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English LL 10th

The document is a comprehensive question bank for CBSE English Language and Literature for Class 10, compiled from the previous 20 years of exam papers. It is published by Nodia and Company and is available for purchase online. The book aims to assist students in their exam preparation by providing a structured collection of past questions.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)

2K views806 pages

English LL 10th

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CBSE 2026
ENGLISH
Language and Literature

CLASS 10

Chapter-wise Question Bank

Based on Previous 20 Years 63 Papers

NODIA AND COMPANY

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CBSE English Class 10 Question Bank
Edition April 2025
Copyright © By Nodia and Company

Information contained in this book has been obtained by author, from sources believes to be reliable.
However, neither Nodia and Company nor its author guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any
information herein, and Nodia and Company nor its author shall be responsible for any error, omissions,
or damages arising out of use of this information. This book is published with the understanding that
Nodia and Company and its author are supplying information but are not attempting to render
engineering or other professional services.

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MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SOCIAL

STANDARD BASIC SCIENCE
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Class 10 Class 10 Class 10 Class 10

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE
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POLITICAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 10 Class 10 Class 10
Class 10

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE
20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank
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ARTIFICAL
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CLASS 11
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CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE
20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank
2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers)
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MATHEMATICS PHYSICS CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY BIOTECHNOLOGY

Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE
CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE CHAPTERWISE
20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank 20 Years PYQ Bank
2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers)
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COMPUTER
SCIENCE ACCOUNTANCY ECONOMICS BUSINESS
STUDIES
APPLIED
MATHEMATICS
Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

ENGLISH HINDI ENGLISH HINDI

CORE CORE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE GEOGRAPHY
Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

History POLITICAL
SCIENCE SOCIOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY
HOME
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ARTIFICIAL INFORMATION
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2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers)
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MATHEMATICS PHYSICS CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY BIOTECHNOLOGY

Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

COMPUTER
SCIENCE ACCOUNTANCY ECONOMICS BUSINESS
STUDIES
APPLIED
MATHEMATICS
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

ENGLISH HINDI ENGLISH HINDI

CORE CORE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE GEOGRAPHY
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

History POLITICAL
SCIENCE SOCIOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY
HOME
SCIENCE
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

ARTIFICIAL INFORMATION
MASS MEDIA
STUDIES
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY AGRICULTURE
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12
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2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers) 2025-2005 (54 Papers)
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MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SOCIAL

STANDARD BASIC SCIENCE
SCIENCE
Class 9 Class 9 Class 9 Class 9

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

POLITICAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 9 Class 9 Class 9
Class 9

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

ARTIFICAL
HOME INTELIGENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY
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Contents
Section A : Reading Skills
CBSE Examination Paper 2025 5-14
CHAP 1. Discursive Passage 15-64
CHAP 2. Case Based Factual Passage 65-111

Section B : Writing Skills and Grammar

CHAP 1. Tenses 112-130
CHAP 2. Modals 131-141
CHAP 3. Subject-Verb Concord 142-150
CHAP 4. Reported Speech 151-164
CHAP 5. Determiners 165-180
CHAP 6. Integrated Grammar 181-201
CHAP 7. Formal Letter 202-230
CHAP 8. Analytical Paragraph 231-251

Section C : Literature
First Flight – Prose Section
CHAP 1. A Letter to God 252-277
CHAP 2. Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom 278-302
CHAP 3. Two Stories About Flying 303-335
CHAP 4. From the Diary of Anne Frank 336-359
CHAP 5. Glimpses of India 360-391
CHAP 6. Mijbil the Otter 392-415
CHAP 7. Madam Rides the Bus 416-438
CHAP 8. The Sermon at Benares 439-458
CHAP 9. The Proposal (Play) 459-484

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First Flight – Poetry Section
CHAP 1. Dust of Snow 485-496
CHAP 2. Fire and Ice 497-505
CHAP 3. A Tiger in the Zoo 506-518
CHAP 4. How to Tell Wild Animals 519-528
CHAP 5. The Ball Poem 529-540
CHAP 6. Amanda! 541-554
CHAP 7. The Trees 555-565
CHAP 8. Fog 566-571
CHAP 9. The Tale of Custard the Dragon 572-588
CHAP 10. For Anne Gregory 589-598

Supplementary Reader : Footprints Without Feet

CHAP 1. A Triumph of Surgery 599-621
CHAP 2. The Thief’s Story 622-641
CHAP 3. The Midnight Visitor 642-659
CHAP 4. A Question of Trust 660-674
CHAP 5. Footprints without Feet 675-693
CHAP 6. The Making of a Scientist 694-711
CHAP 7. The Necklace 712-732
CHAP 8. Bholi 733-755
CHAP 9. The Book that Saved the Earth 756-772

********

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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025

CBSE Examination Question Paper 2025

Class-X
English (Language and Literature)
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions :
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2 The Question Paper contains THREE sections -
Section A : Reading Skills
Section B : Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section C : Literature Textbook
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION-A (20 Marks) than just curriculum development. It provides the

possibility of a transformational reconstruction.
(READING SKILLS)
(3) UNICEF reports show that children under the
1. Read the following text: [10] age of eight represent the highest percentage of
(1) Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is affected population in today’s global emergencies.
now high on the international agenda and ESD A UNESCO survey has shown that the ministries
is seen as a way to encourage greater sustainable of education, environment and sustainable
consumption and production, to counter the effects development in 97 UN member states identify
of climate change, address threats to biodiversity poverty as the highest priority area to be addressed
and provide more effective disaster risk reduction. in achieving sustainable development. In fact,
Education for Sustainable Development is seen reductions in poverty and inequality are widely
by UN as a lifelong process from early childhood recognised as the priority in efforts to create a
to higher and adult education and goes beyond more sustainable world. At a global level, millions
formal education. As values, lifestyles and of children start school carrying the handicap that
attitudes are established from an early age, the comes with the experience of malnutrition, ill-
role of education is of particular importance for health and poverty. Yet, equitable access to high-
children! ESD has often been associated with quality pre-school programmes remain a problem
curriculum projects linked with recycling; energy in both rich and poor countries. Sustainable
and water conservation; pollution reduction development projects that enable rapid progress
and sustainable consumption - all developed to in maternal health, child nutrition and survival
contribute towards achieving a more sustainable already exist, even in some of the world’s poorest
future. countries. Linking health and education agenda
has been recognised as extremely important.
(2) Research from developmental psychology,
longitudinal studies, social-cultural analysis, and Answer the following questions, based on the passage
neuroscience have all shown that it is in the early above:
years that children have the greatest capacity to
i. Complete the following with a suitable explanation
learn, and it is in these years that many of our
with reference to paragraph (1). [1]
fundamental attitudes and values are first put
ESD is now high on the international agenda
into place. Children are already investigating
because_____.
issues related to recycling, energy conservation,
waste disposal and changes in their local ii. Based on the given passage, How does UN view
environment. ESD in Early Childhood Care and ESD as a lifelong process? What are the critical
Education (ECCE) is of great significance. The areas of emphasis? (Paragraph 1) [2]
development of ESD and ECCE requires more

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page 6 CBSE CLASS 10 english Chapterwise PYQ

iii. List two curriculum projects that ESD (Education 2. Promoting eco-friendly consumption and
for Sustainable Development) has been linked production
with. (Paragraph 1) [1] 3. Increasing understanding of climate change,
protecting biodiversity, and reducing disaster
iv. Complete the following suitably: [2] risks effectively.
Many of our fundamental attitudes and values iii. 1. Recycling and conserving energy
are put into plan in the early years as _____. 2. Reducing pollution and promoting responsible
(Paragraph 2) consumption
iv. children are quick to learn and are already
v. Substitute the underlined word with the correct
exploring environmental topics, such as recycling
word from paragraph (2): [1]
and waste management.
ESD in Early Childhood Care and Education
v. (A) positive change
provides the possibility of transformational
The underlined phrase “transformational
reconstruction.
reconstruction” refers to making meaningful and
(A) positive change
lasting improvements. In paragraph (2), ESD
(B) power to reform
(Education for Sustainable Development) in early
(C) negative impact
childhood is described as helping shape values,
(D) creative
attitudes, and lifestyles from a young age, leading
vi. What do UNICEF reports reveal about the to positive change. Hence, option (A) correctly
vulnerability of children under the age of eight matches the meaning.
during global emergencies? (Paragraph 3) [1] vi. (C) UNICEF reports show that children under
(A) UNICEF reports highlight the resilience of the age of eight represent the highest percentage
children under the age of eight during global of affected population in global emergencies.
emergencies. UNICEF reports reveal that children under eight
(B) UNICEF reports indicate that children under are the most vulnerable during global emergencies.
the age of eight are rarely affected by global They make up the largest percentage of the
emergencies. affected population, facing serious risks to their
(C) UNICEF reports show that children under the health, safety, and development.
age of eight represent the highest percentage vii. Getting fair access to quality pre-school programs
of affected population in global emergencies. is still a challenge in both wealthy and less
(D) UNICEF reports suggest that children under affluent countries. It’s also been recognized as
the age of eight are primarily responsible for very important to connect health and education.
responding to global-emergencies. viii. informative and analytical

vii. What remains a problem in both rich and poor 2. Read the following text : [10]
countries? (Paragraph 3) (1) Electric vehicles (EV) market is growing rapidly
What has been recognised as crucial? [1] all over the world. In India also the EV market
has gained significant momentum. It has grown
viii. Complete the sentence with the correct response:
more after the implementation of FAME (Faster
The writer’s tone in the passage is _____. [1]
Adoption and Manufacture of Hybrid and Electric
Ans Vehicles) scheme in 2015 by Ministry of Heavy
i. it’s seen as a method to promote eco-friendly Industry and Public Enterprises.
ways of consuming and producing goods, help (2) Electric vehicles are solutions to be independent
slow down climate change, protect biodiversity, and free from imported energy resources.
and reduce disaster risks effectively. Electric cars can bring a major change to India
ii. The United Nations views Education for in becoming self-sustainable. EV could also be
Sustainable Development (ESD) as a process that the alternative to decrease carbon dioxide gas.
starts when children are very young and continues Carbon dioxide from automobiles is one of the
throughout their lives, including higher and adult causes of air pollution.
education. It goes beyond just regular school
(3) An EV can be used for flexible load, for
lessons. The main goals are :
standardizing the grid with substantial share
1. Teaching values, ways of living, and attitudes
of fluctuating renewable energy generation. EV
from an early age

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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025

emits 30-80% less greenhouse gas when compared vi. Read the given prompt and select the correct
with Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle. option in the brackets to fill in the blank :
EVs do not consume any energy when it is EV could be the alternative to _____ (enhance/
stationary as compared to ICE vehicles where reduce) the carbon dioxide gas emission. [1]
fuel is consumed when it is idle. EV is recognised
as promising alternatives to vehicles and will vii. Give evidence from the passage to show that
potentially replace ICE vehicles in the near future. government is encouraging the use of Electric
Vehicles. [1]
(4) The electric vehicles have low emissions, high
efficiency and smooth operation. The energy viii. Complete the sentence suitably :
consumption and emissions for plug in hybrid The result of the implementation of FAME (Faster
electric vehicles found that compared to gasoline Adoption and Manufacture of Electric vehicles) is
vehicles there is 37.5% less energy consumption _____. [1]
and 35% less greenhouse gas emissions.
The government have started financial policies to ix. Complete the following with a suitable reason :
encourage EV adoption; however, decision makers The long-term perspective by decision makers is
have to plan a long-term perspective to get them to ensure _____. [1]
implemented efficiently. Ans
Answer the following questions, based on the passage i. (B) It has developed very quickly
above : The phrase “gained significant momentum”
means that the electric vehicle (EV) market has
i. What does the phrase ‘gained significant
grown or progressed at a fast pace. It shows rapid
momentum’ in paragraph (1) tell us about the
development and increasing interest or activity in
impact of EV market? [1]
this sector.
(A) It is momentarily important
ii. (A) Both the Assertion and Reason are true
(B) It has developed very quickly
and the Reason is the correct explanation of the
(C) It has gained profit
Assertion
(D) It has to develop a significant market
Electric vehicles (EVs) have the potential to bring
ii. Select the option that is true for the Assertion a major change to India by reducing dependency
and Reason given below : [1] on imported fuels and promoting clean energy.
Assertion : Electric vehicles can bring a major This supports the goal of making India self-
change to India. sustainable. So, both the assertion and the reason
Reason : It can bring India to becoming self- are true, and the reason correctly explains the
sustainable. assertion.
(A) Both the Assertion and Reason are true and iii. 1. EVs produce 30-80% fewer greenhouse gases
the Reason is the correct explanation of the in comparison to ICE vehicles.
Assertion 2. EVs do not use energy while stationary,
(B) Both the Assertion and Reason are true but whereas ICE vehicles continue to consume
the Reason is not the correct explanation of fuel when idle.
the Assertion iv. inactive
(C) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false v. Electric vehicles run on electricity, which can be
(D) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true. produced locally from renewable sources. This
means we don’t have to rely as much on energy
iii. Give two benefits of using Electric vehicles over imported from other countries.
Internal Combustion Engine vehicles. [2] vi. reduce
vii. Financial plans have been put in place to
iv. With reference to the passage, the word ‘idle’ in encourage people to use electric vehicles.
paragraph (3) most nearly means _____. [1] viii. the electric vehicle market in India is growing
v. How do electric vehicles contribute to diminishing very fast.
a country’s reliance on imported energy? [1] ix. in the long run, decision makers aim to put electric
vehicles into practice effectively and have them
widely accepted, helping to build a sustainable
future.

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page 8 CBSE CLASS 10 english Chapterwise PYQ

SECTION-B (20 Marks) In reported speech, the verb tense usually shifts
(GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS) back. Since Simran originally said, “Sounds
interesting,” it changes to “sounded interesting”
GRAMMAR [10] in reported form to match the past tense of the
narration.
3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following
tasks, as directed : [10×1=10] v. Select the option that identifies the error and
supplies the correction for the line given below: [1]
i. Complete the newspaper report by using the
He usually ate breakfast before he goes to school.
correct form of the verb given in the bracket: [1]
He was a renowned business person. He _____ Options Error Correction
(purchase) a house in the city last year.
(A) usually always
Ans : purchased
(B) ate eats
ii. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option (C) before after
to complete the concluding part of an article on
‘Exploitation of Children’. [1] (D) goes went
It _____ (may/should/could) be our concerted Ans : (B) Error - ate, Correction - eats
effort not to employ children in industries and to
save them from any kind of exploitation. vi. Report the dialogue between a teacher and a
Ans : should student by completing the sentence: [1]
Teacher : Good morning! Today, we’re going to
iii. Read the given line and identify the error. Also learn about the importance of trees. They play a
provide with the correct word. [1] vital role in our ecosystem. Can you think of any
Mobile phones has become an integral part of life. other reasons?
Error Correction Student : I pledge to plant some trees this
weekend.
The student understood the importance of trees
Ans : and added that he _____.
Error Correction Ans :
promised to plant a few trees over that weekend.
has have
vii. Identify the error and supply correction for the
iv. Take a look at the conversation between two given sentence talking about importance of a
friends Riya and Simran discussing a book that ‘Sound Sleep’. [1]
one of them has recently read. [1] Sleep is important in maintain one’s health and
Riya : The book really caught my attention. It’s well being.
called ‘Eternal Echoes’. Use the given format for your response:
Simran : Sounds interesting! I’ll definitely add it to Error Correction
my reading list. Thanks for the recommendation!
Select the correct option to complete the reporting
of the above dialogue. Ans :
Riya told Simran about the book called Eternal Error Correction
Echoes that had captured her interest. Simran,
in response, expressed that it _____ and in to
mentioned that she would consider reading it.
(A) sound interesting viii. Complete the given narrative, by filling the blank
(B) sounded interesting with the correct option: [1]
(C) will be interesting When they began to play it _____ to rain.
(D) was found to be interesting (A) start
Ans : (B) started
(B) sounded interesting (C) starts
(D) having started

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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025

Ans : (B) started CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS [10]

The sentence is in the past tense (“When they Note : All details presented in the questions are
began to play”), so the verb in the second part imaginary and created for assessment purpose :
should also be in the past tense. Therefore, “it
started to rain” is the correct choice. Option (B) 4. Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given
fits the sentence grammatically and logically. below :
(A) You are Raashi/Rahul of Simargarh, Himachal
ix. Fill in the blank choosing the most appropriate
Pradesh. Write a letter in about 100-120 words
option: [1]
to the Municipal Commissioner of the city
The teacher distributed a piece of paper to
drawing attention to the unattended condition of
_____ student.
the public parks in your town. They are poorly
(A) few (B) all
maintained with garbage strewn and pools of
(C) many (D) each
stagnant water. Give suggestions on how the
Ans : (D) each parks can be maintained. [5]
The sentence refers to giving one piece of paper Ans :
to every individual student. The word ”each” is
House No. 12, Green Meadows,
used when talking about individual members of a
Simargarh, Himachal Pradesh – 172xxx
group. So, the correct sentence is: ”The teacher
Date: April 9, 2025
distributed a piece of paper to each student.”
To,
x. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, The Municipal Commissioner,
to complete the line given below: [1] City of Simargarh,
Oral hygiene _____ be inculcated in children Simargarh, Himachal Pradesh
early in life. (should, would) Subject : Request for Improved Maintenance of
Ans : should Public Parks
Respected Sir/Madam,
xi. Complete the given sentence by selecting the I am Raashi from Simargarh, Himachal
correct option: [1] Pradesh. I am writing to draw your attention to
The information given here _____ to all the the poor condition of the public parks in our town.
products in this section. The parks are not maintained properly; garbage
(A) apply (B) applied is strewn all over, and stagnant water collects in
(C) is applied (D) applies several areas. This not only spoils the beauty of
our community but also poses health risks.
Ans : (D) applies
I suggest initiating regular cleaning drives,
The subject “information” is singular, so the ensuring timely garbage collection, and installing
verb must also be in singular form. “Applies” is effective drainage systems. Involving local
the correct present tense verb that agrees with residents in maintaining the parks could also help
the singular noun “information.” Therefore, the improve their upkeep.
correct sentence is: “The information given here Thank you for your prompt attention.
applies to all the products in this section.” Yours faithfully,
xii. Identify the error and supply correction for the Raashi
following sentence. [1] O
Be the changes you want to see in the world.
Use the given format for your response : (B) You are Bela/Baloo of Palanpuri. You recently
Error Correction visited a ‘craft mela’. You were delighted to see the
diversity of handicrafts, handlooms and cultural
fabric of India. However, you were dismayed that
Ans : not many people were there to encourage the
Error Correction artisans. Write a letter to the editor in 100-120
words, expressing your views on the situation and
changes change the need to support indigenous art and craft. [5]

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page 10 CBSE CLASS 10 english Chapterwise PYQ

Ans : without long delays, and better broadband means

House No. 15, Shanti Nagar, that people in remote areas can enjoy the same
Palanpuri, Himachal Pradesh – 175XXX opportunities as those in cities. Overall, this
Date: April 9, 2025 approach not only reduces the digital gap but also
To, makes society more inclusive and boosts India’s
The Editor, economic development.
Hindustan Times,
O
Palanpuri, Himachal Pradesh
(B) Read the given details of the different activities
Subject: Support for Indigenous Art and Craft
that interest children in the age group of 14-17
Dear Editor,
years.
I recently visited a craft mela in our region
• dance, music, art
and was delighted to see the diverse range of
• outdoor sports like cricket, hockey, basketball,
handicrafts, handlooms, and the rich cultural
soccer, tennis
fabric of India on display. However, I was
• computer games
dismayed by the low turnout at the event, which
• net surfing
left many talented artisans without the support
• social media
they deserve. It is vital to encourage our local
Analyse the details and write an analytical
artists as they play a key role in preserving
paragraph in about 120 words about the
our heritage and promoting indigenous skills. I
suitability of the given activities. Focus on factors
urge the community to attend such events and
like interest, physical, mental and emotional
appreciate the unique craftsmanship, ensuring
development, personality development, and
these valuable art forms thrive.
suitability. [5]
Yours sincerely,
Ans :
Bela
Teenage Activities and Growth
5. Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given Engaging in various activities plays an important
below : role in the overall growth of children aged 14-
(A) Today, many projects in India are being initiated 17. Creative activities boost their imagination,
and implemented with the aim of transforming while sports improve fitness and build endurance,
India into a digitally empowered society and and digital activities enhance cognitive skills and
economy. quick reflexes. However, digital activities can
[Digital India Program] sometimes lead to isolation or even addiction
IT – Jobs if not managed well. For example, sports help
e – governance build physical stamina, arts develop patience,
e – Kranti Electronic Delivery of Services and gaming sharpens reaction speed. Overall, a
Broadband for all – Urban and Rural balanced mix of creative, physical, and digital
Information for all. activities is key to ensuring that young people
Write an analytical paragraph of 100-120 words develop both mentally and physically, leading to
based on the given information. [5] well-rounded growth and better well-being.
Ans :
Digital India Program SECTION-C (40 Marks)
The Digital India program is designed to build (LITERATURE TEXT BOOK)
a society that is digitally advanced. It works
step-by-step by first improving the physical 6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions
infrastructure, such as expanding broadband for ANY ONE of the two given :
connections to both urban and rural areas. Then, A. “Paper has more patience than people. I thought
it introduces e-Governance systems, which make of this saying on one of those days when I was
government services easier and faster for everyone feeling a little depressed and was sitting at home
to use. Lastly, the program focuses on creating IT with my chin in my hands, bored and listless,
jobs, helping to grow the economy by encouraging wondering whether to stay in or go out. I finally
a knowledge-based industry. For example, stayed where I was, brooding : Yes, paper does
e-Governance helps people access services have more patience, and since I’m not planning

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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025

to let anyone else read this stiff backed notebook bringing with it an immediate refusal and a
grandly referred to as a ‘diary’, unless I should frightened exclamation from the economical
ever find a real friend, it probably won’t make a clerk.”
bit of difference.” (The Necklace)
(From the Diary of Anne Frank)
i. What can we infer about Matilda’s emotions
i. In light of the excerpt, what can we infer about and financial situation based on her husband’s
the speaker’s emotional state? [1] reaction and her response to not having a dress
for the affair? [2]
ii. The narrator enhances the narrative technique of
the extract by using : [2] ii. Which of the following is NOT a reason for
(A) descriptive language Matilda’s distress in the extract? [1]
(B) literary allusions (A) She has no suitable dress for the affair.
(C) humour (B) She is upset about her husband’s reaction.
(D) reflective (C) She is worried about the cost of a suitable
costume.
iii. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the (D) The card did not bear her name.
bracket : [1]
The narrator doesn’t plan to let anyone read iii. What did Matilda suggest that her husband do
her diary as she doesn’t have any real _____. with the card? [1]
(friend/incidents)
iv. In the given extract what does the term ‘economic
iv. Why does the narrator say that ‘paper has more clerk’ imply? [1]
patience than people’ ? [1] Ans :
Ans : i. Matilda felt very upset and struggled to keep her
i. We can tell that Anne was feeling very down, emotions under control. She didn’t have enough
bored, and without energy. She was lost in money to buy a nice outfit for the event, which
thought and seemed quite sad. made her feel sad. She was never happy with her
ii. (A) descriptive language life and always dreamed of living in luxury. This
The narrative effectively uses vivid descriptive deeply upset M. Loisel.
language, allowing us to clearly picture her lonely ii. (D) The card did not bear her name.
state and the scene around her, which enhances Matilda is upset because she has no appropriate
our understanding of her emotions. dress for the event and is worried about the
iii. friend expense of buying one. Her distress clearly stems
iv. Anne Frank believed that paper is more patient from her appearance and financial worries. There
than people because it listens without judging. is no mention of any issue with the invitation card
She felt that she could share her thoughts and bearing her name.
feelings with paper, unlike people who might iii. Matilda advised her husband to give the invitation
react negatively. card to a colleague, as his wife would be more
suitable to attend the event.
O iv. The term “economic clerk” suggests that M.
B. “He was silent, stupefied, in dismay, at the sight Loisel was careful with his spending because he
of his wife weeping. He stammered, “What is the earned only a small income.
matter? What is the matter?” By a violent effort,
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions
she had controlled her vexation and responded in
a calm voice, wiping her moist cheeks, “Nothing. for ANY ONE of the two given: [5×1=5]
Only I have no dress and consequently I cannot A. Belinda giggled till she shook the house,
go to this affair. Give your card to some colleague And Blink said Weeck! Which is giggling for a
whose wife is better fitted out than I.” He was mouse,
grieved, but answered, “Let us see, Matilda. How Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,
much would a suitable costume cost, something When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
that would serve for their occasions, something Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,
very simple?” She reflected for some seconds And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.
thinking of a sum that could ask for without (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

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page 12 CBSE CLASS 10 english Chapterwise PYQ

i. What inference can be drawn from the repetition iii. (A) Through the telescope she saw a star
of ‘suddenly, suddenly’ in the above extract? [1] which she thought was very far
(A) The scene shook the house She stretched her hand
(B) It highlights the swift assault and felt the crumple of the sand.
(C) It emphasises that an unexpected noise was Option (A) follows an AA BB rhyme scheme like
heard the given extract. The first two lines end with
(D) It directs our notice to Mustard’s growling “star” and “far,” which rhyme, and the next two
lines end with “hand” and “sand,” which also
ii. Despite its symbolism of captivity, what leads match. This mirrors the pattern where alternate
Custard to have a preference for staying in a lines pair together with the same ending sounds.
cage? [1] iv. coward

O
iii. Select the option that applies the same rhyme
scheme as the lines of the first four lines of the B. I sit inside, doors open to the veranda writing long
given extract: [1] letters in which I scarcely mention the departure
(A) Through the telescope she saw a star of the forest from the house. The night is fresh,
which she thought was very far the whole moon shines in a sky still open...
She stretched her hand (The Trees)
and felt the crumple of the sand.
(B) Through the telescope she saw a star i. What atmosphere or mood is created by the
She stretched her hand language and imagery used in the above lines? [2]
As it was very far
But felt the crumble of the sand. ii. Choose the option that correctly pairs the two
(C) Through the telescope she saw a star different meanings implied by the use of ‘open’
Which she thought was very far twice in the extract: [1]
Her hand she stretched (A) entry point - vastness
But felt the crumble of the sand. (B) sharing a common space - great view
(D) Through the telescope she saw a star (C) allowing access and vision - expanse of space
Which she thought was very far (D) advantage - obstacles ahead
Her hand she stretched afar iii. From the provided extract, what is conspicuously
But felt the crumble of the sand. absent from the long letters the speaker is writing
iv. In the given extract, while they sit indoors with the doors open to the
The difference between the other animals and veranda? [1]
Custard is that Custard behaves like a _____ iv. How does the poet describe the night? [1]
(coward/dragon). [1] 1. dark, 2. frightening, 3. dense, 4. fresh, 5. bright
Ans : Select the correct option:
i. (C) It emphasises that an unexpected noise was (A) 1 and 5
heard (B) Only 3
The repetition of “suddenly, suddenly” emphasizes (C) 4 and 5
that an unexpected noise was heard. Repeating (D) 2 and 4
the word quickly builds suspense and alerts the Ans :
reader to a sudden interruption in the cheerful i. The words and images used in the text set a calm
mood, drawing focus to the unanticipated sound. and peaceful tone. Descriptions of a cool night, a
Thus, option (C) is correct since it highlights the bright moon, and an open sky make you feel free
surprise element in the scene. and relaxed. They also stir up feelings of nostalgia
ii. Custard likes the cage because it makes him and deep thought.
feel safe. As a shy dragon, he feels much more ii. (C) allowing access and vision - expanse of space
comfortable and protected inside, far away from The extract uses the word “open” in two ways.
any danger. First, when it describes the doors as “open to
the veranda,” it means the doors are not closed,
allowing access and a clear view. Second, when

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CBSE EXAMINATION Question PAPER 2025

it says “a sky still open,” it emphasizes the vast, iv. In what manner did Lencho’s cornfield suffer
expansive space of the sky. Option (C) accurately damage? Did he hold any expectations of receiving
pairs these meanings. assistance?
iii. The letters hardly mention that the forest is (A Letter to God)
disappearing. This implies that there is a gap
or even a deliberate avoidance when it comes to Ans :
talking about the loss of nature. Lencho’s cornfield was severely damaged by a
strong hailstorm that ruined his precious crops.
iv. (C) 4 and 5
Yet, he held firm belief that God would provide
In the extract, the poet describes the night as
money to recover his lost harvest, showing his deep
“fresh” and “bright.” The word “fresh” suggests
faith and high expectation for divine assistance
that the air feels cool and clean, while “bright”
indeed.
comes from the shining full moon visible in an
open sky. This creates a calm and uplifting mood. v. Engaging in discussions and disputes rarely leads
to problem resolution. Support the statement
8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five with evidence from the text.
questions, in about 30-40 words each: [4×3=12] (The Proposal)
i. Every creature possesses a unique characteristic Ans :
that defines it, and this trait is closely linked to its In “The Proposal,” heated discussions worsen
nature. This concept is beautifully illustrated in problems rather than solving them. The characters
the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals.” Elucidate. engage in quarrels over trivial issues, focusing
Ans : on blaming each other instead of finding a real
solution, which clearly shows that disputes rarely
1. Every animal is known for its special traits
lead to effective resolution.
like the tiger’s roar or the leopard’s spots.
2. The poem shows how these features connect 9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three
to the natural behaviors of the animals. questions, in about 40-50 words: [2×3=6]
3. This way, learning about them becomes fun
and very engaging. i. Books play a significant role in shaping the
personality of a person. In what way did a book
ii. Pranjal seemed to have a different level of cause a significant shift in Richard Ebright’s life?
enthusiasm compared to Rajvir when they both (The Making of a Scientist)
saw the tree plantation. Justify. Ans :
(Glimpses of India)
The book The Travels of Monarch Xdeeply
Ans : influenced Richard Ebright’s life. It sparked his
Pranjal had lived around tea gardens all his life, interest in science and inspired him to conduct
so he took them for granted and showed less real experiments. The book motivated him to
excitement. Rajvir, seeing them for the first time, work hard, stay curious, and eventually become a
was fascinated by their beauty. This difference in successful scientist, even contributing to research
familiarity led to their varied enthusiasm. related to cell theory.
iii. In the poem “Dust of Snow”, the ‘hemlock tree’ ii. Bholi is sent to school for an uncommon reason,
and the ‘crow’ hold specific meanings. Elaborate leading to a distinctive twist in her story.
on how these symbols are utilized within the Elucidate.
context of the poem. Ans :
Ans : Bholi is sent to school not out of concern for her
The ‘hemlock tree’ and the ‘crow’ usually stand education, but because her parents believe she
for sadness or gloom. Yet, in the poem, a crow is dull and no one will marry her. They think
shaking snow from a hemlock tree unexpectedly education may improve her chances. This unusual
changes the speaker’s mood. This shows that even reason leads to a twist, as education empowers
dark symbols can spark positivity and hope. Bholi to stand up for herself later.

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page 14 CBSE CLASS 10 english Chapterwise PYQ

iii. Fowler’s disappointment arose when he laid eyes desire for freedom and the strength needed to
on Ausable. Rationalise the statement. achieve true change and transformation.
(The Midnight Visitor)
11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions,
Ans :
in about 100-120 words:
Fowler’s disappointment arose when he saw
Ausable because he had expected a smart, action- i. Griffin was a lawless person even though he was a
packed secret agent, like in movies. Instead, brilliant scientist. Discuss. [6]
Ausable was a fat, slow-moving man in a dull (Footprints without Feet)
hotel room. This did not match Fowler’s exciting Ans :
image of a spy, making him feel let down at first.
Griffin was a gifted scientist who discovered
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, how to make himself invisible, a remarkable
in about 100-120 words: achievement. However, instead of using his
invention for good, he chose a life of crime. He
i. The inherent instinct for freedom is a fundamental stole money, set places on fire, and hurt people
trait in all living creatures. Justify this statement without remorse. His actions show that despite
with reference to ‘Mijbil the Otter’ and ‘A Tiger his intelligence, he had no respect for law or
in the Zoo’. [6] morality. He used his scientific knowledge to
Ans : break rules and escape punishment, proving that
The natural instinct for freedom is present in all brilliance without values can be dangerous. Thus,
living beings, as shown in ‘Mijbil the Otter’ and ‘A Griffin was indeed a lawless person who misused
Tiger in the Zoo’. In ‘Mijbil the Otter’, the otter is his talents for selfish and harmful purposes.
full of life, playfulness, and curiosity when free in ii. “The Book that saved the Earth” communicates
its natural surroundings. It enjoys exploring and the idea that misinterpretation of cultural
shows signs of happiness when not confined. On disparities among different groups can lead to
the other hand, in ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’, the tiger misunderstandings and disputes. From the play,
paces in his cage, angry and helpless. He is quiet discuss methods to prevent such confusion and
and restricted, unable to express his strength conflicts, ensuring the preservation of peace and
or hunt like he would in the wild. Both stories harmony. [6]
highlight how freedom is essential for animals to (The Book that Saved the Earth)
live naturally and happily, proving that every
Ans :
living creature values its freedom deeply.
“The Book That Saved the Earth” shows how
ii. Both ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ by cultural differences, when misunderstood, can
Nelson Mandela and ‘The Trees’ by Adrienne Rich lead to confusion and even conflict. In the play,
explore themes of transformation, Liberation and Martians misinterpret a simple children’s book
the power to change. Examine the commonality of as a serious threat, nearly starting an invasion.
themes in both the works. [6] This highlights the importance of understanding
Ans : and respecting other cultures. To prevent such
Both ‘Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom’ misunderstandings, we should encourage open
and ‘The Trees’ highlight the themes of communication and learning about each other’s
transformation, liberation, and the power to bring beliefs, customs, and values. Promoting education,
change. In Mandela’s autobiography, the struggle cultural exchange programs, and respectful
against apartheid reflects the journey from dialogue can help build trust. Using translators
oppression to freedom, showing how courage and or cultural mediators during international
determination can transform a nation. Similarly, interactions can also reduce confusion. By being
in ‘The Trees’, the poem shows the silent yet open-minded and empathetic, we can avoid
powerful movement of trees breaking free from conflicts and work together peacefully across
confinement, symbolising nature’s fight for cultures.
freedom and renewal. In both works, the idea of
www.nodia.i
breaking away from control whether it’s political
oppression or physical restriction shows the deep

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

Chapter 1

D iscursive Passage

1. introduction only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also

the essential role of intercultural dialogue for
A discursive passage consists of articles which achieving peace and sustainable development.
present an opinion or a reasoned argument on a
2. A recent international emergency has proved
topic. It is a piece of writing where the writer
the intrinsic value of the cultural and creative
rambles from topic to topic. The adjective
sector at generating social cohesion, educational
discursive is often used to describe a speech or resource or personal well-being in times of crisis.
writing that tends to stray from the main point, It has also underscored the sector’s potential to
but the word can also have almost the opposite generate economic growth, something which is
meaning. Discursive can also be used to describe too often underestimated.
an argument based on reason instead of intuition,
3. With the adoption in September 2015 of the
a writing that is well-argued and well reasoned.
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the
Also tending to depart from the main point or
United Nations, and the resolution on Culture
cover a wide range of subjects. While attempting and Sustainable Development adopted by the
a ‘discursive passage’ it is important to read UN General Assembly in December 2015, the
through the passage, scan for details, and then message of the World Day for Cultural Diversity
answer the given questions. for Dialogue and Development is more important
than ever. The 17 Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) can best be achieved by drawing
2. points to remember upon the creative potential of the world’s diverse
One should keep the following points in mind cultures and engaging in continuous dialogue to
before answering the questions set on a given ensure that all members of society benefit from
discursive passage: sustainable development.
1. Read the passage quickly to have some general 4. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and
idea of the subject matter. necessary for peace, stability and development.
2. Read the passage again and underline the Cultural diversity is a driving force of development,
important points. not only with respect to economic growth, but
also as a means of leading a more fulfilling
3. Read the questions and try to know what has
intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life.
been asked.
This is captured in the culture conventions, which
4. Underline the portions where the probable provide a solid basis for the promotion of cultural
answers may be available.] diversity. Cultural diversity is thus an asset that
5. Remember that the word limit must always is indispensable for poverty reduction and the
be honoured and taken seriously. achievement of sustainable development.
5. At the same time, acceptance and recognition of
cultural diversity in particular through innovative
3. Some important examples use of media and Information and Communications
Technologies (ICTs) are conducive to dialogue
among civilizations and cultures, respect and
Passage 1 mutual understanding.
1. Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the 6. In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal
celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity Declaration on Cultural Diversity. Next, in
for Dialogue and Development highlighting not

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Page 16 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in about 40 words :

its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the “Cultural diversity is an asset.”
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and
Development, and in 2015, the Second Committee v. The phrase ‘bridging the gap’ in paragraph (4)
of the UN General Assembly unanimously refers to :
adopted the resolution on Culture and Sustainable (a) widening the differences
Development, affirming culture’s contribution to (b) connecting two disparate ideas
the three dimensions of sustainable development,
(c) supporting the bridging
acknowledging further the natural and cultural
diversity of the world, and recognizing that (d) filling in the space between two connected
cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and things
are crucial enablers of, sustainable development.
vi. In sets a-e below, identify two sets of synonyms.
7. The day provides us with an opportunity to 1. richness and poverty
deepen our understanding of the values of cultural
2. intellectual and moral
diversity and to achieve the goals of the UNESCO
Convention on the Protection and Promotion of 3. reduction and promotion
the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 4. essential and intrinsic
20 October, 2005. 5. urgent and crucial
Answer the following questions based on the above Options :
passage : (a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 5
i. Based on the reading and understanding of
the above passage, list 2 points to describe the (c) 4 and 5
purpose of UNESCO leading the celebration of (d) 2 and 4
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue
and Development. vii. Complete the sentence appropriately :
The Second Committee of UN General Assembly
(a) __________
in 2015 adopted _____.
(b) __________
viii. Complete the following sentence :
ii. Select the option that corresponds to the meaning _____ is urgent and necessary for peace,
of the following sentence from para (2). stability and development.
The recent international emergency has proved Ans : 2024
the intrinsic value of the cultural and creative
i. (a) To highlight richness of world’s cultures.
sector at generating social cohesion, educational
resource or personal well-being in times of crisis. (b) To play essential role of inter-cultural
dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable
(a) the real worth of cultural sector at generating
development.
social cohesion during pandemics
(b) the real worth of creative sector at ii. (d) highlighting the real worth of cultural and
undermining the social cohesion during an creative sector at generating social cohesion and
international emergency educational resource during an international
emergency
(c) questioning the real worth of creative sector
at generating education resource during an iii. Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved
international emergency by leveraging the creative potential of diverse
(d) highlighting the real worth of cultural cultures and promoting continuous dialogue
and creative sector at generating social to ensure societal-wide benefits. This involves
cohesion and educational resource during an drawing upon cultural diversity to address the 17
international emergency SDGs effectively.
iv. The tone of the writer in the given line is
iii. Based on your reading of the passage, examine affirmative and assertive. The writer presents
in about 40 words how Sustainable Development
cultural diversity as an indispensable asset,
Goals can be achieved.
emphasizing its significant role in driving
iv. What is the tone of the writer in the given line development, reducing poverty, and achieving
from paragraph (4) ? Rationalise your response in sustainable development goals.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

“Cultural diversity is an asset” asserts the It is versatile, and can be produced from small-
positive value and importance of cultural variety. scale windmills or wind turbines on residential
It implies that diverse cultures enrich society and properties. It can also be produced from large-
contribute significantly to various aspects of life, scale offshore wind farms in the ocean.
such as intellectual, emotional, and economic 6. We generate geothermal power by tapping into
growth. underground reservoirs of hot water and steam.
v. (b) connecting two disparate ideas Geothermal electricity can directly heat and
cool buildings. Generated from the energy of
vi. (c) 4 and 5
moving water, hydroelectricity (also known as
vii. the resolution on cultural and sustainable hydropower) is produced when water behind a
development, affirming culture’s contribution to dam causes turbine blades to move as it flows
the three dimensions of sustainable development. through an intake. The turbine blades then rotate
viii. Bridging the gap between culture a generator to produce electricity that is sent to
power homes.
7. Nuclear energy is created in the form of heat
Passage 2
through the fission process of atoms. The initial
1. Fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) are our fission process creates energy and triggers a chain
most traditional sources for power generation. reaction that repeats the process and generates
The energy that’s produced from any source other more energy. In nuclear power plants, the heat
than fossil fuels is termed as alternative energy. that fission produces creates steam. The steam
Between the two sources, using alternative energy then rotates a turbine, which leads to the
has a lower environmental impact. production of electricity.
2. We now know that alternative energy sources 8. Solar power most commonly refers to the use of
are the sources we use to supplement or even solar cells to create energy. On a small scale, you
replace traditional energy sources used for power may see a few solar panels on a house roof used to
generation. You could almost say the same produce energy for just that one home. On a larger
thing about renewable energy sources. But there scale, you may see a solar farm used as a power
is one subtle difference between the two. All plant to produce electricity for its consumers.
renewable energy sources fall under the category
of alternative energy sources, but it doesn’t work Answer the following questions, based on the above
the other way around. passage :

3. That’s because renewable energy sources are i. Which of the following statements best describes
derived from naturally replenished sources or the difference between renewable energy sources
processes of Earth, such as the sun, wind, and and alternate energy sources?
water. We refer to these resources as renewable (a) Alternative energy sources are more expensive
or sustainable since, unlike fossil fuels, this than renewable energy sources.
naturally occurring continual renewal makes them
(b) Renewable energy sources are inexhaustible
inexhaustible. However, alternative energy sources
whereas alternate energy sources could be
are exhaustible, and therefore not renewable.
exhaustible.
That’s the difference!
(c) Alternative energy sources are as renewable
4. The equipment necessary to harness energy from
as renewable energy sources.
alternative sources used to be so expensive that
it wasn’t practical for consumer use. However, (d) Renewable energy sources are exhaustible but
thanks to increased demand, more experienced alternative energy sources are inexhaustible.
energy developers, competitive supply chains,
ii. What is the tone of the writer in the given lines
improved renewable technologies, and enhanced
from para (4) ? Rationalise your response in
energy efficiency capabilities, that’s no longer the
about 40 words.
case.
“However, thanks to increased demand, more
5. When it comes to energy efficiency, the leader of experienced energy developers, competitive
the renewable energy pack is wind energy. Behind supply chains, improved renewable technologies,
wind comes geothermal energy, hydropower, and enhanced energy efficiency capabilities, that’s
nuclear energy, and then solar power. Wind power no longer the case”.
serves both individuals and entire communities.

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Page 18 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately : iv. (b) and (e)

In the past, alternative energy sources were not v. The leader of the renewable energy pack is wind
used much by the consumers because _____. energy. Wind energy is considered the leader
iv. The passage includes some words that are because it is versatile, can be harnessed on various
opposites of each other. From the sets (a) to (e) scales (from small residential turbines to large
below, identify two sets of antonyms : offshore wind farms), and has shown significant
advancements in efficiency and accessibility in
(a) generate and produce
recent years. Additionally, wind energy has a
(b) exhaustible and inexhaustible
relatively low environmental impact compared to
(c) subtle and versatile other renewable sources like solar or hydroelectric
(d) power and energy power.
(e) sustainable and exhaustible vi. Geothermal electricity is generated by tapping
into underground reservoirs of hot water and
v. Who is the leader of renewable energy pack and
why? steam, utilizing Earth’s internal heat. In contrast,
hydroelectricity is produced from the energy of
vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in moving water behind dams, utilizing the kinetic
about 40 words, the difference between geothermal energy of flowing water to turn turbines and
electricity and hydroelectricity. generate electricity.

vii. What is the message conveyed by the passage ? vii. (c) There are plenty of renewable energy sources
that can be used to replace traditional energy
(a) Only those energy sources should be used
sources.
which are renewable.
(b) Wind energy is a renewable as well as viii. False. Hydroelectricity is primarily used for
inexhaustible source of energy. commercial purposes rather than residential ones.
(c) There are plenty of renewable energy sources
that can be used to replace traditional energy Passage 3
sources. 1. Fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) are our
(d) Alternative energy sources are the emerging most traditional sources for power generation.
energy trends and are still evolving. The energy that’s produced from any source other
than fossil fuels is termed as alternative energy.
viii. State whether the following statement is True or Between the two sources, using alternative energy
False with reference to the given extract. has a lower environmental impact.
Hydroelectricity as a renewable energy source
is used for residential as well as commercial 2. We now know that alternative energy sources
purposes. are the sources we use to supplement or even
Ans : 2024
replace traditional energy sources used for power
generation. You could almost say the same
i. (b) Renewable energy sources are inexhaustible thing about renewable energy sources. But there
whereas alternate energy sources could be is one subtle difference between the two. All
exhaustible. renewable energy sources fall under the category
ii. The tone of the writer in these lines from of alternative energy sources, but it doesn’t work
paragraph (4) is optimistic and informative. The the other way around.
writer acknowledges advancements in renewable 3. That’s because renewable energy sources are
energy technologies and the factors contributing derived from naturally replenished sources or
to their decreased cost, indicating a positive processes of Earth, such as the sun, wind, and
outlook on the progress in the field. water. We refer to these resources as renewable
or sustainable since, unlike fossil fuels, this
iii. In the past, alternative energy sources were not
naturally occurring continual renewal makes them
used much by consumers because they were often inexhaustible. However, alternative energy sources
prohibitively expensive and lacked the efficiency are exhaustible, and therefore not renewable.
and accessibility that they have now achieved That’s the difference !
due to advancements in technology and increased
demand. 4. The equipment necessary to harness energy from
alternative sources used to be so expensive that

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

it wasn’t practical for consumer use. However, (d) Renewable energy sources are exhaustible but
thanks to increased demand, more experienced alternative energy sources are inexhaustible.
energy developers, competitive supply chains,
improved renewable technologies, and enhanced ii. What is the tone of the writer in the given lines
energy efficiency capabilities, that’s no longer the from para (4) ?
case. Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
“However, thanks to increased demand, more
5. When it comes to energy efficiency, the leader of
experienced energy developers, competitive
the renewable energy pack is wind energy. Behind
supply chains, improved renewable technologies,
wind comes geothermal energy, hydropower,
nuclear energy, and then solar power. Wind power and enhanced energy efficiency capabilities, that’s
serves both individuals and entire communities. no longer the case”.
It is versatile, and can be produced from small- iii. Complete the sentence appropriately :
scale windmills or wind turbines on residential
In the past, alternative energy sources were not
properties. It can also be produced from large-
used much by the consumers because _____.
scale offshore wind farms in the ocean.
6. We generate geothermal power by tapping into iv. The passage includes some words that are
underground reservoirs of hot water and steam. opposites of each other. From the sets (a) to (e)
Geothermal electricity can directly heat and below, identify two sets of antonyms :
cool buildings. Generated from the energy of (a) generate and produce
moving water, hydroelectricity (also known as (b) exhaustible and inexhaustible
hydropower) is produced when water behind a
(c) subtle and versatile
dam causes turbine blades to move as it flows
through an intake. The turbine blades then rotate (d) power and energy
a generator to produce electricity that is sent to (e) sustainable and exhaustible
power homes.
v. Who is the leader of renewable energy pack and
7. Nuclear energy is created in the form of heat why?
through the fission process of atoms. The initial
fission process creates energy and triggers a chain vi. Based on. the reading of the passage, examine, in
reaction that repeats the process and generates about 40 words, the difference between geothermal
more energy. In nuclear power plants, the heat electricity and. hydroelectricity.
that fission produces creates steam. The steam
then rotates a turbine, which leads to the vii. What is the message conveyed by the passage ?
production of electricity. (a) Only those energy sources should be used
8. Solar power most commonly refers to the use of which are renewable.
solar cells to create energy. On a small scale, you (b) Wind energy is a renewable as well as
may see a few solar panels on a house roof used inexhaustible source of energy.
to produce energy for just that one home. On (c) There are plenty of renewable energy sources
a larger scale, you may see a solar farm used. that can be used to replace traditional energy
as a power plant to produce electricity for its sources.
consumers.
(d) Alternative energy sources are the emerging
Answer the following questions, based on. the above energy trends and are still evolving.
passage :
viii. State whether the following statement is True or
i. Which of the following statements best describes False with reference to the given extract.
the difference between renewable energy sources Hydroelectricity as a renewable energy source
and alternate energy sources ? is used for residential as well as commercial
(a) Alternative energy sources are more expensive purposes.
than renewable energy sources. Ans : 2024

(b) Renewable energy sources are inexhaustible i. (b) Renewable energy sources are inexhaustible
whereas alternate energy sources could be whereas alternate energy sources could be
exhaustible. exhaustible.
(c) Alternative energy sources are as renewable ii. The tone of the writer in the given lines from
as renewable energy sources.

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Page 20 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

para (4) is positive and optimistic. The writer and jets — saving fuel and pollution — and saved
highlights various factors contributing to the lives with helmets, incubators, and equipment for
increased adoption of renewable energy sources, clean drinking water.
suggesting progress and improvement in the 3. The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to
industry. a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s
iii. In the past, alternative energy sources were not dark side : today, single-use plastics account for
used much by the consumers because they were 40 percent of the plastic produced every year.
considered expensive and less efficient compared Many of these products, such as plastic bags and
to traditional energy sources like fossil fuels. food wrappers, have a lifespan of mere minutes to
hours, yet they may persist in the environment for
iv. (b) and (e) hundreds of years.
v. The leader of the renewable energy pack is 4. Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth’s
wind energy. This is because wind energy is last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to
versatile, can be produced at various scales, sea by major rivers, which act as conveyor belts,
from small residential windmills to large offshore picking up more and more trash as they move
wind farms, and it serves both individuals and downstream. Once at sea, much of the plastic
entire communities. Additionally, wind energy trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught
is inexhaustible and renewable, making it a up in ocean currents, it can be transported around
sustainable option for energy generation. the world.
vi. Geothermal electricity is generated by tapping 5. Millions of animals are killed by plastics every
into underground reservoirs of hot water and year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms.
steam, while hydroelectricity is produced by Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are
harnessing the energy of moving water behind a known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly
dam. Geothermal energy utilizes heat from the every species of seabirds eats plastics. Most of
Earth’s interior, whereas hydroelectricity relies on the deaths of animals are caused by entanglement
the gravitational force of water flow. or starvation. Seals, whales, turtles, and other
animals are strangled by abandoned fishing gear
vii. (c) There are plenty of renewable energy sources or discarded six-pack rings.
that can be used to replace traditional energy
6. The solution is to prevent plastic waste from
sources.
entering rivers and seas in the first place, many
viii. True scientists and conservationists — including the
National Geographic Society — say. This could be
accomplished with improved waste management
Passage 4
systems and recycling, better product design that
1. Plastic pollution has become one of the most takes into account the short life of disposable
pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing packaging, and reduction in manufacturing of
production of disposable plastic products unnecessary single-use plastics.
overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them.
Answer the following questions, based on the above
Plastic pollution is most visible in developing Asian
passage :
and African nations, where garbage collection
systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. But the i. Which of the following statements best describes
developed world, especially in countries with low the reason why plastic pollution has become one
recycling rates, also has trouble properly collecting of the most pressing environmental issues ?
discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so
(a) Plastic trash collection systems have become
ubiquitous that it has prompted efforts to write a
inefficient or nonexistent.
global treaty negotiated by the United Nations.
(b) Rapidly increasing production of disposable
2. Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century
plastic products overwhelms the world’s
old. Production and development of thousands
ability to deal with them.
of new plastic products accelerated after World
War II. It transformed the modern age so much (c) Some plastics have a lifespan of mere
that life without plastics is unrecognizable today. minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the
Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving environment for hundreds of years.
devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars (d) The developed world, especially in countries

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

with low recycling rates, has trouble properly transported around the world is ocean currents.
collecting plastics. v. The downside of the convenience that plastic
ii. What is the tone of the writer in the given lines offers is the creation of a throw-away culture,
from paragraph 2 ? Rationalise your response in where single-use plastics, despite their short
about 40 words. lifespan, persist in the environment for hundreds
‘It transformed the modern age so much that life of years, causing pollution and harming wildlife.
without plastics is unrecognizable today. vi. According to conservationists, the two ways in
which most of the deaths of animals are caused
iii. The passage includes some words that are
are entanglement and starvation.
opposites of each other. From the sets (a) - (e)
below, identify two sets of synonyms. vii. (b) by minimizing the use of single-use plastics
(a) garbage and trash viii. One reason why plastic pollution is most visible in
(b) starvation and strangled developing Asian and African nations is because
(c) disposable and reduction garbage collection systems are often inefficient or
nonexistent in these regions.
(d) persist and downstream
(e) transformed and revolutionized
Passage 5
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately :
1. The words probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics
The writer says that most of the plastic trash is
may sound like variations of the same thing, but
found in the Earth’s last sink and the reason it is
what a difference a prefix makes. The first is a
transported around the world is _____. category of health-promoting microbes. The latter
v. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in two groups are types of beneficial molecules. But
about 40 words, the downside of the convenience all three biotics are critical for supporting the
that plastic offers. community of microscopic organisms that live
in the gastrointestinal tract, known as the gut
vi. Complete the sentence appropriately : microbiome. With both beneficial and harmful
According to conservationists, the two ways in bacteria living in the human body, these diet-
which most of the deaths of animals are caused related factors — the biotics — help tip the
are _____. balance in the positive direction. It is important
to understand their differences, as you’ll see,
vii. Based on the passage, how can we contribute to because each of these factors serves a distinct
the reduction of plastic waste ? purpose, even as they work together.
(a) by internationalising the waste management 2. Despite their importance for the gut microbiome,
system the health benefits of these ‘biotics’, which are
(b) by minimizing the use of single-use plastics present in certain foods or result from their
(c) by not abandoning fishing gear metabolism, extend beyond the digestive tract.
A growing body of scientific evidence has linked
(d) by not using helmets made of plastic
prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, with
viii. State one reason why plastic pollution is most improvements in metabolic diseases — including
visible in developing Asian and African nations. obesity and cholesterol abnormalities — depressive
Ans : 2024 symptoms and poor sleep quality, among many
other conditions.
i. (b) Rapidly increasing production of disposable
plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to 3. Besides promoting general gut health, consuming
deal with them. food rich in probiotics can improve irritable
bowel syndrome and antibiotic-related diarrhea,
ii. The tone of the writer in the given lines from prevent traveller’s diarrhea, produce vitamins
paragraph 2 is admiring. The writer acknowledges and increase nutrient absorption, and decrease
the transformative impact of plastics on modern the risk of common infections. In fact, when
life, emphasizing its ubiquity and indispensability. consumed regularly, probiotics have been found to
iii. (a) and (e) reduce the occurrence of upper respiratory tract
infections (like the common cold).
iv. The writer says that most of the plastic trash is
found in the Earth’s last sink, and the reason it is 4. Many different types of beneficial bacteria are

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Page 22 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

considered probiotics. The most common ones To get the right probiotic and to match it with
include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, of your body’s requirement, it is important to see
which there are dozens of strains. “You have to the label for _____.
match what it is you’re concerned about with
the probiotic you should use,” says Gregor Reid. iv. The passage includes some words that are
Many different types of beneficial bacteria are opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
considered probiotics. below, identify two sets of antonyms.
5. Some foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchee, and (a) increase and decrease
fermented soybeans and kombucha naturally (b) probiotic and postbiotic
contain probiotics. But here’s where things get (c) beneficial and harmful
complicated: not all fermented foods or yogurts (d) feast and fermented
contain probiotics, Reid says. As a consumer,
(e) consuming and digestive
a good starting point is to look for the phrase
“contains live and active cultures” on the label; v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
it’s even better if specific strains of bacteria are The author wants to stress the fact that there is
listed, because then you’ll know you’re getting the not just one type of beneficial bacteria considered
right stuff.
as probiotic, in fact, some probiotics have
6. Simply put, prebiotics are sources of food for _____.
those beneficial microbes — the probiotics. They
are typically a form of carbohydrate or fiber that vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine
we don’t have the enzymes to digest. As a result, in about 40 words, the importance of prebiotics
they move through the digestive tract to the for the human gut and how they are related to
intestine, where beneficial bacteria (probiotics) probiotics.
can feast on them.
vii. As a consumer, if you want to pick a probiotic
7. When you consume foods that are rich in product, what is the most important thing to
probiotics and prebiotics, the microbes in your keep in mind ?
gut consume the undigestible prebiotic fiber and Pick the best answer.
produce bioactive compounds called postbiotics.
(a) Any fermented product that contains
They are ultimately the endgame that we want
probiotics.
— they affect how our gut operates and keeps the
good bacteria there and the bad bacteria out. (b) Checking the label for specific strains of
bacteria.
Answer the following questions, based on the above
(c) All products under “probiotics” section in a
passage :
grocery store are safe to pick.
i. Which of the following statements best describes (d) Checking the label which clearly says
the author’s attitude towards probiotics ? “probiotics” is sufficient.
(a) Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics are
variations of the same thing, with just a viii. “Despite their importance for the gut microbiome,
the health
difference of a prefix.
benefits of these ‘biotics’, which are present in
(b) All fermented foods or yogurts naturally
certain foods or result from their metabolism,
contain probiotics.
extend beyond the digestive tract.”
(c) All three biotics are equally important to As per this statement from the passage, how
support microscopic organisms that live in relevant are the toiotics’ for humans ? Pick the
the gut microbiome. best answer.
(d) Only probiotics are important as they (a) Their relevance has been proven by scientific
can improve irritable bowel syndrome and evidence.
antibiotic-related diarrhea.
(b) Not very relevant as more study is needed.
ii. According to the writer, health benefits of all (c) Their relevance cannot be generalised for
the ‘biotics’ extend beyond the digestive tract. everyone.
Rationalise your response in about 40 words. (d) Only probiotics are relevant for humans.
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2024
4. Being content doesn’t mean settling for less; it
i. (c) All three biotics are equally important to means appreciating what we have while working
support microscopic organisms that live in the towards our goals. It’s like having a delicious
gut microbiome. laddoo – you enjoy each bite without constantly
eyeing someone else’s treats. Being content means
ii. The writer emphasizes that prebiotics, probiotics,
finding joy in the present, even as we strive for a
and postbiotics not only promote gut health
better future.
but also have broader health benefits. Scientific
evidence links them to improvements in metabolic 5. Think about a time when you achieved something
diseases, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and you worked hard for, like acing a challenging
reduction in upper respiratory infections. test or mastering a new skill. That sense of
accomplishment is part of being content. It’s about
iii. To get the right probiotic and to match it with recognising and celebrating our achievements,
your body’s requirement, it is important to see big or small, without letting comparison steal
the label for “contains live and active cultures” our joy. Moreover, contentment is like having a
and specific strains of bacteria. superpower – it shields us from the negative effects
iv. (a) and (c) of envy. Instead of feeling bitter or resentful, we
can genuinely celebrate the successes of others.
v. The author wants to stress the fact that there is Their victories become a source of inspiration
not just one type of beneficial bacteria considered rather than a cause for jealousy.
as probiotic, in fact, some probiotics have dozens
6. Another essential aspect of avoiding the envy trap
of strains.
is fostering gratitude. Take a moment each day
vi. Prebiotics are crucial for gut health as they serve to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. It
as food for beneficial microbes (probiotics). These could be the support of your family, the beauty of
undigestible fibers ensure the growth and activity nature, or the simple pleasures like a good book
of probiotics, which in turn maintain a balanced or a warm cup of cocoa. Gratitude helps us focus
gut microbiome and overall health. on the abundance in our lives, making it harder
for envy to creep in. Embracing contentment now
vii. (b) Checking the label for specific strains of
will set the stage for a fulfilling journey ahead.
bacteria.
Remember, it’s okay to have goals and dreams,
viii. (a) Their relevance has been proven by scientific but let them fuel your passion rather than fuel
evidence. comparison.
7. Avoiding the envy trap is a valuable skill that
Passage 6 will serve you well throughout life. By learning
to be content, you’ll discover the true magic in
1. Life is like a roller coaster, full of twists, turns, appreciating the present while eagerly anticipating
and unexpected surprises. One important lesson the adventures that lie ahead.
we often encounter on this thrilling ride is
avoiding the envy trap. But what exactly is the Answer the following questions, based on the passage
envy trap, and how can we learn to be content above.
with our circumstances, no matter what they may
be? i. Infer ONE likely purpose of the writer’s choice of
the opening line, “Life is like a roller coaster, full
2. Imagine you’re scrolling through social media, of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.”.
and you come across pictures of your friends on
exciting vacations or enjoying the latest gadgets. ii. What is the primary relationship between
It’s easy to feel a pang of envy, wishing you were paragraphs 1 and 2 in the passage?
in their shoes. This is the envy trap – the cycle (a) Cause and Effect
of comparing ourselves to others and feeling (b) Problem and Solution
discontent with what we have.
(c) Comparison and Contrast
3. Avoiding the envy trap begins with understanding (d) Concept and Exemplification
that everyone’s journey is unique. Just because
someone else is on a dazzling adventure doesn’t iii. What lesson does paragraph 3 convey about
mean your own path is any less incredible. We individual journeys?
each have our own story to write, with different (a) Each journey is similar, emphasising
highs and lows that shape who we are. shared experiences.

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Page 24 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

(c) Exclusive paths define each person’s Passage 7

characteristic narrative. 1. If you’re like most kids, you may love snow. Not
(b) Similar accomplishments lead to a only can it get you out of school, but it’s also
common destination. fun to play with. Who doesn’t love to sled and
(d) Different perspectives hinder the build snowmen? Snow can also be dangerous, too.
understanding of personal stories. You may have heard your parents talk about how
difficult it can be to drive in snow. Car accidents
iv. Explain the analogy of enjoying a laddoo, 30-40 aren’t the only dangers created by snow. If you’re
words. (Ref: paragraph 4) ever skiing in the mountains, you’ll want to be
aware of avalanches. An avalanche is a sudden
v. Complete the following analogy correctly, by flow of snow down a slope, such as a mountain.
filling the blanks correctly with words from The amount of snow in an avalanche will vary
paragraph 5. based on many things, but it can be such a huge
shield : defence : _____ : envy pile that it can bury the bottom of a slope in
dozens of feet of snow.
vi. State whether the given statement is
TRUE or FALSE. (Ref: paragraph 5) The author 2. Avalanches can be caused by many things. Some
suggests a shift from a mindset of contentment of them are natural. For example, new snow or
to one where individuals genuinely celebrate the rain can cause built up snow to loosen and fall
successes of others. down the side of a mountain. Earthquakes and
the movement of animals have also been known
vii. Quote the textual evidence from paragraph 6, to cause avalanches. Artificial triggers can also
that supports the following opinions about ‘envy’. cause avalanches. For example, snowmobiles,
• Envy will catch you unawares skiers, gunshots and explosives have all been
• Envy is quite sneaky known to cause avalanches. Avalanches usually
occur during the winter and spring, when snowfall
• Envy stealthily gets a hold on you
is greatest. As they are dangerous to any living
viii. Rationalise, in 30-40 words, why the writer beings in their path, avalanches have destroyed
uses of the phrase, “true magic”, for the skill of forests, roads, railroads and even entire towns.
inculcating contentment. (Ref: paragraph 7) 3. Warning signs exist that allow experts to predict-
Ans : 2023 and often prevent - avalanches from occurring.
i. The writer has used the given line to start the When over a foot of fresh snow falls, experts know
passage to engage the readers and hook them by to be on the lookout for avalanches. Explosives
creating a vivid imagery of a roller coaster. can be used in places with massive snow build-
ups to trigger smaller avalanches that don’t pose
ii. (d) Concept and Exemplification a danger to people or property. When deadly
iii. (b) Exclusive paths define each person’s avalanches do occur, the moving snow can quickly
characteristic narrative reach over 80 miles per hour. Skiers caught in
such avalanches can be buried under dozens of
iv Just as one savours each bite of a delightful feet of snow. While it’s possible to dig out of such
laddoo without yearning for someone else’s treats, avalanches, not all are able to escape.
cultivating contentment involves relishing our
present moments and achievements, free from the 4. If you get tossed about by an avalanche and find
grip of comparison and envy. yourself buried under many feet of snow, you
might not have a true sense of which way is up and
v. contentment which way is down. Some avalanche victims have
vi. False tried to dig their way out, only to find that they
were upside down and digging themselves farther
vii. “...envy to creep in” under the snow rather than to the top! Experts
viii. The writer suggests that the ability to be content suggest that people caught in an avalanche try
has a magical quality in positively shaping one’s to “swim” to the top of the moving snow to stay
outlook and experience of life. This choice of close to the surface. Once the avalanche stops,
expression emphasises the enchanting impact that do your best to dig around you to create a space
contentment can have on an individual’s overall for air, so you can breathe easier. Then, do your
well-being and perspective. best to figure out which way is up and dig in that
direction to reach the surface and signal rescuers.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

Answer the following questions, based on the passage experts to predict the avalanches are earthquakes,
above. over a foot of new snow or heavy rainfall and the
movement of animals.
i. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate
option : iii. The natural scenery is destroyed due to the
Avalanche can be caused by : avalanches that are caused by natural or artificial
triggers.
(a) new snow or rain
(b) heavy winds iv. (a) tiny
(c) high altitude v. (a) People caught in the avalanche can try to
(d) global warming swim to the top.

ii. Comment on warning signs exist which allow vi. (a) The crowd will gather at Gate No. 1 and
experts to predict avalanches in two sentences. disperse from Gate No. 2
Answer in about 40 words. vii. (d) Plastic waste
iii. Mention two reasons which destroyed the natural viii. with massive snow build-ups
scenery.

iv. Select the option that conveys the opposite of Passage 8

‘massive’: 1. The invention of the safety bicycle in the late
(a) tiny (b) lengthy nineteenth century transformed the world of
(c) bulky (d) extensive cycling. While early versions of bicycles had been
used in Europe since the seventeenth century,
v. The writer will agree with one of the given it was the safety bicycle with its lightweight
statements (paragraph 4): hollow steel frame and equal-sized wheels that
(a) People caught in the avalanche can try to revolutionized the cycling experience.
swim to the top. 2. This resulted in enhanced mobility for both
(b) Put on an oxygen mask. men and women, allowing them to explore the
(c) Digging is not possible. countryside freely and travel between towns.
(d) Should not come close to the surface. Bicycles symbolised freedom, particularly for
women, granting them self-reliable transportation
vi. Select the option that corresponds to the following and the ability to participate in recreational
relation below : activities, like bicycle racing. The rise of
You may not have an idea of which way is up and bicycles also brought a shift in fashion, with
which way is down. more functional and relaxed clothing tailored
(a) The crowd will gather at Gate No. 1 and specifically for cycling.
disperse from Gate No. 2. 3. Bicyclists also became a political force. They
(b) Due to the torrential rain, there was played a significant role in the development of
heavy flooding. road maps, guiding riders along the best routes.
They campaigned for better infrastructure to
(c) The guest felt uneasy and uncomfortable
enhance their riding experiences.
watching the child’s performance.
(d) The more the effort, the bigger the gain. 4. Today, advances in technology, wearables, and
complex data analysis have transformed sports
vii. The major causes which do not trigger an science, particularly in endurance sports, like
avalanche: cycling. Cyclists can now gather vast amounts
(a) Earthquakes (b) Snow fall of data simply by using mobile apps to track
(c) Rain (d) Plastic waste their activities. This data not only encompasses
exercise details, like its volume or intensity, but
viii. Complete the sentence appropriately : also external factors like the impact of weather
Explosives can be used in places _____ on the physiological response of the athlete.
Ans : 2023 Furthermore, technology has made it very easy
to monitor performance-influencing data outside
i. (a) new snow or rain
of training, such as heart rate or sleep quality,
ii. The warning signs that exist which allow the through various wearables and cost-effective

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Page 26 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

mobile apps. (d) “Maximizing the potential benefits of

5. However, just because we are able to monitor so these developments requires critical
much information does not mean that it is useful thinking.” (paragraph 6)
for improving the sports performance of our
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately by providing
athletes. In this sense, we believe that we must
two distinct reasons in the blank below.
be critical while adopting any new technologies or
It can be said that the world of cycling has seen
trends in training. The first thing we should know
massive changes because _____.
is whether there is scientific support for the
use of that new gadget or wearable. For example, iv. Which of these is opposite to ‘invalid’ as used in
core temperature is of great importance in the paragraph 5?
mechanisms that produce fatigue and exhaustion
(a) ethical (b) accurate
in endurance sports. A few years ago, a device came
on the market that estimated this measurement in (c) authentic (d) trustworthy
a non-invasive way and we saw many top cyclists v. Using information solely from the passage, provide
and runners wearing it. However, a study later two distinct reasons to complete the sentence
showed it is an invalid device for measuring one’s appropriately.
temperature. Bicycles can be seen as a symbol of empowerment
6. Innovation in cycling has evolved from the because _____.
invention of safety bicycles to technological
advancements in sports science. Maximizing the vi. Imagine you are a sports scientist tasked with
potential benefits of these developments requires developing a new technological tool to aid cyclists
critical thinking to enhance the training and in their training. Provide a brief description,
performance of modern cyclists. Answer the within 40 words, of its specific features and why
following questions, based on the passage above. you chose to include them.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage vii. Select the option that shows the correct
above. relationship between 1. and 2.
i. What is the passage mainly about? 1. Cyclists were able to improve the accuracy of
maps.
(a) How did the advancement of sports
science impact the fashion industry? 2. Cyclists became influential and campaigned
for better infrastructure.
(b) What were the primary societal changes
brought about by the rise of bicycles? (a) 2 is a contradiction of 1
(c) How did the invention of the safety (b) 2 is independent of 1
bicycle contribute to the development of (c) 2 is an example of 1
wearable technology? (d) 2 is the cause of 1
(d) In what ways did early versions of bicycles
viii. Below are statements from cyclists. Identify two
differ from the safety bicycle in the late
statements that could be said by a cyclist in the
nineteenth century? late nineteenth century:
ii. In which sentence does the author express 1. “I like having a personal coach on my wrist. It
uncertainty about the use of new technologies in just told me how many calories I have burned
training? so far!”
(a) “...advances in technology have 2. “It’s quite a struggle riding up these steep
transformed sports science” (paragraph hills on my heavy steel-framed bicycle.”
4) 3. “I feel so liberated whenever I hop on my
(b) “This data not only encompasses exercise bicycle. I didn’t have freedom like this before!”
details but also external factors like 4. “Ugh, there is so much traffic ahead. And
weather.” (paragraph 4) I feel so pressured to meet my performance
(c) “...just because we can monitor so much targets every time I hop on a bike.”
information does not mean it is useful.” Ans : 2023
(paragraph 5)
i. (b) What were the primary societal changes
brought about by the rise of bicycles?

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

ii. (c) “...just because we can monitor so much the downright weird poems. These are the ones
information does not mean it is useful.” (paragraph that defy categorization and leave the reader
5) to their own devices in attempting to interpret
meaning. The author’s use of figurative language
iii. it transitioned from primarily using steel
and unconventional imagery can create a sense
cycles to safety bicycles and saw technological
of bewilderment that is either intriguing or off-
advancements, like wearables in sports science. putting. Regardless, the reader can appreciate the
iv. (b) accurate uniqueness of the work.
v. they facilitated women’s freedom to commute 4. Despite the wide range of emotions and reactions
freely and easily between places and participate that come with studying poetry, it can be a
in recreational activities like bicycle racing. rewarding pursuit. Not only does reading poetry
allow one to appreciate the artistic beauty of the
vi. The tool would offer customized training
written word but it also enables one to develop
recommendations and plans, integrated GPS crucial critical thinking and analytical skills. The
for improved navigation, analysis and feedback process of unlocking a poem’s meaning can feel
capabilities, and social features for connecting like cracking a code or solving a puzzle but the
with fellow cyclists. This comprehensive approach sense of accomplishment derived from mastering
would enhance cyclists’ performance by providing a challenging piece can be deeply gratifying.
tailored training opportunities and fostering a Finally, impressing an English teacher with a
supportive community. well-analysed poem can be a source of pride and
vii. (d) survival 2 is the cause of 1 validation.
viii. 2. “It’s quite a struggle riding up these steep 5. Overall, studying poetry is like a box of mixed
hills on my heavy steel-framed bicycle.” chocolates, you never know what you’re going to
3. “I feel so liberated whenever I hop on my get. But whether it’s complex, emotional, simple,
bicycle. I didn’t have freedom like this before!” or just downright weird, there’s always something
to be gained from the experience. So, let’s applaud
all the poets out there, for making us laugh, cry,
Passage 9 scratch our heads, and occasionally feel like a
1. As a high school student, studying poetry can be genius.
a rollercoaster ride. This journey is punctuated Answer the following questions, based on the passage
by moments of profound appreciation for simpler above.
pieces and intermittent frustration with more
complex works. Let’s be real here - some poems i. Which of the following statements best describes
are just plain confusing and no amount of re- the author’s attitude towards studying poetry?
reading seems to help decipher the intended (a) Finds poetry to be a frustrating and
meaning. The puzzlement that results from such meaningless endeavour.
instances can be both vexing and demotivating. (b) Believes that the emotional rollercoaster
If solving a riddle is what was intended, then of studying poetry is not worth the effort.
playing Sudoku is a better option. One is led to (c) Recognizes the challenges of studying
ponder if obscurity was the goal.
poetry but also acknowledges the rewards
2. Conversely, some pieces resonate with the reader’s it offers.
soul, stirring feelings of warmth, happiness, and (d) Feels that poetry is too obscure and
connection to the world. Often, these compositions abstract for the average person to
centre on themes that are universally understood, appreciate.
such as love, nature, or faith. Being able to
actually understand what the poet is trying to say ii. What is the tone of the writer in the given lines
can feel like a little victory and is a welcome relief from paragraph (1)? Rationalise your response in
after grappling with more perplexing poetry. about 40 words.
3. Then there are poems that are emotionally If solving a riddle is what was intended, then
charged; the ones that make the reader curl up playing Sudoku is a better option. One is led to
in a ball and cry or jump up and down with ponder if obscurity was the goal.
joy. One is left in awe of the poet’s ability to
convey emotion through words. Let’s not forget iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The author’s use of vivid imagery in paragraph

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Page 28 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

(3), such as “curl up in a ball and cry” and j”ump poems.

up and down with joy”, greatly affects the reader iii. it simply beautifully conveys the emotions through
because _____. words.
iv. The passage includes some words that are iv. (a) intriguing and off-putting
opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) (d) simple and challenging
below, identify two sets of antonyms:
v. the author acknowledges that the unique work
(a) intriguing and off-putting
of the weird poems can be appreciated by the
(b) deciphering and interpreting readers, regardless of the fact that they can be
(c) appreciate and applaud either intriguing or off-putting.
(d) simple and challenging vi. Studying poetry is indeed like exploring a new
(e) emotions and feelings city. The sense of coming to terms with different
personalities and the challenges of moving out,
v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
is similar to understanding different themes
We can say that the author’s tone becomes more
and styles of writing and deciphering complex
neutral and objective when discussing weird
meanings in each poem.
poems, compared to other types of poetry because
_____. vii. (b) Persistence makes studying poetry a rewarding
pursuit.
vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in
viii. Simple
about 40 words, how studying poetry can be like
exploring a new city.
Passage 10
vii. What is the message conveyed by Hina’s
experience, in the following case? 1. The conquest of happiness has meant different
Hina spends hours trying to analyze a poem facts to different generations. Our forefathers
for her assignment and finally feels a sense of took pride in scholarship, a spirit of sacrifice and
accomplishment and pride, once she understands. solicitude for the welfare of others. Gone are those
days. Today we live only for ourselves. We are
(a) Only those with natural talent for poetry
jealous of the advancement of our neighbours. We
should engage with it.
end up tense and unhappy.
(b) Persistence makes studying poetry a
rewarding pursuit. 2. The term ‘happy’ has a variety of meanings. It
stands for the lucky, fortunate, content, glad
(c) The study of poetry is guaranteed to
or apt. Happiness lies within the mind of the
impress others. individual. No amount of external wealth may be
(b) The efforts of studying poetry is inversely helpful in making him happy.
proportional to the rewards gained.
3. Our forefathers had lifestyles, very much different
viii. State whether the following lines display an from those we have today. Their life was based
example of a simple/complex/emotionally mainly on the concept of ‘Simple living and high
charged/downright weird, poem. thinking.’ People were satisfied with whatever
The sun rises in the east, they obtained after working hard. Excessive
A new day begins, a fresh start. material wealth did not mean much for them.
Birds chirp, nature wakes up, They aimed at deriving mental satisfaction and
A peaceful feeling in my heart. enrichment from whatever they did.
Ans : 2023 4. The structural framework of our forefathers’
i. (a) Recognises the challenges of studying poetry families was different from those of ours. They
but also acknowledges the rewards it offers. lived in a cohesive joint family structure where
they were happier than we. They cared for each
ii. The tone of the writer in the given line is sarcastic. other. The siblings grew up with their cousins.
Through the lines, the writer means to say that The bond of love which they shared cannot be
some poems are so confusing and difficult to easily found in the nuclear family of the day. The
understand as if the goal is to make the readers family provided an emotional cushioning effect
totally obscured. He says that solving a Sudoku against tension and stress. However, in the nuclear
puzzle would be more fun than such puzzled family, we are detached from the feelings towards

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

our kith and kin. At times even the cousins do People are ready to migrate to the West because
not recognise one another, when they happen to _____.
be self-centred. Disputes in the family may lead
to divisions. This may finally destroy the family iv. The passage includes some words that are
psyche. opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
below, identify two sets of antonyms :
5. The joint family system provided a proper
environment for the child to grow up. The value (a) Sacrifice and solicitude
of respect, tolerance, responsibility, integrity, etc. (b) Happy and unhappy
were internalised in the child. In the long run, they (c) Satisfaction and enrichment
became better human beings, compared to those (d) Joint family and nuclear family
in the present generation. Our forefathers felt
(e) Perturbed and compared
happiest if their children became ‘honest’ human
beings. But today we are happy only if we attain v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
our coveted material ends. We are ready to resort People who migrate to foreign lands are _____
to any means to attain that end. Our philosophy which makes them feel anxious and concerned.
of life has turned out totally Machiavellian.
6. Our forefathers had a vision to make India the vi. Supply one point to justify the following. (Answer
best. To attain their ambitions, they were ready in about 40 words.)
to make all sorts of personal sacrifices. Their The conquest of happiness has meant different
happiness lay in that of the millions of Indian facts to different generations.
brothers and sisters. On the other hand, today
vii. The intermingle of modernity and tradition is
people are ready to migrate to the West, to enjoy
shown by _____.
a comfortable life. They run away from the evils
of the Indian society without trying to remedy (a) parents going to live at their children’s
them. Often they become successful in foreign place.
lands. But in the process, they become alienated (b) children staying away from their families.
from their motherland. The nostalgic feeling of (c) children helping their parents or
their childhood and the relationship they left grandparents in using smart gadgets.
lingered on which cannot make them happy. (d) None of the above
Distance from their ailing parents is a worrying
factor and keeps them perturbed. It is not easy viii. How does the joint family system make a child a
for them to return, as their children will not be good human being?
able to adjust to the Indian environment and the Ans : 2022
way of life. Thus, in our generation, tradition and
i. (d) All of the above
modernity have intermingled to form our special
system. ii. The difference between the lives of our forefathers
and today’s generations are
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above. 1. Forefathers lived a self-sacrificing life while
today’s generation lives a self-centred life.
i. What concept was our forefathers’ life based 2. Forefathers would sacrifice anything for the
upon? nation while today’s generation would leave
(a) Satisfied with whatever they obtained the nation for a better and successful life.
after working hard.
iii. they want a comfortable and successful life away
(b) Simple living and high thinking. from evils of the Indian society
(c) Excessive material wealth did not mean
iv. (b) Happy and unhappy
much for them.
(d) All of the above (d) Joint family and nuclear family
v. distanced from their ailing parents
ii. According to the passage, state two aspects
which bring out the difference between lives of vi. The given statement is correct. This is seen
our forefathers and today’s generation. Answer in when we compare our forefathers with today’s
about 40 words. generation. Our forefathers were happy in their
nation under the joint family system. However,
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. we do not find out happiness in the same system.

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We prefer living alone and in a different nation. 7. Thus, schools should focus more on the personality
development of children since it is one of the most
vii. (c) Children helping their parents or grandparents
important responsibilities of a school. Schools
in using smart gadgets.
should take the initiative to mould children into
viii. The joint family system teaches a sense of better human beings so that they can make the
responsibility, integrity, tolerance and values to a world a better place to live in.
child. An individual with such values grows up to
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
be a good human being.
above.

Passage 11 i. Select the option that conveys the message,

“Morally sound citizens are the need of the hour.”
1. Corruption, terrorism, communal-ism, greed for (a) Moral citizens can only be possible
power and wealth and the list of ailments that
by giving moral education to the mass
affect modern society continues. More than half
population.
the population of India is below the age group
of 25 and the future of the country will only be (b) Better human beings can make the world
bright if youngsters are equipped to deal with a better place to live in.
these ailments. (c) Developing moral qualities is the only
way to solve these social issues.
2. A child is a storehouse of potential and it is
essential to nurture and develop these attributes (d) Government should take major decisions
from a very young age. Since they spend much about spreading moral education.
of their time in school, the curriculum in school
ii. Why is it important to inculcate moral values
should be such that it enables children to
since childhood? Answer in about 40 words.
understand, care and practise ethical values like
respect, justice and civic sense. Education should iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
aim to develop a sense of rights and duties as well According to the given passage, schools are
as moral values like honesty, responsibility and integral in the _____ of a child.
respect for others.
3. Moral education should be directed towards iv. The passage includes some words that are similar
enhancing a child’s ability to critically analyse in meaning to each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
situations, make decisions, empathise with people below, identify two sets of synonyms.
and work in cooperation towards a common goal. (a) Youth and youngsters
4. As a means of direct instruction to students, schools (b) Affect and equipped
are very influential in the character development (c) Nurture and develop
of a child and the methods of education affect the (d) Corruption and terrorism
development of morally upright citizens who can (e) Behaviour and values
bring about a much-needed change in the country.
v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
5. The youth of today have to face many problems
According to the passage, moral education helps
like drug abuse, violent behaviour and family
children in _____, decision making, cooperation
issues. If they are not taught morals, they would
fail to differentiate between good and bad values. and _____.
Hence, they would be incapable of dealing with vi. Which moral values are important for children to
different types of issues. A sound moral base would learn?
help a child make the right decisions, especially
in an era where the youth is increasingly coming vii. What kind of problems are being faced by today’s
under the negative influence of the media. youth?
6. Schools in India have introduced moral education (a) Influence of social media.
as part of their curriculum because they realise (b) Violent behaviour and peer pressure.
that morally sound citizens are the need of the (c) Drug abuse and family issues.
hour. Since most children look up to their teachers (d) All of the above
as role models, it is most appropriate that they be
the facilitators of moral values. viii. State a solution to the given problem.
Incapable of differentiating between good and

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

bad, children would be unable to deal with 4. I brought him home in a cardboard box and
everyday issues. named him Shaun. He was one of those dogs that
Ans : 2022 give dogs a good name. He effortlessly mastered
every command I taught him and was naturally
i. (a) Moral citizens can only be possible by giving
well-behaved. I could drop a crust on the floor
moral education to the mass population.
and he would not touch it until I gave the okay.
ii. Children are the future of a country. They have
5. Relatives would visit for the weekend and
to face many problems in life. They are under
returned home determined to buy a dog of their
the constant negative influence of social media. If own, so impressed were they with Shaun-or “Saint
children are not thought morals, they would fort Shaun,” as I came to call him. Born with the
to differentiate between good and bad and would curse of an uncertain lineage, he was one of the
be incapable of dealing with different issues. So, tens of thousands of unwanted dogs in America.
it is important to inculcate moral values since Yet by some stroke of almost providential good
childhood. fortune, he became wanted. He came into my life
iii. character development and I into his-and in the process, he gave me the
childhood every kid deserves.
iv. (a) Youth and youngsters
6. The love affair lasted fourteen years, and by the
(c) Nurture and develop
time he died I was no longer the little boy who
v. critical analysis of the situation, empathy had brought him along on that summer day. I
vi. Honesty, responsibility, respect for others and was a man, out of college and working across
civic sense are some values that are essential for the state in my first real job. Saint Shaun had
children to learn. stayed behind when I moved on. It was where he
belonged. My parents, by then retired, called to
vii. (d) All of the above break the news to me. My mother would later
viii. A solution to the given problem is a sound moral tell me, “In fifty years of marriage, I’ve only seen
base which would help children your father cry twice. The first time was when
we lost Mary Ann”-my sister, who was stillborn.
“The second time was the day Shaun died.”
Passage 12
7. Saint Shaun was the companion of my childhood.
1. In the summer of 1967, when I was ten years old, He was a perfect dog. At least that’s how I will
my father caved into my persistent pleas and always remember him. It was Shaun who set the
took me to get my own dog. Together we drove standard by which I would judge all other dogs to
in the family station wagon far into the Michigan come.
countryside to a farm run by a rough-hewn woman
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
and her ancient mother. The farm produced just
above.
one commodity-dogs. Dogs of every imaginable
size and shape and age and temperament. They i. Why does the writer say that he ‘grabbed the
had only two things in common: each was a chain-link and yanked on it with a loud clang’ ?
mongrel of unknown and distinct ancestry, and
(a) Because all the other dogs didn’t attract
each was free to a good home.
him.
2. I quickly decided the older dogs were somebody (b) Because that was the standard procedure
else’s charity case. I immediately raced to the to select a dog.
puppy cage. “You want to pick one that’s not
(c) Because he wanted to pick the dog who
timid,” my father coached. “Try rattling the cage
was afraid of him.
and see which ones aren’t afraid.”
(d) Because he wanted to see which of the
3. I grabbed the chain-link gate and yanked on it dogs in that cage were timid.
with a loud clang. The dozen or so puppies reeled
backward, collapsing on top of one another in a ii. “It was Shaun who set the standard by which
squiggling heap of fur. Just one remained. He I would judge all other dogs to come.” What
was gold with a white blaze on his chest, and he is the tone of the writer in the given lines from
charged at the gate, yapping fearlessly. He jumped paragraph 7? Rationalise your response in about
up and excitedly licked my fingers through the 40 words.
fencing. It was love at first sight.

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iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. Shaun.

The author’s anointing his dog as ‘Saint Shaun’ iv. (b) age and temperament
is the ultimate honour he could bestow on his pet
(d) size and shape
because _____ .
v. ‘It was Shaun who set the standard by which I
iv. The passage includes some words that occur as would judge all other dogs to come.’’
companions with each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
below, identify two sets of word-companions. vi. The author’s love for his dog is evident and so
is his admiration for his father who taught him
(a) unknown and distinct ancestry
not only how to choose the perfect puppy but
(b) dozen and so
developed as deep a bond with Shaun as the
(c) age and temperament author himself so much so that he cried at his
(d) size and shape pet,s death as if he had lost a loved one.
(e) stayed behind and moved on
vii. (a) He made his father succumb to his demand.
v. Complete the sentence appropriately. viii. had forgotten
For the author, Shaun became a benchmark for
a good pet. It is evident from this statement-
_____. Passage 13
1. I know poverty and misery and I quite appreciate
vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, by personal experience what it is to be poor, what
in about 40 words, how the passage is as much a it is to have no clothes, what it is to have no books,
tribute to the author’s dog as is to his father too. what it is to struggle through life and what it is
to walk through the streets without an umbrella,
vii. Select the option that corresponds to the
without conveyance along miles on dusty roads.
underlined phrasal verb in the statement.
I have been through it all and I can understand
“In the summer of 1967, when I was 10 years old,
the difficulties that most of you graduates have to
my father caved into my persistent pleas and took face today. I am speaking from a long experience
me to get my own dog.” (Paragraph 1) of 60 years. Please do not imagine that all the 60
(a) He made his father succumb to his years are milk and roses. To be able to accomplish
demand. something, I want to tell you that you have to go
(b) He made persistent demands on his father through such experiences.
for a pet. 2. I admit success in life is not always to be
(c) He consistently requested his father. intelligent or strong and it is to some extent a bit
(d) His father withstood his pleas. of a gamble, but those who get their minds right
and those who know their job sooner or later,
viii. Complete the lines from a famous poem by will sooner perhaps than later make their way in
supplying the missing word/words taking cue life. But they should not be disappointed if they
from the word given in brackets. do not, they have to face up to life and take it as
...Among the laurel bushes they find it.
And snagging goose-grass and rabbit holes,
3. What I say is that the great things in life are not
I found what I _____ (forget), hidden
really great things in life. What I love is to enjoy
Under a wide oak
the common things of life. I am happy that I am
Ans : 2021
still able to sleep at night provided I have three
i. (d) Because he wanted to see which of the dogs in miles walk in the evening. I am still able to enjoy
that cage were timid. a good lunch or a good dinner. I am still able to
ii. Shaun mastered every command that the author look at the blue sky and like it. I still like to walk
in the open fields and like the smell of the Ragi or
taught him effortlessly and was a naturally well-
the Jowar.
behaved dog. He was extremely disciplined too. A
dog like Shaun was the perfect companion anyone 4. We think that happiness consists of going to
would like to have. pictures and seeing thrilling films and technological
dramas. Not at all, the great things in life are the
iii. Shaun could convert anyone into a follower; even God-given things which cost nothing. What you
the author’s relatives over for a short visit went need is the desire to appreciate them. If you have
away convinced that they wanted a dog like your minds and hearts open, you have around you,

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things which give you joy. There is the butterfly nature’s marvellous ingenuity, resourcefulness and
jumping about in flourishing colours on all sides. infinite variety.
Look at the the wonderful thing that God has
iii. success in life is not always to be intelligent or
given for our enjoyment.
strong.
5. We have to love nature and appreciate nature
iv. (b) Sooner and Later
and appreciate the wonderful gifts of nature’s
marvellous ingenuity, resourcefulness and infinite (e) Disappointed and happy
variety. It is the same thing that has inspired me v. the God-given things which cost nothing.
all of my life.
vi. The great things in life are God-given things
Answer the following questions, based on the passage which cost nothing. All we need is the desire to
above. appreciate them.
i. How had CV Raman’s childhood been difficult? vii. (d) Factual
(a) He had to run on the streets. viii. The speaker loves to enjoy the common things of
(b) He never drank milk as a child. life.
(c) He had lived life as a poor.
(d) He had access to books only. Passage 14
1. A black vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a carrion
ii. What is the greatest lesson being taught by C V
feeder that pilots and air traffic specialists have
Raman’s speech? Answer in about 40 words.
long considered a collision threat, given both its
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. size and flight behaviour. Of Brazil’s animal-
Life has been termed a gamble because _____. aircraft incidents in 2020, eight percent involved
black vultures. Even discounting the danger,
iv. The passage includes some words that are they pose to aircrafts, vultures are widely seen as
opposites of each of each other. From the sets (a)- harbingers of death and decay. Yet, they play an
(e) below, identify two sets of antonyms : important role in the human-built environment.
(a) Poverty and misery 2. These carrion-eaters fly in committees and when
(b) Sooner and later they are not airborne, camp out on large stands of
(c) Ingenuity and infinite refuse, packed together like feather-clad beggars.
(d) Intelligent and strong With their sooty plumage and crusty skin, black
vultures fit right in with their rank surroundings.
(e) disappointed and happy
Boasting a wingspan of around five feet and the
v. Complete the sentence appropriately. ability to fly at speeds surpassing Usain Bolt in
According to the author, the great things in life his prime, they are mostly habituated to the many
are _____. collectors, sifters, and other (bipedal) scavengers
who spend quality time at the dump. Gazing,
vi. What are the qualities from the passage that the waiting-they will make their move when the time
author wants us to imbibe? Answer in about 40 is right.
words. 3. A trash mound is essentially a rookery and
vii. The writer says, “What I say is that great things nursery for a bird that evolved to eat the flesh
in life are not really great thing in life.” of the dead and dying but now thrives on the
abundance of trash. Here, where human-
State the tone with which the writer says so.
coordinated management is absent, vultures are
(a) Lively (b) Disdain efficient managers of waste.
(c) Humorous (d) Factual
4. For each story of a potential airline collision
viii. What does the speaker love in life? resulting from the birds, they cycle millions of tons
Ans : 2021 of nutrients and other material through the food
web, eating dog faeces and fish bones with equal
i. (c) He had lived life as a poor.
gusto. The average Brazilian household throws
ii. The greatest lesson being taught by CV Raman’s away 353g of trash per day; the average black
speech is that we have to love nature and appreciate vulture consumes 140g a day. Not all household
nature and appreciate the wonderful gifts of waste is edible-although Coragyps atratus does

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Page 34 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

seem to have an affection for gobbling up shreds v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
of plastic grocery bags. Their powerful stomach The writer compares the black vultures with
acid breaks down harmful pathogens of cholera, Usain Bolt because .......... .
brucellosis, and anthrax too.
vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in
5. As the planet seems to be roiled in flames and
about 40 words, that the black vultures despite
losing biodiversity at a rapid clip, vultures are
their general unsightliness are highly social birds.
as opportunistic as ever, with their populations
growing in both South and North America which vii. “They’re (the black vultures) the best thing that
makes continued conflict with humans inevitable. ever happened to the Amazon town,” says a
6. Solid waste is typically strewn about communities conservationist in Paragraph 6. The options given
in rural Latin America. The vultures have taken below provide enough evidence to substantiate
care of everything; the city has no hope of taking this claim except one. Choose the correct option.
care of itself.” In this light, the vultures’ general (a) They take care of waste management
unsightliness, and perhaps the occasional aircraft better than humans.
collision, is a small price to pay. “They’re the best (b) They consume even plastics.
thing that ever happened to the Amazon town,” (c) They protect humans from the spread of
says a conservationist. harmful pathogens.
(d) They single-handedly keep rural Latin
Answer the following questions, based on the passage America spick and span.
above.
viii. Complete the statement.
i. Why does the writer say that vultures are Despite the fact that the growing populations of
harbingers of death and decay? black vultures in both South and North America
(a) They are responsible for animal-aircraft have sharpened the conflict with humans, they
incidents in Brazil. are a blessing for mankind because they consume
(b) They collide with aircrafts and feed on even non-edible waste like .......... .
Ans : 2021
dead flesh.
(c) They are responsible for animal-aircraft i. (b) They collide with aircrafts and feed on dead
incidents everywhere in the world. flesh.
(d) They are carrion feeders. ii. Trash mounds have become common nesting
grounds and nurseries for black vultures. It has
ii. Based on your reading of the text, explain why helped the bird evolve and adapt itself to the
the writer says that Coragyps stratus thrives on
changes in its environment. Here, where human-
the abundance of human-made piles of trash.
coordinated management is absent, vultures are
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
efficient managers of waste.
iii. Which outstanding trait of the black vultures the iii. The author wishes to project the hardiness of the
writer wishes to project, with reference to the black vultures.
following statement?
Not all household waste is edible-although iv. (a) South and North America
‘Coragyps atratus’ does seem to have an affection (e) pilots and air traffic specialists
for gobbling up shreds of plastic grocery bags. v. the flying speed of Coragyps atratus is even better
than the most celebrated athlete, Usain Bolt’s
iv. The passage includes some word pairs that denote
running speed in his prime.
consecutive stages in a process for example,
moulding and baking a bread. From the sets (a)- vi. They fly together in committees. They camp out
(e) below, identify two sets of words that do not on large stands of refuse, packed together watching
correspond to this relation. out for each other and their young ones. A trash
(a) South and North America mound is essentially a rookery and nursery for the
(b) dead and dying black vulture because humans don’t frequent it.
(c) rookery and nursery vii. (d) They single-handedly keep rural Latin
(d) death and decay America spick and span.
(e) pilots and air traffic specialists

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viii. shreds of plastic grocery bags and ingest pathogens and textile mills, sulphur, ammonia, urea, metallic
of cholera, brucellosis, and anthrax too. salts and corrosive acids all find their way to the
rivers of India.
Passage 15 6. It is important not only to make new laws to
ensure the purity of water but also to realise the
1. The seasonal problem of water taps running dry urgency of implementing them ruthlessly if we are
is plaguing most of our major cities. With the to avoid a national health disaster cutting across
bigger rivers flowing in trickles and ponds and the barrier between towns and the countryside.
wells reduced to clay pits, village women in
remote areas have to fetch every drop of water for Answer the following questions, based on the passage
drinking, cooking, washing and so on, across large above.
distances. This has only worsened a perennial
i. Why does the writer say that ‘this has only
problem, that of widespread pollution of water,
worsened a perennial problem?
rendering it unfit for human consumption. The
monsoons and the attendant floods will not solve (a) There is climate change and increasing
this problem. floods.
(b) More and more is becoming unfit for
2. The Delhi Administration is seriously worried
about the threat to civic health posed by the human use.
polluted waters of the Yamuna. Two main tanks (c) The water table has gone down.
are to be set up to treat sewage. At present, only (d) There is no more clean water.
60 per cent of the 200 million gallons of the city’s
sewage receives any kind of treatment before it a ii. Based on your reading of the text, list two reasons
dumped into the river which supplies water not why the writer says that
only to this city but to innumerable towns and According to a survey of eight dwelling countries
villages downstream. The Ganga, the Yamuna, conducted a couple of years ago, 90 percent of
the Kaveri, in fact, all our important rivers serving all child deaths were due to water-borne diseases.
many urban conglomerations, are fast becoming a (Answer in about 40 words)
major source of diseases.
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
3. A comprehensive bill introduced in the Parliament Only 18 percent of the rural folk have access to
recently envisages the setting up of central and potable water because _____.
state boards for the prevention and control of
water pollution. But it will obviously take some iv. The passage includes some words that are
time before legislation is passed and effectively opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
implemented. Meanwhile, the problem continues given below, identify two sets of antonyms.
to swell. According to a survey of eight dwelling (a) Reduce and swell
countries conducted a couple of years ago, 90
(b) Prevention and control
percent of all child deaths were due to water-
borne diseases. It is the same unchanged story (c) Burgeoning and becoming
today. (d) Running and plaguing
4. In a country like India, a burgeoning population (e) Town and countryside
continuing to use the open countryside as a
v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
lavatory means that with every dust storm and
The need of the hour to avoid a national health
rain, humans excreta laden with germs and
parasites find their way to ponds, shallow wells disaster is to _____.
and even the streams and rivers. Only 18 percent vi. Which new threat is the writer talking about in
of the rural folk have access to potable water. Paragraph 5? Answer in about 40 words.
5. A new threat that has already assumed alarming
proportions is industrial waste which is generally vii. Select the option that corresponds to the following
dumped untreated into the nearest river. For relation below.
instance, for every kilogram of process hide, A new threat that has already assumed alarming
30-40 litres of foul-smelling, wastewater has to proportions is industrial waste which is generally
be disposed of. There are at least 900 licensed dumped untreated into the nearest river.
tanneries in the organised sector. Putrefied paper (Paragraph 5)
and jute waste, metallic waste from strawboard

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Page 36 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

(a) The crime rate is at its peak mainly Passage 16

caused due to inequality, financial burden 1. A UNICEF report, 2021 pointed out that some
and overexposure to television. 100 million girls are at risk of child marriage over
(b) Human behaviour is often affected by the the next decade. The pandemic has led to “school
people around them. closures, economic stress, service disruptions,
(c) Happiness can be found in even the pregnancy, and parental deaths”, leaving a further
smallest of things in life, said a wise 10 million vulnerable girls facing the possibility of
person. child marriage.
(d) In order to be successful, one needs to 2. In Rajasthan, civil society organisations are
have patience and perseverance. battling the practice, empowering the girls and
succeeding. Launched on International Women’s
viii. The writer expresses his concern when he says Day in 2019, Naubat Baja relies largely on the
only 18 percent of the rural folk have access to strength of mobile phones, which have penetrated
potable water. the remotest corners of India and are the youth’s
State one point that supports the above statement. favourite mode of communication, particularly in
Ans : 2021 areas with little access to television, cable, or the
i. (b) More and more water is becoming unfit for internet.
human use. 3. The words Naubat Baja, stand for an ensemble
ii. The writer says the given statement because of musical instruments that were played together
in earlier times to catch the attention of people.
1. Use of open countryside as a lavatory causing
This initiative is a new incarnation of the digital
rain, storm, etc to transport the infections age, relaying messages against harmful practices
human excreta to ponds, rivers etc. such as child marriage and gender discrimination.
2. Putrefied paper, metallic waste from mills, Posters against early marriage are a part of
sulphur, ammonia, urea, metallic salts and the campaign by Naubat Baja Missed Call
corrosive acids all find their way to the rivers Radio, a cloud telephone-based radio channel in
of India. Rajasthan, that addresses issues of adolescents’
iii. water-bodies continue to be dumped with sewage well-being, empowerment and health. Volunteers
and adolescent group leaders associated with
and human excreta laden with germs
Naubat Baja are called champions.
iv. (a) Reduce and swell
4. Girls phone the Naubat Baja number and receive
(e) Town and countryside a callback, which contains a 15-minute recording
v. make laws and implement them vigorously of free entertainment, peppered with Hindi film
songs, short stories and audio dramas themed
vi. Industrial waste which is generally dumped
around social issues narrated through comedy
untreated into the nearest river is the rising threat
or satire. There is news about job opportunities,
that the author is talking about. With so many general knowledge facts and information about
licensed tanneries, wastes like putrefied paper and government welfare schemes aimed at the youth.
jute waste, metallic waste from strawboard and Messages on themes such as child marriage,
textile mills, sulphur, ammonia, urea, metallic domestic violence, adolescent girls’ health,
salts, and corrosive acids all find their way to the menstrual hygiene, gender sensitisation, financial
rivers of India. awareness are conveyed through the dramas.
vii. (a) The crime rate is at its peak mainly caused due 5. The regularly updated programme, overseen by
to inequality, financial burden, and overexposure UNFPA representatives, is produced in studios
to television. with the help of a content team of researchers and
viii. The given statement is supported by the fact presented by professional audio content makers
that due to the presence of open lavatory, all and popularised through social media, graffiti and
awareness campaigns in rural and urban areas by
waterbodies like ponds, shallow wells, streams
volunteers, community leaders, Panchayats (rural
and rivers get polluted with germ filled human
governing bodies), Anganwadi (rural child care
excreta.
centres) and ASHA (Accredited Social Health
Activist) workers.

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6. In Rajasthan, efforts are on to draw in more (b) They are using poster campaigns at grass
partners in the drive like the Nehru Yuva Kendra root levels.
Sangathan (NYKS)- one of the largest youth (c) They are using satire and comedy to push
networks in the world to popularize messages their social messages.
aired by Naubat Baja. Once the strategies start (d) They are relying on their collaboration
to bear fruit, thousands of ordinary girls will dare
with UNO.
to dream.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage viii. The mass reach of the Naubat Baja in both
above. rural and urban areas involving local community
platforms in Rajasthan has been made possible
i. Why does the writer wish to project when he says due to the combined efforts of .......... .
this? Ans : 2021

A UNICEF report, 2021 pointed out that some i. (c) alarm for the lives of the girls.
100 million girls are at risk of child marriage over
the next decade. ii. Dramas are used to sensitise and make people
aware about a range of sensitive social issues
(a) agitation against the authorities
such as child marriage, domestic violence, health
(b) insecurity about the world trend
of adolescent girls, menstrual hygiene, gender
(c) alarm for the lives of the girls sensitisation, and even financial awareness to
(d) conviction about the helpless situation drive the point home.
ii. The writer emphasizes that Naubat Baja uses iii. as it is not only made by a team of researchers but
its content very cleverly to rake up sensitive is also presented by professional audio content
social issues through theatrical performances makers.
(Paragraph 4). iv. (a) rural and urban areas
What is the similarity between the two?
(c) gender discrimination and sensitisation
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
v. information about job opportunities, general
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. knowledge facts, government welfare schemes and
The campaign content used in Naubat Baja is financial management.
being done with a professional touch .......... .
vi. Naubat Baja is a cloud telephone-based radio
iv. The passage includes some words that are channel. It relies on the strength of mobile phones,
opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) which have penetrated the remotest corners of
below, identify two sets of antonyms. India. That’s why it is able to access those areas
(a) rural and urban areas that are devoid of access to television, cable TV
(b) child marriage and early marriage or even, the internet.
(c) gender discrimination and sensitisation vii. (a) They are using a cloud-based telephone service
(d) well-being and health to reach people.
(e) television and cable viii. Anganwadi centers, ASHA workers, NYKS, and
panchayat members.
v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The representatives of the United Nations and
champions keep the youth updated by providing Passage 17
them with .......... . 1. Although pollution of land, sea and air has
been well documented, the latest and the least
vi. Based on your reading of the passage, prove that
recognised version is the swelling tide of noise
Naubat Baja has successfully reached even the
which is engulfing urban as well as rural areas.
remotest corners of inaccessible areas.
This has long-term implications on the ecology,
vii. How are civil society organisations using health, and productivity of a fast developing
technology to their advantage to bring about country like India.
social change? 2. Unlike other pollutants, noise lacks visibility,
(a) They are using a cloud-based telephone seldom registering on the consciousness, except as
service to reach people. a trifling irritant to be dismissed at will, therefore,
less likely to be perceived as a threat. Available

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Page 38 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

data indicates that noise does pose a threat and is ii. What is the tone of the writer in the given line-
known to have caused a number of complications. ‘Even at 50 db, sound can awaken a person from
Declining productivity among workers in certain a deep slumber.’ from paragraph 5? Rationalise
industries has been directly correlated with noise your response in about 40 words.
levels, particularly these under constant exposure
to the menace. iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The author cites examples of noise pollution in
3. The first ever survey of the impact of noise on
heavy industrial pockets to conclusively prove to
health, conducted by All India Institute of
the reader that .......... .
Medical Sciences, has established that noise
not only impairs the physical and psychological iv. The passage includes some words that are
functioning of the human organism, but also opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
causes nausea, vomiting, pain, hypertension and below, identify two sets of antonyms.
a lot of other complications, including cardio-
(a) physical and psychological
vascular complaints.
(b) in and around
4. A study by Post Graduate School of Basic Medical (c) sea and air
Sciences, in Chennai, confirms such conclusions.
(d) urban and rural
In 50 per cent of industries, it was found that
workmen exposed to higher intensities of noise (e) cities and towns
in occupational capacities were often irritated,
v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
short-tempered, and impatients and more likely
The survey conducted by AHMS has established
to resort to agitation and disrupt production.
that noise not only impacts .......... but also
This was true of units in heavy industrial pockets
impairs .......... by causing nausea, vomiting, pain,
in and around the four metropolitan centres.
hypertension and cardio-vascular complaints.
5. Recreational noise, another ugly facet, is
becoming more widespread in cities and vi. Based on the reading of the passage, answer in
towns. Loudspeakers are turned at full volume about 40 words. How does the author define the
during marriages, festivals, jagrans, musical consequences of recreational noise?
programmes, particularly at night, without the
least consideration for others. Even at 50 db vii. The author emphasises that ‘The swelling
sound can awaken a person from a deep slumber. tide of noise has long-term implications on the
As experiments have shown, loudspeakers with environment, human health, and productivity.’
output from 60 to 80 db cause the pupils of a Which of the following options corroborates this?
slumbering person to dilate, with increasing (a) It has a lot of health complications.
intake of oxygen, resulting in palpitation. The (b) Human apathy to noise makes it an
effect is more pronounced in narrow lanes. TV omniscient threat.
sets are played at full volume at prime time, (c) It is considered a trifling irritant to be
invariably disturbing neighbours. Noise-making dismissed at will.
seems to have become the latest status symbol,
(d) It can make a person violent and
be it an election campaign or slogan shouting or
disruptive.
advertising ownership of a TV set.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage viii. What is the message conveyed by the author in
above. the article?
Ans : 2020
i. Why does the writer say that noise has implications
i. (d) Because its effects are not well-documented.
on our nation’s ecology, health, and productivity?
Eliminate the incorrect option. ii. The writer emphasises the deadly impact of even
(a) Because it has overwhelmed both urban low levels of noise with an example that if even
and rural areas. 50 db sound can disturb a person and disrupt his
(b) Because it is conveniently dismissed. sleep cycle then, louder levels of sounds can have
a devastating effect on one’s physical as well as
(c) Because its effects are well-documented.
mental health.
(d) Because its effects are not well-
documented. iii. consistent exposure to noise can lead to
behavioural changes.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

iv. (a) physical and psychological its adverse/negative outcomes.

