CHAPTER 5 What is Moral Action KSEEB SSLC CLASS 10 ENGLISH SOLUTIONS
CHAPTER 5 What is Moral Action KSEEB SSLC CLASS 10 ENGLISH SOLUTIONS English medium Karnataka state board,the Answers Are Prepared By Our Teachers Which Are Simple ,Pointwise,Easy To Read And Remember .
CHAPTER 5 What is Moral Action KSEEB SSLC CLASS 10 ENGLISH SOLUTIONS
II.COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS :
A.Answer the following questions briefly:
- In paragraph one, Gandhiji says that our conventional behaviour is:
– d. necessary
- What is non-moral action?
– Actions that are not necessarily immoral but lack moral intention or freedom from compulsion.
- What is the difference between a mechanical act and an intentional act?
– A mechanical act is done without thought or intention, whereas an intentional act is done purposefully and with conscious choice.
- Give an example each for conventional behaviour and a moral act.
– Conventional behaviour: Following traffic rules.
– Moral act: Helping someone in need out of genuine compassion.
- The first paragraph discusses what is not a moral action. The second paragraph gives one important criterion to decide what constitutes a moral action. What is that criterion?
– The criterion is that a moral act must spring from our own will.
- When can the messenger’s act become a moral action?
– When the messenger considers it his duty to deliver a pardon, not just mechanically but with understanding and intention.
- When, according to Gandhi, can we regard ourselves to have stepped on to the moral road?
– When we prioritize following our conscience over societal conventions.
- What is the belief that Gandhi talks of in paragraph 2?
– Gandhi talks about the belief that God within us witnesses all our actions.
- All good actions need not be moral acts. When does a good action become a moral act? (paragraph 3). Give an example.
– A good action becomes moral when it is done with the intention to do good. Example: Feeding the poor out of genuine compassion rather than for personal gain.
- In the example of feeding the poor, whose action is moral action?
– The action of the person who feeds the poor out of great pity.
- The result of our action determines whether our action is moral or non-moral (say whether the statement is True or False)
– False. According to Gandhi, the morality of an action depends on the intention behind it, not its outcome.
- Why does Gandhi say that Alexander’s conquests cannot be called moral actions?
– Because Alexander’s actions were driven by motives of conquest and personal glory, not by a genuine intention to do good.
- In each paragraph Gandhiji adds one criterion to consider an action moral. What criterion is added in paragraph 4?
– The criterion added in paragraph 4 is that a moral act should be done without compulsion.
- When does simple living become moral?
– Simple living becomes moral when it is chosen voluntarily, out of concern for others, rather than out of necessity or fear.
- When does an employer’s action of paying higher salaries to his employees remain non-moral?
– When the employer does so out of self-interest to prevent his employees from leaving, rather than out of genuine concern and goodwill.
- When Gandhiji quotes Shakespeare (in paragraph 5), what argument does he want to strengthen?
– He wants to strengthen the argument that honesty and love lose their moral value when practiced only for personal gain or profit.
- Gandhiji mentions the name of Henry Clay as an example for moral/non-moral action. (Choose the right answer)
– Non-moral action
- What qualities of Daniel Webster does Gandhiji mention?
– Gandhiji mentions Daniel Webster’s great intellect and sense of the heroic and sublime.
- What is the single mean act of Webster mentioned in paragraph 6?
– Webster sold his intellectual integrity for a price, which Gandhiji describes as a mean act.
- Why is it difficult to judge the morality of a man’s action?
– It’s difficult because we cannot always discern the true intentions behind an action, as intentions are often hidden deep within a person’s mind.
- What arguments does Gandhiji give to justify that a moral act should be free from fear and compulsion?
– Gandhiji argues that fear and compulsion negate the moral value of an action because true morality requires actions to be done voluntarily and with pure intentions.
22. To sum up, an action becomes moral when an action: (Complete the following)
ANSWER:-
a.springs from one’s will (paragraph 2)
b.is done with the intention to do good (paragraph 3)
c.is done without compulsion (paragraph 4)
d.is not done with expectations of benefit in the life after death (paragraph 6)
e. is not done with expectations of benefit in the life after death(paragraph 6)
B.Close Study : Read the following extracts carefully. Discuss in pairs and then write the answers to the questions given below them.
