English All Important Ques
English All Important Ques
Extract-Based Questions.
1. The man went out for no other reason than to have the pleasure of
feeling the rain on his body, and when he returned he exclaimed,
―These aren‘t raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins. The
big drops are ten-cent pieces and the little ones are five‘s.
Questions:
a. Who is the person described here?
Ans: Lencho, the farmer is described here.
b. Why did he go out in the rain?
Ans: He went out in the rain to feel the happiness of rain on his
body.
c. Why were the raindrops like new coins for Lencho?
Ans: Lencho thought that the raindrops would help him get a good
harvest and thus he can earn money. So the raindrops were like new
coins for Lencho.
d. How did raindrops bring disaster to his crops?
Ans: The raindrops soon turned into a hailstorm destroyed his crops
and ruined his hopes.
2. With a satisfied expression, he regarded the field of ripe
corn with its flowers, draped in a curtain of rain. But
suddenly a strong wind began to blow and along with the rain
very large hailstones began to fall. These truly did resemble
new silver coins. The boys exposing themselves to rain, ran
out to collect the frozen pearls. exposing themselves to rain,
ran out to collect the frozen pearls. Questions:
a) Why was Lencho satisfied? Ans: He was satisfied because his
fields got good rains. b) What does he compare the raindrops
to? Ans: He compared them to coins. c) What do the frozen
pearls‘ refer to? Ans: The frozen pearls refer to hail stones. d)
Trace the word in the passage that means covered with. Ans.
draped
Extract-Based Questions.
1. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land
will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall
never set on so glorious a human achievement‘
Q/A:
a) Who is the speaker?
Answere: The speaker is Nelson Mandela
b) Which is the beautiful land the speaker refers to here?
Answere: The beautiful land in South Africa
c) What is the glorious human achievement‘ that the speaker
talks about in the extract?
Answer: The freedom that people of South Africa have
attained freedom after the fight against apartheid‘/the first
democratic non-racial government.
2. ‘It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the
meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women
risk and give their lives for an idea. I have seen men stand up to
attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and
resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage
was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.‘
Q/A:
i) Who learned the meaning of courage? Answer: Nelson Mandela
ii) What has he seen again and again? Answer: He has seen men
and women risk and give their life for the idea of freedom, again
and again iii) What has he noticed (seen) about the people?
Answer: He has seen men stand up to attacks and torture showing
strength and resilience.
Extract-Based Questions.
1. He stepped slowly out to the brink of the ledge, and standing on one
leg with the other leg hidden under his wing; he closed one eye, then the
other, and pretended to be falling asleep. Still, they took no notice of
him.‘
Q/A:
a. What did the young seagull do?
Ans: The young seagull wanted to catch the attention of the
others. So he pretended to fall asleep on the brink of the ledge
b. What was the seagull afraid of?
Ans: The seagull was afraid to fly.
c. Why did he close his eyes one at a time?
Ans: He was pretending to fall asleep.
d. What could his brothers and sister do that he was not able
to?
Ans: They could fly but he was not able to.
2. His father and mother had come around him calling him
shrilly, upbraiding him, and threatening to let him starve on the
ledge unless he flew away. But for the life of him, he could not
move. Q/A:
a) How did his parents try to make him fly?
Ans: First, they invited him encouragingly. Then scolded and
threatened to leave him alone to starve unless he flew away
b) What was the effect of their efforts? Ans: All their efforts
failed but he did not fly. c) What does the passage convey about
the young seagull? Ans: He was a coward. d) How was the young
seagull threatened by his parents initially when he did not fly?
Ans. First his parents encouraged him to fly but later on, they
even threatened to let him starve if he did not fly.
Extract-Based Questions.
1. I knew I could not fly up and over them, and I didn‘t have enough fuel
to fly around them to the north or south. ―I ought to go back to Paris
thought, but I wanted to get home
Q/A:
a. What does ‗them‘ in the first sentence refer to? Ans:
Them‘ means the big black clouds
b. Why could he not fly over on either side of storm clouds?
Ans: There was not enough fuel left in the Dakota – -airplane for
him to fly around the clouds
c. Why did he not go back to Paris? Ans: He wanted to get home
and enjoy breakfast with his family d. Which country was the pilot
of the plane flying towards? Ans: The Pilot was flying towards
England.
2. He turned his aero plane slowly to the north, in front of my
Dakota, so that it would be easier for me to follow him. I was
very happy to go behind the strange aero plane like an obedient
child.
Q/A:
a)Where was the pilot at this time? Ans: The pilot was
inside the black storm cloud.
b) Who does he ‘ refer to in the first sentence?
Ans: The pilot of the Black airplane.
c) Why did he of the black aero plane bring his plane in front
of the Dakota airplane?
Ans: The pilot tried to guide the author out of the storm clouds
by asking him to follow him.
d) Why did the pilot of the Dakota follow him like an obedient
child?
Ans. He was lost and all his instruments had stopped working. He
wanted to find a way out of the storm/ He wanted to get out of
the storm safely.
Answer: Anne lived with her grandmother for some months when
her parents went to Holland. She loved her deeply. When her
grandmother died, Anne felt sad. She often thought about her.
So she was close to her grandmother.
3. Why did a thirteen-year-old girl start writing a diary?
Did her suffocation lead her to it?
Answer: It should not be forgotten that Anne was living in hiding.
She couldn’t have normal dealings with the people outside. She
could talk about ‘ordinary things’ with her family and friends. She
couldn’t talk about highly personal and intimate issues with them.
She didn’t have any real friends. She felt utterly lonely and
depressed. Writing in a diary could get all kinds of things off her
chest.
4. Give a brief life-sketch of Anne Frank.
Answer: Anne was born on 12 June 1929. She lived in Frankfurt until she was
four. Her father emigrated to Holland in 1933. Her mother went with him to
Holland in September. Anne and her elder sister, Margot, were sent to
Aachen to stay with their grandmother. Margot, went to Holland in
December and Anne followed in February. She started right away at the
Montessori nursery school. She stayed there until she was six, where she
started in the first form. His grandmother died in January 1942, when she
was thirteen.
5. Why does Anne say: “Paper has more patience than people”?
Answer: Anne doesn’t seem to have much faith in the people around her.
She was living in hiding and couldn’t trust people so easily. Moreover,
people do react. Sometimes people react rather negative, unpleasant,
vulgar and violent manners. Paper is an impersonal and non- reactive
object. Whatever you write on it, it receives it without giving any such
reactions.
6. Anne Frank had a great attachment with her grandmother.
Justify your answer.
Answer: There is no doubt that Anne Frank had a great attachment with
her grandmother. When her parents migrated to Holland, she along with
her elder sister Virago were sent to live with her grandmother in Aachen.
The grandmother died in January 1942. She thought of her quite often and
still loved her.
7. Why did Anne Frank says that teachers are the most
unpredictable creatures on earth?
Answer: Anne Frank felt that nothing could be predicted about the mood of
the teachers. They were the most ‘unpredictable creatures on earth’. It
depended on their choice who would go up in the next class. Only they could
decide who would be kept back. Half the class was making bets.
8. How was Anne getting along with her teachers? Why was
Mr. Keesing annoyed with her?
Answer: No doubt, Anne Frank was getting along well with all her nine
teachers— seven men and two women. Mr. Keesing was an old-fashioned
man who taught them math. He was annoyed with her for a long time. The
reason was simple. He didn’t like Anne as she talked so much in class. 9.
How do you assess Anne’s character? You can choose appropriate
words from the following box and write a paragraph. Responsible;
caring and loving; humorous; talkative; sensible; patient; mature for
her age; lonely; accurate in her judgement; childish; intelligent?
Answer: Anne was a girl of thirteen years. She was very intelligent.
She had a sharp brain. She was different from the other girls of her
age.
She could think clearly and deeply. She had deep thoughts and
ideas that she wanted to share with someone. But she found
that her friends were not able to understand her completely.
Their mental level is not equal to that of Anne. They could talk
to Anne about the ordinary everyday matter only. She had
loving parents, an elder sister, and loving aunts also. But she
could not share her deep thoughts with anyone. So she decided
to make her diary to her friend. She wrote down her inner
thoughts and feelings in a diary. Anne had an argumentative
mind. She argued in her first essay that parental trans arc
inherited by children. She had a good sense of humor. Her
Maths teacher. Mr Keesing tried to play a joke on her. But she
wrote the essay in verse in such a way that the Joke was
turned on him.
10. What does Anne say about her parents, elder sister and her
stay in the Montessori School?
Answer: Anne calls her father very adorable. When her
parents were married, her father was thirty-six and her
mother was twenty-five. Margot was Anne’s elder sister. She
was born in Frankfurt in 1926. Three years later, Anne was
born. She lived in Frankfurt until she was four. Her father
migrated to Holland in 1933. Her mother, Edith Hollander
Frank, went with him. Anne and her sister Margot were sent to
Aachen to stay with their grandmother. Margot went to Holland
in December and Anne went three months later. Anne started
studying at the Montessori School. She stayed there until she
was six at which time she was in the first form. When was in
the sixth form, her teacher was Mrs Kuperus. the
headmistress. Both loved each other. When she left school,
both Anne and her teacher were in tears.
A BAKER FROM GOA
Extract-Based Questions.
1. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke and the loaves
would be delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would
somehow climb a bench or parapet and peep into the basket. I can still
recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. Loaves for the elders and
bangles for the children.
Q/A:
a. Who are we ‘ in the extract?
Ans: We in the extract refers to the narrator and his friends.
b. Why could he not fly over on either side of storm clouds?
Ans: The kids were pushed aside so that the bread could be
delivered to the servants
c) Which word/phrase in the extract means the same as an
expression of disapproval/a scolding‘?
Ans: The word ‗rebuke‘ from the extract means an expression
of disapproval/a scolding‘.
d) What was there in the basket?
Ans. There were some loaves for the elders and some bangles
for the children.
Answer: When the train moved ahead, there were huge fields full
of green plantations. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery. He
called it a ‘magnificent view’. The bushes were spread like a sea
against the backdrop of densely wooded hills.