(d) urban and rural 5. Also a major contributor to its popularity is the
v. our physical and psychological functioning, our availability of prepaid or pay-as-you-go services
health. from a phone shop or an online store. This allows
subscribers to load text or airtime credits to
vi. Recreational noise is characteristic of urban their handsets by the use of their credit cards,
areas, especially neighbourhoods with narrow debit cards or by buying a prepaid card from the
lanes where it gets trapped and disturbs people, network they subscribe to. If a prepaid card is
disrupts life, and impairs health like dilation of not that appealing to you, then you can opt to
pupils, palpitations, and disruption of sleep. subscribe using the pay-by-month plan.
vii. (b) Human apathy to noise makes it an omniscient Answer the following questions, based on the passage
threat. above.
viii. Noise is as lethal as any other kind of pollution.
i. What does the author mean when he says ‘tour
the cosmos’ ?
Passage 18 (a) Booking foreign fours.
1. It is an indisputable fact that the world has gone (b) Seeing so far as one can go.
too far with the innovation of new technologies (c) Seeing things which were part of the
such as mobile phones, the internet and so on, dream.
due to which, people are able to tour the cosmos (d) Seeing different parts of the universe.
virtually sitting in one place using their smart
devices or other technological gadgets. Though ii. Based on your reading of the text, list two reasons
mobile internet access is often-times hurried why the writer approves of smart phones. Answer
and short, it can still provide common internet in about 40 words.
features like alerts, weather data, emails, search
engines, instant messages and game and music iii. Fill in the blank.
downloading. Grown-ups should .......... the use of new
technology by the young people.
2. Due to the easy access to smartphones,
communication has been very effective and iv. The passage includes some words that are similar
instant. People are able to convey their message in meaning to each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
all around the globe to their loved ones without below, identify two sets of synonyms.
spending hefty sums of money. Adults are (a) Preventing and providing
always fond of such gadgets and they always
(b) World and cosmos
welcome and adopt such new technology readily.
Further, young people have been able to broaden (c) Adverse and negative
their minds and improve their skills by doing (d) Addiction and misuse
research on the Internet. For instance, they use (e) Effective and instant
smartphones to look up any new word they come
across. As we know that most of universities have v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
online teaching provisions and smartphones assist Smart phones today have become crucial to
students to complete their assignments on time. education because .......... .
3. The mobile phone has been a lifesaver for a lot vi. Do you think that the author warns young people
of people in case of an emergency. Likewise, from use of smart phones? Give reasons for your
use of smartphones can be of vital importance answer in about 40 words.
in preventing crimes in society by providing
information to the security forces in time. vii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank.
Internet does not help young ones to .......... .
4. Nonetheless, for the young, the use of the mobile
phone can be like an addiction and they can (a) complete their assignments in time
misuse it. Young people are also prone to getting (b) differentiate between good and bad
involved in undesirable activities on the Internet. (c) broaden their mind by doing research
This might have an adverse effect on their (d) learn and know more words
academic performance. Therefore, young people
should always be monitored and made aware of

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viii. Mobile phone is called a lifesaver. State the to measure,” he says. “That’s what I would call
reasons for the same. creativity in a science class.”
Ans : 2020
3. “Creativity means taking risks and not being
i. (d) Seeing different parts of the universe. afraid to make mistakes,” adds Andrews. In fact,
she and many educators agree, when something
ii. The writer approves of smartphones because
comes out differently than expected, it provides
communication has been very effective and
a learning experience. A good scientist would ask
instant. People are able to convey their message
“Why?” she says, and “What’s happening here?”
all around the globe to their loved ones without
spending hefty sums of money. Further, young 4. Talking with others and teamwork also help with
people have been able to broaden their minds associative thinking-allowing thoughts to wander
and improve their skills by doing research on the and freely associating one thing with another-
Internet. that DeHaan says, contributes to creativity.
Working on a team, he says, introduces a concept
iii. monitor called distributed reasoning. Sometimes called
iv. (b) World and cosmos brainstorming. This type of reasoning is spread
(c) Adverse and negative out and conducted by a group of people.
5. “When you talk about creativity in science, it’s
v. most of the universities have online teaching
not about, have you done a nice drawing to
provisions and smartphones assist students to
explain something,” she says. “It’s about, What
complete their assignments on time.
are we imagining together? What’s possible,
vi. Yes, the author warns young people about the and how could we figure that out? That’s what
use of smartphones as for the young, the use of scientists do all the time.”
mobile phone can be like an addiction and they 6. Although using arts and crafts to represent ideas
can misuse it. Young people are also prone to can be helpful, Smith says, it is not the same as
getting involved in undesirable activities on the recognizing the creativity inherent in science.
Internet. This might have an adverse effect on “What we’ve been missing is that science itself is
their academic performance. Therefore, young creative,” she explains.
people should always be monitored and made
7. “It’s a creativity of ideas and representations and
aware of its adverse/negative outcomes.
finding things out, which is different from making
vii. (b) differentiate between good and bad a Player-mâché globe and painting it to represent
viii. The mobile phone has been called lifesaver the Earth,” she says.
because it has helped people in case of an 8. In the end, educators and scientists agree that
emergency. Likewise, use of smartphones can be anyone can learn how to think like a scientist.
of vital importance in preventing crimes in society “Too often in school, students get the impression
by providing information to the security forces in that science is for a specially gifted subspecies of
time. humanity,” Herschbach says. But he insists just
the opposite is true.
9. “Scientists don’t have to be so smart,” he continues.
Passage 19
“It’s all there waiting for you if you work hard
1. In the classroom, broadening your thinking can at it, and then you have a good chance of
mean emphasizing something called problem contributing to this great adventure of our species
based learning. In this approach, a teacher and understanding more about the world we live
presents a problem or question with no clear or in.”
obvious solution. Students are then asked to think (Adapted from the American Heritage Children’s
broadly about how to solve it. Science Dictionary)
2. Problem-based learning can help students Answer the following questions, based on the passage
think like scientists, Wallace says. He cites an above.
example from his own classroom. Last fall, he
had students read about fruit flies that lack i. Why does the writer say that problem-based
an enzyme-a molecule that speeds up chemical learning can ‘broaden one’s thinking?
reactions-to break down alcohol. “I had seven (a) It can lead to creative resolution of an
groups of students, and got seven different ways issue at hand.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

(b) It can lead to people working in a pedantic to contribute to the greater understanding of
manner. the world and resolve its problems with a spirit
(c) It can lead to the expansion of the human of inquiry and hard work- qualities that are
brain literally. mandatory to become a good scientist.
(d) It can lead to people working iii. it can broaden one’s thinking by encouraging
independently. a person to look at a problem from different
perspectives.
ii. What makes Herschbach debunk the popular
misconception that scientists are more gifted iv. (a) arts and crafts
than others? Rationalise your response in about (e) scientists and gifted subspecies
40 words.
v. in a team setting that allows thoughts to freely
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. associate one thing with another.
The author tries to establish a link and a point vi. Creativity in science refers to the creativity of
of similarity between problem-based learning and ideas and representations and finding things
thinking like a scientist when he says that .......... . out. It means taking risks, asking questions, and
making mistakes whereas in art, the focus is on
iv. The passage includes some word-pairs that are
beauty and symbolism.
closely related or similar to each other. From the
sets (a)-(e) below, identify sets that go against vii. (b) It is prevalent among the scientific community
the essence of the passage. only.
(a) arts and crafts viii. the existence of human beings on earth.
(b) ideas and representations
(c) educators and scientists
Passage 20
(d) distributed reasoning and brainstorming
1. Like all bad news and the common cold, allergies
(e) scientists and gifted subspecies
can pop up when you least expect them. I suddenly
v. Complete the sentence appropriately. developed an allergy to Cronin (Paracetamol)
DeHaan lays deep emphasis on the benefits of some years ago after having it all my life to treat
associative thinking in science and emphasises everything from headaches to fever and toothache.
that its maximum benefits can be drawn out A seafood-loving friend found himself unable to
.......... . breathe after having Thai food for dinner. After
undergoing a battery of expensive tests, he was
vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, told the chest tightness was not caused by a heart
in about 40 words, what disconnect or point attack but by an allergy to shellfish, something he
of difference does the writer draw out between ate once a week and had never reacted to before.
creativity in art and craft and creativity in science. 2. A stuffed or drippy nose, frequent sneezing, an
itchy throat, rash, sinus, ear pain, difficulty in
vii. Which of these explanations does not relate to the
breathing, stomach cramps and itchy, red or
concept of distributive reasoning?
watery eyes are some of the common symptoms of
(a) It is synonymous with brainstorming. an allergic reaction. Pollen, dust, polluted air and
(b) It is prevalent among the scientific indoor pollutants such as dust mites, cigarette
community only. smoke and mould are among the common
(c) It is a part of associative thinking. environmental pollutants, while other triggers
(d) t requires a team to conduct it successfully. include medicines, paint and chemicals in cleaners
and cosmetics such as hair colour and skin
viii. Fill in the blank with suitable word/words. creams. Among foods, eight allergens account for
This great adventure of our species in Paragraph almost 90% of food allergies: milk, soy, wheat,
9 refers to .......... . egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.
Ans : 2020
3. Most of us wrongly believe that people with
i. (a) It can lead to creative resolution of an issue at allergies are either born with the condition or
hand. develop identifiable symptoms in early childhood.
An allergy can occur at any time in your life and
ii. Educators and scientists agree that anyone can
experts say its prevalence among adults is rising.
learn how to think like a scientist. One needs

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Page 42 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

While most people who develop allergies as adults iv. The passage includes some words that are
have experienced some allergic reaction-either to opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
the same or an unrelated trigger before-a few have given below, identify two sets of antonyms.
no history of sensitivity. (a) Stuffed and sneezing
4. In an acute immune reaction, the allergy trigger (b) Developed and undergoing
may be one, but the symptom is usually caused (c) Before and after
by a combination of factors. Stress, a sterile (d) Same and unrelated
environment that prevents the body from
(e) Rapid and wreck
developing robust natural immunity and lifestyle-
induced changes in the body’s hormonal balance v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
are thought to be some triggers. This is borne out The relation that the author draws between age
by clinical evidence that shows that women are and allergy is that .......... .
more likely to develop allergies at puberty, after
pregnancy and at menopause, all of which point vi. How does exercising later in the day or indoors
to hormonal causes. help people with airway sensitivity and asthma?
5. Of course, avoiding the allergy trigger and taking Answer in about 40 words.
an anti-allergy medication as soon as you can, vii. When are women more likely to develop allergies?
after exposure to an allergen is the best possible
(a) At pregnancy
protection. Since, pollen levels generally peak
in the morning, people with airway sensitivity (b) At puberty, after pregnancy and at
and Asthma should postpone outdoor exercises menopause
to later in the day or stick to exercising indoors (c) At menopause
as deeper and more rapid breathing induced by (d) At puberty
aerobic exercise causes more pollen and dust
being inhaled, which can wreck your airways and viii. Write some of the common environmental
lungs. pollutants.
Ans : 2019
6. Allergies in adults can be treated using some
anti-allergic medicines. For those who do not i. (c) Both (a) and (b)
respond to the standard treatment, there’s always ii. The common symptoms of allergic reactions
the option of a series of allergy shots to help the are stuffed or drippy nose, frequent sneezing,
immune system to build up a tolerance to the an itchy throat, rash, sinus, ear pain, difficulty
allergy. In most cases, though, identifying and in breathing, stomach cramps and itchy, red or
avoiding the allergen is enough to stay free of
watery eyes.
trouble.
iii. a series of allergy shots
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above. iv. (c) Before and after
(d) Same and unrelated
i. How can you prevent/treat yourself from getting
allergies? v. as a person grows older, he/she becomes more
prone to developing allergies.
(a) By taking an anti-allergy medicine as
soon as there is exposure to an allergen. vi. It is believed that people with airway sensitivity
(b) By avoiding the allergy trigger. and asthma should postpone outdoor exercises
(c) Both (a) and (b) to later in the day or stick to exercising indoors
(d) None of the above as deeper and more rapid breathing induced by
aerobic exercise causes more pollen and dust being
ii. What are the common symptoms of an allergic inhaled, which can wreck airways and lungs.
reaction? Answer in about 40 words. vii. (b) At puberty, after pregnancy and at menopause
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. viii. Some of the environmental pollutants are pollen,
Those people who do not respond to anti-allergy dust, polluted air and indoor pollutants such as
medicines can be given a .......... to strengthen the dust mites, cigarette smoke and mould.
immune system’s tolerance to allergy.

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Passage 21 I do not regret the change.” Today, Facebook

1. A youngster quit Facebook in December after has 800 million users of which 37 million are
spending over three years on the social networking Indians. The site has become an online identity
site. With that one act, he bid a silent adieu to for most, and many of those who decided to quit
more than 300 contacts that he had added to his cannot overcome the withdrawal symptoms and
account during the period. Like almost everyone return. Facebook, fully aware of its addictive
from his “friend’s circle,” the 20-year-old was a powers, facilitates this return by allowing users to
regular on the service; visiting it every day to post ‘deactivate’ their accounts but continues to store
photos and status updates but last week a new information on its servers so that they can return
feature on Facebook called Timeline forced him from their ‘break’, whenever they wish.
to reconsider the pros and cons of being on the Answer the following questions, based on the passage
networking site. above.
2. Everyone has some skeletons in their closet and
i. Which of the following statements best describes
I am just not comfortable with Facebook digging
the reason for the youngster’s reaction to the
up and displaying all the facets of my life on a
posts he made in the past?
bulletin board,’ says this youngster who joined
the network in July 2007, while he was in class (a) He did not want to the reminded of the
11th. past.
(b) He was reminded of the bitter past.
3. Facebook, you see, had compressed the time he
spent on the site and arranged it in chronological (c) He felt it unnecessary.
order. While he initially liked the new neatly (d) He was embarrassed of the post.
organised scrapbook-like feature he wasn’t happy
to reveal posts from the past that until recently ii. Based on your reading of the text, list any two
were hidden under layers and layers of recent disadvantages of the social media site Facebook.
updates. Just clicking on a date on the timeline iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
could transport his friends back in time and People are choosing to commit Facebook suicide
enable them to view every embarrassing comment
because .......... .
link or photo he had posted on his profile.
4. “I think it’s a recipe for disaster,” he says. iv. The passage includes some words that are
“In 2007, I had some wall posts which seemed opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
appropriate at the time but now after a lapse of below, identify a set of antonyms.
four years, I have moved on and don’t want them (a) Pros and disaster
to be openly displayed for all to see.” (b) Superficial and real
5. He is not alone. Many users, worried about how (c) Quit and regular
the Facebook activity could possibly affect their (d) Addictive and lapse
offline lives, are choosing to commit “Facebook (e) Facilitates and updates
suicide.” While some have privacy concerns, others
feel that the site meant to bring them closer to v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
their friends actually does the opposite- it reduces According to the author, .......... feature of
their friendship to something superficial. Timeline takes away a person’s privacy.
6. Poking and liking are not enough to keep a
vi. Why did the youngster change his mind later
friendship going,’ says a business analyst. Having
regarding staying on Facebook?
quit Facebook three years ago, she prefers meeting
her “real” friends face-to-face, instead of reading vii. Evaluate the appropriate characteristic that
their trite posts online. “On Facebook, people can be apt for the lives of people who had quit
hype everyday issues including what they ate Facebook.
and where they went on a daily basis,” says this (a) Embarrassing and Addictive
analyst who continues to use Twitter.
(b) Sad and Hysterical
7. “Facebook has become a time sink and it could (c) Social and Real
not justify the time I spent on it,” he says, “I
(d) Nostalgic and Fear of missing out
spend more time calling up friends or relatives
over the phone now I also go out and meet people viii. In Paragraph 7, the author says ‘allowing users
whenever possible and have a good offline life.

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Page 44 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

to ‘deactivate’ their accounts but continues to 3. School time in itself is, however, not necessarily
store information on their servers so that they can the root of the problem, as the Covid-19 pandemic
return from their ‘break’, whenever they wish.’ lockdowns have shown. It is staying indoors that
State the reason for doing so by Facebook. appears to be. During the lockdowns, schools shut
Ans : 2019 down all over the world-but children’s eye health
became even worse. Typically, they stayed inside
i. (d) He was embarrassed of the post.
during the lockdowns, and spent hours staring
ii. Two disadvantages of the social media site at screens, either following classes or watching
Facebook are : TV, as other forms of learning and entertainment
1. The site reveals post from the past which disappeared.
were relevant then but are embarrassing or 4. This complex problem-myopia as a bad side effect
triggering now. of an otherwise positive trend-also shows up in
2. People are not really connected. Likes and another area: income levels. Like education, a
pokes are not real friendships. People hype higher income is generally associated with greater
what they ate and where they went on the well-being in children-but not when it comes to
social media site. eye health. Instead, myopia is associated with
higher socio-economic status. The richer we get,
iii. many users, worried about how their activity on the better we are at protecting our children from
Facebook could affect their personal lives. ever going outdoors, because they’ve got more
iv. (b) superficial and real things to do. They’ve got to learn music, play
video games and watch TV, and so forth.
v. clicking on a date
5. Is there a way out? In China, trials have been
vi. The youngster changed his mind later because
conducted in classrooms that mimic learning
he realised that a piece of information or poster
outdoors. Children and teachers preferred the
put in the past may have been relevant then but bright new classrooms that resemble a glasshouse,
today it may not be. People move on in life and as compared with a traditional classroom.
sometimes they do not want their past to haunt However, in summer and on sunny days, the light
them. intensity was at the ‘practical upper limit for
vii. (c) Social and Real routine use’. The bright classroom is also twice as
expensive to build as a regular classroom, because
viii. The social media site Facebook is fully aware of
of building materials and cooling mechanisms
its addictive powers. Hence, it offers a way out by that are required.
keeping the information of the user to facilitate
their easy return. 6. The most effective, evidence-based prevention
strategy is also surprisingly low-tech and applies
to all countries regardless of their wealth or
Passage 22 resources: more time outdoors. Researchers are
1. They’ve also got huge educational success. It is a still investigating exactly why being outdoors, and
complicated cultural phenomenon. The pursuit of being in natural light, helps prevent myopia-but
educational excellence to the exclusion of other for now, their perhaps most important conclusion
aspects of life, such as spending time outside, is that it does. The challenge is to ensure that
can be detrimental to eye health believe eye children make use of this natural boost.
specialists. Answer the following questions, based on the passage
2. In low and middle-income countries, myopia rates above.
still tend to be lower-Bangladesh and India for
i. Why does the writer say that myopia is ‘a
example report rates of about 20-30% in adults-
complicated cultural phenomenon’ in South-
but this is changing. In Africa, for example,
East Asia? Which of these statements does not
myopia used to be comparatively uncommon,
corroborate the given statement?
but over the past ten years, the prevalence of
childhood myopia has been rising fast. As literacy (a) The rate of educational success is very
rates improve in those countries-an otherwise high.
welcome development-that problem could grow (b) The rate of myopia is here higher than
unless there is a big effort to also provide eye tests other countries.
and glasses, experts warn.

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(c) The rate of spending time outdoors is viii. Supply one point to justify the following:
very low. Ironically, widespread and long lockdowns gave
(d) The rate of spending time indoors is very a real push to the number of children getting
low. myopia.
Ans : 2018
ii. Why does the writer deduce that spending too
i. (d) The rate of spending time indoors is very low.
much time in classrooms is not necessarily the
root of the problem of myopia? Rationalise your ii. The writer says so because the problem of myopia
response in about 40 words. actually worsened during the lockdowns when the
schools were shut down all over the world. The
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. children spent hours staring at screens, either
The author says that “Like education, a higher following classes or watching TV.
income is generally associated with greater well-
being in children-but not when it comes to eye iii. contradictory in nature.
health.” The analogy is interesting but .......... . iv. (c) low and middle-income countries
(e) pandemic and lockdowns
iv. The passage includes some word pairs from the
passage that are opposites of each other. From the v. In summer and on sunny days, the light intensity
sets (a)-(e) below, identify two sets of pairs that is at the “practical upper limit for routine use.”
do not classify under antonyms. vi. In low and middle income countries, childhood
(a) glasshouse classrooms and traditional myopia has become a rising problem because of
classrooms increasing literacy levels. Unfortunately, low-
(b) learning and entertainment income countries don’t have enough provision for
(c) low and middle-income countries even basic eye-tests and school-going children do
(d) outdoors and indoors not have access to reading glasses.
(e) pandemic and lockdowns vii. (c) 2 and 6
v. The writer thinks that the glasshouse classrooms viii. During the long lockdowns, the children spent
in China built with the objective of bringing the hours staring at screens for online classes, TV and
outdoors inside are not feasible in all kinds of other modes of entertainment.
weather. (Paragraph 5)
State one point that the author puts forward in
Passage 23
defence of his argument.
1. Nature depletion to most of us has been reduced
vi. Based on your reading of the text, list two reasons to threats of global warming. With the forest
why the writer says that in low and middle- cover depleted to a minimum, animals poached
income countries, the problem of myopia could to extinction and holidays in wildlife sanctuaries,
grow manifold in the coming years. the interest of a few-to link with nature seems
like a distant possibility. Zoos and zoological
vii. The writer says, “The richer we get, ....the more parks remain the only places for the multitudes
things our children have to do.” to connect with wildlife.
(Paragraph 3)
Select two suitable reasons responsible for this 2. Traditionally, zoos have provided an economic
form of recreation for people from various strata
social phenomenon.
of society, income and educational levels, ages
1. We consider it a status symbol. and socio-economic backgrounds. They offer a
2. We want them to have varied learning large vista of possibilities to educate and sensitise
experiences. people. According to CEE India, “In India there
3. We consider it a family tradition. are more than 150 zoos and they attract as many
4. We follow the herd mentality. as 50 million visitors annually.”
5. We think this was their talent increases. 3. Today, children have a wide disconnect with
nature. An attractive place is required for nature
6. We have the availability of resources.
education that will provide a competition to
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 4 and 5 internet, television and play stations. Zoos are
(c) 2 and 6 (d) 1 and 4 a place where children get to see the animals.

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It gives form -to their imagination and opens a for children stems from .......... .
new world of curiosity. Many grow up to become
crusaders of wildlife protection. iv. The passage includes some words that are related
to each other in functionality. From the sets (a)-
4. In India, Reuben David, a champion of wildlife, (e) below, identify two such sets.
created the Ahmedabad zoo. During his time,
(a) famine and epidemic
the zoo became one of the most remarkable
zoos of India and contributed substantially to (b) television and play stations
conservation and research. Animals are exchanged (c) zoos and zoological parks
between zoos of the world. (d) conservation and research
5. Man-animal conflict continues to intensity. The (e) healthy and well-fed
Wildlife Protection Society of India estimated
v. Use information from the passage to complete the
that at least 3189 leopards were killed from 1994
sentence given below appropriately.
to 2010. Leopards are targeted as they attack
livestock and enter human habitation. Wild The author advocates that even ill-maintained
animals need protection. zoos should not be closed or banned; instead
_____.
6. Some animal activists talk about banning zoos.
What is the alternate plan to save various vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine,
critically endangered species? Banning zoos might in about 40 words, what makes the author say
just accelerate their extinction. Zoos provide that the link between man and nature has been
breeding places for the species that face a threat broken.
of extinction in the jungles. When a species is
confined to one place, it faces a threat of being vii. Zoos help children become ‘crusader’s of wildlife
wiped away by disease, famine or epidemic. Many protection because
species are bred in zoos and reintroduced in their (a) they do not like animal locked in cages,
natural habitats. (b) they understand that caring for animals
7. The issue should not be to ban the ill-maintained is a good profession.
zoos but to put more investment into creating (c) zoos sensitise children to animals
a naturalized environment, keeping animals (d) they learn to help animals.
healthy and well fed, facilitating captive
breeding programmes, carrying out researches, viii. Some activists have suggested banning zoos. Why
restoring endangered species, understanding is this not a viable scenario according to the
animal behaviour, improving animal husbandry, author?
develop conservation initiatives and educate the Ans : 2016

visitors. Zoos, a substantial way of conservation, i. (a) sent back to their original surroundings.
provide life-system education and have immense
educational and research value. ii. Zoos provide an economic form of recreation for
people from various strata of society, income
Answer the following questions, based on the passage and educational levels, ages, and socio-economic
above. backgrounds. In India for example, they attract
i. Many species are bred in zoos and reintroduced almost 50 million visitors annually.
in their natural habitats. The word ‘reintroduced’ iii. the fact that it educates them about nature and
means. makes them curious and imaginative.
(a) sent back to their original surroundings. iv. (c) zoos and zoological parks
(b) introduced to animals. (d) conservation and research
(c) familiarized with the jungle.
v. more investment should be put into them to
(d) introduced to humans
create a naturalized environment.
ii. List the reason why zoos offer a large vista of vi. The link between man and nature has been
possibilities to the multitudes. Rationalise your broken because forest cover stands depleted to a
response in about 40 words. minimum, animals are poached to extinction and
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. people use wildlife sanctuaries for holidays. Even
The author’s use of the phrase ‘wildlife crusaders’ children have a wide disconnect.

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vii. (c) zoos sensitise children to animals surroundings, they often behave in abnormal
viii. Banning zoos might just accelerate the extinction and neurotic ways. It is common for polar bears
constantly to pace up and down or twist their heads
of those species that are on the verge of extinction.
and circle over and over again. This behaviour is
Zoos provide breeding places for them before
now recognised by scientists as a sign of stress
reintroducing them to their natural habitat.
and frustration. When children visit zoos where
animals are acting in neurotic and abnormal ways,
Passage 24 they are not being educated. Instead, opponents
1. The funding crisis at many zoos has reopened the say, they are being given inaccurate information.
debate over the value of zoos and whether they Answer the following questions, based on the passage
should be allowed to exist at all. People who are in above.
favour of zoos argue that they perform an essential
role in conserving rare animal species. Over the i. What are the advantages of zoos?
past 20 years zoos have developed programmes (a) Children are educated about wildlife in
designed to help preserve endangered species. This zoos.
involves breeding animals in captivity in ‘captive
(b) Breeding of endangered species is done.
breeding programmes’-and then reintroducing
them into their natural habitats to replenish the (c) Both (a) and (b)
number living in the wild. (d) None of the above
2. Zoos cooperate with each other in order to ii. How would closing of zoos be disastrous? Answer
ensure the success of their breeding programmes. in about 40 words.
Animals are passed from one zoo to another in
order to prevent inbreeding-breeding from closely iii. Complete the following with a reason from
related animals. paragraph 2 :
If animals that are closely related to one another Inbreeding can lead to deformed animals because
mate there is a danger that they will produce _____.
deformed offspring.
iv. The passage includes some words that are
3. Supporters of zoos argue that they have an important opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
role in educating children, millions of who visit zoos below, identify a set of synonyms.
every year. Television-viewing is no substitute for (a) Reproduce and breed
encountering real animals, they argue. Zoos also
(b) Rare and endangered
carry out important research, for example, on the
best conditions for rare species to reproduce. If zoos (c) Supporters and opponents
were forced to close, it would be disastrous for world (d) Crisis and solution
conservation, zoo supporters say. And most animals (e) Reintroduce and replenish
in captivity would have to be killed.
v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
4. Opponents of zoos accept that some species have
Cooperation amongst zoos support Captive
been saved from extinction by ‘captive breeding
Breeding Programme by ............. .
programmes’, but they argue that this offers no
solution to the worldwide conservation crisis. vi. Supply the disadvantages of zoo. (Answer in
The number of animals protected by zoos is tiny about 40 words.)
compared with the overall problem. It cost millions
to save the Arabian onyx from dying out; but vii. Zoos provide a chance to encounter real animals,
could that amount be available for every species .......
that is endangered? The value of zoo-breeding (a) which can irritate the animals in the zoo
programmes is also questioned as some species, (b) which gives visitors a chance to take
such as the African elephant, do not reproduce pictures with animals
well in captivity.
(c) but visitors do not always see the natural
5. Captive animals are often kept in poor and behaviour of animals
inhumane conditions, opponents say. In the (d) None of the above
worst zoos, animals are still displayed for the
entertainment of the public. Where animals viii. Do you think captive breeding programmes are
are placed in impoverished and unsuitable 100% successful?

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Page 48 Discursive Passage Chapter 1
Ans : 2015
of all the smaller mammals and the skin of all the
i. (c) Both (a) and (b) snakes and lizards, is of one uniform sand colour.”
ii. The closing of zoos can have a disastrous impact 3. The next point is the colour of the mature
on world conservation. It would cause deliberate caterpillars, some of which are brown. This probably
destruction of wildlife on a large scale while most makes the caterpillar even more conspicuous
animals in captivity would have to be killed. among the green leaves than would otherwise be
the case. Let us see, then, whether the habits of
iii. animals breaded are closely related to each other the insect will throw any light upon the riddle.
iv. (a) Rare and endangered What would you do if you were a big caterpillar?
(b) Reproduce and breed Why, like most other defenseless creatures, you
would feed by night, and lie concealed by day.
v. preventing inbreeding among captive animals So do these caterpillars. When the morning light
which are closely related. As a result, the comes, they creep down the stem of the food plant,
offsprings are not deformed and have a better and lie concealed among the thick herbage and dry
chance of surmising. sticks and leaves, near the ground, and it is obvious
vi. The various disadvantages of zoos are that under such circumstances, the brown colour
really becomes a protection. It might indeed be
1. Running conservation programme is very
argued that the caterpillars, having become brown,
costly.
concealed themselves on the ground, and that we
2. Captive animals are kept in very poor were reversing the state of things. But this is not
conditions. so, because, while we may say as a general rule that
3. Children are getting inaccurate information large caterpillars feed by night and lie concealed by
about animal behaviours. day, it is by no means always the case that they
are brown; some of them still retaining the green
vii. (c) but visitors do not always see the natural
colour. We may then conclude that the habit of
behaviour of animals
concealing themselves by day came first, and that
viii. No, because such programmes are a minute the brown colour is a later adaptation.
solution to the worldwide conservation of wild
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
animals.
above.

Passage 25 i. What does the writer mean when he says that

“The colour of animals is by no means a matter
1. The colour of animals is by no means a matter of of chance”?
chance; it depends on many considerations, but in
(a) It is an evolutionary advantage.
the majority of cases tends to protect the animal
from danger by rendering it less conspicuous. (b) It is contradictory.
Perhaps it may be said that if colouring is mainly (c) It is predetermined.
protective, there ought to be but few brightly (d) It is a matter of chance.
coloured animals. There are, however, not a
few cases in which vivid colours are themselves ii. What makes the writer contradict his own
protective. The kingfisher itself, though so statement that ‘the colour of animals helps
brightly coloured, is by no means easy to see. The protect them from danger by making them less
blue harmonises with the water, and the bird as it conspicuous to predators’ ? Answer in about 40
darts along the stream looks almost like a flash of words.
sunlight.
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
2. Desert animals are generally the colour of the The author’s contention that assimilation with the
desert. Thus, for instance, the lion, the antelope, background is a necessity for all desert animals
and the wild donkey are all sand-coloured. for sheer survival can be substantiated with the
“Indeed,” says Canon Tristram, “in the desert, fact that _____.
where neither trees, brushwood, nor even
undulation of the surface afford the slightest iv. The passage includes some words that are
protection to its foes, a modification of colour opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
assimilated to that of the surrounding country is below, identify a set of word pairs that does not
absolutely necessary. Hence, without exception, belong to this category.
the upper plumage of every bird, and also the fur

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

(a) concealed and conspicuous the stem of the plant, among the thick herbage,
(b) day and night dry sticks and leaves.
(c) bright and vivid
(d) sand-coloured and brightly-coloured Passage 26
(e) retaining and reversing 1. The choices we make on a daily basis-wearing
v. Complete the sentence appropriately. a seat belt, lifting heavy objects correctly or
purposely staying out of any dangerous situation-
Although some big caterpillars are brown and
can either ensure our safety or bring about
therefore have the advantage of being conspicuous
potentially harmful circumstances.
among the green leaves, yet these defenceless
creatures have to _____. 2. You and I need to make a decision that we are
going to get our lives in order. Exercising self-
vi. Why does the author conclude that the habit control, self-discipline and establishing boundaries
of caterpillars to conceal themselves by day and borders in our lives are some of the most
came first, and that the brown colour is a later important things we can do. A life without
adaptation? Based on the reading of the passage, discipline is one that’s filled with carelessness.
examine, in about 40 words.
3. We can think it’s kind of exciting to live life on
vii. The writer says, “It might indeed be argued that the edge. We like the image of “Yeah! That’s
the caterpillars, having become brown, concealed me! Living on the edge! Woo-hoo!” It’s become a
themselves on the ground and that we were popular way to look at life. But if you see, even
reversing the state of things.” (Paragraph 3) highways have lines, which provide margins for
Select the underlying principle in natural evolution our safety while we’re driving. If we go over one
the scientist, Canon Tristram is referring to. side, we’ll go into the ditch. If we cross over the
line in the middle, we could get killed. And we
(a) contradiction
like those lines because they help to keep us safe.
(b) regression Sometimes we don’t even realize how lines help to
(c) experience keep us safe.
(d) progression 4. I’m not proud of this, but for the first 20 years of
viii. Where do the big, brown caterpillars hide my life at work, I ignored my limits. I felt horrible,
themselves as soon as the day breaks? physically, most of the time. I used to tell myself
Ans : 2015
“I know I have limits and that I’ve reached them,
but I’m going to ignore them and see if or how
i. (a) It is an evolutionary advantage. long I can get by with it.” I ran to doctors, trying
ii. There are many cases in which bright colours to make myself feel better through pills, vitamins,
of animals or birds actually help them protect natural stuff and anything I could get my hands
themselves. For example, kingfisher’s blue body on. Some of the doctors would tell me, “It’s just
merges with the blue of the water and its silver stress.” That just made me mad. I thought stress
colour becomes one with sunlight making its meant you don’t like what you do or can’t handle
life, and I love what I do. But I kept pushing
presence difficult to discern.
myself, traveling, doing speaking engagements
iii. birds, mammals, snakes, and lizards are all of one and so on- simply exhausting myself.
uniform sand colour.
5. Finally, I understood I was living an unsustainable
iv. (c) bright and vivid. life and needed to make some changes in my
v. lie concealed during the day and feed at night to outlook and lifestyle.
protect themselves from predators. 6. You and I don’t have to be like everyone else or
keep up with anyone else. Each of us needs to
vi. Not all big caterpillars are brown, feed at night
be exactly the way we are, and we don’t have
and lie concealed on the ground. Some caterpillars
to apologize for it. We’re not all alike and we
are big but green which makes the author conclude
need to find a comfort zone in which we can enjoy
that some of these evolved with time to become
our lives instead of making ourselves sick with an
brown for protection. overload of stress and pressure.
vii. (d) progression. Answer the following questions, based on the passage
viii. ‘When the morning light comes, they creep down above.

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i. Which of the characteristics are apt about the Ans : 2014

writer in the following context? i. (a) negligent and reckless

‘I know I have limits and that I’ve reached them, ii. According to the author, exercising self-control,
but I’m going to ignore them and see if or how self-discipline and establishing boundaries
long I can get by with it.’ and borders in our lives are some of the most
(a) negligent and reckless important things we can do to have a disciplined
(b) reckless and purposeless life and avoid carelessness.
(c) indecisive and reckless iii. accepting ourselves the way we are and not trying
(d) negligent and patient to keep up with others.
ii. What does the writer advise us to do to avoid iv. (c) stress and pressure
being careless in life? Rationalise your response in (e) correctly and purposely
about 40 words.
v. most people think that it is exciting and so, it has
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. become a popular way of looking at life.
The author has a simple take on either avoiding vi. We should make even everyday choices correctly
stress in our lives or distressing ourselves by .... and purposely, cultivate self- discipline, and make
our lifestyle sustainable by not rushing all the
iv. The passage includes some words that are similar
to each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below, identify time. Competing with others on a continuous
two sets of contextual synonyms. basis can stress one out. In short, the author
advises ‘Be yourself.
(a) safety and harm
(b) everyone and anyone vii. (a) be possibly dangerous
(c) stress and pressure viii. is looking.
(d) discipline and carelessness
(e) correctly and purposely Passage 27
v. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1. The world is big but in a sense, it starts with me.
The author reiterates that living life on the edge Knowledge and awareness about myself have to
precede my knowledge of things other than me.
has become popular because ....
If I want the external environment to appreciate
vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in value. I need to do it by myself, first. In order to
about 40 words. How can this quote : ‘Balance is make the atmosphere around me green, I have to
not something you find, it’s something you create’ be green myself, in belief and action.
is justified by the author? 2. From dusk to dawn and dawn to dusk, our every
activity leaves its footprint on the environment
vii. Complete the statement appropriately.
and ecology. It is a 24 x 7, eternal phenomenon.
The phrase “potentially harmful circumstances” A laboured consciousness of having to go green in
refers to circumstances that can _____. all possible areas is required in each one of us. It
(a) be possibly dangerous is, after all, our own self-interest and that of our
(b) certainly be dangerous descendants. The conscious application of change
(c) seldom be dangerous is going to become a habit and one’s culture in
(d) be fairly dangerous due course. Though we read and hear a lot of
green initiatives, we hardly tweak our routines to
viii. The stanza from a poem given below has a few suit the larger picture.
words missing. Fill in the blank with suitable 3. Greenery in the surroundings prevents dust and
word/words. noise pollution. The way we water and manure
Sometimes life is overwhelming, plants also matters. Water is also a fast-depleting
And it seems like there’s no place to turn. resource. Sprinklers are one example to use
There _____ no one _____ (look) out for and conserve it. Compost from biowaste can be
you, used as manure for plants which is cost-effective
And you can feel your stomach churn. and eco-friendly. We can also contribute to the
preservation of water bodies by not dumping our
garbage in them. The use of public transport

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

systems in the place of individual modes can (d) Indiscriminate and change
reduce carbon footprint. (e) Dusk and dawn
4. ‘Reuse’, ‘Recycle, ‘Re-engineer’ and ‘Renew’ are
the mantras. Let us appreciate, support and v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
contribute our might to the promotional efforts of The author says that the Earth ought not to
the community in this direction. Remember, my shrink further and continue to breathe easy
ecology is also the community, society and nation because _____.
that I care for which in turn cares for me. In other
vi. Supply one point to justify the following in about
words, all these seemingly outward initiatives
40 words.
done for others are going to make my life more
I need to do it by myself, first. In order to make
comfortable ultimately.
the atmosphere around me green, I have to be
5. I have to be, therefore, concerned about what sort green myself, in belief and action.
of environment I am responsible for, for my own
sustenance, livelihood and progress. As long as my vii. Why does the writer says “The use of public
impact is positive, my presence will be welcome. transport systems in the place of individual
If it is otherwise, I am going to be shunned. It is modes...”?
either ‘Embrace’ or ‘Embarrass’. (a) to manage ecosystem
6. Green initiatives are anti-scorch Earth. Air, water (b) to enhance air quality
and soil need to be conserved for the thriving of (c) to reduce carbon footprint
mankind in the future. The increasing onslaughts (d) All of these
on the quality of air and soil need to be reversed.
The indiscriminate exploitation of water- viii. Based on your reading of the text, list any 2
consumable water is only 0.3% of freshwater-needs preventive measures for the author’s statement
to be stopped. The Earth ought not to shrink “Water is also a fast-depleting resource,” in
further, continue to breathe easy. Mother Earth Paragraph 3.
looks for only love and cares from her children Ans : 2014

and nothing more in return for all the wealth she i. (d) For better sustenance
has so generously showered on us.
ii. Two solutions that the writer offers are :
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
1. The increasing onslaughts on the quality of
above.
air and soil need to be reversed.
i. Why does the author say that one should be
2. The indiscriminate exploitation of water
concerned about the environment?
needs to be stopped.
(a) For future generations
(b) For the betterment of country iii. it is fast depleting resource
(c) For the betterment of culture iv. (c) Reduce and increasing
(d) For better sustenance (e) Dusk and dawn
v. Mother Earth looks for only love and care from
ii. The writer is all for measures to be taken to
save the planet Earth when he says, ‘Air, water her children and asks for nothing more in return
and soil need to be conserved for the thriving of for all that she offers
mankind in the future.” (Paragraph 6) vi. The entire day, our every activity leaves its
State any two solutions he offers in the extract in footprint on the environment and ecology.
about 40 words. Therefore, it is our responsibility to awaken our
consciousness and go green in all possible areas. It
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. is, after all, our own self-interest and that of our
We need to conserve water because _____. descendants.
iv. The passage includes some words that are vii. (c) to reduce carbon footprint
opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
viii. Two preventive measures for the given statement
given below, identify two sets of antonyms.
are
(a) Belief and action
1. Use of sprinklers to preserve water.
(b) Knowledge and awareness
2. Not dumping garbage in waterbodies.
(c) Reduce and increasing

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Page 52 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

Passage 28 whether it’s helping an invalid neighbour or

1. Summer vacation offers families dilemmas and preparing their own family’s meals a couple of
opportunities. For too many kids it becomes nights a week. Where parents fail, say, experts, is
a period of intellectual passivity and stalled in the way such responsibilities are presented.
personal growth. For others-and their parents-it’s 7. For most parents of school-age kids, the largest
a time of overload and frantic scheduling. block of time they’ll have with their children is in
2. “Summer is a great time for parents to build a the summer. With a little advance preparation,
relationship with their children,” says a renowned parents can use the summer to help develop their
child psychologist. And it’s an opportunity both youngsters into smarter, more creative, more
for the kids to learn and for the family to grow caring human beings.
together. To make this a reality, educators and Answer the following questions, based on the passage
psychologists point to several simple strategies above.
that parents can start planning before summer
gets under way. i. Why does the writer say that ‘Summer vacation
offers families dilemmas and opportunities’ ? Pick
3. “Summer’s a perfect time for kids to take skills
out the odd option that should not be in the list.
they’ve learned in a classroom and use them in new
ways,” notes a well-known educator. Comparing (a) For many children summer vacation is a
prices in a grocery shop can sharpen children’s long break from intellectual activities.
mental maths skills. Taking measurements to build a (b) The personal growth of many children
new tree house or design a simple plaything teaches comes to a standstill.
geometry. Car trips provide opportunities to study (c) A few parents build meaningful
maps and learn geography. relationships with their children.
4. Sometimes kids will need a small push in the right (d) Many parents chalk out backbreaking
direction. Victoria encouraged her seven-year-old schedules for their kids.
son, Philip, to take part in their local library’s
summer reading club. For every book report a ii. What is the objective of the writer when he says
child wrote, he received a raffle ticket. At the that “the kids need a small push in the right
end of the summer sports prizes were raffled off. direction”? Rationalise your response in about 40
Philip, who’d painstakingly produced seven book words.
reports won an autographed picture of a hockey
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
star and had his name in one of his reports printed
Experts are of the firm opinion that when it comes
in the local newspaper. (If that’s not possible,
to budgeting time, it is _____ in a positive
encourage children to write letters to editors on
current affairs, or about school-related issues.) manner and not the kids.
“Philip moaned and groaned about writing the iv. The passage includes some words that are near
reports, but in the end, he was happy he put the synonyms of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
effort in,” notes his mother. “And his ability to below, identify two such sets of synonyms.
express himself really improved.”
(a) educators and psychologists
5. It’s the daily practice of stimulation-intellectual, (b) moaned and groaned
creative, esteem-building-that parents can give
(c) overload and frantic scheduling
their children that have the greatest impact,”
says an eminent researcher. In an informal study (d) build or design
conducted in 1998 other researchers surveyed (e) dilemmas and opportunities
successful college students about how they spent
v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
their free time from ages five to 12, then compared
The author uses many examples to prove that
their activities with those of troubled youngsters.
They found that the successful ones were more summer is a perfect time for kids to take skills
likely to play spontaneous games, more involved they have learnt in a classroom and use them in
in household chores and more likely to engage in new ways by _____.
playful activities with their parents.
vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine,
Sample Papers. in about 40 words, how parents can make the
6. Truly successful kids, say educators, are those greatest impact on the lives of their kids.
who’ve learnt to budget time to help others-

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

vii. State which of the following is NOT true for 3. Peer pressure is bound to affect most of us both
troubled youngsters according to experts. positively and negatively. The distinction between
(a) They show apathy to household chores. positive and negative peer pressure lies in a
(b) They don’t play spontaneous games. thoughtful analysis of the views of the masses.
Following your peers blindly leaves a negative
(c) They spent their free time from ages five
impact on your life while an analytical approach
to 12 constructively.
to looking at peer behaviour can help you act
(d) They don’t get involved in playful positively.
activities with their parents.
4. Peer pressure is not always bad. It can help you
viii. What is the essence of the expert opinion regarding analyse yourself and contemplate your ways of
advanced planning of the summer vacation? life. Some of the practices that the masses follow
Ans : 2013 may actually teach you the way of living. You may
be able to change yourself for the better. Looking
i. (c) A few parents build meaningful relationships
at what others do can help you bring about a
with their children.
positive change in your way of thinking. If you
ii. Sometimes the children need to be persuaded to can pick selectively, peer pressure can actually
learn a new skill. A few may even groan in protest result in a positive change in your way of life.
but eventually, the improvement in their skillset 5. Teenage is that phase of life when you are exposed
and the rewards make them appreciate ‘the push.’ to the world outside. These are the years when
iii. the parents who fail when they do not present the you spend most of your time with your friends.
responsibilities. Teenage is the phase of beginning to become
independent in life; the years of forming your
iv. (b) moaned and groaned and ideals and principles, the years that shape your
(c) overload and frantic scheduling personality and the years that introduce you to
v. applying the concepts in real-life scenarios. your own self. As adolescents, you often spend
most of your daily time with friends and, owing to
vi. When parents are able to provide their children this, you tend to imitate your friends. The people
with daily practice of stimulation-intellectual, around you are bound to influence you. However,
creative, esteem-building and keep them involved the effect of the influences of the masses is greater
in a constructive manner, they can have the during your teen years. Parents have a vital role
greatest impact. to play during this phase of your life.
vii. (c) They spent their free time from ages five to 12 6. Parents and teachers need to be careful while
constructively. dealing with teenagers as they are most susceptible
viii. The kids can become better and smarter if to succumbing to peer pressure during these years
vacation is utilised well. of their life. Teenage individuals need to be taught
to distinguish between the good and the bad, the
right and the wrong and should be taught to be
Passage 29 thoughtful in life.
1. Peer pressure is a phenomenon wherein we tend 7. A strong support from family, an ability to
to get influenced by the lifestyle and the ways differentiate between the positive and the negative
of thinking of our peers. Peer pressure can prove and a skill to choose friends from among peers
beneficial but it is most often observed to have this three-pronged strategy is the best way to
negative effects. keep away from negative peer pressure.
2. The thought, behaviour and taste in fashion, Answer the following questions, based on the passage
music, television and other walks of life of the above.
masses are often seen to have a deep impact on
society. We tend to get influenced by the lifestyle i. Select the option that corresponds to the following
of our peer group. The changing ways of life of our relation below.
peers often force us to change our ways of looking Peer pressure can prove beneficial but it is most
at life and leading it. It’s a human tendency to often observed to have negative effects.
do what the crowd does. Few have the courage to (a) Sleep is good for memory but too
resist peer pressure and be their own selves rather much sleep can also be linked to health
than being one among the lot. problems.

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Page 54 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

(b) Beginnings and ends are easier to contemplation.

remember than middles. 2. Observing and practising good practices of
(c) Some people enjoy seeing anger in others. others can help enhance our thinking and way
(d) Food tastes better when someone else of living.
makes it. iii. forcing us to change the ways in which we lead
ii. Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons our lives
why the writer says Peer pressure is not always iv. they spend most of their time with their friends
bad. Answer in about 40 words.
v. (c) positively and negatively
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. (e) right and wrong
The changing ways of our peers’ life can affect us vi. As adolescents often spend most of their daily time
by _____. with friends, they tend to imitate and copy them
blindly. Parents and teachers, being experienced,
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately.
can prevent teenagers and adolescents from
Adolescents tend to imitate and share views with
following wrong and dangerous trends and
their friends because _____.
attitudes. Thus, they need to be careful while
v. The passage includes some words that are dealing with teenagers.
opposites of each other. From the sets (a) - (e) vii. (c) Teenagers spend more time with their peers
given below, identify two sets of antonyms. and friends.
(a) looking and leading
viii. The writers states that the people around us have
(b) walks and masses a deep influence on us because ‘according to him’
(c) positively and negatively it is a human tendency to follow our peers. Thus,
(d) distinction and change we cannot resists the taste of our peers and are
(e) right and wrong influenced by them.

vi. In about 40 words, supply one point to justify the

following. Passage 30
Parents and teachers need to be careful while 1. Despite plenty of naysayers, the textbook is dead.
dealing with teenagers as they are most susceptible It just doesn’t know it yet and continues on
to succumbing to peer pressure during these years walking about as though alive. I even have one,
of their life. A textbook of Physics, on my bookshelf beside
me that was printed in 1891. It has some line
vii. Which of the following is an appropriate reason drawings and no colour. Today, textbooks have
for the effect of peer pressure in teenage years? lots of colourful images and engaging questions
(a) Teenagers spend more time with their sprinkled about them. They also have tons of
parents and old people. advice for teachers on how to use them effectively.
(b) Teen years are always unmanageable. 2. The word “textbook” originated in the 1720s,
(c) Teenagers spend more time with their almost 300 years ago. It’s had a good run and is
peers and friends. ready to retire. Those who argue that you cannot
(d) It is impossible to convince teenagers. learn well without a textbook ignore the centuries
prior to 1720 when lots of people learned and
viii. The writer mentions ‘The people around you are learned well with no textbooks anywhere. You
bound to influence you’. (Paragraph 5) can learn without textbooks. That’s certain. But
Mention one reason from the passage that why should we bother to change something that
supports the above statement. worked for 30 years? Many deliver the verdict in a
Ans : 2012 single word: technology. That’s way too simplistic.
i. (a) Sleep is good for memory but too much sleep 3. We’ve seen film loops, overhead projectors, motion
can also be linked to health problems. picture projectors, machine scoring of tests and
a myriad of other technological innovations
ii. The writer says that peer pressure is not always
in classrooms, but the textbook remains. No,
bad because
technology alone will not end the reign of the
1. It can help us in self analysis and textbook. It takes something more and that

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

became available in the 1940s-the programmable ii. What is the best way according to the writer to
electronic computer. But here we are 70 years strike a balance between passive learning and
later, with plenty of textbooks visible. The active mental engagement? Refer paragraphs
computer was not sufficient by itself. 6 and 7. Rationalise your response in about 40
4. The nest big change began with ARPANET in the words.
1960s. This foundation led to the internet and its iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
growth has been phenomenal. But a widespread
The author’s use of the term ‘diagnostic analysis’
communication medium alone is not sufficient to
refers to _____.
dislocate textbooks either. Inexpensive computers,
easy-to-use-interfaces (GUIs) and ready access to iv. The passage includes some words that are
the internet all contribute. opposites to each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
5. “Fine,” say many. “But the textbook publishers below, identify two sets of antonyms.
are putting their book online. They are creating (a) wooden stake or silver bullet
e-textbooks. So, textbooks live!” (b) learned and learned well
6. This argument misses the essential difference (c) human mentors and machines
between education technology in the earlier (d) active and passive learning
times and education technology in the present, (e) dead and alive
other than mere cost. Computer software can be
interactive. Previous education technology was, v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
like textbooks, rather passive. Active learning is The main premise or the central idea of this essay
far superior to passive learning, so much so that according to Harry Keller is _____.
it’s not a step, not a leap but a rocket propelled
launch past old-fashioned learning. vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine,
in about 40 words, how textbooks travelled from
7. It’s the mental engagement with something that
18th century to the Age of Computers and what
determines whether you learn and how well. The
changes occurred on the way.
real big exchange will come when students can
jump into online situations that are more like real vii. Select the option that can weaken the author’s
life, and are able to use a variety of devices to case for a complete shift to computer learning in
reach the web and become part of the learning paragraph 4.
community. They will be guided by a combination (a) The development of e-textbooks with
of human mentors and machines.
activities that require active participation
8. Furthermore, diagnostic analysis of their work will from readers.
tell mentors when students are ready for certain (b) A rising dependency on using technology
learning and, more importantly, when they are as a medium of learning.
not. Textbooks do not tap into our brains to
(c) Scholarly articles comparing the
realise this learning potential. Hence, today, the
effectiveness of online learning with that
textbook is a zombie. It’s just waiting for that
of textbooks.
wooden stake or silver bullet to put it to well-
deserved rest. (d) Sharp increase in the creation of
e-textbooks.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above. viii. What explains the long life of the ordinary
textbook?
i. The writer says that one can learn without Ans : 2010
textbooks. Which is the least effective argument
put forward by him? i. (a) Students are no more interested in passive
learning.
(a) Students are no more interested in passive
learning. ii. The balance between active and passive learning
(b) Textbooks have outlived their purpose. will be achieved when students can jump into
(c) Students are interested only in active online situations that are more like real life to
learning. become part of the learning community. They will
(d) People learned prior to 1720 when be guided by a combination of human mentors
textbooks were first introduced. and machines who will teach them when they are
willing to learn.

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Page 56 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

iii. an evaluation of the learner’s capabilities parents found it inappropriate that ‘Cindrella
has to do all of the cleanings in her home while
iv. (d) active and passive learning
another 25% argued that ‘sleeping beauty’ poses
(e) dead and alive a consent issue, given that prince charming kisses
v. to provide a boost to the field of education the princess while she is asleep. Meanwhile, 27%
technology. believe that ‘Pinocchio’ encourages children to
tell lies while one in four claims that ‘The Ugly
vi. The process of learning took place without the use
Duckling’ in which an abused duckling is only
of textbooks. The introduction and circulation
accepted by society after he has grown into a
of textbook turned them onto a commonly used swan, advocates body shaming.
medium of learning. The invention of computers
and digital books reduced the dependency on 5. Some of these stories have been around for
physical books. The creation of adaptive and generations. ‘But times have changed and there
interactive learning tools contributed to the way are elements to these classics which for some
don’t really fit into society as they once did.
learning took place.
We all agree that stories play a vital role in the
vii. (a) The development of e-textbooks with activities growth and development of children. The books
that require active participation from readers. they read and the characters they get to know
viii. It was widely believed that the computer and can become like friends. Reading stories also helps
the Internet will be the death of textbooks but children with their confidence levels, coping with
e-textbooks loaded with interactive activities emotions, and language learning.
came up in response. 6. So stories are a great way to learn in a natural
way as there is no teaching involved in it. The
learners learn from simply reading the story. The
Passage 31 choice of stories must be judicious.
1. Parents are changing the plots of classic fairy tales Answer the following questions, based on the passage
when reading them aloud because of violence and
above.
political in-correctness. Traditional fables such
as ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, ‘The Ginger Bread i. Select the option that depicts what the writer
Man’ and ‘The Three Little Pigs’ were deemed projects, with reference to the following.
the worst offenders, with parents linking some of The choice of stories must be judicious (Paragraph
their endings to horror films. 6)
2. The poll which was commissioned by Music (a) sadness (b) caution
Magpie included 2000 parents and revealed that (c) doubt (d) denial
one in four took creative liberties when sharing
fairytales with their children to suit their beliefs ii. Supply one point to justify the following in about
and ideologies. Meanwhile, another 16% confessed 40 words.
to banning them altogether. The choice of stories must be judicious.
3. While these classic tales might seem playful and iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
innocent on the surface, a closer look at the plot,
According to the writer, in paragraph 4 he says ‘....
lines and characters reveals some problematic
‘The Ugly Duckling’ in which an abused duckling
traits. For example, in ‘Little Red Riding Hood’,
is only accepted by society after he has grown
‘The child is eaten alive by a wolf, only to be
into a swan..’ The vice that this story promotes
saved by a hunter who cuts her out of the animal’s
stomach with an axe’. ‘The Three Little Pigs’ also is _____.
reaches a rather gory conclusion with the pigs iv. The passage includes some words that are
murdering a wolf and eating it. Lest we forget opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
‘The Ginger Bread Man’, whose protagonist is below, identify two sets of synonyms:
also eaten by a fox. It is an ending that’s hard for
(a) Innocent and worst
parents to swallow, with one of them labelling it
as ‘too cruel’ in the survey. (b) Reveal and unveiled
(c) Commission and ban
4. However, a deeper analysis of some of the nation’s
most popular tales unveiled even further issues (d) Encourages and advocates
with regard to political correctness. One in four (e) Emotions and traits

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

v. Complete the following with a phrase from behaviour patterns that are negative or detrimental
Paragraph 5. to our well-being in any way. Detachment and
Because of the change in ideologies, some .......... discrimination are interdependent; they mutually
strengthen each other and empower us. The more
vi. The writer mentions ‘...a closer look at the plot, we are able to discriminate, the more we are able
lines, and characters reveals some problematic to segregate our harmful desires and discard them.
traits.’ Mention any two examples to support the The more mental trash we discard this way, the
statement in about 40 words. more we empower our faculty of discrimination.
vii Which issues have been highlighted to be 2. There is a simple technique we can all practise
problematic in the Classic fairytales? to strengthen our discrimination and detachment
(a) Violence (b) Consent and get rid of unnecessary desires. This will
generate the awareness we need to control our
(c) Body shaming (d) All of these
senses and mind and make them stop churning out
viii What kind of liberties are modern-day parents desires every moment. To practise this technique,
taking? we should select a quiet place when we have some
Ans : 2009 leisure time.
i. (b) caution 3. Sit down with a few sheets of paper and pen or
ii. Stories play a vital role in the growth and a computer and make two lists. In the first list,
development of children. The books the children understand and write down your most important
read and the characters they get to know goal or agenda in this life. Then meticulously add
all the other goals that you would like to achieve.
can become friends and help in shaping their
While you make this list, you shouldn’t think
character. Reading stories also helps children with
only about yourself. Include what you would like
their confidence levels, coping with emotions and
to contribute to the welfare of your dependants,
language learning. Hence, the choice of stories
children and their forthcoming generations.
must be judicious.
4. Once you complete this, set it aside and begin
iii. body shaming the second list. List all your desires here. They
iv. (b) Reveal and unveiled may be big or small, important or insignificant,
(d) Encourages and advocates right or wrong, demonic or divine. Just remove
the lid on the Pandora’s Box and allow them
v. elements of classics do not fit the present day all to spill out freely. Don’t try to censor or edit
beliefs. the list of desires at this stage. Complete the list
vi. Two examples to support the statement are first. After you have made an exhaustive list,
1. The story of Cinderella was found to be go over it to see which of these desires are truly
necessary, conducive to your meditation, helpful
problematic by some parents as she did most
and favourable to you and beneficial to others.
of the household work with no help from
others. 5. If you have been serious and honest in doing this
2. The classic Tale of Sleeping Beauty represents exercise, you will have long lists of goals and desires
the consent issue where she was kissed without and many of them may be selfish or detrimental
to your goal of meditation, visualisation, self-
her knowing, let alone consent.
realisation, peace, happiness and bliss. This
vii. (d) All of these exercise will help you develop frankness and
viii. Modern-day parents no longer stick to the morals honesty with yourself. You will touch your true
taught at the end of the classic stories. They are feelings and bring many of your hidden ambitions
taking the liberty to change the story to suit their and desires into the open.
ideology. Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above.
Passage 32 i. Why does the writer say that detachment is
1. Detachment is not physically renouncing our empowering?
possessions, profession, home and family as many (a) It makes us let go of our desires.
of us think. It is the ability to let go of all the (b) It helps us physically renounce our
desires, habits, emotions, thoughts, speech and possessions.

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Page 58 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

(c) It helps us get detached from family and or detrimental to our well-being in any way.
relations. iii. without censoring or editing them.
(d) It strengthens our sense of discrimination.
iv. (d) detachment and discrimination
ii. What are the popular misconceptions about v. This will generate the awareness we need, to
detachment that are dispelled by the author? control our senses and mind
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
vi. Our mind is like the Pandora’s box which houses
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately choosing harmful desires, thoughts, and speech and
appropriate words from the passage to complete behaviour patterns that we use indiscriminately.
the author’s advice. This mars our self-awareness and we are not able
The author encourages the readers to ‘remove the to segregate harmful desires and discard them
lid on the Pandora’s Box and allow your desires this turns the mind into a trash can.
and wishes to spill out freely’ _____.
vii. (b) They may be censored or edited
iv. The passage includes some word-pairs that are viii. Enlisting our personal and family goals helps
similar to each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below, us to eventually segregate desires that are truly
identify the word-pair that is the odd one out. necessary.
(a) frankness and honesty
(b) goal and agenda
Passage 33
(c) censor and edit
1. Not too long ago, a group of teachers made a
(d) detachment and discrimination
study of the students and learning problems. A
(e) detachment and renunciation
curious fact came out of this study. The teachers
v. The writer correlates detachment and discovered that the students who did poorly in
discrimination and says that we should make subjects such as Maths or Art could still do very
serious efforts to strengthen them (Paragraph 2). well in other subjects. But the students who did
State the most important outcome of this process. poorly in reading, almost did poorly in all their
other courses.
vi. Based on your reading of the text, list two reasons 2. For a while, the teachers who made the study
why the writer implies that the human mind is were puzzled by this but they soon had an answer
full of trash. Answer in about 40 words. to this puzzle. The teachers looked at the subjects
that the students were failing in and discovered
vii. Evaluate the outcomes given below after
that even subjects like Maths and Science were
completing both the lists of our desires and goals
based on reading.
in life. Which of these is not advised by the author
and therefore, should not be on the list? 3. Of course, there were also other skills involved
(a) They contain goals that are truly such as learning to add and subtract in Maths
necessary. class. Most of the explanations of how to do
things had to be read by the students. Much of
(b) They may be censored or edited.
the home work assignments required students to
(c) They are beneficial to our family and read long sets of directions and tests and problems
their future generations. in class often involved story problems, problems
(d) They are conducive to mental well-being. that were explained in words and had to be read
and understood before they could be solved. Your
viii. Supply one point to justify the following. success or failure in these classes will depend on
Awareness puts a lid on our mind which keeps your ability to read the required material.
churning out desires every moment which can be
confusing. 4. Finally, if you go to college, almost all your study
Ans : 2007
time will be spent in reading. You need more and
more information and most of the information
i. (d) It strengthens our sense of discrimination. come from the printed material you have to read.
ii. Contrary to the popular belief detachment Even if you could get tapes or movies containing
according to the author is the ability to let go all the information, you need to know that they
of all the desires, habits, emotions, thoughts, would not be of much help until and unless you
speech and behaviour patterns that are negative know how to read. Magazines and books may all

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

be on microfilm in the next few years, but they (c) Add and subtract
will still have to be read. The same is true of most (d) Explanation and information
of what you have to learn in school. Your school is (e) Instruction and briefs
probably not going to throw all printed material
out of the window very soon. v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
5. Success in school courses still depends on an ability The study of a group of teachers revealed that
to read and those students, who cannot read or ..........
at least read well enough to master material, are
vi. List the ways in which reading is crucial to student
in trouble. You are moving into a world where
life. Answer in about 40 words.
everyday more and more technical reading is
required. Instructions for using applications vii. Select a suitable title for the given passage.
are becoming more complex. There are written
(a) The results of the Survey
instructions to follow, for food preparations, traffic
signs, travel directions and safety information, all (b) The skills needed in life
requiring the ability to read. (c) Reading
(d) Learning how to Read
6. Also your ability to get and keep a job is directly
related to your ability to read. Even the simplest viii. Why is reading crucial in the modern-day world?
jobs require some reading ability and many people Ans : 2007
advance to more important and better paying
jobs by getting additional knowledge and skills i. (c) One’s ability to read
through reading. The more specialised the job, ii. One’s ability to get and keep a job is directly
the greater the need to read confidently, quickly related to their ability to read. Even the simplest
and efficiently. Doctors read professional journals jobs require some reading ability and many people
so that they can use the latest medical knowledge advance to more important and better paying
in treating patients while pharmacists have to jobs be getting additional knowledge and skills
read the prescriptions the doctors write. Lawyers through reading. The more specialised the job,
spend their days reading briefs. The number of the greater the need to read confidently, quickly
semiskilled and professional occupations that and efficiently. Doctors read professional journals
require high reading ability is increasing rapidly.
so that they can use the latest medical knowledge
Today a person who cannot read is almost
in treating patients while pharmacists have to
unemployable.
read the prescriptions the doctors write. Lawyers
Answer the following questions, based on the passage spend their days reading briefs.
above.
iii. other subjects are also based on reading
i. What is the most essential pre-requisite to keep a iv. (a) Puzzled and understood
job? (c) Add and subtract
(a) One’s ability to hear
v. the students who did poorly in reading almost
(b) One’s ability to write
always did poorly in all other subjects, and those
(c) One’s ability to read
who did poorly in Maths and Arts could still do well
(d) One’s ability to speak in other subjects.
ii. How is reading ability helping various professionals vi. Reading is crucial to student life because the
in their fields? Answer in about 40 words. success and failure in classes depends on the
ability to read the required material. In college,
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. almost all of a student’s study time is spent in
“The students who did poorly in reading, almost reading. They need more and more information
did poorly in all their other courses” and most of the information comes from the
This is so because .......... . printed material they have to read. The same is
iv. The passage includes some words that are true of most of what a student learns in school.
opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) Those students, who cannot read or at least read
given below, identify two sets of antonyms. well enough to master material, are in trouble.
(a) Puzzled and understood vii. (c) Reading
(b) Subjects and courses

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Page 60 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

viii. Reading is crucial because instructions for If we stubbornly refuse to give up this search for
using applications are becoming more complex. quick solutions, all we do is end up on the wrong
There are written instructions to follow for food track.
preparations, traffic signs, travel directions and Answer the following questions, based on the passage
safety information, all requiring the ability to above.
read.
i. Why did the young lady wishing to learn piano
not go back to her teacher?
Passage 34
(a) Because the teacher told her that piano
1. A piano teacher described an interesting encounter learning would take a lifetime of practice.
she had with a young lady who came to inquire (b) Because the young lady wanted to learn
about music lessons. The young lady asked her,
guitar.
“How long will this course take? My father tells
me that it is in fashion now to be able to play (c) Because the teacher was incompetent.
musical instruments and that I should learn one (d) Because she did not have enough money.
quickly. I want something that will be quick,
ii. Explain the ‘bread-making’ attitude. Why does
fast and easy like, like....” When the amused
success and happiness come to those with this
teacher explained that it would take a lifetime of
attitude? Answer in about 40 words.
meticulous practice to learn music, her face fell
and needless to say, she never came back. iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.
2. The single most important factor that distinguishes The author supports _____ .
those of us who succeed in any venture and those
of us who don’t is this ‘instant coffee’ attitude. iv. The passage includes some words that are
Most of us want results quickly. We want to reach opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
the top immediately and get worked up when below, identify a set of antonyms.
things go wrong. Perseverance and patience are (a) Amused and upset
forgotten words. We get upset, frustrated and (b) Quickly and immediately
angry when a skill or activity requires us to put (c) Dejected and happiness
in a lot of effort and time. We get dejected and (d) Punch and knead
want to give it up.
(e) Effort and instant
3. But such thinking serves no good. For, it doesn’t
solve the problem. v. Complete the sentence appropriately. According
to the passage, the biggest problem with ‘instant
4. Life is tough for those with an ‘instant coffee’
coffee’ solutions is that _____ .
attitude. Success, real success and happiness come
to those who have a ‘bread-making’ attitude. vi. The writer uses the phrase instant coffee attitude.
Those who are willing to knead the dough, wait What does it consist of? Answer in about 40
for hours for it to rise, only to punch it down words.
and knead some more, wait for another couple of
hours for it to rise again, and then bake it before vii. Select the inappropriate reason for negating the
it is ready to be eaten. Nothing is instantaneous. instant coffee attitude.
For every endeavour-whether in the area of career, (a) Presence of mistakes (b) Ineffective
academics, music, sports, relationships, physical (c) Frustrating (d) Short-lived
fitness or even in spirituality-it is a long arduous
journey. viii. Who according to the author are the people who
5. Only if we are willing to put in the time, succeed in life? How are they different from the
painstaking effort and have faith, can we get rest?
results. If we don’t accept this difficult-but- Ans : 2006

true fact of life, our lives will be far from being i. (a) Because the teacher told her that piano
happy and fulfilling. For we may not make that learning would take a lifetime of practice.
extra effort which can change the course of life
ii. Success, real success and happiness come to those
dramatically, for the good.
who have a ‘bread-making’ attitude. Those who are
6. The major problem with these ‘instant coffee’ willing to knead the dough, wait for hours for it to
solutions is that they are invariably short-lived. rise, only to punch it down and knead some more,

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

wait for another couple of hours for it to rise again, that they pay attention to. And crows will
and then bake it before it is ready to be eaten. interact with larger groups of crows that they
Nothing is instantaneous. For every endeavour- don’t know as well, sort of the way how humans
whether in the area of career, academics, music, will engage with their communities beyond their
sports, relationships, physical fitness or even in closest relationships.
spirituality- it is a long arduous journey. 4. But they’re also cautious. Crows have been paying
iii. the bread making attitude attention to individual people more than perhaps
any other bird. PET scans reveal that when crows
iv. (a) Amused and upset viewed human faces that they associated with
(d) Punch and knead threat or care, the birds had increased activity
v. they are invariably short-lived. in the amygdala, thalamus and brain stem-areas
related to emotional processing and fear learning.
vi. The ‘instant coffee’ attitude refers to wanting In response to threatening faces, areas that
results quickly. We want to reach the top regulate perception, attention and fleeing also lit
immediately and get worked up when things go up. Similarities to the human brain in this case
wrong. Perseverance and patience are forgotten are most striking.
words. We get upset, frustrated and angry when a
5. They do have preferences in food. If you put out
skill or activity requires us to put in a lot of effort
a pile of different foods, like a little buffet for the
and time. We get dejected and want to give up. crows, they’re all going to kind of home in on
vii. (d) Short-lived something. All one needs are patience and routine.
Crows need to learn you’re not a threat, that the
viii. According to the author, the single most important
food is safe, and that it will be there every day.
factor that distinguishes those who succeed in any
Crows go viral for bringing their human friends
venture and those who don’t is the ‘instant coffee’
gifts. But the reality of being a friend to corvids
attitude, which refers to wanting things quickly.
reflects a deeper responsibility.
Only those who are willing to put in the time,
painstaking effort and have faith can get results. 6. Crow lovers have been encouraging humans to feed
crows for decades. But there are ways for this
practice to go wrong and make them a nuisance.
Passage 35 Leaving out too much food can lead crows to mob
1. Crows are incredibly aware of their surroundings your neighbourhood constantly. Just as the crows
and have a way of observing humans. Corvids-a talk to each other, human crow friends need to
family of birds including crows, magpies, and be aware of how their habits affect their human
ravens develop relationship with human beings. neighbours.
Once corvids accept the friendship, it is expressed Answer the following questions, based on the passage
by bringing gifts for their human friends. This, above.
crow lovers say, is a possibility but not a given.
Some people feed crows as a meditative practice. i. The writer asserts in paragraph 3 that crows
2. Crow behaviour varies from family to family are socially responsible birds much like human
and region to region. There are about 50 species beings. Which of the following statements agrees
of corvids around the world, and they behave with this assertion?
differently from each other. They’re not the only 1. All 50 species of crows behave differently in
intelligent birds around, but in general, corvids different social settings.
are smart in a way that resonates deeply with 2. Crows can be friendly with humans.
humans, because they’re good at some of the 3. They pay attention to their neighbourhood.
things that we are good at. Crows can think
4. They interact with larger groups of crows
about their own thoughts. Crows can recognize
from other areas.
individual human faces, associate them with
friendliness or danger, and pass that knowledge 5. American crows have a family and a space
along to their pals. that they defend.
3. Their social system is the most like the Western (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 5
human civilization of any animal that we know of. (c) 3 and 4 (d) 4 and 5
American crows have a family and a space that
ii. What makes the writer compare ‘the social system
they defend, but they also have a neighborhood
of the crows is closest to the Western human

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Page 62 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

civilization of any animal known to humans’ in vi. Crows can accept human friendship and repay it
the given lines from paragraph 3? Rationalise with gifts; they can process a variety of emotions,
your response in about 40 words. remember human faces, are involved with their
communities and most importantly, their brain
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. activity is similar to ours.
The author’s observation that crows have been
paying attention to individual people more than vii. (a) They can handle vast quantities of food.
perhaps any other bird is backed by _____. viii. 1. The food should be safe.
iv. The passage includes some words that are either 2. It should be regularly available.
opposites of or similar to each other. From the
sets (a)-(e) below, identify two sets that belong Passage 36
neither to antonyms or synonyms.
1. Even international students whose first language
(a) neighbourhood and family space is English can find themselves struggling to
(b) patience and routine understand an alien academic culture. The
(c) threat or care problems are very familiar. Students’ first
(d) communities and closest relationships problem is often with listening skills. They may
(e) emotional processing and fear learning feel nervous about this and it is certainly a steep
learning curve. They need a structured listening
v. The writer says in paragraph 2 that corvids are experience, for instance how to pick out the main
good at detecting friendship as well as danger - ideas. They also need help with academic reading-
some of the things that we, humans are also good how to approach an article or book, how to skim,
at but _____. read and make notes.

vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in 2. However, while a student’s confidence in listening
about 40 words, how does the author emphasise skills grows, it is in the area of academic writing
the most fascinating traits of crows. where more serious cultural differences become
apparent. Much of British education is based
vii. Evaluate the options below and pick out the on essay writing, but this may be a demanding
one that is incorrect from the set and does not task for students from other cultures. Suddenly,
correspond to crow behaviour. they are faced with the need to express their
(a) They can handle vast quantities of food. own ideas, develop their opinions and evaluate
different issues, all in polished English. For some,
(b) Crows are territorial.
the concept of originating this kind of written
(c) They process different emotions just like discourse can prove problematic and they may
humans. find themselves scoring low marks because of
(d) Crows are independent thinkers. plagiarism or reproducing someone else’s ideas.
In Britain, plagiarism is regarded as academic
viii. Mention two points to remember while feeding
theft, though this is not always the case in other
the crows.
countries. Students are expected to do research in
Ans : 2006
a library before tackling an assignment and simply
i. (c) 3 and 4 regurgitating lecture notes is also not acceptable.
ii. American crows are protective of their 3. The best way to overcome these hurdles is to be
neighbourhood space as much as they are of their prepared. The first step is to take a test to assess
private space. They also interact with larger the English language skills needed to cope with
groups of crows that they don’t know as well, sort the issues of academic culture.
of the way how humans will engage with their 4. If an accredited test indicates that a student’s
communities beyond their closest relationships. language skills are not sufficient to embark on
iii. PET scans revealing increased activity in areas a university degree, the next step is to consider
related to emotional processing and fear learning. pre-session-al courses, generally at the university
where the student will take a degree. These can
iv. (b) patience and routine last from three weeks to an academic year, so it
(e) emotional processing and fear learning is wise for students to be realistic about their
v. crows associate humans with friendliness or danger, needs. It is generally accepted that approximately
and pass that knowledge along to their pals. 200 hours of study are needed to improve on

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

one bad score on some tests. Some of the ‘new’ 3. Officially recognised or authorised
universities that formed from polytechnics in 4. To give license
1992 are experimenting with new styles of pre-
5. Of quality
session-al and foundation courses. Elisabeth
Jones, Director of the Centre for Language Study 6. To give an appointment
at Leeds Metropolitan University explains, “Our Codes
courses are monthly and so students from parts of (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
the world with a different academic year can enrol (c) 5 and 6 (d) 3 and 6
at any time.”
viii. Based on your reading of the text, list any 1
5. She feels that language training in new benefit of pre-sessional courses.
universities is generally more flexible than in Ans : 2005
older institutions. “Universities like ours can take
students with lower language test grades and can i. (c) Concern
put them through a programme that will bring ii. Essay writing is a demanding task as one needs
them up to the required standard, though we to research in a library about the topic he/she is
cannot guarantee how long it will take.” going to write an essay on. One cannot rewrite
Answer the following questions, based on the passage lecture notes and one has to develop ideas and
above. evaluate in order to write an essay.
i. Select the option that depicts what the writer iii. to understand an alien academic culture.
projects, with reference to the following. iv. (d) Nervous and confidence
Much of British education is based on essay
writing, but this may be a demanding task for v. essay writing, where students need to express their
students from other cultures. own ideas, develop their opinions and evaluate
(a) Warning (b) Anguish different issues, all in polished English.
(c) Concern (d) Exhilaration vi. British education is focused on essay writing.
International students who are not accustomed to
ii. Why is an essay writing a demanding task? essay writing then find it difficult to assess, create,
Answer in about 40 words. and formulate their ideas and opinions. They
plagiarise and thus end up scoring low marks.
iii. Complete the following with a phrase from
Paragraph 1. vii. (b) 3 and 4
Even international students whose first language viii. Pre-sessional courses assess and prepare the
is English can find them struggling _____ . students who find difficulty in their ongoing
iv. The passage includes some words that are courses. They equip them with the necessary skills
opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) needed for their course.
below, identify a set of antonym.
(a) Discourse and lecture Passage 37
(b) Assess and evaluate 1. Sport has rapidly become an established part
(c) Approach and skim of the entertainment industry and the smallest
(d) Nervous and confidence details of sportsmen’s private lives are exposed
by the media to public scrutiny. Top professionals
(e) Hurdle and embark
are often described as ‘stars’ and large business
v. Complete the sentence appropriately. interests exploit their skills. Considerable profits
British education is primarily based on _____ . are made out of selling sports gear which is a
replica of the gear used by the professionals,
vi. What according to the author causes international newspapers sell more copies if their sports coverage
students to score low marks? State any one reason. is good and substantial gains can be made out of
(Answer in about 40 words.) the spectators’ willingness to gamble on results.
2. The increasing demand for new talented
vii. Choose the option that incorrectly states the
sportsmen serves to strengthen the popular image
meaning of ‘accredited’ as used in the passage.
of professional sports as a highly glamorous
1. To credit occupation. Even those who reach the heights
2. To thank maintain their supremacy for only a relatively

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Page 64 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

short period and then desperately need help to (a) Private and public
establish themselves in a new career. (b) Rapidly and quickly
3. It is always attractive to do something interesting (c) Relatively and desperately
and to do it as well as possible, but serious injury (d) Enough and often
or an unaccountable loss of form quickly halts (e) Fickle and exploit
the progress of many young sportsmen. Outdoor
life can be delightful except when the prevalent v. Complete the sentence appropriately.
weather conditions are rain, wind, snow, fog or Sportsmen have to sacrifice their leisure life to
ice. It’s flattering to hear one’s name chanted _____
with acclaim by thousands on the terraces but
crowds are fickle and soon forget, once time takes vi. Supply the things that halts the progress of young
its toll on muscle and mind. sportsperson and state the challenges faced by
them. Answer in about 40 words.
4. Sportsmen at the height of their professional life
travel all around the world - a cricket team may vii. Which of the following will be the most appropriate
spend its winter in Australian summers and the title for the passage?
Wimbledon Women Champions may spend the (a) Fame, Power and Career-Sports
year bathed in sunshine, but their own social
(b) Being a Sportsman Forever
lives are disrupted and leisure hours have to
be sacrificed to hard, exhausting practice. All (c) A Celebrity Sportsperson
professional sportsmen must adhere to strict (d) Being Forever Young
training schedules to maintain their physical
fitness; their lives are devoted to keeping the viii. State whether the given statement is TRUE or
body in peak condition by exhausting exercise FALSE in the context of the passage.
combined with a strict regimen of self-discipline Sportsmen have to keep their bodies in good
and moderation in food and drink. condition.
Ans : 2005
5. Retirement comes at an early age and the
financial rewards gained will probably not provide i. (a) Glamorous
enough to live on for the rest of life and the ii. Retirement comes at an early age and the
early-retired sportsman has to seek a new career. financial rewards gained will probably not provide
He/she enters the new career fifteen years later enough to live on for the rest of life and the
than his/her contemporaries and often with not early-retired sportsman has to seek a new career.
enough reputation in his/her sport to persuade an He/she enters the new career fifteen years later
employer to pay him/her a high salary. Perhaps, than his/her contemporaries and often with not
after all, it is better to remain a keen amateur. enough reputation in his/her sport to persuade an
Answer the following questions, based on the passage employer to pay him/her a high salary.
above. iii. the media
i. Complete the sentence appropriately. iv. (b) Rapidly and quickly
Professional sport is considered as a highly
v. hard, exhausting practice
occupation.
(a) Glamorous (b) Temporary vi. Serious injury or an unaccountable loss of
form quickly halts the progress of many young
(c) Boring (d) Risky
sportsmen. Outdoor life can be delightful except
ii. How is life after retirement for the sportsmen? when the prevalent weather conditions are rain,
Answer in about 40 words. wind, snow, fog or ice. It’s flattering to hear one’s
name chanted with acclaim by thousands on the
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. terraces but crowds are fickle and soon forget,
The smallest details of sportsmen’s private lives once time takes its toll on muscle and mind.
are given out by _____ .
vii. (a) Fame, Power and Career- Sports
iv. The passage includes some words that are viii. TRUE
synonyms of each other.
From the sets (a)-(e) below, identify one set of
synonyms : 

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

Chapter 2

C ase Based Factual Passage

1. Introduction higher education system shall have exposure to

skill education, for which a clear action plan with
A factual passage deals with facts usually shared in targets and timelines are to be developed.
the form of reports, scientific articles and historical
descriptions. The contents of such a passage are 2. The policy aims to overcome the social status
a collection of facts put together in a sequential hierarchy associated with skill education and
manner. Factual description involves creating a integration of skill education into mainstream
complete mental picture of a particular person, education in all educational institutions in a
place, object, beings or events. A factual description phased manner. Beginning with skill exposure at
allows the reader to get a comprehensive view of early ages in middle and secondary school, quality
the subject under discussion. It involves a step by skill education will be integrated smoothly into
step description of the subject in the best possible school and higher education.
manner. In this way, the reader is able to compare 3. Every child will learn at least one skill and is exposed
or contrast facts, data or other information that to several more. This would lead to emphasizing
is relevant. In other words, a factual passage is a the dignity of labour and importance of various
detailed description of the physical attributes of vocations involving Indian arts and artisanship.
the given topic. 4. The development of skill capacities will go hand-in-
hand with the development of ‘academic’ or other
2. Points to remember capacities. To achieve this objective, secondary
schools will have to collaborate with Industrial
One should keep the following points in mind
Training Institutes (ITIs), Polytechnics, Local
before answering the questions set on a given
Industry, etc. Skill labs will also be set up and
factual passage:
created in the schools in a Hub and Spoke model,
1. Read the passage quickly to have some general which will allow other schools to use the facility.
idea of the subject matter. Higher education institutions will offer skill
2. Read the passage again and underline the education either on their own or in partnership
important points. with industry and other institutions.
3. Read the questions and try to know what has The Global Scenario of Students in Skill
been asked. Education Sector.
4. Underline the portions where the probable
answers may be available.
5. Remember that the word limit must always
be honoured and taken seriously.

3. Some important examples

Passage 1
1. The National Education Policy 2020 proposes the
revision and revamping of all aspects of education,
including the educational structure, regulations
and governance, to create a new system which is
aligned with the aspirational goals of 21st century
students. According to the policy, by 2025, at
least 50% of learners through the school and

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MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SOCIAL

STANDARD BASIC SCIENCE
SCIENCE
Class 10 Class 10 Class 10 Class 10

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

POLITICAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 10 Class 10 Class 10
Class 10

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

ARTIFICAL
HOME INTELIGENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 10 Class 10 Class 10

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MATHEMATICS PHYSICS CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY BIOTECHNOLOGY

Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

COMPUTER
SCIENCE ACCOUNTANCY ECONOMICS BUSINESS
STUDIES
APPLIED
MATHEMATICS
Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

ENGLISH HINDI ENGLISH HINDI

CORE CORE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE GEOGRAPHY
Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

History POLITICAL
SCIENCE SOCIOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY
HOME
SCIENCE
Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

MATHEMATICS PHYSICS CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY BIOTECHNOLOGY

Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

COMPUTER
SCIENCE ACCOUNTANCY ECONOMICS BUSINESS
STUDIES
APPLIED
MATHEMATICS
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

ENGLISH HINDI ENGLISH HINDI

CORE CORE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE GEOGRAPHY
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

History POLITICAL
SCIENCE SOCIOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY
HOME
SCIENCE
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SOCIAL

STANDARD BASIC SCIENCE
SCIENCE
Class 9 Class 9 Class 9 Class 9

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

POLITICAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 9 Class 9 Class 9
Class 9

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

ARTIFICAL
HOME INTELIGENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 9 Class 9 Class 9

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Page 66 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

Answer the following questions, based on the above Ans : 2024

passage : i. 1. Overcome social status hierarchy associated

with vocational education.
i. Based on the reading of the extract, list 2
2. revision and revamping of all aspects of
objectives of NEP 2020.
education
ii. Fill in the blank with appropriate option ii. The statement: “The development of skill
from those given in the brackets, based on the capacities will go hand-in-hand with the
understanding of paragraph (4). development of academic or other capacities” is
The statement : a/an (fact) because it is a/an (objective detail).
“The development of skill capacities will go
hand-in-hand with the development of academic iii. (c) Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to
or other capacities” is a/an _____ (fact/ skill education.
opinion) because it is a/an _____ (subjective iv. It will allow other schools to use the facility of skill
judgement/objective detail) labs
iii. Select the option that corresponds to the meaning v. Skill education
of the statement given below : vi. The country with the maximum percentage of
“According to the policy, by 2025, at least 50% of students in Skill Education varies based on the
learners through the school and higher education available data and may change over time. However,
system shall have exposure to skill education.”
countries like Germany, Switzerland, and South
(a) Maximum 50% learners shall have exposure Korea are often cited as having strong vocational
to technical education. education and training systems. The possible
(b) Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to reasons for their high percentage of students
technical education. in skill education include strong government
(c) Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to support, collaboration with industries, and a
skill education. cultural emphasis on vocational training.
(d) Maximum 50% learners shall have exposure vii. (a) middle and secondary school
to skill education.
viii. The NEP aims to ensure that every child learns
iv. Based on the understanding of the passage, at least one skill and is exposed to several
complete the following statement appropriately : more, including Indian arts and artisanship.
The benefit of the hub and spoke model will be By integrating skill education into mainstream
_____. education and emphasizing the dignity of labor,
the NEP will promote awareness and appreciation
v. Complete the following analogy correctly with a of Indian arts and artisanship among students,
word/phrase from paragraph (3) : thus preserving and promoting traditional Indian
Racism : condemn :: _____ : respect crafts and skills.
vi. As per the Global Scenario which country has
the maximum percentage of students in Skill Passage 2
Education and what can be the possible reason?
1. Mango (Mangifera indica) is Asia’s most popular
vii. Fill in the following blank choosing the most fruit, and it has gained popularity around the
appropriate option from the ones given below : world. It has long been a component of culture
As per NEP 2020, skill exposure will begin at and religion as a useful and tasty fruit. In addition
_____. to taste, it has many good qualities thus making
it to be called as “King of Fruits”. Major mango-
(a) middle and secondary school
growing states in India include Andhra Pradesh,
(b) primary school Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Gujarat and
(c) higher school Tamil Nadu. Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
(d) senior secondary school are the leading states in mango production.
2. Mango is grown in an area of 5.58 million hectares
viii. Justify the statement — ‘The NEP will create
of area in the world. India is the largest producer
an awareness and appreciation of Indian arts and
of mangoes with 46.02 and 45.88 percent of the
artisanship.’
total world area and production, respectively.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

(c) Obesity has been termed as an epidemic.

(d) Obesity is related to smoking.
Ans :
i. obese, overweight
ii. projected to exceed $150 billion
iii. Obesity is rapidly becoming the leading cause
of preventable death in the United States, with
obesity-related deaths projected to soon surpass
deaths related to tobacco abuse. The incidence of
obesity has doubled in the United States since 1960,
Answer the following questions, based on the passage with one-third of the adult population currently
above. obese. Perhaps more alarming is the increase in
i. Complete the following sentence with appropriate overweight children; over the past 25 years, this
words. rate has risen from 6% to 19%.
60% of the adult population in the USA is either iv. Diabetes
_____ or _____.
v. In New York City and Denmark, certain public
ii. Fill in the blanks with appropriate option from health initiatives have helped to identify and reduce
those given in brackets. some of the factors contributing to obesity. Such
The annual allocation of budget in the US for initiatives have succeeded in passing legislation to
obesity and related diseases is _____ (projected reduce or remove TFAs from residents’ diets.
to decrease by $150 million/projected to exceed vi. (d) All of these
$150 billion)
vii. The obesity epidemic will likely change practice
iii. What problems are caused by obesity in the for gastroenterologists, as shifts will be seen in
United States? Answer in about 40 words. the incidence of obesity-related gastrointestinal
disorders, disease severity and the nature of
iv. Based on your understanding of the passage, infer
comorbidities. The experience gained with
one medical problem caused by obesity.
previous epidemiologic problems such as smoking
v. Which initiative has been taken in New York City should help involved parties to expand needed
and Denmark? health initiatives and increase the likelihood of
preventing future generations from suffering the
vi. Based on your understanding of the passage, consequences of obesity.
choose the option that lists medical problems
caused by obesity. viii. (b) Obesity is defined in terms of the Waist Hip
ratio.
1. Heart diseases
2. Diabetes
3. Lung diseases 
4. Cancer
5. Thyroid
6. Hormonal disorders
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
(c) 5 and 6 (d) All of these

vii. How will the obesity epidemic change practice for

gastroenterologists? Answer in about 40 words.

viii. Which of the following is not true as per passage?

(a) Obesity is the most common amongst late
teenagers in America.
(b) Obesity is defined in terms of the Waist Hip
ratio.

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Page 68 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

ii. The statement that India is the largest producer on Brownsea Island, in Southern England. These
of mangoes with 45.88 percent of the total boys had the chance to enjoy outdoors, which
world production can be attributed to Indian became another of the movement’s objectives.
orchardists, is a fact because it is an objective 3. The Scout Movement quickly got established in
detail. Europe. It then spread throughout the world,
iii. India’s low export percentage (0.52%) despite starting in Chile in 1909. To begin with, the
its significant share in mango production focus was on boys aged 11 to 18. However, as the
reflects domestic consumption prioritization or movement grew, it was clear that younger boys,
logistical challenges. This indicates a focus on older boys and girls all wanted to be involved.
satisfying local demand rather than maximizing Baden-Powell’s sister set up the Girl Guides
international trade, potentially due to factors like in 1910, and in 1914 she started Rosebuds,
later renamed Brownies, for younger girls. The
perishability or market constraints.
movement’s intention to help young people play
iv. Based on the table, the three countries at par useful roles in. society applies equally to girls and
with each other in terms of mango import from boys. By 2010, there were 32 million scouts, and
India in 2019-20 are the UK, Kuwait, and Qatar. by 2006, there were 10 million guides around the
v. One inference that can be drawn from this is that world, from a total of 216 different countries.
there may be significant barriers or challenges 4. 2007 marked 100 years of the Scout Movement,
hindering India’s mango exports to the USA, such and events took place around the world to
as high transportation costs or stringent import celebrate this centenary. To mark the occasion,
regulations. a colourful badge was produced for scouts to sew
onto their uniforms or bags. The design included
vi. (b) solutions the official scout emblem, as well as the phrase,
vii. India is described as the largest producer of ‘one world one promise’, and images of doves and
mangoes in the world due to its extensive the globe.
cultivation area, comprising 46.02% of the 5. 2007 was also the 150th anniversary of Baden-
global mango-growing area. Additionally, Powell’s birth. To honour both occasions, a flame
India’s favorable climate, diverse varieties, and was lit at Baden-Powell’s grave in Nyeri. This
agricultural expertise contribute to its dominance is the place in Kenya where he spent the last
in mango production. few years of his life. The flame was then carried
viii. (c) India is the largest producer of mangoes and through several countries until it reached the UK.
by putting in more efforts, has the potential to be Country Membership Population Scouting Guiding
the largest exporter too. participation introduced introduced

India 41500000 0.3% 1909 1911

Indonesia 17100000 7.2% 1912 1912

Passage 3
Philippines 21500000 2.2% 1910 1918

“Scouts and Guides Around the World.” Thailand 1300000 1.9% 1911 1957

1. Many young people aged between 6 and 25 United States 7500000 2.4% 1910 1912

belong to the Scout movement. It is a worldwide

Answer the following questions based on your reading
organization, which was set up to help young
of the above passage :
people achieve their full potential as they grow
up. i. Infer one reason for the following, based on the
2. The organization was established in 1907 by a information given in paragraph 4 :
British general called Robert Baden-Powell. ‘Colourful badge was sewn on to the uniform and
While in the army, he wrote a publication about bags of the Scouts’.
scouting (which means searching and keeping
watch) and how to survive in the wild, called ii. From paragraph 1, we can infer that Scout
‘Aids to Scouting’. He realized how popular this Movement was set up _____.
was, and the result was another book, ‘Scouting
iii. Complete the following analogy correctly with a
for Boys’, which had less emphasis on the military.
word/phrase from paragraph 4.
To test his ideas, he held a week-long camp for 21
10 years : decade : : 100 years : _____
boys from various schools in London, Poole and
Bournemouth. This took place in August 1907,

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

Answer the following questions, based on the passage

above.

i. Complete the following analogy appropriately,

based on your understanding of paragraphs 1 and
2.
The fact that branded and luxury hotels in India
were among the earliest ones to recover their loyal
clientele, small-scale and medium enterprises,
which constitute more than 80 per cent of the
tourism industry, have not been able to recover
fully is comparable with big movie production
houses who survive even big flops but _____.

ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option

from those given in brackets, based on your
understanding of paragraph 1.
International tourism trends in India from 2020
to 2021 show that the actual impact of Covid on
tourism was felt more in 2021 and not in 2020
when international visits to India dropped even
further in 2021, to just 10.5 lakhs from 71.7 lakhs
is .......... (a/an fact/opinion) because it is ..........
(a/an subjective judgement’/objective detail).

iii. “People who would otherwise have travelled

abroad, are travelling within India instead.” (a) Only (i) (b) Only (ii)
Justify the statement in about 40 words with (c) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (v)
reference to 2019.
vii. Infer one benefit and one drawback of Coronavirus
on domestic tourist footfalls. Answer in about 40
words.

viii. Study the statement given below.

Domestic tourism is showing positive trends
despite being weighed down by inflation.
Which of the following options substantiate this
statement?
iv. Based on the report released by the Ministry of
Tourism, which two main tourism trends mark (a) All flights and hotels are fully booked.
the young consumers’ choices in selecting holiday (b) Luxury hotels have recovered their loyal
destinations? clientele.
(c) Heritage properties in Rajasthan are now in
v. Study the statement :
the reach of domestic tourists.
Hotels in the suburbs of Bengaluru and Hyderabad
were able to recover from dipping tourist footfalls (d) Room rents in Goa and Kerala have dropped
sooner than expected. to one third of the earlier rates.
State any one inference that can be drawn from Ans :
this. i. smaller ones crash and disappear at the first
crisis.
vi. Select the option that correctly displays what
‘inbound’ signifies contextually in the passage. ii. a fact, an objective detail
(Reference-Paragraph 3) iii. Domestic tourism in India reached a peak in 2019,
with more than 232 crores of domestic tourist
visits and 3.14 crore international tourist visits,
the highest since 2001 according to the tourism

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Page 70 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

i. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option viii. Which of the following is the main takeaway from
from those given in brackets, based on your the study mentioned in the passage ?
understanding of para 2. (a) The study needs to include more valid data to
One of the reasons that there has been an support the practice of crop rotation.
intensification of agriculture in the country is (b) Crop rotation is a sustainable practice that
the development of irrigation facilities is a/ can transform the agricultural sector.
an _____ (fact/opinion) because it is a/an
(c) The impact of crop rotation on farmer’s
_____ (subjective judgement/objective detail).
upliftment has been thoroughly explained.
ii. Based on your understanding of paras 1 and 2, (d) Crop rotation is independent of the type of
state whether the following statement is true or crops harvested and availability of water for
false. irrigation.
If proper irrigation facility is provided, higher Ans : 2024
agricultural returns can be obtained by making
i. fact, objective detail
crop rotation more sustainable.
ii. True
iii. Justify the following in about 40 words.
Crop rotation may fetch more income to the iii. This statement is inaccurate. Crop rotation is
farmers, but depletes the soil fertility at a faster a practice designed to enhance soil fertility, not
pace. deplete it. By alternating the types of crops
grown on a piece of land, different nutrients are
iv. Based on the table, mention the years when the used and replenished naturally, reducing the need
land was left fallow for maximum number of days. for chemical fertilizers and preventing the rapid
depletion of soil nutrients. It helps maintain a
v. The study conducted in village Banhera (Tanda) healthy balance in the soil, leading to sustainable
reflects that during the years 1960 to 1965,
agriculture and potentially more income for
from April to June, the land was left fallow or
farmers due to healthier crop yields.
uncultivated throughout. State any one inference
that can be drawn from this. iv. 1961, 1963, 1965
v. One inference that can be drawn from the fact
vi. Select the option that correctly states the
significance of crop rotation as given below : that the land in Banhera (Tanda) was left fallow
from April to June during the years 1960 to
1. Crop rotation is done to obtain higher
1965 is that this period, which corresponds to
agricultural returns.
the Zaid cropping season, may not be suitable
2. Higher agricultural returns can be obtained for cultivation due to reasons such as extreme
by harvesting soil exhaustive crops. temperatures, insufficient rainfall, or perhaps
3. Crop rotation demands that land should be cultural practices allowing the land to recover.
left fallow for a few months to increase the Leaving the land fallow during these months
fertility of soil. could help in restoring soil fertility and moisture,
4. Better irrigation facility to the arable land has preparing it for the upcoming Kharif and Rabi
helped in the intensification of agriculture. cropping seasons.
5. If crops to be harvested are chosen wisely, vi. (d) (1) and (5)
crop rotation can help in maintaining fertility
vii. One benefit of crop rotation is that it can
of soil.
enhance soil health by varying plant demands
Options :
on soil nutrients, thus reducing the need for
(a) (1), (2) and (4) chemical fertilizers. A drawback is that it requires
(b) (1) only careful planning and knowledge of crop-specific
(c) (3) and (5) requirements, which can be complex and labor-
(d) (1) and (5) intensive.
viii. (b) Crop rotation is a sustainable practice that
vii. Crop rotation is helping in making agriculture
can transform the agricultural sector.
more sustainable. Mention one benefit and one
drawback of crop rotation. (Answer in about 40
words)

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

However, India being the major shareholder in ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
terms of mango production, exports only 0.52% from those given in brackets, based on your
of its total production indicating the huge gap in understanding of Para (2) :
exporting of mangoes. Peru exports about 46%, The statement that, India is the largest producer
Thailand 24%, Mexico 18% and Brazil 11% of of Mangoes with 45.88 percent of the total world
their total mango production. These countries production can be attributed to Indian orchardists,
are the bigger challenges for Indian mango is a/an _____ (fact/opinion) because it is alan
exports. Hence, efforts are needed to evolve cheap _____ (subjective judgement/objective detail)
transportation mechanism, increase the trade
agreements with major importing countries and iii. Justify the following in about 40 words :
enhance the productivity. India being the major shareholder in terms of
3. The top importing country is United States mango production, exports only 0.52% of its total
of America, however, India exports only two production.
percent of its total exports to the USA. The
iv. Based on the table, which three countries were
USA, European countries, the UK, Malaysia and
at par with each other in terms of mango import
Russia can be the other hotspots where India can
from India in 2019-20 ?
target to export the mangoes. The critical issue
for exporting to the USA is transportation cost v. The top mango importing country is the U.S.A.,
(due to sea route distance) and limited shelf life of however, India exports only two percent of its total
mango, while for Europe transportation costs as exports to the U.S.A. State any one inference that
well as competition by African countries are the can be drawn from this.
major hurdles.
The following chart shows the major export vi. In the given sentence taken from para-2, select
destinations of Indian mangoes in 2019-20 : the option that correctly replaces the underlined
word, with its most likely antonym.
Major Export Destination of Indian Mangoes in These countries are the bigger challenges for
2019-20 Indian mango exports.
S. No. Country Percentage (a) enigmas (b) solutions
1. U.S.A. 2 (c) provocations (d) disputes

2. Kuwait 2 vii. Why is India described as the largest producer

of mangoes in the world ? Answer in about 40
3. Saudi Arabia 3
words.
4. Qatar 6
viii. Which of the following is the main takeaway from
5. Bangladesh 6
the study mentioned in the passage ?
6. Oman 7 (a) India needs to produce more mangoes so that
7. U.K. 9 more can be exported.
8. Nepal 24 (b) The UAE imported most mangoes from India
in 2019-20.
9. United Arab 33
(c) India is the largest producer of mangoes and
Emirates
by putting in more efforts, has the potential
10. Bahrain 2 to be the largest exporter too.
11. Others 6 (d) More study is needed to find ways to increase
the export of mangoes from India.
Answer the following questions, based on the above Ans : 2024
passage :
i. of its exceptional taste, cultural significance,
i. Complete the following analogy appropriately, and numerous positive qualities. Just as a lion
based on your understanding of Para (1) : must possess strength, bravery, and fierceness to
We can say that for becoming the king of jungle, become the king of the jungle, mango’s reputation
Lion has to be the strongest, bravest and the as the king of fruits is attributed to its delicious
fiercest. Similarly, Mango is known as the king of flavor, versatility, and widespread popularity
fruits because _____. across Asia and the world.

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Page 72 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

ii. The statement that “Tourism constituted almost that, though functionality should be in the
3% of India’s GDP and generated around 100 foreground, when vertical gardens are planned,
million jobs in 2019” is a/an fact because it is a/ they are generally made as aesthetic elements
an objective detail. in the city’s underpasses and city squares, and
decorative elements in residences, without seeking
iii. Indians, confined by pandemic restrictions for over
functionality.
two years, are eager to explore new destinations,
embrace diverse cultures, and enjoy the freedom 4. Experts support that the visual quality and
of international travel, reflecting a strong desire evaluation of landscape architecture is determined
to break free from prolonged isolation. based on the satisfaction of the users. Hence, a
survey questionnaire was prepared for residents
iv. Without the table, I can infer from the passage of varied age groups from of a metropolitan city.
that Indian foreign travel increased primarily for The given Table 1, displays these responses :
educational purposes due to pent-up demand and
Table 1 - Total number of participants : 400
growing aspirations among middle-class students
from Tier II and Tier III cities. No. Survey statements

Strongly disagree
v. The ‘industry’ being referred to here is the tourism

Strongly agree
and hospitality industry.

Disagrtee
Neutal
vi. The maximum number of people undertook foreign

Agree
travel in 2019 and 2022 because of residency. It
can be inferred that Indians are settling in foreign Vertical gardens :
because of better life and expanding their horizons
1. improve quality of life of 191 138 43 9 19
and connecting with other cultures. people in urban areas
vii. Students are opting to study abroad due to 2. reduce noise pollution 128 164 77 25 6
pent-up demand from the pandemic’s two- 3. increase air quality 172 147 51 28 2
year duration, along with growing aspirations -indoors and outdoors
and increased affordability among middle-class 4. reduce energy and water 58 47 125 68 2
students, particularly from Tier II and Tier III consumption
cities. 5. positively impact global 114 144 106 30 6
warming
viii. (b) Though travel, both domestic and
international, has picked up, it has yet to reach 6. have a relaxing and 161 177 44 7 11
calming effect
its previous levels.
7. cost too much 86 107 152 42 13
8. make plants look 195 139 44 6 16
Passage 6 beautiful
1. The reduction in green areas has caused various 9. add naturalness to the 135 173 55 25 12
environmental problems. People squeezed between environment
concrete structures are looking for various ways to 10. are among the 59 133 141 54 13
meet their longing for green. One of the ways to determining factor to
do so, is vertical gardens and green walls. Vertical visiting
gardening is a unique method of gardening where a place
plants are grown in a vertical position or upward, 11. are inconvenient indoors 9 84 123 126 48
rather than in the traditional method of planting 12. can be applied in every 71 132 97 77 23
them on the ground. place
2. The purpose of vertical gardens and green walls, 13. have a functional feature 81 207 100 10 2
which arises from the studies of different disciplines 14. distract drivers 34 101 106 131 28
(landscape architects, architects, engineers,
15. funds are best used for 57 72 100 130 41
etc.), is to close the cold image of concrete and social issues
increase the visual value. In these systems, nature
and structures are integrated, and thus, urban 5. The study acknowledged that vertical gardening
areas and the desired environment have become has the potential to transform urban spaces into
intertwined. green, sustainable areas, and further research
should explore the impact of vertical gardening
3. Vertical garden case studies often show

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

Passage 5 travelling with a vengeance is comparable to people

1. After more than two years of halted travel, India’s going out to dine in hordes, because_____.
tourism and hospitality industry is now cautiously
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
hopeful. Tourism constituted almost 3% of India’s
from those given in brackets, based on your
GDP and generated around 100 million jobs in
understanding of paragraph 1.
2019. But the sector was severely hit in India —
The statement that, ‘Tourism constituted almost
like in other countries — in the past two years.
3% of India’s GDP and generated around 100
2. Indians are now travelling with a vengeance — million jobs in 2019’, is a/an _____ (fact/
‘revenge travel’, as the phenomenon is called. And opinion) because it is a/an _____ (subjective
many, experts say, now prefer to travel within judgement/objective detail).
the country instead of flying to more expensive
destinations abroad. The industry is also iii. Justify the following in about 40 words.
benefiting from new trends borne of the pandemic After being cooped up inside their houses for
such as micro-holidays and workcations. more than two years, Indians are now excited
3. According to a survey, 51 percent of Indian about being able to travel internationally.
travellers believed that international travel
iv. Based on the given table, for which ‘purpose’ did
remained an important means of expanding their
Indian foreign travel increase in 2022 as compared
horizons and connecting with other cultures. Over
to 2019 ?
two years, the survey said, Indian travellers are
now dreaming about their next international trip v. ‘The industry is also benefiting from new trends
and more than 70 percent of Indians are excited borne of the pandemic such as micro-holidays and
about being able to travel internationally. workcations.’ Which ‘industry’ is being talked about
4. There has also been an increase in the number of here ?
students going abroad to study. The increasing
desire to study overseas is credited to the pent-up vi. As per the given table, for which purpose did
demand from the pandemic’s two-year duration. maximum number of Indians undertake foreign
This has got further pronounced because of travel in 2019 and in 2022 ?
growing aspirations and affordability among the State any one inference that can be drawn from
middle-class students from Tier II and Tier III this.
cities.
vii. Why are students today choosing to go abroad to
The table below shows foreign travel by Indians
study ? (Answer in about 40 words.)
for different purposes from 2019 to 2022.
Purpose 2019 2020 2021 2022
viii. Which of the following is the main takeaway from
the study mentioned in the passage ?
Business 14.7 L 2.6 L 1.2 L 4.6 L
(a) International travel remains an important
Job 25.2 L 71 L 8.3 L 24 L
means of expanding the horizons and
Residency 89.5 L 28.9 L 34.6 L 72.5 L connecting with other cultures.
Education 5.8 L 2.6 L 4.4 L 6.5 L (b) Though travel, both domestic and
Tourists 63.8 L 13.1 L 12.8 L 30.8 L international, has picked up, it has yet to
Visit 42.1 L 10.1 L 15.1 L 40.9 L
reach its previous levels.
Medical 1,448 390 545 1,253
(c) Indians are excited about being able to travel
internationally.
Pilgrimage 8.8 L Fl L 4,139 4.6 L
(d) The study needs to include experts
Others 2.6 L 54,775 58,767 1.6 L
from Tourism Department to offer any
Total 2.5 Crore 66.2 L 77.2 L 1.8 Crore recommendations for further research.
Ans : 2024
Answer the following questions, based on the above
passage : i. We can say that the situation when people were
travelling with a vengeance is comparable to
i. Complete the following analogy appropriately, people going out to dine in hordes, because both
based on your understanding of paragraphs 1 and scenarios reflect pent-up demand being released
2. after restrictions.
We can say that the situation when people were

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Page 74 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

of Culture, a classical language is one that is at III. The reason Malayalam is considered a
least 1,500 years old and has ancient, valuable classical language.
literature recorded in it. Further, such a language IV. When the idea of classical languages was
is original and not derived from another language. introduced in India.
Based on these guidelines, six languages have been
(a) Only (I)
classified as classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit,
Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia. (b) Only (IV)
3. The following graph shows the percentage of (c) Only (I) and (II)
Indian people whose mother tongue is a classical (d) Only (III) and (IV)
language. This is as per data collected by the
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
census of 2011. The census was not conducted in
from those given in brackets.
2021 due to the pandemic.
Based on the passage, the _____ (functional/
historical) value of a language is of utmost
importance while (preserving/categorising) it as
a classical language.

iii. Imagine that a committee was formed to ensure

that classical languages have more native speakers
by the time the next census is conducted. In 40
words, answer the following questions to help the
committee achieve its objective.
1. Which classical language needs its attention
most urgently and why?
Figure : Tamil Sanskrit Kannada Telugu Malayalam Odia 2. Which classical language would be THIRD on
Languages its priority?
4. According to the graph, around 6.7% of the Indian iv. State an example from the passage that shows
population are native speakers of Telugu, whereas that India is a ‘heterogeneous country’. Answer in
Sanskrit has been identified as a mother tongue one sentence.
by only 0.002% of the population, which is around
24,821 people. Malayalam has the second lowest v. Why has the writer stated the following line in
number of native speakers, making up about 2.9% the passage? Give a reason.
of Indians. The census was not conducted in 2021 due to the
5. The 2011 census data also noted that a majority pandemic.
of the native speakers reside in the area where vi. Complete the sentence based on information from
their mother tongue originated. For example, 93% the passage.
of Kannada speakers live in Karnataka. Similarly,
If Tamil originated from Tamil Nadu, we can infer
93% of Malayalam speakers live in Kerala.
that _____ of the native Tamil speakers would
6. Balancing the preservation of culture and be living in Tamil Nadu.
inclusivity is a delicate equation for a
heterogeneous country like India. With growing vii. Which of these hypothetical situations would help
awareness, concepts like ‘classical languages’ may India achieve harmony? Justify your answer in
help us achieve harmony. about 40 words.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage (a) if the majority of Indians who speak a classical
above. language are settled abroad
(b) if more languages from remote and tribal areas
i. Which of these pieces of information can be of India are identified as classical languages
confirmed by reading the passage?
(c) if the percentage of Indians who are native
I. The number of people in India who speak Telugu speakers increases to more than 10
Tamil. percent
II. Where the majority of native Sanskrit
speakers live. viii. Which of these sentences uses ‘delicate’ in the
same way as paragraph (6) does?

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

the infrastructure of that place, leading to several 7. The panel, headed by former Supreme Court
illegal constructions in the area. judge BS Chauhan, also wanted amendments to
Section 357 of the Criminal Procedure Code so
viii. (d) Domestic footfall is greater than international
that courts can order compensation for victims.
footfall.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above.
Passage 19
1. Data released by India’s food quality regulator, i. Complete the following sentence.
the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India IPC 272 and 273 amendments were added to
(FSSAI) earlier, shows that nearly 25% of samples _____.
of edible goods it tested this year were found
ii. Fill in the blank to complete the following
to be adulterated or in violation of prescribed
sentence.
standards.
.......... allows the penalised to continue their
2. The samples included milk and dairy products, business.
spices, cereals as well as branded food products.
A total of 85,729 samples were sent, so far. iii. Explain why penalising adulteration in India is
FSSAI carried out the testing following a spike challenging in about 40 words.
in complaints from consumers over quality and
adulteration, said an agency official. iv. What did the data revealed by FSSAI show?

3. According to the data, 20,390 samples of the v. Substitute the word ‘punishing’ with ONE WORD
85,729 sent to the agency were found to be similar in meaning, in the following, sentence from
non-conforming to prescribed standards. While Paragraph 4.
agency officials maintain that Food Safety The lengthy procedure involved in punishing
Officers in each state regularly test samples to violators provides an opportunity to the accused
check for compliance and also take recourse in to keep doing business.
cases of violations according to the Food Safety
and Standards Act, 2006, experts claim that vi. Based on your understanding of the passage,
poor enforcement on the ground and a lack of choose the option that lists the punishments set
awareness plague the process. for offenders.
(a) Life imprisonment
4. Consumer activist Bijon Mishra said the lengthy
legal procedure involved in penalizing violators (b) Public shaming
provides an opportunity to the accused to keep (c) Sentence of 6 months
doing business. “Law enforcement is very poor. (d) Both (a) and (c)
It takes years to finalise a case and by that time,
sellers keep on making profits. Moreover, people vii. Which samples were tasted by FSSAI and why?
are also not aware. Hardly anybody complains Also, what did the data suggest?
about adulteration,” he added.
viii. Which of the following recommendations were
5 Umesh Sharma, an advocate, said enforcement made by the law commission regarding the issue?
of rules is very poor on the ground. “The issue
is directly related to public health and the (a) Minimum sentence should be six months’ jail
government should take serious initiatives to term.
implement food safety rules,” he said. Data from (b) Depending on the gravity of the offence,
the agency shows an abysmal conviction rate. punishment can include life imprisonment.
6. In 2017, the Law Commission issued a set of (c) Adulteration became a serious crime.
recommendations regarding the issue. The panel (d) All of the above
had recommended that IPC Sections 272 (dealing Ans : 2019

with adulteration of food and drinks) and 273 i. regulate the quality of food in India.
(dealing with the sale of noxious food and drinks)
be amended to make adulteration a serious crime. ii. Lengthy legal procedure
It was also recommended that depending on the iii. Penalising adulteration in India is challenging
gravity of the offence, punishment can include life because the legal procedure involved in penalising
imprisonment and the minimum sentence should violators provides an opportunity to the accused
be six months in jail term. to keep doing business. Law enforcement is very

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Page 76 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

in a variety of flavours and also in an organic (a) Only (i) (b) (i) and (iii)
avatar is _____ (a fact/ opinion) because it is (c) Only (v) (d) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
_____ (a/an subjective judgement/ objective
detail). vii. Infer one benefit and one drawback of athletes
consuming sports and energy drinks. Answer in
iii. Justify the following, in about 40 words : about 40 words.
Big brands and MNCs are keenly pushing and
aiding the growth of their beverages’ markets by viii. Select the appropriate option to fill in the blanks.
widening their consumer base. From paragraph 1, we can infer that sports
and energy drinks are a source of _____ and
iv. Based on the passage, mention two marketing _____ especially if you are into regular and
tactics involving big events and known faces heavy work-outs.
adopted by the big brands to popularise their 1. electrolytes
energy and sports drinks?
2. instant energy
v. Study the statement: ‘Sports and energy drinks 3. hydration
are beverages that seem to have nailed not only 4. organic matter
the wide-ranging taste buds of the consumers but 5. flavours
also the latest fads prevalent in society.’ (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
State any one inference that can be drawn from
this. (c) 4 and 5 (d) 1 and 5
Ans : 2023

vi. Select the option that correctly displays what i. more popular among celebrities.
‘avatar’ signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 1)
ii. a fact, an objective detail
iii. It is true that big brands and MNCs are keenly
pushing and aiding the growth of their markets by
widening their consumer base by developing more
consumer- oriented products such as sugar-free
drinks or customizable drinks and ensuring their
product availability across various platforms.
iv. 1. Sponsoring various sporting events or teams
2. Collaboration with celebrities and sports
personalities sponsoring various sporting
events or teams.
v. Billions of Indians consume ready-to-drink energy
drinks which are available now in a variety of
flavours and also in an organic avatar.
vi. (c) Only (v)
vii. Sports and energy drinks contain more than 10%
of sugar content which creates a sudden insulin
spike as well as a sudden drop in human body
which is a drawback. But they also contain
nutrients, vitamins, carbohydrates, etc., that help
to replenish the electrolytes which are lost during
the workout keeping the body hydrated.
viii. (b) 2 and 3

Passage 9
1. India’s population is expected to grow by 25%,
with reference to 2011, to 1.52 billion by 2036,
according to the final report of the technical

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

on the environment and human well-being. iv. Which of the following is the main takeaway from
Answer the following questions, based on the above the study mentioned in the passage?
passage : (a) Vertical gardening has minimal impact on the
environment or human well¬being.
i. Complete the following analogy appropriately, (b) Vertical gardening is a sustainable practice
based on your understanding of paragraphs 1 and that can transform urban spaces into green
2. areas.
We can say that the situation of people living in
(c) The impact of vertical gardening on the
concrete structures is comparable with a fish living
environment and human well¬being has
in a fishbowl, and the need for vertical gardens to
already been thoroughly explored.
the need for decorations in the fishbowl because
_____ (d) The study needs to include experts
from horticultural firms to offer any
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option recommendations for further research.
from those given in brackets, based on your Ans : 2023

understanding of paragraph 2. i. the way a fish is confined in its bowl and requires
The statement that, urban spaces have become decoration to have a sustainable and happy life,
more closely connected with the desired natural the same way, people living in concrete structures
surroundings through the incorporation of nature need vertical gardens.
and structures in vertical gardens and green
ii. opinion; subjective judgement
walls, is a _____ (fact/ opinion) because it is a
_____ (subjective judgement/objective detail). iii. It is true that vertical gardens improve quality of
life of people in urban areas but the study needs
iii. Justify the following, in about 40 words. to be objective in nature to prove this as a fact
While the survey results suggest that vertical or discover its drawbacks. Currently, it is only a
gardens may be effective in improving the quality subjective judgement that is based on a survey
of life in urban areas, further research and including some people.
evaluation may be necessary to fully understand iv. The two concerns that the city government should
their effectiveness and potential drawbacks. be looking to address are: cost of installation of
iv. Based on the survey results, which two concerns vertical gardens and areas of installation with an
should the city government, looking to install intent to avoid driver distraction.
vertical gardens, address? v. The reference that can be drawn from the given
response is the lack of information amongst people
v. In Table 1, the statement 3, “Vertical gardens regarding the improvement of air quality through
increase air quality - indoors and outdoors,” vertical gardens.
received the most neutral responses from
participants, with 51 respondents indicating a vi. (b) Only (II)
neutral stance. State any one inference that can vii. The benefit of vertical garden over community
be drawn from this. park is that it provides indoor aesthetics and
freshness to the confined spaces of urban homes
vi. Select the option that correctly displays what while the drawback is that it lacks a large extent
‘intertwined’ signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 2) of space for greenery that community parks have.
viii. (b) Vertical gardening is a sustainable practice
that can transform urban spaces into green areas.

