English VVIP question 2025 Exam class 10
Chapter Wise Question Bank for Class X (2023-24)
SECTION-A (READING)
Comprehension of Unseen Passages
Type –I : Factual Passages
Type – II : Discursive Passages
READING COMPREHENSION PASSAGES (FACTUAL)
I. Read the passage given below.
The rivers of India play an important role in the lives of the Indians. They provide potable water, cheap
transportation, electricity, and the livelihood for a large number of people all over the country. This easily
explains why nearly all the major cities of India are located by the banks of rivers.
Seven major rivers along with their numerous tributaries make up the river system of India. The largest basin
system of the rivers pours their waters into the Bay of Bengal; however, some of the rivers whose courses take
them through the western part of the country and towards the east of the state of Himachal Pradesh empty
into the Arabian Sea. Parts of Ladakh, northern parts of the Aravalli range and the arid parts of the Thar Desert
have inland drainage.
All major rivers of India originate from one of the following main watersheds:
1. Aravalli range
2. Himalaya and Karakoram ranges
3. Sahyadri or Western Ghats in western India
4. Vindhya and Satpura ranges
Himalayan glaciers in the Indian subcontinent are broadly divided into the three river basins, namely the
Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra. The Indus basin has the largest number of glaciers (3500), whereas the Ganga
and Brahmaputra basins contain about 1000 and 660 glaciers, respectively. Ganga is the largest river system in
India. However, these rivers are just three among many. Other examples are Narmada, Tapi, and Godavari.
The Himalayas, or Himalaya, form a mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent
from the Tibetan Plateau. The Himalayan range has many of the Earth's highest peaks, including the highest,
Mount Everest. The Himalayas include over fifty mountains exceeding 7,200 m (23,600 ft) in elevation,
including ten of the fourteen 8,000-metre peaks. By contrast, the highest peak outside Asia (Aconcagua, in the
Andes) is 6,961 m (22,838 ft) tall.
Lifted by the subduction of the Indian tectonic plate under the Eurasian Plate, the Himalayan mountain range
runs west-northwest to east-southeast in an arc 2,400 km (1,500 mi) long. Its western anchor, Nanga Parbat,
lies just south of the northernmost bend of Indus river. Its eastern anchor, NamchaBarwa, is just west of the
great bend of the YarlungTsangpo River (upper stream of the Brahmaputra River). The Himalayan range is
bordered on the northwest by the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush ranges. To the north, the chain is separated
from the Tibetan Plateau by a 50–60 km (31–37 mi) wide tectonic valley called the Indus-Tsangpo Suture.
Towards the south the arc of the Himalaya is ringed by the very low Indo-Gangetic Plain. The range varies in
width from 350 km (220 mi) in the west (Pakistan) to 150 km (93 mi) in the east (Arunachal Pradesh). The
Himalayas are distinct from the other great ranges of central Asia, although sometimes the term 'Himalaya' (or
'Greater Himalaya') is loosely used to include the Karakoram and some of the other ranges.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage attempt ANY TEN questions from the twelve that follow.
(1x10=10)
i. According the passage, the major rivers in India
a) Pour only into Bay of Bengal
b) Pour only into Arabian Sea
c) Pour either into Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea or have inland drainage
d) Pour either into Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea
ii. How many glaciers are there in each of the river basins in India?
a) Brahmaputra, Ganga, Indus – 1000, 660, 3500 respectively
b) Indus, Brahmaputra, Ganga – 1000, 660, 3500 respectively
c) Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra – 1000, 660, 3500 respectively
d) Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus – 1000, 660, 3500 respectively
iii. According to the passage the rivers in India play a pivotal role because:
1. They provide potable water
2. They provide cheap transportation & electricity
3. They are located near all major cities in India
4. They are means to earn livelihood for a large number of people
Choose the correct options
a) 1 2 3
b) 1 2 4
c) 3 2 4
d) 1 3 4
iv. All the major Indian rivers originate from the following watersheds
a) Himalaya, Karakoram, Aravalli, Western Ghats, Sahyadri, Vindhya
b) Karakoram, Aravalli, Himalaya, Hindu Kush, Vindhya, Satpura, Sahyadri
c) Himalaya, Karakoram, Aravalli, Nanga Parbat, Vindhya, Satpura, Western Ghats
d) Aravalli, Himalaya, Karakoram, Sahyadri, Vindhya, Satpura
v. Which all rivers are mentioned in the entire passage?
a) Ganga, Bay of Bengal, Indus, Narmada, Tapi, Godavari
b) Tapi, Ganga, Bay of Bengal, Indus, Arabian Sea, Godavari
c) Brahmaputra, Indus, Ganga, Narmada, Tapi, Godavari
d) Narmada, Tapi, Godavari
vi. How long is the Himalayan mountain range?
a) 2400 mi
b) 2400 kms
c) 1500 kms
d) 15000mi
vii. What is the northwest border of the Himalayas?
a) Hindu Kush & Nanga Parbat
b) Indus-Tsangpo Suture
c) Karakoram & Hindu Kush
d) Karakoram & Nanga Parbat
viii. How many peaks in the Himalayas are above 8000 meter above the sea level?
a) Ten
b) Fifty
c) Five
d) Fourteen
ix. Which word in the passage means “the sideways and downward movement of the edge of a plate of the
earth's crust into the mantle beneath another plate?”
a) Tectonic
b) Anchor
c) Subduction
d) Valley
x. Which statement summarizes the information given in the last two paragraphs?
a) They talk about how the Himalayas act as a barrier to icy winds for India
b) They talk about the Mount Everest in the Himalayas
c) They talk only about the geographic boundaries of the Himalayas
d) They talk about the geographic boundaries and the might of the Himalayas
xi. Which word does ‘elevation’ correspond to?
thickness
spread
altitude
span
xii. Choose the option that lists statement that is NOT TRUE.
Towards the south the arc of the Himalaya is ringed by wide tectonic valley called the Indus-Tsangpo Suture.
The YarlungTsangpo River is the upper stream of the Brahmaputra River.
Ganga is the largest river system in India.
The largest basin system of the rivers pours their waters into the Bay of Bengal
Answer key
i – c- Pour either into Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea or have inland drainage
ii – d- Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus – 1000, 660, 3500 respectively
iii – b- 1 2 4
iv – d- Aravalli, Himalaya, Karakoram, Sahyadri, Vindhya, Satpura
v – c- Brahmaputra, Indus, Ganga, Narmada, Tapi, Godavari
vi – b- 2400 kms
vii – c- Karakoram & Hindu Kush
viii – a- Ten
ix – c- Subduction
x – d- They talk about the geographic boundaries and the might of the Himalayas
xi- c- altitude
xii- a- Towards the south the arc of the Himalaya is ringed by wide tectonic valley called the Indus-Tsangpo
Suture
II Read the passage given below.
India is one of the fastest growing economies in 2020. Poverty is on the decline with close to 44 Indians
escaping extreme poverty every minute, according to the World Poverty Clock. According to the Brooking’s
report, today India has 73 million people living in extreme poverty which make up 5.5%of its total population.
Two-thirds of people in India live in poverty .68.8% of the Indian population live on less than $2 a day. Over
30% even have less than $ 1.25 per day and such people are considered extremely poor.
More than 800 million people in India are considered poor. Most of them live in the countryside and keep
afloat with odd jobs. The lack of employment which provides a liveable wage in rural areas is driving many
Indians into rapidly growing metropolitan cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru.
In 2019, the Indian government stated that 6.7% of its
population is below its official poverty limit. According to
Oxfam , India’s top 1% of the population now holds 73% of
the wealth while 670 million citizens, comprising the country’s poorest half , saw their wealth rise by just 1% .
As per the Tendulkar Poverty Line, poverty reduced from 14.9 per cent in 2011 to 7.0 percent in 2017--- the
fastest pace the country has seen yet. So, 2020 is extremely challenging year not only for government and
business, but also for those who
are on the borderline of poverty.
Fiscal, monetary and
administrative policies have to
design in a way that provides a
safety for those living at the brink
of poverty. Lifting people out of
poverty ought to be on top of the
government’s priority.
On the basis of your
understanding of the passage,
answer (any ten) from the twelve
that follow. (10x1=10)
i. As per the graph, which of these is/are the cause(s) of poverty in India?
(a) Lack of Education, limited Resources, no Corruption
(b) Limited Resources, lack of safety
(c) Population explosion, strong institutions, lack of Education
(d) Population explosion, weak institutions, limited Resources
ii. According to the graph, which state has the highest number of people living below poverty line?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Bihar
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Uttar Pradesh
iii. Today, how many people in India live in extreme poverty?
(a) About 5 crore
(b) About 6 crore
(c) About 7 crore
(d) About 8 crore
iv. What percentage of the Indian population lives on less than $ 1.25 per day?
(a) about 68.8%
(b) more than 30%
(c) more than 40%
(d) more than 60%
v. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the reason for people migrating to
metropolitan cities.
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(a) i, ii and v
(b) i ,ii, and iv
(c) ii , iv , and v
(d) ii , iii, and iv
vi. How many people in our country are considered poor ?
(a) more than 10 crore
(b) more than 20 crore
(c) more than 50 crore
(d) more than 80 crore
vii. Policy that is required to be designed in a way to provide safety for those living at the brink of poverty is:
(a) fiscal
(b) monetary
(c) administrative
(d) All of these
viii. According to the Indian government, what percentage of the Indian population was below poverty line in
2019?
(a) 4%
(b) 5.5 %
(c) 6.7%
(d) 73%
ix. In the line “…….. Employment which provides a livable wage”, the word ‘livable’ DOES NOT refer to:
(a) good enough
(b) survivable
(c) frugal
(d) comfortable
x. Poverty in India reduced at the fastest pace in:
(a) 2010
(b) 2012
(c) 2015
(d) 2017
i) Poverty (ii) More employment opportunities in metropolitan cities
(iii) Government Schemes (iv) Lack of employment in villages (v) Better crops
xi. Choose the option that lists statement that is NOT TRUE.
(a) One-third of people in India live in poverty.
(b) Corruption contributes to poverty.
(c) Chandigarh has less number of people living below poverty line.
(d) Poverty may develop due to limited resources.
xii. The year 2020 is an extremely challenging year for
(a) the government
(b) the businessmen
(c) the people living on the border line of poverty
(d) All of these
ANSWER KEY
(d). Population explosion, weak institutions, limited Resources
(d) Uttar Pradesh
(c) About 7 crore
(b) more than 30%
(b)i, ii, and iv
(d) more than 80 crore
(d) All of these
(c) 6.7%
(c) frugal
(d) 2017
(a) One- third of people in India live in poverty
(d) All of these
Discursive passage
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
1. Few guessed that this quiet, parentless girl growing up in New York City would one day become the First
Lady of the United States. Even fewer thought she would become an author and lecturer and a woman much
admired and loved by people throughout the world.
2. Born Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in 1884 to wealthy, but troubled parents who both died while she was young,
Roosevelt was cared for by her grandmother and sent to school in England. In 1905, she married her distant
cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She and her husband had six children. Although they were wealthy, her life
was not easy and she suffered several personal tragedies. Her second son died when he was a baby. In 1921
her strong athletic husband was stricken with polio, which left him physically disabled for life.
3. Eleanor Roosevelt was a remarkable woman who had great intelligence and tremendous strength of
character. She never let things get her down. She nursed her husband back to good health and encouraged
him to remain in politics. She then helped him to become governor of New York, and in 1933, president of
United States.
4. While he was president, she took a great interest in all the affairs of the country. She became her husband’s
legs and eyes, she visited prisons and hospitals; she went down into mines, up scaffoldings, and into factories.
Roosevelt was tireless and daring. During the depression she travelled all over the country bringing goodwill,
reassurance, and help to people without food and jobs. During World War II she visited American soldiers in
camps all over the world. The United States had never known a First Lady like her.
5. Roosevelt also kept in touch with the American people through a daily newspaper column called “My Day”.
She broadcast on the radio and delivered lectures, all firsts for a First Lady.
Attempt the following questions on the basis of the passage you have read:
(a) Eleanor’s husband was struck by ……………………….. .
(i) polio
(ii) paralysis
(iii) a brain disease
(iv) Parkinson’s disease
Answer:
(i)
(b) Eleanor Roosevelt was ……………………….. .
(i) an author
(ii) a lecturer
(iii) the first lady of the US
(iv) all of the above
Answer:
(iv)
(c) Before becoming the President of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt was the Governor of New York.
i. true
ii. false
iii. not given
Answer:
True
(d) When did Eleanor become the first lady of
i)1884
ii)1921
iii)1933
iv)1905
Answer:
1933
(e) When Eleanor was young, after her parents’ death, she was cared for by her
(i) grandfather
ii) grandmother
iii)Franklin Roosevelt
iv) Americans
Answer:
grandmother
(f) Eleanor married to her
i) Friend
ii) close cousin
iii) distant cousin
iv)Friend’sbrother.
Answer:
distant cousin
(g) The daily newspaper column through which Eleanor expressed herself was
i)May Day
ii) My Day
iii)New York
iv) First Lady
Answer:
May Day
(h) Find the word from the passage which means the same as “huge”.
i) Tremendous
ii) scaffolding
iii) admired
iv) stricken
Answer: tremendous
(i) Why did Eleanor write in the daily newspaper column?
She wanted to impress Americans
She wanted to make her husband the President
She could be in touch with the people.
The world war II was going on
Answer: she could be in touch with the people.
j) Eleanor was not
i) sympathetic
ii) unsupportive
iii) intelligent
iv)a suffering woman
Answer: unsupportive
NALYTICAL PARAGRAPH
What is an analytical paragraph?
An analytical paragraph is description of a given chart, graph, table, outline or clues that represent data or
information systematically. We need to analyse, compare or contrast and draw a conclusion.
Format
An analytical paragraph has three parts
INTRODUCTION: Explain in one or two lines the subject of the given clue or chart/graph/table.
BODY: Explain and analyse the given data.
CONCLUSION: Give overall view or tell the summary.
How to write an analytical paragraph?
An analytical paragraph should be written in 100-120 words.
For introduction begin with the following phrases
The chart shows.....
The graph describes...
The table presents....
For describing trends/habits use phrases like
Pattern of growth, rapid rise, steady growth, constant decrease, common tendency, peaked, decline,
fluctuate, stagnant etc
For describing quantity use words like
Half, double, express in percentage like 80% 20% etc, in fractions like three fourths, huge, highest, lowest etc.
For referring to time use phrases like
The previous year, the following year, over the period of, a considerable time etc
For drawing conclusion use phrases like
Overall, subsequently, in short, in a nutshell, to sum up etc
Things to remember
1. Use simple and accurate language
2. Be brief (100-120 words only)
3. Describe the entire content, cover all the given data
4. Mention accurate figures or time or period.
5. Do not give any personal observation.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Q1 Air pollution has been a major cause of respiratory problems in the entire country, specifically in Delhi,
which has been infamous for the poor air quality standards. Write an analytical paragraph on the ‘Air
Pollution in Delhi robbing citizens’ breath’ using cues givenbelow.
Hint:Delhi – very polluted in recent times – various factors – Industry, pollution from vehicles, factories,
Hotels etc –Road dust key factor- rise in the issues of respiratory disorders – during Diwali and winters –
surge in pollution
– strict implementation of laws and awareness campaigns – need of the hour.
Q2: Write an analytical paragraph based on the given bar diagram the global sales of the three items
mentioned in chart.
Hint: Begin with the above mentioned chart illustrates.........refer to the three items -The trend of
increase/decrease in sale of each item-mention the item sold best in each year-give overall estimation-to
sum up there is trend of slight but steady decline in the sale of CD-increase in sale of other two products.
Q:3 The given pie chart shows the trend of what makes people happy for the agegroups under 30 years of
age and above 30 years of age. Write an analytical paragraph finding the similarities and dissimilarities in
the habits of people of the given age groups.
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Hint: The given charts present a comparative study of..................comment on the most prominent trends of
each of the groups............comment on the similar trends................talk about the dissimilarities........use
phrases like in contrast, compared to, most popular, habituated to etc. Conclude giving overall view....above
thirty population has bend towards maturity, seriousness and responsibility.
ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH WRITING
Question 1 The following table shows details about the internet activities for six categories for different age
groups. Write an analytical paragraph for the table given in around 150-200 words.
Answer 1:
The given table suggests the internet activities of seven age groups ranging from teens to those in their
seventies for six different kinds of activities. The table shows that the younger generation is more interested in
online games and news, while the older generation spends time on the internet to research and buy products.
It is evident from the table that teens mainly use the internet for games (as high as 81%), news and
downloads and are interested in searching for people or friends or doing any product research. The middle-
age group (people in 20s to 60s) is highly interested in getting news, doing product research and buying
products, the percentage ranging from 70-80%. The internet activity which gets the least time is searching for
people. All the age groups spend less than 30% of their internet time on the same. The amount of time spent
on downloads decreases with age and gets as low as 6% (for people in 70s).
Overall, the table suggests that teenagers are most likely to spend time playing games and doing downloads.
On the other side, older people are interested in researching and buying products. People spend the least
amount of time searching for other people online.
Question 2: Below given are three pie charts showing consumption habits of India, China and World overall
in 2008. Write an analytical paragraph describing the pie charts (100-120 words).
Answer 2:
The three given pie charts depicts types of food consumption in 2008 as compared in two countries- India and
China. In general, processed food is the major type of food eaten.
Processed food comprises as high as 41% of the global consumption. In China and India as well, processed
foods are consumed the most, the rate of consumption being 34% and 39% respectively. On an average,
vegetables and fruits constitute 29% of consumption. In China, vegetables and fruits comprise 32% of food
consumption which is 9% more than that of India. For Indians, animal food accounts for 27% of their diet,
exceeding Chinese food consumption by a striking 12%. However, nuts and seeds comprise almost one-fifth of
Chinese food habits. This is way more than the global consumption of 4% and 11% of India.
Overall, world food consumption largely comprises processed food. Chinese consumption of nuts and seeds is
unbelievably higher than the average percentage.
Question3 The following data in the form of histogram shows that death due to violence has increased
considerably during recent years. Write its interpretation in 100 words on how educated youth can play a
major role in establishing peace in society.
Role of youth in establishing peace in society
Youth and peace are interlinked in society. Youth can play an important role in establishing peace in society. In
a survey conducted, it has been found that number of deaths due to violence has increased enormously since
the nineties. Death rate in 1000s was 2.5 in 1990. But in 2010, it has increased to 7.5. It is really very sad. It
must be checked.
Our youth can play a major role in controlling this crime graph. They can contribute towards establishing
peace in many ways. They can awaken the people towards the necessity of peace. They can help the police in
catching the criminals. They can bring the criminals in the main stream by educating them and they can do
much more.
UNSOLVED EXAMPLE
1-Give below is a pie-Chart, which shows different types of electric gadgets, used by middle-class people in
their houses on an average in Ahmedabad. On the basis and the unit ‘Science’ of your Main course Book;
write in about 80 words the reason of selecting the electric gadgets for their houses.
Take into consideration the price range, durability, lower electric consumption & after sales-service.
