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 INDEX
1. A Triumph of Surgery
2. The Thief's Story
3.The Midnight Visitor
4.A Question of Trust
5.Footprints Without Feet
6.The Making of a Scientist
7. The Necklace
8.Bholi
9.The Book that Saved the Earth
 A Triumph of Surgery
Introduction: Mrs. Pumphrey's Worry for Tricki
Tricki, a small, overfed dog, lived a luxurious life with his wealthy mistress, Mrs.
Pumphrey. She pampered him excessively with rich food like cream cakes and
chocolates, leading to his ill health. Tricki became lethargic and overweight,
resembling a "bloated sausage." Alarmed by his condition, Mrs. Pumphrey
sought the help of Mr. Herriot, a veterinary surgeon.

Mr. Herriot’s Intervention

Mr. Herriot advised Mrs. Pumphrey to put Tricki on a strict diet and increase his
physical activity. However, she found it difficult to follow his instructions. When
Tricki’s health deteriorated further—he refused to eat, vomited, and showed no
interest in his surroundings—Mr. Herriot decided to hospitalize him.

Tricki’s Recovery at the Surgery

At the surgery, Tricki underwent a remarkable transformation. He was given no
special food or medication, only plenty of water and time to interact with other
dogs. Playing and competing with them brought back his energy and reduced
his weight. He started eating normally and adapted to an active lifestyle.

Mrs. Pumphrey’s Overwhelming Gratitude

During Tricki’s stay, Mrs. Pumphrey kept sending luxury items like eggs, wine,
and brandy, thinking they were essential for his recovery. Meanwhile, the
veterinary staff enjoyed the treats. After two weeks, Mr. Herriot informed Mrs.
Pumphrey that Tricki had fully recovered.

The Triumph of Surgery

When Mrs. Pumphrey came to collect Tricki, she was overjoyed to see him
healthy and energetic. She considered his recovery a "triumph of surgery,"
unaware that the real cure was a change in lifestyle.

Lessons from the Story

The story highlights the importance of moderation and a healthy lifestyle for
pets. It also portrays Mrs. Pumphrey’s blind love for Tricki and Mr. Herriot’s
practical approach to solving problems. The humor lies in Mrs. Pumphrey’s
misunderstanding of Tricki’s recovery process and the indulgence of the
veterinary staff.

Character Sketch of Tricki

Tricki is a pampered and gluttonous dog whose greed for food causes his illness.
Despite his initial lethargy, he adapts quickly to an active life, showing resilience
and joy in simple pleasures like playing with other dogs.
 Extract Based Questions:
“I tried to sound severe: ‘Now I really mean this. If you don’t cut
down on the sweet things, it’s all over for him. You don’t
understand, don’t you ? Mrs. Pumphrey wrung her hands. ‘Oh, I
will, Mr. Herriot. I’m sure you’re right, but it would break his heart.

I. What tone does Mr. Herriot use when speaking to Mrs. Pumphrey?
A. Empathetic
B. Stern
C. Humorous
D. Indifferent
Answer: B. Stern

II. How does Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction reveal her relationship

with Tricki? Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction shows that she is overly
indulgent and emotionally attached to Tricki, treating him more like a
pampered child than a pet. Her reluctance to make changes, despite
knowing it is necessary, highlights her excessive care and affection for
Tricki.

III. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:
Mrs. Pumphrey's behavior can be described as (practical /
indulgent).
Answer: Indulgent

IV. What does this interaction reveal about Mr. Herriot’s

approach as a veterinarian?
Answer: This interaction reveals that Mr. Herriot is professional and firm
when it comes to the well-being of animals. He emphasizes the importance
of discipline and is willing to confront owners about their behavior to ensure
the health of their pets.

2. "The entire staff was roused, maids rushed in and out bringing his
day-bed, his night-bed, cushions, toys, rubber rings, breakfast bowl,
lunch bowl, supper bowl. Realising that my car would never hold all
the stuff, I started to drive away as fast as I could. As I moved off,
Mrs. Pumphrey, with a cry, threw an armful of little coats through
the window."

I. What does this extract tell us about Mrs. Pumphrey’s character?

A. She is indifferent towards Tricki’s needs.
B. She is overly anxious and extravagant in her care for Tricki.
C. She is practical in ensuring Tricki’s comfort.
D. She is dismissive of Mr. Herriot’s advice.
Answer: B. She is overly anxious and extravagant in her care for Tricki.
II. How does the staff’s reaction reflect the treatment of Tricki
in Mrs. Pumphrey’s household?
Answer: The staff’s hurried and exaggerated actions reflect the pampered and
overindulgent lifestyle Tricki enjoys in Mrs. Pumphrey’s household. It shows that
everyone in the household is complicit in treating Tricki as if he were royalty.

III. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:
The phrase ‘threw an armful of little coats through the window’ indicates Mrs.
Pumphrey’s (thoughtfulness / desperation) to ensure Tricki’s
comfort. Answer: Desperation

IV. What does this scene foreshadow about Tricki’s health and the
subsequent events in the story?
Answer: This scene foreshadows that Tricki’s overindulgence and lack of
proper care will lead to serious health issues, requiring Mr. Herriot’s
intervention. It also hints at the humorous and exaggerated lengths Mrs.
Pumphrey will go to for her beloved pet.

Top 10 PYQs:

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)

1. Why was Tricki sent to the hospital? (2023)
Tricki was sent to the hospital because he was overfed and pampered, leading
to obesity and lethargy. He refused to eat and became listless, prompting Mr.
Herriot to take him for treatment.

2. What changes did Tricki undergo at the hospital? (2022)

At the hospital, Tricki experienced a complete transformation. He shed his
excess weight, became active, and started interacting with other dogs. The
simple, regular meals and physical activities restored his health.

3. How did Mrs. Pumphrey react when Tricki returned home? (2021)
Mrs. Pumphrey was ecstatic when Tricki returned home. She was overwhelmed
with gratitude and declared his recovery a "triumph of surgery." Her joy
reflected her immense love and care for Tricki.

4. What was the role of Mr. Herriot in Tricki’s recovery? (2020)

Mr. Herriot played a crucial role in Tricki’s recovery by enforcing a strict diet,
encouraging exercise, and providing a normal, balanced lifestyle at the hospital.
His professional approach ensured Tricki regained his health.

5. Why was Mrs. Pumphrey unable to follow the vet’s advice? (2019)
Mrs. Pumphrey was unable to follow the vet’s advice due to her excessive
affection and
overindulgence in Tricki. She pampered him with rich food and luxuries, ignoring
the consequences on his health.

Long Answer Questions (100-120 words each)

6. What does the story 'A Triumph of Surgery' teach us about pet care?
(2023) The story emphasizes the importance of proper pet care, balanced diets,
and regular physical activity for pets. Mrs. Pumphrey’s overindulgence in
Tricki led to his health issues, while Mr. Herriot’s practical approach ensured
his recovery. The narrative highlights that excessive pampering can harm
pets and underlines the need for discipline and responsibility in pet
ownership.

7. Discuss the humor in the story 'A Triumph of Surgery.' (2022)

The humor in the story arises from the exaggerated care Mrs. Pumphrey
provides to Tricki, treating him like a pampered child. Her actions, such as
sending coats, cushions, and bowls for Tricki, are comically excessive.
Additionally, Mr. Herriot’s dry wit and observations add to the humor, as does
the dramatic contrast between Mrs. Pumphrey’s indulgence and Tricki’s simple
recovery at the hospital.

8. How did Mr. Herriot handle Tricki’s treatment? What was his
approach? (2021)
Mr. Herriot adopted a practical and straightforward approach to Tricki’s
treatment. He removed Tricki from the overindulgent environment, put him on a
strict diet, and ensured regular physical activity. His simple yet effective method
highlights the importance of moderation and discipline, contrasting with Mrs.
Pumphrey’s excessive care.

9. Describe the relationship between Mrs. Pumphrey and Tricki. (2020)

Mrs. Pumphrey and Tricki shared a deeply affectionate relationship. She treated
Tricki like her own child, pampering him with luxuries like fine food and little
coats. However, her overindulgence led to Tricki’s poor health, demonstrating
how excessive love can sometimes be harmful.

