conservative (adj) : opposed to great/sudden social change
rituals (n) : a series of actions, specially as a part of religious
ceremony
perturb (v) : to make worried/ anxious
confront (v) : to deal with a problem/ situation
optimism (n) : a feeling that good things will happen
Comprehension I. Answer the following questions.
1. What were the problems faced by Kalam in his childhood?
2. "_____that forced Samsuddin to look for a helping hand." What does 'that' refer to?
3. " I filled the slot." What does the sentence mean?
4. If one wants to bring a change in the social system , what qualities should one possess?
5. Events from the Ramayana and from the life of the Prophet were the bedtime stories my
mother and grandmother would tell the children in our family.
Choose the most appropriate meaning for the underlined phrase from the options
given below.
a) stories told by the bed side b) stories told on the bed c) stories told
before going to sleep
6. " Your children are not your children …." What does it mean ? Do you agree or disagree
with the statement? Give reasons.
7. As children, none of us ever felt any difference amongst ourselves because of our
religious differences and upbringing.
Choose the most appropriate meaning for the underlined word from the options
given below.
a) education b) cared and trained c) food and shelter
8) Read the text and attribute the characteristics given in the box to the following women .