Text – An astrologer Day
Arsod SirTest ‘On An Astrologer’s Day’
A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (12)
( “Stop,” said the other——— gratified to hear it.) pages -5&6
“Stop,” said the other. “I don’t want all that. Shall I succeed in my present search or not? Answer this and go. Otherwise, I will not let you go till you disgorge al your coins.”
The astrologer muttered a few incantations and replied: “All right. I will speak. But will you give me a rupee if what I say is convincing? Otherwise, I will not open my mouth. and you may do what you like.”
Atter a good deal of haggling, the other agreed. The astrologer said: “You were left for dead. Am I right?”
“Ah. tell me more.”
“A knife has passed through you once?” said the astrologer.
“Good fellow!” He bared his chest to show the scar. “What else?”
“And then you were pushed into a wel nearby ni the field. You were left for dead.”
“I should have been dead if some passer-by had not chanced to peep into the well,” exclaimed the other, overwhelmed by enthusiasm.
“When shall I get at him?” He asked, clenching his fist.
“In the next world,” answered the astrologer. “He died four months ago in a far-off town. You will never see any more of him.”
The other groaned on hearing it.
The astrologer proceeded: “Guru Nayak “-
“You know my name!” the other said, taken aback.
“As I know all other things. Guru Nayak, listen carefully to what I have to say. Your village is two days’ journey due north of this town. Take the next train and be gone. I see once again great danger to your life if you go from home.”
He took out a pinch of sacred ash and held it to him.
“Rub it on your forehead and go home. Never travel southward again, and you will live to be a hundred.”
“Why should I leave home again.” The other said reflectively. “I was only going away now and then to look for him and to choke out his life if I met him.” He shook his head regretfully. “He has escaped my hands. I hope at least he died as he deserved.”
“Yes,” said the astrologer. “He was crushed under a lorry.”
The other looked gratified to hear it.
Questions
Al. Rewrite the following sentences and state whether they are True or False : (2)
(a) The name of the astrologer was Guru Nayak.
(b) A passer-by had saved the other man.
(c) The astrologer took out a pinch of salt and held it to the other man.
(d) A knife had passed through the other man long ago.
A2. The other man looked gratified, because (Choose Two correct alter-natives from the following): (2)
(a) His enemy was going to meet him in his own village.
(b) The astrologer told him that his enemy was crushed under a lorry.
(c) His enemy died as he deserved.
(d) His enemy was very happy and contented.
A3. The astrologer suggested the other man never to travel southward again: Guess and write the purpose behind the astrologer’s suggestion.(2)
A4. Give/express your views on the effect of superstitions. (2)
A5. Language study : Grammar (2)
(i) He shook his head regretfully. (Choose the correct alternative to get the Present Perfect Tense form of the given sentence.)
(a)He shakes his head regretfully.
(b) He has shaken his head regretfully.
(c) He had shaken his head regretfully.
(d) He will shake his head regretfully.
(ii) I will not open my mouth. (Choose the correct alternative to get affirmative form without changing the meaning of the sentence.)
(a) I will not close my mouth.
(b) I will open my mouth.
(c) I will shut my mouth.
A6. Find and write the words which have similar meaning for the following from the extract : (2)
(a) bargaining
(b) surrender under pressure
(c) made a low sound of distress
(d) to look cautiously
Answers of the test On ‘An Astrologer’s Day’
Show the Answers
A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (12)
Al. Rewrite the following sentences and state whether they are True or False : (2)
(a) The name of the astrologer was Guru Nayak.- False
(b) A passer-by had saved the other man. – True
(c) The astrologer took out a pinch of salt and held it to the other man. – False
(d) A knife had passed through the other man long ago. – True
A2. The other man looked gratified, because (Choose Two correct alter-natives from the following): (2)
(a) His enemy was going to meet him in his own village.
(b) The astrologer told him that his enemy was crushed under a lorry.
(c) His enemy died as he deserved.
(d) His enemy was very happy and contented.
A3. The astrologer suggested the other man never to travel southward again: Guess and write the purpose behind the astrologer’s suggestion.(2)
Ans: The astrologer suggested that the other man, Guru Nayak, never travel southward again because, the astrologer feared that if Guru Nayak traveled southward, he might encounter him again, identify him and take his revenge. Overall, the astrologer’s suggestion was his policy to protect his own life and to keep away Guru Nayak away from the revenge and conflict and live his own with safety and peace of mind
A4. Give/express your views on the effect of superstitions. (2)
Ans: Superstitions have a serious and harmful effect on society. such as:
a) Superstitions can stop scientific and technological development of the human being as well as the nation by promoting false beliefs.
b) Many people like an astrologers take the advantage of an uneducated people and exploit them financially and emotionally because of superstitions.
c) Superstitions can create health issues, because superstitious people neglect proper medical treatment, which results in deaths.
d) Superstitions can create and keep alive social discrimination, based on cast and gender, which harm social equality.
e) Superstitious people can waste money on useless rituals which make them economically weak.
In short, superstitions can negatively impact on the life of people and society. We can eradicate superstitions through education, awareness, and rational thinking for the progress of society.
A5. Language study : Grammar (2)
(i) He shook his head regretfully. (Choose the correct alternative to get the Present Perfect Tense form of the given sentence.)
(a)He shakes his head regretfully.
(b) He has shaken his head regretfully.
(c) He had shaken his head regretfully.
(d) He will shake his head regretfully.
(ii) I will not open my mouth. (Choose the correct alternative to get affirmative form without changing the meaning of the sentence.)
(a) I will not close my mouth.
(b) I will open my mouth.
(c) I will shut my mouth.
A6. Find and write the words which have similar meaning for the following from the extract : (2)
(a) bargaining– Haggling
(b) surrender under pressure – Disgorge
(c) made a low sound of distress– Groaned
(d) to look cautiously – peep
ICE BREAKERS
1] Write details about your Strengths.
Show the Table
Strengths | Why do you feel so? | Dream career |
Painting & Drawing | I can visualize, I can express | Commercial Artist, Cartoonist |
Acting | I can perform, I can express emotions | Model, Actor, Show Host, Trainer |
Swimming | I am fit, I can control breathe | Professional Swimmer, Swim Coach, Underwater Photographer |
Writing | I have reading passion, I can imagine, I am good observer | News reporter, Novelist, Poet, Editor, Blogging, Social media manager |
Sport | I have self-discipline I am fit & energetic, I have sportsmanship | Professional Player Sport Journalist, Coach, Referee |
2] The scene in a local market of a village/town/city is very attractive. People with different occupations sell their wares. Give the variety of activities at the local market.
Show the Answer
1] Selling and buying household and cleaning products
2] Selling and buying sweets, namkeens & snack
3] Selling and buying bangles, cosmetics & imitation jewelry
4] Selling and buying toys & utensils
5] Selling and buying food & grocery.
6] Selling and buying vegetables & fruits
7] Selling and buying animals, their foods & accessories.
8] Selling and buying electronics and electronics accessories.
9] Selling and buying pet food, pet treats, and accessories.
10] Selling and buying Cloths and garments.
11] Shouting on each other
12] Asking the rates
13] Bargaining with vendors
14] Selling homemade medicines.
15] Movement of animals, carts and people
3] In a village /town /city it is quite a common sight to see an astrologer sitting by the roadside with his professional equipment. Give a list the requirements for his trade.
Show the Answer
1] Parrot, Cards etc.
2] Photos of Gods, goddess and flowers.
3] Saffron colour clothes and ‘panchang’
4] Cowrie shells, string of beads etc.
