Practice Exercise
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. One of the great values of punctuality is that it gives discipline to life. We have to get
up in time.
We have to do things at the appointed time. All these entail certain amount of sacrifice. It
dispels laziness and removes our ‘take-it-easy attitude’. A disciplined person always gets
recognition and social acceptance. He is wanted and appreciated. Therefore, punctuality
can make us socially acceptable people.
2. Another significant merit of punctuality is that it provides ample time to do our work
correctly and properly. Doing things hurriedly or haphazardly can have disastrous
consequences. When we do things in time there is every chance that they end up as fine
works.
3. The virtue of punctuality is said to be the key to success. Look at the great world
leaders who have achieved fame and success. Punctuality was their hallmark. They kept
their promises. Punctuality is a virtue that is appreciated by all. Washington once took his
secretary to task for being late. The secretary laid the blame upon his watch. Washington
reported: “Then, Sir either you must get a new watch or I must get a new secretary.”
People like them are ideals whom we should follow in earnest.
4. When individuals are not punctual they cause a lot of inconvenience to others. People
have to wait for them and waste their valuable time. Want of punctuality reveals want of
culture and is discourteous to the person we fail. Unpunctuality invites trouble and worry.
History is full of cases which show that lack of punctuality has caused defeat, loss of
kingdom and golden opportunities. It is said that Napoleon lost the battle of Waterloo in
1815 because one of his generals came late. Many people lose good. opportunities of job
or promotion when they reach late for appointment.
5. All of us are not born with the virtue of punctuality. We have to cultivate it
painstakingly. Only constant vigil and practice can implant this virtue. It calls for great deal
of sacrifice. It calls for courage to root out laziness and the ‘take-it easy attitude’. It
demands a disciplined life. That is why very few individuals have the virtue of punctuality.
But, know it for certain that it is the surest way to success.2.1 Read the given questions and write the answer in about 30-40 words:
(a) What is the writer’s concern in this passage?
(b) What would be the consequences of not maintaining punctuality in your work?
(c) Give some examples to show that lack of punctuality has caused trouble and worry.
(d) How did the great world leaders achieve fame and success in their life?
2.2 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following:
(a) A disciplined person always gets:
(i) recognition
(ii) social acceptance
(iii) work done correctly and property
(iv) all of the above
(b) If you are not disciplined, you will:
(i) Work hurriedly or haphazardly
(ii) You will be punctual
(iii) be appreciated by people
(iv) none of the above
(c) We are not born with the virtue of punctuality. (True/False)
(d) Give one word for ‘to keep a strict watch’. (para 5)
Answers
Answer:
When individuals are not punctual they cause a lot of inconvenience to
others. People have to wait for them and waste their valuable time. Want of
punctuality reveals want of culture and is discourteous to the person we fail.
Unpunctuality invites trouble and worry. History is full of cases which show
that lack of punctuality has caused defeat, loss of kingdom and golden
opportunities. It is said that Napoleon lost the battle of Waterloo in 1815
because one of his generals came late. Many people lose good opportunities
Answer:
The answers are written below to the questions corresponding to the passage:
Explanation:
2.1
(a). Writer's concern in this passage is punctuality in this passage.
(b). The consequences of not maintaining punctuality in work is doing things hurriedly or haphazardly which can have disastrous consequences. When things are done on time, there is every chance that they end up as fine works.
(c). Example to show that lack of punctuality has caused trouble and worry are:
- It is said that Nepoleon lost the battle of waterloo in 1815 because one of his generals came late.
- Many people lose good opportunities of job or promotion when they reach late for appointment.
(d). The virtue of punctuality is said to be the key to success. Looking at the great world leaders who have achieved fame and success. Punctuality was their hallmark. They kept their promises. Punctuality is a virtue that is appreciated by all. Washington once took his secretary to task for being late. The secretary laid the blame upon his watch. Washington reported: "Then, Sir either you must get a new watch or i must get a new secretary."
People like then are ideals whom we should follow in earnest.
2.2
(a). A disciplined person always gets: Recognition, Social acceptance and work done correctly and properly.
(b). If you are not disciplined, you will: work hurriedly and haphazardly.
(c). True. We are not born with the virtue of punctuality.
(d). 'vigil' is one word for 'to keep a strict watch'