Expressing Conditions I (Did I Miss Anything? & Achham)
Chapter I: Did I Miss Anything?
Vocabulary in use
Read the poem, and match the words with their meaning.
assign: to make something known to somebody descend: to come or go down from a higher to a lower level (of a hill, etc.) reveal: to provide a person a particular task assemble: to bring people, ideas or things together as a group
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| assign | to make something known to somebody |
| descend | to come or go down from a higher to a lower level (of a hill, etc.) |
| reveal | to provide a person a particular task |
| assemble | to bring people, ideas or things together as a group |
Use the words above in your own sentences without changing the sense expressed in the poem.
- assign → The teacher assigned the students a ten-page paper due next week.
- descend → The sun descended below the horizon as the day came to a close.
- reveal → The spirit guide revealed to the seeker their true purpose in life.
- assemble → The organizers assembled a group of volunteers to help with the charity event.
Reading comprehension
Read the text again, and answer the following questions.
a. Who composed this poem?
Tom Wayman composed this poem.
b. What did the students do in the absence of their teacher?
They sat with their hands folded on their desks in silence for the full two hours.
c. What did the angel reveal to the students?
The angel revealed to the students what each woman or man must do to attain divine wisdom in this life and the hereafter.
d. How does the speaker in the first stanza spend time for the full two hours?
The speaker in the first stanza spends time sitting with their hands folded on their desks in silence for the full two hours.
e. Why does the speaker in the second stanza think being in the class is important?
The speaker in the second stanza thinks being in the class is important because they gave an exam worth 40% of the grade for the term, assigned some reading due that day on which they were about to hand out a quiz worth 50%, and a few minutes after class began, an angel or other heavenly being appeared and revealed what each person must do to attain divine wisdom in this life and the hereafter.
f. What does the speaker say in the third stanza regarding the value of education?
The speaker in the third stanza says that none of the content of the course has value or meaning and any activities undertaken as a class will not matter to either the student or the speaker and are without purpose.
g. 'Education enlightens people with wisdom.' Does the speaker in the fourth stanza agree with this statement? How?
The speaker in the fourth stanza does agree with the statement that education enlightens people with wisdom. This is shown by the fact that the angel revealed to the students what each woman or man must do to attain divine wisdom in this life and the hereafter.
h. What does the last stanza suggest?
The last stanza suggests that when the student is not present, nothing significant can occur, but the classroom is a microcosm of human experience assembled for the student to examine and ponder, and this is not the only opportunity for such an experience.
Read the poem and fill in the blanks with the appropriate words to complete the following summary.
The poem “Did I Miss Anything?” is written from two distinct points of view. They are the student's point of view and the teacher’s point of view. The words “nothing” and “everything” represents the student's point of view and the teacher’s point of view respectively. Stanza one is written from the students' point of view. It reveals the fact that the teacher is missing in the classroom. In the teacher’s absence, the students simply sit in silence, with their hands folded on the desks. Stanza two is written from the teacher’s point of view. It tells how he has given heavily weighted exams, assigned readings, and prepared a quiz. Stanza three represents students' perspective. Here, a typical student blames that the classroom education is valueless, meaningless and a waste of time. It will have no effect or purpose later in life. However, in stanza four, the poet explains why education is important. It claims that through education a person is enlightened. The fifth stanza questions how anything could possibly be accomplished without a teacher. The sixth stanza explains the significance of the classroom. The last two one-line stanza of the poem serves as a message to all doubtful students: they should always be present in the classroom so as to take in all they are able to learn in the microcosm of human experience.
Make a list of points that suggest the importance of classroom education presented in the poem, and write a paragraph on it.
Here are the points that suggest the importance of classroom education presented in the poem:
- The teacher has given heavily weighted exams and assigned readings that are important for the students' grades.
- An angel or other heavenly being appeared in the classroom and revealed what each person must do to attain divine wisdom in this life and the hereafter.
- The classroom is a microcosm of human experience assembled for the student to examine and ponder, and this is not the only opportunity for such an experience.
