Blog

Chapter 1.2 On To The Summit: We Reach The Top

Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Complete the web of different activities related to climbing.

Question 2.
There are certain prerequisites for Mountaineering. With reference to the following points develop a short dialogue between you and your friend about mountaineering.

Answer:

• Ashish: Hey Mayank ! when is your next plan for mountaineering?
• Mayank: Yes, I am planning for some days in September – October. Are you interested in joining?
• Ashish: Yes, I am. But I’m not very confident.
• Mayank: Then we will go to Mount Kilimanjaro to start with. But before that you must begin with small practices like walking, stair climbing and may be uphill hiking a bit.
• Ashish: What are the usual equipments that we need? You must be having most of them?
• Mayank: Honestly speaking, we need a lot of equipments and yes, I have some. But let’s visit a mountaineering equipment shop one day to get an idea of the latest ones, convenient as well as inexpensive. I have the basic ones like tent, headlight, map, compass, cap, jackets, gloves, sunscreen, lip balm, etc.
• Ashish: Oh ! You have quite a lot. Let’s visit the shop tomorrow.
• Mayank: But you need to talk to a fitness expert to get the guidance because a fit climber spends less energy. He will suggest what type of fitness regime we should follow as well as can recommend a good trainer.
• Ashish: Yes, I know. Mental and physical fitness are the main ingredients for the success of a mountaineer. Tomorrow, I’ll come to your place and we’ll plan everything. We have to start as soon as possible.
• Mayank: You are most welcome. See you tomorrow.

Question 3.
Discuss various hazards and risks that a mountaineer/ trekker has to face in an expedition.
Answer:
The hazards and risks for a mountaineer/trekker may be:

1. Bad visibility caused by bad weather (mist, rain, snow) or darkness is a major hazard.
2. Snow and ice can make a simple path a very dangerous one, especially if there is a steep drop off near by.
3. Rock fall is a common mishap during heavy snow and rain.
4. Lightning can cause a major problem at some places.
5. Flash floods due to storm might be risky.
6. A mountaineer cannot ignore rain and wind. Rain makes the path towards upward climbing slippery and a strong wind can cause loss of balance of a mountaineer, making climbing impossible.
7. Hypothermia, that is, lowering of the body’s natural temperature to 32° C due to wet clothing and heat loss because of strong wind, can be a big hindrance. If it is not treated immediately, severe hypothermia may occur leading to fatalities.
8. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are very common problems because of difficult physical work.
9. Timely care should be taken by pouring water on the victim to avoid heatstroke. The patient should be urgently given cold water mixed with a small amount of salt and sugar to refresh him.

(A1)

Question 1.
Summarize, in your own words, the highly risky and dangerous journey of Tenzing and Hillary from the base to the top of Mount Everest.
Answer:
Tenzing and Hillary were well-informed about the flat side of the summit, its steep rise, rocky and snowy sides too. It was decided that Tenzing would lead the mission followed by Hillary in the beginning and this position would be alternated. They would be tied together by a rope. They started early from camp nine. Tenzing carried the flags of Britain, the United Nations, Nepal and India to be put on the top of Mount Everest.

They steadily climbed for an hour and faced the difficulties of steep rocks on the west side. The last fifty feet to the top was made easier by their togetherness and they officially announced that without making any attempts to take the credit for conquering Mt. Everest first. Four flags were put by Tenzing wearing the red scarf gifted by his friend. Both of them stayed safely at the top for fifteen minutes.

(A2)

Question (i)
Complete the web highlighting the feelings/emotions of Tenzing after reaching the summit.

Answer:

Question (ii)
Explain the qualities of Tenzing Norgay. Pick lines that show his unique qualities.
Answer:

Question (iii)
Write down the significance of the following in the context of‘On to the Summit*.
(a) Red Scarf
(b) Husiar
(c) Kerosene Flavoured Tea
(d) Ice Axe
(e) Anchor
Answer:
(a) Red Scarf: The red scarf was given to Tenzing by his good friend Lambert who was the leader of the Swiss Expedition of 1952. This scarf reminded Tenzing of their successful mission, a year ago and rejuvenated him to feel fit, energetic, and excited for the completion of another mission.

