ABK –SSJ Class X

Section : A Reading Skills

CLASS X :ENGLISH : Previous Year Quetsions
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ABK -SSJ
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Reading Comprehension through Unseen Passage (20 Marks )
1. Discursive passage of 400-450 words. (10 marks)
2. Case-based factual passage (with visual input- statistical data, chart etc.) of 200-250 words. (10 marks)
Reading passage is to comprehend the unseen passages and answer the questions that follow. The questions include
both comprehension and vocabulary as well. Reading for comprehension, conceptual understanding, critical
evaluation, decoding, inference, interpreting analysis and vocabulary are the skills to be tested.
Some Hacks to answer unseen passage questions:
1. Read the questions first. It saves time to know what you are reading for.
2. Make sure you understand the questions. Underline the key word(s) in the questions and look in for the key
words in the passage.
3. Now, Read the passage as quickly as you can. Look for the answer as you read. When you find the answer, take
notice of it.
4. Use the key words from the question to locate the answer in the passage. In this way you can be sure that your
answer is the best and complete.
5. Try to get a general idea of the passage. You are not expected to know the meaning of all the words in the
passage. You should work in collaboration with Eyes, Hand and Brain.
6. After 1set reading, read the questions once again. The questions will give you the idea from which part, the
questions are asked. It will make answering the questions easy and correct.
7. Synonyms will be asked from the passage. If you do not know the word, read the referred paragraph again. You
will understand what the line is trying to convey and hence there is a possibility that the meaning will become clear
to you and you will be able to answer its synonym. You just have to puzzle out the meaning.
8. Solve previous year‘s exam papers: - (CODE NO.184 LANGUAGE & LITERATURE)
9.By solving the previous papers you can understand and identify what kind of questions are framed in the
examination. This will provide you sufficient practice along with building up your confidence and enable you to
mentally prepare for those kinds of questions

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Reading Skills(Discursive passage)
Q1.Read the passage given below : 10  1 = 10 Marks
(1) If you’re like most kids, you may love snow. Not only can it get you out of school, but it’s also fun to play with.
Who doesn’t love to sled and build snowmen ? Snow can also be dangerous, too. You may have heard your parents
talk about how difficult it can be to drive in snow. Car accidents aren’t the only dangers created by snow. If you’re
ever skiing in the mountains, you’ll want to be aware of avalanches. An avalanche is a sudden flow of snow down a
slope, such as a mountain. The amount of snow in an avalanche will vary based on many things, but it can be such a
huge pile that it can bury the bottom of a slope in dozens of feet of snow.
(2) Avalanches can be caused by many things. Some of them are natural. For example, new snow or rain can cause
built up snow to loosen and fall down the side of a mountain. Earthquakes and the movement of animals have also
been known to cause avalanches. Artificial triggers can also cause avalanches. For example, snowmobiles, skiers,
gunshots and explosives have all been known to cause avalanches. Avalanches usually occur during the winter and
spring, when snowfall is greatest. As they are dangerous to any living beings in their path, avalanches have
destroyed forests, roads, railroads and even entire towns.
(3) Warning signs exist that allow experts to predict – and often prevent – avalanches from occurring. When over a
foot of fresh snow falls, experts know to be on the lookout for avalanches. Explosives can be used in places with
massive snow build-ups to trigger smaller avalanches that don’t pose a danger to persons or property. When deadly
avalanches do occur, the moving snow can quickly reach over 80 miles per hour. Skiers caught in such avalanches
can be buried under dozens of feet of snow. While it’s possible to dig out of such avalanches, not all are able to
escape.
(4) If you get tossed about by an avalanche and find yourself buried under many feet of snow, you might not have a
true sense of which way is up and which way is down. Some avalanche victims have tried to dig their way out, only
to find that they were upside down and digging themselves farther under the snow rather than to the top ! Experts
suggest that people caught in an avalanche try to “swim” to the top of the moving snow to stay close to the surface.
Once the avalanche stops, do your best to dig around you to create a space for air, so you can breathe easier. Then,
do your best to figure out which way is up and dig in that direction to reach the surface and signal rescuers.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below :
(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option :
Avalanche can be caused by
(a) new snow or rain.
(b) heavy winds.
(c) high altitude.
(d) global warming.
(ii) Comment on warning signs exist which allow experts to predict avalanches in two sentences.
(iii) Mention two reasons which destroyed the natural scenery.
(iv) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘massive’ :
(a) tiny
(b) lengthy
(c) bulky
(d) extensive

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(v) The writer will agree with one of the given statements (paragraph 4)
(a) People caught in the Avalanche can try to swim to the top.
(b) Put on an oxygen Mask.
(c) Digging is not possible.
(d) Should not come close to the surface.
(vi) Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below :
You may not have an idea of which way is up and which way is down.
(a) The crowd will gather at Gate No. 1 and disperse from Gate No. 2.
(b) Due to the torrential rain, there was a heavy flooding.
(c) The guest felt uneasy and uncomfortable watching the child’s performance.
(d) The more the effort, the bigger the gain.
(vii) The major causes which do not trigger an avalanche :
(a) Earthquakes
(b) Snow fall
(c) Rain
(d) Plastic waste
(viii) Explosives can be used in places ___________. (complete the sentence)
(ix) The word ‘deadly’ in the (3) paragraph most nearly means
(a) likely to cause death
(b) harmful
(c) very boring
(d) scary
(x) Select the most suitable title for the above passage :
(a) Avalanches
(b) Adventure with Snow
(c) Ice Games
(d) Calamity
Value Points:
(i) (a) New snow or rain
(ii) when more than a foot of snow falls avalanches can be predicted. It allows them to be on a lookout and take
preventive measures
(iii) any 2 of the following options:
Earthquake / avalanche / explosions / snowmobiles/ skiers/ gunshots
(iv) (a) tiny
(v) (a) People caught in the avalanche can try to swim to the top.
(vi) (a) gather/disperse
(vii) (d) Plastic waste
(viii) in places where massive snow builds up (to trigger smaller avalanches that don’t pose too much danger).
(ix) (a) likely to cause death
(x) Avalanches

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Reading Skills(Case –Based Factual passage )
Q2. Read the passage given below : 10  1 = 10 Marks
(1) Increasing traffic congestion every year is causing increasing air pollution, wasting time and productivity and
diverse respiratory diseases. Moreover, the cost of solving or reducing traffic congestion is enormous. However,
neglecting the traffic jam problem would increase the social problems among citizens.
(2) The number of vehicles has increased considerably in the city in the past five years. Due to this increase, the city
roads witness frequent traffic congestions, but above all, the vehicles emitting pollutants are affecting the
environment adversely.
(3) The Capital’s vehicular population saw an addition of more than five lakh vehicles last year, registering an
increase of over 4%, according to the Delhi Economic Survey 2020-21.
(4) In spite of the largest road network, through metro and bus services in major cities the transport system is not
being able to keep pace with the growing demand, consequently, more and more people use their private vehicles,
leading to increased congestion on the roads. In spite of these challenges, people in India prefer road travel over air
and other means of travel.
(5) Citizens of Delhi/NCR have, time and again, pondered over the possibilities of how to reduce the traffic
congestion in the city, especially during the peak hours. People should use public transport, the government must
increase the facilities of public transport, people should avoid the unnecessary collection of vehicles and should use
carpool and vehicle sharing.
(6) What is required is proper implementation of corrective measures by citizens to get an organized traffic
management system.
(i) Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1..
Reducing traffic congestion not easy.
(ii) Select the appropriate option to complete the following sentence.
The reasons for increased traffic congestion are ________.
1. use of private vehicles
2. increase in demand for cars
3. inability to keep pace with population control
4. travelling by public transport
5. emission by pollutants
(a) 4, 5
(b) 1, 15
(c) 1, 2
(d) 2, 3
(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word / phrase from the paragraph 5.
organized : chaotic : : lowest : _______
Clue : Just as organized is an antonym of chaotic, lowest is an antonym of _______.
(iv) The vehicles emit pollutants which affect _______ badly.
(v) Complete the following sentence. Use of public transport will reduce ____.
(vi) Select the correct option which states the methods of reducing traffic congestion.

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1. start car pooling
2. add electric buses
3. increase in public modes of transport
4. increase car collection points
5. Increase taxation
(a) 1, 4, 5
(b) 3, 5
(c) 2, 3 ,4
(d) 1, 3
(vii) Analyse the status of traffic between the years 2019-2022

For the visually challenged candidates only.

(vii) What is required to get an organized traffic management system ?
(viii) Give the reasons for increase in vehicular congestion.
(ix) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option. There are _______ consequences of increasing vehicular
congestion.
(a) beneficial
(b) adverse
(c) implicit
(d) explicit
(x) Substitute the underlined word with ONE WORD similar in meaning in the following sentence.
Citizens of Delhi/NCR have time and time again pondered over the possibilities of how to reduce traffic congestion.
Ans.Value Points:
(i) The cost of solving or reducing traffic congestion is enormous.
(ii) (c) 1 and 2
(iii) peak, (1 mark to be awarded to any relevant word from the passage because there is no answer in para 5).
(iv) the environment
(v) traffic congestion
(vi) (d) 1 and 3
(vii)  Higher in 2019
 Went down in 2020
 Slight increase in 2021 and further increase in 2022 (For visually impaired )
(vii) Proper implementation of corrective measures by citizens
(viii) Population increase, people find it easier and comfortable to travel by their own vehicles and by road. (award 1
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mark for any 1 or a combination of reasons.
(ix) (b) adverse.
(x) thought / wondered (any other synonym may be accepted)
Reading Skills(Discursive passage)
Q1.Read the following passage carefully:
Organic food is very popular these days. It can also be very expensive. Some organic food costs twice as much as
non-organic food. Parents of young children and even some pet owners, will pay high prices for organic food if they
think it is healthier. But many others think organic food is just a waste of money.
2 There is one main difference between organic and non-organic food. Organic farms do not use agricultural
chemicals such as pesticides that stop insects from damaging crops. In many countries, foods that claim to be
organic must have special labels that guarantee they're grown organically.
3 Some people think organic also means 'locally grown' and originally it was indeed true. But over a period of time
organic farming has become a big business, with many organic foods now being grown by large agricultural
companies that sell their products far from where they're grown. Processed food made with organic ingredients has
also become more popular. At first, only small companies produced these products. But as demand overtook supply,
big food companies that had been selling non-organic products for many years also began selling organic products.
4 Is organic food safer and more nutritious? This is an important part of the debate. Many farmers and consumers
believe it is safer and more nutritious. They think agricultural chemicals can cause serious illnesses such as cancer,
but there isn't much evidence proving this is true. However, recent studies have shown that eating organically-
grown produce reduces your chances of developing heart diseases. Many doctors think it is more important to stop
dangerous bacteria from contaminating foods. These bacteria can contaminate both organic and non-organic fruits
and vegetables, and doctors recommend washing produce carefully before eating it. Meat, fish and chicken can also
become contaminated so washing your hands before handling these foods is also very important.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below : (10  1 = 10 Marks)
(i) People are willing to pay high prices for organic food because
(a) it is not easily available.
(b) it helps in weight loss.
(c) it is produced by small companies.
(d) it does not contain agricultural chemicals.
(ii) Select the option that displays what the writer projects with reference to the following :
Is organic food safer and more nutritious ? This is an important part of the debate.
(a) denial
(b) confirmation
(c) caution
(d) acceptance
(iii) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 3.
Opinion Reason
Big food companies have started selling organic
food products.

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(iv) The writer contrasts organic food to non-organic food. State one point of comparison between the two.
(v) Based on your reading of the text, list one benefit of eating organic food.
(vi) What connect does the writer draw between contamination of food and washing hands ?
(vii) The writer says that people believe that it is safer and more nutritious to eat organic food. Select the reason for
his sceptical view.
(a) the price decides the popularity
(b) there is no confirmed evidence
(c) it is tastier
(d) it is marketed by big food companies
(viii) Supply one point to justify the following:
Some people think organic also means 'locally grown'
(ix) Supply one method of how we can control the contamination of organic and non-organic food.
(x) List one factor that certifies food to be organic.
Ans. Value Points
(i) (d) – it does not contain agricultural chemicals
(ii) (c) - caution
(iii) because demand overtook supply
(iv) chemicals (or pesticides) are not used while growing organic food / organic food is costlier than non-organic
food.
(v) reduces chances of developing diseases(heart disease/cancer) / safer and healthier
(vi) bacteria from dirty hands can contaminate both organic and non-organic food.
(vii) (b) there is no confirmed evidence
(viii) because it was initially /originally locally grown
(ix) washing (hands/produce/food) before eating
(x) special labels
Reading Skills(Case –Based Factual passage )
Q2.Read the following passage carefully:
According to a new study, a vast blanket of pollution stretching across South Asia is cutting down sunlight by 10
per cent over India, damaging agriculture, modifying rainfall patterns and putting hundreds of thousands of people
at risk.
2 It is said, "Acids in the haze may, by falling as acid rain, have the potential to damage crops and trees. Ash falling
on leaves can aggravate the impact of reduced sunlight on the Earth's surface. The pollution that is forming the haze
could be leading to several hundreds of thousands of premature deaths as a result of higher levels of respiratory
diseases."
3 "The haze has cut down sunlight over India by 10 per cent (so far) — a huge amount ! As a repercussion, the
North-West of India is drying up," Prof. V. Ramanathan said when asked specifically about the impact of the haze
over India. He said, "We are still in an early stage of understanding of the impact of the haze."
4 Prof. V. Ramanathan was asked whether the current droughts in most parts of India after over a decade of good
monsoons was owing to the haze. He said, "It was too early to reach a conclusion. If the droughts persist for about
four to five years, then we would start suspecting that it may be because of the haze." India, China and Indonesia are

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the worst affected owing to their population density, economic growth and depleting forest cover.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below : (10  1 = 10 Marks)
(i) Infer one reason for the following based on the information in paragraph 1 :
In India rainfall patterns are changing.
(ii) The pollution spreading across South Asia is affecting India by ________. Choose the correct option from the
ones given below :

(a) I, II and III

(b) I, III and IV
(c) II, III and IV
(d) I, II and IV
(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 2.
possibility : _________ : : suspecting : doubting
(iv) Select the correct option to complete the sentence. ___________ droughts were caused by the haze.
(a) Strong evidence suggested that
(b) Past surveys confirmed that
(c) There has not been enough time to determine that
(d) Superstitious people believe that
(v) From the following pie chart, identify one reason each which does and does not contribute to weather disruption

For the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 2 (v) :

(v) List two phenomena which lead to weather disruptions.
(vi) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option. Ash falling on leaves can __________ the impact of reduced
sunlight on the Earth’s Surface .
(a) worsen
(b) encourage
(c) diminish
(d) support
(vii)Substitute the word 'repercussion'with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from paragraph 3.
The haze has cut down sunlight over India ... As a repercussion, the North-West of India is drying up.
(viii) List any two countries which are affected due to depleting forest cover.
(ix) Which of the following mean the same as 'persist' in 'droughtspersist' as used in para 4?

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(a) destroying
(c) continue
(b)halting
(d) blocking
(x) Select the option that titles paragraphs 1-4 approximately with reference to information in the text.
(a) 1.Impact of Pollution in South Asia
2.Effects of Acid Rain
3.Understanding Consequences of Haze
4.Debate over Droughts
(b)1.Impact of Droughts
2.Understanding Acid Rain
3.Effect of Haze
4.Debate over Pollution
(c)1.Impact of Pollution in South Asia
2.Effects of Acid Rain
3.Debate over Droughts4.Understanding Haze
(d)1.Impact of Haze
2.Understanding Acid Rain
3.Debate over Pollution
4.Effect of Haze
Ans. Value Points
(i) vast blanket of pollution
(ii) (a) I, II, III
(iii) potential (iv)
(c) – There has not been enough time to determine that
(v) Does - ash/acid rain/ reduced sunlight/ aerosals / population bloom / depletion of forest cover
Does not - organic farming/ tree cover / free cover/good monsoon etc.
(v) For Visually Impaired candidates only– acid rain/depletion of forest cover/ pollution/ haze etc.
(vi) (a) worsen
(vii) consequences / result
(viii) India, China, Indonesia
(ix) continue
(x) (a) 1. Impact of pollution in South Asia
2. Effects of Acid rain
3. Understanding consequences of Haze
4. Debate over droughts
Reading Skills(Discursive passage)
Q1.Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
(1) Mankind’s fascination with gold is as old as civilization itself. The ancient Egyptians held gold in high esteem.
Gold had religious significance for them, and King Tutankhamen was buried in a solid gold coffin 3300 years ago.

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The wandering Israelites worshipped a golden calf, and the legendary King Midas asked that whatever he touched
be turned into gold.
(2) Not only is gold beautiful, but it is virtually indestructible. It will not rust or corrode. Gold coins and products
fabricated from the metal have survived undamaged for centuries. Gold is extremely easy to work with. One ounce,
which is about the size of a cube of sugar, can be beaten into a sheet nearly 100 square feet in size, and becomes so
thin that light can pass through it. An ounce of gold can also be stretched into a wire 50 miles long. Gold conducts
electricity better than any other substance except copper and silver, and it is particularly important in modern
electronic industry.
(3) People have always longed to possess gold. Unfortunately, this longing has also brought out the worst in human
character. The Spanish conquerors robbed palaces, temples and graves and killed thousands of people in their
ruthless search for gold. Even today, the economy of South Africa’s gold mines depend largely on the employment of
black labourers who are paid about 40 pounds a month, plus boarding and lodging. They work in conditions that can
only be described as cruel. About 400 miners die in South Africa each year.
(4) Much of the gold’s value lies in its scarcity. Only about 80,000 tons have been mined in the history of the world.
All of it can be stored in a vault 60 feet square, or a super tanker. Great Britain was the first country to adopt the
gold standard, when the Master of the Mint, Sir Issac Newton, established a fixed price for gold in 1717. The
discovery of gold in the last half of the nineteenth century in California, (1848) and later in Australia and South
Africa changed everything. Before the discovery, there wasn’t enough gold around for all the trading nations to link
their currencies to the precious metal.
(5) An out-of-work prospector named George Harrison launched South Africa into the gold age in 1886 when he
discovered the metal in a farm near what is now Johannesburg. Harrison was given a 12 pounds reward by the
farmer. He then disappeared and was eaten by a lion.
(6) One of the biggest gold mining areas in the Soviet Union is the Kolyma River region, once infamous for its
prison camp. The camp has gone, but in a way nothing has changed. Many ex-prisoners have stayed on to work in
the mines and are supervised by ex-guards.
(7) Despite the current rush to buy gold, 75 percent of the metal goes into making jewellery. Italy is the biggest
consumer of gold for this purpose, and many Italian jewellers even tear up their wooden floors and burn them to
recover the tiny flecks of gold. Historically, the desire to hoard gold at home has been primarily an occupation of the
working and peasant classes, who have had no faith in paper money. George Bernard Shaw defended their instincts
eloquently, “You have to choose between trusting the natural stability of the honesty and intelligence of the
members of the government,” he said “and with due respect to these gentlemen, I advise to vote for gold.”
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below : (10  1 = 10 Marks)
(i) When was King Tutankhamen buried ?
(a) 1717
(b) 1886
(c) 3300 years ago
(d) 1848
(ii) Why did Egyptians hold gold in great esteem ?
(a) because it is a good conductor of electricity.
(b) because of its religious significance.

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(c) for lovely gold ornaments.
(d) because it is indestructible.
(iii) According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true ?
(a) Gold is the best conductor of electricity.
(b) Apart from gold, copper and silver are good conductors of electricity.
(c) Gold can be easily beaten, hence it is easy to work with.
(d) Gold plays an important role in the modern electronics industry.
(iv) Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following. The wandering
Israelites worshipped a golden calf _______.
(a) importance of religion
(b) importance of the metal
(c) good conductor
(d) can replace money
(v) How were the black labourers exploited ?
(vi) Complete the following with the phrase from paragraph 1

Opinion Reason
King Tutankhamen was buried in a solid gold coffin 3300 years ago .

(vii) Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons why the writer says that, Not only is gold beautiful but it is
virtually indestructible.
________________________
________________________
(viii) Who launched South Africa into the gold age ?
(a) Issac Newton
(b) George Harrison
(c) George Bernard Shaw
(d) A farmer
(ix) Select the option that corresponds to the following :
The ancient Egyptians and the modern electronic industry both hold gold in high esteem.
(a) The hardworking student came first because of his diligent practice.
(b) Monesty is underrated whereas strategy is appreciated.
(c) The vibrant colours made the interiors look luminous.
(d) The steaming food was both appetizing and tasty.
(x) Supply one point to justify the following :
The desire to hoard gold at home has been primarily an occupation of the working and peasant classes
Ans. Value Points
(i) (c)3300 years ago.
(ii) (b) because of its religious significance.
(iii) (a) Gold is the best conductor of electricity
(iv) (a) importance of religion / (b) importance of the metal.

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(v) Paid only 40 pounds a month with boarding and lodging and worked under cruel conditions.
(vi) held gold in high esteem / gold had religious significance
(vii) (any two)
(i) does not rust / corrode
(ii) Gold coins have survived undamaged for centuries
(iii) gold was easy to work with
(viii) (b) George Harrison
(ix) Error in Question – Award 1 Mark as benefit of doubt
(x) They don’t have faith in paper money.
Reading Skills(Case –Based Factual passage )
Q2.Read the passage given below :
(1) Starting Monday, the country’s low-cost Mars mission with the red planet for an extended period will enter the
“blackout” phase snapping communication with the satellite. From June 8 to 22 the Sun will block Mars from the
Earth snapping communication with the satellite.
(2) A senior Indian Space Research Organisation official said. “This will be for the first time that there will be a
communication break for such a long period of about 15 days. During this period, there will be no communication
with the satellite”, he added.
(3) Expressing confidence about regaining control over the satellite once the blackout phase is over, he said, “the
scenario has been tested and the line of communication will be established.” The spacecraft’s life has been extended
for another six months in March due to surplus fuel.
(4) Stating that the spacecraft has been “configured” for the blackout, the ISRO official said, “we are not sending any
commands to the spacecraft now, till 8th June few hours of signals will be sent by the spacecraft that will be for
about two to three hours per day”. In May next year, the mission will have to go through a similar phase once again,
if there is another extension of mission life when the Earth will come between the Sun and Mars.
(5) Scripting space history, India on September 24 last successfully placed its low-cost Mars spacecraft in orbit
around the red planet in its very first attempt, breaking into an elite club of three countries.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below : (10  1 = 10 Marks)
(i) Infer one reason for the following based on information in paragraph 1.
The ‘blackout’ phase is significant _______.
(ii) Choose the appropriate option to fill in the blank. From paragraph 1 & 2, we can infer that there will be
________ 1. no communication with the people.
2. blackout phase.
3. satellite will get no communication.
4. moon will block the earth.
5. the communication break will be for 15 days.
(a) 1, 2 & 3
(b) 1, 3 & 4
(c) 2, 3 & 5
(d) 3, 4 & 5

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(iii) The communication with the satellite will break for approximately _____ days.
(a) 10
(b) 15
(c) 20
(d) 25
(iv) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phase from paragraph 2 :
aroma : cooking : : _______ : space research
(Clue – just like aroma is integral to cooking, similarly _____ is/are integral to Space Research.)
(v) According to ISRO official till 8th July, when Sun will block Mars, _____ signal / signals per day will be sent to
the spacecraft.
(a) no
(b) considerable
(c) indefinite
(d) only for few
(vi) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence :
The ISRO officials are _____ about their control over the spacecraft after the blackout phase.
(a) doubtful
(b) apprehensive
(c) confident
(d) jittery
(vii) The spacecraft’s life was extended by six months because of
(a) extra fuel
(b) incomplete work
(c) lack of communication amongst ISRO officials
(d) technical problems in its landing
(viii) Read the following sentences :
(A) The blackout was a sudden development.
(B) Because of this, the officials are very nervous about the success of the spacecraft.
(a) Both (A) & (B) are true.
(b) Both (A) & (B) are false.
(c) (A) is true and (B) is false.
(d) (A) is false and (B) is true.
(ix) Substitute the word ‘nonpareil’ with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from paragraph 5.
India managed to get into the nonpareil club of Mars spacecraft in orbit.
(x) The word ‘fascination’ in the opening sentence means the same as
(a) enchantment
(b) boredom
(c) disinterest
(d) ugliness

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Ans. Value Points
(i) no communication / snapping communication
(ii) (c) 2, 3 and 5
(iii) (b) 15
(iv) Satellite / Indian Space Research Organisation / communication with satellite
(v) (a) no
(vi) (c) confident
(vii) (a) extra fuel
(viii) (b) both (A) and (B) are false.
(ix) elite
(x) Error in Question – Award 1 Mark as benefit of doubt

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 GRAMMAR
USE OF TENSES (REVISION)
Tenses (verbs)
There are three main tenses:
1. Present Tense
2. Past Tense
3. Future Tense
PRESENT TENSE
Simple present
Usage.
It is used:
1. To talk about a present action
2. To talk about a habitual action
3. To talk about a universal truth.
4. To talk about a permanent condition
5. To talk about a scientific fact.
6. To express proverbs
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, She. It Root form of verb, root form +‘s‘ or ‗as‘
(a) Present Continuous
Tense Usage. It is used;
1. To talk about an action that is going on at the time of speaking.
2. For future time reference if we are sure of the action.

Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, she. It am present participle
are+present participle
is+present participle

8
(B) Present Perfect Tense
Usage.
It is sued to talk about an action that has just been completed.
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, She, It
Have+past participle
Has+ past participle
(a) Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Usage.
It is used;
(i) To express an action that began in the past and has been in progress till the time of
peaking.
(ii)To express an action that finished just a short while
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, she, It
Have been + present participle
Has been+ present participle
Use of ‘since’ and ‘for’
(i) ‘since‘ is used to denote ‗point of time‘
(ii) ‘for‘ is used to denote ‗period of time‘
For example,
I have been living in Delhi for five years.
She has been living in Agra since birth.
PAST TENSE
(a) Simple e Past
Usage. It is used:
To talk about a past action.
To talk about some past habit

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Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, she, It
Second form of verb
(b)Past Continuous Tense
Usage: It is used
To talk about an action, which was in progress at some point of time before the time of
speaking.
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, she, It
Was +present participle
Were + present participle
(c) Past Perfect
Usage:
It is used
To talk about an action that was completed before a given moment in the past
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, she, It
Had +past participle
(d)Past Perfect Continuous
Usage:
It is used:
To talk about an action that began before a definite moment in the past, had continued up
to that moment and was still in progress at that moment, or had recently finished.
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, she, It
Had been + present participle

10
FUTURE TENSE
(a) Simple Future
Usage
It is used;
To talk about an action that will take place in future
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, She, It
Shall + root form of ‗Verb‘
Will + root form of verb
Note: In modern English ‘will‘ is used with ‘I‘ and ‘we‘, too.
(b) Future Continuous
Usage:
It is used:
To express an action that is almost certain to take place in the future.
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, She, It
Shall be + present participle
Will be +present participle
(c) Future Perfect
Usage:
It is used:
To talk about an action completed before a given moment in the future.
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, She, It
Shall have+ past participle
Will have + past participle
(d) Future Perfect Continuous Tense

11
Usage:
it is used.
To talk about an action that will begin before a definite moment in the future, will
continue up to that moment and will be in progress even at that moment.
Form
Subject Verb
I, You, We, They, He, She, It
Shall have been + present participle
Will have been +present participle
Solved Example
1. Fill in the blanks in the following passage by using the correct tense form of the verbs
given in brackets, choosing the appropriate options from the given ones.
I ____________ (1) (realize) that I ___________ (2) (know) one of the two men by
sight, and I _________ (3) (spend) a few seconds thinking why he _________ (4) (seek)
me out on a Sunday afternoon.
During this pause, three small boys __________ (5) (walk) up the passage from the
house behind me, _________ (6) (thread) a way around me and the two men outside, and
silently ________ (7) (climb) like cats up into a tree in the middle of the lawn outside.
There, the three figures ________ (8) (rest), _________ (9) (become) immobile,
________ (10) (lie) on their stomachs, deep in a secret game.

Solution
(1) realized (6) threading
(2) knew (7) climbed
(3) spent (8) rested
(4) sought (9) became
(5) walked (10) lying

12
Questions for Practice:
1. Fill in the blanks in the following passage by using the correct tense form of the
verbs given in brackets.
When Albert Einstein ________(1) (be) three years old, his parents ________ (2) (be) very
worried. He ________ (3) (seem) intelligent, but had not spoken a single word. They
________(4) (take) him to many doctors who________ (5) (say) that they ________ (6)
(find) nothing wrong with the child. One day, at the dinner table, Albert suddenly said,
“The soup _______(7) (be) too hot." The shocked parents ________(8) (ask) him why he
______ (9) (remain) silent for so long. The young child solemnly replied, "Everything
_______ (10) (he) in order until now."

2. Fill in the blanks in the following passage by using the correct tense form of the
verbs given in brackets.
Coffee is a beverage ___1___ ( drink ) by many past generations of people. What most
people do not realize is that coffee is ___2___ ( make ) from beans ___3___ ( pick ) from
trees. Coffee trees ___4___ ( grow ) either from seeds or cuttings. These trees will begin
to ___5___ ( bear ) crops when they are about four years old. Workers on coffee
plantations have to pick the beans by hand. After the beans ___6___ ( gather ), they
are ___7___ ( roast ) at high temperatures. This process ___8___ ( give ) them their
fragrance. The best coffee is made from freshly ___9___ ( grinding ) beans. There are
many different ways of ___10___ ( prepare ) coffee. Coffee can be served either with or
without milk.

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 MODALS
Modals are those auxiliary (helping) verbs which express the ‗mode‘ or ‗manner‘
of the actions indicated by the main verbs. They express modes such as ability,
possibility, probability, permission, obligation, etc.
The following are modal auxiliaries:
shall, should, will, would, can, could, may, might, must, ought to, used to, need, dare.
Use of Modal Auxiliaries
(a) Shall and Will
1.’Shall’ is used with the first person subject (I, we) and ‗will‘, used with all person
subject, to express simple future.
2.’Shall’ with the first person subject, expresses:
Intention e.g. I shall go home today.
Promise e.g. I shall try to do better.
Threat e.g. I shall kill him.
Determination e.g. I shall do or die.
3. (a) ‘Will’ with the second & third person subject, expresses:
Order e.g. You will do it just now.
Threat e.g. You will be punished
Promise e.g. You will have a holiday
Determination e.g. You will work for me.
Intention e.g. Will he go with you?
(b) ‘Would’ is used to express:
Determination e.g. I would have my way.
Habitual action e.g. he would sit all day with the book in his hand.
Willingness e.g. I would do my best to satisfy you.
Wish e.g. Would that I were healthy.
(c)’Should’ is used to express:
Duty e.g. we should keep our word.
Advice e.g. you should take rest.‘
After ‘lest ‘e.g. Work hard lest you should fail.

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Polite request e.g. Should I help you to solve this problem?
(d) “May‟ is used to express:
Possibility e.g. he may succeed in his work.
Permission e.g. may I come in?
Wish e.g. may you live long.
Purpose e.g. he works hard so that he may pass.
(e) Can is used to express:
Power/ability e.g. He can swim, He cannot speak English
Permission e.g. You can go now. Can I use your bicycle?
(f) Might (past tense of May) is used to express:
Suggestion e.g. he might join a college.
Possibility e.g. it might rain.
Purpose e.g. he works hard that he might win a scholarship.
(g) Could (past tense of can) express:
Power/ability e.g. he could run fast when he was young.
Polite request e.g. could you please help me?
(h) Must express:
Compulsion e.g. you must carry out my orders.
(i) Ought to:
It is used to denote duty or moral or social obligation. It is used nearly in the same sense
as ‗should‘. The verb that follows ought always takes to +V1 form.
For example:
We ought to obey our teachers.
We ought not to speak ill of others.

(j) Need:
It is used in the sense of ‘require‘ or ‘want‘. Need not expresses the idea that there is no
compulsion, e.g. You needn‘t leave today, you can leave tomorrow. You needn‘t pay the
whole amount in one installment. Need I wait till he comes?

