Backstage at Baking Big

1. Series Producer

The show focuses on baking and fun, not fights or drama.
There is no script; contestants behave naturally.
Drama is created by filming tense moments and baking failures.
Disasters make episodes more interesting.
The producer may interfere to save popular contestants and maintain ratings.

2. Home Economist and Food Stylist

Manages recipes, ingredients, and kitchen setup.
Tests ovens and rehearses with contestants before filming.
Ensures the set looks clean and organised.
Cannot give advice during baking.
Makes sure food looks attractive and delicious on camera.

3. Cameraman

One episode takes two full days to shoot.
Contestants often redo failed dishes, but this is edited out.
“Beauty shots” make food look perfect.
Contestants wear the same clothes for continuity.
Cameramen must react quickly to real situations.

4. Casting Director

Selects 12 contestants from about 20,000 applicants.
Looks for unique personalities and stories, not just skills.
Candidates go through interviews, auditions, and tests.
A psychologist checks if they can handle pressure.
Editing may change how contestants appear on screen.

5. Judge

Judging is enjoyable but emotionally difficult.
Judges give feedback and eliminate contestants.
They inspire viewers to try new cooking skills.
Taste 12–15 dishes daily, which can be tiring.
Work long hours but enjoy connecting with people.

C.

1. b. Why do they interfere when the judges eliminate a popular contestant?
They interfere to maintain high viewership and ratings. Popular contestants attract audiences, so removing them may reduce interest in the show. The producer steps in to keep viewers engaged and ensure the programme continues to be entertaining and successful.

2. a. How are reality shows not totally real?
Reality shows are not completely real because scenes are edited, retaken, and improved. Contestants redo dishes, mistakes are hidden, and reactions may be altered. These changes make the show look perfect and dramatic, even though it does not fully reflect what actually happens.

2. b. How is a reality show defined?
A reality show is a programme that shows real people participating in unscripted situations, often competing in tasks or challenges. Although it appears natural, it includes editing and direction to make it more entertaining and engaging for the audience.

2. c. How does an audience gauge a reality show?
The audience judges a reality show based on entertainment, drama, and presentation. They enjoy emotional moments, exciting challenges, and interesting contestants. Even if some parts are edited, viewers focus on how engaging and enjoyable the show is overall.

3. a. Who is referred to as ‘they’?
‘They’ refers to the selected contestants who have passed the initial stages like application, interview, and audition. These contestants are being further evaluated to check if they can handle pressure and the challenges of being part of a reality show.

3. b. How are the ‘successful ones’ chosen?
The successful contestants are chosen through applications, interviews, auditions, and psychological assessment. They must show baking skills, confidence, and a strong personality. The team also checks whether they can handle stress and accept how reality TV may present them.

D. Answer the questions

1. How does the cameraman describe the editing process in reality TV shows?
The cameraman explains that editing plays a major role in shaping the final show. Mistakes and failed attempts are removed, while the best scenes are highlighted. Food is made to look perfect, and only smooth, attractive moments are shown. This helps create a polished and engaging viewing experience.

2. Why is the role of a judge on reality TV difficult?
The role of a judge is difficult because they must give honest criticism and eliminate contestants, which can be emotional. They also work long hours and taste many dishes daily. Despite enjoying the role, making tough decisions is challenging. They must balance fairness with empathy at all times.

3. What criteria does the casting director use to choose the contestants?
The casting director chooses contestants based on baking skills, personality, uniqueness, and confidence. Applicants go through interviews, auditions, and psychological tests. The aim is to select people who can entertain viewers and handle pressure. Strong communication skills are also important for on-camera performance.

4. How do the food stylist and home economist ensure the baking on the show goes as planned?
They carefully plan and organise everything before filming begins. They test recipes, check ovens, arrange ingredients, and rehearse with contestants. They ensure the kitchen is well-prepared and running smoothly. Their preparation reduces the chances of unexpected problems during filming.

2. How do different crew members work together to produce an effective baking reality show?
Different crew members work together by sharing responsibilities and coordinating closely throughout the production process. The producer plans and manages the show, the home economist prepares ingredients and ensures smooth kitchen operations, the cameraman captures important moments, and the casting director selects suitable contestants. Their combined efforts ensure proper organisation, smooth filming, engaging content, and a high-quality final programme that attracts and entertains viewers.

3. Why did the makers choose to make Baking Big! a family-friendly programme without scripted conflicts?
The makers wanted to create a positive and enjoyable show suitable for all age groups. By avoiding unnecessary conflicts, they focused on baking, creativity, and fun. This approach attracts families, promotes healthy competition, and makes the show unique and refreshing compared to other dramatic reality shows.