- Extract about Saint Theresa:
“The great Saint Theresa wished to have a torch in her right hand and a vessel of water in her left so that with the one she might burn the glories of heaven and with the other extinguish the fires of hell, and men might learn to serve God from love alone without fear of hell and without temptation of heavenly bliss.”
a.Why did Saint Theresa hold a torch in her right hand?
– Saint Theresa held a torch in her right hand to symbolize burning the glories of heaven, suggesting a desire to challenge traditional notions of heavenly rewards.
b.What does “a vessel of water” signify?
– The “vessel of water” signifies extinguishing the fires of hell, symbolizing a rejection of fear and punishment as motivators in serving God.
c.What was her message to humanity?
– Her message to humanity was to serve God out of love alone, without being motivated by fear of hell or the desire for heavenly bliss. She advocated for a pure, selfless devotion to God’s will.
- Extract about Alexander the Great:
“Wherever he went (in the course of his conquests), he took the Greek language and Greek culture, arts and manners, and today we enjoy the benefits of Greek civilization……. It was all right that he was termed ‘great’, but moral he cannot be called.”
a.Who does ‘he’ refer to?
– ‘He’ refers to Alexander the Great, the historical conqueror known for his extensive campaigns and spread of Greek culture.
b.What is his contribution to mankind?
– Alexander the Great’s contribution to mankind includes spreading Greek language, culture, arts, and manners across his conquered territories, which had a lasting impact on the development of Western civilization.
c.Why doesn’t Gandhi consider him moral?
– Gandhi doesn’t consider Alexander moral because his actions were primarily driven by conquest and personal glory, rather than a genuine intention to do good or benefit humanity. Despite his achievements, Alexander’s motives were not aligned with moral principles as defined by Gandhi’s standards of ethical conduct.
III. PARAGRAPH WRITING :
Discuss in pairs/groups of four each the answers to the following questions. Individually, note down the important points for each question and then develop the points into one-paragraph answers.
1. Write on Mahatma Gandhi’s comments on action prompted by motive of happiness in another world
ANSWER:-
- Gandhi believes actions done for personal happiness in another world lack morality.
- He argues true moral actions are done solely for the purpose of doing good.
- Gandhi gives examples like St. Francis Xavier and St. Theresa, who acted out of duty, not for heavenly rewards.
- Actions driven by the desire for personal happiness in the afterlife are considered non-moral.
- He emphasizes that morality stems from selfless intentions in the present moment.
- Gandhi encourages actions based on love and duty rather than fear or future gain.
- According to him, moral actions should aim at benefiting others and not oneself.
- Gandhi stresses that moral virtue requires courage and a selfless mindset.
2 .Why does Gandhi say that a moral act should be done without compulsion?
ANSWER;-
- Gandhi states that moral acts lose their virtue if done under compulsion or fear.
- He uses examples like rising early out of fear of losing a job, which lacks moral content.
- According to Gandhi, moral actions must be free choices made willingly.
- Compelled actions do not reflect true morality because they lack genuine intention.
- Gandhi believes moral acts should come from a place of inner conviction and goodwill.
- He contrasts actions done under compulsion with those done out of genuine concern for others.
- Moral virtue, for Gandhi, requires actions that are spontaneous and not coerced.
- He argues that true moral acts are performed with a clear conscience and without external pressure.
IV.VOCABULARY EXERCISES :
A.Discuss in pairs the similarity or difference in meaning/usage between the following pairs of words (use a dictionary) :
i) say – tell ii) moral – morale iii) custom – habit iv) between – among v) enough – sufficient vi) same – similar vii)culture – civilisation viii) rise – raise ix) sympathy – empathy x) practice – practise xi) pardon – forgive, excuse xii) mistake – error, blunder xiii) conscience – consciousness, conscientious
ANSWER;-
i) say – tel
– Say: To utter words, to express in words.
Example: She said she would come.
– Tell: To communicate information or give an account of something.
Example: Please tell me what happened.
Difference: “Say” is used when reporting speech or expressing something verbally. “Tell” is used to communicate information or give instructions.
ii) moral – morale
– Moral: Relating to principles of right and wrong behavior.
Example: It’s important to have strong moral values.
