FREEWRITING
Writing I (p. 23)
Write an essay describing a festival which is celebrated in your community. Include its brief history, people involved, major activities, religious or social importance, duration, and drawbacks, if any.
Dashain: The Greatest Festival
In Butwal, a vibrant city in the Lumbini Zone of Nepal, Dashain stands out as the most significant and widely celebrated festival. Known locally as Bada Dashain or Bijaya Dashami, it brings families together, fills markets with life, and marks a cultural heartbeat that almost everyone here participates in, regardless of caste or background.
Brief History
Dashain traces its origins to Hindu mythology. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. It also celebrates Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan, as told in the Ramayana. The festival was historically patronised by the kings of Nepal, who received tika and blessings from the royal priest as a sign of divine sanction to rule. Over centuries, it evolved from a royal ritual into a national and community festival celebrated by Hindus across Nepal and the Nepali diaspora.
People Involved
Dashain is truly a community festival. It involves every generation of a household. Elders play the central role by giving tika, a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion, and jamara, barley grass grown in dark rooms for 10 days, as blessings to younger family members. Children and youth travel long distances to return to their ancestral homes, often called mamaghar or ghar. Neighbours, extended relatives, and even distant friends visit each other’s homes to exchange tika and blessings. In Butwal, local clubs and tol sudhar samiti organise community swings called ping, and cultural programs, so the whole neighbourhood gets involved.
Major Activities
The festival spans 15 days, but the most important are Ghatasthapana, Phulpati, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijaya Dashami.
- Ghatasthapana (Day 1): Jamara is planted in a holy water pot in the prayer room.
- Phulpati (Day 7): Sacred flowers, banana stalks, and sugarcane are brought from Gorkha Durbar to Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu, and locally, people bring phulpati into their homes.
- Maha Ashtami & Navami (Day 8 & 9): Animals like goats, buffaloes, and ducks are sacrificed in temples dedicated to Durga, especially at local shrines like the Manakamana Mandir and Narainthan. Families who don’t sacrifice animals offer coconuts, pumpkins, or eggs instead.
- Vijaya Dashami (Day 10): The main day. Younger family members receive tika and jamara from elders along with dakshina money blessings. People dress in new clothes, fly kites from rooftops, play on tall bamboo swings, and feast on mutton, sel roti, and other sweets.
- Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15): The festival ends with worship of Goddess Laxmi for prosperity.
In Butwal’s bazaars, the weeks before Dashain are the busiest of the year. Streets are packed with people shopping for clothes, food, and gifts. The sound of malshree dhun playing in shops signals that Dashain has arrived.
Religious and Social Importance
Religiously, Dashain reinforces faith in divine power and the moral order that good ultimately defeats evil. The tika ritual renews family hierarchies and respect for elders. Socially, it’s the biggest annual family reunion. For many migrant workers in India, the Gulf, or Kathmandu, Dashain is the one time of year they return home. It strengthens community bonds as people visit neighbours, forgive past grievances, and share food. The festival also drives the local economy; farmers sell goats, tailors work overtime, and transport businesses see peak demand.
Duration
Formally, Dashain lasts 15 days from Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima. However, in practice, the celebration starts a month early with shopping and house cleaning, and tika exchanges continue for five days after Vijaya Dashami so all relatives can be visited. Schools and government offices in Butwal close for about 10-12 days.
Drawbacks
Despite its joy, Dashain has several drawbacks. The mass animal sacrifice is criticised by animal rights groups and younger people who see it as cruel. The pressure to buy new clothes, give dakshina, and host feasts creates financial strain for low-income families, sometimes pushing them into debt. Gambling with cards (taas) becomes common in many tols, occasionally leading to disputes. Road accidents spike due to increased travel and drinking. Environmental issues also arise from waste left by fairs and the haphazard disposal of sacrifice remains.
Still, for most people in Butwal, Dashain is more than a festival. It’s a reminder of home, heritage, and hope. The swings may be taken down and the jamara may wither, but the blessings and reunions carry people through the year until Dashain returns.
Writing II (p. 32)
Write a news story using the following clues.
Vitamin A Capsules Given to Children
health assistants give Vitamin A Capsules, October 19-20
children from six months to five years
deworming tablets to children between 1-5 years
announced by the Department of Health Services
Vitamin A programme continues since 2050 BS and deworming capsules since 2056 BS
Vitamin A Capsules for Children This October 19–20
Tilottama, May 21. Health assistants will give free Vitamin A capsules to small children across the country on October 19 and 20.