15
(k) Dare:
It means ‗to have the courage to do something‘.
e.g. he dare not go there.
(l) Used to +V1:
It expresses a habit in the past‘
Used to +V1 e.g. I used to swim when I was young.
I used to live in Mumbai. (Now I live in Delhi).
We used to go to Shimla in winter but now we don‘t.
(m) Has to/Have to:
It expresses ‗some compulsion, obligation or necessity in the present or future tense‘.
Has to/have to +V1e.g. Mohan has to finish his work in time.
I cannot come with you because I have to finish my work in time.
(n) Had to:
It is used to express ‗compulsion, obligation or necessity in the past.‘
The expression ‘had to‘ is the past tense of ‗have to‘
Had to +V1 e.g. yesterday my servant did not come. I had to wash my clothes myself.
The enemy had to accept defeat at last.
(o) Will have to:
It is used to express compulsion, obligation or necessity in the future.
The expression ‘will have to‘ is the future tense of ‗have to‘
Will have to +V1
e.g. Next week you will have to deposit your fee.

Modal Verb Expressing Example

Strong obligation You must stop when the traffic lights
turn red.
must
logical conclusion / He must be very tired. He's been
Certainty working all day long.
must not Prohibition You must not smoke in the hospital.
can Ability I can swim.
16
 Permission Can I use your phone, please?
Possibility Smoking can cause cancer.
ability in the past When I was younger I could run fast.
could polite permission Excuse me, could I just say something?
possibility It could rain tomorrow!
permission May I use your phone, please?
may
possibility, probability It may rain tomorrow!
polite permission Might I suggest an idea?
might possibility, probability I might go on holiday to Australia next
year.
lack of I need not buy tomatoes. There are
need not necessity/absence of plenty of tomatoes in the fridge.
obligation
50 % obligation I should / ought to see a doctor. I have
a terrible headache.
should/ought advice You should / ought to revise your
to lessons
logical conclusion He should / ought to be very tired. He's
been working all day long.
had better advice You'd better revise your lessons

Solved Examples
1. ________ you be able to bring your camera when you come?
2. Priya __________ apologise for the confusion that was caused yesterday because of
her carelessness.
3. You _______ finish this first and then start with the other one.
4. ________ I make some tea for you?
5. I ______ make sure to keep everything ready by the time they reach the railway
station.
6. You _______ see to it that the students are standing according to their roll numbers.
17
7. ______ I come in?
8. She _______ find it interesting as she likes reading adventure stories.
9. Do you have any idea how much all of this _______ cost?
10. ______ you please help me find my keys?

18
 Answers -
1. Would you be able to bring your camera when you come?
2. Priya should/ought to apologise for the confusion that was caused yesterday because
of her carelessness.
3. You could finish this first and then start with the other one.
4. Shall I make some tea for you?
5. I will make sure to keep everything ready by the time they reach the railway station.
6. You must see to it that the students are standing according to their roll numbers.
7. Can/Shall/May I come in?
8. She might find it interesting as she likes reading adventure stories.
9. Do you have any idea how much all of this would cost?
10. Can/Would/Could/Will you please help me find my keys?

1.Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals.

Ram (a) …………….. keep his word as he (b) …………….. repay all his loan. He (c)
…………….. be seventeen next week. I am certain that you (d) see that how successfully
he has …………….. accomplished his mission. (e) …………….. he live long ! You (f)
…………….. not worry. Your money is safe.
Answer:
(a) should
(b) has to
(c) will
(d will
(e) May
(f) need
2. Look at the words and phrases below. Rearrange them to form meaningful
sentences.
(a) River/when I/could/ I swim/was/young/across/the
(b) Parents/their/children/obey/should
(c) Dare/how/you/to him/talk/like/this

19
3. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each of the lines.
Write the incorrect word and the correction against the correct blank number.
Remember to underline the word/phrase that you have supplied.
Incorrect Correction
The evil of begging is very common into our society. E.g. into in
There can be no place which you won‘t find a beggar. a) ………….
………….
Some beggars are quite health. They are able – bodied (b) ………….
………….
and are strong much to earn their living. But they (c) ………….
………….
are idlers and want to living without work. (d) ………….
………….

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SUBJECT-VERB CONCORD
A verb agrees with the subject in number and person. A singular takes a singular
verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
I. She is a good speaker.
II. They are good speakers.
In sentence (I) the subject ‘she‘ is in the singular number; the verb ‗is ‗also in the
singular. But in sentence (II) the subject ‘they‘ is in the plural number; the verb ‗are‘ is
also in the plural.
For example:
(a) Girls are taking a test.
(b) Boys were weeping bitterly.
(c) They have not finished the task.
(d) Geeta is reciting a poem.
(e) My sister does not tell lies.
In the above sentences, the verbs have changed according to the person of the subject.
Thus, we know that the verb agrees with the subject in number and person. This is
known in grammar as subject-verb concord.
1. Two or more singular subject joined by ‘and‘ takes a plural verb.
For example:
You and I are friends.
2. When two subjects are joined by as well as the verb agrees with the first subject.
For example:
Her friends as well as she are talkative
3. Either, neither, each, every an everyone are followed by a singular verb.
For example:
Each of them is lovable.
4. When two singular nouns refer to the same person or thing, the verb must be singular.
For example:
My sister and friend has come.
5. When two subjects together express one idea, the verb may be in the singular.

21
For example:
Two and two makes four.
6. When a plural noun expresses some specific quantity or amount considered as a
whole, the verb is in singular.
For example:
Twenty kilos of rice is not much for the month.
7. When two or more singular subjects are connected by ‗with‘, together with‘ ‗and
not‘, ‗besides‘ no less than‘ the verb is in singular.
For example:
He and not you is to blame.
8. The verb agrees with the number of the nouns that follow the verb.
For example:
There are five girls in the office.
9. Some nouns which are plural in form but singular in meaning, take a singular verb.
For example:
English is my favorite subject.
10. A plural noun which is the name of a country or province or the title of a book, is
followed by a singular verb.
For example:
West Indies is a black country.
‘Human values‟ is written by M.K. Diwan.
11. A collective noun generally takes a singular verb when the subject stands for the
collection as a whole and a plural verb when the subject stands for the individuals of
which is composed.
For example:
The whole class is present.
The teams are celebrating their victory.
12. A relative pronoun must agree with its antecedent gender, number an person.
For example:
It is I who am to blame.

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Solved Example
1. Fill in the blanks appropriately.
(a) Neither you nor your friends…………passed the examination nor is it really
shameful.
(b) None of the conspiracy ............. succeeded and this is really great.
(c) All of the food...............been consumed.
Ans.
(a) have
(b) has
(c) has
Questions for Practice
1. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate answer.
(a)Her friends as well as Rama… ........studying for last one Hour.
(b)Each of you… ............... responsible for the tragedy.
(c) Your cousin and friend........... come.
2. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate answer.
(a)None of the plans…........ succeeded.
(b)Some of these books… ...... really in bad position.
(c) Some of the water…........ Finished.
3. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate answer.
(a)Most of the money… ......... spent.
(b)There any food left?
(c) All of it................ been eaten.
4. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate answer.
(a) Bread and butter.............. her favorite breakfast.
(b)Bread and butter .............very costly nowadays.
(c) Twenty kilos of flour.............. insufficient for such a large family.

23
 REPORTED SPEECH-DIRECT AND INDIRECT
What is a Direct Speech?
In a Direct Speech, the speaker‘s own words are quoted without making any change.
For example: Ravi said, ―Kartik has gone to Mumbai.‖
What is an Indirect Speech?
In an Indirect Speech, the essence of the Speaker‘s words is given.
For Example: Ravi said that Kartik had gone to Mumbai.
Some Important Points
1. In a Direct Speech-
(a) The Speaker‘s actual words are placed within inverted commas (―).
(b) His actual words start with a capital letter.
(c) There is a comma after the reporting verb.
(d) At the end of his actual words, a full stop or a question mark or a sign of exclamation
is put according to the need of the sentence.
(e) The tense of the speaker‘s words remains the same.
2. In an Indirect Speech-
(a) Inverted commas are not used.
(b) Only the first letter of the sentence starts with a capital letter.
(c) There is no comma after the reporting verb.
(d) Conjunctions like that, to, if/whether are used to link the reporting verb and the
reported speech.
(e) At the end of the sentence, only a full stop is put. Question marks are not allowed.
(f) The tense of the speaker‘s words undergoes a change.
Note: If the speaker‘s words express a habitual action, a universal truth, a scientific
statement, a proverb or a permanent truth, the tense of the speaker‘s words remain the
same.
Changing Direct Speech into Indirect Speech
1. Tense and Verb Forms
(a) Simple Present-Simple Past
Direct: Rahul said to me, “I am your neighbour.”‖

24
Indirect: Rahul told me that he was my neighbour.
(c) Present Continuous-Past Continuous
Direct: Sanajy said, ―I am eating a mango.‖
Indirect: Sanjay said that he was eating a mango.
(d) Present Perfect- Past Perfect
Direct: Sanajy said, ―I have drunk an apple juice.‖
Indirect: Sanajy said that he had drunk an apple juice.
(e) Present Perfect Continuous – Past Perfect Continuous
Direct: Sanajy said, ―I have been watching TV since morning.‖
Indirect: Sanajy said that he had been watching TV since morning.
(f) Simple Past – Past perfect
Direct: Sanajy said, ―I did my work.‖
Indirect: Sanajy said that he had done his work.
(g) Past Continuous- Past perfect Continuous
Direct: Sanajy said, ―I was writing a letter.‖
Indirect: Sanajy said that he had been writing a letter.
2. Change of Time, Place
Words showing nearness of time and place change into words showing distance, time
and place.
Now-then
Ago-before
This-that
These-those
Here-there
Today-that day
Tomorrow- the following day/the next day
Yesterday-the previous day/ the day before
Last night- the previous night
Last week- the previous week
Will- would

25
May-might
Can-could
3. Change of Pronouns
S - First person according to subject
O - Second person according to object.
N - Third person no change.
4. Change of Different Kinds of Sentences
(a) Questions
(I) “Wh‟ questions: The questions beginning with which, when, where, why, how,
whose, etc. do not need any conjunction.
For example,
He said to me, ―”which movie were you watching last night?”‖ (Direct)
He asked me which movie I had been watching the previous night. (Indirect)
(II) Yes/No questions: The question that begin with helping verbs like is, am, are, was,
were, will, shall, do, does, it, has, have, had, etc., that the conjunction ‗if or ‗whether‘.
For example,
The teacher said to children, ―Have you completed your work?‖ (Direct)
The teacher asked the children if they had completed their work. (Indirect)
(b) Commands:
(i) The imperative sentences or commands take the conjunction ‗to‘.
(ii) The reporting verb ‗said‘ or ‗said to‘ changes into ordered, commanded, advised or
requested.
For example:
The doctor said to the patient, ―Take this tablet daily.‖ (Direct)
The doctor advised to patient to take that tablet daily. (Indirect)
The master said to the servant, ―Bring me a glass of milk.‖ (Direct)
The master ordered the servant to bring him a glass of milk. (Indirect)
(c) Exclamations:
(i) The reporting verb ‘said‘ is changed into exclaimed, exclaimed with joy exclaimed
with sorrow, exclaimed with wonder, wished or prayed etc.

26
(ii) The conjunction ‘that‘ is used to introduce the reported speech.
For example,
He said, ―What a beautiful painting!‖(Direct)
He exclaimed with wonder that it was a beautiful painting. (Indirect)
The boys said, ―Hurrah! We have won the match.‖(Direct)
The boys exclaimed with joy that they had won the match. (Indirect)
(d) Sentences beginning with “Let”:
(i) The man said to the servant, ―let the children play.‖ (Direct)
The man asked the servant to let the children play. (Indirect)
(ii) She said to her friend, ―Let us go for a picnic.‖ (Direct)
She proposed to her friends that they should go for picnic. (Indirect)
(iii) The Principal said to the peon, ―Don‘t let the children enter my study.‖ (Direct)
The Principal ordered the peon not to let the children enter his study. (Indirect)
Solved Example
Read the conversation below and complete the passage that follows.
Interviewer: So, why do you want to be a computer programmer?
Ravi: Well, I have always been interested in computers.
Interviewer: I see. Do you have any experience?
Ravi: No, but I’m a fast learner.
Interviewer: What kind of a computer do you use?
Ravi: Computer? Uhm, let me see. I can use a Mac. I also used Windows 10 once.
Interviewer: That’s good.
Ravi recently attended an interview for the selection of a computer programmer. At the
interview, he was asked (a) ……………………….. To this question he replied that he
wanted to change his job because (b) ……………………….. When the interviewer asked
him (e) ………………………. he replied that he (d) ……………………….. Finally, the
interviewer wanted to know (e) ………………………. . Ravi replied that he could use a
Mac and had also used Windows 10 once in the past. The interviewer seemed to be pleased
with his answers.

27
Answer:
(a) why he wanted to be a computer programmer
(b) he had always been interested in computers
(c) whether he had any experience
(d) didn’t but that he was a fast learner
(e) the kind of computer he used

28
 Practice Questions
1. Rearrange the following sentences to make meaningful sentences.
(a) Friends/Archie/movie/the/asked his / what / of they / thought/
(b) preferred/said/book/had/the/his/friend/he
(c) his/was/same/Ram/answer//always/said/the

2. Read the dialogue given below an report it by filling in the blanks

Question 2.
Manu: Where are you going to?
Annu: I am going to the market. Do you want anything?
Manu asked Annu (a) …………………… Annu replied (b) …………………… Annu
replied (b) …………………… and she further asked (C) ……………………

Answer:
(a) where she was going.
(b) that she was going to the market
(c) if/whether she wanted anything.
DETERMINERS
Determiners are words placed before nouns or pronouns to decide or fix their meaning.
They tell us ‗how many‘ or ‗how much‘. Determiners are words which come
before nouns. They contain several classes of words, including pronouns and
adjectives.

They determine or limit the noun by giving some additional information about it.
Determiners show whether a noun refers to is a general or a specific object, person or
place.
They indicate which or how many things the noun refers to.
Determiners define or limit a noun to the singular or plural.
They indicate amount or quantity.
Determiners may precede numerals too.

29
Solved Exercises
1.Fill in the blanks using suitable determiners.
Fill in the blanks using this, that, these, or those.
1. ………….. is my wife.
2. Could you bring me a book ……………. I left in the garden?
3. Many parents complain about their childhood days.
4. The jeans you have bought today are better than you bought last month.
Answer:
1. This
2. that
3. these
4. those
Fill in the blanks with Numeral Determiners—one, two, some, any, little, few, all,
both, much, many, several, etc.:
1. How ………….. money do you want?
2. Have you read ………….. stories?
3. I have read………….. short stories in Hindi but only ………….. in English.
4. I read the letter again and noticed that there were………….. mistakes in it.
5. How ………….. milk do you take every day?
6. There are………….. countries in the world where the population is not growing
fast.
7. Would you lend me your watch for ………….. days?
8. Do you have …………. complaint against the clerk?
9. There are ………….. eggs in the basket, but there isn’t ………….. butter.
10. ………….. care could have prevented the accident.
11. ………….. of the boys has broken this window pane.
12. I have already spent the ………….. rupees you gave me.
13. ………….. the husband and wife are members of this club.
14. ………….. the customers insisted that the shopkeeper must provide them full
measure.

30
 15. The story was published in ………….. the local newspapers.
Answers:
1. much
2. many/some
3. many/a lot of; few/some
4. many
5. much
6. a few
7. some/a few
8. any
9. some, any
10. A little
11. one
12. few
13. Both
14. All
15. all
3) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners:
1. There was ………….. accident near …………. central market this
morning. ………….. car hit ………….. scooter and ………….. man
on ………….. scooter was killed.
2. …………..postman put ………….. letter under ………….. front door
just ………….. hour after you had left.
3. A cup of tea may seem ………….. ordinary thing to ………….. of us in India. But
drinking tea is ………….. ritual which is taken very seriously in …………..
Japanese homes.
4. ………….. king fought bravely but he was defeated by …………..
enemies. ………….. defeated warrior left ………….. battlefield and hid
in ………….. is cave.

31
 5. ………….. people came to ………….. site where the revolutionary general was to
be hanged. When asked if he had ………….. desire, ………….. smile ran
on ………….. dry Ups and he nodded his head.
6. It was ………….. grand occasion for ………….. children ………….. of them
had won prizes and ………….. parents felt proud ………….. of them introduced
their parents to their teachers.
7. Game hunting was ………….. favourite pastime of ………….. officers
of ………….. British Raj. This resulted in decrease in ………….. number of
animals in ………….. wild. Recent environmental degradation and destruction of
natural habitats of wild animals have pushed them to ………….. brink of extinction.
Answers:
1. an, the, A, a, the, the
2. The, a, the, an
3. an, some, a, many
4. The, his, The, the, a
5. Many, the, any, a, his
6. a, many, some, their, Some/A few
7. a, the, the, the, the, the
Exercises For Practice:
1. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners: (a, an, the, some, yours, much, etc.)
Two friends meet in their school canteen. They are going to have their lunch.
Namit: You can share my lunch and I’ll share (a) ……………………..
Vipul: Oh, that’ll be nice. I’ll have (b) ………………… good things to eat.
Namit: I’m afraid. I don’t have (c) ……………………. . to eat. There are only two
sandwiches and (d) ……………………. . apple. Here’s your sandwich. And you can
take half (e) ……………………. apple.
Vipul: Thanks. They look delicious. I have four puries and some pickles.
We can have two puries each. And we will order for (f) …………………… . drink.
What would you like tea or coffee?

32
Namit: I’ll have tea.
Vipul: So shall I.
2. Complete the following passage by filling in suitable determiners:
My aunt lived on (a) ………………….. ground floor of (b) ………………….. old house
on (c) ………………….. river Thames. She was afraid of burglars and always locked
up (d) ………………….. house carefully before going to bed. She also took the
precaution of looking under (e) ………………….. bed to see if (f) …………………..
burglar was hiding there.
3. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners:
(a) …………………. abbreviation is (b)…………………. shortened form
of (c)…………………. word or a group of words. It is used to save time and
space (d)…………………. abbreviations are also used while speaking. Most
of (e)…………………. dictionaries include (f)…………………. list of commonly
used abbreviations.
4. Complete the passage with suitable determiners:
My friend lived on (a)…………………. first floor of (b) …………………. recently
renovated old house on (c) …………………. river Beas. She was afraid of burglars
and always locked up (d) house carefully before going to bed. She also took the
precaution of looking under (e)…………………. bed to see
if (f) …………………. burglar was hiding there.
5. Complete the following passage with suitable determiners:
I have met (a) …………………. people in my life but (b) …………………. man
who has influenced me (c) …………………. most is Mother Teresa. To me she has
been (d) …………………. symbol of true religion (e) …………………. people can do
what she has done. If we adopt (f) …………………. ideology, the world would become
a better place to live in.

33
 EDITING
1) Following paragraph has not been edited. There is an error in each numbered
write the correction against the correct blank number. Remember to underline has
been done as an example. (4 marks) (Board Term-12012, Set EC2,059)
When it comes to nutrients, almonds really know
how to shine! This all in one nut was snacked Error: was; Correction: is;]
with multiple benefits who help in weight a) [Error: _______; Correction:______]
management, maintain blood glucose levels b) [Error: _______; Correction:
______;]
and providing essential nutrients. Almonds is (c) [Error: _______; Correction:
_____;]
an excellence source of vitamin-E, magnesium, (d) [Error: ______; Correction: _____;]
and manganese.
Answers -
Error Correction
a)who which
b)maintain maintaining
c)is are
d)excellence excellent
2) The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each of these
lines. Write the incorrect word and the correction in your answer sheet. The first
one has been done for you as an example. (4 marks) (Board Term-12012, Set
EC2,032)
God like qualities are planted with us at birth. [Error: _with___; Correction: _in_;]
They grow amid the thorns of our fault. Many of us (a) [Error: ___; Correction: _____;]
look at ourselves and see only the thorn, the defects (b) [Error: ____; Correction: ____;]
We despair, thinking such we cannot do anything good (c) [Error: ___; Correction: ___;]
We neglect to water a good within us, (d) [Error: ____; Correction: _______;] and
eventually it dies.
Answers –

34
Error Correction
a) fault faults
b) thorn thorns
c) such that
d) a the

35
 ABK –SSJ Class X
English Grammar Complete Syllabus
CLASS X English PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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Download our app : https://hodor.page.link/vEwC
Determiners
1.Fill in the blank with the correct option :
The number of people attending this evening annual function is _______than that of the previous year’s.
(a) fewer
(b) few
(c) less
(d) much
Ans. (c) less
2.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option. I appreciate even ________ help given to me.
(a) little
(b) much
(c) the little
(d) few
Ans. (c) the little
3.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the slogan :
_____ EDUCATED MIND CAN TEACH MANY.
(a) THE
(b) A
(c) AN
(d) THIS
Ans.(c)AN
4.Select the correct option to fill in the blanks for the given line :
Don’t you have _____ friends in the school ?
(a) much
(b) few
(c) little
(d) any
Ans.(d)any
5.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following sentence:
More of the fun and excitement in our lives comes from using our imagination.

Option Error Correction

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 (a) More Most

(b) Our The

(c) From Of

(d) Using Use

Ans.

Error Correction
more most

6.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the slogan.
______ONLY WEAPON TO FIGHT INJUSTICE IS EDUCATION
Ans. (a) THE
Tenses
1.Reena always ______ the truth.
(a) speak
(b) speaks
(c) will speak
(d) speaking
Ans. (b) speaks
2.Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option :
Heena _______ from fever since last Sunday.
(a) suffered
(b) will suffer
(c) suffer
(d) has been suffering
Ans. (d) has been suffering
3.Fill in the blank by using the correct word in the bracket.
Anyas _______ (eat) all the chocolates kept in the tray.
(a) ate
(b) eating
(c) have eaten
(d) eaten
Ans. (a) ate
4.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket for the given portion of the letter :
Subject – Request for Leave.
Dear Sir,
I request you to grant me two days leave as I _______ (have) visit my ailing grandmother.
Ans. have to

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5.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket for the given portion of the letter :
Subject : Complaint about Poor Service.
Dear Sir,
I ______ (will) like to draw your attention to the poor service provided by your technical team.
Ans. would
6.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following traffic advisory :
Whoever drove a motor vehicle without a safety belt or carries passengers without seat belts will be fined.
Ans.

Error Correction
drove drives

7.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word given in the brackets.
The names of the applicants were __________(list) in the report and submitted to the manager .
Ans. listed
8.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
When I was a very young girl, _________ grocery shopping was considered a major outing for me.
(a) to be going
(b) going
(c) having gone
(d) went
Ans. (b) going
9.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets :
The package _________ (arrive) at nine in the morning, the day after tomorrow.
(a) will arrive
(b) would arrive
(c) can arrive
(d) cannot arrive
Ans. will arrive
10.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
The domestic cat _________ related to the lion and the tiger.
(a) be
(b) is
(c) has been
(d) is being
Ans. (b) is
11.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets :
Last week it _________ (rain) heavily and my house was flooded with water.
Ans. rained

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12.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
The students _________ to participate in the workshop, and submit a report at the end of the day to the English
teacher.
(a) were ask
(b) had been asked
(c) will have asked
(d) were asked
Ans. (d) – were asked / (b) had been asked
13.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket for the given portion of the letter :
Subject : Request for permission to participate in the Meet.
Dear Sir
I would like to request for permission to participate in the forthcoming inter-school cultural meet. I ________
(interest) in taking part in the dance drama.
Ans. am interested
14.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line :
At the end of the street stand the tallest building in the city.

Option no. Error Correction

a end ending
b stand stands
c tallest taller
d in on
Ans.

Error Correction
stand stands

15.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
The teacher had run after the boy to catch him before he fell into the ditch.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction
Had run ran

16.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.

My family __________ in the village since many years.
(a) have been living
(b) has been living

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(c) is living
(d) was living
Ans.(b)has been living
17.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct form of the word given in the brackets :
The boy _________ (realize) his mistake when he reached the end of his journey.
(a) has realized
(b) can realize
(c) realizing
(d) realized
Ans. (d) realized
18.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket :
When a satellite _____ (launch), the rocket begins by going slowly upwards.
(a) is launched
(b) are launched
(c) have been launched
(d) were launched
Ans. (a) is launched
19.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket :
The teacher _____ (complete) the preparations for the function before the term ended.
Ans. had completed
20.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line :
The children cheers loudly when their captain scored the winning goal.

Option no. Error Correction

A Cheers Cheered
B When By
C Scored Scoring
D Winning Winner
Ans.

A Cheers Cheered

21.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket :
The school _____ (organize) an educational tour to Kashmir in the summer break.
Ans. is organizing
22.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket:
The students with the help of their teacher______ (create) a beautiful poster.
Ans. created
23.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction:
The children were exciting when they saw the leopard.
Use the given format for your response :

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 Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction
exciting excited

24.The doctor______examined the patient when the family arrived.

(a) was
(b) had
(c) has
(d) have
Ans.(b) had
25.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction:
The dog has eaten his food before the trainer arrived. Use the given format for your response:

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction
Has Had

26.Fill in the blank with the correct option. Since he woke up he

(a) has been study
(b) has been studying
(c) had studied
(d) is studying
Ans. (b)has been studying
Phrasal Verb
1.The electricity department will ______ the power for two hours this evening.
(a) shut out
(b) shut off
(c) shut down
(d) shut in
Ans. (c) shut down
2.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
The entire family _________________with a mild infection and they recovered soon.
(a)came up
(b)came down
(c)came along
(d)came in
Ans. (b) Came down
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3.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
The attendant _______ several guests at the same time to ensure prompt service.
(a) waited on
(b) waited in
(c) waited up
(d) waited
Ans. (a) waited on
4.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the online update.
The burglar _______ the house when the owners were away.
(a) broke up
(b) broke away
(c) broke into
(d) broke down
Ans. broke into
5.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line from a news report. :
The traffic situation in the city calls out immediate intervention by the traffic police.

Option no. Error Correction

a traffic traffics
b out for
c immediate later
d by with
Ans.

b out for
6.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
The athlete’s performance in the international arena ______ a change in the Government’s attitude towards sports.
(a) brought in
(b) brought about
(c) brought off
(d) brought up
Ans. (b) brought about
7.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
The residents promised to _________ the President of the association in his demand for proper garbage disposal
systems.
(a) stood by
(b) stand by
(c) stand against
(d) stood for
Ans. (b) stand by

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8.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the following report :
The inspector _________ the group sitting behind the shed and took them by surprise.
(a) walked up
(b) walked away
(c) walked into
(d) walked up on
Ans. ( d) walked up on / to
9.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete an online update :
The conclave scheduled by the 'Daily Herald'_________too much time .
(a) took out
(b) took up
(c) took after
(d) took down
Ans. (b) took up
10.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
I was delighted when I ________ my junior school teacher.
(a) ran away
(b) ran into
(c) ran down
(d) ran in
Ans. (b) ran into
11.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete an online update :
The story has been _________ of proportion because of the aggressive reaction of the people.
(a) blown out
(b) blown in
(c) blown up
(d) blown
Ans. (a)blown out
12.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option : After many months of research, the scientists _____ the
invisible barrier.
(a) break down
(b) broke out
(c) broke in
(d) broke through
Ans. (d) broke through
13.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
The children _____ better safety procedures after the unexpected fire in the school.
(a) called for
(b) called in
(c) called by

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(d) called out
Ans.(a) called for
14.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option :
The coach hoped that in his absence the team would _____ with the practice.
(a) carried by
(b) carry into
(c) carry on
(d) carry in
Ans. (c) carry on
15.Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blanks with the correct option :
The teacher is hoping to _____ an art exhibition before the end of the year.
(a) put off
(b) put up
(c) put down
(d) put on
Ans. (b) put up
16.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete a school advisory.
Parents must______ their children's leisure activities.
(a) look at
(b) look into
(c) look away
(d) look up
Ans. (b) look into
17.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the online update headline:
The Government has_____ many changes to give relief to the common man.
(a) brought in
(b) brought up
(c) brought about
(d) brought forth
Ans. (a) brought in / (c) brought about
18.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:
In times of trouble you can always______ your parents for help.
(a) turn in
(b) turn to
(c) turn on
(d) turn away
Ans. (b) turn to
19.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:
As I stood in the balcony and watched the passers by throw paper out of their car, I was____ by their behaviour.
(a) put up
(b) put in
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(c) put away
(d) put off
Ans. (d) – put off
Modals
1.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line :
I can run fast when I was young.

Option no. Error Correction

a was is
b run ran
c can could
d when whence
Ans.(c)

Error Correction
can could

2.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line, from a newspaper report. The report read, “there
______ traffic diversion due to the student parade on the main street.”
(a) cannot be
(b) should be
(c) must be
(d) will be
Ans. (d) will be
3.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the hoarding on a shop.
NEED A GIFT ? YOU ______ FIND ONE FOR EVERY OCCASION.
(a) OUGHT TO
(b) WOULD
(c) NEED
(d) WILL
Ans. will
4.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from the weather report.
The report read, “there _____ heavy rainfall due to western disturbances over the Arabian Sea”.
(a) should be
(b) must be
(c) ought to be
(d) will be
Ans. (d) will be
5.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the slogan by the Ministry of Education.
IS YOUR CHILD SITTING AT HOME
YOU _______ SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL
(a) WILL
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(b) MIGHT
(c) SHOULD
(d) MUST
Ans. should / must
6.The teacher motivated the students by letting them know that if they _________ submit their assignments by the
end of the day, they might get an opportunity to watch the match.
(a) did not
(b) must
(c) would
(d) were
Ans. (c) would
7.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
If I were attending the workshop, I _________ stay on till the end of the second session as well.
(a) would
(b) may
(c) can
(d) should
Ans. (a) would
8.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line :
As a true patriot, I ________ lay down my life for my motherland.
(a) might
(b) could
(c) will
(d) should
Ans. (c ) will / (d ) should
9.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
Do you know that slouching should cause many problems ?
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction
should could
10.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
Drivers _________ wear helmets for their safety.
(a) must
(b)can’t
(c)don’t
(d) ought

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Ans. (a) must
11.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line :
One _________ read the newspaper every day.
(a) should
(b) would
(c) can
(d) may
Ans. (a) should
12.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line :
I can’t never forget my childhood friend Bella .

Option no. Error Correction

a can’t can
b forget forgotten
c my Mine
d friend friends
Ans.

Error Correction
can’t can
13.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
We ______not really change a man’s mind and heart with money.
(a) can
(b) could
(c) may
(d) might
Ans. (a) can / (c) may
14.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
If you had worked hard you ___________ have passed.
(a) may
(b) will
(c) would
(d) might
Ans. (c) would / (d) might
15.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from a fashion magazine.
The advertisement read, ‘___________ ’we dress your day? Make you special.Pick the perfect look.’
(a) Must
(b) Can
(c) Will
(d) Ought to
Ans.( b) Can

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16.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the slogan by the Animal Welfare Board.
__________ WE CUT TREES AND DESTROY NATURAL HABITAT ?
STOP ! BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
(a) MIGHT
(b) MAY
(c) MUST
(d) COULD
Ans. (c) must
17.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from a travel magazine.
Tourists are warned that they ________ be fined if they tease animals.
(a) should
(b) may
(c) will
(d) might
Ans.will
18.Residents are requested to segregate the wet from the dry waste.
Residents ________ adhere to civic norms.
(a) can
(b) ought to
(c) will be
(d) might
Ans.(b)ought to
19.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given sentence : “
_____ you help me cross the road, young man ?
(a) Will
(b) May
(c) Shall
(d) Might
Ans. (a) will
20.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option :
You _____ keep your promise.
(a) may
(b) can
(c) shall
(d) must
Ans. (d) must
21.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the advisory by the Health Department.
Schools _____ instruct students to wear full sleeved shirts during monsoon time.
(a) ought
(b) would

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(c) might
(d) ought to
Ans. (d) ought to
22.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given sentence:
Where were you?You ........... be in the class at the right time.
(a) shall
(b) Should
(c) Will
(d) would
Ans. (b)should
23.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line on a save the environment poster :Keep the environment
clean. Do not litter.
You_______ follow rules.
(a) should
(b) May
(c) Must
(d) will
Ans. (c) must
24.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from school notice board:
Students______walk silently in the corridor during class hours
(a) should
(b) May
(c) Must
(d) would
Ans. (a) should / ( c) must
Subject – verb concord
1.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line :
Bread and butter ______ my favourite breakfast.
(a) is
(b) am
(c) are
(d) has been
Ans. (a) is
2.Identify the error in the given sentence :
The ship Titanic and her fate continues to fascinate the imagination of the people.
Use the given format for your response :

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction

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 continues continue

3.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line from the health report :
The incidence of malaria have reduced in the city.

