Page 85 - Real English 2024 Book 8

A LESSON IN LIFE FROM A BEGGAR

C Think

C1 Think carefully and answer in detail.

1. In the story, the narrator was reluctant to spend time with Meena in Mumbai, having
previously known her only as a perpetually unhappy person. Do you think her feelings were
justified, or should she have been a little enthusiastic to catch up with Meena after so many
years?
2. Do you think money and happiness are completely unrelated things?

3. Write a character sketch of Meena.

D Language in Use

Vocabulary

D1 Read each idiom and its meaning given in the box. Rewrite the following sentences using
suitable idioms.

lend an ear: listen attentively
shape up or ship out: used to tell someone that if they don’t improve their performance at
work, they will lose their job
point of no return: a point when you have to continue with what you have decided to do,
because it is not possible to get back to an earlier situation

put one’s foot down: be very strict and firm, using one’s authority
through the grapevine: through an informal way of communication

ring a bell: it reminds you of something/somebody, but you cannot remember it exactly

1. After the new recruit made too many mistakes, the chief told her that she’d better do her job
satisfactorily or get out.

2. She requested him to pay attention to her as she had something to say.
3. I don’t remember her face, but her surname sounds familiar.

4. He heard through rumours that Ms Wagle was resigning from her post.
5. He has to be rigid about it and ask her to sign on the dotted line.

6. We can’t cancel the event as we’ve already sent the invitation cards. We have come to the
position from where it is impossible to go back.

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