NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Words and Expressions - 2 Unit 5 Chapter 5

NCERT solutions for Class 10 English Words and Expressions – 2 Unit 5 Chapter 5 Glimpses of India – complete answers & explanations 

This blog provides NCERT solutions for Class 10 English Words and Expressions – 2 Unit 5 Chapter 5 Glimpses of India. The unit includes reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, writing, editing, and project-based activities related to the Parsi community and Araku Valley. These NCERT solutions are prepared strictly based only on the worksheet content and follow the exact order and answers given in it. 

What this NCERT chapter covers? 

1. Understanding the Parsi community and its traditions 
2. Learning about Araku Valley and coffee cultivation 
3. Vocabulary development through contextual meanings 
4. Grammar practice using -ing and -ed adjectives and past tense 
5. Editing incorrect spellings 
6. Listening and note-making skills 
7. Speaking and itinerary preparation 
8. Creative writing and advertisement writing 
9. Project-based research work 

How to use these NCERT solutions? 

1. Read each text carefully before answering 
2. Attempt all questions independently first 
3. Use these NCERT solutions only to check your answers 
4. Follow the exact order of sections as given in the worksheet 
5. For activity-based tasks, follow the explanation provided 

Important tips & tricks for students 

1. Use exact phrases from the text where required 
2. Write complete answers for comprehension questions 
3. Follow grammar rules carefully in tense conversion 
4. Pay attention while doing editing tasks 
5. Be creative but structured in writing tasks 

NCERT solutions – complete answer key 

Let’s Begin 

Q.1. Infer the meaning of the following expressions: 

a. Persuade or coax Parsi visitors to come off the train. 
b. Jer Bai’s objections were dismissed, as Nowrosji wanted to welcome and invite the visitors. 
c. Outsourcing food preparation was not common; everything was done in-house. 
d. The writer learned to appreciate her grandmother's efforts after trying to make malido herself. 

Explanation: 
Research and share interesting facts about the regional cuisine, dance form, music, and art of five Indian states. Mark those places on a map. 

Reading Comprehension 
(Text I: Parsi Community) 

Q.2. Answer the following questions: 

a. This was said by Nowrosji Kapadia. He said it to welcome Parsi visitors arriving by the Frontier Mail. 

b. Jer Bai’s objections were overruled because Nowrosji felt it was important to welcome visitors to Delhi, regardless of their status. 

c. In the Parsi community, food for gatherings was prepared by the family, creating a sense of community. Outsourcing food was not part of the tradition. 

d. The life of welcoming guests, preparing meals by hand for gatherings, and the community-driven lifestyle that once characterized their culture. 

e. After struggling to make malido under her grandmother's supervision, the writer developed a deep respect for her grandmother’s patience and skill. 

f. Tea time was special due to the delightful Parsi treats served, such as batasa, khari, patrel, and bhakra, which made it a cherished daily ritual. 

Q.3. Tick the correct answer: 

(d) Cooking malido, the Parsi style halwa. 

Q.4. Make a list of Parsi delicacies as mentioned in the passage. A few are given above. You can add more to the list. Find the words for Mithu dahi in your language. 

Parsi Delicacies: 
Dar ni pori, malido, sev, ravo, mithu dahi (sweetened curd), bafellaeeda, kheemo kaleji, smori dal chawal, macchi no patio, patrel, bhakra, and Parsi biscuits (batasa, khari, and nan khatai). 

Mithu dahi in other languages: 
This answer will vary depending on the student's native language. For instance, in Hindi, it might be “Meetha dahi” or in Tamil, it could be “Ithu Thayir” (Sweet curd). 

Text II (Araku Valley) 

Q.1. Infer the meaning of the following: 

a. Takes a unique path or journey. 
b. The journey to remote or distant coffee plantations. 
c. Hills covered by thick, abundant forests. 
d. Groups of nearby villages or small communities. 

