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SANKALP
..........A Journey towards victory.

SSLC – ENGLISH.
COMPLETE NOTES ON PROSE AND POETRY.

PROSE POETRY
1. A HERO. 1. GRANDMA CLIMBS A TREE.
2. THERE IS A GIRL BY THE TRACKS. 2. QUALITY OF MERCY.
3. THE GENTLEMAN OF RIO-EN-MEDIO. 3. I AM THE LAND.
4. DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR 4. THE SONG OF INDIA.
5. CONCERT. 5. JAZZ POEM TWO.
6. DISCOVERY. 6. THE BALLAD OF THE TEMPEST.
7. COLOURS OF SILENCE. 7. BLIND BOY.
8. SCIENCE AND HOPE OF SURVIVAL. 8. OFF TO THE OUTER SPACE
TOMORROW MORNING.
SUPPLEMENTARY READING.
1. NARAYANPUR INCIDENT.
2. A GREAT MARTYR EVERCHERISHED.

WORKED AND PREPARED BY –

SMT. M. S. LUGADE.
A TEACHER-OFR.K.
1. A HERO. NARAYAN.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
KPS BARADOL, TQ – CHADACHAN. DIST – VIJAYAPUR.
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1. A HERO – R.K. NARAYAN.

KEY POINTS
 Swami was an innocent boy.
 His father read a report in the newspaper.
 He explained the incident of a brave boy.
 He said that the courage is everything.
 But Swami did not agree.
 His father asked him to sleep alone in the office room.
 Swami feared.
 He tried to escape but not succeeded.
 Swami slept in the office room.
 He remembered all the stories of ghosts and devils.
 He saw a shadow and bit the leg of the burglar.
 He caught the most notorious house breaker.
 Congratulations showered on him.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS.

1. What did Swami’s father read in the newspaper?
Ans:- Swami’s father read a report about the bravery of the village lad. The boy faced the
tiger in the jungle path.

2. What was the challenge of Swami’s father to Swami?

Ans:- Swami’s father put a challenge to Swami. He asked him to sleep alone in his office
room.

3. Why did father want Swami to sleep alone in the office room?
Ans:- Swami’s father wanted Swami to become bold and brave. He also wanted him not to
be afraid of darkness.

4. Why did Swami think his father’s proposition was frightful?

Ans:- Swami was afraid of sleeping alone. He used to sleep beside his granny. But father
asked him to sleep alone. So, it was a frightful proposition to Swami.

5. What was disgraceful according to Swami’s father?

Ans:- Swami used to sleep beside his granny every day. This was disgraceful according to
Swami’s father.
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6. What was the practice of granny, before she went to bed?

Ans:- Granny had the practice of telling the interesting Stories to Swami. This was her
practice before she went to bed.

7. What were the excuses given by Swami in order to escape from sleeping alone?
Ans:- Swami gave two excuses. He said he would sleep alone from the first of next month.
He also said that the office was full of dust and Scorpions.

8. What did Swami remember in the night?

Ans:- Swami became very afraid. He remembered all the stories of devils and ghosts.

9. Why were congratulation showered on Swami?

Ans:- Swami helped to catch one of the notorious house breakers of the town. So, all
congratulated him

10. How was Swami honored by his Classmates, teacher and headmaster?
Ans:- Swami’s Classmates looked at him with respect. His teacher patted his back.
Headmaster said that he was a true Scout.

11. What noises did reach Swami’s ears in the night?

Ans:- Strange noises reached swami’s ears. They were ticking of the clock, rustling of trees,
snoring and humming of insects.

12. Why did Swami feel relieved at the end?

Ans: Swami felt relieved at the end because his father gave up the idea of making him sleep
alone in the office room thereafter.

EXTRACTS (RC QUESTIONS)

1) “I think he must have been a very strong and grown-up person, not a boy at all. How
could a boy fight a tiger?”
a) Who is the speaker? /Who said this? Ans: Swami
b) What does the speaker mean by this statement? Ans: The speaker means that the
newspaper report was wrong as the boy cannot fight a tiger.
c) What do you understand about speaker? Ans: The speaker means that he believes that
strength and age are important.
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2) “How can it be father? Suppose I have all the courage what could I do if a tiger should
attack me?”
a) Who is the speaker? /Who asked this? Ans: Swami
b) Why did the speaker say so?
Ans: The speaker believes that strength and age are important.
c) How did the response affect him?
Ans: His father challenged him to sleep alone in the office room to show his courage.
3) “Leave alone strength, can you prove that you have courage? “
a) Who posed this challenge? Ans: Swami's Father.
b) Did he accept the challenge? Ans: No, He did not accept the challenge.
c) Why didn't Swami accept? Ans: It was a frightful proposition for him.

4) “From the first of the next month, I'll sleep alone father.”
a) Who wanted to sleep alone? Ans: Swami wanted to sleep alone.
b) Why did he request his father to allow him sleep alone from the first of next month?
Ans: Because he wanted to escape from his father.

5) “No, you must do it now; it is disgraceful sleeping beside his granny or mother like a
baby. You are in the second form and I don‟t like the way you are being brought up”
a) Who commanded like this? Ans: Swami's father commanded Swami like this.
b) What is shameful here? Ans: Swami slept beside his granny or mother like a baby.
c. Why did the speaker make the statement? Ans- He wanted his son to be more
courageous.

6) “Please, please shut up granny. Don’t talk to me, and don’t let anyone call me even if the
house is on fire.”
a) Who requested like this? Ans: Swami requested his granny.
b) Where was the speaker at that moment? Ans – At the passage beside granny.
c) Why did he request so? Ans: Because he wanted to escape from his father by just
pretending to be asleep.

7) “Let me sleep in the hall, Father, Your office room is very dusty and there may be
scorpions behind your law books”
a) Who wanted to sleep in the hall? Ans: Swami wanted to sleep in the hall.
b) Why did the speaker complain that there were scorpions in the office room?
Ans: No, There were no scorpions actually. It was just a trick to escape from his father.
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c. Why did father want him to sleep in the office room? Ans: to make him courageous boy.

8) “I'll make you the laughing stock of your school.”

a) Who is the speaker? Ans: Swami's Father.
b) Who wanted to make him the laughing stock of his school?
Ans: Swami's father wanted to make Swami the laughing stock of his school.
c) Why did speaker tell like that? Ans-Because Swami used to sleep beside his granny like a
baby. He wanted him to be courageous.

9) “Aiyo! Something has bitten me"

a) Who cried “Aiyo! Something has bitten me”? Ans : The burglar cried.
b) What caused him to make an agonized cry? Ans: Swami saw and bit him .
c) When did he make agonized cry? Ans- when the burglar tried to enter the office room
through the window Swami caught his leg and bit him.

10) "No, you must learn not to be afraid of darkness. It is only a question of habit. You must
cultivate good habits.”
a) Who was afraid of darkness? Ans: Swami was afraid of darkness.
b) What was the good habit according to the speaker? Ans: Having courage and bravery.
c) Why did speaker suggest so? Ans: Because swami had the habit of sleeping beside his
granny.

1. GRANDMA CLIMS A TREE - RUSKIN BOND.

HIGHLIGHTS
 The poem Grandma Climbs a Tree is written by Ruskin Bond.
 Poet’s grandmother had a habit of climbing the trees.
 She learnt this from her brother.
 The poet called her as genius as she could climb any trees.
 As the time went, her family advised her to give up the habit but she did not listen.
 Once she climbed the tree and could not come down.
 Later, she was rescued.
 The Doctor advised her to take rest.
 Granny felt like a fish out of water.
 She told her son that she wanted to live on the tree top.
 Her son built a tree house.
 Granny lived there happily.
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TWO MARKS QUESTIONS

1. The poet Ruskin Bond does not call his grandmother ‘childish’. What else was she
according to him? Why does he consider her to be so?
The poet Ruskin Bond calls his grandma a ‘genius’ because she could climb any tree very
quickly even at the age of sixty-two. She had this gift right from her childhood.

2. What did people tell the grandma? How did she respond them?
The people told that the grandma should stop climbing trees as she was growing old. But
the grandma did not listen to them. She just laughed and said that she would grow old
disgracefully.

3. Others feared that granny would fall from a tree one day or the other. Did this happen?
Or did something else happen?
Granny did not fall from a tree. One day all the family members in the town, she climbed
the tree and could not come down. She was saved with great difficulty.

4. What did the doctor recommend grandma? What was the reaction of the children?
The doctor recommended the granny bed rest for a week. The children were relieved that
there was nothing serious.

5. How did grandma feel while she lay in bed? What did she ask for as soon as she was
better?
Grandma felt miserable as she lay in bed. She loved to look at the dancing leaves. For her, it
was like a brief season in hell. As soon as she was better, she asked her son to build a
house in a tree top.