10. What is the message of the story 'A Triumph of Surgery'? (2019)
The story conveys the message that excessive pampering and indulgence can
lead to negative consequences, even when well-intentioned. It also emphasizes
the importance of moderation, a healthy lifestyle, and the expertise of
professionals like Mr. Herriot in ensuring the well-being of pets.
 The Thief’s Story
Introduction: Hari Singh’s Meeting with Anil
Hari Singh, a 15-year-old experienced thief, meets Anil, a simple, kind-hearted
man, while watching a wrestling match. Hari flatters Anil and manages to gain
his trust, offering to work for him despite not being paid. He lies about his name
and skills, including his ability to cook, to stay with Anil.

Anil’s Trust and Generosity

Anil, a struggling writer, allows Hari to stay and teaches him how to cook, write,
and add numbers. Hari is touched by Anil’s trust and generosity, realizing the
value of education and the possibilities it could bring.

The Theft
One evening, after Anil sells a book and brings home₹600, Hari decides to rob
him. He takes the money and runs to catch a train but hesitates and misses it.
Wandering aimlessly in the rain, he reflects on how stealing is easy but gaining
respect and education is much more valuable.

Hari’s Change of Heart

Realizing that education could help him achieve more than theft ever could, Hari
decides to return the stolen money. He sneaks back into Anil’s room and puts
the damp notes back under the mattress.

Anil’s Forgiveness
The next morning, Anil hands Hari a₹50 note and mentions paying him regularly.
Hari notices the note is damp, indicating Anil knows about the theft but
chooses not to confront him, preserving the trust between them.

Characters:
Hari Singh: A young, clever thief who learns the value of trust and
education. Anil: A generous and trusting writer who teaches Hari valuable
life skills.

Themes:
Trust and Redemption: Anil’s trust transforms Hari, making him abandon his
ways. Education and Growth: Hari’s desire to learn and improve his life
serves as a turning point.
Humanity and Kindness: Anil’s behavior emphasizes the power of
forgiveness and generosity.

Moral of the Story:

Trust and kindness can inspire people to change for the better.
True success comes from hard work, education, and respect, not deceit.
 Extract Based Questions:

1. "Anil was the most trusting person I had ever met. And that is why it
was so difficult to rob him. It’s easy to rob a greedy man because he
can afford to be robbed, but it’s difficult to rob a careless man –
sometimes he doesn’t even notice he’s been robbed and that takes all
the pleasure out of the work."

I. Why was Anil difficult to rob?

Answer: Anil was difficult to rob because he was trusting and careless. He
wouldn’t even notice being robbed, which made it less satisfying for the thief.

II. What does the line “It’s easy to rob a greedy man” suggest
about the speaker’s mindset?
Answer: It reflects the speaker’s justification for his actions, showing he finds
it morally easier to steal from those he perceives as greedy.

III. Identify the tone of the speaker in this extract.

A. Sarcastic
B. Reflective
C. Regretful
D. Confident
Answer: B. Reflective

IV. What does this extract reveal about the relationship between
Anil and the thief?
Answer: The extract highlights the trust Anil places in the thief and the
internal conflict the thief experiences due to this trust.

2. "I slipped the notes back under the mattress. My heart was beating
noisily. I crept out of the room and stood in the veranda in the clouds
of the rain. The night was chilly – it was early November – and I had
the sense of loss of a man who has missed an opportunity."
I. Why did the thief return the money?
Answer: The thief returned the money because he felt guilty about betraying
Anil’s trust and realized that Anil’s kindness had inspired him to change.

II. What does the phrase “sense of loss of a man who has missed an
opportunity” signify?
Answer: It signifies the thief’s initial regret for not keeping the money but also
hints at his realization that he had gained something more valuable – self-
respect and trust.

III. What literary device is used in “my heart was beating noisily”?
Answer: Personification, as the heart is described as if it could make a noise,
reflecting the thief’s nervousness and internal struggle.

IV. What does the rain symbolize in this extract?

Answer: The rain symbolizes the thief’s emotional cleansing and his journey
towards a new beginning.

Top 10 PYQs:

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)

1. Why did Hari Singh decide to rob Anil? What does this reveal about
his character? (2020, 2022)
Hari Singh was attracted to Anil's trusting and generous nature, seeing an easy
opportunity to steal money. It shows his cunning and manipulative personality
but also his inner conflict about morality.

2. What was Anil’s reaction when he found out about the theft? (2019,
2023) Anil remained calm and didn’t confront Hari. Instead, he showed trust
by giving him money the next day. This indicates Anil’s forgiving and
understanding nature.

3. What does Hari Singh mean by “If I don’t learn to write my name, I’ll
remain a thief”? (2021, 2023)
Hari realized that education could open up opportunities for an honest life.
Without learning, he would be stuck in a cycle of crime.

4. How did Hari Singh feel after robbing Anil? (2020, 2021)
Hari felt guilty and uneasy. He realized he had betrayed the trust of someone
who was kind to him, leading him to return the stolen money.

5. What made Hari Singh return to Anil after stealing the money?
(2018, 2022) Hari’s guilt and desire for a better life prompted him to return. He
valued Anil’s trust and kindness over the temporary gain from the theft.

Long Answer Questions (100-120 words each)

6. How does the story “The Thief’s Story” reflect the themes of trust
and forgiveness? (2019, 2022)
The story showcases how trust can transform a person. Anil’s faith in Hari Singh,
even after realizing the theft, leads Hari to change his ways. Anil’s forgiveness
provides Hari with a chance to reform, highlighting the power of kindness in
human relationships.

7. Discuss the internal conflict of Hari Singh and how it contributes to

the story’s message. (2020, 2023)
Hari struggles between his habit of stealing and his desire for a better life. His
guilt after stealing Anil’s money and his ultimate decision to return it reflect the
human capacity for self-realization and transformation.

8. Why is the relationship between Hari Singh and Anil central to the
story? Explain with examples. (2019, 2023)
The bond between Hari and Anil highlights themes of trust, redemption, and
personal growth. Anil’s kindness and belief in Hari Singh’s potential influence his
decision to reform, making their relationship the driving force of the story.

9. What life lesson does “The Thief’s Story” teach us? (2021, 2023)
The story teaches the importance of trust, kindness, and forgiveness. It shows
how a positive influence can lead to personal transformation, emphasizing the
value of second chances in life.

10. Explain how education is portrayed as a means of transformation in

the story. (2020, 2022)
Education is seen as a path to redemption. Hari Singh realizes that learning to
read and write could help him lead an honest life. This realization marks a
turning point in his journey toward self-improvement.
 The Midnight Visitor

Introduction: Robert Arthur's "The Midnight Visitor" unfolds

a gripping detective story featuring the cunning secret agent
Ausable. The narrative revolves around a high-stakes
encounter with Max, Ausable's rival, and the ingenious
strategies Ausable employs to outsmart his adversary.
Ausable's Mission:
Ausable, the detective, anticipates retrieving sensitive
papers in his hotel room. However, Max, his rival, ambushes
him at gunpoint, demanding the coveted documents.
Ausable's Remarkable Response:
Despite the threat, Ausable exhibits remarkable composure.
He weaves a fictional tale about a non-existent balcony,
befuddling Max and creating a diversion.
Fowler's Bewilderment:
Fowler, Ausable's friend, is astonished to discover the
unexpected identity of the seemingly unfit secret agent.
The suspense builds as Max holds them at gunpoint.
The Inventive Balcony Ruse:
Ausable, sensing danger, invents a fictional balcony below
the window, convincing Max that the police are at the
door. Max, fearing arrest, leaps to his demise, unaware of
the nonexistent balcony.
Adventurous Evening Turns Lethal:
What begins as a planned evening for Fowler transforms into
an unexpected and perilous encounter with a secret agent,
leading to a life-or-death situation.
The Wine Delivery Twist:
As Max awaits on the imaginary balcony, a waiter arrives with a
wine delivery. Ausable reveals the absence of police and the non-
existence of the balcony, leaving Fowler bewildered.
Ausable's Quick Wit Triumphs:
Ausable's quick thinking and clever storytelling prove
triumphant. Max's nervousness and panic lead to his fatal
decision, as he jumps from the hotel's top floor.
Conclusion:
"The Midnight Visitor" delivers a compelling message about
maintaining composure in challenging situations. Ausable's wit
and resourcefulness showcase the power of quick thinking and
adaptability, ultimately saving him from a perilous encounter.
Extract Based Questions:

Q1: And then there was his accent. Though he spoke French and
German passably, he had never altogether lost the American accent
he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago.
(a) Who is 'he' in the above extract?
Ans: 'He' in the above extract is Ausable, a secret agent.
(b) Where is he at present?
Ans: At present, he is about to enter his room on the sixth floor of a
French hotel.
(c) Find the word from the extract that means the opposite of
'fluently' Ans: The word is 'passably.
(d) What is the present tense of
'speak'? Ans: Speak' is its present
tense.
Q2: "You are disillusioned", Ausable told him. "But take cheer, my young
friend. Presently you will see a paper, a quite important paper for which
several men and women have risked their lives, come to me.
Some day soon that paper may well affect the course of history. In that
thought is drama, is there not?" [CBSE2015}
(a) Who is 'my young friend' in the above extract?
Ans: 'My young friend' in the above extract is Fowler, a young romantic writer.
 (b) What is the 'important paper' referred to here?
Ans: The 'important paper' referred to here is a report regarding
some new missiles.
(c)Find a word from the passage that means the same as
'disappointed'
Ans: The word is 'disillusioned':
Top 10 PYQs:

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)

1. How did Max go out of Ausable’s room to save himself from the
police?
Answer: Max was very nervous to find the police at the door. He went out of
the window saying that he would wait in the balcony. He warned Ausable to
send them away or he would shoot him. Max did not confirm the balcony and
stepped out of the window and died.

2. How did Ausable kill Max without using a weapon?

Answer: Ausable was an intelligent spy. When he found Max waiting for
him in his room, he made a story of a balcony under his window. He
convinced Max about the balcony. Thus, when someone knocked at the
door, Max fearing it to be the police, jumped out of the window and died.

3. What role did Ausable's quick wit play in defeating Max?

Answer: Ausable used his quick wit to invent a story about a balcony outside
his window, convincing Max it was real. When someone knocked on the door,
Max, fearing the police, tried to escape via the imaginary balcony and fell to
his death.

4. Why was Ausable confident that Max would never return?

Answer: Believing Ausable’s story about the balcony to be true, Max stepped
out, however, had concocted a very convincing story, and knew that what
awaited hit was a drop from the sixth floor. Hence, he was confident that Max
would never return.

5. Did Max really deserve to get a chance to accomplish a risky task?

Answer: I do not believe that Max deserved a chance to accomplish a risky
task, as his err very smart, gun. A spy without these nor very intelligent. He did
not even look threatening to Fowler except seeing apparent qualities will most
likely be a failure.

6. How did Ausable befool Max about the balcony?

Answer: Ausable was a very intelligent spy agent. When he found Max
waiting for him in his room, he immediately thought of the plan. He told Max
that there is a balcony from where people enter his room and Max must have
also entered from
there. Max was convinced about the story and hence when someone
knocked at the door, he ran towards the balcony to hide and died.

7. What was the real story of the balcony below the window of
Ausable’s room?
Answer: Ausable had an instant and fertile mind. He could cook up all kinds of
stories that fit in different situations. Actually, there was no balcony below the
window of his room. Ausable cooked up a story that the balcony below his
room had become a big nuisance. It was the second time that someone had
got into his room through it.
Actually, he wanted to confuse Max and make him jump out of the window to
get rid of him.

8. What position did Max take before he jumped out of the window?
Answer: Max kept his body twisted. In this way, he could keep his gun pointed
at Ausable and Fowler. He grasped the frame with his free hand to support
himself. He swung his other leg up and over the windowsill. The moment he
heard the knocking getting louder at the door, he positioned himself to jump
out of the window.

9. Ausable was a successful secret agent. What qualities can be

attributed to him? Give some examples.
Answer: Ausable was very fat. He appeared to be a slow and sluggish person.
But inside that fat body, he had a very sharp brain. It was throwing his
presence of mind, intelligence and cleverness that he got rid of Max easily.
When Max heard a knock at the poor Ausable told in a hat was the police
whom he had called for the extra protection of the papers. Max wanted him to
send them off quickly until he waited on the balcony. Ausable had ordered a
drink and it was the waiter with the drink knocking at the Able used the false
story to mislead Max. the poor fellow was neither police law jumped through
the nor the below, not one on the balcony but on the ground from the sixth
Max lost his life and with him died that he was his mission a clever secret
agent. Way Ausable got rid of Max. They may assemble got rid of max proves
that he was clever secret agent.

10. Write a character sketch of the secret Agent Ausable.

Answer: Ausable was a secret agent. He was a fat and sloppy fellow. In his
appearance, he did not seem to be a romantic figure. He came to Paris from
Boston twenty years ago. He could speak French and German passably. He
had not lost the American accent. Ausable was a very intelligent person. He
had a great presence of mind. He did not lose heart in a difficult situation
when he faced a man with a pistol in his hand. He remained cool. He cocked
up a story about the balcony. He made Max nervous by telling him about the
police. He got Max killed without any fighting or shooting. Fowler who was
disappointed to meet him at the beginning of the story was very much
impressed with his intelligence and presence of mind at the end of the story.
 A Question of Trust

The Sneaky Book Lover: Meet Horace Danby, a 50-year-

old locksmith who seemed like a nice guy. He ran a
successful business and loved buying rare books. But here's the
twist — he wasn't totally honest. Once a year, he secretly rob a
safe to fund his expensive books habit .

The Plan: Horace's Secret Scheme:

With two helpers, Horace carefully planned each heist. This
time, he targeted Shotover Grange, a house he'd been
watching for two weeks. When the family went to London and
the caretakers went to
the movies, Horace saw his chance.
The Surprise:
As he was doing his thing, a young lady showed up, pretending
to be the owner's wife. She claimed she needed her jewels for
a party. Caught off guard, Horace opened the safe for her,
forgetting his gloves and leaving behind a big clue.
The Trouble Begins:
A few days later, a policeman arrested Horace for the jewel
robbery. His fingerprints were all over the crime scene. He
admitted to opening the safe for the fake wife, but no one
believed him.
The Big Reveal:
Turns out, the young lady was a fraud. The story ends with
Horace, once a successful guy, now in prison, realizing that
blindly trusting others can lead to big trouble.
Conclusion:
In simple terms, the story teaches us not to trust people
without really knowing them. Horace Danby's mistake was
believing someone without checking if they were telling the
truth. So, be careful who you trust — not everyone is as honest
as they seem!
 Extract Based Questions:

Q1.So he robbed a safe every year. Each year he planned carefully

just what he would do, stole enough to last for twelve months, and
secretly bought the books he loved through an agent.
(a) Who is 'he' in the above extract?
Ans: 'He' in the above extract is Horace Danby.
(b) Why did 'he' rob only one safe every year?
Ans: He robbed only one safe every year because he robbed
just enough to satisfy his hobby of buying and collecting rare
and expensive books. Otherwise, he was just an honest lock-
maker.
(c) Find the word from the extract that means the
opposite of
'openly:
Ans: The word is 'secretly.
Q2. A small dog was lying in the kitchen. It stirred, made a noise,
and moved its tail in a friendly way (CBSE 2014)
(a) What is the dog's name mentioned in the above
extract? Ans: The name of the dog mentioned in the above
extract is Sherry.
(b) In which house is the kitchen referred to?
Ans: The kitchen referred to is located in Shotover Grange.
(c) Find a word from the passage that means the same as
'cordial'. Ans: The word is 'friendly
Top 10 PYQs:

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)

1.Though Horace planned everything meticulously,
why did he fail?
Answer: Though Horace planned everything meticulously, he
failed because of the cunning young lady. She pretended to be
the owner of the house and claimed she needed the jewels for
a party but had forgotten the safe's password. Trusting her,
Horace opened the safe without wearing gloves, leaving his
fingerprints as evidence. This led to his arrest while the lady
escaped with the jewels.

2 How did the young lady outsmart Horace Danby?

Answer: The young lady pretended to be the owner of the
house and used Horace’s trust and nervousness to her
advantage. She convinced him to open the safe for her,
leaving behind evidence that led to his arrest.

3. Why is Horace Danby described as good and

respectable but not completely honest?

Answer: Horace Danby was a good person. He made locks.

He was very successful in his business. He had engaged two
helpers in his business. But he was not completely honest
because he robbed a safe every year.

4. Describe how Horace Danby planned his work?

Answer: Horace Danby studied the house at Shotover Grange for
two weeks. He studied its rooms, its electric wiring, its paths, and
its garden. He was sure that the family was in London. The two
servants had gone to the movies and they would not come back
before four hours. He came out from behind the garden wall and
entered the house.