TENSES

VERB TENSES

Tense is the form of a verb that shows when an action takes place – in the past, present, or future. It also tells us how long the action continued, whether it was completed, or if it is still happening.

There are three main tenses:

Present Tense
Past Tense
Future Tense

Each of these has four aspects:

Simple
Perfect
Continuous
Perfect Continuous

Simple Present Tense

1. To express habitual actions (daily routines, habits)

Use: To describe things people do regularly.

She drinks coffee every morning.
They exercise in the gym after school.
I brush my teeth twice a day.
He reads a book before bed.

2. To express actions in the immediate past (especially in commentaries or storytelling)

Use: To describe an action just done or completed.

The team scores a goal!
The teacher explains the lesson clearly.
She runs across the street and catches the bus.
He hands over the book to his friend.

3. To indicate the present period or general facts

Use: For facts, truths, or something happening generally now.

Water boils at 100°C.
Birds fly south for the winter.
The Earth revolves around the sun.
I like to read mystery novels.
A year has 12 months.

4. To express fixed future actions (timetables, programmes, scheduled events)

Use: For events that are planned and set by a schedule.

School reopens on Monday.
The concert ends at midnight.
The movie starts at 9:00 tonight.
My flight leaves at 10:30 tomorrow.
The store opens at 9 a.m. every day.

5. To show conditional clauses

Structure:
If + Simple Present, will + base verb

If he works hard, he will succeed.
If I see him, I will tell him the news.

If they miss the bus, they will be late.

If it rains, we will stay at home.

PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

Structure:

Subject + has/have + past participle (V3)

1. To describe actions that just happened (recently completed)

Use: With words like just, already, yet, recently, lately

· She has just finished her homework.

· They have recently moved to a new house.

· I have already seen that movie.

· We haven’t eaten yet.

· He has not come back yet.

2. To describe actions that started in the past and continue till now

Use: With since (point of time) or for (duration)

· I have lived here for five years, and now I am going to shift.

· She has worked at this school since 2018.

· We have known each other for a long time.

· They have studied English since childhood.

3. To describe change over time

Use: To show development, growth, or improvement.

· My English has improved a lot.

· The weather has become colder.

· The city has grown quickly.

· Prices have increased this year.

· Her health has gotten better.

Been (past participle of be-am, is, are…to exist, to be in a state or place”.

4. To talk about experiences (no specific time mentioned)

To show something happened at some time in life (we don’t say when).

· She has visited the Taj Mahal.

· I have eaten sushi before.

· They have gone to the USA twice.

· He has never tried skydiving.

· We have met the principal before.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Structure:

Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

1. Actions happening right now

She is writing a story.
They are playing football.
I am going to the park.

2. Planned future actions (very near future)

· We are going to the zoo tomorrow.

· She is meeting the doctor at 5 p.m.

· They are leaving for Mumbai next week.

3. To show current trends or changes happening now

· People are becoming more health-conscious.

· The climate is getting warmer each year.

· More students are using online learning platforms.

· The population is increasing rapidly.

· Technology is advancing every day.

4. To show repeated actions

· He is always losing his keys!

· She is constantly talking in class.

· You are forever complaining!

· They are always borrowing my things.

· My brother is always making a mess!

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Structure:

Subject + has/have + been + verb-ing

1. Actions that started in the past and are still continuing

· She has been studying for two hours.

· I have been living here since 2015.

· They have been working on the project for a week.

· We have been waiting for the bus since morning.

· He has been feeling sick for three days.

· The workers have been repairing the road since yesterday.

· He has been looking for his lost wallet for an hour.

· I have been trying to contact her since yesterday.

· The teacher has been checking the answer sheets all day.

2. Continuing Actions that have just stopped but the result is visible now

The action may have stopped, but we still see its effect.

Examples:

· She has been crying (her eyes are red).

· I have been running (I’m out of breath).

· He has been painting the wall (there’s paint on his hands).

· They have been arguing (they look upset).

· We have been cleaning all day (the house is finally neat).

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (Present Tense):

She always __________ (go) to school by bus.
Look! The children __________ (play) in the garden.
I __________ (know) the answer to this question.
They __________ (not come) to class every day.
We __________ (study) English since January.
My mother __________ (cook) dinner now.
He __________ (not finish) his homework yet.
I __________ (live) in this city for ten years.
She __________ (read) a novel these days.
Listen! The birds ________ (sing).