Option No. Error Correction

a incidence incident
b have has
c reduced reduction
d in on
Ans.

Error Correction
Have has

4.Complete the sentence with the appropriate option.

Two-thirds of the students _________ present at the inaugural function.
(a) is
(b) being
(c) was
(d) were
Ans. (d) were
5.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
His brother along with his friends ________ leaving for the stadium. (a) are
(b) has
(c) is
(d) were
Ans. (c) is
6.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
Economics _____________ difficult for the students of grade nine. (a) is
(b) are
(c) has
(d) were
Ans. (a) is
7.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
Playing outdoor games have benefits over being indoors. Use the given format for your response

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction

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 Have Has

8.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line from a news report :
Yesterday, two man were rescued from a deep sewer by a policeman.

Error Correction

Option No. Error Correction

a Man Men
b Rescued Rescue
c From for
d By in
Ans.

Error Correction
Man men

9.Fill in the blank by using that correct form of the word given in the bracket.
The film with its exciting soundtrack and classical music ________ (appeal) to the general audiences.
Ans. appeals
10.Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blanks with the correct option :
NO NEWS _____ GOOD NEWS.
(a) HAS
(b) HAD
(c) IS
(d) ARE
11.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
The stage performance put up by the students were spectacular.
Use the given format for your response :

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction
Were Was

12.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given sentence :
The treasurer and secretary _____ left from the bank.
(a) have
(b) has

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(c) are
(d) is
Ans. (b) has
(v) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:
13.Each of the boys__________ rewarded.
(a) are being
(b) have been
(c) Was
(d) were
Ans. Was
14.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction:
Latex was a natural polymer found beneath the bark of a mature rubber tree. Use the given format for your response:

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction
was is

15.Identify the error in the statement given below and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.
Water was vital to human health and fitness.

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction
was is

16.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line :
Rahul along with his cousins are leaving for sea.

Option No. Error Correction

a along belong
b with within
c are is
d for to
Ans.

c are is

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Reported speech

 Commands and requests

 Statements
 Questions

1.Read the conversation between two friends Ravi and Reena. Complete the sentence by reporting Reena’s reply
correctly.
Ravi : “Reena, lend me hundred rupees’.
Reena : “I don’t have it right now, but I will arrange it for you”. Ravi asked Reena to lend him hundred rupees, to
which Reena replied that _______.
Ans. she did not have it right then but she would arrange it for him.
2.Report the dialogue between a mother and a daughter by completing the sentence :
Mother : Why are you looking so worried ?
Daughter : My exams are approaching. In response to the question of the mother, the daughter replied that
________.
Ans. her exams were approaching
3.Ritu and Randeep are talking. Report Ritu’s question.
Ritu – Where are you going ?
Ritu asked ________.
Ans. Randeep where he was going
4.Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Anil and Sanjeev :
Anil : Where are you going ?
Sanjeev : To the airport.
Anil : May I drop you there as I’m going in that direction ?
Anil asked Sanjeev where he was going and offered to drop him as _____.
(a) he could be going in that direction
(b) he would be going in the direction
(c) he is going in the direction
(d) he was going in that direction
Ans. (d) he was going in that direction
5.Read the conversation between the shopkeeper and the customer. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply
correctly :
The shopkeeper : Do you want to buy the bead necklace ?
The customer : I am looking for a more colourful one. The shopkeeper asked the customer whether she would buy
the bead necklace to which the customer responded ________.
Ans. That she was looking for a more colourful one.
6.Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence.
Rahul : Saheb, what did you like most about your visit to the village ?
Saheb : The sense of joy in the simple things of life.

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In response to the question about what he liked about his visit to the village, Saheb says ……..
Ans. that he likes the sense of joy in the simple things of life
7.Maria shared some information with Mathew about her flight to Kanpur. Report Mathew’s question.
Were you nervous on your first flight ?
Ans. Mathew asked Maria whether / if she was nervous on her first flight.
8.Read the conversation between the shopkeeper and the customer. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply
correctly :
The shopkeeper : Do you want to buy the bead necklace ?
The customer : I am looking for a more colourful one.
The shopkeeper asked the customer whether she would buy the bead necklace to which the customer responded
________.
Ans. that she was looking for a more colourful one
9.Report the dialogue between a mother and a daughter by completing the sentence :
Mother : Why do you want to go on a tour of historical monuments of the city ?
Daughter : I am curious to learn about the past and our rich heritage.
In response to the question about the reason to go on a tour of the historical monuments the daughter says
__________
Ans. that she is curious to learn about the past and our rich heritage
10.Rakhi shared some information with Ramesh about her school camping trip. Report Ramesh’s question.
What challenge did you face on your trek ?
Ans. Ramesh asked Rakhi what challenge she had faced on her trek.
11.Read the conversation between a coach and his player. Complete the sentence by reporting the player’s reply
correctly.
Coach : Will you be able to report for morning practice during the summer break ?
Player : Sir, I will report every morning at 7 a.m. sharp.
The coach while talking to the player asked him whether he would be able to report for morning practice. The
player affirmed __________.
Ans. that he would report every morning at 7 am sharp.
12.Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Ajay and his friend.
Friend : Ajay, did you buy a zoom lens with your camera ?
Ajay : No, I did not. I ran out of money. Ajay friend asked Ajay whether he had bought a zoom lens with his camera.
Ajay replied that he had not because _________.
(a) he was running out of money
(b) he has ran out of money
(c) he have run out of money
(d) he had run out of money
Ans. (d) he had run out of money.
13.The father said , “I bought a watch,”(Change the speech)
(a) The father said that I bought a watch.
(b) The father said that he bought a watch.

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(c) The father said that he had bought a watch.
(d) The father said that he has bought a watch. Ans.
Ans.(c) The father said that he had bought a watch.
14.Read the conversation between a passenger and the clerk at the ticket counter.
Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
The clerk at the ticket counter : Where do you want to go ?
Passenger : Please give me a ticket to Bhopal.
The clerk at the ticket counter enquired where the passenger wanted to go. The passenger requested the clerk
____________.
Ans. to give him a ticket to Bhopal
15.Report the dialogue between Tony and Sarita, by completing the sentence.
Tony : Why did you call me ?
Sarita : Will you go to the museum with me ?
Tony asked Sarita why she had called him. Sarita wanted to know whether Tony ___________.
Ans. would go to the museum with her
16.Roma asked Gopal to go by the metro.Report Gopal’s question.
Which way is the metro station ?
Ans. Gopal asked which way the metro station was.
17.The father said, "I bought a watch." (Change the speech)
Report the dialogue between Rashid and his father, by completing the sentence.
Father : How are you getting on with your studies ?
Rashid : Fine. I have got a certificate of improvement from the school. Father asked Rashid how he was getting on
with his studies. Rashid replied that _________.
Ans. he was doing/getting on fine and that he had got a certificate of improvement from the school
18.Raman shared some information with Seema.Report Seema’s question.
Can you solve the sum ?
Ans. Seema asked Raman if / whether he could solve the sum
19.Read the conversation between a driver and his passenger. Complete the sentence by reporting the passenger’s
replycorrectly.
Driver : Do the bus timings suit you ?
Passenger : Yes, if I catch the 9 a.m. one, I reach office on time.
The driver was trying to figure out whether the bus timings were convenient to the passenger. The passenger
clarified that __________.
Ans. If he caught / catches the 9 a.m. one, he would reach / reaches office on time.
20.Report the dialogue between a grandson and his grandfather by completing the sentence :
Grandson : Grandpa, can you tell me what inspired you to set up a school in the village ?
Grandfather : Seeing the lack of adequate facilities and the children to learn.
In response to the question about his reason for setting up of a village school, the grandfather says that __________.
Ans. He was inspired to set up the school after / on seeing the lack of adequate facilities and children's eagerness to

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learn.
Or
After / on seeing the lack of adequate facilities and children's eagerness to learn, he was inspired to set up the school
21.Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Shyam and Shivam.
Shyam : Have you seen this actor’s latest film?
Shivam : Yes, I have. The actor has done a marvellous job.
Shyam met his friend Shivam and they began talking. Shyam asked Shivam whether he had seen the actor’s latest
film.Shivam affirmed and said affirmed and said ________________
(a) that the actor has done a marvellous job.
(b) that the actor had done a marvellous job.
(c) that the actor has been doing a marvellous job.
(d) that the actor could have done a marvellous job.
Ans. (b) that the actor had done a marvellous job
22.Read the conversation between Meera and her father. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
Meera : What did you buy ?
Father : I bought a heater.
Meera asked her father what he had bought. The father replied that he __________.
Ans. had bought a heater
23.Sunil shared some information with Sunita about the story he was reading .Report Seema’s question
What was the theme of the story ?
Ans. Sunita asked Sunil what the theme of the story was.
24.Read the conversation between a policeman and a driver. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
Policeman : Do you need any help to reach your destination ?
Driver : Yes, I am not sure which direction to take. The policeman asked the driver whether he needed any help to
reach his destination to which the driver replied __________.
Ans. (in affirmative) that he was not sure which direction to take
25.Report the dialogue between the gatekeeper and the visitor by completing the sentence :
Gatekeeper : Whom do you want to meet ?
Visitor : I want to see the art and craft exhibition.
In response to the question about whom the visitor wanted to meet, the visitor replied _________ .
Ans. That he wanted to see the art and craft exhibition
26.Radhika shared some information with Sant about her school trip.
Report Sant’s question.
What did you learn from the museum visit ?
Ans. Sant asked Radhika what she had learned /learnt from the visit to the museum.
27.Read the conversation between a nurse and a patient. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
Nurse : Has the wound started to heal ?
Patient : No, it is still bleeding.
The nurse while trying to find out how the patient was feeling, asked whether the wound had started to heal to
which the patient replied _________.

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Ans. (in negative) that it was still bleeding
28.Report the dialogue between two students, by completing the sentence :
Rashid : Are you participating in the annual Hindi play ?
Rakesh : I would like to, but I have to visit my ailing grandmother that day. In response to the question about
whether Rakesh would be participating in the annual Hindi play, Rakesh says ___________.
Ans. That he would like to but he has to visit his ailing grandmother that day
29.Samar shared some information with Sameer about his recentvisit to a wildlife sanctuary.
Report Sameer's question.
Did you spot a tiger during the safari ?
Ans. Sameer asked Samar whether / if he had spotted a tiger during the safari.
30.Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Shyam and Shivam.
Shyam: Have you seen this actor's latest film?
Shivam: Yes, I have. The actor has done a marvellous job.
Shyam met his friend Shivam and they began talking. Shyam asked Shivam whether he had seen the actor's latest
film. Shivam affirmed and said________________
(a)that the actor has done a marvellous job.
(b) that the actor had done a marvellous job.
(c)that the actor has been doing a marvellous job.
(d)that the actor could have done a marvellous job.
Ans. that the actor had done a marvellous job
31.Read the conversations between a customer and a waiter. Complete the sentence by reporting the waiter’s reply
correctly :
Customer : Waiter, come here. The plate is dirty.
Waiter : I’ll change it sir.
The customer asked the waiter to come there. He pointed out that the plate was dirty. The waiter politely offered
_______.
Ans. to change it / to change the plate
32.Report the dialogue between two friends Seema and Anu, by completing the sentence :
Seema : What brings you here ?
Anu : I am going to Dr. Sen’s house. In response to the question about what brought Anu there, Anu says ________.
Ans.that she is going to Dr. Sen’s house
33.Ritu met Anita and saw her crying. Report Ritu’s question.
Ritu : “Anita, what is the matter ?”
Ans. Ritu asked Anita what the matter was.
34.Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between Raj and his wife :
Raj : I have invited my friends for dinner.
Wife : I’ll invite my friends too. Raj told his wife that he had invited his friends for dinner. The wife added that
_______.
(a) she will invite her friends too
(b) she would invite her friends too

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(c) she can invite her friends too
(d) she could invite her friends too
Ans. (b) she would invite her friends too.
35.Read the conversation between a teacher and a student. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly :
Teacher : Would you like to take part in a debate competition ?
Student : Yes, When is the competition ? The teacher asked whether the student would like to participate in a debate
competition to which the student affirmed _______.
Ans. (b) and asked when the competition was
36.Report the dialogue between the shopkeeper and customer, by completing the sentence :
Customer : Do you sell battery operated toys for children ?
Shop keeper : Yes, we have a wide range of toys. The customer asked the shopkeeper if he sold battery operated toys
for children. In response, the shopkeeper replied _____.
Ans.(Affirming / in affirmative) that they had a wide range of toys
37.Rohina shared some information with Ruchi regarding her summer internship at the bank. Report Ruchi’s
question. What was the duration of your internship ?
Ans. Ruchi asked Rohina what the duration of her internship was.
38.Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between Raj and his wife :
Raj : I have invited my friends for dinner.
Wife : I’ll invite my friends too. Raj told his wife that he had invited his friends for dinner. The wife added that
_______.
(a) she will invite her friends too
(b) she would invite her friends too
(c) she can invite her friends too
(d) she could invite her friends too
Ans. (b) she would invite her friends too.
39.Read the conversation between a tourist and a guide. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly :
Tourist : Where is the exhibit section of the fort ?
Guide : In the far corner, on the second floor.
The tourist asked the guide where the exhibit section of the fort was to which the guide replied _______.
Ans. that it was in the far corner on the second floor
40.Report the dialogue between Lata and Usha, by completing the sentence :
Lata : What activity did you enjoy the most in the summer camp ?
Usha : I enjoyed the art and craft class. Lata asked Usha what activity did she enjoy the most in the summer camp.
Usha replied that she _________.
Ans. had enjoyed the art and craft class
41.Bela shared some information about her visit to her grandmother with Malini. Report Malini’s question.
Is your grandmother feeling better now ?
Ans. Malini asked whether/if her grandmother was feeling better then
42.Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between Raj and his wife :
Raj : I have invited my friends for dinner.

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Wife : I’ll invite my friends too. Raj told his wife that he had invited his friends for dinner. The wife added that
_______.
(a) she will invite her friends too
(b) she would invite her friends too
(c) she can invite her friends too
(d) she could invite her friends too
Ans. (b) she would invite her friends too.
43.Read the conversation between a policeman and a driver. Complete the sentence by reporting the driver's reply
correctly.
Policeman: Why did you park your car here? Don't you see a 'no parking area'.
Driver: Sorry Sir! The engine broke down.
The policeman asked the driver why he had parked the car there and if he didn't see it was a 'no parking area'. The
driver felt sorry and explained_________.
Ans. That the engine had broken down
44.Report the dialogue between Ashish and his interviewer by completing the sentence:
Interviewer: Why do you want to be a computer programmer?
Ashish: I have always been interested in computers. In response to the question of the interviewer about why Ashish
wanted to be a computer programmer, he replied___________.
Ans. that he had always been interested in computers
45.Kabir shared some information with Sahil about his travel plans. Report Kabir's plans.
I will go to Tripura tomorrow
Ans. Kabir told Sahil that he would go to Tripura the next day / following day
46.Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between a passerby and a farmer.
Passerby: Can you tell me the way to Rampur.
Farmer: Drive for four kms and then turn right. The passerby asked the farmer if he could tell him the way to
Rampur. The farmer replied that_______
(a) he may drive for four kms and then turn right.
(b) he should drive for four kms and then turn right.
(c) he might drive for four kms and then turn right.
(d) he had to drive for four kms and then turn right
Ans. (b) he should drive for 4 kms and then turn right
47.Read the conversation between the Chief Guest and the student. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply
correctly.
Chief guest: Who inspired you to learn classical dance.
Student : I was inspired by my grandfather who was a renowned dancer The Chief Guest asked the student who had
inspired the student to learn classical dance. The student replied_______
Ans.that she / he was inspired by her / his grandfather who had been a renowned dancer
48.Report the dialogue between the receptionist and the customer by completing the sentence:
Receptionist: When would you like to check into the hotel.
Customer: I will send you an email and give the details.

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In response to the question regarding when he would like to move in, the customer replied________.
Ans. that he would send him/ her an email and give the details
49.Samiksha shared some information with Sameer regarding the annual blood donation camp. Report Sameer's
question :
How did you feel when you were donating blood?
Ans. Sameer asked Samiksha how she had felt when she was donating blood.
50.Read the conversation between two students. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
Ramesh : Are you planning to participate in the annual play?
Saera: I would like to but I don't think I will be selected.
Ramesh asked Saera whether she was planning to participate in the annual day to which Saera replied_________
Ans. That she would have liked to but didn’t think that she would be selected
51.Report the dialogue between father and son by completing the sentence:
Father: Which project did you enjoy working on the most.
Son: The one in which I had to build a remote control car. In response to the question about his favourite project,
the son said that__________.
Ans.(He enjoyed) the one in which he had to build a remote control car.
52.Raziya shared some information with Shahid about a tree plantation drive. Report Shahid's question.
Did you participate in the tree plantation drive?
Ans. Shahid asked Raziya if / whether she had participated in the tree plantation drive

Miscellaneous
1.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the slogan :
______ smile and pass it to others.
(a) Happy
(b) Short
(c) Always
(d) Humble
Ans. (c) Always
2.Identify the error in the newspaper headline.
Attractive packages for different Tourist destination – Mizoram, Kashmir, Kerala, Goa.
Use the given format for your response

Error Correction

Ans.
Error Correction
destination destinations

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3.Identify the error on a shop and supply the correction.

Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

Ans.
Error Correction
informations information

4.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line :
My sister lives at the ground floor of a two-storeyed apartment and hates living there.
Option No. Error Correction
(a) live living
(b) At On
(c) Hates Hate
(d) There their
Ans.
Error Correction
at on

5.Fill in the blank with the correct option :

There is something wonderful waiting __________ her, when she reaches home.
(a) of
(b) about
(c) for
(d) inside
Ans. (c) – for
6.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line from a magazine article
: Blogging today is increasingly gaining on popularity.
Option Error Correction
No.
(a) Popularity Popular
(b) On In
(c) Increasingly Increase
(d) Today yesterday

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Ans. (b ) on – in
7.Fill in the blank by using the correct option.
When Sharad reached the airport he was totally _________ because he was flying for the first time.
(a) at ocean
(b) at sea
(c) at awe
(d) at the mercy
Ans. (c) at awe / (b) at sea
8.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
The Commissioner invitation the residents to share their problems regarding the sanitation issues.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

Ans.
Error Correction
Invitation Invited /invites

9.You should ____ your mother for your rude behaviour.

(a) apologise for
(b) apologise at
(c) apologise with
(d) apologise to
Ans. (d) apologise to
10.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following sentence :
Twenty years ago, kids at school had never even heard of the internet.
Option No. Error Correction
a years Year
b at in
c Had Have
d the An
Ans.(b)
Error Correction
At in

11.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
Behind every success film there is a lengthy creative process.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

Ans.

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 Error Correction
success successful

12.Identify the error in the statement given below and supply the correction :
Use the given format for your response.
The evil of begging is very common into our country.
Error Correction

Ans.
Error Correction
Into in

13.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line from a sports journal :
The captain of the team was accused with not encouraging the team members.
Ans.
Option No. Error Correction
(a) the a
(b) with of
(c) encouraging encouragement
(d) members member
Ans.
Error Correction
With of

14.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
The orchestra performed on the central theatre in front of a huge audience.
Use the given format for your response :
Error Correction

Ans.
Error Correction
on in

15.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option:

The mud houses are not _______the buildings in your city.
(a) comparable to
(b) Comparable of
(c) Comparable as
(d) Comparable for
Ans. (a)comparable to.

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16.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket:
Governments are starting programmes_______(teach) adults how to read and write.
(a) that teaching
(b) which taught
(c) to teach
(d) were teaching
Ans. (c) to teach
17.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following sentence:
The sounds of laughter was echoing in the corridor.

Option Error Correction

(a) Sounds Sound

(b) Laughter Laughing

(c) was were

(d) in of

Ans.

(a) Sounds Sound

18.Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
Not only did Mayank work hard to win the trophy, _________ helped the juniors to improve their skills.
(a) he as well as
(b) but he also
(c) and he also
(d) just as he
Ans. (b) but he also
19.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from a daily newspaper :
The cars were stopped _________ going any further due to a traffic diversion.
(a) to
(b) from
(c) within
(d) by
Ans. (b) from
20.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
The introduction of traditional sports in school has led to exciting among the students.
Use the given format for your response :

Error Correction

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Ans.

Error Correction
exciting excitement

21.Identify the error in the given sentence from a school magazine report and supply the correction :
When I was a child, my grandmother often repetition the story of her childhood days.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction
repetition repeated

22.Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
The new machines are used to identify the differences among two types of grains. Use the given format for your
response :

Error Correction

Ans.

Error Correction
among between

23.Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket:
The policeman gave no______(indicate) that there was a road banner ahead.
Ans. Indication

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
English Creative Writing Skills
CLASS X English PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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Download our app : https://hodor.page.link/vEwC
Letter Writing
A letter is the most common and convenient method of expressing our thoughts and opinions. it is an important
mode of communication. There are two types of Letters.
Formal Letters and Informal Letters.
Formal letters: These letters are written in formal simple and polite language. These follow a certain format. Such
letters are written for official purposes to authorities, colleagues, seniors, etc.
Types of formal letters: Formal letters can be broadly classified into four types.
Complaint letters (business /official) Enquiry letters Letter for placing or cancelling order
Types of Formal Letter:
•Editors of newspaper
• Heads of different Departments ; Directors
• Principals/Managers
• Subject Matter :
• Complaints
•Reactions/Response to certain events / Speeches/ Placing order for new items
Parts of a Formal Letter
An effective formal letter has the following parts:
1. Sender’s Address -It is the address of the writer .
Hacks :It is written at the top left-hand corner of the page. If the address consists of several parts, each part should
be written in a separate line.
For example
House no 21,
Mangal Pandey Nagar Mumbai -232344
•Note: don’t put a comma at the end of each line
2. Date
15 January 20 xx or January 15, 20xx.
Hacks : Do not use abbreviations like Jan, Feb. Do not write 19 instead of 2019.
3. Receiver's Address- All official letters are addressed to the authority/ post of the person. Hence, we write the
receiver's address after addressing the official. For example,
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi-110001

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4. Subject -It expresses the main theme or objective of the letter clearly. It must be as brief and concise as possible.
5. Salutation -It is the greeting to the person to whom the letter is addressed. In the official letter, we use
Hacks :Sir /Madam or Dear sir /Dear madam
•When writing the salutation, we have to keep in mind the gender of the receiver if specified in the question.
6. Body of the Letter - Contains all the information that the writer wants to convey. The body includes three main
parts.
(i)An introductory or paragraph or sentence - it states the purpose of writing the letter.
ii. Informative paragraph - Gives details of the problem. it causes, effects, possible solutions, etc.
iii. Concluding paragraph /sentence -it states your hopes, comments, request suggestions
or Editor may be requested to publish your letter.
7. Complimentary close -way of ending the letter
Hacks : (largely accepted -Yours truly–editor & Yours sincerely- formal /business)
•Note: the first letter of the second word here (s /f / t) is never written in the capital
•Do not use Your's instead of yours.
8. Signature -This is the sender’s name. If applicable, the sender’s designation may be added below the name.
Marking Scheme

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Suggested Opening Sentences:
1. I am a resident of_________ I am writing this letter to express my views on___________
2. Through the columns of your esteemed and widely read newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the
concerned authorities and general public to an important issue which ________________
3. I am a regular reader of your newspaper. I read an article on __________ in your newspaper. I strongly feel that
_________
Suggested Closing Sentences:
1. I request you to publish this letter with some relevant photographs to spread awareness among the readers.
2. I hope some more articles and reports on this issue would be published so that the concerned authorities would
take some immediate measures to rectify the problem
3. I hope that you will publish my letter and help to initiate a public debate on this issue.
Questions For Practice:
1.The authorities have been claiming that the roads in your town have been relaid and repaired. But no such work
done is seen. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper expressing your concern at the present situation and
giving suggestions to resolve the problem, in 100-120 words. You are Prabhu/Parvati of Vivek Vihar, Delhi.
(CBSE 2023)
2. You are Swati/Soham living at 14, DLF, Phase III, Gurugram. Your streets and roads get waterlogged during
the monsoon season every year. Cars stall, drains overflow and traffic comes to a standstill. It is difficult to lead a
normal life and this adds to you woes. Write a letter in 100 120 words to the editor, The Times of India ,
highlighting the problems and suggesting measures to control the problem. (CBSE 2023)
3. You are Rohit / Rohini of A-45, Pitampura, Delhi. You observed that the subways in Delhi are seldom used by
pedestrians who are always trying to cut across traffic. You have decided to write a letter to the editor of ‘Hindustan
Times’ highlighting the dire need of creating awareness about it. Based on the points given along with your own
ideas write a letter in 100-120 words. 5 - infrastructure unutilized - pedestrians prone to accidents - accumulation of
stagnant water/garbage in subways - need for improvement and regular cleanliness under proper supervision.
(CBSE 2023)
4. You are Mohit/Mohita of E-46, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. You came across news articles about neglect of elders in
today's society. Disturbed after reading the articles, you decide to write a letter to the editor of "The Hindustan
Times' stressing upon the need of sensitizing children to the plight and loneliness of the elders and to inculcate in
them values of caring and sharing. You can also express your views on strengthening of family values. Write your
letter in 100-120 words. (CBSE 2023)

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Analytical paragraph
An analytical paragraph is a form of descriptive writing which is written on the basis of a given chart, graph,data,
outline, cues, table, etc. When writing an analytical paragraph,one should remember to describe the facts in the best
possible manner and to cover the information provided. The analytical paragraph has to be written in around 100-
120 words. So the paragraph must use clear and crisp language along with providing complete details of the chart
given in the question.
•It describes the given chart,table,data,graph,cues etc.
• It should be brief and comprehensive (include complete information) at the same time
• It should state facts that are provided by the chart.
• It is necessary to make use of simple and accurate language.
• It should mention figures and quantities appropriately.
• It is appropriate to use the same tense throughout the Analytical Paragraph.
• No personal observation or response should be provided.
• It would be preferable to use the passive form of the verb.
MARKING SCHEME

FORMAT
An analytical paragraph is divided into three parts:
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
Introduction:
The introduction is the first paragraph that should describe in brief what the graph is about. It should be like an
opening paragraph about what the graph is about. It should be like an opening paragraph that introduces the reader
to the given chart. When writing the introductory paragraph, do not go into the detasils. Do mention what is clearly
evident from the chart or the graph given in the question. It is best to write the introduction in one or two lines.
Body of the paragraph: This part of the analytical paragraph should contain details of the graph/chart given in the
question. It should contain all the important information
• The body can be broken into two or three sub paragraphs which makes it easy for the reader to understand.
• Organising information:Mention the aspects which are the smallest or the largest in the data given. Any aspects
that are similar should be mentioned next. You should further mention the aspect that has remained unchanged or
constant throughout.
Comparisons
• If there is any contrast or comparison that could be drawn, present it effectively.
• If the chart is about a particular time period or highlights trends of several years,mention each year in a concise
manner.
• Mentioning quantities: When including numbers and figures, their accuracy must be ensured.

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• Connecting sentences: if different information or ideas are there,use connectors or linking phrases to link them
logically.
Conclusion
The last paragraph should summarise the idea mentioned and information in general. It should be concluding in
nature and act as the closing statement.
Hacks :
Suggested Points:
1. Introduction : The following phrases can be used -
• The chart given above describes
• The table suggests
• The line graph shows
• The data given provides information about
• The pie chart illustrates etc.
2. For describing trends,use phrases and words like
• levelled off,
• stagnated,
• flocculate
• Starting to sure,
• starting to fall
• dropdown,
• Slightly,etc
3. For describing quantities,use various phrases like
• 48% of,
• one-third of, nearly one-fourth of,
• Almost 80%
• majority,
• on average,
• twice as much,
• almost equal,
• the lightest,
• The lowest,
• Very close to 2%
• Approximately 5% of,
• just under three percent etc
4. For establishing a relationship or contrast, use phrases and words like.
• Relationship between,
• similarly,
• in contrast with,
• in comparison to,
• but the opposite case,

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• however,
• whereas,
• where it comes to,
• as opposed to
• striking difference,
• noticeable difference,etc,
5. For conclusion, use connecting phrases like
• Overall,
• subsequently,
• In all,
• in a nutshell,
• In short,
• striking changes,
• therefore etc..
Question 1: Below is a graph showing birth and death rates in a country from 1901 to 2101. Write an
analytical paragraph (100-150 words).

