EduAir Class 9 – English :: Lesson 5 – A Visit to Kaziranga and Sivasagar

Class 9 – English :: Lesson 5 – A Visit to Kaziranga and Sivasagar

🔍 Summary (Beginner Level)

The lesson describes a school trip to two famous tourist destinations in Assam — Kaziranga National Park and Sivasagar. The narrator, a student, shares his experience of the trip, which was both educational and exciting. The students first visit Kaziranga, famous for the one-horned rhinoceros, and enjoy the beauty of nature and wildlife. They then travel to Sivasagar, known for its historical monuments related to the Ahom dynasty, like the Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar.


📚 Glossary (With Simple Meanings)

WordMeaning
SanctuaryA protected area for animals
ExpeditionA journey for a special purpose
MajesticGrand or impressive
HeritageCultural or historical legacy
EnthralledFascinated or charmed
PanoramicWide view
SereneCalm and peaceful

❓ Textual Questions and Answers (Intermediate)

1. Where is Kaziranga located?

Ans: Kaziranga is located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam.

2. What is Kaziranga famous for?

Ans: Kaziranga is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Why did the students go to Sivasagar?

Ans: The students went to Sivasagar to learn about the rich history and culture of Assam, especially about the Ahom kings.

4. Name some historical monuments the students visited in Sivasagar.

Ans: They visited Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and Kareng Ghar.


✍️ Long Answer Questions (Advanced)

1. Describe the students’ experience at Kaziranga National Park.

Ans: The students had a wonderful experience at Kaziranga. They saw various animals like elephants, deer, and especially the one-horned rhinoceros. The guide explained the importance of preserving wildlife. The park’s natural beauty left a lasting impression on them.

2. What is the significance of Sivasagar in Assam’s history?

Ans: Sivasagar was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom. The Ahoms ruled Assam for over 600 years. The historical monuments like Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar show the architectural brilliance of the time and hold great historical importance. Visiting these sites helped the students connect with their roots.

3. How does this lesson promote tourism and heritage awareness among students?

Ans: This lesson shows how educational trips can help students learn about their state’s natural beauty and rich heritage. It encourages students to explore and appreciate their surroundings, thus promoting tourism and heritage preservation.


💡 Extra Practice (All Levels)

Fill in the blanks:

  1. Kaziranga is home to the ___________ rhinoceros.
  2. Rang Ghar is also known as Asia’s oldest ___________.
  3. The Ahoms ruled Assam for over __________ years.

Answers:

  1. One-horned
  2. Amphitheatre
  3. 600

Match the following:

AB
KazirangaWildlife Sanctuary
SivasagarHistorical town
Rang GharSports Pavilion

This lesson is about two famous tourist destinations in Assam—Kaziranga National Park and Sivasagar.

  • Kaziranga is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros, a unique and endangered species. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Sivasagar was the capital of the Ahom kings and is famous for its historical monuments like Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and ancient temples.

The lesson is written in the form of a travel diary by a student who visits these places with her parents. She shares her experiences, excitement, and historical knowledge of the places.


✍️ Textbook Question-Answers

Comprehension Questions (From the Textbook)

1. Choose the correct option:

(i) Kaziranga is situated on the bank of the river —
Ans: (b) Brahmaputra

(ii) Kaziranga is famous for —
Ans: (c) one-horned rhinoceros

(iii) Sivasagar was the capital of —
Ans: (a) the Ahom kings

(iv) The Rang Ghar was used as a —
Ans: (a) royal sports pavilion


2. Answer these questions in brief:

(a) Why is Kaziranga famous?
Ans: Kaziranga is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros and its rich wildlife. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(b) What makes Sivasagar a historically important place?
Ans: Sivasagar was the capital of the Ahom kingdom. It has historical monuments like the Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and ancient temples built by the Ahom kings.

(c) How did the writer and her parents reach Kaziranga from Nagaon?
Ans: They travelled to Kaziranga by car from Nagaon.

(d) What is the Rang Ghar?
Ans: The Rang Ghar is a two-storied oval-shaped pavilion built by Ahom King Pramatta Singha, used for watching games and sports.