6) “My dad knew his duties.” What did he think his duty was? How did he did it?
He thought his duty was to fulfill his mother’s wish. He built a house on the tree top for his
mother with the help from the poet.
2. THERE IS A GIRL BY THE TRACKS. - DEVAN KANAL.
KEY POINTS
 Roma Talreja a call center executive, fell from a moving train.
 She was badly injured.
 Baleshwar Mishra, found her and rushed to help her.
 He asked the people for help but nobody came.
 At last a tempo truck driver helped Baleshwar to take her to the hospital.
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 Baleshwar took his cellphone and informed her brother.

 The doctors treated her immediately.
 They put deep sutures to the injuries.
 Roma was astonished to find a stranger risked his life and saved her.
 She could never repay Baleshwar.

TWO MARKS QUESTIONS

1. What did Roma do when she boarded a train?
Ans:- She squeezed herself into the ladies compartment. She tried to settle into a corner
near the door.
2. Take her to the Airoli Suggested the cop. But Baleshwar disagreed? Why did he so?
Ans-: Airoli was 10 Kilometer away from the place. So, he was disagreed.

3.How do you say that Baleshwar had good memory?

Ans:- He remembered the nearby hospital. He remembered the cell phone number of
Dinesh Talreja.

4.How did truck driver help Roma?

Ans:- A truck driver helped Baleshwar to take Roma to the hospital. After giving the first
aid, he took her to the Divine hospital. He also gave his cell phone to Baleshwar.

5. “Behanji, aap theek hai?” But there was no response and no help in sight. Why was it so?
Ans. Because she was by the Tracks. She became unconscious. There was a large wound
behind her head and blood was flowing out. So there was no response from her.

6. Why did the on-duty physician give only first aid to Roma and not the treatment?
Ans. The on-duty physician could only give the basic first aid to Roma as the facility lacked
personnel and equipment.

7. “Oh,! Couldn’t thank him”, Baleshwar thought. Who do you think he couldn’t thank?
Ans. Baleshwar couldn’t thank the tempo-truck driver who helped Baleshwar to carry Roma
to the hospital. He slipped away from the hospital after providing a helping hand.

8. Why did Baleshwar revisit the spot where Roma has fallen?
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Ans. Roma’s brother, Dinesh, had told him that her cell phone and hand bag were missing.
Baleshwarrevisited the spot where Roma had fallen. With the help of a railway employee,
he was able torecover some of her belongings.

9. After Roma’s recovery, What did she say about Baleshwar?

Ans: Roma was amazed to hear about the manner in which she had been rescued. She
wondered how a stranger could jump off a train and risked his life for her. She could not
imagine what would have happened to her if Baleshwar had not been there. She felt that
she could never repay him for what he had done.

10. ”Take the girl to Airoli”, Suggested the cop. But Baleshwar disagreed. Why did he so?
Ans. Baleshwar felt that the girl needed medical help immediately. Airoli was at least 10
kilometers away and he knew of a small hospital close by. So he did not agree with the cop.

11. Baleshwar had a good memory. Do you agree with this? Give examples to support your
view.
Ans. Yes, Baleshwar had a good memory. Roma had given him her brother's cell phone
number and he memorized it quickly before she lost consciousness again. Thus, he was able
to contact Dinesh and inform him about the accident.

12. Baleshwar felt that people of Mumbai were afraid, what were they afraid of, according
to his opinion?
Ans. Baleshwar felt that people of Mumbai were afraid of getting trapped in the courts or
with the police. So they were callous to the strangers even at the time of accidents.

EXTRACTS (RC QUESTIONS)

1.“There is a girl by the tracks!” the voices cried out.
a. Who is the girl mentioned here?
Ans. Roma
b. Whose voices were these?
Ans. Passengers in the opposite train.
c. Why did the voices cry out?
Ans. They saw Roma falling from the train on the tracks.

2. “Let’s go and help her.”

a. Who shouted like this?
Ans. Baleshwar.
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b. What happened there?

Ans There was a girl by the tracks who was hurt badly.
c. Why did not the speaker get help?
Ans. People of Mumbai afraid of getting trapped by the police or court.

3. “I hope I’m not too late.”

a. Who is the ‘I’ here?
Ans. Baleshwar.
b. Where was he not late to?
Ans. He was not late to the tracks where Roma had fallen.
c. What hope did he have?
Ans. He could help Roma who was hurt badly.

4. “Behanji, aap theek hai?” he asked. But there was no response.

a. Who does ‘behanji’ refer to here?
Ans.‘Behanji’ refers to Roma.
b. Why was there no response?
Ans. Roma was injured seriously and fell on the tracks unconsciously.
c. Where was she?
Ans. She was by the tracks.

5. “My sister is injured, Please help me take her to a hospital.”

a. Who does ‘sister’ refer to here?
Ans. ’Sister’ refers to Roma.
b. Who requested like this to whom?
Ans. Balashwar requested like this to motorists.
c. Why was she taken to a hospital? What had happened to her?
Ans. She was hurt badly and was unconscious due to the fall.

6. “Take the girl to Airoli,” suggested the cop, “there’s a hospital there. ”But Baleshwar
disagreed.
a. Who is the ‘girl’ here?
Ans. Roma
b. What had happened to her?
Ans. She was injured badly.
c. Why did Baleshwar disagree?
Ans. Airoli was 10 kms away. Roma needed treatment urgently.
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7. “What’s your name? Whom can I call?”

A) Who asked this question to whom?
Ans. Baleshwar asked this question to Roma.
b. Where was she?
Ans. In the back of the truck.
c. Do you think these questions were relevant that time? Why?
Ans. Yes, he was relevantly asked these questions because he wanted to inform about her
condition.

8. “Chacha, can I borrow your mobile?”

a. Who wanted the mobile?
Ans. Baleshwar
b. Who did he want to borrow from?
Ans. The tempo truck driver.
c. Why did he want the mobile?
Ans. To inform Roma’s brother, Dinesh about her accident.

9. “Oh ,I couldn’t thank him,” Baleshwar thought.”

A) Who do the words I and him refer to here?
Ans. The word 'I' refers Baleshwar and the word' him ' refers to the tempo-truck driver.
B) Why should he thank him?
Ans. He helped Baleshwar to take Roma to the hospital and he did all the necessary help to
rescue Roma.
C) Why couldn’t he thank him?
Ans. He slipped from the hospital having done all he could.

10. “I can’t imagine what would have happened if Baleshwar hadn’t been there.”
a. Who does ‘I’ refer to here?
Ans. Roma
b. Why was Baleshwar there?
Ans. Baleshwar was there to help Roma.
c. What would have happened if Baleshwar Mishra had not been there?
Ans. She would have bled to death on the tracks alone.

11. “I think it’s astonishing that a stranger would jump off a train and risk his life for me. I
can never repay Baleshwar.”
a. Who is the stranger here?
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Ans. Baleshwar Mishra

b. What was astonishing for the speaker?
Ans. The stranger Baleshwar Jumped off a moving train and risked his life for the speaker.
c. Why couldn’t she repay him?
Ans. He had done a great deed. He saved her life from dying.

12. “They fear getting trapped in the courts or with the police.”
a. Who does the word ‘They”’ refer to here?
Ans. The people of Mumbai.
b. Why do they fear?
Ans. They fear because they may have to go to the courts or police station.
c. What is the effect of the fear?
Ans. The effect is that nobody is ready to help others.

2. QUALITY OF MERCY - WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POEM.
 The poem ‘Quality of Mercy is written by William Shakespeare.
 Mercy is the greatest virtue.
 The quality of mercy is not forced.
 It is God gifted.
 It is like a shower of a gentle rain.
 Mercy is twice blessed.
 It blesses the giver and the taker.
 It is the mightiest emotion.
 The scepter, throne and crown of the king shows the temporal power of the king.
 But the quality of mercy is above all.
 Mercy is a divine quality

3. THE GENTLEMAN OF RIO-EN-MEDIO - JUAN SEDILLO..

KEY POINTS
- Don Anselmo lived in Rio en Medio.
- His house was small but attractive.
- He was a man of principles.
- He decided to sell his land to the Americans.
- The Americans were good people.
- He decided to sell the land for twelve hundred dollars.
- But the surveyor discovered the land was more than eight acre.
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- The Americans were ready to pay the extra amount.

- But the old man strongly refused to take the amount.
- Americans moved to the village.
- Later they complained that the children were overruling the property.
- The old man told that he planted a tree for each child born in the village.
- He told that he sold the land but not the trees.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS.

1. How do you say that Don Anselmo was a man of principles?.
Ans:- Don Anselmo was honest and refused to take extra amount from the Americans. He
gave respect to all in the office. He planted trees for the children.

