Vocabulary, Idioms & Phrasal Verbs
A. Select the precise contextual meaning for the underlined terms:
- a. Martin Luther started a revolt against the conventions of the Roman Catholic Church.
➜ Accepted customs, beliefs, or traditional practices - b. It blended classical styles with new ideas.
➜ Mixed together - c. The dome marks the beginning of Renaissance architecture.
➜ Serves as a sign of - d. The arts flourished during the Renaissance.
➜ Grew and developed successfully - e. The new passion for learning also led to amazing discoveries in science.
➜ Strong enthusiasm
C. Define the following idioms and contextualize them in sentences:
a. A hot potato
Meaning: A controversial or sensitive subject that is difficult to deal with.
Sentence: Tax reform quickly became a political hot potato during the legislative debate.
Meaning: A controversial or sensitive subject that is difficult to deal with.
Sentence: Tax reform quickly became a political hot potato during the legislative debate.
b. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Occurring exceptionally rarely.
Sentence: Working overseas, he is able to return home to visit his family only once in a blue moon.
Meaning: Occurring exceptionally rarely.
Sentence: Working overseas, he is able to return home to visit his family only once in a blue moon.
c. A bed of roses
Meaning: An easy, comfortable, or uncomplicated circumstance.
Sentence: Building a successful startup is rarely a bed of roses; it requires immense dedication.
Meaning: An easy, comfortable, or uncomplicated circumstance.
Sentence: Building a successful startup is rarely a bed of roses; it requires immense dedication.
d. When pigs fly
Meaning: Describing an event that is virtually impossible or will never happen.
Sentence: He promised to organize his desk every morning, but that will happen only when pigs fly.
Meaning: Describing an event that is virtually impossible or will never happen.
Sentence: He promised to organize his desk every morning, but that will happen only when pigs fly.
e. Miss the boat
Meaning: To lose an opportunity due to slow action or hesitation.
Sentence: Make sure to submit your application early so you do not miss the boat on the scholarship.
Meaning: To lose an opportunity due to slow action or hesitation.
Sentence: Make sure to submit your application early so you do not miss the boat on the scholarship.
f. Zip your lip
Meaning: To remain silent or stop speaking immediately.
Sentence: The manager asked everyone to zip their lips until all confidential figures were verified.
Meaning: To remain silent or stop speaking immediately.
Sentence: The manager asked everyone to zip their lips until all confidential figures were verified.
g. Fight tooth and nail
Meaning: To contest or struggle with extreme energy and determination.
Sentence: The team is prepared to fight tooth and nail to secure a spot in the final round.
Meaning: To contest or struggle with extreme energy and determination.
Sentence: The team is prepared to fight tooth and nail to secure a spot in the final round.
h. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade
Meaning: To respond to hardship by creating something constructive or positive.
Sentence: After his initial business venture failed, he leveraged the experience to start a new firm, demonstrating how to make lemonade when life gives you lemons.
Meaning: To respond to hardship by creating something constructive or positive.
Sentence: After his initial business venture failed, he leveraged the experience to start a new firm, demonstrating how to make lemonade when life gives you lemons.
i. Goose egg
Meaning: A numerical score of zero.
Sentence: Despite playing aggressively throughout the second half, the home team ended the game with a goose egg on the scoreboard.
Meaning: A numerical score of zero.
Sentence: Despite playing aggressively throughout the second half, the home team ended the game with a goose egg on the scoreboard.
D. Match the phrasal verbs with their respective definitions:
- a. Break down ➜ To cease functioning mechanically or systemically
- b. Check out ➜ To complete administrative procedures and depart from accommodations
- c. Fed up ➜ Feeling thoroughly irritated, exhausted, or dissatisfied
- d. Fill out ➜ To complete requisite details on an official document or form
- e. Get away ➜ To accomplish an escape or depart for a break
- f. Give away ➜ To bestow or distribute something without requesting payment
- g. Give up ➜ To abandon an attempt, habit, or course of action
- h. Look forward to ➜ To anticipate an upcoming event with eagerness
- i. Make up ➜ To fabricate an explanation, story, or excuse
- j. Pass away ➜ A respectful phrasing meaning to die
- k. Put out ➜ To extinguish a flame, fire, or illumination source
- l. Take off ➜ To remove garments, or for an aircraft to depart into flight
Textual Comprehension
a. What is the literal meaning and linguistic origin of the term "Renaissance"?
