Question

Q1.A)Read the extract and complete the activities that follows: (12 marks)

When we reached Kathmandu we discovered that a controversy had arisen. We talked it over, Hillary,

Colonel Hunt and I. we agreed that all the talk was childish.

So we made a pact, and each of us signed it in the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal. Each one

signed his own statement. I have a copy of Hillary’s statement which I carry in my pocket.

It reads: “Kathmandu, June 22, 1953.”

“On May 29th, Tenzing Sherpa and I left our high camp on Mt. Everest for our attempt on the summit.

As we climbed upwards to the South Summit, first one and then the other would take a turn at leading. We

crossed over the South Summit and moved along the summit ridge. We reached the summit almost together.

We embraced each other overjoyed at our success, then I took photograph of Tenzing holding aloft the flags

of Great Britain, Nepal, the United Nations, and India.” (Signed: E.P. Hillary) There is another paper like this in

English, signed by me. Thus, we will not take a part in any controversy. As the statement says, Hillary and I

embraced when we reached the top. We did as well as our bulky equipment would let us. I remember saying

to him: “We have done it.” But we couldn’t hear. We had our oxygen mask on.

First Thought

My first thought on reaching the top was a sense of gratitude to God, that after having failed six

times, He had blessed me with fulfilment of this desire I had held so log.

I placed on the summit the offering to God that I had carried with me. This is in accord with my

religion. Both my wife and I are Buddhists. I could not kneel because of my clothes and equipment. But I

offered a silent prayer in my heart.

The offering were biscuit, candy and a little blue pencil. My youngest daughter, Nima, had given me

the pencil before I left home. She asked me to put it on the top of the mountain as her offering. It was an

ordinary blue pencil, not a long one, but it was one of her prized possession.

As I put it down, I pointed it out to Hillary. He gave a smile, showing that he understood.

Then I got out the flags which I had on piece of string about four feet long. I fastened one end to my

ice axe and Hillary took pictures as I held it up.

I was very thirsty. I took out a water tumbler for a drink, but found the water in the metal container

had frozen so I couldn’t quench my thirst. I ate some biscuits and offered some to Hillary.

I was wearing a red scarf which my great friend Lambert (leader of the 1952 Swiss expedition) had

given me last year. It was just a year ago, on May 28th, when we were standing at 28,215 feet, that he gave

me the scarf.

I wore it all the way up the mountain from Darjeeling. As I stood at the top, I remembered him, and

felt that he was with me. I felt absolutely fit at the summit. My mind was absolutely clear. I didn’t feel tired I

felt exhilarated. It was a very clear sensation.

A1. Name the following: (2)

i) The place where the author discovered about the controversy.-

ii) The place where the pact between Tenzing and Hillary was signed-

iii) The leader of the 1952 Swizz expedition –

iv) The date, the author received the red scarf -​

Answer 1

Answer:

Read the extract and do all the activities given . 12 Marks. When we reached Kathmandu we discovered that a controversy ... We talked it over, Hillary, Colonel Hunt and I. We agreed that all the talk ...