The Luncheon - New Mulberry Coursebook - Class 8 - English

How did the woman know the narrator? Why did she want to meet him?

Why did the narrator order coffee for himself also?

Well, it’s many years since we first met. How time does fly! We’re none of us getting any younger. Do you remember the first time I saw you? You asked me to luncheon.

a.    Who is speaking and to whom?
b.    What does the expression ‘how time does fly’ mean?
c.     How long ago had they first met?

I tried with all my might to will him to say no. A happy smile spread over his broad, priest-like face, and he assured me that they had some so large, so splendid, so tender, that it was a marvel.

a.    What is the item described here? Who is describing it?
b.    Why did the narrator want him to say no?
c.     Why does the narrator refuse to have any of this splendid food item?

‘Humorist!’ she cried gaily, jumping into a cab. ‘You’re quite a humorist!’

a. Who said this to whom?
b. Why does the speaker say this?
c. What does this line tell you about the profession of the person being spoken to?

How much should a modest lunch have cost, according to the narrator? Did he have enough money for one when he invited the lady for a luncheon?

What was the narrator’s impression of the lady when he met her for the luncheon?

Why did the narrator feel complacent when he met the lady many years later?

‘I never eat anything for luncheon.’ Discuss the irony of this statement.

Give evidence from the chapter to show whether or not the narrator enjoyed the luncheon.

The story mentions many interesting kinds of food. Find out about some of the cuisines of other countries. How is food related to the geography of a land? Draw a themed map depicting famous foods of the world.

Make sentences with the following words taken from the story.
a.    sight                      b. interval                            c. flattered                          d. imposing
e.    reassured            f. anticipated                      g. unwise                             h. hospitable
i.      dramatic              j. humorist                          k. absent-mindedly          l. inadequate

In the sentences given below, say whether the words in italics are phrases or clauses.
a.    Newton discovered gravity.
b.    M.S. Subbulakshmi started learning Carnatic music at an early age.
c.     Mary Kom is a very talented boxer.
d.    I was reading a book about the life of Baba Amte.
e.    Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Flemming.

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each sentence. Make necessary changes to the sentences but do not alter their meaning.
a.    Jack ploughed the field and he sowed the beans.
        Begin: Having _______________.
b.    The farmers harvest rainwater and they plant trees.
        Begin: Besides _______________.
c.     Besides running the relay, Shiney also ran the marathon.
        Begin: Not only _______________ .
d.    The fireman rescued the boy, and then he put out the fire.
        Begin: Having rescued the boy, _______________ .

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make necessary changes but do not alter the meaning of the sentences.
a.            My grandmother requested my help.
                Begin: My grandmother requested ______________________________.
b.            The man was too distracted to work.
                Begin: The man was so distracted ______________________________.
c.             The cake was so large that it could not fit in the box.
                Begin: The cake was too ______________________________.
d.            They went to bed early because they were tired.
                Begin: Being ______________________________

Follow the examples and rewrite the following sentences as directed. One has been done for you.
a.    The film began as soon as we arrived.
        Begin: No sooner did we arrive than the film began.
b.    Lincoln faced many hardships but he educated himself.
        Begin: Although ______________________________ .
c.     Smile and the world will smile with you.
        Begin: If ______________________________.
d.    My grandmother is old, but she is very active.
        Begin: Though ______________________________.
e.    The sun rose and we set out on the trek.
        Begin: When ______________________________.

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each sentence. Make necessary changes but do not change the meaning of the sentences.
a.    The train pulled out of the station as soon as we boarded.
        Begin: No sooner ______________________________
b.    The director called for a cut as soon as the actor delivered his lines.
        Begin: Hardly had ______________________________
c.     As soon as the sun rose, Hilary and Tenzing began their trek.
        Begin: No sooner ______________________________
d.    As soon as they reached the summit, a strong wind started.
        Begin: Hardly ______________________________

Follow the examples and join the pairs of sentences as directed.
a.    I was late to work. I stayed back to finish my assignment. (Join using since)
        Since I was late to work I stayed back to complete my assignment.
b.    He is going to New York but he has always wanted to go to London. His grandfather stays in
        London (Join the sentences using because and begin with although.)
c.     The Mice are at play because the cat is away. (Begin with while)
d.    He doesn’t know his mother tongue. He grew up in London. (Join using because)
e.    Keep the leftover food inside the refrigerator. It might go bad. (Begin with since)
f.     She doesn’t speak good French. She understands French very well. (Begin with although)

Your school is holding a cooking competition. Draw up a notice inviting students to participate in it. Mention the date, time and venue, and the last date for registering.