Page 149 - Real English 2024 Book 8

A BEACON LIGHT FOR THE POOR

B6 Complete the profile of the village Kalva in the following table before and after the
transformation.

Before After

backward

gender discrimination

drought-prone
tarred roads

no safe drinking water

day-care centres
child marriages

C Think

C1 Think carefully and answer in detail.

1. Many among the villagers, particularly the powerful feudal landlords, resisted Fathima’s
efforts to wrest control of the village administration. What do you think would have been
her response to such arm-twisting tactics?

2. Support from families and friends and timely help and cooperation from organizations can
motivate people scale great heights in life and contribute to the society in a significant way.
How far do you think this is true in most cases, and especially in the life story of Fathima
Bi?

D Language in Use

Vocabulary

D1 Read the expressions and their meanings and use the suitable ones in the sentences that follow.

cynosure of all eyes = a person or thing that is the centre of attention or admiration
to wrest control = to gain control of something with much effort or difficulty
unflagging zeal = tireless enthusiasm
steeped in poverty = extremely poor

to embark upon = to begin something that will take a long time
to become the beacon light = to become a guiding light for others

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