Chapter 8 – The Snail | Chapter Solution Class 10

The Snail
Publisher : Prof. Nabanita Chatterjee
Book Name : Bliss English Textbook For Class X Second Language
Class : 10th (Madhyamik)
Subject : Bliss (English)
Chapter Name : The Snail

Comprehension exercises

Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences

Question 1 (a)

With the slightest touch, the snail shrinks into its house with

  1. displeasure
  2. pleasure
  3. pain
  4. surprise

Answer

(i) displeasure

Question 1 (b)

In its house, the snail lives with

  1. parents
  2. friends
  3. relatives
  4. no one

Answer

(iv) no one

State whether the following statements are True or False. Provide sentences/ phrases/words in support of your answer:

Question 2

  1. The snail fears falling from the wall.
    Supporting statement: ____.
  2. The snail comes out of his house during a storm.
    Supporting statement: ____.

Answer

  1. False. The snail sticks close to the grass, leaf, fruit, or wall and does not fear to fall as if he grew there, house and all, together. This is stated in the first two lines of the poem: “To grass, or leaf, or fruit, or wall / The snail sticks close, nor fears to fall.”
  2. False. Within his house, the snail is secure and hides when danger is imminent besides storms or other harm besides the weather. This is stated in the third and fourth lines of the poem: “Within that house secure he hides / When danger imminent betides / Of storm, or other harm besides / Of weather.”

Answer the following questions

Question 3

  1. What does the snail usually stick itself to?
  2. What makes the snail well-satisfied?

Answer

  1. According to the poem, the snail usually sticks itself to “grass, or leaf, or fruit, or wall.” The poem says, “To grass, or leaf, or fruit, or wall, the snail sticks close, nor fears to fall, as if he grew there, house and all, together.” This suggests that the snail is able to stick to a variety of surfaces.
  2. The poem states that the snail is “well satisfied to be his own.” This suggests that the snail is content with being alone and having no possessions. The poem says, “Where’er he dwells, he dwells alone, except himself has chattels none, well satisfied to be his own.”

Grammar in use

Change the following sentences into questions, as directed

Question 4

  1. Siraj always rises early. (Interrogative sentence using ‘does’)
  2. Joyce is the best singer in the class. (Information question using ‘who’)
  3. He saw the rainbow. (Interrogative sentence using ‘did’)
  4. I go to school by bus. (Information question using ‘how’)

Answer

  1. Does Siraj always rise early?
  2. Who is the best singer in the class?
  3. Did he see the rainbow?
  4. How do I go to school?

Writing Activity

Question 5

Write a letter (within 100 words) to the editor of an English daily about the disturbances caused by the thoughtless use of loudspeakers.

Answer

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

The Editor
[Newspaper Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Editor,

I am writing to draw your attention to the growing issue of the thoughtless use of loudspeakers in our city. It is becoming increasingly common to see speakers being used at high volumes, causing immense disturbances to the peace and tranquillity of the locality.

The noise pollution created by these loudspeakers is causing serious health issues for the elderly, children, and those who are suffering from various ailments. Not only this, but the constant noise also affects the concentration of students and professionals who require a peaceful environment for their work.

I urge the authorities to take strict action against those who use loudspeakers without any consideration for others. We must all work together to ensure that our city remains a peaceful place for everyone to live and work.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]