Comprehension I: Kashmir, The Garden of India 

Question 1.
From where did the travellers enter the valley of Kashmir?Answer:
The travellers entered the valley of Kashmir at Baramulla.

Question 2.
What does the peak of Nanga Parbat look like?Answer:
The peak of Nanga Parbat looks like a huge sentinel pointing to the sky.

Question 3.
Which is the capital of Kashmir?
Answer:
The capital of Kashmir is Srinagar.

Question 4.
Why do certain flowers grow only in Kashmir?
Answer:
Certain flowers grow only in Kashmir because of its unique climate, which includes a combination of cool temperatures, fertile soil, and seasonal changes that create favorable conditions for various flowers to bloom.

Question 5.
Why do the houses in Srinagar city look beautiful in summer?
Answer:
The houses in Srinagar look beautiful in summer because their roofs are covered with colorful flowers such as tulips, wild irises, and red poppies.

Question 6.
Describe the spring season of Kashmir.
Answer:
In the spring season, Kashmir is filled with a variety of blooming flowers. First, the pink almond blossoms appear, followed by the white cherry and pink-and-white apple blossoms. Then, royal purple irises fill the fields, and the air becomes fragrant with the scent of Persian lilac and roses. The fields outside the city are covered with blue flax, red poppies, and yellow mustard, creating a colorful and picturesque landscape.

B. Sit in pairs and discuss in the class and answer the following questions: Kashmir, The Garden of India 

Question 1.
Explain the varieties of flowers and fruits of Kashmir.

Answer:
Kashmir is known for its diverse and beautiful varieties of flowers and fruits. During spring, the valley is adorned with pink almond blossoms, white cherry blossoms, and pink-and-white apple blossoms. As the season progresses, royal purple irises fill the fields, followed by Persian lilacs and fragrant roses in crimson, snow-white, scarlet, and creamy yellow shades. In the fields outside the city, blue flax, red poppies, and golden yellow mustard create a colorful landscape.

During the later part of the season, when the flowers fade, fruits take their place. The shops are filled with luscious pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, and rosy-cheeked apples, which the people dry and store for winter use.

Question 2.
Describe the floating garden of Dal Lake.

Answer:
The floating gardens of Dal Lake are unique and fascinating. One end of the lake is specifically reserved for these gardens. The gardeners create a platform of reeds and anchor it to stakes. They then bring mud from the bottom of the lake and place it in heaps on the platform. Finally, they plant vegetable seedlings, mainly cucumber. These gardens require no watering, as they are surrounded by the lake’s water. The vegetables are harvested and dried in strips for winter use. The gardens can be easily tended from boats.

Question 3.
Why is the city of Srinagar called “The Venice of India”?

Answer:
Srinagar is called “The Venice of India” because the river Jhelum, along with its canals, flows through the city and divides it into several small islands. This gives the city a resemblance to Venice, which is famous for its network of canals. The scenic beauty of the waterways, along with houseboats and shikaras (small boats), enhances the resemblance.

Vocabulary work II :Kashmir, The Garden of India 

A. Consider the words “week” and “weak”. Although they have the same pronunciation they give different meanings: (HOMO PHONES)

Example: Seven days make a week. My friend is weak in English. Sit in a group and point out the difference in meaning between the following pairs of words and use them in your own sentences (do it in pairs)

                                          1. Price: Prize                       2. Peace: piece
                                          3. Whole: hole                      4. Write: right.
                                          5. Route: root                       6.Weather: whether

1. Price: The amount of money paid for something.
   The price of the new phone is very high.
   Prize: A reward given for winning a competition or contest.
   She won the first prize in the painting competition.
2. Peace: A state of calmness or absence of conflict.
   The treaty brought peace between the two countries.
   Piece: A part of something.
   I want a piece of cake.
3. Whole: Entire or complete.
   He ate the whole pizza by himself.
   Hole: An empty space or opening.
   There is a hole in my shoe.
4. Write: To put words on paper or type them.
   Please write your name on the form.
   Right: Correct or the opposite of left.
   You gave the right answer.
5. Route: The path or direction taken to reach a place.
   We took the shortest route to the park.
   Root: The part of a plant that grows underground.
   The tree has deep roots.
6. Weather: The condition of the atmosphere (rain, sun, wind, etc.).
   The weather is very pleasant today.
   Whether: Used to express a choice between alternatives.
   I don’t know whether to go or stay.