In the poem "Did I Miss Anything?", the importance of classroom education is emphasized through the various activities and experiences that take place in the classroom. The teacher has given exams and assigned readings that are important for the students' grades, indicating the significance of the material being taught in the classroom. Additionally, the appearance of an angel or other heavenly being in the classroom suggests that the classroom is a special and sacred space where enlightenment can be attained. Finally, the classroom is described as a microcosm of human experience, suggesting that it is a miniature representation of the world and all that it has to offer. Therefore, it is important for students to be present in the classroom in order to fully take in and learn from these experiences and opportunities.
Read the poem again, and see how one of the speakers dislikes being in the class. Then write a paragraph incorporating his/her view.
One of the speakers in the poem "Did I Miss Anything?" expresses dislike for being in the class. This is shown in stanza three, where the speaker says that the content of the course has no value or meaning and any activities undertaken as a class will not matter to either the student or the speaker and are without purpose. The speaker also suggests that it is a waste of time to be in the class, implying that they do not find it enjoyable or beneficial.
It is clear that this speaker does not value the importance of classroom education and feels that it is a waste of time. They may see the material being taught as irrelevant or uninteresting, and therefore do not see the point of attending class. It is possible that this speaker has struggled to keep up with the material or has had difficulty understanding it, leading them to dislike being in the class. Alternatively, they may simply find the classroom setting and structure unappealing or boring. Regardless of the specific reasons for their dislike of being in the class, it is clear that this speaker does not see the value in attending and participating in classroom education.
Chapter II: Achham
Vocabulary in context
Match the following words with their meanings.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a. access | ii. the means or opportunity to enter a place |
| b. heritage | i. the history, traditions and qualities that a society has had for many years |
| c. confluence | iv. the junction of two rivers, especially rivers of approximately equal width |
| d. scripture | v. the sacred writings |
| e. topography | vi. physical features of an area of land |
| f. predominant | iii. main |
Reading comprehension
Read the brochure, and decide whether the following statements are true or false.
a. Mangalsen is 930 kilometers away from Kathmandu. - TRUE
b. The Skanda Puran is the Holy Scripture of the Hindus. - TRUE
c. There is a seasonal road that exists from Sanfebagar to Budiganga. - FALSE
d. There is no facility of accommodation in Mangalsen. - FALSE
e. A tourist can find places of historical significance in Mangalsen. - TRUE
Read the brochure again, and answer the following questions.
a. How can we get to Mangalsen?
According to the brochure, it is possible to reach Mangalsen by walking for eight hours from Sanfebagar, which has a domestic airport, or by taking a seasonal road from Sanfebagar to Mangalsen.
b. How many airports are available in Achham?
There is one airport mentioned in the brochure, located in Sanfebagar.
c. Which is easier and safer way to reach Mangalsen, via air or road?
According to the brochure, it is easier and safer to reach Mangalsen via air because the road is seasonal and can be closed or difficult to travel on during the monsoon.
d. What is the similarity between Achham and Doti?
The cultural heritage of Achham is similar to that of Doti, as both districts have traditional dances such as Narsinga, Jhayali, and Deuda that are performed during major festivals.
e. What is the climate of Acchham like?
The climate of Achham is described as sub-tropical with mild and cool temperatures.
f. Why do people have hope of a safe journey?
People may have hope of a safe journey because a bridge is under construction in Sanfebagar that will allow vehicles to cross the Budhiganga River even during the high flood season, potentially making access easier and safer.
g. Would you like to go to Achham? Why?
Yes, I would like to go to Achham because it has a rich cultural heritage with traditional dances, important religious places with potential for religious tourism development, and beautiful natural features such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Write a brief summary of the above text ‘Achham’ in your own words.
Achham is a district located in Nepal, approximately 930 kilometers from the capital city of Kathmandu. It has a sub-tropical climate with mild and cool temperatures and is home to several major rivers, lakes, and ponds. The major ethnic groups in the district are Chhetris and Brahmins, and the district has a rich cultural heritage with traditional dances such as Narsinga, Jhayali, and Deuda. There are also several important religious places in the district with potential for religious tourism development. The district has road connections and various medical facilities and accommodation options such as local lodges. A bridge is under construction in the settlement of Sanfebagar that will allow vehicles to cross the Budhiganga River, potentially improving access to the district.
