Question

Read the following passage and do the given activities:

(A1) Complete the web:   [2]

Hemingway's language is simple and pithy. He mostly writes in short and straight-forward sentences and practises an extreme economy in his use of words. This simplicity is deceptive and a reader can read his work again and again and find new layers of meaning every time. I first read this novel years ago, when I did not understand it at all and was left unimpressed. In spite of this a vivid image remained with me - an old man holding on to his fishing line with the last of his strength. Recently I read this book again and was extremely moved. The formidable strength of the old man's character, the quiet devotion of the empathetic Manolin and the relationship between the two are heart-warming. Hemingway's descriptions of the sea and the creatures of the water are beautiful. The marlin fights for its life desperately and it's hard to know whether our sympathies should lie with the old man or with the marlin. But as the novel progresses the old man and the marlin are inseparably linked because both stand for the same ideals, that is, a noble struggle against destruction.

(A2) Explain the qualities of the following characters:   [2]

1. Old man
2. Manolin

(A3) Find the suitable adverbs which modify the following words:   [2]

	Words	Adverbs
i.	linked	..............
ii.	fights	..............
iii.	moved	..............
iv.	writes	..............

(A4) Do as Directed:   [2]

1. I did not understand it.
   (Make it affirmative)
2. The Marlin fights for its life.
   (Change into Present Perfect Tense)

(A5) Personal Response:   [2] 

'Every hardworking person achieves success in life.' Explain.

Answer 1

(A1) 

(A2)

1. Old Man: formidable strength, perseverance
2. Manolin: devotion, empathy

(A3)

	Words	Adverbs
i.	linked	Inseparably
ii.	fights	Desperately
iii.	moved	Extremely
iv.	writes	Mostly

(A4) 

1. I failed to understand it.
2. The Marlin has fought for its life.

(A5) Hard work is the key to success because it helps individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Dedication and perseverance, as seen in the old man’s struggle in the novel, lead to personal growth and fulfillment. Even if immediate success is not achieved, hard work strengthens character and builds resilience, which ultimately results in success. Many great personalities, such as scientists, athletes, and entrepreneurs, have reached their goals through continuous effort and determination.