5] Lemons, green chilies, flowers etc.
4] There are certain unreasonable beliefs among people living in our society. Certain common events are linked with superstitions. List such events, discuss the superstitions linked with them and the means of their eradication.
Show the Answer
1] A cat crossing your path
2] Seeing face in broken mirror
3] Avoid taking food during eclipse
4] Hanging lemon and chilies in house
5] Seeing a pair of crow
6] Taking salt on palm
7] Sweeping or cutting nails after sunset
8] Standing or sitting under the Peepal tree in the night
9] An itchy left palm 10] wearing lucky clothes, kit and charms by Sportsmen
11] Walking under ladders
Answer:-
- A cat crossing your path
Explanation: if a cat, especially a black cat crosses your path, it is considered to be a sign that something bad is about to occur to you.
Means of eradication: educate the believers that it is just a cat and like any other animal it roams freely. Moreover, tell people that the above belief holds no logic.
- Do not sweep or cut nails after sunset
Explanation: doing these activities after sunset invites some unwelcome misfortune into your life.
Means of eradication: educate people that sweeping or cutting nails are independent activities and have nothing to do with any particular time of the day.
- Hanging lemon and seven green chilies
Explanation: it is believed that hanging lemon and seven green chilies on doors and vehicles wards off misfortune and bad luck.
Means of eradication: educate people that good deeds bring good fortune. So, lemons and chilies are better off as food ingredients.
- Do not stand or sit under the Peepal tree at the night
Explanation: standing or sitting under the peepal tree at night, invites ghosts and evil spirits.
Means of eradication: educate people that plants maintain a balance in nature. Apart from oxygen, they provide shelter to numerous animals, birds, and protect them. Plants possibly do more good to us than anything evil.
- An itchy left palm
Explanation: an itchy left palm indicates that money would flow in
Means of eradication: educate people that money is best earned and expected out of hard work and good investments. It is better to rely on such proven and tested sources of income than waiting for a palm to get itchy.
5] Means to Eradicate the Superstitions.
1] Removing illiteracy and tell the people that it’s most likely just a trick of the mind. (Education)
2] Development of Scientific Approach
3] Positive Thinking
4] Effective Use of Social Media
Vocabulary / Difficult words
Show Vocabulary / Difficult words
Midday – (12 noon)
Equipment (instruments),
Obscure – difficult to understand
Resplendent – glowing
Sacred – holy,पवित्र
Vermilion – a brilliant red colour, कुंकू,
Sparkled – shine
Abnormal gleam- attractive glow
Outcome -result/effect
Prophetic – accurately predicting/telling what will happen in the future.
Comforted – relaxed
Enhanced – increase/add to
Whiskers (मूंछ)
Half-wit’s eyes – half open
Sparkle – glitter/blink
Turban –
Cosmos & dahlia – Name of the Flowers
Boughs – branches
Tamarind tree – (इमली/चिंच)
Flanked – bordered/near
a path – way
Remarkable – Significant
Surging – increasing
junk – (भंगार),
Cheap cloth – low cost
Din -noise
Vociferousness – crying/loud sound
Vendor – seller
Ware – product
Flocked to – attracted to
Dallied – stop/ gather
Transacted – perform / carry out
Flare – bright flame or light
Crackled – making hiss sound
Heap – Pile
Enchantment – attraction
Municipal lighting – street light
Bewildering – surprising
crisscross – crossing of lights
Intended – aim.
blew out – turn off
bundle up – Pack up
Shaft – beam, ray
strayed in- move away aimlessly
paraphernalia (पाराफेनेलीया) – things/ equipment/ साहित्य
shaft (ray)
blotted out – Dimmed/ become obscure(कमी होणे
Sensed – come to know/ feeling
careworn – worried
chat – discussed
Grumbled – complain /mutter
Reply –answer
vaguely – roughly
pressed (force) his invitation – forcefully called
Thrust – press/push
Tilting – bending/ to move into a sloping position
worthwhile – important
Piqued (पिक्ड)- annoyed/upset/ angry/ feel irritated
Pies – old indian currency- equal to one twelfth of an anna.
withdrew – took back
flung – throw
bluffing – deceive/mislead/ झांसा देना)
provided – if/ on the condition
stranger – Unknown person.
This pact – deal/agreement
heaven – god
cheroot – a cigar
glimpse – partial view
hooted – sound of the horn
jutka – टांगा
Swore – using bad language/ cursing
babble – talking/twitter
semidarkness – not complete darkness
puffing – smoking
ruthlessly -without pity
shivered – trembled
disgorge – give/hand over
muttered – speak slowly
incantations – magic spell/मंत्र
convincing – sound/proper
haggling – bargaining
bared – open
scar – mark
Chanced -came across
to peep – to look)
enthusiasm -interest
clenching – gripping
groaned – complain
proceeded –continued
taken aback. – surprisingly
go from – leave
gratified – delighted/ happily
deserted -empty
shaft – light
“The swine – pig
Pyol – a kind of bed (खटीया)
blood –murder
gambled – playing cards
yawning – जम्हाई
(these words are for two marks)
Lesson – An Astrologer Day
Punctually at midday (12 noon) he opened his bag and spread out his professional equipment (instruments), which consisted of a dozen cowrie shells, a square piece of cloth with obscure mystic charts on it, a notebook, and a bundle of palmyra writing. His forehead was resplendent (glowing) with sacred (holy,पवित्र) ash and vermilion (a brilliant red colour, कुंकू), and his eyes sparkled (shine) with a sharp abnormal gleam (glow) which was really an outcome (result/effect) of a continual searching look for customers, but which his simple clients took to be a prophetic (accurately predicting/telling what will happen in the future.) light and felt light and felt comforted (relaxed) . The power of his eyes was considerably enhanced (increase/add to) by their position- placed as they were between the painted forehead and the dark whiskers (मूंछ) which streamed down his cheeks: even a half-wit’s eyes would sparkle (glitter/blik) in such a setting. To crown the effect he wound a saffron-coloured turban around his head. This colour scheme never failed. People were attracted to him as bees are attracted to cosmos or dahlia stalks. Read the complete lesson
He sat under the boughs (branches) of a spreading tamarind tree (इमली/चिंच) which flanked (bordered/near) a path running through the Town Hall Park. It was a remarkable place (marketplace) in many ways. A surging (increasing) crowd was always moving up and down this narrow road from morning till night. A variety of trades and occupations was represented all along its way medicine sellers, sellers of stolen hardware and junk, magicians, and above all, an auctioneer of cheap cloth, who created enough din(noise) all day to attract the whole town. Next to him in vociferousness (crying/loud sound) came a vendor of fried groundnut, who gave his ware (product) a fancy name each day, calling it “Bombay Ice Cream” one day and on the next “Delhi Almond,” and on the third “Raja’s Delicacy,” and so on and so forth, and people flocked to him.
A considerable portion of this crowd dallied (stop/ gather) before the astrologer too. The astrologer transacted (perform / carry out) his business by the light of a flare which crackled (hiss) and smoked up above the groundnut heap nearby. Half the enchantment (attraction) of the place was due to the fact that it did not have the benefit of municipal lighting (street light). The place was lit up by shop lights. One or two had hissing gaslights, some had naked flares stuck on poles, some were lit up by old cycle lamps, and one or two, like
the astrologer, managed without lights of their own. It was a bewildering (surprising) crisscross of light rays and moving shadows. This suited the astrologer very well, for the simple reason that he had not in the least intended to be an astrologer when he began life; and he knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to himself next minute. He was as much a stranger to the stars as were his innocent customers. Yet he said things which pleased and astonished everyone: that was more a matter of study, practice, and shrewd (smart/intelligent) guesswork.