Passage 7
(a) (I) , (IV) and (V) (b) Only (II) 1. India is a country of many languages. The
constitution recognises 22 languages officially, but
(c) Only (III) (d) (II) and (V)
over 121 unique languages have been identified in
v. Infer in about 40 words, one benefit and one the country.
drawback of vertical gardening, in comparison to 2. To preserve and encourage the literary function
other solutions, such as community gardens or of language, the government introduced ‘classical
parks. languages’ in 2004. According to the Ministry

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India will overtake China as the world’s most ALTBalaji are delivering the content like web
populous country around 2031–almost a decade series, movies, TV serials, sports and news with
later than the United Nations projection of 2022. different languages to the user (audience) with
a boundless quality. A study revealed that 95%
iv. The given statement means that India’s population
youth (age between 18 and 25) have admitted to
growth rate is expected to decline drastically.
watching web series in a metro city like Mumbai
v. A delay of a decade from the UN’s projection can and approximately 81% audiences are watching in
be seen in India becoming the most populated online manner by using OTT platform where in
country in the world. 42% of audiences watching web series on a daily
vi. (d) Both (a) and (b) basis, by using OTT high rate.

vii. 1. According to the passage, India will become 3. In a study, certain responses were collected on
watching habits of web series between before and
the most populous country in the world by
after lockdown. It was clear that approximately
2031.
15% of rise was seen in audiences during
2. The nation’s population growth rate is lockdown. Audiences showed their interest more
expected to decline to its lowest since the towards web series. In the same study, another
Independence in the 2011-2021 decade. interpretation showed the meaning of free time
viii. (a) Population projections for 2011-2036 to watch web series during lockdown. Before
lockdown, ‘all day’ users of web series were quite
low to approximately 4% but during lockdown, an
Passage 10 increase of users approximately 36% was seen in
1. The emergence of novel COVID-19 epidemic category.
has been spreading in India which brought
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
the sudden lockdown situation in the country.
above.
After government execution of lockdown with
different stages, beings rapidly change their i. Complete the following sentence appropriately.
pattern of living. The affection of such controls A study revealed that _____ (age between 18
affected entertainment with several entities. and 25) have admitted to watching web series in
Many productions of entertainment programs a metro city like Mumbai.
get stopped that results the broadcast of new
programs and several episodes has been stationary ii. Fill in the blank with appropriate word/words.
till the unlocked. To avoid the forfeiture in Web series are creating a new kind of _____
revenue, production houses used the concept of who produce fresh content for people who watch
minimax programming that belongs to repeated movies or series on OTTs.
telecast of running or evergreen programs. “Their
current success may seem as an aberration at iii. State one example which proves the statement.
first glance. Doordarshan itself has replayed its (Answer in about 40 words)
old shows in the past too and these have always COVID19 induced lockdown affected
gone unnoticed,” says Shailesh Kapoor, founder entertainment industry.
and CEO at Ormax Media. Meanwhile, the
iv. State the reason in the increase in the trend of
condition of movie theatre is much similar to
web series in digital platform.
other entertainment substances that have been
closed and unable to perceive the entertainment. v. Substitute the word ‘forfeiture’ with ONE WORD
2. Under such circumstances, web series enable to similar in meaning, in the following, sentence from
emphasis the audiences with its own concept of Paragraph 1.
‘anywhere-anytime’ where audience can watch and To avoid the forfeiture in revenue, production
interact with programs with their convenience and houses used the concept of minimax programming
of personal medium. Web series are developing a that belongs to repeated telecast of running or
new breed for new content providers, who produce evergreen programs.
fresh content for digital audiences. Spreading the
Internet access in rural and urban areas is much vi. Select the chart that appropriately represents the
responsible for increasing of audience of web trend in the audience of watching web series:
series in digital platform. Since, the revolution
of 4G in India, OTT (Over-The-Top) platform
such as Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon Prime video,

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

(a) She looked beautiful in the dress with the

delicate floral pattern.
(b) He was frequently admitted to the hospital
due to his delicate health.
(c) This discussion will require careful
consideration as it is a delicate matter.
(d) Please handle these delicate items carefully
during transportation as they break easily.
Ans : 2023

i. (d) Only (III) and (IV)

ii. historical; categorising
iii. 1. Sanskrit, as it has the lowest percentage of
people who identify it as their mother tongue
2. Odia
iv. India is considered a heterogeneous country
because it is a country of many languages.
v. The writer stated the following line in the passage
to give a disclaimer to readers in case they 3. The market size of Indian Sports and energy drinks
find updated information in recent times that reached US$ 2.4 billion in 2022. And going by the
current rate, projections estimate the market size
contradicts the stated data.
to reach US$ 5.0 billion by the year 2027; thereby
vi. a majority exhibiting a growth rate of (CAGR) of 13.27 during
vii. (b) if more languages from remote and tribal 2022-2027.
areas of India are identified as classical languages. 4. A lot of athletes gets confused between an energy
viii. (c) This discussion will require careful drink and sports drink. Sugar is the biggest
consideration as it is a delicate matter. enemy for any athlete if its intake is not balanced
correctly. Any beverage which contains more than
10% of sugar is considered to be an energy drink.
Passage 8 So aerated beverages, sodas, juices (like mango,
1. Sports and energy drinks consumed by athletes lime etc.) all fall under the energy drink category.
and fitness-freaks, are beverages rich in essential When an athlete consumes any energy drink, it
components such as nutrients, vitamins, creates a sudden insulin spike in the body and
carbohydrates, etc., that provide much-needed for a short duration of period feels energetic.
mental and physical stimulation. They not only However, the insulin spike is soon followed by an
provide an instant energy boost but also help to insulin spike drop, leaving behind the athlete dull,
replenish the electrolytes which are lost during lethargic and fatigued. This is not desirable in an
the workout keeping the body hydrated which is athlete as they need to constantly maintain their
of utmost importance. Indian consumers drink energy & focus for higher performance.
120 billion liters of beverages of which 4% are Answer the following questions, based on the passage
ready-to-drink energy drinks which are available
above.
in a variety of flavours and also in an organic
avatar. i. Complete the following analogy appropriately, based
on your understanding of paragraphs 1 and 2.
2. Furthermore, aggressive promotion and The fact that sports drinks are the preferred
marketing by the big brands across all media choice of sports persons is comparable with the
have also contributed significantly to their market fact that energy drinks seem to be _____.
growth. Collaboration with celebrities and sports
personalities, development of more consumer- ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
oriented products such as sugar-free drinks or from those given in brackets, based on your
customizable drinks, product availability across understanding of paragraph 2.
various platforms, and sponsoring various Indian consumers drink 120 billion liters of
sporting events or teams are believed to even beverages of which 4% or 4.8 billion liters are
further increase the growth of these brands. ready-to-drink energy drinks that are available

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Answer the following questions, based on the passage iv. Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation is
above. responsible for the progress of the Swachh Bharat
Mission.
i. Complete the following analogy appropriately.
There will be a decrease in faecal contamination v. Swaccha Bharat Mission and SDG
in the environment because _____. vi. (a) There is an increase in the usage of toilets
among rural households.
ii. Fill the blank with appropriate word.
The passage provides data that proves that over vii. UNICEF is helping in providing sanitation and
99% of rural households have access to _____. water services in rural areas. It has been providing
technical support to Molds, Government of India
iii. Describe the purpose of the launch of Swachh and 15 State governments in the implementation
Bharat Mission (G). Answer in about 40 words. of various sanitation programmes.
iv. According to the passage, who is responsible for
the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission? viii. (b) Villagers also want to have access to toilets to
minimize the negative impact of open defecation.
v. Suggest a suitable title for the passage.

vi. Select the option that the given sentence refers Passage 12
to “Over the past 4 years, over 92 million new
households have received access to household 1. According to the National Institutes of Health
toilets.” (NHI), fast foods are a quick alternative to home-
cooked meals. They are also high in saturated
(a) There is an increase in the usage of toilets
fat, sugar, salt and calories. Eating too much fast
among rural households.
food has been connected to, among other things,
(b) There is an increase in the construction of obesity, colorectal cancer and high cholesterol. Still
community-shared toilets. the traditional family dinner is increasingly being
(c) There is an increase in the building of toilets replaced by eating “on the run”. As. a result, the
inside households. time invested in food preparation is getting lower
(d) There is an increase in access to toilets but and lower. 54% of the Indians are aged below 25
are not being used by the villagers. years and eating out is their favourite outdoor
entertainment. Much of the retail boom in India
vii. Which international organisation is helping in could be attributed to these young consumers.
providing sanitation and how? (Answer in about 2. Organized fast food service sector in India and
40 words) elsewhere, busy lifestyles of people and dual-
working families with children have provided
viii. Why is the government successful in providing
the perfect platform for fast food companies to
access to toilets to over 99% of rural households?
flourish, which offer quick meal solutions. As a
(a) Government is giving false data. result, the fast food industry has witnessed a
(b) Villagers also want to have access to toilets tremendous growth rate. McDonald’s alone serves
to minimize the negative impact of open 46 million people worldwide each day. Fast-food
defecation. chains are still less than 5% of India’s food services
(c) Villagers are cooperative. market-the global average rests at 20%.
(d) Rural households have become educated . 3. India’s food services market was estimated at
Ans : 2022 24,236 billion in 2020. Fast food chains in India
i. the goal is to create Open Defecation Free (ODF) have a market size of 2348 billion and account for
54% of the total sales. This is estimated to reach
of communities and villages
64% by 2025. Covid dealt a body blow to the
ii. toilets food services industry because of long lockdowns.
iii. The purpose of the launch of Swachh Bharat However, large players were quick to remedy
Mission (G) was to accelerate rural sanitation the impact on business by scaling their existing
coverage, reduce open defecation. and improve delivery capabilities. Fortunately, these chains
the management of solid and liquid wastes in had the infrastructure and process for delivery
services in place long before the spread of the
rural areas.
pandemic, which enabled them to adapt swiftly

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

group on population projections dated July to 594 million in 2036-a growth of 57%. So, while
2020. The group was constituted by the National 31% of Indians were living in urban India in
Commission on Population (NCP) under the 2011,that will grow to 39% by 2036.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with the 6. Consequently, the proportion of the rural
mandate to provide population projections for the population will decline from 69% to 61% as the
period 2011 to 2036. urban population is projected to increase more
2. India’s population growth rate is expected to than twice the projected increase in the rural
decline to its lowest since the Independence in the population.
2011-2021 decade, with a decadal growth rate of Answer the following questions, based on the passage
12.5%. It 0.0 will decline further to 8.4% in the
above.
2021-2031 decade, as per the report, 0 0.8 which
The Wire has seen. According to these projections, i. Complete the sentence appropriately.
India will overtake. China as the world’s most The number by which the population of India is
populous country around 2031-almost a decade estimated to grow by 2036 is _____ .
later than the United Nations projection of 2022.
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
India’s population is projected to increase to 1.52
from those given in brackets.
billion by 2036.
This passage contains the decadal _____
(growth/decline) rate for the decade 2011-2021,
which is 12.5%.

iii. Which population projections were highlighted

by the NCP’s report about India’s population
growth? Answer in about 40 words.

iv. “It will decline further to 8.4% in the 2021-2031

decade...” What does this statement mean?

v. According to the passage, how much delay from

the UN’s projection can be seen in India becoming
the most populated country in the world?

vi. Why did the projections come in July of 2020?

(a) Delay by the committee
(b) Delay by the government
(c) Delay in setting up the committee
Source : Report of the technical group on
(d) Both (a) and (b)
population projections
vii. Infer two facts about India on the basis of your
3. The projections have been delayed quite
reading of the passage. Answer in about 40 words.
significantly. “Ideally, they should have come
by 2016. But there were delays in setting up viii. The purpose of the above report was to give
the committee and then more delays at the
(a) Population projections for 2011-2036
government’s end even after we submitted the
report. We had submitted our report in November (b) Population projections for 2036
2019,” said a member of the committee wishing (c) Population projections for 2011
to remain anonymous. This was confirmed by two (d) Population projections for 2031
other members as well. Ans : 2022

4. India’s population was 1.21 billion as per the i. 311 million

Census of 2011 and the projections now estimate
ii. growth
that the population will grow by 311 million by
2036. iii. India’s population growth rate is expected to
5. The report projects that as much as 70% of this decline to its lowest since the Independence in
increase will be in urban areas. India’s urban the 2011-2021 decade, with a decadal growth rate
population will increase from 377 million in 2011 of 12.5%. It will decline further to 8.4% in the
2021-2031 decade. According to these projections,

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v. Fast food is mind-blowingly popular not only in 4. According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book
India but all over the world. Experience Survey, conducted by LJ’s research
department and sponsored by EBSCO, when
vi. (b) Only (ii)
reading for pleasure, almost 74% of respondents
vii. Value pricing and increased penetration in tier said they preferred print books for leisure whereas,
two and three cities, the rising popularity o f 45% of respondents chose e-books rather than the
online food ordering and food delivery platforms printed versions, for research or assignments.
has enabled food chains to reach more consumers. 5. When asked what e-book features make them
Busy lifestyles of people and dual-working families their favourite for research, the respondents were
with children have also contributed to this growth. clear. Having page numbers to use in citations,
viii. (a) The share of fast food chains in food services topped the list (75%); followed by the ability
market is below 5%. to resize text to fit a device’s screen (67%); the
ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take
notes for later reference (60%); downloading the
Passage 13 entire e-book (57%); and allowing
1. The present generation is well updated with content to be transferred between devices (43%)
the use of internet and computers. The rapid were the varied responses.
development in computer technology and increase Answer the following questions, based on the passage
in accessibility of the internet for academic above.
purposes has changed the face of education for
everyone associated with it. Let’s look at the i. Rearrange the following features of an e-book
data arising out of a recent survey that was done from the most favourite to the least favourite.
to ascertain the time spent on utilisation of the 1. Downloading the entire e-book
computer and internet. 2. Using page numbers in citations
3. Highlighting text
4. Transferring content between devices
5. Resizing text to fit the screen of a device
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
from those given in brackets, based on your
understanding of paragraph 2.
At present, many schools and universities have
been implementing internet-based learning, as it
supplements the conventional teaching methods
in assignments and projects with information and
references is _____ (a fact/ an opinion) because
it is _____ (a/an subjective judgement/
objective detail).
iii. Justify the following, in about 40 words.
People have marked preferences when it comes to
2. At present, many schools and universities have reading for pleasure or for research.
been implementing internet-based learning, as it
iv. Based on the survey results, which two features
supplements the conventional teaching methods.
have changed the face of education in recent
The internet provides a wide variety of references
times?
and information to academics as well as scientific
researchers. Students often turn to it to do their v. State any one inference that can be drawn from
academic assignments and projects. the following statement.
3. However, research on Internet is very different “The present generation is well updated with the
from traditional library research, and the use of the internet and computers.”
differences can cause problems. The Internet vi. Select at least two options that correctly display
is a tremendous resource, but it must be used what ‘citation’ signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 5).
carefully and critically.

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Passage 11
1. Through the Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG), the countries of the world have resolved
to achieve universal access to safe drinking water
and adequate sanitation and hygiene for all by
2030. The aim is to ensure the consumption of
safe drinking water and practice safe sanitation
and hygiene, resulting in lower exposure to a
(1) (2) contaminated environment, resulting in lower
morbidity and mortality, especially amongst
children.
2. The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched by
the Government of India on 2nd October, 2014
to achieve the vision of ‘Swachh Bharat’ by 2nd
October, 2019. The Swachh Bharat Mission
Gramin-SBM (G) endeavours to accelerate rural
sanitation coverage, reduce open defecation and
improve the management of solid and liquid wastes
in rural areas. The implementation of SBM (G)
(3) (4) is the responsibility of the Ministry of Drinking
Water and Sanitation (MDWS). The MDWS,
(a) Chart 1 (b) Chart 2
while issuing guidelines for Open Defecation Free
(c) Chart 3 (d) Chart 4 (ODF) verification stressed on “safe technology
option which aimed at no contamination of
vii. What do you understard by ‘Minimax
surface soil, groundwater or surface water; excreta
Programming’ ? How did Doordarshan apply it in
management inaccessible to flies or animals; no
India? (Answer in about 40 words.)
human handling of fresh excreta and freedom
viii. Which of the following is over the top platforms from odour and unsightly condition”. Over the
delivering to the audience? past 4 years, over 92 million new households have
received access to household toilets and by the
(a) Movies and sports
end of the SBM (G) programme, all 16.5 million
(b) Web and TV series rural households will have such access. However,
(c) News with different languages the issue is of usage and thus, the goal is to create
(d) All of these ODF communities and villages, with no one
Ans : 2022 defecating in the open.
i. 95% youth 3. The status of ODF villages published on the
website of MDWS indicates that as of 01.04.2019,
ii. content providers over 99% of rural HHs in India have toilet access.
iii. The Covid-19 affected the entertainment industry The declared ODF villages at all India levels
badly. The production of many entertainment accounted for 556,824 spreading over 247,723
programs got stopped. Apart from this, any Gram Panchayats, 6,031 Blocks and 616 Districts.
further broadcast of new episodes of ongoing 4. UNICEF in India accords high priority to the
program was cancelled. provision of safe sanitation and water services to
iv. Spreading the Internet access in rural and urban people in rural areas and has over the past many
areas is the reason behind the increase in the years aided through catalytic technical support
audience of web series in digital platform. to MDWS, the Government of India and 15 state
v. Loss governments in the implementation of the various
sanitation programmes and since 2014, specifically
vi. (b) Chart 2
to the SBM (G). With the progress of the SBM
vii. Minimise programming refers to the telecast of (G) and the declaration of ODF communities,
running or evergreen programs. Doordarshan there is an emerging question on whether the
applied Minima programming in India during campaign to eliminate open defecation and create
lockdown by telecasting Ramayanal. ODF communities is resulting in a decrease in
viii. (d) All of these faecal contamination in the environment.

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Page 84 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

services. vii. List any two ill effects of open defecation. (40
4. Defecating in the open is an affront to dignity and words)
a risk to children’s nutrition and to community viii. What are the consequences of unsanitary
health. The elimination of open defecation is conditions?
recognised as a top priority for improving the
health, nutrition and productivity of developing (a) Breeding grounds for mosquitoes
country populations and is explicitly mentioned (b) Illness and deaths
in SDG target 6.2. (c) Contaminated food and water
5. Among the 1.7 billion people without basic (d) All of the above
sanitation services in 2020, nearly a third (494 Ans : 2021

million) used no form of a toilet and practised i. the people who do not have access to even basic
open defecation. In 55 countries, more than 5 per sanitation services.
cent of the population practised open defecation
in 2020. Open defecation is most widespread in ii. eliminate open defecation
sub-Saharan Africa but is also high in Central iii. Universal access to sanitation is considered a
and Southern Asia as well as Oceania. central human right because it ensure life by
6. In 17 countries, open defecation decreased by reducing the risk of disease and death.
more than five percentage points between 2015 iv. Open defecation is widespread in these areas due
and 2020. Assuming current rates of progress to lack of basic sanitation services.
continue the world and most SDG regions are on
track to eliminate open defecation before 2030. v. Open defecation decreased by more than five
percentage points between 2015 and 2020. If the
Answer the following questions, based on the passage current rates of progress continue the world and
above. most SDG regions are on track to eliminate open
i. Complete the following sentence. defecation before 2030.
According to the passage, ‘limited’ services refers vi. (c) Nearly two-thirds of people still lack even
to _____. basic services that live in rural areas.
ii. Fill in the blanks with appropriate word/words. vii. The two ill effects of open defecation are:
There is a need to improve the health, nutrition and 1. Defecating in the open is an affront to dignity.
productivity of developing country populations to 2. It is also a risk to children’s nutrition and to
_____. community health.
iii. Why is universal access to sanitation a central viii. (d) All of the above
human right?

iv. Why is open defecation widespread in Sub-

Saharan, Central and Southern Asia and Oceania?

v. Mention the progress made in eliminating open

defecation. Answer in about 40 words.
Passage 15
vi. The statement “there is a wide difference between 1. Celebrities advertising products is nothing new,
developed and developing countries in the in fact, it has been part of our lives for years.
sanitation coverage” means that Back in the 2000’s, you couldn’t sit through a
(a) in 48 countries, less than half of the population commercial break without seeing the teen pop
has safely managed services. icon of that time, Britney Spears, endorsing
(b) 1.7 billion people are without basic sanitation Pepsi. The Pepsi legacy was later continued by
services. the most famous celebrity Beyonce. She was
paid millions to promote the carbonated drink,
(c) nearly two-thirds of people still lack even which outraged health advocacy groups. Many
basic services that live in rural areas. concerned people questioned her ethics, as to why
(d) 62 countries in the world have achieved she was supporting a drink that plays a major
universal access to basic sanitation services role in causing obesity.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

v. The rate of growth of size and the proportion of (b) take bank loans.
older persons in the population has gone up for (c) borrow from relatives
every country in the world.
(d) be dependent on their children
State any one inference that can be drawn from Ans :
this based on information in paragraph 1.
i. of a pendulum from one extreme to another.
vi. Select the option that correctly displays what ii. a fact, an objective detail.
‘immigration’ signifies in the passage. (Reference
Paragraph 5) iii. Relaxing the institutional and economic barriers
to allow international immigration of skilled
labour from regions with relatively large working-
age populations could alleviate labour shortages.
Supporting the needs of the aging but still healthy
workforce could also help.
iv. 1. Raising the legal age of retirement.
2. Improve and increase the health systems.
v. People worldwide are living longer.
vi. (b) Only (ii)
vii. By 2050, when the shift will take place, the rich
countries will have young populations with skilled
workforce which will be an advantage and low
and middle-income countries will be dealing with
large old populace and thus, run acute labour
shortages. This will be a drawback.
viii. (a) liquidate their investments

Passage 22
1. Today sustainability-environmental, social
and economic-is increasingly recognised as the
benchmark for all tourism businesses. As noted
by the UN World Tourism Organisation, 57 per
cent of international tourist arrivals will be in
emerging economies, by 2030.
2. The various ‘Tourism Terms’ are : Eco Tourism,
Ethical Tourism, Geo Tourism, Pro-Poor Tourism,
(a) Only (i) (b) Only (ii) Responsible Tourism and Sustainable Tourism.
Based on the study conducted by Travel Bureau,
(c) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (v)
the market profile of an ecotourist is given below:
vii. The greying population numbers in the world are Age : 35-54 years old, although age varied with
set to get concentrated in the low and middle- activity and other factors such as cost.
income countries by 2050 that were hitherto Gender : 50 per cent females and 50 per cent
higher in rich countries. Infer one benefit and one males, although, clear differences based on
drawback of this great shift. (Answer in about 40 activity were found.
words) Education : 82 per cent were college graduates,
a shift in interest in ecotourism from those who
viii. Select the correct option to complete the following have high levels of education to those with less
sentence. education was also found, indicating an expansion
The aging of global population is going to have into mainstream markets.
far-reaching consequences for the world economy Household Composition : No major differences
also because the old people will have to .......... . were found between general tourists and
(a) liquidate their investments. experienced tourists.

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Page 86 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

2. It increases familiarity and influences decision-

making.
viii. (d) they are more informed and will discontinue if
the product lacks quality and does not perform.

Passage 16
1. Air pollution affects health seriously. Of the most
polluted 30 cities in the world, 21 were in India
in 2019. As per a 2016 study, at least 140 million
Indians breathe air that is 10 times or more over
the WHO safe limit and 13 of the world’s 20 cities
with the highest annual levels of air pollution are
in India.
2. Air pollution kills 2 million Indians prematurely
vii. List any 2 benefits of ‘celebrity endorsement’ as every year. Emissions come from vehicles and
mentioned in paragraph 2 in about 40 words. industry, whereas in rural areas, much of the
viii. Select the correct option to complete the following pollution stems from biomass burning for cooking
sentence. and keeping warm. In autumn and winter months,
Consumers are no longer lured by celebrity large scale crop residue burning in farms — a
endorsements because _____ (Paragraph 5) cheaper alternative to mechanical tilling — is
a major source of smoke, smog and particulate
(a) celebrities are too busy to promote these pollution.
brands and their products.
3. India has a low per capita emissions of greenhouse
(b) the brands are not collaborating with
gases but the country as a whole is the third
celebrities as they did earlier.
largest greenhouse gas producer after China and
(c) they do not like celebrities anymore. the United States. A 2013 study on non-smokers
(d) they are more informed and will discontinue has found that have 30% have weaker lung
if the product lacks quality and does not function than Europeans.
perform. 4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Ans : 2020,
Act, 1981 has failed to reduce or regulate pollution
i. consumers are getting better education and have because of poor enforcement of the rules
faster access to information
ii. emulate, attract
iii. The give statement is correct because people follow
and trust celebrities. They believe that everything
their favourite celebrities use must be trustworthy.
Hence, brands use celebrity endorsements to
create popularity of their products.
iv. The consumer is better informed and well-educated.
They are also actively involved on social media.
This helps the brands to directly reach out to their
consumers.
5. In 2015, GOI, together with IIT Kanpur launched
v. On the basis of the figure, people in the age group the National Air Quality Index. In 2019, India
15-20 years can be said to be believing of the launched ‘The National Clean Air Programme’
celebrity endorsement. with tentative national target of 20%¬30%
vi. (d) None of these reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations
by 2024, considering 2017 as the base year for
vii. The benefits of ‘celebrity endorsement’ are
comparison. It will be rolled out in 102 cities that
1. When celebrities vouch for the products, it are considered to have air quality worse than the
builds trust. National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

rather than the printed versions, for research or

assignments.
iv. 1. The rapid development in computer
technology.
2. An increase in accessibility of the internet for
academic purposes.
v. This has been made possible due to the easy
accessibility of computer technology.
vi. (b) (ii) and (v)
vii. House spiders make webs in ceilings and window
corners to trap insects at our homes whereas, the
garden spiders keep the pests in the gardens at
bay. For example spiders are particularly useful in
protecting cotton crops and keeping our homes,
famous, and gardens free of pests.
viii. (a) More than 50% of respondents stated enjoying
both versions of books for leisure reading.

Passage 14
1. Universal access to adequate sanitation is a
fundamental need and human right. Securing
access for all would go a long way in reducing
illness and death, especially among children.
‘Safely managed’ sanitation services represent
(a) Only (i) (b) (ii) and (v) a higher service level that takes into account
the final disposal of excreta, in addition to the
(c) Only (iv) (d) (ii), (iii) and (v)
‘basic’ service level which requires an improved
vii. Infer one benefit and one drawback of using the sanitation facility (such as flush toilets or latrine
internet as specified by the author in the passage. with a slab) not shared with other households.
(Answer in about 40 words) 2. Between 2000 and 2020, the global population
increased by 1.7 billion people, but 2.4 billion
viii. Which of the following is the main takeaway from people gained access to safely managed sanitation
the study mentioned in the passage? services, i.e. a basic facility where excreta are
(a) More than 50% of respondents stated enjoying disposed of in situ or treated off-site. Still, in
both versions of books for leisure reading. 2020 3.6 billion people lacked safely managed
(b) A little less than 50% of the respondents services, of which approximately half (1.9
voted for e-books for research or assignments. billion) had basic services. Among the 1.7 billion
people lacking even basic services, 580 million
(c) About three-quarters of the respondents
shared improved sanitation facilities with other
preferred print books for recreational reading.
households, counted as ‘limited’ services and 616
(d) The survey was intended for understanding million used ‘unimproved’ facilities. The data
the e-book experience among students. reveal pronounced disparities, with two-thirds of
Ans : 2021
people who still lacked even basic services living
i. The order from the most favourite to the lease in rural areas. Nearly half of them lived in sub-
favourite is 2, 5, 3, 1 and 4. Saharan Africa.
ii. a fact, an objective detail. 3. Almost all developed countries have achieved
universal access, but sanitation coverage varies
iii. According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book widely in developing countries. In 2020, 62
Experience survey, almost 74% of respondents countries achieved universal (>99 percent)
had a marked preference for print books for access to basic services. Yet, in 48 countries, less
leisure whereas, 45% clearly preferred e-books than half of the population had safely managed

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Page 88 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

cooking and keeping warm especially, in autumn 3. Globally, a lower proportion of children from
and winter months. the poorest families attend primary education
compared with their wealthier peers. While
iv. 1. Domestic cooking using biomass and keeping
almost all children from the top wealth quintile
warm in winter.
attend primary education, only 75 percent of
2. Passive smoking. children from the bottom wealth quintile do.
v. Our farmers prefer to get rid of the agricultural 4. Across different regions, household wealth impacts
residue by burning it because it is cheaper and primary school completion rates differently. West
commonly-used method. and Central Africa has the largest gap of 58
vi. (d) (i) and (v) percentage points in primary school completion
rates between the richest and poorest quintiles. In
vii. The government and IIT Kanpur have launched contrast, in East Asia and the Pacific and Latin
the National Air Quality Index. An ecological America and the Caribbean, children from the top
corridor along the Aravalli range from Gujarat and bottom wealth quintiles complete primary
to Shivalik Hills is being established by planting school at more similar rates, with a gap of just 13
1.35 billion native trees. But poor enforcement of percentage points.
the laws e.g. The Air Act, 1981 is a drawback we
5. In the past 20 years, the number of out-of-school
suffer from.
children of primary education age fell by more
viii. (c) 1 and 3 than 40 per cent, from 99 million in 2000 to 58
million in 2019. However, 54 per cent of these
out-of-school children were girls. Despite this
Passage 17
tremendous progress, the world must accelerate
1. Access to primary education is a basic right of the pace at which the number of out-of-school
every child. An effective primary education can children is reduced, as the total has remained
build a solid foundation and open avenues for stagnant since 2007.
future success. With its profound implications
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
on both the individual and society, primary
above.
education plays a crucial role in reducing extreme
poverty and promoting social changes. The i. Complete the following sentence appropriately.
Sustainable Development Agenda acknowledges ............... have the highest rates of primary
the importance of primary education in Goal 4 education completion in the rich quintile.
which stipulates that by 2030, the world should
ensure inclusive and equitable quality education ii. Fill the blanks with the appropriate option
and promote lifelong learning opportunities for from those given in brackets, based on your
all, including a target on universal access to understanding of the passage:
primary education. Though there are varying There was a decline of ................ (from 99 million
standards, primary education is typically designed in 2000 to 58 million in 2019/ from 99 million
for children 6 to 11 years of age. in 2000 to 68 million in 2019) in the number of
2. Significant progress has been made toward out-of-school children of primary education age is
achieving universal primary education. Globally, seen in the past two decades.
the adjusted net attendance rate reached 87
iii. How is primary education critical to both an
percent in 2019 and about four out of five
individual and a society?
children attending primary education completed
it. Additionally, over the past two decades, the iv. State one target related to primary education.
number of out-of-school children was reduced by
over 40 percent. However, there is still a long way v. How much decline in the number of out-of-school
to go: 58 million children of primary school age children of primary education age is seen in the
remain out of school, with the majority of them past two decades?
coming from marginalised groups. In addition,
recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys vi. Which word can substitute the word ‘Foundational’
(MICS) results show that many children do not in the following, sentence from paragraph 2.
have foundational reading and numeracy skills, In addition, recent Multiple Indicator Cluster
highlighting the massive challenge to achieving Surveys (MICS) results show that many children
inclusive and equitable quality education for all. do not have foundational reading and numeracy
skills, highlighting the massive challenge to

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

2. With the growing importance of social media

in a shopper’s purchase journey, companies
are evolving and stepping up the endorsement
game across different channels. With celebrities
vouching for promoting their products, brands
can increase awareness, trust, and familiarity,
which are important variables in the purchase
decision-making process.
3. Consumers feel more sympathetic towards a brand
if their products are promoted by a celebrity they
admire or relate to. It’s a simple psychological
effect: people believe that purchasing a product
that’s promoted by a celebrity they admire, will
allow them to emulate the celebrity’s desired traits
or attract similar people into their lives. They will
associate the celebrities’ success, beauty, athletic
skill, etc. with a particular product.
4. Research by Nielson conducted in 2015 broke
down the level of trust in advertising formats
by different generations. It found that celebrity Answer the following questions, based on the passage
endorsements resonate more strongly with above.
Generation Z (ages 15-20) and Millennial (ages i. Complete the following sentence appropriately.
21-34) audiences. Brands are taking advantage
of that by increasingly utilising the social media Blind faith in celebrity endorsement is beginning
communities of celebrities. Social media is a way to wane because .......... .
for consumers, in particular, those of younger
ii. Fill in the blanks.
demographics, to engage and build intimate
connections with the celebrities they follow, From Paragraph 3 we can infer that people believe
making it the place for these celebrities to plug that purchasing a product that’s promoted by
a company or a product on their personal social their favourite celebrity will help them ..........
media accounts. (emulate/desire) their traits or .......... (attract/
5. While celebrity endorsements certainly help to repel) similar people into their lives.
attract consumers, their direct influence on the iii. Infer one reason for the following, based on
consumers’ purchasing decisions is inconclusive. information in Paragraph 2. Answer in about 40
As consumers are becoming better educated and words.
have faster access to information, blind faith in
celebrity endorsement is beginning to wane. They With celebrities vouching for promoting their
will be attracted to a brand because of a celebrity products, brands can increase awareness, trust
but they will quickly move away if the product and familiarity.
does not perform. It’s the quality of your product iv. List any one advantage of social media in brand
that will keep consumers coming back, not a promotion.
celebrity link.
v. On the basis of the figure, which age group can be
said to be believing of the celebrity endorsement?
vi. Select the pie chart that appropriately depicts the
6. A brand needs to tell the consumer why a product needs of the customers that are well-informed and
makes sense for them as individuals and what educated.
problem they can solve with it, not solely rely on
a real-life Barbie doll, athlete or pop-culture icon.
If they can’t, their products will lose value over
time and consumers will be the first ones to turn
their backs.

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big, could act as a catalyst in obliterating this

ruckus due to ignorance. After all, there can only
ever be seven deadly sins and wanderlust isn’t one
of them.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above.

i. Complete the following sentence appropriately.

According to the passage, wanderlust is equated
to reach the level of the seven deadly sins because
..........
(a) Chart 1 (b) Chart 2
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option (c) Chart 3 (d) None of these
from those given in brackets.
From paragraph 1 we can infer that .......... (illegal vii. Infer one consequence, based on your
construction/unchecked tourism) is the main understanding of the passage, that highlights
cause for putting pressure on infrastructural and the result of the pressures of a large number of
natural resources. tourists.

iii. Justify the following, in about 40 words. viii. What do the tourist statistics show in the region
We, as consumers of the tourism industry, hold of Uttarakhand?
the power to cause a massive stir. (a) Domestic footfall is equal to international
footfall.
iv. How does the unchecked tourism in Uttarakhand
(b) Domestic footfall is less than international
affect the natural landscape?
footfall.
v. Unsustainability prevails in Dev Bhoomi. List any (c) Domestic footfall is limited to certain seasons.
two reasons for the same. (d) Domestic footfall is greater than international
footfall.
vi. According to the passage, select the chart that
Ans : 2019
is the correct depiction of the relation between
incoming tourists and the temperature of the i. it include selfish and uncaring acts by tourists.
region. ii. unchecked tourism
iii. The given statement is correct as the data shows
that the mass tourism of Uttarakhand comprises
youth between 25-35 years of age, with higher
education and an income that could support
the local economy. If these tourists become
responsible tourists and make conscious efforts to
help the local community and environment, the
negative impact of tourism could be decreased
substantially.
iv. The unchecked tourism in Uttarakhand has a great
negative impact on its ecology and environment.
v. The unsustainability prevails in the Dev Bhoomi
because
1. unchecked number of tourists causing stress
on infrastructure.
2. self-transportation causes pollution and raises
the temperature.
vi. (a) Chart 1
vii. The influx of a large number of tourists and the
urgency to accommodate them, puts pressure on

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

6. There are other initiatives such as a 1,600

kilometre-long and 5 kilometre-wide The Great
Green Wall of Aravalli-an ecological corridor
along Aravalli range from Gujarat to Shivalik
Hills with the planting of 1.35 billion native trees
over 10 years to combat the pollution.
7. In 2019, IIT Bombay, in partnership with the
McKelvey School of Engineering (USA), launched
the Aerosol and Air Quality Research Facility to
study air pollution in India.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above.

i. Complete the following analogy appropriately,

based on your understanding of paragraphs 1 and
2.
The fact- ‘Of the most polluted 30 cities in the
world, 21 were in India in 2019’ is comparable
with urban Indians living in gas-chambers and
the air that we breathe can be compared to a
mixture of ...........

ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option

from those given in brackets, based on your
understanding of paragraph 2. (a) Only (i) (b) Only (ii)
Air quality in India has worsened so much in (c) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (v)
the last few years that is contributing to the
premature deaths of 2 million Indians every year vii. Mention a few steps taken by the government to
is .......... (a fact/ opinion) because unfortunately, tackle the problem of air pollution and why some
it is .......... (a/an subjective judgement/ objective of the efforts fail to make a mark. (Answer in
about 40 words)
detail) that proves that air pollution can be fatal
to human health. viii. Select the correct option to complete the following
sentence.
In 2019, India Launched. The National Clean
Air Programme with tentative national target of
iii. Toxic air emissions are not just rampantly _____.
widespread in the cities but are equally pervasive 1. 20%- 30% reduction in PM 2.5.
in rural areas threatening the health of people. 2. Study air pollution in 102 cities that are
Justify the following, in about 40 words. worst affected.
3. 20%-30% reduction in PM 10.
iv. List any two examples of indoor or domestic
pollution as mentioned in the passage. 4. Take 2017 as the base year.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
v. Study the statement. (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 4
Mechanical tilling is an unpopular method to Ans : 2020
remove stubs from the fields.
State any one inference that can be drawn from i. toxic gases that are 10 times or more over the
this. WHO safe limit.
ii. a fact, an objective detail.
vi. Select the options that correctly display what
‘tilling’ signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 2) iii. 102 Indian cities are considered to have air quality
worse than the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards with at least 140 million Indians
breathing toxic air whereas, in rural areas, much
of the pollution stems from biomass burning for

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poor. It takes years to finalise a case and by that 80 percent of the tourism industry, have not been
time, seller keep on making profits. Moreover, able to recover fully yet. However, the domestic
people are also not aware. Hardly anybody industry is gaining footfall.
complains about adulteration.
iv. The data revealed by FSSAI shows that nearly
25% of samples of edible goods it tested this year
were found to be adulterated or in violation of
prescribed standards.
v. penalizing
vi. (d) Both (a) and (c)
vii. The samples tested by FSSAI included milk and
dairy products, spices, cereals as well as branded
food products. FSSAI carried out the testing
following a spike in complaints from consumers
over quality and adulteration. According to the
data, 20,390 samples out of the 85,729 sent to
the agency were found to be non-conforming to
prescribed standards.
viii. (d) All of the above

Passage 20 3. Rajasthan, which has been heavily dependent on

foreign visitors, saw much distress. Most of its
1. Domestic tourism in India reached a peak in 2019, luxury heritage Havelis and palaces that earlier
with more than 232 crores of domestic tourist saw occupancy throughout the winter months
visits and 3.14 crore international tourist visits, with foreign tourists, now remain available and
the highest since 2001 according to the tourism within reach for domestic tourists. The prices
ministry. India moved to the 34th position on went almost down 30 per cent from their 2019
the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism peak numbers. Likewise, prices in some Goa and
Competitiveness Index in 2019 from the 65th Kerala hotels, too, dropped to almost one-third.
rank in 2013. Covid, however, halted the robust These are now starting to recover due to the
performance in its tracks, with domestic tourist increasing number of domestic as well as inbound
visits falling to just 61 crore and international tourists.
tourist visits to 71.7 lakh in 2020. However, tourism
ministry data shows that while international visits 4. Prices of hotels at weekend destinations increased
to India dropped even further in 2021, to just 10.5 after the tourist rush, thanks to the techie crowd
lakh, domestic visits increased by 11 per cent. of Bengaluru and Hyderabad. In northern India,
tourists flooded holiday destinations like Srinagar,
2. While rising costs are having an impact, all flights Gulmarg, and Rishikesh. The young consumer is
and hotels are fully booked, and prices for both are moving towards private and experiential stays and
higher than they have been for some time. People wellness experiences. The booking windows have
who would otherwise have travelled abroad, are become shorter and the length of stays is longer.
travelling within India instead. While branded Inbound tourism will recover by 2023 despite the
and luxury hotels were among the earliest ones hiccups.
to recover their loyal clientele, small-scale and
medium enterprises, which constitute more than

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

achieving inclusive and equitable quality rise, with destinations grabbing eyeballs globally
education for all. and domestically. Being the youngest nation in
(a) Essential (b) Fundamental the world, it’s no wonder that the aggregate of
‘millennials’ spends more time and money on
(c) Required (d) Primary
travel than previous generations. This could be
vii. How does the Sustainable Development Goals huge for the economy of various states that rely
give importance to primary education? majorly on tourism, if only it were sustainable.
2. Unsustainability prevails throughout the country,
viii. In 2019, about four out of five children attending
in states with higher domestic tourist inflow than
primary education completed it suggests that
foreign. The Dev Bhoomi is a prime example.
(a) almost 100% children completed primary NO matter how popular, Uttarakhand tourism is
education loop-holed through and through.
(b) about 80% children completed the primary 3. Approx 80% of tourists arrive to complete
education the infrastructure of the Dham Yatra. Such
(c) more than 80% children completed primary unchecked tourism puts immense pressure on
education natural and infrastructure facilities. The extreme
(d) less than 80% children completed primary shortage of accommodation in correspondence
education with thriving footfalls has led to the construction
Ans : 2018 of illegal buildings, the majority of which exist
on riverbanks. With an increasing number of
i. Latin America and the Caribbean and East Asia tourists coming in through private vehicles to
and the Pacific save “transportation money”, pollution levels
ii. from 99 million in 2000 to 58 million in 2019 are rising, increasing temperatures in return.
With unlawful construction and pollution on
iii. Primary education is critical to both an individual
riverbanks, the Ganges could cause direct harm
and society because It can help in reducing
to local species in Rishikesh and Haridwar.
extreme poverty and bringing out social changes.
It can also help in building foundation for kids. 4. Around 10,000 hilly areas are being convened for
the construction of roads alone. We know roads are
iv. One of the targets related to primary education is basic infrastructure but the Forest Conservation
promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, Act requires a project developer to plant trees in a
including a target on universal access to primary non-forest/degraded forest area equal to or twice
education. the trees, it’s clearing respectively, to compensate
v. The number of out-of-school children were which does not happen.
reduced by over 40%. From 99 million in 2000 to 5. The India State of Forest Report illustrates how
58 million in 2019. Uttarakhand is losing its forest cover, which has
vi. (b) Fundamental indirect development through tourism, at its core.
The government and private tour operators may
vii. The Sustainable Development Agenda think they can deny allegations but the charts
acknowledges the importance of primary speak for themselves.
education in Goal 4 which stipulates that by
6. We, as consumers of the tourism industry, hold
2030, the world should ensure inclusive and
the power to cause a massive stir in this context.
equitable quality education and promote lifelong
According to research conducted, Uttarakhand’s
learning opportunities for all, including a target mass tourism comprises people between 25-35
on universal access to primary education. years of age, with higher education, out with
viii. (b) About 80% children completed the primary either family or friends and enough average
education income to contribute to the local economy.
7. Regardless of what the figures say, if we look
Passage 18 forward to sustainable tourism being the target
market, it leaves little choice to the rest of the
1. Tourism, for millennia, has been a perpetual hierarchy.
industry. Though initially unorganised and highly Consciously making efforts to be responsible
chaotic, it retained a place in each nook of history. tourists and thinking of how to provide for the
The present tourism scenario in India is on the local community/environment in a way - tiny or

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Page 94 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

ministry. 4. Population aging is sounding alarms worldwide.

The older people will have to spend their
iv. 1. The young consumer is moving towards
investments to support themselves pulling money
private and experiential stays and wellness
from the economy. Another issue is fiscal stress.
experiences.
Government treasuries will be strained by rising
2. The booking windows have become shorter pension liabilities, the cost of health and long-
and the length of stays is longer. term care associated with the expected growth in
v. The young crowd engaged in the IT sector in the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes,
these two metros has been heavily patronising the heart ailments, dementia, cancer, among others.
weekend destinations in the suburbs. 5. Various responses could cushion the economic
vi. (b) Only (ii) burden of population aging. These include policy
reforms to promote the health and pension
vii. Benefit : financing of the old. Raising the legal age of
Domestic tourist visits increased by 11 per cent. retirement, which has been relatively stable in
Goa, Kerala and Rajasthan saw more domestic nearly all countries for the past several decades
visitors when the international footfalls fell. would also ease the burden. Additional approaches
Drawback : include efforts to increase health systems’
Rising costs or inflation strongly impacted the emphasis on early detection and on prevention of
transport and hotel bookings made by the average disease through, for example, better awareness of
tourist. the benefits of physical activity and subsidization
viii. (a) All flights and hotels are fully booked. of such activity. Relaxing the institutional and
economic barriers to international immigration
from regions with relatively large working-age
Passage 21 populations could alleviate labour shortages.
1. People worldwide are living longer. Today most
people can expect to live into their sixties and Answer the following questions, based on the passage
beyond. Every country in the world is experiencing above.
growth in both the size and the proportion of
i. Complete the following analogy appropriately,
older persons in the population. By 2030, 1 in 6
based on your understanding of paragraphs 1 and
people in the world will be aged 60 years or over-
2.
the share of this group will increase from 1 billion
From the passage, we can infer that the dynamics
in 2020 to 1.4 billion and by 2050, the world’s
of greying population shifting from high-income to
population of people aged 60 years and older will
low and middle-income countries, is comparable
be 2.1 billion. The number of persons aged 80
with the regular oscillation .......... .
years or older is expected to triple between 2020
and 2050 to reach 426 million. ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
2. While this shift in distribution of a country’s from those given in brackets, based on your
population towards older ages-known as understanding of paragraph 2.
population ageing-started in high-income The population researchers say that it is
countries (for example in Japan 30% of the unsurprising that the middle-income countries
population is already over 60 years old), it is will see the sharpest growth in the numbers of
now low- and middle-income countries that are older people because these countries currently
experiencing the greatest change. By 2050, two- make up 74 percent of the world population is
thirds of the world’s population over 60 years will .......... (a fact! opinion) because it is .......... (a/
live in low- and middle-income countries. an subjective judgement! objective detail ).
3. By income group, the sharpest growth in the iii. With vast numbers of greying population
numbers of older people will occur in countries inundating the world, the effects on the economies
currently classified as middle income. This is of the countries would be devastating. How could
unsurprising, as these countries make up 74 per this situation be tackled? Answer in about 40
cent of the world’s population. What’s surprising words.
is that these numbers are increasing at a much
faster rate than in either low or high-income iv. List any two examples of ‘cushioning economic
countries. burdens’ as referred to, in Paragraph 5.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

iv. After reading the passage, bring a contrast between (b) it was also the 150th anniversary of Baden-
the books ‘Aids to Scouting’ and ‘Scouting for Powell’s birth
Boys’.
viii. (b) encouraging
v. What does the writer mean by the following
phrase ? ‘One world one promise.’ Passage 4
vi. According to the chart, which country took 1. Rotation of crops is a universal phenomenon which
maximum time to introduce ‘Guiding’ after is practised by most of the farmers of the tropical
‘Scouting’ ? Choose your answer from the options and temperate countries. The main objective of
given below : rotation of crops is to obtain higher agricultural
(a) India (b) Indonesia returns on the one hand, and to maintain the soil
fertility on the other.
(c) Thailand (d) Philippines
2. In other words, the rotation of crops helps in making
vii. List two reasons why a flame was lit at Baden- agriculture more sustainable. The importance of
Powell’s grave in 2007. crop rotation is more in the areas where farmers
(a) __________ grow two, or more than two crops in the same
(b) __________ field in a year. Irrigation facilities have also been
appreciably developed in the country during the
viii. Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option : last three decades. The availability of water to
The establishment of Scout movement from 1907 the arable land has helped in the intensification
to 2006 showed _____ results. of agriculture.
(a) uniform (b) encouraging 3. In the areas such as Punjab and Haryana, where
(c) inconsistent (d) disappointing the Green Revolution is a big success, one soil
Ans : 2024 exhaustive crop (rice) is followed by another soil
exhaustive crop (wheat). Subsequently, the field
i. One reason for this could be to commemorate
vacated by wheat is devoted to either rice or
and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Scout maize or cotton. Thus, in one year, the farmers
Movement. The colourful badge was a symbolic are harvesting three soil exhaustive crops from
way to mark this significant milestone. the same field. Such a rotation of crops may fetch
ii. people aged between 6 and 25 achieve their full more income to the farmers, but depletes the soil
potential as they grow up. fertility at a faster pace.
iii. centenary 4. A number of field studies were conducted to
assess the traditional crop rotation pattern. One
iv. ‘Aids to Scouting’, written by Robert Baden- such field study about the changes in the rotation
Powell during his time in the army, focused on of crops was conducted in the village Banhera
scouting in the context of war, specifically on (Tanda), Haridwar district. The main rotation of
searching and keeping watch, as well as survival crops of the village is shown in the table below.
in the wild. In contrast, ‘Scouting for Boys’ had
less emphasis on the military aspect. Instead, Traditional Rotation of Crops (1960-65) in Banhera (Tanda)

it was geared more towards the broader idea of Year Kharif (mid- Rabi (mid- Zaid (April No. of days
June to mid- October to to June) land left
scouting, encapsulating outdoor activities, and it October) mid-April) fallow
became the foundation for the Scout movement.
1960 Millet/ Gram Fallow 90
v. The phrase ‘one world one promise’ signifies unity fodder/rice

and shared commitment among the worldwide 1961 Fallow Wheat Fallow 210
Scout community. Regardless of their different 1962 Millet/ Gram Fallow 90
cultures, countries, or backgrounds, all Scouts fodder/rice

share the same promise, which is to do their best, 1963 Fallow Wheat Fallow 210

to do their duty to God and the country, help 1964 Millet mixed Gram Fallow 90
with urad/
other people, and the obey the Scout Law.
fodder/rice
vi. (c) Thailand 1965 Fallow Wheat Fallow 210

vii. (a) 2007-marked 100 years of the Scouting

Answer the following questions, based on the above
Movement
passage :

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Page 96 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

Party Composition : A majority (60 per cent) of (a) Only (ii) (b) Only (i)
experienced ecotourism respondents stated they (c) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (v)
prefer to travel as a couple, while only 15 per cent
stated they preferred to travel with their families, vii. Infer one benefit and one drawback of household
and 13 per cent preferring to travel alone. composition in the survey on ecotourism. Answer
Trip Duration : The largest group of experienced in about 40 words.
ecotourists (50 per cent) preferred trips lasting
8-14 days. viii. Choose the option that is the correct answer for
Expenditure : Experienced ecotourists were the following.
willing to spend more than general tourists, the 1. Rama Kant, an NRI, loves animals and wishes
largest group (26 per cent). to travel to places that safeguard their rights
Important Elements : The top three responses of and inculcate awareness of their rights. What
experienced ecotoursists were: kind of tourist is he?
(a) wilderness setting 2. Vimal Singh from the USA is an environmental
(b) wildlife viewing scientist and has always chosen to travel
to places that are examples of a symbiotic
(c) hiking/trekking.
relationship between man and nature. What
Answer the following questions, based on the passage kind of tourist is he?
above.
(a) 1 is a geotourist and 2 is a responsible tourist.
i. Complete the following analogy appropriately, (b) 1 is an ecotourist and 2 is a geotourist.
based on your understanding of paragraph 1.
(c) 1 is a sustainable tourist and 2 is a pro-poor
We can say that as sustainable development should
tourist.
be integral to careful consumption of resources
similarly, multi-dimensional sustainability .......... (d) 1 is an ethical tourist and 2 is a geotourist.
Ans : 2017
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
from those given in brackets, based on your i. has become the benchmark for all tourism
understanding of paragraph 2. businesses.
The profile of an ecotourist varies according to ii. fact, objective detail.
the level of education, gender, age, etc. but a
clear differentiation in choice of activities between iii. An experienced ecotourist on average likes to
males and females is a/an .......... (fact/opinion) spend 8 to 14 days of his life and spends 26% more
because it is a/an .......... (subjective judgement/ on travel provided he gets opportunities to see his
objective detail). preferred wilderness setting, wildlife viewing, and
hiking and trekking facilities.
iii. Justify the following, in about 40 words.
iv. 1. A shift in interest in ecotourism from those
An experienced ecotourist is not averse to
who have high levels of education to those
spending more money and time on his travel.
with less education has been discerned.
iv. Based on the survey results, which two factors 2. An equal number of men and women are
indicate a shift in mainstream travel markets interested in ecotourism.
when we talk about ecotourism?
v. Developing countries will become tourist hubs
v. As noted by the UN World Tourism Organisation, attracting 57% of international tourists by 2030
57 per cent of international tourist arrivals will and tourism will help generate large volumes of
be in emerging economies, by 2030. State any one revenue for their economies according to UNWTO.
inference that can be drawn from this. vi. (a) Only (ii)
vi. Select the option that correctly displays what vii. One benefit and one drawback of household
‘mainstream’ signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 2) composition in the survey on ecotourism
respectively
are that almost 60% of the respondents stated
they prefer to travel as a couple, while only 15
percent stated they preferred to travel with their
families.
viii. (d) 1 is an ethical tourist and 2 is a geotourist.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

Passage 23 i. Complete the following analogy appropriately, based

1. “India is a major tourist destination and is on your understanding of paragraphs 1 and 2.
therefore a strategic ally to strengthen the recovery We can say that the success of the recovery plan
of Travel & Tourism activity in the region. In put forward by the WTTC to reactivate tourism in
2019, India’s Travel & Tourism sector made up the world after the pandemic derives its strength
6.8 per cent of the country’s total GDP, and 8 from the robust and _____ especially in 2016.
per cent of total employment. The government of ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
India’s leadership is instrumental and essential for from those given in brackets, based on your
us to be able to work towards a single agenda and understanding of paragraph 2.
the reactivation of international travel to benefit According to the author, the revival of travel and
the millions of people in India who depend on the hospitality has to be executed with optimism, hope
sector for their livelihoods,” said a spokesperson and unity among the countries of the world with a
from WTTC. special focus on India because this sector contributes
2. In India, travel and hospitality contributes 9.3 9.3 percent to the overall Indian GDP and accounts
per cent to the overall Indian GDP and accounts for over 8 percent of India’s total employment is
for over 8 per cent of India’s total employment. _____ (a fact/an opinion) and _____ (a/an
It is therefore imperative to come together and subjective judgement/objective detail).
focus on the revival of the sector across the globe
with optimism, hope and unity in solidarity of iii. Justify the following, in about 40 words.
the industry. The recovery plan presented to the The plan proposed by the Indian government will
tourism ministers from the world includes The, that help revive tourism on an international scale and
focus on key measures to reactivate international reactivate it with a key focus on the travellers.
tourism. The measures include a globally recognised iv. Based on the survey results, which two policies will
international testing programme; strengthening greatly enhance travel and encourage travellers
and standardising protocols between countries according to David Scowsill?
to reduce risk and regain confidence from the
v. Infer one reason for the following, based on
traveller; and international coordination for the
information in paragraph 1.
reopening of the sector, with the highest priority
The WTTC acknowledges the importance of the Indian
to health, safety and certainty for the traveller.
tourism industry in reviving international travel.
3. According to data, the travel and tourism sector
vi. Select the option that correctly displays what
generated 14.1 trillion (USD 208.9 billion) in
‘tourism infrastructure’ signifies. (Ref-Paragraph 2)
2016, which is world’s 7th largest in terms of
absolute size; the sum is equivalent to 9.6% of
India’s GDP.
Additionally, the sector created 40.3 million
jobs in 2016, which ranks India 2nd in the world
in terms of total employment generated. The
sector accounts for 9.3% of the country’s total
jobs. India’s Travel and Tourism sector was also
the fastest growing amongst the G20 countries,
growing by 8.5% in 2016. 6.7% growth is forecast
for 2017 in this sector.
4. The President and CEO, WTTC, David Scowsill
says, “We encourage the Indian government to
continue to adopt policies that encourage travellers,
such as the new visa regime, enable investment in
vital infrastructure, and allow companies to do
business. India is a beautiful and diverse tourism
destination, with the right policies in place it will
no doubt continue to grow towards ranking even
higher in terms of its tourism economy.”
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above.

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(a) Only (i) (b) Only (ii) through two small holes. The liquid silk is thicker
(c) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (v) than water and dries into a fine thread as soon as
it comes in contact with air. Spider silk is much
vii. Infer one benefit and one drawback of the Indian stronger than steel and resists breakage because
Travel and Hospitality sector’s remarkable growth of its elasticity. It can stretch up to 140 per cent
in 2016 as compared to 2019. Answer in about 40 of its original length. The diameter of these silken
words. threads is about 10,000 of an inch. Spiders use
this silk to make webs to trap their prey. The egg
viii. Which of the following is the main takeaway from sacs of some spiders are also made of silk which
the study mentioned in the passage? pre-treats the unborn progeny. Sometimes the
(a) It is the fastest-growing sector among G20 spider can also use is silk as a safety feature. A
countries. certain species of spider ‘phidippus apacheanecs’
(b) The travel and tourism sector generated jobs trails a safety line of fine silk as it jumps. It uses
worth Rs. 14.1 trillion in 2016. the silk line to recover if it misses its target. The
silk of ‘N aphils Spider’ is the strongest natural
(c) Travel-friendly policies will help India create
fiber known.
more employment in this sector.
(d) The reactivation of international travel needs 2. The spinning of webs is a remarkable example
a single coordinated agenda. of instinctive behaviour. A spider does not have
Ans : to learn how to make a web, although spinning
itself can be adopted to unique circumstances.
i. the fastest growth of this sector amongst the G20 For example, ‘orb’ webs are circular in shape and
countries take an hour to build. Funnel spiders pin a net-
ii. a fact, an objective detail. like entrance to their homes, which helps to trap
food. Similarly, trap door spiders dig their homes
iii. The focus is on the safety and health of the and spin a trap door out of their silk for trapping
travellers. For this, the plan includes measures insects.
like standardising protocols between countries
to reduce risk and regain confidence from the
traveller, the highest priority to their health
and safety and better coordination among the
countries.
iv. 1. The new visa regime of the Indian government.
2. Creating a business-friendly atmosphere for
the international companies.
v. Because India is a major tourist destination in the
world.
vi. (b) Only (ii)
vii. One disadvantage is that the sector made up 6.8
% of the country’s total GDP in 2019 as compared
to its contribution of 9.6% to the GDP in 2016.
The benefit is that the sector accounts for 9.3% of
the country’s total jobs.
viii. (d) The reactivation of international travel needs
a single coordinated agenda.

Passage 24
1. The most characteristic feature of spiders is their
ability to produce silken threads. Spiders normally
have six finger-like silk glands, called ‘spinnerets’
located beneath their abdomen. To spin a web,
the spider squeezes the silk out of its body

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

disappear completely’ is _____ (a/an fact/ vii. Infer an astounding conclusion drawn by a number
opinion) because it is _____ (a/an subjective of road-kill surveys. Answer in about 40 words.
judgement/objective detail)
viii. Which of the following given points is the correct
iii. The vulnerability of an animal dying in a road statement?
accident is often not an important factor to (a) The number of road kills depends upon the
determine its being ‘threatened’ by IUCN. Justify population density of small animals.
the following, in about 40 words.
(b) Small animals generally keep away from
iv. Based on the results of the study, which two roads.
factors primarily contribute to threatening or (c) More mammals than birds are killed on the
killing wildlife? roads.
(d) Animals that come out only at night are
v. The long-term protection of species is not
saved.
currently considered when assessing the impact
Ans : 2011
of new roads on wildlife, meaning we risk giving
support to only the endangered species, doing i. global warming, climate change.
nothing to help those most at risk’ ii. a fact, an objective detail.
State any one inference that can be drawn from
the above statement. iii. The study revealed that road-kill hotspots were
not the areas with the highest population of
vi. Select the option that correctly displays what endangered species. For example, house sparrows
hotspot signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 2) had high road-kill rate but was the most vulnerable
of all birds studied.
iv. 1. Road densities in Europe are among the
world’s highest.
2. Conservation efforts are targeting the wrong
species.
v. A better understanding of which species are most
vulnerable to road accidents is important if a
more effective action for their protection is to be
implemented effectively.
vi. (b) Only (ii)
vii. Road-kill surveys also rank the bird and
mammal species whose long-term survival is
most threatened by road accidents. The hazel
grouse and ground squirrel that are classified as
species of Least Concern Red List of Threatened
Species were found to be the most at risk of local
extinction.
viii. (a) The number of road kills depends upon the
population density of small animals.

Passage 30
1. The automobile industry in India is the world’s
fourth-largest. India was the world’s fourth-
largest manufacturer of cars and the seventh-
largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in
(a) Only (i) 2019. The Indian automotive industry (including
(b) Only (ii) component manufacturing) is expected to reach
(c) (ii), (iii) and (v) 216.16-18.18 trillion (US $ 251.4-282.8 billion)
(d) (ii) and (iv) by 2026. The industry attracted Foreign Direct

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iv. 1. Found in homes: Fisher Spider and Common

House Spider.
2. Found outdoors: Black and Yellow Garden
Spider, Woodhouse Hunting Spider.
v. Spiders exhibit instinctive behaviour when they
spin a web because they don’t have to learn it. the
knowledge of spinning is evolutionary.
vi. (c) Only (v)
vii. House spiders make webs in ceilings and window
corners to trap insects at our homes whereas, the
garden spiders keep the pests in the gardens at
bay. For example, spiders are particularly useful
in protecting cotton crops and keeping our homes,
farms, and gardens free of pests.
viii. (b) Naphils Spider weaves the silkiest web known.
6. The reasons for the introduction of Project Snow
Passage 25 Leopard are as follows.
i. High altitudes of India > 3000m including
1. India is home to an estimated 10% of the
the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan
global Snow Leopard population spread across
biogeographic zones support a unique wildlife
five Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir,
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and assemblage of global conservation.
Arunachal Pradesh which is only 5% of the ii. There has been relatively less attention on
available global habitat for the animal. the region from the viewpoint of wildlife
conservation.
2. Project Snow Leopard was introduced in India
by the Project Snow Leopard Committee iii. The region represents a vast rangeland system
instituted by the Ministry of Environment and supporting important traditional pastoral
Forests, Government of India, in the year 2009 economies and lifestyles.
to safeguard and conserve India’s unique natural iv. The region provides essential ecosystem
heritage of high-altitude wildlife populations and services and harbours river systems vital for
their habitats by promoting conservation through the nation’s food security.
participatory policies and actions. v. India has ratified international agreements
3. Project Tiger and Project Elephant are prevalent promoting the conservation of high-altitude
in India with the former introduced in 1973 wildlife species such as the snow leopard.
garnering worldwide attention. vi. The region is important for the country’s
4. The Snow Leopard usually occurs at an altitude national security as well as international
of >2700m above sea level and is the apex relations.
predator in the Himalayan Region along with the vii. The high-altitude wildlife in India today faces
Tibetan Wolf. The project is not only to protect a variety of threats.
the Snow Leopard but as with Project Tiger, it viii. The existing high-altitude protected areas in
is considered an umbrella species and with its India require considerable strengthening.
protection, comes the protection of other species ix. Wildlife Management in the region needs to
and the habitat of which they are all a part. be made participatory.
5. Top 3 National Parks in India where the Snow Answer the following questions, based on the passage
Leopard can likely be seen above.
i. Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary - Himachal
Pradesh i. Complete the following sentence appropriately.
ii. Ulley Valley - Ladakh Project Snow Leopard was introduced in India to
iii. Hemis National Park - Himachal Pradesh _____.

ii. Select the appropriate option to fill in the blanks

from Paragraph 4.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

The _____ and the _____ which usually Arunachal Pradesh - and the union territory
occur at an altitude of >2700m, are the apex Jammu and Kashmir.
predators in the Himalayan Region.
vi. (a) the region provides essential ecosystem
iii. What do you understand by the word ‘ratified’ services and harbours river systems vital for the
in point number (vi) in paragraph 6? Why do nation’s food security
you think India has ‘ratified’ the international vii. Two reasons for the introduction of Project snow
agreements? (Answer in about 40 words) Leopard in high altitudes are
iv. Infer the meaning of the phrase ‘snow leopard is 1. High altitudes of India > 3000m including
considered an umbrella species’ from the passage. the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan
biogeographic zones support a unique wildlife
v. In which states/UTs of India can the Snow assemblage of global conservation.
Leopards be found? 2. There has been relatively less attention on
the region from the viewpoint of wildlife
vi. Select the correct option to complete the following
conservation.
sentence.
The reason for the introduction of Project Snow viii. (c) Preserving India’s wild
Leopard in high altitudes is that _____.
(a) the region provides essential ecosystem Passage 26
services and harbours river systems vital for
the nation’s food security 1. When we think of countries that are the major
consumers of water resources we tend to think of
(b) the region has a cold climate the water used in our homes, such as water used
(c) the region offers a very less chance of survival for bathing and lawn sprinklers. However, studies
for other animals have shown that home water use is only the tip
(d) snow Leopard survive better in such climates of the iceberg and a large majority of the water
consumed is hidden from plain view. The chart
vii. List any two reasons for the introduction of showing the largest water consuming countries of
Project Snow Leopard in high altitudes in about the world is thus an eye opener.
40 words.
2. As India is an agricultural country, the most
viii. Which of the following is an appropriate title for important crops of India are rice, wheat and
paragraph 2? sugarcane. Significantly these crops are the
most water-consuming crops. Rice, a major crop
(a) Project Snow Leopard
export, consumes about 3,500 litres of water for a
(b) Project Tiger kilogram of grain produced. Punjab which is the
(c) Preserving India’s wild 3rd largest producer of rice in India is completely
(d) Man in the Wild dependent on groundwater for the production of
Ans : 2014 its rice and consumes two to three times more
water than Bihar and West Bengal to produce a
i. safeguard and conserve India’s unique natural
kilogram of rice.
heritage of high-altitude wildlife population and
their habitats by promoting conservation through
participatory policies and actions.
ii. Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf
iii. The word ‘ratified’ means (especially of
governments or organisations) to make an
agreement official. India has ratified the
international agreements to protect the snow
Leopard as it is an endangered species.
iv. ‘Umbrella’ species refers to such species whose
protection will ensure the protection of other species.
v. Snow Leopards can be found in four Himalayan
states - Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim,

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3. Sugarcane is another water-guzzling crop in iii. How would the alignment between the crop
India, which is a very popular crop among production patterns and the consumption of water
farmers in Maharashtra because they are assured in agriculture affect India’s agriculture positively?
of marketing by sugar mills. The primary source Answer in about 40 words.
of water for growing this crop is groundwater,
whereas states like Bihar which is more suitable iv. Based on the passage, how can the farmers be
for the production of sugarcane produces only 4% convinced to change the way they grow crops?
of the country’s total sugar cane output. List at least two changes that can be implemented
at the ground level and at the government level.
4. Thus, measures need to be taken to ensure that
crop production patterns within the country, v. Study the statement ‘A large majority of the
across different states, are aligned to regional water consumption is hidden from plain view.’
water availability.. Also, Agriculture policies State any one inference that can be drawn from
should be put in place to limit the export of water- this.
intensive crops. Emphasis should also be placed
on the adoption of water- efficient technologies, vi. Select the option that correctly display what ‘drip
management systems, farmer education, and irrigation’ signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 5)
advisory services to improve water consumption
in agriculture.
5. Crops in India are irrigated by several methods.
Some farmers take to flooding the whole field.
Others resort to channelling water between rows
of plants while others resort to watering using
large sprinklers. But the better method is to
let water drop into plants using drip irrigation.
Hence, India should consider investing in scaling
up micro-irrigation to make India’s agriculture
more water-efficient. Drip irrigation is the most
efficient and appropriate irrigation system.
Instead of wetting the whole field surface, water
is applied only to the plant root zone. The P.T.O
Government of India’s ‘Per Drop More Crop’
component under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi
Sinchayee Yojana promotes the use of drip and
sprinkler irrigation by farmers.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above.

i. Complete the following sentence appropriately,

based on your understanding of data given in
passage.
On analysing the data given in the passage, we
can say that China and America guzzle water in
excess followed by _____. (a) Only (i) (b) Only (iii)
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate options (c) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (iii)
given in the brackets, based on your understanding
of paragraph 2. vii. Infer one benefit and one drawback of growing
The more the farmers appreciate and value the rice, wheat and sugarcane by Indian farmers.
efficiency in using water-saving technology in Answer in about 40 words.
agriculture, the lesser the consumption and viii. Select the correct option to complete the following
replenishment of groundwater, in the long run, sentence:
is _____ (a fact/ an opinion) because it is If India _____ and _____ its irrigation
_____ (a/an subjective judgement/ objective methods or systems at a micro-level, our
detail). agriculture will become more water-efficient.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

to government regulations. iii. “The traditional family dinner is increasingly

being replaced by eating on the run”. Justify the
following, in about 40 words.

iv. Based on the results of the study, which two

concerns showcase the flip side of the popularity
of fast foods as referred to in the passage?

v. Study the statement: ‘McDonald’s alone serves 46

million people worldwide each day.’ State any one
inference that can be drawn from this.

vi. Select the option that correctly displays what

‘demographic’ signifies.(Reference-Paragraph 4)

4. The large food chains are set to gain a bigger

share of the food services market on the back of (a) Only (i) (b) nly (ii)
a young population, value pricing, and increased (c) (ii), (iv) and (v) (d) (i) and (iii)
penetration in tier two and three cities. The more
recent popularity of online food ordering and vii. Infer the reasons responsible for the large food
food delivery platforms has enabled food chains chains set to gain a bigger share of the food
to reach more consumers. Fast food chain Burger services market on the back of a young population
King reported a blockbuster IPO last year; in India. Answer in about 40 words.
meanwhile, Domino's pizza franchise in viii. Three sets of statements about the trends in fast
India recently revised its potential store opening food sector in India are given below. Which of the
target in India from the earlier 2,000 to 3,000. following statements is CORRECT with reference
McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s plan to to the study mentioned in the passage?
deepen their reach in India’s smaller cities, and
benefit from a younger demographic expecting (a) The share of fast food chains in food services
to clock a compound annual growth rate of 23% market is below 5%.
between 2021 to 2025. (b) The share of fast food chains in food services
market is 20%.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above. (c) Branded fast food services fall under
unorganized sector in India.
i. Complete the following analogy appropriately, (d) By 2025, the total sales in fast food market
based on your understanding of paragraph 1. size will grow by 10%
The convenience that fast food can be eaten Ans : 2021
‘on the run’ is comparable with .......... on one’s
person or in a handbag as opposed to having a i. carrying a mobile phone.
desktop that keeps one tied to their work desk. ii. fact; objective detail.

ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option iii. The time invested in food preparation is getting
from those given in brackets, based on your lower and lower. 54% of the Indians are aged
understanding of the passage. below 25 years and eating out is their favourite
We can infer that the large food service chains outdoor entertainment. Even eating in peace with
particularly in India were able to buffer their family has changed for the worse especially among
businesses and revenues during the pandemic the young consumers.
owing to their ability to adapt to the new iv. 1. Fast foods are high in saturated fat, sugar,
regulations, salt and calories.
infrastructure and the flexibility of their delivery
service is a .......... (fact/ opinion) because it is 2. Eating too much fast food has been connected
a/an ..........(subjective judgement/ objective to obesity, colorectal cancer and high
detail). cholesterol.

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Page 104 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

iii. ‘Private coaching is a thriving business across the (a) The lack of good teachers is most felt at the
country’ according to a NSSO report issued in secondary level.
2016. Justify the reasons for this trend in about (b) There is a dichotomy between learning and
40 words. understanding.
iv. Based on the survey results, which two concerns (c) They need coaching to qualify for engineering
clearly demonstrate the larger problem associated and medical entrance exams.
with the fact that private coaching has become a (d) 27.5 % of the students depends on private
multi-million-rupee industry in India?
coaching at this level.
v. In the given table state any one inference that can Ans :
be drawn from the fact that 11.6% of pre-primary
i. the gulf is wide and needs to be bridged.
and 16.4 % of primary students need private
coaching too. ii. an opinion, a subjective judgement.
vi. Select the option that correctly displays what iii. More than 7.1 crore students were taking private
‘dichotomy’ signifies in the passage. (Reference- coaching or tuition classes in addition to their basic
Paragraph 5). education in India because of the ever-widening
gap between learning and understanding.
iv. 1. The gap between learning and understanding
is caused by lack of quality teaching especially
in government schools.
2. The problem is more rampant in small towns
and villages.
v. The problem of poor quality teaching in India
begins in the introductory years of schooling itself.
vi. (b) Only (iii)
vii. A disadvantage is that private coaching is a huge
drain on the resources of the families desperately
seeking to give their children a decent education.
A benefit is that these centers are providing
quality education in small towns and villages.
viii. (a) The lack of good teachers is most felt at the
secondary level.

Passage 28
1. India’s average temperature has already increased
by around 0.7 degrees Celsius during the 1901-
2018 period due to Greenhouse gas emissions
and by the end of 2100 it is expected to rise by
approximately 4.4 degrees Celsius warns the first-
(a) Only (i) (b) Only (iii) ever climate change assessment report by the
Indian government.
(c) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (iii)
2. The report Assessment of Climate Change
vii. Infer one benefit and one drawback of mushrooming over the Indian Region prepared by the Union
of private coaching centers in India. Answer in Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) warned that
about 40 words. the rapid changes in the temperature would
mean increasing stress on India’s “natural
viii. Below are given the main takeaways from the ecosystems, agricultural output and freshwater
NSSO report mentioned in the passage about the resources, while also causing escalating damage to
effect of private coaching on professional courses infrastructure.” This ultimately means a serious
on secondary-level students. Which of these is impact on the ‘country’s biodiversity, food, water,
NOT mentioned explicitly in the report? energy security and public health.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

(a) the overall growth of the automobile industry have access to secondary school as compared to
(b) only the 2 wheeler’s sold in the country 70% in the urban areas on similar parameters.
(c) only the EVs being sold in the country 4. While accessibility to a neighbourhood school at
(d) foreign Direct Investment in the automobile the primary level is not an issue in rural areas,
industry the gross attendance ratio is also satisfactory with
Ans : nearly 100% of boys and girls in rural as well as
urban areas attending classes. However, in sync
i. R&D, i.e. Research and Development. with reduced accessibility, there is a gap at a the
ii. Department, FDI secondary level between rural and urban settings.
The all India literacy rate among persons aged 7
iii. The following initiatives have been taken by the
years and above is 77.7%. However, for the same
government to promote the automobile industry: age group, rural literacy is 73.5% and for urban
1. Established NATRiP and a NAB. areas it is, 87.7%.
2. Set up 5 testing and research centres. 5. The digital divide between rural and urban
3. Introduction of EVs in their public transport. households is stark with just 4% of the rural
4. Reduction in tax on loans for EVs. population having access to computers. The
report highlighted that while only 15% surveyed
iv. The government set up NATRIP and National
population in the rural cluster has internet access,
Automative Board to act as a facilitator between
42% of the students in the urban areas have access
the government and industry. to the internet.
v. NATRIP proposed to provide aid for test 6. At school level while the majority of the urban
facility infrastructure for Electric Vehicle (EV) households had shown a preference for private
performance certification. schools, it’s the opposite for rural households.
vi. (d) Aspiring The report highlights that 76.1% of the rural
children are attending primary and middle school
vii. The Indian Government wants to establish the
run by the government, while only 38% of the
following urban children are attending government schools.
1. National Automotive Testing and R&D However, for graduate and above studies, 49.7%
Infrastructure Project centres rural students are attending classes in government
2. National Automotive Board. institutions as compared to 41% of the urban
counterparts in government institutions.
viii. (c) only the EVs being sold in the country.

Passage 31
1. Right from literacy, accessibility to schools and
household expenditure on education, the rural-
urban gap remains significant. There is a digital
divide, too, with just 4% of rural households
having access to computers as compared to 23%
in urban areas. These and other trends in a rural-
urban gap in education are revealed in the details
of a survey conducted by the National Statistical
Office (NSO). Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above.
2. The report on ‘Household Social Consumption:
Education’ surveyed 1.13 lakh households spread i. Complete the following sentence appropriately.
across over 8,000 villages and 6,000 urban blocks The majority of urban households show preference
between July 2017 and June 2018. The study to .......... .
involved 1.52 lakh students across different levels
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
of study.
from those given in the brackets, based on your
3. On accessibility, while 92.7% of the rural understanding of passage.
households have a primary school within 1 km as Rural areas have .......... (more/less) primary
compared to 87.2% in urban areas, the situation schools .......... (within/without) a km as compared
gets skewed as only 38% of the rural households to that in urban areas.

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Page 106 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

India’s rainfall. 2. Despite this, the long-term protection of species

is not currently considered when assessing the
viii. Which of the following is an appropriate title for impact of new roads on wildlife, meaning we risk
paragraph 2? giving support to only the endangered species,
(a) Winds of change (b) Climate change doing nothing to help those most at risk. A
(c) Loss of diversity (d) Drough trends better understanding of which species are most
Ans : vulnerable to roads, is therefore, important if we
are to take a more effective action of protection.
i. increase the frequency and duration of the heat
waves 3. A research team based in Lisbon calculated road-
kill rates for 423 bird species and 212 mammal
ii. rise, decrease species. They found that small animals with high
iii. Greenhouse gas emission, destruction of the population densities and which mature at an
natural ecosystems, and over-exploitation of early age were most likely to be killed on roads.
natural resources are the reasons for the rising in Nocturnal mammals and birds with a diet of
temperature of around 0.7 degrees Celsius during plants and seeds were also shown to have higher
the 1901-2018 period. death rates.

iv. Two social and economic impacts of climate change 4. The study also used the road-kill surveys to rank
are the bird and mammal species whose long-term
survival was most threatened by road-kill. The
1. Less capacity to work
hazel grouse and ground squirrel were found to
2. Increase in carpooling be the most at risk of local extinction. Both are
v. On the basis of the given picture, it can be said common in Europe but are classified as species of
that extreme meteorological phenomena will Least Concern Red List of Threatened Species.
cause widespread poverty. 5. The most vulnerable animals classified
vi. (a) Option 1 as threatened by International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) were the red-
vii. The given statement means that the increase in knobbed Coot, Balcan mole and Podolian mole.
temperature is having a detrimental effect on the The study revealed that road-kill hotspots were
amount of rainfall that India receives. As per a not the areas with the highest population of
report, the summer monsoon precipitation has endangered species. For example, house sparrows
decreased by around 6% from 1951-2015. This had a high road-kill rate (2.7 per km/year)
decrease of rainfall during the last 6-7 decades but were ranked 420th of 423 bird species for
has led to an increased frequency for draughts in vulnerability. Conversely, the hazel grouse had a
India. low predicted road-kill rate (0.2 per km/year) but
was the most vulnerable of all birds studied.
viii. (c) Loss of diversity
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above.
Passage 29
1. Around 194 million birds and 29 million mammals i. Complete the following analogy appropriately,
are thought to be killed every year on European based on your understanding of the passage.
roads, according to a new study that has ranked We can say that high road densities have had
the most vulnerable species. The research has a long-ranging impact on some of the animal
found that the species killed most often were not species being driven to extinction. This situation
necessarily the endangered species. This means can be compared to the cutting down of forests by
action to preserve wildlife when new roads are humans for building up modem infrastructure and
built risks being targeted at the wrong species its long-term effect on _____ and _____.
based on current methods. Road densities in
Europe are among the world’s highest, with 50% ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
of the continent within 15 km of a paved road from those given in brackets, based on your
or railway. Roads are therefore, a significant understanding of paragraph 1.
threat to wildlife and evidence shows deaths on The statement ‘Recent research has found that
them could even cause some species to disappear the species killed most often on European roads
completely. were not necessarily the endangered species
but roads can ironically cause some species to

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

3. As integral components of our biosphere,

spiders have an intrinsic existence value. They
are efficient predators that play an important
role in controlling the pests of cotton. They are
also a source of food for other creatures such as
birds and wasps. Thus, the presence of spiders
is an ecological indicator signalling the health of
natural ecosystem.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage
above.
i. Complete the following blank appropriately, based
on your understanding of paragraph 2.
We can say that Funnel spiders and Trap Door
spiders building structures to trap insects for food
is comparable with a rattrap set for a mouse but
with a big difference: _____.
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
from those given in brackets, based on your
understanding of paragraph 1.
Spider silk is much stronger than steel and resists
breakage because of its elasticity. It can stretch up
to 140 per cent of its original length is _____
(a/an fact opinion) because it is _____ (a/an
subjective judgement/objective detail)
(a) Only (i) (b) (ii), (iii) and (v)
(c) Only (v) (d) (i) and (iv)

vii. Infer one benefit and one drawback of having

spiders whether at home or in the garden. Answer
in about 40 words.

viii. Which of the following is an incorrect fact about

spiders from the study mentioned in the passage?
(a) Woodhouse Hunting spiders live on leaves
and wood.
(b) Naphils Spider weaves the silkiest web known.
(c) Spinning can be adopted to unique
circumstances.
iii. Justify the following, in about 40 words.
(d) The egg sacs of some spiders are also made of
Spiders are great indicators of a healthy ecosystem. silk.
iv. Based on the passage name two species each of Ans : 2015

spiders found in our homes and outdoors. i. a rattrap will necessarily have a bait but spider
v. What kind of behaviour does the author say the webs won’t.
spiders exhibit when at work? State any one ii. a fact, an objective detail.
inference that can be drawn from this.
iii. Spiders help in controlling the pests on cotton.
vi. Select the option that correctly displays what
They are also a source of food for other creatures
‘threads’ signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 1)
such as birds and wasps. Thus, the presence of
spiders is an ecological indicator signalling the
health of a natural ecosystem.

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Page 108 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

Investment (FDI) worth US $ 24.21 billion from

April 2000 to March 2020 according to the data
released by the Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
2. Two-wheelers and passenger vehicles dominate
the domestic Indian auto market. Passenger
car sales are dominated by small and mid-sized
cars. Two-wheelers and passenger cars accounted
for 80.8 percent and 12.9 percent market share,
respectively, accounting for a combined sale of
over 21.55 million vehicles in FY20. The CAGR
during FYI 6-FY20 is 1.29 percent.
3. The government aims to develop India as global
manufacturing and Research and Development (R
and D) hub. It has set up National Automotive
Testing and R and D Infrastructure Project Answer the following questions, based on the passage
(NATRIP) centres as well as National Automotive above.
Board to act as a facilitator between the government
i. Complete the sentence appropriately.
and the industry. Under (NATRIP), five testing
As per the passage, the Government of India
and research centres have been established in
wants to grow in _____.
the country since 2015. NATRIPs proposal for
“Grant-In-Aid for test facility infrastructure for ii. Fill the blanks with the appropriate option
Electric Vehicle (EV) performance Certification from those given in brackets, based on your
from NATRIP Implementation Society” under understanding of passage.
FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of We can infer that the _____ (Department/
(Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles in India) scheme Institute) for promotion of Industry and Internal
was approved by Project Implementation and Trade highlights that India has received a
Sanctioning Committee (PISC) on 3rd January, considerable amount from _____ (FDI/R &
2019.
D).
4. The Indian Government has also set up an
ambitious target of having only EVs sold in iii. Based on your understanding of the passage,
the country. The Ministry of Heavy Industries, list the initiatives taken by the government to
Government of India, has shortlisted 11 cities promote the automobile industry. Answer in
in the country for the introduction of EVs in about 40 words.
their public transport system under the FAME
iv. Why has the government set up NATRIP and
scheme. The first phase of the scheme was
National Automative Board?
extended to March 2019 while in February 2019,
the government approved the FAME-II scheme v. What was the NATRIP’s proposal?
with a fund requirement of Rs 10,000 crore (US
$ 1.39 billion) for FY20-22. Under Union Budget vi. Which word can substitute the word ‘ambitious’
2019-20, government announced providing an in the following sentence from Paragraph 4.
additional income tax deduction of Z1.5 lakh (US He is smart, intelligent and an ambitious medical
$ 2146) on the interest paid on the loans taken to student.
purchase EVs. (a) Arrogant (b) Ideal
5. EV sales, excluding e-rickshaws, in India witnessed (c) Dreamy (d) Aspiring
a growth of 20 percent and reached 1.56 lakh units
in FY20 driven by two-wheelers. The Government vii. What does the Indian Government want to
of India expects the automobile sector to attract establish?
US $ 8-10 billion in local and foreign investment
by 2023. viii. Select the correct option to complete the following
sentence.
Para 4 focuses on the ambitious target of having
_____

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

(a) invests, scales-up (b) organises, adopts

i. Brazil and Russia.

ii. a fact, an objective detail.
iii. The crop production pattern in India is faulty- for
example, Punjab relies solely on groundwater for
rice and Maharashtra prefers growing sugarcane
whereas both these crops can be grown in West
Bengal and Bihar more sustainably. This will save
water and replenish it too’
iv. 1. the adoption of water-efficient technologies
and farmer education to improve water
consumption in agriculture.
2. limit the export of water-intensive crops.
v. Other sectors like agriculture and industries
consume more water than common households. 3. Private coaching is a thriving business across the
country and according to a 2016 NSSO report
vi. (a) Only (i)
more than 7.1 crore students were taking private
vii. Rice, wheat, and sugarcane are major crops that coaching or tuition classes in addition to their
are produced for consumption, selling’ as well as basic education.
exports. This advantage is overshadowed by the 4. Experts attributed the trend of a larger share of
fact that in the process of growing them, water students at the secondary level taking recourse
consumption and its efficiency are conveniently to private coaching to the entrance exams for
overlooked by the farmers’. professional courses such as engineering and
viii. (a) invests, scales-up medicines.
5. Anil Swarup, former Secretary school education
in the ministry of human resource development,
Passage 27
explained the increase of students taking private
1. Private coaching is a multi-million rupee industry coaching to the different competitive examinations
in India. But it is the symptom of a problem, and said this was a result of the dichotomy
not the problem itself. Coaching centres merely between learning and understanding.
fill the gap caused by lack of quality teaching
especially in government school, more so in small Answer the following questions, based on the passage
towns and villages. Only a sincere and sustained above.
effort to improve education in such schools will i. Complete the following analogy appropriately,
alter the picture and prevent this huge drain on based on your understanding of paragraphs 1 and
the resources of the families desperately seeking 2.
to give their children decent education. We can say that the dichotomy between learning
and understanding widely considered to be the
2. Secondary level students topped the number of main reason for the increase in the number of
students taking private coaching with 31% males students taking private coaching is comparable
and 29% female students taking recourse to the with two banks of a river because _____.
method, a recent NSSO survey has shown. The ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option
report also showed that nearly 20% students from those given in brackets, based on your
attending pre-primary and above level (21% of understanding of paragraph 2.
males and 19% of females) were taking private According to the author, private coaching is the
coaching. symptom of a problem, not the problem itself
is _____ (a/an fact/opinion) because it is
_____ (a/an subjective judgement/objective
detail)

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Page 110 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

iii. What data shows that the rural-urban gap is population in the rural cluster has internet access,
visible at the secondary level of education? 42% of the students in the urban areas have access
Answer in about 40 words. to the internet.

iv. What did the survey conducted by the NSO viii. (c) Rural-urban gap in education
cover?

v. In which aspect is the condition of education in Passage 32

the urban and rural households equal? 1. Obesity has been defined as a Body Mass Index
(BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, with extreme
vi. Based on your understanding of the passage, obesity defined as a BMI greater than 40 kg/m2.
choose the option that lists the factors that Obesity is rapidly becoming the leading cause
indicate the rural-urban gap. of preventable death in the United States, with
(a) Infrastructure development and Employment obesity-related deaths projected to soon surpass
opportunities deaths related to tobacco abuse. The incidence
(b) Accessibility to schools and Digital divide of obesity has doubled in the United States since
1960, with one-third of the adult population
(c) Right to literacy and Household expenditure
currently obese. Perhaps more alarming is the
(d) All of the above increase in overweight children; over the past 25
years, this rate has risen from 6% to 19%.
vii. Explain in about 40 words the digital divide
between rural and urban households based on the 2. Obesity is the next major epidemiologic challenge
passage. facing today’s doctors, with the annual allocation
of healthcare resources for the disease and related
viii. What does the Household Social. Consumption: comorbidities projected to exceed $150 billion in the
Education focus on? United States. The incidence of obesity has risen
(a) Need for making technology more affordable in the United States over the past 30 years; 60%
(b) Backtracking of online education. of adults are currently either obese or overweight.
Obesity is associated with a higher incidence
(c) Rural-urban gap in education
of a number of diseases, including diabetes,
(d) How the digital divide is non-existent in cardiovascular disease and cancer. Consumption
education. of fast food, Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs), and
Ans : fructose-combined with increasing portion sizes and
i. private schools decreased physical activity-has been implicated as a
potential contributing factor in the obesity crisis.
ii. more, within
3. The use of Body Mass Index (BMI) alone
iii. The fact that only 38% households of in rural is of limited utility for predicting adverse
areas have access to secondary schools and 70% cardiovascular outcomes, but the utility of this
of households in urban areas have access to measure may be strengthened when combined with
secondary schools shows that the rural-urban gap waist circumference and other anthropomorphic
is visible at the secondary level of education. measurements. Certain public health initiatives
iv. The survey covered 1.13 lakh households spread have helped to identify and reduce some of the
across over 8,000 rural and 6,000 urban blocks factors contributing to obesity.
between July 2017 and June 2018. The study 4. In New York City and Denmark, for example, such
involved 1.52 lakh students across different levels initiatives have succeeded in passing legislation
of study. to reduce or remove TFAs from residents’ diets.
v. The condition of education in the urban and The obesity epidemic will likely change practice
for gastroenterologists, as shifts will be seen in
rural households is equal on the accessibility of
the incidence of obesity-related gastrointestinal
neighbourhood schools at the primary level.
disorders, disease severity and the nature of
vi. (d) All of the above comorbidities. The experience gained with
vii. The digital divide between rural and urban previous epidemiologic problems such as smoking
households is stark with just 4% of the rural should help involved parties to expand needed
population having access to computers. The health initiatives and increase the likelihood of
preventing future generations from suffering the
report highlighted that while only 15% surveyed
consequences of obesity.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

3. It said that several regions in India are global Answer the following questions, based on the passage
biodiversity hotspots with numerous endemic above.
species of plants and animals and with the
“climate changing more rapidly than usual, they i. Complete the following analogy appropriately
may face increasing threats on account of these based on your understanding of the passage.
changes.” The rise in temperature will _____
4. The MoES report cautioned that by the end of ii. Fill the blanks with the appropriate option from
2100, the “frequency of summer (April-June) heat those given in brackets, based on understanding
waves over India is projected to be 3 to 4 times of passage.
higher” and the “average duration of heatwave From Paragraph 5, we can infer that the _____
events is also projected to approximately (fall/rise) in temperature has wreaked havoc
double.” According to the report, the Sea Surface on the rainfall pattern. The overall _____
Temperature (SST) of the tropical Indian Ocean (decrease/increase) of seasonal summer monsoon
has also risen by one degree Celsius, on average, rainfall during the last 6-7 decades has led to an
during 1951-2015. increased tendency of droughts.
5. The rise in temperature is playing havoc with
iii. Infer 3 reasons for the following, based on
India’s rainfall which is significant for India’s
information in Paragraph 1. Answer in about 40
agriculture sector. The report noted that
words.
the summer monsoon precipitation (June to
India’s average temperature has already increased
September) over India has declined by around six
by around 0.7 degrees Celsius during the 1901-
per cent from 1951 to 2015, with notable decrease
2018 period.
over the Indo-Gangetic Plains and the Western
Ghats. It stressed that the overall decrease of iv. Mention any two social and economic impacts of
seasonal summer monsoon rainfall during the last climate change.
6-7 decades has led to an increased propensity for
droughts in India. v. On the basis of the given picture, which phenomena
6. “In particular, areas over Central India, South-West will cause widespread poverty?
coast, Southern peninsula and North-Eastern
vi. Select the chart that appropriately represents the
India have experienced more than two droughts
drought trend with climate in India from the year
per decade. The area affected by drought has
1951 to 2015, as per Paragraph 5.
also increased by 1.3 percent per decade over the
same period. Climate model projections indicate
a high likelihood of an increase in the frequency,
intensity and area under drought conditions in
India by the end of the twenty-first century,” said
the MoES report.

(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 and 3

vii. Justify the following in about 40 words.

The rise in temperature is playing havoc with

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Page 112 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Te nses

1. Introduction 2. Past Tense

The past tense indicates that the action took
The word Tense is a term of English grammar place in the past; as,
and refers to a form of the verb that indicates
time. Time is a universal, non-linguistic concept • I went to Delhi last month.
with three divisions - Past, Present and Future; • Mohan opened the door for me.
by tense we understand the correspondence
between the form of the verb and our concept of 3. Future Tense
time. When making a statement it is essential to The future tense indicates that the action will
indicate whether a situation exists now, existed in take place in the future; as,
the past or is likely to exist in the future. • I shall go to Delhi tomorrow.
Each of these three tenses has subdivisions to
show continuity or completeness of the action and
2. Meaning and Definition the time. These subdivisions are:
Tense comes from Latin word tempus, meaning 1. Indefinite (Simple)
time. Tense is that form of a verb which shows 2. Continuous (imperfect)
time and state of an action or event. 3. Perfect
Let us take three sentences:
4. Perfect Continuous
• I sing this song to please you.
• I sang the song in her very presence. Indefinite (Simple)
• I shall sing another song for her tomorrow. It denotes present, past or future time in its
In the first sentence, the verb sing refers to simplest form; as,
present time. In the second sentence, the verb • I write
sang refers to past time. In the third sentence,
• I wrote
the verb shall sing refers to future time. Thus,
a verb may refer to present time or past time or • I shall write.
future time. • The action in present, past or future time
Tense can be defined as follows : is mentioned simply without anything
A form of a verb which indicates the time and the being said about the completeness or
state of an action or event. incompleteness of the action.
Continuous (Imperfect)
3. Kinds of tense It shows that the event (in present, past or future)
is still continuing or not yet completed; as,
There are three main tenses corresponding to the
three main divisions of time viz. Present, Past and • I am writing.
Future. • I was writing.
1. Present Tense • I shall be writing.
The present tense indicates that the action is Perfect
done at the present time; as, It denotes that the event (in present, past or
• The sun rises in the east. future) is in a completed or perfect state- present,
past or future; as,
• I do not know him.
• I have written.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

• I had written. Rule 8

Simple present tense is also used to talk about a
• I shall have written.
physical feeling that is affecting you or someone
Perfect Continuous else; as,
It combines the meanings of the two preceding
• I feel heavy.
forms, Perfect and Continuous; as,
• His head aches.
• I have been writing.
But while physical perceptions such as hearing
• I had been writing. and seeing usually the modal can be is used; as,
• I shall have been writing. • I can hear it.
• I can smell the food.
4. Present simple tense What is present, provided that present time is
implied by the context; as,
Rule 1 • I understand what you say.
This tense is used to express an action that takes
or is actually taking place at the present time; as, Rule 9
Used in Commentaries
• He drives his car. While describing an event such as a sports match
Rule 2 or a ceremony that is happening at the time; as,
To express a habitual action; as, • Prasad balls to Lara.
• He drinks tea every morning. • Sachin takes a run.
• My watch keeps good time. Rule 10
Rule 3 Used in reporting
A universal truth; as, Reporting verb such as hear or tell we can report
what someone said at some point in recent past
• The sun rises in the east.
by using simple present; as,
• Slow and steady wins the race.
• I hear he is eating.
Rule 4
Rule 11
In exclamatory sentences beginning with here and
The simple present tense is often used with
there to express what is actually taking place in
adverbs or adverb phrases such as; always, never,
the present
occasionally, often, sometimes, usually, every
• Here comes the bus! week, on Mondays, twice a year etc.; as,
• There she goes! • How often do you wash your hair?
Rule 5 • It rains in winter.
In vivid narrative, as substitute for the simple Or with time clauses expressing routine or habitual
past; as, actions whenever and when (= whenever) are
• Immediately the sultan hurries to his particularly useful; as,
capital. • Whenever it rains the roof leaks.
• Sohrab now rushes forward and deals a Rule 12
heavy blow to Rustam. It must be used instead of the present continuous
Rule 6 with verbs which cannot be used in the continuous
To express a future event that is part of a fixed form, e.g. Love, see, believe etc. So that we can
timetable or fixed programme; as, say; as,
• The match starts at 9 o’ clock. • I love you but not I am loving you.
• The train leaves at 5:20. Rule 13
It is used in conditional sentences; as,
Rule 7
Discussing what happens in a book, play or film; • If I see Ann, I will ask her.
as, • Unless you take the brake off, the car won’t
• In Lagaan Amir Khan plays a central move.
character.

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Page 114 Discursive Passage Chapter 1
Affirmative Sentences • I am doing my work.
Pattern • He is playing cricket.
He/She/It/singular noun + verb (Ist form) + s/
Rule 2
es + ...
This tense is used to express intention or
I/We/You/They/plural noun + verb (Ist form)
likelihood. It refers to future time; as,
+ ...
• I am going to Lucknow tomorrow.
• He reads a book daily.
(Intention)
• Geeta plays football in the evening.
• Ramlal is going to die. (Likelihood)
• I read a book daily.
• They play football in the evening. Rule 3
This tense is also used for temporary action may
Negative Sentences not be actually happening at the time of speaking.
Pattern It also some times expresses habit or custom; as,
He/She/It/singular noun + does not + verb (Ist • He is attending college very regularly.
form) + ... (Habit)
I/We/You/They/plural noun + do not + verb
(Ist form) + ... • I am reading William Shakespeare.
(Temporary action)
• He does not read a book.
• I am studying English novels these days.
• You do not play football.
• He is living in a rented house.
• Tanu does not tell a lie.
• Is she still modelling for Hindustan Lever?
• The boys do not go there.
Rule 4
Interrogative Sentences This tense is used for fixed programme or plan of
Pattern the nearest future; as,
Do + subject + verb (Ist form) + ... ? • We are leaving for Mumbai tonight.
Does + subject + verb (Ist form) + ... ?
Q.W. + do/does + subject + verb (Ist form) + • Are you singing this evening.
... ? Affirmative Sentences
• Does he live in Alwar? Pattern
• Do you know Mohan? Subject + is/am/are + verb (Ist form) + ing +
O/A.
• Where does Geeta go daily?
• Tanu and Gaurav are playing football.
• Why do you come late?
• Mohan is reading a novel now.
Interrogative Negative Sentence
Negative Sentences
Pattern
Does + subject + not + verb (Ist form) + ...? Pattern
Do + subject + not + verb (Ist form) + ...? Subject + is/am/are + not + verb (Ist form) +
ing + O/A.
• Do you not read your book daily?
• She is not going to college today.
• Does he not help the poor?
• Children are not playing now.
• Do they not love their country?
• I am not cooking food.
• Does Sohan not take bath daily?
Interrogative Sentences
Pattern
5. Present continuous tense Is/am/are + subject + verb (Ist form) + ing +
O/A.
Rule 1
Q.W. + is/am/are + subject + verb (Ist form) +
This tense is used to express an action going on at
ing + O/A.
the time of speaking; as,
• Is he living in Delhi these days?
• The boys are flying kites.
• Are you going to see him today?

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

talk about an action we wanted to do in some

past time but the action itself did not take place.
EXERCIS
Pattern Multiple Choice Type Question
All persons + might/would/could/should/must
+ have + been + Continuous form of verb 1. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to
complete the sentence to update the result of the
• I should have been writing a book by now.
regional science fair :
We have exciting news to share!
Our school _____ first place in the regional
 science fair.
(a) awarded (b) was awarded
(c) had awarded (d) has been awarded
Ans : 2024

(d) has been awarded

2. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option

to complete the part of the disclaimer given in a
textbook:
The authors of the book _____ all reasonable
care to ensure that the contents of the book do
not violate any copyright or other intellectual
property rights of any person in any manner.
(a) has been taking (b) have taken
(c) has taken (d) have been took
Ans : 2024

(b) have taken

3. Complete the given narrative by filling in the

blank with the correct option.
I _____ watching that programme every week
since it started.
(a) has been (b) had
(c) have been (d) was been
Ans : 2024

(c) have been

4. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to

complete the weather warning given by the IMD.
IMD on Sunday _____ a ‘thunderstorm’ alert
for some districts in coastal Maharashtra in view
of the extremely severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy
gushing over the Arabian Sea.
(a) will issue (b) will be issuing
(c) issued (d) is issuing
Ans : 2024

5. Complete the slogan, by filling in the blank with

the correct option :
Planting a tree is a very noble deed and _____
the earth from global warming!
(a) saves (b) saving
(c) had saved (d) should save

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Page 116 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

• It has been raining here since yesterday. Affirmative Sentences

• How long have you been working here? Pattern
Subject + has been/have been + verb (Ist form)
Rule 2
+ ing + O/A + since/for + time.
This tense is used to refer to actions or situations
that started in the past, Continued for sometime • She has been living in Mumbai since 1992.
and have just stopped but have presented results; • Children are playing cricket for two hours.
as,
Negative Sentences
• Your shoes are dirty. It seems you have
been walking in the fields. Pattern
Subject + has not been/have not been + verb (Ist
• You look tired. Yes I have been working all form) + ing + O/A + since/for + time.
day long.
• Mohan has not been reading in this school
• The gardener have been watering plants. for two years.
• The beggar has been crying. • They have not been playing football since
• Why have her clothes been so wet? 2 PM.
Interrogative Sentences
Use of Since Pattern
Since is used for definite period of time/point of Has/have + subject + been + verb (Ist form) +
time: ing + O/A + since/for + time.
1. Name of the days; as - Since Sunday/ Q.W. + has/have + subject + been + verb (Ist
form) + ing + O/A + since/for + time.
Monday.....
2. Name of the months; as - Since January/ • Have you been living in Alwar since 2006?
February..... • What has Geeta been doing for five months?
3. Name of the years; as - Since 1970/1980.....
4. Name of the parts of the day; as - Since 8. Past simple tense
morning/dawn/Sunset/Sunrise/dark/night/
evening/afternoon..... Rule 1
5. O’ clock/am/pm; as - Since 4 o’clock, Since 8 This tense is used to express actions which
pm, Since 7 am, Since 5:30 am etc. occurred in the past; as,
6. Yesterday, last night, last week, last month, • Hira Lal bought two cups of tea.
last year; as - Since last night, Since yesterday. • I bought this shirt in Mumbai.
7. Name of the seasons; as - Since summer/
• His aunt came back from Dubai.
winter/spring/autumn.....
8. Name of the festivals; as - Since Eid/Holi/ Rule 2
Deepawali/Christmas etc. Expressing past habitual actions; as,
9. Name of the events and stage of one’s life; as- • I went to the Cathedral on Sundays.
Since his arrival/departure/birth/marriage/ • He played badminton in his childhood.
death etc.
• He always came to meet me.
Use of For
• I always carried my identity card with me.
For is used for indefinite/uncertain period of time
(minutes, hours, seconds, days, weeks, months, Rule 3
year, decades, centuries); as, Referring to situation related to past time; as,
• For three hours. • My uncle was seriously ill.
• For several minutes. • It was night.
• For many weeks. • I was helpless that day.
• For two months. • He was absent from the class that day.
• For two years. Rule 4
We use Simple Past or Present Perfect tense when
adverbs of time, as - today, this morning, this

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

• Where is your brother reading nowadays? Rule 5

To express an action done in a space of time not
• Why are the boys making a noise?
yet exhausted; as,
• The present continuous tense is not
• It has rained all the week.
normally used with the following verbs:
1. Verbs of senses (involuntary actions) : feel, Rule 6
hear, see, smell also notice and observe. To express something whose consequences still
remain; as,
2. Verbs of expressing feelings and emotions :
admire, adore, appreciate, care for, desire, • I have been ill.
detest, dislike, fear, hate, like, loathe, love, Rule 7
mind, respect, value, want, with. It denotes an action completed at the time of
3. Verbs of mental activity : agree, appreciate, speaking; as,
assume, believe, expect, feel, feel sure/ • She has worked all the sums.
certain forget know, mean, perceive, realize,
Affirmative Sentences
recall, recognize, recollect, remember, see
(understand), see through (have an opinion), Pattern
trust (= believe/have confidence) in, Subject + has/have + verb (IIIrd form) + O/A.
understand. • She has finished the task.
Note : But the continuous can be used with
• I have read this report.
appreciate meaning to increase in value.
4. Verbs of possession : belong, owe, own, Negative Sentences
possess, e.g., How much do I owe you? Pattern
5. The auxiliaries, except, be and have in certain Subject + has/have + not + verb (IIIrd form)
uses. + O/A.
• We have not met her so far.
6. Present perfect tense • He has not learnt his lesson.
Interrogative Sentences
Rule 1
This tense is used to express an action that has Pattern
been completed just now; as, Has/have + Subject + verb (IIIrd form) + O/A.
Q.W. + has/have + Subject + verb (IIIrd form)
• I have written the letter.
+ O/A.
Rule 2
• Has Gopal milked the cow?
A past action which is still continuing; as,
• Have you ever seen a white elephant?
• He has served me for 5 years.
• Why has the boy not come here yet?
• She has been ill since Monday.
Note the difference: • Which books have you purchased?
• He has served me for 5 years (He is still Adverbials
serving). Just, already, yet, never, so far, lately, recently,
etc.
• He served me for 5 years (He is no longer
in my service).
Rule 3 7. Present perfect
To suggest the decision made in the past is still of
importance in the present; as, continuous tense
• The government has cut university budgets, Rule 1
consequently the dean has increased the This tense is used to refer to actions that began
size of most classes. in past but are continuing to take place in the
Rule 4 present and are expected to continue in the near
To express past action without a definite time; as, future also; as,

• I have read the paper. • Tom has been working here since 1985.

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Page 118 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

• When he came to me I was talking to my • The lion was not sleeping under the tree.
wife. Interrogative Sentences
Rule 2 Pattern
Past Continuous tense is used to refer to an event Was/were + subject + verb (Ist form) + ing +
that was in progress at the time something else O/A?
happened; as, Q.W. + was/were + subject + verb (Ist form) +
• The boy fell down while he was running. ing + O/A?
• She was sitting in a Cafe when I saw her. • Was he crying?
• We were having coffee when the lights went • Were the cattle grazing in your field?
out. • Were the police running after the thieves?
Rule 3 • Why was he disturbing you?
This tense is used to refer to repeated action in
the past; as, • Where were the boys going?
• He was always telling me to do things I did • What was she doing when you reached
not want to do. there?
Rule 4 Adverbials
This tense is used to refer to an action that was 1. While, at that time.
intended to be done in the past but was not done; 2. At that moment, etc.
as,
• Shirmila walked away, just as I was going
to speak to her.
10. Past Perfect tense
Rule 5 Rule 1
Past Continuous tense is used when two actions Past Perfect is used wherever we wish to say that
are going on Simultaneously in the past; as, an action had been completed before another
commenced. The past of the sentence expressing
• While Ramu was playing, I was doing my
previous action is put into Past Perfect and the
work.
part of the sentence expressing subsequent action
• While my wife was cooking food, I was is put into Past Indefinite (Simple Past); as,
writing book.
• The ship was sunk by storm which had
Rule 6 suddenly sprung up.
We use this tense in the following senses; as,
• Monu had been ill for two days when the
• He was becoming richer and richer. doctor was sent for.
• It was getting darker and darker. Rule 2
• Anita was growing more and more beautiful. Past Perfect tense is used after - I wish, He/She
wishes, they wish, as though, as if etc. ; as,
Affirmative Sentences
• I wish I had been born in London.
Pattern
Subject + was/were + verb (Ist form) + ing + • She talks to me as if she had come from
O/A. the USA.
• The lion was sleeping under a tree. Rule 3
If some action was hoped in the past but was
• Mother was cooking food when I reached
not completed, we use words like - hope, think,
home.
expect, mean, intend, want, suppose etc. In such
• Boys were playing while girls were reading. situation both clauses of the sentence will be in
Negative Sentences Simple Past tense; as,

Pattern • I had wanted to meet him but unfortunately

Subject + was/were + not + verb (Ist form) + I fell ill.
ing + O/A. • I had hoped that he would come to attend
• She was not reading her book when I saw my party.
her.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

Heena _____ from fever since last Sunday. 23. The chair will collapse as soon as any one will sit
(a) suffered (b) will suffer on it.
(c) suffer (d) has been suffering (a) sat (b) sits
Ans : 2023 (c) is sitting (d) No improvement
(d) has been suffering Ans : 2020, 2008

(b) sits
17. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the
word in the bracket. 24. If I dyed my hair green, everybody will laugh at
In the depths of the enchanted forest, where time me.
_____ (stand) still and mythical creatures (a) would (b) did
roamed freely, a young adventurer embarked on (c) may (d) No improvement
a quest. Ans : 2020
Ans : 2023
(a) would
stood
25. It is high time that we did something about it.
Directions : In the following questions, a part of the
(a) had done (b) would do
sentence is underlined. Choose the correct Tense Form
from the given alternatives (a), (b) and (c) to correct (c) have done (d) No improvement
that part of the sentence. In case no improvement is Ans : 2020

needed, your answer is (d). (d) No improvement

18. I have received your letter yesterday. 26. His father wrote to him, “It is high time you start
preparing for the forthcoming examination.”
(a) had received (b) have to receive
(a) would start (b) started
(c) received (d) No improvement
Ans : 2022
(c) had started (d) No improvement
(c) received Ans : 2019

(b) started
19. The boys are listening to my lecture since 8
O’clock this morning. 27. He will never succeed however hard he will try.
(a) however hard he tries
(a) were listening (b) have been listening
(b) however hardly he tries
(c) had been listening (d) No improvement
Ans : 2022
(c) however hard he tried
(b) have been listening (d) No improvement
Ans : 2019

20. The workers are waiting for their pay packet since (a) however hard he tries
morning.
28. The sun set before we reached the village.
(a) would be waiting (b) were waiting
(a) would have set (b) would set
(c) have been waiting (d) No improvement
Ans : 2022 (c) had set (d) No improvement
(c) have been waiting Ans : 2019

(c) had set

21. If you wrote to me earlier, I would have easily
solved your problem. 29. All important people of the country are having
large houses in cities.
(a) were writing (b) had written
(a) have
(c) have written (d) No improvement
Ans : 2021 (b) were having
(b) had written (c) have been having
(d) No improvement
22. They had left the village a few days ago. Ans : 2018
(a) have left (b) would have left (a) have
(c) left (d) No improvement
Ans : 2021 30. When he got off the train, he realized that a
(c) left large gathering of his admirers was waiting for his
arrival for a long time.