– Morale: The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.
Example: The team’s morale was boosted after their recent win.
Difference: “Moral” pertains to ethics and principles, while “morale” relates to emotional and psychological well-being.
iii) custom – habit
– Custom: A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something.
Example: It’s our custom to celebrate Diwali with fireworks.
– Habit: A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
Example: She has a habit of drinking coffee every morning.
Difference: “Custom” is usually associated with cultural or societal norms, while “habit” refers to individual behavior patterns.
iv) between – among
– Between: Used when referring to two or more distinct, individual items or people.
Example: He stood between two trees.
– Among: Used when referring to a collective or undefined group.
Example: She shared the cookies among the children.
Difference: “Between” is used for relationships involving distinct entities, while “among” is used for relationships within a group or collection.
v) enough – sufficient
– Enough: An adequate amount or quantity.
Example: There is enough food for everyone.
– Sufficient: Enough to meet the needs or requirements.
Example: His savings were sufficient for the trip.
Difference: Both mean adequate, but “enough” is more general, while “sufficient” implies meeting a specific requirement or standard.
vi) same – similar
– Same: Identical or exactly alike.
Example: They have the same hairstyle.
– Similar: Resembling without being identical.
Example: Their taste in music is similar.
Difference: “Same” denotes exact identity, while “similar” indicates resemblance but not exact duplication.
vii) culture – civilization
– Culture: The arts, customs, and achievements of a particular society, group, or time.
Example: Indian culture values family and tradition.
– Civilization: A society that is well organized and developed, marked by advancement in arts, sciences, government, etc.
Example: Ancient Greek civilization made significant contributions to philosophy and democracy.
Difference: “Culture” refers to the beliefs and practices of a specific group, while “civilization” refers to the overall development and sophistication of a society.
viii) rise – raise
Rise: To move upward, to increase in amount, number, or level.
Example: The sun will rise in the east.
Raise: To lift or elevate something or someone.
Example: She raises her hand to ask a question.
Difference: “Rise” is intransitive (does not take a direct object), while “raise” is transitive (takes a direct object).
ix) sympathy – empathy
– Sympathy: Understanding and feeling pity or sorrow for someone else’s hardships.
Example: He expressed sympathy for her loss.
– Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another.
Example: She showed empathy by listening attentively.
Difference: “Sympathy” is feeling sorry for someone, while “empathy” is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and understanding their emotions.
x) practice – practise
– Practice: The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method.
Example: Regular practice improves performance.
– Practise: (British English spelling) To perform or engage in an activity repeatedly to improve or maintain proficiency.
Example: She practises playing the piano every day.
Difference: “Practice” is a noun or verb in American English, while in British English, “practice” is the noun and “practise” is the verb.
xi) pardon – forgive, excuse
– Pardon: To forgive or excuse an offense, often officially.
Example: The governor granted him a pardon.
– Forgive: To stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense.
Example: She forgave him for forgetting their anniversary.
-Excuse: To grant pardon or forgiveness for a fault, offense, or mistake.
Example: Please excuse my late arrival.
Difference: “Pardon” is often official or formal, “forgive” is personal, and “excuse” can be both formal and informal.
xii)mistake – error, blunder
– Mistake: An action or judgment that is wrong or misguided.
Example: It was a mistake to trust him.
– Error: A mistake or incorrect action or judgment.
Example: There was an error in the calculation.
– Blunder: A careless or stupid mistake.
Example: It was a blunder to send the wrong file.
Difference: “Mistake” is a general term for any wrong action or judgment, “error” emphasizes incorrectness, and “blunder” implies a more serious or careless mistake.
xiii) conscience – consciousness, conscientious
– Conscience: The inner sense of what is right or wrong in one’s conduct or motives.
Example: His conscience would not allow him to cheat.
– Consciousness: The state of being aware of and able to think and perceive.
Example: She regained consciousness after the accident.
– Conscientious: Wishing to do what is right, especially to do one’s work or duty well.
Example: He is a conscientious worker who always meets deadlines.
Difference: “Conscience” relates to ethical decision-making, “consciousness” to awareness, and “conscientious” to diligent and careful behavior.