All the same, it was as much an honest man’s labour as any other, and he deserved the wages he carried home at the end of a day.
He had left his village without any previous thought or plan. If he had continued there he would have carried on the work of his forefathers – namely, tilling (prepare and cultivate (land) for crops.) the land, living, marrying, and ripening in his cornfield and ancestral home. But that was not to be. He had to leave home without telling anyone, and he could not rest till he left it behind a couple of hundred miles. (100 mile- 161 km) . To a villager it is a great deal, as if an ocean flowed between.
He had a working analysis of mankind’s troubles: marriage, money and the tangles of human ties. Long practice had sharpened his perception (knowledge). Within five minutes he understood what was wrong. He charged three pies per question, never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes, which provided him enough stuff (information) for a dozen answers and advices. When he told the person before him, gazing at his palm, “In many ways you are not getting the fullest results for your efforts,” nine out of ten were disposed (ready/willing) to agree with him. Or he questioned “Is there any woman in your family, maybe even a distant relative who is not well disposed (likely) towards you?” Or he gave an analysis of character: “Most of your troubles are due to your nature. How can you be otherwise with Saturn where he is? You have an impetuous (hard/violent) nature and a rough exterior.” This endeared (liked) him to their hearts immediately, for even the mildest of us loves to think that he has a forbidding exterior (great astrologer).
The nuts vendor blew out (turn off) his flare and rose to go home. This was a signal for the astrologer to bundle up too, since it left him in darkness except for a little shaft of green light which strayed in from somewhere and touched the ground before him. He picked up his cowrie shells and paraphernalia (equipment) and was putting them back into his bag when the green shaft (ray) of light was blotted out. (Dimmed) He looked up and saw a man standing before him. He sensed a possible client and said: “You look so careworn (worried). It will do you good to sit down for a while and chat with me.” The other grumbled (complain /mutter) some reply vaguely (roughly). The astrologer pressed (force) his invitation; whereupon the other thrust (press/push) his palm under his nose, saying: “You call yourself an astrologer?” The astrologer felt challenged and said, tilting (bending) the other’s palm towards the green shaft of light:
“Yours is a nature…”
“Oh, stop that,” the other said. “Tell me something worthwhile (important) …”
Our friend felt piqued (annoyed/upset). I charge only three pies per question and what you get ought to be good enough for your money…” At this the other withdrew (took back) his arm, took out an anna, and flung (throw) it out to him, saying “I have some questions to ask. If I prove you are bluffing (deceive/mislead/ झांसा देना), you must return that anna to me with interest.”
“If you find my answers satisfactory, will you give me five rupees?”
“No.”
“Or will you give me eight annas?”
“All right, provided (if/ on the condition) you give me twice as much if you are wrong,” said the stranger. This pact (deal/agreement) was accepted after a little further argument. The astrologer sent up a prayer to heaven (god) as the other lit a cheroot (a cigar). The astrologer caught a glimpse (partial view.) of his face by the matchlight. There was a pause (stop) as cars hooted (sound of the horn) on the road, jutka (टांगा) drivers swore (using bad language/ cursing) at their horses, and the babble (talking/twitter) of the crowd agitated the semidarkness (not complete darkness) of the park. The other sat down, sucking his cheroot, puffing (smoking) out, sat there ruthlessly (without pity). The astrologer felt very uncomfortable. “Here, take your anna back. I am not used to such challenges. It is late for me today”… He made preparations to bundle up. The other held his wrist and said “You can’t get out of it now. You dragged me in while I was passing.” The astrologer shivered (trembled) in his grip and his voice shook and became faint. “Leave me today. I will speak to you tomorrow.” The other thrust his palm in his face and said: “Challenge is challenge. Go on.” The astrologer proceeded with his throat drying up: “There is a woman…”
“Stop,” said the other. “I don’t want all that. Shall I succeed in my present search or not? Answer this and go. Otherwise I will not let you go till you disgorge (give/hand over) all your coins.” The astrologer muttered (speak slowly) a few incantations (magic spell/मंत्र) and replied: “All right. I will speak. But will you give me a rupee if what I say is convincing (sound/proper)? Otherwise I will not open my mouth, and you may do what you like.” After a good deal of haggling (bargaining), the other agreed. The astrologer said: “You were left for dead. Am I right?”
“Ah, tell me more.”
“A knife has passed through you once?” said the astrologer.
“Good fellow!” He bared (open) his chest to show the scar (mark). “What else?”
“And then you were pushed into a well nearby in the field. You were left for dead.”
“I should have been dead if some passer-by had not chanced (came across) to peep (look) into the well,” exclaimed the other, over- whelmed by enthusiasm (interest).
“When shall I get at him?” he asked, clenching (gripping) his fist. “In the next world,” answered the astrologer. “He died four months ago in a far-off town. You will never see
any more of him.” The other groaned (complain) on hearing it. The astrologer proceeded (continued) : “Guru Nayak-”
“You know my name!” the other said, taken aback. (surprisingly) “As I know all other things. Guru Nayak, listen carefully to what I have to say. Your village is two days’
journey due north of this town. Take the next train and be gone. I see once again great danger to your life if you go from (leave) home.” He took out a pinch of sacred ash and held it to him. “Rub it on your forehead and go home. Never travel southward again, and you will live to be a hundred.”
“Why should I leave home again?” The other said reflectively. “I was only going away now and then to look for him and to choke out his life if I met him.” He shook his head regretfully. “He has escaped my hands. I hope at least he died as he deserved.” “Yes,” said the astrologer. “He was crushed under a lorry.” The other looked gratified (delighted/ happily) to hear it. The place was deserted (empty of people) by the time the astrologer picked up his articles and put them into his bag. The green shaft (light) was also gone, leaving the place in darkness and silence. The stranger had gone off into the night, after giving the astrologer a handful of coins.
It was nearly midnight when the astrologer reached home. His wife was waiting for him at the door and demanded an explanation. He flung (threw) the coins at her and said “Count them. One man gave all that.”
“Twelve and a half annas,” she said, counting. She was overjoyed. “I can buy some jaggery and coconut tomorrow. The child has been asking for sweets for so many days now. I will prepare some nice stuff for her.”
“The swine (pig) has cheated me! He promised me a rupee,” said the astrologer. She looked up at him. “You look worried. What is wrong?”
“Nothing.”
After dinner, sitting on the pyol, he told her “Do you know a great load is gone from me today? I thought I had the blood (murder) of a man on my hands all these years. That was the reason why I ran away from home, settled here, and married you. He is alive.”
She gasped. “You tried to kill him!”
“Yes, in our village, when I was a silly youngster. We drank, gambled, and quarreled badly one day – why think of it now? Time to sleep,” he said, yawning, and stretched himself on the pyol.
Brainstorming (Questions and Answers.)
A1] 1. Given below are some descriptions. Discuss them with your partner and find out one word for each of them. An example is given for you.
1] The scientific study of the universe and the objects in it, including stars, planets, nebulae and galaxies –
Check your Answer
(विश्व आणि त्यातील वस्तूंचा, तारकासमूहांचा, ग्रहांचा, नेब्युला आणि आकाशगंगांचा वैज्ञानिक अभ्यास – खगोलशास्त्र)
2] The study of the movements of the planets, Sun, Moon, and Stars in the belief that these movements can have an influence on people’s lives –
Check your Answer
(ग्रह, सूर्य, चंद्र आणि तार्यांच्या हालचालींचा अभ्यास, या हालचाली लोकांच्या जीवनावर प्रभाव पाडू शकतात असा विश्वास असणे – ज्योतिषशास्त्र.)