(LETTER OF COMPLAINT)
Question 1. You are Deepshikha/TanmayShome of Rashbehari avenue, Kolkata. Recently you have read a
newspaper report on ‘Teenager Bullying’ and coincidentally You have received a letter from your brother
who is staying in the hostel of Sunshine Public School, Mussoorie, stating that he is being bullied by some
senior students who threatened him with dire consequences, if he complained. Write a letter of complaint
in 100-120 words to the Hostel Warden requesting him to take urgent action.
Answer :
brief introduction of your brother and bringing the offensive case of him being bullied to the notice of the
Warden-- He is passing through mental stresses and sleepless nights due to the harassments and threats of
serious consequences by his hostel seniors everyday-- You are worried about brother’s physical and mental
well-being-- Request to the Warden to take immediate remedial action.
(LETTER FOR PLACING ORDER)
Question 1. You are Shyamali Suri, computer in charge of Modern public High School, Kewalnagar, Lucknow.
Your school wishes to buy 20 computers and computer accessories from Apple Inc., 144, Raddison’s Palace,
Gurgaon. Draft a letter placing order in 100-120 words giving all the specifications of the product and its
quality.
Answer:
Ref. to quotation dated and placing order -- List of requirements/items to be ordered -- Date on which delivery
is required and asking for discount offer-- Mode of payment -- Items to be in good condition and as per
requirement.
2. You are Anoop/Akriti, Baden Power Senior Secondary School, Delhi. Write a letter to the Sales Manager,
Aparna Publishing House, placing an order for the books (minimum four titles) for your school library.
Invent the necessary details.
GPS Public School
Delhi
25 July, 20××
The Sales Manager
Aparna Publishing House
Delhi
Subject: Order for Books
Sir/Madam
I would like to place an order for the following books for our school library.
SL.NO. NAMES OF THE BOOKS WRITER NO OF PIECES
1. Oxford Concise English Dictionary R.K.Jain 05
2. Fundamentals of Economics T.R.Jain 06
3. My Experiments With Truth M .K.Gandhi 10
4. Basics of Commerce Arvind 12
Kindly supply the books by next week. Also, please make sure that the books are in good condition and arrive
undamaged.
I request you to send the bill along with the books after applying the discount permissible to schools. Payment
will be made soon after the receipt and checking of the books.
Damaged books will not be accepted nor any payment will be made for the same.
We seek your cooperation in this regard.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Akriti Sharma
Librarian
(LETTER TO THE EDITOR)
Question 1. .You are Roshan /Ranjana, a resident of Sector 7, MayurVihar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. You
are worried to see your younger brother’s frequent habit of using Internet as a homework tool. Write a
letter to the Editor of a popular newspaper, expressing your opinion on the advantages, disadvantages of
the dependence of youth and the computers in the present times. (100–120 words)
Answer:
In the techno world–24 hr access to the Internet–no doubt school children using Net as homework tool.
Has many advantages– quick way to find information update—more free time for other activities—provides a
variety of sources.
More drawbacks than advantages–students’ reading, writing and thinking skills seem to be disappearing—just
copy information—some websites may contain inaccurate information no interest in listening to teacher in
school–concept of hard work disappearing in present generation–balanced, sensible use of Net required.
(LETTER OF ENQUIRY)
Question 1. You are Apurva, the Head of the Sports department of Holy Child Model school,Sevoke. Write a
letter to Royal Sports & Equipment Co., New Delhi, asking them to send you a brochure of their latest
products. Also enquire about the discount that they can offer. (100-120words)
Answer :
A brief introduction about yourself and purpose of writing the letter--Detail of enquiry such as booklet of
products, discounts they offer, the cost of various items ,mode of payment, terms of delivery etc.—Request to
provide the sought information –looking forward to early response.
Prepared by : JoyeetaDey
2. Inquiry Letter for Computer Course Details.
[Senders Name]
[Address line]
[State, Pin Code]
[Letter Date]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Address line]
[State, Pin Code]
Sub: Inquiry Letter for Computer Course
Dear (Name/Sir),
I am writing to you because I would like to inquire about a computer course. My name is (Your name) and I
would like to go on a computer type course that will help me improve and challenge my ICT skills. (Describe
your actual purposes). Firstly when does it start and finish? Is it full time or part time? How many people are
allowed on the course? Do you provide work experience? Are we graded with exams or Assignments?
(Describe your own words).
Do you have college trips, for example, a trip to the computer technology center? And finally, do you have any
space on the course for me? All of these I would like to inquire about. If you could reply as soon as possible, I
can make a decision with all the knowledge.
Yours sincerely,
Your name…
Address…
Contact Information…
Thanking You
Yours Truly
Rani
TGT(English)
FORMAL LETTER
1. Write a letter to the editor about the problem of frequent power breakdown in your locality.
ABC Apartments
Lodhi Road
New Delhi
Sep 29, 2019
The Editor
PQR Daily
New Delhi
Respected Sir
Subject : Frequent power breakdown
Through the esteemed column of your prestigious newspaper, I would like to draw your kind attention
towards frequent power breakdown in our locality.
Due to multiple power breakdowns in a day, people are facing a lot of difficulties. Even after being a regular
taxpayer, we are living a life of obstructions. In modern day world when each and everything is totally
dependent on electricity, we are left with no option but to wait. Till the power breakdown continues, our lives
stop. We feel helpless when our daily routines get destructed. Some people have started using generators
meanwhile, adding to noise pollution and air pollution as well.
Many young people are running online business. Charging their appliances is the main issue they face. People
running mother dairies and bakeries are totally clueless about how to keep their refrigerators cool for so long
without electricity. In summer, high temperature makes our lives hell without fans and coolers working. It has
now become totally unbearable to live in such unacceptable conditions. People have complained about it
several times but to no avail. Kindly acknowledge the matter for the sake of smooth functioning of people’s
life.
You are requested to do the needful as soon as possible.
Thanking You
Yours Truly
XYZ
2. Write a letter to the Mayor of your city seeking a solution to the problem of water logging in your area.
You are Rani of of Dharma Colony, Ramgarh.
ABC apartment
Dharma Colony
Ramgarh
Sep 29, 2019
The Mayor
Maujpur
New Delhi
Respected Sir
Subject : Problem of water logging
This is to draw your kind attention towards the excessive problem of water logging in Ward 2E, Maujpur.
Water logging is playing havoc with the lives of people in rainy season and it needs instant action.
Because of the rainy season this problem has aggravated. Within a rainfall of mere five minutes duration,
clogged drains lead to roads full of water everywhere. Potholes get filled with water which can cause
dangerous accidents. Many manholes are lying open which become lethal in rainy days. Yesterday a student
going to school suffered major injury when he struggled to carry his bicycle forward in such tough conditions.
Office goers and other people are equally affected. It has become nearly impossible to step out of the house
safely. Water also seep inside in some houses. It not only affects our schedule but also gives rise to many
water-borne diseases like dengue. Cases of dengue are already on high in Delhi. This is only adding to the
problem.
I request you to activate the concerned authorities. Drains should be cleaned immediately to avoid any
epidemic. Covering of drains and manholes is the urgent need of the hour. Proper maintenance and repair of
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the roads and streets is required to prevent any mishap with anyone. I would like you to please take
cognizance of this problem which is obstructing our lives immensely.
Quick response will be highly appreciated.
Thanking You
Yours Truly
Rani
GRAMMAR
As per the new guidelines of CBSE, Grammar portion will be of 1O MARKS . 12 questions will be given out of
which they have to attempt 10. Questions are made as per the level of students :
(I)- Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks . ( 3*1=3)
1.The modern student (a)…. the importance of physical exercise. He (b)…….one to two hours in open air
(c)…..he takes part in different sports.
(a)(i) understood (ii) understand (iii) have understand (iv) understands
(b) (i)spends (ii) spending (iii) spent (iv) has spent
(c) (i) how (ii) which (iii) where (iv) why
Ans- (a) (iv)understands (b) (i) spends (c) (iii) where
2. In England Gandhiji at first (a)…..his time entirely to his studies. He tried to (b)………fashionable gentlemen
in every way. He (c)….by what was new and foreign
(a) (i) gave (ii) were not given (iii) not given (iv) did not give
(b) (i) copy (ii) copied (iii) to have copied (iv) being copied
( c) (i)has attracted (ii) is attracted (iii) was attracted (iv) attracts
Ans- (a)(iv) did not give (b)(i) copy (c) (iii) was attracted
3.He (a)………a lot of money on buying smart English clothes. After three months he suddenly realized
(b)…….mistake and began to devote all his time to serious study. From the very childhood whenever Gandhiji
found out that he (c)….a wrong thing, he at once stopped doing it.
(a)(i) has wasted (ii) wasted (iii) was wasting (iv) wastes
(b) (i) my (ii) our (iii) his (iv) her
(c) (i) was doing (ii) had done (iii) did (iv) was done
Ans-(a) (ii) wasted (b) (iii) his (c) (ii) had done
4. The last Solar Eclipse of the 20th century (a)…… place on 11th August 1999. It (b)……by millions of the people
all over the world . Being the last great heavenly event it (c)……..the world’s most watched one .
(a) (i) was taken (ii) took (iii) was taking (iv) had taken
(b) (i) was seen (ii) were seen (iii) was seeing (iv) has seen
(c) (i) were (ii) is being (iii) has been (iv) was
Ans – (a) (ii) took (b)(i) was seen (c) (iv) was
5. A large number of scientists gathered at Lakpat in Gujarat (a)…..the view of the last eclipse of the 20th
century. This place (b)…..to be the best as the totality there would be the (c)……. .
(a) (i) see (ii) has seen (iii) to see (iv) seems
(b) (i) was considered (ii) has considered (iii ) consider (iv) considered
(c) (i) longer (ii) longest (iii) more longer (iv) lengthier
Ans- (a) (iii) to see (b) (i) was considered (c) (ii) longest
6. All life on earth can ultimately be traced back (a)……the sea. Creatures having limbs (b)…….fingers rather
than fins evolved from fishes about 335 millions years (c)….. .
(a) (i) at (ii) in (iii) to (iv) into
(b) (i) and (ii) or (iii) on (iv) with
(c) (i) ago (ii) past (iii) away (iv) before
Ans- (a) (iii) to (b) (iv) with (c) (i) ago
(II)- Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to complete the narration (3*1= 3)
While making the list of what he wanted from Santa Claus, Charlie asked Patty how Santa (a)…… all those toys.
Patty replied that it was possible , as everything (b)…… She could bet (c)…… , he would find Santa was being
financed by some big Eastern chain.
(a) (i) can afford to give away.
(ii)could afford to give away.
(iii)Will afford to give away.
(iv)could afford gave away.
(b) (i) these days was promotion.
(ii)Those days was promotion.
(iii)Those days is promotion.
(iv)These days is promotion.
(c) (i) that the truth is brought out.
(ii)If the truth was brought out.
(iii)If the truth is brought out.
(iv)That the truth was brought out.
Ans- (a) (ii) could afford to give away.
(b) (ii) those days was promotion.
(c) (ii) if the truth was brought out..
2.Rohit enquired of his plump colleague Simon (a)…. . Simon replied that he walked in order to stay fit.
Realizing that Simon had not understood what he was asking, Rohit again asked the former (b)…….. or did any
exercises. With a tongue in his cheek, Simon replied that (c)…….
(a) (i) that did he work out.
(ii) If he ever work out.
(iii)If he ever worked out.
(iv)That if he ever worked out.
(b) (i) that have you ever lifted the weights.
(ii)If he ever lifted the weights.
(iii)If he had ever lifted the weights.
(iv)If he has ever lifted the weights.
(c) (i) when one is heavy as he is then walking was lifting weights.
(ii)When one was as heavy as he was then walking was lifting weights.
(iii)When one are as heavy as he was then walking is lifting weight.
(iv)When one will be as heavy ashe was then walking is lifting weights
Ans – (a) (iii) if he ever worked out.
(b) (ii) if he ever lifted the weights.
( c) (ii) when one was as heavy as he was then walking was lifting weights.
3.
I saw a boy waiting at the door of my office . I took time and (a)…… Immediately he replied that his name was
Anil. Then I (b)….. come for admission. Anil pleased me by saying with respect (c)…….
(a) (i) asked what his name was .
(ii)Told him what his name is.
(iii)Asked him what his name was.
(iv)Ask what his name was.
(b) (i) explained if he has
(ii)Questioned if he will
(iii)Said that he had
(iv)Enquired if he had
(c) (i) that he were
(ii)that he is
(iii)that he was
(iv)that he had
Ans – (a)(iii) asked him what his name was
(b) (iv) enquired if he had
(c ) (iv) that he had
4..
I found Joseph reading something .When (a)……..reading, he replied that modals were actually weak verbs but
quite interesting . I further (b)…… in our practical life. I also made him aware that we could do without
modals. On hearing this, he surprised me by saying that he knew modals help people express specific
situations. At last he (c)…. Modals.
(a) (i) said to him which book he was
(ii)replied him which book he was
(iii)asked him which book he was
(iv)told him which book he was
(b) (i) enquired what the uses of modals were
(ii)explained what the uses of modals are
(iii)asked what the uses of modals are
(iv)told what the uses of modals are
(c) (i) advised me go and read
(ii)said to me go and read
(iii)told me go and read
(iv)advised me to go and read
Ans- (a) (iii) asked him which book he was
(b) (i) enquired what the uses of modals were.
(c ) (iv) advised me to go and read
5..
I saw Supanddi standing in the field. When I (a)…….doing there, he (b)…… he was trying to win a Nobel Prize. I
was confused and enquired how standingin the rice field would help him to win so. He stumped me by saying
that he (c)…..won Nobel prizes had all been outstanding in their fields.
(a) (i) exclaimed what he was
(ii)Told him what he was
(iii)Asked him what he was
(iv)Says to him about what
(b) (i) ordered that
(ii)refused that
(iii)questioned that
(iv)replied that
(c) (i) has heard that people who has
(ii)was hearing that people who were
(iii)had heard that people who had
(iv)did hear that people who had
Ans- (a) (iii) asked him what he was
(b) (iv) replied that
(c) (iii) had heard that people who had
(III) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct options for ANY FOUR of the six sentences given below (4*1=4)
(A)- 1. You …. consult the Thesaurus if you need groups of synonyms for those words.
(a) had to (b) need to (c) used to (d) might
Ans- need to
2. Everybody …. keen to participate in the upcoming nukkadnatak.
(a) are (b) has (c) is (d) were
Ans- (c) is
3.The good news is that ……. volunteers dropped out this month than the last two.
(a) fewer (b) less (c) few (d) a little
Ans- (a) fewer
4.It was …… historic day for the organisation when …… honour was bestowed upon its employees.
(a) a (b) the (c) an (d) none
Ans- (a) a
5.At this time tomorrow we …. our project details to madam.
(a) are presenting (b) shall be presenting (c) have been presenting (d)will have been presenting.
Ans- (b) shall be presenting
6.The Komodo dragon….follow its prey till it will eventually dies due to its venomous bite.
(a) must (b) will (c) could (d) may
Ans- (b) will
(B)- 1. Buses go from here to all the places. But you cannot enjoy the visit. You……… better take a taxi.
(a) will (b) can (c) may (d) used to
Ans- (b) can
2. Thousands of people came to the theatre, but only …..of them got tickets.
(a) less (b) few (c) a few (d) many
Ans- (c) a few
3.Twenty-five hundred rupees …… too much for tailoring a coat.
(a) is (b)are (c) will (d) has
Ans- (a) is
4.I don’t think there is ……. hope that Sarla is going to pass this year.
(a) less (b) few (c) any (d) all
Ans- (c) any
5.Ravi as well as Rohit……joined engineering.
(a) have (b) has (c) are (d) were
Ans- (b) has
6.Mr. Azad has got twenty-years of typing experience. He …….type this letter within ten minutes.
(a) do (b) must (c) shall (d) will
Ans- (d) will
SECTION-C (LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS)
LESSON 1: A LETTER TO GOD
Q1.What did the postmaster feel on experiencing Lencho receive the letter?
A) Contended
B) proud
C) overwhelmed
D) all of the above
ANS: Contended
Q.2 Why did the postmaster decide to reply to Lencho's letter?
A) he was a good man
B) he felt empathetic
C) to preserve Lencho's faith in God
D) all of the above
ANS: to preserve Lencho's faith in God
Q3. The postmaster was a fat, amiable man. What is the meaning of amiable?
A) rude
B) helpful
C) friendly
D) enthusaistic
ANS:friendly
2.Extract Based Questions
When he finished, he went to the window to buy a stamp which he licked and then affixed to the envelope
with a blow of his fist. The moment the letter fell into the mailbox the postmaster went to open it. It said:
“God: Of the money that I asked for, only seventy pesos reached me. Send me the rest, since I need it very
much. But don’t send it to me through the mail because the post office employees are a ‘bunch of crooks’.
Lencho.
(a) What did Lencho do with the stamp?
(b) What did the postmaster do when the letter fell into the mailbox and why?
(c) Find out the word which has the similar meaning as ‘attached’ used in the passage.
(d) Which word in the passage denotes a dishonest person?
Answer:
(a) Lencho licked and affixed the stamp to the envelope with a blow of his fist.
(b) The postmaster immediately opened the letter to know Lencho’s feeling for the money he had received.
(c) The word is ‘affixed’.
(d) The word is ‘crook’.
Q1.Why did Lencho not want the money to be sent through mail?
Answer Hints :
he received only seventy pesos
needed a hundred pesos.
requested God not to send rest of the money by post
bunch of crooks and would steal the money.
Q2. Do you think that Lencho was right to call the post office employees a bunch of crooks? Why or why
not?
Answer:
as he did not get full money
God had not sent him any less money
doubted these people.
Q3. “It’s really getting bad now.” What was getting bad and how?
Answer Hint:
happy when it started raining.
weather was getting bad.
blowing and hailstones were falling.
Q1. What were Lencho’s feelings when he found the letter with money in it? What did he do after opening
the letter?
Answer Hints:
Page 30 of 99
very happy and satisfied.
counted the money and found it less,
very angry.
wrote another letter to God
thirty more pesos.
Q2.As the postmaster, write how you felt when Lencho accused you and your men of stealing money.
Comment.
Answer hints:
shocked and discouraged
accused me and my employees of stealing money.
not expect such kind of treatment.
bunch of crooks
very ungrateful.
Q1. “Humanity still exists”, this is what we get to know after reading A letter to God’ in which firm faith in
God of a poor farmer and helpfulness of the post office employees are aptly depicted. Write a paragraph on
the values in it, in about 80-100 words. Give the paragraph a suitable title.
Answer:
Existence of Humanity
people who help others without any self interest.
be kind.
laughed at his letter,
grip of faith Lencho had in God.
hard times
to be a noble and kind person.
Q2. The reader may also be impressed with Lencho’s faith as the postmaster was. Can we see such an
example in present time? If you were in place of postmaster what would you have done?
Answer hints:
reader may get impressed .
it is rare.
no one has so simple and pure feelings.
postmaster is also very rare. Now even our close relatives do not help us in our need.
If I were in place of postmaster, I would have tried different ways to help Lencho.
“God helps only those who help themselves.”
Q3. In the lesson ‘A Letter to God’, what moral values does the postmaster display in his behaviour?
