CHAPTERWISE

Questions and Answers

ENGLISH

Class - X
(2023 - 24)
Contents……………………………...… 
SUBJECT PAGES

Part — A Reading 01 – 52

Literature : Objective Questions

First Flight 53 – 111

Footprints without Feet 112 – 139

Grammar 140 – 162

Letter Writing 163 – 178

Analytical Paragraph Writing 179 – 190

Part — B Literature : Subjective Questions

First Flight 191 – 249

Footprints without Feet 250 – 265

1
 PART — A
READING
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY
1. Childhood is a universal experience, something every adult across the world has gone
through. For many, childhood is a time we are nostalgic for. It’s a time of curiosity,
imagination, exploration and incredible development.
2. Unfortunately, not everyone has a good childhood. Proportionately, more children live
in poverty than adults. 19.5 per cent of the world’s children live in extreme poverty, and
even though children are only one third of the global population, they are half of the
poor. Around the world, many children live without access to clean water, enough food,
or decent healthcare. Others live in extremely dangerous places and some are forced to
join armies to fight wars they don’t understand. Over 120 million children do not attend
school and even those who do are not always learning: two out of five students leave
primary school not knowing how to read, write or do basic maths.
3. Even though every day is, or at least should be, a day to nurture and celebrate children,
Universal Children’s Day is celebrated as a special day around the world on 20
November. In 1989 the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – a 54-
item list describing the universal rights of children – was signed. This document came
out of the work of a lot of experts and representatives from many nations who met to
create a child-specific version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was
signed in 1948. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely and
quickly signed treaty in history, meaning it was quickly adopted into the civil codes of
most countries around the world.
4. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that there are basic rights and
freedoms that every human is entitled to, regardless of race, sex, language, religion, or
anything else that may divide people. The Rights of the Child recognizes that people
under the age of 18 have specific needs and are entitled to their own rights. There are
four main principles that these rights follow: non-discrimination, the best interests of the
child, the right to life, including survival and development, and the right to be heard and
taken seriously. According to this, every child has the right to safety, to care, to
education, to play, to rest and to know their rights!
5. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the world’s promise to children that we,
the adults, will do everything in our power to protect them, to educate them, and to help
them grow. Are you helping keep this promise? There is a lot to be done to make the
world a safer, more supportive place for children. The good news is, you’re an adult and
you have the power to influence the next generation in the most wonderful way. Start by
explaining the Rights of the Child to the children in your life. Let them know that they,
just like all human beings, have rights. Help a child learn to love learning, so they can
become a motivated adult just like you.

1
Attempt the following questions on the basis of the passage you have read (1 × 10 = 10)
1. What is the view of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in regard to human rights?
i) that every human is entitled to basic rights and freedoms
ii) that every human is entitled to basic rights and freedoms regardless of race, sex,
language, religion,
iii) the Rights of the Child is the world’s promise to children that we, the adults, will
do everything in our power to protect them,
iv) None of the above
ANS. ii) that every human is entitled to basic rights and freedoms regardless of race, sex,
language, religion,
2. For many, childhood is a time ………..
i) we are nostalgic for
ii) we desire for
iii) we wait for
iv) we ask for
ANS. i) we are nostalgic for
3. What is meant by the Convention on the Rights of the Child ?
i) Explanation of the rights of the children
ii) A promise to the children
iii) is the world’s promise we will do everything in our power to protect them, to
educate them, and to help them grow
iv) All the above
ANS. iii) is the world’s promise we, will do everything in our power to protect them, to
educate them, and to help them grow.
4. Why is it said that the Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely and
quickly signed treaty in history?
i) as it was quickly adopted into the civil codes of most countries around the world.
ii) It caters to the children’s rights
iii) It is based on non discrimination
iv) None of the above
ANS. i) as it was quickly adopted into the civil codes of most countries around the world.
5. Mention any two of the main principles followed by the Rights of the Child?
i) Non-discrimination
ii) the best interests of the child
iii) the right to life, including survival and development/ the right to be heard and
taken seriously.
iv) All the above
ANS. iv) All the above

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6. Why is it said that some of the poor children do not learn anything even though they are
attending school ?
i) As they are poor
ii) As they are not motivated
iii) As they are not aware of their rights
iv) as two out of five students leave primary school not knowing how to read, write or
do basic maths.
ANS. iv) as two out of five students leave primary school not knowing how to read, write or
do basic maths.
7. What was the outcome of the work of a lot of experts and representatives from many
nations who met for the Rights of the child convention?
i) A child-specific version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed
in 1948.
ii) The Convention on the Rights of the Child became the most widely and quickly
signed treaty in history
iii) it was quickly adopted into the civil codes of most countries around the world.
iv) All the above
ANS. i) A child-specific version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed
in 1948.
8. Find a word from paragraph 3 which means ‘care for and protect’.
i) grant
ii) grow
iii) nurture
iv) pay heed
[Link]) ‘nurture’
9. Find a word from paragraph 4 which means ‘acknowledges’
i) turns away
ii) recognizes
iii) listens to
iv) points out
ANS. ii) recognizes
10. Find a word from paragraph 1 which means ‘related to all cases, people and things in
the world
i) worldly
ii) related to a few
iii) related to many
iv) universal
ANS. iv) universal

3
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:-

HONEYBEES HAVE PERSONALITIES

Honeybees may seem like nature’s perfect little automatons: organized, efficient, self-
sacrificing. But in reality the insects are imperfect individuals. Their dance language is
sloppy and imprecise. They lose self-control when they’re hungry. And, a new study has
found, worker bees have distinct personalities.
Iowa State University ecologists Alexander Walton and Amy Toth explain that animals
need to meet three requirements before you can say they have “personalities.” First,
individuals have to behave differently from each other in a way that’s consistent over time.
Second, those behavioral differences also have to show up across different contexts.
Finally, there should be sets of behaviors that tend to clump together, like personality types.
To look for these features in honeybees, the authors put groups of worker bees into cages.
This was an artificial setting, but it let the scientists closely track the behavior of each
individual bee (they marked the insects with dabs of colored paint to tell them apart). In
a hive, worker bees’ responsibilities change as they age. They transition from indoor tasks—
cleaning, building, taking care of young—to outdoor tasks like foraging and guarding the
hive. But all the bees in the experimental cages were the same age, so this shouldn’t have
affected their behavior.
Every other day, the researchers exposed the bee cages to a series of tests. In one test, they put
a slide carrying queen mandibular pheromone into the cage. When a queen bee releases this
chemical, it tells workers to groom and feed her. In another test, a slide held alarm
pheromone—bees make this chemical when the colony is under attack. And in a third test, the
scientists dropped a real live bee into the cage. Since the other bees didn’t know this bee, they
would view it as an intruder.
The researchers looked for several reactions among the bees, including touching a slide with
their antennae, attacking an intruder bee, or attacking each other. How individual bees
responded to each test was consistent from one day to the next, the researchers found. So the
bees met the first criterion for personality.
For the second criterion, Walton and Toth looked only at the behaviors that were possible in
all three contexts. They found that one behavior in particular was consistent across different
contexts. This was “trophallaxis,” or bees sharing their food mouth-to-mouth. Bees that
responded to one of the tests by giving some food to their sisters were more likely to respond
to the other tests in the same way.
To check the third criterion of personality, the researchers studied bees in an actual hive. This
was a little harder to do. But they tried to monitor a whole range of behaviors in individual
bees, including grooming, dancing, guarding, foraging for pollen, and taking care of the
queen. They found a handful of behaviors that did group together: some bees were more prone
to certain tasks that involved interacting with their sisters, while other bees were more fond of
individual tasks.
Overall, honeybees seemed to have “hallmarks of personality,” the authors write. But they
think age-related changes in bee duties might ultimately matter more to how a bee spends her
time. So, fine—they’re still kind of robots.

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On the basis of your reading of the passage answer the following questions: (1 × 10 = 10)
1. Name the ecologists from the Iowa State University whose mention we find in the passage.
i) Alexander Toth and Amy Walton
ii) Alexander and Amy
iii) Toth and Walton
iv) All the above
ANS. iv) All the above
2. In which location of the bees the researchers studied them for the third criterion of their
personality?
i) Indoors
ii) in an actual hive.
iii) Outdoors
iv) In a group
ANS. ii. in an actual hive.
3. How does the narrator describe the dance language of the bees?
i) Is complicated
ii) Is sloppy
iii) is sloppy and imprecise
iv) is imprecise
ANS. iii) is sloppy and imprecise.
4. What is “trophallaxis,” ?
i) The bees sharing their food mouth-to-mouth
ii) Response of a bee to another
iii) A particular behavior of a bee
iv) A bee attacking an intruder
ANS. i) The bees sharing their food mouth-to-mouth
5. What might ultimately matter more to how a bee spends her time.?
i) foraging for pollen
ii) Age-related changes in bee duties
iii) behaviors in individual bees
iv) All the above
ANS. ii) Age-related changes in bee duties

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6. What happens when queen bee releases the queen mandibular pheromone chemical?
i) Changes in the duty of the workers
ii) An impending attack
iii) it tells workers to groom and feed her.
iv) Foraging and guarding the hives
ANS. iii) it tells workers to groom and feed her.
7. Mention the two outdoor tasks performed by the worker bees.
i) Grooming and feeding the queen
ii) Cleaning and building
iii) A sloppy and imprecise dance
iv) tasks like foraging and guarding the hive.
ANS. iv) tasks like foraging and guarding the hive.
8. What did the scientists do in order to differentiate the worker bees who were put in cages?
i) marked the insects with dabs of colored paint to tell them apart while they were in cages.
ii) looked only at the behaviors that were possible in all three contexts
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
ANS. i) marked the insects with dabs of colored paint to tell them apart while they were in cages.
9. Find a word from paragraph which means same as ‘acting or done in the same way over time’
i) consistent
ii) persistent
iii) insistent
iv) continuous
ANS. i) consistent
10. Find a word from paragraph which means same as ‘giving up one’s own interest or
wishes in order to help others or advance a cause’
i) self- help
ii) self-sacrificing
iii) noncommittal
iv) self centred
ANS. ii) self-sacrificing

6
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:-
IS INDIA'S RELATIONSHIP WITH VIDEO GAMES TURNING INTO A PROBLEM?

Subhash still remembers the phone call he received from his son’s college one afternoon four
years ago. The college administration was upset that Subhash’s son Pranav, months into his
postgraduate course, had not submitted key documents that were part of his admission
procedure. “It seemed like a regular, disciplinary query from the college,” says Subhash. “But
it was this call that led me to discover the truth about my child. Pranav had not remembered
the deadline, or finished his college project, or even eaten anything for days because he was
playing Dota 2 (a video game) for 35 hours at a stretch! I couldn't believe it.”
Dota 2 is a multiplayer game involving two teams of five players each. Each team guards a
large structure called an Ancient and is tasked with destroying the opposite team’s Ancient.
Subhash’s son was introduced to Dota 2 by his classmate. Not so incidentally, they were both
pursuing a Masters in digital game design.
“Pranav would play the game whenever he came home for vacations,” says Subhash. “He
would lock himself up in his room for six or seven hours. And if I tried to question it, he’d say
it was part of his academics and I had to let it be. What I didn’t realise then was that it had
become an addiction.”
Subhash especially recalls the two instances when Pranav’s addiction to Dota 2 took a
frightening turn. “He broke a door in rage after we took away his laptop and mobile phone.
Another time, he threatened to jump off the eighth floor of a building. My wife talked him out
of it. It was a difficult time for us as a family.” “What finally worked was the Panchakarma
therapy, a detoxification regime advocated by Ayurveda,” says Subhash. “Even today, my son,
who works as a game developer, plays Dota 2. Only, unlike before when it was a junoon, an
obsession, it’s now more regulated.”
All play, no work
But addiction isn’t the only gaming problem that Indians face. A recent report compiled by
U.S-based cloud services firm Limelight Networks reveals that 24.2% of Indian gamers have
skipped work to play. This figure is higher than it is for French, German, Italian, Japanese,
Singaporean, South Korean, British and American gamers. Some 52% of surveyed Indian
gamers admitted to playing during work hours — again the highest figure globally. India also
tops the list in another category — the percentage of gamers who would like to take up gaming
as their profession. At 49.2%, India beats the U.S. and Japan. The primary reason for this is the
increasing prize money that can be won from gaming tournaments.
Indeed, there is enough evidence to suggest that our relationship with games and technology
has turned a bit problematic, to say the least. But is a ban the solution? Is the game the reason
for our addiction?
“I don’t think you can blame the game at all,” says Ayesha Kapur, a psychotherapist practising
in Delhi.
She acknowledges that any addiction is a problem that needs attention. “The fact is, not
everyone who drinks alcohol becomes an alcoholic; likewise not everyone who plays PUBG
becomes an addict,” she says. “There is an inherent vulnerability in some people who find that

7
getting away into an alternative reality brings them entirely into the present where thoughts of
the past and future are pretty much suspended, and you’re enjoying what you’re doing in the
moment — this idea is terribly attractive.”
Philip, who believes gaming is among the “greatest things in the world,” argues that it is all
about finding the right balance because when you do, he says, gaming can actually prove
beneficial. “Believe it or not, gaming has actually improved my social abilities. I play games
that fall under the category called Massive Multi-Player Online Role Playing Games. In these
games, you meet people from all over the world and we’re all engaging in conversations
without the pressure that comes in real life. It improves your social abilities, gives you a
chance to be a version of yourself that you wish you were, and that in turn has an impact on
your social life in reality as well. In a way, it is a good coping mechanism.”
Creating identities
Most games allow you to build a character from scratch, choose their sex, hair colour, dress
and so on.
For instance, Philip’s go-to game persona is always a woman. “I like strong women and I like
the idea of women being bold. Gaming has often been a huge platform for a male power
showcase. I like to see a woman showing her bravado. It is also an escape from reality
because, let’s be honest, reality is boring. If you get a moment where you can be somebody
else, take it, but always come back. Because if you don’t, then that’s a problem.”
Kapur has an interesting take on gamers creating online avatars who are dramatically different
from them — which she says highlights another positive outcome of gaming. “To a degree,
one can say that it can even be a healthy thing. Because all of us, at a fantasy level, have ideas
of who we want to be. And if you have an outlet that is letting you play out that fantasy, then
why not. Phrased another way then, the question also boils down to what is considered normal.
“Freud was famously asked this question about what is normal,” Paiva says. “His answer was
to be able to love and work. If you just look at that very simple definition, it means you have a
capacity for close relationships as well as the ability to be productive. In any addiction, both
these things go for a toss. And this is not just with gaming. People’s work becoming an
addiction is less frowned upon because working very hard is held up in our society as a good
thing. But its effect on family life and one’s health will tell you that it is also being used to
avoid something else.”
Attempt the following questions on the basis of the passage you have read : (1×10 = 10)
a) What is the word of caution as per Philip in regard to escape from reality in a game?
i) Inability to be productive
ii) Leads to a fantasy level
iii) if one gets a moment where one can be somebody else, one can take it, but always
needs to come back because if not, then that’s a problem.
iv) It is also an escape from reality and reality is boring
ANS. iii) if one gets a moment where one can be somebody else, one can take it, but always
needs to come back because if not, then that’s a problem.

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b) Why was the college administration upset with Subhash’s son Pranav?
i) months into his postgraduate course, he had not submitted key documents that
were part of his admission procedure.
ii) was addicted to video games
iii) Subhash’s son was introduced to Dota 2 by his classmate
iv) even eaten anything for days because he was playing Dota 2
ANS. i) months into his postgraduate course, he had not submitted key documents that
were part of his admission procedure.
c) What were the instances when Pranav’s addiction to Dota 2 took a frightening turn?
i) Pranav broke a door in rage after they took away his laptop and mobile phone.
ii) he threatened to jump off the eighth floor of a building.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
ANS. iii) Both (i) and (ii)
d) How has the Massive Multi-Player Online Role Playing Games improved Philip’s social
abilities?
i) you’re enjoying what you’re doing in the moment
ii) plays games in a regulated way
iii) interacts with parents more
iv) Philip meets people from all over the world and they’re all engaging in conversations
ANS. iv) Philip meets people from all over the world and they’re all engaging in conversations
e) Philip believes gaming is among the “greatest things in the world,” because-
i) it is all about finding the right balance
ii) it creates identities
iii) it helps in socializing
iv) it takes one to a virtual world.
ANS. i) it is all about finding the right balance
f) According to Freud normal is -
i) the capacity to have close relationship
ii) the ability to be productive
iii) to be able to love and work.
iv) be very hardworking
ANS. iii) to be able to love and work.
g) The inherent vulnerability in some people makes them believe that a video game —
i) makes thoughts of the past and future pretty much suspended
ii) In a way, is a good coping mechanism.
iii) allows you to build a character from scratch.
iv) you get a moment where you can be somebody else
ANS. i) makes thoughts of the past and future pretty much suspended

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h) The Panchakarma therapy —
i) caused an obsession to be more regulated.
ii) helped Subhash and his family
iii) a detoxification regime advocated by Ayurveda.
iv) All of the above.
ANS. iv) All of the above.
i) Find a word from the paragraph 5 which means same as ‘resulting in good, favourable or
advantageous effect’
i) Beneficial
ii) Detoxifying
iii) Continual
iv) Thoughtful
ANS. i) beneficial
j) Find a word from the paragraph 3 which means same as ‘physically and mentally dependent’
i) Violent
ii) Aggressive
iii) Depressive
iv) None of the above
ANS. iv) None of the above
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades. A vast
majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild and self-managed, and hence the actual numbers
of dengue cases are under reported or often misdiagnosed.
One estimate indicates 390 million dengue virus infections per year (95% credible interval
284 –528 million), of which 96 million (67–136 million) manifest clinically (with any severity
of disease). The number of dengue cases reported to WHO increased over 8 fold over the last
two decades.
This alarming increase in case numbers is partly explained by a change in national practices to
record and report dengue to the Ministries of Health, and to the WHO. But it also represents
government recognition of the burden, and therefore the pertinence to report dengue disease.
Before 1970, only 9 countries had experienced severe dengue epidemics. The disease is now
endemic in more than 100 countries in the WHO regions of Africa, the Americas, the Eastern
Mediterranean, South - East Asia and the Western Pacific, The America, South-East Asia and
Western Pacific regions are the most seriously affected, with Asia representing 70% of the
global burden of disease.
In 2020, dengue continues to affect several countries, with reports of increases in the numbers of
cases in Bangladesh, Brazil, Cook Islands, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Mauritania,
Mayotte (Fr), Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Yemen.
The largest number of dengue cases ever reported globally was in 2019. All regions were
affected, and dengue transmission was recorded in Afghanistan for the first time.

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The first dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia® (CYD-TDV) developed by Sanofi Pasteur was licensed
in December 2015 and has now been approved by regulatory authorities in 20 countries. In
November 2017, the results of an additional analysis to retrospectively determine serostatus at
the time of vaccination were released.
THE FOLLOWING GRAPH SHOWS THE STATUS OF DENGUE IN INDIA:

As described in the WHO position paper on the Dengvaxia vaccine (September 2018) the
dengue vaccine CYD-TDV has been shown in clinical trials to be efficacious and safe in
persons who have had a previous dengue virus infection. However, it carries an increased risk
of severe dengue in those who experience their first natural dengue infection after vaccination.
For countries considering vaccination as part of their dengue control programme, pre-
vaccination screening is the recommended strategy.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. (1×10=10)
i) In the line, ‘and therefore the pertinence to report dengue disease‘ , the word pertinence
does not mean
a. Importance
b. Ignorance
c. Relevance
d. Appropriateness
ANS. b. Ignorance
ii) Dengue transmission was recorded in Afghanistan for the first time in___________
a. 2019
b. 2020
c. 2018
d. 2022
ANS. a. 2019
iii) The actual number of dengue cases are more than the figures in the reports because:
a. There has been a misprint
b. Cases reported late
c. Cases are under-reported
d. Cases constantly increase
ANS. c. Cases are under-reported

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iv) Choose the option that is correct about the rise in the number of dengue cases
a. Rise in dengue is due to rise in tourism
b. Dengue is always being tested and reported in vast numbers
c. Dengue is a communicable disease
d. Dengue spread is uncontrollable
ANS. d. Dengue spread is uncontrollable
v) Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following:
‘The number of dengue cases reported to WHO increased over 8 fold over the last two
decades.’
Choose the correct alternative
a. doubt
b. caution
c. conviction
d. denial
ANS. b. caution
vi) Which statement is not true about the dengue vaccine as stated in the report?
a. Dengue vaccine works effectively on people who have been infected before
b. Dengue vaccine works effectively on people who haven‘t been infected before
c. Dengue vaccine must be administered to people in the countries where it is an endemic
d. Dengue vaccine has been in clinical trials but the results are not as expected
ANS. b. Dengue vaccine works effectively on people who haven‘t been infected before
vii) What does the word endemic‘ refer to?
a. Disease regularly found in people of a certain area
b. Disease irregularly found in people of a certain area
c. Disease regularly found in people any where
d. Disease irregularly found in people any where
ANS. a. Disease regularly found in people of a certain area
viii) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1
opinion reason

the actual numbers of dengue cases are

under reported or often misdiagnosed.

ANS. A vast majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild and self-managed

ix) What is the above graph presented in the passage informing us about? Choose the most
appropriate response
a. The mortality rate had an irregular rise and fall from the year 2007 to 2013
b. The number of cases was at its highest in the year 2012
c. Spread of Dengue was stable from the year 2009 to 2010
d. Spread of Dengue showed a steady rise from the year 2010 to 2012
ANS. a. The mortality rate had an irregular rise and fall from the year 2007 to 2013

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x) Where do we need to administer the dengue vaccine?
a. In country where dengue is wide-spread
b. In country where dengue may spread
c. In country where dengue spread is limited
d. In country where dengue spread originated
ANS. a. In country where dengue is wide-spread

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
I. Born out of the forces of globalisation, India's IT sector is undertaking some
globalisation of its own. In search of new sources of rapid growth, the country's
outsourcing giants are aggressively expanding beyond their usual stomping grounds into
the developing world, setting up programming centres, chasing new clients and hiring
local talent. Through geographic diversification, Indian companies hope to regain some
momentum after the recession. This shift is being driven by a global economy in which
the US is no longer the undisputed engine of growth. India's IT powers rose to
prominence largely on the decisions made by American executives, who were quick to
capitalize on the cost savings to be gained by outsourcing noncore operations, such as
systems programming and call centres, to specialists overseas.
II. Revenues in India's IT sector surged from $4 billion in 1998 to $59 billion last fiscal,
but with the recession NASSCOM forecasts that the growth rate of India's exports of IT
and other business services to the US and Europe will drop to at most 7% in the current
fiscal year, down from 16% last year and 29% in 2007-08.
III. Factors other than the crisis are driving India's IT firms into the emerging world.
Although the US still accounts for 60% of the export revenue of India's IT sector,
emerging markets are growing faster. However, tapping these more dynamic economies
won't be easy. The goal of Indian IT firms for the past 30 years has been to woo clients
outside India and transfer as much of the actual work as possible back home, where
lower wages for highly skilled programmers allowed them to offer significant cost
savings. But with costs in other emerging economies equally low, Indian firms can't
compete on price alone.
IV. To adapt, Indian companies which are relatively unknown in these emerging nations are
establishing major local operations around the world, in the process hiring thousands of
locals. Cultural conflicts arise at times while training new recruits. In addition, IT firms
also must work extra hard to woo business from emerging-market companies still
unaccustomed to the concept of outsourcing. If successful, the future of India's
outsourcing sector could prove as bright as its past.
i) What is the author trying to convey through the phrase "India's IT sector is undertaking
some globalization of its own"?
a. India has usurped America's position as the leader in IT.
b. The Indian IT sector is competing with other emerging nations for American
business.
c. The Indian IT sector is considering outsourcing to developing economies.
d. Indian IT companies are no longer able to offer comprehensive cost-effective
solutions to the US.
ANS. c. The Indian IT sector is considering outsourcing to developing economies.

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ii) Which of the following factors made the services offered by the Indian IT attractive to
the US?
A. Indian IT companies had expertise in rare core operations.
B. US lacked the necessary infrastructure and personnel to handle mass call centre
operations.
C. costs in other emerging economies are equally high
[Link]
[Link] (A)
[Link] (A) & (B)
[Link] (B)
ANS. a. None
iii) Supply 1 point to justify the following:
“the growth rate of India's exports of IT and other business services to the US and
Europe will drop to at most 7% in the current fiscal year”
ANS. with the recession NASSCOM forecasts that the growth rate of India's exports of IT and
other business services to the US and Europe will drop down from 16% last year and
29% in 2007-08.
iv) What do the NASSCOM statistics about Indian IT exports indicate?
a. Drop in demand for IT services by Europe and the US
b. Indian IT firms charge exorbitantly for their services.
c. India has lost out to other emerging IT hubs.
d. The Indian IT sector should undergo restructuring.
ANS. a. Drop in demand for IT services by Europe and the US
v) According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a difficulty that Indian IT
firms will face in emerging markets?
a. Mindset resistant to outsourcing
b. Local IT services are equally cost-effective
c. The US is their preferred outsourcing destination.
d. Conflicts arising during the training of local talent
ANS. c. The US is their preferred outsourcing destination.
vi) Which of the following is NOT true in the context of the Passage?
A. The recession severely impacted the US but not India.
B. India is trying to depend less on the US as a source of growth.
C. The future success of Indian IT firms depends on emerging markets.
[Link] (B) & (C)
[Link] (A)
[Link] (C)
[Link] (A), (B) & (C)
ANS. b. Only (A)

14
vii) Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to the word 'CHASING' as
used in the passage?
a. running
b. harassing
c. pestering
d. pursuing
ANS. d. pursuing
viii) Which of the following words is most opposite in meaning to the word 'UNDISPUTED'
as used in the passage?
a. challenging
b. doubtful
c. deprived
d. emphasized
ANS. b. doubtful
ix) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/ phrase from paragraph 4:
patchwork: quilt:: : ___________ diversity
(Clue: Just like patchwork is integral to quilt, similarly __________ is/ are integral to
diversity)
ANS. cultural
x) Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following:
However, tapping these more dynamic economies won't be easy (Paragraph 3)
a. sympathy
b. caution
c. conviction
d. denial
ANS. b. caution
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. As Nguyen Van Ninh needles his chopsticks through a steaming bowl of Vietnam’s
famous noodle soup, he knows it could be spiked with formaldehyde. But the thought of
slurping up the same chemical used to preserve corpses isn’t enough to deter him. “I
think if we don’t see those chemicals being put in the food with our own eyes, then we
can just smack our lips and pretend that there are no chemicals in the food,” he said,
devouring a 20-cent bowl of ‘pho’ on a busy Hanoi sidewalk. “Why worry about it?”
While the discovery of tainted imports from China has shocked Westerners, food safety
has long been a problem in much of Asia, where enforcement is lax and food poisoning
deaths are not unusual.
2. Hot weather, lack of refrigeration and demand for cheap street food drive vendors and
producers to find inexpensive --- and often dangerous ways--- to preserve their products.
Formaldehyde has long been used to lengthen the shelf life of rice noodles and tofu in
some Asian countries, even though it can cause liver, nerve and kidney damage. The
chemical, often used in embalming, was found a few years ago in seven of 10 pho
noodle factories in Hanoi. Borax, found in everything from detergent to fiberglass, is

15
 also commonly used to preserve fish and meats in Indonesia and elsewhere. Farmers
often spray their produce with banned pesticides such as DDT.
3. “The people who do this want to make money. And if they’re stupid and greedy, this is a
bad combination,” said Gerald Moy, a food safety expert at the World Health
Organisation in Geneva. Fish containing puffer fish toxins, drug-laced frozen eel and
juice spiked with harmful dyes were among other unsafe products shipped to the US.
Diethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting thickening agent also used in antifreeze, has been
blamed for the deaths of at least 51 people in Panama after the chemical was imported
from China and mixed into cough syrup and other medicines.
4. The US Food and Drug Administration has halted all shipments of Chinese toothpaste to
test for the same chemical reportedly found in tubes sold in Australia, the Dominican
Republic and Panama.
Answer the following questions: (1x10=10)
a) Which of the following factors drive people to not care about the lives of other people?
(i) Religion
(ii) Money
(iii) Political set-up
(iv) Lax laws and money
b) Diethylene glycol killed at least ………… in Panama.
(i) 48 people
(ii) 49 people
(iii) 54 people
(iv) 51 people
c) What can prevent deaths invited by chemically laced eatables?
(i) Public awareness
(ii) Vigilant public and strict laws
(iii) Strict laws
(iv) Import ban
d) In which part of the world is the enforcement of laws lax?
(i) Europe
(ii) Asia
(iii) Africa
(iv) America
e) With what substance are noodles generally spiked?
(i) diethylene glycol
(ii) DDT
(iii) formaldehyde
(iv) borax

16
f) Why do we pretend that there are no chemicals in eatables?
(i) they are affordable
(ii) we don’t see those chemicals being put in the food with our own eyes.
(iii) there are no strict laws
(iv) food safely is not a serious problem
g) Why is Asia facing a problem of tainted food?
(i) people are ignorant
(ii) hot weather and lack of refrigeration
(iii) vendors and producers use cheap methods to preserve food
(iv) law enforcement is lax and food poisoning deaths are not unusual in Asia.
h) Why do vendors adopt inexpensive and dangerous ways to preserve product in Asia?
(i) there is no proper law to ensure food safety
(ii) chemicals are easily available
(iii) because of hot weather, lack of refrigeration and demand for cheap street food.
(iv) vendors want to make money
i) Find the word similar to ‘negligent’.
(i) spiked
(ii) smack
(iii) lax
(iv) embalming
j) Find the antonym of ‘deter’.
(i) discourage
(ii) put off
(iii) encourage
(iv) avert
ANSWERS
a. (iv) Lax laws and money
b. (iv) 51 people
c. (ii) Vigilant public and strict laws
d. (ii) Asia
e. iii) formaldehyde
f. ii) we don’t see those chemicals being put in the food with our own eyes
g. iv) law enforcement is lax and food poisoning deaths are not unusual in Asia.
h. iii) because of hot weather, lack of refrigeration and demand for cheap street food.
i. iii) lax
j. iii) encourage

17
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. Fear of failure is an attitude problem. All of us postpone things. We procrastinate. We
rationalize. We make excuses. We foolishly believe that to be creative and to have a
positive attitude and to simply do things, we must have all kinds of preconditions.
2. You can find several excuses for waiting to be more creative. But scratch the surface of
these smooth and logical rationalizations, and if you’re honest, you’ll see the face of a
little demon, the fear of failure, hiding there.
3. Zig Ziglar reminds us that this is nothing but an attitude problem: “The future can be
depressing or magnificent—it is not correlated to the present or the past, past failures or
successes. It is only our attitude towards these failures or successes which determine our
future.” You can change yourself by changing your attitude without fear of error.
4. Problems cause stress and stress reduces our effectiveness. So, it is very logical that
once we solve our problems, we should be able to increase our efficiency and
effectiveness. Incidentally, we can’t eliminate problems unless we opt for the final
exit—the very thought of this itself is stressful!
5. What causes our problems? Well, roughly speaking one third of our problems are there
because we are alive and kicking; another one-third of our problems are created by
ourselves; and the remaining one-third of our problems exist because of greed and ego.
6. When too many problems are causing you enormous stress and strain, do the following:
1. Think…there must be a better way to solve these problems. It helps to remember the
crow and jug story! Recall similar stories and incidents.
2. Ask, ask, ask…from yourself and from others, how to do things in better ways. May
be certain things should not be done at all or should be clubbed with other activities!
Don’t forget that even stupid questions will get your intelligent and common-sense
answers and feed the opportunities. For every problem, there could be several solutions,
and solutions point towards opportunities.
8. Apply the MISER concept to solve problems. MISER… where M stands for Merge, I
for Improve, S for Simplify, E for Eliminate and R for Reduce. MISER is an excellent
conceptual sieve that helps in reducing many problems to a very few ones.
Answer the following questions: (1 × 10 = 10)
1. Most people procrastinate because __________
(a) they are not creative
(b) they adopt a wrong attitude
(c) they are too lazy to do anything
(d) they wait for better opportunity
2. Our future is determined by __________
(a) past failure
(b) success in the present
(c) efforts in future
(d) attitude towards past failure or success

18
3. Our effectiveness gets reduced as __________
(a) problems multiply
(b) depressing time is painful
(c) stress is caused by problems
(d) problems dishearten us
4. We can’t eliminate problems because _________
(a) we are alive and kicking
(b) we are inactive
(c) we are afraid of final exit
(d) we postpone actions
5. What are the various causes of our problems?
(a) we are alive and kicking
(b) greed and ego.
(c) we, ourselves
(d) all of the above
6. What is the best way to tackle a problem?
(a) recall the crow and jug story
(b) not to stress and strain
(c) ask from others how to do things in better ways.
(d) apply the MISER concept.
7. What is the full form of MISER?
(a) merge, improve, simplify.
(b) simplify, eliminate, reduce.
(c) both a and b.
(d) none of the above.
8. Which word in the passage is similar in meaning to ‘postpone action’?
(a) rationalize
(b) procrastinate
(c) eliminate
(d) reduce.
9. Give the opposite of eliminate.
(a) to remove
(b) to abolish
(c) to take
(d) to end.

19
[Link] is the conceptual sieve that helps in reducing many problems?
(a) asking several questions.
(b) eliminating the fear of failure.
(c) applying the MISER concept.
(d) stop making excuses.
ANSWERS
1. (b) they adopt a wrong attitude
2. (d) attitude towards past failure or success
3. (c) stress is caused by problems
4. (c) we are afraid of final exit
5. (d) all of the above
6. (c) ask from others how to do things in better ways.
7. (c) both a and b
8. (b) procrastinate
9. (a) to remove
10. (c) applying the MISER concept

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:-
Gender equality/disparity has become one of the most important indicators of a developed
society. Women work participation is a ‘gender lens’ to look at this problem (phenomenon).
According to International Labour Organization statistics, societies still having feudal ethos in
the 21st century have the least women labour participation rates, and hence the highest gender
disparity ratios.
Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Iraq and Jordan have the least female participation rates (around
16 per cent), but globally the rate is 50 per cent. India and Pakistan record only 27 per cent,
but Bangladesh has crossed the global average and achieved 57 per cent. Relatively small
nations like Indonesia and Malaysia also have touched the global average, but Vietnam,
Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda have the maximum rates around 75 per cent.
This shows that the correlation between women’s work participation rate and gender equality is
complex. No doubt, the least women participation in work is a clear indication of sharp disparity.
But mere increase in work participation is not enough for gender equality since in some of the least
developed countries with high rates of work participation, women are forced to get involved in
back-breaking agriculture labour and deprived of good education and health care.
Their families will be starved if they are not in the fields, often with very low wages.
India has to think about its low women workforce participation if it wants to get into the real
development orbit. Skilling the working population, especially the women, must be the top
priority. China could break the barriers oflow women work participation, and it is one of the
reasons for their excellence in manufacturing, especially in the small and medium enterprises.
Non-farm women’s work participation can only push their status up. The Vietnamese
experience provides more insights. Even with very high women participation, the gender pay
gap has widened while it declined in many countries. ‘Equal pay for equal work’ has to be
ensured if we are serious about gender inequality.

20
Answer the following questions : (1 × 10 = 10)
1. What is one of the most important indicators of a developed society?
(a) gender inequality
(b) gender equality
(c) gender discrimination
(d) gender lens
2. Which countries have the least women work participation rates?
(a) Afghanistan, Algeria , Iran
(b) Iran, Iraq, Kuwait
(c) Jordan, Afghanistan, Af
(d) Algeria, Argentina, Nigeria
3. Which country has crossed the global average and achieved 57 percent in female
participation ?
(a) India
(b) Bangladesh
(c) Pakistan
(d) Afghanistan
4. Which two countries have achieved the maximum rates in women’s work participation?
(a) Vietnam and Zambia
(b) Afghanistan and Algeria
(c) India and Bangladesh
(d) Bangladesh and Pakistan
5. Why is mere increase in work participation not enough for gender equality?
(a) societies still have feudal ethos
(b) there is least female participation
(c) women are forced to get involved in back-breaking agriculture labour
(d) gender pay gap is wide
6. What does India need for real development of the country?
(a) think about low women workforce participation
(b) skill the working population of women
(c) increase non-farm women’s participation
(d) increase pay scale
7. What is needed to push women’s status up?
(a) increase non-farm women’s participation
(b) stop back breaking agriculture labour
(c) provide education and health care
(d) none of the above

21
8. Why is ‘equal pay for equal work’ important?
(a) to ensure gender equality and lessen gender pay gap
(b) to improve agriculture
(c) to ensure women participation
(d) to avoid starving of the families
9. What has been referred to as the ‘ gender lens’ to look at the gender disparity?
(a) women work participation
(b) labour organization statistics
(c) agricultural labour
(d) pay scale
10. Choose the option that is similar in meaning to the word ‘backbreaking’.
(a) easy
(b) effortless
(c) backbiting
(d) gruelling
ANSWERS
1. a. gender inequality
2. a. Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran
3. b. Bangladesh
4. a. Vietnam and Zambia
5. c. women are forced to get involved in back-breaking agriculture labour
6. b. skill the working population of women
7. a. increase non farm women’s work participation
8. a. to ensure gender equality and lessen the gender pay gap.
9. a. women participation
10. d. gruelling

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:-
1. Have you ever failed at something so miserably that the thought of attempting to do it
again was the last thing you wanted to do?
2. If your answer is yes, then you are “not a robot.” Unlike robots, we human beings have
feelings, emotions, and dreams. We are all meant to grow and stretch despite our
circumstances and our limitations. Flourishing and trying to make our dreams come true
is great when life is going our way. But what happens when it’s not? What happens
when you fail despite all your hard work? Do you stay down and accept the defeat or do
you get up again and again until you are satisfied? If you have a tendency to persevere
and keep going then you have what experts call, grit.
3. Falling down or failing is one of the most agonizing, embarrassing, and scariest human
experiences. But it is also one of the most educational, empowering, and essential parts
of living a successful and fulfilling life. Did you know that perseverance (grit) is one of

22
 the seven qualities that have been described as the keys to personal success and
betterment in society?The other six are: curiosity, gratitude, optimism, self-control,
social intelligence, and zest.
Thomas Edison is a model for grit for trying 1,000 plus times to invent the light bulb. If
you are reading this with the lights on in your room, you know well he succeeded. When
asked why he kept going despite his hundreds of failures, he merely stated that what he
had been were not failures. They were hundreds of ways not to create a light bulb. This
statement not only revealed his grit but also his optimism for looking at the bright side.
4. Grit can be learned to help you become more successful. One of the techniques that
helps is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice that helps the individual stay in the
moment by bringing awareness of his or her experience without judgement. This
practice has been used to quiet the noise of their fears and doubts. Through this simple
practice of mindfulness, individuals have the ability to stop the self-sabotaging
downward spiral of hopelessness, despair, and frustration.
5. What did you do to overcome the negative and self-sabotaging feelings of failure? Reflect
on what you did, and try to use those same powerful resources to help you today.
Answer the following questions. (1 × 10 = 10)
i) According to the passage, what are the attributes of a human?
a. feelings, emotions, dreams.
b. ability to grow and stretch despite the circumstances and limitations.
c. both A and B
d. either A or B
ii) What is perceived as grit?
a. Tendency to persevere and keep going.
b. To accept defeat.
c. Ability to make dreams come true.
d. Self sabotaging
iii) What are the keys to personal success and betterment in society?
a. Perseverance
b. Curiosity
c. Gratitude
d. All of the above
iv) In what way can grit be developed?
a. By reflecting at your work
b. By practicing mindfulness
c. By developing gratitude
d. By self empowerment

23
v) The practice of quietening the noise of fears and doubts is called?
a. self sabotaging
b. hopelessness
c. grit
d. mindfulness
vi) The antonym of self sabotaging is
a. self defeat
b. destruction
c. undermining oneself
d. self appreciation
vii) While inventing the light bulb, Thomas Edison had failed ____________
a. 1000 times
b. 10000 plus times
c. 1000 plus times
d. 10000 times
viii) Failure is a part of ___________ life.
a. normal
b. common
c. human
d. ordinary
ix) In paragraph 2, __________ means continue.
a. robots
b. satisfied
c. persevere
d. flourishing
x) In paragraph 3, the synonym of distressing is __________.
a. embarrassing
b. scariest
c. agonizing
d. failing
ANSWERS
i) c. both A and B
ii) a. Tendency to persevere and keep going.
iii) d. All of the above
iv) b. By practicing mindfulness
v) d. mindfulness

24
vi) d. self appreciation
vii) c. 1000 plus times
viii) c. human
ix) c. persevere
x) c. agonizing

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
I. The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation and is
based on the fortune of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor and entrepreneur. The Nobel
prize is awarded for the best contribution in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine,
Literature and to the person who has contributed by and large to bring Peace on Earth.
In 1968, Sweden’s central bank established the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic
Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel.

II. A look into the history of the recipients of the award reveals that only 57 women have
received the award compared to 873 male recipients. There are various historical
reasons for why this is the case, but the trend appears to be improving.

III. Goran Hansson, the permanent secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
said, " While more women are being recognised now compared with previous decades,
only about 10% of the professors in natural sciences in western Europe or North
America are women, and even lower if you go to east Asia." All over the world, the
number of men working in STEM fields is much higher than the number of women.

25
IV. Hansson emphasised that they have made sure to identify the problem and also learn
about subconscious bias in the prize-awarding committees and academies. "We’ve had
lectures by sociologists, we’ve had group discussions, we have put quite a lot of effort
into it,” he said.

V. “In the end, we will give the prize to those who are found the most worthy, those who
have made the most important contributions," he added.

Q.1 According to the passage, the gender disparity among Nobel Prize recipients is due to
__________ factors.
A. historical
B. economical
C. sociological
D. psychological
ANS. B. economical
Q.2 Based on the passage, what efforts are being made by the Royal Swedish Academy of
Sciences to address the low representation of female scientists?
i. The Academy is consciously awarding female scientists from the 2000s.
ii. The Academy is inviting sociologists to lecture about the gender gap.
iii. The Academy is hosting group discussions to boost the intelligence of female
scientists.
A. only (i)
B. only (ii)
C. (i) and (iii)
D. (ii) and (iii)
ANS. B. only (ii)
Q.3 According to the passage, Goran Hansson says that there are __________.
A. more female scientists in East Asia than in Europe
B. fewer male scientists than female scientists in Europe
C. fewer male scientists being considered for recognition now
D. more female scientists being recognised for their work now
ANS. D. more female scientists being recognised for their work now
Q.4 Which of these can be inferred from the graph showing the number of women Nobel
laureates by decade?
A. No woman received the Nobel prize before the year 1910.
B. More women have received the Nobel prize since 1971 than men.
C. At least one woman received the Nobel prize every year since 1901.
D. Since 1961, women Nobel laureates have been increasing steadily every decade
ANS. D. Since 1961, women Nobel laureates have been increasing steadily every decade

26
Q.5 Which of these pieces of information is NOT present in the passage?
A. number of Nobel prizes given in the year 2009
B. number of men who have received Nobel prizes till date
C. percentage of male scientists belonging to eastern countries
D. percentage of female scientists belonging to western countries
ANS. C. percentage of male scientists belonging to eastern countries
Q.6 Select the sentence that CORRECTLY uses the phrase 'by and large' as used in paragraph I.
A. Paula prepared a by and large cake for dinner.
B. We bought by and large clothes for the campaign.
C. Most of the lions by and large eat deer when hungry.
D. She was so excited that she screamed by and large on the road.
ANS. C. Most of the lions by and large eat deer when hungry.
Q.7 The Nobel Prize is an international award because it recognises the achievements made
__________.
A. in all subjects
B. by all genders
C. in all countries
D. by all institutions
ANS. C. in all countries
Q.8 Which of the following is an ‘opinion’ and not a ‘fact’ about the information shared in
the passage.
A. The Nobel prizes have been awarded to more men than women.
B. Alfred Nobel's wealth is used to award the Nobel prizes to the winners.
C. The Nobel prize was awarded for the best contribution in only four fields initially.
D. Women in general are more inclined to working on world peace than on other subjects.
ANS. D. Women in general are more inclined to working on world peace than on other subjects.
Q.9 According to Goran Hansson, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences __________.
A. researches the cause of gender discrepancy in Nobel prize nominations
B. nominates fewer men for prestigious awards like the Nobel prize
C. awards the Nobel prize to the most famous contributors
D. selects individuals who are not prejudiced in any way
ANS. C. awards the Nobel prize to the most famous contributors

27
Q.10 Find the word that is synonymous to the word ‘administered’ as used in the passage:
A. managed
B. forego
C. followed
D. denied
ANS. A. managed
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. Politeness has been well defined as benevolence in trifles. It is the desire to put those
whom we meet perfectly at their ease, and save them from every kind of petty
discomfort and annoyance. The limited part of benevolence called politeness requires
only an inclination to make them happy temporarily, while they are in our presence, and
this can be done without any sacrifice on our part or only with a slight sacrifice of
personal comfort.
2. Politeness is said to be one of the important characteristics of civilised person. Politeness
is the art of choosing among your thoughts. It must be implemented in every walk of
life. When we deal with people elder to us we are polite. But, an honest polite person is
polite with everyone, people of lower status, workers and even children. Not only with
humans but also with animals we must be polite as they are our helpers.
3. Politeness is a skill. Like any other skill, you can master it with practice. The greatest
enemy of politeness is ego. To be a polite person, you have to sacrifice your ego. It is
difficult for an egoist to be polite. You have to imply politeness in your thinking, speech
and actions. Actions work more than words. Polite actions will give fine results.
Politeness will reduce your stress and boost you to be productive. Apart from your
present benefits, you protect your future. Being polite makes you mentally healthy. In
our daily life we come across many incidents with people nearby and ourselves.
4. Different rules of behaviour have to be observed, accordingly as we are in the street or in
the drawing- room, at home or at school, in the company of friends or of strangers.
There is also to be considered the great diversity of social etiquette which distinguishes
one country from another.
5. Politeness, besides being a duty that we owe to others, is a valuable possession for
ourselves. It costs nothing, and yet may in many cases bring much profit. The great
advantage of this excellence of conduct was very clearly expressed by Dr. Johnson,
when he said that the difference between a well-bred and an ill- bred man is that one
immediately attracts your liking, the other your dislike.
A. Answer the following questions : (1 × 10 = 10)
i. What is the important characteristic of a civilized person?
(a) ego.
(b) benevolence.
(c) social etiquette.
(d) politeness.

28
ii. List some of the persons we should be polite to?
(a) elders
(b) people of lower status
(c) children, animals
(d) all of the above.
iii. Why is it difficult for an egoist to be polite?
(a) they have to sacrifice their ego.
(b) they can’t practice the skill of politeness.
(c) they find it difficult to show it in their behaviour
(d) they find it difficult to show it in their actions.
iv. What are the benefits of being polite?
(a) reduces stress and boosts your productivity.
(b) protects your future.
(c) makes you mentally healthy.
(d) all of the above.
v. What are the ways of practicing politeness?
(a) sacrifice ego.
(b) imply politeness in your thinking, speech and actions.
(c) only a
(d) both a and b.
B. Give the meanings of the words given below, as used in the passage, with the help
of the options that follow:
i. inclination (Para 1)
(a) dislike
(b) bent
(c) joy
(d) trail
ii. implemented (Para 2)
(a) execute
(b) curtail
(c) derail
(d) pull out
Give the opposite of the following:-
iii. diversity (Para 4)
(a) similarity
(b) multiplicity
(c) unity
(d) enmity

29
iv. etiquette (Para 4)
(a) manners
(b) addiction
(c) rudeness
(d) impoliteness
v. well bred
(a) civil
(b) polite
(c) well behaved
(d) rude
ANSWERS
A. i. d. politeness.
ii. d. all of the above.
iii. a. they have to sacrifice their ego.
iv. d. all of the above.
v. d. both a and b.
B. i. b. bent
ii. a. execute
iii. b. multiplicity
iv. a. manners
v. d. rude
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:- (8)
Evolution has designated vultures to be the ultimate scavengers. Enormous wing span allows
them to circle in the air for hours. Their beaks, while horrifying, are weak by bird standards,
made to scoop and eat flesh. However unappealing they seem, vultures serve an important
role in the ecological cycle: processing dead bodies of animals.
Only 20 years ago India had plenty of vultures- flocks so enormous that they darkened the
skies. But by 1999 their numbers had dropped due to a mysterious kidney ailment. By 2008,
99.9 percent of India’s vultures were gone. It was finally discovered that they had been killed
by a drug called diclofenac (a pain reliever in the line of aspirin or ibuprofen). Indians revere
their cows and when a cow showed a sign of pain, they were treated with diclofenac. After the
animal died the vultures would eat the corpse. And though they boast perhaps of world’s most
efficient digestive system, the vultures could not digest the drug.
India banned the use of diclofenac for veterinary use in 2006, but it’s still widely used. The near
extinction of vultures has caused a disease in the country, as rats and dogs moved into to take their
place- spreading pathogens that would have otherwise been destroyed by the vultures.
Vultures need large spaces to scan for food and undisturbed areas in which to nest. They also
need abundance of prey species to eat, since they rely more on chance than their own hunting
skills. All of these things have been reduced by human activities. Meanwhile, there is a
dramatic increase in secondary poisoning. Vultures eat on carcasses laced with poison
intended to kill jackals or other predatory carnivores; or they are poisoned by the lead in
animals left behind by hunters.

30
Answer the following questions by choosing the correct options: (1 × 10 = 10)
1. Vultures are able to circle in the air for long hours because of their:
i) wing span
ii) curved beaks
iii) Light feathers
iv) Shape of claws
2. Vultures serve an important role in the ecological cycle because they
i) eat the smaller birds
ii) eat the pests
iii) process dead bodies of animals
iv) do not fly close to the ground
3. The number of vulture dropped significantly due to
i) mindless killing of the birds
ii) a mysterious kidney ailment
iii) migration
iv) being preyed on by other larger species
4. Vultures could not digest a drug found in the corpse of
i) cows
ii) other birds
iii) all dead animals they scavenged
iv) pests
5. Diclofenac is a
i) painkiller
ii) steroid
iii) appetite enhancer
iv) vitamin
6. Which animals can be blamed for the spread of pathogens?
i) vultures
ii) cows
iii) dogs and rats
iv) none of the above
7. Vultures need an abundance of prey species because
i) they are good at hunting
ii) they have an insatiable appetite
iii) they choose their food type
iv) they depend on chance

31
8. What is not true about secondary poisoning?
i) When one animal comes in contact with a poisoned animal
ii) When one animal eats a poisoned animal
iii) It is also called relay toxicity
iv) When one poisoned animal eats another poisoned animal
9. Which of the following words is not a synonym of enormous:
i) Colossal
ii) Gigantic
iii) Miniscule
iv) Mammoth
10. Which is the synonym of dramatic?
i) Ordinary
ii) Thrilling
iii) Usual
iv) Ineffective
ANSWERS:
1. (i)
2. (iii)
3. (ii)
4. (i)
5. (i)
6. (iii)
7. (iv)
8. (iv)
9. (iii)
10. (ii)
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
Fish keeping has benefits that make it an attractive hobby for millions of people. Aquariums
can bring a bit of nature, a living ecosystem into any home including apartments that do not
allow other pets. Like tending a furry animal, helping to maintain a fish tank can teach a child
the responsibility of caring for other living creatures.
As pets, fish have a distinct advantage: they are quiet, they do not chew or scratch the
furniture and with a few slow-release feeders in their tank, they can safely be left alone for a
week or two.
But it is likely that the documented benefit to human health that has made aquariums so
popular. Like petting a dog or cat, gazing at an aquarium at the end of a long, hard day can
reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Likewise, research shows that people waiting to see a
doctor undergo a medical procedure were less anxious after watching fish swimming in a

32
tank. Watching fish also has a significant calming effect on children with attention deficit as
well as on elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease. Today, home aquariums have become
popular as commercial fish breeding operations and air transport has made it easy and
affordable. More durable tanks and improved filtration systems have enabled hobbyists to
sustain fish for longer periods.
Today, home aquariums range from the child’s gold fish bowl to elaborate tanks holding
several gallons of water and dozens of exotic fish. More adventurous hobbyists opt for salt
water tanks, which need more work and equipment to maintain a stable environment. Salt
water fish are more costly and are more susceptible to change in temperature and water
quality than fresh water species. On the positive side, they are spectacularly colourful and turn
a tank into a dramatic focal point.
Modern aquariums have evolved far beyond the boring rectangular tank. Today’s models
come in almost any shape imaginable - round, hexagonal, bow front, concave, free-form and
flat enough to hang on a wall. They have also become key elements in home and office decor.
They are built into walls and incorporated into tables, lamps, and desks and even bathtubs.
Almost any object, it seems can be turned into a fish tank.
Answer the following questions by choosing the correct options: (1 × 10 = 10)
1. Fish have a distinct advantage over other pets. Which of the following is not true about them?
i) they are quiet
ii) they do not chew or scratch furniture
iii) we do not have to take them out
iv) we do not have to change the water of the tank
2. Why can fish be safely left for a week or two?
i) They can stay without food for that period
ii) They can be fed enough beforehand
iii) They can be fed with slow release feeders in the tank
iv) They are normally fed once a week
3. Gazing at an aquarium does not reduce:
i) Stress
ii) Anxiety
iii) Blood pressure
iv) Appetite
4. Which of the following is not a disadvantage of saltwater fish?
i) Expensive
ii) Susceptible to change in temperature
iii) Susceptible to change in water quality
iv) Turn the tank into a dramatic focal point.

33
5. What is not true about modern aquariums?
i) They cannot be incorporated into any object
ii) They can come in any shape
iii) They can be built into walls
iv) They are never unattractive as part of the décor
6. Which word in the passage can be replaced with extensive?
i) Attractive
ii) Significant
iii) Elaborate
iv) Free-form
7. The word exotic means:
i) Coming from a faraway country
ii) Coming from the neighbourhood
iii) Normal
iv) Native
8. Which of the following statements is not true?
i) Fish keeping can add a touch of nature to any home
ii) Freshwater fish are less expensive than saltwater fish
iii) Aquariums are almost always rectangular
iv) Watching fish can make children with attention deficit even more restless
9. Which of the following statements is true?
i) Fish tanks can be incorporated into various pieces of furniture
ii) Maintaining a fish tank does not teach a child responsibility
iii) Saltwater fish are not sensitive to change in temperature
iv) Sustaining fish for a longer period of time does not depend on the durability of the tank
10. Which word is the antonym of significant?
i) Momentous
ii) Trivial
iii) Convincing
iv) Compelling
ANSWERS:
1. (iv)
2. (iii)
3. (iv)
4. (iv)
5. (i)

34
6. (iii)
7. (i)
8. (iii)
9. (i)
10. (ii)
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. The global herbal beauty products market size was valued at USD 78.5 billion in 2019
and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from
2020 to 2027. Rising focus on appearance and looks coupled with increased acceptance
of herbal products among consumers are some of the factors that are expected to help
the expansion of the market worldwide. The increased demand for chemical-free beauty
products along with growing awareness about cruelty-free cosmetics is supporting
market growth. The significant increase in the influence of social media and beauty
blogs that communicate the benefits of herbal beauty products is likely to impact the
sales of herbal beauty products. Moreover, herbal beauty products are suitable for all
skin types and are available in a variety of products such as foundation, eye shadow,
and lipstick regardless of skin tone.
2. The prominent factors that were driving the market before the outbreak of coronavirus
pandemic consisted of improvements in the lifestyle of the people, growth in disposable
income, and rising concerns related to appearance.
3. Growing preference for herbal ingredients that acts as a natural remedy for acne skin
and hair related problems has been enhancing market growth. Established market
players have been focusing on acquiring firms, dealing in natural beauty and personal
care segment to widen the customer base by attracting people who are increasingly
passionate about healthy, herbal, and natural products.
4. One of the prominent factors restraining market growth is the failure of many herbal
products to comply with international standards. Poor quality of raw material and lack
of standardization of processes within the industry makes it difficult to comply with
certain rules, especially in developed markets.
5. Lately, increased social media visibility has led to healthy demand for herbal beauty
products. Consumers are becoming ever more conscious of the need for body
confidence, health, and self-grooming in this area. In addition, beauty brands are
increasingly targeting shoppers through the online marketplace and giving them easy
access to a rapidly growing range of products.
6. However, what most customers fail to understand is that the products they buy in the
name of herbal cosmetics is often the same synthetic cosmetic with a herb or two added.
A product that says it is 100% natural may be misleading in the sense that it’s difficult
to stabilize a fully natural base and is always quite expensive, requiring advanced
technology. The desired shelf life of a product is expected to be at least two years, but
that of a purely herbal product would be restricted to about six months. Also, the
product won’t be aesthetically appealing as a synthetic product. Hence, manufacturers
of herbal products have to include synthetic base ingredients to balance the formula.