3] A prediction of what will happen in the future –
Check your Answer
(विश्व आणि त्यातील वस्तूंचा, तारकासमूहांचा, ग्रहांचा, नेब्युला आणि आकाशगंगांचा वैज्ञानिक अभ्यास – खगोलशास्त्र)
4] Scientific discipline that studies mental states and processes and behaviour in humans and other animals –
Check your Answer
(मानसिक अवस्था आणि प्रक्रिया तसेच मनुष्य आणि इतर प्राण्यांमधील वर्तनाचा अभ्यास करणारा वैज्ञानिक शास्त्र – मानसशास्त्र.)
2] Complete the given web chart. (2)
1] | 2] | |
Activities of the astrologer | ||
3] | 4] |
Ans:
1] He opened his bag and spread out his professional equipment,
2] He searched look for customers.
3] He pleased and astonished everyone by saying something
4] He carried the wages home at the end of a day.
3] In the story we are told that the Town Hall Park was a remarkable place in many ways for an astrologer to build his business. List the exceptional qualities of the place.
Ans: In the story, we are told that the Town Hall Park was a remarkable place for an astrologer to build his business because:
1] There was a surging crowd of people.
2] There were sellers of medicine, stolen hardware, and junk.
3] There were auctioneers of cheap clothes.
4] There was a fried groundnut seller.
All these factors provided him with enough customers.
4] The astrologer never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes. Discuss the reasons behind his act.
Ans: The astrologer never opened his mouth until the other had spoken for at least ten minutes. Because from those ten minutes:
1] He could read the people as he was a good at reading people.
2] He could get information from the person as he was very much eager.
3] He could examine the person’s nature.
4] He could easily satisfy the person by giving proper answers and advices.
5] Find out and write some general statements that could apply to many people.
Ans: The astrologer made the following general statements that could apply to many people, such as
- “In many ways, you are not getting the best results for your efforts” or
- “Is there a woman in your family who is not well disposed towards you?” These statements are likely to resonate with most customers and make them believe in his abilities.
6] Which Strategic appearance made it more likely that people would trust his words.
Ans: His appearance played a crucial role in his business. The sacred ash and vermilion on his forehead as well as his saffron turban created the image of a wise and mystical figure. This visual representation made it more likely that people would trust his words.
7] Find out some examples to show that he had Psychological understanding.
Ans: He had a good understanding of common human troubles—marriage, money, and personal relationships. His ability to quickly diagnose these issues within five minutes of conversation showed his skill in understanding and manipulating human psychology.
A2] 1) Tactics used by the Astrologer to earn his wages.
OR
The astrologer was a shrewd judge of a character. Explain with some details from the extract.
1] Observation Skills: The astrologer carefully could observe his clients before he spoke and analysis of human troubles.
2] Use of general statements: The astrologer made general statements that could apply to many people,
3] Commenting on past: The astrologer could comment the past life of the customer.
4] Panic the client: During his interaction with Guru Nayak, the astrologer mentioned great danger to his life if he did not follow his advice.
4] Suggesting solutions: The astrologer would suggest several types of solutions, what the client should do and not to do
2] An astrologer’s appearance helps to create an impression on his clients. Complete the following:
1] The turban on his head
2] Face covering dark whiskers
3] Sparkling & gleaming eyes
4] Sacred ash on forehead
3] Read the following sentences and choose the correct one:
a) The astrologer says that if Nayak leaves his village again, he would –
1] return the money
2] face danger
3] go back home and stop looking for the man who tried to kill him
4] not find the killer.
Ans: Check your Answer
b) According to the narrator the astrologer’s success in his profession is primarily due to –
1] luck
2] the bargains he drives
3] his appearance
4] his understanding of people
Ans: Check your Answer
c) The story suggests that the astrologer’s comments and observations please people by –
(1) promising them success and good fortune
(2) proving, as time passes, to have been true.
(3) flattering them or supporting their own views
(4) helping them to learn to solve their own problems.
Ans: Check your Answer
d) Guru Nayak consults the astrologer because he wants to –
1] understand the past
2] find out who the astrologer is
3] make some money through a bet
4] get the answer to a specific question
Ans: Check your Answer
e) Guru Nayak is looking for the man who tried to kill him –
1] to take revenge
2] to get an apology
3] to demand an explanation
4] to prove that the man was unsuccessful
Ans: Check your Answer
f) The astrologer’s remark makes Guru Nayak feel all of the following except-
1] relieved
2] suspicious
3] impressed
4] disappointed
Ans: Check your Answer
g) Reactions of the astrologer’s wife to his news suggest that she –
1] was unaware of his past
2] has been worried about his safety
3] has known him since he was young
4] is concerned about her future with him
Ans: Check your Answer
4] Read the following sentences and find out True and False sentences. Correct the False sentences:
a] The astrologer gave a correct prediction to the client about his past that he was stabbed, thrown into a well and left for dead.-
Check your Answer
b] When the astrologer came to know that the man whom he killed is alive he felt that he was relieved of his guilt. –
Check your Answer
c] The astrologer tried to back out of the deal and talked about the client’s past. –
Check your Answer
d] The astrologer rescued himself from Guru Nayak’s revenge. – Check your Answer
e] The moral of the story is that we must be responsible about what we have done and should not run away from our mistakes. –
Check your Answer
f] The astrologer used to have the preparation of his business in quite professional way. –
Check your Answer
g] The physical appearance of the astrologer hardly created an impact on the customers.-
Check your Answer
h] The place was busy with a variety of occupations. –
Check your Answer
i] The astrologer’s style of handling the business lies in his skills. – Check your Answer
j] The colour scheme of his face never changed. –
Check your Answer
5] The astrologer has changed his appearance and his persona (face/image) when he arrived in the city. Give specific reasons.
a) He thought that he had killed Guru Nayak
b) Worrying to be caught by police
c) Worrying about the future of family
d) He knew that no one could identify him
e) Wanted to lead a peaceful life
6] ‘The darkness load that was inside the astrologer has disappeared’. Through this sentence, explain the significance of the title ‘An Astrologer’s Day’.
Ans: The Astrologer thought that he had killed Guru Nayak. He has been carrying the burden of this thought. He is feeling guilty about it. When Guru Nayak appeared before him as a customer, Astrologer identified him suddenly. But Guru Nayak could not identify him. The Astrologer became very happy and relaxed to see Guru Nayak alive. The dark load of the thought of murder suddenly disappeared. This is the happiest day in his life, an Astrologer‟s Day.
7] The astrologer feels relieved to know that Guru is not dead as it reduces a great burden from him. Critically justify the statement and explain it.
Ans: The astrologer’s relief upon learning that Guru Nayak is alive is profound, as it lifts the burden of guilt he has carried for years, believing he had committed murder. This revelation transforms his day from ordinary to extraordinary, offering him emotional and psychological freedom from the fear and remorse that had haunted him, allowing him to finally move forward.
8] The astrologer wins/gets the sympathy of criticism of the reader in the end. Express your opinion with the support of the main story.
Ans: The Astrologer won the real sympathy of the readers at the end of the story. I too sympathize with the Astrologer. His intention was not to kill Guru Nayak. When he started to lead a new life, still he was feeling guilty over his deed. It shows his greatness and humanity in him. So I sympathize with the Astrologer. I’m very happy to know that the Astrologer can live happily in future.