2. Why did the Story teller offer double amount to the old man?
Ans:- According to the Surveyor, the land extended more than 8 acres. It was almost
double. So, the Story teller offered double amount to the old man.

3. Why did Don Anselmo decide to sell his land to Americans?

Ans:- The Americans were very kind and honest people. They wanted to be the neighbours
of the old man. So, he decided to sell the land to the Americans.

4. How do you say that Don Anselmo was a man of principles?

Ans:- Don Anselmo was honest and refused to take extra amount from the Americans. He
gave respect to all in the office. He planted treed for the children.

5. Why did the Story tell offer double amount to the old man?
Ans:- According to the Surveyor, the land extended more than 8 acres. It was almost
double. So, the Story teller offered double amount to the old man.

6. Why did Don Anselmo decide to sell his land to Americans?

Ans:- The Americans were very kind and honest people. They wanted to be the neighbours
of the old man. So, he decided to sell the land to the American.

7. Why do you think Americans wanted to buy Don Anselmo’s land?

Ans:- The orchard was big and beautiful. The house was old but attractive. It was in the
middle of Nature. So, they wanted to buy it.

8. Why did the Americans discover after the survey?

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Ans:- After the survey, the Americans discovered that Don Anselmo’s land was more than
Eight acres. It extended across the river.

9. Describe Don Anselmo’s appearance and the manner.

Ans:- Don Anselmo wore an old green faded coat. He wore the hand gloves. He wore a hat
too. He carried a cane with him. He was followed by a small boy.

10. Why did not the old man accept more money from the Americans?
Ans:-The old man did not want to accept more money because, he felt that he would be
insulted by the offer of more money. Above all he was a man of principles.

11. What did the Americans complain the story teller?

Ans:-The Americans complained the story teller that the children of the village were
running around the land. They were playing in the orchard. They were putting fences
around their play areas. They were plucking flowers and fruits from the trees. They laughed
at them.

12. Why do you think Don Anselmo did not sell the trees in the orchard?
Ans:-Don Anselmo planted a tree for every child. The trees in the orchard belonged to the
children. So, he sold the land but not trees.

13. How was the problem of ownership of trees was resolved by the Americans?
Ans:- Americans bought the trees in the orchard from the descendants of Don Anselmo. It
took a long time because they purchased trees from each individual of Rio en Medio.

RC QUESTIONS.
1. “It took months of negotiation to come to an understanding with the old man. He was in
no hurry. What he had the most of was time.”
a. Who is the old man here?
Ans: Don Anselmo
b. What was the negotiation about?
Ans: Selling of the old man’s land
c. Why do you think it took months to come to an understanding?
Ans: Because he was in no hurry to sell the land.

2. ‘The old man removed his hat and gloves carefully’

a. Who is the old man referred here?
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Ans: Don Anselmo.

b. Whose style did it remind the writer of?
Ans: Charlie Chaplin
c. How were his hat and gloves?
Ans: Old and torn.

3. “We have made a discovery”

a. Who does the word ‘We’ refer to here?
Ans: The story teller and The Americans
b. What did they discover?
Ans: They discovered that Don Anselmo owned more than eight acres of land.
c. What was the result of the discovery?
Ans: As a result, they offered Don Anselmo double the price of what they had quoted
earlier.

4. “These Americans are Buena guente”

a. Who said these words?
Ans: The story teller- Juan A.A. Sedillo.
b. What is the meaning of ‘Buena guente’ according to the context?
Ans: Good people.
c. Why did the speaker call Americans Buena guente?
Ans: After the survey, they were ready to pay twice the money they had quoted earlier.

5. He said, “I do not like to have you speak to me in that manner”

a. Who do the words I and you refer to here?
Ans: ‘I’ refers to Don Anselmo ‘you’ refers to the story teller.
b. What is the mood of the speaker?
Ans: He felt that he was being insulted and was angry.
c. What made him to react so?
Ans: The story teller told him that Americans offered him twice the money they had quoted
earlier for his land.

6. “I have agreed to sell my house and land for twelve hundred dollars and that is the
price?”
a. Who does the word ‘I’ refer to here?
Ans: Don Anselmo.
b. When did the speaker say this?
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Ans: When the Americans offered him double the price that had been quoted earlier for his
land.
c. What does this statement tell about the speaker?
Ans: The speaker was not greedy and he was a man of principles.

7. “I did not sell them the trees in the Orchard. The trees in that orchard are not mine.”.
a. Who said these words?
Ans: Don Anselmo.
b. Why didn’t he sell the trees in the orchard?
Ans: According to Don Anselmo the trees belonged to the children of Rio-en-Medio.
c. How did Don Anselmo defend his statement?
Ans: When a child was born in the village, a tree was planted and so the trees belonged to
the children of the village.

8.”When one signs a deed and sells real property one sells also everything that grows on
the land, and those trees,”
a. Who said this? To whom?
Ans: The author said this to Don Anselmo.
b. Who sold the property to whom?
Ans: Don Anselmo sold property to the Americans.
c. Why did he say so?
Ans: Don Anselmo said that he did not sell the trees on the orchard. This was not good
according to law.

9.”There was nothing we could do. Legally we owned the trees but the old man had been so
generous, refusing what amounted to a fortune for him”
a. Who were the legal owners of the trees?
Ans: The Americans
b. Who refused to take the money?
Ans: Don Anselmo
c .Why did he refuse to take more money?
Ans: He was a man of principles. He thought that trees belong to children and he did not
sell the trees.

10. “He lived up in Rio en Medio where his ancestors lived. He tilled the same land they had
tilled”
a. Who does “he” and “they” refer to?
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Ans: “He” refers to the old man, Anselmo. “They” refers to His ancestors.
b. What does the statement convey?
Ans: The statement conveys that Anselmo was the oldest man in the village, Rio en Medio.
c. What was the profession of the Old man?
Ans: Farmer.

11) “One day they came back to the office to complain. The children of the village were
overrunning their property”
a. Who complained to the office?
Ans: The Americans complained to the office.
b. What was their complaint?
Ans: Their complaint was that the Children of Rio en Medio were over running their
property.
c. What is the property referred to here?
Ans: The property refers to the land purchased by the Americans.

3.I AM THE LAND - MARINA - DE - BELLAGENTA

 The poem ‘I Am The land’ is written by Marina de Bellangenta.
 Earth is the speaker in the poem.
 She tells us that she waits with patience for all the activities of a man.
 People sing and dance on her.
 They shout, tackle, and till her.
 Sometimes people start war with guns.
 They put the fence around her.
 But the Earth Mother says that we cannot put a fence around the planet earth.
 She asserts herself that a man cannot take her.

1. “A chain-link necklace chokes me now.”

a) Who has put the chain link necklace?
Ans: The chain link necklace has been put by the people who own the land.
b) Who does „me‟ refer to?
Ans: Mother Earth
c) Why was the chain-link necklace put there?
Ans: People who owned the land wanted to protect their property from trespassers.

2. “Then someone tickles me, plants life fruit”.

a) What does ‘tickle’ mean in the context?
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Ans: Here ‘tickle’ means, ‘to plough the land’.

b) How is it tickled?
Ans: The land is tickled when the people plough the land, plant trees and grow fruits.
c) What is the mood of the speaker in the statement?
Ans: The mother earth watches patiently when the people plough the land, plant trees and
grow fruits
4. DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR - R. VENKATRAMAN
KEY POINTS
 Ambedkar was a voracious reader.
 He curtailed the daily needs and purchased the books.
 He purchased innumerable books.
 He devoted his life for the upliftment of the depressed.
 He was influenced by Mahatma Phule.
 He had a fair knowledge in law and legislation.
 He was made the chairman of a drafting committee.
 He gave fundamental rights to the citizens.
 He explained the importance of the three pillars of the state.
 He also explained the role of citizens.
 He was made the first law minister of independent India.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS.

1. How do you say that Dr. Ambedkar was a voracious reader?
Ans:- Dr. Ambedkar was very much interested in reading. He bought books by curtailing
the daily needs. He purchased 2000 old books in Newyork. He bought the books in 32
boxes from London.

2. How did the 14th Amendment to the U.S.A. Constitution Influence on Ambedkar?
Ans:- The 14th amendment to the U.S.A Constitution gave freedom to the black Americans.
He realized the same situation for the depressed classes in India. He decided to dedicate his
life for the upliftment of the depressed classes.

3. How did the work of Mahatma Phule influence Dr. B.R.Ambedkar?

Ans:- Mahatma Phule was a Social reformer. He tried to form a Classless society. He worked
hard for the progress and welfare of the woman. This influenced Ambedkar a lot.
 18

4. Why did Nehru choose Ambedkar as the law minister?

Ans:- Ambedkar had a profound knowledge in law and legislation. It was also a tribute to
his vision of social justice and his fight against social injustice.