B.Give one-word substitutes for the following :
The absence of government –
A story that gives a moral –
One who takes delight in the suffering of others –
Making atonement for one’s sins –
A decision which cannot be changed –
ANSWER;-
- The absence of government – Anarchy
- A story that gives a moral – Fable
- One who takes delight in the suffering of others – Sadist
- Making atonement for one’s sins – Penitence
- A decision which cannot be changed – Irrevocable
V.LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES :
A.Paragraph Writing :
A coherent paragraph consists of a topic sentence (TS) which gives you the main idea of the paragraph. Then there are supporting sentences (SS) that strengthen the topic sentence and a concluding sentence (CS) which concludes the paragraph on a coherent note.
Look at the following paragraph: Global advertising today is the biggest and most sophisticated thought control project ever undertaken. (TS) Some statistics reveal the true extent of this phenomenon. (SS) Global advertising expenditures according to Benjamin Barber(in his book Jihad versus McWorld, 1995) rose “seven-fold from 1950 to 1990 from a modest $39 bn to $256 bn.” (SS) Barber adds that per capita global spending went up from $15 in 1950 to nearly $50 in 1996. (SS) One single company, the hamburger giant McDonald’s, spends more than 1.4 bn dollars each year on advertising. (SS) All these figures are huge indeed and getting bigger all the time. (CS)
The opening sentence: Global advertising… is the Topic sentence. This is followed by four Supporting sentences that strengthen the main idea and a Concluding sentence that sums up the paragraph. Arrange the jumbled sentences in a logical sequence and develop them into a coherent paragraph: (Identify the topic sentence and supporting sentences).
a. She founded the Missionaries of Charity -1950.
b. Nobel Peace Prize -1979. 82
c. Mother Teresa – known for her compassion and humanity – born in 1910.
d. Worked in the slums of Calcutta.
e. Bharat Ratna – 1980.
f. Rendered yeoman service to humankind.
g. Title of the ‘blessed’ – beatification – 2003.
h. Passed away – 05 September 1997
ANSWER;-
- Mother Teresa – known for her compassion and humanity – born in 1910.
- Worked in the slums of Calcutta.
- She founded the Missionaries of Charity – 1950.
- Bharat Ratna – 1980.
- Nobel Peace Prize – 1979.
- Title of the ‘blessed’ – beatification – 2003.
- Passed away – 05 September 1997.
- Rendered yeoman service to humankind.
Coherent Paragraph:
Mother Teresa, born in 1910, is known for her compassion and humanity. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 and dedicated herself to working in the slums of Calcutta. Her selfless efforts earned her the Bharat Ratna in 1980 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. In 2003, she was given the title of ‘blessed’ through beatification. Mother Teresa passed away on 05 September 1997, leaving behind a legacy of yeoman service to humankind.
Analysis:
– Topic Sentence (TS): Mother Teresa, known for her compassion and humanity, born in 1910.
– Supporting Sentences (SS):
- She founded the Missionaries of Charity – 1950.
- Worked in the slums of Calcutta.
- Bharat Ratna – 1980.
- Nobel Peace Prize – 1979.
- Title of the ‘blessed’ – beatification – 2003.
– Concluding Sentence (CS): Passed away on 05 September 1997, Mother Teresa rendered yeoman service to humankind.
B.NOTE – MAKING/TAKING:
Make notes on the following passage using any method of your choice
ANSWER;-
Louis Pasteur
– Born in a French country town
– Interested in chemistry from a young age
– Studied in Paris, showed promise
– Became Professor of Chemistry
– Moved to Strasburg, Alsace
– Married supportive wife, lifelong companion
Scientific Contributions
– Engaged in new chemistry experiments
– Known for problem-solving ability
– Would ponder silently for hours
– Found joy in discovering solutions
– Shared discoveries with wife and assistants
Personal Traits
– Kind and tired-looking face
– Enthusiastic about his discoveries
– Demonstrated excitement and pleasure
Notes Analysis:
– Method Used: Linear notes (bullet points)
– Content Covered: Personal background, scientific contributions, and personal traits of Louis Pasteur.
– Purpose: Summarize key details efficiently for reference or further study.
VI.SPEAKING ACTIVITY:
A. In groups of four each, prepare a list of ten people (alive or dead) who qualify for being moral as per Gandhiji’s specifications. Also state the reason why you chose them. Then share your findings with your neighbouring group.