The Department of Health Services said the capsules are for all children from six months to five years old. Children between one and five years will also get deworming tablets at the same time.
Nepal’s National Vitamin A Program runs twice every year, usually in April and November. It gives free vitamin A capsules and deworming tablets to children under five. This time, the campaign will be held on October 19 and 20.
A health worker said, “Vitamin A keeps children’s eyes healthy and helps them fight sickness. The deworming tablet removes worms from their stomach so they can grow better.”
The Vitamin A program has been running since 2050 BS. The deworming program started later, in 2056 BS.
Parents are requested to take their children to the nearest health post, school, or community center on October 19 or 20. The capsules and tablets are completely free.
Health assistants will be ready to give the medicine to every child.
Writing I (p. 41)
The letter in Reading I talks about different weaknesses of the health care workers in a hospital. Imagine you are one of the staff of the hospital. Now, write an email to the patient's mother apologising for your behaviour. Assure her that there will be improvement in the services your hospital provides.
Answer:
Subject: Apologies for Your Hospital Experience
From: sitadevi@nationalhospital.com
Cc/Bcc:
Dear Ms. Sharma,
I am truly sorry for the poor experience you and your daughter had at our hospital.
I’m glad to hear your baby got the medical care she needed and is doing well now. But I am very sorry that our staff’s behavior and communication let you down. You came here to focus on your child’s recovery, and you should not have had to hear staff complaints or feel unheard.
I also apologise for the repeated questions and for the mistakes about your daughter’s gender. I know this added stress when you were already going through a hard time. That is not acceptable.
Your letter matters to us, and we are taking it seriously. We are working with our team to make sure:
- All patients and families are treated with respect and kindness
- Staff speak to each other in a positive way, not in front of patients
- We double-check all records so details like name and gender are correct
- Families get clear, caring updates about their loved ones
Thank you for trusting us with your daughter’s care and for telling us about your experience. Your feedback helps us get better. We promise to do better so that every family feels safe, respected, and supported here.
Please accept my sincere apologies.
With respect,
Sita Devi Sharma
Medical Officer
National Hospital Pvt. Ltd.
Tilottama, Rupandehi
Writing II (p.49)
Obesity has become a matter of concern in recent years. Draft a speech on obesity based on the guiding questions given below.
What are the primary causes of obesity?
What are its consequences?
What should an individual do to avoid it?
Speech on Obesity
Namaste everyone,
Today, I would like to speak a few words about obesity, which has become a serious health concern in recent years.
Obesity means having excessive body fat due to unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. The main causes of obesity are eating too much junk food, drinking sugary beverages, spending long hours on mobile phones and computers, and doing very little exercise. Lack of sleep and stress can also contribute to weight gain.
Obesity can have many harmful effects on our health. It increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and breathing problems. Obese people may also feel tired easily and may lose confidence in their daily lives. In severe cases, obesity can shorten a person’s lifespan.
Fortunately, obesity can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. We should eat balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods. We should avoid excessive fast food, soft drinks, and sugary snacks. Regular physical activities such as walking, running, cycling, or playing sports help keep our bodies fit and healthy. Getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water are also important.
In conclusion, obesity is a growing problem, but it can be prevented through healthy habits and regular exercise. A healthy body leads to a happy and successful life. Therefore, let us all make wise choices and take care of our health.
Thank you and Namaste.
OR
Speech on Obesity
Namaste everyone,
Today, I would like to speak a few words about obesity, which has become a serious health concern in recent years; not just in our country, but across the entire world.
Obesity means having excessive body fat due to unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. The main causes of obesity are eating too much junk food, drinking sugary beverages, spending long hours on mobile phones and computers, and doing very little exercise. Lack of sleep and stress can also contribute to weight gain.
To understand how serious this problem has become, let us look at some facts. Globally, around 2.11 billion adults aged 25 and older are overweight or obese, accounting for nearly 45% of the world’s adult population. In 2021 alone, 3.71 million deaths and 129 million disability-adjusted life-years were attributed to overweight and obesity. Worldwide, obesity rates among children and adolescents increased four times from 1990 to 2022, while obesity rates among adult women more than doubled, and the rates in men tripled.
Nepal too is facing a growing obesity crisis. The percentage of obese males in Nepal, which was 11.7% in 1990, rose to 29.5% in 2021, while the obesity rate among females jumped from 13.9% to 28.1% in the same period. According to Nepal’s Demographic and Health Survey, 35% of women in the country are obese. Even our youngest citizens are not spared — 3% of children under five are already obese. If we do not act now, by 2050, Nepal’s obesity rates are projected to shoot up to 52.2% for males and 47.8% for females.
