10std English Question and Answer Karnataka State Board Syllabus
Class 10 2nd Language English Chapter 7
Colours of Silence
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Comprehension I: Colours of Silence
Question 1:
Surender, Satish’s friend, came to visit him. Why hadn’t Satish gone to school?
Answer:
Satish hadn’t gone to school because he was feeling unwell and seriously ill that particular day.
Question 2:
Identify the sentence that suggests Satish’s weakness. (Para. 5)
Answer:
The sentence where Satish asks Surender, “Why are you speaking so softly?” suggests his weakness.
Question 3:
Why was Satish confined to bed? What was the worst thing for him? Why was it so? (Para. 12)
Answer:
Satish was confined to bed after an accident during a hiking trip with his father and brother. He underwent multiple surgeries to treat his leg and also suffered from recurring fever and ear infections. The worst part for him was the silence due to the ear infection, as it made him feel more isolated while he was bedridden.
Question 4:
The school Satish was attending informed his father about something. What was it?
Answer:
The school informed Satish’s father that they could no longer keep Satish enrolled because of his frequent absences and his hearing problem.
Question 5:
Satish didn’t want to go to a new school. Why?
Answer:
Satish, being a sensitive and delicate boy, was hesitant to interact with new children. He feared that they would mock him due to his hearing disability, which made him unwilling to join a new school.
Comprehension II: Share your Responses: Colours of Silence
Question 1:
After a lot of persuasion, Satish agreed to go to a new school. Do you think he was accepted at the new school?
Answer:
Satish was not accepted at the new school because of his deafness and difficulty in speaking clearly. His hearing problem made it difficult for him to fit in with the other students.
Question 2:
What made Avtar Narain angry? (Paras 15 & 16)
Answer:
Avtar Narain became angry when the headmaster of the new school suggested sending Satish to a school for deaf and mute children. He was upset because he believed that Satish was not mute and that his hearing could improve with proper treatment.
Question 3:
The word ‘expedition’ in Para 18 means:
a) journey visit
b) mountaineering
(Choose the correct answer.)
Answer:
a) journey visit
Question 4:
How did Satish’s brother Inder try to help him?
Answer:
Satish’s elder brother, Inder, helped him by staying close to him, talking to him, and teaching him new words and how to pronounce them. Inder dedicated a lot of time to his brother’s care and support.
Question 5:
Guess the meaning of these words from the context:
• snatches (Para 15)
• shattered (Para 18)
• brooded (Para 20)
• confined (Para 21)
Verify the correctness of the answers with the help of a dictionary.
Answer:
• Snatches = parts
• Shattered = helpless
• Brooded = thinking or meditating deeply
• Confined = to keep within the limits
Dictionary meanings:
• Snatches (n) = an attempt to seize, a small piece or quantity
• Shattered = to break into pieces, to upset or ruin
• Brooded = to sit on eggs, to think anxiously for some time
• Confined = to shut up, imprisoned
Comprehension III: Share your Responses: Colours of Silence
Question 1:
What did Satish see at the far corner of the garden? Why did it attract him? (Para-22)
Answer:
Satish saw a rare bird with a longish tail and a black crest. It was unlike any bird he had seen before. The bird had restless energy, its eyes constantly moving, and it seemed ready to take flight at any moment. This unusual behaviour and appearance attracted Satish.
Question 2:
Both parents were his well-wishers, but each cared for him in a different way. How? (Para-24, 25)
Answer:
Satish’s father, deeply troubled by his son’s misfortune, wanted to ensure that Satish didn’t fall behind in his studies despite no longer attending school. He encouraged Satish to read extensively and prepare for the time when his hearing impairment would be treated. However, he discouraged Satish’s interest in drawing, believing it wouldn’t provide a viable career.
Satish’s mother, having seen her son’s suffering for over three years, felt hopeless about his condition. Her maternal instinct led her to focus on making Satish happy in his world of silence. She didn’t want her husband to take away his source of entertainment, like drawing. Both parents acted out of love and concern, but in different ways, each believing they were doing what was best for him.
Question 3:
Which action of Satish changed his father’s attitude? (Para-29)
Answer:
Satish’s dedication to painting, despite knowing his father’s disapproval, changed his father’s attitude. Satish immersed himself in his paintings with passion and devotion, deriving great pleasure from them. When his father saw this, his attitude shifted, and he began to support and encourage Satish in his artistic pursuits.
Question 4:
What was Satish unable to believe? (Para-30)
Answer:
Satish was unable to believe the sudden change in his father’s attitude. His father, understanding his son’s feelings, decided to support him. He brought the necessary materials for painting and found the best art school to enrol him in, a gesture that deeply surprised and moved Satish.