3. Long Answer Type Questions (Advanced Level)

(a) Describe the writer’s experience in Kaziranga National Park.
Ans: The writer was very excited to visit Kaziranga. She saw wild animals including the famous one-horned rhinoceros during the jeep safari. She enjoyed the natural beauty and learned that the park is home to many endangered species. She was amazed by how well the park was preserved.

(b) Explain the historical significance of the Talatal Ghar.
Ans: The Talatal Ghar was built by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha. It is a seven-storied building with underground tunnels and secret passages used during wars. It is an example of the advanced architecture of the Ahom period.

(c) Why is it important for students to visit places like Kaziranga and Sivasagar?
Ans: Visiting such places helps students learn outside books. They understand the importance of conservation (Kaziranga) and gain knowledge about their rich history and culture (Sivasagar). It builds awareness and love for their heritage and environment.


🧾 Vocabulary and Grammar Practice (Mixed Levels)

1. Match the following:

Column AColumn B
UNESCOWorld Heritage Site
RhinoEndangered species
Rang GharSports pavilion
Ahom dynastySivasagar

2. Fill in the blanks:

  • Kaziranga is home to the famous one-horned rhinoceros.
  • The Ahom kings ruled Assam for nearly 600 years.
  • Siva Dol is one of the tallest Shiva temples in India.

3. Make sentences:

  • Heritage – Kaziranga is a heritage site protected by UNESCO.
  • Excited – I was excited to see the rhinoceros for the first time.
  • Architecture – The architecture of the Talatal Ghar is amazing.

🧑‍🏫 Activity for Students

Imagine you visited Kaziranga. Write a short diary entry (6-7 lines) describing your visit.
Hint: Mention animals, jeep safari, feelings, what you learned, etc.

📔 Sample Diary Entry – A Visit to Kaziranga

Date: 5th February, 2025
Place: Kaziranga National Park

Today was one of the best days of my life! I visited Kaziranga National Park with my parents. We went on a jeep safari early in the morning. I saw a one-horned rhinoceros for the first time – it was huge and amazing! We also saw deer, wild elephants, and many birds. The forest was so beautiful and peaceful. I learned that Kaziranga is a World Heritage Site and must be protected. I will never forget this thrilling adventure!

🔹 Textual Questions and Answers

I. Multiple Choice Questions (Choose the correct option):

  1. Kaziranga is situated on the bank of the river —
    👉 (b) Brahmaputra
  2. Kaziranga is famous for —
    👉 (c) one-horned rhinoceros
  3. Sivasagar was the capital of —
    👉 (a) the Ahom kings
  4. The Rang Ghar was used as a —
    👉 (a) royal sports pavilion

II. Very Short Answer Questions:

  1. When did the writer and her parents start their journey?
    👉 They started their journey at 5:30 am.
  2. How did they travel to Kaziranga from Nagaon?
    👉 They travelled by car.
  3. Name a tourist lodge mentioned in the lesson.
    👉 Bonashree Tourist Lodge.
  4. What is Kaziranga famous for?
    👉 It is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros.
  5. What is Rang Ghar?
    👉 It is an ancient sports pavilion built by the Ahom king Pramatta Singha.

III. Short Answer Type Questions:

  1. Why is Kaziranga National Park famous?
    👉 Kaziranga National Park is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros. It is also home to many other wild animals and birds and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. What did the writer see during the jeep safari?
    👉 During the jeep safari, the writer saw rhinos, deer, elephants, wild buffaloes, and various birds in the park.
  3. What historical places did the writer visit in Sivasagar?
    👉 The writer visited Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and Siva Dol in Sivasagar.
  4. What is the importance of Sivasagar in Assam’s history?
    👉 Sivasagar was the capital of the Ahom dynasty. It has several important monuments and temples built by the Ahom kings and represents the rich history and culture of Assam.

