unseen passage 4

 

Good Etiquette Builds a Man

In a busy town lived a young boy named Arjun. He was energetic, cheerful, and loved spending time playing with his friends, riding his bicycle, and exploring new things. However, Arjun often found it hard to understand why his parents and teachers reminded him so often about manners and good behavior. At times, he would forget to greet elders properly, interrupt conversations, or speak loudly in places where calm was expected. His parents tried to explain that good manners build respect, but Arjun thought it was too formal and sometimes boring.

One bright Monday morning, the school announced a special event called "Good Manners Week." The purpose was to encourage all students to practice respect, kindness, and proper etiquette every day. Mrs. Iyer, Arjun’s teacher, explained during the assembly, “Good etiquette is like a key that opens many doors in life. It shapes your character, earns you respect, and builds trust among people. Remember, how you behave speaks more about who you are than your words.”

Arjun was curious and a little inspired by Mrs. Iyer’s words but wondered how to start. That afternoon, when he returned home, he decided to make a small change. The first thing he did was to greet his parents politely, saying “Good afternoon” and “Thank you” more often. He tried to listen carefully when his mother spoke instead of interrupting. The very next day at school, Arjun remembered to say “Please” when asking for things and waited patiently for his turn to speak during class discussions.

At first, it wasn’t easy. Arjun sometimes forgot or slipped back into old habits. He realized that good manners needed constant effort and patience. But with each passing day, these habits became easier. He found that when he spoke quietly in the library or helped a younger student open a door, people smiled more often and listened to him carefully.

One day, Arjun noticed an elderly neighbor struggling with her groceries. Without hesitation, he rushed outside and offered his help, carrying bags for her with a cheerful smile. The neighbor thanked him warmly and said, “My dear boy, kindness and good manners make you a true gentleman.” That moment made Arjun proud and motivated him to continue practicing good etiquette.

The week passed quickly, and the school organized a special gathering where students performed role-plays and gave speeches about respectful behavior. When it was Arjun’s turn, he confidently spoke about how practicing good manners built his confidence and improved his relationships. He shared his story about helping the neighbor and the happiness it brought him.

His classmates and teachers applauded his efforts, and Mrs. Iyer smiled proudly, knowing that Arjun had understood the real lesson behind the event. Arjun realized that good etiquette was not about following boring rules, but about respecting others and oneself. It was the foundation that builds a person’s character, dignity, and worth in society.

From then on, Arjun continued living by this lesson. He greeted strangers with respect, listened patiently, helped those in need, and spoke kindly. He knew that good manners would not only open doors but also hearts, shaping him into a person others admired and trusted.

Questions:

(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage): [2 marks]

1. Etiquette (line 6)
   (a) bad behavior
   (b) rules of polite behavior
   (c) loud talk
   (d) anger
2. Respectful (line 21)
   (a) rude
   (b) polite and considerate
   (c) careless
   (d) selfish

(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of ‘loud’? [1 mark]

(a) soft
(b) patient
(c) busy
(d) strong

(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:

(a) Who was Arjun and what was his attitude toward manners at first? [2 marks]

(b) What event did Arjun’s school organize and why? [2 marks]

(c) How did Arjun start practicing good etiquette? [2 marks]

(d) What changes did Arjun notice after practicing good manners? [2 marks]

(e) What important lesson did Arjun learn about etiquette? [2 marks]

(iv) In not more than 70 words, narrate the sequence of events starting from Arjun’s attitude towards manners to his learning and practicing good etiquette at school. [8 marks]

Question 5:

(i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets: [4 marks]

1. Arjun (1) ________ (love) playing with his friends.
2. Mrs. Iyer (2) ________ (explain) the importance of good manners.
3. He (3) ________ (begin) to greet people politely.
4. Arjun (4) ________ (feel) more confident and respected.

(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words: [4 marks]

(a) Arjun spoke softly ________ public places.
(b) The teacher spoke ________ the importance of etiquette.
(c) Arjun helped others with kindness ________ patience.
(d) The school celebrated ________ Good Manners Week.
(e) People showed respect ________ each other.
(f) I prefer polite speech ________ rude words.
(g) We stayed ________ the school to attend the gathering.
(h) Arjun was proud ________ his good behavior.