11. Rahul __________ (never/be) to the zoo.

12. I __________ (work) on this project all morning.

13. The train __________ (leave) at 6:00 p.m. every day.

14. My brother __________ (watch) TV at the moment.

15. How long __________ you __________ (wait) for me?

1. She always goes to school by bus. (Simple Present)

2. Look! The children are playing in the garden. (Present Continuous)

3. I know the answer to this question. (Simple Present)

4. They do not come to class every day. (Simple Present – Negative)

5. We have been studying English since January. (Present Perfect Continuous)

6. My mother is cooking dinner now. (Present Continuous)

7. He has not finished his homework yet. (Present Perfect – Negative)

8. I have lived in this city for ten years. (Present Perfect)

9. Listen! The birds are singing. (Present Continuous)

10. She is reading a novel these days. (Present Continuous)

💡 Challenge Answers:

11. Rahul has never been to the zoo. (Present Perfect)

12. I have been working on this project all morning. (Present Perfect Continuous)

13. The train leaves at 6:00 p.m. every day. (Simple Present – fixed schedule)

14. My brother is watching TV at the moment. (Present Continuous)

15. How long have you been waiting for me? (Present Perfect Continuous)

PAST TENSE

Simple Past Tense

Structure:

Subject + verb (past form)

1. Actions that happened and finished at a specific time in the past

· She played soccer yesterday.

· I visited my grandmother last weekend.

· They watched a movie last night.

· Akbar was a great king.

· I saw Arif in the school.

2. Past events or facts that are no longer true/relevant

· The school closed last year.

· I knew him when we were kids.

· They lived in a different city before.

3. Regular actions in the past (often with adverbs like 'often,' 'usually,' 'always')

· When I was a child, I went to the beach every summer.

· He read books every evening.

· We walked to school every day.

· During my school time, I visited the park often.

Past Continuous Tense

Subject + was/were + verb (ing)

I/he/she was + verb (ing)

You/we/they were + verb (ing)

1. Actions that were happening at a specific time in the past

Describes actions that were in progress at a particular moment in the past.

Examples:

· I was reading a book at 8 o’clock last night.

· She was playing tennis when I called her.

· They were watching TV at that time.

2. Two actions happening at the same time in the past

· While I was cooking, my brother was cleaning the dishes.

· They were studying while we were playing outside.

· She was writing an email while he was talking on the phone.

3. Interrupted actions in the past

Used when one action was happening, and another interrupted it.

Examples:

· I was watching TV when the phone rang.

· They were playing soccer when it suddenly started to rain.

· We were walking to the park when we saw an accident.

4. To make polite requests or questions (especially in formal or respectful situations)

· I was wondering if you could help me with my homework.

· I was wondering if we could reschedule the meeting.

· I was wondering if you would attend the meeting. (Will you attend the meeting?)

Past Perfect Tense

🔹 Structure:

Subject + had + past participle (V3)

1. To show an action that happened before another action in the past

We use the Past Perfect for the earlier action and Simple Past for the later one.

Examples:

I had finished my homework before dinner started.
She had left the house when I arrived.
They had already eaten when we reached.
We cleared up the table as soon as our guest had left.

2. In reported speech

When reporting what someone said in the past.

Examples:

· He said that he had lost his keys.

· She told me that she had met him before.

· They mentioned they had seen the movie.

3. In “if” clauses (third conditional)

👉 Used to talk about imaginary situations in the past.

Examples:

· If I had studied, I would have passed the test.

· Had I studied, I would have passed the test.

· If we had left earlier, we would have caught the bus.

· Had we left earlier, we would have caught the bus

· If she had called, we would have helped her.

Past Perfect Continuous Tense

Structure:

Subject + had been + verb-ing

1. An action that started in the past and continued up to another point in the past

Focus is on the duration of the activity.

Examples:

I had been studying for two hours before the lights went out.
They had been playing cricket all morning before it started raining.
She had been reading a book before dinner.

2. To explain the cause of something in the past

🔸 Used to say why something happened.

Examples:

He was tired because he had been working all night.
The roads were slippery because it had been snowing.
Her hands were dirty because she had been painting.

Fill in the blanks with the correct past tense form of the verb given:

1. Yesterday, I __________ (go) to the library to return the books.

2. She __________ (cook) dinner when the guests arrived.

3. They __________ (finish) the movie before we came.

4. I __________ (sleep) for an hour when the phone rang.

5. He __________ (write) a letter to his friend last week.

6. The children __________ (play) outside when it started to rain.

7. We __________ (never/see) such a beautiful view before.

8. While I __________ (walk) to school, I met my old teacher.

9. She __________ (learn) French for two years before moving to Canada.

10. They __________ (be) best friends since childhood.

11. By the time we arrived, the concert __________ (start).

12. He __________ (paint) the walls all morning before taking a break.

13. The teacher __________ (explain) the topic clearly yesterday.

14. While they __________ (travel), their car broke down.

15. I __________ (not/know) the answer when the teacher asked me.

FUTURE TENSE

Simple Future Tense

🔹 Structure:

Subject + will + base form of the verb (V1)

Used for:

1. To talk about actions that will happen in the future

Something you decide to do at the moment of speaking.