IV. Long Answer Type Questions:

  1. Describe the writer’s experience in Kaziranga National Park.
    👉 The writer was very excited to visit Kaziranga. She and her parents started their journey early in the morning and reached the park by car. They took a jeep safari to explore the park. She saw the one-horned rhinoceros, which Kaziranga is famous for, along with many other animals and birds. The writer was amazed by the natural beauty of the park and learned about the importance of wildlife conservation.
  2. Why did the writer find the visit to Sivasagar memorable?
    👉 The writer found the visit to Sivasagar memorable because of its rich historical significance. She visited ancient monuments like Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar, which showcased the glory of the Ahom rulers. She also visited Siva Dol, one of the tallest Shiva temples. The entire visit was educational and helped her understand the culture and history of Assam better.

📘 Extra Inside Questions (with Answers)

🔹 Short Answer Type:

  1. What is the significance of Kaziranga being a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
    👉 It means Kaziranga is recognized internationally for its natural importance and needs to be preserved for future generations.
  2. How does the writer describe the journey from Nagaon to Kaziranga?
    👉 The writer describes it as exciting and scenic. They started early in the morning, and the surroundings became greener as they approached the forest area.
  3. Name two animals (other than the rhinoceros) the writer saw during the jeep safari.
    👉 Wild elephants and deer.
  4. What do the structures like Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar tell us about the Ahom kings?
    👉 These structures show that the Ahom kings were skilled builders and lovers of art, architecture, and sports.
  5. Why was the writer eager to visit Kaziranga?
    👉 She had read and heard a lot about the one-horned rhinoceros and wanted to see it in real life.

📖 Comprehension Passages (with Q&A)


🔸 Passage 1:

“We started our journey from Nagaon at 5:30 in the morning. My father had already booked a room in Bonashree Tourist Lodge. We had our breakfast at a roadside dhaba and reached Kaziranga by 7:30 am. We were all very excited.”

Questions:

  1. When did the writer start the journey?
  2. Where did they plan to stay at Kaziranga?
  3. How did the family feel about the trip?

Answers:

  1. The writer started the journey at 5:30 in the morning.
  2. They planned to stay at Bonashree Tourist Lodge.
  3. The family was very excited about the trip.

🔸 Passage 2:

“Kaziranga is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros. We went on a jeep safari in the park. It was thrilling to see wild animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. We saw rhinos, deer, wild elephants, and buffaloes.”

Questions:

  1. What is Kaziranga famous for?
  2. What mode of travel did they use in the park?
  3. Name any two animals the writer saw.

Answers:

  1. Kaziranga is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros.
  2. They used a jeep for the safari.
  3. The writer saw rhinos and wild elephants (among others).

🔸 Passage 3:

“We then visited Sivasagar, the old capital of the Ahom kings. We saw the Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar. These monuments speak of the rich history and architecture of the Ahoms. I felt proud to be part of this heritage.”

Questions:

  1. What was Sivasagar known for in the past?
  2. Name two historical places the writer visited in Sivasagar.
  3. How did the writer feel about the visit?

Answers:

  1. Sivasagar was the capital of the Ahom kings.
  2. The writer visited Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar.
  3. The writer felt proud to be part of such a rich heritage.

Prepositions of Place and Time

📍 Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place are words that show the position or location of a noun in relation to another object. Common prepositions of place include: in, on, at, under, over, above, below, behind, between, next to, near, beside.


Common Prepositions of Place: Rules & Examples

PrepositionUsage RuleExample
InUsed when something is inside an enclosed space.The animals live in the forest.
OnUsed when something is resting on a surface.Kaziranga is on the bank of the river Brahmaputra.
AtUsed to point to a specific location or place.We had breakfast at a roadside dhaba.
UnderSomething is lower than or directly beneath.The tunnel was under the building.
OverUsed when something is directly above but not touching.The helicopter flew over the park.
AboveHigher than something, but not touching.Birds flew above the trees.
BelowLower than something.The secret room was below the palace.
BehindAt the back of something.The deer were hiding behind the bushes.
Next to / BesideClose to or at the side of.The lodge was next to the forest gate.
BetweenIn the middle of two things.The temple stood between two large ponds.

Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time show the relationship between time and other elements in a sentence. Common ones include: at, on, in, by, before, after, since, for, from…to.


