Unit 17: Countries and Towns – Class 10 English Guide
![]() |
Countries and Towns Class 10 English Guide/Note. |
Reading I: London vs Paris
Objectives:
- a. To learn the vocabulary: gastronomy, rusty, urbanites, espressos, array, baguettes, written off, embracing, tramway, revenue, impeccable, swindle, impenetrable, cliques, chuggers, etc.
- b. To read the text and do the comprehension tasks
Reading II: The Country Mouse and the City Mouse
Objectives:
- a. To recite the poem
- b. To learn the vocabulary: snug, unmolested, supped, stray, bacon, frowned, horrid, reluctant, slily, dainties, custard, trifle, palate, regaling, venture, splendid, endure, etc.
- c. To read the poem and do the comprehension tasks
SEE Class 10 Compulsory English | All Units Notes:
- Unit-1 | Current Affairs and Issues | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-2 | Festivals and Celebrations | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-3 | Health and Wellness | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-4 | Work and Leisure | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-5 | Science and Experiment | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-6 | Food and Cuisine | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-7 | Cyber Security | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-8 | Hobbies and Interests | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-9 | History and Culture | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-10 | Games and Sports | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-11 | Ethics and Morality | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-12 | Nature and Development | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-13 | Population and Migration | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-14 | Travel and Adventure | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-15 | People and Places | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-16 | Success and Celebration | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-17 | Countries and Towns | Class 10 | English | Guide.
- Unit-18 | Media and Entertainment | Class 10 | English | Guide.
View All SEE Class 10 Compulsory English Notes:
SEE Class 10 Compulsory English | All Units Notes and Question Papers Collection.
Countries and Towns
Reading I
London VS Paris
(Adapted from an article by Alex published in ViaTravelers, Destination Travel Blog)
Summary of London VS Paris (Article)
London and Paris are two of the most famous cities in Europe. Both are known for their history, culture, and beautiful landmarks.
London is the capital of the United Kingdom. It’s a large, busy city with people from all over the world. It’s great for business, education, and job opportunities. It has many green parks and free museums, and the transportation system (the Tube) is easy to use.
Paris is the capital of France. It’s known for fashion, art, food, and romance. The city is more compact and has a beautiful, old style. People enjoy sitting in cafés and walking along the Seine River. The Metro is fast and cheap.
Main Differences:
Language: People speak English in London, French in Paris.
Food: London has food from many cultures. Paris is famous for French food like croissants, cheese, and wine.
Cost: Both cities are expensive, but London is usually more costly, especially for rent.
Weather: Both cities have similar weather—mild and often rainy.
A. Find the words from the text and fill in the cross word puzzle.
Answer:
1. a person who lives in a town - URBANITE
4. an impressive display of a particular type of thing - ARRAY
2. a person who approaches passers-by in the street asking for donations - CHUGGER
3. a set of rails that forms the route for a tram - TRAMWAY
5. full of energy and life - VIBRANT
8. a long, narrow French loaf - BAGUETTE
9. the art of choosing, cooking and eating good food - GASTRONOMY
B. Choose the correct alternative.
a. The transport network in London is .
i. limited
ii. widespread
iii. ruined
iv. Luxurious
Answer: ii. widespread
b. The number of museums in London is .
i. 69
ii. 153
iii. 240
iv. 380
Answer: iii. 240
c. Paris is better and has more to offer than London in terms of .
i. variety in cuisine
ii. number of museums
iii. arts and crafts
iv. Transport
Answer: i. variety in cuisine
d. Which of the following is not the major attraction of Paris?
i. fashion
ii. cuisine
iii. art
iv. public library
Answer: iv. public library
e. Which of the following is not the similarity between the two cities?
i. Both London and Paris are the capital cities.
ii. Both cities can be travelled all the year round with nice weather.
iii. People in both cities are friendly and welcoming.
iv. Both cities are famous for viewpoints and museums.