Answer hint.
first laughed
strange address.
became serious.
surprised at the faith.
kind and compassionate fellow
collecting the amount
empathetic and soft hearted
leadership qualities by asking employee to contribute
gave a part of his salary
good cause as a charity
fostered a sense of community building and spread positivity which helps in creating a healthy society.
Q4. Lencho seemed to be an impulsive man who felt suddenly elated at the rainfall and later became sad to
see the destruction which the rain had caused. Did he lack tolerance? Did he not have the courage to face
the challenges of life? Elucidate it discussing the values one must possess to face any type of situation in
about 80-100 words.
Answer:
impulsive man
hoped for a good rain.
destroyed crop.
tolerance and the courage to face the challanges in life.
Wrote a letter
waiting for the reply.
seventy pesos
writing a second letter
demanding for the rest of the amount.
Courageous and be tolerant
overcome the difficulty.
A Letter to God
MCQ. 1 marks
1.What did Lencho ask for in his second letter?
A) more money
B) remaining amount and not send it by mail
C) remaining amount and send it by mail only
D) he didn't ask for anything
Answer-B) remaining amount and not send it by mail
2. What is the irony in this lesson?
A) Lencho was sad after the hailstorm even though he was the one waiting for a shower.
B) Postmaster laughed at Lencho but still helped in arranging money for him.
C) Lencho blamed the post office employees who in fact helped him.
D) there is no irony
Answer -C) Lencho blamed the post office employees who in fact helped him.
B. Short Answer Question (20-30 words ) 2 marks
1.What were Lencho’s feelings when the hail stopped?
Answer : After hail stopped, Lencho's soul was filled with sadness. He could see a bleak future for him and his
family. He was worried about lack of food for the coming year.
2.Was Lencho surprised to find a letter for him with money in it?
Answer - No. Lencho was not at all surprised to see the letter from God with money inside it. His confidence
and faith in God was such that he had expected that reply from God.
C.Short Answer Question (30-50 words ). 3marks
1.Did he try to find out who had sent the money to him? Why/Why not ?
Answer -No, Lencho did not try to find out who had sent the money to him. This is because he had great
confidence in God and never suspected that it could be someone else other than God who would send him the
money. His faith in God was so strong that he believed that God had sent him the money.
2.How did the postmaster help Lencho?
Answer - The Postmaster and post office employees were very generous as they contributed for the act of
charity. They decided to send some money to Lencho so that his faith in God does not get shaken. They
collected seventy pesos and sent it to Lencho.
D. Long Answer Question (100-150 words ). 5mark
1.How do you like ,the character of the postmaster in the story ‘A Letter to God?” Give reason for your
answer.
Answer -The postmaster was a fat and friendly fellow. He was a sensible human being. He first laughed
looking at the letter which had a strange address. But soon he became serious. He was surprised at the faith
that Lencho had in God. He wanted his faith not to be shaken.
The postmaster himself gave a part of his salary and also requested his employees and a few friends to
contribute for charity. He felt happy and satisfied when Lencho received the money. This shows that he was a
kind and empathetic person as well. He loved to help others.
DUST OF SNOW
Read the extract given below and choose the appropriate option from the questions below
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And save some part
Of a day I rued
i. Under which tree was the poet standing or sitting?
a. Hemlock
b. Bunyan
c. Pine
d. Oak
ii. What changed the poet's gloomy mood ?
a. Snowflakes
b. Raindrops
c. Wind
d. Sunshine
iii. What is the rhyme scheme of the given stanza ?
a. abcd
b. abab
c. abba
d. aabb
iv. How did the poet feel when the snowflakes fell on him ?
a. Petrified
b. Dejected
c. Joyful
d. Enraged
v. What does the word ' rued ' mean?
a. Pride
b. Fear
c. Enthusiasm
d. Regret
2. What is the theme or the central idea of Robert Frost`s poem `Dust Of Snow`? How has it been
illustrated?
3.Justify the role of crow in the poem “Dust of Snow” in changing the poet’s attitude.
4.Describe the change in attitude of the poet in the poem “Dust of Snow”.
5.A simple moment proved to be very significant and saved the rest of the day of the poet from being
wasted. Explain on the basis of the poem ‘Dust of Snow’.
6.As a reader how does the poem “Dust of Snow” influence you?
7.What did the poet think of the day before the snow dust fell on him?
8.True/False
i.The crow and the hemlock tree did not contribute towards the poet’s change in mood.
ii.The crow signifies dark and depressive side of nature.
iii.The poet was in a jolly mood.
9.The poet says, "Of a day I had rued". What is the meaning of "rued"? Why does the poet say so?
10.Robert Frost shows two negative creatures (crow and hemlock tree) as carriers of positiveness. How?
ANSWER KEY
1. a
a
b
c
d
2.Communication between nature and human beings. Nature’s healing power and helping human emotions.
3.The crow sat on the hemlock tree and shook the snow dust on it. It fell on the poet and his day changed.
4.He was initially sad and depressed. After the snow dust fell on him he became happy. The crow and the
hemlock tree helped in this.
5.He mood became jolly and now he can now work with good thoughts.
6.The students will answer according to their perception.
7.He was depressed and upset.
8. (i) False
(ii) True
(iii) False
9. The meaning of the word rued is regret. The poet says so because initially his mood was not good. Now his
day is saved.
10. The crow and the hemlock tree did not have any negative effect on the poet. They changed his mood and
saved his day.
Extract Based Questions:
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
Choose the most appropriate option and answer any FIVE (05) of the following:
1x5=5
a) The crow shook down on the poet a bit of
i) Dust
ii) Snow
iii) Sand
iv) poison
b) What did the crow do to the hemlock tree?
i. Sat on the branches of the tree laden with snow.
ii. Flew above the branches of the tree.
iii. Built a nest in the snow laden branches of the tree.
iv. Shook the snow off the branches of the tree.
c) What does the poet want to suggest?
i. His heart was changed completely due to the action of the crow.
ii. Even the most unexpected things can bring happiness.
iii. A crow and a hemlock tree can change one’s mood.
iv. Dust of snow is capable of saving one’s day.
d) Which of the following words mean ‘being in remorse’ or ‘regret’?
i. Saved
ii. Had rued
iii. Rued
iv. Mood
e) The above poem is a beautiful example of
i. Alliteration
ii. Anaphora
iii. Enjambment
iv. Image
f) The poem shows that the poet
i. does not love nature
ii. keeps complaining about nature
iii. is indifferent to nature
iv. loves contact with nature
Answer Keys:
(ii) snow
(iv)Shook the snow off the branches of the tree.
(ii) Even the most unexpected things can bring happiness.
(iii) rued
(iii) Enjambment
(iv) loves contact with nature
2 Marks (To be answered in 20-30 words each)
1. What side of nature do ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent?
Hints: the dark, depressive, sorrowful and bitter.
2. Why does the poet use such poetically uncommon bird and tree like ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’? What does
it reflect?
Hints: The poet’s mood ---uncommon, ugly crow and poisonous tree like hemlock---message
3. Justify the role of the crow in the poem “Dust of Snow” in changing the poet’s mood.
Hints: Change in mood---inspiration.
4. Do you think that the poet presents a very bright or cheerful side of nature in the poem? Give a
reasoned answer.
Hints: Nature in elemental and raw form.
5. What does the poet Robert Frost want to convey through the poem ‘Dust of Snow’?
Hints: little things in life can make huge changes in life.
3 Marks (To be answered in 40-50 words each)
1. The Crow’ and the ‘hemlock tree’ are generally considered to be inauspicious and ominous symbols.
Does the poet use them so?
Hints: No. traditional image changed with positive attitude.
2. What is the message that Robert Frost wants to convey to the readers in the poem ‘Dust of snow’?
Hints: There is a silver-lining beyond every cloud. Cheerfulness replaces the feeling of regret.
5 Marks (To be answered in 100-120 words each)
1. Simple moments prove to be very significant in life. A simple moment saves the rest of the day of
the poet from being wasted. Explain on the basis of the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’.
Hints: Simple moment has a large significance....there is enough in life to cheer us up like light shower of dust
of snow.
2. The poet was sad and depressed. But one comical incident lifts his spirits. He is full of joy and
happiness again. Based on your reading of the poem, write a paragraph on the topic – Happiness is
relative.
Hints: Happiness- a passing phase of one’s life--- moments in life---role of others –state of mind.
3. What do the crow and hemlock tree represent? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes
off a hemlock tree stand for?
Hints: crow and hemlock tree –sorrow ---preconceived notions about certain agents of nature----the dust of
snow for joy.
4.No matter how ordinary or unimportant an incident may be, it’s the reaction or the response that
matters. Taking inspiration from the poet’s reaction, write how inherent values can be picked up and
learnt. Mention any two lessons for students like you that could be useful. (Dust of Snow)
Hints:Nature, a great teacher-----inherent values from positive attitude towards nature----importance of living
in the present----- not to take things at face value.
Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom
Question Bank
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q1. When did Nelson Mandela become the president?
Q2. What was the pledge taken by Nelson Mandela?
Q3. Which colours were used in the new flag of South Africa?
Q4. What were the two anthems sung on the day when the inauguration ceremony was taken place?
Short Answer Type Questions
Q1. How does Mandela define courage and from where did he learn the meaning of courage?
Answer:
According to Mandela, courage is not………………………………
The brave man is not he who……………………………………….
Learnt from great patriots and comrades who………………………
Q2. How had the military generals’ attitude changed, and why?
Answer:
Was considered as an outlawed person
Had been arrested
Created a non-racial government
Became the first black President
Change in their attitude
Q3.What did Mandela think of patriots of Africa and of himself?
Answer:
Acc. to Mandela, the freedom of South Africa had come through………
He was simply the sum…………………………………………………...
He regretted for having not……………………………………………….
Q4. Describe the value of freedom for the human beings and how it is important for the growth of
civilization and humanism as described in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’.
Answer:
Wants to live freely
The value of freedom is better known to those who did not taste it
Life becomes a hell
Grow in the atmosphere of freedom
Long Answer Type Questions
Q1.What is the policy of Apartheid? What was its impact on the blacks?
Answer;
The racial discrimination by whites against blacks
One of the harshest and most inhumane policies
The blacks were deprived of
No freedom
Tortured and punished
Created a deep and lasting wound
Q2. Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress as a young man. It transformed his life. What
made him join it? What does it show about his character?
Answer:
The basic freedom was not available
not live as human being
Punished and isolated
Live with dignity and self- respect
Not free on their land
Not happy in a slave society
Basic rights were not given
Had to endure much pain and racial discrimination
These sufferings ignited the fire in Mandela
Left his home and began living like a monk
Fought boldly and fearlessly
Had a strong character
Was determined in his actions
Had sympathy and compassion
NELSON MANDELA – LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Short Answer Question (20-30 Words) 2 Marks
Does“depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? In what way Mandela illustrate this?
Ans: Hint: Nelson Mandela’s mention about African Patriots.
Explain in what way Mandela’s ‘Hunger For Freedom’ changed his life?
Ans: Hint : Mandela’s desire of living in a non-racial society changed him into a virtuous and self-sacrificing
man.
Short Answer Question ( 40-50 Words) 3 Marks
What were the difficulties Nelson Mandela encountered while fighting for freedom?
Ans : Hint : He and his comrades were oppressed and got imprisonment.
The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement. What was the glorious human achievement
Nelson Mandela mentioned and why it was so glorious?
Ans : Hint :It was the establishment of the first democratic and non-racial government in South Africa.
Long Answer Question (100-120 Words) (5 Marks)
1.Describe the value of freedom for the human beings and how it is important for the growth of civilisation
and humanism as described in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’
Ans : Hint :Value of freedom - Freedom is essential – Freedom is indivisible - freedom means freedom not to
be obstructed in leading a lawful life – No growth without freedom
2Nelson Mandela was the hero of South Africa’s freedom movement. Comment
Ans : Hint :Nelson Mandela fought against racial discrimination and demanded a respectful and unique life for
all and formed non-racial democratic government in South Africa.
3.“Today, all of us do, by our presence here... confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the
experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long” What does Nelson Mandela refer to as
an extraordinary human disaster? Explain.
Ans : Hint : Apartheid policy is referred as an extraordinary human disaster and Black people were subjected
to oppression for long.
4.Man is a social animal. He has some obligations to society. What twin obligations does Mandela mention?
How can one fulfil these obligations?
Ans : Hint : Obligations to family and obligations to nation.
5.Draw a character sketch of Nelson Mandela highlighting his struggle against the apartheid regime for the
human rights of his people
Ans : Hint : His vision of humanity, his realisation that his boyhood freedom was an illusion and how his own
freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people.
FIRE AND ICE
Q1. Whatdo ‘Fire’ and ‘Ice’ symbolize in the poem ‘Fire’ and ‘Ice’?
Ans: Fire stands for conflict- intolerance -Ice -greed-avarice-coldness etc.
Q2. Discuss how extreme behavior can hasten the end of the world with respect to “fire and Ice’’.
Ans: - Fire -desire - Ice -hatred-increase in hatred - bring an end to the world. Society- people who are never
satisfied -working to get bigger and better- desire can lead people to destruction- bankruptcy -broken
relationships- power of hate, symbolized -ice -great as desire- trait of humanity – demise- Hate -root cause of
racism and war.
Q3. What does ‘Fire’ and ‘Ice’ stand for and what is the general opinion regarding the world?
Ans: -Fire’-desire-anger-greed-Ice-hatred-coldness-the debate-some group of people- world will end in fire –
ice- equally opposite to each other- favour fire believe -heat and passion -end the world- people -favour ice
believe - which will freeze the world.
Q4. Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire?
Ans: - takes side -destroyed by fire- uncontrolled fire and untamed passionate desire -bring an end- confesses -
has tasted of desire- personal experience with desire -to conclude that the world will end by fire.
Q5. What message does the poet wish to convey through the poem ‘Fire and ‘Ice’?
OR
What is the central idea of the poem ‘Fire and ‘Ice’?
Ans: - nothing is permanent - end one day - first concludes- end in fire -considering his personal experience-
desire and passion- same time- ice or hatred -bring total destruction – desires- lust and passion leads-harm-
hatred -unsympathetic judgement makes -cold towards everyone- thus- not forget -supreme reality -keep
ourselves above all selfish matters.
Q6. There are many ideas about how the world will ‘end’. Do you think the world will end some day? Have
you ever thought what would happen if the sun got so hot that it ‘burst’, or grew colder and colder?
Ans: - world going to end one day - many ideas -how it will end but one can’t say surely-reason life exists only
on Earth -circumstances and temperature -make it possible- sun gets -hot one day -verge of bursting- lead to
rapid destruction -fire everywhere- grows colder and colder- ice everywhere on Earth and -come to an end as
without sunlight, life will end.
Q7. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? How does it help in bringing out the contrasting ideas in the
poem?
Ans: -. Rhyme scheme - aba abcbcb- contrasting ideas in the poem- the ideas of two groups - catastrophic end
either as a result of fire or ice- portrays-two essential components -destructive human emotions- desire and
hatred- like fiery desires and icy hatred -damage -individual -irreparable manner- fire and ice can lead the
world at the verge of chaos.
Q8. ‘But if it had to perish twice’. How will the world perish twice?
Ans: - opinion -world will end due to fire – desire- world had to end twice- it will due to hatred symbolised by
‘ice- no love and mutual understanding among people- feels that there is enough hatred -which will end the
world one day.
Q9.Which age old question does the poem revolves around?
Ans: - age-old question- the world will end in fire or in ice-similar to another age-old question- to freeze to
death or burn to death- determines that either -would achieve its purpose sufficiently well.
POETIC DEVICE
1. Assonance- it is repetition of vowel sounds in same line. The repetition is at different places in different
words.
Example- The long sound of “o” in “I hold with those who favour fire”
2. Alliteration- alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound at the start of two or more closely placed
words.
Example- The sound of “f” in “favour fire”, “w” in “world will”
3. Imagery- Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses.
Example- “Some say the world will end in fire”
“To say that for destruction ice is also great”
4. Anaphora- the repetition of a word or expression at the start of two or more consecutive lines.
Example - “Some say” is repeated at the start of lines 1 and 2.
5. Personification- Personification is to give human qualities to inanimate objects. In this poem, “fire” and
“ice” are capable of destruction. Thus, the poet personifies fire and ice by giving them mind and power to
destroy anything.
6. Enjambment- it is defined as the thought or clause that does not come to an end at a line break, rather it
moves over to the next line.
Example- “From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire”
Two Stories About Flying
Very Short Answer (2 Marks)
1. What was the young seagull certain of?
Hints:
His nature
Doubt in his wings
2.What do you understand by the phrase ‘ upbraiding’?
Hint:
Scold
3. How did his family taunt him for his cowardice?
Hint:
Enjoying the plateau
4. How did the young seagull feel when his belly touched the green sea?
Hint:
Fear
Joy
5Why was the young seagull standing on the brink of the ledge?
Hint:
His desire
Love for family
Short Answer (3 Marks)
1. Who upbraided the young seagull and why?
Hints:
His loved one
Inability
2When did the young seagull’s flight begin, was it voluntary?
Hint:
Begins with temptation
Involuntary
3What is the message given by the author through the story?
Hint:
No easy way to success
Repeated trials and errors
4.‘Hunger could be a strong motivation to learn something’. Comment on the light of the story.
Hint:
Previous hesitation of the seagull
His ultimate success in catching his food.
5.Narrate the character growth of the young seagull from the beginning of the story to his ultimate success.
Hint:
His hesitation
His hunger
Ultimate/Accidental success
Long Answer (5 Marks)
1. Draw a literary sketch of the young seagull’s surroundings?
Hints:
Beautiful
Sea-view
South facing
2. How did he finally conquer his fear?
Hint:
Hunger
Step by step trial
Falling
3. ‘His First Flight’ is a story of trump over fear. Prove.
Hint:
His hesitation
His starvation
Encouragement from his family members
Accidental falling from the ledge
4.Why did the plunge appear to him as desperate?
Hint:
His fear
Position of the ledge
Uncertainty
5.Write the central idea behind the story.
Hint:
How to show the uselessness of fear
How to conquer fear
Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)
1. ‘His first flight’. Who is he here?
i. Young turtle
ii. Butterfly
iii. Young seagull
iv. A bat
2. Where was the young seagull?
i. On a ledge
ii. In a hole
iii. On a branch
iv. In the cliff
3. How many siblings did he have?
i. 2
ii. 3
iii. 4
iv. 5
4. How many brothers did the young seagull have?
i. 0
ii. 1
iii. 2
iv. 3
5. Why was he alone?
i. He liked being alone
ii. He was an orphan
iii. He was afraid to fly
iv. None of these
6. What was below the ledge?
i. The great sea
ii. A river
iii. The Pacific Ocean
iv. The Atlantic Ocean
7. What do you understand by ledge?
i. Narrow surface projecting from a cliff
ii. Ladder
iii. Tree branch
iv. A log of wood
8. What was he certain of?
i. His wings would not carry him.
ii. He was physically unable to fly.
iii. He can fly easily
iv. All of above
9. Where did he sleep at night?
i. On top of the ledge.
ii. A little hole beside the ledge
iii. A little hole under the ledge.
iv. None of the above
10. Which one is true of the following?
i. His wings were far shorter than his siblings.
ii. His wings were far longer than his siblings.
iii. His wings were far equal than his siblings.
iv. None of the above.