Common Prepositions of Time: Rules & Examples

PrepositionUsage RuleExample
AtUsed for a specific time.We started our journey at 5:30 a.m.
OnUsed for specific days and dates.We visited Kaziranga on Sunday.
InUsed for months, years, centuries, or longer periods.We went there in February.
ByIndicates a time before or at a specific point.We reached the park by 7:30 a.m.
BeforeEarlier than a certain time.We arrived before the gates opened.
AfterLater than a certain time.We had lunch after the safari.
SinceFrom a specific point in the past until now (used with perfect tenses).Kaziranga has been a World Heritage Site since 1985.
ForUsed to measure a duration of time.We stayed there for two days.
From…toShows the beginning and end of a time period.The tour lasted from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

✍️ Quick Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions of place:

  • The rhino was standing ___ the water. (in)
  • The tourist lodge is ___ the national highway. (on)
  • The Rang Ghar is located ___ Sivasagar town. (in)

2. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions of time:

  • We reached Kaziranga ___ 7:00 am. (at)
  • Our journey started ___ Sunday. (on)
  • We stayed at the lodge ___ two days. (for)

Descriptive Phrase

A descriptive phrase is a group of words that adds more detail to a noun, pronoun, or verb, and it functions to make a sentence more vivid and informative. Descriptive phrases provide extra information about a subject, an action, or an object in a way that engages the reader’s imagination and paints a clear picture.

What is a Descriptive Phrase?

A descriptive phrase can be either a noun phrase or a verb phrase, but it is always used to modify or describe something. In simple terms, it is a group of words that give more details about a person, place, thing, or action.

Examples of Descriptive Phrases:

  1. Adjective Phrases (Describing a noun)
    • The old wooden chair creaked loudly.
    • The bright red flowers bloomed in the garden.
  2. Noun Phrases (Acting as a noun itself, but with additional description)
    • The man with a gray beard is my grandfather.
    • I saw a mountain covered in snow during my trip.
  3. Prepositional Phrases (Adding extra detail about a location, time, or condition)
    • He walked through the forest.
    • The book was lying on the table.
  4. Adverbial Phrases (Describing how, when, or where an action happens)
    • She sings with great passion.
    • He ran in the rain.

Rules and Usage of Descriptive Phrases

1. Descriptive Phrases Modify Nouns (Adjective Phrases)

  • Adjective phrases describe or modify a noun and make it more detailed.
  • It can be placed before or after the noun depending on the sentence structure.

Examples:

  • The tall building was visible from a distance. (Before the noun)
  • I saw a man wearing a blue jacket. (After the noun)

Rule:

  • Adjective phrases often consist of adjectives, articles, or prepositions. For example: “covered in dust” or “full of energy”.
  • Adjective phrases can add size, color, appearance, origin, quantity, and condition to nouns.

2. Descriptive Phrases Modify Verbs (Adverbial Phrases)

  • Adverbial phrases describe or modify the verb. They tell us how, when, where, why, or to what extent something is done.

Examples:

  • She ran as fast as she could. (How fast)
  • He woke up early in the morning. (When)

Rule:

  • Adverbial phrases can also be used to express time, manner, place, or degree. They are typically formed with prepositions, adverbs, or nouns.
    • Example: with ease, in a hurry, at dawn.

3. Descriptive Phrases Add Details to the Subject (Noun Phrases)

  • A noun phrase consists of a noun and its modifiers, providing extra information about the subject or object.

Examples:

  • The tall, dark, and handsome man walked into the room.
  • I love the fresh, warm bread from the bakery.

Rule:

  • Noun phrases can be extended with adjectives or other descriptive elements that elaborate on the subject or object.
  • It can include determiners (like “the”, “a”, “this”), adjectives (like “happy”, “old”), or prepositional phrases (like “in the sky”, “with a smile”).

4. Use of Prepositional Phrases as Descriptive Phrases

Prepositional phrases are often used to give additional details about the location, time, or circumstances surrounding the subject or verb.

Examples:

  • She is sitting on the chair near the window.
  • The book is under the table.
  • The children are playing in the park.