Grammar
Complete the following sentences with appropriate form of verbs in brackets.
a. If you love me, meet (meet) me at the Garden of Dreams after half an hour. b. If Mukesh goes to picnic, I will not go (not go). c. If you beat (beat) a baby, she will cry. d. If you call me, I will come (come). e. If you forget (forget) to call me, I will remind you. f. If you heat butter, it will melt (melt).
Complete the following sentences with appropriate clauses.
a. If I don't pay the phone bill today, the phone company will disconnect my service. b. If Manju joins the team, we will have a stronger chance of winning the game. c. If it rains, we will have to cancel the outdoor event. d. If you forget to take your practical exam, you will have to take it again next semester. e. If you leave now, you will miss the rest of the movie. f. We should order pizza if you're hungry.
Writing
Collect information about a place that is still fresh in your memory with the help of the following clues.
- location
- interesting features:
- physical: rivers, lakes and ponds, etc.
- cultural: festivals, types of dances, dress-up, etc.
- accessibility
- things you liked the most
- major ethnic groups and their culture
Pokhara is a city located in western Nepal, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Situated in a valley surrounded by the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara is home to several lakes and ponds, including Phewa Lake and Begnas Lake. The city is a popular destination for trekking and hiking, with many trails leading up into the surrounding mountains. In addition to its natural beauty, Pokhara is also home to a number of cultural festivals and events, such as the Pokhara Street Festival and the International Mountain Film Festival. One of the most interesting cultural attractions in Pokhara is the Gurkha Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Gurkha people, a group of Nepali soldiers known for their bravery and skill in combat. Pokhara is easily accessible, with various modes of transportation available, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to visit. Some things that I enjoy about Pokhara include the opportunity to go trekking or hiking in the surrounding mountains, experiencing the local festivals and cultural events, or visiting the Gurkha Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region. Brahmins, Chhetris, Gurungs, Magars, and Dalits are the majority of the castes in Pokhara and are primarily followers of the Buddhist and Hindu religions. Muslims also make up a minor fraction of the city's population.
Read the brochure about Achham and prepare a similar type of brochure of the place using the information that you have collected above.
Pokhara
Pokhara is a city located in western Nepal, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Situated in a valley surrounded by the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara is home to several lakes and ponds, including Phewa Lake and Begnas Lake. The city is a popular destination for trekking and hiking, with many trails leading up into the surrounding mountains.
In addition to its natural beauty, Pokhara is also home to a number of cultural festivals and events, such as the Pokhara Street Festival and the International Mountain Film Festival. One of the most interesting cultural attractions in Pokhara is the Gurkha Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Gurkha people, a group of Nepali soldiers known for their bravery and skill in combat.
Pokhara is easily accessible by road from Kathmandu and other major cities in Nepal. The city is also served by the Pokhara Airport, which has flights to and from Kathmandu and other cities in Nepal. Opportunity to go trekking or hiking in the surrounding mountains, experiencing the local festivals and cultural events, or visiting the Gurkha Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region are the major attraction of the city.
Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Pokhara has something for everyone. So come and visit Pokhara, and discover all that this beautiful city has to offer.
Topography Location
Longitude: 28°13' - 28°54'
Latitude: 83°54' - 84°10'
Communication
Post Office, Telephone, Wireless
Temperature
Maximum: 30°C
Minimum: 15°C
Climate
Temperate, pleasant in the autumn and spring
Rainfall
2,500 ml.
Major Rivers
Mardi, Modi, Seti, Madi, Kaligandaki
Lakes and Ponds
Phewa, Rupa, Begnas, Dipang, Kamal Pokhari
Tourist Attraction Centres
Phewa Lake, Fewa Dam, Annapurna mountain range, International Mountain Museum, Tibetan Refugee Camp, Mahendra Cave
Accessibility
Road, air
Medical Facilities
Hospital, health post, clinic, ayurvedic center
Accommodation Facilities
Local lodge, hotel, resort