VILLAGE LIFE - ESSAYS FOR CLASS 10 WITH QUOTATIONS

Village Life

God made the country, and man made the town. 

(William Cowper)

     A village is a clustered human community, with a population ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand. Homes are situated together for sociability and defence, and the land surrounding the living quarters is farmed. Natural beauty, purity, unity, hospitality, poverty, illiteracy, superstitions and lack of modern facilities are the hallmarks of village life.
     Nature resides in villages. Villagers get abundant opportunity to enjoy the beautiful gifts of nature. They enjoy the beauty of the setting sun, the lovely moon, the twinkling stars, the singing birds, the delightful fields and the luscious gardens. Children run in the open fields, swim in the river or pounds and climb trees. Moreover, people living in villages breathe pure air.
     There are many other benefits of village life. Villagers eat fresh vegetables, fruits and eggs. They drink pure milk. They wear simple dresses. The cost of living in villages is lower as compared to cities. There is no willing to luxury in village lifestyle. Moreover, the quiet and peace of village life give opportunity for thought, study and mental development.
     However, there is no special fun for villagers. Gossip, marriage ceremonies and fairs are the only amusements for them. They gossip to express their pent-up emotions. At wedding ceremonies, they get a chance to dance, sing, wear and eat according to their customs and traditions. Fairs provide villagers a welcome relief. At fairs, villagers dance, do shopping and relish a variety of foods.
     There are many disadvantages of village life. Villages lack good roads, schools, hospitals, factories and amusement parks. The villagers are mostly poor, illiterate, superstitious, prejudiced and narrow minded. There are less opportunities of employment in villages. Agriculture and rearing of livestock are the main occupations which require a lot a hard work and very low earning.
     There are evidently some downsides of village life, but it is better than city life. It is an ideal life if education and modern facilities are provided to villages. Villages are the cradle of human civilization and humans can get tranquility, contentment, harmony, self-satisfaction and spiritual exultation only in villages. Hence village life has been cherished highly by poets, thinkers and philosophers.

Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated. 

(Confucius) 

Notes Prepared By: Prof. Shahbaz Asghar

MY HOBBY - ESSAYS FOR CLASS 10 WITH QUOTATIONS

My Hobby

A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away. 

(Phyllis McGinley)

     Life without a hobby is like food without salt. A hobby is an activity, interest, enthusiasm, or pastime that is undertaken for pleasure or relaxation, done during one's leisure time. Different people have different hobbies. Some people like cooking, reading or singing while the others like dancing, playing or painting etc. However, my hobby is gardening because I love Nature.
     At the back of my house, there is a small plot of land. I have planted a flower garden there. The plants include Euphorbia, Star of Bethlehem, Buttercup, Lady's Mantle, Primrose, Prince's Feather, Jasmine, Bachelor's Button, Lily, Marigold, Magnolia, Rose and Sunflower etc. Some of the plants are seasonal while the others are perennial.
     I work hard in my garden. I water the plants daily. I till the soil regularly. I trim the plants timely. I sow the seeds seasonally. I manure the soil routinely. I clear the weeds promptly. I mow the grass every Sunday. I protect the plants from adverse weather, hostile pests and harmful diseases. Thus I play the role of a mother for my garden.
     The beauty of my garden is a great attraction for everything. Birds, bees and butterflies keep on visiting my garden. The cool and fresh air keeps on blowing here. My friends and relatives often visit my garden to enjoy the company of Nature. Even in the evening, fireflies visit and emit their lights to show their happiness in my garden.
     Gardening imparts a good effect on each part of my body. When a bud grows into a flower, it fills my heart with pleasure. The greenery of plants and the colours of flowers are a feast for my eyes. The hues and fragrance of flowers are a tonic for my mind. The cool and fresh air is a blessing for my lungs. Watering, tilling, trimming, sowing and mowing are an exercise for my limbs.
     My hobby takes me away from the world of cares, worries, tensions, anxieties, frustrations, pollution and noise. I never feel lonely, sad or bored in the company of plants. My hobby inspires my imagination and gives me noble thoughts. It reveals to me the glory of Allah Almighty. In short, my hobby keeps me physically fit, mentally fresh and psychologically balanced.

The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies. 

(Gertrude Jekyll)

Notes Prepared By: Prof. Shahbaz Asghar

DAY ELEVEN - ESSAYS (ENGLISH GUESS PAPER FOR CLASS 10)

Essay No. 4

Courtesy

The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character. 