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Page 120 Discursive Passage Chapter 1
Rule 3 Interrogative Negative Sentences
It is used with clauses of condition, time and Pattern
purpose; as, Will/Shall + subject + not + verb (Ist form) +
• If I do this exercise, it will help you. object?
Rule 4 Q.W. + will/shall + subject + not + verb (Ist
With adverbials such as tomorrow, day after form) + object?
tomorrow, next week, next month, on coming • Will you not take the examination this
Saturday, in 2010 etc.; as, year?
• She will do this practice next month. • Why will they not celebrate Holi this year?
Rule 5
It is used to express the speaker’s opinion or
assumption about the future, the tense is used
13. Future continuous tense
with: think, know, hope, suppose, believe, expect, Rule 1
perhaps, probably, surely; as, It indicates an action that will be going on in
• I think he will play. the future. It is usually accompanied by another
simultaneous action; as,
Rule 6
Verbs not normally used in the continuous • I shall be sleeping when you will be going
tenses, e.g. auxiliary verbs, verbs of the senses, of for a walk.
emotion, thinking, possessing etc usually express Rule 2
the future by the future simple, though be going We use this tense to talk about actions in the
to is sometime possible; as, future which are already planned or which are
• He will be here at six. expected to happen in the normal course of
things; as,
• You will have time for tea.
• I will be staying here till Sunday.
Rule 7
Note : With the future continuous we normally
It is used, chiefly in newspapers, news broadcasts,
mention the future time (next Friday etc.).
for formal announcement of future plans and for
weather forecasts; as, Rule 3
This tense is used to indicate that a longer action
• The president will open the new heliport
in the future will be interrupted. The interruption
tomorrow.
is usually an action in the simple future; as,
• The fog will persist in all areas.
• I will be sleeping when my sister arrives.
Affirmative Sentences
Rule 4
Pattern It is used to mention specific time as interruption;
Subject + will/shall + verb (Ist form) + object. as,
• I shall meet Dr. Verma tomorrow. • At midnight tonight, we will still be driving
• He will do his work honestly. through the desert.
• She will always obey her parents. Affirmative Sentences
• Zeenat and Jannat will win the competition. Pattern
Subject + will be/shall be + verb (ing) + object.
Interrogative Sentences
• I shall be seeing him next week.
Pattern
Will/Shall + subject + verb (Ist form) + object? • I shall be staying in this hotel tomorrow
Q.W. + will/shall + subject + verb (Ist form) + morning.
object? • They will be travelling at this time.
• Will you accept my advice? • The children will be doing their homework.
• Will he attend the meeting on Sunday? Negative Sentences
• Why will they do the work here? Pattern
• Who will come to meet you tomorrow? Subject + will/shall + not + be + verb (ing) +
object.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage
Affirmative Sentences Rule 2
Pattern To denote an action that had been going on for
Subject + had + verb (IIIrd form) + O/A. sometime before another action took place in the
past; as,
• She had seen the Taj Mahal.
• I had been solving problems of mathematics
• The patient had died before the doctor for hours when you come.
came.
Rule 3
• The Train had left before I reached the To express a repeated action in the past perfect as
station. a continuous action; as,
• The peon rang the bell after we had reached • He had been trying to phone her.
school.
Affirmative Sentences
Negative Sentences
Pattern
Pattern Subject + had been + verb (ing) + object + since/
Subject + had not + verb (IIIrd verb) + O/A. for.
• I had not seen the Red Fort. • We had been studying in this college since
• She had not completed her homework. 1990.
• The patient had not died before the doctor • They had been teaching there for ten years.
came. Negative Sentences
• The farmers had not ploughed their fields Pattern
before it rained. Subject + had + not been + verb (ing) + object
Interrogative Sentences + since/for.
Pattern • He had not been working in this company
Had + subject + verb (IIIrd form) + O/A? for ten years.
Q.W. + Had + subject + verb (IIIrd form) + • The washerman had not been washing
O/A? clothes since 10 o’ clock.
• Had you seen the Taj Mahal? Interrogative Sentences
• Had you reached school before the bell Pattern
rang? Had + subject + been + verb (ing) + object +
• Why had he not finished his work before since/for?
the teacher came? Q.W. + had + subject + been + verb (ing) +
object + since/for?
Adverbials
Before, after. • Had they been working in that company for
twenty years?
• Where had he been teaching them for four
11. Past perfect continuous months?
tense
The past perfect continuous bears the same
relation to the past perfect as the present perfect
12. Future simple tense
continuous bears to the present perfect. Rule 1
Rule 1 It is used to talk about things which we cannot
When the action began before the time of control. It expresses the future as fact. We use
speaking in the past and continued up to that this tense to talk about what we think or believe
time, or stopped just before it, we can often use will happen in the future; as,
either past perfect or past perfect continuous; as, • I think India will win the match.
• It was now six and he was tired because he Rule 2
had worked since dawn. It is used to express habitual action which will
• It was now six and he was tired because he take place and which we cannot control; as,
had been working since dawn. • Spring will come again.

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Page 122 Discursive Passage Chapter 1
Rule 2 or may not be fulfilled.
We can use the future perfect continuous to
Pattern
emphasize how long something has been going on
Present Indefinite in If clause + Subject + will/
by a particular point in the future; as,
shall/can/may + verb in main clause.
• On Saturday, we will have been living in
If Clause Main Clause
this house for a year.
Affirmative Sentences If you come early We shall begin the
work
Pattern
Subject + will/shall + have been + verb (ing) + If she loves him She will marry him
object +since/for.
• The girls will have been dancing since 4 o’ 2. Improbable or Imaginary Condition
clock. It tells us what we expect may not take place.
• The shoe maker will have been repairing Pattern
our shoes since morning. Simple Past in If clause + Subject + would/
should/could/might + infinitive (verb).
• The gardener will have been watering the
plants for two hours. If Clause Main Clause
Negative Sentences If you paid the amount We would deliver the
goods
Pattern
Subject + will/shall + not + have been + verb If I saw Aman I could talk to him
(ing) + ...
• Golu will not have been driving bicycle for 3. Unfulfilled Condition
three hours. It tells us that something did not take place
• The labourers will not have been because a particular condition was not fulfilled.
whitewashing the house for four days. Pattern
Interrogative Sentences Past Perfect in If clause + Subject + would/
should/could/might + have + Past Participle in
Pattern main clause.
Will/Shall + subject + have been + verb (ing)?
Q.W. + will/shall + subject + have been + verb If Clause Main Clause
(ing)? If you had resigned the You would have faced
• Why will the teacher have been teaching job several financial
the students since 10 o’ clock. troubles
• Will they have been travelling for six hours? If I had married Geeta I would have been
happier
Interrogative Negative Sentences
Pattern
Will/Shall + subject + not have been + verb
(ing) + object? 17. Other Tense
Q.W. + will/shall + subject + not have been +
verb (ing) +object? 1. Future in the Past Tense
• Will the farmers not have been ploughing Pattern
the field since morning? All persons + might/would/could/should/must
+ have + Past Participle form of verb.
• Why will the tailor master not have been
sewing any clothes for three days? • I might have given him a pen.
All persons + was/were + going to + Present
form of verb.
16. Conditional tense
• I was going to give him a pen.
1. Open Condition
2. Future in the Past Continuous Tense
It tells us that something will take place, if a
Future in the past continuous tense are used to
certain condition is fulfilled. This condition may

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

• They will not be having food this time. • All the guests will have taken dinner.
• I shall not be doing my work that day. • We shall have finished our work by then.
• The children will not be learning their • Ramesh will have completed his studies by
lesson. the time his father retires.
• The boatman will not be rowing this boat. Negative Sentences
Interrogative Sentences Pattern
Pattern Subject + will not/shall not + have + verb (IIIrd
Will/Shall + subject + be + verb (ing) + object? form) + object.
Q.W. + will/shall + subject + be + verb (ing) • The thief will not have fled before the police
+ object? reach there.
• Will you be coming here tomorrow? • We shall not have finished our game before
• Who will be doing your work that day? father comes here.

• How will you be doing this work? • They will not have written the essay before
the teacher comes.
• Will he be preparing for his examination
there? Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative Negative Sentences Pattern

Will/Shall + subject + have + verb (IIIrd form)
Pattern + object?
Will/Shall + subject + not + be + verb (ing) + Q. w. + will/shall + subject + have + verb (IIIrd
object? form) + object?
Q.W. + will/shall + subject + not + be + verb
(ing) + object? • Will you have completed your course before
the examination begin?
• Will you not be playing ludo that time?
• Will they have reached the station before
• Shall we not be having our food there? the train departs.
• Why will they not be whitewashing the • How will they have reached the field before
house today? it starts raining.
• Why will he not be talking to me. Interrogative Negative Sentences
Pattern
14. Future perfect tense Will/Shall + subject + not + have + verb (IIIrd
form) + object?
Rule 1 Q.W. + will/shall + subject + not + have + verb
It indicates an action which will be finished before (IIIrd form) + object?
a certain time in the future; as,
• Will you not have reached the office before
• I shall have come back from office before 10 o’ clock?
you go out.
• Shall we not have eaten food before the
Rule 2 guests come?
It is used to express the speaker’s belief that
something has taken place; as, • Why will he not have finished his work
before Monday?
• You will have heard of Ashoka’s victory.
Rule 3
Sometimes it is used to express a past possibility; 15. Future perfect
as, continuous tense
• She will have purchased a new sari.
Rule 1
Affirmative Sentences The future perfect continuous tense is used for
Pattern actions which will be in progress over a period of
Subject + will/shall + have + verb (IIIrd form) time that will end in the future; as,
+ object. • By next march we shall have been living
here for four years.

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Page 124 Discursive Passage Chapter 1
Ans : 2024
11. Complete the line from a song by filling in the
(a) saves blank with the correct option.
6. Complete the line from a song by filling the blank The whispering leaves tell your tale,
with the correct option : The silent stones _____ your journey,
The morning dew captures your essence, The sun casts light on your path,
The flowers and grass _____ your colour, Leading you towards tomorrow’s glory.
The Sunrise embraces your arrival, (a) have echoed (b) echo
As the dawn welcomes a new day. (c) echoes (d) shall echo
(a) reflect (b) reflects Ans : 2024

(b) echo
(c) reflected (d) shall reflect
Ans : 2024
12. Complete the line from a ‘Save the Planet’ song,
(a) reflect by filling in the blank with the correct option.
7. Complete the given narrative by filling in the Let’s see what we can do
blank with the correct option : To save the planet for me and you
The internship at the tech startup had me E is for environment, keep it clean
_____ excited about the potential of innovation If we _____ together, we’ll make the best team.
and entrepreneurial spirit. (a) will be standing (b) stand
(a) feeling (b) felt (c) had stood (d) are standing
(c) to feel (d) feels Ans : 2024

Ans : 2024 (b) stand

(a) feeling
13. Fill in the blank by using the correct word in the
8. Complete the given narrative, by filling in the bracket.
blank with the correct option. Anyas _____ (eat) all the chocolates kept in
The opportunity to volunteer at the local food the tray.
bank made me _____ the challenges faced by (a) ate (b) eating
underprivileged communities. (c) have eaten (d) eaten
(a) realizing (b) to realize Ans : 2023

(c) realized (d) realize (a) ate

Ans : 2024
14. Complete the line from a self- awareness song, by
(d) realize
filling the blank with the correct option.
9. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to The river runs through your veins
complete the update on the school’s chess team. The trees and mountains _____ your name
It’s a victorious day ! The moon and stars watch over
Our school’s chess team _____ he interschool You’re guiding your way back home
chess championship. To dream the night away.
(a) has been won (b) will winning (a) will (b) call
(c) was winning (d) has won (c) had called (d) calls
Ans : 2024 Ans : 2023

(d) has won (b) call

10. Complete the given narrative by filling in the 15. Select the correct option to fill the blank about
blank with the correct option. Dipti’s nature.
Now that many employees have shown high She always _____ every person.
productivity working from home, will their (a) trust (b) trusts
bosses hereafter _____ them to take working (c) trusting (d) have trusted
vacations ? Ans : 2023

(a) expecting (b) expected (b) trusts

(c) have expected (d) expect
Ans : 2024
16. Complete the given narrative, by filling in the
(d) expect blank with the correct option :

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

month, this year, recently etc.are used; as, action Past Perfect tense is used and with the
• I saw him today. (Past Indefinite) subsequent action Past Indefinite tense is used;
as,
• I have seen him today. (Present Perfect)
• The bus had departed before we reached
• I saw this movie this week. (Past Indefinite) the bus station.
• I have seen this movie this week. (Present • We reached the bus station after the bus
Perfect) had departed.
Rule 5
We use Simple Past tense after - It is high time, Rule 11
It is about time, It is time etc.; as, If some action is going on in Past time and in
• It is high time we left for the Railway the mean time another action occurs, in such
Station. situation, we use Past Continuous tense for
the action going on and Past Indefinite for the
Rule 6 subsequent action; as,
Past Indefinite is used for the action which
continues; as, • I was having my lunch when Rustam came.

• While the mother cooked, the children • When I was reading a book, Paragi arrived.
played. • While I was planting a sapling, an insect
• While my wife cooked, I watched T.V. bit me.

Rule 7 Affirmative Sentences

Past Indefinite is used in sentences expressing Pattern
Past habitual actions where - always, never, Subject + verb (IInd form) + O/A.
seldom, often, rarely, Used to/would, once a day/ • He saw a lion in the forest.
week/month, daily, every day/week/month/year
etc. are used; as, • She wrote him a letter yesterday.
• My father used to get up early in the
Negative Sentences
morning.
Pattern
• Salim would wait for his beloved friend for
Subject + did not + verb (Ist form)+ O/A.
hours.
• I did not meet him yesterday.
• My mother used to take care of me.
• She did not complete her work in time.
Rule 8
In conditional sentences, when if clause is used. It Interrogative Sentences
refers to present of future time; as, Pattern
• If you worked hard you might pass the Did + subject + verb (Ist form) + O/A?
examination. Q.W. + did + subject + verb (Ist form) + O/A?
• If he come on time, I would pay him his • Did you see a boy on the way?
salary. • Why did you break the table?
Rule 9
Simple past tense is used with supposition
sentences beginning with - if, as if, as though, I 9. Past continuous tense
wish, if only, we wish, He/She wishes etc.; as,
Rule 1
• I wish I were the Prime Minister of India.
Past Continuous tense expresses an action going
• If I became the Mayor of Allahabad. I would on at some time in the past; as,
solve all the Civic problems of the people.
• When she came into my room, I was
• He talks to me as if he were my boss. studying.
Rule 10 • He was looking ill yesterday.
When there are two clauses in a sentence i.e. two
• I was reading all afternoon.
kinds of actions are going, on with the previous

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Page 126 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

(a) is waiting (b) had been waiting Directions : In the following questions, sentences
(c) has waited (d) No improvement are given with blanks to be filled in with correct
Ans : 2018 Tense Form. Four alternatives are suggested for each
(b) had been waiting question. Choose the correct alternative out of the
four alternatives.
31. You would have succeeded if you acted upon my
38. They did not know where they _____ from.
advice.
(a) had come (b) have come
(a) had acted (b) would have acted
(c) has come (d) come
(c) have acted (d) No improvement
Ans : 2017
Ans : 2018
(a) had come
(a) had acted
39. She feared that she _____
32. The bell is ringing for two minutes.
(a) will fail (b) may fail
(a) has been (b) had been
(c) might have fail (d) would fail
(c) have been (d) No improvement
Ans : 2016
Ans : 2017
(d) would fail
(a) has been
33. The train left before I reached the station. 40. All the streets were flooded; it _____ all day
(a) will have left (b) leaves long.
(c) had left (d) No improvement (a) is raining (b) would be raining
Ans : 2017 (c) has been raining (d) had been raining
(c) had left Ans : 2015

(d) had been raining

34. He is afraid that his criminal record will be held
against him when he will apply for jobs. 41. When the third entered the house, the inmates
(a) when he apply for jobs _____ in the hall.
(b) when he applies for jobs (a) were slept (b) were sleeping
(c) when he should apply for jobs (c) slept (d) had been sleeping
Ans : 2015
(d) No improvement
(b) were sleeping
Ans : 2017

(b) when he applies for jobs 42. Had the police not reached there in time, the
bandits _____ him.
35. Ashutosh had occupying this house for 25 years
and has no intention of vacating it. (a) did have killed (b) will have killed
(a) is occupying (c) would kill (d) would have killed
Ans : 2014
(b) will be occupying
(d) would have killed
(c) has been occupying
(d) No improvement 43. The water tank _____ before it was filled.
Ans : 2018 (a) had been cleaned (b) have been cleaned
(c) has been occupying (c) has cleaned (d) had cleaned
Ans : 2014
36. By this time tomorrow, I will reach my home.
(a) had been cleaned
(a) will be reaching (b) shall have reached
(c) can reach (d) No improvement 44. She _____ for a grocer’s when I saw her.
Ans : 2018 (a) is looking (b) was looking
(b) shall have reached (c) will be looking (d) has been looking
Ans : 2013
37. They are waiting for her since morning.
(b) was looking
(a) were waiting (b) have been waiting
45. He _____ hard since morning.
(c) wait (d) No improvement
Ans : 2017
(a) worked (b) had worked
(b) have been waiting (c) has been working (d) would work

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2013
glass.
(c) has been working
(a) broke (b) had broken
46. If they _____ is earnest, they could have won (c) breaks (d) will break
the match. Ans : 2009

(a) tried (b) had tried (b) had broken

(c) would try (d) try 55. He _____ the intermediate examination.
Ans : 2013
(a) was passing (b) passed
(b) had tried
(c) has passed (d) have passed
47. I _____ my spectacles. Do help me find them. Ans : 2008
(a) lost (b) shall lose (c) has passed
(c) have lost (d) will have lost
Ans : 2012, 2008
56. I _____ a motorcycle when the price comes
(c) have lost down.
(a) buy (b) shall buy
48. The toothache is unbearable, I _____ my (c) had bought (d) bought
dentist this afternoon. Ans : 2007
(a) am seeing (b) have seen (b) shall buy
(c) saw (d) was seen
Ans : 2012
57. The engineers _____ this bridge since last year.
(a) am seeing (a) have repaired (b) have been repairing
49. Tomorrow afternoon at this time we _____ (c) had repaired (d) are repairing
over the Caribbean. Ans : 2007

(b) have been repairing

(a) flying (b) were flying
(c) shall be flying (d) have been flying 58. The farmers _____ their farms, if they had
Ans : 2012 known that a thunderstorm was approaching.
(c) shall be flying (a) will leave (b) would leave
50. If you go there, you _____ (c) will have left (d) would have left
Ans : 2007
(a) repented (b) will repent
(d) would have left
(c) have repented (d) are repenting
Ans : 2011
59. Solar Eclipse _____ next Monday.
(b) will repent (a) will occur (b) occurred
(c) has occurred (d) had occurred
51. It is already ten but he _____ as yet. Ans : 2006
(a) has not returned (b) would not return (a) will occur
(c) had not returned (d) will not return
Ans : 2010
60. If we _____ one more batsman in our team, we
(a) has not returned would have won the match.
(a) had had (b) would have been
52. The teacher _____ (c) would have (d) would have had
(a) is teaching (b) are teaching Ans : 2005

(c) has teaching (d) have teaching (a) had had

Ans : 2010

(a) is teaching Very Short Answer Type Question

53. While it _____ we saw the rainbow in the sky.
1. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the
(a) are raining (b) is raining word in the bracket, for the given portion of a
(c) were raining (d) was raining letter :
Ans : 2009 Therefore, I request you to please consider this
(d) was raining request of _____ (construct) a park in our
society so that each and every person can benefit
54. The little girl confessed that she _____ the

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Page 128 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

and we can enjoy a healthy environment amidst 5. The Mahabharata _____ (write) by Ved
the concrete jungle. Vyasji.
Ans : 2024 6. The Mahabharata _____ (be) an epic.
constructing 7. Malaria _____ (be) caused by female
2. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the Anopheles mosquito.
word in the brackets, for the given portion of a 8. They _____ (be) also called carriers.
letter. 9. When a Mosquito _____ (bite) a person,
the microbes enter into the bloodstream.
Thank you for exceeding company expectations
10. We should _____ (keep) the surrounding
and _____ (inspire) your team with your
clean to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes.
spectacular work ethic.
Ans :
Ans : 2024

inspiring 1. was 6. is
2. wanted 7. is
3. Fill up the blanks by using the correct tense form
of the verbs given in brackets. 3. inspired 8. are
1. We _____ (go) to Guwahati by Rajdhani 4. bowed 9. bites
Express last month.
5. was written 10. keep
2. Rajdhani train _____ (be) a fully air-
conditioned train.
3. It _____ (provide) food, cold drinks, water, 5. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the
and the blankets at night. verbs given in the brackets:
4. The journey _____ (be) cool. It imparted 1. The hungry child _____ for ten minutes.
solace to the soul and mind. (cry)
5. On the opposite, there _____ (be) a priest. 2. He _____ along the road when suddenly he
6. He _____ (be) in the church of Patna for _____ an old man. (walk, meet)
the past twenty years. 3. I praised him for what he _____ for the
7. I was informed that he _____ (read) a poor. (do)
book. 4. When I was at school, I _____ part in
8. He did not say when he _____ (come). cultural activities. (take)
9. I hope that you _____ (pardon) me soon. 5. You cannot go out till you _____ your
10. He taught me that good deeds _____ (be) homework. (complete)
never lost. 6. When I reached the house I _____ that
Ans : thieves _____ into it. (find, break)
7. My mother ………. food when she _____ a
1. went 6. has been
noise. (cook, hear)
2. is 7. had been reading 8. There is going to be a buss strike. Everyone
3. provides 8. would come _____ for auto rickshaws and rickshaws
next week. (look)
4. was 9. will pardon
9. He is a very rude person. I _____ him. (not
5. was 10. are help)
10. When you reach there, he _____ a book.
4. Fill up the blanks by using the correct tense form (read)
of the verbs given in brackets. Ans :
1. Arjun _____ (be) a good friend of Lord 1. has been crying 6. found, had broken
Krishna.
2. was walking, met 7. was cooking, heard
2. He never _____ (want) to fight with his
brother Duryodhan. 3. had done 8. will be looking
3. It was Krishna who _____ (inspire) Arjun 4. took 9. shan’t help
by giving him Upadesas of Gita.
5. have completed 10. will be reading
4. Arjun _____ (bow) before his Guru and
then he started fighting.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

6. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the Ans :

verbs given in the brackets. (a) have, (b) talks, (c) are, (d) help, (e) wore, (f)
reports.
1. I was _____ food when he came in. (cook)
2. The police _____ four thieves last night. 9. Fill up the blanks by using the correct tense form
(catch) of the verbs given in brackets.
3. It _____ since 9 o’clock. (rain) Honey, amla, gums, resins, tubers and tamarind;
4. I certainly _____ my colleague if I had all these and more (a) _____ (come) from
been there. (help) forests and (b) _____ (find) their way into our
lives. But the tribals who (c) _____ (pluck),
5. Stars _____ in the sky at night. (twinkle)
dig and extract them get a pittance. Now, the
6. All the students _____ the classwork when government (d) _____ (decide) to provide a
the teacher came in. (do) minimum support price (MSP) for some select
7. Mahesh _____ tomorrow from Patna. (come) forest produce on the lines of wheat and paddy.
8. The patient _____ before the doctor came. The step could (e) _____ (help) around 40
(die) million tribal families which still (f) _____
9. I saw that the policemen _____ the thieves. (depend) part or whole year on income from
(chase) forests.
Ans : 2016, 2008
10. He is a very rude person, I _____ him. (not
(a) come, (b) have found, (c) pluck, (d) has
help)
decided, (e) help, (f) depend.
Ans :
1. cooking 6. were doing 10. Fill up the blanks by using the correct tense form
of the verbs given in brackets.
2. caught 7. will come
A new study has (a) _____ (find) that birds
3. has been raining 8. had died living in cities (b) _____ (be) larger brains while
4. would have helped 9. were chasing species with smaller brains (c) _____ (find)
almost exclusively in rural locations. Researchers
5. twinkle 10. won’t help. at Sweden’s Uppsala University (d) _____
(look) at 82 bird species in central. European
7. Fill up the blanks by using the correct tense form cities and in the surrounding countryside and (e)
of the verbs given in brackets. _____ (found) that birds with relatively large
Last week I (a) _____ (visit) the trade fair. brains, such as crows and magpies (f) _____
It (b) _____ (inaugurate) by the President of (inhabit) urban areas.
India. I (c) _____ (accompany) by my friend Ans :
who (d) _____ (come) from the U.S.A. last (a) found, (b) have, (c) are found, (d) have looked,
week. He (e) _____ (live) in the U.S.A. since (e) have found, (f) inhabit.
last five years. He (f) _____ (do) his M.B.A.
from the New York University. 11. Fill up the blanks by using the correct tense form
Ans : of the verbs given in brackets.
(a) visited, (b) was inaugurated, (c) was When I (a) ____ (be) sixty years old, I (b)
accompanied, (d) had come, (e) has been living, _____ (be) open a club. All the members (c)
(f) is doing. _____ (be) a share in it. It (d) _____ (be)
comprise forty members who should be fifty-
8. Fill up the blanks by using the correct tense form plus in age. Health centre, swimming pool, and
of the verbs given in brackets. a dancing floor (e) _____ (be) be the features
Kate Middleton may (a) _____ (be) looked of that club. Membership fees (f) _____ (be)
dainty and fairy-like in her wedding gown but (b) 5 lacs.
_____ (talk) doing the rounds (c) _____ Ans : 2015
(be) that the dress bore a striking similarity with (a) will be, (b) will, (c) will have, (d) will, (e) will,
Grace Kelly’s wedding outfit. Royal wedding fans (f) will be.
couldn’t (d) _____ (help) noticing that both
the brides (e) _____ (wear) dramatic gowns 12. Fill up the blanks by using the correct tense form
with similar V-shaped necklines and long white of the verbs given in brackets.
lace sleeves at their respective weddings, (f) Peddacheppalli (a) _____ (become) a
_____ (report) the New York Daily. habitation after Pakistani Kapu brothers who
(b) _____ (come) from Northern India, (c)

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Page 130 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

_ (cut) down a forest and (d) _

(level) it, and hence the village (e) _____
(name) Peddacheppalli after the eldest of the
brothers. Sage Agastya (f) _____ (live) here
for some time.
Ans : 2014

(a) became, (b) came, (c) cut, (d) levelled, (e) was
named, (f) lived.

13. Fill up the blanks by using the correct tense form

of the verbs given in brackets.
With the onset of Kaliyuga, none (a) _____
(perform) pooja and the area (b) _____
(turn) into a forest with wild shrubs and mud
hills (c) _____ (form) on the Shivlingam.
When chappals (d) _____ (get) trees cut down
for (e) _____ (form) a village, a valmeekam
(f) _____ (surface) and local people offered
prayers.
Ans : 2013

(a) performed, (b) turned, (c) formed, (d) got, (e)

forming, (f) surfaced.

14. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option

given below:
(a) _____ the beauty of nature not through
right but through touch. She (b) _____
hundreds of things through mere touch. She (c)
_____ the smoothness of the skin of a silver
birth by (d) _____ her loving hands on it. She
(e) _____ the same thing and felt the rough
and shaggy bark of a pine. She desired that men
with sight and hearing power must (f) _____
full use of these powers.
(a) (i) enjoyed (ii) was enjoying
(ii) had enjoyed (iv) enjoys
(b) (i) will find (ii) finds
(iii) has found (iv) found
(c) (i) had judged (ii) judged
(iii) would judge (iv) was judging
(d) (i) passing (ii) passed
(iii) pass (iv) passes
(e) (i) do (ii) does
(iii) did (iv) will do
(f) (i) have made (ii) will make
(iii) made (iv) make
Ans :
(a) (i) enjoyed, (b) (iv) found, (c) (ii) judged, (d)
(i) passing, (e) (ii) did, (f) (iv) make.



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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

Chapter 2

M odals

1. Introduction Would (past form of will) is used

There are some modal auxiliaries in English To express a habit :
grammar. Words like will, would, shall, should, • He would rise early in the morning and go
can, could, may, might, must, ought to etc. when for a walk.
used with verbs (usually before the principal
verb) expressing the mode or manner of the action • He would sit for hours reading this book.
denoted by the verb are known as modals or To express a polite request :
modal auxiliaries. Modals use such ideas as ability • Would you open the door, please?
or capacity, probability or possibility, permission, • Would you mind standing here?
command, compulsion, duty, obligation etc. To express a wish, preference :
In most of the cases modals indicate present
or future times, however, sometimes they also • I wish you would come with us.
represent past times. • Would that (I wish) he were here.
• I would rather have a coffee than milk.
2. uses of modals • I would like to come with you.
Uses of different modals are given below: To express an imaginary condition :
• I would do it, if I were allowed.
Will is used • I would buy a bike if I won a lottery.
To express the pure future :
• You will see me at the mall. Should (Past form of shall) is used
• The Chairman will deliver the speech. To express duty/obligation or advise or
To express willingness, intention, promise, desirability:
determination with the first person (I, We) : • We should obey our parents. (Duty)
• I will write the letter for you. (Promise) • You should exercise daily. (Advise)
• I will help you. (Willingness/Intention) Should often implies a mild suggestion or advice.
• They will win the match. (Determination) It is milder form of must and ought to.
Note : will is never used with the first person in To express purpose after lest (in expression of
the interrogative. fear) :
• Work hard, lest you should fail.
Shall is used
• They hired a taxi lest they should miss the
To express pure future : train.
• We shall overcome someday.
• I shall help you. May is used
To ask for advice, suggestion, request etc. with To express possibility :
the first person (I, We) in the interrogative : • Sophia may turn up today.
• Shall I bring a cup of coffee for you? • It may rain today.
(Request) To express permission :
• Shall I open the door? (Advice) • You may go now.
• Shall we meet tomorrow? (Suggestion)

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Page 132 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

• May I come in, Sir? Must is used

To express wish, faith, hope : To express obligation or duty :
• May God bless you! • You must work hard.
• May you live long! • Soldiers must obey the orders of their
To express a purpose : officers.
• She is working hard so that she may win a • We must not cheat others.
scholarship. To express necessity or compulsion :
Might (Past form of may) is used • The letter must be written today.
To express less possibility : • She must do as I say.
To express emphatic advice or determination :
• She might come today.
• You must see a doctor at once.
• It might rain tonight.
To express permission : • You must not leave before you finish your
breakfast.
• Might I raise a question? To express assumption, conclusion/inference,
certainty/strong probability :
Can is used
• The Postmaster must be in his office at this
To express permission : time.
• You can go now. • She must be twenty one.
• He can stay here as long as he wishes. • He must have reached by now.
• Can I smoke here?
To express possibility : Ought (always followed by a ‘to’
• This can be true. infinitive) is used
• Anyone can make mistakes. To express the subject’s obligation or duty :
To express ability or capacity : • We ought to respect our parents.
• I can climb this mountain. • We ought not to deceive anyone.
• Hritik Roshan can dance very well. NOTE

NOTE
There is no external authority in ought as there is
Can never indicates past time. In the sense of in must which expresses the speaker’s authority.
ability, the past and the future tense forms are Must compels action on the part of the subject.
was/were able to and shall/will be able to : Ought expresses duty, inner conscience, a
sensible action or advice. It has the same sense
• He was not able to cross the road. (Past)
as should.
• I hope I shall be able to solve this problem. To give advice :
(Future)
• You ought to mediate for mental peace.
Could (past form of can) is used NOTE

To express ability/capacity in the past : Would, should, could, might, must, ought to
before have refer to past.
• She could dance very well in the youth.
• I could give him an answer if he had asked
me. 3. Marginal Auxiliary Verbs
To express a polite request :
• Could I borrow your book? Need (not) is used
• Could you wait for some time? Chiefly to show absence of necessity or compulsion
To express possibility under certain conditions: in the negative or interrogative :
• If we had money, we could buy a car. • The negative is formed by need not and the
interrogative by inversion.
• It could not be true.
• He need not pay your fees right now.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

Mom : Yes, you (b) _____ but you (c) _____ 32. Fill in the blanks using suitable modals.
be very careful to carry your water bottle along. If we sit in an incorrect posture, we (a) _____
Vedant : Ma, I (d) _____ certainly do that. strain our back. As far as possible, this (b)
Mom : I am a little perturbed about your health, _____ be avoided. If the posture becomes a
(e) _____ you carry your mobile in case I (f) part of habit, a low back pain invariably develops.
_____ communicate with your teacher? It (c) _____ be cured if we become conscious of
Ans : 2011 our posture. We can also take time out to perform
(a) can, (b) can, (c) should, (d) will, (e) could, a few exercises. If the exercises are done regularly,
(f) need to. the backache (d) _____ certainly be cured. It
(e) _____ also improve the blood circulation
28. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals. within the spine.
Cross-Border terrorism (a) _____ increase if Ans : 2008
there is no check now. The prime cause is, anybody (a) might, (b) should, (c) can, (d) will, (e) will.
who enters the state illegally (b) _____ be
permitted to stay. Our government (c) _____ 33. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals.
undertake strong measures so that this act could Ram (a) _____ keep his word as he has to
be prevented. I hope the terrorists. (d) _____ repay all his loan. He (b) _____ be seventeen
realise their moral obligation. Kill the sin and next week. I am certain that you (c) _____
not the sinner, hence the terrorists (e) _____ see that how successfully he has accomplished
not be punished rather they (f) _____ to be his mission. (d) _____ he live long ! You (e)
rehabilitated. _____ not worry. Your money is safe.
Ans : 2011 Ans : 2007

(a) will, (b) should not, (c) should, (d) would, (e) (a) should, (b) will, (c) will, (d) May, (e) need.
should, (f) ought/need.
34. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals.
29. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate modal. A person with a fragile ego (a) _____ take
Mohan is not keeping well nowadays. He (a) anything you say personally. They not only have
_____ see the doctor immediately. He (b) a hard time ahead, but (b) _____ also feel
_____ get well unless he visits a doctor. He insulted. They (c) _____ get hurt and in return
(c) _____ be suffering from viral fever. He (d) they (d) _____ injure others. They are called
_____ take proper medicine and rest lest he (e) sadists who (e) _____ certainly mar others’
_____ fall seriously ill. It (f) _____ affect reputation.
not only his health but studies also. Ans : 2006

Ans : 2010 (a) would, (b) may, (c) can, (d) can, (e) can.
(a) must, (b) can’t/won’t, (c) may, (d) should, (e)
should, (f) may. 35. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals.
In India, the death toll due to road accidents has
30. Fill in the blanks using suitable modals. increased drastically. Most of them (a) _____
You (a) _____ help the teacher to maintain a have been averted. Wider road awareness among
neat and organised classroom. You (b) _____ road users (b) _____ be taught. Separate lanes
regularly inspect classrooms and (c) _____ for heavy vehicles (c) _____ be made. More
assign duties to class monitors to participate. You stringent laws (d) _____ be enforced while
(d) _____ ensure drinking water is provided to issuing licenses. If we do not follow this, the
all. You (e) _____ impose a fine on students degrading society like ours (e) _____ fail the
found littering. next day.
Ans : 2009 Ans : 2005

(a) must, (b) should, (c) can, (d) must, (e) may. (a) could, (b) ought to, (c) should, (d) must, (e)
will.
31. Fill in the blanks using suitable modals.
How (a) _____ you say such a thing! You (b)
_____ be ashamed of yourself. You never (c)
_____ be so bold before. You (d) _____ 
behave from now.
Ans : 2009

(a) dare, (b) ought to, (c) used to, (d) must.

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Page 134 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

Directions : In the following questions, sentences are (c) May (d) Should
given with blanks to be filled in with an appropriate Ans : 2020

and suitable Modal Auxiliary. Four alternatives are (c) May

suggested for each question. Choose the correct
alternative out of the four alternatives. 14. _____ God help you.
(a) Might (b) Can
6. I _____ rather die than join the gang of (c) Would (d) May
terrorists. Ans : 2020

(a) could (b) should (d) May

(c) would (d) can
Ans : 2022
15. It _____ rain tonight.
(c) would (a) will (b) may
(c) should (d) can
7. I _____ go on with the work, cause what may. Ans : 2019

(a) may (b) will (b) may

(c) shall (d) can
Ans : 2022
16. Work hard lest you _____ fail.
(b) will (a) should (b) may
(c) would (d) will
8. You _____ tell the truth. Ans : 2019

(a) must (b) would (a) should

(c) might (d) can
Ans : 2022
17. _____ heaven protect you !
(a) must (a) Can (b) May
(c) Might (d) Should
9. _____ you post this letter for me, please ? Ans : 2018

(a) Must (b) Will (b) May

(c) Shall (d) Need
Ans : 2021
18. My grand mother _____ read without glasses
(b) Will even now.
(a) should (b) must
10. Your sister is seriously injured. You _____ (c) would (d) can
consult a good doctor. Ans : 2018, 2016

(a) can (b) would (d) can

(c) might (d) must
Ans : 2021
19. You have a large number of shirts. You _____
(d) must buy any more
(a) need not (b) can not
11. The teacher said to Hari, “you _____ go where (c) would not (d) should not
you like.” Ans : 2017

(a) may (b) can (a) need not

(c) shall (d) should
Ans : 2020
20. As you sow, so _____ you reap.
(a) may (a) will (b) can
(c) shall (d) may
12. He prayed that God _____ give me prosperity. Ans : 2017

(a) must (b) could (c) shall

(c) should (d) might
Ans : 2020
21. We _____ drink in a public place. It is a crime.
(d) might (a) must not (b) should not
(c) would not (d) could not
13. _____ I go out, Sir ? Ans : 2016

(a) Can (b) Will (a) must not

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

22. How _____ you speak to me like that ? 31. You _____ not enter my class. I forbid it.
(a) can (b) dare (a) will (b) may
(c) will (d) may (c) shall (d) dare
Ans : 2016 Ans : 2013

(b) dare (c) shall

23. He said I _____ use his car whenever I wanted. 32. I _____ not come yesterday since I was too
(a) will (b) would busy.
(c) could (d) can (a) dare (b) need
Ans : 2015 (c) could (d) should
(c) could Ans : 2013

(c) could
24. You _____ start your work in right earnest.
(a) must (b) can 33. _____ you open the gate, please ?
(c) should (d) may (a) May (b) Might
Ans : 2015 (c) Will (d) Would
(a) must Ans : 2013

(d) Would
25. One _____ love one’s neighbours.
(a) used to (b) ought to 34. My father is not well. Still he _____ come.
(c) dare (d) could (a) can (b) may
Ans : 2015 (c) would (d) might
(b) ought to Ans : 2012

(d) might
26. We _____ do as we are told.
(a) must (b) should 35. He _____ not worry about me.
(c) can (d) may (a) may (b) would
Ans : 2015 (c) need (d) could
(a) must Ans : 2011. 2009

(c) need
27. You _____ not feel sorry for this petty mistake.
(a) dare (b) need 36. He _____ not challenge me.
(c) used to (d) ought (a) need (b) dare
Ans : 2014 (c) would (d) might
(b) need Ans : 2011

(b) dare
28. She _____ have been ill.
(a) must (b) dare 37. The news I heard just now is so strange that you
(c) need (d) ought _____ not believe it.
Ans : 2014 (a) will (b) could
(a) must (c) might (d) None of these
Ans : 2010
29. At Lahore I _____ walk by the Ravi. (c) might
(a) ought to (b) used to
(c) need (d) dare 38. You will have to catch the morning flight, so you
Ans : 2013
_____ better get ready.
(b) used to (a) may (b) had
(c) should (d) would
30. He _____ not eat so much, he will fall ill. Ans : 2010
(a) dare (b) must (c) should
(c) need (d) used to
Ans : 2013

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Page 136 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

39. He _____ sometimes force himself to work on (b) He must take the examination.
till late in the night only to find himself unable to (c) He can’t take the examination.
do anything the next day. (d) He has been permitted to take the
(a) could (b) used to examination.
(c) would (d) should Ans :
Ans : 2010 (d) He has been permitted to take the examination.
(c) would
47. You must come in time.
40. _____ our king live long ! (a) You are likely to come in time.
(a) May (b) Must (b) You are obliged to come in time.
(c) Should (d) Can (c) You have the option to come in time.
Ans : 2010
(d) You can’t come in time.
(a) May Ans :
41. We eat so that we _____ live. (b) You are obliged to come in time.
(a) may (b) might 48. Shall we sit in the lawn ?
(c) can (d) could (a) I suggest we sit in the lawn.
Ans : 2009
(b) We must sit in the lawn.
(a) may
(c) We have to sit in the lawn.
42. Mr. Sharma said that it was money that he (d) We can sit in the lawn.
_____ collect from him. Ans :
(a) shall (b) will (a) I suggest we sit in the lawn.
(c) can (d) could 49. The rupee may be devalued.
Ans : 2009
(a) The value of the rupee has gone down.
(d) could
(b) The value of the rupee is to go down.
43. The father divided his property among his three
(c) It is possible that the value of the rupee will
sons lest they _____ quarrel afterwards.
go down.
(a) should (b) shall
(d) The value of the rupee can’t go down.
(c) will (d) could Ans :
Ans : 2008, 2004
(c) It is possible that the value of the rupee will
(a) should go down.
44. Had I known about the agenda, I _____ have 50. Need you work so hard ?
attended the meeting.
(a) You must work so hard.
(a) could (b) would
(b) You don’t work so hard.
(c) will (d) might
Ans : 2008
(c) You don’t have to work so hard.
(b) would (d) You can’t work so hard.
Ans :
45. He _____ easily swim across this river. (c) You don’t have to work so hard.
(a) may (b) could
(c) need to (d) might
Ans : 2007
Very Short Answer Type Question
(b) could 1. Identify the error and supply the correction for the
following advertisement of an antivirus software.
Directions : In the following questions, choose the
A properly installed and maintained antivirus
correct alternative out of the four alternatives that
program may wipe out any malware attack, be it
closest to the idea conveyed by the sentence.
a bot, a virus, a Trojan or even ransomware.
46. He may take the examination. Use the given format for your response.
(a) He will take the examination.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

• You need to take a sound sleep. EXERCIS

• Need I speak to him.
It does not take s in the third person singular Multiple Choice Type Question
present tense. Its past is had to in the affirmative,
need not have in the negative and need have in 1. Complete the slogan, by filling in the blank with
the interrogative. the correct option.
When it gets really hot, rain _____ a blessing.
• You need not have wasted your time in this
useless activity. (a) should be (b) will be
(c) must be (d) ought to be
• Need I have to see my doctor?
Ans : 2024

Dare is used (b) will be

In the negative and interrogative. The negative 2. Select the option that identifies the error and
is formed by dare not and the interrogative by supplies the correction for the opening line, from
inversion. It does not take s in the third person a Terms and Conditions document.
singular present tense. Though all efforts have been made to ensure the
• I dare not kill this snake. accuracy of the content on this website, the same
could not be construed as a statement of law or
• How dare you come here?
used for any legal purposes.
• Dare we interrupt him?
Both dare and need can be used as main Option No. Error Correction
verbs. Then they take s in the third person (a) efforts effort
singular present tense. They form their negative
and interrogative with do and are followed by to (b) ensure ensuring
infinitive. (c) could should
(d) of for
Used (to) is used
Ans : 2024
To express past habit :
(c)
• I used to carry a lunch box to school. (I
don’t carry now) 3. A modal verb is always followed by
• I used to sing in my young age. (I don’t (a) V 5 (b) V 4
sing now) (c) V 2 (d) V 1
To express the existence of something in the past : Ans :
• There used to be a big mansion over here. (d) V 1

4. Can you lift this box ? What does the underlined

auxiliary can suggests ?
 (a) Capacity (b) Competence
(c) Ability (d) Skill
Ans :
(c) Ability

5. The game should be finished by now. What does

the underlined auxiliary should suggests ?
(a) Probability (b) Conjecture
(c) Deduction (d) Prediction
Ans :
(d) Prediction

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Page 138 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

9. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply 13. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
the correction. the correction.
He said I will use his car whenever I wanted. The German force lost no time in retreat lest they
might be cut off and surrounded.
Use the given format for your response.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction
Error Correction

Ans : 2022
Ans : 2019. 2012
Error Correction
Error Correction
will could
might should
10. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
the correction. 14. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
You have a large number of shirts. You can not the correction.
buy any more. The news I heard just now is so strange that you
Use the given format for your response. could not believe it.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction
Error Correction
Ans : 2021

Ans : 2018
Error Correction
can not need not Error Correction
could might
11. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
the correction. 15. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
We could eat lots of fruit and vegetables every the correction.
day. You may be hungry after all that walking.
Use the given format for your response.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction Error Correction

Ans : 2021
Ans : 2018

Error Correction Error Correction

could ought to may must

12. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply 16. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
the correction. the correction.
I remember my promise. I would help you in the The father divided his property among his three
hour of your need. sons lest they will quarrel afterwards.
Use the given format for your response. Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction Error Correction

Ans : 2020 Ans : 2017

Error Correction Error Correction

would will will should

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

Error Correction 5. Read the given dialogue carefully. Identify the

error and supply the correction in the sentence.
Sanya exclaims, “Look! My keys are in the
Ans : 2024 refrigerator. I will have absent-mindedly put them
here while putting away the groceries.”
Error Correction
Use the given format for your response.
may should/will
Error Correction
2. Read the given sentence from an article on Yoga.
Identify the error and supply the correction in the
sentence : Ans : 2023

Yoga should help lower blood pressure, cholesterol,

and blood sugar, all of which are not good for Error Correction
your heart and blood vessels. will must/might/could
Use the given format for your response.
6. Read the given sentence from a recipe review
Error Correction
article. Identify the error and supply the correction
in the sentence.
Ans : 2024 This delightful recipe must keep your hunger
pangs at bay with its balanced spices and oriental
Error Correction flavour.
Should Can/may/might
Use the given format for your response.
3. Read the given sentence from a science journal. Error Correction
Identify the error and supply the correction in the
sentence.
‘When nutrition therapy is provided by a qualified Ans : 2023

professional, people could learn how to make

better food choices.’ Error Correction
Use the given format for your response. must will
Error Correction
7. Fill the blank to complete the cautionary
declaration, given below.
Ans : 2024
The traffic police _____ penalize the law breakers
Error Correction strictly.
could can Ans : 2023

will
4. Identify the error and supply the correction for
8. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
the following note in a smart watch’s instruction
the correction.
manual.
My class teacher told me that I can work hard.
When the watch is connected to the mobile
phone, the watch may automatically calibrate and Use the given format for your response.
synchronize with the time of the mobile phone.
Error Correction
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction
Ans : 2022

Ans : 2024
Error Correction
can should
Error Correction
may will

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Page 140 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

2. The hotels will be full, possibly. (might) Ans :

3. I’m sure it is the sun cream you are allergic Incorrect Correct
to. (must)
1. can should
4. It’s not possible for us to change the weather.
(can’t) 2. should may
5. Is it a good idea to take it with us this time? 3. can could
(should)
4. may not can’t
Ans : 2014

1. We need not buy the cap. 5. can must

2. The hotels might be full.
24. Complete the dialogue, filling in the blanks.
3. It must be the sun cream you’re allergic to.
Frog : You (a) _____ practise for longer hours
4. We can’t change the weather. as it will make your voice grow stronger.
5. Should we take it with us this time? Nightingale : But I (b) _____ as the weather
is bad.
22. In the following passage, one modal needs to be Frog : If you don’t then you (c) _____ lose
inserted in each line. Write the missing modal your audience. You (d) _____ to make them
along with the word that comes before and the happier.
word that comes after it. Nightingale : No, I am leaving your Bingle Bog
1. I believe I get them all in this shop. Jungle right now, I (e) _____ not sing at any
2. You see, I buy a present for my friend. cost.
3. What we look at first? Frog : You (f) _____ not or else I will kill you.
Ans : 2013
4. Gloves . I think they be on this floor.
(a) must, (b) can’t, (c) shall, (d) ought, (e) would,
5. I see just the kind we want. (f) dare.
6. You try these on.
Ans : 2013 25. Complete the dialogue, filling in the blanks.
Kinshuk : Doctor, I am not feeling well, (a)
Before Missing After _____ you please issue me a medical certificate?
1. I can get Dr. Anil : Yes, certainly I (b) _____ if you (c)
_____ tell me your ailment.
2. I have to buy Kinshuk : Sir, I (d) _____ go to Simla as I am
3. What shall we suffering from workaholism.
Dr. Anil : This is no ailment. Sorry, in that case I
4. they might be
(e) _____ You (f) _____ leave now.
5. I can see Ans : 2012
(a) could, (b) will, (c) can, (d) need to, (e) cannot,
6. You should try
(f) may.
23. Meera has written a dialogue between two 26. Complete the dialogue, filling in the blanks.
friends. But she has used the wrong modals. Find Prachi : (a) _____ I remind you that tomorrow
the incorrect modals and replace them with the we (b) _____ go for a movie?
correct ones in each line. Rashmi : No, you (c) _____ I (d) _____ ask
1. Sonu : Where’s Vikas? He can have been here Namrata to remind me.
half an hour ago. Prachi : I (e) _____ be happy if you bring your
2. Vicky : He should have got lost. He is still sister along.
new to this town. Rashmi : OK. I (f) _____ certainly.
3. Sonu : He can have forgotten all about the Ans : 2012

(a) should, (b) have to, (c) need not, (d) shall, (e)
plan, I suppose.
would, (f) would.
4. Vicky : He may not have forgotten. We are
talking about it this morning. 27. Complete the dialogue, filling in the blanks.
5. Sonu : Well, something can have delayed him. Vedant : Mom, (a) _____ I go for a picnic
tomorrow with my friends?

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

17. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply 6. The villagers _____ use kerosene lamps a
the correction. few years ago. (must/had to)
You could not disturb him during his work. 7. The old lady _____ take a bath every day
before taking meals, (ought to/should)
Use the given format for your response.
8. She _____ finish this work before I go.
Error Correction (has to/must)
9. Ramesh said that they _____ report for
duty on Monday, (should/ought to)
Ans : 2016
10. We _____ prepare our lessons well before
Error Correction the examination. (ought to/must)
Ans :
could not must not
1. must 2. ought to 3. need
18. Fill in the blanks with correct modal. 4. should 5. have to 6. had to
1. He knew that he _____ (would/must) be
7. should 8. must 9. should
able to reach office in time.
2. You _____ (dare/could) not enter my 10. ought to
house again.
3. I thought he _____ (should/would) be at 20. Fill in the blanks using appropriate modals.
school. 1. I _____ eat 5 bananas at a time when I
4. Raman _____ (can/should) speak in two was young.
voices. 2. You _____ see the lawyer at once.
5. I _____ (can’t/couldn’t) write what you 3. _____ god protect you from the pain and
spoke. agony.
6. You _____ (should/can) have told me 4. My mother _____ watch T.V. for hours
earlier. even now.
7. _____ (Can/Should) i get something to 5. It _____ be cold in the evening, who
drink, please? I am very thirsty. knows?
8. _____ (Can/Should) I use your car, please? 6. Avoid the offending allergen that _____
9. You _____ (can/would) go in now and cause allergy. It may be a particular food,
meet the doctor. perfume, smoke or a cold environment.
10. I _____ (would/should) love to teach these 7. Today you _____ put your mind and
children. talents to use. You should establish new
Ans : contacts.
8. He said that the inspector had not
1. would 2. dare 3. would been removed. This _____ affect the
4. can 5. couldn't 6. should investigation.
9. He _____ fail to deliver goods.
7. Can 8. Can 9. can
10. The company _____ rather prefer to buy
10. would the shares of other financial institutions.
Ans :
19. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals:
1. We _____ obey our teachers, (have to/ 1. could 2. must 3. May
must) 4. can 5. may 6. might
2. She _____ pass this time, (ought to/has
7. should 8. might 9. may
to)
3. He _____ not buy a car. (has to/need) 10. will
4. He works hard lest he _____ fail, (should/
21. Rewrite the following sentences using the words
must)
given in the brackets.
5. Do you _____ cook your own meal?
1. It’s not necessary to buy the cap. (need)
(should/have to)

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Page 142 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

Chapter 3

S ubject-Verb Concord

1. Introduction Correct Computer and telecommunication

have metamorphosed information
Action is what comes to your mind as soon as you technology.
think of a verb. You think of something. You tell Note that computer and telecommunication
something. You play cricket. You run. All these are two distinct subjects. So they will take a
bolder words tell about you and are called verbs. plural verb.
In fact, your identity is established by a verb, by
what you do, by what you are. Note this are, Rule 2
which does not denote an action but a state of If two singular nouns refer to the same person or
being. Nevertheless, it tells about you and hence thing, the verb must be singular.
also is a verb. Language has its base in logic Incorrect The poet and critic have been
and harmony. The subject and the verb are the honoured.
essential parts of a sentence. It is imperative that Correct The poet and critic has been
the verb agree with the subject in number and honoured.
person. In such sentences you have to be very cautious
about the article the. When we say the poet and
critic, we are referring to one person only who is
2. Meaning and DEFINITION both poet as well as critic. Say, someone like TS
Concord is the agreement which must occure Eliot. When we say the poet and the critic, we are
between the subject and the verb in a sentence. referring to two persons - one the poet and the
The subject is the part of the sentence which does other the critic. Since the given incorrect sentence
something. The verb tells what it does. Subject- uses the only once, we are talking of one person.
verb concord or agreement can be defined as Hence, the verb should be singular.
follows: Rule 3
Subject-verb concord or agreement refers to the If two subjects together express one idea, the verb
relationship between the subject and predicate of is in the singular.
the sentence. Incorrect Bread and butter are essential for
Subject-verb concord or agreement means that the one’s life.
subject and the verb must agree in case and in Correct Bread and butter is essential for one’s
number. life.
Here we are not talking of bread and butter as
separate food items. One can very well do without
3. some basic Rules these. If you eat rice instead of bread and take no
Some rules of subject-verb concord or agreement butter at all, even then life goes on. Here bread
are given below: and butter means livelihood. Means of living is
Rule 1 essential for one’s life. Thus we see that the two
Two or more singular subjects connected by and nouns together convey a single idea. Hence, the
usually take a verb in the plural. verb should be singular.
Incorrect Computer and telecommunication Rule 4
has metamorphosed information If the singular subjects are preceded by each or
technology. every, the verb is usually singular.
Incorrect Every man and woman in a family

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

are responsible for the upbringing of not proper.

a child. The writer of the above sentence has a myopic
Correct Every man and woman in a family (short-sighted) vision. His grammar functions
is responsible for the upbringing of a jerkily. He sees students and immediately
child. concludes - plural verb were. If we calmly put the
Here it appears as if there were two subjects question what/who was/were not proper?, we see
- man and woman. Hence the mistake of using that it is the behaviour, not the students. Since
the plural verb are. But mark the word every. the subject the behaviour is singular, the verb
The use of this word brings in the idea of one at should be singular.
a time. Hence, use singular verb. Rule 9
Rule 5 Words joined to a singular subject by with, as
Two or more singular subjects connected by or, well as etc. are parenthetical. The verb should
nor, either ... or, neither ... nor take a verb in the therefore be put in the singular.
singular. Incorrect The guru as well as his disciples are
Incorrect Either Manoj or Madhukar have the committed to celibacy.
key to this problem. Correct The guru as well as his disciples is
Correct Either Manoj or Madhukar has the committed to celibacy.
key to this problem. Note that as well as is different from and or
The use of either ... or makes it clear that or. In the case of the latter conjunctions both
it is one of the two and should therefore take a parts - that is, the one before the conjunction and
singular verb. or or, and the one after the conjunction - carry
equal weights. But in the case of as well as, the
Rule 6
part that comes after it is merely supporting in
When the subjects joined by or or nor are of
nature - worthy of being put within brackets. The
different numbers, the verb must be plural and
main part is the one that comes before it and the
the plural subject must be placed next to the
verb behaves in accordance with this part. In the
verb.
given sentence; as, guru is singular.
Incorrect Neither Rekha nor her friends was
present at the party. Rule 10
Correct Neither Rekha nor her friends were Either, neither, each, everyone, many a must be
present at the party. followed by a singular verb.
In such cases, we function on the principle Incorrect Many a man have resigned in crisis.
‘plural includes singular’. The verb was may Correct Many a man has resigned in crisis.
apply to Rekha but not to her friends. For the The confusion is but natural. The moment
latter we need a plural verb. But can the plural one sees many a, the mind is filled with plural
verb apply to singular Rekha? Yes, because plural notions. In fact, the phrase does have a plural
includes singular. meaning. But in spite of its meaning, it behaves
as a singular adjective. Look at the noun. It is
Rule 7 man, not men. So the verb should be singular.
When the subjects joined by or or nor are of
different persons, the verb agrees in person with Rule 11
the one nearest to it. When a plural noun denotes some specific
Incorrect Either she or I will pay the fees. quantity or amount considered as a whole, the
Correct Either she or I shall pay the fees. verb is generally singular.
O Incorrect Five hours are too short a time to
Either she will pay the fees, or I shall. judge one’s character.
The verb here should agree with I, not she. Correct Five hours is too short a time to
judge one’s character.
Rule 8 Here five hours is being considered as one
Error of Proximity : The verb is made to agree chunk. This is made clearer by the use of a time.
in number with a noun near it instead of with So, the verb should be singular.
its proper subject. This is wrong and should be
avoided.
Incorrect The behaviour of the students were 
not proper.
Correct The behaviour of the students was

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Page 144 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

EXERCIS that?
(a) The typing of letters are over
(b) The typing of letters is over
Multiple Choice Type Question (c) Both a and b
1. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option (d) None of these
Ans :
to complete the part of the grievance posted by a
(b) The typing of letters is over.
citizen on a social media platform.
Crossing this stretch at any time of the day is a 8. We use _____ with singular nouns and
challenge. Even during afternoons, there _____ pronouns.
ice cream vendors on the road with people
(a) is (b) are
crowding around their carts.
(c) they (d) none of these
(a) were (b) are Ans :
(c) have been (d) would be (a) is
Ans : 2024

(b) are 9. We use _____ with plural nouns and pronouns.

(a) are (b) is
2. Complete Nelson Mandela’s quote by filling in the
blank with the correct option. (c) am (d) none of these
Ans :
“The greatest glory in living _____ not in never
(a) are
falling, but in rising every time we fall.” - Nelson
Mandela 10. We use _____ with the singular pronoun I.
(a) lie (b) lies (a) am (b) is
(c) lays (d) laying (c) are (d) none of these
Ans : 2023
Ans :
(b) lies (a) am
3. In a sentence a verb must agree with its 11. We use was with _____ nouns and pronouns.
(a) subject (b) object (a) singular (b) plural
(c) second object (d) none of these (c) both a and b (d) none of these
Ans : Ans :
(a) subject (a) singular
4. In a sentence, a verb must agree with the subject 12. We use were with _____ nouns and pronouns.
(a) in person (b) in number (a) plural (b) singular
(c) both a and b (d) none of these (c) both a and b (d) none of these
Ans : Ans :
(c) both a and b (a) plural
5. If the subject is singular, the verb will also be 13. The student _____ completed this chapter.
(a) singular (b) plural (a) have (b) has
(c) in third form (d) none of these (c) is (d) are
Ans : Ans : 2018
(a) singular (b) has
6. If the subject is plural. The verb will also be 14. Mahesh and Suresh _____ business partners.
(a) plural (b) singular (a) have (b) has
(c) in third form (d) none of these (c) are (d) had
Ans : Ans : 2018
(a) plural (c) are
7. Only one of the following sentences has got a 15. She _____ her office by 9 a.m. daily.
correct subject-verb agreement. Which one is
(a) reach (b) reaches

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

(c) reached (d) reaching (c) looks (d) looked

Ans : 2017 Ans : 2014

(b) reaches (b) look

16. Kamal and his friends _____ also invited to 24. Each and every member _____ to vote.
the party. (a) has (b) have
(a) is (b) was (c) having (d) are
(c) had (d) were Ans : 2014

Ans : 2017 (a) has

(d) were
25. A large number of soldiers _____ died for the
17. Neither you nor your sister should _____ to country.
them. (a) has (b) is
(a) talk (b) talks (c) are (d) have
(c) talked (d) talking Ans : 2014

Ans : 2017 (d) have

(a) talk
26. Half of the class _____ empty.
18. Twenty-five years _____ the minimum age to (a) were (b) was
fill this form. (c) has (d) have
(a) are (b) is Ans : 2013

(c) has (d) have (b) was

Ans : 2017

(b) is 27. A lot of the money I had _____ gone.

(a) is (b) are
19. A bouquet of flowers _____ required for the (c) have (d) none of these
event. Ans :
(a) are (b) have (a) is
(c) has (d) is
Ans : 2016, 2006
28. Mathematics _____ my favourite subject when
(d) is I was in high school.
(a) was (b) were
20. A pair of socks _____ been missing from my (c) is (d) none of these
wardrobe. Ans :
(a) have (b) has (a) was
(c) were (d) is
Ans : 2016
29. The Sushi and the pasta _____ delicious.
(b) has (a) look (b) looks
(c) looking (d) none of these
21. Much _____ been said in the news reports. Ans :
(a) were (b) have (a) look
(c) has (d) was
Ans : 2015
30. Chris, in addition to his brother Zack, _____
(c) has hockey on Saturday.
(a) play (b) plays
22. The company _____ of its stakeholders. (c) playing (d) none of these
(a) think (b) thought Ans :
(c) thinks (d) thinking (b) plays
Ans : 2015

(c) thinks 31. The box of toys _____ in the boy’s bedroom.
(a) is (b) are
23. Either of the two dresses shall _____ good. (c) am (d) none of these
(a) looking (b) look

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Page 146 Discursive Passage Chapter 3
Ans : (c) am (d) none of these
(a) is Ans :
(a) is
32. The book of stories _____ $10.
(a) cost (b) costs Directions: In the following questions, a sentence is
(c) costes (d) none of these given followed by four options. Select the option that
Ans : replaces the given sentence or its part correctly.
(b) costs
41. Slow and steady win the race.
33. The Lions of the East _____ an interesting (a) Slowly and steady wins the race.
book. (b) Slow and steadily wins the race.
(a) is (b) are (c) Slow and steady wins the race.
(c) am (d) none of these (d) None of these
Ans : Ans :
(a) is (c) Slow and steady wins the race.
34. Either Shobha or I _____ to blame. 42. These news were broadcasted on Radio BBC.
(a) is (b) am (a) These news were broadcast on Radio BBC.
(c) are (d) none of these (b) This news was broadcast on Radio BBC.
Ans :
(b) am (c) This news was broadcasted on Radio BBC.
(d) None of these
35. Neither of them _____ wrong. Ans :
(a) was (b) were (b) This news was broadcast on Radio BBC.
(c) has (d) none of these 43. Every boy and girl were given a prize.
Ans :
(a) was (a) Every boy and girl were given prizes.
(b) Every boy and girl was given prizes.
36. The council _____ chosen its president. (c) Every boy and girl was given a prize.
(a) has (b) have (d) None of these
(c) is (d) none of these Ans :
Ans : (c) Every boy and girl was given a prize.
(a) has
44. Everyone of them were clapping at the performance
37. Two and two _____ four. of the clown.
(a) make (b) makes (a) Everyone of them were clapping at the
(c) are (d) none of these performance of the clowns.
Ans : (b) Everyone of them was clapping at the
(b) makes performance of the clowns.
(c) Everyone of them was clapping at the
38. The cost of all these articles _____ risen.
performances about the clowns.
(a) has (b) have
(d) None of these
(c) are (d) none of these Ans :
Ans :
(b) Everyone of them was clapping at the
(a) has
performance of the clowns.
39. The quality of the mangoes _____ not good.
45. Law and order are to be maintained at all costs.
(a) was (b) were
(a) Law and orders are to be maintained at all
(c) are (d) none of these costs.
Ans :
(b) Law and order is to be maintained at all
(a) was
costs.
40. No news _____ good news. (c) Laws and orders are to be maintained at all
(a) is (b) are costs.

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

(d) None of these letter :

Ans : Dear Sir
(b) Law and order is to be maintained at all costs. In response to your query, the document that
_____ (explain) our country’s sustainability
46. Five hundred rupees are a long sum. initiatives has been attached for your consideration.
(a) Five hundred rupee is a long sum. Ans : 2024

(b) Five hundred rupee is a large sum. explains

(c) Five hundred rupees is a big sum.
2. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the
(d) None of these word in the brackets, for the given portion of a
Ans : letter.
(c) Five hundred rupees is a big sum. Please keep me _____ (apprise) of your next
step to address this matter. Thanks for your time.
47. I knew that he will not respect his elders. Ans : 2024
(a) I knew that he would not respect his elders. apprised
(b) I knew that he shall not respect his elders.
(c) I knew that he will not be respecting his 3. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the
word in the bracket, for the given portion of a
elders.
letter.
(d) None of these Sir
Ans :
Enclosed is the report that _____ (summarize)
(a) I knew that he would not respect his elders.
the study conducted on the impact of climate
48. He is one of the greatest player who has change on crop yield in the region.
participated in one day cricket matches. Ans : 2024

summarizes
(a) He is one of the greatest players who has
(b) He is one of the greatest players who have 4. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to
(c) He is one of the greatest players who have complete an issued circular by an organization, to
its Managers.
(d) None of these
Ans : Please refer to the attached conference schedule
(b) He is one of the greatest players who have and _____ (it/these/them) should be circulated
among all attendees for their reference.
49. Many a boys were playing in the garden. Ans : 2024

(a) Many a boy were playing in the garden it

(b) Many a boys was playing in the garden. 5. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option,
(c) Many a boy was playing in the garden. to complete the line of a circular issued by an
(d) None of these organization, to its stakeholders.
Ans : In order to enable the stakeholders to _____
(c) Many a boy was playing in the garden. (access/assess/accent) all the applicable circulars
at one place, the provisions of the circulars issued
50. None of the ten pens are yours. till January 6, 2024, are incorporated in this
(a) None of the ten pen are yours. master circular.
Ans : 2024
(b) None of the ten pens is yours.
access
(c) None of the ten pens are your
(d) None of these 6. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option
Ans : to complete the line from an insurance company
(b) None of the ten pens is yours. brochure.
Suitable for someone who wishes to _____
(insure/assure/ensure) adequate financial backup.
Very Short Answer Type Question It is available to the family in case of his/her
untimely death.
1. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the Ans : 2024

word in the bracket, for the given portion of a ensure

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Page 148 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

7. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option in the correction.

the bracket, to complete the sentence : The movie, including all the previews, take about
The revised meeting agenda is attached and two hours to watch.
_____
(this/those/it) needs to be emailed to all Use the given format for your response.
participants before the meeting.
Ans : 2024
Error Correction
it

8. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply Ans : 2020

the correction.
Error Correction
Some guys like to fights on even playing grounds,
and some guys like to cheat. take takes

Use the given format for your response. 12. Identify the error in the given sentence, from an
e-magazine report and supply the correction.
Error Correction
In the last decade, conservationists and academics
have turned his attention to studying the best
Ans : 2022
ways to install these natural features in the North.

Error Correction Use the given format for your response.

fights fight Error Correction

9. Identify the error in the given sentence, from a

school magazine report and supply the correction. Ans : 2019

The heavy dose of chemicals that we ingest with

Error Correction
every bite of fast food and carbonated drinks are
a lethal combination for our health. his their

Use the given format for your response 13. Identify the error in the given sentence, from a
school magazine report and supply the correction.
Error Correction
A group of students were invited to come on
stage and play a drama scene. The drama they
Ans : 2021
presented was funny and interesting.

Error Correction Use the given format for your response.

are is Error Correction

10. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply

the correction. Ans : 2019

A good business letter is one that get results.

Error Correction
Use the given format for your response. were was

Error Correction
14. Choose the correct form of the verbs given in the
brackets in the following sentences:
Ans : 2020 1. Each of these producers _____ his own
advantage, (has, have)
Error Correction 2. Ten miles _____ long distance, (is, are)
get gets 3. Many a student _____ hard to pass his
entrance exam, (try, tries)
11. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply 4. The furniture in his house _____
impressive, (look, looks)

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

5. Few students _____ present in the class guilty.

today, (is, are) 5. This news _____ (is/are) false.
6. Ritesh, my best friend _____ leaving for 6. Bread and butter _____ (is/are) my
Japan next week, (is, are) favourite breakfast.
7. Most of my friends _____ government Ans :
employees, (is, are) 1. is, 2. is, 3. has, 4. are, 5. is, 6. is.
8. The level of intoxication _____ from
17. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb:
subject to subject, (vary, varies)
1. It is Ram who _____ to blame.
9. Either boys or girls _____ telling lies, (is,
2. The whole class _____ absent.
are)
3. The jury _____ different opinion.
10. A number of people _____ reported to be
missing in the train accident at Jhansi.(was, 4. Neither you nor I _____ invited.
were) 5. All the boys of the class _____ absent
Ans : today.
6. Two and two _____ four.
1. has 2. is 3. tries Ans :
4. looks 5. are 6. is 1. is, .2. is, 3. has, 4. am, 5. are, 6. make.
7. are 8. varies 9. are 18. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb:
10. were 1. The majority of the applicants _____ girls.
2. Neither of these two boys _____ scored
15. In each of the lines below, one verb does not agree well.
with the subject. Write it correctly. 3. A pair of shoes _____ been stolen.
1. Gauri and Tamanna is visiting the Jaisalmer 4. The quality of these apples _____ not
Fort. good.
2. The Jaisalmer Fort are one of the largest forts 5. A black and white cow _____ grazing
in the world. outside.
3. The fort stand in the middle of the Thar 6. A black and a white cow _____ grazing
Desert. outside.
4. Several tales of valour is attached to this fort. Ans :
5. Many warriors has tried to capture this fort. 1. are, 2. has, 3. has, 4. is, 5. is, 6. are.
6. A few has succeeded. 19. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb:
Ans :
1. One thousand rupees _____ a big amount
Incorrect Correct for me.
2. If I _____ a bird, I would fly.
1. is are
3. Each of the girls _____ received an award.
2. are is
4. Four weeks _____ a good holiday.
3. stand stands 5. My father _____ not like reading comics.
4. is are 6. He walks as if he _____ lame.
Ans :
5. has have
1. is, 2. were, 3. has, 4. is, 5. does, 6 were.
6. has have
20. Fill up the blanks by using the correct form of the
16. Fill in the blanks with the correct verb given in verbs given in brackets.
the bracket: 1. Mrs Talwar _____ (live) in a village.
1. Mathematics _____ (is/are) my favourite 2. She _____ (be) three children.
subject. 3. Her hobby _____ (be) singing and praying
2. Politics _____ (is/are) not my cup of tea. in solitude.
3. The poet and philosopher, Rahim _____ 4. She _____ (love) to look after the poor
(has/have) died. children.
4. Mohan no less than you _____ (is/are) 5. Her children _____ (be) abroad.

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Page 150 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

6. She _____ (be) a staunch devotee of Lord

Krishna.
Ans :

1. lives 2. has 3. is

4. loves 5. are 6. is

21. Complete the passage using correct form of verb.

Climatic change (a) _____ one of the hotly
contested debates. India and Antarctica (b)
_____ once the part of the same landmass. To
visit Antarctica now (c) _____ to be a part
of history. 90 percent of the Earth’s total ice
volumes (d) _____ stored there, Antarctica
(e) _____ her simple ecosystem. Therefore
to study the earth, Antarctica (f) _____ the
place to go. Antarctica (g) _____ devoid of
any human markets. It (h) _____ no trees,
buildings or billboards.
Ans : 2010

(a) is, (b) were, (c) is, (d) was, (e) has, (f) is, (g)
is, (h) has.

22. Complete the passage using correct form of verb.

Keeping a pet (a) _____ the best way to fight
loneliness. But clean and comfortable housing for
them (b) _____ essential. If they (c) _____
carnivores a high protein diet (d) _____
required. Veterinary appointments (e) _____ a
must. They (f) _____ wonderful pets and (g)
_____ quite affectionate. They (h) _____
you entertained for hours.
Ans : 2010

(a) is, (b) is, (c) are, (d) is, (e) are, (f) make, (g)
are, (h) keep.

23. Complete the passage using correct form of verb.

Today road accidents (a) _____ earned India
a dubious distinction. She (b) _____ the worst
road traffic accident rate. The various factors
to be blamed (c) _____ drunk-driving and
carelessness in the use of helmets. The total
number of deaths (d) _____ now passed the
135,000 marks. Trucks and two-wheelers (e)
_____ responsible earlier. Evening rush hours
(f) _____ the most dangerous time to be on
the road. Today drunken–driving (g) _____
become a major cause for road accidents. Think
today. The time for action (h) _____ now.
Ans : 2008

(a) have, (b) has, (c) are, (d) has, (e) were, (f)
are, (f) has, (h) is.



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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

Chapter 4

R eported Speech

1. Introduction Verb if necessary.

5. Tenses, pronouns and words denoting nearness
The art of reporting the words of a speaker is
of time and position undergo certain changes.
called Narration. If we report what another person
has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s exact
words (direct speech), but reported (indirect) 4. Transformation of Direct
speech. Therefore, you need to learn how to
transform direct speech. The structure is a little
Speech into Indirect Speech
different depending on whether you want to Unless any instructions are given to the contrary,
transform a statement, question or request. it should be assumed that the report of a dialogue
is to be given by a third person. The order of ideas
and the language of the original should not be
2. Direct Narration changed when direct speech is turned into indirect
Direct narration is a speech which is reported by speech. Only the necessary logical changes in verb
some other person exactly in the words spoken by tenses, pronoun person, adjectives and adverbs
the speaker. The speech is placed within inverted are to be made. Let’s study the transformation of
commas; as, direct speech into indirect speech.

• She said to him, “I shall give you money.” Change of Tenses

(Direct Narration)
Points to remember about Direct Narration: Rule 1
1. It is put within inverted commas. If the Reporting Verb is in the present (says, is/
2. It always begins with a capital letter. are/ am saying etc.) or in the future tense (will/
3. A comma separates it from the Reporting shall do, will/shall have done etc.) the tense of the
Verb. verb in the indirect speech is not changed.
Direct She says, “I am reading”.
Indirect She says that she is reading.
3. Indirect NARRATION Rule 2
Indirect narration is a speech which is reported by If Reporting Verb is in the past tense (said, had
some other person by using certain conjunctions said, was saying, had been saying etc.) the tenses
in place of commas and making necessary changes in the reported speech are changed into the past
in the verbs and the pronoun of the reported tense (Do/does is changed to did, Did is changed
speech. to had done, Can is changed to could, May is
changed to Might, Will is changed to would, Shall
• She told him that she would give him money.
is changed to should).
(Indirect Narration)
Direct He said, “There is a scarcity of raw
Points to remember about Indirect Narration:
material.”
1. No inverted commas are used. Indirect He said that there was a scarcity of
2. No comma is required to separate it from the raw material.
Reporting Verb.
Rule 3
3. The tense of the Reporting Verb is never
Present Indefinite (see) becomes Past Indefinite
changed.
(saw). Present Continuous (is seeing) is changed
4. A conjunction may be used after the Reporting

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Page 152 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

to past Continuous (was seeing). Present Perfect trusted.

(has seen) is changed to Past Perfect (had seen).
Past Indefinite (saw) becomes Past Perfect (had Change of Words Denoting Time and
seen). Past Continuous (was seeing) becomes Past
Position
Perfect Continuous (had been seeing).
All pronoun, adjectives or adverbs denoting
NOTE nearness of time or positions must be replaced
Past Perfect (had seen) and Past Perfect by words denoting corresponding remoteness or
Continuous (had been seeing) remain unchanged. distance.
Exceptions to the Rule Direct I said, “I am glad to be here this
In case of a universal truth or permanent fact evening.”
expressed in the reported speech, the tense Indirect I said that I was glad to be there that
remains unchanged irrespective of the tense of the evening.
Reporting Verb. Some common changes are given below :
Direct My father says, “The sun is a star.”
Indirect My father says that the sun is a star. Direct Indirect
If the reported speech prescribed a state
Now Then
of affairs which still exists when the speech is
reported, its tense normally remains unchanged. This That
Direct He said, “Mohan wants to become rich These Those
by winning a lottery.”
Here There
Indirect He said that Mohan wants to become
rich by winning a lottery. Today That day
Yesterday The previous day
Change of Pronoun Tomorrow The next day
Rule 1 Ago Before
First person pronoun are changed into pronoun of Last night The previous night
the same person as the person of the subject of
the Reporting Verb. Next The next, The following
Direct I said, “I have done my work.” Thus So
Indirect I said that I had done my work.
Hence Thence
Direct You said, “I have done my work.”
Indirect You said that you had done your work.
Direct He said, “I have done my work.” NOTE
Indirect He said that he had done his work. When, however, words like here, this, now, today
etc. used in the direct speech refer to the place
Rule 2
or time at which the speech is made, they do not
Pronouns of the second person are changed into
change, as for instance :
pronouns of the same person as that of the object
Direct Ram said, “I shall see him today.”
of the Reporting Verb.
Indirect Ram said that he would see him today.
Direct Mohan said to me, “You should do
your work quietly.” Changing Assertive Sentences
Indirect Mohan told me that I should do my
work quietly.
(Statements)
Direct Mohan said to him, “You should do Rule 1
your work quietly.” Outside the inverted commas, the verb said
Indirect Mohan told him that he should do his remains said; says remains says : said to become
work quietly. told; says to become tells.
Rule 3 Rule 2
Third person pronoun remain unchanged. Verb such as inform, reply, remind, declare etc.
Direct I said to Ram, “She should not be be used instead of said and told to give clear
trusted.” meaning :
Indirect I told Ram that she should not be

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

(d) The teacher expected that the student will to their troubles and protect them from the
recite the poem loudly. crocodiles.
Ans : 2011 (c) They wanted to know who will listen to their
(b) The teacher asked the student to recite the troubles and protect them from the crocodiles.
poem loudly.
(d) They had wanted to know who would listen
33. The Prime Minister said that no one would be to their troubles and protect them from the
allowed to disturb the peace. crocodiles.
Ans : 2009
(a) The Prime Minister said, “We shall not allow
(a) They had wanted to know who then would
any one to disturb the peace.”
listen to their troubles and protect them from the
(b) The Prime Minister said, “We would not crocodiles.
allow no one to disturb the peace.”
(c) The Prime Minister said, “No one will disturb 37. The mother urged the child to come on the
the peace.” footpath.
(d) The Prime Minister said, “No one can disturb (a) The mother said to the child, “Come on the
the peace.” footpath.”
Ans : 2010 (b) The mother said, “Come, child come. Come
(a) The Prime Minister said, “We shall not allow on the footpath.”
any one to disturb the peace.” (c) The mother said, “Please come on the
footpath, child.”
34. The commander said to the army, “March
forward”. (d) The mother said to the child, “You should
come on the footpath.”
(a) The commander asked the army march
Ans : 2009
forward.
(b) The mother said, “Come, child come. Come
(b) The commander ordered the army to march on the footpath.”
forward.
(c) The commander requested the army to go 38. Sushma said, “We shall celebrate the festival of
forward. Janmashtami tomorrow.”
(d) The army requested the commander to march. (a) Sushma said that we should celebrate the
Ans : 2010 festival of Janmashtami the next day.
(b) The commander ordered the army to march (b) Sushma said that we shall celebrate the
forward. festival of Janmashtami the next day.
(c) Sushma said that they should celebrate the
35. She exclaimed, “I’m afraid we are rather late !”
festival of Janmashtami the next day.
(a) She exclaimed that they were frightened of
(d) Sushma said that they would celebrate the
being late.
festival of Janmashtami the next day.
(b) She exclaimed that she was afraid that they Ans : 2008
were rather late. (d) Sushma said that they would celebrate the
(c) She shouted that they were scared that they festival of Janmashtami the next day.
would be late.
(d) She screamed that she was worried that they 39. “I’m so tiny that I can’t reach your branches,”
would all be late. said the little boy to the tree.
Ans : 2010 (a) The little boy said that the tree was so tiny
(b) She exclaimed that she was afraid that they that he couldn’t reach its branches.
were rather late. (b) The little boy said that he was so tiny that he
couldn’t reach its branches.
36. “Who now”, they had asked, “will listen to our
(c) The little boy told to the tree that he was so
troubles and protect us from the crocodiles ?”
tiny that he couldn’t reach its branches.
(a) They had wanted to know who then would
(d) The little boy told the tree that he was so
listen to their troubles and protect them from
tiny that he couldn’t reach its branches.
the crocodiles.
Ans : 2008, 2005
(b) They had wanted to know who will now listen (d) The little boy told the tree that he was so tiny

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Page 154 Discursive Passage Chapter 4
Rule 5
Using the word Let in changing imperative
EXERCIS
sentences
Multiple Choice Type Question
1. Let is used to make proposals. In such cases,
the Reporting Verb changes to suggest, 1. Read the dialogue between a librarian and a
propose etc. student.
Direct : She said, “Let us have some tea”. Librarian : Welcome back! It’s good to see you,
Indirect : She suggested that they should have young man!
some tea. Student : Thanks! I was overloaded with
2. Let is often used as an ordinary verb signifying assignments, so I have not visited the library this
allow. week.
Direct : He said to Rita, “Let me go home.” Based on the conversation above, report the
Indirect : He requested Rita to let him go home. dialogue between a librarian and a student by
3. Let is at times used to express a condition. In completing the sentence.
that case it should be changed to might and The librarian greeted the student warmly,
the sentence modified slightly. expressing pleasure at his visit. The student
Direct : She said, “Let it rain ever so hard, I shall thanked her and explained that _____ which
go.” had limited his recent visits to the library.
Indirect : She said that she would go however Select the correct option from those given below :
hard it might rain. (a) he had been overloaded with assignments
(b) he has been overloaded with assignments

 (c) he was overloaded with assignments
(d) he is overloaded with assignments
Ans : 2024

(a) he had been overloaded with assignments

2. Read the dialogue between Karan and his teacher

regarding his absence from school.
Teacher : Karan, why were you absent yesterday ?
Karan : Yesterday I had cold and fever, sir. I
couldn’t inform you beforehand.
Teacher : That’s okay. Take care of your health.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting
of the above dialogue.
The teacher asked Karan _____.
Karan replied that he had cold and fever the
previous day and added that he couldn’t inform
the teacher beforehand. The teacher advised him
to take care of his health.
(a) why did he remain absent the previous day
(b) why he had been absent the previous day
(c) the reason he was absent
(d) why was he absent yesterday
Ans : 2024

(b) why he had been absent the previous day

3. Read the dialogue between Shabnam and her

mentor, Sara, regarding her summer internship
programme.
Sara : Why did you choose to participate in this
internship programme?
Shabnam : Ah! I am convinced this programme

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

14. Abhilash and Neha had a conversation about the 17. Change the following into Indirect Speech:
inauguration of Neha’s Dance Academy. Report 1. My brother asked me, “When will you
Abhilash’s question. return?”
Is your best friend helping you in this venture? 2. Sita said to me, “Are you planning to visit
Ans : 2023
Bengaluru Shortly?”
Abhilash asked Neha whether/if her best friend
3. The beggar said to the old man, “Can you tell
was helping her in that venture.
me the way to the nearest temple?”
15. Read the given conversation between two friends. 4. The shopkeeper said to me, “Sir, can I help
Sumit : What do you plan to do after your you now?”
graduation? 5. Vijaya asked Seema, “When are you leaving
Rahul : I have processed my admission at Harvard for U.K.?”
Business School. Very soon, I shall be leaving for 6. My friend said to me, “Why have you kept
London. me waiting?”
Report what Rahul told his friend by completing 7. The doctor asked me, “How is your mother?”
the following sentence.
8. Raman said to his friend, “Will you not help
Rahul replied that _____.
me in solving this problem?”
Ans : 2023

he had processed his admission at Harvard 9. Ramesh said to the guest, “Do you want some
Business School and added that very soon, he more coffee?”
would be leaving for London. 10. He said to me, “Will you go to Jaipur
tomorrow?”
16. Change the following into Indirect Speech: Ans :
1. Ramu said, “I saw a lion in the forest.” 1. My brother asked me when I would return.
2. Satish said to me, “I am very happy here.” 2. Sita asked me if I was planning to visit
3. He said, “I can do this work.” Bengaluru shortly.
4. Renu said to me, “I was washing the clothes.” 3. The beggar asked the old man if he could tell
5. She said, “I am not well.” him the way to the nearest temple.
6. He said to Sita, “I have passed the test.” 4. The shopkeeper asked me respectfully if he
7. I said to my friend, “He has been working could help me then.
very hard.” 5. Vijaya asked Seema when she was leaving for
8. My friend said to me, “I shall go to Delhi U.K.
tomorrow.” 6. My friend asked me why I had kept him
9. I said, “I agree to what he said.” waiting.
10. The student said to the teacher, “I am 7. The doctor asked me how my mother was.
Ans : 8. Raman asked his friend if he would not help
1. Ramu said that he had seen a lion in the him in solving that problem.
forest. 9. Ramesh asked the guest if he wanted some
2. Satish told me that he was very happy there. more coffee.
3. He said that he could do that work. 10. He asked me if I would go to Jaipur the next
4. Renu told me that she had been washing the day.
clothes. 18. Change the following into Indirect Speech:
5. She said that she was not well. 1. “Get out of the car!” said the policeman.
6. He told Sita that he had passed the test 2. “Could you please be quiet,” she said.
7. I told my friend that he had been working 3. The man with the gun said to us, “Don’t
very hard. move!”
8. My friend told me that he would go to Delhi 4. She said to me, “Open the window.”
the next day.
5. The captain said to the soldiers, “Attack the
9. I said that I agreed to what he had said.sorry enemy.”
that I am late.”
6. I said to him, “Leave this place at once.”
10. The student told the teacher that he was
7. The teacher said to the students, “Listen to
sorry that he was late.

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Page 156 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

Directions : In the following questions, a sentence next day.

has been given in Direct/Indirect form. Out of the
four alternatives suggested, select the one which best 13. “Tinu, where have you been all these days ?”
expresses the same sentence in Indirect/Direct form. asked the principal.
(a) The principal asked Tinu where he had been
9. He says “I go for a walk every morning”. all those days.
(a) He says that he goes for a walk every morning. (b) The principal asked Tinu where he has been
(b) He said that he used to go for a walk every all those days.
morning. (c) The principal asked Tinu where had he been
(c) He said that he goes for a walk every morning. all those days.
(d) He says he went for a walk every morning. (d) The principal asked Tinu where was he all
Ans : 2021 those days.
(a) He says that he goes for a walk every morning. Ans : 2019

(a) The principal asked Tinu where he had been

10. He said to me, “You are getting lazy day by day.” all those days.
(a) He informed me that I am getting lazy day by
day. 14. “Have you completed your assignment, Minu
(b) He told me that I have been getting lazy day ?”said her brother.
by day. (a) Minu’s brother asked Minu if you have
(c) He told me that I was getting lazy day by finished your assignment.
day. (b) Minu’s brother said to Minu if she had
(d) He told me that you were getting lazy day by finished her assignment.
day. (c) Minu’s brother asked her if she had finished
Ans : 2020 her assignment.
(c) He told me that I was getting lazy day by day. (d) Minu’s brother asked Minu if she has finished
her assignment.
11. He said, “Ravi, why are you sounding so depressed Ans : 2018
today ?” (c) Minu’s brother asked her if she had finished
(a) He asked Ravi why did he sound so depressed her assignment.
that day.
15. She said, “When I was a child, I wasn’t afraid of
(b) He asked Ravi why he was sounding so ghosts”.
depressed that day.
(a) She said that when she was a child she wasn’t
(c) He told Ravi why he sounded so depressed not afraid of ghosts.
today.
(b) She said that when she was a child she hadn’t
(d) He asked Ravi that why was he sounding so been afraid of ghosts.
depressed that day.
(c) She said that when she was a child she wasn’t
Ans : 2020
afraid of ghosts.
(b) He asked Ravi why he was sounding so
depressed that day. (d) She said that when she had been a child she
wasn’t afraid of ghosts.
12. He asked me “What time will the sun set Ans : 2018

tomorrow ?” (b) She said that when she was a child she hadn’t
(a) He asked me what time does the sun set the been afraid of ghosts.
next day.
16. I said to my friend, “Can I borrow your dictionary
(b) He asked me what time the sun would set for one day ?”
tomorrow.
(a) I asked my friend if I could borrow his
(c) He asked me what time the sun should set the dictionary for one day.
next day.
(b) I asked my friend if I could borrow your
(d) He asked me what time would the sun set the dictionary for one day.
next day.
(c) I asked my friend if I can borrow his dictionary
Ans : 2019
for one day.
(c) He asked me what time the sun should set the

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

Direct The thief said, “Yes, I stole the with word like who, what, whose, when, why, how
money.” etc.
Indirect The thief confessed that he had stolen Direct She said to Ram, “ Where do you
the money. live?”
Rule 3 Indirect She asked Ram where he lived.
That is used as a conjunction when the inverted Rule 6
commas are removed. In case of questions beginning with who, what,
Direct She said, “I am unwell.” whose, when, where etc. the place of interrogative
Indirect She said that she was unwell. pronouns and adverbs are not changed (see
However, in some cases that is not required. example given above).
Direct He said to me, “I fear you have failed.” Rule 7
Indirect He feared I had failed. Tenses, pronouns and words denoting nearness
Rule 4 are changed according to the rules already stated.
Tenses, pronouns and words denoting nearness
should be changed according to the rules already Changing Imperative Sentences
stated. (Commands and Requests)
The rules for changing direct speech into
In imperative sentences we have orders, commands
indirect speech should be reversed when changing
indirect speech into direct speech, and requests.
1. Use say in place of tell, inform, reply etc. Rule 1
2. Put the reported speech within inverted The reporting Verb is changed into a verb signifying
commas, separating it from the principal command, request or advice. Commands can be
clause by a comma. expressed by words such as command, order, tell,
3. Appropriate changes should be made in tenses, charge, bid, require etc. Requests can be expressed
pronouns and words denoting remoteness. by words such as request, beg, implore, ask, solicit
etc. Advice can be expressed by words such as
Changing Interrogative Sentences advice, exhort, urge etc. Other words which may
be of use in imperative sentences are : forbid,
(Questions)
persuade etc.
Rule 1 Direct Ram said to me, “Help me carry my
Change the reporting verb into ask, enquire, box.”
demand, want to know etc. (Note that enquire Indirect Ram requested me to help him carry
and demand take the preposition of before a his box.
personal object) Direct The teacher said, “Sit quietly children,
do not disturb me.”
Rule 2
Indirect The teachers ordered the children to
Remove the sign of interrogation (?) and convert
sit quietly and forbade them to disturb
the question inside the inverted commas into a
her.
statement.
Rule 2
Rule 3
The verb of the reported speech is changed into an
Remove the inverted commas and use if or whether
infinitive (In the above examples, help becomes to
as conjunction if the question begins with a finite
help and sit becomes to sit).
verb, including auxiliaries is, are, am, was, were,
do, does, did, has, have, shall, will etc. Rule 3
If the reported speech is negative, the word not is
Rule 4
placed before to :
The place of the auxiliary verb and noun or
Direct The teacher said, “Children, do not
pronoun are exchanged in those items where
quarrel over trifles.”
questions begin with is, am, was, were, will etc.
Indirect The teacher told the children not to
Direct I said to him, “Will you teach me?”
quarrel over trifles.
Indirect I asked him if he would teach me.
Rule 4
Rule 5
Tenses, pronouns and words denoting nearness are
No conjunction is used when the question begins
changed according to the rules already discussed.

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Page 158 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

the chance to see the last show.’ the puzzle.”

(b) He said to his companions, ‘Let us not miss (c) The mother said, “You solved the puzzle very
that chance to see the last show.’ quickly !”
(c) He said to his companions, ‘We should not (d) “How clever of you to have solved the puzzle
miss that chance to see the last show.’ so quickly!”, said the mother.
(d) He said to his companions, ‘Let us not miss Ans : 2012

the chance to see the last show.’ (d) “How clever of you to have solved the puzzle
Ans : 2012 so quickly!”, said the mother.
(b) He said to his companions, ‘Let us not miss
29. “Please help me to find the way”, she said.
that chance to see the last show.’
(a) She requested that she be found the way to
25. “Bring me an elephant with one golden tusk,” the help.
witch told her minion. (b) She requested to be shown the way.
(a) The witch requested her minion to bring her (c) She asked to find the way with help.
an elephant with one golden tusk. (d) She asked for help in finding the way.
(b) The witch told her minion to bring her the Ans : 2012
elephant with one golden tusk. (b) She requested to be shown the way.
(c) The witch ordered her minion to bring her an
elephant with one golden tusk. 30. My friend said, “I bought the tickets yesterday.”
(d) The witch advised her minion to bring her an (a) My friend had bought the tickets yesterday.
elephant with one golden tusk. (b) My friend wanted to buy the tickets yesterday.
Ans : 2012 (c) My friend told me to buy the tickets.
(c) The witch ordered her minion to bring her an (d) My friend said that he had bought the tickets
elephant with one golden tusk. the previous day.
Ans : 2011
26. She asked her brother if he could give her some
(d) My friend said that he had bought the tickets
money then.
the previous day.
(a) She said to her brother, “Could I give you
some money now ?” 31. He said, “My brother wants to be a doctor but I’d
(b) She said to her brother, “Can you give me rather he attended our business.”
some money then ?” (a) He said that his brother would want to be
(c) She said to her brother, “Can you give me a doctor but he would wish him to attend
some money now ?” business.
(d) She asked her brother, “Give me some money (b) He said that his brother wanted to be a doctor
now.” but he’d rather he attended their business.
Ans : 2012 (c) His brother wanted to be a doctor but he said
(c) She said to her brother, “Can you give me that he should attend business.
some money now ?” (d) he wanted his brother to attend business and
not become a doctor.
27. She said that she really liked the furniture.
Ans : 2011
(a) “She really liked this furniture,”she said. (b) He said that his brother wanted to be a doctor
(b) She had really liked this furniture,” she said. but he’d rather he attended their business.
(c) “I really like this furniture,” she said.
32. The teacher said to the student, “Recite the poem
(d) “I have really liked this furniture,” she said.
loudly.”
Ans : 2012

(c) “I really like this furniture,” she said. (a) The teacher told the student that the poem
may be recited loudly.
28. The mother exclaimed admiringly that it was very (b) The teacher asked the student to recite the
clever of him to have solved the puzzle so quickly. poem loudly.
(a) “You are a clever. That’s why you solved the (c) The teacher commanded the student that he
puzzle quickly,” said the mother. should recite the poem loudly.
(b) The mother said, “How cleverly you solved

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

(d) I asked my friend that if I can borrow his Ashmita.

dictionary for one day. (b) Ashmita asked me, “Will you go and see a
Ans : 2017 doctor?”
(a) I asked my friend if I could borrow his
(c) Ashmita told me, “Go and see the doctor.”
dictionary for one day.
(d) “Shouldn’t you go and see a doctor?” asked
17. “No”, said the child, “I won’t kneel for if I do, I Ashmita.
shall spoil my new pair of trousers”. Ans : 2014

(a) The child said that he would not kneel for if (a) “You should go and see a doctor,” said
he did so he will spoil his new pair of trousers. Ashmita.
(b) The child said that he will not kneel for if he 21. Suresh asked Prasad whether he had watched the
kneels he will spoil his new pair of trousers. cricket match on television the previous night.
(c) The child said that he would not kneel for (a) Suresh asked Prasad, “Did you watch the
if he did so he would spoil his new pair of cricket match on television previous night ?”
trousers. (b) Suresh asked Prasad, “Have you watched the
(d) The child said that I will not kneel for if he cricket match on television last night ?”
did kneel, he should spoil his new pair of (c) Suresh said to Prasad, “Did you watch the
trousers. cricket match on television last night ?”
Ans : 2016
(d) Suresh said to Prasad, “Did you watched the
(c) The child said that he would not kneel for if
cricket match on television last night ?”
he did so he would spoil his new pair of trousers.
Ans : 2014

18. He said to us, “Why are you all sitting about (c) Suresh said to Prasad, “Did you watch the
there doing nothing ?” cricket match on television last night ?”
(a) He asked us why are we all sitting about there 22. Father said to me, “You are idling away your
doing nothing. time.”
(b) He asked us why we are all sitting about there (a) Father told me that I was idling away my
doing nothing. time.
(c) He asked us why we were all sitting about (b) Father told me that I am idling away my
there doing nothing. time.
(d) He asked us why were we all sitting about (c) Father told me that you are idling away your
there doing nothing. time.
Ans : 2015
(d) Father told me that you were idling away
(c) He asked us why we were all sitting about
your time.
there doing nothing.
Ans : 2014

19. He requested the boss to let him go on with his (a) Father told me that I was idling away my
project. time.
(a) He said to the boss, “Let me go on with my 23. He swore in the name of God that he was ignorant
project please.” of the matter.
(b) He told the boss, “Go on with my project (a) He said, “I’m ignorant by God!”
please.”
(b) He declared, “God knows I was ignorant of
(c) He said to the boss, “You better let me go on the matter.”
with my project.”
(c) He said, “By God! I’m ignorant of the
(d) He told the boss, “Please go on with my matter.”
project.”
(d) He said he was ignorant of God.
Ans : 2015
Ans : 2013
(a) He said to the boss, “Let me go on with my
(c) He said, “By God! I’m ignorant of the matter.”
project please.”
24. He proposed to his companions that they should
20. Ashmita advised me to go and see a doctor.
not miss that chance to see the last show.
(a) “You should go and see a doctor,” said
(a) He said to his companions, ‘Let us not to miss

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Page 160 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

that he couldn’t reach its branches. will have to shoot her.

Ans : 2007
40. “I’m sorry I cannot stay,” said the swallow. I’m (c) He warned her calmly that he would shoot her
waited for in Egypt.” if she didn’t keep quiet.
(a) The swallow told that he is sorry he cannot
stay and added that he is waited for in Egypt. 44. I said to her, “I am going to my town tomorrow.”
(b) The swallow said he was sorry he couldn’t (a) I told her that she was going to her town the
stay and added that someone was waiting for next day.
him in Egypt. (b) I told her if I was going to her town the next
(c) The swallow regretted he couldn’t stay as he day.
was waited for in Egypt. (c) I told her that I was going to my town the
(d) The swallow regretted that he was waited for next day.
in Egypt and couldn’t stay. (d) I told her if I was going to my town the next
Ans : 2008 day.
(c) The swallow regretted he couldn’t stay as he Ans : 2007

was waited for in Egypt. (c) I told her that I was going to my town the
next day.
41. He said, “Will you listen to such a man ?”
(a) He asked them will you listen to such a man. 45. He said to me, “Let’s play tennis.”
(b) He asked them are you listening to such a (a) He proposed me that we should play ‘tennis.
man. (b) He said to me to play tennis.
(c) He asked them whether they would listen to (c) He suggested that tennis should be played.
such a man. (d) He ordered me to play tennis.
(d) He asked them whether they will listen to Ans : 2007

such a man. (a) He proposed me that we should play tennis.

Ans : 2008

(c) He asked them whether they would listen to 46. He said to me, “Did you write a letter ?” I said,
such a man. “Yes”.
(a) He asked me if I had written a letter. I said
42. The traveller enquired of the farmer if he could yes.
tell him the way to the nearest inn. (b) He asked me that I had written a letter. I
(a) The traveller said to the farmer, “Where is replied in the affirmative.
the nearest inn ?” (c) He asked me that if I had written a letter.
(b) The traveller said to the farmer, “Which is (d) He asked me if I had written a letter. I replied
the way to the nearest inn ?” in affirmative.
(c) The traveller said to the farmer, “Can you Ans : 2007
tell me the way to the nearest inn ?” (d) He asked me if I had written a letter. I replied
(d) The traveller said to the farmer, “What is the in affirmative.
way to the nearest inn ?”
Ans : 2007
47. Kiran asked me, “Did you see the cricket match
(c) The traveller said to the farmer, “Can you tell on television last night ?”
me the way to the nearest inn ?” (a) Kiran asked me whether I saw the cricket
match on television the earlier night.
43. “If you don’t keep quiet I shall shoot you,” he said (b) Kiran asked me whether I had seen the cricket
to her in a calm voice. match on television the earlier night.
(a) He warned her to shoot if she didn’t keep (c) Kiran asked me did I see the cricket match on
quiet calmly. television last night.
(b) He said calmly that I shall shoot you if you (d) Kiran asked me whether I had seen the cricket
don’t be quiet. match on television last night.
(c) He warned her calmly that he would shoot Ans : 2006
her if she didn’t keep quiet. (d) Kiran asked me whether I had seen the cricket
(d) Calmly he warned her that be quiet or else he match on television last night.

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

has the potential to enhance my abilities. Dr. Sharnani asked Vilakshna about her acid
Sara asked Shabnam _____ in that internship reflux problem to which Vilakshna replied that
programme. Shabnam sighed and exclaimed she’d tried everything without success, _____.
that she was convinced that programme had the (a) but she found the new medicine to be great
potential to enhance her abilities. (b) but she thought that this new medicine was
Select the correct option to complete the reporting great
of the above dialogue:
(c) but the new medicine was great
(a) why to choose to participate
(d) but that new medicine was great
(b) to choose participation Ans : 2022
(c) why she had chosen to participate (d) but that new medicine was great
(d) with her choice in participating
Ans : 2023 7. Read the dialogue between Adam and Emma
(c) why she had chosen to participate about a career option.
Adam : Why did you opt for a career in journalism
4. Read the dialogue between Anil and Sanjeev. ?
Anil : Where are you going? Emma : I couldn’t resist my love for storytelling
Sanjeev : To the airport. and my desire to expose the truth.
Anil : May I drop you there as I’m going in that Select the option to complete the reporting of the
direction? above dialogue :
Anil asked Sanjeev where he was going and offered Adam asked Emma _____ in journalism Emma
to drop him as _____. passionately expressed that she couldn’t resist her
Select the correct option to complete the reporting love for storytelling and her desire to expose the
of the above dialogue : truth.
(a) he could be going in that direction. (a) why did she opt for a career
(b) he would be going in the direction. (b) why had she opted for a career
(c) he is going in the direction
(c) why she opted for a career
(d) he was going in that direction
(d) why she had opted for a career
Ans : 2023
Ans : 2021
(d) he was going in that direction
(d) why she had opted for a career
5. Read the dialogue between Ramya and he dad.
8. Read the dialogue between Meher and her mother,
Dad : “Ramya, I heard your school made some
regarding Meher’s dance classes.
changes recently. What is going on?”
Mother : Are you enjoying your dance classes
Ramya : “Yes, dad. The school administration
?
_____ a revised attendance policy to ensure
Meher : Oh Yes ! I am loving it. It is so refreshing
academic success.”
to attend them after a long day.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting
Select the correct option to complete the reporting
of the above dialogue :
of the above dialogue.
(a) will implement (b) is implementing Meher’s mother asked her _____. In response,
(c) has implemented (d) was Meher exclaimed and said that she was loving it.
implementing She added that it was very refreshing to attend
Ans : 2023
them after a long day.
(c) has implemented
(a) whether the dance classes were being enjoyed
6. Read the dialogue between Vilakshna and by her
her physician, Dr. Sharnani, regarding the (b) whether she is enjoying her dance classes
effectiveness of her medication. (c) whether she was enjoying her dance classes
Dr. Sharnani : How is your acid reflux problem (d) whether the dance classes are being enjoyed
now ? by her
Vilakshna : I’d tried everything without success, Ans : 2021
but this new medicine is great. (c) whether she was enjoying her dance classes
Select the correct option to complete the reporting
of the above dialogue.

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Page 162 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

beautiful painting and that _____. expensive, I like to add tomatoes to my diet.
Ans : 2024 The hawker asked the customer whether she
he had not seen anything like that before wanted any tomatoes. The customer answered in
the affirmative and explained that _____.
4. Manthan and Sonalika had. a conversation about Ans : 2024
Sonalika’s job interview. although they are a bit expensive, she likes to add
Report Manthan’s question. tomatoes to her diet.
How are you preparing for the interview ?
Ans : 2024 10. Report the dialogue between a vendor and his
Manthan asked Sonalika how she was preparing customer, by completing the sentence :
for the interview. Vendor : It is nice to see you, Sir!
Customer : Yes, indeed! Unlike last month, I have
5. Raashi and Ratul had a conversation about been away for quite some time this month.
volunteer work.
The vendor greeted his customer respectfully and
Report Raashi’s question.
mentioned that he was pleased to see him. The
Raashi : What challenges have you faced while
customer answered in the afrmative and explained
volunteering?
that _____.
Ratul : The main challenge is dealing with Ans : 2023
different personalities, but it’s also a great unlike the previous month, he had been away for
learning experience. quite some time that month.
Ans : 2024

Raashi asked Ratul what challenges he had faced 11. Read the conversation between two friends Ravi
while volunteering and Reena. Complete the sentence by reporting
Reena’s reply correctly.
6. Marie and Peter had a conversation about Ravi : “Reena, lend me hundred rupees’.
volunteer work. Reena : “I don’t have it right now, but I will
Report Marie’s question. arrange it for you”.
What kind of skills have you imbibed from this Ravi asked Reena to lend him hundred rupees, to
volunteer work ? which Reena replied that _____
Ans : 2024
Ans : 2023
Marie asked, “What kind of skills have you she did not have it right then, but she would
imbibed from this volunteer work?” arrange it for him.
7. Sunanda and Pushkar had a conversation about 12. Report the dialogue between a mother and a
their travels. daughter by completing the sentence :
Report Pushkar’s question. Mother : Why are you looking so worried?
Have you ever been to Peri Bagh ? Daughter : My exams are approaching.
Ans : 2024
In response to the question of the mother, the
Pushkar asked Sunanda if she had ever been to
daughter replied that _____
Peri Bagh. Ans : 2023

8. Report the dialogue between a vendor and his her exams were approaching
customer, by completing the sentence :
13. Two friends, Aarav and Ananya, are discussing
Vendor : We missed your usual visits, sir. their upcoming trip. How would Aarav report
Customer : I know, I had to travel for work. Ananya’s dialogue?
The vendor expressed that the customer’s regular Aarav : “I have already booked the hotel for our
visits were missed, reaching out to the customer. trip tomorrow.”
The customer acknowledged this and clarified Ananya : “Are you sure? Don’t forget to confirm
that _____. the reservation.”
Ans : 2024
Ananya asked me _____.
he had had to travel for work Ans : 2023

9. Report the following dialogue between a hawker if I was sure I had booked the hotel for our trip
and his customer, by completing the sentence. the next day and reminded me not to forget to
Hawker : Do you want any tomatoes ? confirm the reservation
Customer : Yes, indeed! Although they are a bit

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

48. The tailor said to him, “Will you have the suit enemy.
ready by tomorrow evening ?” Ans : 2005

(a) The tailor asked him that he will have the (b) The captain ordered the army to march
suit ready by the next evening. forward then.
(b) The tailor asked him that he would had the 52. The lady said to the servant, “If you don’t wash
suit ready by the next evening. the clothes properly, I will dismiss you.”
(c) The tailor asked him if he would have the suit (a) The lady warned the servant that she would
ready by the next evening. dismiss her if she didn’t wash the clothes
(d) The tailor asked him if he will like to have the properly.
suit ready by the next evening. (b) The lady told the servant that she would
Ans : 2006
dismiss her on the event of bad work.
(c) The tailor asked him if he would have the suit
(c) The lady cautioned the servant that she must
ready by the next evening.
wash the clothes properly.
49. He said to the interviewer, “Could you please (d) The lady advised the servant to wash the
repeat the question ?” clothes properly.
(a) He requested the interviewer if he could please Ans : 2005

repeat the question. (a) The lady warned the servant that she would
dismiss her if she didn’t wash the clothes properly.
(b) He requested the interviewer to please repeat
the question.
(c) He requested the interviewer to repeat the Very Short Answer Type Question
question.
(d) He requested the interviewer if he could 1. Report the dialogue between a vendor and his
repeat the question. customer, by completing the sentence :
Ans : 2006 Vendor : You look a little different today!
(d) He requested the interviewer if he could repeat Customer : Yes, I just got a new haircut.
the question. The vendor noticed that his customer’s
appearance had changed and asked him about it.
50. Pawan said to me, “If I hear any news, I’ll phone The customer admitted this, citing the fact that
you.” _____.
(a) Pawan told me that if he heard any news, he Ans : 2024

will phone me. he had recently/just got a haircut

(b) Pawan told me that if he will hear any news, 2. Report the dialogue between two friends, Nidhi
he will phone me. and Neha, by completing the sentence :
(c) Pawan told me if he had heard any news, he Nidhi — Have you mastered the art of cooking
would phone me. Chinese food ?
(d) Pawan told me that if he heard any news, he Neha — Yes, indeed ! I have been cooking Chinese
would phone me. food for a month.
Ans : 2006 Nidhi asked Neha if she had mastered the art
(d) Pawan told me that if he heard any news, he of cooking Chinese food. Neha answered in the
would phone me. affirmative and explained that _____.
Ans : 2024
51. The captain said to the army, “March forward, she had been cooking Chinese food for a month.
now.”
(a) The captain said to the army that march 3. Report the following dialogue between two friends
who are visiting a museum, by completing the
forward now.
sentence.
(b) The captain ordered the army to march Auronima : What are you staring at ?
forward then. Soumitra : I am in awe of this beautiful painting!
(c) The captain ordered the army to march on I have not seen anything like this before.
that day. Auronima asked Soumitra what he was staring
(d) The captain ordered the army to attack the at. Soumitra exclaimed that he was in awe of the

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Page 164 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

me attentively.”
8. The Principal said to the peon, “Ring the
bell.”
9. The master said to the servant, “Fetch me a
glass of water.”
10. I said to him, “Please bring me a glass of
water.”
Ans :
1. The policeman ordered him to get out of the
car.
2. She asked me to be quiet.
3. The man with the gun warned us not to move.
4. She ordered me to open the window.
5. The captain commanded the soldiers to
attack the enemy.
6. I told him to leave that place at once.
7. The teacher asked the students to listen to
him attentively.
8. The Principal ordered the peon to ring the
bell.
9. The master ordered the servant to fetch him
a glass of water.
10. I requested him to bring me a glass of water.



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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

Chapter 5

D eterminers

1. Introduction 5. Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers - one, two,

three..., first, second, third...
Most of us know what a noun or verb is in the
7. Difference Words - another, other
English language. However, there’s a key article
of speech that’s just as important to learn: the 8. Interrogatives - whose, what, which
determiner. Essentially, these words explain
whether you’re speaking about something general
or something specific. In addition, it can tell
4. Articles
your reader or listener how much or how many of A, an and the are the three articles in the English
something you’re referring to. Let’s discuss these language. Articles belong to the group of noun
clarifying words, learn why they’re necessary, and determiners, that is, they determine the noun in
discover how to use them properly. terms of its definiteness. They are used before
nouns or noun groups and indicate whether the
noun they precede is uniquely identifiable by the
2. Meaning and Definition speaker/writer or listener/reader of the expression
Determiners are words which come before nouns or not; as,
determining or limiting the use of the noun by • Arun, an engineer, gave a fifth of his property
giving some additional information. They indicate to the city museum.
the singularity or the plurality of a noun, amount
or quantity of a noun, possessive aspect of a noun, Kinds of Articles
the number and order of a noun or the distributive
There are two kinds of articles.
or demonstrative aspect of a noun. A determiner
is used to limit the application of a noun without 1. Indefinite Articles - A, An (in the sense of
describing it. We don’t know anything about the one and any)
quality of the noun from a determiner. 2. Definite Articles - The (in the sense of this
Determiners can be defined as follows: and that)

Determiners are those words that are prefixed 1. Indefinite Article

before nouns to determine their meaning. A or An is called the indefinite article because it
leaves indefinite the person or thing spoken of; as,
A determiner is a word that introduces a noun or
provides information about the quantity of a noun. • There shall come a day when everyone will
be rich.
The writer of the above sentence is indefinite
3. Types of determiners about the day. He cannot specify a particular day.
It could be any day.
Determiners can be divided into the following
types: 2. Definite Article
1. Articles - a, an, the The is called the definite article because it points
2. Demonstratives - this, that, these, those out some particular person or thing; as,
3. Possessives - my, your, our, his, her, its, their • The day was hot.
4. Quantifiers - some, any, few, little, more, The writer of the above sentence is definite
much, many, each, every, either, neither, about the day. He specifies the day. There must
both, all, enough have been some sentence before which made a
mention of the day. It is a particular day.