3. How can you say that tea was first drunk in China?
Answer: There is an ancient legend about the discovery of tea. A
Chinese emperor had the habit of drinking boiling water. One day
a twig from the fire fell into the pot in which water was being
boiled. It gave a delicious flavor to the water. It is said that
those were tea leaves and that was the first tea. It is thus
thought that tea was first taken in China.
Answer: Indeed, Rajvir had never visited a tea estate ever before in
his life. His visit to Dhekiabari Tea Estate was at the invitation of his
classmate Pranjol whose father managed the estate. But Rajvir
seemed to have done a lot of homework and reading about tea and tea
plantations before coming to Assam. He told Pranjol that tea is one of
the most popular beverages in the world. More than eighty crores of
cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. When he saw
an ugly building with smoke billowing out of its tall buildings, he at
once cried “Hey, a tea garden!”. He had been reading as much about
tea as he could. He narrated different legends regarding the
discovery of tea leaves. It was Rajvir who narrated the legends
describing how tea leaves were discovered in India and China. Rajvir
impressed and surprised Pranjol’s father with his deep knowledge of
tea leaves. When he saw a tractor pulling a trailer load of tea leaves
he recognized that it was the second flush or sprouting period. He
also knew that it continues from May and to July and yields the best
tea.
MIJBIL THE OTTER
Extract-Based Questions.
1
Cabled to England, and when, three days later, nothing had
happened, I tried to telephone. The call had to be booked twenty-
four hours in advance. On the first day, the line was out of order
on the second the exchange was closed for a religious holiday. On
the third day, there was another breakdown. My friend left and
arranged to meet him in a week. Five days later, my mail arrived.
Answer: At first, the otter was not very friendly with the narrator as he
had seen him for the first time. He was brought to a new place and new
surroundings. He neither knew the narrator nor the place which made him
stay away from the narrator.
But, as soon as he started becoming comfortable with the surroundings, he
became friendly and came close to the narrator. This is very similar to the
human nature. Even, human beings first take time to understand others and
then only become friendly with them. Unless they are comfortable in being
with somebody, they try to stay away from that person.
Answer: He goes the Basra to the Consulate General to collect and answer
his mail from Europe. His mail did not arrive in time. He cabled to England,
and when, three days later, nothing had happened, he tried to telephone.
The call had to be booked twenty-four hours in advance. On the first day,
the line was out of order; on the second day, the exchange was closed for a
religious holiday. On the third day there was another breakdown. His mail
arrived five days later. He had to wait for five days.
Extract-Based Questions.
1. There was a girl named Valliammai who was called Valli for short. She was
eight years old and very curious about things. Her favorite pastime was
standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in
the street outside. There were no playmates of her age on her street and
this was about all she had to do. But for Valli, standing at the front door was
every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played:
Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences.
2. The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that traveled between her
village and the nearest town. It passed through her street each hour, once going
to the town and once coming back. The sight of the bus filled each time with a
new set of passengers, was a source of unending joy for Valli. Day after day she
watched the bus, and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there
she wanted to ride on that bus, even if just once.
This wish became stronger and stronger until it was an overwhelming desire. Valli
would stare wistfully at the people who got on or off the bus when it stopped at
the street corner. Their faces would kindle in her longings, dreams, and hopes. If
one of her friends happened to ride the bus and tried to describe the sights of
the town to her. Valli would be too jealous to listen and would shout, in English
"Proud! Proud!"
1. What did Valli watch daily?
Ans. Valli watched the bus that traveled between her village and the nearest town.
2. What was her overwhelming desire?
Ans. Valli's overwhelming desire was to ride the bus.
3. What was Valli's source of joy?
Ans. The sight of the bus filled each time with a new set of passengers, was a source
of unending joy for Valll.
4. Pick out the word from the passage that means the same as longingly.
Ans. wistfully
5. How did Valli react when the conductor called her “a very
grown-up madam?”
Answer: The bus conductor teased Valli by calling her ‘a very grown-up
madam’. Valli reacted sharply saying that she was not a madam. She
reminded him that he had not yet given her ticket. The conductor
mimicked her tone and said, ‘I’ll remember.’ Everyone laughed and
gradually Valli too joined in the laughter.
6. How careful and painstaking elaborate plans did Valli have to
make for her first journey and how did she save money for it?
Answer: Valli had to make careful and painstaking plans for her first
bus journey. Saving sixty paise for both ways fare was not an easy
job. She saved thriftily every stray coin that came her way. She had
to give up the temptation of buying peppermints, toys, and balloons
and stifle her desire to ride on the merry-go-round.
7. Why did Valli laugh until there were tears in her eyes?
Answer: Valli saw a young cow running very fast in the middle of the
road. It was right in front of the bus. The bus slowed down to a
crawl. The driver sounded the horn loudly again and again. But the
more he honked, the more frightened the animal became and galloped
right in front of the bus. Valli laughed until there were tears in her
eyes.
8. ” Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself.” “You don’t
have to help me,” said Valla to the conductor. She shows
extraordinary courage in making the bus journey all alone. Taking
inspiration from Valla’s character, write how the ability and
courage to take risks are essential to fulfilling one’s dream.
Answer: Valla’s sole purpose was to enjoy the bus ride. She neither
had the money nor much information about the ride. But her desire
made her collect every minute detail about it. She gathered that
she required sixty paise to buy tickets for the up-and-down journey.
She collected every stray penny. She resisted the temptation to buy
peppermint, toys, and even a joy ride at the merry-go-round. Thus
she saved 60 paise to buy tickets for the bus ride. No, it was not
easy for a young child of eight years. This act of hers reflects that
she has the qualities of self-restraint, discipline, determination, and
maturity rare for her age.
10. ‘What was Valli’s obsession? How did she prepare and save money
for her first bus journey? Or How did Valli plan for her first bus
journey?
Answer: The most fascinating sight for Valli was seeing the bus that
traveled from her village to the nearest town. A tiny wish crept into
her head. She wanted to ride on that bus, at least for once. This wish
became stronger until it was an overwhelming desire. She listened to
the conversations of her neighbors and people. They regularly used
the bus. She found out after questioning them that both ways' fare
was sixty paise. It took forty-five minutes to reach the town. It was
six miles from her village. After gathering all the necessary details,
Valli started saving money thriftily. She saved every coin that came
her way. It was not an easy job for a girl of eight years. She had to
resist the temptation of buying peppermints, toys, balloons, and
having a ride on the merry-go-round. When the money problem was
solved, another problem was solved quite easily. She planned her
journey from one to four o’clock when her mother took a nap in the
afternoon. All such elaborate planning led Valli to have an enjoyable
and smooth first bus journey.
THE SERMON AT BENARUS
Extract-Based Questions.
1. The Buddha preached his first sermon at the city of Benares,
the most holy of the dipping places on the River Ganges; that
sermon has been preserved and is given here. It reflects the
Buddha‘s wisdom about one inscrutable kind of suffering.
Q/A:
a. Name the holiest of the dipping places on the River Ganges
where the Buddha preached his first sermon
Ans: Benares.
b. What does Buddha‘s first sermon reflect?
Ans: Buddha‘s wisdom about one inscrutable kind of suffering.
(c) What did Gautama do after getting on light emend?
Ans: After getting enlightenment, he began to teach and share his new
understandings with the common people.
(d) How was he known then?
Ans: As he started preaching, he was known as Buddha, meaning, the
awakened or the enlightened one
2. Kisa Gotami became weary and hopeless and sat down at the wayside
watching the lights of the city, as they flickered up and were
extinguished again. At last, the darkness of the night reigned
everywhere.
Q/A:
(a) Why do you think Kisa Gotami became weary and hopeless
Ans : It was because she could not find a house where no one had died.
(b) How many sons did Kisa Gotami have?
Ans: Only one.
(c) What did she notice while sitting at the wayside?
Ans: She noticed the flickering lights of the city.
(d) What message did she get from the flickering and extinguishing
lights of the city?
Ans: Their lives flicker up and are extinguished.
Top 10 PYQs (MOST EXPECTED)
4. How did the Buddha teach Kisa Gotami the truth of life?
Answer: Buddha changed Kisa’s thinking with the help of a
simple act—asking her to procure a handful of mustard seeds
from a house where none had died. She could not understand
it. But, gradually she understood that death is inevitable.
5. Describe the life of Gautama Buddha before enlightenment.
Answer: Buddha was earlier a prince and lived in luxury. When he
encountered suffering and grief, it made him sad. He renounced
everything and went in search of riddance from suffering. He
wandered for seven years. Then, one day, he sat under a fig tree
and vowed not to leave until he was enlightened.
6. What sights moved Siddhartha Gautama to seek the path
of enlightenment?
Answer: While going hunting Gautam saw a sick man, an old man, a
funeral procession, and a monk begging. This encounter with the
sufferings and grief moved him and he left to seek the path of
enlightenment.
7. Kisa Gotami was selfish and grief-stricken. Justify.
Answer: Kisa Gotami lost her only son. In her grief, she carried her
dead child everywhere and asked people to cure him. As instructed
by Buddha she went door to door to get a handful of mustard seeds
with the condition that there should not be any loss of a child.
Husband, parent, or friend. In her grief, she forgot that everyone
had to suffer such type of loss in his or her family Death is common
to all. But in her grief, she became selfish and tried to fulfill the
impossible condition.
8. What were the sights that moved and shocked Gautama?
Answer: Prince Gautama had been deliberately shielded from all the
sufferings of the world. One day he chanced upon a sick man, then an aged
man, and then a funeral procession. Finally, he saw a monk begging for alms.
These sights moved him. He went out into the world to seek the solution to
all these sufferings. He wanted to seek enlightenment.
9.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 house and was unable
to get wanted the mustard seeds. table: grief death of her child.
Kisa Gotami lost her only son. In her neighbors, asking them to
provide medicine for her son. A man suggested her to Buddha.
Buddha asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds but she should
get it to the house where no one had lost any near and dear ones. But
she could not get any such Of Kisa Gotami went from door to door
requesting mustard seeds. People pitied her Do is troubled. Only then
did Buddha make her understand that the life of mortals in this
world and grief combined with pain. Now Kisa understood the reality
too realized the fate of men that their lives flick the reality of
death. Her underskirts that death is common to all of us. Now she l’
up and extinguish again.