35
Q.1 Infer a reason from paragraph 1 for the following statement:
Craze for animal-derived synthetic cosmetic products has been taken over by something else.
Q.2 Select the appropriate option to fill in the blanks.
From paragraph 2, we can infer that financial ____________ and ____________ about
physical appearance led to the growth in the market before the pandemic.
a) expendability
b) independence
c) consciousness
d) distress
e) alertness
A) a&b
B) c&e
C) a&c
D) b&d
Q.3 Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/ phrase from paragraph 1:
Up: down :: _______: trivial
Q.4 Select the correct option to complete the following sentence:
Ace trading companies have been trying to widen the customer base by _________
(Paragraph 3)
A) Procuring skincare concerns dealing with inherent beauty
B) shifting their focus of production
C) making their purview of production line more liberal
D) buying other local companies
Q.5 Select the graph that appropriately represents the trend of the market for global herbal
beauty products down the years, as per paragraph 1.

A.

36
 B.

C.

D.

Q.6 Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option.

Companies advertising their products to be completely natural are ____________ their
customers.
A. deceiving
B. stimulating
C. challenging
D. coming clean
Q.7 Substitute the word ‘restraining’ with ONE WORD similar in meaning, in the
following sentence from paragraph 3:
One of the prominent factors restraining market growth…
Q.8 List two reasons for the failure of herbal beauty products to meet international standards.
Q.9 Why does the writer say that using a purely natural product is a myth?

37
Q.10. Evaluate the INAPPROPRIATE reason for the popularity of a range of herbal beauty
products worldwide
A. Herbal ingredients act as a natural remedy
B. Significant improvement in lifestyle
C. Growing awareness about the use of cruelty-free cosmetics
D. Overuse of social media and beauty blogs

ANSWERS:
1. Growing awareness about cruelty-free cosmetics along with increased demand for
chemical-free beauty products may be listed as the reasons for the above statement.
2. a&c
3. Up: down :: Significant: trivial

4. Procuring skincare concerns dealing with inherent beauty

5. Option D
6. Deceiving
7. Holding back/preventing/ Restricting
8. Poor quality of raw material and lack of standardization of processes within the industry
makes it difficult to comply with certain rules, especially in developed markets.
9. The writer says so because the products people buy in the name of herbal cosmetics is
often the same synthetic cosmetic with a herb or two added. A product that says it is
100% natural may be misleading in the sense that it’s difficult to stabilize a fully natural
base and is always quite expensive, requiring advanced technology.
10. D-Significant improvement in lifestyle

Read the passage given below. (10)

1. The film industry is facing the challenge of the television screen which, because of its
ready availability and nearness to entertainment seekers, is becoming very popular,
particularly in the West where television programmes are as indispensable to people as
newspaper material. COVID and streaming may have accelerated the trend, but ticket
buying audiences were shrinking long before that.

2. Having said that, sustained entertainment for multitudes lasting two or three hours is
possible only in big cinema halls. Scenic beauty, background effects and colour
techniques which have made the products of cinema industry so attractive and delightful
may not be reproduced by television programme organisers, and therefore, this
important invention in the field of wireless communication, despite having become a big
rival of the cinema, may not succeed in replacing it.

3. Filmmaking in the recent years is focused on expenditure and execution of ideas to produce
the finished content. Historically, films were released by large production companies, with
an enormous budget and starring the crème-de-la-crème of the acting pool.

38
4. However, in the recent times, the trend has shifted to releasing movies with a small
budget with fresh and hard-hitting content and without an ensemble star cast.

5. The motion picture has also stepped up its game by percolating into the international
sphere as an agent of goodwill and co-operation among nations. Cultural contacts which
tend to reduce tension in the world and bring harmony in international relations have
been established through the medium of films. The more people understand and
appreciate the history, present aims, customs in foreign lands, the more will they realise
that their interests can best be served by establishing friendly relations with them.

6. In recent years, artists of the film world have been visiting foreign lands with a view to
presenting before audience in those countries the best products of their cultural heritage.
Film festivals which many European and Asian countries have been organising from
time to time have also proved to be of immense value in reducing social barriers, colour
prejudices and other causes of friction among nations.

Q.1 Why does the writer feel that movie business is facing a threat?
Q.2 Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below:
The more the people appreciate history of other nations-the greater their realisation of
the importance of international friendly relation
A. The greater the intake of water-The lesser the health issues
B. The lower the amount of stress-The greater the life expectancy
C. The more the determination-the better the success
D. The lesser the expectation-the lesser the disappointment
Q.3 Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following:
Sustained entertainment for multitudes lasting two or three hours is possible only in big
cinema halls.
A. opinion
B. data
C. denial
D. doubt
Q.4 Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1

Opinion Reason
Cross cultural ties tend to improve
through the medium of films

Q.5 State one way in which film making has evolved over the years.

Q.6 Based on your reading of the text, list two purposes International Film festivals serve in
the global context

Q.7 What connect does the writer draw out between television shows and newspapers?

39
Q.8 The writer says, “The motion picture has also stepped up its game by percolating into
the international sphere as an agent of goodwill and co-operation among nations.”

In this context state how cultural contacts help to achieve this through the medium of films

Q.9 Supply 1 point to justify the following:

The odds in the battle between films and television may be in favour of the film industry.
Q.10 Based on your reading of paragraphs 5 and 6, which among the following can be a
suitable subheading?
A. Films as cultural emissaries

B. Films-An accomplishment over television

C. Television-A bridge between the old and the new

D. Television and its acceptance over streaming

ANSWERS :

1. Television screen, because of its ready availability and nearness to entertainment

seekers, is gaining popularity over the showbiz business
2. C- The more the determination-the better the success
3. A. Opinion
4. The more people understand and appreciate the history, present aims, customs in foreign
lands, the more will they realise that their interests can best be served by establishing
friendly relations with them.
5. Filmmaking in the recent years is focused on expenditure and execution of ideas to produce
the finished content. / .However, in the recent times, the trend has shifted to releasing movies
with a small budget with fresh and hard-hitting content and without an ensemble star cast./
The motion picture has also stepped up its game by percolating into the international sphere as
an agent of goodwill and co-operation among nations (ANY ONE)
6. International Film festivals have also proved to be of immense value in reducing social
barriers, colour prejudices and other causes of friction among nations.
7. Both television shows and newspapers are slowly becoming an essential part of people’s
lives in terms of their ready availability and entertainment.
8. Cultural contacts which tend to reduce tension in the world and bring harmony in
international relations have been established through the medium of films. / The more
people understand and appreciate the history, present aims, customs in foreign lands, the
more will they realise that their interests can best be served by establishing friendly
relations with them.
9. sustained entertainment for multitudes lasting two or three hours is possible only in big
cinema halls. /Scenic beauty, background effects and colour techniques which have
made the products of cinema industry so attractive and delightful may not be reproduced
by television programme organisers.
10. A. Films as cultural emissaries

40
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. Children in India live in diverse circumstances and have diverse needs and rights. Along
with their need to be educated, healthy and skillful, they need and have the right to
adequate nutrition, to live in a safe and supportive environment, have opportunities to
reach their optimal potential and generally lead healthy, joyful and fulfilling lives so that
they can be productive and well adjusted citizens of tomorrow.
2. Children of our country face many challenges. Many of them are first generation
learners and face myriad problems throughout their lives. They, due socio-economic and
cultural detriments, may be vulnerable in many ways. Peer pressure and lack of positive
role models prompt them to make unsafe and unhealthy choices. Anxiety and depression
amongst the students to the point of turning them suicidal have been a cause of concern
in the recent past.
3. Girls are more vulnerable and face discrimination at various levels from being
unwelcome since birth to being pulled out of schools for a variety of reasons. Dropping
out of school, low motivation for academics and general disinterest in sports and
physical activities too are some of the problems that need to be addressed. Child
malnutrition is rampant in most parts of the country. This has a bearing on their
cognitive capacities, learning performance and physical capacity.
4. Our children have the right to age-appropriate education, skill-building, a safe and
supportive environment, positive role-models, empowerment and friendly health
services and counselling. Well-informed and skilled children are likely to make better
decisions concerning not only careers and relationships, habits. physical and mental
health, but will be successful and an asset to society.
5. They also need to understand and deal with emerging issues like newly available career
choices, pollution, water and energy conservation, global warming and protection of
environment, terrorism and disasters. Dealing with anxiety and depression, negative peer
pressure, violence, accidents, are some other problems and significant issues that impact an
individual’s health and also the social, economic and health indicators of the country. Gender
sensitivity, prevention of female infanticide and good parenting are some are some important
social issues that all children need to understand. Children require guidance and assistance-
both covert and overt-from their parents, teachers, peers and society in general to complete the
various “tasks” of development and deal with such issues.
Answer the following questions by choosing the correct options: (1 × 10 = 10)
1. Which of the following has not been suggested as a basic need for children?
i) Education
ii) Nutrition
iii) Opportunity
iv) Entertainment
2. Which of the following may turn a child suicidal?
i) Understanding peers
ii) Caring parents
iii) Peer pressure
iv) Being adjusting

41
3. Children may become vulnerable owing to socio-economic issues or _____
i) Pressure to prove themselves
ii) Anxiety
iii) Fulfilling expectations
iv) Cultural detriments
4. Well-informed and skilled children are:
i) A detriment to society
ii) An asset to society
iii) A liability to society
iv) A constraint for society
5. Choose the correct meaning of ‘a great number’
i) Vulnerable
ii) Determinant
iii) Myriad
iv) Peer pressure
6. Choose the correct synonym of ‘easily hurt’
i) Vulnerable
ii) Discrimination
iii) Malnutrition
iv) Motivation
7. Choose the word which means same as a ‘valuable person’
i) Appropriate
ii) Asset
iii) Adverse
iv) Cognitive
8. Choose a word which means the opposite of ‘covered’
i) Covert
ii) Overt
iii) Energy
iv) Conservation
9. Which of the following is not a social issue that all children need to understand?
i) Pollution
ii) Female infanticide
iii) Gender sensitivity
iv) Good parenting

42
10. Which of the following statements is not true?
i) Girls are sometimes unwelcome since birth.
ii) Children need to be guided by parents, teachers, peers and society
iii) First generation learners face problems throughout their lives
iv) Living in diverse circumstances does not mean diverse needs and rights
ANSWERS:
1. (iv)
2. (iii)
3. (iv)
4. (ii)
6. (iii)
7. (i)
7. (ii)
8. (ii)
9. (i)
10. (iv)
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:-
1. Elephants wanting to feed on crops are often hit by electric current from the electric fencing
around the farms, while farmers without electric protection around their land suffer huge
crop damage. A new idea of using bees to prevent both the losses of elephant lives and loss
of crops seeks to change the way the problem of man-animal conflict is solved. Dr. Lucy
King’s ‘Elephants and Bees Project’ has helped reduce such conflicts.
2. Dr. King heads the Nairobi-based ‘Save the Elephants’ (STE) charity’s ‘Human-Elephant
Co-Existence Program’ and its ‘Elephant and Bees Project’ which is active in 11 countries,
mainly in Africa, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The project has also been adopted in Karnataka’s
North Kanara district by the non-profit Wildlife Research Conservation Society (WRCS).
“A bee-hive fence is made by inter-linked real beehives and ‘dummy’ beehives hung 10
metres apart and interlinked with a plain piece of fencing wire that, if disturbed, causes the
whole fence to swing and bees come out of their hives and stop crop-raiding elephants,” Dr.
King told The Hindu in an e-mailed interview.
3. According to Dr. King, elephants are weary of bees. “My studies have shown that
elephants will run from the sound of disturbed African bees as they fear being stung
around the sensitive parts of their body, like eyes, inside the mouth or up the trunk” she
said. She said that STE’s studies have found that fences are effective in 80 percent of
cases, but male elephants are more likely to take the risk of bee attacks, especially in a
herd, and cause damage. While Dr. King’s studies focus mainly on Africa, she said that
each project was different and beehives are being used for different purposes. For
example “South Africa and Gabon are using beehives to protect important tree species
from being damaged by elephants,” said Dr. King who completed her [Link] on the
project from Oxford University.

43
4. Inspired by Dr. King’s experiment the STE website quoted WRCS officials and said that
“pre-recorded sounds were broadcast during crop-raiding events, and they showed an
instant withdrawal of elephants from the crop fields”. Following this, they have set up
low-cost beehives in clay pots, bamboo structures and wooden logs to stop elephants.
Apart from acting as defence mechanism for farms, beehive fences also act as an
additional source of income, especially for the poor farmers. “Beehives can generate as
much as 50 percent more income for them in a year from the sale of honey,” she said.
Answer the following questions by choosing the correct options: (1 × 10 = 10)
1. The Elephants and Bees Project helps save:
i) The lives of elephants and bees
ii) The lives of elephants and crops
iii) The lives of bees and crops
iv) The lives of elephants, bees and crops
2. The Elephants and Bees project is active in _____ countries:
i) All
ii) Eleven
iii) Twenty
iv) None of the above
3. Which state in India has adopted the project?
i) West Bengal
ii) Tamil Nadu
iii) Karnataka
iv) Assam
4. What are dummy beehives?
i) Additional beehives
ii) False beehives
iii) Larger beehives
iv) Unattached beehives
5. Elephants are weary of bees. The word weary cannot be replaced by:
i) Disgusted
ii) Tired
iii) Unaware
iv) Fatigued
6. Find the word from the passage that means fight/struggle
i) raiding
ii) trouble
iii) conflict
iv) protection

44
7. Find the word from the passage which means ‘hurt with something’
i) stung
ii) herd
iii) damage
iv) weary
8. Find out the word from the passage which means ‘produce’
i) Generate
ii) Mechanism
iii) Stop
iv) inspired
9. In addition to acting as a defence mechanism for farms, beehives also add to the income
by the sale of:
i) Bees
ii) Beehives
iii) Honey
iv) Clay pots used for beehives
10. The word raiding in the phrase crop-raiding does not stand for:
i) Invading
ii) Treating
iii) Attacking
iv) Assaulting
ANSWERS:
1. (ii)
2. (ii)
3. (iii)
4. (ii)
5. (iii)
6. (iii)
7. (i)
8. (i)
9. (iii)
10. (ii)

45
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: -
I rested for a moment at the door of Anand Bhawan on Market Road, where coffee-drinkers
and tiffin-eaters sat still at their tables, uttering low moans on seeing me. I wanted to assure
them. “Don’t mind me, you are hugging the cash-box – you are a coward, afraid even to
breathe. Go on, count the cash, if that is your pleasure. I just want to watch, that’s all. If my
tail trails down to the street, if I am blocking your threshold, it is because, I am told, I am
eleven feet, tip to tail. I can’t help it. I’m not out to kill – I am too full. I found a green pasture
full of food on my way. I won’t attack until I feel hungry again. Tigers attack only when they
feel hungry, unlike human beings who slaughter one another without purpose or hunger……”
To the great plight of children, schools were being hurriedly closed. Children of all ages and
sizes were running helter-skelter, screaming joyously. “No school, no school. Tiger, tiger!”
They were shouting and laughing and even enjoying being scared. They seemed to welcome
me, I felt like joining them, so I bounded away from the restaurant door. I walked along with
them, at which they cried, “The tiger is coming to ear us; let us get back to school.”
I followed them through their school gate while they ran up and shut themselves in the school
hall securely. I climbed up the steps of the school, saw an open door at the far end of the
veranda, and walked in. It happened to be the headmaster’s room. I noticed a very dignified
man jumping on the table and heaving himself up into an attic. I walked in and flung myself
on the cool floor, having a special liking for cool, stone floors.
As I drowsed, I was aware of cautious steps and hushed voices all around. I was in no mood to
bother about anything. All I wanted was a little moment of sleep; the daylight was very bright.
Answer the following questions by choosing the correct options: (1 × 10 = 10)
1. The narrator of the above passage is
i) The author
ii) The tiger
iii) The cashier at Anand Bhavan
iv) Third person narrator
2. Anand Bhawan could be a
i) Cafetaria
ii) School
iii) Home for the aged
iv) Office
3. Why is the tiger reluctant to eat?
i) It was full
ii) It was not hungry
iii) It had found a green pasture full of food
iv) All of the above
4. Tigers are different from human beings because
i) Attack only when hungry
ii) Do not kill without a purpose
iii) Wait for food to be served
iv) Both (i) and (ii)

46
5. Why were the children screaming joyously?
i) School had closed
ii) The tiger was walking with them
iii) The tiger was chasing them
iv) They hadn’t noticed the tiger
6. Helter-skelter cannot be replaced by
i) Randomly
ii) Haphazardly
iii) Confusedly
iv) Happily
7. What did the tiger actually want to do?
i) Scare people
ii) Chase people
iii) Get a moment of sleep
iv) Create chaos
8. The word threshold stands for:
i) Thresher
ii) Doorway
iii) Entrance
iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
9. What was strange about the headmaster’s behaviour?
i) He was jumping on the table
ii) Seemed disinterested in the tiger
iii) Was not calling for help
iv) Was ready to face the tiger
10. What was bothering the tiger?
i) Hushed voices
ii) Bright daylight
iii) Cautious steps
iv) Curious looks
ANSWERS:
1. (ii)
2. (i)
3. (iv)
4. (iv)
5. (i)
6. (iv)
7. (iii)
8. (iv)
9. (i)
10. (ii)

47
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:-
Brain drain is the migration of skilled human resources for trade, education, etc. The
proportion of foreign-born people in rich countries has tripled since 1960, and the emigration
of high-skilled people from poor countries has accelerated. Many countries intensify their
efforts to attract and retain foreign students, which increases the risk of brain drain in the
sending countries. In poor countries, this transfer can change the skill structure of the labour
force, cause labour shortages, and affect fiscal policy.
Most of the migration is from developing to developed countries. These developing countries
have invested in the education and training of young professionals. This translates into a loss
of considerable resources when these people migrate, with the direct benefit accruing to the
recipient states who have not forked out the cost of educating them. The intellectuals of any
country are some of the most expensive resources because of their training in terms of
material cost and time, and most importantly, because of lost opportunity.
One may claim that this migration from developing countries is both useful and unavoidable.
There are definite advantages—enabling the migrant to spend time in other countries—but at
the same time, the very low emigration rate of professionals from USA or UK may be as
disturbing a sign as the high rates of immigration to these countries.
Young, well-educated, healthy individuals are most likely to migrate, especially in pursuit of
higher education and economic improvement. Continuing disparities in working conditions
between richer and poorer countries offer a greater ‘pull’ towards the more developed
countries. De-motivating working conditions, coupled with low salaries, are set against the
likelihood of prosperity for themselves and their families. Employers in receiving countries
take a different position; they have their own shortages of skilled people in specific fields and
can drain a developing country of expertise by providing job opportunities.
Statistics suggest if developing countries provided world-class education and training
opportunities, as well as opportunities for career advancement and employment, the migratory
flow could be reduced. However, this may not make much difference. On the plus side,
foreign-born graduates acquire expensive skills which are not available within their countries.
But these skills and knowledge never migrate back to their own countries.
Besides the pull–push factors, some researchers from developing countries cite other reasons
for not returning after training which include lack of research funding; poor facilities; limited
career structures; poor intellectual stimulation; threats of violence; and lack of good education
for children in their home country. Incentives for migrants to return to developing countries
have been insufficient to override the limitations at home—both real and perceived—and the
attraction of opportunities found abroad.
i) Why do the developing countries lose considerable resources when students migrate?
(Paragraph 2)
a) These countries generally invest in training and educating the youth.
b) The youth lose out on contributing for the betterment of the society.
c) The financially weaker section of the society is motivated by the youth.
d) These countries face labour shortages.

48
ii) Select the graph that suggests the rate of emigration from poor countries since the
1960s. (Paragraph 1)

a. b.
Rate of Migration

Rate of Migration
1960 1980 2000 1960 1980 2000

c. d.
Rate of Migration

Rate of Migration
1960 1980 2000 1960 1980 2000
iii) Substitute the word ‘disparities’ with ONE WORD similar in meaning, in the following
sentence from paragraph 4:
Continuing disparities in working conditions between richer and poorer countries…
iv) State any two ways in which the emigration from developing countries could be reduced.
v) Some researchers from developing countries cite other reasons for not returning after
training…
In context of the above statement, state other factors responsible for not returning to the
home countries.
Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option:-
vi) The rate of emigration of professionals both from and to USA or UK are __________
a) Encouraging
b) Motivating
c) Alarming
d) Baffling
vii) How do developed countries make up for their shortage in skilled labour in certain
fields? ( Paragraph 4)
a) By cancelling their work permit
b) By furnishing the migrants with work opportunities
c) By providing free education
d) By providing free medical facilities

49
viii) In poor countries emigration leads to ….
A) Changes in fiscal policy
B) Changes in the structure of labour force
C) Cause labour shortages
a) Only option A
b) Both A and B
c) Only option C
d) Options A, B and C
ix) List the ‘pull’ factors causing migratory outflow as stated in paragraph 4.
x) Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below:
The less the amount of research funding in the developing countries, the more the rate of
emigration
a) The higher the altitude…more is the trouble in breathing
b) The harder you work…the better is result
c) The lower the stress…the healthier you are
d) The smaller the car…the greater the advantage
ANSWER KEY:
i) These countries generally invest in training and educating the youth.
ii) option a
iii) Discrepancy
iv) If developing countries provided world-class education and training opportunities, as well as
opportunities for career advancement and employment, the migratory flow could be reduced.
v) Lack of research funding; poor facilities; limited career structures; poor intellectual
stimulation; threats of violence; and lack of good education for children
vi) Alarming
vii) By furnishing the migrants with work opportunities
viii) Options A, B and C
ix) Continuing disparities in working conditions between richer and poorer countries offer
a greater ‘pull’ towards the more developed countries.
x) The lower the stress…the healthier you are

50
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:-
Treacherous passes, snow-capped peaks in the background, a hint of sunlight and a
population you can count on your fingers. This is the route to the world’s highest post
office located in a quaint Himalayan village, Hikkim in Lahaul-Spiti. At an altitude of
over 4000 m, the day here gradually and gracefully transgresses from a sunny morning
to a cloudy afternoon and later to a bone-chilling evening. Matching the landscape of the
cold desert Ladakh, Lahaul is equally frequented by the intrepid traveller.
The undulating path to and from the post office permits carrying mail only by foot. The
postmen cover a round trip of more than 40 kms to take the mail to nearby Kaza, the
capital of Spiti, from where it goes ahead. All in-bound mail is carried back to Hikkim
along the craggy, alpine path amidst lofty peaks.
The post office began its services in 1983 and since then has been maintained by
postmaster Rinchen Cheering. Even though snowfall oftens constrains the work of the
post office, Postmaster Rinchen Cheering here is a symbol of perseverance. The post
office is a bridge between Hikkim and the outside world, given the village has poor
mobile and internet connectivity. The postal index number (PIN) here is 172114.
Otherwise comfortably nestled in the valley, the post office shuts for winter months as
snowfall makes it difficult to access the terrain. For the tourists, it offers a unique
experience as they get to mail their letters to their loved ones from the highest post
office on Earth.
If you’ve ever posted a letter from here, it is highly likely to be passed through the hands
of the locals and has travelled through deep gorges, vast stretches of land, and seen a
change of temperature every few kilometres.
While there's no direct accessibility to Lahaul-Spiti, and Hikkim specifically, one can
reach Kaza and then hail a ride. For those who like living on the edge (quite literally)
can also head for a 2-hour uphill trek.
i) How is the post office helpful in promoting toursim?
ii) Select the option that best describes a typical day in Hikkim.
a) Chilly morning, sultry afternoon, and comfortable night
b) sunny morning, cloudy afternoon, bone-chilling evening
c) cosy morning, warm afternoon, bone-chilling evening
d) chilly day
iii) Why do the postmen in Hikkim carry mail only by foot?
iv) Infer the reason for this statement. (Paragraph 3)
Rinchen Cheering takes a break from his work in the post office during the winter months.
v) What proves to be a unique experience for tourists in Hikkim?
a) they may mail letters from the highest post office on earth
b) They get to spend a night in the premises of the post office
c) They get to cook food in the post office kitchen
d) Tourists get to tour the local spots
vi) How is a letter travelling from Hikkim different from a letter coming from any other
Indian state in terms of experience?
vii) Find a word from the passage which means ‘fearless’. (Paragraph 1)

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viii) Why does the Hikkim post office serve as a connection?
a) Because of poor network connectivity around the town
b) Because of being a top tourist attraction
c) Due to its efficient staff members
d) Due to all the above reasons
ix) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 4.
Happy: Face ::_______ : thoughts
x) Which would you pick as a suitable title for the above passage?
i) Beyond the seas
ii) Disconnect to Connect
iii) Into the woods
iv) Far far west

ANSWER KEY:
i) The strategic location of the post office in terms of beauty of the landscape works as a
major pull factor for an intrepid traveller.
ii) Cosy morning, warm afternoon, bone-chilling evening
iii) The undulating path to and from the post office permits carrying mail only by foot
iv) The post office shuts for winter months as snowfall makes it difficult to access the
terrain.
v) they may mail letters from the highest post office on earth
vi) It is highly likely to have passed through the hands of the locals and has travelled
through deep gorges, vast stretches of land, and seen a change of temperature every few
kilometres.
vii) Intrepid
viii) Because of poor network connectivity around the town
ix) Happy: Face ::_deep : thoughts
x) Disconnect to Connect

52
 REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT LITERATURE

FIRST FLIGHT
A LETTER TO GOD
G L Fluentes
I. Answer with reference to the context:
1. It was during the meal that, just as Lencho had predicted, big drops of rain began
to fall. In the north-east huge mountains of clouds could be seen approaching. The
air was fresh and sweet.
a) What had Lencho done all morning?
(i) tended his crops
(ii) ploughed his fields
(iii) looked at the sky towards the north-east
(iv) spent time with his family
ANS: (iii) looked at the sky towards the north-east
b) What could be seen approaching from the north-east?
(i) huge mountains of clouds
(ii) a flock of geese
(iii) migratory birds
(iv) crowds of people
ANS: (i) huge mountains of clouds
c) Why had Lencho hoped for rain?
(i) he did not want to water his flowers plots
(ii) he wanted the rivers and streams filled
(iii) his field of ripe corn needed rain
(iv) he did not want another drought
ANS: (iii) his field of ripe corn needed rain
d) What did Lencho do after it started raining?
(i) He went out to enjoy the rain
(ii) he closed all doors and windows
(iii) he sat on the veranda to watch the rain
(iv) he collected rain water in buckets
ANS: (i) He went out to enjoy the rain
e) What did Lencho compare the raindrops to?
(i) crystals
(ii) discs
(iii) marbles
(iv) new coins
ANS: (iv) new coins

53
2. ‘It’s really getting bad now,” exclaimed the man. “I hope it passes quickly.”
a) Who is the ‘man’? What does ‘it’ refer to?
(i) Lencho referring to the hailstorm
(ii) Lencho referring to the rain
(iii) The postmaster referring to Lencho’s sadness
(iv) The postman referring to Lencho’s visits to the post office
ANS: (i) Lencho referring to the hailstorm
b) Why does he wish ‘it’ to pass quickly?
(i) it was no longer needed
(ii) it would destroy the crops
(iii) he needed to go out
(iv) it was getting cold
ANS: (ii) it would destroy the crops
c) Did ‘it’ pass quickly? How long did ‘it’ last?
(i) Yes. Lasted for a few minutes.
(ii) Yes. Lasted for half an hour
(iii) No. Lasted for an hour.
(iv) No. Lasted all night.
ANS: (iii) No. Lasted for an hour.
d) What had the man wished for before?
(i) a light shower
(ii) a heavy rain
(iii) a snowfall
(iv) a hailstorm
ANS: (i) a light shower
e) What was the man’s feelings when the ‘it’ stopped?
(i) Feeling of despair
(ii) Feeling of happiness
(iii) Feeling of remorse
(iv) Felt indifferent
ANS: (i) Feeling of despair
3. “ Don’t be so upset, even though this seems like a total loss.’
a) Who is the speaker? Who is the person spoken to?
i) Lencho to his wife
ii) Lencho’s wife to Lencho
iii) Postmaster to Lencho
iv) Postman to Lencho
ANS: ii) Lencho’s wife to Lencho

54
b) What does ‘this’ refer to ?
i) The money Lencho received
ii) The fields turning white
iii) The destruction of the crops
iv) The hailstorm
ANS: iii) The destruction of the crops
c) How does the speaker motivate the listener?
i) That no one dies of hunger
ii) That crops would regrow
iii) You cannot fight nature
iv) They have enough money
ANS: i) That no one dies of hunger
a) Why was the listener upset ?
i) Cornfields were destroyed
ii) Family might have to starve
iii) He would have to work again
iv) Both (i) and (ii)
ANS: iv) Both (i) and (ii)
c) What was the single hope that they all had?
i) That they were together in times of distress
ii) That they could use their saved money
iii) That God would help them
iv) That they would borrow money
ANS: iii) that God would help them
4. He wrote ‘To God’ on the envelope, put the letter inside and still troubled, went to town.
a) Who is ‘he’?
i) The postmaster
ii) The pastman
iii) Lencho
iv) None of the above
ANS: iii) Lencho
b) What did he write in the letter ?
i) Asked God for a 100 pesos
ii) Asked God for help
iii) Asked God for 70 pesos
v) Asked God for strength
ANS: i) Asked for a hundred pesos

55
c) What made Lencho write a letter only to God ?
i) He had faith in God
ii) God could see everything
iii) God was his only hope
iv) All of the above
ANS: iv) All of the above
d) Why did Lencho go to the town ?
i) To post the letter at the post office
ii) To buy fresh seeds for his cornfields
iii) To buy household supplies
iv) To meet the postmaster who was his friend
ANS: i) To post the letter at the post office
e) What did he do there?
i) Visited the market
ii) Met his friend
iii) Spent some time walking around
v) Stamped the letter and posted it
ANS: iv) Stamped the letter and posted it
5. He put the money in an envelope addressed to Lencho and with it a letter
containing only a single word as a signature: God. The following Sunday Lencho
came a bit earlier than usual to ask if there was a letter for him. It was the postman
himself who handed the letter to him while the postmaster, experiencing the
contentment of a man who has performed a good deed, looked on from his office.
a) Why did the postmaster put the signature ‘God’ on the letter?
(i) Did not want Lencho’s faith in God shaken
(ii) Wanted Lencho to guess who had written the letter
(iii) Wanted to add a sense of mystery
(iv) Could not write the names of all the employees who had contributed
Ans: i) did not want Lencho’s faith in God shaken
b) Why did Lencho reach the post office early on the following Sunday?
(i) He had nothing better to do
(ii) He always went to the post office early on Sundays
(iii) He was expecting a letter from God
(iv) He had written another letter which he wanted to post
Ans: iii) He was expecting a letter from God
c) What was Lencho’s reaction on receiving the letter?
(i) Was very surprised
(ii) Jumped with joy
(iii) Exclaimed loudly
(iv) Did not show any surprise
Ans: iv) Did not show any surprise

56
d) What sort of ‘good deed’ did the postmaster perform?
(i) Had contributed money himself and asked others to contribute too
(ii) Had written the letter explaining how much money was enclosed
(iii) Had borrowed money from his friends
(iv) Had given his entire month’s salary
Ans: i) Had contributed money himself and asked others to contribute too
e) What was Lencho’s reaction when he counted the money?
(i) Sense of relief
(ii) Anger
(iii) Sense of achievement
(iv) Sense of satisfaction
Ans: ii) Anger
6. The house- the only one in the entire valley -sat on the crest of a low hill. From this
height one could see the river and the field of ripe corn dotted with the flowers that
always promised a good harvest. The only thing the earth needed was a good
downpour or at least a shower.
a) Based on the detail of the house’s location, how can it best be described?
i) majestic
ii) imposing
iii) solitary
iv) unique
Ans. iii) solitary
b) The field of corn dotted with flowers means that
i) not a single flower was bigger than a dot
ii) the flowers were scattered across.
iii) the flowers were in shaped like dots.
iv) the flowers had shrunk in size.
Ans. ii) the flowers were scattered across.
c) What had Lencho been doing throughout the morning on that day?
Ans. had done nothing but see the sky towards the north-east.
d) Based on the given extract, what is Lencho NOT likely to think while looking at
his field?
i) Such a blessing , God thank you!
ii) Just a downpour, God and everything will be perfect
iii) All set for the grand harvest. I am going to be rich
iv) I wish we have enough food to eat after this harvest.
Ans. iv) I wish we have enough food to eat after this harvest.

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 e) Which quote supports the idea in the given extract?
i) “Farming is a profession of hope.”
ii) “I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.”
iii) “Farming looks mighty easy when your plough is a pencil, and you’re a
thousand miles from the corn field.”
iv) “Those too lazy to plough in the right season will have no food at the
harvest.”
Ans. i) “Farming is a profession of hope.”

DUST OF SNOW
Robert Frost
I. Reference to the context:
1. The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
a) What did the crow do?
i. perch on a branch
ii. fly in pain because of a broken wing
iii. shook down particles of snow on the poet
iv. none of these.
ANS: iii. shook down particles of snow on the poet
b) What does ‘dust of snow’ mean?
i. very fine particles of snow
ii. coarse particles of snow
iii. a snowball
iv. all of the above.
ANS: i. very fine particles of snow
c) What kind of tree is hemlock ?
i. a poisonous tree
ii. a flowering tree
iii. a coniferous tree
iv. all of the above.
ANS: i. a poisonous tree

58
 d) What images comes to your mind when you think of a crow?
i. depressing and sorrowful images
ii. happiness
iii. associated with bad omen
iv. Both i and iii
ANS: iv. Both i and iii
e) Identify the figure of speech in the given extract?
i. alliteration
ii. personification
iii. simile
iv. enjambment
ANS: iv. enjambment
2. Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
a) What changed the poet’s mood?
i. the crow
ii. the hemlock tree
iii. the snow particles that fell on the poet
iv. none of the above
ANS: iii. the snow particles that fell on the poet
b) How was the poet’s mood previously?
i. sad and depressed
ii. melancholic
iii. gloomy
iv. All of the above.
ANS: iv. All of the above.
c) Identify the figure of speech in the line ‘Has given my heart’.
i. metonymy
ii. synecdoche
iii. onomatopoeia
iv. simile
ANS: ii. synecdoche

59
 d) What would have happened, if the poet’s mood had not changed?
i. he would have wasted his day in regret
ii. he would have turn red whacky
iii. he would have committed suicide
iv. he would have gone into depression
ANS: i. he would have wasted his day in regret
e) Choose the meaning of the word ‘rued’.
i. lament
ii. regret
iii. feel sorry
iv. all of the above.
ANS: iv. all of the above.

FIRE AND ICE

Robert Frost
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:-
1. Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
a) What do people think about the ending of the world?
i) fire will cause the apocalypse to happen
ii) the world will freeze till all the species of flora and fauna inhabiting it
become extinct once and for all.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
ANS. iii) Both (i) and (ii)
b) What is the poet’s opinion?
i) The world will not end
ii) Everything will freeze
iii) that the world will meet its end being destroyed by fire.
iv) All of the above
ANS. iii) that the world will meet its end being destroyed by fire.
c) What does ‘desire’ mean here?
i) passions,
ii) greed
iii) cravings
iv) All of the above
ANS. iv) All of the above

60
 d) How are ice and fire similar to each other though they have contradictory traits?
i) Ice can Fire are the two elements
ii) both of them would destroy everything in the world.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
ANS. Both (i) and (ii)
e) In Robert Frost's poem, ''Fire and Ice,'' what do 'fire' and 'ice' together represent?
i) Vices
ii) Destruction
iii) Salvation
iv) War
ANS. i) Vices
2. But if it had to perish twice
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great And would suffice.
a) What does ‘it’ refers to in the first line?
i) The ice
ii) The fire
iii) the ‘world’ inhabited by human beings with their desires
iv) the ‘world’ inhabited by human beings without their desires
ANS. iii) the ‘world’ inhabited by human beings with their desires
b) How is ‘ice’ sufficient for destruction?
i) ‘Ice’ symbolises hatred and coldeness of heart
ii) ‘Ice’ symbolises love
iii) ‘Ice’ symbolises cold climate
iv) None of the above
ANS. i) ‘Ice’ symbolises hatred and coldeness of heart
c) What is the main idea of these lines?
Fire can destroy earth
i) Fire can destroy earth
ii) hatred is also an emotion that he is familiar with, and that he knows what
kind of destructive potent can arise from hatred.
iii) Ice can destroy earth
ANS. iii) hatred is also an emotion that he is familiar with, and that he knows what
kind of destructive potent can arise from hatred.

61
 d) What message does the poet want to convey through this poem?
i) Everything is transitory
ii) Life is unpredictable
iii) Death is inevitable
iv) Both (i) and (iii)
ANS. iv) Both (i) and (iii)
e) The word ‘perish’ means………….
i) decay
ii) loose one’s life
iii) appear
iv) improve
ANS. i) decay
3. Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
a) What do some people say?
i) fire will cause the apocalypse to happen
ii) heat the world will freeze
iii) all the species of flora and fauna inhabiting it become extinct once and for all.
iv) All of the above
ANS. iv) All of the above
b) What does ‘perish twice mean?’
i) if the apocalypse finally occurs once gain it would be ‘ice’ that would be
more potent for the final destruction.
ii) earth that may be, according to some , be annihilated by fire but can rise
again against all onslaughts.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
ANS. i) if the apocalypse finally occurs once gain it would be ‘ice’ that would be
more potent for the final destruction.
c) What has the poet tasted?
i) Greed only
ii) Envy only
iii) the passions and pangs of greed, glutton and desire
iv) Desire only
ANS. iii) the passions and pangs of greed, glutton and desire

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 d) Whom does the poet support?
i) None
ii) All
iii) Himself
iv) those who believe that this world will end in fire
ANS. iv) those who believe that this world will end in fire
e) What does the poet want to convey through this poem?
i) We should not be greedy
ii) All humans should check their desires and hatred
iii) restrain our desires and love fellow beings
iv) All of the above
ANS. iv) All of the above

NELSON MANDELA: A LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
I. Reference to the context:
a) A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe……..
(i) What was the occasion?
a) Independence day
b) Installation of new government
c) Air show
d) Flag hoisting
ANS: b) Installation of new government
(ii) Where were the ceremonies taking place?
a) Open grounds
b) Amphitheatre in Pretoria
c) Government building
d) None of the above
ANS: b) Amphitheatre in Pretoria
(iii) What had happened a few moments earlier?
a) Troops had marched past
b) Flag had been hoisted
c) Nelson Mandela had been sworn in
d) People had voted
ANS: c) Nelson Mandela had been sworn in

63
 (iv) What did they see when they looked up?
i) Spectacular array of South African jets
ii) Showering of petals
iii) The bright sun
iv) A clear sky
Ans: a) Spectacular array of South African jets
(v) What did the spectacle or display signify?
i) Military precision and loyalty to democracy
ii) Patriotism
iii) Moving out of previous government
iv) The power of the people of South Africa
Ans: a) Military precision and loyalty to democracy
b) All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt.
(i) What is being referred to as the ‘profound hurt’?
a) Not being able to choose a leader
b) Not being able to vote
c) Slavery
d) Apartheid
Ans: d) Apartheid
(ii) What unintended effect did it have?
a) Produced men of extraordinary courage
b) People learnt to choose a leader
c) People lived in fear
d) None of the above
Ans: a) Produced men of extraordinary courage
iii) What did Mandela learn from his comrades?
a) Leadership skills
b) Oratorial skills
c) Courage
d) Determination
Ans: c) Courage
iv) What had he seen men do, time and time again?
a) Risk their lives
b) Speak their minds
c) Follow their passion
d) Accept all torture
Ans: a) Risk their lives

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 v) Which word in the extract means intense or heartfelt?
a) spend
b) generations
c) profound
d) hurt
Ans: c) profound

A TIGER IN THE ZOO

Leslie Norris
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
1. “He stalks ……………………in his quiet rage.”
a) How does a tiger feel in a cage?
i) happy
ii) contented
iii) free
iv) angry
Ans. iv) angry
b) How are the pads of a tiger?
i) velvet
ii) rough
iii) hard
iv) all of the above
Ans. i) velvet
c) What does the tiger hunt near the water hole?
i) lions
ii) elephants
iii) deer
iv) all of the above
Ans. iii) deer
d) Where do the tigers hunt the deer?
i) in the cage
ii) near the water hole
iii) near the cage
iv) all of the above.
Ans. ii) near the water hole

65
 e) What do the above lines tell us about the cage?
i) Tiger has been forcefully kept behind bars.
ii) Tiger has been safely kept behind bars
iii) Tiger has been kept with freedom behind bars
iv) None of the above
Ans. i) Tiger has been forcefully kept behind bars.
2. “He should be lurking ……….plump deer pass.”
a) What should the tiger actually be doing?
i) lurking in the shadows
ii) sliding through long grass
iii) waiting quietly for the plump deer to come to the water hole.
iv) All of the above
Ans. iv) All of the above
b) Why should he be lurking in shadow?
i) out of fear
ii) out of anger
iii) to catch the deer
iv) both 1 and 2
Ans. iii) to catch the deer
c) Which two words in the above lines suggest a quiet movement?
i) Sliding
ii) Lurking
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans. iii) Both i and ii
d) The tiger should be lurking in the grass
i) for his prey
ii) for taking rest
iii) for leisure
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii) for his prey
e) The poem, “A Tiger in the Zoo” was written by
i) Leslie Norris
ii) William Blake
iii) Peter Niblett
iv) Maria Rilke
Ans: i) Leslie Norris

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3. “He should be snarling ……….the village!”
a) The tiger snarls around……………..
i) the jungle
ii) the cage
iii) the houses in the village
iv) Behind the grass
Ans: iii) the houses in the village
b) Choose the correct meaning of the italicized words from the alternatives given in
brackets:
…………….. be ‘snarling’ around houses.
(walking / an angry sound / sniffing/looking ahead)
Ans: an angry sound.
c) The tiger knows how to ambush his hunt and so:
i) he lurks in the grass unseen
ii) he lurks behind the trees unseen
iii) he lurks in the fields unseen
iv) he lurks in shadow unseen
Ans. iv) he lurks in shadow unseen
d) Give the meaning of the word: ‘fangs’
i) Poison
ii) large sharp teeth
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans. ii) large sharp teeth
e) The strength of the tiger after being captured is now
i) in his paws
ii) in his room
iii) at night
iv) in his cage
Ans: iv) in his cage
4. “But he’s locked in a …………………………..ignoring the visitors.
a) What is the tiger’s attitude towards visitors?
i) loving
ii) hating
iii) ignoring
iv) threatening
Ans. i) ignoring

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b) A tiger is happy when ……………..
i) he is in the cage
ii) he is near the cage
iii) he frightens the visitors
iv) he is free in the forest
Ans. iv) he is a free in the forest
c) By "ignoring visitors", what is the poet trying to say?
i) tiger knows his power is restricted
ii) there is no use of showing rage
iii) he is less terrorising because of the cage
iv) all of the above
Ans. iv) all of the above
d) What describes "tiger in a cell"?
i) Locked in concrete cell
ii) snarling around houses
iii) shadow, long grass
iv) baring his white fangs
Ans. i) Locked in concrete cell
e) The poem draws a contrast between _________ and __________ .
i) animals, human beings
ii) tiger in a zoo, tiger in a forest
iii) tiger in a zoo, humans
iv) humans, tiger in forest
Ans. ii) tiger in a zoo, tiger in a forest

5. “He hears the last voice at ………….. at the brilliant stars.”

a) What is patrolling at night?
i) cars
ii) tigers
iii) deer
iv) all of the above
Ans. i) cars
b) The tiger hears the last voice
i) at noon
ii) in the morning
iii) at night
iv) at dawn
Ans: iii) at night

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c) What is ‘brilliant’ in the poem ‘Tiger in the Zoo’?
i) the tiger’s eyes
ii) the stars
iii) both (i) and (ii)
iv) none of the above
Ans. iii. both (i) and (ii)
d) Where does ‘he’ stare with his eyes?
i) at the brilliant stars
ii) in the night sky
iii) both (i) and (ii)
iv) none of the above
Ans. iii) both (i) and (ii)
e) What is the function of the patrolling cars?
i) regularly patrol the zoo
ii) move all around the zoo,
iii) keeping a watch over the safety and security of the animals and the premises.
iv) All of the above
Ans. iv) All of the above

TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYING

Liam O’Flaherty
Frederick Forsyth
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow:
1. He had been afraid to fly with them. Somehow when he had taken a little run
forward to the brink of the ledge and attempted to flap his wings he became afraid.
a) Who has been referred to as ‘he’? Why was he afraid when he ran to the brink of the
ledge?
i) The young seagull; on seeing the great expanse of sea.
ii) The mother seagull; on seeing the great expanse of sea.
iii) The father seagull; on seeing the green sea.
iv) The young seagull; he felt that his wings would not support him.
Ans: both i and iv.
b) Where did he sleep at night?
i) in the little hole under the ledge.
ii) in the nest
iii) in the little hole above the ledge
iv) in the crevice
Ans: i) in the little hole under the ledge.

69
c) What had his mother and father done to make him fly?
i) called him shrilly
ii) upbraided him
iii) threatened him
iv) all of the above.
Ans: iv) all of the above.
d) Find words from the extract which mean the same as edge.
i) brink
ii) flap
iii) ledge
iv) None of the above.
Ans: i) brink
e) What had his brothers and little sister done which he couldn’t?
i) ran to the brink
ii) flapped their wings
iii) flew away
iv) All of the above.
Ans: iv) All of the above
2. He stepped slowly out to the brink on the ledge, and standing on one leg with the
other leg hidden under his wing, he closed one eye, then the other, and pretended to
be falling asleep.
a) How did the seagull try to put up a pretence?
i) stepped slowly out to the brink on the ledge
ii) stood on one leg with the other leg hidden under his wing
iii) closed his eyes and pretended to fall asleep.
iv) All the above.
Ans: all the above.
b) What were his two brothers and sister and his father doing?
i) lying on the plateau
ii) dozing with their heads sunk into their necks.
iii) father was preening the feathers on his white back
iv) all the above
Ans: iv) all the above
c) Was the mother also behaving the same way?
i) No
ii) Yes
iii) The mother was the only only one looking at the seagull.
iv) Both i and ii.
Ans: iii) The mother was the only only one looking at the seagull.

70
d) What did she do which maddened him?
i) she tore at a piece of fish that lay at her feet
ii) scrapped each side of her beak on the rock
iii) both i and ii
iv) None of the above.
Ans: iii) both i and ii
e) Why did the young seagull pretend to fall asleep ?
i) He wanted to draw the attention of his parents and siblings
ii) He was naughty.
iii) He was ignoring his parents
iv) He loved pretending.
Ans: i) He wanted to draw the attention of his parents and siblings
3. He dropped his legs to stand on the green sea. His legs sank into it. He screamed
with fright and attempted to rise again flapping his wings. But he was tired and
weak with hunger and he could not rise, exhausted by the strange exercise
a) What does the ‘strange exercise’ refer to?
i) the act of soaring and flying
ii) the act of preening his feathers.
iii) the act of scraping his beaks
iv) None of the above
Ans: i) the act of soaring and flying
b) What were the causes of his fright and tiredness?
i) his legs sank into the sea
ii) he was weak with hunger
iii) None of the above
iv) Both i and ii.
Ans: iii) None of the above
c) How did the seagull overcome his fear and tiredness?
i) The seagull’s feet sank into the green sea.
ii) Then his belly touched it and he sank no farther
iii) He floated on the green sea.
iv) All the above.
Ans: iv) All the above.
d) How did the family celebrate his new found courage?
i) Flew around him and screamed
ii) praised him
iii) offered him scraps of dog-fish
iv) All the above
Ans: iv) All the above

71
e) What is the meaning of the word ‘exhausted’ in the extract ?
i) finished
ii) run out of
iii) tired
iv) None of the above.
Ans: iii) tired
4. I knew I could not fly up and over them, and I didn’t have enough fuel to fly
around them to the north or south. “I ought to go back to Paris.” I thought, but I
wanted to get home.
a) Why could he not fly over on either side of storm clouds?
i) As they were huge.
ii) They looked like black mountains.
iii) He had limited fuel.
iv) All the above.
Ans: iv) All the above.
b) Why did he not go back to Paris?
i) He wanted to be with his family.
ii) He wanted to enjoy an English breakfast.
iii) Both i and ii.
iv) None othe above.
Ans: iii) Both i and ii.
c) What was the route suggested to the Dakota pilot by the control room?
i) Turn twelve degrees west from Paris to England
ii) Turn twelve degrees west from England to Paris.
iii) Turn twelve degrees east from Paris to England
iv) Turn twelve degrees east from England to Paris.
Ans: i) Turn twelve degrees west from Paris to England
d) What did he decide to do instead?
i) He decided to take the risk.
ii) He flew the old Dakota straight into the storm.
iii) Both i and ii.
iv) None of the above.
Ans: i) He decided to take the risk.
e) What does the word ‘them’ refer to in the extract ?
i) The Dakota aeroplane.
ii) The control room
iii) The clouds.
iv) England
Ans: iii) The clouds.

72
5. After half an hour the strange black aeroplane was still there in front of me in the
clouds. Now there was only enough fuel in the old Dakota’s last tank to fly for five
or ten minutes more. I was starting to feel frightened again. But then he started to
go down and I followed through the storm.
a) Name the chapter from which these lines have been taken.
i) The Black Aeroplane
ii) Two Stories about Flying
iii) Both i and ii.
iv) None of the above.
Ans: i) The Black Aeroplane
b) What was still there after half an hour?
i) the clouds
ii) the thunderstorm
iii) the black aeroplane
iv) None of the above.
Ans: iii) the black aeroplane
c) Why did the speaker start to feel frightened again?
i) There was very little fuel left in the fuel tank.
ii) The clouds were towering in the sky.
iii) The radio had stopped functioning.
iv) None of the above.
Ans: i) There was very little fuel left in the fuel tank.
d) What did he see when he came out of the clouds?
i) The Black aeroplane
ii) His family
iii) the runway
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii) the runway
e) Why did the pilot of the Dakota aeroplane find himself in such a situation?
i) He took a risk.
ii) He wanted to meet his family.
iii) He wanted to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast.
iv) All the above.
Ans: iv) All the above.

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 HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS
Carolyn Wells
I. Reference to the context:
a) If you are walking around …………………… it is a bear.
i) Name the poem and the poet.
ii) Where has the bear appeared?
iii) Describe the hug given by the bear.
iv) Which word in the above stanza me an gentle, loving touch.
Ans.
i) The name of the poem is How to tell Wild Animals by Carolyn Wells.
ii) The bear has appeared in the yard.
iii) The bear gives a very tight hug which may appear loving but can kill a person.
iv) The word ‘caress’ means a gentle, loving touch.
b) If ever you should go by chance…………..it is the Asian Lion.
i) Where can you meet the Asian Lion?
ii) How, according to the poet, can you identify him?
iii) What is the real purpose of giving such a suggestion?
iv) Which word in the stanza stands for the colour brown?
Ans. i) You can meet the Asian Lion in the jungles of the east.
ii) The Asian Lion is identified as a large brown beast who roars at you while
you are dying.
iii) The real purpose is to add humour.
iv) The word ‘tawny’ stands for brown.
(c) The true chameleon is small………………..it’s the chameleon you see.
i) Which other creature does the chameleon resemble?
ii) How does the poet describe a chameleon?
iii) What is the poet’s idea behind writing the poem?
iv) Why can’t one see a chameleon on the tree?
Ans. i) The chameleon resembles a lizard.
ii) The chameleon is a wingless, earless small creature.
iii) The poet wants to entertain the reader by suggesting funny ways of
identifying animals.
iv) A chameleon is difficult to spot because it can camouflage or change its
colour to blend with the background.

74
 THE BALL POEM
John Berryman
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:-
STANZA - 1
What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over — there it is in the water!
a) Name the poem and the poet.
i. The Ball ; Johny Berman
ii. Ball Poem ; John Berryman
iii. The Ball Poem; John Berryman
iv. The Ball Poem ; Johny Berryman
Ans: iii. The Ball Poem; John Berryman
b) What did the poet see?
i. The young boy’s ball rolling away from him
ii. The ball bounced happily on its way
iii. It finally cascaded into the water
iv. All the above
Ans: iv. All the above
c) What is the mental state of the boy who has lost his ball?
i. confused
ii. shocked
iii. hopeless
iv. All the above
Ans: iv. All the above
d) Which words in the above extract express the way the ball rolled away?
i. merrily bouncing
ii. down the street
iii. Both i and ii
iv. Only i
Ans: i. merrily bouncing
e) Identify the poetic device used in the given extract.
i. Anaphora
ii. Metaphor
iii. Simile
iv. None of the above
Ans: i. Anaphora

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STANZA - 2
No use to say. ‘O there are other balls’ :
Ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went
Questions :
a) How do people generally comfort a boy who has lost his ball?
i. By offering him a replacement of the lost ball
ii. By ignoring him
iii. By giving him chocolates
iv. None of the above
Ans: i. By offering him a replacement of the lost ball
b) What does he stare at?
i. at the river
ii. at the harbour
iii. at the ball which has rolled away and fallen into the water.
iv. None of the above
Ans: iii. at the ball which has rolled away and fallen into the water
c) What comes to his mind when he looks at the ball?
i. a feeling of losing all hopes and happiness, of his childhood
ii. he draws a blank
iii. he trembles
iv. None of the above
Ans: i. a feeling of losing all hopes and happiness, of his childhood
d) Why is the boy so sad?
i. he has lost his favourite plaything
ii. he has lost his parents
iii. he has lost his friends
iv. None of the above.
Ans: i. he has lost his favourite plaything
e) What is the significance of the first two lines ?
i. It signifies that the boy is inconsolable
ii. It signifies the unhappiness of the boy.
iii. Both i and ii
iv. Only i
Ans: iii. Both i and ii

76
STANZA - 3
I would not intrude on him;
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions.
Questions :
a) Who does the word ‘he’ refer to?
i. the poet
ii. a stranger
iii. the boy who has lost his plaything
iv. a young man
Ans: iii. the boy who has lost his plaything
b) Why is money or another ball worthless for the boy?
i. because he is suffering from a sense of loss
ii. he had a lot of memories attached to the ball
iii. he has lost something dear to him
iv. All of the above.
Ans: iv. All of the above.
c) How does the boy sense responsibility?
i. through awakening
ii. through realization
iii. through introspection
iv. All the above.
Ans: iv. All the above.
d) Why does the speaker not want to intrude?
i. because it would be futile
ii. he wants him to sense responsibility
iii. Neither i and ii
iv. Both i and ii
Ans: iv. Both i and ii
e) What is the meaning of the word ‘dime’ ?
i. ten cents
ii. twenty cents
iii. thirty cents
iv. forty cents
Ans: i. ten cents

77
STANZA - 4
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up.
Questions :
a) Why are the boy’s eyes ‘desperate’?
i. because he is suffering from pangs of separation
ii. he is eagerly waiting for someone to buy him a new ball
iii. he is desperately looking for the lost ball
iv. none of these.
Ans: i. because he is suffering from pangs of separation
b) What is the boy learning?
i. learning and understanding the nature of loss.
ii. how to cope with his loss
iii. how to stand up and leave behind his loses
iv. All the above
Ans: iv. All the above
c) What is the boy going to know?
i. how to stand up after a loss
ii. how to accept life with its share of loss and gain
iii. Both i and ii
iv. None of the above
Ans: iii. Both i and ii
d) Who is the poet of this poem?
i. Johny Berman
ii. John Berryman
iii. John Berryman
iv. Johny Berryman
Ans: iv. John Berryman
e) What do you mean by ‘the epistemology of loss’?
i. the knowledge gained after losing the ball
ii. the knowledge gained from life
iii. the knowledge of everything
iv. None of the above.
Ans: i. the knowledge gained after losing the ball

78
STANZA 5
People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external
Questions :
a) What does the poet mean when he says ‘balls will be lost always’?
i. losing things is a part of life.
ii. It is common to lose things that are precious to us.
iii. Both i and ii.
iv. None of the above
Ans: iii. Both i and ii.
b) Why does the poet say that no one buys a ball back?
i. It is difficult to compensate for things that are lost.
ii. Money cannot compensate for the sense of loss.
iii. Both i and ii.
iv. None of the above.
Ans: iii. Both i and ii.
c) What does the poet mean by ‘Money is external’?
i. Money cannot bring back the happiness felt when we have our prized possessions.
ii. Money is not valuable.
iii. Money is superficial
iv. None of the above.
Ans: i & iii
d) What is external?
i. loss
ii. the ball
iii. the harbour
iv. money
Ans: iv. money
e) What is the significance of the line People will take Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy?
i. The world is a harsh place
ii. One will have to give up things one loves.
iii. Throughout life, we are forced to do things we do not like.
iv. All the above.
Ans: iv. All the above

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 FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
Anne Frank
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:-
1. To enhance the image of this long awaited friend in my imagination, I don’t want to
jot down the facts in this diary the way most people would do, but I want the diary
to be my friend, and I’m going to call this friend ‘Kitty’.
a) Who is ‘I’ in the above lines?
i) Margot
ii) Anne Frank
iii) Anne’s mother
iv) Anne’s father
Ans. ii) Anne Frank
b) How does Anne want to be different from the other people?
i) treat her diary as a friend unlike the others
ii) Jot down facts in her diary.
iii) Decorate her diary
iv) None of the above
Ans. i) treat her diary as a friend unlike the others
c) What does Anne name her diary?
i) Anne
ii) Catty
iii) Kitty
iv) Kitten
Ans. iii) Kitty
d) Who would Anne allow to read her diary?
i) her sister
ii) her parents
iii) a real friend (if she got one)
iv) no one
Ans. iii) a real friend (if she got one)
c) Why did Anne refer to her diary as a long-awaited friend?
i) Anne had always longed for a true friend
ii) Anne had always longed for a true friend whom she could confide in
iii) Kitty, her diary would serve the purpose, unless she found a real friend.
iv) All of the above
Ans. iv) All of the above

80
2. Our entire class is quaking in its boots.
a) What does ‘quaking in its boots’ mean?
i) shaking with fear and nervousness
ii) tensed
iii) confused
iv) perplexed
Ans. i) shaking with fear and nervousness
b) Why was the class quaking in its boots?
i) teachers would decide who would be promoted to the next class and who
would be detained
ii) teachers were angry
iii) Students had been mischievous
iv) None of the above
Ans. i) teachers would decide who would be promoted to the next class and who
would be detained
c) What was half of the class busy doing?
i) making bets
ii) kept predicting the fate of the students from morning to night.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans. iii) Both (i) and (ii)
d) What was Anne’s opinion of her class?
i) They were clever
ii) They deserved a promotion
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) about a quarter of the class should be kept back.
Ans. iv) about a quarter of the class should be kept back.
e) What would the kids bet about in class?
i) who is more talkative
ii) who would pass the class
iii) football matches
iv) baseball matches
Ans. ii) who would pass the class
3. Mr. Keesing had a good laugh at my arguments, but when I proceeded to talk my
way through the next lesson, he assigned me a second essay.
a) Who is Mr. Keesing?
i) A friend
ii) A relative
iii) Anne’s Mathematics teacher.
iv) Anne’s English teacher.
Ans. iii) Anne’s Mathematics teacher.