11. How long had the young seagull been left alone?
i. 12 hours
ii. 18 hours
iii. 1 day
iv. 2 days
12. His ledge faced ______________
i. North
ii. South
iii. East
iv. West
13. Which fish was offered to the young seagull after his first flight?
i. A cat-fish
ii. A clown-fish
iii. A dog-fish
iv. A herring
14. Who was looking at him(young seagull) from the plateau?
i. His father
ii. His mother
iii. His brothers
iv. No one
15. Who cried “Ga, ga, ga” ?
i. He, the young seagull
ii. His mother
iii. His brothers
iv. His sister
16. Who said “Gaw-col-ah” ?
i. He, the young seagull
ii. His mother
iii. His brothers
iv. His sister
17. She picked up a piece of_________ and was flying across.....( Fill in the blanks)
i. Meat.
ii. Herring
iii. Fish.
iv. Fruit.
18. What did his parents teach his brothers and sister?
i. To perfect the art of flying
ii. To Skim the waves
iii. To dive for fish.
iv. All of above.
19. What prompted him to dive at the fish?
i. He was maddened by hunger.
ii. Sight of fish in his mother’s beak.
iii. Sight of his siblings.
iv. Both (a) and (b) are correct.
20. What were his siblings doing when he took his first flight?
i. Flying around him
ii. Sleeping on the plateau
iii. Watching him from the ledge.
iv. None of above.
BLACK AEROPLANE
MCQ TYPE: (Extract Based) 1 mark each.
1.There was no answer. The radio was dead too. I had no radios, no compass, and I could not see where I was.
I was lost in the storm. Then, in the black clouds quite near me, I saw another aeroplane. It had no lights on its
wings, but I could see it flying next to me through the storm. I could see the pilot’s face- turned towards me. I
was very glad to see another person. He lifted one hand and waved.
a. Whom do ‘ I’ and ‘ he’ refer to?
Narrator and pilot
Pilot and plane
Pilot and radio
b. What problem did I face in the storm?
NO radio, no compass, could not see where I was
Lost in the storm
Pilot’s face turned towards him
Both (i) & (ii)
C. Could he find out the location where he was?
Yes, he could find the location
No, he could not find out the location where he was
Both (i) and (ii)
None of the above
2.Now there was only enough fuel in the old Dakotas’ last tank to fly for five or ten minutes more. I was
starting to get frightened again. But then he started to go down and I followed through the storm.
a. Who is ‘I’ in the passage?
Dakota
Narrator
Storm
b. Who is ‘he’ referred to here?
Dakota
Narrator
Storm
None of the above.
C. What situation frightened the narrator?
Storm clouds
Not enough fuel
Both (i) and (ii)
3.I could see the pilot’s face towards me. I was very glad to see another person. He lifted on one hand and
waved. “Follow me” he was saying. “Follow me”. He knows “I am lost”, I thought.
a. Why was the narrator happy?
He was going home
To see another person
Pilot’s face was turned towards him.
b. What did the pilot of the other plane say?
I am lost
Follow me
Didn’t say anything.
c. How did the pilot of the other aeroplane respond?
By smiling
By waving
None of the above.
Q.B. Short Answer Type in 20-30 words (2 Marks each)
1. Who was the pilot of the mysterious plane?
Answer hints: ghost-supernatural power
2. What do you think of the narrator?
Answer hints: Brave-courageous-determined
3. What surprised the pilot greatly during and at the end of his flight?
Answer hints: Appearance of mysterious plane
4. What were the two options before the narrator? What did he decide to do?
Answer hints: Either to go back to Paris or to go through the storm clouds.
5, Once surrounded by clouds, what all did the narrator experience in the lesson ‘The black aeroplane’?
Mention any two things.
Answer hints: Surrounded by huge dark clouds- playing, jumped and twisted.
Q.C. Short answer type :Answer the questions in 40-50 words each. (3Marks)
1. What do you think about the sudden appearance and disappearance of the strange aeroplane that helped
the pilot in his safe landing?
Answer hints: Miracle.
2. Why couldn’t the speaker believe that he was sick?
Answer hints: Miraculously rescued by another mysterious aeroplane.
3. What did the narrator see when he thought he was lost?
Answer: Another aeroplane- no lights on the aeroplane.
4. How did the pilot on the other aeroplane assure the narrator?
Answer hints: lifted one hand and waved at the narrator- asked him to follow him.
5. What was the reason behind the narrator getting scared for the second time?
Answer: following the black aeroplane for half an hour- not out of the storm clouds- fuel getting exhausted.
6. Who do you think helped the narrator to reach safely? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer hints- pilot-supernatural-aeroplane had no lights- pilot on the strange plane able to land safely-upon
landing second aeroplane was nowhere.
Q.D. Long Answer Type :
Answer the questions in about 100-120 words: (5 Marks Each)
Q1. From beginning to the end of the lesson ‘Black Aeroplane’ is a mystery. How?
Answer hints: Clear sky when he started his journey-all of a sudden surrounded by black clouds- all the
instruments stopped working- contact with radio also snaps-marvellous thing happens-sees another plane
that guides.
Q2. What is the message conveyed through the incident narrated in the ‘Black Aeroplane’?
Answer hints: One must not give up hope- needs to be courageous.
Q3. “God helps those who helps themselves”. Do you agree? Discuss with reference to the lesson ‘Black
Aeroplane’.
Answer hints: Those who are idle sure to fail-do not receive god’s blessings- pilot faces difficulties- does not
lose his cool- God sends his own messenger.
A TIGER IN THE ZOO-LESLIE NORRIS
Gist:Poem at a glance
This poem contrasts a tiger when it is in its natural habitat and when it is imprisoned in a zoo.
On a starry night, the poet sees a tiger in a zoo.
The tiger moves slowly up and down in his cage
The tiger is full of rage but is quiet in his helplessness.
The poet is moved to pity for the tiger
The poet says that the tiger should have been in the jungle
But sadly the tiger is locked behind bars in a concrete cell
The tiger does not take any notice of the visitors
The tiger is no longer free to move in his natural habitat
EXTRACT BASED COMPREHENSION QUESTION EXERCISE
Q 1. ‘He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage’
A) What does a tiger have on his body?
(a) Spots
(b) Stripes
(c) Stars
(d) All of the above.
B)How does the tiger feel in the cage?
(a)He was in a sad mood
(b)He was in angry mood
(c) He was in happy mood
(d)He was in surprised
C)Name the poetic device used in the line “He stalks in his vivid stripes”.
(a) metaphor
(b) assonance
(c) Oxymoron
(d) Consonance
D) Name the poetic device used in the line "In his quiet rage".
(a)Simile
(b)Personification
(c)Metaphor
(d)Oxymoron
Q2.He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
A)Who is ‘He’ in the given extract?
(a)tiger
(b)forest
(c)zoo
(d)all of the above
B)Why should he be lurking in shadow?
(a) out of fear
(b) out of anger
(c) to catch the deer
(d) both 1 and 2
C)The poem draws a contrast between _____ and _____
(a)animals,humans
(b)tiger in a zoo,tiger in a forest
(c)tiger in a zoo,humans
(d)humans,tiger in a forest
D) What does the tiger hunt near the water hole?
(a)lions
(b)elephants
(c)deer
(d)all of the above
E)Which word in the stanza will mean ‘to lie or wait in concealment’?
a) Shadow
b) Water hole
c) Sliding
d) Lurking
Q3.He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle’s edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!
A)What described "tiger in a jungle"?
(a)Locked in concrete cell
(b)his strength behind bars
(c)ignoring visitors
(d)baring his white fangs
B) Name the poetic device used in the line "Baring his white fangs,his claws".
(a)metaphor
(b)assonance
(c)Oxymoron
(d)Consonance
C)Where should the tiger be snarling?
(a)at the jungle’s edge
(b)at the cage’s edge
(c)in the cage
(d)all of the above
Q4.But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
A)Where is the tiger’s strength locked?
(a)behind the jungle
(b)behind the bars
(c)behind his nature
(d)None of the Above
B)What describes “tiger in a cell”?
(a)Locked in concrete cell
(b)snarling around houses
(c)shadow, long grass
(d)baring his white fangs
C) What has been personified in the poem?
(a)tiger
(b)forest
(c)zoo
(d)all of the above
Q5)He hears the last voice at night,
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
A)Pick out the word from the stanza that means the same as—‘gleaming’.
(a)stares
(b)brilliant
(c)patrolling
(d)all of the above
B)How are the eves of the tiger?
(a)Brilliant
(b)sleepy
(c)dull
(d)sad
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
(2 MARKS QUESTIONS)
Q1. Why is he in quiet rage?
Ans: i.He is in quiet rage as he is locked----his freedom has been curtailed.----he is unable to show his anger
and ferocity.
Q2. Why does the tiger ignore the visitors?
Ans: He considers them devoid of feeling---- as none of them tries to help him out of the prison----
Q3. How does the tiger make his presence felt in the village?
Ans:Snarling around houses at the jungle’s edge---- by showing his white fangs and claws.
Q4.Describe some of the activities of the tiger as stated by the poet.
Ans: walking along the cage----- hearing the patrolling of cars -----ignoring visitors
Q5.Why does the tiger express his anger quietly?
Ans: He is helpless----He can do nothing from behind the bars----
Q6. How does the tiger feel in the zoo?
Ans: He keeps on moving from one comer to another.-----He stalks in his vivid stripes moving the few steps of
his cage-----He is not happy-----expresses his silent anger.
Q7.What message do you get from this poem?
Ans: Animals like to live freely in the forest-----The animals do not want to live in the zoo-----Their life is
pitiable in it.
Q8. How does the tiger act in the cage?
Ans. He is powerless and helpless---He longs for freedom----His velvet pads do not make any noise----He is in
the silent anger roaring and ignoring the visitors.
Q9.Where does the tiger stalk? How is his behavior?
Ans: The Tiger at present is in the cage-------He walks in the cage stalking------He is quiet angry due to his
imprisonment in the cage..
3 MARKS QUESTIONS:
Q 1. ‘Freedom is a life for both humans and animals. Elaborte with reference to the poem “A Tiger in the Zoo.”
Ans:The poet describes the feelings of the tiger in the Zoo----- He keeps on moving from corner to another----
He stalks in his vivid stripes moving the few steps of his cage.
Q 2.What does the poet want to convey through this poem?
Ans:Human beings, animals also like freedom----- They do not want to be caged, they cannot live a miserable
life------ If their habitat is destroyed --------these animals cannot survive.
Q 3. Do you agree that wild animals should be caged? Comment yes or no giving reasons.
Ans:This is a well-known fact that------- tiger is a royal species which is on the verge of extinction. In ancient
times tigers moved around freely in the forests------ the entertainment of people
Q4. Why do you think the tiger looks at the stars?
Ans: The tiger feels very helpless in the cage-----He stares with hope at the brilliant stars shining in the sky-----
He hopes for the day when he would be able to run free in the wild.
Q5. Why should the tiger snarl around houses at the edge of the forest?
Ans: Firstly the villagers will not disturb the peace of the forest. --they will not kill the animals for money or
just for fun.
FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS:-
1.To enhance the image of this long awaited friend in my imagination, I don’t want to jot down the facts in this
diary the way most people would do, but I want the diary to be my friend and I’m going to call this friend
‘Kitty’.
a.Who is the speaker here?
(i)Anne Frank (ii) Mr. Keesing
(iii) Mrs. Kuperus (iv) Margot
ANS- (i) Anne Frank
b.What does she not want to write in her diary?
Her name (iii) Facts and events
About her family (iv) Her secrets
ANS- (iii) Facts and events
c. …… means ‘to write something quickly’
(i) Long awaited (iii) jot down
(ii) to enhance (iv) call this friend kitty
ANS- (iii) jot down
d.…… in the extract means ‘ to improve’
(i)Got down (ii) long awaited (iii) enhance (iv) none of these
ANS- (iii) enhance
e.Find a word from the extract which means the same as ‘submerge’
(i)Jot down (ii) sketch (iii) plunge (iv) imagination
ANS- (iii) plunge
2.That evening, after I‘d finished the rest of my home work, the note about the essay caught my eye. I began
thinking about the subject while chewing the tip of my fountain pen. Anyone could ramble on and leave big
spaces between the words, but the trick was to come up with convincing argument to prove the necessity of
talking.
a) Anne was asked to write an essay on ….
i. A chatterbox
ii.An Incorrigible Chatterbox
iii) Mr. Chatterbox
(iv) Quack , Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox.
ANS- (i) A chatterbox
b) Anne wanted to convince her teacher about …..
i. The necessity of talking
ii. The necessity of studying
iii. The necessity of writing
iv.None of these
ANS- (i) the necessity of talking
c) ……….. means ‘something achieved by birth’
i)Traits (ii) Necessity (iii) Inherited (iv) trick
ANS- (iii) inherited
d)…… in the extract means ‘to write aimlessly for long’.
i)Caught (ii) Ramble (iii) Convincing (iv) Necessity
ANS- (ii) Ramble
Answer the following in 20-30 words:-
a. Why does Anne provide a brief sketch of her family?
ANS- did not want to follow the common trend of writing a diary
b. Explain “teachers are the most unpredictable creatures?
ANS- no one could understand what was going out in their minds or what their next step would be.
c. Describe your views about Mr. Keesing as a teacher.
ANS- a strict teacher who didn’t like students talking in the class.
d. Why was Anne Frank disturbed even when she had loving parents relatives and friends?
ANS- though being surrounded by so many people, she didn’t have any true friend.
e. Why does Anne Frank think that ‘paper has more patience than people’?
ANS- it listens to her patiently, does not react like other people.
Answer the following in 40-50 words:-
a. Describe Anne’s feeling about her grandmother.
ANS- no one could understand the intensity of her love for her grandma, how she thought of her, lighted up
extra candle for her during her birthday .
b. What makes writing a diary a strange experience for Anne Frank?
ANS- she had never written before did not want to write about facts.
c. Why does Anne decide to keep a diary?
ANS- found it reliable and best as a friend.
d. Why was Anne’s entire class anxious and nervous?
ANS- about the result, who would be promoted to the higher class.
VALUE BASED QUESTIONS (100- 120 words)
a. Anne’s story is set at the time of World War II. Is war the way to settle disputes? Why or why not?
Hints:-
War is not a way to settle disputes
War led to ruins
Loss of friends and family.
Loss of peace and happiness
b. Anne called 26th July a ‘tumultuous ‘day. Explain the reasons behind it.
Hints:- full of tension
first siren was sent off in the morning.
city was enveloped in thick fog
Nobody was able to sleep
Extract Based Questions
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Question 1.
Writing in a diary is a really strange experience for someone like me. Not only because I have never written
anything before, but also because it seems to me that later on neither I nor anyone else will be interested in
the musing of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl. Oh well, it doesn’t matter. I feel like writing and I have an even
greater need to get all kind of things off my chest.
‘Paper has more patience than people.’ I thought of this saying on one of those days when I was feeling a little
depressed and was sitting at home with my chin in my hands, bored and listless, wondering whether to stay in
or go out.
Q1- Why was writing in a diary a strange experience for Anne?
A) she had never written anything before
B) she didn't know how to write
C) neither she nor anyone else would be interested in it later
D) Both A and C
Q2- Who is ‘thirteen-year-old girl ‘?
A) The writer
B) kitty
C) Anne frank
D) Both A and C
Q3- Find a word in the passage that means ‘deep thought’.
A) bored
B) listless
C) dull
D) musing
Q4- Paper has more patience than people’ – Why did Anne Frank say that?
A) The writer can write well
B) kitty is her best friend
C) Anne frank does not have any true friend
D) none of these
Q5- Which word in the passage is a synonym of ‘ dull’?
A) listless
B) bored
C) wonder
D) none of these
Question 2.
Let me put it more clearly, since no one will believe that a thirteen-year-old girl is completely alone in the
world. And I’m not. I have loving parents and a sixteen-year-old sister, and there are about thirty people I can
call friends. I have a family, loving aunts and a good home. No, on the surface I seem to have everything,
except my one true friend. All I think about when I’m with friends is having a good time. I can’t bring myself to
talk about anything but ordinary everyday things. We don’t seem to be able to get any closer, and that’s the
problem. Maybe it’s my fault that we don’t confide in each other. In any case, that’s just how things are, and
unfortunately, they’re not liable to change. This is why I’ve started the diary.
Q1- Why does Anne want to keep a diary?
A) she has no close friends
B) she loves to write
C) she wants people to read about her later
D) she likes the idea of it
Q2- Find the word that means the same as ‘unluckily’.
A) Unfortunately
B) except
C) confide
D) liable
Q3- To confide in somebody is to ………
A) to trust no one
B) to tell your secret to that person
C) to lock the person
D) to give help to someone
Q4- Why does Anne think she was lonely?
A) she had no friends
B) she had no real friends
C) she was all alone
D) she was an introvert
Q5- Why was she unable to get closer to her already existing friends?
A) she didn't like her friends
B) her friends are not understanding
C) she can't bring herself to talk about personal stuff
D) all of the above
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Why did Anne think that she was alone?
Answer:No real friend
Question 2. How do you know that Anne was close to her grandmother?
Answer:Spent her early childhood with her grandmother.
question 3. What does Anne Frank say about her family in her diary?
Answer:She has very lovely and caring family.
Question 4. Why does Anne Frank think that,' paper ’has more patience than people.’
Answer: It listens to her more patiently and does not react like other people.
Question 5. What does Anne write in her first essay to support her habit of talking so much?
Answer:Talking is a student’s trait and she has got it from her mother.
Question 6. How did Anne regard her diary and what name did she give to it?
Answer:As her long-awaited friend and named it ‘Kitty’.
Question 7. How did Sanne help Anne Frank in writing the third essay?
Answer:To write the essay in verse form and put up the example of a swan and ducklings in it.
Question 8. What was Mr. Keesing’s reaction after reading Anne’s poem on the third essay that he had
given to her to write?
Answer:Mr Keesing took the joke the right way.
Question 9. Why was Anne’s entire class anxious and nervous?
Answer:Promotion in grades
Question 10. Why was Mr. Keesing annoyed with Anne? What did he ask her to do?
Answer: She talked too much in the class so he assigned her to write an essay on the subject, ‘A Chatterbox’.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Anne called 26th July a ‘tumultuous’ day. Explain the reasons behind it.
Ans.Full of tension and fright, first warning siren in the morning, again around 2 O’clock in the afternoon,
heard loud gunshots. After half an hour, drone of engines faded, and life became normal. The city enveloped
in thick fog. It got repeated at midnight.
Question 2. What does Anne say about her parents, elder sister and her stay in the Montessori school?
Answer:Father very adorable, Margot elder sister, motherEdith Hollander Frank,Margot went to Holland in
December and Anne went three months, Mrs Kuperus was the headmistress.
Question 3. From the diary of Anne Frank’ throws light on teacher-student relationship, class atmosphere
and discipline Write a paragraph on the values of these aspects of school and how far these values are
necessary for learning and life.