Ans.The graph shows birth and death rates starting from 1901 till 2101.Since 1901.The birth rate has remained
higher than the death rate until 2041. Birth rate was 20000 in 1901 and started increasing gradually. It peaked in
1961 at around 65000. From 1961, the birth rate has fluctuated multiple times between 50000 and 60000. It is
expected to decline for the coming years reaching approximately 42000 by 2101.
On the other hand, the death rates took data around 10000 in 1901 and then has increased steadily.It's increased
steadily. It is expected to risk strikingly from 2021 before levelling off to approximately 60000 between 2061 and
2081. The graph indicates a slight decline in death in the year 2101.The graph shows the huge gap between birth
rate and death during 1961 to 2001. However, this gap is expected to be reduced. The death rate will be more than
the birth rate in the latter half of the 21st century.
Question 2:Below given are three pie charts showing consumption habits of India, China and World overall
in 2008. Write an analytical paragraph describing the pie charts (100-120 words)

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Ans.The three given pie charts depicts types of food consumption in 2008 as compared in two countries- India and
China. In general, processed food is the major type of food eaten.
Processed food comprises as high as 41% of the global consumption. In China and India as well, processed foods are
consumed the most, the rate of consumption being 34% and 39% respectively. On an average, vegetables and fruits
constitute 29% of consumption. In China, vegetables and fruits comprise 32% of food consumption which is 9% more
than that of India. For Indians, animal food accounts for 27% of their diet, exceeding Chinese food consumption by a
striking 12%. However, nuts and seeds comprise almost one-fifth of Chinese food habits. This is way more than the
global consumption of 4% and 11% of India.
Overall, world food consumption largely comprises processed food. Chinese consumption of nuts and seeds is
unbelievably higher than the average percentage.
Questions For Practice:
1.The chart below displays details regarding online activity for four age groups in six categories. Write an analytical
paragraph for the table provided in about 100 words. (CBSE 2023)

2. It is distressing to see the attitude of people towards animals. The number of cases of cruelty towards animals is
increasing. The following pie chart represents the attitude of people towards animals. Write an analytical paragraph
in 100 120 words interpreting the data given in the pie chart.(CBSE 2023)

3.The given bar graph shows the increasing use of skin care products by men and women over the period of three
months. Write an analytical paragraph elaborating the given information in about 100 words : (CBSE 2023)

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : Dust of Snow by ROBERT FROST
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
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Has given my heart
A change of mood
1.(a)What is the poet’s mood now? (CBSE 2021)
(a) Appreciative of nature
(b) Thoughtful
(c) Happy
(d) Cool
Ans. Happy
(b)In the poem, Dust of Snow, which negative symbols have been used to create a positive effect?
(a) hemlock tree; crow
(b) crow; snow
(c) snow; hemlock tree
(d) crow; dust
Ans.(a) hemlock tree; crow
2.What is the underlying message helpful to us in our hectic lives with reference to the poem, 'Dust of Snow' ?
(CBSE 2016)
Ans. The underlying message for us with reference to the poem 'Dust of Snow' is that we should always be
optimistic towards life. In the grave hours of depression, the smallest act of nature can lead to a drastic positive
change.
3.How has the poet observed ' poem 'Dust of Snow'? (CBSE 2011)
Ans.The poet has observed 'nature' in the poem by using words, expressions and poetic devices related to nature. It
is a short poem of two stanzas only and the imagery used in the poem is of things present in nature.
4.Small things in life make significant changes. Elaborate with reference to the poem 'Dust of Snow' (CBSE 2014)
Ans.The poem, 'Dust of Snow, reiterates that the little things in life can make huge changes in our future. It also
shows that if we can take the hard times of life in stride, eventually something will happen to change our situation
into happier times.
The simple things that we do for others can make all the difference. Just think about those random acts of kindness
we do and how much they brighten a person's day and sometimes change their future. Noticing and appreciating all
the small things in life will make our life happier. It will also cause us to have a spirit that is willing to change and
therefore succeed.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : Fire and Ice by ROBERT FROST
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1.To say that for destruction, ice is also great for the poet, what does ice stand for? How is it sufficient to bring
destruction? (CBSE 2014)
Ans. Ice stands for the cold feelings of the humans such as indifference, hatred, greed, jealousy, apathy, lack of love,
cold-heartedness, etc. Although the poet states that he believes fire would bring an end to the world, he also states
that if the world has to end twice, then ice or the cold feelings of people are also enough to end the world.
2.How will the world end? Support your answer with a scientific explanation. (CBSE 2014)
Ans. According to some people, the world will end in fire. The earth will get extremely heated up due to increasing
global warming. It may lead to severe natural calamities like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, uncontrollable forest
fires and tsunamis that may end the world. However, some people believe that the world may end in ice. As a result
of the melting ice caps or glaciers, all the ice and snow from the mountains will melt down to the plains one day and
thus, will flood the world.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : A Tiger in the Zoo by LESLIE NORRIS
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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1.State any three disadvantages that the tiger faces inside a cage. (CBSE 2023)
Ans. •The tiger feels slave in the concrete cell.
•It feels like a prisoner.
•It misses its freedom in the forest where it can only walk a few steps in the cage.
2.How would the tiger behave in the forest ? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. •He would walk around freely without any fear.
•He would terrorize the villagers by growling.
•He would show his teeth and claws.
3.What does the tiger in the zoo do at night ? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. The tiger keeps awake till late in the night. He hears the noise of the patrolling cars moving around in the
zoo.The brilliant stars shine in the sky and his brilliant eyes shine in the night.
4.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (CBSE 2023)
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage
He should be lurking in shadow
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately. The vivid stripes refer to the ______.
Ans. (i) stripes of a tiger
(ii) Which word from the extract is the opposite of ‘loud’ ?
Ans. quiet
(iii) The use of the phrase ‘pads of velvet’ means
(a) neck
(b) tail
(c) skin
(d) paws
Ans. (d) paws
(iv) State whether the following statement is True or False :
The confinement of the cramped space of the cage has restricted the tiger’s steps.
Ans.True
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(v) The tiger was lurking in shadow _________.
(a) to catch its prey
(b) as the cage was dark
(c) as the velvet was quiet
(d) as he was in a rage
Ans. (a) to catch its prey
5.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (CBSE 2023)
He hears the last voice at night.
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
He stalks in his vivid stripes
A few steps of his cage
(i) Whose is the last voice heard by the tiger ?
(a) police jeep
(b) patrolling cars
(c) watchmen
(d) roar of lion
Ans. (a) patrolling cars
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that 'Repetition' is the poetic device used for his brilliant eyes at the brilliant stars' because______
(Clue :explain how repetition applies here)
Ans.emphasises the brilliance .It refers to both the sky and the tiger’s eyes.
(iii) The main contrasting ideas in this extract are
(a) tiger and deer.
(b) cruelty and sympathy.
(c) confinement and freedom.
(d) master and slave.
Ans. (c) confinement and freedom.
(iv) The use of the word 'stalks' creates an image of
(a) cowardice.
(b) frustration.
(c) lethargy.
(d) purposefulness
Ans. (b) frustration
(v) State whether the following statement is True or False
The poem uses 'staring at the sky' to symbolize the freedom 'he' yearns for.
Ans.True

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6.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (CBSE 2023)
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage
On pads of velvet quiet
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass
(i) ‘He’ is in a rage because he is
(a) hungry
(b) tied
(c) thirsty
(d) in a cage
Ans. (d) in a cage
(ii) He is lurking in the shadow because _______.
Ans. he wants to catch his prey / he wants to hunt
(iii) The above lines express the tiger’s _______.
(a) resignation
(b) fear
(c) anger
(d) acceptance
Ans. (c) anger
(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately :
It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for ‘pads of velvet’ – because _______. (Clue : explain how
metaphor is applied here.)
Ans. comparison of paws with velvet/ it shows softness of paws just like velvet
(v) The contrast in the above extract is between life in the forest and life in the
(a) circus
(b) national park
(c) cave
(d) zoo
Ans. (d) zoo
7.Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass

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Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
(i) 'Quiet rage' refers to the tigers.
(a)helplessness
(b) he has not been able to hunt
(c)his prey has not come to the water hole
(d) he is not free
Ans. (a) – helplessness
(ii)He is lurking in shadows because______________.
Ans. he is waiting for his prey / deer
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for'pads of velvet' because_______________________(clue-explain
how metaphor applies here).
Ans. it makes a comparison (without using as/like)/ between the softness of the paw and velvet
(iv) Find a word from the extract which means - to walkwith measured, stiff or haughty strides :
(a) steps
(b) lurking
(c) pads
(d) stalk
Ans. (d) – stalk
(v)State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE :
The tiger is stealthily waiting for the deer to come to the water hole.
Ans. false

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : How to tell wild animals by CAROLYN WELLS
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
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1. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion from the tiger? (CBSE 2000)
Or
How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to him?
Ans. The lion is a large tawny beast. He can be spotted in the jungles of the East and he will roar at you as you are
dying. The black stripes on a yellow skin will help you identify the noble wild beast, the tiger.
2. How can you identify a lion in the forest? (CBSE 2001)
Ans. If you chance to go to the jungles in the east, you can easily identify the lion as the large beast will advance
towards you and also by its towering roar.
3. How, according to the poet, can you identify a leopard? (CBSE 2005)
Ans. A leopard can be identified by the black spots on its skin. As soon as it makes a leap on you, and continues to do
so again and again, despite the fact that you are petrified and scared, you will know it is a leopard.
4. How can a chameleon be identified? (CBSE 2006)
Ans. A chameleon is a type of a lizard that has the ability to change colours. It is small, has no ears and not even a
single wing. If you can spot nothing on a tree, then for sure you will be able to see the chameleon.
5.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The crocodiles you always may
Tell from the Hyena thus :
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they’re crocodiles.
(i) Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence, according to the extract :
Crocodiles can be identified by their _______.
(a) tears
(b) attitude
(c) smiles
(d) attacks
Ans. (a) tears
(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False :
Hyenas are famous for weeping.
Ans. False
(iii) ‘Novice’ in line 2 means the same as :
(a) learner
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(b) beast
(c) tender foot
(d) beginner
Ans. (d) beginner
(iv) In this extract the poet has presented two different behavioural traits of animals. They are ______.
Ans. smiling of the hyena and the crying of the crocodile
(v) The poet uses ‘A novice might nonplus” instead of the novice might get confused. How does this usage impact
the poem ?
(a) adds an incorrect option.
(b) it is associated with beasts.
(c) it rhymes and adds humour.
(d) it simplifies the meaning.
Ans. (c) It rhymes and adds humour.
6.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Or if some time when roaming round,
A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground,
Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.
(i)Who is the 'noble wild beast' in the above lines ?
(а)zebra
(b)Asian Tiger
(c)Asian Lion
(d)Bengal Tiger
Ans. (d) Bengal Tiger
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that 'Alliteration' is the poetic device used for "roaming round' because ____________________.(Clue:
explain how alliteration applies here)
Ans. repetition of same consonant sound (Here it is R- roaming round)
(iii)State whether the following statement is True or False
The extract helps to identify a Royal Bengal Tiger.
Ans.True
(iv) In the given lines, what effect does the poet create ?
'Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.'
(a) irony
(b)terror
(c) sympathy

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(d) criticism
Ans. (a) irony
(v)Which word in the extract tells you that you have recognised the 'noble beast'?
(a)rule
(b)discern
(c)roaming
(d)notice
Ans.(b) discern
7.Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow by choosing the most appropriate option :
If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots is peppered,
As soon as he has leapt on you,
You’ll know it’s the leopard.
’Twill do no good to roar with pain,
He’ll only lep and lep again.
(i) One can find out that it is a leopard by the way it _____.
(a) leaps
(b) eats
(c) looks
(d) roars
Ans. (a) leaps
(ii) State whether the following statement is true or false :
When an animal repeatedly leaps at a person, it is a leopard.
Ans. true
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately :
It is clear that repetition is a poetic device used for ‘lep and lep again’ because _______.
(Clue : explain how repetition is applied here.)
Ans. they want to show the repeated action of leaping / jumping
(iv) The Royal Bengal Tiger has black stripes on yellow skin whereas a leopard has _______.
Ans. dark coloured spots/black spots
(v) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract :
claws : nails :: ? : skin
Ans. hides

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : The Ball Poem by JOHN BERRYMAN
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1. Money is external." What does the poet mean by this expression taken from 'The Ball Poem"? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. By this expression the poet intends to make us realize the mere material value of money which in no way helps
us to understand the essential worth of a commodity. In this world of possessions, the value of money is only to buy
things and this does not make us understand the true value of things.
2.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
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 !
No use to say 'O there are other balls ':
(i)What does the expression 'what, what is he to do' denote ?
(a) loss of the ball
(b)ask the poet for another ball
(c)boy's grief over the loss of the ball
(d)go down the street
Ans. (c) boy’s grief over the loss of ball
(ii)State whether the following statement is True or False:
The poet was delighted to watch the ball bouncing down thestreet into the water.
Ans. False
(iii)The poet repeats the word 'what' in order to______________.
Ans. emphasize what the boy will do / show the helplessness of the boy
(iv) There is no use to say 'O there are other balls' indicates that the poet feels that it would be _____________to
console the boy.
(a) helpful
(b) futile
(c)easy
(d)shameful.
Ans. (b) futile
(v) 'What is the boy now, who has lost his ball.'Which feeling is expressed in this line?
(a) regret
(b) cheer
(c) despair
(d) thrill
Ans.(c)despair
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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : Amanda by ROBIN KLEIN
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
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1.Who is Amanda? What could Amanda do if she was a mermaid? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Amanda represents every child who is controlled and instructed not to do one thing or another. If she was a
mermaid she would blissfully drift in the green sea where she would be the only inhabitant.
2.Why does Amanda wish to be a mermaid? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Amanda wishes to be a mermaid so that she can drift blissfully on a languid emerald sea. Amanda, who is
constantly nagged by her parents for being careless and lazy imagines herself as a mermaid who leads a carefree and
unrestricted life on the gentle waves of the sea.
3. (I am an orphan, roaming the street.....) (CBSE 2009)
Who is 'I'? Is she an orphan? Why does she say so?
Or
Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?
Ans. 'I' refers to Amanda. No, she is not an orphan, she only imagines to be one because she feels that her freedom is
curtailed in her present situation. By imagining herself as an orphan she will be able to do what she really wants to
do without anyone controlling her.
4. What does Amanda imagine doing as an orphan? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. Amanda imagines herself as an orphan just roaming about carelessly in the streets. She makes patterns on the
dust with her bare feet. There is no one to nag her and her freedom is sweet.
5. What are the instructions that Amanda gets which all school-going children must follow? (CBSE 2003,2005)
Ans. Amanda gets instructions to finish her homework, to tidy her room, to clean her shoes, to walk straight, to not
to eat chocolates, not to bite her nails and finally to stop sulking.
6.What are the things that Amanda's mother wanted her to do? (CBSE 2004)
Ans.Amanda's mother wanted her to finish her homework. She also wanted Amanda to tidy up her room. She had
also told Amanda to clean her shoes.
7. Amanda gets a list of instructions from her mother of dos and don'ts. What do these tell you about the
relationship between Amanda and her mother? (CBSE 2023)
Ans.Amanda was fed up of her mother's constant nagging and her list of instructions of do's and don'ts. Amanda was
rather frustrated and unhappy by her mother's continuous blabbering. Her mother has high expectations from her,
which Amanda is unable to live upto. So their relationship is strained and disagreeable.
8.Amanda's mother gives her a list of do's and don'ts. What impact does this have on Amanda? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Amanda is fed up of her mother's constant nagging. Her mother keeps telling her what to do and what not to
do.Amanda is so frustrated by her mother's continuous blabbering that she imagines herself as an orphan with no
parents to restrict her.

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9. What does Amanda yearn for? (CBSE 2002,2007)
Ans.Amanda yearns for freedom. She does not want to be controlled and instructed in what she should do She would
like to live in her own dream world.
10. What message does the poet want to convey through the poem 'Amanda'? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. Through the poem 'Amanda' the poet wishes to convey a young girl's longing for freedom. He wants us to
know that children should not be controlled and instructed in everything they do. Too much of instruction forces
them to create their own world of illusions.
11.What impression do you form about Amanda in the poem ? (CBSE 2023)
Ans.Amanda feels suffocated because she is controlled and instructed not to do one thing or the other She feels that
her freedom is curtailed. But Amanda wishes to be free to live in her own world. She is a very sensitive girl who
indulges in daydreaming quiet often. She highly values silence and freedom.
Extract Based Questions
12.Read the extract given below and questions that follow : (CBSE 2023)
Don't eat that chocolate Amanda !
Remember your acne, Amanda !
Will you please look at me when I'm speaking to you Amanda !
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in tower is tranquil and
rare, I'll certainly never let down my bright hair)
(i)The Speaker's tone is
(a) loving.
(b) hopeful.
(c)instructive.
(d) indifferent.
Ans.(c)instructive
(ii)Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:
rare: uncommon :: peace :
Ans. Tranquil
(iii) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE :
Amanda did not want anyone to invade her privacy and silence.
Ans. True
(iv) Select the appropriate option:
Amanda's mother is continuously............ Amanda.
(a) encouraging
(b) reprimanding
(c)motivating
(d) disappointing
Ans. (b) Reprimanding
(v)Which word in the extract is opposite in meaning tothe word 'dull'?
(a) dreary (b) shady (c)bright (d) angry
Ans. (c)bright

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : Fog
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
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1.The fog comes on little cat feet'.How does the poet compare the fog with the cat? Which poetic device is used
here? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. The poet compares the fog to a cat as just like a cat the fog comes on its little cat feet and seems to settle over
the city on its silent haunches. A personification is used here, the fog is personified as a cat.
2.What are the three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat? (CBSE 2007)
Or
Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Find three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat. (CBSE
2007)
Ans. The three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat, are that the fog comes on little cat feet, it looks quietly
over the harbour and the city and moves on silent haunches.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : The Trees by ADRIENNE RICH
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
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1.Where do the trees go? How? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. The trees inside the house are moving out into the forest. All night, the roots have worked to disengage
themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor, so that the trees can be free to go to the forest.
2. What are the three things that can't happen in a treeless forest? (CBSE 2017)
Or
Find, in the first stanza, three things that cannot happen in a treeless forest.
Or
According to the poet, what are the three things that cannot happen in a treeless forest?
Ans.According to the poet no bird can sit in a treeless forest, no insect can hide there. There is also no sun to bury
its feet in the shadow of the trees.
3.What changes can be seen in the moon during the course of the poem 'The Trees'? (CBSE 2006)
Ans. Initially the moon is whole and shines in an open and clear sky. Later the full moon is broken like a mirror and
its pieces are flashing on the top of the tallest oak tree.
4.Describe the atmosphere outside while the poet sits to write long letters? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. At that time the night is fresh and the full moon is shining in an open and clear night sky. The smell of leaves
and lichens of the departed trees still reaches into the rooms of the house.
5.What do the roots and leaves of the trees do? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. All night the roots of the trees work to disengage themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor and the
leaves strain themselves towards the glass in an attempt to move forward.
6.What does the poet compare the branches of the trees to? (CBSE 2007)
Or
What does the poet compare their branches to?
Ans. The poet compares the branches of the trees shuffling under the roof to newly discharged patients. These
branches are like those half-dazed patients who move to the doors of the clinic.
7.Why does the poet compare the branches with patients? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. The poet compares the branches to newly discharged patients who move to the clinic doors in a half- dazed
state of mind because like the patients these branches are not sure where exactly to go and what
the future holds in store for them.
8.What all can the poet listen to at the conclusion of the poem 'The Trees'? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. The poet can listen to the breaking of glass, the stumbling forward of the trees into the night and the gushing
sound of the wind which seems to move out to meet the trees.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : The tale of Custrad the Dragon by OGDEN NASH
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
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1.Describe the pirate who scared Belinda? (CBSE 2023)
Or
Describe the pirate who comes through the window.
Ans. The pirate's appearance was evil. The pirate held a pistol in each of his hands. He also held a bright sword in
his teeth. He had a black beard and one of his legs was wooden. It was clear that he had no good intentions.
2.Describe how Custard the Dragon fight with The Pirate? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Custard, the dragon attacked the pirate without any fear. He jumped and snorted like an engine. He struck with
his tail with a clanking and clattering sound like irons in a dungeon. He charged at the pirate just like a robin attacks
a worm. He gobbled up every bit of the pirate.
3.What character trait is revealed of Custard when he accepts that the other animals are braver than him? (CBSE
2023)
Ans. By accepting that the other animals are braver than him Custard demonstrates his humility and modesty. He is
constantly ridiculed by the other animals for being a coward. But Custard is the one who confronts the pirate attacks
him and then accepts that the other animals are braver than him.
4.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: (CBSE 2023)
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,
And spikes on top of him and scales underneath
Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,
And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.
(i)Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word fromthe extract.
sharp: blunt :: above:
Ans. underneath
(ii)Which one of the following is not a feature of the Dragon ?
(a)big sharp teeth
(b)spikes on the top
(c)brave as a lion
(d)could release fire from the mouth
Ans. (c)brave as a lion
(iii)What effect does the poet want to create by the simile 'mouth like a fire place'?
(a)emphasis
(b)compassion

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(c)rhyme
(d) pathos
Ans.(a)emphasis
(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that 'Metaphor is the poetic device used for 'chimney for a nose' because____________.(Clue: explain how
metaphor applies here)
Ans. the nose is compared to a chimney as it breathes out smoke like a chimney
(v)State whether the following statement is True or False based on the given extract:
Custard's formidable appearance was a true reflection of his courage.
Ans. False
5.How does the poem ‘The Tale of Custard The Dragon’ differ from the traditional ballad ? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Ballad – a song or poem that tells a story of courage or heroism.
Dragon – courageous but is also cowardly in a humorous way. The use of humour in the poem is a deviation from
tradition. Hero not brave but coward.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
Poem : For Anne Gregory by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS
Poetry ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
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1.The poet in the poem For 'Anne Gregory' conveys beauty as temporary. Explain with reference to the poem.
(CBSE 2023)
Ans. The poet opines that external appearance and beauty are illusory in nature and do not stand the rest of time.
True love is based upon the inner beauty of a person and is real and long lasting. Inner beauty must be appreciated
in the real sense and it transcends the barriers of time and age.
2.What is the colour of the woman’s hair ? Why will she change the colour of her hair ? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. The young woman's hair is of yellow colour. She says that she could get her hair dyed to brown, black or
carrot colour. She would change the colour of her hair so that the young men in despair would love her only and not
her yellow hair.
3.What did an old religious man declare in the poem ,For 'Anne Gregory' ? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. The old religious man declared that he had found a text to prove that only God can love someone for
themselves alone and not because of their external beauty. He wanted to prove that Men will be Men they will fall
for physical attractions quite easily, Only god has the power to resist outwardly physical temptations. Only god can
love us for who we are and not for how we look.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-1 A LETTER TO GOD
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
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1.What did Lencho hope for? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Lencho hoped for rains as the only thing that his field of ripe corn needed was a rain or shower
2.Why did the night after the rains turn sorrowful for Lencho? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Along with the rain very large hailstorms, began to fall. For an hour the hail rained on the entire valley. The
field was white and the corn was totally destroyed. Lencho's soul was filled with sadness as the hail ruined the entire
corn field.
3.Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why does he sign the letter 'God'? (CBSE 2023)
Ans.The Postmaster was moved by Lencho's complete faith in God. So, he decided to send money to
Lencho.Moreover, the Postmaster did not want to shake Lencho's faith in God. So, he signed the letter ‘God’ .It was
a good play to convey a message that God himself had written the letter.
4. Sympathy and kindness are human virtues'. Write a character sketch of the postmaster with reference to these
human virtues. (CBSE 2006)
Ans.The postmaster is a genuine and God-loving man. He is amazed to read Lencho's letter and even more amazed
at Lencho's abundant faith in God. Being a kind person he does not want to shake the writer's faith in God. The
postmaster is also a man who sticks to his decision so he is able to collect money for Lencho's help. Since he
commands the respect of his juniors and friends they too feel obliged to give him money for an act of charity.
5. Why does Lencho write a letter to God? What does he experience? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. Lencho's corn crop had been totally destroyed by the hailstorm. Lencho writes a letter to God asking him to
help with a hundred pesos so that he can sow his field again and live until the new crop comes. He puts this letter in
an envelope and addresses the envelope "To God". He experiences an extreme sense of relief and satisfaction on
posting the letter because he had been told that God helps innocent people in distress. So, he feels quite confident
that God will not turn down his request and will certainly help him in his hour of crisis.
6. Why did Lencho seek help from God? Who received the letter? What did he do? (CBSE 2001)
Or,
'Faith can move mountains.' What did the postmaster do in order not to break Lencho's faith in God. Explain.
(CBSE 2008)
Or,
What was the letter to God about? How much did it serve Lencho's purpose? (CBSE 2002)
Ans. When Lencho's crop was totally destroyed by the hail, he being a simple-hearted person who had abundant
faith in God, started a correspondence with Him. In a letter he asked God to send him a hundred pesos to enable him
to sow his field again and live until the new crop came. This envelope which was addressed "To God" greatly
intrigued a postman and so he took the envelope containing the letter to the postmaster. After reading the letter the
postmaster was highly impressed and touched by Lencho's faith in God. So, in order to cement Lencho's
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faith in God, the postmaster decided to collect money and send it to Lencho. He was able to collect only seventy
pesos. He put this money in an envelope along with a letter containing the sender's signature 'God', and sent it to
Lencho.
7. How did the post office employees help Lencho? How did Lencho react to their help? (CBSE 2006)
Ans. The post office employees received an unusual letter addressed to God. In order not to shake the faith of the
writer of the letter, they collected 70 pesos and sent it to Lencho. Lencho was not at all surprised when he got the
money. On receiving 70 pesos, he became angry and blamed the post office employees for the shortfall of 30 pesos.
He was sure that God had sent the 100 pesos he had asked for, and thought the post office employees to be a bunch
of crooks.
8. In the lesson 'A Letter to God', what moral values does the postmaster display in his behaviour? (CBSE 2018)
Ans. The postmaster was very impressed and touched by Lencho's sincere faith in God. In order to reconfirm and
not to shake Lencho's faith he decided to answer the letter. He is amazed to read Lencho's letter and even more
amazed at Lencho's abundant faith in God. The postmaster is thus a very genuine, empathetic and soft hearted man.
The postmaster is also a man who sticks to his resolutions so he is able to collect money for Lencho's help. Since he
commands the respect of his juniors and friends they too feel obliged to give him money for an act of charity. He is a
generous person and tries to perceive others in a more positive light.
9. Describe the character of Lencho in the light of his faith and attitude towards God and man. (CBSE 2004)
Or,
"I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter." Describe Lencho's character in the light of this statement.
Is such devout faith in God possible in today's practical life? (CBSE 2008,2013)
Ans. Lencho being a very simple person started a correspondence with God so that he would help him and make
sure that he and his family would not starve. He had an abundant faith in God and therefore with great confidence
he directly appealed to God for help. As for his opinion regarding men, Lencho considers them dishonest and
deceitful. He does not hesitate to write about his contemptuous attitude towards men in his letter to God and he
calls the men at the post-office a bunch of crooks. He knew that God helps innocent people in distress and therefore
does not hesitate in approaching him directly for help and neither is he bewildered when he does receive a letter
signed by God.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-2 : Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE : FIRST FLIGHT
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1. How according to Mandela has apartheid affected South Africa? (CBSE 2002)
Ans. According to Mandela, the policy of apartheid has created a deep and lasting wound in his country and his
people. Many generations will be spent recovering from the profound hurt of this policy.
2. Mandela had the 'hunger for freedom? How did it change his life? (CBSE 2015)
Ans. Mandela longed for freedom since his boyhood. He desperately wanted freedom. But as a student he wished
freedom only for himself. Gradually his hunger for freedom increased manifold. It became the greater hunger for the
freedom of his people. This changed him and he joined the African National Congress.
3. What according to Mandela, is true freedom'? (CBSE 2006)
Ans. According to Mandela 'true freedom' means when one is not taking away someone else's freedom and also when
his own freedom is not taken away from him.
4. What ideals does Nelson Mandela set out for the future of South Africa? (CBSE 2009)
Or
What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Ans. Nelson Mandela pledged to liberate all the people of South Africa from the continuing bondage of poverty,
deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. He even promised that never-ever again in the future shall
his beautiful land experience the oppression of one person by another. The sun shall never set on the most glorious
human achievement. Freedom shall henceforth reign in South Africa with the country and its people having also
achieved their political emancipation and peace for human dignity.
5. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country- (CBSE 2000)
(i) in the first decade and
(ii) in the final decade of the twentieth century?
Ans. (i) In the first decade of the twentieth century, which was a few years after the Anglo-Boer War and before
Mandela's own birth, the white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of
racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land. The structure they thus created formed the
basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world had ever known.
(ii) In the last decade of the 20th century when Mandela was himself 80 years old, that system had been replaced by
one that recognized the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of the colour of their skin.
6. What does courage mean to Mandela? How did he learn the meaning of courage? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. Mandela has learnt the true meaning of courage from the struggle of the people of his country. Time and again
he has seen men and women at risk and give their lives for an idea. He has seen men stand up to attack and torture
without breaking, showing a strength and the ability to deal with any kind of hardship that defies imagination. He
also learnt that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave is not he who does not feel
afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
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7. Which two obligations, according to Nelson Mandela, does every man have in life? How could a man not fulfill
obligations in a country like South Africa? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. According to Nelson Mandela, every man has twin obligations in life-obligations to his family, to his parents,
wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community and his country. These obligations could
not be fulfilled by a man in a country like South Africa because a man of dark colour who attempted to just live as a
human being was punished and isolated in that country. A who man tried to fulfill his duty to his people was
inevitably ripped from his family and his home and forced to live a life apart from them all.
8. Would you agree that the 'depths of oppression' create 'heights' of character? How does Mandela illustrate this?
Or
'I was not born with a hunger to be free.' When did Mandela begin to hunger for freedom? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Mandela's hunger for freedom began after seeing the brutality and oppression created by the policy of
apartheid. The structure created by this policy formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the
world has ever known. This policy also created a deep and lasting wound in his country and his people. The decades
of oppression created in him a hunger to be free. It required such depths of oppression to create in him such a
craving for freedom.
9. How did Nelson Mandela's understanding of freedom change with age and experience? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. He was born free in every way that he knew. As long as he
obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe, no laws troubled him. Gradually he began to realize that his
boyhood freedom was a mere illusion. Then when he discovered as a young man, that his freedom had already been
taken from him, he actually began hungering for it. As a student he had wanted transitory freedom but then as a
young man he yearned for basic and honourable freedom for the people of his race, freedom for his brothers and
sisters to live with dignity and respect.
10. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion'. Do you
agree? Elaborate on the basis of the chapter "Nelson Mandela-Long walk to freedom". (CBSE 2023)
Ans. This statement of Nelson Mandela is a powerful insistence that reiterates the idea that prejudice and hatred are
acquired behaviours and not inborn traits. Born in a country, that was divided by segregation and racial
discrimination, Mandela experienced first hand inequality and injustices as a black man. But he was not born with
the prejudices that characterized the society in which he lived. He saw the stigmas in the social and political system
prevalent during that time. Throughout his life, Mandela fought against the system and worked relentlessly to end
the discrimination that existed in South Africa.
11. Describe the aerial display from the lesson 'Long Walk to Freedom'. (CBSE 2003)
Ans. After the swearing-in-ceremony wherein each leader pledged his loyalty to the well-being of the Republic, all
eyes were lifted in awe as an impressive display of a series of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared
in perfect formation over the buildings. It was a remarkable display of pinpoint precision and military force. It was
also a demonstration of the military's loyalty to democracy, to a new Government that had been fairly and freely
elected.
Extract Based Questions
12.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said : Today, all of us do, by our presence here ..... confer glory
and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be

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born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given
the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all our distinguished
international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is after all, a common
victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.
(i)A society that __________ was born out of human disaster.
(a) all humanity would be proud of
(b) was full of extraordinary human disaster
(c) was full of outlaws and fighters
(d) hosts nations on their soil
Ans. (a) all humanity would be proud of
(ii)The former outlaws were given the privilege of _________.
(a) getting citizenship of their country
(b) participating in a trade conclave
(c) finalizing the foreign policy
(d) hosting the nations of the world on their soil
Ans. (d) hosting the nations of the world on their soil
(iii)The speaker was overwhelmed with the sense of _________.
(a) gratitude
(b) achievement
(c) happiness
(d) charity
Ans. (b) achievement / (a) gratitude
(iv)State whether the following statement is True or False :
The common victory was when South Africa did not become an independent nation.
Ans. False
(v)The noun form of the word ‘confer ’ is
(a)conferring
(b)confident
(c)conference
(d)configuring
Ans. (c) conference

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-3 TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYING
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE : FIRST FLIGHT
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HIS FIRST FLIGHT
1. Why did the seagull not go with the rest of his family? (CBSE 2002)
Ans. The seagull did not go with his family because he had been afraid to fly. He had attempted to flap his wings but
he felt certain his wings would not support him above the vast sea. So he stayed on the ledge alone.
2. Describe the seagull's first flight. (CBSE 2012,2023)
Ans. The seagull remained alone and hungry for twenty four hours. His mother decided to motivate him by showing
a piece of fish but did not feed him. Maddened by hunger, he tried to snatch it by diving. As the seagull fell into
space, a terror seized him. The next moment he felt his wings spread outwards as the wind gushed against his breast
feathers. He then realized he was gradually soaring. In this way he made his first flight.
3. Why did the young seagull not go with the rest of his family? Why was he afraid to fly? (CBSE 2006)
Ans. The young seagull did not go with the rest of his family, though his brothers and sister had already flown away
the day before, as he felt afraid to fly with them. Standing alone on the ledge, he had taken a little run forward to its
brink and attempted to flap his wings but he had been scared. The great expanse of the sea stretched below seemed
as if it was miles down and he felt certain that his wings would never support him, so he bent his head and ran away
to the little hole under the ledge where he used to sleep at night. Though he was desperate to join his family, he
failed to muster up enough courage and take a plunge. His family's constant encouragement and threatening words
could not make him move.
4. Why was the young seagull afraid of flying? What compelled the seagull to finally fly? (CBSE 2009)
Or "
The sight of the food maddened him". What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to finally fly?
Or
Why was the young seagull afraid of flying with his brothers and sister?
Ans. The young seagull was afraid of flying because he felt certain that his wings would not support him above the
vast sea. The young seagull had not eaten anything since the previous night and the sight of his mother tearing at a
piece of fish that lay at her feet was maddening him, making him almost crazy. He loved to tear food that way and
uttered a cackling sound as if begging his mother to bring him some food but she was ignoring him. Maddened by
hunger, he dived at the fish his mother baited at him and flew outward and downward into space. He scared again
and then flew downwards gradually. He dropped his legs to stand on the sea. Finally his feet sank into the green sea
and as his belly touched it he sank no further. He was floating on it and around him his family was praising him.