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Page 166 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

Uses of Indefinite Articles ‘A, An’ Rule 5

In certain expressions of quantity with certain
Indefinite article A/An is used when we talk of
numbers and expressions of Price/rate, speed,
a thing or a person that is indefinite or that is
ratio; as,
mentioned for the first time (in the sense of one).
Indefinite article is also used to express a class (in • Rupees ten a kilo.
the sense of any). • A dozen mangoes.
Rule 1 • Half a dozen.
A student must note that the choice between A
and An is determined primarily by sound. Rule 6
When A/An represents a weakened form of
‘A’ is used before a word beginning preposition in; as,
1. With consonant; as, a boy, a child, a student,
a book etc. • He earns fifty thousand rupees a year.
2. With a vowel giving the sound of a consonant; • We should brush our teeth two times a day.
as, a one eyed man, a university student, Rule 7
a European, a unique book, a uniform, a In exclamations with what or how before singular
universal problem etc. countable nouns; as,
‘An’ is used before a word beginning • What a hot day!
1. With a vowel; as, an elephant, an apple, an • What a pretty girl!
ass, an umbrella etc.
2. With a mute h; as, an hour, an heir, an • What a naughty child!
honourable person, an honest man, an • How fine a day!
honorary post, an hourly visit etc. • What a fool he is.
3. With a consonant pronounced with the sound
Rule 8
of a vowel; as, an L.L.B. student, an M.P., an
Note the position of indefinite article in the
M.L.A., an S.P., an X-ray, an F.I.R. etc.
following adverbs : Rather, very, much, quite, so,
Rule 2 too, much, as; as,
Before a singular/countable common noun when
• It is rather a nuisance.
it is mentioned for the first time representing no
particular person or a thing; as, • It is rather a good step (or a rather good
• I need a book. step).
• Twelve inches make a foot. • He is a very good person.
• A beggar came to my door. • He is a much hated character.
• Please get me a scooter. • He is such a nice man that everybody likes
• She gave her a note book. him.
Rule 3 • It is quite an interesting story.
Before a singular countable noun which is
• She is as intelligent a student as her brother
used to single out some person/something as a
representative of a class of a thing, animals and is.
persons; as, • She is too weak a student to pass.
• A cow is useful animal. • She is so weak a student that she can’t pass.
• A beggar cannot be chooser. Rule 9
Before a person not known to the speaker; as,
• A rose is a beautiful flower.
• A Mr. Gupta - Some Mr. Gupta
• A son should be obedient.
Rule 4 • A Mrs. Sharma - Some Mrs. Sharma
To make a common noun of a proper noun to Rule 10
express quality; as, Before the verbs used as nouns; as,
• A Shylock is living in my neighbourhood. • For a swim
• He is a Vikramaditya known for his fairness. • For a rest

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2011
(a) few (b) a little
(c) many
(c) many (d) much
24. The dietary habits of a child often have _____ Ans : 2007

to do with that child’s eating habits as an adult. (c) many

(a) little (b) every 31. Though it is a densely populated city, there are
(c) most (d) None of these surprisingly _____ people seen on the streets.
Ans : 2011
(a) few (b) a few
(a) little
(c) little (d) a little
25. In the United States of America, there are literacy Ans : 2007

classes for workers, _____ of whom never (a) few

graduated from high school.
32. With hard work and _____ luck nothing can
(a) a little (b) much stop you in your way to success.
(c) any (d) many (a) little (b) a little
Ans : 2010
(c) few (d) a few
(d) many
Ans : 2006

26. In the first _____ months of life, an infant (b) a little

learns how to lift its head, how to smile and how
33. I know _____ of the book is not worth reading
to recognize its parents.
but most of the readers like the end of the book.
(a) many (b) any
(a) much (b) many
(c) few (d) None of these
(c) a few (d) several
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2006
(c) few
(a) much
27. Serving _____ terms in Congress, Shirley
34. We only spent _____ days in Istanbul; on the
Chisholm became an important United States
first day we visited the famous mosques and on
politician.
the other days we just shopped.
(a) several (b) much
(a) a few (b) many
(c) a lot of (d) None of these
(c) little (d) the little
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2006
(a) several
(a) a few
28. The storm continued for _____ of the days
35. The expedition through the old Mayan city was
when we were in New Orleans,·but fortunately
held up because of _____ delays in the delivery
there wasn’t _____ damage in the city.
of food supplies.
(a) a few, many (b) all, a little
(a) any (b) several
(c) most, much (d) some, few
(c) every (d) much
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2005
(c) most, much
(b) several
29. Heavy fines and jail sentences have made _____
36. Although _____ of the lawn is open to the
difference in preventing elephant poaching for
sun, there are plenty of shade trees to make it
their tusks.
comfortable.
(a) a few (b) little
(a) each (b) every
(c) many (d) None of these
(c) most (d) none
Ans : 2008
Ans : 2005
(b) little
(c) most
30. Although the language learning abilities of apes
37. Although there were many politicians that were
have surprised _____ scientists, they generally
honest and decent, there were just as _____
agree that apes do not progress beyond the
who were not.
linguistic abilities of a two-year-old child.

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Page 168 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

Man/Woman/Mankind used in general sense to • Eggs are sold by the dozen.

represent human race are used without article; as, Rule 13
• Man is mortal. (Used in general sense) Before caste and communities; as,
Rule 4 • The Rajputs are brave people.
Before an adjective when it represents a class of • The Marathas are hard working.
persons; as,
Rule 14
• The rich should help the poor. Before the adjectives same & whole and after the
• The old are respected by the young. adjective all & both used with plural nouns; as,
Rule 5 • This is the same book that you gave me.
Before musical instruments; as, • The whole class was absent.
• He can play the flute. • All the boys were present there.
• She is fond of playing the harmonium. • Both the brothers were honest.
Rule 6
• All sugar is wasted.
As an adverb with a comparative sense (Double
comparison); as, Rule 15
In certain idiomatic phrases; as,
• The sooner, the better.
• In the wrong.
• The higher you go, the colder it is.
• On the contrary.
Rule 7
Before comparative degree in case of a choice; as, • In the town.
• She is the weaker of the two sisters. • The benefit of the doubt.
• Which is the more beautiful of the two sisters? • In the air.
Rule 8 • Speak the truth.
Before proper noun for the sake of comparison; as, • Out of the question.
• Surdas is the Milton of India. • In the right.
• Kalidas is the Shakespeare of India. Rule 16
Rule 9 Before a common noun to give it the force of a
Befoe the sports cups and trophies; as, superlative; as,
• India won the Singer Cup last year. • She is the woman.
• A number of teams are taking part in the • Netaji was the leader.
World Cup. • He is the man for this job.
Rule 10 Rule 17
Before physical positions; as, Before a common noun to give it the sense of an
• The top of the mountain. abstract noun (feelings, qualities etc.); as,
• The back of the house. • The judge in him.
• The centre of the market. • The mother in her.
• The front of the house. • The beast in him.
Rule 11 Rule 18
With the cardinal points; as, Before inventions; as,
• The sun rises in the east. • The telephone.
• The Himalayas are to the north of India. • The wireless.
Rule 12 • The television. (as an invention)
Before a unit of measurement; as, • He was watching television. (television is used
• Cloth is sold by the metre. just as a set.)

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage
Ans :
4. the 9. an 14. the 19. the
5. an 10. the 15. an 20. a 1. Some 2. many 3. that
4. These 5. much 6. some
13. Fill in the blanks with a, an, the: 7. every 8. Whose 9. first
1. _____ Sun rises is _____ east and sets
10. this
in _____ west.
2. _____ apple _____ day, keeps _____
15. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners:
doctor away.
1. Could you bring me _____ books I left in
3. Akash is .......... Dara Singh of our school.
the garden?
4. _____ Rajdhani Express is _____ fast
2. _____ sun rises from the east.
and comfortable train for _____ rich.
3. The doctor advised me to eat _____ apple
5. _____ Himalayas are _____ highest
every morning.
mountains in _____world.
4. There aren’t _____ students in the library.
6. _____ dogs is _____ faithful animal.
5. I haven’t got _____ pictures in my
7. _____ postman put _____ letter under
bedroom.
_____ front door just _____ hour after
you had left. 6. She gave a cookie to _____ child.
8. _____ man you saw here yesterday is 7. I’ve got to solve _____ math problems
_____ uncle of mine and _____ great before I go to sleep.
lover of _____ Ramayana. 8. _____ cherries are delicious! (With a bowl
9. She is _____ M.A. in Geography. of cherries on your lap)
10. _____ cow is _____ useful animal. 9. My mother doesn’t drink _____ coffee.
Ans : 10. I always keep _____ money in my wallet
for emergencies.
1. The, the, the 6. The, a Ans :
2. An, a, the 7. The, a, the, an 1. those 2. The 3. an
3. the 8. The, an, a, the 4. many 5. any 6. each
4. The, a, the 9. an 7. some 8. These 9. much
5. The, the, the 10. The, a 10. some

14. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners: 16. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners:
1. _____ books are missing from the library. 1. They were bored because there was _____
(Any/Some) to do.
2. She has not solved _____ sums, (many/ 2. We invited _____ friends over to our house
any) for a barbecue.
3. This book is mine but _____ is yours, 3. _____ of the cakes had been baked the day
(that/any) before.
4. _____ boys have done their work. (That/ 4. Sally didn’t take _____ photos when she
These) went on holiday.
5. He didn’t make _____ progress, (much/ 5. The teacher gave _____ of the students a
many) piece of paper.
6. He has forgotten _____ of the details, 6. Every one of _____ friends sent me a
(some/many) birthday card, but none of them bought me a
7. The District Magistrate visited _____ present.
flood affected area, (every/either) 7. Henry had _____ idea what the answer to
8. _____ villa is this? (Whose/What) the question was.
9. He is the _____ boy who has joined this 8. I like _____ of her songs, but not all of
gym. (first/whose) them are good.
10. I met her _____ week, (this/those) 9. They waited for a bus for half _____ hour.

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Page 170 Discursive Passage Chapter 5
Rule 4 Rule 13
Names in the possessive do not carry articles; as, When two or more nouns refer to closely-related
• Harrods different things, the article is not used before the
second noun.
• McDonald’s
• I need a fork and knife to eat this.
Rule 5
Names of businesses and chains of shops do not
carry articles; as, 5. Demonstratives
• He is working for Tata Motors. (not the/a Demonstratives are pronouns which point out to
Tata Motors) something. However, when they are followed by
Rule 6 nouns, they act as determiners. The demonstrative
The article is omitted when only one person can determiners in the English language are this, that,
occupy a position; as, these, those.
Rule 1
• They appointed him president.
The demonstrative determiner ‘That’ (Plural-
Rule 7 Those) is used to avoid repetition of a preceding
Articles are not used with months and days of the noun.
week when the meaning is the day/month before
or after this one; as, • My shorts are better than those of my brother.

• He will come on Tuesday. (next Tuesday) • Our defence academies are better than those
of Afghanistan.
Rule 8
Names of illnesses do not carry articles; as, Rule 2
The demonstrative determiner ‘This (Plural-
• He was hospitalised for appendicitis. These)’ is used to refer to a person/ persons or
Rule 9 thing/ things near to the speaker.
When meals are being talked about as regular • This is the best coffee I have had.
meals of the day, they are used without articles;
as, • These magazines are very good.

• What did you have for dinner today? Rule 3

The demonstrative determiner ‘That (Plural-
Rule 10 Those)’ refers to a person/ persons or thing/
The noun man, when used to mean mankind or things far from the speaker.
the human race, does not have an article; as,
• Get that dog out of the house.
• Man is mortal.
• Throw away those shoes in the garbage.
Rule 11
Articles are not used if possessive pronouns are
part of the noun phrase; as, 6. Possessives
• He stays in my house. (not the my house) The possessive determiners in the English language
Rule 12 are my, your, our, his, her, its, and their. These
When two or more adjectives refer to the same are used to show or determine the ownership of a
person/thing and are joined together by and, an certain thing.
article may be used only before the first noun. • Where is your car?
• The orator and poet arrived on time. (will • The dog growled and showed its teeth.
mean there are one person)
• My best friend is a cat.
• The orator and the poet arrived on time.
• Which one is his house?
(will mean there are two persons)
• It’s our secret recipe.
• I saw a black and white dog. (a dog part black
and part white) • Their house was just around the corner.
• I saw a black and a white dog. (two dogs, one
black and one white)

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

• He was listening to the radio. • The Gupta dynasty.

Rule 19 • The British empire.
Before the name of professions used collectively; • The Red revolution.
as,
• The Middle Ages.
• The Press.
• The Civil war.
• The Bench.
• The Vedic ages.
Rule 20
• The Sixth century.
Before a noun, qualified by adjectives; as,
Rule 28
• The former President Abdul Kalam
Before language to signify nationality; as,
• The immortal Shakespeare.
• The Chinese are hard working.
• The late Shri S.C. Bose.
• The Japanese are patriots out and out.
Rule 21
Rule 29
Before the case in apposition; as,
Before nationality (plural); as,
• Netaji, the hero of Modern India, ought to be
• The Greeks.
remembered.
• The Indians.
• Who can underestimate Mr. Vajpayee, the
former Prime Minister? • The Asians.
Note : But we say An Indian, An Asian, A Greek.
Rule 22
Before the dates; as, Rule 30
Before little and few.
• The 10th of May.
• The little - some but all
• The 5th of September.
• The few - some but all
Rule 23
Before the organs of government; as, Omission of Articles
• The Judiciary Articles are omitted in a number of places. Zero
• The legislature article specifically refers to absence of articles
before plural countable and uncountable nouns.
Rule 24
Instances where the articles are left out are listed
Before the parts of a body of a person in place of
below.
possessive adjectives; as,
Rule 1
• He hit me on the back.
The article is not used when unlimited numbers
• She caught me by the arm. or quantities are being referred to, or numbers are
Rule 25 not being thought of at all; as,
Before the political parties; as, • Kangaroos are found in Australia. (generic
• The BJP. reference to kangaroos)

• The Labour Party • Sugar is an essential commodity.

• The Janta Party. Rule 2

There is no article where the implication is some
Rule 26 or a few and not the entire class; as,
Before the armed forces; as,
• They want to buy old paintings.
• The Army.
Rule 3
• The Police. Names of persons do not carry articles, irrespective
• The Air force. of whether or not they are used with a title; as,
Rule 27 • Dr. Sharma
Before the dynasties, empires, wars, revolutions, • Raj Mehra
centuries; as, (except as specified under the use of a/an/
the)

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Page 172 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

• Take either side of the bed, both are the same. • I don’t go there a lot anymore.
• Neither of them is speaking the truth.
A lot of, lots of
Each and Every We use a lot of and lots of in informal styles. Lots
of is more informal than a lot of. A lot of and
These determiners are used to refer to all members
lots of can both be used with plural countable
of a group, persons or things. When we talk about
nouns and with singular uncountable nouns for
members as individuals, we use ‘each’ and when
affirmatives, negatives, and questions:
we make a statement about all of them we use
‘every’. They are to be prefixed before a singular • We’ve got lots of things to do.
countable noun and the verb attached with them • That’s a lot of money.
should be singular.
• There weren’t a lot of choices.
• Each and every board member was present in
the meeting. • Can you hurry up? I don’t have a lot of time.
• Today a laptop and air conditioner can be • Are there a lot of good players at your tennis
seen in each house. club?
• Every child is said to have his/ her own • Have you eaten lots of chocolate?
special abilities.

Several 8. cardinal and ordinal

It is usually used to indicate an imprecise number numbers
that is not very large but more than two. The cardinal numbers (one, two, three, ...) are
adjectives referring to quantity, and the ordinal
• There were several deaths during the floods
numbers (first, second, third, ...) refer to
in U.P.
distribution.
• There were several cases of fraud pending
• There are twenty-five beds available in a
against him in the court.
hospital.
Most • Geeta won second prize in painting
competition.
‘Most’ is used to indicate nearly all of an amount
or of a group.
• Most of the people do not recover from this 9. Difference words
fatal disease.
Another
• Most of the people in India are working class.
It can be used with a singular countable noun to
talk about an additional person or thing of the
Enough
same type.
The determiner ‘enough’ is used before
uncountable nouns or plural nouns to say that • Can I have another cup of coffee?
there is something that is sufficient and enough • He opened another branch last month.
as much as needed.
• The hotel had enough rooms for all the guests. Other
This determiner is used with plural nouns or
• They did not have enough storage to store all
sometimes with uncountable nouns.
that they had ordered for.
• Other people might not have thought like
A lot this.
It means very often or very much. It is used as an • The students are busy in other activities
adverb. It often comes at the end of a sentence rather than participating in the math class.
and never before a noun.
• I like basketball a lot.
• She’s a lot happier now than she was.

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

7. Quantifiers Few and Many

Quantifiers indicate how much or how little of the These are mostly used to refer to a number. They
noun is being discussed. Quantifiers are commonly are used before plural countable nouns. Few
used before either countable or uncountable emphasizes a smaller number and many refer to
nouns. They include words such as some, any, more numbers.
few, little, more, much, many, each, every, both, • Few students came for the class today.
all, enough etc.
• Many people went to welcome the Indian
Some Cricket team.
• They stayed in the U.S.A for a few days.
Rule 1
The indefinite adjective ‘Some’ is generally used
More, Less and Fewer
in affirmative sentences with uncountable and
plural countable nouns. They are mostly used as comparative determiners.
‘More’ is used before plural and uncountable
• There is some proof that he is guilty.
nouns (with than) to refer to a quantity or
• I have some good ideas on the project. amount which is greater than another quantity or
Rule 2 amount. It is also used to refer to an additional
It can also be used in questions where ‘Yes’ is quantity of something. Less is used to refer to an
expected as an answer. amount that is less than another amount. Fewer is
used where we refer to a group of things that are
• Would you like some tea? smaller than another group before plural nouns.
• Could you give me some food? • He does much more cardio than I do.

Any • The poor have less access to cleanliness.

• There are fewer cars here.
Rule 1
It is used in questions when you want to ask All
whether something exists or not. It is also used
in negative sentences where we want to say that All is mostly used with a plural verb when followed
something does not exist. by a countable plural noun. It includes all the
persons or things of a particular kind. Another
• I don’t need any help. rule for it is that it requires a singular verb when
• Do you have any advice on the matter? it is followed by an uncountable noun.
Rule 2 • All children cannot be treated in the same
It is also used in affirmative sentences before manner.
plural nouns and uncountable nouns when it
refers to a quantity of something which may or Both
may not exist. This determiner is mostly used to talk about two
• You can stop at any point you like. things of the same kind. It is used to show that
two persons or things are involved rather than
Little and Much one and is often followed by ‘and’.
These are used to refer to amount or quantity. • Both Raman and Raghav went out for a
Little is used to emphasize that there is a small movie.
amount of something whereas ‘Much’ is used for • He held oranges in both his hands.
emphasizing on large quantities. Both of them
are used with uncountable nouns. Little is also Either and Neither
used in reference to small amount of something
without any emphasis. These determiners usually refer to two persons or
things but show that one out of the two is or is
• I want to spend a little time in Dubai. not involved in a situation. Neither is used mostly
• I have studied very little for my exam. with singular nouns and by either, it can mean
both of two things especially when it is used with
• Do you like to watch much television?
‘end’ or ’side’.

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Page 174 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

8. M. S. Dhoni is one of _____ best captains 16. _____ tact would have saved the situation.
cricket has seen. (a) The little (b) A little
(a) The (b) A (c) Little (d) Very little
(c) An (d) That Ans : 2014

Ans : 2017 (b) A little

(a) The
17. I can’t eat _____ more bananas, but I should
9. _____ apple _____ day keeps _____ like _____ more apples.
doctor away. (a) any, any (b) some, some
(a) A, an, the (b) The, an, a (c) some, any (d) any, some
(c) An, a, the (d) An, the, a Ans : 2013

Ans : 2017 (d) any, some

(c) An, a, the
18. Put _____ sugar in your tea; I haven’t put
10. I don’t want _____ coffee, thank you. _____
(a) Some (b) Any (a) some, any (b) any, any
(c) Little (d) Few (c) some, some (d) any, some
Ans : 2016 Ans : 2013

(b) Any (a) some, any

11. How _____ money do you spend on new 19. He is very lucky. He has _____ friends to stand
clothes? by him in times of need.
(a) Many (b) Few (a) little (b) few
(c) Much (d) Little (c) a few (d) a little
Ans : 2016 Ans : 2013

(c) Much (c) a few

12. Only _____ people came to watch the new film. 20. I gave a dinner for a _____ close friends.
(a) A few (b) Many (a) many (b) more
(c) Much (d) A some (c) the few (d) few
Ans : 2016 Ans : 2013

(a) A few (d) few

13. Could you give me _____ money, please? 21. There is _____ water left, so drink only if you
(a) Little (b) A little must.
(c) A few (d) Few (a) some (b) little
Ans : 2016 (c) few (d) much
(b) A little Ans : 2012

(b) little
14. We had _____ money left, so we went out for a
meal. We decided to abandon our trip as we had 22. There isn’t _____ point at all in getting upset
._____ money left. about it.
(a) a little, a little (b) little, a little (a) few (b) several
(c) a few, few (d) a little, little (c) any (d) many
Ans : 2016 Ans : 2012

(d) a little, little (c) any

15. She spent _____ amount of money she had. 23. According to the studies, dolphins, whales
(a) little (b) much and _____ other sea creatures use highly
(c) the few (d) the little sophisticated navigation systems.
Ans : 2015 (a) any (b) a little
(d) the little (c) many (d) much

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

49. Which one of the following sentences shows a Use the given format for your response.
correct use of Article
Error Correction
(a) A black and a white cow is grazing in the
field.
(b) A black and white cow is grazing in the field. Ans : 2022

(c) A black and the white cow is grazing in the

field. Error Correction
(d) None of these Every Most
Ans :
(b) A black and white cow is grazing in the field. 4. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
the correction.
50. Which one of the following sentences shows a At the age of seventeen, Galileo know that he had
correct use of Article discovered an important law- a law of a pendulum.
(a) Shri Shanker Dayal Sharma was the President
of India. Use the given format for your response.
(b) Shri Shanker Dayal Sharma was President of Error Correction
India.
(c) Shri Shanker Dayal Sharma was a President
of India. Ans : 2021

(d) None of these Error Correction

Ans :
(a) Shri Shanker Dayal Sharma was the President a the
of India.
5. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
the correction.
Very Short Answer Type Question Our defence academies are better than that of
Afghanistan.
1. Fill the blank by choosing the correct option, to
complete the concluding line of an issued circular Use the given format for your response.
by an Organisation, to its Managers.
A copy of the plan is enclosed and _____ Error Correction
(that/then/this) may be communicated to all
Team Leaders for compliance.
Ans : 2023 Ans : 2021

this
Error Correction
2. Identify the error and supply the correction, for that those
the following sentence:
Every people went to welcome the Indian Cricket 6. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
team. the correction.
There are a little countries in the world where the
Error Correction
population is not growing fast.

Ans : Use the given format for your response.

2022

Error Correction
Error Correction
Every Many
Ans : 2020

3. Identify the error and supply the correction, for

the following sentence: Error Correction
Every trees have a single woody stem called a a little a few
trunk which supports a mass of branches carrying
leaves.

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Page 176 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

(a) some (b) much Ans :

(a) The teacher called the last boy standing in
(c) many (d) a little
the queue.
Ans : 2005

(c) many 44. Which one of the following sentences shows a

correct use of Article
38. Surveys say anti-war protests and incidents in
_____ of Europe are at their most frequent (a) His mother forbade him to go to the circus
since World War II. late at night.
(a) each (b) much (b) His mother forbade him to go to circus late at
night.
(c) many (d) a few
Ans : 2005 (c) both a and b above
(b) much (d) None of these
Ans :
39. The news was _____ good to be true. (a) His mother forbade him to go to the circus
(a) very (b) too late at night.
(c) so (d) as
45. Which one of the following sentences shows a
Ans : 2005
correct use of Article
(b) too
(a) Ganga is a holy river for Hindus.
40. _____ of the two sisters is married. (b) The Ganga is a holy river for Hindus.
(a) Both (b) Every (c) both a and b above
(c) Each (d) Any (d) None of these
Ans : 2005 Ans :
(c) Each (b) The Ganga is a holy river for Hindus.
41. _____ of you should attend the conference. 46. Which one of the following sentences shows a
(a) Both (b) Each correct use of Article
(c) Every (d) Many (a) God is merciful to all of us.
Ans : 2005
(b) The God is merciful to all of us.
(a) Both
(c) A God is merciful to all of us.
42. Which one of the following sentences shows a (d) None of these
correct use of Article Ans :
(a) He lived in the three hundred year old house (a) God is merciful to all of us.
in Delhi. 47. Which one of the following sentences shows a
(b) He lived in a three hundred year old house in correct use of Article
Delhi. (a) We went to see a Taj Mahal in Agra.
(c) both a and b above (b) We went to see the Taj Mahal in Agra.
(d) None of these (c) We went to see the Taj Mahal in the Agra.
Ans :
(b) He lived in a three hundred year old house in (d) None of these
Ans :
Delhi.
(b) We went to see the Taj Mahal in Agra.
43. Which one of the following sentences shows a
48. Which one of the following sentences shows a
correct use of Article
correct use of Article
(a) The teacher called the last boy standing in
(a) The Book which you demand is out of print.
the queue.
(b) Book which you demand is out of print.
(b) The teacher called a last boy standing in the
queue. (c) A Book which you demand is out of print.
(c) both a and b above (d) None of these
Ans :
(d) None of these
(a) The Book which you demand is out of print.

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

10. Interrogatives EXERCIS

Interrogative determiners formulate direct or
indirect questions and exclamations. The three Multiple Choice Type Question
interrogative determiners in English are what,
which, and whose. 1. Fill the blank with the correct option to complete
the note of appreciation by the Head of an
Whose organisation.
It is good to know that _____ registration
Whose means “belonging to which person”.
forms were received this time for our event, as
Whose functions both as an interrogative and
a possessive determiner, so technically whose is compared to the previous year.
an interrogative possessive determiner. Whose is (a) many (b) most
the only interrogative possessive determiner in (c) much (d) more
English. Ans : 2023

(d) more
• They didn’t know whose car it was.
• Whose iPhone was stolen? 2. There was _____ major accident near the
railway station.
• He couldn’t remember whose car keys they
were. (a) an (b) a
(c) the (d) none of these
What Ans : 2019

(b) a
What is for asking for information specifying
something. 3. Sri Lanka is _____ island.
• What time did you arrive? (a) a (b) an
• I wonder what reason he gave. (c) the (d) none of these
Ans : 2019
• What idiot told you that?
(b) an
Which 4. He is _____ honour to his profession.
Which is for asking for information specifying one (a) an (b) a
or more people or things from a definite set. (c) the (d) none of these
• Which table would you prefer? Ans : 2019

• I wonder which teacher told him that. (a) an

• I asked them which Italian car was best. 5. The cow is _____ sacred animal.
(a) a (b) an
(c) the (d) none of these
 Ans : 2019

(a) a

6. I saw a woman with _____ umbrella over her

head.
(a) a (b) an
(c) the (d) none of these
Ans : 2018

(b) an

7. _____ European visited our town yesterday.

(a) A (b) An
(c) The (d) None of these
Ans : 2018

(a) A

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Page 178 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

7. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply Ans : 2017

the correction.
Error Correction
Have you got some proof that he committed the
crime? few some

Use the given format for your response. 11. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
the correction.
Error Correction I walk 3 kilometres each day to reach my school.

Use the given format for your response.

Ans : 2019

Error Correction
Error Correction
some any
Ans : 2016

8. Identify the error in the given description about Error Correction

sachin tendulkar and supply the correction.
Sachin Tendulkar is the best cricketer in India. each every
He has played for many than twenty years for the
Country. 12. Fill in the blanks with a, an, the :
1. He is studying at _____ University in U.K.
Use the given format for your response. 2. Have you found _____ pen you lost
Error Correction yesterday?
3. Please give me _____ one rupee note.
4. All _____ boys run away.
Ans : 2019
5. I have bought _____ umbrella.
Error Correction 6. Neil Armstrong was _____ first man to
land on the moon.
many more
7. Yesterday _____ European visitor came to
our school.
9. Identify the error and supply the correction for
8. The camel is _____ ship of the desert.
the following sentence:
Countries near on equator are some warmer than 9. Nasir is _____ honourable man.
countries farther to the North and South. 10. I don’t expect _____ reward.
11. _____ island is a piece of land surrounded
Use the given format for your response. by water on all sides.
12. Give me _____ book to read.
Error Correction
13. Christmas falls on _____ 25th of December
every year.
Ans : 2018 14. These are _____ students who have broken
the chair.
Error Correction
15. The teacher asked _____ easy question.
some much 16. He is _____ able man.
17. Ramesh is _____ best of all.
10. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply
18. He has applied for _____ post of a lecturer.
the correction.
We can expect few more mosquitoes after 19. I have lost _____ pen you gave me.
continued falls of rain. 20. Life is not _____ bed of roses.
Ans :
Use the given format for your response. 1. a 6. the 11. An 16. an
Error Correction 2. the 7. a 12. a 17. the
3. a 8. the 13. the 18. the

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

• For a talk islands, holy books, ordinals, descriptive names of

countries, states, newspapers, magazines, deserts,
• For a visit
superlative degree, names of trains, hotels, shops;
Rule 11 as,
Before certain phrases; as,
• The Persian Gulf
• In a hurry
• The Indian Ocean
• Take a fancy
• The Ranjit
• Make a noise
• The Himalayas
• Tell a lie
• The Ramayana
Rule 12
Before the words denoting numbers; as, • The Vedas

• A Hundred, A dozen, A million • The Earth

Rule 13 • The Taj Mahal

Before the adjectives little and few to give the • The best picture
sense of some.
• The first man
• A little - Some (Quantity)
• The Sahara
• A few - Some (Number); as,
• The Bay of Bengal
• I have little money to buy a house. (hardly
• The Rajdhani Express
any)
• The Times of India
• Please give me a little sugar. (some)
• The Frontline
• He has spent the little money that he had.
(some but all) • The North Pole
• There are few boys in the class. (hardly • The Netherland
anyone) • The Sudan
• I met a few students in the university. (some) • The USA
• The few students that were in the class were • The Maurya Sheraton
sitting idle. (some but all)
NOTE
Rule 14
‘The’ is not used before Aravali and Everest
There is no plural of a, an. Some or Any is the
because they are not mountain ranges.
equivalent of the plural.
• A horse - Some horses/any horses Rule 3
• An orange - Some oranges/any oranges When a singular noun expresses a class of animal
or things. But the is avoided with their plural
Uses of Definite Article ‘The’ forms and persons to express a class; as,
• The dog is a faithful animal.
Rule 1
When we talk of the particular person or a thing • The rose is a sweet flower.
as already mentioned, known or under discussion; • The cow is economically useful.
as,
• Dogs are faithful.
• The book (which you mentioned) is not Indefinite article A is used in the sense of any
available in the market. to single out a person, a thing or an animal as a
• Let us study the lesson carefully. (lesson in representative of a class; as,
hand) • A son should be obedient.
Rule 2 • A cow is a useful animal.
Before proper noun (unique objects) when they
refer to the names of historical buildings, mountain • A mango is a sweet fruit.
ranges, planets, rivers, oceans, gulfs, groups of

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Page 180 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

10. _____ table is made of wood.

Ans :

1. little 2. a few 3. most

4. many 5. each 6. my
7. no 8. many 9. an
10. a

17. Choose the correct determiner from the brackets:

1. Let us save _____ (a little/the little) for a
rainy day.
2. Won’t you have _____ (many/some) tea?
Yes, I’ll have _____ (a little/a few).
3. Don’t you have _____ (any/some) match
at all? Of course we have _____ (any/
some).
4. He is mischievous, like _____ (many/a
good many) boys.
5. _____ (Many a/A good many) persons
have made the same mistake.
6. _____ (Every/Many) boy is keen on
gymnastics.
7. Generally, Mr Jones doesn’t have _____
(many/much) money with him. But whenever
he goes to visit his grandchildren, he has
_____ (many/much) coins in his pocket.
8. _____ (Lot of/A lot of) petrol leaked from
the tank.
9. “How _____ (much more/many more)
strength must I exert”, the mechanic asked.
10. There is _____ (lots of/a lot of) marbles
here, Andy told Mark. “Let’s take _____
(few/a few)”.
Ans :

1. the little 6. Every

2. some, a little 7. much, many
3. any, some 8. A lot of,
4. a good many 9. much
5. A good many 10. a lot of, a few



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MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SOCIAL

STANDARD BASIC SCIENCE
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Class 10 Class 10 Class 10 Class 10

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POLITICAL INFORMATION
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COMPUTER
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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

Chapter 6

I ntegrated Grammar

1. Gap filling 3. Fill in the blanks in the paragraph given below

by choosing the most appropriate options from
the ones that follow. Write the answers in your
1. Complete the paragraph given below with the
answer-sheet against the correct blank numbers.
help of options that follow :
Reading books (a) _____ a good hobby. Books
The school closed during the monsoon but this
open (b) _____ vast new world to us. They
did not (a) _____ that Raju (b) _____ sit
increase (c) _____ knowledge and change our
at home (c) _____ nothing.
outlook towards the World.
(a) (i) mean (ii) means
(a) (i) has (ii) was
(iii) meant (iv) meaning
(iii) are (iv) is
(b) (i) can (ii) could
(b) (i) the (ii) a
(iii) shall (iv) will
(iii) an (iv) some
(c) (i) do (ii) does
(c) (i) his (ii) one’s
(iii) did (iv) doing
(iii) our (iv) your
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2020
(a) (i) mean, (b) (ii) could, (c) (iv) doing
(a) (ii) is, (b) (ii) a, (c) (iii) our.
2. Fill in any four of the following blanks given
below choosing the most appropriate options from
the ones that follow. Write the answers in your
Answer-sheet against the correct blank numbers.
4. Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks
Communication (a) _____ become very
to complete the note about Delhi, the Capital of
effective and instant due to smart phones. People
India.
(b) _____ able to (c) _____ their messages
Delhi (a) _____ the capital of India. People
all around the globe to (d) _____ loved ones
from all parts of the country and world come to
without (e) _____ hefty sums of money.
visit Delhi. There (b) _____ many historical
(a) (i) is (ii) has buildings here. Last year I, (c) _____ Delhi. I
(iii) have (iv) had also watched (d) _____ Commonwealth Games
2010.
(b) (i) is (ii) are
(iii) was (iv) am (a) (i) was (ii) is
(iii) are (iv) being
(c) (i) convey (ii) conveys
(iii) conveying (iv) conveyed (b) (i) being (ii) are
(iii) been (iv) were
(d) (i) his (ii) her
(iii) their (iv) your (c) (i) visit (ii) visiting
(iii) visited (iv) will visit
(e) (i) spend (ii) spending
(iii) spends (iv) spent (d) (i) a (ii) an
Ans : 2020 (iii) the (iv) some
(a) (ii) has, (b) (ii) are, (c) (i) convey, (d) (iii) Ans : 2019

their, (e) (ii) spending. (a) (ii) is, (b) (ii) are, (c) (iii) visited, (d) (iii) the.

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Page 182 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

5. Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to He will fly to Madras on 7th December. The plane
complete the note about the Wangala Festival of (a) _____ reach Madras at 11.00 am. He (b)
Meghalaya. _____ stay at Hotel Plaza.
The Wangala (a) _____ festival for the Garo
(a) (i) may (ii) can
in Meghalaya, Assam and Nagaland. It is a post
(iii) will (iv) could
harvest festival (b) _____ the end of the
Agricultural Year. It is popularly known as ‘The (b) (i) could (ii) will
Hundred Drums’ Festival. During the signature (iii) shall (iv) must
dance, the leading warrior (c) _____ with Ans : 2019
synchronised dance steps and specific hand-head (a) (iii) will, (b) (ii) will
movements.
8. Fill in the blanks in the paragraph given below
(a) (i) is important
by choosing the most appropriate options from
(ii) are an important the ones that follow. Attempt any four. Write the
(iii) was the important answers in your answer sheet against the correct
(iv) is an important blank numbers.
The Caves of Ajanta and Ellora (a) _____
(b) (i) being celebrated for marking
the magnificent works of sculpture. Whoever
(ii) celebrated to mark (b) _____ there (c) _____spellbound.
(iii) celebrated to marking Thousands of tourists visit these places every
(iv) being celebrated for mark year. One can stay in the guest houses.
(c) (i) leads the youngsters (a) (i) is (ii) are
(ii) is lead the youngsters (iii) was (iv) were
(iii) was leading the youngsters (b) (i) go (ii) going
(iv) had leads the youngsters (iii) goes (iv) went
Ans : 2019

(a) (iv) is an important, (b) (ii) celebrated to (c) (i) becomes (ii) become
mark, (c) (i) leads the youngsters. (iii) becoming (iv) has become
Ans : 2019
6. Fill in any four of the following blanks choosing (a) (ii) are, (b) (iii) goes, (c) (i) becomes.
the most appropriate options from the ones given
below. Write the answers in your answer sheet 9. Fill in the blanks in the paragraph given below
against the correct blank numbers. by choosing the most appropriate options from
Birds and animals (a) _____ in the lap the ones that follow. Attempt any four. Write the
of nature and can predict the likely changes answers in your answer sheet against the correct
accurately. Swallows usually fly high in the sky. blank numbers.
But during a storm, they come down and fly close Television (a) _____ become very popular
to the ground. If they fly low you (b) _____ in our Country. People spend a lot of time
be sure of strong winds. Even a Toad can be (c) watching a variety of Programmes. Some of the
_____ reliable Weatherman. programmes (b) _____ are telecast these days
are of a very poor quality. We should remember
(a) (i) lives (ii) living
that television is (c) _____ effective in
(iii) live (iv) lived educating (d) _____ Nation.
(b) (i) would (ii) should (a) (i) is (ii) was
(iii) might (iv) could (iii) has (iv) had
(c) (i) a (ii) an (b) (i) those (ii) when
(iii) the (iv) some (iii) here (iv) that
Ans : 2019

(a) (iii) live, (b) (iv) could, (c) (i) a (c) (i) so (ii) many
(iii) very (iv) some
7. Fill in any four of the following blanks choosing
the most appropriate options from the ones given (d) (i) a (ii) an
below. Write the answers in your answer sheet (iii) the (iv) some
against the correct blank numbers. Ans : 2019

(a) (iii) has, (b) (iv) that, (c) (iii) very, (d) (i) a.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

10. Fill in the blanks in the paragraph given below by (c) (i) be taken (ii) took
choosing the most appropriate options from the (iii) takes (iv) has taken
ones that follows. Attempt any four. Write the
(d) (i) a (ii) an
answers in your answer sheet against the correct
blank numbers. (iii) the (iv) some
Belgium is considered to (a) _____ a country of Ans : 2018

chocolates. It is a big business and (b) _____ (a) (iv) understands, (b) (iii) where, (c) (i) be
nearly 72,000 people. Most Belgian chocolate makers taken, (d) (iii) the.
(c) _____ their craft at Vocational Schools. Then
13. Complete the paragraph given below with the
they set up (d) _____ Own Business.
help of options that follow :
(a) (i) been (ii) be Yesterday, a rich woman from West Bengal (a)
(iii) as (iv) for _____ to Delhi to buy jewellery. She was sitting
outside (b) _____ jewellery shop. Suddenly two
(b) (i) employing (ii) employs
young boys came there and snatched the chain
(iii) employed (iv) employ that she was (c) _____. She called the police
(c) (i) are learning (ii) have learnt but the snatchers had run away.
(iii) will learn (iv) learn (a) (i) come (ii) comes
(d) (i) that (ii) those (iii) came (iv) coming
(iii) their (iv) our (b) (i) a (ii) an
Ans : 2019
(iii) the (iv) some
(a) (ii) be, (b) (ii) employs, (c) (iv) learn, (d) (iii)
their. (c) (i) wear (ii) wears
11. Fill in the blanks in the paragraph given below (iii) wore (iv) wearing
by choosing the most appropriate options from Ans : 2018

the ones that follow. Attempt any four. Write the (a) (iii) came (b) (i) a, (c) (iv) wearing.
answers in your answer sheet against the correct 14. Complete the paragraph given below by filling in
blank numbers. the blanks with the help of options that follow :
Karthik has penned (a) _____ book Titled, I met a smart young person (a) _____ wanted
‘The Ashes of the Prey’, a thriller about a lawyer a ‘Selfie’ with me. So we (b) _____ on top of
(b) _____ runs into a lot of trouble after (c) (c) _____ boundary wall.
_____ accident.
(a) (i) which (ii) who
(a) (i) the (ii) an
(iii) whose (iv) what
(iii) a (iv) one
(b) (i) sit (ii) sits
(b) (i) which (ii) whom
(iii) sat (iv) sitting
(iii) who (iv) whose
(c) (i) a (ii) an
(c) (i) a (ii) an
(iii) the (iv) any
(iii) the (iv) some Ans : 2017
Ans : 2019
(a) (ii) who, (b) (iii) sat, (c) (i) a.
(a) (iii) a, (b) (iii) who, (c) (iv) an.
15. Complete the paragraph given below by filling in
12. Fill in any four of the blanks in the paragraph the blanks with the help of options that follows :
given below with the help of options that follow : Everyone is not in a position to (a) _____ the
The modern Student (a) _____ the importance family and start (b) _____ in a room on (c)
of physical exercise. He spends one to two hours _____ Banks of the Ganga.
in open air (b) _____ he takes part in different
Sports. However, care should (c) _____ not to (a) (i) leave (ii) leaver
overstrain (d) _____ body. (iii) tell (iv) leaving
(a) (i) understood (ii) understand (b) (i) live (ii) lived
(iii) have understand (iv) understands (iii) living (iv) lives
(b) (i) how (ii) which (c) (i) a (ii) an
(iii) where (iv) why (iii) the (iv) some

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Page 184 Discursive Passage Chapter 6
Ans : 2017
19. Complete the paragraph given below with the
(a) (i) leave, (b) (iii) living, (c) (iii) the. help of options that follow :
16. Complete the paragraph given below by filling in Last year I visited the same spot even if I was not
the blanks with the help of options that follows : (a) _____ a cycle. I (b) _____ that many
Very few people (a) _____ loneliness. It seems buildings (c) _____ been built on (d) _____
to me that most people (b) _____ scared of (c) banks of the Ganga.
_____ left on (d) _____ own. (a) (i) ride (ii) rides
(a) (i) enjoy (ii) enjoys (iii) rode (iv) riding
(iii) enjoyed (iv) enjoying (b) (i) see (ii) had seen
(b) (i) is (ii) am (iii) saw (iv) will see
(iii) are (iv) was (c) (i) has (ii) have
(c) (i) be (ii) being (iii) had (iv) having
(iii) been (iv) having (d) (i) a (ii) an
(d) (i) his (ii) her (iii) the (iv) some
(iii) our (iv) their Ans : 2017

Ans : 2017
(a) (iv) riding, (b) (iii) saw, (c) (iii) had, (d) (iii)
(a) (i) enjoy, (b) (iii) are, (c) (ii) being, (d) (iv) the
their. 20. Read the sentence given below and fill in the
17. Complete the paragraph given below by filling in blanks in it by choosing the most appropriate
the blanks with the help of options that follows options from the ones that follow:
Last year I (a) _____ the same spot even if I He was (a) _____ at the News of (b) _____
was not (b) _____ a cycle. I saw that many success of a poor candidate (c) _____ got the
buildings (c) _____ been built on (d) _____ highest number of Votes in the Bihar Election.
banks of the Ganga. (a) (i) surprising (ii) surprise
(a) (i) visited (ii) visit (iii) surprised (iv) having surprised
(iii) visiting (iv) visits (b) (i) the (ii) a
(b) (i) ride (ii) rides (iii) any (iv) an
(iii) rode (iv) riding (c) (i) which (ii) whose
(c) (i) has (ii) have (iii) what (iv) who
(iii) had (iv) having Ans : 2016

(a) (iii) surprised, (b) (i) the, (c) (iv) who.

(d) (i) a (ii) an
(iii) the (iv) some 21. Complete the paragraph given below with the
Ans : 2017 help of options that follow :
(a) (i) visited, (b) (iv) riding, (c) (iii) had, (d) The Vichitra veena as (a) _____ name suggests
(iii) the. (b) _____ a rare instrument and there are not
(c) _____ artists who can play (d) _____
18. Complete the paragraph given below by filling in instrument.
the blanks with the help of options that follows :
(a) (i) a (ii) an
A young person (a) _____ a picture of both
of us with ‘Selfie’. I (b) _____ hardly say ‘no’ (iii) the (iv) some
to him. (b) (i) is (ii) am
(a) (i) want (ii) wants (iii) are (iv) have been
(iii) wanted (iv) wanting (c) (i) much (ii) many
(b) (i) can (ii) could (iii) more (iv) most
(iii) would (iv) might (d) (i) his (ii) the
Ans : 2017 (iii) this (iv) that
(a) (iii) wanted, (b) (ii) could. Ans : 2016

(a) (iii) the, (b) (i) is, (c) (ii) many, (d) (iii) this.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

24. The following paragraph has not been edited. 26. The following paragraph has not been edited.
There is one error in each line. Identify the error There is one error in each line. Identify the error
and write its correction against the correct blank and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction. number. Remember to underline the correction.
The first one has been done for you. The first one has been done for you.

Error Correction Error Correction

The pleasure in be E.g. be being As far as climate change E.g. was is
outdoors was concerned,
are fundamental for South Asia is one of a
human (a) world's most sensitive (a)
happiness. There is so areas. Therefore, in the
much to learnt (b) face of climate change
and it is an constant we used to (b)
source of delight to know (c) prepared ourselves to
more about the flora meet the challenge (c)
and fauna around. We have to adapt
Ans : 2019
ourselves to climate
change.
Error Correction Ans : 2018

(a) are is Error Correction

(b) learnt learn (a) a the
(c) an a (b) used to can
(c) prepared prepare
25. The following paragraph has not been edited.
There is one error in each line. Identify the error
and write its correction against the correct blank 27. The following paragraph has not been edited.
number. Remember to underline the correction. There is one error in each line. Identify the error
The first one has been done for you. and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction.
Error Correction The first one has been done for you.
In the Prisoner’s Room E.g. is was Error Correction
a Candle is
I meets her by chance E.g. meets met
burning dimly. A then I
Prisoner himself (a)
went to getting some
sit by the table, only his Medicine (a)
back, (b)
which Sister Amy use
the hair on his head, and to give. (b)
his hands are visible (c)
It is amazing to meet
from outside through Mother. (c)
the Window.
I started loving just
Ans : 2018
her presence.
Ans : 2017
Error Correction
(a) A The Error Correction
(b) sit sat (a) getting get
(c) are were (b) use used
(c) is was

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Page 186 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

27. Complete the paragraph given below with the can injure others. They are (d) _____ sadists
help of options that follow : who can certainly mar others’ reputation.
Mohan and Shyam (a) _____ my best friends. (a) (i) A (ii) An
They always (b) _____ me in my work. None of
(iii) The (iv) Some
them (c) _____ football. I (d) _____ never
(e) _____ them wasting their time. Neither (b) (i) has (ii) have
Mohan nor Shyam is lazy. All the students of my (iii) had (iv) were
class like them.
(c) (i) can (ii) may
(a) (i) is (ii) are (iii) should (iv) must
(iii) am (iv) was
(d) (i) call (ii) calls
(b) (i) helping (ii) helped (iii) called (iv) calling
(iii) helps (iv) help Ans : 2014

(c) (i) play (ii) playing (a) (i) A, (b) (ii) have, (c) (ii) may, (d) (iii) called.
(iii) plays (iv) played 30. Complete the paragraph given below with the
(d) (i) has (ii) have help of options that follow :
(iii) had (iv) has been In India, the death toll due to road accidents
(a) _____ increased drastically. Most of them
(e) (i) see (ii) saw could (b) _____ averted. Wider road awareness
(iii) seeing (iv) seen among road users (c) _____ to be taught.
Ans : 2015 Separate lanes for heavy vehicles should be made.
(a) (ii) are, (b) (iv) help, (c) (iii) plays, (d) (ii) More stringent laws must be (d) _____ while
have, (e) (iv) seen. issuing licenses.
28. Complete the paragraph given below with the (a) (i) has (ii) were
help of options that follow : (iii) have (iv) had
Ram (a) _____ keep his word as he has to (b) (i) has been (ii) have been
repay all his loan. He will (b) _____ seventeen
(iii) had been (iv) be
next week. I (c) _____ certain that you will
(d) _____ that how successfully he has (c) (i) can (ii) could
accomplished his mission. (e) _____ he live (iii) ought (iv) should
long ! You need not worry. Your money is safe.
(d) (i) enforce (ii) enforced
(a) (i) can (ii) may (iii) enforces (iv) enforcing
(iii) should (iv) could Ans : 2013

(b) (i) been (ii) being (a) (i) has, (b) (ii) have been, (c) (iii) ought, (d)
(ii) enforced.
(iii) be (iv) have
(c) (i) is (ii) are
(iii) am (iv) has 2. Editing
(d) (i) sees (ii) saw
1. Select the option that identifies the error and
(iii) seeing (iv) see supplies the correction for the sentence from a
(e) (i) Can (ii) May public health campaign.
(iii) Should (iv) Must The campaign’s goal is to increase physical
Ans : 2014 activity among the younger.
(a) (iii) should, (b) (iii) be, (c) (iii) am, (d) (iv)
Option No. Error Correction
see, (e) (ii) May.
(a) activity activities
29. Complete the paragraph given below with the
help of options that follow : (b) goal goals
(a) _____ person with a fragile ego would take (c) younger youth
anything you say personally. They not only (b)
(d) is are
_____ a hard time ahead, but (c) _____ also
feel insulted. They can get hurt and in return they

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2024

(c) Error Correction

2. Select the option that identifies the error and

supplies the correction for a pop-up that appeared Use the above format for your response.
on a webpage. Ans : 2024

These cookies are used to collect information Error Correction

about how you interact with our website and
allows us to remember you. interestingly interesting

Option No. Error Correction 6. Identify the error and supply correction for the
given sentence from an e-commerce website’s
(a) interact interacted
return policy.
(b) with to We offers a 30-day return policy on all unopened
(c) about for products purchased from our websites.
Use the given format for your response :
(d) allows allow
Ans : 2024 Error Correction
(d)

3. Select the option that identifies the error and Ans : 2024

supplies the correction from a scientific review.

Error Correction
The study examines the association among
exposure to sunlight and vitamin D levels in the offers offer
body.
7. Identify the error and supply correction for the
Option No. Error Correction given sentence from a company’s orientation
(a) examines examine programme :
A founder’s goal, during the first phase, is to
(b) to for
learn how to obtain feedback on low prospective
(c) among between and real customers are experience the product.
(d) levels level Use the given format for your response.
Ans : 2024 Error Correction
(c)

4. Select the option that identifies the error and Ans : 2024
supplies the correction for a line from a Research
Report : Error Correction
In many low and middle income countries, health experience experiencing
coverage has unproved dramatically in the last
two decades, but health outcomes may not. 8. Identify the error and supply correction for the
following note in a toaster’s instruction manual :
Option No. Error Correction
Use this appliance only for its intentional use as
(a) has have described in this manual. Do not use attachments
(b) improved improve that are not recommended by the manufacturer.
Use the given format for your response.
(c) may have
(d) but thus Error Correction

Ans : 2024

(c) Ans : 2024

5. Read the given sentence. Identify the error and Error Correction
supply the correction in the sentence : intentional intended
The uniquely flavoured dish was interestingly
enough to captivate my taste buds.

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Page 188 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

9. Read the given sentence from a recipe review Ans : 2024

article. Identify the error and supply the correction Error Correction
in the sentence.
The cake recipe was to sweet for my liking, but identification identity
the texture was perfect.
Use the given format for your response. 13. Read the given sentence from a movie review
article. Identify the error and supply the correction
Error Correction in the sentence.
The movie doesn’t let you rest and is packed with
engaged action sequences.
Ans : 2024
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction Error Correction
to too

10. Identify the error and supply correction for the Ans : 2024

given sentence from a public health campaign. Error Correction

The campaign’s focus is on reduce sugar intake
among children by promoting healthier snacks. engaged engaging
Use the given format for your response.
14. Identify the error and supply the correction for
Error Correction the given sentence from a comment posted by an
admirer of a reporter.
The report was well document, so no one could
Ans : 2024
claim that it was just one person’s opinion.
Error Correction Use the given format for your response.

reduce reducing Error Correction

11. Identify the error and supply correction for this

sentence from an economic analysis. Ans : 2024

The relationships of the country’s inflation rate Error Correction

and the GDP growth was analysed.
Use the given format for your response. document documented

Error Correction 15. Select the option that identifies the error and
supply the correction for the opening line of a
report.
Ans : 2024
Facebook, with more than 1 billion users is
Error Correction celebrated its 10th birthday this year.

relationships relationship Option No. Error Correction

(a) with for
12. Identify the error and supply the correction for the
given sentence from a private coaching institute’s (b) is are
advertisement. (c) than then
Are you living a happy life ? Do you want to find
(d) celebrated celebrating
your identification ? Do you want to enhance your
career ? Ans : 2023

Use the given format for your response. (c)

Error Correction

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

16. Select the option that identifies the error and Ans : 2021

supply the correction for the following line :

Error Correction
I can run fast when I was young.
(a) shouldn't won't/don't
Option No. Error Correction
(b) was is
(a) was is
(c) all some/many
(b) run ran
(c) can could 19. The following paragraph has not been edited.
There is one error in each line. Identify the error
(d) when whence and write its correction against the correct blank
Ans : 2023 number. Remember to underline the correction.
(c) The first one has been done for you.

17. Select the option that identifies the error and Error Correction
supplies the correction for the given line, from a A little political E.g. A little Some
survey. thinkers
Everyone are expected to submit their feedback to
thinks that liberty
our customer service representative at the event.
and equality (a)
Option No. Error Correction couldn’t go
(a) are is together. They
think (b)
(b) their your
that liberty implied
(c) feedback feedbacks
the freedom (c)
(d) the a
to do what one
Ans : 2023 may like to do.
(c)
Ans : 2020

18. The following paragraph has not been edited. Error Correction
There is one error in each line. Identify the error
(a) thinks think
and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction. (b) couldn’t can’t
The first one has been done for you. (c) implied implies
Error Correction
20. The following paragraph has not been edited.
Have you ever learn E.g. learn learnt There is one error in each line. Identify the error
from a mistake you and write its correction against the correct blank
have made? number. Remember to underline the correction.
Many shouldn't admit The first one has been done for you.
doing so. For those
who do, (a) Error Correction

there was no need for Sachin Tendulkar was E.g. was is

guilt. We often make the best
mistakes (b) cricketer in India. He
while taking risks, but has play for (a)
all brush them aside more than twenty
and learn. (c) years for a Country (b)
With that, they He retired from the
usually don't make game last year. Sachin
mistakes the next shall be always (c)
time.

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Page 190 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

remembered for his farther to an North and

contribution to the South, (b)
game of cricket. as we knew that Kerala
Ans : 2019 is (c)

Error Correction warmer than Punjab in

winter
(a) play played Ans : 2019

(b) a the
Error Correction
(c) shall will
(a) some much
21. The following paragraph has not been edited. (b) an the
There is one error in each line. Identify the error (c) knew know
and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction.
23. The following paragraph has not been edited.
The first one has been done for you.
There is one error in each line. Identify the error
Error Correction and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction.
One morning I finished E.g. one some The first one has been done for you.
one business at the bank
and were returning to Error Correction
puck up my motorbike Some days is good and E.g. is are
which I had left (a) some days
in the parking lot is bad. Today, I got up
outside. Suddenly I very late. I (a)
realise that I had lost (b)
ran to bathe. Then I
the bike key. Upset, I had to got ready for My
searched for it in the School. (b)
bank. The bank (c)
I ran to the Bus stop to
employee tried to help catch My School Bus. It
me find it but in vain. has (c)
Ans : 2019, 2013 already left so I came
back Home
Error Correction Ans : 2019

(a) were was

Error Correction
(b) realise realised
(a) is are
(c) The A
(b) got get
22. The following paragraph has not been edited. (c) has had
There is one error in each line. Identify the error
and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction.
The first one has been done for you.

Error Correction
Countries near on E.g. is are
equator is
some warmer than
countries (a)

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

22. Complete the paragraph given below with the (c) (i) were (ii) was
help of options that follow : (iii) did (iv) have
Kanishka, (a) _____ ruler of the Kushanas Ans : 2016
embraced Buddhism. He (b) _____ invited to a (a) (ii) saw, (b) (iii) carried, (c) (i) were.
Buddhist Meeting in Kashmir during (c) _____
reign. It was during his time that Buddhism (d) 25. Complete the paragraph given below with the
_____ to Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Java. help of options that follow :
Most Indian schools fail to ensure their students
(a) (i) a (ii) some
adequate playtime and fitness regime. Two out
(iii) an (iv) the of every five school going children (a) _____
(b) (i) is (ii) was have a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) and 50%
(iii) had (iv) has (b) _____ adequate lower body strength. Some
schools (c) _____ found to offer three or (d)
(c) (i) her (ii) his _____ physical ducation periods per week.
(iii) their (iv) that
(a) (i) does (ii) does not
(d) (i) spread (ii) spreads (iii) don’t (iv) do
(iii) spreading (iv) is spread
Ans : 2016
(b) (i) lack (ii) lacked
(a) (iv) the, (b) (ii) was, (c) (ii) his, (d) (i) spread (iii) have lacked (iv) had lacked
(c) (i) was (ii) are
23. Read the paragraph given below. Fill in the blanks (iii) is (iv) have
by choosing the most appropriate options from
the ones that follow. Write the answers in your (d) (i) much (ii) many
answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. (iii) more (iv) less
Do not copy the whole passage. Ans : 2016

Kingfisher is (a) _____ beautiful bird with (a) (iii) don’t, (b) (i) lack, (c) (ii) are, (d) (iii)
attractive colours. It (b) _____ found near more
lakes, rivers, canals and ponds. Kingfisher (c)
_____ omnivores. 26. Complete the paragraph given below with the
help of options that follow :
(a) (i) a (ii) an
In November 2009 sales of cars (a) _____
(iii) the (iv) such a up. This (b) _____ the largest car boom the
(b) (i) are (ii) am country (c) _____ in years. Today the largest
(iii) is (iv) has growth is seen for small cars. The entire market
is seeing steady growth. There are currently 1.7
(c) (i) are (ii) is million new cars (d) _____ every year but
(iii) was (iv) have Maruti Suzuki (e) _____ not profiting from
Ans : 2016 this development.
(a) (i) a, (b) (iii) is, (c) (ii) is
(a) (i) go (ii) went
24. Complete the paragraph given below with the (iii) gone (iv) going
help of options that follow : (b) (i) is (ii) are
Recent heavy rains lashed Chennai throwing (iii) am (iv) was
normal life out of gear. The city (a) _____
severe water logging and people wading through (c) (i) has seen (ii) have seen
knee-deep water. Many Volunteers in their (iii) saw (iv) had seen
respective areas (b) _____ out the relief (d) (i) buy (ii) bought
activities. In Annai Satya Nagar, food packets (c) (iii) buying (iv) buyed
_____ distributed to victims.
(e) (i) is (ii) are
(a) (i) seen (ii) saw
(iii) am (iv) were
(iii) see (iv) sees Ans : 2015

(b) (i) carry (ii) carrying (a) (ii) went, (b) (i) is, (c) (i) has seen, (d) (ii)
(iii) carried (iv) had carried bought, (e) (i) is.

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Page 192 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

28. The following paragraph has not been edited. 30. The following paragraph has not been edited.
There is one error in each line. Identify the error There is one error in each line. Identify the error
and write its correction against the correct blank and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction. number. Remember to underline the correction.
The first one has been done for you. The first one has been done for you.

Error Correction Error Correction

We, here in India has E.g. has have Neil Armstrong were E.g. were was
so many the commander of
religions, we ate so Apollo 11.
many different (a) He was the first to
foods, we wear so walked on (a)
much different (b) the moon. What much
kinds of dresses. Still people do not (b)
we are much (c) knew is that, unlike
united than any other most of his fellow (c)
Country in the World. astronauts, he was the
Ans : 2017
civilian and not part
of a military
Error Correction Ans : 2017

(a) ate eat

Error Correction
(b) much many
(a) walked walk
(c) much more
(b) much many
(c) knew know
29. The following paragraph has not been edited.
There is one error in each line. Identify the error
and write its correction against the correct blank 31. The following paragraph has not been edited.
number. Remember to underline the correction. There is one error in each line. Identify the error
The first one has been done for you. and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction.
Error Correction The first one has been done for you.
My meetings with E.g. has had
Mother has always Error Correction

been the fine experience. Being with her give one E.g. give gave
I (a) the new kind of energy.
will go to her whenever When she (a)
I was sad, (b) put his hand on your
happy or angry. head (b)
Sometimes I would told to blessed you or you
her (c) touched (c)
what somebody. had her you could feel her
said to me. love.
Ans : 2017 Ans : 2017

Error Correction Error Correction

(a) the a (a) the a
(b) will would (b) his her
(c) told tell (c) blessed bless

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

His friend was inconsolable and wailed that all (b) 25. Ram and Shyam are discussing their plans for
_____ he informed that they had drank water the weekend. Complete the dialogue below in a
from kaliya’s pool. suitable way.
Ans : 2006 Ram: (a) _____.
(a) what the matter was Shyam: I don’t have any special plan.
(b) his cows were dead. Ram: How do you like the idea (b) _____.
Shyam: That sounds lovely, but (c) _____.
23. Read the comic strip given below and complete Ram: I’ll come to your house this evening and
the passage that follows. request your parents to allow you to join the
picnic.
Shyam: Hey, that’s a good idea.
Ram: (d) _____.
Shyam: Yes, I don’t think they are going out
tonight.
Ram: Then I’ll definitely come and meet them.
By the way, have you ever visited Dal Lake.
(a) (i) What are you doing this weekend, Shyam?
(ii) What you are doing this weekend, Shyam?
(iii) What are you doing that weekend, Ram?
I saw Supandi standing in the field. When I (a)
(iv) What am I doing this weekend, Shyam?
_____ doing there, he replied that he was
trying to win a Nobel prize. I was confused and (b) (i) of go for a picnic to the Dal Lake?
enquired how standing in the rice field would (ii) of going for a picnic to the Dal Lake?
help him do so. He stumped me by saying that (iii) of went for a picnic to the Dal Lake?
he (b) _____ won Nobel prizes had all been (iv) of going for a picnic by the Dal Lake?
outstanding in their fields!
(c) (i) You will have to seek my parents’
Ans : 2005
permission.
(a) asked him what he was
(ii) I have to seek my parents’ permission.
(b) had heard that people who had.
(iii) I will have to seek your parents’
24. Read the comic strip given below and complete permission.
the passage that follows. (iv) I will have to seek my parents’ permission.
(d) (i) Should I come over in the evening?
(ii) Would I come over in the evening?
(iii) Should they come over in the evening?
(iv) I should come over in the evening?
Ans : 2015

(a) (i) What are you doing this weekend, Shyam?

(b) (ii) of going for a picnic to the Dal Lake?
(c) (iv) I will have to seek my parents’ permission.
(d) (i) Should I come over in the evening?

26. Rohit calls up Rajat to make a plan for the

Nancy asked her sister Sara (a) _____. Sara weekend. Complete the dialogue between Rohit
informed that she had been having trouble and Rajat.
sleeping. She informed that (b) _____ not Rohit : (a) _____ this weekend?
to eat a heavy meal before bed and so she was Rajat : I don’t have any special plan.
having it then. Rohit : How do you like the idea (b) _____
Ans : 2005 the zoo?
(a) what she was doing Rajat : That sounds good, But I (c) _____ my
(b) the doctor had told her. parent’s permission.
Rohit : I’ll come to your house this evening and

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Page 194 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

36. The following paragraph has not been edited. great courage. All
There is one error in each line. Identify the error political parties
and write its correction against the correct blank backed a Prime
number. Remember to underline the correction. Minister. (c)
The first one has been done for you.
Even children
Error Correction supported the
It has been decide E.g. decide decided jawans.
to build a number of Ans : 2013
fly-overs in Delhi.
Error Correction
That would mean
cutting hundreds (a) be was
of trees. It would (b) fight had fought
certainly created (a)
(c) a the
ecological imbalance.
Thinking that this 38. The following paragraph has not been edited.
balance may be There is one error in each line. Identify the error
preserved, (b) and write its correction against the correct blank
several organizations number. Remember to underline the correction.
has come forward to The first one has been done for you.
sustain this green Error Correction
cover by planting (c)
Diwali was approach E.g.
new trees. They are fast. There approach approaching
also trying to create
awareness among the was only three days
people. left. Kanishka went
Ans : 2014
out to burst (a)
crackers. He had been
Error Correction outside for only the
(a) created create few minutes when (b)
(b) may should his mother call
out from inside
(c) has have
“Kanishka, you
haven’t (c)
37. The following paragraph has not been edited.
There is one error in each line. Identify the error cleaned your room.
and write its correction against the correct blank Why are you playing
number. Remember to underline the correction. Ans : 2012

The first one has been done for you. Error Correction
Error Correction (a) was were
The people of India E.g. show showed (b) the few a few
show remarkable
unity at the time (c) call called

of Kargil Conflict.
There be a war like
situation (a)
on our borders. Our
soldiers fight with
the intruders with (b)

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

39. The following paragraph has not been edited. Ans : 2010

There is one error in each line. Identify the error

Error Correction
and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction. (a) a the
The first one has been done for you. (b) see saw
Error Correction (c) can could
Yesterday I try to take E.g. try tried
notes
while the teacher 3. Transformation
explain a topic (a)
1. Read the following dialogue between Raman and
in the class. Since she Anitha and complete the passage that follows.
did not speak loudly,
it be difficult (b) Raman : What's the matter, Anitha?
to hear, especially as Anitha : Oh, nothing. You cannot help me. I
any of the students only want that blue umbrella.
behind me (c) Raman asked Anitha want (a) _____ She
were talking and replied that it was nothing and he (b) _____
laughing most of the her as she only wanted that blue umbrella.
time. Ans : 2021, 2016

Ans : 2011
(a) the matter was
(b) could not help
Error Correction
2. Read the following dialogue between a teacher and
(a) explain was explaining student and complete the passage that follows.
(b) be was
Biology Teacher : I instructed you to draw the
(c) any some diagram of bacteria. Why did you submit a blank
sheet?
40. The following paragraph has not been edited. Sameer : Sir, I had drawn the diagram of
There is one error in each line. Identify the error bacteria, but you can't see it because it is not
and write its correction against the correct blank visible to the naked eye.
number. Remember to underline the correction.
The first one has been done for you. The biology teacher had instructed Sameer to
draw the diagram of a bacterial cell and asked him
Error Correction (a) _____ a blank sheet. Sameer respectfully
answered that he had drawn the diagram but
At the age of E.g. know knew
seventeen, Galileo (b) _____ to the naked eye.
Ans : 2021
know that he had
(a) why he had submitted
discovered an
(b) he/the teacher couldn’t see it because it is
important law-a law
not visible
of a pendulum. (a)
He see that if he 3. Read the following dialogue between a customer
could check the time and shopkeeper and complete the passage that
of a swing of the follows.
pendulum (b)
Customer : Can I have a bottle of juice?
by means of his pulse Shopkeeper : Sorry, we only have milk bottles.
beats, he can just as Customer : When will it be available ?
well (c) Shopkeeper : I can give it to you tomorrow.
check his pulse by The customer asked the shopkeeper (a) _____
means of a pendulum. The shopkeeper apologized and said they only
had milk bottles. The customer wanted to know

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Page 196 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

(b) _____ The shopkeeper said at he could give 7. Read the following dialogue between Abhishek
that to him the next day. and Inspector and complete the passage that
Ans : 2016 follows.
(a) if he could have a bottle of juice
Abhishek : I have lost my wallet.
(b) when it would be available
Inspector : How did you lose it?
4. Read the following dialogue between a mother and Abhishek : My pocket was picked.
daughter and complete the passage that follows. Inspector : Where did it happen?
Abhishek : In the local market, Sir.
Mother: Why are you looking so worried? Abhishek reported to the inspector (a) _____
Daughter: My exams are approaching. lost his wallet. The inspector asked him how he
Mother: When will they start?
had lost it. Abhishek replied that his pocket had
Daughter: Next month, Mother.
been picked. The inspector further (b) _____
Mother asked her daughter (a) _____ The Abhishek respectfully replied that it has happened
daughter replied that her exams were approaching. in the local market.
Mother further asked (b) _____ The daughter Ans : 2010

told her mother that they would start in the (a) that he had
following month. (b) asked him where it had happened.
Ans : 2015

(a) why she was looking very worried 8. Read the following dialogue between Sanjay and
(b) when they would start. Madan and complete the passage that follows.

5. Read the following dialogue between Harry and Sanjay: I am surprised to see you here in Delhi.
Cobbler and complete the passage that follows. When did you come?
Madan: I came here yesterday. I have been
Harry : Can you polish my shoes? offered a job here.
Cobbler : Yes sir. But I will take 10 for each Sanjay told Madan (a) _____ and asked
shoe.
when he had come. Madam replied that he had
Harry : I will not mind as long as it is done.
come there the previous day and added that (b)
Harry asked the cobbler (a) _____. The cobbler _____.
replied affirmatively but (b) _____. Harry said Ans : 2010

that he would not mind as long as it was done. (a) that he was surprised to see him there in
Ans : 2015 Delhi
(a) if/whether he could polish his shoes (b) he had been offered a job there
(b) said that he would take 10 for each shoe
9. Read the following dialogue between Mannu and
6. Read the following dialogue between Preeti and Annu and complete the passage that follows.
Neel and complete the passage that follows.
Mannu: Where are you going to?
Preeti : Where did you spend your holidays? Annu: I am going to the market. Do you want
Neel : I went to many hills stations. anything?
Preeti : Which one did you like the most?
Mannu asked Annu (a) _____. Annu replied
Neel : Honestly speaking. I liked all as I am
(b) _____ and she further asked if she wanted
very fond of hills.
anything.
Preeti asked Neel (a) _____ his holidays. Neel Ans : 2010
replied, that he had gone to many hill stations. (a) where she was going
Preeti then asked him (b) _____ the most. Neel (b) that she was going to the market
said that honestly speaking he liked all as he was
very fond of hills.
Ans : 2012, 2010

(a) where he had spent

(b) which one he had liked

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

10. Read the following dialogue between Sunita and Ans : 2008

Neetu and complete the passage that follows. (a) saying that they all pledged to save trees
(b) they should start by planting a sapling that
Sunita: Tomorrow is your birthday, what do you day.
want as a gift?
Neetu: That is a lovely thought but I don’t 14. Read the following dialogue between Buddha and
want anything. disciple and complete the passage that follows.
Sunita asked Neetu since the next day was her Buddha : Honesty is the best policy.
birthday, (a) _____ Neetu replied that (b) Disciple : Does honesty always pay?
_____ but she did not want anything. Buddha : It may or may not, but at least you
Ans : 2009 will never feel guilty.
(a) what she wanted as a gift
Buddha in his preaching said that (a) _____
(b) that was a lovely thought the best policy. A disciple asked him if honesty
11. Read the following dialogue between a gardener always pays, Buddha replied (b) _____ but at
and Dev and complete the passage that follows. least he would never feel guilty.
Ans : 2008, 2005

Gardener: Did you water the plant today? (a) honesty is

Dev: No, but I will, today. (b) that it might or might not
Gardener: Then tomorrow I will get a sapling
of sunflower. 15. Read the following dialogue between a doctor and
patient and complete the passage that follows.
The Gardener asked Dev (a) _____. Dev
replied negatively but said he would that day. Doctor : You should take this medicine every
Then the gardener said that (b) _____. day.
Ans : 2009
Patient : Should I take it before dinner or after
(a) if/whether he had watered the plant that day dinner?
(b) he would get a sapling of a sunflower the next Doctor : No, you should take it after breakfast.
day The Doctor advised the patient that (a) _____
12. Read the following dialogue between a electrician The patient further asked (b) _____ The
and Sohan and complete the passage that follows. doctor replied negatively and then said that he
should take it after breakfast.
Electrician: When did your electricity go? Ans : 2008

Sohan: It is not working since evening. (a) he should take that medicine every day.
The electrician asked Sohan (a) _____ Sohan (b) if/whether he should take it before dinner or
replied that (b) _____ after dinner.
Ans : 2009
16. Read the following dialogue between Radha and
(a) when his electricity had gone. Shikha and complete the passage that follows.
(b) it was not working since evening.
Radha : Do you know how to swim?
13. Read the following dialogue between a teacher and Shikha : Yes I know. I have learnt it during this
Children and complete the passage that follows. summer vacation.
Teacher : Children, let us all pledge to save Radha asked Shikha (a) _____ Then Shikha
trees. replied in affirmative and also added that (b)
Children : Yes, mam, we all pledge to save our _____.
trees as the trees are the lungs of the city. Ans : 2008

Teacher : Let us start today by planting a (a) if/whether she knew how to swim
sapling. (b) she had learnt it during the summer vacation
The teacher asked all the children to pledge to
save trees. The children replied affirmatively (a)
_____ as the trees are the lungs of the city.
Then the teacher said that (b) _____.

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Page 198 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

17. Read the following dialogue between Anamika Reena asked Rakesh (a) _____ ‘Three Idiots’.
and Ronak and complete the passage that follows. Rakesh replied that he had seen them the day
before in his class. Reena further said that (b)
Anamika : Do you know swimming? _____ Rakesh replied that he had thought that
Ronak : Yes, I do. she has been talking about the three idiots in the
Anamika : Can you teacher me how to swim? class.
Ronak : Yes, I will. Come to my swimming club Ans : 2006
tomorrow.
(a) if he had seen
Anamika asked Ronak if he knew swimming. (b) she had been talking about the movie
Ronak replied in the affirmative. Then, Anamika
further asked him (a) _____ how to swim. 21. Read the comic strip given below and complete
Ronak replied that he would. He also asked the passage that follows.
Anamika to go to his swimming club (b) _____.
Ans : 2007

(a) if he could teach her

(b) the next day
18. Read the following dialogue between a father and
son and complete the passage that follows.

Father : How was the paper?

Son : It was easy. I could solve all the problems.
Father : Start preparing for the economics
paper.
The father asked his son (a) _____. Son replied
that that had been easy. He (b) _____ all the
problems. Father further advised him to start
preparing for the economics paper.
Ans : 2007

(a) how the paper had been

(b) could solve While making list of what Charlie wanted from
Santa Claus, he asked Patty how (a) _____ all
19. Read the following dialogue between Prateek and
those toys. She could bet that everything these
Raghav and complete the passage that follows.
days is promotion and further added that it was
Prateek: I don’t feel well today. possible as Santa (b) _____.
Raghav: What can I help you, Sir? Ans : 2006

Prateek: Can you take me to the doctor? (a) could he afford to give away
Raghav: Yes, Sir. (b) was being financed by some big eastern chain
Prateek told the Raghav (a) _____ Raghav 22. Read the comic strip given below and complete
asked respectfully what he could help him. the passage that follows.
Prateek asked the Raghav (b) _____. Prateek
replied in the affirmative.
Ans : 2007

(a) that he did not feel well that day

(b) if he could take him to the doctor.

20. Read the following dialogue between Reena and

Rakesh and complete the passage that follows.

Reena : Have you seen ‘Three Idiots’ ?

Rakesh : I saw them yesterday in my class.
Reena : I was talking about the movie.
Rakesh : I thought that you were talking about One day Krishna found one of his friends crying.
the three idiots in the class. He asked (a) _____ and why he was crying.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

32. The following paragraph has not been edited. 34. The following paragraph has not been edited.
There is one error in each line. Identify the error There is one error in each line. Identify the error
and write its correction against the correct blank and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction. number. Remember to underline the correction.
The first one has been done for you. The first one has been done for you.

Error Correction Error Correction

The Saint walked the E.g. The A A good business letter E.g. some one
Streets of Kolkata is some that

It should happen only gets results. The best

in India. It (a) way to get results are
to develop a letter (a)
is time that we
realises our (b) that, in its appearance,
conveyed information
strength. We are efficiently. (b)
great people. We has (c)
To perform this
so many religious function, a business
leaders. letter will (c)
Ans : 2017
be concise, clear, and
courteous.
Error Correction
Ans : 2016
(a) should can
Error Correction
(b) realises realise
(a) are is
(c) has have
(b) conveyed conveys
33. The following paragraph has not been edited. (c) will should
There is one error in each line. Identify the error
and write its correction against the correct blank 35. The following paragraph has not been edited.
number. Remember to underline the correction. There is one error in each line. Identify the error
The first one has been done for you. and write its correction against the correct blank
number. Remember to underline the correction.
Error Correction The first one has been done for you.
The old miser spend all E.g. spent Error Correction
his time spend
Most trees has a single E.g. has have
counting his money and woody stem called
think about (a)
a trunk whose supports
new hiding places. He a mass of branches (a)
kept moving it about
becuase he were (b) carrying leaves. Trees
clean an air (b)
terrified of being robbed.
He may get up at (c) to removing tiny
airborne particles. The (c)
night sometimes to make
sure it was still there. leaves of trees give out
oxygen.
Ans : 2016
Ans : 2015

Error Correction
Error Correction
(a) think thinking
(a) whose which
(b) were was
(b) an the
(c) may used to
(c) removing remove

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Page 200 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

request your parents to allow you to join me to (b) (i) I speak

see the zoo. (ii) you speak
Rajat : Ok. (iii) we speak
Rohit : (d) _____ in the evening? (iv) they speak
Rajat : Yes. They will be at home.
Rohit : Then I’ll surely come. (c) (i) was your subjects
(ii) are your subjects
(a) (i) What you are doing
(iii) were your subjects
(ii) What are you doing
(iv) is your subjects
(iii) What do you do
(iv) What am I doing (d) (i) has any teaching
(ii) had any teaching
(b) (i) of going to
(iii) have been any teaching
(ii) of go to
(iv) have any teaching
(iii) of went to Ans : 2013
(iv) of goes to (a) (i) are suitable for the job
(c) (i) needs to take (b) (ii) you speak
(ii) need not to take (c) (iii) were your subjects
(iii) needs not to take (d) (iv) have any teaching
(iv) need to take
28. Shyam meets Rahul at his residence on his way to
(d) (i) Will you be at home school. Complete the given conversation.
(ii) Shall I be at home Shyam : (a) _____ Rahul. How are you?
(iii) Will they be at home Rahul : I’m good. Thank you. (b) _____?
(iv) Will they been at home Shyam : Fine, thanks. (c) _____?
Ans : 2014 Rahul : It is only half past eight. By the way, (d)
(a) (ii) What are you doing _____?
(b) (i) of going to Shyam : No, I haven’t finished the assignment.
(c) (iv) need to take Will you wait for me? I will be ready in about
ten minutes.
(d) (iii) Will they be at home
Rahul : Sure, with pleasure.
27. Sarita is being interviewed for the job of a teacher Shyam : Thank you very much.
in a school. Complete the dialogue. (a) (i) Ah! (ii) Alas!
Interviewer : Why do you think you (a)_____?
(iii) Hello (iv) Well
Sarita : Mam, I am qualified for the job and I
have a passion for children and teaching. All these (b) (i) And me (ii) And you
traits make me suitable for the job. (iii) And I (iv) And they
Interviewer : Can (b) _____ any foreign (c) (i) What time is it
language? (ii) What time is that
Sarita : Yes, I can speak and write German.
(iii) What time is this
Interviewer : What (c) _____ in graduation?
(iv) What time it is
Sarita : Mam, I have graduated in Chemistry
Honours. (d) (i) are you finished the assignment
Interviewer : Do you (d) _____ experience? (ii) had you finished the assignment
Sarita : Yes, I have teaching experience of 5 years (iii) has you finished the assignment
in a public school. (iv) have you finished the assignment
Interviewer : Well, then we may consider you for Ans : 2012
the job. (a) (iii) Hello
(a) (i) are suitable for the job (b) (ii) And you
(ii) is suitable for the job (c) (i) What time is it
(iii) will be suitable for the job (d) (iv) have you finished the assignment
(iv) can be suitable for the job

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

(a) (iv) rubbing your eyes

(b) (i) air pollution
(c) (ii) have poisonous gases
(d) (iii) the eyes from harmful gases



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Page 202 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

Chapter 7

F ormal Letter

1. INTRODUCTION 3. FORMAT OF A FORMAL LETTER

Letter writing is an art. It is the commonest mode A formal letter must adhere to the prescribed
of communication. It is different from other forms format. The format of a formal letter is as
of writing because it is intended for a specific mentioned below:
reader. A letter is written when something has to
Sender’s Address: [Address and contact details
be conveyed to someone sitting far away. Writing
of the sender]
requires imagination, creativity, careful planning
Date:
and organisation. The language of the letter
Receiver’s Designation and Address:
should be interactive.
[Designation and Address of the receiver]
Subject: [Name the request/complaint]
Salutation: [Respected Sir/Madam]
2. TYPES OF LETTERS
There are broadly two types of letter, namely Body of the letter:
Formal Letters, and Informal Letters. Let us have Paragraph 1 [State the purpose of application]
a look at these types of letters: Paragraph 2 [Here start writing detailed
1. Formal Letters - These letters follow a certain information]
pattern and formality. They are strictly kept Paragraph 3 [Now conclude your letter that is
professional in nature, and directly address write what you are expecting]
the issues concerned. Any type of business Complimentary Closing: [Now end the letter
letter or letter to authorities falls within this with – yours sincerely, faithfully, thankfully]
given category. Signature: [Name followed by Signature]
2. Informal Letters - These are personal letters.
They need not follow any set pattern or adhere
to any formalities. They contain personal
information or are a written conversation. 4. essential components of a
Informal letters are generally written to formal letter
friends, acquaintances, relatives etc. The essential components 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.
3. Receiver’s designation and address: After
writing the date you should mention the
address of the receiver. Candidates must
start with the receiver’s designation followed
by the name of the organization and then the
full address.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

4. Subject: Followed by the receiver’s details, 4. Plan your first sentence carefully. Make it
you must include the subject line. Basically, short and interesting.
this subject line talks about the purpose of 5. If you write to criticize, begin with a word
the letter. of appreciation, agreement or praise. A calm,
5. Salutation: You should greet the person to constructive presentation is persuasive.
whom you are writing the letter. As you are 6. Help supply the truth that may have been
writing a formal letter, the greeting should omitted or slanted in reporting the news or
not be too personal. editorializing on it.
6. Body: Basically, the body of the letter is 7. Use a relevant experience (a situation in your
divided into 3 parts which are as under: school district) to illustrate a point. When
Paragraph 1: Purpose of writing the letter. rightly (and tightly) told, it can be persuasive.
Paragraph 2: Now explain the reason in 8. Desired steps to rectify the situation should
detail. also be mentioned.
Paragraph 3: Conclude the letter. This
9. Close the letter with formal request to solve
section must say what you’re expecting or
the problems.
the solution.
7. Complimentary Closing: Now conclude the
letter with complementary closing like yours EXAMPLE
sincerely, yours faithfully, etc.
8. Signature: Below the complementary message, 1. Write a letter to the Editor of “The Times of
India”, Delhi expressing your concern over the
write your name followed by your signature
increase in the rate of road accident, rash driving
and designation.
and overcrowded road transport. You are Priya/
Priyanshu living at B-47 Avas Vikas, Mayur
Vihar, New Delhi.
5. letter to the editor Ans :
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 rules. They drive vary rash under the influence
or both. of liquors. They even jump the red light signals
The following points should be remembered installed on the roads.
while writing a letter to the editor: Still the private bus operators stop at
1. Express your ideas clearly and concisely. unauthorized stops. The uncontrollable speed
and race with other buses is the main cause of
2. Confine yourself to one topic. Use simple
accidents. They even overtake the other buses for
words, short words, short sentences and short
picking up more passengers. The conductors pack
paragraphs.
their buses to suffocation. As a result, ladies and
3. The letter should be timely and newsworthy. old people are unable to get into the buses.
Its meaning should be clear. It requires stricter watch on the part of
the traffic police. More traffic police should be

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Page 204 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

employed to check the violations of the traffic Through this letter of mine, I wish to draw the
rules. Proper road signals and road marks should attention of the authorities towards the problems
be marked. The surprise check by traffic police in faced by students everyday. We reach our college
civil dress can play an effective role in booking fifteen minutes late as our college bus gets stuck
the culprits. in a traffic jam near Chintpumi Temple crossing.
Yours truly People park their vehicles in a haphazard way.
Priyanshu Beggars crowd the gates as well as roads, waiting
for someone to come out of the temple and give
2. You are Praveen of 23, Civil Lines, Jaipur. Write alms to them. There is a traffic signal at that
a letter to the Editor of Dainik Bhaskar, Jaipur crossing but people do not follow it.
about frequent break-down of electricity. It is my humble request that a parking area
Ans : should be allotted to the Temple site so that
23, Civil Lines, people can park their vehicles in a proper way.
Jaipur The Temple Trust should appoint someone who
25 January, 20XX can make the beggars sit in a queue and that too
To, on the footpath and not on the road. And last but
The Editor not the least, a police-picket should be there at
Dainik Bhaskar the crossing to make people follow the rules and
Jaipur regulations.
Subject: Frequent breakdown of electricity in civil I hope you’ll publish this letter in your
lines, Jaipur esteemed newspaper so that some actions can be
Sir, taken in this matter.
Please permit me some space in your newspaper. Thanking you
I wish to draw the attention of the government Yours sincerely
towards the supply of electricity in Jaipur. Akriti
The lack of electricity supply is causing much
trouble to this city. The supply we get is not only 4. India is a highly populated country. People lack
short but also highly irregular. We do not know in maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene as a
about the hours of cut. result they suffer from various diseases. India has
It has also affected the supply of water. If a serious sanitation challenge; around 60 per cent
there is no light in the morning, there is no water of the world’s open defecation takes place in India.
either. The local water board also depends on the Poor sanitation causes health hazards including
supply of electricity. Streets are dark in the night. diarrhoea, particularly in children under 5 years
It causes accidents. The students cannot study of age, malnutrition and deficiencies in physical
well. development and cognitive ability. You are Nitin/
I wish to make an urgent appeal to every Nikita, head boy/girl of Vikas Public School,
person concerned to help. Jaipur. Write a letter to the editor of a national
Thanking You daily, highlighting the problem and suggesting
Yours faithfully practical ways to ensure public sanitation and the
Praveen right to dignity and privacy. (100-120 words)
Ans :
3. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper Vikas Public School
highlighting the problem of traffic jam near Jaipur
Chinpumi Temple Crossing and suggesting some 23nd November, 2019
remedy for it. To,
Ans : The Editor
232, Friends Colony Rajasthan Patrika
Noida Jaipur
16th May, 20xx Subject: Need for public sanitation.
To, Sir,
The Editor Through the column of your esteemed daily
The Hindustan Times I want to highlight the serious problem of
New Delhi sanitation. Everybody knowns that India is a
Subject: Chaotic traffic condition near Chintpumi highly populated country. The people have no
Temple Crossing proper sanitation and hygiene facilities. Around
Respected Sir, 60 per cent of the world’s open defecation takes

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

I am pleased to announce that a hundred students I earnestly beseech your immediate action
from Adarsh Vidyalaya, under my leadership, will on this matter, as the safety and welfare of our
partake in a marathon sponsored by Savera, a residents hang in the balance. Your assistance in
leading communication company, in Agartala, to addressing this issue will undoubtedly contribute
support Koshish orphanage. to creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly
In an era marked by apathy and detachment, environment.
the voluntary participation by school children, Thank you for your attention and dedication
in community service initiatives like this one, is to our community’s well-being.
crucial. As it is a fund-raising event, the amount Yours sincerely
collected through this will be used in the education, Nalini Sharda
growth and development of these children.
I humbly request you to consider publishing 4. As Sohail Khan, the sports captain of Pinnacle
this in your esteemed column, so that more Public School, you believe that fitness as a lifestyle
should be promoted. Write a letter to the Editor
individuals find the inspiration to actively
of a national daily, in about 120 words, suggesting
participate and contribute towards building a
the introduction of “Cycle to School” campaign
more compassionate and inclusive
for school going students. The programme aims
society.
to develop the habit of exercising through cycling
Sincerely to maintain fitness and keeping children active.
Roshini Share the importance and credibility of such a
3. As Nalini Sharda of 409, Surya Apartments, programme and suggest a feasible way to execute
Gopalpur, you believe that pedestrian safety is it along with possible activities.
very important. Footpaths on both sides of the Ans : 2024

main roads of your city need major repairs and on February 26, 2024
some stretches they need to be constructed. The Editor
Write a letter to the MLA of your city area, in The Times of India
about 120 words, stressing the need for footpaths Delhi,
for pedestrian safety. Share your concern for Subject : Introducing a “Cycle to School”
maintenance of existing footpaths and the need Campaign
to construct new ones where they are required. Sir
Ans : 2024 I propose the initiation of a “Cycle to School”
409, Surya Apartments campaign through the esteemed columns of your
Gopalpur newspaper, advocating for a sustainable and
February 26, 2024 healthy mode of transportation for students.
The MLA Encouraging cycling not only reduces carbon
Gopalpur emissions but also promotes physical activity and
Delhi a sense of responsibility.
Subject : Urgent Need for Footpaths to Enhance Similar programs have proven successful in
Pedestrian Safety various regions, earning recognition for promoting
Sir eco-friendly living and enhancing student well-
I am composing this correspondence to bring being. Launching a “Cycle to School” campaign
to your attention a pressing concern affecting would align with our community’s dedication to
our locality - the inadequate provision of environmental sustainability and the health of our
safe footpaths, posing a significant hazard to youth. Promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle is
pedestrians. The absence of designated pedestrian vital for overall well-being.
paths forces individuals onto busy thoroughfares, I urge you to consider emphasizing the
heightening the risk of accidents and injuries. importance and effectiveness of such initiatives to
As our elected representative, I implore you inspire community involvement and support.
to prioritize the establishment and upkeep of Thank you
footpaths within our jurisdiction. This endeavor Yours sincerely
will not only bolster pedestrian safety but also Sohail Klan (Sports captain)
foster a healthier and more sustainable community.
Furthermore, existing footpaths are in a state of
disrepair and necessitate urgent attention.

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Page 206 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

a bus. Kindly increase the number of buses 20 August 20XX

particularly in the morning and the evening. This The Municipal Commissioner
will solve the problem of over-crowding too. Shahdara
One great trouble is the road-worthiness of Delhi
these buses. I think that the buses are very old. Subject: Insanitary conditions in the colony
They quite often stop mid-way adding to our Respected Sir,
woes. I have been a resident of Ankur Enclave for the
Kindly look into the matter personally and past eleven years. I would like to bring to your
oblige. notice the insanitary conditions in our colony.
Thanking you Rubbish and garbage lie in heaps. Lack of drainage
Yours faithfully system raises a persistent foul smell in the area.
Tushar Mathur During rainy season water stagnates in pits
on the street which makes the whole condition
2. Write a letter to the Post Master, General Post even worse. These become the breeding ground
Office, Pithoragarh complaining of late delivery for mosquitoes, which expose the residents to
of letters. You are Mohit/Mona of Takana, multiple diseases like dengue, malaria, etc. Our
Pithoragarh. colony has become an unhealthy and disease-
Ans : prone area. Every day, someone or the other
Friends Colony, Takana is succumbing to deadly diseases. Some of the
Pithoragarh families have also shifted lock, stock, and barrel
11 November, 20XX to better localities.
The Post Master You are requested to take an immediate
General Post Office remedial action to set things right.
Pithoragarh Yours faithfully
Subject: Complaint regarding late delivery of Deepa
letters.
Respected Sir, 4. Write a letter to the Police Commissioner
This is to bring to your kind notice that the beat requesting him to restrict the use of loudspeakers
postman of our area is not performing his duties as examinations are at hand.
well. He never delivers our letters, money orders, Ans :
parcels etc. on time. He visits only once a week and Prem-Kunj,
delivers the letters of the whole week that day. As Block IV-E 9,
a result of his careless attitude towards duties, we Lal Bagh, Lucknow.
often get deprived of the important information of 14th March, 20XX
marriage, death, etc. of our relatives and friends. To
Several times people could not reach on time The Police Commissioner,
to attend the interview or join service due to Lucknow.
the negligence on the part of the postman. We Subject : To restrict the use of loudspeakers.
have repeatedly requested him to be regular and Respected Sir,
deliver the letter on time but he pays no heed to Respectfully we beg to say that the examinations
our requests. are at hand but the continuous noise of
I sincerely request you to personally enquire loudspeakers does not allow us to study peacefully.
into the matter and take immediate action for the The disturbance of loudspeakers usually continues
redressal of our grievances. till midnight and sometimes even the whole night.
Yours faithfully It has become, therefore, difficult to concentrate
Mona on studies.
(A resident of Friends Colony) We, students, shall be obliged if you kindly
Takana restrict the use of loudspeaker during the
examination days.
3. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner Thanking you
bringing the problem of insanitary conditions in Yours faithfully
your colony to his notice and request him to take Students of Lal Bagh
urgent action in the matter.
Ans :
C 2/8, Ankur Enclave
New Delhi

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

(b) Before designation and address of the receiver. (b) important details of letter.
(c) Between receiver’s address and salutation. (c) subject of the issue.
(d) After the address of the sender. (d) purpose of writing the letter.
Ans : Ans :
(c) Between receiver’s address and salutation. (a) suggestions or request to authorities.

68. A part of a letter is given below: 72. _____ is written to register a complaint
“The music system worked properly for first seven regarding product or a service to the business
days but it has not been functioning properly for houses.
the past two days. The sound breaks while the (a) Letter of complaint
songs are being played and the system hangs (b) Letter of placing order
multiple times. Coupled with this, the songs
(c) Informal letter
stop playing abruptly and require the system to
be restarted. Since the music system is still in (d) Letter to the editor
the warranty period of one year, I wish to get it Ans :
replaced at the earliest.” (a) Letter of complaint
This letter is a type of : 73. Shiv bought a refrigerator one month ago from
(a) complaint letter (b) official letter Bharat Electronics. It has developed certain
(c) business letter (d) letter to editor problems regarding its functioning. Which of
Ans : the following is the most appropriate subject to
(a) complaint letter address the problem?
(a) Refrigerator not working
69. A letter to the Manager, Sharma Furnitures,
Delhi, mentioning about the poor quality of (b) Complaint regarding bad quality product
household furniture you recently purchased from (c) Poor refrigerator bought from your showroom
them, is a kind of (d) Complaint regarding refrigerator vide invoice
(a) letter to editor (b) complaint letter no. 313
(c) business letter (d) letter of application Ans :
Ans : (d) Complaint regarding washing machine vide
(b) complaint letter invoice no. 313

70. “You are Pulkit, a resident of Gandhi Colony, 74. _____ are written to the officials or the
Jaipur. You have noticed that some residents of concerned authorities for making complaints and
your colony are repeatedly floating quarantine bringing to their notice, the problems or issues
rules laid out during the outbreak of the that a person had witnessed or felt.
COVID-19 pandemic. You have decided to write (a) Official letter (b) Job letter
a letter to the SHO of the local police station (c) Informal letter (d) Business letter
drawing attention towards the same.” Ans :
What type of letter is this? (a) Official letter
(a) Letter to editor
75. Manoj was shocked to see that in the casualty
(b) Formal letter of enquiry ward of a government hospital, the conditions
(c) Complaint letter (business) were chaotic. Which of the following is the most
(d) Complaint letter (official) appropriate subject to address the issue to the
Ans : officers?
(d) Complaint letter (official) (a) Complaint regarding irresponsible staff
71. “I appeal to the concerned officials to look into the (b) No staff on duty at the local hospital
matter and take necessary actions in this regard. I (c) Complaint regarding the chaotic conditions in
hope that the authorities would take stern action the casualty ward
to regulate the prices so that empty pockets of the (d) Complaint regarding poor service
poor would not be exploited.” Ans :
This part of letter provides (c) Complaint regarding the chaotic conditions in
(a) suggestions or request to authorities. the casualty ward

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Page 208 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

7. Application to principal or Gandhi Senior Secondary School,

librarian Nalanda
July 3, 20XX
Students are taught application writing with the Subject : Request to allow to sit in the examination
intent of familiarizing them with the proper format without admit card
and composition for a formal application whether Respected Sir,
it is for a leave, fee concession, to name a few. The With due respect, I, Swati Saxena. class 10th B,
art of writing a concise and well-purposed formal beg to state that I have forgotten to bring my
application using a respectable language is a skill admit card today.
that can be learnt by understanding its format and I have an important paper today. Therefore
structure. An application to principal/librarian I earnestly request you to allow me to sit in the
from the student will be carefully considered by exam. My roll no. is 166323.
the principal/librarian of the school. So, before Thanking you in anticipation.
addressing something to these school officials, Yours Obediently
students must be aware of the application format Swati Saxena
and the rules to be followed while writing an
application to the principal/librarian. 3. Write an application to the librarian of your
school informing him of the library card, You
have lost and requesting him to issue a duplicate
card to you.
EXAMPLE
Ans :
1. Imagine you are Rani Sharma. You need to visit To,
out of the station for some new place to attend The Librarian,
some family function or for a family trip. Write an N.K. Public School,
application to notify the school principal about Kanpur
your absenteeism in the class. October 5, 20XX
Ans : Subject : To cancel old card and issue a new
To, duplicate card
The Principal, Respected Sir,
Geeta Devi Senior Secondary School, Most respectfully I beg to say that I, Ankit Sharma
Madhubani studying in 10th class, have lost my library card.
November 27, 20XX My card No. is 323. Kindly cancel my old card
Subject : Application for Leave and issue me a new duplicate card.
Respected Sir, Thanking you.
I beg to state that I am Rani Sharma, a student Yours faithfully
of class 10th C at your school. I have my family Ankit Sharma
function in Delhi and all of my family members
4. Imagine that you are Praveen Goyal. Your
are going to attend it.
father has been transferred. You need no-dues
Hence, I am also leaving with them and will
certificate to get your Transfer Certificate. Write
not be able to attend school from 28 November,
an application to the principal of your school
20XX to 2 December, 20XX.
requesting him to issue you no-dues certificate.
I request you to cordially grant me leave for
Ans :
5 days. After coming back I will try to finish the
To,
syllabus covered in my absence with the help
The Principal
of my teachers and fellow classmates. I shall be
Vivekanand Senior Secondary School,
really grateful to you if you approve my leaves.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Thanking you.
December 11, 20XX
Yours obediently,
Subject : To get no-dues certificate
Rani Sharma
Respected Sir,
2. Write an application to the principal of your I am a regular student of class 10th C in your
school to allow you to sit in the exam without the school. I want to get my Transfer Certificate
admit card for one day on forgetting it. because my father has been transferred to Barmer,
Ans : Rajasthan and my family is moving there and I
To, want to study there. I need my no-dues certificate
The Principal for getting Transfer Certificate.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

Kindly issue me my no-dues certificate Sir,

from the school so that I may get my Transfer I would like to place an order for textbooks on
certificate as soon as possible. My Sr. no. is 3255. Mathematics with your firm for our school library.
Thanking you Since the school is going to have Mathematics
Yours obediently exhibition by the end of this month we need the
Praveen Goyal following books urgently.

5. Imagine that you are Kunal Kapoor, a student of Subject Classes Author Quantity
class 10. The water tank of your school has not been 1. Mathematics Class IX Manjeet 40 copies
cleaned for many days. Write an application to (Vol. I & II) Singh
the principal of your school to make arrangement 2. Mathematics Class X (Vol. Manjeet 40 copies
for cleaning the water tank immediately. I & II) Singh
Ans : 3. Mathematics Class XI Manjeet 15 copies
To, (Part 1 & 2) Singh
The Principal 4. Mathematics Class XII Manjeet 20 copies
Tagore Public School, (Part 1 & 2) Singh
Pune
We request you to give us discount offered to
September 15, 20XX
the educational institutions. Please find enclosed
Subject : To make arrangement for cleaning the
a DD for 50000/-. The remaining amount shall
water tank
be paid as soon as we receive the final bill. You
Respected Sir,
are requested to send us these books through any
I am student of class 10 in your school. Respectfully,
courier service. Please ensure that the books are
I want to draw your kind attention over the water
properly packed. The books found damaged will
tank of our school. It is generally cleaned twice
be returned at your cost. We shall feel highly
a month as the date on the tank shows. But this
obliged if you could deliver us these books within
time the water tank has not been cleaned for two
10 days.
months. We have made several requests to the
peon but no avail. We have to drink dirty water. Yours truly
The colour and smell of the water shows that it Amit (Student prefect)
needs cleaning.
We request you to look into the matter and 2. You are Neelam/Rakesh, Store Incharge Diksha
do the needful. Stores, 32/54, Rajeev Nagar, Delhi. Your school
Thanking you in Anticipation requires school bags and accessories in bulk for
Yours obediently the commencement of the new session. Write a
Kunal Kapoor letter of inquiry to the Sales Manager, Sky Bags
Industries Ltd. 15/3, Ravi Nagar, Delhi enquiring
about the details of goods manufactured.
8. Other letters Ans :
Diksha Stores
1. You are Anita/Amit, the student prefect 32/54, Rajeev Nagar
and incharge of the school library. You have Delhi
been asked to place an order for textbooks on 28th August, 2019
Mathematics. Write a letter to M/s Full Marks The Sales Manager
(P) Ltd., 4238A/1, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New M/s Sky Bags Industries Limited
Delhi placing an order for the books. Invent the 15/3, Ravi Nagar
necessary details. Delhi
Ans : Subject : Inquiry about school bags and accessories
BVM, Public School Sir,
Ram Vihar There has been enormous demand by our
Delhi customers of the school bags and accessories you
23rd June, 20xx manufacture for primary and secondary school
M/s Full Marks (P) Ltd. students and they are inquiring about quality,
4238A/1, Ansari Road price, durability, etc.
Daryaganj, New Delhi We shall feel obliged if you could please send
Subject : Order for Mathematics textbooks us 100 pieces of school bags for every age group
on approval and return basis.

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Page 210 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

If we find the quality and price satisfactory IMPORTANT QUESTION

then we expect to purchase more from you. Before
placing a large order of the bags, we would like you Multiple Choice Type Question
to send the above quantity of the desired products
on approval basis. 1. You are Debashree, a resident of Siliguri, Assam.
The remaining of the unsold pieces would be You have to write a letter to the editor of a
returned to you at your expense within a period national daily drawing attention towards the
of one month from receipt of the products. difficulty faced by differently-abled people at
We hope to hear from you very soon. tourist places.
Yours faithfully
Rakesh i Select the option with relevant aspects that
Store Incharge Debashree should select, for this letter.
1. The newspaper’s name
2. Attached proof of the newspaper subscription
3. Debashree’s address

4. Formal tone
5. Expected date of the letter’s receipt
(a) 1 and 5 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 3 and 5 (d) 1, 3 and 4

ii Select the appropriate subject for this letter.

(a) Drawing attention towards differently-abled
people
(b) The Differently-abled : Neglected or
Misunderstood?
(c) Tourist places are an inconvenience to
Differently-abled people
(d) Inconvenience Faced by the Differently-abled
at Tourist Spots

iii Which option should Debashree select, to elaborate

on the difficulties faced by the differently-abled?

(a) Absence of ramps for wheelchairs

Unclean toilets
High ticket-prices
(b) Unsuitable visiting timings
Tourist guides untrained in sign language
Lack of braille-script tourist pamphlets
(c) Absence of ramps for wheelchairs
Tourist guides untrained in sign language
Lack of braille-script tourist pamphlets
(d) Unclean toilets
High ticket-prices
Unsuitable visiting timings

iv Debashree shares some suggestions in her letter,

to address the issue.
Select the option that helps her complete these
suggestions, appropriately.
In my opinion, the media can play a pivotal
role in transforming people’s (i)_____. Also,
(ii)_____ against negligence to the needs of the

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

x (a) courses should be started in schools ii Select the appropriate Subject?

(b) extra classes should be started in schools (a) Benefits of open manholes
(c) sports competition should be started in (b) Problem of open manholes
schools (c) Request for opening of manholes
(d) None of these (d) None of these
xi (a) Your faith (b) You faithfully iii Which one of the following is the most suitable
(c) Your faithfully (d) Yours faithfully salutation for this letter?
(a) Dear editor (b) Dear and lovable sir
xii (a) Aman/Anu Prajapati
(c) Dear sir (d) None of these
(b) Pawan/Pooja Awasthi
(c) Rohit/Radhika Sharma iv How will you sign off this letter?
(d) Kamal/Kavita Mathur (a) With regards, Raman/Priya
Ans : (b) With love, Raman/Priya
i. (a) The Editor (c) A concerned citizen, Raman/Priya
ii. (a) Daily Times (d) Yours faithfully, Raman/Priya
iii. (b) Increasing crime among children v Which of the following way would you suggest
iv. (c) recent spate of crimes committed by school him to solve the problem?
children, including thefts and kidnappings (a) To deploy policemen at the manholes
v. (a) grave concern (b) To cover all manholes with newspapers
(c) To cover all manholes with plastics
vi. (b) driven by greed or uncontrollable anger
(d) None of these
vii. (d) just show off
viii. (b) unrealistic parental expectations and societal vi Select the option that lists the most accurate
demands opening for this letter?
(a) Through the column of your esteemed
ix. (c) with whom students can discuss their problems
newspaper ...
x. (a) courses should be started in schools (b) With reference to your advertisement in The
xi. (d) Yours faithfully Times of India ...
xii. (b) Pawan/Pooja Awasthi (c) This is to enquire about the school fee ...
(d) None of these

vii Select the option with the information points to

be included in the body of this letter.
4. You are Raman/ Priya a resident of 404,
(a) Opinion about Indo-Afghan relations
lndrapuram, Ghajiabad (U.P). Residents of your
sector are worried and in trouble due to the open (b) Resolution of open manholes
manholes for they leads to deadly accidents. (c) Reasons for the open manholes
Writing a letter to the Editor of The National (d) Both a and c
Daily, Ghajiabad highlighting the issues and Ans :
suggesting ways to sort out the problem. i. (b) 404, lndrapuram, Ghajiabad (U.P)
Answer the following questions on the basis of ii. (b) Problem of open manholes
information given above.
iii. (d) None of these
i Which of the following is the correct sender’s iv. (a) With regards, Raman/Priya
address?
v. (d) None of these
(a) The Editor, The Hindustnn Times, Ghnjinbnd
(b) 404, Jndrapuram, Ghajiabad (U.P) vi. (a) Through the column of your esteemed
newspaper ...
(c) Neither a nor b
(d) Only a vii. (d) Both a and c

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Page 212 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

v (a) improve health of people (viii) _____.

(b) give good profits to the medicine seller Isn’t it time society woke up, and took notice
(c) cause serious damage to the health of people of the situation? It should be made mandatory
for schools and colleges to have counsellors (ix)
(d) None of these
_____ . Moreover, yoga and meditation (x)
vi (a) grave importance (b) wide scope _____ in order to relax their rhinds so that
(c) fact (d) discomfort teenagers lose their anger and frustration.
Ans : (xi) _____
(xii) _____
i. (a) The Health Commissioner,
ii. (c) Selling of products with expired dates. Complete the letter by choosing the most appropriate
iii. (b) Mediplus medical store option:

iv. (a) denied i (a) The Editor (b) The Doctor

v. (c) cause serious damage to the health of people (c) The Minister (d) The Scientist
vi. (a) grave importance ii (a) Daily Times (b) Hindustan Times
(c) The Indian Express (d) The Hindu
3. Pawan/Pooja Awasthi reads the news item on the
next page in the ‘Daily Times’ about the increasing iii (a) Increasing anxiety among children
number of crimes committed by teenagers.
(b) Increasing crime among children
Teen Crimes Stun City! (c) Increasing jealousy among children
The last few months have witnessed a spate of
(d) Increasing competition among children
crimes committed by school children, including
thefts and kidnappings. The recent cases have iv (a) noise pollution in the city
revealed that it’s either greed or uncontrollable (b) quarrels between school students
anger/frustration that leads to crimes. The
(c) recent spate of crimes committed by school
driving thought that some youngsters today have
children, including thefts and kidnappings
is, ‘If he has it, why can’t I?’, for others, ‘it’s to
maintain lifestyle or just to show off,’ avers Nihal (d) None of these
Nair (13 years) of Victoria High School. Anger has v (a) grave concern (b) fact
engulfed teenagers. I’- There is a lot of frustration
(c) discussion (d) importance
because of unrealistic parental expectations and
societal demands as well. vi (a) driven by unethical means
Here is given the letter to the editor of “Daily (b) driven by greed or uncontrollable anger
Times” from Pawan/Pooja expressing his/her
(c) consuming drugs
views on the above news:
(d) None of these
K 911, Hemkunt Towers
Kochi vii (a) just play (b) express their views
20 June, 20XX (c) just sleep (d) just show off
(i) _____
viii (a) their parental behaviour
(ii) _____
Nandagiri (b) unrealistic parental expectations and societal
Thiruvananthapuram demands
Subject: (iii) _____ (c) realistic parental expectations and societal
Sir, demands
This is with reference to a report recently (d) None of these
published in the Daily Times regarding the (iv)
_____ which is a matter of (v) _____. The ix (a) with whom students can play
recent cases have revealed that the teenagers are (b) with whom students can eat tasty dishes
(vi) _____. Youngsters today also have an ‘If (c) with whom students can discuss their
he has it, why can’t I?’ attitude and want to (vii) problems
_____. There’s a lot of frustration because of (d) None of these

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

Business Letters Please do the needful, and send me replacement

for the same within 10 days from this letter.
Business complaint letter is written by customers Awaiting for your quick action.
who are not satisfied by the levels of consumer Thanking you,
services provided. If you feel that your supplier Yours faithfully,
is dishonest about the goods they deliver to you, (Vivek Mahajan)
whether in terms of content or pricing, you can
write them a customer complaint letter to express 2. You are Apoorva/Arpit. You bought a refrigerator
your grievances. Do not forget to mention that from Ganesh Electronics and Electricals, Gandhi
there will be consequences should they fail to Marg, Nagpur. It does not function properly.
address the issue in question. Write a letter to the Sales Manager of the shop,
A business complaint letter is written to complaining about the defect and asking for
address a problem(s) and to find out solutions immediate replacement or repair, as necessary.
to those problems. The problem can be of many Ans :
things. They can be about a service, a product, 33, Stadium Road
or goods in the business. If you are writing Nagpur
a complaint letter, it should be written in a 20th December, 20XX
clear and precise manner. The problem and the The Sales Manager
dissatisfaction of the service are addressed in the Ganesh Electronics and Electricals
complaint letter. The possible solutions to the Gandhi Marg
problem(s) are addressed at the end of the letter. Nagpur
Subject : Complaint about Defective Refrigerator
Purchased from You
EXAMPLE Reference : Bill No. 234 Dated 7th December,
20XX
1. You have purchased a high priced camera Dear Sir,
from the Rawat Electronics Shoppee, Sector-6, On 07.12.20XX, I purchased a Godrej refrigerator,
Vidhyadhar Nagar, Jaipur-302039, for your Model No.435, vide Receipt No. 234 from your
personal use, a month ago. Now you find that showroom, paying Rs.15,000.
something is terribly wrong with the camera and Unfortunately, the refrigerator does not
you are getting blurred pictured out of the film function properly now. It does not cool properly
rolls. Write a letter of complain to the retailer, and side-walls of it get heated a lot. The freezing
seeking replacement for the camera. compartment of the refrigerator stops suddenly. It
Ans : produces noise with vibrations.
Mr. Vivek Mahajan To resolve the problem I would appreciate
V.T. Road, if you get the refrigerator checked properly by a
Ranchi, Jharkhand qualified technician. Since, it is under warranty
Date: 8 June, 20XX period, I request you to kindly send someone to
The Retailer, replace it as it seems to have some manufacturing
Rawat Electronics Shoppee, problem.
Sector-6, Vidhydhar Nagar, I look forward to your reply and a resolution
Jaipur-302039 to my problem, and will wait until a week before
Subject : Complaint regarding defective camera seeking help from the Consumer Protection.
Dear Sir, Please contact me at the above address or by
In the last month I purchased a high priced phone at 0402667546 between 4.30 p.m. to 9.00
camera from your Electronics Shoppee. I was p.m.
careful to follow the instructions for use, honestly. Yours truly
I am sorry to inform you that the camera is not Arpit
working properly. I could not take photographs Enclosures cc: Receipt of purchase and warranty
during my visit to Hyderabad. There is something card
wrong with the camera. I am getting blurred
pictures out of film rolls.
Even though the camera is inferior in quality,
still we believe in your services. Kindly find the
problem with the camera.

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Page 214 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

5. Jamuna Nagar is a thickly populated, locality (c) arrange for milk products
inhabited mainly by working-class people. (d) provide milk and milk products
Unfortunately, there is no milk booth in the
locality. Here is given the letter to the editor v (a) people become sensitive
of a local daily drawing the attention of the (b) authorities can know about
authorities to the problem faced by the people, (c) people look into the matter
requesting them to open a milk booth. You are (d) authorities are sensitized
Sanjay/Suhana, 4, Jamuna Nagar, Mumbai. Ans :
Suhana
4, Jamuna Nagar i. (c) Absence of milk booth in Jamuna Nagar
Mumbai ii. (c) Raise the issue of the absence of a milk booth
Date : 15th March, 20XX iii. (c) face many problems
The Editor
Hindustan News iv. (a) get their daily stock of milk and milk products
Mumbai v. (d) authorities are sensitized
Subject : (i) _____
Respected Sir/Madam 6. You are Tanu/Tarun, a resident Jagannath
I am Suhana, a resident of Jamuna Nagar. I am colony, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. You have noticed
writing to you in order to (ii) _____ in my that some residents of your colony are repeatedly
locality. flouting quarantine rules laid out during the
Jamuna Nagar has a huge population that outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
comprises daily wagers. Still the area does not Here is given the letter to the SHO of the local
have a milk booth. The residents (iii) _____ Police Station, drawing attention towards the
as they have to walk upto 10 kilometres every same and explaining how such acts impact the
morning to (iv) _____. This has also led to health of the community and request immediate
black marketing. The people of the area are intervention and strict action.
getting harassed. Jagannath Colony
As the situation is serious, I request you to Bhubaneshwar
highlight it through your newspaper so that the Odisha
(v) _____ towards it and do the needful. 10 October, 20XX
Thanking You (i) _____
Yours sincerely. (ii) _____
Suhana Bhubaneshwar
Odisha
Complete the letter by choosing the most appropriate
Subject : Requesting action against flouters of
option:
quarantine rules.
i (a) Regarding milk booth Sir,
(b) To open milk booth I am a resident of Jagannath Colony and I am
writing this letter to draw your attention towards
(c) Absence of milk booth in Jamuna Nagar
the complaint about some residents (iii) _____.
(d) No milk booth in locality This is really disappointing that in spite of the
constant alarming notices. the rules have fallen on
ii (a) open a milk booth
deaf ears. This is the non-compliance of rules by
(b) make you aware about the opening of milk
those resident (iv) _____. and are disregarding
booth
the rules of social distancing. They roam about
(c) Raise the issue of the absence of a milk booth almost everywhere without the use of masks.
(d) establish milk booth They are so ignorant towards the fact that they
are putting everyone’s life at risk through their
iii (a) become worried (b) get tired casual behaviour. This has aggravated mental
(c) face many problems (d) suffer with stress and fear in the residents of the colony. In
spite of following all the precautionary measures
iv (a) get their daily stock of milk and milk products
at the personal level the residents live under the
(b) purchase milk (v) _____ apparently.