5. Did Horace get the jewels from the Grange safe? If

not, why did the police arrest him?
Answer: No, Horace did not get the jewels from the Grange
safe. But he broke open the safe for the wife of the owner of the
house without gloves. But in reality, that lady was a burglar.
Thus, there were Horace’s fingerprints all over the room. So, the
police arrested him for stealing the jewels from the Grange safe.

6. Whose voice was it that advised Horace about the

special treatment of his hay fever?
Answer: When Horace was about to open the safe, he heard a
female voice. She asked if he suffered from a cold or hay fever. He
was sneezing again and again. She said that he could cure the hay
fever with special treatment. He must find out what plant gave him
that disease. She also advised Horace to see a doctor.
 7. When and why did the woman in red say, “Society
must be protected from men like you”? Doesn’t it
sound ironical?
Answer: Horace assured the woman in red that he would not
hurt her. She must forget she ever met him. It made her angry.
She couldn’t let him go, otherwise, he would rob someone else.
Society must be protected from people like him. It sounds ironic
because she herself was a thief and had come for the same
purpose for which
Horace was there in the house.
8. Do you think that the young woman in red
proved far smarter than Horace Danby? Give
reasons.
Answer: Definitely, the young woman in red proved far
smarter than Horace Danby. She played her part of being the
lady of the house with complete perfection. She was an
example of self-confidence.
She didn’t show any hesitation. She spoke and acted with an air
of complete confidence and authority. Poor Horace became a
puppet who couldn’t take himself out of her spell. She threatened
to call the police and made him open the safe, while Horace was
later caught and
arrested. She decamped with the jewels.
9. Who is the real culprit in the story, the young lady in
red or Horace Danby? Comment.
Answer: The lawof any land works on evidence. Horace Danby
opened the safe without wearing his gloves. He didn’t think it
necessary to wear them as he thought he was working for ‘the
lady of the house’. So the police matched his fingerprints and he
was arrested. The lady in the red was the real culprit. She made
Horace open the safe for her. She was also a thief and decamped
with the jewels. But in the eyes of the law, Horace was the real
culprit because the evidence was against him.
10. Why did Horace Danby prefer books to collect paintings?
Answer: Horace Danby loved rare books passionately. To
fuel his hobby, he resorted to robbing a safe annually.
When faced with a choice between collecting books and
paintings, he opted for books due to limited space in his
small house.
 Footprints without Feet

Griffin's Invisible Experiment

Once upon a time, there was a scientist named Griffin. He
figured out how to become invisible and touch things. Excited
about his discovery, he decided to try it out.
Griffin drank a special potion and became invisible. But, oh no!
He
Becoming Invisible: accidentally stepped in mud, leaving
footprints that curious folks followed until they disappeared.
Invisible Night Out:
To stay warm, Griffin went to a shopping center after it closed.
He wore some clothes and ate from a café. When night fell, he
made a bed out of quilts in a store.
London Adventures:
People started noticing him, so Griffin stole clothes and money.
To escape, he took off all his clothes, becoming invisible again.
Life in busy London became a challenge.
Moving to Iping:
Griffin decided to move to a quiet village called Iping. People
there were puzzled by his strange appearance.
Invisible Troubles:
As money ran out, Griffin turned to stealing and even hurt some
people. People thought there were ghosts in the village. When
the constable tried to find Griffin, he tricked them by appearing
headless.
Conclusion:
This story teaches us that sometimes discovering new things
can be tricky. Griffin's adventure shows us that we must be
careful with what we discover and use it responsibly.
 Extract Based Questions:

Q1. As they gazed, a remarkable sight met their eyes. A fresh

footmark appeared from nowhere. Further footprints followed one
after another, descending the steps and progressing down the
street.
(a) Who are 'they' in the above extract?
Ans: 'They' in the above extract are two boys on a street in London.
(b) Who is making these footprints?
Ans: The scientist Griffin, who has become invisible, is making these footprints.
(c) Find the word from the extract that means the same as
'continuing'. Ans: The word is 'progressing'.
(d) What is the opposite of
'remarkable'? Ans: Its opposite is
'ordinary:

Q2: The air was bitterly cold and he could not do without clothes.
Instead of walking about the streets he decided to slip into a big
London store for warmth.
(a) Who is 'he' in the above extract?
Ans: 'He' in the above extract is Griffin, the invisible scientist.
(b) Why was the air bitterly cold?
Ans: The air was bitterly cold because the season was mid-winter.
(c) Find a word from the extract that means the same as
'quietly enter' Ans: The word is 'slip'.
(d) What is the opposite of
'warmth? Ans: Its opposite is 'chill'

Top 10 PYQs:

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)

1. What did the Halls see in the scientist’s room? [CBSE
2013] Answer: As the door of the room was open and nobody
appeared to be inside, the Halls entered the scientist’s
room. They saw that the bedclothes were cold, showing that
the scientist must have been up for some
time; and stranger still, the clothes and
bandages that he always wore were lying about the room.
2. What challenges did Griffin face after becoming
invisible? Answer: Griffin faced challenges like surviving
without shelter or clothes in cold weather, evading suspicion,
and committing thefts
for food and clothing, which made his life increasingly difficult
and lonely.
 3. Griffin was not a true scientist as he misused
his scientific discovery. Illustrate this point by
giving two incidents from the story.
Answer: A true scientist is a law-abiding person. A scientist is
also called a ‘natural philosopher’. Griffin was not a true
scientist as he did not use his discovery of how to make himself
invisible for good uses. He lost control of himself and behaved
like a criminal. First, he set fire to his landlord’s house and ran
away. Then he stole food without paying for it in a London
store. Besides, he robbed the owner of a theatrical company
and stole money from a clergyman’s desk.
4. Describe the landlord’s and his wife’s experience
with the
strange scientist. [CBSE 2016]
Answer: Both Mrs Hall and her husband were surprised to find the
scientist’s room door open because normally it was always locked.
So they peeped in but found nobody there. The clothes and
bandages that he always wore were lying about the room. Suddenly
Mrs Hall heard a sniff close to her ear and the hat on the bedpost
leapt up and dashed itself into her face. Then the bedroom chair
sprang into the air and pushed them both out of the room and then
appeared to slam and lock the door after them. Mrs Hall became
hysterical and almost fell down the stairs. She thought that her
furniture was haunted. They decided to confront the scientist next
time when they met him.

5. What impression do you form of Griffin after

reading the lesson, “Footprint,without Feet”?
Answer: Griffin was a brilliant scientist, as he discovered a drug due
to which his body became transparent as a sheet of glass after
swallowing it. This made him invisible. But he was a lawless person.
Because of his misdeeds, he became a homeless wanderer without
clothes and money. He was an introvert with a desire for solitude.
He was always seeking adventure, and being fond of mysterious
things. However, he was unscrupulous, as he robbed various people
to finance his work, he got
angry very quickly, which caused him to become a fugitive.
6. If, somehow you discovered how to become invisible,
how would you use that opportunity? [CBSE 2015]
Answer: If I discovered how to become invisible, I would use this
opportunity to punish all those people who cause trouble to others
for their selfish motives. I would catch them and hand them over to
the police without letting them know that I was behind them. I will
also help law-enforcing agencies when they conduct raids on
criminal hideouts, as I will be able to move in the open without fear
of being seen. This will help the people of the country to become
more law-abiding citizens.
7. ‘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: 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.
8. “Scientific discoveries have made life easier but
insecure.” Explain with reference to the story
‘Footprints without Feet’ written by H.G. Wells.
Answer: There is no doubt that scientific discoveries have made
life easier. Take any sphere of human activity, electricity,
telecommunications, electronics, computers, etc, these have
changed man’s life.
We can interact and walk on the moon. A 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. Surgery can replace defective limbs. Despite all these
discoveries, human life is becoming insecure. Weapons of mass
destruction are a constant danger. The fear of chemical, or
biological warfare looms large. Diseases like AIDS and SARS can
destroy the human race.
9. “A lawless scientist is a curse to the society.” Discuss.
Answer: It is true, that a lawless scientist is a curse to society. A
true scientist uses his discoveries for the good of the society and
welfare of the people. It helps the nations to progress. A lawless
scientist increases the misery and suffering of society. In this
story, we find how Griffin misuses his discovery. He causes pain and
suffering to others. He causes destruction. Suppose nuclear
weapons fall in the hands of a lawless scientist, he can cause
widespread destruction. He may ruin the achievements of other
scientists. That’s why the leaders of the world are worried about
chemical weapons falling into the hands of lawless heads of
governments or terrorists. If this happens, all the scientists of the
world will be doomed.