C. State whether the following statements are True or False.
Answer:
a. The French prefer handshakes to kisses. False
b. People in London are easy to get along with. False
c. The French enjoy talking informally in espresso bar. True
d. London is almost fifteen times larger than Paris in terms of geography. True
e. The cost of living in Paris is almost the same as that of London. False
f. If you are looking for a less populous city, than Paris would be a perfect suit. False
D. Answer these questions.
Questions answers of London VS Paris Class 10 (SEE).
a. What are the famous rivers in London and Paris?
Answer:
b. Why do football fans prefer London to Paris?
Answer:
c. Which of the two cities was visited by more tourists in 2018?
Answer:
d. What time of the year is suitable to visit London?
Answer:
e. Which of the two cities is cheaper to travel?
Answer:
f. Where do you think it is easier to catch a cab: In London or Paris? Why?
Answer:
G. Which of the two cities would yon like to visit? Give reasons.
With the given information in the text, if I have to choose between Paris and London, I would choose Paris without hesitation. The city of Eiffel tower captivates me with its timeless charm. Moreover, the city has many iconic landmarks, and rich cultural tapestry. The enchanting streets of Paris, many museums, and libraries can be a great attraction for the eyes and the soul. The city is also known for its amazing cuisines. Paris is called a haven for art lovers, fashion enthusiasts, and history buffs alike, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity and on the top, the city is comparatively, cheaper than London.
I would like to visit London. The city is a melting pot of cultures, making it a vibrant and diverse city. With its diverse population, there is a wide range of cuisines, languages, and traditions to experience. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the colorful markets of Brick Lane, London offers a unique fusion of cultures from around the world. This cultural diversity also extends to the arts scene, with a plethora of theaters, art galleries, and music venues showcasing a variety of performances and exhibitions.
Grammar I
A. Choose the correct adjective or adverb to complete the following sentences.
Answer:
a. My poor (poor/poorly) family can't afford a car. (adjective)
b. Sujata performed poorly (poor/poorly) at the concert. (adverb)
c. Suraj is calm (calm/calmly) under pressure. (adjective)
d. The cook patiently (patient/patiently) removed the boiling pot from the stove. (adverb)
e. The teacher spoke loudly (loud/loudly) to the students. (adverb)
f. Sunil walked to the kitchen quietly (quiet/quietly). (adverb)
g. The quiet (quiet/quietly) children listened to the teacher. (adjective)
h. The woman softly (soft/softly) sang a lullaby to her infant. (adverb)
i. The kitten timidly (timid/timidly) peered from under the couch. (adverb)
B. Choose the correct form of the adjectives or the adverbs given in brackets and rewrite the sentences.
Answer:
c. Wood is not as heavy (heavy) as iron. (adjective)
d. He ran more quickly (quickly) than I did. (adverb)
e. Albert Einstein was an intelligent (intelligent) person. (adjective)
f. My sister can speak English better (well) than Juna can. (adverb)
g. A family car is not as fast (fast) as a sports car. (adjective)
h. I wrote more beautifully (beautifully) than he did. (adverb)
i. Sunita did not dance as gracefully (gracefully) as Mamata did. (adverb)
Writing I
Write a couple of paragraphs comparing out capital city, Kathmandu with any other city in Nepal.
Kathmandu VS Pokhara
Kathmandu and Pokhara are two of the most popular cities in Nepal, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Kathmandu, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis situated in the Kathmandu Valley. It is known for its rich history, ancient temples, and vibrant cultural heritage. The city is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions, with its narrow streets lined with colorful shops, bustling markets, and centuries- old monuments. Kathmandu is also the gateway to the majestic Himalayas, making it a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Pokhara is a picturesque city nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, and it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Pokhara offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The city is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. Visitors can enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, explore the famous World Peace Pagoda, or indulge in adventurous activities like paragliding and hiking. Pokhara also serves as a gateway to popular trekking destinations like the Annapurna Circuit and the Mustang region.