Examples:

I will call you later.
She will visit her grandmother tomorrow.
They will play football next weekend.

2. To make promises, offers, or threats

Examples:

I will help you with your homework. (offer)
Don’t worry, I will not tell anyone. (promise)
He will be sorry for this! (threat)

3. Predictions or assumptions about the future

Examples:

It will rain tomorrow.
I think he will pass the test.
There will be more robots in the future.

Future Continuous Tense

🔹 Structure:

Subject + will be + verb-ing (present participle)

📘 Used for:

1. To talk about an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future

Examples:

I will be studying at 9 PM tonight.
She will be travelling to Delhi next Monday.
They will be playing football at this time tomorrow.

2. To ask or talk politely about future plans or arrangements

Examples:

Will you be joining us for lunch tomorrow?
I will be attending the meeting later today.

3. To predict ongoing situations in the future

Examples:

People will be using more electric vehicles in 10 years.
Students will be learning through smart classes.

Future Perfect Tense

🔹 Structure:

· Subject + will have + past participle (V3)

Usage:

The Future Perfect Tense is used to describe an action that will be completed before a specific point in the future.

Examples:

I will have finished my homework by 8 PM.

She will have left for the airport before you arrive.

They will have completed the project by the end of the month.

By next week, we will have submitted the report.

She will have graduated before her birthday."

I will not have completed the assignment by tomorrow.

They will not have arrived before the meeting starts.

Interrogative Form:

Structure: Will + subject + have + past participle?

Examples:

Will you have finished the work by 5 PM?
Will they have left before we get there?"

📝 Additional Examples:

By the time you read this, I will have left.
We will have been here for six months on June 23rd.
Won't they have arrived by 5:00?

Future Perfect Continuous Tense

The Future Perfect Continuous Tense is used to describe actions that will continue up to a specific point in the future:

🔹 Structure:

Subject + will have been + present participle (verb + -ing)

Examples:

She will have been working here for five years by next month.
They will have been studying for hours when the exam begins.
By 10 PM, they will have been watching movies for five hours.
By next July, we will have been working on this project for two years.
She will have been teaching for 15 years by the end of this term.
When you arrive, I will have been waiting for over an hour.

What is an Email?

An email (electronic mail) is a way of sending messages using the internet.
It is used for communication to share information, advice, or feelings quickly.

Format of an Email

From: sender’s email address
To: receiver’s email address
Cc: (optional)
Date:
Subject:

Salutation (Dear …)

Paragraph 1 – Opening
• Refer to your friend’s email
• Show you understand the problem/dilemma

Paragraph 2 – Opinion/Advice
• Give your opinion or recommendation
• Explain your reasons

Paragraph 3 – Suggestions
• Give ideas to solve the problem

Paragraph 4 – Closing
• Ask your friend to share the decision
• End politely

Sign-off (Yours lovingly / affectionately)
Name

Model : 1

Your friend is confused about joining a sports team because of studies. Give advice.)

From: rahul123@xyz.com
To: arjun456@abc.com
Cc:
Date: 12 August 20xx, 6:00 p.m.
Subject: Advice for Your Decision

Dear Arjun,

I was happy to receive your email. I understand that you are confused about joining the school sports team because you are worried about your studies. It is normal to feel this way when you have to make an important decision.

In my opinion, you should join the sports team. It is a great opportunity to improve your skills and stay healthy. Playing sports also helps you relax and refresh your mind, which can actually help you study better.

To manage both studies and sports, you can make a proper timetable. Try to complete your homework on time and use your free time wisely. You can also ask your teachers for help if you miss any lessons.

I hope my advice helps you. Do let me know what you decide. I will be waiting to hear from you.

Yours affectionately,
Rahul

⭐ Model: 2

Your friend is worried about speaking on stage in a school function. Give advice.

From: meera123@xyz.com
To: kavya456@abc.com
Cc:
Date: 5 September 20xx, 7:00 p.m.
Subject: Don’t Worry About the Speech

Dear Kavya,

I’m glad you wrote to me. I understand that you are nervous about speaking on stage during the school function. It is quite normal to feel scared before speaking in front of many people.

In my opinion, you should not miss this chance. Speaking on stage will help you become more confident. It is a great opportunity to improve your communication skills, and you will feel proud after doing it.

To overcome your fear, you can practice your speech at home in front of a mirror or your family. Take deep breaths and stay calm. You can also write short points instead of memorising everything.

I hope this helps you feel better. Do let me know what you decide and how your speech goes. I am sure you will do well.

Yours affectionately,
Meera

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