ANSWER;-
Name | Reasons for your choice |
Mahatma Gandhi | Championed truth and non-violence, fought for India’s independence |
Mother Teresa | Dedicated her life to serving the poor and needy |
Martin Luther King Jr. | Advocated for civil rights through non-violent means |
Nelson Mandela | Fought against apartheid and promoted reconciliation |
Abdul Sattar Edhi | Established one of the world’s largest ambulance networks in Pakistan |
Albert Schweitzer | Medical missionary who dedicated his life to healing in Africa. |
Malala Yousafzai | Advocated for girls’ education despite facing threats |
| Cesar Chavez | Fought for farmworkers’ rights and social justice in the U.S |
Harriet Tubman | Helped free slaves through the Underground Railroad |
Aung San Suu Kyi | Led the struggle for democracy and human rights in Myanmar |
Reasons for the Choice:
- Each person listed exemplifies Gandhiji’s principles of morality through their actions and contributions to society.
- They have demonstrated courage, compassion, and a commitment to social justice.
- Their efforts have had a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
- They upheld values such as truth, non-violence, and service to humanity.
- Their moral actions and leadership inspire others to strive for a better world.
B. Do you support Sri. Anna Hazare’s crusade against corruption in public life? Discuss in groups of four each and arrive at five
important reasons for your support. Then share your findings with your neighbouring group
ANSWER;-
1.Fight Against Corruption: Hazare’s campaign aims to root out corruption, which undermines societal trust and fairness.
- Non-Violent Protest: His approach aligns with Gandhian principles of non-violence, making it a moral and peaceful movement.
3.Public Awareness: Hazare’s efforts raise awareness about corruption’s detrimental effects on society and governance.
- Legislative Reforms:His movement has pushed for stronger anti-corruption laws and institutional reforms.
- Inspiration for Change: Hazare serves as an inspiration for citizens to actively engage in democracy and demand accountability from public officials.
IX.GRAMMAR REVISITED:
A.Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of the verbs (present simple, continuous or perfect) given in brackets.
- Sachin plays great innings. (play)
- “Look! He goes there (go). I see him walking this side every day (see).” “Yes, I too have seen him many times here” (see).
- “Have you finished reading the book I gave you?” “No, still I am reading it (read). I have read only half of it” (read).
- “Where are you going?” “I am going to school. (go) The H.M. is asking to meet her” (ask).
- My sister studies medicine (study). She **has completed** 4 years already (complete).
- “Are you both still eating?” “No, I **have finished** mine (finish) but Panka **is still eating**” (eat).
- Prices **are going** up (go) and it **is** very difficult to make both ends meet (be).
- Look! That light **burns** all night (burn).
- He has been writing the essay for the last two days (write) but he has not completed it yet (not complete).
- Ramesh has been studying in the same class for the last three years (study).
Explanation:
– In sentences where actions are ongoing or have a connection to the present moment or recent past, present continuous or present perfect forms are used.
– Simple present is used for habitual actions or general truths.
B.Choose the most appropriate form of the verbs given in brackets and fill in the blanks:
ANSWER;-
- I lit (light) the lamp at 5 and it was burning (burn) brightly when Hari came in at 7.
- I was making (make) coffee when the light went (go) out.
- I didn’t want (not want) to meet Aziz, so when he entered the room I left (leave).
- The car had nobody in it, but the engine was running (run).
- My friend and I were talking (talk) about you the other day.
- She suddenly realized (realize) that she was traveling (travel) in the wrong direction.
- When I was looking (look) for my passbook, I found (find) this old photograph.
- “How did you damage (damage) your car so badly?” “I ran (run) into a lamp post yesterday.”
- As I was crossing (cross) the road, I stepped (step) on a banana skin and fell (fall) heavily.
- While the guests were watching (watch) TV, thieves broke(break) into the house and stole (steal) a lot of gold.
- He discovered (discover) to his horror that his child had swallowed (swallow) a coin.
- The little girl asked (ask), what had happened (happen) to her ice cream.
- It was (be) the madman who did (do) the killing.
- Before I reached (reach) the class, the teacher had begun (begin) the lesson.