9] If we have to eradicate the superstitions and other ill practices from our society, what steps would you like to suggest?
Ans: To eradicate superstitions and ill practices from our society, several steps can be taken:
1.Education: Promote scientific education and critical thinking from an early age to encourage logical thinking.
2.Awareness Campaigns: Use media, social platforms, and community programs to raise awareness about the harms of superstitions.
3.Community Engagement: Involve community leaders and influencers to speak out against superstitions.
4.Legislation: Implement and enforce laws against harmful superstitions practices.
5.Support Systems: Provide support and counseling every person of the society to go away from superstitious beliefs.
10] In the story, astrologer has a great listening power. Listening helps in developing good relations with people. Express your opinion.
Ans: Of course, listening helps in developing good relations with people, because-
a) Good listeners are always appreciated
b) They might get some good advices
c) It develops patience and tolerance
d) Your relations will be more harmonious
e) Likely to gain respect of others.
Grammar Questions:
A4] Do as directed.
a] It was a remarkable place in many ways.(Choose correct alternative to rewrite the given sentence as an exclamatory sentence)
- It was a remarkable place in many ways!
- How a remarkable place in many ways it was!
- What a remarkable place in many ways it was!
- What remarkable in many ways the place it was!
b) He spread out his professional equipment, which consisted of a dozen cowrie shells. (Choose correct alternative to rewrite the given sentence as a compound sentence)
- He spread out his professional equipment but it consisted of a dozen cowrie shells.
- He spread out his professional equipment and it consisted of a dozen cowrie shells.
- He spread out his professional equipment that it consisted of a dozen cowrie shells.
- He spread out his professional equipment and it had consisted of a dozen cowrie shells.
Show Grammar Examples 1] He opened his bag and spread out his professional equipment. (Make Simple) 2] The power of his eyes was considerably enhanced by their position. (Change the Voice) 3] This colour scheme never failed.(Rhetorical Question) 5] He sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree which flanked a path running through the Town Hall Park. (Make Simple) 6] Next to him in vociferousness came a vendor of fried groundnut, who gave his ware a fancy name each day. (Make Simple) 7] The place was lit up by shop lights. (Change the Voice) 8] He knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to himself next minute. (Change the degree) 9] He was as much a stranger to the stars as were his innocent customers. (Change the degree) 10] It was as much an honest man’s labour as any other. (Change the degree) 11] If he had continued there he would have carried on the work of his forefathers (Use- Unless) 12] he could not rest till he left it behind a couple of hundred miles. (Be unable to) 13] Long practice had sharpened his perception. (Change the Voice) 14] He charged three pies per question. (Wh-Question) 15] He never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes, which provided him enough stuff for a dozen answers and advices. (Wh-Question) 16] He never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes, which provided him enough stuff for a dozen answers and advices. (Make Simple) 17] The nuts vendor blew out (turn off) his flare and rose to go home. (Use Present Participle) 18] This was a signal for the astrologer to bundle up too. (Gerund) 19] It left him in darkness except for a little shaft of green light which strayed in from somewhere. (Make Simple) 20] He saw a man standing before him. (Rewrite using who) 21] He sensed a possible client and said: “You look so careworn. It will do you good to sit down for a while and chat with me.” (Indirect speech) 22] He said to the astrologer, “I have some questions to ask. If I prove you are bluffing, you must return that anna to me with interest.” (Indirect speech) 26] I am not used to such challenges. (Question Tag) 27] The other held his wrist and said “You can’t get out of it now. You dragged me in while I was passing.” (Indirect speech) 28] “Stop,” said the other. “I don’t want all that. Shall I succeed in my present search or not? (Indirect speech) 29] I will not open my mouth. (Rewrite removing not without changing the meaning) 30] The astrologer said: “You were left for dead. Am I right?” (Indirect speech) 31] He bared his chest to show the scar. (Wh- Question) 32] I should have been dead if some passer-by had not chanced to peep into the well. (Unless) 33] When shall I get at him? (Assertive) 34] You will never see any more of him. (Question Tag) 35] The other groaned on hearing it. (Infinitive) 36] “Why should I leave home again?” The other said reflectively. (Indirect speech) 37] Why should I leave home again? (Assertive) 38] The stranger had gone off into the night, after giving the astrologer a handful of coins. (Make compound using and) 39] It was nearly midnight when the astrologer reached home. (Make Simple) 40] I can buy some jaggery and coconut tomorrow (Be unable to) 41] She said, “I can buy some jaggery and coconut tomorrow. The child has been asking for sweets for so many days now. I will prepare some nice stuff for her.” (Indirect speech) 41] I will prepare some nice stuff for her. (Voice and Question Tag) 42] The swine has cheated me. (Voice) 43] What is wrong? (Assertive) 44) he told her “Do you know a great load is gone from me today?” (Indirect speech) 45] It was a remarkable place in many ways.(Choose correct alternative to rewrite the given sentence as an exclamatory sentence) 46) He spread out his professional equipment, which consisted of a dozen cowrie shells. (Choose correct alternative to rewrite the given sentence as a compound sentence) Answers of Grammar: 1] He opened his bag and spread out his professional equipment. (Make Simple)
Ans: Opening his bag, he spread out his professional equipment.
2] The power of his eyes was considerably enhanced by their position. (Change the Voice)
Ans: Their position considerably enhanced the power of his eyes
3] This colour scheme never failed. (Rhetorical Question)
Ans: Did this colour scheme ever fail?
5] He sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree which flanked a path running through the Town Hall Park. (Make Simple)
Ans: He sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree flanking a path running through the Town Hall Park.
6] Next to him in vociferousness came a vendor of fried groundnut, who gave his ware a fancy name each day. (Make Simple)
Ans: Next to him in vociferousness came a vendor of fried groundnut giving his ware a fancy name each day.
7] The place was lit up by shop lights. (Change the Voice)
Ans: Shop lights lit up the place
8] He knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to himself next minute. (Change the degree)
Ans: He knew as much of what was going to happen to himself next minute as he knew what was going to happen to others
9] He was as much a stranger to the stars as were his innocent customers. (Change the degree)
Ans: His innocent customers were not more a stranger to the stars than he was.
10] It was as much an honest man’s labour as any other. (Change the degree)
Ans: No other thing was more an honest man‟s labour than it. / No other
was more an honest man‟s labour than it
11] If he had continued there, he would have carried on the work of his forefathers (Use- Unless)
Ans: Unless he had continued there, he would not have carried on the work of his forefathers
12] He could not rest till he left it behind a couple of hundred miles. (Be unable to)
Ans: He was unable to rest till he left it behind a couple of hundred miles.
13] Long practice had sharpened his perception. (Change the Voice)
Ans: His perception had been sharpened by long practice
14] He charged three pies per question. (Wh-Question) three
Ans: How many pies did he charge per question?
15] He never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes, which provided him enough stuff for a dozen answers and advices. (Wh-Question) for at least ten minutes
Ans: How long did he never open his mouth till the other had spoken which provided him enough stuff for a dozen answers and advices?
16] He never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes, which provided him enough stuff for a dozen answers and advices. (Make Simple)
Ans: He never opened his mouth till the other had spoken for at least ten minutes, providing him enough stuff for a dozen answers and advices.
17] The nuts vendor blew out his flare and rose to go home. (Use Present Participle)
Ans: Blowing out his flare, the nuts vendor rose to go home.
