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CBSE 2026
ENGLISH CORE
CLASS 12
Chapter-wise Question Bank
Based on Previous 20 Years 63 Papers
NODIA AND COMPANY
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CBSE English Core Question Bank Class 12
Edition April 2025
Copyright © By Nodia and Company
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Contents
CBSE Examination Paper 2025 5-18
Section A : Reading Skills
CHAP 1. Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages 19-50
CHAP 2. Case Based Factual Passages 51-79
Section B : Creative Writing Skills
CHAP 1. Notices 80-91
CHAP 2. Invitations (Formal and Informal; and Replies) 92-104
CHAP 3. Letters 105-131
CHAP 4. Article 132-140
CHAP 5. Report 141-148
Section C : Literature
Flamingo – Prose Section
CHAP 1. The Last Lesson 149-174
CHAP 2. Lost Spring (Stories of Stolen Childhood) 175-200
CHAP 3. Deep Water 201-222
CHAP 4. The Rattrap 223-252
CHAP 5. Indigo 253-280
CHAP 6. Poets and Pancakes 281-309
CHAP 7. The Interview 310-330
CHAP 8. Going Places 331-354
Flamingo – Poetry Section
CHAP 1. My Mother At Sixty-Six 355-367
CHAP 2. Keeping Quiet 368-382
CHAP 3. A Thing of Beauty 383-395
CHAP 4. A Roadside Stand 396-415
CHAP 5. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers 416-428
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Supplementary Reader : Vistas
CHAP 1. The Third Level 429-446
CHAP 2. The Tiger King 447-465
CHAP 3. Journey to the End of the Earth 466-482
CHAP 4. The Enemy 483-506
CHAP 5. On the Face of It 507-525
CHAP 6. Memories of Childhood 526-542
********
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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025
CBSE Examination Question Paper 2025
Class XII
English Core (301)
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. This Question Paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.
ii. This question paper contains three sections –
Section – A: Reading Skills,
Section – B: Creative Writing Skills, and
Section – C: Literature.
iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number and
part thereof in your answer sheet.
iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
SECTION A-READING SKILLS 22 in defusing tense, aggressive situations and in
managing alliances and friendships should not be
1. Read the following passage carefully: 12 underestimated either.
1. Having a sense of humour might mean having 5. Schmoozing with a bunch of new people at a
the ability to entertain other people by making cocktail party is an opportunity to engage in
them laugh, but it can also mean having a quick light-hearted banter, and other people are grateful
wit that is frequently employed to criticize other when someone is skillful enough to turn a stiff
people with snide comments. Some might define and awkward situation into fun. Cracking jokes,
the sense of humour as the ability to see humour making witty remarks, and engaging in tongue-in-
in everyday life or as appreciating the cleverness cheek observations about the social world can be
of puns and other wordplay, and may think it like fishing for other minds that connect naturally
entirely possible to possess a good sense of with one’s own. In other words, humour can be a
humour without ever having those around them device for connecting people who are operating on
become aware of it. the same wavelength.
2. In any case, a sense of humour is a socially valued 6. Observing the performance of other people in such
trait that almost all of us would prefer to have situations tips you off as to who you might like
more, rather than less, of – akin to the way to get to know better – and who might be best
that we think about intelligence or good looks. left behind, wallowing in indignation and blank
A person with an undeveloped sense of humour stares. In short, a sense of humour is the Swiss
lacks a social skill that puts him or her at a severe Army Knife of social skills. Perhaps it is indeed
disadvantage in the hurly-burly of everyday social a single instrument, but it contains an arsenal
life. of tools – each exquisitely designed for a unique
social purpose.
3. Freud thought of humour as an outlet for forbidden
impulses, and philosophers ranging from Aristotle Answer the following questions, based on the given
to Descartes believed that we are amused by passage above:
something when it makes us feel superior to other
i. How does the author prove in paragraph 1 that
people.
sense of humour is a double edged sword? 1
4. Evolutionary psychologists believe that humour,
along with other creative abilities, such as art and ii. Cite evidences from the passage to prove that
music, evolved as an honest signal of intelligence sense of humour is a valuable tool to make
and genetic quality. The value of such a skill someone’s life better. 2
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page 6 CBSE CLASS 12 english Core Chapterwise PYQ
iii. Complete the following sentence suitably with sarcastic jabs. In this way, humour is revealed
reference to paragraph 3: 1 to have the power to produce both uplifting and
One significant advantage of humour is that it harmful effects.
helps one _____. ii. Evidences that humour improves life:
1. “The value of such a skill in defusing tense,
iv. Provide ONE textual evidence with reference to aggressive situations and in managing alliances
paragraph 5, how a good sense of humour can be and friendships should not be underestimated
a great ice breaker. 1 either.” (Paragraph 4)
v. Select the correct option from those given in 2. “Schmoozing with a bunch of new people at
brackets to fill in the blank: 1 a cocktail party is an opportunity to engage
According to evolutionary psychologists, people in light-hearted banter, and other people are
with a sense of humour can _____ (trigger/ grateful when someone is skillful enough to
lighten) tense situation. turn a stiff and awkward situation into fun.”
(Paragraph 5)
vi. Choose the correct option: 1 iii. One significant advantage of humour is that it
“...humour can be a device for connecting people helps one cope with stress and social interactions
who are operating on the same wavelength.” by making situations more enjoyable and light-
By the phrase ‘same wavelength’ the author refers hearted.
to: iv. “Schmoozing with a bunch of new people at a
(A) people of age group cocktail party is an opportunity to engage in
(B) people who belong to same line of profession. light-hearted banter, and other people are grateful
(C) people having similar interests and attitudes. when someone is skillful enough to turn a stiff and
(D) people who are working in the same awkward situation into fun.”
organisation. v. According to evolutionary psychologists, people
with a sense of humour can lighten tense
vii. Complete the analogy with one word from
situations.
paragraph 6: 1
vi. (C) people having similar interests and attitudes.
advantage : benefit :: _____ : anger
When the author says humour connects people
(A) situation
“operating on the same wavelength,” they mean
(B) stare
that shared tastes, values, or ways of seeing the
(C) indignation
world make humour resonate. A joke lands best
(D) arsenal
among those who think alike. Thus, humour
viii. In the line perhaps ”it is indeed a single instrument, becomes a bridge between individuals who share
but it contains an arsenal of tools...” What does common perspectives and emotional responses.
the phrase ‘arsenal of tools’ refer to? 2 vii. (C) indignation
In paragraph 6 the author uses “indignation” to
ix. Provide ONE textual evidence from the text denote a strong feeling of anger or moral outrage.
which states lack of sense of humour may prove to Just as an advantage yields a benefit, indignation
be a handicap in one’s life. 1 corresponds to anger. This analogy highlights
how humour equips us with various “tools”—here
x. An undeveloped sense of humour shows lack terms—to navigate social emotions, pairing each
of a social skill that puts him or her at a concept with its natural counterpart.
disadvantage. 1 viii. The phrase “arsenal of tools” refers to the wide
Choose the correct option (A) or (B) which range of social skills that humour provides—such
reaffirms the idea conveyed in the above extract:
as ice‑breaking, tension‑diffusing, witty banter,
(A) Sense of humour elevates the status of a
and bonding strategies—each “tool” serving a
person in the social circle.
different purpose in human interaction.
(B) People with sense of humour are not taken
ix. “A person with an undeveloped sense of humour
seriously in the society.
lacks a social skill that puts him or her at a severe
Ans : disadvantage in the hurly‑burly of everyday social
i. The author proves humour’s double‑edged nature life.” (Paragraph 2)
by stating that it can both delight people with x. (A) Sense of humour elevates the status of a
laughter and serve as a cutting weapon for person in the social circle.
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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025
The passage emphasizes that humour is a respondents. Yet, female respondents face
prized social skill akin to intelligence or good discriminatory biases in hiring, have less paid
looks. Having wit makes one more engaging and work experience than their male counterparts,
respected in group settings. Conversely, lacking and face greater barriers in pursuing skills
humour leaves one “at a severe disadvantage.” development opportunities. 60 percent of female
Therefore, possessing a good sense of humour respondents, for example, report having no
raises one’s social standing and ease of paid work experience, compared to 54 percent
connection. of male respondents. In addition, 15 percent of
female respondents report personal biases such as
2. Read the passage carefully: 10 marital status, gender, age, or family background
1. This report presents findings from the Youth as a main barrier to employment compared to 9
Aspirations in India Survey in which 5,764 percent of male respondents. While more female
youth between the ages of 15 and 30 were asked respondents report being very interested in
about their employment, education, and skilling participating in a skills development programme,
aspirations. only 19 percent have enrolled in a programme,
compared to 26 percent of male respondents.
2. Indian youth valued higher education. 50 percent
of respondents aspire to attain a post-graduate Answer the following questions, based on the given
degree, 24 percent a Ph.D., and 21 percent a passage:
bachelor’s degree. Only 2 percent of respondents
hope to attain a college or vocational diploma as i. As per the survey, Indian youth is broadly focused
their highest form of education. on 1
(A) skill development and entrepreneurship.
3. Respondents have a strong preference for attaining (B) private sector jobs and technology.
higher education degrees. At the same time, there (C) higher education and career opportunities.
is an awareness of changing skills requirements (D) vocational diploma and public sector jobs.
and an interest in augmenting their skills. 76
percent of youth report being very interested in ii. With reference to paragraph 3, what is the latest
pursuing a skills development programme. 70 trend among Indian youth in preparing themselves
percent of youth identified more employment for the job market? 1
opportunities as the main motivation for wanting
to pursue skills development training. iii. With reference to the table, state one reason for
entrepreneurship being the last preference among
4. A study related to their job preference reveals their Indian youth. 1
strong desire for job security and opportunities
for career advancement. It is evident from the iv. Cite two evidences from the text to show that
following data: gender bias is still a hindrance in the progress of
women in society. 2
Percentage Preference
49% Public Sector v. Complete the following sentence suitably. 1
The driving force for the Indian youth to join a
23% Private Sector skill development programme is _____.
17% Entrepreneurship
vi. Paragraph 5 uses words ‘competencies’ and
5. In the context of technological adoption and ‘adoption’. Classify the following sentences which
digitization, jobs and tasks, along with the talks about ‘competency’ and which talks about
competencies required to execute them, are ‘adoption’. 1
changing. 86 percent of youth feel very or Sentence 1 : Ria embraced new technology to gain
moderately up to date with changes in skills global market for her paintings.
requirements. Yet, 39 percent of youth feel very Sentence 2 : Ria displays her artistic skill through
prepared or prepared for their ideal job, while 16 her paintings.
percent of youth feel either not prepared or very
vii. Cite two evidences from the text to show that
unprepared for their ideal job.
Indian youth is adapting itself to the needs of the
6. Female respondents’ education and employment job market. 2
aspirations match, if not exceed, those of male
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page 8 CBSE CLASS 12 english Core Chapterwise PYQ
viii. Choose the correct option: 1 vii. Evidences from the passage:
The main roadblocks to employment opportunities 1. 76% of youth report being very interested in
for females are : pursuing a skill development programme.
(i) lack of interest 2. 86% of youth feel very or moderately up to
(ii) marriage date with changes in skill requirements.
(iii) lack of opportunities viii. (C) (ii), (iii), and (v)
(iv) over qualification Marital status (marriage) and family background
(v) family background are explicitly mentioned as discriminatory
Options : barriers for women. They also face fewer skill
(A) (i) & (ii) development and hiring opportunities, indicating
(B) (iii) & (iv) a “lack of opportunities.” Overqualification and
(C) (ii), (iii) & (v) lack of interest are not cited as barriers. Thus, (C)
(D) (iv) & (v) (ii), (iii) & (v) is correct.
Ans :
i. (C) higher education and career opportunities. SECTION B- CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 18
The survey shows that 50 percent of youth want Note : All details presented in the questions are
postgraduate degrees, 24 percent a PhD, and 21 imaginary and created for assessment purpose.
percent a bachelor’s. Seventy‑six percent wish
to join skills programmes and 49 percent prefer 3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two (A) or (B) in
secure public‑sector jobs. Together, this indicates about 50 words: 1×4=4
a strong focus on advanced education and stable
(A) Your school is organizing a road safety awareness
career paths.
workshop for students of class IX – XII. As the
ii. The latest trend among Indian youth is a strong
head boy of your school, draft a notice informing
inclination toward acquiring higher education
the students about the workshop. Include other
degrees while also demonstrating a growing
necessary details. You are Ashna/Ashish. Put
awareness of evolving skill requirements. In fact,
your notice in a box.
76% of youth are interested in pursuing skill Ans :
development programs.
iii. One reason entrepreneurship is the least preferred GREEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, DELHI
option (17%) is the greater emphasis on job
NOTICE
security and career advancement, which are more
commonly found in public (49%) and private ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS WORKSHOP
sector jobs (23%).
Date: 16 April 2025
iv. Evidences from the passage:
All students of Classes IX to XII are informed
1. Female respondents face discriminatory biases
that a Road Safety Awareness Workshop will be
in hiring and have less paid work experience
held on 25 April 2025 (Tuesday) from 10:00 a.m.
compared to their male counterparts. to 12:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. Traffic
(Paragraph 6) police officials will guide us on safe driving and
2. 15% of female respondents report personal pedestrian rules.Attendance is compulsory. For
biases such as marital status, gender, age, or any queries, contact the undersigned.
family background as barriers to employment,
compared to only 9% of male respondents. Ashish
(Paragraph 6) (Head Boy)
v. The driving force for the Indian youth to join a
skill development programme is the increasing O
awareness of changing skill requirements and the (B) Your school is organizing an Inter-House Science
need for better employment opportunities. Model-Making Competition. As President of the
vi. Classification of the sentences as competency or Science Club, draft a notice to inform all House
adoption based on paragraph 5 : members from IX – XII about the competition
1. Ria embraced new technology to gain a global and specify the number of registrations invited
market for her paintings. (Adoption) per house. Include other necessary details. You
2. Ria displays her artistic skill through her are Mitali/Mukesh. Put your notice in a box.
paintings. (Competency)
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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025
Ans : Ans :
HORIZON PUBLIC SCHOOL, LUCKNOW Mrs. Savita Manjrekhar
Professor of English
NOTICE XYZ College, Cochin
INTER-HOUSE SCIENCE MODEL- Date: 16 April 2025
MAKING COMPETITION To
The Principal
Date: 16 April 2025 J.M. Public School
All House members from Classes IX–XII are Cochin
hereby informed that an Inter-House Science Subject: Inability to Accept the Invitation
Model-Making Competition will be held on 28 Dear Sir/Madam,
April, 2025 (Monday) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Thank you for inviting me to judge the Inter-
p.m. in the School Auditorium. Interested
School Debate Competition. I am honored by your
students should submit their names to the
consideration. However, due to prior academic
undersigned by 22 April 2025. For queries,
engagements, I regret to inform you that I cannot
contact the Science Club.
attend. I wish the event every success and hope to
Mukesh participate in the future.
(President, Science Club) Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Savita Manjrekhar
4. Attempt ANY ONE of the two (A) or (B) in (Professor of English)
about 50 words: 1×4=4
5. Attempt ANY ONE of the two (A) or (B) in 120–
(A) Draft an invitation card on behalf of the Principal
150 words: 1×5=5
of J.B. Bhatia Public School for the launch of
‘Yoga for Life’ programme in the school. Mention (A) You are Ajay of 36, N.J. Colony, Pune. You read
a compelling highlight of the programme along the given advertisement and wish to apply for the
with other necessary details. post advertised. Write this job application along
Ans : with your bio-data.
J.B. BHATIA PUBLIC SCHOOL, DELHI Bloom Public School, Bhopal
Cordially invites you to Requires
LAUNCH OF THE “YOGA FOR LIFE” Hockey
PROGRAMME Coach : Graduates with B.P.Ed degree preferred.
Minimum 4 years experience.
Date : 25 April 2025 (Friday) Skills : Well versed in defence techniques,
knowledge of physical and psychological
Time : 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. performance development. Ability
Venue : School Auditorium to foster team culture and promote
sportsmanship. Prepare students for
Programme Highlight
A special interactive session led by renowned state/national championships.
yoga mentor Dr. Kavita Sharma, focusing on Write to The Principal, Bloom Public School,
stress management and holistic well-being. Bhopal
Ans :
Kindly grace the occasion with your presence. 36, N.J. Colony
Principal Pune – 411001
J.B. Bhatia Public School 16 April 2025
The Principal
O Bloom Public School
(B) You are Mrs. Savita Manjrekhar, a professor in Bhopal
English. You are invited to be one of the judges Subject: Application for the Post of Hockey Coach
for the inter-school debate competition by the Dear Sir/Madam,
Principal of J.M. Public School, Cochin. Write a In response to your advertisement for Hockey
formal letter expressing your inability to accept Coach, I hold a B.P.Ed and four years’ school‑level
the invitation. coaching experience. Skilled in defensive tactics
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page 10 CBSE CLASS 12 english Core Chapterwise PYQ
and physical‑psychological conditioning, I build O
cohesive, sportsmanlike teams and have guided (B) Social literacy is increasingly recognized as a
players to state and national events. crucial 21st century skill for young individuals.
My credentials and passion fit Bloom Public Write a letter to the editor of a local daily
School. Bio‑data attached; I look forward to discussing the benefits of providing social literacy
discussing the post. education to children. Also, suggest effective ways
Thank you for your consideration. to raise awareness about the importance of this
Yours sincerely, education among parents. You may use some of
Ajay the given cues along with your own ideas to draft
Bio-Data the letter. You are a counsellor, Reena Sharma of
36, M.V. Apartments, Pune.
Name : Ajay Sharma
• What is social literacy?
Gender : Male
• What is the role of school in imparting
Father’s Name : Kamlesh Sharma social literacy to young students?
Data of Birth : 08th January, 19xx • What are the benefits of social literacy?
• How is social literacy connected to career
Current Address : 36, N.J. Colony, Pune –
advancement?
411001
Ans :
Contact No. : 782305xxxx
36, M.V. Apartments
Languages known : English and Hindi Pune – 411001
17 April 2025
Educational Qualifications
The Editor
• B.P.Ed – University of Pune (Year of
Pune Herald
Completion: 2021)
Pune
• Bachelor of Arts (Physical Education
Subject: Need for Social Literacy Education in
as Elective) University of Pune (Year of
Schools
Completion: 2019)
Sir/Madam,
Professional Experience Social literacy—the ability to communicate
• Hockey Coach, XYZ School, Pune (2021 – respectfully, collaborate across cultures, and
Present) manage emotions—is now as vital as numeracy.
• Assistant Coach, Pune Sports Academy (2019 Schools can integrate it through group projects,
– 2021) peer‑mediation clubs and community service
Key Skills modules, letting children practise empathy and
• Expertise in defensive hockey techniques conflict‑resolution daily. These skills reduce
• Knowledge of sports psychology and classroom bullying, sharpen teamwork and, later,
performance enhancement boost employability: employers increasingly prize
• Strong communication and team-building skills emotional intelligence, cross‑cultural competence
and ethical decision‑making.
Achievements
To familiarise parents with these benefits,
• Led school teams to win multiple district-
PTA meetings should include short workshops by
level tournaments
counsellors, while schools can share success stories
• Organized sports camps focusing on holistic
via newsletters and social media. Local NGOs
player development
could host “family social‑skills fairs” combining
References games and expert talks. Such steps will convince
Available upon request parents that social literacy is not an optional extra
I hereby declare that the information given above but a foundation for their children’s academic
is true and correct to the best of my knowledge success, career growth and responsible citizenship.
and belief.
Yours faithfully,
Date : 16 April 2025 Place : Pune
Reena Sharma
Ajay Sharma Counsellor
(Signature)
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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025
6. Attempt ANY ONE of the two, (A) or (B) in You may organize your report by following –
120–150 words: 1×5=5 Who – What – When – Why – How
Ans :
(A) Write an article on the commercialisation
of festivals, analyzing the reasons for Mango Mania Sweeps the Farmer’s Market
commercialisation and its impact on the younger By Suraj, Reporter, The Times of India
generation. You may use some of the given cues Pune, 18 April 2025
along with your own ideas. You are Vinita Yadav The Pune District Horticulture Board, in
of XII B. collaboration with the local Kisan Cooperative,
hosted the annual Mango Festival, drawing more
• Impact of globalization on celebration of than 5,000 visitors and 120 growers from across
festivals. Maharashtra.
• Sanctity & essence of festivals. A vibrant showcase of 40‑plus mango
• Role of Media in commercializing festivals. varieties—including Alphonso, Kesar, Langra and
• Suggest ways in which individuals and the rare Ratna—filled the air with sweet aroma.
communities can work together to preserve Highlights featured a mango‑eating contest,
tradition and culture in the celebration of live pulp‑extraction demos, a recipe corner
festivals. run by culinary students, and an exhibition of
value‑added products such as pickles, jams and
Ans :
artisanal aam‑papad.
Commercialisation of Festivals The two‑day celebration ran from 16–17 April,
By Vinita Yadav, XII B 2025 at the Kothrud Farmer’s Market arena, open
Globalisation has transformed traditional festivals 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
into global shopping carnivals. Multinational Organisers aimed to boost farmer incomes
brands, aided by round‑the‑clock media coverage before the peak harvest season, promote
and targeted social‑media influencers, push lesser‑known cultivars, and encourage consumers
“festive‑exclusive” goods that drown out rituals to “buy local, buy fresh.”
and reflection. As discounts eclipse devotion, Interactive workshops on grafting and organic
young people begin to equate celebration with pest control equipped 300 growers with new
consumption, judging the “success” of Diwali techniques, while a “Mango for Health” talk by
or Christmas by the size of gift‑hauls and dietitians underlined the fruit’s nutritional value
selfie‑worthy décor. The sanctity that once bound for over 400 attendees. Retail stalls reported a
families, honoured deities and reaffirmed cultural 30 percent spike in weekend sales, injecting
identity is diluted into a marketing hashtag. much‑needed cash into village economies.
Media houses, seeking advertising revenue, Local schools brought students for taste‑testing
schedule countdown shows, flash sales and sessions, instilling pride in regional produce.
celebrity‑endorsed “must‑buy” lists, further Overall, the festival blended commerce, culture
normalising this consumer mindset. To reclaim and education—reinforcing community ties and
authenticity, schools can organise heritage clubs, cementing Pune’s reputation as a mango lover’s
neighbourhoods can host no‑sale community haven.
feasts, and families might set spending caps,
donating the surplus to social causes. Promoting
folklore, sustainable crafts and shared rituals over SECTION – C (LITERATURE) 40
shopping can help the next generation celebrate
with meaning rather than merchandise. 7. Read the following extracts and answer the
questions for ANY ONE of the given two (A) or
O (B): 1×6=6
(B) You are Suraj, reporter of The Times of India. You (A) It is in the news that all these pitiful kin
are sent to cover the Mango Festival organized at Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered
the farmer’s market. in
Write a comprehensive report detailing the To live in villages, next to the theatre and
activities at the festival. Include descriptions the store.
of the events, participation details, the overall Where they won’t have to think for themselves
impact of these activities on the local community. anymore,
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page 12 CBSE CLASS 12 english Core Chapterwise PYQ
While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of When the poet says “It is in the news,” he hints
prey, that some authority has already decided the
Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits villagers’ fate and publicised it. The information
That are calculated to soothe them out of reaches them through newspapers or officials, not
their wits, by their own choice, showing top‑down power.
And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep Hence option (B) fits: an important government
all day decision has been taken.
Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient ii. (A) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true
way. and the Reason is the correct explanation.
(A Roadside Stand) The poem accuses leaders of exploiting trusting
villagers. The poor believe rosy promises, so they
i. The expression ‘It is in the news’ suggests are easily “bought out” and controlled. Their
(A) it is good news for the roadside stand owners. blind faith (Reason) directly explains why the
(B) an important decision has been taken by the powerful can exploit them (Assertion). Thus
government. both statements are true and the reason correctly
(C) the roadside stand owners have protested explains the assertion.
against the government. iii. lulling the villagers into a dazed state so they stop
(D) that the news was not there in the newspaper. questioning or resisting.
iv. The line sounds like a favour, yet it really mocks
ii. Read the Assertion and the Reason below, with
the plan—depriving villagers of the freedom to
reference to the given extract.
Assertion : The poet complains that the rural think for themselves.
people are exploited by the people in power. v. criticize
Reason : The rural people reposed blind faith in vi. sarcastic and bitterly critical as he condemns the
the false promises of the people in power. exploitation and false promises made to the poor.
Choose the correct option regarding their
O
relationship:
(B) If we were not so single-minded
(A) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true
about keeping our lives moving,
and the Reason is the correct explanation.
and for once could do nothing,
(B) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true,
perhaps a huge silence
but the Reason is not the correct explanation
might interrupt this sadness
of the Assertion.
of never understanding ourselves with death.
(C) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
(D) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
as when everything seems dead
iii. Complete the following suitably: and later proves to be alive.
In the line “that are calculated to soothe them Now I’ll count up to twelve
out of their wits”, the phrase “soothe them out of And you keep quiet and I will go.
their wits” refers to _____. (Keeping Quiet)
iv. Bring out the irony in the expression “they won’t i. Complete the following suitably:
have to think for themselves.” The poet uses the expression “single-minded” to
refer to _____.
v. Select the correct option from those given in
brackets to fill in the blank: ii. Why does the poet refer to silence as a welcoming
The poet uses the expression “greedy good-doers” interruption?
to _____ (criticize / appreciate) the intention
of the powerful people. iii. Read the Assertion and the Reason below, with
reference to the given extract.
vi. Complete the following suitably: Assertion : The poet personifies Earth as a
The tone of the poet in the above extract is teacher.
_____. Reason : We learn from the Earth that pausing
Ans : doesn’t mean the end.
i. (B) an important decision has been taken by the Choose the correct option regarding their
government. relationship:
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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025
(A) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, 8. Read the following extracts and answer the
and the Reason is the correct explanation of questions for ANY ONE of the given two (A) or
the Assertion. (B): 1×4=4
(B) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, (A) When I heard this, I didn’t want to laugh any
but the Reason is not the correct explanation more, and I felt terribly sad. How could they
of the Assertion. believe that it was disgusting if one of us held
(C) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false. that package in his hands, even though the Vadai
(D) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true. had been wrapped first in a banana leaf, and then
iv. Complete the following suitably: parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry
By the expression “keeping our lives moving” the that I wanted to touch those wretched Vadais
poet refers to _____. myself straight away. Why should we have to fetch
and carry for these people. I wondered. Such an
v. Choose the correct option: important elder of ours goes meekly to the shops
The intention of the poet in the above extract is – to fetch snacks and hands over reverently, bowing
(A) to make us aware of the importance of Earth. and shrinking, to this fellow who just sits there
(B) to criticize our single-mindedness. and stuffs them into his mouth. The thought of it
(C) to highlight the reason for our sadness. infuriated me.
(D) to highlight the importance of sustaining (Memories of Childhood)
peace and silence.
i. ‘I felt terribly sad’. The reason for the speaker’s
vi. What is the significance of the last line of the sadness is because it was an act of _____.
extract “you keep quiet and I will go”?
Ans : ii. Choose the correct option:
i. our obsessive focus on constant work and progress. ‘The thought of it infuriated me’ — with reference
ii. Silence offers a break from nonstop activity, to the above line, what do you think is the impact
giving us time to reflect and ease the sadness born of the incident on the speaker?
of self‑ignorance. (A) The speaker was sympathetic and helpless.
iii. (A) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, (B) The speaker was angry and condemning.
and the Reason is the correct explanation of the (C) The speaker was excited to see the incident.
Assertion. (D) The speaker was very impressed and
Neruda treats Earth like a teacher that shows life motivated.
returns after apparent death—dry seeds sprout iii. Complete the sentence suitably:
after rest. This lesson proves pausing isn’t final; ‘I wanted to touch those wretched Vadais myself’
it brings renewal. Because the reason directly The above expression indicates the speaker’s
explains the assertion, both are true and the _____.
reason is the correct explanation.
iv. the ceaseless hustle of earning, competing and iv. Select the correct option from those given in
producing. brackets, to fill in the blank :
v. (D) to highlight the importance of sustaining The incident made the speaker realize that the
peace and silence. discrimination was _____. (dehumanizing/
The poet’s chief aim is to make readers value stillness. elevating)
By proposing a shared moment of quiet, he hopes Ans :
to end conflict and sorrow. Options about ecology i. discrimination and untouchability.
or criticism are secondary; option (D) captures his ii. (B) The speaker was angry and condemning.
focus on sustaining peace through silence. The phrase “The thought of it infuriated me”
vi. After counting to twelve, the poet withdraws, clearly shows that the speaker was filled with
letting readers practise silence alone—showing anger. The incident had a strong emotional
guidance, then humble retreat, so the lesson impact, making the speaker upset and critical
becomes their own experience. about what happened. It shows disapproval, not
sympathy or excitement, so the correct tone is
anger and condemnation.
iii. defiance and anger against discrimination.
iv. dehumanizing.
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page 14 CBSE CLASS 12 english Core Chapterwise PYQ
O A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make-
(B) Mr. Lamb : When I go down the streets, the kids up department. The chief make-up man made the
shout ‘Lamey Lamb’. But they will come into the chief actors and actresses ugly, his senior assistant
garden, into my house; it’s a game. They’re not ‘second’ hero and heroine, the junior assistant the
afraid of me. Why should they be? Because I’m main comedian and so forth. The players who
not afraid of them, that’s why not. played the crowd were the responsibility of the
Derry : Did you get your leg blown off in the war? office boy. (Even the make-up department of the
Mr. Lamb: Certainly. Gemini Studio had an ‘office boy’)
Derry : How will you climb on a ladder and get On the days when there was crowd-shooting, you
the crab apples down, then? could see him mixing his paint in a giant vessel
Mr. Lamb : Oh, there’s a lot of things I’ve learned to and slapping it on the crowd players. The idea
do and plenty of time for it. Years. I take it steady. was to close every pore on the surface of the face
(On the Face of It) in the process of applying make-up.
(Poets and Pancakes)
i. Complete the following suitably:
‘Years. I take it steady’. — The above line speaks i. What does the writer mean by the phrase ‘indoor
of the speaker’s _____. shooting’ in the first line of the extract?
ii. Derry, how will you climb on a ladder? What does ii. Pick up one sentence from the extract that reflects
Derry hint at in the above query? the sarcastic tone of the writer.
iii. ‘When I go down the streets, the kids shout iii. The hierarchy in the make-up department puts
Lamey Lamb.’ the ‘office boy’ in the _____ (lowest/top) rung
The attitude of the speaker expressed in the of the ladder.
above line is:
(A) his habit of finding fault. iv. Complete the following suitably:
(B) he is timid and faint hearted. On the days when there was a ‘crowd-shooting’.
(C) his acceptance of reality and positive attitude. By the phrase crowd-shooting, the author refers
(D) his indifferent and careless attitude. to _____.
iv. Fill in the blank suitably: v. Choose the correct option:
Mr. Lamb’s handicap has not _____ his “...mix his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it
attitude towards life. on the crowd players.”
Ans : The choice of words like ‘paint’ and ‘slapping’ by
i. patience and resilience. the author reflects –
ii. Derry is hinting at Mr. Lamb’s physical disability (A) author’s intention to degrade the office boy’s
(his missing leg) and questioning how he manages role in the make-up department.
daily activities despite it. (B) the office boy’s lack of seriousness.
iii. (C) His acceptance of reality and positive attitude. (C) author’s sarcastic and humorous writing
The speaker calmly mentions how children mock style.
him by calling “Lamey Lamb,” but he does not (D) author’s dislike of the office boy.
show anger or sadness. Instead, he accepts it as
a part of life with a positive attitude. He is not vi. Choose the correct option:
complaining or feeling hurt, showing that he has What does the following line from the extract
showcase?
learned to deal with reality happily.
“A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make-
iv. affected
up department.”
9. Read the following extracts and answer the (A) The office boy took all the decisions in the
questions for ANY ONE of the given two (A) or make-up department.
(B): 1×6=6 (B) A system of ranks according to importance of
(A) Those were the days of mainly indoor shooting, work was followed.
and only five percent of the film was shot (C) Everyone was given an equal share of work in
outdoors. I suppose the sets and studio lights the department.
needed the girls and boys to be made to look (D) Nepotism was prevalent in the make-up
ugly in order to look presentable in the movie. department.
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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025
Ans : i. Choose the correct option:
i. The phrase “indoor shooting” refers to film What is the tone of the speaker in the expression
shooting that takes place inside a studio, using “I hardly knew how to write … how sorry I was
artificial lighting and sets, rather than outdoor for not learning my lessons”?
locations. (A) confused
ii. Sentence that reflects the sarcastic tone of the (B) regretful
writer is as follows: (C) surprised
“I suppose the sets and studio lights needed the (D) happy
girls and boys to be made to look ugly in order to
look presentable in the movie.” ii. Choose the correct option:
The speaker refers to “seeking birds’ egg” and
iii. lowest
“sliding on the Saar” as
iv. the shooting of scenes involving a large number of
(A) part of his routine
junior artists or extras.
(B) his daily routine
v. (C) Author’s sarcastic and humorous writing
(C) source of distraction from learning
style.
(D) fun time with friends
The words “paint” and “slapping” are
exaggerations used for comic effect. They don’t iii. What is reflected through the shift in the speaker’s
literally describe the process but reflect the perception of his books through his expression
author’s light-hearted and humorous way of of calling them his “old friends” rather than
describing the office boy’s actions. The tone is considering them as “nuisance”?
playful and sarcastic, not insulting or angry,
which makes option (C) the correct choice. iv. Select the correct option from those given in
vi. (B) A system of ranks according to the importance brackets to fill in the blank:
of work was followed. “It was because they were sorry too…”
The phrase “strict hierarchy” means that the They were sorry for _____ (not following the
make-up department was organized by levels of government order/not learning their language)
authority or importance. Higher-ranked artists
v. What is inferred from the expression “the country
handled lead actors, while lower-ranked workers
that was theirs no more”?
like the office boy dealt with crowd extras. This
clearly shows a rank-based system, making option vi. What does M. Hamel’s ruler reflect about his
(B) the correct answer. image?
Ans :
O
i. (B) Regretful
(B) My Last French Lesson! Why, I hardly knew
The speaker expresses sadness about not learning
how to write! I should never learn any more! I
earlier and feeling sorry for it. The phrase “I
must stop there, then! Oh, how sorry I was for
hardly knew how to write” shows his realization
not learning my lessons, for seeking birds’ eggs
of what he missed. This clearly reflects regret over
or going sliding on the Saar! My books, that had
wasted time and lost opportunities, making the
seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so heavy to
tone regretful and option (B) the correct answer.
carry, my grammar, and my history of the saints,
ii. (C) Source of distraction from learning
were old friends now that I couldn’t give up and
The speaker mentions activities like “seeking
M. Hamel, too; the idea that he was going away,
birds’ eggs” and “sliding on the Saar” while
that I should never see him again, made me forget
recalling how he ignored his studies. These fun
all about his ruler and how cranky he was.
activities distracted him from learning his lessons.
Poor man! It was in honour of this last lesson
that he had put on his fine Sunday clothes, and He regrets wasting time on such things instead
now I understood why the old men of the village of studying, which makes option (C) the correct
were sitting there in the back of the room. It was choice.
because they were sorry, too, that they had not iii. The change in perception shows that the speaker
gone to school more. It was their way of thanking has realized the importance of education and feels
our master for his forty years of faithful service regret for not valuing his lessons sooner.
and of showing their respect for the country that iv. not learning their language
was theirs no more.
(The Last Lesson)
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page 16 CBSE CLASS 12 english Core Chapterwise PYQ
v. It refers to the loss of Alsace and Lorraine to the v. ‘What I want should not be confused.’
Prussians, symbolizing the end of French rule in What clarification does Pablo Neruda give to his
the region and the imposition of German control. readers? (Keeping Quiet)
vi. Hamel’s ruler symbolizes his strict and disciplined Ans :
teaching style, as well as his deep commitment Pablo Neruda clarifies that his message is not
and affection for his language and students. about complete inactivity or laziness. He wants
people to pause and reflect, not stop living. His
10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions idea of keeping quiet means taking a moment to be
in 40–50 words each: 5 × 2 = 10 still and thoughtful, helping us better understand
i. “One of these days you’re going to talk yourself ourselves and live in peace with others.
into a load of trouble;” her father said aggressively.
vi. “But the game he is watching so intently is out of
What do you learn about Sophie’s father from
his reach.”
these lines? (Going Places)
What are the factors that have made their game
Ans :
inaccessible to Saheb? (Lost Spring)
From these lines, we learn that Sophie’s father is
Ans :
a strict and practical man. He doesn’t believe in
The game is out of Saheb’s reach because of
daydreams and warns Sophie to be careful with
poverty and lack of opportunity. He cannot afford
her imagination. His aggressive tone shows he
proper equipment or join a club. His life is limited
is worried she might get into trouble for saying
to rag-picking and survival, leaving no room for
things that aren’t true or possible.
dreams or hobbies. Social and economic inequality
ii. “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Explain with keeps such joys away from children like him.
reference to the poem. (A Thing of Beauty)
11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three
Ans :
questions in 40–50 words each: 2×2=4
The line means that beautiful things give us joy
that lasts forever. Their beauty never fades and i. What is so ironical about Sam reaching the third
continues to bring comfort, peace, and happiness level?
even during tough times. In the poem, the poet Ans :
suggests that nature and beautiful moments lift The irony about Sam reaching the third level is
our spirits and remove sadness from our lives. that he never believed it existed. He used to say
it was just Charlie’s imagination. But later, he
iii. How did Franz plan to turn the commotion in the himself disappears and is found to be living in the
classroom to his favour? past at the third level, proving it was real and not
Ans : just a fantasy.
Franz planned to use the noise and confusion in
the classroom as a chance to slip into his seat ii. What image of the Tiger King is revealed in the
quietly without being noticed. He was late and diamond ring episode?
afraid of being scolded by M. Hamel, so he hoped Ans :
the commotion would distract the teacher and The diamond ring episode shows the Tiger King
save him from punishment. as clever, cunning, and willing to bribe to get
what he wants. To please the British officer’s wife
iv. How do the expressions ‘polished traffic’ and a stand and avoid trouble, he sends expensive gifts. It
that ‘pathetically pled’ depict the contrasting worlds reveals that he uses wealth and flattery to protect
that co-exist in the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’? his pride and position, not true bravery.
Ans :
The expression “polished traffic” shows the iii. “In that short time, we’ve managed to create
wealthy, fast-moving world of city people, while quite a rukus.” What does Tishani Doshi refer to
the “stand that pathetically pled” represents the by ‘rukus’ ?
poor villagers begging for attention and help. Ans :
These lines highlight the contrast between the In the poem Journey to the End of the Earth,
rich, who ignore the poor, and the poor, who Tishani Doshi uses the term “ruckus” to describe
struggle to survive and hope for support. the significant environmental damage humans
have caused in a relatively short time. This
includes issues like deforestation, pollution,
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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025
and climate change. Despite our brief existence In A Thing of Beauty, Keats celebrates how
on Earth, our actions have led to considerable beautiful elements of nature—trees, flowers,
ecological disruption. rivers, and sunlight—bring joy, calmness, and
comfort. Nature, for him, is a source of eternal
12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions happiness that removes sadness and helps us stay
in 120–150 words: 1×5=5 hopeful.
(A) ‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ The above Both poets beautifully highlight how nature
saying aptly describes the character of Douglas heals, inspires, and strengthens the human spirit.
from ‘Deep Water’ and Mukesh from ‘Lost
13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions
Spring’. Compare and contrast their characters
in terms of their courage, determination, and the in 120–150 words: 1×5=5
pursuit of their goals. (A) The element of dilemma, between humanity and
Ans : patriotism, elevates the character of Dr. Sadao in
The saying ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’ ‘The Enemy’. Support your answer with evidence
fits perfectly for both Douglas from Deep Water from the text.
and Mukesh from Lost Spring. Douglas, after a Ans :
terrifying experience with water, does not let his Dr. Sadao’s character in The Enemy is deeply
fear control him. With great courage and strong shaped by the dilemma between his sense of
willpower, he takes training and slowly overcomes humanity and his duty to his country. As a
his fear of water. His determination helps him loyal Japanese citizen during wartime, he knows
regain confidence and live freely. that helping an enemy American soldier is
Similarly, Mukesh, a poor boy born in a considered a betrayal. However, as a doctor and a
family of bangle-makers, dreams of becoming a compassionate human being, he cannot ignore the
motor mechanic. Despite poverty, child labour, wounded man’s need for help.
and social pressure, he dares to think differently. Despite the risk to his own life and reputation,
He is determined to break free from the traditional Dr. Sadao chooses to save the enemy soldier. He
occupation and work in a garage. performs surgery, cares for him, and hides him
Both characters show great strength in in his home—even though this could have led to
chasing their dreams. While Douglas fights a punishment or death. His inner conflict is strong,
personal fear, Mukesh fights social and economic but his human values win over his patriotic duty.
barriers. Their stories show that with courage and In the end, Dr. Sadao secretly helps the
determination, even the toughest challenges can soldier escape, resolving his moral dilemma. His
be overcome. actions show that true humanity can rise above
blind nationalism, making his character morally
O courageous and admirable.
(B) Kamala Das in ‘Keeping Quiet’ and Keats in ‘A
Thing of Beauty’ depict nature as a source of O
inspiration and strength to man. Analyse both (B) How did Tishani Doshi’s visit to Antarctica as
the poems in terms of the above perspective. part of the Students on Ice Programme make her
Ans : realise the importance of preserving the Earth?
In both Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda (not (Journey to the End of the Earth)
Kamala Das) and A Thing of Beauty by John Ans :
Keats, nature is shown as a powerful source of Tishani Doshi’s visit to Antarctica through
inspiration, peace, and strength for humans. the Students on Ice programme gave her a life-
In Keeping Quiet, the poet urges people to changing experience. Being in Antarctica, far
pause, stay silent, and reflect. He believes that away from cities and pollution, she saw the planet
this stillness, like the calmness found in nature, in its purest form. The icy landscape, untouched
can help us understand ourselves better and bring by humans, made her realize how beautiful and
peace. He uses the image of Earth, which appears fragile Earth truly is.
still during winters but later blossoms, to show She understood how human activities, even
how nature teaches us that rest is not the end but in distant places, are affecting the entire planet.
a chance to grow. Global warming, melting glaciers, and disturbed
ecosystems in Antarctica showed her the real
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page 18 CBSE CLASS 12 english Core Chapterwise PYQ
impact of climate change. Meeting scientists and
observing the delicate balance of nature made her
realize that even small environmental changes can
have huge global effects.
The journey helped her see the urgency of
protecting Earth. It taught her that young people
must be aware and responsible, as they are the
future caretakers of the planet. The visit turned
her into a strong supporter of environmental
preservation.
******
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 19
CHAPTER 1
Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
1. introduction and analytical. Informational passages provide
facts and data about a topic. Analytical passages
Comprehension means the mind’s capability to go one step further and analyze or interpret the
grasp the meaning of a given passage. Thus, it information.
involves a thorough understanding of a passage.
Comprehension questions are meant to test the
understanding and intellectual skills of a student. 3. Points to remember
In the Class XII examination, one passage
Students are advised to keep the following
carrying a total of 12 marks is asked from this
suggestions in mind in order to be able to
chapter. The passage may be factual, descriptive
understand a given passage and to answer the
or literary.
related questions in a clear and effective manner:
1. Read the given passage slowly and carefully.
2. Types of Passage 2. Try to understand the gist of the passage or
The types of passage given is designed to test the what it is about.
reading skills of students in exams. One passage 3. Read the passage once again if you have not
on any of the following kinds is asked in the grasped its meaning fully at the first reading.
examination: 4. Don’t get unduly upset if you don’t know
the meanings of some difficult words in the
Factual Passage passage. By applying a little thought, you can
Factual passages convey information in a straight guess the meaning of such words in relation
forward and direct manner about a particular to the sense in which they have been used in
subject. Usually, the language and style are a particular sentence or context.
simple and clear. Factual passages may give
5. After you have grasped the passage, read the
instructions or descriptions or report of an event
questions given below it, one by one.
or a new finding. These passages are taken from
Newspapers and magazines or Brochures or 6. Underline those pars of the passage which
Reference books or Encyclopedias. give the key or due to your answers.
7. When the answers to all the given questions
Descriptive Passage are clear to you, pen them down in your
Descriptive passages provide detail about people, answer-book.
places, things, or events. They are used to help 8. As far as possible, use your own words. Don’t
the reader see, feel, and experience what is being copy the language of the passage.
described. Descriptive passages may give Opinions
9. Your answers should be brief clear and to
or Persuasive text or Argumentative text or
the point. Often it is possible to give a good
Interpretative text. These passages are taken from
answer using only a single word or phrase,
News papers and magazines or Reference books.
and it is not necessary to write in complete
Literary Passage sentences.
Literary passages are used to explain something 10. Your language should be simple but correct.
or provide information. They are often found in 11. Revise your answers, and examine them
textbooks, history books, or biographies. They can carefully to see that they are clear and
also be found in fiction texts. Literary passages complete. If an answer is too long, you must
can be divided into two categories: informational compress it by omitting unnecessary details.
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
12. Correct all mistakes in spelling, grammar, and share information more freely. Display
punctuation, etc. attentiveness by keeping good eye contact and
13. If you are required to give a heading to listening actively.
the passage, keep in mind that the heading 7. If you happen to be shy and need time to warm
should be very suitable, short and crisp. It up before you share your own views, you can
should refer to the central character, theme ask open-ended questions or encourage the other
or incident of the passage. If some idiom or person to elaborate on their insights. This kick-
proverb sums up the theme of the passage, it starts the conversation and before you know it
can also be used as a heading. you are engaged in a good conversational flow.
8. To start a conversation, go up to someone and
introduce yourself. It is both polite and necessary
4. Some important examples to start off things smoothly.
9. When the occasion calls for it, you can offer a
Passage 1 handshake and then smile and make eye contact.
Being friendly puts the other person at ease
1. The art of conversation, like any art, is a skill of and opens the door for him or her to introduce
elegance, nuance and creative execution. I happen themselves.
to believe that there is an art to everything we
do, and why not? Without flair and panache 10. The art of conversation, like any skill, takes
most things become a drudgery. Why settle for practice. Period. Do not expect to be adept after
drudgery when you can have art? your first few attempts. It will take practice as well
as exposure to many different social situations.
2. When it comes to the art of conversation, we’ve
all met people who seem to have the knack for Answer the following questions, based on the passage
it. They can talk to anybody about anything above.
and they seem to do it with complete ease. And
while it’s true that there are those who are born i. Select the option that classifies the narrator’s idea
with the gift of the gab, luckily for the rest of of not being settled to drudgery.
us, conversation skills can be developed and (a) Conversation is a form of art.
mastered. (b) Without flair and panache most things
3. Conversation is a form of communication; become drudgery.
however, it is usually more spontaneous and less (c) Art overcomes drudgery.
formal. We enter into conversations for purposes (d) Whatever we do is drudgery.
of pleasant engagement in order to meet new
people, to find out information and to enjoy social ii. Which quality is not essential to the art of
interactions. As far as types of conversation, they conversation?
vary anywhere from intellectual conversations (a) Paying attention to the answers.
and information exchanges to friendly debates (b) Asking fitting questions.
and witty banter.
(c) Ability to listen attentively.
4. While there is more to having good conversation
(d) Writing
skills than being a comedian, a dramatic actor, or
a great story teller, it is not necessary to become iii. Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words
more gregarious, animated, or outgoing. to support the view that the narrator’s writing
5. Instead, you can develop the ability to listen style is descriptive in nature.
attentively, ask fitting questions, and pay
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately with its
attention to the answers-all qualities essential to
description.
the art of conversation. With diligent practice and
Shy people may start open-ended questions or
several good pointers, anyone can improve his or
encourage the other person _____.
her conversation skills.
6. People who are genuinely interested in others v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to
are usually interesting themselves. Why? ‘witty’.
Because they are more open to learning about (a) dull (b) humorous
and understanding new things. Showing interest (c) boring (d) scratchy
also encourages the other person to be relaxed
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 21
vi. Explain the reason, in about 40 words, showing purpose of pleasant engagement in order to meet
interest in others leads to interesting conversation. new people, to find out information and to enjoy
social interactions. The types of conversation vary
vii. In the line “... with diligent practice and several anywhere from intellectual conversations and
good pointers, anyone can improve his or her information exchanges to friendly debates and
conversational skills”. What does the word
witty banter.
‘diligent’ imply?
ix. (c) Both (1) and (2)
viii. “....conversations and information exchanges to
friendly debates and witty banter.” What does
the author want to say? Answer in about 40 Passage 2
words. 1. The arts which admit of exact reproduction are
such that the disciple is on the same level as the
ix. Read the five statements (1)–(5) given below. creator, and so it is with their fruits. These are
(1) A good listener always listens to other person useful to the imitator, but are not of such high
attentively. excellence as those which cannot be transmitted as
(2) A person who is interested in others will an inheritance like other substances. Among these,
always listen to others. painting is the first. Painting cannot be taught to
(3) Being a comedian or actor, a person needs to him on whom nature has not conferred the gift of
receiving such knowledge, as mathematics can be
be a good listener.
taught, of which the disciple receives as much as
(4) Showing interest in others also encourages the master gives him.
the other person to be relaxed and share
information more freely. 2. It cannot be copied, as letters can be, in which
the copy equals the original. It cannot be
(5) A person should speak politely. stamped, in the same way as sculpture, in which
Identify the option that displays the statements the impression is in proportion to the source
that DOES/DO corresponds with the listening as regards the quality of the work. It does not
ability of a person. generate countless children, as do printed books.
(a) Only (1) (b) Only (2)
(c) Both (1) and (2) (d) (3), (4) and (5) 3. It alone remains noble, it alone confers honour on
its author and remains precious and unique, and
Ans : 2022
does not beget children equal to itself. And it is
i. (c) Art overcomes drudgery. more excellent by reason of this quality than by
ii. (d) Writing reason of those which are everywhere proclaimed.
Now do we not see the great monarchs of the East
iii. In the given paragraph, the narrator writes a
going about veiled and covered up from the fear of
text which says that every person has the art of
diminishing their glory by the manifestation and
conversation. It is an art and a skill of elegance. the divulgation of their presence? And do we not
Its purpose is to describe and reveal the art of see that the pictures which represent the divine
conversation in particular. deity are kept covered up with inestimable veils?
iv. to elaborate on their insights, which kick-starts 4. Their unveiling is preceded by great sacred
the conversation. solemnities with various chants and diverse music.
v. (b) humorous When they are unveiled, the vast multitude
of people who are there flocked together,
vi. This is because they are more open to learning immediately prostrate themselves and worship.
about and understanding new things. Showing They invoke those whom such pictures represent
interest also encourages the other person to be that they may regain their lost holiness and win
relaxed and share information more freely display eternal salvation, just as if the deity were present
attentiveness by keeping good eye contact and in the flesh.
listening actively.
5. This does not occur in any other art or work of
vii. It implies that with persistent, careful effort and man. If you say that is owing to the nature of the
practice anyone can improve his or her conversational subject depicted, rather than to the genius of the
skills. painter, the answer is that the mind of man could
viii. Conversation is usually more spontaneous and satisfy itself equally well in this case, were the
less formal. We enter into a conversation for some man to remain in bed and not make pilgrimages
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
to places which are perilous and hard to access as (b) A holy expedition
we so often see is the case. (c) A trip
6. But if such pilgrimages continually exist, what is (d) An expedition
then their unnecessary cause? You will certainly
admit that it is an image of this kind, and all vi. Explain, in about 40 words, why was the unveiling
the writings in the world could not succeed in of painted images is unique?
representing the semblance and the power of such
vii. In the line, “... Therefore this deity takes pleasure
a deity.
in the pictures and bestows grace and gifts of
7. Therefore, it appears that this deity takes pleasure salvation to those who meet together in such a
in the pictures and is pleased that it should be place.” What does the word ‘pleasure’ refer to?
loved and revered, and takes a greater delight in
being worshiped in that rather than in any other viii. What is the core idea that displays the most likely
semblance of itself. By this reason, it bestows reason for including the line, “It alone confers
grace and gifts of salvation according to the belief honour on its author and remains precious and
of those who meet together in such a place. unique and does not beget children equal to
itself.”? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above. ix. Read the five headlines (1) to (5) given below:
i. Select the option that agrees with the information (1) Art is a passion.
given in the passage. (2) Art is in blood.
(a) Painting and mathematics are at par, when it (3) Art cannot be inherited.
comes to learning.
(4) Art can never be copied.
(b) Painting can only be taught to one who is
(5) Art is a chanting.
capable of receiving this knowledge.
Identify the option that displays the headline/s
(c) Painting cannot be taught except as a form of that correspond/s with the occurrences in the
imitation. passage.
(d) Paintings cannot be transferred as an (a) Only (1)
inheritance. (b) Only (2)
ii. Which is the statement that shows the writer (c) Both (3) and (4)
aimed to change the general outlook about (d) (1), (2) and (5)
painting, correctly? Ans : 2021
(a) It cannot be stamped in the same way as
i. (d) Paintings cannot be transferred as an
sculptures can in which the impression is in
inheritance.
proportion to the source.
(b) As sculptures are closest to painting and yet ii. (b) As sculptures are closest to painting and yet
there is a fundamental difference. there is a fundamental difference.
(c) It cannot be copied as letters can be. iii. The writing style of the narrator is descriptive
(d) It does not generate countless children in the in nature as he is describing thoughts on art and
way printed books can. life. According to him, art is something which
cannot be copied anyhow. It does not generate
iii. Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words countless children. It alone remains noble, it alone
to support the view that the writer’s writing style confers honour on its author and remains precious
is descriptive in nature. and unique, and does not beget children equal to
itself.
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately with a
characteristic or its description. iv. their lost holiness and win eternal salvation, just
They invoke those whom such pictures represent as if the deity were present in the flesh
that they may regain _____. v. (b) A holy expedition
v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to vi. The unveiling of painted images is unique because
‘pilgrimages’. it is preceded by great sacred solemnities with
(a) A journey various chants and diverse music. When they are
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 23
unveiled, the vast multitude of people who are and large situations alike, he took up rather than
there flocked together, immediately prostrate avoiding responsibility.
themselves and worship. They invoke those whom 4. People have always marvelled at the effortless
such pictures represent that they may regain their way in which Gandhi could accomplish the most
lost holiness and win eternal salvation. difficult tasks. He displayed a great deal of self-
vii. The word ‘pleasure’ refers to ‘happiness’. mastery and discipline that was amazing. These
things did not come easily to him. Years of
viii. The core idea that displays the most likely reason practice and disciplined training went into making
for including the given line is to show painting his successes possible. Very few saw his struggles,
as inborn talent and not inherited or passed to fears, doubts and anxieties or his inner efforts to
children. And it is more excellent by reason of overcome them. They saw the victory, but not the
this quality than by reason of those which are struggle.
everywhere proclaimed.
5. This is a common factor in the lives of all great
ix. (c) Both (3) and (4) people: they exercised their freedoms and choices
in small ways that made great impact on their lives
and their environment. Each of their small decisions
Passage 3 and actions, added up to have a profound impact in
1. Many of us believe that ‘small’ means ‘insignificant’. the long run. By understanding this principle, we
We believe that small actions and choices do not can move forward with confidence in the direction
have much impact on our lives. We think that it of our dreams. Often when our ‘ideal goal’ looks
is only the big things, the big actions and the big too far from us, we become easily discouraged,
decisions that really count. But when you look at disheartened and pessimistic. However, when we
the lives of all great people, you will see that they choose to grow in small ways, taking small steps
built their character through small decisions, small one at a time, performing it becomes easy.
choices and small actions that they performed every Answer the following questions, based on the passage
day. They transformed their lives through a step- above.
by-step or day-by-day approach. They nurtured i. Gandhiji followed a process of growth. Which of
and nourished their good habits and chipped away the following is the third step in this process?
at their bad habits, one step at a time. It was their
(a) Experimentation
small day-to-day decisions that added up to make
a tremendous difference in the long run. Indeed, in (b) Learning from mistakes
matters of personal growth and character building, (c) Risking failure
there is no such thing as an overnight success. (d) Attempt to change
2. Growth always occurs through a sequential series
ii. The main idea in the first paragraph is that
of stages. There is an organic process to growth.
When we look at children growing up, we can (a) overnight success is possible for all of us
see this process at work: the child first learns to (b) small actions and decisions are important in
crawl, then to stand and walk and finally to run. one’s life
The same is true in the natural world. The soil (c) big things, big actions and big decisions make
must first be tilled and then the seed must be a person great
sowed. Next, it must be nurtured with enough
(d) personal changes are not important
water and sunlight and only then will it grow,
bear fruit and finally ripen and be ready to eat. iii. What is the one common thing that Gandhiji did
in small and large situations? Answer in about 40
3. Gandhi understood this organic process and used
words.
this universal law of nature to his benefit. Gandhi
grew in small ways, in his day-to-day affairs. He iv. Complete the following sentence with reference to
did not wake up one day and find himself to be the extract.
the ‘Mahatma’. In fact, there was nothing much in The phrase _____ in the first paragraph means
his early life that showed signs of greatness. But ‘to steadily give up bad habits’.
from his mid-twenties onwards, he deliberately v. Select the option that conveys the opposite of
and consistently attempted to change himself, ‘unintentionally’ from words used in paragraph 3.
reform himself and grow in some small way every
(a) Organic (b) Consistently
day. Day-by-day, hour-by-hour, he risked failure,
experimented and learnt from mistakes. In small (c) Risked (d) Deliberately
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
vi. Comment on the writer’s reference to the way in variations in meaning. We can turn a statement
which great people transform their lives. Answer into a question, state whether an action has taken
in about 40 words. place or is soon to take place, and perform many
vii. Describe the ‘universal law of nature’ mentioned other word tricks to convey subtle differences in
in the passage. Answer in about 40 words. meaning. Nor is this complexity inherent to the
English language. All languages, even those of so-
viii. What did Gandhiji try to do after he was 25 years called ‘primitive’ tribes have clever grammatical
old? components. The Cherokee pronoun system, for
example, can distinguish between ‘you and I,
ix. Pick the option that correctly lists the tone of the
‘several other people and I’ and ‘you, another
writer with reference to the passage.
person and I. In English, all these meanings
1. Sympathetic are summed up in the one, crude pronoun ‘we.
2. Encouraging Grammar is universal and plays a part in every
3. Wonder language, no matter how widespread it is. So the
4. Regret question which has baffled many linguists is - who
created grammar?
5. Matter of fact
Codes : 2. At first, it would appear that this question is
(a) Only 3 (b) Only 4 impossible to answer. To find out how grammar
is created, someone needs to be present at the
(c) Only 2 (d) 1 and 5
time of a language’s creation, documenting its
Ans : 2020 emergence. Many historical linguists are able to
i. (a) Experimentation trace modern complex languages back to earlier
ii. (b) small actions and decisions are important in languages, but in order to answer the question
one’s life of how complex languages are actually formed,
the researcher needs to observe how languages are
iii. The one common thing that Gandhiji did in small started from scratch. Amazingly, however, this is
and large things is that he took up responsibility possible.
rather than avoiding it.
3. Some of the most recent languages evolved due
iv. ‘chipped away at their bad habits’ to the Atlantic slave trade. At that time, slaves
v. (d) Deliberately from a number of different ethnicities were forced
to work together under colonizer’s rule. Since
vi. Great people do the following things in order to they had no opportunity to learn each others’
transform their lives languages, they developed a make-shift language
(a) They believe in performing every day. called a pidgin. Pidgins are strings of words copied
(b) They build their character in small ways. from the language of the landowner. They have
little in the way of grammar, and in many cases it
(c) They approach life on a day-to-day basis.
is difficult for a listener to deduce when an event
vii. The universal law of nature mentioned in the happened, and who did what to whom. Speakers
passage refers to the organic process of growth. need to use circumlocution in order to make their
The soil must first be filled and then the seed meaning understood. Interestingly, however, all it
must be sowed. Next, it must be nurtured with takes for a pidgin to become a complex language
enough water and sun light and only then will it is for a group of children to be exposed to it at the
grow, bear fruit and finally ripen and be ready to time when they learn their mother tongue. Slave
eat. children did not simply copy the strings of words
uttered by their elders, they adapted their words
viii. Gandhiji tried to change and reform himself, after
to create a new, expressive language. Complex
he was twenty five years-old.
grammar systems which emerge from pidgins are
ix. (c) Only 2 termed creoles, and they are invented by children.
4. Further evidence of this can be seen in studying
Passage 4 sign languages for the deaf. Sign languages are
not simply a series of gestures; they utilise the
1. No student of a foreign language needs to be
same grammatical machinery that is found in
told that grammar is complex. By changing word
spoken languages. Moreover, there are many
sequences and by adding a range of auxiliary verbs
different languages used worldwide. The creation
and suffixes, we are able to communicate tiny
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 25
of one such language was documented quite (a) they were basically pidgin
recently in Nicaragua. Previously, all deaf people (b) they incorporated the same grammatical
were isolated from each other, but in 1979 a system found in spoken languages
new government introduced schools for the deaf.
(c) they were developed from the English
Although children were taught speech and lip
language
reading in the classroom, playgrounds, they began
to invent their own sign system, using the gestures (d) children developed it with lip reading system
that they used at home. It was basically a pidgin.
v. What was the main disadvantage of the sign
Each child used the signs differently, and there
language used in the schools for deaf in 1979?
was no consistent grammar. However, children
who joined the school later, when this inventive vi. Which word in para 3 have the same meaning as
sign system was already around, developed a quite “extrapolate”?
different sign language. Although it was based
(a) Complex
on the signs of the older children, the younger
children’s language was more fluid and compact, (b) Opportunity
and it utilised a large range of grammatical (c) Evolved
devices to clarify meaning. What is more, all the (d) Deduce
children used the signs in the same way. A new
creole was born. vii. “Some of the most recent languages evolved due
to the Atlantic slave trade:’ Justify this statement
5. Some linguists believe that many of the world’s
in about 40 words.
most established languages were creoles at first.
The English past tense-ed ending may have viii. How do children play a role in the creation of a
evolved from the verb ‘do’ It ended’ may once language? Answer in about 40 words.
have been ‘It end-did. Therefore it would appear
that even the most widespread languages were ix. The pidgin language was created so that _____.
partly created by children. Children appear 1. colonisers can speak to the slaves
to have innate grammatical machinery in their 2. slaves can learn new languages
brains, which springs to life when they are first 3. slaves with different languages could
trying to make sense of the world around them. communicate with one another
Their minds can serve to create logical, complex
4. to improve existing language of the land
structures, even when there is no grammar present
for them to copy. owners
5. slaves with different languages could not
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
communicate with one another.
above.
(a) only 1
i. Why did the narrator say that it is impossible to
(b) 2 and 5
say who created grammar? Answer in about 40
words. (c) only 3
(d) 3 and 4
ii. Complete the following sentence appropriately.
Ans : 2020
The language created by children of slaves with
complex grammar system is called _____. i. In the second paragraph, the narrator said that
it was impossible to say who created grammar
iii. All the following sentences about Nicaragua sign
because of the fact that someone had to be present
language are true EXCEPT :
when the language was created. This will require
(a) The language incorporates signs which
the individual to not only be present but also
children used at home.
document the creation process of the language.
(b) The language is based on speech and lip
ii. Creoles
reading.
(c) The language has been created since 1979. iii. (c) The language has been created since 1979.
(d) The language was perfected by younger iv. (b) they incorporated the same grammatical
children. system found in spoken languages
iv. Sign language is not simply a series of gestures v. The signs were used differently, and there was no
because consistent grammar.
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
vi. (d) Deduce the small mean eyes, the hideous trunk which coils
vii. The narrator believes that the Atlantic slave itself snakishly round everything, the formless
legs, the piggish back, with the steep slope down
trade was one way of spreading or integrating
to the mean, bare tail, features so unlike any
different languages. The slaves from different
other familiar and friendly beast.
ethnicities who were forced to work together
had no chance to use their known language so 5. Before I came out from England, I dreamt of
they had to create/come up with a new way of howdahs and cloth-of-gold trappings, but my
communicating among themselves. elephant had neither. In fact there was nothing
grand about him but his ugliness. I dropped into
viii. Children have an innate grammatical machinery one of two baskets on either side of his back from
in their brains that comes to life when they are the porch, a young Malay lad dropped into the
first trying to make sense of the world around other and my bag was tied on behind with more
them. And it is this sense to create logical, ropes.
complex structures that makes their minds work
6. My ride was not comfortable. One sits facing
even without the presence of any grammar for
forwards with the feet dangling over the edge of the
them to copy. basket. This edge soon produces a sharp ache or
ix. (c) only 3 cramp and, when one tries to get relief by leaning
back on anything, the awkward rolling position is
so painful that one reverts to the former position
Passage 5 till it again becomes intolerable.
1. This is the largest Malay house on the peninsula. 7. After we had travelled two hours, the baskets
It is built of wood painted green and white, with slipped down very dangerously and needed
bold floral designs on a white background around adjustment. We were forced to dismount while the
some of the circular windows and a very large pack was adjusted. Then, while the elephant was
porch for followers to wait in, up a ladder of still sitting, the driver jumped on the elephant’s
course. back and giving me his hands hauled me up over
2. Really the upper class of Malay houses show some the head, after which the creature rose gently
very good work. The thatch of the steep roof is from the ground and we went on our journey.
beautifully put on and between the sides of finely 8. Soon the driver abandoned the elephant for a
woven checked matting interspersed with lattice gossip and a smoke, leaving the animal to go its
work and bamboo work, the shady inner rooms own way for a mile or more. The elephant turned
with their carved doorways and portières of red into the jungle, where he began to rend and tear
silk, the pillows and cushions of gold embroidery the trees and going to a mud-hole, he drew what
laid over the exquisitely fine matting on the floors, water there was out of it and squirted it with
the light from the half-shaded windows glancing a loud noise over himself and his riders, soaking
here and there as the breeze sways the screens, my clothes with it. When he turned back to the
there is an indescribable appropriateness to the road again, he several times stopped and seemed
region. to stand on his head by stiffening his trunk and
3. I waited for the elephant in a rambling empty leaning upon it and when I hit him with my
house and Malays brought pierced coconuts, umbrella he uttered the loudest roar I ever heard.
buffalo milk and a great bouquet of lotus blossoms My Malay fellow-rider jumped off and ran’ back
and seed-vessels, out of which they took the seeds for the driver, at which the baskets both came
and presented them on the grand lotus leaf itself. down on my side of the elephant.
Each seed is in appearance and taste like a hazel- 9. On the driver’s return I had to dismount again
nut, but in the centre, in an oval slit, the future and this time the elephant was allowed to go and
lotus plant is folded up, the one vivid green seed take a proper bath in a river. He threw large
leaf being folded over a shoot and this is intensely quantities of clear water over himself and took up
bitter. plenty more with which to cool his sides as went
4. The elephant at last came up and was brought along. Thick as the wrinkled hide of an elephant
below the porch of the house. They are truly ugly is, a very small insect can still draw blood from it
beasts, with their grey wrinkled, hairless hides, and so, like the water buffalo, he wisely plastered
the huge ragged ‘flappers’ which cover their ears himself with mud from the river’s edge for
and with which they fan themselves ceaselessly, protection.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 27
Answer the following questions, based on the passage Codes:
above. (a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2
i. Select the option that explains the reason why the (c) Only 4 (d) 3 and 5
light in the inner room kept changing? Ans : 2018
(a) Because of the movement inside the room i. (c) Because of the winds that were swaying the
(b) Because of the changing direction of the sun screen
(c) Because of the winds that were swaying the ii. (b) The driver of the elephant did not want the
screen elephant to run away.
(d) Because the screens were being repaired iii. The author had previously regarded riding on an
ii. The writer would agree with the given statements elephant as a luxurious means of travel because
based on paragraph eight, except. he dreamt of howdahs and cloth-of-gold trappings
on the elephant.
(a) The elephant did not like being hit.
(b) The driver of the elephant did not want the iv. unfriendly nature of the elephant.
elephant to run away. v. (d) Sways
(c) The speaker was not amused by the water vi. The writer had an unpleasant experience riding
thrown by the elephant. the elephant contrary to his expectations. This
(d) The driver of the elephant needed to rest. was so because it was not only uncomfortable but
the elephant also threw water all over them.
iii. Share evidence from the text in about 40 words
that the author had previously regarded riding on vii. The author describes the elephant’s act of putting
an elephant as a luxurious means of travel. mud over his body as wise because the mud would
save it from insect bites.
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately with
an appropriate inference, with respect to the viii. The two ways in which the Malay houses are
following. appropriate for the region are
The writer has described the features of the (a) Pillows and cushions laid on the floor are
elephant in paragraph 4 in order to highlight the embroidered with gold.
_____. (b) The inner rooms have carved doorways with
red silk curtains on them.
v. Select the option that means the same as ‘moves’,
from the words used in Paragraph 2. ix. (a) Only 1
(a) Glancing (b) Matting
(c) Interspersed (d) Sways Passage 6
vi. The writer did not enjoy the elephant ride. Based 1. Very often, we do not take the first step towards a
on your reading of the passage, list the reasons, in good cause because we say to ourselves, “The task
not more than 40 words, for such an attitude. is so big. What can I do alone?” So nothing gets
done. There is much talk about environmental
vii. In the line “...so, like the water buffalo, he wisely protection, air pollution and saving our forests. Do
plastered himself with mud from the river’s edge we really care? If we do, here are a few things we
for protection” the author calls him wise. Explain. can do to make our surroundings more pleasant.
2. It is good to adopt a two-uses-attitude! By putting
viii. List two ways in which the Malay houses are
an article to a second use, we are giving it a longer
appropriated for the region. Answer in about 40
lease of life and using up less raw material from
words.
nature. One of the worst things we do is the abuse
ix. What was the author’s expectations regarding the
of paper. The clean sides of envelopes can be used
elephant ride?
to write small notes, lists and reminders around
(1) Exciting the house. The more paper we use, the more trees
(2) Doubtful will have to be cut down. For the same reason, we
(3) Scornful should avoid the use of paper napkins or paper
(4) Prejudiced plates. Cloth napkins are just as good, for they can
be washed and used over and over again.
(5) tentative
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
3. Another area which needs the most urgent iv. Complete the sentence appropriately with a
attention is effective garbage disposal. People who characteristic or description.
are conscious about it follow rules and laws strictly. The internet is a _____ and a group on social
As a result, their neighbourhoods are clean and media of like-minded people can be formed.
beautiful. Similarly, each one of us can contribute v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the
to a cleaner environment. All kitchen waste should word ‘succeeds’.
be collected separately. Those of you who have
green fingers can turn this into valuable manure. (a) happy (b) lost
Dig a pit and put the kitchen waste into it. When (c) triumph (d) sad
the pit is a little over half full, cover it up with vi. Explain in about 40 words, what procedure should
mud. Let nature do the rest. Within three or six one adopt for kitchen?
months, we will have a good garden manure. It can
vii. In the line, “...a lot of people don’t care about the
also be done as a community project by digging
environment because they don’t understand the
a large pit in the colony. Do take help of all the
adverse effect that society has on it.” What does
members, for nothing succeeds like co-operation.
the word ‘adverse’ mean here?
4. A lot of people don’t care about the environment
viii. How does the following impact the reader?
because they don’t understand the adverse effect
‘There is much talk about environmental
that society has on it. It is important to convince
protection, air pollution and saving our forests’.
people to care about the environment. The first
Answer in about 40 words.
step would be to convince people to change by
providing simple alternative solutions and ways ix. Read the five options (1)–(5) given below.
of doing things. The internet is a powerful tool (1) More paper-less cutting of trees
and a group on social media of like-minded people (2) Ineffective garbage disposal
can be formed. People can share environmental
stories and issues, as well as pool in solutions and (3) Internet– a powerless tool
alternatives to educate one another. With the (4) Adopt a two-uses attitude
current state that our planet is in, it is imperative (5) Make unpleasant surrounding
that people actively care about the environment Identify the option that DOES/DO corresponds
and most importantly to act now. with the passage.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage (a) (1) and (2) (b) Only (4)
above. (c) (3) and (4) (d) Only (5)
i. Select the option that classifies the reason for not Ans : 2017
taking first step towards a good cause.
i. (c) Because we feel that the task is too big and we
(a) Because we feel that we are not responsible cannot do anything alone.
for that task.
ii. (b) Putting an article to a second use giving it a
(b) Because we feel that nothing gets done
longer lease of life.
anyhow.
(c) Because we feel that the task is too big and iii. The writer gives the description to make our
we cannot do anything alone. surroundings more pleasant. Concern about
abuse of paper is also there. The writer asks us
(d) Because we feel that it is not our work to
not to destroy even a small piece of paper. He also
fulfill the task.
discusses the place to be “Clean and Green”.
ii. What is the significance of two-uses attitude in iv. powerful tool
the given extract?
v. (c) triumph
(a) Putting less material from nature.
vi. All the kitchen wastes should be collected
(b) Putting an article to a second use giving it a
separately. Those who have green fingers can turn
longer lease of life.
the kitchen waste into manure. They can dig a pit
(c) Putting an article to a second person. and put kitchen waste into it. Then when it is half
(d) Putting the task apart itself. full, put some mud over it and let nature do the
rest.
iii. Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words,
to support the view that the writer’s writing style vii. unfavourable
is descriptive in nature.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 29
viii. The given line creates a sense of irresponsibility degree courses hold their own admission tests.
towards nature. Nobody cares about nature by Obviously, Higher Secondary School results are
heart. If we do, here are a few things we can do to not taken to be a reliable index of the quality of a
make our surroundings more pleasant. student’s learning capability or potential.
ix. (b) Only (4) 5. The numbers seem to be growing every year. The
standards applied by Higher Secondary Boards
like CBSE seem to have been diluted to the point
Passage 7 that leaves a big gap between what students learn
1. Given the standing of some of its institutions at school and what they have to face on entering
of higher learning, the IITs and IIMs, India is institutions of higher learning.
a potential knowledge power. Realising the 6. In an attempt to remedy the situation, NCERT
potential, however, is not going to be easy. had recently commissioned experts to rewrite
The impressive strides made by Sarva Shiksha textbooks on economics. Though not entirely
Abhiyan (SSA) notwithstanding, universal access free from blemishes, these new texts should go
to quality school education- a minimum necessary some way in helping beginners get acquainted
condition for any progress towards making India with the basic concepts in the subject and their
a knowledge society’, as the 2006 report of the applications.
National Knowledge Commission (NKC) puts it-
remains a distant goal. 7. Not surprisingly, their introduction is facing
roadblocks. Teachers do not like to be compelled
2. There is as yet no legislation at the national level to look at textbooks they are not familiar with.
to affirm the right to education, a fundamental Those who revel in seeing students score 90% are
right under the Constitution. The number of reluctant of ushering in something that may stop
school buildings for elementary and secondary the rush of such scores.
education falls far short of requirements and
so does the number of qualified teachers. The Answer the following questions, based on the passage
pressure on government budgets, which forces above.
governments to hire teachers on contract paying a i. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate
pittance of a salary, is playing havoc with quality. option.
While the incursion of the private sector in the Governments have to hire teachers on contract
field is providing some competition, mechanisms basis due to _____.
to enforce the required standards are lacking. (a) the guidelines issued by the Central
3. Not that there are no national standards or Government
standards-enforcing agencies. We have the (b) abundance of teachers in an area
National Council for Educational Research and (c) the non-availability of regular teachers
Training (NCERT) to bring out textbooks in
various subjects for school education. The Central (d) the pressure on government budgets
Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts ii. What is the tone of writer when he remarks “India
examinations for schools affiliated to it across is on the brink of a knowledge revolution?”
the country. The states too have their school
boards to conduct exams and enforce minimum (a) Imaginative
standards. How even the standards vary widely. (b) Optimistic
In their anxiety to show spectacular performance, (c) Sarcastic
some states are overly lenient-in marking answer (d) Presumptuous
papers.
4. Questions arise even over the standards applied iii. List the reason in about 40 words, as why India is
by CBSE. Going by the number of students referred as a potential knowledge power.
securing 90% or more in their higher secondary iv. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate
exam, it would appear India is on the brink of inferences with respect to the following.
a knowledge revolution. The numbers are so The main factor that has affected the quality of
large that the cut-off point for admission to top education is _____.
colleges is now above 90%. However, admissions
to IITs and medical colleges are not based only v. Select the option that conveys the opposite of
on CBSE or State Board Exam results. Leading ‘plenty’ from words used in Paragraph 2.
undergraduate colleges offering non-professional
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
(a) Looking Teachers do not like to be compelled to look at
(b) Mechanisms textbooks they are not familiar with. Those who
(c) Incursion revel in seeing students score 90% are reluctant of
ushering in something that may stop the rush of
(d) Pittance
such scores.
vi. Why do leading undergraduate colleges hold their viii. The writer of the passage feels frustrated and
own admission tests? Answer in about 40 words. disillusioned with the education system of India.
vii. Based on the information given in the last ix. (a) Only (1)
paragraph, why do you think that teachers are
opposing the introduction of new textbooks?
Passage 8
Answer in about 40 words.
1. From the moment a baby first opens its eyes, it is
viii. State the feelings of the writer with reference to learning. Sight and sensation spark off a learning
the topic concerned in the passage. process which will determine in large measure,
the sort of person it will become. Language
ix. The writer would not agree with the following stands head and shoulders over all other tools
statements based on Paragraph 4 EXCEPT as an instrument of learning. It is the language
(1) a large number of students score more than that gives man his lead in intelligence over all the
90% in their higher secondary school exams. other creatures. No other creature can assemble
(2) the cut-off point for admission to top colleges a list of ideas, consider them, draw conclusions
is above 85%. and then explain his reasoning. Man can do
(3) admissions to IITs are based only on CBSE all this because he possesses language. And if
thought depends on language, the quality of an
or state board results.
individual’s thought will depend on that person’s
(4) higher secondary school exam results are language-rudimentary or sophisticated, precise or
taken to be a reliable index of the quality of a approximate, stereotyped or original.
student’s learning capabilities.
2. Very young babies are soothed by human voice
(5) a large number of students score less than uttering comforting words close to them. This
90% in their higher secondary school exams. essentially-emotional response provides early
(a) Only (1) evidence that feeling is an important component of
(b) Only (2) language learning. Children learn to use language
(c) (1) and (3) in interaction with other human beings and this
learning proceeds best against a background
(d) (1), (4) and (5)
of affectionate feedback from the person who
Ans : 2017 is closest to them. This is seen to perfection in
i. (d) the pressure on government budgets the interaction between parent and a baby: eyes
locked together, the adult almost physically
ii. (c) Sarcastic drawing ‘verbal’ response from the baby, both
iii. India is referred as a potential knowledge power engulfed by that unique experience of intimate
due to the excellent rankings of its institutions of and joyful connecting, which sets the pattern of
higher leanings like the IITs and IIMs. Realising the relationship between two people.
the potential, however is not going to be easy. 3. Thus, long before they can speak, children are
iv. shortage of well-qualified teachers. involved in a two-way process of communication,
which is steadily building a foundation on
v. (d) Pittance which their later use of language will be based.
vi. The leading undergraduate colleges offering Constantly surrounded by language, they are
non-professional degree courses hold their own unconsciously building structures in their minds
admission tests because they distrust the school into which their speech and reading will later fit
results. Higher secondary results are not taken grammatical constructions, tense sequences and
to be reliable index of the quality of a student’s so on. The forms of these structures will depend
learning capability or potential. on the amount and complexity of speech they
hear. Fortunate are those children who listen to
vii. Teachers are opposing the introduction of the new articulate adults, expressing ideas and defending
textbooks as they are not familiar with them.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 31
opinions. They will know, long before they can which is subtle, resourceful, exhilarating and
contribute themselves and understand, that harmonious; languages that provide the human
relationships are forged through this process of ear (and understanding) with a pointed and
speaking and listening; that warmth and humour precise pleasure, the searing illuminating impact
have a place in the process, as have all other of good and true words.
human emotions. Answer the following questions, based on the passage
4. Using books is the most important means of above.
ensuring a child’s adequate language development.
i. What makes a man superior over all the other
None of us can endlessly initiate and maintain
creatures?
speech with very small children; we run out of
ideas or just get plain sick of it. Their lives are (a) Their body-language
confined to a limited circle and they do not have (b) Their language
enough experience to provide raw material for (c) Their way of observing things
constant verbal interaction. (d) Their skills
5. Parents and children who share books share the
same frame of reference. Incidents in everyday life ii. What are the most important means of ensuring
constantly remind one or the other of a situation, a child’s adequate language development?
a character, an action, from a jointly enjoyed (a) Two-way process of communication
book, with all the generation of warmth and well- (b) Providing raw material for constant verbal
being that is attendant upon such sharing. All interaction
too often, there is a breakdown of communication
(c) Maintaining speech
between parents and children when the problems
of adolescence arise. In most cases, this is most (d) Using books
acute when the give-and-take of shared opinions iii. How can language distinguish between human
and ideas have not been constantly practised beings and others? Answer in about 40 words.
throughout childhood. Books can play a major
role in the establishment of this verbal give-and- iv. Complete the sentence appropriately.
take because they are rooted in language. The parents can’t rely only on constant verbal
6. Young children’s understanding greatly outruns interactions because _____.
their capacity for expression as their speech
strains to encompass their awareness, to represent v. What are the advantages of books mentioned in
reality as they see it. Shades of meaning which the above passage?
may be quite unavailable to the child of limited (a) It enables children to see things from other’s
verbal experience are startlingly talked to toddler. point of view.
All the wonderful modifying words-later, nearly, (b) It creates self awareness in children.
tomorrow, almost, wait, half, lend, etc. begin to (c) Expose children to a wide range of vocabulary.
steer the child away from the simple extremes
(d) All of these
of “Yes” and “No” towards the adult world of
compromise from the child’s black and white world vi. How do children develop language? Answer in
to the subtle shades and tints of the real world. about 40 words.
The range of imaginative experience opened up
by books expands the inevitably limited horizons vii. What is an important component of language
of children’s surroundings and allows them to learning?
make joyful, intrigued, awestruck acquaintance
with countless people, animals, objects and ideas viii. What role do books play? Answer in about 40
in their first years of life. words.
7. Books also open children to new points of view, ix. Read the given headlines and identify the option
besides their own as they unconsciously put that does not correspond with the message of the
themselves into other people’s places-if that could passage.
happen to him, it could happen to me: This 1. Develop new viewpoints through book.
imaginative self-awareness brings apprehensions
and fears as well as heightened hopes and joys. 2. Sight and sensation - The spark of learning.
3. No role played by adults in children’s language
8. In books, children can experience language
acquisition.
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
4. Communication - A two way process. and consumed around the world. Peanuts started
5. Walk faster - show some hustle. to be produced in large quantities in the 1900s
due to the growing popularity of peanut butter,
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2, 3 and 4
peanut candies and other peanut products.
(c) Only 3 (d) 2, 3 and 5
3. Although peanuts come in many varieties, four
Ans : 2016
main types can be found in the United States:
i. (b) Their language Virginia Peanuts, Runner Peanuts, Spanish
Peanuts and Valencia Peanuts. Peanuts are a
ii. (d) Using books
wonderful food, rich in nutrients and flavour.
iii. Language is a great measure to give a lead to The combination of fibre and protein in peanuts
human beings in intelligence over all the other satiates hunger. Thus, eating peanuts helps
creatures. No other creature can combine a list of manage weight and provides the key nutrients
ideas, consider then, draw conclusions and then that are important to diets. Peanuts are also
explain his reasoning. Because man possess this natural energy boosters that contain healthy
language, this is possible. fats, proteins and antioxidants. Research shows
that eating peanuts can decrease your risk of
iv. they will run out of ideas and get sick of it.
heart disease, diabetes and other chronic health
v. (d) All of these conditions. Peanut butter is also full of the good
vi. Children develop language by observing. kind of fat also known as mono-unsaturated fat
Children are involved in a two-way process of that is heart-healthy and prevents belly fat that
people get from carbohydrates or saturated fat.
communication, long before they can speak. They
unconsciously build structures in their minds 4. For centuries, peanuts have been used in many
later in this structure they will fit grammatical culinary applications, including Chinese, African
constructions, tense sequences, etc. They majorly and Western cooking-in stews, sauces, mixed
develop their language skills by learning from the dishes, boiled or even plain-nourishing various
adults around them. populations with an enjoyable flavour. The great
advantages of using peanuts in the kitchen are
vii. Environment their availability and affordability. Peanut oil
viii. Parents and children who share books share the is also becoming a popular option for cooking
same frame of reference. Books also open new because of its healthy fats and high cooking
points of view, apart from and along with their temperature.
own as they unconsciously put themselves in 5. Pureed peanut is also great to infuse nutty
situations and other people’s places and think, if goodness into a variety of dishes such as soups,
that could happen to him, it could happen to me? sauces, bread mixes, salsa recipes, salad dressings
Books also help children to experience language and pasta dishes. For those who like hummus,
that is subtle, resourceful and harmonious. pureed peanuts and chickpeas are a great
combination. On the sweet side, peanuts are
ix. (c) Only 3
commonly used for ice cream, brownie mix or
cake batter. Peanut flour is an asset for pastry
Passage 9 chefs because of its ability to act as a fat binder
1. Convenient, inexpensive, nutritious, good for you in confectionery products or to add flavour and
and delicious: they have it all! Peanuts are the extend shelf-life.
most popular and consumed nuts in the United 6. A long-time American favourite, peanuts offer
States and can be found nearly everywhere. countless healthy properties and natural nutrition
Perfect for a quick snack, a handful of these nuts to all populations and age groups, peanuts
provide a highly nutrient food for less than 200 enhance the flavour and boost the nutritional
calories. value of food dishes from breakfast and snacks to
2. According to the Peanut Institute, the peanut dinner and dessert. As a nut, oil, flour or butter,
plant originated in South America, probably peanuts are a very versatile and tasty ingredient.
first domesticated and cultivated in the valleys Based on your understanding of the passage, answer
of Paraguay. Spread by European explorers and the questions given below.
traders, the plant eventually reached Asia, Africa
and North America. Millions of peanuts are grown i. Select the option that displays the key reason why
peanuts are regarded as ‘healthy fats’.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 33
(a) It is popular option for cooking at high (3) The concluding sentence of the text makes
temperature. for a clear case of old and young can together
(b) It is full of monounsaturated fats that is heart enjoy cooking and eating peanuts.
healthy. (4) The concluding sentence of the text makes for
(c) It provides key nutrients for cooking. a clear case of as yet no negative conclusions
(d) It is natural oil and boosts the energy of about peanuts have been drawn.
hearts. (5) The concluding sentence of the text makes for
a clear case of peanuts is an unhealthy option
ii. Select the option that conveys the most likely for old aged people.
reason for including peanuts in diets. Identify the option that displays the correct
(a) It was found to be healthy food because of its concluding statements that corresponds with
flavours. occurences in the passage.
(b) It was found that peanuts satiates hunger. (a) Only (1)
(c) Peanuts decreased the risk of heart disease, (b) (2) and (3)
diabetes and other heart related problems. (c) Only (5)
(d) It was found that peanuts in America had (d) (4) and (5)
four varieties. Ans : 2016
iii. Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words i. (b) It is full of monounsaturated fats that is heart
to support the view that the writer’s writing style healthy.
is descriptive and informative.
ii. (c) Peanuts decreased the risk of heart disease,
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately with a diabetes and other heart related problems.
characteristic or description. iii. The writer tells about peanuts, its importance
The popularity of peanuts in cuisines across the and its uses as well as its benefits. Further, it has
world is because of their _____. been told us that peanuts came in many varieties.
v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to Research shows that eating peanuts can decrease
‘satiate’. your risk of heart disease, diabetes and other
(a) hungry chronic health conditions.
(b) slave iv. availability and affordability
(c) satisfy v. (c) satisfy
(d) honourable vi. Pastry cooks are partial to the use of peanut flour
vi. Explain, in about 40 words, the reason for peanuts because of the binding quality of peanut flour
being a favourite with pastry cooks. when used in confectionery products, for adding
flavour and extending shelf life.
vii. In the line, “...Peanuts enhance the flavour and
boost the nutritional value of food dishes from vii. intensify, increase
breakfast and snacks to dinner and dessert”. viii. The spread of peanuts can be attributed to
What does the word ‘enhance’ mean here? European traders and explorers who took the plant
from Paraguay where it had been domesticated,
viii. How does the following line impact the readers
that ‘the spread of peanuts can be attributed to their various destinations in Asia, Africa and
to European traders and explorers”? Answer in North America.
about 40 words. ix. (a) Only (1)
ix. Read the statements (1)-(5) given below.
(1) The concluding sentence of the text makes for Passage 10
a clear case of peanuts is a healthy option for 1. Global warming is the warming up of the Earth
all ages of people. due to the trapping of gases like carbon dioxide,
(2) The concluding sentence of the text makes for carbon monoxide, methane and nitrous oxide,
a clear case of peanuts is what makes bakers when the atmosphere fails to perform its function
and cooks in America want to cook. of acting as a protective blanket. The incoming
solar radiation is partly absorbed by carbon
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
dioxide, though a vastly higher amount of the temperatures had been undergoing a downward
outgoing radiation is trapped in the atmosphere. trend. Could the recent spurt in temperatures be
2. Carbon dioxide possesses immense staying a natural cyclical process, or a temporary offshoot
properties in the atmosphere. It is being of the shifting pressure belts?
speculated that carbon dioxide concentrations 8. Given the rising temperatures, growing seasons
may double in about a century. This increased would be prolonged. Higher temperatures would
carbon dioxide level, according to predictions, also lead to an increased evaporation from
indicates an increase in temperature ranging from oceans, thereby intensifying cloudiness, leading
1.5 - 4 degrees Celsius, or a rise in sea levels by to moderate temperatures during the day and
about 50 cms by AD 2100. warmer nights. Warmer temperatures during the
night enhance agricultural productivity. Increased
3. However, Earth apparently has its own system
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will also result
of checks and balances. Water vapour in the
in an increase in fertility. Global warming will
atmosphere is known to absorb radiation more
also have an impact on the El Nino phenomenon-
than any other atmospheric component. A
the circulation of weather disturbances around
doubling of carbon dioxide concentration would
the world as a result of the warming of Pacific
increase the capacity of the Earth’s surface
Ocean around the tropics.
to absorb infra-red radiation by about 4 watts
per square metre, though overall, the levels of 9. However, a few questions remain in the ongoing
absorption would be small. debate on global warming. The process of heat
transfer in the atmosphere-convection-is a field in
4. Volcanic eruptions, too, are believed to be which a lot of research needs to be done. Secondly,
responsible for reduction in the carbon dioxide clouds and vapour are known to be major
content in the atmosphere. Cooling through absorbers of incoming radiation from space. If the
volcanic eruptions is believed to release certain cloud cover, as a result of increased evaporation
gases, which are responsible for decrease in due to rising temperature, were to increase, it
the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere. would result in more containment. Plants, which
Measurement of the incident of carbon dioxide both absorb and release carbon dioxide, too have
in the atmosphere made in Hawaii indicate that a crucial role to play. Their role, however, has
during 1992-93 about two billion tonnes of the gas been till now underestimated.
was found missing from the atmosphere.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
5. As far as the impact of ozone depletion is above.
concerned, it seems to be dictated more by
political considerations than any other factor. i. It is being surmised that carbon dioxide
The increased burning of fossil fuels for energy is concentrations may _____.
largely responsible for the increase in temperature (a) increase 100% in about a decade
through ozone depletion. (b) triple in about a century
6. A tug-of-war has been going on among the (c) increase slightly in about a century
industrialised countries and the developing (d) increase 100% in about a century
countries on the share of the blame. In fact,
the USA, the erstwhile USSR, Brazil and China ii. The writer would not agree with given statements
account for almost half of the net global emissions based on the passage EXCEPT
of harmful gases such as CFCs. While North (a) Global warming will have an impact on the El
America generates about 5 tonnes per head of
Nino phenomenon.
carbon dioxide, Africa, China and India together
generate approximately 1 tonne of carbon dioxide (b) 1996 was one of the hottest years of the
per head. twentieth century.
7. However, despite the fact that 1995 was one of (c) Water vapour in the atmosphere does not
the hottest years of the twentieth century, heavy absorb radiation.
snowfalls have been recorded in some parts of the (d) Higher temperatures would lead to decreased
world-notably on the Eastern coast of America evaporation from oceans.
and in Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, during
the latter half of the twentieth century, the Arctic iii. Describe the impact of rising temperature on the
climate has not been undergoing any noticeable growing seasons.
temperature changes. In fact, till 1975, global
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 35
iv. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate viii. If the cloud cover were to increase, the radiation
inference, with respect to the following as well as the percentage of carbon dioxide in
There is a tug-of-war between the industrialised the atmosphere would be contained as it absorbs
and developing countries in order to _____. most of the radiation coming from space and CO2,
present in the atmosphere.
v. Fill in the blanks appropriately by choosing the
correct option. The major reason for the increase ix. (c) Only 4
in temperature through ozone depletion is
_____.
Passage 11
(a) generation of CFCs
1. For lasting and clear eyesight, eyes need care in
(b) increased rainfall the form of preventive measures, a continuous
(c) increased burning of fossil fuels life-long exercise. Eyes don’t just see, they do the
(d) None of these talking. This is why of all our senses the most
precious is eyesight. Eyes need care in the form of
vi. List the things that effect global warming. Answer
prevention, and knowing some preventive methods
in about 40 words.
in eye care can make your eyes look bright and
vii. What is the result of animal discharge in the healthy and leave you with excellent eyesight.
atmosphere?
2. How do we keep eyes bright and healthy? Eat
viii. How is cloud cover contain carbon dioxide’s good helpings of vegetables, fruits, omega-3 fatty
percentage in the atmosphere? Answer in about acids, beta carotenes with vitamins A, C and
40 words. E, enjoy good sleep and avoid direct sunlight.
ix. Select the option/s that convey/s the opposite of Therefore, good habits and good general health
‘massive’ from words used in Paragraph 8. care does play a major role in eye care. Eyes
are windows to the human body; while you look
1. Prolonged
out through this window, we, the eye doctors,
2. Intensifying can look in to find conditions such as glaucoma,
3. Enhance abnormal blood pressures, diabetes, heart diseases
4. Moderate and other health concerns much before you notice
5. Tropics its adverse impact, and help you take preventive
measures.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Only 4 (d) 3 and 5 3. It is never too early to begin eye checkups. Throw
a torchlight from different directions and look for
Ans : 2015
fixation in newborns and, if in doubt, take the
i. (d) increase 100% in about a century baby to an eye specialist. By the time a child is
four, it is imperative to have a check up every
ii. (a) Global warming will have an impact on the El
year to look for squint, signs of opacity brought in
Nino phenomenon. by cataracts and minus or plus powers to decide
iii. Rising temperatures will lead to an increase in the whether or not glasses are needed. Ultraviolet-
duration of the growing seasons. Higher temperatures protective sunglasses from childhood can help
would also lead to an increased evaporation from protect eyes from the harmful UV rays. Once in
oceans, thereby intensifying cloudiness, leading to the teens, contact lenses can be worn in place
moderate temperatures during the day and warmer of glasses, but never sleep with them on as they
nights. reduce the supply of air and blood to the cornea
and can damage eyes. When in 20s, you can get
iv. share the blame for ozone depletion rid of glasses with lasers, Lasik or permanent
v. (c) increased burning of fossil fuels contact lenses.
vi. The things that affect global warming are water 4. An emerging and alarming trend is the Computer
vapour to be major absorbers of incoming Eye Syndrome, which appears to be catching on
radiations from space and the plants also absorb in early adult life. We cannot escape the use of
and release carbon dioxide also play crucial role. computers but, sadly, our eyes are not designed to
cope with these screens. Continuous staring at the
vii. The increase in the levels of methane in the monitors reduces blinking, causes strain to the
atmosphere is a result of animal discharge. eyes and can lead to dry eyes as well. Therefore,
it is always better to take a break of 10 minutes
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
every hour and look at distant objects such as the v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to
landscapes or even television. ‘grievously affected especially by disease’ from
5. Glaucoma or raised pressure in eyes and diabetic paragraph 5.
retinopathy are silent killers of eyesight. Therefore, (a) blink
checking eyes once every six months is essential. (b) inevitably
If afflicted with diabetes, diet, exercise and drugs (c) intelligently
are to be remembered in that order to keep the
(d) afflicted
doctor away.
6. Around the age of 40, more or less everybody vi. Explain in about 40 words, why “...contact lenses
requires reading glasses, a condition known as can be worn in place of glasses, but never sleep
presbyopia. But now you can get rid of these with them on”.
glasses as well, with lasers called INTRACOR
and SUPRACOR. One can develop cataract- vii. In the line, ‘That said, eye care is, inevitably,
defined as the loss of transparency in the natural a continuous exercise through life’, the word
lens of the eye-at any age, but it usually strikes in ‘inevitably’ refers to whom?
old age. It’s treated by replacing the opaque lens viii. How does the following impact our eyes?
with an artificial lens called the intraocular lens. ‘Monitors are bad for our eyes.’
The latest incataract removal techniques is called Answer in about 40 words.
femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery, which
is blade-free, hands-free and makes the operation ix. Read five statements (1) to (5) given below.
precise, safe and accurate. (1) Eyes don’t just see, they do the talking.
7. That said, eye care is, inevitably, a continuous (2) It is never too early to begin eye checkups.
exercise through life.
(3) Once in the teens, contact lenses can be worn
Answer the following questions, based on the passage in place of glasses, but never sleep with them
above. on as they reduce the supply of air and blood
to the cornea and can damage eyes.
i. Select the option that may become a preventive
(4) Glaucoma or raised pressure in eyes and
measure for eyes as given in paragraph 1.
diabetic retinopathy are silent killers of
(a) Eyes need care and continuous life-long
eyesight.
exercises.
(5) Around the age of 20, more or less everybody
(b) Eyes need Vitamin C as a preventive measure.
requires reading glasses, a condition known as
(c) Eyes are designed to cope up with screens. presbyopia.
(d) Eat good amount of vegetables. Identify the option that displays the statement
that DOES NOT correspond with the occurrence
ii. What is the significance of eyes as windows to in the given passage.
human body?
(a) Only (1)
(a) Eye doctors find out major health problems
(b) (1) and (2)
while seeing in our eyes.
(c) (3) and (4)
(b) Eye doctors also look at this window.
(d) Only (5)
(c) Eye doctors find various health conditions
such as glaucoma, etc. Ans : 2014
(d) Eyes are windows to human health. i. (a) Eyes need care and continuous life-long
exercises.
iii. Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words,
to support the view that the Computer Eye ii. (a) Eye doctors find out major health problems
Syndrome is an alarming trend. while seeing in our eyes.
iii. Computer Eye Syndrome is an alarming trend
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately with a
that appears to be catching on in adult life.
characteristic or description.
Our eyes cannot escape the use of computers’
Eating good amount of vegetables, fruits, omega-3
continuous staring at the screen. It causes strain
fatty acids, beta carotenes with vitamins A, C
to the eyes and leads to dry eyes as well.
and E, enjoy good sleep and avoid direct sunlight
helps _____. iv. eyes to be bright and healthy
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 37
v. (d) afflicted are packed with anti-oxidants and are rich in
vitamin A, E, C and minerals. Vegetables, such as
vi. Contact lenses can be worn in place of glasses,
cauliflower, potatoes, cluster beans, ladyfingers,
but never sleep with them on because they reduce
kidney beans, pigeon pea and sprouted grains get
the supply of air and blood to the cornea and
spoilt easily due to the humidity. So, they should
can damage eyes. When in 20s, you can get rid
be avoided. Opt for cooked or steamed veggies.
of glasses with lasers, Lasik or permanent contact Avoid salads as they comprise raw vegetables
lenses. that contain active bacteria which lead to various
vii. The word ‘inevitably’ refers to ‘necessarily’ infections and affect the body’s immunity. Avoid
strong smelling or extra sweet fruits, such as
viii. Continuous staring at the monitors reduces
mangoes and jack-fruit that attract flies as their
blinking, causes strain to the eyes and can lead
excess intake can cause skin irritation and stomach
to dry eyes as well. Therefore, it is always better
ache. It’s also important to store vegetables the
to take a break of 10 minutes every hour and look right way during the rains. Do not wash the
at distant objects such as the landscapes or even veggies thoroughly before storing, as the moisture
television. will attract pathogenic fungus. These bacteria can
ix. (d) Only (5) spread to other susceptible food items as well,
making them unhygienic. Instead, pat dry and
Passage 12 store separate food items in different containers.
Buy them in limited portions and use them as
1. The monsoon is such a welcome respite from the soon as possible.
scorching summer thanks to the overcast sky, gentle
rain and lush greenery all around. Almost all of 4. Dehydration makes your hair brittle and scanty.
us love to savour spicy and crunchy food items, So hydrate yourself. Zinc and iron help to keep
such as fritters (pakoras) and chaats like panipuri, your tresses healthy and beautiful. Consume
sevpuri teamed with cutting chai as the rainwater nuts, eggs and walnuts to maintain hair strength.
lashes against the windowpane. However, the Walnuts are rich in biotin and vitamin E, which
season also brings along a lot of diseases, such as are excellent antioxidants. Proteins are important
dengue, malaria, conjunctivitis, typhoid, viral fever, for hair strength too. So add curd to your diet,
pneumonia, gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea, as it is a great source of protein. Amla juice,
food poisoning, cholera, cough and cold and jaundice oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin
due to the presence of bacteria in the environment. C. Vitamin C keeps your hair strong as it helps
The challenge lies in going about your daily routine in production of collagen that among other things
without falling ill. If you suffer from low immunity, strengthens the hair capillaries (ensuring proper
you are at a higher risk of contracting these diseases. nutrient supply to our hair). Also, ensure that you
However, the right dietary tips can strengthen your wash your locks on alternate days and cover them
immunity and help you stay hale and hearty. well during the monsoon. Dried apricots, roasted
sunflower seeds and lentils are better foods to
2. Due to the humid climate, you may not feel consume during monsoon than other iron-rich
too thirsty and consume just one litre of water foods which are susceptible to microbial attack.
every day. But you need to be well hydrated as Do not forget to eat yummy corn on cob as corn
sweat doesn’t evaporate quickly in monsoon. is also rich in iron and zinc.
Consequently, this prevents the body from
releasing heat. So consume a lot of water as it 5. So, the secret to enjoy the rains, without the fear
helps to flush out toxins from the body. Ensure of affecting your health is to go light on eating.
that the water is clean, pure and safe to drink. Have a safe and healthy monsoon.
Avoid aerated drinks; instead consume warm Answer the following questions, based on the passage
beverages, such as green tea with holy basil above.
leaves, ginger, pepper and honey as they have
i. The correct way to store veggies is to :
anti-bacterial properties. A bowl of hot vegetable
soup is also a good option. The hot beverages (a) wash them properly before storing
increase your body temperature (which will in (b) buy them in bulks
turn give you warmth) while the ingredients will (c) pat them dry, store separate items in different
boost your immunity. food containers
3. Consume fruits, such as cherries, bananas, apples, (d) soak them in water
pomegranates, plums, litchis and pears as they
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
ii. Choose an appropriate heading for the given v. (c) Amla juice, oranges and other citrus fruits are
passage. rich in vitamin D.
(a) How to Store Your Food During the Rainy vi. Merits :
Season 1. Monsoons provide a relief from the scorching
(b) Beat the Monsoon Woes by Eating Right summer heat, with lush greenery all around.
(c) Monsoon Sickness 2. People love to savour various delicacies like
(d) Hair Fall Remedy pakoras, chai, chaats, etc. to enjoy the rainy
season.
iii. Raw vegetables should be avoided because
Demerits :
_____.
1. Monsoons bring with it various diseases like
iv. List any two benefits of drinking water. dengue, food poisoning, diarrhea, viral fever,
cough and cold, etc.
v. Which of these statements is false?
2 The weather becomes humid and due to less
(a) Warm beverages like soup is healthier option water intake dehydration can also occur.
than aerated drinks.
vii. Keeping ourselves well-hyderated can help us as
(b) Vegetables such as cauliflower, bean sprouts,
sweat doesn’t evaporate quickly in monsoons.
ladyfingers are more likely to get spoilt.
Consuming a lot of water can also help in
(c) Amla juice, oranges and other citrus fruits
flushing out the toxins from our body. We should
are rich in vitamin D.
avoid aerated drinks. We should consume warm
(d) Iron and Zinc helps in keeping our hair healthy. beverages with ingredients that have anti bacterial
properties. Hot vegetable soup is also a good
vi. Give two merits and two demerits of monsoon.
option to consume. Hot beverages can increase
Answer in about 40 words.
the body temperature and their anti-bacterial
vii. How can different beverages help in monsoon? properties ingredients can boost immunity.
Answer in about 40 words. viii. During monsoons due to dehydration hair can
viii. Discuss about the hair care during monsoons. become brittle and scanty. So to take of one’s
Answer in about 40 words. tresses, one should consume zinc and iron. Walnuts
rich in biotin and Vitamin E and nuts and eggs
ix. Read the headlines (1)-(5) given below and are also good for hair. Adding curd which is high
identify the option that corresponds with message in protein is also good for hair health. Vitamin C
of the passage. that helps in production of collagen is also good
(1) Rains mean crispy pakoras and cutting chai which can be found in citrus fruits like oranges,
(2) The Rains do not bring diseases etc.
(3) Maintain your physical well-being during ix. (d) only (3)
rains
(4) The best hair days are rainy days Passage 13
(5) A rainy day comes as a relief after a hot 1. While there is no denying that the world loves
summer day. a winner, it is important that you recognise the
(a) (1) and (2) (b) only (4) signs of stress in your behaviour and be healthy
(c) (1), (2) and (5) (d) only (3) enough to enjoy your success. Stress can strike
anytime, in a fashion that may leave you unaware
Ans : 2013
of its presence in your life. While a certain amount
i. (c) pat them dry, store separate items in different of pressure is necessary for performance, it is
food containers important to be able to recognise your individual
ii. (b) Beat the Monsoon Woes by Eating Right limit.
iii. they contain active bacteria which lead to various 2. Stress is a body reaction to any demands or
infections changes in its internal and external environment.
Whenever there is a change in the external
iv. 1. keeping the body hydrated environment such as temperature, pollutants,
2. flushing toxins out of the body humidity and working conditions, it leads to
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 39
stress. In these days of competition, when a mentally undecided, confused and accident prone
person makes up his mind to surpass what has as well. Diet, massage, food supplements, herbal
been achieved by others, there is an imbalance medicines, hobbies, relaxation techniques and
between demands and resources, which causes dance movements are excellent stress busters.
psycho-social stress.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
3. Stress reduces productivity and pressure to the above.
management of organisations. Today companies
i. The writer would not agree with the given
prefer women to men as employees because of
statements based on paragraph three EXCEPT
the hope that they bring additional qualities
such as innovation, patience and dedication in (a) An employee will give an average contribution
the workplace. But due to increased pressure when kept happy and without stress.
for women both at the workplace and at home, (b) Women face stress only due to increased
they face stress. Thus, any employee will make pressure at home.
the maximum effort and give the maximum (c) Stress increases productivity.
contribution when kept happy and without
(d) To increases productivity the employer should
any stress. Hence, to increase productivity, it is
keep his/her employees free from stress.
the responsibility of the employer to keep the
employees free from stress. Hence, it is essential to ii. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate
take steps to minimise the effects of determinants option.
of stress and help individuals and organisations A certain amount of pressure is _____.
evolve newer and more effective coping strategies. (a) necessary for performance
4. Stress takes a different meaning, depending on (b) necessary for under performance
the stage of life you are in. The loss of a toy or (c) not necessary for performance
a reprimand from the parents might create a (d) necessary for failure
stress shock in a child. An adolescent who fails in
examination may feel as if everything has been lost iii. List the symptoms of stress in individuals. Answer
and life has no further meaning. In an adult, the in about 40 words.
loss of his or her companion, job or professional
failure may appear as if there is nothing more to iv. Complete the given sentence with an inference
be achieved. with respect to the following.
The writer quotes the example of a child, an
5. Such signs appear, in the attitude and behaviour of adolescent and an adult in Paragraph 5 in order
the individual, as muscle tension in various parts to highlight that _____.
of the body, palpitation and high blood pressure,
indigestion and hyperacidity. Ultimately the result v. Select the option that conveys the opposite of
is self-destructive behaviour such as eating and ‘praise’ from words used in Paragraph 5.
drinking too much, smoking excessively or relying (a) shock (b) loss
on tranquilisers. There are other signs of stress
(c) stage (d) reprimand
such as trembling, shaking, nervous blinking,
dryness of throat and mouth and difficulty in vi. What causes psycho-social stress?
swallowing. The professional under stress behaves
as if he is a perfectionist. vii. When does ‘chronic fatigue’ occur? How does it
6. A person under stress reacts in different ways and affect a person? Answer in about 40 words.
the common ones are flight, fight or flee depending
viii. Road the five descriptions (1)-(5), given below.
upon the nature of the stress and capabilities of
How can the solutions suggested in the last
the person. The three responses can be elegantly
paragraph best be described?
chosen to cope with stress so that stress does not
damage the system and become distress. (1) Practical
7. When a stress crosses the limit peculiar to an (2) Presentable
individual, it lowers his performance capacity. (3) Popular
Frequent crossings of the limit may result in (4) Prejudiced
chronic fatigue, in which a person feels lethargic, (5) Prediction
disinterested and is not easily motivated to
(a) only 1 (b) only 4
achieve anything. This may make the person
(c) 1, 2 and 5 (d) 2, 3 and 4
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
ix. List the ways in which a person under stress dancing to rhythm which is provided on large
behaves. Answer in about 40 words. horizontal drums played by men.
Ans : 2012 4. In the Chang Lo dance of Nagaland, men and
i. (d) To increases productivity the employer should women gather together in community tribal
dances that strengthen the bonds of relationships.
keep his/her employees free from stress.
The movements of the dance begin with a slow
ii. (a) necessary for performance pace gradually becoming faster to the beat of
iii. Symptoms of stress are found in the attitude drums. The dancers create formations of circles
and behaviour of the individual. It includes and semi-circles, all of them following the same
muscle tension, palpitation, high blood pressure, steps.
indigestion, hyper acidity, trembling, shaking, 5. The origin of the martial dance of Manipur is
nervous blinking, dryness of throat and mouth, associated with the myth of creation. Most of the
and difficulty in swallowing. practitioners of martial arts learn and perform
with both spear and sword.
iv. stress takes different meanings, depending on the
stage of life an individual is in 6. The Bhutia is a community in Sikkim having
their distinct culture, religion, tradition, custom
v. (d) reprimand and language. Their dance is called Shabdo, the
vi. The increasing competition and the desire to brisk movement of feet. Their songs describe the
surpass what had already been achieved results in natural beauty of the land, holy lakes, sacred
psycho-social stress. caves, serene monasteries, and rich flora and
fauna.
vii. ‘Chronic fatigue’ occurs when stress frequently
crosses the limit that a person can handle 7. Chu Faat or Lepcha dance also belongs to Sikkim.
effectively. Such a person may feel lethargic, The literary meaning of Chu Faat is the worship of
disinterested and is not easily motivated to snowy range. This age-old folk dance is performed
achieve anything. in the honour of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third
highest mountain. Carrying butter lamps and
viii. (a) only 1 green bamboo leaves, the dancers perform this
ix. A person under stress behaves in different ways. dance to the accompaniment of songs.
The reaction of an individual depends upon the 8. Chakri, the most popular group song form
nature of the stress and capabilities of the person. of Kashmir’s folk music, is sung to the
Considering these two factors, it can be flight, accompaniment of the nout (geger), ruhab,
fight or flee. sarangi and tumbaknaer – an earthen pot with a
high neck.
9. Nati is a common name given to many types of
Passage 14 dances performed in Himachal Pradesh. During
1. In India, the performing arts are closely the Dussehra festival which is very popular in
associated with every aspect of people’s lives. Himachal Pradesh, the temple deities are taken
Dance, music and song are associated with the out in procession in Kulu with gods accompanied
occupation of people such as harvesting, sowing, by dancers and musicians.
fishing, grinding of grain as also with celebrating
10. The Bhangra dance of Punjab is performed after
the seasons or describing nature such as animals,
harvesting to celebrate the fruit of their labour
birds and flowers.
and hard work. Vigorous movements and simple
2. Bihu dance, a seasonal festival celebrated acrobatics are accompanied by the drum beat.
by the farmers in Assam, centres around the
11. In the Munda tribal dance of Jharkhand, the
agricultural activity of the region. Rows of
Munda women form a chain by linking arms
dancers move backwards and forwards showing
around one another’s waists and move in unison
the transplanting of paddy and the harvesting of
to the beat of the drums played by the Munda
rice. Simple rhythms, body movements in perfect
men.
synchronisation and the costumes add to the
beauty of the dance. 12. In India there are three types of Chhau dances
practised in Orissa, Bihar and West Bengal.
3. The Wangala dance is performed by women
who create formations of circles and semi-circles
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 41
Answer the following questions, based on the passage ix. Read the five options (1)-(5) given below.
above. (1) Performing arts - associated with every aspect
of people’s lives
i. Select the option that describes the movements of
Wangala dance. (2) Performing arts - not a good thing
(a) Formation of circles and semi-circles all to the (3) Dance - a way of bonding
beat of large horizontal drums. (4) Dance - not related to movement
(b) Formation of semi-circles and then making (5) Dance - only materialistic
larger circles all to the rhythm of the Wangala Identify the option that corresponds with the
drum. above passage.
(c) Formation of circles within semi-circles, while (a) (1) and (2) (b) (1) and (3)
dancing. (c) (4) and (5) (d) (3) and (4)
(d) Formation of horizontal lines all to the beat Ans : 2011
of circular and semi-circular drums.
i. (b) Formation of semi-circles and then making
ii. Which of the following statements is relevant to larger circles all to the rhythm of the Wangala
the context? drum.
The Indian lifestyle is contextualised around ii. (b) the occupations of people, their celebrations
_____. and their descriptions of nature
(a) the occupations during festivals and for
iii. These dances in general speak about the beauties
describing their natures
of nature, particularly the snowy ranges, lakes,
(b) the occupations of people, their celebrations rivers sacred caves, serene monasteries, and are
and their descriptions of nature performed using products of their land such as
(c) dance, music and song for all seasons butter.
(d) the occupations of dancing, singing and iv. dance as a way of bonding, celebrating harvests
celebrating on every opportunity and praising the bounties of nature
iii. State how the dances of the Lepchas and the v. (a) robust
Bhutias differ from those of the northeast of India vi. The Manipur dances are martial dances associated
in about 40 words.
with the myth of creation, while the dance forms
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately with a of the Nagas and Wangala dancers attempt to
characteristic or its description. build stronger bondings of friendship.
The subject matter of the passage indicates vii. facet
_____.
viii. The movements of Bihu dancing include standing
v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to in rows and moving backwards and forwards to
‘vigorous.’ emulate paddy planting and harvesting, while
(a) robust (b) feeble synchronising their body movements and their
costumes.
(c) accompaniment (d) popular
ix. (b) (1) and (3)
vi. State how the Manipur dance differs from other
dance forms of this region. Answer in about 40
words. Passage 15
1. It was the city’s first indoor play park of its kind.
vii. In the line, “In India, the performing art are
Like a good mother, I was sceptical of virtually
closely associated with every aspect of people’s
every aspect of it. How could it succeed? Why
lives.” What does ‘aspect’ mean here?
should it succeed? How would a set of contraptions
viii. How does the following, impact the reader? in a room hold the attention of today’s children?
“Bihu dance, a seasonal festival celebrated by the Don’t call me paranoid: I stood with dozens of
farmers in Assam, centres around the agricultural mothers in similar states of quandary while the
activity of the region.” cheerful staff whisked away the curious kids for
Answer in about 40 words. an hour. “I thought she blew the whistle after 15
minutes,” huffed the pre-teen when she returned.
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
2. The manager came up to me. “I told you, the Answer the following questions, based on the passage
child would have a blast,” she laughed. And above.
explained, “There are hardly any parks in our
i. The author was paranoid about the indoor play
cities.” She meant, hardly anywhere children can
park because _____.
be themselves and like a Maria in ‘The Sound
of Music’, where they could climb a tree, scrap (a) it could never provide the feeding of playing
their knees and tear their dresses. Most of the in a real park
recreation now is limited to electronic activity (b) it would not engage the children
and given half a chance, children would jump for (c) she felt that the children may not like it
something more physically explorative. Even if it (d) she was worried about her child
is simple stuff like climbing, whizzing down and
jumping on a trampoline. ii. The writer would not agree with the given
3. Latest research shows that computer games statements, based on paragraph 4, EXCEPT.
slow down brain development. The ‘in’ thing till (a) Computer games aid a child’s agility in
yesterday, they are ‘out’ today. Says Nandita controlling their response to an unsavoury
Sharma, parent of a well-adjusted teenager, situation.
“Any mother can tell that standing at a console (b) A child becomes a zombie if he/she plays
juggling a joy-stick isn’t conducive to physical computer games.
relaxation. I rationed Karan’s hours at the video
(c) Computer games make a child more violent.
games and made sure he spent evenings with
his friends in the little space outside the house.” (d) Computer games stimulate activity in the
Nandita was also afraid that the bright lights of brain associated with vision and movement.
computer games could hurt young eyes. Nor did
iii. Comment on the writer’s reference to computer
she like the topic most of the games are based on.
games in paragraph 3, as a health problem for
“There’s just too much violence and fast activity.
children. Answer in about 40 words.
I know my kid can’t lag behind in today’s world
and computer games certainly sharpen reflexes, iv. Complete the sentence appropriately.
but I wish the games would be more interactive Most computer games isolate a child from the
and socially inclusive.” group fun of playing outdoor games. As a result,
4. Indeed, apart from making a zombie out of the the child becomes _____.
child, research indicates that computer games
only stimulate activity in the parts of the brain v. Select the most suitable title for the above
associated with vision and movement. It can also passage.
lead the child to be more violent. The lack of mental (a) Say No to Overindulgence in Gadgets
calisthenics curbs their agility in controlling their (b) The Side Effects of Computer Games
response to an unsavoury situation. (c) The Indoor Park
5. Moreover, most electronic games isolate the child (d) The Play Park
from the group fun of playing outdoors. Playing
vi. List two reasons why parents prefer outdoor
with peers and taking a toss or two appreciably
physical activity for their children in comparison
strengthens the child’s tolerance of others. This
to video games. Answer in about 40 words.
behaviour is governed by the frontal lobe, which
continues to develop in humans till about 20 years. vii. In the line, “...behaviour is governed by the
The more this lobe is exercised during moments frontal lobe _____”, describe the role of the
of restraint, the more the fibres connecting frontal lobe as explained in the passage.
the neurons in this part of the brain thicken,
improving the individual’s control of reactions. viii. The given passage posits that the ‘indoor play
Playing electronic games, research shows does not park’ was a hit. Based on your understanding,
encourage the development of this lobe. state the reason for this success. Answer in about
6. So now parents know what to do-put away the 40 words.
placebos. After school and home assignment
ix. Read the five words (1)-(5), given below :
hours, the best thing they could do for their kid is
invite his friends home and roll the carpet away! (1) Quandary
(2) Aspect
(3) Paranoid
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 43
(4) Sceptical difference in the long run. Indeed, in matters of
(5) Attention personal growth and character building, there is
Select the option that conveys the synonym of no such thing as an overnight success.
‘doubtful’ from words used in paragraph 1. 2. Growth always occurs through a sequential series
(a) only 1 (b) 2 and 5 of stages. There is an organic process to growth.
(c) only 4 (d) 3 and 4 When we look at children growing up, we can
see this process at work: the child first learns to
Ans : 2011
crawl, then to stand and walk, and finally to run.
i. (a) it could never provide the feeding of playing in The same is true in the natural world. The soil
a real park must first be tilled, and then the seed must be
ii. (a) Computer games aid a child’s agility in sowed. Next, it must be nurtured with enough
controlling their response to an unsavoury water and sunlight, and only then it will grow,
situation. bear fruit and finally ripen and be ready to eat.
iii. As per the writer, computer games slow down 3. Gandhi understood this organic process and used
brain development. There is a lot of violence this universal law of nature to his benefit. Gandhi
grew in small ways, in his day-to-day affairs. He
in computer games which adversely affects the
did not wake up one day and find himself to be
children. Apart from this, the bright light of these
the “Mahatma”. In fact, there was nothing much
games also hurt the eyes of the young children.
in his early life that showed the signs of greatness.
iv. less tolerant of others But from his mid twenties onwards, he deliberately
v. (c) The Indoor Park and consistently attempted to change himself,
reform himself and grow in some small way every
vi. Parents prefer outdoor physical activity in day. Day by day, hour by hour, he risked failure,
comparison to video games because experimented and learnt from mistakes. In small
(a) Most of the games are full of violence. and large situations alike, he took up rather than
(b) The computer games slow down brain avoid responsibility.
development. 4. People have always marvelled at the effortless
vii. The frontal lobe helps in strengthening a child’s way in which Gandhi could accomplish the
tolerance and helps in controlling his/her most difficult tasks. He displayed great deal of
self-mastery and discipline that was amazing.
reactions.
These things did not come easily to him. Years
viii. The ‘indoor play park’ was a hit among parents of practice and disciplined training went into
as well as children because it not only kept the making his successes possible. Very few saw his
children away from computer games but also struggles, fears, doubts and anxieties, or his inner
made sure that children play with their peers in efforts to overcome them. They saw the victory,
the midst of nature. but not the struggle.
ix. (c) only 4 5. This is a common factor in the lives of all great
people: they exercised their freedoms and choices
Passage 16 in small ways that made great impact on their
lives and their environment. Each of their small
1. Many of us believe that “small” means decisions and actions, added up to have a profound
“insignificant”. We believe that small actions and impact in the long run. By understanding this
choices do not have much impact on our lives. We principle, we can move forward, with confidence,
think that it is only the big things, the big actions in the direction of our dreams. Often when our
and the big decisions that really count. But when “ideal goal” looks too far from us, we become
you look at the lives of all great people, you will easily discouraged, disheartened and pessimistic.
see that they built their character through small However, when we choose to grow in small ways,
decisions, small choices and small actions that taking small steps one at a time, performing it
they performed every day. They transformed becomes easy.
their lives through a step-by-step or day-by-day
approach. They nurtured and nourished their Answer the following questions, based on the passage
good habits and chipped away at their bad habits, above.
one step at a time. It was their small day-to-day
i. Select a proverb that echoes the statement,
decisions that added up to make tremendous
‘Each of their small decisions and actions, added
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
up to have a profound impact in the long run.’ Ans : 2010
(a) Look before you leap i. (b) Rome was not built in a day
(b) Rome was not built in a day ii. self- mastery and discipline
(c) Too many cooks spoil the broth iii. It is true that the great people built their life
(d) A stitch in time saves nine and character through small decisions and small
actions that they performed on daily basis. They
ii. Complete the sentence appropriately with themselves transformed their lives by adopting a
referring to the word underlined. step- by- step approach. It was their small day-
Based on the information given in the excerpt
to day decisions that added up to make a huge
about Gandhi ji, the narrator infers ‘These things
difference in the long run and it obviously made
did not come easily to him. ‘These’ refers to
them great.
_____.
iv. (d) Insignificant
iii. Explain in about 40 words, how did the great
people build their life and character through v. organic growth
small actions with small decisions. vi. It is a common belief that small actions and
choices do not have much impact on a human
iv. After the reading the above passage, select the being’s life. We also think that it is only the big
word that means the same as ‘trivial’. actions and the big decisions that really count.
(a) Omnipotent (b) Valuable Generally, we move forward in the direction of
(c) Magnificent (d) Insignificant our goals and want to fulfill our dreams. But
when our goal looks far from us, we become easily
v. Complete the sentence appropriately. disheartened and discouraged.
‘The child first learns to crawl, then to stand
and walk, and finally to run: We call this process vii. (c) What Makes Great Men Great
_____. viii. Gandhi ji understood the organic process to
growth. He realized to use this universal law
vi. Explain in about 40 words, how does ‘our ideal of nature to his benefit. He deliberately and
goals’ make us disheartened and discouraged.
consistently attempted to change himself, reform
vii. Based on the information given in the excerpt, himself and grow in some small way every day.
select the suitable title for the given passage. Every day he risked failure, experimented and
(a) How to conquer Self- Doubt learnt from mistakes. He took the situations as
they are rather than to avoid them. It took every
(b) A closer Look in Self-Growth
hour of a day to find him a ‘Mahatma.
(c) What Makes Great Men Great
ix. (d) only 4
(d) Gandhi and his Struggle in his Early Days
viii. Explain in about 40 words, how did Gandhi ji Passage 17
realize the universal law of nature in his life.
1. Self-respect is very different than relying on one’s
ix. ‘Struggles, fears, doubts and anxieties. Which of ego or False Self persona that serves as a cover to
the following words given below can you add in show the world only “the good stuff” of a person’s
the given line that agrees to the general theme? personality. It is the gift we give ourselves when
(1) Dexterity we become less motivated to please others in
order to get their approval and more motivated
(2) Certainty
to live a life of authenticity and personal integrity
(3) Acceptance despite whatever anyone else thinks about us.
(4) Insecurities 2. The dismal fact is that self-respect has nothing
(5) Tremendous to do with the approval of others–who are, after
Codes : all, deceived easily enough; has nothing to do
(a) only 2 with reputation which is something that people
(b) 2 and 3 with courage can do without. It is to know the
difference between the price of things and their
(c) 3 and 5
value and the courage to own your mistakes.
(d) only 4
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 45
3. In brief, people with self-respect exhibit a certain (c) self-respect has stood its ground come what
toughness, a kind of moral nerve; they display may.
what was once called character, a quality which, (d) it is losing ground to more instantly negotiable
although approved in the abstract, sometimes virtues.
loses ground to other, more instantly negotiable
virtues. Its slipping prestige is dismissed when one iii. Why is it fair to say that the intrinsic worth of a
sees people coveting success or money or fame at person and self-respect have to go hand-in-hand?
all costs. Nonetheless, character–the willingness Answer in about 40 words.
to accept responsibility for one’s own life–is the
source from which self-respect springs. iv. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate
inference, with respect to the following.
4. To live without self-respect is to lie awake
Character– the willingness to accept responsibility
some night, beyond the reach of warm milk,
for one’s life is the source _____.
phenobarbital, and the sleeping hand on the
coverlet, counting up the sins of commission and v. Select the option that conveys the opposite of
omission, the trusts betrayed, the promises subtly ‘logical’, from words used in paragraph two. 1
broken, the gifts irrevocably wasted through sloth (a) intrinsic (b) paradoxical
or cowardice or carelessness. However long we
postpone it, we eventually lie down alone in that (c) consort (d) untenable
notoriously uncomfortable bed, the one we make vi. Comment on the writer’s reference to self-respect
ourselves. Whether or not we sleep in it depends, as a gift we give ourselves. Answer in about 40
of course, on whether or not we respect ourselves. words.
5. To have that sense of one’s intrinsic worth which,
for better or for worse, constitutes self-respect, vii. In the line “... people with self-respect exhibit a
is potentially to have everything: the ability to certain toughness, a kind of moral nerve, they
discriminate, to love and to remain indifferent. To display what was once called character ...”, What
lack it is to be locked within oneself, paradoxically does the word ‘nerve’ mean here?
incapable of either love or indifference. If we do not
viii. Based on your understanding of paragraph 4,
respect ourselves, we are on the one hand forced
interpret the metaphor used by the author in the
to despise those who have so few resources as to
given statement. in about 40 words.
consort with us, so little perception as to remain
‘However long we postpone it, we eventually lie
blind to our fatal weaknesses. On the other, we are
down alone in that notoriously uncomfortable
peculiarly in thrall to everyone we see, curiously
bed, the one we make ourselves.’
determined to live out-since our self-image is
untenable–their false notions of us. We flatter ix. Read the five statements (1)–(5) given below.
ourselves by thinking this compulsion to please
(1) If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall
others an attractive trait: a gift for imaginative
for anything.
empathy, evidence of our willingness to give.
(2) Handsome is as handsome does.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
(3) Putting backbone into someone.
above.
(4) Neither fish, nor fowl.
i. Select the option that states the false self persona
(5) Rolling stone gathers no moss.
in a person according to the author.
Identify the option that displays the title/s that
(a) self-respect DOES/DO correspond with the passage.
(b) a person’s true personality (a) (1) and (2) (b) Only (1)
(c) unauthentic mask (c) (2) and (3) (d) Only (5)
(d) ‘real good stuff’
Ans : 2010
ii. The writer would not agree with the given i. (c) unauthentic mask
statements based on paragraph three, EXCEPT
ii. (c) self-respect has stood its ground come what
_____.
may.
(a) self-respect is a virtue not appreciated in
modern times. iii. The intrinsic worth of a person and self-respect
are two sides of the same coin: they give us the
(b) it used to be a non-negotiable virtue.
ability to discriminate, to love and also to remain
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
indifferent. If we lack it, we become incapable of plants that have been found especially to contain
either love or indifference. healing powers.
iv. from which self-respect springs 5. Over the years, I have come to distinguish
three types of medicinal practitioners in African
v. (b) paradoxical
societies and to classify the extent to which each
vi. The writer calls it a gift because self-respect uses medicinal plants. The first is the herbalist,
allows us to live a life of authenticity and personal who generally enjoys the prestige and reputation
integrity despite whatever anyone else thinks of being the real traditional medical professional.
about us. It is the gift we give ourselves when we The second group represents the divine healers.
become less motivated to please others. They are fetish priests whose practice depends upon
their purported supernatural powers of diagnosis.
vii. fortitude
Thirdly, the witch doctor, the practitioner who is
viii. We can interpret the metaphor used by the author credited with ability to intercept the evil deeds of
in the given statement as follows : a witch.
A lack of self-respect is going to pinch us hard 6. From the drugstores in New Delhi, I picked up
eventually and only we will suffer for the lack of some well-packaged bark and roots of Rauwolfia
it. Serpentina, a plant that was very well known in
(A metaphor is a Figure of speech that is used to ancient Asiatic medicine. The storekeeper said
make a comparison, but in a way different from that it cures hypertension.
a simile, Instead, it makes the description of an
object look as if it was literally true.) 7. For health, social and economic reasons, it seems
clear that developing countries should begin an
ix. (b) Only (1) extensive programme aimed at an examination
and research into the properties of the most
Passage 18 important medicinal plants. In most countries,
the information on such plants is dispersed and
1. The therapeutic value and healing powers of unorganised. Much of it is in the heads of aging
plants were demonstrated to me when I was a boy herbalists, who represent a dying breed.
of about ten. I had developed an acute persistent
abdominal pain that did not respond readily to Answer the following questions, based on the passage
hospital medication. In total desperation my above.
mother took me to Egya Mensa, a well-known i. Select the option that tells about the special thing
herbalist in my hometown in the Western province in the plant Rauwolfia Serpentina that influences
of Ghana. the mind.
2. After a brief interview, he went out to the field. He (a) Metals (b) Mind
returned with several leaves and the bark of a tree (c) Alkaloids (d) Alkalies
and one of his attendants immediately prepared a
decoction. I was given a glass of this preparation, ii. Which parts of the plant Rauwolfia Serpentina
it tasted extremely bitter, but within an hour or are used to cure hypertension?
so I began to feel relieved. Within about three (a) Stem and roots
days, the frequent abdominal pain stopped and I (b) Leaves and flowers
recall gaining a good appetite. I have appreciated (c) Bark and roots
the healing powers of medicinal plants ever since.
(d) Flowers and stem
3. In fact, demographic studies by various national
governments and inter-governmental organisations iii. In desperation, where did the mother take her
such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) suffering son? and why? Answer in about 40 words.
indicate that for 75 to 90 per cent of the rural
populations of the world, the herbalist is the only iv. Complete the sentence appropriately with a
person who handles their medical problems. characteristic or its description.
Based on the information given in the extract,
4. In African culture, traditional medical practitioners one can infer that the author was suffering from
are always considered to be influential, spiritual _____.
leaders as well, using magic and religion along with
medicines. Illness is handled with the individual’s v. Select the option that is similar in meaning to the
hidden spiritual powers and with application of word ‘well-off’.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 47
(a) established iv. acute persistent abdominal pain
(b) ill v. (c) affluent
(c) affluent vi. The WHO demographic studies display that the
(d) non-affluent herbalist is the only doctor for 75 to 90 per cent
of the world’s rural population. He is the one who
vi. Explain, in about 40 words, what do the WHO
handles their medical problems.
demographic studies display?
vii. The word ‘bitter’ refers to the taste which is not
vii. In the line, “I was given a glass of this preparation, sweet.
it tasted extremely bitter, but within an hour or
so I began to feel relieved.” What does the word viii. Rauwolfia Serpentina cures hypertension and
‘bitter’ refer to? lowers the blood pressure and pulse. It is also
used to treat diabetes and cure cataract.
viii. In the line, “I picked up some well-packaged bark
ix. (c) (4) and (5)
and roots of Rauwolfia Serpentina, a plant that
was very well-known in ancient Asiatic medicine.”
How is Rauwolfia Serpentina useful? Answer in Passage 19
about 40 words. 1. We often make all things around us the way
ix. Read the five statements (1)-(5) given below: we want them. Even during our pilgrimages we
have begun to look for whatever makes our heart
(1) From the drugstores in New Delhi, I picked
happy, gives comfort to our body and peace to the
up some well-packaged bark and roots of mind. It is as if external solutions will fulfil our
Rauwolfia Serpentina, a plant that was very needs, and we do not want to make any special
well-known in ancient Asiatic medicine. efforts even in our spiritual search. Our mind is
(2) The storekeeper said that it cures resourceful-it works to find short-cuts in simple
hypertension. and easy ways.
(3) In African culture, traditional medical 2. Even pilgrimages have been converted into
practitioners are always considered to be tourism opportunities. Instead, we must awaken
influential, spiritual leaders as well, using our conscience and souls and understand the
magic and religion along with medicines. truth. Let us not tamper with either our own
(4) Illness cannot be handled with the group’s nature or that of the Supreme.
hidden spiritual powers and with application 3. All our cleverness is rendered ineffective when
of plants that have been found especially to nature does a dance of destruction. Its fury can
contain healing powers. and will wash away all imperfections. Indian
(5) In most countries, the information on such culture, based on Vedic treatises, assists in human
plants is not dispersed and organised. evolution, but we are now using our entire energy
Identify the option that displays the statement in distorting these traditions according to our
that correspondences with occurrences in the convenience instead of making efforts to make
passage. ourselves worthy of them.
(a) Only (1) 4. The irony is that humans are not even aware
(b) (2), (3) and (4) of the complacent attitude they have allowed
themselves to sink to. Nature is everyone’s Amma
(c) (4) and (5)
and her fierce blows will sooner or later corner
(d) Only (5) us and force us to understand this truth. Earlier,
Ans : 2009 pilgrimages to places of spiritual significance were
rituals that were undertaken when people became
i. (c) Alkaloids
free from their worldly duties. Even now some
ii. (c) Bark and roots seekers take up this pious religious journey as a
iii. In total desperation, the mother took her suffering path to peace and knowledge. Anyone travelling
son to a well-known herbalist Egya Mensa because with this attitude feels and travels with only a few
he had developed an acute persistent abdominal essential items that his body can carry. Pilgrims
pain that did not respond readily to hospital traditionally travelled light, on foot, eating light,
dried chickpeas and fruits, or whatever was
medication.
available. Pilgrims of olden days did not feel the
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
need to stay in special AC bedrooms, or travel by (c) Pilgrimages have been converted into tourism
luxury cars or indulge themselves with delicious nowadays.
food and savouries. (d) Pilgrimages should be done for the purpose of
5. Pilgrims traditionally moved ahead, creating fun only.
a feeling of belonging towards all, conveying a
message of brotherhood among all they came iii. How does nature show its anger? Answer in about
across whether in small caves, ashrams or local 40 words.
settlements. They received the blessings and
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately.
congregations of yogis and mahatmas in return
The word ‘Amma’ used by the writer signifies
while conducting the dharma of their pilgrimage.
_____.
A pilgrimage is like penance or sadhana to stay
near nature and to experience a feeling of oneness v. As per your understanding of the passage, choose
with it, to keep the body healthy and fulfilled the words that best describe the response of
with the amount of food, while seeking freedom nature against cleverness shown by us.
from attachments and yet remaining happy while
(a) Catastrophic and Gratifying
staying away from relatives and associates.
(b) Gratifying and Detrimental
6. This is how a pilgrimage should be rather than
(c) Buoyant and Gratifying
making it like a picnic by taking a large group along
and living in comfort, packing in entertainment, (d) Detrimental and Catastrophic
and tampering with environment. What is worse
vi. How does the human of today act? Answer in
is giving a boost to the ego of having had a special
about 40 words.
darshan. Now alms are distributed, charity done
while they brag about their spiritual experiences! vii. As given in the passage, it states that most of the
7. We must embark on our spiritual journey by first time, people prefer to do _____.
understanding the grace and significance of a
pilgrimage and following it up with the prescribed viii. Describe the traditional pilgrim. Answer in about
rules and rituals - this is what translates into 40 words.
the ultimate and beautiful medium of spiritual ix. Pick out the option that is not true according to
evolution. There is no justification for tampering the passage.
with nature. A pilgrim can keep his body healthy
8. A pilgrimage is symbolic of contemplation and 1. by travelling a lot of places
meditation and acceptance, and is a metaphor for
2. by travelling light
the constant growth or movement and love for
nature that we should hold in our hearts. 3. by keeping free from attachment
4. by eating small amount of food
9. This is the truth !
5. by eating snacks and rich food
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
(a) Both 1 and 2 (b) only 2
above.
(c) 1, 3, 4, and 5 (d) only 4
i. Select the option that is similar to narrator’s
expression, “Nature is everyone’s Amma”? Ans : 2007
(a) All mothers are nature. i. (b) Nature is the only supreme power.
(b) Nature is the only supreme power. ii. (c) Pilgrimages have been converted into tourism
(c) Nature is motherly. nowadays.
(d) Mother and nature are same. iii. The narrator suggests us to not temper with
either nature or that one supreme power. When
ii. Pick out the option that is TRUE about the
nature strikes with it furious snap, all our wisdom
pilgrimages, as discussed in the above passage.
and efforts will be futile. Nature is above all and
(a) One should avoid eating food while on a with its actions it can make the human beings
pilgrimage. realise the pettiness of their existence.
(b) Pilgrimages should be performed at the young
iv. the importance of nature without ‘whom’ we
age only.
cannot survive
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 49
v. (d) Detrimental and Catastrophic 4. Another unfortunate effect is the alienation of the
younger generation as expressed in their rejection
vi. In today’s world, human beings keep themselves
of culture and tradition and loss of faith in the
as priority. They often make things as they want
social, political and cultural tradition. Modern
them. Even during pilgrimages, people have
youth is drifting away from familial ties. They
began to look for things that make their heart
wish for independence, privacy and space. As a
happy, give comfort to body and peace to the result, the traditional joint family system has
mind. Pilgrimages have been turned into tourism given way to a nuclear family system.
opportunities.
5. The foreign channels propagate violence, vulgarity
vii. what makes their heart happy and promiscuity in the name of entertainment for
viii. Traditionally pilgrims travelled light, on foot, gaining wide viewership. The Indian media blindly
eating light-dried chickpeas and fruits or whatever and blatantly copies their eroticism better than
was available. Pilgrims moved ahead creating them. As a result, the national channels defining
the Indian culture and broadcasting education-
a feeling all belonging towards all, conveying a
oriented programmes have been sidelined.
message of brotherhood. A pilgrimage is like a
penance and while on this journey pilgrim received 6. Another impact of globalisation is associated with
blessings. the problem of unemployment. It has brought
machines, new factories and new approaches into
ix. (d) only 4 the Indian market. Everything is computerised.
The most vulnerable section of society, that is
Passage 20 women, are being exploited continuously.
7. Over the past five decades, the world has seen
1. Globalisation is largely the result of planning
several models and paradigms which have failed
by statesmen to break down borders hampering
to provide concrete results. What we really need is
trade to increase prosperity and interdependence,
a globalised economy, but one which is placed in a
thereby decreasing the chance of future war.
human context. The policies should be introduced
Their work led to the Bretton Woods Conference,
in such a way that they boost the economy and do
an agreement to lay down the framework for
not affect the very essence of Indian culture. The
international commerce and finance and the
developing countries need to improve healthcare.
founding of several international institutions
literacy rate, education and most importantly,
intended to oversee the process of globalisation.
restore the cultural heritage, because it is culture
These institutions include the International Bank
which identifies a country.
for Reconstruction and Development (the World
Bank) and the International Monetary Fund Answer the following questions, based on the passage
(IMF). above.
2. Globalisation, the integration of the world i. Which one of the following is not a key dimension
economy, has been a persistent theme of the past of globalisation?
thirty years. Growth of cross border economic (a) Social organisation of countries
activity has changed the structure of economics and (b) Communication
the political and social organisation of countries. (c) Trade in goods and services
Not all effects of globalisation can be measured (d) Movement of people
directly. But the scope and pace of change can be
monitored along four key dimensions - trade in ii. Globalisation is associated with the issue of all of
goods and services, financial blows, movement of the following except
people and communication. (a) unemployment
3. In the last two decades of the 20th century, (b) environment
developing countries have adopted globalisation (c) traditional systems
and liberalisation as the medium to strengthen (d) computerisation
their poor economic condition and to increase
foreign investment. This worldwide change iii. List any two ways in which Indian culture has
brought social and cultural calamity in India. been damaged. Answer in about 40 words.
The worst effect was on the Indian culture, the
transition being from traditional to modern, iv. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate
national to global, old to new. inference, with respect to the following.
The concept of globalisation means _____.
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Ch 1 : Factual, Descriptive and Literary Passages
v. Select the option that conveys the opposite of the viii. According to the writer of the given passage, while
word ‘ resilient’ from words used in Paragraph 6. globalisation strengthened the poor economic
(a) computerised (b) sterile condition of India, it has a devastating impact
(c) vulnerable (d) exploited on the Indian culture where the traditional values
are being lost.
vi. Globalisation was essential to avoid any possibility ix. (b) 3 and 5
of future wars. Give reason in about 40 words for
your answer.
vii. How has computerisation affected women?
viii. Comment on the writer’s belief that globalisation
started the destruction of the Indian culture?
Answer in about 40 words.
ix. Pick the option that correctly lists the final
feelings of the writer with reference to the process
of globalisation.
1. Happy
2. Satisfied
3. Disillusioned
4. Regretful
5. Enlightened
Codes
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 5
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
Ans : 2005
i. (a) Social organisation of countries
ii. (b) environment
iii. The two ways in which the Indian culture is said
to have been damaged are
• rejection of the joint value system and
increasing need for individuality.
• propagation of violence, vulgarity and
promiscuity in place of Indian cultural shows.
iv. aspiring towards oneness of all countries
v. (c) vulnerable
vi. Yes, I agree with the statement that globalisation
was essential to avoid any future wars as it brought
the world together under economic prosperity
and interdependence. Economic relation requires
a nation to maintain good relations with other
nations thus, decreasing the possibility of nay
future wars.
vii. Computerisation had left women the most
vulnerable section of the society open to
continuous exploitation.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 51
CHAPTER 2
Case Based Factual Passages
1. Introduction 3. Some important examples
A case based factual passage deals with facts
usually shared in the form of reports, scientific
articles and historical descriptions. The contents Passage 1
of such a passage are a collection of facts 1. The internet offers anonymity that makes life
put together in a sequential manner. Factual easier for bullies. As both research and common
description involves creating a complete mental sense attest, allowing users to hide their identity
picture of a particular person, place, object, beings abets abuse. If you use the internet, the odds are
or events. A factual description allows the reader about even that you’ll be mistreated there. A
to get a comprehensive view of the subject under 2021 Pew Research report found that 41 per cent
discussion. It involves a step by step description of US adults have personally experienced online
of the subject in the best possible manner. In this harassment. Fifty-five per cent think it is a “major
way, the reader is able to compare or contrast facts, problem.” Seventy-five per cent victims say that
data or other information that is relevant. In other their most recent experience was on social media.
words, a factual passage is a detailed description of It is akin to driving in rush-hour traffic–exposing
the physical attributes of the given topic. ourselves to regular abuse.
2. We mistakenly assume that cyber attackers follow
conventional behaviour. People try to reason with
2. Points to remember trolls or appeal to their better nature in vain
One should keep the following points in mind because they misapprehend a troll’s true motives–
before answering the questions set on a given attract attention, exercise control, and manipulate
factual passage: others. Online harassers are not considered
1. Read the passage quickly to have some general ‘well-adjusted.’ A 2019 study found significant
idea of the subject matter. associations between trolling and psychopathy,
2. Read the passage again and underline the Machiavellianism, sadism, and narcissism, in that
important points. order. In other words, strangers attacking you on
social media or in person are severely damaged.
3. Read the questions and try to know what has
But, we often have trouble understanding that
been asked. and take online attacks seriously, as a form of self-
4. Underline the portions where the probable criticism, that is hard to ignore.
answers may be available.
5. Remember that the word limit must always
be honoured and taken seriously.
6. Make sure to use the same tense in which the
question has been asked.
7. In multiple choice questions, analyse the
questions and options carefully before
selecting the correct option because at times
the four options are closely related.
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
3. But somehow, online harassment seems more iv. Identify the online abuser from the following three
bothersome. Americans rate online political online users.
discussions as 50 per cent more negative than (a) Sohna – My target is to just scroll down the
offline discussions. The reason is that once things happening online.
abusers enter an online space, they tend to take it
(b) Roshan – My target is to meet my foreign
over because all bullies have personality disorders.
friends here.
Trolls like trolling, without much threat of being
beaten up, while moral people exit-all increasing (c) Harsh – My target is to hurt, harass or upset
the troll-to-normal ratio over time. someone else.
4. Even if you want to bid the online sewer a not-so- v. Which of the following displays the most likely
fond adieu, your circumstances might make doing reason for us feeling more bothered about online
so, too costly. And maybe you simply don’t want trolling than facing abuse in real life?
to be forced off social media by the trolls, any (a) Those who get bothered by constant abuse
more than you would placidly accept being forced
exit social media.
off the playground because of menacing bullies
who treat it as their exclusive property. But we (b) Trolls invade and dominate online space
are not helpless in the face of either online abusers without any fear of consequences.
or the ones flipping us off on the highway. (c) Online political discussions are 50 per cent
5. In the case of threats or hate speech, you may more negative than offline discussions.
want to make your non-receipt more tangible (d) We take online attacks as a form of self-
by blocking the trolls, and reporting the abuse. criticism that is hard to ignore.
This remedy is imperfect at best, unfortunately,
given social-media companies’ spotty record at vi. Quite a few solutions for ‘dealing with trolls’ have
enforcement of their own norms. Not receiving an been proposed by the author. Pick out the only
insult (blocking and reporting an attacker) and solution that displays an underlying irony as well
ignoring trolls is crucial for stopping abuse. Deny as contradiction. Answer in about 40 words.
them the reward they seek. Responding to a bully vii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
on the internet or in real life-remember, they are The 2021 study attempts to enlighten the victims
typically the same people-is proof that they seek of online abuse by _____.
dominance through aggression. Don’t feed this viii. State TRUE or FALSE.
monster, in person or online. When possible, meet Americans rate online political discussion as 50
aggression with deafening silence. per cent more positive than offline discussions.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage Ans : 2022
above. i. The author compares negotiating heavy traffic
with the business of trolling directly as well as
i. Infer if the author compares negotiating heavy
traffic with the business of trolling directly or indirectly as in person or online, we inadvertently
indirectly. Answer in about 40 words. expose ourselves to abuse by strangers. He asks
us not to feed this monster in person or online.
ii. Which option DOES NOT substantiate the When possible, meet aggression with deafening
author’s view about the unconventional social silence.
behaviour of the online abusers?
ii. (a) Trolls can be reasoned with and their better
(a) Trolls can be reasoned with and their better nature can be appealed to.
nature can be appealed to.
iii. The survey about if we use the internet, the odds
(b) Online abusers are not considered ‘well-
are about even that we’ll be mistreated there
adjusted’ individuals.
says 41 per cent of the US adults have personally
(c) Online abusers are psychopaths. experienced online harassment and 55% think it is
(d) They troll for sadistic entertainment. a ‘major problem’.
iii. What do the survey says about if you use the iv. (c) Harsh – My target is to hurt, harass or upset
internet, the odds are about even that you’ll be someone else.
mistreated there? v. (d) We take online attacks as a form of self-
criticism that is hard to ignore.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 53
vi. When moral people exit social media platforms it 4. According to researchers, India has a variety of
increases the troll-to-normal ratio over time and 250 career options available across 40 domains
gives abusers a free run. covering 5,000 job types. This shocking lack of
awareness among Indian students regarding their
vii. asking us to make our non-receipts more tangible
future career options can spell a death knell for
and stonewalling aggression with silence.
the economic bonus that could have come to India
viii. FALSE. due to its demographic dividend the time period
where its population is young and earning.
Passage 2 5. Thus, if parents and teachers can build their own
awareness regarding new career options coming
1. The average age of India will be just 27 in 2020,
up, then they can be a very helpful part in their
which means that the majority of the country will
child’s career decisions rather than being one of
comprise young students and youth. But even now
those parents who push their child into one of
with the clock ticking, the unemployment crisis is
the most common careers simply because they are
raging the country and the main reason behind
unable to understand which area would be the
this problem is that there are a huge number of
perfect fit for their child.
youth passing out from schools and colleges every
year and there are many new career options and 6. If parents utilise the available technology and
job roles being added to various industries as well. tools available, they can become more aware of
which careers will help their children grow the
2. However, the youth do not have the kind of skills
most and career counselling can help both parties
the new industries want which results in a wide
get the desired satisfaction.
skill gap. A recent survey by Mindler, an online
career-counseling platform, has proved that the Answer the following questions, based on given
majority of Indian students are aware of just passage.
seven career paths, even though there are 250 i. Do you think the researchers of the study aimed
career options that can be pursued in India - most to change the students outlook towards the
new and in-demand. new career options? Support your answer with
3. The survey on the awareness of career options reference to the text. (Answer in about 40 words)
among Indian students in the age group of 14-
20 was conducted among 10,000 participants. The ii. What is the main essence of the passage?
responses collected in the survey showed that a (a) Only 7 professional field are popular in India.
staggering 93% of the students who participated (b) There is a lack of awareness regarding new
in the survey were aware of just seven career professions available.
options -- law, engineering, medicine, accounts (c) Parents must be involved in the process of
and finance, design, computer applications and career selection.
IT, and management.
(d) There is a huge gap between education and
employment opportunities.
iii. Which two fields, according to the survey, was
most popular among students?
iv. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most
appropriate option.
Career counselling can help both the students and
_____ to get satisfactory results
(a) survey team
(b) parents
(c) teachers
v. How can parents become more aware?
(a) By providing career counselling to their
Figure : Common Career Options Considered by Students children
(b) By talking to their children
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
4. Will Delhi be worth living in? Can the city state 7. Nothing has been done on that front so far. Nor
of Delhi escape the pressures put on it by an ever for the redevelopment of 45 resettlement colonies
expanding National Capital Region (NCR), which such as Ambedkar Nagar and Trilokpuri, which
touches as far as Alwar now? Are we prepared at were developed during Emergency to rehabilitate
all for this population explosion? slum dwellers. The rejuvenation of the Yamuna is
also on the plan, but the river remains severely
polluted in the Delhi stretch.
8. Will Delhi be liveable? Jain is not very hopeful.
He says Delhi won’t be a highly liveable city even
if the master plan is implemented in its entirety.
“Delhi is part of the National Capital Region
(NCR). So, Delhi’s development can’t happen in
isolation,” he explains.
Answer the following questions, based on given
passage.
i. Based on reading of the text, state a point to
challenge the statement. Answer in about 40 words.
Many important respects of MPD-2021 have been
implemented.
ii. The urban planners are collecting data based on
Figure : Population Growth in Major Global Cities
_____.
5. In a small office in Delhi’s India Habitat Centre, (a) transport
a group of urban planners-all belonging to the (b) land
National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)-have
(c) heritage
just started collecting baseline data on land,
housing, transport, environment, heritage, water, (d) All of these
among others, for Master Plan for Delhi (MPD)
iii. Based on the given graph, choose the option that
2041. “Our deadline for preparing the Master Plan
lists the statements that are true.
is 2021. But unlike its earlier editions, it won’t be
(a) Beijing and Delhi will see a decline in
a flat 20 year plan. This one will be divided into
various achievables, say, for every five years,” says population growth.
Nilesh Rajadhyaksha, lead coordinator of MPD (b) The population of Tokyb’ is ‘expected to
and urban specialist in NIUA. remain the same over 10 years.
(c) The population of New York had grown
The NIUA-an autonomous research and advisory
exponentially.
body that comes under the Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs-has been roped in by the Delhi iv. What problem will prevail even if the Master
Development Authority (DDA) to undertake this Plan is implemented in its entirety?
colossal strategy plan for Delhi 2041. The current
master plan, MPD-2021, which was notified in v. Whom had the Delhi development Authority
2007 and was prepared by an in-house team of hired to look into the development of Delhi?
the DDA, would expire in 2021. (a) NIUA
6. The concern is that a sense of urgency to fix (b) The Urban Planner
Delhi is missing. Many crucial elements of MPD- (c) MHUA
2021 still remain on paper, with just two years
(d) All of these
left for the plan to expire. AK Jain, former
commissioner-planning in DDA and key architect vi. Describe the crucial issue related to Master plans
of MPD-2021, gives a long list of what have not created for Delhi. Answer in about 40 words.
been implemented. The master plan talks about
brownfield redevelopment of rehabilitation colonies vii. Complete the following sentence based on the
such as Lajpat Nagar, Old Rajendra Nagar and information given in the passage.
Mukherjee Nagar, which were originally meant for The given passage wants to drive attention to
Partition refugees. _____.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 55
competitiveness, India still ranked 34th in the potential.
‘Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index 2019’
and could only capture 1.24% of the world’s viii. State TRUE or FALSE.
international tourist arrivals. The country’s Foreign tourists splurge more on star-rated
share is evidently a fraction of its potential. We, accommodation and services.
regrettably, have failed to realize the true impact Ans : 2022
of Tourism and convert our natural advantages i. The foreign tourists are bigger spenders in
into potential economic benefits. comparison to domestic tourists because if they
spend seven nights in India it means at least fifty
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
million room nights are consumed in India at a
above.
conservative level. They are bigger spenders and
i. Infer that the foreign tourists are bigger spenders consume services of local guides, dine in hotels
in comparison to domestic tourists. Answer in and pay a higher room rent compared to domestic
about 40 words. tourists.
ii. Select the option that proves that hospitality ii. (a) The DefExpo 2022 was postponed due to
industry had been facing a deep turmoil in the Russia-Ukraine war.
last two years and it is not over yet. iii. The given statement can be challenged because
(a) The DefExpo 2022 was postponed due to the author proposes to reduce GST on tour
Russia-Ukraine war. operators from 5% to 1.8%.
(b) Most hotels are offering pre-2019 rates in iv. (c) Pranjol – I will be here just for a month only.
desperation.
v. (a) GST @ 5 per cent
(c) Around 40% of hotels have closed shop.
(d) Only hotels with deep pockets will be able to vi. Indian domestic tourists do not spend much on
tide over the tough times. destination shopping because they are on a tight
budget with inflation eating into their savings.
iii. Based on the reading of the text, state a point to They do not like to spend too much on good
challenge the given statement. hotels.
Domestic tourists are on a tight budget scouting
vii. inversely
for discounts till the last moment but tour
operators are in a better position to serve the viii. TRUE.
cause of tourism industry.
iv. Identify the domestic tourist from the following Passage 4
three tourists.
1. Politics and now Pollution keep Delhi forever in
(a) Rakesh – WOW! I love this scene.
the news, but a third P (Population Growth) has
(b) Lokesh – I will stay here forever now. gone missing from the discourse on the capital:
(c) Pranjol – I will be here just for a month only. population growth, which has soared during the
last two decades and its disastrous fallout.
v. Which of the following should not be in the list if
India has to reap potential economic benefits in 2. Already, India’s capital city is the world’s second
tourism sector? most populous urban agglomeration. The future
is even more frightening: a United Nations report
(a) GST @ 5 per cent released in mid-2018 says Delhi could be the world’s
(b) highly-rated cultural resources most populous city by 2028 with 37.2 million people.
(c) competitiveness prices That is eight million more in just 10 years.
(d) highly-appreciated natural resources 3. According to the report called World Urbanisation
Prospects 2018 by the Population Division of the
vi. Why do domestic tourists not spend excessively UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs,
on destination shopping? (Answer in about 40 the population of Delhi and its immediate
words) neighbourhood is now estimated to be 29 million,
vii. Complete the sentence appropriately. second only to Tokyo with 37 million people. But
India’s share of world’s international tourist Delhi will zoom past Tokyo, whose population is
arrivals is _____ proportional to its actual projected to decline to 36.8 million by 2028.
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
(b) Babita – I’m reading books since night. estimated that, globally, 1.1 billion people breathe
(c) Daisy – I’m watching television for two hours. in unhealthy air. The World Health Organization
(WHO) has estimated that urban air pollution is
v. Which of the following is the correct option for responsible for approximately 800,000 deaths and
what does the author mean by degrading the 4.6 million people lose their lives every year around
time? the globe.
(a) Spending less time (b) Wastage of time 2. Traffic and transportation problems, inadequate
(c) Consuming more time (d) Saving time drainage facilities, lack of open spaces, carbon
emission, and the accumulation of waste
vi. What are the various digital activities in which aggravate the problem. Air pollution is associated
the twelfth graders indulge in the mid-2010s? with increased risk of Acute respiratory Infections
Answer in about 40 words. (ARI), the principal cause of infant and child
mortality in developing countries.
vii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
3. Urban air quality in most mega cities has been
Traditional media has been replaced by digital.
found to be critical and Kolkata is no exception
We can say this because _____.
to this. An analysis of ambient air quality in
viii. State TRUE or FALSE. Kolkata was done by applying the Exceedance
The title, ‘Social Media Usage by Age’ is Factor (EF) method, where the presence of
appropriate for this passage. listed pollutants’ (RPM, SPM, NO, and SO2)
Ans : 2014
annual average concentration are classified into
four different categories; namely critical, high,
i. Digital media has completely displaced time once moderate, and low pollution. Out of a total of 17
spent enjoying a book or watching TV. While ambient air quality monitoring stations operating
it is true that digital media has become more in Kolkata, five fall under the critical category,
prevalent in our daily lives, many people still and the remaining 12 locations fall under the
enjoy reading books and watching TV as a form high category of NO2 concentration, while for
of entertainment and relaxation. These two are RPM, four record critical, and 13 come under
anyhow, parallel to each other. the high pollution category. The causes of high
ii. (b) To know about digital competency of teenagers concentration of pollutants in the form of NO,
and RPM have been identified in earlier studies
iii. Yes, the researchers added eighth and tenth vehicular emission (51.4%), followed by industrial
graders to the survey deliberately. This is stated sources (24.5%) and dust particles (21.1%).
in paragraph 3, which says, “While the study
4. Later, a health assessment was undertaken
started with only twelfth-graders in the 1970s,
with a structured questionnaire at some nearby
eighth and tenth-graders were added in 1991.”
dispensaries which fall under areas with different
iv. (a) Anchal – I’m using WhatsApp since morning. ambient air pollution levels. Three dispensaries
v. (b) Wastage of time have been surveyed with 100 participants. It
shows that respondents with respiratory diseases
vi. The digital activities in which the twelfth graders (85.1%) have outnumbered waterborne diseases
indulged in are: (14.9%) and include acute respiratory infections
Texting for over two hours a day on the internet (ARI) (60%), chronic obstructive pulmonary
which included gaming and just under two hours diseases (COPD) (7.8%), upper tract respiratory
a day on social media. They spend about six hours infection (UTRD) (1.2%), Influenza (12.7%), and
per day on just three digital media activities acid-fast bacillus (AFB) (3.4%).
during their leisure time.
5. To live a healthy life and have better well-being,
vii. young people today are more dependent on digital practising pollution averting activities in one’s
media. day-to-day activities is needed. These pollution
viii. TRUE. averting practices can only be possible when
awareness among the masses is generated that the
air they breathe outdoors is not found to be safe.
Passage 16
1. Air pollution is a major threat to human health.
The United Nations Environment Programme has
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 57
viii. State TRUE or FALSE. 4. According to Elia Tsouros, an executive at
Currently, Delhi is the third most polluted city in UUNET, the broadband penetration in SA is
the world. abysmal compared to that of other countries. One
Ans : 2021 contributing factor is Telkom’s pricing structure,
i. The given statement is false. As per the and, the fact that SA is so large, and has such a
distributed population. The ramifications are vast
information given in the passage, many aspects of
- a slowing down of broadband uptake; a barrier
MPD-2021 have not been implemented.
for educational institutions; limitation for learners
ii. (d) All of these to gain access to the Internet; poor response times
iii. (b) The population of Tokyb’ is ‘expected to for researchers; limited business and marketing
remain the same over 10 years. opportunities and the list goes on. The absence
of a wholesale facilities leasing regime for ADSL
iv. Even if the Master plan is implemented in its in South Africa makes it difficult for ISPs to get
entirety, Delhi won’t be a liveable city. a significant portion of the ADSL revenue. ISPs
v. (a) NIUA are not entitled to ADSL line rentals at wholesale
prices, and thus subscribers have to rent the
vi. The crucial issue related to Master plans created line directly from the incumbent, Telkom. This
for Delhi is that they are not yet implemented. then further negates the opportunity for ISPs to
vii. the problem of rising population in Delhi bundle value-added offerings, such as video and
voice services with the ADSL line. Coupled with
viii. FALSE.
the high cost of line rentals is that of international
bandwidth. Telkom international bandwidth
Passage 5 charges on the SAT-3 cable are very high, and
it is common knowledge that even though both
1. Competition, deregulation, and intervention
Telkom and British Telecom’s purchase their
are all crucial to South Africa’s Road to a true
bandwidth from the same supplier; Telkom marks
broadband infrastructure. As of this year, SA had
up its costs by 80%, and British Telecoms by only
some 67,000 ADSL subscribers. This represents
20%.
about 0.4% of the worldwide total, and supports
the statement that SA remains, and will remain, 5. Roman Hogh, product development manager at
way behind the rest of the world for a long time M-Web Business, says that Icasa should have the
to come. power to audit how much Telkom charges for the
cable.
2. Broadband penetration in households varies
globally, with Korea being the world leader with Answer the following questions, based on given
a penetration of 68%, the USA having 28%, and passage.
the UK 16%. SA shamefully has a broadband
household penetration of 0.3%. The question i. Suggests two possible reasons in about 40 words
posed here is why South Africa is so far behind... behind the statement, ‘SA remains, and will
The answer lies not, in the unavailability of the remain, way behind the rest of the world for a
technology, but simply in the pricing. Many long time to come.’
people think that Telkom’s ADSL solution is
ii. Which hindrances contribute to the broadband
one-step closer to a true broadband solution in
infra of SA?
this country. However, many industry specialists
disagree. (a) Huge population
(b) Competition, interference and irregularity
3. “Telkom’s ADSL offerings are great; however, they
just cost too much, and are not viable solutions (c) Unaffordability of telecom
for many home users,” says Dave Gale, business (d) Lack of video services
development manager at Storm. “South Africa’s
broadband costs may be the butt of global jokes, iii. Justify the statement, ‘a barrier for educational
but to local users, especially individuals, schools, institutions : What does the speaker want to
small businesses and current ADSL users, the convey?
affordability factor just makes one’s blood boil,”
iv. Select the correct statement.
says Michelle Branco; product-marketing manager
at Internet Solutions. (a) Small businesses and the common users can
afford broadband width easily.
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
(c) By using the available tools and technology 2. So, let’s put a perspective on this thinking. In
(d) By finding which career options are the best 2019, which was a normal year for tourism arrivals,
fit for their children. India received over 10.9 million foreign tourists as
per government data. On average, foreign tourists
vi. Based on the reading of the text, state a point to spend seven nights in India and this means at
challenge the given statement. least fifty million room nights were consumed
Parents need not be aware of the upcoming career in India, at a conservative level, the bulk of this
options. spending is in star-rated hotels in India. They
vii. Complete the sentence appropriately are bigger spenders and consume services of local
Lack of awareness among Indian students guides, dine in the hotels and pay a higher room
regarding their future career options is affecting rent compared to domestic tourists.
our country badly since _____. 3. The year 2020 was a washout for inbound into
India, there was a slight recovery in 2021 but
viii. State TRUE or FALSE. nothing economically significant. Is domestic
The youth of today do have the kind of skills the tourism the panacea of the tourism economy in
view industries want. India? At the most, it can act as a band-aid to the
Ans : 2022
tourism economy.
i. Yes, the researchers of the study aimed to change 4. Indian domestic tourists do not spend much
the students’ outlook towards the new career on destination shopping as they are on a tight
options. The last paragraph of the passage budget with inflation eating into their savings.
mentions how parents and teachers can play a They avoid spending on good hotels too. For the
helpful part in their child’s career decisions by last two years, all hotels-be they top or average
making the student choose a career that fits him/ ones, have slashed their rates as were in 2017-18.
her best. Only deep-pocketed hotels are going to survive
because around 40% of hotels closed shop by early
ii. (d) There is a huge gap between education and
2021 and the situation has only worsened. Even
employment opportunities.
hotels in metros are charging rates prevalent in
iii. Engineering and computer application and IT 2017-18.
were the most popular career fields among the
5. Domestic tourists book last-minute scouting for
students. discounts whereas foreign visitors lock their rates
iv. (b) parents at least six months in advance. It’s the foreign
tourists that drive the tourism economy as they
v. (c) By using the available tools and technology
consume all forms of services when visiting India
vi. The given statement is wrong. Parents should be and no amount of domestic numbers can make up
aware of the upcoming career options so that they for the shortfall in terms of value. This is the best
can help their child in choosing the best career for time for the government to open its doors fully to
them. international tourism. To encourage tourism, the
vii. it is unable to reap the economic benefits that goods and service tax (GST) on tour operators
should be levied at about 1.8% instead of the
could have come to India due to its demographic
current 5%.
dividend
viii. FALSE.
Passage 3
1. Inbound tourism the world over was closed for two
years. India was no exception and this has taken
its toll on the tourism economy. The DefExpo
2022 scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar has
been postponed citing the Russia-Ukraine war. It
may be but it points to a larger picture of the
Indian hospitality industry losing out due to such
postponement. 6. Despite its rich treasure trove and high rankings
in cultural and natural resources as well as price
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 59
Answer the following questions, based on the passage ii. (a) Undertake journeys that give relaxation,
above. adventure or knowledge.
i. Infer two purposes of travelling as mentioned in iii. No, the researchers of the survey did not aim
the given paragraph. Answer in about 40 words. to popularize a particular type of tourism.
Researchers, in the table, mentioned four types
ii. Which of the following options displays the most of purposes to travel, i.e. adventure, education,
likely reason for people to make travel budgets?
relaxation and new travellers.
(a) Undertake journeys that give relaxation,
adventure or knowledge. iv. (c) Roshan – I love to explore isolated places full
of challenges.
(b) Learn about new people and their language.
(c) Buy the latest designs in the market. v. (c) Trying new things full of difficulties
(d) In order to gain relief from work pressure. vi. There are huge differences between travellers who
travelled for adventure and education. In the
iii. Do you think the researchers of the survey aimed survey, those who travelled for fun and adventure
to popularize a particular type of tourism? are the 20-30 years old. However, people below
20 years old are keen travellers who travelled for
iv. Identify the adventurous traveller from the
education.
following three travellers.
(a) Roshni – I love to capture photographs while vii. a thirst for knowledge and experience.
travelling. viii. TRUE.
(b) Reshma – I love to travel with tight travelling
budgets.
Passage 7
(c) Roshan – I love to explore isolated places full 1. The United States Postal Service (also known as
of challenges. USPS, the Post Office, informally known as the
P.O., or the U.S. Mail) is the third largest employer
v. Which of the following is an example of an
in the United States, after the Department of
opportunity for a sense of adventure?
Defence and Walmart. It employs over 785,000
(a) Hiring a taxi or cab workers in over 14,000 U.S. postal facilities.
(b) Being a tourist 2. The Postal Service has certainly grown and
(c) Trying new things full of difficulties changed since 1775 when the first Postmaster
(d) Advance booking of the travel tickets General -Benjamin Franklin - was named to head
the Post Office Department, the forerunner of the
vi. How might the differences in purpose of travellers current USPS. At that time, members of the Second
between adventure and education impact the age Continental Congress agreed that the Postmaster
groups offered by researchers in survey? Answer General headquarters, or most important offices,
in about 40 words. would be stationed in Philadelphia, and that the
Postmaster would be paid $1,000 a year for his or
vii. Complete the sentence appropriately. her service.
The similarities in the percentage of people 3. As the country grew westward, it became necessary
belonging to below 20 age group who are for the railroad system to carry the mail. The
interested in adventure and educational travelling Railway Mail Service (RMS) was initiated in 1862.
may be due to _____. The RMS workers sorted mail on the train, and
became some of the fastest workers in the system.
viii. State TRUE or FALSE.
They sorted about 600 pieces of mail per hour. All
The title, “Travelling for Fun”, is appropriate for
the mail had to be sorted before the train reached
this passage.
the first stop, since some of the mail was destined
Ans : 2021
for that first stop on the route.
i. Today, people travel for the purposes of business 4. By 1918, the Post Office took over air mail from
or leisure. They travel for relaxation, new the U.S. Army. The first airplanes used in U.S.
cultures, foreign food and normal surroundings. air mail were surplus planes from World War
Travel takes up 25-30% of the annual budget of a I. The Post Office started with only four pilots
family, according to a survey conducted in 2021. flying these leftover planes in August 1918, but
by the end of that year, the Post Office had hired
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
‘Arable’ land mentioned in Paragraph 3 means 3. The second is an offshoot of the first. Nowhere
_____. else do so many 7,000 metre plus peaks crowd up
Ans : 2008 such a confined space. And the third is really a
i. The advantages that processed foods provide are consequence of the first and the second with the
sharp gradation creating the most variegated flora
(a) Greater value addition - Value addition is
and fauna possible anywhere in the mountains.
a way to improve the quality, shelf life and The fourth uniqueness is also a consequence of
market ability of food products. If can also the first and the second and lies in the extremes
help to reduce post-harvest coses and improve of the climate which ranges from the tropical
the profitability of farmers and food processing to the typical arctic type. And the fifth claim
business. Some specific examples of value is its thin permanent population and relatively
added food products are canned foods, juices, fewer travellers by virtue of its remote far-
doing products, frozen fruits etc. eastern Himalayan location. The startling facts
(b) Reducing food wastage - which benefits about Sikkim never seem to end. For starters,
individuals, manufacturers and the all of Sikkim lies in a mere 110 kms by 65 kms
environment. of mountains, peaks, glaciers, rivers and forests.
A little dot on the map at a latitude 27 degrees
ii. (d) All of these
North and longitude 88 degrees East. Its 7,000 sq.
iii. Drying, threshing and grading are a part of kms make it about as large as the National Capital
primary food processing. Region of India! To the North and extending to
iv. (a) Agriculture the East of Sikkim, is Tibet/China and to the
West is Nepal. To the South are the Himalayan
v. As per the information given in the last paragraph and sub Himalayan regions of West Bengal. It
of the passage, quality standards have emerged as is, in fact, these geographical extremes and the
an important factor with the increasing importance resulting ambience, that makes mountaineers
of processed food. Hence, the given statement is trek here, when they are not climbing, besides
incorrect. fuelling mountaineering dreams in the minds of
vi. (b) The growing demand of processed food trekkers, what with the closest possible proximity
to magnificent peaks while trekking.
vii. FALSE.
4. On the subject of trekking here, it is strange
viii. cultivable but true that acclimatisation is much tougher in
Sikkim than elsewhere. It may have something to
Passage 20 do with being closer in latitude to the Tropic of
Cancer, beside the rather sharp stages involved in
1. This isn’t a mountain region of mere subjective
each day of trekking. The closeness to the Tropic of
beauty. Nor one, which claims its greatness,
Cancer has meant that On the subject of trekking
based on just an overwhelming opinion of a large
here, it is strange but true that acclimatisation
majority. For Sikkim, it is a treasure that few
is much tougher in Sikkim than the snowline
know about. However, the facts of its remarkable
will always be much higher and therefore human
geography bear enough testimony to pitch Sikkim
settlements are seen even at altitudes of 16,000
in a slot that no other mountain region anywhere
feet!
in the world could duplicate or rival. What
Everest is to peaks, Sikkim is to the mountains. Answer the following questions, based on given
Tragically, a region so wild and exotic and with passage.
such geographic and climatic extremes, that its
amazing wilds and not its unremarkable hill i. What makes Sikkim such a unique place? Mention
stations, ensure its accessibility to the adventurous two points.
only.
ii. Which proverb resonates the idea of “subjective
2. Just delve on these facts a bit. From the plains, in a beauty” given in the first line?
mere 80 kms as the crow flies, the altitude reaches (a) Too many cooks spoil the broth
28,168 feet at the very top of Kanchenjunga, the
third highest peak in the world. Such a sharp (b) A rolling stone gathers no moss
elevation is unrivalled anywhere else and is the (c) Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder
first geographical claim of Sikkim. (d) All that glitters is not gold
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 61
Passage 8 users are growing, so do the chances of cyber
1. The internet has become the integral part of exploitation and cyber crimes. Even a small
today’s generation of people; from communicating mistake in securing data or bad social networking
through instant messages and e-mails to banking, can prove to be extremely dangerous. If accounts
travelling studying and shopping, internet has are not properly secured, it makes easier for
touched every aspect of life. With the growing use hackers or unauthorised users to spread viruses
of the internet by people, protecting important or social engineered attacks that are designed
information has become a necessity. A computer to steal data and even money. Such types of
that is not having appropriate security controls issues highlight the need for cyber security as an
can be infected with malicious logic and thus any essential approach in protecting and preventing
type of information can be accessed in moments. data from being used inappropriately.
2. Hacking of important data, network outages, 6. In simple language, Cyber security of Information
computer viruses and other cyber related technology security means protecting data,
threats affects our lives that range from minor networks, programs and other information from
inconvenience to serious incidents. Cyber unauthorised or unintended access, destruction
threats can be caused due to negligence and or change. It encompasses all the mechanisms
vulnerabilities, or unintentional accidents. Such and processes that protect digital equipment,
hackers are a part of what is called Cybercrime. information and records from illegal or unintended
With the increasing use of net, the number of access, manipulation or destruction.
cybercrime complaints has seen a rise by 350% In today’s dynamic environment, cyber security
from 2013 and by over 44% from 2016, according has become vital for individuals and Jar .flies,
to cyber cell statistics. as well as organisations (such as military,
government, business houses, educational and
3. Most crimes are related to online banking, financial institutions, corporations and others)
emphasising why policymakers are concerned that collect and store a wide range of confidential
about digital security as the government pushes data on computers and transmit that to other
for a more cashless economy and card-based computers across different networks. For families,
or wallet-based transactions. As many as 3,474 protection of children and family members from
cybercrime complaints have been registered in cyber crime has become substantially important.
the past 10 months till October, 2017. A total of
2,402 such complaints were registered last year Answer the following questions, based on given
and 760 in 2013. Cyber cell cops said the online passage.
transaction was by cyber offenders who used i. Do you think that cyber security alone would
IMPS/RTGS transfer after blocking Kumar’s be able to reduce cyber crimes? Give reasons for
SIM, which was linked to his bank account. your answer. in about 40 words.
4. The number of online banking fraud-related
ii. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most
complaints had increased nearly nine times in the
appropriate option.
last five years. The number jumped from 248 in
Regarding the increasing cybercrimes, the cyber
2013 to 2,095 in 2017 (till October). While online
cell blames _____.
banking and credit card fraud tops the list, social
networking-related crime, email hacking, online (a) the unlimited access to internet
sexual harassment, lottery fraud, data-theft (b) technological advancement
and job-related fraud are also frequent. Social (c) lack of cyber wall
networking related complaints have doubled from
(d) lack of investment in cyber security
2016. Cyber cell cops blame ease of access to
information and technological advancement for iii. Based on the reading of the text, state a point to
the spurt in cybercrime cases. Net-banking has challenge the given statement. The internet can
made it easy for criminals to siphon off money easily become secure if we teach people about its
from accounts. Bank-related fraud takes time to correct usage.
solve and constitute the maximum of cybercrime
iv. Select the option that displays the list of people
cases lying unsolved with the police, said an
who could be a cybercriminals.
official with the cyber cell.
(a) Tech-savvy youth
5. As the number of data networks, digital
applications, as well as internet and mobile (b) Unemployed youth
(c) Poorly paid people
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
36 more pilots. By 1920, over 49 million air mail in about 40 words.
letters had been delivered. ii. The railway mail service was established in
5. The Post Office has used alternate methods of
(a) 1884 (b) 1980
transmission during its history. It owned and
operated the first telegraph lines from 1884 to (c) 1862 (d) 1775
1887 - when the lines were privatized. It utilized iii. How did the RMS become some of the fastest
“V-Mail” (Victory Mail) during World War II workers in the service?
when U.S. military mail was put on microfilm (a) By using pigeons
in the U.S. and printed near its destination, in
(b) By sorting the mail on the train before every
order to save space on military transport. During
the 1980s, Electronic Computer Originated Mail, stop
called ECOM, was used for some bulk mailings. (c) By inviting people to sort the mail.
Computer generated mail was printed near its iv. What was the system of transporting mail called?
destination, and bore a blue ECOM logo on its
special envelopes. v. Who was the first Postmaster General?
6. In 1970, the Postal Reorganization Act, signed by vi. The second largest employer in the US is
President Richard Nixon, replaced the Post Office (a) Walmart
Department (a Cabinet-level department) with the (b) Department of Defense
independent US Postal Service. The independent (c) United States Postal Service
US Postal Service has streamlined its workload (d) Domino’s
and modernized operations. Today’s multi-line
optical character readers (MLOCRs) can read the vii. How does the independent US Postal service work
entire address on an envelope, print a barcode on Answer in about 40 words.
the envelope, and sort the mail at the rate of nine
viii. State TRUE or FALSE.
letters per second. The zip code +4, a four digit
code added to the end of the existing 5-digit code, The price of first-class stamp-recently approved
has decreased the number of times a piece of mail at 5 cents apiece.
needs to be handled. Ans : 2019
7. Special barcode sorters assign an 11-digit zip code i. The mails were being carried through the railway
to each address, apply a barcode to each letter, system and this was initiated in 1862. The RMS
and sort the mail in order of delivery. The Postal workers become some of the fastest in the system.
Service has installed automated customer-service They used to sort mails on the train. And they
equipment in lobbies, and is planning to automate were capable of sorting 600 mails per hour. The
even more of its work, including more machines reason being some of the mails were supposed to
which will process parcels and forwarded mail. be dropped at the first stop of the route.
The price of a first-class stamp-recently approved
at 44 cents and good for up to one-ounce domestic ii. (c) 1862
mail- seems relatively inexpensive compared to its iii. (b) By sorting the mail on the train before every
predecessor; the first U.S. postage stamp, issued stop
in 1847. The first stamps, adorned with a picture
iv. It was called Railway Mail Service (RMS).
of Benjamin Franklin, sold for 5 cents apiece.
They were used for letters weighing less than one v. Benjamin Franklin
ounce with a travel distance of less than 300 miles. vi. (a) Walmart
By way of comparison, pay records available for
the 1890s indicate that a typical year’s pay for a vii. The independent US Postal service has streamlined
schoolteacher was around $500, or 10,000 times its workload and modernized operations. MLOCRS
the price of a stamp. Stamp prices then seem (Multi-line Optical Character Readers) now can
relatively high when compared to today’s average read the entire address on a mail, print a barcode
teacher pay, in the $40,000 per-year range, or on an envelope and sort the mail at a speed of nine
about 1,000,000 times the price of a postage letters per second. Also the zip code +4, a four
stamp! digit code added to the end of the existing 5 digit
Answer the following questions based on the passage code, has decreased the number of times a mail
above. needs to be handled.
i. How did the mail sorting work in RMS? Answer viii. FALSE.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 63
a high net worth or hold property entitlements, The concluding paragraph of the passage makes a
are treated comparatively well by their family clear case for _____.
members” said Rath.
viii. State whether the given statement is TRUE or
7. “Managing home care for the elderly is a massive FALSE.
challenge as multiple service providers-nursing In order to get proper case and support, the old
agencies, physiotherapists and medical suppliers- people have to adjust their lifestyle as per the
are small scale and unorganised and, therefore, wishes of their children.
provide incomplete care,” he said. “In India, Ans : 2018
health insurance coverage is essentially limited to
hospitalisation. The concept of geriatric care has i. The two essential requirements for older people
remained a neglected area of medicine so far in suffering from mobility issues are:
the country.” 1. Wheelchairs
Answer the following questions, based on given 2. Adult diapers.
passage. ii. (b) They are treated with much more care and
i. List two essential requirements for older people respect.
suffering from mobility issues. iii. Traditional family support is the primary need of
all the elderly people in India.
ii. Select the option that displays the reason behind
financially independent elderly being better off. iv. (c) social responsibilities
(a) They are seen as one to be revered. v. (d) All of the above
(b) They are treated with much more care and vi. The given statement is incorrect because while the
respect. need for private space has created the challenges
(c) They have money to meet their financial in long term elderly care, the joint family system
needs. has always made sure that the elderly were well
(d) They have medical expenses. loved and cared for. In fact, it was the breaking
up of the joint family system that initiated the
iii. According to the passage, what do you think problems in elderly care.
is the primary need of all the elderly people in
India? vii. providing insurance cover for patients breeding
geriatric case.
iv. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most
appropriate option. viii. TRUE.
According to the study, long-term and palliative
care comes under the purview of _____. Passage 10
(a) government responsibilities
1. The first Indian woman physician Anandibai
(b) liabilities Joshi, graduated in 1886. Starting from that
(c) social responsibilities single figure, about 125 years later, Indian women
have started to outnumber men in admissions to
v. Select the option that displays the most likely medical colleges and the trend continues to grow
reason for stating that older people who live with stronger by the year, particularly over the last
family are no better. five years. During this period, India has produced
It is so because 4500 more female doctors than male ones.
(a) they have additional burden of responsibility
2. In India women constituted 51% of the students
(b) they have no one who loves or cares for them joining medical colleges, cornering 23,522 seats
(c) they also suffer from loneliness in 2014-15, compared to 22,934 men. In fact, in
(d) All of the above the neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and
Bangladesh there are much higher portions of
vi. State a point to challenge the given statement :
women in medical colleges, with figures standing
Joint Family System along with the need for
at 70% and 60% respectively.
private space has brought challenges to the long
term elderly care. 3. According to the medical journal Lancet, only
17% of all allopathic doctors and 6% of those
vii. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate in rural areas are women. This is less than one
inference from the last paragraph of the passage. female allopathic doctor per 10,000 population
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
10 million people will die every year of tobacco (b) Consumption of tobacco is limited to only
related causes. lower income families
4. Even though governments are now recognising (c) With the ban of tobacco, its consumption has
and accepting the fact that tobacco harms decreased
their economies and kills their countrymen (d) Tobacco consumption is rampant in only males
prematurely, not all governments are able to or
want to introduce strong effective legislation and iii. According to the CPAA, what is main cause of
contribute in other ways to tobacco control. increasing consumption of Gutkha?
5. More and more young smokers are being recruited (a) Lack of restrictions on its consumption
into the ranks of the tobacco habituated by (b) Lack of restriction on its production
deceptive and manipulative advertising. Though
(c) Lack of restrictions on its advertisements
the industry claims that use of tobacco is a decision
made by informed individuals, the true picture (d) Lack of economic stability in the poor groups
is that today’s youth is making an uninformed iv. Based on the reading of the text, complete the
choice when it comes to tobacco consumption. following statement.
6. This is because the promotion of tobacco by As a part of manipulative advertising, youngsters
the industry hides the truth about the effects of are made to believe that tobacco is _____.
tobacco and goes to great lengths to make tobacco (a) a key to happy and healthy life
use seem to be the key to a healthy, happy, social
life. (b) a key to a reclusive life
(c) a symbol of higher status
7. Cancer patients Aid association (CPAA) in its
survey gave the following information : v. How are people attracted towards tobacco?
• Children between ages of 7 and 8 smoked
bidis. vi. Complete the sentence approximately with one/
• The youngest smoker was 6 years old. two words.
• 87 children had already acquired pre- The government knows the effects of tobacco
cancerous lesions. consumption but it does not _____ its
• Over 50% of people are addicted to tabacco. consumption.
• 4 million people die every year due to tabacco
vii. State TRUE or FALSE.
realted causes.
The promotion of tobacco by the industry reveals
• By the year 2030, approximately 10 million
the ill-effects of tobacco consumption.
people will die every year of tabacco related
causes. viii. Based on the theoretical reading of the text, state
two points to challenge the given statement in
about 40 words.
Addiction of tobacco afflicts only the elder (18+)
stratum of the society.
Ans : 2014
i. Yes, I think that putting a stop on manipulative
advertising regarding tobacco can help in reducing
tobacco. This is so because it is the manipulative
advertising that attracts many people towards it.
By putting a stop on it, we can ensure that more
Answer the following questions, based on given people are not afflicted by tobacco addiction.
passage.
ii. (b) Consumption of tobacco is limited to only
i. Do you think that putting a stop on manipulative lower income families
advertising regarding tobacco can help in reducing
iii. (c) Lack of restrictions on its advertisements
its consumption? Support your answer with
reference to text in about 40 words. iv. (a) a key to happy and healthy life
ii. Which of the following assumptions does the v. People are attracted towards tobacco through
passage negate? deceptive advertisements that show that tobacco
consumption is good for a healthy life.
(a) Consumption of tobacco is considered illegal
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 65
ii. (d) It is higher than the figures in India. urbanised, and diversified with the growth of
new industries, unlike most other regions in the
iii. In the neurology department of AIIMS, the woman
world. In fact, rapid growth experienced by the
HOD attracts a lot of women joining faculty. It is
US and China in the past century illustrate how
because the woman HOD becomes a role model
improving the gender balance in the workforce
and thus, more women are encouraged to join it.
contributes to a nation’s economic growth. Female
iv. (c) Suraj: I perform surgeries. labour force participation is 56 percent in the US
v. (a) 4500 and 64 percent in China.
6. The above correlation is also strengthened by a
vi. According to a paper on women in medicine
2017 IMF study, which states that increasing the
published in the journal ‘Indian Anthropologis’
female labour force participation will grow India’s
by sociologist Dr Mita Bhadra, the gender gap
GDP by an estimated 27 percent. Contrast this
persists at the postgraduation and doctoral levels.
with the projections made by the government’s
The percentage of women doctors here is around big idea reforms ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital
one-third of male doctors. She also observed India’, which aim to boost India’s growth by 16
that positions of leadership in academics and percent and 5 percent, respectively.
administration are still mostly occupied by men.
7. Yet, GDP goals aside, the gender imbalance
vii. paraclinical in India’s workforce stunts future prospects
viii. FALSE. for inclusive growth in the country. It deprives
women and girls from positions of role models in
Passage 11 the workplace, reduces their motivation to study
1. India’s labour market is the second largest in the further and perpetuates unhealthy socio-cultural
world, after China, with a working age population attitudes. Leaving out one half of the population
of about 520 million people. In 10 years, it is from its workforce will also prolong India’s status
expected to be the world’s largest as China’s as a developing country.
population aged 15 to 64 drops from 20.5 to 18.3
percent.
2. While this positive demographic growth should be
advantageous for business, only a small portion
of India’s working age population is actually
engaged in the formal workforce. The primary
reason being that barely one in four women are
part of the country’s workforce. Today, industry
estimates show that women in India only make
up five to six percent of directorships at most
listed companies; this after amendments to the
Companies Act mandated at least one woman on
company boards.
3. These figures underline the highly distorted nature
of India’s labour market where women hold 45
percent of university degrees but are either denied
employment opportunities or experience much
slower career growth trajectories due to gender-
based discrimination.
4. India has the lowest female labour force
participation rate in its neighbourhood. At
about 27 percent, it falls well below Sri Lanka, Figure : Female Workforce Participation Rate in South
Bangladesh and Nepal. While female employment Asia
is higher in rural India, it is mostly as underpaid
and temporary labour, though even here the rate Answer the following questions, based on given
of participation is declining. passage.
5. The overall rate of female labour force participation i. According to the passage, what may be a negative
declined as the Indian economy opened up, factor that can impact the positive growth of the
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
(b) In the absence of getting revenue, ISP’s have Passage 6
to pay the rent directly for the Telkom. 1. Travel today, whether for purposes of business or
(c) Telkom and the British Telecom purchase the leisure, takes up 25-30% of the annual budget of
bandwidth from the same supplier. family, according to a survey conducted in 2021.
v. Which of the following country has become 2. Today, it is trending to spend money on
the second most powerful country in terms of experiences rather than consumables. Travel is
computation? no longer looked at as just visiting a new place.
It underlines an ethos, a culture, a pandora’s
(a) India box full of surprises. People who love to travel
(b) Korea enjoy relaxation, new cultures, foreign food or
(c) USA incredible landscapes different from their normal
(d) South Africa surroundings. Some people enjoy the motion of
travelling, being on a boat, plane, train or bus.
vi. Based on the understanding of the above extract, The list is endless and the reasons range from
suggest any similarity or dissimilarity between simple to complex. The study further revealed
Telkom and British Telecom. Answer in about 40 changing trends in travel tourism. While some are
words. serious travellers who fall under the category of
medical tourism, a large percentage are splurging
vii. Complete the sentence appropriately. on pleasure travel. When questioned on why, what
As the population of SA is so large, the perception are the benefits or purpose, the responses can be
of broadband has become _____ when we categorized under a few common headings.
compare to rest of the countries.
3. Those who do it for fun, for a sense of adventure,
viii. State TRUE or FALSE. to take on risks and challenges are the 18-30
The title, ‘What caused the decline of South year-olds. While the 30-40 years bracket couple
Africa, is appropriate for this passage. fun with education, a thirst for knowledge and
Ans : 2021 experience-to see beautiful places, explore cultures
i. Two possible reasons behind the given statement and cuisines. They believe that an ever-changing
are as follows : environment is stimulating, refreshing and brings
endless learning opportunities. Those between the
1. It has been found through a survey that South
40-50 years travelled to expand their minds and
Africa had only 0.4% telecom subscribers in
challenge perspectives. They want a break from
the world wide due to its high pricing.
their soul-destroying lifestyles. The 60 years and
2. South Africa is also lagging behind because of above were the NOW travellers-they feel they
its huge and distributed population. might drop dead the day before they retire or be
ii. (b) Competition, interference and irregularity too old and unfit to travel, or take on, physical
challenges. The in-between 50-60 years adopt the
iii. By taking up broadband in educational best of both worlds.
institutions, students won’t be able to get
the access for internet as it costs much to the 4. The survey concluded that travel has become an
institutions. It has become a hindrance for the integral part of people’s lives, and it provides us
educational institutions. our greatest stories, our most cherished moments
and countless learnings that broaden our horizons
iv. (c) Telkom and the British Telecom purchase the and above all teach us about ourselves and others.
bandwidth from the same supplier.
Age-wise distribution of holiday-goers in percentages
v. (c) USA
Age Adventure Education Relaxation Now Travellers
vi. Both Telkom and British Telecom’s purchase their Below 20 39 38 6 17
bandwidth from the same supplier; but Telkom
20 – 30 44 28 12 16
marks up its costs by 80%, and British Telecoms
30 – 50 25 24 30 21
by only 20%.
Above 50 8 10 40 42
vii. extremely bad/abysmal
viii. TRUE.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 67
the youth of India is not properly educated and if 12. In the meantime, we as citizens of the world and
there are not enough jobs created, India will lose descendants of India have to make a difference.
its opportunity forever. There are danger signs in We have to ensure that India and its youth attain
abundance. that potential both through our business pursuits
5. Fifty-three per cent of students in primary schools and the support of educational charities, on-the-
drop out, one-third of children in Class V cannot ground proponents of participative democracy
read, three quarters of schools do not have a as well as other deserving organizations and
functioning toilet, female literacy is only 45 per initiatives.
cent and 80 million children in the age group of 13. I believe that hope can triumph and that this can
6-14 do not even attend school. be India’s century-not one that will happen as
6. India’s IT and BPO industries are engines of job surely as the sun will rise each day, but one that
creation, but they still account for only 0.2 per many willing hands will need to create together.
cent of India’s employment. The country has no Answer the following questions, based on given
choice but to dramatically industrialize and inflate
passage.
its domestic economy. According to a forecast by
the Boston Consulting Group, more than half of i. India is on its way to establish a reputation as
India’s unemployed within the next decade could
(a) production centre
be its educated youth. We cannot allow that to
happen. (b) back office to the world
(c) technology nerve centre
7. India is stuck in a quagmire of labour laws that
hinder employment growth, particularly in the (d) all of these
manufacturing sector. Inflexible labour laws
ii. Why is India amongst the youngest countries of
inhibit entrepreneurship so it is quite ironic
the world ? Answer in about 40 words.
that laws ostensibly designed to protect labour
actually discourage employment. iii. “This confidence has them demonstrating a great
8. Employment creation needs an abundant supply propensity to consume” the confidence referred
of capital. Controls on foreign investment have here is :
resulted in China getting five times the foreign (a) India being the world’s back office.
direct investment, or an advantage of $200 billion (b) The feeling that India can be at least as good
over the past five years. The growing interest in if not better than anyone else in the world.
India by global private equity firms offers well as
(c) India being a young country.
they represent pools of patient and smart capital,
but they too face many bureaucratic hurdles. iv. State any one factor that is obstructing the
9. When it comes to domestic capital availability, growth of employment in manufacturing sector in
budget deficits adding up to 10 per cent of the India.
national GDP impede capital availability for
investment and infrastructure. v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The narrator suggests _____ for creating more
10. Raising infrastructure spending, coupled with rapid employment.
privatization, may not only create employment but
also address the growing gaps in infrastructure. vi. Synonym of the word morass is _____.
China has eight times the highway miles and has (a) Quagmire (b) Remorse
increased roads significantly in the past few years
(c) Hiatus (d) Problem
while India has only inched along. Freight costs
at Indian ports are almost double the worldwide vii. According to the narrator, raising infrastructure
average, just to, give two examples. spending and rapid privatization will create more
employment opportunities. TRUE or FALSE.
11. Moreover like the Lilliputians that kept the giant
Gulliver tied down there are some 30,000 statutes in viii. The narrator states ‘India is stuck in a quagmire
India of which only a portion are even operational of labour laws. Explain in about 40 words.
and these keep the employment creation engine Ans : 2016
tied down. Since there are no sunset provisions in i. (d) all of these
any laws the regulatory morass only grows every
year. ii. India’s civilization has been from ancient times.
But despite the fact that its civilization has been
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
in rural areas, whereas the ratio is 6:5 in urban 73.8% in Estonia to 50.2% in Spain. In two non-
areas. OECD countries, Latvia and Lithuania, females
4. According to a paper on women in medicine accounted for over 74% and 70% of physicians.
published in the journal ‘Indian Anthropologis’ In contrast, only one in five doctors in Japan
by sociologist Dr Mita Bhadra, the gender gap and Korea were women. In the United States
persists at the postgraduation and doctoral levels. it is one in three, confirming the fact that the
The percentage of women doctors here is around disproportion among women and men doctors is a
one-third of male doctors. She also observed universal phenomenon.
that positions of leadership in academics and Answer the following questions, based on the passage
administration are still mostly occupied by men. above.
5. In Pakistan, though 70% of medical students
are women, only 23% of registered doctors were i. Infer the purpose of the survey as mentioned in
females because a large number of those who the given extract. Answer in about 40 words.
graduated never took to practising. The trend
ii. What is the number of women joining the medical
of more women joining the medical profession is
profession in Pakistan and Bangladesh? 1
welcomed in all these countries as female doctors
are seen as committed and caring. A paper on (a) It equals women doctors in India.
women in medicine published by Dr Rakesh (b) It is growing faster than the doctors in India.
Chaddha and Dr Mamta Sood of the psychiatry (c) It is much lower than the figures in India.
department of AIIMS noted that medicine has been (d) It is higher than the figures in India.
a male-dominated profession because it demands
long working hours that are disadvantageous to iii. How does the woman HOD impact faculty?
women who, even today, struggle to juggle career
and family responsibilities. iv. Identify the surgeon from the following three.
6. Earlier, though women were largely restricted (a) Roshan: People come to me in fever.
to fields such as obstetrics, gynaecology and (b) Latasha: I work over tooth of the people.
paediatrics, this is changing now. There has (c) Suraj: I perform surgeries.
always been a preponderance of women in pre-
clinical subjects like anatomy, physiology and v. By how much did the female doctors have
biochemistry and paraclinical subjects like outnumbered the male doctors in 125 years in
pharmacology, pathology and microbiology, right India?
from the 70s. In departments headed by women, (a) 4500
the women faculty was 49% as compared to just (b) 4300
19% in those headed by men, says Dr Chaddha,
(c) 4000
giving the example of the neurology department
at the AIIMS, which saw a lot of women faculty (d) 2383
joining when the HOD was a woman. ‘It is probably
vi. At what level did the gender gap persist in the
because the head of the department becomes a
extract? What did Dr Mita Bhadra observe?
role model and more women are encouraged to
Answer in about 40 words.
join,’ said Dr Chaddha.
7. There are skews within the medical profession vii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
in most parts of the world with some medical Pharmacology, pathology and microbiology are
specialties, such as surgery and other disciplines termed as _____.
requiring emergency duty with irregular hours
being male-dominated. Even in the United viii. State TRUE or FALSE.
Kingdom, though women account for 56% of The title, “Studying is disadvantageous to
those opting for medical education, 49% are women” is appropriate for the given passage.
public health and only 8% are surgeons, according Ans : 2017
to a Royal College of Physicians expert. i. The purpose of the survey as mentioned in the given
extract is to confirm the fact that the disproportion
8. Among the Organization for Economic Co- among women and men doctors all over the world
operation and Development countries (OECD), is a universal phenomenon. Further, to prove his
across ten of them, predominantly from the
confirmation, the researcher has provided statistics
erstwhile Eastern Bloc, the proportion of female
also.
physicians is more than 50%, ranging from a high
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 69
experts, for years have been calling for freeing up ii. (a) Lack of proper sewage systems
the flow of rivers to allow them to rejuvenate. So iii. The presence of septic tanks result in the
the good news for the moment is water resources
contamination of groundwater because they leak
Minister Uma Bharti’s announcement that no
on the groundwater due to overflow.
new dams will be sanctioned on the Ganga if the
project interrupts flow of the river. iv. (a) The sewage treatment capacity of the country
needs to be increased.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above. v. (d) Both (a) and (b)
i. What does the revealation by the Municipal vi. The Water Aid report looks at sanitation systems
Corporation of Gurugram point to? Answer in in six states and presents a snapshots of how
about 40 words. much wastewater is dumped untreated. It show
that 87% of water used by people of Delhi returns
ii. Which of the following is the reason for Yamuna as waste, out of which only 61% is treated.
being the most polluted rivers in the country?
vii. Uttar Pradesh
(a) Lack of proper sewage systems
(b) Lack of treatment of contaminated water viii. TRUE.
(c) Flooding with the onset of rains
(d) Improper sanitation facilities
Passage 14
1. A number of citizens suffer from a variety of
iii. Why does the presence of septic tanks result in diseases that can be linked to tobacco addiction.
contamination of ground water? In a recent check-up camp organised by the
Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), 830
iv. Which of the following facts can be inferred from
street children were examined and the following
the given graph?
grim picture was established
(a) The sewage treatment capacity of the country • All the boys, young and old, smoked ganja.
needs to be increased. • Girls consumed supari or burnt tobacco
(b) The condition of treatment of sewage is still powder.
better in class II cities. • ‘Solutions’ or ‘white ink’ or ‘erasing fluids’
(c) The maximum contamination of water takes are also inhaled by these children to get a
place in Delhi. ‘high’
• These substances are easily accessible, legal
v. What is true regarding the contaminated water? and cost a mere ` 2.
(a) Less than 20% of the contaminated water is But this trend is not only confined to any
treated. particular segment of society. According to
(b) Most of the contaminated water is dumped doctors, consumption of gutkha and smoking
into the water bodies. is quite rampant amongst children from higher
(c) Contaminated water is the reason for the lack income groups.
of potable water. 2. According to CPAA officials, consumption of
(d) Both (a) and (b) gutkha has gone up considerably in the last
few years. Since there is no restriction on the
vi. What information does the Water Aid report advertisements of this product, even during
present? Answer in about 40 words. Ganesh festivals, companies producing gutkha
sponsor events and display huge ads.
vii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The state of _____ in the country has the 3. Over 50% of the people screened so far are
lowest treatment percentage. addicted to tobacco. The most common form
of tobacco use is gutkha and chewing tobacco.
viii. State TRUE or FALSE. Gutkha is being consumed by people of all ages,
Delhi has the capacity to treat 61% of the upto 22 times a day.
wastewater it generates. 4 million people die every year due to tobacco
Ans : 2015 related causes. Unparalleled expansion of tobacco
i. The revelation by the Municipal Corporation of production and its aggressive and unrestricted
Gurugram points to the problem of contamination promotion, especially in our country, confirms
of water bodies due to sewage. the fears that by the year 2030, approximately
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
v. What has made it easy for people to illegally take conducted for the United Nations. The survey of
out money from banks? more than 10,000 respondents across Northern,
(a) Aadhar numbers Southern, Western, Eastern and Central India
during May-June 2018, showed that 62.1% of
(b) Smart cards
the elderly did not get such care. More than half
(c) Net-banking of these people, 52.4%, said they primarily need
(d) Mobile numbers traditional family support, says a study by Age
well Research and Advocacy Centre.
vi. Ease of access to information and technological
advancement is the reason for the spurt in 2. Older people in India often face problems such as
cybercrime cases. Give a reason for such a claim. disability, restricted mobility, loneliness, poverty
Answer in about 40 words. and lack of awareness on accessing old-term care.
With a fast growing population of older people,
vii. Complete the sentence based on the following the ever-increasing gap between generations and
statement. the fast and demanding lifestyle of young people,
According to the passage, if accounts are not for a majority of older people, life is still a struggle
properly secured, hackers can easily _____. for independence.
viii. State TRUE or FALSE. 3. “According to 64% of elderly respondents,
The government’s push for a more cashless loneliness, marginalisation and isolation are the
economy and card-based or wallet-based most critical issues faced by bedridden, elderly
transactions is not a well thought of decision. patients as they cannot visit, meet or interact
Ans : 2019
with their relatives, friends and neighbours,” said
Himanshu Rath, founder of Agewell Foundation.
i. No, I do not think that cyber security alone would
4. The elderly have to compromise and make
be able to reduce cyber crimes totally. It might
adjustments in their lifestyle according to the
reduce the percentage of crimes but without
wishes of the younger members of their families
proper laws to punish the criminals, it wouldn’t
to ensure they are cared for, the study revealed. It
be as effective.
highlighted that 67.6% of the elderly being taken
ii. (b) technological advancement care of their family members have to look after
iii. The given statement is incorrect because while the children of the families. They have to perform
tasks such as babysitting in return for proper care
correct usage of internet will help in maintaining
and support.
internet security, it does not guarantee cyber
security. The chances of fraud and crimes will still 5. “Around 73.7% said they have to take care of the
remain at the same level if we do not come up house and other properties of their younger family
with proper codes of security and stringent laws members to ensure long-term and palliative care
to punish offenders. in old age”, the study report said. “Over 75%
of respondents have to limit their personal social
iv. (a) Tech-savvy youth interactions as their family members direct them
v. (c) Net-banking to do so, otherwise their family members can
avoid providing their basic needs of food and
vi. Ease of access to information and technological
medicines.”Most elderly respondents (68.5%) said
advancement is the reason for the spurt in
breaking up of the joint family system is one of
cybercrime cases because with net banking, a form the biggest factors for the challenges they face in
of banking increasing in today’s’ world, all details getting long-term palliative care.
are easily availed through the internet. This form
of banking has made it easy for criminals to 6. Healthcare equipment such as wheelchairs, relief
siphon off money from accounts. material such as adult diapers and care-giving
service should be provided on a regular basis to
vii. spread viruses to steal data and even money destitute older people, who are bedridden and
viii. TRUE. suffering from acute mobility issues, the report
said.
“Though providing long-term and palliative care
Passage 9 to older persons comes in the purview of family
1. A large majority of the elderly in India does not responsibilities in India, it is observed that older
get long-term and palliative care, revealed a study persons, who are financially independent, have
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 71
vi. restrict more traditional media such as print book and
vii. FALSE. newspapers.
