On to the Summit : We Reach the Top
Brainstorming – Solutions
(A1)
Summarise to the class in your own words the highly risky and dangerous journey of Tenzing and Hillary from the base to the top of Mt. Everest.
Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s climb to the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, was a highly dangerous endeavor. From their high camp, they faced freezing temperatures, thin oxygen, and treacherous terrain. Tied by a rope symbolizing their unity, they took turns leading toward the South Summit. The final sixty to seventy feet were less hazardous but demanded steady effort. The rope was tightened over risky ground for safety. Their focus was on reaching the top together, not on individual glory. At the summit, they embraced, and Tenzing placed Buddhist offerings (biscuits, candy, and a pencil from his daughter). They battled frozen water and potential gales, staying only fifteen minutes. The descent was more perilous, requiring extreme caution to avoid slipping into the Kangshung Glacier. They safely reached Camp Nine and then Camp Eight, where teammates welcomed them with tea and coffee. Their journey exemplified teamwork, endurance, and bravery in conquering Everest’s extreme challenges.
(A2)
(i) Complete the web highlighting the feelings/emotions of Tenzing after reaching the summit.
Answer:-
(ii) Glance through the text again and explain the qualities of Tenzing Norgay. Pick lines that show his unique qualities. One is done for you.
Sr. No. | Qualities | Lines |
---|---|---|
1 | Patriotic | I told Colonel Hunt that I was carrying the Indian flag with me and I would like it to be on the top with other flags. |
2 | Team Spirit | This rope was a symbol. It tied us together. One could not move without the other. We were not two individuals, but a team. |
3 | Humility | What does it matter whether I reached the top first or Hillary? Our main thought was that both of us reach the top. |
4 | Gratitude | 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 fulfillment of this desire I had held so long. |
(iii) Write down the significance of the following in the context of ‘On to the Summit’ :
(i) Red Scarf: The red scarf holds deep sentimental value for Tenzing Norgay. It was a gift from his friend Lambert, the leader of the 1952 Swiss expedition, given to him on May 28th, 1952, at 28,215 feet. Tenzing wore it throughout the climb from Darjeeling to the summit of Mount Everest, symbolizing friendship and emotional support. At the summit, he felt Lambert’s presence, making the scarf a reminder of their bond and shared mountaineering spirit.
(ii) Husiar: The term “husiar,” meaning caution, is significant during the descent from the summit. Tenzing emphasizes that climbing down was more dangerous than ascending, requiring greater care to avoid slipping into the Kangshung Glacier. “Husiar” underscores the need for vigilance and careful navigation to ensure safety, highlighting the perilous nature of the descent.
(iii) Kerosene Flavoured Tea: The kerosene-flavored tea, brought by Noyce to Tenzing and Hillary near Camp Eight, symbolizes the camaraderie and support among the expedition team. Despite its unpleasant taste due to hasty preparation, Tenzing drank it to honor Noyce’s effort in bringing it to them. It reflects the team’s mutual care and the small gestures of encouragement during the challenging climb.
(iv) Ice Axe: The ice axe is a critical tool used by Tenzing during the Everest climb. At the summit, he used it to secure a string of flags, representing Great Britain, Nepal, the United Nations, and India, symbolizing their achievement. The ice axe signifies the practical and symbolic importance of mountaineering equipment in ensuring safety and marking the historic moment of reaching the summit.
(v) Anchor: The anchor refers to the rope that tied Tenzing and Hillary together during their climb, symbolizing their unity and teamwork. The rope ensured that neither could move without the other, especially over dangerous terrain, emphasizing their interdependence. It represents the strength of their partnership, where mutual support was essential for their success in reaching the summit together.
(A3)
(i) Add suitable suffixes (-tion,- ly, -ment, -ous) and prefixes (un, il, im) to the words given below. One is done for you
Sr. No. | Word | Prefix | Suffix |
---|---|---|---|
1. | absolute | – | absolutely |
2. | fulfill | – | fulfillment |
3. | determine | – | determination |
4. | danger | – | dangerous |
5. | tight | – | tightly |
6. | clear | – | clearly |
7. | sure | un- | surely |
8. | legal | il- | – |
9. | legitimate | il- | – |
10. | possible | im- | possibly |
(ii) By filling appropriate letters in the blank spaces, you will get a past participle from it. Use the word as adjective in your own sentence. One is done for you.