Question 5:
How did Satish express his gratitude to his father? (Para-33)
Answer:
Satish, overwhelmed with emotion, couldn’t believe his father’s support. His eyes filled with tears of joy, and he hugged his father, his heart full of love and gratitude for his unwavering support.
Comprehension IV: Share your Responses: Colours of Silence
Question 1:
Name any three fields in which Satish Gujral has made his name. (Para-35)
Answer:
Satish Gujral is renowned for his work in painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Question 2:
How can you say that Satish became popular all over the world? (Para-36)
Answer:
Satish became globally recognized because his works were exhibited in various prestigious museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Hiroshima Collection in Washington, and the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.
Question 3:
If you were asked to give another title to this story, what title would you suggest? Justify your choice.
Answer:
If I were to suggest another title for this story, I would choose “The Silent Artist.” Despite living in a world of silence due to his hearing impairment, Satish Gujral became a renowned artist, earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award. This title reflects both his silent world and his artistic success.
Think About The Text: Colours of Silence
Question 1:
How did Satish meet with an accident? Do you think the accident occurred due to his carelessness?
Answer:
Satish met with an accident while on holiday in Kashmir with his father and brother. While crossing a fragile bridge, Satish and his brother were standing together, observing the swirling water below. In his curiosity, Satish tried to show it to his brother but lost his balance and fell into the water. This accident was not due to his carelessness but rather a stroke of bad luck, happening in an instant.
Question 2:
The writer describes the effect of the accident in paragraph 12. One such effect is given here. Write two others in the space provided.
Answer:
e.g.
1. He wanted to scream, but he couldn’t.
2. He felt as though a huge weight was pressing on his head.
3. He felt everything seemed far away and silent.
4. Everything appeared as if it were scenes from a drama (pantomime).
5. He felt helpless and upset.
Question 3:
Some words are given below. Choose the words that reflect Satish’s feelings after Surender left: angry, miserable, disappointed, lovely, sad, surprised, elated, shocked, helpless.
e.g., miserable
Answer:
The words that reflect Satish’s feelings after Surender left are miserable, disappointed, sad, shocked, and helpless.
Question 4:
Father, mother, and brother all tried to help Satish in their own way. Some of their actions are given below. Against each of these actions, mention whose role was major by writing ‘F’ (father), ‘M’ (mother), and ‘B’ (brother) in brackets. One example is given.
• Giving Satish company—(B)
• Caring for his future—(F)
• Teaching him pronunciation—(B)
• Caring more for his present state—(M)
• Meeting institutional heads (F)
• Finding an art school for him (F)
Question 5:
a. Describe the bird (P.22) in your own words.
Answer:
The bird was a rare one, with a long tail and a black crest. It had an air of restless energy, constantly moving its eyes, as though always alert and ready to take flight at any moment. Its beauty and constant motion made it particularly captivating.
b. Now write a small paragraph on any bird/animal that you have watched.
Answer:
Once, I visited a zoo and saw a peacock. It was a beautiful bird, gracefully moving around. I noticed its vivid blue-green plumage and large tail, which was unlike any other bird’s tail. The tail was adorned with long quill feathers, and when the peacock fanned it out, its eyes became even more prominent. It danced in such a captivating way that everyone around was drawn to its elegance and beauty.
Question 6:
Do you think the school you are studying in should admit students with hearing disabilities? Give reasons.
Answer:
Question 7.
Read the text again. Note down the important events in them. Show them in the flow chart.
Task 1: Fill in the blanks with appropriate words selecting from the words given in brackets.
Ganesh was fond of riding a bicycle. One day he rode it so fast that he lost control, and hit against an electric pole. His left leg got fractured and there were scratches all over the body. He was badly ___________. His mother, who was near, ran up to him. She tried to console him with ______________ words. Some boys who were near _____________ him. The teacher who happened to pass by told them it was ___________ and that they should laugh, instead of helping the boy. Ganesh was all right, but his hopes of taking part in the Kabaddi tournament that day were ____________.
(bruised, teased, soothing, concerned, unbecoming, shattered, sulked)
Answer:
Ganesh was fond of riding a bicycle. One day he rode it so fast that he lost control and hit against an electric pole. His left leg got fractured, and there were scratches all over his body. He was badly bruised. His mother, who was near, ran up to him. She tried to console him with soothing words. Some boys who were near teased him. The teacher who happened to pass by told them it was unbecoming that they should laugh instead of helping the boy. Ganesh was all right, but his hopes of taking part in the Kabaddi tournament that day were shattered.
Task 2: You can form the opposites of words by adding un________ , in_________, dis___________, mis____________ A list of words is given below.