7. The decline in reading print media was especially
viii. The given statement is incorrect as the report
steep. In the early 1990s, 33 per cent of tenth-
from CPAA posits that it is children who are
graders said they read a newspaper almost every
most affected by tobacco addiction are children
day. By 2016, that number was only 2 per cent. In
between 7 and 8 years who smoke bidis with the the late 1970s, 60 per cent of twelfth-graders said
youngest being only 6 years old. they read a book or a magazine almost every day;
by 2016, only 16 per cent did. Twelfth-graders
Passage 15 also reported reading fewer books each year in
2016 compared to how much they read in 1976
1. News-If you can’t remember the last time, you and approximately one-third did not read a book
saw a teenager reading a book, newspaper or (including e-books) for pleasure in the year prior
magazine, you’re not alone. In recent years, less to the 2016 survey.
than 20 per cent of teen report reading a book,
magazine or newspaper daily for pleasure. More 8. There’s no lack of intelligence among young people.
than 80 per cent say they use social media every However due to over dependence on digital media
day, according to a research published by the they find it difficult to focus for long periods of
World Psychological Association. time and to read long-form text. Subsequently,
they find it challenging to understand complex
2. “Compared with previous generations, teens in the issues and develop critical thinking skills.
2010s spent more time online and less time with
traditional media, such as books, magazines and
television,” said lead author of the book yGen and
professor of psychology at ABC University. ‘Time
on digital media has displaced the time that was
once spent enjoying a book or watching TV’
3. Swaner and her colleagues analyse data
concluded from an ongoing study of a nationally
representative sample of approximately 50,000
eighth, tenth and twelfth grade students annually.
They looked at survey results from 1976 to 2016,
Answer the following questions, based on given
representing more than 1 million teenagers. While
passage.
the study started with only twelfth-graders in the
1970s, eighth and tenth-graders were added in i. Infer two possible ways that the survey, mentioned
1991. in the given extract, could be beneficial. Answer
in about 40 words.
4. Use of digital media increased substantially from
2006 to 2016. Among twelfth-graders, internet use ii. Select the option that displays the most likely
during leisure time doubled from one to two hours reason for the study of this research.
per day during that period. It also increased 75
(a) To know about reading choices of teenagers
per cent for tenth-graders and 68 per cent for
eighth-graders. (b) To know about digital competency of
teenagers
5. “In the mid-2010s, the average twelfth grader
(c) To know about speed of reading text
reported spending approximately two hours a day
texting, just over two hours a day on the internet (d) To know about the decline of time spent on
which included gaming and just under two hours traditional media
a day on social media,” said Swaner. That’s a
iii. Do you think that the researchers of this study
total of about six hours per day on just three
added eighth and tenth graders to the survey,
digital media activities during their leisure time.
deliberately? Support your answer with reference
6. In comparison, tenth-graders reported a total of to the text.
five hours per day and eighth-graders reported
four hours per day on those three digital activities. iv. Identify the person who uses social media from
Consequently, the spent time in the digital world the three following people.
is seriously degrading the time they spend on (a) Anchal – I’m using WhatsApp since morning.
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
from the dawn of human habitation, the country sewage network, the rest depending on septic tanks
is still among the youngest countries in the world. and pit latrines. There are more numbers to raise
This is because more than half of the country’s a stink about. More than 5 lakh pit latrines are
population is under 25 years of age and more than unsanitary, being nothing more than open pits.
a third is under 15 years of age. More than 9 lakh toilets empty directly into drains.
Among the 18% of urban household that don’t
iii. (b) The feeling that India can be at least as good have access to individual toilets, more than 12%
if not better than anyone else in the world. resort to open defecation.
iv. Uneducated youth 5. The story gets murkier beyond the numbers.
v. raising infrastructure spending and rapid Where sewers exist, they often leak or overflow.
privatization Instead of being cleaned every few years, septic
tanks are left to accumulate fecal sludge that
vi. (a) Quagmire
percolates into ground water. When the tanks are
vii. TRUE. cleaned the black water is disposed off in fields
viii. The country’s slow employment growth has and water bodies, once again contaminating open
fresh water.
left the youths of the country unable to do
anything. Added to this are the various ‘laws’ 6. The Water Aid report looks at sanitation systems
that hinder growth. The many laws laid down in six states and offers a snapshot of how much
by the government with the supposed intention wastewater is dumped untreated. Delhi, for
of making more jobs available are in actuality, instance, uses 4,346 million litres of water per
discouraging employment. day of which 87% returns as waste. However,
Delhi has the capacity to treat only 61% of the
total wastewater it generates. The class I cities of
Passage 13
Maharashtra together consume water three times
1. The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram recently as much as Delhi does, turn 80% of that into sewage
admitted before the National Green Tribunal and treat less than half of their total wastewater.
that untreated sewage from the city mixes with The statistics are far worse for class II cities.
treated wastewater in the drains into the Yamuna.
The putrid river that flows through New Delhi is
only one of the many severely polluted surface
water bodies in the country. Government agencies
estimate that as much of 80% of India’s surface
water is contaminated and most of it comes from
sewage.
2. The effects of this contamination are immediately
felt with the onset of the monsoons. No sooner
had the rains begun the reports of water-borne
diseases like diarrhoea and cholera breakouts
trickled in from Delhi, Pune, Varanasi and Chennai
as broken water pipes and flooding allowed fecal
sludge mix (polluted water) into potable water.
3. The Central Pollution Control Board in 2009
calculated that major cities and towns together
generate more than 38 billion litres of sewage
everyday, of which only 30% is collected. Less Figure : Percentage of Total Wastewater that is Treated
than 20% of this is treated because that’s all
the treatment capacity available. The rest is just 7. Even with the creation of the National Urban
emptied into rivers, lakes, seas and ponds. Sanitation Policy in 2008 and several thousands of
4. A soon-to-be-released report by Water Aid India crores being spent by states on sewage networks,
on fecal sludge management documents the chinks the problem has grown worse in the last five years.
(gaps) in India’s sewage system. Seventeen million, The Water Aid report recommends enforcing
or roughly 20%, of urban households, lack sanitation a national building code, public promotion
facilities, the report says. Among those that have campaigns and decentralising sewage treatment
access to sanitation only 32% are connected to a plants as remedies to the sewage problem. Water
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 73
vi. What is the recommendation to the readers from
researcher’s point of view? Answer in about 40
words.
vii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
Pollution caused by transports is much more than
_____.
viii. State TRUE or FALSE.
The use of diesel generator is responsible for more
than fifty per cent of air pollution.
Ans : 2013
i. The main idea of the survey, highlighted in the
given passage is to educate people about the
threat of air pollution. It also discusses the causes
of air pollution such as traffic and transportation
problems, inadequate drainage facilities, lack of
Answer the following questions, based on the given open spaces, carbon emission and the accumulation
passage. of waste, etc.
i. Infer main idea of the survey in about 40 words, ii. (c) Cause: traffic and transportation problem ::
highlighted in the given passage. effect : 4.6 million deaths
iii. Around 4.6 million people lose their lives every
ii. Select the option that displays the correct ‘cause
year in India due to air pollution.
and effect’ relationship.
(a) Cause : air pollution :: effect respiratory iv. (c) Hamid – I’m suffering from respiratory
diseases disorders.
(b) Cause : lack of open spaces :: effect : mega v. (b) Urbanization leads to deterioration of air
cities quality.
(c) Cause: traffic and transportation problem :: vi. The researcher advises people to follow pollution
effect : 4.6 million deaths averting activities seriously. He wants people to
(d) Cause : air quality monitoring stations :: reduce vehicular emissions, which may help in
effect : emission of NO2 reducing air pollution.
vii. the pollution caused by industries
iii. How many people lose their lives due to air
pollution every year in India? viii. FALSE.
iv. Identify the person suffering from a disease caused
due to air pollution.
(a) Roshani – I’m suffering from fever since last
week.
(b) Ciara – I’m suffering from baldness.
(c) Hamid – I’m suffering from respiratory Passage 17
disorders. 1. Our history makes it evident that the Indian
Plastics Industry made a vigorous beginning in
v. Which of the following is the correct opinion of 1957 but it took more than 30 years for it to
the researcher on the development of mega cities? pervade Indian lifestyles. In 1979, ‘the market for
(a) Mega cities are the right spots to study air plastics’ was just being seeded by the state-owned
pollution. Indian Petro-Chemicals and it was only in 1994
(b) Urbanization leads to deterioration of air that plastic soft drink bottles became a visible
quality. source of annoyance.
(c) Cities face transportation problems due to 2. In the same year, people in other cities were
heavy traffic. concerned about the state of public sanitation
(d) Cities face the problem of congestion. and also urged regulatory bodies to ban the
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
Indian labour force? Answer in about 40 words. iii. The result of the gender imbalance in the Indian
workforce include
ii. What is the reason for the highly destorted nature
(a) Reduction in future prospects of inclusive
of the female workforce in India’s labour market?
growth
(a) Women are unskilled and uneducated
(b) Reduction in motivation to study further
(b) Women are denied employment opportunities
(c) Perpetuation of unhealthy socio-cultural
(c) Women have slower career growth
attitudes
(d) Both (b) and (c)
iv. (b) need of more women participation in the
iii. What is the result of the gender imbalance in workforce
India’s workforce?
v. (b) The female labour force participation declined
iv. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most in the Indian economy.
appropriate option. vi. As per the information given in the text, a 2017
The given passage highlights _____. IMF study states that increase in the female
(a) gaps in women empowerment in the workforce labour participation will grow India’s GDP by
(b) need of more women participation in the 27%.
workforce vii. gender-based discrimination
(c) the reasons for declining GDP
viii. FALSE.
v. Which of the following statements is NOT
substantiated by information in Paragraph 4? Passage 12
(a) Leaving out one half of the population from
1. Today, India looks like it is on course to join the
its workforce will also prolong India’s status
league of developed nations. It is beginning to
as a developing country.
establish a reputation not just as the technology
(b) The female labour force participation declined nerve centre and back-office for the world, but
in the Indian economy. also as its production centre. India’s secularism
(c) Female labour force participation is 56 and democracy serve as a role model to other
percent in the US and 64 percent in China. developing countries. There is great pride in an
(d) Rapid growth experienced by the US and China Indian that easily integrates with a global economy,
in the past century illustrate how improving yet maintains a unique cultural identity.
the gender balance contributes to a nation’s 2. But what is breathtaking is India’s youth. Despite
economic growth. being an ancient civilization that traces itself
to the very dawn of human habitation, India is
vi. Based on the reading of the text, state a point, in among the youngest countries in the world. More
about 40 words, to challenge the statement. than half the country is under 25 years of age and
Increase in female labour participation will affect more than a third is under 15 years of age.
our GDP adversely.
3. Brought up in the shadow of the rise of India’s
vii. Complete the sentence based on the following service industry boom, this group feels that it
statement. can be at least as good if not better than anyone
Women in India experience a much slower growth. else in the world. This confidence has them
This happens because of _____. demonstrating a great propensity to consume,
throwing away ageing ideas of asceticism and
viii. State TRUE or FALSE. thrift. Even those who do not have enough to
The rapid growth made by UK in the past century consume today feel that they have the capability
was due to the improving gender balance in the and opportunity to do so.
workforce.
4. The economic activity created by this combination
Ans : 2016
of a growing labour pool and rising consumption
i. According to the passage, Lack of the younger demand is enough to propel India to double digit
working population in the formal workforce can economic growth for decades. One just has to look
negatively impact the positive growth of the at the impact that the baby boomers in the US had
Indian labour force. over decades of economic activity, as measured by
equity and housing prices. This opportunity also
ii. (d) Both (b) and (c)
represents the greatest threat to India’s future. If
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 75
ii. (d) Because people are concerned about public
sanitation.
iii. It can be concluded with the production of
plastics in 2019 that India’s trajectory of plastic
production was increasing.
iv. (b) Shivam – I am drinking soft drink in plastic
bottle as it is cheaper than tin can.
v. (d) Andhra Pradesh
vi. Ten states of India are sending their plastic
collected waste to cement plants for co-processing,
12 other states are using plastic waste for polymer
bitumen road construction and others are using it
for waste to energy plants and oil production. 4. It wasn’t just that we lost a lot of mammals.
vii. more sustainable and holistic way It was almost exclusively the world’s largest
mammals that vanished. This big decline of
viii. FALSE. mammals is referred to as the Quaternary
Megafauna Extinction (QME). The QME led to
the extinction of more than 178 of the world’s
large mammals (‘megafauna’).
5. Many researchers have grappled with the question
of what caused the QME. Most evidence now
points towards humans as the primary driver.
Passage 18 Most of this human impact came through
hunting. There might also have been smaller local
1. To understand how the richness of the mammal impacts through fire and other changes to natural
kingdom has changed, we need a metric that landscapes. When our ancestors arrived in Europe,
captures a range of different animals and is the European megafauna went extinct; when they
comparable over time. We could look at their arrived in North America, the mammoths went
abundance-the number of individuals we have- extinct; then down to South America, the same.
but this is not ideal. We would be counting every
species equally, from a mouse to an elephant, and 6. What’s most shocking is how few humans were
this metric would therefore make an ecosystem responsible for this large-scale destruction of
taken over by the smallest mammals look much wildlife. There were likely fewer than 5 million
richer than one in which bigger mammals roam. people in the world. Around half the population
If the world’s mouse populations multiplied and of London today.
multiplied-maybe even to the detriment of other 7. A global population half the size of London helped
animals-then this abundance metric might suggest drive tens to hundreds of the world’s largest
that these ecosystems were thriving. mammals to extinction. The per capita impact
2. Instead, ecologists often use metric biomass. This of our hunter-gatherer ancestors was huge. The
means that each animal is measured in tons of romantic idea that our hunter-gatherer ancestors
carbon, the fundamental building block of life. lived in harmony with nature is deeply flawed.
Biomass gives us a measure of the total biological Humans have never been ‘in balance’ with nature.
productivity of an ecosystem. Tracing the footsteps of our ancestors will help
reveal the level of extinction.
3. If we go back to around 100,000 years ago-a time
when there were very few early humans and only Answer the following questions, based on given
in Africa-all of the wild land mammals on Earth passage.
summed up to around 20 million tons of carbon. i. The writer states, ‘Humans have never been in
This is shown as the first column in the chart. The balance with nature. What do you understand by
mammoths, European lions, and ground sloths this? Answer in about 40 words.
were all part of this. By around 10,000 years ago,
we saw a huge decline in wild mammals. This is ii. The writer used the term ‘metric’ to refer to
shown in the second column. _____.
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
production, distribution and use of plastic bags. Answer the following questions, based on given
However, the challenge was greater than it passage.
appeared at first.
i. Infer what does our history make evident, as
3. The massive generation of plastic waste in India mentioned in paragraph 1. Answer about in 40
is due to rapid urbanisation, spread of retail words.
chains, plastic packaging from grocery to food
and vegetable products, to consumer items and ii. Why do people demand a ban on plastics?
cosmetics. The projected high growth rates of (a) Because of political pressure.
GDP and continuing rapid urbanisation suggest (b) Because of personal interests.
that India’s trajectory of plastic consumption and
(c) Because of rapid decrease in plastic bottles.
plastic waste is likely to increase.
(d) Because people are concerned about public
sanitation.
iii. What can one conclude about the production of
plastics in 2019? Answer with reference to the
graph given in the extract.
iv. Identify the user who did not accept the ban of
plastic bottles in India.
(a) Sunaina – I am buying a soft drink tin can as
plastic bottles after use create foul smell.
(b) Shivam – I am drinking soft drink in plastic
bottle as it is cheaper than tin can.
4. According to the United Nations Environment (c) Harpreet – I love soft drinks, therefore, I am
Programme (UNEP) report of 2018, India stands buying a tin can.
among few other countries like France, Mongolia
and several African countries that have initiated v. Which of the following is an example that is
total or partial national-level bans on plastics in currently sending its collected waste to cement
their jurisdictions. On World Environment Day in plants for co-processing, as per the extract?
2018, India vowed to phase out single-use plastics (a) Goa
by 2022, which gave a much needed impetus to (b) Delhi
bring this change. (c) Madurai
5. In this context, thereafter ten states (Andhra (d) Andhra Pradesh
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Odisha, vi. What step must be taken to combat the challenges
Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu) are currently sending of plastic waste management? Answer in about 40
their collected waste to cement plants for co- words.
processing, twelve other states/UTs are using plastic
waste for polymer bitumen road construction and vii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
still four other states are using the plastic waste for The time is now to formulate robust and inclusive
waste-to-energy plants and oil production. A world National Action Plans to combat the plastic
of greater possibilities has now opened up to initiate jeopardy in a _____.
appropriate and concrete actions to build up the viii. State TRUE or FALSE.
necessary institutions and systems before oceans The projected growth rates of GDP and continuing
turn, irreversibly into a thin soup of plastic. rapid urbanisation suggest that India’s trajectory
6. However there is no one single masterstroke to of plastic consumption is likely to decrease
counter the challenges witnessed by the staggering tremendously.
plastic waste management in the country. The Ans : 20111
time is now to formulate robust and inclusive i. The Indian history makes it quite evident that
National Action Plans and while doing so, the
the Indian Plastics Industry made a vigorous
country will establish greater transparency to
beginning in 1957 but it took more than 30 years
combat the plastic jeopardy in a more sustainable
for it to pervade Indian lifestyles. In due course of
and holistic way.
time, it made its place in every household.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 77
promoting inclusive growth, it has been identified 7. The share of processed food in world especially
as one of the key thrust areas under the ‘Make in Indian exports in value terms has remained stable
India’ programme. over the years. In 2018, it accounted for 6.5
4. Food processing is defined as transforming percent of total world processed exports and 5.7
agricultural products into food that are in percent of total world exports.
consumable form or transforming one food item 8. With the increasing importance of processed food
into another by adding value to it (Government in consumers’ food basket, quality standards have
of India, 2019). Based on physical properties of also emerged as an important factor with new
the final product, the Ministry of Food Processing regulations. The food system is being regulated
Industries categorises food processing under two through a mix of private-public standards which
sub-categories, viz. (i) manufactured processes, provide the basis of competitive strategies
whereby the original physical properties of the while also proving to be entry barriers. The
product undergo a change through a process implementation of quality standards has been
involving employees, power, machines or money an issue of contention between developed and
and the transformed product is edible and has developing countries.
a commercial value and (ii) other value-added Answer the following questions, based on given
processes where the product does not undergo
passage.
any manufacturing process, but gains significant
value addition like increased shelf life, shelled and i. List two advantages of processed food as
ready for consumption, etc. mentioned in the passage. Answer in about 40
words.
5. Depending on the type and extent of value
addition, it is categorised as primary and ii. Which of the following leads to a change in the
secondary processing. Primary processing relates food consumption pattern?
to conversion of raw commodity to one that is fit
(a) Urbanisation (b) Demographic shifts
for consumption. It involves steps such as drying,
threshing, cleaning, grading, sorting, packing, etc. (c) Improved transportation (d) All of these
Secondary processing involves creation of value iii. What are drying threshing and grading a part of?
added products like bread, wine, sausages, etc.
6. The importance of processed food items in the iv. According to the passage, why India has become
consumer basket has increased globally over time. self-reliant?
With higher income, urbanisation, demographic (a) Agriculture
shifts, improved transportation and changed (b) Stable income
consumer perceptions regarding quality and
(c) Employment opportunities
safety, food consumption patterns have changed
over the years. Further, advertising through mass v. Based on the reading of the text, state a point to
media/social media is also found to have resulted challenge the given statement. Answer in about
in a higher demand-led Food Processing Industry 40 words.
(FPI) growth in India. Quality standards do not play an important role
in FPI.
vi. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most
appropriate option.
What does the given passage highlight?
(a) The system of imports and exports
(b) The growing demand of processed food
(c) The food capacity of India
(d) The share of Indian exports in food market
vii. State TRUE or FALSE.
In the future, the demand for processed food
items in Northern India is going to increase.
viii. Complete the sentence appropriately with One
Figure : Pattern of Processed Food Trade Word.
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Ch 2 : Case Based Factual Passages
(a) a degree of temperature iv. (c) 2, 3 and 4
(b) a degree of education v. The Quaternary Megafauna Extinction (QME)
(c) a degree of measurement refers to the large-scale decline of wild mammals
(d) a degree of freedom from nature.
iii. What do you think is the main theme of the given vi. From the given statement, we can say that
passage? wherever humans move or set foot on, the
(a) Humans are the primary cause of most mammal population of that particular area
mammal extinction. began to dwindle, to the extent of extinction of
(b) Humans deserve to live longer than most certain species. Be it Europe, North America or
mammals. South America, human’s arrival resulted in the
(c) The Quaternary Megafauna Extinction is a extinction of certain species of mammals.
result of time lapse. vii. TRUE.
iv. What are the main causes of mammal extinction viii. Romanticism, an 18th century literary concept
in nature? that celebrates the relationship of nature and
1. weakness common man, is used to try to make a reference
2. hunting to how humans and animals have a peaceful
coexistence. But contrary to this notion, the given
3. natural causes
passage shows how humans have been detrimental
4. fire
for the mammalian population. It was because
5. accidents of humans that major mammals such as the
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 1 and 4 mammoth, European lions and ground sloths
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4 have become extinct.
v. What is the QME?
Passage 19
vi. Consider the statement :
When our ancestors arrived in Europe, the 1. India is a major producer of several agricultural/
European megafauna went extinct; when they food items in the world but only less than 10
arrived in North America, the mammoths went percent of that is processed. Demand for processed
food items is set to increase in India in the
extinct; then down to South America, the same.
coming years providing opportunities for greater
What can you infer from this statement?
value addition, lower wastages and alternative
vii. State whether TRUE or FALSE. employment opportunities. Analysis of corporate
Based on the two columns, it can be seen that data shows that food processing firms have been
there is a 5 million tons of carbon decline in the profitable, but the value addition component
biomass of mammals. needs to increase significantly.
viii. What do you think the writer meant when 2. India has made vast progress overtime in providing
using the word ‘romantic idea to refer to the food security for its people and has become largely
relationship of humans with nature? Answer in self-reliant in agriculture. Accordingly, the policy
about 40 words. focus has shifted from attaining self-sufficiency
Ans : 2010
to generating higher and stable income for the
farming population. Food Processing Industry
i. By stating that humans have never been in (FPI) is one area which has the potential to add
balance with nature, the writer seems to point value to farm output, create alternate employment
the fact that humans and mammals do not have opportunities, improve exports and strengthen the
a peaceful coexistence. Any action done by us domestic supply chain.
has always affected nature one way or the other,
3. India, with about 11.2 percent of total arable land
thereby resulting in either a loss, or even death of in the world, is ranked first in the production
animals and plants. of milk, pulses and jute, second in fruits and
ii. (c) a degree of measurement vegetables and third in cereals (Government of
India, 2019). It is also the sixth largest food and
iii. (a) Humans are the primary cause of most
grocery market in the world (Law, et al., 2019).
mammal extinction.
Recognising the immense potential of FPI in
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 79
iii. Why is acclimatisation much tougher in Sikkim
than elsewhere?
iv. Which of these statements is incorrect?
(a) Sikkim lies in a mere 110 kms by 65 kms of
mountains, peaks, glaciers, rivers and forests.
(b) Sikkim is about 7000 sq. km.
(c) Sikkim shares its eastern border with Nepal.
v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
Synonym of ‘unrivalled’ is _____.
(a) riddled
(b) outstanding
(c) unfit
(d) hideous
vi. The narrator states “in a mere 80 kms as the crow
flies....’. What is significant about this statement?
vii. Give an appropriate title for the given passage.
viii. State TRUE or FALSE.
Sikkim isn’t a mountain region of mere subjective
beauty?’ What does “this” stand for in the line?
Ans : 2005
i. 1. Sikkim is a region so wild and exotic, with
geographic and climatic extremes that enables
or ensures access to adventurous activities.
2. It has the most variegated flora and fauna
possible anywhere in the mountains, with
a temperature ranging from tropical to the
typical arctic type.
ii. (c) Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder
iii. It is because the sharp stages involved in climbing
and being closer in latitude to the Tropic of
Cancer.
iv. (c) Sikkim shares its eastern border with Nepal.
v. (b) outstanding
vi. By using the word ‘mere’ in referring to the
distance between the plains of Sikkim and Mt.
Kanchenjunga, the narrator presents the contrast.
Sikkim is on the plains and just a short distance
from it is the third highest mountain in the world.
This shows a unique feature of the small state.
vii. Sikkim : Why it is So Unique
viii. TRUE.
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Ch 1 : Notices
CHAPTER 1
Notices
1. Introduction 6. As a notice usually announces an upcoming
event/celebration, etc., so future time
A notice is an important written communication reference is used while writing a notice.
tool that is used by both individuals and
7. A notice should have all the details related to
organizations to announce upcoming events or to
the event. It must have an answer to what,
provide information about upcoming functions,
when, where, why, how.
events, and occasions. It is formal in tone. A
notice is usually affixed on the noticeboard by an 8. The information should be presented
organization or institution to announce an event, accurately and concisely.
celebration or some important information, etc. 9. The language should be formal.
10. It must be in third person, i.e. pronouns like
I, me, you, mine, your, etc. should not be
2. Types of Notice used.
1. Notice for Meeting 11. Use present tense or future tense.
2. Notice for events like Competition/Tour/ 12. Adhere to the word limit, if mentioned in the
Celebration/Annual Sports/Cultural event, question.
etc.
3. Notice for Lost or Found 4. Format of notice
4. Notice for Exhibition/Campaigns/Seminar/
Workshop/Debate/Other Literary Event Name and address of Institution/
5. Notice for Appeal/Warning/Guideline/ Organization
Message in Public Interest NOTICE
6. Notice for Change of Name/Residence/ Date of Issue
Company/Bank/Account/Timings, etc.
Heading/Title
7. Notice for Miscellaneous
Body of the Notice (including details like date,
day, time, venue, name of the concerned person,
3. Points to remember etc.)
General points to be remembered while writing a Full name
notice are as follows : (Designation)
1. A notice is always written in a box.
2. It must be dated.
3. It should have the title, which is not a
5. Parts of a Notice
complete sentence. There are three parts of a notice which are as
4. It should always have the name, the follows :
designation and the signature of the issuing Format
authority. It includes the name of the organization issuing
5. A notice is generally written in complete the notice, the word ‘Notice’, date, heading or
sentences, but at time phrases are also subject of the notice, name and designation of
acceptable. the person who has issued the notice at the end
of notice.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 81
Content IMPORTANT QUESTION
It must address the questions What, When,
Where, How, Why, etc. and contain all the other 1. You lost your wallet in the school playground.
relevant details related to the subject of the Write a notice for your school notice board giving
notice. all the necessary details.
Ans : 2022
Expression
It relates to the overall grammatical and spelling APJ School, Delhi
accuracy as well as fluency. NOTICE
24th October, 2016
Lost Wallet in the playground
This Information is about a wallet which I,
Abhinay Gupta of class XI-A, has lost. It
went missing in or around the playground
of the school, in recess hour. The wallet is
chocolate-brown in color. It is an Eskee wallet
and contains my school id and multiple other
essential documents. If the wallet is found by
any staff or student, s/he is humbly requested
to submit it in the school office.
Student of XI-A
Abhinay Gupta
2. You lost your wristwatch in your school auditorium.
Write a notice in nbt more than 50 words for your
school notice board giving a detailed description
of the watch. You are Anirudh/Arundhati of class
XII of Springfield School, Pune.
Ans : 2022
Spring Field School, Pune
NOTICE
5 November, 20xx
Lost/Found
I lost my Fastrack wristwatch today in our
school auditorium. It’s an analogue watch with
a white case, white dial, colourful numerals and
white silicon strap. A suitable reward will be
given to the one who finds and returns it to the
undersigned.
Anirudh Roy
XII-B
3. As Teacher Co-ordinator of the Quiz Club of
AMM School, Pune, draft a notice in not more
than 50 words informing students of the inter-
class quiz contest asking them to register their
names with the Secretary of the Club within a
week.
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Ch 1 : Notices
11. You lost your wristwatch in your school auditorium. ‘School Uniforms Should be Banned’.
Write a notice in not more than 50 words for your Ans : 2016
school notice board giving a detailed description
ST. GIRI PUBLIC SCHOOL, MATHURA
of the watch. You are Anirudh/Arundhati of class
XII of Springfield School, Pune. NOTICE
Ans : 2017 25 April 20xx
SPRINGFIELDS SCHOOL, PUNE DEBATE COMPETITION
NOTICE All the students are hereby informed that an
English Debate competition of the Zonal Level
Lost! Lost! Lost!
will be held in the school as per the details
Dear students,
given below :
This notice is to inform that a (brands name )
wrist watch was lost in our school auditorium Date : 7 May 20xx
on 4/4/18. It’s colour is blue with black thick Time : 10:00 a.m.
straps. It would be a great help if you could Venue : School Auditorium
search for the wrist watch. Anyone who finds Topic : School uniforms should be banned.
this watch should return to the office or to Time limit : 3-4 mins. One each in favour and
Arundhathi of class XII as soon as possible. The against. Interested students may give their
finders will get a treat from the canteen. name in pair to the undersigned by 2 May.
Yours Faithfully
Arundhathi For further details, contact the undersigned.
Manak
12. Your school is organizing a SPICMACAY
(Head Boy)
programme on the occasion of the World Dance
Day wherein the renowned Bharatanatyam
dancer, Geeta Chandran would be giving a lecture 14. You are Health Secretary, Students Council
demonstration. As the President, Cultural Society Citizens Public School, Ram Bagh, Varanasi. The
of your school, draft a notice in about 50 words, Council has decided to start from the second of
informing the students about the same. You are October a week-long cleanliness drive around the
Rakhsita/Rohit of MVN Public School. school. Draft a notice in about 50 words asking
Ans : 2017
the Class XI students to enrol for the drive.
Ans : 2016
MVN Public School
Students Council Citizens Public School,
NOTICE Rani Bagh
24 March, 20xx
NOTICE
SPICMACAY Presentation by Geeta 25 September 20xx
Chandran Cleanliness Drive
On the occasion of World Dance Day, our school
is organising a SPICMACAY programme, The Students Council of the school has decided
where Geeta Chandran would be giving lecture to start a week-long cleanliness drive around
demonstration. You all are hereby invited the school from 2 October. It is in keeping with
to attend the same and make the occasion the spirit of Prime minister’s initiative “Swachh
memorable. Bharat Abhiyaan”. Students of class XI are
When : 27 March, 20xx requested to enrol for the drive as volunteers.
Where : School Auditorium Registration is open for two days, 28 September
and 29 September, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Rohit
(President, Cultural society) Vinay Kapoor
(Health Secretary)
13. You are Manak/Meera, the Head Boy/Girl of
St. Giri Public School, Mathura. Write a notice 15. As the Director, Primary Section, write a notice
in about 50 words informing the students about in about 50 words for the children announcing the
the debate competition in the school on the topic programme for the Children’s Day.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 83
Ans : 2019
the national flag of the country from the ramparts
MALVIYA NAGAR RESIDENTS’ WELFARE of the Red Fort and address the nation. Massive
ASSOCIATION, BLOCK A arrangements for seating and security are in the
offing. The Delhi Traffic Police will be making
NOTICE
traffic diversions on the big day in order to avoid
15 December 2022
inconvenience to the travellers and commuters,
New Year Bash 2023 it has issued a public notice about the same.
Malviya Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association, Reproduce the notice. You are Jayram Patil of
Block A is organising a grand New Year Party Chanakya Puri, New Delhi.
in the colony on 31 December 2022. The Ans : 2018
celebrations will begin by 6 pm onwards. The
residents are requested to join enthusiastically Delhi Traffic Police
and make it a grand bash. NOTICE
Sumptuous food, games, music, dance, prizes, 14 August 20xx
and surprises are on the cards.
Kindly deposit 500 per head with Mr. Traffic Diversion
Krishnakant Kalra (Treasurer). This is to inform the citizens of Delhi that the
Sd/- route from ISBT to Red Fort via Kashmere
Dharam Sethi Gate will remain closed in view of security
President arrangements for the Independence Day
Residents’ Welfare Association, Block A Celebrations at the Red Fort on 15 August
20XX. No vehicles will be allowed on this route
8. You are Vijay Dhawan, a student of Florence from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. All the commuters and
Nightingale Convent, Rohtas Nagar, Aurangabad. travellers should use the Outer Ring Road to
Your school is planning an Inter-House poster reach the ISBT. Inconvenience is regretted.
making competition to conclude the week-long Issued in public interest by
Environment Week. As the secretary of the
Sd/-
school’s cultural association, write a notice in The Chief Commissioner
about 50 words informing students of classes IX- Delhi Traffic Police
XII about the competition.
Ans : 2018
10. You are the Secretary of your School Literary
Florence Nightinllgale Convent Association. Write a notice in not more than 50
words for your school notice board, giving details
NOTICE
of the proposed inauguration of the Literary
20 October, 20xx
Association of your school. You are ‘XYZ’ of Jain
INTER-HOUSE POSTER MAKING Vidyashram, Cuddalore.
COMPETITION Ans : 2018
Sanskriti, the school’s cultural association invites
students of classes IX to XII to participate in JAIN VIDYASHARAM, CUDDALORE
the Inter- House poster making competition to NOTICE
round off the week-long Environment Week on 1 March, 20xx
27 October, 20XX at 10 am. The participants School Literary Association Inauguration
will bring their own material. The topics will
All students and staff are cordially invited
be declared on the spot. The best entries will
to the inauguration of the school’s Literary
be rewarded. Those interested should register
Association on Monday, 10 March 20xx in the
their names with the undersigned by Saturday,
school library, 11 a.m. onwards. Our Chief
this week.
Guest, renowned writer, Ms. Arundhati Roy,
Sd/- shall speak to the students on the importance
Vijay Dhawan of reading and writing.
Secretary
XYZ
(Secretary, Literary Association)
9. In a few days, the country will be celebrating its
Independence Day. The Prime Minister will hoist
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Ch 1 : Notices
Ans : 2021 Ans : 2020
A.M.M. School, Pune St. John’s School, Lucknow
NOTICE NOTICE
21 April, 20xx 20 Aug., 20xx
Register for Quiz Competition Inter-School Football Match
This is to inform all students of classes VI-XII An Inter-school football match will be held on
that an interclass quiz competition will be held Friday 25th August, 20xx, 9:00 a.m. onwards
this Friday, 25 April, 20xx in the audio - visual at our school playground. All students are
room from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. Maximum requested to be present at the venue to cheer
number of students representing per class is and encourage the participants. Contact the
three. Those interested can give their names to under signed for further query.
the secretary of the Quiz Club for registration.
Mahender
XYZ
(Teacher Co-ordinator, Quiz Club) 6. Your school is celebrating Grandparents’ Day
next week. Write a notice in 50 words to be put
4. Water supply will be suspended for eight hours up on the school notice board informing students
(10 am to 6 pm) on 6th of March for cleaning of of the celebration and requesting them to be
the water tank. Write a notice in about 50 words present with their grandparents. You are Samir/
advising the residents to store water for a day. Suman, Head Boy/Head Girl ABC Sen. Sec.
You are Karan Kumar/Karuna Bajaj, Secretary, School, Delhi.
Janata Group Housing Society, Palam Vihar, Ans : 2020
Kurnool.
Ans : 2021
ABC Sen. Sec. School, Delhi.
NOTICE:
Janata Group Housing Society January 29, 2019
Palam Vihar, Kurnool
Grandparent’s day Celebration
Notice
We are glad to notify you that we have planned
4th March, 20xx
to celebrate Grandparent’s day in our school
Suspension of Water Supply: premises on February 9, 2019 at 5 pm. So, we
Residents are hereby informed that water request all the students of the school to take
supply will be suspended for eight hours (10 am part in the celebration with their grandparents.
to 6 pm) on 6th March for cleaning of the water Our school correspondent Mrs Menaka Suresh
tank. Residents are advised to make necessary will honour the function.
arrangements to store water for a day. We regret For more details, contact
the inconvenience caused.
Samir
Karan Kumar Head Boy
Secretary ABC Sen. Sec. School, Delhi
5. You are Mahender, Sports Captain, St. John’s 7. You are the president of the Malviya Nagar
School, Lucknow. Write a notice in 50 words for Residents’ Welfare Association, Block A and
the school notice board informing students about you are organising a “New Year Party” in your
an Inter School Football match to be played in area. Draft a notice as Dharam Sethi informing
your school. Invite them to watch and cheer the the residents of your block of the same. Include
teams. details which you deem necessary for the purpose.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 85
Ans : 2015
17. You are Amit/Amita, Head Boy/Girl of your
Ramjas School, R.K. Puram school (Zenith Public School). Write a notice for
NOTICE your school notice board requesting for entries
2 November 20xx from students for Britannia Quiz Contest to be
held in your school.
Children’s Day Programme Ans : 2015
The school is arranging a special programme for
you on Children’s Day, i.e. November 14. You Zenith Public School, Agra
can come in fancy dress and win a prize. There
NOTICE
will be games for you. Kindly give the circular
20 February 20xx
to your parents so that they can dress you
beautifully for the Fancy Dress Competition. Selection for Quiz Contest
Do not bring your books on November 14.
The students of classes from 9 to 12 may give
Monisha Mohanty their names for participating in I3ritannia Quiz
Director Contest to be held on 25 March 20xx.
Primary School The applicants should have participated in the
inter-house Quiz Contest. The selection will be
16. Recently there has been an increase in the cases held on 28 February 20xx.
of kidnappings, especially of children. On closer R.K. Singh
investigation it has been found that domestic helps or Vice Principal
some persons familiar with the family were involved
in most cases. You are the Secretary of the Residents’
18. As librarian of Crescent International School,
Welfare Association. Write a notice in about 50
Gwalior, draft a notice in not more than 50
words to be put up on the noticeboard of the colony
words asking all students and teachers to return
informing the citizens about the following :
the library books they have borrowed, two days
• Police verification of servants, identity cards before the commencement of the examination.
to be made Ans : 2014
• Register entry of visitors at the gate
• Installation of CCTV in the premises CRESENT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL,
Ans : 2015 GWALIOR
RESIDENTS’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION, LIABRARY NOTICE
GREEN PARK, NEW DELHI 5TH March 20xx
NOTICE
17th July 20xx All the students are hereby requested to deposit
their library books with the librarian two days
Alert for Kidnapping before the commencement, they will not be
As you all are aware a number of cases of permitted to appear in the examination. It may
kidnappings have taken place in our society be given topmost priority.
in the past two months. This notice has been
put up to inform everyone that after a close R.Gupta
investigation, involvement of domestic help or Librarian
some person closer to the family has been found
in most cases. To ensure the safety of the child
19. Gandhi Education Society, a charitable
we all need to follow the steps listed below:
• Ensure police verification of servants, identity
organization, is coming to your school to distribute
cards to be issued books for the needy students. As Head Boy/
• Register entry of unknown persons at the gate Head Girl, write a notice asking such students to
with the gatekeeper drop the list of books they need in the box kept
• Installation of CCTV cameras in the premises outside the Principal’s office. You are Akhilesh/
Everyone is requested to co-operate so that Abhilasha of Modern Public School, Ghaziabad.
such incidents do not happen. Give all necessary details.
ABC
(Secretary, RWA)
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Ch 1 : Notices
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2010
BAL BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL, NOIDA K.V. Senior Secondary School, Badodhra
NOTICE NOTICE
10 April 20xx 5 April 20xx
Selection of Athletes for Zonal Athletic Rajasthan Tour
Meet
This is to inform the students of classes 11
This is to inform the students of classes 5 to 8 and 12 of a trip to Rajasthan from 12 to 17
that the selection of the athletes for the coming May 20xx. The trip will cover Jaipur, Udaipur,
zonal athletic meet for sub-juniors and juniors Jaisalmer and Bikaner.
will be done as per the timetable given below. Those who wish to join the trip should submit
written permission from their parents and a
15 April 20XX (Sub-Junior events)
draft for `3000 latest by 12 April 20xx to the
100 m and 200 m races, long jump, swimming :
Vice Principal.
7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
17 April 20xx (Junior events) Mani
100 m 200 m, 4 x 100 m relay race, long jump, Secretary, History Club
high jump, swimming : 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
30. You are Jairam Reddy, the Head of the English
BS Batra Club. On the occasion of the International Day
Head, Physical Education Department of English Language, your school has decided to
organize English Week. You are required to call
28. You are Sapna Singh, the Secretary of Cultural a meeting of the officer bearers of the English
Committee of your school. Write a notice in about Language Club to plan arrangements for the
50 words inviting students to participate in the event. Draft a notice for the same.
Annual Day of the school to be organized next Ans : 2009
month.
Ans : 2010 Rev. Francis School
GALT PUBLIC SCHOOL, AGRA NOTICE
9 March 20xx
NOTICE
20 September 20xx Meeting of English Language Club
Annual Day Function On the occasion of International Day of
English Language, our school is organizing
The school is going to organize a cultural
its Annual English Week from 2 - 8 April,
programme on Annual Day to be held on 12
20xx in the school campus. All executive
October. The students willing to participate
members should join a meeting on
are invited to take part in theme song, group
11 March 20xx at 12:30 pm in the Conference
dance and instrumental music programmes.
Room. Discussion regarding the detailed
They should submit details (along with cultural
itinerary, the arrangements and duties for the
achievements) to the undersigned latest by 28
Week will also be on the agenda of the meeting.
September 20xx.
Sd/-
Sapna Singh
Jairam Reddy
Secretary
President
(Cultural Committee)
English Club
29. You are Man/Mani, secretary of the History Club
31. Your school is organising a Bal Mela on
of K.V. Sr. Sec. School, Badodhra. Draft a notice
‘Children’s Day’ in the school. The primary wing
in not more than 50 words informing the students
of the school is going to put up various stalls in
of class XI and XII about a proposed tour to
the mela. Draft a notice giving details of the mela
Rajasthan during the coming summer vacations.
as well as inviting the senior students to attend
the same. Sign your name as Rajesh Roshan,
Secretary, Cultural Society.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 87
Ans : 2012 Ans : 2011
Modern Public School Bright Future High School
NOTICE NOTICE
3 May 20xx 24 May 20xx
FINAL TRIALS FOR UNDER-16 AND FOUND
UNDER-18
An unclaimed cricket kit bag was found in the
All the budding cricketers must attend the final school playground on 20 May 20XX after the
trials in the school ground on 7 May, 20XX 9 recent Inter-School Cricket Championship. The
a.m. to 4 p.m. bag is black and has several stickers and logos
Eighteen players will be shortlisted for each but no name or initials for identification of the
team. You must carry your cricket kit and be in owner.
sports attire. The owner should kindly collect the kit from
Sunny Arora the undersigned immediately.
Sports Captain Niti Singhal
XI-A
24. You are, Aditi Mohan, School Prefect. Draft a Member
notice for the noticeboard about a trekking Sports Club
holiday that your school is organising, giving all
necessary details in about 50 words and asking 26. While walking in a park in your colony you found
the interested students to give their names. a small briefcase with some documents and cash.
Ans : 2012
Write a notice in about 50 words to be put on the
park noticeboard asking the owner to identify and
XYZ School collect it from you. You are Rajat/Rani.
NOTICE Ans : 2011
10 September 20xx
PARK NOTICEBOARD
Trekking Tour
Lost and found
This is to inform the students of classes IX to XI 16th September 20xx
that the school Adventure Club are organising a Attention!! Attention!!
trekking tour in the Uttarkashi ranges.
Those interested in trekking in the October A briefcase containing some cash and documents
holidays may please note the following : was found in the park near the gymnasium side.
Charges : 5000 per person The bag would be handed over to the owner
Dates : 10th to 17th October after he/she identifies the same and is able to
Trek to : Uttarkashi prove that it belongs to him/her. The owner
Names to be given to the undersigned by 20 may contact the undersigned between 7 a.m.
September. For further information, please and 9 a.m. Rajat, C-4/67 Ist Floor, Sector 6,
contact tour incharge Mr. Anurudh on Rohini Delhi.
756836xxxx Mob. No. 887166xxxx
Aditi Mohan
(School Prefect)
25. You are Niti Singhal, studying at Bright Future
High School, Mysuru and an active member of
the school sports club. Recently, your school had
organized an Inter-School Cricket Championship. 27. As the head of Physical Education Department,
After the final match was over, you found an write a notice in about 50 words informing the
unclaimed cricket kit on your school playground students about the selection of athletes for the
and have been asked to draft a notice to locate coming Zonal Athletic meet.
its owner.
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Ch 1 : Notices
Ans : 2014 Ans : 2013
Modern Public School, Ghaziabad Children’s Park
NOTICE NOTICE
5 July 20xx 10 March 20xx
Distribution of Books for Students FOUND! FOUND!
This is for the information of all students that Found a small black plastic bag containing some
a charitable organization, Gandhi Education documents and cash today morning. It was lying
Society is coming to the school at 11 a.m. on in the corner bench of the park. The owner may
15 July 20xx to distribute books to the needy please contact the undersigned and collect the
students. Such students are requested to drop bag after identifying the documents and details
the list of the books they need into the box kept of the cash. Please contact at 785312xxxx.
outside principal’s office latest by 10 July 20xx.
Amrita
Abhilasha (A concerned citizen)
(Head Girl)
20. You are Shikha Kapoor, General Secretary of 22. You are Shalini/ Shailesh, in charge of the NSS
Sports Club of Meera Bai School, Dehradun. Your Club of St. Andrew’s School, Bhopal. Write a
school has decided to celebrate the Silver Jubilee notice about a charity show being organized by
function of the school in the form of Annual the club to collect articles and money for people
Sports Day. Write a notice on the school notice affected by earthquake in Uttarakhand. Write the
board inviting the names of the students who notice in about 50 words. Include relevant details
want to participate in any of the sports activity such as purpose of the show, kind of events, tickets
or to put up any show on the stage. and show timing, etc.
Ans : 2013 Ans : 2012
MEERA BAI SCHOOL, DEHRADUN St. Andrew’s School, Bhopal
NOTICE NOTICE
1 December 20xx 10th July 20xx
Silver Jubilee-Cum-Sports Day AN EVENING FOR A CAUSE
All are informed that our school is going to
This is to inform all the students that the school
organize a charity show to collect articles and
is celebrating its silver jubilee soon.
money for people affected by earthquake in
Students/volunteers are invited to submit their
Uttarakhand.
names for participating in sports activities or
The details are as follows :
wishing to organise/participate in the cultural
Date : 15th July 20xx
programme.
Time : 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Annual Sports Day on December 15 between 4
Events : Puppet Show, Magic Show, Rock
p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Band
Names should reach the undersigned latest by
Stalls : Books and Handicrafts
December 7 at the club, between 10 a.m. - 1
Venue : Playground
p.m.
Tickets are available at the reception. Invite
Shikha Kapoor your family and friends and help in raising
(General Secretary) funds for the noble cause.
Sports club Shalini
Incharge, NSS Club
21. While walking in a park in your neighbourhood
you found a small plastic bag containing some 23. As the Sports Captain of your school, write a notice
documents and some cash. Write a notice in in about 50 words informing budding cricketers to
about 50 words to be put on the park noticeboard attend trials for Under-16 and Under-18 for final
asking the owner to identify and collect it from selection to the school teams. Sign off as Sunny
you. You are Amar/Amrita 943912xxxx. Arora. Invent all necessary details as required.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 89
Ans : 2009 Ans : 2009
XYZ School BHUMIKA HOUSING SOCIETY
NOTICE NOTICE
4 November 20xx 20 May 20xx
Bal Mela Developing Soft Skills
We are pleased to inform that the primary wing
of our school is organising a Bal Mela on 14 A four-week soft skill training course (1 June
November 20xx. There will be attractive stalls 20xx to 28 June 20xx) is being organized for
for eatables and games. Moreover, there will children of Bhumika Housing Society. Students
be joyrides and a lively musical band too. The will be made aware of acceptable personality
students from classes VI-XII are invited to attend traits, social graces, effective communication
the Mela along with their parents. and leadership training. The class will be held
The schedule is as follows: in the community hall of the Society between
Date : 14 November 20xx 10 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. The participants will be
Time : 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. selected on the basis of a test, which will be
Venue : School Playground conducted on 25 May. For details, contact :
Yashika
Looking forward to your active participation. Prefect
For details contact the undersigned: Progressive Public School
Rajesh Roshan
Secretary
34. You are Joseph Mathew, Vice Principal of Sr.
(Cultural Society)
Aloysius Higher Secondary School. Write a notice
for the school noticeboard informing the students
32. As the librarian of your school, write a notice about the audition schedule for the Annual Play
in about 50 words informing the students of the Festival to be organised soon.
penalty for losing or damaging the books issued Ans : 2008
to them.
Ans : 2009 ST. ALOYSIUS HIGHER SECONDARY
SCHOOL, AGRA
New Age School, Rohini
NOTICE
NOTICE 2 September 20xx
10 July 20xx
PLAY FESTIVAL AUDITION
Penalty For Losing or Damaging the Books
All four Houses will conduct auditions for the
This is to inform all the students that
Annual Play Festival from 7th to 14th September
• a fine of n per day will be charged if a book is not
returned on the due date;
20XX, after school hours from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00
• the library card will be withdrawn if the returned p.m.
book is found torn or damaged; Those interested should give their names to
• The full price will be recovered from the student their House Captains. Previous experience of
if a book is lost. acting is not necessary.
Shalini Singh Joseph Mathew
Librarian Vice Principal
33. You are planing a four-week course for the children
of your housing society complex for developing
their soft skills as part of school project. Prepare
a notice to be put up on the society’s noticeboard
stating the purpose of the course and giving all
necessary details asking the children to join the 35. Neelam/Neelesh is the head girl/boy of Surya
course. You are Yashika/ Yasu, studying in Class Public School, Agra. She/He decides to call
XII in a reputable public school. a meeting of all house appointments for prize
distribution function on Annual Day. Draft a
meeting notice on her/his behalf.
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Ch 1 : Notices
Ans : 2008
to invite volunteers for this camp. You are the
SURYA PUBLIC SCHOOL, AGRA Head Boy of Prakriti International School, Delhi.
Ans : 2007
NOTICE
22 January 20xx PRAKRITI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL,
Urgent Meeting DELHI
All House Captains, Vice Captains and House
Prefects are requested to attend a meeting NOTICE
at 12:30 p.m. on 23 January 20XX in the 4 October 20xx
Conference Room to discuss prize distribution
on Annual Day to be held on 29 January 20XX. BLOOD DONATION CAMP
All should submit their proposals as well as give It is a matter of pride that our school is
suggestions. organizing a blood donation camp from 10:30
Neelam a.m. to 5 p.m. on 9 October 20xx. For this camp,
Head Girl we need volunteers who can devote their time
to making the camp a success. The interested
students are requested to give their names to
the undersigned within three days.
Kamal
Head Boy
38. As the Principal, write a notice in about 50
36. You are Sukant Roy, the head of Ujjwal Bhavishya
words informing the prefects, monitors and other
Educational Institution. You are moved by the
discipline in-charge students of a Leadership
condition of the destitute children near your
Training Camp being organised by the school.
area. You decide to uplift their lives by deciding
Ans : 2006
to raise funds and ensuring that they have a
better chance at life. Draft a notice to your fellow A.P.J. School, Vasant kunj
colleagues and students, making an appeal for
monetary donations or any other assistance. You NOTICE
can also include additional details which you may 10 April 20xx
be necessary for the purpose.
Ans : 2007 Leadership Training Camp
A leadership training camp is being organised on
Ujjwal Bhavishya Educational Institution
15 April 20XX from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All
NOTICE prefects, class monitors, bus and line monitors
Helping Destitute Children shall attend this camp.
12 October 20xx The programme will include the following :
Our educational institute is sponsoring a Leadership Training Workshop
campaign to help countless destitute children - 9 : 00 a.m. to 11 : 00 a.m.
on our streets and enable them to have a better Refreshment Break
life. You can strengthen us by sending your - 11 : 00 a.m. to 11 : 30 a.m.
contributions in cash or kind. You can also Question and Answer Session with Experts
assist these children by sending us your old - 11 : 30 a.m. to 12 : 00 p.m. S.K. Gulati
devices such as tablets or laptops which will be Principal
repurposed for learning. Clothes and medicines
are also accepted. 39. You are Sahil Sagar, the President of Nehru Yuva
sd/-
Club, Delhi. You have planned to take a trekking
Sukant Roy
trip for 15 days to Rohtang Pass next month.
Head
Write a notice giving all necessary information to
Ujjwal Bhavishya Educational lnstitution
invite participants for trekking programme.
37. Your school is going to organize a blood donation
camp next week. Write a notice in about 50 words
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 91
Ans : 2005
NEHRU YUVA CLUB
NOTICE
20 May 20xx
Trekking Notice
The Nehru Yuva Club, Delhi, is going to
organize a 15-day trekking programme to
Rohtang Pass from 20 June 20XX. All boarding
and lodging arrangements will be done by
the club with necessary equipment, etc. The
interested participants may book their seats by
depositing 55000 with the undersigned latest by
10 June 20xx.
Sahil Sagar
President
40. You, as the School Secretary of the Social Service
Club, have to write a notice to be put up on the
school noticeboard regarding the need to raise
funds for lepers in your city. Funds collected will
be sent to the Red Cross, New Delhi. Each donor
will be issued a formal receipt for the donation.
The Red Cross will award a Red Cross to the
donor donating more than `500.
Ans : 2005
XYZ School, New Delhi
NOTICE
5 September 20xx
Donation for Red Cross
Donations are invited for raising funds for
lepers in the city. Funds collected will be sent
to the Red Cross, New Delhi. Donors will be
issued a formal receipt for the donation. A Red
Cross will be awarded to the donor donating
more than `500. You can leave your donation
with the School Secretary.
Date : 6 September - 10 September 20xx
Time : 8:00 a.m. (zero period)
Place : Social Service (Lab Room 4)
The undersigned may be contacted for further
queries.
Anju Puri
(School Secretary)
Social Service Club
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Ch 2 : Invitations (Formal and Informal; and Replies)
CHAPTER 2
Invitations (Formal and Informal; and Replies)
1. introduction which means repondez s’il vous, plait’; please
reply.
An invitation is a request, a solicitation, or
7. The address of the person who extends the
an effort to persuade someone or a group of
invitation must always be given even if the
people to attend a special event such as a
function is organized at some other venue.
conference, show, house-warming party, birthday
celebration, inauguration ceremony, etc. It is a Format of Formal invitation
short composition. It can be drafted in the form You are opening an exclusive parlour for ladies.
of formal letters or printed on cards. Draft a formal invitation for its inauguration with
There are two types of invitations : the necessary details.
1. Formal invitations
2. Informal invitations
2. FORMAL INVITATIONS
Formal invitations are courteous, kind, and polite.
Formal invitations are typically associated with
printed invitation cards. The designation of the
organizer should come first on a formal invitation
card, followed by the host’s name and address, the Letter Format of Formal Invitation
function’s date, time, and location. In addition, Vivekanand Public School is organizing its 25th
the chief organizer’s name appears on the card in Annual Sports day. The District Magistrate, Mr.
the lower left corner next to the word “RSVP.” P K Gupta, is invited by the Principal to serve
Points to remember while writing formal as the Chief Guest and oversee the event. Write a
invitations are as follows: Formal invitation letter to be sent to the official
1. Formal invitations are written in the third named above.
person. The person who extends the invitation
writes his name.
2. Formal invitations answer the questions—
who, whom, when, where, what time, and for
what.
3. Then comes the name of the person, who is
being invited.
4. Date, venue, time, etc. should be clearly
mentioned.
5. In case, the party is organized at some other
place, like a hotel, etc. then the complete
address of the person, along with his contact
number, has to be clearly mentioned.
6. Some formal invitations like the wedding
invitations carry the expression of RSVP,
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 93
3. Informal Invitations 2. It is written in the third person.
Informal invitations are sent to close friends or 3. The format will be the same as given in the
family members on special occasions. They are invitation.
composed in the style of personal letters. It has a 4. No specific reasons are given for refusal. Only
laid-back, informal vibe. Informal invitations may expressions like prior commitment, etc. are
express sentiments that are private to the sender. used.
Points to remember while writing informal 5. In an acceptance reply, expressions like ‘will
invitations are as follows: be delighted to attend it’ are used.
1. These are like short informal letters.
Format of Formal Reply
2. Personal feelings and emotions are used in
Draft a suitable reply to the given formal
informal invitations.
invitation.
3. The salutation, subscription, address on the
top are the same, like in an informal letter.
4. These are always written in the first person.
Format of Informal Invitation
You are opening an exclusive parlour for ladies.
Write an informal invitation, inviting your best
friend for its inauguration.
Accepting the Invitation
4. Replies to Invitations
An invitation reply is a written response to the Declining the Invitation
invitation sent to the host. It also lets the host
know who is attending or not at the event. A good
response is always agreeable. When accepting an
invitation, make sure to verify the event’s date
and time. If you turn down an invitation, be sure
to apologize and provide a clear explanation.
FORMAL REPLIES
Formal replies involve a certain standard and
form. These are usually very short and to-the- INFORMAL REPLIES
point. In a formal reply, first of all, the invitation The layout of a reply to an informal invitation
is acknowledged and then gratitude is expressed is also informal, like the invitation. In informal
in the third person. replies, simple language is used and the
Points to remember while writing formal invitation is acknowledged in the first or second
refusal or acceptance of invitation are as follows: person. Acceptance is communicated and refusal
1. A formal reply is like a formal invitation, but is regretted with a specific reason.
it is not a card. It is a handwritten reply to Points to remember while writing informal
the invitation. refusal or acceptance of invitation are as follows:
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Ch 2 : Invitations (Formal and Informal; and Replies)
1. These are written in the same format as in IMPORTANT QUESTION
the informal invitation.
2. These are written in the first person. 1. As Secretary of the Literary Club of St. Anne’s
School, Ahmedabad, draft a formal invitation in
3. A specific reason for refusal can be given.
not more than 50 words for the inauguration of
Format of Informal Reply the club in your school.
Draft a suitable reply to the given informal Ans : 2022
invitation. St. Anne’s School, Ahmedabad
214, Ram Nagar, Invites
Mansarovar The students, teachers, and staff members
Delhi To the Inauguration
10th October, 20xx of
My Dear Prakash, Literary Club
You will be delighted to know that our son, on
Ravi, is getting married on 28th November, Monday, 18 March, 20xx
20xx. Our would-be daughter-in-law, Rashi, is
10:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
a lecturer in a private college in the same city.
Your bhabhi, Ravi and I are looking forward to Venue : School Library
your presence at the wedding, with family. Famous writer and poet Mr. Vikram Seth shall
grace the occasion with his presence.
Yours affectionately
R P Sharma Secretary, literary Club
(Please be seated by 10:00 A.M.)
Accepting the Invitation
2. You are the President, Literary Society of
Sunshine International School. Draft an invitation
to author, Ms Manjul Bajaj requesting her to
conduct a workshop on creative writing in your
school. You are Romi/Rohit of Zenith Public
School.
Ans : 2022
SUNSHINE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
24th OCTOBER
INVITATION
Declining the Invitation It’s a humble request that Ms. Manjulal Bajaj
please conduct a workshop on creative writing
in Zenith Public School. It’s a golden invitation
from us.
Rohit
Head Boy
Please Mark it as Brainliest
3. You are Riya/Ryan living at 40, Krishna Colony,
Manali. You decided to hold a lunch party to
congratulate your grandparents on their golden
wedding anniversary. Draft a formal invitation in
not more than 50 words to all family members to
attend a grand lunch at home.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 95
Ans : 2021 Ans : 2020
40, Krishna Colony, Manali The Principal Staff and Students of
Date : 20 Feb. 20xx Modern Public School
My dear uncle and aunt on the auspicious INVITATION
occasion of the Golden wedding Anniversary of
my grandparents, I am inviting you to the grand Cordially invite you as the guest of honour and
lunch at our residence. The lunch is scheduled judge for the inter school music competition.
to be on 28 Feb. at 12 : 30 pm. We hope you shall accept our humble request
Kindly confirm your presence by 25 and grace the occasion. We would appreciate a
February. line in reply.
Thank you
Thank you Yours Sincerely
Riya Neetu Jha
(Cultural Secretary)
4. The literary club of your society is putting up
the play ‘Macbeth. As secretary of the club, draft 6. You are Nidhi Aggarwal, Secretary of the Literary
an invitation inviting the famous writer Rohit Club called Shakespearewala of your school. The
Sharma to be the guest of honour at the function. literary club has produced some great theatre
Write the invitation in about 50 words. You are actors in the past and has a phenomenal repertoire
Gaurav/Garima. of dramas. Now, it is putting up the famous
Ans : 2021 Shakespeare play ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. The
principal of your school has asked you to draft an
NEW HOME invitation inviting the famous writer Mr. Ruskin
Tilak Nagar, New Delhi Bond to be the Chief Guest at the event. Write
the invitation in not more than 50 words. Invent
INVITATION
necessary details as required.
Date : 15 January 20xx Ans : 2020
Respected sir,
Richmond High School
The Literary club of our society is going to
Indirapuram
present the play ‘Macbeth’ on 3 February 20xx
Ghaziabad
in the Community Hall of our society. We would
Uttar Pradesh
be pleased if you accept to be the guest of
8 October 20xx
honour for the same.
Mr. Ruskin Bond
Kindly confirm your presence for the
Landour, Mussoorie
occasion.
Uttarakhand
Hoping for a positive reply.
Dear Mr. Bond,
Thank you
Subject : Invitation to be the Chief Guest
Yours Faithfully
Shakespearewala, the Literary club of our
Garima Mehra
(Secretary, Literary Club) school is performing ‘The Taming of the Shrew’
on 27th October, 20xx, 12 pm onwards. The
management of Richmond High cordially
invites you to be the chief guest. We would be
honoured if you consent to grace this occasion
and bless the budding talent. The school will
make arrangements for your stay and travel.
5. Modern Public School, Delhi is organising an Yours faithfully
inter school music competition. You have decided Nidhi Aggarwal
Secretary, Literary Club
to invite noted classical musician. Mohan Gandhi
as the judge and guest of honour. Draft a formal
invitation for him in 50 words. You are Neeraj/ 7. Sakshi, the secretary of the English Literature
Neetu, Cultural Secretary. Society of St. Francis Convent Senior Secondary
School, Gurugram, has to organise as Interschool
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Ch 2 : Invitations (Formal and Informal; and Replies)
Ans : 2007 Ans : 2007
9B Gariahat Road Dr. Swarupa Mitra expresses her thanks to the
Kol- 700081 secretary and members of LION’S CLUB for
Date: 8.09.2020 their kind invitation, to act as the chief guest
To at their public function to celebrate the Silver
The Headmaster Jubilee Day. She regrets her inability to attend
New era public school the function due to her sudden illness this
76/2 Chowranghee Square morning which has confined her to bed.
Kol- 700009 The inconvenience and embarrassment is deeply
Sub : Refusing the invitation for debate regretted.
competition
Sir, Swarupa Mitra
I am Probal Roy, have just received your 15th December 20xx
invitation to be a judge for debate competition
in your school. So, I am writing on the same. 34. You are Sunil/Sunita Bhasin, a celebrated
I am sorry to inform you that I will not be able illustrator. You have been invited by the literacy
to attend your programme because I already club, S.K. School, Jaipur, to deliver a lecture on
have another programme to attend on the same ‘Life Skills’. Draft a letter of formal acceptance
day. of the invitation in about 50 words. Address it to
I would be obliged if you understand my the Director of the school.
situation. Ans : 2006
Yours faithfully, C-6, Sector 9
Probal Roy Rohini
Delhi
32. As the principal of a reputed college, you have been 15 November 20xx
invited to inaugurate a Book Exhibition in your The Director
neighbourhood. Draft a reply to the invitation in S.K. School
not more than 50 words, expressing your inability Jaipur
to attend the function. You are Tarun/Tanvi. Dear Sir/Madam
Ans : 2007 Subject : Acceptance of invitation
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the literary
The Principal club of your school for inviting me to speak on
ABC College ‘Life Skills’, on 25th November 20XX. I wish to
March 25th, 20xx convey my acceptance of the invitation. I shall
Subject : Inability to accept the Invitation Sir reach the venue by 10:00 a.m. My session would
I would like to express my gratitude to the be of 45 minutes followed by 30 minutes of open
Civil Lines Book Club for inviting me to question and answer rounds.
inaugurate the first edition of the Civil Club
Book Exhibition. But I regret my inability to Regards,
attend the function due to a prior commitment. Sunita Bhasin
I have to attend a meeting with the governing
body of our college on the same day for which
the inauguration is scheduled.
Yours faithfully
Tanvi
Principal
35. Your friend has invited you to her sister’s wedding
33. You are Dr. Swarupa Mitra, an eminent oncologist
to be held at Nasik. Write a letter declining the
working at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer and Research
invitation because of prior engagement. You are
Institute. You have the honour of being invited
Abha of C-4/140, sector 8 Tandon Road, Nasik.
as the chief guest at a public function. However,
due to sudden illness you are unable to attend the
same. Draft a suitable reply in about 50 words.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 97
Sr. Sec. School, Agra. Draft an invitation in about parents. The famous writer Ketan Anand is the
50 words requesting her to come and grace the guest of honour. Write an invitation in not more
occasion. than 50 words.
Ans : 2017 Ans : 2016
St. Joseph’s Academy The Literary Club
Agra of
Uttar Pradesh St. Joseph Convent School, Muraina
9 August 20xx Solicits the pleasure of your company on the
Dr. Hansa Bhogle occasion of the play
Director “The Merchant of Venice,,
Department of Education at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 19 November, ZIXX.
Lucknow Mr. Ketan Anand, famous writer,
Uttar Pradesh will be the Guest of Honour
Dear Madam, R.S.VP
Subject : Invitation to preside over the Inter- Raman
zonal Declamation Competition St. Joseph Convent School
The English Literary and Cultural Society Muraina
of our school is going to organize an English Mob. : 886952xxxx
declamation competition on the topic
‘Communication skills are very important in 14. Your Father, Mr O P Agarwal, residing at C-4/116,
modern world’, on 21st August 20XX at 9:30 Mission Compound, Jhansi, wants to celebrate the
a.m. in the school auditorium. success of your sister Snigdha’s clearing the CLAT
Kindly consent to preside over the above Entrance Examination and securing admission in
stated programme. one of the best colleges of the country. He wants
you to draft a formal invitation for him on his
Yours faithfully
behalf. Draft the invitation in not more than 50
Disha
words.
Ans : 2015
12. You are going to open a confectionery store at
Sipri Road, Jhansi, and want to invite your friends MRS AND MR O.P. AGARWAL
and the people of your locality on its inaugural
ceremony. Draft a suitable invitation in 50 words. Seek your auspicious presence at the grand
Ans : 2016 celebration party of their daughter Snigdha’s
successfully clearing the
M/s Jainson
Announce the opening of CLAT — Entrance Examination
Raman Confectionery Store at
60, Sipri Road, Jhansi
INAUGURATION Rajshree Banquet Hall
on C-6/CP, Mission Compound. Jhansi
Saturday, the 15th April, 20XX at 9:00 a.m.
by at 7:00 p.m.
Shri Kulbhusan (Former MLA) on
All are cordially invited
27 September 20xx
Visit for all kinds of confectionery Items
at most reasonable rates R.S.VP
Inaugural Discount C-4/116 Mission Compound
10% on All goods Jhansi
R.S.VR Compliments from Friends and Relatives
Raman Confectionery Store
Ph. 811723xxxx 15. You have opened up a new coaching centre
catering to all subjects for Class XII. Based on
13. The literary club of your school is putting up the the inputs given below, prepare a draft of formal
play “The Merchant of Venice”. As the secretary invitation letter for the purpose.
of the club, draft an invitation inviting the
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Ch 2 : Invitations (Formal and Informal; and Replies)
Extempore competition for students of classes IX- Ans : 2018
XII. You wish to invite Rajat Sharma, the eminent MRS AND MR SATISH SINHA
media personality to preside over the function to solicit your gracious presence on
be held on 30 September, 20xx, at 11:00 a.m. the auspicious occasion
Write the letter of invitation in 50 words. Of
Ans : 2019
the marriage of their grandson
St. Francis Senior Secondary School Akshat
Gurugram
(S/o Mrs. and Mr. Dinesh Sinha)
5 September 20xx
Dear Sir, with
The English Literary Society of our School is
Ravina
organising an English Enter pore Competition
(D/o Mrs and Mr Sushil Sinha)
on 30 September 20xx at 11:00 a.m. in the school
on 15 December 20xx, Wed at 7 p.m.
auditorium. We would be extremely grateful if
you could accept our invitation to preside over at
the function.
Kindly confirm. Amardeep Banquet Hall, Peeragarhi, Delhi
R.S.V.P. With Best Compliments from
Yours faithfully Mob. 783593xxxx Radhika Sinha
Sakshi
10. You are a student of St. Joseph Public School,
8. Mr and Mrs Tiwari want to invite all their Nainital. The school is holding its annual function
friends and acquaintances to the wedding of their on Saturday, the 9th of October, 20xx at 5 p.m. The
granddaughter Deepika. Design an invitation card Education Minister, Dr. M.N. Johri, has consented
for the wedding inventing the necessary details, in to be the Chief Guest. Design an invitation card to
50 words. be sent to the parents and other invitees.
Ans : 2019 Ans : 2017
Mrs. and Mr. JK Tiwari THE PRINCIPAL, STAFF AND STUDENTS
Of
Cordially invite you St. Joseph School, Nainital
to Solicit the pleasure of your company
the auspicious occasion of the Marriage On
of The auspicious occasion
their granddaughter Of
Deepika The Annual Function of their school
(daughter of Mrs. and Mr. RM Tiwari) At
with 5 P.M. on Saturday, the 9th October, 20xx
Anil Sharma Dr. M.N. Johri, the Education Minister
(Son of Mrs. and Mr. MN Sharma) Will be the chief guest and give away the prizes
on 15 November 20xx to the deserving students.
at 7 : 30 p.m.
at : Golden Plaza, Rohini, Delhi 110085 R.S.V.P
Principal
R.S.VR St. Joseph School, Nainital
R.M. Tiwari Mob : 783566xxxx
With Best Compliments
From all friends and relatives
11. You are David/Disha, the Secretary of the English
Literary and Cultural Society of St. Joseph’s
9. You are Radhika Sinha, D/O Dinesh Sinha of Academy, Agra. You have to organize an Inter-
Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. Your father wants you zonal extempore competition at the +2 level.
to draft a formal invitation to be sent on the You wish to invite Dr. Hansa Bhogle, an eminent
occasion of your brother, Akshat Sinha’s marriage. educationist, to preside over the function to be
Prepare the invitation with all necessary details. held on 15 October at 9:30 a.m. at Govt. Model
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 99
Ans : 2014
50 words. Invent necessary details.
Ans : 2013
Mr. Arjun Singh
C-1144, Rohan Rood C-11/171 Sector 5
New Delhi Sagar Enclave
10 August 20xx Sagar
Dear Sir Madhya Pradesh
Subject : Invitation to preside over the school 25 October 20xx
annual function Dear Antriksh
Don Bosco School, Sonepat, is organising its It gives me great pleasure to invite you to
Annual Cultural Programme on the 18 August my home for Diwali celebration. I know your
20XX, between 6 pm to 8 pm at Talkatora parents have gone to Canada and you would all
Stadium, New Delhi. We would be greatly be alone in the hostel. It would give me tonnes
honoured if you could grace the occasion and of happiness. I’m sure you will enjoy yourself
felicitate our budding students. Your presence with my parents and younger sister.
will be a great motivating factor for them. Please come one day before so we can plan
We look forward to a positive response out how we will celebrate. Looking forward for
from you. your company.
Thanking you
Yours affectionately
Yours faithfully Rajini
Rte,
Raman 21. You are opening a coaching institute for students
Headmistress of classes IX-XII. Write an informal invitation,
Don Bosco School, inviting your best friend for its inauguration. Do
New Delhi not exceed more than 50 words. Invent necessary
details.
19. Christ King College, Lalitpur, is celebrating its Ans : 2012
Annual Day and wants to invite the parents and
other guests to the occasion. Design an invitation 13-C.P.,
card for the same in 50 words. Invent necessary Mission Compound
details. Gwalior
Ans : 2013 7 March 20xx
Dear Shalini
THE PRINCIPAL, STAFF AND STUDENTS Finally my dreams of opening a coaching
of Institute has come true. This project had been
in my mind for a long time and by God’s grace
CHRIST KING COLLEGE, LALITPUR the time has come.
requests the pleasure of your company on the The inauguration is on 10th March 20xx
ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATION at 10 am. My Guruji is going to inaugurate
on Sunday, the 24th Dec., 20xx the institute followed by hawan and lunch. The
at 6:30 pm address is 20-CP, Mission Compound, Gwalior.
in the school auditorium Please come and give me your best wishes.
Shri Ramesh Sharma, MLA has very Yours affectionately
kindly consented to be the chief guest.
Rajini
R.S.V.P (This card admits only two)
Father Augustine
22. Your parents have completed 25 years of happy
You are requested to be seated by 6 p.m.
married life. Invite your uncle, living in Surat, to
Principal join you in the silver jubilee celebrations of their
992541xxxx marriage at your residence C-4/Sector 9, Kumar
Enclave, Sagar.
20. Your friend Antriksh is staying in the school
hostel. You wish to invite him at your house for
Diwali celebration. Invite him in not more than
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Ch 2 : Invitations (Formal and Informal; and Replies)
Shyam Coaching Centre - All subjects - Experts 17. You are a student of St. Anthony School, Gwalior.
- morning, evening classes - inaugural discount The school is holding its annual function. Write
small batch.. an invitation on behalf of the Principal inviting
the parents and dignitaries of the town to attend
Ans : 2015
the function to be held on September 18, 20xx at
SHYAM COACHING CENTRE 5:00 p.m.
Announce the Opening of Ans : 2014
its
Vikas Marg Branch THE PRINCIPAL AND THE STAFF
Inauguration of
on
Sunday, 15 October, 20XX St. Anthony School, Gwalior
at 11:00 AM Request your benign presence on the
All are cordially invited auspicious occasion
Salient features
• Class XII
of
• Subject Experts The Annual Function of the school
• Assured about 95%
• Small batch size at 5:00 p.m. on September 18, 20XX
• One week trial class Shri. A.K. Dewan, IAS,
Inaugural discount for those registering till 31”
will be the chief Guest and will give away the
of October.
prizes to the meritorious students
R.S.V.P.
R.S.V.P:
Raman Sharma
Mob. 782562xxxx Principal
St. Anthony School
16. You are the secretary of the Alumni Club, S.K.
International School, Roshan Road, Raipur. Using Gwalior
the information given below, write an invitation
letter to all the old students of the school on the
Alumni Meet.
Alumni Meet on 25th December-Dinner-DJ-
Mahek Hotel-Raipur-6 PM to 10 PM-confirm
your seats.
Ans : 2014
S.K. International School
Roshan Road, Raipur
28 October 20xx
Dear Alumni
Subject : Alumni Meet
10th Alumni Meet of S.K International School,
Raipur, will be held on 25 December, 20XX at
18. Your school is going to hold its Annual Day
Mahek Hotel, Sipri Road, Raipur. Old students,
celebrations on 18th August at Talkatora Stadium,
including their spouses, will be our guests of
honour. New Delhi. You want Mr. Arjun Singh, a noted
Kindly assemble at 6 p.m. in the Banquet playback singer to be the chief guest on this
Hall for a get-together and dinner and dance. occasion. Write a formal invitation in about 50
Please confirm your seat by sending T500 words requesting him to preside over the function.
to the undersigned. You are Raman/Rani, Headmistress, Don Bosco
Thanking you School, New Delhi.
Yours faithfully
S.K. Jain
Secretary
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 101
Ans : 2009
29. Write a formal reply accepting an invitation to be
753-L Defence Colony present in the birthday celebrations of your friend,
Roorkee Suresh’s daughter, who lives at 1231, Chattarpur,
25th August 20xx Delhi. You are Abhishek Khanna.
Dear Reena Ans : 2008
I invite you at the inauguration ceremony of our Aashirwad Apartment, Chattarpur, Delhi
new house in Defence Colony, Roorkee. It would
be a real pleasure to have your presence on this Date : 15 Sept., 20xx
auspicious occasion. Dear Suresh
The Hawan Ceremony is at 10 a.m. and I have received your invitation for your
lunch at 1:30 p.m. Please grace the occasion daughter’s birthday celebration on 30 Sept.
with your presence and give us your blessings. 20xx at 7 p.m. at Hotel Treebo. I am extremely
happy to know that all our old friends are likely
Yours faithfully to be there.
Radha Mehra I would like to confirm my participation, looking
forward to the momentous occasion.
27. Invite your class fellows and friends on the
wedding of your elder sister. Invent necessary With love
details. (50 words). Abhishek
Ans : 2009
30. You are Amit Dubey. You have received an
16, Nai Sarak invitation from the Director, Health Services,
New Delhi Punjab who has invited leading medical
15 August 20xx practitioners of the state to attend a workshop
Dear Reena on ‘child care’ on 25 July, 20x x at 9 a.m. in
I invite you to grace the occasion of my elder New Hope Hospital, Ambala. Draft a reply to the
sister Riya’s marriage on 30th august 20xx.
invitation in 50 words.
Please grace the occasion at 4 p.m. The marriage
Ans : 2008
party will leave for Hotel Park, New Delhi at 5
p.m. Kindly join us on the auspicious day and Director Health Services, Punjab
oblige
Date : 15 July, 20××
Yours faithfully Respected Sir,
Rita Thanks you for your thoughtful invitation. I am
honoured on being invited to attend a workshop
28. Draft a formal reply accepting an invitation to be on
present on the occasion of the wedding of Ankush ‘Child care’ at New Hope Hospital, Ambala.
S/o Mr & Mrs Shankar of 24, Green Park Road, I accept the invitation and consider it will be a
Kanpur. You are Vikram Gaur of Raja Ki Mandi, pleasure to attend the workshop.
Agra.
Ans : 2008 Yours sincerely,
Amit Dubey
Mr And Mrs Shankar, Kanpur
Date : 5 May, 20XX
Mr and Mrs Vikram Gaur thank Mr And Mrs
Shankar for inviting them on the occasion of the
wedding of their son Ankush at 24, Green Park
Road, Kanpur on 15 May, 20XX and assure
them that they will be present on the occasion
to wish the newly weds a very happy married 31. You have been invited as a judge for a debate
life. Mr and Mrs Gaur will reach Kanpur by the competition by New Hope public School. Draft a
Agra Mail which leaves Agra at 8.00 a.m. formal refusal in about 50 words.
Vikram Gaur
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Ch 2 : Invitations (Formal and Informal; and Replies)
Ans : 2011 Ans : 2010
C-4/sector 9, 2734 Urban Colony
Kumar Enclave Sector 9 Ghaziabad
Sagar 23 September 20xx
Madhy Pradesh Dear Rehana
24 September 20xx You will be glad to know that we have decided
Respected Uncle to go for a picnic to Rang Mahal Lake this
My parents Sh. R.S. Agarwal and Smt. Vimla coming Saturday, i.e. 30 September 20xx. We
Devi will be completing 25 years of their happy, will be going by my car and our entire group is
prosperous and fruitful married life the next accompanying us. We will depart from my place
month. We are going to celebrate the silver at 7:30 a.m. Please confirm your presence by 25
jubilee on 5 October, 20xx. All close-knit September.
members will be present. Do join us on this Looking forward to your company.
auspicious occasion and bless the couple.
Yours lovingly
Your faithfully Liza
Roshni Agarwal
25. You are Seema Singh. The wedding of your elder
23. You are Roshan/Roshni, a resident of Rajasthan. brother Jivitesh Singh is going to be held on 17th
Invite your friend Ritika Agarwal who lives in December 20XX at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur.
Delhi to spend a part of her winter vacation with Write out an informal invitation to your friend
you at your farm house near outskirts of Udaipur. Rohini requesting her to attend the function.
Ans : 2011 Ans : 2010
Shivaji Farm C-16/361 Hansraj Road
Ramjas Road, Udaipur 3130xx Sector 5, Agra
Rajasthan 30 November 20xx
Dear Rohini,
23 November 20xx
You will be glad to know that my elder brother
Dear Ritika
Jivitesh is getting married next month. You
I will be spending this winter vacation at my are cordially invited to attend the wedding on
farm house which is situated at the outskirts 17 December at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur.
of Udaipur. It is a pollution free place with lots I invite you to join us for lunch at 1:30 p.m.
of trees and greenery. Horse riding would be in the hotel. The wedding ceremony will take
another activity. place at 9 p.m. Hoping for your presence on this
The soothing environment will really refresh auspicious occasion.
you. Please join me for this vacation. Hoping Yours lovingly
for a positive reply. Seema
Your lovingly
Roshan
26. Write an invitation to your friend inviting him
on the inauguration ceremony of your new house.
Use the information given below.
24. You are Liza. You are going for a picnic with a Inauguration of home - Hawan ceremony -
group of your friends to Rang Mahal Lake near Lunch
Ghaziabad. Write an informal invitation to your
friend to join you on that day. Invent necessary
details.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 103
Ans : 2006 Ans : 2006
C-4/140 Sector 8 1 March 20xx
Tandon Road Thank you Mr. P.V. Sathish for your kind
Nasik invitation to the wedding of your sister, Jaya on
15 September 20xx 12 March 20xx. We regret our inability to attend
Dear Rani as our daughter, Preethi has Board examination
Thanks a lot for inviting me to your elder sister’s on the day of the wedding. Wishing the newly
marriage. I am really happy for you and your sister wedded couple a very happy married life.
that after such a long search for a suitable suitor a Best wishes
perfect match has been found. I really want to be Sushmitha Nair
part of this grand celebration but, unfortunately, M-114, Fort Road
I have my final year exam, hence will not be able Chennai
to attend the function.
Please convey my best wishes to the couple. 38. You are Rahul/Radhika of Krishna Nagar, Chennai.
I will certainly come for the reception. Enjoy You have been invited to attend the wedding of
yourself. your uncle’s daughter/your cousin. Send a reply
Yours affectionately confirming your acceptance to the invitation in not
Abha more than 50 words.
Ans : 2005
36. You are Anita/Rajnish. You have been invited to
Krishna Nagar
attend the wedding of your friend’s sister during Chennai
summer vacation. Respond to the invitation 15 Jan 20xx
accepting the invitation. Dear Uncle
Ans : 2006
Thank you for your kind invitation of your
daughter’s marriage on 23 January 20xx. We
15, Ruhana Nagar
shall be delighted to attend the function.
Hubli 75012xx
West Bengal Yours sincerely
15 March 20xx Radhika
Dear Roshini
39. You are Rachna Madan. Your friend Archana
My heartfelt thanks for inviting me to attend
Gupta has invited you to her engagement
the wedding of your elder sister Suman. It’s
ceremony to be held at Hotel Crowne Plaza on
an auspicious occasion for both, you and your
family. It would be my pleasure to attend the 27th November 20xx at 8 p.m. Draft a reply
wedding and see all the rituals. saying politely that due to an exam on that day,
I will come a day before to help you in the pre- you cannot attend the engagement ceremony.
wedding chores. Thanking you Wish her a good luck.
Ans : 2005
Yours faithfully 6-B/176, Sector 12
Anita RP Greens
Ghaziabad
24 November 20xx
Dear Archana
Thank you for inviting me to your engagement
ceremony, I am really happy for you. Hope you
have a happy married life.
37. Your friend, P.V. Nithish, has invited your Archana, I regret to say that I would not be
family to attend the wedding of his sister, Jaya. able to come to your engagement ceremony
You have your board examination on the day of as my entrance exam is on the same date in
the wedding. Since, south Indian weddings are Bhopal. I very much wanted to be part of this,
traditionally morning events, you will not be able but, unfortunately, I will not be able to be so.
to attend the event. Write a formal reply in about Once again all the best.
50 words to the family expressing your regret. You Yours lovingly
are Sushmitha Nair, M-114, Fort Road, Chennai. Rachna Madan
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Ch 2 : Invitations (Formal and Informal; and Replies)
40. You are Rohana/Rohit. You have been invited
to attend the wedding of your friend’s brother.
Respond to the invitation regretting your inability
to attend it. Invent necessary details and do not
exceed 50 words.
Ans : 2005
206, Kidwai Nagar
Delhi
17th July 20xx
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your cordial invitation to the
occasion of your brother’s marriage. I, however,
regret my inability to attend this auspicious
occasion as I am flying to Canada to join my
sister’s family. Please excuse my absence.
Do convey my regards and best wishes to the
couple.
Yours affectionately
Rohana
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 105
CHAPTER 3
Letters
1. INTRODUCTION address of the receiver. Candidates must
start with the receiver’s designation followed
Letter writing is an art. It is the commonest mode by the name of the organization and then the
of communication. It is different from other forms full address.
of writing because it is intended for a specific
4. Subject : Followed by the receiver’s details,
reader. A letter is written when something has to
you must include the subject line. Basically,
be conveyed to someone sitting far away. Writing
this subject line talks about the purpose of
requires imagination, creativity, careful planning
the letter.
and organization. The language of the letter
5. Salutation : You should greet the person to
should be interactive.
whom you are writing the letter. As you are
writing a formal letter, the greeting should
2. TYPES OF LETTERs not be too personal.
6. Body : Basically, the body of the letter is
There are broadly two types of letter, namely
divided into 3 parts which are as under:
Formal Letters, and Informal Letters. Let us have
Paragraph 1 : Purpose of writing the letter.
a look at these types of letters:
Paragraph 2 : Now explain the reason in
1. Formal Letters : These letters follow a certain detail.
pattern and formality. They are strictly kept Paragraph 3 : Concthe letter. This section
professional in nature, and directly address must say what you’re expecting or the
the issues concerned. Any type of business solution.
letter or letter to authorities falls within this 7. Complimentary Closing : Now conclude the
given category. letter with complementary closing like yours
2. Informal Letters : These are personal letters. sincerely, yours faithfully, etc.
They need not follow any set pattern or adhere 8. Signature : Below the complementary
to any formalities. They contain personal message, write your name followed by your
information or are a written conversation. signature and designation.
Informal letters are generally written to
friends, acquaintances, relatives etc.
3. elements of a formal
letter
The essential parts of a formal letter are as follows:
1. Sender’s address : One of the most essential
components, also known as the return address.
It is the mailing address of the sender. The
address and contact details of the person
sending the letter are written here.
2. Date : Immediately after the sender’s address
comes the date on which the letter is written. 4. FORMAT OF A FORMAL LETTER
3. Receiver’s designation and address : After A formal letter must adhere to the prescribed
writing the date you should mention the format. The format of a formal letter is as
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Ch 3 : Letters
mentioned below: 3. Underlining the main points is very important.
But it is advised to do it after finishing your
Sender’s Address: [Address and contact details exam. Use a pencil and scale for underlining.
of the sender]
4. Presentation is very important.
Date: 5. Read a lot of letters to get an idea.
6. Never mention any of your personal details,
Receiver’s Designation and Address:
i.e., name, school name or address.
[Designation and Address of the receiver]
Subject: [Name the request/complaint] 7. Never write in one go. Make sure you follow
Salutation: [Respected Sir/Madam] the right format and make paragraphs.
8. Don’t use slangs or short forms.
Body of the letter: 9. Try not to exceed the prescribed word limit of
Paragraph 1 [State the purpose of application] 120-150 words.
Paragraph 2 [Here start writing detailed
information]
Paragraph 3 [Now conclude your letter that is EXAMPLE
write what you are expecting]
1. Bal Vidya Public School, Bhilai, urgently requires
Complimentary Closing: [Now end the letter a post-graduate teacher to teach political science
with – yours sincerely, faithfully, thankfully] for which they have placed an advertisement in
Signature: [Name followed by Signature] The Bhilai Express. You are Sanjay/Sanjana
Sharma from 21, Vasant Marg, Bhilai. Draft a
letter including a CV, applying for the advertised
post.(120 – 150 words)
5. Application for a job with Ans : 2017
bio-data 21, Vasant Marg
Bhilai
Employment application means the letter written
01 March, 20xx
for getting a job. It is the primary means of
The Principal
introducing the job seeker to the employer.
Bal Vidya Public School
Through the job application, job seeker offers his
Bhilai
or her labour and service for a return. Therefore,
Subject : Application for the post of a post-
the application for employment acts as a personal
graduate teacher
advertisement. Job application contains appeal for
Sir/Madam
the job along with the job seeker’s personal data
In response to your advertisement in The Bhilai
like name, address, qualification, and experience.
Express, dated February 25, 20xx for the post of a
What do You mean by Bio-Data? political science teacher in your renowned school,
Bio data refers to a person’s life, experience I wish to offer my candidature. I am enclosing a
and achievements. It should be representative copy of my bio-data for your perusal and kind
of all your personal and professional details in a consideration.
specified format. It is generally divided into four I am available for the interview on any day of
parts: your convenience. If given a chance to serve you, I
1. Personal Details assure you that I shall work with utmost sincerity
and dedication up to your satisfaction.
2. Qualifications
Thank you
3. Experience
Yours faithfully
4. References Sanjay/Sanjana Sharma
The following points should be remembered
while writing job application and biodata in a Bio-Data
better way- Name : Sanjay/Sanjana
1. Make sure you double check for grammatical Sharma
accuracy and spellings. They carry marks.
Father’s Name : Mithun Sharma
2. Leave adequate number of lines between
paragraphs to make it look clean. Data of Birth : 25th July, 19xx
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 107
Marital Status : Unmarried all the aforementioned qualities required for the
job. I am enclosing a copy of my bio-data for your
Current Add. : 21, Vasant Marg, perusal and kind consideration. I am available for
Bhilai the interview on any day of your convenience. If
Contact No. : 981502xxxx given a chance to serve you, I assure you that I
shall work with utmost sincerity and dedication
Languages known : Fluent in English and
up, to your satisfaction.
Hindi
Thank you
Educational Qualification Yours faithfully
• Passed XII from SRM School, Bhilai, with Ram/ Rajani
78% Marks Bio-Data
• Passed B.A (Hons.) from Agarwal College,
Bhiali, with 62% marks Name : Ram/Rajani
• Passed M.A Sociology from Agarwal College, Nationality : Indian
Bhilai, with 65% marks Father’s Name : Rajan
• Passed B. Ed from Bhilai
Data of Birth : 21th April, 19xx
References
• Mr. Vijay Mathur, Principal Marital Status : Unmarried
D.A.V. School, Gurudwara Road, Delhi Current Add. : 11, Rana Pratap Marg,
• Mr. Satish Ohri New Delhi
Head of Commerce Department
Contact No. : 971321xxxx
Punjab University, Chandigarh
Languages known : Fluent in English and
2. You are Ram/Rajani, living at 1, Rana Pratap Hindi
Marg, New Delhi. Read the advertisement given
below and apply for the job that suits you Educational Qualification
giving your bio-data separately. Sun University • Passed XII from Gyan Jyoti School, Delhi,
requires Lecturers in English and Demonstrators with 84% Marks
in Physics, Chemistry and Botany for their new • Passed B.Sc from Delhi University with 78%
Campus at Panipat. Candidates with a minimum marks
of 5 year experience alone can apply. Excellent • Passed M.Sc from Delhi University with 71%
command of English is a must. Excellent package marks
and compensation for experienced persons. Those
interested may e-mail to sununiversityjobs@gmail. Work Experience
com or mail their response to: Box no 123, ‘The • 7 years as English Lecturer OR Demonstrators
Harbinger’, New Delhi. in Physics, Chemistry, and Botany in
Ans : 2014
University of Delhi
11, Rana Pratap Marg References
New Delhi • Mr. Vijay Mathur, Principal
01 March, 20xx GD Goenka Public School, Pitampura, Delhi
The Principal, Sun University • Mrs. Satish Ohri
Box no 123 Head of Department : Commerce
‘The Harbinger’ Delhi University, Delhi
New Delhi 3. You are Arjun of 14, New Town, Delhi. You have
Subject : Application for Post of Lecturer in seen an advertisement in The Times of India for
English/Demonstrator in Physics/Chemistry/ the post of Chief Chef in a 5-Star Hotel. Apply
Botany for the job with complete biodata. Write in 125-
Sir/Madam, 150 words.
In response to your advertisement in The Times Ans : 2011
of India, dated February 25, 20xx for the post 14, New Town
of English Lecturer/Demonstrators in Physics, New Delhi
Chemistry and Botany in your new campus, I 24 April, 20xx
wish to offer my candidature. The Human Resource Manager
I would like to bring into notice that I possess The Leela Hotel
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Ch 3 : Letters
rules. They drive vary rash under the influence Chintpumi Temple Crossing and suggesting some
of liquors. They even jump the red light signals remedy for it.
installed on the roads. Ans : 2012
Still the private bus operators stop at 232, Friends Colony
unauthorized stops. The uncontrollable speed Noida
and race with other buses is the main cause of 16th May, 20xx
accidents. They even overtake the other buses for To,
picking up more passengers. The conductors pack The Editor
their buses to suffocation. As a result, ladies and The Hindustan Times
old people are unable to get into the buses. New Delhi
It requires stricter watch on the part of Subject : Chaotic traffic condition near Chintpumi
the traffic police. More traffic police should be Temple Crossing
employed to check the violations of the traffic Respected Sir,
rules. Proper road signals and road marks should
Through this letter of mine, I wish to draw the
be marked. The surprise check by traffic police in
attention of the authorities towards the problems
civil dress can play an effective role in booking
faced by students everyday. We reach our college
the culprits.
fifteen minutes late as our college bus gets stuck
Yours truly
in a traffic jam near Chintpumi Temple crossing.
Priyanshu
People park their vehicles in a haphazard way.
2. You are Praveen of 23, Civil Lines, Jaipur. Write Beggars crowd the gates as well as roads, waiting
a letter to the Editor of Dainik Bhaskar, Jaipur for someone to come out of the temple and give
about frequent break-down of electricity. alms to them. There is a traffic signal at that
Ans : 2016 crossing but people do not follow it.
23, Civil Lines, It is my humble request that a parking area
Jaipur should be allotted to the Temple site so that
25 January, 20XX people can park their vehicles in a proper way.
To, The Temple Trust should appoint someone who
The Editor can make the beggars sit in a queue and that too
Dainik Bhaskar on the footpath and not on the road. And last but
Jaipur not the least, a police-picket should be there at
Subject : Frequent breakdown of electricity in the crossing to make people follow the rules and
civil lines, Jaipur regulations.
Sir, I hope you’ll publish this letter in your
esteemed newspaper so that some actions can be
Please permit me some space in your newspaper.
taken in this matter.
I wish to draw the attention of the government
Thanking you
towards the supply of electricity in Jaipur.
Yours sincerely
The lack of electricity supply is causing much
Akriti
trouble to this city. The supply we get is not only
short but also highly irregular. We do not know 4. India is a highly populated country. People lack
about the hours of cut. in maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene as a
It has also affected the supply of water. If result they suffer from various diseases. India has
there is no light in the morning, there is no water a serious sanitation challenge; around 60 per cent
either. The local water board also depends on the of the world’s open defecation takes place in India.
supply of electricity. Streets are dark in the night. Poor sanitation causes health hazards including
It causes accidents. The students cannot study diarrhoea, particularly in children under 5 years
well. of age, malnutrition and deficiencies in physical
I wish to make an urgent appeal to every development and cognitive ability. You are Nitin/
person concerned to help. Nikita, head boy/girl of Vikas Public School,
Thanking You Jaipur. Write a letter to the editor of a national
Yours faithfully daily, highlighting the problem and suggesting
Praveen practical ways to ensure public sanitation and the
right to dignity and privacy. (120-150 words)
3. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper
highlighting the problem of traffic jam near
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 109
Bio-Data or both.
The following points should be remembered
Name : Minu Sen
while writing a letter to the editor:
Gender : Female 1. Express your ideas clearly and concisely.
Father’s Name : Mr. Mrinal Sen 2. Confine yourself to one topic. Use simple
Data of Birth : 16th July, 19xx words, short words, short sentences and short
paragraphs.
Marital Status : Unmarried
3. The letter should be timely and newsworthy.
Current Add. : 520, Ashok Nagar, Its meaning should be clear.
Hyderabad 4. Plan your first sentence carefully. Make it
Contact No. : 981626xxxx short and interesting.
Languages known : Fluent in English and 5. If you write to criticize, begin with a word
Hindi of appreciation, agreement or praise. A calm,
constructive presentation is persuasive.
Educational Qualification 6. Help supply the truth that may have been
• Passed XII from Vivekanand School, Delhi, omitted or slanted in reporting the news or
with 82% Marks editorializing on it.
• Passed B.A (Hons.) from Kirori Mal College, 7. Use a relevant experience (a situation in your
Delhi, with 73% marks school district) to illustrate a point. When
• Passed M.A Sociology from Kirori Mal rightly (and tightly) told, it can be persuasive.
College, Delhi, with 68% marks 8. Desired steps to rectify the situation should
Work Experience also be mentioned.
• Assistant Manager for Corporate Social 9. Close the letter with formal request to solve
Responsibility (CSR) in Inde Associates, the problems.
Hyderabad
References
• Mr. Rakesh Sood EXAMPLE
Senior Manager, Nippon India Ltd., New
Delhi 1. Write a letter to the Editor of “The Times of
• Mrs. Kalpana Aiyer India”, Delhi expressing your concern over the
Vice President, L & T, Mumbai increase in the rate of road accident, rash driving
and overcrowded road transport. You are Priya/
Priyanshu living at B-47 Avas Vikas, Mayur
6. letter to the editor Vihar, New Delhi.
Ans : 2018
A Letter to the Editor is a formal comprehensive
B-47, Avas Vikas
letter, addressed to the Editor of a certain
Mayur Vihar
publication/magazine/newspaper with the intent
New Delhi
of complimenting, critiquing, informing, or
13 November, 20XX
communicating a certain piece of information.
To,
Newspapers, weeklies and magazines play an
The Editor
important role in shaping public opinion, public
The Times of India
minds and decisions about many national and
New Delhi
international issues because they have a large
Subject : Increasing cases of road accidents, rash
number of readers. Writing letters to the editors
driving and overcrowding.
is a great way to engage with a topic you are
Sir,
passionate about and to influence public opinion.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper,
These letters are written to shape public opinion,
I wish to express the anguish of the general public
to share information and ideas, to increase
over the increasing number of road accidents, cases
awareness, to advocate your cause or to start
of rash driving and the problem of overcrowding
community conversation. It is a written way of
in the buses.
talking to a newspaper or magazine. It takes a
The bus drivers have no regard for the traffic
position for or against an issue or simply inform
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Ch 3 : Letters
DLF Business Park, Sector 78 4. You are Minu Sen, employed as an Asst. Manager
Gurugram, for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in
Subject : Application for the position of Chief your current company in Hyderabad. You saw the
Chef given advertisement in the newspaper and wish to
Sir/Madam, apply for the position advertised.
This is with reference to the advertisement Write a letter to Credit Sage Pvt. Ltd. along with
published in the esteemed daily, The Times your bio-data, expressing your interest in the
of India, on April 05, 20xx. I am Arjun. I have situation vacant.
completed my MBA in hotel management from
CREDIT SAGA Pvt. Ltd
Indian Institute of Hotel Management, New Delhi
. I intend to apply for the post of chief chef in Required- Corporate Social responsibility
your esteemed organization. Manager (CSR) Head
I would like to bring into notice that I possess
Job Responsibilities :
all the aforementioned qualities required for the
• Define strategy for Credit sage’s CSR value
job. I am enclosing a copy of my bio-data for your
of 1% of people’s time, 1% of products and
perusal and kind consideration.
I am available for the interview on any day of 1% of profits to the society.
your convenience. If given a chance to serve you, I • Develop various CSR initiatives in the
assure you that I shall work with utmost sincerity company’s adopted village
and dedication up to your satisfaction. • Strategise and initiate various community
Looking forward to working for The Leela benefit schemes and laison with NGO’s,
Hotel. Govt. Bodies etc.
Yours faithfully Preferred Skills & Qualifications
Arjun Singhania • Bachelor or Master’s degree in Sociology/
Bio-Data Public Relations
• Strong interpersonal and communication
Name : Arjun Singhania
skills (verbal and written)
Nationality : Indian • Proven experience in CSR project
Father’s Name : Kaushal Singhania management and execution
• Proven experience working with non-profit
Data of Birth : 27th March, 19xx organizations or Corporate CSR
Marital Status : Unmarried Send your bio-data within 10 days to Gagan
Vij, HR Head, Credit Saga Pvt. Ltd, Nashik
Current Add. : 14, New Town, Delhi
For further details please check our website -
Contact No. : 985137xxxx www.sage.com/careers/csr
Languages known : Fluent in English and Ans : 2007
Hindi 520, Ashok Nagar
Hyderabad
Educational Qualification
1st October, 20xx
• Passed XII from Delhi Public Shcool, Delhi,
HR Head
with 77% Marks
Credit Sage Pvt. Ltd.
• Passed B.A. from Delhi University with 76%
Nashik
marks
Kind Attn.: Mr. Gagan Vij
• Passed M.B.A. In Hotel Management from
Subject : Application for the post of CSR Manager
Delhi with 82% marks
Sir,
Work Experience This is in response to your advertisement published in
• 8 years of experience as a sous- chef in The The Times of India dated 30th September, 20XX for
Oberoi Hotels. the subject vacancy in your esteemed organisation. I
References wish to apply for the same. Please find enclosed my
• Mr. Vijay Kukreja, biodata for your kind perusal and consideration. I
Chief The Oberois, New Delhi look forward to your positive response.
• Mrs. Ram Prakash Thanking you
IIHM, Dean, New Delhi Yours sincerely
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 111
Ans :
Vikas Public School
2008
IMPORTANT QUESTION
Jaipur
23nd November, 2019 1. You are Raj/Rati, 115, Ram Nagar, Noida. Read
To, the advertisement given below and write a letter
The Editor to the advertiser, applying for the job. Also give
Rajasthan Patrika your detailed resume, which you would send along
Jaipur with your letter of application for the job. (120-
Subject : Need for public sanitation. 150 words)
Sir,
Through the column of your esteemed daily Wanted experienced Post Graduate Teacher
I want to highlight the serious problem of in Chemistry to teach Classes XI and XII in
a reputed ICSE affiliated residential school.
sanitation. Everybody knowns that India is a
Fluency in English is a must. Working knowledge
highly populated country. The people have no
of computers is preferable; salary commensurate
proper sanitation and hygiene facilities. Around
with experience and expertise. Please apply to :
60 per cent of the world’s open defecation takes
Box No. 205, C/O The Hindu, Noida.
place in India. As a result, people suffer from
various diseases. Diarrhoea, among various health Ans : 2022
hazards, is very common among the children 115, Ram Nagar
of below five years of age. Poor sanitation also Noida
causes deficiencies in physical development and 31st March, 20xx
cognitive ability among people. Box No. 205,
The government and the concerned authorities C/o The Hindu,
must take steps in this regard. They should put Noida
the public sanitation facilities at important places Subject : Job Application for Chemistry Teacher
of villages, towns and cities. Besides, people Sir/Madam,
should be made aware of diseases caused by open This refers to your advertisement in The Hindu,
defecation. Sanitation should become our right to dated 28th March, 20xx, for the vacancy of
ensure dignity and privacy. Chemistry teacher’s post in your esteemed school
Yours faithfully for Classes XI and XII. I wish to apply for the
Nitin same. I have the qualification and experience
Head Boy required for the post. My detailed bio-data is
enclosed.
I hope you shall consider my application for
interview.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Rati Shah
Encl. Bio-data
Bio-Data
Name : Rati Shah
Gender : Female
Father’s Name : Mr. Somesh Shah
Data of Birth : 15th April, 1988
Marital Status : Unmarried
Current Add. : 115, Ram Nagar, Noida
Contact No. : 82877xxxxx
Languages known : Fluent in English,
Hindi and German
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Ch 3 : Letters
This is in response to your advertisement in The The Principal
Hindustan Times dated 7 October, 20xx for the Sunflower Public School
post of Chief Chef in the Orchard. I wish to offer Jaipur
my candidature for this post. Rajasthan
I have the relevant qualifications and work Dear Sir,
experience for the job. Although I can handle Subject : Application for the post of Sports Coach
gourmet cooking, continental cuisine is definitely With reference to your advertisement in the
my forte. Times of India of 16 May 20xx for the post of
Attached herewith is my brief resume. I male sports coach, I wish to apply for it. I am
would be grateful if I am considered for the above- enclosing details of my educational qualifications
mentioned post in your reputed hotel. and experience in my resume. As required by you,
I am a degree holder in Physical Education and
Yours faithfully
have been certified by the Sports Authority of
Aarti Hempal
India (SAD in Athletics.
In Addition, I have four year’s experience of
Bio-Data
coaching students of a reputable Public School. I
Name : Aarti Hempal am confident that I will not disappoint you and
produce some champion athletes of whom you
Gender : Female will be proud of.
Father’s Name : Shri Sudesh Hempal I am available for the interview at any time
convenient to you.
Data of Birth : 17th March, 19xx
Yours faithfully
Marital Status : Unmarried Prateek Aggarwal
Current Add. : 14, West Punjabi Bagh, Bio-Data
New Delhi
Name : Prateek Aggarwal
Contact No. : 702345xxxx
Gender : Male
Languages known : Hindi, English
Father’s Name : Shri Rajat Aggarwal
Educational Qualifications
Data of Birth : 18th Jun, 19xx
• Class XII (PCB) CBSE 2008 76%
• 3-year course Pusa Institute of Hotel Marital Status : Unmarried
Management 2008-2011 80% Current Add. : N-109, Azadpur Delhi
• Advanced Diploma in Continental Cooking
from F&B 2012 Contact No. : 883135xxxx
Work Experience Languages known : Hindi, English
• Worked as trainee chef with Lodhi Hotel, Educational Qualifications
New Delhi for 2 years (2013-15) • Passed Class X, CBSE with 72%
• Worked as Assistant sous chef with Hotel • Passed Class XII, CBSE with 81%
Weekend, Gurgaon (2016-2020) • BA (Physical Education) from University of
• At present heading a team of chefs in The Delhi 77%
Orbit, Chandigarh (2020-2022)
Personal Qualifications
6. Sunflower Public School, Jaipur, requires 2 sports • Certified Coach in Athletics by sports
coaches (one male and one female). Each should Authority of India 90%
be a degree holder in Physical Education as well Work Experience
as an SAI certified coach in athletics. Write an • I have been working as Physical Education
application in 120-150 words along with your Instructor in Satyawati Public School, New
resume. You are Prateek/Payal, House No. 109, Delhi, since March 20xx
Azadpur, Delhi. Strengths
Ans : 2009
• Have coached students in Athletics and
House No.-109, Azadpur
Dodgeball with discipline and good time
Delhi
management
30 June 20xx
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 113
Educational Qualification : Bio-Data
Examination Institution Board/Uni. Marks Name : Arti Pandey
B.Ed Miranda House Delhi University 65% Father’s Name : Mr. Daksh Pandey
MA. (English) L.S.R Delhi University 60%
Address : 14, Model Town, Delhi
BA. (English) L.S.R. Delhi University 60%
Phone : 92572xxxx
XII (Hum.) St. Joseph School CBSE 96%
X St. Joseph School CBSE 90%
Date of Birth : 24th September 1989
Marital Status : Unmarried
Scholarship Awarded :
Have been a Scholarship holder in XII.
References : Educational Qualifications :
• M.Sc. in Culinary Arts, HM College, Delhi
1. Mrs. J.S. Sharma, Principal, Miranda House,
(2006- 2007)
Delhi, 981871xxxx.
• B.Sc. in Hotel Administration, IHM, Kolkata
2. Dr. Sutapa Banerjee, (H.O.D) English
(2003-2005)
Literature L.S.R. Delhi, 991071xxxx.
Experience :
4. You are Anand/Arti of 14, Model Town, Delhi. • Working as a Senior Chef in Radisson Hotels,
You have seen an advertisement in The Hindu for Gurgaon
the post of Chief Chef in a 5-Star Hotel. Apply Skills :
for the job with complete bio-data. Write in 120- • Excellent communication skills, team player,
150 words. knowledge of different cuisine, sincerity
Ans : 2010
• Very effective in maintaining standards of
14, Model Town
food quality through active observation
Delhi
of dishes and direct supervision of special
3rd March, 2014
recipes.
The General Manager
• Experienced in interviewing candidates for
JW Marriott
kitchen positions.
New Delhi
Subject: Job application for the position of Chief Languages known :
Chef • English, Hindi and Gujarati
Sir/Madam, References :
Having seen your advertisement for an experienced • Mr. Deepak Chautaliya Manager, F&B
Chef, I wish to apply for the same in your reputed Operations The Radisson, Gurgaon
organization. I came to know about the vacancy • Dr. Krishna Chand Rai Director IHM,
through the newspaper The Hindu dated March Kolkata
15, 2014. Please find attached my bio-data for the
purpose. 5. You are Asit/Aarti Hempal of 14, West Punjabi
I have been working with organizations of Bagh, New Delhi. You have seen the following
international repute for the last seven years. At advertisement in The Hindustan Times for the
present, I am working with Radisson Hotels, post of Chief Chef in a Five Star Hotel. Apply
Gurgaon as a Senior Chef. I believe that I have for the job with complete biodata. Write a cover
the skills, creativity and qualifications to excel in letter also.
the role and would like to bring my enthusiasm Ans : 2010
for creating new dishes to your hotel. 14, West Punjabi Bagh
I would appreciate the chance to discuss my New Delhi
abilities and your menus and explain how I could 10 October 20xx
contribute to your restaurant’s success. The Advertiser
I thank you in anticipation of an early P.O. Box 101
response. The Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Yours truly,
Sir,
Arti
Subject : Application for the post of Chief Chef
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Ch 3 : Letters
forbidden websites, they can have disastrous 34. Meera Ranjan is a resident of Kerala. She writes
effects on children. a letter to the editor of a local newspaper giving
We all know how mobile phones are her strong views on the disadvantages of setting
being used for wrong purposes like cheating in up a chemical factory in your area and makes an
exams, criminal activities and even for making appeal to the central government to reconsider its
objectionable video clips. The common element in decision, as it will worsen the environment of the
these gadgets is that they distract children from city. Add your own ideas and write this letter in
the right course and lead to wastage of time. 120-150 words.
Controlled and guided use of electronic Ans : 2015
gadgetry is essential, and that is the message I 108, Ernakulam Road
wish to convey to your readers. Kidwai Nagar
Yours faithfully Kerala 6820xx
Pushpit pandey 20 April 20xx
The Editor
33. You are Wasim/Wahida of New Ashok Colony, The Hindu
Agra. The main road leading to the colony is in Bengaluru 5300xx
a very bad condition with many potholes and Dear Sir,
open manholes. To add to the woes, there is no Subject : Disadvantages of setting up a chemical
streetlight that makes the matters worse at night. factory in urban areas
Write a letter in about 120-150 words to the Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I
Editor of The Times of India drawing attention of would like to draw the attention of the authorities
the authorities concerned to the problem and to concerned to the disadvantages of setting up a
seek immediate remedial action. chemical factory in our town.
Ans : 2015 With the setting up of a chemical factory
10 New Ashok Colony in our town a large amount of industrial wastes
Agra will be discharged into rivers and lakes without
18 July 20xx any treatment. Water will get polluted with toxic
The Editor waste; and emissions from refineries will float
The Times of India on the rivers and lakes. Chemical explosion and
New Delhi radioactive wastes will also pollute the atmosphere
Dear Sir to an extent beyond imagination.
Subject : Complaint about bad condition of roads Air also gets polluted due to emission of
of the locality fumes. Oxides of nitrogen emitted by automobile
Through the columns of your esteemed daily exhausts change into nitric acid when it reaches
newspaper, I want to draw your kind attention to the atmosphere. We cannot forget how the
the poor conditions of roads in our colony. chemical gas leaked from a chemical factory in
The main road leading to the colony is in a Bhopal, and killed thousands of innocent people.
very bad shape with potholes and open manholes. It is the high time the authorities woke up and
These often cause accidents or injuries to the reconsidered their decision to set up the chemical
people walking down it. Day by day things are factory in our town. I look forward to you for
getting bad to worse. One can’t travel on such publishing this letter in your editorial column at
roads. To add to our woes, there are no street your convenience.
lights. For quite some time the roads have become
Yours faithfully
impassable. We have already made several
Meera Ranjan
complaints but still things have not improved.
The situation gets more complicated during the 35. You are Srikhant, living at 7C-189, Ist floor,
rainy season as even the slightest rain floods the Ramjas Colony, Muzzafarpur. Write a letter to
roads, adding more problems. Often all this mess the Editor of a newspaper about the burden of
causes traffic jams on the roads. heavy bags the young children carry to school.
I would be grateful if you publish my letter Ans : 2014
in your newspaper and help draw the attention of 7C-189 1st Floor
authorities concerned to our plight.
Ramjas Colony
Yours faithfully
Muzzafarpur
Wahida
17 March 20xx
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 115
References Educational Qualifications
• Dr. Pradeep Malik • MBA from Time Institute in 20xx with 78%
• Senior Coach, Sports Authority of India New • B.Com from Dungar College, Jaipur in 20xx
Delhi (785262xxxx) with 86%
• Sri PM Rajput, Financial Advisor GRASM • Class XII, CBSE in 20xx with 89% (Commerce
Bengaluru (881262xxxx) stream)
• Class X CBSE in 20xx with 91%
7. You are Prem/Parul, 16, TT Nagar, Bhopal. You
Work Experience
would like to apply for the post of the Marketing
• Worked as Marketing Manager at Vistas
Manager in a reputable firm in Mumbai. Write a
Enterprises for the last 4 years.
letter to the Public Relations Officer, Chaitanya
• Currently working as Marketing Head,
Enterprises, Mumbai, applying for the job. Write
Shinaya Enterprises for the last 3 years.
the letter in 120-150 words giving your biodata.
Ans : 2009 References
16, T.T. Nagar • Mr. Rajat Mehra
Bhopal CEO, Vistas Enterprises, Delhi
7 December 20xx • Mr. Keshav Das
The Public Relations Officer MD, Universal Marketing Ltd., Bengaluru,
Chaitanya Enterprises Karnataka
Link Road, Versova
Mumbai
Dear Sir,
Subject : Application for the post of Marketing
Manager
In response to your advertisement in ‘The Times
8. You are Krishna of 13-C/169 Sector 16, Rohini,
of India’, dated 5 December 20xx for the post
Delhi. You have seen an advertisement in the
of a marketing manager, I wish to offer my
Hindustan Times for the post of Chief Chef in
candidature for the same.
a Five Start Hotel. Apply for the same with
I have requisite qualifications and excellent
complete resume. Do not exceed 120-150 words.
communication skills. I am enclosing a copy of my
biodata for your perusal and kind consideration. Invent necessary details.
Ans : 2009
I have a passion for marketing and am keen to
implement new strategies. 13-C/169, Sector 16
Hoping for a favourable response from you. Rohini
Yours faithfully Delhi
Prem Raghuvanshi 26 June 20xx
The Managing Director
Encl. :
The Park Hotel
1. Photograph
Connaught Place
2. Testimonials & certificates New Delhi
3. Resume Dear Sir,
Bio-Data Subject : Application for the post of Chief Chef
This is with reference to the advertisement in
Name : Prem Raghuvanshi The Times of India and The Hindustan Times
Gender : Male dated 24 June 20xx for the post of Chief chef in
your esteemed organisation. I would like to offer
Father’s Name : Shri Vineet Raghuvanshi
my candidature for the same as I fulfil all the
Data of Birth : 26th November, 19xx requirements.
Marital Status : Unmarried I am an ardent worker, who believes in
honesty, dedication and sincerity. I am enclosing
Current Add. : 16, TT Nagar Bhopal my resume for your consideration.
Contact No. : 823535xxxx In anticipation of an early response.
Languages known : Hindi, English Yours faithfully
Krishna Singh
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Ch 3 : Letters
Chattisgarh 120-150 words to the Manager, Rockfield Pvt.
17 March 20xx Ltd., Bhopal, offering your candidature.
The Principal You are Raman Mehta/Reshma Mehta.
Khetan Public School Ans : 2007
Raipur 87, Gandhi Road
Dear Sir, Jhansi
Subject : Application for the post of TGT English 23 March 20xx
In response to your advertisement in the Danik
Jagran dated 15th March, 20xx, for the post of The Manager
TGT English, I would like to apply for the same. Rockfield Pvt. Ltd.,
I have the requisite qualifications and experience Bhopal
and possess good communication skills. If given Dear Sir,
an opportunity to serve your esteemed Institute Subject : Application for the post of an Accountant
I assure you I will work to your satisfaction. I With reference to your advertisement in The Hindu
am enclosing my resume for your perusal and dated 20 March, 20xx, I wish to apply for the
consideration. position mentioned above. I feel my qualifications
and experience are adequate to enable me to
Yours faithfully discharge my duties.
Rohini Mittal For your kind consideration I am attaching
Bio-Data my testimonials as well as resume for further
perusal.
Name : Rohini Mittal Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Gender : Female
Raman Mehta
Father’s Name : Shri O.P. Mittal
Bio-Data
Data of Birth : 12th April, 19xx
Name : Raman Mehta
Marital Status : Unmarried
Gender : Male
Current Add. : 130, Tandon Road,
Sadar Bazar, Raipur Father’s Name : Shri Sohan Mehta
Contact No. : 89283535xxxx Data of Birth : 07th November, 19xx
Languages known : Fluent in English, Marital Status : Unmarried
Hindi and German Current Add. : 87, Gandhi Road, Jhansi
Extra skills Well versed in Contact No. : 933535xxxx
computers
Languages known : Fluent in English, Hindi
Educational Qualifications
and German
• XII, CBSE 85%
• BA (Hons), Delhi University, 70% Extra skills Well versed in computers
• B ed, Delhi University, 75% Educational Qualifications
• MA English, Delhi University, 74% • CBSE (10+2) - 90%
Work Experience • B Com (Hons) - 68%
• 7 years as a TGT English in S.K. Public • CA - 70%
School, Raipur • ICWAI - 60%
References Work Experience
• Mr. S.P. Rai, Director, Himalaya Public • Jindal Pvt. Ltd., Jhansi, for 3 years
School, Raipur References
• Mr. Leela Kaul, Professor K.K. College, • Dr. R.K. Agarwal, C.M.O. Civil Hospital,
Raipur. Jhansi,
13. You see a classified advertisement in a leading • Sh. R.K. Khandelwal, Financial Advisor,
daily inviting application for the post of an Jindal Pvt. Ltd., Jhansi
accountant. Write a letter along with resume in
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 117
Bio-Data of a Nursery Teacher I offer my candidature for
the same. I fulfil the requisites laid by you and
Name : Anita Singh
assure you that if given a chance. I will work with
Gender : Female full devotion and dedication for the upliftment of
Father’s Name : Shri O.P. Singh both students and Institute.
I am enclosing my resume for your perusal
Data of Birth : 30th December, 19xx and consideration. Waiting in anticipation.
Marital Status : Unmarried Yours faithfully
Current Add. : 87, Tandon Road, Sipri Suraj Prakash
Bazar, Jhansi Bio-Data
Contact No. : 772351xxxx
Name : Suraj Prakash
Languages known : Hindi, English
Gender : Male
Educational Qualifications Father’s Name : Shri Balram Prakash
• B.Com (Hons), MD University, Rohatak
Data of Birth : 21th Jun, 19xx
Work Experience
• Have worked for two years in Rajat Pvt. Ltd. Marital Status : Unmarried
References Current Add. : C-14/140 Sector 11,
• Sh. B.K. Singh Rohini, Delhi
CMO, Civil Hospital Contact No. : 7823535xxxx
• Rajat Sharma
Languages known : Hindi, English
Manager, Rajat Pvt. Ltd.
Educational Qualifications
11. You are Suraj/Sohana. You came across the
• XII CBSE Board 85%
following advertisement in a national daily. You
• BA (Hons), Delhi University 65%
consider yourself suitable and eligible for the post.
• JBT, Delhi University 60%
Write an application in about 120-150 words in
• BEd, Delhi University 75%
response to the advertisement.
• MA (English) Pursuing
Applications are invited for the post of a Work Experience
nursery teacher in a reputable school of north • Worked for six years in SK Internal School,
west Delhi. The candidate must have at least Vikas Marg, Delhi
5 years experience of teaching tiny tots. The
applicant must have good command over Expected Salary
English and be well versed in computer. He/she • 7th Pay commission
should be innovative and creative. Attractive References
salary. Interested candidates should apply to the • Shri Jagdish Prasad
Principal, Ramnarayan International School, Manager, SK International School, Vikas
Ghaziabad, within 10 day with detailed resume. Marg, Delhi
Ans : 2008
• Sh. S.K. Bhagat
C-14/140 CMO, Civil Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi
Sector 11, Rohini
Delhi 12. You are Rohini/Rohit. You have seen an
13 August 20xx advertisement for the post of an English Teacher
The Principal in Khetan Public School, Raipur. Write a letter
Ramnarayan International School in response to the advertisement applying for the
Gaziabad post. Give your detailed resume. Invent necessary
Respected Sir details.
Subject : Application for the post of Nursery Ans : 2007
Teacher. 130 Tandon Road
With reference to your advertisement in ‘The Sadar Bazar
Daily’ dated 10th August, 20XX, for the post Raipur
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Ch 3 : Letters
• Excellent communication skills, Diploma in Current Add. : 642, Gandhi Road,
Computer with Python C++ and MS Office Jhansi
References Contact No. : 88535xxxx
• Dr. A.K. Gosh
Professor, Amba Bai Hospital, Bhopal Languages known : Fluent in English, Hindi
(953253xxxx) and German
• K.K. Khanna Extra skills Well versed in computers
Sr. Marketing Manager, Shanti Industries,
Bhopal (931513xxxx) Educational Qualifications
• Graduation with 60% marks from M.D.
University in 20xx
16. Study the following advertisement and then write
• Postgraduation with 75% marks from M.D.
a suitable application for the post of a receptionist.
University in 20xx
Wanted smart and dynamic female with good References
communication skills to serve as a receptionist • Dr. S.K. Jha, Head of Department Political
in the front office of a five star Hotel. Fresh Science M.D. University, Rohtak (785253xxxx)
graduates with knowledge of foreign languages • Mr. R.N. Narayan
preferred. Apply with two passport sized Manager, North Campus School, Rohtak
photographs & complete biodata to The Times (885123xxxx)
of India, P.B. No 73XX within 7 days from the
date of the publication of this advertisement. 17. You are Archana/Ashish living at C-16/714
Saraswati Lane, Gwalior. You came across an
Ans : 2006
advertisement for the post of Trainee Accountant
642 Gandhi Road
in S.R. Medical Labs, Gwalior. Write a letter to
Jhansi
the advertiser applying for the job. Also give your
23 August 20xx
detailed resume.
The Times of India Ans : 2005
Post Box No 73xx C-16/714, Saraswati Lane
New Delhi Gwalior
Dear Sir, 13 September 20xx
Subject : Application for the post of Receptionist To,
In response to your advertisement for the post of The Manager
a receptionist in a five star hotel, I offer myself as S.R. Medical Labs
one of the candidates for the same. Gwalior
I am a dynamic young girl with a pleasing
Dear Sir,
personality. My communication skills are very
Subject : Application for the post of Trainee
good and also I have a reasonable command over
Accountant
French.
This is in response to your advertisement dated
I am sure, if given a chance, I can be an asset
for the organisation. 10 September, 20xx, in the Times of India for
I am enclosing my bio-data for your kind the post of Trainee Accountant in your esteemed
consideration. organization. As my qualifications match those
required for the post, I would like to apply for the
Yours faithfully same. I am enclosing my bio-data for your kind
Rachna Sharma perusal.
Bio-Data I promise to serve the organisation sincerely
and to the my best of ability, if selected.
Name : Rachna Sharma Yours faithfully
Gender : Female Ashish
Father’s Name : Sh. R.K. Sharma Bio-Data
Data of Birth : 27th April, 19xx Name : Ashish
Marital Status : Unmarried Gender : Male
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 119
14. You saw an advertisement in a daily newspaper • Sh. L.L. Verma
for the post of a Sales Executive in a reputable Sr. Advocate, Delhi High Court (999111xxxx)
MNC. Write a letter with bio-data in 120-150
words to the HR Manager, Goel Sons Ltd, Vinod 15. You are Ram/Raman of 17, TT Nagar Bhopal.
Nagar, Delhi, applying for the post advertised. You would like to apply for the post of Marketing
You are Rani/Rajesh. Manager in an MNC in Delhi. Write a litter to the
Ans : 2006
Director, Chipmuk Enterprises, D-7 Vikas Marg,
171, Vinod Nagar Delhi, applying for the job. Write the letter in
Delhi 1100xx 120-150 words giving your bio-data
13 April 20xx Ans : 2006
The HR Manager 17, TT Nagar
Goel Sons Ltd. Bhopal 4620xx
Vinod Nagar 25 June 20xx
Delhi 1100xx The Director
Dear Sir, Chipmuk Enterprise
Subject : Application for the post of a Sales D-7 Vikas Marg
Executive Delhi 1100xx
With reference to your advertisement in the Dear Sir
Hindustan Times of 10 April 20xx for the post Subject: Application for the post of Marketing
of a sales executive, I would like to offer my Manager
candidature for the same. In response to your advertisement dated 20th
For your kind consideration I am enclosing June, 20XX in the Times of India, I wish to offer
my bio-data. If given a chance, I would work with my candidature. I fulfil the conditions laid down
full sincerity and devotion. in your advertisement. I have completed my MBA
in Marketing Management from Symbiosis Pune
Yours faithfully with 90% marks. I have also 3 years experience
Rajnesh Singhal working for a reputable concern in Bhopal. I am
Bio-Data enclosing my bio-data for your kind consideration.
Hoping for a favourable response.
Name : Rajesh Singhal
Yours faithfully
Gender : Male Ram Sharma
Father’s Name : Sh. Kamlesh Singhal Bio-Data
Data of Birth : 08th January, 19xx
Name : Ram Sharma
Marital Status : Unmarried
Gender : Male
Current Add. : 171, Vinod Nagar, Delhi
Father’s Name : Shri Gopal Sharma
Contact No. : 782305xxxx
Data of Birth : 09th November, 19xx
Languages known : Fluent in English, Hindi
and German Marital Status : Unmarried
Extra skills Well versed in computers Current Add. : 17, TT Nagar Bhopal
Contact No. : 872525xxxx
Educational Qualifications
• Senior Secondary- 90% with distinction in Languages known : Fluent in English, Hindi
English and maths and German
• B.Com (Hons)- 80% marks from Satyavati Extra skills Well versed in computers
College, Delhi Computers- C++, Java, Net,
Unix from Apple Educational Qualifications
• MBA in Marketing Management, Symbiosis
References
Institute, Pune
• Sh. A.K. Dewan
Principal, Satyavati College, Delhi Work Experience
(773125xxxx) • Manager at Shanti Industries, Bhopal (3
years)
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Ch 3 : Letters
advertisement. Choose a post for which you Educational Qualification
think you are suitable. Send your application in • Passed XII from Harmony Sr. Sec school
response to this advertisement. Roorkee with 90% Marks
• Passed BCom from Mehak College of
An Upcoming School in Ghaziabad Commerce, Roorkee, with 70% marks
Requires the Following Staff
Work Experience
Lab Assistant : Science graduates having 2-5 • Worked as an ‘Accountant’ for 2 years at
years of lab experience Shree Ganesh Chemicals Ltd, Ghaziabad.
Accountant : B. Com. with minimum
experience of 2 years in References
Receptionist : maintaining accounts • Mr. Raja Ram, Sales Manager,
Young female candidates Diamond Industries Ghaziabad.
fluent in English with good • Dr. M.K. Agarwal, Manager (Finance),
communication skills and Shree Fertilizers Ltd. Ghaziabad.
proficiency in computer/Net
20. Write a letter to Editor of local daily, New Delhi
surfing with 3 year experience
about water scarcity in you locality suggesting
Please send your detailed updated resume within ways to improve the condition of water supply.
seven days to the Manager, Prayag International You are Bobby/Babita of Ghaziabad.
School, 674, Kavi Nagar, Ghaziabad, 20xx. Ans : 2022
Ans : 2005 A-10, New Colony
13, Vikas Marg Ghaziabad
New Delhi 2 March, 20xx
22 October 20xx The Editor
The Manager Hindustan Times
St. Prayag School New Delhi- 12001
67A Kavi Nagar Subject : Water crisis in New Colony
Ghaziabad Respected Sir,
Dear Sir, Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper,
Subject : Application for the post of ‘Accountant’ I wish to draw the attention of the concerned
In response to your advertisement dated 20 authorities towards the problem of water scarcity
October, 20XX in the Times of India, for the post in our locality.
of Accountant, I want to offer my candidature. I It is still early summer and the residents are
am a dynamic young man of pleasing habits and already facing acute water shortage in the area.
personality with the necessary qualifications and The supply starts at 7.30 a.m. and cuts off at 8.30
experience. I can join immediately if desired. a.m in the morning and is restored only for half
Looking forward for a positive response. an hour in the evening between 5.00 p.m. to 6.30
p.m. Since the timings are erratic, many people,
Yours faithfully especially, the working couples are unable to store
Rajan Sharma water. Frequent complaints to the Jal Board haven’t
Bio-Data yielded any result as the authorities express their
helplessness saying that one of the tanks of the
Name : Rajan Sharma Hyderpur Water Treatment plant is under repair
Gender : Male and has been shut down for a month or so thereby
affecting the water supply in the area. But it is
Father’s Name : Shri Ram Narayan
nearly one and a half months since the problem
Sharma
began, yet there is no respite for the residents.
Data of Birth : 10th July, 19xx The Jal Board should, in the meantime, make
Marital Status : Unmarried provisions for water tankers at different hours of
the day. Also, measures must be taken to expedite
Current Add. : 13, Vikas Marg, Delhi the repair work.
Contact No. : 981876xxxx Thank you
Languages known : Fluent in English and Yours sincerely
Hindi Bobby
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 121
Father’s Name : Shri Vinod sharma firm in Bengaluru. I want to change my job due to
proximity to my native place. I hold a BSc (Hons)
Data of Birth : 24th April, 19xx degree in chemistry from Pune University.
Marital Status : Unmarried My resume is enclosed herewith for your kind
perusal. If selected, I assure you, I will prove an
Current Add. : C-16/714 Saraswati Lane
asset to your company. I am looking forward to
Gwalior
joining your esteemed organization at the earliest.
Contact No. : 88535xxxx Thanking you
Languages known : Fluent in English, Hindi Yours faithfully
and German Pankaj Das
Extra skills Well versed in computers Bio-Data
Educational Qualifications Name : Pankaj Das
• Passed Class X, CBSE with 92% Gender : Male
• Qualifications Passed Class XII, CBSE with
Father’s Name : Shri Sanjay Das
68%
• B Com (Hons) from Bundelkhand University Data of Birth : 29th May, 19xx
with 72% Marital Status : Unmarried
• M Com from Bundelkhand University with
Current Add. : 95, Dehu Road Pune
62
Contact No. : 982535xxxx
Work Experience
• Worked for 1 year as Trainee Accountant Languages known : Fluent in English, Hindi
with XYZ Company, Gwalior and German
References Extra skills Well versed in computers
• Mr. S.K. Gupta, Principal, XYZ School, Educational Qualifications
Gwalior, Mob. 972353xxxx • Passed Class X, CBSE with 82%
• Dr. R.K. Jain, CMO, Civil Hospital, Gwalior, • Qualifications
Mob. 982455xxxx Passed Class XII, CBSE with 78%
• BSc (Hons) in chemistry from Pune University
18. Pankaj Das of 95, Dehu Road, Pune, sees an
with 77%
advertisement for the post of a supervisor and
decides to apply for the job. The requirements Work Experience
for the job are graduation in any science subject, • Working as Supervisor in Raman Chemist,
knowledge of English and possession of computer Annasandra Palaya, Bengaluru for last three
skills. Write an application along with the biodata years.
in about 120-150 words to the Personnel Manager, Scholarship/Awards
Light Sight Chemists, Dehu Road, Pune. • Scholarship holder in Class XI and XII. Won
Ans : 2005
gold medal in post Graduation for highest
95, Dehu Road score.
Pune
23 July 20xx References
The Personnel Manager • Dr. S.N. Dharwadkar, Head, Dept. of
Light Sight Chemists Chemistry, Pune University
Delhi Road, Pune • Dr. P.C.A. Raghavan, Professor, St. Paul’s
Dear Sir, College, Pune
Subject : Application for the post of Supervisor Date : 23, July 20xx
With reference to your advertisement in the Times Place : Pune
of India dated 22 July 20XX, inviting applications
for the post of supervisor, I wish to apply for the 19. You are Rajan/Rama, living in Ghaziabad.
same. You have just completed your studies and are
I possess strong understanding of office in search of a job. While browsing through the
supervision, and daily transaction with the
Times of India, you came across the following
customers. Currently I am working in a chemist
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Ch 3 : Letters
Bio-Data Bio-Data
Name : Krishna Singh Name : Gunjeet Jain
Gender : Male Father’s Name : Shri Sanjay Das
Father’s Name : Shri Rajesh Singh Data of Birth : 15th October, 19xx
Data of Birth : 19th November, 19xx Marital Status : Unmarried
Marital Status : Unmarried Current Add. : 334, Naraina Vihar,
Current Add. : 13-C/169, Sector 16, New Delhi
Rohini Delhi 85 Contact No. : 993125xxxx
Contact No. : 7756315xxxx Languages known : Hindi, English
Languages known : Hindi, English Extra skills Computer Knowledge
Educational Qualifications Educational Qualifications
• Master of Business Administration from • Passed class 10 with 78%
Delhi University with 80% Marks • Class 12 from National Open School 80%
• Graduation in Hotel Management, Pusa • BBA (IGNOU) with 75%
Institute, Delhi Work Experience
Work Experience • Worked as Supervisor on ad hoc basis at
• Trainee at the Radisson Blue, Delhi. Vistas Enterprise for 2 years
References References
• Mr. L.K. Jha • Mrs. Meena Kaul (CEO), Vistas Enterprise
Professor - Pusa Institute Delhi • Dr. Rahul Goswami (CMD), Sagar Ratna
• Dr. A.K. Dewan
Oncologist - Civil Hospital, Delhi 10. Draft an application for the post of an accountant
in Gurukul Public School that was advertised in
9. During summer months after your exams are the Times of India. Also, include your biodata.
over, you want to utilize your time by working in You are Anil/Anita.
a leading chain of superstores. You are Gunjeet/ Ans : 2008
Gagan. Write an application for the post of a 87 Tandon Road
supervisor giving your complete bio-data to the Sipri Bazar
HR Manager, Apna Ghar, GK Part II, New Delhi. Jhansi
Ans : 2008 13 May 20xx
334, Naraina Vihar The Principal
New Delhi Gurukul Public School
11 April 20xx Jhansi City
The HR Manager Dear Sir,
Apna Ghar Subject : Application for the post of Accountant
GK Part II This is with reference to your advertisement in
New Delhi ‘The Time of India’ dated 10 May for the post
Dear Sir, working of an accountant.
Subject : Application for the post of supervisor Presently I am working at St. Joseph School,
With reference to your advertisement for the post Mission Compound, Jhansi, where I have been
of a supervisor in your company, I would like to working for the last 2 years. I fulfil all the requirements
offer myself as a candidate for the same. If selected, laid down by your esteemed organisation, hence would
I assure you, that I will help the company through like to offer my candidature.
my duties. My biodata is enclosed herewith. I assure you if given a chance I will work with
full devotion, dedication and zeal to uplift the
Yours faithfully standard of the students. I am enclosing my bio-
Gunjeet Jain data for your kind consideration.
Yours faithfully
Anita
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 123
21. Write a letter to the Editor, Deccan Times, Rohini
Bangalore about the inadequate parking facilities Delhi
in the Commercial Street, M.G. Road, which is Dear Sir,
causing a lot of inconvenience to the people. Offer Subject : Control Net Surfing at School
your suggestions. You are Anoop/Ritu, 24 Hennus Our public schools have modernised their
Road, Bangalore. libraries to provide internet surfing facilities to
Ans : 2022 senior students so that they can complete their
24, Hennus Road assignments better and gain knowledge necessary
Bangalore-37 to be well informed and do well in their exams.
10 February, 20xx However, the schools have not introduced much
The Editor, control on the net surfing by students, resulting
Deccan Times in the students wasting their time in entertaining
Bangalore -42 themselves by playing interactive games available
Subject : Inadequate Parking Facility on various sites or watching videos and other
Sir, prohibited material. Actually students should use
With due respect, I wish to say that I Anoop, own the internet mostly for gaining knowledge rather
an electronic shop in the Commercial Street, M.G. than wasting their time merely on entertainment.
Road. There is a good number of shops on both This will also lead to poor performance of such
sides of the street. Every day, huge crowd gathers students in the exams, thus affecting the overall
here for shopping. Many shopkeepers and people reputation of the school concerned.
In this regard, schools must ensure that they
come by their car in the area. Many visitors also
install suitable software programmes which will
come by their car. But the main problem is that
block content like interactive games and other
the parking facility is inadequate, space is less, the
sites which are prohibited. Unless this is done
vehicles are more. This causes great inconvenience
effectively, the whole purpose of providing the
to the people. Shopping in this area has become net facility will be defeated. So the schools should
very difficult, as the passages and by-lanes get control student’s net surfing at school and enable
jammed by vehicles. Besides, too many vehicles them to use the internet fruitfully.
cause too much traffic, which further worsens the Thank you
situation, sometimes by causing accidents even.
An open field adjacent to the commercial area, is Yours faithfully
lying vacant. This can be used as an authorised Raveena
parking place, which will reduce the problem of
parking in the area. 23. You are Akhilesh/Abhilasha of Amar Colony,
I hope the concerned authorities will take this Ghaziabad. The road near your house was washed
matter into consideration without further delay away in the previous monsoon rains and has not
and take an immediate action. been repaired since then. As a result, people living
Thank you in the colony are facing a lot of problems. Write a
Yours faithfully letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a national
Ritu Jalota daily drawing the attention of the authorities
concerned to the grave situation in the colony.
22. You are Rajat/Raveena, a resident of Gwalior.
You feel students should use the Internet mostly
for gaining knowledge rather than wasting time
merely on entertainment. Write a letter in 120-
150 words to the Editor of The Economic Times
pointing out how schools can control students
net surfing at school and enable them to use the
Internet fruitfully.
Ans : 2021
M-71, Gokuldham Colony
Gwalior
2 March 20xx
The Editor
The Economic Times
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Ch 3 : Letters
Ans : 2021
Subject : Faulty and fraudulent advertisement
Amar Colony about education abroad
Ghaziabad Through the columns of your esteemed daily I
15 June 20xx would like to bring to your kind notice the fact
The Editor that I came across an advertisement, concerning
The Times of India education abroad, in the Telegraph. The ad read,
Ghaziabad “The BTN Sussex University in collaboration
Dear Sir, with its Indian counterpart offers the first year
Subject : Repair of colony road before monsoon of study in India and three subsequent years in
season the U.K.” In good faith, I joined the above course
I want to draw your attention to the poor civic and spent 10,00,000. But, it was proved that it
facilities in our city. The main road of our colony was a fraud ad and I was trapped unfortunately.
has been in miserable condition for a long time Such advertisements are now befooling students
and nobody paid attention to it to date. at random.
In the last monsoon season, the road was I would, therefore, request the attention of
badly damaged due to heavy rains and was almost the public and education authorities concerned to
wiped out. The water was clogged there for hours take drastic action against the false ads.
and nobody tried to clear it. As a result, it is left
full of ditches and deep pot holes and the vehicles Yours faithfully
like bikes and cars can’t move smoothly. There is Renu Sharma
always a danger of accidents and loss of life.
Through you I would like to draw the attention 25. As a citizen of Delhi, you find that the
of the authorities concerned about the unhygienic Government’s odd-even formula did not reduce
and uncomfortable living conditions of our colony. the pollution to the extent that it helped in the
I also request them to get the road repaired. de-congestion of the traffic on the roads. It was a
Thank you. laudable effort nevertheless. Write a letter to the
Editor of a national daily expressing your views
Yours faithfully
on the initiative. Also give suggestions on how
Akhilesh
vehicular pollution on Delhi roads can be reduced.
24. You are Renu of 334, Kirti Nagar. You have You are Tina/Tarun Gautam of 14, Barakhamba
just come across an advertisement concerning Road. New Delhi.
education abroad. Ans : 2019
14, Barakhamba Road
The BTN Sussex University in collaboration New Delhi 110001
with its Indian counterpart offers the first year 4 April 20xx
of study in India and the three subsequent years The Editor
in the UK. The Times of India
You joined the above course. Despite having spent Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
a substantial amount, you haven’t been able to New Delhi 110002
proceed to the UK for your studies. Write a letter Dear Sir,
in 120-150 words to the editor of a newspaper Subject : Odd-Even formula
drawing attention of the public and the education Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper,
authorities to such advertisements which befool I would like to state that the implementation of
students. Suggest measures which could be taken the government’s odd-even formula was a short-
up against unscrupulous vendors of education. term successful effort so far as de-congestion of
Ans : 2020
Delhi roads was concerned. People did go for
334, Kirti Nagar ride-sharing and made use of whatever public
Delhi transport facility was available (Delhi metros
25 November 20xx were bursting at the seams).
The Editor But, at the same time, I feel that this policy
The Times of India had too many minuses. Public transport was not
New Delhi geared to cope with the excess load. Taxi and auto
fares shot up. The Delhi government overlooked
Dear Sir,
the pollution-causing vehicles-the buses, trucks,
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 125
tempos and two wheelers. Yours faithfully
As corrective measures, I would like to Bhavjeet Kaur
suggest that pollution causing vehicles should be
heavily penalized, sale and registration of new 27. You are Sunanda of 7, South Extension, New Delhi.
vehicles controlled, pollution checks enforced Write a letter to the editor of a national daily
strictly and a long-term practical planning be put expressing your concern over the rising exodus
in place. Only then Delhiites will breathe easy in of people from neighbouring states. Express your
a pollution-free city. apprehensions and give a few suggestions about
the issue.
Yours faithfully Ans : 2018
Tina Gautam 7, South Extension
New Delhi
26. You are Bhavjeet Kaur of 25/A, Defence Colony, 8 June 20xx
New Delhi. You are deeply concerned about the The Editor
growing apathy of people towards eve-teasing The Hindu
in local buses. Write a letter to the editor of a New Delhi
newspaper expressing your concern and suggesting Dear Sir,
ways in which are women can ensure their own Subject : Exodus from Neighbouring States
safety. The recent exodus of people in large numbers
Ans : 2019 from neighbouring states has created an alarming
25/A, Defence Colony situation. The long queues everywhere is not only
New Delhi frustrating but also unmanageable. It is a great
7 February 20xx stress on the infrastructure and resources available
The Editor in metropolitan cities. People come to the cities
The Hindu in search of employment, medical facilities or
M.G. Road educational opportunities. There is mushroom
New Delhi growth of slums wherever some construction takes
Dear Sir, place. The unskilled workers land up in creating
Subject : Concern over eve-teasing law and order problems. The number of thefts,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, murders and arson is increasing alarmingly.
I wish to express my concern over the increasing It is high time that the Central and the state
eve-teasing in local buses. governments took adequate steps to check this
Every day we come across tragic incidents of exodus. It is the responsibility of the governments
eve-teasing and at times women are thrown out to provide proper education and equip the health
of moving buses and they are grievously injured. centres and hospitals with the best facilities
The worst situation is when the onlookers turn a available. The fair and advanced standard of
blind eye to the situation. education which is available in big cities should be
It is a matter of grave concern that the provided in smaller towns also so that when one
general public is becoming insensitive to the leaves the native place, one is capable enough to
security of women and young girls. People need to contribute to its development rather than be a
be more sensitive to women’s security as they are compulsive burden. The governments have the
an integral part of the society. It has been rightly resources to check the exodus. They can strengthen
said that the society where women are respected, the state governments by providing financial help.
progresses better. Such steps will not only reduce the burden on city
Women themselves should be aware of their infrastructure and resources, it will also make life
security and respect. They need to learn martial better and safer for all.
arts or self-defence techniques. The latest defence
Yours faithfully
techniques, such as pepper spray or chilli powder,
Sunanda
should be kept handy. They should be dressed up
in comfortable mode which doesn’t obstruct their 28. You are Anushka/Amit staying at A-23/1, Ashok
safety. They should shout for help and immediately Nagar, Delhi. You find it disturbing that despite
react to the situation. a ban on smoking in public places, people are
I am sure that my views will find some space
seen smoking in cities. It shows a lack of civic
in your reputable newspaper.
sense in the people. Write a letter to the editor
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Ch 3 : Letters
of a national daily expressing your concern about Subject : Train accident
indifference of people to their own as well as Watching a train accident is probably the worst
others’ health. It is harmful to the environment experience of life. Last week I witnessed a horrible
too. Suggest some ways to sensitize city dwellers train accident when the Rajdhani Express was
about the safe environment. rushing through the outer signal at Faridabad
Ans : 2018 and collided with a local passenger train. It
A-23/1 all happened before me and, in a moment, the
Ashok Nagar peaceful track turned into a turmoil of cries,
Delhi shouts and people running helter skelter.
11 July 20xx Soon, the spot became overcrowded with
The Editor ambulances and police. The doors of two
The Times of India compartments were blocked and couldn’t be
New Delhi opened. Passengers inside were crying out of
Dear Sir desperation and suffering. The gas cutters were
Subject : Smoking-a serious health hazard brought in and with great difficulty the injured
Through the columns of your reputable passengers were taken out. People were also seen
newspaper, I would like to attract the attention helping one another. The injured were rushed
of the general public to the menace of smoking. to hospital. Soon, the accident was flashed on
Recently, government imposed a ban on smoking television and I came to know that thirty persons
in public places, yet people can be seen flouting died while more than fifty were injured. It was
really a tragic accident and the Railways must do
the rules without caring for others or themselves.
all to avoid such unfortunate accidents.
Smoking kills not only the smoker but the persons
Yours faithfully
around him/her too. Such a callous attitude of
Nitin Chawla
people shows a lack of civic sense and indifference
towards their environment. A smoker harms 30. Write a letter to the editor of The Hindu about
others who inhale smoke as passive smokers. rash and reckless driving, suggesting preventive
When people smoke they present a bad measures. You are Neha/Nehal living at B-3/345
example before others. Smoking is really a bad Sector 8, Defence Colony, New Delhi.
habit that must be quit at the earliest. People Ans : 2017
need to be more aware of its harm. B-3/345 Sector 8
Anti-smoking posters and banners should be Defence Colony
put up across the city. Stricter action should be
New Delhi
taken against the offenders.
25 August 20xx
I hope the readers would realize the harm of
The Editor
smoking and quit the bad habit.
The Hindu
Yours faithfully 3rd Floor
Amit Milap Bhavan
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
29. You saw a train accident last week when a train
Delhi
collided with another train while changing the
Dear Sir,
track. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the
Subject : Rash and Reckless Driving on Roads of
editor of a national newspaper describing the
Delhi
accident. You are Nitin/Riya Chawla of Sewa
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I
Kutir, Pankha Road, Faridabad.
want to highlight the dangers of rash and reckless
Ans : 2017
driving in Delhi. Death stalks on Delhi roads in
III, Sewa Kutir
the shape of reckless drivers who do not value
Pankha Road
human life.
Faridabad
The worst criminals are teenagers and spoiled
17 June 20xx
children of the neo-rich. Power and wealth rules
The Editor them making them throw caution and rules of the
The Hindustan Times roads to winds. Money, Power and influence save
New Delhi them and they go scot-free. DTC drivers and bus
Dear Sir, drivers also excel in crushing and killing people
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 127
on roads. This is because they want to have more arguments resulting in injuries or, in some extreme
prospective passengers from others. The greed, cases, even death.
the show-off has caused so many untimely deaths. Road rage in most cases is due to lack of
I suggest certain measures that may help in traffic sense, impatience or excessive speed to
curbing rash and reckless driving on Delhi Roads. name a few. Children, below 18 years of age, drive
Licences should be issued only after thorough their bikes at flying speeds. Their excitement
tests and screenings. Secondly, the DTC should results in accidents. Everyone cringes about road
take periodic tests and training of its drivers. accidents but never realizes that these happen
Constant patrolling by the traffic police can put due to their own carelessness. Be it an adult or a
a reasonable check on this menace. Last but not teenager, everyone wants to move speedily, hardly
least, the authorities concerned should launch a caring for the life of others. Even the traffic police
sustained campaign to promote road culture. become helpless when it comes to traffic control.
It’s high time authorities concerned took
Yours faithfully steps to control road rage problems. People
Neha should be made aware of the traffic rules so that
people follow them faithfully. If not, then hefty
31. You are perturbed to read about the rising cases of fines must be imposed. A growing country needs
road rage in the National Capital. People become to be a safe country. Hope my letter would find a
so aggressive and violent that an argument results suitable place in your newspaper.
in injuries or, in some extreme cases, even death. Thanking you
Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Editor Yours faithfully
of a daily to make the public aware of the need Anvita
to curb such behaviour to make roads safer for
the people. You are Anvita/Anmol, a resident of 32. You are Pushpit/Pushpa Pandey of 62 B, Mayur
Ashok Nagar, New Delhi. Vihar, Delhi. Write a letter to the editor of the
Hindustan Times about ‘Misuse of Computers,
TV and Mobile Phones by Children’.
Ans : 2016
62 13, Mayur Vihar
Delhi
26 May 20xx
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
Subject : Misuse of Computers, TV and Mobile
Ans : 2016
Phones by Children
25A, Ashok Nagar
I wish to draw the attention of your readers to an
New Delhi
important issue of our times. That we are in the
25 October 20xx
age of electronics, is fortunate, but at the same
The Editor
time we should make sure that the electronic gifts
The Hindustan Times
are not misused, especially by our children.
KG Marg
Computers, TV and mobile phones are
Delhi inevitable in modern life but their uncontrolled
Dear Sir, use can be disastrous. We are all aware of the harm
Subject : Rising menace of Road Rage TV can cause to the values, culture preferences
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, and even morals of our youngsters. All kinds of
I want to draw attention of the authorities entertainments and information is available on
concerned and the masses in general to reckless TV.
and rash driving. It is highly perturbing to read We have to be judicious in what we allow our
about the cases of road rage in the Capital. children to watch.
Nowadays, the level of aggression has reached Similarly, if computers are used only for
its peak. Minor altercations lead to heated playing games, social networking and visiting
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Ch 3 : Letters
Extra skills Well versed in Areas of Expertise :
computers • Library Management
• Social Studies
Teaching Experience :
Work Experience • Librarian at DPS, Madurai 2017 to Present
• Currently working with Glory Public School Education :
since two years. • M.Lib from Madurai University, 2010
• Worked in D.P.S., Sec 43, Gurugram for three • B.Lib from Madurai University, 2007
years.
Scholarship/Awards 3. You have seen an advertisement in a national
• Scholarship holder in Class XI and XII. Won newspaper for the post of Senior Teacher in
gold medal in post Graduation for highest English at Sunrise Global School, Noida. You
score. are Karuna, M-114, Mall Road, Delhi. You are
MA (English), B.Ed. from Delhi University and
References
yet to have any teaching experience. Write a job
• Mr. R.K. Sharma, Principal, D.P.S.
application in 120-150 words to the principal.
Gurugram, 951234xxxx Ans : 2011
• Dr. Shoma Chatterjee, HOD Chemistry M 114,
Dept., Ramjas Colg., Delhi, 981880xxxxx Mall Road,
2. Write a letter in about 120-150 words for the Delhi
post of the Librarian in Vision Senior Secondary 1 March, 20xx
School, Calicut. Also, enclose your Bio-data with The Principal,
it. You are Radhika/Rajeev from 21, Cherry Sunrise Global School,
Road, Madurai. Noida
Ans : 2021
Subject : Job Application for English Teacher
21, Cherry Road This refers to your advertisement in the Hindustan
Madurai Times, dated 28 February 20xx for the vacancy of
May 15, 20xx Senior English Teacher post in your school. I wish
The Director to apply for the same. I have done M.A. (English)
Vision Senior Secondary School and B.Ed. from Delhi University. I have enclosed
Calicut my detailed bio-data with this letter.
Subject: Application for the post of librarian Although I do not have prior work experience, I
Sir, assure you that I shall give my hundred percent to
With reference to the advertisement for situation my profession and work to your full satisfaction.
vacant for a librarian in your esteemed institute I hope you shall consider my application for
given in The HT on May 10, 20xx, I am interested interview.
in the job. I am a professional librarian with 5 Thank you
years’ experience. I have done M. Lib in first class.
Yours faithfully
Currently I am working at DPS, Madurai. Given
Karuna Singh
the opportunity, I will work according to your
End. Bio-data
expectations. I am attaching my detailed resume
with this letter. Looking forward to hearing from Bio-Data
you.
Name : Karuna Singh
Yours truly,
Rajeev Gender : Female
Bio-Data Father’s Name : Mr. Jayant Singh
Name : Rajeev Sharma Date of Birth : 20 March 1982
Address : 21, Cherry Road, Madurai
Marital Status : Unmaried
Objective : Resourceful and highly competent
individual seeking a teaching position in a reputed Current Add. : M 114, Mall Road,
educational organization where my skills will be Delhi
a great advantage in the student’s development. Contact No. : 919144xxxx
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 129
The Editor harmful germs. Due to the negligence of the
Times of India authorities the entire locality is living in fear that
Delhi epidemic may break any time now.
Dear Sir, Despite many requests to the officers of
Subject : Undue burden of school bags the Municipal Corporation, the ground has not
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper been cleared and dried off for a very long time.
I would like to draw the attention of the authorities Children and adults are still exposed to multiple
concerned to the burden of heavy school bags the diseases because of unhygienic conditions within
children are compelled to carry. the locality.
The burden is uncalled for as certain books The situation needs to be checked soon as it
are not even taught from but the teachers insists is hazardous for everyone’s health. I wish that the
that child must carry everything. The load is much authorities will pay heed to our urgent requests
higher than their physical strength and can have and take remedial action immediately.
lasting effect on their health. When imparting Thank you
education is not solely dependent on books and Yours sincerely
notebooks then why to carry heavy bags. Renu
Psychologists and NCERT have evolved games
and methods of stress free learning without books. 37. As a regular commuter by bus from Noida to
This ought to be coupled with the optimum use of Delhi, you have been witnessing rash driving
computers. by the bus drivers daily without an exception.
Tangible changes in the technique, innovative Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The Times of India’
methods of the teachers will go a long way in drawing the attention of the General Manager,
helping these little children. Delhi Transport Corporation to this problem.
Yours faithfully You are Priti/Prakash, 15, Udyog Vihar, Noida.
Srikant Ans : 2013
15, Udyog Vihar
36. Write a letter the Editor, ‘The Hindu’ about Noida
the mosquito menace due to stagnant water in 1st October, 20xx
your locality. Give suggestions to improve the The Editor
situation. You are Raman/Renu, living in Rajaji The Times of India
Nagar, Tiruneveli. Delhi
Ans : 2014
Subject : Rash driving by bus drivers
Rajaji Nagar
Sir,
Tiruneveli
Through the medium of the columns of your
9 March, 20xx
esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention
The Editor
of the General Manager of the Delhi Transport
The Hindu
Corporation towards the rash driving of bus
New Delhi
drivers from Noida to Delhi.
Subject : Mosquito Menace in the Locality I am a regular commuter from Noida to Delhi
Sir, and have been witnessing rash driving by the
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, bus drivers without an exception. These reckless
I wish to draw the attention of the concerned drivers carelessly endanger the lives of so many
authority towards the mosquito menace in our people on a daily basis. They flout all traffic rules,
locality. jump red lights, do not adhere to speed limits
I am a resident of Ram Vilas Society, which is etc. They need to be issued very stern warnings
situated in one of the poshest localities of Rajaji with immediate effect. The Delhi Transport
Nagar. However, due to lack of maintenance, the Corporation needs to take stringent action against
locality has lost its charm. One of the empty plots these drivers. Despite repeated pleas and warnings
has, by default, become the garbage dumping by various passengers, these drivers have turned
ground. a deaf ear to the passengers’ pleas and continue
In addition, the heavy down pour last month with their rash driving. The General Manager of
let a lot of water get accumulated in the ground. the Delhi Transport Corporation needs to take
The unattended garbage and the stagnant water immediate action and if required cancel the
has resulted in breeding of mosquitoes and other driving licences of non-compliant drivers.
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Ch 3 : Letters
I hope you will publish my letter in your 39. After passing the secondary school examination,
esteemed newspaper so that this matter is brought a candidate has to make a very difficult choice
to the attention of the concerned authority. from a number of streams available to him for
Yours sincerely further studies at senior secondary level. There
Prakash is no valid mechanism to assess the suitability
of a candidate for a particular stream. The
38. You have realised the necessity of education and aggregate percentage is deemed sufficient to
financial independence of women for their family, decide the stream of a candidate. Write a letter
society and in turn for the nation. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily emphasizing the
to the Editor, ‘The National Times’ highlighting need for educational counsellors for guidance in
your ideas on the importance of education of this matter in each school. You are Rishi Negi of
women leading to a better status for them. You Koregaon, Pune, Maharashtra.
are Tarun/Taruna, B-7/9, Mall Road, Delhi (120- Ans : 2012
150 words) 23-C, Koregaon
Ans : 2013 Pune
B-7/9 Maharashtra
Mall Road, 10 October 20xx
Delhi The Editor
June 20, 20xx The Times of India
The Editor Pune
The HT Sir,
Phase 3 Subject : Need to have educational counsellors for
City the guidance of students
Subject : Importance of education of women Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper,
Sir, I wish to emphasize the need of having educational
I am writing to your good self to express my views counsellors in each school for students who have
on the importance of women education. The just cleared class X Boards.
nation is working concertedly to eliminate gender After passing class X, a candidate has to make
discrimination, inequality, injustice against a very difficult choice from a number of streams
women, etc. True women empowerment can only and a plethora of subject combinations available
be achieved through girls’ education. to him at the senior school level. There is no valid
All social evils, discrimination, inequality, mechanism to assess the candidate’s suitability for
low literacy among girl children, female foeticide, a particular stream except for aggregate percentage
etc. can only be stopped through girls’ education. in the board exams. So he and his parents get
Empowering girl child with education is the only extremely confused and often make wrong choices
panacea. An educated girl will have the power to due to societal and peer pressure without taking
make her dreams come true. Only an educated into account the student’s aptitude and interest.
girl can earn her own living and free in true sense. The right choice at this level can help lay the right
India is a fast developing country. The goal foundation for a sound career in the future.
of complete advancement is not possible until Appointing educational counsellors should be
each and every Indian becomes not only highly made mandatory as it will prove beneficial for all.
educated but also highly skilled. This task can only I hope the matter is brought to the notice of
be accomplished with the women’s education and the concerned authorities and they can initiate timely
contributions. It is possible through education of action to help the students and parents avoid pitfalls.
women only. So, empowering women with education Yours faithfully
is the best investment a nation can make! Rishi Negi
Through the columns of your esteemed daily,
I appeal to the Government and the people to 40. Local authorities have neglected two major parks
promote women’s education to really empower in your area. They have virtually been taken over
them and bring their status on par with men. by undesirable elements. As a result, residents
Thanking you. have stopped visiting the parks. Write a letter in
120-150 words to the editor of a local newspaper
Yours truly, expressing your concern about the problems the
Tarun neglect has created and suggest measures to
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 131
reclaim the parks for children. You are Gautam/
Gauri of 2, Krishna Enclave, Meerut.
Ans : 2012
2, Krishna Enclave,
Meerut-19
31st August, 20xx
The Editor
The Morning Chronicle
31, MG Road,
Meerut-01
Subject : Utter Neglect of the Two Main Parks in
the Locality
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I
would like to draw the attention of the concerned
authorities and express my concerns regarding the
problems arising due to utter neglect of the two
main parks in Krishna Enclave both of which are
visible from my house.
The caretaker and gardener assigned by the
horticulture department are inefficient in doing
their jobs. As a result, the trees, grass as well
as the bushes remain untrimmed. The garden
too is not properly tended to because of which
there aren’t many flowers to please our senses.
Needless to say, the local authorities have failed
to do their duties of looking after the two main
parks, and now they have virtually been taken
over by undesirable elements, who are often seen
involved in substance abuse. Many residents have
complained about the nuisance they create for
the park-goers under the influence of alcohol.
However, no action has been taken against these
anti-social elements. These parks used to be a
sight for the sore eyes because they were so well
maintained and beautiful. I regret to inform you
that because of the above mentioned reasons the
residents have stopped going to the park.
The concerned authorities must take adequate
action immediately to restore the two main parks
of Krishna Enclave to their old glory. It must hire
responsible people to tend to the parks and the
gardens and keep a check on their maintenance by
paying surprise visits. They should appoint two
security guards on 24x7 basis who must be alert
on duty. Only then the undesirable elements will
be prevented from entering the parks.
I hope I have been able to put my concerns
and views across in this letter and that required
actions will be taken by the concerned authorities
at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Gautam Pradhan
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Ch 4 : Article
CHAPTER 4
Article
1. introduction 3. Format of an article
A written item for a newspaper or magazine on An article must adhere to the prescribed format.
a certain topic is called an article. It is a piece The format of an article is as mentioned below:
of writing written for a large audience. It is an
expression of one’s thought on an issue or a subject Title/Heading
logically and coherently written in meaningful Byline
paragraphs. It may be the topics of interest of the Introduction ....................................................
writer or it may be related to some current issues. ..........................................................................
It like having a direct discussion with the reader, ..........................................................................
in reality. It’s essential to have a clear purpose for
each article. Development of Topic .....................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
2. elements of an Article
The essential parts of an article are as follows: Summing-up .....................................................
1. Title/Heading : Make the title/heading eye- ..........................................................................
catching. It should illustrate the theme of the ..........................................................................
article.
Conclusion .......................................................
2. Byline : The name given in the question is to
..........................................................................
be used. If the name is not given, then write
..........................................................................
XYZ/ABC, etc.
3. Introduction : Put the topic in a proper
perspective. Relevant facts and statistics
should be stated along with quotations.
4. points to remember
4. Development of Topic : Various aspects of
the topic including merits/ demerits, causes/ General points to be remembered while writing
reasons, effects/results, positive/negative an article are as follows :
points, etc., should be discussed. 1. Read and understand carefully the hints/
5. Summing-up : This should include your information given in the question.
opinion, comments, recommendations, steps 2. Arrange all hints/information in the order
to be taker/suggestions, solutions, etc. you want them to develop.
6. Conclusion : An article should be concluded 3. If necessary, divide your article into several
with hope/warning, making an appeal or call paragraphs. All of the sentences in the
for an action. paragraphs should logically lead to the
article’s objective.
4. The whole composition should not be
disjointed or fragmented. Every sentence
should be linked with the rest into a single
whole.
5. The first few sentences should introduce
the topic and its central idea. The middle
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 133
paragraph should focus on the topic’s main IMPORTANT QUESTION
facts, such as causes and effects, benefits and
drawbacks, and so on. The final few sentences 1. India is emerging as one of the most popular
should provide a conclusion to the topic. tourist destinations in the world. The number
6. Language must be simple and grammatically of tourists has definitely picked up after the
correct. It should be direct, to the point, and pandemic. The bar graph given below shows the
objective. criteria or parameters that play a decisive role
for a foreign visitor in choosing and finalizing the
7. Articles are generally written in third person.
country where he is going to spend his money
and time. The government of India is making
sustained efforts in projecting India as a great
tourist destination but the citizens also need to
understand their duties. Utilising this bar graph,
write an article on “India as the popular choice of
foreign visitors” as Lakshya Sen.
Ans : 2022
India-The Evergreen Choice of Tourists
By Lakshya Sen
India is the chosen destination for the tourists all
over the world. FTAs from Bangladesh, the US,
UK top the list. From Russia to Europe to South
Asia our tourist industry today is seeing a new
influx. There’s a vigour in its promotion. However,
some factors hinder its growth too like pollution,
crimes against foreign tourists and our own lack
of respect towards our collective heritage.
The government is leaving no stone unturned
in mitigating these impediments but it is also the
responsibility of every citizen to strengthen the
efforts of the ASI, NGOs and government bodies
to showcase and promote the rich cultural and
geographical diversity of India.
To ease the arrival of visitors to India, the
Indian government offers e-visa facility for a
period of ninety to up to 180 days at a time. An
e-visa can be obtained twice in a single calendar
year.
ASI has identified 100 monuments to be
developed as Model Monuments. These monuments
would be provided with necessary tourist facilities
including Wi-Fi, security, signage, encroachment-
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Ch 4 : Article
13. Deepak/Deepa has been involved as a student of energy and much more. We are dependent on
volunteer in the ‘Adult Literacy Drive’ and has energy for almost everything in our life. We must
been working in the slums for the last six months. use all the resources judiciously and efficiently.
He/She has to write an article in about 120-150 One must practise sustainable development which
words on the ‘Need for a Literate Nation’. teaches that development should take place
Ans : 2011 without harming the needs of future generations.
Need for a Literate Nation We must do our bit to add to conservation of
By Deepak energy. There are many ways to conserve energy.
It depends on the kind of choice we make to help
There are no two views about the fact that if a us save our environment and help the coming
nation has to grow exponentially the one and the generations. There are many ways such as turning
only requirement is the literacy rate. Literacy is off electrical appliances when not in use, using
not something that should be a choice it has to be public transport instead of personal vehicles or
the necessity and nation’s priority. It is the only choosing to walk, use air conditioners only when
tool to fight backwardness and poverty. required. Every year we celebrate ‘Earth Hour’
The well-known lawyer, Nani Palkiwala also that is a great initiative to save energy at a global
mentioned that if a nation has to progress it needs level. Even the climatic changes depend on all
to be literate. If one decides to put a check on these resources, minerals, etc. Conserving energy
population, then also literacy is needed. Visit will keep changes in environment balanced. So the
to the slums reiterates this view all the more. mantra should be ‘Save energy, save earth’.
Increasing number of children does not mean In short, our small acts will help in making
more working hands it means more mouths to environment a better and safer place to live in.
feed. This has to be explained and it can only be For maintaining and living a better life, start
understood by a literate mind. Every now and conservation of energy right now.
then leaderships insists on the need of literacy
and many programmes have been initiated time 15. You are extremely disturbed by the growing
and again. Adult literacy programme, mid-day crime against the elderly people in your city.
meal, and free education for girls till class 10, etc. Write an article commenting upon the reasons for
have been introduced to promote literacy in the such crimes and how one can prevent them. Sign
country. yourself as Khoshali Bhardwaj.
We all, as aware citizens, know that nothing Ans : 2010
is more important than literacy and it should be Growing Crime against Elderly People-
our priority
Reasons and Prevention
14. Recently you got a chance to participate in a week- By Khoshali Bhardwaj
long workshop on ‘Energy Conservation’. By the Almost daily we come across reports about the
end of the workshop, you were much enlightened murder of elderly people. About 17% of our
about the need and ways of conserving energy. population comprises elderly people. Changing
Write an article titled ‘Energy Conservation: family structures and withering away of the joint
the need of the hour’. You are Amrit/Annie family system have forced most of the senior
of Sarvodya Vidyalaya No. 1, Kanpur, Uttar citizens to live alone-unprotected and uncared for.
Pradesh. They are left alone to fend for themselves in their
Ans : 2010 old age when they are in utmost need of care,
love and support. They are generally left alone
Energy Conservation: The Need of the Hour
at the mercy of domestic servants. The infirmity
By Amrit
and sickness associated with old age makes them
Everyone is familiar with the words ‘energy hapless dependents on servants.
conservation’ which means an act of saving Criminals take advantage of this and other
energy by various means. In other words, to save shortcomings and make them their soft targets.
energy we need to cut down on our electricity With the motive of theft and robbery, they break
usage. Scientists have assumed that in the coming into their houses and murder them.
years all the resources are going to be exhausted. Unverified entries of plumbers, electricians,
Energy conservation is a very important part domestic help, etc. make the elderly soft targets
of energy planning. This is because it saves energy as their routine is easy to track.
resources for future, avoids wasteful utilization These crimes can be prevented. The police
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 135
the world. The death rate due to starvation can cause you to commit a traffic violation, or
has increased immensely. We human beings are even injure a pedestrian.
solely responsible for bringing this calamity There is a thumb rule that can help you keep
upon us. We pollute our planet in many ways. a safe distance while travelling the roads. It is
Deforestation, industrial pollution, toxic wastes, called the “Two Second Rule’: Following a vehicle
vehicular pollution and lack of greenery are the too closely is called “Tailgating”. Use the two-
chief causes of imbalance in the ecosystem. The second rule to determine a safe following distance.
urgent need of the hour is that each one of us take Select a fixed object on the road ahead such as
steps to save the planet in every possible way. We a sign, tree or overpass. When the vehicle ahead
should protect our forests, save fuel, plant trees, of you passes the object, count “one-thousand-
take care of toxic pollutants, conserve water and one, one-thousand-two.” You should not reach the
change our life style. object before you count to one thousand-two. If
Awareness programmes must be launched by you do, you are following too closely. Most rear
the students and NGOs to make people aware of end collisions are caused by the vehicle in the
environmental problems. The public should avoid back following too closely.
the use of polythene bags. All of us must strive
hard to save our beautiful planet for the future 6. Does getting more degrees really help in getting
generations. employment in this fast competitive scene of
unemployment? Describe your views in an article
in 120-150 words. You are Megha/Mayur.
Ans : 2018
Relevance of Degrees in Competitive World
By Megha
Education is the core necessity of a human being
and everybody wants to be highly educated after
5. Accidents happen when people violate traffic rules. getting degrees with the dream to succeed in the
Careless drivers cause suffering to themselves and world. Nowadays, our youth are facing a very
to others. Write an article in 120-150 words on highly competitive world when the question of
“Safe Driving”. employment comes to them. While opening the
Ans : 2019 pages of newspapers, we come across a number
Safe Driving of advertisements promising degrees in even a
By XYZ short span of time. They make us believe that
There are many ideas and laws that are created to their degree is the only solution to the problem
ensure a safe and pleasurable driving experience. of unemployment and it will open the gate of
Some are avoiding aggressive drivers, alertness success for the degree holders. Of course, they
while driving, and following vehicle distance, promise a degree like B tech., BBA, BCA, MBA
vehicle speed, and special driving situations. and MCA but soon our young students realize
One of the many factors in remaining safe on the bitter truth that such degrees do not lead
the roads is the ability to control your emotions to employment and one has to face the devil of
and your stress. Some drivers do not know how unemployment after getting such degrees.
to deal with stress. This emotion can hinder the Commercialization of higher education is also
ability to drive safely and ensure safety on the responsible for such non-employable pass-outs
roads. If you encounter a vehicle who is driving as they lack due reputation with the companies
recklessly and constantly following, the best thing that offer employment. Take any big name, their
to do is to avoid a confrontation, to reduce speed employability aspect is difficult to realize. After
and allow him to overtake your vehicle. Do not getting degrees the youth have to enter once again
provoke the driver, just let them pass. the battlefield of a competitive world and crack the
Accident are avoidable, all it takes is to be competition once again finding themselves on par
aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to with all other aspirants.
what you are doing. Cell phones and radios are
common distractions while in a motor vehicle. If 7. There is a vast pool of women talent in our country.
you must use a mobile device, ensure that you Given encouragement and opportunities, women
have a hands free accessory for it. If not, pull over can excel in every field. They are contributing
and make your call. Never try to understand or to the nation’s progress as scientists, doctors,
navigate a map while operating a vehicle. This entrepreneurs, sports persons, etc. There is no
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Ch 4 : Article
limit to what they can achieve. Write an article in travelling or going on a vacation so much fun and
120-150 words on “Women Empowerment”. You entertaining? It is so probably because being at
are Ram/Roma. new places allows one to learn about new cultures,
Ans : 2017 lifestyles, languages, experience new things,
make new memories, try new cuisines, etc. One
Women Empowerment is intrigued no doubt, when one comes face to
By Ram Jain face with the vast diversity, which one way or the
With the slogan of women empowerment the other unites the world. A wise person once said
question arises that “have women become really that it’s not the destination that matters. It is
strong?” and “has long term struggle ended?”. always the journey made to reach the destination
Many programmes have been implemented and that matters the most. How profound!
run by the government such as International
Women’s day, Mother’s Day, etc. in order to 9. You are Preeti/Pranay. You feel that India,
bring awareness in the society about the true with its rich and varied heritage, linguistic and
rights and value of the women in the development cultured diversity, is an excellent destination for
of the nation. Women need to be progressed in tourism. Promoting tourism will surely promote
a number of spheres. There is a high level of our economy. Write an article titled, ‘Promoting
gender inequality in India where women are ill- Tourism is Promoting Ourselves’, in 120-150
treated by their family members and outsiders. words, specifying the advantages of promoting
The percentage of illiterate population in India is tourism and how it can be accomplished.
mostly covered by the women. The real meaning Ans : 2015
of the women empowerment is to make them well
Promoting Tourism is Promoting Ourselves
educated and leave them free so that they can be
By Pranav
capable to take their own decisions in any field.
Given chance they are capable of achieving Tourism plays a vital role in the economic
great heights and being equal to their male development of a country. It is the second largest
counterparts. The ratio of female sex and female foreign exchange earner for India. The tourism
literacy both has increased over the time and industry employs a large number of skilled as well
should continue like this. India needs to take some as unskilled persons. It also promotes national
advance steps to improve the position of women integration and international brotherhood. Thus
in the society through the proper health, higher we should promote it for our own benefit.
education and economic participation. Women India has fascinated people from all over the
empowerment needs to take full speed in right world with its secularism and culture. There are
direction instead of being in nascent stage. historical monuments, places of religious interest,
beaches and hill resorts that attract tourists.
8. Visiting new places and meeting new people Every region is identified by its handicrafts, folk
enhance our understanding and knowledge dances, music, fair, people, etc. Bounded by the
besides being a source of great pleasure. Write an Himalayan mountain ranges in the north by the
article in 120-150 words on ‘Travel, a Source of Arabian Sea, Indian ocean and the Bay of Bengal
Knowledge and Pleasure. You are Gopal/Govindi. on the other three sides, it can give a delightful
Ans : 2016 experience to the tourist. The enchanting
backwaters, hill stations and landscapes make
Travel, a Source of Knowledge and Pleasure
India a beautiful country to visit.
By Gopal The government’s Department of Tourism
Some might say that they detest travelling because promotes international and domestic tourism
it leaves them completely wearied and irritated. in the country. The tourism advisory board
However, there are others who beg to differ. They recommends measures for promotion of tourist
believe that travel, most certainly, is a source of traffic to India. However, international tourism
pleasure as well as knowledge, and that is why, has been adversely affected by tourism as well as
they enjoy their vacation to the fullest. pollution, Sincere efforts to combat such problems
One cannot deny that visiting new places and are required to further develop this industry.
meeting new people enhances one’s understanding Thus, tourism, one of the fastest growing
and knowledge and at the same time lets one industries today, plays a vital role in the economic
unwind from his/her daily routine. Travelling is development of our country. By promoting
a great stress buster as it entertains one, thus tourism, are will be promoting ourselves.
rejuvenating one to his/her core. But, why is
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 137
10. You had to appear for your Maths Tutorial on 7th with the open display of wealth by the former, the
of May this year and were travelling by one of the latter feel crime is the shortest and surest way to
local buses. You were stuck in a traffic jam. Write achieve the same goals. Movies romanticise the
an article stating your experience and expressing bad and the ugly side of life, adding fuel to the
your concern over the growing vehicular traffic on fire. People themselves break laws by not getting
the roads and its ill effects. their servants or tenants verified or by turning a
Ans : 2014 blind eye to the wrongdoings.
The city is acquiring a bad reputation. Where
Growing Vehicular Traffic on the Roads and once only selected areas were considered unsafe,
Its Ill Effects now the whole city is vulnerable.
By Arvind The government needs to take strict action
The growing vehicular traffic jam on the roads against the recalcitrant police officers and those
has been a grave cause of concern in recent times. who block the course of justice. Judgements in
I will focus on this burning issue that demands criminal cases must be swift and harsh. People
the attention of all. must realise that they also have the responsibility
Due to vehicular traffic jams on the roads of keeping crime at bay. It is only when everyone
and dislocation of traffic, people are put to severe works together, we can make Delhi a place worthy
inconvenience. Everyone is affected, especially, to live in.
school-going children, and women and office-goers
are the worst sufferers. Even ambulance vans and
fire brigade vehicles are not spared. The students
get late for exams and the commuters look on
helplessly. The drivers hardly follow traffic rules,
unnecessary blaring horns can create sound
pollution too. 12. As Shreya/Shrey, write an article on ‘Junk the
Hence, the problem should be dealt with Junk Food’ to create an awareness among children
on war footing. Traffic rules and road discipline that junk food is unhealthy and unhygienic.
should be strictly followed. Regular pollution Ans : 2012
check is necessary to maintain road-friendly
environment. My point is that these measures, Junk the Junk Food
if implemented, properly, will go a long way in By Shreya
alleviating the suffering of the people. Today junk food is like a fashion; people are
getting addicted to it. It is cheap and available
11. Every day you read in the newspaper about at every nook and cranny of the city. Its easy
the increasing rate of crimes in Delhi. You live availability is one of the reasons for its increasing
in Delhi and feel really bad about it. As Chinar popularity.
Gulati, write an article for your school magazine Once in a while it is acceptable to go for
on the topic. such food but if we take such food daily, it will
Ans : 2013 lead to many health problems. In India every
Delhi-A City of Crimes third man is suffering from obesity which results
By Chinar Gulati in diseases such as high blood pressure and heart
problems and diabetes.
Delhi has become notorious for crimes-robberies Junk food generally contains trans fats which
in daytime, murders of senior citizens in crowded make one obese, lousy and dull. The unhygienic
colonies, kidnappings from main roads and rapes places where these products are made make it
in moving cars. This is in addition to the pick more unhealthy. This food at times causes acidity
pocketing, eve-teasing and hit and run cases, and sleeplessness which bring energy levels down
rampant in all areas. With the police dragging its and the person feels lethargic.
feet in catching the wrongdoers and the courts’ Children should avoid junk food or try to
lackadaisical attitude in passing judgement reduce its intake and instead eat healthy food
speedily, criminals are encouraged to continue for proper growth. Schools can also help develop
their nefarious activities. healthy eating habits by banning junk food in
This situation is compounded when highly their canteens and by setting marks for tiffins.
placed officials and politicians use their influence Only healthy young people can take a nation
to protect the guilty. The gap between the forward. So eat healthy and remain healthy.
wealthy and the underprivileged is growing, and
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Ch 4 : Article
free surroundings, and interpretation centres for magazine giving details of the talk and its impact
foreign guests. on you. You are Akshay/ Akshita of Brightland
India is also emerging as one of the most Public School.
credible destinations for curative treatment. Ans : 2020
Medical tourism is boosting our foreign
Title: Honorable PM’s interaction on occasion of
reserves. Eco-tourism and adventure tourism if
Teacher’s day.
implemented properly, will generate jobs for local
people, boost awareness of local culture, food, By Akshitha
handicrafts and bring about economic betterment On the occasion of Teacher’s day, our honorable
at the grassroots level. Prime Minister broadcasted his interaction with
We need to capitalize on India as a destination students from all over the country live from Delhi
where the Royal Bengal Tiger, common labourer, to the rest of the nation via satellite link. It was
a few millionaires, religious dichotomies, exotic a great learning experience as he shared much
culinary treasures and some of the most expensive information and knowledge regarding studies,
spas of the world co-exist. schools and teachers.
During the interactive session, the PM spoke
2. Healthy environment is the utmost necessity of about the role of teachers in the life of a student.
our life and use of plastic bags certainly affects He said that a teacher is like a ‘second mother’ to
the quality of our life. Write an article on ‘Plastic a student who teaches him/her to take the first
Bags as Curse of Modern Life’ in 120-150 words steps into the world of knowledge and education.
to be published in a magazine. You may use the He also stressed the importance of having healthy
cues given below along with your own ideas. You and dynamic student-teacher relationship to
are Raghav/Rekha. ensure a positive learning experience.
In addition to this, he spoke about the need
Plastic bags-a threat to environment for teachers to be more understanding of the
Most adverse effect on our health stress that students go through during exams and
Cause of diseases/asthma/cancer, etc. he suggested different ways by which teachers can
Suggestions to remove plastic bags from our life help their students. Furthermore, he talked about
‘stress-relief’ by fun activities in classrooms as
Ans : 2021
well.
Plastic Bags: A Curse of Modern Life Special arrangements were made by the school
By Rekha staff for students to view this telecast. The telecast
Plastic bags are a curse of modern century. was widely enjoyed by both students and teachers
They cover human life like a monster and kill it alike. The topic was relevant and relatable, and it
ruthlessly without any escape. The thoughtless was indeed, an informative session.
use of plastic bags has created a myth that they As a take home message, students and
are convenient and unavoidable. This is a known teachers alike had a better understanding on how
fact that plastic bags cannot be recycled and, to handle interactions so that both are benefitted.
thus, are left to be rotten in the environment
for infinite time. At times, animals like cows 4. It is very important to take significant actions to
and buffaloes eat plastic bags and it results even save our planet. Write an article in about 120-
in their death. They destroy our eco-friendly 150 words for your school magazine on how can
environment and are the breeding ground of most we save and protect our planet. You are Akshay/
dangerous diseases like asthma and cancer, etc. Akshita of Graham Public School, Indore.
The government must ban the use of plastic bags Ans : 2020
absolutely and should also impose fine for non- Save the planet, Earth
compliance. In the interest of creating a healthy
- By Akshita
world for tomorrow, all of us must take a pledge
This is a cause of complete concern across the
to stop the use of plastic bags.
globe today. The global warming has accelerated
3. On the occasion of Teacher’s Day, the Honourable the rise of temperature on Earth which is said to
PM of India had an interactive session with have risen by 40 C. The sea level is also rising.
The glaciers are also melting away resulting in
students from all over the country through satellite
massive floods causing huge losses. On the other
link. Your school also made special arrangements
hand there has been very less rainfall in the recent
for the students to view the telecast. Write an
years resulting in the scarcity of food around
article in about 120-150 words for your school
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 139
and Residents’ Welfare Associations should keep emerging opportunities in various streams so that
a strict watch in residential areas. Neighbourhood the aspirants can decide their career.
Watch Scheme should be encouraged. Each
entry should be maintained and verified through 17. You are Priya/Piyush. You find illiteracy as
intercom system. A record of domestic helps the biggest impediment to the development of a
should be kept by the police. Elderly people nation. You strongly believe that education can
should be taught certain safeguards. Their main play a very important role in the progress of a
doors should be equipped with the magic-eye, country. Write an article in 120-150 words on
door chain and wire mesh. I think with the help of ‘Education—The Biggest Tool of Progress’.
these measures we can secure them, and support Ans : 2008
them in their twilight years. Education-The Biggest Tool of Progress
16. After class 12, students are apprehensive about By Priya
choosing the course and the college. The ‘Mission Illiteracy is the root cause of most evils and it
Admissions’ organized by the Times of India is often breeds ignorance, and this ignorance may
a great platform for college aspirants. It would prove to be dangerous. Educated people can
think rationally and are able to see the bright
help them to get knowledge about emerging
side of the coin. An illiterate and ignorant person
opportunities in various streams. Write an article
is a liability rather than an asset to the nation.
in 120-150 words emphasizing the need of career
Education enables a person to take better care of
counselling to help students with the admission
himself as well as his family.
process. As Nelson Mandela says, “Education is the
Ans : 2009
most powerful weapon which you can use to change
Importance of Career Counselling the world.” Education is the key to eliminating
With the increasing number of colleges and gender inequality, to reducing poverty and to
universities, the variety of courses offered is also fostering peace. Education is an investment for
increasing. For a student it is a dilemma. If a a better future of any country. Educated people
student chooses a path and career that is far are considered highly respected in the society.
away from his interest and ability, it can cause Moreover, in today’s fast changing world, new
long-term dissatisfaction. Hence it is essential technologies keep coming up and one must keep
to plan one’s career carefully for success and up with the world. Without education it would
contentment. Most students choose a career based be really difficult for us to be updated about all
on unnecessary factors like following the peers, these changes. An educated person is aware of
accepting parents’ choice, lack of knowledge the latest advancements in technology and all the
about other fields, current trends or grabbing the changes that are taking place all over the world.
most sought-after career opportunities. At such a For example, an uneducated person may not know
point, career counselling helps. Career counselling about the benefits of the Internet, whereas an
involves personality tests, aptitude tests and educated person uses this gift of technology and
interviews. Based on the report of a student, the maximizes his output for better growth of his
counselling panel guides the child through his/ company. Hence, it is very necessary to spread
her career choice. A child should be made free awareness about the need to be educated.
to choose his area of interest. Career counselling
helps one to find the true calling of his talent and 18. Mohit Sen, the president of the youth forum of his
choose the career path accordingly. It also helps colony, attends a seminar on rampant corruption
to define the pros and cons of each course and in social and political life in India. He decides
career path one desires, hence clarifying students’ to write an article on the ‘Role of Youth in
doubts. Career counselling can boost morale Combating Corruption’. Write his article in 120-
and confidence and give new inclination to the 150 words.
students which will be beneficial to the whole Ans : 2008
society. Thus, with the help of career counselling,
most students end up choosing the right career, Role of Youth in Combating Corruption
and performing their level best, which ultimately By Mohit Sen
help them succeed and achieve new heights. The Corruption is the cancer that eats into the vitals
`Mission Admission’ launched by the Times of of society. It arises from moral deterioration. It
India is one such platform, which helps college has spread its vicious tentacles everywhere. The
aspirants to gain relevant knowledge about youth have a great role in combating corruption.
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Ch 4 : Article
The youth should not keep quiet at the sight to lead a healthy lifestyle, a person must consume
of corruption. As it is born out of the unholy healthy food, exercise regularly and stay away
wedlock between the bribe-giver and bribe-taker, from junk food, drugs and alcohol. One must
the youth have to take them to task. Giving include at least one outdoor activity to keep
and receiving bribe is an offence. Instances of one’s mind and body fresh as part of one’s daily
corruption have rocked the nation now and then. routine. Improving your lifestyle choices one by
Those who are in power indulge in favouritism, one, rather than trying them all at once, is an
corruption and illegal gratification, therefore the easier way to improve your chances of avoiding
youth have to deal with all kinds of corruption diseases.
cases. For example, when a political leader takes
money from some of illiterate people to contest 20. Write an article in about 120-150 words for
elections, the youth should look into the matter. your school magazine on ‘Drug Abuse and Its
Weak-minded people are generally tempted to Prevention’.
allurements. The youth can check corruption Ans : 2005
by a constant vigil. They can form a league of Drug Abuse and Its Prevention
youths to deal with corruption cases. The youth
must have devotion to fight corruption in the Drug abuse is a grave problem in India. It has been
society. They may even help the authorities in very common among the youth in metropolitan
their fight against illegal hoarding and rowdyism. cities. It is observed that students leave home
They should try to upgrade moral standard of the to attend classes but become the prey of some
masses. As youths are the backbone of the society, wolfish people who multiply their profits by selling
so it is their bounden duty to combat corruption drugs. Particularly slum children are very much
in the society. influenced by drug sellers. In fact, drugs weaken
the human brain due to biochemical changes. It
19. Nowadays children are becoming prey to many affects reproductive hormones and also growth
lifestyle diseases. Write an article in 120-150 hormones of humans. Thus, it causes many fatal
words putting stress on the need to maintain a diseases pertaining to lungs and lever. Hence, it
healthy lifestyle. You are Sharan/Shilpa. has become a social stigma. So, it is necessary
Ans : 2007 to conduct drug control drive and destroy illicit
drug plantation. Rehabilitation centres for
Unhealthy Lifestyle: Add ‘12 Years’ to Your addicts should be set up to control drug abuse.
Age Workshops should be held in schools for creating
By Shilpa awareness about drug abuse. So, what is needed
Health is wealth, and without health, one is to combat this harrowing situation is to instil a
nothing. Living a comfortable life depends upon sense of purpose into our youths.
good health. But today’s youngsters don’t seem
to pay attention to this fact. Eating junk food,
late sleeping habits, no exercise, excessive use of
electronic gadgets among others have become an
integral part of children’s life. All these factors
combine together to form a deadly combination
of diseases hence proving to be a health hazard.
According to recent researches, unhealthy lifestyle
adds 12 years to the age of the person and doubles
the risk of paralysis too. It is really disturbing to
see children stay inside their homes and become
a couch potato instead of going out and engage
in outdoor activities. And, if outside, they get
attracted to only junk food. Even parents are to
be blamed for this. Most of them do not encourage
their child to adopt healthy habits. A plethora
of problems such as increased BMI, early heart
attack, low immune system and diabetes are
making their way into a child’s body. Children
must be made aware of leading a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy lifestyle has long-term benefits. In order
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 141
CHAPTER 5
Report
1. INTRODUCTION 3. FORMAT OF A Report
A report is a written account of an event. It gives Keep in mind that good report writing depends
relaying information or recounts certain events on first writing a report outline to start organizing
in a widely presentable form. The events could the content in the best way possible. A standard
be an exhibition, a seminar, a rally, a theatre report format goes a little something like this :
event, a theft, blood donation campaign, etc. It is
often used to display the result of an experiment,
investigation or an inquiry. It may use graphics,
images or specialized vocabulary to persuade the
audience to undertake an action.
2. Elements of a report
As already mentioned above, a report is an
exhaustive piece of information. Or a report to
be good in its nature, multiple factors have to be
included in it. Thus, it is important to know what
goes into making a report.
1. Heading : A descriptive title which is
expressive of the contents of the report.
2. Byline : Name of the person writing the
report. It is generally given in the question.
Remember, you are not supposed to mention
your personal details in your answer.
3. Date and Place : It is generally mentioned in
a newspaper report below the byline.
4. Introductory Paragraph : It may include the
‘5 Ws’ namely, What, Why, When and Where 4. Points to Remember
along with Who was invited as the chief guest. General points to be remembered while writing a
5. Details : The proper sequence of events that report are as follows :
occurred along with their description. It is 1. Create an eye-catching headline for the report’s
the main paragraph and can be split into two topic. This is where you can tell the reader
short paragraphs if required. what to expect without going into detail.
6. Conclusion : This will include the description 2. The aim of the report and source from where
of how the event ended. It may include quote it was obtained should be mentioned in the
excerpts from the Chief Guest’s speech or beginning itself.
how did the event wind up. 3. Provide brief background information while
7. Recommendations : A set of recommended remaining insightful about your report’s
goals or steps to complete with the information selection. Perhaps it is related to something
provided in this report. discussed in class, or it could be an answer
8. Appendices : A list of your sources used to to a burning question posed by yourself or a
compile the information in your report. classmate.
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Ch 5 : Report
4. Briefly describe the steps of the investigation IMPORTANT QUESTION
or the methodology used. A good report
doesn’t leave any questions unanswered. 1. As a newspaper reporter, write a report of a train
Readers always want to know exactly what accident, the site which you visited. Your report
steps were taken to reach the conclusion. should be in 120-150 words.
5. Explain the reasons why the report is Ans : 2022
meaningful for the audience or readers. Train Accident : 200 Killed, 450 Injured
Convince through your writing that it is By Raman: TOI correspondent
something for them to remember. Gwalior, 3 March 20xx Yesterday I happened to
6. Read the report aloud to make sure it flows visit a site near Gwalior where a ghastly train
from concept to concept. Make it interesting accident had occurred. On enquiry from an eye-
enough so as to catch the attention of the witness it was learnt that the accident occurred
in the early hours of the morning, 3:00 am to
reader.
be precise, when a sudden explosion sent shock
7. Finally, check for spelling and grammar. waves in the nearby villages. The scene of
Remember that a good report is properly accident was a gory one. Many passengers lay
edited. stranded in the coaches which had been damaged,
8. Write in less formal and descriptive manner. derailed and sandwiched by the onslaught of the
9. Write in indirect speech and passive voice. Gwalior Express running into a standing goods
10. Adhere to the word limit of 120-150 words. train. The impact of the accident was so severe
that 6 coaches were derailed, two of them turned
turtle and crushed badly. The bodies of ill-fated
passengers were mauled and mangled, distorted
and disfigured by the sudden impact. The railway
protection force, civil police and many volunteers
were engaged in extricating the wounded
passengers from these bogies. More than two
hundred persons had died on the spot. About six
hundred and fifty passengers were sent to Gwalior
hospitals. Others who had received minor injuries
were given medical assistance on the spot. There
was an atmosphere of bewailing and heart rending
crises. A team of high ranking railway officials
arrived at the site. Though the cause of accident
was not clearly ascertained, human error has not
been ruled out. The Railway Minister expressed
shock and sympathy with the unfortunate victims
and announced grant of immediate relief.
2. You have recently visited an island on the Pulicat
Lagoon in Tamil Nadu. Write a report in 120-150
words on how children go to school by boat from
this island.
Ans : 2021
The Boat to School
By Jothi Ramalingam
Tamil Nadu, 22 July 20xx The motorised boat
slices through the Pulicat lagoon, forming foamy
slipstreams. Its 150 occupants are oblivious to
the engaging sight and the dangers of riding on
an overcrowded boat on windswept backwaters.
Except for the boatman, they are school-going
children, this isn’t excursion from school, but a
daily commute towards it.
These children of Irrukam, a spit of earth
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 143
on the backwaters of the Bay of Bengal, take a Horrible train accident-heavy fog
dangerous boat ride every day to Tamil-medium Train crossing the bridge-derailed all of a sudden
schools at Arambakkam and Obasamudram in Injured and wounded passengers seen all around
Gummudipoondi taluk of Tiruvallur district. Help by local people/ambulances/medical staff
The children are not wearing life-jackets, which Visit by local minister/financial help announced
the Tiruvallur administration had issued to them
three years ago. The ride is not safe despite the Ans : 2019
safety measures. The steel railings and wooden Train Derails near Bhusawal
racks are there as on any passenger boat. By Ashima, Correspondent, Amar Ujala
The smaller children sit on the racks,
Bhusawal, 22 November 20xx In the early winter
hemmed in protectively by their seniors, who
hours, the Punjab Mail was running at full speed
are perched precariously on the railings. The
with heavy fog around it. As it crossed the railway
boat ride takes one hour each way, and most
bridge near Bhusaval, it jerked many times and
children cram homework and ‘book cricket’ into
left the track abruptly. In a flash, it became clear
it. The Tamil Nadu government pays a monthly
that the train was derailed changing it into a
“boat allowance” of `300 each to students at the
site of horrible train accident scene. A number of
elementary level. Senior students have to meet the
passengers were thrown out of the compartments
expense themselves, ranging from `600 to `900
while many were crushed in the bogies. The
per month.
injured bodies were seen here and there and
3. You are Mridul/Mridula, an HT correspondent. people were crying for help. The local people ran
You witnessed a protest rally by a youth to the site for rescue work while many ambulances
organisation. Mentioning the purpose of rally, were also seen on the spot taking the injured to
places covered and reaction of public, write a the nearby hospital. Later, the railway minister
also visited the site and announced financial help
report in 120-150 words for your newspaper.
Ans : 2020
for the dead and free medical treatment for all
injured passengers.
Protest Rally Against Rampant Corruption
By Mridul Gupta, HT Reporter 5. You are Jay/Jaya, studying in Shyamala Memorial
New Delhi, 24 May, 20xx Members of the Young Hall, Trichy. Some students of our school attend
Urban Volunteers Association (YUVA), a youth a first aid training camp for a week at Red Cross
organisation, held a protest rally on 23 May, 20xx. Headquarter of our state. Write a report for
Young boys and girls of YUVA organised the rally your school magazine in 120-150 words on the
to raise their voice against rampant corruption events of the campo and your participation and
in the society. The four hours long rally saw performance.
participants from various age groups who took Ans : 2019
to the road at 11:00 a.m. sharp. The rally started
First Aid Training Camp
from Connaught Circus and moved further to
Janpath. From there the rally group walked By Jaya, student trainee
to various iconic places of capital city, singing Recently a First Aid Training Camp was held
patriotic songs and shouting slogans on anti- at Trichy Headquarter of Red Cross. Our school
corruption. The rally finally stopped at Qutub students too participated in this week-long
Minar where the youth representatives of YUVA camp. All students very excited to know about
performed a street play on corruption and how the activities take place there. There were many
to curb it. The attempt to spread the message of volunteers who were helping in different kind of
protest against corruption proved quite successful activities. There were doctors called from hospitals
with general public joining in and vowing to fight to give children the practical demonstrations how
against it. First Aid to the person is to protect or save life
and help him/her recovery. But at the same time,
4. You witnessed a ghastly train accident of Punjab we must keep ourselves cool. A small first aid box
Mail near Bhusawal in the early morning hours. was also taught to be made and what important
As a press reporter, write a report in 120-150 things should the box contain. At the end of
words to be published in a local daily. You are the workshop, everyone felt of herself confident
Ashit/Ashima. You can use the cues given below enough to provide first aid to the person in need.
along with your own ideas.
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Ch 5 : Report
saplings in the school premises. They planted Ans : 2010
different kinds of plants such as jacaranda A Glorious Moment
(neeli gulmohur), purple orchid, African tulip By Tara
tree, Indian laburnum, mountain ebony, scarlet It was a moment of pride and pleasure for
fountain tree (pichkari), rain tree, jurul and mango Kendriya Vidyalaya Noida Sr. Secondary School,
trees. The students also attended the orientation when the alumni batch of 2019 was welcomed on
programme arranged by the British Council. The September 18, 2019. Beside the normal welcome
teachers explained about the importance of tree and get-together planned for the students, it
plantation. They also explained the negative was an important occasion for many academic
impact, if tree are felled, on the environment and achievers as the school had decided to felicitate
ecology. Nonetheless, the help staff told different them for their brilliant class XII Board results.
things about the plants and their uses. At the end Himanshu Bhagat, the district topper of commerce
of the programme, there was an impressive photo stream was awarded scholarship for next three
session with Principal, teachers and students. years, while the other achievers were given merit
certificates and medals for their hard work and
13. You recently attended a seminar on “Tiger success.
Reserve: Economic and Environmental Win-Win” The chief quests for the occasion were none
at India International Centre, New Delhi. Write other than the parents of all the achievers. The
a report on the same in about 120-150 words for Principal in his address thanked the parents for
your school magazine. You are Rohan Pandey, their guidance and contribution to shape the future
Secretary, Cultural Club, Doon School, Dehradun. of the students. The day was also remarkable as
Ans : 2011 the current class XII students presented medley
Tiger Reserve: Economic and of songs and dance, and a video presentation,
Environmental Win-Win captured by the juniors, highlighting the pranks
By Rohan Pandey played by them in their school campus. That was
thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
The headline in a recent PTI report, “Saving The achievers in unison reiterated that the
two tigers gives more value than Mangalyan” glory was achieved by the leadership, inspiration
was intriguing, since it said that saving two and motivation of the Principal and teachers who
tigers yields a capital benefit of 2520 crore while exhorted them to show grit, determination and
Mangalyaan cost 2450 crore. The heading was tireless effort. They also admitted that there is
exciting and hurtful. Putting a price on nature no substitute for hard work. The proud parents
and commodifying it may hurt our sensibilities. openly and candidly expressed their gratitude
On the other hand, the speakers pointed out that to the school authority, Principal and teachers
an economic analysis of the above topic helps in for their guidance and support to their wards.
determining the quality of goods such as fuel, wood The function left many potential achievers quite
and fodder that can be allowed for extraction by motivated and determined to follow the footsteps
local communities. The analysis also highlights of their achievers.
why such “large” areas are reserved for preserving
fierce animals like the tiger, when we need more 15. A new indoor gymnasium has recently been
land for human use. constructed and inaugurated at St. John’s School,
What is the total amount of land set apart for Bengaluru. As a special correspondent of ‘The
the 18 ranges as tiger reserves? It is 68,000 sq. Hindu’, draft a report in 120-150 words on the
km, which is about 2% of the area of India-set gymnasium and the inauguration ceremony.
apart for the nation’s pride animal. The six Ans : 2009
reserves-Corbett, Kanha, Kaziranga, Periyar,
Ranthambore, Sundarbans-house many other Inauguration of New Indoor Gymnasium
endangered animals such as the elephant, rhino, By Special Correspondent, Bengaluru
langur, barasingha, mongoose, river dolphin, St John’s School, Bengaluru, recently constructed
oliver ridley turtle, crocodile-not to speak of the a magnificent gymnasium in the school. It is
millions of herbs, plants and trees. equipped with all modern facilities and is air
conditioned. It is state-of-the-art venue, which
14. Write a report in 120-150 words for your school
has been constructed at a cost of `10 crore. It has
magazine describing the prize distribution
a built-up area of 25,000 square metre. It is also
ceremony that was held to honour the academic
equipped with green building features like thermal
achievers of class XII of the previous year.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 145
9. Some students of the Senior Wing of St 11. As part of an Entrepreneurship project the
Mary’s School, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi, commerce students of your school recently
collectively authored a book, ‘School Memorabilia’ launched a product called oatlicious. They not
that recounts episodes from their school days, only set up a company to produce the product
anecdotes and the legacy of the school alumni but also designed its advertising and marketing
who achieved legendary success in their respective strategy. Write a report in about 120-150 words
fields. As student reporter for The Hindustan for your school magazine giving details of the
Times’ PACE programme, write a report in 120- enterprise and its launch. You are Akshay/
150 words. Akshita of Graham Public School, Indore.
Ans : 2013
Ans : 2015
Oatlicious–The product of Entrepreneurship
Budding Authors of St. Mary’s project
By Saravani Gautam
By Akshita
New Delhi 8 October, 20xx The Senior Wing July 25, 20xx The commerce students of our
of St Mary’s School, Safdarjang Enclave, New school recently launched a new breakfast
Delhi, have collectively authored a book, ‘School product, Oatlicious. This was a part of their
Memorabilia’ that recounts episodes from their entrepreneurship project. The students went
school days, anecdotes and the legacy of the ahead to not only set up a company to produce
school alumni who achieved legendary success in the product but also designed its advertising
their respective fields. and marketing strategy. Just like its name, the
The written capsules are interspersed with product tastes and looks delicious.
beautiful pictures, thoughtful quotes and colourful The product box has a picture of a huge bowl
illustrations of artwork make this book a must of delicious looking oats. The group also revealed
have. It’s had to believe that the book from start that they have already started selling the product
to finish is the handiwork of high school pupils in small 10 rupees pack at the canteen. On the
such is the phenomenal standard of creativity. It first day of the launch, the students gave free oat
was released on the Founder’s Day of the school. packets to the first ten students. Baveen, one of
‘It has been a great learning experience,’ said the team members revealed how much struggle
one of the young authors. They have already their they had to face initially to come up with an
own page in the second edition of this book. innovative idea for the project. According to him,
it was just a project earlier but now it has become
10. National Science Centre, New Delhi organised their dream. Baveen and his team found it hard
“Cancer Drug Discovery” workshop. Write a to get sponsors earlier. He revealed how they did
report on the same to be published in a newspaper. part-time jobs and asked their parents to sponsor
Ans : 2014 the project. Now that they are successful, Vibha,
Cancer Drug Discovery Workshop one of the teammates revealed that they are
Lucknow 11 October 20xx Ramakrishna Mission getting offers from many companies. They have,
Hospital at Mathur Road, U.P., held a ‘Cancer however, not decided anything and are just happy
Drug Discovery Workshop’ from October 3 and thankful for the response they got.
to October 10 in the hospital compound. CM
Jogi Adityanath presided over the workshop as 12. You are Nitin Sharma, the newly elected Secretary
the chief Guest. Pictures, posters and cartoons of Einstein Society of Cambridge School, Nagpur.
depicting harmful effects of cancer were displayed Write a report in 120-150 words for the school
along the corridors of the hospital. Dr. R.K. magazine about the ‘plantation week’ held
Batra from Appolo hospital, Delhi, and a panel recently in your school.
of experts from well-known institutes from all Ans : 2012
over India, attended the workshop. They gave Plantation Week
an illuminating discourse in the dreadful cancer By Nitin Sharma
diseases and mentioned recently discovered drugs
Nagpur, 16 July 20xx The ‘Plantation Week’
to fight cancer. A documentary film was also
was held in the school from 9 July to 15 July
screened showing the plight of the patients dying
in the school premises. The students from
of blood cancer.
classes 5 to 12 actively participated in the tree
plantation programme. The school Principal, Dr.
Ranen Malhotra, teachers and students planted
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Ch 5 : Report
6. You are a TOI correspondent. Write a report in Ans : 2017
120-150 words on the ‘use of solar energy’ for your Flood Relief Programme
newspaper. By Krishna
In an initiative to provide immediate material and
trauma relief to the evacuees of the flood calamity
struck victims in our area the volunteers of ‘The
Saviours of the Earth Foundation’ organized a
flood relief programme of which I was an active
participant. Ever since incessant rains resulting
in heavy floods lashed our area, volunteers of our
organization have been working in coordination
with the disaster management team to distribute
door to door relief material to the victims. For
providing material relief, our organization has
been raising funds and has also been conducting
trauma-relief meditation for the evacuees. A team
of 250 volunteers of our organization including
doctors are constantly providing medical aid and
food, assisting in rescue operations and clearing
Ans : 2018 the debris.
Use of Solar Energy
By TOI Correspondent 8. You are Anurag/Anjali, a reporter with a national
daily. You have heard that a multistorey building
New Delhi, 20 July 20xx After a month-long
near the main railway station has collapsed
campaign to spread awareness about solar energy,
causing panic in the area. You rush to the site of
Greenpeace India found that 1,043 residents in
the accident along with your team. Write a report
the city and over 5,000 in different parts of the
country want to adopt solar panels. The result in 120-150 words mentioning the time and place
was an outcome ‘solar shakti’ campaign by of the accident, number of casualties, the cause of
Greenpeace India, which started on the World the accident and the rescue operation conducted
Environment Day, June 5. During the campaign, by the authorities.
a unique ‘Solar Comet’-a house on wheels-which Ans : 2016
toured the city, interacting with RWAs, slums and
Multistorey Building Collapses
government bodies on the benefits of solar energy.