(b) Husiar: This code-mixing makes Tenzing’s knowledge about mountaineering clearer to the readers. Both Tenzing and Hillary did not take it easy while climbing down. After successful completion, they were not over-confident and were fully aware of the technique and caution needed for the downward journey.

(c) Kerosene Flavored Tea: This tea was brought by C.W.F. Noyce for Tenzing and Hillary from camp eight and he had to do a lot of climbing up and down for that. Some amount of Kerosene got mixed with the tea as it was made in a hurry. Tenzing did not make Mr. Noyce feel guilty as both the mountaineers were grateful for getting hot tea at a time when they needed it the most. The gentleman had taken so much trouble to serve them tea and they were not bothered about its flavour.

(d) Ice Axe: Tenzing used his ice-axe to tie one end of the four flags of Britain, the United Nations and Nepal and the other end was held up by him. Hillary took his pictures holding all the flags up. But he needed his ice-axe for climbing down. So he had to remove his ice-axe and buried one end of the flags in the snow on the slope down below and other end in the ice on the top. Obviously, they fell down but Tenzing had no choice but to remove his ice-axe.

(e) Anchor: An anchor is a person who is strong and reliable. He makes people feel safe and confident. In mountaineering, the man who follows while climbing has a difficult job both in climbing up and climbing down. Tenzing and Hillary decided to alternate this job of anchoring so that the person leading feel safer. This proved that their expedition was a team-work where both shared the responsibility of being the anchor in order to have a successful mission.

(A3)

Question (i)
Add suitable suffixes (- tion, ly, – ment, – ous) and prefixes (un, il, im) to the words given below. Answer:

(ii) Fill appropriate letters in the blank space to get a past participle form of a word. Use the word as adjective in your own sentence.

Question (a)
s _ g n _ d
Answer:
signed – The advocate took all the signed documents to the court.

Question (b)
p _ _ z _ d
Answer:
prized – My grandmother’s diary is a prized possession for me.

Question (c)
f _ _t_ene_
Answer:
flattened – On the highway we were in great trouble due to the flattened tyre.

Question (d)
b _ i _ e _
Answer:
boiled – My sister loves to eat boiled egg.

(iii) Spot the error in the following sentences.

Question (i)
I was not afraid for die that day.
Answer:
I was not afraid to die that day.

Question (ii)
Tenzing and Hillary made on pact at the office of PM of Nepal.
Answer:
Tenzing and Hillary made a pact in the office of PM of Nepal.

Question (iii)
I has to bring my ice axe down with me.
Answer:
I had to bring my ice axe down with me.

Question (iv)
Tenzing have spent a night with Camp Eight.
Answer:
Tenzing had spent a night at Camp Eight.

Question (v)
Pact was signed from Tenzing and Hillary.
Answer:
A pact was signed between Tenzing and Hillary.

Question (vi)
I and Hillary were in no mood of talking.
Answer:
Hillarv and I were in no mood for any talking.

(A4)

Question 1.
In passive voice the doer is the objeet and the job accomplished is the subject. The verb of passive voice is formed by using the correct form of verb ‘to be’ or verb ‘to have’ + past participle of the main verb. Construct the passive voice of the following sentences accordingly.
Answer:

(A5)

Question (i)
Write in short about any adventure sport that you like and the risk involved in it.
Answer:
I like Bunjee-jumping a lot and have taken part in it at Lonavala. Bungee-jumping, I am sure, many of you, know that it is an activity where the participant jumps from a tall structure but he is obviously connected to a large elastic cord. It is thrilling and one needs a lot of courage to take part in it since a number of risks are involved in it.

Most common injuries are fracture, strains, sprains, bruising, chronic stress features. But the most dangerous risk is acute head injuries. Lots of precautions are being taken by the organizers but one needs to think whether it is worth taking such risks just for the sake of adventure.