10. Why did Kisa Gotami understand the message given by the
Buddha only the second time? In what way did the Buddha change
her understanding?
Answer: Kisa Gotami had lost her only son and in grief, she carried
her dead son to all her neighbors to get him cured and restored to
life. Finally, she went to the Buddha asking him for the medicine to
cure her boy. The Buddha felt that she needed to be enlightened
about the truth of life — that death and sorrow are inescapable. He
could see that grief had blinded her, and it would be difficult for
her to accept the truth. So the Buddha told her to procure mustard
seeds from a house where none had died. Kisa Gotami went from
door to door. Then she realized that there was no house where no
one had died and that death is common to all. She came back to the
Buddha where He sermonized her that life in this world is troubled
and filled with sorrows. He gave her examples of ripe fruits and
earthen vessels whose ‘lives’ are short. This way he made her
realize that death is unavoidable and none —even the near and dear
ones — can save anyone from death.
PROPOSAL
Extract-Based Questions.
A. " It's cold... I'm trembling all over, just as if I'd got an examination before
me. The great thing is, I must have my mind made up. If I give myself time to
think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to look for an ideal or real love, then I'll never
get married. Brr... It's cold! Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent housekeeper,
not bad-looking, well-educated. What more do I want? But I'm getting a noise in
my ears from excitement. [Drinks]And it's impossible for me not to marry. In
the first place, I'm already 35 - a critical age, so to speak. In the second place,
I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, I'm
excitable and always getting upset; at this very moment my lips are trembling,
and there's a twitch in my right eyebrow. But the very worst of all is the way I
sleep. I no sooner get into bed and begin to go off, when suddenly something in
my left side gives a pull, and I can feel it in my shoulder and head... I jump up
like a lunatic, walk about a bit, and lie down again, but as soon as I begin to get
off to sleep there's another pull! And this may happen twenty times..
B. "Lomov; He Is old, but / wouldn't take five squeezers for nim. way, now
can you? Guess is a dog, as for Squeezer; well it's too funny to argue.
Anybody you like has a dog as good as Squeezer... You may find them under
almost every bush. Twenty-five rubles would be a handsome price to pay
for
Q1. Who does 'he' refer to, "He is old"?
Ans. He refers to 'Guess' the dog.
Q2. Whom does Squeezer belong to?
Ans. Squeezer belongs to Chubukovs.
Q3. Who is the speaker of these lines?
Ans. Lomov
Q4. What would be a handsome price to pay for Squeezer?
Ans. It would be twenty-five roubles.
Top 10 PYQs (MOST EXPECTED)
1. Lomov was a quarrelsome person. Justify.
Answer: Lomov was a quarrelsome person. He came to Chubukov’s
house to propose Natalya. But he started arguing about the
meadows and insisted that those meadows belonged to him. Later
he kept on proving that his dog Squeezer is better than ‘Guess’ –
the dog of Chubukov. He did not care for his health or his
proposal but kept on fighting for one or the other reason. It
proves that he was a quarrelsome person.
2. There is a certain way in which the characters speak in
the play “The Proposal”. What does it tell us about the
Russian men?
Answer:
As the story belongs to the Russian character. So
through the characters' dialogue, we learn a lot about Russian men.
According to the story the Russians are very particular about their
dress and have particular dresses for special occasions. Secondly,
they are hypocrites. They show off to be sweet but the very next
moment, they start fighting. They pretend to be good neighbors
but within their hearts, they have so many grudges. They love
having dogs as pets and consider their pet better than the others.
All of them are stubborn, short-tempered, quarrelsome and rigid.
3. What did Natalya say about Guess?
Answer: Natalya said that Squeezer was superior to Guess —
Lomov’s dog. Lomov said that his dog Guess was better than
Squeezer. Natalya believed that Guess had become old and ought
to be shot. She also claimed that Squeezer was a hundred times
better than a Guess.
10. Explain the symbols used in the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ by Frost.
Answer: In Frost's poem, 'fire' symbolizes human desires and
materialistic greed, leading to conflict and destruction. Conversely, 'ice'
represents cold emotions like hatred, resulting in similar destructive
consequences. Frost's juxtaposition of these elements suggests that both
unchecked desire and indifference can bring about conflict, offering a
concise reflection on the dual destructive forces within human nature.
A TIGER IN THE ZOO
Extract-Based Questions.
1 . He stalks in his vivid stripes,
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
(i) What has been personified in the given lines?
(a) Tiger (b) Leopard (c) Lion (d) Hyena
(ii) Where is the tiger at present?
(a) In the forest (b) In a circus (c) In a cage (d) In a room
(iii) Mention any one quality of the animal under reference
(a) Quiet (b) Desperate (c) Vivid stripes on his body (d) Roaring
(iv) Which word in the stanza may also mean graphic or picturesque
(a) Strips (b) Velvet (c) Quiet (d) Vivid
(v) Why is the tiger in 'quite a rage'?
(a) Movement restricted (b) Freedom curtailed (c) Not fed properly (d) Both (a)
and (b)
Ans. (i) (a) Tiger (ii) (a) In the forest (iii) (c) Vivid stripes of his body (iv) (d)
Vivid (v) (d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: I think the tiger was feeling restless and uneasy in that
small cage. He seems to be frustrated and helpless as he cannot
come out of the cage in the open and enjoy his freedom. He did not
want to be a mere showpiece and a source of entertainment for
human beings.
2. 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.
(a) How can you recognise a Tiger?
(b) Why does the poet call him a noble animal? [CBSE 2015]
(c) How is Bengal Tiger different from the other animals?
(d) What does the word ‘ground’ means here?
Answer:
(a) A tiger can be recognised with the black stripes on his
yellow hide.
(b) The poet calls a him a noble animal as he is very impressive
in size and does not roar loudly.
(c) Bengal Tiger is different from the other animals as he is
quiet and roams silendy.
(d) It means the hide or the background that is the skin of
the Tiger.
Top 10 PYQs
1. Elaborate on the poet's warning about encountering a large and
tawny beast in the jungles of the East. What significance does the roar
of this beast carry, and why is it considered a crucial identifier?
Answer: The poet describes a scenario where a creature in your yard hugs
you very hard, and the emotions conveyed through this embrace are
intense. The poet suggests that if there are doubts about the creature's
identity, it will provide just one more tight caress, underscoring the
powerful and potentially dangerous nature of the encounter. The hug
becomes a distinctive feature, and the poet predicts another caress if
uncertainties persist.
5. Examine the poet's comparison between Hyenas and Crocodiles,
focusing on their behaviors and how one can distinguish between the
two. What role do smiles and weeping play in this differentiation, and
what underlying message does the poet convey about their natures?
Answer: The poet draws a comparison between Hyenas and Crocodiles,
emphasizing their behaviors as key differentiators. Hyenas, characterized
by merry smiles, stand in stark contrast to Crocodiles, which weep. The
smiles and weeping become symbolic representations of their natures,
providing a distinctive feature to tell them apart. The underlying message
suggests that even though their appearances might be misleading, their
behaviors serve as reliable indicators of their true identities.
Answer: The poet portrays Hyenas with merry smiles, assigning significance
to this characteristic as a recognizable feature. The merry smiles become a
key element in distinguishing Hyenas from other creatures. The poet's
commentary suggests that these smiles are not merely expressions but
indicative of the Hyenas' nature, providing valuable information for those
navigating the complexities of the wild.
8.'Many animals can be identified according to the poets' suggestion.
Name the animals. Which ones would you like to identify? Are there
any lessons for us from this poem?
Answer: The poet humorously warns against identifying dangerous animals,
like the Bengal Tiger and leopard, by risking one's life. Instead, recognizing a
tiger's black stripes and a leopard's peppered spots from a safe distance is
advised. However, embracing the bear, metaphorically depicted as a "bear
hug," is considered a less perilous pursuit. The poet uses wit to caution
readers against getting too close to these creatures.
9. How does the poet differentiate Crocodiles and Hyenas based
on their behaviors, particularly with merry smiles and weeping?
Answer: The poet uses merry smiles for Hyenas and weeping for Crocodiles
as symbolic markers. The broader message is that recognizing these
creatures requires understanding their behaviors, not just their
appearances.
10. How does the poet describe the true Chameleon, emphasizing its
physical attributes and adaptive capabilities?
Answer: The poet portrays the true Chameleon as a small creature without
ears and wings. Its distinct feature is its color-changing ability, aiding in
adaptation to surroundings. The absence of something on a tree is a key
indicator of a Chameleon. Overall, these unique traits contribute to easy
recognition in various natural environments.
THE BALL POEM
Extract-Based Questions:
What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,, 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.
1. What has happened to the boy?
Answer: The boy was very sad as he had lost his ball.
2. Why does the poet say No use to say – O there are other balls?
Answer: The poet says so as the loss of the ball is of a major consequence to
the boy.
3. Which word means happily‘?
Which word means ‗happily‘?
6. How is the lost ball, the metaphor of the lost childhood of the
boy? Why doesn't the poet want to 'intrude on' the boy by
offering him money to buy another ball?
Answer: As the boy's beloved ball bounces away and slips into the
harbor, the seemingly trivial event unfolds into a poignant metaphor
for the loss of sweet childhood innocence. The boy's deep emotional
connection with the ball reflects the irreplaceable nature of moments
that slip away. The symbolism is clear — just as a new ball cannot bring
back the lost one, no amount of worldly wealth can reclaim the purity
of a lost childhood. The poet, avoiding moralizing, invites the boy to
introspect and internalize the profound nature of his loss, encouraging
him to move forward in life, acknowledging and embracing the
inevitable changes.
7. Imagine you are the boy’s elder sibling. He tells you about the
loss of the ball on reaching home. How would you assure him? You
may begin your reply like this:
I don’t think you should take this to heart. You see…
Answer: I don’t think you should take this to heart. You see there will be
several moments when a person will have to suffer the bitter loss of their
beloved possessions. That’s a part and parcel of life. Losses are inevitable.
People do lose materials and even relations. But that doesn’t bring life to
standstill, right? People move on. I want you to be brave enough to accept
the reality and get over it
8. How did the boy react after his ball fell into the water of
the harbour?