5. What were the opinion of Buddha and Avvai regarding the caste division?
Ans:- According to Buddha, there are only two divisions. One who are noble and
wholesome and other is ignoble and unwholesome. According to Avvai one is charitable
who give and the Misers who do not give.

6. What are the significant observations of B.R.Ambedkar on the Constitution?

Ans:- The constitution is a fundamental document. It defines the position and power of the
three organs of the state, the executive, the judiciary and the legislature.

7. What made Dr. Ambedkar describe the Methods of civil disobedience, non- cooperation
and satyagraha as grammar of anarchy?
Ans:-The Methods of civil disobedience, non- cooperation Satyagraha are useless in a
democratic country, there will be loss of lives and public property.

8. How did Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar try to wipe out the caste discrimination in
India?
Ans:- Both the leaders Mahatma Gandhiji and Ambedkar tried their best to wipe out the
caste discrimination in India. Gandhiji reminded the higher castes of their duties towards
the depressed class. Ambedkar reminded the depressed classes of their inherent rights.

9. Why did Nehru describe Dr. Ambedkar as a Symbol of revolt?

Ans:- Before independence the social condition of the depressed classes was very bad. They
were treated inhumanly. But Babasaheb’s hard work and struggle improved their
conditions in the Society. So, he was described as symbol of revolt.

10. How can you say that after independence members of the scheduled caste have found
doors opened to them?
Ans:- The Members of the Scheduled caste, have no legal bar for self-expression and self-
advancement. They are enrolling themselves in all the fields. They entered in public
Services at the state and the centre level.
 19

11. Dr. Ambedkar raised it brick by brick. What did he raise?

Ans:- Ambedkar took the examples and experiences of other constitutions. HE realized the
needs and necessities of our society. He raised brick by brick the magnificent edifice which
means the fundamental rights in our constitution.

RC QUESTIONS.
1. “While he was in the U.S.A, he was drawn to the fourteenth amendment of the
constitution of the USA”
a. Who is the 'he'?
Ans: Dr.B.R Ambedkar.
b. What was the amendment?
Ans:The blacks in the USA were given freedom.
c. How was it affected on him?
Ans: This amendment made Ambedkar take up the task of improving the condition of
the Depressed Classes.

2. "He had an insatiable thirst for books."

a. Who is the 'He'?
Ans: Dr.B.R. Ambedkar.
b. How can you say that he had an insatiable thirst for books?
Ans: He bought books by curtailing his daily needs. He purchased many books wherever he
went.
c. What does ‘insatiable’ mean in the context?
Ans: That which cannot be satisfied.

3. "He was a voracious reader."

a. What does 'voracious' mean in the context?
Ans: Very eager for knowledge.
b. Who does the word 'He' refers to?
Ans: Dr.B.R. Ambedkar.
c. How long was he a voracious reader?
Ans: He was a voracious reader throughout his life.

4. "He bought so many books at the time of the Second Round Table Conference”
a) Who bought so many books?
 20

Ans: Dr.B.R.Ambedkar
b. Where was he when he bought these books?
Ans: He was in London.
c. How many boxes of books did he purchase?
Ans: He purchased 32 boxes of books.

5) "They brought about a veritable revolution in social thought"

a. Who were 'they'?
Ans: Dr.Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi
b. What 'revolution' is referred here?
Ans: The discrimination of caste system
c. How did they bring out revolution?
Ans: Gandhiji reminded the higher caste of their duty towards the depressed classes.
Babasaheb did the same by reminding the depressed class about their inherent rights.

6. "Dr.Ambedkar had a clear perception of the mutuality of the three pillars of the state"
a. Which are the three pillars of the state?
Ans: The legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
b. According to Dr.Ambedkar, how should the jurisdiction of each state be?
Ans: The jurisdiction of each should be clear and untrammeled.
c. What does ‘Perception' mean in the context?
Ans: Abiity to see, hear and understand.

7. In an interesting observation, he once described the methods of civil

Dis-obedience, non-cooperation and satyagraha as the "grammar of anarchy”
a. Who does 'he' refer to?
Ans: Dr.B.R.Ambedkar
b. When do these methods assume importance?
Ans: These methods assume importance in a struggle against a foreign rule.
c. Why does the speaker call these methods as "grammar of anarchy"?
Ans: If these methods are used in a democracy, there will be loss of lives and public
property.

8. "There are only two castes in the world, according to Avvai"

a. Who was Avvai?
Ans:Avvai was a Tamil poetess.
 21

b. What according to the speaker are the two castes?

Ans: According to Avvai, the only two castes in the world are the charitable (who give and
are superior) and the misers. (Who do not give and are inferior)
c. Which is superior and which is inferior?
Ans: The charitable are superior because they give whatever they have. The misers are
inferior because they do not help others.

9. "The British rulers exaggerated the caste distinctions and divided the people of India”
a. What policy did the British rulers follow to divide the people of India?
Ans:Divide and Rule
b. Why did they adopt this policy?
Ans:They wanted to have control over the Indians.
c. What does the word 'exaggerate' mean?
Ans:To describe something as greater or larger than really is.

10. "The purpose of a constitution is not merely to create the organs of the state
but to limit their authority”.
a. Who said this?
Ans: Dr.B.R.Ambedkar.
b. Which are the three organs of the state?
Ans: The legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
c. What would happen if no limits are imposed upon the authority of the organs?
Ans: If no limits are imposed on the authority of the organs, there would be complete
tyranny and oppression.

11. "Who colud have drempt that one born to a Mahar family would become not
only a Law Minister but also a Law Maker,"
a. Who is the 'one' referred to here?
Ans: Dr.B.R.Ambedkar
b. Who chose him to be the Law Minister?
Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru
c. Why was he chosen as the Law Minister?
Ans: He had skills in the field of law and legislation and also a tribute to his vision of social
justice.

12."I have no doubt whether we agree with him or not in many matter”
 22

a. Who said this?

Ans: Jawaharalal Nehru.
b. Who does ‘Him' refer to?
Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
c. When did the speaker say these words?
Ans: At the time Ambedkar's death.

13. "The only valid divisions are the division between those who are noble and wholesome
and those who are ignoble and unwholesome."
a. Who said these words?
Ans: The Buddha
b. When did he say these words?
Ans: About 2500 years ago
c. What does the word 'division' refer here?
Ans: The caste division

14. He described him as “A symbol of revolt"

a. Who made this statement?
Ans: Jawaharalal Nehru
b. Who is the symbol of revolt?
Ans: Ambedkar
c. When did he describe so?
Ans: When Babasaheb passed away, in December 1956, Jawaharlal Nehru made a moving
reference in the Lok Sabha.

4. THE SONG OF INDIA. - V.K.GOKAK

SUMMARY
 The Song Of India’ by Gokak, is in the form of dialogue between the poet and Mother
India.
 The poet wants to glorify Mother India through his song.
 He wants to sing about her natural beauty such as Himalayas, temples, rivers, and
oceans.
 But she wants him to sing a song about the lepers, beggars and helpless children.
 The poet wants to sing about the seers and the prophets who showed us to lead a
happy and healthy life.
 Mother India is sitting on the waves and writing ‘BOOK OF MORROW’ to wipe out the
sorrows of the people.
 23

TWO MARK QUESTIONS.

1. What does the poet wish to sing about India?
Ans-: The poet wishes to sing about the beauty of the snow-covered Himalayas, the three
oceans, the beauty of the morning, rock-cut temples, seers, prophets, soldiers and progress
of our country.

2. What does Mother India want the poet to sing about?

Ans-: The Mother India wants the poet to sing about the beggar and leper, dirt and filth,
hard workers, old people, helpless children, strikes and class war.

3. What, according to the poet are the signs of the development of modern nation?
Ans-: Dams, steel mills, the ship building yards, modern technology and atomic energy.

4. What is the contribution of seers and prophets, according to the poet?

Ans-: Seers and prophets have shaped the people and the society. Their knowledge and
experience are the guiding forces for the common people. They show people the right path
of life and how to live on this earth meaningfully.

5. Why is the poet ‘querulous’? What does he want to do?

Ans-: The poet is querulous because the motherland did not wish to listen a song about
physical features, temples, dams and lakes, technology of the nation. The poet wants to
sing a song that is pure and which will remain in memory forever.

6. What are the epics? Why does the poet call the temples as ‘epics’ in stone?
Ans-: Epics are the long narrative poems or stories narrating the deeds and adventures of
heroic or legendary figures or the past history of nation. Such pictures have been carved on
the walls of the temples. So the poet calls the temples the’ Epics in stone’.