18] This was a signal for the astrologer to bundle up too. (Gerund) to bundle
Ans: This was a signal for the astrologer for bundling up too /for bundling
19] It left him in darkness except for a little shaft of green light which strayed in from somewhere. (Make Simple)
Ans: It left him in darkness except for a little shaft of green light straying in from somewhere.
20] He saw a man standing before him. (Rewrite using who)
Ans: He saw a man who stood before him
21] He sensed a possible client and said: “You look so careworn. It will do you good to sit down for a while and chat with me.” (Indirect speech)
Ans: He sensed a possible client and said that looked so careworn and added that it would do him good to sit down for a while and chat with him.
22] He said to the astrologer, “I have some questions to ask. If I prove you are bluffing, you must return that anna to me with interest.” (Indirect speech)
Ans: He told the astrologer that he had some questions to ask and added that if he proved he was bluffing, he must return that anna to him with interest.
26] I am not used to such challenges. (Question Tag)
Ans: I am not used to such challenges, am I?
27] The other held his wrist and said “You can’t get out of it now. You dragged me in while I was passing.” (Indirect speech)
Ans: The other held his wrist and said that he couldn’t get out of it then and added that he dragged him in while he was passing.
28] “Stop,” said the other. “I don’t want all that. Shall I succeed in my present search or not? (Indirect speech)
Ans: The other said to stop and added that he didn’t want all that and asked again if he would succeed in his present search or not.
29] I will not open my mouth. (Rewrite removing not without changing the meaning)
Ans: I will keep mum/ I will remain silent.
30] The astrologer said: “You were left for dead. Am I right?” (Indirect speech)
Ans: The astrologer said that he was/had been left for dead and asked if he was right
31] He bared his chest to show the scar. (Wh- Question) his chest
Ans: What did he bare to show the scar?
32] I should have been dead if some passer-by had not chanced to peep into the well. (Unless)
Ans: I should have been dead unless some passer-by had chanced to peep into the well.
33] When shall I get at him? (Assertive)
Ans: I shall not get at him.
34] You will never see any more of him. (Question Tag)
Ans: You will never see any more of him, will you?
35] The other groaned on hearing it. (Infinitive)on hearing
Ans: The other groaned to hear it.to hear
36] “Why should I leave home again?” The other said reflectively. (Indirect speech)
Ans: The other asked reflectively why he should leave home again.
37] Why should I leave home again? (Assertive)
Ans: I should not leave home again.
38] The stranger had gone off into the night, after giving the astrologer a handful of coins. (Make compound using and)
Ans: The stranger had given the astrologer a handful of coins and gone off into the night.
39] It was nearly midnight when the astrologer reached home. (Make Simple)Ans: The astrologer reached home nearly midnight.
40] I can buy some jaggery and coconut tomorrow (Be unable to)
Ans: I am able to buy some jaggery and coconut tomorrow
41] She said, “I can buy some jaggery and coconut tomorrow. The child has been asking for sweets for so many days now. I will prepare some nice stuff for her.” (Indirect speech)
Ans: She said that she could buy some jaggery and coconut the next day and added that the child had been asking for sweets for so many days now and she would prepare some nice stuff for her.”
41] I will prepare some nice stuff for her. (Voice and Question Tag)
Ans: I will prepare some nice stuff for her, won’t I?
42] The swine has cheated me. (Voice)
Ans: I have been cheated by the swine.
43] What is wrong? (Assertive)
Ans: Nothing was wrong.
44) He told her “Do you know a great load is gone from me today?” (Indirect speech)
Ans: He asked her if she knew a great load was gone from him thatday.
45] It was a remarkable place in many ways.(exclamatory sentence)
Ans: What a remarkable place in many ways it was!
46) He spread out his professional equipment, which consisted of a dozen cowrie shells. (Simple sentence)
Ans: He spread out his professional equipment, consisting of a dozen cowrie shells.
A3] 1) In the story, the following characters reveal their qualities through words and actions. Pick out the words that describe them and write before the characters.
Show the TableAstrologer
Guru Nayak
Astrologer’s wife
shrewd
shrewd
caring
clever
manipulative
demanding
Suspicious
arrogant
protective
mean
overconfident
rational
cunning
cunning
humanistic
worried
aggressive
worried
manipulative
antagonistic
Observant
quarrelsome
quarrelsome
supportive
skeptical
gullible
pravticle
Mystical
Smart
Sharp
intuitive
1. Shrewd (Smart, Astute) – चलाख , हुषार
2. Manipulative (Devious, Scheming) – कपटी, फसवणूक करणारा
3. Caring (Compassionate, Kind) – काळजीवाहक, दयाळू
4. Clever (Intelligent, Witty) – चतुर, हुशार
5. Suspicious (Distrustful, Wary) – संशयी, अविश्वसनीय
6. Mean(Unkind, Nasty) – दुष्ट, क्रूर
7. Worried (Anxious, Concerned) – चिंताग्रस्त , काळजीत
8. Cunning (Sly, Crafty) – कपटी , चतुर
9. Intuitive (Instinctive, Perceptive) – अंतर्ज्ञानी , सहजज्ञानयुक्त
10. Skeptical (Doubtful, Questioning) – शंकास्पद , अविश्वासी
11. Mystical (Spiritual, Enigmatic) – गूढ , आध्यात्मिक
12. Smart (Intelligent, Quick-witted) – स्मार्ट , बुद्धिमान
13. Sharp (Keen, Alert) – तीक्ष्ण , चपळ
14. Impetuous (Rash, Impulsive) – उतावळा , आवेगशील
15. Arrogant (Haughty, Overbearing) – गर्विष्ठ, अहंकारी
16. Overconfident (Cocky, Conceited) – अतिआत्मविश्वासू , गर्विष्ठ
17. Aggressive (Hostile, Forceful) – आक्रमक , हल्लेखोर
18. Antagonistic (Hostile, Oppositional) – विरोधी , शत्रुत्वपूर्ण
19. Quarrelsome (Argumentative, Combative) – भांडखोर , वादग्रस्त
20. Gullible (Naive, Trusting) – भोळा , सहज विश्वास ठेवणारा
21. Demanding (Exacting, Insistent) – मागणी करणारा , कठोर
22. Protective (Defensive, Guarding) – संरक्षण करणारा , काळजीवाहक
23. Rational (Logical, Reasonable) – तर्कशुद्ध , विवेकी
24. Humanistic (Empathetic, Compassionate) – मानवतावादी , सहानुभूतिपूर्ण
2] Match the suffixes with the words and make nouns.
word
suffix
noun
auction
able
auctioneer
enchant
ure
enchantment
know
ment
knowledge
prepare
eer
preparation
proceed
ance
procedure
appear
ledge
appearance
remark
tion
remarkable
3] Irony
“An Astrologer’s Day’ has ironic elements where the astrologer pretends to have ‘supernatural knowledge’ that coincidently turns out to be the truth’.
“Irony means a situation or statement characterized by a significant difference between what is expected and what actually happens, or between what is understood and what is meant.”
Find out the examples of Irony from the story and write them down.
1] He knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to himself the next minute.
2] The Astrologer is quite innocent regarding the murder. He uses his skill by telling that the murderer is dead. This is the Ironical end of the story.
3] The Astrologer had a working analysis of human troubles. He would let the person speak for ten minutes so that he would get something to answer.
4] The Astrologer said -‘Guru Nayak’. At This time Guru Nayak was surprised how the Astrologer knows his name. Then he really started to believe in Astrologer.
4] Code-mixing
Code-mixing is the mixing of two or more languages in speech. Find out the examples of Code-mixing words from the story and write them down.