81
 b) How did Anne get along with Mr. Keesing ?
i) Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne
ii) Mr. Keesing was happy with Anne
iii) Mr. Keesing was pleased with Anne
iv) Mr. Keesing was confused at Anne’s behaviour
Ans. i) Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne
c) How did Anne justify her being talkative in the essay?
i) she disussed the subject topics in class
ii) it is a habit
iii) it is an inherited trait from her mother and you can't do much about it
iv) the class is boring
Ans. iii) it is an inherited trait from her mother and you can't do much about it
d) What was the second essay that was assigned to Anne?
i) ‘An Incorrigible Girl’.
ii) ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’
iii) ‘An Incorrigible Student’
iv) ‘A Talkative Chatterbox’
Ans. ii) ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’
e) What did she write in her last essay?
i) a poem
ii) a joke
iii) a paragraph
iv) a funny poem
Ans. iv) a funny poem
4. The class roared. I had to laugh too, though I’d nearly exhausted my ingenuity on
the topic of chatterboxes. It was time to come up with something else, something
original.
a) Why did the whole class roar?
i) Mr. Keesing gave Anne an essay entitled —’Quack, Quack, Quack, said
Mistress Chatterbox’.
ii) Mr. Keesing gave Anne a Poem entitled —’Quack, Quack, Quack, said
Mistress Chatterbox’.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans. i) Mr. Keesing gave Anne an essay entitled —’Quack, Quack, Quack, said
Mistress Chatterbox’.
b) Why had she nearly exhausted her ingenuity on the topic of chatterboxes?
i) She had already written many poems on the subject of ‘Chatterboxes’
ii) She had already written many essays on the subject of ‘Chatterboxes’
iii) She had already written many stories on the subject of ‘Chatterboxes’
iv) She had not written any essays on the subject of ‘Chatterboxes’
Ans. ii) She had already written many essays on the subject of ‘Chatterboxes’

82
 c) What originality did Anne bring to her essay?
i) Anne decided to write the essay in verse.
ii) Anne decided to write the essay as a story.
iii) Anne decided to write it as a lengthy essay .
iv) None of the above
Ans. i) Anne decided to write the essay in verse
d) Who helped Anne come up with an original essay?
i) Anne’s friend, Sanne
ii) Anne’s friend, Margot
iii) Anne’s friend, Mary
iv) Anne’s friend, Susan
Ans. i) Anne’s friend, Sanne
e) Find a word from the extract which means same as ‘ the quality of bering clever’
i) ingenuity
ii) exhausted
iii) chatterbox
iv) None of the above
Ans. i) ingenuity

AMANDA!
Robin Klein
I. Reference to the context :
1. Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!
Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight,
Amanda!
a) Who is giving instructions to Amanda?
i. her mother
ii. her father
iii. her teacher
iv. her sister
Ans : i. her mother
b) Why is Amanda given instructions?
i. she is not disciplined
ii. to refine her conduct and manners and prepare her for the future.
iii. she disobeys her mother
iv. she does not know how to behave.
Ans : ii. To refine her conduct and manners and prepare her for the future.

83
 c) What does the speaker of above lines instruct Amanda in the first stanza?
i. to stop biting her nails
ii. not to bend her shoulders while sitting
iii. to sit up straight.
iv. all of the above.
Ans : iv. all of the above
d) What is the literary device used in the third line?
i. anaphora
ii. metaphor.
iii. rhyme.
iv. alliteration.
Ans : iv. Alliteration
e) What does Amanda imagine herself to be in the first stanza?
i. mermaid.
ii. dolphin
iii. shark.
iv. jelly fish.
Ans: i. Mermaid.
2. I am an orphan, roaming the street,
I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.
The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.
a) Who is ‘I’ in the above lines ?
i. Amanda
ii. Mother
iii. Teacher
iv. Sister
Ans : i. Amanda.
b) Is the speaker really an orphan ?
i. Yes she is an orphan
ii. No she is not an orphan
iii. She imagines herself to be an orphan
iv. Both ii and iii.
Ans: iv. Both ii and iii
c) Why does the speaker want to be an orphan ?
i. so that she could walk freely on the streets.
ii. to get rid of the constant instructions from her mother.
iii. to draw patterns on the dust with her bare feet.
iv. all of the above
Ans: iv. all of the above.

84
 d) Explain ‘the silence is golden’.
i. she is fed up of the constant instructions of her mother.
ii. she wants to be an orphan
iii. it means freedom to her
iv. none of the above.
Ans: i. She is fed up of the constant instructions of her mother.
e) Give the meaning of hushed.
i. conceal
ii. hide
iii. cover up
iv. quiet and still
Ans: iv. Quiet and still
3. Did you finish your homework, Amanda?
Did you tidy your room, Amanda?
I thought I told you to clean your shoes,
Amanda!
a) Who is speaking the above lines?
i. Amanda
ii. Teacher
iii. Mother
iv. Father
Ans: iii. mother.
b) To whom is the speaker speaking?
i. to herself
ii. to her daughter
iii. to her husband
iv. none of these.
Ans: ii. To her daughter.
c) What advice was given by the speaker?
i. to finish her homework.
ii. to tidy her room
iii. to clean her shoes
iv. all of the above.
Ans: iv. All of the above.
d) What is the effect on the listener?
i. the listener immediately starts working.
ii.. the listener drifts into an imaginary world
iii. the listener fancies herself to be an orphan
iv. both ii and iii
Ans: iv. both ii and iii

85
 e) Which literary device has been used in the first two lines of this stanza.
i. metaphor
ii. personification
iii. anaphora.
iv. repetition.
Ans: iii. Anaphora.

GLIMPSES OF INDIA
Lucio Rodrigues
Lokesh Abrol
Arup Kumar Datta
I. Reference to the context:-
1. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke and the loaves would be
delivered to the servant.
a) Who delivered the loaves to the servant?
i) the baker
ii) the pader
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii) Both (i) and (ii)
b) What would the children do once they were pushed aside?
i) not give up so easily
ii) climbed a bench or the parapet and peep into the basket.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii) Both (i) and (ii)
c) What was typical about the loaves delivered by the baker?
i) had a typical fragrance.
ii) had a typical shape.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: i) had a typical fragrance.
d) What different kinds of bread did the baker deliver?
i) loaves for the elders
ii) bread-bangles for the children
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii) Both (i) and (ii)

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 e) Find a word from the passage which means same as ‘ baker’
i) Pader
ii) Loaves
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: i) pader
2. “You seem to have done our homework before coming,” Pranjol’s father said in surprise.
a) Who is Pranjol’s father speaking to?
i) Rajvir
ii) Pranjol’s friend.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii) Both (i) and (ii)
b) Where are they right now?
i) at Dhekiabari tea-estate
ii) at Dhuligarh tea-estate
iii) at Happy Valley tea-estate
iv) at Dibrugarh tea-estate
Ans: i) at Dhekiabari tea-estate
c) What prompted Pranjol’s father to speak thus?
i) Impressed with Rajvir
ii) Rajvir informs him that the sprouting period for tea lasts from May to July
and yields the best tea.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii) Both (i) and (ii)
d) What does the phrase ‘done your homework’ mean?
i) Completed work
ii) thoroughly prepared and informed on something.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: ii) thoroughly prepared and informed on something
e) Find a word from the extract which means ‘ amazed’
i) Surprised
ii) annoyed
iii) confused
None of the above
Ans: i) Surprised

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 THE TREES
Adrienne Rich
Read the following stanzas and answer the questions that follow:-
STANZA - 1
The trees inside are moving out into the forest,
the forest that was empty all these days
where no bird could sit
no insect hide
no sun bury its feet in shadow
the forest that was empty all these nights
will be full of trees by morning.
i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that Personification is the poetic device used for ‘No sun bury its feet….’
because ___________. (Clue: explain how personification applies here)
ii) The poet has used a poetic device in the given lines. What effect does she wish to create
by its use?
…no bird could sit
no insect hide
no sun…
A) emphasis
B) comparison
C) rhyme
D) humour
iii) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:
The extract uses trees as a symbol for conservative people.
iv) Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence, according to the extract.
The idea of a forest that has been ‘empty all these days’ is ___________.
A) unnatural
B) scary
C) magical
D) legendary
v) How does the use of enjambment impact this extract?
A) It forces frequent pauses.
B) It simplifies the meaning.
C) It builds momentum.
D) It makes the lines lyrical.

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ANSWERS:
i) ....the sun, which is non-human, is attributed the human feature of having feet.
(Accept any synonyms giving the similar/ correct meaning)
ii) A. emphasis
iii) FALSE
iv) A. Unnatural
v) C) It builds momentum

STANZA - 2
All night the roots work
to disengage themselves from the cracks
on the veranda floor.
The leaves strain toward the glass
small twigs stiff with exertion
long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof
like newly discharged patients
half-dazed, moving
to the clinic doors.
a) What do the roots do all night?
b) How are the small twigs described?
c) What are the boughs compared to?
d) What do the leaves do?
Ans:
a) All night the roots try to free themselves from the pull of the cracks in the veranda they
were fixated to.
b) The small twigs are stretched tight due the exertion of the pressure.
c) The boughs are compared to newly discharged patients in a hospital.
d) The leaves try to exert on the surface of the glass to break open.

STANZA - 3
I sit inside, doors open to the veranda
writing long letters
in which I scarcely mention the departure
of the forest from the house.
The night is fresh, the whole moon shines
in a sky still open.
a) Where is the speaker sitting and what was the speaker doing then?
b) What does she not mention in her letters?

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c) How does the poetess describe the night and the moon?
d) What does the openness of the sky symbolise?
Ans:
a) The speaker is sitting inside a room with doors open to the veranda The speaker is
writing long letters.
b) She does not mention the departure of the forest from the house, the artificial setting.
c) The night is pleasant and fresh. The sky is lit up by the full moon shining.
d) The open sky as mentioned symbolize freedom and liberty.

STANZA - 4
the smell of leaves and lichen
still reaches like a voice into the rooms.
My head is full of whispers
which tomorrow will be silent.
a) Which smell does the speaker refer to?
c) Give the example of a comparison drawn in the above extract?
d) What will be silent tomorrow?
e) Why will the whispers be ‘silent’
Ans:
a) The smell of leaves and lichen is referred to by the speaker.
b) The smell of the leaves and lichen is compared to a voice that reaches the speaker in the room.
c) Tomorrow, the whispers will be silent.
d) The sounds and whispers will however be muted as the trees would have completely
moved out only, he remnants of their voices will be left behind.

STANZA - 5
Listen. The glass is breaking.
The trees are stumbling forward
into the night Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror,
its pieces flash now in the crown
of the tallest oak.
a) What does the breaking of the glass symbolise?
b) What does the speaker say about the movement of the trees?
c) What rushes out to meet the trees?
d) How does the speaker describe the moon?

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Ans:
a) Glass is breaking, a sure sign that this change is serious and permanent What ever had
been taken as false conventions, stifling rules and regulations and accepted notions, will
be all shattered.
b) The speaker says that the trees are stumbling forward into the night.
c) Winds another agent of freedom and liberty and revolt, rush to greet them and felicitate them.
d) The moon, that symbol of femininity, emotion and physical change, breaks like a mirror does.

MIJBIL THE OTTER

Gavin Maxwell
Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow:-
1. Two days later, Mijbil escaped from my bedroom as I entered it, and I turned to
see his tail disappearing round the bend of the corridor that led to the bathroom.
By the time I got there he was up on the end of the bathtub and fumbling at the
chromium taps with his paws.
a) Who was Mijbil?
b) What did the narrator find Mijbil doing after it had escaped from the bedroom?
c) From where had the narrator brought Mijbil?
d) What amazed the narrator then?
Ans:
a) Mijbil was the otter kept as a pet by the narrator.
b) The narrator found that Mijbil was in the bathroom and was up on the end of the
bathtub and fumbling at the chromium taps with his paws.
c) Mijbil was brought by the narrator from Southern Iraq.
d) The narrator was amazed, for in less than a minute, Mijbil had turned the tap far enough
to produce a trickle of water, and after a moment or two achieved the full flow.
2. With the opening of that sack began a phase of my life that has not yet ended, and
may, for all I know, not end before I do. It is, in effect, a thraldom to otters, an
otter fixation, that I have since found to be shared by most other people, who have
ever owned one.
a) Which creature emerged from the sack?
b) With what was the otter coated?
c) How does the narrator describe the new phase of his life?
d) Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’?
Ans:
a) An otter which the narrator had tried to adopt emerged from the sack.
b) The otter was covered with symmetrical pointed scales of mud armour, between
whose tips was visible a soft velvet fur like that of a chocolate-brown mole.

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 c) The narrator says that it was a thraldom to otters. It was a strong attachment and
feelings for the otter.
d) Mijbil, the otter, was, in fact, of a race previously unknown to science, and was at
length christened by zoologists Lutrogale Perspicillata Maxwelli, or Maxwell’s otter
3. But the real play of an otter is when he lies on his back and juggles with small
objects between his paws. Marbles were Mij’s favourites toys for his pastime. He
would lie on his back rolling two or more of them up and down his wide, flat belly
without ever dropping one to the floor.
a) What is the real play of an otter?
b) What are the Mijbil’s favourite toys?
c) How did he pass his time with them?
d) How did Mijbil spend hours otherwise?
Ans:
a) The real play of an otter is when he lies on his back and juggles with small objects
between his paws.
b) Marbles were Mijbils’s favourite toys for this pastime.
c) Mijbil would lie on his back rolling two or more of them up and down his wide,
flat belly without ever dropping one to the floor.
d) Mijbil spent hours shuffling a rubber ball round the room like a four-footed soccer
player using all four feet to dribble the ball.
4. When I returned, there was an appalling spectacle. There was complete silence
from the box, but from its air holes and chinks around the lid, blood had trickled
and dried. I whipped off the lock and tore open the lid, and Mij exhausted and
blood-spattered, whimpered and caught at my leg.
a) Why had the narrator put Mijbil in a box?
b) Why had the narrator put Mijbil in the box prior to the journey?
c) What were the observations of the writer when he returned?
d) How did the narrator rescue Mijbil ?
Ans:
a) The narrator wanted to fly back to London with his pet otter and the airline
insisted that Mijbil should be packed into a box not more than eighteen inches
square, to be carried on the floor at his feet.
b) The narrator put Mij into the box so that he would become accustomed to it.
c) There was complete silence in the box, blood had trickled around the lid and air
holes and had dried.
d) The narrator whipped off the lock and tore open the lid, and Mijbil, exhausted and
blood-spattered, whimpered and caught at his leg.
5. Early in the New Year of 1956, I travelled to Southern Iraq. By then it had crossed
my mind that I should like to keep an otter instead of a dog and that Camusfearna,
ringed by water a stone’s throw from its door, would be an eminently suitable spot
for this experiment.
a) Why did the narrator think that keeping an otter would be suitable for him?

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 b) When had the narrator thought of keeping an otter as a pet?
c) What had the narrator’s friend informed him about their availability?
d) What comparison was made by the narrator’s friend while he spoke about otters?
Ans:
a) The narrator thought so because his location, Camusfearna, ringed by water a
stone’s throw from its door, would have been an eminently suitable spot for
adopting an otter as an experiment
b) Early in the New Year of 1956 when the narrator was travelling to Southern Iraq ,
the narrator had thought of keeping an otter as a pet.
c) The narrator’s friend informed him that he could get one in the Tigris marshes.
d) The comparison was that the otters were as common as mosquitoes in the Tigris
Marshes.

FOG
Carl Sandburg
I. Reference to the context:-
a) The fog comes
On little cat feet
It sits looking
Over harbour and city
On silent haunches
And then moves on.
(i) Which two words in the poem show movement?
(ii) What does ‘little cat feet’ suggest?
(iii) Which word shows that it has arrived and is no longer moving?
(iv) Explain ‘silent haunches’.
(v) What does ‘harbour and city’ signify?
(vi) How long has the fog stayed?
Ans:
(i) The words ‘comes’ and ‘moves’ show movement.
(ii) ‘Little cat feet’ suggest noiseless, stealthy movement akin to tiptoeing.
(iii) The word ‘sits’ shows that the fog has arrived.
(iv) ‘Silent’ stands for its being mysterious and unpredictable. ‘Haunches’
suggest a possibility of a quick and powerful movement.
(v) ‘Harbour and city’ stand for the wide open spaces spread over a large area.
(vi) The fog has come in, settled, engulfed the city and harbour and then moved
on, after staying for a period of time.

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 MADAM RIDES THE BUS
Vallikkannan
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:-
1. Day after day she watched the bus, and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head
and grew there: she wanted to ride on that bus, even if just once. This wish became
stronger and stronger until it was an “overwhelming desire. Valli would stare
wistfully at the people who got on or off the bus when it stopped at the street
corners.
a) What was the actual name of Valli?
b) Which bus has been referred to in the above extract?
c) How was the bus a source of unending joy for Valli?
d) When would Valli get jealous in regard to the bus ride?
Ans:
(a) Valliammai was the actual name which was shortened to Valli.
(b) The bus that travelled between Valli’s village and the nearest town has been
referred to in the above extract.
(c) The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers, was a source of
unending joy for Valli.
(d) If one of Valli’s friends happened to ride the bus and tried to describe the sights of
the town to her, Valli would be too jealous to listen
2. Over many days and months, Valli listened carefully to conversations between her
neighbours and people who regularly used the bus, and she also asked a few
discreet questions here and there. This way she picked up various small details
about the bus journey.
Questions :
a) How far was the town from Valli’s village?
b) What seemed ‘a fortune’ to Valli?
c) What did Valli decide about the timings of her journey by the bus?
d) Find a word from the passage which means ‘hardly.’
Ans:
a) The town was six miles from Valli’s village.
b) The fare for the bus journey, thirty paise seemed ‘a fortune’ to Valli.
c) Valli decided that she could take the one-o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town at one
forty-five, and be back home by about two forty-five.
d) ‘scarcely.’

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3. Valli devoured everything with her eyes. But when she started to look outside, she
found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered the lower part of her window.
So she stood up on the seat and peered over the blind.
Questions :
a) Where was Valli at that moment as referred to in the above extract?
b) Where was the bus at that moment?
c) Which view beyond the canal was being missed by Valli ?
d) Was the road wide?
e) Find a word from the passage which means same as ‘obstructed’.
Ans:
a) Valli’s was taking a bus journey from her village to the nearby town at that moment.
b) The bus was then going along the bank of a canal.
c) The view that Valli was missing included the palm trees. grassland, distant
mountains, and the blue, blue sky
d) ‘cut-off’
4. The bus slowed to a crawl, and the driver sounded his horn loudly again and again.
But the more he honked, the more frightened the animal became and the faster it
galloped—always right in front of the bus.
Somehow this was very funny to Valli. She laughed and laughed until there were
tears in her eyes.
Questions :
a) Why did Valli clap her hands with joy?
b) Why did Valli have tears in her eyes at that moment?
c) What did the conductor advise Valli when she laughed out of joy?
e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘ran very fast’.
Ans:
a) Valli clapped her hands with joy to see a young cow, tail high in the air, running
very fast, right in front of the bus.
b) The more frightened the cow became, the faster it galloped—always right in front
of the bus.
This was too funny for Valli. She laughed and laughed until there were tears in her
eyes.
c) The conductor called out to Valli and asked her if she had not laughed enough and
advised her to better save some for the next day.
d) The running of the cow just in front of the bus was very funny to Valli.
(e) Galloped.

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5. Valli wasn’t bored in the slightest and greeted everything with the same excitement
she’d felt the first time. But suddenly she saw a young cow lying dead by the
roadside, just where it had been struck by some fast-moving vehicle.
a) Which event’s ‘first time’ has been referred to in the above extract?
b) How had the young cow met with this destiny?
c) What did Valli ask the conductor on seeing the dead cow?
d) Find a word from the passage which has a meaning similar to ‘being the least in
amount’?
Ans:
(a) The ‘first time’ refers to Valli’s first journey in a bus which she had taken from
her village .
(b) The cow had been struck by some fast-moving vehicle.
(c) Valli asked the conductor if it was the same cow that ran in front of the bus on
their trip to town.
(d) ‘slightest’

THE TALE OF CUSTARD THE DRAGON

Ogden Nash
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
STANZA - 1
Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,
And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink,
And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
a) Name the poem and the poet.
(i) Tale of Custard Dragon by Ogden Nash
(ii) The Tale of the Custard Dragon by Ogden Nash
(iii) Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash
(iv) The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash
Ans: iv) The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash
b) What kind of a house did Belinda live in?
(i) A little hut
(ii) A little white house
(iii) A little red house
(iv) A house with a private zoo
Ans: ii) A little white house

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c) Why were Ink and Mustard called so?
(i) The kitten was black and the dog was yellow
(ii) The mouse was black and the dog was yellow
(iii) The dog was black and the cat was golden
(iv) The dog was black and the mouse was yellow
Ans: i) The kitten was black and the dog was yellow
d) Why was the dragon named as ‘Custard’?
(i) He was very sweet
(ii) He was slow
(iii) He was docile
(iv) He was a coward
Ans: iv) He was a coward
e) What poetic devices have been used in the above lines and how?
(i) Metaphor
(ii) Personification
(iii) Allegory
(iv) Simile
Ans: iv) Simile

STANZA - 2
2. Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful,
Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival,
They all sat laughing in the little red wagon
At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon.
a) Whom did Belinda tickle and how?
i) Tickled the dragon savagely
ii) Tickled the kitten for fun
iii) Tickled the dog because he enjoyed it
iv) Tickled the dragon because he enjoyed it
Ans: i) Tickled the dragon savagely
b) Who was called Percival by Ink, Blink and Mustard and why?
i) Called the dragon Percival because he was brave
ii) Called the dragon Percival to mock him
iii) Called the dragon Percival because he was a coward
iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
Ans: iv) Both (ii) and (iii)

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 c) How did the animals treat the dragon?
i) Laughed at and ridiculed him
ii) Loved him and played with him
iii) Laughed with him
iv) Played with him
Ans: i) Laughed at and ridiculed him
d) What can one conclude from the above about the nature of Belinda and the pets ?
i) They were all close friends
ii) They bullied the one who did not protest
iii) They were fond of having harmless fun
iv) They fought with each other
Ans: ii) They bullied the one who did not protest
e) Which word in the extract means ruthless?
i) Realio
ii) Trulio
iii) Unmerciful
iv) Tickled
Ans: iii) Unmerciful

STANZA - 3
Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,
And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.
Meowch! cried Ink, and oak! cried Belinda,
For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda.
Questions :
a) Who are ‘they’?
(i) Belinda and Custard
(ii) Belinda, Ink and Blink
(iii) Belinda’s pets
(iv) Belinda and all her pets
Ans: iv) Belinda and all her pets
b) What made all look around?
(i) The doorbell rang
(ii) A loud knock on the door was heard
(iii) There was a strange sound
(iv) They heard voices

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 Ans: iii) There was a strange sound
c) How did they all react at what they heard?
(i) They opened the door
(ii) They ran away
(iii) They ignored the noise
(iv) They looked around
Ans: iv) They looked around
d) What was the reason for such reactions?
i) Could not understand where the noise came from
ii) Saw a pirate climbing through the window
iii) The noise continued but no one was seen
iv) None of the above
Ans: ii) Saw a pirate climbing through the window
e) Why has the poet used the word ‘winda’?
i) To refer to the strong breeze and rhyme it with Belinda
ii) To refer to the wind and rhyme it with Belinda
iii) To refer to the pirate
iv) To refer to the window and rhyme it with Belinda
Ans: iv) To refer to the window and rhyme it with Belinda

STANZA - 4
Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp.
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.
Questions :
a) Why did Belinda get pale?
i) Out of sheer joy
ii) Out of weakness
iii) Out of fear
iv) Out of exhaustion
Ans: iii) Out of fear
b) What did Mustard, Ink and Blink do at that moment?
i) Mustard ran away, Ink went to the basement and Blink into his hole
ii) They faced the pirate bravely
iii) They attacked the pirate together
iv) They hid behind the curtain
Ans: i) Mustard ran away, Ink went to the basement and Blink into his hole

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c) What do the above reactions tell us about the nature of those creatures?
i) They were brave
ii) They were bullies
iii) They were cowards
iv) They were indifferent
Ans: iii) They were cowards
d) What does ‘trickled down’ indicate?
i) Slid down quietly
ii) Remained hidden
iii) Went hopping down
iv) Made a noise like running water
Ans: i) Slid down quietly
e) Give a synonym for ‘strategically’.
i) Deliberately
ii) Pointedly
iii) Calculatedly
iv) Honestly
Ans: iii) Calculatedly

STANZA - 5
But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
Questions :
a) Upon whom did Custard jump?
i) On Belinda
ii) On Belinda’s pets
iii) On the pirate
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii) on the pirate
b) Describe the image used as to show how the dragon clashed his tail.
i) Clashed his tail like a jangling, iron chain
ii) Made tinkling noises with his tail
iii) Thumped the tail on the floor
iv) None of the above
Ans: i) Clashed his tail like a jangling, iron chain

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c) What did he look like when he clashed with the pirate?
i) A robin hunting a worm
ii) A bird catching a fish
iii) A cat catching a mouse
iv) A tiger catching its prey
Ans: i) A robin hunting a worm
d) How did custard snort?
i) Made noises like wheels
ii) Made noises like a train
iii) Made whistling noises
iv) Made noises like an engine
Ans: d) Made noises like an engine
e) Which word in the extract stands for wriggle?
i) Snorting
ii) Squirm
iii) Jangling
iv) Snorting
Ans: ii) Squirm

THE SERMON AT BENARES

Betty Renshaw
Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :
1. These sights so moved him that he at once went out into the world to seek
enlightenment concerning the sorrows he had witnessed. He wandered for seven
years and finally sat down under a peepal tree, where he vowed to stay until
enlightenment came.
a) Who has been referred to as ‘he’?
i. Prince Siddharth Gautama
ii. Kisa Gautami
iii. Gautam Buddha
iv. None of the above
Ans: i. Prince Siddharth Gautama
b) What were the sights that ‘he’ had seen?
i. a sick man
ii. an aged man
iii. a funeral procession and a monk
iv. all the above
Ans: iv. all the above

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 c) What was the name given to the peepal tree later?
i. Bodhi tree
ii. Buddha tree
iii. Sarnath tree
iv. Bodh Gaya tree
Ans: i. Bodhi tree
d) After how many days did the enlightenment come?
i. ten days
ii. seven days
iii. five days
iv. seventeen days
Ans: ii. seven days
e) What is the meaning of the word ‘enlightenment’ ?
i. gain information or knowledge
ii. illusion
iii. haziness
iv. happiness
Ans: i. gain information or knowledge
2. The Buddha said, ‘‘The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and
combined with pain. For there is not any means by which those that have been
born can avoid dying; after reaching old age there is death; of such a nature are
living beings.
a) To whom did the Buddha say the above?
i. his disciples
ii. the villagers
iii. the old man
iv. Kisa Gautami
Ans: iv. Kisa Gautami
b) What grief had befallen the person to whom the above was said?
i. The person had lost her husband
ii. the person had lost her father
iii. the person had lost all her children
iv. the person had lost her only son
Ans: iv. the person had lost her only son

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 c) What was the comparison drawn by the Buddha soon after he spoke the above
regarding the loss of life?
i. the comparison between ripe fruits and the mortals
ii. the comparison between vegetables and human beings
iii. Both i and ii
iv. None of the above.
Ans: i. the comparison between ripe fruits and the mortals
d) Who according to Buddha are subject to death?
i. the young and the adult
iii. Both i and ii
iv. Only i
Ans: iii. Both i and ii
e) What did Buddha say about the life of mortals in this world ?
i. It is troubled
ii. it is brief
iii. it is combined with pain
iv. all the above
Ans: iv. all the above
3. At length, Kisa Gotami met a man who replied to her request, “I cannot give thee
medicine for thy child, but I know a physician who can.”
a) Why was Kisa Gotami in grief?
i. She had lost her husband
ii. She had lost her father
iii. She had lost all her children
iv. She had lost her only son
Ans: iv. She had lost her only son
b) What did she ask of all her neighbours?
i. She asked for medicine
ii. She asked for water
iii. She asked for food
iv. She asked for medicines that could bring her son back to life.
Ans: iv. She asked for medicines that could bring her son back to life.
c) What was the reaction of the neighbours when Kisa Gotami approached them in grief?
i. They said that she had lost her senses
ii. They said that she was in pain
iii. They consoled her
iv. They reprimanded her
Ans: i. They said that she had lost her senses

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 d) Who was the physician referred to by the man?
i. the village doctor
ii. the village priest
iii. Gautam Buddha
iv. None of these
Ans: iii. Gautam Buddha
e) What is the meaning of the phrase ‘at length’?
i. in detail
ii. after a long time
iii. after some time
iv. None of the above
Ans: ii. after a long time
4. Kisa Gotami repaired to the Buddha and cried. “Lord and Master, give me the
medicine that will cure my boy.”
The Buddha answered, “I want a handful of mustard-seed.”
a) Name the prose piece from which the above extract is taken.
i. Sermon at Benaras
ii. The Sermon at Benaras
iii. A Sermon at Benaras
iv. Buddha’s Sermon
Ans: ii. The Sermon at Benaras
b) What was the reaction of Kisa Gotami on hearing the above?
i. promised to procure the mustard seeds
ii. started crying
iii. became confused
iv. laughed heartily
Ans: i. promised to procure the mustard seeds
c) What was the condition laid down by the Buddha for procuring the mustard seeds?
i. The mustard should be brown in colour
ii. The mustard should be yellow in colour
iii. The mustard should be taken from a rich man’s house
iv. The mustard-seed must be taken from a house where no one has lost a child,
husband, parent or friend.
Ans: iv. The mustard-seed must be taken from a house where no one has lost a child,
husband, parent or friend.
d) What is the meaning of the word repaired in the extract?
i. fixed
ii. mended

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 iii. rushed
iv. went to
Ans: iv. went to
e) What did Buddha want to teach Kisa Gautami ?
i. Mustard seeds are expensive.
ii. People are selfish
iii. Death is inevitable
iv. It is possible to blow life into the dead.
Ans: iii. Death is inevitable
5. Kisa Gotami became weary and hopeless and sat down at the wayside watching the
lights of the city, as they flickered up and were extinguished again. At last the
darkness of the night reigned everywhere.
Questions :
a) Why was Kisa Gotami weary and hopeless?
i. She had exhausted herself by running here and there.
ii. She could not find a house where no one had died.
iii. Both i and ii
iv. None of the above
Ans: iii. Both i and ii
b) What did Kisa Gotami consider when she saw the flickering lights that
extinguished again?
i. The futility of human life.
ii. The transience of human life.
iii. The trials of human life.
iv. The successes of human life.
Ans: ii. The transience of human life.
c) What did Kisa realise about herself, at this?
i. She had been selfish in her grief.
ii. She had acted foolishly.
iii. She had been crazy.
iv. None of the above.
Ans: i. She had been selfish in her grief.
d) Find a word from the passage that means ‘put out’.
i. flickered
ii. reigned
iii. extinguished
iv. None of the above
Ans: iii. extinguished

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 e) What lesson did Kisa Gautami learn ?
i. Death is common to all
ii. A person who has surrendered selfishness can attain immortality.
iii. Both i and ii
iv. None of the above.
Ans: iii. Both i and ii

FOR ANNE GREGORY

William Butler Yeats
III. Reference to context:
a) Never shall a young man…………………..And not your yellow hair.
(i) Name the poem and the poet.
(ii) Who is the speaker addressing?
(iii) What are ‘ramparts’? Why is the hair compared to ramparts?
(iv) Why would a young man be ‘thrown into despair’?
Ans. (i) The poem is ‘For Anne Gregory’ by William Butler Yeats.
(ii) The speaker is addressing a noble young woman named Anne Gregory.
(iii) Ramparts are protective walls for castles, to keep invaders away. Anne’s
honey coloured hair acts as a protective wall for her beautiful face and also
acts as a barrier beyond which young men do not look. They get fascinated
by her outward beauty and do not admire her as a person.
(iv) Generally, a young man develops a fascination for a beautiful lady.
Sometimes the external appearance of the lady affects him deeply. The
honey-coloured hair of the lady may lead him to love her without caring for
the inherent qualities of her head and heart. Loving someone for her external
beauty and not for her inner beauty, may throw him into despair.
b) But I can get a hair-dye…………………And not my yellow hair.
(i) Name the poem and the poet.
(ii) Who is referred to as “I”?
(iii) What does he/she intend to do?
(iv) What does he/she expect to achieve by doing so?
Ans. (i) The poem is ‘For Anne Gregory’ by William Butler Yeats.
(ii) Anne Gregory is referred to as “I”.
(iii) Anne Gregory plans to dye her hair. She wants to change the honey colour
to black, brown or carrot.
(iv) By looking less attractive, she wishes to find true love. She wants young
man to fall in love with her for her inner beauty and not solely for her
external appearance.

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c) I heard an old religious man…………………And not your yellow hair.
(i) Name the poem and the poet.
(ii) What did the religious man declare?
(iii) What is referred to as the ‘text’?
(iv) How does the attitude of God differ from that of a young man?
Ans. (i) The poem is ‘For Anne Gregory’ by William Butler Yeats.
(ii) The religious man said that he found a text which proves that only God is
capable of truly loving us. Human beings will always be attracted by the
outward show, by the attractiveness of appearances.
(iii) The scriptures could have been referred to as “text.”
(iv) God goes beyond external appearances. God loves a woman for ‘herself
alone’. He pays no attention to her beautiful looks or yellow hair. On the
other hand, humans can’t go beyond outward appearances and beautiful
yellow hair.
d) But I can get a hair-dye
And set such colour there,
Brown, or black, or carrot,
That young men in despair
May love me for myself alone
And not my yellow hair.”
i. What is the poet’s tone in the extract?
1. thoughtful
2. authoritative
3. agitated
4. insulting
5. argumentative
Select the appropriate option.
A. 1, 4
B. 3, 5
C. 2, 4
D. 1, 5
ii. What causes the young men to ‘despair’, according to the extract?
iii. Identify the reason for the speaker’s need to colour her hair, as per the
extract.
iv. A. Her control over what makes her look beautiful.
B. Her desire to be loved for inner beauty
C. Her need to change people’s perception about beauty
D. Her conviction that she is beautiful inside
v. Complete the analogy about the speaker’s hair. yellow: blonde :: :
carrot_________
vi. Select the sentence in which the word ‘set’ is used in the similar manner as
line 2 of the extract.
A. I want to set him up and get my work done this time.

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 B. Do you have another set of the books that I can read?
C. The dessert needs to set for two hours before being served.
A. The set for the school play looked quite grand.
Answers:
i) C. 3, 5 (agitated and argumentative)
ii) Being hopelessly in love / the uncertainty in love/ Unsurity of the return of their
affections
iii) D. Her conviction that she is beautiful inside.
iv) yellow: blonde :: orange /red : carrot (either one can be accepted)
v) C. The dessert needs to set for two hours before being served

THE PROPOSAL
Anton Chekov
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
1. “ NATALYA : What proposal?
CHUBUKOV : Why, he came here to propose to you.
NATALYA : To propose? To me? Why didn’t you tell me so before?
CHUBUKOV : so he dresses up in evening clothes. The stuffed sausage! The wizen-faced frump!”
a) Who is being referred to as ‘he’ here?
i) Chekov
ii) Natalya
iii) Chekov
iv) Lomov
Ans. iv) Lomov
b) Why did ‘he’ meet Chubukov?
i) To ask for his property
ii) To take back Oxen meadows
iii) To ask for Natalya’s hand
iv) To propose him partnership in business.
Ans. iii) To ask for Natalya’s hand
c) Who was dressed up as a stuffed sausage?
i) Chubukov
ii) Lomov
iii) Natalya
iv) Chekov
Ans. ii) Lomov

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d) ………. in the extract means ‘make an offer of marriage to someone.
i) Propose
ii) Wisen
iii) Frump
iv) Sausage
Ans. i) Propose
e) 'The Proposal is a/an -
i) one-act play
ii) two-act play
iii) three-act play
iv) five-act play
Ans. i) one-act play
2. It’s cold… I’m trembling all over, just as if I’d got an examination before me.
The great thing is, I must have my mind made up. If I give myself time to
think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to look for an ideal, or for real love, then I’ll
never get married.
a) Who is saying, “I’m trembling all over as if I had got an examination before me”?
i) Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov
ii) Chubukov
iii) Natalya
iv) Chekov
Ans. i) Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov
b) What is the great thing that the speaker is talking about?
i) Land and property
ii) real love and marriage.
iii) Wedding
iv) None of the above
Ans. ii) real love and marriage.
c) What state of Lomov’s mind does the passage reflect?
i) he would never get married
ii) because it is difficult to find an ideal or real love.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans. iii) Both (i) and (ii)
d) Why did Lomov not want to wait for real love?
i) was anxious to get married
ii) his health was a wreck
iii) needed somebody to take care of him.
iv) All of the above
Ans. iv) All of the above

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e) Who does Chubukov call a "lovesick cat"?
i) Lomov
ii) himself
iii) his maid
iv) Natalya
Ans. iv) Natalya
3. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in
perpetual, peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they
were to make bricks for.
a) Who is the speaker of these lines?
i) Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov
ii) Chubukov
iii) Natalya
iv) Chekov
Ans. i) Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov
b) What type of relationship has been described in these lines?
i) cordial relationship
ii) of neighbours
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans. iii) Both (i) and (ii)
c) Who is the speaker speaking to?
i) Lomov
ii) himself
iii) his maid
iv) Natalya
Ans. iv) Natalya
d) What did the peasants do?
i) baked bricks for Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother
ii) cultivated the fields
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans. i) baked bricks for Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother
e) Where do Lomov and Natalya get on the wrong foot?
i) While talking about the weather
ii) While talking about their land
iii) While talking about their family relations
iv) While the proposal
Ans. ii) While talking about their land

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4. Then you make out that I’m a land grabber? Madam, never in my life have I
grabbed anybody else’s land and I shan’t allow anybody to accuse me of
having done so. Oxen Meadows are mine!”
a) Who is ‘Madam’ in the above lines?
i) Lomov
ii) Natalya’s grandmother
iii) her maid
iv) Natalya
Ans. iv) Natalya
b) Which land were they fighting about?
i) Oxen Meadows
ii) Birchwoods
iii) Burnt Marsh
iv) All of the above
Ans. i) Oxen Meadows
c) What had happened to the speaker?
i) was happy with Natalya for having called him a land grabber.
ii) was infuriated with Natalya for having called him a land grabber.
iii) was satisfied with Natalya for having called him a land grabber.
iv) None of the above
Ans. ii) was infuriated with Natalya for having called him a land grabber.
d) What will he not allow the other?
i) not allow anybody to marry Natalya
ii) not allow anybody to cultivate that land
iii) not allow anybody to take ownership of that land.
iv) not allow anybody to accuse him of having grabbed anyone’s land.
Ans. iv) not allow anybody to accuse him of having grabbed anyone’s land.
e) Why was Natalya arguing about the land?
i) she can't stand unfairness
ii) it was worth a lot
iii) she was jealous of Lomov
iv) All of the above
Ans. i) she can’t stand unfairness

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 FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET
A TRIUMPH OF SURGERY
By James Herriot

I. Answer with reference to the context:-

1. I had made my plans in advance. The only way was to get Tricky out of the house for
a period. I suggested that he be hospitalized for about a fortnight to be kept under
observation.
a) Who is ‘I’ in the above extract?
i) The narrator
ii) The author
iii) The veterinarian
iv) All of the above
Ans: iv) All of the above
b) Identify ‘he’ in the above extract?
i) A neighbour’s dog
ii) Tricki
iii) Mrs Pumphrey’s dog
iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
Ans: iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
c) Why had the plans been made in advance?
i) He wanted to give Tricki some rest
ii) Mrs Pumphrey was going on vacation
iii) He was aware of Tricki’s deteriorating condition
iv) He wanted a new dog at the surgery
Ans: iii) He was aware of Tricki’s deteriorating condition
d) What light does the above lines throw on the speaker ?
i) He was a wise, tactful yet caring vet
ii) He was business minded
iii) He wanted to give Mrs Pumphrey some rest
iv) He cared about increasing his business
Ans: i) He was a wise, tactful yet caring vet
e) What would be the duration of the hospitalization?
i) One week
ii) Two weeks
iii) A month
iv) Indefinite period
Ans: ii) Two weeks

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2. “ Poor old lad’, I said. “ You haven’t a kick in you but I think I know a cure for you.”
a) Who is ‘I’ in the above lines? Who does ‘poor old lad’ refer to?
i) James Herriott and Tricki
ii) Mrs Pumphrey and Tricki
iii) The vet and an unnamed dog
iv) The narrator and his friend
Ans: i) James Herriott and Tricki
b) Why does the speaker say ‘Poor old lad’ ?
i) The dog did not have enough to eat
ii) The dog was uncared for
iii) The dog was abandoned
iv) The dog was sick and helpless
Ans: iv) The dog was sick and helpless
c) What cure has the speaker thought of ?
i) A strict diet
ii) Lots of water for the first few days
iii) Adequate exercise
iv) All of the above
Ans: iv) All of the above
d) What does ‘haven’t a kick in you’ mean?
i) Inability to kick
ii) Inability to walk
iii) Inability to run
iv) Lack of energy
Ans: iv) Lack of energy
e) Why did the speaker know of a cure?
i) He was a vet
ii) He observed dogs closely
iii) He had read about dogs recently
iv) He wanted the dog to be part of an experiment
Ans: i) He was a vet
3. They were days of deep content, starting well with the extra egg in the morning,
improved and sustained by the midday wine and finishing luxuriously around the fire
with the brandy.
a) What days are being referred to here?
i) The days when the doctor was on vacation
ii) The normal days of a vet’s lavish lifestyle
iii) The days of Tricki’s recovery at the surgery
iv) The vet’s college days

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 Ans: iii) The days of Tricki’s recovery at the surgery
c) What were the reasons for the narrator’s contentment?
i) He was earning enough
ii) Mrs Pumphrey was sending eggs and wine for Tricki
iii) He and his partners were enjoying the eggs and wine
iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
Ans: iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
c) What effect did this peaceful period have on the narrator?
i) He was enjoying the good food alone
ii) He was throwing parties
iii) He was enjoying happy days with his partners
iv) He was getting tired of the same kind of food
Ans: iii) He was enjoying happy days with his partners
d) What was the narrator tempted to do?
i) Tell Mrs Pumphrey that Tricki did not need eggs and wine
ii) Tell Mrs Pumphrey the truth about the consumption of the food sent by her
iii) Feed Tricki the good food
iv) Keep Tricki as a permanent guest to enjoy the food
Ans: iv) Keep Tricki as a permanent guest to enjoy the food
e) The word content in the extract can be substituted by:
i) satisfaction
ii) material
iii) understanding
iv) emotion
Ans: i) satisfaction
4. All the while, Mrs. Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the background, ringing a dozen
times a day for the latest bulletins.
a) Why was Mrs. Pumphrey anxious?
i) Worried about Tricki’s treatment
ii) Worried about not having him around
iii) Worried about his condition in the hospital
iv) All of the above
Ans: iv) All of the above
b) What were Mrs. Pumphrey’s main concerns?
i) If Tricki was being given food
ii) If Tricki was missing her
iii) If Tricki needed new playthings
iv) If his cushions were being turned, if he was wearing the right coat
Ans: iv) If his cushions were being turned, if he was wearing the right coat

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 c) How did Dr. Herriot deal with Mrs. Pumphrey’s questions?
i) He answered them patiently
ii) He gave additional information
iii) He avoided the questions
iv) He asked her not to bother him
Ans: iii) He avoided the questions
d) What does ‘latest bulletins’ refer to?
i) The morning newspaper
ii) Current updates
iii) Recent announcements
iv) All of the above
Ans: ii) Current updates
e) What does the word ‘hovered’ stand for?
i) lingered around
ii) ran around
iii) peered from behind
iv) stayed put continuously
Ans: i) lingered around
5. Tears showed in her eyes. Her lips trembled.“Oh, Mr Herriot,” she cried,
“how can I ever thank you? This is a triumph of surgery!”
a) Who is ‘she’ in the above lines?
i) Mrs Pumphray
ii) Mrs Pumphrey
iii) Mrs Pumpfrey
iv) Mrs Pamphrey
Ans: ii) Mrs Pumphrey
b) Why was ‘she’ in tears ?
i) Tricki had recovered
ii) Tricki was hale and hearty
iii) Tricki was active
iv) All of the above
Ans: iv) All of the above
c) Who was ‘she’ grateful to and why ?
i) Dr. Herriot for getting Tricki back into shape
ii) Dr. Herriot for enjoying the eggs and wine
iii) Dr. Herriot for taking good care of Tricki
iv) Both (i) and (iii)
Ans: iv) Both (i) and (iii)

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 d) What does ‘a triumph of surgery’ refer to ?
i) The miraculous recovery of Tricki
ii) The popularity of the vet’s hospital
iii) The trick played by Dr Herriot
iv) None of the above
Ans: i) The miraculous recovery of Tricki
e) The word surgery can refer to:
i) The operation performed by a surgeon\
ii) The room for surgical operations
iii) Both of the above
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii) Both of the above

THE THIEF’S STORY

Ruskin Bond
I. Reference to context:-
a) And that is why it was so difficult to rob him.
i) Why was it difficult to rob Anil?
a. He was a strict person
b. He remained vigilant
c. He was careful with money.
d. He was the most trusting person
Ans : d. He was the most trusting person
ii) Who can easily be robbed?
a. a greedy man
b. a careless man
c. a rich man
d. a poor man
Ans : a. a greedy man
iii) Why had Hari Singh chosen Anil as a target?
a. he was kind, easy-going and simple
b. he was wealthy
c. he was educated
d. he was a fool
Ans : a. he was kind, easy-going and simple
iv) Why does he finally decide to rob Anil?
a. because Anil would waste the money on his friends
b. because Anil had to be taught a lesson
c. because Anil was trustworthy
d. because it would not matter to Anil
Ans : a. because Anil would waste the money on his friends

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 v) Why is it difficult to rob a careless man ?
a. because he pretends to be careless
b. because he hardly notices and that takes away all the pleasure out of the work
c. because he does not love his money
d. because he is usually smart.
Ans : b. because he hardly notices and that takes away all the pleasure out of
the work
b) He knew. But neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.
(i) Who is referred to as ‘he’?
a. Anil
b. the cook
c. Hari Singh
d. None of these
Ans : a. Anil
ii) What did he know?
a. that Hari Singh was interested in getting educated
b. that he would earn a lot of money
c. that Hari Singh had stolen the money and put it back in its place
d. that Hari Singh was an honest man.
Ans : c. that Hari Singh had stolen the money and put it back in its place
iii) How does the speaker conclude that he knew?
a. Anil showed no surprise at the damp notes
b. made tea and gave Hari Singh a damp fifty rupees note
c. said that Hari Singh would be paid regulary now
d. All of the above.
Ans : d. All of the above
iv) What was different about Hari Singh’s smile at the end?
a. The smile was artificial
b. The smile was genuine
c. The smile was effortless
d. Both b and c
Ans : d. Both b and c
(v) Why do you think the ‘he’ in the extract chose not to reveal anything
through his lips or eyes ?
a. He did not want to humiliate Hari Singh
b. He wanted hari Singh to realise his mistake.
c. He wanted to give Hari Singh a second chance.
d. All of the above.
Ans : d. All of the above.

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 THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR
Robert Arthur
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
1. ‘‘You are disappointed”, Ausable said wheezily over his shoulder. “You were told
that I was a secret agent, a spy, dealing in espionage and danger. You wished to
meet me because you are a writer, young and romantic. You envisioned mysterious
figures in the night, the crack of pistols, drugs in the wine.”
a) Who was disappointed and with whom?
b) Why did ‘he’ want to meet Ausable?
c) Why was Fowler disappointed?
d) What had the narrator informed about Ausable’s accent?
Ans.
a) Fowler the young, romantic writer was disappointed to see Ausable.
b) Fowler wanted to meet Ausable because he was a young, romantic writer and
wished to meet a real spy to know about the actual thrill and adventure related to
such a profession.
c) He was disappointed to meet Ausable as Ausable did not fit any description of a
secret agent Fowler had ever read. Ausable looked ordinary, slow, sluggish and a
very fat person who lived in a small room on the top floor of a cheap hotel.
d) Though Ausable spoke French and German passably, he had never altogether lost
the American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years before
2. And as the light came on, Fowler had his first authentic thrill of the day. For
halfway; across the room, a small automatic pistol in his hand stood a man.
a) What had Fowler seen at that moment?
b) Who was the man with a pistol in his hand?
c) Which room has been referred to?
d) What was the first authentic thrill of the day for Fowler?
Ans.
a) Fowler and Ausable found a man with a pistol standing in the hotel room.
b) Max was the person who stood with a pistol in his hand.
c) The room Ausable had in a gloomy French hotel has been referred to.
d) As soon as Ausable and Fowler entered the room and switched on the lights
Fowler saw a man with a pointed pistol waiting in the room. This was the first
authentic thrill of the day for him.
3. “You are disillusioned”, Ausable told him. “But take cheer, my young friend.
Presently you will see a paper, a quite important paper for which several men and
women have risked their lives, come to me. Some day soon that paper may well
affect the course of history. In that thought is drama, is there not?”
a) Who is ‘my young friend’ in the above extract?
b) What is the ‘important paper’ referred to here?
c) Find a word from the passage that means the same as ‘disappointed’.
d) Why is ‘it’ referred to as something very important?

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Ans.
a)‘My young friend’ in the above extract refers to Fowler, a young romantic writer.
b)The ‘important paper’ as referred to here is a report regarding some new missiles
that was brought to Ausable that night.
c) The word is ‘disillusioned’.
d) According to Ausable ‘it’ as refered to was a quite important paper for which
several men and women had risked their lives and some day soon that paper might
have well affect the course of history.
4. “You can get onto it from the empty room two doors down – and somebody did,
last month. The management promised to block it off. But they haven’t.”
a) Who is speaking these words to whom?
b) What is ‘it’ as referred to in the above extract?
c) Who was given the suggestion of taking an access to ‘it’?
d) Who had disappointed the speaker and how?
Ans. a) Ausable is speaking these words to Fowler, in the presence of Max.

A QUESTION OF TRUST
Victor Canning
I. REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT
1. Horace saw them go, and he felt happy in spite of a little tickle of hay fever in his
nose.
a) Whom did Horace see going?
b) Why did Horace feel happy?
c) What was causing discomfort to Horace?
d) How did the tickle of hay fever betray Horace?
Ans.
a) Horace saw the two servants of Shotover Grange go for a movie.
b) Horace felt happy on seeing the servants go because the house would be empty for
enough time for him to carry out the robbery.
c) A little tickle of hay fever in Horace’s nose, caused him discomfort.
d) At Shotover Grange, the pollen made Horace sneeze thus betraying his presence to
the young lady, who posed to be the mistress of the house.
2. But Horace found that the flowers were hindering him in his work.
a) What ‘work’ is being referred to here?
b) Why were the flowers hindering Horace?
c) Was the work undertaken by Horace simple or difficult? How can you say so?
d) Could Horace complete his work successfully? Why?

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Ans.
a) The ‘work’ refers to the Horace’s act of breaking the safe.
b) Horace used to get frequent attacks of hay fever. Horace was allergic to the flowers
in the room, therefore he kept sneezing on getting the smell of the flowers. This
hindered Horace’s work.
c) Horace was to break the safe at Shotover Grange. This was not going to be difficult
for Horace as he was a locksmith and had lived with locks and safes all his life.
d) No, Horace could not complete his work successfully because he was interrupted by
the voice of a lady, who had heard him sneeze.
3. “I see what an inconvenience it is for you to meet me. What are you going to do?”
a) Who is the speaker?
b) To whom is the above line addressed ?
c) What inconvenience is the speaker talking of?
d) What is the listener’s reply to the speaker?
Ans.
a) The speaker is the young lady, dressed in red.
b) The above line is addressed to Horace Danby, who had come to rob Shotover
Grange.
c) Horace Danby had learnt that the family staying at Shotover Grange was at London.
Therefore, the robbery would have a smooth sail for him. However, he is shocked to
find an unexpected lady in the house. This is the ‘inconvenience’ the speaker is
talking of.
d) Horace Danby replies that he would cut the telephone wires before the lady calls up
the police and would try to hurt her so that she was unable to do anything for some
time.
4. ‘You’ll let me go?” He held the lighter towards her.
a) Who is the speaker?
b) Whom is he speaking to?
c) What is implied by the above question?
d) What reply does the speaker get?
Ans.
a) Horace Danby, who has come to rob Shotover Grange is the speaker.
b) Horace is speaking to the young lady in red dress whom he mistook for the lady of
the house.
c) The speaker, Horace Danby had been caught in the act of breaking the safe by a
lady whom he mistook for the mistress of the house. He was frightened that the lady
would get him arrested. So, he asked her to let her go.
d) The lady answered that she would let him go provided he opened the safe for her as
she had forgotten the combination to open the safe.

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5. On the morning of the third day, however, he thought of the books he wanted and he
knew he would have to look for another safe.
a) Who is ‘he’ in the above line?
b) What did ‘he’ do for the first two days?
c) What were his thoughts on the third day?
d) What happened on the third day?
Ans.
a) ‘He’ in the above line is Horace Danby, the person who has attempted a robbery at
Shotover Grange.
b) For the first two days, Horace kept his promise of not robbing anyone, made to the
young lady, he met at Shotover Grange.
c) On the third day, Horace thought of the books he wanted and he knew he would
have to break his promise and look for another safe.
d) At noon of the third day, Horace was arrested for the robbery of jewellery at
Shotover Grange.

FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET

H. G. Wells
I. Reference to context:
a) Further footprints followed one after another, descending the steps and progressing
down the street. The boys followed, fascinated, until the muddy impressions became
fainter and fainter, and at last disappeared altogether.
i) Who was gazing at these footprints and where were the steps?
a. Two boys were gazing the footsteps on the steps of a house.
b. Some boys were gazing the footsteps in the backyard of the house.
c. Two boys were gazing the footsteps in the street.
d. None of the above.
Ans: a. Two boys were gazing the footsteps on the steps of a house.
ii) What can be inferred about the person from the footprints?
a. He was a phantom
b. He was invisible.
c. He was a scientist.
d. He was a tramp
Ans : b. He was invisible.
iii) What surprised the two boys?
a. the muddy imprints of the feet of an invisible man
b. the invisible scientist
c. the scientist in the middle of London.
d. None of the above.
Ans : a. the muddy imprints of the feet of an invisible man

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 iv) Where were the footprints heading?
a. towards the street
b. towards the house
c. towards the steps of the house
d. towards a park
Ans : a. towards the street
v) What is the meaning of the word ‘fascinated’ in the given extract ?
a. strongly attracted
b. bewitched
c. disinterested
d. Both a and b
Ans : d. Both a and b
(b) The village constable was secretly sent for. Instead of waiting for the constable, Mrs
Hall went to the scientist, who had somehow mysteriously appeared from his empty
bedroom.
i) Who sent for the village constable and why?
a. Mrs Hall because she suspected her tenant of burglary
b. Griffin’s landlord because he disliked him
c. the owner of the London store because Griffin had ransacked the store.
d. None of these
Ans : a. Mrs Hall because she suspected her tenant of burglary
ii) What had troubled the lady?
a. The furniture that had come alive and had attacked her.
b. Griffin, her tenant
c. that Griffin had come to Iping in search of solitude
d. All of the above.
Ans : a. The furniture that had come alive and had attacked her.
iii) What did she accuse Griffin of?
a. burglary
b. witchcraft
c. of coming out of an empty room and entering a locked one
d. Both a and b
Ans: c. of coming out of an empty room and entering a locked one
iv) Why do you think Griffin was brilliant but not a true scientist?
a. because he could become invisible
b. because he used his invention for selfish motives
c. because he did not hold a degree
d. None of the above
Ans : b. because he used his invention for selfish motives

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 v) Which word in the extract is the opposite of ‘disappeared’ ?
a. appeared
b. secretly
c. empty
d. mysteriously
Ans : a. appeared

THE MAKING OF A SCIENTIST

Robert W Peterson
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:-
1. Eventually, I began to lose interest in tagging butterflies. It’s tedious and there’s
not much feedback, ‘‘Bright said. -In all the time I did it,” he laughed, “only two
butterflies I had tagged were recaptured-and they were not more than seventy-five
miles from where I lived.”
a) At which stage in the life of a butterfly did Ebright start tagging them?
i. at the adult stage
ii. at the pupa stage
iii. at the larvae stage
iv. Both ii and iii
Ans: i. at the adult stage
b) Explain the significance of the phrase. ‘they were not seventy-five miles.’
i. the monarch butterfies travelled a shorter distance than was expected
ii. The monarch butterflies travelled to Central America
iii. the distance travelled by the monarch butterflies was longer than expected
iv. None of these
Ans : i. the monarch butterfies travelled a shorter distance than was expected
c) What activity did Ebright get engaged in before tagging the butterfly?
i. Read the book named’ The Travels of Monarch X’.
ii. Work together with his college mate.
iii. Raise a flock of butterflies in his basement.
iv. Chase the monarch butterflies in his garden.
Ans : iii. Raise a flock of butterflies in his basement.
d) What was the instruction left for those who could catch a butterfly that was tagged?
i. Anyone who found a tagged butterfly was asked to send the tag to Dr Urquhart.
ii. The readers were asked to meet Dr Urquhart.
iii. The readers were asked to buy the second volume of the book.
iv. The readers were asked to count the golden spots on the wings of the butterfly.
Ans : i. Anyone who found a tagged butterfly was asked to send the tag to Dr Urquhart.

123
 e) What is the meaning of the word ‘tedious’ in the extract ?
i. tiring
ii. complicated
iii. easy
iv. difficult.
Ans : i. tiring

2. An only child, Ebright grew up north of Reading, Pennsylvania.

“There wasn’t much I could do there,” he said. “I certainly couldn’t
play football or baseball with a team of one. But there was one thing I
could do — collect things.”
a) Who was the only companion of Ebright in those days as referred to in the above
extract?
[Link] Urqhart
[Link]’s mother
[Link]’s college companion
[Link]. Weiherer
Ans : ii. Ebright’s mother
b) What did Ebright collect?
[Link], fossils and coins
ii. stones, pebbles and shells
iii. butterflies
iv. both i and iv.
Ans : iv. both i and iv.
c) What did Ebright’s mother buy for him to motivate him in his learning?
i. telescopes and microscopes
ii. cameras and mounting materials
iii. Both i and ii
iv. Only i.
Ans : iii. Both i and ii
d) Why did Ebright and his mother lead a lonely family life?
i. Because his father had passed away.
ii. Because Reading was a deserted place
iii. Because they did not mingle with their neighbours
iv. None of these.
Ans : i. Because his father had passed away.

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 e) As a child, Ebright was
i. curious
ii. dull
iii. unsocial
iv. friendly
Ans : i. curious
3. So he wrote to Dr Urquhart for ideas, and back came a stack of suggestions for
experiments. Those kept Ebright busy all through high school and led to prize
projects in county and international science fairs.
a) What unsuccessful attempt had prompted Ebright to write to Dr. Urquhart?
i. Ebright’s failure at the county science fair.
ii. Ebright’s failure at the International science fair.
iii. Both i and ii
iv. None of these
Ans : i. Ebright’s failure at the county science fair.
b) On what subject did Ebright want his experiments to be based?
i. The insect work, about which he had a thorough knowledge.
ii. The fossils
iii. Both i and ii
iv. None of the above.
Ans : i. The insect work, about which he had a thorough knowledge.
c) What did Ebright do for his eight grade project ?
i. tagged butterflies
ii. displayed a frog tissue under the microscope.
iii. tried to find the cause of a viral disease that killed monarch caterpillars every
few years.
iv. None of these.
Ans : iii. tried to find the cause of a viral disease that killed monarch caterpillars every
few years.
d) From which book did Ebright come to know about Dr Urquhart?
i. The Travels of Monarch X
ii. The Travels of Viceroy X
iii. The Mystery of the Golden Spots
iv. The Mystery of Monarch X\
Ans : i. The Travels of Monarch X

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4. Ebright has these qualities. From the time the book. The Travels of Monarch X
opened the world of science to him. Richard Ebright has never lost his scientific
curiosity.
a) Which qualities of Ebright have been referred to?
i. competitive streak
ii. first-rate mind
iii. curiosity and the will to win for the right reason.
iv. all of the above
Ans: iv. all of the above
b) Who gave him ‘The Travels of Monarch X’?
i. Ebright’s mother
ii. Dr. Urquhat
iii. Mr. Weiherer
iv. Ebright’s father
Ans: i. Ebright’s mother
c) How did a book become a turning point in Ebright’s life?
i. It helped Ebright get in touch with Dr. Urquhart
ii. It helped him get guidance from Dr Urquhart
iii. He got motivated by Dr Urquhart to initiate scientific research on butterflies.
iv. All of the above
Ans: iv. All of the above
d) What was Dr. Urquhart’s book all about?
i. His book dealt with how monarch butterflies migrate to Central America
ii. It dealt with the golden spots on the wings of Monarch butterfly.
iii. Both i and ii
iv. Only ii
Ans: i. His book dealt with how monarch butterflies migrate to Central America
e) What is the meaning of the word ‘world’ in the extract ?
i. kingdom
ii. the universe
iii. the globe
iv. none of these.
Ans: i. kingdom

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5. When he saw those photos, Ebright didn’t shout, ‘Eureka!’ or even, ‘I’ve got it!’
But he believed that, along with his findings about insect hormones, the photos
gave him the answer to one of biology’s puzzles:
a) Which photos have been referred to?
i. The photos of Monarch butterflies
ii. The photos of Viceroy butterflies
iii. The X-ray photos of the chemical structure of a hormone
iv. The photos of DNA
Ans: iii. The X-ray photos of the chemical structure of a hormone
b) What was the ‘biology’s puzzles’ as mentioned above?
i. the mystery of how the cell can ‘read’ the blueprint of its DNA.
ii. the puzzles related to biology
iii. the puzzles related to DNA
iv. None of the above
Ans: i. the mystery of how the cell can ‘read’ the blueprint of its DNA
c) Who worked with Ebright in this project?
i. Dr. Urquhart
ii. Ebright’s mother
iii. James R. Wong
iv. Mr. Weiherer
Ans : iii. James R. Wong
d) How did they carry out the project all night?
i. by making clay models
ii. by drawing pictures
iii. by constructing plastic models of molecules
iv. Both ii and iii.
Ans: [Link] ii and iii.
e) In which year of university Ebright was,when he saw the photos ?
i. freshman year
ii. junior year
iii. sophomore year
iv. senior year
Ans : ii. junior year

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 THE NECKALCE
Guy de Maupassant
I. Reference to the context :-
1. The day of the ball approached and Mme Loisel seemed sad, disturbed, anxious.
Nevertheless, her dress was nearly ready.
a) Why was Mme Loisel sad and disturbed?
(i) because she did not have a jewel to adorn herself.
(ii) She did not want to look poor and shabby amidst the rich women in the ball
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) None of the above
Ans. iii. Both (i) and (ii)
b) Why did she get a dress ready?
(i) She got a dress ready because she had been invited to attend a ball.
(ii) She didn’t have a choice
(iii) She was still not willing to attend the ball
(iv) She was hopeful
Ans. [Link] got a dress ready because she had been invited to attend a ball.
c) How did Mme Loisel get the money to buy the dress?
(i) Her friend gave her the money
(ii) Mme Loisel’s husband had given her four hundred francs, which he had kept
aside to buy a gun,
(iii) She used up her own savings
(iv) None of the above
Ans. ii. Mme Loisel’s husband had given her four hundred francs, which he had kept
aside to buy a gun,
d) How did Mme Loisel’s husband bring her out of depression?
(i) Loisel suggested that she should borrow jewels from her friend Mme
Forestier.
(ii) Loisel gave her the money to buy jewels
(iii) Loisel advised her to buy imitation jewellery
(iv) Loisel asked her to give up the desire to wear jewellery at the ball
Ans. i. Loisel suggested that she should borrow jewels from her friend Mme Forestier.
e) Who had arranged for the ‘ball’?
(i) The Minister of Education
(ii) The Minister of external Affairs’
(iii) The Minister of Public Instruction
(iv) None of the above
Ans. iii. The Minister of Public Instruction

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2. The next day she took herself to her friend’s house and related her story of distress.
a) Who is ‘she’?
(i) Matilda
(ii) Madame George Ramponneau
(iii) Mme Forestier
(iv) None of the above
Ans. i. Matilda
b) Who was her friend?
(i) Matilda
(ii) Madame George Ramponneau
(iii) Mme Forestier
(iv) None of the above
Ans. iii. Mme Forestier
c) Why did she go to her friend’s house?
(i) To borrow a dress
(ii) To inform about the invitation
(iii) To meet her
(iv) To borrow a jewel to wear at the ball.
Ans. iv to borrow a jewel to wear at the ball.
d) On whose advice did she go to her friend’s house?
(i) Matilda’s husband
(ii) Mme Forestier
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) None of the above
Ans. i. Matilda’s husband
e) How did her friend solve her problem?
(i) Lent her some money
(ii) Lent her a beautiful dress for the ball
(iii) Matilda was able to choose a diamond necklace
(iv) Matilda could discuss her problem with her
Ans. iii. Matilda was able to choose a diamond necklace
3. The day of the ball arrived. Mme Loisel was a great success.
a) How was Mme Loisel a great success at the ball?
(i) as she looked elegant and gracious and was the cynosure of all eyes
(ii) she had worn a precious necklace
(iii) she had met many people there
(iv) she could accompany her husband at the ball
Ans. i. as she looked elegant and gracious and was the cynosure of all eyes

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 b) How did Mme Loisel enjoy herself at the ball?
(i) Could wear a beautiful dress at the ball
(ii) Could wear a diamond necklace at the ball
(iii) Could meet many people at the ball
(iv) Mme Loisel danced with enthusiasm, intoxicated with the pleasure and
satisfaction of being admired by everyone at the ball.
Ans. iv. Mme Loisel danced with enthusiasm, intoxicated with the pleasure and
satisfaction of being admired by everyone at the ball.
c) When did Mme Loisel leave the ball?
(i) In the evening
(ii) towards four o’clock in the morning.
(iii) At around five in the morning
(iv) At midnight
Ans. ii. towards four o’clock in the morning.
d) Why did Mme Loisel wish to leave the ball in a hurry?
(i) She was tired
(ii) She wanted to hide her shabby wrap
(iii) She wanted to catch a cab
(iv) None of the above
Ans. ii. She wanted to hide her shabby wrap
e) What was Mr. Loisel doing all the while as Matilda danced and enjoyed the ball?
(i) Loisel danced and enjoyed
(ii) Loisel watched his wife’s victorious endeavours
(iii) Loisel had been half asleep
(iv) None of the above
Ans. iii. Loisel had been half asleep
4. One Sunday as she was taking a walk in the Champs-Elysees to rid herself of the
cares of the week, she suddenly perceived a woman walking with a child.
a) Who is ‘she’?
(i) Madame George Ramponneau
(ii) Matilda
(iii) Mme Forestier
(iv) None of the above
Ans. ii. Matilda
b) Whom did he she see?
(i) Mme Forestier
(ii) Madame George Ramponneau
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) None of the above
Ans. i. Mme Forestier

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 c) How did the woman look?
(i) young, pretty and attractive
(ii) Eager and anxious
(iii) Angry
(iv) Old and exhausted
Ans. i. young, pretty and attractive
d) Why was ‘she’ not recognized by the woman?
(i) The woman had not seen her for a long time
(ii) The woman had forgotten her
(iii) ‘Her’ hardships had affected her beauty and charm.
(iv) None of the above
Ans. iii. ‘Her’ hardships had affected her beauty and charm.
e) What does ‘cares of the week’ refer to?
(i) The odious work at her poor household
(ii) The tiring job of her husband
(iii) The worries about her dress and jewellery
(iv) All of the above
Ans. i. The odious work at her poor household
5. Mme Forestier was touched and took both her hands as she replied, “Oh! My poor
Matilda! Mine were false. They were not worth over five hundred francs!
a) Why was Mme Forestier touched?
(i) Matilda was foolish enough to believe that the necklace was genuine
(ii) Matilda’s plight could have been avoided if only Matilda had told her the
truth about the lost necklace.
(iii) Matilda had been dishonest
(iv) None of the above
Ans. ii. Matilda’s plight could have been avoided if only Matilda had told her the truth
about the lost necklace.
b) ‘Mine were false’. What does ‘mine’ refer to in these words?
(i) Refers to the dress worn at the ball
(ii) Refers to the collection of jewellery that Mme Forestier had
(iii) Refers to the diamond necklace that Mme Forestier had lent to Matilda.
(iv) All of the above
Ans. iii. Refers to the diamond necklace that Mme Forestier had lent to Matilda.
c) How were Mme Forestier and Matilda related?
(i) Mme Forestier and Matida were friends.
(ii) Mme Forestier and Matida were sisters
(iii) Mme Forestier and Matida were cousins
(iv) None of the above
Ans. i. Mme Forestier and Matida were friends.

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 d) What had Matilda done?
(i) Matilda had lost a ring
(ii) Matilda had lost some money
(iii) Matilda had failed to repay a loan
(iv) Matilda lost the necklace that she had borrowed from Mme Forestier.
Ans. iv. Matilda lost the necklace that she had borrowed from Mme Forestier.
e) How much had Matilda paid to replace the diamond necklace?
(i) Thirty- six thousand francs
(ii) Forty- six thoudand francs
(iii) Forty thoudand francs
(iv) Thirty thoudand francs
Ans. i. Thirty- six thousand francs

BHOLI
K. A. Abbas
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:-
1. “What’s the matter with you, you fool?” shouted Ramlal. “I am only taking you to
school.” Then he told his wife, “Let her wear some decent clothes today, or else
what will the teacher and the other school girls think of us when they see her?”
a) Who is speaking
i) Bholi
ii) Bholi’s mother
iii) Bholi’s father
iv) Bholi’s brother
Ans: i. Bholi
b) To whom has it been said?
i) Bholi
ii) Bholi’s mother
iii) Bholi’s sister
iv) Bholi’s brother
Ans: i. Bholi
c) Who had advised Ramlal to admit Bholi to school?
i) Bholi’s mother
ii) The Tehsildar of the village
iii) Champa
iv) None of the above
Ans: ii) The Tehsildar of the village

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 d) Why did Bholi’s mother want her to be in school?
i) there was little chance of Bholi getting married
ii) she had her ugly face and lack of sense
iii) she wanted the teachers at school worry about her.
iv) All of the above
Ans: iv. All of the above
e) What did it take for Bholi to believe she was being taken to a place better than
home?
i) clean dress
ii) hair oiling
iii) a bath
iv) all of the above
Ans: iv) all of the above
2. Left alone, the poor girl looked about her with fear-laden There were several
rooms, and in each room girls like her squatted on mats, reading from books or
writing on slates.
a) Which place is described here?
i) The primary school for girls
ii) The village
iii) Headmistress’ room
iv) None of the above
Ans: i. The primary school for girls
b) About what time was that place opened in the village?
i) When Bholi was seven years old
ii) her sister Mangla was married
iii) Both (i) (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii. Both (i) (ii)
c) Why does the girl look around with fear-laden eyes?
i) it was the first time she was being taken to a place away from home
ii) She did not know what a school was like.
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: iii. Both (i) (ii)
d) What was Bholi's first reaction on hearing that she was going to school?
i) she cried with tears of joy
ii) she cried with fear
iii) she screamed
iv) she was excited
Ans: ii. she cried with fear

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e) Why did the girls laugh at Bholi?
i) at her dress
ii) at her looks
iii) at her stammering
iv) all of the above
Ans: iii. at her stammering
1. Bishamber raised the garland to place it around the bride’s neck; but before he
could do so, Bholi’s hand struck out like a streak of lightning and the garland was
flung into the fire. She got up and threw away the veil.
a) Who was Bishamber?
i. a well-to-do grocer
ii. a farmer
iii. a teacher
iv. None of the above
Ans: i. a well-to-do grocer
b) Why did Bholi react in such a way as referred to in the above extract?
i. Bholi did not like Bishamber’s looks
ii. Bholi did not like Bishamber’s age
iii. Bholi did not approve of the condition laid down by Bishamber of five thousand
rupees
iv. Bholi did not like Bishamber’s profession
Ans: iii. Bholi did not approve of the condition laid down by Bishamber of five thousand
rupees
c) What did Bholi express through her eyes when she looked at her prospective
husband?
i. Hatred
ii. Anger
iii. only cold contempt.
iv. Love
Ans: iii. only cold contempt..
d) Later, she rejected the marriage. What does this tell us about her?
i) immense self-respect
ii) ungrateful
iii) disobedient
iv) envious
Ans: i. immense self-respect
e) What according to you, was wrong in Bishamber marrying Bholi?
i) his age
ii) his limbs
iii) another village
iv) all of the above
Ans: i. his age

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4. “Yes, Aunty, you are right. You all thought I was a dumb–driven cow. That’s why
you wanted to hand me over to this heartless creature. But now the dumb cow, the
stammering fool, is speaking. Do you want to hear more?”
a) What reason did Bholi give for rejecting Bishamber?
i) she would not have accepted such a mean, greedy and contemptible coward as her
husband.
ii) Bishamber was not rich
iii) Bishamber was lame
iv) Bishamber was aged
Ans: i. she would not have accepted such a mean, greedy and contemptible coward as her
husband.
b) Who has been referred to as ‘Aunty’ in the above extract?
i) Lakshmi
ii) An old woman from the village
iii) Mangala
iv) The lady teacher
Ans: ii. An old woman from the village
c) What was the comment made by ‘Aunty’ when Bholi rejected the groom?
i) Bholi was a shameless girl
ii) Bholi was disobedient
iii) Bholi was obedient
iv) Bholi was ungrateful
Ans: i. Bholi was a shameless girl
d) What was the reaction of Bishamber on hearing the above?
i) Expressed anger
ii) started to go back with his party.
iii) Called Bholi shameless
iv) Called Bholi a mean and cruel
Ans: ii. started to go back with his party.
e) How did he react on seeing Bholi's face?
i) asked for compensation
ii) got frightened
iii) both of these
iv) none of the above
Ans: i. asked for compensation

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5. Sweat broke out over her whole body. Would her stammering tongue again
disgrace her? For the sake of this kind woman, however, she decided to make an
effort. She had such a soothing voice; she would not laugh at her.
a) Who has been referred to as ‘she’?
i) Lakshmi
ii) Bholi
iii) Mangala
iv) The lady teacher
Ans: iii. Bholi
b) Who has been referred to as ‘kind woman’?
i) Lakshmi
ii) The lady teacher at the primary school
iii) Mangala
iv) The lady teacher
Ans. iii. The lady teacher at the primary school
e) What was the effort made by ‘she’?
i) Bholi made an effort to tell her name to the kind lady teacher
ii) Bholi made an effort to leave the school
iii) Both (i) and (ii)
iv) None of the above
Ans: i Bholi made an effort to tell her name to the kind lady teacher
f) How did ‘she’ feel after having made that effort?
i) Nervous
ii) Sad
iii) felt relieved as if it was a great achievement.
iv) None of the above
Ans: felt relieved as if it was a great achievement.

g) Why did she talk very little?

a. she stammered
b. other kids mimicked her and made fun of her
c. she was an introvert
d. none of the above
Ans: i. she stammered

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 THE BOOK THAT SAVED THE EARTH
Claire Boiko
I. Reference to context:-
Read the extracts given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
1. A hundred million miles away from Mars. Order the invasion fleet to evacuate the
entire planet of Mars. We are heading for Alpha Centauri, a hundred million miles
away.
a) Where were they heading?
b) Why are they going there?
c) Which planet do Think-Tank and other Martians escape to?
d) How far was it from Mars?
Ans:
a) They were heading for Alpha Centauri a hundred million miles away from Mars.
b) They were going to evacuate the entire planet of Mars.
c) They escape to Alpha Centauri
d) It was hundred million miles away from Mars.
2. The Earthlings have reached a high level of civilization. Didn’t you hear? They have
taught their domesticated animals’ musical culture and space techniques. Even their
dogs have a sense of humour. Why at this very moment, they may be launching an
interplanetary attack on millions of cows! Notify the invasion fleet. No invasion today,
Oop.
a) Who is the speaker?
b) What could have been the recent strategy of the Earthlings?
c) What was the second rhyme about?
d) How did Think-Tank interpret it?
Ans:
a) The Think-Tank is the speaker of these lines.
b) The Earthlings strategy may plan to launch an interplanetary attack on millions of cows.
c) This was about the cat and the fiddle and how the cow jumped over the moon and
the dog laughed to see it.
d) He thought that the Earthlings had reached a high level of civilization – they
taught their domesticated animals musical culture and space techniques.
3. “I wish to be placed in communication with our manned space probe to that
ridiculous little planet we are going to put under our generous rulership.”
a) Who is the speaker here? Which is the little planet he is referring to?
b) What does he intend to do?
c) Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?
d) Who is Think-Tank?

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Ans:
a) Think-Tank is the speaker. The little planet he is the planet Earth.
b) He is a Martian, who along with other Martians, is planning to invade the Earth.
c) The Martians tried to invade earth. They wanted to include earth in his domain.
d) He is an arrogant, self-praising ruler of Mars.
4. “I’ve counted two thousand of these peculiar items. This place must be some sort of
storage barn?
a) Who is the speaker here?
b) Where is he and what is he referring to an as peculiar item?
c) What is a barn?
d) Why have Iota, Oops and Omega come to the earth?
Ans:
a) Iota is the speaker of the above lines.
b) He is in a library and, he is referring to the books found there as peculiar items.
c) A barn is a covered building for storing hay.
d) Think-Tank, the ruler of Mars wanted to invade the earth. Iota, Oops and Omega
are the crew members of the space probe ship to get more information about the
earthlings.
Omega: it shall be done, sir. Remove vitamins. (crew takes vitamins from boxes on their
belts.) Present Vitamins.
(they hold vitamins out in front of them, stiffly.) Swallow vitamins. (they pop the vitamins
into their mouths and gulp simultaneously. They open their eyes wide, their heads shake, and
they put their hands to their foreheads.)
Think-tank: excellent. Now, decipher that code.
All: it shall be done, sir. (they frown over the book, turning pages.)
Omega: (brightly) Aha!
Iota: (brightly) Oho!
Oop: (bursting into laughter) Ha, Ha, Ha.
Think-tank: What does it say? Tell me this instant. Transcribe, Omega
i. Select the option that correctly captures the usage of the word ‘present’ from line 1 of
the extract.
A. Oops received a nice present from think tank.
B. Iota needs to present his opinion firmly.
C. Omega must focus on the present and leave the past behind.
D. Oops didn’t know anyone even though a crowd was present

ii. Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the text frown: smile::
gloomily:________

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iii. Select the option that displays the reason why all crew members were asked to have
vitamins. In order to –
A. boost their physical energies.
B. adapt to their circumstances.
C. quickly turn all the pages.
D. accomplish a specific task.
iv. According to the extract, what did THINK-TANK most likely want OMEGA to do
when he said ‘Transcribe…’?
1. read aloud
2. translate
3. make notes
4. interpret
5. record reactions
Select the correct option.
A. 1 & 3
B. 2&4
C. Only 3
D. 1, 4 and 5
v) The playwright places certain words and sentences in brackets in the given extract. List
any ways this benefit both the director and actors
i) ________________________
ii) ________________________
Answers:
i. B. Iota needs to present his opinion firmly.
ii. frown: smile: gloomily: brightly
iii. D. accomplish a specific task.
iv. B. 2 & 4
v.  Help actors and director gain clarity about the emotions and gestures
required while performing / directing
 Helps with understanding stage setting and movements (Or any other
suitable explanation)

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 MCQ GRAMMAR
GAP-FILLING EXERCISES
1. According to a report in yesterday’s newspaper
(1) —— police dog was taken to Raj Bhavan , (2) —— Monday. This (3) —— to trace
the killers of the "very important horse" which (4) —— reported missing on Sunday.
The dog picked (5) —— the scent on (6) —— traces of blood and ran (7) —— yards
before losing the track. The police have launched a vigorous (8) —— into the whole
affair.
1. a) the b) an c) once d) a
2. a) at b) next c) on d) in
3. a) is b) was c) being d) been
4. a) were b) has c) was d) is
5. a) on b) at c) up d) in
6. a) some b) many c) much d) those
7. a) few b) a few c) many d) some
8. a) investing b) investigation c) investigate d) investigated
Ans:
1. d) a 2. c) on 3. b) was 4. c) was
5. c) up 6. a) some 7. b) a few 8. b) investigation
2. Childhood is a time when there are (1) —— responsibilities to make life difficult. If a
child (2) —— good parents, he is fed, looked (3) —— and loved. Whatever he may do,
it is improbable that he will ever again in his life (4) —— given so much without having
to do anything (5) —— return. (6) —— addition, life is always granting new things to
the child. A child finds (7) —— in playing in the rain or in the snow. His first visit (8)
——the sea side is nothing less than a marvellous adventure.
1. a) many b) little c) few d) more
2. a) had b) has c) have d) will have
3. a) up b) at c) after d) around
4. a) is b) has c) are d) be
5. a) for b) in c) as d) of
6. a) on b) in c) at d) upon
7. a) pleasure b) pleasure c) pleasant d) peasant
8. a) at b) to c) upon d) on
Ans:
1. b) few 2. b) has 3. c) after 4. d) be
5. b) in 6. b) in 7. a) pleasure 8. b) to

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3. The first test tube baby turtle (1) —— born last month in California. The story began
(2) —— a broken turtle egg (3) —— on the seashore. Scientists (4) —— to work
carefully, bringing up (5) —— baby turtle which has now (6) ——. This winter the
turtle (7). ___________ be returned (8) ___________ the sea.
1. a) was born b) were born c) is born d) are born
2. a) where b) which c) when d) who
3. a) is find b) was found c) are finding d) found
4. a) get b) are getting c) gets d) got
5. a) a b) an c) are d) the
6. a) have grown b) is grown c) grown d) are grown
7. a) might b) could c) must d) would
8. a) to b) at c) in d) into
Ans:
1. a) was born 2. b) when 3. b) was found 4. a) got
5. a) a 6. c) grown 7. d) would 8. a) to
4. An inadequate public transport system has (1) —— to an increase (2) —— the number
of vehicles (3) —— the roads. Chocked roads have added (4) —— the traffic woes of
commuters. Traffic problems need to (5) —— because valuable time and energy (6) —
— in traffic jams. Increase in traffic (7) —— also led to an increase in the number of
accidents. Extended travel times and unpredictable traffic jams (8) —— people mad.
1. a) lead b) led c) leads d) been leading
2. a) on b) in c) with d) into
3. a) on b) in c) across d) at
4. a) in b) with c) to d) for
5. a) solve b) be solving c) be solved d) solved
6. a) is wasting b) is wasted c) wasted d) has wasted
7. a) has b) have c) is d) was
8. a) make b) drive c) go d) turn
Ans:
1. b) led 2. b) in 3. a) on 4. c) to
5. c) be solved 6. b) is wasted 7. a) has 8. b) drive
5. Many of us believe that science is something modern (1) —— the truth is that man
(2) —— science for (3) —— very long time. However, it has (4) —— a greater effect
on human lives in the last twenty-five (5) —— thirty years than in the hundreds of years
(6) —— the invention of the plough. The marvelous gifts of science (7) —— modern
life exciting (8) —— comfortable.
1. a) if b) though c) unless d) or
2. a) has used b) has been using c) had used d) had been using

141
 3. a) a b) the c) an d) that
4. a) have b) had c) even d) been
5. a) and b) or c) either d) neither
6. a) from b) for c) since d) to
7. a) has made b) have made c) had made d) made
8. a) and b) or c) over d) as
Ans:
1. b) though 2. b) has been using 3. a) a 4. b) had
5. b) or 6. c) since 7. b) have made 8. a) and
6. Humans unlike many (1) —— animals, are omnivores. We require (2) —— vegetable
matter and meat to be fully healthy. (3) —— some humans (4) —— to survive
reasonably (5) —— whilst consuming no animal products at all, (6) —— their protein
mainly
(7) —— nuts and seeds. To carry out its many complicated functions, the human body
(8) —— seven categories namely carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, minerals, vitamins, fats
and water which form a balanced diet.
1. a) another b) other c) others d) anothers
2. a) neither b) together c) either d) both
3. a) if b) although c) so d) therefore
4. a) manages b) are managing c) had managed d) manage
5. a) healthier b) healthily c) healthy d) healthiness
6. a) find b) found c) finding d) finds
7. a) into b) in c) inside d) on
8. a) required b) is requiring c) require d) requires
Ans:
1. b) other 2. d) both 3. b) although 4.d) manage
5. b) healthily 6. c) finding 7. b) in 8. d) requires
7. Till (1) —— years back, there were separate machines (2) —— printing, scanning,
copying and faxing, (3) —— this is no (4)_ —— the case. Nowadays, the complete
segment (5) —— ‘all-in-one’ printers (6) —— copy, scan, fax and print options, plus
(7)_ —— photo printing. All-in-one printers (8) —— in both inkjet and lesser models.
1. a) a few b) few c) a little d) many
2. a) from b) for c) to d) too
3. a) and b) nor c) but d) or
4. a) longer b) long c) any d) other
5. a) on b) in c) of d) off
6. a) offer b) offers c) is offering d) offered

142
 7. a) excellent b) excellence c) excel d) excelling
8. a) are selling b) is selling c) are sold d) have been selling
Ans:
1. a) a few 2. b) for 3. c) but 4. a) longer
5. c) of 6. a) offer 7. a) excellent 8. c) are sold
8. It is (1) —— myth that only teenagers(2) —— a mouthful of braces. Age is irrelevant.
When all the permanent teeth are present and (3) —— individual (4) —— relevant
structures, corrective orthodontics(5) —— work well with almost everyone. It’s healthy
teeth, gums and supporting bone that (6)_ —— , which is why a helpless 12-year-old
can be (7) —— treatment and a 60-year old (8) —— .
1. a) a b) the c) an d) that
2. a) needs b) are needing c) have needed d) need
3. a) an b) the c) one d) some
4. a) had not ruined b) has not been ruined
c) has not ruined d) had not been ruined
5. a) can b) may c) could d) might
6. a) counted b) are counting c) is counting d) count
7. a) refuse b) refused c) refusing d) refusal
8. a) had been benefitted b) should be benefitted
c) can benefit d) has been benefitted
Ans:
1. a) a 2. a) need 3. a) an 4. c) has not ruined
5. b) may 6. d) count 7. b) refused 8. c) can benefit
9. Last year I employed Sam as my Secretary and we went (1) —— a tour around the
United States. He kept on working even (2) —— the snowy weather when he (3) ——
to leave his bike at home and walk (4) —— with the papers. He even (5) —— his own
bank account (6) —— he deposited the special bonuses I (7) —— to him. When the tour
was over he could buy and take (8) —— with him a new car.
1. a) for b) to c) on d) in
2. a) when b) during c) at d) that
3. a) has b) will have c) had d) have
4. a) somewhere b) every place c) every time d) everywhere
5. a) is opening b) opened c) have opened d) for opening
6. a) when b) which c) where d) whose
7. a) gave b) had given c) will give d) will have given
8. a) alone b) away c) along d) with

143
Ans:
1. a) for 2. b) during 3. c) had 4. d) everywhere
5. b) opened 6. c) where 7. b) had given 8. c) along
10. Every time we touch (1) —— object we leave a unique trail (2) —— hand germs,
(3) —— with our fingerprints. A research team (4) —— the University of Colorado
took samples from office keyboards and was (5) —— to match them to the bacteria
(6) —— the fingertips of individual computers. Lead researcher Professor Noah Fierier
(7) —— that the technique could eventually become a (8) —— item in the tool-box of
forensic scientists.
1. a) any b) the c) an d) every
2. a) by b) to c) of d) for
3. a) away b) along c) aside d) alone
4. a) in b) by c) with d) from
5. a) ability b) succeeded c) able d) successful
6. a) with b) on c) for d) to
7. a) is feeling b) feel c) will feel d) feels
8. a) valuable b) value c) no value d) best
Ans:
1. c) an 2. c) of 3. b) along 4. d) from
5. c) able 6. b) on 7.d) feels 8. a) valuable
11. Mark Twain was the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1) —— was one of
(2) —— greatest fiction writers of America. He grew up in a small town (3) —— the
bank of the Mississippi River. When he was a small boy, he moved to Hannibal, on the
banks of a river, (4) —— he experienced the excitement of river travel.
1. a) which b) who c) that d) he
2. a) an b) a c) the d) his
3. a) on b) in c) at d) upon
4. a) when b) where c) whenever d) whence
Ans:
1. b) who 2. c) the 3. a) on 4. b) where
12. Tokyo was rocked by its (1) —— earthquake in more than a year today, but escaped
(2) —— little damage because it (3) —— centered far beneath the floor of the Pacific
Ocean .The quake (4) —— struck shortly before noon with a magnitude of 6.6,
(5) —— large buildings sway back and forth. The intense (6) —— for about one minute
caught people (7) —— guard in Tokyo and other cities (8) —— east.
1. a) big b) bigger c) biggest d) very big
2. a from b) by c) with d) for
3. a is b) was c) has d) have

144
 4. a) who b) whom c) whose d)which
5. a) make b) made c) send d) sent
6. a shake b) shaker c)shaking d) shook
7. a) in b) on c) of d) off
8. a) to b) towards c) for d) forward
Ans:
1. c) biggest 2. a) from 3. b) was 4. d) which
5. b) made 6. c) shaking 7. d) off 8. a) to
13. In fruit farms, fruits are picked before they are fully ripe for otherwise they
(1) —— become overripe or decay (2) —— reaching customers. Fruit picked too young
(3) —— never ripen. It’s a problem to predict whether a certain fruit will ripen
(4) —— not. Now a scanner has (5) —— developed which can predict those fruits
(6) —— ultimately will ripe so that the farmers (7) —— sort out future fruits from the
too-green .The scanner works (8) —— a ripeness predictor.
1. a) must b) Shall c) may d) should
2. a) while b) after c) when d) before
3. a) will b) are c) being d) were
4. a) and b) or c) but d) so
5. a) being b) been c) be d) was
6. a) who b) whom c) that d) whose
7. a) can b) need c) dare d) shall
8. a) for b) by c) so d) as
Ans:
1. c) may 2. d) before 3.a) will 4. b) or
5. b) been 6. c) that 7. a) can 8. d) as
14. Using Tihar Jail as (1) —— headquarters, Kiran Bedi turned it into (2) —— model
prison. She put the (3) —— prison population (4) —— a common regime. She provided
vocational training in the prison schools. so that prisoners could carve out new futures
for (5) —— and alter (6) —— prison terms. She developed a panchayat system where
prisoners (7) —— were respected for their age. education or character represented
(8) —— inmates and sorted out problems in a democratic manner.
1. a) her b) their c) another d) an
2. a) the b) a c) that d) some
3. a) much b) only c) many d) entire
4. a) in b) for c) under d) onto
5. a) all b) everybody c) themselves d) oneself
6. a) the b) each c) their d) every

145
 7. a) that b) who c) which d) first
8. a) second b) another c) other d) every
Ans:
1. a) her 2. b) a 3. d) entire 4. c) under
5. c) themselves 6.c) their 7.b) who 8. c) other
15. Christopher Columbus, (1) —— born in 1451. Unlike the people of his time,
(2) ——. In order to prove his belief he said (3) ——, he could reach Japan. Queen
Isabella of Spain supported him. Columbus sailed west (4) —— three ships.
Unfortunately, one of the ships was wrecked. Columbus returned to Spain (5) —— to
form a colony
1. a) a skilled sailor and an explorer, was
b) was skilled sailor and an explorer_
c) being a skilled sailor and an explorer
d) a skilled sailor and an explorer is
2. a) but Columbus believed that the Earth was round
b) Columbus had believed that the Earth was round
c) but Columbus believed that the Earth is round
d) Columbus believed that the Earth was round
3. a) if he sails west from Europe
b) if he is sailing west of Europe
c) if he sailed west from Europe
d) if he sailed west to Europe
4. a) with a crew of ninety men on
b) having a crew of ninety men in
c) with ag crew of ninety men having
d) going with a crew of ninety men on
5. a) left behind forty. men in the island of Hispaniola
b) leaving behind forty men on the island of Hispaniola
c) has left forty men on the island of Hispaniola
d) is leaving forty men on the island of Hispaniola
Ans:
1. a) a skilled sailor and an explorer, was
2. d) Columbus believed that the Earth was round
3. c) if he sailed west from Europe
4. a) with a crew of ninety men on
5. b) leaving behind forty men on the island of Hispaniola

146
16. Read the paragraph given below and fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate
words from the given options. CBSE BOARDS 2020
After (a) —— a week in a cottage, he decided that he didn't really enjoy
(b) —— in the countryside and began (c) —— of an excuse for (d) —— the cottage.

a. (i) spending (ii) have spent (iii) spent (iv) spends

b. (i) to living (ii) lived (iii) living (iv) lives
c. (i) to thinking (ii) to thought (iii) thought (iv) to think
d. (i) sold (ii) selling (iii) sells (iv) sale
Ans:
(a) i. spending
(b) iii. living
(c) iv. to think
(d) ii. selling
17. Read the paragraph given below and fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate
words from the given options: CBSE BOARDS 2020
Buddhism (a) —— survived in India only (b) —— a comparatively small section of
population(c) —— Buddhism in (d) —— Far East today has over 150 million adherents.

(a) (i) has (ii) have (iii) had (iv) been

(b) (i) among (ii) as (iii) but (iv) so
(c) (i) and (ii) or (iii) so (iv) though
(d) (i) a (ii) an (iii) the (iv) at
Ans:
(a) (i) has
(b) (i) among
(c) (iv) though
(d) (iii) the
18. Read the paragraph given below and fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate
words from the given options: CBSE BOARDS 2020
26th January is a very special day (a) _______ India. It is (b) ______ this day that India
became a Sovereign Democratic Republic (c) _____ 1950. Dr. Rajendra Prasad (d)
______ the first President of the Indian Republic.

(a) (i) for (ii) of (iii) by (iv) to

(b) (i) by (ii) of (iii) in (iv) on
(c) (i) on (ii) in (iii) for (iv) to
(d) (i) become (ii) has become (iii) became (iv) becomes

147
Ans:
(a) (i) for
(b) (iv) on
(c) (ii) in
(d) (iii) became
EDITING
The following passages have not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the
wrong word and the correct word:
1. Error Correction
In the prisoner’s room a candle is is was
burning dimly. A prisoner himself (a) ________ ________
sat by the table. Only him back, (b) ________ _________
the hair by his head, and his (c) ________ _________
hand are visible from outside. (d) ________ _________
Ans:
(a) i. the ii. a-an iii. prisoner’s – prisoner iv. in- any
Ans. i. a-the
(b) i. him- his ii. dimly-dim iii. him- my iv. him- their
Ans. i. him-his
(c) i. by-on [Link]-in iii. head- heads iv. by- into
Ans. i. by- on
(d) i. are-is ii. are - were iii. and- but iv. outside- inside
Ans. i. are-is
2. Error Correction
The implication of a sharp rise of temperatures (a) ________ _________
are very damaging, according to environmentalists. (b) ________ _________
Everybody will suffer by one way or the other. (c) ________ _________
Temperatures will rise, there will been increased (d) ________ _________
risk in floods and landslides. (e) ________ _________
Ans:
a) i. Temperatures-temperature ii. sharp -sharply iii. of- to iv. Temperatures- hot
Ans. i. Temperatures-temperature
b) i. are-is ii. very - so iii. are- had iv. to- has
Ans. i. are-is
c) i. will- need ii. by- in iii. one – two iv. by- to
Ans. ii. by-in
d) i. been-is ii. rise -risen iii. been – be iv. been - has
Ans. iii. been-be

148
e) i. risk- risky ii. in- onto iii. in- to iv. and- but
Ans. iv in-of
3. Error Correction
Health precedes action. There are an (a) ________ _________
undisputed connection among being (b) ________ _________
fit and being our best. A simple rules (c) ________ _________
of ‘five’ helps make exercising a most (d) ________ _________
enjoyable activity.
Ans:
a) i. an- were ii. are -is iii. precedes- precede iv. are- had
Ans. ii. Are-is
b) i. among-between ii. being- along iii. among- together iv. connection- connect
Ans. i. among-between
c) i. rules- ruling ii. simple- simply iii. our- us iv. rules-rule
Ans. iv. rules-rule
d) i. make- making ii. exercising- exercised iii. make- makes iv. enjoyable- enjoy
Ans. iii. make-makes
4. Error Correction
Tourism is one of the biggest business (a) ________ _________
in the world generating at last (a) ________ _________
288 million jobs. It is vital for an (c) ________ _________
economies of much countries. But (d) ________ _________
it is a major contributor on climate change. (e) ________ _________
Ans:
a) i. Tourism- organisation ii. Business- businesses iii. one - two iv. Business- houses
Ans. ii. Business-businesses
b) i. last-least ii. world- world’s iii. last – losing iv. generating --generate
Ans. i. last-least
c) i. it – they ii. an- any iii. an-the iv. vital-vitally
Ans. iii. an-the
d) i. economies- economic ii. much-many iii. countries- country iv. much- no
Ans. ii. much-many
e) i. on- to ii. on- and iii. major- minor iv. change- changing
Ans. i. on-to
5. Error Correction
It is well know that in winter (a) ________ _________
birds flew to the sunny South (b) ________ _________
or in spring, they fly back (c) ________ _________
North to their breed grounds (d) ________ _________
they had leave behind. (e) ________ _________
Ans:

149
a) i. know- knowing [Link]-known iii. in- on iv. know- knowingly
Ans. ii. Know-known
b) i. back- behind ii. south- southern iii. flew – fly iv. flew-fly
Ans. iv. flew-fly
c) i. or-and ii. or- till iii. or- along iv. they- it
Ans. i. or-and
d) breed- bred . ii. breed-breeding iii. grounds- groundings iv. north- northern
Ans. ii. breed-breeding
e) i. leave-left ii. leave- live iii. they- it iv. behind- in front
Ans. i. leave-left
6. Error Correction
Research is an detailed study of a (a) ________ _________
subject undertaking on a systematic (b) ________ _________
basis in order to increase a stock of (c) ________ _________
knowledge, including knowledge for man, (d) ________ _________
culture and society that the use this stock (e) ________ _________
of knowledge to devise new application. (f) ________ _________
(a) i. An-a ii. Research-researches iii. An- the iv. Study-studying
(b) i. undertaking-undertaken ii. subject-subjected iii. On- for iv. a- the
(c) i. a-the ii. basis- bases iii. Increase- increasing iv. a- an
(d) i. for-of ii. for- in iii. Man-men iv. knowledge- knowledges
(e) i. the-they ii. this-that iii. Use-uses iv. stock-stocks
(f) i. application-applications ii. of- in iii. Devise-device iv. new-knew
Ans:
(a) i. An-a
(b) i. undertaking-undertaken
(c) i. a-the
(d) i. for-of
(e) i. the-they
(f) i. application-applications
7. Error Correction
Today girls have broke the five foot barrier (a) ________ _________
and on some cases almost a half (b) ________ _________
foot taller then their grandmothers. The (c) ________ _________
average height in more communities now (d) ________ _________
exceeds 5 ft. 8 inches. This is mainly due from (e) ________ _________
better dietary habit. (f) ________ _________
(a) i. Broke-broken ii. broke- breaks iii. Broke- breaking g iv. broke- break

150
(b) i. some-many ii. on-in iii. Cases-case iv. and- but
(c) i. then-than ii. their-there iii. Foot-feet iv. taller-tall
(d) i. communities- community ii. more-most iii. Now- then iv. height-heights
(e) i. is-are ii. This-that iii. from-to iv. exceeds-exceed
(f) i. habit-habits ii. better-best iii. Dietary-diet iv. dietary- diet
Ans:
a) i. Broke-broken
b) ii. on-in
c) i. then-than
d) i. communities- community
e) iii. from-to
f) i. habit-habits
8. Error Correction
Most trees has a single woody stem called (a) ________ _________
a trunk who supports a mass of branches (b) ________ _________
carrying leaves. Trees clean an air (c) ________ _________
to removing tiny airborne particles. The (d) ________ _________
leaves of trees give in oxygen. (e) ________ _________
(a) i. Has-have ii. has-had iii. Trees-tree iv. a- the
(b) i. supports-support [Link]-which/that iii. Of- off iv. branches- branch
(c) i. an-the ii. carrying- carry iii. Trees-tree iv. air- airs
(d) i. removing-removed ii. particles- particle iii. To- too [Link]-by
(e) i. in-out ii. in- inn iii. Of- in iv. give- gave
Ans:
a) i. Has-have
b) ii. who-which/that
c) i. an-the
d) iv. to-by
e) i. in-out
9. Error Correction
Katherine Mansfield was born at 1888 in (a) ________ _________
Wellington, New Zealand. She moved from (b) ________ _________
London in 1903 and studied to Queen’s (c) ________ _________
College, where she join the staff college (d) ________ _________
magazine. Katherine Mansfield is consider a (e) ________ _________
greater writer. (f) ________ _________
(a) i. at- on ii. At-in iii. Was- had iv. in- on
(b) i. from-to ii. She- he iii. Moved-move iv. from- for

151
(c) [Link]-in ii. to- at iii. Studied- study iv. in- on
(d) i. where- when ii. the- a iii. The- an iv .join-joined
(e) i. is- was ii. a-the iii. consider-considered iv. a- an
(f) i. greater-great ii. greater- greatest iii. Writer-writers iv. writer- write
Ans:
a) ii. At-in
b) i. from-to
c) ii. to- at
d) iv. join-joined
e) iii. consider-considered
f) i. greater-great
10. Error Correction
People of diverse cultures lives (a) ________ _________
together in India. There is many (b) ________ _________
people who exhibit unity on diversity. (c) ________ _________
They celebrated different festivals (d) ________ _________
together. I love being an citizen of India. (e) ________ _________
(a) i. Lives-live ii. of- in iii. culture- cultures iv. lives- lived
(b) i. There- their ii. is-are iii. in- into iv. many- much
(c) i. who- that ii. exhibit- exhibits iii. Diversity- diversities iv. on-in
(d) i. celebrated-celebrate ii. festivals- festival iii. They- There iv. celebrated- celebrates
(e) i. an-a ii. an- the iii. Being- been iv. citizen- citizens
Ans:
a) i. Lives-live ii. of- in iii. culture- cultures iv. lives- lived
b) i. There- their ii. is-are iii. in- into iv. many- much
c) i. who- that ii. exhibit- exhibits iii. Diversity- diversities iv. on-in
d) i. celebrated-celebrate ii. festivals- festival iii. They- There iv. celebrated-celebrates
e) i. an-a ii. an- the iii. Being- been iv. citizen- citizens
11. Error Correction
The road was not save. It seemed (a) ________ _________
full of humans. There hunting cries (b) ________ _________
rang in the air amidst the dog barking. (c) ________ _________
Door banged shut. Faces appeared over (d) ________ _________
rooftop, walls and trees. Swinging his (e) ________ _________
head form to side to side, the bear pushed (f) ________ _________
forward.
(a) i. road-roads ii. Save-safe iii. Was-were iv seemed-seem
(b) i. humans-human ii. There-Their iii. Cries-cried iv. Hunting-hunted

152
(c) i. rang-ring ii. In-on iii. Dog-dogs’ iv. Barking-barked
(d) i. Door-doors ii. Banged-bangs iii. Faces-face iv. Appeared-appears
(e) i. rooftop-rooftops ii. Walls-wall iii. And -with iv. Trees-tree
(f) i. form-from ii. side to side-side by side iii. The-a iv. Pushed-push
Ans:
(a) ii. Save-safe
(b) ii. There-Their
(c) iii. Dog-dogs’
(d) i. Door-doors
(e) i. rooftop-rooftops
(f) i. form-from
12. Error Correction
Once emperor Akbar got the line drawn (a) ________ _________
on the floor and asked that any of his (b) ________ _________
courtiers can make it shorter without (c) ________ _________
erasing it. Then none of the courtiers (d) ________ _________
came forward in take up the challenge, Akbar (e) ________ _________
looked hopeful towards Birbal, who again (f) ________ _________
proved his worth by draw a longer line beside
the earlier one. (g) ________ _________
a) i. Once-Ones ii. got-get iii. Line-lines iv. The-a
b) i. on-in ii. The-a iii. Asked-asks iv. That-if
c) i. courtiers-courtier ii. Can-could iii. Make-made iv. Shorter-shorten
d) i. erasing-erased ii. Then-When iii. None-one iv. Courtiers-courtier
e) i. came-come ii. In-to iii. Take-took iv. Challenge-challenges
f) i. looked-looks ii. Hopeful-hopefully iii. Towards-since iv. Who-when
g) i. proved-proven ii. worth-worthy iii. Draw-drawing iv. Longer-longest
Ans:
a) iv. The-a
b) iv. That-if
c) ii. Can-could
d) ii. Then-When
e) ii. In-to
f) ii. Hopeful-hopefully
g) iii. Draw-drawing

153
13. Error Correction
When Saina Nehwal land in Hyderabad, her face (a) ________ _________
was radiant of joy and happiness. The warm (b) ________ _________
welcome who she received made her emotional. (c) ________ _________
She said if she hadn’t expected to (d) ________ _________
seeing so many people who had travelled (e) ________ _________
all the ways to congratulate her. (f) ________ _________
a) i. When-How ii. Land-landed iii. In-at iv. Her-whose
b) i. was-is ii. Of-with iii. And-or iv. Radiant-radiated
c) i. welcome-welcomed ii. Who-which iii. Made-make iv. received-receives
d) i. said-says ii. Hadn’t- haven’t iii. Expected-expecting iv. If-that
e) i. seeing-see ii. Many-much iii. Had-have iv. Travelled-travel
f) i. the-a ii ways-way iii. To-for iv. Congratulate-congratulated
Ans:
a) ii) Land-landed
b) ii) of-with
c) ii) Who-which
d) iv. if-that
e) i. seeing-see
f) ii. Ways-way
14. Error Correction
Robinson Crusoe was shipwreck on an island. (a) ________ _________
It was inhabited only by animals or birds. (b) ________ _________
There was not a single human beings on the island. (c) ________ _________
He saw a large number of multi-coloured bird. (d) ________ _________
Footprints in the ground made him fear the (e) ________ _________
present of dangerous animals. (f) ________ _________
a) i) was-is
ii) Shipwreck-shipwrecked
iii) on-in
b) i) or-and
ii) It-Which
iii) was-is
iv) inhabited-inhabits
c) i) by-with
ii) or-nor
iii) There-Their
iv) Human beings-human being

154
 d) i) saw-see
ii) A-the
iii) Number-numbers
iv) Bird-birds
e) i) in-on
ii) The-a
iii) Made-make
iv) The-them
f) i) present-presence
ii) Of-off
iii) Dangerous-endangered
iv) Animals-animal
Ans:
a) ii) Shipwreck-shipwrecked
b) i) or-and
c) iv) Human beings - Human being
d) iv) Bird - birds
e) i) in-on
f) i) present-presence
15. Error Correction
I met her by chance then I (a) ________ ________
went to getting some medicine (b) ________ ________
which Sister Amy use to give. (c) ________ ________
It was amazing for meet Mother. (d) ________ ________
I start loving just her presence. (e) ________ ________
a) i) met-meet
ii) By-with
iii) Chance-chances
iv) Then-when
b) i) went-go
ii) Getting get
iii) Some-all
iv) Medicine-Medicines
c) i) which-when
ii) Use-used
iii) To-too
iv) Give-gave
d) i) was-is
ii) amazing-amazed
iii) For-to
iv) Meet-met

155
 e) i) start-started
ii) Loving-loved
iii) Just-when
iv) Presence-present
Ans:
a) iv) Then-when
b) ii) Getting-get
c) ii) Use-used
d) iii) For-to
e) i) start-started
16. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write
the error and the correction in your answer-bbo against the correct blank number.
CBSE BOARDS 2020
Error Correction
Today girls have broke the (a) _________ __________
five foot barrier and on some (b) _________ __________
cases is a half foot taller (c) _________ __________
then their grandmothers. (d) _________ __________
Ans:
Error Correction
a) Broke broken
b) On in
c) Is are
d) Then than
17. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write
the error and the correction in your answer- book against the correct blank
number. CBSE BOARDS 2020
Error Correction
Tourism is one in the biggest businesses (a) __________ __________
in the world generating on least (b) __________ __________
288 million jobs. It is vital for an (c) __________ __________
Economies of much countries. (d) __________ __________
Ans:
Error Correction
a) in of
b) on at
c) an t he
d) much most/many

156
18. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write
the error and the correction in your answer book against the correct blank
number: CBSE BOARDS 2020
Error Correction
Some political thinkers think that (a) _________ _________
Liberty and equality couldn’t go together. (b) _________ _________
They think that liberty implied the freedom (c) _________ _________
to do what one may like to doing. (d) _________ _________
Ans:
a) Thinks think
b) Couldn’t cannot/can’t
c) Implied implies
d) Doing do
19. Identify the error in the given sentence, from a magazine report and supply the
correction.
The road is usually in a bad shape which became worse during monsoon.
Use the given format for your response.
ERROR CORRECTION

Ans.
ERROR CORRECTION
became becomes
20. Identify the error in the given sentence, from a school magazine report and supply
the correction.
He had prepared his speech by next Tuesday.
Use the given format for your response.
ERROR CORRECTION

Ans:
ERROR CORRECTION
had prepared will have prepared

157
21. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
Someone is knocking at the door. Who must it be at his hour?
Use the given format for your response.
ERROR CORRECTION

Ans:
ERROR CORRECTION
must could
22. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the
following line, from a news report:
Dolphins are thought by men to being even more scientifically intelligent.
Option No. Error Correction
A thought think
B by with
C being be
D more most

Ans: c) being- error be- correction

23. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the
following line :
A little political thinkers think that liberty and equality can’t go together.
Option No. Error Correction
A can’t Couldn’t
B think thinks
C A little some
D go goes

Ans: C) error- A little correction- some

24. Identify the error in an advertisement about an event:
HI LIFE EXHIBITION!
You’re last chance to make a fashion statement
LAST DAY TODAY
error correction

Ans:
error correction
You’re you

158
25. Read the conversation between Kiran and her daughter. Complete the sentence by
reporting the patient’s reply correctly.
Daughter: Mother will you not return early?
Kiran: Depend on it, I shall return in time .
The daughter asked her mother if she would not return early. To this mother said that
______________.
Ans: She was quite sure that she would return in time.
26. Madhav shared some information, with Ravi about a watch that he had bought.
Report Ravi’s question.
When did you buy the watch?
Ans: Ravi asked Madhav when he had bought the watch.
27. Report the following in indirect speech. Choose the correct answer from the following:
The teacher said to the student, “Do you know where Prem is?”
i) The teacher asked the student whether she/he knew where Prem was.
ii) The teacher asked the student where Prem was.
iii) The teacher asked the student whether she/he knew where was Prem.
iv) The teacher asked the student whether she/he knew where Prem is.
Ans: i) The teacher asked the student whether she/he knew where Prem was.
28. Read the conversation between an employer and an applicant. Complete the
sentence by choosing the correct responses.
Employer: Why did you leave your previous job?
Applicant: They didn’t meet my requirement.
The employer asked him (i) ____________. The applicant replied (ii) ____________.
a) (i) why had he left his previous job, (ii) that they had not met his requirement.
b) (i) why did he leave his previous job, (ii) they had not met his requirement.
c) (i) why did you leave your previous job,
(ii) that they did not meet his requirement.
d) (i) why he had left his previous job, (ii) that they had not met his requirement.
Ans: d) (i) why he had left his previous job, (ii) that they had not met his requirement.
29. Report the dialogue between a doctor and a patient, by completing the sentence:
Doctor : You should take this medicine every day.
Patient : Should I take this before dinner or after dinner?
Doctor : No, you should take this after breakfast.
The Doctor advised the patient that he should take that medicine every day. The patient
further asked if he should take it before dinner or after dinner. The doctor replied
negatively and then said ____________.
Ans: that he/ she should take that after breakfast _____________.