7. What do the night, the sun god and the clear dawn represent?
Ans-: The night represents all sorrows and worries. The Sun God represents cancelling all
sorrow and the clear dawn shows the bright future.

8. How does the poet describe the mother’s anger? Name the figure of speech?
Ans-: The poet describes the mother’s anger as ‘that beat into my ears like gong’ The figure
of speech employed here is ‘simile’.
 24

9. How is the poet answered? Describe the vision.

Ans-: The poet, in the vision saw Mother India sitting on the waves to write the ‘ Book of
Marrow’. She foresaw a new ‘destiny’, a new bright future; The new future will arrive like a
‘clear dawn’ in which sorrows and worries will run away like a nightmare.

10. Identify the two speakers in the poem, "The song of India."
Ans-: The two speakers in the poem, The Song of India' are the poet V.K. Gokak and Mother
India.

11. Who does the poet mean by "Of your children that died to call their own"? Why does he
feel so?
Ans-: Here, the 'children' refers to the soldiers. They are the children of Mother India. They
fought against our enemies and sacrificed their lives to get freedom.

RC QUESTIONS.
1. “Shall I sing of your clear dawn with pure gold streaks?”
a) Who is the ‘I’?
Ans: The Poet
b) Who is he addressing?
Ans: Mother India
c) What does ‘clear dawn with pure gold streaks’ suggest?
Ans: It suggests that there is a bright future for India when sorrow will disappear and a
good life will dawn.

2. “Of your children that died to call you their own”

a) Who were these children?
Ans: Soldiers
b) Whose children were they?
Ans: They were the children of Mother India.
c) Why did they die?
Ans:They die for the country’s freedom and protection.

3. “Sing of wrinkled face indexing ignorance”

a) Who should sing this?
Ans: The poet
b) Who gives this suggestion?
Ans:Mother India
 25

c) What does ‘wrinkled face indexing ignorance’ mean?

Ans: It refers to the old people, the illiterate people of the country.

4. “On which she sat and wrote the book of morrow”

a). Who does she refer to?
Ans: Mother India
b). Where did she sit?
Ans:She sat on the throne of waves filled with a bright light.
c) What does ‘Book of Morrow’ mean here?
Ans:It refers to the future of the country.

5. “Querulous, I said: Is there no song that I can sing for you?’’

a) What is the meaning of ‘Querulous’?
Ans:Complaining
B ) Who was querulous?
Ans:The poet
c) What was the reason for this feeling?
Ans:The poet wanted to sing about the beauty and glorious history of our country but
mother wanted something different from him so he was querulous

5. CONCERT - SHANTHA RAMESHWAR RAO.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LESSON.
Anant was a cancer affected boy.
 He was very talented boy.
 He was a fast runner and a good tennis player.
 He played sitar and composed his own tunes.
 Anant and his family came to Mumbai to get the treatment.
 They lived in their aunt’s house.
 Once he came to know the concert of Pandit Ravishankar.
 He thought it was a chance of life time.
 Smita a caring sister of Anant wants to fulfill the wish of her brother.
 She requested the two great players to play for Anant.
 In spite of their busy time table they came to Anant’s house and performed for him.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS.

1. Why did Smitha get excited after reading the newspaper?
 26

Ans. Smitha got excited after reading the newspaper because it had the news of Pandit
RaviShankar’s music concert at the Shanmukhananda Auditorium the next day.

2. Why do you think the mother cautioned the girl?

Ans. Smitha’s brother, Ananth had been struck with cancer. He was very sick was lying on
the bed. So the mother cautioned Smitha not to disturb Ananth.

3. Why did Smitha’s family move to Bombay?

Ans. Smitha’s brother Ananth was suffering from cancer. They moved to Bombay, so that he
could be treated at the cancer hospital in the city.

4. For a moment, Smitha had forgotten something. What was it?

Ans. For a moment, Smitha had forgotten that Ananth was very ill and not in a position to
go to the concert.

5. In what way was the truth frightening to Smitha?

Ans. Though Smitha and her family had pretended Anant would get well, she had known
that Anant was going to die of cancer. This was frightening to Smitha.

6. Do you consider Ananth a talented boy? Justify your answer.

Ans. Yes, Anant was a talented boy. He was the best table - tennis player in the school and
the fastest runner. He was learning to play the Sitar and was already able to compose his
own tunes.

7. They had come with high hopes”, what hopes did Ananth’s parents have?
Ans. Ananth’s parents had high hopes in the miracles of modern science. They thought that
he would be cured. Then he could talk and run again and hoped that he would become a
great sitarist one day.

8. What did the doctors say to Ananth’s parents? Were they words of hope or words of
despair?
Ans. The doctors asked Ananth’s parents to take him home and give him whatever he liked.
They were the words of despair because his parents realized that he had not many days to
live.

9. Why were the neighbors surprised?

 27

Ans. The neighbors could not believe their eyes because they saw Pandit Ravi Shankar, the
Sitar maestro and Ustad Allah Rakha, the great tabla maestro arrived to the boy’s house.

10. Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha performed in the boy’s house. How was this
an unusual incident?
Ans. Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha were world famous musicians. In spite of
their busy schedule and high profile they visited the boy and performed for him.

11. Why do you think that Smitha’s mother cautioned her not to make noise?
Ans. Smitha on looking up the newspaper almost shouted with excitement. But her brother
Anant was ill and suffering from cancer. She cautioned her not to make noise so that he
could rest.

12. What was the chance of a lifetime for Anant?

Ans. Ananth was a music lover and was also learning to play sitar. Listening to Sitar
maestro’s music and attending his concert was the chance of life time for Anant.

13. ‘Suddenly a daring thought came to her’ what was the daring thought?
Ans. Smitha knew that her brother Anant was dying of cancer. She wanted to fulfill his wish.
So, she thought of going to the concert and request Pandit Ravi Shankar to perform for her
brother.

14. How did Smitha enjoy the concert?

Ans. Smitha was spellbound by the music. As the first notes came over the air, she felt as if
the gates of enchantment and wonder were opening. But every beat of Tabla reminded her
of Anant’s voice.

15. Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha performed in the boy’s house’ How was this
an unusual incident?
Ans. Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha were world famous musicians. In spite of
their busy schedule they visited the boy and performed for him.

16. As Smitha sat listening to the music, she was spellbound. But all the while, her mind was
echoing something else, what was that?
Ans. Smitha listened to the unfolding ragas, but all the while her mind was planning to
meet Ravi Shankar personally and share her feelings about her brother’s plight. She would
like to arrange for home concert for her brother.
 28

RC QUESTIONS
1. “You'll wake him up. You know he needs all the sleep and rest he can get.”
a. Who do the words you and he refer to here?
Ans: ‘You’ refers to Smita and ‘He’ refers to Anant.
b. Who said these words and why?
Ans: Smita’s mother said these words because Smita showed excitement after seeing the
announcement from the newspaper about the concert.
c. Why did he need rest?
Ans: He was suffering from cancer and had become very weak.

2. “We mustn't miss the chance “he said. I’ve-I’ve –always wanted to hear him and see
him.”
a. Who does the word ‘We’ refer to here?
Ans: Anant and Smita
b. What chance did the boy not like to miss?
Ans: The chance of attending Pandit Ravishankar's concert
c. Why did he not like to miss the chance?
Ans: It was a chance of a life time.

3. “Take him home. Give him the things he likes, indulge him”
a. Who said the above statement?
Ans: Doctors who were treating Anant
b. Why did they say so?
Ans: His condition grew worse and they knew that he had not many days to live.
c. Were these words of hopes and despair?
Ans: Despair.

4. “A walk in the park might make you feel better"

a) Who suggested a walk in the Park to whom?
Ans: Aunt Sushila suggested a walk in the park to Smita.
b) What were people doing there?
Ans: Walking, running, playing eating, feeding and doing exercises.
c. Why was the suggestion given to Smita?
Ans: Because Smita was in the sad mood.

5. “But they did not voice their fears”

a. Who does the word “They” refer to here?
 29

Ans: Anant’s parents

a. What did they fear?
Ans: Ananth had not many days to live.
c. How did they look after him?
Ans: They laughed, talked, spent time with him and fulfilled his every need.

6 “Enjoy yourself, lucky you!”

a. Who was considered as lucky?
Ans: Smitha
b. Why was she lucky?
Ans: She was going to attend the concert of Pandit Ravi Shankar.
c. When did speaker say like this?
Ans: When Smita was ready to go to the concert.

7. “Panditji is a busy man. You must not bother him with such requests.”
a. Who said these words to whom?
Ans: The Moustachioed man said these words to Smita.
b. What was the request made?
Ans: The request was made to Pandit Ravishankar to come to the house and play for Anant.
c. When was it said?
Ans: When she requested Pandit Ravishankar to come home and play for Anant.