The solar comet was a bus fitted with solar By Anjali, Staff Correspondent
panels of 1.8 kW on the roof and furnished as a New Delhi, 5th September 20xx Tragedy struck
1-BHK home from inside, which had all necessary the city early on Monday morning when an eight
appliances. storeyed NDMC building collapsed around 7 a.m.
‘Delhiites have shown great interest in in Central Delhi, near the main railway station.
installing solar panels’, said Pujarini Sen, Climate This building, civic officials said, was old and
and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace India probably not maintained well. Rescuers raced to
considers these as indicators to the fact that reach the dozens of people feared trapped in the
Delhiites are opening up to the idea of going rubble. At least ten people are reported killed
solar’, Sen added. and twenty have been so far pulled alive from the
In Delhi, the total solar potential is 2,500 building and rushed to the hospital, said Alok
MW with a residential potential of 1,250 MW. Bansal, local commander of the National Disaster
The official target is to reach 1,000 MW worth Response Force. “Approximately 70 to 80 people
solar installations by 2023 and 2,000 MW by 2025. are believed to be left behind under the debris.”,
Mr. Bansal said, citing reports from his team on
the scene. This is the latest of several building
7. Incessant rain has caused irrecoverable damage in collapses in Delhi and NCR this year. The State
your area. As an active participant in the flood Government has ordered an enquiry into the
relief programme, write a report in 120-150 words mishap.
on the different flood relief measures carried out.
You are Krishan/ Krishna.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 147
insulation of entire roof, gypsum board partition, 14 and analyses data on child marriages based on
and wall panellings and energy-efficient lighting the 2011 census. The report also found that 75% of
features. The entire gym is under electronic all child marriages took place in rural areas. The
surveillance through fixed and PTZ cameras, number was even higher for the period between
connected to the control room. 2007 and 2011, at 82%. Uttar Pradesh accounted
The inauguration ceremony took place on 12 for the highest percentage of child marriages in
November 20XX with Mr. S. Siddaramaiah, by the India, at 16.6%. In fact, U.P., Andhra Pradesh,
school director and other eminent personalities of West Bengal, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra and
Bengaluru. Madhya Pradesh accounted for 70% of all child
The school is proud of this innovative gym marriages in India. While releasing the report,
where students will remain lit. the chairperson of Action-Aid India, Shabana
Azmi, said that there was a need to address the
16. Vidya Bhawan Senior Secondary School, Noida, underlying causes of child marriage.
recently organised a 3-day environment awareness “Patriarchy is at the root of child marriage,
camp for the students to be prefects/monitors. and patriarchy has to be tackled to eliminate
Write a report about the same in 120-150 words child marriage. Spreading education and building
for the school magazine. confidence among girls will enable them to resist
Ans : 2008 child marriage and chart their own lives,” she
said.
Environment Awareness
By XYZ 18. You visited Delhi Public School, Kanpur. You
A three-day environment awareness camp was were impressed at seeing students participate in
organised on 13 December at Vidya Bhawan Senior various co-curricular activities of the school such
Secondary School, Noida. The purpose of this camp as debates, music and theatre workshops. Write
was to raise environment awareness among the a report on it in 120-150 words for your school
masses. The camp was inaugurated by the Principal, magazine. You are Shalini/Sumiti, Editor of the
Dr N K Jain, followed by his valuable welcome magazine.
address. Many environmentalists and ecologists Ans : 2007
were present in the camp. Dr R K Pachauri,
the Nobel laureate, was the main speaker who Co-curricular Activities of DPS, Kanpur
encouraged students to participate in the By Shalini, Editor of the School Magazine
environment awareness campaign. He emphasised Last Friday, on 17 November 20xx, I visited Delhi
many environmental issues such as garbage Public School (DPS), Kanpur, on the occasion of
clearance, plantation, pollution and the role of a cultural function held in the school auditorium.
the students to keep environment pollution free. There were many cultural programmes. Students
About thirty young aspirants vying to be monitors of classes 9 to 12 participated in debate, music
and prefects participated in the camp. A panel of and theatre workshop. The topic of the debate
judges, including Dr R K Pachauri and the Principal was “Justice delayed is justice denied”. The
Dr N K Jain, presided over the activities of the Head Boy of class XII won the first prize in the
students in environment issues. In addition, many debate competition. There was also an interschool
parents and teachers were also present in the music competition. Renu Agarwal of class XI was
camp. awarded Scholar of the Schools’ award for her pop
music performance. A theatre workshop was also
17. You are Sapna Gupta, a news reporter. Write a held in collaboration with Aagaaz Theatre, New
report in 120-150 words on ‘child marriage’ to be Delhi. It was a two-hour workshop. At the end of
published in a local newspaper. the function, the principal thanked all who made
Ans : 2008 efforts to make it a memorable function.
Child Marriage 19. You are a press reporter. Write a report in 120-150
By Sapna Gupta words on the recent cattle catching drive launched
New Delhi, 23 July 20xx With over 10 crore by MCD to clear stray cattle from Delhi roads.
Indians, including 8.5 crore girls, being married Ans : 2006
off before they turn 18, every third child bride Cattle-Catching Drive
in the world is an Indian, a report has said. The By Manish Madan
report titled ‘Eliminating Child Marriage in Following a directive issued from the Delhi High
India’, was released by Action-Aid India on July Court to clear the city of stray cattle, MCD’s
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Ch 5 : Report
Veterinary Department launched a week-long
cattle-catching drive in all its zones.
The eight-member team could be seen
catching stray cattle in different areas of Delhi.
The technique consisted of throwing a rope
around the animal’s neck and manoeuvring it into
a waiting truck. According to an eyewitness in the
Okhla Industrial Area, a caravan of trucks halted
in the area and a group of eight men armed with
lassos and tranquilliser guns leapt out and soon
the whole place was transformed into a bull ring.
The catchers rounded up 22 stray cattle from
this area on the very first day, six of these were
buffaloes. These animals were sent to a shelter
house run by Delhi Administration ‘gaushalas’.
I is expected that similar drives will be
launched by the municipal authorities of West
Delhi and North Delhi zones.
20. You are a reporter with ‘India Today’. You
recently witnessed ‘illegal trade of rare animals on
some websites’. Write a report in about 120-150
words about the same for your magazine.
Ans : 2005
Illegal Trade of Rare Animals on Some
Websites
By XYZ
New Delhi, 4 May 20xx Trade in rare animals
and their body parts is going on through popular
websites, the government said today. The Union
Environment Minister said, “Online smuggling of
rare animals and their parts is being monitored
by the state and central governments as part of
combating cyber crime.”
“Several websites are seen advertising sale
of rare animals and their parts,” he said in a
written reply. Even he furnished a list of 106 such
websites collated by the Wildlife Crime Control
Bureau (WCCB).
A wildlife body had recently alleged that a
prominent website was selling wildlife specimens,
including sea horses and alligator heads,
protected under the country’s laws. Wildlife SOS
had claimed the website was offering an array
of wildlife trophies, including alligator heads,
preserved snakes, butterflies, starfish, rare beetles
and seahorses, besides hunting manuals and
devices.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 149
CHAPTER 1
The Last Lesson
1. INTRODUCTION saw his classmates sitting in their places and his
teacher was passing up and down. He was afraid
The Prussian forces under Bismarck attacked to enter the class but nothing happened like that.
France in the year 1870. All the Germans M. Hamel saw him and asked him kindly to take
stood by Prussia and France was defeated. The his seat.
French districts of Alsace and Lorraine passed
into Prussian hands. The new Prussian rulers The Whole School Strange and Solemn
disallowed the teaching of French in the schools of Franz sat down at his desk and got over his
these two districts. The French teachers in these fright. He saw his teacher in a beautiful green
schools were asked to leave. This story describes coat, a frilled shirt and a little black cap on his
the last day of one such French teacher in his head. Besides the whole school seemed so strange
school. Though he knows he has been transferred and solemn. But Franz was much surprised to
and will no longer remain in his old school, he see the villagers, the former Mayor, the former
gives his last lesson to his students with as much postmaster and others in the class too. M. Hamel
devotion and sincerity as ever. The story brings announced it as their last French lesson according
out the pathos of the whole situation and also to an order from Berlin.
depicts the quiet dignity of the French teacher,
named Mr Hamel. A Sudden Change in Franz’s Views
To hear of the last French lesson from the mouth
of M. Hamel, Franz was much astonished. He was
2. SUMMARY much sorry for not learning his French lessons.
Little Franz Late for School Earlier he never took any interest in his studies. He
The narrator little Franz was a student of school. started liking M. Hamel and forgot all about his
That morning he started very late for school. ruler as well as his troubling behaviour. Everyone
Consequently, he was in a great dread of being wanted to thank M. Hamel for his forty years of
scolded by his teacher M. Hamel for not knowing faithful service and of showing their respect for
the first word on participles because he was to be the country that was their’s more.
asked questions from this topic. Calling the Narrator’s Name
Crowd at the Town Hall When Franz was called to recite, he got mixed on
On his way to school, Franz passed the Town the first words and stood there holding on to his
Hall. There he saw a crowd in front of the bulletin desk. His teacher M. Hamel instead of scolding
board reading some news as this had been the Franz made him feel very ashamed. The teacher
place for attaining the news or orders from Berlin pointed out that the parents of Franz kept him
for the last two years. away from learning on one or the other excuse.
Unusual Calm at School Importance of French Language
Usually there used to be a great hustle and bustle Then M. Hamel told that the French language
when the school began. But that day everything was the most beautiful language in the world
was quiet like Sunday morning. On the other – the clearest and the most logical language in
days, the opening and closing of desks and the world. He called the present gathering to
lessons repeated loudly in unison created a lot of guard the language and never forget it because
commotion. The noise of the teacher’s great ruler for enslaved people holding fast the language
rapping on the table was absent. So there was becomes the key to their prison. So they must
silence on that day. Through the window, Franz guard their own language.
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
An Amazing Teaching 21. Bustle = noisy activity
Then M. Hamel taught grammar so dedicatedly 22. In unison = together
that Franz understood it very well. He explained 23. Ruler = rod
everything in detail and with much patience. It 24. Rapping = thumping/beating
seemed that M. Hamel was intending to give all 25. Counted on = depended on
in one stroke he knew before going away. Whereas 26. Commotion = confusion
he was broken with the news of the last lesson. 27. Classmates = class fellows
28. Terrible = dreadful
Vive La France : 29. Frightened = scared
Then they had a lesson in History. All the babies 30. Blushed = feel red in the face
chanted their “ba, be bi, bo, bu.” The old Hauser 31. Fright = fear
was holding his primer in his hands and spelled 32. Happen = take place
letters with them. Franz remembered that last 33. Kindly = politely
lesson very well. It was noon and all at once the 34. Frilled = with ornamental edging
Church clock struck twelve and the Angelus. At 35. Embroidered = ornamental with needle work
the same moment, the trumpets of the Prussian 36. Except = apart from
soldiers sounded under their windows. M. Hamel 37. Strange = peculiar
stood up in his chair. He looked very pale and 38. Seemed = appeared
powerless. He tried to speak and called them 39. Solemn = serious
his friends but something choked him. Then he 40. Thumbed = made dirty with thumbs
turned to the blackboard, took a piece of chalk 41. Former = previous
and with all his might, he wrote as large as he 42. Primer = a small book for learners
could “Vive La France.” 43. Spectacles = glasses
Then without uttering a word, he leaned 44. Mounted = occupied
against the wall and made a gesture with his hand 45. Gentle = mild
– “School is dismissed –you may go.” 46. Tone = manner of voice
Thus, M. Hamel taught his last lesson very 47. Thunderclap = startling
dedicatedly but he was deeply overcome by a 48. Wretches = unhappy persons
strong emotion. 49. Seeking = trying to find out
50. Nuisance = something annoying
51. Saints = sages
3. Word meanings
52. A while ago = a little before
1. Dread = fear 53. Give up = sacrifice/leave
2. Scolding = rebuking 54. Their way = their style
3. Participles = words combining the functions 55. Faithful = sincere
of adjectives and verbs 56. Recite = to utter loudly a piece of writing
4. Out of doors = in the open 57. Mixed up = confused
5. Chirping = twittering 58. Beating = palpitating
6. Edge = boundary 59. Daring = taking courage
7. Woods = jungle 60. Scold = rebuke
8. Sawmill = a mill for sawing wood 61. Put off = postpone
9. Prussian = habitant of prussia 62. Pretend = show off
10. Drilling = parading 63. Reproach = scold
11. Tempting = enticing 64. Anxious = worried
12. Resist = control/oppose 65. Preferred = gave preference to
13. Bulletin-board = notice board 66. Logical = according to reason
14. Draft = conscription 67. Guard = protect
15. Blacksmith = iron-smith 68. Enslaved = made slaves
16. Apprentice = learner/trainee 69. Patience = being patient
17. Bub = boy 70. At one stroke = all at once
18. Plenty = enough 71. Floating = swimming
19. Making a fun = laughing at 72. Ought to = should
20. Out of breath = gasping 73. Scratching = sound
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 151
74. Produced by a pen writing on paper Ans : 2018
75. Beetles = flying insects Franz was expected to be prepared with the
76. Tracing = copying lesson on ‘participles’. His teacher, M. Hamel,
77. Fish-hooks = hooks for catching fish had announced an oral test on participles, but
78. Pigeon = a bird Franz didn’t know anything about the rules of
79. Cooed = sound made by pigeons participles.
QUESTION 2.�
80. Motionless = still
2. What did Franz notice that was unusual about
81. Gazing = looking intently
the school that day?
82. Fix in his mind = imprinted
Ans : 2015
83. Fancy = imagine
When he reached the school, Franz was surprised
84. Worn = rubbed
to find everything still and quiet as if it was a
85. Walnut tree = hazel tree
Sunday morning. His teacher, M. Hamel, was
86. Hopvine = a kind of vine
dressed in his green coat, frilled shirt and black
87. Twined = wound
cap he used to wear this formal dress only on
88. Chanted = recited/sang
special days. Moreover, the last benches of the
89. Trembled = shook
classroom were occupied by the village elders who
90. Emotion = strong feelings
looked very sad.
91. Angelus = bell for prayer QUESTION 3.�
92. Funny = strange 3. What had been put up on the bulletin-board?
93. Trumpets = trumpets Ans : 2013
94. Pale = wanting in colour An order from Berlin had been put up on the
95. Choked = blocked in the throat bulletin-board. It stated that from the next day
96. Go on = continue only German would be taught in the schools of
97. Vive la france = long live france Alsace and Lorraine.
98. Gesture = sign
99. Dismissed = dispersed/closed
THINK AS YOU READ 2
QUESTION 1.�
4. ncert textbook questions 1. What changes did the order from Berlin cause in
QUESTION 1.
school that day ?
1. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their Ans : 2012
meaning from the context There was complete silence everywhere. Everyone
looked sad and serious. Old people of the village
1. in great dread of
had come to thank Mr Hamel for his faithful
2. in unison service of forty years.
3. counted on QUESTION 2.�
4. a great bustle 2. How did Franz’s feelings about Mr Hamel and
5. thumbed at the edges school change ?
6. reproach ourselves with Ans : 2007
Ans : Franz was now very sad for Mr Hamel. He forgot
1. In great dread of : very much scared and all about his rod and his cranky nature. Now he
worried no longer hated school. He looked upon books as
his friends.
2. In unison : together
3. Counted on : depended on UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
4. A great bustle : noisy activities QUESTION 1.�
5. Thumbed at the edges : turned over (the 1. The people in this story suddenly realise how
pages) precious their language is to them. What shows
6. Reproach ourselves with : be responsible. you this ? Why does this happen ?
Ans : 2016
THINK AS YOU READ 1 Prussia gained victory over Alsace. It affected the
QUESTION 1.
life at M. Hamel’s school a great deal. Orders were
1. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for sent from Berlin that the schools of the Alsace
school that day? and Larraine would teach only German instead
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
of French. There came a sudden sea-change in TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT
the minds of students who were indifferent to QUESTION 1.�
their own language, its grammar and literature. 1. “When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold
They developed a new profound love for French. fast to their language it is as if they had the key
Even M. Hamel in his last address told about the to their prison.”
importance of French. He called French as the Can you think of examples in history where a
most beautiful, clearest and most logical language conquered people had their language taken away
of the world. Thus M. Hamel aroused not only the from them or had a language imposed on them ?
patriotic feelings but also love of one’s language. Ans :
Franz was a shirker. He too became In The Last Lesson, the teacher M. Hamel told
sentimental. He felt sorry for neglecting his lessons the students about the importance of a language
in French. He developed a craving for French. He in the lives of the people. He implicitly stated
also felt deep reverence for his teacher. M. Hamel that a language always keep the people united.
who was leaving them the next day M. Hamel was He encouraged them to fight unitedly to win their
the worst affected. He was deeply overcome by a freedom from slavery. In the words of M. Hamel:
strong patriotic emotion. With profound grief he “When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold
made a gesture with his hand ‘School is dismissed fast to their language, it is as if they had the key
– you may go’. to their prison.” In stating so M. Hamel is very
QUESTION 2.� much right.
2. Franz thinks : “Will they make them sing in There are examples in history where a
German, even the pigeons ?” What could this conquered people who had held fast their
mean ? (There could be more than one answer). language they could win back their freedom from
Ans : 2011 their ruler. The biggest example in history is that
The districts of Alsace and Lorraine were under of British on India who left the impact of English
the regime of France. During the Franco-Prussian on us. History is replete with such examples of the
war (1870-1871) France was defeated and both races holding fast to their languages, that proved
these districts became the part of Prussia to be their keys to their prison. That is why, M.
(Germany). Earlier they were reading their own Hamel went on to say to his enslaved people of
language, i.e. the French. With the new set-up, France in the school at the district of Alsace:
an order was issued from Berlin to teach only the “We must guard it (the language) among us
German in these two districts. M. Hamel was a and never forget it.”
teacher who had been teaching the French for the In other example, we can see that Spanish
last 40 years. and Portuguese have been imposed on the people
In his last lesson, he told that from the next day of Latin American countries.
the students would be learning the German from QUESTION 2.�
a new teacher. They won’t be learning their own 2. What happens to a linguistic minority in a state
most beautiful, clearest and the logical language ? How do you think they can keep their language
which is quite foreign to them. In a way he told alive ?
the significance of their own language and aroused For example :
their patriotic feelings. The old villagers too Punjabis in Bengaluru
endorsed his views. There came a sudden change Tamilians in Mumbai
in Franz. He developed a sort of great disliking Kannadigas in Delhi
for German. He heard and saw the pigeons cooing Gujaratis in Kolkata
on the roofs. He immediately remarked : “Will Ans :
they make them sing in German, even the pigeons A linguistic minority in a state remains well in
?” It is worthnoting here that the Germans can touch with one another. They of course have a
impose German language on the people of Alsace good interaction within their community. They
and Lorraine powerfully but they can’t impose gather and celebrate their festivals with pomp
this language on the birds, etc. They can enslave and show with full swing. This helps them to
the people but have no authority to compel the increase their happiness and keeps them satisfied.
cooing pigeons. Any forceful imposition will cease They are never ignored by a lot of the states but
their love for them. they hardly develop social relations with others
outside their linguistic group. They hold fast to
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 153
their language. They have their minority schools Ans :
to teach the language to the next generation. The origin of each words is given below:
Through shows, celebrations, public libraries and Words Origin
public gatherings they keep their language alive.
Therefore, the Punjabis’ of Bengaluru, Tycoon (tar'kun) Japanese
Tamilians of Mumbai, Kannadigas of Delhi Barbecue Spain
and Germany also imposed German in the two
Zero French
districts of Alsace and Lorraine after taking them
under their regime. Gujaratis of Kolkata can keep Tulip French
their languages alive by having their minority Veranda Hindi and Portuguese
schools, organising their individual celebrations
Ski Norwegian (skith)
and competitions periodically.
QUESTION 3.� logo Greek
3. Is it possible to carry pride in one’s language too robot Czech
far? Do you know what linguistic chauvinism
means ? trek Dutch
Ans : bandicoot Telugu
Yes, people do feel the way. They cam pride in
QUESTION 2.�
their language that in democracy like the Indian,
2. Notice the underlined words in these sentences
the linguistic groups even oppose the screening of
and tick the option that best explains their
films of other languages in their talkies. They even
meaning :
paint black the sign-board: of other languages in
their states. (a) “What a thunder clap these words were to me
‘Linguistic chauvinism’ is the unreasonable !”
belief, especially when aggressively expressed in The words were :
the superiority of one’s own language. As the (i) loud and clear
Germans and the British had the unreasonable (ii) startling and unexpected
belief in the superiority of their language: German (iii) pleasant and welcome
and English respectively. People wits linguistic
(b) “When a people are enslaved, as long as they
chauvinism think their own language superior to
hold fast to their language it is as if they had
other languages spoken in the world In the same
the key to their prison.”
way German was imposed to be taught in the
It is as if they have the key to the prison as
schools of Alsace and Lorraine and the teaching
long as they
of French was stopped.
(i) do not lose their language.
(ii) are attached to their language.
WORKING WITH WORDS
(iii) quickly learn the conqueror’s language
QUESTION 1.�
1. English is a language that contains words from (c) Don’t go so fast, you will get to your school in
many other language. This inclusiveness is one of plenty of time. “You will get to your school.”
the reasons it is now a ‘world language’. (i) very late
For example: (ii) too early
(iii) early enough
petite – French
kindergarten – German (d) I never say him look so tall.
M. Hamel
capital – Latin
(i) had grown physically taller
democracy – Greek (ii) seemed very confident
bazaar – Hindi (iii) stood on the chair
Ans :
Find out the origins of the following words :
(a) (i) loud and clear
tycoon barbecue zero tulip veranda (b) (ii) are attached to their language.
ski log o robot trek bandicoot (c) (iii) early enough
(d) (iii) stood on the chair
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
19. Where did the parents send their children? 26. What had been put up on the Bulletin Board that
(a) school (b) farms and mills day?
(c) coaching (d) movies (a) Teach only German
Ans : (b) Speak only English
(c) farms and mills (c) Teach only French
20. Why were the parents sending their children to (d) all of these
the farms and mills? Ans :
(a) Teach only German
(a) to play (b) to meet friends
(c) to earn money (d) to meet relatives 27. What changes did the order from Berlin cause in
Ans : school that day?
(c) to earn money (a) hustle-bustle
21. Why did the villagers come to meet M. Hamel in (b) people were happy
the school? (c) strange quietness and sadness
(a) to complain (b) to show gratitude (d) teachers were sad
(c) to gossip (d) to say goodbye Ans :
Ans : (c) strange quietness and sadness
(b) to show gratitude
28. What changed Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel
22. Why did Mr. M. Hamel call the French language and school?
the most beautiful? (a) Orders from Berlin
(a) Because people were from France (b) Police Patrolling
(b) Because it was his native language (c) Strict words from M. Hamel
(c) Because it was the clearest and logical (d) old Primer
(d) None of these Ans :
Ans : (a) Orders from Berlin
(c) Because it was the clearest and logical
29. What made Franz and the people realize about
23. What was Franz expected to be prepared for at the preciousness of their mother tongue?
school that day? (a) M. Hamel’s words
(a) Participles (b) dance (b) School orders
(c) essay writing (d) song (c) School Principal
Ans : (d) Sudden orders from Berlin
(a) Participles Ans :
(d) Sudden orders from Berlin
24. When people are enslaved, what key do they have
to the prison, according to M. Hamel? 30. Expression ‘Thunder Clap” in the lesson means
(a) aggressiveness (b) mother tongue _____.
(c) their behaviour (d) power (a) loud but not clear
Ans : (b) loud and clear
(b) mother tongue (c) unpleasant
25. What did Franz notice that was unusual that day? (d) startling and unexpected
Ans :
(a) crowd in school
(d) startling and unexpected
(b) soldiers in the school
(c) quietness in the school 31. What did Mr. Hamel bring for his class on his last
(d) all of these day in the school?
Ans : (a) new pens (b) sweets
(c) quietness in the school (c) new notebooks (d) story books
Ans :
(c) new notebooks
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 155
QUESTION 3.�
block will be viewed seriously. All students are 3. Have you ever changed your opinion about
requested to note and co-operate. someone or something that you had earlier liked
Sadhna Bose or disliked ? Narrate what led you to change your
Chief Prefect. mind.
Ans :
QUESTION 2.�
2. Write a paragraph of about 100 words arguing
Franz’s dislike for his teacher M. Hamel is nine
for or against having to study three languages at
out of ten opinions formed about people initially
school.
and change gradually in many cases. But same is
Ans :
very little true in case of opinion of likes changing
FOR : to dislikes. But in case of majority of the students
To Study Three Languages At School of my school it happened so. One always has a
India is a secular democracy comprising of people room for second opinion.
having faith in different religions and speaking Next day after the summer vacation at
different languages. Above all English is gaining school, we got a new teacher of History. He almost
good ground as one of the link languages at regularly spoke on typical events in the assembly.
national and international stage. Not only I but many others also developed liking
Students of urban as well as rural areas have for him. But the time was not far off when we were
been going to live or travel throughout the length astonished to hear him always boast of himself
and breadth of the country on business, trade, and his family and a foreign land all the time.
tourism, education or professional requirements. Soon all were taken aback to hear him
As different languages are spoken in each uttering filthy words and abusive language all the
region, so the three language formula for school time, for anyone whosoever and on every matter
teaching has been proving a boon. The three whatsoever. We even overheard other teacher’s
languages studied by students at school not only talk about his uncultured habits and uncivilized
help better communication and understanding behaviour most of the time. Such persons betray
among people but also promote national others from their path of goodness and themselves
integration. Therefore, the three languages study would never shun their hypocrisy.
in their schools will go a long way in promoting I changed my first opinion about him .and
national interests among the citizens and now dislike him like most others because such
strengthening India. persons incur more harm to students community
than any benefit of their teaching. But like the
village people the old Hauser, the former Mayor,
AGAINST : the former postmaster and others, can anyone
To study Three Languages At School expect us, to thank and respect such a person
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” truly. Of course, not.
A kid at the age of three is sent to study at
school. There the kid gets the lessons in English,
THINGS TO DO
a language mostly not spoken at home. In his QUESTION 1.�
high school, he is taught Sanskrit due to three 1. Find out about the following : You may go to
language formula. This language is not spelt in the Internet, interview people, consult reference
publicly. books or visit a library.
Most of the students settle in life in their
(a) linguistic human rights
native places and hardly get any chance to
move out to the places where they can find the (b) Constitutional guarantees for linguistic
utility of the second and the third language they minorities in India.
have studied at school. The time and labour Ans :
spent by them could have been better used for (a) Linguistic human rights are rights of humans
imparting the know-how of one or the other to preserve and promote communication in
professional skills. Every where one can see the any language in private and public sphere.
school passouts, doing petty jobs for earning their International human rights law has been
livelihood. Of what use, they find having studied imposed all over the world, which gives right
the two additional languages at school ? Of course to promotion and protection of identity to all
it is a mere wastage. the groups. In the international law, linguistic
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
QUESTION 20.
Berlin, only German would be taught in the schools
20. What surprised the narrator most when he took
of Alsace and Lorraine. This announcement made
his seat in the class?
Ans : 2015
Franz very sad. He felt sorry for not learning his
Franz entered the class and took his seat. It was lessons in French. He had never liked his books.
strange that he was not rebuked by his teacher. But now he no longer hated his books. He even
It was also strange that the whole school seemed started liking M. Hamel, in spite of his harshness.
calm and quiet. But what surprised him most
QUESTION 24.�
24. What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress on his
was that the village people were sitting on the
last day in the school ?
back benches. Everybody sat quiet and looked
Ans :
sad. He saw that the former mayor, the former
postmaster and many others villagers were sitting O
there. They were sad to know that from the next What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress and
day, German would be taught in the schools of behaviour on the day of his last French lesson ?
Alsace and Lorraine. Ans : 2016, 2014
QUESTION 21.� M. Hamel was unusually dressed in a beautiful
21. What shocking news did M. Hamel give to the green coat, a frilled shirt and a little black cap
students and the villagers? What was its effect on his head. His dress was fully embroidered that
on them? he never more except on inspection and prize
Ans : 2017, 2014 days. It was quite unusual on his part. He taught
That day villagers attended the class of M. Hamel. grammar very delicately. M. Hamel was seen
They were sitting on the back benches. Everything sitting motionless in his chair during the lesson
was quiet and calm. M. Hamel took his chair. He on writing. His voice get choked. With a gesture
spoke in a grave and gentle tone. He announced he declared that the school was dismissed. He was
that it was his last French lesson. He said that an deeply overcome by a strong emotion.
order had come from Berlin. German would be QUESTION 25.
taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The 25. Franz could not recite the rules for the participles.
new teacher was coming the next day. This news How did M. Hamel react?
made everyone sad. They were shocked. Ans : 2007
QUESTION 22.� Franz heard his name called. It was his turn to
22. Why does M. Hamel reproach himself for his recite the rules of participles. In spite of his best
students’ unsatisfactory progress in studies ? efforts, he could not recite the rules. He stood
there holding on the desk. His heart was beating.
O
He did not dare to look up. But the teacher did
Why did M. Hamel blame the parents and himself
not rebuke him. He told Franz kindly that he
for showing little care to the learning of the
would not rebuke him. He said that Franz was
French ?
Ans : 2014, 2011
not the only one who neglected learning French.
In the last lecture, M. Hamel told the importance Many others in Alsace and Lorraine were like him.
QUESTION 26.�
of learning their own language. He pointed out
26. Why were the elders of the village sitting in the
that most of the people of Alsace pretended to
classroom?
be Frenchmen but they were illiterate about
Ans : 2015, 2014
the language. Even the parents were indifferent
M. Hamel had been teaching in that school for
towards its learning and they would prefer their
the last forty years. His dedication, devotion,
sons to learn a little instead of learning the
discipline and strong inclination towards the
language. Blaming himself as well, he told that he
students community had become a commendable
himself had often sent the students to water his
record in the area. In order to pay their respect
plants. He gave them a holiday because he wanted
and heart-felt emotions, the old men and other
to go for fishing.
high dignitaries had come to school. They went
QUESTION 23.
on sitting in the classroom to pay their deepest
23. What was the effect of M. Hamel’s announcement
respect for his selfless services.
on the narrator?
QUESTION 27.
Ans : 2005
27. What kind of clothes was M. Hamel wearing?
M. Hamel announced that it was his last French
Why had he put on that fine dress?
lesson. He said that according to an order from
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 157
Ans : 12. Who occupied the back benches in the class?
(d) Loss of language and freedom
(a) weak students (b) monitors of the class
6. What does The Last Lesson signify? (c) teachers (d) village elders
(a) Change of power Ans :
(d) village elders
(b) change of Government
(c) change in life 13. Why was Franz surprised?
(d) Change of teachers (a) Because of village elders
Ans : (b) because of M. Hamel’s kind and polite
(c) change in life behaviour
7. What do the marching soldiers under the windows (c) because of students’ behavior
represent? (d) Because of police patrolling
(a) The victory of French Ans :
(b) because of M. Hamel’s kind and polite
(b) The defeat of Prussia
behaviour
(c) The Dawn of Prussia in the defeat of French
people 14. Why was Franz feeling regretful and sad?
(d) None of these (a) for not learning his mother tongue
Ans : (b) for not learning participles
(c) The Dawn of Prussia in the defeat of French
(c) for change of the Government
people
(d) for reaching late
8. From where did the orders come to teach only Ans :
German in the districts of Alsace and Lorraine? (a) for not learning his mother tongue
(a) France (b) Berlin
15. Whom did M. Hamel blame for not sending
(c) Lorraine (d) Germany students to school?
Ans :
(a) watchman (b) friends
(b) Berlin
(c) teachers (d) Parents
9. What does effects this story speaks about? Ans :
(a) people (b) Money (d) Parents
(c) Power (d) Transition 16. What did Hauser bring?
Ans :
(a) friends (b) children
(d) Transition
(c) sweets (d) old Primer
10. Why was Franz reluctant to go to school? Ans :
(a) wanted to enjoy warm Sunlight (d) old Primer
(b) wanted to see soldiers drill 17. What made Franz forget M. Hamel’s ruler and
(c) lesson on participles was not prepared crankiness?
(d) wanted to enjoy outdoor (a) Police Patrolling
Ans : (b) The idea of his going away
(c) lesson on participles was not prepared
(c) Bustle on the streets
11. What did Franz find on reaching the school? (d) Strange Quietness
(a) strange quietness Ans :
(b) The idea of his going away
(b) school was closed
(c) Police patrolling 18. For how many years did M. Hamel serve the school?
(d) People were dancing (a) 40 years (b) 35 years
Ans : (c) 30 years (d) 20 years
(a) strange quietness Ans :
(a) 40 years
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
come from Germany. According to the order, magazine on the need for revival of patriotic spirit
only German would be taught in the schools amongst the youth in India.
of Alsace and Lorraine. The new teacher was Ans : 2013
coming the next day. In his last lesson, M. Hamel The Need for Revival of Patriotic Spirit
became very sentimental. He said that the French amongst the Youth in India
language was the most beautiful language in the By XYZ, Std. XII
world. It was the most logical language. He urged The future of a country depends on its citizens
the students and the villagers to protect their especially the young generation. The youngsters
beautiful language. He said that our language can will take the lead for the future. But unfortunately,
be the key to our happiness and freedom. in this era of liberalization, modernization and
Then he asked Franz to recite his lesson. He globalization, country’s youth value is starving.
got up but could not recite it. However, M. Hamel It’s facing a total crisis. Instead of doing something
did not rebuke him for neglecting the learning of productive and bringing good results, the youth
French. He blamed the parents for not showing remain busy in violence, separations and inter and
due attention and care to the learning of French. intra group conflicts. It’s really a political apathy
Most of the people of Alsace could neither speak that it is the reigning order of the day. It is true
nor write their own language. The parents were that we have secured freedom many years back but
not anxious to have their children learn it. They we have not utilized freedom in its true perspective.
preferred to put them to work to earn a little This is the time for young people to wake
more money. M. Hamel blamed himself also. He up, mark their presence or create their own
had often sent his students to water his flowers identity. Infact, there is need for good leadership
instead of learning their lessons. And he gave and governance too. The government should take
them a holiday because he wanted to go on fishing initiatives for it. Education may be used as a
Just then the church clock struck twelve. The tool for it. There is need to inculcate the spirit of
trumpets of the Prussian soldiers sounded under nationalism alongwith humanism in children right
the window. It was time to close to school. M. from the beginning. They must value for freedom
Hamel stood up. He looked very pale. He tried only then they can respect it.
to speak, but could not. His emotions choked his QUESTION 15.�
speech. Then he turned to the blackboard and 15. While speaking about the importance as well as
took a piece of chalk. He wrote in big letters, the richness of French language, M. Hamel said,
“Vive La France!” (Long Live France). Then, “When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold
without a word, he made a gesture to those in the fast on to their language it is as if they had the
classroom with hand, “School is dismissed – you key to their prison.” This statement of M. Hamel
may go.” expresses his love for his own language. Keeping
QUESTION 14.�
in view of the above fact write en the value of
14. Read the following and answer the question that loving one’s own language.
follow : Ans : 2010
Then he turned to the blackboard, took a piece of If we meditate deeply we can realise the importance
chalk and bearing on with all his might, he wrote of learning our own language since it is the prime
as large as he could– key to our communication and solution to a
“Vive La France !” number of problems. While speaking about the
Abraham Lincoln, a farmer President of America French language, M. Hamel called it as the most
said, beautiful and logical language in the world. He
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which stressed its value which serves as a key to their
he lives, I like to see a man live so that his place bright and prosperous future. It is in reality they
will be proud of him.” peculiar the key to their freedom from slavery.
After reading the lesson and the above quotes But see the crux of the problem that people
of Abraham Lincoln, you begin to reflect on the are hankering after the foreign language. We
last spirit of patriotism amongst the youth in should feel proud in talking in our own language
India due to which there is no respect for ones and keep it on the podium. Though it is good
countrymen and no determination amongst the that we must learn foreign languages for having
youth to lead the country to a better future. an access to the outer world but we must make
Write an article in about 200 words for a national it a point that our own language is the best and
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 159
32. “The Last Lesson” story was written in which 39. What attitude of M. Hamel surprised Franz?
year? (a) soft and kind (b) rude
(a) 1870 – 1871 (b) 1869 – 1870 (c) firm and strict (d) none of these
(c) 1872- 1873 (d) 1870 – 1872 Ans :
Ans : (a) soft and kind
(a) 1870 – 1871
40. Who was M. Hamel?
33. Don’t go so fast, you will get to your school in (a) a spy (b) language teacher
plenty of time means ___ (c) soldier (d) School Principal
(a) getting late (b) very early Ans :
(c) early enough (d) not early (b) language teacher
Ans :
(c) early enough SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.�
34. What was there in front of the Bulletin Board? 1. Why did Franz not want to go to school that day?
(a) a crowd (b) police Ans : 2017
(c) hawkers (d) children Franz did not want to go to school that day because
Ans : he was to answer the question on “Participles”
(d) a crowd which was already given to him by his teacher
M. Hamel. Since the boy did not know even the
35. What bad news used to come from the Bulletin first wood about them So he feared scolding from
Board? his teacher. He rather wanted to enjoy the bright
(a) the draft day, the chirping as the birds and the drill of the
(b) lost battles Prussian soldiers.
QUESTION 2.
(c) orders of commanding officers 2. What is the background of the story ‘The Last
(d) All of these Lesson’ ?
Ans : Ans : 2022
(d) All of these This story is set in the days of the Franco-Prussian
War (1870-1871). In this war, France was defeated
36. Which language would the students study from
by Prussia (Germany). Then an order came
the next day?
from Germany. According to this order, German
(a) Dutch (b) German language was imposed on the French districts of
(c) English (d) Spanish Alsace and Lorraine. A student named Franz is
Ans : the narrator of the story. The writer describes the
(b) German effect of this shocking news on the narrator, his
teacher, M. Hamel and the villagers.
37. What does the expression “in great dread of QUESTION 3.�
scolding” mean? 3. Why was Franz not scolded for reaching the
(a) To be indifferent school late that day ?
(b) very badly scared of scolding Ans : 2017
(c) to be happy about it Franz reached his school late. He was troubled
(d) None of these at heart for being inordinately delayed. He saw
Ans : M. Hamel with his ruler under the arm. Without
(b) very badly scared of scolding much a do, Franz jumped over the bench and sat
down on the desk. His teacher very politely asked
38. Why was Franz was shocked to see M. Hamel? him to have his seat as he non-going to start his
(a) Because of his formal dress lesson. Franz noticed seriousness everywhere. It
(b) because he gave sweets was because his teacher had been transported and
it was his last lesson on Franz.
(c) because he had a flower in his hand QUESTION 4.
(d) all of these 4. Why was Franz afraid of?
Ans : Ans : 2021
(a) Because of his formal dress Franz was very late for school. He feared that he
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
NOTICING FORM JIWAN PUBLIC SCHOOL, ALIPUR, DELHI
QUESTION 1. 16th April, 20...
1. Read this sentence : NOTICE
M. Hamel had said that he would question us on
Participles. In the sentence above, the verb form TOUR TO MUSSOORI
“had said” in the first part is used to indicate an The students of senior classes are informed that a
“earlier past.” The whole story is narrated in the three day tour to Dehradun and Myssoori is being
Past. M. Hamel’s “saying” happened earlier than organized by the Historical Society of the school
the events in this story. This form of the verb is during the summer vacation as per schedule given
called the Past Perfect. below :
Pick out five sentences from the story with this 1. Date of : 4th May from the school
form of the verb and say why this form has been Departure in a school bus at 4
used. O'clock in the evening
Ans :
upto the New Delhi
Past Perfect Why used Railway Station as the
train leaves at 4.40 p.m.
1. I had counted on 1. Little earlier past
the commotion thought on. 2. Means of : Train and Buses
to get to my desk Conveyance
without being 3. Arrival : 10th May
seen. 4. Charges per : ` 5,000/-
2. Not till then, when 2. Earlier past student
I had got a little action of
Those interested deposit the above mentioned
over my fright, overcoming his
amount with a consent letter from their respective
did I see that our fear.
parents by 22nd April with the undersigned.
teacher had on his
Manoj
beautiful green
Students’ Adviser
coat.
O
3. Hauser had 3. Earlier past (ii) A requirement to be fulfilled :
brought an old action of bringing
SARDAR PATEL VIDYALAYA, KANGRA
primer. primer with.
20th February, 20...
4. In the same grave 4. To indicate a
NOTICE
and gentle tone little earlier
All the students of X and XII standards are
which he had used past action of
hereby informed to return the library books
to me, said: "My speaking in
issued to them latest by 25th February otherwise
children, this is gentle tone.
they would not be issued their Admission Tickets
The Last Lesson, I
for the Board Examination. A late fine of `5/- per
shall give you."
day will be charged after that day.
5. My books that 5. Till a little before Aman Saini
had seemed such the past thought Librarian
a nuisance a while of thinking books O
ago..." a nuisance. (iii) A rule to be followed :
FERTILE VALLEY SCHOOL, NISHAT BAGH,
WRITING JAMMU
QUESTION 1.�
4th November, 20...
1. Write a notice for your school bulletin- board.
Your notice could be an announcement of a NOTICE
forthcoming event, or a requirement to be fulfilled, In a meeting of Class Prefects and School
or a rule to be followed. Discipline Committee, it has been decided to
Ans : improve the students discipline on all fronts. Acts
of late coming, class-bunking, truancy, improper
(i) Forthcoming Event :
uniform and creating nuisance in school teaching
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 161
bright. Open fields and the chirping of birds were Ans : 2018
more attractive than the participles. He could also Franz was late for school. He feared that if he
watch the Prussian soldiers drilling in the open. was noticed, he would be punished. But he also
But he had the strength to resist this temptation. hoped that he would be able to enter the school
He decided to hurry off to the school. unnoticed. Generally, when the school began, there
QUESTION 12.�
was a lot of bustle. This noise was so great that it
12. What caused the bustle when the school began? could be heard in the street. He hoped that in that
Ans : 2014 bustle no one would notice that he was late.
Usually when the school began, there was a great QUESTION 16.�
bustle. The noise could be heard out in the street. 16. How did Mr. Hamel display his love for the french
This bustle was caused by the opening and closing language ?
of desks. The students repeated their lessons very Ans : 2015
loud in unison. This caused a lot of noise. The M. Hamel was a very dedicated teacher of French
teacher rapped his ruler on the table. All these language. While delivering his lesson in the
things caused a lot of bustle. class,he touched upon many aspects of French.
QUESTION 13.�
He called it the most clear and logical language in
13. What was Franz’s regret when he knew that Mr. the world. He urged all to guard it and never to
Hamel was leaving the school forever ? forget it. If they held fast to their language, they
had the key to their prison.
O QUESTION 17.
What were Franz’s regrets after M. Hamel’s 17. What did he find unusual about the school?
announcement of his last lesson? Ans : 2019
O When the narrator reached school, he found
What announcement did M. Hamel make ? What something unusual. Generally, there was a great
was the impact of this on Franz ? hustle and bustle at the school in the morning.
The noise was created by the opening and closing
O
of desks and the repeating of lessons loudly. The
How did Franz react to the declaration that it was
sound made by the teacher by rapping his ruler
their last French lesson ?
on the table could also be heard from the street.
Ans : 2013, 2012, 2011
But that day, everything was calm and quiet. It
Franz was shocked when he came to know that
was quite unusual.
Mr. Hamel was leaving school for ever. He was
QUESTION 18.�
sorry for not learning his lessons. His feeling
18. How did Franz enter the school? How did the
had given a sea-change. He forgot all about Mr.
teacher react?
Hamel’s ruler and hard discipline. Now he thought
Ans : 2010
the books as his old friends whom he could not
Franz was late for school. He feared that he
give up. He regretted and realised his foolishness.
would be rebuked by his teacher. He wanted to
QUESTION 14.
get to his desk without being noticed. But that
14. Why was there a big crowd in front of the bulletin
day, everything was calm and quiet. He had to
board? What kind of news did people get from
open the door and go in before everybody. The
there?
teacher was already there. Franz blushed and was
Ans : 2017
frightened. But nothing happened. His teacher
On his way to school, Franz passed by the Town
spoke very kindly and asked him to take his seat.
Hall. There he found that there was a big crowd
QUESTION 19.�
in front of the bulletin board. It was a usual sight
19. What was the mood in the classroom when M.
these days. For the last two years, all kinds of
Hamel gave his last French lesson?
bad news had come from there. People got the
Ans : 2011
news of the lost battles, the draft and the orders
When M. Hamel gave his last French lesson in
of the commanding officer. That day, there was
the classroom, there was no commotion. There
another bad news. The order from Berlin said
was pin-drop silence. He was politely and
that German would be taught in the schools of
dedicatedly talking with the students. There was
Alsace and Lorraine.
no strictness, looked solemn, serious and deeply
QUESTION 15.�
grieved. Whenever he spoke, his throat choked.
15. Why had Franz hoped that he would be able to
He felt as if his bodily parts were being pierced.
enter the school unnoticed?
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
(iii) contrast (f) Which of the following word combinations
(iv) metaphor best describe the atmosphere in the school as
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word. shown in the extract?
‘I thought he was making fun of me.’ Here, (i) Anxious and sad
Franz is referring to _____. (ii) Afraid and horrified
Ans : 2015 (iii) Humiliated and seething
(a) The narration by a young boy, Franz makes (iv) Enraged and aggressive
the story more realistic and poignant. Ans : 2018
(b) (ii) an opinion (a) (i) Franz didn’t notice that M. Hamel was all
(c) It was the last lesson in French language dressed up.
that day as German would be taught from (ii) He also didn’t notice the village elders
tomorrow in the schools of Alsace and sitting at the back.
Lorraine. (b) (iii) He was honouring his mother tongue.
(d) I had counted on the commotion to get to my (c) everyone knew that it was the last lesson in
desk without being seen; but, of course that French they were attending.
day everything had to be as quiet as Sunday (d) It signifies respect for his services of teaching
morning. for forty long years.
(e) (iii) contrast (e) It indicates the late realisation of their love
(f) Wachter, the blacksmith for their mother tongue and regret of not
QUESTION 3.�
learning it.
3. Read the following extract and answer the
(f) (i) Anxious and sad
questions that follow.
I jumped over the bench and sat down at my QUESTION 4.�
desk. Not till then, when I had got a little over 4. Read the following extract and answer the
my fright, did I see that our teacher had on his questions that follow.
beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt, and the little While I was wondering about it all, M. Hamel
black silk cap, all embroidered, that he never wore mounted his chair, and, in the same grave and
except on inspection and prize days. Besides, the gentle tone which he had used to me, said, “My
whole school seemed so strange and solemn. But children, this is the last lesson, I shall give you.
the thing that surprised me most was to see, on the The order has come from Berlin to teach only
back benches that were always empty, the village German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
people sitting quietly like ourselves; old Hauser, The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last
with his three-cornered hat, the former mayor, the French lesson. I want you to be very attentive.”
former postmaster and several others besides. What a thunderclap these words were to me!
(a) List any two examples from this extract that (a) What is the writer’s purpose in showing
prove that ‘Panic blinds people’. what was going in the mind of little Franz, as
opposed to only a writer’s commentary in the
(b) What had made M. Hamel dress up in his
last two lines of the extract?
best clothes? What was the occasion?
(b) “While I was wondering about it all, M.
(i) He was getting a farewell from the village
Hamel mounted his chair.” What was Franz
elders.
wondering about?
(ii) He had got a new job.
(i) about the Prussian soldiers drilling
(iii) He was honouring his mother tongue. nearby
(iv) He was going to give a speech. (ii) about M. Hamel’s strange behaviour
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. (iii) about not learning participles
The expression “the whole school seemed so
(iv) about the villagers around the bulletin
strange and solemn” suggests that _____.
board
(d) What does the presence of the village elders
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can be
in the classroom signify for M. Hamel’s work?
drawn from the fact that M. Hamel mounted
(e) What does the expression ‘the village people his chair.
sitting quietly like ourselves’ indicate?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 163
Ans : 2013, 2010
in the world. It was the most logical language.
M. Hamel had put on his beautiful green coat, his He urged upon his students and the villagers to
frilled shirt and the little black silk cap. He never guard this language. He said that their language
wore those clothes except on inspection and prize is the key to their happiness and freedom. They
days. But that day he was wearing those clothes must not forget it.
in honour of the last French lesson. An order from QUESTION 32.�
Berlin had come that only German would be 32. What made M. Hamel cry towards the end of his
taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The last lesson ?
new teacher was coming the next day. Ans : 2014
QUESTION 28.�
The teacher M. Hamel could not speak because
28. What was the impact of the last lesson in grammar something choked him. He was troubled to leave
over Franz ? How did he feel? the school. He wrote on the blackboard in very
Ans : 2016
large letters : ‘Vive La France’
While teaching grammar, M. Hamel taught it so With a gesture to the students with his hand,
dedicatedly and patiently that everything came in he hinted : “School is dismissed, you may go.”
the mind of Franz. What ever he said, it seemed QUESTION 33.�
very easy and interesting. Franz understood it so 33. Describe the atmosphere in the class on the day
well. He had never listened to his teacher with of the last lesson.
so much rapt attention. It seemed as if the poor Ans : 2013
man wanted to give his students all he knew in M. Hamel was a very dedicated and learned
one stroke. teacher of French language. On getting orders
QUESTION 29.
form Berlur, he told that he was leaving as
29. What did M. Hamel say about the French German would he taught in the school. He was
language? What did he urge upon his students deply shocked and his throat choked, whenever
and villagers to do? he spoke. He felt as if his bodily parts was being
Ans : 2019
pierced.
It was M. Hamel’s last French lesson. He talked On that day, these was no commotion in the
in length about the French language. He told the classroom. It was pin drop silence. He was talking
students and villagers that French was the most with his students very politely and dedicatelly.
beautiful language in the world. He said that it These was no strictness. Rather he looked solemn,
was the clearest and most logical language. He serious and deeply grieved. In his lesson he told
urged upon the students and the villagers to about the importance of learning their own
protect it among themselves. He reminded them language. Blaming himself he told their he was
never to forget it. himself responsible for not paying due attentions
QUESTION 30.�
towards hold the language and the students. He
30. When did M. Hamel blame for Franz’s inability to
told that French was the most clear and logical
answer his questions ?
language in the world. He urged to guard it unever
Ans : 2015
to forget it. On his failure to speak in the class he
In his last lesson M. Hamel told the importance of
wrote-Vivela France. Hes made a gesture “School
learning their own language. He told the people to
is dismissed-for may go.”
learn and guard it. He himself blamed his ownself
QUESTION 34.
for remaining indifferent towards Franz. He also
34. What was the effect of the last lesson on the
told that he often allowed the students to water
narrator?
the plants. He gave them a yholiday because he Ans : 2009
wanted to go for fishing. M. Hamel was giving his last French lesson.
QUESTION 31.
After praising the French language, he opened
31. Why did M. Hamel ask his students and the
a grammar book and read them their lesson.
villages to guard French among themselves?
Franz found that lesson seemed very easy. He
Ans : 2011, 2008
understood it so well. He was very attentive.
It was M. Hamel’s last French lesson to his
M. Hamel had never explained everything with
students. From the next day, German would be
so much patience. It appeared as if the teacher
taught in all the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. M.
wanted to give his students all he knew before
Hamel was sad but helpless. In his last lesson, he
going away. He wanted to put it all into their
said that French was the most beautiful language
heads with one stroke.
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
(c) Explain what the author wishes to emphasise (c) Explain any one possible inference that can
through the sentence, “How is it; you pretend be drawn from the line, “ All he said seemed
to be Frenchmen, and yet you can neither so easy, so easy!”.
speak nor write your own language?’ (d) Identify the line from the text that bears
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears evidence to the fact that a community or
evidence of the fact that M. Hamel is reproving people’s language is their identity.
everyone for the problem under discussion. (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract, which of the following can be attributed to M.
select the most likely one that stands for Hamel’s declaration about the French language?
‘those fellows’ in the lines above. (i) Patriotic magnification
(i) The Germans (ii) Subject expertise
(ii) The officials of the local government (iii) Nostalgic pride
(iii) The new masters (iv) Factual accuracy
(iv) The parents of the children (f) Complete the sentence with a word or two.
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately. The central theme of the story highlights the
M. Hamel says to Franz, “I won’t scold you, fact that sometimes even the most _____
little Franz; you must feel bad enough.” Franz in our lives are taken for granted by us.
already felt bad enough about _____. Ans : 2009
Ans : 2010 (a) The writer has used metaphors to compare
(a) M. Hamel’s tone is filled with regret and knowing one’s native language to a key and
sadness. prison to the loss of freedom.
(b) (iv) The habit of procrastination (b) (ii) an opinion
(c) The author wishes to emphasise that our (c) Franz was now more open and responsive so,
native tongue gives us our unique identity. he found grammar easy to understand.
(d) ‘We must guard it among us and never forget
(d) “We have all a great deal to reproach ourselves
it.’
with.”
(e) (i) Patriotic magnification
(e) (i) the Germans
(f) precious things
(f) not learning participles QUESTION 8.�
QUESTION 7.�
8. Read the following extract and answer the
7. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
questions that follow.
I was amazed to see how well I understood it.
M. Hamel went on to talk of the French language,
All he said seemed so easy, so easy! I think, too,
saying that it was the most beautiful language in
that I had never listened so carefully, and that
the world – the clearest, the most logical; that
he had never explained everything with so much
we must guard it among us and never forget it,
patience. It seemed almost as if the poor man
because when a people are enslaved, as long as
wanted to give us all he knew before going away
they hold fast to their language it is as if they
and to put it all into our heads at one stroke.
had the key to their prison. Then he opened a
grammar book and read us our lesson. I was (a) In what way does the story being told as a
amazed to see how well I understood it. All he first-person narrative of Franz impact your
said seemed so easy, so easy! reading and understanding of the story?
(a) What is the writer’s purpose in using the (b) Select the option that does NOT explain why
phrase ‘the key to their prison’ ? Franz found the grammar lesson “easy”.
(i) Franz was paying careful attention in
(b) The line, “It was the most beautiful language
class this time.
in the world – the clearest, the most logical”
can be best classified as: (ii) M. Hamel was being extremely patient
and calm in his teaching.
(i) a fact
(iii) Franz realised that French was the
(ii) an opinion
clearest and most logical language.
(iii) a theme
(iv) Franz was inspired and had found a new
(iv) a plot point meaning and purpose to learning.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 165
“terrible” ruler under his arm and one could hear French was the most beautiful language in the
its rapping in the street. He always maintained world. It was the most logical language. He urged
decorum and discipline in the class. On the last day his students and the villagers to protect this
he came out by wearing his fine Sunday dress that language. Everyone listened to him with attention
he used to wear on specific ceremonial occasions. and respect. In the end, he got up. He took a
That day school looked quite solemn and strange piece of chalk and wrote on the blackboard, “Vive
and there was no commotion of any sort. Even La France!” (Long Live France). Then without a
the distinguished personalities had assembled word, he made a gesture to convey that the school
there to pay their deepest reverence to the teacher was over and they could go.
for his forty years of meritorious service. While QUESTION 5.�
addressing all he spoke: “My children, this is the 5. Give a character sketch of M. Hamel on the basis
last lesson of French”. He was deeply pained at of your study of the story, ‘The Last Lesson’.
the order from Berlin which stated the ban of Ans : 2012
teaching French. In this respect he detailed the M. Hamel was the French teacher at a school
importance and love of one’s own language. He in the French districts of Alsace-Lorraine. He
was highly respected by all. He loved France and had served the school selflessly for forty years.
French language from the innermost core of his He always stressed upon the glory of the French
heart. language and the need to keep the ‘language alive.
Being a dedicated and a patriot, he taught He always taught patiently and meticulously in
the grammar lesson with complete depth that was order to leave an indelible imprint on their minds.
followed by all. He had the courage to hear every He was particularly so on the day he delivered
lesson to the last. But he pointed out that he was his last lesson. He felt tormented at the fact that
sorry that the people of Alsace had never been people had become indifferent towards learning
serious about learning. He was overwhelmed with French. This reflects his determination to teach
deep emotions and looked at everything keenly so the language and his faithfulness towards it.
as to fix them in his mind. The hall, garden and M. Hamel was a patriot in the real sense, as he
the love of area was breathing his heart heavily. regarded the national language as a means to
While speaking his voice choked and he wrote in retain our identity and uniqueness. On the outside,
a chalk, Wive La France’. With the gesture of his he looked cranky and strict, but in reality, he was
hands he dismissed the school. over concerned for his pupils. With a heavy heart,
QUESTION 4. he wrote on the blackboard in very bold letters-
4. What was the order from Berlin? What was its Vive La France !
effect on M. Hamel, Franz and the people of QUESTION 6.
Alsace? 6. Write a brief character-sketch of M. Hamel, the
Ans : 2013, 2010 narrator’s teacher.
For the last two years all bad news had come Ans : 2014, 2011
from Berlin. That day also there was shocking M. Hamel is the central character in the story
news. An order had come from Berlin. According ‘The Last Lesson’. He is a teacher of French in a
to that order, German would be taught in the school of Alsace. He is the narrator’s teacher. Like
schools of Alsace and Lorraine. the other teachers of that time, he was also strict.
The order from Berlin shocked the people The students of his school were afraid of him. The
of Alsace. M. Hamel was a teacher in a school narrator, Franz, was in great dread of him. He
in Alsace. He was also heart broken. That day feared that he would be rebuked by his teacher
he gave his last lesson in French to his students. because he had not prepared his lesson. M. Hamel
From the next day, German would be taught. always maintained strict discipline in the class.
Apart from his students, people from the village However, the writer presents the other side
also attended his school that day. This was a of his character also. When the order from Berlin
mark of honour for the teacher. M. Hamel broke comes, we find that M. Hamel is very patriotic.
the news to his students and the villagers. He told He was very sentimental. He did not rebuke the
that it was his last lesson. The new teacher would narrator when he came late. He did not lose his
join the school the next day. The narrator, Franz, temper even when Franz did not recite his lesson
was shocked. The villagers were also sad. Then M. properly. He urged upon the students and the
Hamel praised the French language. He said that villagers to protect the French language. He said
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
that it was not proper for them to neglect their in the garden. He became fond of shirking from
own language. work and used to put off his learning as well as
In the end, he got up. He wanted to say home task. But he was much scared of his teacher
something but his sentiments choked his voice. He M. Hamel.
took a piece of chalk and wrote on the blackboard In addition to this, the boy had an acute sense
in big letters, “Vive La France!” (Long Live of understanding, feeling, recognition and respect.
France). Then without speaking, he made a Entering the school, he sensed unusualness and
gesture to indicate that the school was over and calmness there. He was much surprised at this
they could go. Thus we find that he was very and was rather troubled to know that his teacher
patriotic. was leaving them because of an order from Berlin
QUESTION 7.� had banned the teaching of French. During the
7. How did Mr. Hamel display his love for French writing period, he noticed sad expressions over
language ? the face of M. Hamel. When the teacher taught a
Ans : 2015 lesson in grammar, it left an indelible impression
Mr. Hamel while talking to the French Language, on the boy. He felt that the teacher was going to
said that it was the most beautiful, the clearest pour everything in their minds. Then the teacher
and the most logical language in the world. He said wrote on the blackboard `Long Live France’.
that they must guard it among them and never The boy was deeply moved and he recognised
forget it because when the people are enslaved, as his teacher for his worth. Thus Franz had all the
long as they hold fast to their language, it is as if senses of head and heart.
they had the key to their prison.
Then, Mr. Hamel opened a grammar book
and read the lesson to the students. All he said
seemed so easy. He had never explained everything
with so much patience. After the grammar, they
had a lesson in writing. He requested all of them
to hold fast to their language and culture for QUESTION 9.�
only their language could get them freedom. The 9. What did the French teacher tell his students in
moment they lost their language, they would be his last French lesson ? What impact did it have
colonized forever. Mr. Hamel had new copies for on them? Why?
the students, written in a beautiful round had Ans : 2022
‘France, Alsace’. He had the courage to hear Hamel was a very dedicated French teacher in
every lesson to the very last. He wanted to say one of the schools of Alsace. He was a man of
something, but he could not, so he wrote on the perfect discipline. There came an order from
black board ‘Vive La France’ ! and finally with the Berlin banning the teaching of French. In his last
gestures of his hand he told the students that the lesson Hamel taught so well that all the students
school was dismissed and they could go. understood word by word. It looked as if he
QUESTION 8.�
wanted to pour everything in the minds of his
8. Write the character sketch of Franz, the little boy. students just in one stroke. Then M. Hamel talked
that the French language was the most beautiful,
O clearest and logical language in the world. They
What feelings and experiences did Franz have on must guard it among themselves and never
the day of the last lesson ? forget it. So enslaved people holding fast to their
O language works the key to their prison.
How did Franz spend the day of the last lesson at The village elders who have come to pay their
school? last reverence to the teacher seem to endorse M.
Ans : 2012 Hamel’s views. They feel that they must guard it
Franz was a student in one of the schools in the among themselves and never forget it. They must
districts of Alsace. Having a poor family set-up, hold fast to their language, thus the old men of
the boy was often asked to work in some mill for the village, sitting on the back benches, showed
earning some money. But the family could not their respect for their country and language
pay due attention towards his education, so the that more theirs no more. Hence their order of
boy loved outside environment and wanted to imposing German will not be able to contain their
enjoy it. In the school too, he often loved to work love for their beautiful language.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 167
QUESTION 10.
Franz like a thunderbolt. He had hardly learnt to
10. Write a brief character-sketch of Franz, the
read and write. He was sorry to have wasted his
narrator of the story.
time. The same thought was passing through the
O minds of other village elders. Then, he praised his
What impression do you form about Franz after mother tongue. He said that French was the most
reading this story? beautiful, most logical and the clearest language
Ans : 2018
in the world. He exhorted the people to stick to
Franz is the narrator of this story. He is a student it. He assured them that if they held fast to their
in a school of Alsace. M. Hamel was his school language, they would be able to get rid of the
teacher. He is an ordinary student and has such Prussian rulers. Their language was the key to
feelings about the school and his teacher as such their freedom from slavery. When the clock struck
students have. He is not brilliant at studies. So he twelve, he tried to say something but he couldn’t.
dreads his teacher. When the story starts, he is Then, he wrote in large letter on the blackboard,
going to school. He is in great dread of his teacher “Vive La France!”. Mr. Hamel reproached himself
because he is late for school. Moreover, he has for his student’s unsatisfactory progress.
not prepared his lesson on participles. He fears QUESTION 12.�
that his teacher, M. Hamel would rebuke him. 12. Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel and school
For a moment he thinks of running away from the changed gradually by the end of the text, though
school. He thinks that there are many things which he had a great disliking for both in the beginning
are more attractive than his teacher’s lecture. He of the story. It is said that first impression is the
likes the chirping of birds in the woods. He likes last impression. Is it true in context of The Last
to watch the Prussian soldiers drilling. However, Lesson’ ? Definitely not.
he resists the temptation and attends the school. Write a small paragraph of about 100 words
However, there is a change in Franz’s opinion penning down your views on, ‘A person can be
about his teacher. That day M. Hamel says that best judged in his first appearance only’.
it is his last French lesson. The new teacher is Ans : 2020
coming the next day. Now only German would be A well-known dictum states that ‘appearances
taught in the schools. Like others, Franz is also are deceptive’. In fact, it is true that one cannot
shocked to hear this news. When he hears the be judged in just one meeting. Actually, one or
cooing of pigeons, he remarks, “Will they make more meetings are not enough to judge a person’s
them sing in German, even the pigeons?” Now personality. Every person reacts differently on
Franz begins to respect his teacher. He thinks different situations at different times. So it is not
that M. Hamel is a dedicated teacher. He has a matter of single appearance to form a judgement
been in the school for the last forty years. He feels about a person. It might be a prejudice.
sorry for having neglected the study of French. He Now-a-days every person appears to be social
agrees with his teacher that French is the most and gentle. They want to be presentable in the
beautiful language in the world. When M. Hamel society. No matter what their background is.
reads out the lesson to the class, he finds that he One’s clothes, gestures, habits etc., do not define
understands it all. He listens to his teacher’s last one’s personality in just one appearance. Due time
lesson with rapt attention and respect. should be taken to form opinion about a person.
QUESTION 11.�
Different situations reveal different aspects
11. Our language is part of our culture and we are of one’s personality. Sometimes a life remains
proud of it. Describe how regretful Mr. Hamel short to know a person. But sometimes even a
and the village elders are for having neglected few seconds are enough to know one’s real face.
their native language, French. Hence, it is not a matter of first or last impression
Ans : 2016
but the issue of time needed to know one in one’s
One day Mr. Hamel told everyone that an order right colours.
had come from Berlin that French would not QUESTION 13.
be taught any more. Among the listeners were 13. How did M. Hamel bid farewell to his students
village people, the former Mayor, the former and the people of the village?
Post-Master, and old Hauser. He further, told Ans : 2019
them that instead of French, German was going M. Hamel told his students and the villagers
to be taught. That day, they were going to have that it was his last French lesson. An order had
their last lesson in French. Those words struck
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
rights come under educational and cultural Languages you Home Neigh- City/ School
rights. Some of the linguistic rights include, know language bourhood Town language
language language
right to one’s own language in legal work,
1. Hindi, English Hindi Hindi Hindi Hindi
education and media.
There are many worldwide organisations such 2. Hindi, English, Bihari Hindi Bihari Hindi
Bihari, Avadhi
as UNESCO are working on the protection of
3. Hindi, English, Hindi Hindi Punjabi Hindi
linguistic human rights. Punjabi
(b) The term “Linguistic minorities” is referred 4. Hindi, English, Pahadi Hindi Pahadi Hindi
to the people who speaks a language that Pahadi
is not common in an area and is spoken by 5. Hindi, English, Hindi Hindi Hindi Hindi
less number of people. For example, Tamil Urdu
language in Northern India. The constitution
of India is the longest and most elaborated
constitution in the world. It guarantees and 5. Other IMportant questions
preserves right of every group in the society.
In the same line, there are some articles that MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
prevents exploitation of the rights of linguistic
minorities in India. Some of them are: 1. Who is the author of ‘The Last Lesson’ ?
(i) Article 29 : Right to establish and manage (a) Jane Austen
educational institutions to minorities (b) Rabindra Nath Tagore
This article gives right to the people (c) None of these
to establish the minority group based (d) Alphonse Daudet
educational institutions and giving Ans :
instructions accordingly, to preserve their (d) Alphonse Daudet
culture and heritage.
(ii) Article 350A : Facilities of instruction in 2. Alphonse Daudet was from which country?
mother tongue at primary stage (a) New Zealand (b) France
Every child in India has a right to receive (c) England (d) India
education in their mother tongue at the Ans :
primary level, taht is till class 5. (b) France
(iii) Article 350B : Provision for Special
officer for linguistic minorities under 3. The story ‘The Last Lesson’ highlights which
constitution human tendency?
For the preservation of a minority group’s (a) Courage (b) Cowardice
language, a special officer is appointed
(c) Male Chauvinism (d) Procrastination
to keep a check if the rules are being Ans :
followed or not. (d) Procrastination
QUESTION 2.
2. Given below is a survey form. Talk to atleast five 4. What were the things being taken for granted by
of your classmates and fill in the information you the people of Alsace?
get in the form. (a) Time and school
Languages Home Neigh- City/Town School (b) Teachers of the school
you know language bourhood language language
language (c) People around
1. (d) Money and power
Ans :
2.
(a) Time and school
3.
4. 5. What does The Last Lesson symbolize?
5. (a) Loss
(b) Loss of freedom
Ans :
I talked to 5 of friends, Anu, Sunil, Arshdeep, (c) Loss of language
Asha and Asif. The details they provided me are: (d) Loss of language and freedom
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 169
we must guard it in every possible way. It is our Ans : 2017
moral duty to interact in our official language (a) (i) The day was warm and bright. (visual)
and in this regard the modern youth can take (ii) The birds were chirping at the edge of the
the leap as well as shoulder the responsibility of woods. (auditory)
safeguarding their language. (b) (i) M. Hamel scolding him in front of the
Ultimately on hearing M. Hamel, people entire class.
setting these to pay their last respects to him, (c) Franz had no idea about participles at all.
resolved to protect their language French as it (d) As Prussia had occupied the districts of
was their key to freedom and redemption. Alsace and Lorraine after defeating France in
the Franco-Prussian War, the soldiers were
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS performing a drill.
QUESTION 1.�
(e) It indicates that Franz was like any other child
1. Read the following extract and answer the
of his age not much interested in attending
questions that follow.
school.
I started for school very late that morning and was
in great dread of a scolding, especially because (f) (ii) Resisting temptations
M. Hamel had said that he would question us
QUESTION 2.�
2. Read the following extract and answer the
on participles, and I did not know the first word
questions that follow.
about them. For a moment, I thought of running
I thought he was making fun of me, and reached
away and spending the day out of doors. It was
M. Hamel’s little garden all out of breath.
so warm, so bright! The birds were chirping at
Usually, when school began, there was a great
the edge of the woods; and in the open field back
bustle, which could be heard out in the street, the
of the sawmill the Prussian soldiers were drilling.
opening and closing of desks, lessons repeated in
(a) List any two sensory details present in this
unison, very loud, with our hands over our ears to
extract.
understand better, and the teacher’s great ruler
(b) Why does the protagonist feel anxious about rapping on the table. But now it was all so still!
entering the classroom on this particular day? I had counted on the commotion to get to my
The protagonist felt anxious about entering desk without being seen; but, of course that day
the classroom on this particular day because everything had to be as quiet as Sunday morning.
he dreaded _____.
(a) What is the writer’s purpose in narrating the
(i) M. Hamel scolding him in front of the story through Franz, as opposed to only a
entire class. writer’s commentary?
(ii) M. Hamel beating him with his great iron (b) The line, “I thought he was making fun of
ruler. me” can be best classified as:
(iii) relentless teasing by his classmates. (i) a fact
(iv) being expelled from the class. (ii) an opinion
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. (iii) a theme
The phrase “did not know the first word”
(iv) a plot point
suggests that______.
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can
(d) Why does the author mention the presence of
be drawn from the line, “But now it was all
the Prussian soldiers drilling at the back of
so still!”.
the sawmill?
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears
(e) What does the sentence ‘I thought of running
evidence to the fact that the narrator’s plans
away and spending the day out of doors’
were bound to end in failure.
indicate about Franz?
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
(f) Which of the following headlines best suggests
select the most likely figure of speech that the
what happens immediately after the extract?
writer has used to describe the atmosphere in
(i) Running away from school the school.
(ii) Resisting temptations (i) hyperbole
(iii) The fear of M. Hamel (ii) symbolism
(iv) The love for the outdoors
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
would be rebuked for coming late. But his real (v) It upset all the students and their teacher.
dread was his failure to learn the participles. On All the schools of Alsace and Lorraine would
that day, the teacher, M. Hamel, had to question teach German and the new master would
the students about participles. But Franz had come the next day. For the students, this
not prepared his lesson. So he was afraid of being would be their last lesson.
rebuked. QUESTION 8.�
QUESTION 5.� 8. How different did M. Hamel look that particular
5. “What a thunderclap these words were to me !” morning in ‘the last lesson’ ?
Which were the words that shocked and surprised Ans : 2017
little Franz ? M. Hamel look different on the morning of his
last lesson. He had put on a beautiful green coat,
O
frilled shirt and a little black silk cap. The clothes
What did the French teacher tell his students in
he would normally wear on inspiration and prize
his last French lesson ? What impact did it have
days. He was unusually polite and humble.
in them? Why?
QUESTION 9.
Ans : 2013, 2011
9. What was the bulletin board news that caused a
The following words of M. Hamel shocked and
change in the school ?
surprised little Franz. They were thunderclap to
Ans : 2015
him. “My children, this is the last lesson I shall
The Bulletin Board put up at the Town Hall
give you. The order has come from Berlin to
stated that the teaching of the French language
teach only German in the schools of Alsace and
had been stapped in the schools of Alsace and
Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This
Lorraine districts that came under the regime
is your last French lesson. I want you to be very
of Prussia. There will be the teaching of only
attentive.”
German. Here Mr. M. Hamel had been teaching
QUESTION 6.
Frencyh for the last forty years and Thus he had
6. What did Franz decide to do for a moment ?
Ans : 2022
to go.
QUESTION 10.
Franz was late for school. Secondly, on that day,
10. What was the parting message of M. Hamel to his
his teacher had to ask questions on participles.
students and the village old people ?
But he had not learnt his lesson. He feared that
the teacher would rebuke him. So for a moment O
he thought of running away and spending the day How did Hamel say farewell to his students and
in the countryside. But then he decided to attend the people of the town ?
the school and hurried on. O
QUESTION 7.�
Why did M. Hamel write ‘Vive La France’ on the
7. What was the order from Berlin and what changes blackboard ?
did it cause in the school ? Ans : 2015, 2012
O The Church bell struck twelve. Mr. Hamel stood
What changes did the order from Berlin cause in up from his chair. His face looked pale and
the school ? troubled. His voice choked when he tried to utter
Ans : 2013, 2012 ‘My friends’. On his failure to speak he wrote
The order from Berlin caused the following with a piece of chalk Tive La France’–`Long Live
changes in the school that day : France’. Then he leaned against the wall and
(i) The school and all other things were quiet made his last announcement by making a gesture
like Sunday morning. ‘School is dismissed–you may go’.
(ii) The whole school seemed very strange and
QUESTION 11.
11. What was the temptation and how did Franz
solemn.
resist it?
(iii) M. Hamel had put on his finest dress which he Ans : 2012
wore only on inspection and prize ceremonial Franz had not prepared his lesson. He feared that
days of school. his teacher would rebuke him. For a moment he
(iv) The village people came and sat silently on decided to run away and spend the day in the
the back benches in school room to thank the countryside. There was a great temptation before
teacher for his services that way. him. The weather was very warm and the day was
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 171
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears blamed solely only on them. It was a _____
evidence to the fact that the teacher M. problem.
Hamel was also suffering remorse and guilt. (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract, infer that Franz’s opinion of M. Hamel was
select the most likely option that was a also getting transformed.
‘thunderclap’ to Franz’s ears? (e) What do the words ‘the country that was
(i) The new master comes tomorrow. theirs no more’ indicate about the people of
(ii) The order has come from Berlin. France?
(iii) I want you to be very attentive. (f) Which of the following headlines best suggests
(iv) This is your last French lesson. the attitude of the villagers in the given
extract?
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
The fact that German would be taught from (i) Too little, too late
the next day in the schools of Alsace and (ii) Too many cooks spoil the broth
Lorraine was proof that Prussia had _____ (iii) Too close to call
France. (iv) Too many chiefs and not enough Indians
Ans : 2012 Ans : 2015
(a) The writer’s purpose is to showcase the (a) The villagers and the children had taken the
emotional turmoil going on in the young learning of their mother tongue and their own
boy’s mind. identity for granted.
(b) (ii) about M. Hamel’s strange behaviour (b) (iii) He had to leave the school after forty
(c) He wanted to hold the attention of his class years of service.
for his last address. (c) multi-dimensional
(d) M. Hamel’s tone was ‘grave and gentle.’ (d) The use of the words ‘Poor man!’ show
(e) (iv) This is your last French lesson. empathy and change of heart in Franz.
(f) conquered (e) France had been defeated by Germany.
QUESTION 5.�
(f) (i) Too little, too late
5. Read the following extract and answer the QUESTION 6.�
questions that follow. 6. Read the following extract and answer the
Poor man! It was in honour of this last lesson questions that follow.
that he had put on his fine Sunday clothes and I heard M. Hamel say to me, “I won’t scold you,
now I understood why the old men of the village little Franz; you must feel bad enough. See how it
were sitting there in the back of the room. It was is! Every day we have said to ourselves, ‘Bah! I’ve
because they were sorry, too, that they had not plenty of time. I’ll learn it tomorrow. And now
gone to school more. It was their way of thanking you see where we have come out. Ah, that’s the
our master for his forty years of faithful service great trouble with Alsace; she puts off learning till
and of showing their respect for the country that tomorrow. Now those fellows out there will have
was theirs no more. the right to say to you, ‘How is it; you pretend to
(a) How did the villagers and the children take be Frenchmen, and yet you can neither speak nor
the learning of their mother tongue? write your own language?’ But you are not the
(b) Why does the narrator refer to M. Hamel as worst, poor little Franz. We have all a great deal
‘Poor man!’ ? to reproach ourselves with.”
(i) M. Hamel earned a small salary. (a) What is the tone of M. Hamel’s speech while
(ii) He was delivering the last lesson. concluding the last lesson?
(iii) He had to leave the school after forty (b) In the line, “I have plenty of time. I will learn
years of service. it tomorrow,” what trait of the French people
is reflected?
(iv) Even he will have to learn German.
(i) Time management skills
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The extract clearly demonstrates that the (ii) Level of self-confidence
school students in M. Hamel’s school not (iii) Critical thinking skills
learning their native language could not be (iv) The habit of procrastination
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
QUESTION 35.�
attention to the lesson since school had become
35. “We’ve all a great deal to reproach outselves
very important for him.
with”, said M. Hamel. Comment.
Ans : 2015
Asking Franz about reciting the rules of
On his last day, Hamel pointed out that he was participles, the teacher told that the villagers had
sorry that the people of Alsace had never been not been able to study and kept their children away
serious about learning. He reproached the elders from school. There came a sudden change in Franz.
for not attending the school and for keeping their He began to realise the real worth of his school as
children away from their classes to work on their well as of the teacher whom they had all taken for
farms. He was overwhelmed with deep emotions granted all these years. Now M. Hamel became a
and looked at everything keenly so as to fix them good teacher for him rather than a boring one. For
in his mind. him, the teacher seemed to be a good gentleman
QUESTION 36.
who was leaving the village on that day. Thus,
36. How did M. Hamel bid farewell to his students there developed a specific liking to study history
and the villagers? and grammar in Franz since on that day M. Hamel
Ans : 2012, 2011 put all this heart and soul in teaching.
The church clock struck twelve. The trumpets of QUESTION 2.
the Prussian soldiers sounded under the window. 2. Reproduce in your own words what Franz did or
It was time to close to school. M. Hamel stood thought on his way to school ?
up. He looked very pale. He tried to speak, but Ans : 2020
could not. His emotions choked his speech. Then Franz was late for school. He feared that his
he turned to the blackboard and took a piece of teacher M. Hamel would rebuke him for coming
chalk. He wrote in big letters, “Vive La France!” late. Moreover, Franz had not prepared his lesson.
(Long Live France). Then, without a word, he He feared that his teacher would rebuke him. For a
made a gesture to those in the classroom with moment he decided to run away and spend the day
hand, “School is dismissed – you may go.” in the countryside. There was a great temptation
QUESTION 37.�
before him. The weather was very warm and the
37. Why had the villagers come to school on the day day was bright. Open fields and the chirping of
of the last lesson ? birds were more attractive than the participles.
Ans : 2021 He could also watch the Prussian soldiers drilling
M. Hamel had almost served the student in the open. But he had the strength to resist
community with his forty years of faithful service. this temptation. He decided to hurry off to the
The villagers had come there to attend to the last school. When he passed by the Town hall, he saw
lesson as it was their way of paying their respect a big crowd in front of the bulletin board. It was
to the departed teacher. a usual sight these days. For the last two years all
kinds of bad news came from Berlin. But Franz
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS did not stop there. He continued going fast. When
QUESTION 1.�
he reached his school, he was all out of breath.
1. Franz’s attitude towards school as well as towarads QUESTION 3.�
M. Hamel changes when he comes to know about 3. Give a brief note on the feelings, emotions and
the take over of his village by Prussians. Do you behaviour of M. Hamel on his last day in school.
agree ? Discuss with reference to the Last Lesson. O
Ans : 2013 What changes did the narrator find in the school
On arriving at school, Franz noted an unusual when the order from Berlin came ?
silence. His teacher M. Hamel was dressed
O
nicely and asked Franz to sit so that he could
How was M. Hamel a different teacher while
start his lesson. The teacher made a startling
giving his last lesson ?
announcement that this would be their last lesson
in French as the new teacher would be arriving the O
following day. He reiterated about an order from How did Mr. Hamel look different on the day of
Berlin that German was to be taught in schools the last lesson ?
of Alsace and Lorraine. Franz was overcome with Ans : 2018
a feeling of remorse and regretted for wasting M. Hamel was a very devoted, dedicated and a
his time in trivial pursuits. He decided to pay strict man of discipline in his school. He kept the
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 173
(c) Complete the statement appropriately. (c) Complete the sentence about Old Hauser
A shortcoming of M. Hamel that comes to the appropriately.
fore after reading the extract is his _____. The phrase that “his voice trembled with
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one emotion” suggests that _____.
infer that M. Hamel was exasperated and (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
desperate. infer that the atmosphere in the class was
(e) What does the idiom ‘at one stroke’ mean? bitter sweet.
(f) Franz was able to understand the grammar (e) What do the words Old Hauser ‘spelled the
lesson easily because he was _____. letters with the babies’ indicate?
(i) appreciative of his mother tongue for the (f) Which of the following headlines best suggests
first time. the central idea of the extract?
(ii) he was in an introspective mood. 1. M. Hamel (i) 'Remorse
(iii) he was feeling competitive at last. distributed is memory
(iv) he was receptive in the class for a change. new copies that awake' (Emily
Ans : 2008 looked like little Dickinson)
(a) The story of awakening and national and French flags,
linguistic identity of a people leaves a deeper and ended the
impact because it is told through the eyes of class with an
a young, naive, and innocent Franz. emphatic "Vive
La France!".
(b) (iii) Franz realised that French was the
clearest and most logical language. 2. Hauser sat at (ii) 'A House
(c) lack of patience. the end of the called
class, thumbing Tomorrow'
(d) “the poor man wanted to give us all he knew
his primer, (Alberto Rios)
before going away, and to put it all into our
desperately
heads at one stroke.”
trying to
(e) a single action that happens suddenly and
learn with the
completely.
children, even as
(f) (iv) he was receptive in the class for a change. he cried.
QUESTION 9.�
9. Read the following extract and answer the 3. M. Hamel shared (ii) 'For Whom
questions that follow. how Alsace the Bell Tolls'
But he had the courage to hear every lesson to always put off (John Donne)
the very last. After the writing, we had a lesson learning, and
in history; and then the babies chanted their ba, how its people
be, bi, bo, bu. Down there at the back of the room always thought
old Hauser had put on his spectacles and, holding they had plenty
his primer in both hands, spelled the letters with of time.
them. You could see that he, too, was crying; his 4. The class (iv) 'Do Not Go
voice trembled with emotion, and it was so funny ended when gentle into
to hear him that we all wanted to laugh and cry. the churchclock that Good
Ah, how well I remember it, that last lesson! struck twelve. night' (Dylan
(a) List any two sensory details present in this And then Thomas)
extract. the Angelus.
(b) What qualities of M. Hamel come to the Simultaneously,
forefront during the Last Lesson? Prussian
trumpets
(i) cranky, miserable, dedicated, resigned
sounded under
(ii) patient, dignified, emotional, courageous the school
(iii) calm, nostalgic, disappointed, patriotic windows.
(iv) proud, reproachful, persistent, heroic
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Ch 1 : The Last Lesson
(i) 1 – (i); 2 – (ii); 3 – (iii); 4 – (iv)
(ii) 1 – (ii); 2 – (iii); 3 – (iv); 4 – (i)
(iii) 1 – (iii); 2 – (iv); 3 – (i); 4 – (ii)
(iv) 1 – (iv); 2 – (i); 3 – (ii); 4 – (iii)
Ans : 2013
(a) (i) ‘The babies chanted their ba, be, bi, bo,
bu’ (auditory).
(ii) ‘Old Hauser had put on his spectacles and,
holding his primer in both hands’ (visual)
(b) (ii) patient, dignified, emotional, courageous
(c) he was overcome with remorse and patriotic
feelings.
(d) It was so funny to hear him that we all wanted
to laugh and cry.
(e) Even adults didn’t know how to read or write
their mother tongue.
(f) (iv) 1 – (iv); 2 – (i); 3 – (ii); 4 – (iii).
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 175
CHAPTER 2
Lost Spring
1. INTRODUCTION threw his school bag on the bed. The authoress
immediately recollected the prayer another boy
In this lesson, the writer describes the pitiable had made. He thought that the Goddess might
condition of poor children who have to live in have granted his prayer of shoes. Now the young
slums and work hard in very dirty conditions. boys like the son of the priest wear shoes but
They are never sent to school because their many others like the rag-pickers remain shoeless.
parents are too poor to pay for their education.
In order to describe their lot, the writer first takes Seemapuri - A Home for Rag-pickers
up the case of poor rag-pickers who have settled Seemapuri is a place on the periphery of Delhi.
in the Seemapuri area of Delhi. Then she takes Most of the rag-pickers live there. They are from
up the case of the poor bangle makers who have Bangladesh and have occupied unauthorised land
been living for generations in the dingy town of like Saheb’s family. Their structures a made of
Firozabad. These people have been exploited by mud with roof of tin and tarpaulin. They are
all sections of society. While the elders have learnt devoid of sewage, drainage or running water.
to live with their lot, the younger generation does More than 10,000 rag-pickers have been
have some dreams of their own. They want to get living here for more than thirty years without
out of their family traditions and live a better life. an identity. But they have ration cards and their
names in the voters’ list. Food is more important
for survival than an identity. So they prefer to
2. SUMMARY live in Seemapuri rather than to the green fields
of Dhaka that keep them hungry.
PART-I
Sometimes I Find a Rupee in the Garbage Saheb in Tennis Shoes
Saheb likes tennis and sees young men playing
Writer’s Encounter with Saheb it standing by the fenced gate of a club. He goes
The writer encounters Saheb every morning inside when no one is around. The gatekeeper
scrounging for gold in the garbage dumps. Saheb lets him swing. One day he gets discarded tennis
hails from the green fields of Dhaka. His house shoes. it was like a dream come true for him.
and field were swept away by the storms. He Now Saheb works in a tea-stall. He gets 800
does not attend any school. On asking by the rupees and all his meals. His face has lost the
writer, the boy announces his name ‘Saheb-e- carefree look. He carries a steel canister that
Alam’ which means “Lord of the Universe.” They seems heavier than the plastic bag he would carry
are too poor to afford any things. They live in a so lightly over his shoulder. The bag was his but
perpetual state of poverty. the canister belongs to the shop owner. Saheb is
no longer his own master.
Story of a Man from Udipi
The authoress tells a story of a man from Udipi. PART-II
When he was a young boy, he would stop near a
temple to pray for a pair of shoes. His father was a I Want to Drive a Car
priest there. The authoress visited the place after
Mukesh Wants to be His Own Master
thirty years. It was found in an air of desolation.
The authoress has a chance to see another boy
There lived a new priest and there were red and
named Mukesh who insists being his own master
white ‘plastic chairs. There came a young boy
by becoming a motor mechanic. He lives amidst
in a grey uniform, wearing socks and shoes. He
the dusty streets of Firozabad. It is a town famous
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
for the bangles. Every other family in Firozabad them, beat them and put them into prison for
is engaged in making bangles. It is the centre of doing illegal activity. They don’t have any leader
India’s glass blowing industry. Here families have among them to tell them to do things differently.
spent generations making bangles for women. Their elders are as tired as they are. They talk
Mukesh’s family is among them. endlessly in a spiral taking them from poverty to
insensibility to greed and to injustice.
Children Work in Glass Furnaces and Their
Living Conditions Two Distinct Worlds
About 20,000 children work in glass furnaces with The authoress sees clearly the two worlds : One
high temperature, without air and light. Their is that of the family caught in the web of poverty,
living conditions too, are pitiable. carrying the work of bangle making. The other
is the cheats’ circle of sahukars, middlemen,
The Family of Mukesh policemen, keepers of law, bureaucrats and
Mukesh’s house is like a half-built shack. Its one politicians. All these together have enforced the
part is thatched with dead grass. On the fire- child with this baggage which he cannot put
wood stove, she see large vessel of sizzling spinach down. By the time he becomes aware of it, he
leaves. Mukesh’s father is an impoverished bangle- also accepts it as naturally as his father. The
maker. He has not been in a position to send his authoress sees a ray of hope in the eyes of Mukesh
two sons to school except teaching them the art to become a motor mechanic. The garage is
of bangle-making. far away from his house but he shall walk. The
narrator asks him if he dreams of flying a plane.
Strong Belief in One’s ‘Karam’
He silently says ‘No’. Thus he is satisfied with
Mukesh’s grandmother says “It is his karam’, his
the dream of cars that move down the streets of
destiny, who has watched her own husband go
Firozabad. Few airplanes fly over his town.
blind with the dust from polishing the glass of
bangles. They cannot give up God-given lineage.
They have born in the caste of bangle-makers, 3. Word meanings
they will see nothing except the bangles.” All
the family members living in the dark huts, sit 1. Garbage = rubbish
together and weld pieces of coloured glass into 2. Encounter = come across
circles of bangles. Their eyes are more set to 3. Scrounging = searching for something
work in the dark than to the outside light, often 4. Dumps = heaps
blinding them before they grow adult. 5. Amidst = in the middle of
6. Distant = far off
Savita - A Young Girl Soldering the Glass Ends 7. Swept away = washed away
Savita, alongside an elderly woman, sol rs the 8. Else = any other thing
glass pieces, her hands moving mechanically. The 9. Mutters = grumbles
authoress wonders if Savita knows the sacredness 10. Glibly = easily
of the bangles she works upon. The bangles 11. Hollow = empty
represent the symbols of Indian woman’s Suhaag, 12. Sound = seem
auspiciousness in marriage. 13. Broadly = widely
14. Embarrassed = confused
Bangles on Wrist but No Light in Eyes 15. Abound = in plenty
The old woman has still the bangles on her wrist 16. Bleak = dark, cheerless
but there is no light in her eyes. In her whole life 17. Hard time = difficult time
time she did not eat one full meal - that is all 18. Unaware = ignorant
she has earned. Her old husband tells that except 19. Represents = stands for
bangles he knows nothing. Nothing has changed 20. Roams = wanders
in Firozabad over years, there is still the mind 21. Barefoot = without shoes
mumbling hard work which kills all initiative and 22. Disappear = go out of sight
ability to dream. 23. Match = equal
24. Shuffles = keeps shifting
About Organising a Cooperative
25. Lack = shortage
The authoress asks them to have a cooperative.
26. Owned = possess
They say if they get organised, police will catch
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 177
27. Tradition = custom 80. Impoverished = very poor
28. Wonder = surprise 81. Despite = in spite of
29. Excuse = pretext 82. Renovate = repair
30. Perpetual = never ending 83. Implies = means
31. Drowned = submerged 84. Spirals = coils
32. Briefly = for a short period 85. Mound = heap
33. Desolation = ruin 86. Unkempt = messy/untidy
34. Panting = breathing heavily 87. Shanty = hut
35. Ragpickers = those who pick rags 88. Flickering = shining unsteadily
36. Acquaintance = introduction 89. Drab = dull
37. Periphery = border 90. Soldering = welding
38. Metaphorically = symbolically 91. Suhaag = auspiciousness in marriage
39. Squatters = illegal settlers 92. Dyed = coloured
40. Wilderness = desolate area 93. Henna = mehandi
41. Tarpaulin = coarse waterproof cloth 94. Entire = complete
42. Devoid = without 95. Achieved = got
43. Sewage = slush 96. Echo = reflected sound
44. Grain = corn 97. Organise = unite
45. Survival = living 98. Vicious = wicked
46. Aching = paining 99. Trapped = cheated
47. Transit = passing, temporary 100.Hauled up = dragged
48. Proportions = forms 101.Apathy = indifference
49. Heap = mound 102.Distinct = clear
50. Wrapped = covered 103.Stigma = mark of disgrace
51. Fenced = having a fence around 104.Bureaucrats = officials
52. Content = satisfied 105.Imposed = burdened forcibly
53. Swing = to sway 106.Flash = dazzle of light
54. Discarded = given up/in disuse 107.Murmur = grumble
55. Intently = attentively 108.Regret = repentance
56. Canister = tin 109.Hurtling = clattering
57. Insists = stresses
58. Announce = declare
59. Mirage = false appearance 4. NCERT TEXTBook questions
60. Furnace = hearth QUESTION 1.
61. Illegal = against the law 1. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their
62. Dingy = dark and dirty meaning from the context.
63. Slog = toil 1. looking for
64. Beam = brighten 2. perpetual state of poverty
65. Volunteers = offers himself
3. slog their daylight hours
66. Stinking = foul smelling
67. Choked = blocked 4. dark hutments
68. Hovels = sheds 5. roof over his head
69. Crumbling = falling 6. imposed the baggage on the child
70. Wobbly = unstable Ans :
71. Primeval = very ancient 1. Looking for : searching.
72. Thatched = having a roof of straw 2. A perpetual state of poverty : being poor
73. Vessel = utensil continually.
74. Spinach = a leafy vegetable
3. Slog their daylight hours : work very hard
75. Platters = large plates
and steadily throughout the day which is
76. Frail = delicate
extremely boring.
77. Command = order
78. Bahu = daughter-in-law 4. dark hutments : rooms or places without light
79. Veil = face cover and fresh air.
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
(b) (iii) She had raised the boy’s hopes in jest. (d) Seemapuri, a place on the periphery of Delhi
(c) for the poverty-stricken children, the world is yet miles away from it, metaphorically.
a hopeless place. (e) (iii) It still is, but it is no longer empty.
(d) naivete (f) illegal immigrants.
(e) The boy was keen to get an education. QUESTION 3.�
3. Read the following extract and answer the
(f) (i) There is no dearth of promises which
questions that follow.
remain unfulfilled.
QUESTION 2.�
“If at the end of the day, we can feed our families
2. Read the following extract and answer the and go to bed without an aching stomach, we
questions that follow. would rather live here than in the fields that gave
My acquaintance with the barefoot rag-pickers leads us no grain,” say a group of women in tattered
me to Seemapuri, a place on the periphery of Delhi saris when I ask them why they left their beautiful
yet miles away from it, metaphorically. Those who land of green fields and rivers. Wherever they find
live here are squatters who came from Bangladesh food, they pitch their tents that become transit
back in 1971, Saheb’s family is among them. homes. Children grow up in them, becoming
Seemapuri was then a wilderness. It still is, but it is partners in survival. And survival in Seemapuri
no longer empty. In structures of mud, with roofs of means ragpicking. Through the years, it has
tin and tarpaulin, devoid of sewage and drainage or acquired the proportions of a fine art.
running water, live 10,000 rag-pickers. (a) List any two sensory details present in this
(a) What does the statement, ‘Seemapuri was extract.
then a wilderness’ tell about the place? (b) Through the years, it has acquired the
(b) The line, “Squatters occupy a place with proportions of a fine art. What does ‘it’
no legal claim to the property” can be best represent in the text?
classified as: (i) making bangles
(i) a fact (ii) tilling the fields
(ii) an opinion (iii) becoming a motor mechanic
(iii) a theme (iv) rummaging through the garbage
(iv) a plot point (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can The phrase “ transit homes” refers to
be drawn from the line, “ It still is, but it is _____.
no longer empty.” (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears infer that the availability of food is the prime
evidence to the fact that Seemapuri lacks the priority of the squatters.
glitziness of a cosmopolitan city. (e) What gives the group of women the satisfaction
(e) Based on your understanding of the extract, that makes them resolute to continue staying
select the example in which the author has where they are?
used irony. (f) Which of the following headlines best suggests
(i) A place on the periphery of Delhi the central idea of the extract?
(ii) Saheb’s family is among them. (i) The struggle for survival
(iii) It still is, but it is no longer empty. (ii) The art of ragpicking
(iv) Devoid of sewage and drainage (iii) The search for food
(f) Complete the sentence with two words. (iv) The survival of the fittest
Ans : 2008
“Those who live here are squatters who
came from Bangladesh back in 1971.” This (a) (i) ‘Beautiful land of green fields and rivers’
indicates that the squatters are _____. (visual)
Ans : 2010 (ii) ‘It has acquired the proportions of a fine
(a) Seemapuri was uninhabited. art’ (tactile)
(b) (i) a fact (b) (iv) rummaging through the garbage
(c) Seemapuri is now crowded but still a (c) temporary shelters.
‘wilderness’ with no hallmarks of a civilisation.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 179
without an identity except a ration card for voting learn.”
and buying grain. They remain barefoot and The determination and strong will of
garbage to them is gold. The writer asks Saheb, a becoming a motor mechanic and learning to drive
rag-picker for school. The boy replies that there is a car, seems to be as firm as a rock in Mukesh.
none in his neighbourhood. He further says if they That is why he says he will walk to the garage
build it, he will go. But this is never done. which is a long way from his home. Though his
In the same way about 20,000 children work dream appears to be vague, unclear and like a
in bangle factories and work in glass furnaces mirage in his state yet he has a different ambition
with high temperature. They live in dingy cells to fulfil.
and stingy lanes choked with garbage. They He can materialise his dream once he walks
pass their lives in grinding poverty and fail to down to the garage. There he must see the owner
get proper food. Thus the poor have no dreams of the garage and request him to become. motor
and no initiatives. They are the safest targets of mechanic. He must request for any petty work
exploitations. pertaining to the garage. Though his sincere
QUESTION 3.� efforts and hard work and the guidance of his
3. What forces conspire to keep the workers in owner he can attain the skills of a mechanic and
bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty ? then gradually that of car driving. It is sure that
Ans : he can get his dream materialised properly.
In her lesson, the writer points out that the bangle-
makers of Firozabad live in the state of grinding QUESTION 2.�
poverty. These people are burdened the stigma 2. Mention the hazards of working in the glass
of caste in which they are born. All the members bangles industry.
of the family are engaged in doing various jobs Ans : 2015
pertaining to the bangle-making. Before they The glass blowing industry of Firozabad employs
become adult and dar to do something they fall local families and these families have spent
to their ancestral profession. They are unable to generations working around furnaces, welding
go away from the God given lineage and believe in glass and making bangles of different colours.
Karam theory. Thus they go on looming in their Working around the high temperature furnaces
own world. is very injurious to our growing bodies. The dark
Further, there are other force that conspire dingy cells without light and air, worsen the
them to work in bangle industry. The sahukars, working conditions of the children. The dazzling
the middlemen, the policemen, the keepers of and sparking of welding light and the high
law, the bureaucrats and the politicians, all eat in temperature render the situation hellish. About
parts the flesh of the bangle-makers. They cannot 20,000 children slog their day light hours and
run a cooperative. Together they push them to often lose the brightness of their eyes before they
the sorrowful state and became often blind before become adults.
becoming adult. Thus more than 20,000 children The bangle-makers lead their life in utter
are working in this ha”’rdous profession against miseries and grinding poverty. They could never
the law. The parents, society and the bureaucrats prosper working in this industry. They hardly get
all are responsible to this sorry state of affairs. a belly full of meal in their lifetime. Thus they
are not only underfed but also prone to ailments
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT and education. The dingy cells and stinking smell
QUESTION 1.�
of garbage choke their bodies. There are flames
1. How, in your opinion, can Mukesh realise his of flickering oil lamps, the blinding polishing and
dream ? the welding work put a deep impact on their
Ans : complete bodies. Those who work in, they lose
Mukesh belongs to the family of bangle-makers their eyesight before they become adult.
who prepare colourful bangles like that of rainbow. QUESTION 3.�
But his attitude to this situation is different from 3. Why should child labour be eliminated and how ?
others. He is a daring boy o.nd he announces, “I Ans :
will be a motor mechanid, I will learn to drive a The child labour employed in any form of the
car. Though the garage is a long way from his hazardous work is an offence. It is banned under
home yet he insists I will go to the garage and law. Yet it goes on unabated, at the industrial
towns like Firozabad, Shivakasi, Mirzapur and so
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
Ans : 2015
bread and butter when they become able-bodied.
Migration - An Increasing Trend It gives rise to violence and corruption. Child
Due to urbanisation, education, employment, labour should be stopped and the governments
safety and other basic amenities more and more should educate these children free of cost. At
people are migrating from villages to the cities. least elementary education should be given to all
In the lesson at hand, people have fled from children.
Bangladesh because their fields and houses were QUESTION 19.
swept away by the storm. There they could not get 19. Who is Mukesh? What is his ambition? Describe
even enough food to fill their belly. The settlement the author’s visit to the house of Mukesh?
of Seemapuri is a fine example, of this kind. In O
addition to this one can see that the pressure What did the writer see when Mukesh took him
on the land has increased due to population to his home?
and mechanised farming. So, the requirement of Ans : 2022
labour is very acute. Consequently, people flee Mukesh is a young bangle maker of Firozabad.
towards the cities for work. In earlier days means His family has been doing this job for generations.
of education and transportation, etc., were very Like the other families of bangle makers, Mukesh’s
few. Only a few could get education. Agriculture family is also very poor. They think that their
was their main profession. With extensive and destiny is fixed and they will spend their lives
renovated education, the youths run from post to making bangles only. But Mukesh seems to be
pillar in search of job. They do not want to stay different. He is determined that one day he will
in unhealthy and unhygienic rural surrounding. leave this job. He wants to become a motor
Not to speak of this, all sorts of village crafts mechanic. He dreams of driving a car one day.
have been replaced with the machines. The The author thinks that Mukesh can achieve his
market is full of competition, quality and cheap aim as he seems determined.
goods. The villagers fail to compete with the new The author visits Mukesh’s home. He lives in
system of heavy industrialisation. So the people a stinking lane, choked with garbage. The houses
migrate from villages to cities to attain a city-like in the streets are just hovels with crumbling
presence for themselves. walls and no windows. They are crowded with
QUESTION 18.�
families of humans and animals. Then they enter
18. Child abuse is a very serious problem in our Mukesh’s home. It is a half-built rough hut. In
country. Children are forced by circumstances to one part of it, the roof is covered with dry grass.
work in various factories. Write the value points There is firewood stove. A frail woman is cooking
of statement. the evening meal for the family. She is the wife
Ans : 2006
of Mukesh’s elder brother. Mukesh’s father is a
Child abuse is a grave problem in India. Many poor bangle maker. He has been making bangles
children work for dhabas, factories and tea stall for many long years. Yet he has not been able
owners. These are those unfortunate children of to renovate the house and to send his two sons
this country who don’t get even meals three times to schools. He could just teach them the art of
a day. It is a blemish on our nation. It is the bangle making. Mukesh’s grandfather had gone
duty of the governments to make arrangements blind with the dust from polishing the glass of
of education for these children. Child labour is bangles.
common in the fields of agriculture, domestic QUESTION 20.�
service, sex industry, carpet and textile industries, 20. ‘In this case the elder is an impoverished bangle-
quarrying, bangle making and brick making. maker. Despite long years of hard labour, first
These children are forced to work in horrible as a tailor, then a bangle-maker, he has failed
conditions. There are no set working hours for to renovate a house, send his two sons to school.
these children. They are given low wages. In All he has managed to do is teach them what he
some cases poverty of the household and low level knows: `the art of making bangles’.
of parental education are responsible for child These lines show the apathy prevailing in some
labour. Employing children in factories implies strata of society. These groups have been known
that the nation’s future is in dark. These children by their profession. Their ‘profession’ is their
never feel happy. They become devoid of human ‘caste’. Is it fine to force someone to be a part of
emotions. They adopt illegal ways to earn their his ancestral profession ? Or some specific reasons
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 181
3. Stone crushing (c) Poor children and their exploitation
4. Dhabas and restaurants etc. (d) Her works
5. Handlooms Ans :
(c) Poor children and their exploitation
6. Bamboo and cane industry
7. Carpentary and saw mills 4. What is the central theme of the story Lost
Let us study the last i.e. carpentary and saw- Spring?
mills. (a) Pitiable Poor children and their lost childhood
In my neighbourhood there are many saw mills
(b) Garbage
and bamboo factories. In all of them one can see
many children helping the workers in doing their (c) Saheb and Mukesh
work. In the saw mills, there is a work pertaining to (d) Spring Season
the cutting, and sawing of different kinds of woods. Ans :
During the working they help the skilled people. (a) Pitiable Poor children and their lost childhood
They remain attached to them. The dust, dirt and
5. What forces the children to live a life of
the saw ash go on disturbing them. They trouble
exploitation?
them and enter in their bodies through nose, mouth
and eyes. Some of the boys lose their eye-sight while (a) Greed (b) Extreme Poverty
it is their time to develop and get education. (c) Peers (d) Parents
Cases of asthma, respiratory problems, lung Ans :
problem, cough and cold are very frequent. In a (b) Extreme Poverty
short span of their life they become a prey to
6. According to the author what was garbage for the
one or the other disease pointed out. Their health
parents?
deteriorates and the ailments turn chronic. The
owners never think of their upkeep but employ (a) Means of survival (b) Means of
them to earn their booty. There are strict laws entertainment
banning the child labour but none bothers for (c) Means of sorrow (d) Means of joy
them. They play with the tender lives of children Ans :
and do a national waste. (a) Means of survival
7. According to the author what was garbage for the
5. Other important questions children ?
(a) Means of playing (b) Means of
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS entertainment
1. Who is the author of Lost Spring? (c) Means of timepass (d) A wonder
Ans :
(a) Anees Jung (b) Arundhati Roy
(d) A wonder
(c) Sudha Murthy (d) James Bond
Ans : 8. Who was Saheb?
(a) Anees Jung (a) A shopkeeper (b) A servant
2. This story is an excerpt from which book of the (c) A rag-picker (d) All of these
Ans :
author?
(c) A rag-picker
(a) Lost Spring – Stories of Stolen Childhood
(b) The Song of India 9. What was Saheb looking for?
(c) Breaking the Silence (a) Eggs (b) Gold
(d) Unveiling India (c) Coins (d) Toys
Ans : Ans :
(a) Lost Spring – Stories of Stolen Childhood (b) Gold
3. What does the author analyze in the story? 10. Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall?
(a) Rich people (a) Yes
(b) Garbage (b) Yes, he earns money
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
(c) No earning (c) Lost money
(d) No, earning but no freedom (d) Lost age
Ans : Ans :
(d) No, earning but no freedom (b) Lost blooming childhood
11. Why did Saheb-e-Alam not go to school? 18. Saheb hailed from which place?
(a) Not interested (a) Delhi (b) Greenfields of Dhaka
(b) Had no money to pay fees (c) Seemapuri (d) None of these
(c) Wanted to go for movie Ans :
(b) Greenfields of Dhaka
(d) Wanted to earn money
Ans : 19. Why did Saheb go through garbage dumps?
(b) Had no money to pay fees
(a) A rupee (b) To find a silver coin
12. What is the meaning of Saheb-e-Alam? (c) A ten rupee note (d) All of these
(a) Owner (b) Rich man Ans :
(d) All of these
(c) Poor man (d) Lord of the Universe
Ans : 20. Why did Saheb leave his house?
(d) Lord of the Universe
(a) Because the storm swept away his house and
13. Where was Saheb employed? field
(a) At a tea stall in Seemapuri (b) To enjoy a life of leisure
(b) At a saree shop (c) To find friends
(c) At a jewellery shop (d) To go to college
Ans :
(d) At a sweet shop
Ans : (a) Because the storm swept away his house and
(a) At a tea stall in Seemapuri field
14. Why is the author calling garbage as ‘gold’ in the 21. What forced Saheb to be a rag-picker?
story? (a) Hard work (b) Destiny
(a) Because of jewels in it (c) People around him (d) Acute poverty
Ans :
(b) Because of gems in it
(d) Acute poverty
(c) Because of gold in it
(d) Because of its encashment value 22. Where is Seemapuri?
Ans : (a) In Noida (b) South Delhi
(d) Because of its encashment value (c) North Delhi (d) East Delhi
Ans :
15. What do the boys appear like to the author in
(d) East Delhi
the story?
(a) Morning crows (b) Evening crows 23. Why did Saheb leave Dhaka?
(c) Morning birds (d) Evening Birds (a) Because of lack of resources
Ans : (b) Because of lack of enough food
(c) Morning birds
(c) Because of friends
16. Name the birthplace of the author. (d) Because of parents
(a) U.S.A (b) California Ans :
(b) Because of lack of enough food
(c) Koch (d) Rourkela
Ans : 24. Who are responsible for the poor condition of
(d) Rourkela bangle makers in Firozabad?
17. What does the title ‘Lost Spring’ symbolise? (a) Parents (b) Society
(a) Autumn season (c) Bureaucrats (d) All of these
(b) Lost blooming childhood
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 183
Ans : 31. Who is Mukesh?
(d) All of these
(a) Student (b) Worker
25. What efforts can help Mukesh materialise his (c) Bangle maker (d) Ragpicker
dream of becoming a car driver? Ans :
(a) Hard work (c) Bangle maker
(b) Guidance of his owner 32. What are the reasons for the migration of people
(c) Going to garage from villages to city in the lesson?
(d) All of these (a) Sweeping of houses and fields by storms
Ans : (b) No money
(d) All of these
(c) Education and unemployment
26. What are the hazards of working in the glass (d) Safety
bangles industry? Ans :
(a) Poor health (a) Sweeping of houses and fields by storms
(b) Impaired vision 33. What compels the workers in bangle industry of
(c) Miserable life Firozabad to poverty?
(d) All of these (a) Cast and ancestral profession
Ans : (b) Karam theory and society
(d) All of these
(c) Bureaucrats and politicians
27. Who employs the local families of Firozabad? (d) All of these
(a) Bureaucrats Ans :
(d) All of these
(b) Merchants
(c) Politicians 34. The city of Firozabad is famous for what?
(d) The glass blowing industry (a) For casteism (b) For rag-pickers
Ans : (c) For poverty (d) For bangles
(d) The glass blowing industry Ans :
(d) For bangles
28. What is the function of glass blowing industry?
(a) To make windows 35. Firozabad is the centre of which industry?
(b) To make doors (a) Cotton industry (b) Furniture industry
(c) To mould glass (c) Textile industry (d) Glassblowing
(d) To mould glass and make colorful bangles industry
Ans : Ans :
(d) To mould glass and make colorful bangles (d) Glassblowing industry
29. What makes the working conditions of the 36. How is Mukesh’s attitude different from that of
children worst in the glass industry? his family?
(a) Dark dingy cells without light and air (a) Being daring, firm and clear
(b) Dazzling and sparking of welding light (b) Being a fighter
(c) High temperature (c) Being a coward
(d) All of these (d) Not clear
Ans : Ans :
(d) All of these (a) Being daring, firm and clear
30. What excuse do the rag pickers give for not 37. What is the means of survival in Seemapuri?
wearing chappals?
(a) Work (b) Education
(a) No interest (b) Mothers don’t give
(c) Merchandising (d) Ragpicking
(c) A tradition (d) All of these Ans :
Ans : (d) Ragpicking
(d) All of these
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
38. What is the metaphorical symbol of Seemapuri in O
the lesson? How Mukesh’s attitude towards life different
(a) Enjoyment (b) Exploitation from that of his family ?
(c) Poverty (d) A little hell O
Ans : A youngman in Firozabad is burdened under the
(d) A little hell baggage of two worlds. What are they ?
39. What is Mukesh’s dream? O
Who is Mukesh and what is his dream ?
(a) To be a rogue
Ans : 2014, 2013, 2012
(b) To be a merchant Mukesh belongs to the family of bangle makers
(c) To be a doctor in Firozabad where each family is engaged in
(d) To be a motor- mechanic bangle making. They live in half built huts and
Ans : stinky lanes. On asking, Mukesh says„ “I will be
(d) To be a motor- mechanic a motor mechanic. I will learn to drive a car”.
Thus he wants to be his own master. Though his
40. What change did Anees Jung see in Saheb family believes in “Karam Theory”. His attitude
when she saw him standing by the gate of the is different from that of his family.
neighbourhood club? QUESTION 4.
(a) Lost joy (b) As if lost his freedom 4. Where does the author encounter Saheb every
(c) Lost ownership (d) All of these morning?
Ans : Ans : 2021
(d) All of these Saheb is a rag-picker. The author encounters him
every morning searching the garbage dumps for
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS bits of papers and rags. He is one of the army
QUESTION 1.� of rag-pickers who can be seen scrounging the
1. Inspite of despair and disease pervading in the garbage. Most of these boys are migrants from
lives of the slum children, they are not devoid of Bangladesh and have settled in Seemapuri in
hope. How far do you agree ? Delhi.
Ans : 2013 QUESTION 5.�
Though the lives of the slum children are absorbed 5. How do the children become the victims of losing
in poverty. It is completely deprived, dejected and the brightness of their eyes?
impoverished still, hope always exists there. They O
can be educated in order to remove poverty from Mention any two hazards of working in the glass
their lives. These slum children should enjoy the bangles industry.
equivalent status in the society and the well-offs
O
of the society should step ahead to take the moral
What is the condition of the children working in
responsibility to bring a better life to them. They
the glass furnaces of Firozabad ?
still have dreams alive in their eyes. Thus I agree
Ans : 2013
that they are not devoiding of hope.
QUESTION 2.
More than 20,000 children are illegally working in
2. Where has Saheb come from? glass-blowing factories in Firozabad. They work
Ans : 2020
around furnaces in high temperatures to weld
Saheb’s family belonged to Dhaka, in Bangladesh. glasses. They work in dingy cells without light and
He, along with his family, left his home long ago. air. Their eyes are adjusted to the dark than to
His house in Dhaka was set amidst the green the light outside. Many of them become victims of
fields. But there were many storms that swept losing their eye-sight before they become adults.
away their homes and fields. That is why they They work all day long.
had to leave. His family came to Seemapuri where
QUESTION 6.
6. Give an account of the background of Saheb and
Saheb started working as a rag-picker.
QUESTION 3.�
his fellow rag-pickers.
3. How is Mukesh different from the other bangle Ans : 2008
makers of Firozabad ? Saheb belongs to a community of rag-pickers who
scrounge the dumps of garbage for paper and rags.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 185
QUESTION 11.�
He is one of more than 10,000 persons who are 11. Which industry is a boon and also a bane for the
engaged in this profession. Most of them migrated people of Firozabad and how?
to India from Bangladesh in 1971. They were
compelled to leave their homes because of many O
storms which destroyed their homes and lands. Why does the author say that the bangle-makers
They are living in Seemapuri on the outskirts of are caught in a vicious web?
Delhi. Ans : 2017, 2005
QUESTION 7.�
The residents of Firozabad are depended on
7. How was Mukesh different from other bangle- bangle-making. It is a boon for them. But they
makers? are caught in the vicious web of poverty. They are
Ans : 2016 forced to practise their ancestral profession. They
Mukesh belonged to the family on bangle makers remain ill fed and ill clad throughout life. They
who lived in half built huts and stingley lanes. have no money to switch over their profession.
But Mukesh says, ‘I will be a motor mechanic. Their hard work is mind numbling. The police
I will learn to drive a car’. He wants to be his does not allow them to form co-operatives. This
own master though the family believes in ‘Karam business is both boon and bane for the people of
Theory’. But his attitude is quite different. Firozabad.
QUESTION 12.
QUESTION 8.
8. What happens when the author asks Saheb to go 12. What is ironical about Saheb’s full name?
to school? Ans : 2007
Ans : 2022 The author often comes across a poor rag-picker
Saheb spends his time scrounging the garbage named Saheb. His full name is ‘Saheb-e-Alam’,
dumps for bits of paper and rags. He tells the which means ‘Lord of the Universe.’ This name
author that he has nothing else to do. She tells is quite ironical. He is a poor boy who earns his
him to go to school. Saheb replies that there is no living by scrounging the dumps of garbage for bits
school in his neighbourhood. At this the author of paper and rags. His life is full of poverty and
asks him he would come if she started a school. misery.
Saheb says that he would be glad to come. QUESTION 13.�
QUESTION 9.�
13. In what sense is garbage gold for the rag-pickers ?
9. Listening to them, see two distinct worlds. In O
the context of Mukesh, the bangle maker’s son. Garbage has two meanings for the rag-pickers of
Which two worlds is Anees Jung referring too? Seemapuri. What are they ?
Ans : 2016 Ans : 2014, 2010
The author is referring to two worlds-one is Garbage has the following two meanings for the
that of the family which is caught in the grip of rag-pickers of Seemapuri:
utmost poverty. They all carry the work bangling. More than 10,000 rag pickers of Seemapuri
Further they are caught in the vicious oc circle live as squatters. For them garbage is gold and it
of sahukars, middlemen, policemenl, keepers of is wrapped in wonder. For a child, it is his daily
law, bureau crats and Politicians. All these have bread. Sometimes, he finds a silver coin in a heap
enforced the child with this baggage which he of garbage. He hopes of finding more and more. It
cannot put down. is a source of survival and earning of daily bread
QUESTION 10.
for the elders.
10. What hollow promise does the author make to QUESTION 14.
Saheb? 14. What story did a man from Udipi once tell the
Ans : 2022
author?
Saheb tells the author that he cannot join a school Ans : 2009
as there is no school in his neighbourhood. At this Once a man from Udipi told the author that as a
the author asks him whether he would come if young boy he would go to school past a temple.
she started a school. Saheb becomes happy. A few His father was a priest at that temple. He would
days later, he asks her if she has started a school. stop briefly at the temple and prayed to the
Now the author feels embarrassed at having made goddess for a pair of shoes. Finally the goddess
a hollow promise to a poor boy. granted his prayer and he got a pair of shoes.
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
ready?” She feels embarrassed at having made a means rag- picking. In reality that have become
promise that was not meant. professionals. It is no more a dirty job. It has
QUESTION 32. acquired the position of a fine art.
32. What for is Firozabad known? QUESTION 37.
Ans : 2005 37. Describe the kind of bangles made in Firozabad.
Firozabad is known for its bangles industry. The glass Ans : 2014
blowing industry of Firozabad employs more than Firozabad is known for its bangles industry. The
twenty thousand workers, most of whom are children. town produces all kinds of bangles for Indian
In Firozabad, families have spent generations working women. In the factories of Firozabad, bangles of
around furnaces, welding glass, making bangles for all sizes and colours are made. These bangles can
women. be sunny gold and paddy green. One may have
QUESTION 33.� royal blue, pink or purple bangles.
33. What different excuses do the rag-pickers children QUESTION 38.�
offer for not wearing chappals ? 38. How did Saheb get a pair of shoes?
Ans : 2013, 2009 Ans : 2020
The writer comes across many barefoot rag-picker One morning the writer saw Saheb standing by
children. On asking about not wearing chappals, the gate of the neighbourhood club. Two young
they offer very solid excuses. One answers that his men were playing tennis. Saheb was in tennis
mother has not brought them down from the shelf. shoes. On enquiry, Saheb told that some rich boy
Another points out that he will throw them if she discarded them because there was a hole in one of
brings. The third one replies that he has never them. So he felt no harm in wearing them. It was
owned a pair all his life. The writer concludes that rather good on his part that the dream of wearing
walking across the country barefoot is a tradition. shoes had come true.
QUESTION 34. QUESTION 39.�
34. What has Mukesh’s father achieved after years of 39. Why does the authoress think that Mukesh’s
hard labour? dream seems to be looming like a mirage ?
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2022
Mukesh’s family is engaged in bangle making. The family of Mukesh is engaged in making glass
His father started his career as a tailor. But soon bangles of different kinds like the colours of a
he became a bangle maker. But even many years rainbow. But Mukesh does not want to adopt
of hard labour as a bangle maker, his life is still his family profession. He want: ‘o be a motor
poor and miserable. He has failed to renovate his mechanic and will learn to drive a car. His dream
house. Nor has he been able to send his two sons seems like a mirage to the writer as it is vague
to school. He has only been able to teach them and unclear amidst the dust of Firozabad streets.
the art of bangle making. QUESTION 40.
QUESTION 35.� 40. What does the author think when she sees Savita
35. What type of contrast does the writer point out helping to make bangles?
between Saheb and the son of the priest ? Ans : 2008
Ans : 2011 The author sees Savita is sitting alongside an
The writer recollects the story of a man from elderly woman. She is joining with solder pieces
Udipi when he was a child. It was told that while of glass and thus helping to make bangles. The
going to school he would pray the Goddess for a author wonders whether Savita knows the sanctity
pair of shoes. But the young boys like the son of of bangles she helps make. She finds that Savita
the priest now wear shoes. The rag-pickers at her does not know that bangles symbolise an Indian
neighbourhood like Saheb remain barefoot. This woman’s ‘suhaag’.
exhibits the different phrases of society. QUESTION 41.�
QUESTION 36.� 41. Describe the irony in Saheb’s name.
36. Specify how rag-picking has acquired the Ans : 2016
“proposition of a fine art” in Seemapuri. Saheb-e-Alam is a rag-picker and live as squatters.
Ans : 2008 He leads a carefree life. By chance he gets a job
The rag-pickers of Seemapuri play a crucial role at a tea-stall and earns Rs. 800 and all his meals.
for their survival. An army of barefoot children, The irony is that his face has lost his carefree
women and elders can be seen searching through look. He is no longer his own master. The milk
the garbage. All work for their survival. Seemapuri canister seems heavier than his plastic bag. From
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 187
QUESTION 23.�
in this season, in the same way the childhood
23. What does the writer mean when she says, ‘Saheb
should bloom but through the poverty of Saheb
is no longer his own master’ ?
Ans : 2011
and Mukesh, we come to know about their stolen
Saheb gets some job at a tea stall. There the childhood. It is being destroyed and dumped in
owner pays him `800/- and all his meals. The the web of poverty, dirt and dust. They have a
narrator now finds him with a tin canister on his strong desire to come out of this poor situation
way to the milkbooth. But he has lost his carefree and work hard for this. Let us make a strong
look. The canister seems heavier than the plastic determination to realize our dreams.
bag he would carry so lightly on his shoulder.
QUESTION 28.
28. Who is Mukesh? Describe his background.
This was his own bag but the canister belongs
Ans : 2010
to his master. Thus Saheb was no longer his own
Mukesh is a poor boy of Firozabad. He belongs to
master.
QUESTION 24.
a family of bangle makers. He is one of the 20,000
24. How did Saheb get a pair of shoes? young people engaged in bangle-making. He and
Ans : 2009, 2007
his family lead a poor and miserable life. They
One morning the author saw that Saheb was work by glass furnaces with high temperature. His
standing by the fenced gate of the tennis club. Two family lives in half-built hut. The street is choked
young men were playing tennis. Saheb was also with garbage.
wearing tennis shoes. These were the discarded
QUESTION 29.�
29. What does Anees Jung want to reveal in her story
shoes of a rich boy. Perhaps he had discarded
‘Lost Spring’ ?
them as there was a hole in one of them. In this
Ans : 2011
way, Saheb got a pair of shoes.
QUESTION 25.�
Anees Jung has portrayed two stories in ‘Lost
25. How is the garbage heap wrapped in wonder for Spring’ and both depict the grinding poverty,
the children ? pitiable condition of life and the other traditions
O that condemn the children to a life of exploitation.
Garbage to them is gold. Why does the author For the rag-pickers of Seemapuri, garbage is gold
say to about the rag-pickers ? and means of survival. The bangle-makers of
Ans : 2014
Firozabad live in dingy cells and stinking lanes.
More than 10,000 rag-pickers of Seemapuri live Even after much toil, they do not get full meal.
in squatters. For them garbage is gold and it is
QUESTION 30.
30. Describe the conditions in which the bangle
wrapped in wonder. For a child, it is their daily
makers of Firozabad work.
bread and more than this since he is hopeful of
Ans : 2020
getting more. Sometimes a child can find a silver
More than 20,000 persons are engaged in bangle
coin or more in a heap of garbage. For the elders it
making work in Firozabad. They work in miserable
is a means of survival.
QUESTION 26.
conditions. They work near glass furnaces with
26. “Saheb is no longer his own master.” Why does high temperature. They make bangles in small
the author feel so? rooms without proper light or air. Because of dim
Ans : 2017, 2015
light and because of the dust rising from polishing
Saheb gets a job in a tea stall. The author sees the glass, most of the children lose their eyesight
him on his way to the milk booth. He is carrying before they become adults.
a steel canister on his head. Now he gets Rs 800
QUESTION 31.�
31. What makes the authoress embarrassed at having
per month and all his meals. But he has lost his
made a promise that was not meant ?
carefree look. The bag in which he picks the rags
Ans : 2012
was his. But the canister belongs to the tea shop
On encountering with Saheb, the authoress asks
owner. So, the author feels that Saheb is no longer
him go to school. Immediately at the second
his own master.
QUESTION 27.�
thought she realises that the advice must sound
27. What does the title ‘Lost Spring’ convey ? very hollow. On the other hand, Saheb replies that
Ans : 2009
there is no school in his neighbourhood. And he
The title ‘Lost Spring’ conveys and pictorises that will go if the authorities make one. The authoress
childhood is like the spring. As everything blooms asks half jokingly if she starts to school, will he
go ? Saheb goes on asking her “Is your school
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
on. 5. As her hands move mechanically like the
The child labour is hazardous in nature. It tongs of a machine, I wonder if she knows the
inflicts physical and mental harm to the boys. sanctity of the bangles she helps make.
The work in the glass bangle industry often ends 6. She still has bangles on her wrist, but not
up them losing their eyesight before they become light in her eyes.
adults. The mind-numbling toil of bangle-making 7. Few airplanes fly over Firozabad.
kills all their initiatives, drive and ability to dream
8. Web of poverty.
in life. They are even deprived of the school
education and proper growth. 9. Scrounging for gold.
According to Anees Jung about 20,000 10. And survival in Seemapuri means rag-
children are working in the glass bangle industry picking. Through the years, it has acquired
of Firozabad. Some of the industrialists conspire the proportions of a fine art.
in unison with the sahukars, the middlemen, the 11. The steel canister seems heavier than the
policemen and the politicians and then go on plastic bag he would carry so lightly over his
stealing their childhood for some extra coins. The shoulders.
only possible solution lies with the government Ans :
and the society to punish the wrongdoers very 1. Hyperbole, 2. Metaphor, 3. Metaphor, 4.
strictly; and keep a careful watch and vigil over Contrast, 5. Simile, 6. Metaphor, 7. Contrast,
them. 8. Hyperbole, 9. Hyperbole, 10. Metaphor, 11.
Contrast.
THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE
QUESTION 1.
THINGS TO DO
1. Although this text speaks of factual events an QUESTION 1.
situation of misery it transforms these situations 1. The beauty of the glass bangles of Firozabad
with an almost poetical prose into a literary contrasts with the misery of people who produce
experience. How does it do so ? Here are some them. This paradox is also found in some other
literary devices : situations, for example those who work in gold
and diamond mines, carpet weaving factories and
• Hyperbole is a way of speaking or writing
the products of their labour, construction workers
that makes something sound better or more
and the buildings they build.
exciting than it really is. For example :
Garbage to them is gold. • Look around and find examples of such
paradoxes.
• Metaphor as you may know, compares two
things or ideas that are not very similar. A • Write a paragraph of about 200 to 250 words
metaphor describes a thing in terms of a on any of them. You can start by making
single quality or feature of some other things; notes.
we can say that a metaphor transfers a quality Here is an example of how one such paragraph
of one thing to another. may begin :
For example : The road was a ribbon of light. You never see the poor in this town. By day they
toil, working cranes and earthmovers, squirreling
• Simile is a word or phrase that compares one
deep into the hot sand to lay the foundations
thing with another using the words “like” or
of chrome. By night they are banished to bleak
“as”. For example : As white as snow.
labour camps at the outskirts of the city.
Carefully read the following phrases and Ans :
sentences taken from the text and name the The students can make their own surveys and
figures of speech used. write a paragraph accordingly. However one such
1. Saheb-e-Alam which means the lord of the paragraph is given for reference.
universe is directly in contrast to what Saheb Generally most of the handicraft and other
is in reality. factories, run on the small scale basis, engage
2. Drowned in an air on desolation children to work with them because they are
3. Seemapuri, a place on the periphery of Delhi cheap and easily available due to poverty. Some
yet miles away from it, metaphorically. of the industries can be named here :
4. For the children it is wrapped in wonder; for 1. Candle making
the elders it is a means of survival. 2. Brick kilns
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 189
QUESTION 47.�
freedom, he has turned a slaven and thus feels 47. “The elderly woman has still bangles in her wrists,
unhappiness. but no light in her eyes”. Why ?
Ans :
QUESTION 42.�
2019
42. What custom prevails among the ladies of bangle-
The elderly woman laments very much over her
makers ?
‘Karam’, i.e. destiny. She says that during her
Ans : 2006
life time, she has not had a full meal. Instead of
The daughter-in-law in the house commands
hard toil, they loom in perpetual state of poverty.
respect as the ‘bahu.’ There is custom of putting
Her cheerless eyes are the ready example and
veil on their faces when an elder enters in the
recognition of it. The bangles symbolised her
house. She will go near the wall and brings her
‘Suhaag.’ The homes of the bangle makers cry
veil closer to her face. It is their custom that the
for money.
daughter in law must veil their faces before the QUESTION 48.�
male elders. 48. Whom does Anees Jung blame for the sorry plight
QUESTION 43.
of the bangle makers ?
43. Why don’t the bangle makers of Firozabad
organise themselves into a cooperative? O
Ans : 2017 Why don’t the younger ones of the bangle-makers
The author asks some bangle makers as to why they do anything else ?
don’t organise themselves into a cooperative. They Ans : 2011
reply that they are caught in a vicious circle. The The years of mind numbing and hard toil kill the
sahukars, the middlemen and the police all conspire desire of making new attempts to improve their
to keep them poor. If they try to make a cooperative, conditions and the ability to dream. In Firozabad
the police hauls them up and beats them on false doing any other work needs dare, strong will and
charges. These forces will never let them organise determination of the bangle makers want to do
into a cooperative. anything else, they need dare. The same is very
QUESTION 44.� much absent on the part of the younger ones.
44. What does the grandmother of Mukesh lament ? They cannot run a cooperative because the police
Ans : 2009 will catch, beat and put them in a prison for
The grandmother of Mukesh laments that her doing illegal activity. They don’t have any leader
husband became blind with the dust of polishing to guide and help them.
bangles. Her son could teach his sons only the
bangle making. She says, ‘It is his Karam, his LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
destiny. He cannot go beyond the god, given QUESTION 1.�
lineage’. Born in the caste of bangle makers, they 1. Do the poor have the right to dream? Why then
have learnt nothing except making bangles. does the author call Mukesh’s dream ‘a mirage’ ?
QUESTION 45.� Ans : 2017
45. Why was Saheb unhappy while working at the Not only the poor, but also everyone has the right
tea-stall ? to dream. In reality, without dreaming nothing
Ans : 2016 can be achieved. Though the writer considers the
Saheb was no longer happy while working as the dream of Mukesh, a futile and a mirage because
tea-stall. Though he was earning 2800 but his face of utter poverty and orthodox views of the family
had last all his carefree level. He was not at all his but the boy is determined to become a motor
own master. The steel milk container was heavier mechanic. He has got enough courage and base
than his plastic bag. His life was under the control to move away from the traditional work. He is
of his mater so he was unhappy. conscious of inconveniences, health he lost in his
QUESTION 46.
family work.
46. What is the ambition of Mukesh? Mukesh takes the writer to her home, who
Ans : 2010 finds them living in stinking lanes choked with
Mukesh is a bangle maker of Firozabad. But he is garbage. She is much perturbed to see their
different from others. He does not want to make miserable living conditions. Mukesh realises that
bangles all his life. His ambition is to become a his parents can’t provide them even the basic
motor mechanic. He dreams of driving a car one necessities of life. But he frankly tells the writer
day. He is determined and hopeful. The author feels that he will become a motor mechanic. He will
that one day he will be able to realise his dream. learn to drive a car and he will not hesitate to go
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
to the far off garage. He has no desire to live and started a school. Now the author feels embarrased
become the victim of poverty. In the true sense he at having made a hollow promise to a poor boy.
dreams of the cars that rattle own in the dingy QUESTION 4.�
streets of Firozabad. He remarks To do anything 4. ‘Lost Spring’ explains the grinding poverty and
else means having some dare and the same is traditions that condemn thousands of people to a
flashing on his face’. Thus, the dream of Mukesh life of abject poverty. Do you agree ? Why/Why
does not seem to be looming like a mirage, he will not?
cherish it very soon. O
QUESTION 2.�
Describe the difficulties the bangle makers of
2. Describe the circumstances which keep the Firozabad have to face in their lives.
workers in the bangle industry in poverty. Ans : 2015
Ans : 2015
The authoress presents a very pathetic picture of
In her lesson, the writer points out that the bangle- bangle-makers of Firozabad since they are born in
makers of Firozabad live in the state of grinding poverty, live in poverty and even die in poverty.
poverty. These people are burdened the stigma They lead a life of trouble, torture, tension,
of caste in which they are born. All the members deprivation and poverty and for generations
of the family are engaged in doing various jobs together they have been engaged in this trade.
pertaining to the bangle making. Before they They work in dingy and dark cells sitting before
become adult and dare to do something they fall high temperature which often makes them blind
to their ancestral profession. They are unable to before they become adults. They labour very hard
go away from the God given lineage and believe in at a very little profit.
Karam theory. Thus, they go on looming in their They live in small and dingy houses which are
own world. called hovels. Their houses are overcrowded with
Further, there are other force that conspire humans and animals. They have their own social
them to work in bangle industry. The sahukars, customs and traditions. The old man in the house
the middlemen, the policemen, the keepers of has the authority to do everything. They remain
law, the bureaucrats and the politicians, all eat in poor. They cannot adopt another profession due
parts the flesh of the bangle-makers. They cannot to interference of the middlemen, moneylenders,
run a co-operative. Together they push them to politicians and policemen. They are unable to
the sorrowful state and became often blind before organise themselves into a cooperative. The
becoming adult. Thus more than 20,000 children rag pickers of Seemapuri are also struggling for
are working in this hazardous profession against survival. I agree that the grinding poverty and
the law. The parents, society and the bureaucrats traditions are condemning them to lead a life of
all are responsible to this sorry state of affairs. abject poverty.
QUESTION 3.
QUESTION 5.�
3. What does the writer want Saheb to do ? Why 5. “For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the
has she to feel embrassed about it later ? elders it is a means of survival.” What kind of life
Ans : 2011
do the rag-pickers of Seemapuri lead ?
Saheb is a rag-picker. The author encounters him Ans : 2017
every morning searching the garbage dumps for More than 10,000 basefoot rag pickers of Seemapuri
bits of papers and rags. He is one of the army roam in the villages and the city roads. The
of rag-pickers who can be seen scrounging the children recourage for gold in the garbage dumps
garbage. Most of these boys are migrants from and often find a silver coin, a rupee, a ten rupee
Bangladesh and have settled in Seemapuri in note or more. They are living in the structures of
Delhi. Saheb spends his time scrounging the mind with roofs of tin and tarpaulin. They are
garbage dumps for bits of paper and rags. He tells devoid of sewage, drainage or running water. These
the author that he has nothing else to do. She have occupied illegal places to live and have been
tells him to go to school. Saheb replies that there living there for the last thirty years so key are there
is no school in his neighbourhood. At this the without permits excepts the ration card for ration
author asks him if he would come if she started in voting. They have no identity, so food is more
a school. Saheb says that he would be glad to important them for their survival.
come. A few days later, Saheb sees the writer. They consider food on the chief ingredient of
He comes running to her and asks her if she has their survival. At the end of the day they go to
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 191
QUESTION 8.�
the bed without an acting and to much. They 8. Give a brief account of the life and activities of the
pitch their sents wherever they find food. Thus, people like Saheb-e-Alam settled in Seemapuri.
they become their transit homes. Children grew Ans : 2011
in them and become partners in survival and Saheb-e-Alam is a rag-picker from a suburban
survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking. For colony of East Delhi. Their family had migrated
them garbage is their gold, food and everything. from Bangladesh. The people like Saheb live
For the children it is wrapped in wonder but for as squatters. Seemapuri of East Delhi is such a
the elders it is a means of their survival. place where the squatters have migrated from
Bangladesh. In their nomadic quest for food and
QUESTION 6.�
6. “It is his Karam, his destiny” that made Mukesh’s
water, they settle there and set-up their transit
grandfather so blind. How did Mukesh disprove
camps. The structures are made of mud with
this belief by choosing a new vocation and making
roofs of tin and tarpaulin.
his own destiny?
They are devoid of basic facilities like water,
Ans : 2015
drains and sewer. They have ration cards to buy
The grandmother of Mukesh lawents that her
grain and for votes. They look for gold by picking
husband became blind with the dust of polishing
rag and there dwell more than 10,000 children.
bangles. Her son could teach sons only the-bangle
They move in the streets barefoot and sometimes
making. She says, ‘It is his Karam, his destiny.’
they find a coin or even a ten rupee note. Even after
He cannot go beyond the God, given lineage.
finding a silver coin, they don’t leave scrounging
Born in the caste of bangle makers, they have
garbage in hope of finding more. For the elders
learnt nothing except making bangles.
the garbage is gold. It is a means of survival for
But Mukesh is deeply determined and
their children and is wrapped in wonder. They are
has gathered courage to move away from his
abused and can go for any criminal activity. They
traditional work. He is very much aware of the
lack resources and are unable to improve their lot.
inconveniences and hazards to the people engaged QUESTION 9.�
in this industry. Mukesh realises that his parents 9. Garbage to them is gold. How do rag-pickers of
have remained miserable even to cover their heads Seemapuri survive ?
under a roof. He frankly admits before the writer Ans : 2017
to be a motor mechanic. He will learn driving In Seemapuri more than 10,000 rag-pickers have
a car and will not hesitate to go to the far off occupied illegal places to live and they have
garage. He has ceased desires to become the been living for the last thirty years or so. It is
victim of poverty. He reminds ‘To do anything a settlement colony with mud roofs of tin and
else means’ having some dare and same is flashing tarpauline. They are divoid up sewage, drainage
on his face. It looks that he will cherish his dream. or running water. They have ration cards to
purchase grain and to caste votes. They think
QUESTION 7.
7. Reproduce briefly the story related to the man
the availability of food on their sole survival.
from Udipi ?
Their routine starts from the early homes at the
Ans : 2009
morning. They loiter basefoot and scrounge for
The writer once goes on a visit to Udipi. There
the gold in the garbage dumps.
she met a man from Udipi. The man told the
For the say, pickers, garbage is wrapped in
author that as a young boy he would go to school
wonder. Sometimes, due can find a rupees more of
past a temple. His father was a priest at that
a silver coin and hope to find more and more. For
temple. He would stop briefly at the temple and
them, garbage is gold. At the end of the day, they
prayed to the goddess for a pair of shoes. Finally
go to bed without an acting stomach. They can
the goddess granted his prayer and he got a pair
even pitch their tents wherever, they find food.
of shoes. The author again visited Udipi thirty
Thus, they become their transit homes. Children
years later. She went to the temple. She saw that
grew up at them and become partners in survival
there was a new priest in that temple. She saw a
and survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking.
young boy. He was dressed in a grey uniform and
For them garbage is gold, food and everything
was wearing socks and shoes. Now young boys like
for children, it is wrapped in wonder but for the
the priest’s son wore shoes.
elders it is a means of survival.
But many others like the rag-pickers in her
neighbourhood were still without shoes.
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
QUESTION 10.
in rag-picking and tells that he is scrounging for
10. What is ironical about Saheb’s name? Describe
gold in the garbage dumps. He points out that
the life of Saheb and the life of the other rag-
they can find a silver coin, a rupee, a ten rupee
pickers of Seemapuri.
Ans : 2005
note or more. More than 10,000 barefoot rag-
Saheb is a poor rag-picker. He is one of the pickers roam in the villages and the city roads.
numerous rag-pickers of Seemapuri which is on the In her visit to the settlement cc- my of
periphery of Delhi. Saheb’s full name is ‘Saheb-e- Seemapuri, the writer finds them living in the
Alam’ which means ‘Lord of the Universe’. This is structures of mud with roofs of tin and tarpaulin.
highly ironical. He leads a very poor and miserable They are devoid of sewage, drainage or running
life. He moves barefoot as he has no money to buy water. More than 10,000 rag-pickers have occupied
shoes. He earns his living by scrounging garbage illegal places to live and they have been living for
dumps for pits of paper and rags. He does not the last thirty years or so. They have been living
know what his name means. there without permits. Only they have ration cards
Saheb and the other rag-pickers of Seemapuri for grain purchase and to cast the votes. They have
lead a miserable and poor life. They live in no identity, so food is more important for their
dingy huts made of mud with roofs of tin and survival. Through discussion, the writer comes to
tarpaulin. They live amidst dirty and unhygienic know that they consider food as the chief ingredient
surroundings. There is no sewerage, no drainage of their survival. At the end of the day they go to
and no running water in their colony. They move bed without an aching stomach. They pitch their
around without shoes in the scorching heat. There tents wherever they find food. Thus, they become
is no development and no progress. For these poor their transit homes. Children grow up in them
people survival means rag-picking. For these poor and become partners in survival and survival in
children, garbage is wrapped in wonder. It is their Seemapuri means rag-picking. For them garbage is
source of livelihood. their gold, food and everything. For children it is
QUESTION 11.�
wrapped in wonder but for the elders it is a means
11. The bangle-makers of Firozabad make beautiful of survival.
bangles and make everyone happy but they live QUESTION 13.
and die in squalor. Elaborate. 13. Describe the life of the rag-pickers of Seemapuri.
Ans : 2010
Why does the author say that Seemapuri is on
The houses of the bangle sellers are located in the periphery of Delhi, yet miles away from it,
stinking lanes choked with garbage. Their homes metaphorically?
are like hovels with crumbling walls, wobbly Ans : 2010
doors and without windows. They are crowded The rag-pickers of Seemapuri lead a life of poverty
with families of humans and animals like the and misery. There are more than ten thousand
ancient days. The impoverished bangle sellers rag-pickers in Seemapuri. Most of them came here
are not in a position to send their sons to school from Bangladesh in 1971. They have been living
except teaching them the art of bangle making. here for more than thirty years. They don’t have
The workers usually go blind with the dust identity and permits. But they do have ration
from polishing the glass of bangles. The bangle cards which enable them to buy grain and cast
makers of Firozabad make beautiful bangles of all their votes at the time of elections. For them
colours. They make everyone happy. But they are food is more important than identity. As children
ill fated to live and die in squalor. Their women grow up in Seemapuri, they become a part of the
have no light in their eyes. They never eat one barefoot army of rag-pickers. Here survival means
f..11 meal ever in their life. The hard work breaks rag-picking. These young rag-pickers appear in the
their backs. They are ever afraid of the police if morning with their bags on their shoulders. They
they form co-operatives. Those who give cheer to scrounge the garbage dumps for bits of paper, rags,
others are lotted to live in gloom. plastic items or other things which they can sell
QUESTION 12.�
to the Kabariwallah. A garbage dump for them is
12. Elucidate the statement : “Food is more important wrapped in wonder. Sometimes, a rag-picker may
for survival than an identity”. find a rupee, a ten rupee note or even a silver coin.
Ans : 2013 Seemapuri is on the periphery of Delhi. Yet
Anees Jung encounters a rag-picker boy named the author says that it is metaphorically miles
Saheb daily in her neighbourhood. He is engaged away from Delhi. She means to say that the
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 193
glitter and development of Delhi has not touched says he will go to a garage and learn. Though the
Seemapuri. The poor rag-pickers live in huts made garage is a long distance from his house yet he
of mud, with roofs of tin and tarpaulin. There is will walk to the garage.
no disposal system for sewage, no draining and no Saheb was a rag-picker. By chance he got a job to
running water. It is unimaginable that Seemapuri work at the tea stall down the road. There he was
is part of Delhi, the capital of India. Here we find paid 800 rupees and all his meals. But his face
no signs of development, only squalor and poverty. lost his carefree look. He was no longer his own
QUESTION 14.�
master. The steel milk canister seemed heavier
14. Who is Saheb and what do you gather about his than his plastic bag. It belonged to his teamster
life and living conditions from the lesson ? and the life under the master was not a life of
happiness. So, he is no longer his own master.
O Thus, Mukesh wants to be his own master
Write the character sketch of Saheb-e-Alam of while it is opposite with Saheb.
Seemapuri. QUESTION 16.
O 16. Do you think the poor rag-pickers remain barefoot
Describe in details the life of a rag-picker turning because of tradition or lack of money?
to be servant at a tea stall. Ans : 2014
Ans : 2008 The author comes across Saheb, a rag-picker
Saheb is a rag-picker from Seemapuri whose of Seemapuri. He is part of many rag-pickers
parents migrated from Bangladesh in the year settled in Seemapuri. They live in poor and
1971. The writer encounters him every morning dirty conditions. Saheb and other rag-pickers
with barefoot in her neighbourhood. He is are barefoot. The author calls them an “army of
scrounging for gold in the garbage dumps. He is barefoot boys.” She asks one of them why he is
unable to go to school because there is none in not wearing shoes. He replies that his mother did
his neighbourhood. Saheb-e-Alam is his full name not bring the shoes down from the shelf. Some
though he does not know its exact meaning. It boys tell them that it is a tradition with them to
means ‘Lord of the Universe.’ It is ironical on remain barefoot. But the author thinks that this
his part that a poor fellow roams in the streets is only an excuse to explain away the perpetual
picking up the rags. poverty which compels them to remain barefoot.
For the rag-pickers of Seemapuri, Garbage She remembers a story, which a man from Udipi
is wrapped in wonder. Sometimes one can find told her. As a young boy he would go to school
a rupee, more of a silver coin and they always past a temple. His father was a priest in that
hope to find more. They live in squatters with temple. He was poor and could not afford shoes.
roofs of tin and tarpaulin. They have no identity He would stop briefly in the temple and pray for
except a ration card for voting and buying grain. shoes. Thirty years later, the author visited the
They are devoid of sewage, drainage and running same temple. She saw a young boy dressed in gray
water. Survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking. uniform, wearing socks and shoes. But the boys
At present Saheb is working at some tea stall. of Seemapuri are too poor to afford shoes. Some
The writer sees him with a steel canister. He has days later, she finds Saheb wearing discarded
lost his carefree look of his early days. He is not tennis shoes. This shows that the rag-pickers are
happy with his work because he is no longer his barefoot not because of any tradition but because
own master. of their poverty.
QUESTION 15.� QUESTION 17.�
15. How is Mukesh’s attitude towards his situation 17. Everyone wishes to live a lavish life in a big city.
different from that of Saheb ? Why ? Big cities provide big dreams in one’s eyes. These
Ans : 2015 attract everyone especially from villages or small
Mukesh is a boy with a daring attitude to drive a towns.
car. His family is engaged in making bangles. But After reading the text ‘Lost Spring’ you must
his dream seems like a mirage. His family believes have been able to point out the possible reasons
in ‘Karam theory’. behind migration from a place to other. Write
But Mukesh insists on being his own master. a paragraph is about 100 words for a social
So, he announces, I will be a motor mechanic. He magazine highlighting the issue ‘The reasons for
repeats “I wants to be a motor mechanic.” He the migration of people from villages to cities’.
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
5. Roof over his head : a house of his own. different. He wants to become a motor mechanic
6. Imposed the baggage on the child : forced the and drive a car.
burden on the child.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
THINK AS YOU READ 1 QUESTION 1.�
QUESTION 1.
1. What could be some of the reasons for the
1. What is Saheb looking for in the garbage dumps? migration of people from villages to cities ?
Where is he and where has he come from? Ans :
Ans : 2013 Due to urbanisation, education, employment,
He is looking for some silver coin or currency note. safety and other basic amenities more and more
It is no less than gold for him. He is in Seemapuri people are migrating from villages to the cities.
(Delhi) and he has come from Bangladesh. In the lesson at hand, people have fled from
QUESTION 2.� Bangladesh because their fields and houses were
2. What explanations does the author offer for the swept away by the storm. There they could not get
children not wearing footwear even enough food to fill their belly. The settlement
Ans : 2010 of Seemapuri is a fine example of this kind. In
She says that the children are too poor to have addition to this one can see that the pressure
any shoes. It could also be a tradition among on the land has increased due to population
them to go barefoot. and mechanised farming. So the requirement of
QUESTION 3.� labour is very acute. Consequently, people flee
3. Is Saheb happy working at the tea-stall? Explain. towards the cities for work. In earlier days means
Ans : 2008 of education and transportation, etc., were very
No, Saheb is not happy working at the tea-stall. few. Only a few could get education. Agriculture
Though he is now earning `800 per month along was their main profession. With extensive and
with two times’ meal, yet he has lost the carefree renovated education, the youths run from post to
look at his face. He is no longer his own master pillar in search of job. They do not want to stay
and has lost his freedom. in unhealthy and unhygienic rural surroundings.
Not to speak of this, all sorts of village crafts
THINK AS YOU READ 2 have been replaced with the machines. The market
QUESTION 1.�
is full of competition, quality and cheap good. The
1. What makes the city of Firozabad famous? villagers fail to compete with the new system of
Ans : 2011 heavy industrialisation. So the people migrate from
The city of Firozabad is famous for bangles. The villages to cities.
bangle making industry of Firozabad is famous all QUESTION 2.�
over the world. It is India’s largest glass blowing 2. Would you agree that promises made to the poor
industry where glass is welded into colourful children are rarely kept? Why do you think this
bangles. happens in the incidents narrated in the text ?
QUESTION 2.�
Ans :
2. Mention the hazards of working in the glass There is no denying the fact that promises
bangles industry. made to the poor children are rarely kept. In
Ans : 2008 our modern democratic India, people living in
Men have to work in dingy cells without air and slum colonies, resettlement areas and jhuggi and
light. They lose the brightness of their eyes. They jhopary colonies hardly have an access to civic
go blind with the dust from polishing the glass amenities and the education. They are meant for
bangles. casting their votes. ....... show attendance in the
QUESTION 3.� political rallies. Their grieves are hardly adhered
3. How is Mukesh’s attitude to his situation different to by the bureaucrats. The writer has given two
from that of his family? current examples of the residents of Seemapuri
Ans : 2005 and Firozabad.
Mukesh does not want to accept his situation In Seemapuri one can see more than 10,000
as permanent. He is ambitious and wants to be rag-pickers who live in structures of mud, with
his own master. He does not want to spend his roofs of tin and tarpaulin. They are devoid of
life making bangles. He wants to do something sewage, drainage or running water. They live
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 195
or thoughts are responsible for it. Write an article field encourages them to have indepth knowledge.
to be published in your school magazine on the Those who dare to climb the hill conquer Mount
issue–Profession can not be termed as legacy’. Everest. Dedication has no substitute. It is the
Sign yourself as Amrita/Amrit. (100 words). only way to great accomplishments.
Ans : 2020
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
Profession v/s Legacy QUESTION 1.�
By Amrita 1. Read the following extract and answer the
Indian society has many facets. There is caste questions that follow.
system prevalent, as one of the major evils in “There is no school in my neighbourhood. When
the society. Not only this, in some parts of the they build one, I will go”.
country, the profession of some people has turned, “lf I start a school will you come?” I ask half-
out to be their caste. They are indulged in the joking’
same profession from generation to generation. “Yes,” he says, smiling broadly.
They treat it like the god-given lineage that A few days later, I see him running up to me.
is unbreakable. Some as in the case of bangle- “Is your school ready?”
makers at Firozabad, new generation is said to ‘It takes longer to build a school.” I say,
believe to have born in the caste of bangle makers. embarrassed at having made a promise that was
This ancestral profession, despite many health- not meant. But promises like mine abound in
hazards, runs in their blood. To do anything else every corner of his bleak world.
would mean to dare. The youngsters have to treat (a) Cite evidence from the extract to prove that
it like their ‘Karam’ or destiny. They lived a life of the boy was taken in by the hollow promises.
sacked employees. Profession has been imposed as (b) Why does the author feel anxious and
a legacy on them. Whether it brings full facilities embarrassed on meeting the poor boy?
to live or not, nothing else can not be tried even.
(i) Her school was not willing to give him
This is unfair and not done. Now the younger
admission.
generation has the spark to do anything else. A
doctor’s son should not necessarily be a doctor. (ii) The school was not ready as yet.
One can opt for profession according to one’s (iii) She had raised the boy’s hopes in jest.
choice. This is the only way to break the vicious (iv) The boy had been harassing her.
circle of the abject poverty. (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
QUESTION 21.�
The phrase “a bleak world” suggests that
21. Dedication, determination and devotion are _____.
the factors responsible for phenomenal success.
(d) The fact that the poor boy fell for the empty
Substantiate the value points above statement.
promises made by the author shows this
Ans : 2014
character train in the boy’s personality.
Hard work is the key to success. Dogged
determination and strong will power are the mid- (e) What does the statement, “There is no school
night oil and strive hard to achieve the desired in my neighbourhood. When they build one, I
goals. It is said that between two stools one falls will go” suggest about the boy?
on the ground. Thus, one has to dedicate one’s life (f) Which of the following headlines best suggests
to a specific field. The long term goals and aims of the central idea of the extract?
life must be set thoughtfully and not whimsically. (i) There is no dearth of promises which
The capricious nature of a fellow does not allow remain unfulfilled.
him to reach the heights. Devotion always brings (ii) There is a scarcity of people promising
good results and rewards. The essence of devotion things for betterment.
is trust or faith. If one has trust in performing
(iii) People make a lot of promises which are
the actions, one is able in winning the battle
often fulfilled.
‘of life. Trust gives strength and strength gives
(iv) Promises made, live up to the expectations
birth to determination which leads to dedication.
of people.
Devoted and dedicated people never become a
Ans : 2014
part of a problem. They remain a part of the
solution. They do not do different things but (a) A few days later, I see him running up to me.
they do things differently. Their devotion to the “Is your school ready?”
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
(c) For some, remaining barefoot is a habit. Ans : 2013
(d) It points to the fact that for some poor (a) Saheb is ‘content to watch it (the game)
children, even mismatched shoes are a luxury. standing behind the fence.’
(e) (iv) Bewilderment and exasperation (b) (iii) He understands the desires of the children
because he is poor too.
(f) sparsely
QUESTION 6.�
(c) Saheb too is wearing tennis shoes that look
6. Read the following extract and answer the strange over his discoloured shirt and shorts.
questions that follow. (d) Saheb wants to emphasise that he has not
“I like the game,” he hums, content to watch it stolen the shoes.
standing behind the fence. “I go inside when no (e) Saheb is fascinated by tennis.
one is around,” he admits. “The gatekeeper lets (f) (ii) One man’s meat is another man’s poison
me use the swing.” QUESTION 7.�
Saheb too is wearing tennis shoes that look 7. Read the following extract and answer the
strange over his discoloured shirt and shorts. questions that follow.
“Someone gave them to me,” he says in the Mukesh insists on being his own master “I will be
manner of an explanation. The fact that they are a motor mechanic”, he announces.
discarded shoes of some rich boy, who perhaps ‘Do you know anything about cars ?’ I ask.
refused to wear them because of a hole in one “I will learn to drive a car,” he answers,
of them, does not bother him. For one who has looking straight into my eyes. His dream looms
walked barefoot, even shoes with a hole is a like a mirage amidst the dust of streets that fill
dream come true. But the game he is watching so his town Firozabad, famous for its bangles. Every
intently is out of his reach. other family in Firozabad is engaged in making
(a) Tennis is beyond the reach of Saheb. Cite bangles. It is the centre of India’s glass blowing
evidence from the text to justify the given industry where families have spent generations
statement. working around furnaces, welding glass, making
(b) Why does the gatekeeper allow Saheb to use bangles for all the women in the land it seems.
the swing? Mukesh’s family is among them. None of them
know that it is illegal for children like him to work
(i) He does it in exchange for money.
in the glass furnaces with high temperatures, ...
(ii) He sees his own children in these rag- ... ...
pickers.
(a) Through the expression “... looking straight
(iii) He understands the desires of the children into my eyes” the narrator is trying to convey
because he is poor too. _____
(iv) He does it for fun. (b) “None of them know that it is illegal for
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. children to work in glass furnaces.” Select the
An example of contrast given in the extract inference in reference to the above statement.
is _____. (i) The children are innocent and do not
(d) What can you infer from the statement given realise the hardships of life.
below? (ii) Their illiteracy and ignorance are exploited
“Someone gave them to me,” he says in the by the unscrupulous businessmen.
manner of an explanation.
(iii) They have no one to support them legally
(e) What does the word ‘intently’ suggest about to get out of the situation.
Saheb in ‘But the game he is watching so
(iv) The children are ready to work in glass
intently is out of his reach?
furnaces due to their poverty.
(f) Which of the following headlines expressed in
(c) Explain any two qualities of Mukesh that can
popular idioms best suggests the central idea
be drawn from the line, “ Mukesh insists on
of the extract?
being his own master.”
(i) Different folks, different strokes.
(d) The expression, “making bangles for all the
(ii) One man’s meat is another man’s poison. women in the land it seems’ refers to _____
(iii) Birds of a feather flock together. (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
(iv) Sell in May and go away. select the most likely reason why the author
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 197
(d) Wherever they find food, they pitch their (d) The steel canister seems heavier than the
tents that become transit homes. plastic hag he would carry so lightly over his
(e) Their families don’t sleep on a hungry shoulder.
stomach. (e) (ii) Lost childhood
(f) (i) The struggle for survival (f) metaphor
QUESTION 4.� QUESTION 5.�
4. Read the following extract and answer the 5. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow. questions that follow.
This morning, Saheb is on his way to the milk “Why aren’t you wearing chappals?” I ask one.
booth. In his hand is a steel canister “I now work “My mother did not bring them down from
in a tea stall down the road,” he says, pointing in the shelf” he answers simply.
the distance. “I am paid 800 rupees and all my “Even if she did he will throw them off” adds
meals.” Does he like the job? I ask. His face, I another who is wearing shoes that do not match.
see, has lost the carefree look. The steel canister When I comment on it, he shuffles his feet and
seems heavier than the plastic bag he would carry says nothing. “I want shoes,” says a third boy who
so lightly over his shoulder. The bag was his. The never owned a pair all his life. Travelling across the
canister belongs to the man who owns the tea country I have seen children walking barefoot, in
shop. Saheb is no longer his own master! cities, on village roads. It is not lack of money but
a tradition to stay barefoot, is one explanation. I
(a) What does the author wish to convey in ‘His wonder if this is only an excuse to explain away a
face, I see, has lost the carefree look? perpetual state of poverty.
(b) The comparison used in the line, “The steel (a) What is the writer’s opinion about children
canister seems heavier than the plastic bag he not wearing shoes or chappals of any kind?
would carry so lightly over his shoulders.” can
(b) The line, “Tradition is an excuse to remain
be best classified as:
barefoot”, can be best classified as:
(i) a fact
(i) a false perception
(ii) an opinion
(ii) an opinion
(iii) a contrast
(iii) a theme
(iv) a plot point
(iv) one of the few explanations
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can
be drawn from the line, “The bag was his.”
be drawn from the line, “Even if she did he
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears will throw them off,” adds another.
evidence to the fact that ragpicking for some
(d) What does the example of a boy wearing
is not just a matter of survival but also
mismatched shoes suggest to you?
something they love doing.
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
select the option that reflects the attitude of
select the most likely explanation for the
the author towards shoes.
story’s title.
(i) Sympathy and concern
(i) Lost wealth
(ii) Apathy and carelessness
(ii) Lost childhood
(iii) Empathy and kindness
(iii) Lost spring
(iv) Bewilderment and exasperation
(iv) Lost shoes
(f) “My mother did not bring them down from
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
the shelf,” he answers simply.
The steel canister carried by Saheb is a
Complete the sentence with ONE word.
_____ for the loss of freedom.
For some, the shoes are used _____ as a
Ans : 2005
luxury item.
(a) When Saheb was a rag-picker, he was carefree Ans : 2017
and happy.
(a) Anees Jung thinks that it is due to a perpetual
(b) (iii) a contrast state of poverty.
(c) Saheb was his own master when he was a rag- (b) (iv) one of the few explanations
picker.
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
QUESTION 15.� QUESTION 19.�
15. Seemapuri is on the periphery of Delhi and yet 19. Is it possible for Mukesh to realize his dream ?
miles away from it. Why does the author say so ? Justify your answer.
Ans : 2012 O
Seemapuri is still in wilderness but it is no longer What was Mukesh’s dream ? In your opinion did
empty. In 1971 it was inhabited illegally by more he achieve his dream ?
than 10,000 rag-pickers from Bangladesh. It is on Ans : 2019
the periphery of Delhi yet it is miles away from it Mukesh belongs to the family of bangle-makers.
metaphorically. People live in structures of mud, He tells the writer to become a motor mechanic.
with roofs of tin and tarpaulin. It is devoid of He will learn to drive a car and does not hesitate
sewage, drainage and running water. They have to go to the far off garage. He has no desire to live
got ration cards for votes and buying grains. They and become the victim of poverty. He says “To
have no identity. Women move in tattered saris. do anything else means having some dare and the
Survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking. same is flashing on his face.” In this way Mukesh
QUESTION 16. will surely realize his dream.
16. What did the author observe when she went to QUESTION 20.
Udipi thirty years later? 20. Describe the miserable condition of the rag-
Ans : 2015, 2011 pickers of Seemapuri.
The author again visited Udipi thirty years later. Ans : 2012
She went to the temple. She saw that there was a The rag-pickers of Seemapuri lead a life of misery
new priest in that temple. She saw a young boy. and poverty. They live in dirty conditions. Their
He was dressed in a grey uniform and was wearing houses are made of mud with roofs of tin and
socks and shoes. Now young boys like the priest’s tarpaulin. There is no sewerage system, or
son wore shoes. draining. They don’t have running water. Children
QUESTION 17.� are without shoes and are dressed in tattered
17. Explain “Survival in Seemapuri means rag- clothes. Survival in Seemapuri means ragpicking.
picking.” QUESTION 21.�
O 21. Give a brief write-up about a man from Udipi.
How do their children become partners in their O
survival ? What stories did a man from Udipi once tell the
Ans : 2006 authoress, Anees Jung ?
Seemapuri is a place in the outskirts of Delhi. The Ans : 2013
rag-pickers scrounge gold in the garbage dumps. Once the writer meets a man from Udipi. About
For the children garbage is wrapped in wonder the shoes, he tells that as a young boy, he would
and for the elders, it is a means of survival. A daily go to school past an old temple. In his way
group of women say that they pitch their tents, he would stay there for some time to pray to the
where they find food. They become their transit goddess for a pair of shoes. His father was a priest
homes. There the children grow and participate in at the temple. Finally, he got a pair of shoes and
the process of survival. became contented.
QUESTION 18. QUESTION 22.
18. The author says, “Seemapuri is on the periphery 22. Why does the author say that survival in
of Delhi, yet miles away from it, metaphorically.” Seemapuri means ragpicking?
What does she mean to say? Ans : 2021
Ans : 2011 Seemapuri is a dirty colony on the outskirts of
Seemapuri is a settlement of thousands of rag- Delhi. It is a colony of rag-pickers. More than ten
pickers. It is on the periphery of Delhi. It is a dirty thousand people are engaged in this job. Most
colony, where people live in poverty and misery. of them have migrated from Bangladesh. They
The houses are made of mud, tins and tarpaulin. lead miserable and poor lives. They have no other
The streets are full of dirt and sewerage. There means of earning their livelihood. So they have to
is a complete contrast between the modern Delhi scrounge the garbage dumps for bits of paper and
and Seemapuri. That is why, metaphorically, it is rags. That is why the author says that survival in
far away from Delhi. Seemapuri means ragpicking.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 199
says that “His dream looms like a mirage? The sentence “ Few airplanes fly over
(i) Most people in Firozabad make bangles. Firozabad!” suggests that had Mukesh seen
(ii) It looks as unachievable as finding water as many airplanes in the sky as the cars on
in a desert. the streets of his town, _____.
(iii) Bangle making is a generational (d) Pick the strongest evidence from the extract
occupation in Firozabad. that helps one infer that Mukesh has good
chances of realising his dreams.
(iv) The streets of the town are dusty.
(e) ‘Few airplanes fly over Firozabad.’ Choose the
(f) “None of them know that it is illegal for
correct figure of speech based on the repetition
children like him to work in the glass furnaces
of a similar sound for this statement.
with high temperatures, ... ... ...” In the given
statement, the words “like him” indicate a (f) Which of the following personality traits of
social problem also? Identify it. Mukesh get highlighted in the extract?
Ans : 2011
1. determined 2. fearless 3. hopeful 4. valiant
5. ambitious 6. stern 7. optimistic
(a) the determination and courage in Mukesh to
express his opinion. (i) 1, 5 and 7
(b) (ii) Their illiteracy and ignorance are (ii) 2, 3 and 4
exploited by the unscrupulous businessmen. (iii) 2 and 5
(c) Mukesh wants to be independent and take his (iv) 3, 6 and 7
own decisions. Ans : 2006
(d) all the womenfolk of India. (a) He wants to break off from the generational
(e) (ii) It looks as unachievable as finding water lineage of bangle making.
in a desert. (b) (iv) He wants to fly a plane also someday.
(f) Mukesh like many others is a child labourer. (c) maybe he would have dreamt of being a pilot.
QUESTION 8.� (d) I will walk.
8. Read the following extract and answer the (e) Alliteration
questions that follow.
(f) 1, 5 and 7
“I want to be a motor mechanic,” he repeats.
He will go to a garage and learn. But the garage QUESTION 9.�
is a long way from his home. “I will walk” he 9. Read the following extract and answer the
insists. “Do you also dream of flying a plane?” questions that follow.
He is suddenly silent. “No”, he says, staring at None of them know that it is illegal for children
the ground. In his small murmur, there is an like him to work in the glass furnaces with high
embarrassment that has not yet turned into temperatures, in dingy cells without air and light,
regret. He is content to dream of cars that he that the law, if enforced, could get him and all
sees hurtling down the streets of his town. Few those 20,000 children out of the hot furnaces
airplanes fly over Firozabad! where they slog their daylight hours, often losing
(a) Which revolutionary trait of Mukesh’s brightness of their eyes. Mukesh’s eyes beam as
personality comes to the fore in this extract he volunteers to take me home, which he proudly
when he says that “I want to be a motor says is being rebuilt. We walk down stinking lanes
mechanic? choked with garbage, past homes that remain
(b) There is an embarrassment that has not yet hovels with crumbling walls, wobbly doors, no
turned into regret. One of the options given windows, crowded with families of humans and
below does not correspond to the given animals coexisting in a primeval state.
statement and so should not be on the list. (a) In the statement, ‘None of them know that it
Remove it. is illegal for children like him to work in the
(i) Mukesh is positive about his aim in life. glass furnaces with high temperatures’, ‘None
of them’ refers to whom?
(ii) He still has the ability to dream.
(b) The abject poverty of Firozabad described
(iii) Mukesh has not given up on life.
in ‘stinking lanes choked with garbage, past
(iv) He wants to fly a plane also someday. homes that remain hovels with crumbling
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. walls, wobbly doors, no windows, crowded
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Ch 2 : Lost Spring
with families of humans and animals (a) The literary device in ‘Their fathers are as
coexisting in a primeval state’ is: tired as they are’ is _____.
(i) a factual description (b) Which of the explanations given below
(ii) a subjective description corroborates the statement: ‘They talk
(iii) a symbolic theme endlessly in a spiral that moves from poverty
to apathy to greed and to injustice.
(iv) a plot point
(i) The bangle makers are exhausted yet
(c) Explain any one common factor between the
they are enterprising and have dreams.
hot furnaces and the dingy hovels in which
the people of Firozabad work and live. (ii) The drudgery of work has destroyed their
willingness to improve their lot.
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears
evidence to the fact that the houses their are (iii) The daily grind has stolen the dreams of
not in proper condition. the bangle makers and made them dull.
(e) Based on the context provided below, select (iv) The bangle makers have been working so
the most likely explanation to justify it. hard that there’s no time to dream.
‘That the law, if enforced, could get him (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
and all those 20,000 children out of the hot The phrase “no one who could help them see
furnaces where they slog their daylight hours.’ things differently” suggests that _____.
(i) A law against child labour exists in India. (d) Pick an example of harassment from the
(ii) The law is not implemented properly. extract.
(iii) People misuse loopholes in the law. (e) What do the words ‘fallen into the vicious
circle of middlemen who trapped their fathers
(iv) The law needs to be redrafted.
and forefathers’ indicate about the young
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word. people of Firozabad?
20,000 children working in the hot furnaces
(f) Which of the following headlines best suggests
only in Firozabad means that child labour is
the central idea of the extract?
_____ in India.
The idea of getting organised into cooperatives
Ans : 2014
falls through even before taking off because
(a) The people of Firozabad _____.
(b) (i) a factual description (i) it is an illegal measure.
(c) Both are devoid of air, light and ventilation. (ii) no one wants to lead the poor bangle
(d) We walk down stinking lanes choked with makers.
garbage, past homes that remain hovels with (iii) the middlemen would throw a spanner.
crumbling walks wobbly doors, no windows,
(iv) the police favour the powerful.
crowded with families of humans and animals
Ans : 2016
coexisting in a primeval state.
(a) simile
(e) (ii) The law is not implemented properly.
(b) (ii) The drudgery of work has destroyed their
(f) rampant/widespread
willingness to improve their lot.
QUESTION 10.�
10. Read the following extract and answer the (c) there is no one to help the bangle makers
questions that follow. cultivate awareness about their rights.
“Why not organise yourselves into a cooperative?” (d) ‘We are the ones who will be hauled up by the
I ask a group of young men who have fallen into police, beaten and dragged to jail for doing
the vicious circle of middlemen who trapped their something illegal.’
fathers and forefathers. ‘Even if we get organized, (e) They also borrow money from the middlemen
we are the ones who will be hauled up by the police, and spend a lifetime in repaying it, mostly in
beaten and dragged to jail for doing something vain.
illegal,” they say. There is no leader among them, (f) (iv) the police favour the powerful.
no one who could help them see things differently.
Their fathers are as tired as they are. They talk
endlessly in a spiral that moves from poverty to
apathy to greed and to injustice.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 201
CHAPTER 3
Deep Water
1. Introduction Growing Panicky
He tried to come up but the nine feet were more
William Douglas was an American writer. He was than ninety. His lungs were about to burst.
born in Maine, Minnesota. This lesson has been When his feet hit the bottom, he gathered all his
taken from his book “Of Men and Mountains’. strength and made a great spring upwards. He
This deals with a childhood experience of the imagined to bob to the surface like a cork but he
author. One day he went to a swimming pool. came up slowly. He opened his eyes and saw water
A boy threw him into the pool. He was nearly every where. It was dirty and some what yellow.
drowned in the swimming pool. That was a He grew panicky. He was suffocating. He tried to
terrifying experience for him. This childhood yell but no sound came out. He swallowed water
incident created fear of water in his mind. It took and choked. His legs became paralysed. He tried
several years of his life to overcome this fear. But many times to come out of the pool but failed
he was able to conquer his fear with courage and and finally fainted. When he woke up, he found
determination. himself lying on his stomach beside the pool.
He was vomiting water. The boy who threw
him, admitted that he was only fooling. Some one
2. Summary
said that the kid had nearly died. Several hours later
he walked home, weak and trembling. There was a
Decision of Douglas to Swim
haunting fear in his heart. It remained in him for
Douglas was ten or eleven years old when
days together. The slightest exertion upset him and
he decided to learn to swim. He got a good
he never went back to the pool. He feared water and
opportunity to learn at the YMCA pool.
avoided it whenever he could. After few years he
Douglas’s Childhood Fear wanted to get into the waters of the cascades or the
Since childhood he had an aversion to the water. ‘Teton or Bumping River or bathing in the Warm
Once he was standing at a beach in California. Lake, the terror would seize him. This handicap
At that Lime he was three or four years old. By remained with him for years. It ruined his fishing
chance the waves knocked him down and swept trips and even his joys of canoeing, boating and
over him. He was buried in water and his breath swimming. He failed to overcome this fear in-spite
was gone. He was awfully frightened and terror of using every way he knew.
developed in his heart. But in a little while he
An Instructor for Swimming
gathered confidence. He paddled with new water
At last one October, he engaged an instructor
wings by copying the other boys. He started
to train him to overcome this fear. At a pool he
feeling comfortable when there occurred the
practised five days a week an hour each day. The
misadventure.
instructor put a belt round him. A rope attached
The Misadventure to the belt went through a pulley. Each time when
Once Douglas was alone on the pool. There came he went under, some of the old terror returned
a big bruiser who tossed him into the deep end of and froze his legs. It took three months before
water. The narrator was frightened but had not the tension began to disappear. Then he was
lost his wits. He decided to take a big jump from taught to breathe out and breathe in after putting
the bottom. He would come to the surface, lie flat his face under water. He repeated this exercise
on it and paddle to the edge of the pool. hundreds of times. Bit by bit he could shed his
haunting fear.
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
Piece by Piece a Swimmer 27. Toss = throw
When the instructor had perfected his each piece 28. Swallow = gulp down
in swimming, he told Douglas to dive off, to swim 29. Summoned = gathered
across and to crawl and other strokes. When he 30. Bob = come up
was in the middle of the lake, the old sensation 31. Tinge = colour
returned in miniature. In water he did the crawl 32. Panicky = afraid
breast stroke, side stroke, back stroke, etc. 33. Grab = grip
34. Clutched = grabbed
The Residual Doubts 35. Suffocating = choking
The haunting water fear was gone like his friend 36. Paralyzed = unable to move
Doug Corpron, on swimming across the other 37. Rigid = stiff
shore and back of Warm Lake. He shouted with 38. Struck = thumped
joy, “I had conquered the fear of water”. 39. Expending = spending
40. Nightmare = a bad dream
A Deep Meaning
41. Throbbed = palpitated
This drowning experience had a deep meaning for
42. Dizzy = feeling giddy
Douglas. In death there is peace. But in the fear
43. Strategy = plan
of death, there is terror only. Roosevelt once said.
44. Thrash = strike
“All we have to fear is fear itself”. The author
45. Stark = complete
William Douglas had experienced both – one,
46. Sheer = only
the sensation of dying and other the terror that
47. Endlessly = completely
fear of dying produces. Thus ‘the will to live’ has
48. Shrieking = crying
grown higher in him. Douglas felt released – free
49. Seized = caught
to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to
50. Frozen = choked
brush aside fear.
51. Midst = in the middle of
52. Mass = heap
3. Word meanings 53. Charge = current
54. Fright = fear
1. Graduating = receiving a bachelor’s degree
55. Awful = fearful
2. Pursue = to follow
56. Sucked = inhaled
3. Excerpt = part
57. Ceased = ended
4. Pool = swimming pool
58. Relaxed = eased
5. Offered = provided
59. Limp = lifeless
6. Treacherous = dangerous
60. Drowsy = sleepy
7. Shallow = not deep
61. Oblivion = forgetfulness
8. Gradual = by degrees
62. Haunting = coming again and again
9. Skinny = very thin
63. Slightest = least
10. Subdued = overcame
64. Exertion = tiredness
11. Aversion = dislike
65. Wobbly = unstable
12. Surf = wave
66. Cascade = waterfall
13. Beach = seashore
67. Wading = walking through water
14. Frightened = terrified
68. Bumping = bouncing
15. Revived = reminded
69. Handicap = hindrance
16. Unpleasant = not enjoyable
70. Canoes = small boats
17. Stirred = arose
71. Salmon, bass, trout = kind of fish
18. Paddled = moved on water
72. Ruined = destroyed
19. Aping = imitating
73. Trips = journeys
20. Misadventure = accident
74. Forth = ahead
21. Timid = lacking courage
75. Relaxed = let loose
22. Bruiser = muscular man
76. Hold = grip
23. Specimen = example
77. Tension = stress
24. Rippling = waving
78. Slack = lessen
25. Yelled = shouted
79. Exhale = breathe out
26. Duck = dive
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 203
80. Inhale = breathe in sitting alone on the side of the pool. There was no
81. Shed = gave up one there. He was afraid of going into the water
82. Command = order/direct alone. So he was waiting for others to come.
83. Integrated = complete Suddenly a big boy came in. He picked the writer
84. Vestiges = signs up and tossed him into the pool. The writer at
85. Frown = scowl once went to the bottom of the pool. On the way
86. Dock = part of port down, he made a plan. He would hit the bottom
87. Sensation = strong feeling and make a big jump to the surface. But he came
88. Residual = left over up very slowly. He could see nothing but water.
89. Hurried = went in a hurry He grew panicky. Twice he tried to jump, but
90. Meadow = grassland the jump made no difference. At last he stopped
91. Stripped = took off clothes all efforts. He relaxed. There was no more panic.
92. Appreciate = praise Everything blanked out. The curtain of life fell.
93. Intensity = power/strength But luckily, before he was dead, he was taken out
94. Released = freed of the pool and saved.
95. Trails = paths QUESTION 2.�
2. What were the series of emotions and fears that
Douglas experienced when he was thrown into
4. ncert textbook questions the pool? What plan did he make to come to the
QUESTION 1. surface?
1. Notice these words and expressions in the text. Ans : 2014
Infer their meaning from the context. When Douglas was thrown into the water by a big
1. treacherous bruiser, initially he was shocked and frightened.
He went deep into the water in the same posture
2. misadventure
in which he was sitting. He was terrified and
3. subdued my pride panic-stricken. But he kept his presence of mind
4. bob to the surface like a cork and planned to make a big jump the moment
5. flailed at the surface his feet touched the bottom and to spring to the
6. curtain of life fell surface like a cork. But unfortunately all his three
7. fishing for landlocked salmon attempts failed and at the end he felt suffocated
and paralysed. Full of stark terror, he became
8. back and forth across the pool
unconscious.
Ans :
QUESTION 3.�
1. Treacherous : dangerous, deceitful 3. How did this experience affect him ?
2. Misadventure : an unfortunate incident Ans : 2010
3. Subdued my pride : got rid of negativity The experience shook the writer badly. After some
4. Bob to the surface like a cork : make a quick, hours, he was able to walk back home. He was
short movement up and down feeling very weak. He was trembling. He shook
and cried when he lay on his bed. He could eat
5. Flailed at the surface : moved arms and legs
nothing that night. For days, a terrible fear filled
around without control
his heart. He never went back to that pool again.
6. Curtain of life fell : become unconscious
7. Fishing for landlocked salmon : catching a THINK AS YOU READ 2
type of fish QUESTION 1.�
8. Back and forth across the pool : from one side 1. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear
to another in a pool of water?
Ans : 2016
THINK AS YOU READ 1 Douglas wanted to live his life to the fullest. This
QUESTION 1.
fear was a hindrance to his enjoying the pleasures
1. What is the ‘misadventure’ that William Douglas of life. This fear ruined all his fishing trips. He
speaks about ? could not enjoy any water sport like canoeing,
Ans : 2019
fishing, swimming, etc. So he was determined to
The misadventure referred to happened at the get over his fear of water.
YMCA swimming pool. One day, the writer was
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
(a) What do you make of the writer’s commentary were _____.
in describing the hefty teen? (b) Douglas wasn’t really scared when tossed into
(b) The line, “I was timid about going in alone, the pool at first because he _____.
so I sat on the side of the pool to wait for (i) was overconfident.
others” can be best classified as: (ii) was confident of his strength.
(i) a fact (iii) knew swimming well.
(ii) an opinion (iv) thought there were people around who
(iii) the central theme would save him.
(iv) a rumour (c) Decipher the highlighted words and complete
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can the sentence appropriately:
be drawn from the writing style adopted by “I summoned all my strength and made
the author. what I thought was a great spring upwards”
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears suggests that _____.
evidence to the fact that the narrator was (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
painfully shy. infer that the narrator tried to save himself.
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract, (e) What do the words ‘water that had a dirty
select the most likely explanation for the big yellow tinge to it’ indicate about the situation?
boy’s behaviour towards the narrator. (f) Which of the following headlines best suggests
(i) He wanted to frighten the author. the central idea of the extract?
(ii) He was just fooling around. (i) Fall flat on your face
(iii) He bullied a skinny lad sitting alone. (ii) Down and out
(iv) His intention was benevolent. (iii) Fight a losing battle
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word. (iv) Threescore and ten
The figure of speech in the expression ‘as Ans : 2009
white and clean as a bath tub’ is _____. (a) likely filled up with water.
Ans : 2008
(b) (ii) was confident of his strength.
(a) The writer found the muscular build-up of (c) the force or effort applied by the narrator was
the teen admirable. inadequate.
(b) (i) a fact (d) He shouted for help and tried to push himself
(c) William Douglas has written an to the surface.
autobiographical account. (e) The words indicate that the narrator was
(d) I went to the pool when no one else was there. slowly losing his consciousness.
(e) (iii) he bullied a skinny lad sitting alone. (f) (iii) Fight a losing battle.
(f) simile QUESTION 21.�
QUESTION 20.� 5. Read the following extract and answer the
4. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
questions that follow. But the jump made no difference. The water was
It seemed a long way down. Those nine feet were still around me. I looked for ropes, ladders, wings.
more like ninety, and before I touched bottom my Nothing but water. A mass of yellow water held
lungs were ready to burst. But when my feet hit me. Stark terror took an even deeper hold on
bottom I summoned all my strength and made me, like a great charge of electricity. I shook and
what I thought was a great spring upwards. I trembled with fright. My arms wouldn’t move.
imagined I would bob to the surface like a cork. My legs wouldn’t move. I tried to call for help, to
Instead, I came up slowly. I opened my eyes and call for mother. Nothing happened.
saw nothing but water—water that had a dirty And then, strangely, there was light. I was
yellow tinge to it. I grew panicky. I reached up as coming out of the awful yellow water. At least my
if to grab a rope and my hands clutched only at eyes were. My nose was almost out too.
water. I was suffocating. (a) What makes the reader realise that the efforts
(a) The author says, “before I touched bottom of the narrator were futile?
my lungs were ready to burst” because they
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 205
terror stricken. At the other occasion he was the end of our life. One of the boy came outside
thrown into the deep end of the YMCA pool by and saw the villagers. He cried and cried. They
a big bruiser of a boy. A stark terror overpowered came and brought us out of the water. But this
and gripped him. It followed and haunted him enabled us to challenge the fears of life and we can
wherever he went. He realised that his joys of undertake adventurous works.
fishing, canoeing; boating and swimming had QUESTION 2.�
ruined. Keeping in view its severe consequences, 2. Find and narrate other stories about conquest
he engaged an instructor who trained him in fear and what people have said about courage. For
swimming and Douglas was able to conquer his example, you can recall Nelson Mandela’s courage
fear. and his struggle for freedom, his perseverance to
This experience had a deeper meaning for achieve his mission, to liberate the oppressed and
Douglas. Because he had experienced both the the oppressor as depicted in his autobiography.
sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it The story “We’re Not Afraid To Die,” which you
can produce. He learnt the will to live in great have read in class XI, is an apt example of how
intensity. This experience can only be realised by courage and optimism that helped the family
those who had faced to conquer it. This exactly service under the direst stress.
happened with Douglas. He knew : In death, there Ans :
is peace, there is terror only in the fear of death.” It is correct that hard struggle and honest labour
Thus one can estimate what matters is the will to never go unrewarded. They help in overcoming
live.” As Roosevelt said, “All we have to fear is all kind of terror and fear. India’s struggle for
fear itself.” So will to live is great and it can take freedom is the best example of this type. Here
man to touch the highest peaks of life. thousands of Indians scarified their lives for
the noble cause. They were tortured, terrified,
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT put behind the bars and painful cruelties were
QUESTION 1.�
inflected on them. Ultimately India became free
1. “All we have to fear is fear itself.” Have you ever from the clutches of the Britishers. Now we lead a
had a fear that you have now overcome ? Share free and democratic life being masters of our own.
your experience with others in the class. In the same way South Africa was facing the
Ans : problem of Apartheid till 1992 when the black
Roosevelt has appropriately said, “All we have people were segregated and despised by the
to fear is fear itself.” These words have a deeper Whites. Only the 20% population of the Whites
meaning for all of us. It implies that we fear from governed over them. Nelson Mandela launched
fear. Those who have undergone this experience a heroic struggle to liberate the blacks. They
of fear, they can only appreciate its worth. demonstrated against the policies of the Whites.
William O. Douglas has faced it twice in his life. Mandela alongwith his friends were tortured.
He had a terrible fear of water. He could not go Finally, he was able to overcome all the terror
for swimming, boating, canoeing and rafting, etc. and got freedom for the blacks. His story is also
He realised that it would ruin his career since a fine example of struggle, sacrifice, perseverance
fear was following and haunting him wherever he and hard toil to achieve his mission. During the
went. Fear is our hard core enemy. We must get elections, Nelson Mandela became the President
rid of it at the earliest like Douglas. I too had a of South Africa.
terrible experience in my life. The other story “We’re not Afraid to Die”
A small tributary flows near our village. is an example to conquest over fear and other
During the summer vacation we used to go there obstacles. It is their patience, perseverance and
for bathing and swimming. Very often we were struggle that win over all their terrors and fears.
made cautious by the villagers not to bathe in it. They land safely on the island and people give
There is a deeper whole inside the stream. Being them a warm welcome.
children we never bothered. One day we took out
our clothes and plunged into it. By chance the THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE
water was overflowing the banks and the current QUESTION 1.�
was fast. While diving, two among us got stuck 1. If some one else had narrated Douglas’s experience
into the hole. We cried and cried but we were how would it have differed from this account ?
going deeper and deeper. We thought that it was Write out a sample paragraph or paragraphs from
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
this text from the point of view of a third person Write an essay of about five paragraphs recounting
or observer, to find out. Which style of narration such an experience. Try to recollect minute
would you consider to be more effective ? Why ? details of what caused the fear, your feelings,
Ans : the encouragement you got from others or the
The present lesson is an excerpt from “Of Men and criticism.
Mountains” – i.e. an autobiographical account of You could begin with the last sentence of the
W. O. Douglas. Here he describes how as a young essay you have just read - “At last I felt released
boy he was nearly drowned in the swimming pool. - free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and
Here he pens his own experiences, fears and terrors to brush aside fear.”
of water. The narration is in the first person, i.e Ans :
the author has involved himself in the narrative. Doing well-A Great Struggle
It is his personalised description which has a At last I felt released, free to walk the trails and
direct impact over the readers. It stirs our feelings climb the peaks and to brush aside fear. Now
and equips us to challenge the dangers of life. the haunting fear had been shed and I can drive
Douglas gives a vivid account of his drowning in not only the motorcycle but the car also on the
the water and the fear pertaining to it. He gives a crowded roads of Delhi without any trace of fear
personal touch in the feeling of the drowning, fear in me.
the paralysed legs and penkining to it hands that Every one indulging in a sport or music or
ruined his wishes of canoeing, swimming, boating dance or painting or riding a motorcycle or a car,
and, etc. He points out his personal experiences of knows it very well that doing well in the activity
fear, horror and terror and the strategy that helps involves a great deal of struggles. It is true that
him overcome his terror of water. Thus the writer most of us get very nervous to begin with until bit
has very appropriately stirred up our emotional by bit, we overcome our fears and perform well.
aspect and the same can’t be done by writing the When for the first time I rode a motorcycle I
account in third person. When the narrator points felt very thrilled. Moreover, I drove on an empty
out that the “curtain of life fell”, it immediately road in the rural part after sunset. It was after
touches our inner feelings. travelling a distance of four kilometers drove
back. At a sharp curve a passenger bus came
A Sample Paragraph from opposite side. To my utter horror, I could
Douglas has presented a fine account when he notice the fallen-tree on my road-side when I just
looms in between fear, death and terror and in reached it. I had no choice but to drive down the
the end he is crowned with a rewarding success road. I jumped flat behind, leaving the running
because of his grit, courage, hard toil, strong motorcycle in the grove of trees. I was badly hurt
will and grave intensity to win over his terror. and found the bike in damaged form standing
It happened when Douglas was thrown deep into in the trees. I got terror struck and shook and
nine feet pool of water. He reached the bottom and trembled badly. There was no help.
became panicky. He felt suffocated and swallowed The driving fear followed me whenever I
water. He lost his breath and went down and drove in residential areas as well as on busy roads.
down. He shrieked to see nothing except water– I could never think of driving beyond the speed
terror seized him in. He was paralysed and his of 40 km. ph. My condition worsened when I was
shrieks were frozen. Thus he made three attempts stuck in the traffic jams. Terror used to freeze my
but went on going down and down. A blackness hands and legs. They could hardly coordinate.
swept over his brain. He was lost in oblivion with At last, I engaged an instructor to teach me
death around his body. When he woke up, he was driving. It was one hour daily for one month I
vomiting water on the surface. was given a signal to drive independently. I drove
on busy roads, crowded roads, jammed roads and
WRITING finally, on roads with deep curves in the hills. It
QUESTION 1.�
made me to feel free of the haunting driving fear.
1. Doing well in any activity, for example a sport, The residual fear also was won over a long time. I
music, dance or painting riding a motorcycle or a won it, and felt free to drive.
car, involves a great deal of struggle. Most of us QUESTION 2.�
are very nervous to begin with until gradually we 2. Write a short letter to someone you know about
overcome our fears and perform well. your having learnt to do something new.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 207
Ans : Ans :
32, Conoor (d) William Douglas
Tamil Nadu,
November 4, 20... 2. In which subject has the author graduated?
Dear Payal, (a) English and History
You will be surprised to know that I have learnt (b) English and Economics
swimming. Now I am preparing for representing my (c) Science and Social studies
school in the inter-school swimming competitions
(d) English and Science
due next spring. I very well remember the day I Ans :
was very nervous when I entered the pool for the (b) English and Economics
first time. For days, I had a great fear, a fear of
water. Whenever, I had my face under water I was 3. For how many years had the author taught in
much frightened for long. I often felt some force high school in Yakima?
pulling me down. But I always got encouragement (a) 3 years (b) 4 years
from other’s swimming beside me.
(c) 2 years (d) 5 years
I had to struggle a lot, practise swimming Ans :
everyday for three months to get rid of the fear (c) 2 years
and feel free to swim. Now I know the joys of
swimming, which can only be felt, not explained. 4. After the author was fed up with teaching , he
I hope you are also learning something now-a- decided to opt for which career?
days. (a) Engineering (b) Gardening
Do write.
(c) Medical (d) A legal career
With love Ans :
Yours truly (d) A legal career
Mohini
5. What is the story Deep Water speaking about?
THINGS TO DO (a) Fear of water and the way to overcome it
(b) Fear of dogs
QUESTION 1.�
1. Are there water sports in India ? Find out about
(c) Fear of people
the areas or places which are known for water
sports? (d) Fear of swimming
Ans : Ans :
In India, we organise many water sports, some of (a) Fear of water and the way to overcome it
these are :
6. How did the author’s fear vanish?
• Water-Polo : These games are arranged in the
(a) With courage, guidance and determination
Ganges, Beas
(b) With care
• Yachting : Tiesta.
(c) With mother’s words
• Canoeing : Kashmir, Goa and Chandigarh are
some of the places for water sports in India. (d) With guidance
Ans :
• Rafting (a) With courage, guidance and determination
• Swimming
• Water-ski. 7. Y.M.C.A stands for?
(a) Young Men’s Christian Authority
5. other important questions (b) Young Men’s Christopher Association
(c) Young Men’s Christian Army
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS (d) Young Men’s Christian Association
Ans :
1. Who is the author of Deep Water? (d) Young Men’s Christian Association
(a) William George Bernard Shaw
8. Where is Yakima located?
(b) William Shakespeare
(a) In Newzealand (b) In California
(c) William Wordsworth
(c) In Washington (d) None of these
(d) William Douglas
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
made up his mind to get rid of it. Finally, he was He wanted to cry for help but water entered in
able to overcome his fear of the water. his month. His legs became paralysed stiff and
rigid. A great force was pulling him under. He
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS started his back journey to the bottom for the
QUESTION 1.� second time. He could not bob to the surface like
1. How did Douglas develop an aversion to water ? a cork’ as he had thought. He went down and
O down endlessly.
Which two frightening experiences did Douglas The sheer stark terror seized him. He was
have in water in his childhood? crying under water. He called his mother to help
him but nothing happened. He looked for ropes,
O water ladders, water wings for help but there was
Point out the ‘misadventure’ that William Douglas no help. He was trembling with fear. He started
had to encounter at the YMCA pool. What was down a third time. In place of air, he sucked water
its effect over the writer ? every time. All his efforts stopped. Black darkness
O covered his brain. There was no panic, no fear
“... there was terror in my heart at the and no terror. It was calm and peaceful. It was
overpowering force of the waves.” When did nice and he felt sleepy as if he had been in his
Douglas start fearing water ? Which experience mother’s arms. The curtain of life fell and he lay
had further strengthened its hold on his mind and unconscious.
personality ? QUESTION 3.
Ans : 2012, 2010 3. How did Douglas develop an aversion and then
From the very beginning, Douglas was much fear of water? How did he overcome his fear of
eager to learn swimming. When he was three water?
or four years old, his father took him to the Ans : 2022
beach in California. He was standing in the surf. Douglas developed an aversion for water when he
A strong wave knocked him down and he was was only three or four years old. One day his father
buried in water. His breath was gone. He was took him to the California Beach. They stood in
much frightened but his father was holding him. the surf. Suddenly a huge wave came and swept
Even then, the boy was much terrified by the over him. He was knocked down. He developed an
destructive force of the wave. He developed an aversion for water. Then a boyhood ‘misadventure’
aversion to water. changed that aversion into fear. One day when he
Next time, when he was ten or eleven years was ten or eleven years old, he went to the YMCA
old he resolved to learn swimming. He went to swimming pool. He sat at the edge of the pool.
the YMCA pool at Yakima. He was sitting there A big boy came and threw him into the pool. He
alone waiting for others to come. A big muscular was nearly drowned in the pool. Now the fear of
boy addressed him ‘Skinny’ and asked him to be water seized him. This fear remained with him as
ducked. He tossed up Douglas and threw him into he grew up. Finally, he made up his mind to get
the deep end of the pool. He went down to the rid of that fear. He engaged an instructor to teach
bottom and got panicky. This experience further him how to swim. He practiced swimming one hour
strengthened the terror and fear of water in his daily . for fives days a week. The instructor made
mind and personality. him a perfect swimmer. Yet the writer was not
QUESTION 2.� completely sure that the fear had left him. So he
2. Describe the various attempts that Douglas had went to Lake Wentworth and dived off a dock at
to make while he was in the YMCA pool. Triggs Island. He swam for two hours across the
Ans : 2012 lake. Only once did he feel afraid of the water.
When Douglas was thrown into the nine feet deep But it fled soon and he swam on. In this way, he
YMCA pool, he landed in a sitting position in the conquered his fear of the water.
beginning. He swallowed water and went down QUESTION 4.�
at once to the bottom. On the way down he was 4. How did Douglas react sharply to get over his fear
frightened but not completely out of wits. His of water ?
lungs were ready to burst but made a strategy to O
spring upwards on hitting the bottom. He came What was Douglas’s fear ? How did he overcome
up slowly and saw the dirty water on all his sides. that fear ?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 209
22. What plans did he make to come to the surface (a) Because of fear of swimming
of the pool? (b) Because of fear
(a) Tried to jump and push himself up (c) Because of inability to move
(b) Shouted (d) Because of fear and inability to move
(c) Cried aloud Ans :
(d) Shouted “help” (d) Because of fear and inability to move
Ans :
29. What was the impact of the pool incident?
(a) Tried to jump and push himself up
(a) Developed fear
23. How did this experience affect the author? (b) Became confident
(a) Became fearless (b) Confident (c) Became overconfident
(c) Overconfident (d) Became hydrophobic (d) Hydrophobia was revived
Ans : Ans :
(d) Became hydrophobic (d) Hydrophobia was revived
24. What lesson did Douglas learn from his experience 30. How many times did Douglas try to come to the
of drowning learning to swim? surface of the pool?
(a) Learnt swimming (a) Twice (b) Once
(b) Love for swimming (c) Five times (d) Thrice
(c) Swimming is not difficult Ans :
(d) Face the fear (d) Thrice
Ans :
31. Why did Douglas hate to walk with bare legs?
(d) Face the fear
(a) Ugly looking legs (b) Because of skin color
25. How did the instructor make Douglas a good (c) Fat legs (d) Because of skinny
swimmer? legs
(a) Planning Ans :
(b) With the help of ropes (d) Because of skinny legs
(c) By pushing him into the pool 32. Why did Douglas’ mother recommend that he
(d) With the help of ropes and belts should learn swimming at the Y.M.C.A swimming
Ans : pool?
(d) With the help of ropes and belts (a) Because it was local
26. What plan did Douglas make to learn swimming? (b) Because it was safe
(a) Planned to get an instructor (c) Because it was shallow
(b) Planned to swim more (d) Because it was shallow and safe
Ans :
(c) Planned to watch swimmers
(d) Because it was shallow and safe
(d) Planned to jump
Ans : 33. Why did Douglas hire an instructor?
(a) Planned to get an instructor (a) To be confident in swimming
27. What does Douglas do to save himself in the pool? (b) To compete with others
(a) Used his mind and pushed himself up (c) To flaunt
(b) Shouted aloud (d) To overcome his fear of water and learn
(c) Called people swimming
Ans :
(d) Shouted help help
(d) To overcome his fear of water and learn
Ans :
swimming
(a) Used his mind and pushed himself up
34. “I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell”.
28. Why did Douglas fail to come to the surface of
What does oblivion mean?
the pool as he hoped to?
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
(a) spavilion (b) changing room (b) Because he was sleeping
(c) unconsciousness (d) death (c) Because he thought that the lifeguard would
Ans : come to his rescue
(c) unconsciousness (d) Because of confidence
Ans :
35. Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear
(d) Because of confidence
of water?
(a) because he wanted to swim in the waters of
the Cascade SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
(b) because his friend had challenged him QUESTION 1.�
(c) because he had a bet on it 1. When did Douglas first become afraid of water?
Ans : 2016
(d) because he wanted to win a medal At the age of three or four, Douglas was standing
Ans :
at a beach in California. By chance the waves
(a) because he wanted to swim in the waters of
knocked him down and swept over him. He was
the Cascade
buried in the water and his breath was gone. He
36. What was stopping Douglas to get into the waters was awfully frightened and terror developed in his
of Cascade? heart. This was the time when he first became
afraid of water.
(a) Memories of Washington
QUESTION 2.
(b) Memories of California 2. What did the author’s mother tell him about the
(c) Instructions given by the instructor Yakima river?
(d) Memories full of terror in the pool Ans : 2020
Ans : When he was ten or eleven years old, the author
(d) Memories full of terror in the pool decided to learn how to swim. He could learn
swimming in the Yakima River. But his mother
37. How did Douglas make sure that he had conquered forbade him to do so. She told him that the
the old terror? Yakima River was treacherous. She reminded him
(a) By visiting California about the details of each drowning in the river.
(b) By swimming into the lake Wentworth QUESTION 3.�
(c) By taking a lesson from the instructor 1. (a) Why was the YMCA pool considered safe to
learn swimming outsiders.
(d) By jumping into the waters
Ans : (b) How did the instructor make Douglas a good
(b) By swimming into the lake Wentworth swimmer ?
Ans : 2015
38. What distance Douglas covered while swimming (a) YMCA Pool was considered the safest site to
across the lake Wentworth? learn swimming. It was only two or three feet
(a) 5 miles (b) 3 miles deep at the shallow end while at the other it
(c) 4 miles (d) 2 miles was nine feet. There at the pool, slope was
Ans : also very gradual and under control. These
(d) 2 miles can be nomishads.
(b) The instructor give one hour training five
39. Where was the lake Wentworth? days a week. He put a belt around Douglas. A
(a) In New Hampshire rope was attached to a bell that went through
(b) In Washington a pulley, running and the end of the orpe. He
(c) In California taught Douglas to put his face under water
and exhale and to raise his nose and inhale.
(d) In Washington D.C
Ans : The repetition of exercises and practice under
(a) In New Hampshire his supervision turned Douglas into a good
swimmer.
40. At first, why was the writer not much frightened QUESTION 1.
when he was thrown into the pool? 3. Why did Douglas think that the YMCA pool was
(a) Because he was intoxicated safe?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 211
Ans : 2015
He was frightened. Then Douglas developed
Douglas wanted to learn how to swim. He decided aversion for water when he was in it.
to learn swimming in the YMCA pool. He felt QUESTION 6.�
that it was a safe pool. This pool was only two or 8. Why did William Douglas develop an aversion to
three feet deep at the shallow end. It was nine feet the water when he was three or four year old?
deep at the other end. But the drop was gradual. Ans : 2010
QUESTION 2.�
Douglas had a keen desire to wade into the water
4. Why did. Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New since his childhood. But he had developed an
Hampshire? aversion
O from the water. When he was at the age of
How did Douglas finally get rid of the fear he had three or four, his father took him to the beach
of water? in California both were standing together at the
Ans : 2012, 2011
surf. There came a wave that knocked him down
A stark terror overpower I and gripped Douglas and swept over him. Consequently, he was burried
on account of his bitter experiences at California in the water. His breath was gone and a deep
beach and at the YMCA pool. It followed and terror overpowered his heart.
haunted him wherever he went. An instructor QUESTION 7.
trained him in swimming. Douglas was able to 9. What did Douglas do when once he went to the
conqner his fear. Piece by piece he built himself swimming pool when no one was there?
a swimmer. He went to Lake Wentworth in New Ans : 2009
Hampshire to remove his doubts and to say One day, Douglas went to the YMCA swimming
farewell to his chronic terror. pool. He found that there was no one there. The
QUESTION 3.
water was still and the tiled floor of the swimming
5. What misadventure took place when Douglas was pool was clean. He was alone to go into the water
ten or eleven years old? alone. So he sat on the side of the pool and waited
Ans : 2011
for others.
One day, Douglas went to the YMCA swimming QUESTION 8.�
pool. He was alone at the pool. He sat at the edge 10. How did the swimming instructor “build a
of the pool. Suddenly, a big boy came. He picked swimmer” out of Douglas?
up Douglas and threw him into the pool. Douglas
landed at the deepest part of the pool. He was O
nearly drowned in the pool. That incident created How did the instructor help Douglas to overcome
a fear of water in him. It took him many years to his fear of water?
Ans : 2014
get rid of that fear.
QUESTION 4.�
To give him the best guidance, the instructor
6. What deep meaning did his experience at the gave Douglas a practice for five days in a week.
YMCA swimming pool have for Douglas? It was of one hour duration. In the beginning he
Ans : 2016
put a belt around Douglas and it was attached
The experience of water terror at the YMCA pool to the belt. The rope went through a pulley that
had a deeper meaning for Douglas. In reality the ran on an overhead cable. Douglas was made to
author put a deep meaning for all of us. Only go back and forth across the pool. Each time his
those who had encountered a stark terror and old fear returned. It went on for three months.
conquered it, can appreciate it. It stresses the Then he taught him to put his face under water
point that a man must encounter all obstacles or and exhale. He taught him to raise his nose and
terrors in his life by having a determined mind inhale. Thus, piece by piece the instructor built
and the success would crown him in the end. Douglas a swimmer.
QUESTION 9.
QUESTION 5.
7. When and why did Douglas develop an aversion 11. What did Douglas plan to do when the big boy
for water when he was in it? threw him into the pool?
Ans : 2022
Ans : 2021
When Douglas was three or four years old, his A big boy threw Douglas into the pool. He was
father took him to the beach in California. They frightened. But he did not lose his presence of
stood together in the surf. Suddenly the waves mind. He planned that when his feet hit the
came and swept over him. He was knocked down. bottom of the pool, he would make a big jump
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
QUESTION 14.�
upwards and come to the surface. Then he would 16. What does the mother of Douglas say about the
lie flat on the surface for some time. After that he YMCA pool?
would paddle to the edge of the pool.
QUESTION 10.�
O
12. William Douglas says, “The experience had a Why did Douglas’ mother recommend that he
deep meaning for me.” Explain the statement. should learn swimming at the YMCA swimming
pool?
O
Ans : 2015
What did Douglas learn from his experience of
Douglas wanted to learn swimming. His mother
drowning?
had advised him against his visit to the Yakima
Ans : 2020
river since it was treacherous in nature. She had
The experience of water terror had a deeper
kept fresh in his mind the details of each drowning
meaning for Douglas. In realty the author put a
in that river. She considered YMCA pool as the
deep meaning for all of us. Only those who had
safest place because it was two or three feet at the
encountered a stark terror and conquered it, only
shallow end and nine feet at the deeper end. The
they can appreciate it. It stresses the point that a
slope was also gradual.
man must encounter all obstacles or terrors in his QUESTION 15.
life by having a determined mind and the success 17. What was Douglas’s condition when he was under
would crown him in the end. water in the pool?
Ans :
QUESTION 11.
2022
13. How did Douglas feel when he went down in the
Douglas made a jump upwards. But he was
water and there was water all around him?
coming very slowly. He opened his eyes. He found
Ans : 2011, 2007
only water around him. Once his eyes and nose
When he was in the water, he opened his eyes. He
came out of the water. But then he went down
saw water all around him. He was not coming up
again. He felt suffocating under the water. He
quickly. He was seized with terror. He felt that
tried to bring his legs up. But they seemed lifeless
he would die. He started shrieking. But even his
and paralyzed. His lungs ached and his head
screams were frozen in his throat. He felt alive
throbbed. He thought that he was going to die.
only because he could hear the beating of his QUESTION 16.�
heart and the pounding in his head. 18. “All we have to fear is fear itself”. Describe
QUESTION 12.�
Douglas’s experiences which led to the making of
14. How did his experience at the YMCA swimming
this statement.
pool affect Douglas?