Answer: The ball took a quick dip in the water, catching the boy off guard
and leaving him feeling unexpectedly upset. He stood there, not able to
move, and stared at the spot where the ball disappeared. It seemed as if
he was lost in thoughts about his childhood, a time that had slipped away
forever, much like his lost ball. The waves gently brushing the shore served
as a backdrop to the moment, emphasizing the sense of irreversibility in
both the lost ball and the fleeting days of youth.
9. Why does the poet say: ‘No use to say ‘O there are other
balls’?
(a) Why are these lines given within brackets? Ans: These lines are
given within brackets because they reveal the inner thoughts of
Amanda. Brackets are used for visual contrast between what Amanda
is saying and what her mother is instructing. (b) Give the word from
the passage that means free free-flowing act of going with the
motion and force. Ans: Drifting means the free-flowing act of going
with the motion. (c) What is the role of the mermaid here? Ans:
The Mermaid is a part of Amanda’s fantasy in her own created world.
As a mermaid sails in a sea carelessly and effortlessly, similarly
Amanda longs to do so in a place where she is all by herself. (d) Which
word in the extract means the opposite of ‘sorrowful’? Ans:
Blissfully is the opposite of a sorrowful
Top 10 PYQs
1. Is the purpose of someone constantly giving instructions to
Amanda being fulfilled? Explain.
Answer: No, Amanda sulks and becomes moody when her mother
gives her too many instructions. She does not listen to her mother
and doesn’t care to follow them but she can’t dare to ignore them
either so, she sulks. Parents in their endeavour to make their
children well-behaved, give them too many instructions.
2. Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet would not
like to do what she did. Identify and state the reasons for
her decision.
Answer: On a snowy morning, the poet traveled with a heavy
heart. The landscape was cloaked in snow dust, and his spirits
mirrored the gloom. A crow perched on a hemlock tree altered the
scene by shaking it, causing a gentle snowfall on the poet. This
simple act transformed his mood, turning his sadness into
happiness and bringing a sense of relaxation.
3. What message does the poet want to give through the
poem — ‘Amanda’?
Answer: The poet wants to convey that parents in their endeavor
to make their children well-behaved, mannerly having good habits,
give them too many instructions or nag (always finding fault) them.
They should adopt positive measures, acceptable to children.
Otherwise, they will stop listening to them and indulge in
daydreaming as Amanda did.
4. How does Amanda behave when the poem starts? What
does the speaker ask her not to do?
Answer: When the poem beings, we find that Amanda is biting her
nails. She is hunching her shoulders.
She is sitting in a slouching posture. That is why the speaker asks
her to behave normally. He asks her not to bite her nails and hunch
her shoulders. She should sit up straight.
5. What does the speaker tell Amanda in the end? What is the
speaker afraid of?
Answer: The speaker thinks that Amanda is sulking and moody. He
thinks that Amanda is always moody. He asks her not to sulk because
he is afraid that people will think that he is nagging Amanda.
6. Do you think that Amanda doesn’t like to be controlled and
instructed not to do one thing or the other? Give a reasoned
answer.
Answer: Amanda loves her freedom. She doesn’t want it to be curtailed.
She wants to lead her kind of life. If she is asked what to do and what
not, she feels that her freedom is curtailed. She doesn’t bother to
answer her mother when she goes on instructing her what to do and what
not.
7. List the things that Amanda’s mother doesn’t want her to do.
Answer: Her mother doesn’t want her to hunch her shoulders and
bend her body down. She stops her from eating chocolates as it would
not be good for her pimpled face. She wants her to stop sulking as
others would think that she is being nagged by her mother.
8. Why does Amanda’s mother ask her to stop sulking?
Answer: Amanda’s mother thinks that she is moody as her mood is always
shifting. If she puts on an unhappy appearance, others will blame her
mother. They will think that she is being constantly nagged by her
mother.
9. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
Answer: Amanda is a little girl. She is a symbol of every child who is
instructed by her parents to do or not to do this or that. If she were a
mermaid she would blissfully drift in the sea.
10. What is the fear of the speaker that is explained in the last stanza?
Answer:
In the last stanza, the speaker advises Amanda not to remain
moody and sulking. The reason behind this is that she does not want to
expose it before others. Otherwise, people will think that she was teased
by the speaker. It was her fear.
THE TREES
Answer:
(a) The word is scarcely.
(b) She was writing long letters.
(c) The trees are inside the house in the poem.
(d) Veranda means a platform with an open front built on the
ground floor of a home.
Answer:
(a) The whispers will be silent because the trees will move
outside to the forest.
(b) The trees are stumbling because they hurry to move
outside after breaking the glass.
(c) The word is ‘Silent’.
(d) Simile has been used using ‘like’ for comparison.
Top 10 PYQs
1. i) Find three things in the first stanza, that cannot happen in a
treeless forest.
(ii) What picture do these words create in your mind: ―… sun bury
its feet in shadow..? What could the poet mean by the sun‘s feet?‘
Answer: (i) The three things mentioned in the first stanza that
cannot happen in a treeless forest are: a. Birds sitting on the
tree branches. b. The hiding of insects in the branches of trees
c. The sun’s its feet in the shadow of the trees in the forest. (ii)
The sun‘s feet are the rays of the sun that reach the earth
after falling on the leaves of the trees and finally, reach the
earth‘s surface.
2. Why do you think the poet does not mention the forest's departure
from the house in her letters? (Could it be that we are often silent
about important happenings that are so unexpected that they
embarrass us? Think about this again when you answer the next set of
questions.)?
Answer: The poet did not mention the departure of the forest
from her house because it is a part of human nature to ignore
the important matters of their life. We all know that trees are
so important for our survival on earth. But still, human beings
are cutting them to make profits without even thinking of the
aftermath.
3. Does the poem present a conflict between man and nature?
Compare it with A Tiger in the Zoo. Is the poet suggesting that
plants and trees, used for interior decoration‘ in cities while
forests are cut down, are ‘imprisoned‘ and need to break out‘?
Answer: Yes, the poem presents a conflict between man and nature.
Man is causing deforestation by cutting down trees for his own use.
On the other hand, he decorates his house with the trees. We are
damaging our environment without even thinking about the end
results. By clearing up the forests, we are endangering ourselves. So
is with the animals too. We are ruining their natural habitat and
killing them for our fun or food but on the other hand, we are
keeping them in the cages on the pretext of safeguarding them by
making sanctuaries and zoos. So, it is true that we are in a direct
conflict with nature and making the other living beings prisoners, be
it the trees or animals
4. On the other hand, Adrienne Rich has been known to use
trees as a metaphor for human beings; this is a recurrent image
in her poetry. What new meanings emerge from the poem if you
take its trees to be symbolic of this particular meaning?
Answer: The breaking glass serves as a pivotal moment in the poem, symbolizing
the urgency and determination of the trees to break free. As the glass shatters,
the trees hurry to move outside, colliding and getting stuck in their haste. This
breaking point marks a transition, a moment of liberation for the trees, and
signifies the transformative power of nature in asserting its presence.
9. How does the poet employ the moon as a metaphor in the
poem?
Answer: The moon serves as a powerful metaphor in the poem, particularly
when the trees move into the forest. Described as broken like a mirror, the
moon symbolizes a profound transformation in the landscape. This metaphor
suggests that the arrival of the trees in the forest alters the established
order, much like the fragments of a broken mirror refracting light,
creating a new and evolving perspective on the natural world.
10. What is the significance of the poet's choice to focus on the sense
of smell and its connection to the departure of the forest from the
house?
Answer: The poet, in emphasizing the smell of leaves and lichen, introduces
a sensory dimension to the poem. This olfactory imagery not only engages
the reader's senses but also symbolizes a lingering presence. The scent
acts as a voice that reaches into the rooms, suggesting a connection
between the departing forest and the memories or traces it leaves behind.
It adds a layer of emotional depth, prompting contemplation on the lasting
impact of nature's departure from the domestic space.
FOG
Extract-Based Questions:
"The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbor and
city on silent haunches and then moves on."
1. What is the fog compared to in the extract?
Answer: The fog is compared to little cat feet.
2. How does the fog observe the surroundings in the extract?
Answer: The fog sits on silent haunches and looks over the harbor
and city.
3. What does the phrase "silent haunches" imply about the
nature of the fog?
Answer: The phrase suggests that the fog creeps with a certain
stealth or grace.
4. What might the movement of the fog signify in the context of
the extract?
Answer: The movement of the fog could suggest a transient and
ephemeral nature, as it comes and goes, observing the
surroundings briefly.
2. The fog comes on the little cat's feet. It sits looking over the
harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on.
(a) What does the poet mean by little cat feet?
Answer: Litde cat feet here represent a cat's silent and careful
steps. The way fog comes resembles the steps of a cat.
(b) What do haunches mean?
Answer: Haunches mean hips.
(c) How is the fog looking over the harbor and the city?
Answer: The fog looks over the harbour and the city, sitting on its
haunches like a cat.
(d) “It sits looking….” what is the poetic device used here?
Answer: A metaphor is used here.
Top 10 PYQs (MOST EXPECTED)
1. 1. Stealth is an important aspect of fog. State any two instances
from the poem “Fog” that suggest the same.
Answer: The poem draws a parallel between the silent movements of
a cat and the quiet progression of fog. Both the cat and the fog share
a discreet nature in their actions— the cat moves noiselessly, and
similarly, the fog sits silently, resembling the cat as it envelops the
city. The poet underscores the resemblance in the hushed and
unobtrusive manner in which both the cat and the fog carry out their
respective activities.
2. Highlight any two characteristics of fog from its description
in the poem and justify your choice of characteristics briefly.
Answer: The fog quietly sneaks into the city without making any
noise. It covers everything in a short time, like a cozy blanket. Then,
just as suddenly, it disappears without a sound, leaving everything
clear again.
3. Is the fog portrayed as a resident of the city or as an
outsider? Support your answer with two such references from
the poem “Fog”.
Answer: The poem depicts "Fog" as an unpredictable visitor, arriving
unexpectedly in the city. It hovers for a while, much like an outsider exploring
a new place, and then suddenly departs, as if moving on to another destination.
4. Comment, in detail, on the significance of the closing phrase of
the poem- “moves on”.
