Grade 10 · English
Unit 8 · Hobbies and Interests
Hobbies and Interests
Last Updated: August 2026
Class 10 English Unit 8 Hobbies and Interests complete exercise solutions with Reading I Common Hobbies question answers, grammar exercises on passive voice, and writing tasks for SEE 2083 exam preparation. This unit explores different hobbies and how they can influence our personal and professional lives.
📑 Table of Contents
Reading I: Common Hobbies
A. Write synonyms and antonyms for the following words from the text.
a. unrevealed (synonym)
Answer: hidden / undisclosed
b. sharpen (synonym)
Answer: hone / whet
c. boring (antonym)
Answer: exciting / interesting
d. unexcited (antonym)
Answer: excited / enthusiastic
e. healing (synonym)
Answer: curing / therapeutic
f. frame (synonym)
Answer: structure / skeleton
B. Find the meanings of the following words/phrases from a dictionary and use them in sentences of your own.
a. ignite
Meaning: to catch fire; to arouse or excite
Sentence: Reading good books can ignite a passion for learning.
Sentence: Reading good books can ignite a passion for learning.
b. in-demand
Meaning: wanted or sought after by many people
Sentence: Skilled workers are highly in-demand in the job market.
Sentence: Skilled workers are highly in-demand in the job market.
c. let off
Meaning: to release; to excuse from punishment
Sentence: Dancing is a great way to let off excess energy.
Sentence: Dancing is a great way to let off excess energy.
d. a notch
Meaning: a degree or level; a higher standard
Sentence: You can take your hobby up a notch by joining a professional class.
Sentence: You can take your hobby up a notch by joining a professional class.
e. passionate
Meaning: having strong feelings or beliefs
Sentence: She is passionate about painting and spends hours on it.
Sentence: She is passionate about painting and spends hours on it.
f. refurbishing
Meaning: renovating to make it look new again
Sentence: He enjoys refurbishing old furniture and giving it a fresh look.
Sentence: He enjoys refurbishing old furniture and giving it a fresh look.
g. a blog
Meaning: a website with regular posts about opinions or experiences
Sentence: She writes a blog about healthy living and fitness tips.
Sentence: She writes a blog about healthy living and fitness tips.
h. hanging out
Meaning: spending time relaxing or socializing
Sentence: I enjoy hanging out with my friends on weekends.
Sentence: I enjoy hanging out with my friends on weekends.
C. Write True if the information is true, False if it is false and NG if the information is not given in the text.
a. Outdoor hobbies are more popular than indoor hobbies. NG
b. You need more effort for reading than for other hobbies. False
c. Only good dancers choose dancing as their hobby. False
d. Antiques are also used for interior decoration in a house. True
e. Paintings can be used to express your feelings. True
f. People who choose photography as their hobbies are pro photographers. False
g. Keeping journals helps people become successful. NG
h. Flexibility in time and place is the best part of knitting. True
D. Answer these questions.
a. What aspects of our life influence the hobbies we choose?
Answer: Our hobbies are influenced by our personality, interests, budget, available time, the place where we live and our age.
b. What makes reading the most popular hobby?
Answer: Reading is one of the most popular hobbies because it is inexpensive, easy to pursue and can be done anywhere at any time without any special gear.
c. How can people practise dancing?
Answer: People can practise dancing by putting on music, letting their bodies move to the beat, dancing around their living room, joining a dance studio or taking online dancing courses.
d. What things are necessary for one to go with painting?
Answer: To start painting, one needs to visit an art supply store and buy paints and brushes. One does not have to be a great painter and can start simple.
e. Write the benefits of doing photography.
Answer: Photography allows a person to preserve memories, have beautiful pictures on the walls and it is a rewarding hobby that does not require being a professional.
f. Why has writing become a popular hobby?
Answer: Writing has become a popular hobby because of the freedom it offers. People can write about anything and writing journals helps handle stress, relax and boost productivity.
g. How can knitting be rewarding to a person?
Answer: Knitting is rewarding because it allows people to make good use of free time, improve their winter wardrobe, make gifts for family and friends, exercise their hands and improve coordination.
Show Set 2 Answers (Upgraded Understanding)
a. What aspects of our life influence the hobbies we choose?
Answer: Our hobbies are influenced by several aspects of our life including our personality, interests, budget, available time, the place where we live and our age. The text mentions that hobbies can be anything from reading to photography and some require a lot of time and money while others do not. Individual preferences and cultural influences also play a role in the hobbies we choose.
b. What makes reading the most popular hobby?