(Hazrat Muhammad SAW)

     Courtesy means excellence of manners or polite behaviour. It, of course, springs from good breeding and kindness of heart. The words "Assalam-o-Alaikum", "Please", "Thank You", and "Sorry" are the hallmarks of courtesy. 

     When courteous people meet, they greet one another saying, "good morning" or "good evening" according to the time of the day. Muslims greet one another, saying "Assalam-o-Alaikum". A Muslim's greeting is a kind of wind, a prayer for mutual happiness, peace and security. 

     A courteous man always says "Please" when he asks someone to give him something or to do something for him. However, he does not say "Please" over and over again as a way to beg for something he wants. He also says "Thank You" while acknowledging a gift or service from others. 

      Courtesy demands that we should use the polite expression "Sorry" to apologize for something. To say "Sorry" is one of the core reparative opportunities in damaged or strained relations. To say "Sorry" is not an act of weakness or surrender. It only means to be broad-minded and courteous. 

     A courteous man observes good manners on all occasions and respects the feelings of others. He makes no attempt to jump the queue. In a crowded bus, he gives up his seat to an elderly person or someone who is blind, disabled or sick. In short, courtesy keeps the machine of everyday life oiled and makes it more pleasant and meaningful.

Essay No. 5

     

A True Muslim

A Muslim is true if there is no difference between his claim and conduct. 

     The follower of the religion of Islam is called a Muslim. To be a Muslim is a great blessing of Allah. A true Muslim is one who has a resolute faith in the basic doctrines of Islam. He performs religious practices sincerely. He observes all his duties which he owes to mankind. He is thirsty of knowledge.  He is a true lover of the Holy Prophet (SAW). He is, in fact, a 'Monin' in other words.
     Firstly, a true Muslim has a firm belief in the basic doctrines of Islam. He believes in the absolute unity of Allah. He trusts in angels. He has faith in prophets, the final one being Hazrat Muhammad (SAW). He confides in scriptures. He is certain of the Day of Judgment.
    Secondly, a true Muslim performs religious practices honestly. He offers his prayers five times a day. He keeps fasts during the month of Ramadan. If he is wealthy, he pays zakat to the needy and the poor. If he is healthy and wealthy, he performs Hajj.
     Thirdly, a true Muslim performs all his duties which he owes to mankind. He respects his elders, parents, teachers, neighbours and relatives. He loves children. He is the one from whose hand and tongue all Muslims are safe. A true Muslims is ever eager to seek knowledge.
     Lastly, the hallmark of a true Muslim is his earnest love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He loves the Holy Prophet (SAW) more than anything else in this world, including his own life.

Essay No. 6
    

My Favourite Book

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. 

(Francis Bacon)

     Reading is the exercise of mind mostly done with books. A book is a volume of many sheets of paper bounder together, containing text, illustrations, photographs, or other kind of information. I have read many books but the Holy Quran my favourite book.
     The Holy Quran is basically a religious book of Muslims. It was revealed to the last prophet of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (SAW). The angel Gabriel brought it in the 7th century A.D. in installments. It is in Arabic. It has 30 sections, 114 chapters and 6,666 verses.
     Recitation of the Holy Quran is the core of religious devotion. It is recited on many different occasions. It is recited in prayers. Ventures and public meetings are started with its recitation. The art of recitation is called 'tajwid' or tartil'.
     I get up early in the morning. After offering the morning prayer, I recite a few verses from the Holy Quran and study the Urdu paraphrase of these verses. These verses teach me the spiritual, social and legal codes of conduct etc.
     In short, the Holy Quran has more qualities than pens can write or words can describe. It is an encyclopedia of knowledge, wisdom and morality. So we should study it with paraphrase and act upon the golden tidings given in it. It can make us true Muslims and ideal persons for society. Thus I love it very much.

Notes Prepared By: Prof. Shahbaz Asghar

DAY TEN - ESSAYS (ENGLISH GUESS PAPER FOR CLASS 10)

Essay No. 1

My Last Day at School

Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things. 

(Marcus Tullius Cicero)

     Days pass however the memories they leave refuse to die. My last day at school is one of those bygone days whose memory is still fresh in my mind. It was one of the golden days of my life. It was a day of sadness as well as preparedness. 

    I had spent twelve years in my school. I had learnt many lessons. I had made many friends. I had developed great respect for my teachers. I had participated in many co-curricular activities. I had won many prizes. In fact, I had enjoyed my stay at school. 

     A sunny day of March was my last day at school. The holidays preparatory to the final examination were going to start from the next day. All the students were in their best clothes. Our juniors of ninth class had hosted a farewell party for us. We were entertained with burgers and cold drinks. 