Question (ii)
Give your opinion: whether we should or should not participate in adventure sports because –
Answer:
Every coin has two sides, so do adventure sports. Adventure sports do have some benefits.
They are as follows:
1. Boost self-confidence.
2. Stay mentally sharp.
3. Help to cope with challenges in life.
4. Spark the desire to explore.

However, the negative aspects of adventure sports can be quite disturbing.
1. They can cause serious health issues.
2. They are obviously very dangerous.
3. Regular safety precautions may not be stringently followed to prevent life threatening injuries.
It depends on the individual to assess his/her own character traits as well as the pros and cons of the sport, to come to the final decision to take part in any adventure sports with proper training.

Question (iii)
Tenzing and Hillary created history by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. There are many mountains in Maharashtra where one can fancy his or her chances of climbing them. Imagine that you have climbed a mountain and are immensely thrilled and excited. Write a letter to your friend about it.
Answer:
XYZ,
ABC Apartment,
Flat No. 4, 29th Road,
Shivaji Nagar, Pune
11th July, 2019

Dear Manav,

How are you? I am writing to you after a long time. These days I feel so lazy to write letters, thanks to modern technologies. But today, I am very excited. I went on my first trek last week and I wanted to share with you the details of my trekking experience.

You obviously know, Maharashtra lies amidst the Western Ghats and it welcomes the rains to the beautiful ranges of the Sahayadris. Last week my close friends and I decided to go to Lonavala and from there to Lohagad Fort for trekking, which is for the beginners. We were told that Lohagad Fort trek was not very difficult. We could reach up to the fort to witness some of the most spectacular views in the Lonavala trekking region.

It took us about three to four hours to reach the summit. I must admit that the initial fear was there. But after reaching the peak and seeing the magnificent view all around, we felt that it was worth going there.

Something I must tell you here before I forget. My elder brother Deepak has joined as an executive in a good company and he was my money-bag this time. I felt so, fortunate. Coming back to my expedition, the descent was easier as we were all in a jovial mood for completing the mission (to me, it was a mission only, my first trek) successfully. We have taken beautiful photographs of the surroundings which is breathtakingly beautiful. The waterfalls, lakes, streams, rock-climbing patches, hillocks all around are real wonders of Mother Earth.

When are you planning to come to Pune? I’m eagerly waiting for showing you the photographs. How are Uncle and Aunty. Give them my regards.

Yours lovingly,
XYZ

Question (iv)
You are the college representative and your Principal has assigned you the task of writing a letter to the Divisional Officer, Satpuda Mountain Ranges, Nagpur, seeking permission for the mountaineering expedition to be organized by your college.
Answer:
Harshad Kale
College Representative
XYZ College of Arts and Commerce,
Ghatkopar (East),
Mumbai – 400 077
11th July, 2019

Divisional Officer,
Satpuda Mountain Range,
Nagpur

Subject: Permission for the mountaineering expedition to be organized by our college.

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am Harshad Kale, the College Representative of XYZ College of Arts and Commerce. On behalf of my Principal Dr. Sunil Patil I would request you to grant me the permission for organizing the mountaineering expedition.

I would like to inform you that NCC Unit of our college has planned for the mountaineering expedition from 25th to 30th July. The students who are selected for taking part are all expert trekkers and they will be accompanied by experienced mountaineers as well as our Professors who go regularly for trekking. Our Principal has instructed to arrange for all precautionary measures and is personally taking care of all arrangements.

We shall be obliged if you kindly permit us to carry on the expedition. Awaiting your positive response.

Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely Harshad Kale

Enclosed:
(a) Copy of the expedition programme.
(b) Letter of permission from Principal Dr. Sunil Patil

Question (v)
Convert the above letter into an e-mail format.
Answer:
To: abc@gmail.com
Cc: qrs@gmail.com
Bcc: (non-visible email ids)
Subject: Permission for organising mountaineering expedition

Respected Sir/Madam,

This is Harshad Kale, the representative of XYZ college of Arts and Commerce. On behalf of my teachers and Principal, I request you to grant me the permission for organising a mountaineering expedition planned by our college NCC unit from 25th to 30th July, 2019.