Answer: Reading is one of the most popular hobbies because it is inexpensive, easy to pursue and can be done anywhere and at any time. The text states that reading is one of the cheapest of hobbies and you do not require any special gear. You can simply head to your local library or download PDFs. There is also a variety of genres to choose from, making it accessible to everyone.
c. How can people practise dancing?
Answer: People can practise dancing by simply putting on music and letting their bodies move to the beat. They can have fun dancing around their living room, join a dance studio or take online dancing courses. The text mentions that dancing does not require any special skills and even those who are terrible dancers can enjoy it.
d. What things are necessary for one to go with painting?
Answer: To start painting, one needs to visit an art supply store and buy paints and brushes. The text mentions that you do not have to be a great painter. You can start simple and paint whatever comes to your mind. You can decide to paint on an easel or create murals. The most important thing is to be creative and expressive.
e. Write the benefits of doing photography.
Answer: Photography has several benefits. It allows you to preserve memories and have beautiful pictures on your walls. The text mentions that you do not need to be a professional photographer or have the best equipment. All you need is a good eye, a camera or smartphone and a basic understanding of lighting, depth and exposure. It is described as a rewarding hobby.
f. Why has writing become a popular hobby?
Answer: Writing has become a popular hobby because of the freedom it offers. People can write about anything from how they spent their day to new recipes. Writing journals helps handle stress, relax and boost productivity. Studies show that the world's most successful people keep journals. Additionally, writing blogs allows people to express themselves and connect with like-minded individuals.
g. How can knitting be rewarding to a person?
Answer: Knitting is rewarding because it allows people to make good use of their free time while improving their winter wardrobe and making gifts for family and friends. The text mentions that one can knit mittens, hats, scarves and blankets to keep warm when it is cold. It also exercises the hands and improves coordination. The best part is that you can knit anywhere on the bus, while watching TV, listening to music or hanging out with friends.
E. Do you think a person's hobby really helps him/her in professional career? Discuss.
Answer:
Yes, I believe a person's hobby can significantly help in their professional career. Hobbies often develop skills that are transferable to the workplace. For example, reading improves vocabulary, comprehension and knowledge which are valuable in any profession. Writing as a hobby enhances communication skills which is essential in almost every career. Photography can develop attention to detail and creativity. Dancing improves physical fitness and confidence. Additionally, hobbies provide an outlet for stress relief which contributes to better mental health and productivity at work. Many successful people have turned their hobbies into successful careers. The skills, discipline and passion developed through hobbies often give people an edge in their professional lives.
Grammar I
A. Complete the following sentences with the correct passive forms of the verbs.
a. Ganga feeds the dogs. The dogs are fed by Ganga.
b. The police catch a lot of criminals in London. A lot of criminals are caught in London.
c. They often help us. We are often helped by them.
d. They don't rent cars there. Cars are not rented there.
e. Do you turn the laptop on first? Is the laptop turned on first?
f. Somebody follows me home every evening. Every evening I am followed home.
g. We usually leave a saucer of milk for the cat. A saucer of milk is usually left for the cat.
h. I like journalists following me on the way. I like being followed on the way.
i. I loathe people pulling my hair. I loathe having my hair pulled.
j. Ashmina adores teachers checking her notebooks. Ashmina adores having her notebooks checked.
k. Deuniya does not mind anyone mocking at him. Deuniya does not mind being mocked at.
B. Change the following sentences into passive voice.
a. The gardener waters the flowers every day.
Answer: The flowers are watered by the gardener every day.
b. People see foxes in their gardens at night.
Answer: Foxes are seen in their gardens at night.
c. We expect students not to talk during examination.
Answer: Students are expected not to talk during examination.
d. Rivers of fresh water form this lake.
Answer: This lake is formed by rivers of fresh water.
e. National parks attract many domestic and foreign tourists.
Answer: Many domestic and foreign tourists are attracted by national parks.
f. They promise him higher wages.
Answer: He is promised higher wages.
g. Does Biraj always beat Balgopal?
Answer: Is Balgopal always beaten by Biraj?
h. Nobody knows the secret.
Answer: The secret is not known by anybody.
i. They are sure to help the helpless.
Answer: The helpless are sure to be helped by them.
j. Scientists have to discover a more effective vaccine for Covid-19.
Answer: A more effective vaccine for Covid-19 has to be discovered by scientists.
k. What do they prefer to eat?
Answer: What is preferred to be eaten?
l. Sources say most people in the region are still illiterate.
Answer: It is said by sources that most people in the region are still illiterate.