Rule:

  • Prepositional phrases start with a preposition (such as “in”, “on”, “at”, “under”, “with”) and provide essential information about the relationship between different parts of the sentence.

How to Identify Descriptive Phrases in a Sentence

You can identify a descriptive phrase by asking “What is being described?” or “What additional detail is being added?” For example, in the sentence:

  • The man with the big hat walked down the street.

The descriptive phrase here is “with the big hat” because it describes the man.


Common Mistakes to Avoid with Descriptive Phrases:

  1. Overuse of Descriptive Phrases:
    • While descriptive phrases add richness to writing, too many can overwhelm the reader and make the sentence confusing. It’s important to keep sentences clear and to the point.
    Example (overuse):The man with the long brown coat, who was standing in front of the door with a suitcase, looked lost.
    • This sentence could be clearer by removing unnecessary details.
  2. Misplaced Descriptive Phrases:
    • Ensure that descriptive phrases are placed correctly in a sentence. Misplaced phrases can change the meaning of a sentence.
    Example (misplaced):He almost drove the car with great care.
    • This suggests that he almost drove carefully, but the intention is to show that he drove with great care.
    • Corrected: He drove the car with great care.

Using Descriptive Phrases in Writing:

In narrative writing or descriptions (like in the chapter “A Visit to Kaziranga and Sivasagar”), descriptive phrases make your writing more vivid. They help the reader form a mental picture of the scene, feeling, or action.

Examples from the Chapter:

  • The early morning sun shone brightly over Kaziranga.
  • The lush green fields and dense forests made the journey exciting.

These phrases help the reader visualize the setting and experience the scene more deeply.

Conjunction & Its Kinds

📘 What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, or sentences together.

👉 Think of conjunctions as “linking words” that help ideas flow smoothly.


Common Conjunctions:

  • and, but, or, so, because, although, if, when, since, unless, until etc.

🧠 Why are Conjunctions Important?

  • They make sentences clearer and more natural.
  • They reduce repetition.
  • They connect similar or opposite ideas.
  • They help in writing complex or compound sentences.

🔍 Kinds of Conjunctions

There are 3 main types of conjunctions:


1️⃣ Coordinating Conjunctions

These join two equal parts – words, phrases, or independent clauses.

✳️ Common coordinating conjunctions:

FANBOYS:
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

📌 Examples:

  • She bought apples and bananas.
  • He is poor, but honest.
  • Do you want tea or coffee?
  • He was tired, so he went to bed.

✅ Rules:

  • Use a comma before the conjunction if you are joining two independent clauses.
    • ✔️ I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.

2️⃣ Subordinating Conjunctions

These join an independent clause and a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone).

✳️ Common subordinating conjunctions:

because, although, since, if, when, while, until, unless, before, after, as

📌 Examples:

  • I stayed at home because it was raining.
  • Although he tried hard, he failed.
  • If you study well, you will pass.

✅ Rules:

  • If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma after it:
    • ✔️ Although it was raining, we went out.
  • No comma is needed if the dependent clause comes after:
    • ✔️ We went out although it was raining.

3️⃣ Correlative Conjunctions

These work in pairs to connect equal elements.

✳️ Common correlative pairs:

either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, both…and, whether…or

📌 Examples:

  • Either you come on time or miss the show.
  • Neither the teacher nor the students were late.
  • Not only did she sing, but also danced beautifully.

✅ Rules:

  • Keep the grammatical structure parallel on both sides.
    • ✔️ She is not only kind but also smart.
    • She is not only kind but also with smartness.

💡 Quick Recap Table

TypeFunctionExamples
CoordinatingJoins equal partsand, but, or, so
SubordinatingJoins dependent and independent clausesbecause, although, if, when
CorrelativeUsed in pairs to link balanced partseither…or, neither…nor, both…and

📝 Practice Sentences (Fill in the blanks):

  1. I was tired, ___ I went to sleep. (so)
  2. She will come ___ you invite her. (if)
  3. ___ he is rich, he is not proud. (Although)
  4. He is ___ kind ___ generous. (both…and)
  5. We stayed home ___ it was raining. (because)

**********