Answer: The fog arrives quietly and stays over the city for a
short while, just like a cat that silently sits. Like a sneaky cat,
the fog then moves away and disappears without anyone
noticing, much like the cat not staying in one place for long.
The poet wants us to know that the fog is temporary, like
something passing by, not here to stay. It moves to other
places, just like the cat goes away to explore different spots.
5. In the poem “Fog”, the poet features the fog as animated.
If you had to write a similar poem for one other natural
phenomenon, which animal would you use to convey the
characteristics of that particular phenomena? Justify, in detail,
your choice of animal corresponding to it by bringing out
similarities.
Answer: The poem ‘Fog’ describes the advancement of fog toward
the city and harbor. He says the fog comes like a cat comes on its
little feet. This means the fog advances toward the city very slowly
and calmly just like a cat. It unpredictably enters our home.
Similarly, the zig-zag movement of the flowing river can be
compared to the zig-zag movement of a snake. Just like the river
water never flows in a straight manner in the same way the snake
can never walk straight. Its movement is graceful and beautiful.
Many poets have described the wavy motion of the snake with that
of the wavy water.
6. The poet beautifully compares the fog to a cat. Choose any
two animals from ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ that do not have
qualities that can be drawn out to be compared with a fog.
Answer: Yes, I totally agree with the poet’s comparison of fog to a cat. The
poet compared the sneaky, and silent movements of a cat to the movement of
the fog. The way a cat walks into a place with its padded paws without making
any noise and sits there on its “haunches” silently, fog too enters the city
silently and stays there for a short time. Fog moves out of the city in the
same quiet manner as the cat that moves silently without anybody noticing
her absence. Any other image or animal would not have done justice to the
poem as the movements of a cat perfectly define that of fog. ‘How Tell Wild
Animals’ that do not have qualities that can be drawn out to be compared with
a fog are the Asian Lion and the Bear. Both of these animals have a huge and
terrible built. Their presence can never be unnoticed. One can notice them
from a far distance Moreover, the loud roar of the Asian Lion and the black
colour the Bear can easily attract everyone’s attention.
7. Difficulties come but they are not to stay forever. They come
and go. Comment referring to the poem "Fog'.
Answer: None can deny the fact that after every nightfall, there is
sunshine. In other words, sorrows follow happiness. Life has many ups and
downs. We must all accept that problems as a part of life. We should
strengthen ourselves so much that we can face them and stand up to solve
these problems. We should not get carried away. We should learn that time
and tide wait for none. Fog is also symbolic of darkness but it comes
quietly like a cat and goes away. It symbolizes that if we are not disturbed
by difficulties then life will itself move to the lighter side and things will
be easy to confront. We should always remember that we must face all the
problems boldly.
8. How is the fog like a cat?
Answer: The poet draws a captivating comparison between the fog and a cat,
finding striking similarities in their behavior. The poet observes that the fog
arrives with a sense of stealth, akin to the quiet movements of a cat. As the
fog settles, it takes on a posture reminiscent of a cat, sitting and silently
observing the harbor and city. This resemblance becomes more apparent as
the fog, like a cat, eventually moves on to find a new location, highlighting the
appropriateness of likening the fog to the furtive and transient nature of a
cat's presence. The poet's keen observations emphasize the parallel between
these two seemingly disparate entities, weaving a vivid tapestry of imagery
that enhances our understanding of the fog's character.
9. Nature has many wonders that people take for granted and never pay
attention to. How is the poem ‘Fog’ different from this perspective?
Answer: The poet delights in nature, particularly in the uniqueness of
fog. He not only writes about it but also discovers its resemblance to a
cat, showcasing a deep connection to the natural world. This observation
serves as a motivation for others to appreciate and find intriguing
connections in the seemingly ordinary aspects of nature, encouraging a
closer bond with the environment.
10. Why does the poet use the phrase “silent haunches”? Substantiate your
answer with reference to the poem “Fog”.
Answer: The poet employs "silent haunches" to depict the stealthy presence
of fog as it sits over the city and harbor. This phrase mirrors the quiet
posture of a cat on its bent knees. Much like a cat goes unnoticed, the fog
hovers silently over the city without attracting attention.
THE TALE OF CUSTARD OF DRAGON
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
1. Now the name of the litte black kitten was Ink, And the little gray
mouse, she called her Blink, And the little yellow dog was sharp as
Mustard,
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
(a) What is the colour of Belinda’s dog?
(b) What were the kitten and the mouse called?
(c) Which word is the stanza means “fear easily”?
(d) ‘Blink’ here is the name of a mouse but what actually the word
means?
Answer:
a) Belinda’s dog is yellow as mustard.
(b) The Kitten was called Ink and the mouse was called Blink
by Belinda.
(c) The word is ‘Coward’.
(d) The word ‘blink’ means to shut and open eyes frequency in
quick succession.
2.Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful, Ink, Blink and
Mustard, they rudely called him Percival, They all sat laughing in the
little red wagon At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon. (a) Why did
everyone laugh? (b) What did the other three pet call the dragon? (c)
What does realio, trulio mean? (d) Give the synonym of ‘un merciful
Answer: (a) Everyone laughed at the Dragon because Belinda
tickled him unmerciful. (b) The other three pet, Ink, Blink and
Mustard rudely called Custard Percival. (c) Realio, trulio actually
mean really and truly. The words have been changed by the poet
so as to give rhythm to the poem. (d) The synonym of‘ un merciful’
is ‘merciless’.
Top 10 PYQs
1. Why do you think Custard, the dragon was called a coward? How was
Custard able to save all his housemates from the pirate? What values
should Belinda have possessed, so that Custard too could have been
among her favourites?
Answer: The dragon appeared to be a coward as he always cried
for a safe cage, so he was called a cowardly dragon. Later, when
the pirate entered the house with pistols in his left and right
hand, everyone was scared and ran away and disappeared, except
Custard who faced him boldly and attacked him, hit him hard with
his forceful tail, and gobbled every bit of him. Belinda should have
been nice to him. She should have made him feel comfortable and
safe in the house, instead of laughing and making fun of him with
other pets. Belinda should have been protective towards him.
Answer: "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" is a whimsical and almost parodic
poem featuring Belinda's amusingly rhyming pets. Belinda likened to a barrel
of bears, owns a kitten and mouse capable of chasing lions. The little yellow
dog exhibits tiger-like bravery, contrasting with the cowardly dragon,
subject to constant teasing. Surprisingly, when a pirate threatens, Custard
jumps into action, swallowing the intruder whole. Despite Custard's heroism,
the pets revert to claiming they could be braver. Ultimately, the poem
humorously circles back to the dragon's perceived cowardice, providing a
lighthearted twist to the narrative.
10. Why do you think Custard, the dragon was called a coward? How
was Custard able to save all his housemates from the pirate? What
values should Belinda have possessed, so that Custard too could have
been among her favourites?
Answer: Initially labeled a coward, Custard bravely faces a pirate while others
flee. Defeating the intruder with forceful determination, Custard reveals
hidden courage. Belinda, instead of mocking, should have offered comfort,
highlighting the importance of understanding and support in unexpected
situations.
FOR ANNE GREGORY
Extract-Based Questions.
1.Never shall a young man, Thrown into despair By those great honey-
coloured Ramparts at your ear, Love you for yourself alone And not
your yellow hair.” (a) What does ‘ramparts’ mean? (b) What is the
colour of Anne’s hair? (c) What does the poet mean by, “love you for
yourself alone and not your yellow hair”? (d) What does ‘despair’ mean
in the stanza? Answer: (a) Ramparts refers to wall that protects a
fort. Here, it has been used metaphorically to mean the lock of hair
around her ear. (b) Anne’s hair are honey-coloured. (c) The poet means
that young men love Anne for her beautiful looks and not for her real
character. (d) Despair means hopelessness. 2.“I heard an old religious
man But yesternight declare That he had found a text to prove That
only God, my dear, Could love you for yourself alone And not your
yellow hair.” (a) Who had found a ‘text’? (b) What does the text
prove? (c) What does ‘yesternight’ mean? (d) Find a word from the
passage which is an antonym of ‘conceal or hide’. Answer: (a) An old
religious man had found a text. (b) The text proves that only God is
capable of looking beyond external beauty, into the soul of a person.
(c) Yesternight means last night. (d) The antonym is ‘declare’
Top 10 PYQs
1. How does the speaker feel in the first part of the poem, and
what worries them about how others might see them?
Answer: The speaker is engulfed in a sense of deep sadness and
despair in the initial part of the poem. Their primary concern
revolves around the fear that others might only appreciate their
outward appearance, particularly their striking yellow hair, without
truly understanding or valuing their inner self. This fear reflects a
common human apprehension about being superficially judged
based on physical attributes rather than genuine qualities.
2. What does the speaker suggest doing in the second part
to make sure people love them for who they are?
Answer: In the second part of the poem, the speaker
contemplates using hair dye to alter the color of their
hairwhether brown, black, or carrot. The intention behind this
proposed change is to shift the focus away from their visually
appealing yellow hair and encourage people to love them for their
true essence, emphasizing the desire for authentic connections
beyond superficial attractions.
3. Who is the old religious man in the poem, and what does
he say about love?
Answer: The old religious man is a character mentioned in the
poem, and he articulates a perspective on love rooted in
spirituality. According to him, only God possesses the capability to
love someone for who they truly are, untethered from superficial
attributes such as the color of one's hair. This adds a layer of
moral and divine complexity to the theme of love explored in the
poem.
4. What does the term "honey-colored ramparts" mean, and
why is it important in the poem?
Answer:
"Honey-colored ramparts" is a metaphorical expression referring to
the speaker's visually appealing yellow hair. This imagery is vital in
the poem as it symbolizes an attractive physical trait that may act as
a barrier, preventing others from seeing beyond the surface and
appreciating the speaker's true self. It underscores the challenge of
being objectified or superficially perceived based on external
characteristics.
5. Why does the speaker want to change their hair color, and
what does it say about what they want in a relationship?
Answer: The speaker contemplates changing their hair color as a means
of challenging societal expectations and fostering genuine connections.