We shall be obliged if you permit us to organize the above mentioned expedition. I have attached the expedition programme for your kind perusal.

Awaiting your positive reply.
Thanks and regards,
Harshad Kale
XYZ College of Arts and Commerce,
Expedition programme [×]
Permission letter (Principal) [×]

Comparisons:

1. Look at the sentences given below. Find out which one is correct. If the sentence is wrong give reasons.

Question (i)
Sunita is the quieter of four sisters.
Answer:
The above sentence is wrong.
Reason: When more than two nouns are compared superlative adjective should be used, i.e., quitest

Question (ii)
Sunita is the quietest of the four sisters.
(iii) Anil’s computer is more new than mine.
Answer:
The above sentence is wrong.
Reason: ‘More new’ is the wrong form of comparative degree of the adjective ‘new’.

Question (iv)
Anil’s computer is newer than mine.
(v) I have the wonderfullest mother in the world
Answer:
The above sentence is wrong.
Reason: ‘wonderfullest’ is the wrong form of superlative degree of the adjective ‘wonderful’.

Question (vi)
I have the most wonderful mother in the world.
(vii) Aditi is more carefuller than Mary.
Answer:
The above sentence is wrong.
Reason: ‘More carefuller’ is the wrong form of comparative degree of ‘careful’.
(viii) Aditi is more careful than Mary.

Look at the following sentences and observe the changes in the three sentences. Note your responses.

Question (a)
Atul is not as bright as Milind in studies.
Answer:
Positive

Question (b)
The dining room is brighter than the kitchen.
Answer:
Comparitive

Question (c)
Anne is the brightest girl in class.
Answer:
Superlative

(A7)

Project:

Go to your college library or surf the internet for names of various mountaineers who have successfully climbed Mt. Everest. Write in your notebook about their struggles, the interesting anecdotes they have shared, their failures and the message that we get from their lives. Submit them to your teacher.

Important Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Give reasons for the ‘rope’ being called a symbol.
Answer:
The rope that tied the two mountaineers, Hillary and Tenzing, together,was referred to as a ‘symbol’ by Tenzing because he always felt that climbing was a teamwork for them. Success, risks, hard work and failure be shared by both as two of them were tied together to fulfill an ambition which was full of hazards. They were aware of the risks involved in their mission and in all those situations, the rope would be between them as a symbol of their togetherness.

Question 2.
Discuss in pairs about any controversy in which you haive got embroiled. Also speak of your experience to the class.
Answer:
Controversies are parts and parcels of our lives and most of the times they are man-made. It happened with me also when I made an innocent comment about one of my classmates. There was a lot of hue and cry about these comments as it was reported by adding fuel to it. But I decided to talk to my classmate and the matter was resolved amicably.

Question 3.
List the ways in which Tenzing Norgay celebrates on reaching the top.
Answer:
1. Tenzing and Hillary embraced each other saying “We have done it.”
2. Tenzing showed his gratitude to God by praying silently for the fulfillment of his desire of climbing the Everest after having failed six times. His offerings were biscuits, candy and a little blue pencil which his daughter Nima had requested him to put on the top of the mountain.
3. Hillary took the photograph of Tenzing holding aloft the flags of Great Britain, Nepal, the United Nations and India.

Comprehension:

Read the extract and complete the activities given below.