Obesity can have many harmful effects on our health. It increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and breathing problems. The WHO lists cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers including endometrial, breast, and colon cancer as serious health issues linked to obesity. Obese people may also feel tired easily and may lose confidence in their daily lives. In severe cases, obesity can shorten a person’s lifespan.
The WHO has warned that many low- and middle-income countries like Nepal are now facing a “double burden”: undernutrition as well as a rapid upsurge in obesity-related cases, particularly in urban areas. The lifestyles of many Nepalis, particularly in urban areas, have drastically changed, with many consuming excessive amounts of highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats, while lack of physical activity and longer screen times add to the problem.
Fortunately, obesity can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. We should eat balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods. We should avoid excessive fast food, soft drinks, and sugary snacks. Regular physical activities such as walking, running, cycling, or playing sports help keep our bodies fit and healthy. Getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water are also important.
In conclusion, obesity is a growing problem both in Nepal and around the world, but it can be prevented through healthy habits and regular exercise. A healthy body leads to a happy and successful life. Therefore, let us all make wise choices and take care of our health.
Thank you and Namaste.
Writing II (p.82)
B. Write a letter of complaint to the concerned authority about the unmanaged garbage in your locality. Mention the hazards of unmanaged garbage to public health and suggest some measures to solve the problem.
Answer:
Tilottama 10, Semera Bazar
29 June 2026
The Mayor
Tilottama Municipality Office
Tilottama 6, Shankarpur, Manigram
Subject: Complaint Regarding Unmanaged Garbage in Semera Bazar
Dear Sir,
My name is Shiva Pandey, and I am writing to bring to your attention the serious problem of unmanaged garbage in our locality, Tilottama 10, Semera Bazar.
The Problem:
Garbage is piling up on the streets and in open areas near our homes. The waste is not being collected regularly, and it has become a major concern for all residents.
Health Hazards:
This unmanaged garbage is creating serious health problems. Flies and mosquitoes breed in the waste, spreading diseases like dengue, malaria, and typhoid. Bad smell from rotting garbage causes respiratory problems. Dirty water mixed with garbage pollutes our surroundings and can cause stomach infections and skin diseases. Children and elderly people are especially at risk.
Suggested Solutions:
I request the concerned authority to take the following steps:
- Arrange regular garbage collection at least three times per week
- Place dustbins at regular intervals in our locality
- Educate people about proper waste disposal
- Impose fines on those who litter
- Organize community cleaning drives
I request you to take immediate action to solve this problem. Clean surroundings are essential for a healthy community and better future for students like us.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.
Yours faithfully,
Shiva Pandey
Tilottama 10, Semera Bazar
Writing I
A. Read the following email of invitation. (p.109)
ANSWER:
Subject: Re: Invitation to Naman's wedding reception
Dear Sambridhi,
Thank you so much for the lovely invitation to Naman's wedding reception. I am so happy for him and your family!
Unfortunately, my family and I won't be able to attend the party because we have some urgent family business to attend to on that day. We are truly sorry to miss out on such a special celebration.
Please pass our heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Naman for a wonderful married life ahead. We will surely miss being there to share these happy memories with you all.
Have a wonderful celebration!
With best regards,
Niti
Writing II
Write a newspaper article on "Internet and Cyber Security". Use the following guidelines in your article. (p.116)
* Introduction to the internet and technology
* Use of the internet in our daily lives
* The abuses of the internet
* Need and ways of data privacy
* Conclusion
Writing I
People have different hobbies and interests, which may lead them to the careers they adopt. Write an essay on your hobbies explaining how they might influence your career. (p. 127)
Hobbies are more than just fun activities; they give us a glimpse of our natural talents and true interests. For many people, childhood passions turn into lifelong careers. Personally, my favourite hobbies have really shaped my view of the future and the kind of work I hope to do every day.
One of my favourite hobbies is reading and writing. Since childhood, I've enjoyed engaging myself in stories, jotting down my ideas, and exploring new knowledge through books. Over time, these activities have improved my communication skills, helped me organise my thoughts, and allowed me to consider different perspectives. Writing has also fostered patience and concentration. When I think about my future career, I realise these skills are useful in many fields, whether it's teaching, content creation, journalism, or administration. Being able to convey ideas clearly and simply feels like a superpower in almost any profession.