Answer: The term signifies "rebirth" and originates from the French root renaître, which translates to "being born again."
Answer: The term signifies "rebirth" and originates from the French root renaître, which translates to "being born again."
b. How did relocated Greek scholars contribute to their new communities after leaving their homeland?
Answer: Upon settling in new regions, these scholars actively taught the Greek language, introduced rare classical manuscripts, and shared foundational intellectual traditions that sparked renewed cultural curiosity.
Answer: Upon settling in new regions, these scholars actively taught the Greek language, introduced rare classical manuscripts, and shared foundational intellectual traditions that sparked renewed cultural curiosity.
c. In what ways did the "new learning" shift human perspective and inquiry?
Answer: The movement urged individuals to move beyond unexamined dogma, analyze classical wisdom critically, observe natural phenomena directly, and innovate across literature, fine arts, and empirical sciences.
Answer: The movement urged individuals to move beyond unexamined dogma, analyze classical wisdom critically, observe natural phenomena directly, and innovate across literature, fine arts, and empirical sciences.
d. Provide a brief overview of the artistic expansion during the Renaissance.
Answer: Originating in wealthy Italian city-states like Florence, Venice, and Milan—fueled by flourishing commerce and banking—patrons funded artistic endeavors. Luminaries such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Brunelleschi transformed visual arts and architecture by emphasizing realism, proportion, human emotional expression, and classical aesthetics.
Answer: Originating in wealthy Italian city-states like Florence, Venice, and Milan—fueled by flourishing commerce and banking—patrons funded artistic endeavors. Luminaries such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Brunelleschi transformed visual arts and architecture by emphasizing realism, proportion, human emotional expression, and classical aesthetics.
e. Name three key scientific figures associated with the breakthrough discoveries of the era.
Answer: Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, and Sir Isaac Newton.
Answer: Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, and Sir Isaac Newton.
f. Identify the inventor of the movable type printing press and his country of origin.
Answer: Johannes Gutenberg developed this technology in Germany.
Answer: Johannes Gutenberg developed this technology in Germany.
g. Why is the movable type printing press considered a monumental gift of the Renaissance?
Answer: Prior to its development, texts had to be laboriously copied by hand, keeping them scarce and costly. The printing press enabled mass production, lowering costs and accelerating the widespread distribution of literacy, scientific discovery, and philosophical ideas across broader demographics.
Answer: Prior to its development, texts had to be laboriously copied by hand, keeping them scarce and costly. The printing press enabled mass production, lowering costs and accelerating the widespread distribution of literacy, scientific discovery, and philosophical ideas across broader demographics.
h. List five prominent global explorers from the Age of Discovery.
Answer: Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, John Cabot, Ferdinand Magellan, and Sir Francis Drake.
Answer: Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, John Cabot, Ferdinand Magellan, and Sir Francis Drake.
i. Why do historians frequently mark the Renaissance as the dawn of modern history?
Answer: It established fundamental shifts in human thought—emphasizing empirical observation, individual potential, technological advancement, global navigation, and critical inquiry—which collectively laid the foundation for modern civilization.
Answer: It established fundamental shifts in human thought—emphasizing empirical observation, individual potential, technological advancement, global navigation, and critical inquiry—which collectively laid the foundation for modern civilization.
B. Select the correct alternative for each statement:
a. Prior to the Renaissance, formal education was predominantly accessible to:
Correct Option: Scholars and privileged people
Correct Option: Scholars and privileged people
b. Which of the following assertions holds true regarding intellectual history?
Correct Option: The Greeks had a strong influence on Renaissance thinking.
Correct Option: The Greeks had a strong influence on Renaissance thinking.
c. What was the broad social impact of the Renaissance?
Correct Option: It encouraged people to make changes in their lives.
Correct Option: It encouraged people to make changes in their lives.
d. Which primary catalysts fueled the spread of the Renaissance movement?