Ans : 2015
Ans : 2016
It was said by Roosevelt, “All we have to fear
After his misadventure in the pool, Douglas
is fear itself’. This exactly happened to Douglas.
wanted to get into the waters of the cascades
He knew “In death, these is peace, there is terror
but the old fear overpowered him. His legs would
only in the fear of death”. It means that we
become paralysed and icy terror would grab his
must possess the strong will to live and face the
heart. He could not enjoy the sports games like
challenge and thereby the fear will automatically
canoeing, boating and swimming. He tried to get
flee. Since childhood, Douglas’ had a mind for
rid of this fear yet it held him in its firm grip.
swimming but he had developed a terror when a
So he decided to get over his fear of water by
wave swept over and buried him. On the second
engaging an instructor.
occasion a big boy threw Douglas in the pool
QUESTION 13.
which created a stark fear in his mind. He made
15. Who threw Douglas into the swimming pool?
Ans : 2005
three attempts to come outside but he was going
Douglas was sitting alone at the edge of the deeper and deeper. He became unconscious when
swimming pool. He did not want to go into the he got up he was vomitting beside the pool.
QUESTION 17.
water alone. Suddenly an eighteen-year-old boy
19. What did Douglas do to save himself? Did he
came there. He was strongly built. He had strong
succeed?
muscles on his arms and legs. He called Douglas
Ans : 2018
skinny. Then he lifted Douglas and threw him
Douglas was seized with fear. He felt paralyzed.
into the deep end of the pool.
Suddenly, an idea came to him. He planned to
make a jump when his feet touched the bottom.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 213
He jumped with all his energy. But the jump other shore as well. His trips made a loud echo :
made no difference. Now fear seized him. He cried “I have conquered my fear of water”. In this way
and called for help. But nothing happened. Douglas was able to get rid of his residual fears.
QUESTION 18. QUESTION 23.
20. How did Douglas feel when he wanted to get into 25. Why did the boy who had thrown him into the
the waters of the Cascades? pool say in the end?
Ans : 2014 Ans : 2021
Douglas’s boyhood misadventure created a fear A big boy threw Douglas into the pool. He was
of water in him. Whenever he wanted to get into nearly drowned in the pool. When he came to
the waters of the Cascades or other places, the old his senses, he found the big boy standing by him.
fear came back. It would take possession of him He defended himself by saying that he was only
completely. ‘fooling’. Someone told him, ‘The kid nearly died.
QUESTION 19.� QUESTION 24.
21. Which two different experiences did Douglas have 26. What did Douglas do get rid of his fear of the
during his misadventure? water? Did he succeed?
Ans : 2013 Ans : 2020
In his third attempt, Douglas was in oblivion. He Douglas tried his best to overcome his fear of the
left all efforts and he was dying. He was seized water. But he did not get much success. Finally,
with terror. His limbs were paralysed. But he had one October, he got an instructor and decided
already realised the sensation of dying, there was to learn how to swim. He went to a pool and
peace in it. In this moment of peace, Douglas felt practiced five days a week, an hour each day.
himself to be in his mother’s arms. All terror left Douglas succeeded in overcoming his fear of
him. water. He became a swimmer.
QUESTION 20. QUESTION 25.�
22. What did Douglas find when he became conscious? 27. What lesson did Doughas learn when he got rid of
his fear of water ?
Ans : 2010
Ans : 2015
When Douglas went down for the third time, With the help of his instructor and constant
he felt that he would die. All efforts seized. A practice Douglas was completely out of fear. He
blackness swept over him. Now there was no stated that a fear is nothing but all. We have to
panic. All was quiet and peaceful. He crossed into fear is fear itself. In reality it in the ‘will to live’
oblivious. When he came to his senses, he found that removes all our fears terrors, troubles and
that he was lying on his stomach by the side of difficulties if we struggle hard and make a strong
the pool and was vomiting. determination to encounter it.
QUESTION 21.
QUESTION 26.�
23. How did the fear of water ruin Douglas’s trips and 28. How did Douglas finally overcome his fear of the
other joys? water?
Ans : 2018
Ans : 2005
The fear of water stayed with Douglas as he grew The instructor made Douglas a perfect swimmer.
up. Wherever he went, this fear accompanied him. Yet he was not satisfied. He was not sure whether
In canoes on the Maine Lakes or fishing for trout the fear of water had completely left him. So he
and salmon, he always felt the old fear. It ruined went to Lake Wentworth and dived off a dock at
his fishing trips. It deprived him of the joys of Triggs Island. He swam for two hours across the
swimming and boating. lake. Only once did he feel afraid of the water.
QUESTION 22.�
But it fled soon and he swam on. In this way, he
24. How did Douglas remove his residual doubts conquered his fear of the water.
about his fear of water ? QUESTION 27.�
Ans : 2015, 2012
29. What message does Douglas convey in this lesson
In order to make himself free from his residual ?
doubts, Douglas went up Tieton to Conard Ans : 2008
Meadows, up the Conard Creak Trail to Meade Douglas conveys the message that all we have to
Glacier. Then he was happy to camp in the high fear is fear itself. All fears and terrors are only in
meadows near Warm Lake. On the next morning the mind. A determined man does not feel any
he was happy to swim and return back to the fear. Douglas felt fear of water only till he had not
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
QUESTION 2.
2. How did the instructor ‘build a swimmer’ out of stark terror over-powered him. He shrieked in the
Douglas ? water but only the water heard him. After feeling
Ans : 2013
the tiles under his feet, he jumped with all his
The instructor was a very experienced and patient might but it made no difference. His lungs ached
person. He used a novel method to train the writer and head throbbed. Stark terror took him in its
in swimming. He put a belt round the writer. A grip. His legs and arms could not move. He again
rope was attached to the belt. It went through a tried for the third time. He searched for air but
pulley. The pulley ran on an overhead cable. The swallowed water. He felt drowsy and ceased all
instructor held on to the end of the rope. Thus efforts. He was crossed to oblivion. The curtain of
the writer went back and forth across the pool. his life fell and he lay unconscious.
He practised for many weeks. The tension began
to grow less. Then the instructor taught him to
exhale under water and inhale above water. The
writer repeated this exercise hundreds of times.
Bit by bit, he lost some of his old fear. Next,
the instructor taught him to kick with his legs. QUESTION 2.�
Thus, piece by piece, the instructor built out of 2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of water ?
the writer a swimmer. And at last he said, “Now Ans :
you can swim. Dive off and swim the length of the After his misadventure in the pool at the YMCA,
pool.” The writer was able to do it. Douglas was amidst the Fear of water. He realised
QUESTION 3.�
that his fishing trips, canoeing, swimming and
3. How did Douglas make sure that he had conquered boating were over. He tried his best to overcome
the old terror ? it but the haunting fear of the water followed
Ans : 2010 him everywhere. Finally he decided to engage an
The writer visited some of the famous water instructor to learn to swim and to overcome his
spots. At last he went to Lake Wentworth in fear. He went to the pool and practised for five
New Hampshire. He swam two miles across the days a week, an hour each day. The instructor put
lake. Then he went and camped by the side of a belt around him and a rope was attached to the
the Warm Lake. The next morning, he dived into belt. The rope went through a pulley that ran an
the lake. He swam across to the other shore and overhead cable. Douglas held one end of the rope
back. He shouted with joy. He had conquered his and went back and forth across the pool. On each
fear of water. trip, some of the terror would seize him up. After
three months, the tension began to decrease.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT Piece by piece he shed the panic. He taught
QUESTION 1.�
him to put his face under water and exhale. He
1. How does Douglas make clear to the reader the sense also learnt how to raise his nose and inhale. This
of panic that gripped him as he almost drowned ? exercise was repeated hundreds of times. Now
Describe the details that have made the description he was able to shed part of the fear that seized
vivid. him under water. He went to Lake Wentworth,
Ans : Triggs Island and Slamp Act Island. He swam two
Once Douglas was sitting alone at the YMCA pool miles across the lake. Now he was determined and
waiting for others to come. Then there came a big he swam on. He -shouted with joy and he had
bruiser of a boy. He tossed him up and threw him conquered his fear of water. He emerged a very
into the deep end of the pool. Douglas went deep successful swimmer.
and swallowed water. He was in a sitting position QUESTION 3.�
at the bottom. He was frightened but was not out 3. Why does Douglas as an adult recount a childhood
of his wits. On the way down, he had a strategy experience of terror and his conquering of it ?
in his mind. When his feet touched the bottom, What larger meaning does he draw from this
he would make a great spring upward. Then he experience ?
would paddle to the edge of the pool, but he Ans :
came up slowly. He opened his eyes and saw dirty Douglas had two childhood experiences of terror.
water. He was greatly frightened. His legs seemed One at the California beach when the waves
paralysed. A great force was pulling him down. A knocked him down and swept over him. He was
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 215
O his childhood, Douglas was deeply horrified and
How did the swimming instructor build a swimmer thus he avoided water as all costs. The terror of
out of Douglas ? water was creating the gravest trouble in him for
O learning to swim. He tried his best to overcome
How did Douglas experience at the YMCA pool ? his fear. He took a great v w and adapted a
Ans : 2013
sense of deep courage in his mind. He made a
On two different occasions, Douglas developed strong resolution to come our form the water
a stark terror of water. At the age of three or fear. Accordingly he engaged an instructor who
four he was standing on the beach of California taught him different skills and modes to face is
with his father. There the waves swept over him kick in water with his legs. He learned everything
and buried in the water. On the second occasion, piece by piece but never lost courage. After his
he was thrown deep into the YMCA pool by a practice, he saw that his terror was fleeing away.
muscular boy. He struggled hard and made three He went to take went worth and dived off at Trigs
different attempts to get out of water but he went Island. Thus heaver came all his fear and terror
on deeper and deeper. A stark terror overpowered and swam with joy to Conrad Mendows. Hence if
him. The very sight of the pool, river or lake we have courage we can achieve a lot like Douglas
seized him. He was followed by terror wherever he as nothing is impossible in this world.
went. He realised that he could not enjoy boating, QUESTION 6.
fishing, swimming or canoeing. He decided to 6. Describe the ‘misadventure’ of Douglas and how
overcome his fear. he survived it.
Ans : 2018
He engaged an instructor and practised
Douglas describes a ‘misadventure’ of his boyhood
five days a week, an hour a day. He taught him
days. One day, when he was ten or eleven years
swimming piece by piece. In the beginning he put
old, Douglas went to the YMCA swimming pool.
a belt round Douglas. A rope was attached to
He was alone there and sat at the edge of the
the belt. The rope went through a pulley and the
pool. Suddenly a big boy came and threw him into
pulley ran on a overhead cable. He held on to
the pool. He landed at the bottom of the pool in
the end of the rope. They went back and forth
its deepest part. Douglas was greatly frightened.
across the pool. A bit of panic seized Douglas.
But still he had not lost his presence of mind. He
After three months his tension began to slacken.
was going down, he planned to touch the bottom
Then the instructor taught him to exhale under
of the pool with his feet and jump upwards. He
water and inhale outside it. This exercise was
thought that he would come out of the water.
repeated hundreds of times. He made him a
He would then swim on the surface of the water
perfect swimmer piece by piece but Douglas had
towards the edge of the pool. But it took a long
fear in his mind. To have a complete grip over
time going down. The nine feet appeared to be
it, he went to lake Wentsworth and dived off a
more than ninety. His feet touched the bottom.
dock at Triggs Island. He swam two miles across
As planned, he hit the bottom with his feet and
the lake. To remove his residual doubts, he dived
started coming up. But he was coming up very
into the Warm Lake and swam across to the other
slowly. He opened his eyes and saw nothing but
shore and backs. He shouted with joy that he had
water. He grew panicky. It appeared to him as if a
conquered his fear of water. Thus the writer bade
great force was pulling him down. His leg seemed
goodbye to the terror for ever.
QUESTION 5.�
to be paralyzed. He made another jump upwards.
5. With the help courage one can achieve a lot. How But that made no difference. He thought that he
did Douglas overcome his fear of water ? was going to die. He called for help, but nothing
Ans : 2016
happened. When he came to his senses, he was
It is quite appropriate to say that we can reach lying beside the pool, vomiting. The boy who had
on the greatest heights in care we possess thrown him into the water was standing near. He
courage, strong with power and determination. In said that he had only been `fooling’ with Douglas.
the absence of all these, the results are bound QUESTION 7.�
to come beyond our satisfaction as negativity 7. Write down the sense of panic and terror that
has overpowered all our planning, resolutions, gripped Douglas after he was thrown into the
coverage and honest labour. YMCA pool by a big boy.
The story “Deep Water” details that during
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
Ans : 2005
shore and back, I shouted and the Gilbert Peak
Young Douglas was waiting at the YMCA pool returned the echo.
for other boys to come. There came a big bruiser I had conquered my fear of water. When you
of a boy and threw Douglas in the deep water. He find some free time do write about your one such
landed in the water in a sitting position. At first rare experience.
he was frightened but he did not lose his wits. Yours truly
Going towards the bottom, he hatched a plan to William Douglas
come up to the surface by making a big jump. QUESTION 9.
Then he would lie flat on it to paddle to the edge 9. How did the fear of water stay with Douglas as
of the pool. He went up slowly and grow panicky. the years rolled by?
He was suffocating. He shouted but there was no Ans : 2017
sound. He tried to bring his legs up but a great When he was a boy, a misadventure created in
force was pulling him under water. him a deep fear of water. Once he went to the
His downward journey started. He was YMCA swimming pool. There, a big boy threw
paralysed with terror. His legs turned limp. He him into the water. He was nearly drowned.
was gripped with terror but was not still out of But the incident created a fear of water in him.
wits. He felt the tiles under him. He was crying After a few years, he came to know the waters of
under water for help but he sucked water. A the Cascades. He wanted to get into them. But
blackness swept over him. He jumped with all whenever he tried to do so, the old fear of water
his strength and made a third attempt. He came returned. That fear would take possession of him
down under the water. He decided to stop all his completely. His legs would become paralyzed. The
efforts. He relaxed and there was no panic. He fear of water remained with him for many more
thought that the life of curtain had fallen. He years. It ruined his joy of swimming, fishing or
crossed to oblivion when he got senses he was boating. In canoes on Maine Lakes, fishing for
lying on his stomach beside the pool, vomiting. salmon, he felt the same old fear. The paralyzing
QUESTION 8.�
fear came back when he went for bass fishing in
8. As William Douglas write a letter to your friend New Hampshire or trout fishing on the Deschutes
B. N. Khare of India briefing your efforts of and Metolius in Oregon. The same fear troubled
conquering your fear of water. him while fishing for salmon on the Coumbia or
Ans : 2014
at Bumping lake in the Cascades. Whenever he
30 C, Times Square went, the haunting fear of water followed him. It
Washington D.C. deprived him of the joy of canoeing, boating and
23rd November, 20.... swimming.
My dear Khare, QUESTION 10.�
Right from my childhood I have developed water 10. Read the following and answer the question that
terror in my heart. The overpowering force of the follows :
waves buried me under water when I was three The story “Deep Water” has made you realize
or four years old. Secondly, at the age of ten or that with determination and perseverance one
eleven I was almost drowned in the YMCA pool at can accomplish the impossible. Write a paragraph
Yakima. After that I was completely in possession in about 120-150 words on how a positive attitude
of terror in the water. and courage will aid you to achieve success in life.
Wherever I went, the haunting fear of water Ans : 2014
followed me. It ruined my fishing, my joy of The story “Deep Water” is a perfect blend of
canoeing, boating, and swimming. When my all not only determination, perseverance but also of
methods, failed to overcome the fear of water, strong-will, courage and honest labour. It explains
I engaged an instructor to train me to swim. that nothing is impossible in this world in case we
After seven months of continuous training, I was adopt positive attitude and work on the above
declared a perfect swimmer. mentioned steps whole heartedly. Failures and
For ensuring , I swam, dived off and shouted impossibilities are the fool’s paradise. If Douglas
with anger at it when once it returned. In order had not made a strong determination of learning
to drive out any residual doubts of the haunting how to swim, he would have remained a complete
fear in the West I went upto Tieton to Conrad failure. When he was thrown into a big YMCA
Meadow, Conrad Creek Trail to Meade Glacier. pool by a big bruiser of a boy. He was almost
After swimming in Warm Lake to the other
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 217
on the verge of collapse. He paddled hard thrice pool. He sat at the edge of the pool. Suddenly
though his legs had paralysed. He again tried a muscular boy came and threw him into the
and searched for air but swallowed water. He felt pool. Douglas was nearly drowned in the water.
drowsy and ceased all the efforts and thereby he That incident created a fear of water in him.
was overpowered by terror. That fear remained with him till he grew up.
But he did not lose heart. With the help Then he decided to overcome that fear. He made
of an instructor, he learnt swimming. Piece by determined efforts and learnt swimming. He
piece, the instructor built him a swimmer and engaged an instructor to teach him swimming.
he challenged terror which ultimately flew away Finally, he went alone to Lake Wentworth and
from him. It was the result of his determination dived off a dock at Triggs Island. He swam for two
hard toil, courage, strong will power and positive hours across the lake. Only once did he feel afraid
attitude. If we follow and adopt these virtues, we of the water. But it fled soon and he swam on. In
can accomplish the impossible and achieve the the end, he was able to overcome his fear of water
crowning success. and swimming. This experience has a symbolic
QUESTION 11.� meaning. Douglas wants to convey the idea those
11. Desire, determination and diligence lead to persons can appreciate an experience who have
success. Explain the value of these qualities in gone through it. Secondly his experience tells us
the light of Douglas’ experience in “Deep Water”. that with determination we can overcome our
Ans : 2014 fears.
It is quite appropriate to say that not only desire, QUESTION 13.�
determination, diligence but also dedication are 13. It is often said that ‘No Pain, No Gains’. One
the chief valued keys of proceeding towards the cannot get anything if one does not work hard.
path of success. Failures embolden as well as teach Write about the value of the statement.
us how to overcome them. After his misadventure Ans : 2020
in the pool at the YMCA, Douglas was amidst The dictum implies that one can’t attain
water and thought that his fishing trips canoeing, phenomenal success without making sincere
swimming and boating were over and the fear of efforts. There is no substitute to hard work. There
water haunted as well as followed him wherever is no short cut to success. All successful persons
he went. have emphasised the importance of hardwork in
Consequently he made a determination life. Nobody achieved greatness overnight. The
alongwith a strong will to face the challenges of secret of their success was hard and systematic
overcoming the fear. He engaged an instructor work. Destiny never obliges the shirkers. God
to learn swimming in order to overcome his fear. helps those who help themselves. Rome was
Bits by bits and alongwith a lot of practice for not built in a day. Man must comprehend the
three months, he realised that his tension was significance of doing hard labour. One must
decreasing. The exercise of going under water and burn the midnight oil to succeed in this world of
inhaling continued. Ultimately his determination intense competition. Never forget that rest is rust
and diligence brought results and he swam across and work is worship. A person who toils and work
two miles of Lake Wentworth, Triggs Island and hard gets applause and recognition everywhere.
Stamp Act Island. He knew that he had conquered Hard work is the only key to success. Those who
his fear. Thus, the qualities of desire, diligence work hard flourish and those who are passive ruin
and determination are the real steps of stepping their earthly existence. They lose their identity.
success. Industrious people reach at their long cherished
QUESTION 12. destinations. They lead their fellow human beings
12. What message does Douglas want to convey? with politeness and humility.
O QUESTION 14.�
What is the theme of the lesson ‘Deep Water’ ? 14. Look at the following quotes :
Ans : 2010
Life is to live Faith steers the ship like of life
In ‘Deep Water’, Douglas recounts a childhood Life is a precious gift Life is a teacher itself
experience of terror. He was almost drowned in a Life is a mixtureo Roses and Thorns
pool. Douglas also tells us about his determination Reading all these and the lesson ‘Deep Water’
to overcome his fear of water. When he was a boy, you decide to write a paragraph for your school
one day William Douglas went to a swimming magazine on ‘How to overcome trouble’. Write it
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
Ans : 15. What is the theme of the story Deep Water?
(c) In Washington
(a) Victory in facing the fear
9. Where did the writer go when he was 3 or 4 years (b) Being fearful
old in the story? (c) To learn swimming
(a) Washington (b) New Zealand (d) All of these
(c) California (d) Canada Ans :
Ans : (a) Victory in facing the fear
(c) California
16. Deep water is an excerpt from which book?
10. Why did he develop a fear of water? (a) Fear of water (b) Of Men and
(a) Because of knocking down by waves at a Mountains
beach (c) How to Swim (d) Fearless
(b) Because of a young boy Ans :
(c) Because of instructor (b) Of Men and Mountains
(d) Because of his mother 17. What does Deep Water signify?
Ans :
(a) Because of knocking down by waves at a beach (a) Beauty (b) Depth of Sea
(c) Depth of ocean (d) Fear
11. What is haunting the author? Ans :
(a) Terrible experience in the pool (d) Fear
(b) Ghosts
18. Who threw Douglas into the swimming pool?
(c) His mother’s words
(a) A young boy (b) Instructor
(d) A push by a young boy
(c) Mother (d) Watchman
Ans :
Ans :
(a) Terrible experience in the pool
(a) A young boy
12. How did the author learn swimming?
19. What was the fear in Douglas’ mind?
(a) With the help of a rope
(a) To be defeated (b) To be pushed
(b) With the help of a friend
(c) Being drowned (d) None of these
(c) With the help of his mother Ans :
(d) With the help of a swimming instructor (c) Being drowned
Ans :
(d) With the help of a swimming instructor 20. At the age of 3 or 4 Douglas visited the beach
with his father. What caused a terror in his heart
13. What did William O Doughlas desire for? then?
(a) Visit to California (b) To be a judge (a) The sight of the sea waves
(c) To learn swimming (d) To be with his (b) The overpowering force of the waves
mother (c) The colour of the water
Ans :
(d) All of these
(c) To learn swimming
Ans :
14. What did the author realize while drowning in (d) All of these
the pool?
21. What were the series of emotions and fears that
(a) Terror in fear of death Douglas experienced when he was thrown into the
(b) Swimming was fun pool?
(c) The lifeguard did not come to his rescue (a) Fear
(d) All of these (b) Confidence
Ans : (c) Overconfidence
(a) Terror in fear of death
(d) Mixed feelings of confidence and fear
Ans :
(d) Mixed feelings of confidence and fear
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 219
(iii) Because it was near his house. (i) a fact
(iv) Because it was shallow and safe. (ii) an opinion
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. (iii) a theme
`Mother continually warned against it and (iv) a plot point
kept fresh in my mind the details of each (c) Explain any one possible inference that can be
drowning in the river’ suggests that _____. drawn from the line, “My introduction to the
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps YMCA swimming pool revived unpleasant
one infer that the narrator was as concerned memories and stirred childish fears.”
about his safety as was his mother. (d) Identify the word from the extract that is
(e) How do we know that until the author was synonymous with ‘revived’.
ten or eleven, he had no fear of water? (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
(f) Which of the following is the correct full form select the most likely option to complete the
of YMCA statement:
(i) Young Men’s Christian Association The misadventure that took place right after
(ii) Young Men’s Care Association the author felt comfortable was that _____.
(iii) Youth Mentoring Christian Association (i) the author slipped and fell into the
(iv) Young Men’s Christian Authority swimming pool.
Ans : 2018 (ii) a bully tossed him into the pool for the
(a) The word ‘treacherous means ‘dangerous, sake of fun.
unsafe and deep’. (iii) his coach forgot to teach him how to
(b) (iv) Because it was shallow and safe. handle deep water.
(c) she feared for the safety of her child and kept (iv) his father couldn’t help him from
him warned. drowning into the water.
(d) I got a pair of water wings and went to the (f) State whether the given statement is True or
pool. False.
The author’s father laughed to mock his son’s
(e) He had decided to learn to swim at the YMCA
inability to swim.
pool.
Ans : 2017
(f) (i) Young Men’s Christian Association
(a) Douglas’ father had no inkling about his son’s
QUESTION 18.
mental state; he assumed that the fear was
2. Read the following extract and answer the
‘childish.’
questions that follow.
My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father (b) (ii) an opinion
laughed, but there was terror in my heart at the (c) Douglas suffered from repressed phobia.
overpowering force of the waves. (d) stirred
My introduction to the YMCA swimming pool (e) (ii) a bully tossed him into the pool for the
revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish sake of fun.
fears. But in a little while I gathered confidence.
(f) False
I paddled with my new water wings, watching the
QUESTION 19.�
other boys and hying to learn by aping them. I
3. Read the following extract and answer the
did this two or three times on different days and
was just beginning to feel at ease in the water questions that follow.
when the misadventure happened. I went to the pool when no one else was there.
The place was quiet. The water was still, and the
(a) What is the writer’s purpose in saying,
tiled bottom was as white and clean as a bathtub.
“Father laughed, but there was terror in my
I was timid about going in alone, so I sat on the
heart”?
side of the pool to wait for others.
(b) The author says that he was, “just beginning I had not been there for long when in came
to feel at ease in the water.” ‘Had the a big bruiser of a boy, probably eighteen years
misadventure not happened, he would have old. He had thick hair on his chest. He was a
overpowered his fear of swimming’ can be beautiful physical specimen, with legs and arms
best classified as: that showed rippling muscles. He yelled, ‘Hi,
Skinny! How’d you like to be ducked?”
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
within 100 words. Ans : 2021
Ans : 2019
In reality nothing is impossible in this world in case
we labour and act with a strong will-power and
How to Overcome Trouble honesty. It is the negative attitude that vitiates
Life is a mixture of the ‘Pleasant’ and the our thinking and hampers our work. We should
`Unpleasant’, of joy and sorrow. As the ..... be brave and bold enough to take adventurous
almist declares–”Weeping may endure for a night, jobs and without it one can never attain fame as
but joy comes in the morning”. Joy and sorrow well as name.
follow each other as day follows night. But when The story ‘Deep Water’ under reference is
suffering comes, the period appears to be long. A the best example which shows that in his early
year of joy appears as a day and a day of suffering childhood, Douglas was deeply horrified and
appears longer than a year. avoided water. The terror of water was creating
Suffering is a part of life. It is a teacher. We trouble in him for learning to swim. He tried his
would miss some of the best lessons in life, if best to overcome the fear and decided to learn
suffering did not come to us. Many of us do not swimming through an instructor. He went to a
recognise this truth and do all we can to avoid a pool and practised for five days with the help of
painful experience. When trouble approaches, we a rope, belt and a pulley. The instructor taught
try to run away from it, but trouble can never be him to put his face under water, exhale and to
avoided. The unpleasant experience recedes only raise his nose and inhale. Then he taught Douglas
for a while to return to us again. By avoiding how to kick in water with legs. Thus, Douglas was
trouble, we invite greater trouble at a later stage. learning everything piece by piece and his terror
There are some who knowing that trouble cannot was fleeing away. He went to Lake Wentworth and
be avoided, resign themselves to the experiences dived off at Trigs Island. Then he swam across to
which fall to their lot. They do not resist; they Stamp Act Island. On the slight attack of terror,
become resigned. Often such persons are heard to he overcame it with skill and dexterity To clear all
say : ‘What cannot be cured must be endured’. his doubts he went up to Lake Tieton to Conard
Meadows and swam across to the other shore and
QUESTION 15.�
15. People says that failures are the stepping stones.
back. He shouted with joy to have succeeded in
They are the best teachers. Discuss the value of
overcoming the fear. He proved that nothing is
the statement.
impossible in this world.
Ans : 2007
It is rightly said that failure plays an important
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
role in a man’s life. Failure in one field becomes
QUESTION 17.
the cause of exploring success in other fields. It
1. Read the following extract and answer the
is a sure key to many a riddle. Failures make us
questions that follow.
familiar with our weaknesses and flaws. They
It had happened when I was ten or eleven years
become the stepping stones and inspire us to fight
old. I had decided to learn to swim. There was
against odd circumstances. Man should learn
a pool at the YMCA in Yakima that offered
from his mistakes and strives hard to reach at his
exactly the opportunity. The Yakima river was
destination. Most of the successful peoples failed
treacherous. Mother continually warned against
at any step but could get their target because
it and kept fresh in my mind the details of each
failures guided them and encouraged them to try
drowning in the river. But the YMCA pool was
harder. One should never give one’s target. Our
safe. It was only two or three feet deep at the
duty is to our ‘karma’. The result is in the hands
shallow end; and while it was nine feet deep at the
of Almighty. It is certain that failure inspires us to
other, the drop was gradual. I got a pair of water
work with more strength and vigour. One should
wings and went to the pool.
never get depressed and dejected. All leaders,
fighters, businessmen, bureaucrats firmly say that (a) What does the author mean by the word
failures are the pillars to success. ‘treacherous’ in this extract?
QUESTION 16.� (b) Mother always warned the author against
16. “Nothing is impossible in this world. It is our the river Yakima. But she recommended the
will-power and action that can turn impossible YMCA pool. Why?
into possible. In the context of the lesson “Deep (i) Because it was shallow.
Water” elaborate the statement. (ii) Because she liked the pool.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 221
(b) The author has used this literary device in (a) What is the use of ellipses (...) by the author
the sentence, “ Stark terror took an even in this extract?
deeper hold on me, like a great charge of (b) When the author says, “The ‘curtain of life
electricity”_____. fell,’ it corresponds to an aspect of _____.
(i) metonymy (i) a comedy
(ii) simile (ii) a drama
(iii) oxymoron (iii) a musical
(iv) metaphor (iv) a mystery
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
be drawn from the statement: The jump to The phrase “a blackness swept over my brain”
rise upwards by Douglas was not making any suggests that _____.
difference. (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps
(d) Identify the line or words from the text that one infer that the protagonist went through a
bear evidence to the fact that the author felt gradation of stages in fear.
paralysed due to panic. (e) What does the statement, ‘I crossed to
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract, oblivion’ indicate?
select the most likely option to complete the (f) Which literary devices have been used in
statement : the following examples extracted from the
This incident at the YMCA pool nearly killed passage above?
Douglas and developed _____.
1. tender arms like Mother’s;
(i) an aversion to water
2. the curtain of life fell
(ii) a phobia for swimming
(i) 1. simile, 2. metaphor
(iii) fear of depth
(ii) 1. simile, 2. synecdoche
(iv) fear of height
(iii) 1. metaphor; 2. personification
(f) If you were to describe what the author felt,
(iv) 1. simile; 2. symbolism
in a word or two, what would you write?
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2007
(a) They indicate pauses between moments.
(a) He looked in vain for ropes, ladders, wings.
(b) (ii) drama
(b) (ii) simile
(c) Douglas was fast losing consciousness.
(c) He had been thrown into the deep end of the
pool and being a learner, he couldn’t manage (d) The author uses fear-terror-panic to show the
to rise to the surface. gradation of stages in fear.
(d) My arms wouldn’t move. My legs wouldn’t (e) The author fell unconscious.
move. (f) (i) 1. simile, 2. metaphor
(e) (ii) a phobia for swimming QUESTION 23.�
7. Read the following extract and answer the
(f) desperate and panic-stricken
questions that follow.
QUESTION 22.�
The next I remember I was lying on my stomach
6. Read the following extract and answer the
beside the pool, vomiting. The chap that threw me
questions that follow.
in was saying “But I was only fooling.” Someone
Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs
said, “The kid nearly died. Be all right now Let’s
felt limp; and a blackness swept over my brain. It
carry him to the locker room.”
wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no
Several hours later, I walked home. I was
more panic. It was quiet and peaceful. Nothing to
weak and trembling. I shook and cried when I lay
be afraid of. This is nice... to be drowsy... to go on my bed. I couldn’t eat that night. For days
to sleep... no need to jump... too tired to jump... a haunting fear was in my heart. The slightest
it’s nice to be carried gently... to float along in exertion upset me, making me wobbly in the
space... tender arms around me... tender arms like knees and sick to my stomach.
Mother’s... now I must go to sleep... I never went back to the pool. I feared water.
I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life I avoided it whenever I could.
fell.
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Ch 3 : Deep Water
(a) What does the writer wish to tell the reader in (a) The attribute of the author’s personality that
the opening statement: ‘The next I remember gets reflected in this extract is _____.
I was lying on my stomach beside the pool, (b) The protagonist says that, “a bit of the panic
vomiting? seized me.” What he means is reflected in this
(b) The sentence, “Several hours later, I walked idiom:
home” shows this attribute of the writer. (i) seize the day
(i) determination and resoluteness (ii) hold an opportunity
(ii) optimism and foresight (iii) to have a lock on
(iii) stamina and courage (iv) seize the lion’s share
(iv) resilience and perseverance (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can The phrase “the tension began to slack”
be drawn from the line, “But I was only suggests that_____.
fooling.” (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears one infer that both Douglas and his coach
evidence to the fact that the author felt achieved the impossible with patience.
possessed. (e) Which word/phrase or sentence in the given
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract, passage means ‘Practice makes a man perfect?
select the most likely comment that the (f) The most appropriate justification for the
narrator would have made, based: title of the chapter ‘Deep Water’ is that it is
(i) get beyond a joke about_____.
(ii) the joke is on someone (i) the methods of the author’s coach to
(iii) the joker in the pack overcome the fear of deep water.
(iv) a whole new ball game (ii) the author’s fear of water and how he
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word. overcomes it.
After this incident, the author _____ went (iii) the author’s lack of surety about
back to the pool. overcoming his fear of swimming.
Ans : 2011 (iv) the dangers one might encounter while
(a) The author had been saved from getting swimming.
drowned. Ans : 2013
(b) (iv) resilience and perseverance (a) perseverance
(c) The chap who had thrown Douglas into the (b) (iii) to have a lock on
deep end of the pool hardly seemed to be (c) the fear started losing its grip over Douglas.
remorseful or ashamed of what he had done. (d) It was three months before the tension began
(d) For days a haunting fear was in my heart. to slack.
(e) (i) get beyond a joke (e) I repeated the exercise hundreds of times.
(f) never. (f) (ii) the author’s fear of water and how he
QUESTION 24.� overcomes it.
8. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
On each trip across the pool a bit of the panic
seized me. Each time the instructor relaxed his
hold on the rope and I went under, some of the
old terror returned and my legs froze. It was three
months before the tension began to slack. Then he
taught me to put my face under water and exhale,
and to raise my nose and inhale. I repeated the
exercise hundreds of times. Bit by bit I shed part
of the panic that seized me when my head went
under water
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 223
CHAPTER 4
The Rattrap
1. introduction Trapped into the Woods
The peddler was happy at his smartness. He
Selma Lagerlof was a Swedish writer. She worked was walking on the public highway. Thinking it
as a country school teacher for nearly ten years unsafe, he turned into the woods. In the day he
before adopted writing as her career. The realised that it was a confusing forest. He walked
particular focus of her stories and novels was on and walked without coming to an end. He felt
the legends she had learned as a child. In 1909 that he had been walking in the same part of the
she was awarded the Nobel prize for literature. forest. He recalled that he let himself befooled by
She was the first woman to get this prize for the bait and had been caught. The whole forest
literature. ‘The Rattrap’ is an interesting story. It was closing him like an impenetrable prison from
has been told somewhat in the manner of a fairy which he cannot escape. Darkness was spreading
tale. The rattrap peddler is a poor man. He robs everywhere in the forest. In gloom and despair, he
the same who gives him shelter and food. But he thought that his last moment had come. Finding
is reformed by the compassionate behaviour of a no way out, he sank down on the ground and
young girl Edla. The story gives the message that heard the hammer strokes from an ironmill. He
the essential goodness of man can be awakened mustered all his strength and moved towards that
through love and understanding. direction.
Ramsjo Ironworks
2. Summary Then he reached the Ramsjo Ironworks, a large
plant with smelter, rolling mill and forge, buzzing
Seller of Small Rattraps with its activity. Usually the poor vagabonds
This is the story of a Rattrap seller. His business came there to warm themselves in the winter. The
was not profitable. So he had to resort to both tramp did not say anything as he had come there
begging and petty thievery to help himself alive. only to warm himself and sleep. The Ramsjo
Ironmill’s owner ironmaster was on his round of
The Whole-World-A Rattrap
inspection. Immediately he caught sight of this
One day this man had an entertaining idea that
peddler and called him ‘Nils Olof’. Considering
the whole world was nothing but a big rattrap.
him as his old acquaintance though the man with
Its only purpose was to set baits for people. All
the rattraps had never seen him earlier, he invited
the riches, joys, shelter, food, heat, clothing were
him to his manor house. The peddler thought that
like the baits as we offer cheese and pork in the
going in the manor house would be like throwing
rattrap. As soon as we are tempted to touch
himself voluntarily into the lion’s den. Rather he
these baits, the rattrap closes in all of us. Then
told the iron-master that he wanted a chance to
everything comes to an end.
sleep there. Then the iron master requested him
At the Crofter’s Cottage for the Christmas as he had none for accompany.
The peddler reached a crofter’s cottage. He But the stranger refused.
was an oldman. He thought that it would be a
Pursuation by Edla Willmansson
pleasure to talk some one in his loneliness. So he
The ironmaster sent his daughter Edla to
gave him supper, bed and both played ‘majolis’.
persuade the man. She told him his name politely
The crofter told him about his ex-profession,
and requested to stay with them over Christmas
family and belongings. He show thirty Kronor.
Eve. She spoke in such a friendly manner that
The next day the Rattrap-seller stole his money
the captain was free to leave as he liked. So he
and run away.
followed the young lady.
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
Ironmaster’s Concern about the Regimental They returned at ten o’clock wondering if any
Comrade silver spoon was left behind or not. The girl hung
Sitting in the dining room for breakfast told his her head even more sadly than usual. Their valet
daughter, “First of all we must see to it that at the gate told them that the fellow had gone
he gets a little flesh on his bones. And then we and had not taken anything with him at all. On
must see that he gets something else to do than the contrary, he left behind a little package as
to run around the country selling rattraps. His Christmas present for Miss Williamson.
daughter also told that there was nothing about
him to show that he had once been an educated Honour to Edla
man. Just then the stranger entered appropriately The young girl opened the package and she gave
dressed because the valet had turned him to be a little cry of joy. She found a small rattrap, in
a good-looking person. The iron master looked which lay three wrinked ten Kronor notes and a
at him very keenly. He understood his mistake of letter of thanks and regards to Edla.
taking him as an old acquaintance in the reflection
from the furnace. So he thundered at him. The 3. Word meanings
peddler understood that he had been exposed. On
1. Universal = belonging to the whole world
the other hand he told the ironmaster that it was
2. Awakened = made mentally alive
not his fault. He did not want to deceive anybody.
3. Amidst = in the middle of
He had never pretended to be anything else than
4. Legends = myths
a poor peddler. He had only begged to be allowed
5. Rattrap = device for catching rats
to stay in the forge. As he had done them no
6. Odd = not regular
harm, he could put on his rags again and go away.
7. Especially = particularly
The ironmaster threatened to call the Sheriff.
8. Profitable = giving profits
Tramp Stopped by Edla 9. Resort to = forced to do
The tramp tells the ironmaster “The whole world 10. Petty = small
is nothing but a big rattrap. All good things 11. Thievery = stealing
offered to you are pork pieces with cheese coating 12. Rags = old, torn clothes
which tempt a poor fellow into trouble.” At this 13. Sunken = hollow
the ironmaster laughed and asked the stranger to 14. Gleamed = shone
get out of there as fast as he could. But as he was 15. Monotonous = boring, joyless
opening the door, the girl went ahead and closed 16. Vagabond = wanderer
the door saying, “I think he ought to stay with us 17. Plod = trudge
today, I don’t want him to go.” Her father could 18. Meditation = deep thinking
not oppose her. The stranger was led to the dining 19. Struck = suddenly came to mind
table. The man said not a word, he only sat down 20. Existed = lived, remained
and ate food, looking at the girl time after time, 21. Set bait = place food, etc to catch an animal
thinking “What could be the crazy idea ?” 22. Shelter = refuge
23. Pork = pig meat
Christmas Eve at Ramsjo 24. Tempted = lured
The Christmas Eve at Ramsjo passed as usual 25. Unwonted = not habitual
without any trouble. The stranger did nothing but 26. Dreary = dull
slept all the time. In the evening Christmas tree was 27. Snare = trap
lighted. He stood for a while there, later again went 28. Trudging = wandering
to bed after dinner. She gave him the impression 29. Sour = unpleasant
of her father’s intention to take her father’s suit 30. Porridge = oat meal
as Christmas present and was welcome again at 31. Carved off = cut
Christmas Eve, if he liked, to rest in peace. 32. Mjolis = a game of cards
33. Prosperity = affluence
Early Christmas Service 34. Crofter = who farms a piece of land
Next morning the ironmaster and his daughter 35. Supported = sustained
went to early Christmas service, leaving behind 36. Creamery = a small dairy
the guest asleep. At church they learnt that the 37. Kronor = swedish currency
old crofter was robbed by a man selling rattraps. 38. Incredulous = unbelievable
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 225
39. Bossy = domineering 89. Acquaintance = known, familiar with
40. Pouch = small bag 90. Manor = farmhouse
41. Nodding = shaking head 91. Comrade = friend
42. Stuffed = packed tightly 92. Alarmed = frightened
43. Peddler = travelling vendor 93. Voluntarily = willingly
44. Smashed = broke 94. Apprentice = trainee
45. Pane = window glass 95. Den = cave
46. Thrust = pushed 96. Sneak away = go away unnoticed
47. Got hold = caught 97. Inconspicuously = without being noticed
48. Smartness = cleverness 98. Embarrassed = feeling uneasy
49. Confusing = perplexing 99. Abroad = in a foreign country
50. Fooled = deceived 100.Give in = surrender
51. Bait = food to lure and catch animal 101.Persuasion = bringing round
52. Trunks = stems 102.Valet = servant
53. Thickets = bushes 103.Modest = gentle
54. Descending = coming down 104.Glowed = shone
55. Gloom = sadness 105.Stretched = spread out
56. Despair = disappointment 106.Evidently = obviously
57. Sank down = sat down 107.Abruptly = suddenly
58. Staggered = walked unsteadily 108.Compassionately = sympathetically
59. Summoned = gathered collected 109.Bother = worry
60. Smelter = one who melts ore to get metal 110.Astonished = surprised
from it 111.Glance = look at
61. Forge = furnace 112.Forebodings = predictions
62. Barges = boats 113.Probably = perhaps
63. Scow = flat bottomed boat 114.Queer = strange
64. Dripping = thoroughly wet 115.Fall away = go away
65. Groaned = moaned 116.Puckered = wrinkled
66. Sifted = separated 117.Uncertain = not clear
67. Pig iron = raw iron 118.Dissimulate = hide
68. Anvil = an iron block on which a blacksmith 119.Pretended = gave a false show
hammers things 120.Pleaded = requested
69. Glowing = shining 121.Sheriff = an officer for keeping law and order
70. Stir = move a little 122.Struck = gave a blow
71. Bellows = device for producing a strong blast 123.Rind = peel
of air 124.Christmassy = of Christmas
72. Shovelled = put through shovels 125.Wretch = unfortunate
73. Clatter = loud noise 126.Interceded = mediated
74. Whipped = sharp blowing or thrusting 127.Cross-examined = interrogated
75. Vagabonds = wanderers 128.Mumbled = murmured
76. Sooty = covered with soot 129.Preach = sermonize
77. Glanced = looked at 130.Parson = priest
78. Casually = carelessly 131.Regret = to repent
79. Indifferently = without caring 132.Fare = festivity
80. Intruder = one who is not invited 133.Blinking = winking rapidly
81. Ragged = shabbily clothed 134.Aroused = woken up
82. Haughty = proud 135.Boundless = endless
83. Consent = agreement 136.Amazement = surprise
84. Tramp = wanderer 137.Dejectedly = sadly
85. Ship out = shape out 138.Done up = finished
86. Prominent = famous 139.Contents = things, inside
87. Deigned = bothered 140.Jagged = rough
88. Slouche = crouches
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
kindness and frudness had a magical effect on is not a habitual thief. If he had been a habitual
the peddler. Consequently the essential goodness thief, he would have committed big thefts and
awoke in him. there would have been no need for him to wander
While learing the peddler left a rat trap and a here and there selling rattraps. He commits thefts
Christmas gift with a letter for Edla to send thirty only when he has nothing to eat. Although he is
kroner for the crofter. Thus, peddler expressed his a poor, he is a thinker. He can philosophise about
gratitude to her and became a reformed man. his condition. He steals the money of the old
QUESTION 17.� crofter. But the feeling of guilt remains with him.
17. The act of kindness and hospitality shown to a When Edla shows love and sympathy to him, he
dishonest person can motivate him to redeem repents at his deed. His goodness is awakened. He
himself from his dishonest ways. Discuss the value leaves the money and requests Edla to return it to
point. the old man. Thus we find that the poor rattrap
Ans : 2007 peddler is not a criminal. He is only a victim of
The acts of kindness and hospitality can circumstances.
transform anyone. These acts, at some state of QUESTION 19.�
our life, touch the chord of our heart and make 19. The story ‘The Rattrap’ suggests that the whole
us redeem ourselves from our dishonest ways. world is like a rattrap. What is your interpretation
This is true depicted in the story ‘The Rattrap’. of the statement ? Write in about 100 words.
The peddler lived a lonely life as he was homeless Ans : 2013
and very poor. He sometimes resorted to begging It is rightly said that the whole world is nothing
and stealing to survive. He lived with a feeling of but a big rattrap. All riches, joys, food and shelter
insecurity. Thus, he kept on moving from place to are just baits. The moment anyone attracted
place. His lonesome life made him a bitter person towards the bait and touches it, the rattrap closes
who betrayed the hospitality of the crofter by one into itself. Then everything comes to an end.
stealing his kroners. But when Edla came into The man has made his life full of materialistic
his life and invited him to stay with her family pleasures. These materialistic pleasures tempt
till the Christmas evening he was touched by her everyone towards them. Every person runs
sentiments. He was amazed as they had accepted towards them, tries hard to achieve them and
him as he was and without any condition. He ultimately comes to an end. This is nothing but
felt human again and his way of thinking was the dark side of these materialistic pleasures. A
transformed. He felt secure and ultimately was coin has two sides same as the world is formed
a changed man. The kindness shown by Edla of good and bad deeds. If one is able to maintain
and her father restored the peddler’s dignity. It and control one’s wishes in order to live a happy
motivated him to step back from his dishonest and contented life, he may escape to be a victim
ways. So, one should always be positive while of this rattrap.
dealing with the dishonest. They must be made to QUESTION 20.�
realise their importance and dignity. A simple act 20. Human beings are social animals. They need bond
to friendship or hospitality can bring a person out with others. The feeling of loneliness is a negative
of his depression. He can change his own attitude feeling which must be fought. Justify with the
towards life and it may help to boost his self- reference to the chapter ‘The Rattrap’.
confidence. Ans : 2009
QUESTION 18. Man is social animal. He cannot live alone. In
18. Do you think that the peddler is a criminal or a every field of life, he need the help of someone
victim of circumstances? or the other. But there are a few people who do
not live to socialize with others. They stay away
O
from their fellow beings. They shirk the company
Write a brief character-sketch of the peddler.
Ans : 2006
of their friends and become recluses. They are
The rattrap seller is a very poor man. He goes from overpowered by negative feelings. This is a wrong
place to place selling rattraps. But he does not way of spending one’s life just like the life of the
earn enough to keep his body and soul together. peddler. He is lonely and thinks that the world is
So he resorts to begging and petty thefts. We like a rattrap. He is always left to his meditation till
know that stealing is a crime. Yet we do not hate he meets the crofter, ironmaster and his daughter.
him. We have sympathy for him. We know that he The meeting with all these people, teach him the
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 227
QUESTION 3.�
3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation ? is welcome and can feel at home.” Each word
Ans : 2011
spoken by the young girl shows the purity and
The peddler had thirty stolen kronor in his pocket. compassion of her heart.
He was afraid that by going to the manor house,
he would be throwing himself into the lion’s den. THINK AS YOU READ 4
QUESTION 1.�
1. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the
THINK AS YOU READ 3
QUESTION 1.�
peddler?
1. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s Ans : 2015
invitation ? Edla was deeply shaken when she heard at the
Ans : 2016
church that the peddler was a thief. But after
The girl seemed full of compassion for the peddler. reading the letter and receiving her gift, she came
Her manner was very friendly. The peddler felt to know what a gem the man really was. Naturally
confidence in her. That was why he accepted her she was very happy.
invitation.
QUESTION 2.�
QUESTION 2.�
2. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von
2. What doubts did Edla have about the peddler? Stahle ?
Ans : 2012
Ans : 2008
Edla noticed that peddler was very scared. She It was as a captain that he had been invited to
thought he could either be a thief or an escapee the manor house. And it was as a captain that
from a prison. he had got all the opportunity to come out of the
QUESTION 3.�
rattrap into which he had been caught.
3. When did the ironmaster realize his mistake
Ans : 2010 UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
The ironmaster looked at the peddler in the broad QUESTION 1.�
light of the morning. Now he had been washed, 1. How does the peddler interpret the acts of
his hair was cut, and he had been shaved. He kindness and hospitality shown by the crofter, the
was also well-dressed. Now the ironmaster could ironmaster and his daughter?
clearly see that he had been mistaken in taking Ans :
the tramp for an old regimental acquaintance. The peddler was a man who went around selling
QUESTION 4.�
his self-made small rattraps of wire. He was
4. What did the peddler say in his defence when leading a hard, monotonous, dull and lonely life
it was clear that he was not the person the of a vagabond. While moving along the road, it
ironmaster had thought he was ? became dark. So he knocked at the door of the
Ans : 2006 cottage of a crofter who showered all possible
The peddler said that it was not his fault. He hospitality over the peddler. He gave him
had never pretended to be a former captain. He porridge, bed, lodging and played Majolis till bed
had shown himself only as a poor trader. He had time. He even proudly displayed the thirty kronor
begged that he should be allowed to stay at the that he had got as payment for the cow’s milk
forge. Thus the peddler tried to defend himself. and put them in his leather pouch. This tempted
QUESTION 5.� the peddler to steal away his money. In a way he
5. Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even betrayed the confidence reposed in him by the
after she knew the truth about him? crofter.
Ans : 2005 On the other hand, the owner of the
Edla was a very noble-hearted girl. She had Ramsjo Ironworks mistook him to be as his old
thought of entertaining a poor hungry man on acquaintance. He invited him for spending the
Christmas Eve. She had made great preparations Christmas evening but the peddler firmly declined
for it. She did not want to let away this joy all his offer though it was a bait for a vagabond to
at once. So she pleaded with her father to let the be the guest of honour at the manor house. The
tramp stay with them for Christmas Eve. She was peddler had the view that the owner might give
feeling real pity for him. She said, “He walks and him some Kronor. So he did not reveal his identity.
walks the whole year long, and there is probably The owner sent his daughter Edla to bring the
not a single place in the whole country where he peddler. She pleaded most sympathetically and
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
shelter. only a writer’s commentary?
(ii) He hoped for some monetary help from (b) The words, “The old man on the roadside,
the ironmaster. who has the money pouch hanging on the
(iii) He just casually went with the situation. window frame as a bait for poor wanderers”
(iv) He was hoping to escape getting arrested. can be best classified as:
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. (i) a fact
The extract suggests that the peddler was (ii) an opinion
an incorrigible fellow because apparently he (iii) a premise
_____. (iv) a hypothesis
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one (c) Mention any two traits that can be attributed
infer important information about Nils Olof. to the peddler after analysing his letter.
(e) Which personality traits of the ironmaster can (d) Identify the words or a line from the text
be distinguished from the extract? Mention that bears evidence to the fact that the writer
any two. intends to keep his promise for good.
(f) Which of the following idiomatic expressions (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
best suggests the doings of the peddler? select the most likely explanation for the
(i) Pull wool over someone’s eyes peddler choosing to give a rattrap as a
(ii) To err is human, to forgive divine Christmas present.
(iii) Slip of the tongue (i) It was all the peddler had that he could
(iv) The sleep of the just give away, and represented his turn to
Ans : 2014
honesty.
(a) to deteriorate or worsen (ii) It symbolized his successful escape from
entrapment as he returned the stolen
(b) (ii) He hoped for some monetary help from
money.
the ironmaster.
(iii) It served as a reminder for the receiver to
(c) didn’t learn his lesson and was cheating and
be wary of the dangerous temptations of
lying again.
the world.
(d) Nils Olof was a regimental mate of the
(iv) It was a practical and convenient present
ironmaster who had resigned prematurely
that the lady of the house could effectively
from the army.
use.
(e) Impulsiveness and gullibility
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
(f) (i) Pull wool over someone’s eyes ‘Captain von Stahle’ wrote the letter to
QUESTION 7.�
_____.
7. Read the following extract and answer the Ans : 2006
questions that follow.
(a) It shows his transformation and redemption.
“Since you have been so nice to me all day long,
as if I was a captain, I want to be nice to you, in (b) (ii) an opinion
return, as if I was a real captain – for I do not want (c) indebtedness and self-awareness
you to be embarrassed at this Christmas season (d) His signing the letter as Captain von Stahle.
by a thief; but you can give back the money to (e) (i) It was all the peddler had that he could
the old man on the roadside, who has the money give away, and represented his turn to honesty.
pouch hanging on the window frame as a bait for
(f) Edla
poor wanderers. QUESTION 8.�
The rattrap is a Christmas present from a 8. Read the following extract and answer the
rat who would have been caught in this world’s
questions that follow.
rattrap if he had not been raised to captain,
Darkness was already descending over the forest.
because in that way he got power to clear himself.
This increased the danger, and increased also his
“Written with friendship and high regard,
gloom and despair. Finally he saw no way out,
Captain von Stahle.”
and he sank down on the ground, tired to death,
(a) What is the writer’s purpose in allowing the
thinking that his last moment had come. But just
peddler to speak for himself, as opposed to
as he laid his head on the ground, he heard a
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 229
since her father has considered him to be his old get tempted to the pouch baits hung on the
aquaintance of a regiment. While on his way to window frame, break the window pane and steal
the manor house, the peddler realises that he has the Kronor. For self-temptation people like the
voluntarily offered himself to the lion’s den. After peddler don’t want to undeceive others about
reaching the ironmaster’s house, the peddler themselves. The touching of the bait always
is beautifully dressed and shaved by the valet. makes people realise that they are caught in the
When he enters for the breakfast, the ironmaster world rattrap now. It is their turn now, they must
realises his mistake about him. The truth is stop cherish it as their pastime of thinking about
exposed and the ironmaster threatens to call for the known who get trapped and others who are
the sheriff. But here Edla plays a significant role. circling around the trap. They must rise above
She intercedes for the vagabond and pleads that the baits and shun evil doings like Captain Von
the peddler hardly finds a single home where he is Stahle.
welcome. He is always chased away. She advocates QUESTION 6.�
to let him enjoy a day of peace in their company. 6. The peddler comes out as a person with a great
She even does not think it nice to chase away sense of humour. How does this serve in lightening
a man whom they have themselves invited for the seriousness of the theme of the story and also
Christmas cheer. endear him to us ?
The rattrap man does not utter a word but Ans :
goes on looking at the girl in utter astonishment. The peddler is presented with a great sense of
All these circumstantial events go on jolting the humour by the writer. He goes around selling
peddler from his evil ways. In a way the iron- self-made small rattraps of wire. The rattraps are
master has declared the peddler a thief. When dangling over his chest and not a single one is
they return from the church service, they find shown sold. His business was not profitable so he
everything intact. The valet tells about a package indulges in begging and petty thievery to keep
has been left by the peddler while leaving the body and soul alive. He has fallen into a line of
house. She finds a letter of rattrap and a thirty thought that the whole world is nothing but a big
Kronor bill. She feels utmost happy since the rattrap offering riches and joys. shelter, food, like
peddler has shown true faith in her. His letter the bait of a rattrap. Anyone who touches it, it is
states that the rattrap is a Christmas present closed in on him bringing an end for everything
from a ‘rat’ who would have been caught if he to him. Still he steals thirty Kronor of the old
had not been raised to a captain. crofter who gave him a good hospitality. Later he
QUESTION 5.� thinks that it is his turn now to be caught in the
5. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to big world rattrap when he is unable to move out
highlight the human predicament ? of the forest.
Ans : 2005 The ironmaster of the Ramsjo Ironmills talks
The writer Selma Lagerlof sends a universal theme to him thinking to be his old regimental comrade.
through all her stories. One cannot imagine how But he does not clear his identity and answers,
dull and sad a vagabond might be walking slowly “Yes, God knows things have gone downhill with
along the roads for his bread. The metaphor of me.” The peddler keeps quiet when he is told that
the rattrap struck on one such occasion. He was he should not have resigned from the regiment,
plodding along the road, duly lost in his own that was his mistake. He knowingly befools the
meditations. iron-master. While going to the manor house he
The whole world about him with its lands, feels that he has thrown himself voluntarily into
seas, cities and villages was nothing but a big the lion’s den. The ironmaster feels his mistake
rattrap. The world had never existed for any and threatens to call the sheriff. The peddler says,
other purpose than to set baits for people to trap “It is not my fault, sir.” But no harm has been
them. The world offered riches and joys, heat and done. At worst I can put on my rags again and
clothing, shelter and food exactly as the rattrap go away.”
offered cheese and pork as bait. As soon as anyone While leaving in his letter to Edla he says : “Since
is tempted and he touches the bait, it closes on you have been so nice to me all day long, as if I
him and then everything came to an end for him was a captain, I want to be nice to you in return,
in life. as if I was a real captain.” It, sounds surprisingly
Like the poor wretch rattrap seller, people mysterious.
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
QUESTION 6.
acquaintance. He invited him for spending the 6. Describe the peddler’s stay with the old crofter.
Christmas evening. But the peddler firmly declined How did he respond to the old man’s kindness
his offer though it was a bait for a vagabond to and hospitality?
be the guest of honour at the manor house. The Ans : 2010
peddler had the view that the owner might give One dark evening, the peddler was walking along
him some Kronor. So, he did not reveal his identity. the road with great difficulty. He noticed a little
The owner sent his daughter Edla to bring the grey cottage by the roadside. He knocked on the
peddler. She pleaded most sympathetically and door, an old man welcomed him. He was a crofter
friendly. He agreed to go home. On his way to without wife or child. The old man was happy to
the manor house, he had ‘eveil forebodings’. He get someone to talk to in his loneliness. He fed the
was feeling guilty for stealing the crofter’s money. peddler and played a game of cards with him until
Similarly he thought that bring upto the manor bedtime. The old man told him that he had been
house was like throwing himself voluntarily into a crofter at Ramsjo Ironworks. Now he earned his
the lion’s den. When the ironmaster came to know living by selling his cow’s milk. He said that the
that the peddler was not his old acquaintance, he previous month he had received thirty kronors in
asked him to go out of the house immediately. payment. The old man showed him the money
But Edla insisted to let the stranger spend the which he kept in a leather pouch hung on a nail
Christmas evening one day in peace since they in the window frame. The next morning both the
had called him. Her nice treatment, kindness, men left the cottage at the same time. But half
hospitality awoke the essential goodness in him. an hour later, the peddler came back to the house.
She moved the peddler so much that he left a He went to window, smashed a pane and got hold
Christmas gift with a letter to send thirty Kronor of the pouch. He took out the money and hung
for the crofter. Thus the peddler expressed his the pouch back in its place. Then he went his way.
gratitude to her. He became a reformed person. QUESTION 7.�
QUESTION 5.�
7. Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap” shows that
5. The peddler believed that the whole world is a basic human goodness can be brought out by
rattrap. How did he himself get caught in the understanding and love.
same ? Ans : 2005
Ans : 2017
The Rattrap man happens to get refuge for a
Once a man was selling self-made rattraps of wire. night shelter at the Ramsjo Ironworks. By chance
His condition was for miserable to say an idea the owner mistakes him as an old acquaintance
flashed into his mind. He thought that the whole and invites to spend for the Christmas eve but
world around him was a big rat¬trap. It offered the Rattrap declines his offer. The ironmaster
riches, joys, food, shelter and clothing like a bait sends his daughter Edla to bring and persuade
offering cheese and park in a rat-trap for the rats. the man at their house. Hearing milk of human
Those who were tempted to touch the bait, it kindness flowing in her body, she finds the
closed on them bringing an end to everything. peddler in a very miserable condition. Through
One dark evening he was at the Crofter’s her kind, considerate and persuasive power, she
Cottage who told him about his life and earning gets success in taking the peddler alongwith her.
duly kept in a leather poach. By smashing the She promises to him ‘to leave as and when he
window-pane, the peddler stole the money and desires. Being a perfect host, she takes every care
left. Out of fear he changed his way into the to make her guest feel comfortable at home. She
woods. It was complicated and was returning to is a practical and fine observer of people. She
the same place where he had started. He failed to immediately tells her father that the peddler
understand the strategy to be adopted. He tried seems to be both uneducated and thief. But the
his best but he was returning on the same path. father points out that the stranger will be fine
There was no end to it. Then the rattrap peddler after properly dressed.
realised his thought about the world and the red When the truth is known, the ironmaster
trap. He felt that he had himself befooled by a becomes ugly and threatens to call the sherrif. He
bait and had been caught into it. The whole forest orders to peddler to leave away at once. But Edla
seemed to be a like a prison from where he could intercedes for the vagabond and lets her father
never escape. concede for his proper stay till the Christmass
Eve. She is against chasing away a person whom
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 231
This theme changed the life of the bandit Terms Context/Attitude
totally. He returned the horse to the saint at once.
One day he became a prominent saint in India. 1. A man : Story about a man
QUESTION 4.�
2. A vagabond : A worthless fellow-
4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical. wanderer.
Ans :
3. Stranger : He was a stranger for
The story “The Rattrap” is set amidst the iron
the roadside cottage
ore rich area of Sweden. It has figured as a legend
owner.
of that country. The story is told somewhat
in the manner of a fairy tale. That is why, it 4. Guest : The owner of the
keeps entertaining the reader or listener from cottage treated and
its beginning to end, and also sends a universal amused him as a
theme. guest.
The rattrap peddler is imagined to be making 5. The other man : The roadside cottage
the small rattraps of wire. He is seen going owner had no wife
around selling the rattraps of wire. Yet he finds or a child. So that
himself unable to pull on with life, so he resorts night there was also
to begging and small thievery. The old crofter the other man' in the
who entertained him in his cottage with supper, cottage.
tobacco, game of cards and amusing talks of his
past, was robbed by that peddler. 6. Rattrap : For people he was
But the world rattrap of the forest caught peddler a travelling hawker
him and he was about to meet his death there. selling his rattraps—
The hammer strokes sound was heard by him so a 'peddler'.
through earth. He reached the Ramsjo Ironworks. 7. The tramp : A vagrant like such
The ironmaster mistook him his old regimental others often stay at
comrade. The peddler was again tempted for the mill.
getting Kronor but this time he was caught. He 8. Tall ragmuffin : He was a tall ragged
was a stranger and not the captain. mean fellow the
Then the young girl Edla Willmansson came ironmaster carefully
to rescue him. She treated him very friendly with noted.
understanding and love all day long on Christmas
Eve. It awakened the essential goodness of the 9. Old : The ironmaster
peddler who also behaved with them as if he was acquaintance thought the tall
a real captain and no more a thief. ragmuffin at the
forge was his ‘old
acquaintance.’
10. Old regimental : An old companion
comrade from the army unit of
the ironmaster.
11. Nils Olof (or : The ironmaster
WORKING WITH WORDS Captain Von thought he was his
QUESTION 1.�
Stahle) : old army regiment
1. The man selling rattraps is referred to by many companion with this
terms such as ‘peddler, stranger’, etc. Pick out all name and rank.
such references to him. What does each of these
labels indicate of the context or the attitude of
QUESTION 2.�
2. You came across the words plod, trudge, stagger
the people around him.
Ans : in the story. These words indicate movement
The man selling the rattraps is referred to by accompanied by weariness. Write down five other
many terms in the story text. They are given words with a similar meaning.
Ans :
below along with the context of the attitude of
There are different words with similar meanings
the people around him :
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
QUESTION 24.
allowed to enjoy a day at peace with them. Since
32. What happened when the ironmaster realised his
they had invited them and promised Christmas
mistake?
Ans : 2011
cheer, it was improper to send him away.
The iron master realised that the peddler was not
QUESTION 28.�
36. What did Edla Willmansson give the peddler to
his old friend. He thundered at him and asked
understand after Christmas dinner ?
him who he was. He threatened to call the sheriff.
Ans : 2009
But the peddler said that it was not his fault.
Edla cleared before the peddler about the ‘will’ of
He had not tried to deceive anybody. At this the
her father for the suit that he wore. She declared
ironmaster asked him to go away.
QUESTION 25.�
that it was a Christmas gift on his behalf. If he
33. What conclusion did the iron master reach when wanted to spend the next Christmas Eve in a
he heard that the crofter had been robbed by the place where he could relax in peace, and with full
peddler? faith that no evil would reach him, he would be
welcome again.
O QUESTION 29.
How did the ironmaster and Edla react on hearing 37. What present did the peddler leave for Edla?
the news at the church ? What did he write in his letter to her?
Ans : 2014 Ans : 2015
When the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla The valet told Edla that the peddler left a little
visited the church, they heard that a person selling package for her. She found a small rattrap in the
rattraps had robbed one of the crofter of the package. Inside the package there were three ten-
ironmaster. On hearing this, the ironmaster was kronor notes and a letter. In his letter he thanked
worried about his silver spoons in the cupboard her for being so nice to him as if he was really a
and Edla was deeply dejected. She hung her head captain. He did not want her to be troubled with
in extreme disbelief. They ran to save their house a thief on Christmas. He requested her to return
for being thieved. the money to the old crofter. He wrote that the
QUESTION 26.
rattrap was a Christmas present to her.
34. What news did the ironmaster and his daughter QUESTION 30.�
hear at the church? What did the ironmaster fear? 38. Based on your reading of the story `The Rattrap’
Ans : 2012 what do you conclude to be the main cause of
The next morning, the ironmaster and his compelling a man to indulge in vices and sins ?
daughter went to church for Christmas service. Ans : 2008
The rattrap seller was still asleep. At church the When a man is struggling hard in life and fails to
ironmaster and his daughter came to know that make his both ends meal, he starts re-thinking.
one of the old crofters had been robbed by a man He is tempted to light, quick and easy gains of
who sold rattraps. That news made Edla sad. Her the baits of the world rattrap. He switches on to
father was afraid that the rattrap seller might petty thievery, dishonesty, cheating etc., to keep
have stolen all their silver spoons in their absence. his body and soul together.
QUESTION 27.�
QUESTION 31.�
35. How did Edla persuade her father to let the 39. How did Edla treat the Peddler ?
peddler stay in their home till Christmas? Ans : 2016
O Edla is the modest, mind, considerate and a noble
Why did Edla plead with her father not to send kind of girl. On having refused the ironmaster’s
the vegabond away ? request for the Christmas, she persuaded the
peddle and urged that she had been sorry for
O his hard time. She assured him to leave just as
How did Edla Willmansson intercede for the freely as he comes. Her manners, attitude and
vagabond? openness created confidence in the peddler and
Ans : 2017, 2014
he accompained her to their manor house.
On realising that the peddler was an old
When the ironmaster knew that the peddler
acquaintance, the ironmaster asked him to go
was quite unknown, the young girl pleaded by
away from there at once. But Edla intervened and
saying, “If ought to stays with us today.” She
told her father that the poor fellow was chased
closed the door and caught him on the hand so
away by all and welcomed by none. He should be
take him to the dining table for foods. At night
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 233
Ans : (c) Begging
Uncommon terms for ‘a small farmer’: Crofter,
(d) Thievery and begging
kissan, farmer, haali, gittey etc.
Ans :
(d) Thievery and begging
5. other important questions 8. Why does the peddler knit up various kind of
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS thoughts?
(a) Because of greed
1. Who is the author of The Rattrap? (b) Because of travelling
(a) Selma Lagerlof (b) Sudha Murthy (c) Because of loneliness and poverty
(c) Howard Phillips (d) Thomas B. Allen (d) None of these
Ans : Ans :
(a) Selma Lagerlof (c) Because of loneliness and poverty
2. Which country does the author belong to? 9. In peddler’s view, what does the world look like?
(a) Sweden (b) Sydney
(c) Singapore (d) Switzerland (a) A Rat (b) A Jungle
Ans : (c) A Jigsaw (d) A Rattrap
(c) Sweden Ans :
(d) A Rattrap
3. Where has the story been set up?
10. According to the seller what leads us to various
(a) Roads of Sweden (b) Forests of Sweden
miseries?
(c) Jewellery shops (d) Mines of Sweden
(a) Attractions
Ans :
(d) Mines of Sweden (b) People
(c) Friends
4. In what manner has the story been narrated? (d) Wishes and greed of comfort
(a) Non-fictious style (b) Realistic manner Ans :
(c) Fairy tale manner (d) None of these (d) Wishes and greed of comfort
Ans :
(c) Fairy tale manner 11. Why did the peddler have to take shelter?
(a) Because of his wishes
5. What is the message of the story? (b) Because he wants to steal
(a) Love and kindness are powerful reformers. (c) Because he wants to be with his friends
(b) Kindness is powerless (d) Because he had no home
(c) Kindness encourages thieves Ans :
(d) Thieves need reprimand (d) Because he had no home
Ans :
(a) Love and kindness are powerful reformers. 12. Who offered shelter to the Peddler?
(a) A beggar (b) A friend
6. This story revolves around whom? (c) A milkman (d) An old Crofter
(a) Around Crofter and his daughter Ans :
(b) Around crofter (d) An old Crofter
(c) Around ironman
13. What made the Peddler finally change his ways?
(d) Around peddler - the Rattrap seller
(a) Edla’s beauty
Ans :
(d) Around peddler- the Rattrap seller (b) His mistaken identity
(c) His greed
7. What does the rattrap seller have to do to make (d) Kindness and care
his both ends meet? Ans :
(a) Peddling (d) Kindness and care
(b) Selling
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
friendly. He agreed to go home. On his way to the peddler was not a thief. On the other hand,
the manor house, he had `evil forebodings’. He his sympathic attitude reformed the stranger.
was feeling guilty for stealing the crofter’s money. QUESTION 3.�
Similarly he thought that bring upto the manor 3. The story has many instances of unexpected
house was like throwing himself voluntarily into reactions from the characters to other behaviour.
the lion’s den. When the ironmaster came to know Pick out instances of these surprises.
that the peddler was not his old acquaintance, he Ans : 2012
asked him to go out of the house immediately. The story ‘Rattrap’ has many instances of
But Edla insisted to let the stranger spend the unexpected reactions from the character to others
Christmas evening one day in peace since they behaviour. In the first instance we can note
had called him. Her nice treatment, kindness, contractions in the character of the rattrap man.
hospitality awoke the essential goodness in him. He sells his self made rattraps and to keep his
She moved the peddler so much that he left a body and soul together. He does petty thievery
Christmas gift with a letter to send thirty Kronor but he has no mind for begging. Rather he
for the crofter. Thus the peddler expressed his possesses a philosophical attitude towards life and
gratitude to her. He became a reformed person. the people. He considers the whole world as a big
QUESTION 2.� rattrap. Then he goes to the crofter’s cottage for
2. What are the instances in the story that show a night shelter. Though he expects ‘sour faces’
that the character of ironmaster is different from but the open-heartedness of the crofter as a host
that of his daughter in many ways ? shows unexpected attitude. The crofter gives him
Ans : food, lodging and plays ‘majolis’. He shows his
Naturally the character of the ironmaster is thirty Kronor notes. But the evilness plays an
different from that of his daughter Edla in many upper hand in the peddler. He steals his money
ways. Being the owner of the Ramsjo Ironworks, and does an act of thanklessness.
it had been his constant endeavour that only the Similarly the ironmaster mistakes the peddler
quality goods be sent in the market. Consequently as his old acquaintance and invites him at his
he had his schedule of both day and night house but he flatly refuses. Still he follows Edla
inspection and the best work was done at his when she persuades him very much. Knowing
mill. In addition to this he was a man of social, the reality about the peddler, the ironmaster
sympathetic and sober nature. Considering the threatens to call the sheriff but one can notice
peddler as his old acquaintance of regiment, he the commendable role played by Edla. She stops
invited him at his house for Christmas. He felt the peddler against the wish of her father and
deep for peddler’s hard days. The peddler declined pleads that the person has been invited by them.
his offer so the ironmaster sent his daughter Let him enjoy a single day of peace with them as
Edla to request the stranger for the Christmas a peddler who never finds a single place where
company because she had more persuasive powers he is welcome. In the end, one can notice that
than her father. Being a keen observer, she told the peddler rises above all heroic qualities by
her father that the stranger did not look like an presenting a Christmas gift for the daughter
educated man and he looked frightened as if he alongwith thirty Kronor notes for the crofter. Thus
had been a thief or ran out from a jail. But the one can note the series of unexpected reactions
ironmaster consoled her that she could see him a from the characters to other’s behaviour.
good gentleman when his clothes of tramp were QUESTION 4.�
taken away. He wished that his friend should get 4. What made the peddler finally change his ways ?
a little flesh on his bones. Ans : 2011
In addition to this Edla had all the basic The writer has highlighted the fact that a petty
qualities of a human being. When the truth was peddler-cum thief gets an opportunity to rise
known and the peddler was ready to leave, she himself to the standard of a real captain through
closed the door. She asked her father let the the goodness, sympathy, love and considerate
peddler should enjoy a day of peace with them. behaviour of Edla Willmansson. His philosophical
She took him at the breakfast table and the family attitude towards life is changed and he turns out
had the Christmas cheer in his company. While to be a reformed man.
leaving,the peddler left a Christmas present and At her father’s request, Edla brings the
a thirty Kronor note for the crofter. She felt that peddler to her house for the Christmas cheer
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 235
Ans : Ans :
(d) Because of his greedy action and pitiable (d) Edla’s goodness and care
circumstances
31. What was the Peddler’s profession and who he
25. Why did Crofter show 30 Kronor to the Peddler? was?
(a) To show him down (a) Selling, traveller (b) Begging, traveller
(b) To flaunt (c) Stealing, thief (d) None of these
(c) Because he is sad Ans :
(c) Stealing, thief
(d) To share his feelings of pride
Ans : 32. Why did the Peddler feel like stealing?
(d) To share his feelings of pride
(a) has to repay a loan
26. Why did the Peddler have to resort to begging (b) has to buy a drink
and thievery? (c) habitual of it
(a) He was habitual of it (d) due to others’ indifference to his needs
(b) Miserable life Ans :
(c) Because of non-profitability of his business (d) due to others’ indifference to his needs
(d) None of these 33. How did the Crofter tempt the Peddler to steal
Ans : his money?
(c) Because of non-profitability of his business
(a) By his kindness
27. How did Crofter treat the Peddler? (b) By showing him money
(a) Very rudely (b) In a strange manner (c) By his warm care
(c) Friendly manner (d) None of these (d) None of these
Ans : Ans :
(c) Friendly manner (b) By showing him money
28. Why did Peddler sign himself as Captain Von 34. Why did the Peddler decline the invitation?
Stahle? (a) Because he had stolen money
(a) He didn’t want to hurt them (b) He wanted to run
(b) Because he forgets his name (c) He wanted to hide money
(c) Because he wants to meet Edla’s expectations (d) He wanted to remain at the mill
of him being an armyman Ans :
(d) None of these (a) Because he had stolen money
Ans : 35. Why did Edla plead her father not to send the
(c) Because he wants to meet Edla’s expectations Vagabond away?
of him being an armyman
(a) Because of her father
29. When does the ironmaster realise his mistake? (b) Because he resembled her father’s friend
(a) when the peddler speaks (c) Because she liked him
(b) when he sees an old photograph (d) Because of sympathy and his poor life
(c) when the peddler changes clothes and cleans condition
his face Ans :
(d) Because of sympathy and his poor life
(d) All of these
Ans : condition
(c) when the peddler changes clothes and cleans 36. What did the ironmaster’s daughter say when the
his face peddler was about to leave?
30. What made the Peddler finally change his heart? (a) she asked him to stay for that day only
(a) Edla’s words (b) Edla’s appearance (b) she said she wanted to go with him
(c) Edla’s father (d) Edla’s goodness and (c) she told him not to mind what her father had
care said
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
Ans :
4. ncert textbook questions 2010
No, the peddler did not expect the kind of
QUESTION 1.
hospitality that he received from the crofter. He
1. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their was always refused whenever he asked anyone for
meaning from the context. any kind of kindness. Thus, he had expected the
1. keep body and soul together same, but, to his surprise, the crofter treated him
2. hunger gleamed in his eyes very kindly and gave him food and shelter.
3. plods along the road
QUESTION 4.�
4. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly
4. unwonted joy
with the peddler?
5. impenetrable prison Ans : 2009
6. nodded a haughty consent The crofter was a lonely man. He had no one in
7. eased his way his house to give him company. He had no wife,
8. fallen into a line of thought no children. So when he saw the peddler, he was
very happy to get someone to talk to.
9. things have gone downhill
QUESTION 5.�
Ans :
5. Why did he show the thirty kronor to the peddler?
1. Keep body and soul together : survive Ans :
2. Hunger gleamed in his eyes : twinkled in The crofter thought that the peddler did not
someone’s eyes, that means he was hungry believe his story of the thirty kronor. That was
and starved why he showed him the money to make him
3. Plods along the road : walks slowly on the believe his story.
road QUESTION 6.�
4. Unwonted joy : unusual happiness 6. Did the peddler respect the confidence reposed in
him by the crofter?
5. Impenetrable prison : a jail which is not easily Ans : 2005
accessible No, the peddler did not live up to the confidence
6. Nodded a haughty consent : agreed happily reposed in him by the crofter. In fact, he abused
7. Eased his way : made his way the trust of the crofter. He returned after some
8. Fallen into a line of thought : came into his time, opened the window of the cottage and stole
mind suddenly the crofter’s hard-earned money.
9. Things have gone downhill : fallen to bad days.
THINK AS YOU READ 2
QUESTION 1.�
THINK AS YOU READ 1 1. What made the peddler think that he had indeed
QUESTION 1.
fallen into a rattrap?
1. From where did the peddler get the idea of the Ans : 2018
world being a rattrap ? After stealing the crofter’s money, the peddler
Ans : 2017
avoided the road and walked through the forest.
While going his way, the man was thinking of his Soon the night fell and he could not find his way
rattraps. Suddenly, an idea came to him that the out. He walked and walked without coming to
whole world was also like a rattrap. Some had the end of the wood. He finally realised that he
already been caught in the snare and the others was walking round and round the same spot. This
were still circling round the bait. made him frustrated and tired. Now he realised
that he had indeed fallen into a rattrap.
QUESTION 2.�
2. Why was he amused by this idea? QUESTION 2.�
Ans : 2013
2. Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the
The peddler had never been treated well by the
peddler and invite him home?
world. So he felt happy thinking ill of the world. Ans : 2014
That is why he was amused by the idea that the The ironmaster mistook the peddler to be his
whole world around him was nothing but a big old acquaintance Nils Olof who was a captain
rattrap. and had resigned from the regiment long back.
The ironmaster thought that the man was going
QUESTION 3.�
3. Did the peddler expect the kind of hospitality
through a bad phase in his life and so invited him
that he received from the crofter?
home, especially as it was Christmas Eve.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 237
When a person is tempted towards these bats, he to chase away a man whom they have invited
is caught like a rat. themselves. All these facts brought a big
QUESTION 5.� transformation in the life of the peddler.
5. What hospitality did the peddler receive from the (b) At the Crofter’s home, the peddler felt very
crofter ? happy because he was welcomed thefe with a
Ans : 2016
smiling face. He was happy to get someone to
In reality, the peddler was expecting our faces talk in his loneliness. He give him super and
when he would under at the door and request for tobacco. He played the game of ‘Majolis’. He
the night shelter. But the crofter was happy to get became friendly with him and even showed his
someone to talk in his loudliness. He immediately money kept in the pouch.
put his put his porridge pot on the fire and gave QUESTION 1.
him super. Then he gave him tobacco to smoke. 9. What did the old crofter show the poor peddler?
He was entertained with the same as ‘Majolis’ Ans : 2009
until bed time. The old crofter told the peddler he earned his
QUESTION 6.
living by selling his cow’s milk. He said that the
6. Where did the peddler seek shelter one evening? previous month he had received thirty kronors in
Ans : 2022
payment. The old man showed him the money,
One dark evening, the peddler was walking along which he kept in a leather pouch hung on a nail
the road with great difficulty. He noticed a little in the window frame.
grey cottage by the roadside. He knocked on the QUESTION 2.�
door, an old man welcomed him. He was a crofter 10. Why did Edla invite the peddler ?
without wife or child. He gave shelter and food to Ans : 2016, 2010
the peddler. On being refused, the ironmaster sent his
QUESTION 7.�
daughter to bring the stranger home. Speaking
7. Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked very politely, she showed her deep concern for
on the door of the cottage ? spending his hard time. She even assured him
Ans : 2011
to leave and come at his own will. She further
The peddler knocked at a little grey cottage by requested him to stay with them till Christmas so
the roadside. He longed to seek shelter for the that he could enjoy the festival. She wanted him
night. The oldman, the owner of the cottage was not to remain alone on this pious tune.
sick of his loneliness. He gave the peddler supper QUESTION 3.
and shelter for the night. It surprised the peddler. 11. How did the old crofter and the peddler leave the
QUESTION 8.
cottage the next morning?
8. Why was the old crofter happy to see the peddler? Ans : 2021
Ans : 2016
The next morning, the old crofter and the peddler
The old crofter welcomed the poor peddler. left the cottage simultaneously. The crofter locked
He was happy to get someone to talk to in his the door and put the key in his pocket. The
loneliness. He fed the peddler and played a game peddler thanked the old man and bade him good
of cards with him until bedtime. The old man bye. Then they went their own ways.
told him that he had been a crofter at Ramsjo QUESTION 4.�
Ironworks. 12. “Edla sat and hung her head even more dejectedly
QUESTION 9.�
than usual”. Which two reasons forced her to
1. (a) What brought about a change in the life of behave in that manner ?
the peddler? Ans : 2010
(b) At the crofter’s home, why did the peddler Edla had shown kindness to the peddler even
feel very happy? after knowing that he was not a captain. This was
Ans : 2015 the reason why she felt more dejected. When she
(a) It was Edla’s kind, sympathetic, considerate knew the peddler was actually a thief. Further
behaviour and her hapitable theator at she also felt bad because he had ruined her faith
for giving a shelter on the Christmas Eve which she had developed from him.
jolted the mind and his internal feeling. She QUESTION 5.
pleaded his stay and a happy christmas in 13. How did the peddler steal the old crofter’s money?
their company. She does not think it better Ans : 2015, 2011
The next morning both the men left the cottage at
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
in every language. The words : happy, glad, 4. He thought to go to the manor house would
cheerful, merry, all mean the same. Words with be like throwing himself voluntarily into the
similar meanings are as follow : lion’s den.
Here : The reflexive pronoun ‘himself is used
Word Meaning to convey the emphasis.
1. Plod Movement accompanied 5. You cannot show yourself there.
Trudge by weariness. Here : The reflexive pronoun ‘yourself’ is
Stagger used to convey the emphasis.
2. Vagabond One who wanders
Wanderer aimlessly. THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE
Rambler QUESTION 1.�
Tramp 1. Notice the words in bold in the following sentence
:
In addition to above we can put our attention to “The fire boy shovelled charcoal into the maw of
the following words: the furnace with a great deal of clatter.” This is
1. Crawl, 2. Stumble, 3. Hobble, 4. Drag, 5. Inch a phrase that is used in the specific context of an
iron plant.
NOTICING FORM Pick out other such phrases and words from the
QUESTION 1.
story that are peculiar to the terminology of
1. Notice the way in which these reflexive pronouns ironworks.
have been used (pronouns + self) Ans :
1. He made them himself at odd moments. 1. a hard regular thumping (sound of the regular
2. He raised himself. powerful hammer strokes on pig iron)
3. He had let himself befooled by a bait and had 2. a large plant with smelter, rolling : ill and
been caught. forge. (A big iron mill with all machinery of
4. ......... a day may come when you yourself turning iron-ore into iron)
may want to get a big piece of pork. 3. coal dust which sifted down from the big
• In 1 and 4 the reflexive pronouns “himself” charcoal crates. (the black soot falling down
and “yourself” are used to convey emphasis. while the big charcoal crates were loaded and
• In 2 and 3 the reflexive pronoun in used in unloaded)
place of personal pronoun to signal that it 4. dark forge near the furnace (the forge was not
refers to the same subject in the sentence. lit when furnace was in use at night)
• Pick out other examples of the use of reflexive 5. Put on the anvil (the glowing iron from
pronouns from the story and notice how they furnace is put on the iron block on which
are used. blacksmith works)
Ans : 6. stir the glowing mass (moving with iron rod
1. As soon anyone let himself be tempted to the molten pig iron mass)
touch the bait, it closed in as him. 7. big bellows groaned (The sound of the big air
Here : The reflexive pronoun “himself’ is used driving pipes into fire)
in place of personal pronoun to signal that QUESTION 2.�
it refers to the same subject ‘anyone’ in the 2. ‘Majolis’ is a card game of Sweden.
sentence. Name a few indoor games played in your region.
2. Think of the people he knows who had let ‘Chopar’ could be an example.
themselves be caught in the dangerous snare. Ans :
Here : The reflexive pronoun ‘themselves’ is Indoor games played in our region : Chopar, chess,
used in place of the personal pronoun to signal card games, table-tennis, badminton, snooker,
that it refers to the same subject ‘people’ in billiard.
the sentence. QUESTION 3.�
3. A crofter is a person who rents or owns a small
3. He had not come there to talk but only to
farm especially in Scotland. Think of other
warm himself and sleep.
uncommon terms for ‘a small farmer’ including
Here : The reflexive pronoun “himself’ is used
those in your language.
to convey emphasis.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 239
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2020
The ironmaster was the owner of the Ramsjo The ironmaster and his daughter Edla tried their
Ironworks. It was his ambition to ship out good best to make the peddler comfortable at their
iron to market. He supervised the work day and home. The ironmaster ordered his valet to dress
night in order to make sure that the work was well and shave him. He was ordered to give a good
going on well. That night also he had come to the bath. So he was dressed with the clothes of the
ironworks for his round of inspection. ironmaster. He was served with Christmas fish
QUESTION 15.� and porridge.
23. Why could the peddler come out of the forest ? QUESTION 20.
Ans : 2014 28. At last the peddler agreed to go to the ironmaster’s
The peddler was walking through the forest. It house and spend the night there. Why?
was a big and confusing forest. His paths turned Ans : 2014
back and forth very strangely. The peddler walked The ironmaster had a young daughter named
and walked but always moved around in the same Edla. He thought that his daughter might
part of the forest. He realised that now his turn persuade his old friend to stay with them. So he
had come. He was in the forest rattrap. went home and brought his daughter. Edla looked
QUESTION 16. at him compassionate. She requested him to come
24. How did the ironmaster react when he saw the to her home. At last, the rattrap seller agreed and
ragged peddler? went with them.
Ans : 2007 QUESTION 21.�
After some time, the ironmaster, who owned the 29. How did the ironmaster come to know about the
mill, came for his nightly inspection. He saw the reality of the peddler ?
peddler who was in rags. He mistook the peddler Ans : 2010, 2006
for an old acquaintance, Nils Olof. He wondered After having fully dressed, the peddler presented
why his old friend was in rags. He invited him to himself at the breakfast table. The ironmaster
visit his house and spend the night there. saw him with keen eyes but he did not look
QUESTION 17.� pleased. He realised that the stranger was not an
25. How did the peddler defend himself against not old acquaintance of him. He had appropriately
having revealed his true identity ? misunderstood him. So the ironmaster thundered
Ans : 2009, 2005 and threatened to call the sheriff. He asked him
The peddler pleaded that it was not his fault. He to go away at once.
had never pretended to be anything but only a QUESTION 22.
poor trader. He only begged that he should be 30. When did the ironmaster realise that the peddler
allowed to stay for the night near the forge. Since was not his old friend?
he had done them no harm, so he was ready to Ans : 2018
put on his old rags again and would leave at once. The next day was Christmas. The servant had
QUESTION 18. bathed the peddler, cut his hair and shaved him.
26. Why was the peddler surprised when the When the ironmaster came into the dining room
ironmaster referred to him as his old friend? Why he looked at him in broad daylight. Now he
did he refuse to go with him.? realised that he had been mistaken and that man
Ans : 2017 was not his old friend.
The peddler had never seen the ironmaster QUESTION 23.�
before. Nor did he know his name. But he told 31. When the ironmaster threatened to call the
the ironmaster that he was running into bad luck. sheriff, how did the peddler conduct ?
The ironmaster told him that he should not have Ans : 2021
resigned from the regiment. Then the ironmaster The peddler defended himself that he was a
invited him to his house for the Christmas Eve. poor man. On threatening to call the sheriff, the
But the peddler did not want to fall into any fresh peddler said that the whole world is nothing but
trouble. So he emphatically refused to go with a big rattrap. All the good things that are offered
him. to him were just baits. The baits were set out to
QUESTION 19.� drag a poor fellow into trouble. In case the sheriff
27. What type of hospitality did the peddler enjoy at came to lock him up, the day was not far when
the manor-house ? the ironmaster would be trapped himself.
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
14. What does the metaphor Rattrap in the lesson (c) He was good looking
signify? (d) Because of his resemblance to her father’s old
(a) Humans friend
(b) Thieves Ans :
(d) Because of his resemblance to her father’s old
(c) Attractions
friend
(d) Human greed and distractions
Ans : 20. Why did the Peddler leave the stolen money in a
(d) Human greed and distractions Rattrap?
15. What lightens the seriousness of the lesson? (a) Because of his plan
(a) Peddler’s greed (b) To deceive them
(b) Peddler’s gossip (c) Because his heart was changed with Edla’s
kindness
(c) Peddler’s tricks
(d) None of these
(d) Peddler’s sense of humour
Ans :
Ans :
(c) Because his heart was changed with Edla’s
(d) Peddler’s sense of humour
kindness
16. From where did the Peddler get the idea of the
21. How is the Peddler influenced by meeting the
world being a Rattrap?
Crofter and Edla?
(a) From his friends’ situation
(a) He was encouraged to steal money
(b) From Crofter’s behavior
(b) He became a rattrap seller
(c) From Edla’s words
(c) His heart was changed
(d) From his circumstances and miserable life
(d) None of these
condition
Ans :
Ans :
(c) His heart was changed
(d) From his circumstances and miserable life
condition 22. Why did Edla have doubts about the Peddler?
17. Why was he amused by his idea of a rattrap? (a) His behavior
(a) It was a bad joke (b) His fear and appearance
(b) It was a good comparison (c) His words
(c) It was the exact situation and was humorous (d) None of these
Ans :
(d) None of these
(b) His fear and appearance
Ans :
(c) It was the exact situation and was humorous 23. Why did the Peddler not reveal his true identity?
18. Why was the ironmaster so talkative and friendly (a) Because of fear
with the Peddler? (b) He didn’t want to hurt them
(a) Because he knew him. (c) In the greed of getting money
(b) He was his friend (d) None of these
Ans :
(c) He was his neighbour
(c) In the greed of getting money
(d) Because of his resemblance to one of his old
friend 24. Why did the Peddler feel that he had fallen into
Ans : the Rattrap?
(d) Because of his resemblance to one of his old (a) Because he fell into a pit
friend (b) Because he fell in love with Edla
19. Why did Elda bring the Peddler to her house for (c) Because his heart is changed
Christmas cheer? (d) Because of his greedy action and pitiable
(a) Because she knew him circumstances
(b) He was very funny
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 241
he slept well and in evening, the Christmas tree good host. She treats him as if in reality he is a
was lighted. He stood for a while and went to bed captain and gives him good clothes to wear. She
after dinner. Edla offered him her father’s suit brings the transformation in him by providing the
as Christmas gift and was asked to came again comfortable and most concerned behaviour. She
.on the Christmas Eve. She was of the opinion values for the humanity the most. That is why
that the peddler should rest in peace. Thus her she is successful in bringing out the change in
kind and hospitable treatment left an indelible the peddler’s life. As it is rightly said, `Kindness
impression on the peddler. In turn he left behind pays, rudeness never’.
a little package for Edla as Christmas present. QUESTION 3.
3. Who was the poor peddler? Why did he think
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS that the whole world was a rattrap?
QUESTION 1.�
Ans : 2014
1. The peddler declined the invitation of the The peddler was a poor man. He made small
ironmaster but accepted the one from Edla. Why? rattraps of wire. He wandered from place to place
Ans : 2015 selling these rattraps. But he could not earn
The peddler was afraid as he was carrying stolen enough to make both ends meet. So he had to beg
money with him. The peddler knew that the as well as resort to petty thefts. His clothes were
ironmaster had mistaken him for an old regimental in rags, his cheeks were sunken and he had often to
comrade and feared that the ironmaster would remain hungry. His life was sad and monotonous.
send him to the police. He felt as if he was walking One day, while selling rattraps, an idea struck his
into a lion’s den. He didn’t want to go there. He mind. He thought that the whole world is also like
only wanted to spend the night in the forge. He a rattrap. In a rattrap, the rat is caught when he
wanted to sneak away in the morning unnoticed. is attracted to the bait and tries to eat it. In the
Then he thought of the thirty kronors. They were same way the world sets baits for people. These
a bait and he couldn’t resist the temptation. baits are riches, joys, shelter, food and clothing.
However he accepted Edla’s invitation as she When a person is tempted towards these baits, he
spoke kindly to him. She realised that he was is caught like a rat. Then there is no escape from
afraid. Therefore, she assured him that no harm the clutches of the world. The peddler thought
would come to him and he was at liberty to leave that life had never been kind to him. This world
whenever he wanted. The compassionate manner was just like a rattrap to him. This idea amused
of the daughter won the confidence of the peddler him. He was able to philosophise his misery and
who agreed to go to her home. poverty.
QUESTION 2.� QUESTION 4.�
2. There is a saying, ‘Kindness pays, rudeness 4. Why did the peddler accept Edla’s invitation
never’. In the story, ‘The Rattrap’ Edla’s attitude when he had already declined the ironmaster’s to
towards men and matters is different from her go home with him ?
father’s attitude. How are the values of concern Ans : 2013
and compassion brought out in the story, ‘The The peddler was a man who went around selling
Rattrap’ ? his self-made small rattraps of wire. He was
Ans : 2010, leading a hard, monotonous, dull and lonely life
In the story ‘The Rattrap’, the compassion, of a vagabond. While moving along the road, it
affection and understanding brought the change became dark. So, he knocked at the door of the
in the peddler’s way of life. In the beginning, cottage of a croafter who showered all possible
the iron master seems to be a sympathetic hospitality over the peddler. He gave him porridge,
person when he mistakes the stranger as his old bed, lodging and played Majolis till bed time. He
regimental friend and tries to persuade him to join even proudly displayed the thirty Kronor that
him on Christmas. But his attitude changes when he had got as payment for the cow’s milk and
he comes to know the truth that the stranger is put them in his leather pouch. This tempted the
not his friend. peddler to steal away his money. In a way he
But, Edla even after knowing the truth betrayed the confidence reposed in him by the
continued her kindness and sympathetic behaviour crofter.
towards the peddler. She intervenes to stop her On the other hand, the owner of the
father from ill-treating the stranger and plays the Ramsjo Ironworks mistook him to be as his old
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
(d) she asked him to leave after 2 days not to walk on the public highway. So he turned
Ans : off into the forest to avoid being caught.
(a) she asked him to stay for that day only It was a big and confusing forest. The paths
turned back and forth so strangely. He walked,
37. The first move of the ironmaster was to make sure and walked the whole day but he realised that he
that the guest could had only been walking around in the same part
(a) gain some flesh on his bones of the forest.
(b) have verification done Suddenly he recollected his ideas about the
(c) be given some money world and the rattrap. Now his own turn had
(d) be given some clothes come. He had let himself be tempted by a bait and
Ans : had been caught. The whole forest, had closed in
(a) gain some flesh on his bones upon him like an impenetrable prison from which
he could not escape.
38. The purpose of her visit to the iron mill was to QUESTION 2.
(a) persuade the rattrap seller to spend Christmas 2. Did the rattrap peddler earn enough money to
Eve at their house keep his body and soul together?
Ans : 2010
(b) propose to him
No, the rattrap peddler did not earn enough money
(c) counsel him to make both ends meet. He went from place to
(d) advise him to give up stealing place selling the rattraps. Yet the business was
Ans : not good. He was always in rags. His cheeks were
(a) persuade the rattrap seller to spend Christmas sunken and he often remained hungry. Sometimes
Eve at their house he had to resort to begging or stealing in order to
remain alive.
39. In what way is the story has been narrated?
(a) fictitious style (b) fairy tale manner
QUESTION 3.�
3. How did the peddler react when he saw that the
(c) realistic manner (d) non-fictitious
iron-master had recognised him as Nils Olof, an
Ans :
old regimental comrade ?
(b) fairy tale manner
O
40. Why was the Crofter so talkative and friendly How did the ironmaster react on seeing the
with the Peddler? stranger lying close to the furnance ?
(a) because he knew him. O
(b) he was his friend Why did not the stranger tell the ironmaster that
(c) he was his neighbor he was not Nils Olof ?
(d) because of his resemblance to one of his old Ans : 2012
friend In the reflection of the furnace light, the iron-
Ans : master eyes caught sight of a man. In the reflection
(d) because of his resemblance to one of his old he considered him on an old regimental comrade
friend and called him Nils Olof. The rattrap man did
not know him at all rather it came to him that he
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS might throw him a couple of kronor. So he did not
QUESTION 1.�
want to undeceive him all at once.
1. Very soon after stealing the crofter’s money, how QUESTION 4.
did the peddler realise than he was himself caught 4. What philosophical idea came to the peddler’s
in a rattrap? mind one day?
O Ans : 2020
How did the seller of rattraps realize that he One day, while selling rattraps, an idea struck his
himself was caught up in a rattrap after he left mind. He thought that the whole world is also like
the crofter’s cottage ? a rattrap. In a rattrap, the rat is caught when he
Ans : 2017, 2013
is attracted to the bait and tries to eat it. In the
After stealing money from the old crofter, the same way the world sets baits fox people. These
man was pleased with his smartness. He dared baits are riches, joys, shelter, food and clothing.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 243
they have invited for a promised “Christmas and the forest was getting cold. When he had lost
Cheer”. Her persuasive powers make the stranger hope of survival, he heard a sound. It was the
surrender to her wish. She is happy when the sound of hammer strokes coming from an iron
peddler leaves for her a Christmas present and mill. He got up and moved with difficulty towards
a thirty Kronor note. In his letter to Edla, he the sound. The rattrap seller reached the Ramsj6
thanks for being so nice to him. He finally thanks Ironworks and entered it. The blacksmiths looked
her saving him from falling into the “world’s at him with indifference. He asked permission to
rattrap”. It is thus, that love and understanding stay there for the night which was granted by the
bring out a basic human goodness in the peddler. chief blacksmith.
QUESTION 8.� QUESTION 10.�
8. The peddler thinks that the whole world is a rat- 10. Edla’s empathetic and passionate behaviour
trap. This view of life is true only of himself and changed the life in the rat-trap selter: Do you
if no one else in the story. Comment. think that an act of kindness can change person’s
Ans : 2017 view on the world?
The peddler appropriately thinks that the whole Ans : 2018
world is a rat-trap. All riches, joys, food, luxurious The writer has high-lighted the fact that a petty
life, wonders of the world and varied comforts peddler-cum thief gets an opportunity to rise
are just baits. The moment anyone is attracted himself to the standard as a read captain through
towards these baits, the rat-trap closes suddenly the goodness, sympathy, love and considerate
itself. Ultimately everything comes to an end. behaviour or Edla will maneson. Its philosophical
In the true sense, a man has made his life full attitude towards life is changed and he turnsout
of materialistic pleasures which tempt everyone. to be a reformed man.
This view of life is true not only of the Rat-trap At her father’s request, Edla brings the
but also true for everyone in the common life. peddler to her house for the Christmas cheer
The story under reference is a fine example since her father has considered him to be his old
of this reality. After stealing money from the old aquaintance of a regiment. While on his way to
crofter, the rattrap man dared not to walk on the the manor house, the peddler realises that he
public highways. So he turned towards the forest has voluntarily offered himself to the lion’s den.
and went on walking. He walked the whole day but After reaching the ironmaster’s house the peddler
he realised that he had been walking around in the is beautifully dressed and shaved by the valet.
same part of the forest. Suddendly he collected the When he enters for the breakfast, the ironmaster
idea about the world and the rat-trap. Now his realises his mistake about him. The truth is
own turn had come. He had let himself be tempted exposed and the ironmaster threatens to call for
by a bait and had been caught. The whole forest the sheriff. But here Edla plays a significant role.
had closed in upon him like an impenetrable prison She intercedes for the vagabond and pleads that
form which he could not escape. the peddler hardly finds a single home where he is
QUESTION 9. welcome. He is always chased away. She advocates
9. Where did the peddler go after stealing the old to let him enjoy a day of peace in their company.
crofter’s money? She even does not think it nice to chase away
Ans : 2014 a man whom they have themselves invited for
The old crofter treated the peddler in a kind Christmas cheer.
manner. He offered him food and shelter for the The rattrap man does not utter a word but
night. He played a game of cards with him until goes on looking at the girl in utter astonishment.
bed time. But the peddler stole his money and All these circumstancial events go on jolting the
went away. With the stolen money in his pocket, peddler from his evil ways. In a way the ironmaster
it was not safe for the peddler to walk on the has declared the peddler a thief. When they return
public highway. So he turned off the road into from the church service, they find everything
a forest. Later in the day he got into a big and intact. The valet tells about a package has been
confusing forest. He walked and walked without left by the peddler while leaving the house. She
coming to the end of the forest. Now he felt that finds a letter of rattrap and a thirty Kronor bill.
the world was really a big rattrap. The money he She feels utmost happy since the peddler has
had stolen was the bait and he had been trapped. shown true fraith in her. His letter states that the
Darkness was descending. It was late in December rattrap is a Christmas present from a ‘rat’ who
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
Finally, he gives a rattrap to Edla as a He was an old man without wife and child. So
“Christmas present from a rat.” He writes that he was happy to get someone to talk to in his
he would have been caught in the world’s rattrap, loneliness.
if he had not been raised to a captain. At once, he prepared for him and served him
supper. After that he took out enough tobacco for
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT his pipe and played “majolis.”
QUESTION 1.� The old crofter informed his guest that in his
1. The reader’s sympathy is with the peddler right days of prosperity he had been a crofter at the
from the beginning of the story. Why is this so ? Ramsjo Ironworks. Now he was old and his cow
Is the sympathy justified ? supported him. He got thirty Kronor he received
Ans : last month for cow’s milk. He got up and took out
Right from the beginning the peddler is shown the pouch and showed him the three wrinked ten
going around selling small rat raps of wire. He Kronor notes moving them knowingly before his
is struggling hard begging the wires to make the guest’s eyes.
rattraps himself in his odd times. The business is The story focuses also on the need to bond
not profitable so he takes to begging and small with others.
thievery also. Discuss the following in groups of four. Each
Once the peddler fell in the line of thought and group can deal with one topic and present the
concluded that the whole world with all its things, views of yourgroup to the whole class.
lands, seas, mountains, cities, villages is a big world
rattrap. It offers joys, riches, clothing, shelter, food,
heat which tempt anyone; if he touches the bait
he is trapped and can never come out. This is a
universal theme.
One knows and sees people trapped and others
circling around the bait to get trapped: Even then
everyone is moving downhill so does the peddler QUESTION 3.�
do. He steals from the old crofter’s pouch, he 3. Have you ever known/heard of an episode where
does not like to undeceive the ironmaster under a good deed or an act of kindness has changed a
temptation. person’s view of the world ?
The reader feels himself moving along with Ans :
the peddler without indulging in what he does. There is no dearth of such episodes where good
The reader sympathises with him because every deeds or acts of kindness changed persons’ views
time he touches the bait, he clearly speaks of the of the world. Once upon a time a saint lived in
big world rattrap. And it is his turn to be caught. an Indian forest. In his ashram he had a beautiful
He has evil forebodings but even then he flows horse which was the fastest of its time. Whenever
downhill and finally, finds trapped. ‘It is because the saint rode the horse it used to talk with air. Its
of the young girl who has been remained nice also fame spread soon all around.
to him all day long on Christmas Eve that he A bandit got very much interested in the
musters up courage and behaves as if he is a real saint’s horse. He went to the saint to buy the
captain, otherwise he would have been caught horse at any price but he refused to sell the horse.
in the world rattrap. Finally, the change in the But the bandit did not give in.
ways of the peddler wins the sympathy of all the One day disguised as a saint he lay groaning
readers, at the end of the story too. on the path, the saint was riding on his steed. He
QUESTION 2.� signalled and the rider saint stopped near him.
2. The story also focuses on human loneliness and He pretended to be suffering and asked for a ride.
the need to bond with others. Explain. The saint helped him ride first and the disguised
Ans : 2010 robber made the horse gallop leaving behind the
Man is a social animal. His interaction with saint. He revealed his robber’s identity.
others makes him, generally, unwelcome by every The saint called him back and requested
one. When the peddler knocked on the door of the him not to tell this incident to anyone otherwise
roadside cottage to ask shelter for the night, he nobody would be prepared to help a sufferer or a
was allowed with a welcoming face of the owner. person in need.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 245
like a real captain with food. In their absence from the fate of being caught in the rattrap of the
when they were at church he left. At the church world for which he was most grateful. He signed
they learnt the rattrap seller had robbed the old himself off as Captain Von Stable, the name of
crofter. So they became worried. the person for whom he had been mistaken.
When they returned the valet told that the QUESTION 15.
stranger had taken nothing with him and left 15. Why did the ironmaster’s daughter insist that the
behind a Christmas gift for Miss Willmansson. peddler should stay with them? What happened
She found a small rattrap, thirty kronor and a in the end?
letter in it. The letter stated that she had took Ans : 2022
him as if he were a captain, so he would be nice The ironmaster asked the peddler to go away.
to her as a captain. It had given him power to But his daughter Edla wanted the peddler to
cleanse himself. stay with them that day. She said that they let
QUESTION 14.� him stay and enjoy a day of peace. They should
14. Edla proved to be much more poersuasive than her not chase away a man whom they had promised
father while dealing with the peddler. Comment. invitation to enjoy the Christmas joy. Then she
Ans : 2015 asked him to sit down and eat. The next morning
When the ironmaster having mistaken him for the ironmaster and his daughter went to church
a regimental comrade invites him to his house for Christmas service. The rattrap seller was still
to share his Christmas lunch, he feels a sense asleep. At church the ironmaster and his daughter
of entrapment, having the stolen money on his came to know that one of the old crofters had
person, and thus declines the invitation. He feels been robbed by a man who sold rattraps. That
that to accept the hospitality of the ironmaster news made Edla sad. Her father was afraid that
would be like voluntarily throwing himself into the rattrap seller might have stolen all their silver
the lion’s den. However, he does not at the outset spoons in their absence.. But the valet told them
disclose his true identity because he hopes to that the peddler had not taken anything with
profit from the mistake, thinking perhaps a few him. Rather he had left a little package for the
Kronor would come his way but now he only girl. She found a small rattrap in the package.
wants to rest near the forge at night and quietly Inside the package there were three ten-kronor
slip away in the morning. notes and a letter. In his letter he thanked her for
The ironmaster’s daughter invites him to being so nice to him as if he was really a captain.
their house with more compassion and this act of He did not want her to be troubled with a thief on
kindness touches the tramp’s heart making him Christmas. He requested her to return the money
feel more worthy. She, with her understanding to the old crofter. He wrote that the rattrap was
and keen perception, makes him feel comfortable a Christmas present to her.
and raises his self-esteem. Even after his true QUESTION 16.�
identity has been discovered she feels sympathetic 16. To be grateful is a great virtue of a gentleman.
towards him and convinces her father to let him How did the peddloer show his gratitude to Edla
stay and share Christmas cheer with them. She ?
understands the difficulties of the life of a person Ans : 2015
like him who can never hope to be made welcome The peddler was a man who went around selling
in any home and feels that if he can feel safe and his self-made small rat, traps of wire. He was
secure in theirs, he should be able to enjoy it for leading a miserable life and was moving on the
atleast one day in the year. road like a vagabond. He knocked at the crafters
She does not know for a moment doubt his door who showed him extra hospitality. But the
integrity and the tramp repays this faith and owner of the Rams go Iron works mistook him as
kindness by leaving behind the stolen Kronor to his old acquaintance and invited for Christmas
be returned to the rightful owner alongwith one of eve but he refused. He sent his daughter Edla who
his rattraps as a present and a letter addressed to sympathetically pleaded and the peddler agreed
the daughter thanking her for elevating his status to go their home for christmas. On knowing that
to that of a captain and for the chance to redeem the peddler was the not his known fellow, the
his mistake. He said that having been treated with ironmaster asked him to go out but his daughter
such dignity he could not embarrass them and Edla insisted to let him spend the Christmas
was thus leaving the money. He had been saved evening with them peacefully. Her kill treatment,
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
QUESTION 10.�
the same time. But half an hour later, the peddler 18. What did the peddler write to Edla in his letter ?
came back to the house. He went to window,
smashed a pane and got hold of the pouch. He O
took out the money and hung the pouch back in Why did the peddler sign himself as “Captain
its place. Then he went his way. Von Stahle” ?
QUESTION 6.�
Ans : 2014
14. “The crofter can be called as a good host.” Why ? The peddler wrote “since you have been nice to
me all day long, as if I were a captain. So I want
O
to be nice to you as a real captain. I do not want
How was the peddler treated at the crofter’s
to be embarrassed at this Christmas season as
cottage ?
a thief. You can give back the money to the old
Ans : 2010
crofter. The rattrap is a present from a rat who
The peddler knocked the door of a crofter and
would have been caught in this world’s rattrap if
requested for night shelter. The crofter happily
he had not been raised to captain, because in that
took him inside as he wanted someone to talk to.
way he got power to clear himself. So he siged
He offered him hot supper. Then he gave him a
himself as Captain Von Stahle.
big slice of tobacco for his pipe to smoke. Finally, QUESTION 11.
he entertained the stranger by playing the game 19. Where did the peddler go after escaping from the
of cards ‘Majolis’ with him until bed time. forest?
Ans :
QUESTION 7.
2020
15. After stealing the money, why did the peddler feel
The peddler heard some sound and went in its
that he was trapped?
direction. He reached the Ramsjo Ironworks and
Ans : 2008
entered it. The blacksmiths looked at him with
With the stolen money in his pocket, it was not
indifference. He asked permission to stay there
safe for the peddler to walk on the public highway.
for the night which was granted by the chief
So he turned off the road into a forest. Later in
blacksmith.
the day he got into a big and confusing forest. He QUESTION 12.�
walked and walked without coming to the end of 20. Why was the peddler amused at the idea of the
the forest. Now he felt that the world was really a world being a rattrap ?
big rattrap. The money he had stolen was the bait Ans : 2016
and he had been trapped. One day the peddler went round selling his
rattraps. All of a sudden he was left to his own
QUESTION 8.�
16. Which act of the crofter surprised the peddler ?
meditations. He thought that the whole world
Why?
about him was nothing but a rattrap. Its lands,
Ans : 2010
seas, cities, villages existed only to set baits for
The owner of a roadside cottage gave shelter to
people. It offered riches, joys, shelter, food, heat
the peddler. He showed him warm hospitality
and clothing to the people as the rattrap offered
and told him how he earned thirty Kronors by
cheese and pork for the rats. As soon as anyone
selling cow-milk in his old days. Then the old man
got tempted to touch the bait, it closed him in
took down a leather pouch hung on the nail of a
and thus everything came to an end for him.
window frame and showed thirty Kronor bills to QUESTION 13.�
him. Then he stuffed them back into the pouch. 21. How did the hard regular thumping sound heard
The act of showing the Kronor bills surprised the by the peddler with his head on the ground,
peddler since he was a perfect stranger. proved a fresh breather for him ?
QUESTION 9.
Ans : 2022
17. What did the peddler hear when he had lost the Walking hungry and thirsty all day long in the
hope of his survival? forest, the peddler lay on the ground tired to
Ans : 2013, 2008 death. Then he heard a hard regular thumping.
Darkness was descending. It was late in December Undoubtedly, he realised that those were the
and the forest was getting cold. When he had lost hammer strokes from an ironmill. He tottered in
hope of survival, he heard a sound. It was the direction of the sound and reached the ironmill.
sound of hammer strokes coming from a iron mill. QUESTION 14.
He got up and moved with difficulty towards the 22. Why did the ironmaster come to the Ramsjo
sound. Ironworks in the night?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 247
need to human bonds. They insisted him to stay (f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
with them and spend sometime. They provided The literary device used in the title of the
him with the basic necessities of life. Thus, he story is _____.
was made to realise that no one can live alone Ans : 2018
in this world. The feeling of love and human- (a) His business of making rattraps was not
bonding is above all other feelings. One must have profitable.
someone to share one’s joys and sorrows. It gives (b) (i) to earn barely enough to survive
him contentment, peace and sheer happiness. It is
(c) The author has used the traditional beginning
well said that sharing a sorrow halves it whereas
of a fairy tale for her ‘fantastic’ story.
sharing a joy doubles it.
(d) He made them himself at odd moments from
the material he got by begging in the stores
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS or at the big farms.
QUESTION 1.�
(e) (i) Notwithstanding, thievery and begging
1. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow. (f) metaphor
QUESTION 2.�
Once upon a time there was a man who went
2. Read the following extract and answer the
around selling small rattraps of wire. He made
questions that follow.
them himself at odd moments from the material
It offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat
he got by begging in the stores or at the big farms.
and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese
But even so, the business was not especially
and pork and as soon as anyone let himself be
profitable, so he had to resort to both begging and
tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him,
petty thievery to keep body and soul together.
and then everything came to an end.
Even so, his clothes were in rags, his cheeks were
The world had of course, never been very kind
sunken and hunger gleamed in his eyes.
to him, so it gave him unwonted joy to think ill
(a) The peddler had to resort to petty thievery of it in this way. It became his cherished pastime
and begging. What do you conclude from of his, during many dreary ploddings, to think of
this? people he knew who had let themselves be caught
(b) What does the expression ‘keeping body and in the dangerous snare and of others who were
soul together mean’ ? still circling around the bait.
(i) to earn barely enough to survive (a) In the statement, “It offered riches and joys,
(ii) indulge in binge eating to stay alive shelter and food.” What does ‘It’ stand for
here?
(iii) to exercise and meditate regularly
(b) Being poor and discontented, what gave the
(iv) to do breathing exercises
peddler immense pleasure to think of people
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can in a certain way?
be drawn from the words, “Once upon a
(i) He thought that people were foolish.
time” used by the author at the beginning of
the story. (ii) He assumed that people would get caught.
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears (iii) He knew that people were unreliable.
evidence to the fact that the peddler wanted (iv) He was sure that people succumb to
to live an honourable life but the world didn’t temptations.
let him. (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract, The words “it gave him unwonted joy to think
select the most likely explanation for the ill of it in this way” suggests this about the
author using the words “Even so” in the peddler’s personality _____.
sentence “Even so, his clothes were in rags.” (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
(i) Notwithstanding, thievery and begging infer that people get trapped despite clearly
(ii) While, petty thievery and begging knowing that it is a trap.
(iii) Regarding, thievery and begging (e) What makes the author talk about riches,
food, heat on one hand and cheese and pork
(iv) However, thievery and begging
on the other?
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
would have been caught if he had not been raised invited him to his house for the Christmas Eve.
to a captain. But the peddler did not want to fall into any fresh
QUESTION 11.� trouble. So he emphatically refused to go with
11. Why was it urgent on the part of the ironmaster him. The ironmaster then asked his daughter
to need the company of Nils Olof? Edla to persuade his old friend to stay with them.
O She requested him to come to her home. At last,
Why did the ironmaster’s invitation to the peddler the rattrap seller agreed and went with them. The
to spend Christmas Eve with him make him think next day was Christmas. The servant had bathed
that he was going to fall into a trap ? him, cut his hair and shaved him. When the
Ans : 2006 ironmaster came into the dining room he looked
Finding no way out in the impenetrable forest, at him in broad daylight. Now he realised that he
the rattrap was totally tired. He lay on the had been mistaken and that man was not his old
ground and heard the striking of the hammer. friend. He thundered at him and asked him to go
He proceeded in that direction and reached away.
the Ramsjo Ironworks. Here he requested the QUESTION 13.�
smith for the night shelter near the furnace. On 13. How can we transform and clean an evil doing
his usual visit, he glanced at a tall ragamuffin person? Give example from the story “The
near the furnace and mistook him to be his old Rattrap.”
acquaintance from some regiment. He called him O
“It is for, Nils Olof ! How do you look”. How did the line of thought bring a change in the
The rattrap man recalled his memory but life of the rattrap peddler ?
failed to get any idea about him. But it struck Ans : 2008
in his mind that the gentleman might offer him The writer has highlighted a universal theme in
some Kronor, still he was his old acquaintance. this story. It is that we can arouse the goodness in
The tramp revealed that it was his bad time. the life of a man by love, understanding, sympathy,
The iron master pleaded that he should not have and respect. Once upon a time there was a man
resigned from the regithent but rather requested who went around selling self-made small rattraps
the peddler to accompany to his manor house on of wire. His condition was too miserable to beg
the Christmas Eve. The peddler was in no mood and do petty thefts. He was in rags, with sunken
to accept his invitation. He was much afraid to cheeks and hungry eyes.
go there since it would be like throwing himself One day an idea flashed into his mind. He
voluntarily into the lion’s den. He knew about thought that the whole world around him was a
his thievery at the crofter’s cottage and thirty big rattrap. It offered riches, joys, food, shelter
Kronor were with him. A slight wink might put and clothing like a bait offering cheese and pork
him in a great difficulty. So the peddler declined in a rattrap for the rats. Those who were tempted
his offer. The ironmaster too left the iron mill. He to touch the bait, it closed on them bringing an
rather asked the blacksmiin about the lonely stay end to everything.
of Captain with him. One dark evening while staying at a crofter’s
QUESTION 12.
cottage, he was given food and lodging. But the
12. Why did the peddler agree to spend the night next morning the tramp stole his thirty Kronor.
at the house of the ironmaster? Why did the He kept on walking all day long on the same path
ironmaster ask him to go the next morning? in the forest. On hearing the sound of hammer
Ans : 2020 strokes, he reached the ironmill and lay near the
The peddler was given permission to stay at the furnace.
ironworks. After some time, the ironmaster came The ironmaster mistook him to be his old
for his nightly inspection. He saw the peddler who acquaintance and invited him for Christmas
was in rags. He mistook the peddler for an old cheer but he refused. He sent his daughter Edla
acquaintance, Nils Olof. He wondered why his old who persuaded him to their house. After having
friend was in rags. The peddler had never seen him well dressed, the ironmaster found that he
him. Nor did he know his name. But he told the mistook him Captain “Nils Olof.” So he ordered
ironmaster that he was running into bad luck. him to get out at once. The young girl interceded
The ironmaster told him that he should not have for him and said she wanted him to stay as they
resigned from the regiment. Then the ironmaster promised him Christmas cheer. He was treated
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 249
(d) What do you infer from, ‘The peddler stole (c) Which literary device dominates the given
the money from the very person who had extract? Cite evidence to justify it.
hosted and treated him well’ ? (d) Identify the line from the text that bears
(e) Why did the peddler not try to get inside the evidence to the fact that the peddler had
house but instead chose to break the window? ironically succumbed to the same temptations
(f) Would you say that the crofter was to blame he used to often deride.
for tempting the peddler to some extent to (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
betray his trust? If so, how did he do it? select the most likely explanation for the
(i) He treated him kindly. peddler’s feeling that he too had fallen into
(ii) He gave him shelter for the night. the rattrap.
(iii) He flaunted the thirty kronor before the (i) He was afraid of being arrested.
peddler. (ii) He had lost his way in a forest.
(iv) He shared all his secrets with him. (iii) He walked inside the forest in circles.
Ans : 2007 (iv) The forest had fallen logs, thickets and
(a) (i) He got hold of the pouch with the thirty trunks.
kronor. (tactile) (f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
(ii) He smashed a pane. (auditory) The literary device in the statement, “The
(b) (iii) to steal the crofter’s money forest closed in upon him like an impenetrable
prison from which he could never escape”
(c) He felt quite pleased about his smartness. is______.
(d) The world had been unkind to him and that’s Ans : 2016
what he had to give back to the world. (a) It symbolises greed and distractions.
(e) He didn’t want to be caught stealing money (b) (i) a fact
and being handed over to the police. (c) Irony. All at once, he recalled his thoughts
(f) (iii) He flaunted the thirty kronor before the about the world and the rattrap. Now his own
peddler. turn had come.
QUESTION 5.�
(d) He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had
5. Read the following extract and answer the been caught.
questions that follow. (e) (iii) He walked inside the forest in circles.
He tried, to be sure, to walk in a definite direction,
(f) simile
but the paths twisted back and forth so strangely!
QUESTION 6.�
He walked and walked without coming to the end
6. Read the following extract and answer the
of the wood, and finally he realised that he had
questions that follow.
been walking in the same part of the forest. All
“But of course it is you, Nils Olof.!” he said. “How
at once, he recalled his thoughts about the world
you do look!”
and the rattrap. Now his own turn had come.
The man with the rattraps had never before
He had let himself be fooled by a bait and had seen the ironmaster at Ramsjo and did not even
been caught. The whole forest with its trunks and know what his name was. But it occurred to him
branches, its thickets and fallen logs, closed in that if the fine gentleman thought he was an old
upon him like an impenetrable prison from which acquaintance, he might perhaps throw him a couple
he could never escape. of kronor. Therefore he did not want to undeceive
(a) What is the writer’s purpose in naming the him all at once.
story ‘The Rattrap? “Yes, God knows things have gone downhill
(b) The line, “Finally he realised that he had with me,” he said.
been walking in the same part of the forest” “You should not have resigned from .the
can be best classified as: regiment,” said the ironmaster
(i) a fact (a) What does the expression ‘things are going
downhill’ mean?
(ii) an opinion
(b) Why does the protagonist not reveal his true
(iii) a theme
identity?
(iv) a premise
(i) He was afraid of not getting food and
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
(f) Which of the following options best explains (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
the negative thoughts of the peddler towards select the most likely option for the given
people? question: Where did the peddler go in the
(i) He was greedy by nature. morning?
(ii) He found it hard to earn money. (i) The peddler helped the old man to milk
(iii) He suffered from loneliness and poverty. the cow.
(iv) He was born pessimist. (ii) He went his own way.
Ans : 2014 (iii) He went back to the forest.
(a) ‘It’ stands for ‘the world.’ (iv) He came back to the cottage after a walk.
(b) (iv) He was sure that people succumb to (f) Complete the sentence with a word or two.
temptations. The next day both men got up in good season’.
(c) he was petty and mean-hearted. Here ‘in good season’ means _____.
Ans : 2011
(d) People “had let themselves be caught in the
dangerous snare.” (a) The old man was showing off his money with
great pride.
(e) The author is comparing all these to baits,
people and rats to the victims and the world (b) (ii) an opinion
to a rattrap. (c) The old man was trustworthy and naive.
(f) (iii) He suffered from loneliness and poverty. (d) The peddler stayed the night at the old man’s
QUESTION 3.� cottage.
3. Read the following extract and answer the (e) (ii) He went his own way.
questions that follow. (f) quite early.
The stranger must have seemed incredulous, for QUESTION 4.�
the old man got up and went to the window, took 4. Read the following extract and answer the
down a leather pouch which hung on a nail in the questions that follow.
very window frame, and picked out three wrinkled But half an hour later the rattrap peddler stood
ten-kronor bills. These he held up before the eyes again before the door. He did not try to get in,
of his guest, nodding knowingly, and then stuffed however. He only went up to the window, smashed
them back into the pouch. a pane, stuck in his hand, and got hold of the
The next day both men got up in good season. pouch with the thirty kronor. He took the money
The crofter was in a hurry to milk his cow and the and thrust it into his own pocket. Then he hung
other man probably thought he should not stay the leather pouch very carefully back in its place
in bed when the head of the house had gotten up. and went away.
They left the cottage at the same time. As he walked along with the money in his
(a) What is the old man’s purpose in showing the pocket he felt quite pleased with his smartness.
peddler the thirty kronor? He realised, of course, that at first he dared not
(b) The line, “the other man probably thought he continue on the public highway.
should not stay in bed when the head of the (a) List any two sensory details present in this
house had gotten up” can be best classified as: extract.
(i) a fact (b) With what motive do you think, the rattrap
(ii) an opinion peddler had gone back to the crofter’s house?
(iii) a theme (i) To express his gratitude
(iv) a sub theme (ii) To get back something that he had
(c) What character traits of the old man come forgotten
to the fore from the line, “These he held (iii) To steal the crofter’s money
up before the eyes of his guest, nodding (iv) To have a last look at the place where he
knowingly, and then stuffed them back into had stayed
the pouch”? (c) As the peddler pocketed the money, he felt
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that very pleased. What was he feeling pleased
substantiates the fact that the peddler was about?
treated well by his host.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 251
sound–a hard regular thumping. (a) Was the ironsmith addressing the real Captain
(a) List any two sensory details present in this von Stahle?
extract. (b) ‘The ironmaster laughed to himself because
(b) Why does the protagonist feel anxious about he knew that the captain will not be able to
darkness descending on the forest? refuse his last offer’ can be best classified as:
(i) He would be easily caught by the police. (i) a fact
(ii) All chances of escaping the maze-like (ii) an opinion
forest will vanish. (iii) an assumption
(iii) He was scared of being devoured by the (iv) a hypothesis
wild animals. (c) Explain any one possible inference that can
(iv) He would die of hunger. be drawn from the line, Tut the stranger said
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. ‘No’ thrice and said it emphatically.’
The whole forest with its trunks and branches, (d) What is the meaning of the expression ‘he
closed in upon the peddler like_____. had not said his last word?
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
one infer that the protagonist was certain of select the most likely reason for the stranger
dying in the dark, dense forest. repeatedly saying ‘No.’
(e) “But just as he laid his head on the ground, (i) The stranger repeatedly refused
he heard a sound–a hard regular thumping.” Stjernstrom’s invitation to stay with him.
What do you infer from the thumping? (ii) The stranger repeatedly refused the
(f) Which of the following headlines best suggests ironmaster’s invitation to stay with him.
the central idea of the extract? (iii) The stranger repeatedly refused the shift
(i) Saved by the bell worker’s invitation to stay with them.
(ii) Live to tell the tale (iv) The stranger repeatedly refused Edla’s
(iii) A stitch in time saves nine invitation to spend Christmas with them.
(iv) The last straw (f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
Ans : 2018 The peddler did not accept the offer as he
(a) (i) He heard a sound–a hard regular thumping. knew that he was hiding the _____.
(auditory) Ans : 2007
(ii) Darkness was already descending over the (a) No, he had mistaken the peddler for his
forest. (visual) former regimental mate.
(b) (ii) All chances of escaping the maze-like (b) (i) a fact
forest will vanish. (c) He was afraid that he would be caught at
(c) an impenetrable prison the ironsmith’s house because he had stolen
(d) ‘thinking that his last moment had come.’ thirty honor.
(e) The hammer strokes suggested that there was (d) The matter had not been settled as yet.
an iron mill nearby. (e) (ii) The stranger repeatedly refused the
(f) (i) Saved by the bell ironmaster’s invitation to stay with him.
QUESTION 9.� (f) truth
9. Read the following extract and answer the QUESTION 10.�
questions that follow. 10. Read the following extract and answer the
But the stranger said no, and no, and again no, questions that follow.
and the ironmaster saw that he must give in. “It When, at about ten o’clock they drove back from
looks as though Captain von Stahle preferred to the church, the young girl sat and hung her head
stay with you tonight, Stjernstrom”, he said to even more dejectedly than usual. At church she
the master blacksmith, and turned on his heel. had learned that one of the old crofters of the
But he laughed to himself as he went away, and ironworks had been robbed by a man who went
the blacksmith, who knew him, understood very around selling rattraps.
well that he had not said his last word. “Yes, that was a fine fellow you let into the house,”
said her father “I only wonder how many silver
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Ch 4 : The Rattrap
spoons are left in the cupboard by this time.”
The wagon had hardly stopped at the front
steps when the ironmaster asked the valet whether
the stranger was still there. He added that he had
heard at church that the man was a thief
(a) The girl was sitting dejected and disheartened
because _____.
(b) “Yes, that was a fine fellow you let into the
house,” said her father. What light does
the given line throw on the ironmaster as a
father?
(i) The ironmaster was disapproving of
Edla’s decision to let a stranger stay.
(ii) The ironmaster blamed his daughter for
being kind to a thief.
(iii) The ironmaster was being playful with
Edla, and supported her decisions.
(iv) The ironmaster loved Edla but thought
her to be too naïve and idealistic.
(c) “I only wonder how many silver spoons are
left in the cupboard by this time.” Did the
ironmaster’s fears come true? Give a reason.
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
infer that the peddler also had a Christian
spirit and belied the apprehensions of the
ironmaster.
(e) What are the mood and tone in the extract?
(f) Which of the following idioms best suggests
the information the father-daughter duo came
across in the extract?
(i) be a jigsaw puzzle
(ii) be in a rut
(iii) join the dots
(iv) pick up the pieces
Ans : 2013
(a) she feared that the rumours might be true.
(b) (ii) The ironmaster blamed his daughter for
being kind to a thief.
(c) No, because the peddler had left their house
empty-handed.
(d) He returned the stolen money and left a gift
for Edla for Christmas.
(e) gloomy and disappointed
(f) (iii) join the dots
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 253
CHAPTER 5
Indigo
1. introduction home of Professor Malkani. The news of Gandhi’s
arrival and his mission spread everywhere. Gandhi
Louis Fischer was an American writer. He started chided the lawyers for collecting big fees from the
his career as a journalist and wrote for The New share-croppers. He asked lawyers to stop going
York Times’ and a number of other publications. to courts taking such cases because the peasants
He came to India and was influenced by Mahatma were fear-stricken. It was essential to make them
Gandhi. This essay has been taken from his book free from fear.
‘The Life of Mahatma Gandhi’. In this essay he
tells us how Gandhi fought against the injustice Englishmen Owned Large Estates
done to the peasants of Champaran by the British Most of the arable land in Champaran was owned
landlords. He fought against the authorities using by Englishmen and Indian tenants worked on the
satyagraha and non-violence. He was successful in land. Indigo was the chief commercial crop. The
his fight against the authorities. landlords compelled all tenants to plant 15 percent
of their holdings with indigo. The sharecropping
arrangement was irksome to the peasants.
2. Summary
Gandhi at Champaran
Apprising Louis Fischer about the Departure of After arriving in Champaran, Gandhi began to
the British collect me facts. He met different authorities to
The author first met Gandhi in 1942. In December resolve the issue but all remained vain. Moreover,
1916, during the annual convention of the Indian he was summoned to the court.
National Congress Party, a poor peasant named
Raj Kumar Shukla came to complain about the Motihari Black with Peasants
injustice of the landlord system in Champaran In the morning he found the town of Motihari
(Bihar). Being a firm and determined man, he black with peasants. The next morning, thousands
followed Gandhi everywhere and begged him to of peasants demonstrated to support Gandhi. It
fix a date to come to his district. was the beginning of their liberation from fear
of the British. Gandhi gave the British officials
At the House of Rajendra Prasad concrete proof that Indians could challenge their
Gandhi was very much impressed by the share- power.
cropper’s tenacity and story. He told Shukla But Gandhiji heard the voice of conscience.
about his fixed schedule to Calcutta. He waited He asked for the punishment. The magistrate
till Gandhi was free. Then both reached Patna. stated to announce punishment after two hours
There Shukla led him to the house of a lawyer for which Gandhi must arrange for bail. But
named Rajendra Prasad who later became the Gandhi refused and was released without bail.
President of the Congress and then of free India.
Prasad was out of his town. So they waited let The Battle of Champaran is Won
him stay on the grounds with his companion Rajendra Prasad, Brij Kishore Babu, Maulana
Gandhi. They took Gandhi as another peasant. Mazharul Haq and several other prominent
lawyers came there from Bihar. Gandhiji asked
To Muzzafarpur En Route Champaran them about the injustice to the share-croppers.
Gandhi decided to go first to Muzzafarpur, The lawyers thought that Gandhi was totally a
which was en route to Champaran to obtain stranger yet he was ready to go to jail for the
more complete information about conditions in peasants. If they go home it would be an act of
Champaran. He stayed there for two days in the shame. So they declared to follow him into jail.
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Ch 5 : Indigo
who had signed and they wanted their money (f) (iv) They understood the deception and
back. hypocrisy of the landlords.
At this point Gandhi arrived in Champaran. QUESTION 6.�
He began by trying to get the facts. First 6. Read the following extract and answer the
he visited the secretar), of the British landlord’s questions that follow.
association. The secretary told him that they Gandhi protested against the delay. He read
could give no information to an outsider. Gandhi a statement pleading guilty. He was involved,
answered that he was no outsider. he told the court, in a “conflict of duties”—
(a) Why did many peasants willingly pay the on the one hand, not to set a bad example as
compensation to their landlords? a lawbreaker; on the other hand, to render the
(b) What was irksome to the peasants about the “humanitarian and national service” for which he
sharecropping arrangements? had come. He disregarded the order to leave, “not
(i) Their regular payment of their indigo for want of respect for lawful authority, but in
holdings obedience to the higher law of our being, the voice
of conscience”. He asked the penalty due.
(ii) Compensation to the British to release
them from their long term contract (a) What did Gandhi mean by rendering
“humanitarian and national service”?
(iii) The British being their landlords in their
own country (b) The phrase, “Conflict of duties’ implies that
Gandhi _____.
(iv) The ill-treatment meted out by the
Englishmen (i) preferred to listen to his inner voice.
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. (ii) wanted to help the British.
The phrase “The landlords hired thugs” (iii) wanted to go to the prison.
suggests that _____. (iv) refused to obey the court orders.
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
infer that Gandhi’s approach to the problem Gandhi refused to furnish the bail; as a result,
of the sharecroppers was like that of a lawyer. he was _____.
(e) Was the secretary right in telling Gandhi that (d) Explain any one possible inference that can
they could give no information to an outsider? be drawn about Gandhi from the line, “He
Give a reason. read a statement pleading guilty.”
(f) What was the point of discord between the (e) ‘Gandhi protested against the delay.’ Which
poor peasants and the Englishmen? Choose delay was he protesting against?
the best option. (f) Based on the context provided in the extract,
(i) Most of the peasants were illiterate. select the most likely penalty that was levied
(ii) Some had signed for an arrangement by the magistrate on Gandhi.
regarding the compensation willingly. (i) a two-hour recess in court
(iii) They wanted their money back after (ii) furnish bail for the duration of the recess
some time. (iii) to leave Motihari
(iv) They understood the deception and (iv) to jail Gandhi
hypocrisy of the landlords. Ans : 2005
Ans : 2011
(a) He meant the resolution of the injustice of the
(a) They didn’t want to be compelled to grow landlord system in India and the deceptive
indigo in 15% of their holdings and pay it as manner of trapping the farmers in long-term
rent. contracts.
(b) (ii) Compensation to the British to release (b) (i) preferred to listen to his inner voice.
them from their long term contract (c) released without it.
(c) they were trying to bully the peasants into (d) Gandhi was a humble, law-abiding citizen.
silence.
(e) The prosecutor had requested the judge to
(d) He began by trying to get the facts. postpone the trial as the authorities wanted
(e) No, because Gandhi was an Indian and a to have some time to consult their superiors.
champion of the peasants’ cause. (f) (ii) furnish bail for the duration of the recess.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 255
40. Estates = landed property 93. Protracted = prolonged
41. Tenants = tillers as tenants 94. Sole = only
42. Compelled = forced 95. Initial = early
43. Holdings = fields 96. Uninterrupted = without interruption
44. Entire = the whole 97. Undertaken = taken up
45. Synthetic = artificially prepared 98. Entreaty = request
46. Compensation = making good the loss 99. Unlettered = illiterate
47. Resist = oppose 100.Assembled = gathered
48. Thugs = musclemen/robbers 101.Deceitfully = by deception
49. Proceeded = moved forwards 102.Extorted = taken by force
50. Vast = huge 103.Adamant = stubborn
51. Multitude = crowd 104.Episode = event
52. Investigation = looking into 105.Give way = surrender
53. Maltreated = ill treated 106.Amazement = surprise
54. Complied = obeyed 107.Deadlock = stalemate
55. Quit = leave 108.Prestige = honour
56. Immediately = at once 109.Lords = masters
57. Summons = court’s orders 110.Defender = one who defends
58. Merely = only 111.Abandoned = given up
59. Authorities = officials in power 112.Reverted = given back
60. Spontaneous = come naturally 113.Contented = satisfied
61. Demonstration = show/march 114.Eruptions = rashes
62. Liberation = freedom 115.Filthy = dirty
63. Regulate = control 116.Trenches = ditches
64. Concrete = solid 117.Defiance = disobedience
65. Dreaded = feared 118.Attempt = effort
66. Might = force 119.Alleviate = remove
67. Hitherto = until now 120.Distress = trouble
68. Apparently = evidently 121.Pattern = method
69. Protest = oppose 122.Intertwined = mixed up
70. Delay = procrastination 123.Pacifist = one who is against war
71. Conflict = dispute 124.Vehemently = very strongly
72. Render = do 125.Rely = depend on
73. Want = lack 126.Prop = support
74. Conscience = the inner self 127.Self-reliance = self-dependence
75. Pronounce = declare 128.Bound = joined
76. Sentence = verdict of a judge
77. Recess = break
78. Reconvened = started again 4. ncert textbook questions
79. Prominent = important QUESTION 1.
80. Conferred = conversed 1. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their
81. Upshot = conclusion meaning from the context.
82. Desertion = abandonment
1. urge the departure
83. Residents = dwellers
84. Communication = message 2. conflict of duties
85. Triumphed = became victorious 3. harbour a man like me
86. Far flung = remote 4. seek a prop
87. Grievances = complaints Ans :
88. Depositions = giving evidence 1. Urge the departure : insist on the going away
89. Evidence = proof of the British from India.
90. Throbbed = quivered 2. Conflict of duties : clash of obligation or
91. Vehement = forceful responsibility.
92. Summoned = sent for
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Ch 5 : Indigo
he went. He even went to Ahmedabad at Gandhi’s O
Ashram. In the end, Gandhi told Shukla to meet Describe the trial of Gandhi in Motihari court
him in Calcutta. Then he could take Gandhi with during his stay at Champaran.
him to Champaran. O
When Gandhi reached Calcutta, Shukla How did Gandhiji win the battle of Champaran ?
was waiting for him. They boarded a train for Ans : 2012, 2010
Patna in Bihar. There they stayed at the house After his arrival at Motihari, Gandhiji used a
of Rajendra Prasad who later became the first house as the headquarter so that he can have
President of India. He was out of the city. complete investigation for the share croppers.
Gandhi wanted to get complete information At that time there came a report about mal-
about the situation in Champaran: So he went treating a peasant. Next morning Gandhiji went
first to Muzzafarpur, which was on the way to to see him but he was overtaken by the police
Champaran. At Muzzafarpur, he stayed for two superintendent’s messanger with an order to
days at the house of Prof. Malkani. From there return beck. When he reached home, Gandhiji
Gandhi went to Champaran and fought against was asked to quit Champaran at once. Gandhiji
the injustice being done to the peasants. signed the order but wrote to disobey the order.
QUESTION 4.�
Next day Gandhi appeared in the court. That
4. Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of 25 per night Gandhiji telegraphed Rajendra Prasad
cent refund to the farmers ? How did it influence to come with the influential friends. When the
the peasant-landlord relationship in Champaran ? peasants knew that Gandhiji was in trouble with
Ans : 2013
the authorities, the court ground of Motihari
Raj Kumar Shukla from Champaran, on the
became black with peasants. The officials felt
annual meeting of Indian National Congress,
powerless and they had to seek his help. The trial
apprised Gandhiji about the appalling condition
was postponed but Gandhiji protested the delay.
of share-croppers there. Gandhiji reached there
In between he was left at liberty. Now Gandhiji
and came to know that the large estates were
asked the prominent lawyers what they would do
owned by the Englishmen and the Indians worked
in case he was sent to jail. They told that they
as their tenant farmers and they had to pay 15%
would follow Gandhiji and give the court arrest.
of their land. After the investigations by Gandhi
Gandhiji exclaimed : “The battle of Champaran
and the lawyers into the grievances of the farmers,
is won”.
it was decided by the Britishers that 25% of the QUESTION 6.�
money would be refunded. The farmers learnt 6. What did Gandhiji do to remove the cultural and
that they had their rights and they became social backwardness in the Champaran villages ?
courageous. Within a few years the landlords Ans : 2015
relinquished their claims over the estates and the After winning the Battle of Champaran, Gandhi
farmers became the owners. saw the cultural and social backwardness in the
Gandhi saw their social, economic and cultural Champaran villages. For educating the villagers,he
backwardness of the area. He appointed volunteers made an appeal for teachers. Immediately his
to teach the villagers. Kasturba Gandhi taught two pupils Mahadev Desai, Narhari Parikh and
the Ashram rules and personal cleanliness and their wives offered to work. Several more teachers
community sanitation. He got a doctor to volunteer came from Mumbai and Poona. His youngest son
his services for six months to improve the health Devdas and Mrs. Gandhi (Kasturba) also arrived
conditions of the people. They realised the value from the Ashram Primary schools were opened
of self reliance. The lawyers helped the peasants in in six villages to teach children. Kasturba taught
their cases. Women gave Gandhiji whole-hearted the ashram rules on personal cleanliness and
support and the countrymen embarked in the community sanitation. For improving the health
national freedom movement. The Champaran conditions, Gandhi got a doctor. He volunteered
episode had completely changed the concept of the his services for six months. Kasturba talked to the
peasant-landlord relationship in the area. women to get rid of their filthy state of clothes.
QUESTION 5.�
During his long stay at Champaran, Gandhiji
5. “The battle of Champaran is won” Gandhiji taught people self reliance and freedom from the
exclaimed. When and why did Gandhiji exclaim fear of the British.
this ?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 257
Champaran apprised Gandhiji of appalling around Gandhiji and requested that they would
conditions of share-croppers there. Gandhiji follow him to jail. Gandhiji said that the battle
reached there. He came to know that the large of Champaran is won. This is how Gandhiji
estates were owned by the Englishmen and the influenced the lawyers.
Indians worked as their tenant farmers. They were QUESTION 3.�
required to pay 15% of their land yields. Gandhiji 3. What was the attitude of the average Indian in
and the lawyers investigated into the grievances smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home-
of the farmers. The Britishers decided that 25 rule’ ?
per cent of the money would be refunded. The Ans :
farmers became bold when they got their rights. In the year 1917 the movement of freedom struggle
Within a few years, the landlords relinquished was on its footing. The advocates of home-rule
their claims over the estates and the farmers were moving throughout the country to encourage
became the owners. the common man to participate in it.
Gandhiji viewed the social, economic and The peasants were leading miserable lives
cultural backwardness of the area. He appointed due to the atrocities of the landlords. Raj Kumar
volunteers to teach the villagers. Kasturba taught Shukla brought Gandhi to Champaran and he
the Ashram rules and personal cleanliness and himself investigated the cases of misdeeds. He
community sanitation. A doctor volunteered his felt that the peasants were terror-stricken and
services for six months to improve the health exploited. The average Indian was indifferent
conditions of the people. They realized the value to show sympathy to the advocates of the home
of self reliance. The lawyers helped the peasants rule. In order to gather more information and true
in their cases. Women offered him whole hearted picture about the share-croppers, Gandhi sent a
support. The countrymen embarked on the task of telegram to Prof. J. B. Kripalani. He came there
national freedom movement. It became a turning at the station with a large body of students. For
point in Gandhiji’s life (career). Gandhiji termed two days Gandhi stayed at the house of Professor
it as his huge success and victory. Malkani. Gandhi praised the courage shown
QUESTION 2.� by these people. In those days it was quite an
2. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers ? Give extraordinary thing and a courageous act to give
instances. shelter to a man like Gandhi. The average Indians
Ans : were afraid of mixing with such courageous people
On his way to Champaran, Gandhiji stopped at those who were the advocates as “home rule.”
Muzzafarpur to obtain more information about They preferred to remain aloof from such things.
the atrocities done to the share-croppers. There QUESTION 4.�
the lawyers called on Gandhi to brief him since 4. How do we know that ordinary people too
they represented the peasant groups in the courts. contributed to the freedom movement ?
They charged high fees for these cases. Gandhiji Ans :
scolded them for this and advocated that it was For the success of any movement, cooperation and
useless to go to the law courts where the peasants participation of all and sundry is a must. They
were much fear-stricken. make the movement not only a success but also
When Gandhiji received summons to appear lead to the pinnacle. When Gandhiji arrived in
in the court, he telegraphed Rajendra Prasad to Muzzafarpur, the multitude of peasants blackened
come with some influential people from Bihar. Motihari. They knew that the Mahatma who
Thousands of peasants gathered round the court wanted to help them, was in trouble with the
house. Many prominent lawyers arrived and they authorities. It was perhaps the first kind of
conferred with him. Gandhiji asked them if he spontaneous demonstration of Indian against the
was sentenced to prison what would they do ? Britishers. Seeing the situation beyond control,
The senior lawyer replied that they had come to they sought his help to regulate the unprecedented
advice and help him. In case Gandhiji was sent to crowd. The Government was baffled. It has such
jail there would be none to advise theni. Side by an impact on the Government that the civil
side they thought Gandhiji was a total stranger disobedience won for the first time in 1917 in
and yet he was ready for prison for the peasants. modern India.
They considered that it would be a shameful Side by side the Government had to appoint
abandonment for them. Then they all collected an official inquiry commission to find out the
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Ch 5 : Indigo
QUESTION 40.
worked according to the voice of his conscience. He 40. What did Gandhi do to improve the health
told that he had come to render the humanitarian conditions at Champaran?
and national service. Ans : 2020, 2014
Gandhi found that health conditions were also
QUESTION 36.
36. What happened after four meetings between
miserable. Kasturba Gandhi taught the students
Gandhi and Sir Edward Gait?
and others, rules on personal cleanliness and
Ans : 2009
community sanitation. Gandhi got a doctor
Gandhi and the lawyers wrote down depositions
to volunteer his services for six months. Three
by about ten thousand peasants. In June,
medicines were available there: castor oil, quinine
Sir Edward *Gait, the Lieutenant-Governor
and sulphur ointment. These medicines were used
summoned Gandhi for discussions. After four
to cure most of the patients.
meetings an official commission was appointed QUESTION 41.�
to make enquiry into the indigo sharecroppers’ 41. Why did Shukla beg Gandhi “Fix a date ?”
situation. The commission consisted of landlords,
government officials and Gandhi, who was the O
sole representative of the peasants. Why did Raj Kumar Shukla want to take Gandhiji
QUESTION 37.
to Champaran ?
37. What did Gandhi do to give education to the Ans : 2019
children of Champaran area? Raj Kumar Shukla went to see Gandhi in
Ans : 2007 Lucknow in the annual convention of the Indian
Gandhi was not satisfied with the political or National Congress. There he told Gandhi about
economic solutions. He wanted to bring social the cruelties done over the peasants. He urged him
changes. He saw that there was cultural and that he had come to take him to Champaran so
social backwardness in Champaran. He wanted to that he might see everything himself and keep the
remove it. He appealed to the teachers of that area. troubled peasants. Gandhi told him that he had
Gandhi got immediate response. With their efforts, to go to Cawnpore (Kanpur) and other parts of
primary schools were opened in six villages. India. Then Gandhi returned to his ashram near
QUESTION 38.� Ahmedabad. Shukla followed him everywhere.
38. How did the peasants react on hearing that After weeks at ashram, he begged to fix a date
Gandhi was in trouble with the authorities? for Champaran.”
O
How did the Mahatma help the authorities?
Ans : 2016
When the Champaran peasants heard that
a Mahatma, who wanted to help them, was in
trouble with the authorities. By next morning the QUESTION 42.
town of Motihari was black with the peasants. 42. How did future events prove that Gandhi had
They demonstrated around the court house. The been right to agree to 25% refund?
government baffled and the official felt powerless Ans : 2008
without the cooperation of Gandhi. Gandhi Gandhi said that money was not important. It
helped them to regulate the crowd. Gandhi gave was important that the British landlords had
the concrete proof about the might of the British. lost their prestige. They had been compelled to
QUESTION 39.
surrender money. Now the peasants realized that
39. Why did Gandhi agree to the refund of 25 per they had rights. They learnt to get over their
cent of money? fears. Future events proved that Gandhi was
Ans : 2015 justified. Within a few years, the British planters
The British landlords agreed to make refunds to gave up their estates, which were returned to the
the peasants. Gandhi asked for 50 per cent refund. peasants.
But the landlords insisted on twenty five per cent QUESTION 43.
refund. In order to break the deadlock, Gandhi 43. What did Gandhi say about the Champaran
agreed. Gandhi believed that the amount of episode?
refund was not really important. It was important Ans : 2010
that the landlords had been defeated. The Champaran episode was a turning-point in
the life of Mahatma Gandhi. But he modestly said
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 259
accused, conviction, ruling, violation, disregard, (c) When the court reconvened, the judge said
law authority, procedure, proceeding, suit, he would not deliver the judgment for several
offence, crime, violation, judge, justice, inspection, days.
exhibit, objection, over-ruled, sustained, official Ans :
appointment, official member, rule, victim, Comma (,) : It is a punctuation mark (,). It
accused, convict, behind bars. indicates a slight pause or break made for the sake
of clarity in a sentence. It is also used to separate
THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE items in a list, etc.
QUESTION 1.� The use of comma in sentences (a) and (c)
1. Notice the sentences in the text which are in points out a short interval between two actions.
‘direct speech’. The sentence (b) is in itself clear in its
Why does the author use quotations in his meaning straight forward. So it does not need use
narration ? of any comma at all.
Ans :
The sentences in the text used in ‘direct speech’ THINGS TO DO
are : QUESTION 1.�
1. He said, “I will tell you how it happened...” 1. 1. Choose an issue that has provoked a
2. A peasant came up ... and said, “I am Raj controversy like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy or
Kumar Shukla. I am from Champaran.” the Narmada Dam project in which the lives
of the poor have been affected.
3. Somebody had probably said, “Speak to
Gandhi.” 2. Find out the facts of the case.
4. He begged, “Fix a date.” 3. Present your arguments.
5. Gandhi said, “I have to be in Calcutta on 4. Suggest a possible settlement.
Ans :
such-and-such date.”
1. Fukushima I nuclear accidents in Japan are
6. Gandhi commented, “It was an extraordinary
regarded as one of the largest nuclear disasters
thing in those days.”
in the recent years.
7. He said, “I have come to the conclusion.”
2. Find out the facts of the case, like : What
8. Gandhi reports, “The commissioner proceeded
happened, where happened, when happened.
to bully me.”
How happened, what effects, what outcome,
9. He exclaimed, “The battle of Champaran is how much losses, what other related things.
won.”
3 Present your arguments, like :
10. One woman... said, “The sari I am wearing is How the lives of the poor were affected with
the only one I have.” special reference to - their residence (huts);
11. He explained, “What I did was a very ordinary means of income, food and clothes, lives of
thing.” their children and other things.
12. He said, “You think that in this unequal fight 4. Suggest a possible settlement, like :
it would be helpful...” Whose responsibility, how the damage took
13. Rajendra Prasad comments, “He had read place, Whose carelessness, what compensation
our minds correctly.” or
The author uses the quotations in direct What relief, who to provide relief and how
narration to put the real impact on the reader. much relief essential for pulling on with life
They indicate that they were actually uttered by and other related things; the possible secure
the speaker. alternative for future.
QUESTION 2.� The clear guidelines are provided above
2. Notice the use or non-use of the comma in the and the students might try even one of the
following sentences : two above stated issues that provoked a
(a) When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his controversy as :
ashram in Sevagram, he told me what The Narmada Dam Project (Hints)
happened in Champaran. Hint : River in Central India; about 1290 km.
(b) He had not proceeded far when the police long; east to west like Tapti and Mahanadi
superintendent’s messenger overtook him. rivers; at Jabalpur Narmada Valley of Vindya
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Ch 5 : Indigo
3. Harbour a man like me : give shelter to an and why? What would be the impact of synthetic
advocate of home-rule. indigo on the prices of natural indigo?
4. Seek a prop : try to find support or assistance. Ans : 2015
The peasants had to grow indigo on fifteen per cent
THINK AS YOU READ 1 of the land. All the produce had to be surrendered
QUESTION 1.
as rent. Synthetic indigo had been developed by
1. Strike out what is not true in the following. Germany. Natural indigo was no more profitable
now. So the landlords no longer wanted to raise
(a) Rajkumar Shukla was
indigo on their land. They wanted compensation
(i) a sharecropper
from the peasants for releasing them from the
(ii) a politician indigo-raising agreement.
(iii) delegate
(iv) a landlord THINK AS YOU READ 3
(b) Rajkumar Shukla was QUESTION 1.�
1. The events in this past of the text illustrate
(i) poor
Gandhi’s method of working. Can you identify
(ii) physically strong some instances of this method and link them to
(iii) illiterate his idea of Satyagraha and non-violence?
Ans : Ans : 2010
(a) (i) a sharecropper Gandhiji always followed his principle of non-
(b) (iii) illiterate violence in his fight against the British rule. He
QUESTION 2.� never deviated from his path even though the
2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being British authorities raised blows on him.
resolute?
Ans : 2014
THINK AS YOU READ 4
Rajkumar Shukla was described as being resolute QUESTION 1.�
because he was determined to take Gandhiji to 1. Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of 25 per
Champaran. His purpose was to champion the cent refund to the farmers ?
Ans : 2017
cause of the poor sharecroppers in Champaran.
The British planters wanted some excuse to
Shukla also accompanied him everywhere and
prolong the dispute with the peasants. But
followed him to the ashram.
QUESTION 3.�
Gandhiji proved too wise for them. He at once
3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to ended the deadlock by accepting what the planters
be another peasant? wanted. Even so, the British had to compromise
Ans : 2011
with their pride.
When Shukla led Gandhi to the house of Rajendra QUESTION 2.�
Prasad, he was out of town. But, the servants 2. How did the episode change the plight of the
knew Shukla as a poor farmer who pestered their peasants?
Ans : 2012
master to help the sharecroppers. This is why,
The peasants now gained courage. They saw that
seeing Gandhi with them, they thought Gandhi
they had rights and they had also defenders of
to be another peasant.
their rights. By and by, the British planters left
their estates. These estates now came back to the
THINK AS YOU READ 2
peasants. Indigo sharecropping now disappeared
QUESTION 1.�
for ever.
1. List the places that Gandhi visited between
his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at
Champaran. UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
Ans : 2019
QUESTION 1.�
Gandhi visited Cawnpore, Ahmedabad, Calcutta 1. Why do you think Gandhi considered the
and Patna between his first meeting with Shukla Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his
and his arrival at Champaran. life?
QUESTION 2.�
Ans : 2014, 2013
2. What did the peasants pay the British landlords The annual meeting of Indian National Congress
as rent? What did the British now want instead was being held. Raj Kumar Shukla from
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 261
(a) 20% (b) 40% 18. Who briefed Gandhiji at Muzaffarpur?
(c) 30% (d) 50% (a) Politicians (b) Government officers
Ans : (c) Lawyers (d) Farmers
(d) 50% Ans :
(c) Lawyers
13. How much did Indigo planters offer to pay?
(a) 30% (b) 10% 19. Who was Raj Kumar Shukla?
(c) 25% (d) 40% (a) A lawyer
Ans : (b) A government official
(c) 25%
(c) A politician
14. What was the condition of the Sharecroppers? (d) A poor peasant
(a) Were forced to give 10% of land for Indigo Ans :
plantation (d) A poor peasant
(b) Were forced to give 20% of land for Indigo 20. Where was the annual congress party session
plantation held?
(c) Were forced to give 15% of land for Indigo (a) At Varanasi (b) At Mumbai
plantation (c) At Bangalore (d) At Lucknow
(d) Were forced to give 5% of land for Indigo Ans :
plantation (d) At Lucknow
Ans :
(c) Were forced to give 15% of land for Indigo 21. Why did Raj Kumar Shukla come to Lucknow at
plantation Annual Congress party session?
(a) To be rich
15. How did Gandhiji help peasants of Champaran?
(b) To be famous
(a) By fighting and securing justice for them
(c) To fight and get money
(b) By hiring lawyers for them
(d) To complain against injustice of landlord
(c) By educating them system in Bihar
(d) By teaching them cleanliness Ans :
Ans : (d) To complain against injustice of landlord
(a) By fighting and securing justice for them system in Bihar
16. What problems were faced by the Champaran 22. Why did Mr. Shukla meet Gandhiji?
Indigo sharecroppers? (a) to seek his guidance for his own upliftment
(a) Poverty (b) to get ideas to be famous
(b) Were forced to grow Indigo (c) to learn the art of speaking
(c) Unable to raise voice (d) to seek his help for the poor sharecroppers
(d) Illiteracy Ans :
Ans : (d) to seek his help for the poor sharecroppers
(b) Were forced to grow Indigo
23. Why is Champaran famous?
17. Why did Gandhiji decide to go to Muzaffarpur? (a) For fighting
(a) To have detailed information of the (b) For Indigo
sharecroppers of Champaran
(c) Because Gandhiji visited
(b) To have information about lawyers
(d) For the first Satyagrah movement in 1917
(c) To know different capacities of the people Ans :
(d) To have a personal bond with the people (d) For the first Satyagrah movement in 1917
Ans :
(a) To have detailed information of the 24. Why was Satyagrah Movement launched in
sharecroppers of Champaran Champaran?
(a) For Gandhiji’s upliftment
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Ch 5 : Indigo
How can young students today use these two 2008 will remain a black day in the history of
qualities to make successful careers for themselves? the world. Have these brutals ever thought that
Ans : 2013 many families become orphan, their children
‘No road is too long to the man who advances suffer. The nation and the economy shatter due to
deliberately and without haste, and no honours their savage activities. Such mean acts are useless
are too distant for the man who prepares himself and shameful. These bring dishonour, chaos,
for them with patience’. (Brnyere). In this era confusion and trouble. We can do away with these
of globalisation and modernisation, everyone unlawful activities through our concerted efforts.
especially youngsters adopt short-cuts for success. Though the extremists are the traitors but they
And if they fail somehow, they surrender to their should be taught the lesson of peace, affection,
lives. They need to understand as well as to use sympathy, love and selfless service to others since
the qualities of determination and perseverance all complicated problems can be solved through
during their lives. These are like the cardinal mutual-understanding and love. It is the need
virtues of a good human being. Rather than of the hour to bring such strategies into action
being taught in the classrooms, these must be that may change the lives and ideologies of these
inculcated in youngsters at an early stage. They forelorn extremists. Let us preach and follow the
should believe in the power of constant efforts. path of non-violence.
They may fall down once but they will definitely QUESTION 19.
get a start in their future through their hard work 19. What social work did Gandhi undertake in
and determination. They should neither leave Champaran to improve the condition of the poor
hope nor efforts or strong will. The only lesson peasants? How did the Champaran incident prove
to shape their future, the youngsters must learn to be a turning point in his life?
is ‘to get through the hardest journey we need Ans : 2005
take only one step at a time, but we must keep Gandhi won a legal victory in Champaran.
on stepping.’ But he was not satisfied with the political or
QUESTION 18.� economic solutions. He wanted to bring social
18. ‘Non-Violence’ and ‘Truth-Fulness’ were changes. He saw that there was cultural and
Gandhiji’s tools against the British. He fought social backwardness in Champaran. He wanted
with them and won the battle. It proves that ‘non- to remove it. He appealed to the teachers of
violence’ has the power. So, write a paragraph on that area. Gandhi got immediate response. With
the issue in about 100 words. their efforts, primary schools were opened in six
Ans : 2018 villages. Gandhi found that health conditions
Importance of Non-Violence were also miserable. Kasturba Gandhi taught the
If we meditated deeply and turn the pages of our students and others’ rules on personal cleanliness
sacred history our philosophers, thinkers, saints, and community sanitation. Gandhi got a doctor
rishis, holy men and munis have stressed the to volunteer his services for six months. Three
need and significance of non-violence. Emperor medicines were available there: castor oil, quinine
like Ashoka, Prince like Gautam Buddha and and sulphur ointment. These medicines were used
the modern sacred souls like our father of nation, to cure most of the patients. During his long
Mahatma Gandhi all have not only preached but stay in Champaran, Gandhi kept a long distance
also put into practice the act of non-violence. watch on the ashram. He sent regular instructions
Ashoka the great, forbade even the killing of by mail. Gradually, the condition of the people
wild animals in his kingdom. Buddha sent his of that area improved. The Champaran episode
preachers far and wide to sermonise the public was a turning point in the life of Mahatma
on the importance of leading a peaceful life. It Gandhi. It did not begin as an act of defiance.
was Gandhi who brought Independence to India It was an attempt to alleviate the suffering of
through non-violence means with the help of the poor people of Champaran. He declared that
Indians. It was our concerted effort and sacrifice the British could not order him about in his own
that brought colours to this nation. country. Gandhi’s politics were intertwined with
We can well understand the dictum that we the practical day-to-day problems of the poor
have no right to kill innocent lives. It is a great people. Not only did he fight for the rights of
sin to do away others with life. The recent attack the peasants, he worked for their social upliftment
of terrorists over Mumbai on 26th November, also.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 263
35. What was the attitude of the average Indian in SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
smaller localities towards advocates of home rule? QUESTION 1.�
(a) Very welcoming 1. Instead of going to Champaran, Gandhi went to
Muzzafarpur. Give a valid reason.
(b) Very courageous
(c) Pleasing O
Why did Gandhi decided go to Muzzafarpur and
(d) Very fearful and indifferent
Ans : where did he stay there?
Ans : 2018
(d) Very fearful and indifferent
Shukla had already poured information about the
36. What was the purpose of the advocates of home troubles of the poor peasants. But Gandhi wanted
rule? to obtain more information about conditions than
(a) To get money Shukla was capable of imparting. So he sent a
(b) To be popular telegram to Prof. J. B. Kripalani. He came at the
station with his students. Gandhi stayed for two
(c) To instigate the people
days at the house of Prof. Malkani. Muzzafarpur
(d) To encourage people to participate in the
lawyers too called on Gandhi to brief him.
freedom movement QUESTION 2.
Ans : 2. Who was Louis Fischer? What did Gandhi tell
(d) To encourage people to participate in the him?
freedom movement Ans : 2022
37. What was the condition of the peasants in Louis Fischer was an American writer. He was
Champaran? a friend and follower of Gandhi. In 1942, Louis
Fischer visited Mahatma Gandhi at his ashram
(a) Independent
in Sevagram. Gandhi told him how in 1917, he
(b) Very happy decided to fight for the departure of the British
(c) Very rich from India.
(d) Terror stricken and oppressed QUESTION 3.�
Ans : 3. “This was typical Gandhi pattern” observes Louis
(d) Terror stricken and oppressed Fischer. What do you learn about Gandhian
politics from the extract ‘Indigo’ ?
38. Whom did Gandhiji send a telegram to ? Ans : 2015
(a) Peasants (b) British Government Gandhi’s politics was intermixed with the
(c) Sir Edmund (d) Prof. J.B Kriplani practical, everyday life of the millions of Indians.
Ans : This was not a loyalty to abstractions. It was
(d) Prof. J.B Kriplani a loyalty of living human beings. In everything
Gandhi did, he tried to mould a new free Indian
39. Where did Gandhiji stay for two days? who could stand on his own feet and thus make
(a) At a lawyer’s house India free.
(b) At a peasant’s house QUESTION 4.
(c) In a guest house 4. Where did Rajkumar Shukla meet Gandhi?
Ans : 2010
(d) At Prof. Malkani’s house
In 1916, Mahatma Gandhi went to Lucknow
Ans :
to attend the annual convention of the Indian
(d) At Prof. Malkani’s house
National Congress Party. There were 2301
40. Why was the government baffled? delegates. Apart from the delegates, there were
(a) Because of farmers number of visitors also. There, a peasant named
Rajkumar Shukla met him. He had come from
(b) Because of lawyer’s power
Champaran to meet Gandhi.
(c) Because of sharecroppers QUESTION 5.�
(d) Because of the success of the Satyagrah 5. How did Gandhiji help the peasants of Champaran?
movement by peasants
O
Ans :
What did the peasants pay to British landlords
(d) Because of the success of the Satyagrah
as rent ?
movement by peasants
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Ch 5 : Indigo
and Satpura ranges, through M.P., Gujarat, (c) Wise and courageous leadership can resolve
into Arabian Sea at Gujarat. Sardar Sarover any problem.
Project due from 1949 but started after 1980, (d) None of these
generate power for entire part; shifting of Ans :
poor people, farmers, villagers but with or (c) Wise and courageous leadership can resolve
without providing proper housing facilities. any problem.
Height more than 110 metres. Narmada
Bachao Andolan. 7. Why did M.K. Gandhi fight in Champaran?
(a) To secure justice for the oppressed
(b) To get popularity
5. other important questions
(c) To show power
(d) To boast of his intelligence
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS Ans :
(a) To secure justice for the oppressed
1. Who is the author of “Indigo”?
(a) Mark Twain (b) Leo Tolstoy 8. What does Gandhi’s fight in Champaran signify?
(c) Louis Fischer (d) Charles Dickens (a) The power of effective leadership
Ans : (b) The power of lawyers
(c) Louis Fischer
(c) The power of farmers
2. Where was the author born? (d) The power of money
(a) in Philadelphia (b) In Scotland Ans :
(a) The power of effective leadership
(c) In Yugoslavia (d) None of these
Ans : 9. Why was Motihari back with peasants?
(a) in Philadelphia.
(a) Because of people’s rights
3. When did the author serve in the British army? (b) Because of the oppression of the British
(a) 1918 – 1920 (b) 1900-1902 (c) Because their champion was in trouble
(c) 1912-1913 (d) 1909 – 1910 (d) None of these
Ans : Ans :
(a) 1918 – 1920 (c) Because their champion was in trouble
4. Which University was the author a member of? 10. How did Gandhi address the actions of the people
(a) Oxford University (b) Princeton University of Motihari ?
(c) Harvard University (d) University of (a) As liberation from the fear of the British
Columbia (b) By calling them courageous
Ans : (c) By chiding the lawyers
(b) Princeton University (d) None of these
Ans :
5. Indigo is an excerpt from which book of the
(a) As liberation from the fear of the British
author?
(a) Men and Politics 11. What was Gandhiji’s demand from the British
(b) Life of Lenin landlords?
(c) The Life of Mahatma Gandhi. (a) 30% refund as repayment
(d) None of these (b) 40% refund as repayment
Ans : (c) 50% refund as repayment
(c) The Life of Mahatma Gandhi. (d) 10% refund as repayment
Ans :
6. What is the message conveyed in the lesson
(c) 50% refund as repayment
Indigo?
(a) Speak aloud 12. How much did Gandhi ji ask the Indigo planters
(b) Efficient lawyers to pay to the farmers?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 265
O impressed Gandhi very much. Consequently, both
Why Gandhi had to chide the lawyers of boarded a train to Patna in Bihar.
Muzzafarpur? QUESTION 16.
16. Why were peasants compelled to surrender their
O
indigo crop to the British landlords?
Write down Gandhi’s advice to the lawyers of
Ans : 2009
Muzzafarpur.
Most of the fertile land in Champaran was owned
O by the English landlords. Indian peasants worked
How was Gandhi able to influence the laywers of on them. Indigo was the chief commercial crop.
the Champaran? The peasants were compelled to grew indigo on
Ans : 2007 fifteen percent of land and surrender the entire
During his stay at Muzzafarpur, the lawyers indigo harvest as payment of rent.
briefed Gandhi about the cases of poor peasants. QUESTION 17.�
They told about their cases and the size of fee. 17. Why did Gandhiji feel that taking the Champaran
Gandhi chided them for collecting big fees from case to the court was useless?
the share-croppers. He advised them to stop Ans : 2014
going to the law courts. He pointed out that When sharecroppers from Champaran knew
the peasants were poor and fear-stricken. It was about Gandhiji’s mission, they started arriving to
urgent to make them free from fear. see their champion. Lawyers too came to brief him
QUESTION 14.
about the cases and their fees. He chided them for
14. Why did Gandhi rebuke the lawyers? charging big fees and concluded that they should
Ans : 2018 stop going to law courts. He told that taking
The news of Gandhi’s arrival spread in such cases to the courts would do little good. He
Muzzafarpur and Champaran. Farmers from pointed out that the peasants were being deeply
Champaran began arriving to see their messiah. crushed and so they were fear-stricken. Hence the
Muzzafarpur lawyers also came to see Gandhi. law courts were useless. It was better to make
They used to represent peasant groups in courts. them free from fear.
Gandhi rebuked them for collecting big fees from QUESTION 18.
the sharecroppers. Mahatma Gandhi said that 18. What did the British landlords do when they came
the peasants were crushed and fear-stricken. So to know that Germany had developed synthetic
taking their cases to the courts was useless. (artificial) indigo?
QUESTION 15.�
Ans : 2021
15. What did the poor peasant do to take Gandhi to At that time, the landlords learnt that Germany
Champaran? had developed synthetic indigo. Now they obtained
O agreements from the peasants to pay them
Why did Raj Kumar Shukla go to meet Gandhi? compensation for being released from the 15 percent
arrangement. Many peasants signed the agreement
O
willingly. Those who resisted, engaged lawyers.
Why did Gandhi accompany Shukla in a train to QUESTION 19.�
Patna? 19. Who was Charles Freer Andrews? Why did
O Gandhi oppose his help in Champaran battle for
How did Shukla succeed in persuading Gandhiji peasants?
to visit Champaran? O
Ans : 2012
Why did Gandhiji object to C.F. Andrews stay in
Raj Kumar Shukla apprised Gandhi in Lucknow Champaran?
convention about the atrocities done to the poor
peasants in Champaran by the English indigo- O
planters. He urged Gandhi to accompany but How did Gandhi convince the lawyers about
Gandhi had so many other engagements for the Charles Freer Andrews?
other parts of India. Being a resolute man, Shukla Ans : 2005
followed Gandhi every where. Then Gandhi asked In early Champaran action, Charles Freer
him to see him in Calcutta. Months passed Shukla Andrew, the English pacifist, became a devoted
was sitting on his haunches at the appointed spot follower of Gandhi. Before going on a tour to duty
in Calcutta till he was free. His determination to Fizi islands he came to bid Gandhi farewell.
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O But Gandhi was not free. So Shukla accompanied
How did Gandhi uplift the peasants of Champaran? Gandhi wherever he went and repeated his request.
Ans : 2017, 2012, 2011 He even went to Gandhi’s ashram at Ahmedabad.
Gandhiji came to know about the share¬croppers Gandhi was impressed by his determination. He
plight at Champaran. There the landlords agreed to visit Champaran.
forced the peasants to plant indigo on 15% QUESTION 9.�
of the holdings and all the harvest was to be 9. Describe how Gandhiji brought about a change
surrendered to the planters as rent. They were in the social and health conditions of Champaran
also signing contracts for the compensation under village.
compulsion. Gandhi held a demonstration against Ans : 2019
the government. The officials became helpless To do away with the social and cultural
and the government was helped. A settlement backwardness, Gandhi appealed for teachers.
was reached. The sharecroppers got 25% of their The two new young disciples, Mahadev Desai
money back. In this way Gandhiji uplifted and and Narhari Parikh with their wives, volunteered
helped the peasants of Champaran. for the work; several more from Bombay, Poona
QUESTION 6. and other distant places joined. Devdas and his
6. What did Gandhi tell Rajkumar Shukla when he mother Kasturba bai also joined. She taught the
requested him to visit Champaran? rules of cleanliness and community sanitation.
Ans : 2005 QUESTION 10.
Rajkumar Shukla requested Gandhi to visit his 10. Where did Rajkumar Shukla take Gandhi from
district and find a solution to the problems of Calcutta?
peasants. He complained about the injustice of Ans : 2021
the landlords of Bihar. Rajkumar Shukla was When Gandhi reached Calcutta, Shukla was
illiterate. But he had strong determination. waiting for him. They boarded a train for Patna
He accompanied Gandhi wherever he went. He in Bihar. There Shukla took him to the house
even went to Ahmedabad at Gandhi’s ashram. of Rajendra Prasad who later became the first
In the end, Gandhi told Shukla to meet him in President of India. He was out of town but his
Calcutta. Then he could take Gandhi with him servant let them stay there.
to Champaran. QUESTION 11.�
QUESTION 7.� 11. Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of mere
7. Why was Gandhiji opposed to C.F. Andrews 25 percent?
helping him in Champaran ? Ans : 2016
Ans : 2016, 2010 Gandhi explained that the amount of the refund
During the Champaran action, Gandhi’s lawyer was less important. More important was the fact
friends thought it would be good if C.F. Andrews that the landlords were mde to return part of the
stayed on in Champaran and helped them. Gandhi money, so their prestige. They had so far behaved
opposed this idea as it showed the weakness of as lords above law. The peasants saw that they
their heart. Their cause was just and they must had rights, defenders and also courage. Within
rely upon themselves to win this unequal fight. few years British planters left the estates for the
They should not seek the support of Mr. Andrews peasants. Share-croping was only a tale now. It
because he happened to be an Englishman. changed the conditions of the peasant completely.
QUESTION 8. QUESTION 12.
8. How did Rajkumar Shukla succeed in persuading 12. Where did Gandhiji go first and why?
Gandhiji to visit Champaran? Ans : 2020
Gandhi wanted to get complete information
O
about the situation in Champaran. So he went
Why did Gandhiji ultimately go with Shukla to
first to Muzzafarpur which was on the way to
Bihar?
Champaran. Gandhi sent a telegram to Professor
Ans : 2011
J.B. Kripalani whom he had seen at the
Rajkumar Shukla was a poor farmer of
Shantiniketan. At Muzzafarpur, he stayed for two
Champaran. The poor peasants of his area were
days at the house of Prof. Malkani.
being exploited by the British landlords. He
QUESTION 13.�
wanted that Gandhi should fight against that
13. Why did Gandhi conclude that the lawyers should
injustice. He met Gandhi at the Lucknow session.
stop going to the courts?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 267
would not deliver judgement for several days. were fighting for home-rule and the British police
Gandhi was allowed to remain free. But several was after them. Those who harboured them
days later the written communication from the were tortured. So people were afraid and the
magistrate informed Gandhi that the Lieutenant Government servants had the fear of losing job
Governor of the province had ordered the case also.
to be dropped. Thus, the civil disobedience had QUESTION 32.
triumphed, the first time in modern India. 32. What did Gandhi tell Rajendra Prasad and other
QUESTION 28. lawyers?
28. Why did the British authorities ask him to help Ans : 2006
them in controlling the crowd? Rajendra Prasad and other prominent lawyers
Ans : 2021 had arrived at Champaran to help Gandhi. They
The peasants of Champaran demonstrated in told Gandhi that they had come to advise him.
thousands around the courthouse at Motihari. But if he went to jail, there would be nobody to
That was the beginning of their liberation from advise him. Then they would go home. Gandhi
fear of the British. The official felt powerless asked them to think about the plight of the poor
without Gandhi’s cooperation. Gandhi appealed farmers. Now the lawyers told Gandhi that they
to the crowd to remain peaceful. The prosecutor would follow him into jail.
requested the judge to postpone the trial, as they QUESTION 33.�
wanted to consult their superiors. 33. How did the development of German synthetic
QUESTION 29.� indigo became a source of great trouble in
29. What made the Lieutenant-Governor drop the Champaran?
case against Gandhiji ? Ans : 2011, 2008
Ans : 2014 The British planters learnt of the synethetic indigo
The sharecroppers of Champaran were facing prepared in Germany. It was cheaper than the
injustice through the hands of the landlords. natural indigo. It would reflect upon their income
Gandhiji protested and was arrested. He was and sale. Being unprofitable the landlords wanted
put in jail but he was released without bail. The to free the peasants from the 15% agreement. For
prominent lawyers came from Bihar to help him this they demanded compensation.
and became ready to go to jail alongwith Gandhi. Some signed willingly. Those who opposed,
He exclaimed “The battle of Champaran is won”. engaged lawyers and the planters hired thugs.
He took a piece of paper and divided the group The illegal and deceitful collection of money
into pairs and put down the order in which each started the trouble. Some demanded their paid
pair was to give court arrest. After several days, money back.
the magistrate sent him a written communication QUESTION 34.
that the Lt. Governor had ordered the case to be 34. How did civil disobedience triumph in India?
dropped. Ans : 2017, 2011
QUESTION 30. Gandhi divided the groups of lawyers into pairs
30. Gandhi was not a law-breaker. Then why and put down the order in which each pair was
did he disobey the government order to leave to court arrest. Thus his fight against injustice
Champaran? started. After a few days, Gandhi received a
Ans : 2007 written communication that the Lieutenant-
Gandhi said that he did not want to be a law- Governor of that province had ordered the case to
breaker. But he was committed to render the be dropped. This was the first victory of the civil
humanitarian and national service for which he disobedience in Modern India.
had come there. He disobeyed the government QUESTION 35.�
order to leave Champaran. But it was because he 35. Why did Gandhi give a statement pleading
heeded the voice of his conscience. himself guilty?
QUESTION 31.� Ans : 2012
31. Why was it troublesome to harbour Gandhi at The crowd at the Motihari courthouse compelled
the home of a government servant those days? the prosecution to postpone the trial. The
Ans : 2022 magistrate did so but Gandhi protested against
People of smaller localities and government the delay. He read a statement pleading himself
servants were afraid to give Shelter to people like guilty and asked the penalty due. He was not
Gandhi, Patel, Tilak and Maulana Azad. They willing to get a bad example of law breaker. He
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Ch 5 : Indigo
Gandhi’s lawyer friends wanted him to stay and Ans : 2008
help them. Gandhi strongly opposed it. If they During investigations, Gandhi tried to collect
get an Englishman on their side it would show facts from the Secretary of the British Landlords’
the weakness of their heart. They must rely on Association. He treated him an outsider and
themselves to win the battle. denied to give him any information. Secondly,
QUESTION 20.
the British official commissioner instead of giving
20. At what point did Mahatma Gandhi reach any information, bullied Gandhi and advised him
Champaran? to leave Tirhut, the Champaran Headquarter at
Ans : 2013, 2009 once. But a police messenger took Gandhi back
The British landlords took compensation from and issued him a court notice.
the peasants for freeing them from surrendering QUESTION 24.
the indigo crop. In the meantime, the information 24. What order did Gandhi receive from the police
about the synthetic indigo reached the illiterate superintendent? Did he obey that order?
farmers also. They wanted their money back. At Ans : 2018, 2013
this point Mahatma Gandhi reached Champaran. Gandhi proceeded to Motihari, the capital of
QUESTION 21.�
Champaran. A large gathering of people greeted
21. Mention the fact that compelled Gandhi to decide Gandhi at the railway station. In Champaran,
to urge the departure of the Britishers from India. Gandhi started his investigations. The police
superintendent sent a notice to Gandhi to quit
O Champaran immediately. But Gandhi refused to
Why did Gandhi go to Lucknow in December obey him.
1916? Who met him there and why? QUESTION 25.�
Ans : 2006
25. How did the Champaran peasants react when
The author visited the ashram of Gandhi in they heard that a Mahatma had come to help
Sevagram in 1942. The latter explained to him them?
that in 1917 it came to his mind to urge the Ans : 2014
departure of the Britishers. In December 1916, When Gandhi was going to Muzzafarpur with en-
Gandhi had gone to attend the annual convention route to Champaran, this information spread like
of the Indian National Congress in Lucknow. a wild fire everywhere.
There came Raj Kumar Shukla, a poor share The news of Gandhi’s advent and of the
cropper from Champaran to complain Gandhi nature of his mission spread quickly through
about the injustice of the landlords in Bihar. At Muzzafarpur and to Champaran. Share-croppers
his vehement insistence, Gandhi went there and from Champaran began arriving on foot and by
saw the poor peasants in pitiable and terrified conveyance to see their champion. Muzzafarpur
conditions. This episode made home in Gandhi lawyers called on Gandhi to brief him; they
and he decided that the British must quit India. frequently represented peasant groups in court;
QUESTION 22.
they told him about their cases and reported the
22. Which two British officials did Gandhi meet size of their fees.
soon after reaching Champaran? What was the QUESTION 26.
outcome of these meetings? 26. Why did thousands of peasants came to Motihari?
Ans : 2022
Ans : 2005
Gandhi decided to get the facts first. He met the The police ordered Gandhi to leave Champaran
Secretary of the British Landlord’s Association. at once. But Gandhi disobeyed that order. He
But he did not give any information to Gandhi. telegraphed Rajendra Prasad to come from Bihar
After that, Gandhi met the British official with influential friends. The farmers of that area
commissioner of the Tirhut division in which the came to know that Gandhi, who wanted to help
Champaran district lay. But he bullied Gandhi him, was in trouble with the authorities. So, the
and asked him to leave Tirhut. next morning a large number of farmers came to
QUESTION 23.�
Motihari.
23. Why was Gandhi asked to leave the Champaran QUESTION 27.�
Headquarter immediately? 27. How did ‘Civil Disobedience’ triumph the first
O time in modern India?
How did the Britishers and other officials treat Ans : 2010
Gandhi during his investigations? In Motiharj court trial, the magistrate said he
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that what he did was an ordinary thing. It did not big evidences against the big planters and they
begin as an act of defiance. It was an attempt agreed to refund 25 percent to the peasants. Here
to alleviate the suffering of the poor people of Gandhiji proceeded further to do something for
Champaran. He declared that the British could their cultural, social and economic development.
not order him about in his own country. Gandhi’s All and sundry came forward to hold shoulder
politics were intertwined with the practical day- to shoulder with Gandhiji. He declared that the
to-day problems of the poor people. British could not order him about in his own
QUESTION 44.� country. He urged Indians to stand on their feet
44. When Gandhi got the whole hearted support of and must rely on themselves to win the struggle
the lawyers he said “The battle of Champaran is for freedom. Thus the Champaran episode became
won.” What was essence behind this statement? a beginning of the Indian struggle for freedom.
Ans : 2018 QUESTION 2.�
Gandhiji made the lawyers realise their duties 2. Gandhiji’s was not a loyalty to abstractions, it
towards the pesants. They understood of was a loyalty to living human beings. Why did
Gandhi was arrested they would peasants. They Gandhiji continue his stay in Champaran even
understood if Gandhi was arrested they would after indigo share cropping disappeared ?
follow. Thus their support helped in gaining Ans : 2014
confidence in Gandhi. He became hopeful to win Gandhiji was the strongest exponent of the
against the British. human values which have a direct bearing on
QUESTION 45. the background and development of society. On
45. Why did Gandhi oppose taking help from C.F. winning the Champaran battle, he saw the social
Andrews? and cultural backwardness of the villagers. He
Ans : 2006 decided to raise their standard in every respect.
C.F. Andrews was a friend and follower of Gandhi. Since the people were illiterate, he appealed the
He was an influential person. Some people wanted teachers to educate them. Consequently his two
that C.F.Andrews should stay in Champaran and new young pupils Mahadev Desai and Narhari
help them. But Gandhi did not want to take the Parekh alongwith their wives cooperated and
help of an Englishman. He wanted Indians to offered their services to the cause of humanity.
become self-reliant and fearless. This noble cause was further augmented by
the Mumbai teachers. The family members
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS of Gandhiji was too arrived in the Ashram for
QUESTION 1.�
yeoman’s service.
1. Why is the Champaran episode considered Primary schools were opened and Kasturba
to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for herself taught about the personal cleanliness and
Independence ? community sanitation. There a doctor volunteered
Ans : 2014 his services for six months. During his long stay in
At the annual convention of the Indian National Champaran, Gandhiji taught people self-reliance
Congress Party in December 1916, a poor peasant and freedom from the fear of the British.
complained and thus impressed Gandhiji about QUESTION 3.
the injustice of landlord system in Champaran 3. Describe the circumstances which forced Gandhi
(Bihar) where most of the land was owned by to come to Champaran for the help of the
the Englishmen. The Indian tenants worked on peasants?
the land through sharecropping arrangement. It Ans : 2020
was very irksome to the peasants. On reaching In 1916, Mahatma Gandhi went to Lucknow
Champaran, Gandhiji collected facts and met to attend the annual convention of the Indian
different authorities to resolve the issue. But the National Congress. There, a peasant named
magistrate announced punishment for Gandhi. Rajkumar Shukla met him. He had come from
In between thousands of peasants demonstrated Champaran to meet Gandhi. He requested
to support Gandhiji. Prominent lawyers became Gandhi to visit his district and find a solution
ready to go to jail alongwith Gandhi. He to the problems of peasants. He complained
followed the legal path and the civil disobedience about the injustice of the landlords of Bihar.
movement got victory for the first time in India. Rajkumar Shukla was illiterate. But he had strong
Even the official commission of inquiry found determination. He accompanied Gandhi wherever
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Ch 5 : Indigo
(b) For raising funds Ans :
(d) An Administrator in Indian Civil Services
(c) For getting business
(d) For the upliftment of the farmers 30. Where was Sir Edmund posted?
Ans : (a) In East India
(d) For the upliftment of the farmers
(b) In Purvanchal
25. Where was Champaran? (c) In Uttarpradesh
(a) In Lucknow (d) At Bihar & Orissa Province in Bengal
(b) In Delhi Presidency of British India
Ans :
(c) In Uttar Pradesh
(d) At Bihar & Orissa Province in Bengal
(d) A district of Bihar in British India Presidency of British India
Ans :
(d) A district of Bihar in British India 31. What was the statement that Gandhiji read
pleading himself guilty?
26. What did the peasants pay the British landlords?
(a) That he was a law breaker
(a) 10% of landholding and 15% of harvest
(b) That he wanted to command respect
(b) 20% of landholding and 15% of harvest
(c) He was not a law breaker and came to render
(c) 10% of landholding and 25% of harvest humanitarian and national service
(d) 15% of landholding and entire Indigo harvest (d) None of these
Ans : Ans :
(d) 15% of landholding and entire Indigo harvest (c) He was not a law breaker and came to render
27. Why did the British want the peasant to pay humanitarian and national service
compensation? 32. Why did Gandhiji protest at Motihari court
(a) Because they freed them house?
(b) Because they got orders from the British (a) To be famous
headquarters (b) To show his power
(c) Because they were leaving India (c) To humiliate the British
(d) They gave 15% of landholding and entire (d) To protest the court’s order to postpone the
Indigo harvest trial
Ans : Ans :
(d) They gave 15% of landholding and entire (d) To protest the court’s order to postpone the
Indigo harvest trial
28. Why did Gandhiji agree to the planter’s offer of 33. Why did Gandhi consider the Champaran episode
25% refund to the farmers? a turning point?
(a) Because of money (a) Its voice spread far and wide
(b) Because of fear of loss (b) It became famous
(c) Because of fear of power (c) The British were scared
(d) Because more than money, prestige of farmers (d) To protest the courts’ order to postpone the
was important trial
Ans : Ans :
(d) Because more than money, prestige of farmers (a) Its voice spread far and wide
was important
34. How did Kasturba help Gandhiji?
29. Who was Sir Edmund in the lesson Indigo?
(a) By speaking to the people
(a) A British lawyer
(b) By walking with him
(b) A british Businessman
(c) By moving here and there
(c) A British Politician
(d) By teaching Ashram rules and cleanliness
(d) An Administrator in Indian Civil Services Ans :
(d) By teaching Ashram rules and cleanliness
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QUESTION 7.
peasants became owners of their land. This was
7. What was the condition of the peasants of
the healthy solution of their problems.
Champaran when Mahatma Gandhi reached
QUESTION 9.�
there?
9. What were the steps taken by Gandhiji to solve
Ans : 2020
the problems of social and cultural backwardness
The news of Gandhi’s arrival spread in
in the villages of Champaran ?
Muzzafarpur and Champaran. Farmers from
Champaran began arriving to see their messiah. O
Muzzafarpur lawyers also came to see Gandhi. What did Gandhi do about the social and cultural
They used to represent peasant groups in courts. backwardness in the Champaran villages ?
Gandhi rebuked them for collecting big fees from Ans : 2010
the sharecroppers. Mahatma Gandhi said that Gandhiji saw the cultural and social backwardness
the peasants were crushed and fear-stricken. So in the Champaran villages. In order to educate
taking their cases to the courts was useless. He them he made an appeal for teachers. His two new
believed that the real relief for them was to be young pupils Mahadev Desai, Narhari Parikh and
free from fear. their wives offered to work. Several more teachers
Most of the fertile land in Champaran was came from Bombay (Mumbai), Poona and other
owned by the English landlords. Indian peasants distant parts of India. His youngest son Devdas
worked on them. Indigo was the chief commercial and Mrs. Gandhi (Kasturba) also arrived from
crop. The peasants were compelled to grow indigo the Ashram.
on fifteen per cent of land and surrender the entire Primary schools were also opened in six
indigo harvest as payment of rent. At that time, villages to teach children. Kasturba taught
the landlords learnt that Germany had developed the ashram rules on personal cleanliness and
synthetic indigo. Now they obtained agreements community sanitation. In order to improve the
from the peasants to pay them compensatiOn for miserable health conditions Gandhiji got a doctor.
being released from the 15 per cent arrangement. He volunteered his services for six months.
Many peasants signed the agreement willingly. Kasturba talked to the women to get rid
Those who resisted, engaged lawyers. In the of their filthy state of clothes. During his long
meantime, the information about the synthetic stay at Champaran, Gandhiji taught people self-
indigo reached the illiterate farmers also. They reliance and freedom from the fear of the British.
wanted their money back. At this point Mahatma Thus he paved the path for the freedom of India.
Gandhi reached Champaran. QUESTION 10.
QUESTION 8.�
10. What happened when Gandhi came to
8. How did Gandhiji make the peasants of Champaran? Why did thousands of peasants
Champaran free from the fear of the Britishers ? surround the courthouse?
Ans : 2008
O
Gandhi visited Champaran in order to alleviate
How was a solution to the problems of indigo
the sufferings of the peasants. He decided to get
sharecroppers of Champaran found?
the facts first. He met the Secretary of the British
Ans : 2010
Landlord’s Association. But he did not give
During his stay at Muzaffarpur, Gandhiji found
any information to Gandhi. Next, Gandhi met
the share-croppers crushed and fear-stricken. The
the British official commissioner of the Tirhut
share-cropping agreement was irksome to them
division in which the Champaran district lay. But
even though many of the peasants had signed it
he bullied Gandhi and asked him to leave Tirhut.
willingly. The Britishers took help of thugs and
But Gandhi proceeded to Motihari, the capital of
were subjecting the pea,ants to torture. Their
Champaran. A large gathering of people greeted
lawyers, were failures to protect their interests.
Gandhi at the railway station. In Champaran,
Gandhi took up their case and appeared in
Gandhi started his investigations. The police
Motihari court. Gandhiji was in trouble with
superintendent sent a notice to Gandhi to quit
the authorities. The peasants in large number
Champaran immediately. But Gandhi refused to
surrounded the court. The government got baffled
obey him. Gandhi telegraphed Rajendra Prasad
and had to seek the help of Gandhiji to regulate
to come from Bihar with influential friends. He
the crowd. The British landlords were forced to
wired a full report to the Viceroy. The farmers
refund their part of money along with their indigo
of that area came to know that Gandhi, who
prestige. The Britishers left their estates and the
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Ch 5 : Indigo
wanted to help him, was in trouble with the that they had their rights and they became
authorities. So, the next morning a large numbers courageous. Within a few years the landlords
of farmers came to Motihari. They demonstrated relinquished their claims over the estates and the
in thousands around the courthouse. That was farmers became the owners.
the beginning of their liberation from fear of Gandhi saw their social, economic and
the British. The official felt powerless without cultural backwardness of the area. He appointed
Gandhi’s cooperation. Gandhi appealed to volunteers to teach the villagers. Kasturba Gandhi
the crowd to remain peaceful. The prosecutor taught the Ashram rules and personal cleanliness
requested the judge to postpone the trial as they and community sanitation. He got a doctor to
wanted to consult their superiors. volunteer his services for six months to improve
QUESTION 11.� the health conditions of the people. They realised
11. How did a visit to Champaran become a turning the value of self-reliance. The lawyers helped the
point in Gandhi’s life ? How does this show peasants in their cases. Women gave Gandhi whole
Gandhi’s love and concern for the common people hearted support and the countrymen embarked
of India ? in the national freedom movement. It became a
Ans : 2015 turning point in the career of Gandhiji.
After having clues from Raj Kumar Shukla, QUESTION 13.
Gandhi reached Champaran to understanding 13. How was the Champaran episode the first victory
the appalling conditions of share-croppers. He of civil disobedience in modern India?
found that the large estates were owned by the Ans : 2020
Englishmen where Indians worked there as their Gandhi fought for the rights of the peasants
tenant farmers and they paid 15% of their land of Champaran. He was ordered to leave that
yield. After great tussel, Gandhi and the lawyers area. But Gandhi disobeyed the order. He said
made the Britishers agree to refund 25 percent that he could not be ordered about in his own
of the money. Thus farmers became bold and got country. Gandhi said that he did not want to be
their rights. Within few years, the landlords left a lawbreaker. But he was committed to render
chains over the estates and the farmers became the humanitarian and national service for which
the owners. On finding backwardness of the had come there. He disobeyed the government
people there, he appointed volunteers to teach order to leave Champaran. But it was because he
the villagers. Kasturba taught the ashram rules heeded the voice of his conscience. The magistrate
and personal hygiene and community sanitation. asked Gandhi to arrange bail for himself within
A doctor helped the villagers in their health two hours, but he refused. The judge said that
problems. The people realized the value of self he would deliver the judgment after a few days.
reliance. The countrymen embarked on the task Meanwhile he allowed Gandhi to be at liberty.
of national freedom movement. It was a turning Rajendra Prasad and other prominent lawyers
point in Gandhi’s life. All his activities were had arrived there. They told Gandhi that they
expressing his love and concern for the Indians. had come to advise him. But if he went to jail,
QUESTION 12.� there would be nobody to advise him. Then they
12. How did the Champaran episode prove to be a would go home. Gandhi asked him to think about
turning point in Gandhiji’s life? Explain with the the plight of the poor farmers. Now the lawyers
reference to the text, ‘Indigo’. told Gandhi that they would follow him into jail.
Ans : 2021 Then Gandhi divided the groups into pairs and
One Raj Kumar Shukla from Champaran, on put down the order in which each pair was to
the annual meeting of Indian National Congress, court arrest. After a few days, Gandhi received
apprised Gandhiji about the appalling condition a written communication that the Lieutenant-
of share-croppers there. Gandhiji reached there Governor of that province had ordered the case to
and came to know that the large estates were be dropped. This was the first victory of the civil
owned by the Englishmen and the Indians worked disobedience in Modern India.
as their tenant farmers and they had to pay 15% QUESTION 14.�
of their land. After the investigations by Gandhi 14. Gandhiji father of our nation, is a great leader
and the lawyers into the grievances of the farmers, who has been a admit ed by one and all. Describe
it was decided by the Britishers that 25% of the at least three characteristics on Gandhiji you get
money would be refunded. The farmers learnt to lesson from Indigo which you wish to adopt
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 273
with your own life quoting suitable instances from them to speak against it using the power of truth,
stony? education, peace and non-violence. The condition
O is even same in today’s scenario. Labourers are
Gandhiji had great love for the poor. What did he still being exploited in unorganized sectors. They
do for the indigo farmers of Champaran ? work for long hours but do not get paid according
Ans : 2017, 2016
to labour laws. They need to remain united,
In Champaran, most of the grable land was come ahead and fight for their rights. Legal paths
owned by the Englishmen and the Indian tenants should be followed to get what they deserve.
worked on it. Indigo was their Chief commercial No one should be ready to work in unhygienic
crop. The landlords compelled all tenants to plant and improper working conditions. Togetherness,
15 percent of their holdings with indigo. This strength and self-determination will definitely
share cropping arrangement was irksome to the bring fruitful results to the labourers in every
peasants. After his arrival in Champaran, Gandhi field.
met the authorities but to no result. On the other QUESTION 16.
hand he was summoned to the court. There upon 16. What was the outcome of Gandhi’s meetings with
thousands of peasants demonstrated to support the British landlords? How did the future events
Gandhi. He submitted, proofs of atrocities over proved. Gandhi right?
Ans : 2022
the indigo tenants. He consulted prominent
The case against Gandhi was dropped. The
lawyers who pleaded against the injustice done
government agreed to look into the matter of
to the share croppers. Even the lawyers because
the injustice being done to the peasants. Gandhi
to ready to go to jail alongwith Gandhi. The
and the lawyers wrote down depositions by about
movement for victory and it was decided that the
ten thousand peasants. They also collected the
planters would refund 25 percent. It was a kind
relevant documents. In June, Sir Edward Gait,
to surrender and very soon these landlords left
the Lieutenant-Governor summoned Gandhi for
their estates. He was a man of all people drawing
discussions. There were four prolonged meetings.
all & sundry with him. He was champion of down
After that an official commission was appointed
trodden and opposed he head the ability to read
to make enquiry into the indigo sharecroppers’
the minds people.
situation. The commission consisted of landlords,
After that Gandhi did his best to raise the
government officials and Gandhi, who was the
social backwardness of the poor. He appointed
sole representative of the peasants. They agreed
teachers and primary schools opened. Kasturba
to make refunds to the peasants. But now the
taught rules on cleanliness and community
question arose as to how much refund should be
sanitation. He did a less to raise them from
made. Gandhi said that at least 50 per cent refund
backwardness and poverty.
QUESTION 15.�
should be made to the peasants. But the landlords
15. Exploitation is a universal phenomenon. The insisted on twenty five per cent refund. Gandhi
poor indigo farmers were exploited by the British wanted to break the deadlock. So he agreed to 25
landlords to which Gandhiji objected. Even percent refund. Some people objected to that. But
after our independence we find exploitation of Gandhi believed that the amount of refund was
unorganized labour. What values do we learn not really important. It was important that the
from Gandhiji’s campaign to counter the present landlords had been defeated. They had lost their
day problems of exploitation ? prestige. They had been compelled to surrender
Ans : 2013
money. Now the peasants realized that they had
rights. They learnt to get over their fears. Future
Speak Against Exploitation events proved that Gandhi was justified. Within a
Exploitation is a universal phenomenon. It exists few years, the British planters gave their estates,
since the origin of the society. The mighty rules which were returned to the peasants.
the poor. It makes a strata of society slaves and QUESTION 17.�
the other one rule them. 17. Our scriptures tell us that determination and
Since the British rule, this phenomenon is on. perseverance are cardinal virtues of a good human
They exploited Indians in each and every possible being. Raj Kumar Shukla succeeded in taking
way. Most noticeable was the exploitation of Gandhiji to Champaran with the help of these
the poor Indigo farmers. They had been getting two.
nothing for their hard work. Gandhiji taught
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Ch 5 : Indigo
atrocities done over the peasants. As a result, the and thrown to dingy cells. In reality the present
owners had to refund the money. This opened the India is ruled by the rich, crooked politicians and
eyes of all. People from every nook and corner dons of the underworld.
of India participated in the freedom movement. QUESTION 2.�
Women too gave up their homely comforts 2. Discuss the qualities of a good leader.
and worked with their leader. There were mass Ans :
movements like freedom struggle, salt movement, A good leader is a torch bearer who shows the
Quit India Movement, Civil Disobedience, light to his followers and to the masses at large.
Satyagraha and the boycott of foreign goods, etc. He brings them from darkness to light, from
Ordinary people were there at the back and call of ignorance to awareness, from fear to self-reliance
their leader. Consequently, India became free on and violence to non-violence.
15th August, 1947. A good leader is a model for all. He has
the personality traits of fearlessness, bravery,
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT initiatives, spot-decision making and hardwork
QUESTION 1.�
directed to the public welfare. His feelings of
1. “Freedom from fear is more important than legal sacrifice for his motherland and for his people,
justice for the poor.” make him a charismatic personality for them.
Do you think that the poor of India are free from A good leader must be a man of words, of
fear after Independence ? high integrity and truthfulness. He is above all
Ans : narrow feelings of caste, religion, colour, creed,
Yes, it is rightly said that freedom from fear is sex or regionalism and language barriers. His
more important than the legal justice for the punctuality, love for humanity, patriotism and
poor. It is because of fear that everyone develops sincerity to his people, are the models for others
an apprehension of something going enormously to follow. At the time of national calamity he sets
wrong and dangerous or even fatal. The fear examples for others and helps all through which
of any kind,, harasses the person and mars his and then. He is devoid of selfishness, greed and
capabilities, energies, powers, happiness and even even comforts. Though he is an advocate of world
the peace of mind. peace, yet he is ready to sacrifice his life for his
In this lesson, one can note that the poor motherland.
peasants were much afraids of the landlords. Even
the lawyers were charging high fees for the cases. WORKING WITH WORDS
Gandhi chided them for charging the heavy fees QUESTION 1.�
even from the share-croppers. He advised that 1. List the words used in the text that are related to
it was useless to go to the courts because the legal procedures.
peasants were crushed and they were fear-stricken. For example : deposition
In his campaign for the share-croppers Gandhi List other words that you know that fall into this
was ordered to leave Champaran. immediately. category.
The peasants came to know and blackened the Ans :
town of Motihari. The officials battled and The words used in the text related to legal
sought Gandhi’s cooperation. An official inquiry procedures:
commission was setup. It ordered the landlords to Deposition, notice, summon, relief, agreement,
refund the amount to the peasants. Consequently compensation, comply, investigation, appear,
they learnt courage and realised their rights. It order, record, trial, postpone, pleading, guilty,
shows that freedom from fear is more important penalty, lawful, sentence, bail, reconvene,
than legal justice. judgment, inquiry, statement, evidence,
After independence one can see that the poor prosecutor, magistrate, document, illegal, appeal,
are not free except some cases of scheduled caste, defiance, imprison, jail, lawyer, advocate, inquiry
backward castes and scheduled tribes. There commission, deceitful, extorted, case, law-
are body and soul together. They pass their breaker, documents, official notice, sole member,
nights on the open footpaths and go without unanimous, settlement, rights, associate, to brief,
food. Small’ children and workers are exploited facts, delay, protest and duty, etc.
by industrialists. They work horrible conditions The other words that fall in this category :
devoid of any security and safety. They are beaten Cross examination, witness, prosecution, adjourn,
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 275
QUESTION 20.�
Vocational education is the need of the hour but
20. The text ‘Indigo’ expresses the value of freedom
not at the cost of values. An educated man should
and Indians’ fight for freedom. How would you
not have only bookish knowledge. He must have the
define ‘Freedom’. Write your views in the form of
knowledge of practical things. Maria Montessori
a speech to be delivered in the morning assembly
conceived that ‘The first idea that the child must
of your school. Don’t exceed 100 words.
Ans : 2013
acquire in order to be actively disciplined is that
Good Morning to One and All! of the difference between good and evil; and the
Today I am going to share my views on the value task of educator lies in seeing that the child does
of freedom for me. not confound good with immobility and evil with
Freedom is precious for everyone. ‘Only a activity.
caged bird can know its importance.’ Infact, we,
Indians, have a great value for it. Our freedom EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
fighters left no stone unturned to get our freedom QUESTION 1.
back from the Britishers. Their long but firm 1. Read the following extract and answer the
struggle brought us this precious gift of freedom. questions that follow.
We have freedom to do anything. We have Under an ancient arrangement, the Champaran
freedom to live, to express our views, to cast our peasants were sharecroppers. Rajkumar Shukla
vote, to religious expressions and adoptions and was one of them. He was illiterate but resolute.
the list continues. Here the most important thing He had come to the Congress session to complain
is that this freedom is priceless for us and we about the injustice of the landlord system in
should respect it. This is our duty to keep it up Bihar and somebody had probably said, “Speak
and abiding by social and moral ethics. Freedom to Gandhi.” Gandhi told Shukla he had an
is so important for us and we can not loose it at appointment in Cawnpore and was also committed
any cost. to go to other parts of India. Shukla accompanied
QUESTION 21.�
him everywhere. Then Gandhi returned to his
21. Education sets the tone of a nation. Joseph ashram near Ahmedabad. Shukla followed him to
Addison has rightly said, ‘What sculpture to a the ashram for weeks, he never left Gandhi’s side.
block of marble, education is to the soul’. Discuss (a) Why has Rajkumar Shukla been described as
the defects of our education system in your own being resolute?
words with value points. (b) “He had come to the Congress session to
Ans : 2008 complain about the injustice of the landlord
‘Education is the ability to listen to almost system in Bihar and somebody had probably
anything without losing your temper or your self- said, “Speak to Gandhi.”
confidence.’ Education does not mean teaching The statement can be best classified as:
people to know what they do not know; it means (i) a fact
teaching them to behave as they do not behave
(ii) an opinion
says John Ruskin. The prime objective of our
education system is to develop a child’s over all (iii) a theme
personality. It should train not only the mind, but (iv) a theory
also the body and soul. Unfortunately, our present (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
education system fails to achieve these objectives. The phrase “an ancient arrangement”
The present education system does not make a suggests that _____.
child creative. It makes him a crammer. A child/ (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
pupil has to mug up nearly 200-300 pages a year to infer perseverance and unflinching patience.
pass his examination. Students are not given any (e) What does the statement ‘He was illiterate
practical training. They never go to laboratories to but resolute’ indicate about Shukla?
verify the theories. Moreover, the present admission
(f) Gandhi’s protest in Champaran is most
system has become the laughing stock of society.
appropriately a great model of _____.