(a) s _ _ n _ d
Word: signed
Sentence: The advocate took all the signed documents to the court.
(b) p_ _ z _ d
Word: praised
Sentence: The praised student received a certificate for her excellent performance.
(c) f_ _ t_ e n e_
Word: fortunate
Sentence: The fortunate climber survived the harsh weather on the mountain.
(d) b _ i _ e_
Word: boiled
Sentence: The boiled water was used to prepare a warm drink at the camp.
(iii) Spot the error. One is done for you.
I was not afraid for die that day. Correct Sentence- I was not afraid to die that day
(a) Tenzing and Hillary made an pact at the office of P M of Nepal.
Correct Sentence: Tenzing and Hillary made a pact at the office of the PM of Nepal.
(Error: “an” should be “a” before “pact” as it starts with a consonant sound, and “P M” should be “the PM” for proper article usage.)
(b) I has to bring my ice axe down with me.
Correct Sentence: I had to bring my ice axe down with me.
(Error: “has” should be “had” to match the past tense context.)
(c) Tenzing have spent a night with Camp Eight.
Correct Sentence: Tenzing has spent a night with Camp Eight.
(Error: “have” should be “has” to agree with the singular subject “Tenzing.”)
(d) Pact was signed from Tenzing and Hillary.
Correct Sentence: The pact was signed by Tenzing and Hillary.
(Error: “from” should be “by” to indicate the doers of the action, and “Pact” should be “The pact” for proper article usage.)
(e) I and Hillary were in no mood of talking.
Correct Sentence: Hillary and I were in no mood for talking.
(Error: “I and Hillary” should be “Hillary and I” for proper sentence structure, and “of” should be “for” to use the correct preposition.)
(A4)
Active Voice Sentence | Passive Voice Sentence |
---|---|
We have done it. | It has been done by us. |
(a) We made a pact. | (a) A pact was made by us. |
(b) I offered silent prayer in my heart. | (b) Silent prayer was offered by me in my heart. |
(c) Colonel Hunt gave me three flags. | (c) Three flags were given to me by Colonel Hunt. |
(d) I was carrying the Indian flag. | (d) The Indian flag was being carried by me. |
(e) I took photographs of Tenzing holding aloft the flags. | (e) Photographs of Tenzing holding aloft the flags were taken by me. |
(f) I remembered him. | (f) He was remembered by me. |
(g) We spent the night at Camp Eight. | (g) The night was spent by us at Camp Eight. |
(A5)
(i) After reading the text one can easily understand that there is a lot of risk involved in mountaineering. Write in short about any adventure sport that you like and the risk involved in it.
Answer:- I enjoy paragliding as an adventure sport. It involves soaring through the air using a parachute-like wing, offering a thrilling experience of flight. The risks include sudden weather changes, equipment failure, or mid-air collisions, which can lead to crashes or injuries. Proper training, weather checks, and reliable gear are crucial to mitigate these dangers.
(ii) Give your opinion: We should/should not participate in adventure sports because-
Answer:- We should participate in adventure sports because they build confidence, physical fitness, and problem-solving skills. They also offer a thrilling way to connect with nature. However, with proper training, safety gear, and guidance, the risks can be managed, making the experience rewarding and enriching.
(A6)
(i) Tenzing and Hillary created history by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. There are many mountains in Maharashtra where one can fancy his or her chances of climbing them. Imagine that you have climbed a mountain and are immensely thrilled and excited. Write a letter to your friend about it
[Your Name]’
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date: July 16, 2025]
Dear [Friend’s Name],
Subject: An Unforgettable Adventure – Conquering [Mountain Name]!
I hope this letter finds you in great spirits! I’m beyond thrilled to share an incredible experience with you – I recently climbed [Mountain Name, e.g., Kalsubai] in Maharashtra, and it was nothing short of exhilarating!