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 BLACK AEROPLANE
1. Why did the woman in the control room look at the pilot of Dakota DS 088 strangely? (CBSE 2009,2012)
Ans. The woman in the control room looked at the pilot of the Dakota strangely when he was talking about there
being another aeroplane. She knew that there was no other aeroplane as she could see only one aeroplane on the
radar.
2. 'Everything was going well-it was an easy flight.' Why was the pilot happy? (CBSE 2006)
Or
Give two reasons why the pilot was happy?
Ans. The pilot was flying his aeroplane in a clear sky where he could see the moon coming up in the east, behind
him, and the stars were shining above him. He was happy to be alone high up above the sleeping countryside and
was dreaming of his holiday and looking forward to being with his family. He thought that he would be home in
time for breakfast and devour a good big English breakfast. Everything was going pretty well for him. He was
getting fine signals from the Paris Control Room which was giving him the accurate direction on which he was to
proceed. His compass and full tank were also up to the mark. So, all in all, it was an easy flight for him.
3.“I’ll take the risk ?What is the risk? Why does the narrator take it ? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. The risk was to fly through the black storm clouds. The narrator took the risk because his home was beckoning
him. He was dreaming of his holiday and looking forward to be with his family. He also wanted to get home in time
to enjoy a good English breakfast.
4. How did the black aeroplane rescue the first pilot? (CBSE 2004)
Or
How was the pilot of the old Dakota rescued. (CBSE 2004)
Or
How did the pilot of the black aeroplane help the pilot of the old Dakota to land safely at the airport? (CBSE 2008)
Or
The pilot is lost in storm clouds? How does he reach safely? (CBSE 2009)
Or
Who rescued the first pilot of Dakota and how? (CBSE 2015)
Ans. He first pilot was stuck in the thick black clouds. The compass, radio and other instruments in his plane were
dead. Then in the black clouds quite near to him, suddenly he spotted another aeroplane. Though he could not see
the pilot's face, he understood the pilot was signalling with his hand that he (the first pilot) should follow him. He
turned his aeroplane slowly towards the black aeroplane and went behind it like an obedient child. After about half
an hour he started going down and suddenly they came out of the clouds and the first pilot saw the runway in front
of him but the aeroplane that he had followed just disappeared.
5. Describe the flight of the Dakota aeroplane till it landed safely at the airport. (CBSE 2005,2017)
Ans. The Dakota aeroplane took off in a clear sky from France for its journey to England. After flying about 150
kilometres it was suddenly inside thick black clouds and everything was black. The compass, radio and all other
instruments of the plane were dead. The aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air. Then in the black clouds the pilot
saw a black aeroplane. Though he could not see the other pilot's face he understood that the pilot was signalling
with his hand to follow him. The pilot followed the other plane like an obedient child. After half an hour the Dakota

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aeroplane came out of the clouds and saw two long straight lines of light of the runway in front. But there was no
sign of the black aeroplane.
6. The author asked a question at the end of the lesson The Black Aeroplane', "Who was the pilot in the
strange black aeroplane?" Answer this question. (CBSE 2006)
Ans. It is indeed a mystery as to who the pilot of the strange black aeroplane was. It is quite probable that the pilot
was actually a ghost whose plane might have crashed in a storm so he felt it was his moral duty to avert another
such disaster. That is the reason the ghost seems to appear out of nowhere just to guide the pilot safely to the
airport and once this job is done he just vanishes into thin air and is not seen again. Another probability is that the
pilot of the old Dakota had imagined it all in his distress. No definite explanation can be given for this mystery as
the story has a supernatural element attached to it which is inexplicable.
7. Do you agree that the story The Black Aeroplane' is a mystery? Justify your answer. (CBSE 2001)
Ans. This story is no doubt a mystery because the writer leaves many questions unanswered which not only puzzle
us but also mystify us. We all are extremely eager to know as to who the pilot in the strange plane was and if there
was actually a plane that had guided the first plane, or its pilot had imagined it all in distress. All this could just be a
figment of the imagination of the first pilot or it could actually be a plane whose pilot had probably crashed in a
storm and so his ghost had come to ensure that another pilot did not meet a similar fate. This mystery remains
unsolved and we are left guessing if there is indeed a supernatural element in the story. All we can do is make our
own assumptions and let our own imaginations run wild.
8. Motivation plays an important role in taking risks in life and in succeeding. Do you agree? Discuss with reference
to the pilot of the old Dakota and the young seagull. (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Motivation enables one not only to take risks in life but also to succeed. The pilot of the old Dakota plane was
eager to get home to England and was looking forward to be with his family. So despite seeing the storm clouds
across the sky, he took the risk and did not fly back to Paris. Similarly, the young Seagull was able to make his first
flight only because of his family's constant encouragement and motivation. The seagull's family continued to beckon
him, leaving with no choice except to dive in the air and soar. The pilot and the young Seagull were motivated to
take risks and eventually succeeded.
Extract Based Questions
9.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (CBSE 2023)
Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was impossible to see anything outside the aeroplane. The old
aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air. I looked at the compass. I couldn't believe my eyes the compass was turning
round and round and round. It was dead. It would not work. The other instruments were suddenly dead, too. I tried
the radio. "Paris Control? Paris Control? Can you hear me?" There was no answer. The radio was dead too. I had no
radio, no compass, and I could not see where I was. I was lost in thestorm.
(i)As soon as the pilot was inside the cloud...................
(a) his ears got blocked.
(b) he choked with fear.
(c) his vision was obstructed.
(d) he was jumping up and down.
Ans. (c) his vision was obstructed
(ii)The devices in the aeroplane were

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(a) malfunctioning.
(b) broken completely.
(c) giving wrong readings.
(d) stopped responding completely...............
Ans.(a) malfunctioning / (d) stopped responding completely
(iii) The Paris air control did not reply to the pilot's call because______________.
Ans. the radio was dead
(iv) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word 'twisted' as used in the extract.
(a) Ragini twisted Raghav's wrist.
(b) Ragini twisted the story to suit the occasion.
(c) Ragini did not appreciate Raghav's twisted bent of mind.
(d) Ragini matched the swimmer as he twisted twice in the air before diving into the water.
Ans. (d) Ragini matched the swimmer as he twisted twice in the air before diving into the water
(v)Fill in the blank with one word only :
The narrator’s ________________comes through clearly when he sees the compass turning round and round.
Ans.disbelief / helplessness

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-4 FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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1. Why did Anne say that she is not completely alone in the world? (CBSE 2001 ,2004)
Ans. Anne says that she is not completely alone in the world because she has loving parents, a 16 year old sister and
there are about thirty people whom she can call friends. She has a family, loving aunts and a good home.
2. What prompted Anne to maintain a diary? Or, Why does Anne want to keep a diary? (CBSE 2001)
Ans. Anne did not have a real friend to whom she could pour out her thoughts and emotions. She could only talk
with her friends about ordinary, everyday things but couldn't confide in them. So, she decided to maintain a diary.
3. Why was Mr. Keesing annoyed with Anne and what extra homework did he give to her after several warnings?
(CBSE 2008 ,CBSE 2009)
Ans. Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne because she talked too much in the classroom. In spite of giving her
several warnings she continued to talk excessively. After this Mr. Keesing assigned her extra homework, to write an
essay on the subject-'A Chatterbox'.
4. Give a character sketch of Anne. (CBSE 2001)
Or,
Write a brief sketch of Anne's character. (CBSE 2001)
Ans. Though Anne was just thirteen years old, she was pretty mature for her age. She was intelligent, witty and
humorous. She understood that no one would be interested in the musings of a young school girl so she decided to
maintain a diary, knowing well that paper had more patience than people. When Mr. Keesing gave her various
assignments as a punishment for being talkative in class, she wrote these with witty intelligence and finally
befriended even Mr. Keesing because of her sensibility.
5. Was Anne an intelligent girl? Give instances in support of your answer. (CBSE 2006)
Ans. Anne was not only an intelligent girl but she was also pretty mature for her age. She was sensible enough to
understand and realize that no one would be interested in the musings of a young school girl so she decided to write
a diary, knowing well that paper had more patience than people. When Mr. Keesing was annoyed with her and gave
her various assignments on the topic 'Chatterbox', she wrote her essays with witty intelligence and displayed a great
sensibility and accuracy in finally befriending Mr. Keesing who also became more fun-loving and lenient
6. Why did Mr. Keesing assign Anne extra homework, an essay on "A Chatterbox"? How did she justify her being a
chatterbox. (CBSE 2009)
Ans. Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne because of her incessant talking in the classroom. In spite of his repeated
and numerous warnings he was unable to stop her from her non-stop chattering. So as a form of punishment he
assigned her extra homework, to write an essay on the subject 'A Chatterbox. Anne took this up as a challenge and
in her three-page long essay she justified her being a chatterbox by coming up with convincing arguments to prove
the necessity of talking, forcing even Mr. Keesing to have a good talking to laugh at her arguments.

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7. Why was Anne's teacher annoyed with her? How was she able to bring about a change in his attitude towards
her? (CBSE 2007)
Ans. Anne's teacher was annoyed with her because of her incessant chatting. He gave her various assignments on
the topic 'Chatterbox to punish her for being so talkative. She wrote these essays using her humor and witty
intelligence. In her essays she ensured that her jokes aimed at her teacher, Mr. Keesing. He took the jokes in the
right spirit and read her essay written in verse to the whole class and this changed his attitude towards her.
8. How did Mr. Keesing punish Anne? What was the punishment? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. Mr. Keesing was rather an old teacher who taught Maths and had been annoyed with Anne for a long time
because she talked too much in the classroom. After several warnings he assigned her extra homework to write an
essay on the subject 'A Chatterbox. In her essay Anne argued that talking was a student's trait and she would do her
best to keep it under control but that she could not cure herself of the habit of talking. Then Mr. Keesing assigned
her a second essay on 'An Incorrigible Chatterbox'. When Anne proceeded to talk relentlessly even after submitting
her second essay, Mr. Keesing said he had finally had enough of her and punished her yet again by telling her to
write yet another essay entitled, 'Quack, Quack, Quack', said Mistress Chatterbox."
9. How did Anne finally stop Mr. Keesing from punishing her? Explain. (CBSE 2005 ,2017)
Ans. Anne had annoyed Mr. Keesing by her incessant chatting. He assigned her to write an essay each time. When
Anne wrote her third essay entitled 'Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox', she wrote the whole essay in
verse with help from her friend Sanne. She made sure the joke in her poem aimed at Mr. Keesing. Luckily Mr.
Keesing took the joke in the right way. He read the poem to the whole class and finally stopped punishing Anne and
allowed her to talk.
Extract Based Questions
10.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (CBSE 2023)
Let me put this more clearly, since no one will believe that a thirteen-year old girl is completely alone in this world.
And I’m not. I have loving parents and a sixteen years old sister, and there are almost thirty people I can call friends.
I have a family, loving aunts and a good house. No, on the surface I seem to have everything, except my one true
friend. All I think about when I am with friends is having a good time. I can’t bring myself to talk about anything,
but ordinary everyday things.
(i) On the surface, it appears that Anne the thirteen year old girl _____.
Ans. (i) has everything
(ii) How can we infer that the speaker felt alone in the world ?
(a) She had a family of many people.
(b) She had loving parents.
(c) She had thirty friends.
(d) She craves for a true friend.
Ans.(d) she craves for a true friend.
(iii) Anne and her friends talked about _____.
(a) their problematic parents
(b) their financial problems
(c) common everyday things
(d) the commuting problems

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Ans.(c) common everyday things
(iv) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the text :
alone : friends : : nothing :
Ans.everything
(v) Select the option that correctly captures the usage of the idiom ‘bring myself ’ from the extract :
(a) to do something willingly
(b) to do something unwillingly
(c) a charitable act
(d) an involuntary act
Ans. (b) to do something willingly
11.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (CBSE 2023)
I wrote the three pages Mr. Keesing had assigned me and was satisfied. I argued that talking is a student’s trait and
that I would do my best to keep it under control, but that I would never be able to cure myself of the habit since my
mother talked as much as I did, if not more, and that there not much one can do about inherited traits.
(i) Who was Mr. Keesing ?
(a) English teacher
(b) Social Science teacher
(c) Warden
(d) Principal
Ans. all answers are correct.
(ii) According to the extract, the incorrigible habit possessed by the speaker was
I. making noise in class
II. talking too much
III. procrastinating
IV. coming late to class
V. asking irritating questions
Select the correct option :
(a) I and III
(b) Only II
(c) I, IV and V
(d) Only III
Ans. (b) only II
(iii) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the extract.
routine : habit : : characteristic : _________
Ans. trait
(iv) Select the reason why the narrator is unable to control her trait.
(a) She had deliberately practised it.
(b) She wanted to be different from her brother.
(c) Her teacher had encouraged her to continue as she was.
(d) She had inherited it.

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Ans. (d) she had inherited it.
(v) Which of the following most nearly means the opposite of the phrase “under control” ?
(a) to spend less
(b) unable to take on the challenge
(c) find it difficult to manage
(d) being very stubborn
Ans.(c) find it difficult to manage.
12.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (CBSE 2023)
I started right away at the Montessori nursery school. I stayed there until I was six, at which time I started in the
first form. In the sixth form my teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress. At the end of the year we were both in
tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell. In the summer of 1941 Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so
my birthday passed with little celebration.
(i) The narrator ‘I’ refers to
(a) Mr. Keesing
(b) Mrs. Kuperus
(c) Anne Frank
(d) Miss Margot
Ans. (c) Anne Frank
(ii) The phrase ‘right away’ in this extract most nearly means
(a) with delay
(b) the correct way
(c) immediately
(d) overtaking from right
Ans. (c) Immediately
(iii) What does the narrator mean by saying ‘we were both in tears’ ?
Ans.Sad on parting /sad or upset or unhappy as they were separating
(iv) Complete the analogy by selecting a word from the text :
dawn : dusk :: mourning : _______.
Ans.celebration
(v) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word ‘form’ as used in the extract.
(a) Raghav was in good form while playing the match.
(b) Saheb was promoted to the next form after the annual exam.
(c) My brother did not know how to form a circle.
(d) Anne saw the form on the headmaster’s desk.
Ans. (b) Saheb was promoted to the next form after the annual exam.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-5 GLIMPSES OF INDIA
CLASS X : ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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A BAKER FROM GOA
1. Describe what the Portuguese have left behind which the elders in goa so fondly remember even today?
Or
What are the elders in goa nostalgic about? (CBSE 2014)
Ans. The elders of Goa fondly remember the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. The Portuguese have
long gone but the loaf-makers are still there. The Goans still have among them the mixers, the moulders and those
who bake the loaves. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished. The thud and jingle of the traditional
baker's bamboo, heralding his arrival can still be heard in some places in the morning. In some cases the father is not
alive but the son still carries on the family profession.
2.Rodrigues describes his childhood and the bakers of Goa. What does he remember so fondly about those bakers?
(CBSE 2009)
Ans. During Rodrigues' childhood in Goa, the baker used to be their friend, companion and guide. He used to come
at least twice a day. Once, when he set out in the morning on his selling round, and then again, when he returned
after emptying his huge basket. The jingling thud of the baker's bamboo woke the chil- dren up from their sleep and
they ran to meet and greet him, longing for those bread bangles which they chose carefully and ate without caring
to brush their teeth or wash their mouths properly.
3. How is the Goan baker still an important part of the life of a Goan village? (CBSE 2012)
Ans. In a Goan village, a baker, also known as a "pader," holds a significant and indispensable role. Bakery items like
bol, bolinhas, and cakes are essential components of every social and religious ceremony in the village, and without
them, these events feel incomplete.
4. Baking was considered an essential and a profitable profession in a traditional Goan village. What reasons does
the writer give to support his point? (CBSE 2009,2013)
Or
What do we learn about the financial condition of the bakers of Goa?
Or
Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do you know this?
Or
The author says: "The baker and his family never starved'. Why does he say so? Give reasons.
Ans. Baking was considered an essential profession because marriage gifts were meaningless without a sweet bread
known as the bol. The lady of the house had to prepare sandwiches on her daughter's engagement. Cakes and
bolinhas were a must for Christmas and other festivals. Baking was also a profitable profession in the traditional
Goan village. The baker and his family never starved. He, his family, his servants always looked happy and
prosperous. Their plump physique was an open testimony to this.
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5. Who are paders and why are they friends of children? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. The bakers of Goa are known as 'paders'. They are the children's friend, companion and guide. The jingling
thud of the pader's bamboo woke the children up from their sleep and they ran to meet and him as they longed for
the bread bangles which the pader brought.
6. How is the Goan baker still an important part of the life of a Goan village? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Bread, sandwiches and cakes are an integral part of the everyday life in Goa. Bread making is still popular in
Goa. The mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves are still there. The age old, time tested furnaces still
exist. The thud and the jingle of the traditional baker's bamboo, announcing his arrival can still be heard in some
places.
7. Give a pen portrait of a Goan village baker? (CBSE 2008,2013)
Ans. These village bakers are known as 'pader in Goa. In the olden days they had a peculiar dress known as the
'kabai". It was a single piece of long frock reaching down to the knees. Baking was also a profitable profession in the
old days. The baker and his family never starved. He, his family and his servants always looked happy and
prosperous. Their plump physique reflected their prosperity. Since bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan
life, the presence of a baker in the village was absolutely essential.
COORG
1. Describe the physical features of the district of Kodagu. (CBSE 2006)
Ans. Kodagu, or Coorg, is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is home to evergreen forests, spices and coffee
plantations. Evergreen forests cover almost thirty per cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours
continuously here, so visitors keep away. The season of joy lasts from September to March. At that time the weather
is perfect and the air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows are a common sight here.
2. What is the story about the Kodagu people's Arab descent?
Or,
What do you know about the descent of the people of the Coorg? What makes such accounts an interesting reading
and what do we learn from them? (CBSE 2015)
Ans. The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of
Alexander's army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people
married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which
are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. The theory of the Kodavu people's Arab origin draws support from the long
black coat called 'Kuppia' with an embroidered waist belt that they wear. This resembles the 'Kuffia'
worn by the Arabs
3. Describe Coorg's weather, main crops and the sports which fascinate the visitors. (CBSE 2009)
Ans. Coorg is home to evergreen forests, spices and coffee plantations. The evergreen forests cover thirty per- cent
of this district. Coorg experiences heavy downpour during the monsoon season. The season of joy, as it is called,
starts from September and continues till March. The weather at this time is perfect, with just the right measures of
rain. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coorg offers variety of high-energy adventure activities like river
rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in this region are a
favourite with trekkers.

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4. Describe Coorg's weather. When is it the most pleasant for the tourists to visit Coorg? (CBSE 2005,2011)
Or,
Which season is the best to visit Coorg?
Ans. Coorg is home to evergreen rain forests, spices and coffee plantations. The visitors are kept away during
monsoons because of the heavy downpour. From September to March is the season of joy. The weather is perfect at
this time with a few showers here and there. The smell of invigorating coffee surrounds the plantations. These are
the months when visitors throng Coorg.
5. What is the importance of river Kaveri in the district of Coorg? (CBSE 2005)
Ans. The river Kaveri is abundant in Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish. Squirrels and langurs enjoy the splash and
ripple effect in the clear water. Elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their ma- houts. The most
relaxed and lazy people get converted to the life of high energy adventure here with river rafting and canoeing. This
river brings alive the zest and spirit of the people and provides them with a kind of a new life, full of adventure and
enthusiasm.
6. The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage and bravery. How has it been recognized in modern India?
(CBSE 2015,2019)
Ans. The Coorgi people's tradition for valour and bravery has been recognized in modern India by honouring the
Coorg regiment as the most decorated in the Indian Army. Also the first chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa
was a Coorgi and Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry fire arms without a licence.

TEA FROM ASSAM

1. Why was Rajvir excited to see the tea-garden? (CBSE 2014)
Or
What did Rajvir see as soon as they entered Dhekiabari Tea Estate?
Ans. Rajvir was excited to see the tea garden because the view was magnificent. He had never seen so much
greenery before. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as his eye could
see. All this greatly excited Rajvir.
2. What excited Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share his excitement? (CBSE 2018)
Ans. The beautiful scenery of the tea gardens excited Rajvir. He was extremely fascinated as he had never seen so
much greenery before. The soft green paddy fields, tea-bushes, the densely wooded hills all excited Rajvir. Pranjol,
who had been born and brought up on a plantation did not share Rajvir's excitement.
3. What is the Chinese legend associated with the discovery of tea? (CBSE 2011)
Ans. The Chinese legend states that once there was a Chinese Emperor, who always boiled water before drinking it.
One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. They were
believed to be tea-leaves and that's how tea was discovered.
4. What is the Indian legend regarding tea leaves? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. The Indian legend regarding tea leaves is that Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids
because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of these eyelids. The leaves of these plants when
put in hot water and drunk kept sleep away.
5. What are the legends associated with the discovery of tea? (CBSE 2010)
Ans. Ravir had read about many legends about the discovery of tea. One legend was about a Chinese emperor, who

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always boiled water before drinking it. Once a few leaves of the twigs burning under the water pot fell into the
water. These leaves gave it a delicious taste and were believed to be tea-leaves. There is an Indian legend too.
According to this legend, Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation.
Ten tea-plants grew out of these eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.
Rajvir also said that tea was first drunk in China way back in 2700 B.C. and words like 'chini' and 'chai' are from
Chinese.
6. How are the tea pluckers different from the other farm labourers? (CBSE 2013)
Ans. Unlike other farm labourers, the tea-pluckers have bamboo baskets on their backs and they wear plastic aprons.
They plucked the newly sprouted tea leaves and put them into the baskets on their backs.
7. How does Rajvir describe the tea-garden at Dhekiabari? (CBSE 2010)
Ans. The Dhekiabari Tea Estate was spread out on both sides of the gravel road. There were acre upon acre of tea
bushes, all neatly pruned to the same height. Groups of tea-pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their backs, wearing
plastic aprons, were busy plucking the newly sprouted leaves.
8. How did Mr. Barua know that Rajvir had done his homework before coming to Assam? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. On their way to the tea-estate from the station Mr. Barua slowed down to allow a tractor full of tea-leaves on
its trailer-load, to pass. Rajvir knew immediately and shared it with Mr. Barua that this was the second flush or
sprouting period, which lasted from May to July and yielded the best tea.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-6 Mijbil The Otter
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
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1. How did the otter behave in the beginning? How did he become familiar with the author? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. For the first twenty-four hours the Otter, Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly. He was simply aloof and
indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from the author's bed as possible. The second night Mijbil came up
to his bed in the small hours and remained asleep in the crook of his knees until morning and then during the day he
began to lose his feelings of disinterest and started taking an over-keen interest in his surroundings. Later, he went
wild with joy, plunging and rolling in the water in the bathtub making enough splash worthy of a hippo.
2. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom? What did Mijbil do two days after that? (CBSE
2004,2014 )
Or
What special characteristic of Mijbil did Maxwell learn after he took him to the bathroom? (CBSE 2015)
Or
Give an example from the text to show that Mijbil is an intelligent animal.
Ans. Maxwell learnt Mijbil's love for water. In the bathroom Mijbil went wild with joy in the water for half an hour.
He plunged and rolled in the water shooting up and down the length of the bathtub underwater making a lot of
splashes. He seemed to enjoy splashing the water all over the bathroom. Two days later Mijbil escaped from the
bedroom and entered the bathroom all by himself. Maxwell was amazed to see that Mijbil even managed to turn on
the tap the right way. Maxwell later learnt that otters liked water on the move, static water was wasted and
provoking for them.
3. What according to the writer is the 'real play' of an otter? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. The 'real play' of an otter is when he lies on his back and juggles with small objects between his paws. Mij
would lie on his back and roll two or three marbles up and down without ever dropping one on the floor.
4. But not knowing otters, I was quite unprepared for what followed". Why does the writer say this? (CBSE 2009)
Or
What happened when the box was opened?
Ans. As soon as the writer was seated in the aircraft he opened the box. Mij was out of the box in a flash. He
disappeared down the aircraft at a high speed. There were shrieks and screams, and a woman stood up on her seat on
seeing, what she called, 'a rať. Just then the writer spotted Mij's tail disappearing beneath the legs of a stout white-
turbaned Indian. He dived at it to get hold of Mij but missed the tail and found his face covered in curry. He was not
prepared for the sequence of events. The airhostess suggested him to be seated and that she would find the otter.
After a while, Mij had returned to him. It climbed on his knee and began to rub its nose on his face and neck.
5. What game did Mij invent? (CBSE 2016)
Ans. A suitcase had become damaged in such a way that the lid, when closed, remained at a slope from one end to

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the other. Mijbil discovered that if he placed the ball on the high end it would run down the length of the suitcase.
He would place the ball on the high end and would dash around the other end to catch it.
6. What compulsive habits had Mijbil developed? (CBSE 2015)
Or
What are 'compulsive habits'? What does Maxwell say are the compulsive habits of
(i) school children
(ii) Mij?
Ans. Compulsive habits are usually strange act or behaviour which a person does without a clear reason. Mijbil
quickly developed certain compulsive habits on 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. On his way back home, Mijbil would tug the author to the wall of a primary school,
jump on to it, and gallop the full length of its thirty yards.
7. Maxwell and his otter, Mijbil, share a unique relationship. How is it developed in the lesson? Mention any two
qualities of Mijbil which you would want in a pet of your own? (CBSE 2012)
Ans. Maxwell and his otter, Mijbil, shared a unique relationship. Mijbil got attached to the author within two days
of becoming his pet. He was friendly and intelligent. He loved playing in the water. He learnt how to operate taps
quickly. Maxwell planned his own journey to England according to Mijbil. He took Mijbil in a box in the plane.
Mijbil hurt himself inside the box and therefore Maxwell took him in his lap. The journey was quite adventurous but
Maxwell was happy to be with his otter. In London, too, both of them spent a lot of time together playing and going
out for walks. I would like my pet to be as attached to me as Mijbil was to the author. Mijbil loved and cared a lot for
Maxwell. My pet should also be like that. Another quality of Mijbil worth taking notice is his intelligence. He
invented games for himself and entertained all around him.
8. What things does Mij do which tell you that he is an intelligent animal who needs love? (CBSE 2008,2013,2014)
Ans. Mijbil befriended the narrator on the second night itself, came to his bed and remained asleep in the crook of
his knees. He was intelligent and quickly learnt to turn the taps on. Two days after Mijbil came to the writer's
house, he entered the bathroom and before the writer could get in Mijbil was up on the end of the bathtub, fumbling
at the taps with his paws. Much to the writer's amazement he managed to turn the tap in less than a minute and
after a moment he achieved the full flow of water. In the bathtub, he went wild with joy in the water, plunging and
rolling in it and shooting up and down. The narrator's love for Mijbil made him follow the narrator even without a
lead. He spent most of his time in play and would often lie on his back and juggle with small objects between his
paws.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-7 Madam Rides the Bus
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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1.What was Valli's favourite pastime and what was the source of unending joy for her? (CBSE 2006,2011,2012)
Or
Why did Valli spend her time all alone and what became her favourite pastime. (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Valli spent her time all alone because there were no playmates of her own age on her street. Valli's favourite
pastime was to stand in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening on the street outside. The
sight of the bus, that travelled between her village and the nearest town, filled each time with a new set of
passengers was the source of unending joy for her.
2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus ride? (CBSE 2010)
Or
What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
Or
How did Valli gather the detail of the bus journey? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Valli planned her bus ride by learning various small details about the bus journey by listening to conversations
of her neighbours and people who were regular users of the bus. She found out that the town was six miles away
from her village, that the bus fare, was thirty paise one way and it took forty five minutes to reach the town.
3. Give examples from the text to show that Valli was a meticulous planner. (CBSE 2014)
Ans. Valli was indeed a meticulous planner. For many days and months she listened carefully to conversations
between the people who regularly used the bus and picked up various small details about the bus journey like its
duration, the fare and so on. Then she set her thoughts to action as she constantly calculated and planned each stage
of her journey. She gathered information about the exact details and carefully saved the sixty paise she would
require for her journey to the town and back.
4. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her? (CBSE 2010,2023)
Ans. Valli had carefully saved whatever coins came her way, resisting every temptation to buy peppermints, toys,
balloons and finally she saved a total of sixty paise. It had not been easy for her as she had to suppress a strong
desire to ride the merry-go-round at the village fair even though she had the money.
5. Why does the conductor call Valli, 'Madam'? (CBSE 2015)
Ans. The conductor was a jolly sort of fellow who was quite amused by Valli's self-confidence. She behaved less like
an eight year old and more like a mature and independent woman. So he calls her 'Madam'.
6.Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now? (CBSE 2008,2013)
Ans. When Valli started to look outside the bus, she found her view blocked by a canvas blind that covered the
lower part of her window. So she stood up on the seat to peer over the blind during her bus-ride to the city.
She saw a cow with an upright tail running fast in the middle of the road in front of the bus. She was wonder-struck
to see bright looking shops with glittering clothes and other things and big crowds in the market.
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7. Why did Valli find the elderly woman 'absolutely repulsive'? (CBSE 2007,2005)
Or
Why didn't Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
Ans.Valli found the elderly woman quite repulsive. She disliked her on first sight as she had such big holes in her ear
lobes, and was wearing ugly earrings in them. Valli could also smell the betel nut the woman was chewing and see
the betel juice that was threatening to spill over her lips any moment. She did not even feel like being sociable to
such a lady and wanted her to mind her own business.
8. What did Valli see on the way that made her laugh?
Ans. Valli saw a young cow right in the middle of the road in front of the bus. The bus slowed and the driver blew
the horn loudly again and again. But the more he honked the cow got frightened and galloped faster. This sight
seemed very funny to Valli and made her laugh.
9. Why didn't Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does it tell you about her? (CBSE 2015)
Ans. Valli did not want to go to the stall and have a drink as she did not have enough money. She only had thirty
paise for her return ticket. Valli refused the conductor's offer to buy her a cold drink. This shows Valli was a self-
respecting and independent young girl and wanted the conductor of the bus to know that she could take care of
herself. She is a very firm and decisive girl and sure of how she has to spend the little money she has.
10. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back? (CBSE 2009)
Ans .Valli refused to look out of the window on her way back after she saw the young cow lying dead by the
roadside. She was overcome with sadness as she realized it was the same cow that had been running in front of the
bus joyfully some time ago.
11. How did Valli react when she saw the dead cow by the roadside? (CBSE 2016)
Ans. After seeing the dead cow by the roadside, Valli was overcome with sadness. The memory of the dead cow
haunted her. She no longer wanted to look out of the window. She was in a pensive mood and her views towards life
became negative.
12. What sights did Valli experience during her first journey by bus? (CBSE 2016)
Or
What all did Valli see on her first bus journey?
Ans. Valli saw a young cow right in the middle of the road in front of the bus. The bus slowed and the driver blew
the horn loudly again and again to get the cow to move out of its way. But the more he honked the cow got
frightened and galloped faster right in front of the bus. This sight seemed very funny to Valli and made her
laugh.Valli had a great time as she got to see many things on her first journey. As the bus came to a rail road
crossing, Valli saw a speck of a train at a distance. She then saw it growing bigger as it drew near. Then it rushed
past creating a tremendous rattle shaking the bus. From there the bus took her to a well-laid-out shopping street.
Here she saw big and bright looking shops that had a glittering display of clothes and other merchandise. She was
dumbfounded with wonder and just gaped at everything.
13. On the basis of the reading of the story 'Madam Rides the Bus', write a character-sketch of Valli? (CBSE 2009)
Or
What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your answer giving examples from the text?
Ans. Valli was a young, enthusiastic child who had a little wish that of taking a bus ride once. She had a curious and
inquisitive nature. She was a meticulous planner and took great pains in planning her bus ride. By asking a few

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discreet questions from her neighbours and friends who had taken the bus ride she picked up various small details
about the bus journey. Valli was a self confident and independent young girl who did not like the idea of being
treated like a child and wanted the conductor of the bus to know that she was quite capable of taking care of herself.
She was a very sensitive girl who was so overcome by sadness by the sight of the dead cow that the entire bus
journey she was enjoying so enthusiastically suddenly lost its entire charm for her when she saw the blood-covered
lifeless cow's dead body.
14. "Valli's bus journey was a joy ride full of pleasant and new experiences." Why? Why not? (CBSE 2008,2009)
Ans. Valli had a great time on her first bus journey as she got to see many things. The bus rode along a canal. As
she looked out of the window she saw palm trees, grasslands, mountains and a clear blue sky. As the bus came to a
rail road crossing, Valli saw a speck of a train at a distance. She then saw it growing bigger as it drew near. Then it
rushed past creating a tremendous rattle shaking the bus. From there, the bus took her to a well-laid-out shopping
street. Here she saw big and bright looking shops that had a glittering Display of clothes and other merchandise.
She was dumbfounded with wonder and just gaped at everything. Valli was also greatly amused when she saw a
young cow right in the middle of the road in front of the bus. The bus slowed down and the driver horned loudly,
but the more he honked, the cow got frightened and galloped faster. Despite all the pleasant and fun-filled
experiences Valli was deeply saddened on her return journey. On her return journey Valli saw the same young cow
lying dead on the roadside, just where it had been struck by some fast moving vehicle. She was overcome with
sadness on how such a lovable, beautiful creature, just a little while ago, had lost its charm and life and looked so
frightening as it lay there with legs spread out, lifeless eyes and blood spattered all over
15. Behaviour of the conductor in 'Madam Rides the Bus' is an example of good manners. Mentioning the instances
of good manners shown by the conductor in the story, write how you can make your life happy by observing good
manners. (CBSE 2014)
Ans. Good manners are an outcome of good breeding and an important part of good conduct. A man with pleasing
manners, like the conductor in 'Madam Rides the Bus', respects the feelings and sentiments of people around him. He
shows due regard to his elders and equals and is kind to those who are younger
than him. He even refers to Valli as 'Madam'. Modesty and courtesy are essential traits of his personality. Good
manners cost nothing but enable one to bring a smile on the other person's face. They bring a kind of sunshine to
life. A man with pleasing manners is happy and cheerful. He always has a smile on his lips and this always helps to
enrich his personality.
16. "Never mind," she said, "I can get on by myself," You don't have to help me," said Valli to the conductor. She
shows extraordinary courage in making the bus journey all alone. Taking inspiration from Valli's character, write
how ability and courage to take risk are essential to fulfill one's dream. (CBSE 2015)
Ans. Valli's earnest wish was to ride on the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. She was
only eight years old, but that did not stop her from working towards fulfilling her desire to go on a bus ride. Her
meticulous planning and strong willpower made her plan and execute the journey successfully. She gathered the
required information, saved sixty paise and waited patiently for the right time to go on her journey. Her courage,
confidence and dignity on the journey made the conductor call her 'Madam'. The journey taught her to be
independent and to get to know about the outside world. It also taught her to interact with different kinds of people.
Valli teaches us an important lesson in life, that is never to give up and make all efforts and take risks to chase our
dreams.

