Solution of English Grade IX || Unit 9 || Leisure || Work and Leisure || Reading II

Unit 9

Leisure

Reading II

Summary of the Poem

"Leisure" is a poem by W.H. Davies that reflects on the value of leisure time and the importance of finding joy in the simple things in life. The speaker in the poem argues that leisure is necessary for true happiness and fulfillment, and encourages the reader to take time to appreciate the beauty around them and to be present in the moment.

The poem suggests that modern society often values productivity and achievement above all else, but that true happiness comes from taking time to relax and enjoy the world around us. The poem also touches on themes of nature and the passing of time, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting beauty of the natural world and the importance of taking time to savor it.

Overall, "Leisure" is a poignant and thought-provoking meditation on the value of leisure and the importance of finding joy in the simple things in life.

A. Match the words with their meanings.

a. stare- iv. to look at somebody or something for a long time

b. beneath- v. under somebody or something

c. woods- i. an area of trees

d. enrich - ii. to improve the quality of something

e. glance- iii. to look quickly at somebody or something

C. How do you spend your leisure time? Write a short paragraph.

In my leisure time, I like to engage in a variety of activities that allow me to relax and enjoy life. One of my favorite pastimes is reading; I find great pleasure in getting lost in the pages of a good book. Additionally, I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's going for a hike in the woods, taking a leisurely stroll in the park, or simply sitting by a lake and watching the water ripple. I also appreciate the simple act of listening to music, as it has a calming and soothing effect on me. Moreover, I like to pursue creative hobbies like painting and writing, which provide an outlet for self-expression and allow me to unwind. Overall, my leisure time is a valuable opportunity to recharge, appreciate the beauty around me, and explore my interests and passions.

B. Answer the following questions.

a. Why is our life so miserable, according to the poet?

According to the poet, our life is so miserable beause we have no time to stand and stare./ According to the poet, life is miserable when people are too preoccupied with cares and worries and have no time to simply stand and appreciate the beauty of the world around them.

b. What do sheep and cows do in nature?

Sheep and cows stand beneath boughs and stare. / Sheep and cows have the time to stand and stare, implying that they leisurely graze and observe their surroundings without being burdened by the cares of human life.

c. What do squirrels do in the woods?

Squirrels hide their nuts in grass. / In the woods, squirrels hide their nuts in the grass, suggesting that they engage in their natural activities without the rush and worries of human life.

d. What magic does Beauty perform?

Beauty (a beautiful girl) smiles and dances beautifully.

e. What is human life like, if observed carefully?

If observed carefully, human life is poor. / If human life is observed carefully, it can be appreciated and enjoyed to the fullest, filled with the wonders of nature and the beauty of the world. However, if people are too busy and preoccupied with cares, life can become miserable and devoid of meaning.

Grammar II

B. Change the following sentences into passive voice.

a. Someone is helping her with the housework.

She is being helped with the housework.

b. The mail-order company sent him a parcel.

He was sent a parcel by the mail-order company.

c. My friend sent me an invitation.

I was sent an invitation by my friend.

d. The secretary has given the minister the letters.

The minister has been given the letters by the secretary.

e. The traffic police officer had already fined him for a parking offence.

He had already been fined for a parking offence by the traffic police.

f. John gave Elizabeth that beautiful ring.

That beautiful ring was given by John.

g. Her students have sent her flowers.

She has been sent flowers by her students.

h. He must give the message to the right person.

The message must be given to the right person.

i. We teach our students English and French.

Our students are taught English and French.

j. Someone bought flowers for the bride.

Flowers were bought for the bride.

k. The guide showed the tourists the sights of Pokhara.

The tourists were showed the sights of Pokhara by the guide.

l. They pay her an excellent salary.

She is paid an excellent salary.

C. Fill in the blanks with the correct passive form of the verbs in the brackets.

The Mayor inaugurated a sports centre in our town last week. The facility ……………. is believed (believe) to be one of the largest in the country and experts hope that it ……………………..will be visited (visit) by thousands of amateur and professional athletes over the course of the next few years. The centre…………………….had been constructed (construct) for over 6 years. However, it………….. hasn't been completely finished (not completely finish) yet. Workers are making the final adjustments this week and say that it ……………………..will be completed (complete) by the end of the month. The centre offers various sports facilities including two indoor swimming pools, three large gyms and a ball court. They ………………………….can be booked (can book) online or directly at the administration desk. The equipment ………………………… was bought (buy) from local companies, which also provided the training programs. The new centre ……………………..was financed/has been financed (finance) by government funds as well as grants that ………………. were given/have been given (give) to the region by the European Union. Politicians and famous athletes from all over the country …………..… have been invited (invite) to the official opening ceremony, scheduled for next Tuesday.

Writing II

Write an essay about ‘Work and Leisure’ in approximately 200 words.

Work and Leisure

Work is an activity involving mental or physical effort done to achieve a goal. Leisure is the free time which is spent beyond one’s regular activities. Both work and leisure occupy a major part of a person’s life.

Research has found that people choose leisure activities involving the same psychological, social, and behavioral skills as their work. Leisure participation has a beneficial effect on work. Satisfaction, psychological well-being, and health add skill utilization to develop one’s sense of competence necessary for the workplace.

Leisure is a time to be spent beneficially to create knowledge, pleasures, and satisfaction. The participant in work is under compulsion to participate. Work is productive whereas leisure may or may not be productive but must not involve an individual’s duties and functions in the workplace.

The balance between work and life is a difficult thing to achieve. Family, community, and recreation can reduce pressure of work, and develop useful skills and perspectives for work, thus affecting attitude and commitment towards work.