Discovering Migration: What Birds Reveal [Population & Migration] NEB English Class 10 Exercise

Discovering Migration: What Birds Reveal [NEB Class 10 English Exercise]

Unit 13: Population and Migration (Reading II)

Welcome to the complete exercise guide for Discovering Migration: What Birds Reveal. Below you will find accurate solutions to vocabulary exercises, reading comprehension questions, grammar (connectives of contradiction), and the final essay on the impacts of migration.

A. Vocabulary: Synonyms and Antonyms

Study the following word list and find their synonyms and antonyms as shown in the example. Write NA if the word does not have a synonym or antonym in the list.

Word	Synonyms	Antonyms
witness	onlooker, viewer, bystander, spectator	participant
a. transform	change, remodel, revamp, commute	stagnate, hold on
b. incredible	unbelievable, amazing, wonderful	credible, plausible
c. roadmap	guideline, plan, direction, map, protocol, procedure	NA
d. retrace	backtrack, recall, recollect, reminisce	forget
e. grab	clutch, snatch, capture	free, liberate, release
f. elevation	height, altitude	flat, level, lowness
g. waterlogged	wet, sodden, soaked, drenched	dehydrated, dry, arid
h. refuel	refill, replenish, restock	deplete, exhaust
i. cluster	array, band, bunch, clump	NA
j. crucial	vital, fundamental	trivial, insignificant, unimportant
k. perilous	risky, dangerous, precarious, terrifying	harmless

B. Complete the Sentences

Complete sentences (a-f) with their correct endings (i-vii).

• a. In the past people had the misconception that → (iv) birds hid underground or changed into some other birds.
• b. To supply themselves with energy → (ii) some birds stop to feed themselves with grains.
• c. When the weather is favourable in spring → (iii) birds fly back to their habitats.
• d. As a sign of partial migration → (i) some birds travel to a different place while others do not.
• e. To wait for favourable weather → (vii) birds fly in large groups.
• f. For better flying conditions → (v) some birds choose to fly during the night.

(Note: Ending "vi. birds fly rapidly like marathon players" is an extra distractor).

C. Answer These Questions

a. What is incredible about the migration of birds?

The incredible thing about the migration of birds is their ability to travel thousands of miles across continents to accurately reach their destinations without relying on a roadmap or a compass.

b. What things do birds consider while flying to their destinations?

While flying to their destinations, birds consider external factors like changing winds, storms, and general weather conditions, alongside internal factors like their own body weight to adjust their speed, height, and flight path.

c. Which animals other than the birds migrate to new places?

Animals other than birds that migrate to new places include insects (like monarch butterflies), amphibians, reptiles, certain fish, and mammals (such as whales and caribou).

d. What do scoters dive underwater for?

Scoters dive underwater for up to a minute to grab and feed on shellfish located on the ocean floor.

e. Which birds travel up and down instead of going north to south?

Altitudinal migrants, such as brindled titmice and mountain chickadees, travel up and down instead of going north to south, migrating from high-elevation evergreen forests to lower elevations during winter.

f. What is the partial migration of birds?

Partial migration occurs when only a portion of a bird population migrates to a different place, while the rest of the birds of the same species reside in their native habitat year-round.

g. Why can sea terns not stay long in water?

Sea terns cannot stay long in the water because their feathers are not highly waterproof and quickly become waterlogged, which prevents them from flying.

h. How do birds feed themselves during their journeys?

During their journeys, birds locate "stopover points" where they pause to rest, refuel, and feed on grains, insects, and berries, often spending several days or weeks loading up with energy.

i. What are the signs of birds flying in the night sky?

Signs of birds flying in the night sky include becoming briefly visible as they fly across the face of the moon (a phenomenon tracked by "moon watching") and emitting distinctive flight calls that can be heard from below.

D. You might have seen or heard of animals migrating to new places. What could be the reasons for animals to migrate? Discuss.