Writing I
People have different hobbies and interests which may lead them to their careers they adopt. Write an essay on your hobbies explaining how they might influence your career.
Answer:
My Hobbies and Their Influence on My Career
Hobbies are not just a form of entertainment. They are also great for igniting our creativity and discovering some of our hidden talents. My hobbies include reading, writing and photography. I believe these hobbies will have a positive influence on my future career.
Reading is one of my favourite hobbies. It is not only a fun activity but a way of improving myself. Whether I read to get information or be entertained, there is undoubtedly a book for me as there are a variety of genres to choose from. Reading has improved my vocabulary and comprehension skills. I believe this will help me in any career I choose because good communication is essential in every profession. Reading also broadens my knowledge about different subjects which will make me a well-informed professional.
Writing is another hobby I enjoy. I write about everything from how I spent my day to new ideas that come to my mind. Writing journals helps me handle stress, relax and boost my productivity. This hobby has improved my ability to express myself clearly and organise my thoughts. In my future career, strong writing skills will be valuable for preparing reports, communicating with colleagues and presenting ideas effectively.
Photography is a hobby that has taught me patience and attention to detail. All I need is a good eye, a camera and a basic understanding of lighting and exposure. Photography allows me to preserve memories and see the world from different perspectives. This hobby has developed my creative thinking and observation skills which will be useful in any professional field.
In conclusion, I believe that my hobbies are not just pastimes. They are helping me develop important skills that will benefit my career. Reading, writing and photography have made me a more creative, disciplined and thoughtful person ready to face the challenges of professional life.
Reading II: Climbing
A. Find the words from the text above that have the following meanings.
a. a small flash of light, especially a reflected one
Answer: glint
b. main branch of a tree
Answer: bough
c. a little tower of a building or a castle
Answer: turret
d. a set of steps leading from one floor of a building to another
Answer: stair
e. causing great wonder; extraordinary
Answer: marvelous
B. Choose the correct answer.
a. What does the speaker view from the branch of the tree?
Answer: iii. the town
b. What aids the speaker to go up and up?
Answer: ii. the branches on the tree
c. What does the speaker compare the glow of a dome with?
Answer: iii. sea foam
d. Which of the following statements is true?
Answer: ii. The speaker is sure to get to the top of the tree now.
e. Which of the following statements carries the message of the poem?
Answer: i. We should not give up in the middle of any situation or a goal.
C. Answer these questions.
a. Why does the speaker want to climb on the tree?
Answer: The speaker wants to climb the tree to reach the top and see the town shining up there.
b. What things are shining brightly when viewed from above?
Answer: When viewed from above, a spire, a turret and a dome are shining brightly like white sea foam.
c. Is it the first time that the speaker has climbed up the tree? How do you know?
Answer: No, it is not the first time. The speaker says, "Before, I have always had to stop," which shows previous attempts were made.
d. Make a list of words from the poem which describe the light or brightness.
Answer: The words that describe light or brightness are: shining, gleam, glint, sparkling, bright, glittering and flash.
e. What do the sky and the earth symbolise in the poem?
Answer: The sky symbolises achievement and reaching one's goals. The earth symbolises the starting point and the challenges one must overcome.
Show Set 2 Answers (Upgraded Understanding)
a. Why does the speaker want to climb on the tree?
Answer: The speaker wants to climb the tree to reach the top and see the town shining up there. The speaker is determined to go higher and higher, pushing through the thick leaves, with the goal of reaching the top where glittering pinnacles flash in the air.
b. What things are shining brightly when viewed from above?
Answer: When viewed from above, the speaker sees a spire, a turret and a dome gleaming. These are described as sparkling and bright, like white sea foam.
c. Is it the first time that the speaker has climbed up the tree? How do you know?
Answer: No, it is not the first time the speaker has climbed the tree. The speaker says, "Before, I have always had to stop," indicating that previous attempts were made but failed. However, today the speaker is sure to reach the top.
d. Make a list of words from the poem which describe the light or brightness.
Answer: The words that describe light or brightness include: shining, gleam, glint, sparkling, bright, glittering and flash.
e. What do the sky and the earth symbolise in the poem?
Answer: The sky symbolises achievement, success and reaching one's goals. The earth symbolises the starting point, the ordinary world and the challenges one must overcome. The speaker moves from the earth below toward the sky above, representing the journey toward achieving one's dreams.
D. "The more determined you are, the better opportunity you will achieve in life and obtain what you want in life." Do you agree with this statement? Discuss.
