Class 12 English Chapter 11: Hobbies – On Walking | Exercises & Grammar Guide

 Unit 11 Hobbies On Walking Notes

Chapter 11: Hobbies — Walking

Introduction

Pondering on hobbies — passion for walking as a lightly favourite hobby. In this chapter, it describes walking and how walking energizes our body, mind, and soul.

The story showcases walking as more than an interest, but as an opportunity to work the body, quiet the mind, and feed the feeling of freedom and exploration. In addition to a reading passage, this chapter also incorporates vocabulary work, comprehension questions, critical thinking, and grammar practice on the construction of the passive voice.

Vocabulary Growth: Terms from the Text

The vocabulary is key to understanding the nuances of the chapter. Important Words With Meaning For Students:

• Rhythm: a fluent, regular, wavy form of either motion or sound.
• Replicate: To make a replica or reproduce it in exactly the same form.
• Dilapidated: In a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.
• Sheen: A subtle luster or gleam on a surface.
• Frigid: Temperatures that are icy cold; lacking passion or warmth.
• Tumult (noun): A loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people.
• Alone: Solitude by choice or nature.
• Revere: To regard with reverence.
• In Execute: In such a way that it cannot be removed; normally followed by irrelevant or disentangled.

Comprehension Questions and Answers

• Q: What is the author's favourite hobby and why?
  His favourite hobby is walking since it stimulates both the body and senses, forming a kind of rhythm and gives a sense of equilibrium.
• Q: Paths as a child that the author walked along?
  The author loved walking on uneven and earthy dirt paths (like those next to her maternal house) as a child.
• Q: What aspects of freedom did walking afford the author and her friends?
  They got to find new shortcuts, new streets to go down, so it was sort of an independence thing, a sense of adventure; walking was free.
• Q: What is the difference between the roads of Kathmandu and Sydney?
  Sydney has paved, well-maintained roads while Kathmandu streets are dirtier and less organized.
• Q: How did walking help you adjust to a new country?
  Walking helped the author clear her mind and de-stress while creating a calm atmosphere to be let alone with thoughts.
• Q: What places in Petersham did the author love?
  A quiet park with a big rock where she could go alone was valuable to the author.
• Q: What two natural landscape features did the author bask in the experience of their companionship?
  The earth, sky, trees, and water became her lifelong companions to share feelings with.
• Q: What was the author's first impression of the United States?
  The new setup was like a parched desert for her, for she had almost no one to share her thoughts with.
• Q: How did the author eventually feel familiar with the new city?
  She was confident, striding inside buildings and walking the streets, making this place her home.
• Q: Why did walking help the author feel at home in a new environment?
  Walking acted as a grounding force, helping her explore her surroundings, build confidence, and feel self-sufficient.

Critical Thinking: Reflection on Exercise and Hobbies

• Q: Does walking make us better understand ourselves?
  Yes, it allows one to think and clear the mind. Research suggests both cognitive and emotional benefits to walking, allowing individuals to better comprehend their states of mind.
• Q: In what way do hobbies relate to personal growth?
  Engaging in a hobby such as walking or yoga can keep your mind and body fit. They foster creativity, alleviate stress, and boost self-esteem.
• Q: Should a hobby be a career?
  Turning a hobby into a profession can be rewarding, but it depends on the person. Hobbies also act as stress busters and creative outlets even if not pursued professionally.

Grammar Focus: Passive Voice Practice

Passive voice — Switching sentences from active to passive voice is a key concept taught in this chapter. Below are some examples:

• Passive: I would like for somebody to love me.
• Passive: I want to be loved.
• Passive: Our house was broken into while we were on holiday.
• Passive: We had our house broken into while we were on holiday.
• Passive: Did your car get stolen?
• Active: Did someone steal your car?

Writing Practice: Essay on ‘Hobbies’

Hobbies are considered as leisure time activities. Providing relaxation and rejuvenation to mind and body, hobbies differ from one person to another according to personality and interests.

Hobbies are many things: fun, healthy for the mind, and on occasion a path towards a job. Some common hobbies are reading, painting, photography, playing games or sports, and even collecting stamps and coins.

Aside from hobbies, they also strengthen social bonds as one meets others who share the same interest. Hobbies help reduce stress and nurture mental well-being.

To summarise, every individual should have at least one hobby that brings happiness, satisfaction, and contributes to personal growth.

Conclusion

Chapter 11: Hobbies — On Walking, from Class 12 English, is a lesson where the writer not only discusses hobbies and pastimes but also illustrates how walking benefits physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

Students can grasp the full value of the lesson by expanding their vocabulary, answering comprehension questions, practicing passive voice grammar, and reflecting through critical thinking exercises.

Walking, as described here, is a journey into the self — relaxing, enlightening, and a powerful way to connect with the world. A truly fulfilling hobby.