Q.2. Find words from the text which mean the following: 

a. Tucked 
b. Far-flung 
c. Enhance 
d. Aroma 

Q.3. Answer the following questions: 

a. Araku valley is known for its balloon festival and stunning views from both the ground and sky. 

b. Araku valley is located in the north-eastern corner of Andhra Pradesh, near the Odisha border. 

c. Araku Coffee has been in the making for over a decade... A globally appreciated product... Entrepreneurs with a stake in the business. 

d. Coffee was introduced to Araku valley by British civil servant N.S. Brodie in 1898. 

e. Terroirs: The natural environment where coffee grows, including soil and climate conditions. 
Sapling to savouring: Refers to the entire process of growing coffee from planting the sapling to enjoying the brewed coffee. 

Q.4. The expression “sapling to savouring” in paragraph four means: 

(a) Coffee plants are taken care of from the stage of plantation till its beans are ready for an enjoyable cup of coffee. 

Vocabulary 

Q.1. Match the sounds in Column A with the appropriate words from Column B: 

a. of chains 
b. of a match 
c. of feet 
d. of an engine 
e. of the door 
f. of leaves 
g. of the wind 
h. of hyenas 
i. of water 

Grammar 

1. Now fill in the blanks of the sentences with past participle from one of the following words: 

a. taken 
b. watching 
c. quoted 
d. infected 
e. taken 
f. frightening 

2. Rewrite in the past tense the following excerpt from the ‘Glimpses of India’ (First Flight, Class X textbook) and check your answers with a partner. 

Explanation: 
Identify present tense verbs in the passage. Change those verbs to their past tense forms (e.g., "is" → "was", "bring" → "brought"). Ensure all verbs in the passage are in the past tense for consistency. 

Editing 

1. Some words have been wrongly spelt in the paragraph given below. Correct the words and read the paragraph aloud. 

highway 
variety 
magnificent 
leave 
cigarette 
Trekking 
delicate 
compelled 
mountaineering 
grazing 
prevent 
repositories 

Listening 

Explanation: 
Ask a classmate or teacher to read aloud the passage from "Glimpses of India" about the baker in Goa. While listening, make notes about keywords, main ideas, and interesting expressions. Afterward, summarize the passage using your notes. 

Speaking 

1. Prepare an itinerary of your excursion to Araku valley and share with the class. 

Explanation: 
When discussing the budget trip, consider the cost of transport, accommodation, and food. Divide tasks like finding travel routes, calculating expenses, and listing activities you would like to do in Araku valley. 

2. Try repeating some of these tongue twisters. 

Explanation: 
Try repeating the tongue twisters provided to improve your pronunciation and fluency in speaking. 

Writing 

1. Infer the meaning of the following expressions in the passage on Parsi community. “Aavoji, aavo, aavo! Welcome to Delhi.” 

Length and breadth: All over. 
Chugged into: Slowly entered. 
Vouch for: Can confirm or testify. 
Long gone: No longer existing. 
Out came the treats: The snacks or food items were brought out. 

Now, write an account of a travel by train using these expressions. 

Sample Answer: 
The journey to Shimla was long but enjoyable. As the train chugged into the station, we were greeted by the cool mountain breeze. We vouch for the fact that the views from the train were breathtaking. It was a scenic journey, where we could see the length and breadth of the valley below. The food served was delightful, and as the train stopped at various stations, out came the treats for the passengers. 

2. Write an advertisement for your favourite tea or coffee. 

Sample Answer: 
Delight in Every Sip! 
Experience the rich and robust flavor of Madhur Coffee. Sourced from the best estates in Araku, our coffee brings a smooth, aromatic taste with every cup. Perfect for your mornings or afternoon breaks. 
Madhur Coffee – A Sip of Excellence. 

3. You have read about breads and bakers in Goa. (First Flight, Class X). 

Explanation: 
Use expressions like "length and breadth," "chugged into," "vouch for," etc., to describe your train journey. Include details about distance, ticket booking, facilities available on the train, and suggestions for improvements. 

Project 

1. Prepare an itinerary of your excursion to Araku valley and share with the class. 

Explanation: 
Research the Frontier Mail, which was the prestigious and luxurious train. Explore its history, punctuality, and route. Include information about vintage, royal, and luxury trains in India and present a detailed report. 

Why NCERT solutions help students? 

NCERT solutions help students prepare effectively for exams, strengthen comprehension skills, and improve grammar and writing through structured, NCERT-aligned answers. 

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