LADY K. C.

ROY MEMORIAL SCHOOL

TENDAR, RATU, RANCHI
AFFILIATED TO CBSE, NEW DELHI
(2025-2026)
SUMMER HOLIDAY HOMEWORK
CLASS – XII
SUBJECT- ENGLISH

UNSEEN PASSAGE

1.As a young adult, life can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Juggling among school, work, social life, and other responsibilities, it can
be easy to feel alone and disconnected from the world around us. Dogs are the ultimate companions for anyone looking to alleviate stress
and we will explore many reasons why dogs make the best companions for young adults.

2.Unconditional love : Dogs are known for their loyalty and love for their owners , no matter what. They don’t just judge us, criticize us , or hold
grudges against us. No matter how flawed or imperfect we may be, our dogs will always love us unconditionally. This kind of unwavering
support and affection can be incredibly comforting for young adults struggling to find their place in the world.

3.Social connection : Dogs are great ice-breakers and conversation starters. Whether you are walking them in the park, taking them to the
dog beach, or simply hanging out at home, dogs have a way of bringing people together. For young adults who may feel isolated or
disconnected from their peers, having a dog by their side can be a great way to connect with others and form new friendships.

4.Increase physical activity : Dogs require regular exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. This means that young adults who own dogs are
more likely to engage in physical activity themselves. Whether its going for a run, playing frisbee, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, getting out
with your dog can be a great way to boost your mood and energy levels.

5.Emotional support : Dogs are also great emotional support animals for those struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety and
depression. Their presence alone can provide a sense of calm and comfort, and their ability to sense their owners emotions can be incredibly
comforting. For young adults dealing with mental health challenges, having a dog as a companion can be a life-changing experience.

6.Improve responsibility and self-care : Owning a dog also comes with a great deal of responsibility and self-care. Dogs require regular feeding,
grooming, exercise, and attention, which can be a great way for young adults to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline.
Additionally, having a dog as a companion can encourage young adults to take better care of themselves, such as making sure they get enough
sleep, eat healthy, and engage in regular exercise.

7.For all these reasons and more, dogs make fantastic companions for young adults. Whether you are looking for emotional support, social
connection, increased physical activity , or simply someone to love and be loved by, a dog can provide all these things and more. So the next
time you’re stressed or overwhelmed, consider a furry friend to take on the world with you.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :

i) What is the significance of owning a dog for a young adult who is striving for acceptance in society? 1
A) It means increased physical activity. B) It builds a sense of responsibility.
C)It helps young adults get more sleep. D)It is a source of unconditional love.
ii)A dog can encourage its owner to lead a healthier life by ________.
Complete the above sentence appropriately, in about 40 words, with a characteristic or description.2
iii)Share evidence from the text, in approximately 40 words, to support the view that dogs provide a sense of calm and comfort to those
struggling with mental health issues. 2

iv)Explain in about 40 words the statement that dogs are great ice-breakers. 2
v)Which of the following activities help(s) young adults, owning a dog, build their sense of responsibility and self-discipline ? 1
A)walking the dog daily B)feeding it regularly
C)engaging the services of a dog trainer D)Both (A) and (B)
vi)What does this article aim to do ? 1
A)Explain the benefits of owning a dog. B)Provide advice on how to get a dog.
C)Discuss how to take proper care of a dog. D)Describe the experiences of dog owners.
vii)Select the option that is similar in meaning to the phrase ‘take on the world’. 1
A)Travel the world B)Accept a responsibility C)To be pessimistic D)Have a global outlook
Viii) What does the underlined part in the sentence “consider finding a furry friend to take on the world with you “ refer to? 1
IX) What is the tone of the article ? 1
A)critical but supportive B)indifferent and bored C)positive and informative D)humorous and casual
CREATIVE WRITING
NOTICE WRITING

1. There is going to be an inter-section debate for all the students of Class XII on the topic ‘Tobacco companies should not sponsor
sports events’. As the cultural secretary, draft a notice providing all relevant details in not more than 50 words.
2. You are Krrish, a student of Class XII. You have lost an expensive watch in the school premises. Draft a notice to be put up on the
school notice board giving details of the watch and offering a suitable reward. Use not more than 50 words.
3. As president of the student’s council of your school, write a notice is not more than 50 words asking the students of your school to
donate old clothes, books and bags for the Anubhav Shiksha Kendra, a school for the underprivileged being run on your school
premises.
4. The Hindustan Times Pace Programme is planning to hold fun-filled workshops on candle making and clay modelling for all Class X-XII
students on Children’s Day in the school. As Keni Pinto, the Head Boy, write a notice informing students about it. Include necessary
details and write the notice is not more than 50 words.
5. The event management company, Altitudes Expeditions, has organised an Adventure Trip of Sitlakhet in the summer vacations for
interested students of Classes VIII and IX. As president of the Excursions Committee, write a notice in not more than 50 words
informing students about the trip and inviting them to join.