8. "No, how can I? We’ve always done things together”

a. Who had done the things together?
Ans: Anant and Smitha
b. Why was not possible to do things together?
Ans: He had cancer and was confined to bed.
c. What does it show about the speaker?
Ans: Her love and concern for Anant.

9 “Tomorrow morning we perform for the boy”

a. Who would perform for the boy?
Ans: Pandit Rivishankar and Ustad Allah Rakha.
b. Why would they perform?
Ans: Because they understood the boy's pathetic condition through Smita.
c) Where would they perform?
Ans: At aunt Sushila’s apartment.
 30

10. “They could not believe their eyes. 'It is ......... It's not possible?' they said.”
a. Who could not believe their eyes?
Ans: Neighbours of Sushila
b. What couldn't they believe their eyes?
Ans: Pandit Ravishankar and Ustad Allah Rakha came to Aunt Sushila's house to play for
Anant.
c. Why could not they believe?
Ans: They thought they were great persons and could not come home and play for the boy.

11. “This is not the last time they are going to play.”
a. Who said these words to whom?
Ans: Anant’s mother said this to Anant.
b. What are they going to play?
Ans: The Sitar and The Tabla.
c. Why did the speaker say so?
Ans: Anant wanted to go to the concert but he was suffering from cancer.

5. JAZZ POEM TWO - CARL WENDALL HINES JR

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POEM.
- The poem,”Jazz Poem Two” is written by Carl Wendall.
- The musician was a pathetic figure.
-He was silent in speech but extraordinary in the music.
-He was black.
-His face was full of wrinkles and worries.
-His face was rough and unshaven.
- He wore old dress and torn shoes
- He held saxophone across his chest.
-Saxophone was supported by a wire coat hanger.
-He wanted to tell the gospel to the whole world.
- When he started to play the music he feels like a bird.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS.

1. Give a short description of the Jazz player
Ans. The Jazz player has wrinkled old face. He is unshaven and has a tired look. He wears a
faded blue shirt, old necktie and jacket. His shoes too are old and torn out.
 31

2. Why do you think the Jazz, player keeps her head down?
Ans. The Jazz player is a poor, old man. He has led a hard life. He is tired and keeps his head
down.

3. What message does the Jazz player want to convey?

Ans. The Jazz player wants to convey to the world that he is Black man who can draw
people towards him through his music.

4. How does the Jazz player change as he plays on the saxophone?

Ans. As the Jazz player starts to play on the Saxophone, he is no longer an old Black man. He
produces wonderful music and appears to be like a bird flying higher and higher.

5. How has the Jazz player held his instrument?

Ans. The Jazz player has held his instrument across his chest. It is supported by a wire coat
hanger from his neck.

6. ’He is no longer a man’ says the poet. Who else is he supposed to be if he is no longer a
man?
Ans. The Jazz player forgets everything when he plays the music to preach the world. At
that moment he feels like a bird which gathers his wings and flies higher and higher.

6. DISCOVERY - HERMAN OULD.

KEY POINTS.
 Columbus set out to discover the new world with 50 crewmates.
 He was a man of strong will power. He was young and energetic.
 He made up his mind not to return till he would discover the new world.
 The seamen became homesick. They want to return their homes.
 They asked Columbus to turn the ship back.
 But Columbus had a great faith in the God and he encouraged him.
 The seamen did not listen and co-operate him. They lost faith in him.
 The seamen plotted against him and attacked him. All seamen spoke against him.
 Pepe who was a devoted servant of Columbus stopped the seamen by spreading his
arms. He told them to kill him first.
 Columbus tolerated all the difficulties with a great patience.
 At last Columbus and his team saw a light and found a new world.
 32

RC QUESTIONS
1. "A good sailor knows his place" says Columbus to Diego”.
a. Was it a piece of advice or an indirect command?
Ans: An indirect command.
b. What was 'Diego's reaction?
Ans: Diego tried to suppress his anger and with a scowl went off.
c. Why did Columbus say so?
Ans: His claim was that only the captain had the right to appear on the quarter deck.

2."The Santa Maria will be lighter for his carcass".

a. Whose words was Pepe quoting here?
Ans: Guillermo lres.
b. What do the words reveal about the person who said them?
Ans: The speaker was so upset with Columbus that he wished he was dead.
c .What does the word carcass mean here?
Ans: Dead body

3. Here’s a keg o’ rum To Kingdom Come! The Devil laughs. But God is dumb!
a. Who sang this song
Ans: The seamen
b. What mood does this song convey?
Ans: The seamen who had been away from home for a long time had not sighted land.
The song shows that the seamen were desperate and discontent.
c. Why did they sing?
Ans: To show discontent and to keep their spirit.

4. "Your duty is to obey me as mine is to obey the Royal Sovereigns of Spain who sent
me'.
a. When did Columbus say these words to Guillermo?
Ans: Guillermo rebelled against Columbus and demanded that they should give up their
search for a new land.
b. What do these words prove?
Ans: These words prove that Columbus was not only a strong leader but was also loyal
and obedient towards his king and queen.
c. Why did the speaker say so?
 33

Ans: To calm the rebel of Guillermo and the seamen.

d. Who is the speaker here?
Ans: Columbus.

5. "Why should one man have lives of fifty in his hands?"

a. Who is the speaker?
Ans: Diego said these words to Pedro.
b. What does the speaker mean?
Ans: Columbus had no right to spoil their lives.
c. What made him to say so?
Ans: Diego and other Seamen were becoming impatient and they wanted to go home
and families.

6. "Mutiny is an ugly word, Sir"

a. Why did the speaker say these words?
Ans: Pedro asked him whether he was thinking of rebelling against Columbus.
b. In what way the word is ugly?
Ans: It is ugly because Mutiny' is a deed which leads to destruction.
c. Why did he say so?
Ans: Pedro thought that Diego and the Sea men were entertaining the Mutinous
thoughts.

7. "Discipline knows no buts" says Columbus.

a. When did Columbus say this?
Ans: When Francisco hesitated to obey his order to bring Guillermo.
b. What did Columbus mean to say by these words?
Ans: One should not hesitate to enforce discipline.
c. To what does the word discipline here refer to?
Ans: The rules and regulations that the sea men and others to follow on the ship.

8. "Captain, be careful sometimes they are desperate"

a . Who does the word ‘they’ refer to here?
Ans: The sea men.
b. Why did the speaker say these words?
Ans: Pepe tried to warn Columbus that there could be danger from them anytime.
 34

c. Why were they desperate?

Ans: They lost their patience as they left their family since many days back, they wanted
to go back to Spain.

9. "What! Does that child stand between me and death?"

a. Who is the child here?
Ans: Pepe
b.What had the child done?
Ans: The child (Pepe) stood at the foot of the stairs to protect him from being attacked
by the seamen.
c. Why did the speaker say so?
Ans: The seamen rushed towards Columbus to kill him but Pepe tried to protect him.

10. "They ought to stop that. The captain is always furious when he hears it."
a. Who should stop that?
Ans: The sailors should stop that.
b. What does 'it' refer to?
Ans: 'it' refers to the seamen's song.
c. Why is the captain furious to hear that?
Ans: The captain Columbus is furious to hear that because he did not like the attitude of
sailors.

11."There are limits to patience, sir."

a. Who lost his patience?
Ans: Diego lost his patience.
b. Who was he speaking to?
Ans: Diego was speaking to Pedro.
c .Why did he speak so?
Ans: He lost his patience and wanted to go back to Spain.

12."We're like bats trying to fly by day. It's time he gave way. Why should one man have
the lives of fifty in his hands?"
a. Who is compared to bats?
Ans: The seamen are compared to bats flying in the morning.
b. What did the speaker mean?
 35

Ans: The speaker meant that the seamen were forced to continue voyage.
c. Who had the lives of fifty in his hands?
Ans: Columbus had the lives of fifty in his hands.

13."I do not claim your confidence, sir."

a. Who does the word 'I 'refer to? Who is the 'sir 'here?
Ans:'I 'refer to Pedro. Columbus is the 'sir 'here.
b. What was his confident in?
Ans: He was his confident in his discovery.
c. What was reason for his not being confidence?
Ans: Because Pedro and other sea men were desperate and wanted to go back to Spain.

14."I prefer your company to theirs."

a. Whose company does the speaker prefer to?
Ans: The speaker prefers the company of Columbus.
b. Whose company does not he like? Why?
Ans: He does not like the company of the seamen because they were desperate and
horrible.
c. Who is the speaker? Ans: Pepe.
d .Why did he like his company?
Ans: He was the faithful servant of Columbus.