The school authorities have a provision for those
tiny tots who seek admission to pre-nursery. This (i) support by the lawyers
is the height of absurdity. We need not the people (ii) collective leadership by the common man
who can only read and write. Our nation requires (iii) sponsorship by Rajendra Prasad
engineers, scientists, technicians and doctors. (iv) power of the government
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Ch 5 : Indigo
When Gandhi heard it he exclaimed “The Battle farewell. Gandhi’s lawyer friends wanted him to
of Champaran is won.” Gandhi followed the legal stay and help them in Champaran. But Gandhi
path. Thus civil disobedience got victory for the strongly opposed this idea. He pleaded that they
first time in modern India. must rely on themselves to win the struggle for
freedom. He did not want that Indians should
Inquiry into Peasants’ Grievances take the help of an Englishman. Thus he taught
Gandhi and other lawyers started a thorough them self-reliance. In this way self-reliance, Indian
inquiry into the farmers’ grievances. The whole independence and the help of share¬croppers
area was full of activities of the investigators were all bound together.
as well as forceful protests of the landlords. In
June Gandhi was summoned by L. G. Edward
Gait. Gandhi had four long interviews with L. 3. Word meanings
G. As a result an official ‘Commission of Inquiry’ 1. Volunteer = one who offers his services
was appointed to go into the situation of indigo willingly
share-croppers. The Commission of Inquiry found 2. Excerpt = part
big evidence against the big planters. They had 3. Review = examine
extorted money from the share-croppers. They 4. Urge = to request
agreed, as a rule, to make refunds to the peasants. 5. Delegates = representatives
Gandhi asked only 50 per cent. The planters’ 6. Departure = leaving
representative offered to refund 25 per cent, to 7. Annual = yearly
which Gandhi agreed. The deadlock was broken. 8. Recounted = narrated
For Gandhi the refund amount was less important 9. Peasant = farmer
than the surrender of the landlords. Very soon 10. Emaciated = weak and thin
the landlords left their estates. It was given to 11. Foothills = base of hills
the peasants and the indigo sharecropping ended. 12. Towering = high
Social Backwardness in Champaran 13. Sharecroppers = tenant farmers who get a
Gandhi was not satisfied with large political and share of the crop
economic solutions. He wanted to do something 14. Illiterate = not educated
for the cultural and social backwardness for the 15. Resolute = determined
Champaran villagers. So he appealed for teachers. 16. Probably = perhaps
Mahadev Desai, Narhari Parikh, Gandhi’s two 17. Begged = requested
young disciples and their wives came forward 18. Haunches = buttocks
for the work. Gandhi’s youngest son Devdas 19. Yeoman = a small farmer
arrived with his mother from the ashram. In 20. Pestered = troubled
six villages primary schools were started. There 21. Took = thought
Kasturba taught rules on personal cleanliness and 22. Indigo = a blue dye
community sanitation. Even the health conditions 23. Permitted = allowed
were very pitiable. A doctor volunteered his 24. Draw = take out
services six months. 25. Capable = able to
26. Imparting = giving
Champaran Episode - A Turning Point for Gandhi 27. Commented = passed comments
The Champaran episode became a turning point 28. Harbour = to shelter
in Gandhi’s life. Though it didn’t begin as an act 29. Localities = settlements
of disobedience yet he declared that the British 30. Advocates = takes the side of
couldn’t order him about in his own country. 31. Advent = arrival
It was his own pattern, of solving everyday 32. Nature = kind
problems of millions of people. It was his loyalty 33. Mission = work
not to confusions but to living human beings. In 34. Conveyance = transport
everything he shaped a new free Indian to stand 35. Frequently = often
on his own feet and thus make India free. 36. Chided = rebuked
In the Champaran action, Charles Freer 37. Crushed = very poor
Andrews, the English pacifist became a dedicated 38. Fear stricken = frightened
follower of Gandhi. He came to bid Gandhi 39. Arable = cultivable
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 277
(i) Professor Malkani gave shelter to Gandhi, the 15 per cent agreement.
a social outcast. (a) What is the writer’s purpose in enlightening
(ii) All Indians stayed away from those who the readers about the ownership of arable
were anti-British. land in Champaran?
(iii) A servant of the British government was (b) The arable land in the Champaran district
openly taking a risk. was owned by _____ and worked by
(iv) The British sheltered Gandhi, a popular _____.
leader. (i) Englishmen, English cultivators
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. (ii) Englishmen, Indian sharecroppers
The Indians were afraid to show sympathy (iii) Indian landlords, Indian peasants
for the advocates of home-rule because of the (iv) Indian landlords, English growers
fear of _____.
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps be drawn from the line, “ They thereupon
one infer that Professor Kriplani had strong obtained agreements from the sharecroppers
support of the student community. to pay them compensation for being released
(e) Professor J.B. Kriplani was a professor at the from the 15 per cent agreement.”
_____. (d) Identify the line from the text that bears
(f) What made Gandhi visit Muzzafarpur first evidence to the fact that the price of indigo
before going to Champaran? saw a steep fall in the market.
(i) He wished to see the place. (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
(ii) He had more followers there. select the most likely reason responsible for
(iii) He needed more information about the the quarrel between the landlords and the
developments in Champaran. farmers.
(iv) Gandhi had to meet a few lawyers there. (i) Gandhiji’s arrival in Champaran
Ans : 2005 (ii) Bumper cultivation of indigo that
(a) Home-rule refers to the demand for freedom particular year
or sovereignty of a country. (iii) The development of synthetic indigo by
(b) (iii) A servant of the British government was Germany
openly taking a risk. (iv) The peasants hiring thugs
(c) imprisonment or retribution. (f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
(d) Kriplani was waiting at the station with a The sharecroppers in Champaran had to pay
large body of students. rent in _____.
(e) Arts College in Muzzafarpur. Ans : 2014
(f) (iii) He needed more information about the (a) The author wants to enlighten the readers
developments in Champaran. about social inequality.
QUESTION 4.� (b) (ii) Englishmen, Indian sharecroppers
4. Read the following extract and answer the (c) The English landlords indulged in deceit and
questions that follow. bullying of the worst kind.
Most of the arable land in the Champaran (d) Germany had developed synthetic indigo.
district was divided into large estates owned by
(e) (iii) The development of synthetic indigo by
Englishmen and worked by Indian tenants. The
Germany
chief commercial crop was indigo. The landlords
compelled all tenants to plant three-twentieths (f) kind.
QUESTION 5.�
or 15 per cent of their holdings with indigo and
5. Read the following extract and answer the
surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent. This
questions that follow.
was done by long-term contract.
The sharecropping arrangement was irksome to
Presently, the landlords learnt that Germany
the peasants, and many signed willingly. Those
had developed synthetic indigo. They, thereupon,
obtained agreements from the sharecroppers to who resisted engaged lawyers; the landlords
pay them compensation for being released from hired thugs. Meanwhile, the information about
synthetic indigo reached the illiterate peasants
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Ch 5 : Indigo
Ans : 2008
(e) Which of the following headlines gives a clear
(a) Rajkumar Shukla has been described as being and accurate picture of the sharecroppers’
resolute because he was determined to take problem mentioned in the extract?
Gandhiji to Champaran. (i) The farmers wanted compensation from
(b) (ii) an opinion the landlords to release them from the
(c) Sharecroppers had to plant indigo on 15% 15% arrangement.
of their holdings and surrender it to the (ii) The landlords wanted compensation from
landlords as rent by long-term contract. the farmers to release them from the 15%
(d) Shukla followed him to the ashram for arrangement.
weeks, he never left Gandhi’s side or Shukla (iii) The farmers refused to grow indigo in
accompanied him everywhere. their holdings.
(e) Rajkumar Shukla was illiterate but completely (iv) The landlords wanted to replace
mindful of what he wanted. expensive, natural indigo with the cheap,
(f) (ii) collective leadership by the common man synthetic version.
QUESTION 2.�
(f) Complete the sentence by replacing the
2. Read the following extract and answer the underlined word with a synonym from the
questions that follow. extract. The patient was also given a pair of
Months passed. Shukla was sitting on his haunches crutches in case he wished to move around in
at the appointed spot in Calcutta when Gandhi his room.
arrived; he waited till Gandhi was free. Then the Ans : 2016
two of them boarded a train for the city of Patna (a) The writer is referring to Rajkumar Shukla’s
in Bihar. There Shukla led him to the house of a tenacity.
lawyer named Rajendra Prasad who later became
(b) (i) a social practice
President of the Congress party and of India.
Rajendra Prasad was out of town, but the servants (c) The prevalence of social untouchability in
knew Shukla as a poor yeoman who pestered their India
master to help the indigo sharecroppers. So they (d) The servants knew Shukla as a poor yeoman
let him stay on the grounds with his companion, who pestered their master to help the indigo
Gandhi, whom they took to be another peasant. sharecroppers.
But Gandhi was not permitted to draw water (e) (ii) The landlords wanted compensation from
from the well lest some drops from his bucket the farmers to release them from the 15%
pollute the entire source; how did they know that arrangement.
he was not an untouchable? (f) lest.
(a) What is the writer’s purpose in mentioning QUESTION 3.�
‘Months passed’ in his commentary? 3. Read the following extract and answer the
(b) The line, “But Gandhi was not permitted questions that follow.
to draw water from the well lest some drops He accordingly sent a telegram to Professor J.B.
from his bucket pollute the entire source” can Kriplani, of the Arts college in Muzzafarpur.
be best classified as: The train arrived at midnight, 15 April 1917.
(i) a social practice Kriplani was waiting at the station with a large
body of students. Gandhi stayed there for two
(ii) an opinion
days in the home of Professor Malkani, a teacher
(iii) a fallacy in a government school. “It was an extraordinary
(iv) a personal bias thing in those days,” Gandhi commented,” for a
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can government professor to harbour a man like me.”
be drawn from the line, “How did they know In smaller localities, the Indians were afraid to
that he was not an untouchable’ ? show sympathy for advocates of home-rule.
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears (a) What is meant by ‘home-rule’ in the given
evidence to the fact that Rajkumar Shukla extract?
had persistently knocked at Prasad’s door to (b) ‘It was an extraordinary thing in those days’.
bring relief to the poor farmers. This indicates that _____.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 279
QUESTION 7.�
(c) The British government conceded defeat in
7. Read the following extract and answer the
the face of united fight put up by the lawyers
questions that follow.
and the peasants.
They accordingly went back to Gandhi and told
him they were ready to follow him into jail. “The (d) He put down the order in which each pair of
battle of Champaran is won,” he exclaimed. Then lawyers was to court arrest.
he took a piece of paper and divided the group (e) (iv) the lawyers told Gandhi that they’ll
into pairs and put down the order in which each follow him into jail.
pair was to court arrest. (f) Rajendra Prasad.
Several days later, Gandhi received a written QUESTION 8.�
communication from the magistrate informing him 8. Read the following extract and answer the
that the Lieutenant-Governor of the province had questions that follow.
ordered the case to be dropped. Civil disobedience They thought he would demand repayment in
had triumphed, the first time in modern India.. full of the money which they had illegally and
(a) What was responsible for the sudden change deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers.
in the attitude of the lawyers? He asked only 50 per cent. “There he seemed
(b) The line, “Civil disobedience had triumphed, adamant,” writes Reverend J.Z. Hodge, a British
the first time in modern India.” can be best missionary in Champaran who observed the
classified as: entire episode at close range. “Thinking probably
(i) a fact that he would not give way, the representative of
the planters offered to refund to the extent of 25
(ii) an opinion
per cent, and to his amazement Mr Gandhi took
(iii) a theme him at his word, thus breaking the deadlock.”
(iv) a plot point This settlement was adopted unanimously by the
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can commission.
be drawn from the line, “Gandhi received a (a) What is the commission the writer mentions
written communication from the magistrate at the end of the extract?
informing him that the Lieutenant-Governor (b) According to Reverend J. Z. Hodge, a British
of the province had ordered the case to be missionary in Champaran, the deadlock broke
dropped.” owing to _____.
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears (i) Gandhi’s offer for settlement that was
evidence to the fact that Gandhi wanted worth considering.
to gradually increase the pressure on the
(ii) all commission members agreeing to
government.
adopt the representative’s offer.
(e) ‘The battle of Champaran is won.’ These
(iii) Reverend J. Z. Hodge’s intervention
words of Gandhi indicate that _____.
bringing both parties together.
(i) Gandhi was ready to go to jail for the
(iv) the sharecroppers getting convinced by
cause of sharecroppers.
the landlords.
(ii) the lawyers felt guilty of deserting their
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can
clients.
be drawn from the line, “Mr Gandhi took
(iii) the government officers wanted to help him at his word, thus breaking the deadlock.”
Gandhi in his fight. What did the peasants gain apart from the
(iv) the lawyers told Gandhi that they’ll compensation?
follow him into jail. (d) Identify the line from the extract that bears
(f) Complete the sentence with a word or two. evidence of the fact that the intentions of the
_____ had recorded the upshot of the landlords were not honourable.
lawyers’ consultations according to the (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
author. select the most likely option that offers the
Ans : 2009
correct justification for the assumption made
(a) Gandhi was ready to be jailed for the sake of below.
the poor peasants. Gandhi knew that he would not get an
(b) (i) a fact agreement on the demand for 50% repayment.
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Ch 5 : Indigo
(i) He had anticipated the negotiating tactics (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
of the planters’ representative. Although Champaran did not begin as an
(ii) He had been informed about the depleting act of defiance, it later grew into _____
funds of the planters. against the government.
(iii) He had taken the advice of the Reverend (d) In the light of the given extract, mention two
J.Z. Hoge, on board. characteristics of Gandhi that stand out.
(iv) He had evaluated the commission’s (e) What was responsible for the distress of a
attitude towards Indians. large number of poor peasants in Champaran?
(f) Complete the sentence with one word. (f) What lesson did the Indian learn through the
The constant pressure by the opposition and Champaran episode?
the media forced the government to do away (i) Self-esteem
with its _____ approach to the amendment. (ii) Self-reliance
Ans : 2007
(iii) Loyalty to the nation
(a) It was the official commission of inquiry
(iv) Responsibilities of a citizen
appointed by the British government to look Ans : 2016
into the sharecroppers’ problems.
(a) their freedom from slavery.
(b) (ii) all commission members agreeing to adopt
(b) (i) details of the daily problems faced by
the representative’s offer.s
ordinary human beings.
(c) Apart from the compensation, the peasants
(c) Civil Disobedience movement
learned about their rights and courage.
(d) pragmatic and farsighted
(d) They had illegally and deceitfully extorted
(compensation) from the sharecroppers. (e) The cultivation of indigo had become unviable
for the farmers.
(e) (i) He had anticipated the negotiating tactics
of the planters’ representative. (f) (ii) self-reliance.
(f) adamant.
QUESTION 9.�
9. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
But Champaran did not begin as an act of
defiance. It grew out of an attempt to alleviate
the distress of large numbers of poor peasants.
This was the typical Gandhi pattern — his politics
were intertwined with the practical, day-to-day
problems of the millions. His was not a loyalty
to abstractions; it was a loyalty to living, human
beings. In everything Gandhi did, moreover, he
tried to mould a new free Indian who could stand
on his own feet and thus make India free.
(a) According to the extract, many years after
Champaran, the defiance of Indians led to
_____.
(b) The given extract does not talk about
_____.
(i) details of the daily problems faced by
ordinary human beings.
(ii) efforts to relieve suffering of the common
people.
(iii) the reason for the occurrence of
Champaran episode.
(iv) Gandhi’s principles in the field of politics.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 281
CHAPTER 6
Poets and Pancakes
1. introduction monster. In the make- up work, pancakes, local
made potions and lotions were used. In those days
It was the year 1940, when the Gemini Studio, film shooting was mainly conducted indoor. Five
was set up by S. S. Vasan, the boss. The writer percent of the film was shot outdoors.
Asokamitran worked there in that company. The
company was one of the most influencial film Working in the Make-up Room
producing organisation in India. In the studio The jets and studio light need boys and girls to
Asokmitran performed a very significant function. be made to look ugly in order to look presentable
He was the most well-informed member of the in the movie. A strict hierarchy was maintained
Gemini family of six hundred. The studio was in the make-up department. The chief make-up
located in Chennai and the writer was to take man made the chief actors and actresses ugly. His
out cuttings from the newspapers and store the senior assistant did the make-up of the second hero
clippings in the files. There used to be a make-up and heroine, the junior assistant was for the main
room, and the hair-cutting salon in the upstairs of comedian and so forth. The players who played
the building. People from all sects of life worked the crowd was the responsibility of the office boy.
there. The make-up men could turn any decent The office boy used his mixed paint on the crowd
looking person into a hideous monster by using players to close every pore of their faces. This
pancakes and other mixture. The writer gives a office boy csould be seen mixing his paint in a
good account of hosting Frank Buchman’s Moral giant vessel and slapping it on the crowd plays s.
Re-Armament Army and Stephen Spender in this
lesson. Author’s Cubicle and the Office-boy
The author, Asokamitran worked there in a
cubicle, two sides of which were French windows.
2. summary There he tore and stored in files newspaper
cuttings all the day. Most people thought he
Make-up Department of the Gemini Studios was doing nothing. The “boy” would enter the
The make-up department of the Gemini studios cubicle and advise Asokamitran not to waste his
was in the up-stairs of a building. It was believed literary talent in a department that was fit for
that it had been the stable of Robert Clive. barbers and perverts. He always prayed for crowd
Different types of the make-up material were shooting all the time. It was the only way of
bought in truck-loads and pancake was the escaping from a great bore. The office-boy always
brand name of the make-up material. The make- directed all his anger only on Subbu. He was the
up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon. No. 2 at Gemini Studios. He considered all his
There were incandescent lights at all angles frustration, anger, woes, ignomity and negi.3ct
around half a dozen large mirrors. All those who due to Kothamangalam Subbu. In the matter
were subjected to make-up, had to face a lot of of education, Subbu couldn’t have a lead over
misery due to lights and heat. There was a great the office-boy. But he had the virtue of being a
deal of national integration at the studios. The Brahmin.
department was headed by a Bengali and then by
a Maharashtrian. There were men from Dharwar, Subbu-Cheerful at All Times
Andhra, Burma and usual local Tamils. All this Subbu had the ability to look cheerful at all
presented a great deal of national integration times. He always had to work for somebody.
long before Government began programmes on it. He could never do things on his own and made
These make-up men could turn any decent looking others to do them. He was loyal to his principal
person into an ugly looking hideous crimson
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
and used his entire creativity to his principal’s good coffee at all times of the day and for most
advantage. He was tailor-made for films. He was part of the night. Except the office boy all enjoyed
a man who could be inspired when commanded. poetry there while sipping coffee. Most of them
If the producer had any difficulty about a scence, wore Khadi and worshipped Gandhiji beyond
Subbu would come out with four or more ways. that they had not the faintest appreciation for
When Subbu was arouna, film-making must have political thought of any kind. So all of them were’
been easy. Subbu gave direction and definition to averse to the term Communism. A communist
Gemini Studios during its golden years. He had an was a godless man–who had no filial or conjugal
identity as a poet but he chose to write his poetry love. He had no compunction about killing his
for the masses. His success in film overshadowed own parents or his children. He was always out to
his literary achievements. He composed truly cause and spread unrest and violence among the
original story poems in folk song style. His novel innocent and ignorant people.
of dozens of very deftly etched characters Thillana
Mohanambal is quite sprawling. He had very Gemini Studio–A Host for Moral Re-armament
successfully recreated the mood and manner of Army
20th century Devadasis. He was an amazing actor At the studio, people had anti-communist views.
but never aspired to the lead roles. Whatever Sometime in 1952, Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-
subsidiary role he played in films, he performed Armament Army with 200 (two hundred strong
better than the main tilayers. Subbu had a deep people) visited Chennai. The Gemini studio was
love for anyone who contacted him. His house their warmer host Someone called the group an
was a permanent residence for dozens of near and international circus. They were not very good on
dear relatives and acquaintances. Though he was the Trapeze so their acquaintance with animals
a charitable and unforeseeing man, yet he had was limited. But they presented two plays in a
enemies. He always remained with the Boss but in most professional manner. Their ‘Jotham Valley’
attendance roll, he was in the Story Department and the Forgotten Factor’ ran several shows in
with a lawyer and an assembly of other writers Chennai. These shows were seen by the Gemini
and poets. The lawyer was also known officially family of 600 people along with the other citizens
as the legal adviser but nobody was impressed of the city time and again. The message of the
with him. plays were plain and simple homilies but the sets
and the costumes were first rate. Chennai and the
The Legal Adviser Tamil Drama communities were terribly impressed
Once an extremely talented but temperamental and all Tamil plays started showing sunrise and
actress blew over on the sets. The lawyers quietly sunset in the manner of “Jotham Valley”. Their
switched on the recording equipment. When sets and costumes were copied for years. After a
she paused for breath, the lawyer played back few years it was learnt that the MRA was a kind
the recording. There was nothing objectionable of counter movement to international communism
and foul in the recording against the producer. and Mr. Vasan simply played into their hands.
When the recording equipment was switched on,
she heard her voice. She was deeply dumbstruck. Another Visitor-An Editor and Poet
That was the end of a brief and brilliant acting A few months later the Gemini Studios cleared a
career. That was why, everybody referred the whole shooting stage to welcome another visitor
lawyer as the illegal adviser. Everyone in the who was an editor. Mr. Vasan, the Boss of Gemini
Story Department wore a khadi uniform but he Studio was also the editor of the popular Tamil
wore pants, a tie and a coat. He was a man of cold weekly Ananda Vikatan. The Boss was giving him
logic in a crowd of dreamers. The Boss allowed a big reception. At about four in the afternoon,
him to produce a film but nothing came of tile the poet or the editor arrived. He was a tall man,
film. It became flopped. This made the Boss close very English, very serious but very unknown to
down the Story Department and the lawyer lost all people. The Boss read out a long speech but
his job because the poets were asked to go home. in reality he did not know much about him. Then
the poet or the editor spoke in such an accent
Gemini Studio the Favourite Haunt of Poets and that none among the audience could make out
Visitors what he was saying. The whole thing lasted about
Gemini studios was the favourite haunt of poets an hour but all dispersed in utter bafflement. His
and visitors. It had an excellent mess that supplied visit remained an unexplained mystery.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 283
The Author on Prose Writing 17. Hideous = dreadful
According to the author, prose-writing is not a 18. Hued = coloured
thing of pursuit of a genius. It is for the patient 19. Potion = drink with medicinal effect
and hard working person who even after getting 20. Hierarchy = graded order
a rejection step, immediately prepares a fresh 21. Vessel = pot
copy and sends it to another editor. “The Hindu” 22. Process = operation
published a small announcement for a short story 23. Lyrics = songs
contest organised by a British periodical ‘The 24. Cubicle = small room or enclosure
Encounter.’ The author wanted to take part in 25. Occupation = job
the contest but the people at the studios had not 26. Barge into = to move in awkwardly
heard of “the Encounter.” So the author went to 27. Extended = elaborate
the British Council Library to know more about 28. Enlighten = give knowledge
the periodical. The author read the editor’s name. 29. Talent = skill/knowledge
On seeing his name, a bell started ringing in 30. Perverts = abnormal
heart? He was Stephen Spender, who had visited 31. Epics = long poems
the Gemini studios. He felt like he had found 32. Instances = examples
a long lost brother and sang while sealing his 33. Covertly = hidden
manuscript. He then wrote out his address. 34. Convinced = satisfied
35. Woes = troubles
The God that Failed 36. Contrary = opposite
Years later, the author was out of Gemini studios. 37. Firmly = strongly
He had much time but not much money. He 38. Appreciable = enough
generally bought books at a reduced price. On the 39. Virtue = noble quality
footpath in front of the Chennai Mount Road Post 40. Affluent = rich, prosperous
Office, there was a pile of brand new books for fifty 41. Flop = a failure
paise each. They were special low-priced students’ 42. Identify = to recognize
edition. The author picked up a copy of the book 43. Inspired = infused spirit
“The God that Failed” and paid fifty paise. It 44. Offspring = progeny
had six separate essays written by eminent men 45. Alternatives = other options
of letters. Stephen was among them. All of them 46. Deliberately = knowingly
once were the followers of communism. They got 47. Dwarfed = made small/overshadowed
dis-illusioned with it and gave up communism. 48. Composed = wrote
The author recollected the scene at the Gemini 49. Refrain = to keep away
Studios about Stephen Spender and his visit was 50. Diction = style of writing
no longer a mystery. 51. Sprawling = big/spreading
52. Deftly = skillfully
3. Word meanings 53. Etched = drawn carefully
54. Amazing = wonderful
1. Pancake = brand name of make-up material
55. Aspired = had ambition
2. Truck-loads = trucks full with material
56. Subsidiary = secondary
3. Greta Garbo = a Hollywood actress
57. Genuine = real/ true
4. Vyjayantimala = a famous Indian actress
58. Acquaintance = known person
5. Rati Agnihotri = an Indian actress
59. Performed = acted
6. Stables = building for keeping horses
60. Conscious = aware
7. Residence = living place
61. Feeding = giving food
8. Remote = far off
62. Charitable = generous
9. Maiden = a virgin
63. Improvident = thrifty
10. Salon = a hairdressing shop
64. Demeanour = behaviour
11. Incandescent = bright
65. Resembled = looked like
12. Fiery = like fire
66. Sycophant = flatterer
13. Misery = trouble
67. Readiness = preparedness
14. Assisted = helped
68. Direst = most horrible
15. Great deal = enough
69. Comprising = having
16. Integration = combination
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
70. Assembly = group 122.Persistent = constant
71. Legal = concerning law 123.Drudge = one who does hard work
72. Extremely = very much 124.Shrunken = contracted
73. Talented = having talent 125.Insignificant = not important
74. Temperamental = regarding disposition 126.Literati = learned
75. Unwittingly = unintentionally 127.Considerable = substantial
76. Precede = go before 128.Commodity = thing
77. Catapulted = lifted up 129.Winded = meandering
78. Tirade = violent speech 130.Sneaking = moving stealthily
79. Slightly = a little 131.Forbidden = banned
80. Clumsily = awkwardly 132.Pile = heap
81. Coat of mail = armour 133.Elegant = attractive
82. Logic = reasoning 134.Eminent = famous
83. Neutral = impartial 135.Disillusioned = free from illusion
84. Stock = material 136.Assumed = became
85. Instance = example 137.Tremendous = too much
86. Haunt = place frequently visited 138.Significance = importance
87. Prohibition = ban on sale and consumption of 139.Hazy = not clear
liquor 140.Illumination = lighting
88. Radiated = reflected
89. Pre-requisite = requirement 4. Ncert textbook questions
90. Faintest = slightest
91. Appreciation = understanding QUESTION 1.
92. Filial = pertaining to son/daughter 1. Notice these words and expressions in the text.
93. Conjugal = married Infer their meaning from the context.
94. Notions = assumptions 1. blew over
95. Prevailed = spread 2. was struck dumb
96. Vaguely = not clearly 3. catapulted into
97. Forthcoming = next 4. a coat of mail
98. Trapeze = a swing for acrobats 5. played into their hands
99. Professional = well trained 6. the favourite haunt
100.Homilies = sermons
7. heard a bell ringing
101.Terribly = greatly Ans :
102.Counter = to oppose
1. Blew over : became angry
103.Enterprises = organizations
104.Aspects = attitude 2. was struck dumb : found (herself) unable to
105.Hosting = playing host to say anything
106.Hues = colours 3. Catapulted into : came into prominence
107.Buzzed = sounded 4. a coat of mail : A jacket covered with or composed
108.Initiative = first step of metal rings or plates serving as armour
109.Surmise = guess 5. Played into their hands : obeyed somebody
110.Pedestal = support/base meekly
111.Peppered with = sprinkled with
6. The favourite haunt : the place where one
112.Dazed = stunned
goes again and again
113.Accent = pronunciation
114.Utter = complete 7. Heard a bell ringing : had a worried feeling
115.Bafflement = perplexity
116.Cultivating = developing THINK AS YOU READ 1
117.Pretty = enough
QUESTION 1.
1. What does the writer mean by ‘the fiery misery’
118.Sheer = complete
of those subjected to make-up?
119.Thrills = excitements
Ans : 2013
120.Mystery = unexplainable thing
The writer means the misery caused by the
121.Conviction = faith
incandescent lights that poured out intense heat.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 285
QUESTION 3.�
The make-up room of the Gemini Studios had 3. Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List
bright bulbs in the room full of large mirrors that four of his special abilities.
reflected the glowing lights. Under such blazing Ans : 2014
heat make-up was done. Subbu was a many-sided genius. He was a
Brahmin. It is a virtue in itself as it exposed him
QUESTION 2.�
2. What is the example of national integration that
to more affluent situations and people. Second,
the author refers to?
he had the ability to look cheerful at all times.
Ans : 2012
Third, he always had work for somebody. Fourth,
The make-up department was first headed by a
he had great loyalty to his principal, S.S. Vasan,
Bengali. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian.
the Boss.
He was assisted by men from Dharward, Andhra
Pradesh, Burma and the usual local Tamils. QUESTION 4.�
Thus, the make-up department was an example 4. Why was the legal adviser referred to as the
of national integration. opposite by others?
QUESTION 3.�
Ans : 2011
3. What work did the ‘office boy’ do in the Gemini The lawyer was the only one at the studios who
Studios? Why did he join the studios? Why was wore pants, tie and sometimes a coat, unlike
he disappointed? others who wore khadi dhoti and shirt. His job
Ans : 2010 was to give support and advise on problems, but
The office boy applied make-up to the crowds, in fact he created problems. He brought the career
mixing his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it of a brilliant actress to an end by terrorizing her.
on the crowd players. He had joined the studios in He was rightly called an illegal adviser.
the hope of becoming a star actor or a top screen QUESTION 5.�
writer, director or lyrics writer. He was a bit of a 5. What made the lawyer stand out from the others
poet. He was disappointed as he was placed low at Gemini Studios?
even in the hierarchy of make-up men. Ans :
QUESTION 4.�
The other staff members of the Gemini Studios
4. Why did the author appear to be doing nothing wore khadi uniforms. But the lawyer wore coat,
at the studios? pant and tie. His coat looked like a coat of mail.
Ans : 2006 He looked alone and helpless. He was man of cold
The author’s job was to cut out newspaper logic in a crowd of dreamers. So he stood out from
clippings on a wide variety of subjects and store the others at Gemini Studios.
them in files. Many of these had to be written
out in hand. Seeing him sitting at his desk and
tearing up newspapers most people thought he
had nothing to do at the studios.
THINK AS YOU READ 2
QUESTION 1.�
1. Why was the office boy frustrated? Who did he
show his anger on? THINK AS YOU READ 3
Ans : 2018
QUESTION 1.�
The office boy was frustrated because his hopes of 1. Did the people at Gemini Studios have any
making big in the movie world failed. He vent his particular political affiliations?
Ans : 2017
anger and frustration on Kothamangalam Subbu,
The people at Gemini Studios wore Khadi and
the No. 2 in the studios, whom he held responsible
worshipped Gandhi, but beyond that they had
for his dishonour and neglect.
QUESTION 2.�
no particular political interests or understanding.
2. Who was Subbu’s principal? They only had opinions on communism, which
Ans : 2015
they loathed and looked down on communists.
Subbu was the No. 2 at the Gemini Studios. They considered communists as heartless atheists
So he identified himself with Mr. Vasan, who who are devoid of emotions. They went about
his principal or The Boss. He turned his entire letting loose anarchy in the society.
creativity to his principal’s advantage.
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
QUESTION 7.
sided genuis, he was an indispensable man for the 7. Who was the office-boy? Why was the writer fed
studios. He served his Boss and the organisation up with him?
from the core of his heart. He did not have much Ans : 2021
education but his loyalty had made him identity The office-boy was not exactly a boy. He was in
with his Principal or the Boss. He used all his his early forties. He had entered the studios years
energy and creativity to the advantage of his ago with dreams in his eyes. He had dreamed of
Boss and his company. He understood all the becoming a star actor, or a top screen writer,
complexities and technicalities of film-making. In director or lyrics writer. He was a bit of a poet
case the director was not satisfied, Subbu would also. In those days the writer worked in a cubicle.
come out with fourteen more alternatives. He was He was always seen sitting at his table tearing
a many sided genious. During its golden period, newspapers day in and day out. Therefore, many
Subbu gave a new direction and definition to the people in the studios thought that he had no work.
Gemini Studios. The office-boy would often come to the writer’s
Being a poet, he wrote his poetry for the cubicle and tell him how his literary talent was
masses. His sprawling novel ‘Thillana Mohanambal’ being wasted in the make-up department. He
had dozens of lovely characters on the mood and thought that the department was fit only for
manner of the Devadasis of early 20th century. barbers and perverts. He insisted on reading out
Whatever roles Subbu played, he acted better his poems to the author. The writer was often fed
than the main actor. Subbu was of a charitable up with him. So he prayed for crowd shooting all
and cheerful personality. He fed and supported time. Then the office-boy would be busy doing
dozens of near and dear ones at his residence but their make-up and the author could be spared
he had his enemies. With the closure of the story from listening to his epics.
department, Subbu also lost his job. QUESTION 8.�
QUESTION 6.�
8. How does the author describe the story department
6. How there is a good note on ‘humour’ in the ? What role was played by the legal adviser in it ?
lesson, Poets and Pancakes ?
O
O How was the brilliant career of a talented actress
Asokamitran has used humour and satire brought to an end ?
effectively in ‘Poets and Pancakes.’ Discuss. Ans : 2018
Ans : 2008
At the Gemini Studios, writers and the poets were
The author’s use of gentle humour and mild satire the members of the Story Department besides a
coupled with painting out human weaknesses lawyer. He was its official member and was known
makes this lesson quite interesting. He has a chatty as the legal adviser. But everybody referred to
style which quickly changes from one thought to him as the opposite, i.e. the illegal adviser. They
the other. The make-up department has people had doubts over his legal skills and abilities as
from different states. The make-up man could he lacked common sense. All the members of
change into a decent looking person look ugly the story department wore Khadi Dhoti and an
like a monster. It was done so that they could oversized Kurta. But this person wore trousers
be made presentable in the movies. The office- and a tie. Sometimes he came in a coat and thus
boy was a bit of poet. The author would pray for he looked odd and helpless. He was a cold man of
crowd shooting all the time to save himself from lonely nature in the company of the dreamers. He
the office-boy’s ‘epics’. was quite near to the boss and allowed to produce
Subbu was a many-sided genius and he a film. It flopped. One day the Boss closed down
remained cheerful all the time. He was a tailor- the story department and the lawyer too lost his
made for films and always worked for someone job.
else. The legal adviser had many subtle touches It so happened when an extremely talented
of humour. The moral Re-Armament Army was actress had to blow over on the sets. One day
welcomed at the Gemini Studio and it brought a when she was on the sets, she lost her temper. She
welcome change from their routine. The English was speaking in an angry mood with the speaker.
poet remained a mystery for all. Even the baffled Immediately the lawyer switched on the recording
reaction of the staff at the Gemini Studio arouses equipment. When she paused for breath, the lawyer
our humour. These people are against communism played both the recorders. On hearing her tirade
and they are satired and did nothing to oppose it. against the producer, she was much stunned at the
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 287
talent in a department that was fit for barbers had a few enemies. With the closure of the story
and perverts. But the narrator always desired for department, Subbu was also out of the Gemini
crowd shouting all the time. studio.
Further one can note that the description of QUESTION 3.�
the lawyers is quite humorous. Officially he was 3. How does the author describe the incongruity
known as the legal adviser but everybody referred of an English poet addressing the audience at
to him as the opposite. It was he who brought a Gemini Studios?
sad end to the brilliant career of a talented actress. Ans :
In the same way the office boy was not exactly a Gemini Studios had acquired a distinguished
boy, he was a man in his early forties. He entered position not only in the sphere of film production
the studios to become a star actor, or a top screen but also for hosting a warmer stage for the visitors
writer, director or lyrics-writer. He was to do the from England and other countries of the world. In
make-up work for the crowd. He was disappointed 1952, the second visitor at Gemini studios was
that his talent was being wasted. The visit of the a poet (an editor) from England. The bosses of
poet or the editor remained as an “unexplained The Hindu and the Gemini Studios were giving
mystery.” him a big welcome at the studios. But no one in
QUESTION 2.� the studios was certain about the visitor or the
2. Why was Kothamangalam Subbu considered No.2 purpose of his visit. At last, around four in the
in the Gemini Studios? afternoon the poet arrived. He was a tall man,
Ans : very English, very serious and very unknown to
The Gemini Studios was set .up in Chennai in all of them. The Boss read out a long speech in his
the year 1940 for indoor shooting. It had a large honour. Then the poet-editor spoke. His accent
team of six hundred strong workers engaged in defeated every attempt to understand what the
the production of the films. In addition to the tall English poet was saying. No one knew what
Boss S.S. Vasan, Kothamangalam Subbu was the he was talking about.
No.2 in the Gemini Studios. He was a many sided The whole thing lasted an hour and all the
person with a specific identity in the team. He audience could not communicate with him. They
was the right handman of the Boss and he had dispersed in utter bafflement. They could not
made himself indispensable at the Studios. His understand what the English poet was doing at
sense of loyalty had made himself identify with the studios. Asokamitran clears that the English
the ‘Boss.’ He was tailor-made for the films and poet also looked pretty baffled. He must have
whenever the film producer came out with some felt that sheer imbalance of his speech about the
difficulty and said, “I do not know how to do this thrills and hardwork of an English poet. That was
scene”. It was Subbu who came with so many why, the visit remained an unexplained mystery.
solutions. In this way film making had become QUESTION 4.�
very easy with the presence of Subbu. He was 4. What do you understand about the author’s
a man, who gave direction and definition to the literary inclinations from the account ?
Gemini Studios. During its golden period, he was Ans :
really an amazing actor who never aspired to lead The author was the most well informed of all the
roles. members of the Gemini Studios. But he had a
He had the perennial ability to look cheerful conviction that prose writing is not and cannot
at all times even after his flop film. He always be the true pursuit of a genius. It was for the
worked hard for somebody. Being loyal to his drudges with shrunken hearts. Here “the Hindu”
principal, he used all his creativity for him. His published a tiny announcement in ‘The Encounter’
sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal had a periodical about a short story contest. The author
dozen of deftly carved characters which served was in a mood to participate in it by sending his
as a source of good recreation to the audience. manuscripts. At the studios, ‘The Encounter’ was
Besides being a poet, he was a Brahmin, unknown. The author went to the British Council
comic, admirable and hospitable. He composed Library and found a copy. On reading the editor’s
several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk style. name he became happy to know that the man had
Whatever role he played, he acted better than the visited the Gemini Studios.
main players. Being a charitable man he fed and He felt like that he had found a long lost
supported many people at his residence still he brother and sent his manuscript. Years later
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
QUESTION 2.�
had neither taste for English poetry nor political
2. Why was the Moral Re-Armament Army
interests. Hence, his visit is referred to as an
welcomed at Gemini Studios?
Ans : 2012
unexplained mystery.
The Moral Re-Armament Army was invited
to stage two plays, which were more like plain THINK AS YOU READ 4
homilies (sermons/lectures) for the Gemini family. QUESTION 1.�
It was discovered only later that the group was 1. Who was the English visitor to the studios ?
Ans : 2019
part of the movement countering international
The English visitor to the Gemini Studios was a
communism and Vasan had invited them under
poet named Stephen Spender. He was the editor
the influence of his political interests.
QUESTION 3.�
of a magazine also. Once he used to be a follower
3. Name one example to show that Gemini Studios of communism. But later he was disillusioned
was influenced by the plays staged by MRA? with it. He and some of his friends jointly wrote
Ans : 2008
a book entitled ‘The God That Failed’ about the
MRA staged two plays ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The failure of communism.
Forgotten Factor’. Their high quality costumes QUESTION 2.�
and well made sets earned a lot of admiration. 2. How did the author discover who the English
Their sunrise and sunset scene impressed them visitor to the studio was?
Ans : 2017
so much that all Tamil plays started reproducing
The author discovered his identity by reading
the scene with a bare stage, a white background
his name on the pages of ‘The Encounter’ in the
curtain and a tune playing on the flute.
QUESTION 4.�
British Council Library. He also knew about him
4. Who was The Boss of Gemini Studios? from the paperback edition of the book The God
Ans : 2005
That Failed.
Mr. Vasan was The Boss of the Gemini Studios. QUESTION 3.�
He was also the editor of the popular Tamil 3. What does ‘The God That Failed’ refer to?
Ans : 2010
weekly ‘Ananda Vikatan’. He was a hard task
The book ‘The God That Failed’ contains six
master. If he was not satisfied, he could close
essays written by six eminent men of letters.
down the whole department. The closure of the
Stephen Spender, the poet who had visited the
Story Department proves this fact.
QUESTION 5.�
Gemini Studios, was one of them. They were all
5. What caused the lack of communication between once attracted towards communism. But soon
the Englishman and the people at Gemini Studios? they were disillusioned with. The ‘God’ here is
Ans : communism and the failure of the God means the
The Englishman’s speech was peppered with failure of the communist ideology.
words like ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy’ and the
Gemini family had no political interests, so UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
they were dazed and a silent audience. Also, the QUESTION 1.�
Englishman’s accent was difficult to understand, 1. The author has used gentle humour to point out
because of which all communication had failed. human foibles. Pick out instances of this to show
He was basically a poet and that made no sense how this serves to make the piece interesting?
to the people whose life centered around a film Ans :
studio. The author, Asokamitran, is the member of the
QUESTION 6.�
Gemini Studios. He gives a good account of the
6. Why was the Englishman’s visit referred to as working and the culture of the people working in
unexplained mystery? the different parts of the studios. He has created
Ans : 2005 so many situations that point out gentle humour
The Englishman was a poet whose name was not as well human foibles. In case we peep deep into
familiar. In his speech he talked about the thrills the author himself, we can note that he himself
and travails of an English poet, which made no worked in a cubicle. He was to tear up and take
sense for the simple people at Gemini Studios the clippings from the newspapers and to keep
who had had no exposure other than films and them in the files. Most of the people think that
so they were not interested. These simple people he does practically nothing. Even the office boy
used to advise him not to waste his literary
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 289
2. Though humour and criticism go side by side 6. The Boss – Stephen Spender – audience.
in films, plays and dramas yet people desires 7. The narrator – God that Failed – Communism
the former. – Stephen Spender.
3. Humour creates interest and attraction and
brings out the hidden talent of the character WRITING
through writer’s creation. QUESTION 1.
4. Criticism points the drawbacks, follies and 1. You must have met some interesting characters
even other improprieties. in your neighbourhood or among your distant
5. Criticism in film-making or in writing poetry relatives. Write about their idiosyncracies. Try to
or story, aims at enhancing the perfection adopt the author’s rambling style, if you can.
Ans :
in creation of the satisfying, entertaining
The student might pick up one interesting
impact.
character from neighbourhood or among distant
6. Criticism is such a literary tool which checks
relatives and write on the point as under :
our mistakes of presentation of something.
Nathu’s Cunningness
7. Criticism aims at developing balance of
things. 1. A shopkeeper on the back-street of the school.
8. As without a touch of humour life appears 2. An adult in his early thirties.
dull and monotonous, so without criticism it 3. People call him, Nathu his brand name there.
becomes imbalanced. 4. Intermixes not only things, eatables but
9. Honour and criticism aims at enlightening also words and sentences, in dealing with
life. customers.
10. They had their place in the lives of people 5. It was once quite cloudy and about to burst.
since he learned to live in groups and society. 6. All feared to come our quite dark around.
11. Gentle humour and directed anger are the 7. Customers feared to come out of his sweet-
parts of human behaviour. shop.
8. The shop got greatly overcrowded, movement
NOTICING TRANSITIONS became a problem.
QUESTION 1.
9. He picked up metallic plate and struck it hard
1. This piece is an example of a chatty, rambling
three-four times looking down at the floor
style. One thought leads to another which is then
from his seat. All became quiet.
dwelt upon at length.
Read the text again and mark the transitions from 10. He terribly shouted snakes, snacks, snakes,
one idea to another. The first one is indicated snacks, snakes.
below : 11. People got stunned and ran out of the sweet
Make-up department Office-boy Subbu shop.
Ans : 12. He was taken aback, couldn’t understand
From the text transitions from one idea to another what happened.
are given below : 13. But by now people were caught in showers,
In this lesson one can find many examples of completely drenched, ran hither and thither
‘Chatty style or rambling.’ Some of them can be for shelter.
cited for ready reference : 14. He struck the metallic plate harder and
1. Make-up department – office boy – Subbu harder again and shouted ‘no, know, knave,
2. Make-up department – Head – His assistant – knave, knave.’
local Tamils. 15. Hardly any could understand his ‘knavery’
3. Hierarchy in the make-up department – office as none had the patience and courage to be
boy – the narrator – Subbu. around.
4. The Gemini Studios – the office boy – the 16. Every time the customers were mostly
narrator – Subbu. strangers. They hardly knew of his
5. The Gemini Studios – Moral Re-Armament idiosyncrasy.
Army – Communism.
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
THINGS TO DO 5. Who was Greta Garbo?
QUESTION 1.
(a) A Swedish actress- an Oscar winner
1. Collect about twenty cartoons from newspapers
(b) a german actress
and magazines in any language to discuss how
(c) a French actress
important people or events have been satirized.
Comment on the interplay of the words and the (d) a bengali actress
pictures used. Ans :
Ans : (a) A Swedish actress- an Oscar winner
On the basis of the twenty cartoons collected from
6. What was Asokamitran’s job in the studio?
newspapers and magazines, they must learn the
interplay of words and pictures used for satirizing (a) to arrange pancakes
important people or events. (b) to arrange make up kits
[Hint : It might be based on contrasting (c) to serve water
matters done, spoken or designed but by that (d) cut out newspaper clippings on a wide variety
time forgotten or presented otherwise like - A of subjects and store them in files.
political leader to the villages asking for water Ans :
and electricity supply, why do you worry about (d) cut out newspaper clippings on a wide variety
water and electricity, we are going to provide you of subjects and store them in files.
telephones and computers.]
7. What has Asokamitran brought up through this
write up?
5. other important questions
(a) topics of film industry
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS (b) topics of make up industry
(c) topics of gossip
1. Who is the author of “Poets and Pancakes”?
(d) topics of heroines
(a) Asokamitran (b) Jayakanthan
Ans :
(c) Charu Nivedita (d) Balakumaran (a) topics of film industry
Ans :
(a) Asokamitran 8. What does he bring to the notice of readers
through this write up?
2. What does his book “My Years with Boss” talk
(a) movies and different roles
of ?
(b) heroines and their tantrums
(a) his job
(c) heroines and make up
(b) explains his environment
(d) Independent India and its infancy
(c) explain the nature of his boss
Ans :
(d) impact of movies on every aspect of life in (d) Independent India and its infancy
India.
Ans : 9. Who was the founder of Gemini studio?
(d) impact of movies on every aspect of life in (a) Mr. S.S Vasan (b) English man
India.
(c) a Tamil boy (d) a director
3. When was Gemini studio set up? Ans :
(a) Mr. S.S Vasan
(a) 1910 (b) 1930
(c) 1920 (d) 1940 10. What has been the make up room compared to?
Ans : (a) make up company (b) a Parlour
(d) 1940 (c) a jewellery shop (d) hair-cutting salon
Ans :
4. What was the brand name of the make up material (d) hair-cutting salon
that Gemini studio bought?
11. For whom was Gemini studio making films?
(a) Pancake (b) latin cake
(a) for English people
(c) Fancake (d) Mancake
Ans : (b) for illiterate
(a) Pancake (c) for elderly peole
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 291
(d) for simple Tamilians who have no interest in 17. Why did everybody in the studio think of giving
English poetry some work to the author?
Ans : (a) because of the idle appearance of his work
(d) for simple Tamilians who have no interest in
(b) because he was an office boy
English poetry
(c) because he was a helper
12. Why is the Englishman’s visit referred as (d) none of these
unexplained mystery? Ans :
(a) because of his appearance (a) because of the idle appearance of his work
(b) because of his dress 18. Why did the office boy in the make up room come
(c) because of his hairstyle to the author?
(d) because of his unfamiliarity and baffled looks (a) because he was unemployed
Ans :
(b) because of his interest in literary arts and film
(d) because of his unfamiliarity and baffled looks
making
13. Who was the Englishman? (c) to earn money
(a) Salman Rushdie (d) to do make up
(b) D.H Lawrence Ans : s
(b) because of his interest in literary arts and film
(c) George Orwell
making
(d) Stephen Spender- Editor of a British
Periodical The Encounter 19. Why was the author praying for crowd shooting
Ans : at all times?
(d) Stephen Spender- Editor of a British Periodical (a) to attract the crowd
The Encounter
(b) to avoid people
14. Why did he visit the studio? (c) to avoid epical narrations
(a) to deliver a speech (d) none of these
(b) to gossip with the workers Ans :
(c) to avoid epical narrations
(c) to check the workers
(d) to know the film making 20. Who was Subbu’s enemy?
Ans : (a) no one
(a) to deliver a speech
(b) the author
15. What was MRA? (c) actors
(a) British Army (d) the boy in the makeup room
(b) The Moral Rearmament Army- a counter Ans :
movement to International Communism (d) the boy in the makeup room
(c) a wing of Indian Army 21. The boy in the make up room was jealous of
(d) A drama company whom?
Ans : (a) actors
(b) The Moral Rearmament Army- a counter
(b) author
movement to International Communism
(c) the visitor
16. Why was MRA invited to Gemini studio? (d) Subbu’s success and his closeness to the boss
(a) To show their play Ans :
(b) Because of political affiliations (d) Subbu’s success and his closeness to the boss
(c) because of political infuence 22. What qualities was Subbu admired for ?
(d) none of these (a) acting, writing filmmaking skills and the
Ans : management skills
(b) Because of political affiliations
(b) acting and writing
(c) flattery
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
(b) The line, “On the contrary he must have had with his principal completely and turn his entire
to face more uncertain and difficult times,” creativity to his principal’s advantage. He was
can be best classified as: tailor-made for films. Here was a man who could
(i) an objective fact be inspired when commanded. “The rat fights the
(ii) an opinion tigress underwater and kills her but takes pity on
the cubs and tends them lovingly — I don’t know
(iii) an assumption
how to do the scene,” the producer would say and
(iv) a theory Subbu would come out with four ways of the rat
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can pouring affection on its victim’s offering.
be derived from the fact that the office boy (a) Pick out an example of absurdity in films
was convinced that all his woes, ignominy and from this extract.
neglect were due to Kothamangalam Subbu.
(b) ‘He could never do things on his own’. This
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears implies that Subbu _____.
evidence to the fact that both Subbu and the
(i) always had work for somebody
office boy had a positive beginning in their
respective careers when they started. (ii) had no confidence in himself
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract, (iii) did not take any responsibility of others
select the biggest disadvantage Subbu faced (iv) always looked cheerful, even doing
at the start of his career in films. nothing
(i) An opening in films (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(ii) A formal education Subbu did not have appreciable lead over our
boy. This means that Subbu was _____.
(iii) Lack of established film producing
companies or studios (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
infer Subbu’s versatility.
(iv) His caste
(e) What do the words “But by virtue of being
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
born a Brahmin — a virtue, indeed!” indicate
The most outstanding quality of
about the author’s belief system?
Kothamanglam Subbu which comes across
the extract is his _____. (f) Which of the following options best explains
Ans : 2010
the real intentions of Subbu?
(a) The ‘office boy.’ (i) Subbu was always itching to give
suggestions.
(b) (iii) an assumption
(ii) Subbu allied himself with the chief for
(c) He was frustrated and jealous of Subbu.
self-benefit only.
(d) He couldn’t have had a more encouraging
(iii) The boss wanted sycophants around him
opening in films than our grown-up make-up
so, Subbu obliged.
boy had.
(iv) He was a sycophant out to please the
(e) (iii) Lack of established film producing
principal.
companies or studios
Ans : 2013
(f) resourcefulness.
(a) The rat fights the tigress underwater and kills
QUESTION 6.�
her but takes pity on the cubs and tends them
6. Read the following extract and answer the
lovingly.
questions that follow.
Even in the matter of education, specially (b) (ii) had no confidence in himself
formal education, Subbu couldn’t have had an (c) not well educated.
appreciable lead over our boy. But by virtue (d) Subbu would come out with four ways of the
of being born a Brahmin — a virtue, indeed! rat pouring affection on its victim’s offering.
— he must have had exposure to more affluent (e) He doesn’t believe in the caste system.
situations and people. He had the ability to look
(f) (iv) He was a sycophant out to please the
cheerful at all times even after having had a hand
principal.
in a flop film. He always had work for somebody QUESTION 7.�
— he could never do things on his own — but 7. Read the following extract and answer the
his sense of loyalty made him identify himself questions that follow.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 293
(b) 180 (c) faces made by actors
(c) 140 (d) arrangements in the make up room
(d) 200 people from 20 nationalities Ans :
Ans : (a) make up done to look presentable before
(d) 200 people from 20 nationalities camera
35. When did MRA visit Madras? SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
(a) 1942 (b) 1922 QUESTION 1.�
(c) 1932 (d) 1952 1. What was specific about the Gemini Studios in
Ans : India?
(d) 1952 Ans : 2018
The Gemini Studios was set up in 1940 in Madras
36. What things attracted the audience in the plays (Chennai) by Mr. S.S. Vasan, the Boss. It was one
staged by MRA? of the most influential film producing organisations
(a) their jewellery (b) their make up of India in the early history of Indian film making.
(c) their dialogues (d) their sets and It had a make-up room that could turn any good
costumes looking person into a hideous coloured monster
Ans : by using pancakes, lotions and potions. Most of
(d) their sets and costumes the film shooting was done mainly indoors.
QUESTION 2.�
37. Why was Subbu a trouble shooter? 2. How did the make-up room of the Gemini Studios
(a) because of his gossip style look like?
(b) because of his flattery O
(c) ability to mix up with everyone Those who were subjected to make up what type
(d) because of his problem resolving quality of misery did they face?
Ans : Ans : 2020
(d) because of his problem resolving quality The make-up room was upstairs of the building.
It looked like a hair cutting salon. It had a half
38. What does the expression ‘ fiery misery’ mean? a dozen large mirrors. There were incandescent
(a) the bright lights lights at all angles around them. Those who were
subjected to make up had to face immense heat
(b) the glow of lights
and the dazzling light. Thus they had to pass
(c) the bright colorful dresses of heroines through the fiery misery in the make-up room.
(d) discomfort to the actors in the makeup room QUESTION 3.
Ans : 3. What does the writer tell us about the make-up
(d) discomfort to the actors in the makeup room room of the Gemini Studios?
Ans : 2010
39. Who was heading the make-up department? In the beginning of the essay, the writer describes
(a) A tamilian the make-up department of the Gemini Studios.
(b) A Madrasi This department was in the upstairs of a building.
(c) A bengali It was believed that this building was once Robert
(d) A Bengali and later was succeeded by a Clive’s stables. The department had the look of a
Maharashtrian hair cutting salon. There were incandescent lights
Ans : at all angles around half a dozen large mirrors.
(d) A Bengali and later was succeeded by a QUESTION 4.�
Maharashtrian 4. In the make-up department there was a great deal
of national integration. What makes the author
40. What does the expression ‘made to look ugly’ say so ?
refer to ? O
(a) make up done to look presentable before Which example of national integration in Gemini
camera Studio is given in ‘Poets and Pancakes’ ?
(b) faces nade by office boy
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
(d) gossips (c) because he sits idle
Ans : (d) because he does nothing
(a) acting, writing filmmaking skills and the Ans :
management skills (a) Because of no direct relation to filmmaking
23. Why was Subbu considered number 2 at Gemini 29. How does the author come to know that English
studio? author was Stephen Spender?
(a) because of his flattery (a) From a painting
(b) because of his abilities (b) From the newspaper
(c) because of creative skills (c) from a television show
(d) none of these (d) from a book- The God that failed
Ans : Ans :
(c) because of creative skills (d) from a book- The God that failed
24. Which plays were presented by MRA in Madras? 30. Why was the office boy disappointed with his job
(a) Macbeth in Gemini studios?
(b) Othello (a) because of his behavior
(c) A doll’s house (b) because of his boss
(d) Jetham Valley and The Forgotten Factors (c) because of his intimacy with boss
Ans : (d) because of his inability to be a star
(d) Jetham Valley and The Forgotten Factors Ans :
(d) because of his inability to be a star
25. Who imitated the scenes of Sunset and Sunrise of
Jotham Valley? 31. How was Kothamanglam Subbu treated in the
(a) Police (b) Scouts of Madras Gemini studio?
(c) Social Workers (d) All Tamil Plays (a) with hatred (b) rudely
Ans : (c) disrespectfully (d) with high respect
(d) All Tamil Plays Ans :
(d) with high respect
26. How was the Gemini studio influenced by the
plays staged by MRA? 32. Why was Subbu termed as ‘many sided genius’ ?
(a) They imitated their styles (a) his flattery
(b) They imitated their dialogues (b) gossip style
(c) They imitated their story (c) interaction with others
(d) They imitated their sets and costumes (d) ability to create and manage things
Ans : Ans :
(d) They imitated their sets and costumes (d) ability to create and manage things
27. What is the example of National Integration in 33. In this lesson, what is the purpose of humor and
Poets and Pancakes? satire used by the author?
(a) Make up department of Gemini (a) to highlight human abilities
(b) rehersal room (b) to show capabilities
(c) office of Gemini studio (c) to show varied capacities
(d) none of these (d) to show and highlight human infancies and
Ans : flaws
(a) Make up department of Gemini Ans :
(d) to show and highlight human infancies and
28. Why was author’s work appeared nothing at
flaws
Gemini?
(a) Because of no direct relation to filmmaking 34. How many people were there in MRA group?
(b) because of cutting- pasting (a) 150
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 295
of becoming a star actor or a top screen writer, O
director or lyrics writer. He was a bit of a poet Film-making must have been hard with a man
also. like Subbu around. Explain.
QUESTION 13.� Ans : 2010
13. Why did the office boy remain frustrated at the Subbu was a very intelligent person having a
studios ? magnanimous personality. He used all his energy
O and creativity to the advantage of his Boss. His
Who was Subbu’s enemy ? Why ? sense of loyalty made him think of his Principal’s
O interests. He identified himself with his Boss,
Why was the boy in the make-up department Mr. S.S. Vasan. If his Boss was not satisfied
unhappy with Subbu ? with one scene, Subbu would offer him fourteen
Ans : 2008
alternatives. He understood all the complicacies
The office boy of the make-up department joined of film-making. So film-making was easy in his
the studios in his early forties. He had a good presence.
education and wanted to become a star actor, a QUESTION 17.�
top screen writer, director or a lyrics-writer but 17. How can you identify Subbu as a poet ?
Ans : 2015
all his dreams came to a naught. So he remained
Besides being a Brahaman, Subbu had a separate
frustrated and directed all his anger against
identity as a poet. He could do more complex and
Subbu No.2 at the Gemini Studios. He was very
higher form but he addressed his poetry generally
close to the Boss. He considered him as the root
to the masses. His literary achievements were
cause of all his woes, miseries insult and neglect.
shadowed and belittled by his success in films.
He considered him on his enemy.
QUESTION 14.�
He composed truly original story poems in folk
14. How did Subbu attain No.2 position at the Gemini refrain and diction.
Studios ?
QUESTION 18.
18. Describe the times when Subbu joined the Gemini
O Studios.
What were the positive qualities of Subbu that Ans : 2013, 2010
the writer admired. Subbu had entered the studios in more uncertain
Ans : 2009 and difficult times. Then there were no firmly
Subbu had the ability to look cheerful at all established film producing companies or studios. In
times. He always worked for somebody. He was education also, he was not more formally educated
very much loyal to his Boss. He used all his than the office-boy. But being a Brahmin, he had
energy and creativity to the advantage of his exposure to more affluent situations and people.
Boss. He was a tailor made for films and was a QUESTION 19.�
very talented actor. He was a poet and chose to 19. Subbu was a man of charitable nature, but he had
address his poetry to the masses. If the producer his enemies. Give a reason.
had some difficulty, Subbu would come out with Ans : 2005
fourteen more alternatives. He gave definition and Subbu was a man of charitable nature and anyone
direction to the Gemini Studios and was at the who came in his close contact, he always showered
No.2 in the Studios. his genuine love and goodness. His house was a
QUESTION 15.
permanent residence of dozens near and dear
15. Why was the writer fed up with the office-boy? ones. Being very close to the Boss, people were
Ans : 2007, 2005 jealous of him. Some called him a sycophant for
The office-boy would often come to the writer’s his sweet manners. He always said nice things
cubicle and tell him how his literary talent was about everything. The make-up department
being wasted in the make-up department. He would do the direst things for him.
thought that the department was fit only for QUESTION 20.�
barbers and perverts. He insisted on reading out 20. Write down something special about Subbu’s
his poems to the author. So the writer was often novel. “Thillana Mohanambal”.
fed up with him. Ans : 2007
QUESTION 16.� In reality Subbu was a multi-phased personality.
16. How did Subbu identify himself with his Principal His sprawling novel “Thillana Mohanambal” had
or the Boss? dozens of very cleverly moulded characters. In it
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
QUESTION 2.�
the author was out of the Gemini Studios. He 2. Discuss the following in small groups taking off
collected a book from a heap and paid fifty paise. from points in the text :
It was a special low-priced student edition. It was Poetry and films
entitled The God that Failed.’ It had six essays Ans :
written by six eminent men of letters. The essays Pick appoints for your discussion from the
described their journeys into communism and following :
their disillusioned return. Stephen Spender was
1. The Gemini Studios had an assembly of
one of them. He was the same poet or an editor
poets in its Story Department. They were
who had once visited the Gemini Studios.
responsible for the certain quality songs
suiting to the situational settings of the scene.
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT
QUESTION 1.�
2. The poet had been writing wry rich quality
1. Discuss the following in small groups taking off literature through their songs to be used in
from points in the text : the films.
Film-production today has come a long way from 3. Those songs were so greatly. refined,
the early days of the Gemini Studios. standardised and composed that they not
Ans : only enlightened the mind and soul of the
Pick up points from the following for your audiences of those days but also those songs
discussion : had the same place in the lives of the people
1. These days film production is scientific, even today.
refined and easier. 4. It was not only in the days of the cinema
2. It is done by the use of more accurate shooting of the early days of Gemini studio but it is
equipment. also today, that to a great extent, the success
of the film on the box-office depends on its
3. It is computerised; use of digital cameras
songs.
refine photograph impact.
5. The best quality film songs are those which
4. Latest scientific innovations in background
sharpen and add to the literary taste of the
scene and sound impact renders it more
people. The poets really created such songs
appealing to the cinema-goers.
those days which not only pleased them but
5. Modern techniques of photo-light sound, music,
also added to their knowledge.
scene, motion, zoom and actions have made a
6. The journey of poetry from those early days
spell-bound impact on the cinema lovers.
of film production of the present has rendered
6. The films produced today appear more lively,
it much adulterated. It seems to lack decency
more attractive, more realistic and more
and the richness of literature development. It
natural than they had been in their early
has rather gone cheaper and multi-cornered.
days of Gemini Studios.
7 The present day poetry hardly has the
7. The present day actors and actresses have
enlightening impact on the audience, which
not even heard of pancakes. Today they use
the earlier one had.
make-up materials to multiply their beauty
8 Perhaps it all has gone commercial-even the
beyond expectation.
poetry.
8. The present day cosmetics, the make-up QUESTION 3.�
material and the costumes are all of first rate. 3. Discuss the following in small groups taking off
The film making industry has revolutionised from points in the text :
every thing. Humour and criticism
9. Most of the film shooting today is outdoors Ans :
and even on foreign lands of tourist attraction Pick up the points from the following for your
against the five percent of the early days. discussion :
10. One sharp contrast is there. That is about 1. Pleasure through humour has its primary
the quality of the literature (the songs place for cinema-goers. Entertainment is
and dialogues) is going down. It is also increased though the light and gentle humour
the confusing language-Hinglish, Pinglish, present in the movies.
Hinpunj or what.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 297
always out to cause and spread violence and long speech was read in his honour. He spoke but
unrest among the innocent and ignorant people. his accent defeated all efforts to understand what
QUESTION 29. he was saying. All dispersed in bafflement. His
29. Why did the author get a copy of ‘The Encounter’ visit became an unexplained mystery. Later at
from the British Library? British Council Library, Asokamitran found that
Ans : 2005 the visitor poet was Stephen Spender, the editor
The Hindu, a daily from. Madras, published a of the British Weekly ‘The Encounter’.
small announcement that a short story contest QUESTION 33.�
was being organized by a British magazine named 33. Write down Asokamitran’s ideas about prose
‘The Encounter’. The author wanted to know writing?
about the periodical before sending his story.. He Ans : 2013
got a copy of ‘The Encounter’ from the British Author Asokamitran has the belief that prose-
Library. writing is not and cannot be the true persuit of
QUESTION 30.� a genius. Its pre-requisite is patience, persistence,
30. What was Moral Rearmament Army ? What was and perseverance. Rejection doesn’t discourage
its message ? the writer, he soon prepares author fresh copy
Ans : 2011 and posts it to another editor.
Frank Buchman’s Moral Rearmament Army QUESTION 34.
of two hundred strong people visited Gemini 34. How did the lawyer put an end to the career of
Studios in Chennai in 1952. They were from an actress?
twenty nationalities. They presented two plays Ans : 2020
Votham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor, in a Once a talented but moody actress burst out on
professional manner. They gave simple and plain the sets. Everyone looked stunned. The lawyer
sermons to counter international commission. Its quietly switched on the recording equipment.
sets and costumes were of first rate. It left a great When the actress relaxed for sometime, the
impact on Chennai and Tamil Drama community. lawyer played back the recording. The actress was
They were copied for many years. shocked to hear her own voice. She never quite
QUESTION 31. recovered form the shock and that was the end of
31. What good qualities of Subbu does the writer her acting career.
refer to? QUESTION 35.�
Ans : 2014, 2012 35. What was the low-priced book The God that
He was a good actor. He never aspired to the Failed” about ?
lead roles. He played secondary roles in films but Ans : 2007
performed better than the main actors. Subbu The author of ‘Poet and Pancakes’, Asokamitran
had a genuine love for anyone he came across. picked up one copy of the low-priced book The
He used to feed and support many persons. But God That Failed’ for fifty paise from the footpath
even he had enemies. Perhaps it was because he of Chennai Mount Road Post Office. It contained
seemed so close and intimate with The Boss. six essays written by six eminent men of letters
QUESTION 32.� including Stephen Spender. It detailed their
32. Who was the next visitor at Gemini Studios in journeys into communism and their disillusioned
Chennai after MRA ? return from communism.
O QUESTION 36.
How did the visit of the English poet remain as an 36. How did the lawyer lose his job?
Ans : 2010, 2008
unexplained mystery ?
Once the lawyer tried his hand at film-making.
O But unfortunately, the film made by him had
Why is the Englishman’s visit to the studios flopped. Then The Boss closed down the story
referred to as an unexplained mystery? department and the lawyer lost his job.
O QUESTION 37.�
Who was the English visitor of Gemini Studios ? 37. How did the two plays of MRA influence the
Why did he visit the Studios? drama community?
Ans : 2011, 2008 Ans : 2006
The English poet-editor was a tall man. He was The Moral Re-armament Army visited the Gemini
given a big welcome at the studios by The Boss. A Studios in Chennai in 1957. It presented two plays
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
Ans : 2009 QUESTION 8.�
The make-up department of the Gemini Studios 8. What was Pancake and what was it used for ?
had people from different parts of India. In the Ans : 2007
beginning the department was headed by a Pancake was the brand name of the make-up
Bengali who was succeeded by a Maharashtrian. material. Truck loads of it were brought to the
He was assisted by Kannadiga from Dharwar and Gemini Studios in Chennai. Such a favourite
a man from Andhra. In addition to this, there brand was used by the actors and actresses all
were local Tamils, a Madras Indian Christian and over the world. It could turn a decent looking
an Anglo-Burmese. It presented a good scene of person into a hideous coloured monster. It was
National Integration in India. used to look an ugly man most attractive. With
QUESTION 5.�
its help even the acute pore in the face was filled.
5. What do you understand by ‘a strict hierarchy QUESTION 9.
and how it was maintained in the make-up 9. Who did the make-up of the different actors?
department ? Ans : 2015, 2012
There was a strict hierarchy in the make-up
O department. The chief make-up man made
How there was a strict-hierarchy in the make-up the chief actors and actresses ‘ugly’. His senior
department ? assistant did the make-up of the second hero and
O heroine. The junior assistant handled the main
What used to be the job of the make-up gang at comedian: The players who played the crowd were
the Gemini Studios ? the responsibility of the office-boy.
Ans : 2022 QUESTION 10.�
A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make- 10. What detail do you get about Robert Clive’s stay
up department. The chief make-up man made the in Chernai ?
chief actors and actresses ugly. His senior assistant Ans : 2009
made ugly the ‘second’ hero and heroine. The It is s...... that the upstairs make-up department
junior assistant did it for the main comedian and of the Gemini Studios had remained the stables of
so forth. The office-boy painted the crowd players. Robert Clive. In addition to this, there were other
QUESTION 6. buildings in the city which he used them as his
6. What was pancake? What was the effect of residence. It was at St. Mary’s Church in Fort St.
pancake on the faces of actors? George, Robert Clive married a maiden.
Ans : 2005 QUESTION 11.�
Pancake was the brand name of the make-up 11. What used to be the job of the narrator at the
material that the Gemini Studios bought in Gemini Studios ?
truck loads. Pancake and the other locally made O
material were used in the make-up. Heavy make- Why did everybody in the studio think of giving
up was used for the actors. The writer comments the author some work to do?
that the make-up men could turn any decent Ans : 2008
looking person into an ugly looking, crimson At the Gemini Studios, the author Asokamitran
coloured monster. worked in a cubicle having the French windows on
QUESTION 7.�
two sides. He was to take up the clippings from
7. What was the duty of the office boy at Gemini the newspapers on a wide variety of subjects.
Studios? Why was he disappointed? He was to store them in files. He even had to
O write out in hand. He was the most known person
Who was the office boy ? Why was he frustrated? there, most of the people at the studios thought
Ans : 2009 that he was doing next to nothing. Everybody in
The office-boy at the make-up department of the the studio thought of giving him some work to do.
studios, was a man in his early forties. He slapped QUESTION 12.
paint on the faces of players who played crowd for 12. What does the writer tell us about the office-boy?
the film. His idea was to close every pore on their
Ans : 2005
faces. He was sad as he joined the studios with
The office-boy was not exactly a boy. He was in
the hope of becoming a star actor or a top screen
his early forties. He had entered the studios years
writer, director or lyrics-writer but he could not
ago with dreams in his eyes. He had dreamed
fulfil his dreams. He was a bit of poet even.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 299
become the favourite haunt of the poet and other The chief of the make-up department made the
visitors because of its decent mess that served chief actors and actresses with make-up material.
coffee till late at night. The Studios hosted the His senior assistant did the same for the second
visit of Moral Re-Armament Army and a poet- hero and heroine. The junior assistant did for the
cum-editor Stephen Spender. The MRA was a comedian and so on. The office boy was for the
team of two hundred strong men who exhibited players who played the crowd. This team of make-
two plays in the most professional way. The up men could turn any decent looking boy or girl
MRA was a counter movement to international into a hideous monster. It was an indispensable
communism but the people at the Studios were wing that maintained its strict hierarchy.
averse in this ideology. The visit of Spender also QUESTION 4.
became an unexplained mystery for all. 4. How was the make-up of different actors done by
QUESTION 2. the people of the make-up department?
2. Give a brief description of the make-up room of Ans : 2005
the Gemini Studios. Pancake was the brand name of the make-up
Ans : 2010 material that the Gemini Studios bought in
In the beginning of the essay, the writer describes truck-loads. Pancake and the other locally made
the make-up department of the Gemini Studios. material were used in the make-up. Heavy make-
This department was in the upstairs of a building. up was used for the actors. The writer comments
It was believed that this building was once Robert that the make-up men could turn any decent
Clive’s stables. The department had the look of a looking person into an ugly looking, crimson
hair cutting salon. There were incandescent lights coloured monster. Those were the days of mainly
at all angles around half a dozen large mirrors. indoor shooting. Only five per cent of the film
These lights were glowing with heat. So those was shots outdoors. There was a strict hierarchy
who were subjected to make-up had to suffer a in the make-up department. The chief make-up
lot of hardship. The make-up department was man made the chief actors and actresses ‘ugly’.
first headed by a Bengali. He was succeeded by His senior assistant did the make-up of the second
a Maharashtrian. He was assisted by men from hero and heroine. The junior assistant handled
Dharward, Andhra Pradesh, Burma and the usual the main comedian. The players who played the
local Tamils. Thus, the make-up department was crowd were the responsibility of the office-boy.
an example of national integration. QUESTION 5.�
QUESTION 3.� 5. What detail do you get from the lesson about
3. Detail about the make-up department of the Kothamangalam Subbu ? Highlight his
Gemini Studios and how did it maintain the strict contribution towards the Gemini Studios ?
hierarchy in its functioning ? O
O How did Subbu give a new definition and direction
Describe the make-up department of the Gemini to the Gemini Studios during the golden years ?
Studios. O
Ans : 2020
Write the character sketch of Kothamangalam in
The Gemini Studios was located in Chennai in the
your own words.
upstairs of a building which believed to have been
the stables of Robert Clive. It consisted of many O
departments like make-up department, story What light does ‘Poets and Pancakes’ throw on
department and so on. It was a team work that the versatility of the Kothamangalam Subbu?
produced films and more than six hundred people O
worked there. The make-up room was very large Subbu is described as a many sided genius.
and it had the look of a hair cutting salon. There Describe his character in the light of this remark.
were incandescent lights at all angles around half Ans : 2008
a dozen large mirrors. The light radiated a lot of The Gemini Studios was set up with a team of
heat. Thus the make-up men had to pass a very 600 people in 1940. It had set up its identity
tough time amidst fiery heat and dazzling light. in film production and it touched upon varied
The department bought truckloads of a make-up aspects. In his book, My Year with Boss, the
material called pancakes which was used to paint author Asokamitran had described Subbu at
the faces of the players. the No.2 at the Gemini Studios. Being a many
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
Subbu has created very successfully the mood and Ans : 2016
manner of the Devadasis of the early 20th century. The writer says that Subbu was tailor-made for
He had enlivened the traits of the character in films. Whenever the producer told him about any
the novel. problem, he would come out with a solution. If
QUESTION 21.
the producer was not satisfied, he would suggest
21. How did Subbu help The Boss? fourteen more alternatives. Film-making seemed
Ans : 2008 easy with a man like Subbu around. It was Subbu
Subbu had the ability to look cheerful at all time, who gave direction and definition to. Gemini
even after having a hand in a flop film. He could Studios during its golden years.
never do things on his own, but his sense of loyalty QUESTION 25.�
made him identify himself with The Boss. He uses 25. Why was the Gemini Studios the favourite haunt
all his energy and creativity for the advantage of of the people ?
The Boss. Ans : 2006
QUESTION 22.� The Gemini Studios had been a hubub of activities.
22. How did the career of an extra talented actress It had an excellent mess that served coffee at
come to an end of the Gemini Studios ? all times. Those were the days of prohibition.
O So meeting over a cup of coffee was a satisfying
How did the extremely talented career come to entertainment and a pre-requisite for poetry. The
an end ? Studios radiated leisures. Not only the clerk, the
office boys and others came there to recreate with
O poetry and praise Gandhiji. So it had become the
Why did everybody refer the lawyer as the favourite haunt of the people.
opposite in the studio ? QUESTION 26.�
Ans : 2021
26. What were the author’s pre-conceived ideas about
There was a legal adviser at the story department. a Communist as expressed in the lesson, ‘Poets
He was a good for nothing fellow. Everybody and Pancakes’ ?
referred to him as the opposite since he was Ans : 2009
misfit there. Through his foolishness, he spoiled The author had pre-conceived ideas about a
the career of a brilliant actress. Once the actress communist. He thought him (a communist) as a
blew over on the sets. He quietly switched on the Godless man who had no love for his son or wife.
recording equipment. When the actress paused, He had no regret about killing his own parents. He
he played back the recording. Hearing her voice was always out to cause and spread violence and
again, she was dumb struck. So unwittingly the unrest among the innocent and ignorant people.
lawyer ruined the bright career of a talented
QUESTION 27.
actress.
QUESTION 23.�
27. What does the writer say about the literary talent
23. What made the lawyer stand out from the others of Subbu?
Ans : 2020, 2015
at the Gemini Studios ?
The writer says that Subbu was a poet also and
O he chose to write for the masses. His success in
In what way was the lawyer “a man of cold logic films overshadowed his literary achievements. He
in a crowd of dreamers”? composed several original story poems in folk-song
Ans : 2019
style. He wrote a novel ‘Thillana Mohanambal’.
The lawyer did not share anything with the other QUESTION 28.�
members of the Studios. Almost all the members 28. Why were all the people at the Gemini Studios
wore a khadi dhoti and a white khadi shirt. But averse to the term communism ?
the lawyer wore pants, a tie and sometimes a coat. Ans : 2008
He looked alone and different from others. He was Most of the people at the Studios had no praise
a man of cold logic in a crowd of dreamers. He for any political thought except they worshipped
was a ‘neutral’ man in group of Gandhijies since Gandhiji. So they had no affiliation of any kind
all worshipped Gandhi. of political thought. They were all averse to
QUESTION 24.
‘communism.’ A communist was a godless man
24. Why does the writer say that Subbu was tailor- who had no love for his son or wife. He had no
made for films? regret about killing his own parents. He was
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 301
incident. There was nothing offensive in her words. different countries, it came to Chennai in 1952
Yet she was much frightened. She never recovered and stayed at the Gemini Studios.
from the terror. After that she never appeared on The Gemini family of six hundred people
the stage. This finished her bright career. was much pleased to host them as it would be
QUESTION 9. a pleasant change from crowd players. The
9. Write a brief character sketch of Subbu. MRA presented two plays ‘Jotham Valley’ and
O ‘The Forgotten Factor.’ The plays were simple
Kothamangalam Subbu, “a compassionate man, but the costumes and the sets were superb. The
was tailor-made for films”. Elaborate. plays were staged in the most professional way
Ans : 2010 with a simple message. The plays were exhibited
Subbu had entered the studios in more uncertain several times which attracted a huge crowd. The
and difficult times. Then there were no firmly Tamil and Chennai community could not remain
established film producing companies or studios. untouched from their influences. The Jotham
Subbu had the ability to look cheerful at all Valley presented beautiful scenes of sunrise and
time, even after having a hand in a flop film. He sunset. They were presented on a bare stage with
could never do things on his own, but his senses a white curtain background with a tune of a flute.
of loyalty made him identify himself with the The Tamil theatre imitated it. Even then the
‘Boss’. He uses all his energy and creativity for MRA failed to have any negative impact because
the advantage of the boss. He was tailor-made for of its anti-communist background.
films. Whenever the producer told him about any QUESTION 11.
problem, he would come out with a solution. If 11. Write a note on the lawyer of the story department.
the producer was not satisfied he would suggest Ans :
fourteen more alternatives. Film-making seemed The story department of the Gemini Studios
easy with a man like Subbu around. It was Subbu was very important. This department comprised
who gave direction and definition to Gemini a lawyer and a group of writers and poets. The
Studios during its golden years. He was a poet also lawyer was officially known as legal adviser, but
and he chose to write for the masses. His success in everybody referred to him as the opposite. Once
films overshadowed his literary achievements. He an extremely talented but moody actress burst out
composed several original story poems in folk-song on the sets. Everyone looked stunned. The lawyer
style. He wrote a novel ‘Thillana Mohanambar . quietly switched on the recording equipment.
He was a good actor. He never aspired to the When the actress relaxed for sometime, the
lead roles. He played secondary roles in films but lawyer played back the recording. The actress was
performed better than the main actors. Subbu shocked to hear her own voice. She never quite
had a genuine love for anyone he came across. fie recovered form the shock and that was the end
used to feed and support many persons. But even of her acting career. Everyone in the department
then he had enemies. Perhaps it was because he wore a khadi uniform. But the legal adviser wore
seemed so close and intimate with the Boss. pants, a tie and a coat. He was a man of cold logic
QUESTION 10.�
in a crowd of dreams. He also once made a film
10. Describe the visit of the Moral Re-armament which flopped. Then The Boss closed down the
Army at the Gemini Studios and how did the story department and the lawyer lost his job.
Gemini family take its visit ? QUESTION 12.�
12. How can you say that Gemini Studios had been
O the favourite haunt of people ?
Why and how was the Moral Rearmament Army
welcomed at the Gemini Studios ? O
Ans : 2008
How can you say that Gemini Studios was a
Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament Army favourite haunt of people where they hardly
was a dramatic company. It visited the Gemini discussed politics over a cup of coffee ?
Studios in 1952. In fact it was a sort of counter O
movement to International Communism. It was Do the people at Gemini Studios show any
a professional company with two hundred people political affiliations ? Why ?
of at least twenty nationalities. There were Ans : 2009
all of different hues and sizes so it was called The Gemini Studios was established in Chennai
an international circus. In addition to visiting in 1940 by S.S. Vasan the editor of Tamil Weekly
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
QUESTION 42.
named Votham Valley’ and The Forgotten Factor’ 42. What does the writer say about The Boss’s speech
in the professional manner. They attracted a huge in honour of the English poet?
crowd and the Gemini family saw it over again Ans : 2008
and again. Its constumes and sets were of first A few months later, there was the news that an
rate. The scenes of sunrise and sunset with white English poet was visiting the Gemini Studios.
background and a tune on the flute were copied The poet arrived around four in the afternoon.
by the drama community of the Tamils. He was a tall man, very English and very serious.
The Boss read a long speech. He did not know
QUESTION 38.
38. Name some of the poets who visited Gemini
much about the English poet. The speech was all
Studio.
in the most general terms.
Ans : 2020
Gemini Studio was the favourite haunt of
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
various poets. Poets like S.D.S. Yogiar, Sangu
QUESTION 1.�
Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry and Harindranath
1. In the lesson ‘Poets and Pancakes,’ the author
Chattopadhyaya used to come to the Studios.
not only describes the production of films at the
The studios radiated leisure which is the first
Gemini Studios but also gives a detail of some
requirement for poetry.
other activities. Write your answer keeping in
QUESTION 39.�
view the author’s description in the lesson.
39. Why was the Moral Re-Armament army welcomed
at the Gemini Studios? O
Ans : 2010 How does Asokamitran pin-point the hectic
The Moral Re-Armament army visited Madras in working of the Gemini Studios ?
1952. The MRA was a sort of counter movement O
to international communism. The other people What does Asokamitran’s lesson ‘Poets and
at the Gemini Studio had a natural aversion to Pancakes’ deal with?
communism. But Mr. Vasan, the boss played into Ans : 2013
their hands. Therefore, the MRA was welcomed The Gemini Studios of film production has never
at the Gemini Studio. confined its activities within the four walls of the
QUESTION 40.
studios but it also gives a fine glimpse of outside
40. What was a notion. about ‘A communist’ at that world as well. The production department has
time? two prominent divisions, namely the make-up
Ans : 2022
department and the story department. In the
The men at the Studios had a natural dislike for
make-up room, there were incandescent lights
Communism. They thought that the Communists
fixed at all angles around half a dozen large
were godless people. They had no love for wives
mirrors. It had a team of workers from chief
and children. They were ready to spread unrest
make-up man to the office boy who slapped the
and violence.
crowd players with lotions, potions and pancakes.
QUESTION 41.�
Truck loads of pancakes were used by the actors
41. Why did Asokamitran pray for crowd-shooting all
and actresses like the Bollywood and Hollywood
the time ?
characters. Pancake was the popular brand name
Ans : 2010
there. There was a strict hierarchy of make-up
The office boy of the make-up department of the
man.
Gemini studies had to do the make up of the
The story department had its significant
crowd on the crowd shooting days. He closed
contribution. There was a legal adviser duly
every pore on their faces. His expectations were
accompanied with an assembly of poets and
belied. He could not become a star actor, a top
writers. They were engaged in creating story,
screen writer, a director or a lyrics writer. The
songs, social and other work. There was directors,
department was fit for barbers, and perverts.
actors, actresses, cameramen, lightmen, boys, etc.
So the author was praying for crowd-shooting
In those days, it was mainly the indoor shooting.
all the time because the office boy (a bore) kept
The Boss had a strict vigil at every aspect. He
advising him not to waste his literary talent there
was assisted by Kothamangalam Subbu, who was
whenever he was free.
an indispensable person for the Studios.
In addition to this, the Gemini Studios had
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 303
know about the periodical before sending his story: EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
He got a copy of ‘The Encounter’ from the British QUESTION 1.�
Library. When he read the name of the poet, he 1. Read the following extract and answer the
recalled that it was the same poet who had visited questions that follow.
the Gemini Studios. He was Stephen Spender. Pancake was the brand name of the make-up
Years later, one day, the writer got a book called material that Gemini Studios bought in truck-
‘The God that Failed’. It had six essays written by loads. Greta Garbo must have used it, Miss
six famous writers. They described their joining Gohar must have used it, Vyjayantimala must
communism and their disillusionment with it. also have used it but Rati Agnihotri may not
These writers were: Andre Gide, Richard Wright, have even heard of it. The make-up department
Ignazio Silone, Arthur Koestler, Louis Fischer and of the Gemini Studios was in the upstairs of a
Stephen Spender. Now everything became clear to building that was believed to have been Robert
the author. The Boss of the Gemini Studios may Clive’s stables. A dozen other buildings in the city
not have much to do with Spender’s poetry. But he are said to have been his residence. For his brief
had definitely nothing to do with Communism — life and an even briefer stay in Madras, Robert
The God That Failed. Clive seems to have done a lot of moving, besides
QUESTION 16.� fighting some impossible battles in remote corners
16. An Englishman, a poet or an editor visited the of India and marrying a maiden in St. Mary’s
Gemini Studios sometimes in 1952. He was given Church in Fort St. George in Madras.
a very big welcome there but his visit remained (a) Why does the writer mention Miss Gohar,
an unexplained mystery. As Asokamitran, write a Greta Garbo and Vyjanthimala in this
page of your diary entry stating your experience extract?
of his visit. (b) ‘The make-up department of the Gemini
Ans : 2022
Studios was in the upstairs of a building that
Chennai 24th November,
was believed to have been Robert Clive’s
It was a few months after Frank Buchman’s MRA’s
stables.’ What does the reader infer from
visit, telephone lines of the my big boss started
this?
buzzing. Once again the whole shooting stage of
(i) The make-up department had a humble
Gemini Studios was cleared to welcome the visitor
location.
– a poet from England. Our Gemini Staff knew
or heard only of Wordsworth, Tennyson, Keats, (ii) The Studios were in a place of historical
Shelly, Byron and Eliot, but we kept on guessing importance.
who the visiting poet was now! (iii) The employees of the make-up department
The top man of The Hindu took the initiative loved horses.
S.S. Vasan, The Boss of Gemini Studios an (iv) The author is trying to infuse irony.
editor of the Tamil Weekly Ananda Niketan, was (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
giving him a big welcome. I thought that the Clive seems to have had a very short stay
Englishman was not a poet but an editor. That in Madras yet had moved around a lot. This
was all known at the studios. At least around four implies that Clive _____.
in the afternoon, the poet (or the editor) arrived.
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
He was a tall English man, very serious and of
infer that Gemini Studios was a very busy
course, unknown to all of us. The Boss read out a
place.
long speech in his honour almost in general terms.
Then the poet spoke before the patient (e) Why does the author say that ‘But Rati
.-Audience. But no one knew what he was talking Agnihotri may not have even heard of it’ ?
about. His accent, his tone defeated all attempts (f) Which of the following headlines best suggests
to understand what he was saying. The whole the central idea of the extract?
thing lasted about an hour. All left confused. The (i) The history of the Gemini Studios
poet also looked pretty confused feeling imbalance (ii) The location of the Gemini Studios
of his talk. His visit remained an unexplained (iii) An introduction to the Gemini Studios
mystery for all. I will never hope to meet such a
(iv) The Clive Connection
cranky fellow in my life.
Ans : 2010
Asokamitran
(a) All these leading ladies used Pancake.
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
‘Ananda Vikatan’. Since then it has been doing a communism. They couldn’t find a better host in
very remarkable service to the people of India by India than the Gemini Studios.
producing quality films. It had attained worldwide QUESTION 14.�
recognition. 14. Write down the mystery surrounding the visit of
Sometime in 1952, Frank Buchman’s Moral Re- the Englishman to the Gemini Studios. How was
armament Army was given a very warm welcome it solved?
at the studios. The two hundred strong people Ans : 2017
of the M.R.A. from more than twenty nations, In 1952, an Englishmen came to visit the Gemini
presented two plays. ‘Jotham Valley’ and `The Studios. He was both a poet and an editor. Huge
Forgotten Factor.’ Their real aim was to counter preparations were made for his welcome but none
internal communism by simple and plain sermons. was able to tell anything about the poet. Even the
An another visitor, months after came there who staff at the Gemini Studios showed its indifference.
was a poet-editor named Stephan Spender from Some remembered that he was an editor rather
England. He actually aimed at the introduction than a poet. It was because the topman of the
of his British weekly ‘The Encounter’. Hindu were taking the initiative. Side by side the
Gemini Studios was the favourite hunt of Boss Mr. Vasan too was an editor of Tamil weekly
the people-the poets, writers and others. Most of named “Ananda Vikatan”. But the people at
them wore Khadi-clad and praised Gandhi and the Gemini Studios ,made arrangements for the
the Prohibition policy of the Congress rule. They speaker due to their Boss.
enjoyed poetry over a cup of coffee. They had The Englishmen arrived and the Gemini
the faintest affiliation to any political thought. Studios hosted him. The Boss read out a long
Over a cup of coffee they discussed communism. speech in his honour and talked of freedom
All the visitors at Gemini Studios talked against and democracy. After that the Englishman too
communism over a cup of coffee. A communist delivered a speech but none was able to follow
was an atheist, having no love for son or wife. him due to his accent. The purpose of his visit
He would not repent for killing his own parents seemed to be lost and the same remained an
and children. He was always planning to spread unexplained mystery. Later the author visited the
unrest and cause violence befooling innocent, British Council Library, and came to know that
peace-loving people. So the Gemini Studios was a the Englishmen was Stephen Spender, an editor
favourite haunt for people. of the Encounter. It was learnt that he wrote an
QUESTION 13. essay on his disillusioned journey in communism.
13. Write a note on the literary and political This solved the mystery as well since he had
inclinations of the men of the Gemini Studios. visited the Gemini Studio.
Ans : 2006 QUESTION 15.
Gemini Studio was the favourite haunt of 15. Describe the visit of the English poet to the
various poets. Poets like S.D.S. Yogiar, Sangu Gemini Studios. What did the author later find
Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry and Harindranath out about him?
Chattopadhyaya used to come to the Studios. It Ans : 2005
had an excellent mess which supplied good coffee Once an English poet visited the Gemini Studios.
at all times of the day and for most part of the He arrived around four in the afternoon. He was a
night. The studios radiated leisure which is the tall man, very English and very serious. The Boss
first requirement for poetry. Most of them wore read a long speech. He did not know much about
khadi and worshipped Gandhi, but beyond that the English poet. The speech was all in the most
they had not the vague appreciation for political general terms. Then the poet spoke. He spoke
thought of any kind. The men at the studios had in such an accent that none among the audience
a natural dislike for Communism. They thought could understand him. He left after speaking for
that the Communists were godless people. They one hour. The audience also dispersed in utter
had no love for wives and children. They were bafflement. They wondered what an English poet
ready to spread unrest and violence. When was doing in a film studio, which made Tamil
Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament Army films. One day, The Hindu, a daily from Madras,
of two hundred people visited Madras in 1952, published a small announcement that a short story
the Gemini Studios played the host. The MRA contest was being organized by a British magazine
was a kind of counter movement to international named ‘The Encounter’. The author wanted to
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 305
(f) Why does the writer use an exclamation (c) Explain any one possible inference that can
mark in, “Even the make-up department of be drawn from the line, “In those days I
the Gemini Studio had an ‘office boy’ !)? worked in a cubicle, two whole sides of which
(i) It shows the author’s exasperation. were French windows.”
(ii) The author finds it humorous. (d) Why did the author say, “Soon I was praying
(iii) The writer expresses his shock. for crowd-shooting all the time”?
(iv) The writer is exaggerating. (e) Why did the ‘boy’ think that his great
Ans : 2018
literary talent was being wasted in the make-
up department? Pick out the oddest reason
(a) (i) The process of applying make-up (tactile)
from the list given below.
(ii) You could see him mixing his paint in a
The ‘boy’ thought that he _____.
giant vessel. (visual)
(i) could be an actor or a top screen writer,
(b) (ii) It refers to an over application of make-
director or lyrics writer.
up.
(ii) could be a famous poet.
(c) the office boy was rough and quick in applying
pancake on the crowd. (iii) was wasting his life at Gemini Studios.
(d) This means that the junior most in the (iv) the make-up department was not for him.
hierarchy of the make-up department was the (f) Complete the sentence.
office boy. The meaning of the phrasal verb ‘barge in’ is
(e) He wanted to become a star actor or a top _____.
screen writer, director or lyrics writer. He also Ans : 2015
wrote poetry. (a) thought that the writer was simply tearing up
(f) (ii) The author finds it humorous. the daily newspapers.
(b) (i) personal frustration
QUESTION 4.�
(c) Everybody could see that he was doing
4. Read the following extract and answer the unproductive work of tearing newspapers
questions that follow. through the day.
In those days I worked in a cubicle, two whole
(d) He would get busy applying pancake on crowd
sides of which were French windows. (I didn’t
players and thus, escape the ‘office boy’.
know at that time they were called French
windows.) Seeing me sitting at my desk tearing (e) (iii) was wasting his life at Gemini Studios.
up newspapers day in and day out, most people (f) to enter suddenly and noisily.
thought I was doing next to nothing. It is likely QUESTION 5.�
that the Boss thought likewise too. So anyone 5. Read the following extract and answer the
who felt I should be given some occupation would questions that follow.
barge into my cubicle and deliver an extended In all instances of frustration, you will always
lecture. The ‘boy’ in the make-up department find the anger directed towards a single person
had decided I should be enlightened on how great openly or covertly and this man of the make-
literary talent was being allowed to go waste in up department was convinced that all his woes,
a department fit only for barbers and perverts. ignominy and neglect were due to Kothamangalam
Soon I was praying for crowd-shooting all the Subbu. Subbu was the No. 2 at Gemini Studios.
time. Nothing short of it could save me from his He couldn’t have had a more encouraging opening
epics. in films than our grown-up make-up boy had.
(a) ‘It is likely that the Boss thought likewise On the contrary he must have had to face more
too.’ This reveals that the Boss _____. uncertain and difficult times, for when he began
(b) The office boy believed that the make-up his career, there were no firmly established film
department was “fit only for barbers and producing companies or studios. Even in the
perverts”. This can be classified as matter of education, specially formal education,
(i) personal frustration Subbu couldn’t have had an appreciable lead over
our boy.
(ii) plain humour
(a) Who is the writer pointing at when he says,
(iii) an objective fact
“this man of the make-up department”?
(iv) public opinion
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
(b) (i) The make-up department had a humble (iv) The Gemini Studios were the exclusive
location. monopoly of Tamilians.
(c) was perhaps dissatisfied with his lodgings. (f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
(d) Pancake was the brand name of the make- “This gang of nationally integrated make-up
up material that Gemini Studios bought in men.” The author says so to create _____.
truck-loads. Ans : 2014
(e) She belongs to a later generation that used (a) Truck-loads of pancake and locally made
better products than Pancake. potions and lotions were used to paint actors.
(f) (iii) An introduction to the Gemini Studios. (b) (ii) a subjective opinion
QUESTION 2.� (c) Both are government broadcasters which
2. Read the following extract and answer the officially spread the message of national
questions that follow. integration.
The make-up department was first headed by a (d) The studio head became extremely powerful.
Bengali who became too big for a studio and left. (e) (ii) People from different areas as well as of
He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was different faiths worked together.
assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a
(f) humour.
Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and
QUESTION 3.�
the usual local Tamils. All this shows that there
3. Read the following extract and answer the
was a great deal of national integration long before
questions that follow.
A.I.R. and Doordarshan began broadcasting
The players who played the crowd were the
programmes on national integration. This gang
responsibility of the office boy. (Even the make-
of nationally integrated make-up men could turn
up department of the Gemini Studio had an
any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson
‘office boy’ !) On the days when there was a
hued monster with the help of truck-loads of
crowdshooting, you could see him mixing his
pancake and a number of other locally made
paint in a giant vessel and slapping it on the
potions and lotions.
crowd players. The idea was to close every pore on
(a) What kind of make-up material was used to the surface of the face in the process of applying
make an actor look presentable on screen? make-up. He wasn’t exactly a ‘boy; he was in his
(b) The line, “The make-up men could turn any early forties, having entered the studios years ago
decent-looking person into a hideous crimson in the hope of becoming a star actor or a top
hued . monster,” can be best classified as: screen writer, director or lyrics writer. He was a
(i) a rational fact bit of a poet.
(ii) a subjective opinion (a) List any two sensory details present in this
(iii) a theme extract.
(iv) a premise (b) Why does the author say that, “The idea was
to close every pore on the surface of the face
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can
in the process of applying make-up”?
be drawn from the mention of AIR and
Doordarshan. (i) A thick layer hid all blemishes.
(d) What does the author mean by ‘became (ii) It refers to an over application of make-
too big for a studio’ for the first head of the up.
Gemini Studios? (iii) This was a standing instruction from the
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract, head of the studio.
select the most appropriate example of (iv) It made people look beautiful on screen.
national integration in the Gemini Studios. (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(i) Christians, Muslims and Hindus worked The phrase “slapping it on the crowd players”
together here. suggests that_____.
(ii) People from different areas as well as of (d) ‘You could see him mixing his paint in a giant
different faiths worked together. vessel.’ What does this mean?
(iii) Christians and Hindus worked in the (e) How do we know that the office boy was a
Gemini Studios. multi-talented man?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 307
His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed (d) He never aspired to the lead roles but whatever
his literary achievements or so his critics felt. He subsidiary role he played in any of the films,
composed several truly original ‘story poems’ in he performed better than the supposed main
folk refrain and diction and also wrote a sprawling players.
novel Thillana Mohanambal with dozens of very (e) His house was a permanent residence
deftly etched characters. He quite successfully for dozens of near and far relations and
recreated the mood and manner of the Devadasis acquaintances.
of the early 20th century. He was an amazing (f) (iii) because of his multiple creative skills.
actor. He never aspired to the lead roles but QUESTION 8.�
whatever subsidiary role he played in any of the 8. Read the following extract and answer the
films, he performed better than the supposed questions that follow.
main players. He had a genuine love for anyone An extremely talented actress, who was also
he came across and his house was a permanent extremely temperamental, once blew over on the
residence for dozens of near and far relations and sets. While everyone stood stunned, the lawyer
acquaintances. quietly switched on the recording equipment.
(a) Mention a personal and professional character When the actress paused for breath, the lawyer
trait each of Subbu, according to your said to her, “One minute, please,” and played back
understanding of the given extract. the recording. There was nothing incriminating
(b) Which of these statements is NOT true about or unmentionably foul about the actress’s tirade
Subbu? against the producer. But when she heard her
(i) His literary accomplishments stole the voice again through the sound equipment, she
limelight from his films. was struck dumb. A girl from the countryside,
she hadn’t gone through all the stages of worldly
(ii) He was a gifted poet and writer and his
experience that generally precede a position of
literary works were noteworthy.
importance and sophistication that she had found
(iii) He was selfless in nature and was herself catapulted into. She never quite recovered
empathetic towards others. from the terror she felt that day. That was the
(iv) He never hankered after lead roles and end of a brief and brilliant acting career
performed minor roles in films. (a) Which personality trait of the lawyer is
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. revealed when he played back the recording
The phrase “deftly etched” suggests that to the actress?
Subbu _____. (b) ‘An extremely talented actress, who was also
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps extremely temperamental, once blew over on
one infer that Subbu was devoid of ego as an the sets’. Pick the idiom that matches best
actor. with ‘blew over’.
(e) Cite an example to support the claim that (i) to be at one’s wits end
Subbu was a hospitable man. (ii) to blow a fuse
(f) Why was Subbu considered Number 2 or very (iii) a bolt from the blue
important at Gemini Studios?
(iv) to experience pins and needles
(i) Because of his acting talent
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately based
(ii) Because he could flatter very well on your analysis of the given extract.
(iii) Because of his multiple creative skills The actress must have felt terribly _____
(iv) Because he was a Brahmin and _____ on hearing the recording of her
Ans : 2009 angry fit.
(a) Subbu was a benevolent host and an (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps
accomplished writer. one infer that a successful career and making
(b) (i) His literary accomplishments stole the money helps a person acquire a polished
limelight from his films. persona.
(c) was quite skilful in creating the characters he (e) What can you make out about the background
wrote about. of the actress?
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Ch 6 : Poets and Pancakes
(f) Which of the following combinations of traits notions. Pick out the incorrect option that
best suggests the reason why the career of the should not be on the list.
actress ended abruptly? (i) They had no knowledge of any political
(i) Incriminating and foul thought.
(ii) Talented but temperamental (ii) All Communists spread unrest and
(iii) Capable but not crafty violence.
(iv) Insensitive and uncouth (iii) Leisure is a pre-requisite for poetry.
Ans : 2006 (iv) They knew only about Gandhi.
(a) insensitivity (f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
(b) (ii) to blow a fuse The literary device in “A communist was a
(c) embarrassed, overwhelmed godless man” is _____.s
Ans : 2013
(d) “A position of importance and sophistication
that she had found herself catapulted into”. (a) Those at the Gemini Studios were only
aware about ‘Khadi’ and ‘Gandhi’ as far as
(e) The actress was naïve, simple and was not
their political awareness about India was
worldly wise.
concerned.
(f) (iii) Capable but not crafty.
(b) (ii) a subjective opinion
QUESTION 9.�
9. Read the following extract and answer the (c) He says this because poets are creative and
questions that follow. need to have free time to weave their thoughts.
Most of them wore khadi and worshipped Gandhiji (d) Such notions, which prevailed everywhere else
but beyond that they had not the faintest appreciation in South India at that time also, naturally,
for political thought of any kind. Naturally, they were floated about vaguely among the khadi-clad
all averse to the term ‘Communism. A Communist poets of Gemini Studios.
was a godless man — he had no filial or conjugal (e) (iii) Leisure is a prerequisite for poetry.
love; he had no compunction about killing his own (f) metaphor.
parents or his children; he was always out to cause QUESTION 10.�
and spread unrest and violence among innocent 10. Read the following extract and answer the
and ignorant people. Such notions which prevailed questions that follow.
everywhere else in South India at that time also, At last, around four in the afternoon, the poet or
naturally, floated about vaguely among the khadi- the editor arrived. He was a tall man, very English,
clad poets of Gemini Studios. Evidence of it was very serious and of cosurse very unknown to all of
soon forthcoming. us. Battling with half a dozen pedestal fans on the
(a) What is the writer’s purpose in mentioning shooting stage, the Boss read out a long speech.
‘Khadi’ and ‘Gandhi’ ? It was obvious that he too knew precious little
(b) The line, “A Communist had no filial or about the poet (or the editor). The speech was
conjugal love; he had no compunction about all in the most general terms but here and there
killing his own parents or his children.” can it was peppered with words like ‘freedom’ and
be best classified as: ‘democracy’. Then the poet spoke. He couldn’t
(i) a true fact have addressed a more dazed and silent audience
— no one knew what he was talking about and
(ii) a subjective opinion
his accent defeated any attempt to understand
(iii) an assumption what he was saying.
(iv) a hypothesis (a) Who was the mystery guest the writer is
(c) Why does Asokamitran say that leisure is a talking about?
pre-requisite for poetry? (b) Both the Boss and the employees of the
(d) Identify the line from the extract that bears Gemini Studios did not have much clarity
evidence to the fact that there was a stark about the guest amongst them. This can be
lack of political awareness about Communism best classified as:
among the employees of the Gemini Studios. (i) an obvious fact
(e) Below is a list of evidence to justify that people (ii) an opinion
in Gemini Studios had hard preconceived
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 309
(iii) a theme
(iv) an assumption
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can
be drawn from the fact that the Boss had
to battle with half a dozen fans on the stage
while reading his speech.
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears
evidence to the fact that there was no
communication between the audience and the
guest speaker.
(e) Why was the speech of the head of Gemini
Studios peppered with words like ‘freedom’
and ‘democracy’ ?
It was in acknowledgement to _____.
(i) Stephen Spender writing on social
injustices.
(ii) Tennyson writing about class struggles.
(iii) Mr Vasan knowing only these two words
about Spender.
(iv) the principless of Russian Revolution.
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
Another word for ‘baffled’ in the extract
would be _____.
Ans : 2011
(a) The mystery guest was the famous poet
Stephen Spender.
(b) (i) an obvious fact
(c) The weather must have been hot and humid.
(d) Spender’s English accent and the audience’s
lack of knowledge ssabout him ensured that
both didn’t appreciate each other.
(e) (i) Stephen Spender writing on social
injustices.
(f) dazed.
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Ch 7 : The Interview
CHAPTER 7
The Interview
1. introduction He had “a just horror of the interviewer.”
Rudyard Kipling blames the interviewers and
“The Interview” is an excerpt from Christopher calls for interview immoral, a crime, an assault,
Silvester’s Introduction to the Penguin Book of cowardly and vile. H.G. Wells calls it an ordeal
Interviews. The story talks about the perception but he was found interviewing Joseph Stalin.
people have towards interviews and its various Saul Bellow describes interviews as thumb prints
aspects. While celebrities consider interviews on his windpipe. Despite the drawbacks, it is a
as a source of intrusion into their lives, on the supremely serviceable medium of communication.
other hand, listeners, viewers, and interviewers Through questioning we get everything from
consider them a source of truth. The chapter the other. So an interviewer holds a position of
lays down different perspectives of famous unprecedented power and influence.
personalities on the process of Interview. In the
second half of the chapter, a small excerpt from PART-II
the interview between Umberto Eco, novelist and
Interview Extract of Umberto Eco by Mukund
professor at the University of Bologna in Italy,
Padmanabhan from the Hindu
and Mukund Padmanabhan, a reporter from
Umberto Eco is a professor at the university
The Hindu, has been presented for you all. The
of Balogna in Italy. He has attained a good
interviewer, Mukund Padmanabhan throws light
reputation for his ideas on semiotics (the study of
about Umberto Eco who considers himself as an
signs). He has written a wide range of books. His
academician first and a novelist later on.
novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ made him all the
more famous.
2. summary Mukund Interviews Eco
PART-I Mukund asks Umberto how he can do so
many things in his life. Eco replies that he has
The Interview – A Commonplace of Journalism been doing only the same thing. He has some
Since its invention a little over 130 years ago, philosophical interests and he pursues them
the interview has become a common place of through his academic works and novels. Even
journalism. All the literate will have read an his books on children reflect his philosophical
interview at some point in their lives. Thousands interests. He tells a secret about him. He tells that
of celebrities have been interviewed over the years. we all have a lot of ‘empty spaces’ in our lives. He
But people vary about the functions, methods calls them ‘interstices.’ He gives an example. He
and merits of the interview. Some claim that an says: You are coming to me in an elevator. While
interview is a source of truth and in its practice, it you are coming, I am waiting for you. This is an
is an art. Many celebrities despise being interview interstices – an empty space. Till you arrive, I
ed. will write an article. Thus Eco utilises his empty
spaces for doing work.
Different Views about Interview
People think that interview is an unwarranted Umberto Eco – First an Academician than a
intrusion into their lives and somehow it Novelist
diminishes them. V.S. Naipaul feels that during Umberto Eco tells Mukund that he considers
an interview, people lose a part of themselves. himself a University Professor who writes novels
Lewis Carroll never consented to be interviewed. on Sundays. He became a novelist by accident.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 311
It is not a joke. He participates in academic 19. Repel = drive away
conferences and not meetings of Pen Clubs and 20. Persistent = constant
writers. He identifies himself with the academic 21. Petitioners = applicants
community. By writing novels, he can reach a 22. Autograph = a famous person’s signature
large audience. He has written 40 scholarly works 23. Amusement = entertainment
of non-fiction. At the age of 50 he started writing 24. Condemnatory = censuring
novels. 25. Wrecked = ruined
26. Immortal = who does not die
The Name of the Rose – A Great Success 27. Crime = offence
Mukund tells Eco that his (Ecc’s) novel, ‘The 28. Assault = attack
Name of The Rose’ is a very serious novel. 29. Cowardly = timidly
Having some detective aspects, it has elements of 30. Vile = wicked
metaphysics, theology and medieval history. He 31. Perpetrated = did something wrong
asks the reasons of its huge success. Eco replies 32. Ordeal = testing time
that the journalists and publishers believe that 33. Windpipe = throat pipe
people like trash and do not like difficult reading 34. Drawbacks = shortcomings
experiences. Mukund asks if the huge success 35. Medium = means
of the novel has something to do with the fact 36. Vivid = clear
that it deals with a period of medieval history. 37. Contemporaries = living at the same time
Immediately Eco reminds that a lot of books have 38. Holds = maintains/keeps
been written about the medieval past far before 39. Impression = influence
him. But they were not huge successes. There is 40. Unprecedented = that which never happened
a mystery how did the ‘Name of the Rose’ get before
such a huge success. Eco told that his American 41. Convinced = satisfied
publisher did not hope to sell more than 3000 42. Pursue = to continue
copies. But two or three million copies were sold 43. Bunch = group
in the U.S. alone. The total sale went up to 10 44. Ethical = moral
to 15 million copies. Eco further told that if he 45. Interstices = intervals
had written ten years earlier or ten years later, 46. Elevator = lift
it would not have been such a success. Perhaps 47. Non-fictional = other than novels
he wrote the novel at the most appropriate time. 48. Scholarly = learned
49. Departure = deviation
50. Invariably = without exception
3. Word meanings
51. Consciously = knowingly
1. Invention = invented or made for the first 52. Dissertation = treatise, exposition
time 53. Hypotheses = assumption
2. Journalism = press reportage 54. Contrary = opposite
3. Literate = educated 55. Narrative = descriptive
4. Celebrities = famous people 56. Aspect = form
5. Repeatedly = again and again 57. Frustrated = disappointed
6. Merits = virtues 58. Probably = perhaps
7. Considerably = enough 59. Spectacularly = in a grand way
8. Victims = sufferers 60. Seminal = new and important
9. Extravagant = profuse 61. Participate = to take part
10. Despise = hate 62. Conferences = meetings
11. Intrusion = intervention 63. Metaphysics = beyond the physical world
12. Diminishes = reduces in size 64. Theology = science of religion
13. Primitive = very ancient 65. Medieval = of the middle ages
14. Portrait = picture 66. Puzzled = confused
15. V.S. Naipaul = a famous writer 67. Trash = something worthless
16. Creator = one who creates 68. Cathedral = church
17. Consented = agreed, gave permission 69. Mystery = something unexplained
18. Lionized = made important 70. Predict = forecast
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Ch 7 : The Interview
QUESTION 32.�
differ in their viewpoint but it is the highest
32. What does Eco tell about his dear writer Ronald
form of truth. It is an art in practice. It is a
Barthes ?
Ans : 2020
supremely serviceable medium of communication
Ronald Barthes was an essayist and not a novelist. in the modern age. It provides us the most vivid
So he remained frustrated throughout his life. impressions of our contemporaries. Denis Brain
Ronald had a strong desire to do some creative has appropriately said that almost everything
writing one day or the other but he died before reaches us through one man asking questions of
he could do so. Eco had never such a frustration. another. Hence the interviewer holds a position of
unprecedented power and influence.
QUESTION 33.�
QUESTION 35.�
33. How does Eco find time to write so much ? 2. What are the different views about the interview
Ans : 2008
as a form of communication?
Umberto Eco tells Mukund that there are a
lot of empty spaces in the lives of all. He calls O
them ‘interstices’ or, intervals. He works in these How have different writers and celebrities reacted
empty spaces. When Mukund was waiting for his to the concept of ‘interview’ ?
elevator to,come up from the first to the third Ans : 2020
floor, during that time or space, Eco had already The author says that the interview has acquired
written an article. Thus by using those empty an important place in journalism. Many people
spaces Eco can find time to write so much. believe that the interview is a source of truth and
is an art. But a number of celebrities hate being
interviewed. They think that it is an unwarranted
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS intrusion in their lives. They feel that the
QUESTION 34.� interview makes them feel small. V.S. Naipaul
1. Enumerate “An interview is a supremely believes that during an interview people lose
serviceable medium of communication.” a part of themselves. Lewis Carroll had ‘a just
horror of the interviewer’ and never consented to
O
be interviewed. Rudyard Kipling considered an
What is an interview and how do celebrities find
interview a crime, an assault, a cowardly act and
favour with it ?
vile. Yet Kipling had interviewed Mark Twain.
O H.GWells referred to the ‘interviewing ordeal’, but
Explain ‘Denis Brain’s statement “Almost he was frequently interviewed. Once he himself
everything of moment reaches us through one interviewed Joseph Stalin, the Russian leader.
man asking questions of another.” Saul Bellow, the American writer, was frequently
Ans : 2011
interviewed. He once described interviews as being
An interview is a formal meeting, interaction or like thumbprints on his windpipe. Yet despite its
a kind of discussion with someone else. In other drawbacks, the interview is a good medium of
sense it is the best mode of deducing truth, reality, communication. According to Denis Brian, more
opinion and viewpoint of people under way. It is than in any other time, our most vivid impressions
a kind of conversation which aims at obtaining of our contemporaries are through the interviews.
information. Especially one is a journalist who The interviewer holds a position of power and
asks questions from some important public man influence.
and the same is published later on. It has got a QUESTION 36.�
wider implication both for the employer and the 3. Describe opinions for and against the interview as
employee. A little over 130 years, it has become are given in the lesson.
a commonplace of journalism. Every literate
O
person has read or watched an interview at some
According to Christopher Silvester why do some
point of his life. Over the years several thousands
important people dislike to be interviewed while
celebrities have been interviewed but some of
others think that an interview is essential in
them do not favour it.
public life.
An interview is a sort of screening, interaction
and introspection. In the present day society, O
people are chased continuously for the interview. Why do the celebrities despise and condemn
In form, function, method and merit people ‘interview’ ? Describe their viewpoint.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 313
QUESTION 3.�
grand success. It is a serious novel with a detective
3. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic
yarn. But it delves into metaphysics, theology
writing style ?
Ans : 2011
and medieval history. On asking by Mukund
Umberto Eco is known for as a writer of novels. about the success of the novel, Eco tells that it
His scholarly work is different from a more regular is a mystery. But Umberto tells that through the
academic style. Mukund asks Eco about his use novel, he could reach to million readers and in the
of informal style. Here Eco tells that most of the U.S. alone two or three million copies were sold.
scholars first learn a lot about a subject. They make The total sale exceeded 10 to 15 million copies.
a lot of false hypotheses, correct them and put a Eco agrees that the medieval period can be
final conclusion. In his case of research he puts one of reasons for success but simultaneously he
the method of ‘Trails and Errors.’ His professor points out that a lot of books have been written
agreed to it and his dissertation was published about the medieval past far before him.
as a book. At the age of 22, he felt that even Its success is doubtful in a country where
the scholarly books should be written by telling a nobody has seen a cathedral or studied Latin.
story of one’s research. That was the reason that They rather like reading trash. So the success of
his essays had a narrative aspect. It was because his novel is a mystery. In addition to this Eco
of his narrative ability, he started writing novels. points out that in case it had been written ten
At the age of 50 he started writing novels, though years earlier or ten years later, perhaps it would
somewhat late but he started writing by accident. not have got the same success.
Novels started his taste for narration. He even
told that he was a university professor who wrote TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT
novels on Sundays. He participated in academic QUESTION 1.�
conferences to identify himself with the academic 1. Talk about any interview you watched on
community. By writing novels, he had reached a television or read in a newspaper. How did it
large audience. add to your understanding of the celebrity, the
QUESTION 4.� interviewer and the field of the celebrity?
4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first Ans :
or an academic scholar ? It is a students’ activity. They must watch an
Ans : interview of any celebrity on television by Prabhu
In his interview with Mukund Padmanabhan, Chawla, or read any other in a newspaper.
Umberto Eco states that he started writing Then put down their views about their
novels by accident. Novels satisfied his taste for understanding of :
narration. Further he says : “I am a professor who – the celebrity
writes novels on Sundays.” All these facts clarify
– the interviewer, and
that Eco was not a full time novelist. He considers
himself a regular academic scholar. – the field of celebrity.
QUESTION 2.�
Against 40 works of non-fiction, Eco has
2. What medium do you like best for an interview–
written only five novels. Eco feels proud in
print, radio, or television ?
considering himself as a university professor.
Ans :
When he says he writes on Sundays, it signifies
Interviews are held, generally, as per convenience
that Novel writing is his casual job. He points out
of the celebrity. The interviewer goes to the place
that he does not go to pen clubs or writers. He
of the celebrity, takes the interview which is shot,
participates in academic conferences. So he clearly
and later telecasts for people or puts on air (by
identifies himself with the academic community.
radio) or prints in a newspaper.
He identifies himself as a regular academic scholar
The best medium for an interview is television.
than a novelist.
Here the spectator can see the whole process of
QUESTION 5.�
interviewing–its functionings, its methods, and its
5. What is the reason for the huge success of the
merits which, generally, vary considerably. The
novel, ‘The Name of the Rose’ ?
Ans : way the questions are put, the way the answers
Umberto Eco calls himself a professor rather than are given, the way the escapes of the celebrity are
a novelist though people know him more as a caught and made to extract as much as possible.
novelist. His novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ is a It really teaches the technique to the spectators.
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Ch 7 : The Interview
Ans : 2008
scholarly books should be written by telling the
Umberto Eco has his interview with Padmanabhan story of the research. That is why Eco’s. essays
of the Hindu. There he points out some very always have a narrative aspect. He has written
significant facts about him and his writing. He 40 scholarly works of non-fiction, but only five
has no hesitation in himself for calling a university novels. He started writing novels at the age of
Professor who writes novels on Sundays. He fifty. He says that novels satisfy his taste for
has some philosophical interest that he pursues narration. Then the interviewer, asks him if it
through his academic work. He is an excellent bothers him when most people recognise him as
academician and has produced over 40 scholarly a novelist only. Eco says that it does not bother
works. His style is narrative that satisfies his him because he considers himself a university
taste for writing. It is quite different from other professor who writes novels on Sundays.
scholarly writings. His children works are about QUESTION 41.�
non-violence and peace. These are his ethical and 8. What are the salient features of Umbreto Eco’s
philosophical interests. Among them is a seminal writings ?
piece of work on semiotics. He completely identifies Ans : 2021
himself with the academic community. At the age Umberto Eco calls himself a university professor.
of 22, he presented his doctoral dissertation. He Once he has his interview with Mukund
wrote it in a personalised narrative form. It was Padmanabhan of the Hindu’. There he reveals
highly acclaimed. In a way it is his natural style some important facts about him and his writing.
of writing where he likes telling stories. He clearly states that he is a professor who writes
Umberto Eco shares his good secret with novels on Sundays in the empty spaces. He tells
Mukund. He thinks that we have a lot of empty his philosophical interests which he pursues
spaces in our lives. He uses them to his advantage. through his academic work and his novels.
To these empty spaces, Eco calls them ‘interstices’ His books for children propagate non-
or intervals. He tells that if we eliminate the violence and peace. The children books are not
empty spaces from the universe, the world will only entertaining but are also full of ethical and
shrink. It will become as big as a fish. Regarding philosophical interests. Because of the moral and
his non-fictional style, Eco tells that it is different philosophical messages, these books are liked by
from his regular style. When he presented his children very much.
doctoral dissertation, his professor observed him. In his academic works and novels, like his first
Eco told the use of his ‘trials and errors’ method. doctoral dissertation in Itlay, he adopts a narrative
His essays have a narrative aspect and later it was aspect of writing. This narrative aspect satisfies
developed in his novels, The Name of the Rose’. his taste for writing. His famous novel `The
It is a great success and he thinks that his success Name of the Rose’ is one of his five novels which
is a mystery. propagates his universal interest of philosophy. All
QUESTION 40. his scholarly works, over forty including his book
7. What do we know about the style of Umberto on semiotics, speak of his contribution in writing.
Eco’s writing, from this interview? Yet he prefers himself to be called a university
Ans : 2005 professor who writes novels on Sundays.
The interviewer asks Umberto Eco why the style Even his serious novel The Name of the Rose’
of his scholarly work and his non-fictional writing enjoyed a huge mass audience because of its
has a personal and peculiar quality to it. In reply, detective yarn digging into metaphysics, theology
Eco recalls the time when he submitted his first and medieval history. Contrary to the people’s
doctoral dissertation in Italy. Then one of his choice of trash, the easy things and, experiences,
professors had commented that scholars learn a they preferred it.
lot of a certain subject. Then they make a lot QUESTION 42.�
of hypotheses and correct them, and at the end, 9. What do you know about Umberto Eco’s novel
they put the conclusions. On the contrary, Eco The Name of the Rose’ ? How it is a mystery for
had told the story of his research, including even him ?
his trials and errors. At the same time, however, Ans : 2013
the professor had recognised that Eco was right. In his interview Eco tells Mukund that through
Eco told the interviewer that at that time, at writing he reaches a larger audience. He points out
the age of twenty two, he had understood that his identification with the academic community.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 315
interview and go there. Ans :
Be alert to include some additional questions (d) varied opinions of celebrities regarding an
which strike during the course of interviewing. interview
Keep on recording or shooting it. 6. According to an old saying what happens when
perceptions are made about a person?
5. other important questions (a) Person feels happy
(b) person becomes popular
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS (c) Person feels irritated
(d) The original identity of his soul is lost
1. Who is the author of the lesson “The Interview”? Ans :
(a) Christopher Priest (d) The original identity of his soul is lost
(b) Alfred John Churchley
7. How does Umberto Eco find so much time to
(c) J.B. Priestley write so much?
(d) Christopher Silvester (a) using early morning time
Ans :
(b) using his office time
(d) Christopher Silvester
(c) using his family time
2. What does V.S. Naipaul feel about interviews? (d) using using empty spaces (free times) like
(a) happy (b) horror waiting for someone, break time
(c) wounded (d) none of these Ans :
Ans : (d) using using empty spaces (free times) like
(c) wounded waiting for someone, break time
3. What does Naipaul present in his travel books? 8. What was distinctive (special) about Eco’s
(a) his feelings about interviews academic writing style?
(b) his feelings (a) His realistic narrative style with trial and
errors
(c) impression of the country of his ancestors
that is India (b) his interrogative style
(d) none of these (c) his monotonous unrealistic style
Ans : (d) fictitious imaginative style
(c) impression of the country of his ancestors that Ans :
is India (a) His realistic narrative style with trial and
errors
4. The excerpt -The Interview has been taken from
which book? 9. What is the reason for huge success of the novel
(a) Christopher’s introduction to The Penguin The Name of The Rose?
Book of Interviews (a) mystic
(b) The name of the Rose (b) metaphysics and medieval history period used
(c) Features for Vanity Fair (c) detective style and theology
(d) none of these (d) All of theses
Ans : Ans :
(a) Christopher’s introduction to The Penguin (d) All of these
Book of Interviews
10. What are some of the positive traits of of
5. What did he present in this book? interviews?
(a) varied opinions of politicians (a) brings out the truth and gives vivid impression
(b) varied opinions of civilians of contemporaries
(c) varied opinions of armymen (b) helps finding hidden talents
(d) varied opinions of celebrities regarding an (c) useful medium of communication
interview (d) All of these
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Ch 7 : The Interview
4. ncert textbook questions our contemporaries are based on communication
that comes from them. Thus, interviewers hold a
THINK AS YOU READ position of power and influence.
QUESTION 1.
1. What are some of the positive views on interviews? UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
Ans : 2017 QUESTION 1.�
The interview as a form of journalism was invented 1. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed
about 130 years ago. Since then it has become an ? for our opinion.
important tool of communicating. Some people Ans :
think that the interview is in its highest form is a Umberto Eco has been interviewed by Mukund
source of truth. In practice it is an art. Through Padmanabhan from ‘The Hindu.’ During interview
the interview we come to know about a celebrity. he does not show any despise or wrinkle. He freely
Through the medium of interview, the celebrity answers the queries like V.S. Naipaul and he does
talks to us. not consider it as an unwarranted intrusion in
QUESTION 2.� one’s life. He is quite modest and considerate on
2. Why do most celebrity writers despise being every answer. When Mukund asks him how he can
interviewed? do all the things, Eco answers that he is always
Ans : 2013 doing the same thing. Like Rudyard Kipling, Eco
Most celebrity writers despise being interviewed does not think the act of interviewing as immoral,
because they look at interviews as an unwarranted crime or an assault. He cooperates with Mukund
intrusion into their lives. They feel that it and shows interest.
diminishes them. They feel that they are wounded According to H.G.Wells, interviewing is a sort
by interviews and lose a part of themselves. They of an ordeal but Eco expresses his ‘philbsophical
consider interviews immoral and a crime, and an interests.’ He tells the secret of his work. He
unwanted and unwelcome interruption in their states that he works in empty spaces. He does not
personal life. aggravate about the utmost success of his novel.
QUESTION 3.�
The ‘Name of the Rose.’ But he tells even about
3. What is the belief in some primitive cultures the sale and other facts asked by Padmanabhan.
about being photographed? Thus Umberto Eco does not present any sort of
Ans : 2010
dislike for being interviewed.
Some primitive cultures and tribes .do not like QUESTION 2.�
being photographed. They believe that if one 2. How does Eco find the time to write so much?
takes a photographic picture of somebody, he is Ans :
stealing that person’s soul. They think that in David Lodge was a famous English novelist. He
this process, the person who is photographed was much amazed how Umberto Eco could do all
loses a part of himself. the things he did. Mukund Padmanabhan put the
QUESTION 4.�
same question to Eco of writing scholarly works
4. What do you understand by the expression and the novels simultaneously. Eco answered very
‘thumbprints on his windpipe’ ? modestly. Revealing his secret, Eco remarked that
Ans : 2006
he was always doing the same thing. Eco pointed
Saul Bellow once described interviews as being out that he had some philosophical interests.
like ‘thumbprints on his windpipe’. It means Eco tells that there are empty spaces in the
he treated interviews as a painful experience, universe. In the same way there are empty spaces
as something that caught him by his windpipe, in the lives of us all. He calls these empty spaces
squeezed him and left indelible thumbprints on as ‘interstices or intervals’. He explains his style
that. It also means that when the interviewer of working in empty spaces through an example.
forces personal details from his interviewee, it He tells when he waits for somebody coming from
becomes undesirable and cruel. the elevator from first to the third floor, he won’t
QUESTION 5.�
sit idle. He would write during his arrival. Till the
5. Who, in today’s world, is our chief source of person arrives, he has already written an article.
information about personalities? Thus by utilising these empty spaces, he finds
Ans : 2005s
time to write so much. Mukund is much amazed
The interviewer is the chief source of information
at his dexterity.
in today’s world. Our most vivid impressions of
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 317
(b) The interviewer has status (d) All of these
(c) The interviewer can elicit the truth and has Ans :
the power to influence (d) All of these
(d) All of these 30. What ideas do you form of Umberto’s personality
Ans : after his interview with Mukand?
(d) All of these
(a) a very rigid person
24. What impression is formed of Umberto after (b) a boastful and arrogant
reading the lesson- The Interview? (c) an illusionary vision
(a) A person of substance (d) an academician with philosophical and ethical
(b) a person of character interest
(c) a person of words Ans :
(d) an academician with philosophical and ethical
(d) A person of vision and firm convictions
Ans : interest
(d) A person of vision and firm convictions 31. Why did Umberto start writing novels?
25. What do his works for children speak about ? (a) to avail an opportunity
(a) his passion for children (b) to be in limelight
(b) children are nuisance (c) to share his views
(c) children love to be happy (d) to make best use of empty spaces means free
(d) non-violence and peace time
Ans : Ans :
(d) non-violence and peace (d) to make best use of empty spaces means free
time
26. While interview being interviewed by
Mukand,Umberto speaks about his philosophy 32. According to Umberto what will happen to the
and novel,What does he point out at ? world if we eliminate empty spaces from the
universe?
(a) he loves writing
(a) The world will becaome beautiful
(b) he loves to be in spotlight
(b) The world will be completely ours
(c) at the universe and its workings
(c) The world will shrink and will become as big
(d) at empty spaces in the universe- Interstices
as a fish.
Ans :
(d) at empty spaces in the universe- Interstices (d) The world will be round
Ans :
27. How many novels has Umberto written? (c) The world will shrink and will become as big
(a) 10 (b) 8 as a fish.
(c) 15 (d) 5 33. Which period of history do Umberto’s novels deal
Ans : with?
(d) 5
(a) Renaissance (b) dark age
28. How many scholarly works are to his credit? (c) modern era (d) Medieval period
(a) more than 5 (b) more than10 Ans :
(c) more than 20 (d) more than 40 (d) Medieval period
Ans :
(d) more than 40 34. Why does Eco call the success of his book a
mystery?
29. What facts are being showcased in the interview (a) because of its success
held between Eco and Padamnabhan? (b) because of its popularity
(a) he takes pride in being an academician, a (c) because of many factors
university Professor first
(d) because of many factors and many other
(b) Being a novelist is a secondary thing for him books were written on the same medieval
(c) uses his free time for writing novels period
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Ch 7 : The Interview
The life history, the secret of huge success of Ans :
the celebrity, any allegation or criticism about or Interview of Umberto Eco
any such thing of public, social, state or national By Mukund Padmanabhan, The Hindu
interest is brought before the spectator more Delhi 10 April, the academic scholar Umberto Eco
reliably than the print or the air media. clears that he is a professor who writes novels on
The impressions, the gestures and even the Sundays. He participates in academic conferences
impact of each side become alive in a picture form and not in meetings of pen clubs and writers. He
before the spectators. Therefore, we generally identifies himself with the academic community
enjoy the interviews more on television than being a professor.
either on print or radio. It brings us face to face He clears his theory of interstices, the
with the truth and the reality of things. empty spaces. He says that while waiting for the
QUESTION 3.� interviewers to reach him by lift from first floor
3. Discuss in pairs or small groups : to the third, he wrote one article. It is an empty
Every famous person has a right to his or her space, such everyone has in his life.
privacy. Interviewers sometimes embarrass He clears his novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ has
celebrities with very personal questions. a detective yarn with metaphysics, theology and
Ans : medieval history. It has difficult experiences and
Almost the celebrities usually take themselves people prefer to read only trash. Its huge success
as the victims of interviews. That is why, they is still a mystery even to its writer Umberto Eco.
despise interviews as an unwarranted intrusion Umberto has written over 40 non-fictional
into their lives. Or they say that interview essays which include his seminal piece of work
somehow diminishes them. on semiotics. His books for children contain
Nobel laureate V. S. Naipaul feels that some nonviolence and peace ... a bunch of ethical and
people are wounded by interviews and lose a philosophical interests.
part of themselves. They feel by its unwarranted Umberto states that his first doctoral
intrusion into their private lives about their very dissertation was a narration of the story of
personal matters. It hurts them and takes away a his research, and his trials and errors. It was
part of them. recognised, so it was published as a book.
Most often the celebrity is embarrassed Umberto Eco states that his dear friend
beyond description. They shower a question Ronald Barthes remained always frustrated
attack on his personal, very own possessions. because he was an essayist and not a novelist.
That is why it is termed as immoral and a crime Though he wished to do some creative writing one
by Rudyard Kipling. He calls it cowardly and vile. day but he died before he could.
No respectable man would ask it, much less give Umberto Eco clears that he started writing
it. novels by accident. One day he had nothing to do,
Another Nobel laureate Saul Bellow is so so he started writing a novel.
much perturbed by the intrusion of interview in About the huge success of the novel, ‘The
his privacy that he terms it as thumbprints on his Name of the Rose’ he clears that if it had been
windpipe. written ten years earlier or ten years later, it
would not have been the same.
WRITING
QUESTION 1.�
THINGS TO DO
1. If the interviewer Mukund Padmanabhan had not QUESTION 1.�
got the space in the newspaper to reproduce the 1. Interview a person whom you admire either in
interview verbatim, he might have been asked to school or your neighbourhood and record it in
produce a short report of the interview with the writing.
salient points. Ans :
Write this report for him. It is purely a student’s activity. First, one should
[The teacher should be able to help the pupils in keep in mind the persons, either at school or in the
what to include and what can be omitted. We neighbourhood, whom he would like to interview.
could also provide a short report of an interview Next as per his profession and the philosophy
as a sample.] of life, prepare a list of questions to be asked.
Finally, fix up an appointment with him for the
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 319
QUESTION 4. QUESTION 8.
4. What did Lewis Carroll, Kipling and H.G. Wells 8. What does Eco say about his philosophical
think about the interview? interest?
Ans : 2020 Ans : 2020
Lewis Carroll had ‘a just horror of the interviewer’ The interviewer is Mukund Padmanabhan from
and never consented to be interviewed. Rudyard ‘The Hindu’. Mukund asks Eco how he is able to
Kipling considered an interview a crime, an do so many things. Eco replies that he has some
assault, a cowardly act and vile. Yet Kipling had philosophical interests. He pursues these interests
interviewed Mark Twain. H.G. Wells referred to through his novels and his academic work. He
the ‘interviewing ordeal’, but he was frequently shows these interests in his books for children
interviewed. Once he himself interviewed Joseph which are about non-violence and peace.
Stalin, the Russian leader. QUESTION 9.�
QUESTION 5.� 9. About an interview, what was the contrasting
5. What was Lewis Carroll’s opinion of interviews views of H. G. Wells ?
and autographs ? Ans : 2022
In an interview 1894, H.G. Wells referred to the
O
interviewing ordeal’. But he was fairly a frequent
What was Lewis Carroll’s attitudes towards being
interviewee. And forty years later he was found
interviewed?
interviewing the Russian revolutionary leader
O Josheph Stalin. Thus he possessed contrasting
What drawback of interviews have been pointed views about it.
out by Lewis Carroll ? QUESTION 10.�
Ans : 2010, 2009
10. In spite of the ‘drawbacks’ of the interview, what
Lewis Carroll is an author of the ‘Alice in are some positive views on it ?
Wonderland.’ He says that he has just a horror
of the interviewer and has never consented O
to be interviewed. He has a lionized horror of How can you say that the interview is a supremely
interviews, the interviewers and the petitioners serviceable medium of communication ?
for his autographs. Ans : 2017
QUESTION 6.
Many celebrities discard the idea of being
6. What do Saul Bellow and Denis Brian say about interviewed but over the years it has become a
the interview? commonplace feature of journalism. It is a supremely
Ans : 2005 serviceable medium of communication. It gives
Saul Bellow, the American writer, was frequently the most vivid impressions of our contemporaries.
interviewed. He once described interviews as being While interacting with the other we can attain the
like thumbprints on his windpipe. Yet despite its truth in its true and the simplest form.
drawbacks, the interview is a good medium of QUESTION 11.
communication. According to Denis Brian, more 11. What does Eco say when the interviewer asks him
than in any other time, our most vivid impressions how he can do so many things?
of our contemporaries are through the interviews. Ans : 2007
The interviewer holds a position of power and Eco says that we all have a lot of ‘empty spaces’
influence. in our lives. He calls them ‘interstices’. He gives
QUESTION 7.�
Mukund an example. He asks him to suppose
7. What do Rudyard Kipling and his wife comment that he is coming to Eco’s place. The time during
about the interview ? which Eco is waiting for Mukund is an interstice,
Ans : 2012 or an empty space. Eco says that he works in such
Rudyard Kipling’s wife Caroline writes in her empty spaces. Eco tells him that he has already
diary for October 14, 1892 that their day was written an article while waiting for him.
wrecked by two reporters from Boston. She QUESTION 12.�
reports her husband saying : ‘Why do I refuse 12. What does Devis Brian say about the position of
to be interviewed ? Because it is immoral ! It is an interviewer ?
a crime, just as much as of a crime as an offence Ans : 2006
against my person, as an assault, and just as much Devis Brian possesses a very high opinion about
merits punishment. It is cowardly and vile. No the position of an interviewer. According to
respectable man would ask it, much less give it. him one can almost get every thing of moment
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Ch 7 : The Interview
Ans : (c) creating excessive pressure and tension for
(d) All of these someone
11. Why do most celebrity writers despise being (d) none of these
interviewed? Ans :
(c) creating excessive pressure and tension for
(a) they don’t like journalists
someone
(b) unwarranted intrusion in their life
(c) their privacy is hurt 18. What in today’s world our main source of
(d) none of these information?
Ans : (a) social media
(b) unwarranted intrusion in their life (b) newspapers
12. At what age was Eco’s book published? (c) short screens
(a) at the age of 20 (b) at the age of 25 (d) Interviews and interactions
Ans :
(c) at the age of 22 (d) at the age of 26
(d) Interviews and interactions
Ans :
(c) at the age of 22 19. What satisfied Umberto’s taste for narration?
13. At what age did he start writing novels? (a) stories (b) children’s works
(a) at the age of 55 (b) at the age of 52 (c) interviews (d) Novels
Ans :
(c) at the age of 57 (d) at the age of 50
(d) Novels
Ans :
(d) at the age of 50 20. What does writing novels on Sundays signify?
14. What days did he used to write novels? (a) writing novels- his passion
(a) Saturday night (b) Friday night (b) writing novels- his need
(c) every evening (d) Sundays (c) writing novels- his casual job
Ans : (d) writing novels- his interest
(d) Sundays Ans :
(c) writing novels- his casual job
15. Why do the celebrities feel embarassed most
often? 21. Enumerate ‘An Interview is a supremely
(a) because of question attacks during interviews serviceable medium of communication?
(b) because of interviewer’s gestures (a) a medium to gossip
(c) because of interviewer’s appearance (b) a medium to be the talk of the town
(d) none of these (c) a medium to prosper
Ans : (d) a noble medium of interaction and
(a) because of question attacks during interviews introspection
Ans :
16. What is the primitive view about being (d) a noble medium of interaction and introspection
photographed?
(a) person’s soul is stolen 22. What is an interview?
(b) part of personality is lost (a) a medium of talking to the people
(c) person can be commanded (b) a medium to spread rumours
(d) All of these (c) a medium to be the talk of the town
Ans : (d) a medium of interaction and introspection
(d) All of these Ans :
(d) a medium of interaction and introspection
17. What do you understand by the expression
‘Thumbprints on his windpipes”? 23. Explain ‘Denis Brain’s statement “Almost
(a) creating excessive pressure on throat everything of moment reaches us through one
man asking questions of others.’
(b) creating excessive pressure on vocal chords
(a) The interviewer has the power
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 321
Ans : 2021
readers deep, varied and thought provoking
It is generally thought that the common people do material. Its sale of about 10-15 million copies was
not like serious or difficult reading experience. But not just an accident. Even then its huge success is
Eco’s novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ sold between a mystery for Eco.
ten million and 15 million copies. Yet, according QUESTION 27.�
to Eco, he reached only a small percentage of 27. “The Name of the Rose” deals with medieval
readers. But it is exactly this kind of readers who history. Was it responsible for the novel’s success?
do not want easy reading experience. He thinks Ans : 2008
that one of the reasons for the grand success of his Mukund tells Eco that ‘The Name of the Rose’ got
novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ may be that it deals a huge success because of its medieval historical
with a period of medieval history. background. Eco did not seem to agree with it. A
QUESTION 23.�
lot of books have been written about the medieval
23. What was unique and distinctive about Eco’s past much before him and they did not get much
academic writing style? success. Perhaps his novel was written at the most
Ans : 2009, 2008
appropriate time.
Umberto Eco has some philosophical interests to QUESTION 28.
pursue through his academic work and his novels. 28. What is ‘The Name of the Rose’ about?
His books for children are about non-violence and Ans : 2017
peace. His essays have a narrative aspect showing ‘The Name of the Rose’ is a famous novel by
his personal quality. His academic style is playful Umberto Eco. This is a serious kind of novel. It is
and it has a personal quality about it. a detective story at one level. But it is deep study
QUESTION 24.�
into metaphysics, theology and medievel history.
24. Did Eco consider himself a novelist first or an QUESTION 29.�
academic scholar ? How do you say so ? 29. What did the publisher think ‘The Name of the
Ans : 2009
Rose’ ?
In his interview with Mukund, Eco states, “I am Ans : 2008
a professor who writes on Sundays. His publisher gave Eco an advance for 3,000 copies
I participate in academic conferences and but 2 to 3 million copies of the novel were sold in
not at the meetings of pen clubs and writers. I the U.S.A. alone. The total sale raise up to 10
identify myself with the academic community. I to 15 million copies. It speaks its popularity and
became a novelist only by an accident.” taste of the people. His publisher thought that
QUESTION 25.
it was a serious novel. And in a country ‘Where
25. What does Umberto Eco say about the success of nobody has seen or cathedral or studied Latin.
his book? Still the novel had got a good success.
Ans : 2007
QUESTION 30.�
Umberto Eco says that before his book appeared, 30. How was Eco’s non-fictional writing different
a number of books had been written about the from the regular scholarly work ?
medieval past. He says that the success of a book Ans : 2005
is always a mystery. No one can predict it. He Umberto Eco’s non-fictional writing was
says that if he had written his novel ten years personalised in all respects. It had a simple
earlier or ten years later, it would not have been narrative and playful quality about it. The regular
the same. Why his novel succeeded at that time scholarly work is impersonalised, dry and boring.
is a mystery. Eco’s style was a complete departure from the
QUESTION 26.�
regular academic style. His regular academic style
26. What is the reason for the huge success of the is ‘depersonalised and boring.’ In his research
novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ ? work he used ‘Trials and Errors.’
O QUESTION 31.
State the reason for the huge success of the novel 31. What did Umberto Eco do after dinner?
“The Name of the Rose”. Ans : 2011, 2006
Ans : 2008 Umberto Eco would watch television after dinner.
“The Name of the Rose” is a detective and serious At 9 p.m. he wanted to watch either ‘Miami
novel of Umberto Eco. It enjoyed a mass audience. Vice’ or ‘Emergency Room’. He enjoyed it and he
It delves into metaphysics, theology and medieval actually needed it. But he did not watch television
history. It became popular because it gave the all day.
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Ch 7 : The Interview
(iii) The interview is a popular journalistic interviewing Joseph Stalin.
method to get information. (a) ‘What is Kipling’s strongest remark about
(iv) The interviewer holds extraordinary the act of interviewing?
power and style. (b) The fact that Kipling himself had subjected
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. Mark Twain to an interview can be best
The phrase “Its invention a little over 130 classified as:
years ago’ means that _____. (i) an irrefutable fact
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps (ii) a biased opinion
one infer that the interview as a journalistic (iii) an irony
method has to suffer exaggerated claims.
(iv) an exaggeration
(e) What does it mean, ‘Opinions of the interview
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can be
vary considerably’ ?
drawn from the line, “ It is cowardly and vile.”
(f) ‘Today, almost everybody will have read an
(d) Who or what in today’s world, is our chief
interview’ for its opinions. This means that
source of information about personalities?
_____.
(e) Which of the following is an example of
(i) the popularity of interviews has affected
sheer absurdity in condemning the practice
their form.
of interviewing as a modern method of
(ii) the interview is a popular form of journalism?
journalism.
(i) H. G. Wells interviewing Stalin, the
(iii) taking a good interview is an art. Russian dictator
(iv) interviews have no uniform pattern. (ii) attempt made by the Boston reporters
Ans : 2014
(iii) Mark Twain interviewed by Kipling
(a) Speaking and listening
(iv) H. G. Wells criticising an interviewer in
(b) (i) Every literate person will have read an
1894
interview.
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
(c) it is a fairly new invention.
A word in the extract similar in meaning to
(d) By some, it is considered both an art and a ‘critical’ is _____.
source of truth. Ans : 2015
(e) Functions, methods, and merits of interviews (a) He compares it to a criminal offence.
vary considerably. (b) (iii) an irony
(f) (ii) the interview is a popular form of (c) An interviewee is at the receiving end of an
journalism. ‘assault’ during an interview according to
Kipling.
QUESTION 2.�
2. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow. (d) The interviewer who gets information directly
Rudyard Kipling expressed an even more from the horse’s mouth is our chief source of
condemnatory attitude towards the interviewer. information about personalities.
His wife, Caroline, writes in her diary for 14 (e) (i) H. G. Wells interviewing Stalin, the
October 1892 that their day was ‘wrecked by two Russian dictator
reporters from Boston’. She reports her husband (f) condemnatory.
as saying to the reporters, “Why do 1 refuse QUESTION 3.�
to be interviewed? Because it is immoral! It is 3. Read the following extract and answer the
a crime, just as much of a crime as an offence questions that follow.
against my person, as an assault, and just as Saul Bellow, who has consented to be interviewed
much merits punishment. It is cowardly and vile. on several occasions, nevertheless once described
No respectable man would ask it, much less give interviews as being like thumbprints on his
it,” Yet Kipling had himself perpetrated such an windpipe. Yet despite the drawbacks of the
‘assault’ on Mark Twain only a few years before. interview, it is a supremely serviceable medium
H. G. Wells in an interview in 1894 referred to of communication. “These days, more than at
‘the interviewing ordeal’, but was a fairly frequent any other time, our most vivid impressions of our
interviewee and forty years later found himself contemporaries are through interviews,” Denis
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 323
Ans : 2008
O
An interview has become an indispensable feature What idea do you form of Umberto Eco after
of journalism today. Some call it a great art. In the reading the lesson ‘The Interview’.
same way, some celebrities, criminals and victims
are interviewed. The media interviews celebrities O
if they are involved in some care. The celebrities What does Umberto Eco say about himself and
despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion his novel, “The Name of the Rose” ?
on their lives. It is like stealing of their souls Ans : 2013
and diminishes as well as tarnishes their status. In his interview with Mukand Padmanabhan,
Some people like V. S. Naipaul are wounded by Umberto Eco points out that he is a university
interviews and feel a part of their personalities professor who writes novels on Sundays. Though
stolen. Lewis Carroll was said to have a just he readily participates in academic conferences
horror of the interviewer and he never consented but he has no interest to attend to the meetings
to be interviewed, Caroline, the wife of Rudyard of Pen Clubs and the writers. He is very much
Kipling said that an interview is vile, crime and clear about himself and identifies himself with
all offence. No respectable person, would ask it, the academic community. One can estimate
much less give it. On the other hand H. G. Wells that Eco is a modest cooperative and firm in his
referred it to be an interviewing or deal. Nobel convictions. He does not call himself a successful
Laureate Saul Bellow took the interview like the novelist. Through his interview with Mukund we
thumb-prints on his windpipe. Thus opinions on get aspects of his writings, style and ideas. Even
the interview vary considerably. then most of the people take him to be a novelist
because of the huge success of his novel “The
QUESTION 37.
Name of the Rose” yet he remains committed
4. What does Umberto Eco say when the interviewer to his regular professional academic work. In his
wonders how he can do so many things? novels for children one can find non-violence and
Ans : 2015
peace.
The second part of the lesson is an extract from
In his philosophy and the secret of his work,
the interview of Umberto Eco. The interviewer
Eco tells that there are empty spaces in the
is Mukund Padmanabhan from ‘The Hindu’.
universe. He calls them ‘interstices’ and he works
Mukund asks Eco how he is able to do so many
in them. He has written five novels. More than
things. Eco replies modestly that he only appears
40 scholarly works are at his credit including a
to be doing so many things. But he is always
book on semiotics. At a late age of 50 he first
doing the same thing. He says that he has some
started writing novels by accident. In his writing,
philosophical interests. He pursues these interests
Eco follows a narrative aspect, i.e. an informal
through his novels and his academic work. He
approach. It is a marked departure from the
shows these interests in his books for children
regular academic style. This narrative aspect of
which are about non-violence and peace. Then Eco
writing has brought a huge success to his novel,
tells the interviewer his secret. He says that we all
`The Name of the Rose.’ It includes experiences of
have a lot of empty spaces’ in our lives. He calls
metaphysics, theology and medieval history in its
such spaces ‘interstices’. If these empty spaces are
detective yarn. It has attracted a mass audience.
eliminated, the world will shrink. The universe will
It has narration and with its surprising praise,
then be only as big as our fist. He gives Mukund
Eco thinks his success a great mystery.
an example. He asks him to suppose that he is QUESTION 39.�
coming to Eco’s place. The time during which 6. Point out the essential talk that was held between
Eco is waiting for Mukund is an interstice, or an Umberto Eco and Padamanabhan of the Hindu.
empty space. Eco says that he works in such empty
spaces. Eco tells him that he has already written O
an article while waiting for him. What idea do you form of Umberto Eco’s interview
with Mukund Padmana-bhan ?
QUESTION 38.�
5. While having his interview with Mukand O
Padmanabhan, Umberto Eco reveals his Why did Umberto Eco start writing novels and
philosophy and his novel “The Name of the Rose”. when? What does Eco say about the huge success
What does he point out? of his novel “The Name of the Rose” in spite of it
being or difficult and very serious novel ?
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Ch 7 : The Interview
Ans : Ans :
(d) because of many factors and many other (d) a serious one
books were written on the same medieval period
35. What was Lewis Caroll’s opinion of interviews
and autographs?
(a) wonder (b) terror
(c) horror (d) none of these
Ans :
(c) horror SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.�
36. Who has written Alice in Wonderland? 1. In what way have the interviews become a
(a) Christopher (b) Mukand commonplace of journalism ?
(c) Rudyard Kripling (d) Lewis Caroll O
Ans : What has happened over the last 130 years in
(d) Lewis Caroll respect of the interview ?
Ans : 2017
37. Why were the journalists and publishers puzzled
Over the last 130 years, the interviews have
by the success of The Name of the Rose?
become a commonplace of journalism. Almost
(a) because readers like trash and it was a serious everybody will have read an interview at some
novel point during their life time. Several thousand
(b) because it was becoming popular celebrities have been interviewed over the years. It
(c) because of its high rated success is a great serviceable medium of communication.
(d) none of these The interviewer holds a position of unprecedented
Ans : power and influence.
(a) because readers like trash and it was a serious QUESTION 2.
novel 2. What does the writer say about the importance
of the interview?
38. In what way interviews have become a common Ans : 2015
place of journalism? In the first part of the lesson, the author says that
(a) because of its power, influence and medium of the interview has acquired an important place
communication in journalism. Over the years, several thousand
(b) because of its glory celebrities have been interviewed. Many people
believe that the interview is a source of truth and
(c) because of its pomp
is an art.
(d) because of its rapport QUESTION 3.�
Ans : 3. Why do most celebrities despise being interviewed?
(a) because of its power, influence and medium of
communication O
Why do some great writers dislike being
39. What do Rudyard Kipling and his wife express interviewed ?
about interviews? O
(a) not good Why do some celebrity writers hate to be
(b) immoral interviewed?
(c) very bad Ans : 2010, 2008
Most of the celebrities do not like to be interviewed
(d) immoral and offensive crime against a person
Ans : at all. They consider it as an `unwarranted
(d) immoral and offensive crime against a person intrusion’ into their lives. According to V.S.
Naipaul that a man loses a part of himself
40. What kind of a novel was “The Name of The during an interview. Rudyard Kipling has more
Rose”? condemnatory attitude about the interviewer.
(a) non-fiction (b) fiction He called the interview to be immoral, a crime,
cowardly or vile.
(c) hilarious (d) a serious one
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 325
QUESTION 44.�
Immediately Mukund questioned Eco ‘How his 11. Why were the journalists and publishers puzzled
novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ is a very serious at the success of ‘The Name of the Rose’ ?
novel. It is a detective novel as well as it deals Ans : 2009
with metaphysics, theology and medieval history. In his interview Eco tells Mukund that through
Thus it is a deep and difficult novel. In a very writing he reaches a larger audience. Mukund
modest and considerate mood, Eco replies that questioned Eco how his novel, ‘The Name of the
the most journalists and publishers believe that : Rose’ is a very serious novel. This detective novel
readers are in the habit of reading ‘trash material’ deals with metaphysics, theology and medieval
and they don’t like difficult reading experiences. history. Thus it is a deep and difficult novel. Eco
Eco further tells that the sale of his book replies that the most generalists and publishers
has proved that it is not the truth. There are believe that readers are in the habit of reading
six billion people on this planet. Between 10 to ‘trash material’ and they don’t like difficult
15 million copies of the novel have been sold. In reading experiences.
a way it has reached only a small percentage of Eco tells him that the sale of the book has
readers. This shows that readers do not want easy proved it wrong. Between 10 to 15 million copies
experiences. The novel deals with a period of of the novel have been sold. In a way it has
medieval history. Mukund questions and it could reached only a small percentage of readers. This
be the reason of its success. But Eco tells that shows that readers do not want easy experiences.
a lot of books were written about the medieval The novel deals with a period of medieval history.
history before his novel. Eco says that the success Mukund questions that it could be the reason
of his book is a mystery for him. behind its success. But Eco tells that a lot of books
were written about the medieval history before
QUESTION 43.
10. What does this interview tell us about Umberto
his novel. Eco says that the success of his book
Eco’s novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ ?
is a mystory for him. Even the journalists and
Ans : 2019
publishers were puzzled at its success. Perhaps it
The interview talks about Eco’s famous ‘The
was written at the most appropriate time.
Name of the Rose’. It is a very serious novel. It
is a detective story at one level, but it is also
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
a deep study into metaphysics, theology and
QUESTION 1.
medieval history. Yet it turned out to be a huge
1. Read the following extract and answer the
success. Mukund asks Eco if he was puzzled by
questions that follow.
its unexpected success. Eco says that he was not
Since its invention a little over 130 years ago,
puzzled, but the journalists and publishers were
the interview has become a commonplace of
puzzled. It is generally thought that the common
journalism. Today, almost everybody who is
people do not like serious or difficult reading
literate will have read an interview at some point
experience. Yet, according to Eco, he reached
in their lives, while from the other point of view,
only a small percentage of readers. But it is
several thousand celebrities have been interviewed
exactly this kind of readers who do not want easy
over the years, some of them repeatedly. So it is
reading experiences. They like the poor quality.
hardly surprising that opinions of the interview
‘The Name of the Rose’ sold between ten million
- of its functions, methods and merits - vary
and 15 million copies. Mukund wants to know
considerably. Some might make quite extravagant
if the grand success of his novel ‘The Name of
claims for it as being, in its highest form, a source
the Rose’ is due to the fact that it deals with a
of truth, and, in its practice, an art.
period of medieval history. Eco says that he often
tells stories like a Chinese wise man. He says that (a) List any two sensory details involved in the
before his book appeared, a number of books had act of conducting an interview.
been written about the medieval past. He thinks (b) How do you know of the growing popularity
that the success of a book is always a mystery. No of the interview as a form of journalism?
one can predict it. He says that if he had written (i) Every literate person will have read an
his novel ten years earlier or ten years later, it interview.
would not have been the same. Why his novel (ii) Several thousands of celebrities have been
succeeded at that time is a mystery. interviewed to date.
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Ch 7 : The Interview
by questioning the other. Consequently, an of non-fiction, but only five novels. He started
interviewer holds a position of unprecedented writing novels at the age of fifty. Mukund, the
power and influence among the class of educated interviewer, asks him if it bothers him when most
people. people recognise him as a novelist only. Eco says
QUESTION 13. that it does not bother him because he considers
13. What did Lewis Carroll have a horror of ? himself a university professor who writes novels
Ans : 2014, 2009 on Sundays.
Lewis Carroll, the creator of ‘Alice in QUESTION 18.�
Wonderland’, was said to have had a just horror 18. What is the specialty of Eco about his books for
of the interviewer. He never consented to be children ?
interviewed. It was his horror to have meetings Ans : 2019
with interviewers. Umberto Eco’s books for the children are very
QUESTION 14.� much interesting and entertaining. They are
14. What does Umberto Eco remark about Lodge’s devoid of violence. These smoothly progress the
observation about him ? events with peace and patience the bunch of
Ans : 2006 ethical and philosophical interests. They all carry
While interviewing Eco, Mukund pointed out moral messages.
the remarks of David Lodge who stated : “I QUESTION 19.
can’t understand how one man can do all the 19. What did the publisher think of ‘The Name of
things he (Eco) does.” To this Eco replies that the Rose’ ?
he gives the impression of doing many things but Ans : 2022
otherwise he is doing the same thing. Through his Umberto Eco took his novel “The Name of the
academic work and novel he is rather pursuing his Rose” to an American publisher for publication.
philosophical interests. She said that she loved his book. But she did not
QUESTION 15. expect to sell more than 3000 copies in a country
15. What is distinctive quality of Eco’s style? where nobody has seen a cathedral or studies
Ans : 2021 Latin. So the author was given an advance for
Eco’s style has a narrative aspect about it. Eco 3000 copies, but in the end it sold two or three
told the interviewer that at that time, at the age million in the end.
of twenty two, he had understood that scholarly QUESTION 20.�
books should be written by telling the story of the 20. Write down the remarks of a Professor when Eco
research. That is why Eco’s essays always have a presented his doctoral dissertation in Italy ?
narrative aspect. Ans : 2006
QUESTION 16.� The Professor told that the scholars learn a lot from
16. What is the secret of Umberto Eco’s working style their subject. They make a list of false hypothesis.
? Then they correct and put the conclusions. Eco
O told that he himself had adopted the mode of trial
How does Eco explain his theory of interstices ? and error method and he was found right in his
approach. Accordingly his dissertation book was
O published.
What secret did Umberto Eco reveal to Mukand? QUESTION 21.�
Ans : 2008
21. When and how did Eco learn the technique of
Umberto Eco tells the secret of his working style. writing scholarly books ?
He talks of empty spaces in the universe. He calls Ans : 2008
them ‘interstices’ or intervals. He says that when It was at the age of 22, after presenting his first
a man comes up by an elevator from first floor to doctored dissertation, Eco learnt scholarly books
the third to meet him, he has the time to write an should be written the way he had done in research
article. He utilises these intervals for his creative work. It is a narrative form by telling the story
work. of research. So his essays have a narrative aspect
QUESTION 17.
and they are liked by the readers.
17. Umberto Eco is an academician. Does it bother QUESTION 22.
him when people recognise him as a novelist only? 22. How did the success of Eco’s novel ‘The Name of
Ans : 2013
the Rose’ go against the general opinion of public
Umberto Eco has written 40 scholarly works about the success of a novel?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 327
Brian has written. Almost everything of moment Umberto Eco: Aah, now that is more difficult
reaches us through one man asking questions of to explain. I have some philosophical interests
another. Because of this, the interviewer holds a and I pursue them through my academic work
position of unprecedented power and influence.” and my novels. Even my books for children are
(a) How would you describe Denis Brian’s opinion about non-violence and peace...you see, the same
on interviews in two words? bunch of ethical, philosophical interests.
(b) Denis Brian states that the interviewer And then I have a secret. Did you know what
occupies a position of power and influence as will happen if you eliminate the empty spaces
_____. from the universe, eliminate the empty spaces in
all the atoms? The universe will become as big as
(i) everything reaches us through one man
my fist.
asking questions of another.
(a) ‘I give the impression of doing many things.’
(ii) the interview is a supremely serviceable
This implies that Umberto Eco is a _____.
medium of communication.
(b) “I work in empty spaces”. Choose the option
(iii) our most vivid impressions of our
that most accurately captures Eco’s idea of
contemporaries are through interviews.
empty spaces.
(iv) interviews are like thumbprints on the
1. management of time
interviewee’s windpipe.
2. organization of space
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The author says that interviews are 3. philosophical inclination
‘serviceable.’ It suggests that _____. 4. command of thought
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one (i) 1 and 2
infer that interviews also have a dark side to (ii) 3 and 4
them. (iii) 1 and 3
(e) What makes the author say that ‘Almost (iv) 2 and 4
everything of moment reaches us through one (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
man asking questions of another”? Umberto Eco uses all the empty spaces
(f) According to Saul Bellow, interviews are like _____.
thumbprints on his windpipe. What emotion (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
might best describe such an image? infer that Umberto Eco “is always doing the
(i) Gloom and sadness same thing.
(ii) Frustration and irritability (e) ‘The universe will become as big as my fist.’
(iii) Pain and hurt The literary device used in this line by the
(iv) Fear and insecurity author is _____.
Ans : 2008 (f) Based on your reading of Part I of ‘The
(a) Utilitarian and approving Interview’, which one of the following may not
(b) (i) everything reaches us through one man be an appropriate title to the above extract?
asking questions of another. (i) The Empty Spaces of Umberto Eco
(c) they are useful. (ii) Big Exposé: Eco’s Secret Revealed!
(d) Interviews can also be like thumbprints on (iii) “I am always doing the same thing”:
one’s windpipe. Eco’s Echoes
(e) Because by asking the right questions, an (iv) Umberto Eco, Mr Prolific!
interviewer helps us get a clear perspective. Ans : 2005
(f) (iii) Pain and hurt. (a) versatile genius
QUESTION 4.� (b) (iii) 1 and 3
4. Read the following extract and answer the (c) of his time to write.
questions that follow.
(d) He is pursuing “the same bunch of ethical and
Umberto Eco: Maybe I give the impression of
philosophical interests” across all his works.
doing many things. But in the end, I am convinced
I am always doing the same thing. (e) simile
Mukund: Which is? (f) (ii) Big Exposé: Eco’s Secret Revealed!
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Ch 7 : The Interview
QUESTION 5.�
(e) literary fiction, academic texts, essays,
5. Read the following extract and answer the
children’s books, and newspaper articles.
questions that follow.
Umberto Eco, a professor at the University of (f) (iv) The Name of the Rose became a bestseller.
Bologna in Italy had already acquired a formidable QUESTION 6.�
reputation as a scholar for his ideas on semiotics 6. Read the following extract and answer the
(the study of signs), literary interpretation, and questions that follow.
medieval aesthetics before he turned to writing At that point, at the age of 22, I understood
fiction. Literary fiction, academic texts, essays, scholarly books should be written the way I
children’s books, newspaper articles—his written had done - by telling the story of the research.
output is staggeringly large and wide-ranging, In This is why my essays always have a narrative
1980, he acquired the equivalent of intellectual aspect. And this is why probably I started writing
superstardom with the publication of The Name narratives [novels] so late - at the age of 50, more
of the Rose, which sold more than 10 million or less.
copies. I remember that my dear friend Roland
Barthes was always frustrated that he was an
(a) Who interviewed Umberto Eco?
essayist and not a novelist. He wanted to do
(b) ‘His written output is staggeringly large creative writing one day or another but he died
and wide-ranging.’ This statement can be before he could do so. I never felt this kind of
classified as: frustration. I started writing novels by accident.
(i) an objective fact. I had nothing to do one day and so I started.
(ii) a subjective opinion. Novels probably satisfied my taste for narration.
(iii) a premise. (a) ‘What is Eco’s purpose in saying that he
(iv) a hypothesis. “never felt this kind of frustration”?
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. (b) When Umberto Eco says ‘I understood
Eco had already acquired a formidable scholarly books should be written the way I
reputation as a scholar because _____. had done’ he does NOT imply that scholarly
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one books _____.
infer that Eco became a superstar in the field (i) should be written by telling stories.
of literature. (ii) must have a narrative aspect.
(e) Umberto Eco is a specialist in writing a range (iii) should be written in a reader-friendly
of genres. This can be proven by the fact way.
that he has written a staggering volume of (iv) must have a research-oriented style.
_____. (c) Explain any one possible inference that can be
(f) What does the concept of ‘intellectual super- drawn from the line, “I understood scholarly
stardom’ means? books should be written the way I had done -
(i) Eco could write on a wide-range of topics. by telling the story of the research.”
(ii) Eco became a superstar in the field of (d) Identify the line from the text that bears
semiotics. evidence to a common personality trait called
(iii) Eco won many international awards for procrastination.
this novel. (e) ‘I started writing novels by accident.’ What
(iv) ‘The Name of the Rose’ became a does this imply?
bestseller. (i) This implies that Umberto Eco had no
Ans : 2014 plan to write novels.
(a) Mukund Padmanabhan from The Hindu (ii) Eco never thought that he had it in him
interviewed Umberto Eco. to write novels.
(b) (i) an objective fact. (iii) Eco thought of writing a novel as an
(c) of his great ideas in semiotics or the study of experiment.
signs. (iv) Umberto Eco had a natural taste for
(d) His work, ‘The Name of the Rose’ sold more narration.
than 10 million copies. (f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
The author took almost _____ decades to
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 329
transition from his dissertation to creative “Have you consciously adopted an informal
writing and start penning novels. approach or is it something that just came
Ans : 2005 naturally to you?
(a) Eco always found a way to express his (d) Identify the line from the text that bears
thoughts through a narrative style unlike his evidence to the fact that everyone like Eco
dear friend Ronald Barthes. has a lot of spare time in a day.
(b) (iv) must have a research-oriented style. (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
(c) Most dissertations and scholarly works are select the most likely explanation by Eco
generally dry, boring and depersonalised. about empty spaces.
(d) He wanted to do creative writing one day or (i) Empty spaces are everywhere in the
another. universe between atoms.
(e) (iv) Umberto Eco had a natural taste for (ii) Humans do not have a lot of empty spaces
narration. in their lives.
(f) three. (iii) Interestingly, free time is not an interstice
QUESTION 7.� in Eco’s words.
7. Read the following extract and answer the (iv) Free time in our life is an interstice that
questions that follow. can be used constructively.
Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our (f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
lives. I call them interstices. Say you are coming The word similar in meaning to ‘deliberately’
over to my place. You are in an elevator and while in the given extract is _____.
you are coming up, I am waiting for you. This is Ans : 2005
an interstice, an empty space. I work in empty
(a) He means that he works on the main points of
spaces. While waiting for your elevator to come
an article in an interstice.
up from the first to the third floor, I have already
written an article! (Laughs). (b) (iii) Eco realized that scholarly books should
Mukund: Not everyone can do that of course. tell the story of the research.
Your non-fictional writing, your scholarly work (c) My informal narrative style comes naturally
has a certain playful and personal quality about it. to me.
It is a marked departure from a regular academic (d) “Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in
style - which is invariably depersonalised and often our lives.”
dry and boring. Have you consciously adopted an (e) (iv) Free time in our life is an interstice that
informal approach or is it something that just can be used constructively.
came naturally to you? (f) consciously.
(a) What is Eco’s purpose in making an QUESTION 8.�
exaggerated claim, “While waiting for your 8. Read the following extract and answer the
elevator to come up from the first to the third questions that follow.
floor, I have already written an article!” Umberto Eco: No. Journalists are puzzled.
(b) Mukund Padmanabhan mentions that much And sometimes publishers. And this is because
like his novels, Umberto Eco’s “scholarly work journalists and publishers believe that people like
has a certain playful and personal quality trash and don’t like difficult reading experiences.
about it.” To what is this attributed? Consider there are six billion people on this
(i) Eco thought the regular academic style planet. The Name of the Rose sold between 10
was depersonalised, dry, and boring. and 15 million copies. So in a way I reached only a
small percentage of readers. But it is exactly these
(ii) Eco presented his first Doctoral
kinds of readers who don’t want easy experiences.
dissertation in Italy in this style.
Or at least don’t always want this. I myself at 9
(iii) Eco realized that scholarly books should pm after dinner, watch television and want to see
tell the story of the research. either ‘Miami Vice’ or ‘Emergency Room’. I enjoy
(iv) Eco identified himself with the academic it and I need it. But not all day.
and scholarly community. (a) What makes the writer comment that
(c) From your understanding of the extract, what “journalists and publishers are puzzled”?
would be Eco’s logical answer to the question.
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Ch 7 : The Interview
(b) The line, “Journalists and publishers believe
that people like trash and don’t like difficult
reading experiences” in context to the novel
being discussed can be best classified as:
(i) a fact
(ii) a subjective opinion
(iii) a theme
(iv) an informed opinion
(c) Umberto Eco mentioned that he was not
puzzled by the tremendous mass popularity
of his novel, The Name of the Rose. Explain
any one possible inference that can be drawn
from this about the author’s understanding of
his readers.
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears
evidence to the fact that the author stays
humble despite his success.
(e) “I myself, at 9 pm after dinner, watch
television and want to see either ‘Miami Vice’
or ‘Emergency Room’. Based on the context
provided in the extract, select the most likely
explanation for the author’s comment.
(i) Even he likes a break to refresh his mind
from serious writing.
(ii) Everyone likes a change from their
routine.
(iii) People like a break from reading trashy
fiction.
(iv) Even he likes a break to refresh his mind
from serious reading.
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
When the author says that his readers ‘don’t
want easy experiences,’ he means that they
like books that _____ their minds.
Ans : 2018
(a) He is commenting on the surprising popularity
of The Name of the Rose.
(b) (ii) a subjective opinion
(c) He respects and understands that there are
variations in people’s reading choices and
experiences.
(d) So in a way I reached only a small percentage
of readers.
(e) (i) Even he likes a break to refresh his mind
from serious writing.
(f) stimulate.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 331
CHAPTER 8
Going Places
1. introduction there despite their father’s refusal. By chance she
was caught in a dreamlike feeling about the vast
The story “Going Places” gives a good account of world. She grew impatient and saw herself riding
two teenagers named Sophie and Jansie. Sophie behind Geoff.
is a day dreamer who wants to start a boutique
after her schooling. But Jansie doubts because it Sophie Narrates Her Imaginary Meeting with
needs a lot of money. In order to earn more money Danny Casey
Sophie dreams of becoming a manager, or an Sophie approached Geoff and told him that she
actress or a fashion designer. The author Barton met Danny Casey in the arcade. He was a wonder
depicts that it is natural for teenagers to have boy of football. He had green gentle eyes and he
unrealistic dreams specially when their families was not so tall, as she had thought. Geoff passed
are not well off. It is because of the fact that the this news to his father. His expression was one
socio-economic background plays a leading role in of disdain. Without caring Sophie, he started
the lives of the youths for choosing a particular talking about Tom Finney and Danny Casey. He
profession. The act of fantasizing may lead to liked the Irish player and wished that he would
miseries in case it is beyond our approach. It is be a great footballer one day. From the table,
useless to built castles in the air. Sophie told that Casey was going to buy a shop.
Her father snubbed her. He called it another of
her wild stories. He warned her against inviting
2. summary troubles because of her such talks.
Two Classmates Sophie and Jansie Sophie Tells about Casey
Sophie and Jansie were two classmates and friends. The rays of the table-lamp were glowing across the
They think to find some work after schooling. bedroom wall of Geoff. There was a photograph
Sophie always dreams of doing big and beautiful of Casey among three wonderful Irish players.
things while Jansie wants to live within the means Geoff was a patient listener to her story. He was
of her family. The fact is that both have to work the first to share her story. But he cautioned her
in a biscuit factory. They belong to a lower middle that Casey was a celebrity. He told her that Casey
class family. must have strings of girls like her running after
him. It was she who spoke to him first to confirm
Family of Sophie if he was Danny Casey. She recognised him by his
Sophie’s father was at home. Derek was his son. accent that she had often heard on the television.
He was telling his father that Sophie thought They talked a bit. She could not obtain his
money grew on trees. Sophie was sad and went to autographs because neither of them had a paper
look for her brother Geoff. He was tinkering on his and pen. He would give her an autograph if she
motor-cycle in the next room. He was three years cared to meet him next week.
out of school. He was an apprentice mechanic. He
remained silent. She always guessed his silence to Weekly Pilgrimage to Watch the United
be his presence in some other world that she had All the members of Sophie’s family were football
not seen. fans. Her father was a great fan of Danny Casey.
Geoff and little Derek too liked him. Sophie was
Sophie – An Imaginative Girl much mad after him and Casey was her hero. On
Sophie was an imaginative girl. She had a keen Saturday they made their ‘weekly pilgrimage’ to
desire to know the unseen and unknown places. watch Danny Casey in person. Casey played for
She wished someday her brother would take her
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Ch 8 : Going Places
a fashion designer. Though both the girls, were her fantasizing, chosen for one-side love.
earmarked for a biscuit factory. Thus, it is natural for teenagers to have
Like every young girl, Sophie also fancied the unrealistic dreams. There are both-benefits and
world was prepared to greet her. She also had disadvantages of such fantasizing–the world
in her fancies a strong feeling of knowing the realities has both.
unknown, seeing the unseen and even meeting
and welcoming the strangers. Though her father WORKING WITH WORDS
forbade her to be taken to unknown places and QUESTION 1.�
countries, yet Sophie expected Geoff to acquaint 1. Notice the following expressions. The highlighted
her to all new and strange things, people and words are not used in a literal sense. Explain
places. She fancied the world greeting and what they mean.
applauding them. 1. Words had to be prized out of him like stones
Finally, in her fantasizing she had a lover out of a ground.
Danny Casey in her mind. So she visited the 2. Sophie felt a tightening in her throat.
perfect place for lovers and sat on the solitary
3. If he keeps his head on his shoulders.
wooden bench under the tree. She waited for her
lover coming out of shadows but there was no 4. On Saturday they made their weekly
sign of him. She became burdened with sadness. pilgrimage to the United.
Thus Sophie’s dreams and disappointments are 5. She saw.... him ghost past the lumbering
all of her own creations. These caused a great deal defenders.
of unhappness in sophie because fantasizing and Ans :
sadness are heavy loads to carry is one’s life. • Words had to be prized out of him : It means
QUESTION 2.� Geoff was very silent. He was forced to speak
2. It is natural for teenagers to have unrealistic first or speak much to let the person continue
dreams. What would you say are the benefits and conversation.
disadvantages of such fantasizing ? • A tightening in her throat : It means her
Ans : throat become dry and she felt upset to say
It is natural for teenagers to get lost in anything.
fantasizing. It is also termed as day-dreaming. • Keeps his head on his shoulders : It means
Such unrealistic dreams are seldom got rid of by used his brain and played sensibly keeping
the teenagers. This age group starts from thirteen himself under control.
years when one becomes conscious of surroundings
gradually. There are thoughts, whims and then • They made their weekly pilgrimage : It
determinations. Consequently, they result mostly means every week they used to go to see the
in agonies and sufferings. Sophie, is one such football match as if they were visiting a holy
teenagers who dreams like a teenager. place.
Sophie apparently was determined to have • Ghost past : It means that one goes so fast to
her own boutique, regardless of money in hand. dodge others.
But got pushed in her fancy to become a shop
manager. She dreamt of becoming an actress
NOTICING FORM
as well as of having boutique. To be more QUESTION 1.�
sophisticated-a fashion designer. The fantasizing 1. Notice the highlighted words in the following
flight came to an end here, but she faced troubles sentences:
and the only disadvantages.
1. ‘When I leave,’ Sophie said, coming home
Riding behind her brother Geoff, she imagined
from school, “I’m going to have a boutique.”
to visit all unknown places, people and countries
where people praised and greeted them. Of course, 2. Jansie, linking arms with her along the street,
this unrealistic dream pleased her. looked doubtful.
Finally, the romantic and emotional dreaming 3. “I’ll find it,” Sophie said, staring far down the
of Danny casey’s love a created uneasiness, street.
impatience, pangs, sadness and burdened posture. 4. Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked
Such unrealistic dreams are disadvantageous, for the biscuit factory, became melancholy.
Danny Casey, the innocent Irelander–a captive of 5. And she turned in through the open street
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 333
64. Amber = yellowish brown 117.Crisply = briskly
65. Glow = shine 118.Thunderous = like thunder
66. Beneath = under 119.Exultant = excited
67. Jeered = mocked at 120.Approbation = praise
68. Apparently = obviously
69. Accent = pronunciation
70. Shiny = bright 4. ncert textbook questions
71. Shapeless = out of shape QUESTION 1.
72. Appearance = look 1. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their
73. Unlikeliest = impossible meaning from the context.
74. Pilgrimage = religious journey 1. incongruity
75. Blend = mixture 2. arcade
76. Genius = talent
3. prodigy
77. Defenders = those who defend the goal
78. Edge = corner 4. amber glow
79. Beating = defeating 5. chuffed
80. Glowed = shone 6. wharf
81. Ecstatic = excited 7. solitary elm
82. Pub = a place to drink at 8. pangs of doubt
83. Inquisition = search Ans :
84. Nosey = over inquisitive
1. Incongruity : inappropriateness, not in
85. Covering = hiding
keeping with the surroundings
86. Glared = stared
87. Gawky = awkward 2. Arcade : a covered walk with shops along
88. Sacred = pious sides
89. Blinked = winked rapidly 3. Prodigy : a young person with exceptional
90. Row = quarrel qualities
91. Chuffed = delighted 4. Amber glow : to reflect yellowish-brown
92. Sheltered = covered colour
93. Glare = brightness 5. Chuffed : very pleased
94. Unceasing = endless 6. Wharf : a level area where ships are loaded or
95. Muffled = silenced unloaded
96. Consequent = with the result of
7. Solitary elm : a type of tree with no plantation
97. Excitement = enthusiasm
around
98. Elapsed = passed
99. Sensing = realising 8. Pangs of doubt : a sudden strong feeling of
100.Stirring = rising up doubt
101.Despondent = sad
102.Resignation = the act of resigning THINK AS YOU READ 1
103.Envisage = think QUESTION 1.
104.Slam = shut with a bang 1. Where was it most likely that the two girls would
105.Crumbling = broken into pieces find work after school?
106.Propped = supported Ans : 2017
107.Freckled = having brown spots Both the girls belong to poor families. As per
108.Slightly = a little their economic background, they would find a job
109.Exposing = laying open in a biscuit factory after schooling.
QUESTION 2.�
110.Shimmer = to shine
2. What were the options that Sophie was dreaming
111.Ghost past = moved unseen
of? Why does Jansie discourage her from having
112.Lumbering = moving slowly
such dreams?
113.Melodious = sweet
Ans : 2013
114.Hovered = hung in the air
She was dreaming to buy a boutique. She also
115.Momentarily = temporarily
dreamt to be an actress or a fashion designer. She
116.Explosion = blast
dreamt that to begin with, she could at least be a
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Ch 8 : Going Places
United. United won by two nil and Casey scored 12. Blessed = fortunate
the second goal for United. 13. Decent = proper
14. Scooping = picking up with a spoon
Jansie Come to Know about Sophie’s Meeting 15. Plump = fatty
with Casey : 16. Grimy = dirty, full of grime
Next week Jansie came to know about Sophie’s 17. Sweat = perspiration
meeting Casey. She wanted to know if it was true. 18. Stooped = bent
Sophie cursed her brother Geoff for this as it was 19. Incongruity = not matching
a secret between her and her brother. It was ‘not 20. Delicate = soft
a Jansie thing.’ Jansie was ‘nosey.’ Sophie feared 21. Fastened = tied
that Jansie would spread the news in the whole 22. Crooked = bent, twisted
neighborhood. But Jansie promised to keep it the 23. Apron = a piece of clothing covering the front
secret to herself. part
24. Strings = fine cords
Sophie Sat Down Waiting under a Solitary Elm
25. Cluttered = untidy, noisy
Tree
26. Piled up = heaped
In the evening after dark Sophie walked by the
27. Kneeling = bending on knees
canal and reached the spot where she had often
28. Tinkering = repairing
played in her childhood. It was a place free and far
29. Apprentice = trainee
from the crowd and noise of the city. There was a
30. Suspected = doubted
wooden bench beneath a solitary elm tree where
31. Voluntarily = on one’s own
lovers sometimes came. She sat down to wait. It
32. Outlying = on the outskirts
was the perfect place for a meeting of this kind.
33. Attained = obtained
She knew Casey would come. But imagination
34. Fascination = attraction
and reality were two different things. She became
35. Exotic = enticing
sad and despondent. She wanted to reach home
36. Affection = love
before her father.
37. Forbade = prevented
Sheer Imaginations and Utter Disappointment 38. Impatient = without patience
While proceeding towards her home, she was still 39. Conscious = aware
dreaming the arrival of Casey. Coming through 40. Instinctively = naturally
the arcade, she pictured him again outside 41. Expectantly = hopefully
Royce’s. In a way she went on dreaming of big and 42. Cape = a piece of clothing
beautiful things. She considered the Irish prodigy, 43. Frowning = showing unhappiness
Danny Casey her hero. This long and incessant 44. Component = part
dreaming turned her sad and troubled. She was 45. Cradled = held gently in hand
very much disappointed to feel that Danny Casey 46. Dumb = not able to speak
would never come to see her. But she remained 47. Abruptly = suddenly
an incurable dreamer and all her fantasies and 48. Arcade = a covered passage
troubles were her own creation of mind. 49. Chastened = corrected
50. Tossed = threw away
51. Grunt = short, low sound in the throat
3. Word meanings 52. Wriggled = squirmed
1. Boutique = a shop selling fashionable clothes 53. Disdain = hatred
2. Linking = tying 54. Reverently = respectfully
3. Staring = looking intently 55. Distractions = diversions
4. Straight off = at once 56. Sort = kind
5. Natural = not artificial 57. Grimaced = distorted the face
6. Amazing = wonderful 58. Muttered = grumbled
7. Earmarked = assigned/reserved 59. Inaudible = that which cannot be heard
8. Melancholy = sad 60. Dragged = pulled
9. Sensible = having good sense 61. Wild = baseless
10. Bit = a little 62. Aggressively = violently
11. Sophisticated = refined 63. Cast = threw
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 335
approach towards life and had firm faith in with Danny Casey at Royce’s window, though
social interactions. Being a considerate, kind and he considered it unlikeliest. To Sophie, Geoff
sensible father, he understood the nature of the was bold, smart, tall, promising and helpful. He
family but was deadly against wild stories. He recognised and respected his younger sister’s
always wanted to keep his family members happy emotions and aspirations well. She was certain
and peaceful but financially he was not well-off. that he would never let her down.
The day’s hardwork was clearly visible on his QUESTION 4.�
plump face. 4. What socio-economic background did Sophie
He was a sports lover and used to go with belong to? What are the indicators of her family’s
his family on weekly pilgrimage. While seeing financial status?
the United Team winning, he boosted Danny’s Ans :
morale. After the victory, he went to the pub ‘Going Places’ details the middle class people
for celebration and drink. When Sophie told with their stages of hardwork, helplessness and
that Danny was buying a shop, he made an ugly satisfaction. They are not well-off people to lead
expression on his face to show disgust. He did a luxurious life. They belong to a lower middle
not approve Sophie’s wild stories for Danny and class family. Two classmates Sophie and Jansie
rather warned as well as advised her about a have a lot of difference in their attitudes and
lot of trouble she was going to be entrapped in. temperament of life. Sophie is a sophisticated
Though he was an aggressive yet he was a true type of girl who goes on day dreaming and
and rightful person. Sophie was much scared of fantasizing. She dreams of having a boutique,
him and told Jansie “You know what a misery becoming an actress and a fashion designer. She
he is”. goes on looming in the unrealistic life which is
QUESTION 3.� far from their approach. Jansie is a practical
3. Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than girl who knows that both are earmarked for the
any other person ? From her perspective, what biscuit factory. She urges Sophie to be sensible
did he symbolize ? and she understands the financial and other social
Ans : implications.
Sophie liked her brother Geoff more than any In the lesson one can note that Geoff has to
other person in the world. She could open her go to a far off place to learn apprentice mechanic.
heart to him. She knew that Geoff was the person He has left schooling three years earlier. Their
who would share her dreams. Geoff was an father works hard and the drops of sweat are
apprentice mechanic who had left school for three visible on his plump face. He is worried about
years. He had to travel for work to the far,side the welfare and peace of the whole family. It is
of the city. He spoke very little and his silence a poor family where all the domestic chores are
always troubled Sophie very much. Moreover the done in the family. The ladies do all the washing
words were to be prized out of his mouth like the and other household works and the piles of dirty
stones from the ground. She was jealous of his clothes can be seen near the sink. The people are
silence and she thought him to be living in some fond of enjoying matches. Her father goes to the
other world which was unknown to her. pub on his bicycle to celebrate. All these facts
But Geoff was always the first with whom indicate that they belong to a lower middle class
she always shared her secrets. She liked him more family.
than anything. Sophie was a simple but plain
speaking girl who had a strong faith in Geoff. Like TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT
every other sister she dreamt of riding behind her QUESTION 1.�
brother in their attractive dresses, to places where 1. Sophie’s dreams and disappointments are all in
people would welcome and praise them. She her mind. Discuss in pairs.
wanted to be more affectionately with her brother Ans :
among all his friends and to all his places. In his Like every youth when he is about to leave the
own way Geoff warned her that Casey must have school, the struggle of thought begins even in
strings of girls and she was one of them. Sophie. On their way back home, Sophie and
Sophie saw in her brother Geoff, her moral Jansie discuss possibilities of work to be started.
supporter. She thought the world was ready to Sophie’s flight took off from boutique to shop
welcome her. She told Geoff about her meeting manager, to an actress-cum-boutique owner to
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Ch 8 : Going Places
manager with some big company. But Jansie had father could then be very angry with her and even
her feet on the ground. She knew Sophie belonged murder her.
to a poor family and all her plans were nothing QUESTION 2.�
but imaginary dreams. 2. Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey?
Ans : 2011
THINK AS YOU READ 2 No, Sophie did not meet Danny Casey, but she
QUESTION 1.�
liked fantasising that she had met him.
1. Why did Sophie wriggle when Geoff told her QUESTION 3.�
father that she had met Danny Casey? 3. Which was the only occasion when she got to see
Ans : 2015 Danny Casey in person ?
When Geoff told his father that Sophie had met Ans : 2006
Danny Casey, she wriggled because she knew that She saw him when she went to see the match in
her father would not believe it. He would take it which Danny Casey was playing for the United.
as a story that she had made up.
QUESTION 2.� UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
2. Does Geoff believe what Sophie says about her QUESTION 1.�
meeting with Danny Casey? 1. Sophie and Jansie were classmates and friends.
Ans : 2012 What were the differences between them that
Initially, Geoff is doubtful but when Sophie starts show up in the story ?
adding the details, he starts believing in her story. Ans : 2012
But when she tells him about the proposed date Sophie and Jansie were both classmates and
with Danny Casey, Geoff becomes sceptical. friends. Both were considerate, sensible and were
QUESTION 3.� looming in between the ideas of finding some work
3. Does her father believe her story? after their schooling. Sophie was a sophisticated
Ans : 2010 and a fantasizing type of girl. She had big and
Sophie’s father does not believe her. He knows beautiful dreams of having a boutique like Mary
that she is a dreamer and lives in a world of Quant. On the other hand-Jansie was more
imagination. She is used to make up stories to practical and a realistic type of girl quite aware
impress him. about their lower middle class family background.
QUESTION 4.� She asked Sophie to be sensible because the shop
4. How does Sophie include her brother Geoff in her work required money and her father won’t allow
fantasy of her future ? this. She knew that both were earmarked for the
Ans : 2007 biscuit factory.
She makes up a story of how she had met Casey Sophie entertained the idea of being an
at the window of a shop and tells it to her brother. actress and then dream of becoming a fashion
She also tells him that she had asked him for an designer. She was unaware of the reality as to how
autograph, and that how handsome and gentle he she would do all these things. Jansie knew that all
looked. Thus she tries to include her brother in those different types of work needed money which
her fantasy. was beyond the capacity of Sophie’s parents.
QUESTION 5.�
She advised her to be practical. Sophie had no
5. Which country did Danny Casey play for? faith in Jansie and understood her to be “nosey.”
Ans : 2005
She would spread all the news in the whole
Danny Casey, an Irish sports star, used to play for neighbourhood. So she did not want to tell any of
the Irish team. her secret. Thus we can note a lot of difference in
their attitudes towards life and things.
THINK AS YOU READ 3 QUESTION 2.�
QUESTION 1.�
2. How would you describe the character and
1. Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her temperament of Sophie’s father ?
story with Danny ? Ans : 2011
Ans : 2014 Sophie’s father was a man of authority, truth,
She feared that if Jansie knew the story, the hard work and deep senses. He understood, saw,
whole neighbourhood would also come to know of experienced and realised the very truth about
it. Then thousands of people would flock to her life but he was not well-off. He had to work hard
house to know what the thing was all about. Her for keeping his family alive. He had a realistic
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 337
door leaving Jansie standing in the rain. 2. Of-fish : means said of a person’s manner
-When we add “ing” to a verb we get the 3. Off putting : means disconnecting, distracting,
present participle form. The present participle unpleasant, repulsive.
form is generally used along with forms of 4. Prized out : means extracting some
“be’, (is, was, are, were, am) to indicate the information with force.
present continuous tense as in “Sophie was
5. Damn : means going to hell.
coming home from school.”
-We can use the present participle by itself 6. Peckish : means irritable.
without the helping verb, when we wish to 7. Huh : means an expression of disagreement.
indicate that an action is happening at the 8. Limo : means short form limousine.
same time as another. 9. Pup : means place where one can drink.
-In example 1, Sophie “said” something. 10. Ducky : means a term of endearment.
“Said”, here, is the main action.
-What Sophie was doing while she was
WRITING
“saying’; is indicated by “coming home QUESTION 1.
from school”. So we get the information of 1. Think of a person who you would like to have as
two actions happening at the same time. your role-model.
We convey the information in one sentence Write down the point to be discussed or questions
instead of two. to be asked, if you were asked to interview that
-Analyse the other examples in the same way. person on a television show.
-Pick out five other sentences from the story Ans :
in which present participles are used in this It is purely a students’ activity. But they may use
sense. the points and questions for the interview on a
Ans : television show :
Read the following sentences picked out from the
1. Inspiration,
story in which present participles are used in this
sense : 2. Aspiration,
1. Jansie, linking arms with her along the street, 3. Why are you what you are ?
looked doubtful. 4. What do you aspire to be ?
2. “I’ll found it,” Sophie said, staring far down 5. What is your ultimate goal in life?
the street. 6. How do you feel on your present position of
3. Jansie, knowing both were earmarked for the achievements?
biscuit factory, become melancholy. 7. Any incident you would like to share with
4. He sat frowning at the oil component he your audience.
cradled in his hands. 8. Your message to the younger generation who
5. She watched along the canal seeing him looks up to you as a role-model.
come out of the shadows, imagining her own 9. Your secret of your happiness in life.
consequent excitement. 10. Do you have in your mind any type of
campaign for social awareness ?
THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE 11. What do you perceive your image to be ?
QUESTION 1. 12. Your desire for a special thing to take or to
1. Notice these words from the story : give, etc.
6. “chuffed” , meaning delighted or very pleased.
7. “nosey” , meaning inquisitive. THINGS TO DO
QUESTION 1.
8. “gawky” , meaning awkward, ungainly. 1. Look for other stories or movies where this theme
These are the words that are used in an informal of hero worship and fantasising about film or
way in colloquial speech. sports icons find a place.
Make a list of ten other words of this kind. Ans :
Ans : It is purely a student’s activity to be written
1. Boutique : means a shop that sells fashionable under the title :
clothes.
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Ch 8 : Going Places
O tells her that nobody will make her a manager just
How did Sophie details her meeting with Danny after leaving the school. Now Sophie says that she
Casey? will have the most beautiful shop in the city. But
O her friend Jansie is a realist. She does not live in
How did Sophie describe her meeting with Danny the world of dreams. She tells Sophie that they
Casey ? were most likely to work in a biscuit factory after
school. When they reach Sophie’s street, Jansie
O tells her to be practical in thinking. She will not
What did Sophie tell her brother Geoff about get enough for shop work and her father will never
Danny Casey ? What was his reaction? allow it. Then Sophie says that she will become
Ans : 2014
an actress, as there is much money in actress. She
Geoff was working with a motorcycle part in will run a boutique also as actresses do not have
another room. After coming bad home from to work full time.
school, she looked for brother. Geoff. She told QUESTION 4.�
him she met Danny Casey. It startled Geoff and 4. Why did Sophie walk by the canal after dark on
he turned to her to ask ‘where ?’ She cleared evening ? How did she conduct herself that time ?
therein the Royce’s arcade very funnily.’ Geoff
took it never to be true. Geoff was the first with O
whom she shared her secrets. She detailed that at According to Sophie what was the perfect place
Royce’s window she was looking at the clothes, he for a meeting of this kind ? Describe the place and
came and stood beside her. She took him to be the meeting.
Danny Casey and that he confirmed. O
In order to know the reality he asked Sophie What was Sophie’s height of fantasizing as a
how he looked like. She stated he had green and teenager?
gentle eyes. And he was not so tall as he would Ans : 2010
think. She finally, got a promise from Geoff not to After her meeting with Danny Casey, Sophie told
reveal the secret to anyone to avoid any trouble brother Geoff about the date for an autograph
from father. Geoff made her to realise that she next week. So Sophie walked by the canal along a
was still at school and Danny Casey must be sheltered path after dark. It was the place where
having strings of girls. She denied and told that she had often played in her childhood. There was
Danny Casey was not like that. He was quiet. a wooden bench beneath a solitary tree. There
She asked him for an autograph for little lovers came sometimes. She sat down on the
Derek but he neither had paper nor a pen. So, bench to wait (for her love, Danny Casey). She
they talked about a bit. Just as he was going he had always thought it to be the ‘perfect place’ for
said, if she cared to meet him next week he would a meeting of lovers for those who wished not to
give her an autograph then. But Geoff did not be observed.
believe Sophie’s meeting with Danny Casey. It was now after waiting for a while, she
QUESTION 3. imagined his coming. She looked along the canal.
3. Describe in brief the conversation between Sophie She saw him coming out of the shadows. She
and Jansie when they are coming home from the imagined her excitement so caused. After some
school. time she began thinking of his not coming.
Ans : 2013 There she sat wishing Danny Casey would come,
Sophie and Jansie are schoolmates. They belong but he did not come. She felt the pain of doubt
to poor families. But Sophie has dreams in her moving in her mind. She watched for him but
eyes. She has high aspirations. She lives in the there was no sign of him. She remembered Geoff
world of her dreams. One day she is coming home saying he would never come and also none of them
from school with her friend Jansie. Sophie tells believed her. It made her .sad she could not prove
Jansie that after leaving school, she will start a them wrong on doubting her.
boutique. Jansie tells her that it takes a lot of Now she had become sad. Thus burden of
money to start a boutique. But Sophie says that sitting there, waiting and knowing he would not
she will save money that. Jansie tells her that come, was hard to carry. She could see the future
it takes a lot of time to save that much money. and how she would have to live with this burden.
Sophie says that to begin with she will work as a She slowly climbed the crumbling steps to. the
manager, till she has earned enough money. Jansie
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 339
11. What does Sophie dream about? Ans :
(d) in her imagination and dream of owning a
(a) Becoming an actor
boutique shop to become a famous fashion
(b) becoming a manager designer
(c) a sophisticated person
(d) becoming rich and sophisticated 17. What does Jansie tell Sophie?
Ans : (a) talk unrealistic
(d) becoming rich and sophisticated (b) be wise
(c) be practical
12. What is the turning point in the story?
(d) be sensible and not to dream big
(a) when she fights with her brother.
Ans :
(b) when her father gets angry. (d) be sensible and not to dream big
(c) when her brorher reveals her story.
(d) when she thinks of meeting Danny Casey- a 18. Why does Jansie discourage Sophie to dream big?
famous football player (a) because it requires a lot of money
Ans : (b) because it is not practical
(d) when she thinks of meeting Danny Casey- a (c) because it is unrealistic
famous football player
(d) all of these
13. What story she make up in front of her brother? Ans :
(d) all of these
(a) She will become an actress
(b) she will become a manager 19. What was Sophie’s reply to Jansie?
(c) she will be a famous beautician (a) That she will go door to door to collect money
(d) Casey will come to meet her. (b) She will open a boutique
Ans : (c) she will open an office
(d) Casey will come to meet her.
(d) she will become an actress or a manager to
14. Who are Sophie and Jansie? realize her dream.
Ans :
(a) teenagers who are friends and classmates
(d) she will become an actress or a manager to
(b) neighbourers realize her dream.
(c) colleagues
(d) actors 20. Why does she want to be an actress?
Ans : (a) to earn money
(a) teenagers who are friends and classmates (b) to be famous
(c) to be a fashion designer
15. Explain – Words had to be prized out of him like
stones out of a ground. (d) to earn a lot of money and open a boutique to
be famous fashion designer.
(a) ii was difficult to speak to him
Ans :
(b) it was difficult to locate him in a shop (d) to earn a lot of money and open a boutique to
(c) it was difficult to locate him in factory be famous fashion designer.
(d) it was difficult to get information out of him
Ans : 21. Why is Jansie not able to support Sophie’s view?
(d) it was difficult to get information out of him (a) because he is a happy go lucky man
(b) because his imagination is poor
16. Where is Sophie lost?
(c) because he is unable to believe
(a) in her imagination
(d) because he is a realistic and believes in
(b) in her dreams practicality
(c) in her words Ans :
(d) in her imagination and dream of owning a (d) because he is a realistic and believes in
boutique shop to become a famous fashion practicality
designer
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Ch 8 : Going Places
Hero Worship and Fantasising 5. What are the literary devices used in the lesson?
You may use and develop any story known to you. (a) metaphorical expressions and slangs
A young girl from Pakistan crossed over to India.
(b) similes
Under the influence of her hero worship and
fantasising about a sport-icon especially cricket, (c) irony
made her do so some months back. She came to (d) none of these
India with the intention of leading her rest of the Ans :
life with the Indian Cricketer-Irfan Pathan... (a) metaphorical expressions and slangs
[Describe his game, his special role as a batsman
6. What is the meaning of the word “chuffed”?
or as a bailer, his runs, fours, sixes, wickets taken,
his look, height, eyes, hair style, photo displayed (a) meaning delighted or very pleased
in newspapers, magazines and posters, etc.] (b) meaning not happy
(c) meaning frustrated
(d) none of these
1. other important questions Ans :
(a) meaning delighted or very pleased
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
7. What is the meaning of the words :“nosey”,
1. Who is the author of the lesson “Going places”? “gawky”?
(a) Selma Lagerlof (b) Asokamitran (a) “nosey”, meaning inquisitive and “gawky”,
(c) A. R. Barton (d) J.B. Priestley meaning awkward, ungainly.
Ans : (b) noisy and beautiful
(c) A. R. Barton (c) noisy and useful
2. What theme does Barton explore in this story? (d) noisy and gainful
Ans :
(a) theme of elderly people’s happiness (a) “nosey”, meaning inquisitive and “gawky”,
(b) theme of adolescent fantasising and hero meaning awkward, ungainly.
worship
(c) theme of children’s happiness 8. The story Going Places revolve around whom?
(d) theme of individual happiness (a) a fat boy
Ans : (b) an old couple
(b) theme of adolescent fantasising and hero (c) a teenage girl Sophie, her family and friends
worship (d) none of these
Ans :
3. What is the sub theme of the story?
(c) a teenage girl Sophie, her family and friends
(a) Relationships- family and friends
(b) friends 9. What kind of girl is Sophie ?
(c) family members (a) a realistic (b) a happy go lucky
(d) adolescents kind
Ans : (c) Day dreamer (d) a naughty child
(a) Relationships- family and friends Ans :
(c) Day dreamer
4. What is the significance of the subject discussed
in the lesson? 10. What is Sophie in reality?
(a) it tells how to deal with friends (a) a dreamer
(b) it tells how to behave smartly (b) a worker at Biscuit factory
(c) immediate relevance to the life of school (c) a fighter
leavers (d) none of these
(d) it tells how to behave with elderly Ans :
Ans : (b) a worker at Biscuit factory
(c) immediate relevance to the life of school
leavers
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 341
(b) helps in achieving big (b) because he plays football
(c) develops creative imagination and disadvantage (c) because he earns well
is that it makes people self obsessed. (d) because he is smart
(d) none of these Ans :
Ans : (a) Because he is a heroic footballer and she meets
(c) develops creative imagination and disadvantage him in imagination only
is that it makes people self obsessed.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
35. What kind of person is Sophie’s father ? QUESTION 1.�
(a) a kind hearted (b) a loving and caring 1. Why did Sophie like her brother, Geoff more than
(c) a hard core realistic (d) carefree any other person ?
Ans : Ans : 2013
(c) a hard core realistic Geoff didn’t believe in her imaginary stories.
But he occupied a special place in her heart. She
36. Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than confided and shared all her secrets with him. She
anyone else? considered him as the only one who would listen
(a) he keeps silent to her wild stories. He always supported her too.
(b) because he keeps her secret QUESTION 2.
2. What does Sophie tell Jansie about her plan after
(c) because she can confide in him
leaving school? What is Jansie’s reaction?
(d) all of these Ans : 2020
Ans :
Sophie and Jansie are schoolmates. Sophie lives
(d) all of these
in her dreams. One day they- are coming home
37. What does Geoff’s silence symbolise in Sophie’s from school. Sophie tells Jansie that after leaving
view? school, she will start a boutique. Jansie tells her
that it takes a lot of money to start a boutique.
(a) his vague personality
But Sophie says that she will save money for that.
(b) distant places QUESTION 3.�
(c) his jovial nature 3. Why was Sophie jealous of Geoff silence ?
(d) wandering of his mind to distant places Ans : 2013
Ans : Sophie’s brother Geoff was an apprentice
(d) wandering of his mind to distant places mechanic. He was almost grown up yet he hardly
spoke any thing of his own. Words were prized
38. Which country did Danny play for? out of his mouth like stones from the ground.
(a) Netherland (b) Newzealand She could only suspect areas of his life which she
(c) Switzerland (d) Ireland wanted to hear from him. So she was jealous of his
Ans : silence. She took him to be out there in the world,
(d) Ireland when he was not speaking.
QUESTION 4.
39. Why does Sophie feel jealous of her brother? 4. What does Sophie say when Jansie tells her that
(a) because he is a mechanic she will need a lot of money for her boutique?
(b) because he keeps silent Ans : 2015
Sophie tells Jansie that she wants to start a
(c) because he reveals his secret
boutique after leaving school. At this Jansie tells
(d) because of inability to reach unknown areas her that it needs a lot of money for that purpose.
of his mind But Sophie says that she will start saving. Jansie
Ans :
tells her that it takes a lot of time to save that
(d) because of inability to reach unknown areas
much money. Sophie says. that to be begin with
of his mind
she will work as a manager, till she has earned
40. Why is Sophie attracted to Danny and does she enough money.
meet him in reality? QUESTION 5.�
5. On the news ‘Sophie met Danny Casey’ how did
(a) Because he is a heroic footballer and she
their father react?
meets him in imagination only
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Ch 8 : Going Places
QUESTION 6.�
with her father screaming for him to pass, and 6. Read the following extract and answer the
beating the hesitant goalkeeper from a dozen questions that follow.
yards. Sophie glowed with pride. Afterwards “It was just a little thing really. I asked him for an
Geoff was ecstatic. autograph, but we hadn’t any paper or a pen so it
“I wish he was an Englishman,” someone said was no good.” How much had Geoff said?
on the bus. “Jesus, I wish I’d have been there.”
“Ireland’ll win the World Cup,” little Derek “Of course, my dad didn’t want to believe it.
told his mother when Sophie brought him home. You know what a misery he is. But the last thing
Her father was gone to the pub to celebrate. I need is queues of people round our house asking
(a) What is the writer’s purpose in remarking him, “What’s all this about Danny Casey?” He’d
that ‘Geoff, as always, went with his mates murder me. And you know how my mum gets
higher up’ ? when there’s a row.”
(b) ‘Sophie glowed with pride.’ Her pride is the Jansie said, hushed, “You can trust me, Soaf
result of you know that.”
(i) belonging to a region where everyone (a) Based on your understanding of the extract,
thought of Danny as a hero. how would Sophie’s parents would react if
(ii) watching her father cheer and support they find out that Danny and Sophie were
Danny. seeing each other.
(iii) the information she gathered from her (b) ‘It was just a little thing really’. It means that
brother, about Danny. Sophie _____.
(iv) being an avid fan and her sense of (i) had no paper to take autograph of Danny.
closeness with Danny. (ii) asked for an autograph from Danny.
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can (iii) told a lie about her meeting with Danny.
be drawn from the line, “I wish he was an (iv) was really unhappy.
Englishman,” someone said on the bus. (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears `You know what a misery he is? This implies
evidence to the fact that even Geoff, a closed that Sophie’s father _____.
personality could show emotions. (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps
(e) The statement, ‘Their visit to the match was one infer that Jansie was also a fan of Danny
like a ‘weekly pilgrimage’ refers to their Casey.
(i) strong bond as a family. (e) What do the words, “You can trust me, Soaf,
(ii) love for a fixed routine. you know that” indicate about Jansie?
(iii) similar feelings of devotion for football (f) Which of the following idiomatic expressions
(iv) excitement for the match. best interprets the claims made by Sophie
(f) Complete the sentence with evidence from in the extract: But the last thing I need is
the given extract. queues of people round our house asking him,
Little Derek confidently told his mother that “What’s all this about Danny Casey?”
“Ireland ‘II win the World Cup” because (i) to have a tiger by the tail
their favourite team _____. (ii) to blow your own horn
Ans : 2010
(iii) one swallow doesn’t make a summer
(a) Geoff was not very close to his family and (iv) to put words in someone’s mouth
lived in his own world. Ans : 2015
(b) (iv) being an avid fan and her sense of (a) Her father would be furious and that would
closeness with Danny. make Sophie’s mother nervous.