10. How did the invisible man first become visible?

Answer: Griffin was completely invisible until he happened to step
in some mud, which caused him to leave footprints as he walked.
Two boys noticed these footprints and followed him as long as the
prints were visible. Griffin, after getting rid of them, went into a big
London store to put on some warm clothes. After the store was
shut, he got himself dressed in an overcoat and a wide-brimmed
hat. He also put on a pair of shoes. This made him visible to the
people who came to work at the store the next day.
 The Making of a Scientist

Curious Beginnings:
This story is about Richard Ebright, a scientist who loved
exploring since he was a little kid. He collected butterflies,
coins, fossils, and
rocks. His mom gave him a book called 'The Travel of Monarch
X,' which ignited his passion for science.
Learning from Nature:
Richard realized that to achieve something special, he needed to
do something extraordinary. In a science fair, he experimented
with monarch caterpillars and viceroy butterflies, earning him
recognition and prizes.
High School Discoveries:
In high school, Richard's experiments led to big discoveries. He
found a new insect hormone and unraveled the mystery of tiny
golden spots on monarch pupa. He even came up with a new
theory about how cells read the blueprint of DNA.
A Big Leap:
As he continued his studies, Richard created a plastic model to
explain how DNA works. This idea was a big hit and got
published. He graduated from Harvard with top honors,
showing that hard work pays off.
Beyond Science:
Richard wasn't just about science. He loved public speaking,
debate, and outdoor activities like canoeing. He was
competitive but always aimed to do his best.
Lesson Learned:
The story teaches us that if you work hard and stay dedicated,
you can achieve your dreams. Richard Ebright's journey from a
curious kid to a successful scientist is proof that with
perseverance, anything is possible.
 Extract Based Questions:

Q1: So he did, and did he ever! Beginning in kindergarten,

Ebright collected butterflies with same determination that has
marked all his activities.
(a) What does 'he did' in the extract refer to?
Ans: 'He did' refers to Richard's habit of collecting various things.
(b) What else did he collect other than butterflies?
Ans: He collected fossils, coins, and rocks other than butterflies.
(c) Find a word from the extract which means 'resoluteness'
Ans: Determination' is a word from the extract which means
'resoluteness!
(d) What is the opposite of
'Beginning'? Ans: Its opposite is
'Ending'.
Q2: He would catch a female monarch, take her eggs, and
raise them in his basement through their life cycle
(a) Who is 'he' in this extract?
Ans: 'Richard Ebright is 'he' in this extract.
(b) Why does he raise butterflies?
Ans: He raised butterflies to study their migration pattern.
(c) Find a synonym for the word 'rear" from the extract given
above. Ans: 'Raise' is the synonym of'rear' from the extract. (d)
What part of speech is 'them'?
Ans: It is a pronoun

Top 10 PYQs:

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)

1. Why did Richard lose interest in tagging butterflies?

Answer: Richard raised thousands of butterflies, tagged them
and released them to study their migration. But soon, he lost
interest because only two of his tagged butterflies were
returned to him and they had travelled only seventy-five
miles.
2. Discuss the role of Ebright’s mother in
making him a scientist. [CBSE 2011]
Answer: Richard’s mother played a huge role in making him
a great scientist. She would take him on trips to encourage
learning.
 He was a single child. After his father died, his mother made
him the focus of her life. She would buy him all kinds of
microscopes, telescopes and other equipment. After dinner,
she gave him problems to solve. This helped Richard to learn a
lot. She was his only companion for a long time. It was his
mother who got him the book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’. This
book opened the world of science for Richard. She also wrote
to Dr Urquhart to guide her son. The scientist helped Richard
and guided him. Thus, his mother shaped him into an
extraordinary scientist.
3. Ebright’s study of monarch pupas had a far
reaching impact. Elaborate.
Answer: For a long time the scientific community had
regarded the bright spots on a monarch pupa as purely
ornamental. But Dr Urquhart did not believe it. Nor did Richard.
He started his experiments on the monarch pupa. He built a
device with the help of a friend. This led to the discovery of a
hormone. Richard proved that the hormone was necessary for
the growth of the butterfly. This discovery got him many
honors. Also, it led to another important study. He began
working on how cells read their DNA. DNA is the carrier of
heredity and is called the blueprint of life. His theory could find
answers to many cancers and diseases.

4. Richard Ebright displayed a well-rounded personality.

Do you agree? Elucidate in the context of the given text.
[CBSE 2016] Answer: Richard’s genius was obvious by the time he
was in second grade. He managed to collect all twenty-five. species of
butterflies around his hometown and classify them. He also loved to
collect coins, fossils, and rocks. Science was not his only passion. He was
an active member of his school’s oratory club and Model United Nations
club and was an effective debater and a public speaker. He loved
photography as well. He was an enthusiastic canoeist and an all-around
outdoors person. Learning was easy for him. So he found it simple to
devote time and energy to many other interests. He became a champion
in whatever he did. He believed in the spirit of competition to win. But,
he did not wish to defeat others just to win. He wanted to win to do his
best. Thus, he displayed a well- tounded personality.
5. Dr Urquhart contributed significantly to Ebright’s
growth as a scientist. Explain.
Answer: Richard had become bored with collecting butterflies. His
mother
got him a book on the migration of butterflies. Richard came in
contact with Dr Urquhart through the book. Dr Urquhart directed him
to study the migration pattern of butterflies. When he did not win any
prize in the science fair in seventh grade, he again wrote to Dr
Urquhart to guide him. The scientist gave him many suggestions for
new experiments. Richard performed these experiments throughout
his high school and won many prizes. Later, he worked on why bright
spots are found on a monarch pupa, motivated by Dr Urquhart. It led
to the discovery of a new hormone. The discovery of this new
hormone further led to an important theory. The theory was about
how cells read their DNA. In this way Dr Urquhart proved to be his
true mentor.
6. What are the values required to become a successful
scientist like Richard Ebright? Elaborate with reference to
the lesson ‘The Making of a Scientist’.
Answer: Curiosity to know more and motivation to find reasons for the
existence of anything or any phenomena are necessary for becoming a
successful scientist. The urge to know more develops the scientific
aptitude in a person. At a very young age, Ebright became competitive
by participating in various county fairs. He never lost hope and kept on
trying to do better. In addition to curiosity and motivation, Ebright
displayed the qualities of hard work, sincerity, determination, and
patience. He also accepted failure and success in the right spirit. Thus,
he became a successful scientist.

7. Although Richard did not win anything at the science

fair it was a stepping stone for his success. Concerning
the story ‘The Making of a Scientist’ of the above
statement, give your comments on whether
competitions are for winning sake or to give your best
at work.
Answer: It is true, no one can deny the fact that every person
wants to be a winner. Each has a basic wish to reach ‘ at the
top. For that many competitions are organised at various levels. But
still, we must accept that all cannot be winners. Participation is
more important than winning. The participant should work hard to
reach their level best.
Failures should not make us disheartened and best way to
overcome failure is to learn through our mistakes. We
cannot deny that experimentation and learning are
stepping stones to our success. So we should try to give
our best.
8. Why did viceroy butterflies copy monarchs?
Answer: Viceroy butterflies copied monarchs because
monarchs do not taste good to birds. Viceroy butterflies on
the other hand taste good to birds. So, the more they look
similar to monarchs, the less likely they are to become a
bird’s prey. Thus they protect themselves.