159
30. Reena: Are you going somewhere this weekend?
Meena: No, I (i) ____________
Reena: Will you (ii) ____________ to watch ‘Titanic’?
Meena: Yes, I would love to go.
(Complete the dialogues by choosing the most appropriate answers)
a) (i) have not planned yet, (ii) go with us
b) (i) am not deciding yet, (ii) come
c) (i) am not, (ii) want
d) (i) will not be planning yet, (ii) go
Ans: a) (i) have not planned yet, (ii) go with us
31. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete an online update.
A diesel tanker ……………… (catch) fire last evening
A) caught
B) has caught
C) is catching
D) had been caught
Ans: A) caught
32. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line.
She ___________carry her passport as she is going abroad
A) must
B) mustn’t
C) will
D) ought to
Ans: must
33. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
a) She had already begun eating her dinner by the time I ___________ there.
A) reached
B) had reached
C) was reaching
D) had been reaching
Ans. A) reached
b. I have written to you ____________ letters.
i) several
ii) a little
iii) most
iv) any
Ans: i) several

160
c) I ___________ your brother lately.
i) will not see
ii) would not see
iii) have not seen
iv) has not seen
Ans: iii) have not seen
d) Neither Manav nor his friends ____________ hurt.
i) was
ii) were
iii) have
iv) had
Ans: ii) were
e) By the end of this month we _____________ (shift) to our new house.
i) will shift
ii) shall have shifted
iii) Both i and ii
iv) None of the above
Ans: ii) shall have shifted
f) Find the word omitted in the following sentence:
The children ____________ like the movie, but I'm not sure.
i) might
ii) will
iii) should
iv) need
Ans: i) might
g) Find the correct option to replace the underlined word in the following sentence:
Might you please be kind enough to tell us the truth?
i) Could
ii) May
iii) Must
iv) Do
Ans: i) Could
h) Sheila and Nita ________________ (wait) for the bus for the last two hours.
i) was waiting
ii) will wait
iii) have been waiting
iv) waited
Ans: iii) have been waiting

161
i) Most children idolise ____________ parents.
i) his
ii) her
iii) their
iv) every
Ans: iii) their
33. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given
portion of a letter:
Sir
I ____________ (entreat) you address this at your earliest convenience and issue the
recommendation letters.
Ans: entreat
34. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given
portion of a letter:
Subject: Terror caused by illicit liquor and anthrax
Sir
The recent deaths due to the consumption of illicit liquor and the fear ___________
(generate) in the minds of people on account of anthrax is a matter of great concern.
Ans: generated
35. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given
portion of a letter:
Subject : Increase of air pollution in East Hyderabad
Respected Sir/Ma’am,
I am writing you ___________ (bring) to your notice the increasing effect of air
pollution in our neighbourhood and in the surrounding area.
Ans: to bring
36. Read the conversation between a teacher and student and complete the passage
that follows.
Biology Teacher: I instructed you to draw the diagram of bacteria. Why
did you submit a blank sheet?
Sameer: Sir, I had drawn the diagram of bacteria, but you can’t see it
because it is not visible to the naked eye.
The biology teacher had instructed Sameer to draw the diagram of bacteria and asked
him (a) …………………………. a blank sheet. Sameer respectfully answered (b) that
he had drawn the diagram but ………………………… to the naked eye.
Ans: (a) why he had submitted
(b) he/ the teacher couldn’t see it because it is not visible

162
 LETTER WRITING
Letter to the Editor
Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper expressing your views against the insensitive use of
loudspeakers. You are Atish Jalan of 476, Shalimar Apartments. (In 100-120 words)

Answer:
476 Shalimar Apartments
Deodar Rahman Lane
Agartala

15th June 2023

The Editor
The Times of India
Bhuvan Marg
Agartala

Subject: Insensitive use of loudspeakers.

Sir
The insensitive use of loudspeakers has become quite a nuisance in our cities. The most
annoying part is that loudspeakers have now become an integral part of almost all
celebrations. People seem to believe that even private occasions like marriages and birthday
parties would be incomplete without the use of blaring loudspeakers.
Noise pollution is already one of the greatest problems that people living in cities have to deal
with. The excessive use of loudspeakers, without adhering to the time constraints, makes it
even worse. Of course, there are occasions when their use is necessary, but I see no
justification in them being used for every party or meeting.
The worst hit by this improper and indiscriminate use of loudspeakers are the elderly and the
children. The excessive noise makes it difficult for the senior citizens to sleep and comes in
the way of the children’s studies. It is high time the authorities look into the matter and
impose strict regulations with regard to the use of loudspeakers.
I am sure that the other readers of your newspaper will agree with me, and my letter will find
a place in the columns of your esteemed daily.

Yours truly
Atish Jalan
(ATISH JALAN)

163
 Letter to the Editor

You are Sameera / Samir Mukherjee of Flat no.8, Greenwood Apartment, ABC Colony Noida.
Your neighbourhood has been facing the problem of law and order for past few months. Write
a letter to the editor, (100-120 words) The Times of India, drawing the attention of the local
authorities, highlighting the troubles faced by your neighbourhood and request for immediate
remedial measures.
Answer:

Flat no.8 Greenwood Apartment

ABC Colony
Noida-201008

17th December 2023

The Editor
The Hindustan Times
Noida- 2011087

Subject: Deteriorating Law and Order Situation in the neighbourhood

Sir

Through the columns of your esteemed daily I would like to express my deep concern over
the deteriorating law and order situation in my neighbourhood.

The incidents of thefts, jewellery and purse snatching, mobile snatching, eve-teasing,
extortion, gang wars, etc. are on the increase. There is an atmosphere of insecurity and fear in
the entire locality. No resident dares to go out after dark.

We, the residents of the locality, have lodged a written complaint with the local Police Station
in which we requested the authorities to provide permanent patrolling by the cops during the
evening. Despite our repeated complaints, no action has been taken. Now I, on behalf of the
residents of the city, have decided to bring the attention of the concerned authorities to the
problem through the medium of your esteemed newspaper. I am hopeful that you will help us
in bringing normalcy to our city by publishing this letter in your reputed daily.

Yours truly
Sameera / Samir Mukherjee
(SAMEERA/ SAMIR MUKHERJEE)

164
 Letter to the Editor

You are Prakash Kumar / Parvati Kumari of 17 E, Eastern Conclave, Ravi Dass Road,
Cochin. Write a letter in 100 -120 words to the editor of a newspaper about the frequent
power failure in your locality. Explain the inconvenience caused to students and request the
competent authorities to restore current immediately.
Answer:
17 E, Eastern Conclave
Ravi Dass Road
Cochin

25th May 2023

The Editor
The Times of India
Cochin

Subject: Inconvenience caused due to power failure

Sir

Through your esteemed newspaper, I desire to ventilate a crucial problem that faces us. These
days, power failure and load-shedding are a normal phenomenon in our locality. We live it
down as something inexorable as fate. But of late the situation is becoming restive.

These days the board examinations are conducted rigidly, and a casual approach is a matter of
the past. As a result, students look sharp and have taken to studies seriously. The rest of the
year, we make do with alternative modes. But with hardly two months left for our final
examination, we are feeling helpless and unable to focus on our studies.

The President of the Customers’ Association led a parents’ body to the Executive Engineer
(Power) several months ago, but it appears that their efforts failed to make a dent in the
proverbial unconcern of the authorities.

I, therefore, feel it proper to draw the attention of the State Board of electricity to the problem.
They ought to take up the matter with the authorities of enforcement and ensure that power is
provided to our locality for a reasonable period.

Yours truly
Prakash Kumar / Parvati Kumari
(PRAKASH KUMAR/ PARVATI KUMARI)

165
You are Sunidhi Prakash, the Vice Captain of Regent Vidyalaya, 88 [Link] , Kanpur. You
have recently noticed several posters around your school premises conveying a hazardous
message:
Lose weight in just a month!
“A WONDER DIET comes to your rescue …
A privilege available for only a few!”
Write a letter to the Editor of The DWA, in not more than 120 words, drawing attention
towards harm caused by such advertising. Propose the implementation of “Wholesome Lunch
Month’ in schools as an idea to address such practices, mention the advantages and share
suggestions to foster healthy eating routines and develop positive body image among
youngsters.

Regent Vidyalaya
88 [Link]
Kanpur- 208001

29th August 2023

The Editor
The DWA
Kanpur
Subject: Need for Promoting Healthy Eating Routines
Madam/Sir
This is with reference to posters bearing the message of ‘crash diet’ being posted around our
school premises. Such posters impact the youngsters negatively and can be hazardous for their
self-esteem.
I would like to propose the idea of implementing “Wholesome Lunch Month’ for all school
students to counter the implications of such misleading advertisements. This initiative is sure
to encourage all students to bring nutritious and healthy lunch daily and develop healthy
eating routines. To ensure that this project gains strength, schools may organize puppet shows,
street plays, Ted Talks (by Nutritionist/ Psychologist), encompassing the theme, to foster
healthy eating routines and a positive body image.
I hope that the publishing of my letter in the columns of your renowned Daily, helps spread
awareness and promotes a healthy lifestyle among students.
Yours truly
Sunidhi Prakash
( SUNIDHI PRAKASH)
Vice-Captain

166
 Letter placing order

You are Mohan Bhagat, Eureka Forbes, NOIDA. You have received the reply to your inquiry
letter from Woodcutters Inc, dated 2nd March ,2023. You feel positive about the company’s
terms and conditions. Write a letter(100-120 words) placing an order for the furniture that
you have mentioned in the previous communication.

Answer:

Eureka House
Gandhi Road,
NOIDA -223344
2nd March 2023

The Sales Manager

3/C, Woodcutter’s Inc.
Janakpuri,
Delhi 112233
Subject: Placing order for furniture

Dear Sir/ Madam

This is a follow-up of our previous communication, ref. no. 24/ERQ-2023. Thank you for
your timely response and concern. We have gone through your brochure and feel satisfied
with the quality of your products and your terms and conditions as mentioned therein. We
would like to place an immediate order for the following sets of furniture.

S. No. Code No. Name of Article Material Quantity

1 2213 Conference Table Wood 02

2 2276 Sofa Steel & Wood 02

3 2233 Chairs Wood 20

As per our communication, we are sending a demand draft for Rs. 15,000 as advance
payment. The rest of the money will be paid at the time of delivery. Kindly comply with our
previous agreement statements. Please ensure there is no defect in the products to be supplied
and in the packaging done. We hope to receive the purchase in three working days.

Yours sincerely
Mohan Bhagat
(MOHAN BHAGAT)

167
 Letter placing order

You are Priya Khanna, librarian of your school, Kolkata. You have been asked to place an
order for some books for the school library. Write a letter to the Sales Manager, J.L. Road,
Kolkata, placing an order for the books that you need. (Word limit:100-120)
Answer:

The Newtown School

Action Area-1
Kolkata-700156
20th May 2023
The Sales Manager
J.L. Road
Kolkata- 100008

Subject: Placing an order for books

Dear Sir
This is with reference to your quotation dated 5th April [Link] have gone through your
brochure and feel satisfied with the quality of your products and your terms and conditions as
mentioned therein. We are pleased to inform you that our management has decided to place an
order with your firm. We want to place a bulk order for the supply of books to our school
library.
We shall not settle for less than 20 % discount on the purchase of the books. Besides, we hope
to get another 5 % special discount that is usually granted to institutional buyers. It goes
without saying that you will have to bear the expenses involved in the dispatch and delivery of
the books.
The list of books with their particulars, is attached herewith.
S. No. Book’s Name Author Quantity
1 Macbeth William Shakespeare 10
2 Beehive NCERT 20
3 Moments NCERT 20
4 First Flight NCERT 20
The payment will be made by cheque on receipt of the goods. Please ensure there is no defect
in the products to be supplied and in the packaging done Kindly ensure that the order reaches
us within a week.
Yours sincerely
Priya Khanna
(PRIYA KHANNA)
Librarian, The Newtown School

168
 Letter placing order

You are Sanjeev / Sirin Sharma the in-charge of Drama and Debate Club of Modern Public-
School Shimla. You need to procure some electrical goods from Bharat Electricals and
Appliances Ltd. of J. P. Nagar, Shimla. Draft a letter placing an order for some necessary
electrical goods for your club.
Answer:

Modern Public School

Mall Road
Shimla- 675432

5th February 2023

Bharat Electricals and Appliances Ltd.

J. P. Nagar
Shimla-675322

Subject: Purchase of /Required Electrical goods

Dear Sir
As the new session of the school is about to begin with the setting up of a new club for drama
and debate, I wish to place an order for the supply of electrical goods and equipment for the
school for the academic session 2023-24. We have gone through your brochure and feel
satisfied with the quality of your products and your terms and conditions as mentioned
therein. The particulars of the goods/equipment, brand and their quantity to be supplied are
given below:
S. No. Item Quantity Brand
1 Ceiling Fans 6 Usha
2 Table fans 2 Usha
3 LED Tube lights 6 Philips
4 Air Conditioners 2 Carrier

Kindly let us avail the maximum discount offered to schools. Do send us the goods/equipment
from the fresh lot. Please ensure there is no defect in the products to be supplied and in the
packaging done. The payment of these goods/equipment will be digitally made after the
checking of the consignment by the school authorities is done. Do let us know the date by
which you will deliver the goods and equipment. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely
Sanjeev/ Sirin Sharma

(SANJEEV/ SIRIN SHARMA)

Drama and Debate Club In-charge

169
 Letter of Inquiry

You are Rohini / Rohan Desmukh of 47/A, West Enclave, Raj Nagar, Nagpur. You have
appeared for the class XII board Examination. You are aiming to appear for the entrance test
for Engineering. Draft a letter of inquiry to the Director of Success Coaching Institute, a
reputed coaching centre in New Delhi asking for the necessary details as per your
requirements.
Answer:
47/A West Enclave
Raj Nagar
Nagpur-4110899

19th March 2023

The Director
Success Coaching Institute
New Delhi-110916
Subject: Inquiry About JEE/IIT Coaching Classes
Dear Sir
With reference to the advertisement in the newspaper, Daily Tribune dated10th February 2023,
I would like to inquire about the engineering coaching classes conducted by your institute.
I have appeared for the CBSE Class XII board examination this year and aiming for an JEE
exam and thereby keen on joining your institute. However, I would require further details
before enrolling myself for the Study Course. My queries are as follows:
i) Details of the course structure.
ii) Accessing the admission form
iii) The duration and timing of the classes.
iv) The details of the faculty.
v) Availability of transport facility.
vi) Fee structure for the course.
vii) The mode and terms of payment for the course
viii) The procedure for the screening test and its date.
ix) Scholarships available
It would be of great help if I am sent the prospectus of your institute at the given postal
address.
I hope you would do the needful at your earliest convenience so that I can enroll as soon as
possible.
Yours sincerely
Rohini Desmukh / Rohan Desmukh
(ROHINI / ROHAN DESHMUKH)

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 Letter of Inquiry

You are Mallika Roy, student of class XII, Townvale Girls’ School, G.S. Road Shimla, You are
all eager to enter the National Film Academy, Shimla, after your board results. Write a letter
to the Director of the film academy seeking information regarding admission procedure,
eligibility criteria, fee structure and placement opportunities. (100-120 words)
Answer:
Townvale Girls’ School
G. S. Road
Shimla-112233

22nd March 2023

The Director
National Film Academy
Shimla-112211
Subject: Seeking information about admission

Dear Sir/Madam

I am greatly interested in joining your esteemed academy for the academic year 2023-24. I am
a student of class XII at present and hope to be eligible for your admission criteria. Even
though I have heard quite a lot about your institution from my friends and advertisements, I
would like to clear some of my doubts regarding your admission procedure. My queries are as
follows:
i) Details of the course structure.
ii) Accessing the admission form
iii) The duration and timing of the classes.
iv) The details of the faculty.
v) Availability of transport facility.
vi) Fee structure for the course.
vii) The mode and terms of payment for the course
viii) The procedure for the screening test and its date.
ix) Scholarships available
I would be grateful if you could answer my queries. I am looking forward to an early reply
from your end. It would be of great help if I am sent the prospectus of your institute at the
given postal address.
I hope you would do the needful at your earliest convenience so that I can enroll as soon as
possible.
Yours sincerely
Mallika Roy
(MALLIKA ROY)

171
 Letter of Enquiry

Write a letter to the manager of a hotel enquiring about the possibility of booking accommodation.
Mention the booking dates and enquire about the charges. You are Mrinal / Mrinalini Roy of
CJ-264,Sector-I Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091 (Word Limit: 100-120 words)
Answer:

CJ-264,Sector I
Salt Lake
Kolkata-700091

25th May 2023

The Manager
Hill View Hotel
Shimla

Subject: Enquiry about accommodation

Dear Sir
This is with reference to feedback received from my friend Mr. Aloke Biswas who stayed in
your hotel for a week, last year, during the Puja holidays. He highly recommended your hotel
and I am writing this letter to you, on his advice.
I am planning to visit Shimla with my family, this year from 4th October and I would need two
double-bedded rooms with attached bathrooms for seven days. However, I would like know
about the following further:
i) The mode of payment
ii) The booking amount to be paid.
iii) Complimentary breakfast if included in the package
iv) Facilities for drop and pick up from nearest airport/ railway station
v) Arrangements provided for sight-seeing.
vi) Contact with local guides
vii) Other terms and conditions
I shall remit to you for advance booking and finalize my travel plan, as soon as I hear from you.
Awaiting a reply.

Yours sincerely
Mrinal / Mrinalini Roy
(MRINAL/ MRINALINI ROY)

172
 Letter of Complaint

You are Navneet Singh of 65/NH Road,Gandhinagar, Bangalore- 432165. Recently you
bought a home theatre consisting of a huge LCD screen and SONY speakers and woofers with
onsite warranty from Selectronics Plaza, Kiddingtown, Bangalore – 55. The huge LCD as
well as the woofers has now been found defective or substandard. Write a letter to the dealer
giving details of the nature of the defects and seek an immediate attempt from his side to do
the needful.
Answer:

65/NH Road
Gandhinagar
Bangalore -432165

12th November 2023

The Sales in Charge

Selectronics Plaza
Bangalore –432655

Subject: Request to replace/repair home theatre

Dear Sir/Madam
This is to bring to your notice that the home theatre SN 7879, which I purchased from your
showroom on 30 October 2023 with bill number RYE24/23, has just started malfunctioning.
On the first day, its performance was ground-breaking but before anyone of us knew it, on the
second day, its display went erratic and sound started cracking. Although we have been trying
your customer care, they hung up the phone after making me stay on the line for twenty
minutes in the least.
It was with great expectations and trust that I chose your showroom about which I heard from
advertisements and friends. Honestly speaking, I am greatly disappointed at having made this
choice. Kindly look into the matter personally and send your representatives to my residence
on any date and at any time of convenience, at the earliest. The necessary documents have
been enclosed.

Yours sincerely
Navneet Singh
(NAVNEET SINGH)

Encl.:
1. Photocopy of Invoice
2. Photocopy of Warranty Card

173
 Letter of Complaint

You are Kirti / Karan Sharma of 166/D, D. H Road, Kartipuram, Bangalore. You purchased
some sports items from M/S Sports Corner, Nehru Nagar, Bangalore for your own use. On
delivery you found that some of the sports items are defective and need replacement. Draft a
letter complaining against the same and request for immediate replacement.
Answer:

166/D , D. H Road
Kartipuram
Bangalore-110876

14th January 2023

The Manager
M/S Sports Corner
Nehru Nagar
Bangalore-110916

Subject: Complaint Against Defective Sports Items

Dear Sir
I have placed an order for a Cricket set on 19th December 2023 and received the delivery from
your end by a courier service on 10th January 2023.
To my great inconvenience and disappointment, I found that a few items in the cricket set
were defective and of no use. The cricket bats are chipping off, the balls have frayed seams
and two of the wicket sets were incomplete.
To resolve the problem, I would request you to look into the matter and kindly replace the
above-mentioned items at your earliest convenience.
Enclosed are the copies of the documents of transactions and the receipt.

Yours sincerely
Kriti / Karan Sharma
(KRITI/KARAN SHARMA)

Encl.:
1. Photocopy of Invoice
2. Photocopy of Warranty Card

174
 Letter of Complaint

Write a letter to the local police complaining about a theft that took place last night in your
neighbour’s flat. You are Joy Mukherjee / Jiya Mukherjee of Waverly, Main Avenue, Bandra,
Mumbai-400050. (Word limit :100-150)

Answer:

Waverly
Main Avenue
Bandra
Mumbai-400050

25th May 2023

The Police Inspector

Bandra Police Station
Linking Road
Mumbai-400050

Subject: Theft in the neighbourhood

Dear Sir
I wish to report a theft that took place in my neighbour, Mr. Rahul Shah’s house last night. He
lives in flat No. 3 in the same building. Mr. and Mrs. Shah are out of town.
This morning, I was aghast to find their door open and the whole place in shambles. The
cupboards were open, and the TV set was missing. The burglars have also managed to take
away the Phillips home theatre. I am not sure if any other valuables are missing. I have
informed Mr. Shah about the theft. He is due to arrive this evening.
I request you to register a complaint and send a policeman here to investigate and take
necessary action.

Yours sincerely
Joy Mukherjee / Jiya Mukherjee
( JOY/ JIYA MUKHERJEE)

175
You are Mukesh/ Manju living at 7/31, Kamla Nagar, Kanpur. There are many stray dogs in
your colony. They chase vehicles, trouble strangers and sometimes bite the children. They are
a nuisance. Write a letter of complaint to the Municipal Commissioner, Kanpur requesting
him to instruct the concerned staff to take appropriate action. ( 100-120 words) CBSE 2020

Answer:

7/31, R. P. Road
Kamla Nagar
Kanpur.
June 15, 2023

The Municipal Commissioner

Kanpur Municipal Corporation
Kanpur

Subject: Complaint against the nuisance created by stray dogs

Dear Sir

I, on behalf of the residents of Kamla Nagar, would like to draw your attention to the nuisance
created by the stray dogs in our locality.
Our lives have become miserable because of the increase in the number of stray dogs in our
locality. The dogs roam around freely and bark ferociously not only at strangers but also at the
locals. They chase motorbikes which leads to many accidents in the area. The dogs bark all
night and disturb the sleep of the residents. Last week, a young boy, returning from school,
was bitten by a dog. This has led to a scare amongst children.
I would urge the municipal authorities and local NGOs to work towards controlling the
population of dogs. They should send dog catchers regularly and the residents should be
immunized against rabies.
I hope appropriate measures are taken, at the earliest, keeping in mind the safety of the
residents.

Yours sincerely
Mukesh Sharma
(MUKESH SHARMA)

176
You are Neena/ Sumit, a student of Class XII, Blooms Public School, Dwarka, Delhi. The road
leading to your school has become notorious for fast running vehicles. Students coming to the
school in the morning, and leaving in the afternoon are put to great difficulty. School buses and
parents who come to leave and take their children from school are put to great inconvenience. Write
a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Delhi Police to post traffic constables on duty in front of the
school in the morning as well as in the afternoon. (100-120 words) CBSE 2020
Answer:

Blooms Public School

34/6,Dwarka
Delhi -110234

25th February 2023

The Deputy Commissioner

Delhi Police
Delhi

Subject: Posting of Traffic Constables

Dear Sir

This is to bring to your kind notice that the road leading to our school has become notorious
for fast running vehicles. Students coming to the school in the morning, and leaving in the
afternoon are put to great difficulty. School buses and parents who come to leave and take
their children from school are put to great inconvenience. Congestion of roads too leads to
inconveniences to students, commuters, parents and bus drivers.

Therefore, I request you to please post traffic constables on duty in front of the school in the
morning as well as in the afternoon. This may help in regulate traffic near the school. In
addition, entry for public vehicles except school busses should be restricted during that time.

I would be highly obliged if you grant the above request.

Yours sincerely
Neena/ Sumit
(NEENA/ SUMIT)

177
You are Ashima/Ashish studying in Seaface School, Kochi. The school session has started a
month ago. All the textbooks are not available in the market. The students and the teachers are
put to great inconvenience. Write a letter to the Deputy Director (Sales), NCERT, New Delhi,
complaining about the non-availability of textbooks. (100-120 words)

Answer:
95, Cauvery Villas
Eastend Road
Kochi - 567812

2nd May 2023

The Deputy Director (Sales)

NCERT Sri Aurobindo Marg
New Delhi

Subject: Non-availability of Text-Books

Dear Sir

I am a student of Class X of Seaface School, Kochi. I would like to draw your attention to the
problems being faced by the students and teachers due to the non-availability of textbooks.

Our session began on the 2nd of April, 2023 and we are facing a lot of difficulties in
understanding our lessons without textbooks. The books are not available in the market as
well. You will appreciate that it is not viable to make photocopies of all the chapters for all the
students. No one has access to soft copies which are available online. We will be appearing
for our Board Exams and our preparations are being hampered owing to absence of textbooks.

On behalf of all the students of my school, it is my earnest request to you to look into the
matter at the earliest and make the necessary arrangements to provide us with all the required
textbooks. Kindly treat this as urgent. We eagerly await a positive response.

Yours sincerely

Ashima Murugan
(ASHIMA MURUGAN)
Student of Class X

178
 ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH WRITING

1. The diagram below shows a possible future means of home energy production.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 120 words:

179
 MODEL ANSWER

Don’t Buy Electricity – Make it Yourself

The diagram shows a process for producing electricity for home use. The equipment consists
of a large tank, boxes and pipes that would be able to fit into a garage-sized [Link]
is produced using methane gas, generated from a mix of compost and water in a large steel
tank. The tank is about the same height as a person and about twice as wide. Methane rises to
the top of the tank and is collected and stored in a gas storage system. The stored gas is the
fuel source used in the energy conversions that happen [Link] compressed in a gas
compressor, the methane fuels a combustion engine, which in turn produces mechanical
energy. Having been transferred to a generator, the mechanical energy is then transformed
into electrical energy, which is then stored in a battery. At this stage the electricity is ready for
home use.

2. The charts below show local government expenditure in 2010 and 2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words:

180
 MODEL ANSWER

Local Government Expenditure in 2010 and 2015

The charts show the percentage breakdown of government spending across nine categories in
2010 and 2015. Over the five-year period, there were significant changes in [Link]
both years, the four largest areas of government expenditure were: education, healthcare,
pensions, and defence, with education taking the largest share (24% in 2010 and 21% in
2015). The smallest areas of expenditure were transport, culture and leisure and "other".
Interest on borrowing and spending on welfare lay in [Link], between 2010
and 2015, spending on all four of the largest areas had dropped, with the exception of
pensions, which remained the same at 19%. Spending on transport and culture and leisure also
fell significantly, with the transport budget declining by two thirds. On the other hand,
spending on welfare and interest on government borrowing rose markedly, with the latter
doubling over the five-year period to 10%.Overall, the charts indicate that the government has
had to cut expenditure in most areas in order to fund the cost of borrowing and welfare.

3. The table below shows the percentage use of four different fuel types to generate
electricity in five Asian countries in 2005.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 120 words:
Fuel type used to generate electricity (%)

181
 MODEL ANSWER

Use of Four Different Fuel Types to Generate Electricity

The table shows different sources of fuel for producing electricity and their percentage use in
five Asian countries in 2005. Generally, the five countries showed a significant difference in
their patterns of consumption. Taking nuclear fuel first, Japan had the highest percentage at
49%, with South Korea second at 33%. In marked contrast, Thailand used no nuclear power at
all. Turning to Coal and Lignite, Malaysia and Singapore used this to generate a large
proportion of their electricity (61% and 42% respectively), a much higher percentage than the
remaining [Link] Petroleum products, Thailand produced 36% of its electricity
from this source. In comparison, the other countries only generated 3% or less of their
electricity from this fuel. However, Hydro and Wind reveal another pattern with South Korea
producing almost half of its electricity (48%) this way (over twice as high as Thailand which
had the second highest percentage at 19%). Finally, a significant amount was produced from
other sources with three countries (Singapore, Thailand and Japan) generating around 40% of
their electricity from other fuels. Overall, it can be seen that there was a significant variation
in which fuels countries used to generate their electricity.

4. The diagrams below show the main reasons workers chose to work from home and the
hours males and females worked at home for the year 2019.
Summarise the information by analysing and reporting the main features and make
comparisons where relevant.

182
Answer
Reasons and the Hours Males and Females Worked at Home for the Year 2019
The bar chart illustrates the reasons men and women chose to work from home in 2019.
Overall, saving money was the main reason for both males and females (45% and 42%
respectively). In contrast, approximately a quarter of males put productivity as a reason,
which was twice as high as the female response (24% and 11% respectively). For childcare,
the pattern was different again with almost a quarter of females giving this reason compared
to very few males (4%). The table shows the hours men and women worked from home in
2019. Most males worked over 30 hours per week (81%) contrasting with a minority of
females (6%) doing similar hours. This pattern is reversed when examining the under ten
hours category with almost three quarters of females working this amount compared to only
3% of males. The 10 to 30 hours per week category shows fewer marked differences. To sum
up, men and women do not always give the same reasons for home working and, in general,
men work longer hours from home.
5. The table below shows the results of surveys in 2005, 2010 and 2015 about McGill
University.
Summarise the information by analysing and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
Percentage of students giving good ratings for different aspects of McGill University

Answer

Surveys in 2005, 2010 and 2015 about McGill University

The table shows the change in attitude, over ten years, of students at McGill University to
different aspects of its academic [Link], the most striking set of statistics relate to
approval for student services. There was a sharp increase in the number of students giving
these services a good rating, particularly in the first five years: from 54 percent in 2005, to 81
percent in 2010, and 95 percent in 2015. There was also an overall improvement in ratings for
teaching quality, though the increase was relatively small (74 percent in 2005 rising to 78
percent in 2015) and there was a decline in the interim (72 percent in 2010). There was also a
fluctuation in attitudes to library resources, rising from 86 percent to 88 percent in the first
five years and then falling by one percent in 2015. Good ratings for the university’s sports and
social facilities were identical throughout, at 65 percent. Finally, there were poor ratings at the
beginning of the period for the range of modules offered (39 percent in 2005) and they got
worse, falling steadily to 31 percent in 2010 and 25 percent in 2015.

183
6. The line graph gives information about the number of Iranian, Greek and Turkish
students who enrolled at Sheffield University between 2005 and 2009.
Summarise the information by analysing and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.

Answer
Number of Iranian, Greek and Turkish Students who Enrolled at Sheffield University

The diagram shows the enrolment of Iranian, Greek and Turkish students at Sheffield
University from 2005 to 2009. During this period, enrolment of both Iranian and Turkish
students rocketed sharply. However, Greek admissions dropped significantly with numbers
being almost the reverse of those for Iranian [Link] numbers grew steadily up to
2008 followed by a sharp rise reaching almost 160 students in 2009. Similarly, numbers of
Turkish students showed steady growth throughout the period from about 20 in 2005 to over
120 in 2009. In contrast, enrolments of Greek students decreased dramatically from a high of
180 students in 2005 to just about 70 in 2007. Numbers then levelled off throughout 2007
finally dropping again to a low of around 45 in 2009. A further point of interest is that from
2007 to 2008, enrolments from all three countries were very similar, the average difference
being approximately 20 [Link], the graph highlights a considerable difference
between growth in Iranian and Turkish enrolments but reduction in Greek enrolments.

184
7. The graph shows music sales by different methods (streaming, downloads, CD
purchases) between 2011 and 2018:

Music Sales by Different Methods

The graph illustrates trends in music buying habits between 2011 and 2018. It presents three
different methods: streaming, downloading and buying CDs. Overall, both downloads and
physical sales of music have steadily declined. The latter has slumped since 2011, while the
downturn for the former began in 2014. However, there has been a sharp rise in people
streaming music since 2013. In 2011, the majority of music sales were of CDs, at 55% of all
sales. In contrast, streaming was not common at all at only 5%. Also, although people had
started to download music, it only represented 35% of sales. As sales of CDs began to fall,
downloads started to rise. They rose steadily and downloads overtook physical sales in mid-
2013. During the same period, streaming doubled to 10% but then it started to grow more
dramatically. Downloads peaked in 2014 at about 43% of sales but fell to 30% by 2018. This
was slightly higher than physical sales, which shrank to 25%. Streaming, on the other hand,
overtook both of them and accounted for just over 40% of sales in 2018.

Number of Men and Women Studying at Australian University

185
8. The bar chart illustrates the men and women studying engineering in Australian
universities between the years 1992 and 2012 with 10-year intervals. It can be seen that
the number of male students fell from 14,000 in 1992 to 12,000 in 2002 and then
remained level during the following decade. The number of female students is relatively
low, starting at 2,000 in 1992. However, while the number of men decreased, the
number of women increased. Female students grew steadily, by 2,000 each decade. This
led to a rise in the total number of engineering students from 16,000 to 18,000 in this
period. Men continue to make up the majority of students. However, the proportion of
female students increased sharply in this period. In 1992, there was one woman to every
seven men, but by 2012 it had narrowed to one woman to every two men. Overall, we
can clearly see an upward trend in the female engineering students in Australian
universities, while the number of men seems to have levelled off.

9. Here we have an example of a pie chart that represents how internet users aged 16+
prefer to browse the web:

Preference of Internet Users aged 16+

This graph shows the results of a survey in which people aged 16 and over were asked about
their preferred devices for accessing the internet. The question referred to going online at
home or at other places. Participants mentioned four main devices in their answers: a
smartphone, a laptop, a tablet and a desktop computer. From the pie chart it is clear that
majority of uses like to use smartphones and laptops, with just 3% difference between the two.
Nearly a third of participants prefer to go online with a smartphone. Thirty percent like to use
a laptop. Desktop computers account for only fourteen percent. In conclusion, since mobiles
and portable devices are the most popular choices, it is clear that many participants are
accessing internet outside their homes. The desktop computer is the least popular and the
preferred choice is the smartphone.

186
10.

The Effects of Quitting Smoking

The given concept chart talks about the various good effects of quitting smoking. The
negative effects of tobacco smoke are well known, but the good news is that the positive
effects of getting rid of the habit can’t be missed. A smoker can leave the habit forever and
can see the amazing results to live a healthier and happier life. As part of a report released by
the World Health Organization for World No Tobacco Day, the potentially devastating effects
of smoking can be successfully reversed. After just 20 minutes, the first health improvements
begin with a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Moreover,within 12 hours carbon
monoxide levels drop to normal and after a few weeks lung function increases and circulation
improves,within 1-9 months the person experiences decreased coughing and shortness of
breath. Even the elevated risk of stroke or coronary heart disease is gone within 15 years.
Cancer of lungs along with that of mouth, throat, oesophagus, bladder, cervix and pancreas
also becomes a much less significant threat after about ten years. So, quitting smoking is the
best decision a smoker can take to improve the quality of his life.

187
11. Write an Analytical Paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument.
Students Who Study Abroad Achieve Greater Success
You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion
and include rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument:

Answer:
Students Who Study Abroad Achieve Greater Success
The above statement depicts a very pertinent issue. It is true that much of our learning takes
place outside the classroom. We learn how to maintain budgets, forge friendships, develop
business relationships, and more. Imagine extending those skills on a global level. We would
immediately cease to believe the world only contains the people and things we can see but,
rather, a wide variety of opinions, customs, beliefs, and ethics. Therefore, every college-level
student must study abroad during their undergraduate years. They will learn more in that
semester abroad than in any other academic year. According to several companies that
encourage students to become international leaders, students who study abroad are more likely
to be accepted into the graduate degree program of their choice. It also demonstrates a
student’s fierce independence and determination. Beyond college, students who study abroad
will be better equipped to succeed in the workplace. Their broadened worldview will help
them relate to their co-workers, especially in a worldwide organization.

12. Write an Analytical Paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument.
The rise of the internet had a net positive or negative impact on education
You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion
and include rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument:

Answer:
The Rise of the Internet Had a Positive or Negative Impact on Education
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of
education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is
debated. Its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while
understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical
benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information
source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly
flexible learning environment. A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of
Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated. But
Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often
provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are
missing and emphasizing that users should always read the references and check whether they
really do support what the article says. The internet has had a major positive impact on the
world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications.
The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication,
research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the
flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace
these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented
exhaustively by sceptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its
potential for good.

188
13. Read the following excerpt from an online post of a website on educational practices.
Kids who appreciate how much effort, time and care goes into growing food will
understand how important farmers are, and why it's important to take care of our Earth.
In the world of today, gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music
and dance in all schools because it creates environmental stewards and outdoor
learning laboratories that help the child and community for years to come.
Write an Analytical paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument.
You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion
and include rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument.

Argument FOR the subject of the statement:

In the world of today, gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music and
dance in all schools. While sports, music and dance contribute towards personal growth, the
current times mandate attention towards an issue that is global ---nature and natural processes.
With growing food wastage in many homes today and the urban young believing that
vegetables are grown, harvested at the supermarkets, the efforts of the farmers are discredited.
Gardening at school will open a world of first-hand learning experiences of sowing, watering
and harvesting processes. Waiting for the saplings to grow will inculcate sensitivity, patience,
empathy, gratitude and value for one’s hard work. They will feel accountable for their piece of
Mother Earth, resulting in making them efficient and enterprising environmental stewards.
Unlike sports, music or dance, gardening goes beyond just enjoyment to create aware and
responsible citizens of the future.
Argument AGAINST the subject of the statement:
Gardening, certainly, should not be given precedence over sports, music and dance in all
schools. Gardening at school requires good planning with hands-on guidance and continued
supervision by the teachers. Students tend to lose interest due to the slow and natural growth
progress of plants as well as the investment of continuous hard work. Small targets or goals
would be missing whereas the danger of destruction of their work due to rains, intrusion of
grazing animals or a pest attack is like to set in a feeling of defeat. It may be noted that sports,
music and dance are uplifting activities which display faster results, are enjoyable and
inculcate team spirit, collaboration and confidence. Unlike gardening, setbacks in these
activities can be addressed with some sense of personal control. These activities help students
express and de-stress successfully. So, maintaining their due importance in the school’s co-
curriculum is imperative.

189
14. Gurmeet Kaur is an aspiring candidate for a public-funded engineering college in the
suburbs. She belongs to a nearby village, has minimal technological skills and exposure,
has the required cut-off percentage and is looking for a complete or partial scholarship.

Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words, analysing her SWOT notes to support your stand
on whether she should join/not join the college.
In favour:
The given information illustrates the options Gurmeet would weigh in order to take the right
decision about her admission in a public-funded engineering college. With availability of
strong curriculum, quality faculty and vibrant Activity Clubs, she will be assured of an
enriching educational journey. Though hostel facility is unavailable, she may take up
accommodation in the suburbs or choose to travel daily from her village. Good opportunities
of practice-based research, partnership with professional companies and international students
exchange program will enhance her professional and interpersonal skills. Hard work,
responsible behaviour and prudent decision-making could help Gurmeet thrive in the college
even though it has a rigid and conventional culture. The strengths and opportunities work in
favour of Gurmeet. Taking this opportunity will allow her to mend the incorrect public
perception towards public-funded colleges and students’ outlook towards technical subjects.
Against:
The given information indicates Gurmeet’s dilemma about seeking admission in a public-
funded college. Though equipped with a strong curriculum, engaging activity clubs and an
able faculty, the college lacks diversity and good conduct among the students, giving rise to
concerns of safe environment for a novice like Gurmeet. Underutilization of IT services will
be further detrimental to the progress of Gurmeet’s educational journey and add to extra costs
related to research work. If she does not qualify for a complete or partial scholarship,
arrangement of own accommodation and additional expense of students exchange programme
will increase her expenditure, too. Such a college environment may dampen her endeavouring
spirit. The weakness and threats outweigh the strengths, in case of Gurmeet. So, it is
recommended that Gurmeet does not apply for admission to the said college.

190
 PART — B
SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS : LITERATURE
[SHORT ANSWER TYPE, LONG ANSWER TYPE]

FIRST FLIGHT
A LETTER TO GOD
G. L. Fluentes
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Describe Lencho’s house?
Ans: Lencho’s house was the lone house in the entire valley situated on a low hill-top. From
this height, one could easily see the river and the field of ripe corn dotted with the
flowers that always promised a good harvest.
2. Who was Lencho? What did he hope for?
Ans: Lencho was a hard-working farmer who had deep-rooted faith in the Almighty.
Lencho’s field of ripe corn, that had already borne flowers needed a downpour or at least
a shower. Therefore, he kept looking looking towards the sky expectantly, hoping for a
good rain.
3. Why did Lencho compare the raindrops to ‘new coins’?
Ans: Lencho compared the raindrops to ‘new coins’ because it was a sign of good harvest. He
was hopeful of earning good money by selling his crops. The rain drops stood for
prosperity.
4. How did the rain change everything?
Ans: Lencho had been expecting a light shower for his field of ripe corn. However, things
changed for the worst when a strong wind started blowing and along with the rain very
large hailstones began to fall.
5. What happened to Lencho’s fields?
Ans: After an hour of hailstorm, Lencho’s fields were completely destroyed. The field looked
white, as if covered with salt. The trees were left with no leaves and all the flowers were
gone from the plants.
6. What gave Lencho hope after his field was destroyed?
Ans: Lencho was filled with sorrow and felt devastated after his field of ripe corn was
destroyed in the hailstorm. However, it was his immense faith in God that kept his hopes
alive. He firmly believed that God could see everything, even what was deep in one’s
conscience.
7. What was Lencho’s next course of action?
Ans: Being a firm believer in the existence of God, Lencho decided to seek help from none
other than God. He wrote a letter to God, asking him to help him with hundred pesos so
that he could sow his field again and save his family from starvation.

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8. What was the postmaster’s reaction on seeing Lencho’s letter ?
Ans: Lencho’s letter, which was addressed to ‘God’ became an object of ridicule not only for
the postman but also for the postmaster. He broke into a laughter at the foolishness of
the sender. However, he soon turned grave when he perceived the man’s unshakeable
faith, that made him initiate a correspondence with God.
9. How did the postman help Lencho?
Ans: The postman was so impressed with Lencho’s firm belief in God that he decided to write
a reply to his letter. However, his goodwill, ink and paper were not enough to help
Lencho. So, he contributed a part of his salary and asked for money from his employees
and his friends. Unfortunately, he could raise only seventy pesos.
10. What was Lencho’s reaction on receiving the letter ?
Ans: Lencho’s faith and confidence in God was so remarkable that the letter from God did not
surprise him in the least. In fact, he was angry on counting the money, which was less
than what he had demanded. For him, God was infallible and could not have denied him
what he had requested.
11. Did the letter reach God? Why did the postmaster send a reply to Lencho CBSE
BOARDS 2020
Ans: No, the letter did not reach God. The postmaster sent a reply to Lencho so that his faith
in God would not get shaken.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Describe Lencho’s qualities in the light of his faith in God.
Ans: Lencho was a poor but hardworking farmer. He toiled hard on his corn fields and
depended on the harvest to fulfil the basic needs of his family. When his field is
destroyed due to heavy rainfall and hailstones, he does not panic. Although he is sad and
worried for his family, he thinks of a solution. He decides to write a letter to God, in
whom he had immense faith. He knew that it was only God who could help him out of
his plight. His faith in God was so immense that he could not believe that God could
have made a mistake in sending him the money. Therefore, he blames the post office
employees for stealing his money and calls them ‘a bunch of crooks’
2. The postmaster represents such people who still believe in helping others. However,
it’s disheartening that he did not get due recognition for his kindness. Give a
character sketch of the postmaster in the light of this statement.
Ans: The postmaster was a very kind-hearted and generous man who was moved by
Lencho’s unwavering faith in God. He resolves to help him no matter what. He sets an
example of kindness and humanity for others by asking his friends and the other post
office employees to contribute generously to keep Lencho’s faith in God alive.
Unfortunately, he is able to collect only seventy pesos and not the hundred pesos that
Lencho had asked for. He truly stands for all those people who go beyond their means to
serve mankind.
However, it was extremely disheartening to find Lencho not appreciate this act of
kindness. He calls the post-office employees ‘a bunch of crooks’ and blames them for
stealing the thirty pesos from the hundred pesos that God had sent him. Lencho,
however, could not be blamed completely as he was too naïve to understand that God
could not have sent him money.

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 DUST OF SNOW
Robert Frost
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Where was the poet and what had happened to him?
Ans: The poet was perhaps standing under or walking past a snow-laden hemlock tree.
A crow, that was perched on the hemlock tree, suddenly dusted off fine particles of
snow on the poet.
2. What change was brought about in the poet’s mood?
Ans: The poet was initially in a depressive mood and regretted certain events that had
occurred during the day. However, the simple act of a crow shaking off snow particles
on him changed his mood and filled him with optimism. The poet feels lighter and is
grateful for the lovely distraction that prevented his entire day from getting ruined by
bitter thoughts.
3. How is the poet’s depressive mood reflected in the poem?
Ans: The sorrowful and depressive mood of the poet is reflected using the‘crow’ as a bird and
the ‘hemlock’ as a tree. The crow, that is black, ugly, and supposedly ominous and the
hemlock, which is a poisonous plant, are both representative of darkness and sorrow.
4. What is ironic about the poem?
Ans: It is ironic that positivity or optimism comes from those quarters, which we have the
least expectation from. The action of the crow, which is usually a harbinger of doom
and fear, acts a catalyst for a positive change. It is also ironic that the mournful poet
chooses to stand under hemlock, which is a poisonous tree.
5. What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off stand for?
Ans: The dust of snow that the crow shakes off stands for natural joy and energy. It is
symbolic of the change that the poet undergoes-----the transition of his mood from
regretful to optimistic.
6. Explain briefly how the the ‘hemlock tree’ and the ‘dust of snow’ present
unconventional perspectives of the poet, in the poem ?
The hemlock tree is symbolic of poison and death but here actually it is a part of the
setting where the crow sits and brings about a change in the speaker’s mood. The dust of
snow similarly is not something causing unpleasantness, no feeling of sharp, chilled
coldness in its touch, rather pure, blessings and enabling a lift in the mood of the
speaker. A very common element, but has such potential to bring in a refreshing and
optimistic mood.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Life is fraught with challenges, but a positive attitude helps us deal with difficult
situations. Comment with reference to the poem ‘Dust of Snow’.
Ans: The poet deals with a very important theme in the poem ‘Dust of Snow’. He teaches us
that keeping a positive attitude can help us deal with the most difficult situations.
Positivity or optimism can be infused in a sad or gloomy heart even from the most
insignificant sources. The poem talks of how an otherwise regretful day altered into a
not so bad one because of the action of an insignificant crow, a bird generally associated

193
 with doom and destruction. The poet sees brightness amidst gloom. He does not
associate the bird and the hemlock tree to negativity. In fact, he appreciates the action of
the crow and derives joy and happiness from the action of the crow. He takes it as a gift
from nature and is thankful as this incident had saved some part of his day, which would
otherwise have been wasted due to the depression the poet was in. He realizes that life
consists in enjoying the small, unexpected joys.

2. Small things in life make significant changes in our life. Elaborate with reference to
the poem ‘Dust of Snow’.
Ans: In life, we often tend to undervalue the importance of simple, insignificant things. We
associate our happiness only with things we achieve after a lot of handwork and fail to
understand that happiness lies in appreciating the little things in life. However, the poem
‘Dust of Snow’, reiterates that little things in life can make huge changes in our attitude
and hence can transform our future for the better. It shows us that noticing and
appreciating the little pleasures in life will make us happier and content.
The poet, who was gloomy and depressed, undergoes a change of mood when a crow
shakes off small particles of dust on him. This simple act lifts the spirits of the poet. He
is filled with enthusiasm and is thankful because it saved his day from getting ruined
further.
Thus, it is important to value the little things in life if we want to change our lives and
fill it with happiness and positivity.
3. “Then it is a distant cawing,
Growing louder—coming nearer,
Tells of crows returning inland
From their winter on the marshes.…….Weird their notes, and hoarse their
croaking;”
Q. The above is an extract taken from a poem based on crows.
What is the attitude of the poet towards ‘crows’ in the above? Compare the same
with that of the poet in the poem Dust of Snow?
Value Points:
 In the extract---crows, scavengers (feed on dead animals), a widely detested bird
whose voice only utters ‘weird notes’ and their ‘croaking’ are nothing but ‘hoarse’.
 The bird is as per convention associated with ugliness and misfortune, negativities.
 Considered a bad omen, a harbinger of misery and fear.
 However, in the poem Dust of Snow, the crow’s action caused an unexpected light
dusting of snow on the speaker
 The unexpected fall of snow dust shatters his melancholy or solitude.
 Crows that are never be thought to initiate any positive deed, never be the source of
positive transformation is the catalyst for positive change in the speaker’s mood.
 He seems to be relieved, his day just got better. He is filled with optimism.

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 FIRE AND ICE
Robert Frost

I. Short-answer questions:-
1. In the poem Fire and Ice what do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for?
Ans: Fire is directly equated with desire, the kind that leads to excessive passion, greed and
lust. Ice is equated with hate the one that kindles antagonism and conflict. He says that
hatred is kind of destructive potent that arise from lack of kindness and love
2. How does the poet ‘know enough of hate’? Where will this ‘hate’ lead to?
Ans: Lack of kindness, generosity and warmth of love or coldness of heart can lead to
rigidity, indifference, and insensitiveness. This can take away all warmth of human
feelings, love, and sympathy. The result can be the apocalyptic end of humanity.
‘Hatred’ born out of cold and ‘Icy’ reasoning can lead to the destruction of the world.
3. Why does the poet initially hold with those who favour fire?
Ans: Frost connects fire with the sins of passion and lust. According to the poet such ‘desire’
that encompass the extremes of human passion is the cataclysmic power. Moreover, the
reference that he has had personal experience with such destructive nature of ‘desire’,
leads him to first conclude that the world will end in fire.
4. How has Frost brought out the contrasting ideas in the poem?
Ans: In this poem, Frost shows himself in agreement with those who believe that the world
will end in fire; he is more in agreement with those who believe that the world will end
in ice.
If one is obsessed with unhealthy desires like lust, power, greed, etc., then one will face
the fiery end. However, if a person is jealous and full of hatred, he will demise with the
coldness of heart in a more potent method.
5. How will ‘ice’ be as ‘great’ and ‘suffice’ for causing the end of this existing world?
Ans: Though “fire’ which represent heats of passion and greed is dangerous enough but even
‘ice’ is sufficient and ‘strong’ enough to cause the destruction of this world. If this world
has to ‘perish twice’, then ‘Ice’ which represent sins of reason and hatred is as ‘strong’
and ‘great’ a cause that can cause the end of this world.
6. Explain why the poet personally holds the conviction that the world will primarily
end in fire?

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Write down the two different scientific views about the end of the world?
Ans: The first of the scientific theories states that fire will cause the apocalypse to happen.
That is to say, the earth’s core will heat up to an excruciatingly high temperature, then
the heat will eventually reach the surface of the planet, and then everything on the
surface will be incinerated beyond repair. The second theory says just the opposite.
Instead of destruction by heat, this theory believes that the world will freeze till all the
species of flora and fauna inhabiting it become extinct once and for all. Hence, this
theory is based on the power of ice to obliterate living conditions on earth.

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2. How does Robert Frost caution the common man?
Ans: Humans are subjected to the sins of selfishness, avarice, lust, indifference, and hate.
Robert Frost cautions and says that one should not forget the bitter reality that
everything in this world is transitory, and the apocalyptic end is inevitable. In the poem
‘Fire and Ice’ the speaker is hinting at the destructive powers of the heat of love or
passion and the cold of hate, the two extremes that encompass life as the two
inextricable complementarities of one apocalyptic vision.
3. Write the sum and substance of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’.
Ans: The crystal-clear message that the poet is trying to give is that nothing in this world is
eternal. Everything will perish either in fire or ice. We should, thus, not forget this
supreme reality and keep ourselves above all selfish matters. Fire is directly equated
with desire, the kind that leads to excessive passion, greed, and lust. Ice is equated with
hate the one that kindles antagonism and conflict. However, the sins of reason are worse
than sins of passion.
4. Why the sins of reason are more potent source of destruction than sins of passion?
Ans: Sins of reason are worse than sins of passion. In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle
observes that what distinguishes human beings from other life forms is reason; therefore,
human beings must function with reason to fulfill their maximum potential, what
Aristotle terms arete - excellence or virtue. As a Catholic, Dante modifies this principle
by adding that reason is God's greatest gift to humankind and, therefore, its perversion
or misuse constitutes the worst possible sin: "But since fraud / Is the vice of which man
alone is capable, / God loathes it most"
5. To say that for destruction brought about ‘Ice’ is also great for the poet, what does
‘ice’ stand for? How is it sufficient to bring destruction?
Ans: When Frost speaks of ‘Ice’ he equates it with hatred. However, instead of seeing it as an
emotion or feeling, like anger, he presents it because of thought, of conscious choice:
The emphasis here, as in Dante, is on reason, or better, on the perversion or misuse of
reason, because it is employed not for Christian love but for hatred. Frost underscores
this by making it the cause of a second death, far more terrible by implication than the
first. The pun on the word "ice" in "twice" and "suffice" accentuates the bitter coldness
of hatred.
6. Comment on the title of the poem.
Ans: Even if the title seems plain, straightforward, and lacking in mystery, it also accurately
foreshadows the subject of the work. Frost makes an implied intention in the title and
then reinforces that further in the poem. “fire’ which represent heats of passion and
greed is dangerous enough but even ‘ice’ is sufficient and ‘strong’ enough to cause the
destruction of this world. The title with its contrasting images is intriguing, we don’t
know exactly what he will do with the ideas of “fire and ice,” but one can be assured of
the deep explorations in its content.
7. Which age old question does the poem revolves around?
Ans: The poem revolves around the age-old question of the most potent and destructive
powers that would lead to the end of the world. Whether the heat of love and passion or
the cold of hate, the two extremes that encompass life are the two ways of destroying the
world. This is similar to another age-old question, whether it would be preferable to
freeze to death or burn to death. The poet determines that either option would achieve its
purpose sufficiently well.