(c) A few fans lamented the fact that Danny (b) (ii) asked for an autograph from Danny.
Casey was from Ireland and not from England. (c) found her claims of meeting Danny Casey
(d) Afterwards Geoff was ecstatic. incredulous.
(e) (iii) similar feelings of devotion for football. (d) ‘Jesus, I wish I’d have been there.’
(f) United won two-nil and Casey drove in the
second goal.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 343
brief encounter with Casey. She almost got an Ans : 2006
autograph from him as well. Danny Casey was a great footballer. He played
QUESTION 14.
football for Ireland. Sophie is a great fan of him.
14. How does Geoff react when Sophie tells him that So she often imagines that she has met him. In
she met Danny Casey? this story she imagines to meet him in the arcade.
Ans : 2008 She asks him for autograph.
Sophie tells Geoff that she met Danny Casey in QUESTION 19.�
the arcade. Geoff is aware of Sophie’s habit of 19. What did Sophie tell Jansie about her meeting
day dreaming. So he replies that it is not true with Danny Casey in the arcade ?
and he does not believe it. Sophie tells him that Ans : 2022
she was looking at the clothes in Royce’s window Next week when Jansie met Sophie, she asked
and Danny Casey stood beside her. Still not sure, her about the meeting of Danny Casey. Though
Geoff asks her how Danny looked like. Sophie tells Sophie got surprised and damned her brother
him that Danny had green and gentle eyes and he Geoff, yet she called it something special between
was not so tall. them. Something secret but not Jansie type
QUESTION 15.�
Jansie promised to keep it a secret. Sophie told it
15. What was Sophie’s ambition in life? How did she was a little thing, she asked for an autograph but
hope to achieve that ? neither had a pen.
Ans : 2017
QUESTION 20.
Sophie had high ambitions in her life and thus 20. What happens when Sophie asks Danny Casey
had unxalistic dreams in her imagination. She about an autograph?
desired to have boutique and then to become Ans : 2019
an actress as well as a fashion designer. She was Sophie tells Geoff that she met Danny Casey in
unaware of the reality as to how she would do all an arcade. She asked him if he was Danny and
these things. She did not achieve any of her dream he looked surprised. Then she asked him for an
since she went on looming in the unrealistic life autograph for little Derek. But neither of them
which was far from her approach due to economic had any paper or pen. However, he asked Sophie
conditions of the family. to meet him the next week and he would give her
QUESTION 16.
an autograph then.
16. How does Sophie’s father react when Geoff tells QUESTION 21.�
him about Sophie’s meeting with Danny? 21. What did Sophie imagine about her meeting with
Ans : 2014
Danny Casey?
Geoff tells his father that Sophie met Danny O
Casey. Like Geoff, his father also does not believe Where did Sophie meet Casey and what did they
her. Although Geoff tells him that it is true, yet talk about ?
her father is not sure if she really met Danny.
O
QUESTION 17.�
What did Sophie claim to have been told by
17. What did Sophie tell Geoff about Danny Casey ?
Danny Casey ? Do you think it could be possible?
O Ans : 2010
What did Sophie tell Geoff about here meeting Sophie claimed that Danny Casey had met her in
with Danny Casey ? the Royee’s Arcade window where she was looking
Ans : 2017, 2010 at the clothes. He confirmed that he was Danny
Danny Casey was a young Irish player of the Casey. She asked him for an autograph for little
United first squad. Sophie told Geoff of meeting Derek but he neither had paper nor a pen. He
Danny Casey at Royce’s window. It surprised him said if she cared to meet him next week he would
and he wanted to know the truth. She told about give her an autograph then. He also told her that
Danny Casey’s gentle green eyes. She talked with he was going to buy a shop.
him first and asked for an autograph. But neither QUESTION 22.
had a pen nor paper. So he promised to do it next 22. Describe the visit of Sophie’s family to the
week, if she cared. stadium to watch Danny’ play.
QUESTION 18. Ans : 2013
18. What does Sophie imagine about her meeting All the members of Sophie’s family are great fans
with Danny Casey? of Danny. One Saturday they go to watch the
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Ch 8 : Going Places
O was a place free and far from the crowd. Lovers
How did Sophie’s father react when Geoff told often sat there on the wooden bench. It was a
him about her meeting with Danny Casey? perfect place for lovers’ meeting. She imagined
Ans : 2012, 2011 Casey’s coming towards her. She recollected Geoff
Geoff told his father about Sophie’s meeting saying Casey would never come.
Danny Casey. Father looked at Sophie with QUESTION 10.
sadness on his face, he did not believe it. He called 10. What does this story tell us about Sophie’s
it another of her wild stories. He warned her that brother, Geoff?
those days she would put herself into a lot of Ans : 2017
troubles because of her talks. Sophie goes to look for her brother Geoff. He is an
QUESTION 6. apprentice mechanic. Sophie finds her tinkering
6. How does Jansie’s talk to Sophie reveal that she with a motorcycle part. He travels to his work
is a realist? daily to the far side of the city. He speaks very
Ans : 2021 little. Sophie feels that when he is not speaking, it
Sophie often day dreams about her future. But is as though he is away somewhere in his thoughts.
her friend Jansie is a realist. She does not live in QUESTION 11.�
the world of dreams. She tells Sophie that they 11. Why did Jansie discourage Sophie from
were most likely to work in a biscuit factory after entertaining thoughts about the sports-star,
school. When they reach Sophie’s street, Jansie Danny Casey?
tells her to be practical in thinking. She will not O
get enough for shop work and her father will Why did Jansie discourage Sophie from having
never allow it. dreams?
QUESTION 7.�
Ans : 2017, 2011
7. Did Geoff keep his promise ? How do you know? Jansie was a sensible and a practical type of
O girl. She was a nosey girl. She had learnt from
Did Geoff keep his promise to Sophie ? How do Geoff about Sophie’s meeting with Danny Casey.
you know? She knew that Sophie was destined to work in a
Ans : 2013, 2011, 2010 biscuit factory. Moreover, Sophie’s father would
Geoff was the younger brother of Sophie who create a row and her fat mother would dislike
shared all her secrets with him. She even told him it. Therefore, Jansie discouraged Sophie from
about his meeting with Casey and got a word entertaining thoughts about the sports star
from him not to divulge any secret lest there Danny Casey.
should be any kind to trouble in the family. In QUESTION 12.
between two friends Sophie and Jansie had a talk 12. How is Geoff a part of Sophie’s day dreams?
and Sophie doubted if Geoff had told the secret. Ans : 2005
During the discussion she realised that Geoff had Geoff speaks very little. Sophie feels that when he is
not revealed anything to Jansie as the later did not speaking it as though he is away somewhere in
not know about the date bit. his thoughts. Sophie wishes her brother would some
QUESTION 8. day take to those places with him. In her imagination
8. How does Sophie’s younger brother and her Sophie sees herself riding there behind Geoff. She
mother scoff at her day-dreamings? imagines that he is wearing a new, shining black
Ans : 2005 leather dress and she (Sophie) a yellow dress with a
Sophie reaches home. Her father, mother and her kind of cap that flies out behind.
younger brother Derek are in the room. She tells QUESTION 13.�
them that if she ever gets money, she will buy a 13. Which was the only occasion when Sophie got to
good home for them. Derek says that money does see Danny Casey in person ?
not grow on trees. Her mother sighs. Ans : 2011
QUESTION 9.� The only occasion when Sophie got for see Danny
9. What thoughts came to Sophie’s mind as she sat Casey in person was when she went to watch
by the canal ? the match with her family sitting amongst the
Ans : 2011 spectators. Sophie saw Casey from a distance.
Sophie walked by the canal. She sat at the spot The power of her mind as well as fantasy was in
where she had often played in her childhood. It tune with her making a concocted story of her
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 345
QUESTION 33.�
33. What did the two school girls discuss while LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.�
coming home ?
1. Maintaining a balance between one’s fantasie and
Ans : 2009
the real world is the key to the survivial. Give
The two classmates Sophie and Jansie discussed
your opinion on sophie’s character in the light of
about finding some work after leaving school.
the above statement?
Sophie thought of having her own boutique, or to
become a shop manager or an actress or a fashion O
designer. Though both were earmarked for a In what way was Sophie’s hero worship and
biscuit factory. fantasizing at odds with her socio-economic
QUESTION 34. background ? Was she justified in dreaming the
34. How is Geoff different from Sophie? ‘impossible’ ?
Ans : 2011
O
Geoff is Sophie’s elder brother. He is an apprentice
Contrast Sophie’s real world with her fantasies.
mechanic. He is totally different from his sister
Sophie Who is a day-dreamer. She is very fond of O
her brother. He speaks very little. Sophie thinks Why did living in a world of dreams ? Describe
that she can speak her heart out to him. He some of the dreams.
symbolises to her the fulfilment of her dreams. O
QUESTION 35.�
Attempt a character sketch of Sophie as a woman
35. What was the weekly pilgrimage in the story who lives in her dream.
‘Going Places’ ? Ans : 2018, 2017, 2014, 2012, 2011
Ans : 2006 Sophie belonged to a middle class family with
Their weekly pilgrimage on Saturday was to high ambitions for future. All her dreams were
watch the United. Actually she got interested in unrealistic and fruitless. Sophie is a girl of day
Danny Casey and wanted to enjoy his game and dreaming and fantasizing nature. She had a close
watch him playing at the United on Saturday. friend named Jansie. While returning from their
Sophie with her father and little Derek sat near way back to house from school, both discussed
the goal, and Geoff went up with his friends. They their possibilities to do some job after schooling.
boost up Danny’s morale and got thrilled at his Sophie’s flight took off from boutique to shop-
scoring goal. manager to an actress-cum-boutique owner to a
fashion designer. Even then both the girls were
QUESTION 36.�
earmarked for a biscuit factory.
36. What does Sophie tell Jansie about her plan after Like every young girl, Sophie also fancied
leaving school? What is Jansie’s reaction? that the world was prepared to greet her. She
Ans :
also had in her fancies a strong feeling of knowing
Sophie and Jansie are schoolmates. Sophie lives
the unknown, seeing the unseen and even meeting
in her dreams. One day they- are coming home
and welcoming the strangers. Though her father
from school. Sophie tells Jansie that after leaving
forbade her yet she expected Geoff to acquaint her
school, she will start a boutique. Jansie tells her
to all new and strange things, people and places.
that it takes a lot of money to start a boutique.
She fancied the world greeting and applauding
But Sophie says that she will save money for that.
them.
QUESTION 37. Finally in her fantasizing she had a lover
37. Does Danny meet Sophie at the canal? Danny Casey in her mind. She visited the perfect
Ans : 2017 place for lovers and sat on the solitary wooden
Sophie goes to the canal and waits for Danny. bench under the tree. She waited for her lover
But there is no sign of his coming. She remembers coming out of shadows but there was no sign of
Geoff saying he would never come. Danny does him. She became burdened with sadness. Thus,
not come there and she feels sad and hopeless. Sophie’s real world-dreams and fantasies as well
She thinks that now she will never be able to as disappointments were all of her own creations.
show her family-members that they were wrong QUESTION 2.�
to doubt her. She wonders how she will face Geoff. 2. Has Sophie met Danny Casey ? What details of
her meeting with Danny Casey did she narrate to
her brother ?
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Ch 8 : Going Places
QUESTION 28.
United team play. Sophie, her father and little 28. What does Sophie imagine when she goes to the
Derek go down near the goal. Geoff, as always, canal?
goes higher up with his friends. United wins by Ans : 2005
two goals. The second goal is scored by Danny. Sophie goes to the canal and waits for Danny.
Sophie glows with pride and Geoff is very excited. She is again lost in day dreams. She imagines him
coming out of the shadows. She imagines her own
QUESTION 23.�
23. Write a character sketch of Jansie.
consequent excitement.
Ans : 2007
QUESTION 29.�
Jansie belonged to a middle class family. She was 29. What was Jansie’s attitude towards Sophie on
a sensible and a practical type of girl. She did not hearing about her meeting Danny Casey?
have high ambitions in life like Sophie. She knew Ans : 2010
that she was earn marked to work in a biscuit Geoff told Frank that Sophie met Danny Casey.
factory. She was a nosey type of girl. Frank’s sister Jansie was nosey. She asked Sophie
about the meeting. It surprised Sophie because
QUESTION 24.
24. What does Jansie tell Sophie when they meet the
she was doubted Sophie termed it something
next week?
secret. She felt at ease when she realised that
Ans : 2018
Geoff had not let her down.
Next week Jansie and Sophie meet. Jansie tells her QUESTION 30.
that Geoff told Frank that she met Danny Casey. 30. What does Sophie dream of?
Sophie is surprised, because Geoff had promised Ans : 2020
her not to tell it to any one. Now Sophie is afraid Sophie is a day dreamer. She dreams of starting a
that Jansie will let the whole neighbourhood boutique after leaving school. She also dreams of
know about it. Sophie tells Jansie that it is meant working as an actress.
to be a secret. QUESTION 31.�
QUESTION 25.�
31. Why did Sophie long for her brother’s affection?
25. What did Geoff mean by saying, “Casey must Ans : 2014
have strings of girls ?” Sophie was a school going girl having encouraging
Ans : 2021
ambitions for her life. Her elder brother Geoff was
Sophie wanted Geoff to promise not to tell daddy a very considerate fellow with whom she shared
about her meeting Danny Casey. He would fire all the secrets and her dreams. She had a strong
her badly. Then Geoff told her that Casey must faith in him. She saw in him her moral supporter
be having a large number of girls in his contact, as he recognised her emotions and aspirations.
and she was still a school girl. But Sophie pointed Sophie wished to know about exotic interesting
out that Casey was quiet. He did not have strings people and other unknown places. She hoped to
of girls. go there with her brother Geoff. So she longed for
her brother’s affection.
QUESTION 26.
26. Why does Sophie go to the canal? QUESTION 32.
Ans : 2020, 2018
32. Why does Jansie say, “Soaf, you really should be
Danny asked Sophie to wait for him in order to sensible ?”
get his autograph. So after dark Sophie goes to
the canal. She walks along a sheltered path. When O
she was a child, she often played at this place. Why does Jansie ask Sophie to be sensible?
There is a wooden bench where lovers sometimes Ans : 2018
come. Sophie sits down and waits for Danny. Sophie belongs to a poor family. But she is a day
QUESTION 27.�
dreamer. She tells Jansie that after leaving school,
27. What was the autograph riddle ? Could it be she will start a boutique. She tells her that it
solved? takes a lot of money to start a boutique. Sophie
Ans : 2012 then says that she will work as a manager, save
On first meeting Danny Casey at Royces’ window, money and then start a boutique. She will also
Sophie asked his autograph for little Derek. But work as an actress. Jansie is a realist. She knows
neither had paper nor a pen. In the second real that a poor girl like Sohpie cannot realize these
meeting at the Royce’s the same riddle stood dreams. So she asks her to be sensible.
unsolved-the autograph couldn’t by signed-
neither had a pen.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 347
street to go home. Her fantasizing came to a Sophie sees herself riding there behind Geoff.
stand still. She imagines that her brother is wearing a new,
QUESTION 5.� shining black leather dress and she a yellow dress
5. Every teenager must dream big. Yet the dreams with a kind of cap that flies out behind. There
should also be rooted to the ground. Write a was the sound of applause as people greet her.
character-sketch of Sophie in the light of this QUESTION 7.�
remark. 7. How did Sophie’s father react on hearing about
Ans : 2015 Sophie’s meeting Danny Casey ?
Like every teenager, Sophie had high ambitions Ans : 2020
and dreamt of having a boutique like Mary Quant. Sophie’s father was a man of gentle and considerate
She also entertained herself with the dream of nature. Inspite of his own hard- work he always
being an actress or a fashion designer. She famed helped in the chores. When Sophie’s mother
the world was prepared to great her. She had Geoff was doing some work on the motorbike had
strong feeling of knowing the unknown, seeing completed the washing of clothes, he came in and
the unseen and even meeting and welcoming the switched on the television. Then he told his father
strangers. But all her unrealistic dreams washed ‘Sophie met Danny Casey.’ He turned his head
away giving her agonies and sufferings. and looked at Sophie. Their father seemed sad
At the grass root, she belonged to a middle and asked if it was true. He did not believe what
class family. Her father had to work hard to keep he was told.
his family alive. He had a realistic approach During the conversation she ensured that
towards life and was deadly against wild dreams. Danny Casey, was going to buy a shop. Hearing it,
He always desired to keep his family happy her father became rather confused and murmured
though he was not well off. So many times, he something. He aggressively called her telling
advised Sophie to leave fantasizing. He even did another of her wild stories.
not believe in her story of meeting with Danny It was at this stage Geoff came to her help
Casey. She waited at the perfect place along the and told their father that she met him in the
Canal but he never came. Consequently she was Royce’s arcade with details. Their father knew
deeply burdened with high degree of sadness. well Geoff would support her. Therefore, he
Thus it is good to have big dreams but we must cautioned Sophie that one of those days she was
see and observe its feasibility according to our going to talk herself into a load of trouble. It was
means. a sincere advice from a father to his daughter not
QUESTION 6. to invite troubles for her because of her fanciful
6. How do Derek and his mother react to Sophie’s talks.
aspirations? How does she fantasise about her QUESTION 8.�
brother, Geoff? 8. Describe the social background and the life of the
Ans : 2006 people after your reading the story ‘Going Places.’
Sophie reaches home. Her father, mother and her Ans : 2022
younger brother Derek are in the room. She tells In the story ‘Going Places’, author A. R. Barton
them that if she ever gets money, she will buy had clearly depicted the stages of helplessness
a good home for them. Derek says that money and satisfaction in the lives of the middle class
does not grow on trees. Her mother sighs. Then people. The members of that society are shown to
Sophie goes to look for her brother Geoff. He is an be law-abiding, minding their own business and
apprentice mechanic. Sophie finds her tinkering hardworking. Sophie’s father had been working
with a motorcycle part. He travels to his work hard throughout the day and even helping her
daily to the far side of the city. He speaks very mother in her chores.
little. Sophie feels that when he is not speaking, it Sophie’s brother Geoff had travel to a long
is as though he is away somewhere in his thoughts. way for his apprenticeship everyday. The gentsfolk
These places have a special fascination for Sophie had been very sincerely and sensibly maintaining
as they are unknown to her and are out of her their family peace, progress and happiness.
reach. She thinks that perhaps there are also Sophie’s mother had been carrying on with her
exotic and interesting people about whom Geoff family chores. She looked after the whole affairs
never tells her. She wishes her brother would of her family quietly.
some day take there with him. In her imagination The girls Sophie and Jansie had been seriously
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Ch 8 : Going Places
taking up their matters relating to life. Both had who is a sports legend.
been discussing about work to be started after To create twists in something which has not
school. Even little Derek had the real brain of happened, is really very shocking because thereby
the elders on his shoulders. He was a clear and a man cheats himself and not the others. In reality
intelligent financial analyst. Even his sports her poverty, unfulfilled desires and the shattered
forecast sounded like an expert comment ‘Ireland dreams are very painful to her and she has to
will win the World Cup.’ The teenagers have carry them with her life long. In our real life too
unrealistic dreams and believe in hero worship. we pass through such experiences and thus our
QUESTION 9. unfulfilled desires become a source of sadness.
9. What does Sophie tell Geoff about her meeting QUESTION 11.�
with Danny Casey? Does her father believe her? 11. “I’ll have the most amazing shop this city’s ever
Ans : 2008 seen”. Jansie knowing they were both earmarked
Sophie finds that Geoff has an oily motorcycle for the biscuit factory, became melancholy. She
part in his hand and is frowning at it. Sophie tells wished Sophie wouldn’t say these things. With
him that she met Danny Casey in the arcade. reference to these lines from ‘Going Places’
Geoff is aware of Sophie’s habit of day dreaming. write the value of making right career choice by
So he replies that it is not true and he does not teenagers.
believe it. Sophie tells him that she was looking at Ans : 2016
the clothes in Royce’s window and Danny Casey Teenage is an important phase of a student’s
stood beside her. Still not sure, Geoff asks her academic life. It is full of challenges and
how Danny looked like. Sophie tells him that responsibilities. It is a time of day-dreaming
Danny had green and gentle eyes and he was not and achieving those dreams. Teenagers dream a
so tall. Their father comes and Geoff tells him lot about their future. Everyone thinks highly
that Sophie met Danny Casey. Her father also of themselves like Sophie, who though belonged
does not believe her. Although Geoff tells him to a middle class family, thought of having a
that it is true, yet her father is not sure if she boutique or becoming a manager or having the
really met Danny. Danny Casey is an outstanding most amazing shop in the city. There is no harm
Irish player. He is immensely liked by Sophie’s in think high. But to achieve the dream, one has
family. Now Sophie tells her father that Danny to work hard also. Something should be done to
told her that he is going to buy a shop: But her achieve the dreams. Hard work and perseverance
father says that it was another of her wild stories. will only assure the future. There’s a lot of cut-
Sophie continues telling Geoff about her meeting throat competition but one must realise one’s
with Danny Casey. She asked him if he was Danny potentials and means. They must know the value
and he looked surprised. Then she asked him for of giving something to the society. Only, then
an autograph for little Derek. But neither of them they can get something in return. The road to
had any paper or pen. However, he asked Sophie choosing a career will matter as it will depend
to meet him the next week and he would give her on the talents and studies undertaken. None
an autograph then. Sophie asks Geoff not to tell can become anybody or everybody. So, a right
anyone about her meeting with Danny. perspective, a right guidance and above all hard
QUESTION 10.� work will lead to the road of success. Sophie’s day
10. “After going through the lesson ‘Going Places’, dreaming and fantasising must not be followed.
how far do you feel that sadness and unfulfilled Stepping the foot firmly in the field is the right
desires can’t be taken longer”? explain. choice.
Ans : 2013 QUESTION 12.
In this hard competitive world, it is rather very 12. Describe in brief, Sophie’s day dreaming about
awesome to carry sadness and unfulfilled desires Danny Casey.
together. These take the mind and create tension, Ans : 2005
shock and trouble and make in all the more worse. Sophie goes to the canal in order to meet Danny.
The protagonist of this lesson has been nurturing She sits down and waits for Danny. She is again
her dreams since her childhood. She wants lost in day dreams. She imagines him coming out
to get rid of poverty by becoming a successful of the shadows. She imagines her own consequent
businessman. In order to impress, she tells her excitement. Then she comes out of her dreaming
imaginary stress of meeting with Danny Casey, and watches for him. But there is no sign of
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 349
his coming. She remembers Geoff saying he dwells in fantasising Danny Casey while she never
would never come. Danny does not come there meets with the fellow.
and she feels sad and hopeless. She thinks that
now she will never be able to show her family- EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
members that they were wrong to doubt her . QUESTION 1.
Coming through the arcade she again imagines 1. Read the following extract and answer the
that Danny is outside Royce’S. She says, “Excuse questions that follow.
me, but aren’t you Danny Casey?” He turns and Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the
says that he is. Sophie tells him that she, along biscuit factory, became melancholy. She wished
with her father, brothers watch him play every Sophie wouldn’t say these things.
week and they think him to be a great player. When they reached Sophie’s street Jansie
Then Sophie asked him for an autograph. His said, “It’s only a few months away now, Soaf you
eyes are on the same level as her own. He smiles really should be sensible. They don’t pay well for
so shyly, exposing teeth with gaps between. His shop work, you know that, your dad would never
eyes are green and they seem gentle. He says allow it.”
that he has no pen. Sophie too does not have a “Or an actress. Now there’s real money in
pen. She says that his brothers will be very sorry. that. Yes, and I could maybe have the boutique
Afterwards she waits in the arcade for a long on the side. Actresses don’t work full time, do
while. She remembers his soft, melodious voice, they? Anyway, that or a fashion designer, you
and the shimmer of his green eyes. Danny’s image know - something a bit sophisticated”.
as she saw him playing the last Saturday, flashes And she turned in through the open street
in her mind. She recollects Danny’s image moving door leaving Jansie standing in the rain.
past the defenders in the stadium. In her mind’s (a) ‘It’s only a few months away now, Soaf. You
eye she sees the spectators making a thunderous really should be sensible.’ What does this
applause when Danny scores the goal. remark by Jansie imply?
(b) Sophie’s ambitions were divorced from reality.
This means Sophie was _____.
(i) romantically inclined
(ii) realistic and practical
(iii) lived in a world of fantasy
QUESTION 13.�
(iv) incorrigible
13. The lesson “Going Places” revolves round both (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
imagination and hero-worship by the adolescent. Jansie’s comment “Your dad would never
Consequently it can be presumed that most of the allow it” suggests that _____.
teenagers have a liking for one or the other hero/
heroine. Keeping in view the lesson write a note (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
as to what extent are the teenagers justified in infer that the protagonist was ambitious and
their act ?” thought the work in the biscuit factory to be
Ans : 2019
ordinary.
Generally all the teenagers are used to dreaming
(e) Although Jansie and Sophie were close
and go on worshipping their hero in their minds.
friends yet they didn’t agree on vital things.
They often try their best to have either a meeting
An example from the extract that cements
or an autograph of them but very often their
this claim is _____.
dreams remain uncherished. They go on wasting
their time all in vain and rather become a victim (f) Which of the following headlines best suggests
of depression and mental tension which put an the central idea or theme explored by the
adverse effect on their life. To some extent it is author in the story?
good to have fantasising but it becomes a problem (i) Adolescent friendships
when one starts living among those dreams in the (ii) Making quick and easy money
real life. It generates a lot of problem, anxiety, (iii) Dreams and disappointments
embarrassment even to the family as well and the (iv) Hero worship and adolescent fantasising
same is quite true with reference to Sophie who
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Ch 8 : Going Places
Ans : 2016
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears
(a) This implies that Sophie needed to be more evidence of the use of simile by the author.
sensible and practical in life. (e) Based on the context provided in the extract,
(b) (iii) lived in a world of fantasy select the most likely explanation for Sophie’s
(c) Sophie’s father would not allow her to open a jealousy of her brother’s mysterious ways.
boutique shop. (i) Geoff’s silence filled her with doubt.
(d) Sophie aspired to have a career that would be (ii) His silence mystified her.
considered ‘sophisticated.’ (iii) Geoff’s silence worried her.
(e) She (Jansie) wished Sophie wouldn’t say (iv) She imagined that in his silence Geoff
these things. was in a world unknown to her.
(f) (iv) Hero worship and adolescent fantasising. (f) Correct the given sentence with ONE word.
QUESTION 2.�
Geoff, like Sophie is caught between the world
2. Read the following extract and answer the
he lives in and the world he wants to live in.
questions that follow. Ans : 2015
He was kneeling on the floor in the next room
(a) Geoff is introvert but practical whereas
tinkering with a part of his motorcycle over some
Sophie lives in a fantasyland for all purposes.
newspaper spread on the carpet. He was three
years out of school, an apprentice mechanic, (b) (iv) 3 and 5
travelling to his work each day to the far side (c) Geoff took his job seriously.
of the city. He was almost grown up now, and (d) Words had to be prized out of him like stones
she suspected areas of his life about which she out of the ground.’
knew nothing, about which he never spoke. He (e) (iv) She imagined that in his silence Geoff
said little at all, ever, voluntarily. Words had was in a world unknown to her.
to be prized out of him like stones out of the
(f) Geoff, like Sophie is NOT caught between the
ground. And she was jealous of his silence. When
world he lives in and the world he wants to
he wasn’t speaking it was as though he was away
live in.
somewhere, out there in the world in those places QUESTION 3.�
she had never been. 3. Read the following extract and answer the
(a) Both Geoff and Sophie are closed and distant questions that follow.
personalities. What differentiates them, “She thinks money grows on trees, don’t she,
according to you? Dad?’ said little Derek, hanging on the back of
(b) “He said little at all, ever, voluntarily. Words his father’s chair.
had to be prized out of him like stones out of Their mother sighed.
the ground.” Choose the option that states Sophie watched her back stooped over the
the characteristics of the person being talked sink and wondered at the incongruity of the
about in the above lines. delicate bow which fastened her apron strings.
1. rigid The delicate-seeming bow and the crooked back.
2. stubborn The evening had already blacked in the windows
and the small room was steamy from the stove
3. distant
and cluttered with the heavy-breathing man in
4. invincible his vest at the table and the dirty washing piled
5. reserved up in the corner. Sophie felt a tightening in her
(i) 1 and 4 throat. She went to look for her brother Geoff
(ii) 2 and 5 (a) List any two sensory details present in this
(iii) 2 and 3 extract.
(iv) 3 and 5 (b) Choose the correct option about Sophie’s
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can parents based on the extract given above.
be drawn from the facts: He was in his room (i) Sophie’s parents’ marriage was an
tinkering with a part of his motorcycle’ and example of harmony and affection.
‘travelling to his work each day to the far side (ii) Sophie’s parents complemented each
of the city.’ other.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 351
(iii) Sophie’s mother was subdued while her world rose to greet them.
father was detached. (a) ‘She was conscious of a vast world.’ This
(iv) Sophie’s father was submissive while her implies that Sophie imagined that the world
mother was domineering. was full of _____ and _____.
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. (b) The words ‘Though their father forbade it’
The sentence “Sophie felt a tightening in her refer that _____.
throat” suggests that she was _____. (i) Sophie was considered too young to
(d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one mingle with Geoff’s friends.
infer that Sophie’s mother was fatigued and (ii) her father found her too impulsive.
burdened. (iii) her father thought Sophie should go out
(e) What does Sophie run away to find Geoff? with only Jansie.
(f) Choose the option that supports the (iv) the bike ride out of town was too
contention coming through Derek’s dialogue, dangerous.
“She thinks money grows on trees, don’t she, (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Dad?”. ‘There was the sound of applause as the world
(i) Derek thought his sister to be unreasonable rose to greet them.’ The literary device used
at times. here is _____.
(ii) Sophie’s abilities to open a boutique were (d) Pick evidence from the extract that helps one
shaky. infer that this was not the protagonist trusted
(iii) Sophie was not realistic about earning her brother more than anyone else.
money. (e) What does Geoff symbolise for Sophie?
(iv) Sophie’s habit of day dreaming would not (f) ‘She was conscious of a vast world out there
let her succeed. waiting for her.’ What does this indicate
Ans : 2008 about Sophie’s view of the world?
(a) (i) The delicate-seeming bow and the crooked Sophie thought that _____.
back. (visual) (i) it is an exotic world out there.
(ii) The dirty washing piled up in the corner.
(ii) the world is a dreamland.
(olfactory)
(iii) the world is an idealistic place to be in.
(b) (iii) Sophie’s mother was subdued while her
(iv) the world out there will revolve around
father was overbearing.
her.
(c) anxious and uneasy. Ans : 2007
(d) Her crooked back and heavy sighs show that (a) glamour and excitement
she was fatigued and burdened.
(b) (i) Sophie was considered too young to mingle
(e) She was feeling suffocated with want, poverty, with Geoff’s friends.
and dirt all around.
(c) personification
(f) (iii) Sophie was not realistic about earning
(d) She saw herself riding there behind Geoff.
money.
QUESTION 4.�
(e) Geoff symbolised liberty from the monotonous
4. Read the following extract and answer the life they had been living.
questions that follow. (f) (iv) the world out there will revolve around
Though their father forbade it and Geoff had her.
never expressed an opinion, she knew he thought QUESTION 5.�
her too young. And she was impatient. She was 5. Read the following extract and answer the
conscious of a vast world out there waiting for questions that follow.
her and she knew instinctively that she would On Saturday they made their weekly pilgrimage
feel as at home there as in the city which had to watch United. Sophie and her father and little
always been her home. It expectantly awaited her Derek went down near the goal - Geoff, as always,
arrival. She saw herself riding there behind Geoff. went with his mates higher up. United won two-
He wore new, shining black leathers and she a nil and Casey drove in the second goal, a blend
yellow dress with a kind of cape that flew out of innocence and Irish genius, going round the
behind. There was the sound of applause as the two big defenders on the edge of the penalty area,
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Ch 8 : Going Places
22. Why does Sophie feel choked in the house? (d) because of the goal made by Casey
(a) because of stove’s steam and dirtydishes Ans :
(d) because of the goal made by Casey
(b) because of foul smell
(c) because of smoke 29. Who is Sophie’s younger brother?
(d) because of no air (a) Casey (b) Geoffe
Ans : (c) Frank (d) Derek
(a) because of stove’s steam and dirtydishes Ans :
(d) Derek
23. Who is Sophie’s elder brother?
(a) Geoffe (b) Jansie 30. What does Jansie ask Sophie?
(c) Dany Casey (d) none of these (a) about Danny Casey
Ans : (b) about Mary Quaint
(a) Geoffe
(c) about her dream
24. Explain- On Saturday they made their weekly (d) the reality behind her meeting with Danny
pilgrimage to the United Casey
(a) repairing stove Ans :
(d) the reality behind her meeting with Danny
(b) repairing a car
Casey
(c) repairing a cooler
(d) went to the United dutifully with a lot of 31. Why does Sophie get angry with her brother?
devotion (a) Because he revealed her secret to Jansie’s
Ans : brother
(d) went to the United dutifully with a lot of (b) he doesn’t speak to her
devotion
(c) because of his silence
25. What secret did Sophie share with her brother? (d) none of these
(a) She met Mary Quaint a famous fashion Ans :
designer (a) Because he revealed her secret to Jansie’s
brother
(b) She met Prime Minister
(c) She met Christopher 32. Where does Sophie visit to meet Casey in her
(d) She met Danny Casy a famous footballer imagination?
Ans : (a) a football ground (b) in the match
(d) She met Danny Casy a famous footballer (c) in a hotel (d) a secret place near
26. When does Sophie and her family go to watch the canal
Ans :
football match?
(d) a secret place near canal
(a) Sunday morning (b) Sunday evening
(c) Sunday afternoon (d) Saturday 33. Sophie’s dreams and disappointments are all in
Ans : her mind?
(d) Saturday (a) they all represent her imagination and nothing
in reality
27. Which game are Sophie and her family fans of ?
(b) they represent her nature
(a) cricket (b) Badminton
(c) they explain her personality
(c) volleyball (d) football
Ans : (d) they tell us her future
(d) football Ans :
(a) they all represent her imagination and nothing
28. Why did their favourite team win the match? in reality
(a) Because they played well
34. What are the advantages and disadvantages of
(b) they were united fantasising?
(c) they planned well (a) helps in dreaming big
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 353
(e) The words indicate that Jansie was a Ans : 2006
trustworthy friend. (a) Sophie reluctantly began to accept that
Danny would not come.
(f) (ii) to blow your own horn.
QUESTION 7.�
(b) (iii) an illusion
7. Read the following extract and answer the (c) She wondered how she would explain to
questions that follow. everyone why Danny had not come to see her.
For some while, waiting, she imagined his coming. (d) But we know how it was, Danny and me —
She watched along the canal, seeing him come that’s the main thing.
out of the shadows, imagining her own consequent (e) (ii) Delusional thoughts
excitement. Not until some time had elapsed did
(f) met Danny Casey.
she begin balancing against this the idea of his QUESTION 8.�
not coming. 8. Read the following extract and answer the
Here I sit, she said to herself wishing Danny questions that follow.
would come, wishing he would come and sensing And afterwards you wait there alone in the
the time passing. I feel the pangs of doubt stirring arcade for a long while, standing where he
inside me. I watch for him but still there is no sign stood, remembering the soft melodious voice,
of him. I remember Geoff saying he would never the shimmer of green eyes. No taller than you.
come, and how none of them believed me when I No bolder than you. The prodigy. The innocent
told them. I wonder what will I do, what can I tell genius. The great Danny Casey.
them now if he doesn’t come? But we know how And she saw it all again, last Saturday -
it was, Danny and me — that’s the main thing. saw him ghost past the lumbering defenders,
(a) ‘What is the writer’s purpose in commenting: heard the fifty thousand catch their breath as he
“Not until sometime had elapsed, did she hovered momentarily over the ball, and tshen the
begin balancing against this the idea of his explosion of sound as he struck it crisply into the
not coming”? goal, the sudden thunderous eruption of exultant
(b) The line, “She watched along the canal, seeing approbation.
him come out of the shadows, imagining her (a) List any two sensory details present in this
own consequent excitement,” can be best extract.
classified as: (b) The line, ‘And afterwards you wait there
(i) a fact alone in the arcade for a long while, standing
(ii) an opinion where he stood” can be best classified as:
(iii) an illusion (i) an objective fact
(iv) an assumption (ii) a subjective opinion
(c) Explain any one possible inference that can (iii) a figment of imagination
be drawn from this thought of Sophie, “I (iv) a plot point
wonder what will I do? (c) Explain any one possible inference that can
(d) Identify the line from the text that bears be drawn from the line, “And she saw it all
evidence to the fact that Sophie excelled in again, last Saturday”.
lying to herself. (d) Identify the line from the text that bears
(e) Based on the context provided in the extract, evidence to the fact that Danny Casey was
select the most likely phrase that describes too agile for the opponents.
Sophie’s mental state. (e) Choose the option listing the most accurate
(i) Wishful thinking titular justifications for the story ‘Going
(ii) Delusional thoughts Places’.
(iii) A state of euphoria 1. It describes the habits of football fans,
(iv) Disorientation of moods teams, and individual football stars.
(f) Based on the statement, “How none of them 2. It expresses Sophie’s deepest desire to go
believed me when I told them”. Complete the out with Danny Casey, the football prodigy.
sentence with a few words. 3. It is about Sophie, an idealist who often
No one believed Sophie when she told them dreams of going to various places in the
that she had _____. world.
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Ch 8 : Going Places
4. It refers to Sophie’s desire to earn success,
money and realise her impossible dreams.
(i) 1 and 2
(ii) 2 and 3
(ii) 3 and 4
(iv) 1 and 4
(f) Complete the sentence with ONE word.
The explosion of sound refers to the _____
roar of the football fans.
Ans : 2013
(a) (i) He struck it crisply into the goal. (tactile)
(ii) Remembering the soft melodious voice.
(auditory)
(b) (iii) a figment of imagination
(c) Sophie’s entire family would go to the stadium
like pilgrims to watch United play.
(d) The spectators saw him ‘ghost past the
lumbering defenders’ and post a goal.
(e) (iii) 3 and 4
(f) thundering.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 355
CHAPTER 1
My Mother at Sixty-Six
1. introduction The Old Familiar Ache Returns
When they were at the airport, they had to
Kamala Das was born in Malabar, Kerala in 1934. undergo a security check. The poet was standing
She is recognised as one of the India’s foremost a few yards away from her mother. She looked
poets. Her works are much famous for their again at her old mother. She felt deeply sad to
originality, versatility and indigenous flavour of look at the colourless, lifeless and pale face of her
the soil. She is a prolific writer of short stories, mother. Her face looked faded like the late winter’s
novels and poems. Being a sensitive writer in her moon which had lost its shine and strength. Her
works, one can see complex subtleties of human childhood fear of leaving her mother alone and
relationship in lyrical idiom. Her writings explore unattended started haunting her. She doubted
the entire gamut of human relationships from the that she may not be there for long. On the other
perspective of a woman– a daughter, a beloved, hand, she can’t even leave her plane. However, she
a wife, a mother and a non-confermist feminist. controlled herself.
In the poem the reader can realize the childhood,
youth and the old age as the natural circle of Bids Good Bye to Her Mother
human life. She appeared to be normal and rid her all worries.
She scattered smile on her face and bade goodbye
to her mother with a hollow smile. She wished to
2. summary see her old Amma again. Her words infuse a ray of
optimism both in the poet and her mother.
Poetess Travelling with Her Mother
The poetess was driving from her parent’s home
to the Cochin airport on one last Friday morning. 3. explanation
Her sixty year old mother was sitting beside her.
She was an old woman. The old lady was dozing. Stanza 1
Her mouth remained open. Her face looked pale
Driving from my parents’ home to Cochin last
and faded. It was grey like ash. It looked lifeless
Friday morning,
like a corpse (dead body). She felt troubled.
I saw my mother, beside me,
Wan, Pale Face of Her Dozing Mother doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that
The lifeless and faded face of her mother pained of a corpse and realised with pain
her heart intensely. The old lady seemed to be lost that she was as old as she looked. but soon
in her own thoughts. Unable to see her mother’s put that thought away....
deathly pale face for long, the poet looked out of Word Meaning
the car window. 1. Driving - moving and an act to drive some
vehicle
Sprinting Trees and Merry Children Provide the
Contrast and Relief 2. Beside - by the side of near
The world outside was full of life and activity. The 3. Doze - dozing a light sleep
young trees seemed running fast. The children 4. Ashen - pale and gray like ash
looked happy while moving out of their homes to 5. Corpse - dead body
play in the open. This sight made her reflect upon 6. Realised - felt
old age which is an inseparable part of human life.
7. Pain - Grief
A deep fear about her mother’s decaying health
started grieving her. 8. Put that thought away - removed her thought
from her mother
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Ch 1 : My Mother At Sixty Six
Explanation 2. A few - some
It was last Friday morning when the poetess was 3. Wan - colourless
driving from her parents’ house to the Cochin 4. Pale - yellow
Airport. Her aged mother was sitting by her side
5. Familiar - known
in a car. She was dozing and her mouth was open.
Her face was colourless and lifeless like that of a 6. Ache - pain
corpse but she was alive. There occurred a sudden Explanation
pain and fear in the mind of the poet and felt that The poet continues the event and at the airport,
she (Her mother) was really very old. Immediately they had a routine security check. Her mother
she removed this thought from her mind. went on standing a few yards away at the airport.
The poetess looked at her mother again. She
Stanza 2 looked pale and colourless like the moon of the
and realised with pain late winter. In the midst of these, the poetess felt
that she thought away, and looked but soon her old childhood pain in her heart. It was that
put that thought away, and looked out at young time when ageing never spared any one. Both
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of ageing and death were inevitable. Rather this
their homes event clearly expresses her helplessness for her old
Word Meaning mother.
1. Realised - felt Stanza 4
2. Looked - saw ..... and felt that old
3. Young - youth familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
4. Sprinting - running fast but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,
5. Merry - happy all I did was smile and smile and smile...
6. Spilling - moving out Word Meaning
7. Homes - houses 1. Familiar - acquainted, well-known
Explanation 2. Ache - pain
The poetess was deeply pained to see her mother 3. Said - uttered
like that. She (the poetess) felt that her mother 4. Soon - immediately
might have lost somewhere else in her own thoughts 5. Smile - an act of laughing
of ageing. She looked at her mother again but very
soon turned her mind from her. She looked at Explanation
the outside world. There she saw the young trees In her troubled and tensed mood, the poetess
running fast. They seemed to be hurrying fast as could only say to her mother see you again,
the speeding car. They were young in comparison Amma.” She bade her goodbye and left smiling,
to her mother. She looked at the merry children smiling and smiling. Thus on one side there has
coming out of their homes. Then she felt life and been the fear of her last time to come while on
vitality in the outside world. She realised the the other side her sympathy, hurry to depart and
natural process of ageing as well as the happy the pain leaving her alone in the old age, etc. can
world. She realised and remembered her childhood be well experienced. Rather the poet admits that
and that time when her mother was young. she sensed a pain she had experienced during her
childhood as well whenever the thought of losing
Stanza 3 her mother caught her mind. In order to cover
but after the airport’s her pain, the poet left her mother smiling and
security check, standing a few yards smiling.
away, I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear
Word Meaning
1. Security check - routine check to be done at
the airport
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 357
4. ncert textbook questions on her face to pay her mother her lasting tribute.
On the other hand, she is troubled at heart to
leave her mother alone.
THINK IT OUT
QUESTION 1.�
1. What kind of pain and ache that the poetess feels? 5. other important questions
Ans : 2018
The poetess feels pain on seeing the pale and
corpse-like face of her mother. These appears her MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
old familiar pain of childhood in her heart. She
1. Who is the poet of the poem ‘My Mother At
realises that her mother’s face has become like the
Sixty-Six’ ?
withered moon of the winter season. She feels that
‘time and age’ spare none and both are inevitable. (a) Christopher Priest
QUESTION 2.� (b) Christopher Silvester
2. Why are the young trees described as ‘springing’ ? (c) J.B. Priestley
Ans : 2017
(d) Kamala Das
In the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” the poetess Ans :
has described the youngster as springing who were (d) Kamala Das
full of life and activity. The trees were running
fast and the children looked extremely happy. She 2. What is her work known for?
felt that it was the age when the journey of life (a) for its originality, versatility and flavour of
had to start and finally had its end at the old age. the soil
QUESTION 3.�
(b) for its style
3. Why has the poet brought in the image of the
merry children spilling out of their homes ? (c) for its popularity
Ans : 2009 (d) for the expressions used
The poetess talks of various stages of life. On one Ans :
side there are merry children play and enjoy in (a) for its originality, versatility and flavour of
the sun. They represent life, vigour, continuity, the soil
power, action and carefree life. On the other
3. What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet
there is her aged mother. The continuity in the
feels?
activities of life as well as spontaneous flow of life
has been depicted by the merry children spilling (a) Losing her mother
out of their homes. (b) headache
QUESTION 4.�
(c) heart attack
4. Why has the mother been compared to the late (d) children screaming at her
winter’s moon ? Ans :
Ans : 2013, 2011
(a) Losing her mother
The late winter’s moon is calm and hazy with a
dim lustre. It loses its vitality and power. So the 4. In which languages has Kamla Das written stories
poetess compares her mother’s calm, colourless and novels?
and withered face like the late winter’s moon. She (a) English and Tamil
has become weak, wan and pale due to her age of
(b) English and Hindi
sixty-six. She has lost her vitality.
QUESTION 5.�
(c) English and Urdu
5. What do the parting words of the poet and her (d) English and Malayalam
smile signify ? Ans :
Ans : 2014 (d) English and Malayalam
After the airport’s security check, watching her
5. Name the poetic devices used in the poem.
mother standing a few yards away, she spoke,
“See you soon “Amma.” These words signify some (a) metaphor (b) similie
sort of hope. It shows some promise as well as (c) alliteration (d) all of these
expectation that she would see her mother again. Ans :
She might find her alive. So she scatters a smile (d) all of these
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Ch 1 : My Mother At Sixty Six
QUESTION 6.
mother are going in a car. The poetess is going
6. What sort of feelings pass through the poetess’s
to catch a plane. Her mother accompanies her to
mind to see her mother’s withered and wizened
the airport to see her off. She is old and weak.
body ?
Ans : 2017
She looks pale like a dead body. The poetess looks
The poetess is on her way back to Cochin from out of the car. The trees racing backwards and
her parent’s home. She is going in a car to the the happy children running out of their houses
airport. Her mother accompanies her to airport stand for life. But her mother is nearing her end.
to see her off. She is seated beside her in the car. The poetess doubts if she will be able to see her
She is dozing with her mouth open. The poetess mother again. The poetess is sad but she tries to
looks at her face. She is pale and ashen like a cheer up the old woman. She promises to see her
dead body. For a moment it seems to her that her mother again.
mother is dead. But soon she drives that thought
QUESTION 9.
9. Aging is a natural process; have you ever thought
away from her mind. Her old fear comes back that
about what our elderly parents expect from us ?
her mother would soon depart from this world.
Ans : 2018
There is no hope of improvement in her condition.
Aging is a natural process. A person becomes
Then the poetess bids farewell to her mother.
weaker as he ages, he needs support both mentally
The poetess smiles and expresses hope to see her
and physically. So, it is our duty to give our elderly
mother again.
QUESTION 7.�
parents the love, emotional support and respect
7. We know death is inevitable but we feel deeply they deserve. Our parents usually give us the best
shocked at death. With reference to the poem time of their lives to bring us up. Therefore, it is
‘My Mother at Sixty Six’, how does the poetess our moral duty to respond in kind as they age.
express her sentiment ? Loneliness is common in the elderly, and they
Ans : 2008
require companionship. The pessimistic attitude
We all know that death is inevitable and none they develop towards life can be avoided only
goes spared from her icy hands. Even the mighty if we lavish them with love, importance, and
emperors, brave warriors, priests, rishis and munis empathy. They expect their children to sit quietly
as well as common men has to face this ultimate and talk to them about what is going on in their
reality. In this circle of life there is both happiness lives, and to consider their advice when making
and sadness but troubles are greater. Being a important decisions. Their depleted vitality can
social entity, we develop our sentiments and thus be easily restored. This joy will inspire them
emotions for that particular thing. Consequently to live life to the fullest. Thus, ensuring that we
we weep at the sad demise. Love is the basis of give them the best time of their lives just as they
life and our existence in this universe. In case we once did for us when we were younger.
love someone, his or her death makes us weep. We
QUESTION 10.
10. Analyze the concept of losing our dear ones on
must not forget that this universe is the key which
account of old age in the context of the poem.
revolves on the axis of love, affection, sympathy,
Ans : 2015
kindness, sincerity and faith.
The poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ captures
Here in this poem, the poetess realises that
the natural complexities of the human mind, as
it may probably be her last meeting with her
well as the universal fear of losing our parents.
mother. She is shocked and expresses her artificial
Aging is an unavoidable part of human life that
smile under the mask of sadness. She can neither
we must accept regardless of the pain it causes in
stop loving her mother nor can her sadness end
our hearts. The poet discusses her mother, who is
because she is seeing her mother’s approaching
getting older and has a pale and weak face. Her
death. She departs with a smile by saying, “See
mother, who is sixty-six years old, is depicted as
you again”.
QUESTION 8.�
an elderly woman in need of rest. The poet recalls
8. Analyse the poem ‘My Mother At Sixty-Six’ how, even as a child, she was terrified of losing
briefly. her mother. Her fear has evolved over time into a
Ans : 2005
fear of losing her mother to death. Her attention
This poem comments on the affection of a is diverted by her mother’s failing health, but she
daughter for her aged mother. They cannot afford smiles, expressing her desire to see her soon.
to live together for long. The poetess and her
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 359
18. What does the poet’s smile signify in the poem? 25. Quote an example of a metaphor used in the
(a) Her assurance to mother and helplessness poem.
inside (a) as a late winter’s moon
(b) she has a responsibility (b) ‘Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
(c) she has to do her duty first out of their homes’
(d) she is a loving daughter (c) Driving from my parent’s home
Ans : (d) None of these
(a) Her assurance to mother and helplessness Ans :
inside (b) ‘Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes’
19. What is the universality of the theme of the
poem? 26. Quote an example of alliteration used in the
(a) death is a truth (b) Life is a reality poem.
(c) everyone is happy (d) to show old age (a) like ashen
Ans : (b) smile, smile and smile
(a) death is a truth (c) Friday morning
20. What worried the poet when she looked at her (d) None of these
mother? Ans :
(d) None of these
(a) her face (b) her broken arm
(c) her loving words (d) her declining age 27. Quote an example of personification used in the
Ans : poem.
(d) her declining age (a) sprinting trees
21. Why did the poet look at her mother again? (b) airport’s security check
(a) because she was busy (c) home to cochin
(b) because she was going away (d) All of these
Ans :
(c) because she wanted to stay back
(a) sprinting trees
(d) because of fear and insecurity
Ans : 28. Why does the poet feel scared?
(d) because of fear and insecurity (a) Because of her duties and commitments
22. Why has the poet used the imagery of merry (b) Because of her job
children spilling out of their homes? (c) Because of her children
(a) to show hope (d) Because of her mother’s deteriorating health
(b) to show happiness Ans :
(d) Because of her mother’s deteriorating health
(c) to show youthfulness of her age
(d) to show hope and happiness in children 29. Why does the poet feel parted, upset and sad?
Ans : (a) because of her fears
(d) to show hope and happiness in children
(b) because she was getting late
23. Which Rhyming scheme is used in the poem? (c) fear of missing her flight
(a) coupled rhyme (b) monorhyme (d) because of her duty towards mother and her
(c) Alternate rhyme (d) free verse own needs
Ans : Ans :
(d) free verse (d) because of her duty towards mother and her
own needs
24. Quote an example of a simile used in the poem.
30. What is the tone of the poem towards the end?
(a) familiar ache (b) like that of a corpse
(a) sad
(c) wan and pale (d) the merry children
Ans : (b) resignation with acceptance
(b) like that of a corpse (c) cheerful
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Ch 1 : My Mother At Sixty Six
Ans : 2020
should be accepted silently and there is no use
Kamala Das has presented the complex subtleties crying over something inevitable? Or do you feel
of human relationship in this poem. She realises that sentiments don’t understand the nature of
the pain and anxiety of her old-aged mother at death and sadness can’t cease? Justify your answer.
sixty-six. She feels that her mother may pass Ans : 2022
away and leave her all alone. She is conscious of According to me, death should be accepted quietly
her duty and provides her moral support to see because it is unavoidable and our minds are aware
her very soon. of this. However, our hearts are unaware of an
QUESTION 12.
unavoidable situation. It understands emotional
12. What are the poetess’ thoughts at the airport? language. It knows how to laugh and cry. We all
Ans : 2005
care about those closest to us. Love is a wonderful
The poetess and her mother reach the airport.
emotion and the foundation of life. We are
Her mother is standing a few yards away from
heartbroken when someone we care about dies.
her. After the security check she looks at her
Our mind understands that death is the ultimate
mother again. She thinks that her mother is pale
goal of life, but our sadness is understandable.
like the late winter’s moon.
Similarly, the author is aware that this is most
QUESTION 13.�
likely her last meeting with her mother. She is
13. What was the poet’s childhood fear ?
Ans : 2014, 2009
depressed, and her smile is an attempt to hide
The poet was driving towards the airport along it. She can’t stop loving her mother, and she
with her aged mother. She was deeply pained to can’t stop mourning her mother’s departure and
see her weak, wan and pale face which looked impending death.
QUESTION 2.
like a corpse. She was grievously hurt lest she
2. Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet’s
should not find her alive after her return. She
persona’s fears. Write a letter, as the mother,
also realised that in the coming years, she will
telling the daughter why she must not dwell on
also have to face such processes of life. All these
these fears.
appeared very troublesome to her.
QUESTION 14.�
You may begin this way:
14. Having looked at her mother, why does Kamala Pallipuram
Das look at the young children? Cochin, Kerala
Ans : 2017
22 August, 20xx
Kamla Das’s mother looked like a corpse. She My dear Kamala,
was aged, weak, pale and was at her age of sixty- I am writing to you because when you left me at
six. She had lost her vitality. On the other side the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by
she looked at the young children playing and how little you spoke that day ……………………….
enjoying in the sun who represented life vigour …………………………………….....… (continue)
and continuity. She realises the spontaneous flow With love Amma
of life which was likely to affect in her life after Ans : 2021
sometime. Pallipuram
Cochin, Kerala
22 August, 20xx
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.
My Dear Kamala,
1. Read the following and answer the question that I am writing to you because when you left
follows. me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right.
“but all I said was, see you soon, Amma, Judging by how little you spoke that day. I
all I did was smile and smile and smile...” understand you were attempting to conceal your
It is always painful to depart from our loved fears. You are afraid that you will lose me and
ones. Our hearts bleed but lips smile. Nothing that I will die soon. You can put your worries
is more difficult than to wear an artificial smile, to rest, my child, because I am in the prime of
notwithstanding the tragic fact that there may my health. I am actively performing my daily
not be another meeting with the loved person. chores and am not becoming tired; I am looking
Death is the ultimate goal of life. forward to meeting you soon. If everything goes
After reading the above lines and the poem as planned, I’ll be shitting near you in about a
‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’, do you feel that death month.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 361
thoughts away, she looked at the outside world her. She says that her mother looks ashen and
which was full of life, activity and vigour. She felt pale. She says that she is like the late winter
happiness. moon which is hazy. She looks like a corpse. These
QUESTION 2.� images show that she is old and weak.
2. What kind of pain does Kamala Das feel in ‘My QUESTION 7.�
Mother at Sixty-six’ ? 7. Why does Kamala Das compare her mother to ‘a
Ans : 2017 pale winter’s moon’ ?
The poetess Kamla Das feels pain on seeing
O
the pale and corpse-like face of her mother. It
Why does the poet refer to her mother as the
was a pain of separation. ‘This re-appears her
‘Late Winter’s Moon’ in “My Mother at Sixty-
old familiar pain of childhood in her heart. She
Six” ?
realises that her mother’s face has become like the Ans : 2017
withered moon of the winter. She feels that time The poetess has compared her mother to the late
and age spare none since both are inevitable. winter’s moon. We know that winter is the last
QUESTION 3.
phase of the year. At that time the moon loses
3. Where is the poetess going and who is with her ?
its magnificence and brightness. It turns weak
Ans : 2015
and its brighter rays become faint. So, in the
The poetess is going to the airport to catch a
atmosphere one can see mist and fog. In the same
plane. She is going in a car. Her mother is
way the poet’s mother has turned pale, withered
accompanying her in order to see her off. She is
and powerless. So she has rightly compared her to
sitting beside her with her mouth open. She looks
the late winter’s moon.
sickly and pale.
QUESTION 8.�
QUESTION 4.�
8. Why has the poetess brought in the image of the
4. What was the old familiar ache that the poet felt
merry children spilling out of their homes ?
when she left for the airport ?
Ans : 2005
O The poetess presents a fine contrast of happy
What were Kamala Das’ fears as a child? Why children with her old mother. They represents
do they surface when she is going to the airport ? continuity, vigour, life, power, action and care-
Ans : 2017, 2011 free life. They are coming out of their houses to
As a child, Kamala Das had a fear that she will school happily in the morning. On the other hand
either lose her mother or will be separated from her mother is sick, pale, weak and like a corpse.
her. The same feeling entered in her mind on The combination of old age with that of children
seeing her pale like corpse face. She felt much is a perfect blend of past and future.
pain at her ageing and impending death. She was QUESTION 9.
deeply hurt lest she should not find her mother 9. What does the poetess see outside ?
alive after her return. She also realised that in the Ans : 2022
coming years, she will also be passing the same The poetess looks outside. She finds that the
processes of life. young trees are racing backwards. She also sees
QUESTION 5.� that young children are running out of their
5. What does the poet’s smile in the poem ‘My homes. These images are in contrast with her
Mother at Sixty-six ‘ show ? mother who is weak and sickly.
Ans : 2018 QUESTION 10.�
The poet’s smile shows that she is trying her best 10. What childhood fear does Kamala Das have ?
to overcome the pain and the fear of the coming Why ?
age in her mind since she is witnessing everything Ans : 2016, 2010
in her mind. Further she pains that she may not As a child Kamala Das had a fear of losing
live till she returns. It is only to show her lip word her mother. She always felt and when she was
sympathy and sincere feelings but she is helpless. separated from her mother and was scared that
QUESTION 6. she might not be alive the next time she came
6. How do we know that the poetess’ mother is old back.
and weak ? QUESTION 11.�
Ans : 2011 11. Write the central theme of the poem ‘My Mother
The poetess is going in a car. Her mother is with at Sixty-Six’.
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Ch 1 : My Mother At Sixty Six
6. What is the significance of the title My Mother 12. What is the familiar ache?
at Sixty Six? (a) her childhood fear of losing her mother
(a) Poet’s fear of losing her old mother (b) her mother’s weak health
(b) Poet’s fear of moving fast (c) her duties
(c) Poet’s inability to express her feelings (d) her helplessness
(d) All of these Ans :
Ans : (a) her childhood fear of losing her mother
(a) Poet’s fear of losing her old mother
13. What do the running trees signify?
7. Which poetic device is used in “Trees sprinting-”? (a) fast moving appearance
(a) metaphor (b) simile (b) speed of the moving car
(c) alliteration (d) Personification (c) fast moving change in human life from
Ans : childhood to old age
(d) Personification
(d) none of these
8. What is the distinctive feature of the poem? Ans :
(c) fast moving change in human life from
(a) its metaphors
childhood to old age
(b) simile used
(c) alliteration used 14. Who lives at Cochin?
(d) narrative style using a single sentence in a set (a) Poet
of 14 lines (b) Her parents
Ans : (c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) narrative style using a single sentence in a set
(d) None of these
of 14 lines Ans :
9. What does this narrative style of the poem (a) Poet
signify? 15. What does ‘ashen face’ signify?
(a) differing thoughts (a) colour of face
(b) many thoughts (b) face is covered with ash
(c) contrasting thoughts (c) Pale and lifeless face of poet’s mother
(d) a single thread of thought mixed with harsh (d) to show ugly face
realities Ans :
Ans : (c) Pale and lifeless face of poet’s mother
(d) a single thread of thought mixed with harsh
realities 16. What does the poet notice outside the car ?
(a) sprinting trees and running children
10. What is the main idea of the poem?
(b) schools and roads
(a) Painful old age
(c) other vehicles
(b) discolouration of skin
(d) many people on the road
(c) carelessness of a daughter
Ans :
(d) lack of strength (a) sprinting trees and running children
Ans :
(a) Painful old age 17. What do the parting words “See you soon Amma”
signify?
11. What did the poet realize with pain?
(a) her carelessness
(a) her mother’s appearance like a corpse
(b) Her optimistic farewell full of cheerfulness
(b) she is inconsiderate
(c) she bids goodbye like this
(c) old age is pleasant
(d) she is in a hurry
(d) she has duties Ans :
Ans : (b) Her optimistic farewell full of cheerfulness
(a) her mother’s appearance like a corpse
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 363
Having said that, my child, you must accept car along with her mother. She is sixty-six. She is
that death is the ultimate reality of life. The one dozing with her mouth open. Her pale and ashen
who is bom will perish. We will all face this fate, face is like a corpse. She looks as if she were lost
sooner or later. As your guide and mentor, I would in her own thoughts of ageing. The poetess paints
advise you to face this truth head on, as it will her wan face like the late winter’s moon that
be realized in my case as well. Remember, when starts decaying and losing its brightness. At that
that day comes, I want you to remember the good time she feels her old. Familiar ache of childhood
times we had and move on with your life, not with it the life starts and with ageing it ends.
mourn. I am looking forward to seeing you soon. On the other side, the poetess wants to do
With love Amma away with the thought of her mother. So he looks
QUESTION 3.
outside and sees the young trees sprinting and
3. Give a brief summary of Kamala Das’s poem ‘My the children spilling out of their homes. All these
Mother at Sixty-Six’. activities represent continuity of life as well as the
Ans : 2014 inevitable life circle. The presence of mother also
One last Friday morning, the poetess was driving suggests the unavoidable existence of an element
from her parents’ home to the Cochin airport. of feminism in our life.
Her mother was sitting beside her in the car. She QUESTION 5.
suddenly had a look at her mother. She found 5. Imagine you are the poet’s friend. Write a dialogue
that her mother was dozing with her open mouth. exchange between yourself and the poet where the
Her face was as pale as that of a corpse. The poet latter confides in you about her fears and asks for
painfully realized that her mother is not going to your advice. What would your advice be to face
live long. This painful thought haunted her. But her fears, to ignore them or something else?
soon she tried to put it off by looking out of the Ans : 2021
car window. She saw the young trees running past Poet : Hi, how are you doing?
them. She looked at the merry children coming Friend : I am good, but you are not your usual
out of their homes. As she saw life and vitality self. What happened? You seem lost somewhere
in the outside world, the painful thought passed else.
away from her mind. Poet : I met my mother over the weekend. She is
After reaching the airport, she went through just sixty-six but was looking older than her age.
the security check. Her mother was standing Friend : Oh, they all look like that. My father is
outside a few yards away. After the security check, only fifty-nine but he already looks like seventy.
she looked at her mother again. Her face was pale Poet : Not only that, but her health was also
white like a late winter’s moon. She felt the old looking deteriorated. I had to shift over here due
familiar ache of childhood in her heart which is to professional work. It was a pain leaving her
usually felt by a child due to the fear of separation alone at home. I have not spent enough time with
from his/ her mother. But she contained herself her lately. There is so much I want to discuss with
and kept on smiling in order to conceal her her, but don’t have time
emotions. She spoke no word to her mother. All Friend : Don’t worry, she will be well. We all seem
that she said was, “See you soon, Amma” and afraid of the impending truth. But, come on, face
bade good bye to her mother with a hope to see your fears boldly. Take a week’s off and spend
her again. time with her. At least, you will not regret later
in life.
QUESTION 4.�
Poet : But, my boss will not allow me to take off.
4. What does the poetess, Kamala Das, want to You know the work pressure we have right now
convey through her poem ‘My Mother at Sixty- at the office
Six’ ? Friend : Don’t worry, I will take care of that. I
O will work overtime for a couple of days and cover
Write down the ideas contained in the poem ‘My up for you.
Mother at Sixty-Six.’ Poet : Thanks dear, you are truly a friend indeed.
Ans : 2020 I will talk to boos in the morning. Thanks and
Kamala Das is one of India’s foremost poets who good night
captures subtleties of human relationship in this Friend : So, cheer up now! All will be well. Good
poem. She is going to the Cochin Airport in a night.
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Ch 1 : My Mother At Sixty Six
(d) hopeless Ans :
Ans : (d) poet’s desperate efforts to hide her fears
(c) cheerful
36. What was the expression of the poet’s face while
31. What does the narrative single sentence style of parting from her mother?
the poem highlight? (a) satirical (b) funny
(a) Poet’s feelings (c) sad (d) smiling
(b) Poet’s insecurities Ans :
(d) smiling
(c) poet’s thoughts
(d) poet’s intertwining thoughts 37. Whose house the poet was leaving?
Ans : (a) her husband’s house (b) in-law’s house
(d) poet’s intertwining thoughts
(c) her friend’s house (d) her parents’ house
32. What does the poem revolve around? Ans :
(d) her parents’ house
(a) poet’s fears
(b) poet’s love for her mother 38. What was the poet’s childhood fear?
(c) Theme of old age (a) Parting from her friends
(d) All of these (b) Parting from her husband
Ans : (c) Parting from her siblings
(d) All of these
(d) losing her mother
33. What question arises from the complexity of the Ans :
situation in the poem? (d) losing her mother
(a) what to do in old age 39. What were the words she used while parting from
(b) how to take care of one’s skin her mother?
(c) how to drive (a) See you soon beeji (b) See you soon mata ji
(d) How to strike a balance between duties and (c) See you soon Ba (d) See you soon, amma
responsibilities Ans :
Ans : (d) See you soon, amma
(d) How to strike a balance between duties and
responsibilities 40. What pangs did she feel when she looked at her
mother?
34. How is the imagery of ‘young trees and merry (a) Pangs of knee pain (b) Pangs of stomachache
children’ a contrast to the mother? (c) Pangs of headache (d) Pangs of heartache
(a) mother is old in comparison to the trees and Ans :
children (d) Pangs of heartache
(b) mother is like ash while the trees are green
and children are happy SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
(c) like spring and autumn season QUESTION 1.�
1. What were the poet’s feelings at the airport ?
(d) Mother’s health-hopelessness and trees and
How did she hide them ?
merry children- youthfulness and hope
Ans : O
(d) Mother’s health-hopelessness and trees and How did Kamala Das’s mother look during the
merry children- youthfulness and hope drive to Cochin ?
Ans : 2013, 2012
35. What does the expression smile, smile and smile While driving her car, the mother was sitting
signify? with her. She was dozing with mouth open. Her
(a) poet was going home and was elated face was pale and ashen. She looked like a corpse.
(b) poet was happy She was deeply depressed and negative image of
(c) poet was hopeless passivity started revolving in her mind. She was
deeply depressed, if she would see her mother
(d) poet’s desperate efforts to hide her fears
alive the next time. In order to put these troubled
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 365
QUESTION 11.
brought on by old age. The body and ashes
11. In the last line of the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-
have arrived at the cremation center. The poem
six’, the word ‘smile’ is repeated three times.
expresses the poet’s fear of losing her mother,
What is its significance ?
Ans : 2012
something no one wants. She uses words and
Even after attempting to distract her from the phrases like “doze, open-mouthed,” “wan, pale as
fact that her mother was aging, the poet couldn’t a late winter’s moon,” and “wan, pale as a late
help but notice her mother’s fading face. She is winter’s moon” to describe these signs of aging.
afraid that this is the last time she will see her The poet personified young trees and
mother. However, the poet chose to conceal her children. The young trees grow quickly because
fear from her mother. The poet uses the word children are active and symbolize youth, whereas
“smile” three times in the final line to emphasize their mother’s face is pale, ashy, and corpse-like.
that, while she is afraid of losing her mother and Her youth is fleeting, and she will soon grow
is distressed by their separation, she does not let old like her mother. In My Mother at Sixty-
it show on her face. She smiles to persuade herself Six, the metaphor “children spilling” is used. A
and her mother that they will meet soon. child’s actions represent youth, and her mother
QUESTION 12.
represents old age. Youth and children are similar
12. In the poem “My Mother at Sixty-six,” how in that they are both active and not dormant, like
does the poet convey the nuance of human her mother.
relationships?
Ans : 2019 EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
In the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six,’ the poet QUESTION 1.�
Kamala Das depicts a close relationship between 1. Read the following extract and answer the
a mother and a daughter with such sensitivity questions that follow.
that the reader is moved by similar emotions. The ... that she was as old as she looked but soon
poem is written in one continuous sentence and put that thought away, and
depicts a single thread of thought interspersed looked out at Young
with real-world sights and sounds that connect to Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
the main idea of old age and death. The poet is out of their homes, ...
about to leave the airport with her elderly mother. (a) What was the thought that the poet put
Her heart is gripped by the agony of losing her away?
mother to death, but she suppresses it. The fear (i) That she would be left alone one day.
in her heart is hidden by a smile on her face, and (ii) That her mother was ageing.
she leaves knowing she will see her mother again.
(iii) That her mother was inching towards
QUESTION 13.
death.
13. Bring out the poetic devices used in the poem.
Ans : (iv) All of these
The poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” is structured (b) What does the use of word, ‘young’ in the line
as a one-sentence frame with commas. This depicts 3 of the given extract symbolize?
one chain of thought that runs throughout. (c) Select the word that WILL complete the
In her poem, My Mother’s Sixty-six, Kamla sentence.
Das uses imagery to convey her main point: aging The poet talks of various stages of life. In
is natural, and we must all go through it at some the given extract, she is comparing her aged
point in our lives. We shouldn’t worry about mother with
aging because it’s a natural process. The poet (i) sprinting trees
uses imagery to express the concepts of death and
(ii) passing sights
youth. “Trees sprinting, happy kids spilling.” The
poet explains this by drawing parallels between (iii) merry children
her mother’s age and that of trees and young (iv) all of the above
children. Similes are used, such as “ashen as a (d) State whether the given statement is TRUE
corpse’s face,” and “as a late winter’s moon.” The or FALSE.
poet likens her mother’s old age to a corpse and In the line, “Trees sprinting, the merry
the moon in winter. They represent hopelessness children spilling out of their homes”, the
and darkness. It refers to the symptoms of death phrase ‘spilling out’ implies ‘running out’.
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Ch 1 : My Mother At Sixty Six
(e) What has the poet brought in the image of the (f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
merry children ‘spilling out of their home’ ? The poet after the security check looked
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately. _____ at her mother.
The poet saw the merry children on her way Ans : 2005
to the _____ airport. (a) (ii) her mother
Ans : 2014 (b) The mother has been compared to the late
(a) (iv) all of these winter’s moon as she is very old and her face
(b) The word ‘young’ in the line 3 of the given is ashen, pale and withered. She looks very
extract symbolizes energy and vitality. dull and lifeless like the late winter’s moon.
(c) (iii) merry children (c) (iii) crystal clear
(d) True (d) True
(e) The image of the merry children ‘spilling out (e) The poet’s mother’s face has been compared
of their home’ suggests the idea of youth and with late winter’s moon.
beauty in contrast to the ashen-like pale wan (f) again.
face of the ageing mother of the poet. This QUESTION 3.�
image emphasizes the fact that the old mother 3. Read the following extract and answer the
has lost vitality, energy, charm, beauty and questions that follow.
youth. ... and felt that old
(f) Cochin. ... familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon,
QUESTION 2.�
Amma,
2. Read the following extract and answer the
all I did was smile and smile and
questions that follow.
smile... .
... but after the airport’s
security check, standing a few yards (a) What does the poem revolve around?
away, I looked again at her, wan pale (i) Kamala Das’s feelings for her mother
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old (ii) her own insecurities
(a) Who went to see off the poet at the airport? (iii) advancing old age and the expected end
(i) her aunt (iv) The poet’s journey
(ii) her mother (b) What do the first two lines tell us about the
(iii) her friend poet’s feelings for her mother?
(iv) her grandmother (c) Select a word from the following that depicts
(b) Why has the mother been compared to the the parting words in the poem.
late winter’s moon? (i) I looked at her again
(c) Select the word that will not complete the (ii) See you soon
sentence appropriately. (iii) Late winter’s moon
The meaning of the word ‘wan’ is the same (iv) Smile, smile and smile
as _____. (d) State whether the following statement is
(i) pale TRUE or FALSE.
(ii) colourless The poetic device used in the line ‘smile and
(iii) crystal clear smile and smile’ is the same the one used in
(iv) discoloured the expression, ‘familiar ache.’
(d) State whether the given statement is TRUE (e) What does the repeated use of the word
or FALSE. ‘smile’ mean?
In ‘as a late winter’s moon’ simile has (f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
been used because the poet’s mother’s pale The expression, ‘smile and smile and smile’
appearance is compared to that of a late signifies something about the poet. Through
winter’s moon. this _____.
Ans : 2009
(e) What has been compared with late winter’s
moon? (a) (iii) advancing old age and the expected end
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 367
(b) The first two lines express a deep sense of Ans : 2011
realization and an emotional reminiscence, (a) (iii) The poet realised the painful state one
that the poet is undergoing. She feels it could undergoes in one’s old age.
be the last time she is seeing her mother as (b) There was a pain in the poet’s realization
her mother has grown old. because her mother now looked as old as she
(c) (ii) See you soon was, her bodily infirmities that come with old
(d) False age were visible on her face and she was fast
approaching her death.
(e) The smile on the poet’s face exhibits the
helplessness that she is undergoing. She fails (c) (iv) talking
to express her fear or love in words to her (d) False
mother. She only manages to smile helplessly. (e) The poet put that thought away because she
(f) The poet is trying to hide her fears behind would not be able to go through with her plan
her smile. of travelling away from home if she continued
QUESTION 4.� to dwell on her mother’s old age.
4. Read the following extract and answer the (f) realisation.
questions that follow.
...I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with
pain...
(a) How can you illustrate ‘realised with pain’ as
used in the excerpt?
(i) The poet got nostalgic.
(ii) The poet was saddened at her mother’s
listlessness.
(iii) The poet realised the painful state one
undergoes in one’s old age.
(iv) The poet realised that her mother was
unfit to be brought to the airport.
(b) Why was there pain exist in her realization?
(c) Select the word that WILL NOT complete
the sentence appropriately.
The poet’s mother was sitting besides her
and______.
(i) napping
(ii) dozing
(iii) sleeping
(iv) talking
(d) State whether the given statement is TRUE
or FALSE.
The poet saw her mother sitting beside her,
open mouthed.
(e) Why did the poet put that thought away?
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Seeing her mother beside her, brought home
to the poet a painful _____.
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Ch 2 : Keeping Quiet
CHAPTER 2
Keeping Quiet
1. introduction green wars against the environment, wars with
gases and the war with firearms. According to him
Pablo Neruda (1904-1973) is the pen name of all these must be stopped. Because in these wars,
Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto, who was born in the victory is meaningless as no survivors are left
the town of Parral in Chile. His poems are full after the war. Instead of waging wars, they should
of easily understood images. He won the Nobel put on clean clothes and walk with their brothers
Prize for literature in the year 1971. He is a under the shady trees. They should cease working
widely travelled personality. Until his death, he and enjoy peace with others. This will strengthen
remained active in the political and literary arena the message of peace and brotherhood.
of his country. His poetry mostly bears the stamp
of his political activities. In the present poem, he No Truck with Death
calls for inactivity in order to maintain stillness The poet wants to point out that we should not
and silence. confuse silence with total inactivity since life is a
continuous process. Total inactivity means death.
The poet wants no truck with death because
2. summary life is what it is about. We should not keep our
lives always moving but take rest for a while and
Keeping Quiet should do nothing. A long silence can be of much
Pablo Neruda stresses the importance of keeping use to us. When we are sad and fail to understand
quiet as it can soothe our feelings. So the poet ourselves, we feel disappointment. When we
wants us to keep still till he will count upto twelve. threaten ourselves with death, we feel helpless.
He asks all the human beings not to speak a single In this peculiar moment, only a long silence can
word in any language on this earth. He further soothe our feelings and it will help in removing
asks us not to move our arms for one second. This this sadness.
state of stillness would be an exotic moment for
all of us. Let there be no rush. Even the engines Lesson from Earth
and the machines must stop for a moment. It will Again, the poet makes us remember that the
be a fascinating moment for all of us. Thus we will earth is always active. The earth teaches us that
all be together and enjoy a sudden strangeness. It stillness does not mean total inactivity because it
will be a strength of togetherness. is alive. So the poet asks us to keep quiet till he
counts upto twelve. Thus the earth is a symbol
No Harm to Whales of life under apparent stillness. It never attains
In order to force his argument, the poet urges total inactivity. Thus the nature remains at work
the fishermen not to harm the whales in the sea. even under apparent stillness and keeps the earth
He wants them to stop their work. For the salt alive. Further the earth teaches us that everything
gathering people, he urges them to cease working comes to an end and then comes to life again.
and they must look at their own hurt hands. This Thus life can become a heaven for these moments
inaction on their part will provide them peace. It when man does nothing for a while.
will be a blissful moment for them.
Stopping of Wars
For attaining peace everywhere, the poet asks
the manufacturers of war devices to stop their
working. He speaks of different kinds of wars i.e.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 369
3. explanation Word Meaning
1. Harm - damage
Stanza 1 2. Whale - a sea animal
Now we will count to twelve 3. Look at - see
and we will all keep still. 4. Gathering - collecting
For once on the face of the Earth 5. Hurt - injured
Let’s not speak in any Language
let’s stop for one second, Explanation
and not move our arms so much. The fisherman who catches fish in the far off cold
seas will not harm the whales in the sea. Even the
Word Meaning people who are gathering salt will look at their
1. Count - say numbers hurt hands. They will take care of them. Thus the
2. Still - Quiet and motionless poet advises that during inactivity, all evil will
3. Face - surface come to an end.
Explanation Stanza 4
Let us count up to twelve now and will remain
Those who prepare green wars,
silent and motionless. Let us not speak at least for
wars with gas, wars with fire
once in any language on the face of the earth. Let
victory with no survivors
us stop for a second and do not move our arms
would put on clean clothes
so much. The poet suggests to use the language
and walk about with their brothers
of silence as it would provide an opportunity to
in the shade, doing nothing,
introspect.
Word Meaning
Stanza 2 1. Green wars - war against environment
It would be an exotic moment 2. War with gas - use of poisonous gas in war
without rush, without engines 3. Victory - success
we would all be together 4. Survivors - those who are left alive
in a sudden strangeness. 5. Shade - under the shady trees
Word Meaning Explanation
1. Exotic - unusual, enticing Here the poet warns the war-wagers who wage
2. Moment - a short period of time wars against green environment (destroying
3. Rush - hurry greenery and forests) or use poisonous gas in
wars or use fire arms, they must stop the cruel
4. Engines - machines
business of killing the people. In the war all are
5. Sudden - at once killed and they get victory but there is none to
6. Strangeness - unusual see that victory. Rather they should put on clean
Explanation clothes and walk with their other brothers under
It will be an enticing moment for all of us. There the shady trees. They will do nothing.
will be no hurry. It will be the moment of without
machines and engines, etc, Thus, there will be no Stanza 5
noise. There will be a sudden strangeness and we
What I want should not be confused
will all be together to enjoy it. This deliberate
with total inactivity
silence will be free of any kind of violence and we
Life is what it is about;
will get time for introspection.
I want no truck with death.
Word Meaning
Stanza 3
1. Confused - misunderstood
Fishermen in the cold sea
2. Total - complete
would not harm whales
3. Inactivity - doing nothing
and, the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands. 4. Truck with - associate with
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Ch 2 : Keeping Quiet
(c) Select the word that WILL NOT complete (d) State whether the following statement is
the sentence appropriately. TRUE or FALSE.
The exotic moment, according to the poet, is Through ‘Fishermen in the cold sea would
_____. not harm whales’, the poet urges us not to
(i) exciting activity harm the animals.
(ii) slavery (e) What do ‘hurt hands’ refer to in the line,
(iii) beautiful moments of thoughtful silence ‘Men would look at their hurt hands’ ?
(iv) when language barriers are removed (f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
_____ is the poetic device used in ‘his hurt
(d) State whether the given statement is TRUE
hands’.
or FALSE.
Ans : 2013
If no engines work and there is no rush, a
(a) (ii) not harm the whales
strange movement will be created.
(b) Some of the other men are gathering salt.
(e) How will everyone feel at the exotic moment?
(c) (i) to be maintained
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
We can all feel togetherness by remaining (d) True
calm and feeling _____ strangeness. (e) ‘Hurt hands’ refer to the harm that the salt
Ans : 2017 is doing to his hands. Thus, men’s hands are
(a) (ii) total stillness wounded.
(b) When people sit still without speaking any (f) alliteration.
language in quiet introspection, that moment QUESTION 4.�
will be an exotic one because this will help us 4. Read the following extract and answer the
to experience a strength of togetherness and a questions that follow.
strange relationship with which humanity will Those who prepare green wars
bind itself. wars with gas, wars with fire
(c) (ii) slavery victory with no survivors,
(d) False would put on clean clothes
(e) Everyone will feel a blissful oneness at the and walk about with their brothers
exotic moment. In the shade doing nothing.
(f) sudden. (a) What does ‘Green wars’ refer to?
QUESTION 3.� (i) green colour
3. Read the following extract and answer the (ii) wars against environment
questions that follow. (iii) wars displaying green flags
Fishermen in the cold sea
(iv) wars fought in the woods
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt (b) What kind of wars are mentioned in the
would look at his hurt hands. poem? What is the poet’s attitude towards
these wars?
(a) Which activity does the poet not want the
fisherman to do? (c) Select the word that WILL complete the
sentence appropriately.
(i) not go out into the sea
The poet is deliberating upon the type of
(ii) not harm the whales wars i.e. _____.
(iii) not going sailing during storms (i) nuclear warfare
(iv) kill the other sea-creatures (ii) surgical strikes
(b) What are some of the other men doing? (iii) hand to hand combat
(c) The poet advocates the balance of nature (iv) green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire
_____.
(d) State whether the following statement is
(i) to be maintained TRUE or FALSE.
(ii) to get destroyed The poet wants the nature exploiters to adopt
(iii) to remain inactive a new approach towards life.
(iv) all of the above
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 371
Ans : 2008
(a) months of a year
The poet uses the symbol of the earth. He says
(b) hours of the day
that in winter, the earth seems to be dead. But
later in spring, it is proved that it is alive, not (c) it will help to create peace and harmony
dead. It has new colours and beauties added to it. (d) all of these
Thus the poet proves that there can be life under Ans :
apparent stillness. (d) all of these
5. What is poet’s pen name?
TRY THIS OUT
QUESTION 1.�
(a) Neruda (b) Pable
1. Choose a quiet corner and keep still physically (c) Pablo (d) Pablo Neruda
and mentally for about five minutes. Do you feel Ans :
any change in your state of mind ? (d) Pablo Neruda
Note : This is an activity to be done by each
6. What does the style of the poem symbolise, that
student respectively. He can try it to gain power
the poet used to write with?
and realization of peace.
Ans : (a) desires (b) happiness
Sit in a corner for meditation. Control your mind (c) hope (d) desire and hope
and ideas. Glance sharply on the front part of Ans :
your nose. Peep into yourself. You will attain (d) desire and hope
miraculous results. This is the best exercise to
attain peace. 7. What is the original language of the poem ?
(a) English (b) French
(c) Pali (d) Spanish
5. other important questions Ans :
(d) Spanish
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
8. What is the essence or message of the poem ?
1. Who is the poet of the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ ? (a) introspection and retrospection to be more
(a) John Keats (b) Pablo Neruda peaceful and be in harmony
(c) J.B. Priestley (d) Kamala Das (b) to prosper
Ans : (c) to be happier
(b) Pablo Neruda (d) to reach out more people
Ans :
2. What does the title of the poem suggest? (a) introspection and retrospection to be more
(a) unhappiness (b) noise peaceful and be in harmony
(c) Inactivity (d) Maintenance of
silence 9. What does the poet feel is needed to be at peace?
Ans : (a) meeting with people
(d) Maintenance of silence (b) talking with people
(c) interaction with the people
3. What does the poem speak about?
(d) Soul searching
(a) the necessity to work quietly
Ans :
(b) the necessity to introspect , understand and (d) Soul searching
have feelings of brotherhood
(c) the necessity to be happy 10. According to the poet what creates barriers?
(d) none of these (a) interactions (b) reactions
Ans : (c) fighting (d) languages
(b) the necessity to introspect , understand and Ans :
have feelings of brotherhood (d) languages
4. What does counting upto 12 signify and how will 11. Why does the poet ask people not to speak?
it help? (a) because it creates noise
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Ch 2 : Keeping Quiet
Ans : 2021 QUESTION 9.
World has become a global village due to 9. How is the poet’s appeal for keeping quiet different
transport and communication. People from all from absolute sluggishness ?
over the world are linked together by means of Ans : 2008
transportation and communication. People use In his plea for silence, the poet emphasizes the
communication technology to stay mentally importance of self-introspection in a man’s life.
connected to each other even when they are not As we face the sadness of death, he encourages
physically connected. They use various modes of us to seek a moment to understand ourselves
transportation such as buses, cars, airplanes, and and analyze our actions. The poet’s request
ships to travel from one location to another for for a moment of silence or stillness should not
business or to visit loved ones. In today’s world, be misinterpreted as a request for inactivity or
social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, complete sluggishness.
WhatsApp, Snapchat, and others have grown into He seeks a moment of silence in which
massive platforms that connect people all over the people are not preoccupied with work and can
world. reflect on their actions. This moment of silence
Due to this advancement in technology and will aid them in overcoming their difficulties and
the advent of social media, the task of keeping flaws. The poet even believes that the Earth will
quiet both may and may not be achievable enlighten men in this process, because silence is
depending on the way people perceive it. People only a moment captured where there is activity
understanding the need of introspection and under apparent stillness.
reflecting on their actions, thoughts, etc. can QUESTION 10.
through the use of social media support and 10. Elucidate and bring out what Pablo Neruda wants
promote the idea of “keeping quiet”. However, to convey through the following :
on the contrary, social media, technology and (i) Life is what it is about.
the world itself, for some people can prevent
(ii) As when everything seems dead and later
them from “keeping quiet” thus making it a
proves to be alive.
fanciful idea and more complicated to achieve in Ans : 2006
nature. Therefore, people’s perception towards
(i) Through “ Life is what it is about”, the poet
the idea and understanding of introspection and
encourages everyone to observe silence and
“keeping quiet” would be an important factor in
stand still for a while. He wishes to use this
determining if the task would be complicated or
time for quiet introspection and to foster
easy to achieve.
QUESTION 8.
greater human understanding. He does not
8. Analyze the importance of the dramatic count to imply death’s stillness and silence. After all,
twelve in ‘Keeping Quiet.’ life must go on and that normal and necessary
Ans : 2012
activities cannot be put on hold.
The poem begins with the poet’s request that (ii) Through “As when everything seems dead
a count to twelve be followed by a moment of and later proves to be alive”, the poet tries
silence. The poet associates silence with the desire explaining to people that seasons change on a
for a moment of togetherness. The poet’s request regular basis in nature. When it snows in the
to count to twelve is repeated in the first and winter, the earth appears to be dead, with
last stanzas, creating a personal space of silence no greenery, no flowering, and no movement
in the poem. The poet seeks this moment of of birds and beasts. However, this situation
silence to reflect and meditate, to share a sense of is deceptive. After about a month, the earth
camaraderie and oneness. demonstrates that it is better prepared for
The poet wishes that the fishermen would not new life. The poet thus, has related this to
kill the whales at this precise moment, and that the change in nature over the course of the
the men gathering salt would rest their injured year or our lives.
hands. The threat of global annihilation would be QUESTION 11.
eliminated. The poet wishes that at this moment 11. Explain the theme of the poem “Keeping Quiet”
we would have time for self assessment and by Pablo Neruda.
introspection. The number ‘twelve’ is dramatically Ans :
significant in representing our clock time, a real- Silence and stillness is the central theme of
life moment.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 373
(b) stillness 29. Why is the moment of silence called Exotic?
(c) greenery (a) because of the beautiful scenery around
(d) prosperity (b) because of the gathering
Ans : (c) because of large gathering
(a) perseverence and new beginning from
(d) because of perfect peace and harmony
seemingly stillness Ans :
24. What is always alive even when everything seems (d) because of perfect peace and harmony
to be dead or still? 30. What would everyone feel at that exotic moment?
(a) mountains (a) happy
(b) rivers (b) content
(c) Sun (c) dancing
(d) Earth and nature are always alive (d) strange blissful oneness
Ans : Ans :
(d) Earth and nature are always alive (d) strange blissful oneness
25. Why does the poet request people to keep quiet? 31. How long is the poet expecting everyone to stay
(a) to maintain silence still?
(b) to avoid noise (a) for 10 minutes
(c) to be friendly (b) for 12 minutes
(d) in the hope of becoming more thoughtful and (c) for 15 minutes
peaceful (d) for 1 second till we count 12
Ans : Ans :
(d) in the hope of becoming more thoughtful and (d) for 1 second till we count 12
peaceful
32. Why is the poet asking everyone not to speak any
26. What does the poet want people to do for one language?
second?
(a) to avoid noise
(a) to sing
(b) to avoid loud voices
(b) to close eyes
(c) to avoid people
(c) to stand quietly
(d) to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings
(d) to be silent and motionless Ans :
Ans : (d) to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings
(d) to be silent and motionless
33. What is the poet expecting from fishermen?
27. How can the moments of no activity help people?
(a) to find more fish
(a) they will be healthy
(b) to go deeper into the sea
(b) they will be happy
(c) to think and stop harming the fish
(c) they will work easily
(d) none of these
(d) to relax and be more thoughtful Ans :
Ans : (c) to think and stop harming the fish
(d) to relax and be more thoughtful
34. While gathering salt, what will happen to the
28. What will happen if there are no engines and no man if he keep silent for a moment?
crowd?
(a) he will stop dropping it
(a) noise will be lessened
(b) he will look at the ground
(b) no crowd on roads
(c) he will walk carefully
(c) no traffic rush
(d) he will think of the harm the salt is doing to
(d) it will create a perfect, happy moment his hands
Ans : Ans :
(d) it will create a perfect, happy moment (d) he will think of the harm the salt is doing to
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Ch 2 : Keeping Quiet
(b) he doesn’t like noise (d) To be peaceful, thoughtful and have feelings
(c) it makes things unpleasant of brotherhood
Ans :
(d) because it creates barriers or obstacles in the
(d) To be peaceful, thoughtful and have feelings
form of misunderstanding amongst people
Ans : of brotherhood
(d) because it creates barriers or obstacles in the 18. Not move our arms’ what does this expression
form of misunderstanding amongst people refer to?
12. What is the rhyming scheme used in the poem? (a) sit quietly
(a) enclosed rhyme (b) Monorhyme (b) stand quietly
(c) sonnet (d) Free verse (c) to be inactive
Ans : (d) sitting still without any movement
(d) Free verse Ans :
(d) sitting still without any movement
13. How is keeping quiet related to life and can change
attitude? 19. Why is silence treated as a big issue?
(a) it helps to think and search soul (a) it helps to search our soul
(b) helps to scratch one’s soul (b) helps us to analyze our actions
(c) helps to develop new thinking process (c) helps us to be thoughtful and find our true
(d) All of these self
Ans : (d) All of these
(d) All of these Ans :
(d) All of these
14. How will keeping quiet protect our environment?
(a) by creating peace and brotherhood feelings 20. What should not be confused with total inactivity
(b) no noise will be there or death?
(c) people will not fight (a) no movement (b) a statue
(d) none of these (c) talking people (d) Stillness and silence
Ans : Ans :
(a) by creating peace and brotherhood feelings (d) Stillness and silence
15. What is destroying the environment? 21. What can be a cure or an antidote to violent
actions?
(a) unthoughtful actions
(a) speaking practice (b) wise words
(b) violent actions
(c) polished language (d) Practice of silence
(c) speaking without thinking
Ans :
(d) All of these (d) Practice of silence
Ans :
(d) All of these 22. What is the sadness in the poem that the poet
speaks about ?
16. What does number 12 represent?
(a) violence because of unthoughtfulness of the
(a) hours of the day and months of a year people
(b) earth (b) unnecessary movements
(c) clock (c) speaking aloud
(d) cricket players (d) fighting
Ans : Ans :
(a) hours of the day and months of a year (a) violence because of unthoughtfulness of the
people
17. What does the poem Keeping Quiet teach us?
(a) how to maintain silence 23. What does the earth symbolise?
(b) not to make noise (a) perseverence and new beginning from
(c) speaking creates noise seemingly stillness
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 375
need for introspection are uselessly waging war that war industry and violence should come to
against our brothers and bringing disaster. Let an end.
us introspect ourselves calmly and create mutual QUESTION 11.�
understanding. 11. What is the exotic moment the poet Pablo Neruda
QUESTION 6. wishes for ?
6. Why does the poet want the war industries to Ans : 2017, 2014, 2012
suspend their production ? Poet Neruda wishes to have total inactivity.
Ans : 2009 Unnecessary rush and hurry have troubled and
The poet wants that the war industries should tensed all of us. The noise of machines creates
suspend their production of weapons and lethal disturbance when everything is at rest, it will be
gases. If it happens, there will be no wars. The an exotic moment. It will give us unusual feeling
poet thinks that wars are meaningless because in and all will enjoy sudden strangeness. All will feel
the lethal wars of future, no survivors will be left. one with all others and leave aside all the selfish
QUESTION 7.� ends.
7. How is the Earth a source of life when all seems QUESTION 12.
dead on it ? 12. What will happen when people suspend their race
Ans : 2017 for power and wealth ?
The poet wants to ensure that there is life even Ans : 2007
when all seems to be dead. He quotes an example The poet says that if people can spare some time
of the mother earth which is perennially active to rise above the race for power and wealth, they
and free not participating in her varied activities. will gain a lot. Then they will be able to sit at rest
It remains washing round the clock. The earth is and relax. They will become free from tension and
a living symbol as when everything seems to be fear. People face problems, because they never
dead, the earth proves to be alive. The nature try to look within and analyse themselves. Today
remains at work and keeps the earth alive. man fails to understand himself. He threatens
QUESTION 8. himself with death.
8. What does the poet want the fisherman, the salt QUESTION 13.�
gatherer and war makers to do ? 13. According to the poet Pablo Neruda what is that
Ans : 2005 human beings can learn from nature ?
The poet wants that the fishermen would not kill Ans : 2014, 2013
the whales. The salt gatherer will cease his work We must not forget that nature is a fine teacher. It
and will get time to look at his bleeding hands. teaches a lot of things to all of us. We must learn
He wants that the war makers should come out that all things are bound together and depend on
in their best clothes and walk hand in hand with each other for their survival. We should introspect
their brothers under the shady trees. ourselves by remaining calm and composed. So,
QUESTION 9.� it teaches us to be quiet and still. It is no use to
9. What will mean by counting upto twelve and hinder others. We should grow and develop at our
keeping still help us achieve ? own place. We must be contended with what we
Ans : 2015 possess. There is no need for greed. The nature
According to the poet, we should stop all our always remains alive.
activities for a moment. Let us give up using QUESTION 14.
all our machines and engines for a short while 14. Why does the poet feel that we should not be so
because most of our troubles are due to our hurry single-minded ?
and becoming rash. We should do introspection Ans : 2021
and keeping still will pave our path for peace. The poet says that the man of today is single-
QUESTION 10. minded. He has joined the race for wealth, comfort
10. What does the poet make clear about suspension or power. Because of this race, we have no time
of activities ? for introspection. We should spare some time to
rise above this race. Then we will be able to relax
Ans : 2010
and enjoy peace of mind.
The poet makes it clear that he does not suggest QUESTION 15.�
total inactivity. Action is the hallmark of life and 15. Write down the central theme in the poem
inaction means death. The poet does not want to “Keeping Quiet.”
have any association with death. He only wants
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Ch 2 : Keeping Quiet
his hands SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.�
35. What does hurt hand refer to ? 1. Which images in the poem, “Keeping Quiet”
(a) Growing needs of the man show that the poet condemns violence ?
(b) growing greed of man O
(c) unfulfilled desires What are green warns ? Who wage them and with
(d) growing insensitivity of man to pain what result ?
Ans : Ans : 2017, 2014
(d) growing insensitivity of man to pain The poet condemns violence by presenting the
image of war-wagers who wage wars against green
36. How will silence benefit the man and nature? environment and humanity. There is the use of
(a) both will be friends poisonous gases and arms against our brothers
(b) man will know nature better and the people are killed. Here the poet condemns
(c) man will be healthy that there is none to see that victim. So, he
condemns violence.
(d) man will stop hurting nature and both will QUESTION 2.
heal themselves 2. What does the poet suggest at the beginning of
Ans :
the poem ?
(d) man will stop hurting nature and both will Ans : 2020
heal themselves The poet suggests that we all should suspend
37. Which images in the poem show that the poet our activities and stand till he counts twelve. He
condemns or hate violence? wants that all people on the earth should keep
quite for some time. They must not speak in any
(a) fishemen not harming whales
language, stand motionless and do not move even
(b) wars leaving behind no survivors to celebrate their arms.
(c) poet’s refusal to deal with death QUESTION 3.�
(d) All of these 3. What is the sadness the poet refers to in the poem
Ans : ‘Keeping Quiet’ ?
(d) All of these Ans : 2014
In the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, the poet refers to a
38. What symbol from nature the poet uses to prove very specific kind of sadness which we have created
that keeping quiet is not total inactivity? ourselves through our own actions and thinking.
(a) Earth (b) Soil We are waging wars against green environment.
(c) Sun (d) Nature and earth We are using poisonous gases in fire arms and
Ans : the wars. In reality we have ourselves started the
(d) Nature and earth process of killing the people. This is the ‘sadness’
that the poet is pointing out here in the poem.
39. What are the different kinds of wars mentioned
QUESTION 4.
in the poem?
4. Why will the moment of quietness a historical
(a) War against nature moment, according to the poet ?
(b) War against humanity Ans : 2022
(c) War with gases and fire According to the poet, this moment of quietness
(d) All of these will be a historical moment. It will be fascinating
Ans : for all of us. No trains, no cars and no machines
(d) All of these will move. All the people will be suddenly united.
All people will agree on this point and will forget
40. How does the poet perceive life? their differences.
(a) as silence QUESTION 5.�
5. What does the poem, “Keeping Quiet” teach us ?
(b) as stillness
Ans : 2015
(c) a noisy place The poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ teaches us to realise
(d) a continuous evolution of nature the value of collectiveness. It stresses the
Ans : importance of mutual understanding and a dire
(d) a continuous evolution of nature
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 377
Ans : 2020
will pass from their feet. Without minding any
Poet Pablo Neruda in his poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ ceaseless noise and avoidance of perennial peace
is asking all of us on this earth to keep silent of mind. We are proceeding on and on. We fail to
and still for a moment. He tells it is the first think the utility of this distorted state of den and
requirement of calm self-introspection. Through noise. We are living in the midst of noise pollution
calm self introspection we can attain a state of of various kinds and there is no respite from it.
‘self-realisation’. This state of knowing ourselves This noise is quite irritating and full of disastrous
creates us a feeling of mutual understanding consequences. Thus we are all overtaking one
among human beings. another as we want to win in materialism. This
Through this stage of momentary silence noise is so troubling that we want to get rid of it.
and stillness, we try the stage of ‘know thyself. So we try our best to search ways and means to
It further gives us the real meaning and real aim find peace and tranquility.
of life. It is only then we know, ‘life is life’ which In this regard, the poet stresses the need of
is full of activities, dynamism and liveliness. We retrospection and introspection. He propagate
get rid of our sadness of life and also of the fear to search within ourself the remedy of all this
of death. trouble. He asks to keep silent and stop all our
QUESTION 4.�
activities for a while in order to produce peace
4. What specific ideas does the poet present before
and calmness. We need not go anywhere but there
us in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet”?
is an urgent need to sit together and stop all our
Ans : 2007
activities and meditate to attain peace. We have
Pablo Neruda stresses the importance of stillness
to stop this rapid rat race to achieve peace. This
and the need of quiet introspection. There
is the only way to get peace and comfort among
is a great need of creating a feeling of mutual
all.
understanding among human beings. He urges
QUESTION 6.
neither to talk nor to make movements of arms.
6. In a world that is constantly running after ‘more’
He asks to stop hurry and the working of machines
chasing the next new thing, would it be fair to
for a moment. He even asks the fishermen and
think of Neruda’s call as merely a fanciful idea?
the salt gatsherers to stop working. He is against Ans : 2021
wars because the victory is meaningless without Yes, Neruda’s call is good, but it is more fanciful
the survivors. Rather he urges the different war- in character. However, if we are able to remain
wagers to come together and go out for a walk silent, it will have two effects on life in and around
with their brothers. It will create a feeling of the sea.
mutual understanding. The fisherman will avoid killing whales, or
The poet further says that we should not any other animal for our own benefit for a while
confuse stillness with total inactivity Total by remaining silent.
inactivity would amount to death as the poet has Additionally, salt gatherers will have time to
no association with death. He wants silence for a heal their injured hands, tend to them and not
while which can soothe our feelings and helps us overwork and simply rest for a while.
in removing the sadness. We must learn a lesson Moreover, man will not harm nature during
from the earth which always remains alive though this period of silence, and both humans and
everything seems dead. Thus the life goes on the nature will have time to attend to and heal their
earth under apparent stillness. wounds.
QUESTION 5.� As a result, everyone will have more time to
5. In the poem “Keep Quiet”, the poet stresses on reflect on themselves, nature or the past and the
the significance of remaining silent for attaining decisions taken by them.
peace. On the other hand we also arrange trips, QUESTION 7.
visit temples, see priests and yogis on this 7. The world has become a global village, and people
account. In your view why there is an urgent need across boundaries, nationalities and communities
to remain silent and still for some time. are now connected to one another. With the
Ans : 2009 advancement of technology, and the advent of
Today we are inhibiting in a world of complex social media, do you think that the task of keeping
competition which is full of rashness, impatience, quiet, as envisaged by Neruda, has become easier
selfishness noise. All are in a hurry as if the world or more complicated? Justify your stance.
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Ch 2 : Keeping Quiet
O Second, Neruda’s idea of stillness can be
Why does Pablo Neruda ask all the human beings pitched to political parties, who can incorporate
to keep quiet ? it into their political doctrine.
Ans : 2020 Third, on a cultural level, stillness and silence
Pablo Neruda asks all the human beings to stop can be adopted through a grassroots movement
all our worldly activity for a while and spend our that starts with public Stillness Clubs (where
few moments in quiet introspection. It will keep people go to stay still and silent), and then
us to understand ourselves. We are in trouble spreads to businesses and neighborhoods.
because we always remain in hurry and rush. Let Ideally, stillness and silence should be taught
us withdraw ourselves from all undesirable actions at home and from childhood on, and then spread
and remain quiet. It will bring all together and a throughout the world.
feeling of understanding will develop.
QUESTION 2.
QUESTION 16.
2. The last two years of school tend to be about
16. Why do men become sad, according to the poet ?
Ans : 2013
planning for life after school. This can be
Today man is busy in the race of power and motivating, overwhelming or encouraging for
wealth. He has no time to look within himself. some, and stressful for others.
When people realise the futility of all this, they Write a diary entry recording your thoughts on
become sad. If man relaxes and suspends his the following:
activity for some time, he will get peace of mind. Neruda’s ideas in ‘Keeping Quiet’ as a guide in
Then he can get rid of his sadness. this situation.
QUESTION 17.�
Thinking differently about your decisions with
17. Which symbol from nature does the poet invoke reference to Neruda’s ‘Keeping Quiet’.
that there can be life under apparent stillness ? Ans : 2021
Ans : 2015
23rd of July, 20XX
The poet does not want us to confuse stillness Dear Diary,
with total inactivity. There is life under apparent There are many things I want to do and
stillness. He quotes an example of the earth which accomplish in my life after I finish school. I have
is active round the clock. Thus the poet involves many goals, but the two most important are to be
the earth as a living symbol to prove his point. content and successful.
When everything seems dead, the earth proves I want to be happy because if I am unhappy
to be alive. Under apparent stillness, the nature in life, no amount of money or fame will help. For
remains at work and thus keeps the earth alive. me, success is simply accomplishing something
I’ve always wanted to do. That in and of itself is
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS a significant accomplishment. First and foremost,
QUESTION 1.
I plan to attend college and law school. I’m not
1. It could be said that the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ sure what will happen next, or if it will happen
presents the poet’s philosophy for a different kind at all, because I can’t really plan my life. There
of world. If you were asked to highlight elements are numerous obstacles that may prevent me from
of Neruda’s vision that resonate in your specific achieving my goals.
social, political and cultural context, which three Getting into a good college and law school
main ideas would you engage with? Use relevant are two of the challenges. Being a lawyer requires
textual details to support your analysis. extensive study, hard work, and determination.
Ans : 2021 However, life often takes unexpected turns. What
Pablo Neruda envisions a beautiful world in I intend to do today may differ from what I intend
which silence and stillness become commonplace, to do in a few years. I intend to achieve my goals.
and self-awareness reduces environmental conflict Keeping quiet will always allow me to regain my
and war. composure, giving me the strength to reflect and
Neruda’s vision can be applied in various social, make the best decisions for myself and society.
political, and cultural contexts. For example, his
Tarun Kumar
suggestion to remain silent can be applied in QUESTION 3.�
a social setting. Under any circumstances, all 3. What does the poet ‘Pablo Neruda’ aim us to
professionals would be instructed to remain still, achieve through his poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ ?
silent, and calm.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 379
the poem “Keeping Quiet” by Pablo Neruda. (iii) It creates noise.
Adopting silence and stillness in our lives, even (iv) There are less chances of infection.
if only for a short time, is essential, according (b) State whether the given statement is TRUE
to the poet, because it allows us to reflect on or FALSE.
ourselves and the world. This will put us on a The poet wants us to do nothing and remain
meaningful path in life, first on an individual inactive for one second.
level and then on a societal level. When we begin
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
working towards self-actualization, our focus
“Not move our arms” in the given extract
shifts from the outside to the inside. As a result,
refers to _____.
individuals and nations will live in peace and
harmony. However, for this to happen, the poet’s (d) During counting to twelve, the poet wants us
recommended silence and stillness must not be to remain _____.
mistaken for complete inactivity. The poem also (e) In the given extract the poet has used
has a secondary theme, i.e., Introspection. We can (i) heroic couplet
only achieve the perfect Utopian world described (ii) blank verse
in the poem through introspection and reflection. (iii) metaphor
QUESTION 12.
12. Analyze the poetic devices that the poet adopts (iv) simile
in the poem. (f) Select the option that is NOT TRUE.
Ans : (i) When we stop for a second, we get an
The poet uses repetition in the lines ‘let’s not opportunity to introspect our follies.
speak’ and ‘let’s stop for one second’ to create (ii) During this moment, we will forget our
a poetic emphasis on his readers. Even the differences and experience a strength of
phrases ‘count to twelve’ and ‘count up to twelve’ togetherness.
are symbolic, as the poet requests silence for a (iii) We will realize the harm we are causing
second time. The word ‘twelve’ represents a unit to the world with our words and actions.
of time that corresponds to our clock time in real
(iv) We should always remain lazy.
life, capturing a snapshot of our current time.
Ans : 2007
The phrases ‘hurt hands’ and ‘clean clothes’ are
examples of alliteration. The word ‘brothers’ in (a) It gives the people time to introspect their
the poem denotes brotherhood, and synecdoche actions.
is employed by using a concrete object rather (b) True
than an abstract concept. The poet also employs (c) sitting still and not using any weapons.
metaphor in ‘put on clean clothes,’ urging (d) quiet
warmongers to remove their blood-stained clothes (e) (ii) blank verse
(i.e., cease fighting) and put on new clothes (i.e.,
(f) (iv) We should always remain lazy.
follow brotherhood).
QUESTION 2.�
2. Read the following extract and answer the
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS questions that follow.
QUESTION 1.�
It would be an exotic moment
1. Read the following extract and answer the
without rush, without engines,
questions that follow.
we would all be together
Now we will count to twelve
in a sudden strangeness.
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth (a) What does ‘it’ signify in the first line?
let’s not speak in any language, (i) the surroundings
let’s stop for one second, (ii) total stillness
and not move our arms so much. (iii) being in the nature’s lap
(a) Why is the poet asking the people not to (iv) all of the above
speak? (b) What is the exotic moment referred to in
(i) It gives the people time to introspect the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ ? What makes it
their actions. exotic?
(ii) The poet doesn’t like talkative people.
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Ch 2 : Keeping Quiet
Explanation Explanation
The poet said that he is advising for silence. It The poet tells the human beings that we can learn
should not be confused with total inactivity. Here a lesson from the earth. When everything seems
we must understand that doing nothing does not to be dead, only the earth always remains alive. It
pertain to total inactivity because total inactivity never dies. Now the poet will count up to twelve
means death. The poet has no association with and asks us to keep quiet. Then the poet will
death because life is an on-going process. It cannot go out from there. Thus, the poet spreads the
come to a standstill under any circumstances. message of stillness and peace for the mankind.
Stanza 6
If we were not so single minded 4. ncert textbook questions
about keeping our lives moving
and for once could do nothing THINK IT OUT
perhaps a huge silence QUESTION 1.�
might interrupt this sadness 1. What will counting upto twelve and keeping still
of never understanding ourselves help us achieve?
and of threatening ourselves with death. Ans : 2017
According to the poet, we should stop all our
Word Meaning
activities for a moment. Let us give up using
1. Simple-minded - mind focused on one thing
all our machines and engines for a short while
2. Moving - keep in motion because most of our troubles are due to our hurry
3. Perhaps - possibly and becoming rash. We should do introspection
4. Huge - long and keeping still will pave our path for peace.
5. Interrupt - disturb QUESTION 2.�
6. Threatening - causing a threat 2. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity
Explanation and death ?
Ans :
The poet tells that a long silence can do us a
The poet Pablo Neruda does not advocate total
lot of good. We should not focus only on one
inactivity and death. We should not confuse total
thing i.e. on our own self. We should keep our
inactivity with stillness. Total inactivity brings
lives moving. We should do nothing for once. We
death while stillness entails rest for a moment so
should learn to have rest. For once doing nothing
that we can have calm introspection. The poet
may be good for us and bring silence. When we
wants no truck with death. Stillness will keep us
are sad, it is because we have failed to understand
start out activities again in a purposeful way.
ourselves and sometime we threaten ourselves
with death, then it is the long silence that can be QUESTION 3.�
of good to us. Hence, the silence has got optimum 3. What is the “sadness” that the poet refers to in
importance. It will help us overcome our fear of the poem ?
death which is an inevitable aspect of existence. Ans : 2014
Here the poet refers to the ‘sadness’ which we
Stanza 7 form out of our own thinking and action. We
Perhaps the Earth can teach us understand a lot of things but does not understand
as when everything seems dead himself and his action. His rush and hurry cause
and later proves to be alive us troubles. He is bent up creating wars against
Now I’ll count up to twelve humanity. He is the creator of all disasters. This is
and you keep quiet and I will go. the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem.
Let us introspect ourselves calmly .and create
Word Meaning
mutual understanding.
1. Dead - lifeless
QUESTION 4.
2. Seems - looks
4. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke
3. Later - that comes after to say that there can be life under apparent
4. Alive - living stillness?
5. Quiet - silent
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 381
(e) What images in the poem show that the poet (iii) encouraging
condemns violence? (iv) friendly
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately. (d) State whether the following statement is
The poetic device used in the poem is TRUE or FALSE.
_____. In the expression, “I want no truck with
Ans : 2011 death”, the poet assures that he does not
(a) (ii) wars against environment advocate death.
(b) Different wars are mentioned in the poem like (e) What is the tone of the poet in the expression,
green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, etc. “perhaps a huge silence, might interrupt this
The poet feels that these chemical nuclear sadness”?
wars and the war that man wages against (f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
nature will lead him towards his doom. The poet advocates death because he has a
(c) (iv) green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire firm belief in _____.
(d) True Ans : 2006
(e) The images in the poem that show the poet (a) (iv) give a clarification to the readers
condemns violence are that, he is totally (b) According to the poet, lack of understanding is
against alienation among communities, races to be blamed for the condition of threatening
and violence. The poet is against chemical ourselves with death.
and nuclear wars which leave no survivors. He (c) (ii) critical
wants to bring all the destructive activities to (d) True
a standstill.
(e) The poet is unsure yet optimistic.
(f) free verse.
QUESTION 5.�
(f) life.
QUESTION 6.�
5. Read the following extract and answer the
6. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
questions that follow.
What I want should not be confused with total
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
inactivity.
as when everything seems dead
Life is what it is all about;
and later proves to be alive.
I want no truck with death.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
If we were not so single-minded
and you keep quiet and I will go.
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing (a) What does the earth teach us?
Perhaps a huge silence (i) To be active
might interrupt this sadness (ii) Remain still but not inactive
of never understanding ourselves with (iii) Be in harmony with nature
death. (iv) All of the above
(a) The poet’s intention in the first line is to (b) State whether the following statement is
(i) give warning to the readers TRUE or FALSE.
(ii) give right direction to the readers The poet counts till 12 seconds to quieten us.
(iii) give choice to the readers (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(iv) give a clarification to the readers The whole humanity needs to learn a lesson
(b) Who is to blame for the condition of from _____.
threatening ourselves with death, according (d) In this extract, the poet wants us to learn
to the poet? from _____.
(c) Select the word from the following options to (e) The poet is pleading to the human beings to
complete the sentence. keep quiet for just _____.
The tone of the poet in the expression, “If we (i) twelve seconds
were not so single minded...” is _____. (ii) forty seconds
(i) regretful (iii) twenty seconds
(ii) critical (iv) ten seconds
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Ch 2 : Keeping Quiet
(f) Select the option that is NOT TRUE with
reference to the context.
(i) People will get much needed time for rest.
(ii) People will have time to introspect.
(iii) There will be no rush and hurry.
(iv) It will not give us an opportunity to
understand each other.
Ans : 2009
(a) (iv) All of the above
(b) True
(c) Earth
(d) nature
(e) (i) twelve seconds
(f) (iv) It will not give us an opportunity to
understand each other.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 383
CHAPTER 3
A Thing of Beauty
1. introduction Boon to Humanity
In spite of all these sufferings, some beautiful
John Keats (1795-1821) was a British romantic things remove the cover of sad feelings from our
poet. Although trained to be a surgeon, he hearts. All beautiful things of nature are a boon
decided to devote himself completely to the to humanity and cast an enchanting spell.
poetry. He delights his readers through the gift
of his language. He sees beauty in everything and The Magical Spell of Beauty
he writes ‘A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever’. The sun, the moon and old and young tree are
“A Thing of Beauty” is an excerpt from his poem sources of happiness. They provide a shady shelter,
“Endymion: A Poetic Romance”. The poem is which is a boon for simple sheep. The beauty of the
based on the classical Greek myth in which a daffodils growing in postures and the clear water
young shepherd prince, Endymion had a vision of of the rivers gives a cooling experience. Small
the Moon Goddess, Cynthia. Cynthia descended streams with transparent water make a cooling
from heaven to kiss her beloved Endymion who shelter of thickets to protect themselves from the
lived on Mount Latmos in Caria. The enchanted hot season. Bushes are growing in the middle of
youth pledged to seek her out and so he wandered the forest. Thus the poet sees the magical spell of
through the forest and down under the sea. For beauty in all objects of nature. They have been
Keats, ‘Beauty was Truth and Truth Beauty. made more beautiful and grand by a sprinkling of
blooming musk roses.
2. summary The Mighty Dead
This magnificence and beauty can also be
A Thing of Beauty experienced in the grandeur of death of these
A thing of beauty is a constant source of joy. mighty forefathers and powerful kings and knights
Its beauty keeps on increasing. It never fades. It who made supreme sacrifices and died noble
will never pass into nothingness. It provides us a deaths. These beauties of nature are lovelier than
pleasant shelter–a quiet bower for us. It gives us all lovely tales that we have heard or read. Nature
peace and a sleep full of sweet dreams. We are is an endless fountain. It pours into our hearts an
bound to the beauties of the earth. Beauty leaves immortal drink from the heaven’s brink above.
an everlasting imprint on our minds and it cannot
be reduced to nothingness. These memories bind 3. explanation
us to the earth.
Gloomy Life Stanza 1
We suffer from malice and disappointment as A thing of beauty is a joy forever
these are the integral part of life so we suffer from Its loveliness increases, it will never
pain. We lack good human qualities and noble Pass into nothingness; but will keep
natures. We have some sad days also. All these A bower quiet for us, and. a sleep
things make our life gloomy. We also develop Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet
unhealthy and evil ways that cause us suffering breathing.
and pain. We try and struggle to come out of this
Word Meaning
gloom but the beauty drives away all the sadness
1. Forever - perennial, always
and gloom.
2. Joy - happiness
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Ch 3 : A Thing of Beauty
The Sun, Moon, and both old and young regarding this with your friend who believes that
trees provide a serene atmosphere. The endless physical beauty defines a person. Write down that
fountain of immortal joy is described as beautiful. conversation.
All the above things in the poem appeal Ans : 2021
richly to the senses, stimulating the reader’s inner Friend 1 : Some people find the phrases “beauty
sight as well as the sense of touch and smell, much is only skin deep” and “beauty is in the eye of the
to the want of Keats. beholder” to be highly divisive. Those quotes are
QUESTION 7. all based on how others perceive them.
7. Artists, singers and musicians have a different Friend 2 : There are people who express themselves
perception of beauty as compared to people who through darker clothing, and then there are those
are in other professions. Comment. who always wear trendy and in-style clothing.
Ans : 2021 Friend 1 : You have to like yourself first for anyone
Beauty is perceived and responded to by artists, else to like you. Relating to ‘Beauty is only skin
singers, and musicians. It could be awe and deep’ means that people only look at what’s inside
amazement, wonder and joy, or something else. that counts.
It could be compared to a “peak experience” or Friend 2 : People judge people. You look around
an epiphany. It could happen while watching a and think by the clothes or hairstyle this girl wears
sunset or admiring the view from a mountaintop— that she can either not afford them or chooses to
the list is endless. It is a type of experience, be that way. So you think she is poor. Doesn’t she
an aesthetic response to the representational deserve your attention too? I think that beauty
qualities of the thing, whether man-made or is overrated.
natural. Artists, singers, and musicians value the Friend 1 : People need to look at your mind, your
core beauty because they understand the effort intelligence. Being pretty is not all it’s cracked
and time required to become one of these skilled up to be. Since being pretty has got me a lot of
performers. compliments, it also brings in the bad sides of
Other professions, on the other hand, have beauty.
a visual appeal for beauty; they value outward Friend 2 : Beauty is all about what is on the
beauty. inside of a person. Inside beauty consists of a
QUESTION 8.
person’s love for themselves, love for others, and
8. Analyse the myth of Endymion in the context of personality. These characteristics contribute to
the poem. the development of a beautiful person. Being
Ans : 2009
beautiful entails being aware of your own beauty.
The poem is an excerpt from John Keats’ first Friend 1 : Another way to show beauty is to be
epic poem, ‘Endymion,’ which was published in able to love others. Giving to others, even those
1818. The title of this poem is inspired by the first who mistreat you, is a beautiful thing. It takes
lines of Endymion. Endymion was a handsome courage and sometimes strength to show love to
young shepherd who lived on Mount Latmos in others when the person is not treating you as you
Asia Minor, according to Greek mythology. He should be treated.
had feelings for the moon goddess Selene, also QUESTION 10.
known as Cynthia. 10. Analyse the poetic devices used in the poem.
In his admiration, the enchanted shepherd Ans : 2014
resolved to seek her out. This poem echoes the The poem is full of images and employs a variety
shepherd’s pleasure as he wanders through the of poetic devices. There is alliteration in the
forests, taking in the beautiful sights of nature. phrase “simple sheep,” which refers to humanity.
The poem expresses how beauty can instill joy in Metaphor has been used. In Moves the pall,’ our
the soul that lasts forever. souls steeped in sadness and hopelessness are
Nature with its beauty, the sun, the moon and compared to dead bodies wrapped in a shroud.
daffodils give life a new meaning and significance. In the metaphor of the ‘immortal drink,’
QUESTION 9.
a feeling of immense joy is compared to a drink
9. We have often heard the phrase: ‘Beauty is that flows down from heaven’s rim like an endless
skin deep’. In spite of that, we often see people fountain. The words ‘noble natures,’ ‘simple sheep,’
idolizing actors and celebrities who are good and ‘cooling convert’ all contain alliteration. The
looking and attractive. You have a conversation poem is filled with imagery, such as ‘flowery bands,’
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 385
12. Grandeur - magnificence can see the sun, the moon, the trees, daffodils,
13. Dooms - ruins green forests, clear rills, masses of ferns, blooming
musk-rose and lovely tales, etc. These beautiful
Explanation
sources provide pleasure and joy to the mankind.
There are many beautiful things of nature that QUESTION 2.�
give us joy. The small streams of clear water, 2. List the things that cause suffering and pain.
forest ferns, etc., protect from the hot season. In Ans : 2010
addition to this, there are thorny bushes of the Jealousy, despondence, lack of human qualities,
forest. Among them one can see the scattered gloomy days, unhealthy and evil ways give birth
musk-rose flowers in full bloom. These are the to many troubles. They cause suffering and pain
sources of beauty and make our lives happy and by depressing our spirits.
sweet. Since these have the potential to lift the QUESTION 3.�
human spirit and fill it with joy. The poet stresses 3. What does the line ‘Therefore are we wreathing a
that we can see beauty in decay and death. flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest to you ?
Ans : 2008
Stanza 5
We know that this world is not a happy planet to
We have imagined for the mighty dead; stay on. From birth to death, it is full of suffering
All lovely tales that we have heard or read; and pain. These things depress our spirits. But
An endless fountain of immortal drink God has provided us several things of beauty that
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink. pour love and happiness to our depressed feelings.
Word Meaning These objects of beauty are like a flowery band
that keep us bound to the earth.
1. Imagined - supposed
QUESTION 4.�
2. Mighty - powerful 4. What makes human beings love life in spite of
3. Tales - stories troubles and sufferings?
4. Endless - without an end Ans : 2015, 2012, 2010
5. Immortal drink - that never dies Human beings love life in spite of troubles and
sufferings because of the existence of several
6. Pouring - falling
natural and beautiful things around them. These
7. Heaven - Paradise things of beauty never fade. They give joy and
8. Brink - corner optimism to human mind and thus, help in
Explanation overcoming or bearing the troubles and sufferings.
The poet says that we imagine for our mighty QUESTION 5.�
dead forefathers about their grandeur and 5. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty
magnificence. This magnificence surpasses the dead’ ?
grandeur of the dooms. Side by side the poet Ans : 2012
tells that there are the beauties of the nature and In this world, people do glorious deeds during
these are lovelier than all the lovely tales that we their lifetime and sacrifice themselves for the
have heard or read. Thus our nature is an endless nation. After their death we erect statues in their
fountain of immortal drink i.e., an elixir which is honour and worship them. We add flowers and
being poured into our hearts from the corner of remember them because of their magnificence. In
the paradise. It helps us to fight the odds of life. this way grandeur is associated with the mighty
dead.
4. ncert textbook questions
QUESTION 6.�
6. Do we experience things of beauty only for short
moments or do they make a lasting impression
THINK IT OUT on us ?
QUESTION 1.�
Ans : 2005
1. List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem. We must agree with the version that the things
Ans : 2012 of beauty make a lasting impression on us. In the
John Keats is a poet of nature. He sees beauty very beginning, John Keats makes it very clear
in all the natural objects since a thing of beauty that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. It is a
is a joy forever. According to him every thing permanent source of joy. Instead of going into
of nature is a source of beauty. In the poem we nothingness it goes on surpassing. It leaves an
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Ch 3 : A Thing of Beauty
QUESTION 8.� QUESTION 13.�
8. What is the message of the poem “A Thing of 13. What is the Greek legend on which the poem ‘A
Beauty’ ? Thing of Beauty’ is based?
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2010
The very first line contains the message that ‘A Thing of Beauty’ is an excerpt from the poem,
John Keats, tells that “beauty is truth and truth ‘Endymion : A Poetic Romance’. In the Greek
beauty”. Hence, for him a thing of beauty is a legend, a beautiful young shepherd and poet
joy foverver. Beauty never fades nor it is ever Endymion had a vison of Cynthia, the moon
devalued. It never passes into nothingness. When goddess. The youth made a determination to
we are full of sorrows and sufferings, some form of search her out. He, therefore, wandered away
beauty comes to our rescue. It removes the pall of through forest and beyond the seas.
sadness and sorrows and gives us joy and pleasure. QUESTION 14.�
Thus beauty is a boon for human beings. 14. “Such too is the grandeur of the dooms’ as
QUESTION 9. associate with for the mighty dead.” Explain.
9. How does literature give us joy? Ans : 2021
Ans : 2016 Here a beautiful young shepherd was in search
Apart from nature, the world of literature also of the ideal beauty of his vision. Some shape of
gives us pleasure. The glorious achievements of beauty moves away the pall from the evil spirit.
heroes in plays or novels are as exciting as their The mighty dead (imagined beauty) have beauty
fall and death. The tales which we have heard through their sacrifices for the humanity. Their
or read give us joy. These tales are an immortal tales are an eternal source of joy for all.
fountain of endless joy. They are like the heavenly
drink offered to us. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 10.� QUESTION 1.�
10. What does a thing of beauty do for us ? 1. Write the sum and substance of the poem ‘A
O Thing of Beauty’.
What makes human beings love life in spite of all Ans : 2021
the troubles they face ? John Keats puts forth a message that- thing of
Ans : 2015
beauty is a perennial joy for us. It gives us peace
A thing of beauty removes our pall of sufferings, and sleep full of sweet dreams. In this world we
despair, despondency and pain. It gives us peace suffer from jealousy, disappointment and lack
and makes us to lull a sound and sweet sleep. It good human qualities. These things make our life
makes our depressed spirits healthy and delightful. gloomy. Consequently, we develop evil ways that
It provides hopes and happiness amidst miseries, cause us suffering and pain. But mankind has a
sufferings and sadness. hope. The nature removes our pall of gloom and
QUESTION 11.�
sufferings through natural beauty and enliven our
11. How do beautiful things influence our lives ? spirits.
Ans : 2016 The nature has provided us innumerable
According to John Keats ‘A thing of beauty is a Joy sources of happiness like the sun, the moon, the
forever’ because the beautiful things influence our trees, flowers, small rills, forest and musk-roses
lives by providing happiness. They remove the pall etc. These are the constant treasure and source of
of depression, sadness, gloven, despondency and happiness. These beautiful things make our lives
evil days. The nature has provided us innumerable sweet, soothing and pleasurable. The magnificent
beautiful things to do away with our sufferings. tales of mighty dead and other beauties of nature
QUESTION 12. are lovelier than the lovely tales that we have
12. What is the theme or message of the poem ‘A heard or read. The nature is too kind to pour
Thing of Beauty’ ? immortal drink from the heaven through an
Ans : 2007 endless fountain.
In this poem the poet gives the idea that a QUESTION 2.
beautiful thing gives us permanent joy. Life is full 2. ‘A Thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ This is what
of joys and sorrows. We often suffer physical or John Keats says in the poem. Do you think in
emotional pain. We may face failure, treachery or the present times of acute stress and violence,
misfortune. But when we hear a lovely sound or proximity to beautiful things can lead man to
see a lovely thing, our sadness is lifted. everlasting happiness? Discuss.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 387
Ans : Ans :
(d) All of these (d) no, they make a lasting impression of happiness
12. What does a thing of beauty do for us? 18. Who said that a thing of beauty is a joy forever?
(a) gives hope (a) John Millet (b) Christopher
(b) gives happiness (c) a young shepherd (d) John Keats
(c) removes pain and suffering Ans :
(d) John Keats
(d) All of these
Ans : 19. How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and
(d) All of these comfort?
13. What is the endless fountain and what is its (a) By giving a sense of joy and happiness
effect? (b) by removing pain and suffering
(a) Moving streams (c) like a bower
(b) The Sunlight (d) All of these
(c) A thing of beauty is endless fountain and it Ans :
gives happiness (d) All of these
(d) None of these 20. Whose loveliness will keep on increasing?
Ans :
(a) of rivers
(c) A thing of beauty is endless fountain and it
gives happiness (b) of mountains
(c) of nature
14. What does a thing of beauty is a joy forever mean? (d) of all beautiful things
(a) joy is in memory Ans :
(b) joy is precious (d) of all beautiful things
(c) joy is not sold
21. Write the phrase which means ‘it is immortal’
(d) it will keep giving happiness for a longer time
(a) it will never fade
Ans :
(d) it will keep giving happiness for a longer time (b) it will never pass into nothingness
(c) it will never cease
15. What is Beauty in Keats’ opinion? (d) it will keep giving happiness for a longer time
(a) a suffering (b) a cause of suffering Ans :
(c) a cause of pain (d) a joy forever (b) it will never pass into nothingness
Ans :
(d) a joy forever 22. What is a bower?
(a) a river (b) a stream
16. What is the concept of beauty? (c) a big tree (d) a shady tree
(a) Beauty is a pleasure Ans :
(b) beauty is cause of all happiness (d) a shady tree
(c) beauty is nothing
23. Why do we need sweet dreams , health and quiet
(d) a quality which always gives happiness breathing?
Ans :
(a) to have a healthy mind and body
(d) a quality which always gives happiness
(b) to have sound sleep
17. Do we experience things of beauty only for a short (c) to have peace and happiness
time ? (d) All of these
(a) yes they are short lived Ans :
(b) yes beauty is a temporary thing (d) All of these
(c) it never lasts forever
24. What are ‘mighty dead’ in the poem?
(d) no, they make a lasting impression of
(a) dead people
happiness
(b) dead relatives
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Ch 3 : A Thing of Beauty
indelible impression on our minds. It removes Ans :
sadness and brings happiness to our depressed (d) on mount Latmos
spirits. 6. Whom did the enchanted youth resolve to seek?
QUESTION 7.�
7. What image does the poet use to describe the (a) God
beautiful bounty of the earth? (b) nature
Ans : 2010 (c) mentor
John Keats uses different images to describe the (d) Cynthia-the moon goddess
beautiful bounty of the earth. It has endless things Ans :
of beauty which gives us joy for ever. In reality (d) Cynthia-the moon goddess
these beautiful things are like an endless fountain
which goes on pouring the immortal drink onto us 7. What are the things of beauty mentioned in the
from the heaven. Therefore, on earth in herself is poem?
a magnificent source of beauty and joy. (a) Sun and Moon
(b) Young trees and streams
5. other important questions (c) flowers
(d) All of these
Ans :
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS (d) All of these
1. Who is the poet of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ ? 8. Which things cause suffering to human beings?
(a) John Keats (b) Pablo Neruda (a) lack of virtues and inhuman acts
(c) J.B. Priestley (d) John Donne (b) withering flowers
Ans :
(c) blooming flowers
(a) John Keats
(d) flowing streams
2. What kind of a poet was John Keats? Ans :
(a) Medieval (b) Religious (a) lack of virtues and inhuman acts
(c) A Realistic (d) A romantic 9. What does Endymion do to seek goddess?
Ans :
(a) dances
(d) A romantic
(b) sings songs
3. From where has this poem A Thing Of Beauty (c) reads scriptures
been taken? (d) wanders through forests
(a) From Keats work- Endymion- A poetic Ans :
Romance (d) wanders through forests
(b) Ode on Melancholy
10. How is a thing of beauty joy forever?
(c) Ode to a Nightingale
(a) because it is beautiful
(d) Ode on Indolenc
Ans : (b) because it is nature
(a) From Keats work- Endymion- A poetic (c) because it is joyful
Romance (d) because its beauty never ends and leaves a
lasting impact
4. Who is Endymion? Ans :
(a) a young child (b) an office boy (d) because its beauty never ends and leaves a
(c) a worker (d) a young shepherd lasting impact
Ans :
(d) a young shepherd 11. What is the message of the poem?
(a) Beauty never fades
5. Where did the poet and Endymion live? (b) beauty lifts spirits high
(a) in a hut (b) on a hill (c) beauty is a joy forever
(c) in a tree house (d) on mount Latmos (d) All of these
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 389
37. What does morrow mean? our hearts. All beautiful things of nature are a
(a) morning time (b) present time boon for humanity. The sun, the moon and old
(c) noon time (d) the next day and young trees are the sources which are a boon
Ans : for humanity.
(d) the next day QUESTION 3.
3. What does the poet say about the loveliness of
38. Why do we need a flowery band? beautiful things?
(a) to be joyful Ans : 2020
The poet says that beautiful things are the eternal
(b) to smile
source of joy. Their loveliness does not decrease
(c) to look beautiful with the passing of time. On the other hand, it
(d) to have strength and joy inspite of all sadness goes on increasing.
Ans : QUESTION 4.�
(d) to have strength and joy inspite of all sadness 4. In the hot season, how do man and beast get
comfort?
39. What is inhuman in life? Ans : 2017, 2013
(a) human inside caves During the hot season, men and beasts and other
(b) human inside a river living beings get utmost comfort by having the
(c) human on trees company of blooming flowers, enlivening trees,
(d) self-centered tendency and inability to rise daffodils, clouds, rain, the moon, the green
above shallow circles forests, clear-rills, blooming musk-rose and the
Ans : lovely valleys and vales. These beautiful sources
(d) self-centered tendency and inability to rise provide pleasure and joy to all.
above shallow circles QUESTION 5.�
5. How can ‘mighty dead’ be things of beauty ?
40. What circumstances make man unhappy? Ans : 2017
(a) crowded places ‘Mighty dead’ can be the thing’s of beauty because
they do extraordinary glorious deeds during their
(b) moisture of flowing rivers
short life span and even do not leave behind to
(c) chilly cold waves on mountains sacrifice their lives for the lake of the nation.
(d) tendency of hopelessness After their death, we often erect their status to
Ans : honour and worship them. We shower flowers and
(d) tendency of hopelessness thus they become the things of beauty.
QUESTION 6.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS 6. How do beautiful things give us joy ?
QUESTION 1.� Ans : 2022
1. What does Keats consider an endless fountain of Beautiful things are as soothing as the cooling
immortal drink and why does he call its drink shade of a bower or sound health or mental peace.
immortal? These things give sleep full of sweet dreams. The
Ans : 2013 beautiful things bind us to the earth. For the
According to the poet, the beauties of nature sake of beautiful things, we keep our contact with
are boundless. They are endless and numberless. nature alive.
Our nature is an eternal source of joy, happiness QUESTION 7.�
and pleasure for all the living organisms. There 7. What rich bounty has the heaven given us?
is a fountain of eternal joy that pours nectar into Ans : 2017
the hearts and souls of men. It flows from the In his poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’, John Keats uses
heaven’s brink. Thus the poet sees beauty in both varied images to describe the beautiful bounty of
decay and growth. the heaven, nature and the earth. It has endless
QUESTION 2.� things of beauty which proivdes us an eternal
2. According to Keats, what moved away the pain joy. These are like unlimited fountains which
and suffering from human life? go on pouring the immortal drink onto us from
Ans : 2016, 2011 the heaven. We witness the sun, the moon the
According to Keats there are some beautiful twinkling stars and many more things make our
things which remove the cover of sad feelings from lives comfortable.
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Ch 3 : A Thing of Beauty
3. Loveliness - beauty Stanza 3
4. Increases - enhances Yes, in spite of all,
5. Pass into - changes Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
6. Nothingness - a thing of no value From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
7. Bower - a pleasant place in the shade under a Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
tree For simple sheep; and, such are daffodils
With the green world they live in.
8. Quiet - Silent
Word Meaning
Explanation
The poet says that a thing of beauty is a joy 1. In spite of all - instead of all
forever, i.e. it is a perennial joy. Its beauty goes 2. Shape - form
on increasing. It will never be reduced into 3. Pall - covering
nothingness and it is immortal. It gives us peace. 4. Moves away - removes
It provides as a peaceful bower for us i.e. it 5. Dark - troubled
gives a pleasant shelter. It gives us a sound sleep
6. Spirits - souls
which is full of sweet dreams, health and peaceful
breathing. It makes us free from the turmoils of 7. Sprouting - producing
life. 8. Boon - blessing
9. Simple - plain
Stanza 2
10. Daffodils - a name of flower
Therefore, on every morrow , are we wreathing
Explanation
A flowery band to bind us to the earth
Thus in spite of all these unhealthy and evil ways,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
some shapes of beautiful things remove the cover
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
of sad feeling from our hearts. Through examples,
Of all the unhealthy and o’ver darkened ways
the poet gives us the concept of beautiful things
Made for our searching.
like the moon, the sun and the trees, etc. All these
Word Meaning things provide a shelter for the sheep of God i.e.,
1. Therefore - thus, so human beings. He also presents an instance of
2. Morrow - morning daffodils which live surrounded by the grandeur
3. Wreathing - weaving into a wreath of green plants.
4. Band - a narrow strip
Stanza 4
5. Bind - tie
And clear rills
6. Spite - malice, despise
That for themselves a cooling covert make
7. Despondence - disappointment Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
8. Inhuman - against human values Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
9. Dearth - lack And such too is the grandeur of the dooms.
10. Gloomy - sad Word Meaning
11. Unhealthy - not healthy 1. Clear - clean, transparent
12. Darkened - evil 2. Rills - small streams
13. Searching - looking for 3. Covert - shelter of bushes
Explanation 4. Gainst - against
Therefore on every morning, we weave a flowery 5. Hot season - summer
garland to bind us to the earth. But we suffers 6. Brake - a thick man of ferns
from jealousy and disappointment. We lack good
7. Rich - grand
qualities of human nature. These things turn our
life “gloomy.” We also develop “unhealthy” and 8. Sprinklings - scattered
“evil ways” that cause us suffering and pain. We 9. Fair - beautiful
are responsible for our troubles and we search 10. Musk-rose - wild rose
ways to come out to gloom. 11. Blooms - flowering
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 391
Ans : 2013
nature. Keats describes the effects that beauty
The message is that a thing of beauty is a joy can have on a person. This beauty, according to
forever. It exists outside of time. It will never Keats, never fades and its impact is felt long after
be forgotten. Beauty has the ability to dispel it is gone. Keats emphasizes that beauty is “Made
darkness and negativity, and it can help us survive for our seeking,” implying that some people will
when there is a “lack of noble nature” or when we find beauty in places where others will not.
are surrounded by evil. It is beneficial to one’s I do believe that beauty should be best left
health. It promotes restful sleep. Furthermore, undefined. Since, the definition and the form of
it emphasizes the fact that beauty is not only beauty differs from person to person, i.e. It is
physical but also spiritual, and it appears to flow subjective in nature, making standards or norms
down from heaven as an ‘immortal drink’ made for beauty would tarnish its real value and thus,
for man. undermine its effects.
In these times of extreme stress and violence, The theme of this poem is that beauty can
the objects of beauty take on even more be found anywhere and, when appreciated, can
significance. When our minds are anxious and be used to lift one’s spirits during difficult times.
troubled, the sight of beautiful things can provide QUESTION 5.
us with temporary comfort and happiness. 5. How do things of beauty enrich us?
Appreciating beautiful things is synonymous with Ans : 2015
appreciating God. Our desire to live on this planet is greatly influenced
The presence of beautiful things draws us by the presence of beautiful things that provide us
closer to the creator, who possesses the ultimate with a constant source of joy. The earth is depressing
power to provide us with relief from all anxieties and sad without beauty. There is cruelty, selfishness,
and troubles. As a result, it is certain to bring and mean behavior everywhere, as well as a lack
everlasting happiness at all times. of good-natured people. This beauty, a creation of
QUESTION 3.
God, cleanses our minds and souls of sadness and
3. Write in brief the central theme of the poem. darkness. We have a reason to live longer when we
Ans : 2007
are wrapped up in the beautiful flowery band or this
‘A Thing of Beauty’ is a passage from John Keats’ strong connection with nature. The sun, the moon,
poem ‘Endymion: A Poetic Romance,’ which is and old and young trees are all sources of joy for
based on a Greek legend. In this poem, John us. The trees sprout and spread their branches to
Keats, a romantic poet, discusses love, beauty, provide shade for the sheeps.
and youth. The poem, in fact, reflects his attitude Daffodils bloom in the green environment in
towards beauty. The poet believes that beauty is which they grow. The clear and small streams
permanent and provides us with the same pleasure of water provide a cooling refuge from the hot
over and over. It brings us eternal happiness and season. With their lovely musk roses, the dense
never fades away. Beauty is very important in our mass of ferns looks magnificent. All of these
lives because it helps us to stay happy and joyful things enrich our lives to such an extent that we
in this sad, mundane world. cannot live without them.
A thing of beauty is a constant source of joy. QUESTION 6.
There is beauty everywhere. It has the potential 6. How does Keats’ poem, A Thing of Beauty appeal
to change people’s lives. It also emphasizes the richly to the senses, stimulating the reader’s inner
therapeutic quality of beauty, i.e. its ability to sight as well as the sense of touch and smell?
remove negativity. It can be any object, nature, Ans : 2021
stories, or even our forefathers’ noble deeds. In his poem ‘A thing of Beauty,’ John Keats has
QUESTION 4.
made extensive use of imagery to help the reader
4. ‘Beauty is best left undefined’. Support your connect with the poem. His descriptions delight
position on this statement with your rationale, us by appealing to all of our senses.
coupled with ideas in the poem. The bower’s cooling comfort, the beautiful
Ans : 2021
daffodils dancing in the wind in its green
The poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty,’ by John Keats, surroundings, the refreshing stream that babbles
conveys the message that beauty is best left as it falls, and the musk rose blooms among the
undefined, that beauty is everywhere, and that mid forest brake all evoke our imagination, sense
beauty is also found upon examination. The of hearing, touch, and smell.
theme of this work is primarily concerned with
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Ch 3 : A Thing of Beauty
(c) dead plants (d) sweet dreams and health
(d) great respect-worthy ancestors specially dead Ans :
emperors (a) tales and grandeur
Ans :
31. What removes pall from our life?
(d) great respect-worthy ancestors specially dead
emperors (a) dark spirits
(b) Trees old, and young
25. What is the endless fountain of immortal drink? (c) all the unhealthy things
(a) rivers (d) Nature’s beauty
(c) flowing streams Ans :
(d) Sunlight (d) Nature’s beauty
(d) All the things of beauty
32. What is the meaning of gloomy?
Ans :
(d) All the things of beauty (a) dark spirits
(b) all the unhealthy things
26. What does ‘brink’ mean? (c) dull and depressive
(a) roof top (b) a rocky space (d) none of these
(c) mountain top (d) an edge at the top Ans :
Ans : (c) dull and depressive
(d) an edge at the top
33. How does beauty help us when we are grief
27. What does immortal mean? stricken?
(a) ever flowing (a) By giving a ray of hope
(b) evergreen (b) sprouting a shady boon
(c) forever beautiful (c) by giving daffodils
(d) never ending or endless (d) none of these
Ans : Ans :
(d) never ending or endless (a) By giving a ray of hope
28. What image does the poet use to convey that 34. What does poet mean by Some shape of beauty?
beauty is everlasting? (a) beauty has no shape
(a) a bower quiet for us (b) beauty is abstract
(b) Some shape of beauty (c) beautiful object that gives happiness
(c) endless fountain of joy (d) All
(d) sprouting a shady boon Ans :
Ans : (c) beautiful object that gives happiness
(c) endless fountain of joy
35. Which figure of speech is used in the words-Some
29. What is the effect of immortal drink? shape of beauty?
(a) no one is thirsty (a) Alliteration (b) simile
(b) everyone is happy (c) metaphor (d) all
(c) immense joy and happiness Ans :
(d) beauty never moves away (c) metaphor
Ans :
36. Why are our spirits referred as dark?
(c) immense joy and happiness
(a) because of dark clouds
30. Pick the words from the poem which mean: (b) because of spirits around
stories, magnificence. (c) because of shady trees
(a) tales and grandeur (d) because of sadness and disappointments
(b) old,and young Ans :
(c) green world and clear rills (d) because of sadness and disappointments
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 393
‘daffodils with the green world they live in,’ ‘clear of life. In spite of the harshness of life, nature
rills,’ and ‘endless fountain.’ brightens up our mood. The joy given by the
QUESTION 11. beautiful things removes the pall of despair from
11. You are a blogger who loves to record travel our hearts.
stories. You recently visited a picturesque location QUESTION 13.�
and you were enamored by its beauty. Pen down 13. How do you agree with Keat’s view point on “A
the post for your blog giving vivid descriptions of thing of beauty is a joy forever” ?
the natural beauty of this place. Supplement your Ans : 2006
writing with Keats’ ideas about beauty. According to John Keats “a thing of beauty is a
Ans : 2021 joy forever” and all will agree over his befitting
Every location has its own distinct characteristics. version. It is a very meditating view that goes
Some places are known for their scenic beauty, very deep in our psyche. Very often we become
while others are known for their architectural tensed, stressed, shocked, sad and troubled but,
marvels. at the same moment, on viewing a beautiful
I’ve been to a lot of historical and tourist bloomed rose flower all our troubled mood goes
attractions. It is said to be the closest thing to away in no time and we feel relax. In the same
heaven on Earth. It has the accolade of being way we resort to yogas to attain peace. Further
“The Switzerland of India”. Kashmir is one of the a dancing peacock in the fields adds happiness
most beautiful places on the planet, with snow- to our troubled thoughts. The artistic figures,
capped mountains and lush green plains and mountains, valleys and gardens provide us
valleys. It has been a popular tourist destination enjoyment and remove dullness. Further soft
both within the country and abroad. falling shower, beautiful and rose crops remove
Kashmir is well-known for its diverse flora and our gloom and tension. The company of our
fauna. The location is very important for tourists teachers, parents, priests and yogis add ecstasy to
who want to visit religious sites. It is the home our mind and spirit both.
of the gods and goddesses. Its serpentine rivers, Our nature is a vast treasure of beauty
huge calm lakes, mighty waterfalls, and long lines around us. It is for us to get enjoyment and
of cypress trees are among the delightful tourist to recognise their worth. The stories as well as
attractions. the ideas of our forefathers lift our spirit. Many
The scene of Dal Lake with houseboats and inspirational stories give us the will to fight and
their reflections in the still waters of the lake is encounter the challenges of life. In case we live
breathtaking. The cave of Amarnath, where Lord and understand the nature, we can never remain
Shiva’s temple is located, is a wonderful place for in gloom. So Keats has appropriately said that a
religious tourists. It is crowded during the months thing of beauty is a joy forever.
of September and October because it is located at
a height of 15,000 feet. EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
Kashmir is abundantly endowed with some of QUESTION 1.�
India’s best hill stations. 1. Read the following extract and answer the
The emotion still lingers on me as if it were questions that follow.
yesterday. Perhaps John Keats was correct when A thing of beauty is a joy forever
he said, “A thing of beauty is a joy for all time.” Its loveliness increases, it will never
QUESTION 12. Pass into nothingness: but will keep
12. How do beautiful things make us forget our A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
despair? Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet
O breathing.
What is the rule of beautiful things in our life as (a) The poet says that we all need a sound sleep,
pointed out by John Keats? sweet dreams and quiet breathing. Why do
Ans : 2017 we all need these?
When we look at a beautiful thing, we forget our (i) to enjoy an uninterrupted sleep
worries for sometime. Despair and sorrows are (ii) to remain blessed with a good healthy body
unavoidable part of life. Yet the beautiful things
(iii) to have joy and peace
help us to keep our despair and sorrows away. We
forget the wickedness of man and the hardships (iv) all of the above
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Ch 3 : A Thing of Beauty
(b) What does the poet mean to say through (c) Which word from the given options doesn’t
the expression, “...it will never pass into mean despondence?
nothingness”? (i) glumness
(c) Complete the sentence that WILL NOT (ii) dolefulness
complete the sentence appropriately. (iii) happiness
A thing of beauty _____ fades away. (iv) downheartedness
(i) never (d) State whether the following statement is
(ii) always TRUE or FALSE.
(iii) usually Due to their inhuman acts, humans suffer
(iv) normally from sickness and diseases.
(d) State whether the following statement is (e) What is the central theme of the extract?
TRUE or FALSE. (f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The poem ‘A Things of Beauty’ is based on a The figure of speech used in ‘noble natures’
Greek legend. is _____.
(e) List the thing of beauty mentioned in the Ans : 2013
poem. (a) (ii) Weaving a flowery band
(f) Complete the following sentence appropriately. (b) Man has an immortal connection with nature.
In the 4th line A bower quiet for us’ the poet Objects of beauty appeal and fascinate him.
states that beauty is like the peaceful shade Thus, by wreathing a flowery band, he, in a
of _____ for us. way, admires these wreaths and strengthens
Ans : 2010 his attachment with the Earth.
(a) (iv) all of the above (c) (iii) happiness
(b) The poet emphasizes on the permanent (d) True
quality of an object of beauty. It gives (e) Celebration of beauty in all its forms is the
happiness forever. central theme of this extract. Beauty inspires
(c) (i) never us and lifts up our burdened souls.
(d) True (f) allitteraton
(e) Keats admires all objects of nature in the QUESTION 3.�
poem. He mentioned several things of beauty 3. Read the following extract and answer the
such as the sun, the moon, daffodil flowers, questions that follow.
small streams of transparent water, musk Yes, in spite of all, made for our searching: yes,
roses, etc. in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
(f) plants
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
QUESTION 2.�
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
2. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow. (a) What does the poet mean by ‘some shape of
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing beauty’ ?
A flower), band to bind us to the earth. (i) Beautiful things are shapeless.
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth (ii) Any beautiful objects that give happiness.
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days, (iii) Beauty and the beast.
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways (iv) None of the above
Made for our searching:
(b) What spreads the pall of despondence over
(a) What are we doing every morning? our dark spirits? How is it removed?
(i) Completing our morning ablutions (c) Select the word that WILL NOT complete
(ii) Weaving a flowery band the sentence appropriately.
(iii) Doing exercises Nature’s _____ will remove all from our lives.
(iv) Praying to god (i) beauty
(b) What does the expression ‘wreathing a (ii) grave
flowery band to bind us to Earth’ suggest to (iii) charm
you? (iv) ugliness
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 395
(d) State whether the following statement is (c) (ii) flowers
TRUE or FALSE (d) False
The sun, the moon, old and young trees (e) The thick mass of ferns with their beautiful
exemplify beauty. musk roses makes the mid forest become rich
(e) What do we do in the lap of nature? in beauty.
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately. (f) summers.
The beautiful things give us joy _____. QUESTION 5.�
Ans : 2018
5. Read the following extract and answer the
(a) (ii) any beautiful object that gives happiness questions that follow.
(b) The pall of despondence over our dark spirits And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
is the result of lack of noble qualities in us, We have imagined for the mighty dead;
and our unclean and evil ways. All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
(c) ugliness An endless fountain of immortal drink,
(d) True Pouring onto us from the heaven’s brink.
(e) In the lap of nature, we forget our sorrows (a) Whose ‘grandeur’ is the poet talking about in
and sufferings. the first two lines?
(f) for a lasting period/forever (i) magnificent palaces
QUESTION 4.� (ii) heroic deeds of the mighty dead
4. Read the following extract and answer the (iii) majestic houses
questions that follow. (iv) sprawling villas
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
(b) Who are mighty dead?s
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
(c) Complete the sentence by selecting the most
That for themselves a cooling covert make
suitable option.
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake
The lovely tales have been read or heard
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
about _____.
(a) How has the mid forest brake become rich?
(i) great and powerful people
(i) Because of its forests.
(ii) theatre actors
(ii) Because of cleaner air.
(iii) common people
(iii) Because of sprinkling of fair coloured
musk-rose blooms. (iv) soldiers
(iv) Because of the variety of fauna. (d) Whether the given statement is TRUE or
(b) What is the role of the clear rills? FALSE.
All things of beauty are the endless fountain
(c) Complete the sentence by selecting the most
of immortal drink.
appropriate option.
Daffodils of the green world are the _____. (e) How is the grandeur of the dooms related to
the theme of the poem?
(i) roots
(ii) flowers (f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(iii) creepers The source of all beauty is in the _____.
Ans : 2011
(iv) fruits
(a) (ii) heroic deeds of the mighty dead
(d) State whether the following statement is
(b) The ‘mighty dead’ are the great and powerful
TRUE or FALSE.
men of the world who have brought laurels
Daffodils make the earth polluted.
during their lifetime.
(e) How has the mid forest brake become rich?
(c) (i) great and powerful people
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(d) TRUE
Fair musk-rose blooms shine in _____.
Ans : 2007
(e) The grandeur of the heroic tales of the ‘mighty
(a) (iii) Because of sprinkling of fair coloured dead’ give us the same sense of jubilation and
musk-rose blooms. tranquillity as the other things of beauty do.
(b) The clear rills refer to clear and small streams (f) heaven.
of water which make a cooling shelter for
themselves against the hot season.
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
CHAPTER 4
A Roadside Stand
1. introduction the kind of life which is promised by the moving-
pictures. The party in power, too, makes promises
The poet Robert Frost is a highly acclaimed and there appears in the news that these people
as well as a prolific American poet who has will be resettled in the vicinity of the towns next
written about characters, people, landscape, to the theatre and the shops.
human tragedies and fears. He has pin-pointed
his reactions about the complexities of life and Callous Attitude of the Government
his ultimate acceptance of the burdens. In ‘A After their resettlement, they will be looked
Roadside Stand’ he presents the indifference of after properly with all needs fulfilled. But the
the polished traffic towards the poor rural people poet is outraged at the callous attitude of the
who have extended a new shed on a roadside for government and the social service agencies who
some income by selling simple things but the city appear to help them but actually all end up in
people do not have any feeling to help them. harming and exploiting them. These greedy good
doers pretend to be generous and swarm the rural
folk to earn a huge profit for themselves. Through
2. summary their calculated mind, they only fill their own
coffers and have no worry for the welfare of the
A Roadside Stand poor. They befool them and show their double
At the edge of the road, an old little house extended standard. The poet is deeply grieved at this
a small shed where the traffic sped continuously attitude. Further these cunning people enjoy all
and hastily but very few people ceased to stop the day but spoil the peace and sleep of the poor.
there. It was run by the poor country people and
they did not raise it for a dale of bread. Rather Childish Longing in Vain
they hoped that affluent car riders would stay and The poet feels the helplessness of poor people who
buy things from them and thus the money would go on opening their window all day long with the
flow on to their hands. hope to earn money. They eagerly wait to the
voice of the brakes and the stopping cars but none
Passing of the Polished Traffic asks the price of their produce or the fate of the
Wealthy traffic continuously passed on the road farmers. If some stops, he will inquire either a
but they never had a mind towards this roadside direction or will use the place only to back and
shed. The poor people had kept their items like turn around. This troubles the poet very much
wild berries, golden squash and other items for and he thinks that it is a childish-longing in vain.
sale but none bothered to purchase. In case
somebody cared to stand, he would get irritated. Complaint of the Rural People
Rather he would complain that the stand had It is well known that money is required for all
been painted artlessly. Even the signs of “N” and human progress. But the city folk show indifference
“S” were turned wrong. This was a peaceful place and do not help the poor. Thus the rural people
of rest amidst the mountain scene. But the poet is complain of this step motherly treatment and
deeply troubled at the misery on the faces of those injustice. The poet will be relieved if the poor are
who run the stand since they hope that some city put out of their pain at one stroke by the city folk.
money would flow from the pockets of the rich and He wants to bring the poor at par.
come in their hands. With this money they will
progress and expand. Side by side they would lead
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 397
3. explanation 9. Marred - spoiled
10. Artless - clumsy
Stanza 1
Explanation
The little old house was out with a little new shed They were expecting from the customers to
In front at the edge of the road, where the traffic earn some money. They wanted cash which
sped, supports the flow of best things of the cities. It
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled, is this money that saves the best things in the
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread, cities from being faint or withered. The traffic of
Word Meaning refined taste passed that way. They had no mind
to stop there. If someone stopped there he became
1. The little - small
sad on seeing the clumsy paint that spoiled the
2. Out - extended landscape. On seeing the signs N and S turned
3. Shed - a simple covering for holding things wrong, the passer-by became irritable.
4. In front - before
Stanza 3
5. Edge - corner
6. Sped - passed, move hastily Offered for sale wild berries in wooden quarts,
Or crook-necked golden squash with silver warts,
7. Stand - stoppage, terminal
Or beauty rest in a beautiful mountain scene,
8. Pathetically - in a pitiable way You have the money, but if you want to be mean,
9. Pled - made a request Why keep your money (this crossly) and go along.
10. Dole of bread - donations The hurt to the scenery wouldn’t be my complaint
Explanation So much as the trusting sorrow of what is unsaid:
There was a little old house at one corner of the Word Meaning
road. It was extended with a shed. The traffic 1. Wild - of the forest
moved very fast on the road. It was begging for 2. Quarts - bottles or containers
the customers. It would be unfair to say that the
3. Crook - bent
people who ran the shop pleaded for a dole of
bread. 4. Squash - pumpkin
5. Silver warts - hard lumps, little knobs
Stanza 2 6. Wan-want
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow 7. Hurt - harm
supports
Explanation
The flower of cities from sinking and withering
There were old berries in wooden containers for
faint
sale. Or there were golden gourds with silver
The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead
warts for sale. The place presented a beautiful
Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
mountain scene to stay if you had money. In case
At having the landscape marred with the artless
one wanted to be a spend thrift, he would keep
paint
his money with him and go ahead. The poet does
Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned
not complain that the landscape has been spoiled
wrong
by the artless paint done on the building. But he
Word Meaning is worried about the sorrows of the rural people
1. Supports - holds which have been remained unsaid.
2. The Flower of Cities - best thing of the city
Stanza 4
3. Sinking - ruining
Here far from the city we make our roadside stand
4. Withering - drying
And ask for some city money to feel in hand
5. Polished - refined To try if it will not make our being expand,
6. Mind ahead - going forward And give us the life of the moving-pictures’
7. Aside - one side promise
8. Out of sorts - irritated That the party in power is said to be keeping
from us.
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS (i) Elegant vehicles
QUESTION 1.�
(ii) Coloured traffic
1. Read the following extract and answer the
(iii) Wealth of the owners
questions that follow.
(iv) Property of the poor
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow (b) Why is the traffic described as ‘polished’ ?
supports (c) Complete the sentence.
The flower of cities from sinking and withering ‘The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead’
faint. The poetic device used by the poet in this
(a) What does ‘it would not be for to say for a time is:
dole of bread’ imply? (i) metaphor
(i) Do not plead for bread (ii) simile
(ii) Wait in vain to get some money for their (iii) transferred epithet
sustenance (iv) irony
(iii) Yearn for some city money (d) State TRUE or FALSE.
(iv) Do not expect money for sustenance The elegant vehicles of city dwellers sometimes
(b) What is a ‘roadside stand’ ? stopped at the roadside stand.
(c) The expression ‘withering faint’ means (e) Why does one turn ‘out of sorts’ ?
_____. (f) Complete the following.
(i) lacking enthusiasm The last line shows annoyance of the city
dwellers _____.
(ii) happiness
Ans : 2010
(iii) pleasure
(a) (i) elegant vehicles
(iv) satisfaction
(b) The traffic is described as ‘polished’ because
(d) State TRUE or FALSE. it depicts the urban city-dwellers in there
Some of the cash from cities sustains peasants. shining cars who pass through the countryside
(e) Who are supported by the flow of money? with their preoccupied occupation.
(f) Complete the sentence. (c) transferred epithet
The peasants prefer cash to charities as the (d) True
charities cannot support them and provide
(e) A person turns ‘out of sorts’ when he waits
them with all basic _____.
near the roadside stand. The building was
Ans : 2018
painted clumsily. The sight of the building
(a) (i) Do not plead for bread
with the artless paint spoils the landscape
(b) ‘A Roadside Stand’ is a small shop by the and thus the beautiful mountain scene is
roadside in the outskirts owned by the poor spoilt.
people.
(f) at peasants.
(c) (i) lacking enthusiasm QUESTION 3.�
(d) True 3. Read the following extract and answer the
(e) City dwellers are supported by the flow of questions that follow.
money. Offered for sale wild berries in wooden quarts,
(f) amenities. Or crook-necked golden squash with silver warts,
QUESTION 2.�
Or beauty rest in a beautiful mountain scene,
2. Read the following extract and answer the You have the money, but if you want to be mean,
questions that follow. (a) What did the stand offer its customers?
The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead, (i) Wild berries
Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts (ii) Golden squash and wild berries
At having the landscape marred with the artless
(iii) A moment of respite
paint
(iv) Berries and dated
Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned
wrong (b) What does ‘beauty rest in a mountain scene’
indicate?
(a) What does ‘the polished traffic’ indicate?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 399
3. Pass - go 2. Stroke - pat gently with hand
4. Inquire - ask 3. Sane - sensible, healthy
5. Farmer’s prices - prices of farmer’s produce 4. Owning - accepting on own
6. Plow - plough Explanation
7. Bound - led to The poet says that he can’t help feeling a sense
Explanation of relief if all the pains of the rural people are
The rural folk go on waiting for the whole day removed just in one stroke. The next day when
for hearing the sound of brakes and the sound he comes back to his balance of mind, he will
of stopping cars. Thousands of selfish car-owners expect a person to come who will very politely
pass that road but none asks for the price of the take him out of his pain. The poet says that for
farmer’s crop. One person stops only to use the the balanced development of a nation, the city
yard for backing his car over the grass. Another people should cooperate with the rural folk.
stops to ask where is the way bound to.
Stanza 9 4. ncert textbook questions
And another to ask could they sell it a gallon of
gas BEFORE YOU READ
They couldn’t (this crossly); they had none, QUESTION 1.�
didn’t it see? 1. Have you ever stopped at a roadside stand? What
No, in country money, the country scale of gain, have you observed there?
The requisite lift of spirit has never been found, Ans :
Or so the voice of the country seems to complain, Yes, last Saturday I drove down to Dehradun
having a journey of about silc: hours from Delhi.
Word Meaning On the way, we took a halt at the roadside stand
1. Crossly - confused, opposed made by the villagers.
2. Scale - level To our surprise the poor villagers became
3. In country money - rural price very glad. They had some rare varieties of fruits
put for sale in wooden containers. The quality of
4. Requisite - desired, required
all the things was very good.
5. Scale of gain - amount of profit Of course, I asked the price of each item.
6. Lift - raise One or two were really priced higher than that
7. Spirit - feeling in cities. So I had to bargain, and that was the
8. Seems - appears villager wanted to induce me for a bulk purchase.
I bought many varieties of different fruits like
Explanation
mango, apples and litchi. We ate and relished the
Still another person who stops there, will ask if
natural taste in each. We brought a lot for the
they sell a gallon of gas. But they do not sell
home. We were happy to note the pleasure that
because they do not have it. The life of rural folk
glowed on their faces at our stopping near them.
is quite miserable for want of money because the
They were gentle, sympathetic, curious to help
money is the scale of gain. Thus, the spirit of poor
and even obliged us by their country scale, we
people remains depressed due to lack of money.
can’t explain. It is now a beautiful landscape for
These people seem to complain of this drawback.
us now.
Stanza 10
THINK IT OUT
I can’t help owning the great relief it would be
QUESTION 1.�
To put these people at one stroke out of their
1. The city folk who drove through the countryside
pain.
hardly paid any heed to the roadside stand or
And then next day as I come back into the sane,
the people who ran it. If at all they did, it was to
I wonder how I should like you to come to me
complain. Which lines bring this out ? What was
And offer to put me gently out of my pain.
their complaint about?
Word Meaning Ans :
1. Relief - comfort The poet, Robert Frost, through his poem
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
(c) to earn money from polished city traffic (c) I can’t help owning the great relief it would
(d) none of these be To put these people at one stroke out of
Ans : their pain
(c) to earn money from polished city traffic (d) All of these
Ans :
8. What do the flowers of cities in a roadside stand (d) All of these
refer to?
(a) City people 13. Who are the greedy Doers?
(b) City cars (a) The government
(c) Urban crowd (b) Old people
(d) The pleasures of cities (c) The Rural people
Ans : (d) The polished city folk
(d) The pleasures of cities Ans :
(d) The polished city folk
9. What is being sold on roadside stand?
(a) Furniture 14. Why are the city people called greedy?
(b) Cosmetics (a) Because of their appearance
(c) Diesel (b) Because they did not stop at the stand
(d) Wild berries, golden squash and some other (c) Because of their behavior
similar products (d) Because of their selfish interests
Ans : Ans :
(d) Wild berries, golden squash and some other (d) Because of their selfish interests
similar products
15. What is the special quality of the city people or
10. What is the childish longing that the poet refers folk?
to? (a) They are connive
(a) to travel the city malls (b) They are smart
(b) to travel the city showrooms (c) They are snobbish
(c) to interact with city people (d) Know how to get benefits in a calculative
(d) hope of getting some financial help from the manner
polished city traffic Ans :
Ans : (d) Know how to get benefits in a calculative
(d) hope of getting some financial help from the manner
polished city traffic
16. Who are beasts of prey in the poem?
11. Why was the childish longing in vain ? (a) Rural folk
(a) because it was useless (b) The government officials
(b) because they were shifting (c) The city folk
(c) because their wish of earning from city folk (d) All of these
couldn’t be realized or fulfilled Ans :
(d) none of these (c) The city folk
Ans :
(c) because their wish of earning from city folk 17. Why are the city people called beasts of prey?
couldn’t be realized or fulfilled (a) because of their selfishness and tendency to
dupe others for it
12. Which words in the poem show that the poet was (b) because they are well dressed
feeling hurt over the poor plight of rural folk?
(c) they know how to earn money
(a) Sometimes I feel I can hardly bear
(d) all of these
(b) The thought of so much childish longing in Ans :
vain (a) because of their selfishness and tendency to
dupe others for it
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 401
of everyday use. The villagers grow for them the (c) Lord Byron
agricultural produce, corns, vegetables, fruits, (d) Samuel Taylor Coleridge
& oil, etc. The cities provide more employment Ans :
avenues in the fields of education, business, (b) Robert Frost
research, amusements, industries, technology
and medical sectors. Therefore, their mutual co- 2. Who is Robert Frost?
operation in all spheres of progressive activities (a) An American essayist
ensures the balanced economic well-being of the (b) An American storyteller
country. (c) An American narrator
Robert Frost also expected that the city folk
(d) An American twentieth century poet
must have the requisite lift of spirit for the waiting
Ans :
poor rural people for their economic growth. The
(d) An American twentieth century poet
city people, if so determine, can in one stroke
bring the poor villagers’ life out of their pain. 3. What does Frost’s poem deal with?
(a) human tragedies, fears and their solutions
TRY THIS OUT
(b) nature
QUESTION 1.�
1. You could stop at a dhaba or a roadside eatery on (c) humans
the outskirts of your town or city to see : (d) buildings
1. how many travellers stop there to eat Ans :
(a) human tragedies, fears and their solutions
2. how many travellers stop for other reasons
3. how the shopkeepers are treated 4. What does Frost present in the poem A Roadside
4. the kind of business the shopkeepers do Stand?
5. the kind of life they lead (a) the lives of poor deprived people with
Note : It is purely a students’ activity. understanding and in a sympathatic way
Ans : (b) the lives of people who stand on bus-stand
They must individually avail themselves of the (c) lives of travellers
opportunities to slop at a dhaba or a roadside
(d) none of these
eatery in the countryside and then note down as Ans :
demonstrated below : (a) the lives of poor deprived people with
1. The number of travellers stopping there to understanding and in a sympathatic way
eat; say 20 per hour.
2. Those who stopped for other reasons (water, 5. What does Frost describe in the poem?
cold drink, etc.); say 10 per hour. (a) the feelings of the owners of a roadside shed
3. How the shopkeepers treated – either (b) the feelings of passengers
respectfully and courteously or roughly. (c) the feelings of people on footpath
4. Kind of business of shopkeepers : eaters, (d) none of these
items for sale, cold drinks, water bottles, Ans :
fruits, magazines, pickles, etc. (a) the feelings of the owners of a roadside shed
5. Kind of life they lead : very hectic, full of
6. What is a Roadside Stand in the poem?
diverse activities, not of quality, pathetic but
inviting. (a) a bus stop
(b) a waiting point
(c) a shed outside a roadside old house
5. other important questions (d) none of these
Ans :
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS (c) a shed outside a roadside old house
1. Who is the poet of the poem “A Roadside Stand”? 7. Why was roadside stand built?
(a) Percy Shelley (a) so that people can wait there
(b) Robert Frost (b) to make it a bus stop
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
QUESTION 4.�
‘A Roadside Stand’ has presented a universal 4. What is the childish longing that the poet refers
countryside picture. The city folk drive fast to? Why is it vain?
through the countryside in their cars. They show Ans : 2011, 2010, 2008
their indifference towards the rural folk. If at all Robert Frost in the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ has
they did, it was only to complain. The following given a very lively picture of the poor rural people
lines will bring this out – waiting for the polished city traffic to stop at the
(i) ‘Then out of sorts’. stand and help them with money. The poet thinks
At having the landscape marred with the that they suffer from a childish longing.
artless paint. They wait there all the day long to hear the
(ii) ‘Of signs that with N turned wrong and S sound of cars to stop thereby applying the brakes.
turned wrong.’ ‘They wait so eagerly but hardly anyone of the
They complain the artless paint has spoiled thousand passing cars stop there. They keep their
the complete landscape. On seeing N and S turned windows open to attract them but all in vain.
wrong, they feel irritation. They don’t complain about but the sadness of the
QUESTION 2.� untold trusting sorrow lurks on their faces.
2. What was the plea of the folk who had put up the Their hope of getting some help of money or
roadside stand ? cash flow remains unfulfilled. Their all day wait
Ans : 2011, 2008 longing proves to be the childish longing in vain.
The poor rural people had put up the roadside The poor innocent rural people get deeply hurt.
stand in the countryside. It was here the speeding QUESTION 5.�
city folk cars could wait a while and see the 5. Which lines tell us about the insufferassble pain
beautiful natural mountains and landscape. They that the poet feels at the thought of the plight of
can buy the fruits and other things put on sale the rural poor?
for them. Ans : 2005
The rural people pathetically plead that the Robert Frost, sees the poor rural people waiting
speeding polished traffic should stop for a while. for the polished city traffic to stop and help
They wait all day long for the cars to stop and buy them with city money. But their waiting and this
something and give them money. They wanted to childish longing go in vain. Robert Frost gives the
earn money from them but all in vain. That is readers, the hint of his insufferable pain as
why, they had put up the roadside stand in the “Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear The
countryside. thought of so much childish longing in vain.”
QUESTION 3.� “I can’t help owning the great relief it would be
3. The government and other social service agencies To put these people at one stroke out of their
appear to help the poor rural people, but they pain.”
actually do them no good. Pick out the words and
phrases that the poet uses to show their double TALK ABOUT IT
standards. QUESTION 1.�
Ans : 2009 1. Discuss in small groups :
Robert Frost says that the city good-doers, other The economic well-being of a country depends on
social agencies and the government do them no a balanced development of the villages and the
good. They all make very attractive promises. cities.
They are indifferent towards their promises to Ans :
settle them. Their promises are like the moving When a country is progressing economically on
pictures for them that don’t improve their lot. all spheres of growth, then its people also become
They swarm around the poor villagers, destroy well off. The proportionate economic growth in
their peace and night sleep. Their double standard the standard of living of the people speaks of the
is evident from economic well-being of the country. In the poem
“While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts ‘A Roadside Stand’, the poet has tried to ensure
of prey a balanced development of the villages and the
Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits. cities by their mutual co-operation.
That are calculated to soothe them out of their It is time that the balanced development
wits.” ensures real satisfaction and happiness. The cities
and villages are interdependent for essential things
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 403
18. How do city people harm the poor rural folk? 23. Who will soothe the rural poor?
(a) by misguiding and depriving them of their (a) Government and Social agencies
sleep (b) Government officials
(b) by attracting them (c) Promises made by the Government
(c) by making false promises (d) City people will soothe ‘out of their wits’
(d) none of these Ans :
Ans : (d) City people will soothe ‘out of their wits’
(a) by misguiding and depriving them of their
sleep 24. What does ‘Out of their wit’ mean in the poem?
(a) by helping the poor people
19. What news in the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ is (b) by showing rosy pictures to the poor people
making rounds in the village?
(c) by fooling and exploiting the poor people to
(a) City people are connive their own benefit
(b) Villagers will be given homes near theatre (d) all of these
and shopping malls Ans :
(c) Rural folk is earning money (c) by fooling and exploiting the poor people to
(d) None of these their own benefit
Ans : 25. What does support the flow of cities?
(b) Villagers will be given homes near theatre and (a) travelling (b) rural people
shopping malls (c) government (d) flow of money
Ans :
20. What promise was the government making to
(d) flow of money
relocate the villagers?
(a) to give them all the luxuries 26. What is the importance of cash flow for city
(b) to show them movies people?
(c) their all needs will be looked after (a) they love it
(d) all of these (b) they earn it with their hardwork
Ans : (c) they earn by befooling others
(c) their all needs will be looked after (d) it runs their life so it is their life line
Ans :
21. Why didn’t the polished traffic stop at the
(d) it runs their life so it is their life line
roadside stand?
(a) they didn’t like that place 27. Why did a stopping car react?
(b) their focus was their interest of earning huge (a) to point out at the wrongly marked N and S
benefits directions
(c) they were greedy (b) to buy some items
(d) all of these (c) to appreciate their hardwork
Ans : (d) to soothe the villagers
(d) all of these Ans :
(a) to point out at the wrongly marked N and S
22. What does polished traffic refer to?
directions
(a) city people
(b) smartness of city people 28. Which word in the poem means fading?
(c) insensitive attitude of city people and their (a) quarts (b) relief
gentle appearance (c) relief (d) withering
(d) none of these Ans :
Ans : (d) withering
(c) insensitive attitude of city people and their
gentle appearance 29. What is the poet’s call to the polished traffic
passing ahead?
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
QUESTION 30.�
as the farmer describing not only your immediate
30. Why does Robert Frost sympathise with the rural
experience but also your after-thoughts on being
poor ?
Ans : 2011, 2009
able to earn “city-money”
Robert Frost sympathizes with the rural poor You may begin this way:
because of their poverty and pitiable condition. Wednesday, 2nd March 20xx 9:00 PM
They are financially weak and eagerly wait and We had an unexpectedly good day today!…
Ans : 2021
watch towards the polished people for some help
by buying certain goods kept for sale but none Wednesday, 2nd March 20xx 9:00
stops to buy except asking for the rates. PM
QUESTION 31.�
Dear Diary,
31. How do the hopes of the rural people become We had an unexpectedly good day today!… We
childish longing in vain? finally had a buyer today, after months of waiting.
Ans : 2021
A red car whizzed by our stand, then abruptly
At the roadside stand, the poor rural people wait applied the brakes. After a few seconds, it began
all day for hearing the sound of brakes of speeding to reverse and came to a stop directly in front of
cars. They expect the polished city people to our stand. The driver exited the vehicle. He was a
buy some consumables from them. But out of young man of about 25 years old. I could see that
thousand passing cars, hardly any stops there he was driving with his wife and a small child. He
and that too, for some inquiries. Thus their hopes inquired whether we sold soft drinks and chips. I
become childish longing in vain. showed him various chips. He chose six packets at
QUESTION 32.�
random. When I asked what kind of soft drink he
32. How will the poet Robert Frost come out of wanted, he changed his mind and asked if we had
the insufferable pain of plight of the poor rural packaged fruit juice.
people? I informed him that all we had was Mixed
Ans : 2022 Fruit Juice. He also purchased six tetra packs
The poet expects the city folk will help and uplift of fruit juice. He also left a small tip because
the poor rural people. They can bring them out we didn’t have enough change. Finally, we got
of their pain in one stroke. And on the next day, something which the city people call ‘money. How
the happy faces of these villagers will gently take I wish we could get some ‘city-money’ on a regular
the poet out of his pain and make him happy too. basis to alleviate our suffering. I truly showered
QUESTION 33.� them with blessings.
33. Explain the literary device employed in the lines :
“............the cash, whose flow supports Saurabh Sharma
The flower of cities from sinking and withering QUESTION 2.
faint.” 2. Imagine a child from the farmer’s family migrates
Ans : 2008
to the city for their education. As the child,
Being an acclaimed poet, Robert Frost has used write back to your family telling them whether
the device of ‘fantasy’ and ‘image’. A fantasy you would or would not want to turn into a city-
is a work of imagination filled with unrealistic person. Use the context of the poem “A Roadside
situations and the same is quite visible in the Stand” in mind to pen down this letter.
above lines. The polished people of city do not You may begin this way:
stop at the roadside stand whereas the rural 12, Davidson County
people are keenly awaiting for them. They hope 23 January, 20xx
to buy something and the money will raise the Dear mom,
rural villagers. With the help of words the poet I have been thinking about the roadside stall lately.
has formed an imaginary picture but the city Now that I find myself surrounded by city-people all
people are averse to the deserves of the villagers. the time, I think……………………………………..
With love
Jennifer
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.
Ans : 2021
1. Imagine a car stops and actually buys from the 12, Davidson County
roadside stand. Keeping in mind the reaction you 23 January, 20xx
think the peasants would have, write a diary entry Dear mom,
I have been thinking about the roadside stall
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 405
QUESTION 5.�
(c) for getting money from the government 5. What does the poet say about the greedy good-
(d) for the sound of coming cars to stop at the doers and the beneficent beasts of prey ?
roadstand to help the owner to earn money Ans : 2005
from them The poet says that the government and other
Ans : social agencies seem to help the rural people and
(d) for the sound of coming cars to stop at the make promises like the moving pictures. They will
roadstand to help the owner to earn money from swarm them only to earn benefit out of them.
them They are like wild animal flesh-eaters. They
disturb their sleep and peace because of their
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS calculated mind. They show double standard.
QUESTION 1.�
QUESTION 6.
1. What is the poet’s call to the polished traffic 6. What do the rich people who drive past the stall
passing ahead ? feel about it?
Ans : 2020 Ans : 2009
Robert Frost says to them, “You have money, but The rich and refined people do not care for the
if you want to be mean (the central figure for the stand. Nobody cares to stop at the stall. If at
villagers) why keep your money and go along buy all, someone stops there for a moment, he feels
something and then go. Here the poet has a keen irritated. He complains that the landscape is
longing that the city folk, who are prosperous spoiled by unattractive way in which the building
enough, should come forward and purchase some has been painted. People feel that the shed is an
items from the poor so that there can be flow ugly spot in that beautiful mountain scene.
of cash and thereby their destiny may undergo a QUESTION 7.�
change. They will develop like the urban people. 7. Where and why was the roadside stand set up ?
QUESTION 2.�
O
2. What will be the poet’s complaint to the polished
Why does the roadside stand plead pathetically ?
city traffic passing through the countryside ?
Ans : 2008
Ans : 2011
The villagers living near the roadside extended
The poet points that his complaint to the
an old house with a little shed. In the front, on
city people would not be about the scenery or
one side, a roadside stand was set up. Thousands
the landscape, but towards their failure not to
of polished people in their cars passed that road.
purchase any item from the poor villagers who
The owners who set up the stand, went on waiting
go on waiting them for the whole day. It will be
for the city customers to purchase common items
troublesome for the poet.
from them. They expected some money from
QUESTION 3.
them by selling their items. It will help in their
3. Where was the roadside stand put up and what
progress. They did not want any dole of bread
for?
Ans : 2010
from them.
The owner of the house has built a temporary shed
QUESTION 8.�
8. Mention the things that were offered for sale at
at the edge of the road. The purpose is to put up
the roadside stand.
a stall. It is a busy road. The cars race along the
Ans : 2021
road all the day. The stall owner expects people
The roadside stand was set up by the rural folks
to stop and buy something from him.
for selling some ordinary things of daily use.
QUESTION 4.�
Among them they offered wild berries in wooden
4. How does the poet feel at the thought of the
quarts. There were crooked-necked gourds with
plight of the rural people ?
Ans : 2016, 2012
silvery hard lumps but the city folk did not stop
The rural people have extended a shed at the edge to purchase these items.
of the roadside so that the city traffic may come
QUESTION 9.
9. What middle path should the rich people adopt,
and purchase their commodities but they pay no
according to the poet?
heed to them. They go on waiting throughout the
Ans : 2008
day with their window open but all in vain. On
The poet says that the car owners are rich people.
seeing this indifference the poet is much aggrieved
They can adopt a middle path between being
at the attitude of the city folk.
miserly and charitable. They must not hoard
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
(a) he admires this Ans :
(d) The rural folk went to hear the sound of
(b) he is indifferent to this
stopping cars
(c) he condemns this indifferent attitude of the
city folk and feels the pain of the rural folk 35. What was the news?
(d) all of these (a) City people will give money
Ans : (b) City people will help the poor
(c) he condemns this indifferent attitude of the
(c) Relocation and resettlement of the rural folk
city folk and feels the pain of the rural folk
to make them tension free by the government
30. Who do selfish cars refer to? (d) None of these
(a) Social agencies Ans :
(c) Relocation and resettlement of the rural folk
(b) Government officials
to make them tension free by the government
(c) City people
(d) Car owners who do not stop on the stand 36. Who are the ‘pitiful kin’ in the poem?
Ans : (a) Social agencies
(d) Car owners who do not stop on the stand (b) Government officials
31. Why is the word pathetic used for roadside stand? (c) City people with cars
(a) for city people’s attitude (d) The poor rural folk and farmers
Ans :
(b) for government’s declaration
(d) The poor rural folk and farmers
(c) for city people’s behavior
(d) for poor condition of the owner of the stand 37. What would be the state of poor rural folk at new
Ans : location ?
(d) for poor condition of the owner of the stand (a) tension free as their needs will be looked after
(b) they will be able to visit city malls
32. Who made roadside stand and where?
(c) they will enjoy travelling malls and cinema halls
(a) The sarpanch made in the village
(d) they will be happy
(b) The government made in the village
Ans :
(c) Social agencies made in the village (a) tension free as their needs will be looked after
(d) The poor rural people made in the village
Ans : 38. What does I stand for in the poem?
(d) The poor rural people made in the village (a) City flower who stopped on the stand
(b) Owner of the stand
33. Who wanted to feel the money at hand and from
whom? (c) Poet of the poem-Robert Frost
(a) The rural folk from the government (d) None of these
Ans :
(b) The rural folk from the social agencies
(c) Poet of the poem-Robert Frost
(c) The rural folk from the government officials
(d) The rural folk from the city people 39. What does the speaker or narrator call the
Ans : thought of the owner of the stand?
(d) The rural folk from the city people (a) A very good thought
(b) A chidlike longing
34. Who went and waited in the lines?
(c) A wise thought
(a) The rural folk to hear the government’s
declaration (d) A childish longing in vain
Ans :
(b) The rural folk to talk to the social agencies
(d) A childish longing in vain
(c) The rural folk to have a word with the
government officials 40. What is the open prayer from near the open
(d) The rural folk went to hear the sound of window?
stopping cars (a) for more number of people to stop
(b) for money to fall from the sky
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 407
the progress of a nation depends on the balanced with their pockets, they stop to inquire to ask for
development of both rural and urban areas. selling a gallon gas. They never take the trouble
QUESTION 21. to ask for the prices of the farmers’ products. One
21. The poet says that three cars stop at the roadside of them will enquire to know the direction of the
stand. Do they come to buy something and help road. This troubles the poet very much.
the stall owner? QUESTION 26.�
Ans : 2007 26. What is the attitude of the Government, city folk
No, they do not come to buy anything. One car and the social agencies towards the rural people ?
stops there only to find space for backing up and Ans : 2018
turning around. Another car stops to enquire In reality all these social agencies including
about the road directions. A third one stops to government, politicians and affluent people make
ask if he can get petrol there. moving picture like promises to lure the poor.
QUESTION 22.� These greedy good doers and beneficent beasts
22. What is there in the news about the pitiful kins ? of prey crowd around them to extract their
Ans : 2021 calculated benefits in the name of helping them.
It is there in the news that the pitiful kins will be They rather misguide them and render their
resettled in well-placed as well as fully equipped nights sleepless.
areas near the theatres and the stores. They QUESTION 27.
won’t have to worry much about themselves and 27. What troubles the poet in the poem ‘A Roadside
everything will be at their help. Their life will be Stand’ ?
like those of affluent people. They will enjoy a Ans : 2019
prosperous life. A house owner has put up a roadside stand to
QUESTION 23.� attract the car owners to stop at his stall and buy
23. In what way do these calculated minded people something from him. But the rich car owners do
disturb the sleep of the village folk? not pay a little attention to his stall. This callous
Ans : 2013 attitude of the rich towards the poor troubles the
The calculated minded people are the greedy and poet.
prosperous people who make oily promises and QUESTION 28.�
swarm the poor only for their own selfish benefits. 28. To what does Robert Frost draw the readers’
They use their cunning wits to fleece as well as attention through his poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ ?
please the poor so that they can be betrayed and Ans : 2008
come in their greed. This feeling leaves an adverse Robert Frost draws readers’ attention towards a
effect on the poor and they become too disturbed very common universal event. The city folks drive
to have a night sleep because the false pledges go through the countryside, hardly pay any heed to
on tormenting their minds. On the other hand the the roadside stand or the people who run it. If at
city folk enjoy a sound sleep. all they do, it is to complain. This indifference
QUESTION 24. of city folk towards the rural folk is a universal
24. Write in brief the theme/central idea of the poem. event.
Ans : 2020 QUESTION 29.�
In his poem ‘A Roadside Stand’, Robert Frost 29. How pathetic is the state of roadside stand of
comments at the callousness of modern people Robert Frost ?
towards the poor villagers. A villager has put up a Ans : 2005
stand by the side of the busy road. He sells simple Far from the city in the countryside, the roadside
things in order to earn some money for his family. stand is made and run by the poor villagers. The
All day long, cars come and go along the busy rural people sell fruits, squash and other things for
highway. But nobody stops there. The rich people the travellers. Though it provides wrong direction
are indifferent to the needs of the poor. signs, yet it maintains requisite activities of a
QUESTION 25.� little shed. The polished traffic pass by that road
25. How does the passing traffic conduct at the and the poor villagers wait for some cash to flow
roadside stand ? from their pockets but they buy nothing. Rather
Ans : 2009 they stop for inquiring some direction or so. This
The passing traffic is quite callous and indifferent is very pathetic for the villagers of the roadside
towards the poor villagers who have set up a shed stand.
at the roadside stand. Instead of parting any cash
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
their money so firmly. They should not ignore the Ans : 2017
needs of the poor. There is news that the land of these poor villagers
QUESTION 10.�
will be bought. They will be given jobs. But in
10. What do the rural people running the roadside fact, the businessmen are serving their own
stand need ? Give a reason thereon. interests. They will turn these people into mere
Ans : 2013 wage-earners, working in night shifts and sleeping
The rural people running the roadside stand were during the day.
poor and they were devoid of the best life of the QUESTION 16.�
city. Since the city folk had money and led a life 16. What will these good-doers and beasts of prey do
of prosperity and happiness, so the poor people them ?
needed money which could bloom their lives. Ans : 2010
They will bring changes in the poor set up. While implementing the upliftment plans, these
QUESTION 11.�
greedy good-doers and beneficent beasts of prey
11. Why did the people driving along the highway (the cunning city folk) will crowd around them
think that the landscape was marred ? to derive their calculated benefits through these
Ans : 2009 poor villagers. But the result is good for nothing.
The people driving along the highway saw the QUESTION 17.�
clumsy paint (that spoiled the landscape.) It 17. How will the city people destroy poor villagers’
made them think that the landscape was marred. sleep at night ?
QUESTION 12.
Ans : 2005
12. What does the stand owner represent? What is The city people will misguide the villagers to earn
the attitude of the government? their benefits subjecting them to financial losses
Ans : 2020 and uneasiness. It will destroy their sleep at night.
The poet is pained at the callous attitude of the QUESTION 18.
rich. The poor stall owner represents the poor 18. What is the man at the stall waiting for all the
people of the countryside. They do not want to day?
live luxuriously like the rich. But they want to Ans : 2019
live a better life. But the government is indifferent The poet feels pity for the poor man who sits
to their needs. They keep these people backwards. at the counter all day, waiting for customers. He
QUESTION 13.� wants to hear the loud noise of the brakes and the
13. What does Robert Frost say about the polished sound of the stopping car. Thousands of selfish
traffic? car owners drive past daily. But they don’t care
Ans : 2014 to stop there.
Here the poet referred the city folk as the polished QUESTION 19.�
traffic since they were affluent and move in decent 19. What is the ‘childish longing’ of the folk who had
and costly cars. They drove with their eyes fixed put up the roadside stand ? Why is it ‘in vain’ ?
forward. If ever anyone looked aside, he felt Ans : 2011, 2005
irritated. He felt troubled on seeing the artless The villagers who run the roadside stand hope
paint done on the building to spoil the mountain getting the cash flow from the stopping cars of
landscape. The poet called them mean because city people. The cars don’t stop or if some does,
they kept the money in their pockets. it will not fulfil their awaited desire to buy things
QUESTION 14.� from them. Therefore, their longing proves a
14. In what way does the poet mock the cityfolk ? foolish desire in vain.
Ans : 2006
QUESTION 20.�
The poet says that the city folk are like the greedy
20. How does Robert Frost signify the importance of
doers. They will swarm over the poor and make
money in the poem under reference ?
oily and long promises. They will plan to extract Ans : 2022
money from them. In reality they are more cruel Here the poet clarifies the fact that the cash flow
than the beasts of prey. Their only aim is to earn from the pockets of the polished traffic can help
money and earn profit befooling the innocent in improving the lots of the poor villagers who
villagers. They destroy their sleep at night. have kept their produces for sale at the roadside
QUESTION 15.
stand. He stresses that the moderate attitude of
15. What was in the news ? What did the greedy
the city folk will relieve them from their pain since
good-doers, beneficent beast of prey actually do ?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 409
lately. Now that I find myself surrounded by city- turned wrong… Sometimes to turn the car or to
people all the time, I think the life at the stall was ask for a gallon of gas that we do not sell visibly.
difficult, but it was better off. In cities, it appears Bangle Maker : Oh my God, my father has gone
that no one knows their next-door neighbors. blind from working in dark, dingy furnaces with
Life is nothing but a mad dash for money here. small glass pieces. Neither of our jobs is as simple
Backbiting friends try to take advantage of one as they appear.
another. Everyone appears to be only concerned Road side stand owner : You are right.
with personal gain. People help each other not QUESTION 4.�
out of courtesy, but out of obligation or the desire 4. Give the summary of the poem ‘A Roadside
to cash it later. I yearn to return to our roadside Stand’.
stall. We had to struggle between meals, but we O
were content to spend time together. How does Robert Frost represent the pathetical
With love state of the people who run ‘A Roadside Stand’ ?
Jennifer Ans : 2019
QUESTION 3.
Robert Frost in his poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ has
3. ‘The cry of not having money to do anything very clearly visualised the plight of the rural folk.
except carry on the business of making bangles, The city folk who drove through the countryside
not even enough to eat, rings in every home.’ hardly pay any heed to the roadside stand or
(The Lost Spring) ‘…far from the city we make the people who run it. The poet has urged the
our roadside stand and ask for some city money necessity of the balanced development of both.
to feel in hand’. (A Roadside Stand) On the roadside stand, the poor villagers
Create a conversation between a bangle maker and wait all day for the polished city traffic passing
the owner of a roadside stand with reference to the through, to stop for a while there. They have kept
above extracts. You may begin the conversation good quality consumables for sale. But hardly
like this: Owner of a roadside stand: Your bangles any, out of thousand selfish cars, stops there. If
are pretty. Tell me about your experience in this any does it he simply makes some inquiry and
business. does not make any cash-flow to the poor people.
Ans : 2022
The sadness of the trusting sorrow lurks on
Road side stand owner : Your bangles are lovely! their faces. They feel their childish longing goes
Tell me about your experience in this industry. in vain. The city people don’t have a spirit of
Bangle Maker : Thank you, but this is a time- co-operating and raising the lot of the rural
consuming and risky endeavour. They say it’s our people. On the other hand, they look for their
Karam, and we can’t do anything about it. calculated benefits. Still the poet hopes that the
Road side stand owner : Oh! If you all believe it is city people will take the poor villagers out of their
risky, why can’t you form a cooperative and work pain by helping them. In return it will remove the
as a team? insufferable pain of the poet as well.
Bangle Maker : Oh no! Then the police will beat QUESTION 5.�
us up for doing something illegal! 5. Do you think that Robert Frost has rightly
Road side stand owner : Inform the appropriate portrayed the role of different agencies in the
authorities then!! name of helping the poor people ?
Bangle Maker : No, we’re trapped in a vicious
circle of middlemen like bureaucrats, sahukars, O
and others. I hope your company does better than According to Robert Frost all the social agencies
mine. derive their calculated benefits in the name of
Road side stand owner : Absolutely not! We wait helping the poor. Comment.
Ans : 2017
all day, expecting someone to come and buy from
The poet has rightly portrayed the selfish human
our stalls…
nature. The indifferent attitude of the city folk
Bangle Maker : And you make money when they
towards the rural folk is also a well-known fact.
buy. Is this correct?
The refined city people passing through the
Road side stand owner : I really wish you were,
countryside in their luxurious cars, hardly pay any
because they only stop to complain about how
heed to the people who run the roadside stand.
we’ve ruined the landscape with artless paint
They don’t stop there thinking it to be a mere
and to tell us about the signs N turned wrong S
waste of time. If they do, it is for making some
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
Word Meaning 6. Enforcing benefits - giving profits
1. To feel in hand - get in hand, come 7. Calculated - counted before
2. Our being - our luck 8. Soothe - to make happy
3. Expand - develop 9. Wits - intelligence, wisdom
4. Moving pictures - moving pictures on the 10. Ancient - old
cinema screen Explanation
5. Keeping from us - promising us Greedy people pretending to be good-doers will
Explanation take care of them. But actually they are like
The roadside stand is far away from the city. The flesh eating wild animals. Such cunning people
owners expect that some city dwellers will come will gather in crowd around the rural folk and
onto their road. They will become prosperous and force them to part with their money. They will
expand. It will give the life as promised by the befool the rural people and earn money. They will
moving pictures. But unfortunately the party in make them work but they themselves will go on
power is indifferent to the rural people. sleeping all day long. They will use their old ways
to destroy their sleep at night.
Stanza 5
Stanza 7
It is in the news that all these pitiful kin
Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
To live in villages, next to the theatre and the The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
store, The sadness that lurks near the open window
Where they won’t have to think for themselves there,
anymore, That waits all day in almost open prayer
Word Meaning Word Meaning
1. Pitiful kin - poor people 1. Childish - like a child (foolish)
2. Mercifully - having mercy 2. Longing - desire
3. Gathered - collected 3. Vain - of no use
4. To think for - to worry about 4. Lurks - hidden
Explanation 5. Almost - nearly
It is in the news that all these pitiful persons Explanation
will be brought out with their belongings. They Sometimes the poet feels that the people running
will be rehabilitated next to the theatre and the the roadside stand are uselessly waiting for the
store. There they won’t be needing to think about customers. It is quite childish to have such a
themselves anymore. feeling. The rural folk keep their windows open
and wait whole day for the arrival of a customer.
Stanza 6 When none arrives, they feel sad. They wait all
While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of day and pray for the sound of a brake.
prey,
Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits Stanza 8
That are calculated to soothe them out of their For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping
wits, car,
And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,
day, Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are.
Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way. And one did stop, but only to plow up grass
Word Meaning In using the yard to back and turn around;
And another to ask the way to where it was
1. Greedy - tempted
bound;
2. Good doers - well wishers
Word Meaning
3. Beneficent - useful
1. Squeal - cry
4. Beasts of prey - poor rural people
2. Selfish cars - cars that don’t stop
5. Swarm - crowd
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 411
vendors must endure in order to sell their wares. for directions, reverse, or ask for a gallon of gas.
These needy people have no choice but to Thus, the Roadside Stand represents the futile
hope that passing vehicles will stop and buy their hope of poor people to become wealthy.
wares. If a vehicle comes by, it is to check its QUESTION 11.
bearings or to complain about something. The 11. Elucidate on the central idea of the poem.
artist empathizes with and identifies with these Ans :
beleaguered individuals. This compassion is In his poem “A Roadside Stand,” Robert Frost
portrayed powerfully in the depiction of the side vividly depicts the plight of the rural people
of the road sheds. which is also the central idea of the poem. The
QUESTION 10. city dwellers driving through the countryside
10. Comment on the symbolic significance of ‘The pay little attention to the roadside stand or the
Roadside stand’. people who run it. The poet has emphasized the
Ans : 2005 importance of balanced development of both.
The roadside stand represents the farmers’ desire The poor villagers wait all day on the roadside
to enjoy the conveniences of city life. It is a stand for the polished city traffic passing through
symbol of the lives of poor and destitute country to stop for a while. They have put high-quality
people who struggle to live with the thoughtless consumables on the market for them. But few of
city dwellers who don’t even notice the roadside the thousand selfish cars stop there. If anyone
stand that these people have set up to sell their does it, it is for some reason other than to help
wares on the side of the highway outside. It is the poor.
also a symbol of hope for farmers, who believe The sadness of the trusting sorrow lurks on
that passing cars will buy their produce and help their faces. They believe their childish longing is
keep cities from falling into disrepair. However, futile. The city dwellers lack a spirit of cooperation
no cars ever stop, and those that do stop only and concern for the rural poor. They, on the other
comment on how the construction obstructs the hand, seek their calculated benefits. Still, the poet
view of the surroundings, or how badly painted hopes that the city dwellers will relieve the poor
the incorrectly pointed North and South signs villagers’ suffering by assisting them. In exchange,
are, or to notice without interest the wild berries it will relieve the poet’s excruciating pain.
and squash for sale in the stand, or the beautiful QUESTION 12.
mountain scene. 12. What are the poetic devices used in the poem
The farmer tells the rich travellers that if they “?A Roadside Stand”?
meant to be mean, they should keep their money, Ans :
and that the hurt to the view is not as important The following poetic devices have been used in
as the sorrow he feels from being ignored. He only the poem “A Roadside Stand” :
wants money so that he can enjoy the luxuries 1. Transferred Epithet : There are two examples
portrayed in movies and other media, which are of transferred epithet in “A Roadside Stand.”
said to be denied to him by political parties. ‘polished traffic’ refers to the city dwellers
Frost goes on to say that, while these people have who pass by the countryside and sometimes
benefactors who plan to relocate them to villages they take out a moment to scrutinize the
with easy access to the cinema and the store, they surroundings around them. ‘Selfish cars’ is
are actually selfish and only help these “pitiful yet another use of a transferred epithet. This
kin” to benefit themselves indirectly. refers to the car owners who do stop at the
The altruists want to make these villagers roadside stand but to ask about the police or
completely reliant on them for all of their benefits the gas stations.
and comforts, robbing them of the ability to think 2. Personification : “the sadness that lurks
for themselves and be self-sufficient. In that sense, behind the open window there…” where
a roadside stand represents wealth or money, sadness is an example of personification.
and the poor dream of becoming wealthy. It is Sadness dwells in the windows of the farmers
also a symbol of the past’s demise. The farmer’s because they wait for cars to stop and make a
house’s open windows appear to wait all day for purchase.
the sound of a car stopping to make a purchase. 3. Alliteration and Oxymoron : ‘Greedy good
However, they are always disappointed because doers’ and ‘beneficent beasts of prey’ are
vehicles only stop to inquire about the price, ask examples of both alliteration and oxymoron.
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
or the other inquiry. It leaves behind a trusting realizes that it is not an easy task. Nonetheless,
sorrow on the faces of the poor people because he begs for assistance for these people in order to
they don’t make any purchase there. be relieved of his suffering.
The Government and other social agencies QUESTION 8.
make tall promises but they do no good. They 8. Describe the miserable existence of the rural poor.
misguide them and obtain profit from them. The Ans : 2012
poor go on waiting in vain. The greedy good- Rural residents have a very low standard of living.
doers make false promises of their upliftment but The poem’s sole roadside stand demonstrates
do nothing. how uneducated and underprivileged they are.
QUESTION 6. The unfortunate person who has been waiting all
6. Through this poem, Frost underlines his sympathy day at his stand hopes that someone will stop
for the rural people in opposition to the uncaring and make at least a small purchase. But no one
capitalistic elite. Justify. comes to see him because the shed looks pitiful
Ans : 2016 with its clumsy paintings, and people driving
Robert Frost depicts the lives of the poor and expensive cars believe the stand detracts from the
disadvantaged while portraying the rich urban as neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal.
pitiless and indifferent. The government and the ruling class
On the one hand, he paints a pitiful picture of frequently publish fabricated news articles
the lives of the poor who beg for financial help to claiming that they will provide financial and
survive. They have no plans to grow their company. institutional assistance to poor farmers. They
They seek assistance that political parties have guarantee that these patients will live near cities
promised in their manifestos. Surprisingly, the with easy access to every modern amenity and
products of these people are what allow city will not have to worry about anything. But no
dwellers to live their glamorous lives. They travel one notices these jokes, which are all meant to
in sophisticated vehicles, oblivious to the terrible deceive these helpless people. The poet claims
plight of the poor, which cries out for attention. that the wealthy class disturbs the poor’s sleep in
These self-absorbed city dwellers have money but “the ancient way,” or as is customary. As a result,
refuse to spend it. the rural residents’ situation remains unchanged.
They have bought the poor and collected They are still behind, impoverished, ignorant, and
them to live near the theater and store, not for lowly. Their miserable lives do not improve.
their benefit, but as a distraction from their QUESTION 9.
reality. Frost refers to the city dwellers as ‘greedy 9. Elucidate on the theme of the poem “The
good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey’ as they Roadside Stand”.
drain the very life out of the poor. They swarm Ans : 2009
over their lives like flies, attempting to defraud The poem A Roadside Stand is the artist’s request
them for their own gain. They teach them ‘how for thought for the helplessly poor individuals
to sleep,’ lull them to sleep, and rob them of their who work tirelessly yet see no progress in their
peace in the process. lives. He expresses his anguish at their pity and
QUESTION 7. distress and seeks assistance and relief for them.
7. The rural-urban divide causes immense anguish He believes that someone will work selflessly for
to the poet. How does he express this? their restoration and will not abuse them. With
Ans : 2015 hardhearted clarity and humanity, he draws out
The poet is distressed by the poor’s miserable the complete disparity between the wealthy and
plight and their vain childish hope that one the poor, implying that a nation’s monetary
day, at least one of the thronging cars will stop prosperity is dependent on the equitable
to buy their wares. The situation is depressing advancement of towns and urban communities.
because the poor rural folk are non-existent for A Roadside Stand Summary is about the
city dwellers. lives of low-income people. Furthermore, the
Frost advocates for these people. While the author contrasts the arduous lives of field dwellers
majority of the population lives in poverty, no with the inhumane lives of city dwellers. The city
amount of material progress can lift them up. He dwellers do not pause to consider the deplorable
would be relieved if these people were relieved of state of the roadside. The city dwellers do not
their suffering. But, in his calmer moments, he consider the battles that these roadside stand
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 413
(c) Complete the sentence. (e) What was the complaint against the stand?
The men who are not willing to give or share (f) Complete the sentence.
thing is _____. The poet asks about the need of money
(d) State whether the following statement is _____.
TRUE or FALSE. Ans : 2015
The peasant’s shed sells locally grown (a) (ii) Bitter realisation of the promise of the
products. rich
(e) Whom does this line refer to, “You have the (b) The people running the roadside stand ask for
money, but if you want to be mean”? some city money because the flow of money
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately. in their lives will help them to raise their
Berries, squash and other products are sold at standard of living.
the peasant’s _____. (c) metaphor
Ans : 2011
(d) True
(a) (ii) Golden squash and wild berries (e) The complaint against the stand was that the
(b) The ‘beauty rest in a mountain scene’ poor have destroyed the scenic beauty.
indicates pleasure of a beautiful mountain (f) angrily.
landscape.
(c) mean
QUESTION 5.�
5. Read the following extract and answer the
(d) True
questions that follow.
(e) It means that the city dwellers had the money, Here far from the city we make our roadside stand
but they were selfish and cruel. And ask for some city money to feel in hand
(f) shed. To try if it will not make our being expand.
QUESTION 4.�
And give us the life of the moving pictures’
4. Read the following extract and answer the promise.
questions that follow. That the party in power is said to be keeping
Why keep your money (this crossly) and go along. from us.
The hurt to the scenery wouldn’t be my complaint (a) What does “ask for some city money to feel in
So much as the trusting sorrow of what is unsaid: hand” mean?
(a) What does ‘what is unsaid’ imply? (i) City money differs from the country
(i) The rich have kept their promise to money
improve the scenic beauty (ii) City people are rich
(ii) Bitter realisation of the promise of the (iii) The peasant wants the rich city people to
rich buy his produce so that he can earn some
(iii) The poor wait in hope that the rich will money
keep their promise (iv) City people and the peasants have the
(iv) The poor could not keep their promise same life style
(b) Why do the people running the roadside (b) What does “And give us the life of the moving
stand ask for some city money? pictures’ promise reveal?
(c) The figure of speech used in the line, “so much (c) Complete the sentence.
as the trusting sorrow of what is unsaid” is The poetic device used in the line ‘the party
_____. in power is said to be keeping from us’ is
(i) simile _____.