15. "They are simple men and must have their relaxation. We have not all your visions,
Captain.'
a. Who does the word 'they' refer to here?
Ans:'They' refers to the seamen.
B. Who was the captain? What were his visions?
Ans: Columbus was the captain. His vision was to discover the New World.
c. What were they doing for relaxation?
Ans: They were singing for relaxation.

16. "So far, I have discovered but one thing"

a. Who does the word 'I' refer to here?
Ans: Columbus
b. When did the speaker say this?
 36

Ans: When Columbus was disappointed with the behavior of seamen

c. What did he discover?
Ans: He discovered that ‘when a man is given a vision, he must follow it alone.’

17. "Cowards, Cowards! You will have to kill me first"

a. Who is the speaker and whom did he call cowards?
Ans: Pepe is the speaker. He called Guillermo and seamen as cowards.
b. When did the speaker say these words?
Ans: When the Seamen tried to attack Columbus.
c. What character does it reveal about the speaker?
Ans: Pepe was loyal and obedient to Columbus.

6. BALLAD OF THE TEMPEST. - JAMES. T FIELD.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POEM.
 The poem “Ballad of the Tempest” is written by James. T Field.
 It was dark and stormy night in winter. A ship was on the sea.
 Huge waves dashed against the ship and the roar of the sea filled the sailors with
fear.
 They crowded together in a cabin.
 Even the bravest among them could not sleep.
 They just sat in the darkness and prayed.
 As the storm continued, the captain too gave up hope and said that nothing could
save them.
 In the meantime, the captain's little daughter held his hand and told God protects
the people who are on the land and water.
 Her faith in God filled the sailors with a new hope.
 By morning, the storm cleared and they reached harbour safely.

EXTRACTS (RC QUESTIONS)

1. 'We were crowded in the cabin, Not a soul would dare to sleep'
a. Who does the word 'we' refer to here?
Ans: The sailors
b. Not a soul would dare to sleep-why was it so?
Ans: The sailors were afraid that the storm would destroy the ship and their lives.
c. What does the word 'cabin' mean?
Ans: Shelter for sleep or a room in the ship.
 37

2. “Tis a fearful thing in the winter to be shattered by the blast.”

a. What is referred to as a 'fearful thing'?
Ans: To be caught in a fierce storm at sea in winter is the fearful thing.
b. How did it affect the sailors?
Ans: The sailors lay awake saying a silent prayer in the dark.
c. Where did the fearful thing appear? What did it shatter?
Ans: The fearful thing appeared in the mid sea. It shattered the mast of the ship.

3 "We are lost!" The captain shouted.

a. Who does the word 'We' refer to here?
Ans: The captain of the ship and his crewmates
b. Why did he say so?
Ans: The storm was very fierce and the captain feared that the ship would be torn apart any
moment.
c. How did his daughter react to the situation?
Ans: His daughter remained calm. Holding her father's hand she asked if God could protect
them on land would he not protect them on sea

4. "Then we kissed the little maiden and we spake in better cheer."

a. Who was the little maiden?
Ans: The captain's daughter
b. Who does the word ‘we’ refer to here?
Ans: The sailors
c. Why did they kiss her?
Ans: The little girl brought back hope to the sailors by saying that God would protect them.
So, they kissed her.

5. “Isn’t God upon the ocean, Just the same as on the land?”
a. Who said these words?
Ans: Captain’s daughter
b. When did the speaker say these words?
Ans: When the captain shouted we are lost!’
c. What attitude of the speaker do these words show?
Ans: Faith in God
d. How did the statement reflect on the sailors?
Ans: They regained their faith, hope and confidence. They reached the harbour safely.
 38

7. COLOURS OF SILENCE.
KEY POINTS.
 Satish was a boy of eight.
 Once he went to Kashmir with his Family.
 While hiking he lost the balance and fell on a rickety bridge.
 As a result, he suffered with fever and ear infection.
 He could not hear the people properly.
 Due to his hearing problem, the school authorities could not keep him in the school.
 Satish felt helpless.
 His father brought many books for him to read.
 He became a voracious reader.
 One day he saw a bird which has restless energy.
 He developed interest in Painting.
 His father opposed this in the beginning but later he realized his talents and supported
him to become a great artist of India.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS

1. Why was Satish confined to bed? What was the worst thing for him? Why was it so?
Ans. After the accident, Satish’s legs became very weak, requiring several operations. He
frequently suffered from bouts of fever and infections of the ear. So he was confined to
bed. He was becoming deaf.

2. How did Satish meet with an accident?

Ans. On a holiday in Kashmir, Satish went hiking with his father and brother while crossing
rickety bridge over some rapids, his foot slipped and he fell into the rapids.

3. Satish didn’t want to go to a new school. What was the reason?

Ans. Satish didn’t want to go to a new school where he couldn’t talk to the other children,
where everyone would make fun of his deafness.

4. What did Satish see at the far corner of the garden? Why did it attract him?
Ans. Satish saw a bird at the far corner of the garden. Its restless energy attracted him.

5. What effect did the books he read have on Satish?

Ans. The books that Satish read were meant for adults. They left a deep impression upon
his sensitive mind. His own world was comfortable in comparison to the world outside.
 39

6. Describe the bird in the garden, which attracted Satish?

Ans. The bird had a long tail and black crest. It was restless and full of energy. Its eyes
moved here and there and its whole body seemed ever ready to fly.

7. How did the beautiful bird inspire Satish?

Ans. Satish stared at the bird for a long time. After it flew away he took out his note book
and pencil and made a sketch of the bird. He soon began to spend a lot of time making
different sketches.

8. Why was Satish’s father against drawing?

Ans. Satish’s father felt that artists do not make much money. He wanted a bright future for
his son. He thought that it is possible only by studying hard. He thought drawing as waste of
time.

9. Satish’s father accepted that his son’s destiny lay in canvas and paint. What did he
promise to do? How did Satish express his gratitude?

Ans. Satish’s father promised to find out the best school of arts so that Satish could make
his life in the field of his choice. Satish’s eyes filled with tears and he hugged his father
tightly.

10. Why was the school Satish going kept him out of the school?
Ans. Due to his frequent absence and his hearing problem, the school he was attending till
then, kept him out of the school. They forced Avtar Narain to look for a new school.

11. Why didn’t Satish want to go to a new school?

Ans. Satish didn’t want to go to a new school because he couldn’t talk to the other children,
where everyone would make fun of his deafness.

12. What made Avtar Narain angry?

Ans. Every school didn’t want Satish to educate as he was not able to hear. They treated his
son as dumb and asked Avtar Narain to look for other school. So he was angry.

13. Why did Satish’s father make expeditions to school? Was he successful?
Ans. Satish was frequently absent from the school and he had hearing problem. So every
school did not want him to admit. So, Avtar Narain had to make expeditions to schools.
 40

14. How did Satish’s brother Inder try to help him?

Ans. Satish’s brother Inder sat for hours with him and talked to hear him, teaching him
words and pronunciation. He and his father spent time with him every day, talking to him
trying to teach him things.

15. What did satish see at the far corner of the garden? Why did it attract him?
Ans. Satish at the far corner of the garden saw a bird with a long tail and a black crest.
Satish was attracted by its restless energy .Its eyes kept darting. it's whole body was ready
for flight any moment.

16. What was Satish unable to believe? Why?

Ans. One day Satish’s father sat beside him and put his hand on Satish’s shoulder. Then
Satish was unable to believe his father who was not angry with his painting. His father
brought him the colours, brushes and canvas.

17. How did Satish express his gratitude to his father?

Ans: Satish’s eyes were filled with tears. He hugged his father tightly. His heart was full of
love for his stern father who had at last accepted that his destiny was in canvas and paint.

7. BLIND BOY - COLLEY CIBBER

The Blind Boy (for memorization)
O say what is that thing call’d light,
Which I must ne’er enjoy.
What are the blessings of the sight,
O tell your poor blind boy!
You talk of wondrous things you see,
You say the sun shines bright;
I feel him warm, but how can he
Or make it day or night?
My day or night myself I make,
When’ver I sleep or play;
And could I ever keep awake
With me ‘twere always day.
With heavy sighs I often hear
You mourn my hapless woe;
But sure with patience I can bear
 41

A loss I ne’er can know.

Then let not what I cannot have
My cheer of mind destroy :
Whilst thus I sing, I am a king,
Although a poor blind boy.

8. SCIENCE AND THE HOPE OF SURVIVAL – KEILLIS BOROK

KEY POINTS
 Scientists take science as an exciting adventure and gets reward from the discovery.
 Keillis Borok a scientist was doing research on the theory of the seismic waves.
 The president of the Russian Academy of Science summoned all three super powers to
a meet in Geneva.
 The three super powers UK, USA, and USSR signed an agreement to stop the test of
nuclear weapon.
 But there was a possibility that, one of them could secretly conduct a test. Detecting
the violation was the problem.
 As Borok was doing research on the Seismic waves, it turned out that the problem had
a direct connection with the theory of Seismic waves.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS.