The desire to be loved for who they are, as opposed to being defined by
their yellow hair, reflects a longing for relationships founded on
authenticity and deeper emotional connections. It highlights the
speaker's quest for meaningful bonds that transcend superficial
judgments.
6. What does the old religious man's idea about God's love add
to the story?
Answer: The old religious man's assertion introduces a spiritual dimension
to the poem, suggesting that divine love, represented by God, is the only
form of love devoid of superficial considerations. This concept adds depth
to the speaker's yearning for genuine love, emphasizing the rarity and
purity of love that transcends physical attributes, aligning with a higher
moral or spiritual understanding of genuine affection.
7. Why does the speaker mention "yesternight declare," and what
does it mean?
Answer: The mention of "yesternight declare" implies that the old religious
man shared his insights recently. This temporal aspect underscores the
freshness and immediacy of the speaker's contemplation of love. The recent
declaration holds significance as it catalyzes the speaker's introspection,
prompting them to reconsider their approach to relationships in light of this
newfound perspective.
8. How does the poem talk about how society thinks about
looks, and why is this important?
Answer: The poem subtly addresses societal norms regarding physical
appearance and beauty standards. The speaker's contemplation of changing
their hair color reflects the societal pressure to conform to predefined
notions of attractiveness. This is important because it resonates with real-
life struggles where individuals may feel compelled to meet external
expectations, impacting their self-esteem and influencing how they navigate
relationships.
9. Why is the speaker thinking about changing their appearance,
and how might this relate to what many people feel in real life?
Answer: The speaker contemplates changing their appearance as a response
to societal expectations and a desire for acceptance. This reflects a
common experience where individuals, in an attempt to conform to societal
norms, may consider altering their looks to fit in or be perceived more
favorably. The relatability of this theme mirrors the societal pressure many
people feel to meet external standards, often at the expense of embracing
their authentic selves.
10. What is the main message of the poem about love and acceptance?
Answer: At its core, the poem conveys a poignant message about the
universal longing for authentic love and acceptance. It emphasizes the
speaker's quest to be loved for their true self, transcending superficial
attributes. The exploration of societal expectations, spiritual dimensions,
and personal struggles resonates with the broader human experience, urging
readers to reflect on the importance of genuine connections and the
challenges of navigating societal pressures in the pursuit of authentic love
and self-acceptance.
A TRIUMPH OF SURGERY
Extract-Based Questions.
1. Mrs. Pumphrey, anxious about Tricki's recovery, called daily for
updates. Assured of Tricki's safety, she began delivering two
dozen eggs to boost his strength. As recovery progressed, bottles
of wine arrived, believed to enrich Tricki's blood. The household
then embraced a ceremonial lunch with glasses of wine, realizing
the unexpected turn of events in Tricki's unconventional recovery.
Q/A:
1. How did Mrs. Pumphrey react to Tricki's recovery, and what
actions did she take? Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey, relieved by Tricki's
convalescence, brought around two dozen fresh eggs to boost his
strength and later sent bottles of wine to enrich his blood. 2. What did
the word 'convalescing' do to Mrs. Pumphrey, and how did it
influence her actions? Answer: The word 'convalescing' reassured Mrs.
Pumphrey, prompting her to bring more eggs, believing they would aid
Tricki's recovery. 3. How did the arrival of bottles of wine impact the
household, and what was the intended purpose behind selling them
for Tricki? them for Tricki? Answer: The arrival of wine turned lunch
into a ceremonial occasion, as Mrs. Pumphrey believed it would enrich
Tricki's blood, though the veterinary partners ended up consuming it. 2.
“At the surgery, the household dogs surged around me. Tricki looked
down at the noisy pack with dull eyes and, when put down, lay motionless
on the carpet. The other dogs, after sniffing around him for a few
seconds, decided he was an uninteresting object and ignored him.I made
up a bed for him in a warm loose box next to the one where the other
dogs slept. For two days I kept an eye on him, giving him no food but
plenty of water. At the end of the second day, he started to show some
interest in his surroundings, and on the third he began to whimper when
he heard the dogs in the yard.”
Top 10 PYQs (MOST EXPECTED)
1. What makes you know that Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich
lady?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was a wealthy lady as she had many
servants and maids and also had a pet. She used to feed her pet
with a lot of dishes, sweets, and snacks. Moreover, she had a
separate room and wardrobe for her pet. All these things show that
she was a rich lady.
2. Why were the household dogs not interested in Tricki
initially?
Answer: Tricki was a newcomer in the house. Moreover, Tricki was
very lethargic to play with them He was not comfortable there.
But after a few days, Tricki started enjoying them. He discovered
the joys of being bowled over, tramped on, and squashed every few
minutes. He became an accepted member of the gang.
3. Why was Dr. Herriot confident that Tricki will be in
hospital soon?
Answer: Tricki was tottering (moving in an unsteady way) slowly in
the house. He was not eating anything, not even his favorite dishes
and besides, he had bouts of vomiting. Dr. Herriot was sure that if
his food was not cut down and more exercise was not given to him,
he would be really ill soon.
4. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey treats Tricki in a special way?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was an extremely rich lady but was
foolishly indulgent in pampering her dog, Tricki. She served him
with cream cakes, chocolates, and cod liver oil. She did so
because she treated Tricki like her son.
5. The household dogs at the surgery rejected Tricki as
“uninteresting objects.” Why?
Answer: At the surgery the household dogs surrounded Tricki. He
looked at them with dull eyes. The other dogs sniffed him but he
did not give any response. So they found him as an uninteresting
object and rejected him.
6. How did the gang of the household dogs accept Tricki as
their member?
Answer: After two or three days Tricki mixed up with the
household dogs. He had a lot of fun and exercise there. He ran
about with the dogs. He enjoyed being bowled over, tramped on,
and squashed. Thus they accepted him as their member.
7. What special diet did Mrs. Pumphrey give to build Tricki
up?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey found that Tricki had become listless. He
seemed to have no energy. She thought he must be suffering from
malnutrition. She decided to give a little special diet between
meals to build him up. She gave him some malt, cod liver oil, and a
bowl of Horlicks at night. She couldn’t refuse cakes and chocolates
to Tricki even after being advised to cut down on the sweet things.
8. What was the only fault of Tricki as diagnosed by Dr.
Herriot?
Answer: Dr. Herriot knew that overindulgence and pampering of Tricki’s
mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey created problems for him. The only fault of
Tricki was his greed for food. He had never known to refuse food.
Overfeeding and not giving him proper exercise made him hugely fat and
dull.
9. What excuses did Mrs. Pumphrey give for not following Dr.
Herriot’s advice? What was the effect of ignorance?
Answer: Dr. Herriot knew that the only fault of Tricki was his greed for
food. Mrs. Pumphrey was an indulgent mistress and pampered Tricki with
malt, cod-liver oil and bowls of Horlicks. Dr. Herriot had advised her to
cut down on sweets and give him some exercise. Tricki was to be kept on a
very strict diet. Mrs. Pumphrey told the doctor that it was very difficult.
The result of ignoring the doctor’s advice was disastrous. Tricki lost his
appetite and lay motionless on the carpet. He vomited again and again.
10. “He had never been known to refuse food; he would tackle a
meal at any hour of the day or night.” Herriot believed that
Tricki’s problem was his greed. Did he lack tolerance? What
values would you like Tricky to imbibe? Elucidate.
Answer: Dr. Herriot was not entirely wrong in believing that Tricki’s
problem was greed. Tricki was indeed greedy, but Mrs. Pumphrey only
made matters worse by stuffing him with rich food. Herriot did not lack
intolerance; he was just stating the obvious. Tricki’s ill health made him
concerned, and he observed a veterinary doctor. Tricki, on the other hand,
needed to exercise control over his eating habits. It would have been good
if he did not greedily gobble up everything that was placed in front of him.
Mrs. Pumphrey herself reveals that Tricki loved cream cakes and
chocolates very much. Thus, Tricki ought to have been less gluttonous
(excessively greedy) and luxury-loving, and behaved more like a dog!
THE THIEF STORY
Top 10 PYQs (MOST EXPECTED)
Answer: The thief was under tension that his master would be angry
with him for stealing the money. But Anil did not express any anger.
He said that he would pay him regularly and would remain to continue
teaching him full sentences. This made him tension free and he
smiled without any effort.
5. Why did Hari Singh think of doing some real work?
Answer: By ‘real work’ Hari Singh means stealing. He wants to steal Anil’s
money because he has not stolen anything for a long time. Secondly, Anil is a
careless mail. If Hari Singh did not steal his money, he would waste it on
useless things.
6. How and when did Hari Singh meet Anil?
Answer: Hari Singh met Anil during a wrestling match. He found Anil easy
going, kind and simple enough to suit his purpose. Anil’s trusting nature could
help him with stealing. Therefore, he offered himself to work for Anil. Anil
had no regular income and couldn’t afford to pay him. But still Had Singh
exploited Anil’s generosity and he forced Anil to keep him in his house.
7. Why was it so difficult for Had Singh to rob a trusting and
unsuspecting person like Anil?
8. How did Hari Singh steal the money that Anil got from
selling his book to a publisher?
Answer: Had Singh saw with his own eyes how Anil tucked the bundle of
money under the mattress of his bed. When Anil was asleep, Had Singh
crept up to the bed. He slid his hand under the mattress and drew the
money out of the bundle without making a sound. Anil sighed in his sleep and
turned on his side, towards him. Hari Singh got startled and quickly came
out of the room.
9. Anil plays a major role in the transformation of Hari Singh.
Comment on the statement by highlighting the values possessed by
Anil which touched Hari’s heart and made him return to his honest
ways of earning his livelihood. Write in about 100-120 words.
Answer: Anil was a struggling writer who befriended Had Singh. Hari
Singh was an experienced, 15-year-old thief. He found Anil an easy
target to steal. Anil offered him to stay with him and to teach how to
read and write. Gradually, Anil develops trust in Hari Singh. But Hari
Singh was waiting for the right opportunity to do what he was best at.
After stealing money, he tried to go away forever but some inner
voice stopped him from doing so. He returned to Anil because he
wanted to live a life of respect. Anil did not show that he knew
the incident and accepted Hari with open hands. Thus, a well-
intentioned person, Anil changed Had Singh and brought him on
the right path. The story shows that trust and spirit to forgive
someone can bring big changes in someone’s life.