(ii) alliteration (i) simile
(iii) metaphor (ii) irony
(iv) personification (iii) alliteration
(d) State whether the following statements TRUE (iv) metaphor
or FALSE. (d) State whether the following statement is
“The hurt to the scenery” implies that the TRUE or FALSE.
natural landscape and beauty has been In “that the party in power is said to be
destroyed by the villagers.
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Ch 4 : A Roadside Stand
keeping from us”, farmers lament hollow (e) Through what means have the shed owners
promises of politicians. come to know about the settlement?
(e) What does ‘to try if it will not make our (f) Complete the sentence.
being expand’ mean? The wayside shop owners are to be settled
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately. next to the _____.
The peasants desire to get money from the Ans : 2006
travellers coming from _____. (a) (iv)
Ans : 2010 (b) The new settlement of the shop owners refer
(a) (iii) The peasant wants the rich city people to as the village.
to buy his produce so that he can earn some (c) (i) at new shopping centres, peasants will be
money more impoverished
(b) They believe in the help promised to them by (d) False
political parties and the moves that they saw. (e) Through news the shed owners have come to
(c) (iii) alliteration know about the settlement.
(d) True (f) theatre.
(e) It means that they are pained at being ignored QUESTION 7.�
by the rich so blatantly. 7. Read the following extract and answer the
(f) cities. questions that follow.
While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of
QUESTION 6.�
prey,
6. Read the following extract and answer the Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits
questions that follow. That are calculated to soothe them out of their
It is in the news that all these pitiful kin wits,
Are to be brought out and mercifully gathered in And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all
To live in villages, next to the theatre and the day,
store, Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way.
Where they won’t have to think for themselves
(a) Who are these greedy good doers?
anymore.
(i) City
(a) What does the “pitiful kin” stand for?
(ii) Village
(i) City people
(iii) City people
(ii) Hoteliers
(iv) Village people
(iii) Peasants
(b) Why are the city people called greedy in the
(iv) Owners of roadside stands
given extract? What phrase has been used for
(b) What does the new settlement of the shop them?
owners refer to?
(c) The word ‘calculated to’ in the third line
(c) Complete the sentence by selecting the most means _____.
appropriate option.
(i) aimed at
Where they won’t have to think for themselves
anymore implies that _____. (ii) opposed to
(i) at new shopping centres, peasants will be (iii) determined
more impoverished (iv) budgetted
(ii) peasant lot will be improved (d) State whether the following statements is
(iii) interest of peasants will be looked after TRUE or FALSE.
by politicians The welfare measures being introduced have
deprived the poor of their resourceful ways.
(iv) none of the above
(e) How do they harm to poor rural people?
(d) State whether the following statement is
TRUE or FALSE. (f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The news has spread that the relatives of The welfare measures have taught the settlers
shed owners are being taken together. to _____ all day.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 415
Ans : 2014
(e) When no customer turns up, there prevails a
(a) (iii) City people lurking sadness near the open window.
(b) The city people think only of their own (f) selfish.
benefits, therefore, they are called greedy in
the given extract. The phrase used for them
is ‘beasts of prey’.
(c) (i) aimed at
(d) True
(e) They misguide the poor villagers and deprive
them of their sleep.
(f) sleep.
QUESTION 8.�
8. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
The sadness that lurks near the open window
there, That waits all day in almost open prayer
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping
car, Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass.
(a) Which word is used for the sound of the
brakes?
(i) Squeal
(ii) Lurk
(iii) Window
(iv) Selfish
(b) What do open prayers refer to?
(c) The cars pass by _____.
(i) the theatres
(ii) the roadside stand
(iii) road joining North and South directions
(iv) the mountain ridges
(d) State whether the following statements TRUE
or FALSE.
The shed owners sit by their open windows
sadly.
(e) Why does sadness lurk near the open window
there?
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The car owners do not stop and help the shed
owners by buying their goods. The cars are
dubbed as _____.
Ans : 2008
(a) (i) Squeal
(b) The open prayers refer to the sound of coming
cars to stop at the roadside stand.
(c) (ii) the roadside stand
(d) True
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Ch 5 : Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
CHAPTER 5
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
1. introduction during her husband’s absence. In a way she is
totally controlled by him.
Adrienne Rich was born in 1929 in Baltimore,
Maryland, U.S.A.. She is famous for her Terrified hands Ringed with Ordeals
involvement in contemporary women’s movement. When Aunt Jennifer is dead, her terrified hands
A strong resistance to racism and militarism echoes will tell the whole story of her unhappy life.
through her work. The poem clearly indicates the She had bitter experience of married life. The
plight of women in the male dominated society. hardships and sufferings were the part and parcel
Aunt Jennifer is very much afraid of her husband of her married life. They had crushed her. These
as well as the ordeals of family and she creates can be read by seeing her troubled hands. But the
an imaginary world. In the other sense, the poem tigers which she had made in the panel will go
specifies the male dominance of uncle and thereby on prancing, proud and unafraid. Thus the third
Aunt Jennifer, who represents the middle class, stanza relates that even after her death Aunt
expresses her desire for freedom in her art only. Jennifer won’t be able to free herself from the
The poet longs to highlight the inherent will for male dominance.
freedom among the living beings. Thus it is ironical that such a lady who has
not yet freed herself from the bitter experiences
of the past, has created sleek and prancing tigers.
2. summary Even then she won’t be able to free herself from
the burnt of social and gender conflicts.
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Prance
Aunt Jennifer represents the female world and
she is oppressed by her overpowering husband. 3. explanation
So, Aunt Jennifer creates an alternate world
of freedom by a panel made of wool. Her tigers Stanza 1
prance and jump across a screen. These tigers are
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
like bright coloured shining topaz of the forest.
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
She has created all these things with her own
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
hands. They are unafraid of men standing there
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
under the tree in the screen. They pace in ‘sleek’
and ‘chivalric’ certainty. She shows that these Word Meaning
tigers are the fearless inhabitants of the jungle. 1. Prance - jump over
These are symbolic of the spirit of freedom. 2. Across - from one corner to the other
3. Screen - a wall, curtain
Uncle’s Wedding Band
Aunt Jennifer has created tigers on her wool. 4. Bright - shining
Her hands are moving here and there on it but 5. Topaz - a transparent yellow stone used in
the movement of her fingers is vibrating and jewellery
unsmooth. She finds it quite difficult to pull 6. Denizens - dwellers
even the ivory needle. He had a heavy weight 7. World of green - green forest
of the marriage band of her husband over her
8. Beneath - under
hand. When she works with her hand, she feels
tied down by that weight. The second stanza is 9. Pace - run fast
implied slavery as Aunt Jennifer is much terrified 10. Sleek - elegant and well-groomed
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 417
11. Chivalric - honourable and brave 5. Mastered by - controlled
12. Certainty - confidence 6. Panel - Board
Explanation 7. Prancing - jumping, springing
Aunt Jennifer has created a screen of wool. She 8. Unafraid - fearless
has created tigers on it. They jump over it. They Explanation
are the dwellers of the green forest and look little Even when Aunt Jennifer is dead, her terrified
bright yellow shining topaz. They are fearless and hands will remain in the control of those difficult
have no fear from the men standing under the times which have suppressed her like a ring. But
tree. They jump with confidence like brave and the tigers which she has made in her band will go
well-groomed warriors. In reality Aunt Jennifer on jumping ahead both proud and unafraid. Thus
wants to free herself from clutches of her unhappy Aunt Jennifer will not be free from the ordeals,
marriage in a patriarchal society. She has created because the traditions are too strong to relieve her
legal tigers and they prance upon freely without ever after the death. But the tigers which she has
any fear from the men. made will go on jumping freely. They will stand for
Stanza 2 the freedom that she has yearned in her life.
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull. 4. ncert textbook questions
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand. THINK IT OUT
Word Meaning QUESTION 1.�
1. How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our
1. Fluttering - moving about, go on moving
understanding of the tigers’ attitudes?
2. Ivory - made from the tusk of an elephant Ans : 2012, 2011
3. Hard - difficult Tigers are the animals that live or are found in
4. Pull - draw the world of green. The denizens of the world of
5. Massive - heavy green tell us that the tigers are the inhabitants of
forests, that is, they live in forests freely prancing.
6. Weight - load
‘Chivalric’ means the majestic and worthy
7. Band - strip position they occupy like the knights. They have
Explanation a fine position in the world of animals. Both these
The fingers of Aunt Jennifer are moving over her words tell about the attitudes of the wild animals.
wool in vibration. They find it difficult even to pull QUESTION 2.
the ivory needle out of the wool. The heavy weight 2. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer’s hands are
of her husband’s band that bonded them together ‘fluttering through her wool’ in the second stanza
still lies heavy on her hands. This stanza rather ? Why is she finding the needle so hard to pull ?
expresses that the Aunt is very feeble and thus she Ans : 2014
finds it difficult to pull through her ivory needle Aunt Jennifer is working with her ivory needle
through the wool. She is so much suffocated that she on her wool. Her fingers are quivering due to
has to obey her husband without any murmuring. overbearing nature of her husband. She is busy
knitting after making the tigers with massive
Stanza 3 uncle’s wedding band. The heavy weights sits
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie heavily on her hand. So she is finding the needle
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by. too hard to pull.
The tigers in the panel that she made QUESTION 3.�
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. 3. What is suggested by the image ‘massive weight
of Uncle’s wedding band ?’
Word Meaning Ans : 2009
1. Dead - died Aunt Jennifer is busy knitting with her ivory
2. Terrified - frightened needle through her wool. But the chores and
3. Ringed with - surrounded by duties of the family checked her in the middle,
she had to stop knitting.
4. Ordeals - difficult experiences
‘Massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’
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Ch 5 : Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
(c) circles of responsibility of married life 20. What is the wedding band?
(d) none of these (a) ring
Ans : (b) ring ceremony
(c) circles of responsibility of married life
(c) marriage between uncle and aunt
15. What is the purpose of creating animals which are (d) All
completely a contrast to aunt’s character? Ans :
(a) to show her strength and ability of not giving (c) marriage between uncle and aunt
up in the face of difficulties 21. What did marriage bring for Jennifer?
(b) her courage (a) unhappiness
(c) her fears and strengths (b) loss of freedom
(d) none of these (c) loss of freedom and burden as if she has put
Ans :
on a heavy band
(a) to show her strength and ability of not giving
(d) a heavy mountain
up in the face of difficulties
Ans :
16. What is the poet suggesting through the different (c) loss of freedom and burden as if she has put
nature of characters in the poem? on a heavy band
(a) Diversity in nature 22. What is still fresh in Jennifer’s mind?
(b) all are different and unique (a) happy moments
(c) simultaneous nature of fears and strengths of (b) early days of marriage
aunt. Though she has fears, yet she is not
(c) uncle’s attitude
defeated by them
(d) the old unhappy memories
(d) all of these
Ans :
Ans :
(d) the old unhappy memories
(c) simultaneous nature of fears and strengths of
aunt. Though she has fears, yet she is not defeated 23. What did ordeals or tough times do in Jennifer’s
by them life?
17. Tell and interpret the meaning of ‘Denizen of a (a) they made her a hard hearted person
world of green’. (b) she developed hatred
(a) forest haters (b) forest lovers (c) she became weak
(c) forest dwellers (d) all of these (d) they crushed her artistic personality
Ans : Ans :
(c) forest dwellers (d) they crushed her artistic personality
18. What is the attitude of the poet or speaker 24. Where do aunt’s tigers belong?
towards aunt Jennifer? (a) to a cage
(a) critic (b) zoo
(b) very harsh and rude (c) mountains
(c) indifferent (d) world of green forests
(d) full of appreciation and sympathy Ans :
Ans : (d) world of green forests
(d) full of appreciation and sympathy
25. What is the poet conveying through aunt
19. Does Aunt Jennifer need sympathy? Jennifer’s tiger?
(a) yes (a) wild life
(b) no (b) courageous tigers
(c) no, more than sympathy she deserves praise (c) tigers and their courage
(d) none of these (d) female existence and their fear of men
Ans : Ans :
(c) no, more than sympathy she deserves praise (d) female existence and their fear of men
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 419
Ans : 9. Why is she finding the needle so hard to pull?
(d) 19
(a) because of fluttering fingers
4. What does echo through her work? (b) because of trembling hands
(a) A strong resistance to racism and militarism (c) because of her fears
(b) her passion of essay writing (d) because of the heavy weight of her marriage
(c) her love for poetry ring
Ans :
(d) her wish to publish her work
Ans : (d) because of the heavy weight of her marriage
(a) A strong resistance to racism and militarism ring
5. What issue does the poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers 10. What does the image ‘massive weight of the
address? wedding band ‘ mean?
(a) constraints of women (a) wedding bond of hard married life
(b) constraints of married life a woman (b) fatty structure of uncle
experiences (c) fatty body of aunty
(c) constraints of women as a poet (d) heavy body of tiger
Ans :
(d) None of these
Ans : (a) wedding bond of hard married life
(b) constraints of married life a woman experiences 11. Of what or of whom is aunt Jennifer terrified of
6. What do you understand by the words ‘denizens’ in the 3rd stanza?
and ‘chivalric’ in the poem? (a) of tigers
(a) The dominant and highly arrogant attitude of (b) of her death
the wild animal-tiger (c) of her old age
(b) tiger is a wild animal (d) of her dominant husband
(c) tiger is hungry Ans :
(d) of her dominant husband
(d) beauty of the tiger
Ans : 12. What are the ordeals aunt Jennifer is surrounded
(a) The dominant and highly arrogant attitude of by?
the wild animal-tiger
(a) wild animals
7. Which words depict the dominant and arrogant (b) old people
attitude of the wild animal in the poem ? (c) a heavy crowd
(a) dominant (d) heavy responsibilities of married life
(b) arrogant Ans :
(c) adorable (d) heavy responsibilities of married life
(d) denizens and chivalric 13. What is the significance of the word ringed?
Ans :
(a) responsibilities
(d) denizens and chivalric
(b) heavy duties
8. What do aunt Jennifer’s fluttering hands through (c) fatty people
her wool in the second stanza tell us? (d) responsibilities that formed circles like a ring
(a) the lost freedom and fear of Jennifer’s mind surrounding her finger
because marital restraints Ans :
(b) her old age (d) responsibilities that formed circles like a ring
(c) her love for embridery and knitting surrounding her finger
(d) her love for tigers 14. What is the meaning of the word ‘ringed’ ?
Ans :
(a) circles of a ring
(a) the lost freedom and fear of Jennifer’s mind
because marital restraints (b) her wedding ring around finger
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Ch 5 : Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
tapestry, she depicts tigers, which are symbols of to achieve that and even after her death the
bravery, fearlessness, and strength. Her tigers are oppression still continued which is reflected from
wild and free of any kind of enslavement, which the line “Her terrified hands lay still ringed by the
presents a stark contrast to her current state. ordeals she was mastered by”.
QUESTION 12.
12. In a predominantly male dominated society,
women have always faced oppression from men.
What changes can be brought about in society
for uplifting the position of women like Aunt
Jennifer?
Ans :
QUESTION 10.
The position of women like Aunt Jennifer in
10. Analyse the symbols and poetic devices employed
society can be improved by implementing the
in the poem.
Ans : following measures, which are currently lacking
Adrienne Rich’s poem effectively conveys the in society:
theme by employing a variety of images, symbols, Education, particularly for girls, is still lagging
and poetic devices. The tigers represent the behind, as girls are burdened with domestic duties
spiritual freedom that Aunt Jennifer longs for but at a young age and also married at a young age.
only finds in her dreams and art. Aunt Jennifer Women are not given equal opportunities
is a metaphor for women in general, women who in life as men, whether in terms of upbringing,
are victims of male superiority and domination. education, or employment. Women should be
Tigers represent the true nature of a woman’s free treated equally with men in society.
spirit, which values strength and assertiveness. Women should be given the ability to make
The implied comparison of the tigers to the their own life decisions. Aunt Jennifer is afraid
bright topaz denizens contains a metaphor, as of her husband because he controls every aspect
tigers are considered to be the inhabitants of the of her life; she is unable to make decisions on her
forests, the crafted green world on the panel. In own. Thus, she expresses her suppressed desires
their confidence, tigers are also attributed with through her knitting.
the quality of chivalry. The alliteration in ‘fingers
QUESTION 13.
13. Does Aunt Jennifer get to be an “artist”? Why or
fluttering’ evokes the poem’s irony, as the fingers
why not? Use examples from the poem.
represent Jennifer’s physical frailty. As a result,
Ans :
she has difficulty pulling the ivory needle. The
The poem revolves around Aunt Jennifer’s status
alliteration ‘prancing proud’ represents the tigers’
as a creator. She can use her embroidery skills to
everlasting strength.
create an entire “green world” within the confines
QUESTION 11.
of her hoop. She is not, however, a “artist” in the
11. Would you say that the poem ends on a note of
traditional sense. Adrienne Rich emphasized in
hope? Justify your opinion.
Ans : 2021
her writing that being a female artist is difficult
The prancing, free-spirited tigers will continue because artistic creativity necessitates complete
indefinitely, which is one redeeming feature of freedom. Aunt Jennifer, on the other hand, is
Aunt Jennifer’s life. This provides a ray of hope constrained by her marriage, even in her role
for those who believe there is no way out of a as a creator: she finds it difficult to even draw
relationship. Art, however fragile, can bring a the needle through the fabric. Artistic creation
sense of inner peace and instill confidence in any is frequently portrayed as a means of achieving
individual. This provides a ray of hope for those a kind of immortality, because the artist’s
who believe there is no way out of a relationship. reputation lives on through their work.
This is a feminist take on the classic signature In the third stanza, Aunt Jennifer’s tigers live
tune about art’s ability to outlive human life. on while she dies, Rich appears to allude to this
On the other hand, one could also think that dynamic. Jennifer’s tigers live on in spite of her,
the poem concludes on a depressing note, because rather than because of her art. Jennifer’s lack of
in the end of the poem also we find that in spite freedom, as a result, prevents her from reaping
of a desire to liberate herself from the dominance the benefits of being an artist, despite her creative
of the husband and Aunt Jennifer was not able ability.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 421
26. Interpret terrified hands. 32. How do the Prancing tigers look?
(a) Physical condition of aunt (a) just like diamond (b) just like Topaz
(b) mental state of aunt (c) just like coal (d) just like stone
(c) tensed ,troubled physical and mental state of Ans :
aunt Jennifer (b) just like Topaz
(d) fears of aunt 33. Why did aunt embroider tigers on the panel?
Ans :
(a) to express her suppressed feelings
(c) tensed ,troubled physical and mental state of
aunt Jennifer (b) to express her strengths
(c) to express her fighting spirit of a warrior
27. What is the tone of the poem towards the end? (d) All of these
(a) happy moments (b) resolving Ans :
(c) hopeful (d) sad and tensed (d) All of these
Ans :
(d) sad and tensed 34. Why are tigers given the name Aunt Jennifer’s
tigers?
28. How are aunt Jennifer’s tigers different from her? (a) because she created them as an expression to
(a) aunt lives in a city and tigers in forests her inner feelings
(b) aunt is old and tigers are young (b) because she brought them
(c) tigers are courageous and carefree and aunt is (c) because she bought them
terrified (d) because she nurtured them
(d) none of these Ans :
Ans : (a) because she created them as an expression to
(c) tigers are courageous and carefree and aunt her inner feelings
is terrified
35. How are tigers described in the poem?
29. What is aunt Jennifer loaded with? (a) as ferocious (b) fearless
(a) weight of rings (c) chivalric (d) All of these
(b) weight of tigers Ans :
(c) burden of household work (d) All of these
(d) heavy responsibilities of married life 36. What is the meaning of the word ‘Chivalric’ ?
Ans :
(a) fearless
(d) heavy responsibilities of married life
(b) ferocious
30. What lies heavily on aunt Jennifer’s hand? (c) commanding and demanding high respect
(a) needles (b) embrideries (d) None of these
(c) work pressure (d) wedding ring Ans :
Ans : (c) commanding and demanding high respect
(d) wedding ring
37. What would Jennifer’s terrified hands tell after
31. What does wedding ring represent? her death?
(a) beauty (a) her constrained married life
(b) expenses (b) story of her life
(c) unnecessary pressures of her dominant (c) her strength to find her ways and beat the fears
husband and responsibilities of married life (d) All of these
(d) none of these Ans :
Ans : (d) All of these
(c) unnecessary pressures of her dominant
husband and responsibilities of married life 38. What is presented through uncle’s character?
(a) man is like tigers (b) Man is powerful
(c) Male strength (d) male chauvinism
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Ch 5 : Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
QUESTION 7.�
represents the marriage band between Jennifer 7. Interpret the symbols found in this poem.
and Uncle. It suggests the harsh and difficult Ans :
experiences of her married life. After marriage she The poetess has used different symbols in this
had lost all her freedom. poem. Some of them can be interpreted like this :-
QUESTION 4.�
1. Denizens of a world of green = residents of
4. Of what or whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified in the
forest.
third stanza ?
Ans : 2012 2. Massive weight of wedding band = ordeals
Aunt Jennifer’s terrified hands are referred in and hardships of married life.
third stanza. The old unhappy memories are still 3. Terrified hands = tensed and troubled life
fresh in her mind. During her married life, she both physically and mentally.
had passed through .difficult times. These ordeals QUESTION 8.�
have crushed and suppressed her. Aunt Jennifer 8. Do you sympathise with Aunt Jennifer ? What is
is still ringed with those ordeals that dominated the attitude of the speaker towards Aunt Jennifer?
her life. Ans : 2005
QUESTION 5.� Aunt Jennifer is a lady who deserves everyone’s
5. What are the ‘ordeals’ Aunt Jennifer is surrounded praise and sympathy. She is heavily burdened
by ? Why is it significant that the poet uses the with her responsibilities of the married life. The
word ‘ringed’ ? What are the different meanings speaker is liberating her only through the images,
of ‘ringed’ in the poem? but in the end she says that her terrified hands
Ans : 2006 after her death will lie in the grip of those hard
Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by the ordeals of experiences which had oppressed her during
the heavy responsibilities of her married life married life. The speaker shows sympathy but
towards the family and towards Uncle Jennifer. there is an atmosphere of tense in the end.
The poetess used the word `ringed’ to point
that Aunt was surrounded by the responsibilities
which encircled her like a ring that surrounds the 5. other important questions
finger. Further, she will go on remembering her
responsibilities. MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 6.
6. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals 1. Who is the poet of the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s
that are so different from her own character? Tigers’ ?
What might the poet be suggesting through this (a) Adrienne Rich (b) Jonathan Aaron
difference? (c) J. H. M. Abbott (d) Mark Abley
Ans : 2010
Ans :
Aunt Jennifer Aunt Jennifer's (a) Adrienne Rich
creation, the tigers 2. What is the poet known for?
1. Aunt Jennifer's They are prancing (a) She is widely known for her involvement in
fingers are moving in and pacing in sleek, contemporary women’s movement as a poet
a, vibrating way. chivalrous certainty. and theorist
2. It is hard to pull the They suggest (b) for her philosophy
ivory needle out of strength, beauty, (c) for her beauty
her wool. firmness and (d) for her poems
confidence. Ans :
3. The massive weight In a nutshell, Aunt (a) She is widely known for her involvement in
of Uncle's hand is Jennifer represents contemporary women’s movement as a poet and
heavy on her hand. fear and trembling theorist
but her animals
represent strength. 3. How many volumes of poetry has she published?
(a) 39 (b) 29
4. Her married life was
(c) 18 (d) 19
crushed with ordeals.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 423
Ans : 2015, 2012, 2008 QUESTION 15.
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are her own creations. She 15. How will Aunt Jennifer’s hands look when she is
has done it with ivory needles on the woollen dead?
panel. They are bright, yellow and chivalric and Ans : 2007
prance upon the screen very boldly. They have no When Aunt Jennifer is dead, her hands will be
fear from the man standing under the tree. They terrified. It will be so because she has become
have all the traits which are found in the denizens very old and weak.
of green forest. They were created to represent QUESTION 16.�
her silent revolt against the Uncle’s tyrant nature. 16. Aunt Jennifer’s efforts to get rid of her fear proved
She wants to express her desire to be spiritually to be futile. Comment.
Ans : 2016
liberated.
QUESTION 11.�
Aunt Jennifer has created tigers on a panel. But
11. What will happen when Aunt Jennifer is dead ? in the poem we find that even after her death,
Ans : 2015
her hands would be terrified and signed with
The poet says that when Aunt Jennifer is dead ordeals that controlled her life. This shows that
her tigers will go on prancing, proud and fearless. her imaginary creation won’t be able to change
It reveals that art survives life. Human beings are her subjugated condition.
mortal, whereas artistic creations are deathless.
QUESTION 12.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
12. Write a brief summary of the poem. QUESTION 1.
Ans : 2020 1. ‘Their mother sighed.
This poem is about a woman whose marriage has Sophie watched her back stoop over the sink and
not been a happy one. She has suffered at the wondered at the incongruity of the delicate bow
hands of her husband. She makes pictures of tigers which fastened her apron strings.’
on the panel. But she is in the grip of ordeals The prose selection, Going Places includes this
which have crushed her. She has gone through the telling comment about Sophie’s mother. In Aunt
tortures of marriage. The tigers which she creates Jennifer’s Tigers, we are told that –
will survive her. They will go on prancing in the ‘The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band Sits
forest. heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s Hand.’
QUESTION 13.� Imagine a conversation between Sophie’s mother
13. How is Aunt Jennifer different from her tigers ? and Aunt Jennifer. Create this exchange with
Ans : 2019, 2012 reference to the two extracts given above.
Aunt Jennifer is different from her tigers. Tigers You may begin the conversation like this …
created by Aunt Jennifer prance fearlessly across Sophie’s mother : Your embroidery is so beautiful.
the screen. They pace about in a dignified Do you love tigers?
manner. They are unafraid of men. They are Ans : 2022
dignified. But Aunt Jennifer, compared with her Sophie’s mother : Your embroidery is so beautiful.
tigers, is oppressed and supressed. She is terrified Do you love tigers?
of her domineering husband. The terrible ordeals Aunt Jennifer :I sincerely appreciate it. Yes, I do.
of marriage have adversely affected her body and They are amazing creatures.
mind. Sophie’s mother : I noticed you have your wedding
QUESTION 14.� band on your ring finger.
14. What picture of male chauvinism (tyranny) do we Aunt Jennifer : I do, indeed. It serves as a reminder
find in the poem ? of my devotion to my husband. However, it can
Ans : 2016 feel like a burden at times.
The picture of male tyranny or dominance can Sophie’s mother : I get it. I, too, have times when
be sought throught the poem by Aunt Jennifer. I feel weighed down by life’s responsibilities. Being
The weight of her wedding band, her trembling a wife and a mother is not easy.
fingers and her terrified hands are enough to point Aunt Jennifer : It’s not just the duties, but
out that her life is throttled by the patriarchal also the expectations. Society expects us to be
systems. She feels that even after her death, she submissive and obedient. To follow certain rules
will remain troubled and oppressed. and conventions.
Sophie’s mother : But don’t we all have our own
passions and desires? We each have our own goals
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Ch 5 : Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
Ans : Ans : 2015
(d) male chauvinism ‘Massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’
represents the marriage band between Jennifer
39. Where are the tigers sleeping? and Uncle. It suggests the harsh and difficult
(a) in the cage (b) on the mountain top experiences of her married life. After marriage
(c) on the trees (d) in the caves she has lost all her freedom. It is like the heavy
Ans : weight of the wedding band that lies heavily on
(d) in the caves Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
QUESTION 6.
40. What is Aunt doing in the poem? 6. Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers
(a) Reading (b) Embroidery on the pannel?
(c) Cooking (d) Sleeping Ans : 2005
Ans : Aunt Jennifer’s married life is not happy. She has
(b) Embroidery suffered from the hands of her husband. To express
her desire for freedom. She choose to embroider
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS tigers on the panel. She presented these tigers as
QUESTION 1.�
powerful, free and fearless.
1. What kind of ordeals is Aunt Jennifer surrounded QUESTION 7.�
by? 7. What do the symbols, ‘tigers’, ‘fingers’ and ‘ring’
Ans : 2013 stand for in the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ ?
The ordeals of Aunt Jennifer are the ordeals of Ans : 2011
millions of women of the world. Aunt Jennifer is ‘Tiger’ stands for denizens of a world of green
“ringed”, that is caged, in the 0:1,-rands of her (residents of forest). ‘Finger’ stands for The
married life. The constant nagging by her exciting unpleasant and bitter experiences of Aunt
husband is her ordeal. Jennifer during her married life. ‘Ring’ stands for
QUESTION 2.
the vicious grip of Aunt Jennifer’s married life or
2. Describe the tigers created by Aunt Jennifer. the sacred bond of marriage.
Ans : 2010 QUESTION 8.�
Aunt Jennifer created the tigers on a panel. 8. How are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers different from her?
These tigers are prancing in the jungle. They are Ans : 2015
powerful, free and fearless. In the panel, some Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are a picture of strength,
people are standing under the tree. The tigers are beauty and certainty. They seem to be jumping
not afraid of those people. across a screen. They ‘pace in sleek chivalric
QUESTION 3.�
certainty’, They are confident and impressive.
3. What are the difficulties that Aunt Jennifer faced Aunt Jennifer is a weak, depressed and terrified
in her life. person. Life has been a cup of woes for her. She is
Ans : 2014 still in the grip of those ordeals and terrors that
The life of Aunt Jennifer was overburdened by the she faced and suffered from during her married
duties of her married life. Hardships and sufferings life. Her fingers are so ‘terrified’ that they find
were the parts of her married life. She had to face it hard to pull even the ivory needle. Thus, the
oppression by her husband even though she was contrast is amply highlighted.
old and weak. QUESTION 9.
QUESTION 4. 9. What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers after
4. Where are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers and how does her death?
she create them? Ans : 2022
Ans : 2020 Aunt Jennifer’s tigers will survive after her. She
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are on a panel. She works will be no more in this world. But her tigers will
with an ivory needle to create these tigers. These go on prancing in the forest, fearlessly.
tigers have all the traits that are found in the QUESTION 10.�
denizens of the forest. They are powerful, free and 10. Why does Aunt Jennifer create animals that are
fearless. so different from her own character ?
QUESTION 5.�
O
5. What is suggested by the phrase, ‘massive weight Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to knit tigers on
of Uncle’s wedding band’ ? the panel ?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 425
Ans : 2018
that shapes mainstream society. Rich saw poetry
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are from the world of green as a razor-sharp beacon that could enlighten
- the forest. Their world is always full of greenery women’s lives and consciousness. The poem is an
and they buzz with activities of animals. The eye-opener in terms of re-constructing women’s
tigers are the brilliantly shining inhabitants of identities. The poet examines women’s positions
that world where they are the knights. They fear in a traditional society and makes a strong case
none and roam freely. for restructuring identity and rewriting norms in
But the Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are mad....n the order to envision a new world to come.
panel and she feels proud but she feels unafraid Hence, as Aunt Jennifer expresses her innate
and, of course, like the tiger do not fear men. desires through her knitting, Adrienne Rich
The poet has shown that the ordeals of a female displays her ideals through poetry.
will go on haunting her even after, her death.
This element of female existence is the basic QUESTION 8.
infrastructure of life and love for other animals 8. Explain the stark difference in the death of Aunt
too. Jennifer and the tigers prancing.
The speaker tries to free herself but her mind Ans :
from the fear of men will go on haunting her even The tigers remain constant throughout the poem,
after death. only growing stronger as it progresses. Aunt
QUESTION 6.�
Jennifer, on the other hand, gradually fades away
6. There is a fine blend of male dominance in Aunt in her death. She is defeated in her death as a
Jennifer’s Tigers. How does Aunt try to get rid of result of her unfulfilled desires. She may accept
it ? Cite relevant facts. the bond of domination because her fingers are
Ans : 2021 still ringed and she dies surrounded by her life’s
‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ is a fine blend of male difficulties.
dominated societal set up where Aunt has been The tigers are her cherished world of freedom,
reduced to a quivering woman. She is so much prancing in pride, a world she will never be able
oppressed and terrified with her husband and to experience. It gives us a practical look at the
even her fingers are unable to carry the weight of reality that Aunt Jennifer never wins and accepts
something as light as wool. She wavers in such a defeat stoically as she conforms to the society
way that putting of the ivory needle is troublesome in which she has lived. She bears the weight of
for her. The weight of wedding ring seems to be the ring, dead or alive, because she has already
heavy and she thinks that her married life has surrendered or was forced to surrender her
been subjugated by her husband. She fears from freedom by marrying.
her husband so much that even in his absence
QUESTION 9.
she is not comfortable. In her lifetime she has
9. Read the given quote. In your opinion, what
undergone so many tribulations which will linger
silence does the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’
on after her death.
break?
Consequently she weaves a world of her own
“Every poem breaks a silence that had to be
with tigers leaping and prancing about. They
overcome.” – Adrienne Rich
symbolise the spirit of freedom which the Aunt
Ans : 2021
yearns for. They represent that the Aunt wants
The role of women in society and the language men
to lead a life of her own without any dominance.
use for social and political gain are inextricably
QUESTION 7.
linked. Adrienne Rich’s personal life becomes
7. ‘What knitting was to Aunt Jennifer; poetry was political, and this short poem, while not overtly
for Adrienne Rich’. Do you agree? Comment with political, foreshadows more radical work to come.
reference to the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’. Aunt Jennifer has suffered for many years and
Ans : 2022 is looking for a positive outlet for her artistic
In a male-dominated society, women are silenced; abilities before it’s too late. She hopes that her
Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger addresses this topic subtly. tigers will outlive her and become a symbol of
The poet has explored the mechanisms of ‘male freedom and independence. Aunt Jennifer is too
domination’ and ‘patriarchy’ in society in this afraid to openly oppose the oppression of which
poem. Adrienne Rich, a poet from a marginalized she is a victim. She uses her art to express her
community, responds to the dominant nature resentment and rage at male dominance. On her
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Ch 5 : Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
and dreams. more a result of “contagion” – a term used for the
Aunt Jennifer : We do indeed. And we must not spreading of a harmful idea or practice…In the
let anyone suffocate them. We must find a way to context of the struggling artist, it allows mental
balance our responsibilities and personal liberties. illness to fester; to be glamorized and admired;
That’s why I enjoy embroidering. It’s my way even encouraged in the name of art.
of reclaiming my autonomy and expressing my Do you think Aunt Jennifer “turned her pain into
individuality. art”? What kind of “contagion” might her pain
Sophie’s mother : That’s fantastic. You are a be a result of?
brave and strong woman. You are an inspiration Evaluate Aunt Jennifer and her artistry in light of
to all of us. the above extract.
QUESTION 2. Ans : 2021
2. Imagine that Aunt Jennifer read the poem that Aunt Jennifer was oppressed by her husband
Adrienne Rich wrote about her. After much in the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers. She was
contemplation, she decided to write a letter to confined within the four walls of her husband’s
her husband expressing her feelings and thoughts. home, unable to do as she pleased. Her marital
Write the letter as Aunt Jennifer. responsibilities added to her stress. Despite her
You may begin like this : best efforts to overcome her fear, Aunt Jennifer
12, Davidson County was still traumatized and oppressed by her
23 January, 20xx husband. Her embroidering fearless, prancing
Dear husband, tigers could only provide her with a temporary
I want to express how much I adore you. I am release of her pent-up feelings of liberation.
confident you share my sentiments ..................... Aunt Jennifer is submissive and weak, whereas
............................................................................. the tigers are strong, bold, and powerful. She is
Ans : 2021 constrained by the constraints of her married
12, Davidson County life, whereas the tigers are free to roam the green
23 January, 20xx woods. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are an expression
Dear husband, of her desire to be free of the constraints of
I want to express how much I adore you. I her married life. She aspires to be fearless and
am confident you share my sentiments. However, daring like her tigers. Aunt Jennifer uses her
because of the society in which we grew up, I art to express her resentment and rage at male
became a target of male chauvinism. I have been dominance. On her tapestry, she depicts tigers,
afraid of you, unknowingly to you. A girl must which are unafraid of men and represent bravery,
adjust to her new surroundings immediately after fearlessness, and strength.
marriage. When she is confronted with rules and QUESTION 4.�
regulations in that situation, she loses confidence. 4. What lies heavily on Aunt Jennifer’s hand? How
The same thing occurred to me. is it associated with her husband?
I was afraid to tell you this before, but O
Adrienne Rich’s poem inspired me to tell you the What is the meaning of the phrase “massive
truth. As I approach my deathbed, I want you weight of Uncle’s wedding band”?
to know that I have loved and treasured every Ans : 2013
moment of my life with you, but I am afraid that Aunt Jennifer works with ivory needles and wool.
any of my words or actions will offend you. I hope But she is unable to move her fingers freely in the
you take this in good humour. wool. She finds it hard to pull even the ivory needles
With love easily. Similarly, she has bitter experiences of his
Jennifer past married life. She has unpleasant memories
QUESTION 3.
with her husband. She is deeply oppressed by the
3. Read the given extract from an article published male dominance. Therefore, it is like the heavy
in The Independent: weight of the wedding band that lies heavily 01
“Turn your pain into art”: it’s a phrase most of us Aunt Jennifer’s hand. The chores of family stops
have heard before… her in the middle to stop knitting.
The theory that achieving something great QUESTION 5.�
requires suffering dates back to ancient times… 5. Where are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers from ? What
Pain, however, is less an artistic necessity and does the speaker want to convey ?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 427
QUESTION 14.
Ans : 2017
14. Discuss the symbol of the wedding ring. How does
(a) (iii) dwellers of the forests
Rich use this object to speak about marriage?
Ans : (b) metaphor
Jennifer’s wedding ring is one of the poem’s (c) (iv) hunters who stalk and kill tigers
most significant objects. Rich uses its physical (d) True
characteristics to make several metaphorical (e) “They do not fear the men beneath the tree”
points. She uses its weight, as a small metal object, is the line that represents the proud and
for example, to speak to the figurative weight of dominant attitude of the tiger.
marriage on Jennifer’s life. Similarly, the shape of (f) proud and dominant attitude of the tigers.
the ring alludes to Jennifer being “ringed” by her QUESTION 2.�
marriage; encompassed by ordeals in the same way 2. Read the following extract and answer the
that the ring encompasses her finger. The position questions that follow.
of the ring on Jennifer’s hand is also significant. Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Jennifer’s lack of freedom is represented by the Find even the ivory needle hard to pull
ring. By placing it on her hand, Rich suggests The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
that marriage’s most significant infringement on Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
women’s freedom is the inability to freely use the
(a) What does the Uncle’s character reflect in the
hands—to make things and act upon the world.
poem?
(i) male chauvinism and patriarchy
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.�
(ii) a man’s physical strength
1. Read the following extract and answer the (iii) male ego
questions that follow. (iv) a male’s view of the world
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen (b) Why is the aunt finding even an ivory needle
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green hard to pull? Does it tell the reader something
They do not fear the men beneath the tree; about her state of mind and her married life?
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty. (c) Aunt Jennifer’s fingers are fluttering _____.
(a) Who does ‘denizens of a world of green’ refer (i) because she cannot sit still
to? (ii) because she has grown strong with age
(i) netizens (iii) because she is nervous and insecure
(ii) enviornmentalists (iv) because she sits on her hand.
(iii) dwellers of the forests (d) State whether the following statement is
(iv) flora and fauna TRUE or FALSE.
(b) What poetic device has been used in “bright The tigers symbolize cowardness.
topaz denizens”? (e) What does the Uncle’s character reflect in the
(c) Complete the sentence by choosing the most poem?
appropriate option. They do not fear the men (f) Complete the sentence.
beneath the tree. Who could these ‘men’ be? “The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding
(i) travellers band” implies that women feel heavily
(ii) tribal people _____ under the garb of marriage.
Ans : 2014
(iii) forest dwellers
(a) (i) Male chauvinism and patriarchy
(iv) hunters who stalk and kill tigers
(b) Aunt is finding an ivory needle hard to pull
(d) State whether the following statement is
because of the massive weight of her marriage
TRUE or FALSE.
ring. Yes, it tells that she is not happy at all
Ant Jennifer represents the “ever-oppossed
in her married life.
woman”.
(c) (iii) because she is nervous and insecure
(e) Which line in the given extract represents the
(d) False
proud and dominant attitude of the tigers?
(e) The Uncle’s character reflects male chauvinism
(f) Complete the sentence appropriately.
and patriarchy.
The word ‘ fearless’ represent of the _____.
(f) oppressed.
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Ch 5 : Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
QUESTION 3.�
3. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing proud and unafraid.
(a) Identify the figure of speech in ‘terrified
hands’.
(i) Hyperbole
(ii) Imagery
(iii) Transferred epithet
(iv) Synecdoche
(b) Which issue is the poet addressing through
this poem?
(c) The rhyming scheme of the poem is _____.
(i) Aabb
(ii) Acad
(iii) Aaab
(iv) Abca
(d) State whether the given statement is TRUE
or FALSE.
‘Difficulties faced by women’ is what the poet
wants to deliver through this poem.
(e) Aunt Jennifer’s life is ringed with ordeals.
‘Ringed’ has a significant meaning here.
What is it?
(f) Complete the sentence given below.
Aunt Jennifer faced ordeals from the
oppressive male _____ society.
Ans : 2009
(a) (iii) Transferred epithet
(b) The poet is addressing constraints of a
married life a woman experiences.
(c) (i) Aabb
(d) False
(e) The word ‘ringed’ indicates a vicious grip of
her unhappy married life. It also indicates a
bondage she is not able to get out of.
(f) chauvinistic.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 429
CHAPTER 1
The Third Level
1. introduction worries. He just wants to escape. Sam calls it a
waking-dream fulfillment.
This story is a blend of fiction and reality. It also
expresses man’s desire to escape from the realities Grand Central Growing Like a Tree
of life. Charley is the central character. One day, Charley thinks that Grand Central is growing like
by chance, he slips into the past. There are only a tree. It is pushing out new corridors and stair-
two levels at the Grand Central Station. But one cases like roots. He has been in and out of the
day, Charley finds the third one. He goes to the Grand Central hundreds of times. Once he gets
station in order to catch the train. He reached into a tunnel about a mile long and comes out
the platform. On the platform, he forgets his way. in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel. Another time
He enters a corridor which is slanting downward. he comes up in an office building on Forty Sixth
He goes on walking and reached the third level. Street. For many people this place has been an
There, everything is old fashioned. He realizes exit, a way of escape. But nobody knows about the
that he has reached the world of the nineteenth long tunnel. He goes on walking and finds none.
century. Then he comes back to the present. He Then he comes out on the Third Level. For just a
tries to find the third level again but never finds moment he thinks he is back on the second level.
it. His psychiatrist friend does not believe on his
story. But one day the psychiatrist finds the third Old World of 1894
level and reaches the world of 1894. There he found the smaller rooms with fewer
ticket windows and train gates. A man was there
in the wooden information booth. The lights were
2. summary dim and there was a sort of flickering. There were
open flame gas lights. There were brass spittoons
Charley’s Unusual Experience on the floor. Across the station a glint of light
Charley is the narrator of this story. He relates caught his eyes. He looked around and saw that
his unusual experience. One night last summer every one in the station was dressed like eighteen-
he worked late at the office. He was in a hurry to ninety something. He had never seen so many
get down to his apartment to see his wife Louisa. beards, side burns and fancy moustaches in his
So he decided to take the subway from Grand life. Women wore old fashioned dresses and high
Central because it is faster than the bus. He turns buttoned skirts to the shoes. Then he caught a
into Grand Central from Vanderbilt Avenue and glimpse of a Locomotive, a very small Currier
goes down the steps to the First Level. Then and Ives Locomotive with a funnel-shaped stack.
he walks down to the Second Level where the Everything looked a century old. To make sure, he
suburban trains leave from. He enters an arched- went over to a news boy and found the newspaper
doorway and is get lost at the Grand Central. The World’ of June 11, 1894. Thus he discovered
Grand Central Station has two levels but Charley that he was in the year 1894.
says that there is a Third Level too. He has been
there to the Third Level. This worries his wife His Wish to Go to Galesburg Illinois
Louisa and his psychiatrist friend Sam. They find He turned towards the ticket window to purchase
it absurd as Grand Central has only two levels. two tickets to Galesburg Illinois, alongwith his
They consider it as a psychiatric problem, a way wife. Even today it is a wonderful town. It has
to escape from tensions of modern reality. The big old frame houses with big lawns and huge
modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war and trees. In 1894, people would sit and the women
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Ch 1 : The Third Level
waved through palm leaf fans. Fire flies would bought 800 dollars worth of old style currency.
be seen flying all around. It was a peaceful world This money was sufficient to start the small
with men smoking cigars. He longed to be back business of grains, feed and hay that he had the
there with the First World War still twenty years mind. But he could neither go back to his old
off and the World War II over forty years in the business nor to Galesburg Illinois of 1894. Sam
future. was none but his old psychiatrist.
At the Ticket Window
He went to the ticket window and asked for two 3. Word meanings
tickets for Galesburg, Illinois. The clerk figured 1. Swear = take oath
the fare but stared at him on seeing the notes. He 2. Stack = pile
nodded at the bills and said, “That ain’t money, 3. Obvious = apparent
mister, and if you are trying to skin me, you won’t 4. Psychiatrist = mental disease expert
get very far.” He had old styled notes and did not 5. Waking-dream = daydreams
want to be jailed for cheating. Next day he withdrew 6. Insecurity = lack of protection
three hundred dollars out of the bank and bought 7. Wander = roam about
old-style currency. Things were cheaper in those 8. Points = indicates
days. He went to the ticket-counter but he never 9. Claimed = asserted
found the corridor that led to the Third Level at 10. Refuge = shelter
Grand Central Station. His wife Louisa was much 11. Block = one solid piece
worried when he told her all that. She asked him 12. Issue = giving out
not to look for the Third Level any more. After 13. Uptown = residential area
a while he stopped and went back to his stamps 14. Apartment = flat
collecting. 15. Subway = underground way
16. Tan = yellowish brown
His Friend Sam Weiner Disappears 17. Gabardine = a kind of cloth
Now both of them, Charley and his wife Louisa 18. Fancy = fashionable
have proof that the Third Level is still there. His 19. Band = strip
psychiatrist friend Sam Weiner has disappeared 20. Flight = stairs between two landings
from the city. Nobody knew his whereabouts but 21. Ducked = dived
Charley suspected him to be in Galesburg. He 22. Arched = curved
liked the place very much. During his school days, 23. Bumping into = coming across unexpectedly
he used to tell Sam about Galesburg. Thus Sam 24. Lobby = waiting hall
had always expressed his liking for the place. And 25. Pushing out = spreading
that Sam could be there in the year 1894. 26. Exit = outlet
27. Corridor = passage to a building
Turning to Stamp Collecting
28. Angling = turning
Charley had the hobby of stamp-collecting. His
29. Slanting = sloping
grandfather was also a stamp-collector. That
30. Ahead = in front
night Charley found among his oldest first
31. Booth = stall
day covers, a rare envelope. It was mailed to
32. Flickering = waving
his grandfather at his home in Galesburg. The
33. Spittoon = vessel to spit into
post mark showed July 18, 1894. Charley had
34. Glint = flash
never seen that envelope before. He could not
35. Vest = waist coat
understand how it came there. So he took it out
36. Lapels = front coat collars
and opened. It was addressed to Charley by Sam.
37. Sideburns = whiskers on (either side of the
It was written that Charley was right about the
face)
Third Level. Sam had found the Third Level. He
38. Track = railway line
was in Galesburg. It was a highly wonderful place
39. Locomotives = railway engines
where someone was playing a piano and others
40. Stack = chimney
were singing “Seeing Nelly Home.” It was written
41. Glanced = looked at
that Charley and Louisa should keep looking
42. Huge = big
till they found the Third Level again. The letter
43. Tremendous = big
was signed by Sam. He found out that Sam had
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 431
44. Fire-flies = glow worms be consoled. I asked our trainer to avoid the next
45. Figured = calculated rapid and kept on insisting the same. Time was
46. Fare = cost of conveyance flying very fast, I repeated that the boy will get
47. Staring = looking intently injured seriously but nobody paid attention. As
48. Nodded = swung head lightly we entered the next rapid, our raft hit a rock very
49. Bills = currency notes hard and all of us were thrown into the water.
50. Skin = here to cheat With great difficulty, our trainer got us all back
51. Get very far = escape on the raft to find just one person bleeding. The
52. Premium = sum paid in addition scene was exactly as I had recollected. The same
53. Cent = one hundredth part of a dollar boy, whom I had pointed out, hit his head on
54. Pretty = (here) very much the rock. After examining him, the trainer said
55. Disappeared = vanished that the injury is not very serious but could have
56. Suspected = doubted been if I had not warned him. For the rest of
57. Fussing with = going through the journey, everybody was silent. No one spoke
58. Postmark = mark of post office anything about the correlation between what
59. Blank = unwritten I said and what happened. After a few days, I
60. Mailed = sent by post found out that what I had experienced is known
61. Naturally = off course as a ‘deja vu’.
62. Lemonade = lemon drink
63. Worth = value READ AND FIND OUT
QUESTION 1.
1. What does the third level refer to?
4. ncert textbook questions Ans :
The third level is a medium of escape through
BEFORE YOU READ which the man yearns to be away from life’s
QUESTION 1.
harsh realities. Modem life is devoid of peace and
1. Have you ever had any curious experience which tranquility so man in his quest to seek the solace
others find hard to believe? escapes to a place where his aim is to seek the
Ans : realization of his dreams and unfulfilled wishes of
Yes, there is one such incident in my life. Last his subconscious mind.
May, I went to Rishikesh to enjoy river-rafting QUESTION 2.
with my family including my father, mother 2. Would Charley ever go back to the ticket-counter
and sister. We got into a raft with a group of on the third level to buy tickets to Galesburg for
five college friends. While the rafting instructor himself and his wife?
was giving us instructions, I felt that I had Ans :
experienced this already although it was going No, Charley would never go back to the ticket-
to be my first rafting experience. I knew exactly counter on the third level to buy tickets to
what he would say, how he would say and also Galesburg for himself and his wife because third
what his audiences would ask. I was puzzled, level was his imagination.
and shared this with my sister but she simply
dismissed it. Even her laughing sounded as if I READING WITH INSIGHT
had experienced it under the same circumstances. QUESTION 1.�
Then, we seated ourselves properly in the raft, 1. Do you think that the Third Level was a medium
and the adventure began. Initially we took our of escape for Charley? Why?
raft slowly and enjoyed swimming. After that, we Ans :
came across several rapids. The thrill of rafting In reality the Third Level is the creation of
experience and my love for the water made me Charley’s own mind, fantasy and whim. He
forget all about my premonitions. Suddenly, as is inhabiting in the modern world which is full
we were about to face another rapid, I recollected of insecurity, fear, war, worries, stress and
everything as if I had seen it in a dream. I started tension. He has to confront with them round
shouting that the boy sitting at the front will hit the clock. The harsh realities of life are making
his head. My mom scolded me while people on our stay unpleasant and unbearable. There is a
the raft simply laughed it off. But I was not to mental tension which is transforming our lives
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Ch 1 : The Third Level
The evenings of the summer were long and people sitting in their lawns and enjoying together in each
enjoyed sitting in their lawns. People used palm- other’s company. So every thing was well placed
leaf fans. Fireflies used to fly around and all and well settled with complete mental peace.
this made the city of Galesburg a beautiful and They had no tensions, stresses or embedded fears
peaceful city to live in. in their minds and thus no mental ailments. Sam,
Sam and Charley had seen the rushing life of being a psychiatrist, would not find any patient
the New York city. A city which never stops or there, that is why it was said that he certainly
sleeps, not even for a while. The pace of the life can’t go back to his old business in Galesburg of
had made the lives of the people stressful, so they 1894.
wanted to be in the city of Galesburg for the sake
of peace and tranquillity.
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
QUESTION 13.
QUESTION 1.
13. How does Charley come to know that his friend
1. Read the following extract and answer the
Sam has slipped into the past?
questions that follow.
Ans : 2020
But I say there are three, because I’ve been on the
One day, Charley was going through his stamp
third level of the Grand Central Station. Yes, I’ve
collection. He finds an old first-day cover. That
taken the obvious step: I talked to a psychiatrist
night when he is looking at his old first-day cover,
friend of mine, among others. I told him about
he finds an envelope which he had not seen before.
the third level at Grand Central Station, and he
It had been sent to his grandfather’s address on
said it was a ‘waking-dream-wish-fulfillment’. He
July 18, 1894. The postmark proved this fact. The
said I was unhappy. That made my wife kind of
stamp on the envelope is a six-cent dull brown.
mad, but he explained that he meant the modern
Charley opens the envelope. Inside there is not
world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all
a blank piece of paper. There is a letter from his
the rest of it, and that I just want to escape.
friend Sam, addressed to Charley. From the letter,
Charley comes to know that Sam has slipped into (a) What does the narrator say about the Third
the past and has reached Galesburg in the year Level?
1894. He urges Charley to keep trying to find the (b) What does the third level refer to?
third level and come to Galesburg with his wife. (i) Railway platform
Later, Charley comes to know that Sam bought (ii) Generation
eight hundred dollars worth of old currency. He (iii) Steps
knows that Sam always wanted to escape from
(iv) Ticket counter
his current profession. Charley hopes that Sam is
happily settled in Galesburg in the grain business. (c) The psychiatrist friend analysed the
In the end, Charley reveals who Sam is. He is narrator’s claim of having seen the third
Charley’s psychiatrist friend. level, by explaining that his finding the third
QUESTION 14.�
level, _____.
14. “He certainly can’t go back to his old business, (d) What was the third level and where was it
not in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1894.” What does it situated?
mean ? Discuss. Ans : 2018
Ans : 2010 (a) The narrator says he himself has been to the
Sam had gone to the Third Level of Grand Central third level. He is reminiscing about the entire
Station from where, he arrived in Galesburg of incident with his psychiatrist friend Sam, who
1894, an imaginary refuge from rushing lives says that he is trying to escape the burden of
of the modern world. In 1894, Galesburg was a fear, anxiety, and insecurity.
peaceful city. It had forgotten the First World (b) (i) Railway platform
War, which was twenty years back and there were
(c) was the result of stress, fear, and insecurity of
no chances of Second World War for another over
the modern world.
forty years. It was a city of huge frame houses
with wonderful lawns and big trees forming a sort (d) The third level was an imaginary railway
of umbrella on the roads. platform which actually did not exist in
People had very leisurely life style and there reality. According to Charley, the third level
were no competitions among them. They liked was at Grand Central station in New York.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 433
moustaches of 1894. There Charley glimpses a very The postmark shows the date with a picture of
small Currier and Ives Locomotive with a funnel- President Garfield. The stamp offers a chance to
shaped stack. There the tickets are available in transport into the beautiful and romantic world
old currency. Charley returns and arranges for of 1894.
the old-style bills. He decides to go to Galesburg It is our tendency to move constantly into
using the Third Level. But he can never find the the past, the present and the future. Even there
Third Level again. So there is a lot of intersection are some people who go on collecting rare things
between space and time in the story. Further one which can serve to keep our past alive. They
can note that Galesburg is a place where people revive our memories and help in comparing our
live in big old frame houses having huge lawns past with the present.
and tremendous trees. This is clear cut contrast of QUESTION 7.�
modern world of New York with Galesburg. 7. You have read ‘Adventure’ by Jayant Narlikar in
QUESTION 5.� Hornbill class XI. Compare the interweaving of
5. Apparent illogically sometimes turns out to be a fantasy and reality in the two stories.
futuristic projection. Discuss. Ans :
Ans : 2006 In both the stories fantasy and reality are
Sometimes which appears to be illogical at a interwoven. In the story ‘Adventure’ Narlikar
point of time, proves to be logic in the future. A tries to prove that reality is limited to what we
thing which is not worthy today may prove to be perceive. It has been proved that on firing an
useful in our future. Charley is troubled with the electron from a source, it may go anywhere. Even
insecurity, fear, war, stress, tension and worry of all the parts can exist together. Gangadhar’s
the modern world. He is unable to cope with the mind suffers such a transition from one world to
harsh realities. So he indulges in “waking-dream another and back again.
wish fulfilment.” In the same way, Charley in the Third Level
For him the Third Level is a convenient wanders away from the rush, strain and crowd
medium of escape. Here he escapes into the old of New York to the Third Level at the Grand
world of 1894 in order to lead a peaceful life in Central Station. It is the world of 1894 when he
Galesburg where the people are leading a life of witnesses flickering gaslights, beards, side-burns,
romance and are living in big houses. Here the fancy moustaches and small Currier and Ives
escape is not in the past but in a futuristic world locomotives. There is a sweet world of Galesburg
of fantasy. In his work of fiction, once George where people are living and enjoying to their best.
Orwell imagined about some radical changes in Thus both the stories present fantasy as well
the communist world of the Soviet Union. He as reality.
drew a picture that turned out to be a futuristic
projection. The Soviet Union was dis-integrated
and there came an end to the cold war between 5. other important questions
the USA and the Soviet Union.
QUESTION 6.�
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
6. Philately helps keep the past alive. Discuss other
ways in which this is done. What do you think of 1. Who is the author of the lesson ‘The Third Level’ ?
the human tendency to constantly move between (a) George Orwell (b) Agatha Christie
the past, the present and the future ? (c) James Joyce (d) Jack Finney
Ans : 2005
Ans :
Philately is an art of collecting stamps that (d) Jack Finney
transports us into the real past. It is one of the
effective and common ways to keep the past alive. 2. What was Jack’s full name?
People cultivate hobbies like coin-collecting, (a) Walter Braden Jack Finey
newspapers and cartoon clippings etc. in order to (b) Ray Douglas Bradbury
tie up with the contemporary as well as the past
(c) Stephen Jone Jack
world. In this lesson, Charley, in his possession of
stamp-collecting, finds some of the oldest “first (d) None of these
day covers”. It is mailed to his grandfather at his Ans :
home in Galesburg. It is there since July 18,1894. (a) Walter Braden Jack Finey
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Ch 1 : The Third Level
3. Why was the author renamed? (d) None of these
(a) Priest’s suggestion Ans :
(a) a human tendency to escape from the harsh
(b) to change his name
realities of the present to past happy times
(c) to honor his mother
(d) as an honor to his father 9. What is ‘Waking dream wish fulfillment”
Ans : according to the psychiatrist in the lesson?
(c) Walter Braden Jack Finey (a) Charles finding of a Third level at Grand
Central Stationand realization of his wish to
4. What are the author’s best known works?
visit Galesberg Illinois
(a) English and Science fiction
(b) Charles escapism
(b) Science and history fiction
(c) Charles escapism from realities
(c) Science fiction and nature
(d) None of these
(d) Science fiction and thrillers Ans :
Ans : (a) Charles finding of a Third level at Grand
(d) Science fiction and thrillers Central Stationand realization of his wish to visit
Galesberg Illinois
5. What is the meaning of ‘Waking dream wish
fulfillment”? 10. Who was Charles’ wife?
(a) a pleasant wish that makes one forget the (a) Louisa
present
(b) a woman with bright top
(b) a pleasant wish that takes one to the future
(c) A woman at The Third Level
(c) A pleasant wish which inspires to work
(d) a woman
(d) a pleasant wish that makes one forget the Ans :
present (a) Louisa
Ans :
(a) a pleasant wish that makes one forget the 11. What is Sam’s letter to Charles represent?
present (a) A blend
6. What is the theme of the lesson? (b) an acceptance to visit
(a) human tendency of escapism because of the (c) a proof of his fantasy
harsh realities of the present (d) a blend of reality with fantasy
Ans :
(b) time travelling
(d) a blend of reality with fantasy
(c) theory of escapism
(d) a dialogue between a patient and a psychiatrist 12. What is Sam’s letter testimony to in the lesson
Ans : proving?
(a) human tendency of escapism because of the (a) his acceptance to travel
harsh realities of the present (b) his refusal to travel
7. How does the story begin? (c) Sam accompanying Charles
(a) in a jovial manner (d) Charles’ tendency of escapism from the
(b) in an aggressive manner realities
Ans :
(c) on a happy note
(d) Charles’ tendency of escapism from the
(d) in a serious manner realities
Ans :
(d) in a serious manner 13. In what way do we try to overcome the insecurities
of the present harsh times
8. What does the Third level signify?
(a) by engaging ourselves in practical activities
(a) a human tendency to escape from the harsh
(b) by talking to friends and family
realities of the present to past happy times
(c) reading good books
(b) A third way on Grand Central station
(d) All of these
(c) A third gate on Grand Central Station
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 435
Ans : 20. What does the Psychiatrist explain to Charlie?
(d) All of these
(a) Third level is a beautiful place
14. What is the significance of 1894 in the lesson? (b) Third level is worthseeing
(a) it was past (c) Third level is well maintained
(b) Authors’ parents were alive (d) That it was the result of stress and anxiety of
(c) Author’s childhood time his mind
Ans :
(d) representing a peaceful , romantic living time
Ans : (d) That it was the result of stress and anxiety
(d) representing a peaceful , romantic living time of his mind
15. Who was sam in The Third Level? 21. How did Charlie reach the Third Level?
(a) a doctor (a) In his fantasy he takes a subway or a corridor
faster than a bus
(b) a friend
(b) in a superfast train
(c) a psychiatrist and a friend of Charley
(c) in jetways
(d) None of these
Ans : (d) in an escalator
(c) representing a peaceful , romantic living time Ans :
(a) In his fantasy he takes a subway or a corridor
16. Why did Charley visit Sam? faster than a bus
(a) To consult the incident of Third level incident
22. What was the Third Level?
at Grand Central Station
(a) a third tier on the station
(b) To invite him
(b) a third storey on the station
(c) to invite him to accompany at Galesberg
(c) an imaginary discovery of the narrator’s mind
(d) To guide him in Galesberg
Ans : (d) none of these
(a) To consult the incident of Third level incident Ans :
at Grand Central Station (c) an imaginary discovery of the narrator’s mind
17. Does the Third Level really exist at Grand 23. What did Charley see at the Third Level?
Station? (a) flickering gas lights and people with funny
(a) Yes mustaches
(b) yes, there were 3 levels (b) brass spittoons
(c) No, there were only two levels at the station (c) men wearing a tan gabardine suit and a straw
(d) None of these (d) All of these
Ans : Ans :
(c) No, there were only two levels at the station (d) All of these
18. What unusual thing the narrator sees at the 24. Why was Louisa,Charley’s wife worried?
Grand Central Sation? (a) Knowing the incident of Third Level
(a) Trees (b) motorcars (b) for not getting tickets
(c) Third Level (d) All of these (c) tickets were delayed
Ans : (d) Sam was scaring
(c) Third Level Ans :
(a) Knowing the incident of Third Level
19. Why was the narrator seeing this Third Level?
(a) as a wish to visit Galesberg
25. Why does Charley want to visit Galesberg?
(b) wanted to meet his friends
(a) to escape from the troublesome world
(c) wanted to take a break from office
(b) to enjoy
(d) As a result of stress and anxiety in his mind
(c) to see the beautiful landscape
Ans :
(d) As a result of stress and anxiety in his mind (d) to meet his old friends
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Ch 1 : The Third Level
Ans : (c) dresses
(a) to escape from the troublesome world
(d) The corridor that led him into the past.
26. Why do you think the Third Level was an escape Ans :
for Charley? (d) into an arched door heading for subway
(a) Because it existed at the third storey 32. Where was Charley often lost?
(b) Because Sam knew about it (a) from a train
(c) Because he shared it with Sam (b) from the footpath
(d) Because it existed only in his fantasy and not (c) from an escalator
in reality
(d) from a subway faster than bus at The Central
Ans :
Station
(d) Because it existed only in his fantasy and not
Ans :
in reality
(d) from a subway faster than bus at The Central
27. What is First Day Cover? Station
(a) A new stamp gets the Postmark and date 33. What did Charley find in his stamp collection?
(b) A gift (a) old addresses
(c) A gift wrapper (b) hair styles
(d) A gift wrapped in a beautiful wrapper (c) old letters
Ans :
(d) First day cover
(a) A new stamp gets the Postmark and date
Ans :
28. How does the story interweave fantasy and reality? (d) First day cover
(a) For Charle’s tendency to treat harsh realities 34. What happens when Charley enters the Grand
with his imaginary Third Level Central Station?
(b) It presents imagination (a) He finds a huge tree like Station
(c) imagination happens on Central Station (b) new staircases,corridors and tunnels
(d) None of these (c) tree keeps spreading its roots throwing rooms
Ans : and windows
(a) For Charle’s tendency to treat harsh realities
(d) All of these
with his imaginary Third Level
Ans :
29. What specific difference did Charley notice at the (d) All of these
Third Level of Central Station?
35. What convinced Charly that he had reached the
(a) Everything was weird Third Level Grand Central Station and not the
(b) Everything was old styled and smaller in size second level?
(c) everything was too big (a) A different world of gas lights and brass
(d) everything was shining spittoons
Ans : (b) beards and mustaches of 1894
(b) Everything was old styled and smaller in size (c) newspaper with a date June11, 1894
30. Where was Charley ducked on Central Station? (d) All of these
Ans :
(a) into a room
(d) All of these
(b) into an office
(c) into an arched door heading for subway 36. Who had sent that ‘First Day cover and when?
(d) into a store (a) Sam’s father
Ans : (b) Sam’s uncle
(c) into an arched door heading for subway (c) Sam’s friend
31. What was the strangest thing at The Third Level? (d) Sam a psychiatrist in 1894
Ans :
(a) Beards
(d) Sam a psychiatrist in 1894
(b) Mustaches
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 437
37. Whose signatures were there on the letter? a hotel. Similarly, one day he reached an office
(a) Charle’s friend (b) Charle’s teacher building, which was three blocks away.
(c) Sam (d) None of these
QUESTION 2.�
Ans : 2. How did Charley happen to reach the Third Level
(c) Sam of Grand Central Station, New York ?
Ans : 2020
38. What did the letter state? After becoming late in his office, Charley went
(a) that Sam is joining them to Grand Central to reach home early. There
he entered in a tunnel that ended in a corridor.
(b) That everything is okay
The corridor turned left and slanted downward.
(c) Third level do exist and Charle was advised Charley went on walking and reached a flight of
to keep looking at this worthseeing place stairs that took him to another level of the station.
(d) None of these It was the Third Level even quite different from
Ans : other two levels.
(c) Third level do exist and Charle was advised to QUESTION 3.
keep looking at this worthseeing place 3. How can you say that Charley keeps losing his
way?
39. What was Sam invited for according to the letter? Ans : 2009
(a) for a tea party Charley often goes to the station in order to catch
(b) for a bachelor’s party the train to his home. He often loses his way and
(c) for a party bumps into new corridors. Once he got into a
(d) for a lemonade party mile-long tunnel and came up in the lobby of a
Ans : hotel. Another day, he lost his way and found
(d) for a lemonade party himself in an office building.
QUESTION 4.�
40. What kind of appearances people had at Third 4. What convinced Charley that he had reached the
level and why did the clerk refuse to accept third level at Grand Central Station and not the
money? second level ?
(a) funny and clerk refused to accept money Ans : 2010
because it was currency of modern times Charley goes down the steps to the first level.
Then he walks down the second level. The
(b) weird and notes were torn
suburban trains leave from there. Then he finds
(c) weird and notes were big himself on the third level. He is convinced that
(d) weird and notes were wet he had reached the third level at Grand Central
Ans : Station. He found it a different world of gas lights,
(a) funny and clerk refused to accept money brass spittoons, derby hats, beards, side burns
because it was currency of modern times and fancy moustaches.
QUESTION 5.�
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS 5. What specific difference did Charley notice at the
QUESTION 1.�
Third Level of Grand Central Station ?
1. Why does Charley say that Grand Station is Ans : 2005
growing like a tree in the story “The Third Level” At the Third Level, the rooms were smaller with
? ticket windows and train gates. The wooden
O information booth was in the centre having old
What happens when Charley enters the Grand looks. Open flame gas lights were flickering.
Central Station? People were wearing old styled dresses. A very
Ans : 2008 small Currier and Ives Locomotive with a funnel
Whenever Charley enters the Grand Central shaped stack was standing there.
Station, he finds new corridors, stair cases and QUESTION 6.
tunnels. He finds the station like a huge tree, 6. How is the atmosphere on the third level different?
which keeps on spreading its roots and branches Ans : 2021
all over. Once he entered a tunnel and instead Charley finds that the room is smaller. There
of reaching the station, he reached the lobby of are fewer ticket-windows and train gates. The
information booth in the center is made of
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Ch 1 : The Third Level
wood and is old looking. The lights are dim and flickering. Besides this he saw a very small Currier
flickering. These are naked gaslights. There are and Ives Locomotive. People had beards, side-burns
brass spittoons on the floor. and funny moustaches. They used watches and had
QUESTION 7.� kept them in their vest pockets. They wore derby
7. What does Sam, a psychiatrist friend of Charley, hats, four bottoned-suits with tiny lapels. Women
opine about Charley and his visit to the Third wore dresses with leg of mutton sleeves, skirts to
Level ? the top of high buttoned-shoes.
O QUESTION 11.
Do you think that the Third Level was a medium 11. What does Charley do to make sure he has
of escape for Charlie ? Why ? reached the past?
Ans : 2008
Ans : 2008, 2005
Charley claimed that there were three levels at Charley reaches the third level by chance. He
Grand Central Station but no one was ready to finds that he has reached the past. To make sure,
believe. When Charley told his friend Sam about he walks to a newsboy and glances at the stack
the Third Level at Grand Central Station, he of newspapers. The boy selling the newspaper
analysed that it was just a ‘waking-dream-wish- ‘The World’. Charley knows that ‘The World’ has
fulfillment’. It was nothing but an attempt to not been published for many years. He reads the
escape from the harsh realities of modern life headline. It is about President Cleveland.
QUESTION 12.�
which is full of insecurity, war, fear, worry and
12. What made the ticket clerk think that Charley
tension.
QUESTION 8.
was trying to skin him ?
8. How are people at the third level different from O
the first and second level? Why did the booking clerk refuse to accept the
Ans : 2015, 2011 money?
Charley reaches the third level by chance. There Ans : 2010
he finds that people have pocket watches. They Charley went to the ticket counter for two tickets
have sideburns and fancy moustaches. They are to Galesburg. He paid the currency of the present
wearing old fashioned clothes. Then Charley world which was totally different from 1890s
realizes that he has reached the past. world. On seeing the big notes, the clerk got
QUESTION 9.� stunned and he thought that Charley was trying
9. How did Charley get lost when he was heading for to skin him. He threatened to get him arrested.
the sub-way ? Charley left and fled for old style currency.
O QUESTION 13.
How did Charlie often get lost on the Grand 13. Who is Sam? What does Charley find out about
Central Station ? him?
Ans : 2010
Ans : 2020
One day Charley turned into Grand Central from Charley comes to know that Sam bought eight
Vanderbilt Avenue. He went down the steps to the hundred dollars worth of old currency. He knows
First Level. Then he walked down to the Second that Sam always wanted to escape from his
Level. It was the place from where the sub-urban current profession. Charley hopes that Sam is
trains left. Then he ducked into an arched door- happily settled in Galesburg in the grain business.
way heading for the sub-way. He was often lost In the end, Charley reveals who Sam is. He is
from this place. Charley’s psychiatrist friend.
QUESTION 14.�
QUESTION 10.�
10. What unusual scene did Charley notice at the 14. What is a “first day cover” and what is specific
Third Level ? about it ?
Ans : 2007
O When a new stamp is issued, the stamp collectors
What information do we get about the people and buy that stamp and use them to the envelops
appearances at the Third Level ? on the very first day of the sale. The new stamp
Ans : 2022
gets the post mark and the date. This is called
At the Third Level everyone in the station was the “first day cover”. The receiver never opens it
dressed like in 1890 or so. There were brass because he knows that he has himself just put a
spittoons on the floor. The gas lights were dim and
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 439
blank paper in it. Charley found this type of cover chatted with one another. He imagines that in
in his stamp-collection. 1894, the town must have been a haven of peace.
QUESTION 15. QUESTION 20.�
15. Where does Charley want to go when he realises 20. How was Charley able to collect the old style
that he has slipped into the past? currency? Why he could not buy two tickets even
Ans : 2013 after getting money?
When Charley knows that he has slipped into the Ans : 2006
past, he wants to go to Galesburg in Illinois with Charley went to the ticket counter for purchasing
his wife Louisa. It is Charley’s dream town. He two tickets for Galesburg, Illinois. On counting
lived there in his childhood days. the money the clerk stared at him and warned
QUESTION 16.� him not to deceive. Charley immediately went to
16. What made Charley confirmed that he was the bank and drew out three hundred dollars and
standing in the year 1894 ? bought old-style currency. When he went to buy
Ans : 2007 the tickets, he could never find the corridor that
When Charley reached Third Level of the Grand led to the Third Level at Grand Central Station.
Central Station, he found everything delved deep QUESTION 21.
in the old style. In order to confirm, he went to 21. What happens when Charley goes to the ticket
the shop at a newspaper seller. He glanced at the counter to buy two tickets for Galesburg?
stack of the papers and saw a newspaper named Ans : 2020
The World’ of June 11, 1894. This confirmed that Charley goes to the ticket counter to buy two
he was in the year 1894. tickets for Galesburg. He offers the fare in the
QUESTION 17. modern currency notes. The booking clerk looks
17. What does Charley find when he opens the first- at the notes and thinks that these are fake. He
day cover ? threatens to get Charley arrested. Charley rushes
Ans : 2019 away from there and comes back to the present.
Charley opens the envelope. Inside there is not QUESTION 22.�
a blank piece of paper. There is a letter from his 22. When Charley was looking at the oldest “first
friend Sam, addressed to Charley. From the letter, day covers”, what type of strangeness occupied
Charley comes to know that Sam has slipped into his mind ?
the past and has reached Galesburg in the year Ans : 2005
1894. He urges Charley to keep trying to find the That night Charley was looking at his oldest
third level and come to Galesburg with his wife. “first day covers”. There was an old envelope duly
QUESTION 18.� stamped. It was mailed to his grandfather at his
18. What information does the lesson point out about house in Galesburg. It had been there since July
Galesburg Illinois of 1894 ? Why does Charley 18, 1894. There was a post mark over the envelope
want to go there? with a picture of President Garfield. The stamp
Ans : 2022 was a six-cent and dull brown. All this surprised
Galesburg Illinois is still a wonderful town with Charley very much.
big old frame houses, huge lawns and tremendous QUESTION 23.
trees. In 1894, it reflected a world of romance, 23. What does Charley’s psychiatrist friend say when
leisure, freeness and repose. Summer evenings he tells him about the third level?
were twice as long. The people sat out on their Ans : 2018, 2015
lawns. The men smoked cigars and talked quickly. Charley talks to his psychiatrist friend about the
The women sat in leisure waving palm-leaf fans. third level. He does not agree that the third level
Charley wanted to go back there to escape from actually exists. He thinks that Charley is unhappy.
insecurity, fear, war, worry and tension of the The third level is only imaginary. It is a medium
modern world. of escape from the worries and tensions of life. He
QUESTION 19. thinks that Charley has been day-dreaming.
19. What does Charley say about Galesburg? QUESTION 24.�
Ans : 2005 24. Who had sent that “first day cover” and what
Charley says that Galesburg is a wonderful town, was written on the paper in it ?
with big old houses, huge lawns and tremendous
O
trees. He knows that in 1894, the summer evenings
What was there in Sam’s letter to Charley ?
were long and people sat on their lawns and
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Ch 1 : The Third Level
O to go there to escape from the modern world of
What does Sam say in his letter to Charley ? insecurity and tension. Charley’s friend Sam had
Ans : 2009 sent the first day cover which bore the stamp of
Charley’s friend Sam, the psychiatrist had sent Galesburg. It made Charley suspect that Sam had
that “first day cover” on July 18, 1894. The letter gone to Galesburg.]
was signed by Sam and it stated that Charley was QUESTION 29.
right about the Third Level. Sam claimed that he 29. What is a first- day cover?
had found the Third Level. Regarding Galesburg Ans : 2016
it stated that it was a romantic and nice city. There is a practice among stamp collectors that
People were enjoying piano and singing “Seeing when a new stamp is issued, they buy some stamps.
Nelly Home.” Charley was advised to keep on Then they use these stamps to mail envelopes to
looking for the Third Level. It was a worth seeing themselves on the first day of sale. The postmark
place. on the envelope proves the date. The envelope is
QUESTION 25. called the first-day cover. These are never opened.
25. What does Charley do in order to visit the People just put blank papers in them.
Galesburg of the past? Does he find the third QUESTION 30.�
level again? 30. What did the psychiatrist friend tell Charley
Ans : 2015 when he told him about the third level?
Charley does not agree that the third level is only Ans : 2008
an escape from reality. He is determined to get Charley’s psychiatrist friend had believed that
back to Galesburg in the year 1894. The next day Charley had got the whims of third level as
he goes to an old currency dealer and buys two waking dream wish fulfilment. He had been only
hundred old dollars paying three hundred dollars day-dreaming. Side by side he revealed that the
for it. But he can never find the third level again third level was still there. In reality Charley was
though he tries hard. upset from his dull life and wanted to escape.
QUESTION 26.� QUESTION 31.
26. After finding the Third Level of the Grand 31. What does Charley find when he is looking at his
Central Station, why did Charley take the step of stamp collection?
consulting a psychiatrist ? Ans : 2022
Ans : 2020 One night when Charley is looking at his old first-
Charley knew that there were only two levels at day covers, he finds an envelope which he had not
Grand Station. In his fantasy he visited the Third seen before. It had been sent to his grandfather’s
Level as well. There he felt a strange mystery of address on July 18, 1894. The postmark proved
1894. But his senses realized that he was going this fact. The stamp on the envelope is a six-cent
wrong. He himself said,`I thought it was wrong’ dull brown.
when he entered the corridor leading to the QUESTION 32.�
Third Level. So he took the step of consulting a 32. Why did Charley rush back from the third level ?
psychiatrist. Ans : 2008
QUESTION 27.
Charley knew that there were only two levels at
27. What did the writer suspect when Sam Weiner Grand Station. In his fantasy he visited the Third
disappeared ? Level as well. There he felt a strange mystery of
Ans : 2009 1894. Therefore, he consulted a psychiatrist. The
The writer and Sam Weiner both belonged to psychiatrist thought that Charley had been day-
Galesburg. They both liked this place very much dreaming. Side by side he revealed that the third
and often talked about this place. When Sam level was still there. In reality Charley got upset
Weiner disappeared all of a sudden, the writer with his dull life. It made him rush back from the
suspected that he might have reached Galesburg third level.
through the third level subway. QUESTION 33.
QUESTION 28.� 33. What is Sam’s old business ? Why can’t he go
28. Why did Charley suspect that Sam had gone to back to it ?
Galesburg ? Ans : 2021
Ans : 2011 Sam’s old business is that of a phychiatrist. He
Galesburg Illinois was a wonderful town. It slips into the past and reaches the Galesburg of
reflected a world of romance. Charlie wanted 1894. From there he writes a letter to Charlie.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 441
His letter reveals that in 1894, life in Galesburg is his way. He goes down the steps to the first level.
peaceful and without any tension. So he can’t go Then he walks down another flight of steps to the
back to his old business. second level. He enters a corridor which turns left
and then begins to slant downward. He thinks
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS that he is wrong but keeps on walking. He goes
QUESTION 1.� down a short flight of stairs and reaches the third
1. The modern consumerist world is full of fear, level of Grand Central Station.
insecurities, stress and wars.’ What are the ways QUESTION 3.�
in which we try to combat them ? 3. Describe narrators journey to the Third Level of
Ans : 2008 the Grand Central Station at New York.
The modern consumerist world is full of fear, O
insecurities, stress and wars because there is How did Charley stumble into the Third Level at
no safety for our life. The modern innovations Grand Central Station ?
and competitions have put the human being
in a vicious circle and there is no escape from O
them. The present world has become a rat race Narrate Charley’s visit to the Third Level of the
and everybody is after power, money, fame and Grand Central Station, New York.
success. He has turned selfish, streb.ed, tensed O
and troubled. So his mind and life have become How did Charley reach the third level of Grand
unsafe and insecure. In order to combat them, Central ? How was it different from the other
he starts day dreaming and adopts an escapist levels ?
theory like Charley.
O
Charley is the product of the modern
What made Charley believe that he was actually
consumerist world. He starts imagining that he
standing at the third level ?
has gone in the Third Level of Grand Central Ans : 2010, 2009, 2008
Station, New York. There he finds everything old Grand Central Station of New York has two levels
of 1894. He wants to go to Galesburg through namely New Haven and Hurtford. There does not
the Third Level where people are free from all exist any Third Level. It is only the imaginary
worries. It is a romantic world. He imagines that discovery of the narrator and his psychiatrist,
his grandfather came from a village Galesburg. Sam who calls it a waking dream–wish fulfilment.
He finds proof of his experience and realities One night he took the subway from Grand Central
that from Grand Central Station, trains go to Station which was faster than the bus.
Galesburg as well. He thinks that this has been On reaching there, he went down the steps
the point where meet the present, past and, to the First Level. Then he walked down another
future. Though it is an imagination to combat flight of stairs to reach the second level. He got
the stress of the modern consumerist world. We into an arched doorway and was lost in a wrong
can adopt different hobbies and busy schedules to corridor. He kept on walking along the corridor
combat the painful realities of the modern world. which went turning left and slanting downwards.
QUESTION 2.
At its end, he went down short flight of stairs.
2. How does Charley reach the third level ?
Then he came out. He found himself on the third
Ans : 2020
level. For a moment, he thought he had again come
The Grand Central Station in New York has only
back to the second level. There he got surprised
two levels. But Charley does not admit it. He says
to see everything different from old fashioned. It
that there is the third level also because he has
made him believe that he was actually standing
been there. He often goes to the station in order
at the Third Level.
to catch the train to his home. He often loses his
QUESTION 4.
way and bumps into new corridors. Once he got
4. How is the third level different from the first and
into a mile-long tunnel and came up in the lobby
second levels ?
of a hotel. Another day, he lost his way and found Ans : 2016
himself in an office building. Charley finds that the room is smaller. There
One day, Charley gets late at the office. He is are -fewer ticket windows and train gates.
in a hurry to reach home. He goes to the Grand “The information booth in the center is made
Central to catch a subway train. He again loses of wood and is old looking. The lights are dim
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Ch 1 : The Third Level
and flickering. These are naked gaslights. There O
are brass spittoons on the floor. People have What kind of people did Charley ‘see’ at the third
pocket watches. They have sideburns and fancy level ?
moustaches. They are wearing old fashioned Ans : 2010
clothes. Even the locomotive belongs to the past. There does not exist any Third Level at the
It has a funnel-shaped stack. Then Charley realizes Grand Central Station, New York. It is Charley’s
that he has reached the past. To make sure, he own imagination and fantasy that he is involved
walks to a newsboy and glances at the stack of in. In reality it is his journey into the past and
newspapers. The boy is selling the newspaper the Third Level might have existed a century ago.
‘The World’. Charley knows that ‘The World’ has A man was sitting there in the booth. He
not been published for many years. He reads the wore a green eye-shade and a long black sleeve
headline. It is about President Cleveland. Later protectors. He saw a man glancing at his watch.
he finds from the Public Library files that it was He wore a derby hat, a black four button suit
printed on June 11, 1894. with small lapels. He had a big black handlebar
QUESTION 5.� moustaches. Other people had worn dresses like
5. How does Sam view Charley’s concept of the eighteen nineteens. They had beards, side burns
Third Level ? How was he entrapped into it ? and fancy moustaches. A woman was wearing a
Ans : 2011 dress with leg of mutton sleeves and high buttoned
Sam was a psychiatrist. He was also a friend shoes. He also saw a news-boy having The world’
of Charley. When Charley fantasied about the and the same was published on June 11, 1894.
Third Level at Grand Central Station, he visited QUESTION 7.
Sam for consultation. Sam declared it merely a 7. Describe Charley’s experience at the third level.
‘temporary refuge’ from his tension. He called it Ans : 2007
a waking-dream-wish–fulfilment. But slowly he Charley reaches the third level by chance. When
himself got trapped in this imaginary world. He he realises that he has slipped into the past, he
talked to many psychic patients daily, who told wants to go to Galesburg in Illinois with his wife
him about their woes and worries. It had made Louisa. It is Charley’s dream town. He lived there
Sam’s life a burdened one. He also started trying in his childhood days. It is a wonderful town, with
to find sojourn. He wanted to escape from the life big old houses, huge lawns and tremendous trees.
which had become woeful after listening to the He knows that in 1894, the summer evenings
afflictions of the patients suffering from mental were long and people sat on their lawns and
diseases. chatted with one another. He imagines that in
Unconsciously, he also felt like breaking all 1894, the town must have been a heaven of peace.
the barriers of the realities of life and moved He goes to the ticket counter to buy two tickets
freely in the world of fantasy. He wanted to for Galesburg. He offers the fare in the modern
imagine himself in the world, where there were currency notes. The booking clerk looks at the
no repressed fears and conflicts embedded in the notes and thinks that these are fake. He threatens
minds of the people. He first did not believe in the to get Charley arrested. Charley rushes away
whim of the Third Level, but deep in his heart, from there and comes back to the present.
he wanted to believe in this fantasy. He knew that QUESTION 8.�
Charley was not right, but he wished Charley to 8. Why do you think that the Third Level was a
be right and then slowly he started finding the medium of escape for Charley ?
reality in a whim and got trapped. O
QUESTION 6.�
How does the story interweave fantasy and reality?
6. Reproduce in your own words, the Third Level of Ans : 2021
the Grand Central Station, New York. Jack Finney’s story ‘The Third Level’ interweaves
O between fantasy and reality. The Third Level is
Specify some of the unusual things that the medium of escape for Charley from the present
narrator noticed at the Third Level of the Grand harsh realities of modern life which is full of
Central Station. insecurity, fear, war, worry and tension. It is a
safe route for Charley to go to Galesburg in order
O
to escape from troubles. So he tries to purchase
How did Charley know that he had bumped into
two tickets for Galesburg, Illinois from the Third
the past ?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 443
Level at Grand Central. The Third Level is merely He says that even Charley’s stamp collection is a
a fantasy that exists in Charley’s mind only. way of escape from reality. But Charley does not
His psychiatrist friend, Sam calls it a waking- agree with him. He is determined to get back to
dream-wish-fulfilment. In reality Charley fails to Galesburg in the year 1894. The next day he goes
cope up with the modern world which is full of to an old currency dealer and buys two hundred
fears and worries. He just wants to escape. He old dollars paying three hundred dollars for it.
takes it for a reality and plans to go to Galesburg. But he can never find the third level again though
He even exchanges his new bills of three hundred he tries hard. Then he reverts his attention to his
dollars for old style bills. But he is never able to stamp collection. In the mean time, one of his
find the Third Level. It is because the Third Level friends, Sam Weiner disappears. Nobody can say
existed in his fantasy only. Hence it can be well where he is.
ascertained that the Third-Level is a medium of QUESTION 11.�
escape for Charley. It is only his escapist fantasy. 11. Why did Charley view that Grand Central Station
QUESTION 9.� was growing like a tree pushing out new corridors
9. Sam’s letter is a fine blend of both reality and and staircases like roots ?
fantasy. Explain. Ans : 2022
Ans : 2019 The Grand Central Station of New York has
The psychiatrist of Charley called him having a two levels, i.e. New Heaven and Hart-Ford. The
waking-dream-wish-fulfilment. Since the Third narrator had been there so many times and he
Level was all his fantasy, his wife Louisa too asked attained a new experience at every time. He
him not to look for the Third Level anymore. The would bump into corridors and new staircases.
narrator took to stamp collecting. One day while Very often he got the chances of losing his way
looking through his worthy collection, Charley and thought that he was on the Third Level.
noticed a “first day cover” which he believed not Once while on the station of Second Level,
to have seen before. This cover was addressed to he got into a tunnel. The suburban trains left
his grandfather and mailed to him at his home in from there. There Charley ducked into an arched
Galesburg. It was of July 18, 1894. Definitely his doorway leading for the subway. There he was got
grandfather must have put it in his collection and lost many a time. At another time he got into a
the same must be lying there since long. Since it tunnel of a mile length and came up in the lobby
was a “first day cover”, consequently, it was not of a hotel. So he started thinking that the Grand
opened. Central was ever pushing up new corridors and
There was a blank paper in it. By chance new staircases like the roots of a tree. The new
Charley opened it. On opening it was found that it corridors and tunnels were trying to reach Times
had a letter from Sam. He had reached Galesburg Squares and Central Park. But he lost his way
and was living very happily. He had found the and reached the Third Level. The strangest thing
place very charming, peaceful and serene. It was was the corridor that had led into the past.
also written in the letter that Charley should QUESTION 12.�
come to Galesburg and look for the Third Level. 12. Why had Sam decided to settle in the city of
In other words, the letter appeared to be Charley’s Galesburg, Illinois in his imaginary world ?
imagination like his escape into the Third Level. O
The psychiatrist too had warned him that his Why did Charley want to visit the city of
stamp collection was a mode of escaping into the Galesburg with his wife Louisa, after reaching the
past. Third Level at Grand Central Station, New York?
QUESTION 10.
Ans : 2017
10. What does Charley’s psychiatrist friend say about Galesburg was a peaceful city, specially in 1894.
the third level? According to Charley, it is wonderful town even in
Ans : 2013
the present world. His grandfather lived there and
Charley talks to his psychiatrist friend about the Charley also lived there, when he was a school
third level. He does not agree that the third level going kid. The city of Galesburg had big frame
actually exists. He thinks that Charley is unhappy. houses. There were huge lawns in the city. The
The third level is only imaginary. It is a medium city had large trees across the roads, and their
of escape from the worries and tensions of life. branches met overhead to form a kind of roof over
He thinks that Charley has been day-dreaming. the roads. It was nice to be there during summers.
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Ch 1 : The Third Level
QUESTION 3.�
burdensome and heavy. Charley has an escapist 3. “The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war,
mind. Even stamps collecting is a temporary worry and stress.” What are the ways in which we
refuge from reality. So he talks to his psychiatrist attempt to overcome them ?
friend Sam about the third level at the Grand Ans : 2008
Central Station. He terms it as a “ waking-dream We are all living in the modern world. It is full of
wish fulfilment.” insecurity, fear, war, worry’ and stress. We have
In this lesson even the writer Jack Finney lost all our peace of mind. We can be butchered
interweaves Charley in the midst of fantasy and within moments. The use of atomic bombs and
reality. The compulsions and realities of modern other fatal ammunition has made our lives like
life make Charley escape into a world of fancy a hell. We do not have safety. The crimes are
and romance. There is a reference to his grand increasing day by day. There is utter chaos,
father’s stamp collection of 1894 in the lesson. In confusion, fear, trouble terror and unemployment
those days there was peace as well as tranquillity. in the society. So the mind of every one has got
So there was no need for escape. For Charley the stuck in the midst of tension and fear. There is
Grand Central is an exit qnd he wanders down so much violence, selfishness, despise and hatred
to the third level and finds himself into the world in the world that none is ready to see the other
of 1894 which used to be a romantic living. So progressing. The affluent nations are trying to
the Third Level is indirectly a mode of escape for overpower the developing and underdeveloped
Charley. countries. There is constant competition of
manufacturing, hoarding and developing
QUESTION 2.�
2. What do you infer from Sam’s letter to Charley ?
dangerous weapons. Thus, the harsh realities of
Ans : 2010
life are making our living quite unpleasant and
One can notice that Sam’s letter to Charley is
bitter. So we try to overcome them through day-
engulfed with series of mysteries. When Charley
dreaming and wishful thinking like Charley.
was fussing with his stamp-collection in the night,
In the past our ancestors used to lead a free
he comes across an envelope among his oldest first
life. They did not need any refuge from reality.
day covers. In a way it should not have been there,
Things were pretty, nice and peaceful in those
but it was there. He had not seen that envelope
days. But Charley expresses his unhappiness
before. It was there because someone had mailed
and he wants to escape. So he wanders down
it to his grandfather at his home in Galesburg,
into the Third Level. The writer has provided
Illinois and it had been there since July 18, 1894.
stamp collecting as a means of temporary refuge
The post-mark revealed that the stamp was a six-
from reality. We can overcome all these problems
cent with a picture at President Garfield.
through meditation and devising ways to the
Generally, the first day cover has only a blank
welfare of mankind.
paper in the envelope but there the paper was QUESTION 4.�
written and signed by Sam. It was only addressed 4. Do you see an intersection of time and space in
to Charley. Sam had written that he had found the story?
the Third Level. It means that Charley was Ans :
correct about the Third Level. Further he had Definitely one can see an intersection of time
been putting up at Galesburg, Illinois for two and space in the story “The Third Level” since
weeks where people had been enjoying a romantic the story is constantly moving between the past
life. He asked Charley and Louisa to go there. and the present. Charley is an ordinary man of
They should keep looking till they found the thirty-one years old. He wears a tan gaberdine
Third Level. suit and a straw hat with a fancy band. He lives
It is rather much astonishing how such a and works in an office in New York. This city is
letter was never noticed earlier. It is all the more full of insecurities, fear, war, worries, stress and
surprising how Sam disappeared and nobody tension. People feel unsafe and troubled and as
knew his whereabouts. But Charley had doubts such they want to escape.
about his (Sam) presence in Galesburg. It is also The Third Level at Grand Central Station
mysterious that the letter is written by Sam and is a medium of an easy escape for Charley. It is
is addressed to Charley on July 18, 1894. It is nothing but a ‘waking-dream-wish-fulfilment’.
also strange to note that Sam is not else except At the Third Level, one can see flickering gas
Charley’s psychiatrist. lights, spittoons, beards, side burns and fancy
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 445
QUESTION 2.�
the second level, where the suburban trains leave
2. Read the following extract and answer the
from, ducked into an arched doorway heading for
questions that follow.
the subway and got lost.
But that’s the reason, he said, and my friends
all agreed. Everything points to it, they claimed. (a) How does the narrator describe himself?
My stamp collecting, for example; that’s a (b) Where was Charley going to?
‘temporary refuge from reality.’ Well, maybe, (i) Church
but my grandfather didn’t need any refuge from (ii) Market
reality; things were pretty nice and peaceful
(iii) Home
in his day, from all I hear, and he started my
collection. It’s a nice collection too, blocks of four (iv) Office
of practically every U.S. issue, first-day covers, (c) How does the narrator describe the first two
and so on. President Roosevelt collected stamps levels of the Grand Central?
too, you know. (d) What does the Grand Central symbolise?
(a) Explain: Tut that’s the reason.’ Ans : 2005
(b) What does ‘temporary refuge’ mean? (a) The narrator describes that he is Charley, 31
years old, an ordinary guy. He is wearing a
(i) a shelter away from home
tan gabardine suit and a straw hat with a
(ii) a temporary escape from reality
fancy band.
(iii) an escape from one’s responsibilities
(b) (iii) Home
(iv) an escape from being caught by the police
(c) The narrator went down the steps of the
(c) According to the psychiatrist, why does the Grand Central from Vanderbilt Avenue to
narrator do stamp collecting? the first level. From there one can take trains
(d) Who collected stamps apart from the like the Twentieth Century. Then he walked
narrator? down another flight to the second level. From
Ans : 2015 there the suburban trains leave for various
(a) Sam, Charlie’s psychiatrist friend said that, destinations.
Charlie was unhappy in the world because (d) The Grand Central symbolises the labyrinth,
he could not cope with stress, anxiety, and that this world is with its intricate and
insecurity. So, in order to escape these factors, tangled pathways. It has always been an exit,
he claimed that he had seen the third level. a way to escape.
(b) (ii) a temporary escape from reality QUESTION 4.�
(c) According to the psychiatrist, the narrator 4. Read the following extract and answer the
wants to escape from realities of life, and questions that follow.
stamp collecting is a temporary refuge from All I could hear was the empty sound of my own
reality. footsteps and I didn’t pass a soul. Then I heard
that sort of hollow roar ahead that means open
(d) Other than the narrator, his grandfather and
space and people talking. The tunnel turned sharp
the U.S., President Roosevelt had a hobby of
left; I went down a short flight of stairs and came
collecting stamps.
QUESTION 3.�
out on the third level at Grand Central Station.
3. Read the following extract and answer the For just a moment I thought I was back on the
questions that follow. second level, but I saw the room was smaller,
Now, I don’t know why this should have happened there were fewer ticket windows and train gates,
to me. I’m just an ordinary guy named Charley, and the information booth in the centre was wood
thirty-one years old, and I was wearing a tan and old looking. And the man in the booth wore
gabardine suit and a straw hat with a fancy band; a green eyeshade and long black sleeve protectors.
I passed a dozen men who looked just like me. (a) How did Charley reach the third level?
And I wasn’t trying to escape from anything; I (b) What tunnel is mentioned in the extract?
just wanted to get home to Louisa, my wife. (i) Main road tunnel
I turned into Grand Central from Vanderbilt (ii) Tunnel at the first level
Avenue, and went down the steps to the first
(iii) Tunnel at the third level
level, where you take trains like the Twentieth
Century. Then I walked down another flight to (iv) The underground tunnel
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Ch 1 : The Third Level
(c) Charlie realised that he was on the third level ninety-something; I never saw so many beards,
as _____. sideburns and fancy mustaches in my life. A
(d) Did the narrator pass anyone on the way? woman walked in through the train gate; she wore
Ans : 2010 a dress with leg-of-mutton sleeves and skirts to the
(a) Charlie went down a short flight of stairs and top of her high-buttoned shoes. Back of her; out
came out on the third level at Grand Central on the tracks, I caught a glimpse of a locomotive,
Station to catch a suburban train. He thought a very small Currier & Ives locomotive with a
it was the second level, but he had reached funnel-shaped stack. And then I knew.
the third level. (a) How was the man dressed?
(b) (iii) Tunnel at the third level (b) How was the woman, who walked in through
(c) there were fewer ticket windows, the the train gate, dressed?
information booth was of wood and old (i) She wore a dress with leg-of-mutton
looking. sleeves.
(d) No, the narrator did not pass anyone on the (ii) She wore a derby hat.
way. He himself says, “I didn’t pass a soul. (iii) She wore sleeve protectors.
QUESTION 5.�
(iv) She wore high-heeled shoes.
5. Read the following extract and answer the
(c) The leg-of-mutton sleeve’ means _____.
questions that follow.
Sometimes I think Grand Central is growing like (d) What is the genre of the story?
a tree, pushing out new corridors and staircases Ans : 2013
like roots. There’s probably a long tunnel that (a) The man wore a derby hat, a four-button suit
nobody knows about feeling its way under the with tiny lapels, and he had black, handlebar
city right now, on its way to Times Square, and moustache.
maybe another to Central Park. And maybe - (b) (i) She wore a dress with leg-of-mutton
because for so many people through the years sleeves.
Grand Central has been an exit, a way of escape (c) sleeves loose and full on the upper arm and
- maybe that’s how the tunnel I got into... close fitting on the fore arm.
(a) Who does T refer to in the given extract? (d) The genre of the story is science fiction. The
(b) The extract given above is not an example of story weaves together a psychological journey
_____. of the narrator into the past, present, and
(i) imagery moves towards future.
(ii) metaphor
(iii) allegory
(iv) analogy
(c) In this extract, the narrator _____.
(d) Explain: ‘Grand central has been an exit ‘a
way of escape’.
Ans : 2008
(a) ‘I’ refer to the narrator.
(b) (iii) allegory
(c) talks about Grand Central.
(d) Grand Central is a figment of imagination
that acts as a medium of escape for people.
QUESTION 6.�
6. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
He wore a derby hat, a black four-button suit with
tiny lapels, and he had a big, black, handlebar
mustache. Then I looked around and saw that
everyone in the station was dressed like eighteen-
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 447
CHAPTER 2
The Tiger King
1. introduction tiger are enemies, therefore, death comes from the
tiger.” As soon as he heard these words, there
This story is about the Maharaja of emerged terrifying words from his mouth. ‘Let
Pratibandapuram. His name was Jung Jung tigers beware’. The crown prince was brought up
Bahadur. But he was known by the name ‘Tiger by an English nanny and he drank the milk of an
King’. There is a long story as to how he came to English cow. ‘At the age of twenty, the state come
be known as the ‘Tiger King’. At the time of the to be in his hands.
king’s birth, the royal astrologer predicted that
the king would be killed by a tiger. When Jung Starting Out On a Tiger Hunt
Jung Bahadur became the king, he started killing The Maharaja knew the old saying. So in his self-
tigers. The astrologer told him that he would be defence, he started out on a tiger hunt. There
safe if he killed hundred tigers. The king killed were innumerable forest in the Pratibandapuram
ninety-nine tigers. But unknown to him, the state. They had tigers in them. On killing the first
hundredth tiger escaped his bullet but was killed tiger, the Maharaja was much thrilled. He sent
by the royal hunter. The king was killed when he for the state astrologer and showed him the dead
was playing with a toy tiger made of wood. beast. He told that the Maharaja would have to
kill ninety-nine more. But the astrologer pointed
out to be very careful with the hundredth tiger.
2. summary Then the king asked what would happen if the
hundredth tiger was also killed. The astrologer
About the Tiger King
declared that he would tear up all his books on
The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram is the hero of
astrology and set fire to them.
this story. He may be identified as His Highness
Jamedar–General Khiledar-Major, Sata-Vyaghra Banning the Tiger Hunting
Samhari, Maharajadhiraja Visva Bhuvana Samrat, The state banned tiger hunting by anyone except
Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, M.A.D., A.C.T.C. the Maharaja. A proclamation was issued that
or C.R.C.K. But this name is often shortened to if anyone dared to fling a stone at a tiger, all
the Tiger King. As soon as the baby was born, his property and wealth would be confiscated. He
the astrologers had foretold that one day the Tiger pledged that all other affairs of the state would
King would actually have to die. The child will be attended after killing the hundred tigers. The
grow up to become the warrior of warriors, hero of king had to face some problems like missing the
heroes and champion of champions. mark by the bullets and tiger’s jump, etc. Each
time it was the Maharaja who won. One time, the
A Miracle Happened
king was in the danger of losing his throne. A high
At that very moment, a great miracle took place.
ranking British officer visited Pratibandapuram
There emerged an astonishing phrase from the
and wished to hunt tigers. But he was refused
lips of the ten day old prince “0 wise prophets,
permission. Then the British officer’s Secretary
all those who are born will one day have to die.
sent word that the Durai himself did not have to
There is nothing new in that. There would be
kill the tiger. The Maharaja could do the actual
some sense if you could tell us the mannet-of
killing but Dural wanted a photograph of himself
that death.” These words stunned every body
holding the gun and standing over the tiger’s
and the chief astrologer placed his fingers on his
carcass. But the Maharaja did not agree to this
nose in wonder. Fixing his eyes on the prince he
proposal. The Maharaja stood in danger of losing
explained that the prince had been born at the
his kingdom himself.
hour of the bull. He even said, “The bull and the
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Ch 2 : The Tiger King
The Danger Averted a wooden tiger. Getting Killed by the Hundredth
The Maharaja and the dewan held deliberations Tiger : This toy was not carved properly. It had
over this issue. As a result a telegram was small slivers of wood on its surface. One such
despatched to a famous British Company of splinter entered his right hand. It turned up into
jewellers in Calcutta ..0 send samples of diamond infection and the infection flared in Maharaja’s
rings. There arrived fifty rings and the Maharaja right hand. Maharaja had to be operated upon
sent the whole lot to the British officer’s good and died during the operation, proving the
lady. She kept all and sent a word of thanks. astrologer’s prediction to be true. In this manner,
The Maharaja had to pay a sum of three lakh the hundredth tiger took its final revenge upon
of rupees but he was able to retain back his the Tiger King.
kingdom. Within ten years the Maharaja was
able to kill seventy tigers and the tiger population
became extinct in the forest of Pratibandapuram. 3. Word meanings
The Maharaja’s campaign to kill tigers came to 1. Identified = recognized
a standstill. 2. Shortened = made short
3. Pretending = feigning
Marrying a Girl from a State Having Large 4. Advance = to move forward
Number of Tigers 5. Withdrawal = retreat
One day the Maharaja sent for the dewan and told 6. Throw off track = to divert
about his decision to get married with a royal girl 7. Imperative = necessary
whose father’, state had a large tiger population. 8. Disclose = reveal
The dewan found the right girl and the Maharaja 9. Vital = important
was got married. Then Maharaja continued his 10. Indomitable = unyielding
campaign. Whenever he visited his father-in-law, 11. Abode = dwelling place
he would kill five or six tigers each time. In this 12. Fantastic = fanciful
way he was able to kill 99 tigers. Thus the skins 13. Aspect = view
of ninety-nine tigers hung in his reception hall. He 14. Astrologers = soothsayers
was away from his target by only one tiger. 15. Foretold = predicted
The Maharaja’s Anxiety and Killing the 16. Warrior = fighter
Hundredth Tiger 17. Swallowed = ate without chewing
No tiger remained even in his father-in-law’s 18. Miracle = marvel
kingdom. He became very anxious and restless to 19. Astonishing = surprising
kill the hundredth tiger. Soon a good news came 20. Emerged = came out
to him, from a village in his kingdom. The sheep 21. Prophets = foretellers
had started disappearing. He sent his people to 22. Transfixed = stood still
look for the tiger and soon went to stay in the 23. Stupefaction = astonished
forest to find and kill the tiger. He stayed in the 24. Blinked = winked
forest for many days but could not find the tiger. 25. Infant = baby
He told his Dewan to find the tiger otherwise face 26. Enunciated = pronounced
his anger. Dewan brought a tiger from the Madras 27. Spectacles = glasses
Circus and left the old tiger in the forest secretly. 28. Gazed = looked intentely
Tiger King found the tiger and hit it with the 29. Intently = earnestly
bullet of his gun. He became very happy after 30. Predictions = forecasts
killing the hundredth tiger. He told his soldiers 31. Squeaky = in a shrill voice
to bring the tiger to his palace. When the soldiers 32. Barely = hardly
started to pick the tiger they saw that it was still 33. Incredible = hard to believe
alive. Most probably it would have fainted when 34. Quake = tremble
the bullet from the king’s gun touched it and went 35. Pronounced = uttered
away. But for sure, the Tiger King had missed his 36. Growl = roar
target. The soldiers did not want to tell this to 37. Terrifying = frightening
the king so they killed the tiger and brought it to 38. Beware = be careful
Pratibandapuram. The king became carefree now. 39. Rumour = hearsay
On the third birthday of his son, he presented him 40. Rife = widespread
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 449
41. Hindsight = guess as to what happened 94. Convinced = persuaded
42. Conclude = infer 95. Shoved = pushed
43. Marked = distinguished 96. Dragged = pulled
44. Nanny = nurse 97. Catastrophic = disastrous
45. Came of age = become mature 98. Launched = started
46. Innumerable = countless 99. Thoroughly = completely
47. Thrilled = excited 100.Haul = pull
48. Demanded = wanted to know 101.Supplication = prayer
49. Tuft = bunch of hair 102.Command = order
50. Incoherent = disconnected 103.Boundless = unlimited
51. Celebration = festivity 104.Crumpled = shrunk
52. Banned = prohibited 105.Vow = oath
53. Fling = throw 106.Elation = joy
54. Confiscate = seize 107.Bafflement = confusion
55. Vowed = took an oath 108.Fainted = became unconscious
56. Initially = in the beginning 109.Tomb = grave
57. Resolve = determination 110.Erected = built
58. Carcass = dead body 111.Entire = whole
59. Relented = softened 112.Spotted = noticed
60. Deliberations = discussions 113.Anna = an old indian coin
61. Despatched = sent 114.Carved = cut into shape
62. Forthwith = immediately 115.Slivers = thin and needle like
63. Expensive = costly 116.Quills = pricks of a porcupine
64. Retain = keep 117.Flared = spread
65. Unforeseen = unexpected 118.Suppurating = having pus
66. Hurdle = barrier
67. Mission = specified aim
68. Standstill = stop 4. ncert textbook questions
69. Extinct = ended abruptly
70. Committed = did BEFORE YOU READ
71. Harakiri = suicide QUESTION 1.
72. Brandishing = waving 1. What is the general attitude of human beings
73. Shuddering = trembling towards wild animals?
74. Summoned = sent for Ans :
75. Babble = childish talk Generally, people fear the wild animals because of
76. Ancestor = forefathers their ferociousness and tendency to harm humans.
77. Crack = splitting sound But some people exploit them by caging or hunting
78. Statistics = statement by figures them for the sadistic pleasure they derive from
79. Investigate = inquire into their ‘feats’, or kill them to earn money from their
80. Adorned = decorated hides etc. Yet, there are people who understand
81. Anxiety = worry the importance of sustaining ecological balance,
82. Tally = amount preserving the beauty of nature and believe in
83. Locate = the place of every creature’s right to its existence. They spread
84. Savage = cruel awareness about the importance of wild-life and
85. Dispelled = removed the necessity of saving them from extinction.
86. Ascertain = to find out
87. Wantonly = willfully READ AND FIND OUT
88. Flout = disobey QUESTION 1.
89. Fury = anger 1. Who is the Tiger King? Why does he get that
90. Obstinacy = stubbornness name?
91. Mounted = increased Ans :
92. Rage = anger Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, the ruler of
93. Discontented = dissatisfied Pratibandapuram, is known as the Tiger King. At
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Ch 2 : The Tiger King
the time of his birth the astrologers declared that be the sole reason for the king’s existence. Except
the prince would have to die one day. The ten- for killing hundred tigers, everything else takes a
day-old prince asked the astrologers to reveal the back-seat for the king. The prophecy cannot be
manner of his death. The wise men were baffled indisputably disproved as the king was ultimately
at this miracle. The chief astrologer said that the killed by a tiger, though neither by a real one nor
cause of his death would be a tiger. The young by the hundredth one. Looking at the weak, old
prince growled and uttered terrifying words: Let and almost lifeless tiger that was the hundredth
tigers beware! He decided to kill one hundred one, no one would have thought that it would
tigers. He thus got the name Tiger King. escape the king’s bullet by fainting at the shock
QUESTION 2. of the bullet whizzing past. It was the “tiny little
2. What did the royal infant grow up to be? wooden tiger” from the toy shop that caused the
Ans : 2014 death of the Tiger King.
The royal infant grew up to be the king of
Pratibandapuram who was obsessed with the idea READING WITH INSIGHT
of killing one hundred tigers. He wanted to do QUESTION 1.�
so to disprove the prophecy which said that his 1. The story is a satire on the conceit of those in
death would come from the hundredth tiger. This power. How does the author employ the literary
made him kill all tigers of Pratibandapuram. He device of dramatic irony in the story?
even married for the sake of this ambition. He Ans :
came to be known as the Tiger King. The author has used the device of irony in order
QUESTION 3.
to highlight the satire on the conceit of those who
3. What will the Maharaja do to find the required are in power. An irony is a technical device used
number of tigers to kill? by the author to highten the fact that provides
Ans : the result which is quite opposite in nature. The
To get the required number of tigers to kill, the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram tries his utmost
Maharaja will ask his dewan to find a suitable girl best to falsify the prediction of the astrologers,
for him to marry. A suitable girl for matrimonial since his state astrologer has foretold the
alliance should be the one who would not only Maharaja’s death by a tiger. He has been further
come from a royal family but also would belong bewared to be more careful from the hundredth
to a state with a large tiger population. As tiger.
Pratibandapuram had no more tigers left, a Consequently, the king banned the hunting of
province that belonged to his father-in-law would all the tigers on his state. Within a span of ten
certainly provide him with an opportunity to years, the king was able to kill seventy tigers. He
kill more tigers and reach his aim of killing one became restless to kill the rest since he was to
hundred tigers. realise his ambition of killing the hundred tigers.
QUESTION 4.
Even he married a royal daughter whose father’s
4. How will the Maharaja prepare himself for the state had a large tiger population. Thus, he could
hundredth tiger which was supposed to decide his kill only ninety-nine tigers and his father-in-law’s
fate? state too became extinct with tigers. Here the
Ans : 2009
king thought himself safe only after killing the
The Maharaja would be extremely careful while hundredth tiger. His dewan managed it and the
dealing with the hundredth tiger which was Maharaja aimed at the tiger but it fainted with
supposed to be the reason for his death. On the bullet. It survived but later on it was killed
encountering the hundredth one he will take a by the guards.
careful aim at the tiger and will shoot it. When it The irony lies in the point that the tiger
falls in a crumpled heap he would be filled with joy which caused the death of the Tiger King, was a
and will leave the place hastily. wooden tiger. One of its tiny slivers pierced into
QUESTION 5.
the right hand of the king. Infection flared and a
5. What will now happen to the astrologer? Do you
suppurating sore all over the arm. The king was
think the prophecy was indisputably disproved?
operated and the operation was successful but the
Ans : 2006
doctors declared, “The Maharaja is dead.” Thus
The astrologer dies before the king of
the hundredth tiger of wood took its revenge
Pratibandapuram gets an opportunity to kill one
upon the Tiger King.
hundred tigers. Disproving his prophecy seems to
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 451
QUESTION 2.�
annas only but he bargains for three hundred
2. What is the author’s indirect comment on
rupees since he has the fear of being punished
subjecting innocent animals to the wilfulness of
under emergency rules. Thus, one can find a series
human beings?
Ans : of people who try their best to please the king in
In this lesson we do not find any direct comment all possible ways.
about the indiscriminate killing of the innocent Same is true with today’s political order.
animals for our pleasure or sport. If we deeply People remain bowed before them without keeping
peep into the lesson one can get his hidden in view the requisite rules and regulations. A mere
sympathy for the animals. The Maharaja has word from their mouth is taken to be completed
killed ninety-nine tigers to ensure his safety but at any cost. They do not have the courage to
it is ironical that merely a wooden tiger becomes follow and advise the truth. They have become
the cause of his death. selfish and so they flatter their seniors.
The author highlights that both the states of
QUESTION 4.�
4. Can you relate instances of game-hunting among
the Maharaja and his father-in-law have become
the rich and the powerful in present times that
extinct due to killing of tigers. Thus he has
illustrate the callousness of human beings towards
killed ninety-nine tigers but he is restless for the
wild-life?
hundredth tiger. At last his dewan arranges for an
Ans :
old tiger that stands dumbly before the king. He
Even in the present time one can see many
takes a careful aim and fires. The tiger faints and
examples of game-hunting among the rich and
falls but it has not died. Thus the author brings
the powerful people around the world. In India
out the cruelty and heartlessness on the part of
affluent people kill innocent animals for fun, frolic
human beings. His wild behaviour stands exposed
and egoistic pleasure. In the state of Rajasthan,
towards the innocent animals though none of the
the hunting of the black bustard has been banned
tigers has done any harm either to the king or any
under the law and these animals are on the verge
other person in his kingdom. But the king chooses
of extinction. But none bothers for the law and
to kill the tigers mercilessly.
QUESTION 3.�
cases of hunting the black bustards in Rajasthan
3. How would you describe the behaviour of the are very much available by Sheikhs. We cannot
Maharaja’s minions towards him? Do you find remain unknown about the killing of rare black
them truly sincere towards him or are they driven bustards by Salman Khan. Even the news of the
by fear when they obey him? Do we find any great cricketer Mansur Ali Pataudi is known for
similarity in today’s political order? all who kills innocent animals in Haryana for his
Ans : sportive ego.
The minions of the Maharaja try to remain most Still one can glance at the news of illegal
obedient, faithful and sincere towards him. They poachers and dealers who are engaged in animal
want to keep the Maharaja in good humour. skins and their bones business. The illegal killing
Everyone is in a rat race to please the king. They of tigers in Ranthambore and other tiger reserves
show flattery and evpress their docile submission go unabated. These illegal killings need strictest
before the king. Even the Chief Astrologer is type of punishment.
scared to tell the truth. He bites his lips and
QUESTION 5.�
5. We need a new system for the age of ecology-a
swallows hard. He cautions the king from the
system which is embedded in the care of all people
hundredth tiger. Simultaneously he challenges the
and also in the care of the earth and all life upon
Tiger King to tear up all his books on astrology
it. Discuss.
in case the prediction proves wrong.
Ans :
His dewan is also a faithful servant and
Our mother earth is under constant threat
shudders before the gun of the Maharaja. He is
for vitiation due to cutting of forests, ugliness,
confused and babbles under pressure. The dewan
degradation of environment, pollution, industrial
follows the orders word by word and finds the
and other wastes as well as noises, etc. We
right girl for the king. When the king shows his
are vacating the forest lands and killing the
utmost anger for a tiger, the dewan arranges for
wild animals for inhabiting a large number of
a tiger. Even the shop-keeper is a perfect blend of
increasing population. The global warming,
flattery, cunningness, cleverness and faithfulness.
gases, ammunition, bombs, atomic energy,
Though the wooden tiger has a bare cost of two
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Ch 2 : The Tiger King
visited Pratibandapurm as desired for being Ans : 2012
photographed with the tiger, he had shot. But The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram was a brave,
the Maharaja refused permission to hunt the tiger resolute and a firm ruler of his state. When he
there. He thought the other British officers might was born the astrologers predicted his death
make similar request and it could cost his throne with a tiger. But the new born baby had some
even. miraculous quality in him. He was only of ten days,
It between the British officer’s secretary sent he challenged the prediction of the astrologers
a word that the Durai himself was interested in a and asked then the manner of his death. The chief
photograph with a gun and by standing over the astrologer told his death from a tiger.
tiger’s caracass. But the Maharaja did not accede When the king came of the age, he took
to it. Naturally it had displeased the British over the charge in his hands. He also heard the
officer. In order to resolve the issue, the Maharaja prediction through his own ears. He killed a tiger
held deliberations over this issue. As a result he and sent for the astrologer who in turn advocated
sent for samples of diamond rings in Calcutta. He that it did not mean that the king was &Ie. He
would send them to the British Duraisani. The must be careful from the hundredth tiger. So
rings arrived and were sent to her with the hope the king decided to kill one hundred tigers. In
that she would choose one or two ring and return the first ten years he killed seventy tigers of his
the rest. Within no time she sent a reply thanking forests. Then he married a princess whose father
the king for his gifts. The king was happy but he had a lot of tigers in the forest. There he killed
had to pay three lakh rupees for these rings. all the tigers and their number came to be ninety-
QUESTION 2.
nine. The king was deeply disturbed for the
2. How did the king of Pratibandapuram got the hundredth tiger. Somehow his dewan arranged
nick-name the ‘Tiger King’ ? for the hundredth tiger. The king was happy and
Ans : 2020 shot at it. The tiger collapsed but did not die.
When the king of Pratibandapuram was born, The king was ignorant about this reality. Later on
his father called the famous astrologers of the it was killed by his soldiers. In this way the king
kingdom in order to know the child’s future. At achieved his target of killing a hundred tigers.
that moment, a great miracle took place. The QUESTION 4.
child, who was only ten days old began to speak. 4. Why did the king take a vow to kill one hundred
He told the astrologers that people are born have tigers?
to die one day. Then he asked the astrologers Ans : 2006
to predict the manner of his death. The chief The state astrologer had predicted that the king
astrologer was wonder struck to hear the infant would be killed by a tiger. So the king decided to
speaking. Then he said that the child would be kill all the tigers in his kingdom. When he killed
killed by a tiger. At this the infant let out a his first tiger, he was very excited. He called the
terrifying growl and said, “Let tigers beware!” state astrologer and showed him the dead tiger.
With the passage of time, the crown prince Jung The astrologer told the king that he might kill
Jung Bahadur grew up to be a strong young man. ninety-nine tigers in the same manner, but he
When he was twenty years old, he became the must be very careful with the hundredth tiger.
king. But everyone in the kingdom remembered And if the king was able to kill it, he would be
the astrologer’s prediction. Gradually it reached safe from tigers.
the Maharaja’s ears also. There were innumerable From that day, the king banned tiger hunting
tigers in Pratibandapuram. So he decided to kill in the state except by the Maharaja. The king
all of them so that his own life could be safe. took a vow that he would attend to the other
Therefore, the king came to be called the Tiger matters of state only after killing the hundredth
King. tiger. Sometimes the king faced dangers while
QUESTION 3.�
hunting the tigers. But every time he was able to
3. Describe the efforts made by the Tiger King to kill the tiger.
achieve his target of killing a hundred tigers. QUESTION 5.�
5. The Tiger King’s quest for tigers was full of
O hurdles and challenges. Justify the statement.
Why did the Tiger King wish to hunt hundred Ans : 2017
tigers? How far was he able to fulfill his wish ? There is no exaggeration in the fact that ‘The
Tiger Kings’ quest for tigers was full off hurdles
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Ans : Ans :
(c) a greedy woman ,wife of a high rank British (b) by killing the 100th tiger
officer
17. When did the Prince marry?
10. Who is The Tiger King in the story? (a) at the age of 20
(a) Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur (b) when he killed the first tiger
(b) M.A.D (c) After killing all the tigers in the State
(c) A.C.T.C. (d) None of these
(d) C.R.C.K. Ans :
Ans : (c) After killing all the tigers in the State
(a) Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur
18. Whom did the King marry?
11. What did the astrologer predict? (a) to a girl
(a) the boy will be a king (b) to a princess
(b) the boy will visit the world (c) to a princess whose father had many tigers
(c) the king will be killed by 100th tiger (d) all
(d) none of these Ans :
Ans : (c) to a princess whose father had many tigers
(c) the king will be killed by 100th tiger
19. What is the theme of the story?
12. What did the king utter to astrologer’s prediction?
(a) Desire of power
(a) let tigers watch (b) Let tigers beware
(b) Desire to have power for one’s selfish interests
(c) let tigers be careful (d) none of these and not for the welfare of the people
Ans :
(c) desire to help others
(b) Let tigers beware
(d) none of these
13. How did the child grow? Ans :
(a) drinking goat’s milk like other royal children (b) Desire to have power for one’s selfish interests
(b) drinking buffalo’s milk like other royal children and not for the welfare of the people
(c) drinking cow’s milk like other royal children
20. Why did the King decide to marry?
(d) none of these
Ans : (a) to buy tigers
(b) drinking buffalo’s milk like other royal children (b) to own tigers
(c) to tame tigers
14. Who brought up the king?
(d) to achieve his target of killing 100 tigers
(a) a nanny (b) an English tutor Ans :
(c) an English nanny (d) none of these (d) to achieve his target of killing 100 tigers
Ans :
(c) an English nanny 21. What became the cause of King’s death?
(a) a tiger
15. At what age the boy crowned as king?
(b) a tiger from his wife’s forest
(a) 30 (b) 15
(c) a tiger in his state
(c) 22 (d) 20
Ans : (d) the wooden tiger from the toyshop
(d) 20 Ans :
(d) the wooden tiger from the toyshop
16. How did the king challenge the prediction of the
astrologer? 22. What pierced Maharaja’s right hand?
(a) by killing the first tiger (a) the slivers on toy tiger’s body
(b) by killing the 100th tiger (b) tiger’s leg
(c) by killing all the tigers in the state (c) tiger’s teeth
(d) none of these (d) none of these
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Ch 2 : The Tiger King
strong man. He become the king of his state at ideology on killing so many forest animals and
the age of twenty. He was determined to fulfil his thereby causing a great imbalances in the nature
pledge. So he issued a proclamation not to kill the ? It is quite against the set values and norms
tigers except by himself. The law-breakers would of the societal set-up. The modern era is quite
be taken to task and their properties would be adverse to such views and none will participate in
confiscated. Being a man of firm determination these heinous crimes on the earth.
and self-respect, he denied permission to the Also consider the point that the king’s right
British officer to hunt a tiger. He had to pay a high hand is pierce red by a tiny splinter while lie was
price to retain his throne. In between ten years, playing with his son from a wooden tiger. These
he killed seventy tigers and his forests became spread an infection in his hand and the same has
extinct. Then he married a princess whose father to be cut down and thereby leading to his ultimate
had large forest cover full of tigers. There he killed doom. With reference to his orthodox view he is
twenty-nine tigers but the hundredth one fainted killed by a wooden tiger instead of a real tiger.
due to the shock of the bullet. His hunters came It is a fallacy on his part and we should avoid
there and killed it. Thus he fulfilled his vow. In such whimsical thinking since none will believe in
between he did not adhere to the welfare of his these mischievous and illogical facts. Such type of
subjects. Thus it can be said that he was a brave, thinking wavers our beliefs and the same is further
courageous king that lacked worldly wisdom. fatal to our progress and development. We should
QUESTION 9. abstain from them and preach those values which
9. Give a brief account of killing of ninety-nine tigers are beneficial to the welfare of the society in large.
by the king. QUESTION 11.
Ans : 2018
11. Did the king really kill the hundredth tiger? How
The king continued hunting the tigers. Within ten
did the king die?
years, he killed seventy tigers. The tiger population Ans : 2010
in his state became extinct. In order to solve this When Maharaja did not find any tiger in the
problem, the Maharaja married a girl from a royal forest, he called the dewan and spoke to him
family in whose kingdom there was a large tiger angrily. The dewan knew that if the king did not
population. Each time he visited the kingdom of find the tiger, he would lose his job. He had an old
his father-in-law, he killed five or six tigers. He and pet tiger hidden in his house. At midnight,
killed twenty-nine more tigers, making the total he put that tiger in the forest. The next day, the
number of tigers killed by him to be ninety-nine. Maharaja saw that tiger and shot at him. The tiger
Now only one more tiger remained to be killed collapsed. The king ordered that the dead tiger
to achieve a tally of a hundred. But now no tiger should be taken to the kingdom in a procession.
was left even in his father-in-law’s kingdom. But Then he went away in his car. After he had gone,
soon there came a happy news. In his own state, the hunters accompanying him found that the
the sheep began to disappear frequently from a tiger was not dead. The bullet had missed him.
hillside village. It meant that there was a tiger The tiger had fainted from the shock. But they
which was eating up the sheep. The Maharaja dared not tell this secret to the king. One of the
became happy on hearing this news. hunters shot at the tiger and killed him. The tiger
QUESTION 10.�
was buried and a tomb was erected over his grave.
10. The author has superimposed a very deep
A few days later, the third birthday of the
superstitious view on his readers. How far do you
Maharaja’s son was celebrated. The king saw a
react in the present context of the modern era ?
wooden tiger in a shop and decided to give it to
Ans : 2012
his son as a gift. The skin of the wooden tiger
With the advent of knowledge, scientific inventions
was rough and was covered with slivers like quills.
and the spread of education, gone are the days
One of the slivers pierced the king’s hand. By
of superstitious and orthodox views though these
next day, the wound became infected. Soon the
may possess some relevancy to a certain extent
infection spread all over his right arm. Three
but it is not so. We should rather set aside the
surgeons performed the operation upon him. But
blind faiths and follow a realistic view. In the
the king died. In this way, the hundredth tiger
story of The Tiger King’, we find that the king
took the king’s life.
totally extincts his kingdom from the tigers but
also the jungles of his father-in-law. Just view his
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 455
(b) his intelligence Ans :
(c) because it was against the rules of his state
(c) his ability to mange a tiger in Madras
(d) none of these SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Ans : QUESTION 1.�
(c) his ability to mange a tiger in Madras 1. Why did the Maharaja order the dewan to double
35. What birthday gift did the Maharaja present to the land tax ?
his 3 years old son? Ans : 2017
(a) a toy (b) gold coins The Maharaja had killed ninety-nine tigers and
it had become almost uncertain to find the
(c) forests (d) a toy tiger
Ans : hundredth tiger. He was sunk in deep gloom but
(d) a toy tiger he was rather determined to kill the last tiger. His
fury and obstinacy mounted high. Many officers
36. What is the moral of the story? lost their jobs. He called the dewan and ordered
(a) Power him to double the land tax forthwith. At this the
dewan advised him that the people would become
(b) Power makes us powerful
discontented but the result was not encouraging.
(c) Power is meaningless before destiny QUESTION 2.
(d) All of these 2. What miracle took place when the king was only
Ans : ten days old?
(c) Power is meaningless before destiny Ans : 2010
When the King was born, his father called the
37. What literary device has been used in the story?
famous astrologers of the kingdom in order to
(a) sarcasm (b) metaphorical know the child’s future. At that moment, a great
expressions miracle took place. The child, who was only ten
(c) Irony (d) All of these days old began to speak. He asked the astrologers
Ans : to predict the manner of his death.
(c) Irony QUESTION 3.�
38. How has the writer has proved the futility of 3. Which problem did the Maharaja face when he
king’s desire? had killed seventy tigers ? How did he solve it?
Ans : 2017
(a) by showing him a victim of a toy tiger
When the Maharaja had all the seventy tigers
(b) by making the king kill 99 tigers in his state, he grew restless as he had still to
(c) by showing him as a powerful king kill thirty more tigers for saving his life. He was
(d) All deeply under stress. Consequently the Maharaja
Ans : decided to marry a girl from a royal family, who
(a) by showing him a victim of a toy tiger lived in an estate that had a lot of tigers. His wish
39. What shows the false ego and pride of the king was fulfilled and the married accordingly.
QUESTION 4.
in the story?
4. Why was the astrologers wonder struck? What
(a) his killing of tigers and no concern for nature prediction did he make?
(b) his orders from time to time Ans : 2020
(c) his desire to marry The royal infant, who was only ten days old,
(d) None of these started speaking. The chief astrologer was wonder
Ans : struck to hear the infant speaking. Then he said
(a) his killing of tigers and no concern for nature that the child would be killed by a tiger.
QUESTION 5.�
40. Why did the king not permit British officer to 5. When he was only ten days old, a prediction was
click a picture with the dead tiger? made about the future of the Tiger King. What
(a) he was scared of the British was ironic about it ?
(b) to prove his might Ans : 2010
When the Tiger King was only ten days old, an
(c) because it was against the rules of his state
astrologer had proclaimed that a tiger would
(d) none of these become the cause of his death. He must be
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Ch 2 : The Tiger King
(iii) Because he was ready to challenge the (c) Everyone remembered the astrologer’s
tigers. prediction. People discussed the astrologer’s
(iv) Because he was shivering with fever. prediction. People continue to discuss the
(c) ‘Jung Bahadur was thrown into a Quake’. matter. Slowly it came to the Maharaja’s ears.
This reveals that Jung Bahadur _____. (d) The Maharaja was so thrilled beyond measure
(d) What is the symbolic meaning of ‘The crown when he killed the first tiger that he sent for
prince gave a deep growl.’ ? the State astrologer and showed him the dead
Ans : 2010
beast.
QUESTION 4.�
(a) The astrologers predicted, since the prince
4. Read the following extract and answer the
was born in the hour of the Bull, therefore,
questions that follow.
he would die because of the tiger.
I have come forward to tell you why he came to
(b) (iii) Because he was ready to challenge the be known as Tiger King. I have no intention of
tigers. pretending to advance only to end in a strategic
(c) was frightened to hear the word Tiger. withdrawal. Even the threat of a Stuka bomber
(d) It means that he warned the tigers of the land will not throw me off track. The Stuka, if it likes,
to be alert. can beat a hasty retreat from my story.
QUESTION 3.
Right at the start, it is imperative to disclose a
3. Read the following extract and answer the matter of vital importance about the Tiger King.
questions that follow. Everyone who reads of him will experience the
But everyone in the kingdom remembered the natural desire to meet a man of his indomitable
astrologer’s prediction. Many continued to discuss courage face-to-face. But there is no chance of
the matter. Slowly it came to the Maharaja’s ears. its fulfilment. As Bharata said to Rama about
There were innumerable forests in the Dasaratha, the Tiger King has reached that final
Pratibandapuram State. They had tigers in them. abode of all living creatures. In other words, the
The Maharaja knew the old saying, ‘You may kill Tiger King is dead.
even a cow in self-defence’. There could certainly
(a) Explain : ‘Even the threat of a Stuka bomber
be no objection to killing tigers in self-defence.
will not throw me off track’.
The Maharaja started out on a tiger hunt.
The Maharaja was thrilled beyond measure (b) What is strategic withdrawal?
when he killed his first tiger. He sent for the State (i) To withdraw oneself from one’s
astrologer and showed him the dead beast. responsibility
(a) Complete the sentence appropriately. (ii) To withdraw oneself from a situation in
The fact that the Maharaja sent for the state order to survive
astrologer and showed him the dead beast (iii) To withdraw oneself in a very tricky
reveals that the Maharaja was _____. manner
(b) How did Maharaja justify the killing of tigers? (iv) To withdraw oneself when most needed
(i) There could be objections to kill tigers in (c) ‘I have come forward to tell you why he came
self-defence. to be known as Tiger King.’ This means that
(ii) There could be no objection to kill tigers _____.
in self-defence. (d) What is the analogy between the Tiger King
(iii) It is a sin to kill tigers. and King Dasaratha?
Ans : 2009
(iv) It is a sin to kill a cow.
(a) It means that even the horrifying Stuka
(c) How did the astrologer’s prediction come to
bomber could not compel the narrator to
the Maharaja’s ears?
digress from the topic of predicting the Tiger
(d) How did the Maharaja feel when he killed the King’s death.
first tiger?
Ans : 2014
(b) (ii) To withdraw oneself from a situation in
order to survive
(a) so confident that he could kill all the remaining
ninety-nine tigers. (c) The Tiger King is ironically named.
(b) (ii) There could be no objections to kill tigers (d) There is an analogy between King Dasaratha’s
in self-defence. death and the Tiger King’s death because
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 457
QUESTION 14.� QUESTION 18.�
14. Why did the Dewan decide to give up his own 18. What happened to the tiger provided by the
tiger to be killed by the Maharaja ? Dewan Saheb ?
O
O What happened to the hundredth tiger?
How did the Dewan try to help to Maharaja Ans : 2017
achieve his mission ? The Tiger King had killed 99 tigers and the nearby
Ans : 2012 forests had become totally extinct with tigers.
The Maharaja was fully determined to kill the But he had to fulfil his vow of killing one hundred
hundredth tiger but it was not available. The tigers. We warned his ministers and Dewan to
Dewan pleaded that the people will become arrange for the hundredth tiger otherwise they
discontented but the Maharaja asked him to should be ready to face the consequences. His
resign. Thinking the result most catastrophic, the Dewan arranged for a tiger from the People’s
Dewan decided to give up his own tiger to be Park in Madras. The King fired and it collapsed.
killed by the Maharaja. Thinking it dead, the king declared his victory.
When the soldiers came, they found it alive. Then
QUESTION 15.
they killed it.
15. What vow did the king take?
QUESTION 19.�
Ans : 2006
19. Who killed the 100th tiger? Why?
The king took a vow that he would attend to
Ans : 2015
the other matters of state only after killing the
The 100th tiger was killed by the king’s men. The
hundredth tiger.
bullet that was fired by the king did not kill the
QUESTION 16.�
tiger. He had simply fainted. When the king went
16. How did the Tiger King become the victim of the
away thinking that he had killed the tiger, his
hundredth tiger?
men shot the tiger as they thought that the king
O would get annoyed if he got to know the truth and
How did the hundredth tiger take its revenge they would have to look for another tiger.
upon the Tiger King?
QUESTION 20.
O 20. Why was the king in the danger of losing his
How did the Tiger King meet his end ? What is throne?
ironical about his fate ? Ans : 2007
Ans : 2014 The British officer wanted to shoot a tiger. But
The Maharaja got a wooden but rough gift of a the king refused to grant him permission. Then
tiger from a shop which was made by an unskilled the British officer said that he only wanted to be
carpenter. It had small slivers of wood on its photographed with the dead tiger. But the king
surface. While playing with his son with the tiger, did not agree even to that proposal. Because he
a sliver got pricked in his right hand. He pulled had prevented a British officer from fulfilling his
it out but infection spread all over the arm. After desire, the Maharaja was in danger of losing his
the operation, the doctors said, ‘The operation throne.
is successful but the Maharaja is dead.” Thus, a QUESTION 21.�
small toy-tiger caused the death of the Tiger King 21. What was the Dewan’s tiger like? How did he
and took its revenge upon the king. The irony lies take it into the forest ?
in the fact that even after killing all the tigers in Ans : 2021
the area, he met his death by a wooden toy tiger. At the strict warning given by the Maharaja,
the Dewan saw the tiger and brought it from the
QUESTION 17.
17. Why did the high-ranking British officer want to
People’s Park in Madras. He hit it in his house.
kill tigers? Did the king grant him permission?
At midnight when the town slept in peace, the
Ans : 2010, 2005
Dewan and his aged wife dragged the tiger to
Once a high-ranking British officer visited
the car and shoved it into the seat. He drew the
Pratibandapuram. He was very fond of hunting
car to the forest and forcibly pushed it down to
tigers. More than killing a tiger, he liked to be
the ground in the forest where the Maharaja was
photographed with the tiger whom he had killed.
hunting.
But the Maharaja refused to grant him permission.
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Ch 2 : The Tiger King
Ans : Ans :
(a) the slivers on toy tiger’s body (a) because he prohibited British officer from
23. Who actually shot the 100th tiger? killing a tiger
(a) one of the hunters who accompanied the king 29. What did the Maharaja do to ensure his safety?
(b) a soldier (a) He owned tigers
(c) king’s guest (b) married a princess
(d) British high officer (c) prohibited British officer to enter his territory
Ans :
(d) He killed tigers
(a) one of the hunters who accompanied the king Ans :
24. Why was the king called The Tiger King? (d) He killed tigers
(a) he was fond of tigers 30. How did the 100th tiger take its revenge?
(b) he kept many tigers (a) a silver on toy tiger’s body pricked his finger
(c) he tamed many tigers (b) by being fainted
(d) because he killed 100 tigers (c) by being killed by a hunter
Ans :
(d) by putting him in danger
(d) because he killed 100 tigers Ans :
25. Why did Maharaja put a ban on Tiger hunting (a) a silver on toy tiger’s body pricked his finger
in his state?
31. Why was the Maharaja so anxious to kill 100th
(a) to prove the priest’s prediction wrong
tiger?
(b) to prove his power
(a) to ensure his safety and to prove prediction
(c) to show his love for animals wrong
(d) his kindness towards the animals (b) to prove his hunting skills
Ans :
(a) to prove the priest’s prediction wrong (c) to prove his power
(d) none of these
26. What does Kalki trying to show in this story? Ans :
(a) The futility of going against the destiny (a) to ensure his safety and to prove prediction
(b) kings shallowness wrong
(c) false pride and ego 32. Why did the Maharaja double the tax?
(d) none of these (a) in his rage against the disappearance of the
Ans : sheep and to find 100th tiger
(a) The futility of going against the destiny (b) to raise the funds
(c) to increase the income of the state
27. What is the irony in the story?
(d) none of these
(a) kings desire to prove predictions wrong
Ans :
(b) king’s desire to marry (a) in his rage against the disappearance of the
(c) king’s desire to kill tigers sheep and to find 100th tiger
(d) The king killed 99 tigers and died because of 33. Why did the king send rings to British official’s
a toy tiger wife?
Ans :
(a) to save his state and to please The British
(d) The king killed 99 tigers and died because of
a toy tiger (b) to invite them for hunting
(c) to invite them for a feast
28. Why was the king in danger of losing his kingdom? (d) to find more tigers
(a) because he prohibited British officer from Ans :
killing a tiger (a) to save his state and to please The British
(b) because he killed all the tigers
34. What proved the Dewan’s resourcefulness?
(c) because he killed a tiger in the forest
(a) his wits
(d) All of these
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QUESTION 35.
at its height. He called the dewan and ordered 35. How did the dewan arrange the hundredth tiger
him to double the land tax forthwith. At this the for the king to shoot down?
dewan advised the king that the people would Ans : 2022
become discontented. The state would fall a prey The dewan knew that if the king did not find the
to the Indian National Congress. But the king did tiger, he would lose his job. The dewan had an old
not relent and asked him to resign. and pet tiger hidden in his house. At midnight,
he and his wife put that tiger in a car and took
QUESTION 31.
31. What happy news did the king get about the
him into the jungle where the king was camping.
hundredth tiger?
There they pushed him out of the car and came
Ans : 2008
away.
The king killed ninety-nine tigers. Now only QUESTION 36.�
one more tiger remained to be killed to ‘achieve 36. What considerations infludence the type king to
a tally of a hundred. But now no tiger was left get married?
in the kingdom. Soon there came a happy news. Ans : 2018
In his own state, the sheep began to disappear The maharaja non above resolute and a firm ruler.
frequently from a hillside village. It meant that At his birth the aspolopers predicted that he was
there was a tiger which was eating up the sheep. killed by a type so he had to save himself from
The Maharaja became happy on hearing this the type. He killed all the types and there left one
news. type to be killed but it was no available in this
liquid. For the hundred type he named a princes
QUESTION 32.�
32. The impression do you form of the Maharaja’s
whose father had a left of type in the forest.
minions? QUESTION 37.
Ans : 2005
37. What did the king decide to gift his son on his
The Maharaja’s minions are not source towards third birthday?
him. They obey him out of fear. Most of them are Ans : 2020
cowardly. The dewan loses his balance of mind A few days later, the third birthday of the
when he sees the Maharaja brandishing his gun. Maharaja’s son was celebrated. The king saw a
The hunters hide the fact about the hundredth wooden tiger in a shop and decided to give it to
tiger from the king lest they should lose their jobs. his son as a gift.
QUESTION 33.
33. Why did the king set up his camp in the forest?
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Ans : 2019
QUESTION 1.�
The news came that there was a tiger in the
1. How did the Maharaja manage to save his
forest. The king was keen to kill the hundredth
kingdom at the cost of three lakh rupees?
tiger. So the Maharaja went to the forest and set
up his camp there. But no tiger was seen. The O
king became annoyed. He called the dewan and Giving a bribe is an evil practice. How did the
spoke to him angrily. Tiger King bribe the British officer to save his
QUESTION 34.� kingdom? How do you view this act of his?
34. From that day onwards it was celebration time O
for all the tigers inhabiting pratiband darpuran. When did the Tiger King stand in danger of
Bring out the irony in this statement? losing his kingdom? How was he able to avert the
Ans : 2017
danger?
After the prediction by the astrolger that the Ans : 2015
king would be killed by the tiger but he should The King had made a firm resolution to kill
be careful with the hundredth tiger. On hearing hundred tigers that he could live safely without
it the prince killed ninety nine tigers but their having any danger to his life. Consequently, he
number came to an end. Also the killing and issued a proclamation that none would either
hunting if the tigers were in banned the state. kill or harm the tigers in his kingdom. Even the
Thus it was a celebration time me for the tigers. King warned that if anyone dared fling a stone
But the irony remains that the prince was killed at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be
by the same hundreth tiger mode of wood. confiscated. At one time, he was in the danger of
losing his throne. A high ranking British officer
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Ch 2 : The Tiger King
QUESTION 10.
particularly careful with the 100th tiger. Ninety- 10. What did the king do after killing the first tiger?
nine tigers were killed. The irony, here was that Ans : 2012
the silver of a wooden toy tiger became the cause There were innumerable tigers in Pratibandapuram.
of his death. So he decided to kill all of them so that his own
life could be safe. When he killed the first tiger,
QUESTION 6.�
6. Even though the Maharaja lost ‘three lakhs’, he
he was very excited. He called the state astrologer
was still happy. Why ?
and showed him the dead tiger.
Ans : 2014, 2013
QUESTION 11.�
Even though the Maharaja lost rupees three 11. Why was the Maharaja sunk in gloom even after
lakhs, he was still happy because by spending having killed seventy tigers ?
such a huge sum of money, he not only saved Ans : 2011
his kingdom but also maintained his prestige During a span of ten long years, the Maharaja
and honour. No one could break his rules and he had managed to kill seventy tigers. Thereby his
refused the permission for hunting the tigers in estate has become extinct of tigers. Side by side
his area except for himself. So, he was happy. the tiger population in his father-in-law’s kingdom
too started declining. When it came to the killing
QUESTION 7.
7. When did the king come to know the prediction
of the hundredth tiger, all his efforts came to zero.
about his death?
Consequently the Maharaja became troubled and
Ans : 2005
sank in gloom. He thought he won’t be able to get
With the passage of time, the crown prince Jung
his target so his life would be in danger.
Jung Bahadur grew up to be a strong young man.
When he was twenty years old, he became the
king. But everyone in the kingdom remembered
the astrologer’s prediction about his death.
Gradually it reached the Maharaja’s ears also.
QUESTION 8.�
8. How did the Maharaja overcome the difficulty QUESTION 12.�
created by a high-ranking British Officer ? 12. Why did the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram take
Ans : 2017, 2015 the decision of killing the tigers ?
Once the British Officer came for shooting O
and tiger in the kingdom of Maharaja. But the What was decided by the Maharaja on
Maharaja refused to hunt tiger. In between remembering the astrologer’s prediction ?
the British officer, sent a word that Durai was
O
interested in a photograph with a gun and by
What led the Maharaja to start out a tiger hunt ?
standing as the tiger’s caracan. But the Maharaja
Ans : 2010
denied. This caused displeasure. In order to
In the state people started discussing the
resolve the issue of seeing his kingdom with the
astrologer’s prediction about the death of a
officer, the Maharaja sent diamond rings as gift
Maharaja by a tiger. Slowly it reached his ears as
and sorted out the problem.
well. There were many forests in his state. They
QUESTION 9.�
were infected with the tigers. One could even
9. What warning did the astrologer give the tiger
kill a cow in his self-defence. So, there was no
king, when he killed the first tiger ? Did the
objection in killing tigers. The Maharaja started
predictions of the astrologer come true at the end
out on a tiger hunt and very soon he was able to
of the story ?
Ans : 2018, 2011
kill the first tiger.
QUESTION 13.
On killing the first tiger the Maharaja boasted about
13. What did the royal astrologer tell the king when
it. But the astrologer said that he may kill ninety-
he showed him the first tiger killed by him?
nine tigers in this way, but he must remain very
Ans : 2019, 2010
cautious with the hundredth tiger. The prediction
The royal astrologer told the king that he might
of the astrologer came true because the Maharaja
kill ninety-nine tigers in the same manner, but he
was killed by the hundredth tiger made of wood. A
must be very careful with the hundredth tiger.
sliver from it fierecd into his arm caused infection
And if the king was able to kill it, he would be
and ultimately caused death.
safe from tigers.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 461
and challenges and it was the hundredth tiger forests became extinct of the tigers.
who became the cause of his death. In the first Even he married a princess whose father had
instance, the state banned the tiger hunting a lot of tigers in his forest. Therefore, he killed
except the Maharaja. Even fling a stone a tiger all the tigers there and their number came to be
would lead to confiscation of property. The king ninety-nine. The king was much perturbed for the
failed to pay attention to his social duties and hundredth tiger. His dewan somehow arranged
there, by put the people in trouble. Further he for the hundredth tiger. The king shot at it
was on the brink of leasing his kingdom for not and it collapsed but did not die. The king did
allowing the British officer’s secretary to hunt the not know the reality. Thinking himself safe, he
tigers. He had to bribe the officer to retain back was happy and brought a wooden tiger as the
his kingdom. birthday present for his son. It had tin: .sliver
After killing seventy tigers, the tigers on its surface. One such sliver pierced his hand
population became extinct. To carry on his but was pulled out. Still the infection spread in
campaign, he had to marry a girl whose father’s his complete hand and he died. In this way the
state had a large tiger population. In this way, hundredth tiger was the wooden one that killed
the Maharaja killed 99 tigers but he was still the king. Thus the prediction proved to be true.
away from his target. The Maharaja even ordered QUESTION 7.
to double the land tax in deep sage. Ultimately 7. What was the crisis to the king’s throne? How
his Diwan arranged the tiger and the Maharaja was this crisis averted?
aimed at the beast. It fell in a crumpled heap. Ans : 2009
The Maharaja was happy and left but the hunters Once there was a crisis and the Maharaja was
found it alive. One of the hunters shot the tiger in danger of losing the throne. A high-ranking
and killed it. British officer visited Pratibandapuram. He was
In this way his quest for tigers was full of very fond of hunting tigers. More than killing a
hurdles, challenges and compliances. tiger, he liked to be photographed with the tiger
QUESTION 6.� whom he had killed. But the Maharaja refused
6. What prediction was made by the astrologers to grant him permission. Then the British officer
about the Tiger King ? How did it come true ? said that he only wanted to be photographed with
the dead tiger. But the king did not agree even to
O
that proposal. Because he had prevented a British
The astrologer’s prediction about the death of the
officer from fulfilling his desire, the Maharaja was
Tiger King came to be true. Do you agree with
in danger of losing his throne. The king thought
this statement ? Explain why or why not ?
of a plan. He got fifty diamond rings from a
O British jeweller in Calcutta. He sent these to the
What were the predictions of the astrologers ? British officer’s wife. He expected that she would
How did the thing react to them ? What happened select one or two rings and return the rest. But
ultimately in the story ‘The Tiger King’ ? she kept all of them. But the crisis to his throne
Ans : 2011
was averted.
At the birth of the Tiger King, the astrologers QUESTION 8.�
predicted that the Crown Prince was born in the 8. Write the character sketch of the King of
hour of the Bull. Since the Bull and the Tiger are Pratibandapuram.
both core enemies, the king would be certainly Ans : 2021
killed by a tiger. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram was a brave,
When the king came age, he took over the resolute, determined, courageous and a firm ruler
charge in his hands. The prediction was also heard of his state. When he was born, the astrologers
by his ears. He killed a tiger and sent for the had predicted his death with a tiger. But the baby
astrologer who in turn advocated that the killing had something miraculous quality in him. He was
of one tiger was not enough. It did not mean that only of ten days, he challenged the prediction of
the king was safe. He might kill ninety-nine tigers the astrologers and asked them the manner of the
in this way but there is dire need of caution while death. They told that he was destined to be killed
killing the hundredth one. Consequently, the king by a tiger some day.
decided to kill one hundred tigers. In ten years he The crown prince was brought up in English
killed all the seventy tigers of his forests. Thus the environment. He grew up a tall, sturdy, brave and
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Ch 2 : The Tiger King
QUESTION 22.� QUESTION 26.�
22. Why did the Maharaja ban tiger hunting in the 26. Why did the Maharaja have to pay a bill of three
state? lakh rupees to the British jewellers ?
Ans : 2017
O
In order to save his kingdom and prestige. The
Why did Maharaja ban tiger hunting in his state?
Maharaja bargained a deal with the British
O Officer by sending some precious gifts in the
What steps were initiated by the Maharaja in shape of diamond rings. The Maharaja had to
order to ban the tiger killing in his state ? purchased and pay the bill to the British jewellers
Ans : 2015, 2014
amounting to Rupees Three Lakhs otherwise the
In order to disprove the predictions of the Maharaja Rodh loose his kingdom and honour.
astrologers, the Maharaja decided to kill the QUESTION 27.
hundred tigers himself. As a result of this, 27. How did the king solve the problem of finding
proclamation was made that if any one even who more tigers for him to hunt?
dared to throw a stone at a tiger, all his wealth Ans : 2007
and property would be confiscated. He did not The king continued hunting the tigers. Within
want others to reduce the tiger population by ten years, he killed seventy tigers. The tigers
hunting. He even decided not to attend other population in his state became extinct. In order
matters of his kingdom till he had killed hundred to solve this problem, the Maharaja married a girl
tigers. from a royal family in whose kingdom there was a
QUESTION 23.
large tiger population.
23. How was the crisis to the king’s throne averted? QUESTION 28.�
Ans : 2020 28. What did the ten day old baby say to the
The king thought of a plan. He got fifty diamond astrologers ?
rings from a British jeweller in Calcutta. He sent
O
these to the British officer’s wife. He expected
What great miracle took place and why did the
that she would select one or two rings and return
people stand stunned ?
the rest. But she kept all of them. But the crisis
Ans : 2021
to his throne was averted.
The astrologers predicted that the child would
QUESTION 24.�
grow upto become the warrior of warriors, hero of
24. What did the Maharaja feel on killing the first
heroes and the champion of champions. But one
tiger ? How did the state astrologer conduct at
day he would meet his doom since he was born
that occasion?
in the hour of bull. At this the ten day old baby
O spoke out,”All those who are born will have to die
I shall cut my tuft, crop my hair short and become one day. There could be no sense if they would
an insurance agents Explain? tell the manner of death.” These words from the
Ans : 2018
infant shocked, surprised and stunned all.
The Maharaja was extremely thrilled on killing QUESTION 29.
the first tiger and he sent it for the state 29. What did the hunters do with the ‘hundredth
astrologer for his reaction. The astrologer told tiger’ after the Maharaja had left?
that Maharaja may kill ninety-nine tigers in the Ans : 2014
same manner but he must be careful while killing After the Maharaja had gone, the hunters
the hundredth tiger. His death will be from a accompanying him went near the tiger. They
tiger. If it does not happen he will tear his books found that the tiger was not dead. The bullet had
and cut his tuft & became an insuracene agent. missed him. The tiger had fainted from the shock.
QUESTION 25.
But they dared not tell this secret to the king.
25. What did king announce after shooting at the One of the hunters shot at the tiger and killed
hundredth tiger? him.
Ans : 2009 QUESTION 30.�
The next day, the Maharaja saw that tiger and 30. What advice was put forth by the dewan to the
shot at him. The tiger collapsed. The king was Maharaja on the matter of the land tax ?
very happy. He ordered that the dead tiger should Ans : 2010, 2009
be taken to the kingdom in a procession. Then he When it became impossible to find out the
went away in his car. hundredth tiger, the anger of the Maharaja flew
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 463
QUESTION 12.�
lips of the ten-day old Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur,
12. The King of Pratibandapuram was so anxious
“0 wise prophets!”
to kill the hundredth tiger, for a silly reason. It
Everyone stood transfixed in stupefaction.
shows the man’s pathetic and selfish behaviour
towards animals. It has been in practice since (a) Complete the sentence appropriately.
ages may it be a prediction or hunts, the sufferers When Jilani Jung Bahadur was just 10 days
are the poor animals. old, the astrologers predicted _____.
Even now-a-days, you have noticed animals being (b) What does it indicate that the astrologers
made to work for long hours mercilessly. They “bit their lips and swallowed hard”?
carry heavy sacks, ferry passengers etc. (i) It indicates that the astrologers are
Taking references from the above facts, write curious and miraculous.
a paragraph on Cruelty Towards Animals and (ii) It indicates that the astrologers knew
suggesting ways to prevent it. how to discriminate and judge.
Ans : 2011
(iii) It indicates that the astrologers were
Cruelty Towards Animals shrewd and astute.
Since ages, animals have been important (iv) It indicates that the astrologers are keen
contributors in our lives. They give us milk, and hypnotic.
meat, eggs, wool etc. But this is not the end for
(c) What miracle took place at that time?
them. They are hunted for fun by the humans.
Moreover, in rural areas, animals are still in the (d) Which word in the extract means ‘amazement’ ?
practice of ferry passengers from one place to Ans : 2015
another. They are the worst sufferers, working (a) that a child born under that star would one
hard beyond their limits and eating least not to day have to die.
even satisfy their hunger. In villages, people keep (b) (iii) It indicates that the astrologers were
cows, bullocks, goats, horses, camels and buffaloes shrewd and astute.
as pets. These are made to serve them too. In fact, (c) At that very moment a miracle took place.
bullocks, horses, camels and donkeys are called An astonishing phrase emerged from the lips
beasts of burdens. This is absolutely inhumane. of a ten-day old Jilani Jung Bahadur. He
They should be treated like children and given said, “O wise prophets!”
human care. They should be bathed properly, (d) The word that means ‘amazement’ is
fed properly and sheltered conveniently. They ‘stupefaction’.
have the right to live too. The culprits of animals QUESTION 2.
should get harsh punishments. Though massive 2. Read the following extract and answer the
poaching of animals especially tigers is completely questions that follow.
illegal yet it is in practice just for fun and money. “The Prince was born in the hour of the Bull. The
This needs to be checked. Some strong and harsh Bull and the Tiger are enemies, therefore, death
laws are needed to be implemented positively to comes from the Tiger,” he explained.
lessen the plight of the poor animals. They should You may think that crown prince Jung Jung
be let live happily in their natural surroundings. Bahadur was thrown into a quake when he heard
the word ‘Tiger’. That was exactly what did not
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
happen. As soon as he heard it pronounced, the
QUESTION 1.
crown prince gave a deep growl. Terrifying words
1. Read the following extract and answer the
emerged from his lips.
questions that follow.
“Let tigers beware!”
“The child will grow up to become the warrior of
This account is only a rumour rife in
warriors, hero of heroes, champion of champions.
Pratibandapuram. But with hindsight we may
But...” they bit their lips and swallowed hard.
conclude it was based on some truth.
When compelled to continue, the astrologers
came out with it. “This is a secret which should (a) What prediction did the astrologers make at
not be revealed at all. And yet we are forced to the birth of the Tiger King?
speak out. The child born under this star will one (b) Why did Jung Bahadur give a deep growl?
day have to meet its death.” (i) Because he was afraid of tiger.
At that very moment a great miracle took (ii) Because he was angry with the astrologers.
place. An astonishing phrase emerged from the
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Ch 2 : The Tiger King
deforestation, invention of fatal weapons and so 4. What is the theme of the story?
many innumerable innovations have put in danger (a) animals
not only the human beings but also the nature. (b) birds
It has become necessary to evolve a new
(c) birds and animals live on the planet
system to save the ecology. We all are alive
because of the balance in nature. Once it gets (d) All birds and animals have an important role
imbalanced, the survival of the living beings will to maintain the ecological balance
come in danger. It is the relationship between Ans :
the biological and non-biological factors that (d) All birds and animals have an important role
maintains the life on the earth. To maintain this to maintain the ecological balance
balance, man should keep in view the importance 5. On which issue is the story The Tiger King a
of every factor of ecology before causing any satire on?
harm to it. The indiscriminate killing of animals
(a) on people
and cutting of plants and exploitation of other
natural resources will endanger the existence of (b) on animals
man itself. Therefore, such activities like hunting, (c) on birds
deforestation, wastage of water, etc. which can (d) on the false pride,ego and stubborness of the
cause the imbalance in the nature should be made powerful people
a punishable offence. Ans :
(d) on the false pride,ego and stubborness of the
powerful people
6. About which time is the story based
(a) ancient times
(b) modern times
(c) medieval times
5. other important questions (d) time of autocratic kings
Ans :
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS (d) time of autocratic kings
1. Who is the author of the lesson ‘The Tiger King’ ? 7. Under whose rule were the kings living?
(a) Ramaswamy Krishnamurthy (a) sovereign rule
(b) Kamladas (b) queen’s rule
(c) Charles Dickens (c) king’s rule
(d) None of these (d) Under the thumb rule of the British
Ans : Ans :
(a) Ramaswamy Krishnamurthy (d) Under the thumb rule of the British
2. What is author’s pen name? 8. What does Durai mean in the story?
(a) Balki (b) Chalki (a) Cief leader in bengal
(c) Kalki (d) None of these (b) Chief leader in andhra
Ans : (c) chief leader in Tamil
(c) Kalki (d) none of these
Ans :
3. From where did the author derive his name?
(c) chief leader in Tamil
(a) from the sufix of his name
(b) from the prefix of his name 9. Who was Duraisani?
(c) from the sufix of his wife’s name (a) an old lady
(d) from the sufix of his and his wife’s name (b) a young lady
Ans : (c) a greedy woman ,wife of a high rank British
(d) from the sufix of his and his wife’s name officer
(d) none of these
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 465
QUESTION 6.�
King Dasahratha died while hunting a deer, 6. Read the following extract and answer the
and the Tiger King died while playing with a questions that follow.
wooden tiger. By this time the tiger farms had run dry even in
QUESTION 5.�
5. Read the following extract and answer the his father-in-law’s kingdom. It became impossible
questions that follow. to locate tigers anywhere. Yet only one more was
The Maharaja gave a loud crack of laughter “I’m needed. If he could kill just that one single beast,
not thinking of marrying either a tiger or a gun, the Maharaja would have no fears left. He could
but a girl from the ranks of human beings. First give up tiger hunting altogether.
you may draw up statistics of tiger populations But he had to be extremely careful with that
in the different native states. Next you may last tiger. What had the late chief astrologer
investigate if there is a girl I can many in the royal said? “Even after killing ninety-nine tigers the
family of a state with a large tiger population.” Maharaja should beware of the hundredth...”
The dewan followed his orders. He found the True enough. The tiger was a savage beast after
right girl from a state which possessed a large all. One had to be wary of it. But where was that
number of tigers. Maharaja Jung Jung Bahadur hundredth tiger to be found? It seemed easier to
killed five or six tigers each time he visited his find tiger’s milk than a live tiger
father-in-law. In this manner, ninety-nine tiger (a) Why was it impossible to locate tigers anywhere?
skins adorned the walls of the reception hall in (b) On what condition would, the Maharaja give
the Pratibandapuram palace. up tiger hunting altogether?
(a) Complete the sentence appropriately. (i) On the condition that he would kill the
Maharaja gave a loud crack of laughter hundredth tiger.
because _____. (ii) On the condition that he would get married.
(b) What is the meaning of “A Tiger King is (iii) On the condition that he would go to his
more than enough for this state”? father-in-law’s house.
(i) The Tiger King had done enough harm to (iv) On the condition that the dewan would
the state. help him.
(ii) Sarcastically, it means two fools will (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
be doubly devastating the state of The figure of speech used in the sentence: ‘It
Pratibandapuram. seemed easier to find tigers milk than a live
(iii) The Tiger King had wiped out the tiger is _____.
tiger population independently from (d) “Even after killing ninety-nine tigers the
Pratibandapuram. Maharaja should beware of the hundredth.”
(iv) The Tiger King had done good work for What does it indicate?
the state of Pratibandapuram. Ans : 2006
(c) Who was the right girl that the dewan found (a) It was impossible to locate tigers anywhere
for the Tiger King? because the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram
(d) How many tiger skins adorned the walls of had killed ninety-nine tigers. Hence, their
the reception hall? population dwindled to such an extent that
Ans : 2012 even the tiger farms had run dry even in the
(a) the dewan thought that the Maharaja should Kingdom of the King’s father-in-law.
get married to either a tiger or a gun. (b) (i) On the condition that he would kill the
(b) (ii) Sarcastically, it means two fools hundredth tiger.
will be doubly devastating the state of (c) hyperbole.
Pratibandapuram. (d) It indicates that unless the Maharaja killed
(c) The right girl that the dewan found for the the hundredth tiger, he must be careful
Tiger King was the girl from the royal family because the astrologer had warned him that
of the state with a large tiger population. even after having killed ninety-nine tigers, he
(d) Ninety-nine tiger skins adorned the walls of should beware of the hundredth tiger.
the reception hall.
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Ch 3 : Journey to the End of the Earth
CHAPTER 3
Journey to the End of the Earth
1. introduction know where we have come from and where we
could be possibly moving towards. More than a
In this essay, the writer describes her journey million years ago, Gondwana began to break up
to the Antarctica. This journey was a part of into smaller landmasses.
a programme called ‘Students on Ice’. It aimed
at teachings students about the importance of Importance and Study of Antarctica
preserving the environment. The writer says About 650 million years ago, Gondwana was a
that man has depleted the natural resources and super continent. It was warm and many species
has polluted the environment. It has resulted in of flora and fauna prospered there. At that time
global rise in temperature. This will have serious there was no human beings. But around the time
effects. The Antarctica is the best place to study when dinosaurs were wiped out, Gondwana began
the past, present and the future of the earth. to break-up. India pushing northwards jammed
against Asia and formed the Himalayas. South
America broke away and joined North America.
2. summary This opened the Drake passage to create a cold
Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest current that keeps Antarctica desolate and cold.
continent in the world. The author visits this place The Antarctica is devoid of human markers–no
with a group of 52 students under the ‘Students trees, bill boards, buildings except day of 24 hours.
on Ice’ programme in order to achieve inspiring There is an occasional blowing of an avalanche or
educational opportunities. The author boarded a carving ice-sheet. There are microscopic insects
Russian vessel, The Akademik Shokalskiy towards like midges and mites and mighty whales. The
Antarctica. The journey began in Chennai and ice-bergs are as big as countries like Belgium.
it involved crossing nine time zones, six check The study of Antarctica helps as understand
points, three bodies of water and at least as many the significance of Cordilleran folds and pre-
eco-spheres. It was a 100 hours journey of car, Cambrian granite shields. It helps to understand
an aeroplane and a ship. He found Antarctica, a evolution and extinction. It can help us examine
white landscape and vast expanse of blue horizon. Earth’s past, present and future. Antarctica is a
The author was wonder-struck at its vastness and huge expanse of ice. There are no human markers.
isolation. He wondered how India and Antarctica There are very tiny things. There is silence
could ever be the part of the same landmass- everywhere. One loses all earthly sense of time
Gondwana. and space there.
PART OF HISTORY HUMAN IMPACT
Gondwana-Southern Super Continent Increase of Global Temperature
Six hundred and fifty million years ago, there Human civilisations have been around for
existed a giant southern super-continent called only 12000 years hardly a few seconds on the
Gondwana. It centred around the present day geological clock. In that short span of time, we
Antarctica. At that time humans had not arrived have dominated over nature with villages, town,
on the global scene and the climate was much cities and mega-cities. As a result of this, man has
warmer. For 500 million years, Gondwana depleted the natural resources and other species.
flourished and the landmass was forced to separate With the burning of the fossil-fuels, a blanket of
into continents. This is the shape of the earth as carbondioxide has created around the world and
we see it today. A visit to Antarctica helps us thereby the global temperature is increasing.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 467
Climate Changes 7. Horizon = the line where the earth/sea, seem
Climate change has become the topic of debate to meet the sky
in which Antarctica is a crucial element. Here 8. Profound = deep
we can see that the ice shelves and glaciers are 9. Immensity = vastness
collapsing. So we can realise the real threat of 10. Isolation = loneliness
global warming. Antarctica has more significance 11. Amalgamated = blended
because it holds half million years old carbon 12. Global = worldwide
records trapped in its ice-layers. If we want to 13. Hosting = sheltering
study and examine the earth’s past, present and 14. Flora and fauna = vegetation and animals
future, Antarctica is the place to go. `Students on 15. Thrived = prospered
Ice’ is a good programme that takes the students 16. Mammals = animals that suckle their young
to the end of the world and provides educational ones
opportunities. Antarctica is a perfect place to 17. Grasp = understand
know how little changes in the environment can 18. Pre-cambrian = found in earliest geological
have big consequences. Take for example, the era
phyto-planktons. These are microscopic grasses of 19. Shields = protective plates
the sea and they form the food chain for the entire 20. Evolution = gradual development
Southern Ocean’s marine life. These single celled 21. Extinction = total destruction
plants use the sun’s energy to assimilate carbon— 22. Mind-boggling = puzzling
scientists warn us that a further depletion in the 23. Buckle = bend
ozone layer will affect the activities of phyto- 24. Crust = surface of the earth
planktons. It will, in turn, affect the lives of all 25. Circumpolar = going around the pole
marine animals and birds of the region as well 26. Frigid = cold
as the global carbon cycle. So we must take care 27. Desolate = barren
of small things. The big things will take care of 28. Circulatory = flow of blood
themselves. It will also affect the global carbon 29. Billboards = hoardings
cycle. 30. Midges = gnats
31. Mites = small insect like spider
WALK ON THE OCEAN 32. Surreal = dreamlike
Before turning back, all the students abroad 33. Austral = southern
‘Shokalskiy’ managed to wedge into a thick white 34. Ubiquitous = being present everywhere
stretch of frozen ice. It was stark whiteness that 35. Avalanche = snow storms
seemed to spread out forever. Under their feet was 36. Calving = breaking up
a metre thick ice pack and before there was 180 37. Consecrate = make sacred
meters of salt water with sea life. It was a rare 38. Immersion = dipping
experience. Seals were enjoying themselves in the 39. Geological = concerning geology
sun on ice. The narrator was much wonderstruck 40. Prognosis = before hand knowledge
at the beauty of the place. He wished it would 41. Paltry = insignificant
not become a warm place as it used to be millions 42. Ruckus = disturbances
of years ago. If it happens, the fatal consequence 43. Etching = engravings
will occur. 44. Dominance = control
45. Unmitigated = relentless
46. Blanket = thick covering
3. Word meanings 47. Disrupted = broken up
1. Aboard = on a ship 48. Crucial = important
2. Vessel = ship 49. Sustained = supported
3. Continent = one of the large landmass of 50. Trapped = imprisoned
earth 51. Exactly = precisely
4. Ecosphere = part of the earth where life can 52. Foster = encourage
exist 53. Carting = carrying
5. Emotion = feeling 54. Absorb = assimilate
6. Expansive = stretched out 55. Latitude = latitude
56. Longitude = longitude
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Ch 3 : Journey to the End of the Earth
QUESTION 29.�
This would help them foster new understanding 29. How did the Antarctica amaze the writer when
and respect for our planet. he first saw it?
Ans :
QUESTION 25.�
2010
25. Why is Antarctica and its understanding
The writer saw Antarctica for the first time.
important for the survival of the world?
He was amazed to see the white stretch of sea
Ans : 2009
under the blue horizon. The place had no human
For she survival of the world, the understanding
markers. History of mankind is embedded deep
about Antarctica is very important. It was a
into the layers of the sea.
huge super-continent called ‘Gondwana” which
There were sea creatures all around and seals
survived for about 500 million fears. There was
were running on the floes. The sight of collapsing
a warmer climate. Due to certain geological
ice shelves, breaking of ice-bergs and melting of
disturbances, the land mass was forced to separate
ice amazed him the most.
into countries. These transformed the globe much
as we know it today. At the Antarctica one
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
can study cordilleran folds, ozone and carbon,
QUESTION 1.�
evolution and extinction.
1. How did the globe acquire the present shape?
QUESTION 26.
Ans : 2015
26. How can you say that the ‘Students on Ice’
The earth was an amalgamated super-continent
programme has been successful?
in the beginning say about six hundred million
Ans : 2020
years ago. It was called Gondwana. It was the
The programme ‘Students on Ice’ was headed by a
most coldest, windiest and the driest continent
Canadian named Geoff Green. He offered students
in the world. The climate at that time was warm
a life changing experience to know more about our
and not suitable for the human life to exist. There
earth. The programme was very successful. The
were no human markers except a huge variety of
students who visited the Antarctica saw with their
flora and fauna. It was the stage when dinosaurs
own eyes the glaciers retreating and ice shelves
were wiped out and the age of mammals had
collapsing. Then they realized that the threat of
started.
global warming is very real.
QUESTION 27.�
After 500 million years, the landmass was
27. Why was Tishani Doshi filled with relief and forced to separate into countries as they exist
wonder when he set foot on the Antarctic today. Slowly, the climate started changing and
continent? drifts started occurring on the surface of the earth.
Ans : 2010
It further deepened to separate various parts of
Tishani Doshi set foot on the Antarctic continent. the earth from each other to form countries and
He found it the most appropriate place to continents. With the rapid expansion of huge
understand and study the earth’s present, past population, villages, towns, cities and mega-
and future. It is a giant supercontinent. It has no cities came into existence. Buckling of the crusts
human population except ice-caves. Its receding against each other gave rise to huge mountains like
glaciers and falling ice shelves filled him with Himalayas and various water bodies like oceans
relief. and rivers. Drifting of American continent gave
QUESTION 28.
rise to circumpolar currents, which desolated the
28. Describe the writer’s experience of walking on the polar regions of the earth and making them the
frozen ocean. coolest places on the earth and thus gave the
Ans : 2008 present shape to the earth.
Once the writer’s ship got wedged into a thick QUESTION 2.�
white stretch of ice. That prevented them from 2. Describe global warming with its impact on the
going further. The captain decided to turn around. environment. Suggest ways to save our plant
But before that the writer and others were asked earth.
to get down and walk on the frozen ocean. So all Ans : 2010
the 52 passengers walked on the white sheet of The increase in temperature of the earth is called
ice on the ocean. Underneath their feet was one ‘global warming’. Around our atmosphere. there
metre thick ice pack and underneath that there is a cover of an ozone layer that stops the ultra-
was 180 metres of deep salt water. violet rays of the sun from entering the earth
and maintain the temperature. Side by side we
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 469
QUESTION 3.�
sense of human perspective.
3. “Take care of the small things and the big
On the Antarctica, he got an opportunity to
things will take care of themselves.” What is the
walk on the frozen sea and he saw iceberg, seals
relevance of this statement in the context of the
and miles of snow all round. He felt the grasp of
Antarctic environment?
Ans : 2007
knowing where we have come from and where we
This maxim is very much significant as it warns could possibly be heading. The study suggested
us to maintain the ecological balance in nature. our future possibilities. He felt the need of making
It specifies the need of caring the small things so changes in our present lifestyle and practices.
that the big things may take care of themselves. There is an urgent need to check on the rising
The Antarctica has quite a simple ecosystem but of global temperature. Antarctica apprised him
it lacks in biodiversity. It is the most suitable place about the repercussions of environmental changes
to study how small changes in the environment and the need of studying future climate changes.
can have fatal consequences. With deforestation, We must feel the need of maintaining the future
different kinds of rare species have become extinct world.
and the ecological balance is under disturbance.
The danger of global warming starts from small
5. other important questions
things like burning of fossil fuels. Our ozone layer
in the atmosphere is under threat. Thus the
neglect of small things results in terrible danger. MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
The author points out small phyto-planktons.
1. Who is the author of the lesson ‘Journey to The
These are single celled tiny plants. They nourish
End of The Earth’ ?
and sustain the entire Southern Ocean’s food
chain. These plants use solar energy and assimilate (a) Tishani Doshi (b) Kamla Das
carbon. They synthesise organic compounds and (c) Jane Austen (d) Chitra Das
this process is called photo-synthesis. The scientists Ans :
are warning us that the further depletion of the (a) Tishani Doshi
ozone layer will affect the activities of phyto-
2. What does the lesson revolve around?
planktons. The holes in the ozone layer will affect
the lives of the all marine life. Thus the entire (a) tourism
global carbon cycle will collapse. Accordingly (b) It revolves around the world
there is an urgent need to check the depletion of (c) children and their tour
natural resources. The writer is appropriate in his (d) the world’s most preserved place, Antarctica
statement, “Take care of small things and the big Ans :
things will take care of themselves.” (d) the world’s most preserved place, Antarctica
QUESTION 4.�
4. Why is Antarctica the place to go to understand 3. What is the purpose of The Journey to the world’s
the earth’s present, past and future? most preserved place, Antarctica?
Ans : 2011, 2010 (a) to see the beauty of the earth
The author presents a detailed account of his
(b) to tour the world
experiences about his visit to Antarctica. It has
(c) to know the geography more closely
helped him in studying as well as understanding
about the present, past and future of the earth. (d) to sensitize the young minds towards climatic
About 650 million years ago, there was a southern change
super-continent named Gondwana. India and the Ans :
Antarctica were the parts of the same landmass. (d) to sensitize the young minds towards climatic
There was no life except huge variety of flora change
and fauna. According to him Antarctica is the
4. How will the geographical phenomena help us to
only place on the earth that has never sustained
know the history of mankind?
human life and therefore, it is pure. It holds in
(a) by telling the age of existence of human
it ice-core, half million year old carbon record
beings on the earth
and thus provides clues of our past, present and
future. The complete absence of any evidence of (b) by showing the global warming
human life made him feel that there had been no
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Ch 3 : Journey to the End of the Earth
(c) by showing the impacts of global warming 10. Why did the author visit Antarctica?
(d) none of these (a) to have a better understanding of the planet
Ans : (b) to see the white expanse
(a) by telling the age of existence of human beings
(c) to enjoy the cold weather
on the earth
(d) none of these
5. Why is a visit to Antarctica important to Ans :
understand the effect of global warming? (a) to have a better understanding of the planet
(a) because here one can see quickly melting 11. Why has the author called her journey as Journey
glaciers and collapsing ice-shelves to the End of the Earth’ ?
(b) because it is filled with snow (a) because it was too far
(c) because it is away from urban rush (b) because no human race or plants exist
(d) None of these (c) crosses nine time zones, six checkpoints, three
Ans :
water bodies and many ecospheres to reach
(a) because here one can see quickly melting
there
glaciers and collapsing ice-shelves
(d) All of these
6. What is there in Antarctica? Ans :
(a) man’s history (b) snow’s history (c) crosses nine time zones, six checkpoints, three
water bodies and many ecospheres to reach there
(c) geographical history (d) Geological history
Ans : 12. Why is Antarctica a restricted place?
(d) Geological history
(a) because it’s too cold
7. Which programme aimed to take high school (b) because of no life
students to the end of the world? (c) because of snow
(a) The author’s delight (d) to protect the environment
(b) Teachers delight Ans :
(c) School program (d) to protect the environment
(d) Geoff Green’s ‘Students on Ice’ programme 13. Who was Geoff Green?
Ans :
(a) Geoff was a Fellow of the Royal Canadian
(d) Geoff Green’s ‘Students on Ice’ programme
Geographical Society and The Explorers
8. Why did Geoff decide to take high school students Club.
on the journey? (b) A scientist
(a) to make them tour the world (c) A traveller
(b) to make them enjoy (d) A tourist guide
(c) to make them feel relaxed Ans :
(a) Geoff was a Fellow of the Royal Canadian
(d) to make them understand their planet and
Geographical Society and The Explorers Club.
respect it.
Ans : 14. What was the name of the Russian research
(d) to make them understand their planet and vessel?
respect it.
(a) Shokalskiy (b) Akademik
9. Why is the Antarctica the right place to Shokalskiy
understand the past, present and future? (c) Academic research (d) Akademik Scholar
(a) because half million-year-old carbon records Ans :
are trapped in its layers of ice (b) Akademik Shokalskiy
(b) because of layers of ice 15. What was Gondwana?
(c) because of cold (a) An ancient tourist place
(d) none of these (b) an ancient city in Antarctica
Ans :
(c) An ancient super continent
(b) because of layers of ice
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 471
(d) None of these 21. What disturbed the silence of the continent?
Ans : (a) The birds (b) the animals
(c) An ancient super continent
(c) the humans (d) Avalanches
16. What wondered Tishani Doshi? Ans :
(d) Avalanches
(a) Beauty of the place
(b) white expanse 22. Why was the programme ‘Students on Ice ‘ a
(c) Beauty of balance on the earth great success?
(d) None of these (a) because of its arrangements
Ans : (b) good travel facilities
(c) Beauty of balance on the earth (c) good food arrangements
17. What was the objective of the Students on the (d) because of the life changing exposure to the
Ice program? youngsters
Ans :
(a) to make them travel
(d) because of the life changing exposure to the
(b) to make them see snow youngsters
(c) to make them see white expanse in the form
of ice 23. How has the man created ruckus on the earth?
(d) to enable them to think differently to save the (a) by travelling
planet (b) by encroaching the earth
Ans : (c) by visiting the iceland
(d) to enable them to think differently to save
(d) none of these
the planet Ans :
18. What are the important indications of the future (b) by encroaching the earth
of human kind? 24. What is phytoplankton?
(a) melting glaciers (a) Oceas
(b) depleting ozone layer (b) Southern oceans
(c) increasing global warming (c) Microscopic grasses
(d) All of these (d) None of these
Ans : Ans :
(d) All of these (c) Microscopic grasses
19. Why was Tishani Doshi filled with relief and 25. How were the Himalayas formed?
wonder when she first set his foot on the continent?
(a) by a collapse in the Gondwana super-
(a) to see its white expanse continent
(b) to see its vastness and immense white expanse (b) by evolution
(c) to see the isolation from the rest of the world (c) by deforestation
(d) All of these (d) All of these
Ans : Ans :
(d) All of these (a) by a collapse in the Gondwana super-continent
20. What were the writer’s feelings on reaching the 26. What does the author compare the running and
continent? stretching of crabs to?
(a) sad (a) to melting glaciers (b) to avalanches
(b) of relief and amazement (c) to stray dogs (d) None of these
(c) tired and fatigued Ans :
(d) none of these (c) to stray dogs
Ans :
(b) of relief and amazement
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Ch 3 : Journey to the End of the Earth
57. Retreating = withdrawing Ans : 2009, 2008
58. Ice shelves = thick mass of ice Six hundred and fifty million years ago, there
59. Ecosystem = ecology existed a southern super-continent named
60. Biodiversity = having many forms of life Gondwana. There was no life and Gondwana
61. Repercussions = reactions centred roughly around present-day Antarctica.
62. Microscopic = very small At that time things were quite different and the
63. Assimilate = absorb human beings had not arrived on the global scene.
64. Depletion = exhaustion There the climate was much warmer and there
65. Marine = of the sea was only a variety of flora and fauna.
66. Parable = story with a moral There was a time when India and Antarctica
67. Wedge = squeeze into narrow space were the part of same landmass. The human
68. Peninsula = narrow strip of land projecting beings had arrived on the earth billions of year
into the sea later. Gondwana thrived for 500 million years.
69. Glares = dazzling light Finally it broke into separate countries as they
70. Periphery = outermost boundary exist today. It was the stage when dinosaurs had
71. Floes = sheets of ice floating on the sea wiped out and the age of mammals had started.
72. Revelation = disclosure of a secret India pushed northwards and the Himalayas were
formed. South America drifted off to join North
America. It opened up the Drake Passage and
4. ncert textbook questions created a cold circumpolar current. It turned
Antarctica frigid, desolate and at the bottom of
the world. Thus the study of Antarctica helps us
READ AND FIND OUT
in knowing the geological history of the world.
QUESTION 1.
QUESTION 2.�
1. How do geological phenomena help us to know
2. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high
about the history of humankind?
school students on Ice Expedition ?
Ans :
Ans : 2014
The geological phenomenon of separating various
Geoff Green is a considerable Canadian explorer
continents and water bodies from one compact
who aims at organising “Students on Ice”
landmass tells us about the age of existence of
programme by taking high school students
human race on the earth. Six hundred and fifty
to the ends of the world. He thinks it most
million years ago no human race existed on the
essential to provide the students with inspiring
earth because the environment was not favorable.
educational opportunities to know more about
After the time when the dinosaurs were wiped
the Antarctica. Through this they will generate
out the Mammals started existing and after the
a new understanding and respect for our planet.
separation of landmass the human race started
Earlier Geoff Green had organized programme
flourishing on the earth.
with celebrities and rich people which gave him
QUESTION 2.
back only in a limited way. Since the students are
2. What are the indications for the future of
young minds and full of adventurous activities,
humankind?
Ans : they can learn, act and absorb much by visiting
Various environmental changes such as the the Antarctica. They can see through their own
increasing temperature of the earth, melting eyes glaciers retreating and ice-shelves collapsing.
of glaciers, climate change, increase in the rise They can realise the future dangers, catastrophic
of carbon compounds, depletion of the ozone effect of climatic changes and the global warming.
layer, etc. are various indications for the future The Antarctica provides the young students a
of humankind to improve the health of our perfect place to study the varied changes happening
environment. in the environment. These little changes can have
significant consequences. The students can see
those grasses of the sea that flourish, nourish and
READING WITH INSIGHT
QUESTION 1.�
sustain the entire Southern Ocean’s food chain.
1. “The world’s geological history is trapped in Thus the programme provides a lively study of
Antarctica.” How is the study of this region useful changes and the realities going on the Antarctica.
to us ?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 473
Ans : atmosphere is becoming polluted day by day.
(d) Antarctica Continent Thus our survival is in danger.
QUESTION 5.�
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS 5. What do you learn about the history of the earth
QUESTION 1.� by reading “Journey to the End of the Earth?”
1. What made the author visit Antarctica and how Ans : 2021
did he reach there? We have learnt that millions of years ago, the
Ans : 2020 earth was a mass of land. It was called a super-
The author boarded a Russian vessel “The continent, Gondwana and had warm environment.
Akademik Shokalskiy” along with some youth No human being existed on the earth at that time
students to understand the planet earth. The but a huge variety of flora and fauna existed.
journey began 13.09 degrees North of the Equator Slowly the landmass started pushing apart giving
in Chennai. The party had to travel over 100 rise to continents and water bodies. It happened
hours in car, aeroplane and ship. Antarctica is when the dinosaurs had wiped out and the times
the coldest, driest and windiest subcontinent in of the mammals had started. With the passage of
the world. time the globe took the shape which we can see
QUESTION 2.� at present.
2. When did India and other countries form the part QUESTION 6.
of Antarctica? 6. How did the writer feel when she first set foot on
Ans : 2016 Antarctic continent?
About six hundred and fifty million years ago, Ans : 2017
there existed a giant amalgamated southern super When she reached Antarctica, she was filled with
continent Gondwana. At that time there was no wonder at it’s immensity and it’s isolation. She
human life except a huge variety of flora and also wondered at the facts that there was a time
fauna. With the passage of time this landmass when India and Antarctica were part of the same
was forced to separate into continents shaping landmass.
the globe as we know it today. India pushing QUESTION 7.�
northwards jamming against Asia to form the 7. In a short span of 12 thousand years, man has
Himalayas. South America drifted off to join managed to create a nucleus on this earth. How ?
North America and opened up the Drake Passage Ans : 2008
to create a cold current. Since our population is increasing at a rat race so
QUESTION 3.
man has created villages, towns, cities and mega-
3. How long was the writer’s journey to Antarctica? cities. It is to make settlements for human beings.
Ans : 2010 In a way he has destroyed the nature and the
In this essay, the writer describes her journey to fossil fuels. The burning of gases and other fuel
Antarctica. Her journey started from Madras. It have created chances of global warming. Thus it
involved crossing nine time zones, six checkpoints, will be a complicated problem for the survival of
three bodies of water and three ecospheres. For the humanity.
reaching the Antarctica, the writer travelled for QUESTION 8.�
over one hundred hours. 8. What is Gondwana ? What happened to it 150
QUESTION 4.� million years ago ?
4. How is our survival in dancer? Ans : 2009
Gondwana is the huge landmass – a super-
O
continent, the undivided earth, which existed
What are the reasons for increasing the global
millions of years ago. Gondwana was centred
temperature ?
roughly around present day Antarctica. It had no
Ans : 2005
human life but only flora and fauna. It existed for
Human civilisation is just 12,000 years old. People
five hundred million years ago and then started
have dominated over nature with villages, towns,
drifting away slowly, giving rise to different
cities and mega-cities. Human population has
landmasses called continents and different water
increased and there is the depletion of natural
bodies called oceans, etc.
resources. The burning of fossil-fuels has created
QUESTION 9.
a blanket of carbon-dioxide around the world
9. What information does the writer give about
and the global temperature is on increase. The
Gondwana?
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Ch 3 : Journey to the End of the Earth
QUESTION 2.�
team aware of the dangers the future times are 15. Read the following extract and answer the
having in their folds. She also faced the spells of questions that follow.
dry winds. For a sun-worshiping South Indian like myself two
weeks in a place where 90 per cent of the Earth’s
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS total ice volumes are stored is a chilling prospect
(not just for circulatory and metabolic functions,
QUESTION 1.�
14. Read the following extract and answer the
but also for the imagination). It’s like walking
questions that follow.
into a giant ping-pong ball devoid of any human
To visit Antarctica now is to be a part of that
markers — no trees, billboards, buildings. You
history; to get a grasp of where we’ve come from
lose all earthly sense of perspective and time here.
and where we could possibly be heading. It’s to
The visual scale ranges from the microscopic to
understand the significance of Cordilleran folds
the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales and
and pre-Cambrian granite shields; ozone and
icebergs as big as countries (the largest recorded
carbon; evolution and extinction. When you think
was the size of Belgium).
about all that can happen in a million years, it can
(a) Who is the South Indian referred to in the
get pretty mind-boggling. Imagine: India pushing
given extract?
northwards, jamming against Asia to buckle its
crust and form the Himalayas; South America (b) What do you understand by ‘a giant ping-
drifting off to join North America, opening up pong ball devoid of any human markers’ ?
the Drake Passage to create a cold circumpolar (i) Antarctica has no earthly perspective
current, keeping Antarctica frigid, desolate, and and time.
at the bottom of the world. (ii) Antarctica has no human sense.
(a) What kind of understanding does a visit to (iii) Antarctica lacks oxygen.
Antarctica give us? (iv) Antarctica lacks sensation.
(b) In what way a visit to Antarctica helps us? (c) Complete the sentence appropriately.
(i) A visit to Antarctica helps us to The organisms found in Antarctica range
understand the frigid zone. from _____.
(ii) A visit to Antarctica helps us to (d) Apart from mites and blue whales, what do
understand where we have come from you find in Antarctica?
and where we could possibly be heading. Ans : 2017
(iii) We would get an opportunity to study (a) Tishani Doshi, the writer of this extract, is an
our planet. Indian poet, journalist and a dancer based in
(iv) A visit to Antarctica will help us to Chennai. She is the South Indian referred to
understand different species. in the above lines.
(c) How was the Himalayan region formed? (b) (i) Antarctica has no earthly perspective and
(d) Complete the sentence appropriately. time.
From a region of active life, Antarctica has (c) mites to blue whales
turned into a _____ place at the bottom (d) Apart from mites and blue whales, we can
of the world. find icebergs as big as countries like the size
Ans : 2015 of Belgium in Antarctica.
(a) A visit to Antarctica gives us an understanding QUESTION 3.�
of evolution and extinction, ozone and carbon, 16. Read the following extract and answer the
where humankind came from and where it is questions that follow.
headed. Human civilizations have been around for a
(b) (ii) A visit to Antarctica helps us to paltry 12,000 years — barely a few seconds on the
understand where we have come from and geological clock. In that short amount of time,
where we could possibly be heading. we’ve managed to create quite a ruckus, etching
our dominance over Nature with our villages,
(c) As India drifted north and collided with Asia,
towns, cities, mega cities. The rapid increase of
the sedimentary rocks got folded and formed
human populations has left us battling with other
the Himalayan region.
species for limited resources, and the unmitigated
(d) freezing deserted burning of fossil fuels has now created a blanket
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 475
QUESTION 21.
environment is changing due to our interference in 21. What is the best place to study the effect of global
the working of nature. He also felt that we shall warming?
have to face dangers in the future if the adverse Ans : 2021
processes like global warming etc. continue for No one can say for sure how the global warming
some more years to come. He also lost all earthly will have it’s effect on the earth. The best place
sense of perspective and time here. The days were where this effect can be studied is Antarctica.
24 hours long. This region has been unspoiled by man. It has a
simple ecosystem. There is not much biodiversity.
QUESTION 18.
18. Why is the temperature of the earth rising?
There are very ancient carbon records in the cores
Ans : 2008
of it’s ice. So, one can study the past, present and
There are climatic changes and the average global
future of the earth at Antarctica.
temperature is rising. By burning fossil fuel, man QUESTION 22.�
has created a blanket of carbon dioxide around 22. What is the global warming and how is this
the earth. The temperature is rising because of caused?
the greenhouse effect. Ans : 2009
The increase in the temperature of the earth is
QUESTION 19.�
19. We need not go any where in order to study
called the global warming. There is a cover of
the present, past and future of the earth except
ozone layer around our atmosphere, that stops
Antarctica. Give a reasoned reply.
the ultra-violet rays of the sun from entering the
O earth and maintaining the temperature. Due to
Why is Antarctica the place to go to if we want to excessive emissions of poisonous gases and carbon
study the earth’s past, present and future? dioxide, the ozone layer has started depleting and
O thus allowing the ultra-violet rays of the sun on
How can a visit to the Antarctica be an the earth. Thus there occurs an increase in the
enlightening experience? temperature and hence the global warming.
Ans : 2011, 2010, 2008
QUESTION 23.�
Antarctica is the most appropriate place to 23. What is the ‘Students on Ice’ Programme?
understand and study the earth’s present, past O
and future. In the beginning it was a giant super What was the objective of the ‘Students of Ice
continent that forced to form different countries. Programme’.
It had no human population except ice-caves half O
million years old carbon records. Thus Antarctica What do you think is the reason behind the
tells us of the present state. It can tell us the success of the programme, ‘Students on Ice’ ?
earth’s past. The receding glaciers and falling ice- Ans : 2011, 2009
shelves can give us an indication of the future. Geoff Green is a Canadian explorer. He has started
a programme of taking the young school students
QUESTION 20.�
20. What do you know about Phyto-planktons?
on Ice i.e. to the ends of the world. There they
O could get inspiring educational opportunities with
Why is a visit to Antarctica important to realise the help of their experiences, they can develop
the effect of global warming? a new understanding and respect for their own
Ans : 2008 planet. As policy makers they can help save the
Phyto planktons are the grasses of the sea of the planet from the present dangers.
Southern Ocean. These are single-celled plants QUESTION 24.
and use the sun’s energy. With the process of 24. What was the aim of the programme ‘Students
photosynthesis, they supply food and oxygen on Ice’ ?
for all the marine life of the sea. But the global Ans : 2012
warming can affect the activities of these plants The author was working on a programme called
and life of all the creatures depending on them. ‘Students on Ice’. This programme aimed at
Global warming also causes the melting of the ice- studying the Antarctica in order to learn about
bergs and collapsing of ice-shelves in this region. the earth and it’s history. In this programme,
students were taken round the world and were
provided them with educational opportunities.
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Ch 3 : Journey to the End of the Earth
Ans : 2006
microscopic organisms to large organisms and
About six hundred and fifty million years ago, great icebergs. Microscopic phyto-planktons to
there was a giant super continent called Gondwana huge blue whales are found in Antarctica. Icebergs
which was centred round the present Antarctica. here are as big as a country. The largest ice berg
There were no human beings at that time and is the size of Belgium. Not much of the flora and
the climate was much warmer. About fifty million fauna flourish in this land of ice.
years ago, the dinosaurs were wiped out, the age QUESTION 14.�
of mammals got under way, and the landmass 14. What is the most hotly debated topic in our
separated into continents. time? What questions does it raise and what is
QUESTION 10.�
its importance?
10. Why is Antarctica frigid and desolate at the O
bottom of the world? How is Antarctica a crucial element in the debate
Ans : 2016 on climate change?
The earth was a great landmass millions of years Ans : 2008
ago, which was not divided into continents. When The most hotly debated topic of our time is the
it started pushing apart, various landmasses and environment. Our environment is changing due
water bodies got formed. During this process, to our interference in the working of nature. The
South America drifted to join North America. It questions which arose during these debates are :
opened up the Drake Passage to give rise to a cold “Will the ice melt at the Antarctica ? Will the
circumpolar current which described the region Gulf Stream ocean current be disturbed ? Will
called Antarctica and pushed it to the globe and an end come to our world?” These questions give
made it pretty cold and unprotective. us the account of the dangers we will have to face
QUESTION 11.�
in the future if the adverse processes like global
11. What sort of brightness and silence prevailed in warming, etc. continue for some more years to
Antarctica during summer? come.
Ans : 2011
QUESTION 15.
The author visited Antarctica during summer. 15. What is the effect of man’s progress on the
He was amazed to see the white stretch of sea environment?
under the blue horizon. The place has no human Ans : 2011
markers. History of mankind is embedded deep Human civilisation has been on this earth just
into the layers of the sea. There were sea creatures for 12000 years. This is a very small period as
all around. Seals were running on the floes. Stark compared to the life of this planet. Yet in this
whiteness seemed to spread out everywhere. period man has progressed a lot. But this progress
There were no trees, bill-boards and buildings. A has led to environmental depletion and pollution.
sort of brightness and silence prevailed there.
QUESTION 16.�
16. How does one lose all earthly sense of perspective
QUESTION 12. and time in Antarctica?
12. What was the effect of breaking away of South Ans : 2007
America? Antarctica is very much unique as well as specific
Ans : 2016 than other parts of the globe. It is completely
South America broke away and joined North devoid of human markers and more than 90 per
America. This opened the Drake Passage to create cent of the earth’s total ice-volumes are stored
a cold current around the south pole which keeps on this subcontinent. In the beginning there was
the Antarctic cold and barren. In Antarctica no life except flora and fauna. There are neither
there are no nights and days as we experience trees nor buildings. So we lose all earthly sense of
here. There is silence everywhere which is broken perspective and time there. There is a day of 24
only by the occasional avalanche or calving ice hours.
sheets. QUESTION 17.�
QUESTION 13.� 17. What were the writer’s feelings on reaching
13. What can we see or visualise on sub continent Antarctica?
Antarctica? Ans : 2011
Ans : 2022 The writer reached Antarctica. He found it frigid
The visual range in Antarctica varies from and desolate and unprotective. He felt that our
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 477
have excessive emission of poisonous gases and Russian vessel–the Akademik Shokalskiy from
carbon dioxide and thereby the ozone layer has Chennai and he crosses nine time zones and six
started depleting. Consequently, there has been check points, three bodies of water and many
an increase in the temperature of the earth slowly. ecospheres. There is no human habitation except
Even the burning of fossil fuels give rise to carbon absolute silence and ice sheets. There is 24 hours
dioxide and other poisonous gases. So these gases southern summer light. Six hundred and fifty
do not allow the heat from the earth to escape million years ago, it was a giant super continent,
and all these give rise to global warming. Gondwana that centred around present day
The global warming affects the process of Antarctica. For 500 million years, Gondwana
photosynthesis and disturbs the food chain of flourished. Then the landmass could not remain
animals and birds. It has caused the icebergs to melt together and separated like India and North
and collapse in the region. We can save our planet America.
earth by minimising the use of cooling appliances Antarctica is the only place in the world
like refrigerators, and air conditioners since the gas which has never sustained a human population.
that emits out makes holes at the ozone layer and In this respect it is original. It holds half million
causes rise in the global temperature. We should years old carbon records embedded in its layers of
stop burning of the fossil fuels. It is for us to devise ice. In order to understand the past, present and
steps to save our planet earth. future of the earth, one should visit Antarctica.
QUESTION 3. Antarctica has simple ecosystem. There is lack
3. Why did the writer visit Antarctica? What does of biodiversity. It is the perfect place to study
she say about Gondwana? how changes in environment can have big
Ans : 2017 repercussions. It is called the end of the earth
In this essay, the writer describes her journey because no human life exists on it except the
to Antarctica. Her journey started from scientist to go for research purposes.
Madras. It involved crossing nine time zones, QUESTION 5.�
six checkpoints;three bodies of water and three 5. What are phyto plankton ? How are they
ecospheres. For reaching the Antarctica, the important to our ecosystem?
writer travelled for over one hundred hours. Ans : 2016
When she reached Antarctica, she was filled with Phyto-planktons are the grasses of the sea of the
wonder at it’s immensity and it’s isolation. He Southern Ocean. These are single-celled plants
also wondered at the facts that there was a time and use the sun’s energy. With the process of
when India and Antarctica were part of the same photo synthesis, they supply food and oxygen
landmass. for all the marine life of the sea. But the global
The writer says that about six hundred and warming can affect the activities of these plants
fifty million years ago, there was a giant super and life of all the creatures depending on them.
continent called Gondwana which was centred Global warming also causes the melting of the ice
round the present Antarctica. There were no bergs and collapsing of ice-shelves in the region.
human beings at that time and the climate was The phyto-planktons convert carbon dioxide
much warmer. About sixty million years ago, the and water into food using energy from sunlight.
dinosaurs were wiped out, the age of mammals If they fail to do so the temperature of the earth
got under way, and the landmass separated into would rise. The ozone layer will get depleted and
continents. the ultraviolet rays would reach the earth. The
QUESTION 4.� earth would become unduly warm. Therefore, it
4. What is Antarctica and how is it called the end is very important for our ecosystem.
of the world ? QUESTION 6.
O 6. Why do people visit Antarctica?
Ans : 2005
Describe Gondwana and how did the globe acquire
People visit Antarctica in order to know the earth’s
the present shape.
past and future. They visit it to understand the
O importance of Cordilleran folds. It is amazing to
Describe author’s journey to the Antarctica. think that big chunks of landmass separated from
Ans : 2021
it and formed the continents of today. India got
Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest separated and jammed against the rest of Asia.
continent in the world. The author boards a
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Ch 3 : Journey to the End of the Earth
This resulted in the formation of the Himalayas windiest. It was a long day of 24 hours. It was
and India joining the Asia again. South America learnt that 650 million years ago, there existed a
broke away adjoined North America. This opened giant southern super-continent called Gondwana.
the Drake Passage to create a cold current around For 500 million years Gondwana flourished
the south pole which keeps the Antarctic cold and and the landmass was forced to separate into
barren. In Antarctica there are no nights and days continents. Our country is the part and parcel of
as we experience here. There is silence everywhere this continent. The place was devoid of human
which is broken only by the occasional avalanche markers–no trees bill¬boards and buildings.
or calving ice sheets. There were microscopic insects like widges, mites
QUESTION 7.� and mighty whales. The ice bergs were as big as
7. ‘There is no examination in planning the human countries like Belgium. Antarctica is a perfect place
being for despoiling the earth and climate to know how little changes in the environment
changes.’ How would you justify the statement ? can have big consequence. Before turning back we
Ans : 2011 wedged into a thick white stretch of frozen ice. It
Our human civilization is not old since it is around was stark whiteness that seemed to spread out
12,000 years old. But in this short span of time we forever. Under our feet was a metre thick ice pack
have arranged to create much confusion and chaos and before that was 180 feet metres of salt water
in the nature. We have dominated it through our with sea-life. It was a rare-experience.
villages, towns, cities, mega-cities, industries and
malls. Side by side there is population growth Priyanka Mittal
than expected which is battling fast with other QUESTION 9.
species to consume the limited resources. We have 9. How does Antarctica help us in understanding the
been bent upon burning the fossil fuels. It has past, present and future of the earth?
created a blanket of carbon dioxide around the Ans : 2014
earth. All this has caused the global temperature Human civilisation has been on this earth just
to increase. for 12000 years. This is a very small period as
Consequently, there is a climatic change compared to the life of this planet. Yet in this
due to rise in the temperature. By visiting period man has progressed a lot. But this progress
Antarctica, we can note that the west Antarctica has led to environmental depletion and pollution.
ice sheets have melted entirely. The ice shelves are There are climatic changes and the average global
collapsing. Earlier the Antarctica has remained temperature is rising. By burning fossil fuel, man
untouched and unspoiled by the human beings. has created a blanket of carbon dioxide around
Its ecosystem is quite simple and easy. If there the earth. The temperature is rising because of
is a minute change, it is very much visible. It is the greenhouse effect. No one can say for sure
our sacred duty to protect our mother earth from how the global warming will have it’s effect on
despoiling. the earth. The best place where this effect can
QUESTION 8.�
be studied is Antarctica. This region has been
8. You are Priyanka Mittal, Head of the explorer unspoiled by man. It has a simple ecosystem.
programme who visited the Antarctica sponsored There is not much biodiversity. There are very
by M.D. University, Rohtak. You were heading ancient carbon records in the cores of it’s ice. So,
with a group of 25 students. Prepare a diary entry one can study the past, present and future of the
about your visit to Antarctica. earth at Antarctica.
Ans : 2009
QUESTION 10.�
Antarctica, 10th May 20xx
10. Write a short note on ‘Students on Ice’ Programme.
Dear Dairy, Ans : 2020
It will remain an awe-inspiring event in my life to “Students on Ice” is a very fine programme headed
have a visit to Antarctica in the company of 25 by a Canadian young man named Geoff Green. It
students. The programme was sponsored by M.D. is an educational expedition on the Antarctica. In
University. The journey began from Chennai by the beginning, he used to involve the celebrities
crossing nine time zones, six check points, three and the retired rich people to take them to the
bodies of water and at least as many eco spheres. Antarctica and make them aware of the dangers
It was a 100 hours journey. When we reached which our future generations are likely to face.
there the atmosphere was the coldest, driest and It was to show them how the human beings are
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 479
involved in despoiling the nature but he noticed a Ans : 2008
great lack of interest as well as response. The writer was working on a programme called
Then he took a firm decision of taking the ‘Students on Ice’. This programme aimed at
high school students there since these are the studying the Antarctica in order to learn about
future policy-makers to his programme. He named the earth and it’s history. In this programme,
it “Students on Ice”. He took the students to students were taken round .the world and were
Antarctica to see, understand and examine what provided them with educational opportunities.
is happening due to global warming. There they This would help them foster new understanding
can see the glaciers retreating and the ice shelves and respect for our planet. This programme had
collapsing. They will not remain untouched on been in operation for six years. It was headed by a
seeing what is happening before their eyes. They Canadian named Geoff Green. He offered students
will be able to realise the real truth of the grave a life changing experience to know more about
situation. They will definitely act to save the our earth. The programme was very successful.
earth. The students who visited the Antarctica saw
QUESTION 11.�
with their own eyes the glaciers retreating and
11. Describe the experience of the author on ice shelves collapsing. Then they realized that the
Antarctica-”The end of the world.” threat of global warming is very real.
Antarctica is the perfect place to study
O how little changes in the environment can have
Why does Tishani Doshi call her trip to Antarctica big repercussions. The writer gives the example
a ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’ ? What of phytoplankton. These grasses of the sea
experience did she have during this expedition? nourish the entire Southern Ocean’s food chain.
Ans : 2011
They assimilate carbon and synthesise organic
Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest
compounds through photosynthesis. Scientists
continent in the world. The author boards a
‘warn that any further depletion of ozone layer
Russian vessel–the Akademik Shokalskiy from
will hamper the activities of phytoplankton. If it
Chennai and he crosses nine time zones and six
happens, the entire food chain will collapse.
check points, three bodies of water and many QUESTION 13.�
ecospheres. There is no human habitation except 13. The author calls her two-week stay in Antarctica,
absolute silence and ice sheets. There is 24 hours ‘a chilling prospect’. How far do you think is she
southern summer light. Six hundred and fifty justified? What other features of the Antarctic
million years ago, it was a giant super continent, environment are highlighted?
Gondwana that centred around present day Ans : 2011
Antarctica. For 500 million years, Gondwana Antarctica is the coldest, driest and “windiest
flourished. Then the landmass could not remain continent in the world. The author visits
together and separated like India and North this place,. She calls her two week stay in the
America. Antarctica, a chilling prospect appropriately.
