English Question and Answer (unit)

A lot of people have the tendency, like the warrior in the story, to prove themselves superior to others. But one may be superior in one aspect and the other may be superior in some other things. For instance, the warrior may have claimed to be more powerful, but Ranji was better than him in swimming and diving. I don’t like people like the owner of the car who had put the sign: ‘I may be going slow but I am ahead of you’. It does not reflect good taste. I don’t get amused at such things. I don’t like people who show off and try to prove themselves better.

Yes, many a times, I have got agitated over small matters and had a serious fight with my dear friends. It is mostly caused by some sort of misunderstanding. For some time we remain annoyed with each other or even stop talking also. But later on, I always realise that I have been wrong. I feel so when the misunderstanding is removed. I get agitated first, but I am also the first to resolve the matter and apologise, if necessary. I think, when I grow up, I will be more mature to control myself and won’t indulge in fights.

For discussion at class level. However, a brief answer is given below : It is quite natural amongst human beings to have differences of opinions amongst themselves. But I think fighting should be the last resort to settle the differences of opinions. There are so many ways to resolve the differences, for instance, these can be done by mutual negotiations and discussions. This is also true about the different nations who have differences. Instead of resorting to war, they should go for amicable negotiations. War can prove too destructive in modern times.

It was Ranji’s extraordinary skill in swimming and diving that greatly impressed the other boy. Ranji dived straight into the water and showed his superiority to the other boy, Suraj. That made the two adversaries turn into good friends in a matter of minutes.

Good diving, swimming under water, making a good point and willingness to help are the relevant phrases which show Ranji’s superiority over the other boy.

physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter, sense of humour, swimming under water, making a good point, willingness to help.

Ranji and the other boy had come to the pool to have another fight. But being surprised and influenced by Ranji’s swimming and diving skill, he befriends him. That is why they did not continue the fight.

Ranji’s exceptional swimming skill surprises the warrior. Ranji could dive straight into the water, cuts through it and surfaces with hardly a splash.

Ranji was definitely the better swimmer out of them. He could swim the length of the pool a dozen times without being tired. He could also dive nicely, which the other boy could not do.

After the first fight, Ranji felt weak and lazy. So, he was not eager for a second fight. His body was stiff and sore. However, he goes back to the pool. He thinks that if he did not turn up at the pool, it would be acceptance of the defeat. If he surrendered he would be defeated forever. Though he would be beaten many times yet it would secure his right to the pool for a long time.

Because of the fight with the other boy Ranji had cuts and bruises that showed on his face, legs and arms. Ranji finds it difficult to explain at how he got these cuts and bruises.

Ranji, from the very beginning, tries to be quite friendly. But the other boy is trying to start a quarrel. He became hostile and said, “This is my pool and I always swim alone.” He also strode up to Ranji to settle the matter. When Ranji did not run away, he said, “I will have to beat you.” Thus, it is obvious that the other boy is trying to start a quarrel by provoking Ranji.

Ranji was aware of only sticky, muddy pools in the Rajputana desert. Buffaloes would swallow in them and women washed clothes.But he found the forest pool to be quite different. Its water was clean and transparent. One could see the smooth, round pebbles at its bottom. A small stream emerged from a cluster of rocks to feed the pool.