Another hobby I truly enjoy is engaging with technology and exploring different digital tools. Whether I’m organising files, trying out new software, or editing simple media projects, working with tech feels more like a fun activity than a chore. This hobby has really strengthened my problem-solving abilities when something doesn't go as planned; I enjoy figuring out a solution instead of giving up. Since many modern careers depend heavily on digital skills, this interest helps me feel more confident in adapting to new tools and tech-driven workplaces.
Finally, I love engaging in creative activities like photography and organising small gatherings. Photography inspires me to notice the little details that often go unnoticed, and planning events helps me improve my organisation skills and ability to work well with others. These hobbies have truly helped me pay closer attention to detail and bring people together around shared goals.
Looking at all these hobbies together, I realise they all point in the same direction: a career that involves creativity, communication, and helping people learn or stay organised.
Our hobbies are more than just leisure activities; they serve as early indicators of our strengths. Paying attention to what we love to do in our free time can help us find a career that isn't just about earning money but also brings us purpose and joy every day.
Grammar II (p. 131)
Study and observe how being or having is used.
Using "Being" (An action done directly to you)
Use "being" + past-action verb when something is happening directly to someone. You are the receiver of the action.
- Formula: Someone + enjoys/hates + being + [verb in past form]
- Examples:
- Umang loves being entertained by watching futsal. (Watching futsal directly entertains Umang).
- Pooja hates being interrupted when she is speaking. (Someone interrupts Pooja directly).
- The cat likes being petted on the head. (Someone pets the cat directly).
Using "Having" (An action done to something you own)
Use "having" + [my/her/his/their] + item + past-action verb when an action happens to a thing that belongs to you, rather than to you directly.
- Formula: Someone + enjoys/hates + having + [possessive word like his/her/my] + [thing] + [verb in past form]
- Examples:
- Suruchi hates having her ice cream lipped by others. (Others contaminated the ice cream, not Suruchi).
- Samyam hates having his sleep ruined by loud noise. (The noise ruins his sleep).
- I love having my back rubbed after hard work. (The massage is done to my back).
Quick Comparison
Phrase | What is affected? | Example |
Being | You directly | She hates being called late at night. |
Having | Your thing | She hates having her phone ring late at night. |
Writing II (p.133)
A. Imagine you are the headteacher of a school and your school has a vacancy for the post of Secondary Level English teacher. Write an advertisement for the post mentioning the required academic qualification, experience, deadline and other necessary information.
PARAPHRASING (p. 133)
Now, paraphrase the following texts.
Speaking (p. 141)
A. Study how Aleena narrates the activities of her winter holidays, and narrate what you did during your recent holidays.
When our school closed for the seasonal break, I felt both relief and excitement. I looked forward to spending quality time with my family and taking a break from early mornings. I packed my bags the night before and let my family know I would be taking the morning bus home.
The trip was peaceful and relaxing; I mostly enjoyed listening to music as I watched green fields and small towns pass by the window. When I reached the station around 3:00 pm, my uncle was already waiting to pick me up. His friendly smile instantly made me feel comfortable and at home.
During the holidays, I kept busy with a mix of relaxing and productive activities. I helped my family prepare daily meals, read some books I had put off during the school term, and reconnected with old neighbourhood friends in the evenings. We spent hours chatting and drinking tea.
It was a lovely, peaceful break, just what I needed to recharge and feel excited for the new school term!
B. Work in pairs. Have conversations as shown in the example.
a. Tony/go/dentist/last week
Example: A: What did Tony do last week?
B: He went to the dentist last week.
b. Grandparents /eat ice cream /yesterday afternoon
A: What did grandparents do yesterday afternoon?
B: They ate ice cream yesterday afternoon.
c. Sima /send message / an hour ago
A: What did Sima do an hour ago?
B. Sima sent a message an hour ago.
d. Manu/wash hands /five minutes ago
A: What did Manu do five minutes ago?
B: Manu washed her hands five minutes ago.
e. Father watch /football match/ last night
A: What did father do last night?
B: Father watched a football match last night.
f. Lunibha /feed the cat /yesterday
A: What did Lunibha do yesterday?
B: Lunibha fed the cat yesterday.
g. Kate and Tim/clean room/last weekend
A: What did Kate and Tim do last weekend?
B: Kate and Tim cleaned the room last weekend.
Grammar I (p. 142)
A. Find the second part of each sentence. Then, change each verb into the correct form.
ANSWERS:
- The alarm went off while Trishna was sleeping.
- As soon as the teacher asked the questions, Brinda replied to her.
- I was doing my homework when the telephone rang.
- When the doors were opened, the audience rushed into the stadium.
- When we woke up, we saw the sun shining brightly.