     However, the best part of the farewell party was our headmaster's speech. He gave us many pieces of advice. He advised us to be honest, truthful and upright in our dealings. I will never forget his words, "Hard work and perseverance is a key to success."

     Finally we came out of the hall and gathered in the garden. I looked at the school thoughtfully. The school building, the playground, the class rooms and even the school library seemed to whisper to me how they would miss me. Even the last day at school had ended.

Essay No. 2

A Visit to a Hill Station

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. 

(Augustine of Hippo)

     I am mad about tourism because I have an adventurous spirit. I have visited many attractive places of Pakistan like Shalimar Gardens, Faisal Mosque, Lahore Zoo, Manora, Mohenjo-daro and Murree Hills. However, my visit to Naran in the Kaghan Valley surpasses all and is unforgettable.
     I visited Naran with my family. It was a sunny morning of May 2017. We packed our luggage and seated in our car. My father sat at the driving seat and we left for Abbotabad. We reached there in the afternoon. The journey was tiring so we slept soundly for the night in a hotel.
     Next morning we left for Balakot. On the way, we passed by Jangal Mangal and Jabba. There were very sharp, hairpin turns on the road near Batrasi. We saw the conjunction point where the river Kunhar meets two other streams near Gari Habibullah. We reached Shogran in the evening.
     Next morning we left for Naran. The road to Nara was in a bad shape. It was high in upper half of the high mountain slope and the river Kunhar looked like a ribbon below. Our car crossed about eight glaciers from Kaghan to Naran.
     At last, we reached Naran, the most scenic town of Pakistan. It was very still in the woods around Naran. The were logs in the river Kunhar. What should I say about lake Saiful-Maluk, it is nevertheless the most beautiful lake in the world. In short short, It was an extremely enjoyable and unforgettable trip.

Essay No. 3
    

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Jinnah is a historic personality which takes birth once in a century. 

(Mussolini)

     Muhammad Ali Jinnah is the brightest star in the history of Pakistan. He had a multidimensional personality and his achievements in different fields were numerous. He was a great lawyer, a distinguished politician, a resolute freedom-fighter, a dynamic Muslim leader and above all the founder of Pakistan.
     Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born in Karachi on December 25, 1876. He got his early education from Karachi. After his matriculation, he was sent to England for higher studies. He qualified Lincoln's Inn as a brilliant barrister.
     On his return to India, he started law-practice in Karachi and afterwards moved to Bombay. Then he joined the Indian National Congress in 1906. But the narrow vision of certain communal leaders disappointed him. Thus he joined the Muslim League in 1913.
     In 1916, Jinnah became the president of the Muslim League. He worked hard for a separate homeland for the Muslims. The odds were against him. But he grappled with every problem. August 14, 1947 was the day of his triumph. Pakistan appeared on the map of the world.
     Flowers must die before thorns otherwise they would not be flowers. Jinnah took oath of office as the first Governor General of Pakistan. However, his health had been breaking down under a heavy pressure of work. He died in harness in Karachi on September 11, 1948.

Notes Prepared By: Prof. Shahbaz Asghar

DAY FIFTEEN - DIRECT AND INDIRECT NARRATION (ENGLISH GUESS PAPER FOR CLASS 10)

DIRECT AND INDIRECT NARRATION

SET NO. 2

36. She said, "Is this your book?"

She asked me whether that was my book. 

37. She said, "Are you going to Lahore today?"

She asked me whether I was going to Lahore that day. 

38. They said, "Have you ever visited Murree Hills?"

They asked me whether I have ever visited Murree Hills. 

39. The judge said, "Have you anything more to say?"

The judge asked him whether he had anything more to say. 

