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Time to think and answer

1. Hamid fell prey to temptation two or three times at the fair. But each time he succeeded in
controlling himself. How did he do so and what does this tell the reader about his character?
Answer in 100–120 words. life skill managing emotions

2. The shopkeeper had a change of heart and agreed to give Hamid the tongs for three pice.
Why do you think he did so?

3. If you were the eldest of the group of boys who went to the fair, how would you have ensured
that Hamid was looked after well? Tell the class about it. life skill leadership skills

Time to study language

A verb should agree with its subject in number and in person. In other words, a singular subject
takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Let us understand the rules of
subject−verb agreement.

1. If two or more singular nouns or pronouns are joined by and, a plural verb is to be used.
For example,

• Noorey and Hamid are going to the fair.

• Their car and house have been sold to my friend.

But sometimes, plural nouns or two singular nouns joined by and suggest a single person,
thing or idea. Then the verb used should be singular. For example,

• A great poet and essayist has died. (The same person is being referred to.)

• Bread and butter is my Hamid’s favourite breakfast. (Considered as a single item)

• Ten kilometres is a good distance. (The distance is being referred to.)

• Gulliver’s Travels is an interesting story. (The title of the book.)

• Sales and marketing of products depends on their quality. (Taken as a single entity.)

• The United States is a big country. (Taken as a single entity.)

2. A singular noun joined to another singular or plural noun by with, along with, as well as,
takes a singular verb. For example,

• She, along with her friends, is joining us shortly.

• The bus, with all its passengers, seems to be veering off the road.

• Noorey, as well as her sisters, is interested in buying this property.

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