Class 10 NCERT Solutions English Chapter 5(C): The Emerald Islands

Cluster: It is a group of similar things that are close together

Fauna: They are all the wild animals that live in a particular area

Penal settlement: A type of prison, which is often in a place far away from other people

Languish: This is to exist in an unpleasant or unwanted situation

Mangrove: It's a tropical tree, found near water, whose twisted roots grow partly above ground

Aboriginal: This is a person or living thing that has existed in a country or continent since the earliest time known to people

Archipelago: It is an area of sea in which there are many small islands

Topography: It refers to the shape of an area of land, including its hills, valleys etc

Meandering: It is to describe the course of a river, coast line or path that turns a lot

Snorkeling: It is an activity that involves swimming underwater using a breathing device

On a spring evening, some years ago, while living in Mumbai, I decided to take in a Musical, where I heard Lakshya Kumar sing for the first time. I was enthralled. I believed I had discovered the next Kishore Kumar. Yet, disappointed by the sparse audience, I decided to write an article to help promote him. Struggling to contain my excitement the next day, I phoned the theatre where he was performing and unabashedly acted like a professional writer: "May I speak with Lakshya Kumar please?" "Just one moment." replied the person at the other end. "Hello, this is Lakshya Kumar." answered a deep voice at the other end, "Who is speaking?" My trembling hands dropped the receiver and I seemed to have lost my voice. I heard the phone being disconnected at the other end. What an end to my grand plans!