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 NELSON MANDELA- LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Nelson Rolihlahla
I. Short-answer questions:-
a) Where did the inauguration ceremony take place? How was it different from the
previous ceremonies held there?
Ans: The inauguration ceremony took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by
the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades, it had been the seat of white supremacy
but for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic non-racial government, it
became a site of rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.
b) Who were the three people sworn in?
Ans: The three people sworn in ere Mr. de Klerk as the second deputy president. Thabo
Mbeki was sworn in as the first deputy president and Nelson Mandela as the President.
c) From what did Mandela pledge to deliver all the people of his country?
Ans: Mandela pledged to liberate all his countrymen from the continuing bondage of poverty,
deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.
d) Which two anthems were sung on that day?
Ans: Both the national anthems ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika and ‘Die Stem’, the old anthem of the
Republic were sung on that day. Neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once
despised. They would soon know the words by heart.
e) Mention the names of any three stalwarts whom Mandela thought ‘decades of
oppression had produced’.
Ans: Mandela felt that decades of oppression and brutality had an unintended effect of
producing men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity. Oliver Tambo, Walter
Sisulu and Bram Fischer were three of them.
f) Mandela had seen men stand up to attacks and torture. What had that taught him?
Ans: Mandela learnt that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The
brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.
g) What kept Mandela going during his time in prison?
Ans: Even when Mandela and his comrades were punished to their limits in prison, a glimmer
of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, was enough to reassure him
that man’s goodness was a flame that could be hidden but not extinguished.
h) What did freedom mean to Mandela as a child?
Ans: As a child Mandela was free to run in the fields near his mother’s hut, free to swim in
the clear stream that ran through his village, free to roast mealies under the stars and
ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls.
i) What does Mandela have to say about the oppressor and the oppressed?
Ans: Mandela felt that the oppressor and the oppressed must both be liberated. A man who
takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred, prejudice and narrow-mindedness.
The oppressed and the oppressor are devoid of humanity.

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j) What pained Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa?
Ans: Thousands of men had suffered and sacrificed to bring about the freedom of South
Africa. Mandela was pained that he was not able to thank them and they were not able
to witness what their sacrifices had brought about.
k) Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa?
Ans: 10th of May, 1994 was a red-letter day in the history of South Africa. It was the day
when the hated regime of apartheid came to an end. A new democratically elected non-
racial government under Nelson Mandela was to be sworn in. Many international
leaders and dignities came to pay their respect to the new government.
l) Why did the same generals salute Mandela who would have arrested him not so
many years ago?
Ans: In the apartheid regime, Nelson Mandela was a rebel and was in prison for many years.
After the end of the apartheid, he was the head of the non-racial democratically elected
government of South Africa. The same generals who would have put him in prison not
so long ago were obliged to salute the president of the new Republic of South Africa.
m) Why does Nelson Mandela call himself simply the sum of those African patriots
who had gone before him?
Ans: Nelson Mandela gratefully acknowledges the sacrifices of thousands of his people who
fought against the apartheid regime. Their suffering and courage can never be cemented
or repaid. Mandela humbly believes that he was simply the sum of all those African
patriots who had gone before him.
n) What is the greatest wealth of a country according to Nelson Mandela?
Ans: South Africa is rich in the minerals and gems. But minerals and gems are not the greatest
wealth of a nation. Mandela thinks that the greatest and real wealth of a nation is its
people. They are finer and truer than the purest diamonds.
o) How can people be taught to love? Which comes naturally to human heart — love
or hate?
Ans: No one is born hating another person because of his colour or race. People are taught to
hate. And if they learn to hate, they can be taught to love. Love comes more naturally to
the human heart than hatred.
p) What does Mandela refer to as ‘ an extraordinary human disaster’ ?
CBSE BOARDS 2020
Ans. Mandela considers the practice of Apartheid in South Africa / the Blacks suffering
discrimination/ the bondage of poverty/ the deprivation and suffering oppression and
brutality as ‘an extraordinary human disaster’.

II. Long-answer questions:-

a) Give a character sketch of Nelson Mandela.
Ans: Nelson Mandela is a great patriot. He loves his country and countrymen. For him, the
greatest wealth of South Africa is her people. He sacrificed his life of comfort, family
and home and plunged into the struggle for freedom. He believes in equality for all. He
opposed the rule of Apartheid for which he was declared an outlaw. He was oppressed

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 and tortured in jail for several years but he never broke. It shows his traits of tolerance,
courage and perseverance.
Nelson Mandela was the tallest of all the black heroes who waged a relentless fight
against the racial-regime in South Africa. He suffered untold sufferings and tortures in
prison but led the country to install the first democratically elected government in South
Africa. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. Later on, he realised that
his boyhood freedom was an illusion. He also realised his concept of freedom in his
youth was also ‘transitory’ and was limited to his personal freedom. Only when he
joined the African National Congress, his own freedom became the greater hunger for
the freedom of his people. Only then, a frightened young lawyer was transformed into a
bold `criminal’. A family-loving husband was forced to lead the life of a monk in
secrecy. Nelson Mandela is grateful in acknowledging the unimaginable sacrifices of
thousands of black heroes for the freedom of their people. Modestly, he realises that
freedom is indivisible. He realised that he could not lead a free and honourable life if his
people were in chains.
Nelson Mandela had a wider vision of humanity. For him, freedom was comprehensive
and couldn’t be divided. It shows his greatness that both the oppressor and the
oppressed should be liberated. Both of them alike are robbed of their humanity.
b) What are the ‘twin obligations’? Why is it impossible for one to fulfil them?
Ans: Nelson Mandela believed that every man has twin obligations in life. The first obligation
of a man is to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. He has another
obligation also. He has an obligation to his people, his community and his country.
Every man is to do his duty according to his situation and strength. But in South Africa,
it was impossible for a man like Mandela or other blacks to fulfil those obligations. If a
man tried to live as a human being, he was punished and isolated. If any person in South
Africa tried to do his duty to his people, he was forcefully separated from his family and
his home. He was forced to lead a life of secrecy and rebellion. Nelson Mandela placed
his people above his family. In attempting to serve his people, he was prevented from
fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.
c) How does Mandela’s idea of freedom change with age and experience?
Ans: Mandela had different concepts of freedom at different stages of life. As a boy, he had
an illusion about freedom. He thought he was born free. As long he obeyed his elders he
had the freedom to run in the fields swim in the stream and ride on the back of bulls.
As a student he cared for transitory freedom — freedom to stay out at night, read the
books of his choice and go where he liked.
When he became a young man, he yearned for basic and honourable freedoms of
achieving his potential, earning his keep, marrying, having a family and living a lawful
life.
Slowly his concept of freedom widened especially when he joined the African National
Congress. He realized that true freedom is not individual freedom but freedom for all.
d) How did the hunger for freedom change Mandela’s life?
Ans: Once Mandela realized his hunger for freedom, his life changed forever. It transformed
him from a family-man to a man of his people and a frightened young man into a bold
one. He built his entire life around fighting for the basic fundamental rights for his
community. He was more selfless and virtuous than ever.

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e) What challenges did Mandela face in his fight to gain freedom for his country?
Ans: In his endeavour to get freedom for his countrymen from the rule of Apartheid, Nelson
Mandela had to undergo many hardships and suffered a lot. This great patriot had to
sacrifice the comfort of his home and loving family. He was declared an outlaw for
demanding equality for all his fellow black Africans. He was punished, isolated and put
into jail. He and his comrades were oppressed and tortured beyond tolerance. He
suffered hunger, oppression and injustice but kept the flame of independence burning in
his heart. His undaunted courage, persistent struggle and unparallel sacrifice bore fruit
and South Africa got freedom from the rule of Apartheid on 10 May 1994.
f) In his inaugural speech, Mandela mentions ‘an extraordinary human disaster’ and
a ‘glorious human achievement.’ Discuss.
Ans: The extraordinary disaster was the rule of Apartheid in South Africa. This disaster of
racial discrimination brought oppression, deprivation, cruelty and suffering for the black
people of South Africa. Blacks were not allowed to visit the places reserved for the
whites. They led a life of humiliation.
At last, on 10 May 1994, after more than three centuries of white rule, Nelson
Mandela’s African National Congress Party won the elections. Nelson Mandela became
the first black President of South Africa. The coming into power of non-racial
government was a glorious human achievement.
g)

The above depict what the whites created in South Africa, one of the harshest and
most inhumane societies the world has ever known. Elucidate.
Ans: The above depicts the apartheid regime that symbolised oppression, exploitation and an
extraordinary human disaster. The white regime was based on racial discrimination. The
blacks in South Africa were deprived of their rights, equality and human dignity. After
the Boer war, the white groups in South Africa patched up their differences. They
imposed a system of racial discrimination against the black people of their own land. It
was one of the harshest and most inhumane regimes the world has ever known. The
policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and its people.
Thousands of black patriots sacrificed their lives fighting for the rights and freedom of
their people. Thousands of Tambos, Sisulus, Dads, Fishers and Sobukwes suffered deep
oppression and tortures but never gave up their cause. Ultimately, their struggles and
sacrifices led the blacks to victory under Nelson Mandela. Their victory was a common
victory of humanity, for peace, for justice and for human dignity.

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 A TIGER IN THE ZOO
Leslie Norris

I. Short-answer questions:-
a) Where is the tiger? What is he doing?
Ans: The tiger is in a zoo, behind bars, locked in a cage. He is walking up and down the
limited space that the cage provides.
b) What should the tiger actually be doing?
Ans: The tiger should actually be in its natural habitat – in the forest. It should be lurking in
the shadows, sliding through long grass and stealthily waiting near the water hole, to
spring on plump deer which come there for drinking water.
c) Why is the tiger not able to express his rage?
Ans: The tiger is unable to express its rage and keeps its anger suppressed. It is angry because
it is being forcefully imprisoned in a place where he does not belong.
d) What are the sources of disturbance for the tiger?
Ans: Peace eludes the tiger in the zoo. During the day, the visitors disturb his peace and at
night, the sound of the patrolling cars keeps him awake.
e) What is the significance of repeating the word ‘brilliant’?
Ans: The word ‘brilliant’ is used twice by the poet. Once it describes the shining, bright eyes
of the tiger in the darkness of the night and the other describes the brilliance of the stars
shining on the dark night sky. The former brightness is caged and the latter finds
freedom in the open expanse of the sky.
f) What is the significance of the repetition of the word ‘quiet’?
Ans: The tiger silently stalks the cage on velvet soft paws, not making any sound. Its suppressed
anger is also described as ‘quiet’ because it is not able to express it. The stealthy footsteps as
well as the hidden anger within the tiger are both described as ‘quiet’.
g) How safe are tigers in their natural habitats these days?
Ans: Though all wild animals should rightfully be allowed to roam the wild freely, yet they face
the danger of being hunted by poachers for their skin and other body parts. For those
reasons, they remain safe in a zoo, where they are cared for and do not have to fear hunters.
h) How does the tiger terrify the villagers?
Ans: The tiger moves towards the outskirts of the forest and snarls around the houses situated
at the edge of the forest. Baring his fangs and claws, he looks angry and ready to attack.
This sight terrifies the villagers.
i) What is the message of the poem?
Ans: Animals are happy to live in their natural surroundings and should be left alone. They
should not be caged.
j) How does the tiger feel behind bars?
Ans: The tiger is basically an animal of the wilds. He is a denizen of the forest. Being locked
in a concrete cell of the zoo, he feels quite helpless. His immense strength is of no use to
him as he is put behind the bars. He only stalks the length of his cage. He ignores the
visitors who came to see him after buying their tickets. He doesn’t want to present
himself as an object of entertaining others.

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II. Long-answer questions:-
1) "He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men."
― Emmanuel Kant.
Freedom is as essential to an animal as it is to a human being. Discuss this
statement with reference to the poem, Tiger in the Zoo.
Ans: Freedom is an essential virtue valued by all, humans as well as animals. The importance
of freedom is best known to a tiger who is caged in the zoo. Animals belong to the wild
where they are be free to move around and hunt their prey for food. An attempt to lock
ferocious animals in concrete cells goes against natural justice. This then degenerates
human beings to power hungry beings to can never be just to his fellow beings too. The
tiger roams around in the jungle hunting its prey at will. He lurks unnoticed in the long
grass before pouncing upon his prey. He also knows where he can find his favourite
plump deer. He may come out of the forest sometimes and terrorise the villagers living
at the outskirts of the jungle. He rarely kills them till he is provoked.
The same tiger feels depressed and is low in spirits when he is put behind the bars. He
stalks constantly the length of his cage in his ‘quiet rage’. He ignores the visitors and
feels helpless. Behind the bars, he keeps on staring at the brilliant stars in the open sky.
This sadly reminds him of his loss of freedom and intensifies his grief.
2) Give a contrasting picture between the tiger in the zoo and one in its natural
habitat.
Ans: The caged tiger feels unhappy and frustrated in the zoo because of his loss of freedom.
He is restless and angry. He stalks the few steps of his small concrete cage as he remains
at the mercy of human beings who have kept him locked behind bars. The mighty and
ferocious tiger presents a pathetic picture as he becomes a mere source of entertainment
for the visitors, whom he ignores. The otherwise proud tiger keeps his anger suppressed.
At night from behind the bars, he keeps on staring at the brilliant stars in the vast sky.
The vastness of the sky and the brilliance of stars only intensifies his loss of freedom.
The tiger in the forest roams majestically, wherever he wants. He is happy in the forest
where he enjoys his liberty. He ambushes his prey by silently lurking in the shadows of
the trees or hiding in the long grass. The deer who come to the water hole fall prey to the
waiting tiger. There are no boundaries or limits for him. He sometimes moves out of the
forest and roams the villages situated on the edge of the forest. He terrorises the villages
with his sharp fangs and bare claws but seldom attacks unprovoked.
The tiger in the zoo and the tiger in the forest provide contrasting pictures.

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 TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYING
Liam o’ Flaherty
Frederick Forsyth

I. Short-answer questions:-
1. How did the hungry seagull try to pretend and attract his mother’s attraction?
Ans: The hungry seagull stepped slowly out to the brink of the ledge, and standing on one leg
with the other leg hidden under his wing, he closed one eye, then the other and
pretended to be falling asleep.
2. Describe the seagull’s first flight.
Ans: Maddened by hunger, the seagull dived at the fish. With a loud scream he fell outwards
and downwards into space. Then a monstrous terror seized him, and his heart stood still.
He could hear nothing. But it only lasted a minute. The next moment he felt his wings
spread outwards. The wind rushed against his breast feathers, then under his stomach,
and against his wings. He could feel the tips of his wings cutting through the air. He was
not falling headlong now. He was soaring gradually downwards and outwards.
3. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly when he went to the brink of the ledge initially?
Ans: Somehow when he had taken a little run forward to the brink of the ledge and attempted
to flap his wings, he became afraid. The great expanse of sea stretched down beneath,
and it was such a long way down — miles down. He felt certain that his wings would
never support him
4. How did the family members of the young seagull react when he started soaring
downwards and upwards?
Ans: The seagull’s mother swooped past him, her wings made a loud noise. He answered her
with another scream. Then his father flew over him screaming. His two brothers and his
sister were flying around him curveting and banking and soaring and diving.
5. What did the seagull do after landing on the sea ?
Ans: He dropped his legs to stand on the green sea. His legs sank into it. He screamed with
fright and attempted to rise again flapping his wings. He was so tired and weak with
hunger that he could not rise.
6. Why did the pilot think of going back to Paris?
Ans: Paris was about 150 kilometres behind him when he saw the storm clouds. They were
huge. They looked like black mountains standing in front of him across the sky. He
knew he could not fly up and over them, and he did not have enough fuel to fly around
them to the north or south. So, he thought of going back to Paris.
7. How did the black aeroplane rescue the first pilot?
Ans: The pilot of the black aeroplane lifted one hand and waved. He gestured the first pilot to follow
him. The speaker followed him. The other pilot of the black aeroplane turned his aeroplane
slowly to the north, in front of the Dakota, so that it would be easier for him to follow. The
speaker was very happy to go behind the strange aeroplane like an obedient child.

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8. How did the speaker feel after landing finally and what did he do then?
Ans: After the pilot had landed, he was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota near the
control tower. He went and asked a woman in the control centre where he was and who
the other pilot was. He wanted to thank the pilot who had saved his life.
9. What did the pilot do when he was inside the clouds?
Ans: The pilot took the risk and flew that old Dakota straight into the storm. Inside the clouds,
everything was suddenly black. It was impossible for him to see anything outside the
aeroplane. The old aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air. He looked at the compass.
He couldn’t believe his eyes. The compass was turning round and round. It was dead. It
was not working. The other instruments were suddenly dead, too. He tried the radio.
10. How does the narrator describe the sky when he began his flight? What were his
thoughts then?
Ans: The narrator describes the sky with the moon coming up in the east, behind him, and
stars shining in the clear sky above him. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. He was happy
to be alone high up above the sleeping countryside. He was dreaming of his holiday and
looking forward to being with his family.
11. Validate the given statement with reference to baby seagull’s fear.
‘Fear doesn’t exist anywhere else other than one’s mind.’
Ans. The baby seagull could not take his first flight as he was scared that his wings will not
support his body weight. He saw his family fly –Yet, the fear of falling down gripped
his mind—it overpowered any sense of assurance .As a result he was too scared to even
try but once he was forced to take the leap he started flying like any other bird and
experienced the thrill and joys of flying.
II. Long-answer questions:-
1. The young seagull is one such being who seldom fail to attain self-actualisation and
suffer. Compare and contrast the young seagull in the beginning and at the end of
the lesson.
Ans: In the beginning, the seagull is a coward. He lacks confidence. The time had come when
he should fly. His parents try to teach him how to fly. But he is too afraid to fly. He
refuses to fly. His parents leave him alone on the ledge. They threaten him that he would
starve. His brothers and sister make fun of him. They call him a coward. Even then the
seagull does not fly. However, he falls from the rock when he tries to get the fish from
his mother. The next moment he flaps his wings and starts flying. Now he is full of
confidence. He starts crying with joy. He flies higher and higher. He is no longer afraid.
He overcomes his fear of the water also. He finds that he can float on the surface of the
sea. His family members praise him and give him pieces of fish to eat. In this way, there
is a difference in the behaviour of the seagull at the beginning and end of the story.
Thus, as Maslow had enumerated that one’s basic needs crucial for survival if fulfilled it
would lead to self- actualisation to attain or realise the full potential of their ability or
potential.

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2. When did the seagull’s flight begin and where did it end?
Or
Describe how the young seagull make his maiden flight.
Ans: The seagull was very hungry. When he saw his mother bringing food in her beak, he
dived towards her. But he fell from the brink of the ledge. He screamed with fear, but his
fear lasted only for a moment. The next moment, he felt that his wings spread outwards.
He was flying now. Now he screamed with joy. The seagull was very happy as he had
learnt how to fly. He kept flying for some time. His parents, brothers and sister flew
around him. Then they landed on the sea surface. The seagull also came down. When he
tried to land, his legs sank into the sea. He cried with fear again. Then his belly touched
the water, but he did not drown. He started floating on the surface of the sea. Thus, the
seagull made the first flight of his life.
3. Describe the methods used by the seagull family to help the young seagull overcome
his fear and fly.
Ans: This story is about a young seagull. The time had come when he should fly like his
parents and brothers and sister. But he was afraid to fly. His parents tried their best to
teach him how to fly. But he refused to fly. They left him alone on his ledge. They
threatened him that he would starve. Even then he was too afraid to fly. His brothers and
sister made fun of him. They laughed at his cowardice. At last, his mother thought of a
plan. She took a piece of fish in her beak and flew towards him. She came near him but
did not land on the ledge. The young seagull was very hungry. He came to the brink of
the ledge. In order to get food, he dived at the fish, but he fell from the rock. He was
terrified, but it was only for a moment. The next moment, he flapped his wings and
started flying. In this way, his mother was able to make him fly.
4. “Everything was going well. It was an easy flight.” What went wrong suddenly?
Or
Describe the flight of the Dakota aeroplane until it landed safely at the airport.
Ans: The flight of old Dakota started in Paris and headed towards England. It was an easy
flight, the sky was clear and the weather fine. When it was 150 km away from Paris, it
suddenly confronted huge black storm clouds. He had limited fuel only to take him to
England. He could go back to Paris but he decided to take the risk and go through the
storm clouds because he wanted to spend the holiday with his family.
In the storm clouds, it was pitch dark. His compass, radio and some other instruments
stopped working. He could not contact Paris control room to know the direction.
Suddenly he saw a black aeroplane. Its pilot guided him and brought him safely out of
storm clouds. He saw the runway and landed at the airport.
5. Why did the pilot not take the decision of flying back to Paris? What does it imply
about his disposition?
Ans: It seemed that flying back to Paris would have been the best option in those
circumstances when the pilot was confronted by a dark storm cloud. He couldn’t fly
north and south of the storm as he hadn’t enough fuel in the second tank.
His decision of flying straight into the storm clouds was motivated by an early English
breakfast with his family. It was rather a bold but risky decision. He would have been in
deep trouble, had the pilot of the strange black aeroplane not helped him to safety. Thus,
it strongly reflects the bold and adventurous spirit of the pilot. He was a brave and
courageous man who realised his true mettle in the face of the danger. This was reflected
back in the form of the other pilot of a black aeroplane.

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 HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS
Carolyn Wells
I. Short-answer questions:-
a) What is the theme of the poem?
Ans: The theme of the poem is to create humour. The poet creates humour by suggesting
dangerous ways of identifying wild animals. We can identify most of the beasts while
they are attacking us. Instead of shouting for help or trying to protect yourself, you are
busy identifying the attacker—the idea creates humour.
b) How does one identify the following animals:
(i) Asian lion: A large and tawny beast with a terrifying roar. It roars at you as you are dying.
(ii) Bengal tiger: A noble beast with black stripes on yellow base. You will know it is a
Bengal tiger if it eats you.
(iii) Leopard: Its skin is peppered with spots. It has the tendency to leap on you. If you roar
with pain, the leopard may continue leaping on you.
(iv) Bear: It might appear in your yard and will hug you when it sees you. Its tight hug
should not be mistaken for love. If you have any doubts, it will hug you even tighter.
(v) Crocodile: It is seen weeping false tears while killing its prey.
(vi) Hyena: Though prone to attacking you, a hyena usually has a merry smile on its face.
(vii) Chameleon: It is a kind of small lizard with no ears or wings. It can camouflage itself
with the surroundings. If you see a tree with no animal sitting on it, you can be sure that
the chameleon is there.
c) What are the humorous elements in the poem? How important is humour in real life?
Ans: Humour is the fuel of life. Without it, it would become difficult to continue living.
Today, a life of the common man is typically mired in stress, tension, problems and
sadness. It is amazing how the smallest problems may take on epic proportions for a
common person. In such a situation, it becomes necessary to have a little humour in life.
It gives us the much-needed respite from our monotonous routine and helps us face life
more positively. Thus, the poetess’ successful use of humour helps liven our minds and
brings a smile on our faces.
II. Long-answer questions:-
a) How has Carolyn Wells employed (i) humour and (ii) taken liberties with the
language to describe the wild animals?
The poem describes wild animals and how to distinguish them. To avoid
oversimplification and monotony, the poet uses ‘humour’ as an effective weapon. The
‘humour’ used in the poem is suggestive and mild. It is not biting or scathing in effect.
The Asian Lion “roars at you as you’re dying”. The Bengal Tiger is a ‘noble’ wild beast
that “greets you” when you are roaming round in the jungle. The unsparing Leopard will
show no mercy and it will “do no good to roar with pain.” If you have any doubts, the
bear will “give you just one more caress.” The poet uses subtle humour when he says:
“Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they weep, they’re Crocodiles”.
The poet also uses language differently. The actual word is dying which does not rhyme
with lion. In order to create rhyme, it is written as ‘dyin’ in the poem. The words ‘lept’
and ‘lep’ have not been spelled correctly. It is a poetic device known as poetic license
which is used by the poet to lay emphasis on the actions of the leopard.
The correct order of the sentence is ‘a novice might be nonplussed’. The poet wrote it in
inversion because nonplus rhymes with thus.

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b)

Here is the famous quote by the Dalai Lama on paradoxes of life:

Paradoxes as we understand MEAN : a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or
proposition which when investigated may prove to be well founded or true. The poem How
to Tell Wild Animals offer us several paradoxes. Following the quotes of the Dalai Lama as
given above create and construct your own quotes based on the instances given in the poem.
Pick any 3 instances……

VARIED RESPONSES BASED ON CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

Guidelines:

 Close may seem the greetings from a noble Bengal Tiger , but closer is your death
greeting you as the Tiger is to prey upon you
 It may be a time when there is nothing on the tree……
 A crocodile that weeps is actually.......
________________________________________________________________

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 THE BALL POEM
John Berryman
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Justify the title of the poem, The Ball Poem.
Ans: The title ‘The Ball Poem’, apparently denotes a light-hearted, insignificant theme of a
mere plaything but it has its own philosophical bearings about knowledge gained and
wisdom achieved through an apparently insignificant incident of life. It is to accept life
with its share of both loss and gain, happiness and sorrow, enjoyment and responsibility,
despondency and courage in the face of all losses and gains that life has to offer.
2. A ball is an easily available, inexpensive thing. Then, why is the boy so sad to lose
it?
Ans: No doubt the ball is an easily available and inexpensive item but the ball, the boy has
lost is valuable for him. His memories of young days are associated with it for it had
been his dearest companion of playing for a long time. It was an aspect of his joyous
childhood days which seemed to be passing away. So, he is sad to lose it.
3. ‘He senses first responsibility’—what responsibility is referred to here?
Ans: The responsibility referred to here is that such a loss would entail a kind of awakening,
introspection and realization in the boy who would wake up to the call of responsibility
towards his worldly possessions and know their real worth. The boy would know that
with every little possession and achievement comes a responsibility and the need to
assure their secured vigilance.
4. What was the immediate effect of the loss of the ball on the boy?
Ans: The moment filled with utter shock of a sudden loss made the boy stand transfixed to the
spot. Being overtaken by extreme grief, he shivers all over. For the boy the rolling away
of the ball into the water seems like an experience, a feeling that equates with the one of
losing all hopes and happiness of his childhood rather an end to it.
5. Why did the poet not console the boy?
Ans: The poet did not console the boy because the boy was too shocked and grief-stricken,
and no amount of consolation could have repaired the feelings of loss and sorrow.
Secondly, the poet also observed that the boy was trying to wake up to a sense of
responsibility and stand up or bear the loss on his own through self-understanding which
is much more reflective and lasting.
6. Explain the line, “And no one buys a ball back. Money is external”.
Ans: Our prized possessions will always be subjected to loss and seize. No amount of money
can even bring back the happiness and contentment that that been once being in
possession of our dear objects. Money is an external thing. It is a means to procure and
possess things. But even money cannot compensate for the sense of loss suffered by a
person.
7. What does the poet notice at the beginning of the poem?
Ans: The speaker has seen a young boy’s ball rolling away from him, bouncing happily on its
way, and finally cascading down into the water, thereby giving an idea of a loss of a
dear object. The speaker’s mind grabs the moment and analyses the situation asking the
nature of the feelings and reactions that might be familiar to a little boy at such a
moment that the ball is gone.

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8. Why does the poet say, “Balls will be lost always”?
Ans: In a world where we stride one should also be aware and accept the fact that losing
objects, we are dearly attached to, will be quite regular and inevitable. Our prized
possessions will always be subjected to loss and seize. There will neither be a guarantee
or promise of their recovery with a replacement assured.
9. Why does the poet say: ‘No use to say ‘O there are other balls’?
Ans: The loss of the ball looks like an insignificant incident. A child usually lose such toys
and playthings and they can be easily replaced. For the boy the rolling away of the ball
into the water seems like an experience, a feeling that equates with the one of losing all
hopes and happiness of his childhood rather an end to it.
10. How can the boy stand up again? What must everyman know one day?
Ans: The boy has to understand the epistemology of loss i.e. the true nature of a loss one
would entail in one’s life — the philosophical bearings. This is not about an individual
alone. Everyone has to know it sooner or later that it is useless to weep over the loss of
our dearest childhood days. One should move ahead forgetting all such losses. Life has
to be lived only by moving ahead in it.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. How is the lost ball, the metaphor of the lost childhood of the boy?
Ans: The speaker has seen a young boy’s ball rolling away from him, bouncing happily on its
way, and finally cascading down into the water, For the boy the rolling away of the ball
into the water seems like an experience, a feeling that equates with the one of losing all
hopes and happiness of his childhood rather an end to it. It has been long association of
the boy with his plaything, the ball. All individuals like the little boy develop a lot of
attachment and love with one’s own possessions. The metaphor of the lost ball is
beautifully linked to the loss of sweet childhood. No amount of money can buy the ball
back that has been lost forever. Similarly, no worldly wealth can buy back the pleasures
of lost childhood.

2. Why does the poet say, ‘I would not intrude on him?’ Why doesn’t he offer him
money to buy another ball?
Ans: The speaker, a silent witness to all these decides not to intrude and hold back his own
reactions and responses to the situation. He decides not to try an alter any of the
outcomes by offering a dime to the boy and ask him to procure a replacement with the
same. The speaker considers that such a decision would be of no value and meaning to
the repair the feelings of loss and sorrow. Moreover, self-consolation, realization or
understanding is more effective and lasting when it is done by an external agency or a
person. The boy should know that with every liitle possession and achievements comes a
responsibility and the need to assure their secured vigilance.
3. What is the epistemology of loss in this world of possessions? How has the child
Ans: In the world where we stride, one should also be aware and accept the fact that losing
objects we are dearly attached to, will be quite regular and inevitable. Our prized
possessions will always be subjected to loss and seize. There will be no guarantee or
promise of their recovery by a replacement assured by someone else. No amount of

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 money can even bring back the happiness and contentment that we felt while being in
possession of our dear objects. . The boy no doubt has his eyes filled with despondency
but those little eyes also perceive the great lesson of life that he needs to learn through
that incident. It has its own philosophical bearings about knowledge gained and wisdom
achieved through an apparently insignificant incident of life. It is to accept life with its
share of both loss and gain, happiness and sorrow, enjoyment and responsibility,
despondency and courage in the face of all losses and gains.
4. Should the boy be allowed to grieve for his ball? If the loss is irreparable or
irretrievable, then how should one handle it? What lessons can be learnt?
Ans: According to the poet, the boy should be allowed to grieve for his ball. He had many
old memories associated with it since his childhood. Moreover, when a person is trying
to come over his grief on his own, then one should not intrude or disturb him as it may
break his chain of thoughts and may irritate him.
One should have self-consolation, and self -understanding in order to bear the loss. Self-
realization and understanding are more effective and lasting than when it is done by an
external agency or a person.
5. What is the message conveyed in the poem The Ball Poem?
Ans: The loss of his ball for the boy is teaching him that in life, we often lose things and they
cannot be easily replaced. Such lessons are a part of growing up, and everyone has to
learn them at some point in time or the other. However, it is painful for someone as a
witness to watch the a person in a sad state. He is sure that the ball, as well as the person
who whistles by the boy, feels the same way as he does.
Such tenderness of emotions is but natural, is what makes us human. However, life is
not always a smooth sail and one has to learn the lessons of life the hard way. Childhood
is the best time of our life which is rife with varying experiences about which a child
may not have any clue. So, it is the responsibility of maturity to guide, help and mentor
the child to a wholesome experience called life.

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 FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
Anne Frank
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Why was writing a diary a strange experience for Anne?
Ans: Writing a diary was a strange experience for Anne as she had never written one before.
She also felt that later on neither she nor anyone else would be interested in reading the
thoughts penned down by a thirteen-year old schoolgirl.
2. What prompted Anne to write a diary?
Ans: Anne was prompted to write a diary because she had no real friend to confide in. In spite
of having a loving family, parents and a sister, she felt lonely and couldn’t bring herself
to have a meaningful conversation with the friends that she had.
3. Why did Anne think she could confide more in her diary than in people?
Ans: Anne thought that she could confide more in her diary than in people because people
were more restless and disinterested and lacked the patience that paper had.
4. How was Anne’s diary different from the rest of the diaries?
Ans: Unlike most people, Anne did not want her diary to be a mere chronicle of facts. She
wanted to treat her diary as a friend, with whom she could share her intimate feelings
and experiences. Therefore, she also named her diary ‘Kitty’.
5. What tells you that Anne loved her grandmother?
Ans: Anne had spent her formative years with her grandmother, in Aachen, when her parents
migrated to Holland. She must have been close to her grandmother as she was often
reminded of her, after she passed away and still loved her a lot.
6. How did Anne get along with her teachers? What was different about Mr. Keesing?
Ans: Anne got along pretty well with all her teachers- seven men and two women.
However, it was Mr. Keesing, her old, fogey maths teacher, who was annoyed with her
for ages because she was talkative beyond control.
7. How did Mr Keesing punish Anne?
Ans: Even after several warnings, when Anne could not keep her habit of talking in check, Mr
Keesing punished her by assigning extra homework to her. He asked her to write an
essay on ‘A Chatterbox’.
8. How did Anne justify her habit of talking in her first essay ‘A Chatterbox’?
Ans: Through her essay, Anne thought of coming up with convincing arguments to prove the
necessity of talking. She argued that talking was a student’s essential trait and she would
try her best to keep it under control. However, it was impossible for her to get rid of it
completely as it was a trait, she had inherited from her mother and there was very little
one could do about inherited traits.
9. What was the last essay assigned to Anne? How did she write it?
Ans: The last essay assigned to Anne was entitled ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress
Chatterbox’.
By now, Anne had exhausted her ingenuity on the topic of chatterboxes. So, she decided
to take help from her friend, Sanne, who was good at poetry. Sanne helped Anne to
write an essay from beginning to end, in verse.

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10. What did Anne write in her third essay?
Ans: Anne’s third essay entitled ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox’ was about
a mother duck and a father swan with three baby ducklings who were bitten to death by
the father because they quacked too much. The essay was intended to mock Mr Keesing,
who kept punishing Anne for her talkative nature.
11. What was Mr. Keesing’s reaction?
Ans: Instead of getting offended, Mr Keesing took the joke in the right spirit. He read the
poem to the class, adding his own comments. He also allowed Anne to talk and stopped
assigning extra homework to her.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. From the diary of Anne Frank’ throws light on teacher-student relationship, class
atmosphere and discipline. Write a paragraph on the values of these aspects of
school and how far these values are necessary for learning and life.
Ans: “The Diary of Anne Frank” clearly describes the teacher-student relationship, class
atmosphere and discipline. Anne was so attached to Mrs Kuperus, the headmistress in
the sixth form, that she was in tears when she had to leave school. At school, she got
along with all her teachers, except Mr. Keesing, the math teacher. However, she does
not disrespect him. Anne who talked a lot in the class was punished by Mr Keesing.
Instead of giving her a physical punishment, he asked her to write essays which was a
learning in disguise. The teacher-student relationship shared by Anne and Mr. Keesing is
exemplary. It throws light on the various modes of making a student learn. It also
highlights that discipline and classroom manners are to be followed by every student to
ensure smooth functioning of the classroom. Later, Mr. Keesing joked with Anne, which
further throws light on a healthy student-teacher relationship that is essential for a
comfortable learning environment.
2. Do you agree that Anne Frank was far more intelligent, mature and witty than her
age? Give a reasoned answer.
Ans: There is no doubt that Anne Frank was mature and intelligent beyond her [Link] a very
early age she understood the need of having a real friend. She was sensitive enough to
understand the difference between a real friend and the so-called crowd of friends. She
wanted to write her feelings in a diary because she knew that paper had more patience
than people. She couldn’t confide in anybody and everybody. Only ‘Kitty’, her diary
was her true friend. Her diary didn’t describe facts and figures. In fact, it opened out her
suppressed self. The highly emotional Anne could be witty and practical too. She knew
how to defeat people in their own games. The argument she gave in favour of talking in
her first essay spoke volumes of her practical wit. Mr Keesing who wanted to play a
joke on Anne by giving her to write on a ridiculous subject was paid in the same coin.
Luckily, Mr Keesing understood the message in the right way. Her writing transformed
him. He allowed her to talk and stopped troubling her by assigning any extra work.

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 AMANDA !
Robert Klein
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. What idea of Amanda do you form from the poem ?
Ans: Amanda is probably a school-going teen. She is constantly nagged by her mother for
something or the other and is expected to follow a set of instructions. However, she does
not like too many instructions and instead of listening to her mother attentively, she
starts day-dreaming.
2. What three things does the speaker asks Amanda to do which she has not done?
Ans: The speaker asked Amanda if she had finished her homework. She is further asked if she
had cleaned her room or not. Finally, the speaker finds that the shoes, which were to be
cleanes, were lying dirty.
3. What are the various things that Amanda is asked not to do?
Ans: Amanda is asked not to bite her nails and hunch her shoulders. She is asked to sit
straight and not to slouch her posture. She is forbidden to eat chocolates lest she should
get acne and finally she is asked not to sulk.
4. What are the various things Amanda imagines herself to be?
Ans: Amanda imagines herself to be a mermaid, drifting blissfully in emerald sea, an orphan,
roaming the street and finally as Rapunzel in a tower.
5. Why does Amanda dream to be an orphan?
Ans: Amanda imagines herself to be an orphan because she is fed up of being watched by her
parents continuously. She feels an orphan leads a carefree life and is not expected to
conform to instructions. As an orphan she could enjoy her freedom, by making the
patterns of her bare feet on the sand and would live a peaceful life.
6. In her day-dreaming, Amanda reaches the sea. What does she imagine herself to be?
Ans: Amanda imagines herself to be a mermaid the sole inhabitant of the beautiful green sea.
She finds the sea relaxed and peaceful and fancies herself drifting on the waves
blissfully.
7. Why is Amanda forbidden to eat chocolate? How does Amanda behave when she is
addressed by the speaker?
Ans: Amanda is forbidden to eat chocolates because it might cause her to have pimples once gain.
Amanda listens to the speaker indifferently, without looking up even once.
8. Throughout the poem, Amanda is seen drifting into an imaginary world. What
does this tell us about her state of mind ?
Ans: Amanda imagines herself to be a mermaid, an orphan and Rapunzel, to escape from the
perpetual nagging of her mother. Amanda feels suffocated in the real world and
withdraws to an imaginary world which is far from the world of harsh realities. She
finds peace in her make-belief world, devoid of all restraints
9. How will Amanda be different from the Rapunzel of fairy tales?
Ans: Amanda dreams to be Rapunzel, living peacefully in the huge tower without any care.
However, she would never make the mistake of letting down her beautiful, long hair for
a prince. She probably doesn’t want to leave the peaceful atmosphere of the castle.

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10. What does the speaker tell Amanda in the end? Why ?
Ans: On seeing Amanda sulking, the speaker rebukes her for being moody and sulking all the
time because she doesn’t want anyone to blame her for harassing her daughter. She is
afraid that people would think her of a nagging parent.
11. Comment on the tone of the speaker when she says ‘Will you please look at me
when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!’.
Ans: The tone was that of being exasperated, irritated , frustrated or annoyed. The Illustration
with an exclamation mark is suggestive of the inherent emotion that the speaker has towards
Amanda as Amanda decides to avoid or pay no attention to what is being said to her.
II. Long-answer Questions:-
1. Is Amanda’s attitude that of a typical teenage? What lessons can parents learn
from this poem?
Ans: Amanda by Robin Klein depicts the state of a little girl’s mind who is constantly
instructed about the do’s and dont’s by her elders Amanda’s attitude is typical of a
teenager. Like every other teenager, Amanda feels that her freedom is curtailed, and her
life is controlled by her parents, who perpetually instruct her to conform to a particular
way of life. She wants freedom from all the restrictions and yearns to lead a carefree life.
Teenagers can be rebellious and apparently hot-headed with a highly independent
perspective. In such circumstances, yelling at them and nagging them, as done in the
poem with Amanda, will only make matters worse. Forcing decisions on them only
make them more detached as we see in Amanda’s case, where she wishes to be loved as
a mermaid, an orphan or the lonely Rapunzel.
2. Bringing up teenagers can be both a challenge and fun. How far do you agree?
Express your views with reference to Amanda’s life.
Ans: Bringing up teenagers is truly challenging and fun. Parents, to make their child
acceptable in society, end up curtailing their freedom and stifle their imagination. Girls,
who are expected to be the epitome of elegance, are burdened with restrictions and the
pressure of making oneself presentable to the society triumphs over every other behavior
and manners. In such a case, teenagers can become rebellious and might start leading a
life of seclusion. Amanda, who is perpetually nagged by her mother for behaving in a
particular fashion, becomes aloof and detached to everything. She acquires the attitude
of an escapist and starts sulking. Therefore, it is very important that parents give
freedom, space and choice to their children. This challenging task can easily be tackled
by being their friend and confidante.
3. Why does Amanda escape into the dreamy world of mermaids, fairies and
orphans? Does she find any solace there?
Ans: Amanda is a teenager. Like all teenagers, she loves freedom. She wants to lead her own kind
of life. She doesn’t want to be an overprotected child. Nor does she want her parents to control
and guide her activities. Her mother’s constant nagging leads her away from her. She creates a
world of her own. Amanda imagines herself to be a mermaid, an orphan and Rapunzel, to
escape from the perpetual nagging of her mother. Amanda feels suffocated in the real world
and withdraws to an imaginary world which is far from the world of harsh realities. She finds
peace in her make-believe world, devoid of all restraints. There she finds solace as she can
wander in a lonely island blissfully like a mermaid. She can enjoy freedom, roaming around
the streets like an orphan. She craves to live in a lonely tower leading a peaceful life like
Rapunzel. She avoids her mother as she doesn’t like her constant nagging. She even doesn’t
look at her while she is speaking to her.

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4. Read the following quotes about certain traits of children and teenagers as they
grow up:

I II

With reference to the poem Amanda, write if the above two quotes help to sum up
the messages given by the poet.

Ans:

Value points:

 Amanda was constantly refusing to be controlled. She has forces in her life—
parental, societal and certain psychological that tried to curtail her freedom. She
was constantly instructed to do or follow something or the other like not bite her
nails, to complete her homework etc.
Amanda, however, protests and turns a rebel but not with any vehemence- She is
more of an explorer and drifts away into some realms of make-belief like be
lonely like a mermaid drifting across lone sea or be an orphan roaming the street.
However, according to the second quote it is also imperative that adults of the
family and the elders of the society always take steps to monitor and guide
children--- they however grow up and never learn the importance of self- control
and good habits
There must be a balance between monitoring and allowances—treating too
harshly leads to such rebelliousness in a character while on the other hand too
much of indulgences leads to a sense of obstinacy

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 GLIMPSES OF INDIA
Lucio Rodrigues
Lokesh Abrol
Arup Kumar Datta
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
Ans: The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and
their famous loaves of bread.
2. How do we get to know that the makers of bread still exist?
Ans: The narrator states that people might have lost interest in eating bread but the profession
still thrives. We can still find the mixers, the moulders and the bakers amongst us. The
fire in the age-old, time-tested furnaces is still ablaze and the legacy of bread-making is
still being carried forward by the baker’s son.
3. What are bakers called in Goa? What announces their arrival?
Ans: Bakers are known as ‘pader’ in Goa.
The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo staff, announces his arrival in the
morning.
4. When would the baker come every day?
Ans: The baker came at least twice every day---once when he set out in the morning on his
selling round an then again, when he returned after emptying his huge basket.
5. Why did the children run to meet the baker?
Ans: As soon as the children heard the jingling thud of the baker’s bamboo, they ran to meet
him not because of their love for the loaf, which was bought by the maid-servant of the
house; they actually longed for the bread-bangles, which they could choose carefully.
6. How did the bakers attire change when the narrator was a child?
Ans: During the Portuguese days, the baker wore a peculiar dress known as ‘kabai’.It was a
single piece long frock that reached down to the knees. However, when the narrator was
a child, the bakers were seen wearing a shirt and trousers, which were shorter than full
length ones and longer than half-pants.
7. How can you say that bread is an important part of Goan life?
Ans: Bread is an important part of Goan life as it is not only used as a commodity of daily
use but is also a part of important occasions like marriages, engagements and festivals.
No such occasion is complete without a special preparation, made from bread.
8. How can you say that the baker’s family never starved?
Ans: The baker’s family never starved because he, his family and his servants always bore a
happy and content look. Their physique, which was plump and healthy, also testified to
their prosperity.
9. Where is Coorg located ?
Ans: Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka located midway between Mysore and the
coastal town of Mangalore.
10. Which is the ideal period for visiting Coorg? Why ?
Ans: The ideal period for visiting Coorg is from September to March because the weather is
perfect with some showers thrown in for good measure.

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11. Which legend is famous about the descent of the Kodavu ?
Ans: According to popular legend, the Kodavus are of Greek or Arabic descent. It is said that
Alexander’s army moved and settled in Coorg. Their costume, martial practices and
marriage rituals also point to the fact that they are from Arabic origin.
12. What do you know about the people of Coorg ?
Ans: The people of Coorg are fiercely independent and possibly of Greek or Arabic descent.
They are a proud race of martial men and beautiful women known for their hospitality.
They love recounting tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. Kodavus are the
only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.
13. How has the Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery been recognized in modern
India ?
Ans: The Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery has been recognized by awarding the
Coorgi regiment with the greatest number of gallantry awards. In addition to this,
Coorgis are the only Indians allowed to carry firearms without a license.
14. Describe the wildlife of Coorg.
Ans: The wildlife of Coorg consists of animals like macaques, langurs, squirrels and
elephants. Birds like kingfishers could be seen diving for their catch while elephants
enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts.
15. What does Coorg have to offer to the adventurous?
Ans: For those who seek adventure, Coorg offers adventure sports like rafting, canoeing,
rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. There are also walking trails for those
who love trekking.
16. Name any two tourist places of Coorg.
Ans: Brahmagiri hills and the sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama are the two famous
tourist places of Coorg.
17. Where were Rajiv and Pranjol going to ?
Ans: Rajvir and Pranjol were going to Assam as Pranjol had invited Rajvir to spend his
summer vacation there. Pranjol’s father was a manager of a tea-garden in upper Assam.
So, he wanted Rajvir to visit the tea gardens and learn about the history of tea.
18. What excited Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share his excitement?
Ans: The sight of a tea garden excited Rajvir as he had never seen one before. However,
Pranjol did not share his excitement as he had been born and brought up on a tea
plantation.
19. ‘This is a tea country now.’ Explain this with reference to Assam.
Ans: Assam has been called a tea country as it has the largest concentration of tea plantations
in the world. A large number of tea gardens can be found there and a sea of tea bushes
meets the eye everywhere. Besides, most of the tea grown in Assam is supplied all over
the world.
20. Which tea estate did Rajvir visit? What did he see there?
Ans: Rajvir visited the Dhekiabari Tea Estate, where Pranjol’s father was the manager.
He could see acres of neatly pruned tea bushes on either side of the gravel-road. Groups
of tea-pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their backs, wearing plastic aprons could be
seen plucking the newly sprouted leaves

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II. Long-answer questions:-
1. After reading the story ‘A Baker from Goa”, do you think our traditions, heritage,
values and practices are the roots that nourish us? Why/ why not?
Ans: ‘A Baker from Goa’ beautifully depicts the tradition of bread making in Goa and its
impact on the lives of the Goan people. The legacy of bread making continues even
today and the elders are heard reminiscing the good old Portuguese days and their loaves
of bread. The existence of the mixers, the moulders and the bakers are witness to the
tradition that existed long ago and continues till date. Even today bread is an integral
item in marriages and festivals. Marriages are meaningless without the sweet bread
known as the bol and a party or a feast loses its charm without bread.
Traditions, heritage, values and practices are definitely the roots that nourish us. They
remind us of our glorious past and help us shape our personality. Traditions link us to
the past while allowing us to evolve as a person. They impact our behavioral pattern
towards people in general and society as a whole.
2. How do Coorg’s location, people and natural features add to the diversity of India?
Ans: Coorg is beautifully located midway between Mysore and the coastal town of
Mangalore. It is described as a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom
of God. It has rolling hillsides with a pollution free river and forests teeming with
wildlife. Here nature exists in its pristine glory, which adds to the diversity of India.
Further, it has evergreen forests, coffee and spice plantations, quite different from the
rest of India. The local people, the Kodavus, are a martial race possibly of Greek or
Arabic descent. Their marriages and religious rites make them distinct from the Hindu
mainstream. The traditional dress worn by the Kodavus, resembles the kuffia worn by
the Arabs and the [Link] are well known for their hospitality, just like all Indians.
All these features of Coorg add to the diversity of our country.
3. It seems that Rajvir had done a lot of homework regarding tea and its history. Do
you support Pranjol’s father’s statement that he gave about Rajvir’s knowledge in
this regard?
Ans: Rajvir had never visited a tea estate ever before in his life but seemed to have done a lot
of homework and reading about tea and tea plantations before coming to Assam. His
visit to Dhekiabari Tea Estate was at the invitation of his classmate, Pranjol whose
father managed the estate. He told Pranjol that tea is one of the most popular beverages
in the world and more than eighty crores of cups of tea is drunk every day throughout
the world. When he saw an ugly building with smoke billowing out of its tall buildings,
he at once recognized it as a tea garden. He narrated different legends regarding the
discovery of tea leaves. It was Rajvir who narrated the legends describing how tea
leaves were discovered in India and China. Rajvir impressed and surprised Pranjol’s
father about his deep knowledge of tea-leaves. When he saw a tractor pulling a trailer
load of tea leaves he recognized that it was the second-flush or sprouting period. He also
knew that it continues from May and to July and yields the best tea. Thus, Pranjol’s
father was right in commenting that Rajvir had done his homework before coming to
Assam.

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4. Based on your reading of the chapter, ‘Glimpses of India’, write a diary entry
expressing your eagerness waiting for the pader imagining yourself to be the
author’s childhood companion, Irene.
Name of a Place
Saturday
27th June 2023
10.30 pm
Dear Diary
I awoke hearing the jingling thud of the pader’s bamboo and rushed to meet and greet
him. As I was moving, I saw my brother and cousin also eagerly moving in the same
direction to meet him.
It is no wonder because the pader was our friend, companion and guide. He visited every
home twice, when he went for his selling rounds and when he returned after emptying
his huge basket. But we children eagerly awaited his arrival in the morning. That was
because we were eager to have his bread-bangles.
When we children, in our eagerness to peep into the basket, climbed the parapet or
bench, we would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke. But still, we would stay and peep,
looking into the basket greedily. We chose our bread- bangles very carefully. Sometimes
it was for the demand of a sweet bread of special make. We did not even care to brush
our teeth or wash our mouths because of the eagerness to eat the bread-bangles.
Irene
5. Pranjol and Rajvir discuss their next vacation destination. They shortlist Coorg
and Goa. Rajvir is keen on Coorg and tries to convince Pranjol. Develop a
conversation between the two, based on your understanding of Glimpses of India.
Ans: Rajvir: Hey Pranjol! I think we should be visiting Coorg. It is a beautiful place with
coffee plantations. I can smell the aroma already!
Pranjol: I gave you the opportunity to explore a tea plantation last year, in Assam; I
want to…
Rajvir: There is a lot more to do in Coorg than smelling the coffee! The place has
rainforests, so the megafauna will be worth watching. Not just this, Coorg
provides opportunities to indulge in adventure sports like river rafting,
rappelling, mountain biking, to name a few
Pranjol: That sounds interesting, but I would prefer some serene moments too, away
from this post-pandemic hustle-bustle.
Rajvir: Oh! The answer is Coorg again!
Pranjol: Oh, come on! You can’t be serious…
Rajvir: Believe me, I am. Coorg is the place. It has beautiful natural walking trails
and the Brahmagiri hills offer a panoramic view. I read that the place has the
largest Tibetan settlement, so the environment will reflect peace and
spirituality, I’m sure.
Pranjol: Have to say, you’ve presented a fine case in favour of Coorg and convinced
me. Let’s plan to leave for Coorg next Wednesday!

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 THE TREES
Adrienne Rich
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. What is the central idea of the poem ‘The Trees’?
Ans: The trees represent the freedom movement of the trees from an artificial confine to the
life of freedom. This is symbolic of certain types of people being left in the dark for too
long not knowing their true identities and where they belong. It is a movement symbolic
of the destruction of the old, limiting conventions and stereotyping and a realizing one’s
true worth and value. The trees represent nature but also the nature of being -
womanhood. Womanhood being subjected to certain limitations and injustice in the
confines of domesticity now engages itself to freedom
2. Why is the description of the moon different in the beginning and at the end of the
third stanza?
Ans: The speaker had the experiences of the complete contentment in realizing what changes
are happening. Thus, there is a mention of the ‘whole’ moon shining, a message of
wholesomeness, initially. Then the imagery that moon, the symbol of femininity,
emotion and physical change, breaks like a mirror. It could be another symbol of the
reflected former self that strode across a world where there was no liberty.
3. Justify the revolt of the trees.
Ans: The trees or the beings, more specifically the lot of the women inside the house to a life
of domination or confined to domesticity get suffocated as they grow. They try to free
themselves and move to a life of emancipation. They are justified in their revolt. This is
symbolic of certain types of people being left in the dark for too long not knowing their
true identities and where they belong. So, the movement was justified.
4. How does the poetess describe the night? How does she feel?
Ans: It is night-time. The night is fresh. In the open sky, the full moon is shining. The poetess
feels the smell of leaves and lichen reaching inside the room. Her head is full of
whispers. But she thinks that the next day these whispers will be silent.
5. Why does the poetess use the metaphor of newly discharged patients?
Ans: A patient feels depressed in a hospital. As soon as he recovers, he is eager to leave the
hospital. He rushes towards the clinic doors. In the same way, the plants in the pots feel
suffocated. They are deprived of adequate light. So they stretch themselves towards the
glass door, in the hope of finding the light.
6. Why are the trees moving out into the forest?
Ans: In the poem, the trees are presented as a metaphor for human beings. As humans value
freedom, nature can’t be subdued and controlled by man. The trees have been brought to
the artificial glasshouses. The natural habitat of trees in the forest. Therefore, after a long
and hard struggle, they are coming out of the artificial barriers. They are marching
victoriously towards the forest which is their original habitat.
7. Why doesn’t the poetess make any mention of the struggle waged by the trees to
free themselves to move towards the forest in her long letters?
Ans: The poetess is sitting inside her room writing long letters. She is witnessing what is
going on in her house. The struggle of the leaves, twigs, boughs and roots of the trees to
free themselves takes place in her presence. However, she ignores such a historical
event. Perhaps she is shocked and embarrassed by the sudden and unexpected
happenings.

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8. Why is the full moon broken to pieces like a mirror in the last lines of the poem?
Ans: Previously it was a peaceful night hiding the struggle that was going on silently. The
moon was full. But now the full grown-up trees like oaks with their boughs spreading
out all around have obstructed the sight of the moon. The full moon is fragmented and
partly visible only through the top boughs and leaves of a huge oak tree.
9. What are the whispers that fill the head of the poet?
Ans: The head of the poetess is full of whispers. These are the whispers of the silent struggle
that is going on in her house. The trees have been waging a heroic struggle to free
themselves from the bondage of man. They are moving to their original home — the
forest. The poetess is a witness to all that is happening in the house.
10. Why are the trees moving out into the forest?
Ans: In the poem, the trees are presented as a metaphor for human beings. As humans value
freedom, nature can’t be subdued and controlled by man. The trees have been brought to
the artificial glasshouses. The natural habitat of trees in the forest. Therefore, after a long
and hard struggle, they are coming out of the artificial barriers. They are marching
victoriously towards the forest which is their original habitat.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. What message does Adrienne Rich want to convey through her poem, The Trees’?
Ans: In her poem, ‘The Trees’ poetess Adrienne Rich subtly drives home the message about
the importance of trees. Without trees, the birds would not in a place to sit, insects will
have no place to hide and the sun would not bury its feet in shadow. As saplings, we
enjoy the beauty of plants as they adorn the surroundings. But slowly the tree spreads its
roots, its branches and leaves and seems to yearn to go outside where it can live and
grow without any restrictions No more does the tree look attractive indoors. The trees
are however welcomed into nature by strong winds and the moon. The author hereby
emphasizes that trees need to be kept alive, but should not be ‘imprisoned’ inside the
house as they look more beautiful, and tend to thrive outdoors that is where trees belong.
2. How does Adrienne Rich use trees as a metaphor for the oppressed communities?
Isn’t the struggle of the trees to free themselves and go to the forest is the struggle
of crushed men and women, particularly of women against the powerful and
atrocious men?
Ans: The poet Adrienne Rich uses trees as a metaphor for oppressed communities,
particularly struggling women. Nature, itself is represented by trees and forests in the
poem. Man’s foolish and atrocious attempts to exploit, subdue, tame and control nature
have led to disastrous results like deforestation. Forests have become empty. The futile
attempt of humans to put trees and forests in the artificial glasshouses fails miserably.
The trees, their roots, leaves, twigs and boughs wage a long and hard struggle to come
out of the artificial barriers. Ultimately, the trees and forests reach where they should be.
The victorious march of the trees to the forest tells the saga of nature’s victory over the
onslaughts of man.
The liberation of the oppressed communities and the women is based on the same
theme. In a male-dominated society, women are struggling to come out of the clutches
of men to gain freedom. It is hoped that like the trees in the poem, they will be liberated
in the end.