- When I reached (reach) the bus stop, I was told (tell) that the bus had left (leave) already.
- The test was (be) much easier than I had thought (think) at first.
- He refused (refuse) to admit that he had stolen (steal) the mobile.
- He gave (give) me back the book, thanked (thank) me for lending it to him and said (say) that he had enjoyed (enjoy) it very much; but I knew* (know) that he had not read (not read) it because most of the pages were (be) still uncut.
- I thought (think) my train was leaving (leave) at 2 and was (be) very disappointed when I arrived (arrive) at 1:45 and learned (learn) that it had just left (just leave). I found later that I had been using (use) an out-of-date timetable.
- A woman came (come) in with a baby, who she said had just swallowed (say just swallow) a safety pin.
C.Supply the correct Past tense:
When the old lady (return) to her flat she (see) at once that burglars(break) in during her absence, because the front door (be open) and
everything in the flat (be) upside down. The burglars themselves (be)no longer there, but they probably only just (leave) because a cigarettewas still burning on an ornamental table. Probably they (hear) the liftcoming up and (run) down the fire escape. They (help) themselves toher whisky too but there (be) a little left, so she (pour) herself out adrink. She (wonder) if they (find) her jewellery and rather (hope) thatthey had. The jewellery (be give) her by her husband, who (die) someyears before. Since his death she (not have) the heart to wear it, yetshe (not like) to sell it. Now, it (seems) that fate (take) the matter out ofher hands; and certainly the insurance money would come in handy.
ANSWER;-
When the old lady returned (return) to her flat, she saw (see) at once that burglars had broken (break) in during her absence, because the front door was open (be open) and everything in the flat was (be) upside down. The burglars themselves were (be) no longer there, but they probably only just had left (leave) because a cigarette was still burning on an ornamental table. Probably they heard (hear) the lift coming up and ran (run) down the fire escape. They had helped (help) themselves to her whisky too, but there was (be) a little left, so she poured (pour) herself out a drink. She wondered (wonder) if they had found (find) her jewellery and rather hoped (hope) that they had. The jewellery had been given (be given) to her by her husband, who had died (die) some years before. Since his death, she had not had (not have) the heart to wear it, yet she did not like (not like) to sell it. Now, it seemed (seem) that fate had taken (take) the matter out of her hands; and certainly, the insurance money would come in handy.
D.Future Time
The word “Tense” refers to the form of the verb and not to time. In this sense, English has only two Tenses – Present and Past (come-came). But English has many ways of referring to future time with shades of difference in meaning.
Look at the following five sentences. Discuss in pairs and find out the difference in meaning:
My father will meet the H.M. tomorrow.
My father is meeting the H.M. tomorrow.
My father is going to meet the H.M. tomorrow.
My father will be meeting the H.M. tomorrow.
My father meets the H.M. tomorrow.
ANSWER;
- My father will meet the H.M. tomorrow.
– This sentence indicates a simple future action. It implies that at some point in the future (tomorrow), my father has a scheduled meeting with the H.M. (Headmaster or Her Majesty depending on context).
- My father is meeting the H.M. tomorrow.
– Here, the present continuous tense is used to describe a future arrangement or plan. It suggests that the meeting is already planned or scheduled to happen tomorrow.
- My father is going to meet the H.M. tomorrow.
– This also indicates a future action, but with a sense of intention or plan. It implies that the meeting is on the agenda and my father intends to meet the H.M. tomorrow.
- My father will be meeting the H.M. tomorrow.
– This form suggests that at a specific time tomorrow, my father will be engaged in the act of meeting the H.M. It can imply that the meeting might be ongoing or in progress at a particular point in time.
- My father meets the H.M. tomorrow.
– This sentence uses the present simple tense to refer to a future event scheduled to occur tomorrow. It is straightforward and indicates a fixed arrangement or schedule.
Key differences:
– Future Simple (will meet): Indicates a future action without specifying ongoingness or prior arrangement.
– Present Continuous (is meeting): Shows a planned future action or an arrangement that has already been made.
– Going to (is going to meet): Indicates intention or plan for a future event.
– Future Continuous (will be meeting): Suggests an action that will be ongoing at a specific future time.
– Present Simple (meets): Indicates a future event that is scheduled or planned.