The journey began with a group of friends from college, all of us eager yet nervous about the challenge. The trail was steep, with rocky patches and dense forests, testing our endurance at every step. The crisp mountain air and stunning views of the Sahyadri ranges kept us motivated. After hours of climbing, battling fatigue and slippery slopes, we finally reached the summit! Standing at the top, with clouds swirling below and the world stretching out endlessly, I felt a rush of pride and joy. The sense of achievement was overwhelming, and we celebrated with cheers and photos, capturing the moment forever.
This adventure taught me the value of perseverance and teamwork, much like Tenzing and Hillary’s historic Everest climb. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures! Let’s plan a trek together soon!
Yours excitedly,
[Your Name]
(ii) You are the college representative and your Principal has assigned to you the task of writing a letter to the Divisional Officer, Satpuda Mountain Ranges, Nagpur, seeking permission for the mountaineering expedition to be organized by your college. Write the letter.
[Your Name]
College Representative
Your College Name
College Address
City, State, ZIP Code
July 16, 2025
The Divisional Officer
Satpuda Mountain Ranges
Nagpur, Maharashtra
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Request for Permission to Organize a Mountaineering Expedition Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you on behalf of [Your College Name], seeking permission to organize a mountaineering expedition in the Satpuda Mountain Ranges for our students. This initiative, planned for [proposed date, e.g., August 15-20, 2025], aims to promote adventure sports, teamwork, and physical fitness among our students, inspired by historic achievements like Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Mount Everest.
The expedition will involve approximately [number, e.g., 20] students and [number, e.g., 5] faculty members, accompanied by experienced guides from a certified mountaineering
agency. We plan to trek [specific peak or trail, e.g., Kalavantin Durg or a suitable trail in the Satpuda Ranges], ensuring all necessary safety measures, including proper equipment, training, and emergency protocols. The team will adhere strictly to environmental guidelines to preserve the natural beauty of the Satpuda Ranges. We kindly request your approval to proceed with this expedition and any specific guidelines or permits required for the activity. We would be grateful for your guidance on the necessary documentation or conditions to ensure a safe and successful event. Please let us know a convenient time to discuss further details, if needed. Thank you for considering our request. We look forward to your positive response and hope to inspire our students through this enriching experience.
Yours sincerely,
Your Full Name
College Representative
Your College Name
Contact Information
Enclosures:
1. Expedition Plan and Safety Protocols
2. List of Participants
3. Agency Certification Details
(iii) Convert the letter into e-mail format.
Answer:-
Subject: Request for Permission to Organize a Mountaineering Expedition
To: [DivisionalOfficer.Satpuda@office.gov.in]
From: [YourName.CollegeRep@yourcollege.edu]
Date: July 16, 2025, 05:07 PM IST
CC: [Principal@yourcollege.edu], [GuideAgency@agency.com]
Dear Sir/Madam,
Request for Permission to Organize a Mountaineering Expedition
I am writing to you on behalf of [Your College Name], seeking permission to organize a mountaineering expedition in the Satpuda Mountain Ranges for our students. This initiative, planned for August 15-20, 2025, aims to promote adventure sports, teamwork, and physical fitness among our students, inspired by historic achievements like Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Mount Everest. The expedition will involve approximately 20 students and 5 faculty members, accompanied by experienced guides from a certified mountaineering agency. We plan to trek [specific peak or trail, e.g., Kalavantin Durg or a suitable trail in the Satpuda Ranges], ensuring all necessary safety measures, including proper equipment, training, and emergency protocols. The team will adhere strictly to environmental guidelines to preserve the natural beauty of the Satpuda Ranges.
We kindly request your approval to proceed with this expedition and any specific guidelines or permits required for the activity. We would be grateful for your guidance on the necessary documentation or conditions to ensure a safe and successful event. Please let us know a convenient time to discuss further details, if needed.
Thank you for considering our request. We look forward to your positive response and hope to inspire our students through this enriching experience.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
College Representative
[Your College Name]
[Contact Information: e.g., Phone: +91-XXX-XXX-XXXX, Email:
YourName.CollegeRep@yourcollege.edu]
Attachments:
Expedition_Plan_and_Safety_Protocols.pdf
List_of_Participants.pdf
Agency_Certification_Details.pdf
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