40. He said, "Will you listen to me?"

He asked me whether I would listen to him.
41. The mother said, "Shall we invite Qureshis also?"
The mother asked whether they should invite Qureshis also.
42. He said, "Do you agree with me?"
He asked whether I agreed with him.
43. The teacher said, "Did you do your home task yesterday?"
The teacher asked me whether I had done my home task the previous day.
44. He said to me, "What are you looking for?"
He asked me what I was looking for.
45. He said, "What do you want me to do?"
He asked me what I wanted him to do.
46. She said, "Where do you live?"
She asked me where I lived.
47. Raza said, "Where are you going?"
Raza asked me where I was going.
48. The mother said, "How did you fail in your examination?"
The mother asked me how I had failed in my examination.
49. The teacher said, "Who is the author of this book?"
The teacher asked who the author of that book was.
50. The teacher said, "Who is next on list?"
The teacher asked who next on list was.
51. The teacher said, "Whose is this book?"
The teacher asked whose that book was.
52. The stranger said, "Which is the way to Shalimar Gardens?"
The stranger asked which the which the way the Shalimar Gardens was.
53. The referee said, "Quiet, please."
The referee requested the spectators to be quiet.
54. He said to his sister, "Please say something."
He requested his sister to say something.
55. She said to me, "Please lend me your camera for a day."
She requested me to lend her my camera for a day.
56. He said to her, "Please fetch me a glass of water."
He requested her to fetch him a glass of water.
57. The mother said to her daughter, "Please tidy up your room."
The mother advised her daughter to tidy up her room.
58. The master said to the servant, "Go and fetch me a glass of milk."
The master ordered the servant to go and fetch him a glass of milk.
59. The judge said, "Call the next witness."
The judge ordered to call the next witness.
60. She said to me, "Tell the truth."
She advised me to tell the truth.
61. The father said to his son, "Get up early in the morning and go for a walk."
The father advised his son to get up early in the morning and go for a walk.
62. The teacher said, "Do not make a noise."
The teacher forbade to make a noise.
63. She said to me, "Do not waste your time in idle talk."
She forbade me to waste my time in idle talk.
64. The father said to his son, "Do not leave this room without my permission."
The father forbade his son to leave that room without his permission.
65. Roshana said, "Let us finish our work first."
Roshana proposed that they should finish their work first.
66. Afshan said, "Let us go for a picnic on Friday."
Afshan proposed that they should go for a picnic on Friday.
67. He said, "May Allah help me to do my duty!"
He prayed that Allah might help him to do his duty.
68. She said to her father, "May you live long!"
She prayed for her father that he might live long.
69. She said, "May you prosper!"
She prayed that I might prosper.
70. She said, "Would that my father were alive!"
She wished that her father had been alive.

Notes Prepared By: Prof. Shahbaz Asghar

DAY FOURTEEN - DIRECT AND INDIRECT NARRATION (ENGLISH GUESS PAPER FOR CLASS 10)

DIRECT AND INDIRECT NARRATION

SET NO. 1

1. She says, "I hope I am not late."

She says that she hopes she is not late. 

2. She says, "We have shifted to another house."

She says that they have shifted to another house. 

3. They say, "We have done our duty."

They say that they have done their duty. 

4. The doctor says, "The patient is still in a state of coma."

The doctor says that the patient is still in a state of coma. 

5. The teacher says, "She has always been a good student."

The teacher says that she has always been a good student. 

6. You will say, "She is cranky."

Ans. You will say that she is cranky. 

7. He said, "I am unwell."

Ans. He said that he was unwell. 

8. Afshan said, "I am sewing mother's shirt."

Afshan said that she was sewing mother's shirt. 

9. She said to me, "You are a lazy boy."

She said to me that I was a lazy boy. 

10. He said, "They are not doing their duty well."

He said that they were not doing their duty well. 

11. He said to me, "You are not running very fast."

He said to me that I was not running very fast. 

12. He said, "I have returned the books."

He said that he had returned the books. 

13. They said, "We have done our duty."

They said that they had done their duty. 

14. The teacher said to us, "You have not completed your drawing."

The teacher said to us that we had not completed our drawing. 

15. She said, "They have not eaten their meals."

She said that they have not eaten their meals. 

16. The teacher said, "I have often told you not to play with fire."

The teacher said to me that he had often told me not to play with fire. 

17. My brother said to me, "You have missed the point completely."

My brother said to me that I had missed the point completely. 

18. She said, "She will go there."

She said that she would go there. 

19. She said, "I shall never do such a thing."

She said that she would never do such a thing. 

20. She said, "I like the clouds in the sky."

She said that she liked the clouds in the sky. 

21. Arif and Ayesha said to their mother, "We like mangoes."

Arif and Ayesha said to their mother that they liked mangoes. 

22. She said, "I do not agree with you."

She said to me that she did not agree with me. 

23. He said to the stranger, "I do not recognize you."

He said to the stranger that he did not recognize him. 

24. She said, "The patient died in the hospital."

She said that the patient had died in the hospital. 

25. She said, "He rang me up at twelve midnight."

She said that he had rung her up at twelve midnight. 

26. He said to her, "I live in this building."

He said to her that he lived in that building. 

27. He said, "I completed my drawing half an hour ago."

He said that he had completed his drawing half an hour before. 

28. He said, "She sang a beautiful ghazal at the concert last night."

He said that she had sung a beautiful ghazal at the concert the previous night. 

29. She said, "I did not go to school yesterday."

She said that she had not gone to school the previous day. 

