Read the following passage and answer the questions in your own words.
If India is the macrocosm that represents unity in diversity, Nagaland is the microcosm of that philosophy. A melting pot of different tribal culture and cuisines, Nagaland is place where primeval landscapes, ancient people can leave you floored. At the Hornbill Festival held from December 1 to 10 in the state capital Kohima. I discovered that the concept of Athithi Devo Bhava- ‘Guest is God’, came naturally to the Nagas, the indigenous people of the region.
The Hornbill Festival showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof, attracting visitors from across the world. It usually takes place in the first week of December at the Naga Heritage Village called Kisama, located $12 \mathrm{~km}$ from Kohima. The village gets its name from the two villages Kigwema ( $\mathrm{Ki})$ and Phesama (Sa), where the village is now established. The suffix ‘Ma’ means village. Seventeen major tribes including Ao, Angami, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sum and Chakhesang take part in the festival. Besides reviving and protecting the rich culture of Nagaland, it helps visitors have a closer understanding of the people and their culture.
According to Banuo Z Jamir, Nagaland’s first woman chief secretary, the festival is named after the hornbill, the bird eulogized in Naga tribal folklore. “Hornbill is central to the Naga tradition, finding symbolic representation in their faith and costumes,” She said.
For Nagas, the bird exudes qualities of nobility, beauty and bravery and because of its roar-like call, its strength is believed to equal that of a tiger which personifies the quintessential Naga warrior. It is also a symbol of fertility-reproduction and agriculture-and is perceived to possess social values similar to those of humans.
1. What is the philosophy being referred to?
2. Why Nagaland is considered a ‘melting pot’?
3. The Hornbill Festival ‘showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof’. Discuss this statement in the light of the passage.
4. What does the Hornbill represent to the Nagas?
5. Give a suitable title to the passage.
Expert Answer
The philosophy being referred to is "unity in diversity."
Nagaland is considered a 'melting pot' because it is a place where different tribal cultures and cuisines come together, creating a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape.
The statement "showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof" means that the Hornbill Festival brings together various cultural displays and performances from different tribes and communities in Nagaland. It serves as a platform where visitors can experience the rich and diverse culture of the region in one place. This is evident in the passage as it mentions that seventeen major tribes participate in the festival, helping visitors gain a closer understanding of the people and their culture.
The Hornbill represents nobility, beauty, bravery, and strength to the Nagas. It is central to their tradition and symbolizes the quintessential Naga warrior. Additionally, the bird is associated with fertility, reproduction, agriculture, and social values similar to those of humans in Naga folklore.
"Nagaland's Hornbill Festival: A Celebration of Unity in Diversity"
Use the following words in sentences of your own:
a. macrocosm
b. cuisine
c. melange
d. eulogize
e. folklore
Expert Answer
| Word | Sentence |
|---|---|
| macrocosm | The universe is often referred to as the macrocosm, representing the vastness of existence. |
| cuisine | Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse range of dishes. |
| melange | The art exhibition featured a melange of different artistic styles and mediums. |
| eulogize | During the memorial service, friends and family members gathered to eulogize the deceased. |
| folklore | The folklore of the region includes tales of mythical creatures and ancient legends. |
Match the words in Column A with their meanings in Column B
| S.NO. | COLUMN A | COLUMN B | ||||
| i | Diabetes |
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| ii | Coronary disease |
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| iii | Cancer |
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| iv | Hypertension |
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| v | Parkinson’s Syndrome |
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| vi | Osteoporosis |
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| vii | Arthritis |
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| viii | Relapse | happens again, like illness. | ||||
| ix | Recurrence | fact of becoming ill again | ||||
| x | Regressive |
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Expert Answer
Here's the matching of words in Column A with their meanings in Column B:
| S.NO. | COLUMN A | COLUMN B |
|---|---|---|
| i | Diabetes | a medical condition caused by the lack of insulin |
| ii | Coronary disease | a disease connected with the heart |
| iii | Cancer | a serious disease in which growth of confused cells, form in the body and kill normal body cells |
| iv | Hypertension | blood pressure that is higher than normal |
| v | Parkinson's Syndrome | a disease of the nervous system that causes the limbs to shake |
| vi | Osteoporosis | a condition in which the bones become weak and are easily broken |
| vii | Arthritis | a disease that causes pain and swelling in one or more joints of the body |
| viii | Relapse | happens again, like illness |
| ix | Recurrence | fact of becoming ill again |
| x | Regressive | becoming or making something less advanced |
Make new words by adding suffix to the following words.