JOB APPLICATION

1. Bal Vidya Public School, Bhilai, urgently requires a post-graduate teacher to teach political science for which they have placed an
advertisement in The Bhilai Express. You are Sanjay/Sanjana Sharma from 21, Vasant Marg, Bhilai. Draft a letter including a CV,
applying for the advertised post.(120 – 150 words)
2. M/s Tenant Technologies, Gurugram, Haryana has advertised on Jobs.com some positions of Web-content Managers. Write a job
application to offer your services. Express your willingness to work with them and invent all the other necessary details. Enclose your
Bio- data as well.
3. You are Arjun of 14, New Town, Delhi. You have seen an advertisement in The Times of India for the post of Chief Chef in a 5-Star
Hotel. Apply for the job with complete biodata. Write in 125-150 words.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

1. People have adapted to wearing face masks as a ‘new normal’. But most of them do not know how to dispose of them properly.
Spread awareness regarding the disposal of protective masks by writing a letter to an editor of a popular newspaper.
2. You are Naresh / Nandini of Safdarjung, New Delhi. You are deeply saddened by the attacks on elderly persons who live alone. Write
a letter to the editor of ‘The New India News’ making people aware of the authorities to guarantee that such attacks do not occur.
3. You are Neena / Navin, a student of Max Public School, Mumbai. You are concerned about the lack of awareness around animal
rights. Write a letter to the editor about the need to raise awareness about animal rights among the public.

INVITATION AND REPLY

1. Write an invitation in not more than 50 words to your friend Rameshwari to spend her winter break with you in Mumbai. You are
Puja/Puneet of 25, M.G. Road, Mumbai.
2. On 30th November, your school is going to hold its annual sports day. You want Mr. Dhanraj Pillai, a noted hockey player to give away
the prizes to the budding sportspersons of the school. Write a formal invitation in about 50 words requesting him to grace the
occasion. You are Karuna/ Karan, Sports Secretary, Sunrise Global School, Agra.
3. You are Dr. Stanzin, a certified art therapist from Leh. You have been invited by G. D Public School, Jammu, to conduct a seminar for
students on ‘Art Therapy the Way Forward”. This seminar is to introduce students to the usefulness of art dealing with personal and
social problems. Write your reply, in about 50 words accepting the invitation.
4. As Secretary of the Literary Club of St. Anne’s School, Ahmedabad, draft a formal invitation in not more than 50 words for the
inauguration of the club in your school.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE (30-40 words)