Answer.Class atmosphere and discipline, learning in disguise, focus on studies. The teacher student
relationship is very respectful and sacred. It is about discipline and classroom manners. This relationship is
clearly shown in Mr Keesing and Anne Frank actions as they both try to joke on each other but in very
humorous and healthy manner. Healthy relationship is needed everywherein the class for effective teaching
and learning.
Question 4.Write the character sketch of Anne Frank.
Answer: Anne Frank was born on 12th June 1929 in Frankfurt Germany,her father went to Holland,She was
very intelligent and always wanted to become a writer, was a very good reader and worked hard on her skills,
She died of typhus in late Feb or early March of 1945.
Question 5. Why did Anne think that she could confide more in her diary than in the people?
Answer:She was unable to share her views and thoughts with anyone, got her diary,treated her diary as her
best friend. It would not react like people, she confided everything in the diary.
THE BALL POEM BY JOHN BERRYMAN
Gist: Poem at a glance
• The little boy has lost his ball.
• He can buy many new balls but he has a very deep emotional attachment and memories associated
with that ball.
• So he regrets over the loss of the ball.
• The poet is indirectly trying to tell us that we should learn how to cope up with the loss.
• And money is external i.e. we can’t buy memories with money.
• We all should learn our responsibility and learn to cope up with the loss.
EXTRACT BASED COMPREHENSION QUESTION EXERCISE
A)
I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over — there it is in the water!
No use to say ‘O there are other balls’:
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went.
i. The poet uses the ball as a symbol of the boy’s
a) sense of adventure.
b) carefree childhood days.
c) ability to bounce back.
d) extended family.
ii. The poet feels that there is no point consoling the boy as
a) it would give him false hope.
b) he might demand for a new ball.
c) it might distress him further.
d) whatever he has lost is irretrievable.
iii. The word ‘harbour’ DOES NOT have a meaning similar to
a) port.
b) pier.
c) dock.
d) cargo.
iv. ‘Merrily over — there it is in the water!’ The dash here is meant to convey
a) some familiar experience.
b) a feeling of excitement.
c) a sense of unexpected interruption.
d) some thoughtful moments.
v. The word that DOES NOT indicate a physical manifestation of sorrow in the boy, is
a) worthless.
b) shaking.
c) trembling.
d) rigid.
B)
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up.
(a) What is the boy learning?
Answer Hint : The boy is learning to cope up……
(b) Why are boy’s eyes desperate?
Answer Hint : Boy’s eyes looks desperate as he is sad……
(c) What do you mean by ‘epistemology of loss’?
Answer Hint : Epistemology of loss’ means to understand……..
(d) What every man needs to know one day?
Answer Hint: Every man needs to know one day that loss may occur to him……..
(C)
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went. I would not intrude on him,
A dime, another ball, is worthless.
(a) Where had the boy’s ball gone?
Answer Hint : The boy’s ball went into the dark waters………
(b) How has the loss affected the boy?
Answer Hint :The boy is very much troubled at the loss of his ball.
(c) Why was ‘he’ trembling, staring down?
Answer Hint : He was trembling, staring down as he couldn’t find the ball, deeply affected by the loss...
(d) What does the poet mean by ‘first responsibility’?
Answer Hint : By ‘First responsibility’, he, means to look after……..
(D)
……………Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions. People will take
balls,
Balls will be lost always, little boy.
And no one buys a ball back. Money is
external
(a) What does the boy understand?
Answer Hint : boy learns to grow up and understands his responsibility..
(b) What does the word ‘balls’ signify?
Answer Hint : ‘Balls’ signify the boys’ innocence….
(c) What is meant by the word ‘possessions’?
Answer Hint : ‘Possessions’ means something that is owned……..
(d) What does “In a world of possessions mean?”
Answer Hint : It means that everybody loves to possess things……….
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (2 MARKS QUESTIONS)
Question 1. What is the deep meaning hidden in the poem 'The Ball Poem'?
Answer hint: childhood can quickly fly…
Question 2. How important is the learning to “epistemology of loss” for the boy?
Answer hint : According the poet, the epistemology of loss is the greatest lesson, the boy is
learning………………….
Question 3. Why does the poet call the world ‘A world of possessions’?
Answer hint : The poet calls the world ‘A world of possessions’ because man values and is valued on
the ………………….
Question 4. What do you think the poet means by following lines?
People will take Balls,
Balls will be lost always, little boy.
And no one buys a ball back.
Answer hint : We think the poet, in these lines, conveys a great message. Losing ball here symbolises miseries
arising out…………
Question 5 : How does the boy ‘Senses first responsibility?
The boy loses his ball and gets upset. This was his first lesson in sensing his first responsibility. He has……….
3 MARKS QUESTIONS
Question 1. Elaborate the idea that one should learn to accept and let go and not stick to something that we
can not have.
Answer hint: past is gone and will never came back…..
Question2. There’s always loss and there’s always disappointment. When someone is learning from loss, he
is moving towards achievement. Elaborate.
Answer hint: Everyone experiences a loss at some point in one’s life. It might be the loss of ………….
Question 3. staring down/ All his young days into the harbour where/His ball went…” Do you think the boy
has had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to the memories of days when he played with it?
Answer hint: Yes, it seems as if the boy has had the ball for a long time. When it bounced……………
THE HUNDRED DRESSES- I
Q.1.Why does Maddie stand by and not do anything? How is she different from Peggy? (Was
Peggy’s friendship important to Maddie? Why? Which lines in the text tell you this?)
Q.2: Why is Maddie embarrassed by the questions Peggy asks Wanda? Is she also like Wanda,
or is she different?
Q.3: "Wanda had won the drawing contest. She had flawlessly drawn a hundred different
dresses." Explain .
Q.4: Justify the title "" The Hundred Dresses -I".
Q.5: "“Peggy was the most popular girl in school. She was pretty, she had many pretty clothes
and her hair was curly. Maddie was her closest friend.” Illustrate the given lines.
The Hundred Dresses Part II
Q1.Read the extracts given below and choose the correct options;
The first period was a study period .Maddie tried to prepare her lessons , but she could not put her mind on
her work . She had a very sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach. True , she had not enjoyed listening to
Peggy ask Wanda how many dresses she had in her closet, but she had said nothing. She had stood by
silently,and that was just as bad as what Peggy had done.Worse .She was a coward.At least Peggy hadn’t
considered they were being mean but she, Maddie had thought they were doing wrong.She could put herself
in Wanda’s shoes.
(a) What was the first period?
1.The first period was a study period.
2.The first period was a free period.
3. The first period was a games period.
(b) What did Maddie try to do?
1.She tried to talk to her teacher.
2.She tried to concentrate on her study.
3.She tried to enjoy reading.
(c) How did she feel?
1. She was very happy but disturbed.
2. she was quite happy but a little upset.
3. She was quite upset and disturbed . She felt sick.
Q2. Read the extracts given below and choose the correct options.
The two girls hurried on,they hoped to get to the top of the hill before dark.
“Ithinkthats where the Patronskilive,”said Maddie pointing to a white house.
Wisps of old grass stuck up here and there along the pathway like thin kittens.The house and its sparse little
yard looked shabby but clean. It reminded Maddie of Wanda’s one dress,her faded blue cotton dress shabby
but clean.
There was not a sign of life about the house.Peggykocked firmly on the door, but there was no answer.She
and Maddie went around to the backyard and knocked there.Still there was no answer.
(a).Why did the girls hurry on?
1.The girls hurried on to meet Wanda.
2.The girls hurried as they wanted to reach the top of the hill before
Dark.
3.To go and ask her not to go away.
b) What have the Wisps of grass been compared to?
1. The Wisps of grass have been compared to kittens.
2.The Wisps of grass has been compared to tall grasses.
3 . The Wisps of grass has been compared to sharp weeds.
(c)What did Maddie say about Patronskis?
1.Maddie said that Patronskis lived in a little white house on the hill.
2. Maddie said that the Patronskis lived in a palatial house.
3. M addie said that the Patronskis lived in a little grey house.
Q3.Answer the questions in about 20-30 words.(2 marks each.)
a).What did Mr Petronski’s letter say?
b).What was Miss Mason’s reaction with the class?
c).What are Maddie’s thoughts as they go to Boggins height?
d),What does Wanda’s house remind Maddie of Wanda’s blue dress.
Q4 .Answer the questions in about 40-50 words.(3 marks each)
a).How did the girls know that Wanda liked them even though they
had teased her?
b) Maddie thought her silence was as bad as Peggy’s teasing.
Was she right?
c) What message is conveyed through the story’ The Hundred
dresses II’?
Q5.Long answer type questions.Word limit 100-120. (5Marks).
a) Though Peggy and Maddie made fun of Wanda. She gifted them her special drawings’. In the light of
this statement write a character sketch of Wanda Petronski.
b) Discuss the aptness or suitability of the story’ The Hundred Dresses II’
....................x.......................
Answer Key.
Q1. a) 1. b) 2. c ) 3.
Q2. a ) 2. b) 1. c ) 1.
Q3. a) Wanda left school – went to a big city – children do not tease each other
Not angry – unhappy and upset – expresses her thought politely – not to hurt others feelings
c ) feel sorry – request Wanda to come back – would be nice to
her.
d)house shabby but clean-dress clean.
Q4. a) wrote a letter to give a drawing of green to Peggy
Blue to Maddie saw their faces – knew that Wanda loved
Them.
b)Peggy made fun of Wanda – asked about hundred dresses –
Maddie did not like – no courage to stop Peggy – did not want
To loose her friend
c)We should not hurt others feelings – we will suffer – hurt our
selves
Q5. a) Her hundred dresses refers to the drawings of hundred
Dress designs—despite mockings she remained calm—
When she could not tolerate she left school—large hearted
--gifted her drawings --- showed her friendly feelings.
b) focuses on hundred dresses—it was actually her designs
-- she left school – gets a letter—replies –shows herlove and
Affection for all—she considered Peggy and Maddie as frien-
-ds.—designs make the title meaningful.
................x....................
AMANDA(POEM)
BRIEF SUMMARY
The little girl Amanda is biting her nails and her mother asks her not to do it.
Amanda is putting her shoulders down to one side and her mother asks her to sit up straight.
Amanda doesn’t bother what her mother says and is lost in a world of dreams and fantasy.
She imagines herself moving all around freely and blissfully like a mermaid.
Amanda’s mother asks if she has finished her homework and reminds her to clean her shoes.
Amanda doesn’t care a bit what her mother says to her.
She is again in the world of dreams and fantasy.
She prefers to be an orphan than living such a life and wants to roam around the streets freely and aimlessly
with her bare feet. The pressing of the feet will create designs on the soft dust.
She loves silence, and freedom is the sweetest thing that she values in her life.
Further, she is told not to eat chocolate as she is having pimples on her face.
Her mother reminds her to observe good manners and tells her not to look the other way when her mother is
speaking to her.
Again, Amanda ignores her mother and imagines herself as Rapunzel living in a tower where there is a reign of
peace and tranquillity.
Amanda is proud of her beautiful hair and would not let them down like Rapunzel.
Amanda’s mother calls her moody and asks her to stop being sulky and unhappy at once because if she
remains unhappy, people will think that her mother has been nagging her.
No reaction of Amanda has been written by the poet for this
Q.1 Read the stanza and complete the answers:
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you?
Q.(a) Amanda has been asked to ___________ _.
Q (b) The speaker has asked Amanda to do so because she has a tendency to get _________ _.
Q.(c) The speaker wants Amanda to look at him so that he can ensure that Amanda is ________.
Q.(d) Amanda is not looking at the speaker because………….
Q.2 Why has the poet used the exclamation mark after Amanda? Comment on the title of the poem.
Hint: The exclamation mark is used after Amanda to show the mother’s surprise on seeing Amanda. The title is
appropriate.
Q.3 What is the theme of the poem — ‘Amanda’?
Hint: Too many instructions and too much control are resented by children. They get bored and fed up.
Q.4 What message does the poet want to give through the poem — ‘Amanda’?
Hint: The poet wants to convey that parents should adopt positive measures, acceptable to children.
Otherwise, they will stop listening to them and indulge in daydreaming as Amanda did.
Q.5 Is Amanda at fault at all?
Hint: Its answer can be yes or no depending upon you. So do it yourself.
Q.6 Discuss the importance of proper upbringing with reference to the poem Amanda by Robin Klein.
Hints: * Upbringing plays an essential role in personality development of an adult.
Upbringing is always questioned whenever someone does something right or wrong.
Robin Klein’s poem highlights the tension in the ‘proper’ upbringing of a child.
To instil good values and moral principles in a growing child comes as a foremost duty for the parents.
However, the poem Amanda shows how a child feels trapped within the cluster of instruction. .
As a result, she feels trapped and seeks an escape.
Her imagination proves to be her escape and also her defence against her nagging parents. Situation of
Amanda is so worse that she wishes to be an orphan, in order to get rid of her parents.
Q.no.7 Escapism is one way to run away from harsh realities. Discuss in context to the poem.
Hints *. An advice in the form of nagging leaves a very harmful impression on the child’s mind.
* The reality becomes harsh form them and they try to escape these realities by indulging in their own fantasy
world.
* Here in this poem, life of Amanda is quite frustrating as Amanda is forbidden to do anything without seeking
permission.
* Amanda drifts into an imaginary situation to escape from the harsh realities of her life. The parent’s
behaviour is forcing her to do so, as a result there will not be a balanced development of her personality.
* Parents need to understand that their child also requires freedom and his/her own space. If no space is
given, child will develop one or the other complex which may hamper his/her normal growth.
Q.8 What is the central idea of the poem?
Hint: The central idea of the poem is that children love freedom. Secondly, they have a dream world of their
own. They like to spend most of their time in that dream world.
Q.9 What made Amanda sulk? Why does her mother ask her to stop sulking?
Hint: Her mother’s instructions
Her mother thinks that others will blame her for Amanda’s sulking.
Q.10 Who wants to be an orphan? Why?
Hint: Amanda because of constant nagging by her elders.
Glimpses of India
1. A Baker from Goa
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
1.What do the elders reminisce about and why?
Ans: The elders reminisce nostalgically about the good old Portuguese days and the Portuguese loaves of
bread. The loaves of bread were an integral part of Goan’s life. Marriages were meaningless without sweet
bread. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on her daughter’s engagement. Christmas and other
festivals must have cakes and Bolinhas. They still remember the jingling thud of the baker in the morning.
2.How can you say that the makers of the famous Goan loaves are still there?
Ans: Many of those eaters of loaves might have died but their makers still exist. The mixers, the moulders and
those who bake the loaves are still there in Goa. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished and the
thud and jingle of the baker’s bamboo can still be heard in the morning in some places. These bakers, known
as padders, exist in Goa even today. The family profession is still carried on.
Long answers type question (100-120)
1. Instead of enjoying their childhood, the children today are keen to enter adulthood. After readingabout
all the joys that the author Lucio Rodrigues had in his childhood do you think such a keenness on the part of
children is desirable?
Ans: I don’t think that the keenness of the children these days to enter adulthood is desirable.
Children these days are in a hurry to enter adulthood and have access to technology. Due to this they are
learning things earlier than usual and getting matured beyond their age.
Hence, they are losing out their childhood and missing the joys that it brings with it. As per my thinking, they
should grow at a slow pace and enjoy their childhood to the fullest. Children who miss out on their childhood
cannot be a complete adult. So, they should not hurry up to be an adult and grow at nature’s pace
2. After reading the story ‘A Baker from Goa”, do you think our traditions, heritage, values and practices are
the roots that nourish us? Why/why not?
Ans: ‘A Baker from Goa’ highlights the importance of the traditional practice of making breads for every
occasion and festival of the Goan people. This tradition continues even today. This shows how our traditional
practices can keep us to our past and heritage. Traditional values shape our personality and also provide us
emotional support. They enable us to face difficult situations and makes us mentally strong. Traditional
practices also have an impact on our behavioural pattern towards the other people in society
3. ‘During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide.’ What does this
statement imply in relation to the character of the baker?
Ans: This statement tells us that the baker was a very respected person in the Goan society because he would
guide the children about good behaviour (when he mildly rebuked them for peeping into his basket and giving
respect to the elders (when he wished “Good morning” to the lady of the house) etc.He was very informal
with the children and so the author
considered him as a friend and companion. He was not simply a vendor interested in selling what he made.
Thus, he was an important character in the Goan society of those days
2. Coorg
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
1.Describe the climate, birds and animals of Coorg.
Ans. During the monsoons, Coorg has a lot of rains. It pours enough to keep many tourists away. The best
tourist season starts from September and continues till March. The very air of Coorg smells of Coffee.
Kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, wild elephants, bees and butterflies abound in the rainforests of Coorg.
2.Describe the possible descent of the people of Coorg.
Ans. The people of Coorg, their rituals and traditions are quite different from the Hindu mainstream.
According to one story. a part of Alexander’s army travelling the coast, settled here as their return became
impractical. So, they are believed to be of Greek origin. The Coorgi dress, a long, black coat with an
embroidered waist-belt resembles the Kuffia worn by the Arabs: So, some think that they are of Arabic origin.
3.How do the most laidback individuals become the life of high-energy adventures in Coorg?
Ans. Coorg offers many outdoor high-energy adventures. Even the most laidback individuals become converts
to the life of high-energy adventures. They enjoy river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and
mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in Coorg are a favourite with trekkers.
Long answers type question (100-120)
1. The Coorgis are the descendants of the Greeks or the Arabs and are still are able to maintain
theirtraditional practices. Do you agree that following these practices today is important? Why or why not?
Ans: After reading the text, I feel that it is important to follow the traditional practices, as it has kept
thetradition of Coorgis known to the people even today. If the people of Coorg had not followed it
theirtradition would have perished and nobody would have remembered them today because of theirculture
and traditional practices. According to the text, their traditions can be seen in the martialtraditions, religious
rites and marriages. The Kodavus even wear the dress which resembles Arabs.Traditional practices also play a
very important role in maintaining values amongst people and havean impact on shaping the behaviour of
people.
2. How do Coorg’s location, people and natural features add to the diversity of India?
Ans: Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spicesand coffee
plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty percent of this district. During the monsoons,it pours enough to
keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September andcontinues till March. The weather
is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The airbreathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee
estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under treecanopies in prime corners.
Coorg is beautifully located and described as a piece of heaven that must have drifted from thekingdom of
God. It has rolling hillsides with a pollution free river and forests teeming with wildlife. Herenature exists in its
pristine glory, which adds to the diversity of India. Further, it has coffee and spiceplantations, quite different
from the rest of India. The local people, the Kodavus, are a martial race. Ofcourse, they are well known for
their hospitality, just like all Indians. All these features of Coorg add tothe diversity of our country.
3. Tea from Assam
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
1. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol going and why?
Ans: Rajvir and Pranjol were going to Assam as Pranjol had invited Rajvir to spend summer vacationthere.
2. What did Rajvir see while looking outside from the train?
Ans: Rajvir saw much greenery while looking outside from the train. He was amazed to see the soft:green
paddy fields first and then the green tea bushes.
3. ‘This is a tea country now’. Explain this with reference to Assam.
Ans: Assam has the world’s largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. A large number oftea
gardens can be found there. Most of the tea grown in Assam is supplied all over the world.
4. In what ways is China related to tea?
Ans: Tea was first drunk in China. The words ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are from Chinese.