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17. Once we decide to achieve something, so many difficulties come in our way. With focused attention we can make
that achievement. How did Valli succeed in fulfilling her desire of riding a bus? (CBSE 2017)
Or
What was Valli's earnest wish? Which of Valli's characteristics made her take the bus journey successfully? What do
you think she learnt from this bus journey?
Ans. Valli's deepest desire was to ride on the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. Valli
planned her bus ride by learning various small details about the bus journey by listening to conversations of her
neighbours who were regular users of the bus. She found about the bus fare, the time it took to reach the town and
back and the time of the bus. Valli saved up money for the bus journey by collecting coins and by not spending on
peppermints, toys, balloons etc. Her meticulous planning and strong willpower made her plan and execute the
journey successfully. She saved money, gathered the required information and waited patiently for the right time to
go on her journey. Her courage, confidence and dignity on the journey made the conductor call her 'madam'. The
journey taught her to be independent and to get to know about the outside world. It also taught her how to interact
with different kinds of people. I feel that Valli was a highly sensitive girl. The sight of the dead cow touched her and
left her feeling very sad. She learnt how life and death are interwoven together and that death was the ultimate truth
of life.
18. Valli was an extra-ordinary girl who had self-confidence and courage to realise her ambition by planning and
drawing on her spirit of adventure. Discuss in reference to the chapter 'Madam Rides the Bus'. (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Valli's self-confidence and courage enabled her to realise her ambition of riding on the bus that travelled
between her village and the nearest town. Drawing on her spirit of adventure she meticulously planned her trip.
Though she was travelling alone in the bus for the first time, she pretended to be confident when the conductor
offered to help her board the bus. When an elderly man called her a child and told her to sit down, she haughtily
hold him that she was not a child. The bus journey taught Valli to be independent and gave her the confidence to
deal with different kinds of people. Valli is an extraordinary girl who does not hesitate to take risks to realise her
dream.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-8 The Sermon at Benares
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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1.What forced Gautam Buddha to seek enlightenment?
Or,
Why did Prince Siddhartha Gautama leave the palace and become a beggar? (CBSE 2011)
Ans. When Prince Siddhartha Gautama was about twenty-five, he went out hunting. He happened to see a sick man,
then an aged man, then a funeral procession. Finally, he saw a monk begging for alms. These sights moved him so
much that he gave up all his worldly goods and became a beggar. He went out in the world to seek enlightenment.
2.Why did the Buddha choose Benares to preach his first sermon? (CBSE 2015)
Ans.The Buddha preached his first sermon at the city of Benares, which is the most holy out of all the dipping places
on the River Ganges. Buddha wanted to lessen the sufferings of people of Benares.
3.Why was Kisa Gotami sad? What did she do in her hour of grief? (CBSE 2015)
Or,
When her son dies, Kisa Gotami goes from house to house. What does she ask for? Does she get it? Why not?
Or,
What did Kisa Gotami do after the death of her only son? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Kisa Gotami was sad because her only son had died. In her grief she carried the dead child to all her
neighbours, asking them for medicine. She does not get medicine as the people think she has lost her senses as the
boy is dead.
4. Do you agree with Kisa Gotami that she is being selfish in her grief? (CBSE 2012, 2009, 2007, 2005)
Ans. Kisa Gotami is totally grieved and distraught because she has lost her only son. She is unable to reconcile with
the idea that her son is actually dead. She does lose her senses in her grief, though she is not really being selfish. Her
deep pain and grief make her ignorant of the fact that death is common to all and it is only after one dies he is led to
the path of immortality.
5.What was Buddha's remedy for curing Kisa Gotami's son? Was she able to fulfill it? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. Kisa Gotami went to Buddha to get medicine that would cure her dead son. Buddha told her to procure a
handful of mustard-seeds, which must be taken from a house where no one had lost any close relative or friend. Kisa
Gotami then went from house to house but there was not a single house where some loved one had not died. She
became weary and hopeless and was unable to fulfill Buddha's request.
6. What did Buddha say about death and suffering? Explain by giving examples from the text? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. Buddha says the life of mortals in this world is troubled and is brief and combined with pain. Like in the case of
Kisa Gotami who is grieved when she loses her only son. There is no means by which those who are born can avoid
dying; after reaching old age there is death; such is the nature of living things. As ripe fruits are always in danger of
falling, similarly mortals when born are always in danger of death. As all earthen vessels made by the potter end up
being broken, so is the life of mortals who all fall into the grip of death.
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7.Why did Kisa Gotami go from house to house? In what way did the Buddha change her understanding?
Or,
After her son's death, why does Kisa Gotami go from house to house? (CBSE 2012,2008)
Or,
How did the Buddha teach Kisa Gotami the truth of life? (CBSE 2014)
Ans. Kisa Gotami had gone to Buddha to get medicine that would cure her son. Buddha told her to get a handful of
mustard-seeds from a house where no one had lost their loved one. So she went from house
to house to procure such a seed but she was unable to do so as every house had lost a loved one. Buddha changed her
understanding by making her realize that the life of mortals is brief and combined with pain. She realised that death
was common to all and she was being selfish in her grief. Those who are born have to die and after a loved one's
death one cannot obtain peace of mind by grieving and lamenting. To seek peace of mind one must throw out grief
and sorrow from their lives. .
8. Life is full of trials and tribulations. Kisa Gotami also passes through a period of grief in her life.How does she
behave in those circumstances? What lesson does a reader learn from the story of her life? (CBSE 2013)
Ans. Kisa Gotami had gone to Buddha to get medicine that would cure her dead son. Buddha told her to get a
handful of mustard-seeds from a house where no one had lost their loved one. So she went from house to house to
procure such a seed but she was unable to do so as every house had lost a loved one. Kisa Gotami is totally grieved
and distraught when she lost her only son. She is unable to reconcile with the idea that her son is actually dead. She
does lose her senses in her grief, though she is not really being selfish. Her deep pain and grief make her ignorant of
the fact that death is common to all and it is only after one dies he is led to the path of immortality.
Buddha wanted Gotami to realise that the life of mortals is brief and combined with pain. Those who are born have
to die and no one can save his dear ones from dying. While relatives look on and lament deeply, one by one mortals
are carried off. One must learn that one cannot obtain peace of mind from weeping or grieving. On the contrary, his
pain will be greater and his body will suffer. He will make himself sick and pale.
9.How do you usually understand the human attribute of 'selfishness'? In the light of this do you agree with Kisa
Gotami that she was being 'selfish in her grief'? (CBSE 2015)
Ans. Selfishness is usually regarded as an undesirable human trait. It is when a person can only think of his own
feelings, uncaring about others. Selfishness is preoccupation with I, me, and myself. Kisa Gotami was not in a
position to think about other people's grief. It is natural to feel sad over death of near and dear ones. Most people
carry on their next responsibility of performing proper last rites of the dead. People seldom carry a dead body in the
hope of some miracle happening to that. The family and the society is with those in their hours of grief. But later on
the life goes on. But Kisa Gotami was so engrossed in her sorrow that she forgot to think about her family and
society.
10. What was it that Buddha wanted Kisa Gotami to understand?
Or,
What lesson did Buddha want to teach Kisa Gotami? (CBSE 2015)
Ans. Buddha wanted Kisa Gotami to understand that the life of mortals in this world is troubled, brief and combined
with pain. There is no way in which those who have been born could avoid dying. After reaching old age there is
death. Both young and old, fools and wise all are subject to death. The world is afflicted with death and decay, so the
wise people do not grieve knowing the terms of the world. If one does grieve, his pain would be greater and his body

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would suffer. Those who are born have to die and no one can save his dear ones from dying. While relatives look on
and lament deeply, one by one mortals are carried off. No one can obtain peace of mind by weeping or grieving. On
the contrary, his pain will be greater and his body will suffer. He will make himself sick and pale.
11. 'Gotami comes to Buddha praying to him to revive her dead son. Buddha asks her to bring a handful of mustard
seeds from a house where no one has lost a child, husband, parent or friend. Through this simple act, Buddha
communicates the most profound truth of life, not only to Gotami but also to the whole mankind. What is the truth
that Buddha communicates? What lesson does Gotami learn? (CBSE 2013)
Ans. Buddha wanted Kisa Gotami to understand that the life of mortals in this world is troubled, brief and combined
with pain. There is no way in which those who have been born could avoid dying. After reaching old age there is
death. Both young and old, fools and wise all are subject to death. The world is afflicted with death and decay, so the
wise people do not grieve knowing the terms of the world. If one does grieve, his pain would be greater and his body
would suffer.
When Kisa Gotami got tired and depressed for not getting the mustard seeds as per condition, she sat down at the
wayside and watched the flickering lights of the city that extinguished soon. The understanding dawned on her that
the life of human beings also flickers then dies. Death is inevitable for all, so one must not grieve over it. Only the
one who has drawn out the arrow of lamentation, complaint and grief and becomes calm and composed can get peace
of mind. He who has overcome all sorrow becomes free from sorrow.
12. The Buddha said, "The world is afflicted with death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the
terms of the world." Do you think the statement is appropriate even for today's Write your views in the context of
the above statement. (CBSE 2014)
Ans. This statement is as appropriate in today's life as it was thousands of years ago. If we do not abandon sorrow,
we simply undergo more suffering. By weeping and grieving we do not get peace of mind. In fact to grieve is in vain.
Life is difficult and brief and there is no means by which those who are born will not die. This is the natural course
of all living beings. Centuries have come and gone by but this harsh reality of life cannot change. So this statement
will hold good at all times and all ages. The old and the young, the rich and the poor are all stopped short by the
power of death.
13. "The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with pain.....With this statement of the
Buddha, find out the moral value that Kisa Gotami learnt after the death of her child. (CBSE 2016)
Ans. After the death of her son, Kisa Gotami realised that death is common to all. There is no way by which those
who have been born can avoid dying. All creatures have to fall into the power of death. The world is suffering with
death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world. No one will obtain peace of mind
from crying or being sad. On the contrary his pain will be greater and his body will suffer. He, who is able to
overcome his sorrow and become composed will obtain peace of mind and be blessed.
14. What lesson on death and suffering did the Buddha teach Gotami in the chapter, "The Sermon at Benaras'?
(CBSE 2018)
Ans. When Kisa Gotami came to Buddha to get help in reviving her dead son, Buddha wanted her to understand
that the life of mortals in this world is troubled, brief and combined with pain. There is no way in which those who
have been born could avoid dying. After reaching old age there is death. Both young and old, fools and wise all are
subject to death. The world is afflicted with death and decay, so the wise people do not grieve knowing the terms of
the world. If one does grieve, his pain would be greater and his body would suffer. Buddha told Kisa Gotami to get

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him a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had lost a loved one. She went to each house but could
not find even one such house. When Kisa Gotami got tired and depressed for not getting the mustard seeds as per
condition, she sat down at the wayside and watched the flickering lights of the city that extinguished soon. The
understanding dawned on her that the life of human beings also flickers then dies. Death is inevitable for all, so one
must not grieve over it. Only those who give up lamentation, complaint and grief and become calm and composed
can get peace of mind. He who has overcome all sorrow becomes free from sorrow.
15. As ripe fruits are in danger of falling early, so mortals when born are always in danger of death.' With this
statement of the Buddha find out the moral values that Kisa Gotami learnt after the death of her child. (CBSE 2023)
Ans. It is after the death of her child Kisa Gotami went to Buddha and was asked to bring a handful of mustard seeds
from a house where no one had died. When she got tired and depressed for not getting the mustard seeds as per
Buddha's condition, she sat down at the wayside and watched the flickering lights of the city that extinguished soon.
The understanding dawned on her that the life of human beings also flickers and then ends. Death is inevitable for
all, so one must not grieve over it. Buddha changed her understanding by making her realize that the life of mortals
is brief and combined with pain. Those who are born have to die and after a loved one's death one cannot obtain
peace of mind by grieving and lamenting. To seek peace of mind one must throw out grief and sorrow from their
lives.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-9 The Proposal
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FIRST FLIGHT
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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1. Chubokov the suspicious one accused Lomov when he comes to his house. Explain. (CBSE 2009, 2011,2023)
Or
Why does Chubukov suspect Lomov when he comes to his house?
Ans. Chubukov is surprised at Lomov's sudden and unexpected visit. He wonders why Lomov is dressed so formally.
Chubukov pretends to be polite to him and he thinks Lomov must have come to borrow some money from him.
2. Why does Ivan Lomov come to meet Stepan Chubukov? What does Chubukov think he has come for? How do
you know? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Ivan Lomov comes to meet Stepan Chubukov to ask for his daughter, Natalya's hand in marriage. But
Chubukov thinks that Lomov has come to borrow money from him. We know because Chubukov himself voices this
reason for Lomov's coming to meet him.
3. Why is Chubukov surprised at Lomov's wearing of a formal evening dress when Lomov comes to meet him?
(CBSE 2008)
Ans. Lomov is Chubukov's neighbour and he gives Chubukov a surprise visit. So, Chubukov is surprised at his
formal evening attire and wonders why Lomov has come in this formal get-up to his house even though Chubukov
has not invited him for a formal get-together.
4. How did Chubukov react when Lomov asked for the hand of his daughter in marriage? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Chubukov is very happy to know that Lomov has come to ask for the hand of his daughter in marriage. He
embraces and kisses Lomov and says he had been hoping for this for a long time. He even sheds a tear and tells
Lomov he had always loved him as if he were his own son.
5. What was Lomov's opinion about Squeezer? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. Lomov considered Squeezer an overshot, which meant that the dog was a bad hunter. He was sure that the
dog's lower jaw was shorter than the upper. He thought a dog like Squeezer would be found under almost every
bush.
6. Justify, in brief, the title of the play "The Proposal"? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. The title of the play 'The Proposal' is justified because essentially the theme of the play is about Lomov's
marriage proposal to Chubukov's daughter Natalya. He does end up in a silly argument with the father and daughter
but the moment his intention about the proposal is revealed everything becomes normal.
7. The quarrel over Green Meadows is finally resolved. Explain. (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Both Lomov and Natalya claim ownership over Green Meadows. Chubukov and Natalya insult Lomov and the
latter stomps out of their house. However, when Natalya gets to know that Lomov had come to propose to her, she
relents and sends her father to bring Lomov back, thus resolving their quarrel.

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8. Chekov has used humour and exaggeration in his play to comment on marriage and courtship in his Ans. times.
Illustrate with examples from the lesson "The Proposal". (CBSE 2016)
Ans. The play 'The Proposal' is all about Lomov's marriage proposal to Chubukov's daughter, Natalya. Chekov has
used stereotypes such as Lomov, a physically weak and mentally unstable man, the shrewd Natalya, who is an
excellent housekeeper but also stupid and quarrelsome and her hypocrite father, Chubukov to create humour.
Exaggerated actions with little common sense are shown in the play, for instance, Lomov who gulps down water,
puts his hand over his heart, runs to the door and staggers out. The change of feelings from cordiality to hurling of
insults, Lomov calling Chubukov a 'Swindle' and his returning insult to Lomov terming him 'intriguer'. There is no
serious issue of dispute between Lomov and Natalaya. They quarrel over the petty issue of the ownership of the
Oxen Meadows, to a trivial matter like the superiority of their respective dogs. Elements of exaggeration and
absurdity mar the relationship involving love and romance.
9. What is the play 'The Proposal' about? Do you feel that there is any serious issue of dispute? Which negative
traits in the characters may be changed for the better in your point of view? (CBSE 2009,2012)
Ans. The play 'The Proposal' is all about two landowners, Chubukov and Lomov and Lomov's marriage proposal to
Chubukov's daughter, Natalya and how it gets sidetracked twice due to the quarrelsome attitudes of the would be
life partners. There is no serious issue of dispute between Lomov and Natalya. They first quarrel over the petty issue
of the ownership of the Oxen Meadows. Then they quarrel over the superiority of their respective dogs. Both the
issues are unimportant as Lomov and Natalya get married eventually. Lomov appears to be a physically weak and
mentally unstable man. Natalya is an excellent housekeeper but also stupid and quarrelsome. If Lomov was a strong
and determined man he would not have let the argument go out of hand. Had Natalya been smart and intelligent she
would have handled the entire situation rationally.
10. Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and Natalya do not have. Describe the first fight
between them. (CBSE 2016)
Ans. Lomov and Natalya are next-door neighbours. Lomov comes to Natalya's place to propose to her. But in their
very first meeting itself we get to see a glimpse of things that are to be expected in their married life. In spite of
being rich they quarrel over a small piece of land, 'Oxen Meadows'. Lomov says his aunt's grandmother gave the free
use of these Meadows to the peasants of Natalya's father's grandfather in return for which they were to make bricks
for her. Natalya does not agree with Lomov and offers to make a present of it to Lomov who outrightly rejects her
suggestion. The would-be couple are rather materialistic and do not possess the qualities of tolerance and
compassion for the other person's feelings.
11.Give the character sketch of Natalya. (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Natalya was Chubukov's twenty-five year old daughter. She is rather talkative and extremely concerned about
her family's honour and possessions. She is good at arguing and leaves no stone unturned to prove to Lomov that
Oxen Meadows rightfully belongs to her family. She says she can't stand unfairness and believes Lomov is being
unfair to them by claiming his right over Oxen Meadows. She loses her cool with Lomov but the moment she comes
to know that Lomov had come to propose marriage to her she gets frantic to call him back as she is desperate to
marry him.

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Extract Based Questions
12.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (CBSE 2023)
Lomov :But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, its true were once the
subject of dispute, but now everybody knows they are mine. There's nothing to argue about. You see my aunts
grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father's grandfather, in return
for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father's grandfather had the free use of
Meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own, when it happened that.............
Natalya : No, it isn't at all like that! Both grandfather and great grandfather reckoned that their land extended to
Burnt Marsh - which means Oxen Meadows were ours. I don't see what there is to argue about, its simply silly.
(i)The subject of dispute was regarding
(a) free use of Meadows.
(b) making of bricks.
(c) peasants using Meadows.
(d) ownership of Meadows.
Ans. (d) ownership of meadows
(ii)Find the word from the extract which means 'continuance':
(a) dispute
(b) perpetuity
(c) belonging
(d) reckoned
Ans. (b) – perpetuity
(iii)Lomov's aunt's grandmother gave Oxen Meadows to Natalya's father's grandfather in lieu of ................
Ans. (c)making bricks for Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother.
(iv) According to Natalya why did Oxen Meadows belong tothem?
Ans. her grandfather and great grandfather thought oxen meadows extended to Burnt Marsh.
(v)Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only:
The peasants had free use of Meadows for________________years.
Ans.forty

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-1 A TRIUMPH OF SURGERY
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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1. What was Mrs. Pumphrey's reaction when Tricki showed little enthusiasm for exertion?
Ans. When Tricki showed little enthusiasm for exertion Mrs. Pumphrey assumed he had no energy and
though the was suffering from malnutrition. She decided to give him some little extras between meals to
build him up.
2. How do you know that Tricki had an affluent life?
Ans. Tricki led an affluent life which included extravagant meals of Horlicks, cream cakes, chocolates etc. His beds,
cushions, toys, bowls and coats were of premium quality and rather expensive
3. How did Mrs. Pumphrey treat Tricki?
Ans. Tricki led an affluent life with Mrs. Pumphrey, who was foolishly indulgent in over-pampering him. She fed
him with cream cakes, chocolates, malt and cod-liver oil. Tricki had his day bed, his night bed, favorite cushions,
toys, rubber rings and different bowls for breakfast, lunch and supper.
4. What does Mrs. Pumphrey do to help Tricki? Is she wise in this?
Or
What did Mrs. Pumphrey do to bring Tricki back to normal health? Was she successful?
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey thought Tricki was suffering from malnutrition, so she started giving him some extra food
between meals to build up his health. She would give him some malt and cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night
to make him sleep. Mrs. Pumphrey is not wise as this would only make Tricki really ill. She was unsuccessful in her
attempt.
5. What new regime had the narrator advised Mrs. Pumphrey to put into practice for Tricki?
Or
Which two suggestions did Mr. Herriot give to Mrs. Pumphrey at the initial stage? Did she follow?
Ans. The narrator advised Mrs. Pumphrey to cut down Tricki's intake of sweets, give him plenty of exercise and
keep him on a very strict diet and harden her heart to be able to do so. No, Mrs. Pumphrey did not follow his
suggestions.
6. What advice did the doctor give to Mrs. Pumphrey? Why did she not follow it? What excuses did she make?
Or
What was Mr. Herriot's strict advice? Did Mrs. Pumphrey pay heed to his advice? What excuses did she make?
Ans. The doctor told Mrs. Pumphrey that she should control Tricki's diet. She should cut down on the sweet things.
He had to be given plenty of exercise or he would really become very ill. He advised her to harden her heart and
keep Tricki on a very strict diet. But Mrs. Pumphrey found it rather difficult to follow the doctor's advice. She felt
that Tricki was rather listless and seemed to have no energy. She assumed he was suffering from malnutrition so she

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gave him little extras between meals. She told the doctor that Tricki could not exercise as the gardener was unwell,
so there could be no ring-throwing lately.
7. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey not follow the advise given by the narrator?
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey thought Tricki looked weak, so she gave him cream cakes and chocolates which he loved very
much. She could not bear to refuse him. Tricki's exercise had been on hold as Hodgkin, the gardener, had been down
with muscular pain in the lower back, so there had been no ring-throwing for Tricki lately.
8. What immediate steps did Dr. Herriot take to save Tricki?
Ans. Dr. Herriot knew that the only way to save Tricki was to get him out of the house for some time. So, he
suggested that Tricki be hospitalised for about a fortnight as he had to be kept under observation.
9. Describe the 'parting scene' between Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey's household.
Or
How did Mrs. Pumphrey and her servants behave when Tricki was being sent to the surgery?
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey began to cry loudly when Dr. Herriot carried Tricki in a blanket to his car. She gave out a
despairing cry when the doctor moved off with Tricki. The entire staff was roused and maids were rushed in and out
bringing Tricki's day bed, night bed, favourite cushions, toys and bowls. As Dr. Herriot drove away with Tricki,
Mrs. Pumphrey, with a despairing cry, threw an armful of little coats through the window.
10. What was the narrator's cure for the lad?
OR
"I think I know a cure for you." What was Dr. Herriot's 'cure' for Tricki?
Ans. Dr. Herriot knew that the only way to 'cure' Tricki was to get him out of Mrs. Pumphrey's house for a period.
For two days, Dr. Herriot gave him no food, but plenty of water. Gradually, Tricki was seen jostling his way
towards his feeding bowl and trying to follow the other dogs, rolling slightly with his surplus fat. Later his progress
became rapid. He had no medicinal treatment of any kind but all day he ran about with the dogs and discovered the
joys of being bowled over and tramped on. He even learnt to fight like a tiger for his share at meal times and
hunting rats in the old hen house at night. In two weeks Tricki had been transformed into a lithe, hard-muscled
animal.
11. Why was Tricki an uninteresting object for other dogs at the surgery?
Or
Why did the dogs at the surgery reject Tricki as "an uninteresting object"? How did he become unaccepted member
of the gang?
Ans. At the surgery the household dogs surrounded Dr. Herriot when he entered with Tricki. Tricki looked at the
noisy pack with dull eyes and when he was put down, he lay motionless on the carpet. The other dogs sniffed him for
a few seconds and then rejected him after deciding that he was "an uninteresting object.“Later as he was
progressing, he gradually lost weight and became more active. Slowly he discovered the joys of being bowled over,
tramped on and squashed every few minutes. He then became an accepted member of the gang and joined the
household dogs in their various feats.
12. How did Tricki become an accepted member of the gang and start enjoying company of other dogs?
Ans. Tricki was cured of his habit of overeating. He was given meals at fixed intervals with other dogs. So he lost
weight. Now he started moving with the other dogs and joined in their friendly fights. Finally, he became an
accepted member of the gang.

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13. What were Mrs. Pumphrey's queries when she called to enquire about Tricki in the hospital?
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey rang a dozen times for the latest bulletins on Tricki. Her queries were whether Tricki's
cushions were being turned regularly or was he wearing the correct coat according to the weather.
14. Every one at Mr. Herriot's surgery was tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest. Why? Give reasoned
answer?
Ans. When Tricki was at Dr. Herriot's surgery those were days of deep content for Dr. Herriot and his partners.
Their day started well with an extra egg in the morning, improved and sustained by the midday wine and finishing
luxuriously around the fire with brandy. Mrs. Pumphrey used to send two dozen fresh eggs to build Tricki's
strength, the wine was sent by her to enrich Tricki's blood and the brandy came to put final edge on Tricki's
constitution. So everyone at Dr. Herriot's surgery was tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest. So that they
could continue to enjoy the goodies sent for Tricki.
15. Tricki was more a member of the family than a mere dog. Explain by giving examples from the text.
Ans. Tricki was indeed more of a family member than a mere dog. He had his day and night beds, favourite cushions,
toys, rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper bowl. He had numerous little coats. To eat, he was given
things like malt, cod-liver oil and Horlicks. He was also fed cream cakes and chocolates. When Dr. Herriot was
taking Tricki to the hospital, the entire staff was roused to bring in all his things. Mrs. Pumphrey and the rest of
staff were in tears when Tricki was driven away.
16. What evidence do you get of Tricki's affluent living from the text?
Ans. Tricki is thoroughly pampered by his rich mistress. She overfeeds him by giving him extra food between meals
like some malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks. Tricki loves cream cakes and chocolates so his mistress could
not bear to refuse him those. Tricki's only fault was his greed, he had never been known to refuse food. He could
tackle a meal at any hour of the day or night. He possessed a whole wardrobe of clothes-coats of premium quality for
the cold weather and a raincoat for the wet days. When Dr. Herriot was carrying the little dog to the hospital, the
entire staff was roused and maids were rushed in and out to bring his various beds, cushions, toys and bowls so that
he would not feel even the slightest of discomfort.
17. Over-pampering is not only bad for humans but also for animals'. Prove this statement in the light of the lesson
'A Triumph of Surgery'.
Ans. Tricki, a small dog, was over pampered by his rich mistress. He was overfed by her to such an extent that he
became hugely fat, like a bloated sausage. Since he was never refused food, he became greedy and could tackle a meal
at any hour of the day and night. Inspite of repeated warnings of Dr. Herriot, Mrs. Pumphrey could not help
pampering him. Finally, Tricki became very ill. He would eat nothing even refused his favourite dishes and had
bouts of vomiting. He spent all his time lying on a rug, panting. It was only after Dr. Herriot got him out of Mrs.
Pumphrey's house and kept him away from his over- pampering mistress that the little dog recovered and was
transformed into a lithe, hard-muscled animal.
18. Give a brief character sketch of Tricki.
Ans. Tricki was a very pampered and spoilt dog. In fact, he had gotten very used to being pampered and enjoyed it.
He was greedy and could tackle a meal at any time of the day, so he was very overweight too. As a result he fell sick
and Dr. Herriot had to take him away from Mrs. Pumphrey's house. In Dr. Herriot's care, Tricki gradually
recovered and became friendly with the other dogs. He ran about with them and discovered the joys of being bowled
over and tramped on. He became physically fit and transformed into a lithe, hard-muscled animal.