9. Why did Richard Ebright give up tagging butterflies?

Answer: Richard Ebright lost interest in tagging
butterflies as it was tedious and there was not much
feedback. He could recapture only two butterflies in all
the time he did it and they were not more than seventy-
five miles away from where he lived..
10. How did Richard Ebright’s mother help him to
become a scientist?
Answer: Ebright’s mother was his only companion. She
used to
encourage the child to learn whatever he wanted to learn.
She took him on trips and brought him telescopes,
microscopes, cameras, mounting materials, and other such
equipment.
 The Necklace
Introduction: Once upon a time, there was a lady named
Mathilde Loisel and her husband. They weren't rich but lived a
simple life. Mathilde, however, wanted to be rich and own
fancy things like a big house, pretty dresses, and lots of
jewelry.
The Party Invitation Surprise:
One day, Mathilde's husband got an invitation to a fancy
party. He thought she would be happy, but she wasn't. She
cried because she didn't have a nice dress for the party. Her
kind husband gave her money that he had saved to buy a
gun, so she could buy a pretty dress.
Borrowing Shine: The Necklace Trouble:
As the party got closer, Mathilde worried again. This time, it
was about not having jewelry. Her husband suggested
borrowing from their friend, Jeanne Forestier. Mathilde
borrowed a beautiful necklace and enjoyed the party, making
everyone notice her. But things took a turn when they lost
the necklace on the way home. Paying a High Price for
Deception:
To fix the problem, they bought a new necklace, spending a
lot of money they didn't have. It took them ten years of hard
work and sacrifices to repay the borrowed money. Their life
changed a lot during this time, moving to a smaller home and
doing everything themselves.
The Shocking Truth Revealed:
Years later, Mathilde met Jeanne Forestier and confessed.
However, the shock came when Jeanne revealed that the
necklace was fake, and not worth much. All the struggles and
sacrifices were for nothing.
Conclusion: Simple Joys Matter: In the end, "The Necklace"
teaches us not to always want more and to be happy with
what we have. It warns about the consequences of pretending
and the importance of being truthful. The story shows that true
happiness comes from appreciating the simple things in life.

Extract Based Questions:

1. "she learned the odious work of a kitchen. She washed the

dishes. She washed the soiled linen, their clothes and
dishcloths, which she hung on the line to dry; she took down
the refuse to the street each morning and brought up the
water, stopping at each landing to catch her breath. And,
clothed like a woman of the people, she went to the grocer's,
the butcher's and the fruiterer's, with her basket on her arm,
shopping, haggling to the last sou of her miserable money.
The husband worked evenings, putting the books of some
merchants in order, and nights he often did copying at five
sous a page. And this life lasted for ten years. At the end of
ten years, they had restored all. Mme Loisel seemed old now.
She had become a strong, hard woman, the crude woman of
the poor household. Her hair badly dressed, her skirts awry,
her hands red, she spoke in a loud tone, and washed the
floors with large pails of water."
A) Who seemed old now?.
Ans. Matilda seemed old
now.
B) What had made her 'crude'?!
Ans. Ten long years of poverty, and a constant struggle and
strife for survival had made her 'crude'.
C) Which word in the given extract is an antonym to
'pleasant'? Ans. 'Odious' is the antonym of 'pleasant' in
the extract.

2. "He threw around her shoulders those modest wraps they

had carried whose poverty clashed with the elegance of the
ball costume. She wished to hurry away in order not to be
noticed by the other women who were wrapping themselves
in rich furs. Loisel detained her, "Wait," said he. "I am going
to call a cab." But she would not listen and descended the
steps rapidly. When they were
 in the street, they found no carriage; and they began to seek
for one, hailing the coachmen whom they saw at a distance.
They walked along toward the river, hopeless and shivering.
Finally they found one of those old carriages that one sees in
Paris after nightfall."
A) What precedes these fines?
Ans. These lines follow Matilda's success at the ball where she
was idolized. Her beauty and elegance was praised by
everyone.
B) 'She' wished to hurry away. Why?
Ans. She, 'Matilda' did not wish to shatter the illusion of her
grandeur that she had so successfully managed to convey
to others by putting on such a shabby wrap. So, she wished to
hurry away to escape the notice of the rich women.
C) Which word in the given extract is a synonym of 'not
expensive'?
Ans. 'Modest' is the synonym of 'not expensive' from the
extract.

Top 10 PYQs:

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)

1. What, do you think, were the feelings of Madame Forester when she
came to know that Matilda returned her a diamond necklace in place
of an artificial one? Answer: Matilda borrowed a necklace from Madame
Forestier to wear at a party. She lost it somewhere and in that place returned a
diamond necklace to her. She was unaware of the fact that it was an artificial
one. Madame Forester was shocked to know the whole story. Madame Forestier
thought that situation could have been avoided if Matilda had dared to accept
the truth and share it with Madame Forester.

2. How would you feel if you were in Matilda’s place

and had lost somebody’s such a valuable possession?

Answer: Matilda borrowed a necklace from Madame Forestier to wear in a

ball. She lost it the same night. She was too upset at the incident and tried to
find it everywhere in the fold of the dress, the cloak, the pockets, and. Even
Mr Loisel went to search for it at midnight. They even could not sleep all
night. They want the police and even to the cab office and put an
advertisement in the newspaper offering a reward. If I had been in Matilda’s
place, I would have done all the above-said efforts for such a valuable
possession.
3. What changes occurred in Mime Loisel after 10 years?

Answer: Madame Loisel now knows the horrible life of necessity. She sent
away from her maid and learned the odious work of a kitchen She washed
the dishes and the clothes on her own, She took down wastes to the
street and brought up the water stopping at each landing to breathe. They
changed their lodging and rented some rooms in the attic. She seemed old
now and became strong and hard women. Her hair badly dressed her skirts
awry, her hands red and spoke in a loud voice.

4. Why did Madame Loisel leave the ball in a hurry? What does it
show about her character?
Answer: Madame Loisel left the ball in a hurry because her husband threw the
modest wraps around her shoulders, whose poverty clashed with the elegance
of the ball costume. She did not want to be noticed by the other women who
were wrapping themselves in rich furs. It shows the hypocrisy and showoff life
of Mine Loisel. It shows her dissatisfaction, anger and frustration with life.

5. How did M. Loisel and Madame Loisel manage to buy a diamond

necklace to return it to Madame Forester? What were the
consequences?
Answer: Mr Loisel and Madame Loisel spent all their savings i.e. eighteen
thousand francs, which his father had saved for him. The rest of the money
they borrowed from usurers with ruinous promises. They had to arrange 36,000
francs for the new diamond necklace. All this ruined their life. Mme Loisel had
to do all odd jobs to save money. They had to change these lodgings Mr Loisel
had to work till late at night after office hours, putting the books of some
merchant or to copy pages at five soups a page to earn extra money.

6. What efforts did Matilda and her husband make to look for the lost
necklace?
Answer: They looked into the folds of Matilda’s dress, in the folds of her cloak,
and in her pockets. Her husband searched the whole route by which they
had come home. He returned at seven o’clock. He informed the police. He
went to the newspaper’s office to announce a reward. But the lost necklace
was not found.

7. Why did Matilda think that she was born in a family of petty
clerks by some error of destiny?
Answer: Matilda was a beautiful young lady with high dreams and aspirations.
She had no dowry, no hopes, no fame, and no wealth. She lost all hopes of
marrying a man either rich or distinguished. She believed that she was born
into a family of clerks only by some error of destiny. So, she allowed herself
to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education.
8. How did Mr Loisel meet the demand for a suitable costume for
his wife for going to the ball?

Answer: Matilda refused to go to the ball without having a suitable costume

for the occasion. Her husband asked her to wear the dress that she wore while
going to the theatre. When Matilda reacted strongly, he asked how much a
suitable costume would cost. She replied that it would cost 400 francs. Mr
Loisel turned pale. He had saved 400 francs to buy a gun for him to shoot larks.
But he bowed down and agreed to give 400 francs to have a pretty dress.

9. Matilda realized that one little act of negligence can lead to

total ruin. How would you prefer to be guided to move on in life?
Answer: Matilda lost the necklace that she borrowed from Mme Forester.
She had to buy a new necklace for thirty-six thousand francs which ruined all
her savings. She had changed her lodgings and did all jobs like washing,
cleaning, and shopping grocery while her husband had to do extra work of
copying after his office time. She lost all her beauty. Now she realized that
one little act of negligence can lead to total ruin. We will prefer to move on
in life according to the situation. If we have committed any mistake we have
to pay for it. And we should pay for it bravely. There is no harm in doing
household jobs or in earning extra money after office time. If we can live in
a big house’ we should learn to live in a small one too with the demand of
time.