5. Why did Pranjol’s father say that Rajvir had done his homework before visiting Assam?
Ans: Rajvir was very excited about visiting the tea garden and thus, he studied a lot about it beforevisiting the
tea garden. Thus, Pranjol’s father said that Rajvir had already done his homework beforevisiting Assam.
Long answers type question (100-120)
1.It seems that Rajvir had done a lot of homework regarding tea and its history. Do you support Pranjol
father’s statement that he gave about Rajvir’s knowledge in this regard?
Ans. It is true that Rajvir had never visited a tea estate ever before in his life. His visit to Dhekiabari Tea Estate
was at the invitation of his classmate Pranjol whose father managed the estate. But Rajvir seemed to have
done a lot of homework and reading about tea and tea plantations before coming to Assam. He told Pranjol
that tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. More than eighty crores of cups of tea is drunk
every day throughout the world. When he saw an ugly building with smoke billowing out of its tall buildings,
he at once cried “Hey, a tea garden!”. Actually, he had been reading as much about tea as he could. He
narrated different legends regarding the discovery of tea leaves. It was Rajvir who narrated the legends
describing how tea leaves were discovered in India and China. Rajvir impressed and surprised Pranjol’s father
about his deep knowledge of tea-leaves. When he saw a tractor pulling a trailer load of tea leaves, he
recognised that it was the second-flush or sprouting period. He also knew that it continues from May and to
July and yields the best tea.
2. Pranjol was born and brought up on a tea estate in Assam but he was Rajvir who knew much about tea
leaves and the legends associated with tea. Base your answer on their visit to Dhekiabari Tea Estate in
Assam.
Ans. It is true that Pranjol was born and brought up on a tea plantation. His father managed Dhekiabari Tea
Estate in Assam. However, his friend Rajvir’s knowledge about tea and its history was more profound than
him. The reason was simple. Rajvir had done a lot of reading about tea and its history. He even surprised
Pranjol’s father with his in-depth knowledge of the subject.
Rajvir’s visit to Dhekiabari was an opportunity for him to connect his reading and knowledge to the real
existing tea plantation. He was fascinated by the magnificent sea of tea bushes stretching as far as his eyes
could go. He saw with his own eyes the groups of tea pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their backs, plucking
the newly-sprouted leaves. His studies helped him to recognise that the trailer-load of tea leaves were the
second-flush or the sprouting period that gave the best tea.
3. According to the text, Assam is said to be ‘tea country’. Do you believe that Assam has some of the best
plantations in the world that makes it a unique country?
Ans: In India, some of the best plantations like tea and coffee are grown in huge quantities. India isalso a home
to many spices like haldi and while Assam is home to tea, Coorg is home to coffee.Others which are grown
exclusively in India and exported to various countries. These plantationsmake India a unique country which
has not just traditional spices and beverage plants growing within itbut also follows traditional agricultural
practices.
4. What are the legends related to the discovery of tea?
Ans. There are many popular legends about the discovery of tea. Two of them are as follows:A Chinese
emperor was used to drinking boiled water. One day a twig from the fire fell into the pot inwhich water was
being boiled. It gave a delicious flavour to the drink. It is said that those were tealeaves
An Indian legend goes like this. Once there was a Buddhist ascetic who used to feel sleepy duringmeditations.
So, he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. When the leaves fromthese plants were put in
hot water and drunk, they banished sleep.
ANIMALS
Read the extracts below and answer the questions that follow
“I think I could turn and live with animals, they are (1×5=5)
So placid and self-contain’d,
I stand and look at them long and long.
They do not sweat and whine about their condition,
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to god,
Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demeted with
the mania of owning things,”
a) The poet wants to live with animals because:
i) they live in the forest
ii) they are away from any kind of falsehood
iii) they are closer to God
iv) they have everything that the poet wants
Ans: ii) they are away from any kind of falsehood
b) the word, ‘placid’ does not mean:
i) calm
ii) tranquil
iii) pacific
iv) clamorous
Ans: iv) clamorous
c) The poet keeps looking at them for long because:
i) they behave like humans
ii) they are always happy and satisfied
iii) they always want something new
iv) the poet likes to pass time with them
Ans: ii) they are always happy and satisfied
d) The word ,’sweat’ here implies to:
i) perspiration
ii) complain
iii) stress
iv) hardwork
Ans: iii) stress
e) In the above lines, the poet is:
i) depicting the good qualities of human
ii) trying to show the sufferings of humans
iii) talking about the duties of men towards god
iv) trying to prove that animals are better than humans by making a comparison
Ans: iv) trying to prove that animals are better than humans by making a comparison
f) The opposite of ‘demented’:
i) Insane
ii) sound
iii) deranged
iv) mad
Ans: ii) sound
2.“So they show their relations to me and I accept them, (1×4=4)
They bring me tokens of myself, they evince
Them plainly in their possession”
a) In the above lines, ‘they’ refers to:
i) listeners
ii) Readers
iii) Humans
iv) Animals
Ans: iv) Animals
b) the poet feels related to them as they remind him of:
i) his pride
ii) his greed
iii) inhuman characteristics
iv) the basic qualities of his nature
Ans: iv) the basic qualities of his nature
c) They seem to possess those qualities which men has:
i) accept with time
ii) ignore
iii) made their duties
iv) accept with pride
Ans: ii) ignore
d) By “tokens of myself” the speaker means:
i) retained and preserved
ii) searched
iii) robbed
iv) lost
Ans:i) retained and preserved
3. “Not one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth”. --- What does the poet mean by this? (marks: 2)
Ans:
in the world of animals, everyone is equal
there is no question of showing respect to some and insult to other.
4. “I wonder where they get those tokens
Did I pass that way huge times ago and negligently drop them?” --- What does the poet mean by this?
(marks: 3)
Ans:
Animals seems to have virtues like kindness and innocence which humans once had.
humans might have dropped these virtues a long time ago
5. In what ways are animals better than humans as expressed in the poem, “Animals” by Walt Whitman?
(marks:5)
Ans: Humans always remain unhappy with their life and keeps complaining
They keep crying for their past mistakes but never try to avoid them in future.
on the contrary, animals seems to be happy with what they have
The poet also feels that animals have the virtues like kindness and innocence which humans once had
Note: For Q. no.- 3,4 & 5 only hints are given on the basis of which the students have to elaboratethe answers.
MADAM RIDES THE BUS
A)Answer the following questions in about 20-30words. Each question carry 2marks.
(1)What was the risk taken by Valli?
Hint. Bus riding
(2)What would make Valli jealous?
Hint. Her friend's enjoyable journey.
(3) Give a brief description of the elderly lady of the bus.
Hint. Description of the lady who sat beside Valli.
(4)How much was it difficult for Valli to save sixty paise?
Hint. Valli's resistance power
B) Answer the following questions in about 40-50 words. Each question carry 3marks.
(1)What were Valli's madam like characteristics?
Hint. Matured nature
(2)Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
Hint. Obstruction came on her way of enjoying the sights.
(3)What was the next important thing for Valli after saving the money?
Hint. To befool her mother.
C)Answer the following questions in about 100-120 words. Each question carry 5marks.
(1) Character of the bus conductor.
Hint. Jolly, friendly, helpful and responsible
(2)Valli is a very sensitive girl. She is different from ordinary people who are becoming more and more
callous and insensitive to the joys and sufferings of the people around them. She grieves the accidental
death of the young cow. Do you think the values of being sensitive and sympathetic are missing from our
society? What do you learn from Valli.
Hint. Today's generation is callous and insensitive.
(3)Curiosity is the mother of learning.What traits of Valli's character make her so? What do you learn from
her character?
Hint. People and surrounding are a good book to learn.
THE TALE OF CUSTARD THE DRAGON
Que). The dragon, custard was considered a coward. The humble dragon proved his bravery in adversity.
Analyse that certain qualities like bravery and courage are situational and spontaneous. Express your views
with reference to the poem.
Ans). – the dragon was truly brave
Showed courage when required
Fights the pirate and doesn’t run away
In adversity stands like a fighter
Never boasted of his qualities but knew his potential
Que). Do you think that one should be made fun of because of theirpreferences and choices in life? Explain
in the context of Custard, the dragon.
Ans). – No , it is not right to make fun of anyone
On basis of color, gender, religion, choices and preferences
Custard wanted to live in comfort and safety
He never boasted of his qualities
When others made fun of him , he accepted it
When it was his time , he got out of his comfort zone
He helped save his friends from the pirate
Que). Everyone believed that the Custard was a coward; but when an opportunity came he showed
exemplary courage. Based on your reading of the poem, write a paragraph on the topic: ‘Courage is of Mind,
not of Muscle’
Ans). ‘Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear’
Courage is not merely a show of power
It is the ability to overcome fear
Just physical strength is not everything
The mind is from where the real power gets generated
Determination is the key to success
Que).Do you find The Tale of Custard the Dragon to be a serious or a light-hearted poem? Give reasons to
support your answer.
Ans). The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a light-hearted poem.
The names of pets are rhyming
All pets except the dragon are cowards
But at the slightest danger they all run away
Ironically the cowardice dragon came to the rescue of Belinda
At the end as well the dragon however accepts that he isn’t brave
Que). Is there a hidden message that the poet is wishing to convey or do you think that entertainment is the
sole purpose of writing this poem?
Ans). There is a hidden message that the poet is wishing to convey
Entertainment is not the sole purpose of the poem
Courage is not boasting about it all the time
Courage is stepping up to the task at hand
Que). Name the poetic device used in the line "And the little yellow dog was sharp as mustard"
a) Oxymoron
b) metaphor
c) Assonance
d) Simile
Ans). Simile
Que). What all does the dragon possess?
a) big sharp teeth
b) spikes on top of him
c) sharp toes
d) All of the above
Ans). All of the above
Q). Name the poetic device used in the line "mouth like a fireplace"
a) Oxymoron
b) metaphor
c) Assonance
d) Simile
A). Simile
THE SERMON AT BENARES
Q1 Extract based questions. (1 mark each)
a)”Not from weeping nor from grieving will anyone obtain peace of mind;on the contrary,his pain will be the
greater and his body will suffer.He will make himself sick and pale,yet the dead are not saved by his
lamentation.He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of lamentation,and complaint and grief.He who
has drawn out the arrow and has become composed will obtain peace of mind;he who has overcome all
sorrow will become free from sorrow,and be blessed .”
i)Are the dead saved by lamentation?
Ans:no.....
ii) What is the saying of the Buddha on Death?
Ans: nothing can make a dead alive.
iii)How to get peace of mind?
Ans:leavelamenting,be composed.
B )KisaGotami became weary and hopeless,and sat down.at the wayside watching the lights of the city,as they
flickered up and were extinguished again.At last the darkness of the light reigned everywhere.and she
considered the fate of men,that their lives flicker up and are extinguished again.and she thought to
herself,”How selfish am I in my grief;Death is common to all;yet in this valley of desolation there is a path that
leads him to immortality who has surrendered all selfishness.”
i)Why did Gotami become weary and hopeless?
Ans: found no housewithout death.
ii) What did she consider about the fate of men?
Ans: mortality of human being.....accepted.
iii) How in this valley of desolation can one attain immortality?
Ans :by surrendering all selfishness.
Q2.SHORT ANSWERS(2 MARKS EACH)
a)What sights shocked and moved the royal prince ?,,
Ans :sick man......beggar..etc
b)Why was KisaGautami in deep grief?
Ans:due to the death of her son.
Q3SHORT ANSWERS(40-50 WORDS, 3MARKS EACH)
a)What did the Buddha do after getting enlightenment?
Ans:started preaching.
b)Why was KisaGotamisad?What did she do in her hour of grief?
Ans:son’s death.....search medicine.
c)What was the effect of the sufferings of the world on Buddha?
Ans:leave everything ......and set for enlightenment.
Q3 Answer the following questions.(150-200 words)
a)Describe the journey of Siddhartha Gautam becoming the Buddha?
Ans:Family......hunting...change of mind....restriction from worldly desire...go for enlightenment
b)Why did KisaGotami go to every neighbours.Why did she say ,”How selfish I am in my grief?”
Ans:mustard seeds...seeing other’s grief.
c)Describe the main message that the lesson “The sermon at Benares” reflects?
Ans:No one is immortal.
THE PROPOSAL (PLAY)
Q1. Read the following extract carefully and choose the correct option.
I’m off my balance with joy, absolutely off my balance ! Oh, with all my soul I’ll go and call Natalya, and all
that.
(a) Who is the speaker ?
Lomov (iii) Natalya
Chubukov (iv) Chekov
(b) Why is he so very happy ?
Because he won the argument
Because he won oxen meadows
Because of the Lomov’s proposal
Because of hysteria
(c) Why is he going to call Natalya ?
To tell about the proposal
To tel about oxen meadows
To tell about dogs
To tell about Lomov’s palpitations
(d) Which word in the passage refers to ‘happiness’ ?
Balance
Soul
Joy
absolutely
Q2. Read the following extract carefully and choose the correct option.
And it’s impossible for me not to marry. In the first place I am already 35-a critical age, so to speak. In the
second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations. I’m excitable and always
getting awfully upset; at this very moment my lips are trembling, and there’s a twitch in my right eyebrow. But
the very worst of all is the way I sleep. I no sooner get into bed and begin to go off, when suddenly something
in my left side gives a pull and I can feel it in my shoulder and head
(a)Who is the speaker ?
(i)Lomov (iii) Natalya
(ii) Chubukov (iv) Chekov
(b) What happens to his body while speaking ?
Palpitations
Sweating
Turned cold
Wobbly
(c) Find a word from the passage that means the same as ‘sad’.
Quiet
Upset
Tremble
Twitch
(d)Why does the speaker feel 35 to be a critical age?
As he was suffering from a medical condition.
Because he was already past the marriageable age.
Because he was living a disturbed life.
Because he was desperate to acquire wealth through marriage.
(e) The given extract is an example of internal monologue. Internal monologue means-
Talking to self
Fantasizing
Debate
Gossip
Q3. Read the following extract carefully and choose the correct option.
I can make you a present of them myself, because they are mine! Your behaviour, Ivan Vassilevitch, is strange,
to say the least! up to this we have always thought of you as a good neighbour, a friend; last year we lent you
our threshing machine, although on that account we had to put off our own threshing till November, but you
behave to us as if we were gypsies. Giving me my own land, indeed! No, really, that is not at all neighbourly; in
my opinion, it is even impudent, if you want to know.
Who is speaking to whom ?
(i)Lomov (iii) Natalya
(ii) Chubukov (iv) Chekov
(b) How had she helped her neighbour ?
By lending helping hand
By lending money
By lending some laborers
By lending threshing machine
(c) What is the dispute between both the characters ?
Over dogs
Over outstanding dues
Over land
Over marriage
(d) Which word in the passage mean the same as ‘Unknown’ ?
Strange
Opinion
Gypsies
threshing
Q4- Value based questions
i)Arguments and disputes seldom solve a problem’. ‘Describe the dispute between Natalya and Lomov over
the dogs and their superiority.
Answer: Value Points:
Natalya and Lomov fought over superiority of their dogs-Squeezer and Guess –
Guess -lame, good hunter
Squeezer -high pedigree, over shot, bad hunter silly argument should never come in the way of matrimony
Tolerance, acceptance paves the way to good relationship.
ii)Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and Natalya do not have. Describe the first fight
between them.
Answer: Value Points:
Lomov and Natalya are next-door neighbours.
Moreover the former came to Natalya to propose to her.
The very first meeting had in itself seeds of things to be expected in their married life.
In spite of being very rich landlords they quarrel over a very tiny piece of land Called, “Oxen Meadows”
Lomov said that they were given to the peasants of Natalya’s great grandfather in return for making bricks. So
it happened to be considered to be Natalya’s property.
Natalya does not buy the explanation. Instead offers to make a present of it to Lomov who in turn rejects the
suggestion.
The quarrel continues endlessly.
The would-be couple were very materialistic. Their mask of hypocrisy fell off sooner than expected.
They did not have qualities which go to make a successful marriage : tolerance, compassion and
consideration for the other person’s feelings.
(iii) The characters Natalya and Lomov lose their temper on trivial issues. It shows their poor skills at anger
management. Suggest some ways that help you in maintaining cordial relationship with people around you.
Answer:
The way in which Lomov and Natalya lost their temper shows that how anger can easily
Always follow the principle of ‘forgive and forget.’
Try to understand the person to whom you are talking.
Be helpful rather than being self-centric.
Always have empathy towards others.
first listen and then speak.
Be as courteous as possible to everyone.
Don’t have the habit of always complaining about others.
(iv) Based on your understanding of the Play ‘The Proposal’ how do you think good relationships can be
maintained? Why in today’s time we see so many people going away from each other?
Answer: The play ‘The Proposal’ teaches us how anger and arguments can easily ruin a relationship; maintain
a good relationship; control over your anger ; arguments over unimportant or small issues is extremely
harmful ; one should be ready to forgive and forget rather than being angry ; accept their positives and
negatives.
(v) It is a common observance that more attention is paid to unimportant issues at the cost of important
ones. The play ‘The Proposal’ beautifully portrays this fact. Suggest some steps how we can avoid this
unhealthy practice.
Answer:
people give more importance to the unimportant issues
Just like how Lomov came to propose Natalya but due to their argument that matter was left unaddressed.
it becomes very important to set your priorities in life.
One must ignore the unimportant issues. It is a waste of time to have discussions over them.
One should not pay too much attention on the trivialities.
This energy can be saved on spending it over some useful and important issues that gives a fruitful result.
THE PROPOSAL
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. 1 mark
“ Don’t excite yourself, my precious one. Allow me. Your Guess certainly has his good points. He’s purebred,
firm on his feet, has well-sprung ribs, and all that. But my dear man, if you want to know the truth, that dog
has two defects;… .”
a) Who is speaking to whom?
i. Lomov is speaking to Natalya
ii. Lomov is speaking to Chubukov
iii. Chubukov is speaking to Lomov
iv. Natalya is speaking to Lomov
b) What is the speaker talking about?
i. The shortcomings of Lomov’s dog Guess
ii. The shortcomings of Natalya’s dog Guess
iii. Demerits of Lomov’s dog Squeezer
iv. Demerits of Natalya’s dog Squeezer
c) Why does the speaker ask the listener not to excite himself?
i. The speaker is very calm
ii. He is worried about the listener
iii. He considers listener’s claim about the dog is baseless and not worthy
iv. He has a cordial relationship with the listener
d) Which defect or defects in the dog does the speaker talk about?
(i)Guess is old in age
(ii)his muzzle is short
(iii)He is timid
(iv)He is a bad hunter
(i), (ii)
(ii), (iii)
(iii), (iv)
(i), (iv)
E) To avoid annoying the listener, what are the good points of the dog mentioned?
1) He is purebred
2) strong on his feet
3) has well sprung ribs
4) all of the above
Ans. A) 3 B) 1 C) 3 D) 1 E) 4
II. Answer the questions in 20 to 30 words. 2 marks
a) Why is Lomov so hesitant in disclosing the purpose of his visit?
Ans. * he has low self esteem, lacks self-confidence and is a nervous wreck
*He is unsure about Natalya’s consent
B) How does Chubukov hurriedly get Natalya and Lomov married?