1] Cowrie Shells
2] Raja’s Delicacy
3] Eight Annas
4] Jukta Drivers
5] Half Annas
5] There are some phrases where the word “crown‟ is used with different shades of meaning. Use the following phrases to complete the sentences meaningfully.
a] crowning achievement
b] to crown the effect
c] crown of thorns
d] crowning glory
e] to crown it all
1] To crown the effect, he wound a saffron- coloured turban around his head.
2] The works of Shakespeare are the crowning glory of English drama.
3] Amitabh has given us awesome movies throughout five decades. But his crowning achievement is his performance in the movie „Black‟.
4] In her pursuit of success, Radha has distanced herself from her family. Her fame has become a real crown of thorns.
5] They threw a wonderful party for me with costumes, games and to crown it all my favourite kind of ice cream.
6] Medical science has great inventions, but organ transplantation is definitely a crowning achievement for human beings.
Astrologer | Guru Nayak | Astrologer’s wife |
shrewd | shrewd | caring |
clever | manipulative | demanding |
Suspicious | arrogant | protective |
mean | overconfident | rational |
cunning | cunning | humanistic |
worried | aggressive | worried |
manipulative | antagonistic | Observant |
quarrelsome | quarrelsome | supportive |
skeptical | gullible | pravticle |
Mystical |
|
|
Smart |
|
|
Sharp |
|
|
intuitive |
|
|
1. Shrewd (Smart, Astute) – चलाख , हुषार
2. Manipulative (Devious, Scheming) – कपटी, फसवणूक करणारा
3. Caring (Compassionate, Kind) – काळजीवाहक, दयाळू
4. Clever (Intelligent, Witty) – चतुर, हुशार
5. Suspicious (Distrustful, Wary) – संशयी, अविश्वसनीय
6. Mean(Unkind, Nasty) – दुष्ट, क्रूर
7. Worried (Anxious, Concerned) – चिंताग्रस्त , काळजीत
8. Cunning (Sly, Crafty) – कपटी , चतुर
9. Intuitive (Instinctive, Perceptive) – अंतर्ज्ञानी , सहजज्ञानयुक्त
10. Skeptical (Doubtful, Questioning) – शंकास्पद , अविश्वासी
11. Mystical (Spiritual, Enigmatic) – गूढ , आध्यात्मिक
12. Smart (Intelligent, Quick-witted) – स्मार्ट , बुद्धिमान
13. Sharp (Keen, Alert) – तीक्ष्ण , चपळ
14. Impetuous (Rash, Impulsive) – उतावळा , आवेगशील
15. Arrogant (Haughty, Overbearing) – गर्विष्ठ, अहंकारी
16. Overconfident (Cocky, Conceited) – अतिआत्मविश्वासू , गर्विष्ठ
17. Aggressive (Hostile, Forceful) – आक्रमक , हल्लेखोर
18. Antagonistic (Hostile, Oppositional) – विरोधी , शत्रुत्वपूर्ण
19. Quarrelsome (Argumentative, Combative) – भांडखोर , वादग्रस्त
20. Gullible (Naive, Trusting) – भोळा , सहज विश्वास ठेवणारा
21. Demanding (Exacting, Insistent) – मागणी करणारा , कठोर
22. Protective (Defensive, Guarding) – संरक्षण करणारा , काळजीवाहक
23. Rational (Logical, Reasonable) – तर्कशुद्ध , विवेकी
24. Humanistic (Empathetic, Compassionate) – मानवतावादी , सहानुभूतिपूर्ण
2] Match the suffixes with the words and make nouns.
word | suffix | noun |
auction | able | auctioneer |
enchant | ure | enchantment |
know | ment | knowledge |
prepare | eer | preparation |
proceed | ance | procedure |
appear | ledge | appearance |
remark | tion | remarkable |
3] Irony
“An Astrologer’s Day’ has ironic elements where the astrologer pretends to have ‘supernatural knowledge’ that coincidently turns out to be the truth’.
“Irony means a situation or statement characterized by a significant difference between what is expected and what actually happens, or between what is understood and what is meant.”
Find out the examples of Irony from the story and write them down.
1] He knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to himself the next minute.
2] The Astrologer is quite innocent regarding the murder. He uses his skill by telling that the murderer is dead. This is the Ironical end of the story.
3] The Astrologer had a working analysis of human troubles. He would let the person speak for ten minutes so that he would get something to answer.
4] The Astrologer said -‘Guru Nayak’. At This time Guru Nayak was surprised how the Astrologer knows his name. Then he really started to believe in Astrologer.
4] Code-mixing
Code-mixing is the mixing of two or more languages in speech. Find out the examples of Code-mixing words from the story and write them down.
1] Cowrie Shells
2] Raja’s Delicacy
3] Eight Annas
4] Jukta Drivers
5] Half Annas
5] There are some phrases where the word “crown‟ is used with different shades of meaning. Use the following phrases to complete the sentences meaningfully.
a] crowning achievement
b] to crown the effect
c] crown of thorns
d] crowning glory
e] to crown it all
1] To crown the effect, he wound a saffron- coloured turban around his head.
2] The works of Shakespeare are the crowning glory of English drama.
3] Amitabh has given us awesome movies throughout five decades. But his crowning achievement is his performance in the movie „Black‟.
4] In her pursuit of success, Radha has distanced herself from her family. Her fame has become a real crown of thorns.
5] They threw a wonderful party for me with costumes, games and to crown it all my favourite kind of ice cream.
6] Medical science has great inventions, but organ transplantation is definitely a crowning achievement for human beings.
Personal Response Questions
1] What is astrology?
Ans: Astrology is a belief system and practice that asserts a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events in the human world based on the positions of celestial objects at the time of an event, such as the birth of an individual.
2] Is astrology a science?
Ans: Astrology is not considered a science by the mainstream scientific community. The concepts and practices of astrology lack empirical evidence and are not based on scientific methods.
3] What is a horoscope?
Ans: A horoscope is a chart or diagram representing the positions of celestial bodies at a specific time, such as the time of birth of an individual, which is used in astrology to analyze and predict the individual’s personality and life events.
4] What is the difference between sun sign and moon sign?
Ans: A sun sign is determined by an individual’s birth date and corresponds to the zodiac sign the sun was in at the time of their birth. A moon sign, on the other hand, is determined by the position of the moon at the time of an individual’s birth and is said to represent an individual’s emotional and instinctual side.
5] Can astrology predict the future?
Ans: According to astrology, a horoscope can provide insights into an individual’s future tendencies and potential challenges based on the positions of celestial objects at the time of their birth. However, this practice is not considered to be scientifically valid, and there is no empirical evidence to support the accuracy of astrological predictions.
Show more Questions
6] What is the zodiac?
Ans: The zodiac is a band of the sky divided into 12 equal parts, each named after the constellation that appears in that area. The zodiac is used in astrology to determine an individual’s sun sign.
7] What is a natal chart?
Ans: A natal chart, also known as a birth chart, is a representation of the positions of celestial bodies at the exact time of an individual’s birth. It is used in astrology to analyze an individual’s personality and life events.
8] What is the difference between Western and Vedic astrology?
Ans: Western astrology, also known as Hellenistic astrology, is a form of astrology that originated in ancient Greece and has been adapted over time. Vedic astrology, on the other hand, is a form of astrology that originated in ancient India and is based on the principles of Hindu astrology. The two forms of astrology differ in their methods of calculation, the use of zodiac signs and houses, and the interpretation of celestial events.