10. Hari Singh didn’t confess that he robbed Anil. Did he lack the
courage to do so or he really wanted to maintain his relationship
with Anil at any cost? Explain the values Had needed to imbibe in
about 100-120 words.
Answer: Hari Singh was a teenager, of 15. He was good at stealing.
He chose Anil to be his next target as he was a struggling author
and a simple person. Had Singh started living with Anil who in turn,
started teaching him how to read and write? Hari Singh, one day
got the opportunity to steal Anil’s money. He left with the money to
go away forever but his inner “ice stopped him. He returned and
kept the money in place. The next morning he started with his
routine work and didn’t say anything about the incident to Anil. He
was a teenager and lacked the courage to face Anil with his truth.
He did not want to lose Anil’s trust. He wanted to maintain the
relationship with Anil, wanted to get an education, and become a
respected man. So, he hid the incident from Anil.
THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR
Extract-Based Questions.
Q1: And then there was his accent. Though he spoke French and German
passably, he had never altogether lost the American accent he had
brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago.
(a) Who is 'he' in the above extract?
Ans: 'He' in the above extract is Ausable, a secret agent.
(b) Where is he at present?
Ans: At present, he is about to enter his room on the sixth floor of a French
hotel.
(c)Find the word from the extract that means the opposite of 'fluently'
Ans: The word is 'passably.
(d)What is the present tense of 'speak'?
Ans: Speak' is its present tense.
Q2: "You are disillusioned", Ausable told him. "But take cheer, my young
friend. Presently you will see a paper, a quite important paper for which
several men and women have risked their lives, come to me. Some day
soon that paper may well affect the course of history. In that thought is
drama, is there not?" [CBSE2015}
(a) Who is 'my young friend' in the above extract?
Ans: 'My young friend' in the above extract is Fowler, a young romantic writer.
(b) What is the 'important paper' referred to here?
Ans: The 'important paper' referred to here is a report regarding some
new missiles.
(c) Find a word from the passage that means the same as 'disappointed'
Ans: The word is 'disillusioned':
Q2. A small dog was lying in the kitchen. It stirred, made a noise, and
moved its tail in a friendly way (CBSE 2014)
(a) What is the dog's name mentioned in the above extract?
Ans: The name of the dog mentioned in the above extract is Sherry.
(b) In which house is the kitchen referred to?
Ans: The kitchen referred to is located in Shotover Grange.
(c) Find a word from the passage that means the same as 'cordial'.
Ans: The word is 'friendly
Answer: No, Horace did not get the jewels from the Grange safe. But
he broke open the safe for the wife of the owner of the house without
gloves. But in reality, that lady was a burglar. Thus, there were
Horace’s fingerprints all over the room. So, the police arrested him for
stealing the jewels from the Grange safe.
6. Whose voice was it that advised Horace about the special
treatment of his hay fever?
Answer: When Horace was about to open the safe, he heard a female
voice. She asked if he suffered from a cold or hay fever. He was
sneezing again and again. She said that he could cure the hay fever with
special treatment. He must find out what plant gave him that disease.
She also advised Horace to see a doctor.
7. When and why did the woman in red say, “Society must
be protected from men like you”? Doesn’t it sound ironical?
Answer: Horace assured the woman in red that he would not hurt
her. She must forget she ever met him. It made her angry. She
couldn’t let him go, otherwise, he would rob someone else. Society
must be protected from people like him. It sounds ironic because she
herself was a thief and had come for the same purpose for which
Horace was there in the house.
8. Do you think that the young woman in red proved far
smarter than Horace Danby? Give reasons.
Answer: Definitely, the young woman in red proved far smarter than
Horace Danby. She played her part of being the lady of the house
with complete perfection. She was an example of self-confidence.
She didn’t show any hesitation. She spoke and acted with an air of
complete confidence and authority. Poor Horace became a puppet who
couldn’t take himself out of her spell. She threatened to call the
police and made him open the safe, while Horace was later caught and
arrested. She decamped with the jewels.
9. Who is the real culprit in the story, the young lady in red or
Horace Danby? Comment.
Answer: The law of any land works on evidence. Horace Danby opened
the safe without wearing his gloves. He didn’t think it necessary to
wear them as he thought he was working for ‘the lady of the house’. So
the police matched his fingerprints and he was arrested. The lady in
the red was the real culprit. She made Horace open the safe for her.
She was also a thief and decamped with the jewels. But in the eyes of
the law, Horace was the real culprit because the evidence was against
him.
10. Why did Horace Danby prefer books to collect paintings?
Answer: Horace Danby loved rare books passionately. To fuel
his hobby, he resorted to robbing a safe annually. When faced
with a choice between collecting books and paintings, he opted
for books due to limited space in his small house.
FOOTPRINT WITHOUR FEET
Extract-Based Questions.
Q1. As they gazed, a remarkable sight met their eyes. A fresh footmark
appeared from nowhere. Further footprints followed one after another,
descending the steps and progressing down the street.
(a) Who are 'they' in the above extract?
Ans: 'They' in the above extract are two boys on a street in London.
(b)Who is making these footprints?
Ans: The scientist Griffin, who has become invisible, is making these footprints.
(c) Find the word from the extract that means the same as 'continuing'.
Ans: The word is 'progressing'.
(d) What is the opposite of 'remarkable'?
Ans: Its opposite is 'ordinary:
Q2: The air was bitterly cold and he could not do without clothes.
Instead of walking about the streets he decided to slip into a big London
store for warmth.
(a) Who is 'he' in the above extract?
Ans: 'He' in the above extract is Griffin, the invisible scientist.
(b)Why was the air bitterly cold?
Ans: The air was bitterly cold because the season was mid-winter.
(c) Find a word from the extract that means the same as 'quietly enter'
Ans: The word is 'slip'.
(d) What is the opposite of 'warmth?
Ans: Its opposite is 'chill'
Extract-Based Questions.
1. "she learned the odious work of a kitchen. She washed the dishes.
She washed the soiled linen, their clothes and dishcloths, which she
hung on the line to dry; she took down the refuse to the street each
morning and brought up the water, stopping at each landing to catch
her breath. And, clothed like a woman of the people, she went to the
grocer's, the butcher's and the fruiterer's, with her basket on her
arm, shopping, haggling to the last sou of her miserable money.
The husband worked evenings, putting the books of some merchants in
order, and nights he often did copying at five sous a page. And this
life lasted for ten years. At the end of ten years, they had restored
all. Mme Loisel seemed old now. She had become a strong, hard
woman, the crude woman of the poor household. Her hair badly
dressed, her skirts awry, her hands red, she spoke in a loud tone, and
washed the floors with large pails of water."
A) Who seemed old now?.
Ans. Matilda seemed old now.
B) What had made her 'crude'?!
Ans. Ten long years of poverty, and a constant struggle and strife for
survival had made her 'crude'.
C) Which word in the given extract is an antonym to 'pleasant'?
Ans. 'Odious' is the antonym of 'pleasant' in the extract.
2. "He threw around her shoulders those modest wraps they had
carried whose poverty clashed with the elegance of the ball costume.
She wished to hurry away in order not to be noticed by the other
women who were wrapping themselves in rich furs.
Loisel detained her, "Wait," said he. "I am going to call a cab." But
she would not listen and descended the steps rapidly. When they were
in the street, they found no carriage; and they began to seek for
one, hailing the coachmen whom they saw at a distance. They
walked along toward the river, hopeless and shivering. Finally they
found one of those old carriages that one sees in Paris after
nightfall." A) What precedes these fines? Ans. These lines follow
Matilda's success at the ball where she was idolized. Her beauty
and elegance was praised by everyone. B) 'She' wished to hurry
away. Why? Ans. She, 'Matilda' did not wish to shatter the illusion
of her grandeur that she had so successfully managed to convey to
others by putting on such a shabby wrap. So, she wished to hurry
away to escape the notice of the rich women. C) Which word in the
given extract is a synonym of 'not expensive'? Ans. 'Modest' is the
synonym of 'not expensive' from the extract.
2. How would you feel if you were in Matilda’s place and had
lost somebody’s such a valuable possession?
Answer: Matilda borrowed a necklace from Madame Forestier to
wear in a ball. She lost it the same night. She was too upset at
the incident and tried to find it everywhere in the fold of the
dress, the cloak, the pockets, and. Even Mr Loisel went to search
for it at midnight. They even could not sleep all night. They want
the police and even to the cab office and put an advertisement in
the newspaper offering a reward. If I had been in Matilda’s place,
I would have done all the above-said efforts for such a valuable
possession.
Answer: Madame Loisel left the ball in a hurry because her husband threw
the modest wraps around her shoulders, whose poverty clashed with the
elegance of the ball costume. She did not want to be noticed by the other
women who were wrapping themselves in rich furs. It shows the hypocrisy
and showoff life of Mine Loisel. It shows her dissatisfaction, anger and
frustration with life.
5. How did M. Loisel and Madame Loisel manage to buy a
diamond necklace to return it to Madame Forester? What were
the consequences?
Answer: Mr Loisel and Madame Loisel spent all their savings i.e. eighteen
thousand francs, which his father had saved for him. The rest of the
money they borrowed from usurers with ruinous promises. They had to
arrange 36,000 francs for the new diamond necklace. All this ruined their
life. Mme Loisel had to do all odd jobs to save money. They had to change
these lodgings Mr Loisel had to work till late at night after office hours,
putting the books of some merchant or to copy pages at five soups a page
to earn extra money.
6. What efforts did Matilda and her husband make to look for
the lost necklace?
Answer: They looked into the folds of Matilda’s dress, in the folds
of her cloak, and in her pockets. Her husband searched the whole
route by which they had come home. He returned at seven o’clock.
He informed the police. He went to the newspaper’s office to
announce a reward. But the lost necklace was not found.
Answer: Matilda was a beautiful young lady with high dreams and
aspirations. She had no dowry, no hopes, no fame, and no wealth.
She lost all hopes of marrying a man either rich or distinguished.
She believed that she was born into a family of clerks only by
some error of destiny. So, she allowed herself to marry a petty
clerk in the office of the Board of Education.