Ans. *For while Chubukov thinks he is dead but he regains consciousness
* he seized the opportunity to marry off his daughter hurriedly by putting her hand in Lomov’s and quickly
gave his blessing
* he himself announces that Natalia is willing and asks to kiss
III. Answer the questions in 40-50 words. 3 marks
A)What traits of Natalya’s character are revealed in the play?
Ans. * she is quarrelsome, money minded and is so possessive by nature that in no case is she prepared to
leave her claim over a stretch of land
*her basic aim is to tie the nuptialknot, even if her husband is an ailing and stubborn person like Lomov
*Her behaviour is short sighted and immature but when there is a threat to her matrimonial prospect, she
pretends to be swoon
B) would you consider Lomov and Natalya’s union to be a marriage of convenience? Give reasons for your
answer.
Ans. * Lomov realises that at the age of 35 it was unlikely for him to get a bride of his choice so he decides to
propose to Natalya
*Natalya is desperate to get married hence overlookshis frail health and differences they have
* Chubukov is wishing to get the weight of a grown up daughter off his shoulder and is very keen to see this
proposal materialize
IV. Answer the following in 100 - 120 words 5 marks
Forgiveness is the foundation of cordial relationship. How is this message conveyed in the play?
Ans. * lack of tolerance and mismanagement of anger lead to enmity
*Sorting out the issue amicably and forgiving each other is the foundation of all the cordial relationship in our
society
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* The Neighbours have a controversy on the issue of ownership of the oxen meadows and also have a
difference of opinion on the superiority of their dogs
* lack of forgiveness creates unnecessary misunderstandings and leads to quarrel on petty issues
SUPPLEMENTARY READERS: FOOTPRINT WITHOUT FEET
A TRIUMPH OF SURGERY
1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow.
A. I marched out to the car carrying the little dog wrapped in a blanket.
The entire staff was roused and maids rushed in and out bringing his day bed, his night bed, favourite
cushions, toys and rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper bowl.
(i) In the above extract ‘his' refers to……………
(a) Tricki’s
(b) Mr. Herriot
(c) Hodgkin
(d) None of these
Ans-(a) Tricki’s
(ii) The staff was carrying out his things because................
(a) he was getting hospitalised
(b) he was going to the park
(c) he was going to the mall
(d) he was going on a trip
Ans-(a) he was getting hospitalised
(iii) Who carried the little dog wrapped in a blanket?
(a) Mrs Pumphrey
(b) Dr James Herriot
(c) Hodgkin
(d) None of these
Ans-(b) Dr James Herriot
(iv) Pick the option that correctly classifies Facts (F) and Opinions (O) of the students below.
(a) F-l, 2 and O-3, 4
(b) F-2, 3, 4 and O-1
(c) F-2, 4 and O-1, 3
(d) F-l and O- 2, 3, 4
Ans-(d) F-l and O- 2, 3, 4
(v) ......... from the extract means ‘woken up’
(a) Carrying
(b) Rushed
(c) Roused
(d) Supper
Ans-(c) Roused
2. Answer the following questions in 20-30 words each.
(i) “I think I know a cure for you.” What was the cure?
HINTS- overeating -lack of exercise -a very fat dog. only cure -a very strict diet-to be removed -Mrs
Pumphrey’s house.
(ii) What did Mrs Pumphrey do to bring Tricki back to normal health? Was she wise?
HINTS- Felt –malnutrition-give cod-Iiver oil -malt between meals-Horlicks after dinner- became more lethargic
(iii) How did lunch become ‘a ceremonial occasion’ for Mr Herriot and his partners?
HINTS- Doctor and staff-enjoy the treats -arrived – for Tricki.
3. Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each.
(i) Why was Mrs Pumphrey not able to control Tricki’s diet?
HINTS- according to her-very weak-loved ice creams -chocolates. -a very loving mistress-could not refuse.
(ii) How do you know that Tricki had an affluent life?
HINTS-a pampered pet -a wardrobe of tweed coats -had separate beds for day and night –cushions-toys-
rubber rings-breakfast bowl-supper bowl -lunch bowl-luxury items -affluent living.
(iii) Describe the ‘parting scene’ between Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey’s entire household staff.
HINTS- Tricki -as her own child-difficult - Tricki in such a situation-hospitalise Tricki -heavy heart -all belongings
-sent-tearful farewell
4. Answer the following questions in 100-120 words each.
A. Over pampering is not only bad for humans but also for animals. Do you think over pampering by parents is
in favour of the children? What are the negative things that a child imbibes from overprotection and over
pampering? Elaborate with reference to the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’.
HINTS- Some parents- too possessive - Spoil their Children - more harm than good- child-materialistic- Hinders
growth-stubbornness -all values lost-Personality –flawed-Excess of anything -bad - love – without - spoiling or
pampering.
B. Write a brief character sketch of Mr Herriot, the veterinary surgeon. What impresses you the most in him?
Do you think he is a good judge of human nature?
HINTS- compassionate doctor - wise -sympathetic -Showed his capabilities -advised -Tricki -strict diet- tactful -
free Tricki -the spoiling love-no unnecessary treatment-practical approach- caring -polite -Allays -Mrs
Pumphrey’s anxiety -Tricki’s recovery -Loved his profession-Treated -patient -full care.
CHAPTER - THE THIEF’S STORY
1.How often did the narrator change his name?
a) every day b) every week
c) every month d) every year
Answer – (c ) every month
2. What takes all the pleasure out of work?
a)robbing a careless person b) robbing a greedy person
c)robbing a rich person d) robbing a poor person
Answer- (a) robbing a careless person
3. How, according to the narrator, would Anilfeel after being robbed?
a) angry b) fear
c) acceptance d) sad
Answer-(d) sad
4.What do you mean by the word ‘ grunting’?
a) make a low articulation sound b) shouting
c) say something clearly audible d) whispering
Answer- (a) make a low articulation sound
5. Anil’s room was situated over-
a) Laddu Sweet Shop b) Jumna Sweet Shop
c) Rasgulla Sweet Shop d) Jamun Sweet Shop
Answer- (b) Jumna Sweet Shop
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN 20-30 WORDS-
6. “I am an experienced and fairly successful hand,” Why does Hari Singh say so?
Ans: a) Talented thief
b) Skilful by profession
c) Great ability to cheat and steal
7. Why did Hari Singh feel that Anil was a man ‘simple enough for his purpose’?
Ans a) Found Anil easy-going
b) Kind and simple
c) Easy to cheat and befool
8. How did Hari Singh make ‘profit’ of a rupee a day? What was Anil’s reaction to this?
Ans: a) What daily necessities
b) Complete trust of Anil
c) Kind hearted Anil ignored everything
9. “He knew.” What does imply by this observation?
Ans: a) Notes were wet because of rain
b) Anil pretended ignorance
c) Wanted to reform Hari Singh
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN 30 TO 40 WORDS:-
10. Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction? Are there such people in real life
also?
Ans: a) Found in real life also
b) Very few people sensitive heart
c) Know the art of reformation
d) Gives chance to improve life
11. What prompted Hari Singh to steal Anil’s money?
Ans: a) Hari Singh loosing skill of stealing
b) Anil would waste money on friends
c) Did not get his wages
12. Why did Anil pat Hari Singh even after the latter head cooked really bad food?
Ans: a) Kind hearted and compassionate
b) Encouraging Hari Singh to improve
c) Ready to teach to make his life better
13. Why did Hari Singh finally return to the man he had just robbed?
Ans: a) Conscience pricked him
b) Anil was kind and compassionate
c) Providing opportunity to lead a decent life
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN 100 TO 120 WORD:-
14. Love is a powerful force that can transform a criminal into a responsible citizen. Justify the statement
from the story.
Ans: a) Love_ a potent force
b) Transform criminal into law abiding citizen
c) Anil’s compassion and kindness changed him
d) Hari Singh – unethical and antisocial element
e) Anil’s trust won, transformed Hari Singh completely.
FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET
QUESTION BANK ( EXTRACT BASED - 12 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS; 2 MARKS QUESTIONS- 4 NOS; 3
MARKS QUESTIONS – 5 NOS ; 5 MARKS QUESTIONS – 4 NOS)
Question 1.
Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was rather a lawless person. His landlord disliked him and tried to
eject him. In revenge Griffin set fire to the house. To get away without being seen he had to remove his
clothes. Thus, it was that he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money and quite invisible
– until he happened to step in some mud, and left footprints as he walked!
(a) How can you say that Griffin was a brilliant scientist ?
(b) How did he reach to that position ?
(c) Which word in the above extract means the same as ‘a being who roams around aimlessly’ ?
(d) Who disliked Griffin ? (1×4=4)
Question 2.
Eager to get away from crowded London he took a train to the village of Iping, where he booked two rooms at
the local inn. The arrival of a stranger at an inn in winter was in any case an unusual event. A stranger of such
uncommon appearance set all tongues wagging, Mrs. Hall, the landlord’s wife, made every effort to be
friendly.
(a) After escaping from London, where did Griffin go ?
(b) What did he experience there ?
(c) Which phrase in the above extract means the same as ‘everybody started talking about him’ ?
(d) How did the landlord’s wife behave ? (1×4=4)
Question 3.
Mrs. Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits, and
that the stranger had somehow caused these to enter into her furniture.
(a) Why did Mrs. Hall think that the room was haunted by spirits ?
(b) Who had caused this to happen ?
(c) Which word in the extract means the same as ‘fits of crying’?
(d) Who is the author of the story ? (1×4=4)
Short Answer Type Questions (30-40 words & 2 marks each)
Question 1.
What did Griffin, the scientist, do to escape after setting the fire to the house of his landlord ?
Answer: HINTS
Griffin, the scientist removed his clothes, became invisible and got away without being seen. He became
homeless wanderer….
Question 2.
What did Griffin decide to try the second time ? What did he hope to find ?
Answer:
Griffin decided to try the stock of theatrical company. He hoped to find clothes that would hide the empty
space above his shoulders.
Question 3.
Give a character sketch of Griffin the invisible scientist ?
Answer:
The invisible scientist was a brilliant scientist who misused his scientific discovery and became a lawless
person. He started enjoying harming people. When his landlord fried to catch him, in revenge, Griffin set fire
to the house.
Question 4.
How did Griffin enjoy himself inside a big London store ?
Answer:
Griffin slipped into a big London store to save himself from the unbearable cold. He dranked and wore warm
clothes. He found cold meat, coffee and sweets there. At last he slept on a pile of quilts.
3 MARKS QUESTIONS
Question 1.
What did Griffin finally do when people held him responsible for all the strange occurrences ?
Answer: HINTS
Griffin became furious…. He started taking off his bandages, whiskers, spectacles and even false nose…. The
space above his shoulders became empty. Then, he started to remove his clothes and became absolutely
invisible….. He was invisible.
Question 2.
Describe Jaffer’s fight with Griffin at the village of Iping.
Answer: HINTS
Griffin entered the clergyman’s house with an intention to steal money. He opened the desk and stole the
money….
Question 3.
Name three extraordinary things that took place in the room where Griffin was staying.
Answer:.Hints : The first extraordinary thing that took place was that there was no one in the room yet Mrs.
Hall heard a sniff close to her ear. The hat that was kept on the bedpost, went up and dashed into her face.
After that, suddenly the chair rose up in the air and pushed both Mrs. Hall and her husband out of the room.
Question 4.
Why were the landlord and his wife surprised to see the scientist’s door wide open ? What did they decide ?
Answer: hints
One day the landlord and his wife found the scientist’s door wide open. The scientist’s door usually, remained
shut and locked……
Question 5.
Griffin is a talented scientist but he misused his invention. The lesson we learn from his example is that the
misuse of a scientific discovery can play havoc with humanity. Explain.
Answer: HINTS
A true scientist works for the good of humanity. He wants to make man’s life easier, more comfortable and
enjoyable. He doesn’t misuse his discoveries for personal gains or selfish ends. But Griffin, though a brilliant
scientist, misuses his discovery. ……
VALUE BASED QUESTIONS – 5 MARKS
QUESTION 1
Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was a lawless person. Does this statement approve the
apprehension that science in wrong hands is Devil’s Pandora Box?
Answer: HINTS
Griffin was a brilliant scientist. He had discovered a rare drug that could make a human body invisible. This
made Griffin an arrogant lawless person. He broke the law more them once but never for a good reason. He
could dedicate his discovery to his country but he didn’t do that. His lawlessness made the law helpless. All his
actions prove that science in devil’s hand is disastrous.
Question 2.
‘Griffin could use his discovery for welfare of the people but misuses it to take revenge.’ Discuss with
reference with the story Footprints without Feet.
OR
Do you think Griffin misused a scientific discovery or he took advantages of his discovery?
OR
Griffin misused his invention, instead of using it for the betterment of the society. Do you think moral
values are important along with intellectual abilities? Discuss.
Answer: HINTS
Griffin was a scientist who had made a discovery due to which’he could be invisible. But he was rather a
lawless scientist, who misused a scientific discovery for his petty, selfish gains. He set his landlord’s house on
fire, when he asked him to vacate it. He entered the store invisible, stole clothes and food.
Question 3.
The modem world has created great scientific inventions. But very often these inventions are more misused
than used for the benefit of man. Griffin had made wonderful discovery; but be used it for unlawful means.
Write a paragraph on “Science is being more misused than used”.
Answer: HINTS
Science is being more misused than used. The present time is highly dependent on science and technology. In
the 21st century, survival without gadgets and electronics is unimaginable. But there are various instances
where science is being misused to create panic and terror in the society.
Question 4.
“Scientific discoveries have made life easier but insecure.” Explain with reference to the story ‘Footprints
without Feet’ written by H.G. Wells.
Answer: HINTS
There is no doubt that scientific discoveries have made life easier. Take any sphere of human activity,
electricity, telecommunications, electronics, computer, etc, these have totally changed man’s life. We can
interact and walk on moon. Trip to Mars is next on our agenda. We can fly like birds. Supersonic planes fly at
more than the speed of sound. Wonderful drugs can overcome deadly diseases.lSurgery can replace defective
limbs.
FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET
Short questions (2 MARKS EACH)
1. How do you assess Griffin as a SCIENTIST?
Ans:a. He wanted to prove that that human body could become invisible
2. What curious episodes occurs in the study?
Ans: a.Clergy man incident
3.Why do you think .Mrs. Hallfound the scientist eccentric?
a. He was not cordial to the land lord.
Short questions ( 3 marks)
1.How did the visible man become invisible? What did he dothen?
Ans: a.The fight with Mrs. Hall.
2. What was the explanation of “MYSTERY”
Ans: a. The muddy foot print followed by kids
LONG QUESTIONS: (5 marks)
1.What impression do you form of Griffin after reading the lesson, “Footprint,without Feet”?
Ans:
a. A brilliant scientist
b. Discovered how to be invisible
c. A law less person
THE MAKING OF A SCIENTIST
Question 1. Failure is the stepping stone to success.’ Elucidate with reference to Richard Ebright.
Answer: Richard Ebright had scientific curiosity right from his childhood. He always spent his time in
observation of his surroundings. He was an intelligent boy having interest in collection of fossils, rocks and
other things. His mother recognised his driving curiosity along with his bright mind. He worked hard and
entered a county science fair with a project on frog tissue. He did not win anything.
He realised that the winners should try to do real experiments. A simple and neat display of facts does not win
a prize. He failed to win a prize but this failure was a step towards success. He was not demotivated. It was
learning for him. We should learn from it that we should never give up and move on. After that failure, Ebright
worked on real experiment and became a successful scientist.
Question2. Richard Ebright was a curious child, observing the phenomena around him keenly and these traits
contributed to his evolution into a scientist/ Do you think such qualities should be encouraged in children?
Answer: Curiosity and motivation are the basic foundation for becoming a successful scientist. It is the urge to
know more that develops scientific aptitude. One cannot be a rational, well informed person if one does not
have curiosity to know more. One has to think differently if one wants to do something different. Richard
Ebright is an example. At a very young age Richard Ebright was competitive. He put in extra effort in his work.
He was always curious to know more about the things around him.
In addition to curiosity and motivation, there are many other values which are required in becoming a
successful person. One has to be hardworking, sincere, determined and patient. One should never lose hope
but should be optimistic. One must accept success and failure in the right spirit. I learn the value of curiosity,
hard work, determination and strong willpower from the life of Richard Ebright.
Question 3. Although Richard does not win anything at the science fair but it was a stepping stone for his
success. With reference to the story ‘The Making of a Scientist’ of the above statement, give your comments
whether competitions are for winning sake or to give your best at work.
Answer: When Ebright was in the seventh grade, he participated in a country science fair and lost it. His entry
was slides of frog tissues, shown under a microscope. He felt really sad when he just sat there and others won
‘many prizes. That was the time of motivation. A sense of real Science entered him and he realised that
winners had to try to do real experiments and not just a simple neat display. The competitive spirit started
entering him and he thought of conducting experiments. Next year his experiment on Viceroy’s copying
Monarchs came first in the zoology division and overall third. Next year he found out an unknown insect
hormone which led him to his new theory on the life of cells. From Ebright’s story, it is sufficiently clear that
defeat is the stepping stone of success. Not winning anything at the science fair encouraged him greatly to
conduct experiments.
Question 4: Besides curiosity a number of other values are required to become a successful scientist. Explain
with reference to the chapter, ‘The Making of a Scientist’.
Answer:Richard was an exceptional child with rare qualities of intelligent observation and keen interest in the
nature of things. The traits of his successful career were nurtured and honed during his childhood itself. These
qualities are definitely desirable in every child and the curiosity should never be curbed or discouraged.
Providing logical answers to the queries goes a long way to develop a scientific way of thinking and problem
solving. Children learn to analyse the things and come to logical conclusions and this is indeed the correct
learning procedure
Question5. To participate in the competition is more necessary than to win a prize. Explain this statement in
the light of Ebright’s participation at the country science fair.
Answer:Winning a prize in any competition is the most desirable thing for all of us. We want to win as it
motivates us for more hard work. But everyone cannot be the winner. For me participating in the competition
is more important than winning a prize. If one participates in the competition and does not win a prize, it
should not demotivate one.
We should continue hard work. Richard is an example to follow. He did not win anything at the science fair but
it was a stepping stone for his success. He continued hard work and one day became a successful scientist. As
a student it is more important for me to participate in the competition rather than craving for a prize. If I don’t
get a prize in any competition it will not demotivate me. It will be a stepping stone for me to move ahead.
Question 6: Obedience, interest and love for subject can turn a child to become a great personality one day.
Refer to the story of Ebright who was loved by his mother so much, fulfills his desire and becomes a great
Scientist. Write about the statement expressing your views.
Answer: Richard H. Bright as a student was always curious to know, he was a determined child to perform
better and the best. His devotion and constant encouragement from his mother and teachers turned him into
a great scientist and later on a great personality.
Question 7. How did Ebright show the science that he would do amazing things when he would grow up
imagine you are Ebright what would you do?
Answer: Ebright was an excellent student he always wanted to learn. His mother’s love and encouragement
helped him a lot. His curiosity and devotion to science made him to do amazing things. I would also do like
him.
Question 8. A mother can make her child what he /she wishes to become in life keeping in mind the role of
Ebright Mother. Explain.
