.In addition to showing me the way,he also helped me to find the house.

 
4.If her father returns,she will have the dinner.

 
5.If it had not rained heavily,they should have a good journey.

Transformation of sentences set 4

1. He was playing the flute.

(Begin: the flute.....)

Ans: The flute was being played by him.

2.She ran the fastest of all.

(Use : faster)

Ans:She ran faster than all.

3.The teacher said,"the Earth is round."

(use : 'that' as a conjunction)

Ans: The teacher said that the Earth is round.

4.She is too proud to bend.

(use:so that)

Ans:She is so proud that she cannot bend.

5.Only the credit cards will be accepted.

(Begin: None)

 Ans:None but the credit cards will be accepted.

6.No sooner did she see her sister than she ran towards her.

(Use : As soon as.....)

Ans:As soon as she saw her sister ,she ran towards her.

7.If Rajesh does not check his habits he will land into trouble soon.

(Begin : Unless)

Ans:Unless Rajesh checks his habits , he will land into trouble soon.

8.The lady goes with me for a walk daily .She is an engineer.

(Simple joining)

Ans:The lady who goes with me for a daily walk is an engineer.

 

Transformation of sentences set 5

1. Hardly had the bell rung when Mathew started running out of his classroom.(As soon as)

 

Ans. As soon as the bell rang ,Mathew started running out of his classroom. 

2.Hardly had I arrived home when the phone rang.(No sooner did)

Ans.No sooner did I arrive home than the phone rang.

 

3.Hardly had I finished my speech when the audience started clapping with great joy.(No sooner did)

 

Ans.No sooner did I finish my speech than the audience started clapping with great joy.

 

4.He was too late to follow the speech of the chief guest.(so that)

 

Ans.He was so late that he could not follow the speech of chief justice.

 

5.The hall was so small that it cannot allow all to sit.(use too)

 

Ans.The hall was too small to allow all to sit.

6.As soon as the news started my mother called me.(hardly when)

Ans Hardly had the news started when my mother called me.

7.The bicycle is too big to manage on road.(use so that)

Ans.The bicycle was so big that it could not be managed.

 

8.The sum was too tough to solve.(use so that)

Ans The sum was so tough that it cannot be solved.

9.Hardly had Deepa completed her practice when the guest arrived.(no sooner did)

Ans No sooner did Deepa complete her practice than the guest arrived.

10.As soon  as I opened the door, I found him standing infront of me.(Hardly had)

 

Ans Hardly had I opened the door when I found him standing infront of me. 

 

Transformation of sentences set 5

 

1.Hardly had the whistle blown when the train left the station.(No sooner did....)

 

Ans : No sooner did the whistle blow than the train left the station.

 

2.He was too tall to enter through the small cottage door.( Use : so that )

Ans: He was so tall that he could not enter the small cottage door.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Conjunction

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Conjunction Practice Series 1

1.I like honey in my tea,_____ I don't like lemon in it.
2.Listen to the teachers ______ act accordingly.
3.He was hungry ______ he did not eat for nearly ten hours.
4.The man chose the path through the forest ______ it was full of wild animals.
5._____ my brother nor my sister went to the market.
6.Mohan will meet you ____ his tuition is over.
7.Today is Monday ____ Tuesday?
8.He was nervous ____ he missed his exam.
9.I like him _____ not his mother.
10.She was running a lot these days _____ she wanted to keep herself fit and fine.

Answers
1.but
2.and
3.because
4.although
5.Neither
6.after
7.or
8.as
9.but
10.as

Conjunction Practice Series 2

1.Do you like reading___ singing?
2.John likes Tennis_____Nancy likes Cricket.
3The man wanted to buy a car_____he did not get a loan.
4.Either Noddy____ you can go to the market.
5.The teacher liked the student_____ he is very obedient.
6.Although the mission is impossible _____ he decided to join it.
7.______ the lock down ,the team continued to roam around.
8.Maria could not attend the meeting_____she was feeling tired.
9.My grandfather _____ grandmother are pensioners.
10.Would you like tea____coffee?

Answers
1.or
2.but
3.but
4.or
5.as
6.yet
7.Despite
8.because
9.and
10.or

Conjunction Practice Series 3

1. He is taller _____ Ravi.
2.You may stay ______ you feel comfortable.
3.You may join our company ____ that you may learn something.
4.Sita ____ Mita are joining the Nursing course in the same Institute.
5.I will wait for you _____ you return.
6.Tell me the time_____ you will be available.
7.____ you work hard ,you will succeed.
8.Play well ______ you will be thrown out of the team.
9.He will not play the match ______ he lacks fitness.
10.Find a job____ your family will starve.

Answers
1.than
2.where
3.so
4.and
5.till/until
6.when
7.if
8.otherwise/else/or
9.because/as
10.or

Conjunction Practice Series 4

1.Hope she will pass the exam ____ she works hard.
2.Finally the man in the team played ___ well that the team won the match.
3.He does not know _____ there will be any exam tomorrow.
4.Life is like a nectar, _____ cherish it.
5.Either the man will stay _____ will move out.
6.Better late _____never.
7.Mira is late _______ she missed her bus.
8.______ Ravi is playing in the garden, his sister is watching cartoon in the TV.
9.Consult a doctor ________ you feel uneasy.
10.I love reading books ______but my mother likes cooking food.

Answers
1.if
2.so
3.whether
4.so
5.Either
6.than
7.because
8.While
9.whenever
10.but

The Prepositions

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PREPOSITION

      A preposition is a word  which relates a noun or pronoun and remaining part of the sentence.