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19. Mrs. Pumphrey is a very loving and caring mistress for Tricki. Critically explain.
Ans. Though Mrs. Pumphrey was Tricki's loving and caring mistress, her love and care did more harm than good
for Tricki. She pampered him incessantly and overfed him making him fat like a bloated sausage. She did not realise
that her over-caring and over-loving attitude towards Tricki was making him sick. She felt she was looking after
him not realising that she was pampering him. It is ironical that in her loving care Tricki became sick and it was
only after he was taken away from her, did he recover. This goes to prove that excess of any emotion can be
extremely harmful for anyone.
20. Mr. Herriot, a veterinary surgeon is tactful as well as full of common sense. Do you agree? Justify your answer
giving instances from the story you have read.
Ans. Mr. Herriot has a lot of tact and common sense. He understands that Tricki's only ailment is being over-
pampered by his rich mistress. He also knows that Tricki has to be kept away from Mrs. Pumphrey if he is to
become healthy again. So, very tactfully Mr. Herriot gets him out of Mrs. Pumphrey's care to keep him away from
her over-pampering and over feeding. Using his common sense he is able to help the little dog recover from his
illness and transform him into a lithe, hard-muscled animal.
21. Mrs. Pumphrey said, This is a triumph of surgery.' Did she know what Tricki's ailment was?
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey had thoroughly pampered and spoilt Tricki. She had made him greedy and he could eat at any
time of the day and night. Despite Dr. Herriot's consistent warnings, she overfed him until he became sick. When
Dr. Herriot took the dog under his care, he merely restricted his diet and made him do plenty of exercise and
transformed him into a lithe, hard-muscled animal. When Mrs. Pumphrey saw him, she thought that Tricki had
recovered miraculously because of the medical treatment he had received at 'the surgery'. She actually didn't even
understand and realise what Tricki's ailment was and that he had received no medical treatment at all of any kind.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-2 THE THIEF’S STORY
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1. What did Hari Singh get from Anil in return for his work? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Hari Singh usually made a profit of about a rupee a day when Anil sent him to buy the supplies for the day. Anil
knew this but did not seem to mind it.
2. What was Anil's job? How did he usually spend the money he earned? (CBSE 2007)
Ans. Anil made money by fits and starts. He would borrow one week and would lend the next. He wrote for
magazines to earn his living. As soon as he got a cheque he would go out and have a great time celebrating.
3. In which queer way did Anil make a living? (CBSE 2018)
Ans. The queer way in which Anil made a living was by writing for magazines. Also, his money management skills
were really odd. One week he would be borrowing money and the next week he would be lending money to others.
He thus made money by fits and starts.
4. Why was it not easy for the thief to rob Anil? (CBSE 2001)
Ans. Anil was one of the most trusting people the thief had ever met, so it was not easy to rob him. It was easy for a
thief to rob a greedy man because he could afford to be robbed. But robbing a careless man like Anil was difficult
because he wouldn't notice the robbery and that would take the pleasure out of the work.
5. How, according to Hari Singh, would the greedy man, the rich man and the poor man react when they had lost
their goods? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. According to Hari Singh on losing their goods-a greedy man's face would show fear, the rich man's face would
show anger and the poor man's face would show acceptance.
6. At the station, why did the thief lose his chance to get away with the money? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. When the thief reached the railway station, the 'Lucknow Express' was just moving out. He would have been
able to jump into one of its carriages but for some inexplicable reason he hesitated to board the train and lost his
chance to get away.
7. What was the thief's immediate reaction when he stole Anil's money? (CBSE 2002)
Ans. After stealing Anil's money the thief quickly crawled out of the room. When he was on the road, he began to
run. He had the notes at his waist, that were held there by the string of his pyjamas. He counted that he had 600
rupees and could live like an oil-rich Arab for a week or two.
8. Why did Hari Singh decide to return the stolen money? What light does it throw on his character?(CBSE 2004)
Ans. After stealing the money when Hari Singh reached the station, he just could not board the train. He stood
alone on the deserted platform and thought about Anil who he knew would feel only sadness for the loss of trust
when he discovered the theft. When the train had gone, he did not know where to go. The only place he could think
of going to, was the house of the person he had robbed. As he sat down to think deeply sitting under the clock tower,
he realised that he would actually miss being with Anil cooking his meals and running to the bazaar. He felt that he
should go back to Anil if only to read and write. So he decided to return to Anil feeling very nervous. The thief was

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very grateful to Anil and quite liked working for him. Since Anil was the most trusting man he had ever met, he
could not cheat him.
9. What does the thief say about the reactions of the people whom he had robbed? What did he think would be Anil's
reaction? CBSE 2002)
Ans. In his short career as a thief, he has made a study of men’s faces when they lose their goods. He says that the
greedy men show fear; the rich men show anger and the poor men show acceptance.But he knew that when Anil
would realise that he had been robbed, his face would only show a touch of sadness. This sad reaction would not be
for the loss of his money but only for the loss of trust that he had been betrayed by the thief. Thinking about Anil's
reaction added to the thief's discomfort.
10. How did Hari Singh know that Anil had forgiven him? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. Hari Singh knew Anil had forgiven him when he gave Hari Singh a fifty-rupee note the next morning, also
adding that from henceforth he would pay Hari Singh regularly. He then told Hari Singh that from that day he
would teach him to start writing sentences confirming to Hari Singh that he had been forgiven.
11. What kind of life was the thief leading with Anil? (CBSE 2003)
Ans . Anil had taken the thief to his room and told him he could sleep in the balcony. Anil told the thief that he
would teach him how to cook. He also taught the thief how to write his name. For the thief it was quite pleasant
working for Anil. He made the tea in the morning and then would buy the day's supplies, usually making a profit of
about one rupee every day. Anil had also told him that he would soon teach him to write whole sentences and add
numbers. The thief was grateful because he knew that once he could write like an educated man there would be no
limit to what he could achieve.
12. Why did Hari Singh smile in his most appealing way towards the end of the story? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Towards the end of the story, Hari Singh's appealing smile was unique in contrast to his earlier smiles wherein
he always made an effort to smile. In the end, Hari Singh was overwhelmed by Anil's generosity and his smile was
effortless and genuine.
13. A thief in Hari Singh changed into a good human being'. How far was Anil's considerate nature responsible for
this transformation? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Anil's trust and compassion brought about a change in Hari Singh. The thief had come to Anil's house with the
sole intention of robbing him. But gradually he began to realise that Anil was one of the most trusting persons he
had ever met and it became difficult for the thief to rob him. Anil's compassionate and sincere attitude reformed the
thief to such an extent that he was willing to give up stealing altogether only to remain with Anil. Even though the
thief tried hard, he could not betray Anil's trust.
14. Trust and compassion can reform a person.' Justify this statement in the light of the lesson The Thief's
Story'. (CBSE 2000,2023)
Ans. There is no doubt about the fact that trust and compassion can indeed reform a person. The thief had come to
live in Anil's house with the sole intention of robbing him. But gradually began to realise that Anil was one of the
most trusting people he had ever met and it became difficult for the thief to rob him. Even when the thief had robbed
him, he could not bring himself to cheat a good and respected man like Anil. He decided that he should go back to
him because he had started to like living and working with Anil. Anil's trusting, compassionate and sincere attitude
reformed the thief to such an extent that he was willing to give up stealing altogether only to remain with Anil.
Even though the thief tried to, he could not betray Anil's trust and deceive him.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-3 THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1. How is Ausable different from other secret agents? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. Ausable did not fit the description of any secret agent that Fowler had ever read about. Ausable was very fat,
he did not have messages slipped into his hands by beautiful ladies but got an ordinary phone call making an
appointment in his room. He also had a rather peculiar foreign accent, unlike a secret agent.
2. Why did Fowler feel let down and disappointed? (CBSE 2013, 2008, 2000)
Or
Why did Fowler want to meet Ausable? Why was he disillusioned?
Ans. Fowler was a very young and romantic writer. He wanted to meet Ausable, the secret agent to learn how
Ausable tackled with some exciting events. Fowler felt let down when Ausable showed him the small room of the
gloomy French hotel on the top floor. He felt it was hardly a setting for a romantic adventure. He was further
disappointed as Ausable's appearance did not turn out as he had expected. Ausable looked nothing like the secret
agents he had read about as he was a fat and sluggish man. Fowler had envisioned mysterious figures in the night,
the crack of pistols, drugs in the wine as he was a romantic writer.
3. Who was Henry? What role did he play in Ausable's plans? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. Henry was a waiter at the hotel where Ausable was staying in France. He unknowingly helped Ausable in his
plan by knocking at Ausable's door at the right moment. His persistent knocking helped Ausable in getting rid of
the intruder.
4. Who was in Ausable's room? Why had he come there? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. Max, a spy was in Ausable's room. He had come there to take away the report that was being brought to
Ausable concerning some new missiles.
5. Why was Ausable angry with the hotel's management? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. Ausable cooked up a story, according to which he was angry with the hotel's management because they had
promised Ausable that they would block off the balcony that extended under his window. They had not blocked it
and this was the second time that someone had entered his room through the balcony.
6. How did Ausable manage to make Max believe that there was a balcony attached to his room? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. Ausable at first makes a causal remark to Max about the existence of a balcony attached to his room and then
very naturally goes on to give a detailed and realistic account about how this balcony had become a nuisance for him,
easily managing to make Max believe that there was a balcony attached to his room.
7. What issue was Ausable going to raise with the management? (CBSE 2005)
Or
What story did Ausable tell about the unwelcome guests that entered his room?
Or
What explanation did Ausable give about the balcony ?
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Ans. Ausable said that it was the second time in a month that someone had got into his room through that nuisance
of a balcony. The management of the hotel had promised to block it off, but they hadn't. Ausable explained with
irritation that the balcony belonged to the next apartment. He gave a detailed account of how the room used to be
part of a large unit and the next room, pointing towards a door in the room used to be a living room. It had a
balcony which extended under his room. Anybody could get on to it from the empty room two doors down.
8.What was someone expected to bring to Ausable's room? (CBSE 2007)
Ans. Ausable had ordered a drink for himself. So, he was expecting a waiter to bring his drink to his room.
9.Did Ausable know who had knocked at the door? Why did he tell a lie? (CBSE 2000)
Or
How did Ausable use 'the knock' at the door in his favour? What light does this throw on his character?
Ans. Ausable had ordered a drink and knew very well that it was the waiter who had knocked at the door. But
Ausable was a very sharp and clever man and he immediately thought of a plan as soon as he heard 'the knock' at the
door. He told Max that since he felt he needed extra protection, he had told the police to check on him to ensure
everything was all right. Ausable had a great presence of mind and his level of alertness was at its best even in the
most difficult of situations. His quick thinking and intelligence helped him not only to get rid of Max but also made
Fowler change his opinion that the most important thing a secret agent needed to have was intelligence and not an
overpowering personality.
10.What role did the non-existent balcony play in the story "The Midnight Visitor'? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. The non-existent balcony plays a very important role in the story. It is on this balcony that Max jumps to save
himself from being caught by the police but instead ends up being a dead man .
11. How did Ausable get rid of Max ?(CBSE 2007)
Or
How did Ausable get rid of Max without using a weapon? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Ausable got rid of Max by using his intelligence, alertness and presence of mind. Max met his end by jumping
out of a window, which Ausable said had a balcony outside, but there was no balcony and Max dropped down dead.
Max's own foolishness makes him an easy prey to Ausable's clever thinking. When there was a knock on the door,
Ausable told Max it was the police who had come to check on him. Max was convinced and in a bid to escape jumped
out of the window without thinking.
12.In the beginning of the story Fowler was disappointed with Ausable. Do you think his feeling changed towards
the end? (CBSE 2001)
Ans. Initially, Fowler was disappointed with Ausable because he did not fit the description of any secret agent
Fowler had ever read about. Fowler, a young and romantic writer, could not imagine that a secret agent could be so
very fat like Ausable and would house himself in a dingy, small room on the top floor. But towards the end of the
story Fowler's feelings would definitely have undergone a change and he would surely have begun to take a
favourable response towards Ausable. This is so because he did realise that in a difficult situation it is more
important to be alert and have presence of mind than to be physically strong. Ausable's intelligence proved to
Fowler that one should never judge people by the way they look because appearances can be very misleading.
13. What makes you think Max was a careless, foolish fellow? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. There is no doubt that Max was a careless and a foolish fellow. He was completely taken in by Ausable's
cleverness. He believed Ausable completely and did not even bother to verify the identity of the person who was

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knocking at the door. Max did not have the ability to look beyond appearances and believed everything at face value.
Max had also not done his research properly, otherwise he would have known that the room did not have a balcony.
His own foolishness made him an easy prey to Ausable's quick- thinking, cleverness.
14. Ausable knew Fowler was very disappointed on seeing him. What did Ausable say to him and how did he
console him? (CBSE 2004)
Or
What impression do you form of Ausable as a secret agent after reading story "The Midnight Visitor"?
Or
Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read. Elaborate, Justify from text?
Ans.Ausable knew that Fowler was pretty disappointed on seeing him. Fowler had been told that he was to meet a
secret agent, a spy, dealing in espionage and danger. He had wished to meet Ausable because Fowler was a young
and romantic writer who imagined a secret agent to be associated with mysterious figures in the night, the crack of
pistols and drugs in the wine. Instead, Fowler had to spend a dull evening in a French music hall with a sloppy fat
man who, instead of having messages slipped into his hand by dark-eyed beauties, got only an ordinary telephone
call making an appointment in his room. Though Ausable's appearance did not match that of a secret agent and he
did not really fit the description of one, he was indeed a very intelligent and smart agent. Ausable understood
Fowler's disillusionment and told him to take cheer because he would presently see an important paper for which
several people had risked their lives and that could well affect the course of history.
15. Fowler feels bored and disappointed but gets "his first authentic thrill of the day." How? Explain. (CBSE 2006)
Ans. Though Fowler feels bored and disappointed at first, his mysterious imagination did get its first authentic
thrill. When Fowler saw Ausable, he was pretty disillusioned as Ausable did not fit the description of any secret
agent Fowler had ever read about. Fowler, being a young and romantic writer, was forced to spend a dull evening
with a sloppy, fat man. But he finally got his taste of the first authentic thrill by the sequence of events that followed
later and he got to see Ausable's quick-witted intelligence. He was absolutely amazed and dumbfounded by the ease
with which Ausable handled a dangerously tricky situation.
16. 'Ausable wins over a very critical situation by his sheer presence of mind without using any physical force'.
Justify giving examples from the text. (CBSE 2008)
Ans. There is no doubt that Ausable wins over a very critical situation due to his sheer presence of mind. Ausable
had ordered a drink andb knew that it was the waiter knocking at the door. Being a clever and sharp man he
immediately thought of a plan. He told Max it was the police who had come to check on him and could shoot him.
Because of Ausable's story of the police checking on him, Max decides to jump out of the window into the balcony.
But actually there was no balcony on the other side of window and Max fell down with a thud, thus leading to his
end. Ausable did not use any kind of physical force to get rid of Max and by pure presence of mind was able to
complete his mission. His intelligence proved to Fowler that appearances can be misleading and one can never judge
a person on the basis of his looks.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-4 A Question of Trust
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1. What does the writer tell us about Horace Danby's life? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. Horace was a good and honest citizen. He was about fifty years old and unmarried and lived with his
housekeeper. He was usually very well except for attacks of hay fever in summer. He loved rare, expensive books and
to buy them, he robbed a safe every year.
2. What was Horace Danby's hobby? How did he manage to fulfill it? (CBSE 2018)
Ans. Horace Danby had the hobby of collecting rare and expensive books. He managed to fulfill it by robbing a safe
every year. Each year he planned carefully just what he would do to steal enough to last for twelve months, and
secretly bought the books he loved through an agent.
3. Describe how Horace Danby planned his work? (CBSE 2018)
Or
How often did Horace Danby commit a robbery every year? What did he do with the stolen material?
Or
Was Horace a typical thief? (CBSE 2000)
Ans. Horace was not a typical thief because he only robbed one safe every year. Each year he planned carefully just
what he would do. He stole enough to last him for twelve months and with the rest of the money he bought rare and
expensive books, that he loved, through an agent.
4. Why did Horace Danby feel sure of his success in that year's robbery?
Ans. Horace Danby felt sure that that year's robbery was going to be as successful as all the others. For two weeks
he had been studying the house at Shotover Grange. That afternoon the two servants had gone to the movies and
the family was as it is, away to London.
5. How did Horace quieten the dog at Shotover Grange? (CBSE 2002)
Ans. When Horace saw that the dog moved its tail in a friendly manner, he called the dog by its right name
knowing that the best way to keep the dog quiet, was to call him by its name and show him love.
6. Why was it easy for Horace to open the safe? (CBSE 2009)
Or
Why was it not difficult for Horace to open the safe?
Ans. It was not difficult for Horace to open the safe because he had as if lived with locks and safes all his life. The
burglar alarm too was poorly built and he had gone to the hall to cut its wire so the safe could be opened without
any problem.
7. What advice did 'the voice' give Horace about hay fever?
Or
What advice did the lady give Horace Danby about his hay fever? (CBSE 2001)

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Ans. The lady advised Horace Danby that he could cure his hay fever with a special treatment if he could find out
what plant gave him the disease. She also advised him to see a doctor, if he was serious about his work so that his
continuous sneezing would stop.
8. On what condition did the lady make Horace agree to let go?
Or
What story did the lady tell Horace to get the jewels? (CBSE 2007)
Ans. The lady told Horace that she had to wear her jewels to a party that night which were lying in the safe but had
forgotten the numbers to open the safe. She wanted Horace to break the safe for her.
9. Did the young lady expect Horace to be caught after the theft? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. The young lady knew very well that Horace would be caught after the theft. She had made him break open the
lock without gloves. His fingerprints too were all over the safe.
10. Why did the police arrest Horace for jewel robbery at Shotover Grange?
Or
Why did the police arrest Horace Danby when he had not kept the jewels stolen from Grange safe? (CBSE
2005,2006)
Ans. The police arrested Horace for the robbery as his fingerprints were all over the room as he had opened the safe
without gloves. Also no one believed him when he said that the wife of the owner of the house had asked him to open
the safe for her because the wife herself, a gray haired sharp tongued woman of sixty said that Horace's story was
nonsense .
11. Why is Horace described as good and respectable but not completely honest? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. Horace was indeed good and respectable but not completely honest. This was because he robbed only one safe
every year. He loved rare, expensive books and to fulfill his passion, he planned his schedule carefully. He robbed a
safe, stole enough to last for twelve months and secretly bought the books he loved through an agent. So, he did lead
a very respectable life but his means to attain the ends he desired, were rather dishonest. He had no qualms or
apprehension in pursuing this dishonorable task and performed it without any kind of inhibition or guilt.
12. Horace was the thief who planned his work carefully. Describe how he did it before robbing the house at
Shotover Grange.
Or
Describe how Horace planned to rob Shotover Grange?
Ans. Horace Danby planned his robbery of Shotover Grange, rather meticulously. For two weeks he studied the
details of the house. This included observing the situation of rooms, electric wires, paths and its garden. He then
studied the magazine article which had given a detailed description of Shotover Grange. It gave the detailed plan of
the drawing room and even the safe hidden behind a painting. He knew the family was away to London and on the
day of the robbery, he also knew the servants had gone to see the movies. He was also aware of the place where the
housekeeper hung the keys.
12. How did the lady in red prove to be smarter and cleverer than Horace Danby? (CBSE 2004)
Ans. There is no doubt that the lady in red proved to be smarter and cleverer than Horace Danby. She managed to
fool Horace easily and achieved her purpose. She enacted her part as the lady of the house so perfectly that Horace
did not even once doubt her dubious intentions. The lady, who was as charming as she was clever and who was also

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in the same profession as Horace, tricked him very conveniently without the least bit of doubt. The only thing that
the lady in red lacked, according to Danby, was 'honour among thieves.
13. Who do you think is the real culprit in the story 'A Question of Trust'? (CBSE 2004)
Ans: Though Horace and the young lady had the same motive when they came to the house at Shotover Grange, the
real culprit in this story is not Horace but the young lady. She plans her moves so accurately and immorally and
escapes scot-free with all the jewels putting the entire theft on Horace's name. She managed to rob the safe without
leaving a single fingerprint while Horace's fingerprints were to be found all over the room. She cheated Horace
deceitfully without any kind of honour and took advantage of her mistaken identity. She left him in a rather pathetic
situation where no one believed his story and termed it as utter 'nonsense'. Despite being in the same profession as
Horace was, she tricked and deceived him most "dishonorably"
14. Which of the two thieves lacked 'honour' in the story 'A Question of Trust'? (CBSE 2000)
Ans. The young, pretty lady who was dressed in red and was also a thief lacked 'honour' because she had cheated
and deceived Horace. She pretended to be the owner of the house and made Horace steal the jewels for her. Eager to
get free and to avoid going to the prison, Horace agreed to break open the safe for her which he assumed belonged
to her. He was careless as he did this without wearing his gloves. To buy his freedom, Horace handed over the
jewels to her and, ironically, this act led to his arrest. His fingerprints were all over the room. His story, that the
lady of the house had asked him to open the safe for her, was termed as 'nonsense' and he landed in the prison.
15. What are the subtle ways in which the lady in red managed to deceive Horace Danby and goes away with the
jewels? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. The lady in red uses her subtle but clever and confident ways to deceive Horace Danby and gets away with the
jewels. Posing as the lady of the house, she makes up a false but realistic story assuring Horace that she had
forgotten the numbers to open the safe. Overwhelmed by the lady's kindness and in an effort to genuinely help a
lady in distress, Horace goes out of his way to ensure that the lady faces no further inconvenience and in the process
lands himself into trouble and eventually ends up in prison. The lady proves to be much cleverer than Horace and is
able to dupe him without much effort.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-5 FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1. What experiments did Griffin carry out? What was the final result of these experiments? (CBSE 2017)
Or
How does the invisible man first become invisible?
Ans. Griffin had carried out many experiments to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally he
swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass-though it also remained as solid
as glass.
2. What happened when Griffin didn't wake up in time? (CBSE 2017)
Ans. Griffin did not wake up in time and when he saw the assistants at the shop approaching the next morning, he
just panicked and ran. They gave him a chase and he could escape only after he took off his clothes. So, he was once
again out in the open without clothes in the chilly air of January.
3. Mr. Griffin entered the shop of the theatrical company. What did he do there? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. Mr. Griffin entered the shop to find clothes. He covered himself above his shoulders with bandages. He then
wore dark glasses, a false nose and a large hat. He hit the shopkeeper and robbed him.
4. Why does Mrs. Hall find the scientist eccentric? What curious episode takes place in the study? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Despite Mrs. Hall's repeated attempts to be friendly, the scientist made it clear to her that he had no desire to
talk. He also told her that he had come to Iping because of his desire for solitude and did not wish to be disturbed in
his work. Besides an accident had affected his face. All these things satisfied Mrs. Hall about the scientist's
eccentricity.
5. Why did Mrs. Hall ignore Griffin's strange habits? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. Mrs. Hall was satisfied that her guest was an eccentric scientist and in view of the fact that Griffin had paid her
in advance, Mrs. Hall was prepared to ignore and excuse his strange habits and irritable temper.
6. What 'curious episode' took place in the clergyman's study? (CBSE 2003)
Or
What curious episode occurs in the study?
Or
Why did the clergyman keep on saying 'extraordinary affair' for the rest of the day?
Ans. One day, very early in the morning, the clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises in the study.
Creeping downstairs, they heard the chink of money being taken from the clergyman's desk. Without making even
the least noise and with a poker clasped firmly in his hand the clergyman flung open the door of his study. He
ordered the thief to surrender to him. But to his utter amazement he found the room to be empty. He and his wife
looked under the desk, behind the curtains and even up the chimney. There was no sign of anybody and yet the desk
had been opened and the housekeeping money was missing. This 'curious episode took place in the clergyman's
study.
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7. How did the scientist look when he came to the inn? Give examples to show that he was a man of irritable
temperament. (CBSE 2012)
Ans. The scientist came to the inn with an uncommon appearance. He had bandages around his forehead. He had put
on dark glasses and had also put a false nose with big bushy side whiskers and was wearing a large hat. The scientist
was indeed a man with an irritable temper because he foiled all of Mrs Hall's attempts to be friendly with him and
told her that he had no desire to talk. His irritable temper also forced him to tell Mrs. Hall that he wanted solitude
and did not wish to be disturbed in his work.
8. Describe Griffin's activities in the village of Iping. (CBSE 2010)
Ans. Griffin dissuaded all efforts of his landlady, Mrs. Hall to be friendly. He told her he wished to be alone and did
not wish to be disturbed. He stole housekeeping money from the clergymen's desk as he had already spent all the
earlier stolen money. He terrorised the landlord and his wife by charging and hurling the household furniture at
them. Mrs. Hall was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits and the neighbours believed all the trouble was
caused by witchcraft. Finally, when Mrs. Hall confronted him, Griffin became a headless man and knocked Jaffers,
the constable, unconscious.
9. Describe the scene which took place after the arrival of Mr. Jaffers, the constable, in the story 'Footprints Without
Feet'. (CBSE 2003)
Or
Describe the remarkable scene when the village constable came to arrest the invisible scientist.
Ans. When Mr. Jaffers, the constable, arrived, he was quite surprised to find that he had to arrest a man without a
head. But that did not prevent Mr. Jaffers from carrying out his duty. Then ensued a remarkable scene as Mr. Jaffers
tried to get hold of a man who was becoming more and more invisible. Finally a shirt flew into the air and the
constable found himself struggling with someone who he could not see. Though some people attempted to help him,
they were hit by blows from nowhere. In the end the constable, Mr. Jaffers was knocked unconscious as he made a
last attempt to hold on to the unseen scientist.
10. How did the invisible scientist first become visible? What compelled him to become invisible again in the chilly
air of January? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. The invisible scientist first became visible when he slipped into a big London store for warmth from the
bitterly cold weather. There he broke open boxes and wrappers and fitted himself into warm clothes. Fully dressed
he was now also a fully visible person. Finally he settled down to sleep. He did not manage to get up on time the
next morning, before the shop assistants arrived. Seeing them approach Griffin panicked and began to run. The shop
assistants began chasing him and he could only escape by quickly taking off his newly found clothes. So once more
he became invisible in the chilly January air.
11. Griffin was rather a lawless person." Do you agree? Give a reasoned answer. (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Griffin was indeed a rather lawless person. When his landlord in London tried to eject him, Griffin set fire to
his house in revenge. Then he misused his discovery, which enabled him to become invisible, to get away without
being seen. He never used his discovery for any fruitful and constructive purpose but continued to misuse it at all
times to get away after committing an unlawful act. He troubled and harassed people after becoming invisible. He
loses even the basic human values and crosses all limits to make a complete nuisance of himself and cause
unnecessary misery to others.

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12. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Griffin was indeed a good scientist who had successfully discovered how to make the human body transparent.
He had carried out experiment after experiment laboriously to prove that the human body could become invisible.
Finally, he had himself been brave enough to swallow certain rare drugs and his own body became as transparent as
a sheet of glass, but had also remained as solid as glass. So, there is no denying that Griffin was a brilliant scientist.
He had the ability to make great inventions and discoveries. But being a rather lawless and eccentric person, he
could never utilise his discovery in the right way and became a homeless wanderer, that too without clothes.
13. Griffin was not a true scientist as he misused his scientific discovery. Illustrate this point by giving two incidents
from the story. (CBSE 2017)
Ans. Griffin was indeed not a true scientist and he did not miss an opportunity to misuse his scientific discovery of
making the human body transparent. Since Griffin was a rather lawless person, his landlord in London disliked him
and tried to eject him. In revenge Griffin set fire to his house. At this time he misused his discovery, which enabled
him to become invisible, to get away without being seen. On yet another occasion Griffin used his invisibility to
evade arrest by the village constable Jaffers, whom Mr. Griffin's landlady, had called for, when he did not pay her the
rent of the room. After becoming invisible, Griffin knocked down the constable who became unconscious and
managed to escape easily.
14. "Griffin indeed made a great discovery, yet we do not sympathise with him". Why? (CBSE 2006)
Ans. There is no doubt about the fact that Griffin had indeed made a great discovery. He was a brilliant scientist
who had discovered how to make the human body transparent. But in spite of his great achievement we do not
sympathise with him because he was a rather lawless person. He does not use his discovery for a fruitful and
constructive purpose but continues to misuse it at every stage. On the contrary we sympathise with the people
whom Griffin troubles and harasses after becoming invisible. Griffin loses even the basic moral values and has no
inhibitions and limitations about making a complete nuisance of himself at any point of time.
15. Science is a good servant but a bad master. How is this applicable to Griffin's scientific discovery? Give examples
from the text.
Ans. Griffin's scientific discovery was misused by him. Being a lawless person he used his discovery to trouble other
people. When his landlord in London tried to eject him he set fire to the landlord's house in revenge and then he
became invisible so that he could get away without being seen. He never used his discovery for a constructive
purpose but always misused it to escape after committing an unlawful act. He troubled and harassed people after
becoming invisible. He evades arrest, after knocking down the village constable Jaffers by becoming invisible. So the
saying-'Science is a good servant but a bad master' is truly applicable to Griffin's scientific discovery.
Extract Based Questions
16.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Mrs. Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits and that
the stranger had somehow caused these to enter into her furniture.
(i) Mrs. Hall tripped because ______
(a) the floor was oily.
(b) she was standing on a chair.
(c) she was in a state of panic.
(d) the door was slammed.

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Ans. (c) she was in a state of panic
(ii) Mrs. Hall suspected everything in the room was put under a spell of witchcraft by ______.
Ans.spirits / the scientist (Griffin)
(iii) Fill in the blank with one word only :
Mrs. Hall was afraid that spirits had entered _______.
Ans. furniture
(iv) According to the extract, the feeling of Mrs. Hall can be best described as
(1) stunned
(2) happy
(3) awestruck
(4) nervous
(5) outraged
(6) agitated
Select the correct option :
(a) (2) and (4)
(b) (3) and (6)
(c) (5) and (6)
(d) (1) and (6)
Ans.(d) (1) and (6)
(v) ‘Spirits’ in the above lines means the same as
(a) ghosts
(b) conscience
(c) ego
(d) attitude
Ans.(a) ghosts
17.Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
His landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge, Griffin set fire to the house. To get away without being
seen he had to remove his clothes. Thus it was that he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money
and quite invisible until he happened to step in some mud, and left footprints as he walked !
(i)Griffin’s landlord tried to eject him because
(a) he was a lawless person.
(b) he had set his house on fire.
(c) he didn’t like him.
(d) he was a drug addict.
Ans.(c) he didn’t like him.
(ii) Fill in the blank with one word only.
Griffin deliberately removed his clothes because he wanted to become ________.
Ans. (b) invisible
(iii)Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word 'fire' as used in this extract.
(a)Griffin said that he would fire the manager.