THE LAST LESSON

Q. 1. What was the mood in the classroom when M. Hamel gave his last French lesson?
Q. 2. What had the narrator counted on to enter the school?
Q. 3. “This is your last French lesson.” How did Franz react to this declaration of M.Hamel?
Q. 4. “What a thunder clap these words were to me!” Which were the words that shocked and surprised little Franz?
Q. 5. What changes came over little Franz after he heard M.Hamel’s announcement?
Q. 6. What was tempting Franz to keep away from school that morning’?
Q. 7. What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress and behaviour on the day of his last French lesson?
Q. 8. Why had the bulletin-board become a centre of attention during the last two years?
Q. 9. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for the school that day?
Q. 10. What had been put up on the bulletin board?
Q. 11. Who did M.Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz?
Q. 12. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What does this tell us about the attitude of the Frenchmen?
Q. 13. What did Franz see when he passed the town hall?
Q. 14. “What announcement did M. Hamel make? What was the impact of this on Franz?
Q. 15. What did M. Hamel tell the people in the class about French language? What did he ask them to do and why?
Q. 16. Why were the elders of the village sitting in the classroom?
Q. 17. What changes did the order from Berlin cause in the school?
Q. 18. How did M.Hamel say farewell to his students and the people of the town?
Q. 19. What were Franz’s regrets after M. Hamel’s announcement of his last lesson?
Q. 20. What change was there in Franz’ attitude towards M. Hamel?
Q. 21. Why did M. Hamel not scold Franz when the latter fumbled with the rule for the participle?
Q. 22. How different did M.Hamel look that particular morning in ‘The Last Lesson’?
Q. 23. What was M.Hamel’s regret on the day of the last lesson?
Q. 24.What did M. Hamel tell them about the French language? What did he ask them to do and why?
Q. 25.What was the order from Berlin and what changes did it cause in the school?
Q. 26.Why did Franz think of running away from the school that morning?
Q. 27. How different was the scene in the classroom on the day of the last lesson?
Q. 28.When Franz reached his school, what unusual situation did he observe?
Q. 29.After sitting down at his desk what unusual things did Franz observe about M. Hamel?
Q. 30.“But the thing that surprised me most was to see...”. What surprised Franz most in the class?
Q. 31. How did M.Hamel display his love for the French language?
Q. 32. Whom did M.Hamel blame for Franz’s inability?
Q. 33.What words did M. Hamel write on the blackboard before dismissing the last class? What did they mean?
Q. 34. Who were sitting on the back benches during M. Hamel’s last lesson? Why?
Q. 35. Why the order from Berlin is called a thunderclap by Franz?
Q. 36. Why does M. Hamel reproach himself for his students’ unsatisfactory progress in studies?
Q. 37. What made M. Hamel cry towards the end of his last lesson?
Q. 38. What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress on his last day in the school?
Q. 39. Who occupied the back benches in the classroom on the day of the last lesson? Why?
Q. 40. Why did M. Hamel write ‘Vive La France’ on the blackboard?
Q. 41. “We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with”, said M. Hamel. Comment.
Q. 42. How is the title ‘The Last Lesson’ appropriate?
Q. 43. How were the parents and M. Hamel responsible for the children’s neglect of the French language?
Q. 44. Why was Franz not scolded for reaching the school late that day?
Q. 45. What did Franz wonder about when he entered the class that day?
Q. 46. If this had been M. Hamel’s first lesson, how do you think the school experience of the students might have been impacted?
LONG ANSWER TYPE (120-150 words)

Q. 47. What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson? What impact did it have on them? Why?

Q. 48. How different from usual was the atmosphere at school on the day of the last lesson?

Q. 49. Everybody during the last lesson is filled with regret. Comment.

Q. 50. Our language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. Describe how regretful M.Hamel and the village elders are for having
neglected their native language, French.

Q. 51. Our native language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. How does the presence of village elders in the classroom and
M.Hamel’s last lesson show their love for French?

Q. 52. Describe the atmosphere in the class on the day of the last lesson.

Q. 53. The people in this story suddenly realize how precious their language is to them. What shows you this? Why does this happen?

Q. 54. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”

After reading the chapter, you realise that man has an intense desire to subjugate others. You feel that in the modern world, there is a strong
need for brotherhood. Write an article in about 120-150 words for a national magazine on this.

Q. 55. ‘My Last French Lesson! Why I hardly knew how to write! I should never learn any more! I must stop there, then!

The problem of school dropouts and illiteracy / backwardness still plagues our country. What qualities on the part of the administration,
educationists and youth do you think will help to surmount this hurdle?

Q. 56. After reading ‘The Last Lesson’, can you compare any of your teachers with M Hamel? What values did he possess that every teacher
should be endowed with? Was he a patriot? Are you a true patriot? Explain.

Q.57. Though tempted by the bright day, Franz stated that he had “the strength to resist, and hurried off to school.” As the story progresses,
the reader realizes that Franz, M. Hamel and the villagers would perhaps need “the strength to resist” much larger forces. Discuss how the
story provides strategies for resistance and protection of one’s identity and community through its events and characters. Provide relevant
textual details to support your argument.

Q.58. Little Franz is the narrator of the story. The name ‘Franz’ means ‘from France’. In what way does the story being told as a first-person
narrative of Franz impact your reading and understanding of the story? Provide at least one evidence from the text to support your opinion.

Q.59. At the end of his last lesson, M. Hamel decides to leave a little note for each of his students for them to find the next day at their desks.
Based on your reading of the story, what might his note to Franz read?