Educate, conclude, produce, construct, permit
Expert Answer
New words formed by adding suffixes to the provided words:
1. Educate + ion = Education
2. Conclude + ing = Concluding
3. Produce + er = Producer
4. Construct + ion = Construction
5. Permit + ted = Permitted
Complete the following sentences with the correct modals.
i. ___ you do me a favour?
ii. ___ I have a glass of water?
iii. The recipe I am trying ___ turn out to be a hit
iv. The hotel staff ___ behave politely.
v. One ___ not lead sedentary life.
Expert Answer
Completed sentences with the correct modals:
i. Could you do me a favor?
ii. May I have a glass of water?
iii. The recipe I am trying might turn out to be a hit.
iv. The hotel staff should behave politely.
v. One should not lead a sedentary life.
Complete the following sentences with participles using the basic verb given in the brackets.
i) ‘There are no marks allocated for neatness in the ___ answers,’ announced the teacher. (write)
ii) Doctors were finding it difficult to cope with so many ___ passengers after the train accident. (injure)
iii) Many people from India went to the African countries to start businesses. Soon they had a ___ trade and decided to settle here. (flourish)
iv) The ___ News of the Youth Festival in the university reached all colleges in no time. (excite)
v) The guests were impressed with the pretty decorations and the neatly ___ furniture. (arrange)
vi) One of the ___ principles of life is to be straightforward and honest. (abide)
Expert Answer
i) 'There are no marks allocated for neatness in the written answers,' announced the teacher. (write)
ii) Doctors were finding it difficult to cope with so many injured passengers after the train accident. (injure)
iii) Many people from India went to the African countries to start businesses. Soon they had a flourishing trade and decided to settle here. (flourish)
iv) The exciting news of the Youth Festival in the university reached all colleges in no time. (excite)
v) The guests were impressed with the pretty decorations and the neatly arranged furniture. (arrange)
vi) One of the abiding principles of life is to be straightforward and honest. (abide)
Fill in the blanks with the correct words given in brackets.
i) You will (lose, loose) ___ your money if you carry it in your hand.
ii) He spent his (Vocation, vacation) ___ rock climbing.
iii) No one will address the audience (accept, except) ___ the Chief Guest.
iv) This is the (centre, middle) ___ of the circle.
v) My father is very (peculiar, particular) ___ about going for his early morning walk.
Expert Answer
i) You will **lose** your money if you carry it in your hand.
ii) He spent his **vacation** rock climbing.
iii) No one will address the audience **except** the Chief Guest.
iv) This is the **center** of the circle.
v) My father is very **particular** about going for his early morning walk.
You have been asked to give an inspiring speech about how one can achieve one’s dreams with courage and perseverance. Write out the speech in around 250 words.
Expert Answer
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and dear friends,
Today, I stand before you to talk about a topic that’s close to our hearts, a topic that has driven countless individuals to reach for the stars and make the impossible possible. I’m here to speak about courage and perseverance on the path to achieving our dreams.
Every one of us carries dreams within our hearts, aspirations that fuel our hopes and ignite our passions. These dreams are the essence of who we are, the driving force behind our actions. But dreams alone are not enough; they need courage and perseverance to transform them into reality.
Courage is the fire that burns within us when faced with challenges and uncertainties. It’s the audacity to take that first step into the unknown, to venture beyond our comfort zones, and to confront our fears head-on. It’s the resilience to withstand setbacks, criticism, and self-doubt. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to move forward despite it.
Perseverance, on the other hand, is the unwavering commitment to our dreams. It’s the tenacity to keep going when the road gets tough, to rise each time we fall, and to learn from our failures. Perseverance is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. It’s the patient and persistent effort that eventually leads to success.
Think of the stories of great leaders, inventors, artists, and visionaries throughout history. From Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent struggle for freedom to Thomas Edison’s relentless pursuit of the light bulb, their journeys were marked by courage and perseverance. They faced adversity, rejection, and countless obstacles, but they never wavered in their determination to achieve their dreams.
So, how can we apply these principles to our own lives? It starts with believing in ourselves and our dreams. We must have the audacity to dream big and the conviction that we are capable of achieving those dreams. Next, we must embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth, as stepping stones on our path to success.
Surround yourself with a supportive community, mentors, and role models who can inspire and guide you. Seek knowledge, be adaptable, and never stop learning. And most importantly, remember that the journey to achieving your dreams may be long and arduous, but it’s the very process of courageously pushing forward with unwavering perseverance that molds you into the person you are meant to be.
In conclusion, I urge you all to nurture your dreams, embrace courage, and embody perseverance. With these qualities, you have the power to overcome any obstacle and achieve the extraordinary. The path may be challenging, but remember, the most beautiful destinations are often found at the end of the most courageous and persevering journeys.