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18. Write an application to your principal asking 20. Write an application to the Librarian, requesting
permission to remain absent from school for 5 him to remit the fine for returning the books late.
days on account of your brother’s marriage. Ans : 2010

Ans : 2017 To,

To, The Librarian
The Principal, Adarsh Vidya Mandir,
Govt. Senior Secondary School Banka
Buxer, November 15, 20XX
23rd January, 20XX Subject : Application for Remission of fine on late
Subject : Application for leave for five days submission of books
Respected Sir, Respected Sir,
I am Neha from class 10th A. I beg to say that I A fine of Rs. 50/- has been imposed on me for
will remain absent for the next 5 days on account returning the library books after the fixed time. The
of my brother’s marriage.
delay has been caused by the circumstances beyond
My brother’s wedding is on 25th January,
my control. I was on sick leave for 12 days. So I
20XX and as a younger sister, my presence at
could not come to the library to return the books.
the wedding is unavoidable. As a sister, I have so
So, I request you to please remit the fine. I
many duties to be carried out in wedding and also,
shall be thankful to you for this.
I am responsible to look after the arrangements
Thanking You.
for the wedding.
Yours Obediently
So, I kindly request you to grant me 5 days
Rohit Kathuria
holiday that is from 24th to 28th of January.
The wedding card is attached herewith for your 21. You fell ill and could not go to school for 15
perusal. days. Your name has been struck off. Write
Thanking you. an application to the Principal of your school
Yours Sincerely, requesting him for readmission.
Neha Ans : 2008

To,
The Principal,
Delhi Public School,
19. Write an application to the Principal of your Delhi
school requesting him to grant you leave for a June 26, 20XX
week. Subject : Regarding Readmission
Ans : 2016 Respected Sir,
To, I am a student of class 10 in your school. During the
The Principal rainy season I fell ill. I had malaria fever. I could not
Sanskriti Senior Secondary School, come to school for fifteen days. Now I am well and
Jamui want to start my studies again. But my name has
March 6, 20XX been struck off from the attendance register.
Subject : Application for leave I humbly request you for my readmission.
Respected Sir, I am enclosing medical certificate. I promise to
I beg to say that I have to leave for my home town make up for the loss by coming to school regularly.
in Allahabad for my cousin’s marriage to be held Thanking You
on 10 March. Yours Obediently
I have to reach there a few days earlier, so Shailesh Gupta
that I can manage everything properly and do Reg. No. 1516
the needful. 22. You are Narendra sharma/Nitin sharma, Head,
Therefore, I earnestly request you to grant Fitness Group of Gold Gym, 234, Ram Vihar,
me leave for a week. Delhi. You wish to purchase certain herbal
Thanking you in anticipation. medicines and wellness products. Write a letter
Yours Obediently to the Store Manager, M/s East India, 54, Preet
Rohit Patel Vihar, Delhi placing an order for the specific
Class 10th A products required by you.

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Page 216 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

13. Which of these is the right format of writing the 20. What is written on the top of a Business Letter
date in all the formal letters? on the left side?
(a) 21/11/2020 (b) 21-11-2020 (a) Sender’s address (b) Receiver’s address
(c) November 21, 2020 (d) None of these (c) Date (d) Salutation
Ans : Ans :
(c) November 21, 2020 (a) Sender’s address

14. The subject of letter to editor should be _____? 21. What is written below sender’s address in a
(a) Long (b) Irrelevant Business letter?
(c) Brief and relevant (d) None of these (a) Date (b) Receiver’s address
Ans : (c) Subject (d) Salutation
(c) Brief and relevant Ans :
(a) Date
15. Which of the following statements is incorrect
about letter to editor? 22. The subject of Business Letter should be
(a) Must be in formal language (a) As long as possible
(b) Must be complete in all respects (b) Brief, Clear and Relevant
(c) Must be relevant information (c) Stretched and Irrelevant
(d) Must be informal (d) None of these
Ans : Ans :
(d) Must be informal (b) Brief, Clear and Relevant

16. What is the motive of writing a letter to the 23. Where is Receiver’s address written a Business or
editor? Official letter?
(a) To ask him to take action (a) On the top of the letter
(b) To order him (b) Just above the date
(c) To request him to give some space to your (c) Just below the date
views in his column (d) On the bottom of the letter
(d) None of these Ans :
Ans : (c) Just below the date
(c) To request him to give some space to your
views in his column 24. What should be the tone of a writer while writing
a Complaint Letter?
17. Which of the following is not a part of a letter (a) Arrogant (b) Humble
to editor? (c) Ungrateful (d) Superstitious
(a) Date (b) Subject Ans :
(c) Salutation (d) Photo (b) Humble
Ans :
(d) Photo 25. What is the chief purpose of writing a Complaint
Letter?
18. Letter to the editor are written to (a) To file a complaint against antisocial elements,
(a) newspaper (b) school faulty product or poor service being provided
(c) college (d) club (b) To file a complaint against the politics
Ans : happening in the country
(a) newspaper (c) To file a complaint against those who are
working according to your policies
19. Letter of complaint comes in the category of
(d) None of these
(a) formal letter (b) informal letter
Ans :
(c) demi-official letter (d) none of these (a) To file a complaint against antisocial elements,
Ans : faulty product or poor service being provided
(a) formal letter

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

differently-abled, at the tourist spots, shall go a Sunita Lal,

long way in bringing about a positive change. 14, R.K. road,
(a) (i) beliefs and traditions (ii) composing songs Ranchi, Jharkhand
(b) (i) perceptions and attitudes (ii) cautioning 30 March, 2018
the authorities (i)_____
Food and Drugs Authority,
(c) (i) preferences (ii) protesting
Ranchi, Jharkhand
(d) (i) interactions (ii) keeping minimum Subject: (ii)_____
interference Respected Sir/Madam,
v Select the option that correctly justifies the choice From the past three days, I have been suffering
of the concluding portion of this letter. from mild fever. I visited my family doctor Dr.
Gupta who prescribed me a few medicines. I
1. I accept the authorities to take actions on
purchased the given medicines from (iii)‘_____’
this issue. Please post my thoughts in your
which is situated next to Rambhavan Hotel on
newspaper.
R.K. road, Ranchi.
2. I hope my views get published in the columns I took the medicines home and in the afternoon
of your newspaper so that this issue may was about to take my first dose, when I checked
garner more public support and awareness. the medicines. I was shocked to see the expiry
(a) Yes, to Option 1 because of the authoritative th
date on the medicines as 15 January, 2018.
tone. They had been expired for almost two and a half
(b) No, to Option 1 because of the informal tone. month. The shopkeeper (iv)_____ to accept his
(c) Yes, to Option 2 because of the tone of polite fault and such behaviour of his, to my belief, is
expectation. unacceptable.
(d) No, to Option 2 because of the certainty in Thus, I request you to bring this matter to
the tone. notice as consumption of expired products can
(v)_____. This is a matter of (vi)_____ and
vi Select the option that completes the concluding I request you to inspect the whole store as early
line appropriately. as possible.
I hope that my letter will _____ Looking forward to your positive reply.
(a) help spread awareness about the issue. Kind Regards,
(b) lead to action against all authorities Sunita Lal
responsible, at tourist spots. Complete the letter by choosing the most appropriate
(c) improve circulation of the national daily. option:
(d) result in positive reviews by the readers.
i (a) The Health Commissioner,
Ans : 2022
(b) The President
i. (d) 1, 3 and 4
(c) The Editor
ii. (d) Inconvenience Faced by the Differently-abled (d) The Municipal Commissioner
at Tourist Spots
iii. (c) ii (a) Selling of expried products
(b) Selling of defective products
iv. (b) (i) perceptions and attitudes (ii) cautioning
the authorities (c) Selling of products with expired dates.
(d) None of these
v. (c) Yes, to Option 2 because of the tone of polite
expectation. iii (a) Shyam Kirana Store
vi. (a) help spread awareness about the issue. (b) Mediplus medical store
(c) Maharaja Textiles
2. You discover that the medicines you bought
(d) Shiv Hardware and Sanitary
from the nearby medical stores were sold after
their due date of expiry. You are writing a letter iv (a) denied (b) agreed
of complaint to the Food and Drugs authority,
(c) hesitated (d) Scolded
Government of Jharkhand:

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Page 218 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

39. How will you end the main body of a formal Ans :
letter? (c) letter to editor
(a) By discussing the weather in your city 44. “Illegal parking of heavy commercial vehicles
(b) By showing your love for the recipient causing a nuisance to the residents of localities” is
(c) By telling the recipient what he should be a topic associated with
doing next (a) official letter (b) letter to editor
(d) By discussing the weather in the recipient’s (c) business letter (d) None of these
city Ans :
Ans : (b) letter to editor
(c) By telling the recipient what he should be
doing next 45. Naveen is the editor for the school newspaper, and
he just received the advice column from one of the
40. What would you say in the opening part of a journalists. The title of the column is ‘Writing
formal letter? the Perfect Paper’. He begin reading the column
(a) Discussing the recipient if he is hale and and come across this baffling sentence in the first
hearty paragraph:
(b) Discussing how good the weather is in your The worst thing you can do in an academic paper
city is insult your professor. Be sure to make corrections
to your paper and always tip your waiter!
(c) Ask how good the weather is in the recipient’s
What is the problem with this sentence?
city
(a) The journalist’s statement is a generalisation
(d) Inform the recipient why you are writing the
and it cannot be proven true.
letter
Ans : (b) The thesis is inconsistent with the subject of
(d) Inform the recipient why you are writing the the column.
letter (c) Continuity i.e. the journalist’s sentences are
not related to one another.
41. When you are writing a formal letter to a company, (d) Sentence has a good thesis and it captures the
what information do you include? reader’s attention.
(a) Your date of birth Ans :
(b) Only company’s address (c) Continuity i.e. the journalist’s sentences are
(c) Your address not related to one another.
(d) Both your address and the company’s address 46. A few lines of letter are mentioned here:
Ans : “Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper,
(d) Both your address and the company’s address I would like to highlight the burning issue of
42. Which is the vital part of the letter which is as women’s education scenario today in India, leading
good as wishing the person? to their status in the family, society and the nation
as a whole.”
(a) Reference (b) Subject
These lines are a part of
(c) Enclosure (d) Salutation
(a) letter to editor
Ans :
(d) Salutation (b) letter of complaint (business)
(c) business letter
43. It is my humble request to the authorities (d) letter of complaint (official)
concerned to issue a certificate of verification of the Ans :
domestic help and ask their neighbours to set up (a) letter to editor
a neighbourhood watch where everyone can look
out for the safety of each other especially the older 47. Samerth Charitable Trust organised a week-long
people. I hope my concern will reach the ears of book fair at SMS Stadium, Jaipur. You visited
the concerned authorities through your newspaper. the fair and bought a few books. You were pleased
The given part of the letter is a type of : with the arrangements, enthusiasm of the visitors
(a) business letter (b) official letter and the fact that books have not yet lost their
(c) letter to editor (d) complaint letter relevance in the world of the Internet.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

income of the family they drop their children from that long distance racers would require. You are
school and engage them in doing such job. Our Man Singh living in Green Park, New Delhi.
Government should take some concrete steps to Ans : 2020

improve the condition of these underprivileged 44, Green Park

children. I would like you to give an appropriate New Delhi-110053
space to my letter in your esteemed newspaper so 20th Aug, 2019
that the authorities concerned wake up and take M/s Honda Bikes and Scooters
an appropriate action. Kashmere Gate
Yours sincerely Delhi
Kumar Subject : Price and specifications of new model
sports bike
13. You are Vinita/Vinit, a customer of Excitel Sir,
Broadband. Write a letter to the Customer Care My name is Man Singh. I live in Green Park, New
Department, Excitel regarding the poor service Delhi and am a bike enthusiast. I have participated
of Internet connection. You are a resident of 485, in many race events. At present I am training
Ram Nagar, Shandara. myself to compete for the upcoming zonal level
Ans : 2021
Bike Marathon. Later I plan to participate in the
485, Ram Nagar coming Olympics. Being a racer I am always very
Shandara, Delhi passionate about the latest bike in the market.
15th Sept., 2019 I have seen your advertisement this morning
The Manager about the launch of a new racing sports model
Customer Care Department (Broadband) bike which not only comes in attractive model
Excitel, Exchange Ram Nagar but meets all international standards. I saw the
Delhi picture in the advertisement. Needless to say
Subject : Poor Broadband Service the model looks sleek and sporty with a striking
Sir, colour combination.
I am a customer of your reputed broadband So I would like to say that I’m really excited
service and my customer ID is 41721. The about this bike model and wish to procure it. I
Internet service at my home is very poor and I would be grateful if you could give me information
have to restart the modem or adjust the cables about the following:
10-12 times to get it working every time. Even • Its features in detail
after that, it works only for 5-7 minutes and then • Its Price
the modem restarts itself. • Availability of necessary accessories
I have already raised several complaints Please call back with all information.
on the helpline number but the issue has not Thanking you
been rectified as yet. It seems that there is Yours truly
some hardware issue with modem and it needs Man Singh
replacement as it keeps on restarting and its Mobile No : 85968xxxxx
indicators are also not in proper order.
15. You are Amit Kapoor, resident of 43/9, Shyam
I would highly appreciate if you would look
Enclave, Delhi. You visited Manali with your
into the matter to deliver the best to its customers.
family during the summer vacation. You had
Thanking you
two double suites at Lake View resort. Your stay
Yours faithfully
at the hotel fell far short of the description in
Vinita
the brochure. Write a letter of complaint to the
Mobile No. 97604-xxxxx
Customer Service Department to refund for your
hotel stay.
14. You have seen an advertisement of a new Ans : 2019,
model sports bike launched by Honda. You are 43/9, Shyam Enclave
a passionate racer and are keen to buy the new Delhi
model of racing bikes being offered. Next month 12th August, 2019
a zonal level Bike Marathon is taking place and Customer Service Department
you are keen to enroll your name as a contestant. Lake View Resort
Write a letter to M/s Honda Bikes and Scooters, Manali
Kashmere Gate, New Delhi enquiring about the Subject : Complaint about the double suites
price, specifications and availability of accessories Ref. No. : Holiday reference Number BM 3278 M

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Page 220 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

57. To get the receiver of your letter to take action, Ans :

you must (d) You need to provide more facts for a complaint
letter to convince the reader.
(a) threaten to tell their boss
(b) state only facts and give suggestions for 62. Which one of the options would get a reader to
improvement take your complaint seriously?
(c) insult their names (a) When you say that you are sorry.
(d) use coarse and vulgar language (b) Vivid (clear) descriptions of what happened.
Ans : (c) When you show that you are on their side.
(b) state only facts and give suggestions for
(d) When your accusations are personal.
improvement Ans :
58. You may write a complaint letter in a situation (c) When you show that you are on their side.
where 63. Why do we need to write complaint letters?
(a) your meal was charged (and these was no (a) To provide feedback and see improvements.
refund).
(b) To show that we sometimes can be wrong.
(b) your meal was overcharged (and there was no
(c) To show our care and concern.
refund).
(d) To show that we are always in the right.
(c) a teacher scolds you for not doing your
Ans :
homework.
(a) To provide feedback and see improvements.
(d) you trip on the uneven grass while walking in
the park. 64. We write complaint letters in order to
Ans : (a) state our displeasure
(b) your meal was overcharged (and there was no
(b) vent our frustrations and feel better
refund).
(c) calm ourselves down
59. When recounting a bad experience, we use (d) change a situation for the better
_____ tense in our writing. Ans :
(a) present (b) past (d) change a situation for the better
(c) future (d) none of these 65. Most people do not like to read complaint letters
Ans :
because
(b) past
(a) It is full of lies.
60. What should be written in the third paragraph in (b) It is a personal attack on their company.
the body of letter of complaint? (c) It highlights the weaknesses or shortcomings
(a) Required suggestions or solutions of their company.
(b) Details about the complaint (d) It does not provide any accurate feedback.
(c) Complimentary close Ans :
(d) State the issue/problem (c) It highlights the weaknesses or shortcomings
Ans : of their company.
(a) Required suggestions or solutions
66. When a person receives a message, it is their
61. What is the difference between a letter of request responsibility to provide the sender :
and a complaint letter? (a) non-verbal clues (b) self concept
(a) You must be more polite for a letter of (c) perception (d) feedback
request. Ans :
(b) You can make spelling mistakes for a (d) feedback
complaint letter. 67. You are writing a complaint letter demanding
(c) You do not have to edit a complaint letter. compensation for the damaged furniture and
(d) You need to provide more facts for a complaint other household items. Where should you write
letter to convince the reader. the details about complaint?
(a) Before complimentary close.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

We have put our concern in front of our Resident 7. How to end the main body of a formal letter?
welfare Association, however, it is not taking (vi) (a) by telling the recipient what he should be
_____. So we are knocking your doors for the doing next
assistance to take the immediate action regarding (b) By showing love
our concern.
(c) By discussing weather
On behalf of the entire society. I request you to
look into the matter at the earliest to prevent the (d) None of these
hazards of COVID-19. I hope for a prompt action. Ans :
Thanking You (a) by telling the recipient what he should be
Yours faithfully. doing next
Tanu 8. What would you write in the opening part of a
Complete the letter by choosing the most appropriate formal letter?
option: (a) Asking about health
i (a) The District Head (b) The Police Officer (b) Asking about family
(c) The SHO (c) Informing about purpose or writing the letter
(d) The Officer Incharge (d) None of these
Ans :
ii (a) Satya Nagar Colony (c) Informing about purpose or writing the letter
(b) Jamnagar Police Station
9. The key point to a formal letter is written in
(c) Local Police Station which part of a formal letter?
(d) Jagannath Colony Police Station (a) Introduction (b) Heading
iii (a) do not wear mask and also not maintain social (c) Subject (d) Body
distancing. Ans :
(d) Body
(b) who are not getting medical facilities.
(c) who are not following the quarantine rules. 10. What is the accurate representation to show the
(d) against COVID-19 pandemic. purpose of a letter?
(a) Please Note : Formal Notice
iv (a) who follow quarantine rules
(b) Attention : Formal Notice
(b) show casual behaviour
(c) Subject : Formal Notice
(c) who do not wear mask
(d) Announcement : Formal Notice
(d) who are not staying indoors at all Ans :
v (a) risk of infection (c) Subject : Formal Notice
(b) infection through contaminated people 11. What is the correct way to write the subscription
(c) fear of being at risk in a formal letter??
(d) constant threat of getting infected (a) Yours truly (b) Your truly
(c) You truly (d) None of these
vi (a) any step to check such behaviour
Ans :
(b) any proper step (a) Yours truly
(c) any step to check such behaviour
(d) Legal action 12. What is written on the top of editor’s letter on
Ans : the left side?
(a) Salutation (b) Yours truly
i. (c) The SHO
(c) Subject (d) Sender’s address
ii. (d) Jagannath Colony Police Station Ans :
iii. (c) who are not following the quarantine rules. (d) Sender’s address
iv. (d) who are not staying indoors at all
v. (d) constant threat of getting infected
vi. (c) any step to check such behaviour

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76. What is the correct way to start the letter The Commissioner
complaining about the poor sanitary conditions Traffic Police
in your locality? New Delhi
(a) I want to draw your eyes to the bad condition Subject : Regarding increasing road accidents
of the area Sir,
(b) I want to complaint about the poor sanitary This is to bring in your kind notice that the cases
conditions of reckless driving and road rage are accelerating
each day, resulting in fatal accidents.
(c) Please pay attention towards the poor
The roads of Delhi are not safe anyways.
sanitary conditions prevailing in our area
However, the situation is worse in northern parts.
(d) I want to draw your kind attention towards During the light traffic hours after 10 p.m.,
the poor sanitary conditions prevailing in our it seems like some people choose the road just
area to release their stress by driving recklessly and
Ans : giving other riders a near death experience. This
(d) I want to draw your kind attention towards eventually results into fights and even major
the poor sanitary conditions prevailing in our area accidents.
77. Suresh is annoyed by the daily traffic jam in his In the past one week, I’ve come across fifteen
area that happen due to a hospital placed there. articles in the newspaper reporting more than 10
He wants to write an official complaint letter for fatal accidents resulting in many casualties.
the same. Who would he writes the letter to? It has become vital that certain strict actions
are taken against these offenders. Either by
(a) Commissioner of Police (traffic)
confiscating their vehicles or by cancelling their
(b) Police constable licenses, a lesson must be taught. In addition,
(c) School principal publicizing this issue on social media will certainly
(d) The editor of a newspaper bring awareness in this regard, resulting in a
Ans : strong grip over these irresponsible drivers.
(a) Commissioner of Police (traffic) I request you to do something in this regard.
I will be highly grateful for your consideration.
78. Which of the following is the most appropriate Yours sincerely
subject for expressing your concern to the related Savita
authorities over the monkey menace?
(a) monkey menace that needs immediate action 2. A leading communication company `Savera’
is sponsoring a half marathon run in your city
(b) monkeys in the area need to be caged
to raise funds for ‘Koshish’ an orphanage. You
(c) help the locality to stay away from monkeys are Roshini/Roshan, school captain of Adarsh
(d) save us from the monkey menace Vidyalaya. You are leading a batch of hundred
Ans : students in the half marathon to be held in your
(a) monkey menace that needs immediate action city.
Write a letter to the editor of a national daily
emphasizing the participation of school children in
Long Answer Type Question such programmes as part of voluntary community
1. There are daily reports in the newspaper of fatal service. Highlight the benefits of participation in
accidents due to reckless driving and road rage. such activities.
Write a letter to the Commissioner of Traffic Ans : 2024

Police in about 120 words suggesting the need Adarsh Vidyalaya

to take stricter action against the offenders. Agartala
Recommend the use of social media to launch Tripura 799001
awareness campaigns about the implications of 26 February 2024
irresponsible driving. You are Shantanu / Savita, The Editor
living at B-108 Krishi Apartments. The Indian Express
Ans : 2024 8-A, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg
B-108 New Delhi
Krishi Apartments Subject: Conducting a half marathon for orphans
26 February 2024 Dear Sir/Madam

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26. How much space should be taken to write sender’s (b) On the last page of letter
address in a Complaint Letter? (c) Right of the page
(a) 1-3 Lines (b) 4-6 lines (d) Below the date
(c) One Line (d) None of these Ans :
Ans : (d) Below the date
(a) 1-3 Lines
33. Which of these is used as a form of greeting for
27. What does a letter to editor highlight? business people?
(a) Societal issues (a) Dear Mr. Patel (b) Dear Sir
(b) Personal problem (c) Dear Father (d) Dear Nitin
(c) Grudges with family members Ans :
(b) Dear Sir
(d) Professional conflicts
Ans : 34. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
(a) Societal issues
(a) A letter must be properly punctuated.
28. Which of the following is the correct receiver’s (b) A letter must be complete in all respects.
address from the following (c) A letter must be written in legible handwriting.
(a) To, The Editor, The Hindustan Times (d) A letter must be written in one single
(b) The Editor, Hindustan Times paragraph.
(c) The Editor, The Hindustan Times Ans :
(d) A letter must be written in one single
(d) None of these
Ans : paragraph.
(c) The Editor, The Hindustan Times 35. Which of these is an example of courteous leave
29. What should be written if sender’s address is not taking?
given in the question/heading of a letter to editor? (a) Yours sincerely (b) Sincerely
(a) Any address you know (c) Your sincerely (d) Your’s sincerely
Ans :
(b) Address of the school
(a) Yours sincerely
(c) XYZ, Examination Hall
(d) None of these 36. Where should the signature of the writer be
Ans : placed?
(c) XYZ, Examination Hall (a) Below the courteous leave taking
30. Which of the following is the correct subject in a (b) Above the courteous leave taking
letter to editor? (c) On the envelope
(a) Nuisance Created by Stray Animals (d) Next to the courteous leave taking
Ans :
(b) Nuisance Created by Street kids
(a) Below the courteous leave taking
(c) Nuisance created by Family Members
(d) None of these 37. In a formal letter, receiver’s address includes:
Ans : (a) Receiver’s name (b) Sender’s address
(a) Nuisance Created by Stray Animals (c) Sir/Madam (d) Date
Ans :
31. _____ letters are sent to people whom we don’t
(a) Receiver’s name
know on a personal level.
(a) Formal (b) Reference 38. Suppose we didn’t know the recipient’s name,
(c) Chain (d) Informal how we can close and end the letter?
Ans : (a) Yours faithfully (b) Affectionately yours
(a) Formal (c) Your’s sincerely (d) None of these
Ans :
32. Where should the name of the firm be mentioned?
(a) Yours faithfully
(a) Above the address of writer

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5. The problem of speeding traffic on colony roads precious resource being squandered, especially
causing accidents is increasing day by day. As when water scarcity is becoming increasingly
a young citizen, who wants to minimize the prevalent. Therefore, I propose that our society
accidents caused by them, write a letter to the takes proactive measures to implement rainwater
editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, harvesting systems. By capturing and storing
expressing your concern at the situation and rainwater, we can not only reduce our dependence
suggesting measures to resolve the problem and on municipal water sources but also contribute
drawing attention of the concerned authorities. to the preservation of groundwater levels.
You are Samyukta Khanna/Sanjay Khanna of I urge the RWA to consider this proposal
567, Madhur Apartments, Amar Vihar, Aram seriously and take the necessary steps to initiate
Nagar. rainwater harvesting in our community. Let us
Ans : 2024
work together to save every drop of water and
Subject: Urgent Need for Action to Curb Speeding pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Traffic and Reduce Accidents Hoping for your attention to this matter.
Dear Editor, Sincerely,
I am writing to express my grave concern about Kaveri Mahajan
the escalating issue of speeding traffic on colony 543, Narmada Apartments, Jeev Nagar
roads, leading to a surge in accidents. As a
resident of Madhur Apartments, Amar Vihar, I 7. You are pained to see that in your city, there is no
witness the increasing risks to pedestrians and proper arrangement for cleaning drains. There are
motorists daily. heaps of accumulated garbage and stagnant water.
To address this alarming situation, I urge the Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner of
concerned authorities to implement speed control your city complaining about the same as there
measures, such as speed bumps and increased is fear of an outbreak of disease. You are Alka/
surveillance. Additionally, promoting awareness Ashish. (Word limit 100-120)
through community programs and strict penalties Ans : 2023
for violators could deter reckless driving. H-17, Kamla Nagar
It is crucial for our safety and well-being that Jaipur
swift action is taken. I implore the authorities to 22 April 20XX
prioritize this matter and work towards creating The Municipal Commissioner
safer roads for all citizens. Jaipur
Sincerely, Subject : Complaint regarding the poor drainage
Samyukta Khanna (or Sanjay Khanna) system
567, Madhur Apartments, Amar Vihar, Aram Sir
Nagar I would like to express my concern regarding
the chaotic conditions of the drains in the city.
6. As Kaveri Mahajan, of 543, Narmada Apartments, The drains are all filled up with accumulated
Jeev Nagar, you feel that during the monsoon garbage and heaps of filth.
season all the rain water goes down the drain The drainage system of the city is very poor.
without being utilized. There is no proper flow of dirty water in the drains
Write a letter to the RWA of your society, in as the pipes are blocked due to the garbage that
about 120 words, suggesting measures to save and has been stuck in them for so long. The stagnant
preserve rain water emphasizing the importance water may lead to an outbreak of deadly diseases
of saving every drop of water. like malaria, dengue, cholera, etc.
Ans : 2024 I hope this letter would grab your attention. I
Subject: Proposal for Rainwater Harvesting in would urge the municipal corporation to look into
Narmada Apartments this matter at the earliest and clean the drains of
Dear Members of the RWA, the city.
I hope this letter finds you well. As a concerned Yours sincerely
resident of Narmada Apartments, residing at 543, Alka/Ashish
Jeev Nagar, I am writing to address an issue that
8. You are Vipul/Apoorva living at D-424,
has been on my mind for some time now – the
Island Avenue, Ernakulam. You have seen an
wastage of rainwater during the monsoon season.
advertisement given below about a diploma
It is disheartening to witness such a

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

place in India. As a result, people suffer from 10. Close the letter with formal request to solve
various diseases. Diarrhoea, among various health the problems.
hazards, is very common among the children Here, we shall discuss two types of letter of
of below five years of age. Poor sanitation also complaint:
causes deficiencies in physical development and 1. Official Letters
cognitive ability among people. 2. Business Letters
The government and the concerned authorities
must take steps in this regard. They should put
the public sanitation facilities at important places
Official Letters
of villages, towns and cities. Besides, people Complaint letters to officials are letters written
should be made aware of diseases caused by open to any person who works and acts in an official
defecation. Sanitation should become our right to capacity for the government. An official complaint
ensure dignity and privacy. letter is a type of letter written to address any type
Yours faithfully of wrongdoing, offense, grievance, resentment and
Nitin irresponsible behaviour of government officials in
Head Boy your local area.
We can use such letters to raise our concerns
about the unfair happenings around us and seek
6. Letter of Complaint a positive as well as a productive outcome. It
Complaint letters are usually written to business is our social responsibility to notify the higher
firms, water supply boards,telecommunication authorities whenever we see anything wrong or
boards, electricity boards, sewerage boards and fishy happening.
several other organizations. Their purpose is to You can write a letter to your local government
remind the people of these firms or authorities authority addressing problems in your area. It
about their defective products or poor services. It can be related to anything like illegal activities by
is extremely important to provide all the details goons, dumping of waste, pollution, water supply,
in your complaint letter as the information can be Poor condition of roads, traffic problems, etc.
further used for verification. Whatever the reason, the letter must be formal,
The following points should be remembered respectful, and well-worded.
while writing a complaint letter:
1. The message conveyed in the complaint letter
should be direct and credible. EXAMPLE
2. Make accurate and clear statements by giving 1. You are Tushar Mathur of D-95, Sindhu Nagar,
all the details and exact description of the Jaipur. Write a letter to the General Manager of
goods. the Jaipur Transport Undertaking complaining
3. Be very precise and accurate in describing the about the local bus service.
problems. Ans :
4. Use polite but firm language in narrating the D-95, Sindhu Nagar,
problems. Jaipur
5 January, 20XX
5. Desired steps to rectify the situation should
To,
also be mentioned.
The General Manager
6. Do not use negative words like - dishonest, Jaipur Transport Corporation,
inefficient, useless, disgusting etc. as they Jaipur
sound discourteous. Subject: Complaint regarding poor local bus
7. Do not blame anyone unless you are absolutely service
sure. Use passive voice to talk of mistakes. Sir,
8. Avoid threats, accusation or veiled hints I want to draw your attention to the poor bus
about the legal action if the claim is not service to and from our locality. The buses seem
settled promptly. not to follow any time-table. They generally run
9. The letter should demand immediate late. Sometimes some buses pass much before
time. Irregularity is the rule.
response, quicker decision or positive action
The number of buses from our locality for
in order to resolve the complaint as soon as
major routes is also insufficient. The passengers
possible.
have to wait for about 30 minutes if they miss

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Page 226 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

language clubs in the city. The programme aims Mount Travels and Tourism
to help residents who have recently relocated to Nagal, Punjab
a new region in picking up the local language Subject : Inferior quality of food and
organically. Share the importance and credibility accommodation.
of such a programme and suggest a feasible way Dear Sir,
to execute it along with possible activities. I am constrained to express my displeasure and
Ans : 2023 resentment at inferior arrangements made during
Ujjwal Academy our tour to Nanital summer vacations. Our tour
Old City was for ten days and arrangement made by your
Kiladerabad agency was below standard when we came back
4 June 20XX home, most of the students fell ill and they are
The Editor unable to attend classes. During our negotiation
for tour, following promises were made:
The Hindustan Times
1. Stay in good hotels
Kiladerabad
2. Food at a good restaurant.
Subject : Need to introduce online regional
As above promises were fulfilled, we stayed
language learning programme
in a lodge and were forced to eat local foods.
Sir, Consequently most of students fell ill.
Through the column of your esteemed Certainly we are cheated by our agency. You
newspaper, I wish to express my suggestion for are requested that you should not dupe local
helping people learn new regional languages people because it tarnishes our image.
organically through online language learning Yours sincerely
programmes. Anita
People who relocate to new cities or regions
face a lot of difficulty in dealing with the local 12. Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper
dialect. However, introducing an online regional complaining about employing minor children both
language programme will help such people so boys and girls as full domestic help is a common
much. This online programme can easily be run by feature, also advocating the need to stop such
the student council and the language clubs of the practice which deprives the children of their basic
city. This online programme may allow learners to rights. You are Kumar/Nita, B-30, Mayur Vihar,
take their classes according to their suitable time Phase-II, Delhi.
Ans : 2022
which may avoid any sort of hindrance to their
B-306, Mayur Vihar
work routine.
Phase-II, Delhi
I hope that publishing this letter in your daily
19th June, 2019
will create language awareness among people, The Editor
bridge regional divides and promote unity. The Times of India
Yours truly New Delhi
Armaan Khan Subject : Stopping Child Labour
School Literary Captain Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper
11. You are Anita of Adarsh Public School, Nagal,
I want to raise my voice against the exploitation
Punjab who had arranged a trip for fifty students
of minors by the so called elite class. They employ
of Nanital in summer vacations for ten days with
some boys and girls as full time domestic help
‘Mount Travel, and Tourism’. The arrangements
in order to save money. These children are given
done by the travel agency were far below standard.
very less salary. They have to work hard the
The accommodation and food facilities were
whole day whereas the children of the employer
inferior in quality. Write a letter of complaint to
enjoy all the luxuries of the life and study in
the director of the agency to stop duping tourists
good schools. Sometimes the employers go to the
with false promises as it tarnishes the image of
extent of inflicting atrocities on these children.
locals. (100-120 words)
It is really painful to see that at this tender age
Ans : 2022
these children are compelled to work under most
Adarsh Public School
unfavourable conditions.
Nagal, Punjab
Most of the time, parents of these children
23nd November, 2019
are responsible for their plight. Just to add the
The Director

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

To Whom will you write this letter? Ans :

(a) Recipient’s address
(a) News channel
(b) Editor of newspaper 52. “Dear Mr. Ramesh,” is an example of a
(c) Business organisation (a) Subject line (b) Complimentary
(d) Letter of complaint to concerned authority closing
Ans : (c) Greeting (d) Salutation
(b) Editor of newspaper Ans :
(d) Salutation
48. You are going to write a letter about rash
and reckless driving by the people in your city 53. “Sincerely” is an example of a
suggesting preventive measures. To whom will (a) Signature line (b) Complimentary line
you write this letter? (c) Closing line (d) Complimentary
(a) Concerned authority closing
(b) News channel Ans :
(c) Business organisation (d) Complimentary closing
(d) Editor of newspaper 54. Which of these is not mentioned in a letter of
Ans : compliant?
(d) Editor of newspaper
(a) Features in the supply of goods
49. You are writing a letter to the editor of Times (b) Shortcomings in the supply of goods
of India for a public movement to clean the (c) Problems in the supply of goods
Ganga river. Where would you suggest the need (d) Fault in the supply of goods
for installing water treatment plant to clean the Ans :
river? (a) Features in the supply of goods
(a) After introducing yourself and the purpose
(b) In paragraph 3 of the body 55. If you are writing a complaint letter to your local
council, what is the best way to end the letter?
(c) In paragraph 2 where details of topic are
mentioned (a) Send someone round here now or else.
(d) In the subject of the letter (b) Waiting for your reply.
Ans : (c) Hope all is well.
(b) In paragraph 3 of the body (d) I look forward to hearing from you as soon as
possible.
50. In business letters, which of the following Ans :
statement is True (T) or False (F)? (d) I look forward to hearing from you as soon as
1. Signature is placed above the complimentary possible.
close.
2. Salutation is written after the address. 56. If you are writing a letter of complaint to the
(a) T,F (b) F,T Housing Department because your repair has not
(c) T,T (d) F,F been dealt with, What is the best way to start
Ans : your letter?
(b) F,T (a) I am writing to report a problem with my
1. Signature is placed above the complimentary bathroom.
close. (b) I would like to have this problem fixed.
2. Salutation is written after the address.
(c) I am sick of this council.
51. Ganpati Enclave (d) If you don’t get someone out here quickly, I
223, Central Spine will call my MP.
Jaipur Ans :
Identify the part of the business letter given (a) I am writing to report a problem with my
above. bathroom.
(a) Recipient’s address (b) Body
(c) Heading (d) Signature line

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Page 228 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

Sir, Sr. No. Instruments Brand Quantity

I had booked two double suites of rooms, 111 and
112, at your resort for a week from 10.07.2019 1. Sitar Roland 4
to 16.07.2019 for me and my family. My central 2. Harmonium Tanglewood 8
complaint is that the hotel fell far short of the
description in the brochure. 3. Flute Ibanez 3
Although the rooms were billed as four-star 4. Congo Novation 4
accommodation, they were cramped, and the
5. Bongo Yamaha 6
furnishings were wornout and dirty. The hotel
grounds, described in the brochure as “Pleasant, 6. Tabla Squire 7
tranquil, and spacious”, were in fact next to a All the instruments should be bubble-wrapped
busy main road. The swimming pool was closed properly. We expect 15% discount as admissible
for repairs. to all music academics. In case of any damage in
I registered a formal complaint with the front transit it would be at your cost. Payment would
office detailing these issues. I feel that we are due be made by cheque once the order is received. It
to full refund for this hotel stay as it failed to will be highly appreciated if you deliver the items
meet our expectations and ruined our holiday. within a week or two.
Looking forward for a prompt reply. Thanking you
Yours faithfully Yours faithfully
Amit Kapoor Minakshi
Encl. : Copy of the bill and photographs for
evidence 17. You are Abhimanyu Sikri, resident of 119, Nilgiri
Apartments, Kirti Nagar, Delhi. You purchased
a wardrobe made of recycled wood shaving; from
M/s Pawan Sales, Ramesh Nagar, Delhi. Write a
letter of complaint to the Sales Manager asking for
replacement of the product which you purchased
15 days ago. You have found that doors do not
16. Your music academy is planning to organise shut and the paint is uneven.
musical shows next month on the occasion of Ans : 2018
Janmashtmi. You are Minakshi/Pavan, the band 119, Nilgiri Apartments
leader of Sargam Music Academy, 55, Dwarka, Kirti Nagar, Delhi
Ahmedabad. You require some musical instruments 25th August, 2019
for the smooth running of the events. Write a letter The Sales Manager
to the Store Manager, M/s. Sangeet Instruments, M/s Pawan Sales
Daya Nagar, Ahmedabad placing an order for the Ramesh Nagar, Delhi
specific instruments required by you. Subject : Complaint about faulty wardrobe
Ans : 2019 Sir,
Sargam Music Academy I had purchased a wardrobe on 2 August, 20xx,
55, Dwarka vide cash memo No. 355, with teak wood finish
Ahmedabad and tan colour.
15th August, 2019 The wardrobe is not of acceptable quality and
The Store Manager does not match in sample wardrobe that I was
M/s. Sangeet Instruments shown in the store. The doors of the wardrobe do
Daya Nagar not open and shut properly and the stain on the
Ahmedabad wardrobe is uneven, with one half darker than
Subject : Order for musical instruments the other.
Sir, So I would like you to replace it with one of
Our music academy is going to organise musical the same quality as the sample and arrange for
shows on the occasion of Janmashtmi next month. return of the faulty wardrobe at your cost.
You are one of the biggest wholesale suppliers of I would like to have this problem fixed quickly
handmade musical instruments in Ahmedabad else I will lodge a formal complaint with consumer
and offer the most competitive prices and prompt court.
services. I wish to place an order for some musical Yours faithfully
instruments for the smooth running of the events. Abhimanyu Sikri
The order is as follows– Enclosed: Copy of the receipt.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

course in French language soon to be organized 9. As Anthony Pillai, a college student, residing
by Maxwell Institute of Languages, Fort Road, at 214, Indrayani Apartments, Vaishali Street,
Kochi. Delhi, express your conviction that ecological
preservation is not solely the responsibility of the
Maxwell Institute of Languages government but also of the citizens, particularly
French course available for students wanting to the youth. Draft a letter, in about 120 words, to
learn the language. Assurance of fluency. the Mayor of your city, sharing insights on how
Interested students may please contact: youth-led initiatives can play a pivotal role in
Director, preventing further environmental deterioration.
Maxwell Institute of Language Propose actionable suggestions that the youth can
undertake collaboratively with the government
Write a letter in 120 words to the advertiser to bring about positive changes in the local
seeking all relevant information like admission environment.
procedure, fee structure, duration of the course, Ans : 2023
timing of the class, transport facilities, etc. 214, Indrayani Apartments
Ans : 2023 Vaishali Street
D-424 New Delhi
Island Avenue 2 November 2023
Ernakulam-11990X The Mayor
26 March 20XX Maidhivi State Building
The Director New Delhi - 110009
Maxwell Institute of Languages Sir,
Fort Road Subject : Proposing youth-led initiatives for
Kochi - 4000XX ecological preservation
Subject : Enquiry regarding diploma course in The current state of our environmental
French. surroundings is a matter of growing concern. I
Sir, write to you, not just as a concerned citizen but
This is with reference to your advertisement as a firm believer in the power of the youth to
in the Times Daily dated 15 February 20XX contribute significantly to our city’s ecological
regarding the courses in French language offered well-being.
by your reputed institute. I am currently studying To this end, I propose the establishment of
in Grade 12 and awaiting the results of my board community-driven eco-clubs and tree-planting
examinations. I am passionate about languages campaigns. Engaging the youth in waste
and want to learn French in particular. I have management and recycling programmes would
researched and found your institute to be the best not only raise awareness but also ensure active
in providing courses on the same. participation. Furthermore, organising workshops
Please send me the prospectus containing and seminars on sustainable living practices can
information regarding the course and the empower the youth with knowledge about eco-
application form. I would be highly grateful if friendly choices in their daily lives.
you could also provide me with some information Together, these initiatives can foster a sense of
about the following: responsibility and commitment among the youth,
• Scholarships available creating a ripple effect that positively impacts our
• Admission procedure environment.
Yours sincerely
• Fee structure
Anthony Pillai
• Duration of the course A concerned youth
• Class timings
• Eligibility criteria 10. As Armaan Khan, the School Literary Captain
of Ujjwal Academy, Old City, Kiladerabad, you
• Hostel/Transport facilities
believe that languages can help bridge regional
Kindly send me the latest brochure with the
divides and promote unity.
above details along with the enrolment form at
Write a letter to the editor of a national daily,
the earliest so that I can register for the course.
in about 120 words, suggesting the introduction of
Yours sincerely
an online regional language learning programme
Vipul/Apoorva
managed and run by student councils and

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Page 230 Discursive Passage Chapter 7
Ans : 2006
The Director
Gold Gym Pooja Hobby Classes
234, Ram Vihar 412, Azad Nagar
Delhi-110087 Delhi
30th July, 20xx Subject : Enquiry about ‘Best Out of Waste’
The Store Manager Course
East India Dear Sir,
Preet Vihar In response to your advertisement published in
Delhi the Hindustan Times dated 7th May, 2019, I wish
Subject : Order for herbal medicines and wellness to state that I am a student of class X and have
products appeared for the Secondary School Examination.
Sir, I want to pursue a short term Best Out of Waste
We have recently opened a fitness centre at Course during the summer break as I have two
Ram Vihar and hence we require certain herbal month’s time at my disposal.
medicines and wellness products. You are the Kindly provide me with the following details:
biggest wholesale suppliers of products and offer • Duration of the course
the most competitive prices and prompt services. • Faculty
The order is as follows: • Transportation facility, if available
Medicines/ Wellness Brand Quantity • Discount for school students, if any
Products (Satchets) • Fee structure and mode of payment
• Class duration
1. Neem Power (100 gm) Herbal 250
• Material provided
life
• Certificate or Diploma course
2. Aloe Vera Gel (500 ml) D.W.C. 500 • Timings.
3. Gooseberry Candy (250 Organics 500 It shall be highly appreciated if the details
gm) India are provided to me at the earliest.
4. Coffee Beans Extract Organics 1000
Thanking you
(50 gm) India Yours faithfully
Nitin
5. Bitter Gourd Pills (10 D.W.C. 500
pills)
6. Protein Shakes (250 D.W.C. 1500
gm)


We expect at least 15% discount and proper

packing of the product. In case of any damage
in transit, the goods will be returned at your
cost. Payment would be made by cheque once
the consignment is received, we expect prompt
delivery within a week.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Narendra sharma
Head, fitness group

23. You are Nitin/Vina, resident of 34, Krishna

Nagar, New Delhi. Last week, you came across an
advertisement pertaining to ‘Best Out of Waste’
course and wish to join the same. Write a letter
of enquiry to the Director, Pooja Hobby Classes,
412, Azad Nagar, Delhi enquiring about the
details of the course.
Ans : 2005

34, Krishna Nagar

New Delhi
10th July, 2019

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

Chapter 8

A nalytical Paragraph

1. Introduction 2. Data Based : Some data is presented in

the form of a pie-chart, a bar graph, a line
An analytical paragraph is a form of descriptive graph, a table or a combination of any two
writing which is written on the basis of a given
of these and learners are expected to analyse
chart, graph, data, outline, clues, table etc. It
the data making comparisons and drawing
requires analysis and comparison of the given
conclusions and to summarise it in the form
facts and drawing conclusion based on the given
of a paragraph.
data. When writing an analytical paragraph, one
should remember to describe the facts in the 3. Information Based : Some information is
best possible manner and cover the information presented as an input and students are
provided. The paragraph must use clear and crisp required to process and understand that
language along with providing complete details of information and then summarise it in a
the data provided in the question. paragraph. Sometimes, they may also be
required to give their own opinions or draw
their own conclusions, too.
2. Features of An analytical
4. Process Description Based : A flow chart,
paragraph a diagram, a visual or an info-graphic is
1. It describes the given chart, table, data, presented and students have to analyse the
graph, cues etc. information it presents, usually a process
2. It should be brief and comprehensive (include showing the sequence or different stages of
complete information) at the same time. action in the making of something.
3. It should state facts that are provided by the 5. Map Based : Usually a set of two maps
chart. is presented as an input with significant
4. It is necessary to make use of simple and differences in a piece of land, a landscape
accurate language. or a building plan showing some changes,
additions, and alterations therein. Students
5. It should mention figures and quantities
are supposed to carefully analyse these
appropriately.
changes and summarise them in the form of a
6. It is appropriate to use the same tense paragraph.
throughout the analytical paragraph.
6. Behaviour, Function, Pattern or Cycle
7. No personal observation or response should Based: A flow chart, a diagram, a visual or an
be provided. info-graphic is presented as in a process and
8. It would be preferable to use the passive form students have to analyse and summarise the
of the verb. information it presents, usually the behaviour
or pattern or structure of an organism or
3. TYPES OF ANALYTICAL various traits of the character or profile of a
PARAGRAPHs professional or the life cycle of a species etc.
7. Similarities and Differences Based : A set
1. Problem and Solution Based : :A problem
of two visuals or diagrams or info-graphics
is presented and learners are expected to
is presented with one showing marked
suggest some solution based on some logic.
differences and/or similarities in comparison
They are supposed to support their solution
with the other. Students are required to notice
with arguments, reasons and/or data.

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Page 232 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

and mark those differences and similarities just need to mention what is clearly evident from
and then summarise them objectively in the the chart/graph/table/map given in the question.
form of a paragraph. It is best to write the introduction in one or two
8. Suggestion or Advice Based : A situation lines.
is presented and students are asked to put
forth their suggestions or advice on what The Body of the Paragraph
the person(s) or organisation(s) involved This part of the analytical paragraph should
in it should do. This type is similar to the contain details of the graph/chart/table given in
problem and solution based type of analytical the question. It should contain all the important
paragraphs. information. It is extremely important to choose
the significant details that should be included in
the paragraph.
4. Format of an Analytical The body can be broken into two or three
Paragraph sub-paragraphs depending on the information
extracted from the graph/chart/table. Breaking
An analytical paragraph shall be divided into the body into sub-paragraphs makes it easy for
three parts : the reader to understand.
1. Introduction, a. Organizing Information: You should look for
2. Body of the paragraph, and the large differences that are very prominent.
3. Conclusion. You can mention the aspect which is the
smallest or the largest in the data given. Any
Introduction (explain in one or two aspects that are similar should be mentioned
lines the subject of the graph given) next. You should further mention about
___________________ the aspect that has remained unchanged or
_______________ _________
constant throughout.
Body (explain in detail what the b. Comparing Information: If the chart
graph is about, use relevant figures, mentions two different parties, for example,
explain trends, make comparisons and men and women, refer to both of them in the
contrasts, divide into sub paragraphs, analytical paragraph. If there is any contrast
if required) _______________ or comparison that could be drawn, you must
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ present it effectively. If the chart is about a
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ particular time period or highlights trends of
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ several years, mention each year in a concise
_______________ _________ manner. If any comparison or contrast can be
done for two or more years, you should write
Conclusion (conclude the paragraph
about it too.
giving the overall view or summary of
the graph) _______________ c. Mentioning Quantities: When including
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ numbers and figures, their accuracy must be
_______________ _________ ensured. There are a number of ways that can
be used to describe quantities. For example,
percentage, fraction, ratios, etc.
d. Connecting Sentences: If different information
5. essential Elements of an or ideas are there, you should use connectors
or linking phrases to link them logically.
analytical paragraph
The sentences of the paragraph should be
sequential and connected rationally.
The Introduction
The introduction is the first paragraph that should The Conclusion
describe in brief what the chart/map/report is The last paragraph should summarise the main
about. It should be like an opening paragraph that idea mentioned and the information in general.
introduces the reader to the context of the chart/ It should be concluding in nature and act as
report/map given. When writing the introductory the closing statement. One should keep in mind
paragraph, you need not go into the details. You that one must not include any personal opinions,

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

30. Study the concept chart from the survey done by square meal. There needs to be a system where
the COSMOS on ‘Rising Prices’. the prices are regulated and those who sell them
at inflated prices should be dealt with severity.

31. Nikhil sees the following cartoon on the high level

of pollution on earth. He has to write an analytical
paragraph on the topic for the school magazine.
Write this paragraph for him in 100-120 words.
Using this information and your own ideas.

‘This is your Captain speaking. We’re about to

land on earth. Kindly put on your oxygen mask!’
Ans : 2013

Pollution on Earth
Among all modern problems facing the world
today, the problem of environmental pollution is
the most glaring. It will not be long when we
will have to wear oxygen masks if this pollution
increases at the present level. This cartoon
beautifully suggests this. There are many reasons
for this pollution. We have cut the forests to meet
the demands of ever increasing population and
setting up various industries. Burning of petrol
and the smoke emitted by the factories pollute the
air. We breathe in carbon monoxide and nitrogen
oxides. The effluents are let off in rivers by the
factories. They cause water pollution. Pressure
Write a paragraph in not more than 120 words, horns, loud speakers, ‘music’ from music parlours
analysing the given information. add to the sound pollution. All this has made
Ans : 2017 human life a real nightmare. Human health is in
grave danger. Respiratory diseases like bronchitis,
Rising Prices asthma are on the increase. The metropolitan
Life of a poor man is never easy but the past few cities have become unsafe for habitation. Children
years have been even more difficult. The prices are the most sufferers. It is the need of the hour
of staple food items have been rising steeply. The that something should be done to contain the
table shows a comparative study of prices over increasing environmental pollution. It can be
three years. The rising prices mean that most of checked by planting more trees and implementing
the food is beyond the common man’s reach. Since various laws to check it. If something is not done
the table shows wholesale prices, their market rate soon, the damage to our biosphere will be difficult
must be more than double. When basic necessities to repair. It is high time that this problem is
cost so much, how is the common man supposed solved at once.
to feed his family? When parents cannot feed their
children, they are malnourished and their growth
is adversely affected. In a country where rice, dal 
and chapati are staple foods, the skyrocketing
prices mean that the poor cannot afford even one

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Page 234 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

• To develop a big amusement park. Ans :

• Convention centre and a multiplex in the city. Transformation of an Island
Ans : Both maps display an island, before and after
Promotion of Tourism it was developed for tourism. The island is
There is no doubt that India is emerging as approximately 250 metres long, has palm trees
a tourists’ destination both at national and dotted around it, is surrounded by ocean and has
international levels. For example, tourists from a beach to the west. Over the period, the island
other countries were 8563 in the year 2020. But was completely transformed with the addition of a
this number went upto 11478 in the year 2021. hotel and a pier; however, the eastern part of the
However, domestic tourists fell by 8219 in these island appears to have been left undeveloped. The
years. This means we have to take steps to increase most noticeable additions are the hotel rooms. 6
the numbers of both the types of the tourists. buildings, surrounding some trees, have been built
India’s cultural heritage and unity in diversity are in the west of the island and 9 buildings have been
like magnets for the tourists. However, we must constructed in the centre of the island. Between
take steps to attract the tourists. For example, the two accommodation areas, a reception
we must remove problems which hinder the building and a restaurant have been developed. A
flow of tourists. That’s why, there are plans like pier has also been built on the south coast of the
developing a wildlife park. One important place island, allowing yachts access to the resort. Apart
of tourist interest should be equipped with light, from the trees, the beach remains the only natural
sound and music system. Then there is a plan feature to remain relatively untouched; however,
to develop a big amusement park. A Convention it does appear that it is now used for swimming.
Centre and a multiplex are also going to be
added. Besides these, a few hotels are also coming
up. The tourist agencies are being connected via
satellite telephony so that tourists do not face 4. The graph below shows the number of visitors
any problems. All the places of tourist interest to two different tourist attractions in the city
are connected by chartered buses. It is hoped that of Grenby during one particular week. Write
by these steps, tourist inflow to the country will an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words by
increase greatly. selecting and reporting the main features, and
making comparisons where relevant.
3. The two maps below show an island, before and
after the construction of some tourist facilities.
Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words
by selecting and reporting the main features, and
making comparisons where relevant.

Ans :
Visitors to Two Different Tourist Attractions
in the City of Grenby
The line graph shows how many people visited
the Grenby History Museum and the Grenby
Amusement Park each day for a week. For both
places, the number of visitors was higher on the
weekend than it was during the week. The number
of visitors to the Grenby History Museum was low
early in the week but picked up on the weekend.
On Monday, there were around 250 visitors.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

Climate change exacerbates the issue by into beverages, posing health risks.
causing shifts in precipitation patterns, more In conclusion, each type of bottle presents
frequent arid severe droughts, and changes in its own set of advantages and disadvantages, The
water availability_.There’s a possibility that in optimal choice depends on individual preferences
the future, there won’t be enough water to meet and priorities regarding sustainability, durability,
everyone’s needs, potentially leading to conflicts and health concerns.
between nations over water resources. To address
this challenge, it’s crucial to adopt prudent water 5. The visual given shows the life cycle of a
usage practices, reduce pollution, and collaborate butterfly. Study the information carefully and
on effective water management strategies. then summarise it in the form of an analytical
paragraph. Make comparisons and draw
4. There are many types of bottles available in the conclusions wherever applicable.
market. This chart compares the disadvantages
and advantages of various types of bottles. Based
on the chart, write an analytical paragraph, in
about 120 words, analyzing the pros and cons of
each and selecting a suitable one.
Dishwasher safe ?
Environmentally
Chemical Free ?

Easy to clean ?
Lightweight ?
Recyclable ?

Affordable ?
Friendly ?

Durable ?

Glass Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No

Bottles
Silicone Yes Yes Yes Yes - Yes Yes No
Bottles Figure : Life Cycle of Butterfly
Stainless Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Ans : 2024
Steel
Bottles
Life Cycle of Butterfly
The progress diagram illustrates the stages a
Plastic No No Yes - Yes - - Yes
Bottles
butterfly undergoes during its lifespan. Overall,
there are a total of five phases in the cycle,
Ans : 2024
starting from the egg to the adult phase, and it
The provided table showcases various types of
takes around seven to eleven weeks for the entire
bottles available in the market_ Glass bottles
progression. At the beginning, a butterfly egg
offer several advantages., such as reusability,
develops for two to three weeks before hatching.
recyclability, and non-toxicity, making them a
After that, the larva emerges from the egg and
safer option for beverage storage. However, they
enters its growth phase, with its size continuing
arc heavier and more prone to breakage compared
to increase throughout the time period. Three to
to other materials, a characteristic shared with
six weeks later, it is fully grown as a larva and
silicon bottles.
ready for pupation. The entire pupation process
Stainless steel bottles, on the other hand, arc
usually takes two weeks, during which the entire
durable, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.
body is encased inside the pupa. After its body
They are also non-toxic and capable of keeping
structure has completely transformed, it emerges
beverages hot or cold for extended periods.
as a butterfly and leaves the pupa. Finally, the
Nonetheless, they may be more expensive than
female butterfly searches for a mate to reproduce
other options and could retain odors or flavors
and restarts the growth cycle when it produces
over time.,
eggs of its own.
Plastic bottles, being lightweight, inexpensive,
and widely accessible, are commonly used. 6. Study the table given below which shows the
However, they are often single-use and contribute data on the hobbies of students during summer
significantly to plastic pollution. Moreover, they vacations. Write an analytical paragraph in about
may contain harmful chemicals that can leach 120 words analyzing what hobbies do boys and

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Page 236 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

glitter of cinema have a purpose. It is to cater to The oldest age group consumed far less, under
the baser elements. But in real life this never is 4%, than the other age groups. There was a
the approach and should never be. In fact, our similar decrease in fast food consumption with
moral and aesthetic values must get an upper age increase for both men and women, although
hand over everything. It is the moral duty of the women tended to consume slightly less than men
fashion designers to take care of our values while across all age groups.
designing fashions. We should not serve the baser
instincts through fashions. Youth have a duty 8. You are the Head Boy/Head Girl of your school.
not to wear any dress which makes nonsense of You decided to make the school population aware
everything sensible. of the advantages of tree plantation and tell them
how trees can serve as better air-conditioners.
7. The graph below shows fast food consumption Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words.
among men and women in 2015. Write an Take help of the cues given below.
analytical paragraph in 100-120 words by Cues :
selecting and reporting the main features, and Trees keep environment cool by
make comparisons where relevant. • taking heat of earth and air
• absorbing carbon-dioxide that helps in
controlling temperature rise
• bringing rains
• checking direct sunlight
• providing shade
Ans :
Advantages of Tree Plantation
Trees are really very important for us all. Their
advantages are innumerable. For example,
they take the heat of the earth and the air to
air-condition the environment. Indeed, they
have numerous advantages. Precisely speaking,
they absorb the dangerous carbon-dioxide from
the atmosphere. They help in controlling the
temperature rise. Then they bring rains which
Ans : is ‘life’ for us all. They take the heat off the
earth as well as the atmosphere. They take off
Average Percentage of Daily Calories from
the heat of the sunlight and provide us shade.
Fast Food : 2015
They maintain the ecological balance of the earth
The bar graph shows how much fast food men
and provide us with life-giving oxygen. Seeing
and women of different age groups consumed
their enormous benefits we should plant as many
every day in 2015. In both groups, the percentage
trees as possible. The Chipko Movement and Van
of daily calories from fast food decreased as age
Mahotsava Movement are there which highlight
increased. According to the graph, men consumed
the benefits of the trees. We say that our life is
less fast food as they got older. The 18-34 age
simply possible because of the trees. It is sad that
group had the highest rate, getting around 17%
we have destroyed much of the flora and fauna
of daily calories from fast food. There was a
for meeting our existential needs. But we must
significant drop, to just over 10%, between this
replenish the depleting forests by planting more
group and the next, age 35-49. Then, there was
and more trees at every possible inch of the land.
a smaller drop, to around 9%, in the 50-64 age
Our life depends on trees. We should educate
group. The oldest age group, age 65 and over, had
the people about the benefits of the trees. This
a much lower consumption rate, with just over 4%
way we can cleanse our environment from the
of daily calories coming from fast food. Among
environmental pollution. We must take a pledge
women, there was similar decrease in fast food
to plant more and more trees to make the earth a
consumption with age increase. Women age 18-
safe place for our lives.
34 got 16% of their daily calories from fast food.
Like men, there was a significant drop between
this and the next age group, to a little under 10%
and then a smaller drop to the next age group.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

9. Study the concept chart from a recent study by quitting smoking is the best decision a smoker can
WHO that has described some positive effects of take to improve the quality of his life.
quitting smoking.
10. You are Meghna. Look at the picture given below.
It depicts the massive jam of vehicles reflection the
chaotic state of traffic in metropolitan cities. Taking
clues from the picture and using your own ideas, write
an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words depicting
the existing state of traffic on roads and suggesting
ways and means to improve the conditions.

Ans :
Chaos on Roads in Metropolitan Cities
It is seen that in the last decade India has seen a
rapid growth in the automobile industry. Every year
we see new cars and other vehicles. This also shows
Write a paragraph in not more than 120 words, the economic prosperity of the people, especially
analysing the given information. the middle class. But this has given birth to many
Ans : problems. There is now a virtual disorder on roads
Positive Effects of Quitting Smoking in metropolitan cities. It seems people have no road
Smoking is the silent killer that affects a large sense. They drive their vehicles the way they like.
number of people around the world. The negative They forget that the roads are for other road-users
effects of tobacco smoke are well known, but the also. Secondly, they seem that they are in a great
good news is that the positive effects of kicking hurry. Thirdly, there is always an increased pressure
the habit can’t be missed. A smoker can leave of vehicles on city roads almost every time. During
the habit forever and can see the amazing results peak hours it is a hell. Roads are the life-lines of any
to live a healthier and happier life. As part of a city. But their encroachments lead to the creation
report released by the World Health Organization of many problems. Those on wheels never obey the
for World No Tobacco Day, the potentially traffic rules. They feel that the roads’ are meant
devastating effects of smoking can be successfully only for them. The apathy of the transport or police
reversed. After just 20 minutes, the first health authorities is also responsible for this disorder on
improvements begin with a drop in heart rate and roads. Next, the vehicles do not keep to their lanes.
blood pressure. Within 12 hours carbon monoxide Road markings are not there, nor are the policemen.
levels drop to normal and after a few weeks lung Whatever may be the case, there is virtual hell on
function increases and circulation improves. these roads. When the road-users do not observe
Within 1-9 months the person experiences rules, they cause enormous delays to others also.
decreased coughing and shortness of breath. This leads to road rage. That’s why, there are road
Even the elevated risk of stroke or coronary heart fights or quarrels among the drivers. The authorities
disease is gone within 15 years. Cancer of lungs should do something to create order among the road
along with that of mouth, throat, oesophagus, users without any delay.
bladder, cervix and pancreas also becomes a much
less significant threat after about ten years. So,


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Page 238 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

IMPORTANT QUESTION specific year. Overall, there is a positive trend in

literacy rates across all age groups and genders,
1. Read the following excerpt from a newspaper on with higher rates observed among younger age
the problem of car parking and its impact. groups compared to older ones. Notably, among
men, the highest literacy rates are recorded in
A survey conducted on the residents showed
the 15-24 age group, with 90%, followed closely
that car parking in colonies has risen due to an
by the 12-15 age group at 88%. Similarly, women
increase in the number of cars per family. This
also exhibit the highest literacy rate in the 15-
has resulted in ugly incidents of road rage. Most
24 age group, matching men at 88%. However,
of the families revealed that they are facing
there’s a slight dip in literacy rates among older
multiple issues due to this situation. There
age groups for both men and women, with the
is no place for visitors to park and residents
lowest rates observed among individuals aged 65
themselves park their cars haphazardly. In
years and older. Despite this, the data suggests
addition there is an increase in commercial
an overall improvement in literacy rates globally,
vehicles parked outside colony gates, thus
particularly among younger age groups, reflecting
blocking exits.
advancements in education and literacy initiatives
Write a paragraph in about 120 words to analyze worldwide. This underscores the importance of
the news clipping. continued efforts to promote literacy across all
Ans : 2024
age groups to ensure equitable access to education
The survey findings highlighted a concerning and knowledge dissemination.
trend regarding car parking in residential areas,
signaling a significant increase in the number 3. An area is believed to be water stressed when
of cars per family, which in turn has led to a annual water supplies drop below 1700 cubic
surge in parking-related issues. The rise in car metres per person per year. As per an analysis,
ownership has not only congested the streets but we are already surviving with around 1700-1800
also escalated instances of road rage, indicating cubic metres per year. As our demand for water
a direct correlation between the two. Residents has increased drastically over the years, per capita
are grappling with numerous challenges stemming water availability has taken a beating.
from this predicament, with inadequate parking Based on the given table, write an analytical
space for visitors exacerbating the situation. paragraph, in about 120 words, analyzing the
Moreover, the haphazard parking practices possible causes of water scarcity in the future.
adopted by residents themselves further compound Table on water availability
the problem. The influx of commercial vehicles
parked near colony gates further aggravates the Year Population Per capita water
issue by obstructing exits. This complex web (Million) availability (m3/year)
of problems demands immediate attention and 1951 361 5177
strategic solutions to alleviate the strain on
1955 395 4732
residential parking infrastructure and mitigate
associated risks such as road rage and safety 1991 846 2209
concerns. 2001 1027 1820
2. The following data shows global literacy rates of 2025 1394 1341
different age groups and gender in a particular 2050 1640 1140
year. Write an. analytical paragraph describing
Ans : 2024
and analyzing the given data.
Water scarcity in the future could result from a
Global literacy People of different age-groups combination of factors. Population growth and
rate % urbanization are driving up the demand for water
12 - 15 15 - 24 25 - 64 65 years
years years years and older in agriculture, industry, and households. The data
Men 88 90 88 80 provided indicates that in 1951, with a population
Women 80 88 79 75
of 361 million, per capita water availability was
relatively high compared to earlier years. However,
Ans : 2024
without significant intervention, this situation is
The provided data illustrates global literacy expected to worsen in the future.
rates across different age groups and genders in a

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

floral arrangements to align with the school’s unique Ans : 2023

theme and spirit. In contrast, Vendor A, while Supporting Tsering’s Candidature

offering beautiful arrangements, does not highlight As a responsible student voter, I believe Tsering
the same level of personalised service. Moreover, the possesses the necessary traits to be an excellent
pricing structures of the two vendors play a crucial School Captain. Her disciplined study routine and
role in the decision-making process. Vendor B not hard work ethic indicate her ability to prioritize
only provides competitive rates for bouquets but and manage her time effectively. Tesring is less
goes a step further by offering a ceremonial flower impulsive but sensitive and focuses on the excellent
rangoli for free with their decorative installations. outcome of tasks assigned to her demonstrating
This added value enhances the overall appeal of good decision-making skills. Additionally, her
Vendor B’s proposal. On the other hand, Vendor willingness to help peers in academic and personal
difficulties highlights her empathetic and caring
A’s pricing, while reasonable, lacks the extra
nature. Furthermore, Tsering believes in the “One
incentives that Vendor B provides. Additionally,
for all and all for one” policy, which is pivotal
Vendor B’s commitment to sustainability, utilising
in fostering a sense of community and promoting
locally sourced and eco-friendly materials, aligns
inclusivity in the school.
with contemporary values and adds a socially
responsible dimension to their services. This factor Opposing Tsering’s Candidature
is not explicitly addressed in Vendor A’s proposal. As a responsible student voter, I have reservations
Therefore, Vendor B outshines Vendor A and about Tsering’s candidature for the School
makes it the preferred choice for the Annual Day Captain’s position. While she maintains a
celebrations’ decorations. disciplined study routine, her average academic
performance suggests a lack of academic
8. Tsering, of class X, is contesting for the post of the discipline. Additionally, her quest for appreciation
Junior School Captain, in the upcoming student may cause her to prioritize recognition over the
council elections. Given below is her character well-being of the school community. Moreover,
traits’ graphic, shared in the public domain, by Tsering’s sensitivity, while admirable, may hinder
the school counsellor, for the awareness of student her ability to make tough decisions and exercise
voters, at school. effective leadership skills. Finally, Tsering’s focus
on the excellent outcome of tasks assigned to
her may cause her to overlook the process and
teamwork required to achieve those outcomes
which are crucial for the school’s smooth
functioning. For these reasons, I believe she
does not have the potential to be a good School
Captain and I oppose her candidature.

9. A survey was conducted in New Delhi in over

twenty schools about the different activities that
interest the children in the age group of 13 to 15
years. Write an analytical paragraph in about 100
All Tsering’s peers have been asked to write words analyzing the following information :
a paragraph in about 120 words, analysing
these traits, to either support or oppose her
candidature. As one of her peers, write this
analytical paragraph, by selecting some of the
traits that support your analysis.
You may begin like this:
As a responsible student voter, I believe Tsering
possesses/does not possess the necessary traits to
be a School Captain.
You may end like this :
For these reasons, I believe she has/does not have
the potential to be a good School Captain and I
support/oppose her candidature.

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Page 240 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

girls choose in their summer vacations : Vendor A

Hobbies Boys Girls Dear Madam Co-ordinator

Our team at Blossom Delight is dedicated
Singing 7% 25%
to delivering beautiful and vibrant floral
Photography 35% 5% arrangements that will enhance the aesthetic
Playing 30% 16% appeal of your event.
We offer a variety of packages to suit your needs,
Dancing 13% 40% including elegant bouquets, table centre-pieces,
Yoga 19% 15% and decorative installations. Our experienced
team will work closely with you to understand
Ans : 2024
the theme and colour scheme of the event,
Hobbies of Students During Summer ensuring that our floral designs complement the
Vacations overall atmosphere.
The given table shows the preferences on the Price Estimate for Basic Package :
hobbies of the students during summer vacations. • Standard two-flower bouquets : `290 per
The table indicates that the highest number of piece. (Customised -Extra charges)
girls are interested in dancing, i.e. 40% whereas • Table Centre-pieces : `150 each
the percentage of boys preferring dancing as a • Decorative Installations: `550 per area
hobby is only 13%. We can clearly see that a We look forward to the opportunity to contribute
smaller number of boys opt for singing i.e. 7%, to the success of your annual day celebrations.
whereas one-fourth of the girls are interested in Yours sincerely
singing. The data depicts a significant hike in [Vendor A]
photography as 35% of the boys prefers it against
Vendor B
5% of the girls. The data shows that the preference
of students in Yoga is fairly similar, with 19% Dear Madam Co-ordinator
percent in boys and 15% in girls. Playing got a At Petal Perfect, we take pride in creating
slight jump of interest in boys over girls which unique and personalised floral arrangements
is 30% and 16%, respectively. If we observe the that reflect the essence of your school.
table carefully, we can see that the preference of Our packages include a diverse range of floral
boys to Photography is much more as compared designs, from classic bouquets to intricate
to girls. In a nutshell, we can conclude that the installations. We understand the importance of
interest of the boys is least in singing as compared customisation and will talor our creations to align
to the girls while maximum percentage of the girls seamlessly with the theme and spirit of your event.
choose dancing over boys as their hobby during Price Estimate for Basic Package:
summer vacations. • Bouquets : `310 per piece for two-flower
setting (standard or customised)
• Table Centre-pieces : `150 each
• Decorative Installations : `575 per area
(One ceremonial flower rangoli FREE.)
As part of our commitment to sustainabilty, we
use locally sourced and eco-friendly materials in
our arrangements.
We look forward to the prospect of contributing
to the annual day celebrations.
7. Your school’s teacher coordinator for co-curricular Warm regards
activities has tasked you, as the Head girl, with [Vendor B]
reviewing the quotes and description letters of two Ans : 2023

flower vendors for the decoration of the Annual In Favour of Vendor B

Day celebrations. She has requested you to share
Thorough analysis reveals that Vendor B, Petal
your recommendation, based on analytical inputs.
Perfect, emerges as the superior choice for the
Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words,
Annual Day celebrations’ decorations when
recommending Vendor B, as opposed to Vendor
compared to Vendor A, Blossom Delight. One key
A, for the event.
aspect is Vendor B’s emphasis on customisation of

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

conclusions, or observations. You should simply making comparisons where relevant.

stick to the facts. The conclusion should include
a thesis description, the most important findings
from the study, and the concluding thought.
You need not dispose of the information to
write a good analytical paragraph. The key is to
choose wisely the important information, organize
it well, state correct facts and summarise it
properly.

6. Useful tips for writing an

analytical paragraph Ans :
Agricultural Production in Two Different
1. For an introduction, you can start with the
Regions of the Country
following phrases :
The pie charts show the different agricultural
a. The chart given above describes
products raised in the western region and
b. The table suggests
the eastern region of a country. Each region
c. The line graph shows concentrates on different products. The Eastern
d. The data given provides information Region has a slightly more even distribution
about among the different products than the Western
e. The pie chart illustrates, etc. Region does. In the Eastern Region, the top
2. For describing trends, use phrases and words two products are meat, making up 35% of total
like- a pattern of growth, rapidly doubled, sky agricultural production, and dairy, making up
rocketed, striking increase, peaked, soaring 30% of the total. Vegetables account 20% and
rates, declined, plummeted, levelled off, grain for 15% of agricultural production in that
stagnated, fluctuate, starting to rise, starting region. In the Western Region, the top two
to fall, drop down, slightly, etc. products - grain and meat - account for 80% of
3. For describing quantities, use various styles the total agricultural production. Dairy makes
like - 48% of, one-third of, nearly one-fourth up 15% of the total, while vegetables are only
of, almost 80%, majority, on average, twice as 5% of agricultural production in that part of the
much, almost equal, the highest, the lowest, country. Each region has a different approach to
agricultural production. In the Eastern Region,
very close to 2%, roughly, approximately 5%
it is distributed among different products, while
of, just under three percent, etc.
in the Western Region, it is concentrated more
4. For establishing a relationship or contrast, use heavily on two different types of products.
phrases and words like- relationship between,
similarly, in contrast with, in comparison to, 2. You are Suresh/Lalita. Given below is a table
but in the opposite case, however, whereas, based on data given about the number of tourists
when it comes to, as opposed to, while, who visited your city in the past two years.
striking difference, noticeable difference, etc. Write an analytical paragraph on ‘Promotion of
5. For the conclusion and other connecting Tourism’ taking information from the table given
phrases use - overall, subsequently, in all, in a below together with your own ideas in 100-120
nutshell, for the chart given, in short, striking words.
changes, including, therefore, etc. Year Tourists Who Visited
Domestic International
EXAMPLE 2020 444569 8563

1. The charts below show agricultural production 2021 436350 11478

in two different regions of the country. Write Plans of Tourism Department:
an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words by • To develop a wildlife park.
selecting and reporting the main features, and • Illumination and light and sound programme
at one of the places of tourist interest in the
city.

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Page 242 Discursive Passage Chapter 8
Ans : 2023
other activities. Currently, only those who have
Nowadays, students are allowed to focus on the experience and skill of driving a car can do so.
extracurricular activities, with plenty of different But, with a self-driving car, anyone can have access
interests available to them. However, the most to a vehicle irrespective of their skill. However,
interesting activity for students falling between technology does also malfunction at times, which
13 to 15 years of age is music. According to the is why clear safety protocols and guidelines would
survey conducted in New Delhi in over twenty need to be put in place before these cars can be
schools, a majority of 60 students were interested on the roads. Thus, with proper regulations and
in music while only 25 students marked dance as planning, I believe self-driving cars can be more
their choice. Theatre and cricket were the second- helpful than problematic.
most loved choices with a slight difference of
nearly 5 students more for cricket. 30 students Opposing Self-driving Cars
liked art as an interest. The notable thing in this I believe self-driving cars offer more problems
survey was to see that the craze of learning music than solutions. While there are potential benefits
is rapidly increasing among budding teens which associated with self-driving vehicles such as reduced
is a great sign of progress in honing natural talent. road accidents, there are more significant concerns.
One of the main worries is the safety of self-driving
10. Read an excerpt from an article below : cars, as they heavily rely on complex sensors that
Self-driving cars are designed for travel without may fail in certain scenarios. Another aspect of this
a human operator. Instead of a driver, the car safety is that like any electronic device, a car could
will use a combination of sensors, cameras, then be hacked into and tampered with, leading to
radar, and artificial intelligence to travel between accidents. Additionally, the widespread adoption of
destinations. They are going to revolutionise the self-driving cars may lead to job losses for millions
transport industry by enhancing the efficiency of professional drivers, causing economic and social
and accessibility of vehicles. However, this change challenges. Moreover, the infrastructure required
is happening too rapidly, and self-driving cars to support self-driving cars, such as advanced road
pose more problems than solutions. There are systems may not be readily available in many
several concerns with regard to the safety of such regions. Therefore, I believe self-driving cars are
vehicles, as well as their potential impact on more problematic than helpful.
employment.
Write a paragraph in about 120 words analysing
the argument surrounding self-driving cars. You
can think about what alternative explanations
might weaken the given conclusion and include
rationale/ evidence that would strengthen/
counter the given argument.
You may begin like this :
I believe self-driving cars offer more solutions 11. As the President of the Movie Club of your school,
than problems/I believe self-driving cars offer you have been tasked with selecting a movie for
more problems than solutions. the upcoming screening event for classes IX-XII.
You may end like this :
For these reasons, I believe that self-driving Given below are brief descriptions and snippets of
cars are more helpful than problematic/I believe newspaper and critic reviews for TWO potential
that self-driving cars are more problematic than film choices (i-ii). Analyse the information and
helpful. decide which movie would be most suitable for the
school screening. Consider aspects such as content
Ans : 2023
audience engagement, and critical acclaim.
Supporting Self-driving Cars
I believe self-driving cars offer more solutions You may begin like this :
than problems. Since these cars would be using The choice of film (i) “MEMORIES: 1970-2000”,
the latest technology and advanced sensors and for the school screening, is a decision based on the
radars, they would be able to greatly reduce road film’s ...
accidents caused by human error. Additionally, O
since people would not be actively engaged in The choice of film (ii) “Mrs. SUNNY SINGH &
driving, they could use their commute time for FAMILY” , for the school screening, is a decision
based on the film’s ...

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

This number dropped slightly on Tuesday and manure instead of the fertilizer. So we have to
Wednesday, and dipped again on Thursday, to just introduce organic manure. Then crop pattern
below 200 visitors. The number rose on Friday, needs to be changed. Besides this, a kind of public
then soared to 400 on Saturday, the busiest day awareness programme will have to be undertaken.
of the week, and then fell slightly on Sunday. Public is to be awakened towards the growth of
The Grenby Amusement Park also received fewer cancer and its easy detection. This would surely
visitors during the week than on the weekend. help in the containing of this disease at its initial
On Monday there were 300 visitors. This number stages. If cancer is detected and treated at the
rose slightly on Tuesday and then fell back to early stages, it can’t be fatal.
300 on Wednesday. The number climbed for the
rest of the week until it reached over 700 on both
Saturday and Sunday. Both places were busier on
the weekend than during the week, although the
amusement park received more visitors everyday 6. The cartoon below makes fun of the kind of
than the museum did. fashions followed by today’s youth. Using ideas
from this cartoon together with your own ideas,
5. Given below is a newspaper report on the state of write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words
cancer prevailing in India. You have been asked on changing fashions.
to write an analytical paragraph on ‘Cancer - a
silent killer’ Taking information from the clipping
given below together with your own ideas, write
this paragraph in 100-120 words.
“In India, cities are more cancer-prone than rural
areas. In the early 1990’s, we expected one out
of 10-15 urban Indians to get cancer in their life
-time, that is every second or third family would
have to face this disease. This is partly due to
high levels of benzene in the air and also that the
metros are exposed to high levels of pesticides in
their foods. In order to check the steady growth
of cancer in the country, the Government shall
have to give priority to preventive action. At the
same time measures to undertake improvement in
facilities for the treatment of cancer shall have to
be adopted.”
Ans :
Ans :
Fashions Followed by Today’s Youth
State of Cancer Prevailing in India
In today’s fast moving modern world fashions are
It is a matter of concern that our urban population
changing very fast. However, the fashions show
has become cancer-prone more than the rural
a downward trend in moral values. Looking at
population. It is very sad that every tenth person
them one can safely say that fashions reveal lack
is likely to have cancer. It is due to high level of
of consideration in human thinking. For example,
benzene in the air. It is also due to the high levels
women dresses are very scanty. They leave more
of pesticides in the foods. Also highly radio-active
parts of the body naked. The young people like
waves of the cell-phones etc., have also contributed
to wear such kind of clothes. These make them
to this grave danger to human population. To
look like wild animals. Most of them wear a
check this menace of cancer, the Government
cloth-band round their foreheads and rings in
shall have to give top-most priority to preventive
their ear lobes. Equally young girls like to wear
actions. More facilities like Diagnostic Centres
very tight dress. This tends to reveal their body
and Cancer Hospitals need to be created for the
frames and contours. This makes them look
treatment of cancer patients. There is a dire need
vulgar and repulsive. Fashions should make one
to contain this deadly disease by taking some
look aesthetically appealing. Clothes like good
urgent steps. First of all, we must ban the wide
manners should be appealing and beautiful. But
use of the pesticides. Excessive use of pesticides is
it is not so with our youth. Modern youth copy
really harmful for human health. In the developed
blindly their favourite heroes and heroines in the
countries, much emphasis is being laid on organic
film industry. The clothes worn by those in the

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is ultimately to make human life easier. Plastic accumulation. refrigeration and air conditioning
articles do this well, so they shouldn’t be banned.” and certain agricultural practices also aggravate
Write a paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the problem by releasing additional potent global
the given argument. You could think about what warming gases such as methane and nitrous oxide.
alternative explanations might weaken the given Over the last century, global average temperature
conclusion and include rationale/evidence that has increased by more than 0.7cC ! A warming
would strengthen/counter the given argument. world also has the potential to change rainfall
Ans : 2021 and snow patterns, increases droughts and severe
Ban on Single-use Plastic storms, reduce lake ice cover, melt glaciers,
The argument in support of plastic bag shows a increase sea levels, and change plant and animal
shallow thinking and short sightedness of one’s behaviour.
thought process. For the sake of making our lives 15. The chart below displays details regarding online
convenient, we have put environment at stake. activity for seven age groups in six categories.
It is important to realize that convenience, at Write an analysis paragraph for the table provided
times, in the long run can make life extremely in 100-120 words.
difficult. Banning single-use plastic is necessary to
prevent greater problems, particularly pertaining Age  Teens 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70+
to environment. Single-use plastic over time is
known to cause pollution, affect life on land as Activity % 
well as in water and disconcert ecosystems, which Get news 76 71 72 78 76 73 71
in turn can make survival of humans very difficult. Downloads 85 55 35 25 26 23 33
Thus, if one weighs the options of convenience
Buying a 44 66 67 69 63 68 42
and survival, it becomes clear that convenience product
is a short term joy, while survival is a long-term
Online games 88 55 36 28 24 23 35
goal.
Searching for 6 33 22 21 25 28 29
14. Global warming is primarily a result of the people
greenhouse effect caused by too much carbon Product 0 77 81 85 78 76 71
dioxide in the atmosphere which acts as a research
blanket, trapping heat. Global warming is leading Ans : 2020
to Arctic meltdown. Study the following pie chart
and write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 Online Activity for Six Age Groups
words on factors affecting global warming. For six distinct types of activities, the table
above illustrates the online activities of seven
age groups, ranging from teenagers to those in
their seventies. The chart illustrates that younger
people are more interested in online games and
news, whereas elderly people use the Internet
to study and buy items. The chart shows that
adolescents mostly use the Internet for games (up
to 81 percent), news, and downloads and that
they are interested in finding people or friends, as
well as completing product research. The middle-
aged group (those in their 20s to 60s) is very
interested in obtaining news, conducting product
research, and purchasing items, with a proportion
Ans : 2020 of 70-80%. The Internet activity that takes up the
Global Warming least amount of time is looking for individuals.
Global warming is primarily a result of the Every age group spends less than 30% of their
greenhouse effect caused by too much carbon Internet time doing the same thing. With age, the
dioxide in the atmosphere which acts as a blanket, amount of time spent on downloading drops, and
trapping heat and warming the planet. Burning it can be as low as 6%. (for people in the 70s).
of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas for Overall, the table indicates that teens are most
energy, cutting down and burning forests to likely to spend their time playing video games
create pastures and plantations, leads to carbon and downloading content. Older individuals, on
the other hand, are interested in studying and

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

(i) MEMORIES: 1970-2000 of non-stop laughter. Described as a comedy show

Description : A heartwarming family drama set with a star-studded cast, the movie guarantees
against the backdrop of a small town in Eastern a hilarious plot filled with witty humour. Critic
India. It explores themes of friend-ship, courage, reviews from Comedy Critic Weekly and The
and the pursuit of dreams. Humour Hub support its reputation as a “Laugh
Critic Reviews : Riot” and a comedy for the ages, praising its
&“Memories: 1970-2000” captures the essence impeccable timing and script. This film is an
of human connection with its touching narrative. ideal choice for a light-hearted and fun-filled
A must-watch for all ages. – Daily Today screening event. In contrast to “MEMORIES:
& A feel-good movie that leaves a lasting 1970-2000,” “Mrs. SUNNY SINGH & FAMILY”
impression. Its universal themes make it an offers a unique entertainment experience centered
ideal on laughter, providing a different flavor that can
uplift the spirits of the students in classes IX-
(ii) Mrs. SUNNY SINGH & FAMILY XII and create a lively atmosphere during the
Description: A comedy extravaganza that screening.
promises non-stop laughter. It features a star-
studded cast in a hilarious plot filled with witty 12. The chart below displays data about the number
humour. of digital devices purchased in Rishunagar across
Critic Reviews : the years 2015-2019. Write a paragraph in 100-
& “Laugh Riot” delivers on its promise, 120 words analysing the given data.
providing a hilarious escape from reality. Perfect
for a light-hearted movie plan. – Comedy Critic
Weekly
& A comedy for the ages, with impeccable
timing and a script that keeps the audience
in stitches. A fantastic choice for a fun-filled
screening event. – The Humour Hub
Ans : 2023

Selection for School Screening

(i) MEMORIES : 1970-2000
The choice of film (i) “MEMORIES: 1970-2000”,
for the school screening, is a decision based on
the film’s heartwarming narrative and universal Ans : 2021

themes. The film offers a touching exploration Digital Devices Purchased Across Years
of human connection within the backdrop of a in Rishunagar
small town in Eastern India. Critic reviews, such The chart displays data about the number of
as those from Daily Today and Cinema Blend, digital devices purchased in Rishunagar across
emphasise its capacity to capture the essence of the years 2015-2019. There has been a steady
shared experiences and make it a must-watch for increase in the purchase of both smart-phones and
all ages. The feel-good nature of the movie, coupled computers from 2015-2017. But, in the year 2018,
with its lasting impression, deems it suitable for a dip was observed in the purchase of number
a diverse audience. Unlike “Mrs. SUNNY SINGH of computers. The number reduced nearly half of
& FAMILY,” “MEMORIES: 1970-2000” provides what was purchased in 2017. Smart-phones sellers,
a depth of storytelling that can spark meaningful too, witnessed a decrease in the annual sale in
discussions and resonate with students of classes 2018. However, the next year itself saw a boom in
IX-XII. Its ability to balance emotional depth the purchase of smart-phones and computers. To
with universal appeal positions it as an excellent conclude, after 2017, the residents of Rishunagar
choice for the school screening event. preferred smart-phones over computer in their
Selection for School Screening purchase of digital devices.
(ii) Mrs. SUNNY SINGH & FAMILY
The choice of film (ii) “Mrs. SUNNY SINGH & 13. Read the following excerpt from an article that
FAMILY”, for the school screening, is a decision appeared in the magazine section of a local daily:
“The ban on single-use plastic is impractical.
based on the film’s comic brilliance and the promise
The purpose of articles like bags and packaging

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Page 246 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

are the increasing vehicular traffic and garbage.

The petrol or diesel being used in the vehicles
emits toxic smoke which contains lethal gases like
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen
oxide. All those inhaling these gases contract
deadly diseases. These are like bronchitis, asthma
and other breathing problems. The accumulating
garbage emits foul smell. It is the birth place of
many contagious diseases. Various leather and
chemical industries pollute both the air and
the water by belching out poisonous smoke and
effluents in water courses. The increasing felling
of trees, building of dams and upcoming of
congested localities have played havoc with the
clean environment. The only way we can get rid
of environmental pollution is to plant more and
more trees. We all dream of a beautiful home, our
nation too dreams of a beautiful environment.

Figure : (b)
Ans : 2019

Transformation of Village of Stokeford

The two maps illustrate how the village of
Stokeford, situated on the east bank of the River
Stoke, changed over an 80 year period from 1930
to 2010. There was considerable development
19. The maps below show the village of Stokeford in
of the settlement over these years and it was
1930 and 2010. Write an analytical paragraph in
gradually transformed from a small rural village
100-120 words by selecting and reporting the main
into a largely residential area. The most notable
features, and making comparisons where relevant.
change is the presence of housing in 2010 on
the areas that were farmland back in 1930. New
roads were constructed on this land and many
residential properties built. In response to the
considerable increase in population, the primary
school was extended to around double the size
of the previous building. Whilst the post office
remained as a village amenity, the two shops
that can be seen to the north-west of the school
in 1930, no longer existed by 2010, having been
replaced by houses. There also used to be an
extensive property standing in its own large
gardens situated to the south-east of the school.
At some time between 1930 and 2010, this was
extended and converted into a retirement home.
This was another significant transformation for
the village.

20. The pie chart below illustrates how internet users

aged 16+ prefer to access the internet at home
and in other places. Summarize the information
Figure : (a)
in the pie chart by selecting and reporting the
main features. Write in 100-120 words.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

purchasing items. People spend the least amount nicotine is a poison _____ dangerous to various
of time online looking for others. vital organs _____ smoking a cigarette shortens
_____ causes a deadly disease _____ guide
16. The table below shows risk of death posed by five our smoking youth _____ ensure good health
different causes in two income groups of people to all Indians.
along with the world average of these deaths. Ans : 2019, 2014
Study the data carefully and then summarise it
in the form of an analytical paragraph in 100-120 Smoking is a Silent Killer of Life
words. Smoking is actually a silent killer of life. It is also
a drain on the limited income of yours. A smoker
Causes World Low and High may say that he feels relieved of worries when he
Middle Income
smokes. But it is his own whim. Smoking does
Income
more harm. It doesn’t give any sort of freedom
Risk Percentage of Death from anxiety. The nicotine is a poison and is
Indoor smoke from 3.3 3.9 0.0 dangerous to various vital organs like heart,
solid fuels kidney, liver and lungs. It is actually a slow poison
and kills a smoker slowly. They say that smoking
Unsafe drinking 3.2 3.8 0.1
water, insanitation, a cigarette shortens one’s life by four minutes.
lack of hygiene So smoking means shortening one’s life knowingly
and inviting death due to cancer which is very
Urban outdoor air 2.0 1.9 2.5
merciless. Smoking also affects the non-smokers.
pollution
So a person who smokes is affecting the health
Global climate 0.2 0.3 0.0 of the other persons who are near him. Smoking
change causes a deadly disease like cancer. There is a
Lead exposure 0.2 0.3 0.0 statutory warning on the cigarette packets that
Ans : 2020
smoking is injurious to health. But it is of no
Risk of Death importance as the smokers feel a bit terrified to
The table shows some statistics related to deaths read this. The next moment they forget it and
among low and middle income groups as well as smoke. The government has taken a right decision
high income groups due to five reasons – indoor now in banning smoking at public places. We all
smoke from solid fuels; unsafe water, insanitation can guide our smoking youth not to smoke but
and lack of hygiene; urban outdoor pollution; give it up at once. In taking care of our health we
global climate change and lead exposure. As is shall be rendering a greater help to the national
clear from the data, the high income group people cause to ensure good health to all Indians.
die of the outdoor pollution more than any other 18. Gaurav is to write an analytical paragraph on
cause. They account for 2.5% of all deaths which ‘Environmental pollution’. Write this paragraph
is higher than the world average of 2.0%. A mere on his behalf in 100-120 words using the outline
0.1% people of this group die of drinking unsafe given below:
water, insanitation and/or lack of hygiene. On Environmental pollution is one of the major and
the other hand, the lower and middle income serious problems _____ ecological balance of
group has mortality rate higher than the world the earth _____ Air and water are polluted
average in all categories except urban outdoor air _____ Noise pollution _____ vehicles emits
pollution, where it is 0.1% less than the world toxic smoke _____ deadly diseases _____
average of 2%. This group accounts for 3.9% and garbage emits foul smell _____ increasing
3.8% deaths due to indoor smoke from solid fuels felling of trees _____ plant more and more
and unsafe drinking water, insanitation and lack trees.
of hygiene respectively. Global climate change and Ans : 2019
lead exposure account for 0.3% death each among
this group. Overall, more people in the lower and Environmental Pollution
middle income group die of the given causes. Environmental pollution is one of the major
and serious problems that is being faced by the
17. Manisha is to write an analytical paragraph on developing countries. The ecological balance of
‘Smoking is a silent killer of life’. Using your the earth is being threatened by it. Air and water
own ideas and the outline given below, write this are polluted by the toxic constituents. Noise
paragraph on her behalf in 100-120 words. pollution has destroyed the calm and serenity of
Smoking is actually a silent killer _____ our surroundings. The main sources of pollution

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Page 248 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

graph indicates a slight decline in deaths in the 24. The chart shows the division of household tasks
year 2101. The graph shows the huge gap between by gender in Great Britain. Write an analytical
birth rate and death during 1961 to 2001. However, paragraph describing the chart given in 100-120
this gap is expected to reduce in the later years. words.
Overall, as opposed to the prevailing trends, the
death rate will be more than the birth rate in the
latter half of the 21st century.

23. The pie chart shows the proportion of people from

different households living in poverty in the UK
in 2002. Write an analytical paragraph to describe
the information in 100-120 words.

Ans : 2017
Ans : 2018
Division of Household Tasks by Gender
Proportion of People from Different
in Great Britain
Households Living in Poverty
The chart shows the number of minutes per
The given pie chart illustrates seven different
day spent by British men and women in doing
categories of households living in poverty in the
household tasks. On an average, the women spend
UK in 2002. It is clearly evident from the pie chart
about four hours doing household tasks whereas
that 26% of the total poverty-stricken households
the men spend less than two and half hours. The
are those of sole parents. Single people without
tasks on which women spend more time than men
children account for the second highest proportion
include cooking, cleaning house, taking care of
with 24%. In contrast to couples without children
the children and laundry. In doing all these tasks,
that accounts for just 9%, couples with children
women spend approximately 200 minutes which is
account for 15% of the poor households. Single
almost three times the time spent by men in these
aged persons and aged couples proportion for 12%
tasks. On the other hand, men spend twice the
together for poor households. Overall, 14% of all
time than women in doing tasks like gardening
households in the UK were living under poverty.
and maintenance of odd jobs in the house. Men
The younger generation had a greater poor
spend the highest time, almost 50 minutes, in
percentage than their aged counterparts. Couples
gardening and pet-care. While the women spend
without children had better economic conditions
only 30 minutes for these tasks. The time spent
than those with children.
by men in washing, ironing and sewing clothes
is as low as 2 minutes per day as opposed to 25
minutes spent by women. In short, women spend
far more time doing household chores than men
whilst men prefer to do gardening, petcare and
maintaining odd jobs.

25. The graph given shows estimated sales of gold

in Dubai in 2002. Write an analytical paragraph
describing the line graph in 100-120 words.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2018

Students’ Distribution on the Basis of

the Language Spoken
The graph depicts the number of students of
class tenth speaking English and Hindi in three
different types of schools in New Delhi. The
graph clearly illustrates that the number of
students speaking Hindi in government schools
is almost 3.5 times greater than the number of
students who speak English. In contrast, two-
Ans : 2018
third of the total students in private schools
prefer to speak in English. In KVs there is a slight
Devices for Accessing the Internet difference between the choice of two languages,
The graph shows the results of a survey in which with Hindi being spoken by 55% of students.
people aged 16 and over were asked about their On comparing the three types of given schools,
preferred devices for accessing the internet. The government schools have the highest number of
question referred to going online at home and in Hindi speakers. Private schools are at the highest
other places. Participants mentioned four main position among English speakers. In a nutshell,
devices in their answers : a smart-phone, a laptop, Private school students prefer to speak English
a tablet and a desktop computer. Form the pie whereas government school students choose
chart it is clear that the majority of participants Hindi over English to communicate. Students are
prefer to use smart-phones and laptops, with almost evenly distributed in KVs on the basis of
just three per cent difference between the two. the language spoken.
Nearly a third of participants prefer to go online
with a smart-phone. Thirty per cent like to use a 22. Study the graph given below. The graph shows
laptop. A desktop computer accounts for fourteen birth and death rates in a country from 1901 to
per cent of users’ preferred devices. Only a small 2101. Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120
minority prefer a device other than these main words..
four. In conclusion, since mobile and portable
devices are the most popular choices, it is clear
that many participants are accessing the internet
outside their homes. The desktop computer is the
least popular of the four main devices. In future,
we can probably expect to see more and more
people accessing the internet with smart-phones
as their preferred choice.

21. Study the graph given below. The graph depicts

the number of students of class tenth speaking
English and Hindi in three different types of
schools in New Delhi. Based on the details given Ans : 2018
in the bar graph given below, write an analytical
paragraph in 100-120 words. Birth and Death Rates in a Country
The graph shows birth and death rates starting
from 1901 till 2101. Since 1901, the birth rate
has remained more than the death rate until
2041. Birth rate was 20000 in 1901 and started
increasing gradually. It peaked in 1961 to around
65000. From 1961, birth rate has fluctuated
multiple times between 50000 and 60000. It is
expected to decline for the coming years reaching
approximately 42000 by 2101. On the other hand,
the death rate stood at around 10000 in 1901
and then has increased steadily. It is expected to
rise strikingly from 2021 before levelling off to
approximately 60000 between 2061 and 2081. The

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Page 250 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

main stream by educating them and they can do dowry. Write it on his behalf in 100-120 words.
much more. Using the information given in the graph given
below and your own ideas.
28. Study the chart given below, which is the result
of the survey conducted in the public schools and
government schools of Vadodara. This depicts the
types of activities the teenagers (Age 13-19 years)
are involved during their leisure time. Write an
analytical paragraph in 100-120 words.

Ans : 2017, 2002

Social Evil of Dowry

It would not be wrong to say that dowry is simply
Ans : 2016
a blot on our society. Every year young lives are
lost due to this social evil. Yet this evil is not
Teenagers and Leisure Time eliminated. The above graph gives a picture
Now a days the teenagers are more techno-savvy of these deaths from 2014 to 2021. Maximum
than the children used to be ten years back. They marriages were solemnised in 2017. This year
do not play games like Ludo, Carrom, Chess and also saw the burning of 800 young brides which
other indoor games. 9-18 % of boys and girls in also includes the young women who married
the age group of 13-19 years possess their own some time before it. In 2015, about 700 married
cell phones. In the survey conducted recently on women were forced to commit suicide because
some 2000 students of two leading schools- one of continuous torture for bringing insufficient
government and the other a public school, the dowry. This figure continued to rise in the
following facts were revealed. While the students years thereafter. 500 remarriages speak much
from public schools spend more of their leisure of this social evil. There is some relief in the
time in net-surfing and talking on cell phones, the fact that the number of deaths fell onwards from
government school students spend it in watching 2018. This may be due to the fact that many
TV and talking to their friends. social organisations raised a hue and cry. The
Government amended the Act. Social pressures
also helped in containing this evil. There
are numerous examples to show that women
have received an equal place with men in our
scriptures. We treat the women as ‘goddesses’.
But we also burn them for some material benefits
like getting CTVs, refrigerators, scooters, etc. An
educated girl, in herself, is a sufficient dowry. If
she is an earning hand, she adds another feather
in her cap. An educated bride brings a really
good change in the family by way of all round
progress. She brings cheerfulness by the qualities
of head and heart. We must eliminate this evil
29. Rishi is to write an analytical paragaph on the by pledging neither to give nor to accept dowry.
occasion of celebration of anti-dowry week on Our youth can be Raja Ram Mohan Roy in this
the desirability of eliminating this social evil of field, who raised his voice against this social evil.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2016

Persons of Different Age Groups

Killed in Accidents
The line graph illustrates the number of persons
of different age groups killed in accidents. It
is evident from the graph that the maximum
number of people who are killed in road accidents
are pedestrians. Among pedestrians, too, people
of 16–25 age group record the highest number
of accident deaths that is 800. Coincidentally,
this age group faces the maximum motor bikers’
Ans : 2017 deaths in road accidents which is one-fourth of
Estimated Sales of Gold in Dubai in 2002 pedestrians’ deaths. Whereas, people who die due
The line graph depicts the estimated sales of to bus or car accidents belong to the 26–35 age
gold in Dubai for a period of twelve months in group. But, after the age of 35 people get less
2002 in millions of Dirhams. In January 2002, the caught in road accidents. It can be concluded
sales stood at 200 million Dirhams. It steadily that 16–35 years of generation falls victim to road
increased through the next month and peaked to accidents more than the people who have crossed
350 million Dirhams in the third month of the 35 years. However, pedestrians are at the highest
year. However, the gold sales started to plummet risk of accidents followed by bus and car riders.
over the next three months and hit 110 million 27. The following data in the form of histogram
Dirhams in the month of July. Unexpectedly, shows that death rate (in 1000s) due to violence
the sales doubled in August before coming down has increased considerably during recent years.
to the same level as in July for the month of Write its interpretation in 100-120 words on
September. For the next two months of the year, how educated youth can play a major role in
the gold sales levelled off to 180 million Dirhams establishing peace in society.
and then slightly increased in December. Overall,
the estimated gold sales fluctuated in 2002. The
sales were the highest in the month of March and
lowest in the months of July and September. The
sales at the end of the year were almost the same
as they were in the beginning of the year. Here we
conclude the topic of Analytical paragraphs. As it
is a new topic added to the syllabus of Class 10,
students need to prepare it well.

26. A line graph is given below. The graph shows the

number of persons of different age groups killed in
accidents. Analyse the given data in an analytical
paragraph of 100-120 words. Ans :
Role of Youth in Establishing Peace in
Society
Youth and peace are interlinked in society. Youth
can play an important role in establishing peace
in society. In a survey conducted, it has been
found that number of deaths due to violence has
increased enormously since the nineties. Death
rate (in 1000s) was 2.5 in 1990. But in 2010, it
has increased to 7.5. It is really very sad. It must
be checked. Our youth can play a major role in
controlling this crime graph. They can contribute
towards establishing peace in many ways. They
can awaken the people towards the necessity of
peace. They can help the police in catching the
criminals. They can bring the criminals in the

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Page 252 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

Chapter 1

A Letter to God

1. INTRODUCTION crop was totally destroyed. Lencho became sad.

He felt that they would go hungry that year. Also
A Letter to God by G.L. Fuentes is a short they would have no seeds for the next crop.
story written in third-person, about a farmer
named Lencho. When a hailstorm destroys his Lencho Writes to God
year’s harvest, he writes a letter to God asking But Lencho had a single hope : help from God.
for money, and sends it to him through post. A He was sure that no one dies of hunger. He had
Letter to God is a humorous story about a man’s a great belief in God. The following Sunday he
faith, the dependence it brings along, and the fine went to the post office. He wrote a letter to God
line between faith and ignorance that exists in to send him one hundred pesos. He wrote ‘God’
the world. as the address.
Postmaster Collects Money for Lencho
An employee of the post office showed this letter
2. CHARACTERS to the postmaster. The postmaster laughed seeing
the address. He wished to have such a faith in
Lencho God. He had had an idea answer the letter. But
He had a firm believe in God and was very reading it he found that the writer needed money.
innocent. He was very caring for his family and It was to keep the faith of the writer. So he asked
that is why he decides not to give up and find all his friends and employees to give some money.
some way to help his family.
Money Sent to Lencho
Postmaster The postmaster could collect only seventy pesos
He was a nice, very helpful and genuine man whose this way put the money in an envelope and
natural instinct was to help Lencho and therefore addressed it to Lencho. He wrote a single word on
he collects money for him and even deducts some it ‘God’ as a signature.
money from his own salary.
Lencho Receives the Money
The following Sunday Lencho came to the post
3. SUMMARY office. He asked if there was any letter for him. He
was given that letter. Lencho did not show any
Lencho’s House and Crop surprise on seeing the money. He got angry when
Lencho had his lonely house in the valley. It was he counted the money. He felt that God could not
situated on the top of a low hill. From there one have made a mistake.
could see the river and the fields. Lencho had a
Lencho’s Letter to God, Calls Post Office Employees
good crop. But it needed rains badly.
Crooks
It Starts Raining Immediately Lencho wrote another letter to
Lencho saw the sky in the north. It had rain God. He put it into the mailbox. The postmaster
clouds. His wife was preparing the dinner. He told opened it. Lencho had written in that letter that
her that God willing it would rain. Soon big drops he had received only seventy pesos. But he had
of rain began to fall. Lencho went out to feel the asked for one hundred pesos. He asked God to
rain on his body. He was very glad. He said that send him the rest. But God should not send it
the drops of rain were new coins. through the mail. It was because the post office
Hailstorm and Loss Therefrom employees were crooks.
But soon the hail rained on everywhere. The
fields became white as if covered with salt. The

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

4. Word meanings 41. Solitary - a lonely

1. Crest - top of a hill, top 42. Stuck - remained determined
43. Throughout - all through
2. Amiable - friendly and pleasant
3. Contentment - satisfaction 44. Upset - worried
45. Wrinkling - have wrinkles
4. Exclaimed - cry out suddenly in surprise,
strong emotion, or pain.
5. Regarded - consider or think of in a specified 5. MESSAGE
way
The story conveys the message that Faith has
6. Blow - hard stroke with fist the power to give us what we want, to fulfil our
7. Boss - person in authority needs. However, one must realise that humanity
8. Bunch - gang or group still prevails.
9. Career - a profession
10. Caused - made
6. ncert textbook questions
11. Charity - benefaction
12. Confidence - faith
13. Conscience - an inner sense of right and wrong
Activity
14. Continent - remark 1. One of the cheapest ways to send money to
15. Correspondence - communication by someone is through the post office. Have you ever
exchanging letters with someone sent or received money in this way? Here’s what
16. Crook - rogue you have to do. (As you read the instructions,
discuss with your teacher in class the meanings of
17. Daybreak - the time in the morning when
these words: counter, counter clerk, appropriate,
daylight first appears
acknowledgment, counterfoil, record. Consult
18. Deny - refuse a dictionary if necessary. Are there words
19. Dotted - full of corresponding to these English words in your
20. Downpour - heavy rain languages?)
21. Draped - adorn, cover, or wrap
Inside the post office, go to the counter
22. Effort - attempt
marked ‘Money Order’
23. Entire - complete
24. Exposing - make (something) visible by 0
uncovering it.; reveal Buy a Money Order (MO) form by paying 50
25. Expression - aspect of face paise to the person behind the counter
26. Goodwill - friendly, helpful, or cooperative 0
feelings or attitude
Fill in the appropriate boxes in the form
27. Hailstones - a pellet of hail (preferably in BLOCK letters)
28. Harvest -season’s yield of crop
29. Instruct - teach / inform
0
30. Intimately - closely Pay the counter clerk the amount of money to
31. Lick pass the tongue over be sent along with the charges
32. Obliged - grateful 0
33. Ox of a man - hardworking Take back the MO acknowledgment counterfoil
34. Perform - do for your record.
35. Predict - say in advance Ans :
36. Regarded - looked closely Yes I have sent money in this way.
37. Resemble - have a similar appearance 1. Counter : a long flat-topped fitment across
38. Resolution - a firm decision to do or not to do which business is conducted in a shop or bank
something. or refreshments are served in a cafeteria.
39. Shake - weaken a small disc used in board games for keeping
40. Slightest - very little the score or as a place marker.

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Page 254 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

2. Counter Clerk : Counter Clerks complete the clues that follow the form.
selling duties for a business. Typical work
duties of a Counter Clerk are greeting
customers, helping them to locate desired
products, promoting and selling products,
offering required information, demonstrating
product use, closing sales, issuing receipts,
and collecting payments.
3. Appropriate : suitable or right for a particular
situation, person, use, etc.
4. Acknowledgment : acceptance of the truth or
existence of something.
recognition of the importance or quality of
something.
5. Counterfoil : the part of a cheque, receipt,
ticket, or other document that is torn off and
kept as a record by the person issuing it
6. Record : a thing constituting a piece of
evidence about the past, especially an account
kept in writing or some other permanent
form.
the sum of the past achievements or
performance of a person, organization, or
thing.

• Think about who you will send the money

to, and how much. You might want to send
2. Fill out the Money Order form given below using money for a magazine subscription, or to a
relative or a friend.
• Or you may fill out the form with yourself
as sender and your partner as receiver. Use
a part of your pocket money, and submit the
form at the nearest post office to see how it’s
done. See how your partner enjoys getting
money by post!
• Notice that the form has three parts — the
Money Order form, the part for official use
and the Acknowledgment. What would you
write in the ‘Space for Communication’ ?
Now complete the following statements.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage
Ans :
1. cyclone, 2. gale, 3. typhoon, 4. tornado, 5. 6. Just when everybody Wishing for
hurricane, 6. whirlwind. had given up hope, something to
the fishermen came happen, although
Some More Words : back, seven days this is very unlikely.
1. Conscience : An inner feeling that tells after the cyclone.
difference between right and wrong. Ans :
2. Bigamy : A system of marrying more than
one wife usually having two wives. A B
3. Biology : The science of life in its various 1. Will, you get the Wanting something
forms. subjects you want to to happen (and
4. Cell : A small room in a monastery or prison. study in college ?.I thinking it quite
5. Demagogue : A person or a leader who has hope so possible).
got popularity. 2. I hope you don’t Showing concern
6. Go-cart : A wheeled appliance to teach babies mind my saying this, that what you should
to walk. but I not offend or disturb
7. Sculptor : One who carves on stone or wood. don’t like the way the other person. a
you are arguing. way of being polite.
2. Notice how the word ‘hope’ is used in these
3. This discovery will A feeling that
sentences from the story.
give new hope to something good will
(a) I hope it (the hailstorm) passes quickly. HIV/AIDS sufferers. probably happen.
(b) There was a single hope : help from God.
4. We were hoping Wishing for
In the first example, ‘hope’ is a verb which
against hope that something to happen
means you wish for something to happen. In the
the judges would not although this is very
second example it is a noun meaning a chance for
notice our mistakes. unlikely.
something to happen.
Match the sentences in column ‘A’ with the 5. I called early in the Thinking that this
meanings of ‘hope’ in column ‘B’. hope of speaking to would happen (It
her before she went may or may not have
A B to school. happend).
1. ‘Will you get the A feeling that 6. Just when everybody Stopped believing
subjects you want to something good will had given up hope, that this good thing
study in college ?’ probably happen. the fishermen came would happen.
2. ‘I hope you don’t Thinking that this back, seven days
mind my saying this, would happen (It after the cyclone.
but I don’t like the may or may not have
way you are arguing.’ happened). 3. Relative Clauses
Look at these sentences
3. This discovery will Stopped believing
(a) All morning Lencho - who knew his fields
give new hope to that this good thing
intimately - looked at the sky.
HIV/AIDS sufferers. would happen.
(b) The woman, who was preparing supper,
4. We were hoping Wanting something replied, “Yes, God willing.”
against hope that to happen and The italicised parts of the sentences give us more
the judges would not thinking it quite information about Lencho and the woman. We
notice our mistakes. possible. call them ‘relative clauses’. Notice that they begin
5. I called early in the Showing concern with a ‘relative pronoun’ who. Other common
hope of speaking to that what you say relative pronouns are whom, whose, and which.
her before she went should not offend The relative clauses in (a) and (b) above are
to school. or disturb the other called ‘non-defining’, because we already know the
person : a way of identity of the person they describe. Lencho is a
being polite. particular person, and there is a particular woman
he speaks to. We don’t need the information in
the relative clause to pick these people out from
a larger set.