Answer:
Yes, I fully agree with this statement. Determination is the key to achieving success in any area of life. The poem "Climbing" beautifully illustrates this idea. The speaker is determined to reach the top of the tree despite the thick leaves and previous failures. This determination will lead to success.
In life, opportunities do not always come easily. It is determination that keeps us going when things get difficult. Determined people find ways to overcome obstacles, learn from their failures and keep moving forward. They do not give up easily. History shows that many successful people achieved their goals through sheer determination and persistence. Without determination, even the best opportunities can be wasted. Therefore, determination is essential for achieving what we want in life.
In life, opportunities do not always come easily. It is determination that keeps us going when things get difficult. Determined people find ways to overcome obstacles, learn from their failures and keep moving forward. They do not give up easily. History shows that many successful people achieved their goals through sheer determination and persistence. Without determination, even the best opportunities can be wasted. Therefore, determination is essential for achieving what we want in life.
Grammar II
A. Change the following sentences with passive voice using 'being' or 'having'.
a. Puja hates people shouting at her in the street.
Answer: Puja hates being shouted at in the street.
b. Jahagir can't stand beggars wiping his feet.
Answer: Jahagir can't stand having his feet wiped by beggars.
c. Our class teacher detests students flattering her.
Answer: Our class teacher detests being flattered by students.
d. The headteacher likes teachers checking students' homework.
Answer: The headteacher likes having students' homework checked by teachers.
e. The actress does not mind journalists following her.
Answer: The actress does not mind being followed by journalists.
f. Rebika prefers people writing to her better than talking to her on the lines.
Answer: Rebika prefers being written to better than being talked to on the lines.
B. Change the following sentences into active voice.
a. A lot of books are stored online by various sites.
Answer: Various sites store a lot of books online.
b. Computers are repaired with warranty here.
Answer: They repair computers with warranty here.
c. Chinese is rarely spoken in our community.
Answer: People rarely speak Chinese in our community.
d. The criminal is thought to have fled to another country.
Answer: People think the criminal has fled to another country.
e. It is believed that the film can spell the spectators.
Answer: People believe that the film can spell the spectators.
f. It is expected that the war is going to end soon.
Answer: People expect that the war is going to end soon.
g. She is supposed to be married.
Answer: People suppose her to be married.
h. I hate being kept waiting.
Answer: I hate people keeping me waiting.
i. She loves having her clothes praised.
Answer: She loves people praising her clothes.
j. This road is not very often used.
Answer: People do not use this road very often.
k. Ajima is never punished by teachers.
Answer: Teachers never punish Ajima.
l. Many accidents are caused by speeding.
Answer: Speeding causes many accidents.
Writing II
A. Imagine you are the headteacher of a school and your school has a vacancy for the post of Secondary Level English teacher. Write an advertisement for the post mentioning the required academic qualification, experience, deadline and other necessary information.
Answer:
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Shree Janata Secondary School
Baneshwor, Kathmandu
Applications are invited from qualified and experienced candidates for the post of Secondary Level English Teacher.
Required Qualifications:
· Master's Degree in English or equivalent from a recognised university
· At least 2 years of teaching experience at the secondary level
· Fluency in spoken and written English
· Basic computer skills
Other Requirements:
· Strong communication and classroom management skills
· Ability to work in a team
· Dedication towards student development
Salary: As per school rules
Interested candidates are requested to submit their application with a copy of their CV and academic certificates by 2083/03/15 to the following address or via email.
Shree Janata Secondary School
Baneshwor, Kathmandu
Email: sjs.baneshwor@gmail.com
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Mr. Ram Prasad Sharma
Headteacher
B. Paraphrase the following texts.
a. Women have traditionally been seen as mothers and home makers and it is only in recent years that they have been making significant inroads into the job market. There is still a long way to go before they achieve complete equality with men but the situation has definitely improved.
Answer: Women have historically been viewed as mothers and homemakers. However, in recent years, they have started entering the job market in large numbers. Although complete equality with men has not yet been achieved, the situation has certainly become better than before.
b. In the 1920s, an American academic, Elton Mayo, researched the effects of the physical environment on the productivity of workers. The result, known as the Hawthorne Studies, named after the electrics company where it took place, showed that workers could be motivated to work harder by making small changes to the workplace, such as altering the lighting or the layout of a room.
Answer: In the 1920s, an American researcher named Elton Mayo studied how the physical surroundings affected worker productivity. His research, called the Hawthorne Studies after the electrics company where it was conducted, found that minor workplace adjustments like changing the lighting or rearranging a room could encourage workers to be more productive.