You may begin like this:

Dear Franz,

I know you have always preferred to run in the open fields …

Q.60. Though tempted by the bright day, Franz stated that he had “the strength to resist, and hurried off to school.” As the story progresses,
the reader realizes that Franz, M. Hamel and the villagers would perhaps need “the strength to resist” much larger forces. Discuss how the
story provides strategies for resistance and protection of one’s identity and community through its events and characters. Provide relevant
textual details to support your argument.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE (30-40 words) LOST SPRING

1.Seemapuri is a place on the periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it metaphorically. Justify this statement.
2.Through the years rag picking has acquired the ‘proportion of a fine art’ in Seemapuri. Justify the statement.
3.Does rag picking mean the same thing for parents and children? Give reasons for your answer.
4.Why was not Saheb happy on getting a job?
5.Why don’t the bangle makers of Firozabad organise themselves?
6.What is Saheb looking for in the garbage dumps? Where is he and where has he come from?
7.What explanations does the author offer for the children not wearing footwear?
8.What makes the city of Firozabad famous?
9.Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangle industry?
10.What is the theme of ‘Lost Spring’?
11.‘Savita is a symbol of innocence and efficiency’. Comment.
12.Bring out the irony in Saheb’s name.
13.What forces conspire to keep the workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty?
14.Why does the author describe children of the slums as partners in survival?
15.How does Mukesh’s grandmother view the family occupation of bangle making and its poverty?
16.How has being born in the caste of bangle makers become both a destiny and a curse?
17.Describe the atmosphere in glass furnaces. How can working there affect the young children?
18.Why are the people of Firozabad averse to cooperative movement?
19.Where does the narrator encounter Saheb every morning?
20.Explain the use of literary devices in the sentence, “An army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds and disappear at noon”.
21.Why do slums like Seemapuri mushroom around big cities?
22.Despite being refugees how do people in Seemapuri have ration cards?
23.Why does the author describe children of the slums as ‘partners in survival’?
24.Describe the condition of children in slums considering the author’s perception of them as ‘partners in survival ‘.
25.Saheb wanted to be the master of his own destiny. Comment.
26.How are the tennis shoes a dream-come-true for Saheb?
27.Describe the atmosphere in glass furnaces. How can working there affect the young children?
28.Is Mukesh’s sister-in-law’s life different from that of Mukesh’s?
29.What has Mukesh’s father achieved in life despite years of hard back-breaking labour?
30.Describe the contrast that Anees Jung brings out between Saheb and the son of the priest.
31.‘Survival in Seemapuri means rag picking’. Elucidate.
32. Why can’t the bangle-makers break their ‘God-given lineage’?
33.‘Little has moved with time in Firozabad’ says Anees Jung. Why does she say so?
34.‘I see two distinct worlds…’ says Anees Jung. Draw a contrast between the two.
35.Justify the title ‘Lost Spring’.
LONG ANSWER TYPE (120-150 words)

36.For most women, bangles are dreams in glass but for bangle makers of Firozabad they are a vicious circle they cannot wriggle out of.
Comment.
37.‘The beauty of the glass bangles of Firozabad contrasts with the misery of people who produce them.’ Mention the hazards of working in
the glass bangle industry. Discuss the endless spiral of poverty, apathy, greed and injustice present there.
38.“But promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.” What does the writer mean?
39.What change do you find in Saheb’s life when he stops ragpicking and starts working at a tea-stall?
40.Describe the bangle makers of Firozabad. How does the vicious circle of the sahukars and? middlemen never allow them to come out of a
web of poverty?
41.How, in your opinion, can Mukesh realize his dream?
42.Why should child labour be eliminated and how?
43.Like all children of his age, Saheb also has many hopes and dreams. Do you think children like Saheb are able to fulfil their dreams? Why?
44.Slums are the ugly underbelly of all big cities the world over. Describe the contrasting world of ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ treading these two
worlds.
45.Politicians exploit all people and situations to their benefit. Comment, keeping in view the situation of refugees in Seemapuri.
46.Why is Mukesh’s dream of learning to drive a car likened to a mirage?
47.What is a Cooperative movement? Why does Anees suggest to bangle makers to form a cooperative?
48.Why does a young child of a bangle maker accept his destiny without question or rebellion?
49.The author observes that ‘daring is not part of the children’s growing up’. What does this tell you about the mental suppression and apathy
among the children?
50.Describe the author’s visit to Mukesh’s house.
51.“Saheb and Mukesh are brothers in penury and suffering.” Discuss.
52.How is Mukesh more ambitious in life than Saheb? Give a reasoned answer.
53.‘Lost Spring’ by Anees Jung brings out the condition of children in India. Even after sixty-five years of independence we have children who
do not go to school, work in inhuman conditions and live in slums. As a nation we have somewhere failed in our duty. What values do we need
to inculcate among the people of this nation in order to bring back the ‘spring’ in the lives of these children. Value Points: -

Strong will to ensure that all children get basic education

– A sense of commitment
- Wanting to help children
- Say no to child labour
- To do something for the society

Textual Input Mukesh, Savita and Saheb are victims of child labour

54.Mukesh and Saheb are victims of society’s apathy. What should be our attitude towards them.