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3. The poem ‘The Trees’ present a conflict between man and nature. Describe the
struggle of the trees and their victorious march to their natural habitat—the forest.
Ans: The poem ‘The Trees’ is based on the universal and age-long theme — the conflict
between man and nature. Nature has endowed in numerous blessings on man. However,
the greed, arrogance and foolishness of man have constantly tested the patience of
otherwise peaceful nature. When nature can’t bear any more, it revolts and causes havoc
on man in the form of storms, droughts, and floods. Man’s greed leads to deforestation.
Forests without frees have become a curse for birds, insects and even for the sun. This
disaster can’t be redeemed.
Any attempt to subdue and control nature will end in failure. Uprooting trees from their
original habitat, the forests and confining them to artificial glasshouses will end in
failure. The trees rise against the onslaughts of men and wage a long and hard struggle
to liberate themselves from the bondage of man. Ultimately, they are victorious. They
return to their original home where they should be. Ultimately, nature asserts itself and
repulses man’s attempt to exploit, subdue and tame it.
4. Chimamanda Adichie, a Nigerian novelist in her essay “We should all be
Feminists” claimed equal rights for [Link] the poem “The Trees” also, the poet
presents the theme of feminism with subtle references. Comment
Ans: Women have played stereotypical roles from time immemorial. Their lives are destined
for the kitchens and their only responsibility is to produce progenies. They play the role
of a doll in the doll’s house. “The Trees”, a symbolic poem that focuses on the
movement of trees that are initially indoors but seeking to escape to freedom in the
forest. Adrienne Rich through her poems depicts the life women of in a patriarchal
society, their restrictions and their fight for survival. Trees are symbolic of women who
had been kept slaves for centuries. The house is the society that kept women its captive.
“the forest that was empty all these nights/ will be full of trees by morning”. The poet sat
at her desk writing long letters. But she does not mention about the trees and their
preparation to go out of the house because she is willing to free them. In the final stanza
the speaker grabs the attention of the reader. Glass is breaking, a symbol that this
transformation is serious and eternal. The moon, symbol of womanliness and feeling,
breaks like a mirror and the fragmented image lights up an Oak, the strongest of trees.
However, this movement of Feminism is a word used not to overpower men but to
equal men in all respects.

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 MIJBIL THE OTTER
Gavin Maxwell
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. What happened when Maxwell opened the box on the plane?
Ans: Mijbil was out of the box in a flash. He disappeared at high speed down the aircraft.
There were squawks and shrieks, and a woman stood up on her seat screaming out that
there was a rat. The narrator caught sight of Mij’s tail disappearing beneath the legs of a
portly white turbaned Indian. He dived and missed it, but found his face covered in
curry.
2. What were those compulsive habits developed by Mijbil on his walks in London?
Ans: Mijbil quickly developed certain compulsive habits on the walks in the London streets,
like the rituals of children who on their way to and from school must place their feet
squarely on the centre of each paving block; must touch every seventh upright of the
iron railings, or pass to the outside of every second lamp post.
3. How was Mijbil transported from Basra to London?
Ans: It was a difficult job for Maxwell to be transported from Basra to London. The British
airline wouldn’t fly animals. He booked a flight to Paris on another airline. Mijbil was
put into a small box an hour before so that he would become accustomed to it.
4. What were the wild guesses that the average Londoners made in recognising
Mijbil?
Ans The narrator faced a continuous barrage of conjectural questions that guessed all the
Mustellines but the otter. More random guesses hit on ‘a baby seal’ and ‘a squirrel’,
even a walrus and outside a dog show he heard ‘a hippo’. Some also guessed that it was
a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard — one, apparently, that had changed its spots — and also
a ‘brontosaur’.Mijbil was anything but an otter.
5. How did Mijbil enjoy himself in the water ?
Ans: The narrator made a body-belt for Mijbil and took him on a lead to the bathroom, where
for half an hour he went wild with joy in the water, plunging and rolling in it, shooting
up and down the length of the bathtub underwater, and making enough slosh and splash
for a hippo.
6. What did Mijbil do to the box in which he was kept before taking the flight?
Ans: The box was lined with metal sheet. Mij didn’t find it comfortable to be there so tried to
escape. In its attempt to escape, Mij tore into the metal lining of the box. As a result, it
hurt itself and started bleeding.
7. What group of animals do otters belong to?
Ans: Otters belong to a comparatively small group of animals called Mustellines, shared by
the badger, mongoose, weasel, stoat, mink and others.
8. Why does the narrator go to Basra? How long does he wait there, and why?
Ans: Maxwell went to Basra to visit the Consulate General to get his mail. He had to wait
there for five days. On the first day the line was out of order; on the second the exchange
was closed for a religious holiday. On the third day there was another breakdown. His
friend had left, and he had to arrange to meet him in a week’s time. Five days later, his
mail arrived.

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9. How did Mijbil behave in the beginning? Did some change come in the otter
afterwards?
Ans: During the first 24 hours, Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly. He was simply aloof
and indifferent. He chose to sleep on the floor far away from Maxwell’s bed. However, a
change came in Mijbil afterwards. He started taking a keen interest in his surroundings.
He went to Maxwell’s bed on the second day and remained asleep in it and started losing
his apathy.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Describe the relationship between the otter and Maxwell in your own words.
Ans: Maxwell and the otter Mijbil shared a lovely relationship. Maxwell treated Mij like his
own son. He took very good care of him. He gave him many toys including marbles,
rubber bands, rubber fruits and a terrapin shell to play with. He took him to the bathtub
to play in the water knowing the fascination of otters with water. He noticed his habits
and traits. Mijbil hesitated on the first day but then became very friendly. Maxwell
encouraged Mijbil to do whatever he liked to do. He took him out for exercise every
day. When Maxwell saw blood on the box in which Mij was packed, he was horrified.
When Mij came out of the box he jumped all over but then came and sat on Maxwell’s
knees quietly.
2. When did the author decide to have an otter as a pet? How did he get an otter?
Ans: The author had a pet dog. Jonnie. When Jonnie died, his life without a pet was lonely. In
1956 he went to Southern Iraq. He had decided by then that he would keep an otter as a
pet instead of a dog. His home in Scotland had much water around it. So, it would be
suitable for an otter. The author shared this idea with a friend. He supported the idea and
suggested that he should take an otter from the Tigris marshes. He said that otters were
in plenty at that place. One day, the author found two Arabs in his room. They had
brought a sack with them. In the sack, there was an otter. They said that it was for him.
3. Describe the author’s experience with the otter in the aircraft.
Ans: When the author reached the airport, the aircraft was waiting to take off. He rushed in. He
covered the place new his seat with newspaper. He gave the parcel of fish to the air hostess for
the otter. She cooperated with the author and advised him to keep the pet on his knee. But
soon Mij was out of the box. He disappeared very soon. Suddenly, there was chaos in the
plane. There were squawks and shrieks all around. A woman cried, “A rat, a rat!” The author
saw the otter beneath the legs of an Indian. When he tried to catch the otter, His face got
covered in curry. The air hostess assured him that she would find the otter. The author
returned to his seat. After some time, the otter came to him and sat in his lap.
4. How did Mijbil as an otter show his characteristic love for water?
Ans: When the narrator had made a body-belt for Mijbil and had taken him on a lead to the
bathroom, for half an hour he went wild with joy in the water, plunging and rolling in it,
shooting up and down the length of the bathtub underwater, and making enough slosh
and splash for a hippo. Every drop of water had been precious for him, and so to speak,
extended and spread about the place; a bowl must at once be overturned, or, if it would
not be overturned, he sat in and sploshed in until it overflowed. Water had to be kept on
the move and made to do things; when static it is wasted and provoking. Once he was up
on the end of the bathtub and fumbling at the chromium taps with his paws. I watched,
amazed; in less than a minute he had turned the tap far enough to produce a trickle of
water, and after a moment or two achieved the full flow.

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5. Why was the narrator so pleased with the airhostess during his flight?
Ans: As the narrator boarded the flight with an unusual companion, an otter. He covered the
floor around his feet with newspapers, rang for the air hostess, and gave her a parcel of
fish for Mijbil to keep in a cool place. He took her into his confidence about the events
he had experienced in the previous half hour. This led to the most profound admiration
for that air hostess; she was the very queen of her kind. She suggested that he might
prefer to have his pet on his knee, and the narrator could have kissed her hand out of the
depth of gratitude. But, not knowing otters, I was quite unprepared for what followed.
Later when Mijbil ran about in the aircraft causing much annoyance to all the
airhostesses again came to help him saying that it would be better if he resumed his seat,
and she would find the animal and bring it to him. Thus, the narrator was so pleased
with the airhostess during his flight.

FOG
Carl Sandburg
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. What does the poet compare the fog to? Suggest three things which emphasise the
comparison.
Ans: The poet compares the fog to a cat. Like the fog, the cat comes slowly and silently. The
fog spreads over harbour and city, the cat sits on its haunches and looks all around,
watching over the open vista. Similarly, the fog spreads over harbour and city, engulfs
them under its fold and after some time, moves away as silently as it had arrived.
2. Is the comparison between the fog and a cat appropriate? How does the poet do so,
using double imagery?
Ans: The poetic device of metaphor is very effectively used in the poem. The fog is converted
into a cat and the cat is morphed back into the fog. The silent arrival of the fog is like a
little cat. The fog stays there sitting like the cat on its haunches.
3. How does Carl Sandburg present nature in the poem, “Fog”?
Ans: The poet presents nature in its raw and natural state. It appears that the fog came from
nowhere and we don’t know where it disappears, just like the arrival and departure of a
cat. Though the movement is sudden and silent, yet the effects are overwhelming. It
manages to engulf everything – city and harbour, in its all-embracing fold. Fog is as
unpredictable as nature, but its arrival and departure are inevitable.
4. What poetic device does the poet employ when he compares the fog to a cat? What
are the similarities between a cat and the fog?
Ans: The poet uses a metaphor to compare the fog to a cat. It is a dual image that changes and
merges again in the original. The fog changes into a cat and the cat changes into the fog.
Both come silently unseen and suddenly. Both engulf everything underneath them. The
fog engulfs everything, the harbour, and the city in its fold. The fog sits silently as a cat
sits on its haunches. Then it disappears and moves ahead.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. What metaphor has the poet used in the poem ‘Fog’? Do you think it is
appropriate?
Ans: In the poem Fog, Carl Sandburg has metaphorically compared the fog to a cat. It is
strange for the poet to be comparing a phenomenon to a living creature. The poet wants
to emphasize the silent and mysterious nature of the fog and a cat. A cat does not make
any sound when it walks; fog covers the open spaces silently. Their presence is

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 apparent: the fog reduces visibility and creates a hazy atmosphere. The way it spreads
unpredictably is akin to a cat sitting on its haunches, may continue sitting or may spring
forward. Like a cat, the fog is a silent spectator of the goings-on across the harbour and
the city. Both come and go stealthily; both make an impression and make their presence
felt but remain silent. The purpose of their arrival and departure remains a mystery.
2. How does the poet describe the arrival, stay and departure of the fog using the
image of the metaphorical cat?
Ans: The poet employs a double image. The fog is converted into a cat and the cat morphs
back into the fog. The arrival of the fog is silent and sudden. It comes as if from
nowhere. Its arrival is like a small cat. It sits and stays for a while. It engulfs everything
in its all-embracing fold. It spreads its fold everywhere from the harbour to the city. It
sits silently as a cat sits on its haunches. The fog stays but not for long. A cat never stays
at one place for a long time. So, the fog moves ahead no one knows where. Carl
Sandburg describes the raw aspect of nature, the all-embracing and prevailing fog. Its
silent power is felt everywhere from the harbour to the city.

MADAM RIDES THE BUS

Vallikkannan
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Give examples from the text to show that Valli was a meticulous planner.
Ans: Valli was a meticulous planner. Over many days and months Valli listened carefully to
conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus, and she
also asked a few discreet questions here and there. This way she picked up various small
details about the bus journey. She also planned about the timings of the bus as to when
she should leave the village and come back on time.
2. What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
Ans: Valli’s favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what
was happening in the street outside. Watching the street gave her many unusual new
experiences. There were no playmates of her own age on her street, and this was about
all she had to do.
3. What details did Valli pick up about the bus journey before when she was planning
a trip by the bus? What was her plan to reach the town and back?
Ans: Valli gathered all the necessary details about the bus journey. She found that the town
was six miles from her village and the fare was thirty paise one way.
Valli calculated that the trip to the town took forty-five minutes. On reaching town, if
she stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise, she could return home on the same
bus. This meant that she could take the one-o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town at one
forty-five, and be back home by about two forty-five...
4. Give two reasons why Valli found the elderly woman on the bus, repulsive.
Ans: Valli found the elderly woman repulsive because she had such big holes in her ear lobes,
and ugly earrings in them. Moreover, she could smell the betel nut the woman was
chewing and see the betel juice that was threatening to spill over her lips at any moment.
She thought no one could be sociable with such a person.

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5. Write down the conductor’s advice to Valli on her first trip when she was standing
up to watch the scenery outside?
Ans: As Valli stood up to enjoy the scenery outside, the conductor asked Valli just to sit back
and make herself comfortable. He said that she need not stand when she had paid for a
seat. Moreover, he said if she stood on the seat she might fall and hurt herself when the
bus made a sharp turn or hit a bump.
6. How does the narrator describe the appearance of the bus in which Valli took a
ride?
Ans: The narrator describes the bus as a new one. Its outside was painted a gleaming white
with some green stripes along the sides. Inside, the overhead bars shone like silver.
Above the windshield, there was a beautiful clock. The seats were soft and luxurious.
7. Why was Valli overcome with shyness and avoided everyone’s eyes? How did she
respond?
Ans: When Valli boarded the bus it was the slack time of day, and there were only six or
seven passengers on the bus. They were all looking at Valli and laughing with the
conductor. So Valli was overcome with shyness. Avoiding everyone’s eyes, she walked
quickly to an empty seat and sat down.
8. Why didn’t Valli get off the bus when the bus stopped at the town?
Ans: Valli wanted to enjoy the bus ride and have a novel experience. It was the ride that
mattered to her. Valli told that she was going back on the same bus back to her village
and for which she paid another thirty coins to the conductor and asked for the ticket. She
also told the conductor that she would be much too afraid to get down the bus and have a
look around at the sights, all alone.
9. What dampened Valli’s enthusiasm during the return journey?
Ans: During her return journey, Valli saw the young cow which she had seen earlier, lying
dead by the side of the road. She was overcome with sadness. What had been a lovable,
beautiful creature just a little while ago had then suddenly lost its charm and its life and
looked so horrible, so frightening as it lay there, legs spreadeagle. It had a fixed stare in
its lifeless eyes with blood all over. This dampened Valli’s enthusiasm during the return
journey.
10. What was the next problem that worried Valli after she had enough money that she
saved for the bus ride? How she found a solution to that problem?
Ans: After she had saved enough money, Valli was worried about how to escape her mother’s
gaze and ride the bus. However, she solved that problem easily. Every day after lunch,
her mother would take a nap from about one to four or so. Valli always used these hours
for her excursions in the village. She decided those same hours could be used for her
first excursion outside the village.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Write a character sketch of Valli.
Ans: Valli whose actual name was Valliammai, was an eight-year-old girl born in a small
village. She was a very observant and a curious girl. She spent her time standing in the
front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.
Watching the street gave her many new and unusual experiences. She didn’t have
playmates of her own age and watching the world around her satisfied her curiosity and

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 entertained her as well. In her planning for the trip to the town, she proved how very
meticulous she was in her planning. The way she calculated the time, the distance and
the expenses for the bus fare and sacrificing little pleasures for saving, she proved how
organised, matured and restrained she was for her age. Valli also proved to be very
confident, smart and brave by finally taking the decision to ride the bus. However, her
childish innocence was quite apparent in her conduct with the people in the bus and her
confidence amused all. Valli was a lover of nature and sought adventure in a other
otherwise dull and monotonous life. She thoroughly enjoyed her ride to the town, and
laughed and clapped when the young cow ran on the middle of the road in front of the
bus. Valli’s first bus journey was also her introduction into the world outside her village
and her induction into the mystery of life and death. She sees the gap between our
knowing that there is death, and our understanding of it. The sight of the dead cow that
haunted her, dampened her spirits, and saddened her. This also reflects on her brooding
nature as well.
2. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? What qualities of her are
reflected in this?
Ans: Valli’s planned meticulously to enjoy the bus ride. She neither had the money nor much
information about the ride. But her strong sense of maturity made her collect all the
information from the neighbours and people who regularly used the bus, and she also
asked a few discreet questions here and there. She had to make careful, painstaking,
elaborate plans. She had thriftily saved whatever stray coins came her way, resisting
every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and the like, and finally she had
saved a total of sixty paise. Though it had been difficult particularly that day at the
village fair, but she had resolutely stifled a strong desire to ride the merry-go-round,
even though she had the money.
Valli was a child of eight years but this act of her reflects that she had the qualities of
self-restraint, discipline, determination and a maturity rare for her age.
3. Valli’s journey to the city is also her induction into the mystery of life and death.
Elaborate.
Ans: Valli gets introduced to the mystery of life and death on her first bus journey in the
outside world. She had been always a curious and observant child and was amazed at the
beauty of the outside world. She experienced the excitement that she missed in her dull
life in the village. She clapped, laughed and enjoyed when she saw a young cow running
in the middle of the road in front of the bus. Valli found it funny and amusing when the
cow refused to move aside even if the driver sounded the horn to warn it. She laughed
till tears came into her eyes. On her way back, she saw the same cow lying dead on the
road which was a horrible sight for her. It looked quite [Link] image of the
dead cow haunted her, dampening her spirits and making her sad. It was her introduction
into the world outside her village and her induction into the mystery of life and death.
4. What did Valli notice about the bus when she boarded it and what were the
beautiful sights of nature that amazed her?
Ans: Valli devoured everything inside the bus with her eyes. It was a new bus, its outside
painted a gleaming white with some green stripes along the sides. Inside, the overhead
bars shone like silver. Directly in front of Valli, above the windshield, there was a
beautiful clock. The seats were soft and luxurious. She tried to look outside. She found
her view cut off by a curtain that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood on
her seat to enjoy the outside scene. The bus was moving along the bank of a canal. The

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 road was very narrow. On one side there was the canal and, beyond it, palm trees,
grassland, distant mountains, and the blue sky. On the other side was a deep ditch and
then acres and acres of green fields lay ahead as far as the eye could see. It was all so
wonderful for her.
5. Why was standing at front doorway of her house so engrossing for Valli?
Ans: Valliammai or Valli was a very observant and a curious girl. She was eight years old.
There were no playmates of her own age on her street, and this was about all she had to
do. But for Valli, standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the
elaborate games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual
experiences. She was always eager to gather all the details about her surroundings. She
was not very social either. She had no playmates of her own age in her neighbourhood.
Naturally, she could not play games with friends. But, she more than compensated this
with the eager watching of the world beyond her doorway. However ,the most
fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest
town. It passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once coming
back. The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers, was a source of
unending joy for Valli.
6. “Valli was mature girl ahead of her age.” Justify this statement with instances from
the text. (100-150 words) CBSE BOARDS 2020
Ans. Valliammai was a eight year old girl, who was different from other children her age. She
was intelligent, mature and found joy in unusual experiences. She stood at her front
door, watching the scene on the street. The bus which took people to the town and back,
fascinated her. She wanted to ride the bus and soon it became a overwhelming desire.
She listened to conversations and picked up details of the bus fare and the time it took to
go to town and come back. She started collecting every stray coin for the bus ride. She
gave up the urge to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and even a much-tempting ride on
the merry-go-round.
She did not let anyone know of the plan and executed it confidently. She took the ride in
the afternoon while her mother took a nap. She did not get off the bus when it reached
town. She could take care of herself. So, we can say that she was ahead of her age and a
meticulous planner, who managed to realize her dream.

THE TALE OF CUSTARD THE DRAGON

Ogden Nash

I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Give a brief description of the pirate in the poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon.
Ans: The pirate has been described as a terrifying one with his weapons in both the hands and
a bright sharp blade between his teeth. He had black beard and a wooden leg may having
lost one of his legs in some violent act. The appearance of the pirate clearly showed how
formidable and fearsome character he was and had come with as evil plan.

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2. How is ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ a ballad?
Ans: A ballad is a poem that tells a story of a heroic deed, adventure, bravery or romance,
with a musical tone. However, the poem The tale of Custard the Dragon though musical
seems to be a parody of a ballad. It is where most of the creatures display cowardly
nature except for Custard the dragon who for once at least exhibited his hidden brave
nature but that fervour of Custard did not last for long.
3. How did Custard prove to be brave when the pirate came?
Ans: When the situation was grim, Custard jumped up to make a brave attempt. He made
fiery noises like a giant engine to show his rage and used his tail to clash against his
enemy ,clattering with heavy sounds like the clank of iron chains in a prison. With such
heavy metallic sounds, a terrifying mood was indicated. With a twisted move the dragon
then tried to chase his enemy like a robin hunting down its prey, a worm.
4. How did Belinda and her pets behave when the pirate was killed?
Ans: Belinda was overwhelmed and overjoyed at custard’s unselfish brave act. She embraced
him to show her gratitude. Others too came out of their hiding and celebrated Custard’s
victory. Mustard licked him, Ink and Blink started dancing in joy in circular movements
around Custard. For the pirate there was no sympathy or show of mourning.
5. How did Belinda and her pets prove ungrateful to Custard who killed the pirate?
Ans: Once the enemy was defeated, it was the turn for the others to brag again. They tried to
give excuses in order to show how brave were actually. They couldn’t just let Custard
steal the show. Ink and Blink too joined in saying they had actually been three times as
brave. Nothing changed after this significant incident. Custard continued to feel
humiliated and insecure and cried for a safe refuge.
6. Pick out the similes used in the poem.
Ans: The similes used in the poem are:
i) Clashed his tail like iron in a dungeon.
ii) Sharp as mustard.
iii) Mouth like a fireplace.
iv) As brave as a barrel full of bears.
v) As brave as a tiger in a rage.
vi) Snorting like an engine.
vii) He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
7. How does the poet describe the bravery of Belinda and her pets?
Ans: Belinda’s courage can be compared to the combined force of a number of bears, Ink and
Blink the two other animals inspite of their small sizes were ferocious enough to scare
away a fiery giant of an animal like a lion. Mustard, the dog on the other hand could
demonstrate more courage than a tiger flared up in a fit of terrifying anger. Custard
however was cowardly and timid.
8. How does the poet describe the moments before Custard gobbled up the pirate?
Ans: The pirate was shocked to fear when Custard attacked him with all his might. Custard on
the other hand made more attempts to scare away the pirate. He took a sip of wine from
a flask to gather up more momentum. The pirate fired two bullets to harm Custard but
with no avail. Soon Custard could overthrow his enemy and gobbled it all up.

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9. How did the animals make fun of the dragon?
Ans: They laughed at the dragon. Belinda teased the dragon. She tickled him very hard. Ink,
Blink and Mustard called him Percival, one of the brave knights to mock him as he was
deprived of all bravery . They sat in the red wagon and laughed at the cowardly dragon.
Belinda laughed till she shook the house, Blink said’ “Week!”, which is laughing for a
mouse, Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age. At this Custard continuously sobbed for a
decent safe cage.
10. Did Custard get his due recognition ever?
Ans: No, Custard’s bravery and valour was never given due recognition. He was gentle ,
timid and lacking in confidence. This made all mock him and humiliate him. Even
though he saved everyone from the pirate , they couldn’t just let Custard steal the show.
Ink and Blink too joined in saying they had actually been three times as brave. Nothing
changed after this significant incident. Custard continued to feel humiliated and insecure
and cry for a safe refuge.
11. A ballad includes the telling of a tale as well as a surprise ending. Using evidence from
the poem, explain how these features are included in ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’.
Ans. Tale: The poem tells the story of Custard, the dragon with a setting, characters, rising action,
climax and resolution. This establishes the poem as a tale being told. Moreover, it portrays
Custard’s life with Belinda and the other pets where he is considered a coward
Finally, it has surprise ending: The end of the poem shows how Custard rose to the
occasion; gobbled the pirate and proved his bravery.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. What lesson or the message does the poet seem to give to the readers?
Ans: Merely strong physical attributes and appearances don’t make a person brave. One
should have the strength of character, high self-esteem and self-confidence to be really
great. The dragon, Custard had a lot of physical strength, and he swallowed the pirate. In
spite of that, he was bullied and mocked at for his timidity and cowardly behaviour. The
poem also tells us that the ones who boast about their bravery may turn out to be
cowards. True courage is not about boasting but words put into action when the need
arises. One would treasure the moment of Custard's discovery that one can be brave, if
the heart is sincere even when one is afraid -- Real courage comes from love. The poem
is also about pretences that are deceptive and leads to actual loss of valour proving the
worthlessness in times of need. The poem also recounts the need to abstain from rude
and unkind behaviour.
2. Do you find The Tale of Custard the Dragon to be a serious or a humorous poem?
Give reasons to support your answer.
Ans: Apparently The Tale of Custard the Dragon may seem like a humorous and funny poem
written in a ballad form. On closer reading, we find that it is a profound poem which gives us
an insight into human psyche. The poem gives us the impression that the ones who boast
about their bravery may turn out to be cowards. On the other hand, the ones who are
humilated for their demure and inhibited nature might actually be the bravest when the actual
need arises. However, the poet puts across his message in a humorous manner and through a
ballad form with a wonderful mix of vocabulary catering to childhood reminiscences like
‘realio’, ‘trulio’, ‘weeck’, ‘meowch’ and has used various poetic devices like similes,
repetition, onomatopoeia, and refrain to add to the humour in the poem.

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3. Give a character sketch of Custard.
Ans: Typical of a dragon Custard had sharp teeth, spikes on the body, and scales. It has a mouth that
could spit fire and a huge structure of a nose like a chimney to release the smoke. The toes of
the dragon are sharp and pointed to cut through like daggers. Thus, a veritable appearance of a
fiery monster has been effectively given here. But Custard was timid meek and gentle. Even
though he was humiliated and mocked at for his timidity, he never protested. He fails to
realize his true potential until the time and situatation demands. He is one of those unlikely
hero who finds true courage one day and is being appreciated and celebrated for doing so. His
heart was sincere even though he was afraid. Custard proved his worth but again momentarily.
In order to avoid all conflicts, he surrenders to the boasting of the other pets and l continued to
live a life of humiliation.
4. In spite of being so powerful and displaying rare bravery of killing and swallowing
the pirate, why does the dragon Custard is taunted as being a coward always
asking for a nice safe cage?
Ans: Outwardly, Custard was a picture of power and strength. His teeth were big and sharp.
There were spikes on top of him. His mouth spat fire. He had a big nose that resembled a
chimney. There were daggers on his toes. However, Custard suffered from low self-
esteem and added to that were the unkind nature of Belinda and the other pets. So
Custard without any motivation failed to rise to the occasion. He was sincere but lacked
confidence. He was not assertive and tried to avoid conflicts. This made him rather
accept the humiliations.
5. How has the theme of appearance and reality been shown in the poem The Tale of
Custard the Dragon?
Ans: The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a profound poem which gives us an insight into the
theme of appearance and reality. The poem gives us an impression that the ones who
boast about their bravery may turn out to be cowards. On the other hand, the ones who
are humilated for their demure and inhibited nature might actually be the bravest when
the actual need arises. Pretences that are deceptive and leads to actual loss of valour
proving the worthlessness in times of need. The pets continue to brag about their so-
called bravery but hide and save themselves when the need was to fight the enemy.
6. Discuss any 2 images used by the poet in the poem ‘The Tale of Custard the
Dragon’’.
Any 2 may be accepted (or other images may also be found from the poem)
Ans. (Any Two images from the following) In the poem the poet presents an image
………………….
(Do not write in points. Compose your answer in a paragraph form)
 The mouth of the dragon is compared to a fireplace. A fireplace is the place in a
house where the sticks are burnt to keep oneself warm from cold climate.
 The nose is compared to a chimney showing how the nose of the dragon was
fuming with smoke. Belinda was as a barrel of bears. Bears are powerful animals.
Barrel indicates a container or the front tubular part of a gun. This shows that
Belinda had the explosive power of many bears.
 Custard cried for a nice safe cage. Cage here signifies refuge or a safety place.
 Custard snorted like an engine. Custard angrily sprang into action like an engine
on move. The image of Robin shows the way how it would charge at its prey.

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 THE SERMON AT BENARAS
Betty Renshaw
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Where and when did Siddhartha become the Buddha and deliver his first sermon?
Ans: In search for an answer about the sufferings of life, Siddhartha wandered for seven years
and finally sat down under a peepal tree, where he vowed to stay until enlightenment
came. Enlightened after seven days, he renamed the tree the Bodhi Tree i.e. Tree of
Wisdom and began to teach and to share his new understandings. At that point he
became known as the Buddha or the Awakened or the Enlightened. Then the Buddha
preached his first sermon at the city of Benares, most holy of the dipping places on the
River Ganges.
2. What has been said about Gautama’s early life before he had the four sights?
Ans: Gautama Buddha began life as a prince named Siddhartha Gautama, in northern India.
At twelve, he was sent away for schooling in the Hindu sacred scriptures and four years
later he returned home to marry a princess. They had a son and lived for ten years as
befitted royalty.
3. What were the four sights that Gautama had and what he did being moved by the
sights?
Ans: At about the age of twenty-five, the Prince who had been otherwise shielded from the
sufferings of the world, while out hunting chanced upon a sick man, then an aged man,
then a funeral procession, and finally a monk begging for alms.
Those sights moved him to such an extent that he at once went out into the world to seek
enlightenment concerning the sorrows he had witnessed.
4. Why according to the Buddha the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the
world?
Ans: According to the Buddha those who, overcome by death, depart from life and then a
father cannot save his son, nor kinsmen their relations. Thus, while relatives are looking
on and lamenting deeply, one by one mortals are carried off, like an ox that is led to the
slaughter. So the world is afflicted with death and decay. Therefore, the wise do not
grieve, knowing the terms of the world.
5. What does the Buddha say about one’s weeping and grieving?
Ans: The Buddha says that no one can obtain peace of mind from weeping or from grieving.
On the contrary, one’s pain will be the greater and body will suffer. One will make
oneself sick and pale, yet the dead are not saved by the lamentation.
6. What is the significance of the Buddha’s request for a handful of mustard seeds
and the addition of a condition to it?
Ans: Buddha knew that mustard seeds are easy to procure/ available in every household she
knocked at . So the added condition that must be procured form a house where no one
had lost a child, husband, parent or friend could make Kisa Gotami realize the universal
nature of death.

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II. Long-answer questions:-
1. Why did Kisa Gotami understand the message given by the Buddha only the
second time? In what way did the Buddha change her understanding?
Ans: Kisa Gotami had suffered the loss of her only son and in her grief she was in an
inconsolable state and carried her dead son to all her neighbours. She wanted to get a
medicine and get him cured and restored back to life. Finally, she went to the Buddha
asking him for medicine to cure her boy. The Buddha felt that she needed to be
enlightened about the truth of life and death and that death is inevitable. He could see
that how her grief had made her lose all senses of reasonings and it would be difficult
for her to accept the truth. So, the Buddha told her to procure mustard seeds from a
house where none had died. Kisa Gotami went from door to door and soon she realized
that there was no house where no one had died and that death is common to all. Kisa
Gotami considered the fate of men, that their lives flicker up and are extinguished again.
She realised that she had been selfish in her grief. In the valley of desolation there is a
path that leads one to immortality who has surrendered all selfishness.
She came back to the Buddha where He sermonized her that life in this world is troubled
and filled with sorrows
2. How did the Buddha try to preach the common man that death is inevitable in our
lives?
Ans: The Buddha preached that the life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and
combined with pain. He said that there is not any means by which those that have been
born can avoid dying. After reaching old age there is death; of such a nature are living
beings. The Buddha tried to make the common man understand the true meaning of his
preaching in a more effective way by instating two comparisons. He said that as ripe
fruits are early in danger of falling, so mortals when born are always in danger of death.
Then as all earthen vessels made by the potter end in being broken, so it is in the life of
mortals. Both young and adult, both those who are fools and those who are wise, all fall
into the power of death; all are subject to death. This is how the Buddha tried to preach
the common man that death is inevitable once we are born.
3. How did Siddhartha come to be called the Buddha?
Ans: The Buddha born in a royal family began life as a prince named Siddhartha Gautama.
He led a life befitting royalty with his wife and son. At about the age of twenty-five, the
Prince who had been otherwise shielded from the sufferings of the world, while out
hunting chanced upon a sick man, then an aged man, then a funeral procession, and
finally a monk begging for alms. These sights had a pronounced impact on his mind and
so moved him that he at once went out into the world to seek enlightenment concerning
the sorrows he had witnessed. He wandered for seven years and finally sat down under a
peepal tree, where he vowed to stay until enlightenment came. Enlightened after seven
days, he renamed the tree the Bodhi Tree or Tree of Wisdom and began to teach and to
share his realisations of the actual truth about life and sufferings. At that point he
became known as the Buddha i.e. the Awakened or the Enlightened one.
4. How did the Buddha make Kisa Gotami realize the reality of death? (100-150
words)CBSE BOARDS 2020
Ans: When Kisa Gotami went to Buddha with a plea to bring her son back to life, Buddha
listened carefully and asked her to carry out a task. She readily agreed. He asked her to
get him a handful of mustard seeds, which they thought to be an easy task to carry out.

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 However, the mustard seeds had to be procured from a house which had not seen the
death of a loved one. As she went from house to house, she realized that there was no
house which had not experienced grief. She understood that death is inevitable, and no
one is immortal. She also realized that she was being selfish and it would be wise to
accept death as a truth of life and not grieve.

FOR ANNE GREGORY

William Butler Yeats
I. Short-answer questions:-
a) What are the ‘honey coloured ramparts’? What figure of speech has been used
here?
Ans: The young woman hair has been referred to as ‘honey coloured ramparts.’ The figure of
speech used is metaphor.
b) How does the young woman want to change her looks? Why?
Ans: The young woman wants to dye her hair and change its beautiful honey colour to brown,
black or carrot. She wants to look less appealing because she wants young men to fall in
love with her for who she is and not for her beautiful hair or attractive looks.
c) What did the old religious man have to say?
Ans: The old religious man said that he had found a text which said that only God could love
you for yourself alone and not for your appearance. Human beings will be attracted by
outward appearances. God is the only one who truly loves us.
d) Who is the first paragraph addressed to? What is the message that the speaker
gives?
Ans: The first paragraph is addressed to the young woman. It says that young men get
attracted by your beautiful honey coloured hair and not for your character, personality or
virtues. The first stanza of the poem is addressed to a lady named Anne Gregory. She
had a great influence on the poet. He had great respect for her. He tells her that although
she is a noble lady, yet nobody would love her for herself alone.
e) What is the central idea of the poem?
Ans: The message of the poem is clear that young men often get attracted more to
appearances than the real person. Their love is skin-deep. Everyone wants that he or she
should be loved for what he or she is than what he or she looks like. The poet feels that
only God is able to look beyond physical beauty and see the inner beauty and the
nobility of the soul.
f) Why can’t a young man love her ‘for herself alone’?
Ans: A young man is generally attracted by the outward appearances of a young woman. Her
beautiful face or her blonde hair may attract him towards her. It is quite possible that a
young man may never love a woman for what she actually is. He never loves her for
‘herself alone’ but for some extraordinary physical feature.

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g) Why does the young woman not want to be loved only for her honey coloured hair?
Ans: The young lady has a point to prove. She wants to prove that she can change her
external appearance or the colour of her hair easily. She can dye her hair brown, black or
carrot. She doesn’t want to be loved for her beautiful long yellow hair. She would rather
be loved for `herself alone’ or for the person she actually is.
h) What is the difference between the way God loves the young woman and the way a
young man loves her?
Ans: God goes beyond external appearances. God loves a woman for ‘herself alone’. He pays
no attention to her beautiful looks or yellow hair. On the other hand, humans can’t go
beyond outward appearances and beautiful yellow hair.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Do we love people because we like their appearances or we are fascinated by their
physical appearances? How does Anne Gregory want to be loved?
Ans: The world is attracted to pomp and show. Things and people are often liked and loved
not because of their merit but because of their external appearances. Anne Gregory’s
honey-coloured yellowish hair looks like the ramparts of a fort when they fall on her
ears. There are many who love Anne Gregory only for her yellow hair. However, Anne
doesn’t like to be appreciated and loved this way. After all, how does the colour matter?
She could dye her hair the way she likes. She could dye her hair brown, black, of carrot
or any other way she likes. If her lover likes her only for her beautiful hair, she wouldn’t
accept him. She should be loved for ‘herself alone’. But this world doesn’t go by her
wish. Only God can love a person for what he is. Human beings will go on being
tempted by beautiful yellow hair.
2. People are not objects. They should be valued for being themselves. What lesson
does the poet want to give to the readers through this poem?
Ans: I agree that people are not objects. Appearances may be deceptive. A person should be
liked and loved for being himself or ‘herself. Outward appearances do tempt and dazzle
us. There may be many persons who would love to see Anne’s beautiful hair falling over
her ears like the ramparts of a fort. Many would love Anne Gregory for her beautiful
yellow hair. It would be difficult to find a real lover who loves Anne for `herself alone’.
What is so great about yellow hair? Anne ridicules the idea of being loved for her
yellow hair. She can dye her hair the way she likes — brown, black, carrot or yellow.
But the irony of this world is that people will go on being tempted and dazzled by
glamour, show and outward appearances. Only God can love a person for ‘himself or
herself’ alone.

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 THE PROPOSAL
Anton Chekov

I. Short-answer questions:-
1. What do you think would have been Chubukov’s reaction on hearing the reason
for which Lomov had come to his house?
Ans: When Chubukov came to know that the reason of Lomov’s coming to their house is to
marry Natalya, he was overwhelmed with joy. He embraced and kissed Lomov and told
him that he was hoping for it for a long time. He told Lomov that he had always been
fond of him as if he was his own son.
2. What justification did Lomov give to Natalya and Chubukov to prove that he is the
rightful owner of Meadows? How can you say that Natalya was not convinced that
Oxen Meadows were owned by Lomov?
Ans: Lomov told Natalya and Chubukov that his aunt’s grandmother had given the Meadows
for temporary and free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. So he is the rightful
owner of the open meadows.
Natalya was not convinced as she said that they owned Oxen Meadows for nearly 300
years. It was surprising and ridiculous if someone else claimed it to be his own.
Chubukov also joined the quarrel.
3. Describe Oxen Meadows. How was it a bone of contention between Lornov’s and
Natalya’s family?
Ans: Lomov and his rich landlord Chubukov were neighbours. A piece of land known as
Oxen Meadows became a bone of contention between the two families. Both of them
claimed their ownership over the Meadows. Lomov says that Oxen Meadows was given
to Chubukov’s peasants for free use. They were to make bricks for the Lomovs. The
Chubokovs contested this claim of Lomov by saying that they had owned it for the past
300 years.
4. There is a certain way in which the characters speak in the play “The Proposal”.
What does it tell us about the Russian men?
Ans: As the story is set in Russia, with Russian characters as key players, we come to know a
lot about Russian men through their [Link] get to know that the Russians are
very particular about their dress and have particular dresses for a special occasion.
Secondly, they are habitually hypocritical. They pretend to be sweet but the very next
moment, they started arguing. They pretend to be good neighbours but in their hearts,
they carry grudges. They love to have dogs as pets and consider their pets to be better
than those of others. All of them are stubborn, short-tempered, quarrelsome and rigid.
5. Natalya was not Lomov’s real love. But still, he wanted to marry her. Give two
reasons for his decision.
Ans: Though Lomov was not in love with Natalya, he wanted to marry her because he was
suffering from sleep-sickness and had a weak heart. He wanted a companion who would
take care of him.

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6. Why does the proposal remain unmade during Lomov’s first visit?
Ans: The proposal remains unmade during Lomov’s first visit because Lomov is very
nervous and excited. He beats about the bush and is unable to reveal the reason for his
visit. When Natalya comes in, Lomov begins to quarrel with her about a piece of land.
He gets very much excited and leaves the room, cursing and threatening the old man and
his daughter, Natalya, whom he intended to marry. He forgets all about the proposal.
7. What is the cause of the second quarrel between Natalya and Lomov?
Ans: Lomov starts praising his dog Guess. Natalya retaliates by saying that her dog,
Squeezer, which she purchased for 85 roubles is much better than Lomov’s dog Guess.
They are not ready to accept the other’s opinion and break into a second quarrel.
8. What is the theme or the message of ‘The Proposal’?
Ans: The title ‘The Proposal,’ speaks for itself. The main theme is expected to revolve around
the marriage of Natalya and Lomov. Both Lomov and Natalya want to be life partners.
However, unnecessary quarrels over Oxen Meadows and their dogs Squeezer and Guess
temporarily take away the importance of the proposal. The message is very clear. The
main issue must not be clouded and lost sight of by indulging in unnecessary and
avoidable quarrels. We should not digress from the main issue and should learn to
prioritize.
9. Which two issues about himself convinced Lomov of his decision to get married?
Ans. Lomov is expected to marry and cannot stay unmarried .and that he ought to lead a
quiet, settled and regular life at his age(‘critical age’/ thirty-five). It was also expected
that he needs a partner as he suffers from palpitations and is always getting upset.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Give a brief character sketch of Natalya.
Ans: Natalya, the heroine of the play, was the 25 year old daughter of Chubukov. The fact
that she was unmarried worried her father. She wished somebody would love her and
propose to her. Her father calls her ‘a love-sick cat.’She was a good housekeeper,
educated and not very good looking. Lomov wanted to marry her because she would
make a good wife.
She was quarrelsome and quarrelled over trifles. She was greedy and short-sighted. She
got the whole field of hay cut. She was also very inquisitive and wanted to know why
Lomov was dressed up formally.
She quarrels with Lomov over the ownership of a piece of land. When Lomov leaves
and she comes to know that he had come to propose to her, she becomes hysterical and
asks her father to call him back. This shows that she secretly loved him. When Lomov
comes back, she initially tries to please him but soon breaks into a quarrel about the
superiority of their pets.
Lomov faints and she feels that she has lost an opportunity to get married. After some
time, Lomov regains consciousness. Her father does not want to lose this opportunity
and puts Natalya’s hand in the hands of Lomov. He announces that they are engaged
with each other. Natalya is an interesting character.

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2. Give a short character sketch of Lomov.
Ans: Lomov is the hero of the One Act Play ‘The Proposal’. He is a land-owner and the
neighbour of a rich landlord, Chubukov. A young man of thirty-five years, he becomes
nervous very easily. He loses his temper whenever he is upset. He is short-tempered. He
suffers from palpitations, hyper-tensions and heart problems. He indulges in trivial
issues and forgets the purpose of his [Link] quarrels with Natalya over the ownership
of a piece of land and the superiority of his dog. He loses his temper and starts abusing
Chubukov. He loses control over himself and faints in a fit of anger. Lomov is a funny
and foolish character. We laugh at his dress, manners and behaviour. Lomov is a
bachelor even at the age of thirty-five. He wants to marry Natalya not out of love but
because Natalya is a good house-keeper.
Lomov seems to be fashionable, well-dressed and presentable. He is a gentleman and
acknowledges the help received from his neighbour Chubukov. He is self-respecting and
is ready to give Oxen Meadows to Natalya as a present. His desire for many Natalya is
practical and genuine.
3. Justify the title of the lesson, ‘The Proposal’.
Ans: Anton Chekov has aptly and logically titled his one-act-play ‘The Proposal’. The title
justifies the theme and the subject of the play. The whole story revolves round Lomov’s
marriage proposal to Chubukov’s daughter Natalya. The play ends with Chubukov
asking Natalya to hurry up and get married immediately. Natalya seals the proposal by
kissing and embracing Lomov. Chubukov willingly and happily blesses the couple.
The play begins with the visit of Lomov to Chubukov’s house. The moment Chubukov
comes to know that Lomov has come with a proposal of marriage, he becomes
extremely happy. Lomov is genuinely interested in marrying Natalya. He thinks that she
is a good housekeeper, educated and not bad looking. He sees in Natalya an ideal wife
who can help him in leading a peaceful and regular life. Natalya herself being a love-
sick cat sees in Lomov a suitable life-partner for her. The moment she comes to know
that Lomov has come with a marriage proposal, she blames her father for not telling it
before. She threatens to die if Lomov is not brought back immediately.
No doubt, there are quarrels and disputes over the ownership of Oxen Meadows and on
the superiority of their dogs. Abuses and insults are freely traded. But this farce can’t
hide the real intention of the main characters. The play ends with Natalya kissing and
embracing Lomov and Chubukov blessing the newly married couple.
4. The proposal was forgotten amidst argumentation. Which right approach should
have been followed by both parties?
Ans: Lomov came to Chubukovs’ place to propose Natalya. Both are neighbours and at the
right age to marry. Instead of taking the proposal forward, they start fighting over trifles.
Firstly they fought over a small piece of land called Oxen Meadows; both of them
claimed that the land belonged to them and not the other one. Somehow the argument
came to an end and they started fighting over dogs and each claimed the superiority of
his/her pet. The proposal was forgotten amidst all these arguments. The situation might
have been different if both the parties had followed the right approach. Oxen meadows
would belong to both of them if they got married. Similarly, dogs are very petty things
to argue about while marriage is to be discussed. There should not be any ego-hassles.
They should be polite and patient to each other. They should not be rigid and stubborn.
Their priority should be their marriage and not meadows or dogs. Only the proposal
should have been carried on.

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5. Describe the incidents of humour in the play, ‘The Proposal’?
Ans: ‘The Proposal’ is certainly a humorous play. The very entry of Lomov in a formal dress
and the way Chubukov greets him, calling him ‘darling’, ‘my treasure’ or ‘my beauty’
makes one laugh. The marriage proposal, supposed to be romantic, turns to be humorous
as the way Natalya and Lomov indulge in arguments over petty issues like ownership of
Oxen Meadows and superiority of dogs makes the play humorous. The negative terms
that the characters use for each other like scarecrow, turnip ghost, blind hen, stuffed
sausage, forces one to laugh. The hysterical fit of Natalya, when she comes to know
about the proposal and the wailing of father and daughter when they think Lomov is
dead create immense humour. Finally, the way Natalya puts her hand in Lomov’s, after
continuous arguments, indicating acceptance of the proposal, is really humorous. Thus
we see that the whole play is replete with humour, making it a humorous play.

FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET

A TRIUMPH OF SURGERY
By James Herriot
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Why was the narrator worried about Tricki?
Ans: The narrator was shocked at Tricki’s appearance. Tricki had become unusually fat and
resembled a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. His eyes were bloodshot and
watery and his tongue lolled from his jaws. Therefore, it was Tricki’s health that
bothered the narrator.
2. What reasons does Mrs. Pumphrey give to the doctor for Tricky’s deteriorating
health?
Ans: Mrs Pumphrey explains to the doctor that Tricki had been very listless and seemed
lethargic. Believing Tricki to be malnutritioned, she had been feeding him some extras
between meals to build him up.
3. What had the doctor advised Mrs. Pumphrey previously?
Ans: The doctor had advised Mrs Pumphrey to cut down on Tricki’s daily dose of sweets and
give him plenty of exercise.
4. How diligently had Mrs. Pumphrey been following his advice?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey had clearly been ignoring the doctor’s advice. She had been too lenient
and could not refuse the cream cakes and chocolates, that Tricki was so fond of eating.
She had also stopped giving adequate exercise to the dog because Hodgkin, the
gardener, had been down with lumbago.
5. Which two reasons were responsible for Tricky’s present situation?
Ans: There were two primary reasons responsible for Tricki’s present situation. First, Tricki
was too greedy to refuse food and could tackle a meal at any hour of the day or night.
Secondly, Mrs. Pumphrey loved her dog so much that she couldn’t resist herself from
pampering her dog with cream cakes and chocolates.

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6. When did Mrs. Pumphrey seek the doctor’s help?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey was forced to seek the doctor’s help when Tricki’s health started
deteriorating and he refused to eat anything and everything. He also had bouts of
vomiting and became extremely inactive. He also spent all his time, lying on a rug,
panting.
7. How was Tricky received by the other dogs at the surgery?
Ans: When Tricki reached the Surgery, he was too sick and lethargic to respond to the
energetic lot of dogs at the hospital. The other dogs found him to be dull and boring and
completely ignored him.
8. What was the general scenario during the feeding time of the dogs?
Ans: As soon as the bowls were filled with food, the dogs at the surgery rushed headlong for
their share of meal and started eating as quickly as possible. The dogs were aware that
falling behind would mean tough competition for the last part of their meal.
9. How was Tricki finally cured?
Ans: Dr. Herriot had successfully gauged Tricki’s real problem. He brought him to the
surgery, kept him on a controlled diet and gave him adequate exercise. This treatment
helped Tricki as he was transformed into an energetic and toned dog in about a fortnight.
10. How can you say that Tricki was enjoying his stay at the Surgery ?
Ans: Tricki was definitely enjoying his stay at the hospital as he had befriended the gang of
shabby household dogs. He had found a new joy in being bowled over, trampled on and
squashed. He had also become very energetic. He used to play and run all day long with
the dogs, fighting for his share of meal and hunting rats in the old henhouse at night.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. The foolish indulgence and pampering of the rich mistress, Mrs Pumphrey was the
real cause of Tricki’s miserable condition. Give a reasoned answer.
Ans. Overindulgence and pampering beyond a limit become unproductive. Discipline and
moderation is the key to a happy and healthy life. The fabulously rich and resourceful
mistress was the main cause of Tricki’s miserable condition. Tricky was an over-
pampered dog that was fed with delicacies and had a train of servants to attend to his
needs and comfort. Dr Herriot rightly found out that Tricki’s only fault was his greed for
food. Overfeeding sweets, cakes and chocolates had made Tricki hugely fat and listless.
Had Mrs Pumphrey followed Dr Herriot’s instructions sincerely, things would not have
worsened. The doctor advised her to put Tricki on a strict diet and give him plenty of
exercise. It was necessary to cut down his intake of sweets. But the indulgent mistress
ignored his advice leading to disastrous results. Tricki lost his appetite and started
vomiting. Only when Mrs Pumphrey was ready to send Tricki to Surgery to Dr Herriot’s
for a fortnight, things started improving. The doctor cured him by putting him on a strict
diet and allowing him to play with the other dogs.
2. Dr James Herriot was a competent veterinary surgeon. His practical approach and
common sense helped in the rapid recovery of Tricki. Comment.
Ans. Dr James Herriot was undoutedly a competent veterinary surgeon. He was genuinely
concernedabout Tricki and was wise enough to understand that the real fault of the dog
was his greed for food. The dog had become hugely fat and listless. Dr Herriot

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 instructed Mrs Pumphrey to keep Tricki on a very strict diet in addition togiving him a
lot of exercises. When Tricki’s condition deteriorated, he advised her to hospitalize
Tricky for a fortnight under his observation and also took the firm decision of carrying
him to the Surgery.
Dr James Herriot was also practical and pragmatic. He didn’t give any medical treatment
to the dog. He cut down on his food and gave him plenty of water. His method worked.
Tricki’s recovery was surprisingly rapid. Tricki was transformed into a flexible and
hard-muscled dog. He was not only out of danger but was soon handed over to his
mistress. The grateful mistress thanked Dr Herriot and called his feat “a triumph of
surgery!”

THE THIEF’S STORY

Ruskin Bond
I. Short-answer questions:-
a) Where did Anil live? What was the understanding between Hari Singh and Anil
before the latter took him in?
Ans: Anil lived in a room above Jumna Sweet Shop. The understanding between then was if
Hari Singh would cook for Anil, he would in return feed Hari Singh.
b) Why did Hari Singh feel grateful towards Anil?
Ans: Hari Singh cooked a meal that had to be given to the stray dog but Anil did not mind
and promised to teach him to cook. Anil also taught him to write his name and said that
he would teach him to write whole sentences and add numbers. This made Hari Singh
feel grateful.
c) How did Anil make a living?
Ans: Anil perhaps wrote for magazines but the income was not constant; it happened in fits
and starts. He sometimes borrowed money and was at times in a position to lend money.
The moment a cheque arrived, he would go out and celebrate.
d) Why did Hari Singh think that Anil was one of the most trusting persons?
Ans: Anil had given Hari Singh a key to the door and he could come and go as he pleased.
Anil completely trusted him.
e) What had Hari learnt about the reactions of different people when they were
robbed?
Ans: It is easy to rob a greedy man because he can afford it. Robbing a careless man takes the
pleasure out of the work because he does not even notice that he has been robbed. Hari
Singh had studied men’s faces when they lost their goods. The greedy man showed fear;
the rich man showed anger and the poor man showed acceptance. He knew Anil would
be sad more because of loss of trust than loss of money.
f) How did Hari Singh rob Anil of his money?
Ans: Anil was asleep and a beam of moonlight fell on the bed. Hari crept up to the bed, slid
his hand under the mattress, found the notes that Anil had kept there and drew them out
without a sound. Then he quickly crawled out of the room.

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g) How would six hundred rupees change Hari Singh’s life?
Ans: Six hundred rupees would give Hari Singh the opportunity to live like an oil-rich Arab
for a week or two.
h) What did Hari Singh do on reaching the station?
Ans: When Hari Singh reached the station, he did not buy a ticket (as he had never bought
one in his life), rushed to the platform as Lucknow Express was just moving out. The
train had not picked up speed and Hari could have jumped into one of the carriages but
he somehow hesitated. For some reason unknown to him, Hari let go of the chance to
get away.
i) In robbing Anil, what did Hari Singh stand to lose?
Ans: In robbing Anil, Hari Singh would have lost the opportunity to cook meals for him, run
to the bazaar, learn to write whole sentences and get an education. Most importantly, he
would have lost Anil’s trust.
j) How did Hari Singh return the stolen money?
Ans: Hari Singh knew that returning stolen goods without getting caught was more difficult
than stealing them. He crept into the room as Anil slept, took out the notes, found the
edge of the mattress and slipped the notes under it.
k) Why does Anil not hand Hari Singh over to the police? CBSE BOARDS 2020
Ans: Anil did not hand Hari Singh to police because he had put the money back at its place.
This showed that he realized his fault and wanted to make amends. Anil, being a kind
man, empathised with Hari Singh and believed in giving him a second chance rather
than getting him arrested.

II. Long-answer questions:-

a) Give a character sketch of Hari Singh.
Ans: The thief was a fifteen years old boy. But in this story, he has been presented as a well
experienced and skilful thief. He had a great knowledge of human behaviour. He knew
that simple looking persons could be robbed easily. He had an understanding that a little
flattery could help in making friends. He was clever enough to change his name to keep
himself away from the police and his former employers. He was perfect in telling lies.
He had a desire to become a successful man in life. He robbed Anil of his six hundred
rupees. But in one corner of his heart, there was a sense of trust and goodness. He
thought that he should not betray Anil. He had the ambition of becoming a big man and
he knew that he could realise his ambition only when he is educated. Thus, he was an
interesting character.
b) Give a character sketch of Anil.
Ans: Anil was a young man of 25 years. He was a tall and lean fellow. He looked easygoing
and kind. A small boy met him. The boy wanted to rob him. He found him fit for his
purpose. The boy told him that he wanted to do a job for him. He said that he could
cook the food. Anil gave him a job. The food cooked by the boy was very terrible. He
told the boy to run away but later he taught him to cook the food and to learn reading
and writing. Anil earned money by fits and starts. He wrote articles for magazines. One
day he earned six hundred rupees. In the night the thief boy stole the money and ran out
in the rain. Later his heart changed and he decided to put the money back under the
mattress. Anil discovered all this. But he was so large-hearted that he said nothing to the
thief. Instead, he promised to pay him regularly.