10. Loisel wished to keep his wife in good humor. Which values of
Matilda impress him?
Answer: Loisel really loved his beautiful wife Matilda. Even though they didn't
have much money, he did everything he could to make her happy. When they
got an invitation to a fancy ball, he used all his savings to buy her a new dress
and replace a lost diamond necklace. Loisel even worked extra hours after his
regular job to afford these things because he cared so much about his wife's
happiness.
 Bholi
Early Struggles of Bholi
Once upon a time in a village, there was a girl named Bholi.
She had a hard time speaking clearly because of a sickness
in her brain. Also, smallpox left marks on her face, making her
look different. People made fun of her, calling her Bholi,
meaning backward.
Bholi's Family;
Bholi was the youngest in a family with seven kids. Her parents
worried about her because she was not as healthy as her
siblings. They also worried about finding a good husband
for her.
A New Beginning: School Opening::
One day, an important person came to start a school in
the village. He asked Bholi's father to send her to school.
Bholi's mother wasn't sure but eventually agreed.
Bholi's School Days:
At first, Bholi was scared of going to school. But she got
nice clothes and felt happy to be around other kids. She
couldn't speak well when the teacher asked her name, and
the other kids laughed. The teacher was kind and told Bholi
she could improve if she came to school daily.
Bholi's Progress:
Time passed, and the village became a small town. Bholi's
little school turned into a big one. Bholi not only learned to
speak without stammering but also became confident and
smart.
Unexpected Marriage Proposal:
One day, someone wanted to marry Bholi, but he was
only interested in money. He refused to marry her without
a big payment.
Bholi's Brave Decision:
Even though her family managed to gather the money, Bholi
said no. She surprised everyone by speaking confidently. She
refused to marry someone who cared only about money. She
promised to take care of her parents and teach in the school
that changed her life.
Conclusion: Bholi's Inspiring Story:
Bholi's story teaches us that with support and going to school,
anyone can overcome difficulties. Bholi faced her problems
and stood up for herself, becoming an inspiration for
others.

Extract Based Questions:

1 Her name was Sulekha, but since her childhood everyone had been
calling her Bholi, the simpleton. She was the fourth daughter of
Numberdar Ramlal. When she was ten months old, she had fallen off the
cot on her head and perhaps it had damaged some part of her brain.
That was why she remained a backward child and came to be known as
Bholi, the simpleton. At birth, the child was very fair and pretty.But when
she was two years old, she had an attack of small-pox. Only the eyes
were saved, but the entire body was permanently disfigured by deep
black pockmarks. Little Sulekha could not speak till she was five, and
when at last she learnt to speak, she stammered. The other children
often made fun of her and mimicked her. The other children often made
fun of her and mimicked her. As a result, she talked very little."
A) What did Sulekha later on come to be known
as? Ans. Sulekha later on came to be known as
Bholi.
B) Why did children make fun of her?
Ans. Children made fun of her because she stammered while speaking.
C) What does the word 'mimicked' mean?
Ans. The word 'mimicked' means to copy the speech of others.

2 "What's your name, little one?" "Bh-Bho-Bho-." She could stammer no

further than that. Then she began to cry and tears flowed from her eyes
in a helpless flood. She kept her head down as she sat in her corner, not
daring to look up at the girls, who, she knew, were still laughing at her.
When the 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. "Bholi." The teacher's voice was so soft and soothing! in all her
life she had never been called like that. It touched her heart. "Get up,"
said the teacher. It was not a command, but just a friendly suggestion.
Bholl got up. "Now tell me your name."
 A) Who is 'she'?
Ans. 'She' is Sulekha, also known as Bholi.
B) Why were the girls laughing at her?
Ans. The girls were laughing at her because she had stammered while
speaking her name when asked by the teacher.
c) What does the word 'daring' mean in the context of the extract?
Ans. The word 'daring' means lack of courage to do something.

Top 10 PYQs:

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)

1.Why did Bishamber’s marriage with Bholi not take
place? [CBSE 2013]
Answer: Bholi rejected Bishamber's marriage proposal as he
demanded a dowry of 5000 rupees. Bholi believed in love over
material demands, refusing to support the outdated dowry
tradition. Her father, sharing her values, declined the demand,
stating his daughter's worth couldn't be measured by money.
Bishamber insisted on the dowry, but Bholi stood firm. News of
her refusal spread, making her a symbol of resistance against
the harmful practice. Bholi's decision not only spared her from
a problematic marriage but also inspired others in the village to
question and challenge age-old traditions, promoting healthier
relationships based on love and respect.
2. Did Bholi enjoy her first day in school? What made
her happy on this very day?
Answer: It was a mixed day for Bholi. She was happy to
see the girls of her age. She was fascinated with the
colorful pictures on the walls of the classrooms. But
when the teacher asked her name she could not answer
properly and the other girls laughed at her. She cried. But
her teacher’s soft words made her happy on this very
day.
 3. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important
role in changing the course of her life?
Answer: Bholi’s teacher played an important role in changing the
course of her life. She was polite and friendly which touched her
heart. She encouraged her every time and was affectionate towards
her. The teacher transformed her into a confident person who could
read, write and speak clearly. This gave her the required
confidence. Moreover, teacher’s appreciation and encouragement
helped her overcome her own morale.
4. ‘Dowry is negation of the girl’s dignity’.
Discuss with reference to the story ‘Bholi’.
Answer: A girl is an individual in her own right. Equal
opportunities in life can help her become independent and
strong. She is not a burdensome object to be given away with
money as compensation. Thus dowry negates the girl’s dignity
and self-respect. The story ‘Bholi’ dramatically shows this. Bholi
is thought to be ugly and dumb by her parents. So, they are
willing to pay a dowry to an old man with a limp. So that he
marries her. Bholi, on the other hand, refuses to marry that
man. She is educated; assertive and capable of taking care of
herself. She dedicates her life to the service of her parents and
teaching at school. parents. So, they are willing to pay a dowry
to an old man with a limp. So that he marries her. Bholi, on the
other hand, refuses to marry that man. She is educated;
assertive and capable of taking care of herself. She dedicates
her life to the service of her parents and teaching at school.

5. Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi and not about

his other children?
Answer: All other children of Ramlal were healthy and good
looking. Bholi was the only girl who was neither intelligent nor good
looking. She was a simpleton, she stammered also. Ramlal was
extremely worried about her future.
6. What impact did Bholi's first day at school have on her?
Answer: Bholi initially felt nervous and cried due to the other children
laughing at her stammer. However, her teacher’s kind words and
encouragement gave her hope and made her feel valued for the first
time.

7. The chapter ‘Bholi’ highlights the discrimination

against the girl child. Analyse.
Answer: Nature does not discriminate, but society does. From time
immemorial the world has discriminated against the girl child. The
chapter, ‘Bholi’ throws up many such instances. Randal’s sons go to
school and college. His daughters are not educated but married off. Her
mother does not think it necessary to take Bholi’s consent for her
marriage. The groom is old and lame. Still, he demands dowry. Her father
is ready to pay him also. It is the girl herself who raises her voice against
this marriage. She is criticized and humiliated for standing up for her
dignity. But she is firm and decides the course of her life.

8. Bholi is a child different from others. This

difference makes her an object of neglect and
laughter. Elaborate. Answer: Society does not tolerate
differences very easily. Bholi is not like others. She is slow for her age.
She stammers when she speaks. Smallpox leaves her all covered with
pock-marks. As a result, she has to suffer a lot. Her parents do not
even bathe her. She is ignored and neglected. They take her only as a
burden. People laugh at her. Children imitate her when she speaks. So,
she remains silent most of the time. She has no confidence or self-
esteem. Society must realize that it must accept those who are ”
different. They must be treated with the same love and respect as
others.

9. “Bholi’s whole personality underwent a

transformation towards the end of the story”.
Explain.
Answer: Bholi’s real name was Sulekha but she was called Bholi, the
simpleton as she was a backward child. She started speaking only
when she turned five but she stammered when she spoke and as a
result she was always mimicked or made fun of by the other
children. Therefore, Bholi talked very little. Bholi did not know what
exactly a school was and what happened there, in the class when her
teacher asked her name, she stammered and began to cry. She kept
her head down throughout the class.
The teacher was very encouraging and friendly to her and this made
her gain confidence to speak. She started seeing a ray of hope for a
new life. After years of gaining education and with the help of her
teacher, Bholi turned into a confident girl. She no longer stammered
and could speak properly. She even had the courage to refuse
marrying the lame old man because he was greedy and asked money
from her father to marry her. On seeing her father worried about her
marriage, she said that he need not worry as she would teach in the
same school where she learnt so much and would take care of him
and her mother in their old age.