While Kathmandu offers a blend of historical charm and urban energy, Pokhara captivates visitors with its natural splendor and laid-back ambiance. Both cities have their own distinct appeal and attractions. Kathmandu showcases ancient palaces, temples, and vibrant street life, while Pokhara offers breathtaking mountain views, tranquil lakes, and a serene environment. Whether one seeks cultural exploration or a peaceful retreat in nature, both Kathmandu and Pokhara provide unique experiences that make Nepal a remarkable destination to explore.
Reading II
The Country Mouse and the City Mouse
Summary of The Country Mouse and the City Mouse
The story "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse" is written by Ruchard Scrafton Sharpe. This story is a retelling of an old fable that compares two different lifestyles: the simple life in the countryside and the luxurious life in the city.
The story begins with a city mouse visiting his cousin, the country mouse. The country mouse offers him plain but honest food like barley and roots. The city mouse turns up his nose at it and invites the country mouse to visit him in the city to enjoy the finer things in life.
In the city, the country mouse is amazed by the rich food and fancy surroundings. However, their meal is interrupted by sudden danger—people and dogs chasing them. The country mouse realizes that life in the city may be richer, but it is also full of fear and danger.
In the end, the country mouse decides that he prefers his quiet, simple, and safe life in the countryside over the risky, high-class life in the city.
Moral of the Story
“Better a simple life in peace than a rich life in fear.”
The story teaches that comfort and safety are more valuable than luxury and danger.
A. Match the following words with their correct meanings.
a. snug | i. move away aimlessly from the place where one should be |
b. unmolested | ii. very unpleasant, rough |
c. stray | iii. unwilling and hesitant |
d. frown | iv. warm, comfortable and protected, especially from the cold |
e. horrid | v. a sweet yellow sauce made from milk, sugar, eggs, and flour |
f. reluctant | vi. entertain or amuse somebody with talk |
g. custard | vii. a cold dessert of sponge cake and fruit |
h. trifle | viii. to deal with something painful or unpleasant |
i. regale | ix. not disturbed or attacked by anything |
j. endure | x. a facial expression indicating disapproval or displeasure |
a. snug - iv. warm, comfortable and protected, especially from the cold
b. unmolested - ix. not disturbed or attacked by anything
c. stray - i. move away aimlessly from the place where one should be
d. frown - x. a facial expression indicating disapproval or displeasure
e. horrid - ii. very unpleasant, rough
f. reluctant - iii. unwilling and hesitant
g. custard - v. a sweet yellow sauce made from milk, sugar, eggs, and flour
h. trifle - vii. a cold dessert of sponge cake and fruit
i. regale - vi. entertain or amuse somebody with talk
j. endure - viii. to deal with something painful or unpleasant
B. Write whether the following statements are true or false.
Answer:
a. The country mouse was happy with the way she was living. True
b. The country mouse enjoyed the grand meal every day. False
c. The town mouse was unhappy with the food he was served. True
d. The town mouse invited the country mouse for a dinner in the town. True
e. In the town, the country mouse was served delicious food. True
f. There was no peace for the mice in the town. True.
C. Answer these questions.
Questions answers of The Country Mouse and the City Mouse Class 10 (SEE).
a. How did the country mouse live?
Answer:
b. Why did the town mouse go to the country?
Answer:
c. Was the country mouse happy to get an invitation to visit the town? Why?
Answer:
d. What happened while the mice were having dinner?
Answer:
While the mice were having dinner in the town, the dog, cat, and maid with a broom entered the room and interrupted their meal.
e. What did the country mouse request her friend for?
Answer:
D. Do you live in a town or a country? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living there?
I live in a country. Living in the countryside offers a peaceful and beautiful lifestyle. I can wake up to the sounds of birds, breathe fresh air, and enjoy stunning landscapes. There's plenty of space for gardens and outdoor activities, and you can find solitude and privacy. The tight-knit community provides a sense of belonging and support. Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and biking is easily accessible. While there may be some trade-offs, the advantages of country living make it a fulfilling and enriching experience.