Correct Option: Printing, reading, and learning
Correct Option: Printing, reading, and learning
Critical Thinking
a. Do you agree with Machiavelli’s view that a good leader can do bad and dishonest things to preserve power and protect the government? Explain.
Answer:
I partly agree with Machiavelli’s view that a leader may sometimes have to make difficult decisions to protect the government and the nation. However, dishonest and immoral actions should not become normal methods of leadership. A leader is responsible for maintaining peace, security, and political stability. During war, rebellion, or a national emergency, a leader may have to take strict actions that are unpopular. Such decisions may be necessary to protect the country and its citizens.
However, the desire to preserve power can also make leaders selfish and cruel. Some leaders violate laws, suppress opponents, spread false information, or harm innocent people only to remain in power.
When leaders place personal power above justice and morality, they may become authoritarian. They may destroy anyone who challenges them and create fear among the people.
A good leader should protect the government through lawful, transparent, and ethical means. Strict action may sometimes be necessary, but it should serve the public interest rather than personal ambition.
Therefore, leaders should not be allowed to justify every dishonest action in the name of national security or political stability.
Answer:
I partly agree with Machiavelli’s view that a leader may sometimes have to make difficult decisions to protect the government and the nation. However, dishonest and immoral actions should not become normal methods of leadership. A leader is responsible for maintaining peace, security, and political stability. During war, rebellion, or a national emergency, a leader may have to take strict actions that are unpopular. Such decisions may be necessary to protect the country and its citizens.
However, the desire to preserve power can also make leaders selfish and cruel. Some leaders violate laws, suppress opponents, spread false information, or harm innocent people only to remain in power.
When leaders place personal power above justice and morality, they may become authoritarian. They may destroy anyone who challenges them and create fear among the people.
A good leader should protect the government through lawful, transparent, and ethical means. Strict action may sometimes be necessary, but it should serve the public interest rather than personal ambition.
Therefore, leaders should not be allowed to justify every dishonest action in the name of national security or political stability.
b. Do you think art and literature are important assets of a country? Give reasons.
Answer:
Yes, art and literature are valuable assets of a country. They preserve its history, culture, traditions, beliefs, and collective experiences.
Literature expresses human emotions, struggles, dreams, and social realities. Through stories, poems, plays, essays, and novels, people learn about the lives and ideas of different generations.
Art and literature also create awareness about social injustice, poverty, discrimination, unemployment, corruption, and oppression. Writers and artists can inspire people to question unfair practices and work for social change.
Historical and religious works such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Bible, and other literary texts preserve the knowledge and beliefs of earlier societies.
Art also contributes to national identity. Paintings, sculptures, music, architecture, dance, and handicrafts represent the creativity and uniqueness of a country.
In addition, art and literature support tourism, education, employment, and cultural industries.
Therefore, art and literature are not merely forms of entertainment. They are powerful means of preserving culture, developing awareness, and building a more thoughtful and civilised society.
Answer:
Yes, art and literature are valuable assets of a country. They preserve its history, culture, traditions, beliefs, and collective experiences.
Literature expresses human emotions, struggles, dreams, and social realities. Through stories, poems, plays, essays, and novels, people learn about the lives and ideas of different generations.
Art and literature also create awareness about social injustice, poverty, discrimination, unemployment, corruption, and oppression. Writers and artists can inspire people to question unfair practices and work for social change.
Historical and religious works such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Bible, and other literary texts preserve the knowledge and beliefs of earlier societies.
Art also contributes to national identity. Paintings, sculptures, music, architecture, dance, and handicrafts represent the creativity and uniqueness of a country.
In addition, art and literature support tourism, education, employment, and cultural industries.
Therefore, art and literature are not merely forms of entertainment. They are powerful means of preserving culture, developing awareness, and building a more thoughtful and civilised society.
Writing
a. Write an essay on “Literature is the Reflection of Society.”
Literature Is the Reflection of Society Literature is often called the mirror of society because it presents the beliefs, customs, traditions, conflicts, achievements, and problems of human life.
Since ancient times, people have used stories, songs, poems, and spoken language to preserve knowledge and pass it from one generation to another. Before the invention of writing, history and culture were mainly transmitted orally.