Thank you, and may you all find the strength to pursue your dreams with unwavering courage and relentless perseverance.
Write an essay in around 250 words on the topic:
Environment and Technology: Exploring the sustainable dynamics
Expert Answer
Environment and Technology: Exploring the Sustainable Dynamics
In today's rapidly evolving world, the intersection of environment and technology has become a focal point of global discussions. While technology has driven remarkable advancements in various aspects of our lives, it has also raised significant concerns about its impact on the environment. In this essay, we will explore the dynamic relationship between the environment and technology and the quest for sustainable solutions.
Technology has undoubtedly transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. From smartphones to renewable energy sources, it has the potential to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face. For example, innovations in clean energy technologies hold promise for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances offer sustainable alternatives to their conventional counterparts.
However, the rapid pace of technological advancement has often come at a cost to the environment. Industrial processes, the proliferation of electronic waste, and the depletion of natural resources have raised concerns about sustainability. The extraction of minerals for electronics and the disposal of obsolete devices contribute to environmental degradation and harm ecosystems.
To navigate this complex relationship, a paradigm shift towards sustainable technology and responsible environmental stewardship is imperative. This involves developing and adopting technologies that prioritize environmental preservation while delivering economic and societal benefits. Sustainable technology encompasses innovations such as eco-friendly materials, circular economies, and green infrastructure.
One key aspect of this dynamic is the concept of the circular economy, which aims to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources through recycling, reusing, and reducing consumption. Sustainable technologies are driving the shift towards a circular economy by designing products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable.
Moreover, digitalization and data-driven technologies play a crucial role in environmental monitoring and conservation. Remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics help track deforestation, air quality, and wildlife habitats, enabling better-informed decisions and interventions for environmental protection.
In conclusion, the interplay between the environment and technology is a complex and evolving dynamic. While technology has the potential to harm the environment, it also offers innovative solutions for sustainability. Striking a balance between technological advancement and environmental protection requires a concerted effort from governments, industries, and individuals to prioritize sustainable practices and technologies. Only by embracing a holistic approach can we harness the full potential of technology to safeguard our planet for future generations.
You and your friends have decided to visit Himachal in the last week of December this year. Write a dialogue in around 200 words between you and a Travel Agent enquiring for the required arrangements for this trip.
Expert Answer
You: Hello! I hope you're doing well. I'm planning a trip to Himachal with my friends in the last week of December this year, and I wanted to inquire about the arrangements.
Travel Agent: Hi there! That sounds like a fantastic plan. Himachal Pradesh is beautiful in December. How can I assist you with your trip?
You: Great! We're looking to visit Shimla, Manali, and maybe a couple of other places. We'll be a group of six people. What are the best travel options for us?
Travel Agent: Wonderful choice! For a group of six, I'd recommend booking a comfortable minivan or SUV with a driver. It'll give you the flexibility to explore different places in Himachal at your own pace. We can arrange airport or railway station pickups if needed.
You: That sounds convenient. What about accommodations? We're looking for decent budget-friendly hotels or cottages.
Travel Agent: No problem. I can suggest a range of options, from budget hotels to cozy cottages and guesthouses. Just let me know your preferences, and I'll provide you with a list of accommodations tailored to your budget and preferences.
You: That would be helpful. Also, since we'll be there in December, we'd like to try some winter activities like skiing or snowboarding. Can you arrange that as well?
Travel Agent: Of course! Himachal offers some excellent opportunities for winter sports. I can help you book skiing or snowboarding lessons and equipment rentals at suitable locations in Manali or other hill stations you plan to visit.
You: That's exactly what we're looking for. Lastly, do you have any recommendations for local sightseeing or must-visit places in Himachal during the winter?
Travel Agent: Absolutely! In addition to Shimla and Manali, I'd suggest exploring places like Kufri, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass for their scenic beauty and adventure sports. You can also visit local markets for shopping and try out some Himachali cuisine.
You: Thank you so much for your assistance! This information is very helpful. Could you please provide me with a quote for the entire trip, including transportation, accommodations, and any activities you mentioned?
Travel Agent: Certainly! I'll prepare a detailed itinerary and quote for your Himachal trip and send it to your email. Once you receive it, feel free to get back to me with any adjustments or additional requirements.
You: That sounds perfect. I appreciate your help, and I'm looking forward to receiving the itinerary. We're really excited about this trip!
Travel Agent: My pleasure! I'm glad I could assist you. Enjoy your trip to Himachal, and if you have any further questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. Have a wonderful day!