Answer: Ebright’s Mother was a devoted lady she always took great care of her son she developed his interest
in learning she took him of trips and bought telescopes microscopes cameras and other materials by this way
she helped her son. She also bought him telescope, microscope, cameras, mounting materials and such other
things. His butterfly collecting would have come to an end if his mother would not have brought him a
children’s book called the travels of Monarch X.
Question 9: Mentionany two of Ebright’s contributions to the world of science. In addition to science, what
were the other interests of Richard?
Answer: Ebright discovered a hormone that was necessary for the growth of a butterfly. His other important
contribution proved to be his study of how cells read their DNA. A part from science, Richard was a good
debater and a public speaker as well as a canoeist and an all-round a outdoors person. He loved photography
as well.
Question 10: How did Ebright get the idea for his new theory about cell life? How important was it and how
will it be useful.
Answer: Ebright got the idea for his new theory about cell life during his junior year. He got the idea when he
is looking at x-ray photos of the chemical structure of a hormone. When he saw those photos he got an
answer to one of biology’s puzzles: how the cell can read the blue print of its DNA. DNA is the substance in the
nucleus of a cell that controls heredity and determines the form and function of the cell. The DNA is the
blueprint of light. Ebright and his roommate worked all night for drawing pictures and making plastic models
of molecules. They also wrote research papers to prove their theory. The correct theory would be a big step
towards understanding the processes of life and may also lead to new ideas for preventing some type of
cancer.
THE NECKLACE
1.What changes came into the lives of the Loisels after borrowing money?
Answer: hintsThey had to do away with their maid, Matilda had to work at a house and to do all the
domestic chores, had to carry down the refuse to the street and carry water upstairs. She had to do all the
shopping at the market after a lot of bargaining. ,Her husband also had to work hard.
2.Why could Mrs. Forestier not recognize her friend Matilda at the end of the story?
Answer: hintsMatilda had to work very hard for a long time to lead her life. She had to work hard to pay for
Mrs. Forestier's lost necklace. ,She had started looking old. One Sunday evening, when she was taking a walk
at Champs Elysees, she met Mrs. Forestier who still looked young and pretty.
3.Draw the character-sketch of Matilda.
Answer: hintsMatilda was exceptionally pretty. good looking, felt that she was born for all delicacies and
luxuries. ,wished to be admired and loved and to be married to some rich or renowned person, dreamy,
ambitious,vainnatured, brave and honest.
4.Mme Forestier proved to be a true friend. Elucidate.
Answer: hintsMme Forestier turns out to be an interesting character,plays a very vital role in the story, As
helps Matilda in the hour of her need. When Mme Loisel needs to borrow jewels, she turns to Mme Forestier.
Mme Forestier does not refuse. Displaying her generosity, she opens up the entire array of her jewels for
Matilda to choose from. Also, she is considerate when Loisels delay the return of the necklace, Without
hesitation, she reveals to Matilda that her necklace was just a fake.
5.Do you think the story is aptly titled? Justify your answer.
Answer: hints. The ‘necklace’ has lost and the Loisels fall into a tremendous debt. They spend the next ten
years of their life in paying debt for the replacement of the lost necklace. Their entire life moves around
impoverished everyday saga of misery and hunger and the necklace, in fact, changes the very course of their
life. Also, it is against the back drop of the necklace that Matilda’s pride and dishonesty are highlighted ,At the
same time, the necklace serves a twist at the end as it turns out to be a fake one.
6.What did Loisel do to replace the necklace?
Answer: hintsThe couple needed thirty-six thousand francs to purchase a diamond necklace and return it to
Mrs. Forestier, Mr. Loisel had only eighteen thousand francs, raised a loan of eighteen thousand francs, Loisel
and his wife worked hard, changed their lodgings. They shifted to a small room. They dismissed their maid.
Mrs. Loisel did all her household work herself. She had to be very frugal in her purchases. She bargained for
small amounts. Mr. Loisel did extra work in the evenings sometimes late at night. He did the work of copying
manuscripts. After ten years of hard work, they were able to pay off their debt but because of hard work and
misery, Mrs. Loisel looked old.
7.What was the cause of Matilda's ruin?
Answer: hintsMatilda’s pride and her materialistic aspirations coupled with her dishonesty paved the way for
her ruin.
8.What new problem now disturbed Madam Loisel?
Answer: hints she did not have a new and proper dress for the ball, did not have any jewellery for the
occasion.
THE HACK DRIVER
1. In life, people who easily trust others are sometimes made to look foolish. One should not be too
trusting. Describe how Oliver Lutkins made a fool of the young lawyer.
Hints - made a fool of the young lawyer , at the railway station , together search for Lutkins, deceived the
lawyer throughout ,made money
2. Do you think Lutkins was right in befooling the lawyer and earning money by using unfair means. What
precaution should one take to avoid a situation like the one in which the lawyer was placed?
Hints-not right in befooling the lawyer and earning money
-dishonest and unethical behaviour can never be endorsed and is highly undesirable.
3.With what impression did the lawyer come back to the city?
Hints-good impression, thought of practising law , found a treasure
4“Really, I considered returning to New Mullion to practise law.” Why did the young lawyer think so?
Hints-too busy thinking about Bill Magnuson, fascinated with Bill, to practice law
5.How did the lawyer feel after knowing that the hack driver was Oliver Lutkins himself?
Hints-shocked, hurt
6.“He was so open and friendly that I glowed with the warmth of his affection”. How did the young lawyer
form this opinion about the hack driver?
Hints- felt co-operating attitude, kindness as real
7.Who befriends him? Where does he take him?
Hints-by a delivery man. took possible places where Lutkinswas’seen,Fritz’sshop,to play poker; to GustafFs …
8.A person may appear humble but in actually he may not be so. Appearances can be deceptive. Explain
with reference to the story ‘The Hack Driver’.
Hints-person on first meeting appears to be friendly, co-operative, understanding but as the time unfolds a
different story is revealed, the lawyer meet the hack driversoon lawyer was able to realize lawyer is befooled
by a simple country man.
9.Intelligence or cleverness cannot be identified only on the basis of our work or profession but it comes
from our inside. Explain it with reference to the chapter, ‘The Hack Driver’
HintsYes, it is quite right that intelligence and cleverness come automatically from our inside …
10.The lawyer feels delighted in going to a country and enjoying going around it whole day. How does it
portray the plight of town life? What values of the lawyer are reflected here?
Hints-not happy ,no reputation there, serving the summons only. he finds the country life peaceful, close to
the nature
11.Give a brief character sketch of Oliver Lutkins.
Hints-jolly natured and fun loving , pleasant appearance.,he was not so simple and honest as he appeared to
be.
12.“Life is a serious matter; there is no place in it for humour or wit”. Discuss with reference to the story
‘The Hack Driver’.
Hints-Life would be a great burden, if it had no humour or wit,need a change from the monotony and dullness
of the seriousness of life
13.When the lawyer reached New Mullion, did ‘Bill’ know that he was looking for Lutkins? When do you
think Bill came up with his plan of fooling the lawyer?
Hints-he is a very cunning person,Bill instantly knew how he would fool the lawyer.
14.Lutkins openly takes the lawyer all over the village. How is it that no one lets out the secret?
(Hint: Notice that the hack driver asks the lawyer to keep out of sight behind him when they go into Fritz’s.)
Can you find other such subtle ways in which Lutkins manipulates the tour?
Hints- asks him to keep out to sight, weaving vague stories tries to scare away the lawyer, cooking up
different stories
15.Why do you think Lutkins’ neighbours were anxious to meet the lawyer?
Hints- wanted to enjoy the lawyer’s predicament
16.After his first day’s experience with the hack driver the lawyer thinks of returning to New Mullion to
practise law. Do you think he would have reconsidered this idea after his second visit?
Hints-the lawyer got a lesson for life that not to befriend anybody so easily
17.Do you think the lawyer was gullible? How could he have avoided being taken for a ride?
Hints-simpleton and inexperienced person. vgilant
18.Do we come across persons like Lutkins only in fiction or do we encounter them in real life as well? You
can give examples from fiction, or narrate an incident that you have read in the newspaper or an incident
from real life.
Hints-Literature is full of instances where appearance is different from reality,many instances of so-called
false holy men deceiving the people and turning out later as frauds.
19.Who is a ‘con man’, or a confidence trickster?
Hints-A con man is a person who cheats others using confidence tricks. A con man poses as a sophisticated
gentleman and takes his victim in full confidence. And then he cheats him in such a way that he comes to
know about it only after he has been cheated.
20.Why was the lawyer sent to New Mullion ? Why could the lawyer not complete his work on that day ?
Hints-an apprentice with a law firm,serve summons on witnesses ,very cleverly fooled the lawyer,was not
able to complete his work that day.
21.What really hurt the feelings of the narrator in the story, ‘The Hack Driver’ ?
Hints-because he was easily befooled ,felt like a fool who was easily coaxed, felt shameful should have done
his homework more carefully about finding out the details of Oliver Lutkins.
22.Attempt the character sketch of the Hack Driver.
Hints- a clever person ,cheats the lawyer on the pretext of helping him ,extracts money from him in an unfair
manner.
23.One should be beware of Conmen ? Why ?
Hints -the narrator represents a section of the society, who are lurking about in the guise of pleasant friendly
individuals who are eager to help others, but have no morals or principles to guide their conscience.
Bholi
A. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: (5*1)
1. Then she began to cry and tears flowed from her eyes in a helpless flood. She kept her head as she sat in
her corner, not daring to look up at the girls, who, she knew were still laughing at her.
When school bell rang, all the girls scurried out of the classroom, but Bholi dared not leave her
corner. Her head still lowered, she kept on sobbing.
(i) Who is ‘she’?
(a) Bholi’s teacher
(b) Bholi’s mother
(c) Sulekha
(d) Bholi’s friend
(ii) Why were the girls laughing at her?
(a) Because she had made mistake
(b) Because she could not solve the sum given by her teacher
(c) Because she did not come in proper uniform
(d) Because she had stammered while seeing her name when asked by the teacher
(iii) What does the word ‘daring’ mean?
(a) Wanting
(b) Showing
(c) Teasing
(d) Seeking
(iv) What is the opposite of ‘laughing’?
(a) Smiling
(b) Crying
(c) Complaining
(d) Teasing
(v) Where Bholi was sitting in her School?
(a) in centre of the |Classrooms
(b) in a corner of the Classrooms
(c) in School playground
(d) in School Garden
B. Answer ANY TWO of the following questions in 20-30 words each: (2*2=4)
1.) Bholi was fascinated by the walls of the classroom. Why?
2.) Why were Bholi’ sisters envious of her luck?
3.) What filled Bholi’, a dumb cow, with a new hope in her?
C. Answer ANY TWO of the following questions in 30-50 words each: (3*2=6)
C. What major changes were visible in the village in a few years ?
2.) What was the situation in the class room when Bholi attended the school for the first time?
3.) What kind of mother was Ramlal’s wife?
D. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-150 words: (5*1=5)
“Dowry is a negation of the girl’s dignity”. Explain this statement in the light of the story of ‘Bholi’.
Should girls be aware of their rights, and assert them? Should girls and boys have the same rights, duties
and privileges? What are some of the ways in which society treats them differently? When we speak of
‘human rights’, do we differentiate between girls’ and boys’ rights?
Answers:-
A.(i) (c) Sulekha
(ii) (d) Because she had stamina while seeing her name when asked by the teacher
(iii) (a) Wanted
(iv) (b) Crying
(v) (b) in a corner of the Classroom
B.1.The walls of the classroom had bright and colourful pictures of a horse, a goat, a parrot and a cow.
They all looked familiar to Bholi and were like the ones in the village. That is why she was fascinated to see
those pictures.
2. BishamberNath was quite prosperous. The procession for Bholi’s marriage had a brass band and the groom
rode a decorated horse. Such pomp and show impressed everyone. All this made her sisters envious of her.
3.)Bholi’s first day of school brought a hope of a new life. She had found a loving and kind teacher. The teacher
had inspired her and given her a book and had made Bholi feel confident about herself.
C.1.Several changes were visible in the village in a few years. The village had become a town and the little
primary school was converted into a high school. It had a cinema hall arranged under a tin shed and a cotton
ginning mill. The village railway station had also become important. Now the mail train stopped there.
2. Bholi did not know what the school was like. When she reached school, she found many children sitting in
their classrooms. There were several rooms and in each room girls like her squatted-on mats. They were
reading from books or writing on slates. She was glad to find so many girls. She thought that one of these girls
might become her friend.
3. Ramlal’s wife was a traditional housewife who believed that daughters should not be educated, as it would
be difficult to find husbands for them. She neglected looking after her Bholi because she was a slow learner
D.1.)Initially Bishamber did not demand dowry to get married to Bholi. He was a widower, having children and
of the age of Ramlal. But during the marriage ceremony he happened to see the face of Bholi. He bargains if
he was given five thousand rupees he will marry the girl. Bholi’s father Ramlal placed his turban at his feet but
he refused.
A girl is considered a liability in her own natal home due to prevalence of the custom of dowry practice. Some
parents are unwilling to give higher education to their daughter as they have to search for ‘ highly educated
boy for marriages and a better educated boy will demand more dowry which creates unnecessary problem,
for parents.
Besides, the boy who receives huge amount of dowry may think of himself as more dignified as having a
higher status, greater prestige and more respectful than the girl. Subsequently the girl develops inferiority
complex. Fortunately, Bholi refuses to marry greedy Bishamber and decides to serve her parents instead in
their old age. ‘
2.) Yes, girls should be aware of their rights and assert them. The girls and boys should have the same
rights. There should not be any gender discrimination. But, even today girls are deprived of education,
nourishment in food in comparison to boys. No doubt that in rural India there is still a gender bias but the new
generation is aware of it. There should be no differentiation in terms of humans rights between girls’ rights
and boys’ rights.
LESSON: BHOLI
Introduction:-
This story is about a girl, Bholi, whose real name was Sulekha. She suffered from some brain-damage and thus
used to stammer. Moreover, she suffered from the disease of small-pox which left pock-marks on her face.
This made her look ugly. Thus, due to her dullness and ugly face, people made fun of her. Also, people called
her Bholi as she remained a backward child. Ramlal had seven children- three sons and four daughters. Bholi
was the youngest of all daughters. All others were healthy and strong except Bholi. They would also worry
about her marriage. One day, Tehsildar Sahib came to perform the opening ceremony of a primary school
opened in the village. He asked Ramlal to send her daughter to school. However, Bholi’s mother was not in
support of sending her school. Yet, she agreed.
At first, Bholi was frightened to hear about school. However, when she was properly cared for, given good
clothes and other things, she began to believe that she was being taken to a better place than her home. She
was happy to see girls of her age. She wanted to make one of them her friends. However, when the teacher
asked her name, she stammered and all the girls laughed. This discouraged her badly. She started crying. But
the teacher was a kind-hearted woman. She encouraged her to speak. Moreover, she told her that she could
overcome her stammering completely if she came to school daily. This aroused a sign of hope and new life in
Bholi.
Years passed, the village became a small town. Moreover, the little primary school turned into a high school.
Other improvements have also taken place. A marriage proposal came for Bholi. It was from a lame old man
whose children were also grown up. However, Ramlal and his wife agreed as he was well-settled. Bholi’s
sisters were envious to see the pomp and splendour at their sister’s wedding. However, when the groom was
about to garland the bride, a woman slipped the veil from the bride’s face. Bisambar refused to marry such an
ugly girl without a dowry. Ramlal managed the amount.
However, Bholi refused to marry such a greedy person. People were startled to see her speaking without
stammering. The groom returned back. Bholi told her father that she would serve him and mother in their old
age. Furthermore, she will teach in the same school from where she learnt so many good things.
Theme :-
The major theme of the story Bholi is the impact of family on children. Bholi is a little girl who fails to develop
self-confidence because of her parents’ attitude towards her. The story hints at why family support and
emotional security are essential for proper child development. Also, disabled children must be given
encouragement, love and, education like their normal counterparts.
Character sketch
Bholi
1.Thought to be a simpleton
2.Had pock - marks over the body
3.Went to school teacher encouraged her
4.Refused to many a greedy and mean person
5.Decided to serve old parents and teach in
the same school .
Ramlal
1.Father of seven children
2.Worried about Bholi , neither good looking
nor intelligent
3.Overlooked Bishamber's age and limping
4.Suffered from a false sense of honour
The Teacher
1. Kind and sympathetic
2.Encouraged Bholi to speak
3.Increased Bholi's interest in books
4.Agreed to accept Bholi as a teacher in the
same school .
Questions and Answers
Although Bholi never got the deserved love , care and acceptance from her family , she is ready to
reciprocate like all daughters in Indian society . Discuss the character of Bholi in the light of the
above – mentioned
Ans ( describe her character, her behaviour of family and society towards her, the names they have given her,
the school and her fight against social issue)
2. Bholi challenged the dowry seeker . She used to be a meek girl . What changed her attitude
towards life ?
Ans . (describe her characteristics, introduction to school, changes brought by school in her personality and
her life, her fight against dowry)
3.And in her smiling eyes was the light of deep satisfaction that an artist feelswhen he is
contemplating the completion of his masterpiece . Imagine you are Bholi's teacher . You are
overwhelmed with a sense of satisfaction to see the conversion of Bholi to Sulekha. Express your
feelings in the form of a diary entry .
Ans (describe your discovery of this new girl, your feelings toward her, introduction to her life and
transformation you saw in her life and personality)
4. Demanding dowry is an evil practice . Describe howBholi , a dumb cowgirl fought against this evil .
Ans (her introduction to school, school brought changes in her, the marriage proposal, issues regarding her
marriage, her decision regarding her life)
5. Who wasBishamber ? Why didBholi's parents accept his marriage proposal ?
Ans (background of BishambarNath, his proposal to Bholi’s father, his reaction to the proposal)
6. It was a twist of fate that Bholi's future was made better . Rate this statement with reference to
how Bholi was sent to school and educated .
Ans (character of Bholi, behaviour of her family and society toward her, sent to school, changes came to her
life after enrolling to school, her action to help her parents and the final decision she took)
7. Bholi's father was worried about her . Why didn't Bholi's parents treat her at par with other
siblings? Parents are the ones who the children look up to. What values should the parents possess
that help their children share a strong bond with them ?
Ans . (mention the incidents made her different from her siblings, the after effect and her families behaviour
towards her, inspite of that parents should not neglect their children no matter what,)
8. The story throws light on some social evils being practised in our society . Bholi took a stand and
succeeded in overcoming social issues. What can you contribute to change the social attitudes illustrated
in the story ?
Ans ( introduction of Bholi and mentioning her struggles, your contribution to society to not to practice or to
stop these type of situations that can be faced by girls)
9. Bholi's teacher was not an ordinary teacher . She was more than that . Suppose you become a
teacher . What qualities of Bholi's teacher will you imbibe to help students to overcome social
discrimination ?
Ans .( if you were a teacher , same as bholi’s teacher or different, the traits you would have)
10. Describe the teacher's role in moulding the life of Bholi .
Or
Discuss the role of Bholi's teacher transforming her .
Ans .( It will be answered with the incident how Bholi was sent to school and how her teacher behaved with
her and how it transformed Bholi’s life.)
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