           Let the class begin before the scheduled time.
           I came across a beautiful lake.
           Do not run until I allow you to do.
           Find the time to complete you work. 

The words in bold letter are the preposition used in the sentences.

              Free practice sets in preposition
Preposition Practice Sets with solution 

These examples are given so that students preparing for their Icse/Cbse English grammar can be benefited .

1.  It will take ____an hour to get to there.
2.  She entertained them ______narrating her adventures in Africa.
3.  This animal is found ______Australia and nowhere else.
4.  Rex is now ready _____ answer to my questions.
5.  He prefers watching TV______ reading.
6.  Why are you looking ______ her watch?
7.  The Bengalis had a passion _______ rasgoollas.
8.  Patience is the key______ jigsaw puzzle.
9.  The patient is receiving treatment _____ a specialist doctor.
10. Interests are expected to rise______two percentage.

Answers

1.about
2.by
3.in
4.to
5.to
6.at
7.for
8.to
9.from
10.by

Free Exercises on Preposition

Preposition Practice Sets with solution 

1.She was rewarded ____ all her hard works.
2.He slipped a coat ____ his shirt.
3.Don't pretend that you know much _____the subject.
4. Speak _____ injustice.
5.His pride forced him ___ suffer a lot.
6.Superstition still prevails ____ certain section of people in society.
7.We are ___ the process of buying a new car.
8.The man was puffing _____ smoke from his mouth.
9.There should be punishment _______ people who are involved in corruption.
10.The meeting was called ______ the purpose of selecting the chairman.
Answers
1.for
2.over
3.about
4.against
5.to
6.among
7.in
8.out
9.against
10.for

Free Exercises on Preposition

Preposition Practice Sets with solution 

1.Ravi promised to come but he never turned ____

2.The witness agreed to sign the paper only _____ much persuasion.

3.We can't begin the program ____ the chief guest arrives.

4.I have been taking the medicine _____ July.

5.We should not connect our past ____ our present.

6.Due to poor weather we had not been ___ the cinema hall on Monday.

7.The boy picked up the cup and held it ______ his mouth.

8.The publisher will bring _____ a book on life of Irfan Khan.

9.Why did he deprive you ___ your property?

10.He was accused ____ stealing.

Answers

1.up
2.after
3.until
4.since
5.with
6.to
7.towards
8.out
9.of
10.of
Free Exercises on Preposition
Preposition Practice Sets with solution 

1.His response ____eye contact is really commendable.

2.Forests soak _____ carbondioxide and release 

oxygen.

3.Don’t consume too much _____ meat at a time.

4.The whole society has turned ______ him.

5.Here is some advice ______ the teacher.

6.Inspite ____ being a small boy ,he fought the giant.

7._______robbing him ,they killed him also.

8.Music is a passion ____ him.

9.He fought _____ his last breathe.

10.Don’t let _____ your friends.

Answers

1.through

2.up

3.of

4.against

5.from

6.of

7.Besides

8.for

9.till

10.down

Preposition Practice Series 5

1. ____ cricket,I also like Tennis.

 

2.____ watching cricket, I enjoy watching football and 

basketball.

 

3. There is no way_____ to accept the truth.

 

4.______ my novels and poems,I have published my short stories.

 

5. The car came towards the blind man _____the road.

 

6.She is walking _____ the bank of the river.

 

7.He walked ________ the pine forest while returning way back to 

home.

Answers

1.Besides

2.Apart from

3.but 

4.Besides

5.across 

6.along

7.through

 

Practice sheet grammar 6

 

1. The lady had fallen ______ the threshold of her own door.

2. The kitten had secured a place ____ shelter in my house.

3. She had injured her spine _______ the final selection.

4. She had been looking _____ for a handsome guy.


1. upon

2. of

3. before

4. out



ICSE EXAMPLES ON PREPOSITION 2007

 

1. Truth always prevails ___ the long run.

 

2. Sujata stood ____ the river and saw the ship pass by.

 

3. She took some money ___ her father.

 

4. Shilpa gave me a rare gift ___ my birthday.

 

5. Deepak was very upset ____ me.

 

6.Michel is longing ___ meet me.

 

7. It has been a long time ____ I met my sister.

 

8.The worker  has asked ____ his wages.

 

 

Answers

1. in

2. beside 

3. from 

4. on 

5. with 

6. to 

7. since 

8. for

 

 

Practice sheet grammar 7(Answers in bold 

 

letters

 

 

1.My mother came across the old lady in the market selling bangles

 

of different colours.

 

2. It is seven o' clock by my watch.

 

3. I have spent most of my childhood in Hyderabad.

 

4.Raj has decorated his interior office walls with beautiful paintings.

 

5.There was an argument between the two brothers.

 

6.I had nearly fainted as the temperature was below the freezing 

 

point.

 

7.The man slept under the tree for the whole night.

 

8.Don't jump over the wall. 

You may fall. 

9.The boy standing behind me is Suresh. 

10.Look the beautiful sky above you. 

11.Finally the match ended before time. 

12.Don't get into the  room as some teachers are there. 

13. He experienced a horrible incident while passing through the dense forest. 

14.Besides being a poet, he is a painter too. 

15.There was a quarrel between the two friends. 

16.look inside the train, it is full with passengers. 

17.The late comers are not allowed to stand in the row. 

18. A hemispherical and conical hole are scooped out a solid wooden cylinder.