Literature transforms human thoughts, emotions, and experiences into written form. Writers observe society and express its political, social, cultural, religious, and economic realities through their works.
Many writers have represented poverty, injustice, war, love, discrimination, migration, social change, and human suffering in their poems, stories, plays, and novels.
Literary works also preserve history. Ancient epics, religious texts, myths, and historical writings help present generations understand their ancestors and cultural backgrounds.
Society creates literature because writers obtain their themes, characters, and experiences from the world around them. At the same time, literature can influence society by spreading new ideas and challenging harmful customs.
However, the nature of this reflection depends on the writer’s perspective. A progressive writer may question injustice, while a conservative writer may defend traditional beliefs.
Therefore, literature is the reflection of society because it contains both the positive and negative aspects of human life and records the social and political events of its time.
Literature Is the Reflection of Society Literature is often called the mirror of society because it presents the beliefs, customs, traditions, conflicts, achievements, and problems of human life.
Since ancient times, people have used stories, songs, poems, and spoken language to preserve knowledge and pass it from one generation to another. Before the invention of writing, history and culture were mainly transmitted orally.
Literature transforms human thoughts, emotions, and experiences into written form. Writers observe society and express its political, social, cultural, religious, and economic realities through their works.
Many writers have represented poverty, injustice, war, love, discrimination, migration, social change, and human suffering in their poems, stories, plays, and novels.
Literary works also preserve history. Ancient epics, religious texts, myths, and historical writings help present generations understand their ancestors and cultural backgrounds.
Society creates literature because writers obtain their themes, characters, and experiences from the world around them. At the same time, literature can influence society by spreading new ideas and challenging harmful customs.
However, the nature of this reflection depends on the writer’s perspective. A progressive writer may question injustice, while a conservative writer may defend traditional beliefs.
Therefore, literature is the reflection of society because it contains both the positive and negative aspects of human life and records the social and political events of its time.
b. “Today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader.” Do you agree? Explain.
Answer:
Yes, I agree with the statement that today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader.
Reading is essential for the overall development of a person’s personality. It improves language, vocabulary, knowledge, imagination, communication skills, and critical thinking.
A person who reads regularly becomes familiar with different ideas, cultures, histories, and experiences. Books teach readers how successful people faced challenges and made important decisions.
Reading also develops wisdom and practical understanding. Good leaders need knowledge, patience, communication skills, and the ability to understand different viewpoints. These qualities can be strengthened through reading.
Books prevent people from feeling intellectually isolated. They introduce readers to new worlds and guide them towards better decisions.
A leader must continue learning throughout life. Reading newspapers, biographies, history, literature, and academic books helps a person remain informed and thoughtful.
Therefore, people who wish to become effective leaders in the future should develop strong reading habits in the present.
Answer:
Yes, I agree with the statement that today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader.
Reading is essential for the overall development of a person’s personality. It improves language, vocabulary, knowledge, imagination, communication skills, and critical thinking.
A person who reads regularly becomes familiar with different ideas, cultures, histories, and experiences. Books teach readers how successful people faced challenges and made important decisions.
Reading also develops wisdom and practical understanding. Good leaders need knowledge, patience, communication skills, and the ability to understand different viewpoints. These qualities can be strengthened through reading.
Books prevent people from feeling intellectually isolated. They introduce readers to new worlds and guide them towards better decisions.
A leader must continue learning throughout life. Reading newspapers, biographies, history, literature, and academic books helps a person remain informed and thoughtful.
Therefore, people who wish to become effective leaders in the future should develop strong reading habits in the present.
c. Write a short biography of a national literary, artistic, or historical figure you admire.
Bhanubhakta Acharya Bhanubhakta Acharya was the first major poet of the Nepali language and is honoured with the title Adikavi, meaning the first poet.
He was born on 29 Ashar 1871 B.S. in Chundi Ramgha, Tanahun district. He was born into a Brahmin family and received his early education from his grandfather.
Bhanubhakta Acharya is best known for translating the Sanskrit epic Ramayana into the Nepali language. His translation made the great religious text accessible to ordinary Nepali-speaking people.