B. Complete the sentences. Write in the correct forms of each verb.
- When I arrived (arrive) home, my dad was preparing (prepare) snacks for me.
- That day, when we left (leave) home, the sky was (be) overcast, and it was drizzling (drizzle).
- Last week, we booked (book) a hotel online. The hotel was (be) really wonderful. The staff were standing (stand) at the gate to welcome us when we reached (reach) there.
- Were the children sleeping (the children/sleep) when you reached (reach) home that night
- Something very strange happened (happen) on my way home yesterday. I was walking (walk) along the way. Suddenly, I saw (see) my grandfather following me. But he had died a year ago.
- We were travelling (travel) to Chitwan when the police stopped us on the way. According to them, there was (be) a bomb there. So, we had (have) to wait for an hour.
C. Make sentences using the words given in the brackets. Use the correct forms of the verbs: simple past or past continuous.
Example: the telephone/ring several times/ while I/have dinner
The telephone rang several times while I was having dinner.
- it/ begin to snow while we/return /home
It began to snow while we were returning home.
- Kamal/fall off while he/play on the verandah
Kamal fell off while he was playing on the verandah.
- Amit /wait for me/ when I /reach the station
Amit was waiting for me when I reached the station.
- Simran/ take my photos while I/not look at the camera
Simran took my photos while I was not looking at the camera.
- what/you do/yesterday when I/call you?
What were you doing yesterday when I called you?
- I break the glass/while I/wash it
I broke the glass while I was washing it.
- the teacher enter the class/while some students/ dance in the class
The teacher entered the class while some students were dancing in the class.
- I find the lost purse/while I /clean the room
I found the lost purse while I was cleaning the room.
- Dipisha finish her homework/while her brother/ watch TV
Dipisha finished her homework while her brother was watching T.V
Writing I (p. 143)
A. Nepal’s Journey from Panchayat to Multiparty Democracy
From 2017 B.S. to 2046 B.S., Nepal experienced a prolonged and difficult struggle to regain its democratic rights. The process began on 1st Poush, 2017 B.S., when King Mahendra dissolved the elected parliament, imprisoned the Prime Minister and other leaders, and banned all political parties. Soon after, on 22nd Poush, he established the partyless Panchayat System, which consolidated absolute power in the King's hands and eliminated freedom of speech and political activity for ordinary citizens.
Despite strict bans, the people of Nepal and underground political leaders remained hopeful. Their protests led King Birendra, Mahendra's successor, to call for a public referendum on 10th Jestha, 2036 B.S. When the vote was held on 20th Baishak, 2037 B.S., the Panchayat system narrowly won, but people's demand for freedom continued to grow. By 10th Jestha, 2042 B.S., widespread peaceful civil disobedience movements broke out across the nation.
The struggle reached its peak when political parties united to start a mass movement on 7th Falgun, 2046 B.S. Thousands of citizens took to the streets demanding their freedom. Finally, on 26th Chaitra, 2046 B.S., the King surrendered to the people's power, ending nearly three decades of autocratic rule and re-establishing multiparty democracy in Nepal.
B. Is Studying History Necessary or a Waste of Time?
Some believe studying history is pointless because they think we should only concentrate on the present and future. They claim that memorising historical dates, names, and monarchs offers no practical benefits in our modern, technology-focused lives.
However, I strongly believe that studying history is essential for every society. History is not just a collection of random old facts; it narrates how our world has been shaped. By studying past events, such as Nepal's prolonged struggle for democracy, we understand the significant sacrifices our ancestors made to give us the rights and freedoms we have today. History functions as a mirror reflecting our origins, fostering a deeper appreciation of our identity and culture.
Studying the past provides us with crucial lessons. It helps us examine previous errors to prevent repeating them. Just as a driver relies on a rearview mirror for safe navigation, we need history to steer our future. Without awareness of our past, creating a smarter, improved future becomes impossible.
Writing II (p. 150)
A. Write a story using the outlines given below.
The Bat, the Birds, and the Beasts
Once upon a time, in the dense green forests of Chitwan, a large conflict arose between the sky birds and the land animals. The disagreement grew so big that both sides decided to prepare for war.
The two groups built strong, disciplined armies. On one side, the land animals gathered under the powerful Lion, joined by Tigers, Rhinos, and Bears. On the other side, the birds flew together under the noble Danfe (Lophophorus), joined by Eagles, Owls, and Parrots.
As both armies got ready, the Danfe saw a bat resting in a tree and called out,
Come, sister! Join our army to help defend the skies!The bat scoffed and showed her teeth, replying:
Take a look at my mouth and fluffy body! I have teeth and fur, which means I’m a land animal, not a bird!