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(b)The soldiers opened fire at the enemy.
(c)His remarks provoked heavy fire from the political opponents.
(d)The Amar Palace was completely destroyed by the fire.
Ans. (d) The Amar Palace was completely destroyed by the fire
(iv) Griffin's presence was felt when
(a) he jumped into the water with a splash.
(b)he wore clothes.
(c)he left muddy footprints.
(d) he stepped in mud.
Ans. (c) he left muddy footprints
(v)Which of the following is not true with reference to the given extract ?
(a) Griffin had become penniless.
(b)Griffin promised to behave himself.
(c)Griffin revealed himself by his muddy footprints.
(d)No one could see Griffin when he took off his clothes.
Ans. (b) Griffin promised to behave himself

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-6 The Making of a Scientist
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1. But there was one thing I could do-collect things." What collection did Ebright make? When did he start making
the collection? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. Ebright made a collection of butterflies, rocks, fossils and coins. He started making this collection from
kindergarten itself. He also became an eager astronomer, sometimes stargazing all night.
2. Why did Richard Ebright raise a flock of butterflies? (CBSE 2014)
Ans. Ebright's mother bought him a book which told how monarch butterflies migrate to Central America. At the
end of the book readers were invited to help study butterfly migration. They were asked to tag butterflies. Anyone
who found a tagged butterfly was asked to send the tag to Dr. Urquhart. So the next step for Ebright was to raise a
flock of butterflies, as it was not possible to chase them one by one.
3. How did Ebright raise a flock of butterflies? (CBSE 2004,2003)
Ans. During the butterfly collecting season which lasts for six weeks in late summer, Ebright would catch a female
monarch, take her eggs and raise them in his basement through their entire life cycle. He would start from egg to
caterpillar to pupa to an 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.
4. What was In Ebright's achievement in his senior year? (CBSE 2014,2016)
Ans. In his senior year Ebright went a step further in his experiments on the monarch pupa. He grew cells from a
monarch's wing in a culture and showed that the cells would divide and develop into normal butterfly wing scales
only if they were fed the hormone from the gold spots. This project also won for him the first place for Zoology at
the International Fair, after which he continued to do further work at the army lab.
5. Mention any two of Ebright's contributions to the world of science.
Ans. Ebright made valuable contributions to the world of Science. He discovered an unknown insect hormone and
also determined how the cell could read the blueprint of its DNA.
6. What other interests did Ebright have? (CBSE 2010)
Ans. Other than his interest in science, Ebright was also a champion debater and public speaker and a good canoeist
and an all-round outdoors-person. He was also an expert photographer, particularly of nature and science exhibits.
7. A mothers role is very important in shaping the future of her child'. Explain how Richard Ebright’s mother helped
him. (CBSE 2014,2023)
Ans. Ebright's mother was a very sincere lady who worked very hard to educate and guide her son. She encouraged
his interest in learning when he was a child. She took him on trips, bought him telescopes, microscopes, cameras,
mounting materials and other such equipment. Almost every evening she found work for him by which he would
learn things since Ebright was very keen to learn. After Ebright's father died, he became the centre of his mother's
life and she, in turn, did all she could to enhance his learning prowess by many methods which went on to make him

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a renowned scientist. She also got Ebright a children's book called "The Travels of Monarch X", which opened the
world of science to him.
8. How did Ebright's not winning anything at the Science Fair motivate him to become a bright scientist? s
Or
What lesson did Ebright learn when he did not win anything at the science fair? (CBSE 2012,2023)
Ans. When Richard Ebright did not win anything at the science fair, he realized that the winners had tried to
conduct real experiments. He, on the other hand, had simply made a neat display. He had shown slides of frog
tissues under a microscope. It was the first time that he got a hint of what real science was. This event served
to develop the competitive spirit in him. Ultimately, it was this spirit of enthusiasm and competitiveness that
drove him to achieve new heights in science.
9. According to the author, what are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist?
Or
A vast number of children are interested in studying science all over the world these days. After studying the lesson,
The Making of a Scientist', what qualities should a person imbibe to become a scientist?
Ans. The ingredients in the making of a scientist start with a first-rate mind, a must have scientific curiosity and the
will to win for the right reasons. Being a scientist does not mean you cannot be an all-around outdoor person.
Having interest in other activities like debating, photography helps learning to become easy. An inspiration, an
adviser can help open one's mind to new ideas. Being a scientist one must be prepared to make that extra effort. A
person must be competitive not in the bad sense but in the sense to always remain ahead in his learning. One must
be interested in winning not just for the sake of winning or for a prize but because he wanted to do the best job. For
the right reasons, he wants to be the best. That is a 'true scientist'.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-7 The Necklace
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1. What kind of a person is Matilda? Why is she always unhappy? (CBSE 2008, 2016, 2013)
Or
Why was Matilda always unhappy? (CBSE 2015)
Or
Why was Matilda always unhappy after her marriage? (CBSE 2017)
Ans. Matilda was a pretty young lady born by an error of destiny, into a family of clerks. Since she had no dowry
and no hopes of being married to a rich man, she got married to a petty clerk. She was simple but she was always
unhappy. She suffered because she felt she was born for luxuries whereas in reality she was very poor. Matilda
suffered from her poverty of her apartment, walls and the worn chairs and whenever she returned after visiting her
rich friend Mme Forestier she wept from despair and disappointment because she neither had the frocks nor the
jewels her friend possessed.
2. Why did Matilda not like to visit her rich friend Mme Forestier's house? (CBSE 2016,2007)
Or
Why did Matilda weep with despair on visiting her friend? (CBSE 2010,2007)
Ans. Whenever Matilda visited her rich friend she felt extremely sorry about her own petty status. Her visit to her
friend's house always highlighted to her, her own poverty, her shabby apartment and worn out chairs. She had
neither frocks nor jewels like her friend who possessed all the luxuries and delicacies which Matilda loved and
wished for. All these things tortured and angered her as she knew and realised that she had no hope and no means of
ever becoming known and rich.
3. Mme Loisel's pretty dress was ready for the party but as the day of the ball approached, a fresh problem disturbed
her. What was the problem? How is the problem solved? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. The fresh problem that disturbed Mme Loisel was that she didn't have suitable jewellery to adorn herself and
she thought she would give a poverty-stricken look despite wearing a lovely dress. Mme Loisel went to her friend
Mme Forestier and related her story of distress. Mme Forestier went to her closet took out a large case and asked
Mme Loisel to choose a necklace from it. Hence solving the problem of wearing jewels with the new dress at the
party.
4. Why did Matilda (Mme Loisel) leave the ball in a hurry? What does it show about her character? (CBSE 2018)
Ans. Matilda's modest wrap that she carried for the ball had a shabby look and did not go well with the richness of
the lovely dress. She wished to hurry away from the ball so that the other women who had wrapped themselves in
rich furs would not notice her. This shows that Matilda suffered from poverty, from her shabby surroundings. All
these things tortured and angered her. She is affected by external things and appearances matter a lot to her.
5. How did the Loisels react when they realised that the necklace had been lost? (CBSE 2015)

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Ans. The Loisels searched everywhere for the necklace but found nothing. They were dismayed and disappointed.
Matilda waited all day in a state of bewilderment, but her husband returned pale faced as he had discovered nothing
about the necklace.
6.Why did Monsieur Loisel go out into the cold night minutes after returning from the ball? Was he successful in
his errand? (CBSE 2008,2009)
Ans. Monsieur Loisel went out into the cold night to look for the necklace that belonged to Mme Forestier which
his wife had lost. He went to all the places they had been to including the police station, cab companies and
newspaper offices looking for the necklace but he was unsuccessful.
7.What did Loisels do to replace the necklace? (CBSE 2006)
Ans. Loisels bought a chaplet of diamonds, like the ones they had lost. Those were worth forty thousand francs. She
and her husband invested their own money, borrowed the rest from insurers and lenders and finally were able to
replace the lost necklace.
8. Why did Jeanne not recognize her friend, Matilda? (CBSE 2011)
Ans. Jeanne did not recognize her friend, Matilda as Matilda's appearance had changed drastically in the last ten
years. She had become a crude woman of a poor household. Her hair was badly dressed and her skirts awry. She was
completely different from the elegant, pretty and gracious woman Jeanne knew her as.
9. Matilda was very proud of her beauty and charm and this led to her downfall. Elaborate. (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Matilda was very proud of her beauty and charm. She suffered incessantly as she felt she was born for all the
luxuries. She always had a grudge that she was born into a family of clerks through an error of destiny. Because of
her humble background she had to marry a petty clerk. Her aspirations were the cause of her ruin. Her inability to
accept her circumstances led to her downfall. Matilda could have easily avoided the misfortune that befell on her and
her husband. The cause of Matilda's ruin was her vanity, which brings short-lived joy but ultimately leads to one's
downfall.
10. Describe Madame Loisel's experience at the ball. (CBSE 2007,2008)
Ans. Madame Loisel got a beautiful and expensive dress made for the ball. She borrowed a superb diamond necklace
from her friend Jeanne and got all decked up and ready to attend the ball. When the day of the ball arrived, Madame
Loisel was a great success. She was the prettiest of all the ladies present there, winning over them with her elegance,
graciousness, smile and a spirit that was full of joy. All the men noticed her, asked her name and wanted to impress
her. She danced with enthusiasm, intoxicated with pleasure, thinking of nothing but all the admiration, the victory
that was so complete and sweet to her heart. She finally went home at four o'clock in the morning.
11. What is the twist at the end of the story 'The Necklace'? . (CBSE 2008)
Ans. 'The Necklace' is a story that has a dramatic twist at the end. The very necklace that was considered to be very
precious and for which Matilda and her husband had borrowed eighteen thousand francs turned out to be a piece of
artificial jewellery that was worth hardly about five hundred francs. And the worst part is that this fact is revealed to
Matilda after she had led a miserable and horrible life of necessity which lasted for ten years. Matilda had ruined
her's as well as her husband's whole life to pay back the loan that they had taken to replace Mme Forestier's diamond
necklace. They had replaced a false diamond necklace with a real diamond necklace.
12. What would have happened if Matilda had confessed to Mme Forestier that she had lost the necklace?
Or
What was the cause of Matilda's ruin? (CBSE 2015)

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Or
When Matilda lost the necklace, what should she have done?
Or
What lesson of life do we learn from the story which can make us succeed in life?
Ans. Matilda would have saved herself and her husband a great deal of trouble and could have prevented her ruin if
only she had the courage to confess to Mme Forestier, that she had lost the necklace. If Matilda had been truthful
with Mme Forestier she could have known in the beginning that the diamonds were false and would not have gone
ahead and replaced them with real diamonds that cost Matilda her ruin. Matilda could easily have avoided a great
deal of misery in her life by her confession. But Matilda chose to hide the truth from her friend and so she had to face
a great deal of hardships and had to lead a horrible life for ten years all because of her own mistakes. Matilda
suffered because she was a discontented woman who lacked the courage to speak the truth. Honesty is the best
policy and can save one from suffering. One should have the courage to speak the truth and own up to one's mistake
if one wants to avoid ruin in one's life. Vanity and lying are evil and must be avoided to be successful.
13. Mention instances from the text that prove that Loisel was a simple man who loved his wife? (CBSE
2007,2008)
Or
Love is blind' is a phrase that was justified by M.Loisel in the lesson "The Necklace'. Substantiate the answer from
the story (CBSE 2013)
Or
How did M.Loisel try to make his wife happy? (CBSE 2017)
Or
What kind of a person is Matilda's husband? .
Ans.Loisel was indeed a simple man who really loved and cared for his wife . He especially brought in the dinner
invitation of the Minister's house to make Matilda happy. He even agreed willingly to give her the four hundred
francs, that he had saved to buy a gun, so that she could buy a suitable and pretty dress for the party. When Matilda
lost the necklace he made all the arrangements to borrow the money so that they could buy a new necklace and give
it to Mme Forestier. Later to repay the loan that he had borrowed, he worked harder and longer and did not really
mind spending ten years of his life in misery only because he loved his wife and was willing to make any sacrifice for
her sake.
14. "At the end of the ten years, they had restored all." What had Matilda and her husband restored and at what
cost? (CBSE 2005)
Ans. Matilda and her husband had restored the loan they had taken for replacing Mme Forestier's necklace at the
end of ten years. Matilda got to know the horrible life of necessity. She did her part heroically to pay this frightful
debt. She and her husband had to face a lot of hardships and had to lead a horrible and fru- gal life for ten years as a
result of her negligence. They sent away the maid and rented some rooms in an attic. Her husband worked in the
evenings and often at nights also. Matilda washed dishes, soiled linen and became a strong, hard and crude woman
of a poor household.
15. 'One little act of negligence or one small error can lead to the entire ruin'. How far is it applicable to the lives of
Matilda and her husband? (CBSE 2009)
Or

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What was the cause of Matilda's ruin? How could she have avoided it?
Ans. Matilda and her husband were themselves responsible for their misery because of their own negligence. They
would have saved themselves from undergoing a great deal of trouble had Matilda been a little more careful while
handling other people's jewellery. Even after losing her friend's necklace they did not have the courage to confess to
Mme Forestier about the loss. They chose to live under extremely miserable conditions than to confess about it. It
was only towards the end of the story that they realize how foolish and vulnerable they have been because of their
own errors.
16. What changes came into the life of the Loisels after they had replaced Jeanne's necklace? (CBSE 2009)
Or
The course of the Loisels' life changed due to the necklace. Comment.
Ans. The Loisels' life changed drastically after the loss of the necklace. They possessed only eighteen thousand
francs of their own. They borrowed the rest of the money to pay a total amount of thirty six thousand francs for a
new necklace. Matilda's husband made ruinous promises, took money from insurers and the whole race of lenders.
Later, to pay their frightful debt, they played their part completely and heroical- ly. They sent away the maid, they
changed their lodgings and rented some rooms in an attic. Matilda learnt the ordinary work of the kitchen. She
washed the dishes, the soiled linen and clothes. Her husband worked evenings, putting the books of some merchants
in order. At night he often did copying and this kind of miserable life lasted for ten years before they had repaid all
the money.
17. 'The Necklace' reveals that vanity is an evil. It may bring joy for a short period but ultimately it leads to ruin. If
you were placed in a situation similar to that of Matilda, what would you have done? Write your views. (CBSE
2014)
Or
If you were caught in a situation like this, how would you have dealt with it?
Ans. I do not think I would be placed in a situation similar to that of Matilda because I would never be in a
state of constant despair and disappointment over being materially deprived. And unfortunately if I were to lose a
borrowed piece of jewellery I would be honest enough to tell my friend about it. Honesty is actually the best policy
and saves one from a lot of unnecessary trouble and suffering. One should have the courage to speak the truth and
own up one's mistake if one wants to avoid one's ruin. Vanity and lying are evil and must be avoided at all costs.
18. Contentment in one's life is very important to lead a peaceful life. We should be happy with what we have and
should not crave for what we don't have. Matilda suffered in life because she was not content in her life. Her desires
led to her disaster. What do you learn from her mistake in life? (CBSE 2023)
Ans. There is no doubt that Matilda suffered because of discontentment in her life. She was not happy with what she
had and she always craved for things she did not have. She constantly compared her life with that of her rich friend,
whom she did not like to visit, as she wept from despair and disappointment whenever she returned from her house.
This covetousness led to her downfall. Her vanity made her borrow her friend's necklace, which she loses and then
spends her whole life paying back for it. It is from Matilda's mistake that we learn how contentment plays a very
important role in one's life to lead a peaceful life.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-8 Bholi
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1. Why was Sulekha nicknamed Bholi? (CBSE 2008,2016)
Ans. When Sulekha 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'.
2. Why did Bholi talk very little as a child? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. Bholi had been unable to speak till she was five years old. When, at last, she had learnt to speak, she
stammered. The other children often made fun of her and mimicked her. As a result she talked very little.
3. Give examples from the text to show that Bholi was a neglected child? (CBSE 2014)
Ans . Bholi was indeed a neglected child. New clothes had never been made for her. The old dresses of her sisters
were passed on to her. No one cared to mend or wash her clothes. Her parents sent her to school only because they
thought there was little chance of her getting married and they wanted the teachers at school to worry about her.
4. Why did the Tehsildar come to Ramlal's village? What did he ask Ramlal to do? (CBSE 2006)
Ans. The Tehsildar came to Ramlal's village to perform the opening ceremony of the primary school for girls. He
told Ramlal to send his daughters to school to set an example to the villagers since he was a representative of the
government.
5. For what unusual reasons was Bholi sent to school? (CBSE 2005,2009,2017,2018)
Ans. Bholi was sent to school because the Tehsildar ordered her father Ramlal to set an example and send his
daughters to the newly opened primary school. Bholi's mother knew there was little chance of her getting married
with her ugly face and lack of sense. So, she agreed to send her to school so that the teachers at the school took care
of her, relieving her parents of their responsibility.
6. How did Bholi react when her father caught her by the hand to take her to school? Why? (CBSE 2008)
Ans. When Bholi's father caught her hand to take her to school she was frightened. She did not know what a school
was like. So, she shouted in terror and pulled her hand away from her father's grip.
7. How did the teacher build up Bholi's confidence on her first day at school? (CBSE 2014)
Ans. The teacher smiled at Bholi and asked her name. Bholi started stammering and then crying. When she was
alone, the teacher called out her name in such a soft and soothing voice that touched Bholi's heart. Patting her
affectionately, the teacher assured her that she would be able to speak like everyone else.
8. Describe Sulekha's early childhood. Why was she called Bholi by everyone? Or, What misfortunes did Sulekha
face when she was a child? (CBSE 2005)
Ans. Sulekha was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal who had seven children. When she was ten months old,
she had fallen off the cot on her head and perhaps that damaged some part of her brain. So, she remained a backward
child and came to be known as Bholi. When she was two, she had an attack of small- pox and her entire body was
permanently disfigured. Bholi could not speak till she was five and when she learnt to speak, she stammered. All of

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Ramlal's children, except Bholi, were healthy and strong. New clothes had never been made for Bholi. The old
dresses of her sisters were passed on to her. No one even cared to mend or wash her clothes.
9. What kind of treatment is given to Bholi by her parents? Is it justified?. (CBSE 2005,2008)
Ans. Bholi was the youngest of the seven of Ramlal's children. All the children except Bholi were healthy and
strong. Ramlal and his wife were never in favour of her being sent to school. But still they sent her to school
thinking that since she had little chance of getting married with her ugly face and lack of sense, it would be better to
let the teachers at school worry about her. They had never got new clothes made for Bholi. The old dresses of her
sisters were passed on to her. No one cared to mend or wash her clothes. For her parents Bholi was a burden for
whom they never bothered to even care. This treatment is definitely not justified, because for parents all their
children, irrespective of gender or handicaps, should be treated with equal love, care and affection. .
10. Describe Bholi's first day's experience at school. Did she enjoy it? Give a reasoned answer. (CBSE 2008,2009)
Ans. When her father left her at the school, Bholi looked around with fear-laden eyes. She did not even know what
exactly a school was like and what happened there. She was absolutely confused and perplexed. She could not
understand what the teacher was telling the girls in the class. She just gazed at the pictures on the wall. Their
colours fascinated her. Suddenly she noticed the teacher was standing besides her wanting to know her name.
Unable to even tell her name, Bholi started crying and kept her head down, sitting in a corner, not daring to look up
at the girls who she knew were laughing at her. So, she did not really enjoy her first day at school till she came in
contact with the teacher who changed the course of her life.
11. How did the teacher encourage Bholi on her first day in school? (CBSE 2006)
Or, Bholi's first day at school gave her a new hope and a new life? How was she able to have these feelings?
(CBSE 2013)
Or
Does, she find her teacher different from the people at home?
Or
How did Bholi's teacher play an important role in changing the course of her life?
Ans. On her first day at school, the teacher smiled at Bholi and asked her to tell her name. Bholi began stammering
and then began to cry profusely. Later, When she was alone, the teacher called out her name in a very soft and
soothing voice that touched Bholi's heart. In all her life Bholi had never been called like that. Again the teacher
asked her to say her name and with the teacher's encouragement she was able to say her name fully and felt relieved
as if it was a great achievement. The teacher patted her affectionately and told her to put the fear out of her heart
and assured her that she would be able to speak like everyone else. She then gave her a book full of coloured pictures
and told her that she would be able to read that book within a month. She told Bholi that in due course of time she
would surely become a learned person and no one would laugh at her.
12. What were Ramlal and his wife's plans regarding Bholi's marriage?
Or,
Why do Bholi's parents accept Bishamber's marriage proposal?
Ans. Ramlal asked his wife if he should accept Bishamber's marriage proposal for Bholi. His wife readily agreed
saying that Bholi would be lucky to get such a well-to-do bridegroom who had a big shop, a house of his own and as
she had heard, several thousand rupees in the bank. Moreover he was not asking for any dowry. Ramlal too agreed
with her but he was a little apprehensive because Bishamber was the same age as he was and he also limped. Also the

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children from his first wife were quite grown up. His wife replied that age was an immaterial factor where a man was
concerned. She thought that they were lucky as he was from another village and did not know about Bholi's pock-
marks. If they didn't accept his proposal, Bholi might remain unmarried all her life.
13.Why did Bishamber refuse to marry Bholi? What was Bholi's reaction to his condition?
Or
Why did Bishamber's marriage with Bholi not take place?(CBSE 2015)
Ans . When Bishamber was about to garland Bholi, a woman slipped back the silken veil from her face. It was then
that Bishamber saw the pock-marks on her face. Then he said that he would marry her only if her father gave him
five thousand rupees in dowry. Even though her father agreed and placed the bundle of notes at the bridegroom's
feet, Bholi looked up straight into the eyes of her prospective husband with cold contempt. When Bishamber again
raised his hand to garland her, Bholi flung the garland into the fire and refused to accept a mean, greedy and
contemptible coward as her husband. She did not want to marry a
heartless creature and preferred to stay unmarried and serve her parents in their old age.
14. "Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak like anyone else." These words of encouragement
from the teacher highlight that change of social attitude and encouragement can help a child like Bholi to become
confident and face the world bravely. Taking help from the lesson, 'Bholi' write how the social attitude towards
Bholi made her an introvert. What should be done to help such children to face the world bravely? (CBSE 2015)
Ans. Bholi had remained a backward child and her entire body was disfigured due to an attack of small pox at the
age of two. She stammered when she spoke. New clothes were never made for Bholi. No one even cared to mend or
wash her clothes. Her parents' attitude towards her was very hostile. Love, care and sympathetic treatment to the
mentally and physically challenged children can work wonders and if they are shown neglect and indifference they
tend to become introverts and shy like Bholi. Such children need social and parental attention and encouragement so
that they come out of their complexes. Bholi's teacher helped in transforming Bholi into a bold and confident person
ready to face the world bravely. Kind words, love and a sympathetic pat help such children to regain confidence,
enable them to compete with others and ultimately help them become socially acceptable.
15. What kind of a mother, do you think, Ramlal's wife was? (CBSE 2012)
Ans. Ramlal's wife was a callous and uncaring mother. At first she was totally against the idea of sending her
daughters to school fearing no one would marry them if they were educated. Then she decided to send Bholi to
school as there was little chance of her getting married with her ugly face and lack of sense. She did not want to be
bothered by worrying about Bholi's future so she was happy to let the teachers at school worry about her. Also the
mother was ready to marry her daughter to a middle-aged man with a limp, which confirms the uncaring attitude of
Bho Bholi's mother towards her.
16. Write a character sketch of Bishamber. (CBSE 2013)
Ans. Bishamber Nath was a well-to-do middle-aged widower with grown-up children who had sent a proposal to
marry Bholi. Being a heartless and callous old man he was reluctant to marry Bholi after seeing the pock-marks on
her face. But since he was also a greedy person he agreed to marry her if her father agreed to give him a dowry of
five thousand rupees. The moment Bholi's father placed the bundle of notes at his feet a triumphant smile of a
person, who had gambled and won, appeared on his greedy face. Thus we
see Bishamber as a mean, greedy and contemptible man.

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17. How was Bholi 'like a dumb cow'? How did she become a confident person? Or, What filled Bholi, a dumb cow,
with a new hope? (CBSE 2012)
Ans. Bholi was indeed a 'dumb cow' by nature. For this very reason, she was nicknamed Bholi, the simpleton.
But when she started going to school, her teacher's encouragement and affection gave her a new hope and a new life.
She became an intelligent, sharp and fearless girl who knew her mind and could not be taken advantage of. Her
teacher, at school, had been largely responsible for her new found dignity. Her whole personality underwent a
drastic change. Her new-found confidence made her outspoken and she outrightly rejected her greedy and cowardly
bridegroom who had demanded five thousand rupees as dowry on seeing the pock marks on her face.
18. Don't you worry, Pitaji! In your old age I will serve you and mother". Through this statement the narrator
wants to highlight the moral values Bholi was imbued with. Based on the reading of the lesson, what made Bholi
aware of her rights and how did she use them?
Ans. Bholi's teacher made her aware of her rights. Her teacher's encouragement and affection gave her a newn life.
Her teacher removed fear from her heart and made her speak like anyone else. The shy and humble girl's personality
underwent a complete change towards the end of the story. She gained self-confidence and with strong
determination she faced the bridegroom with cold contempt in her eyes. She openly rejected the proposal of the
greedy man. She preferred to stay unmarried and serve her parents in their old age than lose her self-respect and
dignity. Her teacher was instrumental in infusing into her a sense of confidence due to which she was able to take a
bold decision.
19. What values did the teacher display in transforming Bholi into a confident girl? (CBSE 2012)
Ans. Through her affection and encouragement the teacher transformed Bholi into a confident girl. She gave life by
giving her education and the courage to stand up for her own self-respect. Her teacher makes her confident enough
to fight for her own right and not to be taken for granted by a mean, greedy and contemptible man like Bishamber.
She also brought about a complete transformation in Bholi's whole personality. Bholi had always been neglected and
rebuked by her parents. So her teacher's kind, soft and soothing words on her first day at school, touched Bholi's
heart. Gradually, her teacher put the fear out of Bholi's heart and finally Bholi was able to gain enough confidence
and speak out for herself.
20. What social attitudes are present in the story 'Bholi'? How does Bholi's teacher help her overcome these
barriers? (CBSE 2008,2011,2013)
Ans. The story 'Bholi' presents certain customs and attitudes which are still prevalent in the villages of India. Girls
are told to keep a low profile and educating them is not a priority. They are brought up only with the aim of getting
them married as soon as possible. Bholi was a neglected child because her parents felt she had neither the looks nor
the intelligence to keep pace with her sisters. Her school teacher helps her overcome all the barriers society has put
on her. Her teacher's affection and encouragement changes the course of Bholi's life. She grows up to become a
confident and clever girl. She locks out all her fears and stands up for her father and herself boldly. Her teacher
removed fear from her heart and made her speak like anyone else. She even gave her a book and encouraged her to
read. Bholi became an intelligent, sharp and fearless girl who knew her mind. She became a confident, bold and
outspoken girl and refused to marry a mean greedy man like Bishamber who demanded dowry on seeing the pock
marks on her face.
21. 'Love and encouragement make the impossible possible'. Prove this statement on the basis of the story 'Bholi'?
(CBSE 2010)

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Or,
School education turned Bholi from a dumb cow into a bold girl. How did she save her father from a huge expense
and become his support in his old age?
Ans. If one has the will and the inclination, nothing is impossible and if this willingness is backed by love and
encouragement, the most farfetched and impossible goals can also be achieved. This is aptly proved in the story of
Bholi who gets a completely new personality and identity all because of the sincere and genuine efforts of her
teacher. Her teacher's loving words touched her heart and instilled in her the confidence to live up to her teacher's
expectations because she did not want to let down such a kind lady. Her teacher plays a very important role in her
life by giving her education and the courage to stand up for her own self-respect. Her teacher makes her confident
enough to fight for her own right and not be taken for granted by a mean, greedy and contemptible man like
Bishamber.
22. On the basis of your understanding of the story, sketch the character of Bholi. (CBSE 2013, 2011, 2008, 2007)
Ans. Bholi’s real name was Sulekha. But since her childhood everyone had nicknamed her Bholi, the simpleton. She
had been very fair and pretty as a child but an attack of smallpox, had left her entire body permanently disfigured by
pock-marks. She also stammered in her speech. Her teacher's affection and encouragement gave her a new hope and
changed the course of her life. It brought about a great transformation in her personality. She became a bold girl
with tremendous confidence. She refused to marry Bishamber when he demanded dowry. She became an intelligent
and sharp girl who knew her mind. She offered to dedicate herself to the service of her parents, for whom she had
once become a burden. Her whole personality had undergone a drastic change. Her teacher at school had been
responsible for her new-found dignity. Bholi decided to teach in the school where she had learnt so much.
23. Education is always a great asset in the life of a woman. How did Bholi, an educated girl, face the
challenge posed by Bishamber's greed? (CBSE 2017)
Or,
"Bholi's whole personality underwent a complete transformation towards the end of the story". Explain. (CBSE
2003)
Ans. The story 'Bholí presents certain attitudes which are still prevalent in the villages of India. Girls' education is
not given priority and they are brought up only with the aim that they should be married as soon as it is feasible,
Bholi was a neglected child because her parents felt she had neither the looks nor the intelligence but her teacher at
school helps her to overcome these barriers. Her teacher's encouragement and affection gave her a new life. Her
teacher removed fear from her heart and made her speak like anyone else. She even gave her a book and encouraged
her to read, Bholi became an intelligent, sharp and fearless girl who knew her mind. School and education made her
a confident, bold and outspoken girl. Bholi, the under confident girl, who was unsure of herself, underwent a
complete personality change towards the end of the story. When the bridegroom, Bishamber demanded five
thousand rupees to marry her, she confronted him with a cold contempt in her eyes. When Bishamber raised the
garland to place it round her neck, she struck out her hand and flung the garland into the fire clearly indicating that
she would not have a mean, greedy and contemptible coward as her husband.
24. Dowry is a negation of a girl's dignity.' Prove this statement in the light of the lesson 'Bholi'? (CBSE 2003)
Ans. There is here is no doubt about the fact that dowry is indeed a negation of a girl's dignity. The story of Bholi
aptly proves this statement. When Bholi's bridegroom sees the pock marks on her face, he decides that he will only
marry her if her father gives him five thousand rupees as dowry. Bholi's father places the bundle of notes at the

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bridegroom's feet, with tears in his eyes. But as soon as the bridegroom raises the garland to place it round Bholi's
neck, she flings the garland into the fire and tells her father to take back his money, as she was not going to marry
that man. She says she was willing to marry a lame, old man for the sake of her father's honour but after his crude
demand for dowry she has decided that she will never have a mean, greedy and contemptible coward as her husband.
25. Destiny had been cruel to Bholi yet she made a place for herself in a conservative society. Discuss. (CBSE 2023)
Ans. Bholi was a neglected child as her parents felt she had neither the looks nor the intelligence to keep pace with
her sisters. Her mother agreed to send her to school as there was little chance of her getting married, so she let the
teachers at school worry about her. It was because of her teacher's affection and encouragement that Bholi gradually
transformed into a confident girl. Her teacher gave a new hope that changed the course of Bholi's life. She became a
sharp, intelligent and fearless girl who knew her mind her advantage could not be taken of. A change of social
mindset and encouragement helped Bholi to face the world boldly and make a place for herself in a conservative
society.

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 ABK –SSJ Class X
CH-9 The Book that saved the Earth
CLASS X :ENGLISH LITERATURE :FOOT PRINTS WITHOUT FEET
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ABK -SSJ
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1.Think-Tank thinks that Earthlings are after him. What is the reason? (CBSE 2015)
Ans.Think-Tank crew read about Humpty-Dumpty’s fall in the rhyme and showed the picture to Think-Tank.
Think-Tank’s head resembled that of Humpty-Dumpty. This makes Think-Tank feel that earthlings were planning
to invade Mars and capture him.
2.How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the Earth from a Martian invasion? (CBSE 2011)
Or
How did a book change Think-Tank’s opinion about the Earthlings? (CBSE 2014)
Ans.This book is totally misunderstood by the Martians.The Martians thought that earthlings were planning to
invade Mars. So, they cancelled their invasion of Earth and went back. Think-Tank totally misunderstands the book.
Phrases like ‘shell’, ‘silver’, ‘garden’ gave him a false idea that earthlings grew silver and weapons. He starts thinking
that earthlings are very advanced technologically.
3.Compare and contrast the characters of Noodle and Think-Tank. (CBSE 2012)
Ans.Noodle and Think-Tank have contrasting characters. Think-Tank likes to be called the ‘Great and the Mighty’.
He orders and commands. He is the ruler of Mars, but has no intelligence.
He thinks books to be sandwiches. He is wrong about everything. He demands that the crew obey him. He likes to
pass on other’s idea as his own. He is a coward who simply boasts about his power.
Noodle, his apprentice, is very clever and wise. He corrects the mistakes of the ruler (Think-Tank) very gently. He
never takes credit for his ideas. But he offers them to the ruler very gently. Think-Tank makes them as his own.
4.The play, The Book That Saved the Earth’ conveys the message that misunderstanding of cultural differences
between various races can cause confusion and conflict. Based on your reading of the play, write how such confusion
and conflicts can be checked so that peace and harmony is maintained. (CBSE 2015)
Ans.The confusion in the mind of Think-Tank occurred due to the literal interpretation of the nursery rhymes in the
book-‘Mother Goose’. To ensure that conflicts are checked so that peace and harmony are maintained, cultural
differences should be sorted out by initially sending mature and wise people from one culture to the other to
establish contact before deciding to wage war.
Think-Tank had sent an initial probe, but the crew members of the probe were not sufficiently intelligent or mature
to understand Earth’s culture. That is why they literally interpreted the nursery rhymes and caused
misunderstanding in the mind of Think-Tank.
Extract Based Questions
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Think-Tank: That's better Noodle, I wish to be placed incommunication with our manned space probe to
thatridiculous little planet we are going to put under our generous rulership. What do they call it, again?
Noodle : Earth, your Intelligence.
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Think-Tank : Earth of course. You see how insignificant the place is ? But first something important. My mirror. I
wish to consult my mirror.
(i)Think-Tank wants to communicate with the _______ .
(a) People of Earth
(b) Scientists on Earth
(c) Environmentalists on Earth
(d) Martians on Earth
Ans. (d) Martians on Earth
(ii)Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the passage.
read : learn : : explore : ________
Ans. probe
(iii)Your Intelligence refers to
(a) Earth
(b) Noodle
(c) Little Planet
(d) Think-Tank
Ans. (d) Think Tank
(iv) What does Think-Tank want to do ?
Ans. invade Earth / communicate with the Martians on Earth
(v) Fill in the blank with one word only.
Think-Tank is a __________ of the Martian team.
Ans. ruler / Commander-in-Chief / leader

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