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c) What was Anil’s contribution towards transforming Hari Singh?
Ans: Anil was a struggling writer who had befriended Had Singh. Hari Singh was an
experienced, 15-year-old thief. He found Anil an easy target to steal. Anil offered him to
stay with him and to teach how to read and write. Gradually, Anil develops trust in Hari
Singh. But Hari Singh was waiting for the right opportunity to do what he was best at.
After stealing money, he tried to go away forever but some inner voice stopped him
from doing so. He felt guilty and knew that Anil would be hurt when he discovered the
threat. He returned to Anil because he wanted to live a life of respect.
Anil did not show that he knew the incident and accepted Hari with open hands. Thus, a
well-intentioned person, Anil changed Hari Singh and brought him on the right path.
The story shows that trust and spirit to forgive someone can bring big changes in
someone’s life.
d) How did love, sympathy and education bring about a change in a thief?
Ans: Man is a product of circumstances and environment. Hari Singh was just a boy of fifteen
but was an experienced and fairly a successful hand. Circumstances made him a thief. In
spite of being no use to Anil, he was retained to work for him. They say old habits die
hard. After all, a thief couldn’t leave stealing and cheating. He made a rupee every day
from the buying of the day’s supplies. However, Anil was not a fool. He knew
everything and also all about the theft. But he was kind, large-hearted and full of human
sympathy. He taught the unfortunate boy to write his name. Ile also promised him to
write sentences and add numbers. This left a deep impression on the boy-thief. lie
started realising that education could bring him respect and money.
Hari Singh breached Anil’s trust but Anil was all forgiving and compassionate. In the
heat and excitement of theft, Hari Singh forgot about education. Then came the true
realisation and transformation. The boy-thief realised that the only man who could help
him was the man he had robbed a few hours ago. Then he realised the value of
education that could give him respect and more money than he could get by stealing. He
realised where he should go. Large-hearted Anil not only forgave him but also gave him
a fifty-rupee note, and promised to pay him regularly.

THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR

Robert Arthur

I. Short-answer questions:
1. How was Ausable different from the other secret agents?
Ans: Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read. Ausable,
unlike other secret agents, was very fat with an accent of German. He was a sloppy fat
man who, instead of having messages slipped into his hand by dark-eyed beauties, got
only a prosaic telephone call making an appointment in his room.
2. Why and how did Max enter Ausable’s room?
Ans: Max had come to grab a very important paper concerning some missiles from Ausable.
Several men and women had already risked their lives to get that report.
Max’s entry was not merely planned ahead. He had entered Ausable’s room through a
passkey. When Ausable switched on the light, he found him standing with a small
automatic pistol in his hand.

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3. What is the important paper that Ausable talks of?
Ans: Ausable is a secret agent. He has been assigned an important job. He has an important
paper regarding some new missiles under his custody. The paper may well affect the
course of history. It is of so much importance that several men and women had risked
their lives to get them. Even Max, a secret agent himself, comes to grab them from
Ausable’s room.
4. Describe Max appearance as given by the narrator.
Ans: Max was a secret agent and a rival of Ausable. He was slender, a little less than tall. He
appeared crafty and had pointed countenance of a fox. There was nothing especially
menacing about him except his pistol. He came to Ausable’s room to steal a very
important paper concerning some new missiles. Inspite of all his cunningness and deft
he was outwitted by Ausable and made to take a fatal jump out of his window.
5. What story did Ausable cook up regarding the arrival of the police? How did it
affect Max?
Ans: Ausable was very quick-witted and much skilled in his job. When Max heard a loud
knocking at the door, he got nervous. Ausable then cooked up a story and told Max that
the knocking at the door announced the arrival of the police. After all, he was holding an
important paper concerning missiles. He had sought police protection. He told the police
to check on him to make sure that everything was all right. That unnerved and confused
Max.
6. What happened to Max after he jumped out of the window?
Ans: At last, Max was outwitted and trapped in by the cleverer secret agent Ausable. Ausable,
the quick-witted secret agent, made Max believe that there was a balcony below his
windowsill. He also made him believe that the knockings at the door were made by the
police. That made Max panic and get unnerved. So, Max jumped out of the window
trying to get down to the balcony which never existed and he suffered a fatal fall.
7. Why did Max’s face turn black with anger? What did he want Ausable to do?
Ans. As the knocking was repeated. Ausable asked Max what he palnned to do since if he did
not answer the door, the police would enter anyway, and the door was unlocked. The
police would not hesitate to shoot. On hearing this Max’s face was black with anger as
he backed swiftly towards the window.
8. What position did Max take before he jumped out of the window?
Ans. Keeping his body twisted so that his gun still covered the fat man and his guest, Max
who was at the window grasped the frame with his free hand to support himself. Then
he swung his other leg up and over the windowsill.
9. Why did Fowler feel let down after meeting Ausable?
Ans: The young writer, the Fowler, had formed a very romantic and grand picture of a secret
agent in his mind. This picture was based as it is found in books or shown in films. He
found Ausable not cracking pistols or surrounded by dark-eyed beauties like James
Bond. Rather he was a fat and sloppy man. He lived in a very small room on the sixth
floor. Fowler felt rather let down after meeting Ausable.

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10. Who was Henry? What did he say on entering Ausable’s room?
Ans: Henry was the waiter at the French hotel who knocked at Ausable’s room.
The door opened and Henry stood there with a tray, a bottle and two glasses. He said
that he had brought the drink Ausable had ordered for when he returned and set the tray
on the table, deftly uncorked the bottle, and left the room.
11. Why did Ausable want “to raise the devil with the management” of the hotel? How
did Fowler react to that?
Ans: Ausable said that he was going to raise the devil with the management that time for sure
as it was the second time in a month that somebody had got into his room through the
balcony.
Fowler’s eyes went to the single window of the room. It was an ordinary window.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. How was Fowler’s impression of Ausable different at the end of the story from
what he had at the beginning?
Ans: At the beginning of the story, Fowler who had craved for thrill and adventure from the
company of a secret agent, felt disappointed with Ausable because he did not at all look
like a secret agent of his imagination. He found him quite boring fat and sloppy in
appearance. Instead of having messages slipped into his hand by dark-eyed beauties, got
only a prosaic telephone call making an appointment in his room. But at the turn of
events, with Max in his room with a gun, he was thrilled. He found that Ausable was not
at all perturbed rather Ausable showed his presence of mind and quick wit like a true
secret agent. He cooked-up a story about the balcony outside his window which never
existed. He was adept in doing so with enough of confidence and skill. When the waiter
knocked at the door, Ausable quickly manipulated the situation and told Max that it
would be the police as they had been informed for a security check of that important
paper. Hearing this Max jumped outside the window to the balcony. But there was no
balcony. He fell down from the sixth floor and died. Thus, Fowler was thrilled to see all
this. So, towards the end of the story, he was not disappointed with Ausable.
2. Write a character sketch of the secret Agent Ausable.
Ans: Ausable was a secret agent. He was fat and sloppy fellow. In his appearance, he did not
seem to be a romantic figure. He came to Paris from Boston twenty years ago. He could
speak French and German passably. He had not lost the American accent. Ausable was a
very intelligent person. He had a great presence of mind. He did not lose heart in a
difficult situation when he faced a man with a pistol in his hand. He remained cool. He
cocked-up a story about the balcony. He made Max nervous by telling him about the
police. He got Max killed without any fighting and shooting. Fowler who was
disappointed to meet him at the beginning of the story was very much impressed with
his intelligence and presence of mind at the end of the story.
3. Describe in detail the false story about the balcony by Ausable to get rid of Max,
the secret agent of the rival organisation.
Ans: Ausable started in a simple but natural way the story of the balcony below the window
of his room. He was able to convince Max that his balcony had really become a
nuisance. It was the second time in the month that somebody had gone into his room. He
said in a confident tone that it was not his balcony. It belonged to the next apartment. He
glanced explanatorily at Fowler and said further that the room they were in used to be

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 part of a large unit, and the next room —through a door there — used to be the living
room. It had the balcony, which extended under his window then. One could get onto it
from the empty room two doors down — and somebody did, last month. The
management promised to block it off. But they hadn’t. Such details were enough to
convince all about the presence of the balcony.
4. Describe the incident leading to the death of Max.
Ans: Ausable was a secret agent who entered his room which was on the sixth and top floor
of the hotel with Fowler a young writer. When they entered the room and switched on
the light, they found a man standing in the centre of the room. He had a pistol in his
hand. His name was Max. He came there to grab the important report from Ausable.
Seeing Max, Ausable remained calm and unperturbed. But he seemed to be angry with
the management of the hotel. He said that because of the balcony just below his window
anyone could enter the room
When there was a sudden knock at the door, Ausable said that it might be the police. He
said that he himself had called the police. Max jumped through the window to the
balcony. But in reality, there was no balcony. So, Max fell down to the ground from the
sixth floor and was killed.
5. Presence of mind and intelligence are more powerful than a gun. How far is it true
in the case of Ausable, the secret agent?
Ans: Max was in control of the situation, apparently when he had entered Ausable’s room and
waited for Ausable to seize the important paper from him. As Fowler observed, apart
from the pointed gun he didn’t look very menacing. Even this proved useless for him as
Ausable outwitted him with his presence of mind and intelligence. Ausable cleverly
found out how Max had entered the room and created an extremely believable story
about a non-existent balcony. He kept calm, and, hearing the waiter knock, declared it to
be the police to make Max feel threatened and nervous. Max, in an attempt to hide in the
balcony, fell to his death. Thus, Ausable got rid of Max without having a need to flex a
muscle.
Presence of mind, ability to take quick decision and a clever mind more than
compensated the fat and sloppy man, Ausable. His stories he cooked up proved more
than a match for a gun-wielding rival Max.

A QUESTION OF TRUST
Victor Canning
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Horace Danby was good and respectable-but not completely honest. Why?
Ans: Horace Danby was a good and respectable citizen. He was a successful locksmith who
led a happy and prosperous life. However, we cannot call him completely honest as he
used unfair means to fulfil his passion of reading rare, expensive books. He had also
served a sentence in a prison library.
2. What was Horace Danby’s modus operandi?
Ans: Horace Danby was a thief with a difference. He loved rare and expensive books. To
fulfil his passion, he planned meticulously to rob a safe every year and stole enough to
last for twelve months. With this money, he bought the books he loved through an
agent.

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3. What was Horace’s target ‘this year’? How was he sure of his success?
Ans: Horace had plans of robbing the house at Shotover Grange.
Horace was a meticulous planner. He had been studying the details of the house at
Shotover Grange for the past two weeks and had made himself familiar with its basic
layout----its rooms, its electric wiring, its path and its garden. He was, therefore, certain
that ‘this year’s’ robbery would be as successful as all the others.
4. How would Horace benefit from the robbery at Shotover Grange?
Ans: The Grange safe had jewels worth fifteen thousand pounds. If Horace sold them one by
one, he would earn at least five thousand, which would last him another year. This
would also enable him to purchase three very interesting books coming up for sale in the
autumn.
5. How did Horace enter the house ?
Ans: Horace had already made a careful study of the house and familiarised himself with the
servants of the house. He was keen enough to notice that the housekeeper had hung the
key to the kitchen door on a hook outside. He put on a pair of gloves, took the key and
opened the door to enter the house.
6. What opinion did Horace have of people who owned valuable things? Why?
Ans: Horace believed that people who owned valuable things were foolish.
He thought so because a magazine article had described the house at Shotover Grange,
giving a plan of all the rooms including the drawing room that housed the safe. The
writer had even mentioned that a painting hid the safe, making it easy for anybody to
rob the house.
7. Describe the lady in red ?
Ans: The lady was young, pretty and was dressed in red. She was very graceful and
impressive. She, herself was a thief but she spoke to Horace in such an authoritative
voice that he mistook her for the lady of the house.
8. Why was the lady reluctant to let Horace go?
Ans: The lady in red was reluctant to let Horace go because she believed him to be a threat to
society. She felt that if he were not handed over to the police, he would rob someone
else.
9. How did Horace justify his act?
Ans: Horace told the lady that unlike a professional thief, he was not a threat to society. He
stole only from the rich and that too, for a good reason. Moreover, the very thought of
prison sent shivers down his spine.
10. Why does Horace get annoyed when anyone talks about ‘honour among thieves’?
Ans: Horace, who robbed once a year to satisfy his passion for reading books, had never
failed in any of his robberies. However, his robbery at Shotover Grange failed as he was
fooled by a lady thief who convinced him to believe that she was the mistress of the
house and made him break the safe. Horace realised this only when he was arrested for
the robbery. Horace felt that she should have observed a moral code of honour and
spared him because he belonged to the same profession.

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II. Long-answer questions:-
1. How did the lady in red manage to outsmart Horace Danby?
Ans: The lady in red, whom Horace Danby encountered at Shotover Grange was a thief, just
like him. However, she successfully outsmarted Horace and got him arrested for a
crime, which he had not committed. Although Horace had planned meticulously and
gathered information about the house, the position of the key and safe, he proved to be a
novice in judging the young lady in red. The young lady acted with confidence and
convincingly passed off as the lady of the house. Horace Danby became a mere puppet,
dancing to the tune of the lady. When caught red-handed, he pleaded with her to let him
go. The young lady exploited his confusion and fear of going to prison. She made
Horace open the safe. The unsuspecting Horace was made to believe that he was
working for the lady of the house. So, he opened the safe without putting his gloves on.
He gave the jewels to the lady leaving his fingerprints on the safe. So, he was found out
and arrested. Naturally, the young lady in red proved far smarter than Horace Danby.
2. How had Horace planned to loot the house at Shotover Grange?
Ans: Horace Danby was not a professional thief. He robbed a safe every year to manage
enough money for buying rare and expensive books. He was a meticulous planner and
never committed theft in a hurry. Hemade a detailed study of the layout of the house at
Shotover Grange---its rooms, electric wiring, path and its garden. He also had definite
information that two servants working there had gone to movies. He knew the name of
the dog too. He came out from behind the garden wall. He had packed his tools carefully
in a bag on his back. He had seen the housekeeper hang the key to the kitchen door on a
hook outside. He was cautious enough to put on a pair of gloves, took the key and
opened the house. A magazine article had described the house with all the rooms. It also
mentioned that a painting hid a safe. He collected all these details and made all
preparations to make his latest theft a complete success like the others.
3. Does the phrase ‘The end justifies the means’ hold true in case of Horace Danby?
Give your opinion.
Ans: The phrase ‘the end justifies the means’ means that wrong or unfair means may be used
if the overall goal or intention is good. In the story, A Question of Trust , Horace was a
thief with a difference. He stole once every year to fulfil his passion for reading rare and
expensive books. He always stole from the rich and was also not a threat to society. He
was too scared to go to prison and managed to earn name and respect for himself in
society. Although his intentions were good, the method or means that he chose to fulfil
his wish was wrong and unethical. One cannot resort to wrong means even if his
intentions are good. It would mean deceiving his own self. Therefore, the phrase ‘the
end justifies the means’ does not hold true in case of Horace Danby.

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 FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET
H. G. Wells

I. Short-answer questions:-
a) What experiment did Griffin carry out? How did he become successful in his
experiment?
Ans: Griffin carried out experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could
become invisible. Finally, he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as
transparent as glass though it remained as solid as glass.
b) Why had Griffin set his landlord’s house on fire?
Ans: Griffin’s landlord disliked him and wanted to throw him out. In retaliation, Griffin set
his house on fire.
c) Why did he become a homeless wanderer?
Ans: To escape from being caught after having set the house on fire, Griffin had to remove
his clothes. Thus, he became a homeless wanderer – without money, without clothes and
without shelter.
d) Why did Griffin enter the London store?
Ans: It was winter, and the air was bitterly cold. Griffin could not wander around without
clothes, so he slipped into the London store for warmth.
e) What did Griffin do in the store after it closed?
Ans: Griffin opened boxes and wrappers and dressed himself in warm clothes – overcoat, hat,
shoes. Then he had cold meat and coffee at the restaurant and sweets and wine from the
grocery store.
f) Why did Griffin hurry to Drury Lane?
Ans: Chased by the assistants at the London store, Griffin had to shed his clothes. To beat the
cold and to find something to hide the empty space above his shoulders, he hurried to
the centre of the theatre world, Drury Lane, to find a theatrical company shop.
g) What did Griffin do when he found a suitable shop on Drury Lane?
Ans: Having found a suitable shop, Griffin went upstairs wearing bandages round his
forehead, dark glasses, false nose, big bushy side-whiskers and a large hat. To escape
without being seen, he attacked the shopkeeper from behind and robbed him of all his
money.
h) What did Griffin tell Mrs. Hall so that he would not be disturbed?
Ans: When the landlord’s wife tried to be friendly because Griffin was a stranger in Iping, he
told her that he desired solitude and did not wish to be disturbed in his work. He said
that an accident had affected his face.
i) What made Mrs. Hall excuse Griffin’s strange habits?
Ans: Mrs. Hall considered Griffin to be an eccentric scientist. He had also paid her in
advance. Keeping the above in mind, Mrs Hall excused his strange habits.
j) Why did the people of Iping suspect Griffin?
Ans: After the stolen money ran out, Griffin admitted that he did not have ready cash.
However, after money was stolen from the clergyman’s house, Griffin produced some
ready cash. The people of Iping suspected that Griffin had a hand in the theft.

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k) What did Griffin do that shocked the people around him, including the constable?
Ans: Griffin threw off his bandages, whiskers, spectacles and even his nose. All the people
were shocked to see a headless man. Jaffers, the constable, was surprised because he
had to arrest a headless man.
l) What did Griffin do to Jaffers the constable? What happened to the people who tried to
help Jaffers?
Ans: As the policeman tried to get hold of Griffin, he became more and more invisible by
throwing off one garment after another. The constable struggled with someone he could
not see. Some people tried to help him and were showered with blows that came from
nowhere. Jaffers was knocked unconscious when he made a last attempt to get hold of
the invisible man.

II. Long-answer questions:-

a) Give a character sketch of Griffin or Griffin was rather a lawless person.
Comment.
Ans: No doubt, Griffin was a brilliant and competent scientist. He discovered that the human
body could become invisible and transparent as a sheet of glass. It was the result of his
long and constant experimentation. However, he misused his discovery only for his
personal gains, committing theft and burglaries and beating and robbing innocent
people. He could have earned fame and respect had he utilised his great discovery for
the welfare of humanity. But activities made him a lawless person and an anarchist.
Griffin proved how science and its great discoveries can be misused. An eccentric
scientist can degenerate himself into a lawless anarchist. He can become devilish and a
disaster for himself and society. Lawlessness and anarchist behaviour make him a
homeless wanderer, without clothes and money. He has to remain without clothes even
in the chilly weather of mid-winter to remain invisible. He has to make illegal entries
and burglaries in a clergyman’s house, a big store in London and a shop in Drury Lane.
This brings him to disrepute and dishonour instead of fame and respect.
b) Describe Griffin’s adventures in the London store.
Ans: Griffin set fire to his landlord’s house. Then he took a drug and became invisible. But he
had to remove his clothes. It was the middle of winter. The air was very cold. He
reached a London store. Before the closing time, he entered the store. After some time,
the store was closed. Then he was free. He broke open boxes and wrappers. He took out
some clothes and wore them. He was feeling hungry. So, he went into the kitchen. He
ate cold meat and drank coffee. Then he lay on a pile of quilts. The next morning, he did
not get up in time. The shop assistants reached. They found Griffin sleeping on quilts.
He woke up and tried to run away. The servants ran after him. Griffin again took off his
clothes one by one. He became invisible once again. Thus, he was able to save himself.
c) Describe the strange incident in the clergyman’s house.
Ans: One day, early in the morning some sounds came from the study. The clergyman and his
wife were awakened. They came downstairs. They heard the chink of money from the
study. It was clear that someone was taking money from the clergyman’s desk. The
clergyman took a poker in his hand. He carefully opened the door. He expected to find a
thief in the room. So, he shouted and asked the man to give in. But he found the room
empty. They were surprised. He and his wife looked under the desk. They looked
behind the curtains. They even checked the chimney. But they did not find anybody.
However, the desk had been opened. They found that money was missing from the desk.
This was really a curious episode.

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d) What extraordinary happenings took place at the inn in Iping?
Ans: The landlord and his wife were up very early. They were surprised to see the scientist’s
room wide open. Usually, it was shut and locked. They decided to investigate. They
peeped round the door but found nobody. In the room, the bedclothes were cold. That
proved that Griffin had woken up quite early. They found the clothes and bandages that
he always wore lying about the room. All of a sudden, Mrs Hall heard a sniff very close
to her ear. A moment later the hat leapt up from the bedpost. It dashed itself into Mrs
Hall’s face. Then the bedroom chair started moving. She and her husband turned away
in terror. The ‘extraordinary chair’ pushed both of them out of the room. Then the door
was shut and locked after them. Mrs Hall almost fell down the stairs. She was very
nervous and confused. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits. The
stranger, Griffin, had caused those spirits to enter into her furniture. Her mother used to
sit in the chair which rose up against her. The feeling among the neighbours was that the
trouble was caused by witchcraft.
e) Discoveries of science can be used for the welfare of mankind as well as for its
destruction. How is this applicable to Griffin’s scientific discovery? Explain giving
examples from the text. (100-150 words) CBSE BOARDS 2020
Ans: Griffin was a brilliant and talented scientist. He discovered a drug which could make
him disappear. He, however, did not put his discovery to good use. In order to seek
revenge, he set his landlord’s house on fire. He indulged in childish pranks like feeding
himself to his heart’s content at a closed London store, ripping open boxes and wearing
warm clothes. He did all this because he knew he was invisible and would never get
caught. He robbed the theatrical company and committed burglary in the clergyman’s
house. When the policeman tried to get hold of him, he hit him and disappeared.
So we can say that Griffin could have used his discovery for the welfare of mankind but
his lawless, revengeful nature made him use it in harmful and destructive ways.

THE MAKING OF A SCIENTIST

Robert W Peterson
I. Short-answer questions:-
1. Which project did Ebright submit in his eighth grade? Why did he win?
Ans: For his eighth grade project, Ebright tried to find the cause of a viral disease that kills
nearly all monarch caterpillars every few years. Ebright thought the disease might be
carried by a beetle. He tried raising caterpillars in the presence of beetles. He didn’t get
any real result. But he went ahead and showed that he had tried the experiment and he
won the prize at the science fair.
2. Which project of Ebright won first prize in the county science fair?
Ans: Ebright was competitive in spirit and started working on his cell theory. He started
winning prizes. Ebright with his scientist friend first built a device that showed that the
tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa were producing a hormone necessary for the
butterfly’s full development. This project won the first prize in the county science fair
and third prize in zoology in the International Science Fair.

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3. How can Albright’s theory of cell life be a revolution in the medical field if it is
proved correct?
Ans: Ebright identified the chemical structure of the gold spot hormone and found that cells
can read the blueprint of its DNA. To further test his theory, he began doing
experiments. If it proves correct it will be a big step towards understanding the process
of life. It might lead to new ideas for preventing some types of cancer and diseases.
4. Mention any two of Ebright’s contributions to the world of science.
Ans: Ebright carried out experiments to prove successfully that hormone produced by the
gold spots of a pupa is responsible for the growth and formation of butterfly-wings. He
also discovered how a cell could read the blueprint of its DNA that controls heredity.
5. What did Ebright realize when he did not win any prize in the county science fair?
Ans: When Ebright did not win any prize in the county science fair he realised that the
winners had tried to do real experiments instead of just a neat display. So, he decided to
do further research in his favourite field, that is, insects on which he had already started
working after following Dr. Urquhart’s book.
6. Why do the viceroy butterflies copy the monarch butterflies?
Ans: In one of his science fair projects, Ebright tested the theory that viceroy butterflies copy
monarchs. He reached the conclusion that viceroys look like monarchs because
monarchs don’t taste good to birds. Viceroys, on the other hand, do taste good to birds.
So the more they look like monarchs, the less likely they are to become a bird’s dinner.
7. Which simple question led to the discovery of an unknown insect hormone?
Ans: In his second year in high school, Richard Ebright began the research that led to his
discovery of an unknown insect hormone. lndirectly, it also led to his new theory on the
life of cells. The question he tried to answer was simple as to what the purpose of the
twelve tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa was.
8. How did Ebright’s basement become home to thousands of monarch butterflies?
Ans: Richard Ebright found chasing butterflies one by one for the tagging was difficult and he
couldn’t catch many. So, the next step for Ebright was to raise a flock of butterflies. He
would catch a female monarch, take her eggs, and raise them in his basement through
their life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly. Then he would tag the
butterflies’ wings and let them go. For several years his basement was home to
thousands of monarchs in different stages of development.
9. When and how did Richard Ebright get a hint of what real science is?
Ans: Richard Ebright was in the seventh grade when he got a hint of what real science was.
Actually, he entered a county science fair — and lost. He didn’t win a prize while
everybody else had won. It was a realization for the young Ebright. His entry was slides
of frog tissues. He showed them under a microscope. He realised that the winners had
tried to do real experiments. On the other hand, he failed because he simply made a neat
display.
10. Were twelve tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa just ornamental? What did
Richard Ebright prove in this regard? What honours did this project bring to
Richard Ebright?
Ans: Many thought that the twelve gold spots on a monarch pupa were just ornamental. But
Dr Urquhart didn’t believe it. Richard built a device that showed that the spots were

253
 producing a very important hormone. That hormone was necessary for the butterfly’s
full development.
This project won Ebright the first place in the county fair and an entry into the
International Science and Engineering Fair.
11. Why did Ebright lose interest in tagging butterflies? CBSE BOARDS 2020
Ans: Ebright raised thousands of butterflies, tagged them, and released them to study their
migration. But soon, he lost interest because only two of his tagged butterflies were
returned to him and they had travelled only seventy-five miles. It was a tedious job and
there was not much feedback.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Failures are the pillars of success’ is failure turned inside out’. How does this
statement prove its relevance in the life of Richard Ebright ?
Ans: Success comes at the behest of learnings from failures. This was proved well in the life
of Richard. He led a life of a lonely child but with the motivation of his mother and his
own eagerness , he made the best use of his loneliness. He became a collector of various
things from his surroundings and also an eager astronomer. He faced many failures in
his life, but every failure strengthened his will to succeed. When he was in seventh
grade, he participated in County Science Fair with his slides of frog tissues. But he could
not win a prize. This made him determined to win the prize and in his eighth grade, he
again participated in the science fair with the experiment of viral disease in monarch
caterpillars and won the prize. The very next year he participated with his experiment of
whether viceroy butterflies copy the monarch butterflies in order to save their life from
the birds and this project won Ebright, third prize in overall county science fair. Then on
there was no looking back and Ebright made valuable contributions to the world of
science
2. How does Richard Ebright become a scientist?
Ans: Richard Ebright had been a curious child even when he was in kindergarten. His
curiosity prompted him to collect rocks, fossils, coins and butterflies. His mother’s
encouragement and his bright mind also contributed to his scientific achievements
making him so successful. His mother got him all that he needed to develop his
scientific bent of mind. His response to Dr Fredrick A. Urquhart to collect butterflies for
his research gave him an opportunity in his endeavours. He started with the activity of
tagging butterflies. Then in the seventh grade, he got a hint of what real science is when
he entered a country science fair and lost. He realized that winners had tried to do real
experiments, not simply make a neat display. Thereafter, Ebright worked sincerely on
every science project he got every year in school. Then he stood first in a county fair that
gave him entry into international science and engineering fair where he won third place.
He then went on to win the highest honours and graduated from Harvard. His high
school research into the purpose of the spots on a monarch pupa eventually led him to
his theory about cell life. Thus, he became a renowned scientist.
3. What experiments did Ebright carry out on monarch butterflies initially?
Ans: Ebright wrote to Dr Urquhart for ideas for a new scientific experiment. In reply, the
famous scientist gave him many suggestions. These experiments kept Ebright busy all
through high school. He also won many prizes in the county and international science
fairs. Ebright tried to find the cause of a viral disease that killed all monarch caterpillars.

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 He thought the disease might be carried by a beetle. He tried raising caterpillars in the
presence of beetles. But he didn’t get any real results. But he showed his experiment in
the science fair and won. The next year his science fair project was testing the theory
that viceroy butterflies copy monarchs. By copying monarchs, the viceroys escape being
eaten by birds. This project was placed first in the zoology division and third overall in
the county science fair.
4. Give a character sketch of Richard Ebright highlighting his achievements and his
added interests.
Ans: Richard Ebright was a true scientist who dedicated his life to scientific endeavours. He
was talented as a scientist, a lovable son, a true learner as a student and above all, a man
with eagerness and perseverance. His fame rests on his wonderful works and
achievement on butterflies. By the time he was in the second grade, Ebright collected all
twenty-five species of butterflies found around in his hometown. Ebright was a great
learner and had an indomitable spirit. Though he didn’t win accolades at the first science
fair he persevered with a competitive spirit and was eventually a great success. He was
devoted to the world of science and endeavoured to add valuable contributions with his
painstaking works. His Social Studies teacher, Richard A Weiherer, opened his mind to
new ideas and made him competitive. Richard Ebright was more than a scientist. He
pursued varied interests and hobbies apart from being a scientist. He found time for
other interests and hobbies. He was a champion debater and public speaker. He was a
good canoeist and an expert photographer. He had a first-rate mind, competitive spirit
and scientific curiosity.
5. How did The Travels of Monarch X open the world of science to Richard Ebright?
Elaborate.
Ans: It is true that the book called The Travels of Monarch X changed the very course of
Ebright’s life. That book told how monarch butterflies migrated to Central America.
Richard Ebright was a passionate and eager collector. By the time he was in the second
grade, he had collected all twenty-five species of butterflies found around his hometown.
Had he not got The Travels of Monarch X, Richard Ebright’s butterfly collecting would
have ended. The book was a children’s book and was gifted to him by his mother. At the
end of the book, readers were invited to help study butterfly migrations. They were
asked to tag butterflies for research to Dr Urquhart. Soon, Ebright started sending tagged
butterflies to Dr Urquhart of the University of Toronto, Canada. Then, Ebright started
raising a flock of butterflies in his basement. For several years his basement was home
to thousands of monarch butterflies in different stages of development.
Dr Urquhart had a dominating influence on Richard Ebright’s life. He made him do
elaborate experiments on monarch butterflies. Ebright succeeded in proving that viceroy
butterflies copy monarch butterflies to avoid being eaten by birds. He also showed how
DNA controls heredity and is the blueprint for life.
6. Parents play a crucial role in the upbringing of their children. Critically examine
the parents of Bholi and Ebright, highlighting their impact on their children’s lives.
Ans. In everyone’s life a crucial and indelible role is played by parents. Parents influence
their children both implicitly and [Link] are our role models. They are the
first teachers, friends, companions, guides in the life of a child.
Richard H. Ebright’s mother was loving, caring, understanding. She was a friend, a
companion and filled the vacuum in Ebright’s life in his father’s absence . She invested
time and energy in his upbringing which made him see heights of success. Bholi’s

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 parents ,on the other hand, were uncaring, indifferent, biased, insensitive, had a
patriarchal mindset In their traditional outlook, they did not believe in the education of
girls. They were totally indifferent to Bholi and her needs. They neglected her ,did not
bother to groom her (oil her hair, give her good clothes to wear) . When they sent her to
school it was not to educate her but to save their own face .Despite their prosperity, they
left Bholi to her own misery, worst was when they decided to marry her off to
Bishamber.
Thus the contribution and companionship of parents cannot be denied. Love, care, and
guidance from parents makes a difference, sculpts children and shapes their future.

THE NECKALCE
Guy De Maupassant

I. Short-answer question:-
1. Why were the reasons for Matilda Loisel’s unhappiness?
Ans: Matilda Loisel was a pretty, young lady born into a family of clerks and married to a
humble clerk. However, she felt she was born for all the delicacies and luxuries of life.
She was deeply discontented with her lot in life, which led to her unhappiness.
2. Why didn’t Matilda want to see her rich friend?
Ans: Matilda did not want to see her rich friend because she suffered from inferiority
complex. Meeting her friend would throw Matilda into despair as it would make her
conscious of her own poverty and unworthiness.
3. What did Mr. Loisel bring one day?
Ans: One day Mr. Loisel returned home with a large envelope in his hand. He was elated as it
was an invitation to the ball from the Minister of Public Instruction.
4. How did Matlida react to the invitation?
Ans: Instead of being happy and grateful at the prospect of being invited to a prestigious ball,
Matilda threw the invitation with disgust. She was concerned more about the clothes and
jewellery; she would wear to the ball.
5. How had Mr. Loisel expected Matlida to react?
Ans: Mr. Loisel, who was a simple clerk, expected his wife to be happy on receiving the
invitation. He felt that it was a select invitation, that everyone coveted and would
therefore provide her wife an opportunity to be a part of a ceremonious occasion.
6. What were the two problems Mme Loisel was faced with before going for the ball ?
Ans: Mme Loisel, who was always dissatisfied with her lot in life, was worried about the
dress she would wear to the ball. She felt that she did not have a suitable dress and
matching jewellery to fit the occasion. She did not want to appear shabby amidst the
rich women at the ball.
7. How did Loisel solve Matilda’s problems?
Ans: Loisel was an economical clerk, who had saved four hundred francs to buy a gun so that
he could go hunting with his friends. However, when he sees Matilda depressed, he
offers her the money to buy a dress for the ball. He also suggests her to borrow some
jewels from her rich friend, Mme Forestier.

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8. What did Loisel do to find the lost necklace?
Ans: Loisel went looking for the necklace over the track where he and Matilda had walked on
foot after the ball was over. He also went to the police and to the cab offices and
advertised in the newspapers, offering a reward.
9. How did Mr and Mrs Loisel replace the lost necklace?
Ans: Mr and Mrs Loisel replaced the lost necklace with a replica of the one they had lost. It
cost them thirty-six thousand francs.
10. What was the greatest mistake of Mrs Loisel that became the cause of their
miseries? How could she have averted it?
Ans: The greatest blunder that Matilda committed was that she didn’t take her friend into
confidence.
She could have averted it by telling her the whole story as it had happened. That would
have pacified Mme Forestier quite easily as the necklace she lent to her friend was not
of real diamonds.
11. Briefly state how Matilda invited ‘a dreadful life of necessity’ into her family
Ans. Matilda’s extreme self-indulgence--dreams of a luxurious life, riches and jewellery
brought her the misery. She doesn’t pay heed to the advice of wearing natural flowers,
borrows the diamond necklace and loses it . Then in paying for the necklace without
being aware that the one she lost was a fake one,she invited a horrible life of necessity
and deprivation, a life that resulted in a hand-to-mouth existence.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Mr Loisel was a caring, accommodating, and helpful husband who tried to please
his ambitious wife within his limited me Comment.
Ans: Mr Loisel was a simple clerk satisfied with his social standing. He was caring,
accommodating and helpful. He had a better understanding of people and things than his
ambitious wife. He knew his limitations and never tried to go beyond his me.
However, he stood solidly in thick and thin with his wife. He was ready to make any
sacrifice to make her happy. He realized that he was the husband of a beautiful and
young, but ambitious wife. So, he made every effort within his means to make her
happy. He didn’t believe in showing off like Matilda. He suggested wearing the same
dress which Matilda wore when she went to the theatre, for the ball. He suggested
wearing natural flowers instead of jewels. However, when he failed to convince her, he
was ready to make the necessary sacrifices. He sacrificed four hundred francs that he
had saved to buy a gun for hunting, to buy a suitable costume for her. Even in bad times,
he stood with his wife. He was self-respecting and contributed all the money, 18000
francs left by his father, to buy a substitute necklace. He worked in the evenings putting
the books of some merchants in order to pay off his debts. He also did copy work at five
sous a page at night. His hard work and savings helped them pay off all their debts in
ten years. He suffered patiently for the foolishness of his wife.
2. How did Matilda and her husband struggle and suffer to pay off all their debts?
What unfortunate changes came with the passage of the time in their lives?
Comment.
Ans: The very course of Matilda’s and her husband’s lives changed due to one foolish
mistake. They unnecessarily spent their whole savings of 18000 francs left by Loisel’s

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 father and had to borrow the rest of the money to replace the lost necklace. They could
have avoided all this had they taken Madam Forestier into confidence before buying the
replacement.
For ten long years, the beautiful young lady had to work as an ordinary maid. They
changed their lodgings and rented a room in an attic. Matilda did all the washing of the
dishes and the soiled linen. She took down the refuse to the street each morning. She
clothed like an ordinary woman. She did all the shopping herself with her basket on her
arm. She haggled to the last sous to save some money.
The husband, Mr Loisel, worked in the evenings. He put the books of some merchants
in order. He did some copying work at five sous a page. Their miserable life continued
for ten years till they paid off all the debts on them.
6. ‘‘Oh! My poor Matilda! Mine was false.” Confession saves you from a lot of
trouble and the sense of guilt. Justify the statement.
Ans: Matilda’s friend Mme Forester meets her after a gap of ten years. Perhaps it was
destined to. She is astonished to see Matilda in this pathetic condition-old, hard and
crude with disheveled hair and skirts awry. Matilda tells her the reason for this — the
loss of the original necklace and the misery that followed. Mme Forester could do
nothing but sympathize with Matilda. Perhaps, she could have told Matilda that the
necklace was not real but did not want to dampen her spirits. Nonetheless, Matilda’s
sufferings were irreversible. Matilda on her part should have revealed the loss of the
necklace to her friend. If it had been of real diamonds, she could have asked for some
time to replace it. Matilda could have thus taken her friend into confidence, but the
silent suffering had taken its toll on her life. If Matilda had only taken courage and been
honest to her friend, she would still have been living comfortably, thus justifying the
statement given above. Her own senseless attitude led to her ruin.
7. Mme. Forestier proved to be a true friend of the Loisels. Elaborate. (100-150
words) CBSE BOARDS 2020
Ans. Mme. Forestier was a friend of Matilda Loisel. Though she was far more affluent than
the Loisels, she was forthcoming when Matilda desired to wear a necklace to the party.
It was her love for Matilda which made her open an array of jewels from her to choose
from. Matilda happily flaunted the borrowed necklace at the party but unfortunately lost
it.
This incident changed her life completely. She and her husband had to borrow heavily
to replace the expensive necklace. To pay off their debts, they had to work very hard.
When she met Mme. Forestier accidentally one day, Mme Forestier was aghast to see
the pathetic condition of her friend. On being told the truth, she made an honest
revelation too. She did not think of hiding the truth. She said that the necklace was not a
real one but a cheap imitation. She realized that the necklace that Matilda had returned
to her was a real and expensive one. She was concerned about her friend’s predicament
and the misery that she had endured.

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 BHOLI
K. A. Abbas
I. Short-answer question:-
1. What did the Tehsildar of the village suggest Bholi’s father, Ramlal?
Ans: The Tehsildar had come to the village to open the first primary school for girls. He told
Ramlal that as a revenue official Ramlal was the representative of the government in the
village, and so he should set an example for the villagers by sending his daughters to
school.
2. What name had been given to Bholi earlier? Why was she called Bholi later?
Ans: Bholi’s actual name was Sulekha, but since her childhood everyone had been calling her
Bholi, the simpleton. She was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal. When she was
ten months old, she had fallen off the cot on her head and perhaps it had damaged some
part of her brain. That was why she remained a backward child and came to be known as
Bholi, the simpleton.
3. Why was Bholi frightened to go to school?
Ans: No girl in the family of Ramlal had ever gone to school. When Ramlal held her hand to
take her to school, Bholi was frightened. She did not know what school was. She
remembered how a few days ago their old cow, Lakshmi, had been turned out of the
house and sold. She thought that perhaps her parents were punishing her by sending her
to school. So, she cried in terror and pulled her hand away from her father’s grip.
4. When and why did Bholi feel that her heart was throbbing with new hope and a new life?
Ans: Bholi got a new lease of life when the lady teacher gave her the encouragement and
help. She could pronounce her name in spite of all the stammering that caused her
humiliation. Then the teacher gave her a picture book. She was sure that Bholi would
finish it within a week. In time she would be more learned than anyone in the village.
Then, nobody would ever dare to laugh at her. Bholi felt her heart throbbing with new
hope and new life.
5. How had the village prospered and developed by the tome Bholi attained the age of
her marriage?
As the years passed, the village became a small town. The little primary school became
a high school. There were now a cinema under a tin shed and a cotton ginning mill. The
mail train began to stop at their railway station.
6. How did Ramlal react to Bishamber’s demand of 5000 rupees to marry Bholi?
Ans: Bishamber, the greedy grocer declared that if he was expected to marry Bholi, her father
was supposed to give him 5000 rupees. Ramlal went and placed his turban at
Bishamber’s feet. He begged him not to humiliate him in that manner. He was ready to
give 2000 rupees. Bishamber didn’t budge. Ramlal went inside and came back with the
money and placed the bundle of notes at Bishamber’s feet.
7. What were the concerns of Ramlal when the proposal of marriage came from Bishamber?
What was the opinion of Bholi’s mother about that unequal match?
Ans: Ramlal was concerned that Bishamber was not so young and was almost the same age as he
was and he also limped. Moreover, the children from his first wife were quite grown up.
His wife gave her acceptance to this unequal match. She felt that Bholi was lucky to
have such a rich bridegroom. He had a big shop, his own house and several thousand
rupees in the bank. Moreover, he was not asking for dowry.

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8. What pomp and splendour on the day of Bholi’s marriage had impressed Ramlal?
Ans: Bishamber Nath, who was a well-to-do grocer, came with a big party of friends and
relations with him for the wedding. A brass-band playing a popular tune from an Indian
film headed the procession, with the bridegroom riding a decorated horse. Ramlal was
overjoyed to see such pomp and splendour.
9. What had Bholi said to reassure her father after he had expressed his worry on the
marriage being cancelled?
Ans: Bholi told her father, in a voice that was calm and steady, not to worry that her marriage
was cancelled. She said that in his old age she would serve him and her mother. She
would teach in the same school where she had learnt so much.
10. How was Bholi’s experience after Ramlal had handed her over to the headmistress
on the first day of the school?
Ans: Ramlal handed over his daughter to the headmistress. Left alone, the poor girl looked
about her with fear-laden eyes. There were several rooms, and in each room girls like
her squatted-on mats, reading from books or writing on slates. The headmistress asked
Bholi to sit down in a corner in one of the classrooms. Bholi did not know much about a
school, but she was glad to find so many girls almost of her own age present there. She
hoped that one of these girls might become her friend.
11. Why did Bholi not marry Bishamber ? CBSE BOARDS 2020
Ans: Bholi had agreed to marry Bishamber, who was old and lame,for the sake of her father’s
honour. However, later she refused to marry Bishamber because he demanded five
thousand rupees as a dowry. Bholi was dignified enough not to marry a mean and a
coward man like Bishamber.

II. Long-answer questions:-

1. Bholi challenged the greedy Bishamber who asked for dowry .She used to be a
meek girl. What changed her attitude towards life?
Ans: Bholi used to be a meek girl. She had pockmarks on her body. Her brain got damaged
when she was just ten months. She was also a slow learner. She could not speak till she
was five. Later, she started stammering while speaking.
She was sent to school by her parents to get rid of her worries at home. Her parents were
not serious about her studies. But her teacher changed her life. She encouraged her to
speak with confidence and gain self- esteem. Then she knew her true worth and
developed her personality. Even then she behaved like an obedient girl and agreed to
marry an old Bishamber with all his physical disabilities. But she could not stand his
demand of dowry which she knew was an evil social practice. She refused to fulfil
Bishamber’s demand of five thousand rupees and denied marrying him. Thus, education
changed her attitude towards her life.
2. What were the ailments and difficulties faced by Bholi since her childhood?
Ans: Since her childhood days everyone had been calling Bholi, the simpleton, although her
name was Sulekha. She was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal. When she was
ten months old, she had fallen off the cot on her head and perhaps it had damaged some
part of her brain. That was why she remained a backward child and came to be known as
Bholi, the simpleton. At birth, the child was very fair and pretty. But when she was two
years old, she had an attack of small-pox. Only the eyes were saved, but the entire body
was permanently disfigured by deep black pockmarks. Bholi could not speak till she was
five, and when at last she learnt to speak, she stammered. The other children often made
fun of her and mimicked her. As a result, she talked very little.

260
3. The story, Bholi, throws light on some social evils being practised in our society.
Explain.
Ans: Bholi had always been neglected and ill-treated. She had pockmarks on her face making
her ugly. She was also a slow learner, a retarded child and also stammered while talking.
Instead of taking care of her and helping her to overcome all that ,her parents always
considered her to be a burden, more so because she was a girl who had slim chances of
getting a match for the marriage. When she grew up, the parents received a marriage
proposal for her from Bishamber. He was a lame, old widower with grown-up children.
Still her parents were happy to get the proposal. None thought of considering Bholi’s
consent and happiness since she was a girl child. At the time of marriage when
Bishamber saw pockmarks on Bholi’s face, he asked for a dowry of Rs. 5000 to marry
her. Bholi’s father agreed. For the groom, his own shortcomings were of no
consequence but for the bride it was so. Thus, the story clearly depicts the social evils of
gender bias, lack of awareness for special children among family members and dowry
system.
4. Discuss the role of Bholi’s teacher in transforming her.
Ans: Bholi was sent to school by her parents because with her ugly face and lack of
intelligence, she had little chance of getting married. Bholi was unwilling to go because
she thought that she was being sold and turned out of the house like her cow Lakshmi.
However, her visit to school proved a turning point in her life, transforming her
completely. Her teacher worked on her as an artist. She spoke to her lovingly and
soothingly. She consoled and encouraged her to speak without a stammer. The teacher
gave her the joy of handling books and developing confidence in her gradually. She
raised in her the hope of a new and respectable life. She made her confident, bold and
enhanced her self-respect. The teacher realized that the frightened girl was in need of
some gentle care and encouragement to overcome all her difficulties. She was prepared
to meet the challenges of life and did so brilliantly when needed.
5. What was Bholi’s experience like when she saw the pictures in the classroom? How
did the teacher encourage her about reading?
Ans: When Bholi sat in the classroom, the lady teacher who was in the class was saying
something to the girls, but Bholi could understand nothing. She looked at the pictures on
the wall. The colours fascinated her — the horse was brown just like the horse on which
the Tehsildar had come to visit their village; the goat was black like the goat of their
neighbour; the parrot was green like the parrots she had seen in the mango orchard; and
the cow was just like their Lakshmi. And suddenly Bholi noticed that the teacher was
standing by her side, smiling at her.
The teacher gave Bholi a book and told her that in one month she would be able to read
that book. She promised to give her a bigger book, then a still bigger one. She assured
Bholi that in time she would be more learned than anyone else in the village and no one
will ever be able to laugh at her. People would listen to her with respect and Bholi
would be able to speak without the slightest stammer.

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 THE BOOK THAT SAVED THE EARTH
Claire Boiko
I. Short-answer questions:-
a) What different guesses were made by the Martians about what books are?
Ans: In the process of the Martian invasion on earth, they landed in a library. They mistook
the books for sandwiches and tried to eat them first and then attempted to understand the
meaning of the code. For that, they had to take vitamins given by the chemical
department, which they thought would increase their intelligence.
b) What steps did the Crew take to decipher the code in the sandwich?
Ans: The Martians reached the library in the process of invasion of the earth. They had never
seen books before that. They did not understand what they were, placed in different
racks. Firstly, they thought that they were sandwiches and tried to eat them. Then they
misunderstood that sandwiches are used as some sort of communication device. Later
they took them as eye communication and not ear communication and understood that
they had to take vitamins to understand all these codes.
c) Why did Think-Tank send his crew to earth?
Ans: Think-Tank, the ruler of Mars regarded the Earth as a mass of mud, and Earthlings as
ugly, tiny-headed creatures. He planned to invade the Earth and expand his domain. He
sent Probe One to Earth to get more information about the Earthlings.
d) Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which book saved the
Earth from Martian invasion?
Ans: Books are our best friends and companions. They are never demanding but always give
knowledge and pleasure. They give us company. The book that saved the Earth from
Martian invasion was ‘Mother Goose.’
e) Why did Think-Tank decide to evacuate Mars?
Ans: Think-Tank misinterpreted the rhymes and thought Earthlings were a threat to him as
well as to Mars. He got scared and called back Probe One, dropped the idea of invading
and escaped to Alpha Centauri, a hundred million miles away from Mars.
f) What happened when the Historian turned on the historiscope?
Ans: As the Historian turns on the historiscope, suddenly, the scene changes from the present
twenty-fifth century to many centuries ago in 2040. Spotlight on the Historian goes out.
Think-Tank appears. He is seated on a raised box, arms folded. He has a huge, egg-
shaped head. He wears a long robe decorated with stars and circles. Apprentice Noodle
stands beside him.
g) How does Think-Tank compare the Earth and Earthlings, with Mars and Martians?
Ans: Think-Tank’s comments on the Earth and the Earthlings are very sarcastic, ridiculous
and insulting. He considers Martians a handsome race. They are much more attractive
than those ugly Earthlings with their tiny heads. He calls the Earth a primitive ball of
mud. He even threatens to invade it.
h) Name the people who are in the Mars Space Control.
Ans: There are five people who are managing the Mars Space Control. First and the most
important of them all is great and Mighty Think-Tank. He is the Commander-in-Chief, and
the ruler of Mars and two moons. Noodle is an apprentice who is always praising Think-
Tank but also giving subtle suggestions very respectfully. Then, there is Captain Omega
who is always opening and closing card catalogue drawers. Sergeant Oop is at the right,
opening and closing a book. Lieutenant Iota is up left, counting books in a bookcase.

262
i) Why does Noodle recommend giving space people vitamins? What does Think-
Tank say in this regard?
Ans: Omega picks up a very large volume of ‘Mother Goose’. Think-Tank asks them to
decode the book. Omega, Oop and Iota fail to decode little lines, squabbles, and dots
along with the pictures in the book. Think-Tank says that perhaps the Earthlings are not
as primitive as they have thought. He asks their chemical department to give vitamins to
space people to increase their intelligence. Then they would be able to unfold the
meaning of the code successfully.
j) How did Think-Tank interpret the `Humpty-Dumpty’ rhyme as a threat to the
Martians?
Ans: Although called the most intelligent man in the universe, Think-Tank’s knowledge was skin-
deep. He was an expert in misinterpreting things without going into the depth of words. The
rhyme, “Humpty-Dumpty had a great fall” makes Think-Tank scream. He misinterprets the
words “Had a great fall” meaning that the Earthlings plan to capture Mars Central Control
and him. He orders them to prepare a space capsule for him to escape.
k) How did a dusty old book of nursery rhymes save the world from a Martian invasion?
Ans: Think-Tank was about to give orders for the invasion of the Earth, but a dusty old book
of nursery rhymes saved the world from a Martians invasion. Think-Tank misinterpreted
the words “had a great fall” to be his own downfall. He interpreted that his downfall was
imminent as the Earthlings wanted to capture Mars Central Control and him. It would be
an invasion on Mars. He ordered the invasion fleet to evacuate the entire planet of Mars.
He wanted to escape without delay in a space capsule.
II. Long-answer questions:-
1. Attempt a character-sketch of Noodle highlighting the values projected by him.
Ans: Noodle is one of the crew members of the invasion team that came to invade the earth.
He is known as Apprentice Noodle. He is the co-coordinator between Think-Tank and
the invasion team. He echoes Think-Tank in every manner. He is a very clever creature.
He knows that Think-Tank, being the commander-in-chief, has to be obeyed. So, he
keeps on praising Think-Tank and passes sarcastic remarks. It is only Noodles who
thinks practically and differently about the books which were mistaken for sandwiches
to be eaten. Think-Tank took over the idea as his own, but Noodle is not sad at all. He is
a blind and true follower of Think-Tank.
Noodle has to walk on a tight rope. He has to maintain a very delicate balance and he
succeeds to some extent in his mission. Noodle is a clever manipulator of things. He
uses his convincing skills and humility to disarm an arrogant but all-powerful
Commander-in-Chief.
Regarding the books, he very subtly but humbly goes on making new suggestions.
Think-Tank is made to accept them. Noodle is gifted with a rare understanding of men
and situations. Historian tells that the wise and wonderful Noodle replaces Great and
Mighty Think Tank in the end. It is the victory of sanity and good sense over arrogance
and insanity.

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2. Historians speak highly of books. How can books help you in preventing a
catastrophe?
Ans: The Historian is set in the twenty-fifth century. He is trying to clear off the twentieth
century. He calls it the Era of the Book and speaks highly about books. According to
him books control all lives. Books teach children, books teach people how to and when
to and where to and why to. They illustrate, educate, punctuate, and even decorate the
life of the people.
According to the Historian, only books saved the earth from the Martian invasion.
Martians had misunderstood the meaning of the poems and got frightened. So, they left
the earth in a hurry and even evacuated Mars and headed over to Alpha Centauri. Even
in our day-to-day life, we get all our solutions from books whether—it is health related
or anything else. So, we can say that books help us in preventing a catastrophe.
3. In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as a threat
to the Martians?
Ans: The old, dusty book of nursery rhymes was ‘Mother Goose’. Think-Tank wanted to
invade Earth. He had sent Probe One to get more information about the Earthlings. The
crew enters a library. There, after taking vitamins, they take out ‘Mother Goose’ and
decipher the rhymes.
The rhymes are misinterpreted as threats by Think-Tank. After listening to the first
rhyme, ‘Mistress Mary,’ he concluded that Earthlings had discovered how to combine
agriculture and mining. The second rhyme, ‘Hey Diddle, Diddle’, seemed to suggest to
him that the Earthlings might be launching an interplanetary attack on millions of cows.
The third rhyme, ‘Humpty Dumpty’ wherein Humpty had a great fall and its picture that
resembled him threatened him and his planet Mars. He got so scared that he dropped the
idea of invading Earth and escaped to Alpha Centauri. Thus, a book of nursery rhymes
saved Earth from Martian invasion.
4. Justify the title of the play ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’.
Ans: A good title should reflect the theme, idea, or the traits of a play. It should revolve
around any one of these, around which the story should revolve.
In the play — ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’, a book of nursery rhymes of ‘Mother
Goose’ is responsible for stopping the Martian invasion on Earth. Think-Tank, the ruler
of Mars plans to invade Earth before lunch and sends Probe One to get more information
about the Earthlings. They enter a library but can’t figure out what books are. They take
vitamins, increase their intelligence then read the rhymes from ‘Mother Goose’. Think-
Tank misinterprets the rhymes, takes them as threats to him and Mars. Scared, he calls
back Probe One, drops the idea of invading and escapes with his subjects to Alpha
Centauri, a hundred million miles away from Mars.
Thus, the book ‘Mother Goose’ was responsible for stopping the Martian invasion of
Earth. The title The Book That Saved the Earth’, reflects the theme of the play, so it is
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5. What is the message or the lesson that ‘The Book That saved the Earth’ gives to the
readers? Elucidate it.
Ans: There is nothing more dangerous than half-baked knowledge. Truth is not skin-deep and
neither is knowledge. We have to take a comprehensive view of things. We have to go
deep into the details before coming up with sweeping generalisations. Sweeping
statements are never true or factual statements. Sometimes misinterpretation of things
leads to unavoidable disasters. Think-Tank symbolises how a half-baked mind could
have led to an invasion of another planet.
Think-Tank excelled in misinterpreting and misrepresenting things. When they saw
books, they could not identify what they were. He jumped to one conclusion after the
other. He interpreted them as sandwiches. He misinterpreted the words “had a great fall’
to his own downfall. He screamed and at once ordered to evacuate the entire Mars
immediately. He felt that Mars was being invaded soon. He decided to escape without
delay in a space shuttle. He said that they could go a hundred million miles away from
Mars.
6. Draw a pen-portrait of Great and Mighty Think-Tank. Was he really the most
powerful and intelligent person in the universe?
Ans: Great and Mighty Think-Tank has been presented as the most powerful and the most
intelligent creature in the whole universe. At least, Noodle and other associates think so.
Powerful, of course, he was. After all, he was the Commander-in-Chief and the ruler of
Mars and her two moons. He was feared, pampered, flattered, and obeyed. No one could
afford to disagree with him. Disobeying him was totally out of the question. Only
Noodle, through his diplomatic and humble pleadings, could request him to give some
suggestions.
It is rather difficult to digest that Think Tank was the most intelligent creature in the
whole universe. He was vain and haughty. His shallowness was quite apparent. He
didn’t have the capacity to go deep into things nor could he tolerate his criticism. His
views about books were totally ridiculous. To him, books were really sandwiches, the
staple diet of the Earthlings.
Great and Mighty Think-Tank excelled in misinterpreting things, particularly the rhymes
of ‘Mother Goose’.
His half-baked knowledge made him interpret the nursery rhyme “Humpty Dumpty had
a fall” as the plan of the Earthlings to capture Mars Central Control and him. He
immediately ordered to send the invasion fleet to evacuate the entire planet of Mars. He
prepared himself to escape in a space-shuttle at once.

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