A little later, the Lion marched past the same tree and shouted,
Come, sister! Stand with us and fight for the forest!
The bat spread her webbed wings and replied:
Look at my wings! I fly high in the air, so I am a bird, not a land animal!
The bat believed she was being quite clever. She lacked discipline and moral values, opting to lie to avoid responsibility and escape danger rather than face it with her community.
Just before the battle started, the experienced old Elephant spoke up.
Violence only causes damage to our lovely home,he warned. Both sides realised he was right. They shook hands, made a peace agreement, and agreed to host a grand feast to honour their friendship.
Hearing the music and smelling the delicious food, the greedy bat decided to join the party.
She first flew down to the animals, but the Lion roared,
Get away! You told us you were a bird when we needed your help.
Feeling ashamed, the bat flew up to the birds, but the Danfe turned her away, saying,
You have no honesty or discipline. You lied to save yourself, so you do not belong with us!
Both the animals and birds became so angry at her deceit that they chased her out of the forest, threatening to tear her to pieces if she ever returned.
Scared and completely alone, the bat flew away to hide in dark caves. To this day, because she was dishonest and undisciplined, she can only fly around at night when everyone else is asleep.
Moral: Honesty and Discipline: True strength comes from good morals, honesty, and loyalty. If you lie and try to trick others to avoid your duties, you will lose everyone's trust and end up with no friends at all.
UNIT 10:
Pronunciation (p. 157)
Consult a dictionary and find the number of syllables and also the stressed syllables in the following words. Then pronounce them correctly.
| Word | Syllables | Stressed Syllable (IPA) | Pronunciation |
| invitation | 4 | /ˌɪnvɪ'teɪʃn/ | in-vi-TA-tion |
| embroidered | 3 | /ɪm'brɔɪdərd/ | em-BROI-dered |
| exquisite | 3 | /ɪk'skwɪzɪt/ | EX-qui-site |
| furious | 3 | /'fjʊərɪəs/ | FU-ri-ous |
| inherit | 3 | /ɪn'herɪt/ | in-HER-it |
| princess | 2 | /'prɪnsɪs/ | PRIN-cess |
| beautiful | 3 | /'bjʊtɪfəl/ | BEAU-ti-ful |
| carefully | 3 | /'kɛrfəlɪ/ | CARE-ful-ly |
| marriage | 2 | /'mærɪdʒ/ | MARR-iage |
| earthquake | 2 | /'ɜrθˌkweɪk/ | EARTH-quake |
| stadium | 3 | /'steɪdɪəm/ | STA-di-um |
| Olympic | 3 | /oʊ'lɪmpɪk/ | o-LYM-pic |
| archaeologists | 5 | /ˌɑrki'ɑlədʒɪsts/ | ar-chae-OL-o-gists |
Grammar I (p. 158)
TENSES
- 3 Basic Time Frames
- Past: Describes events that occurred before the present.
- Present: Refers to actions happening now or facts that are always true.
- Future: Points to events that will occur after the present.
- 4 Main Types (Aspects)
- Each time frame (Past, Present, Future) includes 4 different types. Here are the basic rules for their usage.
A. Simple Tenses (For facts, habits, or completed single actions)
- Present Simple
- Rule: Use the base verb and add -s or -es for he/she/it.
- When to use: For daily routines, habits, and general truths.
- Example: I eat lunch every day. She works hard.
- Past Simple
- Rule: Use the base verb + -ed for regular verbs or the second form of irregular verbs like went, ate, saw.
- When to use: For actions completed in the past at a specific time.
- Example: I ate lunch an hour ago. We watched a movie yesterday.
- Future Simple
- Rule: 'will' followed by the base verb.
- When to use: For predictions, quick decisions, or future promises.
- Example: I will eat lunch later.
I will call you tonight.
B. Continuous (Progressive) Tenses (For ongoing or in-progress actions)
- Present Continuous
- Rule: am/is/are + Verb-ing.
- When to use: Things happening right now at the moment of speaking.
- Example: I am eating lunch right now.
They are playing football.
- Past Continuous
- Rule: was/were + Verb-ing.
- When to use: An action that was in progress at a specific moment in the past (often interrupted by another event).
- Example: I was eating lunch when he called.
- Future Continuous
- Rule: will be + Verb-ing.
- When to use: An action that will be happening at a specific time in the future.
- Example: At 1:00 PM tomorrow, I will be eating lunch.
C. Perfect Tenses (Connecting two time frames or showing completion)
- Present Perfect
- Rule: have/has + Past Participle (3rd form, e.g., eaten, done, seen).