1. According to the author why do some people choose to become scientists though they
may not earn much money?
Ans. According to the author, some people choose to be scientists because they cannot live
without science. Their discovery brings the reward. Instead of money, they enjoy freedom,
discovering the mysteries of nature and teamwork.

2. Why did the super powers meet in Geneva?

Ans. The three super powers wanted to come to an agreement -ban on the nuclear weapon
test. They met in Geneva to discuss the problems that could arise as a result.

3. ”Technical experts were summoned to solve the problem that arose” What was the
problem?
Ans. The nuclear powers wanted to sign an agreement to stop the test of nuclear weapons.
There was a possibility that, one of them could secretly conduct a test. Detecting the
violation was the problem.

4. How can you prove that scientists are the most practical people in the world?
 42

Ans. It is through the work of the scientists that we have medicines, electronics, new
sources of energy, modes of transport and the green revolution. This proves that scientists
are the most practical people.

5. What did Borok learn at the Geneva Summit?

Ans. He learnt that there were people all over the world, who thought and acted the way
he did. So he never felt lonely abroad. He also realized that while there was science there
was hope for the survival of mankind.

6. According to the author why do some people choose to become Scientists?

Ans. Some people choose to be scientists because they cannot live without science.
Discovery is their reward. They enjoy team work, independence and the joy of uncovering
one of the mysteries of Nature.

7. How could Kellis Borok help to solve the problem?

Ans. The scientist was doing research on the theory of seismic waves. It turned out that the
problem had a direct connection with the theory of seismic waves.

8. How does basic science help one’s career?

Ans. The knowledge of basic science give us new sources of energy, mineral deposits,
efficient defense from terrorism, cure from cancer and new forms of transportation.

8. OFF TO THE OUTER SPACE TOMORROW MORNING - NORMON NICLOSON.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POEM.
 The poem,” Off to the outer space tomorrow morning is written by Normon Nicloson.
 The poet is leaving to space the next morning
 He tells everyone to cross out his name in telephone book and take a last look at him
 There would be no day and night in the space.
 There would be no change of seasons in space
 The tea cups revolve because there is no gravitational force in the space.
 Nobody visits or writes to him. There would be no letters and no mails.
 People on the earth watch the astronaut on television or track him through their
telescope.
 But the astronaut would not care any of this. He would be in his own world in space.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS.

 43

1. As the astronaut is flying out of the earth he has doubts about his return. How does he
convey this?
Ans. He says that people of the earth could start the count down and take a last look at
him. they could cross out his name from their telephone book. This shows his doubt about
returning.

2. The poet says “calendar and clocks” are useless in space. Give reason.
Ans. In space, there would be no day and night and there would be no seasons. So there
would be no need for any calendar or clock.

3. The speaker has the feeling that he is imprisoned. Why did poet feel like this?
Ans. The poet would be alone in his capsule. Nobody would visit him or talk with him. He
would not write or receive any letter. So he was in like solitary confinement.

4. The speaker says, ‘Tea cups circling around me like planet around the sun’. Why does it
happen only in space and not on the earth?
Ans. On the earth there is a force of gravity, so things don’t fly. In space, there is no force of
gravity, so things are circling around.

5. How would people on the earth watch astronaut? Would it affect him in any way?
Ans. People on the earth watch the astronaut on television or track him through their
telescope. But the astronaut would not care any of this. He would be in his own world in
space.

6. Give some instances of daily routine mentioned in the poem?

Ans. Daily routine mentioned in the poem are writing mail, posting mail, people visiting
others, milkman knocking door in the morning. In the space the speaker can’t do all in the
space as he is alone in space.

1. “There won’t be any calendar, there won’t be any clock;

a. Where is the speaker experiencing this? Ans: Space
b. Why will there be no calendars or clocks? Ans. : There is no concept of time while flying
through space. So there are no calendars or clocks.

2. “There won‟t be any calendar, there won‟t be any clock”.

a. Who has made this statement? Ans: The poet Norman Nicholson.
b. Where is the speaker experiencing this? Ans: In space
 44

c. Why will there be no calendars or clocks? Ans: There is no concept of time or day and
night in space. So there is no need for calendars or clocks.

3. „With the teacups circling round me like the planets round the Sun‟.
a. Where does the speaker experience this? OR Where does this happen? Ans: In outer
space.
b. Why does the speaker have the above feeling? OR Why would the poet feel so?
Ans: The earth has the force of gravity, but in space, there is no gravitational force. Hence
the poet says the teacups would fly around him like the planets in an orbit around the sun.

4. I‟m off to outer space tomorrow morning? a. Who is off to outer space? Ans: The
speaker/the poet
b. Why is this above line repeated several times in this poem? Ans: The poet would be
alone in a world of his own. To emphasis his loneliness this above line is repeated

5. “In solitary confinement as complete as any gaol.”

a. What is referred to as „solitary confinement‟? OR What two aspects are compared in the
line? Ans: Life in the spaceship is referred to as solitary confinement.
c. Why does the speaker say so?
Ans: The speaker uses this comparison to highlight the fact that he is going to be totally cut
off from the world.

TWO MARKS QUESTIONS ON SUPPLEMENTARY READING.

1. THE NARAYANPUR INCIDENT. ( 2 Marks)
1) Why had the students been marching? How was it an unusual march?
• The students were marching to protest against the British rule. They wanted to give notice
to the collector.
• They wanted British to quit India.
• The march was unusual because there were no slogans and no shouts. It was a silent
March
2) Babu and Manju were a bit disappointed with the way students were marching. What
was the reason?
• Manju and Babu thought that the students should have protested.
• But the March was in silent. There were no shouts and slogans.
• The March ended peacefully without any voilence.
 45

3) What had the police expected about the way of protest? How did the student’s leader
manage the protest?
• The police had expected that the students would protest and be violent.
• They then would have to beat them up and put them in jail.
• The student leaders knew this and they held a silent march.

4) What was there in the ‘mysterious parcel? What suspicious did the police have about
that?
• The mysterious parcel was a ‘cyclostyling’ machine.
• This was used by protestors to make copies of Gandhji’s speech.
• They wanted to distribute among Indians.
• The police also suspected this.

5) Why did Patil, the sub-inspector come to Mohan’s house? Who believed him? What was
the result?
• Patil and Sub- inspector came to Mohan’s house to give a warning about the raid of police
on their house.
• He asked to give the Cyclostyle Machine.
• Mohan’s mother believed him and allowed him to take away all these things.

6) What do you think is the writer of the incident trying to impress upon the readers?
• People wanted to fight against the British and get freedom.
• Some Indians were working for the British but they were waiting for them to quit India.
• These people helped the freedom fighters secretly.

7) How do you say that Mohan‘s mother was also supporting for the students struggle?
• Mohan and his friends brought the cyclostyle machine.
• Mohan‘s mother asked them to keep it in the Puja room.
• When the sub Inspector came to their house, she acted as if everything was normal.

2. THE GREAT MARTYR EVERCHERISHED. ( 2 Marks)

1) What did Hanif chose as his mission? Why did he do so?
Hanif knew that life for him was short. He wanted to serve the nation. Therefore he joined
Indian Army as a soldier. He believed that a person working for the nation could change
lives.

2) Life for Hanif in the beginning was never a smooth sail. Why was it so?
 46

• Hanif lost his father when he was just eight years old.
• His mother a vocal artist was out very often with the performance wing.
• Therefore he became very responsible at a tender age.

3) The absence of mother from home taught the children something. What was that?
• They got up early on their own and got ready for school.
• They do their work independently.
• They learnt that one’s duty is very important to come up in life.

4) How does the writer describe the ‘introvert’ Hanif?

• Hanif began to make his friends at his fourteen years of age.
• He would often go out of his way to help people.
• By doing so, he felt happiness and joy.
• The Seniors appreciated Hanif’s helping nature.

5) What was Hanif’s experience in I.M.A training for six months?

• Hanif felt that training was very tough.
• He had to take cold water bath at midnight. • The gentle Hanif was a changed man.

6) How was life for Hanif always ‘ ekdam bindas’? Or Hanif was a young man with varied
talents and interest. Explain.
• Hanif dabbled in art.
• He sketched very well.
• He made beautiful cards out of waste material.
• He reads books and loved playing the drums.

7) What were dreams of Hanif? Do you think they were fulfilled?

• Hanif had dreamed that he would rise up the ranks.
• This dream could not be fulfilled because he was killed in the Kargil war.
• His dream was that a post be named after him.
• Those dreams came true when the sub-sector was named after his name.