Value Points:
- Complete understanding of their situation
- To create awareness in the society about the underprivileged
- To garner support from youngsters and start night schools

55.Grinding poverty and tradition condemn the children of rag pickers or banglemakers to a life of exploitation. Such children are deprived of
all opportunities in life. Mukesh, who opts out of the existing profession of his forefathers by resolving to start a new job of a motor mechanic
symbolizes the modern youth. What lesson do we learn from Mukesh’s example?
56.None of them know that it is illegal for children like him to work in the glass furnaces with high temperatures, in dingy cells without air and
light.’ As citizens of this country what do you think is our duty? What steps can youngsters like you take to reduce the scourge of poverty?
SHORT ANSWER TYPE (30-40 words) DEEP WATER

1.What is the significance of the phrase “All we have to fear is fear itself?”
2.How does the story’s structure and use of flashbacks contribute to the overall meaning?
3.What role does the Y.M.C.A. pool play in the story?
4.How does the story’s ending reflect the themes of the entire narrative?
5.What is the significance of the narrator’s decision to revisit the Y.M.C.A. pool as an adult?
6.How did Douglas finally get rid of the fear he had of water?
7.How did the incident at the YMCA pool affect Douglas?
8.Why was Douglas keen to overcome his fear of water?
9.When Douglas realised that he was sinking, how did he plan to save himself?
10.What sort of terror seized Douglas as he went down the water with a yellow glow? How could he feel that he was still alive?
11.Why did William Douglas develop aversion to the water when he was three or four years old?
12.What misadventure did William Douglas experience at the YMCA pool?
13.Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
14.Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire? How did he make his terror flee?
15.How did the instructor turn Douglas into a swimmer?
16.How did Douglas remove his residual doubts about his fear of water?
LONG ANSWER TYPE (120-150 words)

1.How does Douglas’s use of vivid descriptions and sensory details create a sense of immediacy and terror for the reader?
2.The story “Deep Water” has made you realize that with determination and perseverance one can accomplish the impossible. Write a
paragraph in about 100 words on how a positive attitude and courage will aid you to achieve success in life.
3.Imagine that the bully who threw Douglas into the pool reads this chapter and realizes his mistake.
As the bully, write a diary entry penning down your response to Douglas’ perseverance and your own feelings of guilt and regret.
4.Douglas’ mother writes to the YMCA authorities holding them accountable for the mishap as well as demanding that the authorities employ
a team of guards near the pool for supervision of the children.
As the mother, write a letter to the authorities with reference to the case of your son.
You may begin like this:

Sir

Subject: Negligence on Premises

This is with reference to the incident of near fatal drowning of my son, William on your premises. We were…

5.The childhood experience of terror of Douglas made him stronger and more determined. Elucidate the above statement supporting it with
evidence from the text.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE (30-40 words) MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX

1.What poetic devices has the poet used in ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’?
2.What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?
3.The pain of separation is expressed both literally and metaphorically in the poem. Elucidate.
4.Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?
5.Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?
6.Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?
7.What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?
8.What childhood fears do you think the narrator is referring to in the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six’?
9.What does the narrator mean by ‘all I did was smile and smile and smile…’?
10.What does the narrator’s mother look like? What kind of images has been used to signify her ageing?
11.What were the activities that the narrator saw outside the car window?
12.Why does the narrator look outside? What does she perceive?
13.What does the narrator do after the security check-up? What does she notice?
14.What is the narrator’s familiar ache and why does it return?
15.What does the phrase “a late winter’s moon” symbolize in the poem?
16.How does the poet explore the theme of mother-daughter relationship in the poem?
17.What does the poem suggest about the passage of time and its impact on relationships?
18.How does the poet convey her sense of loss and nostalgia in the poem?
19.What is the significance of the poem’s title, “My Mother at Sixty-Six”?
20.How does Kamala Das portray her mother's aging process in the poem "My Mother at Sixty-Six"?
21.How does Kamala Das use imagery to describe her mother's appearance?
22.How does Kamala Das evoke empathy for her mother's aging process?
23.Discuss the theme of filial love and respect towards aging parents in the poem.
24.Analyse the poet's emotional response to her mother's aging.
25.Discuss the significance of the poem's structure and form.
26.How does the poem reflect the universal experience of watching loved ones age?
27.How does Kamala Das use language and tone to convey her emotions in the poem?
LONG ANSWER TYPE (120-150 words)