- When to use: An action that happened in the past, but the time is not stated, or it connects to/affects the present.
- Example: I have eaten lunch already (so I am not hungry now).
- Past Perfect
- Rule: had + Past Participle.
- When to use: An action that happened before another action in the past.
- Example: I had eaten lunch before the meeting started.
- Future Perfect
- Rule: will have + Past Participle.
- When to use: An action that will be completed before a specific time in the future.
- Example: By 2:00 PM tomorrow, I will have eaten lunch.
D. Perfect Continuous Tenses (Duration up to a point)
- Present Perfect Continuous
- Rule: have/has been + Verb-ing.
- When to use: An action that started in the past and is still continuing right now.
- Example: I have been studying for two hours.
- Past Perfect Continuous
- Rule: had been + Verb-ing.
- When to use: An ongoing action in the past that continued up until another past moment.
- Example: I had been studying for two hours before my friend arrived.
- Future Perfect Continuous
- Rule: will have been + Verb-ing.
- When to use: An ongoing action that will continue up to a specific point in the future.
- Example: By 5:00 PM, I will have been working for eight hours.
Reference Sheet
Tense | Form | Example Verb (eat) | Key Words |
Present Simple | Verb / Verb-s | I eat / She eats | always, usually, every day |
Present Continuous | am/is/are + verb-ing | I am eating | now, right now, currently |
Present Perfect | have/has + 3rd form | I have eaten | already, yet, ever, never, since |
Present Perf. Cont. | have/has been + verb-ing | I have been eating | for (time), since |
Past Simple | Verb-ed / 2nd form | I ate | yesterday, last night, in 2010 |
Past Continuous | was/were + verb-ing | I was eating | while, when |
Past Perfect | had + 3rd form | I had eaten | before, after, by the time |
Past Perf. Cont. | had been + verb-ing | I had been eating | for (time) before... |
Future Simple | will + verb | I will eat | tomorrow, next week, soon |
Future Continuous | will be + verb-ing | I will be eating | at [specific future time] |
Future Perfect | will have + 3rd form | I will have eaten | by, by the time |
Future Perf. Cont. | will have been + verb-ing | I will have been eating | by next year, for [duration] |
- Complete the text below with the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense of verbs in the brackets.
Kaski, Pokhara
21 August
Hi Nima!
Just a quick note from Pokhara. We ............ (be) here for two days now. We ............ (stay) in a hotel in Lakeside since we arrived. By now, we already (visit) ............ many places of interest here. I feel really excited to be here. We............ (not be ) to Sarangkot yet. We plan to go there too. I ............ always (wish) to go paragliding. I ............ (convince) my parents for this.
How ............ (you/spend) your holidays? I guess you ............ (visit) your grandparents. Please have a great time. We will have great fun back at school.
With love,
Nirjala
Kaski, Pokhara
21 August
Hi Nima!
Just a quick note from Pokhara. We have been (be) here for two days now. We have been staying (stay) in a hotel in Lakeside since we arrived. By now, we already (visit) have already visited many places of interest here. I feel really excited to be here. We have not been (not be ) to Sarangkot yet. We plan to go there too. I have always wished (wish) to go paragliding. I have convinced (convince) my parents to do this.
How have you been spending (you/spend) your holidays? I guess you have been visiting (visit) your grandparents. Please have a great time. We will have great fun back at school.
With love,
Nirjala
- Complete the sentences below with the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense of the verbs given in the brackets.
- Siddhartha has learnt (learn) to drive in just ten years!
- It has been raining (rain) all summer. There are floods and landslides in many places.
- Palden: You must have finished the book. I think you have been reading (read) it since last week.
Ricky: No, I have not finished (not/finish) it yet. Actually, I started it just yesterday. - What have you been cooking (you/cook) for so long?
- You have promised (promise) to help me many times. You really need to help me today.
- The children have their exams next week. So they have been preparing (prepare) a lot.
- The film is really wonderful. Haven’t you watched (you/watch) it yet?
- Sitaram has been painting his house all day. He hasn't finished (not/finish) it yet.
- Finally, they have fixed (fix) the leakage in their roof.
- I am so tired now. I have been working (work) hard lately.
Writing II (p. 169)
Write a dialogue between you and your friend about the upcoming Sports Day/ Week in your school. Include the following points in your dialogue.
- Time and venue of the sports day/week
- Types of events
- Participants
- Prize distribution, etc.