30. He said, "Hurrah! We have won the match."

He exclaimed with joy that they had won the match. 

31. He said, "Hurrah! I have won the medal."

He exclaimed with joy that he had won the medal. 

32. He said, "Alas! I am ruined."

He exclaimed with sorrow that he was ruined. 

33. He said, "Alas! We cannot defeat our enemies."

He exclaimed with sorrow that they could not defeat their enemies. 

34. He said, "What a beautiful piece of art!"

He exclaimed with wonder that it was a very beautiful piece of art. 

35. He said, "How well she sings!

He exclaimed with wonder that she sang very well. 

Notes Prepared By: Prof. Shahbaz Asghar

DAY THIRTEEN - PARAGRAPHS (ENGLISH GUESS PAPER FOR CLASS 10)

Paragraph No. 1

Fashions

Life's too short to wear boring clothes. 

(Cushnie et Ochs)

     It is an innate desire of man to look attractive and imitate others. This has given birth to fashion. Fashion is a popular style especially in clothing, footwear, accessories, makeup, body, furniture and behaviour. No doubt, it is an age of fashion. The fascination of fashions is stronger in cities than that of towns and villages. Fashions are more popular with the youth particularly adult and teenage girls. Fashion craze is influenced by several factors. The garment industry, attractive advertising and films are mainly responsible for this craze. The T.V. commercials and press have also captured the imagination of the people. Media stars have emerged as leaders of fashions. Shopping plazas and markets have sprung up everywhere. Foreign designs and elegant dressmaking are very much in demand. Fashions have a tendency to spread like wild fire. Fashions move like windstorms. Fashions have many advantages as well as disadvantages. Fashions create a colourful variety in the daily life and add to the cultural wealth of a country. On the other hand, fashion craze banishes sobriety. Much money is needed to follow the fashions of the time. The glitter of advertisement makes everything look like gold. We should be on our guard, because all that glitters may not be gold in some cases. Being Muslims, we should follow and adopt the life style of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is based on simplicity.

Paragraph No. 2

The Teacher I Like the Best

I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well. 

(Alexander the Great)

     The world remained deprived of doctors, engineers, lawyers, businessmen, politicians, scientists or other great persons if there had been no teachers. A teacher is a person who helps others to acquire knowledge, skills and values. He is a lighthouse, custodian and spiritual father. During my school life, I have come across several teachers. I have a great respect for all of them. However, the teacher I like the most is our English teacher names Sir Zeeshan. He is a young man of 35. He is so punctual and dutiful that he never misses his periods. He is always well suited and booted. He is an M.A. in English. He has a full command on his subject. He does not teach by rote but attempts to find new invigoration for the course materials on daily basis. He makes lessons interesting with analogies, jokes and anecdotes. He has a strong, clear and resonant voice. His pronunciation and accent are second to none. He uses body language to build rapport with students. He explains each and every thing in simple words. He maintains perfect discipline during lessons. He encourages students to ask questions. The method he uses to teach is developed by his own. He gives us many assignments. He conducts oral and written tests regularly. For this, he has been a very good coach so far as the examination is concerned. In short, he owns all the qualities of a good teacher. All the students respect, obey and love him. He will remain my favourite school teacher forever.

Paragraph No. 3

My Neighbour

A good neighbour increases the value of your property. 

(Czech Proverb)

   
     To live alone one must be either a beast or a god. Man is neither a beast nor a god. He is a social being. He lives among his parents, siblings, children, relatives, friends and neighbours. Neighbours are those people who live around our house up to forty houses in all directions. Happy is the man who has good neighbours. Fortunately, I am one of them. Most of my neighbours are very good people. However, I have a close association with my immediate neighbour, Mr. Ashraf Minhas. He is a handsome, middle-aged teacher. He is always well-dressed. He is fond of reading and buying books. He offers his prayers five times a day. He likes gardening. He is an optimistic by nature. He is neither proud nor jealous. He is a gentleman par-excellence. He is the father of four children - two sons and two daughters. The eldest son is my class-fellow and best friend. His wife is a highly educated lady. His aged mother and younger sister also live with him. His mother is a religious minded lady. She is always busy in the worship of Allah Almighty and helping the poor. All the members of his family are well mannered and sociable. Mr. Minhas's family also comes to visit us on special occasions. Either we are in sorrow or joy, in rain or in sunshine; Mr. Minhas is always by the side of us. In short, my neighbour is a character larger-than-life. I am really lucky to have such a good neighbour. He is a great blessing of Allah Almighty.

Notes Prepared By: Prof. Shahbaz Asghar