10. ‘Love and encouragement make the impossible

possible. Explain this statement on the basis of the story
‘Bholi’.
Bholi was sent to school as her mother thought her to be a
burden. She was neglected by her parents as she was not
beautiful and lacked intelligence. The teacher in the school asked
her to tell her name. She stammered and began to cry. The
teacher showed her affection and encouraged her in a friendly
manner to put aside her fear. Bholi somehow told her name.
Bholi was surprised. The teacher asked her to come to school
regularly. The love and encouragement shown by the teacher
brought out drastic changes in Bholi’s personality. Within a few
years, she became so confident that she refused to marry a
greedy man.
 The Book that Saved the Earth
In a funny play set in the 20th century, imaginary characters
with
Martians on Earth: strange names like Chief Think Tank and
Sergeant Oop go on a mission to Earth to learn about humans,
or as they call them, "earthlings."
Library Confusion:
The Martians land in a library filled with books. Chief Think
Tank, who thinks he's the smartest because of his big head,
mistakes the books for sandwiches. He believes humans keep
their food in these strange places.

Pills and Misunderstandings:

Trying to figure out the purpose of the books, Noodle
suggests taking vitamin pills to make them smarter. Under
the influence of these pills, they attempt to read a rhyme
book called Mother Goose. However, their literal
understanding of the rhymes leads to confusion.
Escape Plan:
As they interpret a rhyme about Humpty Dumpty, Think Tank
believes Earthlings have identified him and might harm
him. In a panic, the Martians decide to postpone their
invasion plans. A dusty book of rhymes unintentionally
prevents an invasion from happening.
Lesson Learned:
The play teaches us a lesson: having only a little knowledge
can be risky. The Martians' misunderstanding of books shows
that we need to be careful and understand things properly
before making conclusions. It's a funny reminder that
learning should be thorough and thoughtful.
 Extract Based Questions:

1. lota: I can't figure it out, Captain. (holding up a book) I‘ve

counted two thousand of these peculiar items. This place must be
some sort of storage barn.
A) What could lota not figure out?
Ans. lota could not figure out what the books were because he had
never seen a book before.
B) Where was lota?
Ans. lota was at Centerville Public Library on Earth.
C) Find the antonym of the word 'ordinary' in the
extract. Ans. The antonym of ordinary is peculiar.
D) What part of speech is 'peculiar' as used in the
extract? Ans. It is an adjective.

2. NOODLE: Where shall we go, sir? THINK-TANK: A hundred

million miles away from Mars. Order the invasion fleet to
evacuate the entire planet of Mars. We are heading for Alpha
Centauri, a hundred million miles away. (Omega, lota, and Oop
run off right as Noodle helps Think-Tank off left and the curtain
closes. Spotlight shines on Historian down right.) Historian:
(chuckling) And that's how one dusty old book of nursery rhymes
saved the world from a Martian invasion. As you all know, in the
twenty-fifth century, five hundred years after all this happened,
we Earthlings resumed contact with Mars, and we even became
very friendly with the Martians. By that time, Great and Mighty
Think-Tank had been replaced by a very clever Martian - the wise
and wonderful Noodle! Oh, yes, we taught the Martians the
difference between sandwiches and books. We taught them how
to read, too, and we established a model library in their capital
city of Marsopolis. But as you might expect, there is still one book
that the Martians can never bring themselves to read. You've
guessed it - Mother Goose! (She bows and exits right.)
A) What was the name of the book?
Ans. 'Mother Goose' was the name of the book.
B) Why did the Historian chuckle?
Ans. The historian chuckled at the idea that the misinterpretation of a
book saved the Earth.
C) Which word in the extract is a synonym of
'Conquer'? Ans. 'Invasion' from the extract is the
synonym of' conquer'.
D) What part of speech is 'And' as used in the
extract? Ans. 'And' is a conjunction
 Top 10 PYQs:

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words each)

1. How did a book change Think-Tank’s opinion about
the
Earthlings? [CBSE 2014]
Answer: This book is misunderstood by the Martians. The
Martians thought that earthlings were planning to invade Mars.
So, they canceled their invasion of Earth and went back. Think-
Tank misunderstands the book. Phrases like ‘shell’, ‘silver’,
and ‘garden’ gave him a false idea that earthlings grew silver
and weapons. He starts thinking that earthlings are very
advanced technologically.

2. What was Noodle’s version to describe the so-called

‘sandwich’?
Answer: Noodle hesitantly told Think-Tank that he had
‘insignificant’ information about those ‘sandwiches’. He
informed him that he had seen surveyor films of those
sandwiches. He had noticed that the Earthlings did not eat
them. They used them as some sort of communication
devices.

3. What saved the Earth? How?

Answer: One dusty old book of nursery rhymes saved the earth
from a Martian invasion. The Martian could not decipher the
meaning of nursery rhymes. Their misinterpretation made the
situation comical. They began to believe that the Earthlings had
advance technology and were planning to invade the Mars.
They called off their mission and even left the Mars isolated to
escape to a far-off planet.

4. How did the book change Think-Tank’s opinion about

the Earthlings?
Answer: Think-Tank used to believe that the Martian was a superior
race to the Earthlings. But after cracking the so-called code of an old
nursery rhyme book, he changed his view about the Earthlings. He
now thought that the Earthlings has reached a high level of civilization
and planning to invade the Mars. It made him call off his mission.
5. Noodle hails Think-Tank as the most powerful and
intelligent creature in the whole universe. Do you
agree? Write your opinion of Think-Tank citing
instances from the given text. Answer: Noodle is a trainee
under Think-Tank. He bows before him and hails his ruler as the
most powerful and intelligent creature in the universe. However,
Think-Tank is not intelligent. He misinterprets the nursery rhymes
completely. ‘Silver’, ‘shells’, and ‘garden’ for him mean that the
earthlings are growing metals on farms. He thinks books to be
sandwiches and wants the crew to eat them. When he is read the
nursery rhyme which says, ‘Humpty-Dumpty had a great fall’ he is
terrified and plans his escape from Mars Thus, Think-Tank is
nothing more than a show-off and a pompous fool.

6. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the

Book’? Answer: The twentieth century was often called the ‘Era of
the book’. In those days, there were books about everything, from
anteaters to Zulus. Books taught people how to, when to,
where to, and why to. They illustrated, educated, punctuated,
and even decorated.

7. Where did Captain Omega reach with her team?

Answer: Captain Omega landed on the earth with her team. They
found themselves in the Centerville Public Library amidst thousands
of books. They thought they were in some sort of storage bam.

8. Compare and contrast the characters of

Noodle and Think-Tank. [CBSE 2012]
Answer: Noodle and Think-Tank have contrasting characters. Think-
Tank likes to be called the ‘Great and the Mighty’. He orders and
commands. He is the ruler of Mars but has no intelligence. He thinks
books are sandwiches. He is wrong about everything. He demands
that the crew obey him. He likes to pass on other’s ideas as his own.
He is a coward who simply boasts about his power.
9. The play, The Book That Saved the Earth’ conveys the
message that misunderstanding of cultural differences
between various races can cause confusion and conflict.
Based on your reading of the play, write how such
confusion and conflicts can be checked so that peace and
harmony is maintained. [CBSE 2015]
Answer: The confusion in the mind of Think-Tank occurred due
to the literal interpretation of the nursery rhymes in the book
Mother Goose. To ensure that conflicts are checked so that
peace and harmony are maintained, cultural differences should
be sorted out by initially sending mature and wise people from
one culture to the other to establish contact before deciding to
wage war. Think- Tank had sent an initial probe, but the crew
members of the probe were not sufficiently intelligent or
mature to understand Earth’s culture. That is why they
interpreted the nursery rhymes and caused misunderstanding
in the mind of Think-Tank.

10. Rushing to a conclusion without going into details may

lead to chaos and failure. Elaborate this concerning the
Martian invasion in the chapter ‘The Book That Saved the
Earth’.
Answer: The Martians were very proud of themselves.
Great and mighty Think-Thank regarded as the ruler of
Mars was always caught in self-praise. He had a quick
mind and wished to attack the earth in a great hurry.
Martians misinterpreted the signals received from
Earthling's book of nursery rhymes and fled away. If they
had planned the things decisively things would have been
different. In any kind of situation, rash decisions would
never give results. It is only through knowledge,
perseverance.