Sample Answer:
On a warm Tuesday afternoon at Bihani Vidhyalaya in Tilottama, Rupandehi. The interval bell had just rung, and students rushed out of classrooms into the sunny playground. Near the parking lot, in the shade by the playground, two close friends from Class 10, Udbodh and Prabodh, were sipping cold, fresh fruit juice, talking about the latest update on the school notice board: the Annual Sports Week.
Udbodh: Prabodh, did you notice the notice near the entrance gate? Our annual Sports Week has finally been confirmed!
Prabodh: No way! I've been looking forward to this all month. When does it start, and where will it be held this time?
Udbodh: It starts next Monday and runs for five days. Main outdoor events like football, cricket and athletics will happen at the Tilottama Park Sports Ground, while indoor games will take place on our school's premises.
Prabodh: That's great! What kind of events can we take part in?
Udbodh: There are tons! For athletics, we have the 100-meter race, shot put, and high jump. We also have team sports like football, volleyball, cricket, and kabaddi. They even added chess, carrom, and table tennis for indoor games.
Prabodh: Wow, that’s a big list. Can everyone in our school join, or is it only for senior students?
Prabodh: Students from Class 5 to Class 10 are eligible to participate. Registration involves submitting our names to our house captains- Red, Blue, Green, or Yellow—by Thursday. Each participant can enter up to two individual events and one team event.
Prabodh: Awesome! I am definitely signing up for the 100-meter race and volleyball. What happens on the final day?
Udbodh: On Friday afternoon, we’ll have the grand closing ceremony. The Mayor of Tilottama Municipality is coming as the Chief Guest to hand out medals, trophies, and certificates to all the winners. The house with the most points will win the Running Shield!
Prabodh: Man, our Blue House needs to win that shield this year! Let's go find the house captain and register our names right away.
Pronunciation (p. 176)
A. In English, all words in a sentence are not equally stressed. This creates a special rhythm in spoken English. Study how the important words are stressed in the following sentences.
C. Complete the following sentences choosing the correct forms of verbs in brackets. (p. 179)
Imagine you’re speaking Nepali and want to say "म घर जान्छु" (I am going home). You wouldn’t speak like a robot, correct? Naturally, you'd emphasize certain words to clarify your meaning.
In English, we do the same thing! This added emphasis on specific words in a sentence is known as Sentence Stress.
- What is Sentence Stress?
When speaking English, we do NOT say every word with the same volume or pace.
- Sentence Stress means making some words louder, longer, and clearer than other words in the same sentence.
- Think of it like music: stressed words are the heavy beats, and unstressed words are the fast, light beats.
- The Golden Rule of Sentence Stress
English sentences are made up of two types of words:
- Content Words (Important Words) - STRESS THEM!
These are the words that carry the main meaning or message of the sentence. If you remove these words, nobody will understand you.
- Nouns (names, objects): Ram, Pokhara, apple, school
- Main Verbs (actions): run, eat, study, play
- Adjectives (describing words): big, beautiful, cold, happy
- Adverbs (how/when actions happen): fast, quickly, yesterday, always
- Structure Words (Grammar Words) DON'T STRESS THEM!
These are small words that hold the grammar together. They don't carry much meaning on their own, so we say them quickly and softly.
- Pronouns: he, she, it, they, me
- Prepositions: in, on, at, to, under
- Articles: a, an, the
- Conjunctions: and, but, because
- Helping Verbs: is, am, are, was, do, can
Look at this simple sentence:
"The CAT is SITTING on the MAT."
If we break it down:
Word Type | Words in Sentence | What do we do? |
Content Words | CAT, SITTING, MAT | Speak LOUDER and SLOWER |
Structure Words | The, is, on, the | Speak quickly and softly |
If you only say the stressed words: "CAT ... SITTING ... MAT", someone can still easily guess what you mean!
- Why Does Stress Matter? (Changing Meaning)
Changing which word you stress can change the whole meaning of the sentence.
Look at how the meaning shifts depending on which word you say loudly:
- I didn't say she stole the money. (Someone else said it, not me!)
- I didn't SAY she stole the money. (I may have written or hinted it, but I didn't say it out loud!)
- I didn't say SHE stole the money. (I said someone stole it, but not her!)
- I didn't say she stole the MONEY. (She stole something else, like a ring or a watch!)
Now read these sentences out loud. Make the BOLD words louder and longer, and rush through the small words:
- RAM is PLAYING FOOTBALL.
- SHE LIVES in KATHMANDU.
- WHERE are you GOING?
Grammar I (p. 179)
C. Complete the following sentences choosing the correct forms of verbs in brackets.
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