Write words adding the prefixes. (Refer to the dictionary for the right answer.)-
1. Important
2. well
3. advantageous
4. understand
5. approve
6. decent.
Answer:
1. Important → Unimportant
2. Well → Unwell
3. Advantageous → Disadvantageous
4. Understand → Misunderstand
5. Approve → Disapprove
6. Decent → Indecent
Task 3: Complete the following using appropriate words from the text. You will find from the clue which paragraph of the text has that word.
(Note that you have to change the form of the word in some cases.)
e.g.: Manoj, a poor boy, works hard in an auto garage. But what he earns is a ————, not enough even for a meal a day (P 26) –
Answer: pittance
a) Look at that old man. He can—————-— hear (P 5)
Answer:
Look at that old man. He can barely hear. (P 5)
b) My friend met with an accident yesterday. He was admitted to the hospital with many_______________________________(P 8)
Answer:
My friend had an accident yesterday. He was admitted to the hospital with many injuries. (P 8)
c) I saw a person near the bus stop yesterday. A bus was about to hit him. I screamed, but he couldn’t hear. He had lost the power of hearing. He was__________________________________(P 14)
Answer:
I saw a person near the bus stop yesterday. A bus was about to hit him. I screamed, but he couldn’t hear. He had lost the power of hearing. He was deaf. (P 14)
d) The survivors of an earthquake had lost everything. They felt _________________(P18)
Answer:
The survivors of an earthquake had lost everything. They felt helpless. (P 18)
Task 1: Listen to the teacher carefully and answer the questions that are given at the end.
Question 1.
Who took the blind man to Jesus? What did they request of Jesus?
Answer:
Some people took the blind man to Jesus and requested He touch and heal the man.
Question 2.
Can you see now?” Who asked this? Could he see?
Answer:
Jesus asked this. Initially, the blind man could see only partially; he saw people as if they were trees walking.
Question 3.
Why did Jesus touch the blind man’s eyes again?
Answer:
Jesus touched the blind man’s eyes again because his vision was not fully restored after the first touch.
Question 4.
What did the man see after Jesus touched his eyes again?
Answer:
After Jesus touched his eyes again, the man could see everything clearly.
Question 5.
How did the man thank Jesus?
Answer:
The man thanked Jesus by expressing his gratitude and likely praising God for his restored sight.
Speak well
Task 1: Govind and his friend are on a visit to MEGA hospital. They want to get some information from the hospital staff. Some hints are given for you to help you ask questions and get answers.
They were home after they visited the hospital. Describe the experience at the hospital to your brother.
(Elder brother: Govind, Younger brother: Hari)
Hari: Who takes care of the patients in the hospital?
Govind: Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff take care of the patients.
Hari: How do doctors diagnose the illness?
Govind: They examine the patients, ask about their symptoms, and sometimes suggest tests like blood tests or X-rays.
Hari: What kind of facilities are available at the hospital?
Govind: The hospital has an emergency ward, operation theatres, diagnostic labs, a pharmacy, and a canteen for visitors.
Hari: How did you feel about the hospital’s cleanliness?
Govind: The hospital was very clean and well-maintained. The staff ensured hygiene by regularly sanitizing the place.
Hari: That sounds impressive, Anna. I hope the patients get the best treatment there.
Govind: Yes, Putta. The doctors and staff work hard to take good care of the patients.
Task 1: Read the passage given below and answer the questions at the end.
The first atomic bomb was dropped on the densely populated industrial town of Hiroshima in Japan on 6th August 1945. The city of Hiroshima was flattened. At least 78,000 people and possibly many thousands more were killed or fatally injured. As great a number were injured, and all their dwellings were damaged or destroyed. The city’s military garrison was wiped out. Only a handful of doctors remained alive, and most hospitals and medical supplies were destroyed. Citizens of neighbouring towns described the burned, living and dead, as no longer recognizably human, with their flesh raw and blackened, their hair is gone, and the features melted on their faces. It was the most shocking sight man had ever witnessed.
Questions 1.
The passage is about a_____________ (fill in the blanks)
Answer:
The passage is about a nuclear bomb explosion.
Question 2.
Where did the incident take place?
Answer:
The incident took place in Hiroshima, Japan.
Question 3.
How do you say that the bomb blast resulted in a great disaster?
Answer:
The bomb blast resulted in a great disaster because the city was flattened, around 78,000 people were killed or fatally injured, many more were injured, and all their dwellings were damaged or destroyed.
Question 4.
What had happened to the military garrison?
Answer:
The military garrison was completely wiped out.
Question 5.
The survivors couldn’t be given medical help. Why do you think so?
Answer:
The survivors couldn’t be given medical help because most hospitals and medical supplies were destroyed, and only a handful of doctors remained alive.