Antarctica is the only place in the world The experience of the author was amazing,
which has never sustained a human population. alluring and mind boggling. She was amazed to
In this respect it is original. It holds half million see the white stretch of sea under the blue horizon.
years old carbon records embedded in the layers of It was a little bit odd to see a place without any
ice. In order to understand the past, present and human markers, but it was also thrilling to know
future of the earth, one should visit Antarctica. that we were in a place which has the history of
Antarctica has simple ecosystem. There is lack mankind embedded deep into the layers of the ice.
of biodiversity. It is the perfect place to study It was a great experience to walk on the frozen
how changes in environment can have big sea. To know that we were walking on a metre
repercussions. It is called the end of the earth thick snow layers, under which there is a one
because no human life exists on it except the hundred and eighty metres deep sea. It was an
scientists to go for research purposes. awe-striking experience. In the periphery, crab-
QUESTION 12.
eater seals were stretching and sunning themselves
12. On what programme was the writer working? on the floes much like stray dogs sitting under the
Why does she say that Antarctica is the best shade of a banyan tree. The sight of collapsing
place to study the changes in environment? ice-shields, breaking of ice-bergs and melting of
ice was an eye-opener. It made the author and his
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Ch 3 : Journey to the End of the Earth
27. What was the center of the Gondwana Super- 34. Where is the world’s geological history trapped?
continent? (a) on southern pole
(a) Asia (b) Pacific (b) On Northern Pole
(c) Antarctica (d) All of these (c) on Asia Continent
Ans : (d) On Antarctica Continent
(c) Antarctica Ans :
(d) On Antarctica Continent
28. What are the reasons of increasing global
temperatures? 35. Which program was the author a part of?
(a) cutting of trees (b) human activities (a) Tour Program
(c) increasing pollution (d) All of these (b) Students on Ice Program
Ans : (c) Research Program
(d) All of these (d) None of these
Ans :
29. What kind of atmosphere does Antarctica have? (b) Students on Ice Program
(a) coldest (b) driest
(c) windiest (d) All of these 36. Which program was a life changing program?
Ans : (a) Tour and Travels (b) Know Antarctica
(d) All of these (c) Know your earth (d) Students on Ice
Ans :
30. How old are the records trapped in the layers of (d) Students on Ice
ice on Antarctica?
(a) 1 million year old 37. What gives us an insight into the world’s geological
(b) 2 million years old history?
(c) half million-year-old carbon records (a) Study of Northern Pole
(d) All of these (b) Study of Southern Pole
Ans : (c) Study of Antarctica Continent
(c) half million-year-old carbon records (d) None of these
Ans :
31. What used to flourished on Antarctica years (c) Study of Antarctica Continent
back?
(a) Animals (b) Tigers 38. How does the geographical phenomena help us?
(c) Humans (d) Fauna and flora (a) how small changes cause big things to happen
Ans : (b) it makes us study
(d) Fauna and flora (c) it helps us to watch everything closely
32. Where does 90% of earth’s total ice exist? (d) none of these
Ans :
(a) Pacific region (b) Southern oceans
(a) how small changes cause big things to happen
(c) Northern pole (d) Antarctica
Continent 39. What was the name of the Southern Super
Ans : continent?
(d) Antarctica Continent (a) Asia (b) Asia Pacific
33. Why is Antarctica completely pure? (c) Northern pole (d) Gondwana
Ans :
(a) Because of ice
(d) Gondwana
(b) because of avalanches
(c) because of melting glaciers 40. If we want to know our earth ,the human race and
(d) because of non-existence of humans its past,present,and future where should we go?
Ans : (a) Northern Pole (b) Southern Pole
(d) because of non-existence of humans (c) Gondwana (d) Antarctica
Continent
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 481
of carbon dioxide around the world, which is (b) How does a visit to Antarctica help the
slowly but surely increasing the average global students?
temperature. (i) It provides them educational
(a) What ruckus has human civilization created opportunities.
on our planet earth? (ii) It fosters a new understanding and
(b) Limited resources today, is the result of respect for our planet.
_____. (iii) A pleasure trip to the ocean
(i) God’s anger (iv) (i) and (ii)
(ii) corruption (c) Who headed the programme ‘Students on
(iii) unmitigated burning of fossil fuels Ice’ ?
(iv) sins of human beings (d) For how long did the ‘Students on Ice’
(c) Human civilizations have been around for programme last? How was the experience?
_____. Ans : 2018
(d) ‘The unmitigated burning of fossil fuels has (a) experience wherein they learn to understand
now created a blanket of carbon dioxide and respect our planet, Earth.
around the world.’ What does this indicate (b) (iv) (i) and (ii)
about human beings? (c) Geoff Green, a Canadian, headed the
Ans : 2010 programme ‘Students on Ice’.
(a) Human civilization has created quite a ruckus (d) The programme, ‘Students on Ice’ lasted for
by having over-population, using limited six years. It was life changing experience at
resources, and the unmitigated burning of an age when the students are ready to absorb,
fossil fuels which is increasing the average learn, and most importantly, act.
global temperature. QUESTION 5.�
(b) (iii) unmitigated burning of fossil fuels 18. Read the following extract and answer the
(c) 12,000 years on this planet. questions that follow.
Antarctica, because of her simple ecosystem
(d) ‘The unmitigated burning of fossil fuels’
and lack of biodiversity, is the perfect place to
has now created a blanket of carbon dioxide
study how little changes in the environment can
around the world indicating that it is a
have big repercussions. Take the microscopic
human folly. Due to this folly, there is slowly
phytoplankton — those grasses of the sea that
but surely increase in the average global
nourish and sustain the entire Southern Ocean’s
temperature.
QUESTION 4.�
food chain. These single-celled plants use the sun’s
17. Read the following extract and answer the energy to assimilate carbon and synthesise organic
questions that follow. compounds in that wondrous and most important
Students on Ice, the programme I was working of processes called photosynthesis. Scientists warn
with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do exactly this by that a further depletion in the ozone layer will
taking high school students to the ends of the world affect the activities of phytoplankton, which in
and providing them with inspiring educational turn will affect the lives of all the marine animals
opportunities which will help them foster a new and birds of the region, and the global carbon
understanding and respect for our planet. It’s cycle. In the parable of the phytoplankton, there
been in operation for six years now, headed by is a great metaphor for existence: take care of the
Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting small things and the big things will fall into place.
celebrities and retired, rich, curiosity-seekers who (a) What do you understand by simple ecosystem
could only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With and lack of biodiversity?
Students on Ice, he offers the future generation (b) Antarctica is the best place for the students
of policy-makers a life-changing experience at an to study about the planet because
age when they’re ready to absorb, learn, and most (i) it has simple ecosystem.
importantly, act. (ii) it has a rich biodiversity.
(a) Complete the sentence appropriately. (iii) it has cold climate.
Through the programme Students on Ice the
(iv) it has different kinds of species.
students get an enlightening _____.
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Ch 3 : Journey to the End of the Earth
(c) How does phytoplankton carry on (d) Who do you think instructed the passengers
photosynthesis? to climb down the gangplank and walk on the
(d) Complete the sentence appropriately. ocean?
‘Take care of small things and the big things Ans : 2009
will fall into place.’ The poetic device used (a) revelation
here is _____. (b) (iii) Personification
Ans : 2011
(c) The captain had decided to turn around and
(a) Ecosystem is a natural environment which head back north because the thick white
includes plants and animals with a variety stretch of ice was preventing them from going
of natural habitats on earth. There is almost any further.
absence of variety of plants and animals, and so (d) Geoff Green, the Canadian, who had initiated
absence of variety of habitats on earth. This is the project, ‘Students on Ice’ instructed the
called lack of biodiversity. passengers to climb down the gangplank and
(b) (i) it has simple ecosystem. walk on the ocean.
(c) The microscopic phytoplankton are the
single-celled plants that use the Sun’s energy
to assimilate carbon and synthesize organic
compounds to carry out the process of
photosynthesis.
(d) metaphor.
QUESTION 6.�
19. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
My Antarctic experience was full of such
epiphanies, but the best occurred just short of
the Antarctic Circle at 65.55 degrees south. The
Shokalskiy had managed to wedge herself into a
thick white stretch of ice between the peninsula
and Tadpole Island which was preventing us from
going any further. The Captain decided we were
going to turn around and head back north, but
before we did, we were all instructed to climb
down the gangplank and walk on the ocean. So
there we were, all 52 of us, kitted out in Gore-
Tex and glares, walking on a stark whiteness that
seemed to spread out forever
(a) Complete the sentence appropriately.
“My Antarctic experience is full of such
epiphanies”. This means full of _____.
(b) The Shokalskiy had managed to wedge herself
into a thick white stretch of ice between the
peninsula and tadpole island. What is the
literary device used here?
(i) Metaphor
(ii) Simile
(iii) Personification
(iv) Hyperbole
(c) What had the captain decided before, the
passengers were instructed to climb down the
gangplank and walk on the ocean?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 483
CHAPTER 4
The Enemy
1. introduction Meeting the Wounded Enemy
One night Sadao and Hana were standing outside
The story very significantly illustrates two in the mist facing the sea. They saw something
varied moral values in this lesson. It is about an black coming out of the mist. It was a man. He
undaunted love for one’s country and on the other fell down and crawled on his hands and knees.
hand a help to the suffering person. All know that They thought that it might be some fisherman.
hatred against a member of the enemy race is quite They went to look at him. He was badly wounded.
natural as well as justifiable. The story relates He had red stains on one side of his back. They
to the time of World War and it exemplifies the turned his face and were shocked to see a ‘white
fact how a human being can rise above narrow man’. He was a prisoner of war, who somehow
prejudices. Dr. Sadao Hoki was living on a beach had escaped, and was wounded. The wound was
with his family. He was standing outside and he of a gun and had not been treated for a few days.
happened to witness a man coming towards his They were in an awkward condition and did not
house who was thrown by the ocean. They rushed know what to do. First they thought of throwing
and found him to be an enemy soldier. Seeing him him back in the sea. They hated him as they were
badly wounded, the doctor brought him home Japanese. He was an American, and Americans
and risked himself for the enemy’s treatment. were their enemies. They might also have killed
Finding him out of danger, Dr. Sadao helped him many such Japanese soldiers heartlessly. Both
to escape from his house. Sadao and Hana thought that, if he had been fit
and healthy, they would have given him in the
custody of the police. They had no sympathy
2. summary
for him. But now, that he was wounded and
Dr. Sadao and His Life unconscious, it had become difficult for them to
Dr. Sadao Hoki was a Japanese. His house was get ignorant about him. So they decided otherwise
at the coast. It was located on a rock, above a and took him in their house.
narrow beach. His father was an ambitious person
Treating the Enemy
and wanted to see his country at the top of the
Sadao and Hana lifted the American and took
world. He was a strict man and never joked or
him inside. They were concerned about their
played with Sadao. He wanted to make his only
position in the society and about the reactions of
son a famous doctor. So he sent him to America
the people around. Then they decided that they
to attain higher education. Sadao became a
would treat his wounds and hand him over to the
successful surgeon and a famous scientist. He had
law. They took the man to room of Sadao’s father,
mastered the art of healing wounds. This was the
which was empty now. The enemy was dirty, so
only reason that he was not sent with the troops
Hana told her maid to wash him with warm water.
by the old General. He himself was not well and
When she came to know that he was an American
needed operation any time.
she simply declined to oblige. Then Hana herself
Dr. Sadao and His Wife Hana had to wash him. Sadao brought his surgeon’s bag
Dr. Sadao loved his wife Hana very much. He and started feeling his pulse. He had decided to
met her in America only when he himself was operate upon him. He collected all the required
studying. He introduced Hana to his father and things and told Hana to administer anaesthetic
he allowed Sadao to marry her after confirming if required. Sadao started feeling his wound and
that she also belonged to the high race. They had found that the bullet was still in the wound.
two children and the family was perfect happy. Blood started flowing out of his wound. Hana felt
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
choked and rushed out to vomit. But Hana was a get rid of the American otherwise he could get
strong woman. She soon came back with cotton. into trouble. Sadao went to the General, gave him
The man had started groaning now as he was the treatment and told him everything about the
feeling the pain. Hana asked for anaesthetic. She American in his house. He told the General that
soaked the cotton in it and administered in on his he had no sentiments for the American. But he
nose. He went to sleep again and Sadao pulled out could not help himself from operating The General
his bullet. The man stirred with pain. Sadao felt appreciated his skills and told him that this was
his pulse. It was very feeble and faint. He gave the reason why Dr. Sadao was so indispensable
him injection and the pulse grew stronger. So Dr. for him. He would not allow anything to happen
Sadao saved his patient but wanted his enemy to Sadao, as he had to save his life. The General
die somehow. only had faith in Sadao as a doctor. The General
was a selfish one. So he would not allow anything
Serving the Enemy to happen to Sadao. He knew only Sadao could
All the servants when came to know about the save his life. The General felt that the American
American, they declined to enter his room. So should be quietly killed. He assured Sadao that
Hana had to serve him herself. She had to feed his personal assassins would do this favour for
him with her hands as he was too weak to eat him. Sadao also felt, that it was a suitable thing
himself. Dr. Sadao came to his room and found to happen.
him sitting. He scolded him for not resting on
the bed. Doctor instructed him that he would Waiting for the Enemy’s Assassination
not sit, till he told him to do so. The American Dr. Sadao did not tell his wife about the plan.
had apprehensions in his mind that he would be But he waited for his death. Nothing happened
handed to the police. He asked Sadao about it, that night. Again nothing happened on the second
but he did not answer. night. On the third night there was a sound of
crash outside the house and Hana woke up. She
Annoyance in the Household Servants wanted to go outside and see. But Sadao did not
Entry of the American in the house created unrest allow her to go out, as he doubted, that it might
in the minds of the servants. They could not have been the assassins. Next morning they found
understand, why their master had given shelter to the American alive and fit.
their enemy. They denied to serve him. They did
not look for him. They had resentment in their Sending off the Enemy in the Sea
hearts. They were worried for their master and Sadao realized that the General had forgotten
doubted that he would be condemned as traitor, his promise. He saw that the American was
when things would be known outside. After some feeling quite well. He took another decision. He
days, when their master did not send ‘him’ out, told the American that he was sending him back
they left their jobs. to the sea in his own boat, with a lot of eatables
and water. He told the American to row his boat
Recovery in the Enemy to a small island, which was not far from the
Slowly the man started recovering. Sadao allowed coast. That island was not guarded and nobody
him to stand for five minutes once in a day. After lived there because it got submerged during the
a couple of days, he was allowed to stand for more storms. He told him that he could live there and
duration. He was regaining his lost strength. He wait for a Korean boat. Sadao gave him a lot of
was very grateful of the Japanese couple but food and water and a flashlight. He checked his
was scared a little about his future. Whenever wound and his pulse etc. Everything was fine.
Sadao showed his indifference towards him as a He told him to give him two flashes if he runs
Japanese, there was flicker of terror in American’s out of food, and one flash, if he was still on the
eyes. island. He told him not to flash at night or burn
the light, as it would be noticed. He told him to
Revealing to the General
flash at the time of the sun set. The American
One day a messenger came from the palace of the
knew that Sadao was saving his life again. Sadao
General. Hana felt weak. She took the messenger
explained it was inconvenient and dangerous to
to Sadao. The messenger told that the General
keep him at his home. He had to go away. So the
was having pain and Dr. Sadao had to go to his
young American went to sea wearing Japanese
palace. Hana felt relaxed. Sadao now decided to
clothes and a black cloth on his blond head.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 485
Explaining to the General 34. Considered = regarded
The General had to be operated once more. He 35. Muttered = murmured
survived although the chances were faint. He 36. Stanch = to stop bleeding
asked about the prisoner from the doctor. He told 37. Strewed = scattered
the doctor that he forgot to send assassins as he 38. Moaned = groaned
was in pain. Sadao told him that the American 39. Stupor = unconsciousness
had escaped. The General was happy with Sadao’s 40. Steadily = calmly
loyalty and promised him a reward. 41. Sheltered = protected
42. Curious = strange
The Real Reward 43. Repulsion = hatred
That night Sadao stood outside in his veranda. 44. Inert = motionless
He saw no flash of light that night. That means 45. Battered = torn
the prisoner had gone safely away. That was his 46. Faint = dim
real reward. As a human being and a doctor, 47. Hesitated = wavered
he had saved a life. Though he hated the white 48. Resolution = firmness
repulsive face of that American but still he could 49. Intend = mean to
not kill him. 50. Endanger = put in danger
51. Lifted = raised
52. Fowl = a bird
3. Word meanings
53. Skeleton = bony framework
1. Outlined = made the figure or boundary 54. Quilt = stuffed cover
2. Pines = a king of trees 55. Distress = pain
3. Yonder = there 56. Fetch = bring
4. Infinite = limitless 57. Utter = entirely
5. Concern = anxiety 58. Pallor = yellow skin
6. Render = give/cause to be 59. Stoop = bend forward
7. Abroad = in a foreign land 60. Vitality = energy
8. Mist = fog 61. Menace = danger
9. Creeping = crawling/walking slowly 62. Bluntly = in a straight forward manner
10. Wreathing = coiling 63. Courteously = politely
11. Kimono = a Japanese gown 64. Superstitious = believing in superstitions
12. Race = nation 65. Stubbornness = unwillingness to agree
13. Literally = explicit meaning 66. Severely = harshly
14. Anxious = eager 67. Dignity = grace
15. Voluble = talkative 68. Sustained = kept alive
16. Arranged = made arrangements 69. Stupid = foolish
17. Flung up = thrown 70. Fiercely = violently
18. Breaker = a big wave 71. Conviction = belief
19. Staggered = walked unsteadily 72. Superiority = sense of being higher
20. Curled = coiling 73. Impulsively = instinctively
21. Leaned = bent 74. Rugs = wraps
22. Washed = carried away by waves 75. Texture = surface/structure
23. Surf = wave 76. Blond = light golden brown
24. Spiked = having sharp points 77. Ebbing = declining
25. Stain = spot 78. Chilled = cold
26. Soaking = wet 79. Sterilized = made germ free
27. Stuck = clung 80. Alcove = a recess in the wall
28. Tortured = anguished 81. Strips = small pieces
29. Unconscious = fainted 82. Shrubs = bushes
30. Expert = specialist 83. Concise = brief
31. Bleeding = flowing out of blood 84. Absorption = complete attention
32. Solemn = serious 85. Anesthetic = drug to make one unconscious
33. Screened = hidden 86. Blankly = without emotion
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
QUESTION 3.�
situation. He is in a fix if he should hand over the 3. How would you explain the reluctance of the
prisoner of war to the Army as a patriot or he soldier to leave the doctor’s house even when he
should save his life as a true and faithful doctor. knew as he could not stay there without risk to
Keeping everything in mind, Dr. Sadao prepares the doctor and himself ?
himself to save his enemy soldier. Ans :
At that time Japan is at war with America. The enemy soldier was given shelter, medical
During his training in America he has seen the treatment and lease of life by Dr. Sadao and his
unpleasant experiences of racial discrimination wife though there was stiff and stern objection
among the whites. He is full of patriotic feelings by the domestic staff at the house. He was on
and is not in a mood to ignore his duties as a the verge of death but doctor Sadao operated
doctor. A doctor never considers whether the upon him to save his life. Soon he knew that
affected person is an enemy or a friend. He is he was out of danger. But he was reluctant to
taught to save the life of a dying man. Thus leave the doctor’s house since he was safe there
Sadao’s professional loyalty comes in conflict with in all respects. The outside world was waiting to
a sense of national loyalty. His servants leave and gulp him up immediately. So he did not want to
the maid servant Yumi revolts. But he puts his risk his life to the outside world. During his stay
life in danger. As the milk of humanity is flowing there with the doctor he had became confident
in his blood so he saves the enemy and helps him that they would not let him die again. He had
in escaping to freedom. developed a fine understanding of the couple.
Side by side the enemy soldier was aware of
QUESTION 2.�
2. Dr. Sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor
his position there in the house as his presence was
to help the enemy soldier. What made Hana,
posing a severe danger to the doctor as well as to
his wife, sympathetic to him in the face of open
himself. He could be arrested and put to death at
defiance from the domestic staff ?
any time. Being quite unknown to the spot, he
Ans : 2011
did not know what to do and where to escape. So
Dr. Sadao Hoki was a dutiful and an humanitarian
he was lucky enough to leave himself at the mercy
doctor. He was much compelled by his duty to
of a very obliging couple. He was well aware about
help the enemy soldier. He did not pay any heed
the rising opposition of the domestic servants but
to the fact whether the patient was an enemy or
Dr. Sadao’s and the cooperation of his wife made
a friend. On the other hand Hana, Dr. Sadao’s
home in his mind not to leave the house. In such
wife, was a “very kind hearted and considerate
hard conditions, Dr. Sadao saved the prisoner and
type of lady. She was obedient, faithful, loyal and
helped him escape.
well-wisher of her husband as well. On seeing QUESTION 4.�
the wounded soldier in the most precarious 4. What explains the attitude of the General in the
and pitiable condition, she developed a natural matter of the enemy soldiers ? Was it human
sympathy for the dying and wounded enemy consideration, lack of national loyalty, dediction
soldier. She could not be easily provoked and had of duty or simply-self-absorption?
to face the open defiance of her domestic staff. She Ans : 2011
played a significant role and contributed towards The General can be called the most cunning,
her duties as a wife and the mistress of the house. ruthless and a self-absorbed person. Dr. Sadao
When the soldier was brought home, she has told everything to him about the soldier
helped her husband in his treatment. The enemy. He has revealed his operation, treatment
domestic staff refused to cooperate and threatened and sheltering at his house as well. Dr. Sadao
to report the matter to the police as Japan was is well aware about this favour and the legal
at war with America at that time. Further, punishment that he can be met with. Instead of
sheltering an enemy was illegal and punishable. taking any action against Dr. Sadao, the C.eneral
They wanted the white man to die. Yumi refused advises him that he has his private assassins to
to wash the enemy but she faced the challenge kill the American soldier. He even promises him
and helped her husband in washing the wounded to send them so that Dr. Sadao may get rid of the
soldier. She cooked food and fed the enemy. It wounded enemy but he fails to fulfil his promise.
was her sympathy, humanity, loyalty, faithfulness, In the true sense, the General knows that Dr.
cooperation and obedience that helped the doctor Sadao is a skilled doctor perfect in the art of surgery.
Sadao to save the prisoner. He has himself to be operated the next day. So his
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 487
193.Despised = hated never revealed to anyone, except his wife, loyal
194.Repulsive = arousing hatred but timid servants, and a General who was too
195.Haggard = careworn self-obsessed with his own treatment that he
would never let the doctor leave him.
QUESTION 3.
4. ncert textbook questions 3. Will Hana help the wounded man and wash him
herself?
BEFORE YOU READ Ans :
QUESTION 1.
Hana will help the wounded man and wash him
1. It is the time of the World War. An American herself. The wounded American was in a very
prisoner of war is washed ashore in a dying state bad state and needed to be washed before being
and is found at the doorstep of a Japanese doctor. operated on. Hana did not want Dr Sadao to clean
Should he save him as a doctor or hand him over the dirty and unconscious prisoner and so asked
to the Army as a patriot? their servant Yumi to do so. However Yumi defied
Ans : her master’s order and did not help.She thought
Humanity and love are the only redeeming she would be punished by law for being a traitor
qualities in this materialistic world governed by to her country. As a result Hana had no other
hatred and chaos. Our lives should be focused on option but to wash him herself. Although this act
nurturing these emotions in ourselves and those was impulsive and dipped in a sense of superiority
around us. Keeping this in mind, if a doctor has over her servant Yumi she did it with sincerity.
the opportunity to save a distressed and injured QUESTION 4.
person, he should certainly assist him. People 4. What will Dr Sadao and his wife do with the
think of doctors as second only to God. Even man?
their job requires them to assist all patients, Ans :
regardless of caste, race, religion, or nationality. Dr. Sadao and his wife would help the man. The
Thus, keeping humanity above all else in life, the man was unconscious and a prisoner of war. He
war prisoner should undoubtedly be saved. was a great threat to the family but even then,
[The answer given above is only an example decided to treat and operate on him.
provided for students’ reference. It is strongly
QUESTION 5.
5. What will Dr Sadao do to get rid of the man?
recommended that students prepare their own
Ans :
answers.]
Dr Sadao gave him a boat with enough food and
clothes in it. He instructed him to reach a nearby
READ AND FIND OUT
island. From there, he would be able to take a
QUESTION 1.
Korean boat and escape to freedom. Thus Dr
1. Who was Dr Sadao? Where was his house?
Sadao got rid of him.
Ans :
Dr Sadao Hoki was an eminent Japanese surgeon
and scientist. He had spent eight valuable years READING WITH INSIGHT
of his youth in America to learn everything of QUESTION 1.�
surgery and medicine. He was trying to bring 1. There are moments in life when we have to
perfection to medical science and discover a drug make hard choice between our souls as private
which would·heal wounds entirely . Dr Sadao’s individuals and as citizens with a sense of national
house was built on rocks well above a narrow loyalties. Discuss with reference to the story you
beach that was outlined with bent pines. It was have just read.
near the Japanese coast. Ans :
QUESTION 2. Very often there appear moments in our life when
2. Will Dr Sadao be arrested on the charge of it really becomes difficult to choose between our
harbouring an enemy? roles loyal citizens since nation is a necessity like
Ans : bread. But as an individual we are compelled
Dr Sadao, on humanitarian grounds as well as with the feeling of humanity and compassion Dr.
professional grounds, tended a wounded war Sadao is confronted with such conflicting realities
prisoner. It was officially a serious crime. However, of life. As a doctor he is trained and duty bound
he did not get punished for this offence as it was morally to save life. He is put in a tantalising
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
did not change his decision. They showed their American prisoner had escaped. Now the General
resentment and threatened to leave. Ultimately, remembered that he had promised to get the
they left Dr. Sadao’s house. prisoner killed. He told Sadao that due to his
QUESTION 44. illness he had forgotten. He was worried and so
44. How did Sadao help the American to escape? told Sadao to keep the whole affair a secret.
Ans : 2005 QUESTION 48.�
As soon it was dark Sadao dragged his boat to 48. What was the first reaction of Dr. Sadao and his
the shore and put food and bottled water as well wife Hana on seeing the wounded man ?
two quilts in it. He also gave the American a small
O
flashlight. He asked him to signal him two flashes
What did Dr. Sadao and his wife think of doing
if his food ran out before he caught a boat. Then
with the wounded soldier at first ?
the American shook Sadao’s hand warmly and Ans : 2013
walked away to the shore in order to escape in When Dr. Sadao and his wife found that the
the boat. wounded whiteman was a ‘prisoner of war’, they
QUESTION 45.�
were shocked. They thought if they would shelter
45. Why did Yumi defy the orders of Hana ?
a whiteman in their house, they would be arrested
O and if they would hand him over to the police, he
Hana told Yumi to wash the soldier. How did would die. So they thought that it would be the
Yumi react ? kindest thing to throw him back in the sea. But
Ans : 2016 the milk of kindness and humanity was flowing in
Hana asked the maid servant Yumi to wash the their veins. So they brought him to their house.
wounded dirty man with warm water. Finding a The feeling of humanity and generosity was
white man she became stubborn as she had never overtaken by the feeling of nationality.
washed a white man. So she was determined not QUESTION 49.�
to wash him. Hana cried at her sternly but Yumi 49. Where and how did Sadao meet Hana in America
had a fierce look of resistance on her round face. ?
Then Hana decided to do it with her own hands Ans : 2016
and asked her to return back. Sadao Hoki was a native of Japan. His father sent
QUESTION 46.� him to America to study surgery and medicine.
46. What did Sadao and his wife glance through the He was 22 years of age at that time. These he
mist? fell in love with Hana but married her after his
O returning. Sadao mastered the art as healing
What did Dr. Sadao and his wife see when they wounds. His father allowed him to marry Hana
stood out looking at the sea ? after confirming that she belonged to a high race.
O
How did Dr. Sadao and his wife know that the
person was an American soldier ?
Ans : 2021
Dr. Sadao and Hana were standing out facing
the sea. Mist had gathered around their house.
Suddenly they saw something black coming out of LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
the sea. He was crawling on his hands and knees. QUESTION 1.�
Then suddenly he fell down on his face and lay 1. Dr. Sadao was a patriotic Japanese as well as a
there motionless. They went to see him. When dedicated surgeon. How could he honour both the
they turned his face, they were shocked to see a values ?
white soldier. They read the print writing on the Ans : 2015
cap. “U.S. Navy”. The man was a prisoner of war. Dr. Sadao Hoki was a very dutiful and an
QUESTION 47.
humanitarian doctor. He was very much compelled
47. How did the General react when he came to know by his duty to help the enemy soldier. Instead of
that the American soldier had escaped? caring for the prejudices of race and country he
Ans : 2018 rose above to save the American soldier. His wife
Dr Sadao helped the American soldier to escape. too lent a helping hand without paying any heed
The next week, he told the General that the whether the patient was an enemy or a friend.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 489
death will be a personal loss to his life. He does a good fellow. Whereas, as a responsible citizen, our
not want to take further risk about his life. Hence decisions start and end with a sense of loyalty to
he does not intend to take any action against Dr. our nation. Dr. Sadao faces the same conflict. As a
Sadao. In this way it is his personal consideration doctor, he needs to save a life but as a responsible
that outweighs all other considerations. He cannot citizen, he cannot save an American prisoner of war.
allow anything to happen to Sadao. In a way the Finally he discharges his duties of both–as a doctor,
General compromises with the national security and as a dedicated countryman. He is completely
by not initiating any proceeding against the justified in his actions as well as decisions.
enemy. Being a General and loyal to his country, QUESTION 7.�
he should have arrested the prisoner of war. But 7. Does the story remind you of ‘Birth’ by A.J.
to save himself, he hushes the matter and goes on Cronin that you have read in Snapshots last year.
sleeping over the facts. So the General is surely a What are the similarities?
self-absorbed person. Ans : 2018
QUESTION 5.� In both the stories, i.e. ‘Birth’ by A.J. Cronin and
5. While hatred against a member of the enemy ‘The Enemy’ by Pearl S. Buck one can realise the
race is justifiable, especially during wartime, humanity, dedication, selfless service and love of
what makes a human being rise above narrow human being. Thus a good deal of affinity runs
prejudices? between the two stories. In the story ‘Birth’, the
Ans : doctor saves the mu Sher of the child and then
Love and hatred are there in almost every human turns to save almost a still¬born child from dying.
heart. Hatred arises when we think of the harm He acts properly at the proper time though the
that has been done to us. We hate an enemy nurse abandons the child thinking it to be dead.
because we think of the harm he can do to us. We But the doctor tries his best and gets success in
would like to kill him out of revenge. We would saving the child from the cruel jaws of death.
like to kill him before he can kill us. Such an In the same way, Dr. Sadao gives a lease of life
emotion of hatred is justifiable. But when our to his enemy soldier. He treats and shelters him
enemy is already wounded and at the point of at his house though the domestic servants leave
death, our hatred loses all its sharpness. Then the house till the patient stays in the house. The
we tend to see him as a human being. A natural maid servant Yumi refuses to wash and cooperate.
sympathy springs in our heart. We would like to But Dr. Sadao and his wife rise against all narrow
nurse him and remove his pain. It is the divine prejudices, racial discrimination and despise to save
sympathy in the human heart that comes alive the enemy. In this way, both the stories highlights
at such a moment. It raises us above narrow love of humanity, sense of duty, moral help and
prejudices. Then we begin to see man as a fellow dedication towards the suffering human beings.
human being, not as en enemy. QUESTION 8.�
QUESTION 6.� 8. Is there any film you have seen or novel you have
6. Do you think Dr. Sadao’s final decision was the read with a similar theme?
best possible one in the circumtances? Why/Why Ans : 2006
not? Explain with reference to the story, ‘The The story ‘The Enemy’ is built on the pillars of
Enemy’. selflessness sense of duty kindness and generosity.
Ans : 2013 There have been many films and novels based
Undoubtedly, Dr. Sadao’s final solution to the on this theme. One such example is the film ‘My
problem was the best possible one in such a Name is Khan’ where the protagonist with a sense
circumstance. He told the truth to the General, of duty and generosity goes to the flooded Georgia
but at the end he lied to him. Still he was most to save the lives of his friends Mama Jenny Joel
loyal to him. He saved his life too. He took the and other natives. He selflessly works to save the
liberty of allowing the prisoner to go away. He town without thinking twice about the possible
allowed the prisoner to escape but told the dangers to his own life.
General other way round.
Sometimes our roles as private individuals and
loyal citizens come in conflict with each other. The
feelings of compassion, pity and sympathy, as an
individual, are mandatory to be adopted for being
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
it then because he had won a victory in the battle man, they found that he was an American. He
of Manchuria. laid there unconscious.
QUESTION 7. QUESTION 12.�
7. Who was Dr Sadao’s wife? 12. What forced Dr. Sadao to be impatient and
Ans : 2022 irritated with his patient ?
The name of Sadao’s wife was Hana. Sadao had
O
met her in America where both of them had gone
What dilemma did Dr. Sadao face?
to study. They fell in love and when they came Ans : 2017, 2013
back to Japan, they married each other. The keeping of enemy at his house became the
QUESTION 8.�
cause of stress, tension, trouble and fear for Dr.
8. How nearly had Dr. Sadao missed marrying Hana
Sadao and his wife. All his servants had deserted
?
him. The General also came to know about
Ans : 2013
his presence there. It would be all the more
Sadao and Hana had met at an American’s
troublesome if the General’s assassin killed the
Professor’s house. Both fell in love there but he
enemy. These factors, forced Dr. Sadao to be
did not marry her till they had finished their
impatient and irritated with his patient. He was
studies. When they returned back, Sadao’s father
in great dilemma.
confirmed that the girl was of pure Japanese race.
QUESTION 13.
After this he consented and both were married
13. What did Sadao notice about the White man’s
according to their customs. Otherwise Dr. Sadao
wound? How did he stop its bleeding?
had nearly missed marrying Hana. Ans : 2017
QUESTION 9.
Dr Sadao searched for the wound. He found that
9. What did Dr Sadao and his wife see one day?
there was a gun wound his lower back. It appeared
Ans : 2008
that he had been shot and had not been tended
One day, Dr Sadao and his wife were standing in
for many days. Dr Sadao found that the man was
the verandah of their house. They were looking
bleeding. In order to stop bleeding, he packed the
towards the sea. There was mist on the sea.
wound with sea moss.
Suddenly they saw a man came out of the mist to
QUESTION 14.�
the shore. It seemed that he had been flung out of
14. How did Hana help Dr. Sadao?
the ocean by a big wave.
QUESTION 10.�
O
10. In what condition was the American soldier, when How was Hana helpful to Sadao in operating upon
he was brought to the coast by the sea waves ? the wounded soldier?
O O
In what condition was the American sailor when How did Hana help Dr. Sadao while he operated
Dr. Sadao found him ? upon the enemy soldier?
Ans : 2013 Ans : 2014, 2012, 2010
The American soldier was wounded. He was very Hana was very much helpful while the operation
weak and pale. He had a wound of a gun and was on. She dipped a small clean towel into the
had the bullet stuck in his wound. His face looked steaming hot water and washed his face. She was
tortured and his back was stained with blood requested to give the anaesthetic if needed. With
flowing from the wound. The wound was black the help of instruments from his emergency bag,
and was also stuck by the rocks. He was almost Sadao made a clean and precise incision. The
at the verge of death if Sadao had not saved him. bullet was out and the doctor declared that the
QUESTION 11. man would live.
11. What did Dr Sadao and his wife find when they QUESTION 15.
went to the man who came out of the sea? 15. What did Hana suggest to her husband about the
Ans : 2005
injured soldier?
The shallow sea near the beach was dotted with Ans : 2010
spiked rocks. Somehow the man had managed to Dr Sadao wondered what he should do with the
come through them and he must be badly injured. man. If they sheltered an American soldier in the
At first Sadao and his wife thought that perhaps house, they would be arrested. And if they turned
he was a fisherman. But when they went near the him over to the police, he would certainly die.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 491
12. How did Dr. ensure that the American Soldier (c) needed Dr Sadao’s help
had left safely? (d) All of these
(a) by escorting him Ans :
(b) by seeing no signal of flashlight (d) All of these
(c) by giving him a call 19. How did Dr get rid of the American Soldier?
(d) none of these (a) by giving him instructions
Ans :
(b) by giving him flaslight to use in times of
(b) by seeing no signal of flashlight
distress
13. Why did Sadao marry a Japanese girl only? (c) by asking him to row to the island
(a) because he liked Japanese (d) All of these
(b) he didn’t like any other nationality Ans :
(d) All of these
(c) Because of his father’s fear
(d) because he didn’t want to upset his father 20. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent to the battlefield?
Ans : (a) because he had no interest
(d) because he didn’t want to upset his father
(b) he didn’t love his country
14. What kind of person was Sadao’s father ? (c) he was supposed to offer his services to the
(a) a serious General who was in pain
(b) a jollygood man (d) All of these
Ans :
(c) very strict
(c) he was supposed to offer his services to the
(d) A true patriot and traditional person
General who was in pain
Ans :
(d) A true patriot and traditional person 21. Why did Dr. Give his flashlight to the enemy
soldier?
15. Why did the messenger come to the doctor?
(a) to help him
(a) to meet him
(b) to show him the way in the dark
(b) for checkup
(c) so that he could send him signal in case of
(c) to inform about the General’s pain
any distress
(d) All of these
(d) All of these
Ans :
Ans :
(c) to inform about the General’s pain
(c) so that he could send him signal in case of any
16. Seeing the messenger, what was Hana’s reaction? distress
(a) She got frightened 22. What was General’s plan for American soldier?
(b) she thought he has come to arrest her husband (a) he wanted him to reach safely
(c) General’s man (b) will inform his country
(d) All of these (c) will get him assassinated by some private
Ans : assassins
(d) All of these
(d) none of these
17. What kind of person The General was? Ans :
(c) will get him assassinated by some private
(a) a kind hearted (b) a wise man
assassins
(c) a selfish man (d) none of these
Ans : 23. Why did the servants leave Dr.’s House?
(c) a selfish man (a) Because he was wounded
18. Why did General spare the White American (b) because he was dirty
soldier? (c) Because he was an American Soldier and they
(a) to spare his own life didn’t like him
(b) he himself was in pain (d) All
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
QUESTION 12.�
In the meantime, the American grew stronger
12. Individuals who belong to enemy countries tend
day by day. But the servants were not pleased. On
to hate each other even if they do not know each
the morning of the seventh day, the servants left
other personally. At times it is seen that some of
together. After they had gone, Hana asked Sadao
them rise above such prejudices. What makes a
to take a clear decision about the man. Sadao did
human being do so ?
Ans : 2013
not reply but went into the man’s room. He told
It is quite natural as well as acceptable beyond him that now he could stand on his feet for a few
doubt that individuals who belong to enemy minutes.
countries tend to despise and show jealousy
towards each other even if they are quite unknown
and ignorant about each other. Among them only
the few people behave above narrow mindedness
and petty prejudices. Rather trie milk of
sympathy, kindness, humanity and solace flows in QUESTION 14.�
their pure veins and they fail to realise that after 14. Explain the reactions of the servants in Dr.
all the affected person is a man like them. He too Sadao’s house when he decided to shelter an
possesses the same personality, feelings, traits and enemy in the house ?
exceptions like others. O
In the story ‘The Enemy,’ Dr. Sadao and his How did the servants of Sadao’s household try to
wife provide a fine example of this kind who rise influence his decision of keeping the enemy soldier
above narrow mindedness and petty prejudices. in the house ?
Their inner urge overpowers them and they save Ans : 2014
the life of a fatally wounded soldier duly flung The servants in Dr. Sadao’s home were against
away through the sea waves near the house of Dr. keeping the enemy soldier at home. They did
Sadao. They bring him home and find him to be an not want their master to get in trouble and be
enemy but Dr. Sadao has got sufficient mastery in condemned in the society. They tried to make him
his training to save the dying humanity. The milk understand, that the American was tried to be
of human kindness flowsboth in Dr. Sadao and his killed by the sea and by the rocks. If their master
wife Hana though there are every chance of being would try to save him then the nature would be
called him as a traitor. The domestic servants too angry with him and inflict ‘pain’ on him and his
object and leave the house till the stay of the family.
soldier. In the end Dr. Sadao helps his safe return They also tried to put mental and emotional
as well. Thus we can see some people rise above pressure on Hana by discussing matter openly
petty prejudices and narrow mindedness. in the house, so that their views could be heard
QUESTION 13.
by Hana. They discussed that their master was
13. Describe the soldier’s condition and the very proud of his ability to heal wounds. In this
happenings in Dr Sadao’s house during the first pride, he had forgotten whom he was saving.
seven days after the operation. They also did their best to make Hana aware of
Ans : 2011
the consequences by discussing about the disgrace
On the third day of the operation, when Sadao and condemnation it would bring to the family
entered his room he found that the young man when they would be called traitors. When all
had regained some strength and was recovering. these things did not work, they decided to leave
He asked Sadao whether he would hand him over their jobs and went out of the house.
to the police. Sadao told him that he had not yet QUESTION 15.�
decided about his fate. When Sadao came out of 15. The servants of Sadao and Haven reflect a
the room, Hana told him that the servants were particular mindset of the general public in society
in a revolting mood. Yumi had told her that she towards the thinking and broad minded human
would not remain in the house any more if the beings. Elaborate with the help of the story “The
American was kept in the house. She said that the Enemy”.
other servants were also angry as they thought Ans : 2018
that Sadao was helping an American soldier. The Dr. Sadao hohi was a famous Japanese surge-on
servants did not leave but they became more and scientist These arose a way with America
watchful. and it was against the law sheeter an enemy but
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 493
(c) in the battlefield thought it as his utmost moral urge to save his
(d) at professor Harley’s house in America life. Although he knew that it was not only on
Ans : unpatriotic act on his part but also he was well
(d) at professor Harley’s house in America aware of the hard consequences hovering over him
but he showed sympathy for the patient.
36. Why did Dr feel alone at the beach? QUESTION 2.
(a) for not bringing his wife with him 2. Describe the time of the story.
(b) for not listening to General Ans :
The story is set in the days of the World War II.
(c) for saving an American soldier’s life
It is about a Japanese doctor, Dr Sadao Hoki and
(d) none of these an injured American soldier whom he treated. At
Ans : that time, Japan was at war with America.
(c) for saving an American soldier’s life QUESTION 3.�
3. Why did the General not order immediate arrest
37. At what age Dr. Sadao went to America?
of Dr. Sadao who had sheltered a white man ?
(a) 22 (b) 12 Ans : 2014
(c) 32 (d) 42 Dr. Sadao and his wife found a wounded American
Ans : soldier. Though he was an enemy but the doctor
(a) 22 and his wife operated and saved his life. He told
the General for giving shelter to the enemy. He
38. At what age he came back to Japan?
promised to get the soldier killed secretly but
(a) 30 (b) 40 he failed in his promise. He could not take any
(c) 20 (d) 30 action due to seriousness of his illness and forget
Ans : all about him. Thus the General spared the life of
(a) 30 the American soldier.
QUESTION 4.�
39. How many children Dr. Sadao has?
4. What made a cool surgeon like Sadao speak
(a) 4 (b) 5 sharply to his wife and what was her reaction?
(c) 2 (d) 3 Ans : 2013, 2010
Ans : Hana had never seen any operation by her husband.
(c) 2 When Sadao was operating, the patient’s blood
began to flow. This choked Hana instantly. Sadao
40. What does Dr. Sadao remember towards the end asked her not to faint otherwise the wounded
of the story? patient would die. So she put her hands to her
(a) which had a lion’s share in his life mouth and ran out. Sadao heard her vomiting.
(b) five American faces which had a lion’s share QUESTION 5.
in his 5. Why was Dr Sadao not sent to the war front with
(c) his first landlady, who was full of prejudice, the troops?
yet saved his life when he was suffering from Ans : 2020
influenza. Dr Sadao was a skilled and famous surgeon of his
region. He was famous not only as a doctor but
(d) All of these
as a scientist also. He was perfecting a technique
Ans :
that would render the wounds perfectly clean.
(d) All of these
But he had not been sent to the war front with
the troops. The old General was ill. He might
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS need an operation. So Sadao was kept in Japan.
QUESTION 6.�
QUESTION 1.�
1. Why did Dr. Sadao treat the American soldier 6. In what context does Hana remember the cruel
even though it was an unpatriotic act on his part nature of General Tahima ?
? Ans : 2013
Ans : 2014 Hana remembers General Tahima in the context of
Dr. Sadao was both a dutiful and an humanitarian the sufferings of the prisoners of war. Moreover she
doctor. He was much compelled by his duty to knew that he was a ruthless despot. At home he
keep and treat the enemy soldier at his house. He beat his wife very cruelly. But no one mentioned
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
Ans : 2015
enemies to suck their blood. Even the illiterate
Dr. Sadao was a famous Japanese doctor. He servants in the houses possess deep despise and
alongwith his wife Hana wee standing in the discouragement for the Japanese. They are ready
veranda of his house. Suddenly they saw an to flee and give up the jobs in case they find a
American P.O.W. infront of their gate. He was Japanese helping the enemy. But there are certain
wounded and bleeding profusely. Dr. Sadao faced people like Dr. Sadao who are patriot but with a
a dilemma. Should he use his surgical skills to save feeling of humanity.
the life of a wounded person or had an escaped Dr. Sadao, got his medical education in
P.O.W. over to the Japanese police? He realized America and had full hatred for the Americans
that it was against his professional ethics to leave for attacking their country. But on having seen a
the wounded man unattended. So, he decided to wounded soldier duly reached at his doorstep, the
treat the wounded soldier. The wounded soldier milk of humanity started flowing in his veins. He
was operated upon and the bullet was taken out took the soldier at home and nursed him at the
of his body. His life was saved. His professional risk of his own life and family. His servants too fled
duty and his innate goodness made him save the away but his immense faith in humanity helped the
wounded soldier’s life. But as a patriotic Japanese, prisoner to escape from his house.
he informed the General about this wounded
American soldier. When the General did not do
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
anything, he helped the soldier with a boat and QUESTION 22.�
other necessities to escape to a safe island. In this 1. Read the following extract and answer the
way, he resolved the clash of values. questions that follow.
QUESTION 20.
“You are well”, Sadao agreed. He lowered his voice.
20. How did Dr Sadao feel safe and satisfied?
“You are so well that I think if I put my boat on
Ans : 2016
the shore tonight, with food and extra clothing in
Dr Sadao helped the American soldier to escape.
it, you might be able to row to that little island
The next morning, Sadao told the General
not far from the coast. It is so near the coast that
that the American had escaped. Sadao did not
it has not been worth fortifying. Nobody lives on
ask about the assassins. The General had been
it because in storm it is submerged. But this is
operated upon a week ago and was weak. In
not the season of storm. You could live there until
the meantime, the servants came back and now
you saw a Korean fishing boat pass by. They pass
the household was again running smoothly. The
quite near the island because the water is many
next week, Sadao again told the General that
fathoms deep there.’ The young man stared at
the American prisoner had escaped. Now the
him, slowly comprehending. ‘Do I have to?’ he
General remembered that he had promised to get
asked.
the prisoner killed. He told Sadao that due to his
“I think so”, “Sadao said gently. “you understand
illness he had forgotten. He was worried and so
- it is not hidden that you are here.”
told Sadao to keep the whole affair a secret. Now
Sadao realized that he was quite safe. That night (a) Complete the sentence appropriately.
when Sadao looked towards the island, he did not Dr Sadao was an eminent Japanese surgeon
find and prick of light in the dark. It meant that and scientist _____.
the prisoner had gone away from there safely. (b) How does the doctor help his American enemy
Sadao felt very happy and satisfied. patient?
QUESTION 21.�
(i) He makes arrangement for the American
21. Specify the various themes as you find in the to escape.
story ‘The Enemy’. (ii) He gives him a boat, a flashlight, food
Ans : 2009 and water.
After reading the story, one can trace more than (iii) He operates upon the wounded American
one theme. The story depicts that war is going on and post operation treatment.
between the Japanese and the Americans as the (iv) All of the above
atmosphere pertains to that of Second World War.
(c) What kind of a person was Dr Sadao?
There one can trace both the race as well as the
enemy hatred. The Japanese are not seeing eye to (d) What is Dr Sadao’s intention to instruct his
eye with the Americans and they are their utter American patient to escape from Japan?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 495
Hana told her husband that the best thing would Korean boat and escaped to freedom. Thus he
be to put the man back into the sea. ensured the American sailor’s safety and his own
QUESTION 16.� security.
16. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent abroad alongwith QUESTION 21.
troops? 21. What did Hana tell her husband about performing
Ans : 2016 an operation on the injured soldier?
Dr. Sadao was not sent abroad with the troops for Ans : 2022
two reasons : Sadao and his wife carried the injured man into
(a) He was working on a discovery which would the house. They took him into an empty bedroom
render wounds entirely clean. and laid him on the matted floor. Sadao felt his
(b) The General was in a condition where he pulse. It was very weak. He said that if he were
might need an emergency operation. He could not operated upon soon, he would die. Hana told
only trust Sadao as his surgeon. Sadao that he should not try to save the man, as
he was the enemy. But he insisted on performing
QUESTION 17. the operation.
17. What did Dr Sadao tell his wife about the injured QUESTION 22.�
soldier? 22. In what way was Dr. Sadao able to save American’s
Ans : 2019
life ?
The injured soldier appeared to be a prisoner of Ans : 2020
war and had escaped. Dr Sadao said to his wife While operating upon the deep wound in the
that if the man were healthy, he would hand him American’s back, Dr. Sadao felt that the bullet was
over to the police. But the man was injured and still inside the wound. On acute examination, it
as a doctor, he had the moral duty to treat him. touched something hard quite close to the kidney.
Taking every precaution, his perfect finger worked
QUESTION 18.�
18. Did Hana think the Japanese tortured their
wonder and the bullet was out of the wound in a
prisoners of war? Why?
few minutes. An injection was given and his pulse
Ans : 2012
became stronger that saved the American’s life.
It was the time when Japan was at war with QUESTION 23.
America. The American soldier was a prisoner of 23. What did the servants say when they learnt about
war. He had suffered a lot at the hands of the the American soldier in the house?
Japanese soldiers. There were scars on his neck. Ans : 2009
A bullet in his wounds made Hana think that The servants, one of whom was also the gardener,
the Japanese tortured their American prisoners were frightened at what their master had just told
of war. them. The gardener said that the master should
not heal the wounds of the enemy. He said that
QUESTION 19.
19. What did Dr Sadao decide to tell the servants
the sea had wounded the man with the rocks. If
about the injured American?
Sadao healed his wounds, the sea would be angry
Ans : 2006
and take revenge on the whole household.
Dr Sadao wanted to bring the injured American QUESTION 24.�
to his house and treat him. But there was the 24. What was his father’s chief concern about Dr.
problem of servants in the house. Hana suggested Sadao ?
that they would tell the servants that they Ans : 2016
intended to hand over the man to the police after Dr. Sadao’s father had a great concern for Sadao’s
treating him. career. His chief concern was his education. In
order to fulfill that requirement, he sent him to
QUESTION 20.�
20. How did Dr. Sadao ensure that the American
America at the age of twenty-two to learn surgery
sailor left his house but he himself remained safe
and medicine.
and secure? QUESTION 25.
Ans : 2011
25. What did Yumi say when Hana asked him to
Dr. Sadao had given lease of life to the wounded wash the prisoner?
enemy soldier at the risk of his life. Instead of Ans : 2006
killing him after treatment, Dr. Sadao arranged Sadao said that the injured soldier had to be
for a boat, food and clothing to send the enemy washed. Hana told Yumi to bring hot water to
back to the nearby island. The man took the
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
government. His wife too co-operated with him in his life. He was quite aware about all the hard
treating the patient. Even the enemy soldier know circumstances as well as consequences which over
that the outside world was ready to gulp him. Dr. lovering over his life but he showed sympathy for
Sadao knew that the patient was a danger both the wounded soldier. He knew that keeping the
to doctor and to himself. Side by side, Dr. Sadao enemy was both illegal and punishable. His wife
apprised the General about the enemy patient too helped him without thinking whether the
and the general had promised him to get no of the patient was an enemy or a friend. He was floating
enemy but nothing happened. Keeping in view his duties as a doctor.
all these happenings, Dr. Sadao arranged a both On the other hand the feeling of compassion
for enemy’s safe departure by providing him food and humanity had the upper hand. He was
and other material. Dr. Sadao advised him to do obssessed with the patriotic feelings but could not
the signate on reaching. Thus, he was able to free ignore his duties on a doctor since a doctor is
himself from the wounded enemy. In reality these meant to serve and save the humanity. Here the
flowed a milk of human kindaese i.e., duty of a professional loyalty of Dr. Sadao came in conflict
doctor as well as a sense of true patriotism in his with sense at national loyalty. He put his life in
veins. danger and saved the enemy. Even Dr. Sadao
QUESTION 5. had apprised the General about his act who had
5. What did Dr Sadao and his wife decide to do promised him to get rid of the enemy but to no
with the injured American soldier? What was the result. On the other hand, he arranged a boat for
problem? the wounded enemy and freeded himself. Thus,
Ans : 2010 Dr. Sadao with his expertiseness was able to get
Dr Sadao and his wife found an injured American success in his patriotism and professional loyalty.
soldier washed by the waves in front of their QUESTION 7.�
house. He and his wife wondered what they should 7. A doctor is supposed to be gentle and humane.
do with the man. If they sheltered an American How did Sadao show these qualities in the story,
soldier in the house, they would be arrested. And ‘The Enemy’ ?
if they turned him over to the police, he would Ans : 2016
certainly die. Hana told her husband that the In Sadao Holk was a dutiful, gentle, humane and
best thing would be to put the man back into a considerate personality. On seeing something
the sea. He appeared to be a prisoner of war and crawling on the beach near the Veranda of his
had escaped. Dr Sadao said to his wife that if the house, he approached and found both an escaped
man was healthy, fit would hand him over to the and the wounded prisoner of war. At one time,
police. But the man was injured and as a doctor, he thought to threw him back but on the other
he had the moral duty to treat him. But there hand he thought to hard over to the police. Being
was the problem of servants in the house. Hana an humanitan and doctor the milk of human
suggested that they would tell the servants that kindness started flow in him. He alongwith his
they intended to hand over the man to the police wife brought the enemy to their house.
after treating him. But she also warned that if On knowing the truth, their servants left the
they did not give the man over as prisoner of war, house but Sadao, in the midst of all complicities
it would endanger them as well as their children. operated him. His wife stood by him through
In the end, they decided to carry the man into the thick and thin. He could be called a traitor and
house and treat him. told the General everything and because ready
QUESTION 6.� to face every eventuality. Thus, Dr. Sadao was
6. To choose between professional loyalty and sympatheic, gentle, humane, loyal, patriotic,
patriotism was a dilemma for Dr. Sadao. How did compassionate and an honest man.
he succeed in betraying neither ? QUESTION 8.
Ans : 2017 8. How did Dr Sadao and his wife give the first
Dr. Sadao was a very dutiful, loyal, patriot aid to the injured soldier? Why did the servants
and a humanitarian doctor. Being a qualified refuse to help them?
professional doctor, he was much compelled to Ans : 2008
do his duty to keep and treat the enemy soldier. Sadao and his wife carried the injured man into
Though he was very much discouraged by his the house. They took him into an empty bedroom
family servants and others; yet he decided to save and laid him on the matted floor. Sadao felt his
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 497
QUESTION 35. QUESTION 40.�
35. What did the official messenger tell Hana? 40. When a messenger came for Dr. Sadao, why did
Ans : 2005 Hana become frightened ?
In the afternoon a messenger in official uniform Ans : 2017, 2006
came. Hana was terrified. But he simply said that It was the afternoon and Hana was busy in
the General had asked for Sadao to visit his palace her chores. Suddenly, she saw a messenger in
in order to check him. She heaved a sigh of relief. the official uniform at the doorstep. Her hands
QUESTION 36.�
became weak and she could not draw her breath.
36. At what point of time does Sadao decide to get She thought that the servants must have told
the enemy out of his house ? the secret about the soldier. She saw to Sadao
Ans : 2019 gasping. The messenger too followed her.
The General had known about the presence of QUESTION 41.
the enemy in Sadao’s house. He had forgotten his 41. Did the assassins come to kill the American
promise to send his personal assassins to kill the soldier?
enemy. The enemy had recovered. Sadao had given Ans : 2010
him a lease of life. He had no desire see the enemy The General said that he would send assassins to
killed. Therefore, he decided to get the enemy out kill the American. That night Sadao could not
of his house and reach the nearby island. sleep properly. The next morning, he went to the
American’s room. He did not expect to find him
QUESTION 37.
in his room. But he found him sleeping peacefully.
37. What did the General say when Dr Sadao tell him On the second night too Sadao slept badly. He
about the American? expected the assassins to come anytime. But the
Ans : 2014
next morning, he was still there. It was the same
Sadao told the General about the presence of the
the third morning. The prisoner was alive.
American soldier in his house. The General did QUESTION 42.�
not get angry with him. On the other hand, he 42. What suggestion did the General give to Sadao to
praised his skill as a surgeon. He told Sadao that get rid of the American ?
he would not let anything happen to him as he
was treating him (the General). He said that it O
was unfortunate that the American had washed What secret plan did the General have about the
up on his door step. American sailor staying under the care of Dr.
Sadao ?
QUESTION 38.�
Ans : 2013
38. After giving first aid to the soldier, why did Dr. The General told Sadao that the best thing would
Sadao and Hana want to throw him back into the be to quietly kill the soldier. Sadao also agreed
sea ? to it readily. The General volunteered to help
Ans : 2010
Sadao in it. He told Sadao that he would send his
After giving first aid to the enemy soldier, Dr.
personal assassins to kill the soldier to Sadao’s
Sadao and his wife Hana wanted to throw him
house. They were experts in killing a person,
back into the sea. It was because the enemy’s
without even making a noise or even not a drop
presence in the house would lead to them death
of blood flowing.
penalty. They would be called traitors. It was QUESTION 43.�
illegal to save and shelter an enemy in the house. 43. Write down the reactions of the two servants and
Yumi when they were told about the wounded
QUESTION 39.
39. What did the General tell Dr Sadao about the
soldier.
American?
Ans : 2020 O
The General told Sadao that the American would Why did the servants leave Dr. Sadao’s house ?
have to be killed so that the matter did not reach Ans : 2013, 2008
the police. He said that he would send his private When Dr. Sadao told his servants about the enemy
assassins. They would kill the American without soldier, they were frightened. They thought that
making any noise. They would even take away the the enemy must die. They were reluclant to let
dead body so that there would be no trace of the the white man first be shot and then caught by
American having come to Sadao’s house. the sea and tortured by the rocks. In case Sadao
saved him, the rocks would avenge. But the master
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
87. Peered = looked carefully 140.Fortnight = period of fifteen days
88. Superficial = not deep 141.Dismayed = disappointed
89. Choked = suffocated 142.Inclined = willing
90. Exploring = probing 143.Gracefully = with dignity
91. Leaped up = jumped 144.Grieving = feeling sorrow
92. Retching = try to vomit 145.Brusquely = curtly/bluntly
93. Irritable = annoyed 146.Evidently = apparently
94. Ruthless = merciless 147.Unaccustomed = not used to
95. Proceeded = continued 148.Utter = speak
96. Moaned = groaned 149.Merely = only
97. Stir = move 150.Exhausted = tired
98. Saturate = soak 151.Indispensable = absolutely necessary
99. Nostrils = outer openings of the nose 152.Stand = endure
100.Intricate = complicated 153.Ruthlessness = cruelty
101.Crouched = cowered 154.Irritably = with annoyance
102.Piteously = in a pitiable manner 155.Assassins = murderers
103.Twisted = pendent 156.Yawning = gaping
104.Contradicted = denied 157.Trick = stratagem
105.Liberation = freedom 158.Timid = fearful
106.Victorious = triumphant 159.Gaily = cheerfully
107.For instances = for example 160.Bother = trouble
108.Anxiously = in a worried manner 161.Gripping = holding tightly
109.Tortured = inflicted pain 162.Knuckles = joints of fingers
110.Observed = noticed 163.Displaced = removed
111.Scars = marks left by wounds 164.Refrain = avoid
112.Probed = investigated 165.Boughs = branches
113.Cardinal = chief 166.Dripping = falling in drops
114.Thundered = roared 167.Eaves = edges of roofs
115.Precious = exact 168.Crash = violent fall
116.Incision = cut 169.Wail = cry
117.Quivered = trembled 170.Infected = contaminated with germs
118.Guts = intestine 171.Submerged = went under water
119.Hush = quiet 172.Fathom = a measure to know depth
120.Profound = deep 173.Nodded = shook head
121.Paused = stopped 174.Comprehension = understanding
122.Vial = small glass bottle 175.Dragged = pulled
123.Hypodermic = introduced beneath the skin 176.Stout = strong
124.Fluttered = quivered 177.Tide = rising and falling of waves on the sea
125.Perceived = observed 178.State = condition
126.Compelled = forced 179.Flash = shining light
127.Gasped = caught breath in surprise 180.Suspected = doubted
128.Comfort = console 181.Faintly = dimly
129.Scolded = rebuked 182.Involved = affected
130.Dragged on = continued 183.Cross = displeased/oppose
131.Courtesy = politeness 184.Signifying = indicating
132.Constantly = continuously 185.Amazement = surprise
133.Marred = ruined 186.Dereliction = carelessness
134.Pinching = nipping 187.Loyalty = faithfulness
135.Contemptuously = scornfully 188.Zeal = enthusiasm
136.Condemned = found guilty 189.Twilight = faint light after sunset
137.Traitor = disloyal 190.Dusk = gloom/evening
138.Sentimental = emotional 191.Whence = from where
139.Assuage = soften allay 192.Anatomy = body structure
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 499
He was floating his duties as a doctor. On other, O
the feeling of compassion and humanity had the Why did Sadao help the American soldier to
upper hand. As thou time Japan is at war with escape ? How did he do it?
America and a person cannot shelter an enemy. O
Even during his training he had realised the Dr. Sadao planned and helped the enemy soldier
unpleasant experiences of racial discrimination to escape comment?
among the whites. He had patriotic feelings and
could not ignore his duties as a doctor since a O
doctor’s duty was to save the humanity. Here the Dr. Sadao was a patriotic Japanese as well as a
professional loyalty of Dr. Sadao came in conflict dedicated surgeon. How could be honour both the
with a sense of national loyalty. But he operated values?
upon the American soldier and served him at as Ans : 2018, 2015, 2012
his house in the most precarious conditions of his Dr. Sadao was both a dutiful and an humanitarian
safety. He could face all the charges of a traitor doctor. He was much compelled by his duty
but he put his life in danger and saved the soldier. to keep the enemy soldier. Knowing that the
In this way Dr. Sadao was both a patriotic patient was an enemy soldier, he decided to save
Japanese and a dedicated surgeon. his life. The family servants objected and left
QUESTION 2.
the home since sheltering an enemy was illegal
2. What did Dr Sadao and his wife Hana see one and punishable. Dr. Sadao was well aware of all
day? the hard consequences hovering on him but he
Ans : 2020 showed his sympathy for the patient. His wife too
Dr Sadao Hoki was a famous Japanese doctor. His cooperated him in treating the patient. On the
wife was Hana. One day, Dr Sadao and his wife other hand, the enemy soldier was aware about
were standing in the verandah of their house. They his position since the outside world was readily
were looking towards the sea. There was mist on waiting to gulp him immediately.
the sea. Suddenly they saw a man came out of He knew that patient was a danger both to
the mist to the shore. It seem that he had been the doctor and to himself about it, side by side Dr.
flung out of the sea by a big wave. He staggered Sadao had apprised the General who as promised
a few steps. Then he fell and started crawling on to get rid of the enemy soldier but that did not
his knees and hands. After a few minutes he fell happen. Keeping in view all the facts as well as
on his face and laid there. his safety he arranged a boat for his enemy’s
The shallow sea near the beach was dotted departure with food and other material. Dr.
with spiked rocks. Somehow the man had Sadao advised him to do the signals on reaching.
managed to come through them and he must be Thus, he was able to free himself from the
badly injured. At first Sadao and his wife thought wounded soldier. Hence it can be well-estimated
that perhaps he was a fisherman. But when they that milk of human kindness, sympathy, security,
went near the man, they found that he was an safety, morality and duty flowed in the views of
American. He lay there unconscious. Dr Sadao Dr. Sadao.
searched for the wound. He found that there was QUESTION 4.�
a gun wound on his lower back. It appeared that 4. Good human values are far above any other value
he had been shot and had not been tended for system. How did Dr. Sadao succeed as a doctor as
many days. Dr Sadao found that the man was well as a patriot ?
bleeding. In order to stop bleeding, he packed the Ans : 2017
wound with sea moss. It has been correctly said that good human values
QUESTION 3.� are far above than any other value system since
3. Why did Dr. Sadao let the wounded American it is the human life that matters and neither his
soldier escape ? Explain highlighting the character virtues or vices. In the story the Enemy’. Dr.
of Dr. Sadao. Sadao is both a dutiful and an humanitarian
O doctor. Knowing the patient was his enemy, he
What impression do you form about Dr. Sadao decided to save him. In the midest of deep family
as a man and as a surgeon on your reading of the objections. In the servants’ exit form his abode,
chapter “The Enemy”? he shelted the enemy. He was quite aware of the
dire circumstances, he could fall of known to the
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
5. other important questions (d) All of these
Ans :
(a) because of his inability to leave the white man
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
to help his distressed wife
1. Who is the author of the lesson ‘The Enemy’ ?
7. Why did Dr.’s wife feel distressed?
(a) Pearl S. Buck (b) Dickens
(a) seeing many patients
(c) D.H.Lawrence (d) None of these
(b) Seeing General’s reaction
Ans :
(a) Pearl S. Buck (c) Seeing the orders
(d) Seeing Whiteman’s blood
2. Why did Dr Sadao treat the soldier when he was Ans :
from enemy’s nationality? (d) Seeing Whiteman’s blood
(a) It was against his professional ethics 8. Why did the surgeon speak sharply to his wife?
(b) He was a doctor (a) to get things he needed
(c) as a doctor he could not let anyone die (b) to get her help
(d) All of these (c) to stop any disturbance that could lead to
Ans : harm the wounded man.
(d) All of these
(d) None of these
3. Who was Dr. Sadao? Ans :
(c) to stop any disturbance that could lead to
(a) An American doctor
harm the wounded man.
(b) An Iranian Doctor
9. What was Hana’s reaction over her husband’s
(c) A Japanese doctor
words?
(d) None of these
Ans : (a) She held her mouth with her hands and
(c) A Japanese doctor vomited outside the operation room
(b) she shouted
4. How did Hana help Dr. Sadao? (c) she cried
(a) By assisting him (b) by giving him money (d) she stopped helping him
(c) by giving him tools (d) by working as a Ans :
nurse (a) She held her mouth with her hands and
Ans : vomited outside the operation room
(d) by working as a nurse
10. Why did Hana wash the wounded man herself?
5. Why did the General not pass orders to arrest Dr. (a) Because of her servants
Sadao for giving space to a whiteman?
(b) because her servants ran away
(a) because he trusted him
(c) because her servants refused to help an
(b) because he needed him American enemy soldier
(c) General was not in good health and needed (d) none of these
his services Ans :
(d) None of these (c) because her servants refused to help an
Ans : American enemy soldier
(c) General was not in good health and needed
his services 11. Why did the servants refuse to help ?
6. Why did Dr become irritatable and impatient (a) out of fears
with his patients? (b) because of suoerstitions
(a) because of his inability to leave the white (c) because he was an American Soldier
man to help his distressed wife (d) All of these
(b) because of many patients Ans :
(d) All of these
(c) because of General’s pressure
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 501
pulse. It was very weak. He said that if he was he forgot to send the assassins. In reality he was
not operated upon soon, he would die. Hana told the most cunning, ruthless and a self-absorbed
Sadao that he should not try to save the man as person.
he was the enemy. But he insisted on performing QUESTION 10.�
the operation. The man was very dirty. Sadao 10. How did the arrival of the prisoner destroy the
said that he should first be washed. But Hana did peace of Sadao’s home ?
not want him to touch the man. She said that she Ans : 2015
would ask Yumi, the maid-servant to wash him. Being a dutiful and a conscious humanitarian
She called Yumi. The other two servants, one doctor, Sadao brought a badly wounded soldier
of whom was also the gardener, were frightened considering him to be a fisherman at his house.
at what their master had just told them. The But the next moment he knew him from the
gardener said that the master should not heal enemy camp. The servant in the house showed
the wounds of the enemy. He said that the sea their anguish reactions and started leaving the
had wounded the man with the rocks. If Sadao house one by one as keeping and protecting an
healed his wounds, the sea would be angry and enemy in the house was strictly against law. It
take revenge on the whole household. Hana was was sense to put oneself in grave danger.
also doubtful as to where they should save an The people in Dr. Sadao’s were in an awkward
enemy’s life. Yet she told Yumi to bring hot water condition. First they thought to throw the soldier
to the room where the white man was. Yumi came in the see. They hated him as they were Japanese.
into the room, but she refused to wash a white When the servants knew the truth, they declined
man and left the room. Then Hana decided to to enter his room. They failed to understand why
wash the man herself. She dipped the towel in hot their master had given shelter to their enemy.
water and washed the man carefully. They denied to serve him. They did not look
QUESTION 9.� at him. Then were worried for their master and
9. What was General’s plan to get rid of the doubted that he would be condemned as a traitor.
American prisoner ? Was it executed ? What They started leaving the house. In this way the
traits of General’s character are highlighted in the peace and tranguility of Dr. Sadao’s house was
lesson ‘The Enemy’. totally disrupted.
QUESTION 11.
O
11. Describe the operation performed by Dr Sadao on
Draw a character sketch of the old General in the
the American soldier to save his life.
lesson, ‘The Enemy’.
Ans : 2022
Ans : 2014, 2011, 2008
Sadao entered the room with his surgeon’s
The General was a very powerful person in Japan.
emergency bag. Hana helped him reluctantly.
He was the old General. He was very close to Dr.
They turned the man over. The blood from the
Sadao. He had firm faith in Sadao’s faithfulness
wound had spoiled their expensive mat. Then
and surgery. He called him in the night because
Sadao washed the injured man’s back. He asked
there arose a problem in his gall bladder. During
Hana to give the anesthetic to the man. When she
the treatment Dr. Sadao told him everything
saw the big wound she felt sick and ran outside.
plainly about the American prisoner of war. He
But after sometime, she came back. She moistened
listened to him very carefully and assured him
the cotton with the anesthetic and held it near
of all possible help, security and safety. Then the
his nostrils. The American became unconscious.
General told that Sadao could not be arrested
Sadao started his operation. First of all he took
since he might be needed for his operation.
out the bullet that was still in his body. Then he
The General was much clever and expert. He
gave him an injection. As a result, his pulse grew
suggested Dr. Sadao that it would be best if the
stronger. Sadao told his wife that the man was
American be quietly killed. He told Sadao that
going to live.
he had his own private assassins. They would kill
After sometime, the man regained
him any night. He told Dr. Sadao to open the
consciousness. He was surprised to find himself
outer partition of the white man’s room while
in the home of a Japanese doctor. Sadao and his
he slept. He told that the assassins would make
wife told him that he had been washed ashore and
no noise and they would even remove his body.
that they had operated upon him.
He was tactful and grateful but his plan was
not executed. The General told Dr. Sadao that
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
Ans : Ans :
(c) Because he was an American Soldier and they (d) All of these
didn’t like him
30. What were the dominant traits of Dr.’s
24. Where did Dr find American soldier? personality?
(a) in the park (b) in the battlefield (a) expertise in his profession and compassion as
(c) outside his house (d) none of these a human
Ans : (b) obstinate
(c) outside his house (c) doesn’t like to obey anyone
25. Why did Dr. help an enemy soldier? (d) rude
Ans :
(a) because he was an ethical and sincere doctor
(a) expertise in his profession and compassion as
(b) because he was his friend a human
(c) because he knew him
(d) none of these 31. Why did Dr. Sadao go to America?
Ans : (a) to meet the soldiers
(a) because he was an ethical and sincere doctor (b) to meet his friends
(c) to travel
26. What conflicting ideas disturb Dr.’s mind after he
brought American soldier? (d) to study surgery and medicine which was his
father’s wish
(a) duty of a doctor and loyalty towards nation
Ans :
(b) his wife’s health and general’s health (d) to study surgery and medicine which was his
(c) patient’s health and servants father’s wish
(d) servants’ behavior
Ans : 32. What did Dr give to the soldier?
(a) duty of a doctor and loyalty towards nation (a) his boat
(b) flashlight to use in distress
27. How did Dr emerge successfully out of all the
(c) food to eat
conflicts?
(d) All of these
(a) by throwing the patients out of his house
Ans :
(b) by sending his servants out of the house (d) All of these
(c) by succumbing before the general
(d) By saving soldier’s life as a sincere doctorand 33. What does this chapter revolve around?
helping him to escape (a) war
Ans : (b) war between Israel and America
(d) By saving soldier’s life as a sincere doctorand (c) war between Malasia and America
helping him to escape
(d) war between Japan and America
28. What kind of person Dr Sadao was? Ans :
(d) war between Japan and America
(a) an excellent doctor
(b) a compassionate human being 34. What does the narrator speak about in the
(c) Sincere and responsible citizen beginning of the chapter?
(d) All of these (a) the war
Ans : (b) the General
(d) All of these (c) Dr. Sadao’s childhood and his father.
29. What idea do you form of Dr after reading the (d) the servants and Dr ‘s wife
lesson? Ans :
(c) Dr. Sadao’s childhood and his father.
(a) an excellent doctor
(b) a compassionate human being 35. Where did Dr. meet Hana?
(c) Sincere and responsible citizen (a) in Japan
(d) All of these (b) in his neighbour
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 503
Dr. Sadao shelter and treated the enemy soldier selfish, proud, unsympathetic and impolite. We
in order to save his life. On the other hands the do not give due recognition and respect to our
servants of Dr. Sadao became afraid on knowing elders. Nor do we want their interference. Such
that Dr was trealing an enemy soldier. They insolence has caused the deterioration of our
expressed their poor mind set, low background character. The children of modern generation are
and the narrow mineteness of the society. The ready to murder their near and dear ones to meet
gardener refused to help and diried that the their selfish ends. It means that all the moral
soldier should die. If the docter saved him, the see values have been swept away by the tide of time.
would take revenge. Keeping in view this ugly scenario, the inculcation
It’s servant yum refused to wash the wounds of moral values among the students is a must.
of the enemy soldier. Even the cooli was in trouble Its source is value-based education. It gives
and told that the Doctor was proud of his skills so training of soul. It makes us sincere, courteous,
keep and save the enemy soldier. The servants at courageous, obedient, useful and truthful. It
his house left the place punished they should be teaches us that character is more important than
punished for helping in keeping the enemy soldier coins. Civilization grows when teachers inculcate
a the house. In reality. They could not understood surmounting moral values among the students.
the duty and patriotic feeling of Dr. Sadao. On The schools which provide value-based education
the other hand his wife. Havna played a helping play a pivotal role in infusing such virtues as make
role in treating the wounded solder. a man a good human being and a useful citizen.
QUESTION 16.
16. What did the General decide to do about the QUESTION 18.
injured soldier? 18. Describe how Sadao helped the American soldier
Ans : 2018 to escape?
In the afternoon a messenger in official uniform Ans : 2005
came. Hana was terrified. But he simply said The General said that he would send the assassins
that the General had asked for Sadao to visit his to kill the American Soldier. That night Sadao
palace in order to check him. She heaved a sigh could not sleep properly. He was woken up even by
of relief. Sadao went to see the General. He told the smallest sound. The next morning, he went to
the General about the presence of the American the American’s room: He did not expect to find him
soldier in his house. The General did not get in his room. But he found him sleeping peacefully.
angry with him. On the other hand, he praised On the second night too Sadao slept badly. He
his skill as a surgeon. He told Sadao that he expected the assassins to come anytime. But the
would not let anything happen to him as he was next morning, he was still there. It was the same the
treating him (the General). He said that it was third morning. The prisoner was alive. Sadao went
unfortunate that the American had washed up on to him and told him now he was alright and could
his door step. But the General told Sadao that go away. He told the soldier that he would put his
the American would have to be killed so that the boat on the shore that night with food and extra
matter did not reach the police. He said that he clothing in it. The American could row the boat to
would send his private assassins. They would kill the little island. He could live on the island till he
the American without making any noise. They saw a Korean fishing boat pass by. As soon it was
would even take away the dead body so that there dark Sadao dragged his boat to the shore and put
would be no trace of the American having come food and bottled water as well two quilts in it. He
to Sadao’s house. also gave the American a small flashlight. He asked
QUESTION 17.�
him to signal him two flashes if his food ran out
17. On the basis of reading the lesson write a before he caught a boat. Then the American shook
paragraph on the need of compulsory value based Sadao’s hand warmly and walked away to the shore
education in schools. in order to escape in the boat.
Ans : 2007 QUESTION 19.�
19. Dr. Sadao faced a dilemma. Should he use his
Need of Compulsory Value Based Education
surgical skills to save the life of a wounded person
In the modern fast growing set-up we are leaping
or hand an escaped American P.O.W. over to the
ahead at a fast speed. But we are ignoring our
Japanese police? How did he resolve this clash of
noble values and virtues that enable our spirits
values ?
and uplift us above anything. We have become
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
QUESTION 30.�
the room where the white man was. Yumi came 30. What was the chief concern of Sadao’s father ?
into the room, but she refused to wash a white How did Sadao come upto his expectation ?
man and left the room. Ans : 2017
Sadao’s father was an ambitious person. He
QUESTION 26.�
26. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent abroad with the
wanted to make his only son a famous doctor.
Japanese troops ?
Therefore, he sent Sadao to America to attain
O higher education. Sadao mastered the art of
Why was Dr. Sadao not sent to the battlefield ? healing wounds. Sadao came to his `ether’s
Ans : 2014, 2010 expectations when he became a successful surgeon
Sadao was a famous surgeon and scientist. He and a famous scientist.
had mastered the art of healing wounds. The old QUESTION 31.
General of Japan had full faith in his abilities as a 31. What did Sadao tell the American on the third
surgeon. He did not believe any other doctor. He day?
was not keeping good health and could require a Ans : 2010
surgery any time, so Sadao was not sent with the On the third day of the operation, when Sadao
troops abroad. entered the guest room he found that the young
QUESTION 27.
man had regained some strength and was
27. How did Hana give anesthetic to the injured recovering. He asked Sadao whether he would
American? hand him over to the police. Sadao told him that
Ans : 2018 he had not yet decided about his fate.
Dr Sadao entered the room with his surgeon’s QUESTION 32.�
emergency bag. He and Hana turned the man 32. What was Sadao’s father dream for him? How did
over. The blood from the wound had spoiled their Sadao realise it ?
expensive mat. Then Sadao washed the injured Ans : 2015
man’s back. He asked Hana to give the anesthetic Dr. Sadao’s father wanted his son to be a doctor.
to the man. She moistened the cotton with the Sadao realized this dream by becoming one of
anesthetic and held it near his nostrils. the most known and respectable surgeons of
the country. He was also working to perfect a
QUESTION 28.�
discovery which would render wounds clean. He
28. How does the writer indicate that Dr. Sadao’ s was so trustworthy as a doctor that the General
father was a very traditional and conventional had not sent him abroad with the troops as he
man ? wanted to keep Sadao around for his surgery.
Ans : 2011
QUESTION 33.
Dr. Sadao’s father was a man of serious nature. 33. Why were the servants in a revolting mood?
He never joked or played with Sadao. Sadao’s Ans : 2021
education was his father’s chief concern. He Hana told her husband that the servants were in
longed to see Sadao as a famous surgeon. He a revolting mood. Yumi had told her that she
was quite ambitious. He sent Sadao to America would not remain in the house any more if the
to attain higher education in Medicine. Sadao’s American was kept in the house. She said that the
education and success was his sole concern. He other servants were also angry as they thought
was a traditional and conventional man. He let that Sadao was helping an American soldier.
his son marry Hana when be became sure she was QUESTION 34.�
a Japanese. 34. Why did the General spare the American soldier ?
QUESTION 29.
Ans : 2007
29. What did Dr Sadao and his wife tell the American Dr. Sadao and his wife found a wounded American
when he regained consciousness? soldier. Though he was an enemy but the doctor
Ans : 2006
and his wife operated and saved his life. He told
After sometime, the man regained consciousness. the General for giving shelter to the enemy. He
He was surprised to find himself in the home of a promised to get the soldier killed secretly but
Japanese doctor. Sadao and his wife told him that he failed in his promise. He could not take any
he had been washed ashore and that they had action due to seriousness of his illness and forget
operated upon him. all about him. Thus the General spared the life of
the American soldier.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 505
Ans : 2011 QUESTION 24.�
3. Read the following extract and answer the
(a) who was working on a discovery which would
questions that follow.
make wounds entirely clean.
He had met Hana in America, but he had waited
(b) (iv) All of the above
to fall in love with her until he was sure she was
(c) Dr. Sadao was no doubt a good doctor, but Japanese. His father would never have received
also a, kind and compassionate person. her unless she had been pure in her race. He
(d) The American patient was actually a prisoner wondered often whom he would have married if
of war, an enemy to the Japanese. However, he had not met Hana.
Dr Sadao’s professional ethics and spirit of (a) Who was Hana?
humanity made him treat the American till
(b) Where in America had Sadao met Hana?
he was well enough to escape before being
(i) In the institute where he studied
caught by the Japanese soldiers. Also, it was
safe for the doctor that he escaped lest he (ii) At Hana’s home
be accused of being a traitor. So, with such (iii) At a café
intention he instructs the American to escape (iv) At an American professor’s house
from Japan. (c) Why did Dr Sadao want to marry a Japanese
QUESTION 23.�
girl only?
2. Read the following extract and answer the (d) Dr Sadao married Hana because _____.
questions that follow. Ans : 2010
Because he was perfecting a discovery which
(a) Hana was the wife of Dr Sadao. She was a
would render wounds entirely clean, he had not
very caring and responsible wife.
been sent abroad with the troops. Also, he knew,
(b) (iv) At an American professor’s house
there was some slight danger that the old General
might need an operation for a condition for which (c) Dr. Sadao was brought up by his father, a
he was now being treated medically, and for this staunch Japanese, devoted to his culture. Dr
possibility Sadao was being kept in Japan. Sadao married Hana only after his father’s
approval. His father would never have
(a) Why was Dr doctor Sadao not sent with the
accepted her unless she had been a pure
troops?
Japanese girl. So, Dr Sadao wanted to marry
(b) What kind of a person was Dr Sadao’s father?
a Japanese girl.
(i) A jealous man
(d) his father would allow him to marry only a
(ii) Traditional man Japanese girl.
(iii) A patriotic person QUESTION 25.�
(iv) Both (ii) and (iii) 4. Read the following extract and answer the
(c) The General referred to in the given extract is questions that follow.
_____. “Who is that?” Hana cried. She dropped Sadao’s
arm and they both leaned over the railing of the
(d) How does the general help Dr Sadao?
veranda.
Ans : 2014
Now they saw him again. The man was on his
(a) Dr Sadao was not sent with the troops for two hands and knees crawling. Then they saw him fall
reasons. Firstly, he was perfecting a discovery on his face and lie there.
which would render wounds entirely clean, “A fisherman perhaps,” Sadao said, “washed
and secondly, there was some danger that the from his boat.”
old General might need an operation. So, the
(a) In what condition was the man that Dr Sadao
doctor would be required there.
and his wife Hana see from their balcony?
(b) (iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
(b) Who did Sadao think, the man was?
(c) Japan’s Army General.
(i) A thief
(d) The General assures Dr Sadao to help him in
(ii) A fisherman
getting rid of the American soldier but due to
his self-absorption in his ailment, he forgets. (iii) A sailor
When Dr Sadao tells him about the escape of (iv) A patient
the white man, he takes the blame on himself (c) The wounded man was Tom, _____.
and saves Dr Sadao. (d) How did Dr Sadao and Hana save his life?
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Ch 4 : The Enemy
Ans : 2005
It would endanger all of us if we did not give this
(a) Dr Sadao and Hana saw a man in a badly man over as a prisoner of war”
wounded condition. He appeared to have been (a) Who is the speaker of the above lines and who
washed ashore on doctor Sadao’s doorstep. is the listener? About whom is she talking?
(b) (ii) A fisherman (b) Who are ‘them’ being referred to here?
(c) an American prisoner of war, who was shot (i) Neighbours
and had escaped.
(ii) Friends
(d) Dr Sadao saved his life by operating upon him
(iii) Servants
and taking out the bullet. Hana also helped
her husband in treating the American. She (iv) Doctors
washed him and gave him anesthesia during (c) Dr Sadao will not be arrested on the charge of
his operation and also looked after him post harbouring an enemy _____.
operation.s (d) What will Sadao and Hana do with the man?
QUESTION 26.� Ans : 2017
5. Read the following extract and answer the (a) Hana is the speaker, and Dr Sadao, her
questions that follow. husband is the listener. She is talking about
“If we sheltered a white man in our house we the enemy American soldier.
should be arrested and if we turned him over as
(b) (ii) Friends
a prisoner, he would certainly die,” Sadao said.
“The kindest thing would be to put him back (c) because he is such a competent surgeon
into the sea,” Hana said. But neither of them that the General relies only on him for his
moved. They were staring with a curious repulsion treatment.
upon the inert figure. (d) Dr Sadao will operate upon the man and save
(a) Complete the sentence appropriately. his life. His wife Hana will support and help
Dr Sadao and Hana were in a dilemma after her husband to treat the American. She would
_____. wash him and give him anesthesia during the
operation.
(b) Why would they be arrested if they sheltered
a white man?
(i) They would be marked as traitors.
(ii) Japan was at war with America.
(iii) The white man was an American
(iv) All of the above
(c) What did Hana suggest would be the kindest
thing?
(d) How did Dr Sadao honour the value of
patriotism?
Ans : 2007
(a) seeing an American soldier on their threshold
(b) (iv) All of the above
(c) Hana suggested that the kindest thing would
be to throw back the enemy soldier into the
sea.
(d) As a surgeon, his duty was to save the life of
man which he did carefully and also told the
General everything about the enemy soldier.
QUESTION 27.�
6. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
“We must simply tell them that we intend to give
him to the police — as indeed we must, Sadao.
We must think of the children and your position.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 507
CHAPTER 5
On the Face of It
1. introduction through the long grass and he is quite close to
Lamb. He is sacred when Lamb speaks to him.
This is a very interesting as well as a pedagogic Lamb asks him to tread carefully because the
play which specifies that merely the encouraging long grass is littered with wild apples dropped by
words may change our tensed feelings. It is for wind. Derry is utterly confused as he has come
us to see and understand life in every organism. there considering the place empty. Having been
We should recognise and arouse which is hidden detected by Lamb, Derry panic and wants to go.
in all of us. It does not matter what we look like Lamb asks him not to leave as he does not mind
but it matters how we can uplift a disabled man. anybody’s coming into his garden. He keeps the
The play deals with, the problem of the disabled gate always open. He advises to enter through the
people. It is not the actual pain or inconvenience gate rather than by climbing over the garden wall.
caused by a physical impairment that troubles Lamb tells that all who come to his garden, are
a disabled man but the behaviour of the people welcome. But Derry says that he has not come to
around him. People discard him as a useless limb steal but he wants only to come into garden. He
and refuse to accept him in the mainstream of rather tells Derry not to afraid of anything but
life. So he feels alienated from the society and Derry points out that the people are afraid of him
wants to live in seclusion. In a way Derry suffers because of his ugly and disfigured face. They hate
from inferiority complex. Mr. Lamb motivates to be with him. Derry adds that he is afraid of
him think positively about life, people and things. himself when he sees his face in the mirror.
2. summary Consoling Derry
The old man tries to console him. He asks him
to face the harsh realities of life bravely. He tells
Mr. Lamb in His Garden
Derry that he does not get annoyed when children
It is a fine day and Mr. Lamb is in his garden.
call him Lamey-Lamb. He says there is nothing
He is an old man with a tin leg. He leads a lonely
wrong in it, if he does not have one leg, then
life and is always ready to accept any visitor who
Lamey-Lamb fits on him. Lamb tries to divert
comes in his house or garden. While working in
the views of Derry from his burnt face to the
the army, he lost his one leg in bomb explosion.
fruits in the garden, but Derry keeps on talking
He had a big house arid a big garden. He had
about his ugly face. Lamb tries to make him
evolved ways and means to overcome his feelings
understand that it is the inner beauty of a person
of loneliness and disappointment. Children used
that matters, not his outer beauty. Derry does not
to come to his garden for the fruits and later they
agree with it. He tells lamb that it is important to
teased him by calling “Lamey-Lamb”. The song
be handsome from outside also. He says that even
of birds and the rustling of tree leaves could be
his mother kisses him on the other side of his face.
heard in the garden.
When his mother avoids his ugly face then what
Derry Meets Mr. Lamb about others ? He says that he has to spend whole
One day, a young boy of fourteen sneaks into Mr. of his life with his half face. Mr. Lamb points out
Lamb’s garden. His face has been burnt due to that there is no difference between a flower plant
acid so he looks very ugly. He has become defiant and a weed since both are living and growing
and withdrawn due to his disfigured face. He plants. Derry remarks that Mr. Lamb can put
does not want to face the world with his ugly on trousers and cover up his tin-leg. Then Mr.
and disfigured face. Derry cautiously walks Lamb reminds Derry of a fairy tale of Beauty and
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Ch 5 : On the Face of It
Ans : Kids call him ‘Lamey-Lamb’ but he does not
Yes all this will change Derrys attitude towards mind. According to him world exists every where.
Mr. Lamb. Derry’s burnt face made him the center To overcome his loneliness and disappointment,
of ridicule. Although people sympathized with he sits in the sun and reads books. His garden,
him it was never a heartfelt one. This resulted in gate and heart is open for the people. Whosoever
his pessimistic approach towards life. He thought comes in, he is always welcome. He has friends
that everyone detested and despised him. On everywhere. People and children come to him for
the contrary Mr. Lamb did not show any pity apples and pears. Everybody knows him and his
towards him. He considered Derry to be his equal gate is always open. They come and sit there. He
and welcomed him in his garden.Mr.lamb had a tells that he prepares toffee with honey for the
tin leg and Derry had a burnt face. So Mr.Lamb children. There is nothing that does not interest
could empathize. He helped the boy to love and him. He thinks that life means growing. He enjoys
live life happily without any contempt for his own people and the buzzing of the bees in his garden.
self. Derry had initially considered the old man to He rather feels amused at everything. Hence, the
be like others but he gradually started respecting signs of loneliness and disappointment are quite
and liking him for what he said. untouched from him.
QUESTION 3.�
READING WITH INSIGHT 3. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a
QUESTION 1.� physical impairment is often much less than
1. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb the sense of alienation felt by the person with
inspite of himself ? disabilities. What is the kind of behaviour that
Ans : the person expects from others ?
Derry is a small boy. He meets Mr. Lamb, an old Ans : 2012
man in the latter’s garden. Derry has a disfigured It is an accepted fact that the actual pain or
face due to a burn injury. He feels very withdrawn inconvenience caused by a physical impairment
and defiant. He steals himself away from the is often much less than the sense of alienation
world. He cannot bear others staring eyes. He is felt by the affected person. We can see so many
of the view that people get scared of his handicap. cases of physical deformities in our day to day life.
Similarly, Mr. Lamb, too, is a handicapped person. They are happy in their own way. But when the
He has lost one of his legs in a bomb explosion people react sharply over their impairment, the
during war years ago. Now, he lives alone in his result is troublesome to bear.
world. People do not take interest in him. He Take the case of a blind man when he
has kept his gates open for any one to walk in. hears from someone “What a terrible thing on
He needs human company too. Though Derry is earth” ! Such filthy remarks heart the life of the
defiant in the beginning, later he talks to man. He disabled man. He feels deep at heart and crushes
gets positive energy and feels drawn towards him. the cruelty of the people over such remarks. He
He goes away promising to come back. He does feels himself dejected, disappointed, distorted
not even listen to his mother’s warnings. But it and alienated from the mainstream of life. He
was just unfortunate, when he returns Mr. Lamb feels lonely withdrawn with a sense of inferiority
falls to his death from a ladder. complex. Negative feelings towards life creep in.
May be Mr. Lamb loses his life, he finally He feels that none will love him.
succeeds in making Derry see the good side of the Same is the case with Derry who has developed
people and the world around. a sense of alienation due to his ugly face. He needs
QUESTION 2.� love, sympathy, politeness and soothing words
2. In which section of the play does Mr. Lamb from others. A physically impaired man expects
display signs of loneliness and disappointment? only a normal behaviour from others. They need a
What are the ways in which Mr. Lamb tries to little encouragement and can show better results
overcome these feelings? than the general human beings. They need an
Ans : 2017 opportunity to explore and prove their potential
Mr. Lamb is a considerate man who has a positive instead of discarding them as a useless limb. The
view towards life, people and things. Inspite of encouraging and positive words of Mr. Lamb
his one leg, we cannot see any sign of seclusion, infuse life in Derry. He becomes ready to face the
loneliness, disappointment and dejection in life. life.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 509
Death of Mr. Lamb 35. Thumping = beating
In the meantime Mr. Lamb climbs on the ladder 36. Steady = firm
for the apples. The ladder falls back and Mr. Lamb 37. Swishes = loud hissing sound
is killed. Derry opens the gate and says excitedly 38. Stops dead = stops suddenly
that he has come back. Suddenly he catches sight
of Mr. Lamb.
4. ncert textbook questions
He Runs Through the Long Grass and Says
“I come back Lamey-Lamb. I did come back.” BEFORE YOU READ
But there is no response. Derry weeps and realises QUESTION 1.
that he has lost his only friend in this world. Thus 1. This is a play featuring an old man and a small
Mr. Lamb has infected in Derry a sense of hope, boy meeting in the former’s garden. The old man
love for life and curiosity to discover the simple strikes up a friendship with the boy who is very
joys. Lamb has awakened a desire in Derry to face withdrawn and defiant. What is the bond that
the world with his disfigured and spoilt face. We unites the two?
must not lose hope till we have life. Ans :
Derry jumped over the wall and sneaked into
the garden of Mr. Lamb. He did not want to be
3. Word meanings noticed by anyone. His burnt and distorted face
1. Strikes = starts made him want to run away from the society. On
2. Withdrawn = lonely the other hand, Mr. Lamb who had a tin leg was
3. Occasional = sporadic a topic of mockery for everyone. People came to
4. Rustling = soft sound sit in the beauty of his garden, ate apples, pears
5. Tentatively = cautiously and toffees, yet he was a non-entity for them.
6. Startled = surprised Thus, although different, both Derry and Mr.
7. Mind = take care Lamb were bound by a single cord. The old man
8. Windfalls = unforeseen gain was able to understand the lonely boy’s feelings
9. Afraid = fearing because he himself was lonely, living in a huge but
10. Panic = fear ‘empty’ house. Also, he could make out the reason
11. On account = because of behind this loneliness very easily, which was their
12. Steal = pilfer deformed body part.
13. Scrump = steal Derry was told by many to look at the positive
14. Pause = stop side but he was not able to overcome his grief and
15. Pretend = show self contempt. However, when Mr. Lamb said the
16. Underneath = under same, Derry noticed the different perspective and
17. Pick = pluck the underlying empathy which brought him closer
18. Rubbish = worthless things to Lamey-Lamb.
19. Blown off = torn away in an explosion
20. Lamey = lame READ AND FIND OUT
21. Beast = wild animal QUESTION 1.
22. Worse off = in a worse condition 1. Who is Mr. Lamb? How does Derry get into his
23. Monstrous = huge garden?
24. Daft = mad Ans :
25. Dribble = fall in drops/slaver Mr. Lamb is an old man with a tin leg. His real
26. Cruel = unkind leg was blown off years ago during the war. He
27. Peculiar = strange lives all alone in his house. There is a garden near
28. Hive = beehive the house. It has ripe crab apples looking orange
29. Buzz = sound made by bees and golden in color. Mr Lamb is sitting in his
30. Trespassing = illegal entry garden when Derry climbs over the garden wall to
31. Lost = gone forever get into his garden. Though the gate is open the
32. Altogether = completely boy does not use it.
33. Bound to = sure to happen QUESTION 2.
34. Shifting = moving 2. Do you think all this will change Derry’s attitude
towards Mr. Lamb?
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Ch 5 : On the Face of It
life and enjoys it to his best. He enjoys sitting in Ans : 2014, 2009
the sun, reading books and growing weeds and Derry, a fourteen year old boy, has lost all zest
flowers. for life. He suffers from a serious inferiority
QUESTION 7.�
complex due to his ugly face. He hates meeting
7. Mr. Lamb and Derry are two different sides of with the people and thus remains withdrawn. On
the same coin. Do you agree? Justify your answer his meeting with Mr. Lamb, there comes a sea
with evidence from the text. change in Derry. He is filled with life and a strange
Ans : 2017 fascination develops in him. He is not overfly
All will agree that Mr. Lambard Derry were the conscious of his ugly face. He meeting with Mr.
two different sides of the same coin. Lamb and their brief introspection creates a great
Derry has developed a negative attitude impact on Derry’s mind and way of thinking.
towards life. He has got inferiority complex in his He tells his mother, “You shouldn’t believe all
mind. He thinks that people hate him due to his you hear”. He is very specifically tells her mother
ugly face. So, he wants to live in seclusion. Even that he wants to go back to Mr. Lamb to listen to
his parents are worried about Derry. He has got the bees singing and him talking. He says that Mr.
dejected and disappointed from life. Lamb talks to him about things that matter. Things
Mr. Lamb is an old man. He lives in a big nobody else has ever seen. Things he wants to think
house with and has a big garden of his own. His about. In the end, he rushes to meet his mentor to
doors are always open and every one is welcomed keep his promise to the old man. If we look at all
there. He spends most of his time in reading these facts, we can conclude that Derry will never
books or sitting in his garden. While serving in feel seclusion in his life. He will lead his future life
the army his own leg was blown off in a bomb on the advice of Mr. Lamb. He will know whom to
explosion. Now he has a tin leg. Mr. Lamb has believe and what to hear. Thus, Derry would lead a
reconciled himself with his physical impairment. life full of confidence and positive views.
Children call him Jamey Lamb’. QUESTION 10.�
QUESTION 8.
10. Who is Mr. Lamb and how does Derry come into
8. How does Mr Lamb console Derry? contact with Mr. Lamb ?
Ans : 2006 O
Mr Lamb consoles Derry. He tells Derry that Who was Mr. Lamb? How did he make Derry gain
worse things could have happened to him. He confidence and come out of the shell?
could have been blind or born deaf. Derry says Ans : 2017
that other people have consoled him by telling Mr. Lamb is an old man with a big house having
him that many people bear their sufferings a decent garden full of flowers, weeds and crab
without any complaint. Deny has heard a woman apples. He thinks that it is all life. His one leg is
say that the handicapped people like Derry should blown off in the war and has a tin leg. The gate
live with the other handicapped people only. But of his garden is always open and there are no
Mr Lamb does not agree to this. He says that curtains in the windows. Everyone who comes into
physical deformity does not make people similar. the garden is always welcomed. He has become
Everyone is unique because people have different a wise man by reading books and sitting in his
ideas and thoughts. Deny thinks that Mr Lamb garden. The sweet notes of birds and buzzing of
is peculiar. He wants to know how he has learned bees give him charm and life.
so much. Mr Lamb tells him that he has learnt Mr. Lamb has got over his physical impairment
all by watching, listening and thinking. He has with the passage of time. He has learnt how to
a number of books. He listens to the humming keep himself balanced for plucking crab apples.
music of the bees. He watches plants and trees. He Children call him ‘Lamey Lamb’, but he is not
thinks deeply over all these things. disturbed rather he takes it very lightly. So they
QUESTION 9.�
are not afraid of him and they come to his garden
9. What benefits did Derry reap from his association for fruits. On his part, Mr. Lamb enjoys their
with M. Lamb ? company. Derry enters into his garden by climbing
O on the wall and he thinks it to be a lonely place.
Do you think Derry’s chance meeting with Mr. Immediately, Mr. Lamb questions and tells that
Lamb would prove meaningful to him ? Answer the door is always open. Both discuss a lot but
giving valid reasons. Mr. Lamb falls from a ladder and dies.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 511
5. other important questions
QUESTION 4.�
4. Will Derry get back to his old seclusion or will
Mr. Lamb’s brief association affect a change in
the kind of life he will lead in the future ? MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
Ans : 2009
Derry will never get back to his old seclusion 1. Who is the author of the lesson ‘On The Face Of
because the brief association with Mr. Lamb It’ ?
has left an intelligible imprint on his mind and (a) Susan Hill (b) William Sydne
blood. His ideology about life, people and things (c) Salman Rushdie (d) Chetan Bhagat
have undergone a deep change since Mr. Lamb Ans :
has developed and inculcated in him the will to (a) Susan Hill
live and face the harsh realities of life. He has
learnt how to get rid of negative attitudes towards 2. What is this play featuring?
life. He realises that Mr. Lamb is quite friendly (a) an old man and a small boy meeting in old
with all inspite of one tin leg. He has got friends man’s garden
everywhere though kids call him “Lamey Lamb” . (b) old man’s woes
In addition to this, he always keeps the door of his (c) gossip of old man
garden open. There comes people and children to
(d) brave acts of a small boy
chat and take fruits. He sits in the sun and reads
Ans :
the books. He has grown weeds and considers
(a) an old man and a small boy meeting in old
plants and weeds as growing species. He prepares
man’s garden
toffee for children. Thus Derry realises positive
and productive attitude of Mr. Lamb towards life. 3. Who is Mr. Lamb?
Further Mr. Lamb awares Derry of having (a) a middleaged man (b) a young man
every part of the body intact. He can do better
(c) an old man (d) none of these
than others. Thus Mr. Lamb infuses in Derry a
Ans :
new spirit, zest and lease of life. Derry feels that
(c) an old man
the burnt face is no more a hindrance in his self-
esteem. All these facts specify that Derry will never 4. What were Derry and Mr. Lamb victims of?
get back to his old seclusion rather a new surge of (a) vision impairment (b) Physical impairment
life will float in him to face the challenges of life.
(c) war (d) none of these
Ans :
HOW ABOUT...
(b) Physical impairment
QUESTION 1.
1. Use your imagination to suggest another ending 5. Why did Mr. Lamb help Derry?
to the above story. (a) because both were victims of war
Ans :
This story could have had another ending where, (b) both were sad
after falling, Mr. Lamb gets seriously injured (c) both were victims of physical impairment
and Derry calls an ambulance and takes him to (d) because he wanted Derry to change his view
a hospital. When his mother comes to know of of life.
the accident, she allows Derry to take care of him Ans :
in the hospital as well as after being discharged. (d) because he wanted Derry to change his view
While his stay with the old man, he reads his of life.
books, takes care of the garden and makes
“friends” for life which changes his perspective to 6. Who is Derry?
life completely. Later, he befriends a boy whose (a) Derek- a boy of 14 and has acid burnt on his
father is a plastic surgeon, who operates on him face
and makes his life return to normal. (b) a small boy
(c) a boy
(d) a young boy
Ans :
(a) Derek- a boy of 14 and has acid burnt on his
face
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Ch 5 : On the Face of It
31. What did Derry learn from the fairy tale? (c) he never mind even if children teased him
(a) how to look beautiful (d) all of these
(b) how to make friends Ans :
(c) learnt to love and appreciate himself (d) all of these
(d) All of these 38. What specific things about Mr. Lamb does Derry
Ans :
notice?
(d) All of these
(a) had a positive outlook
32. How was Mr. Lamb happy inspite of his disability? (b) always remains happy inspite of his deformitu
(a) because of his acceptance of it (c) A man of firm resolution
(b) because he was wise (d) All of these
(c) because he had grown old Ans :
(d) All of these (d) All of these
Ans :
39. In what sense was friendship between Lamb and
(d) All of these
Derry was fruitful?
33. Why did Derry always find a vacant place to live? (a) he gave him fruit to eat
(a) he liked to be alone (b) his maturity
(b) was scared of people (c) both were good companions and Lamb’s
(c) because of inferiority complex as he had a mature experiences and words helped Derry
burnt face to have a positive view of life
(d) All of these (d) none of these
Ans : Ans :
(d) All of these (c) both were good companions and Lamb’s
mature experiences and words helped Derry to
34. Why was Derry startled entering the garden? have a positive view of life
(a) because of trees
(b) because of apples 40. What draws Derry towards Lamb?
(c) because he expected no one else but seeing (a) his appearance (b) his grief
Mr.Lamb (c) his positive outlook (d) All of these
(d) none of these Ans :
Ans : (c) his positive outlook
(c) because he expected no one else but seeing
Mr.Lamb SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.�
35. What complex does Derry suffer from? 1. Why did Lamb help Derry ?
(a) Superiority (b) Oedipus Ans : 2014
(c) Inferiority (d) All of these Mr. Lamb tells Derry to shut down his ears
Ans : towards those who speak mercilessly about him.
(c) Inferiority Rather he should listen to sweet things like to
buzzing of the bees. He should make him too
36. Why did Mr. Lamb not have curtains in his house? strong to listen to only desirable things. This will
(a) it’s difficult to wash help him in leading a happy life. He made him
(b) too expensive worldly wise and created confidence to overcome
his physical deformity. He told him that he was
(c) because he wanted visitors in his house
lucky to have everything except a burnt face.
(d) none of these QUESTION 2.
Ans : 2. Who is Derry? Why does he go to Mr Lamb’s
(c) because he wanted visitors in his house garden?
Ans : 2020
37. What did Mr. Lamb tell about himself?
Derry is a young boy. One day he goes to a
(a) still he was happy garden. This garden belongs to an old man named
(b) he had a tin leg
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 513
19. Why did Derry share his fear with Mr. Lamb? 26. Why even inspite of physical disability Mr. Lamb
(a) because he had a garden did not feel lonely?
(b) because he was old (a) because he was busy
(c) because he understood him and was friendly (b) because he had a garden
(d) none of these (c) he had servants
Ans : (d) because he never let himself to be alone and
(c) because he understood him and was friendly keep himself busy
Ans :
20. How did Mr. Lamb help Derry? (d) because he never let himself to be alone and
(a) by giving him apples keep himself busy
(b) by talking to him
27. Why did Mr. Lamb keep the door of his garden
(c) by helping his mother
open?
(d) by giving him a positive outlook towards life
(a) to let the people come in
Ans :
(d) by giving him a positive outlook towards life (b) to get fresh air
(c) to avoid opening the door again and again
21. Why did Mr. Lamb call Derry blessed? (d) to have fine contact with the outer world and
(a) because he was young enjoy
(b) because he had a mother Ans :
(c) because he had friends (d) to have fine contact with the outer world and
enjoy
(d) because except a burnt face he had a perfectly
healthy body 28. Why did Derry develop an inferiority complex?
Ans :
(a) he didn’t have a big house
(d) because except a burnt face he had a perfectly
healthy body (b) he didn’t have much money
(c) because of his burnt face
22. Which story did Mr. Lamb narrate to Derry? (d) none of these
(a) Cindrella (b) The snowman Ans :
(c) The Dwarfman (d) the beauty of the (c) because of his burnt face
beast
Ans : 29. Why did Derry like to be alone?
(d) the beauty of the beast (a) because of burnt face
(b) because he couldn’t bear with people’s
23. What kind of a garden did Mr. Lamb have? comments
(a) cherry (b) plum (c) because of inferiority complex
(c) peach (d) Apple garden (d) All of these
Ans : Ans :
(d) Apple garden (d) All of these
24. Where was Mr. Lamb’s house? 30. How the meeting With Mr. Lamb became a
(a) on atree (b) on the road turning point for Derry?
(c) oin a street (d) inside the garden (a) h encouraged Derry to be friends with
Ans : everyone and not to be bothered by their
(d) inside the garden comments
25. How did Derry burn his face? (b) he taught him to look at everything positively
(a) in a fire (b) with a gas stove (c) he taught him to admire everything
(c) hot water (d) acid burnt his face (d) All of these
Ans : Ans :
(d) acid burnt his face (d) All of these
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Ch 5 : On the Face of It
The Beast in which the princess kisses the Beast be his friend about whom he (Mr. Lamb) knows
who in turn changes into a handsome prince. This nothing. Derry says that there are some people
makes Derry understand that ugliness is only skin he hates. But Lamb remarks that hatred would
deep. A man is not what he looks like but what do him more harm than any bottle of acid. Acid
he really is. Handsome is that handsome does. only burns our face or so but hatred can burn us
This story is to inspire Derry and he should not away inside.
care for his burnt face. But Derry tells that people
stare at his face and they are afraid of him. Attitude of People Towards the Disabled
Derry says that his family often talks about
Encouraging Derry to Lead a Happy Life him downstairs when he is not there. They are
Derry tells Lamb that women talk of his ugly worried to think what is going to happen to him
face. They say that none will kiss except his when they are gone and how he will get on in
mother. Mr. Lamb tells him that he must have this world. Lamb encourages him that he has got
heard so many other things also. The best thing two arms, legs, eyes, ears, a tongue and a brain.
is to keep his ears shut and need not pay attention Lamb remarks that people are not the same just
to such talks. Mr. Lamb tells about the times of by what they look like. Every thing is the same
bees. Some people like their buzzing while others yet everything is different. Everything has its own
hate. But Lamb calls it a sweet music. It is only entity. Derry wonders how Lamb knows all that
the difference of attitude. Derry tells that people about. Lamb remarks that he does so by watching,
stare at his face so he avoids them. But Mr. Lamb listening and thinking. Derry says that he wants
tells that keeping alone is not a fine thing. big house and a big lawn.
He tells a story about a man who was always
afraid of being run over or getting infected or Proposing Derry to be a Friend
meeting with some accident. So he locked himself Lamb asks him to stay with him and proposes
in a room. There a picture fell on his head and Derry to be a friend. Derry asks how they can be
killed him. Derry told about the worry of the friends only in one meeting. But Lamb tells him
parents for him and told that he would starve and that he can come there at any time even if he is
die. But Mr. Lamb does not agree with him. He out. Earlier Lamb has asked him to help him in
points out that he had got brain and limbs. He getting ripe crab apples off the trees. Derry thinks
can achieve whatever he likes. He can be better to help him. He tells Lamb that with one leg he
than others. Then Derry tells that he has heard can fall off a ladder and die. Lamb requests him
women saying that people with similar deformities for help if he can. Derry offers to help him but he
should live together but Mr. Lamb thinks it odd wants to inform his mother where he is since she
and since people with similar disabilities are not will be worried. Lamb doubts if he would come
the same. back. Derry assures him to return but Lamb says
The world is full of variety and variety is to himself that people never come back though
the spice of life. Derry is surprised at his vast they say that they will come back.
knowledge and wisdom. Mr. Lamb tells that he
Derry at His Own House
knows so by watching, listening and thinking. He
Derry goes back to his house and tells everything
tells Derry that he has got a full body. He can do
to his mother. He tells her that he wants to sit
anything like other people or may do better than
in old man’s garden to listen the songs of the
others. Then Derry immediately interrupts and
bees, to his task and think. He tells her that he
tells that someone was saying that Derry should
hates to stay in his house. His mother stops him
be kept with other boys in a hospital and there
from going to the old man’s house. She tells that
will be none to tease him.
she has heard strange stories about the old man.
Lamb tells that all are not the same. All
She urges him not to go there again. Derry insists
things and people are different. He asks Lamb
that he must go there otherwise he will never go
several questions to know more about him. Mr.
anywhere in this world. Inspite of his mother’s
Lamb says that he sits in the sun and reads the
strong resistance, Derry slams the door and runs
books. He likes the windows open to hear the
away to help Lamb in collecting crab apples. He
wind. Lambs tells that he has a lot of friends
will listen to his important talk.
every where. Every body who comes in his garden
is his friend. Derry wonders how a person can
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 515
Mr Lamb. Derry thinks that there is nobody in in all things and every body. He is happy to live
the garden. He goes to that garden as he wants to and enjoy in the main-stream of life. In order to
spend time in a lonely place. enjoy the company of the outer world, he keeps
QUESTION 3.� his windows without curtains and doors unlocked.
3. If you were to give a different ending to the story QUESTION 7.
“On the Face of It”, how would you end it ? 7. Why do people avoid Derry?
Ans : 2013 Ans : 2005
The ending of the story “On the Face of It”, we People are afraid of him. One side of his face is
find that Mr. Lamb has fallen down from the burnt. It got burnt by acid. His face looks ugly
ladder and does not respond. He might have dead and so people avoid him and hate him. Some
or become unconscious. In my view such a fine people show as if they do not mind his burned
story should not ended horribly. In the real terms, face. Yet Derry knows that they try to avoid him.
Derry should have saved Mr. Lamb from falling QUESTION 8.�
by holding the ladder at the last moment. This 8. Why does Derry tell Mr. Lamb that he is afraid
would have given the message of hope. of seeing himself in the mirror in story ‘On The
QUESTION 4.� Face Of It’ ?
4. What kind of life did Mr. Lamb lead? Ans : 2012
Derry is a boy of fourteen years of age. He got a
O
burnt and cut on his face due to fall of acid. His
How does Mr. Lamb keep himself busy when it is
face has turned scared and disfigured. He feels
a bit cool?
Ans : 2012
low. He is even scared of looking himself in the
Mr. Lamb leads a happy, lonely and cheerful life mirror. He has got a strong hatred for himself.
QUESTION 9.�
in a big house. His garden is full of flowers, fruits
9. Why does Mr. Lamb leave his gate always open ?
and weeds. He is an old man with a tin leg. He has
Ans : 2011, 2008
no companion except the garden and its dwellers.
Mr. Lamb keeps his windows without curtains
His doors are always open for the outside world.
and he keeps the doors and gates open because he
He sits in the sun and reads the books. He feels
is always ready to accept visitors in his house. He
happy on listening to the sweet music of birds,
lives alone in such a big house. He always needs a
bees and insects. He has become a worldly wise
companion, he does not want anyone to turn away
man by reading the books. He keeps himself busy
from his house after watching the doors closed
in all these things.
and locked. He wants to be in touch with the
QUESTION 5.
outer world. He wants people to come to him and
5. Why is Derry startled? Whom does he see in the
spend their time in his garden so that he can also
garden?
Ans : 2022
see life breathing around him.
QUESTION 10.
Suddenly Derry sees Mr Lamb sitting in the
10. What does Mr Lamb tell Derry about the ripe
garden. Derry is startled. He wants to go back,
apples?
but Mr Lamb speaks to him in a kind tone. He
Ans : 2019
tells Derry that he is welcome there. He tells him
Mr Lamb tells Derry that he does not hate him.
not to be afraid of him.
He says that soon he will get ripe crab apples to
QUESTION 6.�
make them into jelly. He asks Derry if he would
6. What peculiar things does Derry notice about
help him to pick apples. Deny thinks that like
Mr. Lamb ?
Ans : 2012
most other people, Mr Lamb is also trying to
Mr. Lamb is a man of firm resolution and has change the topic. But Mr Lamb assures Derry
positive views on life, people and things. With that he really does not dislike him.
QUESTION 11.�
one artificial tin leg, Mr. Lamb does not feel any
11. Mr. Lamb told Derry the story of man who hid
deformity in himself, though children tease him
himself in his room. Why did the man do so and
by calling `Lamey-Lamb’ but he does not mind.
with what result ?
He loves people and makes Derry realise about
Ans : 2010
life. He has a garden with flowers, weeds, plants of
There was a man who was always afraid of
fruits. People come for fruits and flowers. He has
everything in this world. He thought that anything
got friends everywhere. He is always interested
could happen to him. He might be either run over
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Ch 5 : On the Face of It
by a bus or might be infected with deadly germs tells Deny that beauty is not merely in the
of another man. Even a donkey might kick him physical body. Real beauty lies within our spirits.
to death. Lightning might strike him down or he Handsome is he who handsome does.
might slip on a banana peel. So he always locked QUESTION 17.�
himself into a room. One day a picture fell off the 17. What does Mr. Lamb mean when he says there is
wall on his head and killed him. same life growing everywhere ?
QUESTION 12.� Ans : 2013
12. What consolation did people give Derry when Mr. Lamb has become a worldly wise with
they saw his acid burnt face ? experience of life. He considers flowers and weeds
Ans : 2016 having the same life. He tells Derry that he is an
The people saw Derry’s acid-burnt face. His ugly old man with a tin leg. On the other hand, Derry
face had become fearful to look at. The people did is young with complete body except the burnt
not discourage him. Rather, they often asked him face. Derry is standing and Mi. Lamb is sitting.
to look at those who are in pain but are brave. Basically there is no difference in them. It is the
They consoled him to think of them who never same life growing everywhere.
cried and complained though they are worse than QUESTION 18.�
him. They called him better than the blind, deaf, 18. In what real problem did Derry always remain
lame, crazy and cripple. tensified ?
QUESTION 13. Ans : 2009
13. What does Mr Lamb tell Derry about the real Derry had an ugly face. He had not been able to
worth of a person? reconcile himself due to his physical deformities.
Ans : 2010 He could not accept the reality of himself about
The real worth of a person is not in his looks or his burnt face since he had to live it. Whenever he
outer appearance. His real worth is in him. Mr saw people staring or talking about him, he felt
Lamb says that there are weeds in his garden. afraid and became self-conscious. So he did not
Other people look down upon weeds. But he like people being near to him and wanted to live
looks upon weeds as living, growing plants like in seclusion.
any other plant. He means to say that he does QUESTION 19.
not hate Deny. He looks upon Derry as any other 19. What story does Mr Lamb remind Derry of?
boys. Ans : 2006
QUESTION 14.� Mr Lamb reminds Deny of the fairy tale about
14. How did Derry’s handicap damage his life ? the beauty and the beast. Deny already knows
Ans : 2015, 2011 the tale. A beautiful princess kisses a beast. The
Derry’s handicap of having his ugly face due to beast then transforms into a handsome prince.
acid caused inferiority complex in him. People This is because of the power of love. The beautiful
hated him and he developed dejection in life. princess loved the monster because she could see
Everyone around him desired to go for away and the goodness in him.
they called him a devil. It had spoiled his life. He QUESTION 20.�
became diliant and withdrawn. 20. Why does Derry say that aced has eaten him up ?
QUESTION 15.� Ans : 2016
15. Why does Derry stay away from people ? Derry tells Mr. Lamb that acid has not only burnt
Ans : 2015 his face, it has burnt his innerself also. No body
Derry stays away from people due to his physical likes him anymore. Everyone around him is afraid
deformities. He has failed to accept the true reality of his ugly and burnt face. Nobody wants him
of life as he has to bear with it permanently. He close. People talk mercilessly about him. They
used not escape from the stare of the people. He call him as ugly as ‘a devil. All this has hurt his
wanted to live in selection. They often passed soul. It has spoilt his life. He has become a defiant
uncharitable remarks. and withdrawn young boy. He no more likes to
QUESTION 16. be part of the society. Neither society is ready to
16. What advice does Mr Lamb give Derry about the make him a part of it.
real beauty?
Ans :
QUESTION 21.�
2018
21. Why a little conversation with Mr. Lamb has
Mr Lamb advises Deny that he should also not
changed Derry’s attitude towards life and world ?
mind what others say about his face. Mr Lamb
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 517
Ans : 2021
met an old man. Mr. Lamb who transformed his
Derry had desires and ambitions deep embedded negative views into pesitric ones. He felt drawn
in his heart. The burnt face and people’s cruel towards him keenly and promised to come back.
attitude never allowed them to come out. No body His mother warned him not to go there but he
talked with him, but when Mr. Lamb talked with went to see Mr. Lamb. There was deeply shocked
him all the embedded desires and frustrations to see him failed from a ladder and met his end.
found an outlet, he felt unburdened. Now he is QUESTION 27.
ready to face the world with a changed attitude. 27. Why does Derry’s mother warn him not to go to
QUESTION 22.
see Mr Lamb?
22. How has Mr Lamb learned so much? Ans : 2006
Ans : 2013
Deny tells his mother the experience of his meeting
Derry thinks that Mr Lamb is peculiar. He wants with Mr Lamb. Derry’s mother is worried. She
to know how he has learned so much. Mr Lamb has some doubts in her mind because they have
tells him that he has learnt all by watching, not been known to those people for a long time.
listening and thinking. He has a number of books. So she warns him not to go to see Mr Lamb.
He listens to the humming music of the bees. He QUESTION 28.�
watches plants and trees. He thinks deeply over 28. What advice does Mr. Lamb impart to Derry ?
all these things. Ans : 2017
QUESTION 23.�
Mr. Lamb tells Derry to shut out his ears towards
23. What type of affinity do you notice in Mr. Lamb those who speak mercilessly about him. Rather he
and Derry ? should listen to sweet things like the buzzing of the
Ans : 2008 bees. He should make him too strong to listen to
Both have got physical impairment. Mr. Lamb only desirable things. This helps him in leading a
have a tin leg and Deny has a burnt face. Both happy life.
of them feel dejection and they have no friend. QUESTION 29.
The society look down upon them so they lead 29. What realisation comes to Derry about his face at
an empty life. They realize that they can fill up the end of the play?
this gap by bonding themselves into friendship. Ans : 2005
The positive attitude of Mr. Lamb brings Deny Deny considered himself unlucky because of his
quite close. burnt face. He avoided meeting people as well as
QUESTION 24.�
people hated his burnt face. But Mr Lamb does
24. What particular message does this play put forth not agree with this point of view. He tells Deny
before you ? that he is a healthy boy. He had limbs, eyes,
Ans : 2020 tongue, brain and everything else. He can get on
The play is very pedagogic in nature. It tells that with the world like others. He can even get better
we should try to adjust ourselves in the main- than most of the people.
stream of life. Disabilities and complexes are to be QUESTION 30.�
overlooked. We should neither develop alienation 30. Why was Mr. Lamb’s death a great shock for
nor any deformities of life. We should accept and Derry, although they have not been knowing each
face the life in its real terms. Ups and downs are other for a long time ?
the paths of life. Ans : 2020
QUESTION 25.
Mr. Lamb’s death was a great shock for Derry.
25. What does Mr Lamb tell Derry about hatred? Although their relationship was a short-timed
Ans : 2012, 2008 one but its roots were very deep. Mr. Lamb had
Mr Lamb advises Deny not to hate anybody. understood Deny and his feelings. He accepted
Hatred is worse than the acid that burnt his face, Derry as a friend, while the world had rejected
because hatred burns the inside of man. Mr Lamb him calling him an ugly or a poor boy. Mr.
tells him that keeping aloof will not help him. Lamb inspired him to live in his own way. He
QUESTION 26.� had awakened the dormant desires and wishes
26. Why did Derry insist that he would go back to in Deny to live with Mr. Lamb. He wanted to
Mr. Lamb ? listen to his peculiar talks. He wanted to help him
Ans : 2015 in collecting apples and making jelly. But Mr.
Deny an ugly faced boy was a fourteen years Lamb died before all this leaving him crying and
age. People hated him. He entered a garden and weeping.
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Ch 5 : On the Face of It
the mirror, and see it, I’m afraid of me. Ans : 2012
MR LAMB : No. Not the whole of you. Not of (a) In the first two lines Mr Lamb tries to convey
you. positivity to Derry by saying that he is old,
DERRY : Yes! while Derry is young. Both of them are
(a) Who is Derry afraid of? Why? handicapped.
(b) What is a terrible thing, according to Derry? (b) (iii) tin
(i) People calling him names (c) Mr Lamb and Deny both are handicapped.
Mr Lamb has lost his leg in a bomb explosion
(ii) Boys running away from him
and Derry has a deformed face due to spilling
(iii) Boys fighting with him of acid. They differ in their thoughts, traits
(iv) People looking at him with pity and attitude to life.
(c) Mr Lamb is optimistic while Derry is (d) from a different perspective
_____. QUESTION 22.�
(d) How do people react to Derry’s face? 4. Read the following extract and answer the
Ans : 2007 questions that follow.
(a) Derry is not afraid of anything, or anyone DERRY : You needn’t think they haven’t all told
but of himself. When he sees his face in the me that fairy story before. ‘It’s not what you
mirror, he feels afraid because of his half- look like, it’s what you are inside. Handsome is as
burnt face. handsome does. Beauty loved the monstrous beast
for himself and when she kissed him he changed
(b) (iv) People looking at him with pity
into a handsome prince.’ Only he wouldn’t, he’d
(c) pessimistic have stayed a monstrous beast. I won’t change.
(d) Derry had a scared face. People were afraid MR LAMB : In what way? You won’t.
of him and stared at him because he had (a) Complete the sentence appropriately.
an ugly burnt face. They pretended to be Deny is referring to _____.
sympathetic, but actually the attitude of
(b) What does ‘I won’t change’ mean?
people, reflected the callousness of the society
towards the physically impaired. (i) Stubbornness
QUESTION 21.� (ii) Bitterness
3. Read the following extract and answer the (iii) Defiance
questions that follow. (iv) All of the above
MR LAMB : I’m old. You’re young. You’ve got
(c) Explain “Handsome is as Handsome does”.
a burned face, I’ve got a tin leg. Not important.
You’re standing there.... I’m sitting here. Where’s (d) What is the moral of the story ‘Beauty and
the difference? the Beast’ ?
DERRY : Why have you got a tin leg? Ans : 2018
MR LAMB : Real one got blown off years back. (a) Beauty and the Beast
Lamey-Lamb, some kids say. Haven’t you heard (b) (iv) All of the above
them? You will. Lamey-Lamb. It fits. Doesn’t (c) Physical beauty is not as important as the
trouble me. beauty of heart and mind. Physical beauty is
(a) What is being said by Mr Lamb in the first short-lived but mental beauty leaves a bright
two lines? trail even after one’s death.
(b) Mr Lamb’s artificial leg was made of _____. (d) In fact, one handicap cannot destroy the
(i) plastic other qualities of a person.
(ii) bamboo QUESTION 23.�
(iii) tin 5. Read the following extract and answer the
(iv) fibre questions that follow.
DERRY : They talk about me. Downstairs. When
(c) How do Mr Lamb and Derry differ in their
I’m not there. ‘What’ll he ever do? What’s going
thoughts, traits and attitudes to life?
to happen to him when we’ve gone? How ever will
(d) Complete the sentence appropriately. he get on in this world? Looking like that? With
Mr Lamb wanted Derry to took at the things that on his face?’ That’s what they say.
_____.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 519
Ans : 2018
there, he was deeply shocked to see Lamb killed.
Deny is a young boy. One day he goes to a garden. he wept bitterly and said : “I have come”. He
This garden belongs to an old man named Mr realised him only friend from the world. Thus,
Lamb. Deny thinks that there is nobody in the Mr. Lamb removed all his negativity from the
garden. He wants to spend his time in a lonely world of Derry.
place. Though the gate is open, Deny does not QUESTION 5.
know it. He scales a wall to enter the garden. 5. What does Mr Lamb tell Derry about his own
Suddenly Deny sees Mr Lamb sitting in the physical deformity?
garden. Deny is startled. He wants to go back, Ans : 2022
but Mr Lamb speaks to him in a kind tone. He Mr Lamb tells Derry that he too has a physical
tells Deny that he is welcome there. He tells him deformity. He has an artificial leg. His real leg was
not to be afraid of him. Deny says that he is not blown off in the war. Children call him Lamely-
afraid of anybody. On the other hand, people are Mr Lamb. But he does not mind it. He is not
afraid of him. One side of his face is burnt. It got afraid of the children and children are not afraid
burnt by acid. His face looks ugly and so people of him. They come to him often and he gives them
avoid him and hate him. Some people show as toffees. Mr Lamb advises Derry that he should
if they do not mind his burned face. Yet Deny also not mind what others say about his face. Mr
knows that they try to avoid him. Mr Lamb tells Lamb tells Derry that beauty is not merely in the
him that he does not hate him. He says that soon physical body. Real beauty lies within our spirits.
he will get ripe crab apples to make them into Handsome is he who handsome does. He reminds
jelly. He asks Deny if he would help him to pick Derry of the fairy tale about the beauty and the
apples. Deny thinks that like most other people, beast. Derry already knows the tale. A beautiful
Mr Lamb is also trying to change the topic. But princess kisses a beast. The beast then transforms
Mr Lamb assures Deny that he really does not into a handsome prince. This is because of the
dislike him. The real worth of a person is not in power of love. Derry knows the moral of the story
his looks or outer appearance. His real worth is also: “It is not what you look like. It is what
in him. Mr Lamb says that there are weeds in his you are inside.” The beautiful princess loved the
garden. Other people look down upon weeds. But monster because she could see the goodness in
he looks upon weeds as living, growing plants like him.
any other plant. He means to say that he does
not hate Deny. He looks upon Deny as any other
boys.
QUESTION 4.�
4. How did Mr. Lamb’s meeting with Derry become
a turning point in Derry’s life?
QUESTION 6.�
O 6. Both Derry and Lamb are victims of physical
What change took place in Derry when he met impairment but much more painful for them is
Mr. Lamb? the feeling of loneliness. Comments.
Ans : 2015, 2011, 2008 Ans : 2016
Due to having an ugly face caused due traced, Derry’s main problem is his burnt face. One side
Derry had developed an inferiority complex. He of his face had been burnt by acid. He suffers
wanted seclusion and did not want to mix with from a tremendous sense of inferiority complex.
others. His parents became deeply worried about He is always conscious of the fact that his face
him. He got dejected and disappointed from life. is ‘bad’, ‘terrible’ and ‘the ugliest things’. People
He met Mr. Larni, in the garden who brought a are ‘afriad’ of him. He tries to escaspe people.
sea change in his view point. He allows himself to be alienated from the world.
Derry was infused with zeal and courage. He On the other hand, Mr. Lamb doesn’t allow his
started understanding the ways or the world. He physical disability to come in his way. He accepts
helped in creating self confidence to over come life as it comes. He has a positive attitude towards
his physical ugliness. He motivated him to think life, things and people. He doesn’t find solace
positively can life, people and things. In the end in escapism. Children tease him by calling him
Derry promised to return though his mother ‘Lamey-Lamb’ but he doesn’t mind it. One of his
forbade him to go there. When Derry reached leg was blown off in the war. But he is full of
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Ch 5 : On the Face of It
QUESTION 31.
Ans : 2013
31. How did Derry get his face burnt? Derry has developed a negative attitude towards
Ans : 2015
life. He has got inferiority complex in his mind. He
Derry is a young man. One side of his face is thinks that people hate him due to his ugly face.
burnt. It got burnt by acid. His face looks ugly So he wants to live in seculsion. Even his parents
and so people avoid him and hate him. Some are worried about Derry. He has got dejected and
people show as if they do not mind his burned disappointed from life. In the beginning he thinks
face. Yet Deny knows that they try to avoid him. that Mr. Lamb is like other people of the world.
QUESTION 32.�
But to his utter perplexion, he finds him a
32. How does Mr. Lamb react on seeing Derry in his different man on the earth. By coming in contact
garden ? with Mr. Lamb, there comes a sea-change in the
Ans : 2010, 2007
view point of Derry. He infuses in him zeal and
Mr. Lamb sees Derry entering the garden by
the way to understand the world. He helps in
climbing over a wall. Mr. Lamb immediately
creating self-confidence to overcome his physical
questions his arrival. Derry replies that he has
ugliness. He motivates him to think positively on
entered thinking it a lonely place. He has no
life, people and things. In the end Deny promises
desire to steal but Mr. Lamb tries to comfort him.
to return though his mother compels him not to
He asks him not to afraid of any thing. His gate is
go there. Deny is deeply shocked on seeing Mr.
always open for all. He requests him in collecting
Lamb killed. He weeps bitterly and says, “I have
.the crab apples.
QUESTION 33.
come”. He realises him only friend from the world.
33. Why does Derry go back to Mr Lamb? Thus, Mr. Lamb removes all his negativity from
Ans : 2022
the mind of Derry.
Deny rushes home because he thinks his mother QUESTION 2.�
would be worried. He tells his mother about his 2. Compare and contrast the characters of Lamb
meeting with Mr Lamb. His mother does not want and Derry in the play, “On The Face of It”.
Ans : 2016
that he should go back to him. But Derry tells her
Both Lamb and Derry are the victims of physical
that Mr Lamb is a different man. He thinks that
impairment but their views on life are quite
it is an opportunity that he should not miss. So
different.
he goes back to Mr Lamb.
QUESTION 34.�
Derry was a boy of fourteen and had lost all
34. Why does Mr. Lamb say : “So you” are not lost, zest for life. He suffered from a serious inferiority
are you are? Net together Explain? complex due to his ugly due to a burn injury.
Ans : 2018
He become defiant and often stole away form the
Mr. Lamb uttered these woos when he got to world. He was by the view that people got scared
know that Derry liked his garden and home book. up his handicaps. He led a secluded life and was
Seing his liking and positivism he spoke these a neglected lot. On the other hand Lamb was
words he considered Derry as he negative person an old man with one leg. The kids often called
but he trace positive thuys in him. him ‘Lamey Lambs’. He had a big house having
QUESTION 35.
a decent garden full of flowers, weeds and crab
35. What happens to Mr Lamb in the end? apples. He thought that it was all life. The gate of
Ans : 20111 his garden were always open. Whosoever visiled
Deny hurries back to Mr Lamb’s garden. When his garden was always welcomed. He had become
he reaches the garden, he finds that Mr Lamb has wise by reading books. The melodious notes of the
fallen on the ground. He has fallen off a ladder. birds and the buzzing of the bees had filled his life
He was trying to reach apples. Unluckily he fell with charm courage and excitement. He enjoyed
off. Deny finds that Lamb is already dead. This the Company of children. When Derry entered his
is a great shock to him. He weeps because he has garden, Lamb told that his door was always open
lost a true friend. as everyone was welcomed. This made a positive
impact on Deny. This helped him in removing
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS his physical deformity. It was his attitude that
QUESTION 1.�
brought a big change in the life of Derry.
1. Derry said, “It (acid) ate me up.” How did this QUESTION 3.
fact affect his attitude towards life? 3. Derry goes to Mr Lamb’s garden. How does Mr
Lamb treat him?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 521
QUESTION 11.
leave but Derry reached there. He was surprised
11. Derry is a victim of his own complex. Do you find
to find Mr. Lamb lying dead on the ground. Mr.
some change in him in the end?
Ans : 2007
Lamb could not see him but Derry cried that he
Deny is a victim of his own complex. He thinks that had returned.
people are not friendly. So he hates most people.
QUESTION 13.�
13. Both Derry and Lamb are physically impaired
He avoids them and likes to remain aloof. But Mr
and lonely. It is the responsibility of the society to
Lamb tells him that if men are not friends, it does
understand and support people with infirmities so
not mean that they are enemies. He advises him
that they do not suffer from a sense of alienation.
not to hate anybody. Hatred is worse than the
As a responsible citizen, write in about 120-150
acid that burnt his face, because hatred burns the
words, what you would do to bring about a change
inside of man. Mr Lamb tells him that keeping
in the lives of such people.
aloof will not help him. Mr Lamb tells him the
Ans : 2014
story of a man who was always afraid of meeting
Both Derry and Lamb are physically impaired and
an accident or catching an infectious disease.
lonely. Derry has developed a sense of dejection,
He shut himself up in a room. He thought that
disappointment and disgust due to 1--is ugly face.
by always remaining in a room he could avoid
People hate him and nobody can have positiveness
meeting an accident. But it was not so. He had an
for him. He feels loneliness everywhere in his life.
accident even in the room. A picture hanging on
On the other hand Mr. Lamb has one leg since his
the wall fell on his head and he died.
other leg was blown off in the war but he has a
Derry tells Mr Lamb that his parents are
positive attitude towards life. He has got over his
worried about him. They fear that because of his
physical impairment with the passage of time. He
burnt face, Deny would not be able to get on with
has balanced himself while Derry is a neglected
the world. When they are dead, nobody would
lot. On entering the garden, Mr. Lamb points
take care of Deny. But Mr Lamb does not agree
out that his door is always open and everyone is
with this point of view. He tells Deny that he is
welcomed there. This has a very positive impact on
a healthy boy. He had limbs, eyes, tongue, brain
Derry. M. Lamb points out to Derry that he should
and everything else. He can get on with the world
consider himself blessed because he is a complete
like others. He can even get better than most of
man except a burnt face and he can go better than
the people. This bring a big change in him in the
all the rest. This creates a specific change in Derry.
end.
QUESTION 12.�
For such types of people, it is rather the social
12. While leaving Mr. Lamb, Derry says “I’m going and moral duty of every citizen to encourage and
but I’ll come back you see, you wait”. Does Derry sympathesize with them. We should create such
go to see Mr. Lamb ? feelings in them which may embolden them to feel
Ans : 2020
lively as well as uplifted. We should give them a
Derry had developed a good relationship with helping hand that may develop positivity in their
Mr. Lamb since his conversation with him made a feelings. The Government should also initiate
healthy effect on removing his physical deformity. steps to make specific reservations so that they
After his long discussion, Derry decided to go and can lead a tangible life beyond stress and tension.
see his mother but Lamb desired to have crab
QUESTION 14.
14. Describe Mr Lamb’s death.
apples. Since Derry was to go, so Mr. Lamb asked
Ans :
him to go and tell her. Side by side Mr. Lamb told
Derry is impressed by the encouragement given
that once he got home they would never let him
to him by Mr Lamb. He tells him that he is
come back. So many had come and promised to
going home to tell his parents that he will spend
come back but none returned.
sometime with Mr Lamb. He tells Mr Lamb that
Hearing these words, Derry left for his house
it is risky for him to climb the ladder to get crab
but Mr. Lamb went to listen to the bees. Derry
apples. He can fall and get himself killed. Mr
reached home and told her mother everything but
Lamb tells him that he has learned the art of
she did not have a good impression about him. He
climbing the ladder in spite of being lame. Deny
even told her that Mr. Lamb had told that it was
promises him that he will come back soon. Mr
our thinking that could make us lead a healthy
Lamb does not hope that he will come back. Deny
life. He told he was going as he had to help Mr.
rushes home because he things his mother would
Lamb with the crab apples. She persuaded not to
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Ch 5 : On the Face of It
7. What unites Mr. Lamb and Derry? 13. Why didn’t Mr. Lamb feel hurt by children’s
(a) their age comments?
(b) their physical impairment (a) because he thought that it suits him
(c) their woes (b) he loves children
(d) their life stories (c) he likes them
Ans : (d) he want them to play in his garden
(b) their physical impairment Ans :
(a) because he thought that it suits him
8. How does Mr. Lamb keep himself busy?
(a) by reading books 14. What does Mr. Lamb grow in his garden?
(b) by chatting with people (a) cherry (b) peach
(c) by pulling down the ripe crab apples of his (c) pomegranate (d) apples
garden Ans :
(d) apples
(d) All of these
Ans : 15. How did Mr. Lamb pick apples?
(d) All of these
(a) bending down
9. Why did Derry go to Mr. Lamb’s garden? (b) with the help of his servant
(a) to steal apples (b) to speak to Mr. (c) with the help of children
Lamb (d) using a ladder and a stick
(c) to help the old man (d) to feel that place Ans :
Ans : (d) using a ladder and a stick
(d) to feel that place
16. How did Mr. Lamb use the apples?
10. How did Derry enter the garden? (a) made jam
(a) from the front gate (b) made pickle
(b) from the side gate (c) earned money
(c) from back gate (d) he used to make jelly with them
(d) by climbing the garden wall Ans :
Ans : (d) he used to make jelly with them
(d) by climbing the garden wall
17. Why did Derry go to Mr. Lamb at the end?
11. Why did Mr. Lamb keep the door of his garden (a) because of his wish to live a free life
open? (b) he wanted apples
(a) to keep an eye over his garden (c) he wanted to play in the garden
(b) to be safe (d) none of these
(c) to chat with the people and the children who Ans :
come there to take fruit (a) because of his wish to live a free life
(d) none of these
Ans : 18. Why did Derry’s mother stop him to stay with
(c) to chat with the people and the children who Mr. Lamb?
come there to take fruit (a) because he was not well
(b) because he would scold him
12. Why did children call Mr. Lamb Lamey Lamb?
(c) because he talked too much
(a) because he stopped them from taking apples
(d) because she didn’t want him to stay with a
(b) he spoke rudely stranger
(c) they didn’t like him Ans :
(d) because of his broken leg in a bomb explosion (d) because she didn’t want him to stay with a
Ans : stranger
(d) because of his broken leg in a bomb explosion
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 523
i.e., woman, wealth and wine have taken the form garden. Other people look down upon weeds. But
of character. The person who has amassed heaps he looks upon weeds as living, growing plants like
of wealth is considered to be a man of character any other plant. He means to say that he does
than anything else. Have we ever given a ponder not hate Deny. He looks upon Deny as any other
to this evility ? The real causes of moral crises lies boys.
in the fact that we have degraded our moral and
social values. We are much hankering after the EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
western civilization. QUESTION 19.�
We are bent upon imitating the foreign 1. Read the following extract and answer the
culture. The joint family, the respect of elders, questions that follow.
fellow fellings, desire to help others, considering MR LAMB : Lamb’s my name. Mind the apples.
others on equal footings and respect of ladies etc Crab apples those are. Windfalls in the long grass.
have gone astray. Morality has gone and we are You could trip.
behind pragmatism. Materialism has empowered DERRY : I... there... I thought this was an empty
us and the strings of spiritualism are fast breaking place. I didn’t know there was anybody here....
up. In offices, schools, workshops, whether it MR LAMB : That’s all right. I’m here. What are
is private or public, work is hampered by the you afraid of boy? That’s all right.
bureaucrats. Files would not move unless it is DERRY : I thought it was empty... an empty
wheeled properly. We have no friction of time to house.
ponder over at our moral decay. We are turning (a) Complete the sentence appropriately.
opportunist without caring for leading a pious Mr Lamb is a handicapped man _____.
life. We believe in idleness and indisciplined life. (b) What kind of a person does Mr Lamb appear
It is all due to the crisis of character. There is to you after reading the above extract?
an urgent need to revive our system of education
(i) Kind and friendly
otherwise there will be a ‘jungle raaj’. We should
think positively, patiently and leave proceeding (ii) Caring and considerate
on wrong footings. (iii) Both (i) and (ii)
QUESTION 18. (iv) Selfish and talkative
18. Mr. Lamb has a different perspective of life ? How (c) Who is Derry?
does he explain that there are other important
(d) What is it that draws Derry to Mr Lamb in
things to stare at?
spite of himself?
Ans : 2017
Ans : 2015
Mr. Lamb is an old man. He is a man of wisdom.
He has many practical experiences of life. He (a) who has lost his leg in a bomb explosion
always sees the life in a positive view. He has a during the war.
different perspective of life. One day a young man (b) (iii) Both (i) and (ii)
named Derry enters his garden. Deny has an ugly (c) Derry is a fourteen-year old boy, who is
face and people avoid meeting him. Derry thinks disfigured and ugly because half of his face is
that people hate him. But People are afraid of burnt due to spilling of acid.
him. One side of his face is burnt. It got burnt (d) Mr Lamb was not scared of Derry’s burnt
by acid. His face looks ugly and so people avoid face. He wanted to be in his company and
him and hate him. Some people show as if they talk to him. He spoke in a friendly manner
do not mind his burned face. Yet Derry knows to Derry and inspired him to think positively.
that they try to avoid him. Mr Lamb tells Deny Thus, Derry got drawn to Mr Lamb.
that he does not hate him. He says that soon QUESTION 20.�
he will get ripe crab apples to make them into 2. Read the following extract and answer the
jelly. He asks Deny if he would help him to pick questions that follow.
apples. Deny thinks that like most other people, DERRY : You think... ‘Here’s a boy.’ You look
Mr Lamb is also trying to change the topic. But at me...and then you see my face and you think
Mr Lamb assures Deny that he really does not ‘That’s bad. That’s a terrible thing. That’s the
dislike him. The real worth of a person is not in ugliest thing I ever saw.’ You think, ‘Poor boy.’
his looks or outer appearance. His real worth is But I’m not. Not poor. Underneath, you are
in him. Mr Lamb says that there are weeds in his afraid. Anybody would be. I am. When I look in
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Ch 5 : On the Face of It
be worried. He tells his mother about his meeting with the philosophical views of Mr. Lamb. He
with Lamb. His mother does not want that he challenges the boy that he will never return to his
should go back to him. But Deny tells her that garden. On reaching home, he tells his mother to
Mr Lamb is a different man. He thinks that it get back to Mr. Lamb. On reaching the garden
is an opportunity that he should not miss. So he finds Mr. Lamb unconscious as he has fallen
he hurries back to Mr Lamb’s garden. When he from the ladder. This makes Derek cry hoarsely.
reaches the garden, he finds that Mr Lamb has His brief association with Mr. Lamb becomes a
fallen on the ground. He has fallen off a ladder. turning point in his life. He comes before us as a
He was trying to reach apples. Unluckily he fell messenger of universal brotherhood and empathy.
off. Deny finds that Mr Lamb is already dead. QUESTION 16.
This is a great shock to him. He weeps because he 16. Write a brief summary of the play.
has lost a true friend. Ans : 2005
QUESTION 15.� This is a play about a young boy Derry and an
15. With proper guidance, experience, optimism and old man, Mr Lamb. One side of Derry’s face got
positiveness, we can change the pulse and complex burned by acid when he was a child. He appears
of a man. Explain. Take help from the lesson “On ugly. When people look at him, they have mixed
the Face of It”. reactions. Some hate him and some think that
Ans : 2009 it is terrible. But most people avoid him. This
The story “On the Face of It” is a glaring rest attitude of people towards him has made Deny
of example wherein Derry (Derek) a small boy bitter. He thinks that people are afraid of him as
of fourteen suffers from an inferiority complex if he were a ghost. In turn, he also hates people
because of his ugly face, gets a new lease of life and avoids them. He wants to spend time in lonely
through a physically challenged old man named places where people would not stare at him. One
Mr. Lamb. He is a die-hard optimist and alters day, he reaches the garden of Mr Lamb. He goes
Derek’s view by sharing his experiences with the there thinking that there would be no one there.
boy. But he is surprised to see Mr Lamb. Deny wants
Derry sneaks into the garden of Mr. Lamb to run away. But Mr Lamb is a friendly person.
and says with pride, “I am not afraid but people He welcomes Deny. He speaks words of love and
are afraid of me”. He expects the reactions of Mr. hope. Deny is impressed. He goes to tell his mother
Lamb. On the other hand Mr. Lamb tells that he about Mr Lamb. But when he comes back, he finds
loves all the creatures made by God since nothing that Mr Lamb has fallen off a ladder while trying
is worthless. He tells that his one leg was blown to reach apples. Derry finds that Mr Lamb is dead.
off in the war and children tease him by calling His death makes Derry very sad.
“Lamey Lamb”, but he does not bother. He wants QUESTION 17.�
Derek to adopt the same attitude and to look at 17. The lesson is an apt depiction of the loneliness
the beautiful things in the world. He advises him and sense of alienation experienced by people
to think of those people who are worse than him. on account of a disability. Instead, we have been
He tries to stress the point that it is the attitude more attracted towards the free, indisciplined and
that shapes a man. He tells him the story of a so-called modernised way of living. It shows our
timid man and makes him understand that one’s insensivity and falling in character.
destiny can’t be altered with. Derek complains Write a paragraph on the topic “The Crisis of
about his mother and others as well for showing Character”, taking references from these facts.
indifference. At this juncture Mr. Lamb encourages Ans : 2021
Derek by saying–You’ll get on the way you want, The Crisis of Character
like all the rest. He could even be ‘better’ than all The word ‘Character’ has very wider implications.
the rest. He asks the boy to love all since hatred is It includes the moral and material qualities of
more dangerous and humiliating than acid. an individual which distinguish him from others
He tells Derek “Everything is yours if you very specifically. It recognises one’s reputation,
want”. Here Derek interrupts in case Mr. Lamb originality, strength, personality traits and
fell from the ladder and broke his neck he would worth. It has got invaluable worth but if it is
be on the grass and die for want of help. Mr. lost, everything is lost as the saying goes on. In
Lamb accepts his comments but says that people the modern materialistic environments we are all
will worry. Now Derek departs for his home losing our character and moral values. Three w’s
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 525
MR LAMB : Lord, boy, you’ve got two arms, two (i) Take some rest
legs and eyes and ears, you’ve got a tongue and a (ii) Make more friends
brain. You’ll get on the way you want, like all the (iii) Be more outspoken
rest. And if you chose, and set your mind to it,
(iv) Keep his ears shut
you could get on better than all the rest.
(c) What did Derry call cruel?
(a) What do Derry’s parents talk about him
when he’s not there? (d) What is wrong with Derry’s face?
Ans : 2005
(b) ‘With that on his face’. What does ‘that’ refer
to here? (a) acute sense of self-hatred and rejection
because of his burnt face.
(i) Pimples
(b) (iv) Keep his ears shut
(ii) Dimples
(c) Once Derry heard a woman whispering to
(iii) Pigmentation
another, “Look at that, that’s a terrible
(iv) Burnt scar thing. That’s a face only a mother could
(c) What is Mr Lamb trying to do by telling him love.” Derry calls it cruel of them because it
how blessed he is in life? indicates that no one except his mother could
(d) Will Derry get back to his old seclusion or will love it.
Mr Lamb’s brief association effect a change in (d) Derry had a burnt scar on his face which made
the kind of life he will lead in future? it look very ugly. People pass uncharitable
Ans : 2010 remarks. Those who have got a slight
(a) Derry’s parents talk about him when he’s not sympathy, they call him a poor boy.
there because they wonder what will happen
to him and how he will get on in this world
with the burnt-scar on his face. This shows
there concern for him.
(b) (iv) Burnt scar
(c) Mr Lamb is trying to make Derry be positive
in his life. He is trying to draw his attention
to the brighter side of his life.
(d) Derry had received a lot of positivity from
Mr Lamb, who encouraged him to live his life
on his own terms. He had motivated him so
much that he had come out of his inferiority
complex. So, he would not get back to his
seclusion.
QUESTION 24.�
6. Read the following extract and answer the
questions that follow.
MR LAMB : So you believe everything you hem;
then?
DERRY : It was cruel.
MR LAMB : Maybe not meant as such. Just
something said between them.
DERRY : Okay I heard it. I heard.
MR LAMB : And is that the only thing you ever
heard anyone say, in your life?
DERRY : Oh no! I’ve heard a lot of things.
MR LAMB : So now you keep your ears shut.
(a) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Derry suffers from an _____.
(b) Mr Lamb advised Deny to do something.
What was it?
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Ch 6 : Memories of Childhood
CHAPTER 6
Memories of Childhood
1. introduction the dining room. These were Indian girls in stiff
shoes and tight-fitting dresses. She felt ashamed
In this chapter two woman writers record their that the Indian girls were more indecently dressed
childhood memories. These women belonged to than she. She was made to walk in a line of other
the lower section of society. They describe the Indian girls. She did not know the table manners.
partial treatment given to them by the so-called A small bell rang. Her blanket had been removed
upper sections of society. The first is a native from her shoulders. She looked around. She was
American writer, Zitkala-Sa. She describes an feeling very uncomfortable. She pulled out her
event in her school where her hair were cut down. chair and sat on it and all others were standing
She came from a society where cutting of hair as they were waiting for the second bell. As she
of captured warriors was done. So the cutting began to rise, second bell rang. All slipped into
of hair signified being cowardly. She learnt that their respective chairs. She to sat back in her
in the school her hair would be cut. She decided chair. She was being watched very carefully by a
that she would not allow them to cut her hair. strange woman. She felt very miserable. The third
So she went into a room and hid herself under bell rang. Everyone picked up his knife and fork
a bed. But she was discovered, dragged out and and started eating. Cutting the Long Hair : Late
was subjected to hair-cutting. She cried a lot, in the evening her friend Zudewin gave Zitkala-
but could do nothing. In the second part of the Sa a terrible warning. She had overheard the
essay, Bama, a Tamil Dalit woman narrates her pale face woman talk about their long and heavy
childhood experience. She found that the people hair. Among her people, short hair was worn by
of her community were considered untouchables. mourners. Singled hair was worn by cowards.
She remembers an event where a man humbled Judewin requested her to submit and discussed
herself before the village elder because the man their fate. But Zitkala-Sa decided not to submit
was an untouchable. Her brother advised her to but struggle.
rise in life so that she would not be insulted. She
kept his advice in mind. She worked hard, got Shingling the Long Hair
higher education and became a famous writer. When no one noticed her, she crept up the stairs
and entered a large room. The windows were
covered with dark green curtains but she decided
2. summary to fight back. She got herself hidden in a dim
room under the bed. Everybody looked for her
PART-I
and called her name. The sounds came nearer and
THE CUTTING OF MY LONG HAIR - ZITKALA-SA nearer. Then women and girls entered the room.
They searched her every where. Then they bent
In the Breakfast Hall
and saw her under the bed. She was dragged out
Gertrude Simmons was taken to Carlisle
and carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair. She
Indian School where she felt her first day as an
faced extreme indignities. She cried and resisted
embarrassing one. It was the author’s first day
a lot until the cold blade of the scissors touched
in the land of apples. The ground was covered
her neck. At last she gave in and her long hair was
with snow and the trees were leafless. A large bell
shingled like a cowards. No one came to comfort
rang for breakfast in the morning. The sound of
her. She cried for her mother but none came to
the bell and the clatter of shoes were annoying
console her. Now she was only one of many little
to the sensitive ears. The narrator was becoming
animals driven by a herder.
tense and troubled. The girls were marching into
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 527
PART-II had amassed some money and the poor should
bow before them. They should not bow like this.
WE TOO ARE HUMAN BEINGS - BAMA
Her Brother’s Advice
Feeling the Untouchability
Bama’s elder brother was studying at a university.
Bama was a student of third class. She had not
He had come home for the holiday. He would often
yet heard people speak openly of untouchability.
visit the library to borrow books. On his way to
Certain small events of her life made her feel that
home one of the landlord’s men came up behind
she was an untouchable. The distance from her
him. He asked “Who are you, appa, what is your
school to home could be covered in ten minutes.
name ?” Annan told his name. Then the other
But she usually took half-an-hour to an hour to
man asked the name of the street where Annan
reach there. She watched all the fun and games
lived. This would help him to know the caste.
that were going on in the way. She walked very
Annan told all these things to Bama. He added
slowly and watched every scene, shop, snake
“Because we are born into this community, we
charmer, man padlling his cycle to win prizes and
are never given any dignity, we are stripped of all
so on. She liked to see the Maariyatta temple, the
that. But if we study and make progress, we can
Pongal celebrations the statue of Gandhi and the
throw away these indignities. So study with care
sweet am, snack stalls. Everything stopped her
and remain ahead in the class, people will come
and attracted her attention. She also stopped to
to you of their own accord and attach themselves
see the processions of the political parties, street
to you. Work hard and learn”. These words made
play or a puppet show or a stunt performance. All
a deep impression on the narrator. She devoted
these sights stopped her from going home Then
herself to her studies and stood first in the class.
she would see people selling vegetables, fruits and
Many people became her friends. Thus hard
sweets.
labour helped Bama fighting against inequality.
Scene of a Landlord
One day the narrator saw that a threshing floor
3. Word meanings
had been set up near her street. The landlord
sat there to watch every activity. The people of 1. Episode = event
her community were at work. They were driving 2. Marginalised = belonging to low caste
the cattle in pairs round and round to tread out 3. Reflect on = think about
the grain from the straw. She stood for a while 4. Mainstream = majority
to watch the fun. Just then she saw an elder of 5. Contemporary = living at the same time
their street coming along from the direction of 6. Triumphed = became victorious
the bazaar. He was carrying a small packet. It 7. Clatter = noise
contained something like vadai or green banana 8. Clinging = sticking
bhaji. He held it by its string, without touching 9. Moccasins = soft shoes
it. The elder went straight to the landlord. He 10. Immodestly = without grace
bowed low and extended the packet towards him. 11. Shyly = with shyness
The landlord opened it and started eating. On 12. Keenly = seriously
reaching home, she narrated the incident to her 13. Muttering = grumbling
elder brother Annan. But her brother was not 14. Venture = do something
amused. He explained that the man was from a 15. Warriors = soldiers
low caste and the landlord was from the upper 16. Captured = arrested
caste. Everybody believed that they would be 17. Mourners = those who mourn
polluted if touched by the low-caste people. 18. Cowards = cowardly people
19. Submit = yield, bend
Her Realization 20. Rebelled = revolted
This incident made her sad. She could not 21. Disappear = vanish
understand how they could get polluted. She was 22. Squeaking = make noise while walking
in a rebellious mood. She wondered why poor 23. Whither = where
people showed much respect and bowed before 24. Huddled = crouched
such cruel persons. She thought that they too 25. Peered out = looked out
were human beings. It mattered little that they 26. Stoop = bend
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Ch 6 : Memories of Childhood
(d) all of these (a) Carlisle Indian school
Ans : (b) Carlisle Indonesian school
(d) all of these
(c) Carlisle Western school
32. Why did Zitkala start crying at the dining table ? (d) Carlisle American school
(a) she didn’t like the food Ans :
(a) Carlisle Indian school
(b) she was a stranger
(c) because of eating by formula 38. What is Belfry?
(d) all of these (a) part of a bell tower (b) part of a silver tower
Ans : (c) part of a tower (d) part of a music tower
(c) because of eating by formula Ans :
(a) part of a bell tower
33. Why did Zitkala hide herself?
(a) to save herself 39. Which family did Bama belog to?
(b) to save herself from a woman (a) a rich family
(c) to save herself from other chidren (b) a poor catholic family
(d) to stop people from cutting her hair (c) A jewish family
Ans : (d) all of these
(d) to stop people from cutting her hair Ans :
(b) a poor catholic family
34. How did the scene in the market change Bama’s
life? 40. What had hurt Bama in the society?
(a) because of that she decided to study hard and (a) class students
stand against discrimination (b) Political plays
(b) she became fearful (c) Road shows
(c) she became stubborn (d) Practice of untouchability
(d) she was irritated Ans :
Ans : (d) Practice of untouchability
(a) because of that she decided to study hard and
stand against discrimination SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.�
35. What was the author’s original name?
1. Who was ‘Zitkala-Sa’ ? Where was she born ?
(a) Zitkala Ans : 2020
(b) Zitkala sa Zitkala-Sa is the pen name of Gertrude Simmons
(c) Zitkala Bama Bonnin, who was an American-indian woman.
(d) Gertrude Simmons Bonnin She was an extraordinarily, talented and educated
Ans : Native-American Indian woman. She suffered
(d) Gertrude Simmons Bonnin discrimination on the basis of her sex and nationality.
She struggled against all this. She wrote articles
36. What did the story showcase? criticising the dogma and evils of oppression. She
(a) Discrimination on the basis of casteism belonged to a marginalised community.
specially with Indians in western culture QUESTION 2.�
2. “I felt like sinking to the floor”, says Zitkala-Sa.
(b) difference of Indian and Western culture
When did she feel so and why ?
(c) views of minorities Ans : 2011
(d) none of these The Indian girls were marching in stiff shoes
Ans : and closely clinging dresses. The small girls wore
(a) Discrimination on the basis of casteism sleeved aprons and shingled hair. Zitkala Sa was
specially with Indians in western culture walking noiselessly in her soft moccasins. A pale
faced woman was watching her. Her blanket had
37. What was the name of the school where Zitkala
been stripped from her shoulder. Therefore, she
studied?
felt like sinking to the floor then.
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 529
out her hair. Instead of submitting she resists and Ans :
she is overpowered in the end. When she is mature (b) Zitkala-Sa and Bama
enough she mocks the school, the whites and the 2. What does the story present?
prejudices of the whites through her writing. In
(a) An autobiography of a man
the same way Bama is much inspired by the words
(b) An autobiography of the author
of her brother. He labours hard and stands first in
the class. Ultimately people come to her of their (c) An autobiographical episode from the lives of
own accord. Thus the seeds of rebellion have been two women
sowed by the circumstances in these two ladies (d) None of these
and they attain a commendable success. Ans :
QUESTION 3.�
(c) An autobiographical episode from the lives of
3. Bama’s experience is that of a victim of the caste- two women
system. What kind of discrimination does Zitkala-
3. What are the names of the two women?
Sa’s experience depict ? What are their responses
to their respective situations ? (a) Zitkala Sa a Native American and Bama
Ans : Tamilian Dalit
Bama’s experience is based on the evil ridden (b) Ba and Ma
caste-system in India where the poor are exploited (c) Zitkala and Sa
and the low caste people are forced to face the (d) Annan and Bama
racial discriminations by the hands of the upper Ans :
class people. The girl is deeply shocked, troubled, (a) Zitkala Sa a Native American and Bama
tensed and provoked on seeing untouchability Tamilian Dalit
by the people of high caste. The people of low
caste bow and work for their masters. They have 4. What advice did Annan give to Bama?
to carry a food packet by the thread without (a) to go away from the place
touching it. Her brother Annan inspires and (b) to leave the house
advises her to work hard to attain quality. She (c) to study hard and progress to rise above all
acts upon his advice and people start coming to shackels of indignity
her of their own accord.
(d) All
The other woman Zitkala-Sa faces humiliation
Ans :
and discrimination through the whites since they
(c) to study hard and progress to rise above all
force her to follow their own culture, tradition
shackels of indignity
and rituals, etc. She is overpowered to shingle
out her hair. She severely resists and wants to 5. Who was Zitkala Sa?
maintain the dignity of her community. But she (a) A tamilian (b) A protester
is made a little animal driven by a herder. This
(c) A native American (d) None of these
is a very shameless act of racial discrimination.
Ans :
Thus both the women Bama and Zitkala–Sa
(c) A native American
highlight the exploitation of racial discrimination,
untouchability and oppression of marginalised 6. What did Zitkala Sa find?
communities. They fight and raise their voice (a) discrimination against native American
against this social evil and get triumph. culture and women
(b) her dignity was in danger
5. other important questions (c) women were in danger
(d) all of these
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE QUESTIONS
Ans :
1. Who is the author of the lesson ‘Memories of (a) discrimination against native American
childhood’ ? culture and women
(a) Emily Brontë 7. What did the cutting of long hair of Zitkala Sa
(b) Zitkala-Sa and Bama symbolise in the lesson?
(c) Charles Dickens (a) subjection to the rulers
(d) None of these (b) her wish to dominate
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Ch 6 : Memories of Childhood
(c) her wish to get justice (b) running away is the only way out to solve the
(d) her wish to look modern problem
Ans : (c) keeping quiet is the only way to solve the
(a) subjection to the rulers issue
(d) none of these
8. Who is Bama’s brother?
Ans :
(a) A boy (b) A young boy (a) Education is the only way to break the chains
(c) Annan (d) None of these of caste system
Ans :
(c) Annan 15. What did Zitkala mean by Eating By Formula?
(a) Set pattern of sitting
9. How much time did Bama take to reach home?
(b) set pattern of standing in lines
(a) 2 hours (b) 3hours
(c) set pattern of rules
(c) 4hours (d) 1 hour
(d) set pattern of eating decorum
Ans :
Ans :
(d) 1 hour
(d) set pattern of eating decorum
10. What is the meaning of childhood memories?
16. Why did Zitkala not like her hair cut?
(a) memories with a child
(a) because her mother told her that mourners
(b) memories of the times spent with a child and cowards keep such hair.
(c) memories of olden times (b) she liked long hair
(d) memories formed during childhood period (c) she wanted different style
Ans :
(d) she didn’t like anyone to touch her hair
(d) memories formed during childhood period
Ans :
11. Why did Bama reach home in one hour in place (a) because her mother told her that mourners
of 10 minutes? and cowards keep such hair.
(a) she was watching shows on the road 17. Who told Bama that untouchability is a crime?
(b) she was stopping at every shop (a) her mother (b) Zitkala and Sa
(c) she was enjoying all fun on the roads (c) her sister (d) Her brother Annan
(d) all of these Ans :
Ans : (d) Her brother Annan
(d) all of these
18. What comic incident did Bama mention to her
12. What did Zitkala Sa feel when her long hair was brother?
cut? (a) a man bringing vadas for his landlord by
(a) oppression and victimization holding the vada packet by a string.
(b) relaxed (b) a man bringing vadas in a basket
(c) happy and delidhted (c) a man bringing vadas in a tiffin
(d) None of these (d) all of these
Ans : Ans :
(a) oppression and victimization (a) a man bringing vadas for his landlord by
holding the vada packet by a string.
13. What was Bama victim of?
(a) gender prejudice (b) violence 19. Which community does Bama belong to?
(c) child abuse (d) caste system (a) rich
Ans : (b) Untouchable low caste
(d) caste system
(c) Brahmins
14. What did Annan tell Bama? (d) None of these
(a) Education is the only way to break the chains Ans :
of caste system (b) Untouchable low caste
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 531
20. What is the meaning of untouchability? 26. “I felt like sinking to the floors” why did Zitkala
(a) segregating a minority from the mainstream feel so?
social group (a) because her blanket was stripped off from her
(b) not to touch anyone shoulders and she felt uncomfortable
(c) keep distance from (b) because she didn’t like her short hair
(d) none of these (c) because she didn’t like her dress
Ans : (d) because she felt cold
(a) segregating a minority from the mainstream Ans :
social group (a) because her blanket was stripped off from her
shoulders and she felt uncomfortable
21. Why did Zitkala find Eating by formula a hard
trial? 27. What did Judewin tell Zitkala?
(a) because of her inability to follow the bell taps (a) A new dress is comimng
(b) because of too many rules (b) she will meet her mother
(c) because of restrictions (c) she will go to a new place
(d) none of these (d) her hair would be cut
Ans : Ans :
(a) because of her inability to follow the bell taps (d) her hair would be cut
22. What attracted Bama in the street? 28. How did Bama earn respect of the people of
(a) the cyclist (b) monkeys higher class?
(c) Pongal offerings (d) all of these (a) by shopping
Ans : (b) by spending money
(d) all of these (c) by studying hard and earning first position in
her class
23. Why did Zitkala feel oppressed in her new
establishment? (d) all of these
Ans :
(a) because of indignities shown to her
(c) by studying hard and earning first position in
(b) because she didn’t like the place her class
(c) she wanted to be with her mother
(d) none of these 29. What sort of shows attracted Bama?
Ans : (a) shows by jugglers
(a) because of indignities shown to her (b) shows by monkeys
(c) shows by shopkeepers
24. When did Bama first come to know of social
discrimination? (d) shows by political people
Ans :
(a) when she was in class 1
(d) shows by political people
(b) when she was in class 3
(c) when she was in class 2 30. Why was Zitkala in tears on her first day in the
(d) when she was in class 4 land of apples?
Ans : (a) because of new environment
(b) when she was in class 3 (b) cultural differences
(c) eating by formula and cutting of her hair
25. Why did the Landlord’s man ask Bama’s brother
on which street did they live? (d) all of these
Ans :
(a) to know his class
(d) all of these
(b) to know his background
(c) to know his work 31. What was common between Bama and Zitkala?
(d) to know his caste (a) belonged to minority
Ans : (b) victims of cultural differences
(d) to know his caste (c) were struggling because of class
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Ch 6 : Memories of Childhood
QUESTION 13.�
Ans : 2011, 2010
13. Why was Zitkala-Sa terrified when Judewin told Zitkala-Sa was forcibly dragged out under the
her that her hair would be cut short ? bed. She was brought downstairs and was tied
Ans : 2010
in a chair. She cried a lot and went on shaking
Zitkala-Sa’s friend Judewin told her that her long her head. She felt the blades of scissors against
and heavy hair would be cut short. Zitkala-Sa had her head. She heard them cut off one of her thick
been told by her mother that the hair of a coward braids. She lost her spirit and stopped struggling.
or mourner are cut. Therefore, she got terrified. She moaned for her mother. Nobody came
QUESTION 14.�
to console her. She felt herself as one of many
14. Why did Zitkala-Sa resist the shingling of her little animals driven by a herder. She felt much
hair? indignation in life.
O QUESTION 18.
Why was Zitkala-Sa go averse having her hair 18. How were Zitkala-Sa’s hair cut?
cut? Ans : 2019
Zitkala-Sa hid under a bed. She heard voices
O
calling her name. But she did not come out. Then
Why did Zitkala-Sa not want her hair to be cut
she heard the footsteps in the room. She was
short?
found out. They dragged her out and fastened to
Ans : 2014, 2011
a chair. She started crying. But nobody cared for
The people of Zitkala-Sa’s tribe had an age-long
her weeping and her hair were cut down.
tradition to maintain their long, shining and
QUESTION 19.�
beautiful hair. Their mothers taught them that
19. The lesson depicts two different accounts of two
only the warriors or the other people who had
distinct cultures. Write down the commonality of
died, their ladies must get their hair shingled out.
theme between the two.
Short hair was worn by the mourners and the
Ans : 2022
shingled hair by the cowards. So Zitkala Sa did
The first account refers to a bitter prejudice
not want her hair to be cut short.
against the native Americans by the White
QUESTION 15.
skinned European settlers. They treated them as
15. How did Zitkala-Sa try to escape from having her
herds of animals. Zitkala-Sa fought against this
hair cut?
evel of discrimination. In the second account,
Ans : 2014
Bama, a Tamil Indian belonging to the Dalit
Zitkala-Sa did not like that her hair should be
community felt perturbed to see the upper caste
cut. She decided to protest against it. She tried
people treating the Dalit’s in a humiliating
to save her hair. So she went into a room. There
manner. Though the culture are different yet
she hid under a bed. But she was found out and
there is a commonality of racial prejudice. Side
her hair were cut.
QUESTION 16.�
by side both use a pen name in their writings.
16. How did Zitkala-Sa try to prevent the shingling
QUESTION 20.�
20. What makes you agree that the seeds of rebellion
of her hair ?
Ans : 2008
against injustice are sowed early in life ?
Ans : 2005
When Zitkala-Sa knew that the authorities were
The children by nature are sensitive and go on
cutting her hair, she decided to struggle. She
noticing as well as experiencing what they think
escaped quietly upstairs and entered into a dim
is wrong or unjust. They may be weak physically
large room duly covered with curtains. She hid
but emotionally they are quite awake and alert.
herself under a bed. In the hall her name was
They feel perturbed on seeing in justice. When
being called time and again but she did not come
they grow up, they stand up in open rebellion
out. All started making her deep search. After all
against the oppressor. Zitkala Sa and Bama are
they found her hidden under a bed. They dragged
the current examples of this type.
her out and tied her to the chair. She opposed,
QUESTION 21.
cried, argued and went on shaking her head but
21. Why did Bama take about thirty minutes to reach
they cut off her thick braids.
home from school?
QUESTION 17.�
Ans : 2013
17. How did Zitkala-Sa feel after her long hair had
Bama, a Tamil Dalit writer, narrates her childhood
been (was) cut ?
experiences. At that time she was studying in the
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 533
QUESTION 3.
Zitkala-Sa was watching carefully all this. She saw
3. How was Zitkala-Sa constantly irritated by the
three boys of her tribe coming at the same way.
noises around her?
Ans : 2007
They were feeling as uncomfortable and troubled
Zitkala-Sa remembers her first day at school. like Zitkala-Sa.
She was full of fear as well as expectation. She
QUESTION 8.�
8. What the indefnities that Zitkala-Sa had to suffer
loved peace and tranquility. But there were noises
for being from a maginalized community?
around her. The breakfast bell produced a jarring
Ans : 2018
sound. There was constant clatter of shoes on the
Zitkala-Sa was a Native American Indian. She was
bare floor.
QUESTION 4.�
forcebly taken away from home and brought to
4. What does Zitkala-Sa mean by “Eating by the Land of Apples there. There the things were
Formula”? Explain the formula. different. She was treated like an animal and there
Ans : 2012
was home to comfort her. She felt humiliation like
“Eating by Formula”, Zitkala-Sa means a set a coward and she was tossed around like a wooden
pattern of eating. Accordingly there goes a long puppet for cutting her hair.
bell and the children move in lines to the dining
QUESTION 9.
9. What was the metaphor Zitkala-Sa uses for
room. Then there goes another small bell and all
herself?
the pupils will draw a chair from under the table.
Ans : 2009
After that there goes the third bell. It signals
Zitkala-Sa used for herself a metaphor of simile.
all to sit on their respective seats. Then a man
She says that when her hair was cut she was only
addresses them. After the talk, another bell goes
one of many animals driven by a herder.
and the eating will start.
QUESTION 10.�
QUESTION 5.�
10. Why was the girl tied to a chair in ‘Memories of
5. How were the Indian girls dressed and how did
Childhood’ ?
Zitkala-Sa compare her dress with other girls ?
Ans : 2017
Ans : 2008
Zitkala-Sa tells about her first day in school. She
The Indian girls were in stiff shoes and closely
had long hair. According to the culture of the
clinging dresses. The small girls wore sleeved
whites they wanted to cut her long hair. But she
aprons and shingled hair. On her first day Zitkala-
refused to obey their decision. She was dragged
Sa was not yet in school dress. She was wearing
out and tied fast with a chair for cutting her hair.
soft flat shoes and the loose clothes of her tribe.
She resisted but all in vain.
Without her blanket on the shoulders, she was
QUESTION 11.�
feeling shy. For other school girls, Zitkala-Sa.
11. What were the Zitkala-Sa’s experience on her first
thought it immodest to dress like than.
day in the land of apples ?
QUESTION 6.
Ans : 2015
6. How did Zitkala-Sa behave in the breakfast hall?
Zitkala-Sa was a Native American Indian. She was
Ans : 2015, 2009
forcibly taken away from home and brought to the
The children gathered round a table. A bell rang
Land of Apples. There things were quite different
and they took out chairs. Zitkala-Sa also took out
from what she used to see in her atmosphere of
the chair and sat on it. But everyone was still
peace and tranquillity. She were moccasins and
standing. So she got up. Then the bell rang and
wrapped shawl round her shoulders. In the land of
all of them sat on the chairs. Now she also sat
Apples, all had to wear squeating hard shoes that
down. Then the third bell rang. Now every one
scrapped on the floor. Her shawl was taken away
picked up his knife and fork and began eating.
from her. She was shocked to see the other Native
She found a paleface woman was staring at her.
QUESTION 7.�
American girls dressed in tight fitting clothes.
QUESTION 12.
7. How did the girls and the boys enter the dining
12. Why did Zitkala-Sa not like her hair to be cut?
room? Who did Zitkala-Sa watch for among the
Ans : 2020
boys ?
In the society from where the author has come,
Ans : 2022
it was taboo to cut hair. Only the hair of the
When the girls were entering in the dining room,
captured soldiers were cut. The cutting of hair
they were placed in a separate line. The boys and
was considered a sign of cowardice. So she did not
the girls were coming from the different doors.
like her hair to be cut.
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Ch 6 : Memories of Childhood
27. Dragged out = pulled out Ans :
28. Resisted = protested Both the episodes in this unit highlight the
29. Scratching = wounding by nails despise, racial discrimination, and unhealthy
30. Gnaw off = cut down treatment towards the humanity in general and
31. Braids = hair women in particular. The first account relates
32. Indignities = insults to an American Indian woman who becomes the
33. Anguish = agony victim of racial discrimination. She is admitted
34. Moaned = groaned to a school where native Indians do not get
35. Herder = cowherd dignity, respect, honour and due weightage in
36. Humiliated = insulted America. She is forced by the whites to follow
37. Dawdle = wander their traditions and traits. Simmons, the girl, is
38. Entertaining = amusing dragged out and tied to a chair to shingle out her
39. Oddities = strange things long hair. She cries, struggles, kicks, resists, shows
40. Displayed = exhibited reluctance and she ultimately feels like one of the
41. Offerings = presents many animals driven by a herder.
42. Lemur = a kind of animal In the second episode, Bama, a girl from
43. Harangue = deliver speech Tamil Dalit-community is very upset to
44. Stunt = daring act experience the curse of untouchability. The elders
45. Tumbler = drinking glass of her community have to bow low before the
46. Chopping = cutting upper caste. They have to work hard for them.
47. Tether = tie Such people do not get respect and honour. Both
48. Lollies = sweets the women are from marginalised communities
49. Slung = hung having two different cultures. They struggle hard
50. Ledge = slab and they work against exploitation, oppression,
51. Muzzle = cover of snout untouchability and racial discrimination.
52. Elder = respectable old man Ultimately their efforts get recognition. They
53. Shriek = cry have used pen-names in their writings.
QUESTION 2.�
54. Extended = stretched
2. It may take a long time for oppression to be
55. Cupping = folding hands
resisted, but the seeds of rebellion are sowed early
56. Comic = ludicrous
in life. Do you agree that injustice in any form
57. Funny = amusing
cannot escape being unnoticed even by children?
58. Disgusting = contemptuous
Write your opinion with mention of the value to
59. Provoked = excited
cursed in the lesson.
60. Meekly = humbly
Ans :
61. Infuriated = very angry
It is a very common feature among the children
62. Petty = mean
that they notice even the slightest actions of their
63. Errands = perform small tasks on order
elders, surroundings and other people. They do
64. Wages = workman’s pay
not reconcile with their fate but become rebel as
65. Community = part of society
and when they get chance. They swell out to raise
66. Dignity = respect
their voice and bring changes in the prevalent
67. Stripped = deprived
traditions. In reality they are more sensitive,
68. Impression = imprint
receptive and understand every injustice done
69. Frenzy = craze
to them and their elders. This is the age when
70. Urged = inspired
the seeds of rebellion are sowed. With the help
of their courage, will-power, hard work, strong-
4. ncert textbook questions determination and far-sightedness, these seeds
flower. In this unit one can notice such qualities
of two women.
READING WITH INSIGHT One is the Native American Indian by the
QUESTION 1.�
name of Simmons. She is oppressed, exploited
1. The two accounts that you read about are based and man-handed by the whites in Carlisle Indian
on two distinct cultures. What is the commonality School. She wants to maintain her dignity, honour
of theme found in both of them? and identity by not allowing the whites to shingle
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 535
third class. It was possible for her to reach home sound of the gong instilled in her a sense of being
from school in ten minutes. But she often enjoyed captive. She felt as if she was being robbed of her
the scenes on the way and it took her about thirty identity and dignity.
minutes to reach home. QUESTION 26.�
QUESTION 22.� 26. Who is Bama ?
22. Now I was only one as many little animals driven Ans : 2007, 2005
by a herder. Why did Zitkala–Sa feel to ? Bama is a Tamil Dalit woman. Bama is the pen
Ans : 2018 name. She suffered the discrimination of the
Zitkala-Sa was an American native Indian. It was society due to her lower caste. She fought against
the custom of her caste to wear long and heavy it. She wrote many articles and books. She has
hair among the ladies and girls. She wanted to written an autobiography, a collection of short
maintain her dignity and cultural identity. But stories and a novel.
the cruel whites shingled out her hair and she QUESTION 27.
became a victim of racial discrimination. Her 27. How does Bama describe the coffee clubs and
long and beautiful hair was shingled out against other sites on the way from school to her home?
her wish. She felt that she was one of the little Ans : 2020
animals driven by a herder. There were coffee clubs in the bazaar. The waiter
QUESTION 23.� cooled the coffee in an interesting way. He lifted a
23. Why was Zitkala-Sa in tears on the first day in tumbler high and poured its contents into another
the land of apples ? tumbler which he held in the other hand. There
was an almond tree also on the way. There were
O
a number of fruit stalls which sold different fruits
What does Zitkala-Sa remember about her first
available according to the season.
day in the land of apples ?
QUESTION 28.�
Ans : 2014, 2012, 2011
28. What Were the articles in the stalls and shops
Zitkala-Sa had an unpleasant experience on her
that fascinated Bama on her way back home from
first day in the land of apples. She felt as though
school ?
her identity and dignity had been torn apart. The
Ans : 2013
imposed discipline violated her sense of freedom.
Bama took thirty minutes to reach her home from
She felt confused and embarrassed on healing the
school though she could be there in ten minutes.
bell because of diversified table manners and the
In the way she- used to see dancing monkeys,
bell system. According to the culture of the white,
snake-charmers, vegetable sellers, shops, political
she had to obey their decision. She was in deep
processions, pedalling the cyclists and so on. She
tears when dragged forcibly under the bed. The
kept a strict watch on all the items that came in
worst and final blow to her self-respect was when
her way.
her hair was cut and shingled making her feel like QUESTION 29.�
a coward. 29. Why did Zitkala-Sa hide herself ?
Ans :
QUESTION 24.
2016
24. What scenes did Bama see one day while coming
When Zitkala-Sa knew that authorities were
home from school?
bound to act her hair. She escaped quietly
Ans : 2010
upstairs. She entered into a dim room fully
One day, she saw a performing monkey. She also
covered with curtains. She hid herself under a bed
saw a snakecharmer with a snake. There was a
because she did not shingle out her hair as it was
cyclist who had been performing the cycling feat
a bad custom.
for three days. She saw the Maariyaata temple. QUESTION 30.
There was sweet stall by statue of Gandhi. There 30. How does she describe the scene of threshing ?
was a hawker selling clay beads and instruments Ans : 2010
for cleaning out the ears. One day, when Bama came to her street from
the school. She saw that a threshing floor had
QUESTION 25.�
25. How did Zitkala-Sa react to the various sounds
been set up. The landlord sat in one corner and
that came when the large bell rang for breakfast ?
watched the proceedings. The people of the
Ans : 2012
writer’s coming were hard at work. They were
The various unpleasant and unfamiliar sounds
driving cattle in pairs round and round and the
seemed cacophony to Zitkala-Sa’s ears. The
grain was being threshed.
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Ch 6 : Memories of Childhood
floor. Her shawl was taken away from her. But snakes. This scene troubled her very much. She
she was shocked to see the other Native American told that an old man was carrying the packet in
girls immodestly dressed in tight fitting clothes. a funny manner by holding with the strings then
Here she was annoyed by the shattering noises the man bowed down and offered him the snakes.
of the breakfast bell and scraping of hard shoes. This scene troubled her very much. He told her
She was not aware of the eating rituals there. A that they were treated as untouchables and that
small bell rang and all pulled out their chairs and people thought that if they touched anything or
Zitkala-Sa did the same but sat down on it. There any person it would become impure.
all were standing. This embarrassed Zitkala-Sa. Bama was angry on hearing this. Her brother
She tried to rise but there chimed another bell. further told her that the only way to get out of
All sat down. There she heard the voice of a man. this situation was to study and become educated.
She turned herself to see him. She saw everyone Once, they are educated no one would ask their
bowing their heads on their plates. When the caste.
man stopped his mutterings, a third bell rang. This changed Bama life. She started studying
All picked up their forks and knives. They started hard and always topped her class. Later on in life
eating. Instead of eating Zitkala-Sa felt nervous she became a famous writer.
and cried. This eating by formula was a hard trail QUESTION 6.
for her. 6. Describe the different things which Bama saw
QUESTION 4. while coming home from school.
4. Describe the scene where Zitkala-Sa’s hair was Ans : 2007
cut? Bama, a Tamil Dalit writer, narrates her
Ans : 2009 childhood experiences. At that time she was
Zitkala-Sa’s first day at the school was horrifying. studying in the third class. It was possible for
At first she felt miserable at the breakfast table. her to reach home from school in ten minutes.
Later in the day, one of her friends, Judewin told But she often enjoyed the scenes on the way
her that their long hair would be cut short. In the and it took her about one hour to reach home.
society from where the author has come, it was One day, she saw a performing monkey. She also
taboo to cut hair. Only the hair of the captured saw a snake-charmer with a snake. There was a
soldiers were cut. So the cutting of hair was cyclist who had been performing the cycling feat
considered a sign of cowardice. She decided that for three days. She saw the Maariyaata temple.
she would not let them cut her hair. She would There was sweet stalls by statue of Gandhi. There
rebel against that rule. She went into a room. was a hawker selling clay beads and instruments
There she hid under a bed. She heard voices for cleaning out the ears. Often the people from
calling her name. But she did not come out. Then various political parties gathered there and gave
she heard the footsteps in the room. She was speeches when the time for elections came near.
found out. They dragged her out and fastened to There were street plays or puppet shows or a ‘no
a chair. She started crying. But nobody care for magic no miracle’ stunt performance. There were
her weeping and her hair was cut down. She cried coffee clubs in the bazaar. The waiter cooled the
but no one came to her help. coffee in an interesting way. He lifted a tumbler
QUESTION 5.� high and poured its contents into another tumbler
5. How did the scene, she saw in the market place which he held in the other hand. On the way some
change Bama’s life ? people sat in front of shops and chopped onions.
O There was an almond tree also on the way. There
For a long time we have been treating certain were a number of fruit stalls which sold different
castes with a prejudice. What did Bama see which fruits available according to the season.
made her realise this injustice? QUESTION 7.�
Ans : 2017, 2015
7. How did Annan advise his sister Bama regarding
Since long we have been witnessing evil treatment untouchability and what was its effect on her ?
of people with the people of lower castes. This Ans : 2021
is grave in justice to the living being. The story After returning home, Bama narrated the funniest
under reference specifies an incident that Bama scene of an elder man holding the package by the
told to her brother by holding with the strings. strings. She told that the man bowed down and
Then the man bowed down and offered him the brought snacks to the fellow who just sat there
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 537
Ans : 2007 Ans : 2014
An elder man (an untouchable) was carrying Bama was a student of third class. She had not
a package of Vadais. He held it by the strings yet heard people speak openly of untouchability.
without touching it. He bowed to the landlord Certain small events of tier life made her feel that
and extended the package towards him. He also she was an untouchable. The distance from her
cupped his hands holding the string with his other school to home could be covered in ten minutes.
hand. The landlord took the package. But she usually took half-an-hour to an hour to
QUESTION 40. reach there. She watched all the fun and games
40. Where had the author’s brother been studying? that were going on in the way.
Why did he go to the neighbouring village? She walked very slowly and watched every
Ans : 2016, 2007 scene, shop, snake-charmer, man padlling his
The author’s elder brother, Annan, had been cycle to win prizes and so on. She liked to see
studying at the university. He had come home for the Maariyatta temple, the Pongal celebrations,
the holidays. He had often to go to the library in the statue of Gandhi and the sweet and snack
neighbouring village to borrow books. stalls. Everything stopped her and attracted her
QUESTION 41.�
attention. She also stopped to see the processions
41. How does Bama rise above indignities? of the political parties, street play or a puppet
Ans : 2012
show or a stunt performance. All these sights
‘Bama’ was a Tamil Dalit woman. She suffered a stopped her from going home. Then she would see
lot of humiliations because she belonged to a lower people selling vegetables, fruits and sweets.
caste. People of high class thought and treated QUESTION 2.
her as “Untouchable”. As per advice given by 2. Describe Zitkala-Sa’s first experience at her
her brother, she worked hard in her studies and school.
stood first to gain friends. People came round her. Ans : 2010
Throughout her life she fought against the evil of Zitkala-Sa remembers her first day at school.
caste system and untouchability. She was full of fear as well as expectation. The
QUESTION 42.
children were taken to a hall for breakfast. She
42. Why did the villager ask Annan in which street was new and did not know to behave at such
he lived? assemblies. The children gathered round a table.
Ans : 2019
A bell rang and they took out chairs. The author
One day, when Annan was on the way, he came took out the chair and sat on it. But everyone was
across one of the landlord’s men. When her brother still standing. So she got up. Then the bell rang
told him his name, he asked him in which street and all of them sat on the chair. Now the author
he lived. By knowing the name of the street, he also sat down. She looked at other children. But
would know to which caste he belonged. all the other hung down their heads over their
QUESTION 43.�
plates. But she found that the others were not
43. What advice did Annan pass on to ‘Bama’ for eating. Then the third bell rang. Now every one
better results ? How did it change her course of picked up his knife and fork and began eating.
life ? She found a paleface woman was staring at her.
Ans : 2008
She felt herself odd among them. So she started
Annan was a university student. Bama had told
weeping.
him about the scene that she saw about one of QUESTION 3.�
the elders of her caste. Annan advised her that 3. Write down Zitkala -Sa’s experience on her first
education was the only thing. It can bring them day in the Land of Apples. Why did she feel
respect and recognition in the society. He said embarrassed ?
“If they studied and made progress, they would Ans : 2018
be able to throw away the indignities from the Zitkala-Sa was a Native American Indian. She
society.” Bama studied hard and stood first. was forcibly taken away from home and brought
Many people became her friends. to the Land of Apples. There the things were
quite different from what she used to see because
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1.�
she had lived in an atmosphere of peace and
1. What activities did Bama witness on her way tranquillity. She wore moccasins and wrapped
back home from school ? shawl round her shoulders. Here every body had
to wear squeaking hard shoes that scraped on the
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Ch 6 : Memories of Childhood
But if they could make progress, they would be EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
able to throw away all that humiliation and earn QUESTION 1.�
respect. He advised his sister to study with care 1. Read the following extract and answer the
and learn all she could. If she forges ahead in life. questions that follow.
people would respect her. The author never forgot The first day in the land of apples was a bitter-
those words of her brother. She worked hard and cold one; for the snow still covered the ground,
stood first in the class. She earned the respect of and the trees were bare. A large bell rang for
her classmates. Later, she became a very famous breakfast, its loud metallic voice crashing through
writer. the belfry overhead and into our sensitive ears.
QUESTION 12.� The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors gave
12. Hard work, positive attitude and honest labour us no peace. The constant clash of harsh noises,
can bring rewarding results of success. Keeping with an undercurrent of many voices murmuring
in view as a model the story of Bama, prepare an unknown tongue, made a bedlam within which I
a speech about the morning assembly of your was securely tied. And though my spirit tore itself
school encouraging students to work hard with in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless.
dedication and sincerity to realise their goals. (a) What does Zitkala-Sa remember about her
Ans : 2006
first day in the land of apples?
Importance of Hard Work (b) A large bell rang for breakfast, its loud
Respected Principal, worthy teachers and my metallic voice crashing through the belfry
dear friends, I Anu Mishra of XII-A is presenting overhead and into our senses. This shows that
my views on the importance of hard work in life. I _____.
hope you will give me a patient hearing. (i) the ringing of the bell was not noisy
All know that all possess a deep desire to
(ii) large bell that rang for breakfast was
excel but we have never pondered why success
deafening
includes a few? The answer is hidden behind the
(iii) sound of the large bell was very sweet
degree of hard labour we put in honestly. Has not
Bama done much the same thing? (iv) the bell did not disturb Gertude
Seeing discrimination against the (c) Zatkala-Sa was forced to get her hair cut
untouchables, she was deeply infuriated over it. against her will. Therefore, _____.
She detested the idea of the people of her caste (d) How did Zitkala-Sa react when the large bell
doing petty errands for the upper caste people. rang for breakfast?
She discussed the matter with his university Ans : 2016
brother who in turn, advised her to study hard (a) Zitkala-Sa remembers that here was a rigid
because....”if we study and make progress, we discipline imposed on the children. The teachers
can threw away these indignities.” He further were emotionless and rigid. The entire school
instructed her to work hard and learn. His worked in a monotonous mechanical way. So, it
words left a lasting impression on her mind and was the most unpleasant day for her.
she stood first in the class. Consequently, many (b) (ii) large bell that rang for breakfast was
people became her friends as well as the blind deafening
followers. Her hard labour helped Bama fighting
(c) she felt her freedom was lost.
against the sin of inequality.
In the same way thousands of scientists, (d) The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors
academicians and other are doing hard work and disturbed the peace. There was a constant
drawing conclusions and then repeat the same clash of harsh noises and an undercurrent of
process a number of time to attain desired results. many voices murmuring an unknown tongue.
Thus it is the honest labour that always pays off. All these sound made a bedlam out of which
If we want to progress and desire to earn name Zitkala-Sa wanted to have her freedom.
and fame, we are supposed to work laboriously QUESTION 2.�
with honest efforts. We have to dedicate ourselves 2. Read the following extract and answer the
towards the welfare of the nation. questions that follow.
Thanking you. All were seated at last, and I had to crawl back into
my chair again. I heard a man’s voice at one end
of the hall, and I looked around to see him. But all
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 539
and ate greedily. This made Bama much angry. Such kind of despite, racial discrimination, and
She thought that they were also human beings like unhealthy treatment towards the humanity do not
other human beings. She was of the view that they gain praise on any account. In this lesson, both
should work, get wages and leave it after that. Zitkala and Bama belongs to the marginalised
Bama’s elder brother, Annan was a university community. Zitkala became the victim of getting
student. He had come home for the holidays. her shingle out and there she felt like a lamb
He told Bama that they were born into the driven by a herder. On the other hand Bawa was
community of untouchables. They were never much upset on seeing the curse of untouchability.
given honour, respect, recognition and dignity. The elders of her community had to ban before
He advised her if they worked hard and studied the upper caste. They had to work hard for them
with care, they can go a long way. They can shun and thus had no respect.
out all discrimination and other caste inequalities QUESTION 10.�
since all are human beings. He encouraged Bama 10. What oppression and discrimin-ation did Zitkala-
to study hard to gain dignity and friends. His Sa and Bama experience during their childhood?
words had a magical effect on her. She stood first How did they respond to their respective
in her class and many people became her friends. situations?
QUESTION 8. Ans : 2020
8. How did Bama learn about untouchability? How Zitkala-Sa was a victim of social and cultural
did she feel about it? oppression by the victors who had overpowered
them by their sheer strength. They were prejudiced
O
towards Native American culture and women.
What was the scene that first amused Bama but
They adopted force and oppression to compel
then filled her with anger and revolt?
Ans : 2014
the natives to shed their age-old traditions and
One day. she came to her street from the school. customs. The cutting of the long hair of Zitkala-
She saw that a threshing floor had been set up. Sa is a symbol of their oppression. She opposed
The landlord sat in one corner and watched the this prejudice and oppression by rebelling against
proceedings. The people of the writer’s coming it. She protested with all her strength.
were hard at work. They were driving cattle in Bama was a victim of caste system. She had
pairs round and round and the grain was being seen, felt and experienced the evils of untouchability
threshed. Suddenly, the writer saw a big man when she was studying in the third standard. She
holding a paper bag by the strings and carrying felt humiliated by what it was. She struggled hard
it high. There was vadai or bhajji in it. The man against this social discrimination. She studied hard
seemed funny. Then he came to the landlord, and topped in her class. Many students became
bowed low and extended the packet to him. He her friends.
folded the hands while still holding the strings. The Thus, both Zitkala-Sa and Bama fought
landlord opened the packet and started eating the the existing circumstances with courage
vadais. Seeing all this Bama was amused. When and determination and ended the prejudice,
she came borne, she told her elder brother, this discrimination and oppression.
QUESTION 11.
funny incident. But her brother said that it was
11. How could the dalits throw away humiliation and
not funny. The big man was untouchable. The
earn respect, according to Bama’s brother?
upper caste men did not allow the dalits to touch
Ans : 2013
the packet. So he held it by the strings. When the
Bama’s elder brother, Annan, had been studying
author heard it she felt very sad and angry. An
at the university. He had come home for the
important elder of her community had to bring
holidays. He had often to go to the library in
snacks for the landlord and bow before him.
neighbouring village to borrow books. One day,
QUESTION 9.�
when he was on the way, he came across one of
9. In India, the so-called lower castes have been
the landlord’s men. When her brother told him
treated cruelly for a long-time. Who advised
his name, he asked him in which street he lived.
Bama to fight against this prejudice, when and
By knowing the name of the street, he would
how ?
Ans : 2017
know to which caste he belonged. Later, Annan
Since long it has been a common factor that told Bama that they were born into a low caste
people of lower castes are treated inappropriately. so they were never given any honour or respect.
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Ch 6 : Memories of Childhood
QUESTION 31.� QUESTION 35.�
31. When did Bama first come to know of the 35. Untouchability is not only a crime, it is inhuman
social discrimination faced by the people of her too. Why and how did Bama decide to fight
community ? against it?
Ans : 2017 Ans : 2017
One day while returning home from school, Bama Untouchability is not only a serious crime but
saw an elder carrying a small packed held by its also in human in nature. We should express due
string. He was holding it out so as not to touch it. respect since every life is precious. Castes have
There seem to be vadais in the packet because it been created by the mankind himself but we must
was stained with oil. It was a funny scene because not forget that all are the sons and daughter of the
that way the packet could get undone and the same almighty. In her earlier life, Bama has seen
vadais could fall out. She felt bad that people had hatred and torture of landlords over the people of
to bow and work so hard for their masters. This her community. She has felt a severe pain in her
thought of social discrimination deeply infuriated nerves. She has turned rebellious but her brother
her. Annan advised her study and make progress
which could throw away all the indignities careful
QUESTION 32.�
study and remaining a head in the class, could
32. How did Bama feel when Annan told her about bring a deeper recognition. These words had a
untouchability ? deeper, impression on her.
Ans : 2012
QUESTION 36.
Bama was restless to see harsh treatment for 36. What did Bama’s brother tell her about her caste?
the Dalits at the hands of upper class. It was Ans : 2022
disgusting to consider some human beings as Her brother told her that the elder man was
untouchables. She realised that these people do untouchable. The upper caste men did not allow
all the chores for the upper caste people. After all the dalits to touch the packet. So he held it by the
they were human beings and all look similar. It strings. When the author heard it she felt very
was cruel to look some as inferiors and others as sad. An important elder of her community had to
superiors. She hated this discrimination. bring snacks for the landlord and bow before him.
QUESTION 33.
QUESTION 37.�
33. What did Bama have to say about untouchability? 37. Why did the landlord’s man ask Bama’s
Ans : 2021
brother, on which street he lived? When was the
Bama saw a big man holding a paper bag by the significance ?
strings and carrying it high. There was vadai Ans : 2010
or bhajji in it. The man seemed funny. Then he While on his way home from the library, one day
came to the lindlord, bowed low and extended one of the landlord’s men saw Annan. Thinking
the packet to him. He folded the hands while him to be unfamiliar, he asked his name and the
still holding the strings. The landlord opened the street where he lived on. By this he would be able
packet and started eating the vadais. to know his caste. In those days the Dalits were
QUESTION 34.�
confined to the particular vicinity of the area.
34. Which words of her brother made a deep QUESTION 38.
impression on Bama? 38. What advice did Bama’s brother give her for
O getting respect from the society?
What advice did Annan offer Bama? Did she Ans : 2020
follow it? Annan told the author that they were born into
Ans : 2014, 2011 a low caste, they. were never given any honour
Annan advised Bama to study hard and learn all or respect. But if they could make progress, they
she could since education was the only thing to can throw away all those insults. He advised the
do away with all inequalities. Through education author to study with care and learn all she could.
she would be able to throw away the indignities. If she forges ahead in life, people would respect
He inspired her to study hard and stand first in her. The author never forgot those words of her
her class. She did the same and attained repute. brother.
Many people became her friends. Bama paid head QUESTION 39.�
to his advice. 39. How did the man offer the packet of ‘vadais’ to
the landlord ?
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CBSE chapterwise QB Class 12 English Core page 541
the others hung their heads over their plates. As they are strong,” I rebelled.
I glanced at the long chain of tables, I caught the (a) What does “eating by formula” mean?
eyes of a paleface woman upon me. Immediately I (b) “Late in the morning, my friend Judewin gave
dropped my eyes, wondering why I was so keenly me a terrible warning.” The terrible warning
watched by the strange woman. The man ceased was that the pale face woman would
his mutterings, and then a third bell was tapped.
(i) invite zitkala and Judewin at her house
Every one picked up his knife and fork and began
for dinner
eating. I began crying instead, for by this time I
(ii) cut the long, heavy hair
was afraid to venture anything more.
(iii) bob their hair for good look
(a) Complete the following sentence appropriately.
Zitkala-Sa was Native American who was sent (iv) suggested new haircut method
to the Carlisle Indian school at the young age. (c) Zitkala-Sa objected to the cutting of the hair
The pale-face woman stared _____. because in her community _____.
(b) I had to crawl back into my chair again. This (d) How did Zitkala-Sa try to avoid the loss of
means _____. her long hair?
(i) at the breakfast table, Zitkala-Sa sat Ans : 2009
comfortably. (a) “Eating by formula” means there was a
(ii) Zitkala-Sa was familiar with the specific eating time fixed in the school for
surroundings. children. At that time children had to gather
with the ringing of bell.
(iii) she found some empty places near the
table. (b) (ii) cut the long, heavy hair.
(iv) she had no other way but to crawl back (c) cutting of hair was considered inauspicious
into her chair again. and undignified.
(c) Explain “I began crying instead.” (d) In order to avoid the cutting of her hair,
(d) Whom is Zitkala-Sa symbolic of? Zitkala-Sa, crept up the stairs and hid herself
Ans : 2018
under a bed in a corner place in an open
room. But she was found and dragged out.
(a) at Zitkala-Sa with an angry look
QUESTION 4.�
(b) (iv) she had no other way but to crawl back 4. Read the following extract and answer the
into her chair again questions that follow.
(c) When a man tapped the third bell in the When I was studying in the third class, I hadn’t
school, everyone picked up his knife and yet heard people speak openly of untouchability.
fork and began eating. But, Zitkala-Sa was But I had already seen, felt, experienced and been
so confounded by the unfamiliarity of her humiliated by what it is.
surroundings that she began crying. I was walking home from school one day, an
(d) Zitkala-Sa is symbolic of all the Native old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was actually
American women who were exploited at the possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But
hands of their masters. usually it would take me thirty minutes at the
QUESTION 3.�
very least to reach home. It would take me from
3. Read the following extract and answer the half an hour to an hour to dawdle along, watching
questions that follow. all the fun and games that were going on, all the
But this eating by formula was not the hardest entertaining novelties and oddities in the streets,
trial in that first day. Late in the morning, my the shops and the bazaar
friend Judewin gave me a terrible warning. (a) Why did Bama take thirty minutes to reach
Judewin knew a few words of English; and she had home?
overheard the paleface woman talk about cutting
(b) ‘I hadn’t yet heard people speak openly of
our long, heavy hair. Our mothers had taught us
untouchability.’ This means Bama _____.
that only unskilled warriors who were captured
(i) never heard of open discussion on
had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among our
untouchability
people, short hair was worn by mourners, and
shingled hair by cowards! (ii) has already experienced it
We discussed our fate some moments, and (iii) had previous knowledge about it
when Judewin said, “We have to submit, because (iv) heard about it in the school
Downloaded From www.mcqgpt.com
Ch 6 : Memories of Childhood
(c) ‘I was walking home from school one day, (b) (ii) pain of untouchability
an old bag hanging from my shoulder.’ This (c) study and make progress to throw away the
means that Bama was a _____. indignities.
(i) low-caste girl (d) The theme of the extract is racial
(ii) village schoolgirl discrimination and the inhumane attitude
(iii) rich girl towards women in society.
(iv) foreign girl
QUESTION 6.�
6. Read the following extract and answer the
(d) What does ‘all the novelties and oddities’ questions that follow.
indicate? When I heard this, I didn’t want to laugh any
Ans : 2005
more, and I felt terribly sad. How could they
(a) Because she watched the fun and games believe that it was disgusting if one of us held
throughout the way. that package in his hands, even though the vadai
(b) (i) never heard of open discussion on had been wrapped first in a banana leaf and then
untouchability parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry
(c) (ii) village schoolgirl that I wanted to touch those wretched vadais
(d) It indicates Bama’s interest in snake charming. myself straight away. Why should we have to fetch
QUESTION 5.�
and carry for these people, I wondered. Such an
5. Read the following extract and answer the important elder of ours goes meekly to the shops
questions that follow. to fetch snacks and hands them over reverently,
After I had watched all this, at last I went home. bowing and shrinking to this fellow who just sits
My elder brother was there. I told him the story there and stuffs them into his mouth. The thought
in all its comic detail. I fell about with laughter of it infuriated me.
at the memory of a big man, and an elder at (a) How did Bama react on learning about
that, making such a game out of carrying the untouchability?
parcel. But Annan was not amused. Annan told (b) ‘I felt so provoked and angry.’ This reveals
me the man wasn’t being funny when he carried that Bama was provoked and angry because
the package like that. He said everybody believed she _____.
that they were upper caste and therefore must (i) was desperate to catch vadais
not touch us. If they did, they would be polluted.
(ii) could herself not tolerate the
That’s why he had to carry the package by its
discrimination
string.
(iii) was aggressive to attack the landlord
(a) Why was Annan not amused when Bama told
him about the funny incident of an big man (iv) was ready to fight against the exploitation
carrying a packet of eatables by its string? (c) The common thing between Zitkala-Sa and
(b) “If they did, they would be polluted.” This Bama is _____.
indicates the _____. (d) What details of the inhuman behaviour of
(i) effect of untouchability the upper castes were given to Bama by her
brother?
(ii) pain of untouchability
Ans : 2015
(iii) exploitation of upper caste
(a) Bama became sad on listening how the upper
(iv) errands of upper caste people caste people behaved towards low cost persons
(c) Bama’s brother advised her to _____. like them. She felt provoked and angry.
(d) What is the theme of the extract? (b) (iv) was ready to fight against the exploitation
Ans : 2007
(c) they belonged to the oppressed community.
(a) Annan was not amused when Bama told him (d) Annan, Bama’s elder brother, told her that
the incident of a big man carrying a packet they belonged to a lower class and were
of eatables by its string because he knew that considered as untouchables. They were denied
the man belonged to a low caste because dignity, respect or honour in society.
of which he couldn’t even touch the packet
of food especially if it was to be given to
someone from a high caste family.
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Downloaded From www.mcqgpt.com
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