9] What is synastry in astrology?
Ans: Synastry is a form of astrological analysis that involves comparing two natal charts to determine the compatibility and potential dynamics of a relationship between two individuals.
10] What is a rising sign or ascendant?
Ans: The rising sign, also known as the ascendant, is the zodiac sign that was on the eastern horizon at the time of an individual’s birth and is considered to be the first house in an individual’s natal chart. It is said to influence an individual’s appearance and physical traits.
11] What is a fortune teller?
Ans: A fortune teller is a person who claims to use supernatural or mystical means to predict future events or provide insight into personal affairs. This can take many forms, such as reading tarot cards, palmistry, astrology, or other forms of divination.
12] Is fortune telling a legitimate practice?
Ans: From a scientific perspective, there is no empirical evidence to support the accuracy of fortune telling. The claims made by fortune tellers are not based on a systematic, scientific methodology and are often considered to be superstition or entertainment.
13] What is tarot reading?
Ans: Tarot reading is a form of fortune telling that involves using tarot cards, which are a deck of 78 cards with symbolic images, to gain insight into a person’s life and future. The cards are shuffled and laid out in a specific pattern, and the fortune teller interprets the symbolism of the cards to provide guidance and predictions.
14] What is palm reading?
Ans: Palm reading, also known as palmistry, is a form of fortune telling that involves analyzing the lines, shapes, and other features of an individual’s palm to gain insight into their personality and future.
15] What is the difference between a psychic and a fortune teller?
Ans: A psychic is a person who claims to have extrasensory perception (ESP) and can use their abilities to provide insight into personal affairs or predict future events. A fortune teller, on the other hand, is a person who uses mystical or supernatural means to provide the same type of guidance and predictions. The terms are often used interchangeably, but some people make a distinction between the two.
Test ‘On An Astrologer’s Day’
A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (12)
( “Stop,” said the other——— gratified to hear it.) pages -5&6
“Stop,” said the other. “I don’t want all that. Shall I succeed in my present search or not? Answer this and go. Otherwise, I will not let you go till you disgorge al your coins.” Show the complete test
The astrologer muttered a few incantations and replied: “All right. I will speak. But will you give me a rupee if what I say is convincing? Otherwise, I will not open my mouth. and you may do what you like.”
Atter a good deal of haggling, the other agreed. The astrologer said: “You were left for dead. Am I right?”
“Ah. tell me more.”
“A knife has passed through you once?” said the astrologer.
“Good fellow!” He bared his chest to show the scar. “What else?”
“And then you were pushed into a wel nearby ni the field. You were left for dead.”
“I should have been dead if some passer-by had not chanced to peep into the well,” exclaimed the other, overwhelmed by enthusiasm.
“When shall I get at him?” He asked, clenching his fist.
“In the next world,” answered the astrologer. “He died four months ago in a far-off town. You will never see any more of him.”
The other groaned on hearing it.
The astrologer proceeded: “Guru Nayak “-
“You know my name!” the other said, taken aback.
“As I know all other things. Guru Nayak, listen carefully to what I have to say. Your village is two days’ journey due north of this town. Take the next train and be gone. I see once again great danger to your life if you go from home.”
He took out a pinch of sacred ash and held it to him.
“Rub it on your forehead and go home. Never travel southward again, and you will live to be a hundred.”
“Why should I leave home again.” The other said reflectively. “I was only going away now and then to look for him and to choke out his life if I met him.” He shook his head regretfully. “He has escaped my hands. I hope at least he died as he deserved.”
“Yes,” said the astrologer. “He was crushed under a lorry.”
The other looked gratified to hear it.
Questions
Al. Rewrite the following sentences and state whether they are True or False : (2)
(a) The name of the astrologer was Guru Nayak.
(b) A passer-by had saved the other man.
(c) The astrologer took out a pinch of salt and held it to the other man.
(d) A knife had passed through the other man long ago.
A2. The other man looked gratified, because (Choose Two correct alter-natives from the following): (2)
(a) His enemy was going to meet him in his own village.
(b) The astrologer told him that his enemy was crushed under a lorry.
(c) His enemy died as he deserved.
(d) His enemy was very happy and contented.
A3. The astrologer suggested the other man never to travel southward again: Guess and write the purpose behind the astrologer’s suggestion.(2)
A4. Give/express your views on the effect of superstitions. (2)
A5. Language study : Grammar (2)
(i) He shook his head regretfully. (Choose the correct alternative to get the Present Perfect Tense form of the given sentence.)
(a)He shakes his head regretfully.
(b) He has shaken his head regretfully.
(c) He had shaken his head regretfully.
(d) He will shake his head regretfully.
(ii) I will not open my mouth. (Choose the correct alternative to get affirmative form without changing the meaning of the sentence.)
(a) I will not close my mouth.
(b) I will open my mouth.
(c) I will shut my mouth.
A6. Find and write the words which have similar meaning for the following from the extract : (2)
(a) bargaining
(b) surrender under pressure
(c) made a low sound of distress
(d) to look cautiously
Answers of the test On ‘An Astrologer’s Day’
Show the Answers
A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (12)
Al. Rewrite the following sentences and state whether they are True or False : (2)
(a) The name of the astrologer was Guru Nayak.- False
(b) A passer-by had saved the other man. – True
(c) The astrologer took out a pinch of salt and held it to the other man. – False
(d) A knife had passed through the other man long ago. – True
A2. The other man looked gratified, because (Choose Two correct alter-natives from the following): (2)
(a) His enemy was going to meet him in his own village.
(b) The astrologer told him that his enemy was crushed under a lorry.
(c) His enemy died as he deserved.
(d) His enemy was very happy and contented.
A3. The astrologer suggested the other man never to travel southward again: Guess and write the purpose behind the astrologer’s suggestion.(2)
Ans: The astrologer suggested that the other man, Guru Nayak, never travel southward again because, the astrologer feared that if Guru Nayak traveled southward, he might encounter him again, identify him and take his revenge. Overall, the astrologer’s suggestion was his policy to protect his own life and to keep away Guru Nayak away from the revenge and conflict and live his own with safety and peace of mind
A4. Give/express your views on the effect of superstitions. (2)
Ans: Superstitions have a serious and harmful effect on society. such as:
a) Superstitions can stop scientific and technological development of the human being as well as the nation by promoting false beliefs.
b) Many people like an astrologers take the advantage of an uneducated people and exploit them financially and emotionally because of superstitions.
c) Superstitions can create health issues, because superstitious people neglect proper medical treatment, which results in deaths.
d) Superstitions can create and keep alive social discrimination, based on cast and gender, which harm social equality.
e) Superstitious people can waste money on useless rituals which make them economically weak.
In short, superstitions can negatively impact on the life of people and society. We can eradicate superstitions through education, awareness, and rational thinking for the progress of society.
A5. Language study : Grammar (2)
(i) He shook his head regretfully. (Choose the correct alternative to get the Present Perfect Tense form of the given sentence.)
(a)He shakes his head regretfully.
(b) He has shaken his head regretfully.
(c) He had shaken his head regretfully.
(d) He will shake his head regretfully.
(ii) I will not open my mouth. (Choose the correct alternative to get affirmative form without changing the meaning of the sentence.)
(a) I will not close my mouth.
(b) I will open my mouth.
(c) I will shut my mouth.
A6. Find and write the words which have similar meaning for the following from the extract : (2)
(a) bargaining– Haggling
(b) surrender under pressure – Disgorge
(c) made a low sound of distress– Groaned
(d) to look cautiously – peep
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