Animals migrate to new places primarily to ensure their survival and reproductive success. The major reasons for animal migration include:

• Food Availability: Seasonal changes cause food and water scarcity. Animals migrate to regions where resources are abundant.
• Climate Avoidance: Animals move to escape extreme weather conditions, such as severe cold winters, intense droughts, or flooding.
• Breeding Purposes: Many species migrate to specific, safe breeding grounds where environmental conditions are optimal for raising their young.
• Predator Avoidance: Relocating allows animals to evade seasonal predators and avoid over-competition in densely populated territories.

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Grammar II: Connectives of Contradiction

A. Complete the sentences below with the correct alternatives.

1. Even though we have different ideologies, we are intimate friends.
2. Despite our hard efforts, we could not establish a hospital in the village.
3. Even though the film was very popular, it was a commercial failure.
4. I enjoyed all the luxuries of life despite the fact that I grew up in a remote village.
5. I watched a late night movie. However, I didn't feel sleepy in the morning class.
6. Even though scientists have made lots of research, there is no evidence of life on mars.
7. In spite of my efforts, I can't ever score excellent marks in the exam.
8. My room was burgled although I had locked it securely before going out.
9. I called Siddhartha several times but he did not respond.
10. Even though we had not invited them they came to the party.

B. Join the following pairs of sentences with the connectives given in the brackets.

1. (Although) Although I was really exhausted, I could not sleep well.
2. (In spite of) In spite of not meeting the requirements, she was shortlisted for the job.
3. (Even though) I decided to work for the company even though the pay was quite low.
4. (Yet) We had prepared for the match really well, yet we lost the match.
5. (Despite) Despite having badly injured her hand, Dipisha completed her assignment.
6. (However) Kripa exercises every day; however, she is gaining weight.
7. (Nevertheless) Barcelona were limited to ten players; nevertheless, they won the match.
8. (While) I love to watch cricket on TV, while my brother loves to watch football.
9. (In spite of) In spite of not going to bed until midnight, he woke up early in the morning.
10. (Although) He was selected for the school team although he had not played well.

Writing II

Write an essay on 'The Impacts of Migration'

Question: A large number of youths and professionals leave Nepal and migrate abroad each year. Write an essay expressing your opinion about the impacts of such migration. Also include suggestions and solutions to the problems caused by migration.

The Impacts of Migration in Nepal

Migration has become a prevalent demographic phenomenon in Nepal, with hundreds of thousands of active youths, students, and skilled professionals leaving the country annually to seek better opportunities abroad. While this movement has undeniable economic benefits for the nation, it also introduces severe long-term socio-economic challenges that threaten the foundation of the country's development.

On the positive side, out-migration is the backbone of Nepal's current economy. Remittances sent back by migrant workers fund education, improve healthcare access, and elevate the standard of living for countless rural families. Culturally, migrants bring back international exposure, advanced technical skills, and global perspectives that can eventually aid national modernization.

However, the negative impacts are profound. The most critical issue is the massive "brain drain." The departure of doctors, engineers, and skilled technicians leaves a massive skill gap in domestic industries. Furthermore, the exodus of the active youth population has led to a severe shortage of agricultural labor, resulting in barren farmlands and decreased domestic production. Socially, it fragments families, leading to a generation of children growing up without parental guidance and an aging population left to fend for themselves.

To mitigate these adverse effects, the government must take proactive measures to retain its talent. Firstly, fostering domestic employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship through accessible grants and subsidized loans can motivate youths to invest their skills locally. Secondly, establishing political stability and a strict merit-based system will restore faith among professionals, proving that hard work within the country is recognized and rewarded.

In conclusion, while migration serves as a short-term economic lifeline for Nepal, a heavy reliance on it is unsustainable. Nepal must strategically harness the skills of its youth by creating a supportive, opportunity-rich domestic environment before the nation loses its most valuable asset—its human capital.