Global Understanding:

Question 1.
Complete the web on climbing the summit by Tenzing and Hillary.
Answer:

Question 2.
Rewrite the given sentences in their order of occurrence.
1. I ate some biscuits and offered some to Hillary.
2. I wore the red scarf given to me by my friend, all the way up the mountain from Darjeeling.
3. I offered a silent prayer to God in my heart.
4. At the summit I felt absolutely fit.
5. My daughter Nima gave me a blue pencil, one of her prized possessions, to put at the summit as her offering to God.
Answer:
3. I offered a silent prayer to God in my heart.
5. My daughter Nima gave me a blue pencil, one of her prized possessions, to put at the summit as her offering to God.
1. I ate some biscuits and offered some to Hillary.
2. I wore the red scarf given to me by my friend, ah the way up the mountain from Darjeeling.
4. At the summit I felt absolutely fit.

Complex Factual:

Question 1.
Why didn’t it matter for Tenzing to be the first one to reach the summit?
Answer:
Both Tenzing and Hillary were not thinking of being the first to reach the summit since climbing took all their attention. Their main thought was that one could not do that job alone and only a difference of one thousand feet could decide the position which could be found by the person coming behind.

Question 2.
Why didn’t Tenzing feel tired after reaching the summit?
Answer:
After reaching the summit Tenzing felt exhilarated. He forget about the tiredness. His first thought was a sense of gratitude to god who had blessed him with the fulfillment of his desire after having failed six time.

Inference / Interpretation / Analysis

Question 1.
Explain.
“The rope was a symbol”
Answer:
The rope was a symbol of togetherness of Hillary and Tenzing as it was used to tie them, one following the other. It was also the proof that climbing the summit of Mt. Everest needed a teamwork and the two members of their team respected and considered each other important.

Question 2.
Explain.
“He gave me a big smile, showing that he understood.”
Answer:
Hillary smiled because he understood the emotion of Tenzing. The blue pencil was given to Tenzing by his youngest daughter, Nima, and it was one of her prized possessions. She parted with it with the expectation that her father would conquer the summit and the offering of the blue pencil was her way of showing gratefulness to God. Her father would fulfill her wish.

Personal Response

Question 1.
Pick up one sentence to show one quality of Tenzing that you have appreciated the most in his story. Explain your answer.
Answer:
The sentence “What does it matter whether I reached the top first or Hillary?” shows the unselfish character of Tenzing. He had the opportunity to claim that he reached the summit first as he was walking first and Hillary was behind him. But he did not take the credit as he knew it was a team work. Accomplishing the job was more important than taking credit for it.

Question 2.
Mention some of the benefits of trekking trips organized by colleges for the students.
Answer:

1. The students get more exposure and experience.
2. They get close to nature.
3. They learn to handle adverse situations.

Language Study

Question (i)
You have many more important worries. (Change the degree)
Answer:
This worry is not as important as many other worries you have.

Question (ii)
Most of the time the rope was loose. (Make negative)
Answer:
Most of the time the rope was not tight.

Question (iii)
My mind was absolutely clear. (Use past perfect tense and rewrite)
Answer:
My mind had been absolutely clear.

Question (iv)
My first thought on reaching the top was a sense of gratitude to God. (Use ‘When’ and rewrite)
Answer:
When I reached the top, my first thought was a sense of gratitude to God.

Vocabulary:

Question 1.
Add suffixes to convert the following verbs into nouns.

1. confirm
2. know
3. near
4. move

Answer:

1. confirmation
2. knowledge
3. nearness
4. movement

Question 2.
Give one word for:
1. satisfy one’s thirst
2. very happy and excited
Answer:
1. quench
2. exhilaration

Glossary:

1. anchor – support / production
2. steep – high / sharp
3. expedition – mission
4. incline – slope
5. taut – tightly
6. bulky – large
7. descent – going down / coming down
8. spared – saved
9. flushed – glowed
10. alternated – changing places
11. sloping – slanting up or down
12. summit – the highest point of a hill or mountain
13. controversy – prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion
14. pact – a formal agreement between individuals or parties
15. ridge – a long narrow piece of raised land
16. embrace – hug, hold (someone) closely in one’s arms
17. accord – agreement, be harmonious or consistent with
18. quench – satisfy one’s thirst
19. exhilarated – very happy and excited
20. gale – strong wind
21. apparently – as far as one knows or one can see.