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Page 256 Discursive Passage Chapter 1
Ans : 6. There are two kinds of conflicts in the story
Lencho was a simple-minded person. He had firm between humans and nature, and between humans
faith in God. So he did nottry to find out who themselves. How are these conflicts illustrated ?
had sent the money. He was of the view that the Ans :
money was sent by God and none else could do We can find two kinds of conflict in the story
such an act. namely :
4. Who does Lencho think has taken the rest of 1. Between Humans and Nature : Lencho is a
the money? What is the irony in the situation hardworking farmer. He needs a shower for
? (Remember that the irony of a situation is an his crop. He waits for the rain to come. By
unexpected aspect of it. An ironic situation is chance the rain starts pouring with hailstone.
strange or amusing because it is the opposite of It hailed heavily. The crop was totally
what is expected.) destroyed. He was totally upset. This is one
Ans : conflict.
Lencho has thought that the rest of the money 2. Between Humans Themselves : After complete
has been taken by the post office employees. He destruction, Lencho writes a letter to God
believed that God could not send him less money for money. The postmaster opens the letter
what he had asked for. Here one can find the addressed to God. In order not to shake the
irony that the money has been collected and paid writer’s faith in God, he collects money from
by the post office employees. He does not believe his employees. He too contributes from his
in them. He calls them bunch of crooks. He thinks
salary. He sends more than half to Lencho
that thirty pesos have been kept by the post
signed as God. On receiving the money,
office employees. He has got no idea that even the
Lencho gets angry. He believes that the post
amount of seventy pesos has been sent by them.
office employees have taken some of his money.
An irony is an amusing or a strange situation
because we find it quite opposite in nature This is a conflict between humans themselves.
from what we duly expect. Here the post office
employees collect and send money to Lencho. He Thinking About Language
calls them a group of cheats on not receiving the 1. Look at this sentence from the story :
full amount. Suddenly a strong wind began to blow and along
with the rain very large hailstone began to fall.
5. Are there people like Lencho in the real world ? ‘Hailstones’ are small balls of ice that fall like rain.
What kind of a person would you say he is ? A storm in which hailstone fall is a ‘hailstorm’.
Ans : You know that a storm is bad weather with strong
No, the people like Lencho are not there in the winds, rain, thunder and lightning.
real world. There are different names in different parts of
Lencho is a hard-working farmer Heavy rain the world for storms, depending on their nature.
and hailstorm destroys his crops. As a result, the Can you match the names in the box with their
only hope for him in this hour of need is the help descriptions below, and fill in the blanks ? You
of God. He has a firm faith in God. He believes may use a dictionary to help you.
that God will come to his rescue. He writes a letter gale, whirlwind, cyclone, hurricane, tornado,
to God to send him 100 pesos. The postmaster at typhoon
first breaks out laughing but the other moment he
1. A violent tropical storm in which strong
turns serious at the immense faith of the man who
winds move in a circle : __c____
has written this letter. The postmaster decided to
answer the letter to God inorder not to shake the 2. An extremely strong wind : _a__
writer’s faith in God. On behalff of God, he sends 3. A violent tropical storm with very strong
him only seventy pesos as he is able to collect winds : __p____
only that much amount. Lencho doesn’t show 4. A violent storm whose centre is a cloud in the
the slightest surprise on seeing the money. Such shape of a funnel : ___n___
is his confidence. He becomes angry on counting 5. A violent storm with very strong winds,
the money. He again writes a letter to God to especially in the western Atlantic Ocean :
send him the remaining 30 pesos directly instead __r______
of sending through the mail. He calls the post-
6. A very strong wind that moves very fast in
of¬fice employees a bunch of crooks.
a spinning movement and causes a lot of
damage : ____l____

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

(i) In addition to the sender, the form has to be 2. Who read the letter ?
signed by the _____ Ans :
(ii) The ‘Acknowledgment’ section of the form is The postmaster read the letter.
sent back by the post office to the _____
3. What did the postmaster do then ?
after the _____ signs it. Ans :
(iii) The ‘Space for Communication’ section is The postmaster did not want to break Lencho’s
used for _____ faith in God. So he decided to answer the letter
(iv) The form has six sections. The sender needs and send money to Lencho.
to fill out _____ sections and the receiver
_____ Oral Comprehension Check - 3
Ans :
1. Was Lencho surprised to find a single letter for
(i) In addition to the sender, the form has to be him with money in it ?
signed by the postal clerk. Ans :
(ii) The ‘Acknowledgment’ section of the form Lencho was not surprised to find a letter for him
is sent back by the post office to the sender with money.
after the receiver signs it.
2. What made him angry ?
(iii) The ‘Space for Communication’ section is
Ans :
used for sending messages.
He became angry when he counted the money.
(iv) The form has six sections. The sender needs Actually Lencho had demanded 100 pesos but only
to fill out three sections and the receiver one. 70 pesos reached him. He thought that God could
not deny him what he had demanded. Certainly
Oral Comprehension Check - 1 the post-office employees might take the money. So
Lencho was angry.
1. What did Lencho hope for ?
Ans :
Thinking About the Text
Lencho hoped for rain.
1. Who does Lencho have complete faith in ? Which
2. Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like ‘new
sentences in the story tell you this ?
coins’ ? Ans :
Ans :
Lencho has complete faith in God. The following
It was because rain drops would resemble the new
sentences tell us this :
coins.
1. Lencho thought only of one hope - The
3. How did the rain change ? What happened to help of God, whose eyes, as he had been
Lencho’s fields ? instructed, see everything, what is deep in
Ans : one’s ‘conscience’.
The rain changed as hailstone began to fall. 2. He wrote “God, if you don’t help me, my
Lencho’s fields were covered with hailstones and family and I will die of hunger this year.”
the whole crop destroyed. 3. “God, of the money that I asked for only
4. What were Lencho’s feelings when the hail seventy pesos reached me, send me the rest.”
stopped ? 2. Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho
Ans :
? Why does he sign the letter “God” ?
When the hail stopped Lencho felt that it was a
total loss. A plague of locusts would have left more Ans :
than that year they would go hungry. Lencho was The postmaster was a very generous fellow. In
desperate. He passed that night in sorrow. order not to shake Lencho’s faith in God, he
collected money and sent it th Lencho. The
Oral Comprehension Check - 2 postmaster signed the letter “God”, lest Lencho
should think that the money had not been sent
1. Who or what did Lencho have faith in ? What
by God.
did he do ?
Ans : 3. Did Lencho try to find out who had sent the
Lencho had faith in God. He wrote a letter to money to him ? Why/Why not ?
God demanding help from him.

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Page 258 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

A non-defining relative clause usually has a (d) Lencho... had done nothing else but see the
comma in front of it and a comma after it (some sky towards the north-east. (He had done
writers use a ‘dash’ - instead, as in the story). If only this.)
the relative clause comes at the end, we just put (e) The man went but for no other reason than
a full stop. to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his
Join the sentences given below using who, whom, body. (He had only this reason.)
whose, which, as suggested. (f) Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on
1. I often go to Mumbai. Mumbai is the seeing the money. (He showed no surprise at
commercial capital of India. (which) all.)
2. My mother is going to host a TV show on Now look back at example (c). Notice that the
cooking. She cooks very well. (who) contradiction in fact serves to emphasise the value
3. These sportspersons are going to meet the or usefulness of the rain to the farmer.
President. Their performance has been Find sentences in the story with negative words,
excellent. (whose) which express these ideas emphatically.
4. Lencho prayed to God. His eyes see into our 1. The trees lost all their leaves.
minds. (whose) _________________________
5. This man cheated me. I trusted him. (whom)
Ans : 2. The letter was addressed to God himself.
_________________________
1. I often go to Mumbai which is the commercial
capital of India. 3. The postman saw this address for the first
2. My mother, who cooks very well, is going to time in his career.
host a TV show on cooking. _________________________
3. These sports persons, whose performance has
been excellent, are going to meet the President. Ans :
4. Lencho prayed to God whose eyes see into our 1. The trees lost all their leaves. The corn was
minds. totally destroyed.
5. This man cheated me whom I trusted. 2. The letter was addressed to God himself.
Sometimes the relative pronoun in a relative Never in his career the postman had known
clause remains ‘hidden’. For example, look at the this address.
first sentence of the story : 3. The postman saw this address for the first
(a) The house - the only one in the entire valley time in his career. He went to his boss
- sat on the crest of a low hill. laughing heartily to show him the letter to
We can rewrite this sentence as : God.
(b) The house - which was the only one in the 5. Metaphors
entire valley - sat on the crest of a low hill. The word ‘metaphor’ comes from a Greek word
In (a), the relative pronoun ‘which’ and the meaning ‘transfer’. Metaphors compare two
verb ‘was’ are not present. things or ideas : a quality or feature of one thing
4. Using Negatives for Emphasis : is transferred to another thing. Some common
We know that sentences with words such as no, metaphors are
not or nothing show the absence of something, or, • the leg of the table : The leg supports our
contradict something. For example : body; So the object that supports a table is
(a) This year we will have no corn. (Corn will be described as a leg.
absent.) • the heart of the city : The heart is an
important organ in the centre of our body.
(b) The hail has left nothing. (Absence of a crop.)
So this word is used to describe the central
(c) These aren’t raindrops falling from the sky, area of a city.
they are new coins. (Contradicts the common In pairs, find metaphors from the story to
idea of what the drops of water falling from complete the table below. Try to say what
the sky are.) qualities are being compared. One has been done
But sometimes negative words are used just to
for you.
emphasis an idea. Look at these sentences from
the story :

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

abundant faith in God, started a correspondence financial help. His whole crop had been destroyed
with Him. In a letter he asked God to send him a because of hailstones. Just to preserve his faith, I
hundred pesos to enable him to sow his field again managed to raise seventy pesos from my employees
and live until the new crop came. This envelope and friends. I too contributed a part of my salary.
which was addressed “To God” greatly intrigued This money was sent to him in an envelope as if
a postman and so he took the envelope containing it were sent by God. His demand was for hundred
the letter to the postmaster. After reading the pesos. I was shocked when I got another letter
letter the postmaster was highly impressed and from him addressed to God. He had written
touched by Lencho’s faith in God. So, in order that the balance amount of thirty pesos should
to cement Lencho’s faith in God, the postmaster not be sent through us as we were “a bunch of
decided to collect money and send it to Lencho. crooks”. We all were taken aback by his letter.
He was able to collect only seventy pesos. He put I decided not to send him any more money. But
this money in an envelope along with a letter to my surprise, my employees thought otherwise.
containing the sender’s signature ‘God’, and sent So, once again we contributed and sent him the
it to Lencho. remaining 30 pesos. What about the things at
your end ? Waiting for your reply.
22. How did the post office employees react when Rest is as usual here.
they received Lencho’s letter ? Yours sincerely
Ans : 2008
Herbert
Lencho was desperate when his whole crop was
destroyed due to the hailstorm. But Lencho had 24. “So, in order not to shake the writer’s faith in
immense faith in God. So, he wrote a letter to God, the postmaster came up with an idea to
God. needed a hundred pesos in order to sow his answer the letter”. What does this statement tell
field again and to live until the next crop comes. us about the postmaster? Was his idea successful
He then dropped the letter in the mailbox. ? How did the receiver react?
The postman, who saw the letter addressed Ans : 2007

to God, laughed heartily. Never in his career as a When the postmaster saw the letter addressed
postman had he known that address. He went to to God, he broke out laughing, but almost
the postmaster who was a fat, amiable fellow. The immediately he turned serious. He was amazed
postmaster also broke out laughing. But almost at the faith of the writer and wished that he too
immediately he turned serious. The postmaster could have the faith of the man who wrote the
highly commended the immense faith of the letter. This shows that he was an appreciative and
writer of the letter in God. That is why, he raised amiable person.
70 pesos and sent it to him in a letter. He was kind, therefore in order not to shake
the writer’s faith, he decided to answer the letter.
23. Suppose you are the postmaster who had raised He was empathetic also. But, when he read the
the money to help Lencho. Write a letter to letter he realised that only goodwill wouldn’t
your friend, John, telling him how you felt when do. He would need money too. Still, he did not
Lencho, in his second letter to God, called the give up the idea of replying to the letter. He
post office employees “a bunch of crooks”. was determined and trustworthy and thus stuck
Ans : 2007
on his resolution. He asked for money from his
Main Post Office, employees and he even himself gave part of his
G.P. Street, salary. Several friends of his were obliged to give
Panama City. something for an act of charity. The postmaster
May 7, 20__ was generous too. In the end, he sent 70 pesos to
My dear Danny, Lencho but he did not reveal his identity. He did
I hope you must be doing well in your job. In not want to break Lencho’s trust, hence signed
my job, we come across different types of people. the letter as God. This shows how selfless he was.
I think ours is more or less a thankless job. I
will illustrate this with an unusually interesting 25. “Humanity still exists”, this is what we get to
incident. know after reading ‘A letter to God’ in which firm
In a village adjoining our town, there is a faith in God of a poor farmer and helpfulness of
simple farmer named Lencho. I came to know the post office employees are aptly depicted .
about his extraordinary faith in God, when I Write a paragraph supporting this statement, in
happened to read his letter addressed to God. about 120-150 words.
Danny ! he actually wrote a letter to God for

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Page 260 Discursive Passage Chapter 1
Ans :
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS 2020

(c) plague of locusts

Multiple Choice
Type Question 9. What was the only hope left in the hearts of
Lencho’s family?
1. Where was Lencho’s house situated?
(a) Compensation from government
(a) bottom of the hill (b) top of a hill
(b) Help from farmer’s association
(c) top of a plateau (d) in a city
(c) Help from God
Ans : 2021

(b) top of a hill (d) There was no hope left

Ans : 2015

2. What was the only thing that the Earth needed (c) Help from God
according to Lencho?
10. How did Lencho decide to contact his last resort?
(a) a shower (b) a snowfall
(a) By visiting them personally
(c) strong winds (d) sunlight
Ans : 2021
(b) Through a letter
(a) a shower (c) Through e-mail
(d) Through fax
3. Where did Lencho expect the downpour to come Ans : 2015
from? (b) Through a letter
(a) north (b) north-east
(c) north-west (d) south-east 11. How much money did Lencho ask for?
Ans : 2021 (a) 100 pesos (b) 1000 pesos
(b) north-east (c) 10 pesos (d) 500 pesos
Ans : 2015
4. What did Lencho compare the large raindrops (a) 100 pesos
with?
(a) silver coins (b) pearls 12. What was the immediate reaction of the postman
(c) diamonds (d) new coins on seeing the letter?
Ans : 2020 (a) Laughed whole-heartedly
(d) new coins (b) Cried
(c) Felt sad about what happened
5. Which crop was growing on Lencho’s fields?
(d) Felt empathetic
(a) Corn (b) Barley Ans : 2015

(c) Rice (d) None of these (a) Laughed whole-heartedly

Ans : 2020

(a) Corn 13. The postmaster was a fat, amiable man. What is
the meaning of amiable?
6. What destroyed Lencho’s fields? (a) Rude (b) Helpful
(a) Heavy rainfall (b) Hailstorm (c) Friendly (d) Enthusiastic
(c) Landslide (d) Flood Ans : 2015, 2006
Ans : 2020 (c) Friendly
(b) hailstorm
14. On seeing the letter, the postmaster was moved
7. The field looked as if it were covered in _____. by Lencho’s _____
(a) salt (b) locusts (a) unwavering faith (b) handwriting
(c) sugar (d) ice (c) love for God (d) determination
Ans : 2020 Ans : 2015
(a) salt (a) unwavering faith

8. Lencho compared the quantum of damage with 15. Why did the postmaster decide to reply to
(a) attack by rats (b) attack by crows Lencho’s letter?
(c) plague of locusts (d) None of these (a) He was a good man
(b) He felt empathetic

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2011
(b) As soon as we finished bathing the dog, it
i. (b) He needed a hundred pesos to rebuild his shook itself vigorously.
life. (c) The armies did not want to unsettle the
ii. The postmaster felt overawed by Lencho’s situation so they declared a truce.
naivety and marvelled at his absolute faith (d) She stood in a corner shivering with cold
in God. Although he laughed at reading the and fear.
letter, he felt that such deep and firm faith in
iv. What do the words, “What faith! I wish I had
God should be sustained.
the faith of the man who wrote this letter.
iii. (a) The armies did not want to unsettle the Starting up a correspondence with God!”
situation so they declared a truce. reveal about the postmaster?
iv. The postmaster was a friendly, generous Ans : 2010

and helpful person who respected Lencho’s i. The Postmaster was a kind, generous, helpful,
extraordinary faith in God. amiable and God-fearing man. He received
a letter from Lencho which was written to
6. Read the extract given below and answer the
God asking for Hundred pesos, so that he
questions that follows :
could sow his fields again. The postman
One of the employees, who was a postman and
felt sympathetic towards Lencho. He gave
also helped at the post office, went to his boss
up a part of his salary and asked all other
laughing heartily and showed him the letter to
employees to help.
God. Never in his career as a postman had he
known that address. The postmaster — a fat, ii. (c) He needed a hundred pesos to help the
amiable fellow — also broke out laughing, but petitioner.
almost immediately he turned serious and, tapping iii. (c) The armies did not want to unsettle the
the letter on his desk, commented, “What faith! situation so they declared a truce.
I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this iv. The postmaster felt overawed by Lencho’s
letter. Starting up a correspondence with God!” naivety and marvelled at his absolute faith
So, in order not to shake the writer’s faith in God.
in God, the postmaster came up with an idea:
answer the letter. But when he opened it, it was
evident that to answer it he needed something

more than goodwill, ink and paper.
i. How would you describe the postmaster
based on your understanding of the passage?
Answer in about 40 words.
ii. ‘But when he opened it, it was evident that
to answer it he needed something more than
goodwill, ink and paper.’ What did the
postmaster need?
(a) He needed seeds from everyone to help
Lencho.
(b) He needed an envelop and a stamp.
(c) He needed a hundred pesos to help the
petitioner.
(d) He needed sixty pesos to give in charity
to Lencho.
iii. A few sentences with various meanings
of ‘shake’. are given below. Which of the
following sentence has used the word ‘shake’
in a similar meaning as in the passage?
(a) The jelly wobbled daintily in a pool of
creamy custard.

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Page 262 Discursive Passage Chapter 1
Ans : 2013
36. There was/were _____ house/houses on the
(b) To save his family from hunger top of the hill.
29. What did the postmaster do then? (a) One (b) Twenty
(a) He decided to collect the money and send it (c) Four (d) Two
to Lencho. Ans : 2012

(b) He throw away the letter (a) One.

(c) He decided to beat Lencho to teach him a
37. From the top of the hill he can see his ready to
lesson.
harvest cornfield along with –
(d) He gave it to other postmaster
(a) Forest (b) Village
Ans : 2013

(a) He decided to collect the money and send it (c) River (d) Vast field
to Lencho. Ans : 2012

(c) River.
30. Who read the letter sent by Lencho?
38. Lencho, the farmer gazes at the sky in the
(a) His Wife (b) The Postmaster
_____ direction on the hope for rainfall.
(c) One of the farmer (d) The God
(a) North-west (b) North
Ans : 2013

(b) The Postmaster (c) North-East (d) South

Ans : 2011

31. The story is all about an unconditional (c) North-East.

(a) Love (b) Enmity
39. “Now we’re really going to get some water”lencho
(c) Faith (d) Dependence told this to –
Ans : 2013
(a) Wife (b) Elder son
(c) Faith.
(c) Daughter (d) Another farmer
32. Lencho, the protagonist of the story was _____ Ans : 2011
by professions. (a) Wife.
(a) Farmer
(b) Monk 40. Farmer’s older boys were
(c) Trader (a) Working in the field
Ans : 2013 (b) Studying
(d) Government service holder (c) Playing in the garden
(a) Farmer. (d) Having dinner
Ans : 2011
33. The story sets in –
(a) Working in the field.
(a) Latin America (b) Australia
(c) Europe (d) Africa 41. Large droplets were equivalent to
Ans : 2013 (a) Five cents coin (b) One cent coin
(a) Latin America. (c) Ten cents coin (d) Two cent coin
Ans : 2010, 2008
34. It’s a story about a unconditional faith upon –
(c) Ten cents coin.
(a) Brother (b) God
(c) Family (d) Friend 42. Hailstones were compared with _____ in the
Ans : 2012 story.
(b) God. (a) Frozen gold (b) Snow balls
(c) Silver coins (d) Frozen pearls
35. Lencho, the farmer had a _____ field.
Ans : 2010
(a) Jute (b) Peddy (d) Frozen pearls.
(c) Wheat (d) Corn
Ans : 2012 43. For _____ the hail rained.
(d) Corn. (a) An hour (b) Five hours
(c) Two hours (d) Half an hour

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2016
13. Show Lencho’s faith and confidence in God with
Lencho was simple man, a farmer who lived in a examples from the lesson.
solitary house. He hardly knew ways of the world. Ans : 2015, 2014
He had such strong faith in God that he could Lencho had full faith in the help of God. The
never believe that God would not help him. He following sentences in the story tell us about it.
wrote the letter with a very strong conviction. ‘Lencho thought only of his one hope : ‘The
This faith in God prompted him to write a letter help of God’, whose eyes, as he had heard, see
to God asking his help. When he had asked for everything, even what is deep in one’s conscience.’
hundred pesos but received less, he could never Again, Lencho showed not the slightest
imagine that God could have never made the surprise on seeing the money in the envelope-
mistake. It was not out of jealousy or anger he such was his confidence.. But he became angry
called post office employees a bunch of crooks. when he counted the money. ‘God could not have
But it was his innocence and simpleton behaviour made a mistake no could he have denied Lencho
which made him address them in such a manner. what he had requested. The above facts from the
He was an innocent person who lacked common text prove his deep faith and confidence in God.’
sense and practical knowledge of the world.
14. The postmaster showed great exemplary action in
11. Suppose you are the postmaster. Explain your his act. Can in today’s times we can find people
feelings when you received second letter of Lencho. like postmaster ? What would you have done if
Ans : 2016
you were in place of postmaster ?
I opened the letter out of curiosity. I imagined Ans : 2014
that Lencho would have thanked God for sending The postmaster was able to strengthen Lencho’s
him the money. But on opening the letter I was faith in God. The postmaster was surprised on
shocked to read that instead of writing a few seeing Lencho’s letter addressed to God. He knew
words of thanks, instead curse had been poured that he needed more than good will to answer
on me. the letter but still he tried his best to collect the
I felt very bad about my employees who had money to send to Lencho. The act of postmaster
been called ‘a bunch of crooks’. Actually post has really moved us. In today’s times it is quite
office employees along with me had donated part difficult to find people like postmaster. Even
of salary in terms of charity. It was difficult for relatives and dear friends do not come near in
me to understand that how I should react to the times of need. So, it is quite strange to imagine
situation and how to let Lencho know the real person like postmaster gathering courage to help
truth. There is no point in sending him the rest others.
of the amount. If I actually send him the rest of If I were in postmaster’s place, I would not
the amount he would keep on thinking that post have acted in such a wise and sensible manner.
office employees are actually cheats. Such acts really need sacrifice.
12. As the postmaster, write how you felt when 15. Suppose you are the postmaster. How would you
Lencho accused you and your men of stealing feel if you were accused by Lencho of being cheat
money? along with your employees?
Ans : 2015
Ans : 2014, 2005
When I received Lencho’s letter, I felt downcast, If I were the postmaster I would have surely
shocked and discouraged. I did not expect it from felt very humiliated and insulted. It would have
Lencho. I had involved my whole department into shocked me. I know that it would have been very
helping this poor rustic fellow. It took me a lot difficult to collect seventy pesos for a simple
of efforts to arrange seventy pesos for him. But farmer. This would have made me feel very
this man proved very ungrateful. He called us a low on being called bunch of crooks. I feel that
bunch of cheats and accused us of stealing money. postmaster was a great person by having acting
I see no point in sending the remaining amount to in such a decent manner. I might have created
this ungrateful fellow. If I send him the remaining furore over the situation. I would have gone to the
amount he will be convinced that we had cheated extent of hitting Lencho and disclosed the whole
him. This would damage the image of the post truth to him.
office employees. Let him face the reality that it
was an act of foolishness on his part to have asked 16. Describe the character of Lencho in the light of
God for money. his faith and attitude towards God and man.

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Page 264 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

59. “_____” an inner sense of right and wrong. 66. What Resembles With “New Coins”
(a) inner voice (b) Conscience (a) he crop (b) rain drops
(c) six sense (d) none of these (c) the currency (d) none of these
Ans : 2007 Ans : 2006

(b) Conscience (b) rain drops

60. “An ox of a man” this metaphors used in the 67. What Made Lencho Angry ?
story, which means
(a) There were only 70 pesos
(a) strong (b) Agriculture
(b) there were 100 pesos
(c) Weak (d) kind of tool
(c) there was no money
Ans : 2007

(a) strong (d) 70 & 100 pesos

Ans : 2006
61. A violent storm whose centre is a cloud in the (a) There were only 70 pesos
shape of a funnel, called:
(a) Rain (b) Cyclone 68. Which idioms suitable for the story
(c) Thunderstorm (d) tornado (a) where there is a will there is way
Ans : 2007 (b) aspire to inspire
(d) tornado (c) faith can move mountains
62. Why Did The Postmaster Signed The Letter (d) a and b
AsGod ? Ans : 2005

(c) faith can move mountains

(a) he wanted to make him fool
(b) So that Lencho’s faith does not get shaken. 69. What does ‘locusts’ mean
(c) he do the sign like that only (a) insects (b) Animal
(d) none of the above (c) Plant (d) None of these
Ans : 2007 Ans : 2005
(b) So that Lencho’s faith does not get shaken. (a) insects

63. Why did not Lenchotry to find out who send the 70. With Reference To The Story, What Fo You
money to him ? Think, About The Postmaster ?
(a) he had completed faith in God (a) rude (b) Greedy
(b) he didn’t waste his time (c) Kind (d) thief
(c) he was not interestedto find out Ans : 2005

(d) none of the above (c) Kind

Ans : 2006
71. Lencho’s soul was filled with_____ after the
(a) he had completed faith in God
crop was destroyed.
64. Who Does Lencho Think Has Taken The Rest Of (a) Kindness (b) Darkness
The Money ? (c) Happiness (d) Sadness
(a) he,himself Ans : 2005

(b) the God (d) Sadness

(c) the post office employees 72. What is resembles with new silver coins ?
(d) his wife (a) large hailstones (b) Raindrops
Ans : 2006, 2005
(c) Corn (d) plant leafs
(c) the post office employees Ans : 2005

65. Lencho was a (a) large hailstones

(a) builder (b) Businessman 73. On the crest of a low hill. Find the meaning of
(c) postmaster (d) Farmer highlighted word
Ans : 2006
(a) middle of a hill (b) bottom of a hill
(d) Farmer
(c) top of a hill (d) none of these

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

Object Metaphor Quality or with your teacher.

Feature Ans :
Compared It was on last Sunday that I went to the Aravalli
Mountain ranges. It is situated in South Delhi.
Cloud Huge mountains The mass or I was quite alone. The area is full of rocks,
of clouds . ‘hugeness’ of mountains and thorny bushes. It is quite deserted.
mountains Under the whim of enjoying nature, I went on
Raindrops moving. By chance it became dark. A violent
storm came and the clouds approached in the sky.
Hailstones I was frightened to the extent possible. I
Locusts started weeping and my heart was pounding and
thumping. The atmosphere was turning all the
An epidemic (a
more fearful. I cried in horror. Only a miracle
disease) that
could save me. Suddenly a military jeep stopped
spreads very
near me. I was all the more frightened and gave
rapidly and
a shriek. They gave me consolation and made
leaves many
me sit in the jeep They brought me to the police
people dead.
station. My parents were informed and they took
An ox of a man me home.
Ans :
Listening
Object Metaphor Quality or
Feature 1. Listen to the letter (given under in this lesson)
Compared, read out 3y your teacher/on the audio tape. As
you listen fill in the table given below :
1. Cloud Huge The mass or
1. The writer apologises (says sorry) because
mountains of hugeness of
clouds. mountains. 2. The writer has sent this to the reader
3. The writer sent it in the month of
2. Raindrops New coins Excessive
value like 4. The reason for not writing earlier
money and 5. Sarah goes to
metal 6. Who is writing to whom ?
3. Hailstone New silver Ornamental 7. Where and when were they last together ?
coins frozen value, Ans :
pearls hugeness of
1. The writer apologises he has not written
ice.
(says sorry) because for a long time.
4. Locusts Plague of An epidemic
2. The writer has sent a birthday card
locusts (a disease)
this to the reader
that spreads
very rapidly 3. The writer sent it in September 2005
and leaves the month of
many people 4. The reason for not turned to new house
dead. writing earlier
5. Farmer An ox of a A hard 5. Sarah goes to School named “Little
man working and Feet”
laborious
person. 6. Who is writing to Uncle to cousin
whom ?

Speaking 7. Where and when Bangalore, last year

were they last
1. Have you ever been in great difficulty, and felt together ?
that only a miracle could help you ? How was
your problem solved ? Speak about this in class

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Page 266 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

The pelting hailstones could have been easily seen to God’.

as sugar cubes. Do you think comparing it with Ans : 2019, 2017

sugar would have been more appropriate? Why/ Lencho had immense faith in God, therefore he
Why not? (Most expected question) wrote a letter to God with the belief that God
Ans : 2021 would send him the hundred pesos and that would
A hailstorm can be compared to small balls of make up for the loss of his crops. But, when he
anything that is white in colour. But, here, the received seventy pesos, he was upset. He had no
comparison to salt is much better than sugar faith in humans and thought that the post office
cubes. As sugar symbolises sweetness or happiness, employees had stolen thirty pesos of the money
whereas excess salt signifies the spoilt taste. The that God had sent for his help. Once again, he
hailstorm spoiled Lencho’s fields totally that’s wrote a letter to God to complain about this issue.
why it is said that the field was white as if covered
with salt. So, comparing it with sugar would not 14. Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho
have been more appropriate. ? Why does he sign the letter ‘God’ ?
Ans : 2016

10. Lencho and his family knew the implications The postmaster was a kind, generous, helpful
the hailstorm would have on their lives. Write a and God fearing man. When he received the
conversation between Lencho and his wife as they letter written to God asking for 100 pesos he felt
watched the downpour turn into a hailstorm. sympathetic towards Lencho. Hence, he decided to
Ans : 2021 help Lencho. He gave a part of his salary and asked
Conversation between Lencho and his wife – the other employees to help. He signed the letter
Wife : If this storm does not stop here, we will ‘God’ in order to preserve the man’s faith in God.
die of hunger.
Lencho : Yes, our hard work will go to waste. It 15. How far would you agree that one’s positivity
must stop now. can bring in a spark of brightness even in adverse
Wife : We will have no corn left this year. circumstances. ?
Lencho : Don’t worry, God can see everything and Ans : 2015

He will not let us die of hunger. It is absolutely true that optimism can bring about
Wife : Let’s hope so. I have heard that no one dies a spark of brightness even in adverse situations. It
of hunger. was Lencho’s innocent optimism that eventually
led to his getting seventy pesos. In fact, it was
11. Lencho did not bother exploring any other means his positivity despite the hailstorm that he even
to resolve his situation but just turned to God. wrote a letter to God in first place. His hope finall
Do you feel that his approach was justified? Why/ triumphed.
Why not?
Ans : 2021 16. Was Lencho surprised to find a letter with money
I do not justify his approach of relying solely on in it ? Why/ Why not ?
God’s help. It was totally illogical. Sorrow and Ans : 2015

happiness are two phases of life that everyone must Lencho was not at all surprised to receive the
stay prepared to face. Besides, praying to God for envelope with the money in it because he had
his mental calmness he should have approached his utter faithin God. His unshakeable faith gave him
relatives for help and worked hard again. firm confidence.

12. What, according to you would have been the 17. What did postmaster need to answer Lencho’s
likely reaction of Lencho’s wife upon knowing letter ?
about him writing an actual letter to God? Ans : 2013

Ans : 2021
Postmaster was surprised on seeing Lencho’s
According to me, she would have been happy letter addressed to God. On reading the letter he
knowing that Lencho had informed God about found that he needed more than goodwill, paper
their loss and help would reach them soon. She and ink to answer the letter. He needed money to
had a deep faith in God. She believed that no be sent to Lencho.
one can die of hunger because God takes care of
18. Lencho said, “These aren’t rain drops - they are
everyone’s basic needs.
‘new coins’.” Why did he say so ? How did these
13. Lencho had faith in God but lacked faith in new coins ultimately bring disaster to his corn
humanity. Elaborate with reference to ‘A Letter field ?

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

(c) To preserve Lencho’s faith in God Ans : 2014

(b) Remaining amount and not send it by mail

(d) All of the above
Ans : 2014
23. What is the irony in this lesson?
(c) To preserve Lencho’s faith in God
(a) Lencho was sad after the hailstorm even
16. What else did the reply demanded apart from though he was the one waiting for a shower
goodwill, ink and paper? (b) Postmaster laughed at Lencho but still helped
(a) Lost crop (b) Money arrange money for him
(c) God’s signature (d) New seeds (c) Lencho blamed the post office employees who
(b) Money in fact helped him
(d) There is no irony
17. How much money was the postmaster able to Ans : 2014
arrange? (c) Lencho blamed the post office employees who
(a) 100 pesos (b) Nil in fact helped him
(c) 1000 pesos (d) 70 pesos
24. What type of conflict does the chapter highlight?
Ans : 2014

(d) 70 pesos (a) Conflict between nature and humans

(b) Conflict among humans
18. What did the postmaster feel on experiencing (c) Conflict among God and nature
Lencho receive the letter?
(d) Both (a) and (b)
(a) Contended (b) Proud Ans : 2013
(c) Overwhelmed (d) All of these (d) Both (a) and (b)
Ans : 2014

(a) Contended 25. Who is the author of the lesson ‘A Letter to God’ ?
(a) G.L. Fuentes
19. Why was Lencho not surprised on seeing the
(b) J.k. Rowling
money in the envelope?
(c) William Shakespeare
(a) He was too sad to acknowledge it
(d) Roald Dahl
(b) He had unwavering faith in God
Ans : 2013
(c) He was an ungrateful man (a) G.L. Fuentes
(d) None of the above
Ans : 2014 26. What did Lencho hope for?
(b) He had unwavering faith in God (a) A good shower of rain for his crop.
(b) A new motorcycle
20. How did he feel when he counted the money?
(c) A tractor
(a) Grateful (b) Joyful
(d) None of these
(c) Relieved (d) Angry
Ans : 2013
Ans : 2014
(a) A good shower of rain for his crop.
(d) Angry
27. Why was Lencho satisfied?
21. What did Lencho think of the post-office (a) On seeing a new tractor in his field.
employees?
(b) On seeing a new buffalo.
(a) Bunch of crooks (b) Rude
(c) On seeing the field of ripe corn with flowers.
(c) Unhelpful (d) Proud
(d) None of these
Ans : 2014
Ans : 2013, 2010
(a) Bunch of crooks
(c) On seeing the field of ripe corn with flowers.
22. What did Lencho ask for in his second letter? 28. Why did Lencho need money?
(a) More money (a) To buy a tractor
(b) Remaining amount and not send it by mail (b) To save his family from hunger
(c) Remaining amount and send it by mail only (c) To buy a new phone.
(d) He didn’t ask for anything (d) To buy a buffalo.

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30. Why did the postmaster not sign the envelope 36. How did the post office employees help Lencho?
himself? How did Lencho react to their help?
Ans : 2006 Ans : 2006

The postmaster had never known letter addressed The post office employees received an unusual
to God in his career. He did not sign the envelope letter addressed to God. In order not to shake the
himself as he did not want to shake writer’s faith faith of the writer of the letter, they collected 70
and conviction in God. pesos and sent it to Lencho. Lencho was not at
all surprised when he got the money. On receiving
31. Why did Lencho exclaim, “It’s really getting bad 70 pesos, he became angry and blamed the post
now”? office employees for the shortfall of 30 pesos. He
Ans : 2006, 2001
was sure that God had sent the 100 pesos he had
Lencho was happy with the raindrops. But soon asked for, and thought the post office employees
the weather started getting bad. A strong wind to be a bunch of crooks.
started blowing. Along with rain very large
hailstones began to fall and when the hailstones 37. ‘Sympathy and kindness are human virtues’.
started destroying the field completely, Lencho Write a character sketch of the postmaster with
exclaimed, “It’s really getting bad now.” reference to these human virtues.
Ans : 2006
32. What was the effect of hailstones on Lencho’s The postmaster is a genuine and God-loving
crop ? man. He is amazed to read Lencho’s letter and
Ans : 2006
even more amazed at Lencho’s abundant faith in
For an hour, the hailstones rained on the house, God. Being a kind person he does not want to
the garden, the hillside, and on Lencho’s cornfield shake the writer’s faith in God. The postmaster
soon. The field turned white, as if covered with is also a man who sticks to his decision so he is
salt. Not even a leaf remained on the trees and able to collect money for Lencho’s help. Since he
the corn crop of Lencho was totally destroyed as commands the respect of his juniors and friends
the flowers were gone from the plants. they too feel obliged to give him money for an act
of charity.
33. “That night was a sorrowful one.” Why was that
night sorrowful for Lencho and his family ? 38. Why did the postmaster want to help Lencho?
Ans : 2006
And how did he do that?
That night, Lencho realised that the hailstones Ans : 2005
had totally destroyed his corn crop. He realised The postmaster was captivated to see the firm
that all his efforts had turned fruitless. Lencho faith of Lencho in God and he did not want his
and his family realised that there would be belief to be shaken. He asked the other employees
nobody to help them. He felt sad that they might of the post office and his friends to give something
have to go hungry that year. Thus that night was for an act of charity. He was so determined to
a sorrowful one. provide him aid that he himself contributed a
part of his salary.
34. What was the reaction of the postmaster when he
came to know about Lencho’s letter ? 39. Why did the postmaster send a letter of reply to
Ans : 2006
Lencho?
When the postman told the postmaster about Ans : 2003
Lencho’s letter, at first he began to laugh. But, The postmaster was very impressed and touched
almost immediately he became serious. The by Lencho’s sincere faith in God. He wished he too
postmaster commended the faith of the writer of had that kind of faith. So, in order to reconfirm
the letter, who had addressed the letter to God. and not to shake Lencho’s faith in God he decided
to answer the letter.
35. Do you think the post office employees were really
“a bunch of crooks” ?
Ans : 2006 Long Answer Type Question
No, they were not crooks at all. Rather, they were
kind-hearted and generous people. They wanted 1. Explain the irony in the chapter, “A Letter to
to help Lencho to mitigate his trouble. Hence, God”.
they had contributed to collect 70 pesos to retain Ans : 2024

Lencho’s faith in God. The irony in the chapter “A Letter to God” is

that Lencho suspects the exact same people that

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

O so violent that it destroyed the crop completely.

Why does Lenco compre rain drops with the new Not a leaf or a flower remained on the plants. It
coins? was a total loss.
Ans : 2011, 2005

Lencho needed a good harvest. The rain drops 24. Lencho had only one hope. What was it ?
would promise Lencho rich crops. By selling the Ans : 2008

crop, would fetch more money. So rain drops were On seeing a complete loss, Lencho’s soul become
called ‘new coins’. All of a sudden large hailstones sad. But he had firm faith in God. He had only one
began to fall. ‘Not a leaf remained. It was total single hope. It was the help of God. He believed
loss.’ that God does not let any one die of hunger.

19. What impression do you form of the postmaster 25. When did Lencho receive the letter ? What was
after reading the story ‘A Letter to God’ ? his reaction on opening the letter ?
Ans : 2011
Ans : 2007

The postmaster was a kind, generous, helpful, On the following Sunday, Lencho went to the post
amiable and god-fearing man. He was generous, office. He wanted to know if there was any letter
as he helped Lencho with 70 pesos. He also wrote for him. The postman handed over the letter to
a reply for Lencho’s letter in order to maintain his Lencho. Lencho was not at all surprised. Rather
faith in God. he became angry on finding seventy pesos.

20. What were Lencho’s feelings when he found the 26. Why did the postmaster laugh at Lencho’s letter
letter with money in it ? What did he do after ?
opening the letter ? Ans : 2007

Ans : 2010
The postmaster laughed at Lencho’s letter
Lencho was not at all surprised to see the money because he had never seen such a letter in his life
in the letter as he was fully confident about it. addressed to God. This made him serious. But
He knew that God will send money for him. On immediately he turned anxious.
opening the letter he found seventy pesos instead 27. Whom did Lencho write a letter ? What did he
of hundred. So, he wrote another letter to God to ask for?
send rest of the amount but now not through mail Ans : 2007
as the post office employees were crooks. When Lencho’s annual crop was completely
21. How do you know Lencho was a hard working destroyed due to heavy rains and hailstorm and
farmer? there was no one to help him during the crisis.
Ans : 2009
Lencho, at that time, wrote a letter to God. He
We know that Lencho was a hard working farmer wrote the letter requesting Him to send 100 pesos
as he worked very hard like an animal in the field. so that he could sow his fields again till the next
His house was the only one in the entire valley. He crop.
made every effort to get money to sow the field for 28. Why did Lencho’s happy mood change to concern
the next harvest. ?
22. Lencho was angry when he received the letter. Ans : 2007

How did he express his anger? Lencho’s happy mood changed to concern when
Ans : 2009
large hailstones began to fall. The storm was so
When Lencho received the letter he was angry as violent that it destroyed the crop completely. Not
the envelope contained seventy pesos. He knew a leaf or flower remained on the plants. Thus he
that God could not have made a mistake. At showed concern for the family.
once he began to write second letter to God with 29. What did Lencho write in the first letter addressed
wrinkling of his brow. He affixed the stamp with to God?
blow of his fist. Ans : 2007

23. What was the effect of the storm on Lencho’s In the first letter, Lencho wrote, “God, if you
farm? don’t help me, my family and I will go hungry
Ans : 2008
this year. I need a hundred pesos in order to sow
All of a sudden very large hailstone began to fall. my field again and to live until the crop comes,
His field became white as if covered with salt. because the hailstorm... .”
The hailstones looked like silver. The storm was

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6. Read the extracts given below and comment The postmaster is also a man who sticks to his
on the difference in the nature of help both the resolutions so he is able to collect money for
characters, of these two stories, received. Lencho’s help. Since he commands the respect
(i) Suddenly I came out of the clouds and saw of his juniors and friends they too feel obliged
two straight lines of lights in front of me. It to give him money for an act of charity. He is a
was a runway! An airport! I was safe! I turned generous person and tries to perceive others in a
to look for my friend in the black aeroplane more positive light.
but the sky was empty. [The Black Aeroplane]
(ii) All through the night Lencho thought only of 8. Oh “God”, wrote Lencho, “If you do not help me,
his one hope: the help of God.. .The following my family and I will go hungry this year.” Did
Sunday, at daybreak he began to write a God help him and how?
letter.. .It was nothing less than a letter to Ans : 2018

God… The following Sunday Lencho came Lencho was a simple minded farmer. For his
a bit earlier than usual to ask if there was livelihood, he was dependent on his fields. His
a letter for him…. Lencho showed not the fields always promised a rich harvest but the
slightest surprise on seeing the money, such earth was in need of some downpour. At supper,
was his confidence. [A Letter to God] it rained heavily alongwith the hailstones. It
Ans : 2020 covered everything with the hails. As a result of
1. Both need help this, his crop was totally ruined. Lencho’s soul
was filled with sadness. It was a terrible night for
2. In The Black Aeroplane, he is helped by a
him. There was none to help him.
stranger in a black aeroplane in the storm, Still he had a single hope. It was the help
without lights from God. He would definitely help him in this
3. Steered through the dark clouds; was told odd situation. So he wrote a letter to God. He
there was no other aeroplane in the air other requested Him to send him a hundred pesos. He
than his wrote, “God, if you don’t help me, my family
4. Wasn’t clear who helped him and I will go hungry this year.” The post master
5. Open to interpretation helped Lencho. He did an act of charity for him.
6. Help is not asked for but he receives it 9. “If you don’t help me, my family and I will go
7. Is thankful hungry this year.” Lencho had faith in God but
8. In A Letter to God – different nature of aid he didn’t manage to solve the problem by himself.
9. Lencho writes a letter to God asking for Did he lack the courage to resolve his matter
money; his conviction in God touches the himself ? What values did he lack ? Explain it in
postmaster 100-120 words.
10. Postmaster raises money and sends it to him Ans : 2017, 2012

Lencho was a hardworking farmer. He was

11. He asks for help
completely dependent upon the crops of his fields.
12. The source of his aid is clearly revealed His annual crop was completely destroyed due to
13. Not satisfied heavy rains and hailstorm. In the entire village,
there was no one to help him during the times
7. In the lesson ‘A Letter to God’, what moral values of financial crisis. He had firm belief in God and
does the postmaster display in his behaviour? hence wrote a letter requesting Him to send 100
O pesos so that he could sow his fields again till the
The postmaster represents such people who still next crop. This act did not prove that he lacked
believe in helping others. Mention those values of courage to resolve his problem, but shows that he
the postmaster which you would like to emulate did not have any option left for himself. He had
in yourself. Write in 100-120 words. a firm belief in God. He was an ox of a man but
Ans : 2018 lacked money to stand again.
The postmaster was very impressed and touched
by Lencho’s sincere faith in God. In order to 10. Apart from his blind faith in God was Lencho
reconfirm and not to shake Lencho’s faith he a wise person ? Was he justified in called post
decided to answer the letter. He is amazed to read office employees a bunch of crooks ? Prove your
Lencho’s letter and even more amazed at Lencho’s point by giving examples from the text ‘A Letter
abundant faith in God. The postmaster is thus a to God’.
very genuine, empathetic and soft hearted man.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2010
(c) 60 (d) 10
(a) An hour. Ans : 2008

(b) 70
44. The field was white, as if covered with
(a) White pearls (b) Salt 53. Lencho was suspicious upon the honesty of the
(c) Snow (d) Milk (a) Employees of the post office
Ans : 2010
(b) Postmaster
(b) Salt
(c) God
45. There was only one hope left a help from (d) Postman
(a) Government (b) Friends Ans : 2008

(a) Employees of the post office

(c) God (d) Relatives
Ans : 2010
54. According to Lencho the employees of the post
(c) God office are
46. Lencho started writing a letter to god on (a) Crooks (b) Good soul
(a) Monday morning (b) Sunday morning (c) Faithful (d) Image of god
Ans : 2008
(c) Saturday morning (d) Sunday afternoon
Ans : 2009
(a) Crooks
(b) Sunday morning 55. Lencho was exchanging the letter through with
47. Ox of a man means God.
(a) Lazy (b) Cleaver (a) Rail (b) A good friend
(c) Hard working (d) Focused (c) Dove (d) Computer internet
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2007

(c) Hard working (a) Rail

48. Pesos is a monetary unit of 56. Which quote supports the idea in the given
extract?
(a) Mexico (b) Venice
(a) “Farming is a profession of hope.”
(c) Morocco (d) Zurich
Ans : 2009
(b) “I would rather be on my farm than be
(a) Mexico emperor of the world.”
(c) “Farming looks mighty easy when your plough
49. Lencho spent _____ pesos to sow his field. is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from
(a) 10 (b) 1000 the corn field.”
(c) 50 (d) 100 (d) “Those too lazy to plough in the right season
Ans : 2009 will have no food at the harvest.”
(d) 100 Ans : 2007

(a) “Farming is a profession of hope.”

50. Who was a fat, amiable fellow?
(a) Postmaster (b) Lencho 57. Lencho’s letter included
(c) Postman (d) Guard (a) details of his problems
Ans : 2008 (b) description of the post office
(a) Postmaster (c) belief of being looted
51. The postmaster to help lencho by giving him (d) List of further demands
_____ as a reply from God. Ans : 2007

(d) List of further demands

(a) Money (b) Crops
(c) Letter (d) Gold 58. Who read the letter sent by Lencho?
Ans : 2008 (a) His Wife (b) The Postmaster
(a) Money
(c) The God (d) One of the farmer
52. Lencho received only _____ pesos. Ans : 2007

(b) The Postmaster

(a) 50 (b) 70

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O Amidst such times he wrote letter to God and

“I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this with strong conviction was able to win.
letter.” Describe Lencho’s character is the light
of this statement. Is such devout faith in God 19. “Now we are really going to get some water,
woman.” Who was Lencho and for what did he
possible in today’s practical life?
Ans : 2013, 2008, 2004
need water ?
Ans : 2011
Lencho being a very simple person started a
Lencho was a strongly-built farmer. He lived in
correspondence with God so that he would help
the solitary house. His house was situated on the
him and make sure that he and his family would
crest of a low hill in the valley. From here, he
not starve. He had an abundant faith in God
could survey and see the river. He could also see
and therefore with great confidence he directly
his field of ripe corn dotted with flowers. They
appealed to God for help. As for his opinion
always promised a good harvest. Lencho worked
regarding men, Lencho considers them dishonest
very hard in the field.
and deceitful. He does not hesitate to write about
To ensure a good crop, some rain was needed.
his contemptuous attitude towards men in his
Lencho knew his fields intimately. He predicted
letter to God and he calls the men at the post-
rain and his prediction turned right. It started
office a bunch of crooks. He knew that God helps
raining during dinner. He went out to feel the
innocent people in distress and therefore does not
rain. Lencho surveyed, with satisfaction as his
hesitate in approaching him directly for help and
crop was draped in a curtain of rain. Raindrops
neither is he bewildered when he does receive a
looked like new silver coins to him.
letter signed by God.
Faith is an expression of hope for something 20. Do you think the story ‘A Letter to God’ shows
better. In today’s practical world of cut-throat Lencho’s immense faith in God ? Give reasons.
competition and demanding lives, such strong Ans : 2011
faith in God and one’s own self is extremely Yes, the story depicts the farmer Lencho’s immense
necessary. It motivates us to be positive and be faith in God. Lencho desperately wanted some
successful in what we do. rain for his crop. The ripe corn stood proud in the
field and promised a good harvest. Unfortunately,
17. Why does Lencho write a letter to God? What
the rain came but it turned into a hailstorm. As
does he experience?
a result, Lencho’s crop was totally destroyed. His
Ans : 2013
heart was filled with sorrow. But, he had immense
Lencho’s crops have been devastated in hailstorm.
faith in God. So, he did not lose his heart.
He fears he and his family would starve. So he
Lencho then wrote a letter to God. He
writes a letter to the God to seek help from the
requested God to send him 100 pesos to enable
God. He urges for 100 pesos so that he can sow his
him to sow his field again. He dropped the letter
field again and live until the new crop comes. He
in the mailbox of the town. The postmaster read
puts this letter in an envelope and addresses the
the letter addressed to God. He wanted to preserve
envelope “To God”. He is quite sure that the God
Lencho’s faith in God, so he raised 70 pesos and
will provide him help in time. His firm belief in
sent them to him. Later, Lencho wrote a second
the mercy of the God never seems to be shaking.
letter to God asking him to send the remaining 30
Although he is still troubled, he is relieved that
pesos, but not through the mail.
now he has sought help from the God.
21. Why did Lencho seek help from God? Who
18. Lencho is a very hard working farmer. It is his
received the letter? What did he do?
hardworking habit which makes him not deter his
faith. How do you justify this act of Lencho ? O
Ans : 2012 ‘Faith can move mountains.’ What did the
Lencho is a hard working farmer. He is an ox of postmaster do in order not to break Lencho’s
a man, working like an animal in the fields. He is faith in God. Explain.
the only farmer who lives in the valley with his O
family. He has great faith of getting help from What was the letter to God about? How much
God. He prayed to God for downpour as he knew did it serve Lencho’s purpose?
his fields intimately. It is due to faith he even Ans : 2008, 2002, 2001
writes letter to God. When Lencho’s crop was totally destroyed by the
I fully agree with act of Lencho. The way he hail, he being a simple-hearted person who had
acted in at times of difficulty is fully appreciative.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2023

(c) top of a hill The devastation caused by the hailstorm reflects

the sadness within Lencho, in ‘A Letter to God’.
74. What Postmaster Said To Employees To Collect The lines “not a leaf remained on the trees” and
The Money “flowers were gone from the plants” describe
(a) for forming the NGO the despair and emptiness that Lencho had in
(b) As an actof rudeness his heart after suffering from the loss. Lencho’s
corn was “Totally destroyed” and this left him
(c) as an act of give something
completely sad and hopeless.
(d) As a act of charity
Ans : 2005 5. Who read the letter sent by Lencho? What did
(d) As a act of charity he do then?
Ans : 2023

The post master read the letter sent by Lencho.

Short Answer Type Question In the letter, Lencho had asked for help from God.
1. How far would you agree that one’s positivity After looking at the immense faith that Lencho
can bring in a spark of brightness even in adverse had in God, the post master tried collecting the
circumstances? money for Lencho to help him and keep his faith
Ans : 2024
in God intact.
Positivity has the power to illuminate even
6. People get support from family and friends during
the darkest of circumstances. By maintaining bad times. How does Lencho’s family behave after
a positive attitude, individuals can find hope, the harvest is ruined?
resilience, and solutions to overcome challenges. It Ans : 2021
not only improves one’s outlook but also inspires Similarly, Lencho got lots of support and moral
others, creating a ripple effect of brightness. courage from his family. After his entire crop
was ruined in the hailstorm, his family members
2. Lencho did not bother exploring any other means
solaced him and asked him not to lose hope. They
to resolve his situation but just turned to God.
reminded him that in God’s world no one died of
Do you feel that his approach was justified? Why/
hunger. Lencho’s entire family had faith in God’s
Why not?
help.
Ans : 2023

Lencho’s approach cannot be justified as we know 7. ‘Lencho was an ox of a man, working like an
that even God helps those who help themselves. animal in the fields, but still, he knew how to
Seeking help from someone is understood but not write.’ What does this line tell us about the norm
putting in any effort and depending on others or amongst such farmers, then?
hoping for one’s luck to work is something one Ans : 2021
cannot practically believe in. This line tells us that normally the farmers working
in the fields are hard-working but uneducated.
3. Who read the letter sent by Lencho? What did
They can work like an ox in the fields. But,
he do then?
Lencho could read and write. He wrote a letter
Ans : 2023
to God for help after the hailstorm destroyed his
Lencho compared the raindrops to the new coins
cornfields.
wherein he compared the big raindrops with
ten cents coins and the smaller ones with five 8. Lencho waited eagerly for a reply to his letter to
cent coins. Lencho’s comparison represented his God. Do you think the postmaster was also very
excitement of earning good money from his crops keen to know Lencho’s reaction upon receiving
due to the good downpour. the ‘reply’ ?
Ans : 2021
4. Explain how the description of the devastation
The postmaster was very keen to know Lencho’s
caused by the hailstorm reflects the sadness
reaction. As soon as Lencho left the post office,
within Lencho, in ‘A Letter to God’ ?
the postmaster opened the envelope to read his
Refer to the given lines, from the text -
reply. He was expecting a note of thankfulness to
Not a leaf remained on the trees. The corn was God in the letter.
Totally destroyed. The flowers were gone from the
plants. Lencho’s soul was filled with sadness. 9. ‘The field was white as if covered with salt.’ This
is how the field is described after the hailstorm.

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Page 274 Discursive Passage Chapter 1
Ans : 2006
employees understood Lencho’s problem and
Humanity Still Exists responded to it positively. This is what empathy
These days greed, infidelity and being emotionless is all about. When the postman handed the letter
is becoming common. However, the chapter, to Lencho, the post master who was watching him
‘A Letter to God’ sets a perfect example that receive the envelope felt a sense of fulfilment in
humanity still exists. After reading the lesson, ‘A his heart. Nowadays, it is difficult to find people
Letter to God’, we come across the fact that there like the post master and the other employees who
are people who have still not forgotten to show their help others without any ulterior motive. They
love and care towards those who need it without helped Lencho as they might have thought that
any self - interest. The postmaster and the other helping the poor would provide them a sense of
employees of the post office set a flawless example gratification. They decided to send some money
of humanity and kindness for others. First, when to Lencho so that his faith in God does not get
they read the address mentioned on the letter, shaken. They all collected seventy pesos and gave
they all broke into laughter because they knew it to Lencho.
that the mentioned address on the letter did not
exist. But immediately, they were moved to see 28. How does the character of Lencho inspire us to
Lencho’s faith in God and the postmaster even have faith in God? How did he react to the help
stated that he wished he had the faith of Lencho. offered by the post office employees? What was
So, the postmaster decided to help Lencho. He his reaction towards the post office employees?
asked for help from other employees of the post Ans : 2005

office. Each of them contributed whatever they Lencho was a poor farmer who completely
could but they could not make it to hundred depended on the harvest of his fields to survive
pesos. They somehow managed to collect seventy and fulfil the basic needs of his family. He used to
pesos. They kept them in an envelope for Lencho. work day and night and was really optimistic and
This act of kindness shows us a true picture of desired to have a good harvest. Unfortunately, his
humanity. hope for a good harvest turned into despair when
an unpredicted hailstorm destroyed his crops. He
became worried about his family’s survival. But,
26. Describe Lencho’s qualities in light of his faith in
he was sure that God would certainly help him in
God. Was Lencho’s reaction towards post office
that difficult situation. Lencho was a virtuous and
employees’ justified?
Ans : 2006
innocent devotee of God. Due to his firm faith in
Lencho was a poor farmer and firmly believed God, he urged Him to send a hundred pesos. He
that God .sees everything and hears everything reacted angrily towards the help offered by the
and is everywhere. When his crop was ruined due post office employees. His firm faith in God made
to heavy rainfall and hailstones, he was scared to him angry when he found only seventy pesos
imagine how his family would survive. He believed in the envelope instead of a hundred pesos as
that only God could take him out of his problem. demanded. He believed that God could not make
Nowadays, people find it intellectually impossible such a mistake of sending him less money. So,
to make the affirmation which is necessary for a he suspected that the post office employees had
firm belief in God. The refusal to believe in God stolen his money.
is really unfortunate. The other fact is that it is
hard to find people who are willing to help anyone
Extract Based Question
without any self-interest. Lencho’s reaction
towards the post office employees was not right 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
or justified. But it was simply because of his questions that follows :
innocence as he could not believe that God had All through the night, Lencho thought only of his
made such a mistake. As per him, none but only one hope: the help of God, whose eyes, as he had
the post office employees had stolen the money. been instructed, see everything, even what is deep
27. What values are reflected in the characters of the in one’s conscience. Lencho was an ox of a man,
post office employees? How did they help Lencho? working like an animal in the fields, but still he
Ans : 2005
knew how to write.
The post office employees were kind and soft- i. Write down two things that you can infer
hearted and it was clearly visible in their act of from the extract about Lencho’s character.
charity for Lencho. The post master and the other

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

helped him in his time of need. He thinks that the Letter to God’.
post office employees stole his money when it’s A very poor woman called a radio station asking
they who collected the cash for him in the first for help from God. A non-believer in God, also
place. He calls them a “bunch of crooks” though listening to this radio program, decided to make
they are the ones who tried to keep his faith in fun of the woman. He got her address, called his
God alive by giving him money. secretary and ordered her to buy food and take
it to the woman. However, the instruction was:
2. What idea does the Postmaster come up with ? “When the woman asks who sent the food, tell
What did. he do to stick to his resolution ? her that it’s from the devil.” When the secretary
Ans : 2024 arrived at the woman’s house, the woman was very
So, in order not to shake the writer’s faith in God, happy and grateful for the help. The Secretary
the postmaster came up with an idea: answer the then asked her, ”Don’t you want to know who
letter. But when he opened it, it was evident that to sent the food?” The woman replied, ”No, I don’t
answer it he needed something more than goodwill, even care because when God orders, even the
ink and paper. devil obeys!
But he stuck to his resolution: he asked for Ans : 2021

money from his employees, he himself gave part of The given anecdote is similar to the lesson- ‘A
his salary, and several friends of his were obliged letter to God’ in the following ways- Both Lencho
to give something ‘for an act of charity’. It was and the woman in the story believed blindly
impossible for him to gather together the hundred in God. Just like Lencho did not try any other
source, the woman also waited patiently for God’s
pesos, so he was able to send the farmer only a
help. The two stories verify that God listens to
little more than half.
the people, by any means, who trust him.
3. The people at the post office contribute to putting The two stories stand apart in the following
together whatever they can manage, for Lencho. manner- The woman in the story was helped with
the intention of ridicule. Whereas the postmaster
(a) What do you think was the main reason tried to help Lencho to sustain his belief in God.
behind their help? Would you have done the The woman felt grateful for getting the help.
same if you were one of the employees? Lencho, on the opposite, started yelling at the
(b) As an employee, write about your perspective postmaster. The intentions of the people helping
and reason(s) for contributing to the fund. the victim are different in both stories. The man
The fact that you don’t want to say ‘no’ to a in the above story wanted to shake the woman’s
cause initiated by your boss, can also be an belief in God by sending help as a devil. On the
equally compelling reason! contrary, the postmaster collected helped Lencho
Ans : 2021
to keep intact his faith in God.
(a) The main reason behind their help could be 5. The postmaster was a representative of God.
empathy. If I were in the place of one of the Evaluate this statement in the context of your
employees I would have definitely helped understanding of “A Letter to God”.
Lencho by giving out some money. “Many Ans : 2021
a little makes a mickle”. One rupee donated The postmaster is rightly depicted as a
by 100 people would make up to 100 rupees representative of God because he managed to
without making much difference to the donor. collect money for Lencho who was helpless at that
However, it would be a big help for the done. time. It is believed that God can’t be physically
(b) Of course, an employee can’t say ‘no’ to a present everywhere to help his children, so
helping deed initiated by his/her boss. But, He sends help through his messengers. People
as an employee, I consider it right to help believe that He relieves their sufferings through
a distressed person. It is the moral duty of his representatives. He can be understood as
every human to help a needy person. You representative of God as he made efforts to
never know, maybe, it’s your turn next time. Lencho’s prayers which were addressed to God. He
even replied to Lencho’s letter on behalf of God so
I believe that ‘Charity always begins at home.
that his belief in God is not shaken. Though the
4. Read the given anecdote and analyse the postmaster was a human being, his helping action
similarities and differences with reference to ‘A can be compared to the representative of God.

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iii. In the statement made by Lencho “Now we’re Ans : 2013

really going to get some water, woman,” i. (d) Both (a) and (b)
water denotes rainfall. Which of the following ii. Lencho went a bit early to the post office the
pairs does not denote the same relationship? following Sunday to receive the answer to his
(a) earth - soil letter to God.
(b) sun - sky iii. (a) Blind faith in God
(c) fire - embers iv. Lencho received only seventy pesos.
iv. In the statement, ‘The man went out for no
other reason than to have the pleasure of 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
feeling the rain on his body’ use one word to questions that follows :
replace the underlined part of the sentence. He wrote “To God’ on the envelope, put the
Ans : 2014 letter inside, and still troubled, went to town. At
i. (c) Glow worms are tiny lights floating around the post office, he placed a stamp on the letter
in the forest. and dropped it into the mailbox. One of the
employees, who was a postman and also helped
ii. Lencho’s mood which is hopeful in the
at the post office, went to his boss laughing
beginning changes to happy when he feels the
heartily and showed him the letter to God. Never
first drops of rain and then excited when he
in his career as a postman had he known that
notices the size of the raindrops. He compares
address. The postmaster-a fat, amiable fellow-also
then to cents.
broke out laughing, but almost immediately he
iii. (b) sun - sky turned serious and, tapping the letter on his desk,
iv. only commented, “What faith! I wish I had the faith
of the man who wrote this letter. Starting up a
4. Read the extract given below and answer the
correspondence with God!”
questions that follows :
The following Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier i. The author says, “He wrote, ‘To God’ on
than usual to ask if there was a letter for him. It the envelope, put the letter inside, and still
was the postman himself who handed the letter troubled, went to town.” Why was the man
to him while the postmaster, experiencing the troubled?
contentment of a man who has performed a good (a) He had no money for an envelope and a
deed, looked on from his office. Lencho showed stamp.
not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; (b) He needed a hundred pesos to rebuild his
such was his confidence - but he became angry life.
when he counted the money. God could not have (c) He needed seventy pesos to buy corn
made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho seeds.
what he had requested. (d) He knew God wouldn’t bother to reply.
i. According to the extract, what was the belief ii. What do the words, “What faith! I wish
of Lencho? I had the faith of the man who wrote this
(a) God couldn’t make a mistake in sending letter. Starting up a correspondence with
the money. God!” reveal about the postmaster? Answer
(b) God couldn’t deny what he had requested. in about 40 words.
(c) Money was stolen. iii. Below are given a few sentences (a)-(c) with
(d) Both (a) and (b) various meanings of ‘shake’. Which of the
ii. Why did Lencho go a bit early to the post following sentences has used the word ‘shake’
office the following Sunday? in a similar meaning as in the passage?
iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and (a) The armies did not want to unsettle the
identify which one correctly corresponds to situation so they declared a truce.
Lencho. (b) As soon as we finished bathing the dog, it
(a) Blind faith in God wiggled itself vigorously.
(b) Superstitious nature of village people (c) The jelly wobbled daintily n a pool of
creamy custard.
(c) Suspicious of all government authorities
iv. How would you describe the postmaster based
iv. How much money did Lencho receive?
on your understanding of the passage.

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ii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and iii. Based on the detail of the house’s location,
identify which one correctly corresponds to how can it best be described?
the extract. (a) Majestic (b) Imposing
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a (c) Solitary (d) Unique
particular topic, usually with two or more iv. Which word would correctly substitute
people presenting different viewpoints ‘covered’ in the given sentence from the
and arguments. extract?
(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a The hat was covered with small strings of
character alone on stage, which reveals different colours.
their innermost thoughts and feelings to Ans : 2015
the audience. i. The house described in the extract belongs to
(c) A narrative from the point of view of Lencho and his family.
an omniscient narrator, who knows ii. The author has described the scene viewed
everything about the story and the from Lencho’s house very picturesquely.
character. From the house, one could see a river and the
iii. What was Lencho going to do? beautiful yellow field of corn.
(a) Go to bank for loan iii. (c) Solitary
(b) Write a letter to God iv. dotted
(c) Ask for help
(d) Have faith in God 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows :
iv. What does the author mean by the statement
“Now we’re really going to get some water,
‘Lencho was an ox of a man..’ ?
woman.” The woman who was preparing supper,
Ans : 2018
replied, “Yes, God willing”. The older boys were
i. Lencho was s God-fearing man. He had
working in the field, while the smaller ones were
immense faith in God and hoped that only
playing near the house until the woman called
God could help him to get out of the difficult
to them all, “Come for dinner”. It was during
situation he was in. He was also a very hard-
the meal that, just as Lencho had predicted,
working man and knew how to read and
big drops of rain began to fall. In the north-
write.
east, huge mountains of clouds could be seen
ii. (c) A narrative from the point of view of an approaching. The air was fresh and sweet. The
omniscient narrator, who knows everything man went out for no other reason than to have
about the story and the character. the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body, and
iii. (b) Write a letter to God when he returned, he exclaimed, “These aren’t
iv. The given statement indicates that Lencho raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins.
was a sincere, dedicated and hard working The big drops are ten cent pieces and the little
man. ones are fives.”
i. “These aren’t raindrops falling from the sky,
2. Read the extract given below and answer the they are new coins. The big drops are ten cent
questions that follows :
pieces and the little ones are fives.”
The house-the only one in the entire valley—
In which of the following examples has the
sat on the crest of a low hill. From this height
same figure of speech been used to describe
one could see the river and the field of ripe corn
raindrops in the above lines?
dotted with the flowers that always promised a
(a) She looked as fresh as morning dew.
good harvest.
The only thing the Earth needed was a (b) Waves heaved heavily.
downpour or at least a shower. (c) Glow worms are tiny lights floating
around in the forest.
i. To whom does the house described in the
extract belong to? (d) Break, break, break On thy cold gray
stones, O Sea!
ii. How has the author described the scene
viewed from Lencho’s house? ii. How does Lencho’s mood progress along with
the progress of the rain? Answer in about 40
words.

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Chapter 2

Nels on Mandela : Long Walk to

Freedom

1. INTRODUCTION The Swearing-in Ceremony

On that day the author was in the company of his
This chapter is an extract from the autobiography daughter Zenani. Mr. De Klerk was first sworn in
of Nelson Mandela (18 July, 1918 - 5 December, as second deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki
2013), the first Black President of South Africa. was sworn in as first deputy President. It was
Excerpts from “Long Walk to Freedom” include the author’s turn then. He was sworn in as the
description of the inauguration ceremony, citations President. He pledged to obey and uphold the
from his speech, his journey to being a freedom constitution. He also pledged to devote himself to
fighter, the struggle, along with a tribute to other the well-being of the people.
freedom fighters and countless other people who
fought for their freedom. This lesson gives us an The Author Addresses
overview as to how Nelson Mandela along with The author spoke of the newborn liberty. He
others, carved their way to a society where there thanked all the international guests. He said that
will be no discrimination on the basis of their they had come there to be with his countrymen.
colour, caste, race, age or gender. It was the common victory for justice, peace and
human dignity. He pledged to liberate his people
from poverty, suffering and discrimination.
2. CHARACTERS Display by Jets and Helicopters
After a few moments colourful South African jets
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and helicopters flew over the Union Buildings
He was a South African anti-apartheid there. It was for military’s loyalty to democracy
revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist for a new government Then the highest military
who led the country from 1994 to 1999. He was generals having medals on their chests saluted the
the country’s first black president and the first author. He thought that they would have arrested
to be elected in a democratic election with full him many years before.
representation. He fought against the ‘apartheid’
regime of South Africa which believed in racialism. Singing of the National Anthem
The day was symbolised for the author by the
playing of two national anthems. The whites sang
3. SUMMARY ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ and the blacks sang ‘Die Stem’.
These formed the old anthems of the republic.
The Inauguration Day
The Author’s Thoughts
Tenth May dawned. It was bright and clear. Many
On that day of the inauguration, the author
world leaders had been coming to the author to pay
thought of history. In the first decade the South
respects to him. It was before the inauguration.
African people had patched up their differences
The inauguration was to be the largest gathering
wifti other black-skinned people. They had built
of world leaders there.
a system of superiority also. It was the basis of
The Place of Inauguration the harshest societies. This system had now stood
The inauguration ceremonies took place in a overturned. Now it was the system that recognised
big open building in Pretoria. Here the South the rights and freedoms of all people.
Africa’s first democratic non-racial govt, was to
The Author’s Regret
be installed.
This auspicious day came after the sacrifices of

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

thousands of the people. The author thought of Oppressor and the Oppressed Without Humanity
himself the sum of all those people. He was pained The author knew that the oppressor must be
that he couldn’t thank them. liberated like the oppressed. A man who takes
away another’s freedom becomes the hated. No
Freedom Fighters Remembered
one is free if he is taking someone else’s freedom.
The policy of apartheid created a lasting wound
Both the oppressor and the oppressed ire robbed
in his country and his people. This policy had
of humanity.
produced great freedom fighters. They were like
Oliver Tambos, Walter Sisulus, Chief Luthulis,
Yusuf Dadoos etc. They were men of uncommon 4. Word meanings
courage, wisdom and generosity. The country was
1. Dawned - (of a day) began
rich in minerals. But its greatest wealth was its
people. 2. Awe - amazed
The Definition of Courage 3. Deputy - second in command
From these people the author learned the 4. Emancipation - the fact or process of being set
meaning of courage. They risked their lives. They free from legal, social, or political restrictions
underwent great torture. He learned that courage 5. Stream - a small, narrow river
was not the absence of fear but the victory over it. 6. Abided - obeyed
Man’s Natural Goodness 7. Amphitheatre - an open - air theatre
The author says that no one is born hating 8. Apartheid - a policy or system of segregation
another person due to colour or religion. They k
on grounds of race
could be taught to love. Love comes naturally to
the human heart. In prison they were pushed to 9. Array - an impressive display
the wall. But he saw humanity in the hearts of the 10. Assembled - (of people) gather together in
guards. It was man’s essential goodness. It can’t one place for a common purpose
be put out. 11. Bedecked - decorate
Man’s Duties 12. Besieged - to be surrounded by
In life every man has twin duties - to his family, to 13. Bondage - the state of being a slave
his community and country. The author found it
14. Boyhood - the state or time of being a boy
difficult to fulfil these two duties. It was because
a coloured man in South Africa was punished if he 15. Chevron - a pattern in the shape of a V
lived like a human being. Such a man was forced 16. Civil - courteous and polite
to live apart from his own people. So he was not 17. Comrades - a colleague or a fellow member of
allowed to do his duties to his family. an organisation
Freedom Defined 18. Confer - grant
The author was bom free. He was not bom with 19. Curtailed - reduce; impose a restriction on
a hunger to be free. He was free as long as he
20. Defies - refuse to obey
obeyed his father and obeyed the customs of his
tribe. But soon he realized that his freedom was 21. Deprivation - the damaging lack of material
an illusion. He began to hunger for freedom when benefits considered to be basic necessities in
it was taken from him. As a student he wanted a society
freedom to read and go. As „ a young man in 22. Despised - hated, had a very low opinion of
Johannesburg he wanted freedom to be as per 23. Dignitaries - a person considered to be
his potential. He also wanted the freedom of important because of high rank or office.
livelihood of his own and of family.
24. Dignity - the state or quality of being worthy
Desire for Freedom Made Him Bold of respect.
But soon he saw that he was also not free like his 25. Discrimination - being treated differently or
brothers and sisters. Then he joined the African unfavourably
National Congress. His hunger for freedom became
great for the freedom of his people. The desire for 26. Erected - build; construct
the freedom of his people to live with dignity gave 27. Frightened - afraid or anxious
him power. It made him bold. It made him live 28. Glimmer - shine faintly with a wavering light
like a monk. The chains on his people became 29. Glorious - having, worthy of, or bringing fame
chains for him too. or admiration.

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30. Glory - honour 62. Trail - series; chain

31. Grimmest - very serious or gloomy 63. Transitory - not permanent
32. Illusion - a false idea or belief 64. Triumph - great victory or achievement
33. Inclination - natural tendencies of behaviour 65. Troop - soldiers or armed forces
34. Indivisible - unable to be divided or separated 66. Twilight - half-light, semi-darkness
35. Inevitably - unavoidably 67. Unimaginable - difficult or impossible to
36. Lyrics - the words of a song imagine
37. Mealies - a maize plant 68. Unintended - not planned or meant
38. Monk - a member of a religious community of 69. Unmindful - not conscious or aware
men typically living under vows of poverty 70. Virtuous - having or showing high moral
39. Obligations - a duty or a commitment standards
40. On our own soil - in our own country 71. Yearned - have an intense feeling or longing
41. Oppression - prolonged cruel or unjust for something
treatment or exercise of authority.
42. Overturned - reverse. 5. MESSAGE
43. Overwhelmed - have a strong emotional effect This chapter conveys the message that any person
44. Pleasantly - giving a sense of happy can reach heights irrespective of their race. So
satisfaction or enjoyment; satisfying people should not be discriminated against on any
basis. The oppressor and the oppressed both lose
45. Pledged - committed (a person or organization)
humanity. One through hatred the other through
by a solemn promise.
oppression and hence both need to be liberated
46. Possession - ownership from these inhumane prisons. Mandela’s believe
47. Precision - accuracy that the people are born free of hatred and learn
48. Prejudice - a strong dislike without any good it later. is also a very enlightening lesson we learn
reason from the chapter. The people learn to hate and
therefore they can also learn to love is a beautiful
49. Profound - very great or intense
take away from the chapter.
50. Pushed to our limits - pushed to the last
point in our ability to bear pain
51. Racial domination - when people of one race 6. ncert Textbook questions
have power over another race
52. Reassure - say or do something to remove the Activity
doubts
1. In Column A are some expressions you will find in
53. Rebellion - the action or process of resisting
the text. Make a guess and match each expression
authority, convention or control
with an appropriate meaning from Column B.
54. Reign - rule; govern
55. Resilience - the ability to deal with any kind (i) A rainbow – A great
of hardship and recover from its effects gathering of ability (almost
different colours unimaginable) to
56. Sandstone - a type of stone that is formed of
and nations remain unchanged
grains of sand
by suffering (not
57. Secrecy - the action of keeping something losing hope,
secret goodness or
58. Spectacular - beautiful in a dramatic and an courage)
eye-catching way (ii) The seat of white – A half-secret life,
59. Supremacy - the state or condition of being supremacy like a life lived in
superior to all others in authority, power, or the fading light
status between sunset and
60. Sworn - given under oath; determined to stay darkness
in the role specified
61. Symbolised - be a symbol of

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

(iii) Be overwhelmed – A sign of human Oral Comprehension Check - 1

with a sense of feeling (goodness, 1. Where did the ceremonies take place ? Can you
history kindness, pity, name any public building in India that are made
justice, etc.) of sandstone ?
Ans :
(iv) Resilience – A beautiful
The ceremonies took place in the premises of the
that defies the coming together
Union Building of Pretoria which was attended
imagination of various peoples,
by international leaders and dignitaries. In India,
like the colours in a
Red Fort and Rashtrapati Bhawan are public
rainbow
buildings that are made of sandstone.
(v) A glimmer of – The centre of
humanity racial superiority 2. Can you say how May 10 is ‘an autumn day‘ in
South Africa ?
(vi) A twilight existence – Feel deeply
Ans :
emotional,
10th May is an autumn day in South Africa due
remembering and
to its location on earth. It is the beginning of the
understanding all
winter. On this day Nelson Mandela took Oath as
the past events
the first black president of South Africa.
that have led up to
the moment 3. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mention
Ans : ‘an extraordinary human disaster’. What does he
mean by this ? What is the ‘glorious... human
(i) A rainbow – A beautiful achievement’ he speaks of at the end ?
gathering of coming together Ans :
different colours of various peoples, He means that the black people of South Africa
and nations like the colours in a have been the victim of system of Apartheid. It
rainbow was a man made disaster. He speaks the freedom
(ii) The seat of white – The centre of of his people from oppression ‘glorious human
supremacy racial superiority achievement.’
(iii) Be overwhelmed – Feel deeply 4. What does Mandela thank the international
with a sense of emotional, leaders for ?
history remembering and Ans :
understanding all Mandela thanks the international leaders for
the past events having come at the occasion of South Africa’s
that have led up to liberty and accepting it as an independent
the moment republic.
(iv) Resilience – A great
5. What ideas does he set out for the future of South
that defies the ability (almost
Africa ?
imagination unimaginable) to Ans :
remain unchanged He sets the ideal that his country will never
by suffering (not experience the oppression of one by another.
losing hope,
goodness or Oral Comprehension Check - 2
courage)
(v) A glimmer of – A sign of human 1. What do the military general do ? How has their
humanity feeling (goodness, attitude changed, and why?
kindness, pity, Ans :
justice, etc.) The military general saluted Mandela and pledged
their loyalty. Previously they arrested him. But
(vi) A twilight existence – A half-secret life, their attitude has changed as Mr. Mandela has
like a life lived in become the president of South Africa.
the fading light
between sunset and 2. Why were two national anthem sung ?
darkness Ans :
The public of South Africa consist of white and

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Page 282 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

black people. Each group sang its own anthem. that he wanted the basic freedom and honourable
freedom of achieving his potential, earning his
3. How does Mandela describe the systems of keep, marrying and having a family.
government in his country (i) in the first decade,
and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth 3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free ? Why/
century Why not ?
Ans : 2010 Ans :
While describing the system of government in Mandela thinks that the oppressor is not free
the first decade of the twentieth century, Nelson because he is the prisoner of hatred. He is locked
Mandela told us that then the white-skinned up by prejudice and narrow mindedness.
people of south Africa patched up their differences
and erected a system of racial domination against Thinking About the Text
the dark-skinned people of their own land. The
system of government they created formed the 1. Why did such a large number of international
basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane leaders attend the inauguration ? What did it
societies the world has ever known. signify the triumph of ?
But, in the last decade of the twentieth Ans : 2011

century that system had been overturned forever. A large number of international leaders attended
It has been replaced by a system of government the inauguration because it was a common victory
that recognised the rights and freedom of all for justice, for peace and for human dignity. It
people, regardless of the colour of their skin. was the complete end of racial discrimination
in South Africa. It signified the triumph of
4. What does courage mean to Mandela ? humanity against oppression, fear, sufferings and
Ans : gender-discrimination. It recognised the rights
For Mandela courage was not the absence of fear and freedom of all the people regardless of their
but the triumph over it. colour.

5. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate 2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is
? ‘simply the sum of all those African patriots’ who
Ans : had gone before him ?
For Mandela love comes more naturally to the Ans :
human heart than its opposite, hate. No one is During the apartheid movement, thousands of
born hating another person because of the colour people gave sacrifices and suffered a lot. It was
of skin, or his background or his religion. People impossible for Mandela to repay their courage.
learn to hate and they can be taught to love. Love But he could simply say that he himself was their
comes naturally as man’s goodness is a flame that part and parcel in the struggle. He was deeply
can be hidden but not extinguished. concerned that they were not able to see the
result of their sacrifices.
Oral Comprehension Check - 3 3. Would you agree that the ‘depths of oppression’
1. What ‘twin obligations’ does Mandela Mention ? create ‘heights of character’ ? How does Mandela
Ans : illustrate this ? Can you add your own examples
One obligation is to one’s family, parents, wife and to this argument ?
children. The second obligation is to his people, Ans : 2008

community and country. We agree that the depth of oppression creates

height of character. During the apartheid struggle
2. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, in South Africa, people had to face oppression
and as a student ? How does he contrast these and brutality for decades together. This produced
‘transitory freedom’ with the basic and honourable many great men like Oliver Tambos, the Walter
freedom ? Sisulus, the Bram Fischers and so on. They had
Ans : 2009 extraordinary wisdom, courage and generosity.
As a boy freedom for Mandela was to run in the In India we find such people like Lala Lajpat
fields, to swim in the stream running through his Rai, Rani Laxmi Bai and Bhagat Singh, etc.
village, to ride the bull. As a student freedom
for Mandela was to stay out at night, to read 4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom
what he pleased and to go where he chose. These change with age and experience ?
were only transitory freedom. Later he realised

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

6. What does depths of oppression create? (c) Boycot from foreign nations
(a) oppressed (b) heights of character (d) Both b and c
(c) poverty (d) lack of freedom Ans : 2014

Ans : 2020 (a) Created men of extraordinary courage, wisdom

(b) heights of character and generosity

7. Who, according to Mandela is not free? 13. The spectacular array of South African jets was
(a) oppressor (b) oprressed a display of
(c) both a and b (d) none of these (a) military’s precision
(b) military’s loyalty to democracy
Ans : 2020 (c) none of the above
(c) both a and b (d) both a and b
Ans : 2014
8. Which party did Mandela join? (d) both a and b
(a) Indian National Congress
(b) African National Congress 14. What was it that the nation needed to be liberated
from?
(c) National African Party
(a) poverty (b) gender
(d) he did not join any party
discrimination
Ans : 2017

(b) African National Congress (c) deprivation (d) all of these

Ans : 2013

9. What realisations did Mandela have of his (d) all of these

boyhood freedom?
15. What change brought international leaders to
(a) it is just an illusion
South Africa?
(b) he was born free
(a) End of Apartheid (b) Humanity
(c) freedom was meant for kids
(c) Peace (d) Trade negotiations
(d) he had no realisations Ans : 2013
Ans : 2016
(a) End of Apartheid
(a) it is just an illusion
16. How many deputy presidents were elected?
10. Why were two National Anthems sung?
(a) two (b) three
(a) to imply unity
(c) one (d) none
(b) to mark the end of racial discrimination Ans : 2013
(c) to mark the end of gender discrimination (a) two
(d) Both a and b
Ans : 2015
17. When was the inauguration day?
(d) Both a and b (a) 10 May (b) 10 March
(c) 20 May (d) 20 March
11. What did Mandela learn about courage? Ans : 2012, 2010
(a) it is absence of fear (a) 10 May
(b) it is the triumph over fear
18. It was a celebration of South Africa’s first
(c) both a and b
_____ government.
(d) none of the above
(a) autocratic, racial (b) democratic, non-
Ans : 2015
racial
(b) it is the triumph over fear
(c) democratic, racial (d) monarch, non-racial
12. What unintended effect did the decades of Ans : 2012

oppression and brutality had? (b) democratic, non-racial

(a) Created men of extraordinary courage,
19. Why did other countries broke off diplomatic
wisdom and generosity
relations with South Africa?
(b) Poverty and suffering
(a) White rulers

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... the decades of oppression and brutality ... 2. When my (i) pushed by the
produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus comrades and I guards to the wall
... of our time. were pushed to
Used in this way with the and/or in the our limits
plural, a proper noun carries a special meaning.
For example, what do you think the names above (ii) took more than
mean ? Choose the right answer. our share of
beatings
(a) for example Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu,
(b) many other men like Oliver Tambo, Walter (iii) felt that we could
Sisulu ..., many men of their type or kind, not endure the
whose names may not be as well-known. suffering any
Did you choose option (b) ? Then you have the longer
right answer ! 3. to reassure me (i) make me go on
Here are some more examples of the used with and keep me going walking
proper names. Try to say what these sentences
(ii) help me continue
mean. (You may consult a dictionary if you need;
to live in hope in
look at the entry for the.)
this very difficult
1. Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh situation
Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his
parties. (iii) make me
remain without
2. Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the complaining
Madhubala of our times.
4. the basic and (i) earning enough
3. History is not only the story of the Alexanders,
honourable money to live on
the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary
freedoms of ...
people as well.
earning my keep
Ans :
...
1. This means that Mr Singh regularly invites
famous personalities as of the calibre of (ii) keeping what I
earned
Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to
his parties. (iii) getting a good
2. This means that Madhuri Dixit is compared to salary
a landmark in acting in the form of legendary Ans :
actress Madhubala. 1. (i) had not forgotten, was aware of the fact.
3. This means that history is not only the story 2. (iii) felt that we could not endure the suffering
of the great fighters and leaders such as any longer.
Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler, but also of 3. (ii) help me continue to live in hope in this
ordinary people. very difficult situation.
3. Idiomatic Expressions 4. (i) earning enough money to live on.
Match the italicised phrase in column A with the
phrase nearest in meaning in column B. (Hint :
First look for the sentence in the text in which the
phrase in column A occurs).

A B Speaking
1. I was not (i) had not forgotten,
unmindful of the was aware of the 1. In groups, discuss the issues suggested in the box
fact fact below. Then prepare a speech of about two minutes
on the topic. (First make notes for your speech in
(ii) was not careful writing.)
about the fact ‘True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation
(iii) forgot or was not and all forms of discrimination.’
aware of the fact

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2012
and sometimes death were waiting for those
Mandela’s understanding of freedom changed
who defied the system. Martin Luther
with age and experience. During boyhood he
King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent
learnt that freedom was an illusion. As a youth,
_____ (resist) to racial injustice.
he realised that his freedom had been taken away
Ans :
from him. With the advancement of age and
experience, he felt that not only his freedom but 1. A Noun signifies the name of a person, a place
also the freedom of everyone was curtailed. So he or a thing e.g., Mohan, Sonepat, a bucket,
decided to join the African National Congress to etc.
have freedom for all. In English we can form Nouns by adding
suffix to the root word. e.g., move-movement,
5. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change act-action, rebel-rebellion, construct-
his life ? construction, etc. Some of the examples from
Ans : 2015, 2013, 2009
this lesson are appended as under :
After being deeply touched with the fact that
the freedom of everybody was curtailed, his Verb Noun
hunger for freedom changed the path of his life. 1. separate separation
He desired that the people of his country should
2. nationalise nationalisation
live with dignity and self-respect. In this way a
frightened youth turned into a bold one, a law- 3. elect election
abiding person to criminal, a homeless into a 4. inaugurate inauguration
monk. Mandela found that he could not enjoy the
limited and poor freedom till his people were not 5. oppress oppression
free. According to him : “Freedom is indivisible”. 6. celebrate celebration
The chains worn by my men were the chains on
“me”. These views for freedom changed his life. 7. express expression
8. imagine imagination
Thinking About Language 9. instal installation
1. There are nouns in the text (formation, 10. accompany accompaniment
government) which are formed from the
11. constitute constitution
corresponding verbs (form, govern) by suffixing
(at) ion or ment. There may be a change in the 12. devote devotion
spelling of some verb-noun pairs : such as rebel- 13. possess possession
rebellion; constitute-constitution.
14. emancipate emancipation
1. Make a list of such pairs of nouns and verbs
in the text. 15. form formation
Noun Verb 16. demonstrate demonstration
1. rebellion rebel 17. govern Government
2. constitution constitute 18. dominate domination
19. generate generation
2. Read the paragraph below. Fill in the blanks
with the noun forms of the verbs in brackets. 20. prevent prevention
Martin Luther King’s _____ (contribute) 21. obstruct obstruction.
to our history as an outstanding leader began
when he came to the _____ (assist) of 2. (i) contribution, (ii) assistance, (iii)
Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give subjugation, (iv) humiliation, (v)
up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. imprisonment, (vi) resistance.
In those days American Blacks were confined
to positions of second class citizenship by 2. Using the Definite Article with Names
You know that the definite article ‘the’ is not
restrictive laws and customs. To break these
normally used before proper nouns. Nor do proper
laws would mean _____ (subjugate) and
nouns usually occur in the plural. (We do not say
_____ (humiliate) by the police and the
: *The Nelson Mandela, or *Nalson Mandelas.)
legal system. Beatings, _____(imprison)
But now look at this sentence from the text :

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3. Although that day neither group knew the marriages with the persons of other castes is also
lyrics of the anthem ..., they would soon allowed in India. It depends simply on the Indian
_____ how he proceeds in a rightful and legal way.
4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems
that lie beneath its soil, _____
5. The Air Show was not only a display of
pinpoint precision and military force, but
_____
6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people
... that transformed _____ into a bold one, 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
that drove _____ to become a criminal,
that turned _____ into a man without a Multiple Choice
Type Question
home.
Ans : 1. How does Nelson Mandela define the meaning of
2. but arrested me. courage?
3. know the words by heart. (a) Triumph over fear
4. but I have always known that its greatest (b) Triumph over love
wealth is its people, finer and truer than the (c) Triumph over selfish
purest diamonds. (d) Triumph over poverty
5. but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty Ans : 2021

to democracy, to a new government that had (a) Triumph over fear

been freely and fairly elected.
2. Where did ceremonies take place?
6. a frightened youngman, a law-abiding
(a) Rockstone amphitheater
attorney, a family loving husband
(b) Sandstone amphitheater
3. Expressing Your Opinion
(c) Glass stone amphitheater
Do you think there is colour prejudice in our own
country ? Discuss this with your friend and write (d) None of these
a paragraph of about 100 to 150 words about this. Ans : 2021

You have the option of making your paragraph a (b) Sandstone amphitheater
humorous one.
3. Which flame can be hidden but never extinguished?
Read the short verse given below :
When you were born you were pink (a) Man’s love (b) Man’s natural way
When you grew up you became white (c) Man’s goodness (d) None of these
When you are in the sun you are red Ans : 2021

When you are sick you are yellow (c) Man’s goodness
When you are angry you are purple
When you are shocked you are grey 4. Which day was the largest gathering of
And you have the cheek to call me ‘coloured’. international leaders on South African soil for
Ans : the installation of South Africa’s first democratic,
non-racial government?
India and Colour Prejudice
There is no colour prejudice in India. Everybody (a) 9th May (b) 10th May
is free to get and have education, employment (c) 11th May (d) 12th May
and accommodation facility anywhere in India. It Ans : 2020

is not the case, if one is either black or pink, he (b) 10th May
is denied the facility of propagation or adoption
of any religion and so on. India has a written 5. What is a country’s greatest wealth?
constitution that grants equal rights to all (a) Its minerals (b) Its people
Indians without any kind of discrimination. If a (c) Its technology (d) None of these
South Indian arrives in Delhi, he has the equal Ans : 2020
opportunities like the native. He cannot be denied (b) Its people
to board a bus or the train. Our constitution
provides full protection to every Indian. Settling

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

• causes of poverty and means of colour, religion, sex or failure to deposit the
overcoming it. capitation fee. This type of discrimination and
deprivation affect one’s personality and freedom.
• discrimination based on gender, religion, It is only through strict observance of laws we
class, etc. can get rid of such evil practices. Our constitution
• constitutionally guaranteed human guarantees equality of education and employment
rights. without any difference. We must not forget that
Ans : deprivation and discrimination give birth to
despise, ill-will and hatred.
NOTES
1. Causes of poverty : Writing
(i) Unemployment.
(ii) Illiteracy. 1. Looking at Contrasts
(iii) Source of meagre income. Nelson Mandela’s writing is marked by balance :
(iv) Overpopulation. many sentences have two parts in balance.
Means to overcome poverty : Use the following phrases to complete the
sentences given below :
(i) Need for hard work
(ii) Less children (i) they can be taught to love
(iii) Education. (ii) I was born free
2. Discrimination based on gender, religion, (iii) but the triumph over it
class, etc. (iv) to create such height of character
(i) Creates hatred and ill-will. (v) but he who conquers that fear
(ii) Attitude towards superiority & inferiority.
1. It requires such depth of oppression _____.
(iii) Communal disharmony.
(iv) Strict observance of equal rights. 2. Courage was not the absence of fear _____.
3. Constitutionally guaranteed human rights. 3. The brave man is not he who does not feel
(i) Equality before law. afraid _____.
(ii) Equal opportunity for employment & 4. If people can learn to hate _____.
edn. 5. I was not born with a hunger to be free
(iii) Banning child labour. _____.
(iv) No discrimination of caste, colour, creed Ans :
etc. 1. to create such height of character.
2. but the triumph over it.
SPEECH 3. but he who conquers that fear.
True Liberty is freedom from Poverty, 4. they can be taught to love.
Deprivation and all forms of Discrimination 5. I was born free.
Dear friends,
I am placing my ideas that true liberty is freedom 2. This text repeatedly contrasts the past with the
from poverty, deprivation and all forms of present or the future. We can use coordinated
discrimination. I hope you will listen to my views clauses to contrast two views, for emphasis or
peacefully. effect.
True liberty is not only the freedom from Given below are sentences carrying one part of
poverty, deprivation and all forms of discrimination, the contrast. Find in the text the second part of
but it also includes liberty of education and the contrast, and complete each item.
equality before law. Of course poverty is a curse Identify the words which signal the contrast. This
as it disturbs the peace and tranquillity of the has been done for you in the first item.
family. It brings havoc and creates trouble in every 1. For decades the Union Buildings had been
possible way. It becomes troublesome for one to the seat of white supremacy, and now ...
provide all chances of education, employment, 2. Only moments before, the highest generals of
medicine, accommodation, food and soon. In the South African defence force and police ...
deprivation one is denied of enjoying his rightful saluted me and pledged their loyalty. ... not
benefits. Suppose one is refused admission in so many years before they would not have
some professional institution because of caste, saluted _____

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(b) Other countries are racial of a nation?

(d) Apartheid policy (d) people

20. “We thank all of our distinguished international 26. What are a man’s obligations in life?
guests for having come to take possession with (a) Obligation to people
the people of our country of what is, after all, a (b) Obligation to family
common victory for _____.”
(c) Obligation to God
(a) justice (b) peace
(d) Both a and b
(c) human dignity (d) all of these Ans : 2008
Ans : 2011
(d) Both a and b
(d) all of these
27. What comes more naturally to heart according to
21. What was it that the nation needed to be liberated Mandela?
from?
(a) hatred (b) unity
(a) poverty (b) gender
(c) love (d) racial discrimination
discrimination
Ans : 2008
(c) deprivation (d) all of these (c) love
Ans : 2010

(d) all of these 28. What realisations did Mandela have of his
boyhood freedom?
22. “We have achieved our political emancipation.”
(a) it is just an illusion
What is the meaning of emancipation?
(b) he was born free
(a) freedom from restriction
(c) freedom was meant for kids
(b) enslavement
(d) he had no realisations
(c) slavery
Ans : 2007
(d) both b and c (a) it is just an illusion
Ans : 2009

(a) freedom from restriction 29. What began Mandela’s hunger for freedom?
(a) the fact that it had already been taken away
23. “The structure they created formed the basis of
from him
one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies
the world has ever known.” What structure is (b) his obligation towards people
Mandela talking about? (c) his obligation towards family
(a) Racial domination against the black skinned (d) he was born to fight
(b) Poverty and suffering Ans : 2007

(a) the fact that it had already been taken away

(c) Discrimination against the poor
from him
(d) oppression of women
Ans : 2009 30. A man who takes away another man’s freedom is
(a) Racial domination against the black skinned _____.
(a) White (b) a prisoner of hatred
24. Whom did Mandela wanted to thank but couldn’t?
(c) criminal (d) rude
(a) his family
Ans : 2006
(b) white rulers (b) a prisoner of hatred
(c) African patriots who no longer existed
(d) Military 31. Who, according to Mandela is not free?
Ans : 2009 (a) oppressor (b) oprressed
(c) African patriots who no longer existed (c) both a and b (d) none of these
Ans : 2006
25. According to Mandela, what is the greatest wealth (c) both a and b

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to oppress weak etc. It is always this urge to fight and other discrimination.
authority which takes us to heights.
18. What kind of “spectacular array” was arranged
15. Which qualities of Nelson Mandela would you like on the occasion of the inauguration ceremonies ?
to imitate ? Which other leader has impressed What does it signify according to Nelson Mandela
you the most ? ?
Ans : 2012 Ans : 2010

I have been greatly impressed by leader like On the occasion of the inauguration ceremonies, a
Nelson Mandela. He tried to fulfill obligation colourful and attractive display of South African
for the society. I would like to have courage and jets, helicopters and troop-carriers was arranged,
determination like Nelson so that I can fight the when these roared in perfect formation over
world. I think that it is very difficult to keep both the Union Buildings, it was not only a pinpoint
the spheres like family and country in great love. precision display of military’s force but was
I love the great quality of Mandela for giving up also a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to
his freedom for the sake of his land. democracy and to a new government that had
I have been greatly impressed by the qualities been freely and fairly elected. Only moments
of Mahatma Gandhi. He fought with tools which before, the highest generals of the South African
no one could break. He did great tasks to break defence force and police had saluted Nelson
the barriers of British bondage. Mandela and pledged their loyalty.
That day was symbolised for Nelson Mandela
16. Our country has many diverse traditions and by the playing of South Africa’s two national
customs. Do you find any colour prejudice in anthems. The whites sang ‘Nkosi Siketel-iAfrika’
India ? Justify. and blacks sang Die Stem’, the old anthem of the
Ans : 2011
Republic. Finally, a chevron (a pattern in the
India is a land of many languages and traditions. shape of V) of Impala jets left a smoke trail of the
There is not of diversity but still spirit of oneness. black, red, green, blue and gold of the new South
Our constitution is totally responsible for this. It African flag.
gives equal respect to all states. There is no colour
prejudice. In India everyone is free to get basic 19. How does Nelson Mandela contrast the political
education, employment and place to live. India scene in the first decade and the last decade of the
gives equal rights to all Indians without any kind twentieth century ?
of discrimination. One can settle in any part of Ans : 2010

the country and marry in any caste. We never Nelson Mandela told us that in the first decade
have the feeling that any person is being exploited of the twentieth century, a few years after the
by the other. bitter Anglo-Boer War, the white-skinned people
of South Africa patched up their differences and
17. Where and when did the inauguration take place ? erected a system of racial domination against
Who were sworn in and what did Nelson Mandela the dark-skinned people of their own land. The
pledge ? structure they created formed the basis of one of
Ans : 2011
the harshest, most inhumane societies the world
The inauguration took place on May 10, 1994 and has ever known.
was attended by distinguished dignitaries and However, in the last decade of the twentieth
leaders from all over the world. The inauguration century, everything changed. When Nelson
ceremonies took place at the amphitheatre formed Mandela was in his eighth decade as a man, that
by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This place had system had been overturned forever. It has been
once been the seat of white supremacy. But now replaced by a system that recognised the rights
at this place was held the installation of South and freedoms of all people, regardless of the
Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government. colour of their skin.
On this occasion, Mr. de Klerk was sworn in
as second deputy president, Thabo Mbeki was 20. What effect did the policy of apartheid have on
sworn in as first deputy president and Nelson South Africa as a nation and on its people ?
Mandela was sworn in as the president. Nelson Ans : 2009

Mandela pledged himself to the well-being of the Apartheid is a political system that separates
republic and its people. They pledged themselves people according to their race. In South Africa,
to liberate all their people from the continuing for a very long time, there remained supremacy of
bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender white-skinned people who had erected a system of

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apartheid, he prioritised the role of a leader and about a good leader. I agree with sir Nelson
stayed in jail for 27 years away from his family. Mandela that courage, wisdom and generosity
are the only attributes of a remarkable leader.
4. Mandela feels that courage is triumph over fear. These virtues make a leader stand apart from an
How would you define courage in this context? ordinary man. Mandela’s wisdom and resilience
Ans : 2021
are an example for us to follow in hard times. He
According to me, courage has to be aroused from showed the courage to challenge the rules of white
within. One can conquer fear by facing it without supremacy.
thinking of its consequences. The willingness to A person becomes the leader of the masses
challenge fear is courage. when he fights for the legitimate rights and
welfare of his fellow citizens. However, this
5. If you were in Mandela’s position, would you have
generosity causes them to abandon their children.
given preference to your family or your country?
They forget their personal life and aspirations.
Why?
I salute the freedom fighters all over the world,
Ans : 2021
both known and unknown.
I would have definitely given preference to my
country because living with your family and 9. You recently read a blog by your teen friend,
relatives without freedom seems inferior to me in on ‘Freedom-My Perception’. You feel that your
front of fighting and struggling for my country perception of freedom has seen a transformation
and basic independence. after having read The Long Walk to Freedom.
6. Mandela says that his country’s greatest wealth Complete the dialogue in 120 words, with your
is its people and not the purest diamonds. Justify friend, explaining your new understanding of
his statement. freedom. You may begin like this:
Ans : 2021
Friend: I think the freedom to watch T.V. for
Minerals and even the purest diamonds are extended hours or choose the kind of programmes
worthless if the people of a country are deprived I’d like to view is important.
of fundamental rights. Diamonds lie beneath the Ans : 2021

soil whereas people of a country can make it great You: I think we are privileged that we are free to
with their courage, wisdom and generosity. choose among so many channels and programmes.
Friend: Hmmm. I still feel that the restrictions
7. Create a questionnaire of the two most important are not required. I want my freedom. I’m human
questions you would have liked to ask Nelson too, am I not?
Mandela during an interview. Give your reasons You: We are blessed that we are born in a
for choosing those questions. democratic country like India, where we have
Ans : 2021 all the fundamental rights. Go, and ask the true
I would like to ask the following questions- meaning of freedom from the people of South
1st Query- Who was taking care of your family in Africa who were deprived of even the basic
your absence? facilities for almost one century.
Reason- I am curious to know how the patriots’
families survive when they are away. 10. Struggles teach us many lessons. With reference
2nd Query- What lesson did imprisonment teach to the times, you struggled with mastering a skill
you? or learning a concept, write about the lessons you
Reason- I want to know what he learned there learnt.
inside the jail. Ans : 2021

You can try adding more questions here by Being a non-native English speaker, I had
commenting at the end of the post. trouble speaking fluent English language. I used
my coronacation (vacation due to corona) and
8. Your teacher organised a mini-debate competition lockdown period to master the English language.
in class on the topic: Courage, Wisdom and I could explore the hidden beauty of this language
Generosity are the ONLY attributes of a only after going deep into it. To achieve this
remarkable leader. Write the debate script with perfection I learned that hard work, consistency,
two points to supplement your stand, either as a a focused approach and patience are the mantras
proposition speaker or as an opposition one. to mastering a skill.
Ans : 2021

Good morning teachers and dear friends. Today. 11. Who, according to Nelson Mandela, is a
I have got the opportunity to present my points

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

32. How did Mandela’s hunger for freedom change his (c) The policy of apartheid
life? (d) None of these
(a) turned from frightened to bold Ans : 2005

(b) turned from law-abiding attorney to a (c) The policy of apartheid

criminal
39. What colours does the new South African flag
(c) turned a life-loving man to live like a monk possess?
(d) all of the above (a) black, red, green, blue and gold
Ans : 2006
(b) black, red, yellow, blue and gold
(d) all of the above
(c) orange, black, yellow, blue and silver
33. What does depths of oppression create? (d) black, blue, violet, saffron and green
(a) oppressed (b) heights of character Ans : 2005

Ans : 2006

(b) heights of character Short Answer Type Question

34. What is the dream of Nelson Mandela for the 1. Nelson Mandela in his inauguration speech says,
future of South Africa? “We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have
(a) Free from all selfishness today been given the rare privilege to be host to
(b) Free from all love and emotions the nations of the world on our own soil.”
(c) Free from poverty and discrimination What is the significance of this statement with
Ans : 2005
reference to the political system that prevailed
before this ?
(d) None of these
Ans : 2024
(c) Free from poverty and discrimination
The significance of Mandela’s statement lies in
35. What has the Nelson Mandela achieved? highlighting the profound transformation from
the apartheid system of institutionalized racial
(a) Political emancipation
segregation and discrimination in South Africa to
(b) Political love democratic governance. This shift allowed those
(c) Political goodness previously marginalized and criminalized to now
(d) None of these welcome global nations as equals on their own
Ans : 2005 land, marking a significant victory for human
(a) Political emancipation rights and justice.

36. Why is it easy to learn to love? 2. State two ways in which the oppressor and the
(a) Because it comes naturally oppressed are similar, according to Mandela.
(b) Because they are less in number Ans : 2023

According to Mandela, both the oppressor and

(c) Because you have will to do this. the oppressed are robbed of their humanity.
Ans : 2005
According to Mandela, if one person takes away
(d) None of these another person’s freedom, they themselves become
(a) Because it comes naturally a prisoner of prejudice. They become shackled and
restricted by their own biases and actions. While
37. In the article, who have the people been compared the oppressed are dehumanised because that is
to? how the oppressors treat them, the oppressors too
(a) Utensils (b) Minerals and Gems are dehumanised as a consequence of their own
(c) Technology (d) None of these actions.
Ans : 2005

(b) Its people 3. Based on your reading of the lesson, what can you
infer about Mandela as a father and as a leader?
38. What created a lasting wound in Nelson’s country? Ans : 2021

Mandela was a loving father as well as a great

(a) The policy of fighting
leader. But, to make his country free from
(b) The policy of economic backwardness

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discriminations. 29. What were the ceremonies that took place on

May 10 in South Africa?
23. Why had Mandela to join the African National Ans : 2009
Congress? On 10 May 1994, the inauguration ceremonies
Ans : 2012, 2010 took place in South Africa, when Nelson Mandela
When Mandela realised that the freedom of became South Africa’s first Black President after
everybody was curtailed like his, he was deeply more than three centuries of white rule. Mandela’s
moved. His hunger for freedom became keener African National Congress party had won 252 of
and keener. He desired that his people should lead the 400 seats.
a life of dignity and self-respect. Consequently he
joined the African National Congress. 30. Where did the inauguration ceremonies take
place? What was special about that place?
24. Mention the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela. Ans : 2009
Ans : 2012 The inauguration ceremonies took place in the
Nelson Mandela had to face many difficulties. He lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the
was ripped away from his family to fulfil his duty Union Buildings in Pretoria. This place had been
to his people. He was forced to live a life apart. He the seat of white supremacy for decades but on
lived a life of a monk. In the prison Nelson and his that day the installation of South Africa’s first
friends were ill treated. democratic, non-racial government was held there.
25. What according to Nelson Mandela is the greatest 31. “We have, at last, achieved our political
wealth of a nation? emancipation.” What does Mandela pledge to his
Ans : 2011
people?
Nelson Mandela believed that his country is rich Ans : 2008
in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its Nelson Mandela said that he and other office-
soil. He believed that greatest wealth of a nation bearers pledge themselves to liberate all their
were its people-finer and truer than the purest people from the continuing bondage of poverty,
diamonds. deprivation, suffering, gender and other
discrimination. He said that never again his
26. How did a law abiding advocate become a
country would experience the oppression of one
criminal?
by another.
Ans : 2011

The law abiding advocate became a criminal with 32. What did “a spectacular array” of South African
the desire to live with dignity and self respect jets, helicopters and troop carriers demonstrate
that changed a law abiding citizen into a bold and signify at the time of inauguration?
criminal. The law loving man was forced to live
O
like a monk. This change came when hunger for
Describe the spectacular display of military force.
freedom became hunger for freedom of his own
Ans : 2008
people.
An impressive display of South African jets,
27. What does Mandela mean by saying ‘I was born helicopters and troop carriers over the Union
free’ ? Buildings was not only a display of military force
Ans : 2010 but was also a demonstration of the military’s
In childhood Mandela felt he was born free as loyalty to democracy, to a new government that
he was free to run in the fields near his mother’s had been freely and fairly elected. All the highest
hut. He was free to swim in the stream and free generals of the South African defence force and
to roast mealies under the stars. Moreover at that police saluted him and a chevron of Impala jets
time he was not troubled by laws of God. left a smoke trail of the new South African flag.

28. Who are the ‘African patriots’ mentioned in 33. What does Mandela tell about the effects of
Mandela’s speech? oppression and brutality?
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2007

The African patriots mentioned in Mandela’s The policy of apartheid created a deep and
speech were Oliver Tambus, the Walter Sisulus, lasting wound in his country and his people. But
the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram the decades of oppression and brutality had an
Fischers and the Robert Sobukwes. unintended effect too. It produced men of such
extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity

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2. He was overwhelmed remembering all the ii. ‘Transitory freedoms’ for him meant staying
past events. out at night, reading what he liked and going
ii. (b) recognises the rights and freedoms of all where he chose. This was Mandela’s concept
people. of freedom when he was young and limited to
iii. 1. A system of racial domination / personal liberty and enjoyment.
segregation against the dark-skinned iii. (a) The desire to lead a normal respectful life
people in their own land. as a citizen.
2. One of the harshest and most inhuman iv. in first person’s point of view.
societies of the world.
5. Read the extract given below and answer the
iv. Appeased/repaired/mended questions that follows :
4. Read the extract given below and answer the That day had come about through the
questions that follows : unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of my people,
“It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood people whose suffering and courage can never be
freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a counted or repaid. I felt that day, as I have on
young man that my freedom had already been many other days, that I was simply the sum of all
taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At those African patriots who had gone before me.
first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself That long and noble line ended and now began
the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out again with me. I was pained that I was not able
at night, read what I pleased and go where I to thank them and that they were not able to see
chose. Later; as a young man in Johannesburg, what their sacrifices had wrought.
I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms i. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of identify which one correctly corresponds to
marrying and having a family-the freedom not to the extract.
be obstructed in a lawful life.” (a) A debate is a formal discussion on a
i. The speaker’s attitude towards his freedom particular topic, usually with two or more
when he was in his boyhood can be summed people presenting different viewpoints
up as _____. and arguments.
(a) being self- centered (b) A autobiographical account of an event
(b) being naive which covers the author’s point of view
(c) being foolish regarding the event and all other things
associated with it.
(d) being indifferent to others
(c) A narrative from the point of view of
ii. How does Nelson Mandela understand the
an omniscient narrator, who knows
concept of “transitory freedoms”? Answer in
everything about the story and the
about 40 words.
character.
iii. In the statement, ‘I discovered as a young
ii. Who represents ‘the long and noble line’ ?
man that my freedom had already been taken
from me, that I began to hunger for it,’ what (a) Nelson Mandela (b) African patriots
was Mandela hungering after? (c) African tribes (d) None of these
(a) The desire to lead a normal respectful life iii. How do you think the day had come into the
as a citizen. life of the author?
(b) The desire to fulfil all his professional iv. Which word would correctly substitute
dreams. ‘plainly’, in the given sentence from the
(c) The breaking of the chains that bound extract?
his fellow citizens. Col Rathore was plainly a man who never
liked to show off.
iv. If ‘Point of View’ is the narration of a story
Ans : 2020
that can be told from a first, second, or third
person’s point of view, the given extract is i. (b) A autobiographical account of an event
told _____. which covers the author’s point of view
Ans : 2020 regarding the event and all other things
associated with it.
i. (b) being naive

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Long Answer Type Question ate whatever he got in the fields, like roasted
mealies. On the contrary, Lucio was born in a
1. A desire is more personal whereas a vision has well-settled family who could afford bread bangles
broader connotations. You have been asked and other delicacies available in Goa. Mandela
to present an analysis of Valli’s desire and had to struggle for his basic freedom throughout
Mandela’s vision and how they are respectively his life. Lucio lived a privileged life as interpreted
fulfilled. Write this presentation draft including
from the lesson ‘Baker from Goa’.
your insights, in about 120 words, comparing the
approaches of both Valli and Mandela. 3. You have been chosen to address a student
You may begin like this : gathering from the neighbourhood schools, to
One acknowledges that both, Valli and Mandela speak on the resilience of human spirit required to
_____ however, transcend discrimination. Prepare the speech draft
(Reference — Nelson Mandela — A Long Walk to in not more than 120 words, with reference to the
Freedom & Madam Rides a Bus) commonality of themes in, Nelson Mandela: Long
Ans : 2024 Walk to Freedom, and, The Trees by Adrienne
One acknowledges that both Valli and Mandela Rich,
exhibit aspirations, yet their expressions of desire You may begin this way:
and vision differ significantly. Valli, in “Madam Good morning, everyone. Today, I’d like to discuss
Rides the Bus,” harbors a personal desire to two pieces of literature that offer a powerful
experience the thrill of riding a bus, symbolic of insight into the resilience of the human spirit
freedom and exploration in her confined world. required to transcend discrimination.
Conversely, Mandela’s vision, as portrayed in “A You may end this way.
Long Walk to Freedom,” extends beyond personal To conclude, I’d like to say that...
fulfillment to encompass the liberation of an entire Thank you
nation from apartheid oppression. While Valli’s Ans : 2023

desire is fulfilled through a simple act of defiance, Good morning, everyone. Today, I’d like to
Mandela’s vision requires enduring struggle discuss two pieces of literature that offer a
and sacrifice, culminating in the realization of a powerful insight into the resilience of the human
democratic South Africa. Their journeys highlight spirit required to transcend discrimination. These
the distinction between individual desires and pieces are from the stories, Nelson Mandela: Long
collective visions in shaping personal and societal Walk to Freedom and The Trees.
destinies. In both the pieces, resilience of the human spirit
has proved to be able to eliminate discrimination.
2. In the chapter ‘A Baker from Goa’ the narrator In Nelson Mandela, Mandela had a grit and
talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond determination to abolish the racism that prevailed
memories. In about 120 words write a presentation against the blacks in South Africa. He fought that
draft comparing the childhood of the narrator in discrimination while facing a lot of challenges in
‘A Baker from Goa’ to that of Nelson Mandela. his life only because he was resilient.
You may begin this way : Similarly, in the poem ‘The Trees’, the poet
Childhood memories remind us of the days gone uses the image of trees to depict the journey of
by.... women in the world to fight for their rights. She
Reference : A Baker from Goa and Nelson had shown how hard work, perseverance and grit
Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom. can defeat any challenge in the way to attain our
Ans : 2024
human rights. To conclude, I’d like to say that
The childhood memories of both the writers give we should learn from these pieces that no matter
us a glimpse into their traditions and cultures. what comes in our way, we should have resilience
Nelson Mandela had spent his childhood around of the spirit to transcend discrimination and
speak up for our rights.
fields and streams whereas the childhood of
Thank you
Lucio Rodrigues, the narrator of the Glimpses of
India, seems to be inspired by the English and 4. Freedom is inconsequential if it is behind bars
Portuguese culture. Mandela lived life as a cattle of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. How would
boy but Lucio belonged to a civilized and literate you explain this statement? Support your answer
family where he talks about basic hygiene and with suitable examples from the real world.
etiquette. Mandela grew up in a poor family and

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courageous man? 17. An incident involving a white guard in jail helped

Ans : 2020 Mandela continue his struggle against the racial
Not someone who doesn’t experience fear – government. What was the incident?
someone who doesn’t give in to it – one who wins Ans : 2015

over fear During the most difficult times in prison, when

Nelson Mandela and his comrades were subjected
12. Nelson Mandela speaks of twin obligations. What to extreme pain. This reassurance was enough
are they? to let Mandela going. Man’s goodness is a flame
Ans : 2019, 2013
which can be hidden but never extinguished.
In South Africa or in any nation there are two
obligations for a person. One is at the personal 18. What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the
level towards his family. Another obligation is President of South Africa?
towards the society. Apart from striving for Ans : 2014

personal goals a person should also work hard to Nelson Mandela was sad for not able to thank
contribute something to the society. those,African patriots who had fought for
independence and sacrificed their lives for it. This
13. What ideals does Mandela set out for the future pained him that they were not able to see what their
of South Africa in his speech? sacrifices had brought.
Ans : 2016

The ideal Mandela set out for the future of South 19. When did Mandela’s hunger for self turn into
Africa and his speech was to liberate the people hunger for freedom for all his people?
of South Africa from continuing bondage of Ans : 2014

poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other Mandela gradually realized that freedom was
discriminations. curtailed for those people who looked like he did,
but not for the whites. Consequently, he joined
14. Why did the inauguration ceremony take place in the African National Congress, and that was
the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings when his “hunger for freedom” became a “greater
in Pretoria? hunger.”
Ans : 2016
20. How did Nelson Mandela become the first black
The inauguration ceremony took place in the
President of South Africa?
amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in
Pretoria as for decades this had been seat of white Ans : 2013

supremacy. Here South Africa’s first democratic, Nelson Mandela is a South African. He fought a
non-racial government was to be formed. life-long fight against the racial discrimination.
The first democratic elections were held in South
15. Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa Africa’s history. His party won 252 seats out of
? What was observed on the streets of Pretoria the 400 seats. He became the first black President
on this day? there.
O
Describe the inauguration ceremony when Nelson 21. Name the South African personalities who took
Mandela took the oath. swear-in ceremony on that day.
Ans : 2015 Ans : 2013

On 10th May 1994 first democratic, non¬racial It was the bright and glorious day for the South
government was to be installed on the streets of Africans. On the podium Mr. de Klerk was the first
Pretoria. Dignitaries from more than 140 countries to be sworn in as second deputy president. Then
around the world participated in it. More than Thabo Mbeki swore as first deputy president. In
100,000 South African men, women and children his turn of President, Nelson pledged to obey and
of all races sang and danced with joy. sustain the constitution.