8. How did Mr Loisel meet the demand for a suitable
costume for his wife for going to the ball?
Answer: Matilda refused to go to the ball without having a suitable
costume for the occasion. Her husband asked her to wear the dress that
she wore while going to the theatre. When Matilda reacted strongly, he
asked how much a suitable costume would cost. She replied that it would
cost 400 francs. Mr Loisel turned pale. He had saved 400 francs to buy a
gun for him to shoot larks. But he bowed down and agreed to give 400
francs to have a pretty dress.
10. Loisel wished to keep his wife in good humor. Which values of
Matilda impress him?
Answer: Loisel really loved his beautiful wife Matilda. Even though they didn't
have much money, he did everything he could to make her happy. When they got
an invitation to a fancy ball, he used all his savings to buy her a new dress and
replace a lost diamond necklace. Loisel even worked extra hours after his
regular job to afford these things because he cared so much about his wife's
happiness.
BHOLI
Extract-Based Questions.
1 Her name was Sulekha, but since her childhood everyone had been calling her
Bholi, the simpleton. She was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal. When
she was ten months old, she had fallen off the cot on her head and perhaps it
had damaged some part of her brain. That was why she remained a backward
child and came to be known as Bholi, the simpleton. At birth, the child was very
fair and pretty.But when she was two years old, she had an attack of small-pox.
Only the eyes were saved, but the entire body was permanently disfigured by
deep black pockmarks. Little Sulekha could not speak till she was five, and
when at last she learnt to speak, she stammered. The other children often
made fun of her and mimicked her. The other children often made fun of her
and mimicked her. As a result, she talked very little."
A) What did Sulekha later on come to be known as?
Ans. Sulekha later on came to be known as Bholi.
B) Why did children make fun of her?
Ans. Children made fun of her because she stammered while speaking.
C) What does the word 'mimicked' mean?
Ans. The word 'mimicked' means to copy the speech of others.
Answer: All other children of Ramlal were healthy and good looking. Bholi
was the only girl who was neither intelligent nor good looking. She was a
simpleton, she stammered also. Ramlal was extremely worried about her
future.
6. Did Bholi enjoy her first day in school? What made her
happy on this very day?
Answer: It was a mixed day for Bholi. She was happy to see the girls of her
age. She was fascinated with the colourful pictures on the wall of the
classrooms. But when the teacher asked her name she could not answer
properly and other girls laughed at her. She cried. But her teacher’s soft
words made her happy on this very day.
Answer: One dusty old book of nursery rhymes saved the earth from
a Martian invasion. The Martian could not decipher the meaning of
nursery rhymes. Their misinterpretation made the situation comical.
They began to believe that the Earthlings had advance technology
and were planning to invade the Mars. They called off their mission
and even left the Mars isolated to escape to a far-off planet.
4. How did the book change Think-Tank’s opinion about the
Earthlings?
Answer: Think-Tank used to believe that the Martian was a superior race
to the Earthlings. But after cracking the so-called code of an old nursery
rhyme book, he changed his view about the Earthlings. He now thought
that the Earthlings has reached a high level of civilization and planning to
invade the Mars. It made him call off his mission.
5. Noodle hails Think-Tank as the most powerful and intelligent
creature in the whole universe. Do you agree? Write your
opinion of Think-Tank citing instances from the given text.
6. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?
Answer: The twentieth century was often called the ‘Era of the book’. In
those days, there were books about everything, from anteaters to Zulus.
Books taught people how to, when to, where to, and why to. They
illustrated, educated, punctuated, and even decorated.
7. Where did Captain Omega reach with her team?
Answer: Captain Omega landed on the earth with her team. They found
themselves in the Centerville Public Library amidst thousands of books.
They thought they were in some sort of storage bam.
Ans:- Horace Danby was fond of collecting rare and expensive books. He managed to fulfill it by breaking open a safe
each year.
7. Why did Matilda (Mme Loisel)leave the ball in a hurry ? What does it show about her character?
Ans:- Since no one noticed her shabby shawl, Matilda (Mme Loisel) left the ball in a hurry. Her character depicts her
false pride and vanity in material things.
8. What lesson on death and suffering did the Buddha teach Gotami in the chapter, ‘The Sermon at Banaras’?
Ans:- In his sermon at Banaras, Buddha taught Gotami that the life of mortals is brief, troubled and combined with
pain. Death is common for all, it cannot be avoided. He compared human life to ripe fruits that eventually decay or as
earthen vessels that will break someday. Neither a father nor his kinsmen can save anyone. Weeping or grieving
cannot bring back the dead to life nor bring peace of mind but only cause pain and suffering to the grieving body. One
should accept death without lamentation, complaint and overcome sorrow and grief thus, bringing peace of mind,
which is a blessing.
Ans:- Eight-year-old Valli’s desire was to take a ride on the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest
town. Her desire was so strong that it made herd-overcome her fears prompting her to plan her trip meticulously. She
collected all the details of the journey and saved every coin that came her way. She maintained her self-respect so
much that she does not even get tempted to go for shopping. After taking all the precautions to ensure that she has a
safe journey, she fulfilled her dream of riding in a bus. Despite her young age, she returned back home safely. Valli
taught us that once we decide to achieve something, many difficulties may come our » way but with courage and
confidence, we can accomplish the task.
14. How did Horace get entry into the house?
Ans:- Horace had be friended the pet dog and he knew where the keys were hung.
15. How did the young seagull’s parents teach him the art of flying?
Ans:- The parents of the young seagull were very wise. On seeing that their child was quite weak and scared and is
afraid to fly, they, at once, decided to be strict with him. They warned him that they would not feed him anymore as he
was a grown up seagull. He would starve to death if he did not fly. They tempted him by showing flesh and eating it in
front of him but they did not offer it to him. Hunger proved the young seagull to fly and ultimately, he made efforts and
was successful.
18. What made the boys follow the footprints?
Ans :- The boys saw freshly made footprints on the mud but there was no one to be seen leaving those footprints.
This thing intrigued the boys and hence, they decided to follow those footprints without feet which were actually left
by Griffin.
16. Describe how Horace Danby planhis work?
Ans:- Horace Danby was an intelligent and clever thief. He robbed a safe every year which would suffice him for
twelve months. He planned his robbery very carefully. He studied the complete situation of the house at Shoover
Grange for two weeks. In the meantime, he had studied the situation of rooms, electric wires,: path and its garden. He
had studied the detailed plan of the drawing room. He also knew about the keys as he had seen where the
housekeeper hang the keys every time. He befriended the pet dog to escape him while robbery. Thus, he made all the
security arrangements by ensuring that there was no problem in breaking in there.
Ans:- The letter did not reach God. The postmaster was a kind, generous, helpful, and God-fearing man. The
postmaster did not want to shake Lencho's faith in God, and thus, replied to Lencho's letter by sending him money
under the name of God.
20.Why did Lencho write a letter to God?
Ans :- Lencho's crops were destroyed by the hailstorm. He wrote a letter to God asking for a hundred pesos. He
needed the money to sow his field again and survive till the new crops came.
21. What were Lencho’s feelings when the hail stopped ?
Ans:- When the rain began, Lencho was very happy. But, when hailstones destroyed his crops completely he became
very unhappy. After the hail stopped, Lencho thought that God is the only hope to save his family. So he wrote a letter
to God.
24. Why did Matilda not want ot see her rich friends ?
Ans:- Matilda was not satisfied with what her life had to offer and was ashamed of her status. As she was humiliated
by her lower-middle-class existence, she, generally, avoided meeting her rich friends like Mme Forestier, a wealthy
lady, whom she knew from her days at the convent school.
Ans:- Always unhappy, Borrowed the necklace and lost it, Did not disclose the loss to the friend.
22. How did Valli react when she saw the dead cow by the roadside ?
Ans:- Valli was extremely excited about her bus journey. She had carefully planned and saved for this journey. On her
return journey, when she saw the dead cow on the roadside she became sad. She lost her enthusiasm to see the dead
cow. She became pensive and had negative views towards life.
28.Mandela says that his country’s greatest wealth is its people and not the purest diamonds. Justify his statement.
Ans:- The strength of a country lies in it’s people. The great patriots of South Africa were Mandela’s comrades in the
struggle for freedom. They fought for an idea, went to prison, were pushed to their limits but did not give in. Such
great men achieved freedom which cannot be achieved by possessing the purest of diamonds. Thus, these men are
more precious than diamonds.
29.Why is 10th May, 1994 important for South Africa?
Ans:- 10th May 1994 is important for South Africa because it marks the end of Apartheid. The first democratic
elected government, headed by Nelson Mandela was formed on this day.
30. What was Bholi’s teacher’s role in changing the course of her life?
Ans:- Bholi's teacher played an important role in changing the course of her life. She was polite and friendly which
touched her heart. She encouraged Bholi every time and was affectionate towards her. She asked Bholi to put aside
her fear of not being able to speak properly. She transformed Bholi into a confident girl who could read, write and
speak properly which is what eventually led to her having self-respect and dignity.
Ans:- If Amanda were a mermaid, she would drift slowly on a languid emerald sea. She would be the sole inhabitant
of the relaxed green sea and would move slowly in it.
35.Why did Buddha choose Benaras to preach his first sermon?
Ans:- Most holy place, on banks of sacred river Ganges Many people come to get rid of sorrows and sufferings, to
repent for their sins. Buddha wanted to lessen their sorrows and sufferings and so, he chose Benaras.
32. How did Griffin attack Mrs. Hall?
Ans:- On seeing that Griffin's room was open, they peeped round the door, saw nobody, and decided to investigate.
They saw the clothes and bandages that he always wore were lying about the room. All of a sudden Mrs Hall heard a
sniff close to her ear. A moment later the hat on the bedpost leapt up and dashed itself into her face. Springing into
the air, the bedroom chair charged straight at her, legs foremost. As she and her husband turned away in terror, the
extraordinary chair pushed them both out of the room and then appeared to slam and lock the door after them.
33.Who are the characters in the poem? What are their pet names?
Ans:- The characters in this poem are Belinda, a little black kitten named Ink, a little grey mouse named Blink, a
yellow dog named Mustard, a pet dragon named Mustard and a pirate.