28.Discuss the significance of the final lines of the poem in relation to the overall theme.
29.In today’s fast life, children neglect their ageing parents. What do you think children can do to have an involved and inclusive relationship
with their elderly parents?
30.Throw light on the significance of the poet’s parting words and her smile in the poem.
31.What does the poet's introspection about her mother's aging process reveal about the value of empathy and understanding?
32.Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet’s fears. Write a letter, as the mother, telling the daughter why she must not dwell on these
fears.
You may begin this way:

Pallipuram
Cochin, Kerala

22 August 2023

My dear Kamala

I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day
………………………. ………………………………………(continue)…………………………………

With love
Amma
SHORT ANSWER TYPE (30-40 words) KEEPING QUIET

1.How does the poet suggest we achieve unity and peace through silence?
2.What is the significance of the phrase “count to twelve” in the poem?
3.What is the role of nature in the poem?
4.What message does the poet convey through the salt gatherers?
5.How does the poet use imagery in the poem?
6. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death? Explain.
7.What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?
8.What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?
9.What does Neruda mean by ‘an exotic moment without rush’?
10.Give two reasons why, according to Pablo Neruda, is ‘keeping quiet’ is essential to attaining a better, more peaceful world.
LONG ANSWER TYPE (120-150 words)

1.In a world that is constantly running after ‘more’ chasing the next new thing, would it be fair to think of Neruda’s call as merely a fanciful
idea? Explain
2.With the advancement of technology, and the advent of social media, do you think that the task of keeping quiet, as envisaged by Neruda,
has become easier or more complicated? Justify your stance.
3.It could be said that the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ presents the poet’s philosophy for a different kind of world. If you were asked to highlight
elements of Neruda’s vision that resonate in your specific social, political and cultural context, which three main ideas would you engage with?
Use relevant textual details to support your analysis.
4.The last two years of school tend to be about planning for life after school. This can be motivating, overwhelming or encouraging for some,
and stressful for others.

Write a diary entry recording your thoughts on the following:

Neruda’s ideas in ‘Keeping Quiet’ as a guide in this situation.
Thinking differently about your decisions with reference to Neruda’s ‘Keeping Quiet’.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE (30-40 words) THE THIRD LEVEL

1.What does the third level refer to?

2.What would you describe as your “waking-dream wish fulfilment”? Explain.
3.What did Charley find at the Grand Central Station?
4.“I’ve taken the obvious step.” Explain.
5.What was Charley’s vision about Galesburg town?
6.Why did Charley return from the third level?
7.When and how did Charley find the letter of Sam?
8.What did the ticket clerk say to Charley?
9.“But now we are both looking.” What does this refer to? Explain.
10.Would Charley ever go back to the ticket counter on the third level to buy tickets to Galesburg for himself and his wife?
11.What do you infer from Sam’s letter to Charley?
12.“The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress. What are the ways in which we attempt to overcome them?
13.Why do you think Charley withdrew nearly all the money he had from the bank to buy old-style currency?
14.How would you evaluate Sam’s character? Elucidate any two qualities, and substantiate with evidence from the text.
15. ‘It’s easy to judge others and give advice, but much more difficult to apply it to ourselves.’ Elaborate with reference to the character of Sam
in The Third Level.
LONG ANSWER TYPE (120-150 words)

16.In the story ‘The Third Level’, Charley wanted to go to Galesburg, Illinois in the year 1894. If you had an opportunity to go to another time
and place, where would you like to go? Why? How would Sam analyse your choice of alternate time and place?
17.Imagine that you come across Louisa’s diary. What might you find in it about the third level? Compose at least one diary entry based on any
of the events from the story, ‘The Third Level’
18.Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?
19.How did ‘The World’ help Charley to confirm his doubts regarding the existence of a third level?

OR

Why did Charley again want to go to the third level?

20.Philately helps keep the past alive. Discuss other ways in which this is done. What do you think of the human tendency to constantly move
between the past, the present and the future?
21.Do you see an intersection of time and space in the story?
22.Apparent illogicality sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection? Discuss.
23.At the beginning of the story, Sam is sceptical of Charley’s discovery of the third level. By the end of the story, the reader is told that he
found the third level and travelled back in time. How would Sam diagnose himself?
24.Write a detailed character sketch of: (a). Charley (b). Sam