His major works include the Bhanubhaktiya Ramayana, Badhu Shiksha, Prashnottar, Bhaktamala, and several poems and letters.
He was once imprisoned because of a misunderstanding related to official documents. While in prison, he wrote a poetic letter to the prime minister. His poem helped draw attention to his situation and eventually contributed to his release.
Bhanubhakta died in 1868 without receiving widespread recognition for his literary contribution. His works were later collected and published by Motiram Bhatta.
Today, his birthday is celebrated as Bhanu Jayanti with poetry recitations, literary programmes, and cultural events.
Bhanubhakta Acharya played an important role in developing and popularising the Nepali language. Therefore, he remains one of the most respected literary figures in Nepal.
Bhanubhakta Acharya Bhanubhakta Acharya was the first major poet of the Nepali language and is honoured with the title Adikavi, meaning the first poet.
He was born on 29 Ashar 1871 B.S. in Chundi Ramgha, Tanahun district. He was born into a Brahmin family and received his early education from his grandfather.
Bhanubhakta Acharya is best known for translating the Sanskrit epic Ramayana into the Nepali language. His translation made the great religious text accessible to ordinary Nepali-speaking people.
His major works include the Bhanubhaktiya Ramayana, Badhu Shiksha, Prashnottar, Bhaktamala, and several poems and letters.
He was once imprisoned because of a misunderstanding related to official documents. While in prison, he wrote a poetic letter to the prime minister. His poem helped draw attention to his situation and eventually contributed to his release.
Bhanubhakta died in 1868 without receiving widespread recognition for his literary contribution. His works were later collected and published by Motiram Bhatta.
Today, his birthday is celebrated as Bhanu Jayanti with poetry recitations, literary programmes, and cultural events.
Bhanubhakta Acharya played an important role in developing and popularising the Nepali language. Therefore, he remains one of the most respected literary figures in Nepal.
Grammar: Relative Pronouns & Clause Structure
B. Complete with relative pronouns and classify as Defining or Non-Defining:
a. That is the house where I was born.
Clause Classification: Defining relative clause
Clause Classification: Defining relative clause
b. My aunt Nita, who is a journalist, is coming to visit next week.
Clause Classification: Non-defining relative clause
Clause Classification: Non-defining relative clause
c. People who like outdoor activities will love our holidays.
Clause Classification: Defining relative clause
Clause Classification: Defining relative clause
d. The early 1960s, when the Beatles first became popular, was an exciting period in pop culture.
Clause Classification: Non-defining relative clause
Clause Classification: Non-defining relative clause
e. My essay on Shakespeare, which I found quite difficult, received a very good mark.
Clause Classification: Non-defining relative clause
Clause Classification: Non-defining relative clause
f. The Mayans, who lived in Central America, built many magnificent temples.
Clause Classification: Non-defining relative clause
Clause Classification: Non-defining relative clause
g. That is the girl whose brother is in your class.
Clause Classification: Defining relative clause
Clause Classification: Defining relative clause
h. The snake that was in the garden last week belongs to our next-door neighbour.
Clause Classification: Defining relative clause
Clause Classification: Defining relative clause
C. Combine sentence pairs using appropriate relative clauses:
a. He is a musician. His albums have sold millions of copies.
Combined: He is a musician whose albums have sold millions of copies.
Combined: He is a musician whose albums have sold millions of copies.
b. Amelia speaks English and Chinese fluently. She is from Shanghai.
Combined: Amelia, who is from Shanghai, speaks English and Chinese fluently.
Combined: Amelia, who is from Shanghai, speaks English and Chinese fluently.
c. That is the stadium. Real Madrid plays there.
Combined: That is the stadium where Real Madrid plays.
Combined: That is the stadium where Real Madrid plays.
d. Dublin is my favourite city. It is the capital of Ireland.
Combined: Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland, is my favourite city.
Combined: Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland, is my favourite city.
e. The person was very helpful. They spoke to him.
Combined: The person to whom they spoke was very helpful.
Combined: The person to whom they spoke was very helpful.
f. This smartphone takes excellent photographs. I bought it last week.
Combined: This smartphone, which I bought last week, takes excellent photographs.
Combined: This smartphone, which I bought last week, takes excellent photographs.