I live in a town, and one of the advantages of living in a town is the convenience it offers. Towns typically have easy access to various facilities such as shopping centers, schools, healthcare facilities, and entertainment options. The availability of these services makes daily life more efficient, reducing the time and effort required for essential tasks. Additionally, towns often have better infrastructure, including reliable public transportation, which contributes to smoother connectivity and accessibility.
However, living in a town comes with its own set of disadvantages. One notable drawback is the higher cost of living compared to rural areas. Housing expenses, utility bills, and general living costs can be relatively high, putting financial pressure on residents. Moreover, towns tend to be busier and more crowded, leading to increased noise levels and a faster-paced lifestyle. Most of the town's lives have been badly affected by the pollution, hygiene, and security threats.
Grammar II
Complete the following sentences using the correct connectives given below.
because | because of | although | however |
despite/in spite of | but | - | - |
Answer:
a. Although it was summer, the days were rather cold.
b. A piece of stone struck the workman's head however, he was not hurt.
c. I like popcorn but I don't like pizza.
d. Despite/In spite of her age, she is still working very hard.
e. Although Narayan is a skillful worker, he can't read and write very well.
f. Because petrol had become so expensive, Brian sold his car and bought a motorcycle.
g. I took a taxi because it was raining.
h. All flights were cancelled because of the fog.
i. Despite/In spite of feeling unwell, she went to school.
j. Prinja felt cold although she was wearing a winter coat.
Writing II
The villages of Nepal that are untouched by modernity are the treasure of true natural beauty. They still hold their simplicity and rural appeal. There are several such hidden charms in the country. Lamidada Village is one of them. Describe the villages using the following information.
Lamidada Village: Nepal's Hidden Gem of Natural Beauty and Charm
Lamidada Village, located in the Khotang district of Nepal, is a hidden gem that retains its untouched natural beauty and rural charm. With stunning landscapes, this village offers a picturesque view of agricultural lands, traditional houses, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
The village is predominantly inhabited by the Rai people, and their rich cultural heritage can be observed in the traditional houses and the way of life. The villagers are known for their humility and warm hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms.
As we walk along the stone-paved path uphill, we'll witness the villagers carrying woods from the dense forest, highlighting their sustainable way of life. The forest surrounding the village is lush and vibrant, contributing to the overall natural beauty and ecological diversity of the area.
The weather in Lamidada Village varies throughout the day. In the morning, you may experience a slight chill in the air, which adds a refreshing touch to the surroundings. However, as the day progresses, the temperature rises, and the village basks in warm sunshine. This comfortable climate allows for various outdoor activities and exploration of the village's natural wonders.
Lamidada Village serves as a gateway to the sacred temple of Halesi Mahadev, adding a spiritual significance to its already captivating ambiance. The combination of untouched natural beauty, rural simplicity, and cultural richness makes Lamidada Village a true treasure worth discovering in Nepal.
Lamidada Village
Located in the heart of the Khotang district, Lamidada Village is known as a hidden gem untouched by modern way of life. Serving as the gateway to the sacred temple of Halesi Mahadev, this village is a true treasure trove of natural beauty and rural charm.
The weather in Lamidada offers a delightful contrast throughout the day. Mornings may be slightly chilly, but as the day progresses, the warmth embraces the village, creating a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. Lamidada Village stands as evidence to the harmonious coexistence of nature and human life, a place where tradition and simplicity flourish against the backdrop of Nepal's spectacular landscapes.
Suggestions and/or questions are always welcome, either post them in the comment form or send me an email at drgurung82@gmail.com.
However, comments are always reviewed and it may take some time to appear. Always keep in mind "URL without nofollow tag" will consider as a spam. 😜