Question 6.
What tells you that the condition of the bomb-affected people was horrible?
Answer:
The condition of the bomb-affected people was horrible because their flesh was raw and blackened, their hair was gone, and their facial features had melted, making them unrecognizable.
Question 7.
What is your feeling as you read the last few lines of the passage?
Answer:
As I read the last few lines of the passage, I feel deep sorrow and horror at the suffering of the victims, as well as a realization of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons on humanity.
Self-assessment
Read the statement and put a tick mark in the appropriate box.
Practise writing
Given below is a profile of Mr. Rama Krishna, the school clerk.
Task – 1: We use various verb forms when we refer to future events depending on our plan or intention. Verbs are given in brackets. Use the right verb form and write down the sentences. One example is given.
The following is the schedule of the Chief Minister of Karnataka
The Chief Minister of Karnataka ____________(be+leave) for Delhi this evening by a special plane. He____________ (arrive) in Delhi at 8 p.m. He____________ (be+go+meet) the M.Ps of Karnataka soon after his arrival. He ___________(will+discuss) some important issues with the Prime Minister, tomorrow morning. He____________ (be+meet) party high command by tomorrow evening. He_________(be+come back) to Bengaluru by the evening flight.
Answer:
The Chief Minister of Karnataka is leaving for Delhi this evening by a special plane. He arrives in Delhi at 8 p.m. He is going to meet the M.P.s of Karnataka soon after his arrival. He will discuss some important issues with the Prime Minister tomorrow morning. He is meeting the party’s high command by tomorrow evening. He is coming back to Bengaluru on the evening flight.
Task – 2 : Say your sister’s wedding will take place next month. The course of activities of the marriage is given below. Use the right form of the verbs given in the brackets.
My sister’s marriage__(be + arrange) to take place on 21st May. We ____ (be+go+to get)the invitation printed by the second week of this month. My parents___(visit)the relatives by the 5th of May. All of us ___(will+be+go) to Bengaluru next week to buy some clothes and jewellery.
Answer:
My sister’s marriage is arranged to take place on 21st May. We are going to get the invitation printed by the second week of this month. My parents will visit the relatives by the 5th of May. All of us will be going to Bengaluru next week to buy some clothes and jewellery.
Task 3 : Complete the dialogue using the right form of the verbs given in brackets.
Ganesh: Hi, Gopal, when will your annual day celebrations be?
Gopal: We are having it on the 3rd of January.
Ganesh: Who is the chief guest?
Gopal: The local MLA is the chief guest.
Ganesh: Perhaps you will be busy with cultural activities, won’t you?
Gopal: Yes, I will be.
Ganesh: Is it a daytime function?
Gopal: You’re right. It is a daytime function.
Colours of Silence Summary
“Colours of Silence” is an inspiring account of the childhood of Satish Gujral, one of India’s foremost artists. The lesson highlights his struggles with physical disability and how it did not hinder his journey to success. The story emphasizes that physical disabilities are not barriers to achieving greatness.
At the age of eight, Satish missed school one day due to illness. His friend, Surender, visited him and noticed that Satish couldn’t hear, despite his attempts to call him. Satish explained that he was suffering from a terrible headache and that everything around him felt dark and silent. He did not realize that he might be losing his hearing. The cause of his illness traced back to an accident he had a year earlier in Kashmir, where he fell into a river while crossing a bridge. His injuries resulted in a prolonged illness, affecting his legs and ears.
Satish’s hearing loss worsened over time, and doctors could not determine the exact cause. Despite his condition, his father insisted on sending him to school, though Satish was reluctant, fearing that other children would tease him. The school authorities, too, rejected him, as they considered the school meant for “normal” children. This constant rejection left Satish feeling isolated and upset.
Satish’s elder brother, Inder, spent hours with him, teaching him how to speak and helping him with his studies. Although Satish could not play with other children, he found solace in reading books. His love for reading introduced him to different worlds, and his sensitive mind absorbed the struggles of others. His passion for reading and learning led him to discover his talent for sketching. Even though his father initially disapproved of his drawing, Satish persisted, and eventually, his father acknowledged his talent.
Satish’s father decided to support his son’s passion for art, providing him with the necessary materials to pursue his dreams. Satish’s talent flourished, and he went on to study at a prestigious art school. His work in painting, sculpture, and architecture earned him recognition worldwide, with his works displayed in renowned museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi. He also received numerous honors, including the Padma Vibhushan for his contributions to art and architecture.
Satish Gujral’s life story is a powerful testament to the fact that disability does not define one’s potential for success. His achievements as an artist, sculptor, and writer continue to inspire those with disabilities, proving that with determination, any barrier can be overcome.