16. What freedom meant to Mandela in childhood? 22. What pledge does Mandela owe for his people?
Ans : 2015, 2003 Ans : 2012

During childhood freedom meant to Mandela to Nelson Mandela is a man of deep feeling. Through
be free to run in the fields, to swim in the clear his constant and laborious efforts. South Africa
stream that ran through his village, free to roast saw the dawn of freedom. During the swear
mealies under the stars and ride the broad backs freedom. So he pledged to liberate all from
of slow moving bulls. poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other

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man ? 12. Why was Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of

Ans : 2015 history on the inauguration day and what was its
Mandela meant differently by the boyhood outcome ?
freedom and the freedom he enjoyed as a young Ans : 2013

man. During boyhood, Mandela learnt that On the inauguration day, Mandela was
freedom was an illusion. As a boy he was free to overwhelmed with a sense of history. He
run to the fields and swim in the streams. He was remembered the brutal Anglo-Boer war. It took
not troubled as long as he obeyed the laws and his place in the first decade of the twentieth century.
parents. A man has to work for his family, parents, In it the white skinned men of South Africa
wife and children. He always finds himself under settled all their old differences. Then they created
bondage. As a youth Nelson Mandela realized a system of racial discrimination against the dark
that his freedom had been seized from him. With skinned men of their own country.
the advancement of age and experience, he felt During elections, African National Congress
that not only his freedom but also the freedom came into majority. Nelson Mandela was the
of every one was curtailed. He unbosomed hunger first Black President of South Africa. The earlier
for freedom for all. He desired that all the people scene of brutality was looming before his eyes.
of his country should live with dignity and self- He could not bear such heinous brutalities. So
respect. He considered freedom as indivisible. he overturned that system for ever. The system
was replaced by granting rights and freedom to
10. Give the character sketch of Nelson Mandela. all South Africans without any discrimination of
Ans : 2015
colour.
Neslon Mandela is a great patriot. He loves his
country and countrymen. For him the greatest 13. “Hunger for freedom” is the greatest virtue which
wealth of South Africa is her people. one enjoys. How did Mandela reach at the apex
He has a sacrificing nature. He sacrificed his for love of freedom ?
life of comfort, family and home and plunged into Ans : 2013, 2008

the struggle for freedom. He believed in equality Freedom is the greatest virtue which one enjoys
for all. He opposed the rule of Apartheid for which while being on this earth. No one wants to live in
he was declared an outlaw. He was oppressed and captivity viz. be it animal or bird. Even if a bird
tortured in jail for several years but he never is kept in golden cage, it wants to fly.
broke. It shows his traits of tolerance, courage Since boyhood, Mandela discovered that his
and perseverance. freedom had been taken from him. As a student
he wanted freedom for himself. But slowly the
11. Which twin obligations have been mentioned in concept of freedom became wider. He became
this lesson? Explain. homeless, monk and criminal. He underwent
O many tortures but still he worked very hard. He
Which twin obligations does Mandela mention ? remained behind the bars and won freedom for
Why was he not able to fulfil those obligations ? his country. He became the first black President
Ans : 2014, 2009, 2005 of South Africa.
In the midst of this lesson, one comes across the
obligation to the family and the obligation to the 14. Racial discrimination is the worst kind of
country. In the first type of obligation a man has discrimination. Why was it great aspiring force
to do for his family, children, wife and parents. He for Nelson ? What kind of discrimination do you
is supposed to work for their well being. face in the society in which you live ?
In the second type of obligations a man has Ans : 2012

to fulfil it for his people, community and country. Racial discrimination draws a line between races
We can fulfil them according to our capacities and and makes people stand apart away from each
abilities. But in South Africa it was impossible for other. The whites have always tried to exploit
a black man to fulfil them. When Nelson tried to blacks and put them to slavery. Nelson Mandela
fulfil them for his family, he was cut off from his had been greatly shaken by the policy of apartheid.
family. He was forced to live a desolate life full He had found that blacks were being treated in an
of troubles and tortures. When Nelson tried to inhuman manner. It was the difficulties of staying
serve his people, he was prevented from doing his away from home and family which made him
obligations. work for the country.
In every kind of society we face discrimination.
We find that rich try to exploit poor, powerful try

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

that their like may never be known again. Ans : 2006

Perhaps, it required such depths of oppression to According to Mandela ‘true freedom’ means when
create such heights of character. one is not taking away someone else’s freedom
and also when his own freedom is not taken away
34. Why did Nelson Mandela say that ‘the oppressor from him.
must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed’ ?
Ans : 2007
39. What was addressed by Mandela in his speech
Nelson Mandela knew that the oppressor must while taking oath?
be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A Ans : 2005, 2003

man who takes away another man’s freedom is a Mandela addressed the gathering in his speech and
prisoner of hatred and is locked behind the bars assured that his people shall not again experience
of prejudice and narrow mindedness. According the oppression . He promised to make the nation
to him, a person couldn’t be free if he was taking free from poverty, deprivation and discrimination.
away someone else’s freedom. Thus, he felt that 40. What is meant by apartheid? How, according to
the oppressed and the oppressor alike were robbed Mandela, has apartheid affected South Africa?
of their humanity. Ans : 2005

35. What does Nelson Mandela tell about the people Aparthid is a former policy of segregation,
of his country ? What has he learnt from them? political and economic discrimination against the
Ans : 2007
Blacks in the Republic of South Africa.
Nelson Mandela said that the greatest wealth of The policy of apartheid has affected South
his country were its people. He had learnt the Africa deeply. It has created a deep and lasting
meaning of courage from them. Time and again, he wound in the country and its people. Liberation
had seen men and women risk and give their lives from the chains of apartheid had taken the lives
for an idea. He had seen men stand up to attacks of the many great leaders like Oliver Tambo,
and torture without breaking, showing a strength Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, and
and resilience that defied the imagination. From Bram Fischer. It will take a long time to heal this
them he learnt that courage was not the absence wound.
of fear but the triumph over it. He learnt that the 41. What did the smoke trail of Impala symbolize in
brave man was not who did not feel afraid, but he the inauguration?
who conquered that fear. Ans : 2004

36. What did Mandela think of the oppressor and the In the inauguration, a chevron of Impala jets left
oppressed? a smoke trail of the black, red, green, blue and
Ans : 2006
gold symbolizing the new South African flag.
Mandela thinks that both the oppressed and 42. Describe the aerial display from the lesson ‘Long
the oppressor are robbed of their humanity. The Walk to Freedom’.
oppressor is not truly free if he is taking someone Ans : 2003
else’s freedom as the oppressed is trapped in the After the swearing-in-ceremony wherein each
net of hatred while oppressed does not believe in leader pledged his loyalty to the well-being of
humanity. So, both of them must be liberated. the republic, all eyes were lifted in awe as an
37. What did Mandela realize about his brothers and impressive display of a series of South African jets,
sisters? helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect
formation over the buildings. It was a remarkable
Ans : 2006 display of pinpoint precision and military force. It
Gradually, Mandela realized that it was not only was also a demonstration of the military’s loyalty
he whose freedom was curtailed but his brothers to democracy, to a new Government that had
and sisters were also not free. Soon, he realized been fairly and freely elected.
the freedom he felt in his childhood was only an
illusion. This is why he joined African National 43. How according to Mandela has apartheid affected
Congress, then the hunger for his own freedom South Africa?
became the greater hunger for the freedom of his Ans : 2002

people. According to Mandela the policy of apartheid has

created a deep and lasting wound in his country
38. What according to Mandela, is true freedom? and his people. Many generations will be spent
recovering from the profound hurt of this policy.

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racial domination against the dark-skinned people parents, to his wife and children; and he has an
of their own land. The structure they created and obligation to his people, his community. In a civil
the discriminatory and inhuman treatment of the and humane society, each man is able to fulfil
blacks by them, nearly segregated South Africa. those obligations. But Nelson Mandela feels that
Because of its policy of apartheid, many countries in a country like South Africa, it was almost
of the world had earlier broken off diplomatic impossible for a man of his birth and colour to
relations with South Africa. fulfil both of these obligations. A man who tried to
Because of this racial discrimination, fulfil his duty to his people was inevitably ripped
thousands of African patriots suffered a lot from his family and his home and was forced to
and some even sacrificed their lives. Nelson live a life of a twilight existence of secrecy and
Mandela too had to spend thirty years in jail. rebellion. He was punished and isolated.
But all because of their ceaseless struggle, finally
democratic elections were held in South Africa in 24. “I was not born with a hunger to be free.” When
1994 and Nelson Mandela became the first black did Mandela begin to hunger for it?
president of a new nation. Ans : 2008

Nelson Mandela believed that he was free in every

21. What does courage mean to Mandela? How did way that he could know. As a boy, Mandela did
he learn the meaning of courage? not have a hunger for freedom because he thought
Ans : 2009 that he was born free. He believed that as long as
Mandela has learnt the true meaning of courage he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of
from the struggle of the people of his country. his tribe, he was free in every possible manner. He
Time and again he has seen men and women risk was not troubled by the laws of man or God. He
and give their lives for an idea. He has seen men had certain needs as a teenager and certain needs
stand up to attack and torture without breaking, as a young man. Gradually, he realized that he was
showing a strength and the ability to deal with selfish during his boyhood. He understood that it
any kind of hardship that defies imagination. He ;s not just his freedom that is being curtailed, but
also learnt that courage was not the absence of the freedom of all blacks. It is after attaining this
fear, but the triumph over it. The brave is not understanding that he developed a hunger for the
he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers freedom of his people.
that fear.
25. What do you think is Nelson Mandela’s concept
22. What ideals does Nelson Mandela set out for the of courage and love ?
future of South Africa?
Ans : 2007
O Nelson Mandela learnt the meaning of courage
What ideals does he set out for the future of South from his comrades in the freedom struggle. Time
Africa? and again, he had seen men and women risk and
Ans : 2009 give their lives for an idea. He learnt that courage
Nelson Mandela pledged to liberate all the people was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over
of South Africa from the continuing bondage it. He further learnt that the brave man was not
of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and he who did not feel afraid, but he who conquered
other discrimination. He even promised that that fear.
never-ever again in the future shall his beautiful He believed that no one is born hating
land experience the oppression of one person by another person because of the colour of his skin,
another. The sun shall never set on the most or his background, or his religion. Paradoxically,
glorious human achievement. Freedom shall he said that people must have learnt to hate
henceforth reign in South Africa with the country because if they could learn to hate, they could
and its people having also achieved their political also be taught to love. Nelson Mandela felt so
emancipation and peace for human dignity. because he thought that love came more naturally
to the human heart than hate. He believed that
23. Which two obligations according to Nelson
man’s goodness was a flame that could never be
Mandela, does every man have in life? How could
extinguished.
a man not fulfil these obligations in a country like
South Africa? 26. Do you agree with Nelson Mandela about what he
Ans : 2008 says regarding “twin obligations” ?
According to Nelson Mandela, every man has Ans : 2006, 2003
two obligations - obligation to his family, to his Nelson Mandela believed that in life, every man

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2021
consequence of this prejudice for the character.
This statement was given by Nelson Mandela on Ans : 2021
the institution day of South Africa. An oppressor Prejudice based on race and colour or any other
who takes away others’ freedom is a victim of reason causes profound hurt to the discriminated-
prejudice and narrow-mindedness. He needs to against person. In ‘The hundred Dresses’ lesson
come out of this jail first to be called free in a real from the ‘First Flight book’ one character named
sense. If a man can’t respect others’ freedom he Wanda Petronski faced similar cases of partiality
himself is not free and needs to be educated. by her American classmates. She was bullied and
Example 1- The death of George Floyd (a black made fun of. Wanda went through all the trouble
American) by a careless white policeman that because she was a Polish immigrant. Besides, she
triggered “Black Lives Matter” and ‘I can’t wore the same dress every day to school because
Breathe’ campaigns all over America confirms the she was unable to buy a second pair of dresses.
existence of apartheid. But, she never paid heed to their sarcastic
Example 2- Religious discrimination and attack comments. Rather she put her imagination
on minorities in Pakistan depict that they are of beautiful dresses on paper in the drawing
bound by the shackles of prejudice and narrow- competition and won the medal.
mindedness.
7. Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech used these
5. After having read the lesson on the oppression two words ‘an extraordinary human disaster’ and
that communities faced in South Africa, you were so ‘glorious a human achievement’. What did he
deeply hurt. You could also relate to the struggles mean by that ?
and hardships of millions of Indians who fought Ans : 2016
against the oppressive British rule. The extraordinary disaster was the rule of
Write a diary entry expressing your feelings about Apartheid in South Africa. This disaster of racial
the oppression faced by people in their homeland. discrimination brought oppression, deprivation,
You may begin like this: cruelty and suffering for the black people of
South Africa. Blacks were not allowed to visit the
24 August 20XX, Monday 9:00 pm
places reserved for the whites. They led a life of
My heart is filled with sadness as I think of
humiliation.
the oppressed who had to tolerate the inhuman
At last on 10 May, 1994, after more than three
attitude of the oppressors in their
centuries of white rule, Nelson Mandela’s African
own land. …………………………
National Congress party won the elections. Nelson
Ans : 2021 Mandela became the first black President of South
Africa. This coming into power of non-racial
24 August 20XX Monday 9:00 pm government was a glorious human achievement.
My heart is filled with sadness as I think of
the oppressed who had to tolerate the inhuman 8. What were the difficulties faced by Nelson
attitude of the oppressors in their own land. Mandela in achieving freedom for his people ?
Indian farmers were forced by Britishers to grow Ans : 2015
indigo in place of rice in their fields. It fetched In his endeavour to get freedom for his countrymen
a handsome amount of money for Britishers but from the rule of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela had
farmers were having less food and less income. to undergo many hardships and suffered a lot.
The English looted the poor women’s dignity. This great patriot had to sacrifice the comfort of
No female was safe in the British era. Tears roll his home and loving family. He was declared an
down my eyes when I think of the physical and outlaw for demanding equality for all his fellow
mental torture that our freedom fighters faced. black Africans. He was punished, isolated and put
Everyone knows how cruel general Dyer turned into jail. He and his comrades were oppressed and
a meeting into a massacre. These wounds are tortured beyond tolerance. He suffered hunger,
deep-rooted in the hearts of every Indian and oppression and injustice but kept the flame of
can never be healed. independence burning in his heart. His undaunted
courage, persistent struggle and unparallel
6. Prejudice based on race and colour or any other sacrifice bore fruit and South Africa got freedom
reason causes profound hurt. Write about any from the rule of Apartheid on 10 May, 1994.
one character from the chapters in First Flight
who was subjected to such prejudice? Discuss the 9. What does Mandela mean by the .boyhood
freedom and the freedom he enjoyed as a young

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Page 300 Discursive Passage Chapter 2
Ans : ii. The transition from white supremacy to
i. Inference : Nelson Mandela acknowledges a rainbow gathering signifies the end of
the attainment of political freedom after a racial segregation and dominance by whites
prolonged struggle. in South Africa. The “rainbow gathering”
ii. False signifies unity and inclusion and that all
iii. Mandela’s speech exudes optimism as races, colors, and nations are now equal and
he celebrates the realization of political welcome, signifying the start of democratic
emancipation, signaling hope and progress and non-racial government.
for the nation after enduring hardships. His iii. The phrase that could correctly substitute
words reflect confidence in a brighter future ‘pleasantly besieged’ in the given sentence
despite past challenges. could be ‘delightfully surrounded’ or ‘agreeably
iv. “The sun shall never set on such a magnificent inundated’.
human achievement.” iv. False

2. Read the extract given below and answer the 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follow: questions that follow:
Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed
past few days, I had been pleasantly besieged by with a sense of history. In the first decade of the
dignitaries and world leaders who were coming 20th century a few years after the bitter Anglo-
to pay their respects before the inauguration. Boer war and before my own birth, the white
The inauguration would be the largest gathering skinned people of South Africa patched up
ever of international leaders on South African their differences and created a system of racial
soil. The ceremonies took place in the lovely domination against the dark-skinned people of
sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union their own land. The structure they created formed
buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane
the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the societies the world has ever known. Now, in the
site of rainbow gathering of different colours and last decade of the twentienth century, and my
nations for the installation of South Africa’s first own eighth decade as a man, that system has
democratic non-racial government. been overturned forever and replaced by one that
Ans : 2024 recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples,
i. What do you infer from the fallowing regardless of the colour of their skin.
statement ? Ans : 2024

“The inauguration would be the largest i. Explain the feelings of the narrator when
gathering ever of international leaders on he said; “I was overwhelmed with a sense of
South African Soil.” history.”
ii. Explain in about 40 words the effective shift ii. The system of racial domination has been
from white supremacy to a rainbow gathering. replaced by a system that :
iii. Which phrase would correctly substitute (a) confirms the education of the Blacks.
‘pleasantly besieged’ in the given sentence (b) recognises the rights and freedoms of all
from that extract ? people.
iv. State true or false with reference to the given (c) recollects the bitter experiences.
extract. (d) focuses on the personality development.
in the past the ‘amphitheatre’ had been a
iii. Comment on the kind of society apartheid
seat for theatrical performances.
had created?
Ans : 2024
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
i. From the statement “The inauguration would
‘patched up’ in the given sentence from the
be the largest gathering ever of international
extract :
leaders on south African Soil”, it can be
“...the white skinned people of South Africa
inferred that the inauguration ceremony is
patched up their differences...”
an extremely significant event, attracting the
Ans : 2022
attention of world leaders, indicating it may
be a turning point or important moment in i. 1. Mandela felt happy because of his role in
the history of South Africa. ending Apartheid in South Africa.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

had twin obligations. These were obligations to obligations freely neither towards their family nor
his family, to his parents, to his wife and children, towards their country.. Mandela spent so many
and his obligation to his people, his community years in lifeless jail cell and his heart was broken
and his country. He said that in a civil and at the sight that he was forced to witness. He
humane society, each man was able to fulfil these could feel the sorrow and grief behind the cold
obligations. But, in South Africa, previously, it prison bars for 27 long years. His life was a hell for
was impossible for a dark-skinned man to fulfil those long years as he was deprived of freedom.
both of these obligations. Because a man of colour Freedom is a condition in which people have
who attempted to live as a human being in South the liberty to speak, act and pursue happiness
Africa was punished and isolated. without unnecessary external limitations.
I fully agree with Nelson Mandela that in any Freedom is important because it leads to enhanced
country where people are being oppressed, anyone expressions of creativity and original thought,
who wishes to fulfil his duty to his people is bound increased productivity, and an overall high quality
to be prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a of life which is extremely important for the growth
son, as a brother, as a father and as a husband. To of human civilization and humanism. Freedom
serve the cause of his people Nelson Mandela had in liberal terms mean freedom from oppression,
to spend thirty years in prison like many Indian and not freedom from responsibilities. This is
freedom fighters who struggled for the sake of the because freedom is important for the growth of
freedom of their beloved country. civilization.

27. When did Nelson Mandela realise that freedom

was an illusion ? How did the hunger for freedom Extract Based Question
grow ?
Ans : 2006 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
Nelson Mandela was born free, so he was free in questions that follow :
every way that he could know that is free to do We have, at last, achieved our political
whatever he wanted. As long as he obeyed his emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate
father and abided by the customs of his tribe, he all our people from the continuing bondage of
was not troubled by the laws of man and God. poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other
In his boyhood, he learnt that his childhood discrimination.
freedom was an illusion. He soon discovered that Never, never, and never again shall it be
his freedom had already been taken from him, so that this beautiful land will again experience the
he began to hunger for it. At first, as a student, oppression of one by another.
he wanted freedom only for himself. Later, as a The sun shall never set on so glorious a
young man, in Johannesburg, he yearned for the human achievement.
basic and honourable freedoms of achieving his Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!
potential, of earning his keep, of marrying and Ans : 2024
having a family-the freedom not to be obstructed
i. State any one inference about Nelson Mandela
in a lawful life.
from the given context :
Later, he found that it was not just his
freedom that was curtailed but the freedom of “We have, at last, achieved our political
everyone who looked like he did. He joined the emancipation.”
African National Congress to fight for the freedom ii. State True or False :
of his people because he wanted his people to live When Mandela says, “God bless Africa”, he
their lives with dignity and self-respect. intends to mean well-being and welfare of
only black people in South Africa.
28. Comment on the significance of freedom for
iii. “Nelson Mandela’s speech is full of optimism.”
human beings and how it is important for the
Elaborate in about 40 words with reference to
growth of civilization and humanism as described
the extract.
in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to
Freedom’. iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
Ans : 2005 ‘so glorious’, in the given sentence from the
Each being on this earth requires freedom to extract.
live. The value of freedom is better known to the “The sun shall never set on so glorious a
people of South Africa who had been chained with human achievement.”
the restrictions and not permitted to fulfil their

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Page 302 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

ii. (b) African patriots iv. True. This statement would not be called a
iii. The day had come in the life of the author hypothesis, assumption, premise or theory.
and millions of other people through courage,
sufferings and many sacrifices of the speaker’s
people. 
iv. simply

6. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follows :
My country is rich in the minerals and gems that
lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that
its great wealth is its people, finer and truer than
the purest diamonds.
It is from these comrades in the struggle that I
learned the meaning of courage. Time and again, I
have seen men and women risk and give their lives
for an idea. I have seen men stand up to attacks
and torture without breaking, showing a strength
and resilience that defies the imagination.
i. According to the speaker, what is the greatest
wealth of a nation?
(a) Its minerals (b) Its gems
(c) Its diamonds (d) Its people
ii. What opinion does the speaker have about
the people in his country?
iii. What are the people of Africa being compared
to?
iv. State True or False.
None of the terms (a) -(d) below, can be
applied to the statement - Nelson Mandela is
distraught at the actions of his people.
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
a phenomenon
(b) An assumption - something that is taken
for granted or assumed to be true without
proof
(c) A premise - a proposition that forms the
basis of an argument
(d) A theory - a well-substantiated
explanation for a natural phenomenon
Ans : 2019

i. (d) Its people

ii. The speaker believes that the people of his
country are very valuable. They, according
to the speaker, are the greatest wealth of
his country and are finer and truer than the
purest diamonds.
iii. The people of Africa are compared to the
purest diamonds and all other gems that are
present in the lands of Africa.

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MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SOCIAL

STANDARD BASIC SCIENCE
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Class 10 Class 10 Class 10 Class 10

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

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ARTIFICAL
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Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

Chapter 3

Tw o Stories About Flying

I mother, father, three sons and one daughter. All

of them except the youngest son are expert in
flying high. His parents have tried several times to
HIS FIRST FLIGHT teach him how to fly but he is scared to do that
and does not want to try anymore. He relies on
the food that his parents bring back from their
1. INTRODUCTION flights.
The Story “His First Flight” is written by Liam Young Seagull’s Fear of Flying
OH Hearty. It is about a young seagull bird who The youngest son is afraid of flying as he thinks
is afraid of flying. It feels that its wings are not that if he flies, his wings would not support him
strong enough to make it fly. How he overcomes and he would fall down in the sea below and
this fear which all of us face while trying a new drown. Even his parents have rebuked him. They
venture and the story of his successful maiden even threatened him if he doesn’t fly, he would die
flight has been beautifully narrated in the chapter. of hunger, but he does not try.
The story highlights the importance of family and Parents Leave Young Seagull Alone
friends in one’s life. After so many failed attempts, his parents
leave him alone on the rock without food. They
even taunt him for his cowardice. The young
2. CHARACTERS seagull looks at his brothers and sisters enjoying
swimming, diving in the sea water for fish to feed
Young Seagull
themselves, but no one comes near him to offer
A timid sea-bird who was hesitant and afraid of
food.
flying. But he did not stop trying. Gradually he
gathered strength and made regular efforts for Hunger and Heat Increase
flying. Finally, he forgot his fear of flying and As the time passes, the young seagull could not
made his first flight. tolerate the hunger and the heat. He moves closer
to the ledge and pretends to fall asleep but nobody
Mother Seagull
takes notice of him. His brothers and sisters have
The mother of young seagull who motivated the
already had hearty breakfast and father seems
young one enough to get him to learn flying. She
busy in admiring and cleaning the feathers on his
even took the bold step of pushing her offspring
back. The mother looks at him and tries to tempt
form the cliff to eschew his fear.
him with pieces of fish. His begging and crying
Father Seagull does not affect her.
The Father of Young Seagull who was the sole
Young Seagull Dives for Food
breadwinner of the family.
The young seagull was very hungry. He as
Siblings surprised enough at his mother’s ignorance of
Siblings of the young seagull who cheered for their his pitiful condition. Thus, he dives for food. He
brother for his first flight along with their father begins to fall down with a scream as soon as he
offering moral and mental support to him. dives.
Flight Begins
3. SUMMARY The young seagull begins to fall in the sea. He is
afraid of drowning, so he tries to spread his wings
The Seagull Family outwards and beings flying. He feels a little dizzy
The seagull family consists of six seagulls – but all his fear vanished (disappeared). He soars

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Page 304 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

slowly downwards and upwards. He could finally 38. Derisively - teasingly

fly on his own. 39. Plaintively - say with sadness
Joy of Flight and Reunion of Family 40. Utter - speak
The seagull becomes so happy and soars higher 41. Lean - to bend
calling ‘ga, ga, ga’. It was really a joyous moment 42. Halted - stopped
for the whole family; his brothers and sisters
43. Dived - jumped in air
along with his parents come near to encourage
and cheer him. The young seagull successfully 44. Monstrous - huge
made his first flight. 45. Seized - gripped
46. Still - stopped, motionless
47. Soaring - flying
4. word meanings 48. Gradually - slowly
1. Seagull - a type of bird 49. Dizzy - feeling of spinning, giddy
2. Ledge - a projection of stone, Cliff 50. Swooped - rushed, moved suddenly and
3. Brink - edge quickly
4. Flap - move quickly 51. Curveting - flying up and down
5. Expanse - area, region 52. Banking - rise up
6. Stretched - extended 53. Soaring - flying
7. Beneath - below 54. Diving- go down
8. Flapped - moved quickly 55. Commended - appreciated, praised
9. Muster - gather, summon, collect 56. Shriek - shout
10. Take the plunge - decide and do something 57. Cawed - sound of a bird or crow
11. Desperate - suicidal, damaging 58. Amusedly - happily
12. Shrilly - loudly, high pitched voice 59. Ahead of - before
13. Upbraiding - scolding 60. Beckoning - calling, signalling
14. Starve - remain without food 61. Fright - fear
15. Perfecting - learning more to become perfect 62. Exhausted - completely tired
16. Skim - float, glide 63. Scraps - pieces
17. Herring - a type of fish 64. Belly - stomach
18. Devour - eat greedily and quickly 65. Dog fish - a type of fish
19. Cackle - speak loudly, laugh loudly
20. Plateau - a level surface on a hill
5. MESSAGE
21. Taunting - teasing
The story reflects how one hesitates to take the
22. Cowardice - act of being coward
first step and that fear is all in the mind. The
23. Ascending - rising story gives the message that one needs to believe
24. Blazing - very hot, burning in self to overcome all the hurdles of own life. One
25. Stepped - walked should trust one’s abilities because “the fear of
26. Brink - edge suffering is worse than the suffering itself”.
27. Pretended - acted
28. Take notice - pay attention, look at 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
29. Dozing - sleeping
30. Preening - cleaning feathers by beak Thinking About The Text
31. Hump - projection, bump,
1. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you
32. Tore - pulled apart
think all young birds are afraid to make their
33. Now and again - repeatedly first flight, or are some birds more timid than
34. Scrapped - rubbed, scratched others ? Do you think a human baby also finds it
35. Maddened - became mad a challenge to take its first step.
36. Whet - grind, sharpen Ans : 2015, 2009, 2006

37. Begging - requesting earnestly The young seagull thought that his wings were

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

(a) Insect (b) Fish 20. Who fell outwards and downward into space?
(c) Fruits (d) Herbs (a) Young Seagull (b) Mother Seagull
Ans : 2016 (c) Father Seagull (d) Brother Seagull
(b) Fish. Ans : 2013

(a) Young Seagull

13. The young seagull got mad by the sight of
_____. 21. Who give Young Seagull a piece of fish?
(a) Food (b) Sunny sky (a) Brother Seagull (b) Mother Seagull
(c) Vast sea (d) His brothers and (c) Father Seagull (d) None of these
sister Ans : 2011
Ans : 2016 (b) Mother Seagull
(a) Food.
22. What food did the seagull’s mother get for it?
14. The young seagull cried _____ to bring him (a) earthworms (b) fish
some food.
(c) insects (d) rodents
(a) Gew go ga (b) Ga Ga Ga Ans : 2011
(c) Go ga ge (d) Gaw colah (b) fish

Ans : 2016
23. What did the seagull pretended?
(b) Ga Ga Ga. (a) Running Fast (b) Falling Asleep
(c) Crying (d) None of these
15. Out of _____ the young seagull dived at the Ans : 2011
fish and started flying. (b) Falling Asleep
(a) Fear (b) Courage
(c) Hunger (d) Interest 24. Why was the seagull exhausted?
Ans : 2015 (a) Due to running fast (b) Due to strange
(c) Hunger. exercise
(c) Due to Crying (d) None of these
16. The color of the sea was Ans : 2011
(a) Blue (b) Black (b) Due to strange exercise
(c) Green (d) Red
Ans : 2015, 2013
25. What were his parents teaching his brothers and
(c) Green. sisters?
(a) to perfect the art of flying
17. Out of excitement his family members were (b) to skim the waves
offering him
(c) to dive for fish
(a) Star (b) Dog fish
(d) all of the above
(c) Fruits (d) Herring fish Ans : 2010
Ans : 2015
(d) all of the above
(b) Dog fish.
26. What were the young seagull’s brothers and sister
18. What did his parents threaten him with if he doing around him?
didn’t flew away?
(a) curveting (b) banking
(a) to never talk to him (b) to punish him
(c) soaring (d) all of these
(c) to starve him (d) to abandon him Ans : 2010
Ans : 2014
(d) all of these
(c) to starve him
27. Who is the narrator of the lesson ‘His First
19. The lesson “His First Flight” is about a Flight’ ?
(a) pilot (b) seagull (a) Fredrick Forsyth (b) Cynthia Moss
(c) parrot (d) pigeon (c) Liam O’Flaherty (d) None of these
Ans : 2014

(b) seagull

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Page 306 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

Writing (a) Forest (b) Field

(c) Valley (d) Sea
1. Write a short composition on your initial attempts
Ans : 2020
at learning a skill. You could describe the
(d) Sea.
challenges of learning to ride a bicycle or learning
to swim. Make it as humorous as possible. 5. The young seagull had lack of
Ans :
(a) Courage (b) Morality
Learning to Ride a Bicycle (c) Fear (d) Enthusiasm
I learned to ride bicycle when I was ten year old. Ans : 2020
In my childhood bicycle always fascinated me. (a) Courage.
I wanted to ride bicycle when I saw other boys
going to school on their bicycles. Then my father 6. _____ Day/days passed, but nobody had come
gave me one as a birthday present. He helped me near him to help.
learn it in my street. But I found it difficult to
(a) One (b) Four
learn at first. I could not make balance. I could
not see ahead as my eyes glued to the paddles. My (c) Two (d) Three
father told me to see ahead. He held the bicycle Ans : 2020

from behind. Then one day he left it and I found (a) One.
that I was riding it independently. But I fell down
7. The first fish catch by his older brother was
after going a metre away. After that I was always
afraid of falling. My father insisted me not to be (a) Star (b) Jelly
afraid. I tried. I fell down several times. Finally (c) Hearing (d) Butter cup
my fear began to lessen. Now I could ride a few Ans : 2020

metre without the help of my father. Then I made (c) Hearing.

myself perfect. And the day came when I went to
school on bicycle. Indeed, learning to ride bicycle 8. The ledge of the pleatue was facing the –
was a wonderful experience. (a) South (b) East
(c) North (d) West
Ans : 2020
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS (a) South.

Multiple Choice
Type Question 9. The young seagull was feeling more heat because
(a) He was facing east
1. The story is about a young (b) He was afraid
(a) Dove (b) Seagull (c) He was hungry
(c) Crow (d) Peacock (d) It was a too sunny day
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2016
(b) Seagull. (c) He was hungry.
2. The young seagull had _____ brothers and a 10. Only _____ was looking at the young seagull.
sister.
(a) Brothers (b) Mother
(a) Three (b) Two
(c) Sister (d) Father
(c) Five (d) Four Ans : 2016, 2011
Ans : 2021
(b) Mother.
(b) Two
11. The father of the seagull had _____ coloured
3. The young seagull was afraid of back.
(a) Walking (b) Running (a) Black (b) Yellow
(c) Flying (d) Sleeping alone (c) White (d) Brown
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2016
(c) Flying. (c) White.
4. There was a great expanse of _____ beneath 12. His mother was standing on another pleatue and
the hill. eating _____.

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

(b) The rest of the family were tired of him. iv. What finally pushed the seagull to overcome
(c) His siblings and father had given up on his fears?
him. (a) hunger and desperation
(d) The family members had abandoned him. (b) fear of scolding from his parents
iii. Which of the words given below is the opposite (c) taunts from his siblings
of ‘whet’ as given in the passage above? (d) a sense of shame and guilt
(a) sharpen (b) quench Ans : 2010

(c) augment (d) increase i. (d) the seagull’s stubbornness was irritating.
iv. At the sight of his mother tearing a scrap of ii. The young seagull was overjoyed to see his
fish, the little seagull because _____ mother coming towards him because he had
Ans : 2011 not eaten anything for long and she was
i. The seagull’s mother was keeping an eye on carrying a piece of fish for him.
her young one. Now and then. she was tearing iii. the mother instead of offering the piece of fish
at a fish and scrapping her beak on the rock. to the seagull. halted mid-air.
ii. (c) His siblings and father had given up on iv. (a) hunger and desperation
him.
8. Read the extract given below and answer the
iii. (b) quench
questions that follows :
iv. went mad (because) be was starving. Then he flapped his wings once and he soared
7. Read the extract given below and answer the upwards. “Ga, ga, ga, Ga, go. ga, Gaw-col-ah’ his
questions that follows : mother swooped past him, her wings making a
“Ga, ga, ga,” he cried begging her to bring him loud noise. He answered her with another scream’.
some food. “Gaw-col-ah,” she screamed back Then his father flew over him streaming. He saw
derisively. But he kept calling plaintively, and his two brothers and his sister flying around him
after a minute or so he uttered a joyful scream. curveting and banking and soaring and diving.
His mother had picked up a piece of the fish and Then he completely forgot that he had not always
was flying across to him with it. He leaned out been able to fly, and commended himself to dive
eagerly, tapping the rock with his feet, trying to and soar and curve, shrieking shrilly.
get nearer to her as she flew across. But when she i. How would you interpret the mother’s
was just opposite to him, she halted, her wings response in ‘Ga, go, go, Ga, ga, ga, Gatv-eol-
motionless, the piece of fish in her beak almost ah’ according to the passage?
within reach of his beak. He waited a moment in (a) She was appreciative that the young
surprise, wondering why she did not come nearer, seagull had finally overcome his fear.
and then, maddened by hunger, he dived at the (b) She was unhappy with his half-hearted
fish. efforts.
i. Which of the given options is best suited to (c) She was admonishing for taking too long
complete the following statement? to fly.
The mother’s tone was derisive because (d) She was appreciating her other children.
(a) the young seagull refused to bunt for ii. In the statement. ‘he commended himself to
itself. in, and soar and cunt, shrieking shrilly.’ the
(b) the seagull was behaving in a cowardly meaning of the word ‘commended’ would be
fashion for no reason. _____
(c) the other siblings had long learned to fly. (a) complimented (b) entrusted
(d) the seagull’s stubbornness was irritating. (c) celebrated (d) applauded
ii. Why was the young seagull overjoyed to see iii. How did the little seagull and his family react
his mother flying towards him? Answer in to his maiden flight?
about 40 words. iv. Match the figures of speech in Column (A)
iii. The anticlimactic moment in the passage is with their appropriate and corned examples
when _____ taken from the extract in Column (B) and
choose the correct option from the alternatives
gives below.

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Page 308 Discursive Passage Chapter 3
Ans : 2010
35. What did the seagull pretend was happening to
(c) Liam O’Flaherty him so that he could take his first flight?
28. Nobody had come near the young seagull for the (a) he was unconscious
last : (b) he was falling down the cliff
(a) ten hours (b) twelve hours (c) he was falling asleep
(c) twenty hours (d) twenty-four hours (d) He lost his balance
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2007

(d) twenty-four hours (c) he was falling asleep

29. Select the most appropriate option for the 36. Who was there on the ledge with the young
following: seagull for the last twenty-four hours?
devour : guzzle: : nibble : _____ (a) his two brothers (b) his sister
(a) chew (b) savour (c) his parents (d) he was alone
(c) peck (d) gulp Ans : 2007

Ans : 2009 (d) he was alone

(c) peck
37. How did the young seagull feel to fly?
30. Who was alone on the ledge? (a) afraid (b) enjoyed
(a) Young Seagull (b) Mother Seagull (c) willing (d) all of these
(c) Father Seagull (d) None of these Ans : 2007

Ans : 2009 (a) afraid

(a) Young Seagull
38. What were the young seagull’s parents doing to
31. Which of the following mirrors the use of the him?
literary device in “shrieking shrilly”? (a) calling to him shrilly
(a) sparkling saga (b) singing soft (b) upbraiding him
(c) slippery sloppily (d) sneeze silently (c) threatening him
Ans : 2009
(d) all of the above
(d) sneeze silently Ans : 2006

32. Why was he afraid to fly? (d) all of the above

(a) he was a coward 39. His parents were perfecting his brothers and
(b) he was afraid his wings will not support him sisters in the art of
(c) he was afraid that everyone would judge him (a) flying (b) hunting
(d) both a and b (c) swimming (d) chirping
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2006

(b) he was afraid his wings will not support him (a) flying

33. What urged him to make his first flight? 40. Only one family member was looking at the young
(a) hunger (b) sight of fish seagull. It was his :
(c) courage (d) both a and b (a) father (b) mother
Ans : 2008 (c) brother (d) sister
(d) both a and b Ans : 2006, 2003

(b) mother
34. Why did his mother stop midway while giving
him the fish? 41. Whom did the young seagull beg to bring him
(a) she was mad at him some food?
(b) to push him to fly out of hunger (a) his father (b) his mother
(c) she didn’t want to give him the fish (c) his brothers (d) his sister
Ans : 2006
(d) she got tired
Ans : 2007
(b) his mother
(b) to push him to fly out of hunger

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

too weak to support him so he was afraid to fly. may not favour us. But it is always essential to
Yes, we think a man baby also finds it a challenge practise, try and put every nerve to get success.
to take its first step.
Speaking
2. “The sight of the food maddened him.” What
does this suggest ? What compelled the young 1. We have read about the first flight of a young
seagull to finally fly ? seagull. Your teacher will now divide the class
into groups. Each group will work on one of the
Ans : 2009
following topics. Prepare a presentation with your
It suggests that food is the most essential thing
group member’s and then present it to the entire
for a living creature. It was the food that forced
class.
the seagull to take risk. Food is the basic need.
A. Progression of models of Airplane
3. “They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” B. Progression of models of Motor cars
Why did the seagull’s parents incited him to
C. Birds and their wing span
finally fly ?
Ans : D. Migratory birds-tracing their flights
Seaull’s father and mother wanted their young Ans :
one to learn to fly by any means. A. Progression of models of Airplane : The very
first model of an aircraft was found long back
4. Have you ever had a similar experience, where in Egypt in 1898. And, with the dream of
your parents encouraged you to do something flying in the sky came Wright brothers from
that you were too scared to try ? Discuss this in America. They were the first in the world to
pairs or group. successfully invent and fly the airplane. The
Ans : two brothers set a milestone for the aviation
Yes, I had a similar experience while learning to
industry. And today, there exist many models
ride a bicycle in my school days. In my initial
of airplane and aircraft.
attempts, I fell down every time and developed a
fear of cycling in my mind which was difficult to B. Progression of models of Motor cars : The
overcome. No amount of provoking and cajoling credit of inventing the first motor car goes to
could let me try it again, but my father encouraged a French person. He invented the first internal
me to overcome the fear and helped me as he was combustion motor car in 1808. After him,
adamant about my learning cycling. He took me another successful discovery of the first petrol
to a raised, open ground near our house and made car was invented by a German engineer, Karl
me sit, and asked me to put my hands on the Benz in 1885. And, then finally a diesel motor
handle and feet on the paddle. Since the ground car was invented in 1890’s by Rudolf Diesel.
was a slope, I sped down and enjoyed it greatly. C. Birds and their wing span : Birds are amazing
This ended my fear and developed my confidence. animals which can fly around in the sky and
Thus, I overcame my fear of cycling and started are exist different types of species according
riding a cycle every day. to different environmental conditions. Birds
5. In the case of a bird flying, it seems a natural act, have wings of different lengths, some have
and a foregone conclusion that it should succeed. short wings whereas some have very large
In the examples you have given in answer to the wings. The wingspan of a bird is the distance
previous question, was your success guaranteed, from one wingtip to another wingtip. In the
or was it important for you to try, regardless of a living birds, the wandering albatross has the
possibility of failure. largest wingspan ranging from 8 ft to 11 ft.
Ans : D. Migratory birds-tracing their flights : The
A bird flying is not natural; it is taught to the birds migrate due to various reasons. The
young ones by their parents or their elder ones. two most important reasons being the food
So, one has to learn it through some of the traits and nesting conditions. Due to the scarcity
which may breed in them naturally. Without of food in one location to the regions of high
any attempt and learning; nothing comes resources of food. But a very common fact
automatically. But it can be concluded that it is known about migrating birds is that two-
should succeed. thirds of the birds prefer flying in the nights.
Our success was never guaranteed. One has
to try again and again. In some cases, all results

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dive towards his mother holding a fish in her beak. 12. How was the young seagull treated by his parents
initially when he could not muster up the courage
7. “The young seagull was alone on his ledge.” How to fly from his ledge?
far do you think this condition was by his choice? Ans : 2020
Ans : 2021 His parents taunted at him for his cowardice. His
His parents cajoled him to take flight with them two brothers and a sister were lying on the plateau
but he could not muster up the courage and stayed dozing. His father was preening the feathers on
there whereas his family members flew across the his white back. Only his mother was looking at
sea onto the plateau. him. His mother was flying across him with a
piece of fish in her beak. He dived at the fish and
8. If you were the family member of the young
fell outward and inward into space.
seagull, would you also decide not to go near him?
Elaborate with reason. 13. What did the young seagull do to attract the
Ans : 2021
attention of his mother ?
Sometimes the parents have to take tough O
decisions to let the children face the hardships While alone on ledge, how did the little seagull
of life. I would have definitely done the same try to draw the attention of his family ?
because to overcome risk one has to face risk. The Ans : 2019
loneliness and extreme hunger overpowered his He came slowly up to the brink of the ledge and
fear and helped him to take the plunge. stood on one leg. He hid the other leg under his
9. The young seagull “failed to muster up the wing. He closed one eye and then the other and
courage to take that plunge”. In what way can pretended to be falling asleep. Thus he tried to
the reference to the ‘plunge’ here be both literal attract the attention of his mother.
and metaphorical? Explain. 14. When did the seagull’s flight begin? And where
Ans : 2021
did it end ?
The literal meaning of plunge is ‘a sudden jump’. Ans : 2019
Metaphorically ‘plunge’ can be understood as The young seagull’s flight started when he dived
diving deep into something new. So this was trying to snatch the piece of fish from his mother’s
applied to him correctly in both the senses. beak. He fell down but instinctively his wings
Literally, he had to dive from the hill Cliff and spread out, he flapped them and started flying.
metaphorically he dived into a new act of flying. His flight ended after half an hour when he landed
10. The ‘fight or flight response’, that is, to stay and on the green sea with his family.
face a situation or run from itis an automatic 15. When did a monstrous terror seize the young
reaction to an event perceived as stressful or seagull ?
harmful. How would you evaluate the young gull’s Ans : 2019
response to finding himself off the ledge? His mother was flying across him with a piece of
Ans : 2021
fish in her beak. She halted, the food was now
When he realised that he dived off the ledge, he within his reach but she did not come near. By
was full of terror. His heart stopped breathing chance he dived at the fish. He fell outwards
momentarily. But soon after he felt his Wings and downwards into space. He gave a shriek. He
open outwards. He could feel the wind on his was caught in a monstrous terror. He could hear
chest feathers. He was no more falling headway nothing.
down the sea. He realised that he could fly like
his family. 16. What was the young seagull’s experience during
his first flight ?
11. What trick did the young seagull’s mother play to Ans : 2018, 2010
make him fly from his ledge? Falling from the ledge, the seagull was terrified,
Ans : 2020
but soon he started soaring, and then, flying. He
The young seagull’s mother was very clever. She forgot that he didn’t always know how to fly.
stood on a little hump on the plateau and tore His fear soon turned into confidence, and then
at the piece of fish. The sight of food maddened into amusement. As he was landing, he was
him. His mother picked up a piece of fish and was again afraid, but, soon became at ease. It was a
flying across to him. She halted from time-to-time memorable first flight.
with a piece offish in her beak. Thus maddened by
hunger he dived.

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42. The young seagull dived at the fish maddened by He felt certain that his wings were too weak to
(a) hunger (b) heat support him. He had no courage to flap his wings
(c) tiredness (d) sleep and failed to muster up the courage to take the
Ans : 2006
plunge.
(a) hunger 2. The young seagull “failed to muster up courage
to take that plunge”. In what way can the
43. How did the young seagull fall into the air? reference to the ‘plunge’ here be both literal and
(a) upward (b) downward metaphorical? Explain.
(c) both a and b (d) none of these Ans : 2023

Ans : 2005 ‘Plunge’ means to jump or dive immediately. Here,

(c) both a and b it literally refers to the dive the seagull had to make
in order to take its first flight. Metaphorically, it
44. Of what colour vast sea did the young seagull see refers to the faith in its family members or the
beneath him? leap of faith it had to take, trusting its wings to
(a) blue (b) green support its body to be able to fly.
(c) white (d) brown 3. Explain how hunger is nature’s strongest
Ans : 2005
motivator in the story, ‘His First Flight’.
(b) green Ans : 2023

In the story, ‘His First’ Flight, the seagull was

45. The seagull dived towards his mother because : afraid to fly until his intense hunger made him
(a) a strong wind pushed him forget his fear. As his hunger deepens, his fear
(b) he wanted to fly of flying becomes secondary to his overpowering
(c) he wanted the fish in his mother’s beak desire to find food. This is why when his mother
offers him a piece of fish he musters the courage
(d) he wanted to reach his mother.
to jump off the cliff and dive at the food, and thus
Ans : 2005
take his first flight.
(c) he wanted the fish in his mother’s beak
4. Validate the given statement with reference to
46. He stood at the edge of the ledge on one leg and
baby seagull’s fear. ‘Fear doesn’t exist anywhere
closed his eyes because : else other than one’s mind.’
(a) he was feeling sleepy Ans : 2022

(b) it was a natural habit of seagulls The baby seagull was afraid to fly off the ledge
(c) he wanted to get the attention of even after his siblings had flown off without facing
any problems. He was afraid to take the leap
(d) he was afraid of the sea his family
because he felt that his wings would not support
Ans : 2005
him. A seagull’s wings are meant to support it
(c) he wanted to get the attention of
and therefore, the fear just lay in his mind.
47. Was the young seagull successful in making his
5. Describe the young seagull’s emotions when he
first fly? flew over the sea.
(a) yes (b) no Ans : 2021

(c) may be (d) not known He was no longer afraid to fly. Although he felt
Ans : 2005 a bit dizzy initially. Soon he was soaring upwards
(a) yes and shouting with happiness after his successful
first flight.
Short Answer Type Question 6. The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘hangry’ as ‘bad-
tempered or irritable as a result of hunger. To
1. Flying is a natural act in birds. Then why was the
what extent can the young seagull’s motivation to
young seagull ‘exhausted by the strange exercise’
fly be attributed to being hungry? Support your
? Justify the given statement with reference to
stance with evidence from the text.
baby seagull’s fear. Ans : 2021, 2018
Ans : 2024
The seagull’s family left him alone and he did
The seagull did not have the courage to fly. not eat anything for the whole day. His hunger
Hence, he used to make excuses for not flying. overpowered his fear and he motivated him to

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green sea and soon started floating seeing his Ans : 2009, 2002

accomplishment, his entire family came around The young seagull felt certain that his wings were
him screaming and praising him. They were even too weak to support him. He had no courage to
offering him scraps of dog-fish. flap his wings. Even when each one of his brothers
and sisters whose wings were much shorter than
29. Do you sympathise with the young seagull ? his, ran to the brink of the ledge, flapped their
Why/ why not ? wings and flew away, he failed to muster up
Ans : 2013 courage to take that plunge.
I sympathise with seagull because he had to
remain alone on the ledge and he even suffered 34. Though on the ledge, the young seagull’s eyes
pangs of hunger. His family had left him there to were fixed on the plateau. What did he see there ?
suffer. Moreover, he wanted to join his family but Ans : 2008

could not do so because he was afraid to fly. The young seagull was all alone on the ledge. No
one had come near him since he had refused to fly.
30. What did his mother and father do to make him All day long, he had watched his parents flying
leave the ledge ? Were they successful in their about with his brothers and sister, perfecting
first try ? them in the art of flight, teaching them how to
Ans : 2013 skim the waves and how to dive for fish. He had
Even when the young seagull’s brother and his also seen his older brother catch his first herring
little sister flapped their wings and flew away, he and devour it, while his parents circled around
failed to muster up courage to take the plunge. raising a proud cackle. All the morning, the whole
His father and mother had come around calling family had walked about on the big plateau
to him shrilly, upbraiding him, threatening to let taunting him with his cowardice.
him starve on his ledge unless he flew away. But
for the life of him, he could not move. 35. What had the young seagull watched his parents
After a lot of efforts, still the father and doing the day before?
mother of the young seagull couldn’t convince Ans : 2008

him to leave the ledge. So, they left him alone The day before the young seagull had watched his
there. parents flying about with his brothers and sisters,
perfecting in the art of flying and teaching them
31. Describe the seagull’s first flight. how to skim the waves and how to dive for fish.
Ans : 2012, 2003

The seagull remained alone and hungry for twenty 36. When did the seagull get over his fear of flying
four hours. His mother decided to motivate him over the sea?
by showing a piece of fish but did not feed him. Ans : 2007

Maddened by hunger, he tried to snatch it by The seagull was afraid of flying over the sea
diving. As the seagull fell into space, a terror because he thought that he would drown. His
seized him. The next moment he felt his wings family decided to motivate him by leaving him
spread outwards as the wind gushed against his unattended. The mother tore at a piece of fish
breast feathers. He then realized he was gradually that lay at her feet now and then in his front. Since
soaring. In this way he made his first flight. the seagull was too hungry , he was compelled to
attempt his first flight in order to get food. He
32. How did Seagull feel when he took the flight was successful. This is when he got over his fear
finally? of flying over the sea.
Ans : 2011

The young Seagull was able to muster couragea 37. Describe the young seagull’s expression when he
at the sight of food. Then he felt his wings open saw his mother with food.
and flutter. He was happy to soar higher. He felt Ans : 2006

triumphant and whole family joined him. The young seagull uttered a joyful scream because
he thought that his mother was bringing food for
33. Young seagull tried to fly but he could not. Why him. He tried to come nearer to her as she flew
was he afraid to fly ? across. But his mother was just trying to arouse
O his hunger and motivate him to fly.
Why could the young esagull not fly with his 38. Why did the young seagull feel very miserable on
brothers and sisters ? the ledge?

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17. How did the mother of the young seagull try to bent his head and ran back to the ledge where
whet and tempt him ? he slept at night. As his courage to fly failed, he
Ans : 2018 watched his parents flying with his brothers and
Seeing her son under the grab of cowardice, the sister. Though he was called coward but he did
mother stood on a plateau. She started tearing not move.
the fish. Then she scrapped her beak on the rock.
The sight of this activity tempted the young 23. “The young seagull was alone on his ledge.” Why
seagull very much. A keen desire to tear food like was the young seagull alone ?
his mother urged his mind. Ans : 2015

The young seagull was alone on his ledge. His two

18. How did there come a change in the seagull ? brothers and his sister had already flown away the
O day before. His father and mother had also left
How did the seagull learn flying ? him alone to starve so that he would learn to fly.
Ans : 2017
24. How were the seagull’s parents helping his brothers
The young seagull came out of the monstrous
and sister in “perfecting the art of flight” ?
terror immediately. He saw his wings spread
Ans : 2015
outwards. The wind rushed and passed against
The young seagull’s wings were bigger, but his
his wings. They worked in the air. Gradually he
brothers and sister had already started flying
found himself floating downwards and upwards.
before him. Their parents were how teaching
Now he was not afraid. He again flapped his wings
them to be perfect in the art of flying. They were
and went upwards. He learnt the art of flying.
being taught how to skim the waves and how to
19. What was mother seagull’s plan in holding a piece dive for fish.
of fish a little away from young seagull’s reach ?
25. Why could the young seagull not reach his parents
Ans : 2017
without flying ?
Mother was much worried about young seagull’s
Ans : 2015
cowardice. Thus she held a piece of fish a little
The seagull could not reach his parents without
away to tempt and excite young seagull. Mother’s
flying because on each side of him, the ledge ended
plan was successful in encouraging young seagull
in a sheer fall in precipice, with the sea below.
to fly.
Then, between him and his parents, there was
20. ‘The sight of the food maddened him.’ Who is ‘he’ a deep and wide chasm. That is why, the young
in these lines ? Why was he angry ? What does seagull could not reach his parents without flying.
this suggest ?
26. What was his family doing on the plateau when
Ans : 2017
the seagull failed to draw their attention ?
The young seagull is the ‘he’ in these lines. He
Ans : 2014
had not eaten anything for the last 24 hours. He
On the plateau, the two brothers and the sister
was very hungry, hence was angry. His mother
of the young seagull were half-asleep with their
went near him with a piece of fish but did not
heads sunk into their necks. Meanwhile, his father
feed him. Maddened by hunger, the young seagull
was preening feathers with his beak on his white
dived to snatch it but the mother flew away. This
back. Only his mother was looking at him.
shows the weakness of the young seagull.
27. Why did the young seagull utter a “joyful scream”
21. What lesson do we learn from life of young seagull
?
?
Ans : 2014
Ans : 2016
The young seagull was extremely hungry. So, he
We learn from the life of young seagull that parents
screamed with joy when he saw his mother flying
play a great role in the life of children. On this
across to him with a piece of fish in her beak. He
lesson we find that seagull’s family encouraged him
leaned out eagerly, tapping the rock with his feet
to fly. It was shrewd act of parents which made him
and trying to get nearer to her as she flew across.
come out of fear.
28. How did seagull’s family react when he dropped
22. How did the seagull’s feelings change when he
his legs to stand on the green sea ?
realised he could not fly ?
Ans : 2014, 2003
Ans : 2016
After flying, the seagull felt tired and weak with
When seagull realised that he could not fly, he
hunger. So, he dropped his legs to stand on the

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Page 314 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

the theory that fundamental needs must be met and took a fish in her beak to give to the young
before an individual can be motivated to achieve gull. But she knew that it was the right time to
higher-order needs. Where in this hierarchy of teach him so instead of spoon-feeding she played
needs, would you locate the young seagull’s first a trick with him. She halted just a few steps away
flight? Justify your response. from the seagull. The sight of food maddened the
hungry seagull and he jumped towards her which
worked like magic and he could take up his first
step towards flying.

6. ‘All parental acts are for the betterment of the

children.’ Justify this statement by taking points
from the lesson ‘His First Flight’.
Ans : 2018

Parents always play a pivotal role for the

betterment of the children. They try that their
child should be able to learn the things in the best
way. In this lesson we find that seagull’s family
encouraged him to fly. His wings were bigger as
compared to his two brothers and sister, but he
could not gather courage. His parents scolded
Ans : 2021 him shrilly and threatened to leave him alone to
As the German proverbs say- ‘Wait is a hard word starve. Next day, when he saw his mother with a
to the hungry’ and ‘A hungry belly has no ears’. piece of fish in her beak, he begged her for food.
The young gull’s first flight would be located at She flew across to him, but stopped in the air with
the bottom of the pyramid under physiological a piece of fish within reach of his beak. When he
needs. A hungry living being cannot think of dived at the fish, she swooped upwards. So it was
anything else except an eatable. It is evident from the shrewd act of parents which made him come
the story that anyone can put even his life to risk out of fear and take up first flight.
to satisfy the fire in his stomach. Similarly, the
7. The mother of young seagull picked up a piece
seagull did not care about his life and forgot his
of fish but still did not come nearer to give him.
fear while jumping off the ledge to take hold of
Why did she do so ? Did she lack love for her son
the fish in her mother’s beak to satisfy his hunger.
or she wanted to make him courageous ? What
5. Look at the given image of different parenting values does the mother depict through her act ?
styles and what they signify. Which of the given Ans : 2018

parenting styles would you attribute to the young The young seagull was terribly afraid to fly. His
seagull’s parents? parents encouraged him to make his first flight.
But he could not do so. Then, the mother picked
THE FOUR PARENTING STYLES up a piece of fish but did not go near to give him.
Sensitive & Stern & Punitive The seagull was extremely hungry. He started
Responsive crying so that his mother would give him some
Demanding Authoritative Authoritarian food. But after coming towards him, the mother
stopped opposite to him but almost within his
Doesn’t Permissive Uninvolved
Enforce Limits reach. When the seagull dived to get the piece,
she swooped upwards. Maddened by hunger,
Ans : 2021
the young seagull spread his wings upwards and
After reading the story ‘His first flight’ we can started flying. This shows that the mother wanted
conclude that the father displayed an uninvolved her son to become courageous. This shows that
parenting style as he was not much concerned sometimes parents take such harsh steps for their
about the child. kids which may appear wrong at that time but
While the mother can be termed as later prove to be beneficial for their kids.
authoritative. On one side she was adamant
about making his child learn the art of flying and 8. How was the young seagull able to learn floating
removing his fear of flying. On the other side, the on the sea ?
next day when the young seagull was looking for Ans : 2017
some food, the mother seemed worried about him After flying for sometime, the young seagull came

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

iv. The aeroplane was stuck amongst huge, black and asked a woman in the control centre where
clouds that looked like mountains. The pilot I was and who the other pilot was. I wanted to
stood at crossroads: he could either fly back say ‘Thank you’. She looked at me very strangely,
to Paris or miss his breakfast with his family. and then laughed. “Mother aeroplane? Up there
He chose the latter and confronted the storm in this storm? No other aeroplanes were flying
with whatever fuel was left in the last tank. tonight. Yours was the only one I could see on the
radar:” So who helped me to arrive there safely
5. Read the extract given below and answer the without a compass or a radio, and without any
questions that follows : more fuel in my tanks? Who was the pilot on
After half an hour the strange black aeroplane was the strange black aeroplane, flying in the storm,
still there in front of me in the clouds. Now there without lights?
was only enough fuel in the old Dakota’s last tank
i. Why was the narrator not sorry to walk away
to fly for five or ten minutes more/was starting
from the old Dakota?
to feel frightened again. But then he started to go
down and I followed through the storm. Suddenly (a) The ordeal was finally over and he was
I came out of the clouds and saw two long straight relieved.
lines of lights in front of me. It was a runway! An (b) He worried that the aircraft which was
airport! 1 was safe! 1 turned to look for my friend without fuel might explode.
in the black aeroplane, but the sky was empty. (c) He wanted his big English breakfast.
There was nothing there. The black aeroplane (d) The Dakota was jinxed according to him.
was gone. I could not see it anywhere. ii. The author says that, ‘She looked at me very
i. How would you describe the mental state of strangely, and then laughed.’ What made the
the pilot when he saw two long straight lines woman laugh?
of lights in front of him? iii. What is the significance of the so many
(a) freedom and liberty questions put up by the pilot?
(b) respite and relief (a) They signify that the pilot was going
(c) reinforcement and support through a big confusion.
(d) saturation and stress (b) They signify that the pilot was
ii. In the statement, ‘I turned to look for my hallucinating.
friend in the black aeroplane, but the sky (c) They signify that it was all an unresolved
was empty’ why does the author refer to a mystery.
stranger as ‘my friend’ ? (d) They signify that the pilot was
iii. The author calls the black aeroplane ‘strange’ superstitious.
because _____. iv. Replace the word ‘strangely’ in the passage
iv. Find the best synonym for the phrasal verb with the most appropriate option from those
‘to look for’ in the passage from the options given below so as it does not change the
given below. meaning of the sentence.
(a) seek out (b) pursue (a) abnormally (b) unusually
(c) rummage through (d) scan thoroughly (c) weirdly (d) eerily
Ans : 2013 Ans : 2012

i. (b) respite and relief i. (a) The ordeal was finally over and he was
relieved.
ii. The stranger had saved the narrator from
inevitable death by being around and ii. She laughed at the improbability of the
directing him for more than half an hour and situation.
leading him to safety. iii. (c) They signify that it was all an unresolved
iii. it appeared suddenly from nowhere. mystery.
iv. (c) weirdly
iv. (a) seek out

6. Read the extract given below and answer the 

questions that follows :
I landed and was not sorry to walk away from
the old Dakota near the control tower. I went

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food, which was maddening him, may make him Ans : 2007

overcome his fear and fly. He was still unable to Yes, It is true that fear and lack of confidence
do so and kept crying and begging her to bring stops one from learning new things as in the story,
him some food. the young seagull lacked the value of courage and
confidence in his character. He was too scared of
13. Do, you think that the seagull’s family genuinely flying. His family tried hard to make him fly but
loved him? Justify their attitude towards him? he refused to do so because of his fear of sinking
Ans : 2011 in the seawater. They even scolded him for his
Yes, I think the seagull’s family genuinely loved cowardice. They tried to tempt him with food but
him. The young seagull had three siblings. His he was not willing to learn flying. Once he dived,
parents flew with them and left him alone on the his fear disappeared and he enjoyed his first flight.
ledge as he could not muster up the courage to It is a fact that unless we try something
fly with them. His parents could have fed him but and overcome our fear, we can’t learn anything.
they refused to do so. Confidence and motivation are two most
They wanted him to fly and dive for his food. important traits that make any learning possible.
They threatened to let him starve. They did so
because they loved him. 16. How can you tell that the young Seagull was
The parents were right in what they did desperately hungry?
because they wanted to teach him the importance Ans : 2001

of confidence and self-reliance. One can’t depend The young seagull was watching his mother as
on his parents all his life. Thus, it was important she tore at a piece of fish that lay at her feet.
for him to learn to fly, dive and search for his own The sight of the food was maddening him and
food. So, the attitude the seagull family showed to making him almost crazy. He loved to tear food
him was actually their love, care and concern for that way and then scrap his beak again to whet
him. The story tells us that parents, out of their it. He uttered a cackling sound as if begging his
love for children, should not serve everything to mother to bring him some food. Earlier, he had
them in a platter. Rather, if they genuinely love searched every inch of the place where he had
their children, they should teach them to find for sat and had even gnawed at the dried pieces of
themselves. spotted eggshells from which he and his brothers
and sisters had been hatched. Now he was getting
14. Why was the young seagull pretending to be absolutely desperate because he had not eaten
asleep? What aid he actually observe while doing since the previous night. Maddened by this hunger,
so? he dived at the fish that his mother baited at him,
Ans : 2010 and flew outward and downward into space.
The young seagull came to the brink of the
ledge. He stood there on one leg with the other
leg hidden under his wing. He closed his one eye, Extract Based Question
then the other, and pretended to be falling asleep.
1. Read the extract given below and answer the
He did so because he wanted to know whether
questions that follows :
his family interested in him or not. He observed
A. That was twenty four hours ago. Since then
that his family was not noticing him. He saw his
nobody had come near him. The day before, all
brothers and sister lying on the plateau. They
were dozing. His father was preening the feathers day long, he had watched his parents flying about
on his white back. Only his mother was looking at with his brothers and sister, perfecting them in
him. Now and then, she tore at a piece of fish that the art of flight, teaching them how to skim the
lay at her feet. Then she scrapped each side of the waves and how to dive for fish. He had, in fact,
back on the rock. The young seagull wanted his seen his elder brother catch his first herring and
family to take pity on him and serve him food but devour it, standing on a rock, while his parents
the family knew that his immediately need was circled around raising a proud cackle.
not food but to learn the art of flying. i. Whom does ‘he’ represent in the given
extract?
15. Fear and lack of confidence prevent one from
(a) The seagull (b) The pigeon
learning new things. Do you agree? How did these
two traits of the young seagull make him a coward? (c) The parrot (d) The pilot
How did he overcome these shortcomings? ii. What were his parents teaching his brothers
and sisters?

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2006
The story of the young seagull is a reminder
The young seagull felt very miserable on the ledge
that we all have the potential to achieve our
as he was alone and his family had already flown
dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.
away. He was feeling very hungry but had nothing
All we need is the courage to face our fears and
to eat. His condition was worsening because he
the determination to keep trying.
could not even dive for fish.
2. The young seagull’s parents wanted him to fly,
39. How did the young seagull and his family celebrate
like his brothers and sister. How could the young
his first flight?
seagull’s newly flying siblings (Brother 1, Brother
Ans : 2005
2 and Sister) have motivated him? Write a brief
When the young seagull started flying and got
conversation between them.
over his fear, his family screamed around him out
Ans : 2021
of joy. They praised him and offered him scraps
Dialogue writing between the seagull and his
of dog-fish out of delight as he made a successful
siblings.
attempt. The young seagull had made a successful
Seagull : I can’t fly, I will fall down into the water.
maiden flight thus he was appreciated by his
Brother 1 : It’s so easy, just look at me and repeat
family
the same way.
40. Why did the seagull not go with the rest of his Brother 2 : Come running from that end then dive
family? it would be easy.
Ans : 2002 Seagull : I tried multiple times but I am unable
The seagull did not go with his family because he to do.
had been afraid to fly. He had attempted to flap Sister : Hold my hand and we will take the plunge
his wings but he felt certain his wings would not together.
support him above the vast sea. So he stayed on Brother 1 : let’s all hold hands and fly together.
the ledge alone. Seagull : No, I can’t fly.

3. A noted author, Richard Bach wrote – “For most

Long Answer Type Question gulls, it was not flying that mattered, but eating.
For this gull, though, it was not eating that
1. Briefly bring out the contrast between the young mattered, but flight.” Evaluate this statement
seagull’s initial attempts to fly and his first with respect to the young seagull.
successful flight. Ans : 2021
O Flying comes naturally in most birds, but here
Compare and contrast the young seagull in the in this story the seagull was reluctant to fly
beginning and at the end of the lesson. and remained hungry due to his fear. Later on,
Ans : 2024 hunger overpowered the fear and he jumped to
The young seagull’s initial attempts to fly were grab the insect in his mother’s beak. The fear of
marked by fear and hesitation. He was afraid of flight faded at the sight of his food and compelled
the height and the thought of falling. He would him to take his first flight. Thus, it can be said
flap his wings timidly, but he could not bring that the argument given in the question does not
himself to take off. His parents tried to encourage apply even to this seagull. As it was eating that
him, but he was too scared to listen. mattered more for this seagull too.
On the other hand, his first successful flight
was a completely different experience. He was no
longer afraid. He felt the wind in his wings and
the sun on his face. He soared through the air
with confidence and joy. He had finally overcome
his fear and achieved his dream of flying.
The contrast between the young seagull’s
initial attempts to fly and his first successful flight
is a testament to the power of determination and
perseverance. When the young seagull was afraid, 4. Look at the image of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
he could not fly. But when he overcame his fear, Abraham Maslow devised a theory of motivation
he was able to achieve anything he set his mind that shows the basic needs at the bottom, and
to. more advanced needs as you move up. It includes

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ran back to the little hole under the ledge. leg hidden under his wing, he closed one eye,
4. Read the extract given below and answer the then the other and pretended to be falling asleep.
questions that follows : Still they took no notice of him. He saw his two
That was twenty-four hours ago. Since then brothers and his sister lying on the plateau dozing
nobody had come near him. The day before, all with their heads sunk into their necks. His father
day long, he had watched his parents flying about was preening the feathers on his white back.
with his brothers and sister, perfecting them in i. Which one of the options is not even remotely
the art of flight, teaching them how to skim the the meaning of the word ‘pretended’ in the
waves and how to dive for fish. He had, in fact, extract?
seen his older brother catch his first herring and (a) discovered (b) play-acted
devour it, standing on a rock, while his parents (c) feigned (d) invented
circled around raising a proud cackle. And all the ii. Complete the statement with the best option.
morning the whole family had walked about on The young seagull was ray upset as be
the big plateau midway down the opposite cliff _____
taunting him with his cowardice.
(a) he was starved.
i. Complete the statement with the best possible (b) was not able to train with his brothers
option available to you: and sisters.
Nobody had come near the young seagull as
(c) was being ignored by his father.
his parents were _____
(d) he was feeling very hot.
(a) busy circling the sea, enjoying the flight
iii. Why was the entire seagull family ignoring
(b) teaching his siblings, the art of flying
their youngest? Answer in about 40 words.
(c) raising cackle sounds, having fun
iv. ‘Preening feathers’ is an action common to
(d) standing on the rock, eating fish
birds when they use their beaks to _____
ii. What had the seagull done in the last twenty- Ans : 2012
four hours? Answer in about 40 words. i. (a) discovered
iii. Fill up the blank in the following sentence. ii. (a) he was starved.
The seagull’s family taunted him because
iii. The seagull’s family was ignoring their
they were _____
youngest on purpose. They wanted him to
iv. Which of the words given in the options shed his fears and therefore, tried every trick
cannot be used to replace the underlined word to make him fly. They screamed, scolded,
in- He had, in fact, seen his older brother threatened, and taunted him for cowardice
catch his first herring and devour it, standing and even let him starve to drive him to
on a rock,...’ ? desperation.
(a) to gulp (b) to destroy iv. groom or clean themselves.
(c) to demolish (d) to wolf down
Ans : 2013 6. Read the extract given below and answer the
i. (b) teaching his siblings, the art of flying questions that follows :
Only his mother was looking at him. She was
ii. In the last twenty-four hours, the seagull had
standing on a little high hump on the plateau, her
watched how to skim the waters and dive for
white breast thrust forward. Now and again, she
fish.
tore at a piece of fish that lay at her feet and then
iii. trying their best to encourage and persuade scrapped each side of her beak on the rock. The
him to fly. sight of the food maddened him. How he loved to
iv. (b) to destroy tear food that way, scrapping his beak now and
again to whet it.
5. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows : i. How can we say that the seagull’s mother was
The sun was now ascending the sky, blazing on preoccupied? Answer in about 40 words.
his ledge that faced the south. He felt the heat ii. What is the significance of ‘Only his mother
because he had not eaten since the previous was looking at him”?
nightfall. He stepped slowly out to the brink of (a) Only his mother was concerned about
the ledge, and standing on one leg with the other him.

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

near the sea. He was flying straight over it. He that was midway down the opposite cliff, from
saw a vast green sea beneath him, with little where they could observe him. When his older
ridges moving over it. His brothers and sister had brother caught his first herring and devoured it,
already landed on the sea. They were calling in a his parents circled around him raising a proud
shrill voice and beckoning to him. cackle. This encouraged the young seagull too.
Then he dropped his legs to stand on the When he was hungry and was pretending to
green sea. But his legs sank into it. He screamed be falling asleep, he saw his mother looking at
with fright and attempted to rise again flapping him. She tore at a piece of fish that lay at her feet,
his wings. But he was tired and weak with hunger in order to encourage the young seagull to fly.
and he could not rise, exhausted by the strange The mother used her innovative idea and picked
exercise. So, his feet sank into the green sea, and up a piece of the fish and flew across to him. She
then his belly touched it and he sank no farther. did not give up and worked in a systematic way.
Now, he was screaming with happiness, floating So, when the young seagull dived at the fish, she
on the sea. As a result, his family was praising swooped upwards and the next moment, he could
him and offering food to him. feel his wings spread outwards and he started
flying. In this way, she made her young one fly.
9. How did the seagull get over his fear of flight ? His parents and his brothers and sister had
How did he express his joy ? landed on green flooring ahead of him calling
Ans : 2017
him shrilly. When he landed on the green sea,
The young seagull was afraid of flying in the his family was around him, screaming, praising
beginning. His wings were bigger than his two him and their beaks were offering him scraps of
brothers and sister, but he was terrified and dog-fish.
frightened whenever he attempted to fly. On
seeing them flying, he would try in vain to thrust 11. The young seagull found it difficult to fly for the
himself forcibly in space and failing which made first time. He felt that his wings would never
him desperate. They taunted him of being a support him. Was it not in his attitude to accept
coward and soon left him alone to starve. When the challenges ? Did he lack courage ? Discuss the
he was starving for a day, his mother came to him values that can help people accept challenges in
with a piece of fish in her beak. When she reached life.
near him, she stopped in the air with a piece of Ans : 2015, 2007

fish almost within the reach of his beak. Being too The young seagull’s brothers and sisters had
much hungry, he dived at the fish, but his mother started flying the previous day. However, he
swooped upwards. Getting impatient, he found himself was unable to muster the courage to
his wings spread and was more confident now. He fly. He lacked confidence and felt that his wings
was joyous of his first flight and felt triumphant wouldn’t support him. However, I do not think
and amused. He continued to fly in the sky till he that facing challenges was a problem for him. Still,
got tired and felt weak due to hunger and dropped he did lack courage. To accept and successfully
himself on the surface of the sea. face challenges, one must be fearless, determined
and have clarity of thought and action. Also, the
10. Strong family ties can help you overcome fear of support of those around us can play a big role, as
anything. Justify the above statement by giving in the seagull’s case.
examples from the lesson ‘His First Flight’.
Ans : 2016 12. Describe the methods used by the seagull family
A strong family with unconditional love for each to help the young seagull come over his fear and
member can help you overcome fear of anything. fly.
The young seagull was afraid of flying. He was Ans : 2012, 2002

sure that his wings would never support him, so The young seagull was unable to muster up
he hid himself under the ledge. But his parents courage to fly. His father and mother had come
did not give up. When they found that the young around calling him shrilly, unbraiding him and
seagull could not muster up courage to take that threatening to leave him to starve on his ledge
plunge which appeared to him so desperate, they unless he flew away but he did not move. His
came around calling him shrilly, upbraiding him, whole family had even walked about on the big
threatening him to let him starve on his ledge plateau midway down the opposite cliff all morning
unless he flew away. They scolded him so that he taunting him for his cowardice to motivate him to
wouldn’t have to starve. They left him alone on fly. His mother was also tempting him by tearing
the ledge, but all of them were on the big plateau a piece of fish lying at her feet so that the sight of

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Column A Column B 3. SUMMARY

1. Alliteration (a) screaming, shrieking The Trip to England
2. Repetition (b) banking, curveting The narrator was flying his aeroplane at night
over France to England. He was eager to meet
3. Onomatopoeia (c) shrieking shrilly his family. He was dreaming of his holiday. The
4. Movement words (d) then, and stars were shining in the clear sky. Even the city-
Paris could be seen down below. He called Paris
(a) 1 - (c), 2 - (d), 3 - (b), 4 - (a) Control to get instructed about the way. He was
(b) 1 - (c), 2 - (d), 3 - (a), 4 - (b) instructed to turn 12 degrees West.
(c) 1 - (d), 2 - (c), 3 - (a), 4 - (b) Fear of Storm
(d) 1 - (a), 2 - (b), 3 - (c), 4 - (d) Everything was going well before he saw the storm
Ans : 2009 clouds and Paris was about 150 kilometers behind
i. She was appreciative that the young seagull him. It was natural for the narrator to panic. He
had finally overcome his fear knew it was not possible to fly up and over those
ii. (b) entrusted storm clouds. He was confused for a moment.
iii. The seagull shrieked, soared, dived, and A Risky but Brave Decision of the Narrator
curved about. The young seabird was so As everything was fearful at the moment, the
overwhelmed with joy that he completely narrator decided to risk and flew into the storm,
forgot that he had not always been able to fly. but everything went out of control. The compass
His family flew in circles and cackled loudly as well as other instruments stopped working. He
to show their appreciation and pride. was unable to see outside the plane as the plane
was jumping and twisting in the air. He tried to
iv. (i) 1 - (c), 2 - (d), 3 - (b), 4 - (a) contact Paris Control but couldn’t. He was lost
in the storm.
II A Black Aeroplane Appeared
Suddenly, the narrator saw another black
aeroplane in the storm by his side without lights
BLACK AEROPLANE on its wings. It seemed strange to him but he was
glad to see another person in the storm.
The pilot of another plane waved at him and
signalled to follow so he did that because he did
1. INTRODUCTION not other option except it.
The Story “Black Aeroplane” is written by A Safe Landing
Frederick Forsryth. It is about a pilot who is The narrator flew for half an hour which was
on his flight back home to England. The story quite strange to him as he had fuel only for five or
narrates the incident that happens on the way ten minutes. He felt fearful but suddenly he saw
and how he escapes death miraculously. two bright lines in front of him. It was a runway.
He was able to land safely which gave him a sigh
of relief. It was just like a miracle for him.
2. CHARACTERS
The Greatest Surprise
The Narrator The narrator came out from his plane to thank the
A pilot who was flying his Dakota aeroplane over pilot of the black aeroplane but he was shocked to
France back to England lost his way due to storm. see no one there. He went to Control Tower and
The Unknown Friend asked the woman about the place and the back
A pilot who was flying the black aeroplane helped aeroplane. Hearing his words the woman laughed
the narrator to find the way in the storm. and said that there was no other plane except
his. It was a big surprise to the narrator. He was
The Woman dumb founded as he had no explanation for the
The working woman in the control centre whom miracle.
the narrator asked about the unknown friend of
the black aeroplane.

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2007
reference to the image.
(b) Storm clouds

25. What instruments had stopped working during

the storm?
(a) compass (b) radio
(c) both of them (d) none of them
Ans : 2007
Ans : 2021
(c) both of them
The narrator had realised the approaching danger
26. What was the pilot not sorry about? in the form of the storm if he moves forward. Still,
he ignored the threat and decided to continue his
(a) missing his holiday
flight to get an opportunity to meet his family.
(b) driving the plane into the storm
(c) risking the lives of fellow passengers 3. Do you think that after his experience, the
narrator would be able to truly enjoy the English
(d) both b and c
Ans : 2006
breakfast he had yearned for? Why/ Why not?
Ans : 2021
(d) both b and c
Though he landed safely and before the time
27. How far was the narrator from Paris when he saw of the breakfast. His mind was full of certain
dark clouds in the sky? questions about the black aeroplane and the other
pilot. That’s why he would not be able to enjoy
(a) 200 km (b) 100 km
his meal fully.
(c) 50 km (d) 150 km
Ans : 2006 4. What do you think prompted the narrator to act
(d) 150 km like “an obedient child”?
Ans : 2021
28. The pilot was not able to _____ anything. The narrator was surrounded by a storm of clouds,
(a) see (b) hear the compass and other important instruments
(c) speak (d) all of them stopped working and the control room could not
Ans : 2005, 2001
be reached. So, he had no option left than to
(a) see follow the black aeroplane like an obedient child.

29. Why was the aeroplane twisting in the air? 5. As a reader, do you feel betrayed or let down in
the way the story ends? Validate your opinion.
(a) As it was dark night Ans : 2021
(b) As it was a stormy night The story ends with huge suspense about the
(c) Due to lightining black aeroplane and its pilot. The author should
(d) None of these have given a proper ending to the story. Readers
Ans : 2005 are left to make assumptions about the black
(b) As it was a stormy night. aeroplane and its pilot who helped the narrator.
Yes, I feel betrayed by the story’s last part.
Short Answer Type Question 6. Based on your reading, would you call the narrator
1. How would you describe the mood of the story, a family man? Justify your stance.
‘Black Aeroplane’ as it begins? Ans : 2021

Ans : 2021
It is evident from the story that the narrator took
As the story begins the narrator is happy and the risk to meet his family. He was excited to stay
excited to meet his family in England. The stars with them during the vacations. He was eager to
are shining in the clear sky so he hopes to reach join his family at the breakfast table. This shows
England before morning in his old Dakota plane. him to be a family man.

2. Look at the given image. Briefly evaluate the 7. James Lane Allen says, “Adversity reveals
narrator’s decision to not go back to Paris with character”. What do you learn about the narrator
from the experience? Mention any two traits
supported by the textual evidence.

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Thinking About Language Children are flying kites. In the second sentence
the seagull was afraid to move through the air,
1. Study these sentences given below : using its wings.
(a) They looked like black mountains. Match the phrases given under column ‘A’ with
(b) Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly their meanings given under column ‘B’ :
black.
A B
(c) In the black clouds near me, I saw another
aeroplane. 1. Fly a flag Move quickly/suddenly
(d) The strange black aeroplane was there. 2. Fly into rage Be successful
The word ‘black’ in sentences ‘a’ and ‘c’ refers to
3. Fly along Display a flag on a long
the very darkest colour. But in ‘b’ and ‘d’ (here)
pole
it means without light/with no light.
The word ‘black’ has a variety of meanings in 4. Fly high Escape from a place
different contexts. For example : 5. Fly the coop Become suddenly very
(a) ‘I prefer black tea’ means ‘I prefer tea without angry
milk’.
Ans :
(b) ‘With increasing pollution the future of
the world is black’ means ‘With increasing A B
pollution the future of the world is very
1. Fly a flag display a flag on a long
depressing/without hope’. pole.
Now, try to guess the meanings of the word black
in the sentences given below. Check the meanings 2. Fly into rage become suddenly very
in the dictionary and find out whether you have angry
guessed right. 3. Fly along move quickly/suddenly
1. Go and have a bath, your hands and face are
4. Fly high be successful
absolutely black _____.
2. The taxi-driver gave Ratan a black look as 5. Fly the coop escape suddenly from a
he crossed the road when the traffic light was place
green _____.
3. We know that the word fly (of birds/ insects)
3. Bombardment of Hiroshima is one of the
means to move through air using wings. Tick
blackest crimes against humanity _____.
the word which has the same or nearly the same
4. Very few people enjoy Harold Painter’s black meaning :
comedy _____.
5. Sometimes shopkeepers goods to create false swoop flit paddle flutter ascend
scarcity and then sell these in black _____.
float ride skim sink dart
6. Villagers had beaten the criminal black and
blue _____. hover glide descend soar shoot
Ans : spring stay fall sail flap
1. completely dirty
2. cursory look, sight Ans :
3. heinous 1. Swoop 2. Flit 3. Soar
4. depressing 4. Hover 5. Sail 6. Skim
5. high-rate
7. Flutter 8. Glide 9. Spring
6. very severely.
10. Flap.
2. Look at these sentences taken from the lesson you
have just read :
(a) I was flying my old Dakota aeroplane. Writing
(b) The young seagull had been afraid to fly with 1. Have you ever been alone or away from house
them. during a thunderstorm? Narrate your experience
In the first sentence the narrator was controlling in a paragraph.
an aircraft in the air. Another example is : Ans :

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

4. word meanings clouds nor go round them to avoid them.

He could either go back to paris or take of
1. Countryside - rural side
going through the dark clouds. The risk was
2. Immediately - at once getting lost in the storm clouds.
3. Twisted - moved sideways The narrator decided totake the risk as he
4. Strange - unusual or surprising wanted,to spend the weekend with his family.
5. Strangely- in a strange manner
2. Describe the narrator’s experience as he flew the
6. Landed - came down aeroplane into the storm.
7. Dakota - a type of plane Ans :
8. Looking forward - to be eager As the narrator entered the storm clouds, his
9. Switch over - change aeroplane started jumping and twisting. He
10. Straight into - directly into became nervous when he found his radio, compass
and other instruments gone dead. It was pitch
11. Waved - signalled
dark all around. He did not know which direction
12. Compass - instrument for telling directions. to go. He could not contact the Paris control
13. Runway - a strip of hard ground along which room. He was lost in the storm.
aircrafts take off and land. Just then he saw a black aeroplane without
14. Frightened - terrified, afraid lights. Its pilot signalled him to follow him. He
15. Followed - chased followed him like an obedient child and came
16. Obedient - one who is ready to follow order/ safely out of the storm clouds.
one who obeys 3. Why does the narrator say, “I landed and was not
17. Glad - happy sorry to walk away from the old Dakota .....”?
18. Radar - a system for detecting the presence, Ans :
directions, distance and speed of aircraft, The old Dakota had given the narrator jitters.
ships and other objects by sending out pulses It shoot horribly, jumped and twisted in the
of radio waves which are reflected of the strom. Moreover, its compass, radio and other
object back to the source. such instruments had stopped working. It was no
longer safe to fly it. So, the narrator was not sorry
to walk from it after landing safely.
5. MESSAGE
The story conveys the message that courage is 4. What made the woman in the control centre look
guided by faith. The pilot of the Dakota plane at the narrator strangely ?
was an experienced flier but he panicked when Ans : 2012, 2009

he got engulfed by the black storm. Still, he kept The question that the narrator asked her, “Who
trying to reach to safety with the help of the was the other pilot ? He wanted to thank him,”
guiding instruments in his plane. - made her look strangely at him as no sensible
pilot would fly the plane in the storm. Moreover,
no other plane was seen on the radar. His question
6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions perhaps, seemed absurd and silly to her.

Thinking About the Text 5. Who do you think helped the narrator to reach
safely? Discuss this among yourselves and give
1. “I’ll take the risk.” What is the risk ? Why does reasons for your answer.
the narrator take it ? Ans :
Ans : The narrator was helped by a black aeroplane
The narrator who is the pilot of Dakota plane was which had no lights. The pilot in that aeroplane
flying from Paris to London. He was dreaming to guided the narrator. The narrator followed him
enjoy the weekend holidays with his family. The until he landed safely . Actually, it was not a real
weather was fine and he could reach England in aeroplane or the pilot. It was the imagination of
time to enjoy the breakfast. the pilot’s mind which helped him in the time of
When he came 150 kilometers from Paris, distress.
he suddenly encountered huge black clouds like
mountains. He had limited fuel just enough to
reach England. He could neither fly above the

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Page 324 Discursive Passage Chapter 3
Ans : 2013
(b) Because it was dark outside
(b) As it was a stormy night.
(c) Because there was bird
12. When he looked down, he saw: (d) None of these
(a) the lights over buildings Ans : 2009

(b) Because it was dark outside

(b) the lights on a tower
(c) the lights in the houses 19. Select the correct option to fill in the blanks
(d) the lights of a big city below: risk: risky :: _____ : _____
Ans : 2013 (a) danger: dangerously
(d) the lights of a big city (b) hazard: hazardous
13. How would you describe the “risk” the narrator (c) peril: imperilled
took? (d) caution : precaution
(a) calculated (b) impetuous Ans : 2009

(b) hazard: hazardous

(c) unavoidable (d) navigable
Ans : 2012, 2010
20. The title “Black Aeroplane” is based on?
(b) impetuous
(a) the aeroplane that helped the pilot
14. The woman at the control tower confirmed that: (b) the pilot’s aeroplane
(a) he could not land (c) aeroplane in the stormy sky
(b) there was no facility (d) none of the above
(c) there was no other aeroplane Ans : 2008

(a) the aeroplane that helped the pilot

(d) there was no signal
Ans : 2012
21. The pilot was flying from _____ to _____.
(c) there was no other aeroplane
(a) England, France (b) England, India
15. What risk did the pilot take? (c) France, England (d) France, India
(a) flying back to Paris Ans : 2008

(c) France, England

(b) missing the breakfast he desired
(c) he took no risk 22. What was the pilot looking forward to?
(d) flying his old Dakota straight into the storm (a) to reach his destination
Ans : 2011
(b) to meet his family
(d) flying his old Dakota straight into the storm
(c) his holiday
16. What was the purpose behind calling Paris (d) both b and c
Control? Ans : 2008

(a) To know about air traffic (d) both b and c

(b) To know the direction of the route 23. Which control station did he contact on his way?
(c) To know the details about landing (a) Paris (b) India
(d) None of these (c) England (d) he didn’t contact any
Ans : 2011
Ans : 2007
(b) To know the direction of the route (a) Paris
17. Who is the narrator of “Black Aeroplane”? 24. “They looked like black mountains standing in
(a) Liam O’ Flaherty (b) Frederick Forsyth front of me across the sky”. What looked like
(c) Roal Dahl (d) Paulo Coehlo black mountains?
Ans : 2010 (a) Black mountains
(b) Frederick Forsyth (b) Storm clouds
18. Why could the writer not see anything outside (c) tall buildings
the aeroplane? (d) black plateau
(a) Because of lightning

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage
Experiencing a Thunderstorm 5. The pilot could not make a contact with:
Yesterday I was on my way back home from my (a) his colleagues (b) Paris control
school. It is situated ten kilometers from my
house. All of a sudden there came a fierce gale (c) his commander (d) his boss
Ans : 2020
full of dust and sand. It became too violent to
move about. I decided to stay in the way under (b) Paris control
my friend’s roof. Very soon it turned very fierce. 6. Why didn’t the pilot turn the aeroplane back
It took away many roofs of huts in the open.
towards Paris?
Many trees were uprooted. Nothing was visible
in the atmosphere. It became dark with dust and (a) He wanted to meet his family
sand. It was of highest density. Those who were (b) He wanted to go on a holiday
standing in the open, had the fear of being blown (c) He did not want to miss the breakfast
away. It receded after an hour. I did not find my (d) He did not like Paris
bicycle. It was seen on a tree. Next day it was Ans : 2020
known some of the people and their luggages were (c) He did not want to miss the breakfast
lost in the storm.
7. The compass was not working and:
(a) the radio was dead
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS (b) he lost his patience
(c) he lost his grip
Multiple Choice
Type Question (d) the steering was upset
Ans : 2020
1. When the pilot of the black aeroplane asked the
(a) the radio was dead
narrator to follow him, in which direction did he
turn the aeroplane? 8. What risk did the pilot take?
(a) south (b) north (a) flying back to Paris
(c) east (d) west (b) missing the breakfast he desired
Ans : 2021
(c) he took no risk
(b) north
(d) flying his old Dakota straight into the storm
2. The word ‘twisted’ means: Ans : 2015

(a) fell (b) dropped (d) flying his old Dakota straight into the storm
(c) turned (d) stopped 9. Why could the writer not see anything outside the
Ans : 2021
aeroplane?
(c) turned
(a) Because of lightning
3. Which of the pilot’s intruments stopped working (b) Because it was dark outside
first? (c) Because there was bird
(a) compass (d) None of these
(b) radio Ans : 2015

(c) both stopped together (b) Because it was dark outside

(d) both were working 10. He wanted to thank the other pilot for:
Ans : 2021
(a) his tea (b) his help
(a) compass
(c) his notice (d) his plans
4. What was the name of the aeroplane that the Ans : 2014

pilot was flying? (b) his help

(a) Airbus (b) Boeing
11. Why was the aeroplane twisting in the air?
(c) Dakota (d) Minesotta
(a) As it was dark night
Ans : 2021

(c) Dakota (b) As it was a stormy night

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Page 326 Discursive Passage Chapter 3
Ans : 2021
decided to go through the storm clouds because
The stormy night incident proved that the he wanted to reach home and spend the holiday
narrator was a brave man who did not care about with his family.
his life.
He did not panic and managed to keep calm 13. What were the points that went on troubling
during the toughest time which is a commendable Frederick’s mind on reaching safely at the airport
trait for a pilot. Adversity revealed him to be a ?
brave, patient and obedient man. Ans : 2017

On reaching the airport he asked the woman at

8. What did Frederick Forsyth think when he called the control centre about the other pilot. But she
Paris Control ? told that there was none. Still the following points
Ans : 2019
went on troubling him :
On his way to England, Frederick Forsyth called
1. Who helped him to arrive safely without a
Paris Control. The voice answered him to turn
twelve degree west. He did it accordingly. He was compass or a radio ?
happy to be in time for his breakfast. He thought 2. Who helped him without any more fuel in
to relish a good English breakfast. tanks ?
3. Who was the pilot on the strange black
9. What problems did the pilot of Dakota face in aeroplane without lights?
the clouds ?
O 14. Why did the woman in the control room deny
What difficulties did the narrator face while flying having helped the pilot of Dakota?
in the storm ? Ans : 2017

Ans : 2018
The woman was shocked as she had not seen
The black storm clouds looked like black another aeroplane flying that night. Moreover she
mountains. The pilot was trapped into the storm. could see only one plane on the radar.
His aeroplane started jumping and twisting in the
15. Why could the woman in the control room not
air. All his instruments including the compass and
help the pilot of Dakota ?
the radio, etc. became dead. There was no answer
from Paris Control. He was lost in the storm. Ans : 2017

When the pilot of the Dakota plane asked the

10. Explain the statement : “I was very happy to go woman in the control centre about the black
behind the strange aeroplane like an obedient aeroplane and its pilot, she could not help him
child”. because she had seen no other plane flying that
Ans : 2018, 2007 night on the radar.
The pilot came across a huge storm clouds. He
could neither go above them, nor go around them 16. What did the narrator feel while flying over
due to lack of fuel. Then, he saw a black plane France back to England ?
without lights on wings, flying near his plane. Its Ans : 2016

pilot waved and signalled him to follow him. The The narrator was flying his Dakota over France
narrator did not have much choice but to follow and going back to England. The moon was coming
him. up in the east behind him. The stars were shining
in the cloudless sky above him. The narrator
11. Why did the pilot think of going back to paris ? was happy to be alone in the high sky above the
Ans : 2018 sleeping countryside. He was happy dreaming of
The pilot came across huge strom clouds that his holiday and looking forward to being with his
seemed to him like black mountains. He could family.
neither go above them, nor go around them due
to lack of fuel. That was when he thought of 17. Why did the narrator want to meet the woman in
returning to Paris. control tower ?
Ans : 2015
12. Which two options did the pilot of the Dakota The narrator was very much pleased that he had
plane have when he encountered the storm clouds landed safely inspite of all hardships. He wanted
on his way ? What did he decide to do ? Why ? to meet the woman so that he could meet the
Ans : 2018 pilot of black aeroplane who had helped him to
The two options he had were : either to go back land safely.
to paris or to go through the storm clouds. He

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iii. What had ‘his’ elder brother done? ‘she’ stopped midway while giving the fish to
iv. Which word would correctly substitute ‘eat the seagull as she wanted the seagull to fly out
quickly’, in the given sentence from the of hunger.
extract? ii. (c) he started flying
Did the hungry beggar eat quickly all that iii. (c) A narrative from the point of view of an
was given to him? omniscient narrator, who knows everything
Ans : 2018 about the story and the character.
i. (a) The seagull iv. hungry
ii. The little seagull’s parents were teaching the
art of flying, the art of skimming the waves 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
and diving for fish to his brothers and sisters. questions that follows :
The young seagull was alone on his ledge. His two
iii. ‘His’ elder brother has caught his first herring.
brothers and his sister had already flown away the
iv. devour day before. He had been afraid to fly with them.
2. Read the extract given below and answer the Somehow when he had taken a little run forward
questions that follows : to the brink of the ledge and attempted to flap his
He waited a moment in surprise, wondering why wings, he became afraid. The great expanse of sea
she did not come nearer and then, maddened by stretched down beneath, and it was such a long
hunger, he dived at the fish. With a loud scream tins down—miles down.
he fell outwards and downwards into space. Then i. Choose the correct options to complete the
a monstrous terror seized him and his heart stood statement.
still. He could hear nothing. But it only lasted a The young seagull was alone on the ledge
minute. The next moment he felt his wings spread because _____
outwards. 1. his two brothers and a sister had learnt
i. Who is ‘she’ in the extract? Why did ‘she’ flying and had flown away
stop midway while giving the fish? 2. he was afraid to fly like his brothers and
ii. The phrase ‘his wings spread outwards’ means sisters.
_____. 3. he was waiting for his mother to come.
(a) he fell off the cliff 4. his mother had gone to get fond for him.
(b) he was drowning (a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
(c) he started flying (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
(d) he was happy ii. We know that the siblings of the seagull had
iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and learned and mastered flying because _____
identify which one correctly corresponds to iii. The young seagull on taking a run experienced
the extract. extreme emotions. Choose the best options
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a from the ones given below.
particular topic, usually with two or more (a) mortification and sadness
people presenting different viewpoints (b) desperation and sadness
and arguments. (c) humiliation and desperation
(b) A autobiographical account of an event (d) mortification and desperation
which covers the author’s point of view
iv. The young seagull did make an effort to fly
regarding the event and all other things
but failed. What was his mental state?
associated with it.
Ans : 2015
(c) A narrative from the point of view of
i. (b) 1 and 2
an omniscient narrator, who knows
ii. had already flown away the day before.
everything about the story and the
character. iii. (d) mortification and desperation
iv. Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only. iv. The young seagull flapped his wings and
The Seagull had been feeling _____. made an effort to fly. However, his half-
Ans : 2016 hearted efforts failed because he was afraid
i. ‘She’ in the extract is the seagull’s mother, that his wings would not support him. So, he

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gone 150 kilometres from France, he saw storm paves the way for success in conquering the skies
clouds. They were huge. They looked like black and beyond.
mountains standing in front of him across the sky.
2. A few days after the experience, the narrator sat
29. Why did the writer feel frightened once again? with his wife and recalled a long conversation
Ans : 2005 he’d had with his young son the day before. The
The pilot of the black plane waved to the writer narrator’s son had spoken to him about his close
to follow him. The writer flew his plane behind friend, Freddie, and the many ways Freddie helped
him for half an hour. He found that there was him. When the narrator suggested inviting Freddie
enough fuel in his aeroplane only to last for five home for lunch, his wife casually said, “Freddie is
or ten minutes more. So, he felt frightened once like your friend in the black aeroplane!”
again. That night the narrator decided to record his
thoughts in his diary to clear his head. As the
Long Answer Type Question narrator, write the diary entry.
Ans : 2022

1. You have been asked to present an evaluation 10.00 pm/8th March

of the approaches of both, the Baby Seagull and Dear diary,
the Pilot who was lost in the clouds, towards On my last flight from Paris to England I had
achieving their dreams of conquering the skies. close contact with death. I thought it was my
Write this presentation draft including your last flight. But, it was destined differently. When
insights, comparing the approaches of both. You I was about to lose hope a mysterious black
may begin this way: One acknowledges that both, aeroplane showed me the right path to escape the
the Seagull and the Pilot, wanted to _____. storm. I enquired the control room staff about
however, _____ the mysterious plane but nobody confirmed its
Ans : 2024 presence. I owe my life to him. I wish to meet and
One acknowledges that both the Seagull and thank him for saving my life. He is like Freddie,
the Pilot wanted to conquer the skies, yet their my life saviour. ‘The world is so small. I hope
approaches were quite different. The Baby to meet him someday. I wish to learn from him
Seagull’s story is one of determination, resilience, the ways to tackle a storm the way he did. I am
and unwavering belief in oneself. In stark contrast, grateful to God and the other pilot that I am alive
the Lost Pilot’s journey towards conquering the
today and living with my family.
skies was fraught with uncertainty, confusion, and
a lack of direction. Hunger and survival were the 3. Imagine that the narrator shared his story with
baby seagull’s primary motivators to overcome friends and family once he got home. One of them,
fear and take the first flight. The seagull was a spiritual leader, decided to incorporate the story
desperately looking for food, so it had to take a as part of his weekly sermon to the congregation.
risk despite its initial hesitation and fear. On the Another friend, a psychologist, worked the story
other hand, the pilot faced a different challenge into his next lecture on survival instinct and crisis
in the form of a storm when he realised that he management.
had gotten lost. He decided to put his trust in a Do you think the two interpretations of the story
mysterious black aeroplane and follow it like a would be different? If so, how?
child. What insights might the narrator get about his
We can learn courage and tenacity from both mysterious experience, if he were to attend both
stories. The pilot took a leap of faith to follow the the sessions?
unknown black aeroplane in the face of difficulty, Ans : 2021
whereas the seagull flew out of instinctual need. A spiritual leader would use the story as an
In conclusion, the journeys of the Baby Seagull example to tell his disciples that God takes care
and the Lost Pilot offer valuable insights into of his children even in extreme conditions. He
the importance of determination, resilience, and would preach that God sent an angel to save the
preparation in achieving one’s dreams. While the narrator. Thus, we should not lose hope and keep
Baby Seagull’s disciplined approach led to eventual trusting God. However, the psychologist friend
success, the Lost Pilot’s impulsive actions serve as would describe the incident in a totally different
a cautionary tale of the dangers of recklessness and manner. He might say that ‘God helps those who
overconfidence. Ultimately, it is the combination help themselves- the mysterious plane was the
of passion, perseverance, and careful planning that narrator’s soul that drove him out of the storm.

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18. At what time and how did the narrator contact But, neither the black aeroplane nor its pilot
Paris Control for the first time ? could be seen anywhere.
Ans : 2015

For the first time, the narrator contacted Paris 24. What did the narrator ask the woman in the
Control at about one-thirty in the morning. He control centre ? What was her reply ?
saw the lights of a big city in front of him. He Ans : 2013

switched on the radio and said, “Paris Control, After landing safely, the narrator straight away
Dakota DS 088 here can you hear me ? I’m on my went to the control centre and asked the woman
way to England. Over.” which place it was and where the other pilot was
as he wanted to thank him.
19. What response did the narrator get from Paris The woman looked strangely at him and
Control? How did he react thereafter ? laughed. She told him that no other aeroplanes
Ans : 2014 were flying that night. His was the only plane she
The narrator contacted Paris Control and it could see on the radar. Thus, the narrator was left
directed the narrator to turn twelve degrees with unanswered questions. He couldn’t find out
towards west. He checked the map and the who helped him to arrive there safely without any
compass and switched over to the second and more fuel in any tanks.
last full tank. Then, he turned the Dakota twelve
degrees west towards England. 25. The narrator could have gone back to Paris. What
stopped him from doing so?
20. The narrator thought, “I ought to go back to Ans : 2012

Paris.” Did the narrator fly his Dakota back to The narrator was very happy and was looking
Paris ? forward to be with his family. He was anxiously
Ans : 2014 waiting to have a good big English breakfast.
The narrator was entrapped in the black, huge, Paris was about 150 kilometres behind him when
stormy clouds in the sky. He thought of going he saw the storm clouds which stood like black
back to Paris, but he did not do so as he wanted mountains in front of him. The first thought that
to go home and have a good big English breakfast came to his mind was going back to Paris, but
at his home. the joy of being with his family and having that
breakfast of which he was dreaming, he could not
21. What sort of aeroplane did the narrator see in the stop himself from going to London. So, he flew his
black clouds ? plane right into the storm.
Ans : 2014

When the narrator was lost in the storm, he saw 26. The narrator kept calling Paris Control, but they
another aeroplane quite near him. When his plane could not hear him. How did the narrator find
was in the black clouds, he saw this aeroplane that himself lost in the storm?
had no light on its wings. However, the narrator Ans : 2011
could see it flying next to him through the storm. The narrator kept calling Paris Control, but he
did not get any answer as the radio was dead. He
22. How did the narrator come out of the clouds and had no radio, no compass. The narrator couldn’t
reach safely ? believe his eyes when he saw that the compass
Ans : 2013, 2009
was turning round and round. He understood that
The narrator was able to come out of the clouds they would not work. At once, he found all other
after following the pilot of the black aeroplane. He instruments were dead too. He was thus lost in
was very happy to follow the black aeroplane like the storm.
an obedient child. When the narrator came out of
the clouds, he saw two long straight lines of lights 27. What happened when the narrator turned the
in front of him. It was the runway of an airport aeroplane twelve degrees west towards England?
and so he was glad to find himself safe. Ans : 2008

The narrator saw the huge storm clouds that

23. Was the pilot of the Dakota able to meet the pilot looked like black mountains standing in front of
of the black aeroplane ? him across the sky.
Ans : 2013

No, the pilot of the Dakota was not able to meet 28. Describe the black clouds as the pilot saw them.
the pilot of the black aeroplane. When his Dakota Ans : 2006
landed safely, he wanted to see the pilot of the The writer was going from France to England. He
black aeroplane and thank him for his great help. was flying his Dakota aeroplane. When he had

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Page 330 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

he saw a black aeroplane without lights on its became short of fuel. While moving forward he
wings. He followed him in the storm. Now he was saw mountains of black cloud. His compass, radio
on the airport. It was his courage, will power and and other instruments stopped working. His
determination that helped him to come out safely. aeroplane was twisting in the air. He followed
black aeroplane in the storm. It was his courage:
8. You are the pilot of old Dakota. Describe your determination and will power which took him out
experience in the form of a diary entry, when you of danger.
entered mountains of dark clouds.
Ans : 2014 11. What was the narrator dreaming and looking
Dear Diary forward to while flying his Dakota in clear sky ?
I am really glad that I have reached England safely. Ans : 2012

When I think of the moment, I shudder with fear. The narrator was flying his old Dakota aeroplane
Today when I was on my way to England I can’t over France as he was going back to England. He
imagine the situation. I was in a fix with lack of looked at the watch and saw that it was one-thirty
fuel in my tank and black clouds approaching me. in the morning. The moon was coming up in the
God’s power made me fly straight into the dark east. The stars were shining in the clear sky. The
clouds. My aeroplane was twisting and jumping narrator was happy to be alone high up above
in the air. It was as if luck was following me. the sleeping countryside. While flying, he was
Suddenly the pilot of another aeroplane lifted his dreaming of his holidays. It was an easy journey
hand. I followed him in the storm. Every moment and he was in a joyful mood. He was looking
the whole act sounds mystery to me. I tried my forward eagerly to be with his family in England.
best to meet the other pilot to convey my thanks The narrator contacted the Paris Control. It
but am feeling sad at not fulfilling my wish. directed him to turn his aeroplane twelve degrees
west. So, he turned his Dakota twelve degrees west
9. Sometimes we get unexpected help which really towards England. He thought that soon he would
helps us. Describe. How did pilot of the black join his family and have breakfast with them.
aeroplane help the pilot of the old Dakota to land
safely at the airport ? 12. What did the narrator decide when he saw the
Ans : 2013 stormy clouds ?
Amidst any kind of situation help is always Ans : 2012

welcome. Recently I was going towards the market. The narrator saw the clouds when his Dakota was
I had a wallet in my hand. Suddenly a boy on the 150 kilometres ahead of Paris towards England.
bike snatched my purse away. I was really shocked These were quite huge, black, stormy clouds.
as it contained important documents. Suddenly They looked like black mountains standing in
to my surprise a young boy held me from the front of him across the sky. The narrator was
back and gave me the wallet. I was really happy aware that for want of enough fuel, he could not
and full of joy. When unexpected help came from fly up and over the clouds. He also could not fly
God. around them to the north or south.
In the same manner Dakota aeroplane started Initially, he thought that he should go back
jumping and twisting in air. The compass, radio to Paris. He felt that it was quite risky to enter
and other instruments were dead. The pilot of the his plane in the clouds. But then he decided to
black aeroplane took Dakota out of the clouds. take risk because he wanted to join his family at
Dakota was saved with the help of the black breakfast. So, he flew his Dakota straight into the
aeroplane. stormy clouds.

10. Which qualities must a person have to overcome 13. The narrator asks a question at the end : “Who
the situation ? Explain these qualities in reference was the pilot on the strange black aeroplane,
to the lesson ‘Black Aeroplane’. flying in the storm, without lights ?” Discuss.
Ans : 2013, 2011 Ans : 2012

To face the challenges of life we need courage, will Thinking of joining his family for break fast
power and strong determination. These qualities in England, the narrator was flying in his old
make a person well equipped and make us sturdy. Dakota aeroplane over France. He was in a happy
These qualities will make us even move the mood because he was going back to England
mountains. We shall not feel weak. to join his family. When Paris was about 150
In the text black aeroplane we found that kilometers behind, he observed the huge stormy
narrator was on his way to England and by chance clouds in front of him. Deciding to take risk, he

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If the narrator happens to listen to both clouds. He was relieved to see the runway of the
of these workshops he would accept either of airport and he landed safely. He enquired about
the two philosophies as true on the basis of his the pilot in the black aeroplane. But the lady at
nature which is not specified in the story. If he is the Control Room informed him that his was the
a religious person, he would accept the spiritual only aeroplane she could see on the screen of radar
friend’s opinion. But, he might like to go with that night.
the psychologist’s interpretation if he is a man of
logical thinking. 6. How did the black aeroplane rescue the first pilot?
O
4. In a parallel world, the pilot of the black How was the pilot of the old Dakota rescued?
aeroplane narrates his adventure in a story titled
O
‘The Old Dakota’. You come across an excerpt
How did the pilot of the black aeroplane help
from the story, which responds to the ending
the pilot of the old Dakota to land safely at the
questions of ‘Black Aeroplane’ and describes the
black aeroplane pilot’s decision to fly away after airport?
watching the Dakota land. Compose the said O
excerpt of the story employing relevant details The pilot is lost in storm clouds? How does he
from ‘Black Aeroplane’. reach safely?
Ans : 2021 O
Last night I caught up in a black storm. I was Who rescued the first pilot of Dakota and how?
struggling to find my way out. I had the latest O
well-equipped aeroplane but the lights went off. What is the significant role played by the black
Luckily, I did not lose connection with the control aeroplane in rescuing the Dakota aeroplane ?
room. When I was trying to find out the right Ans : 2015, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2000
direction, I spotted an old Dakota plane flying The first pilot was stuck in the thick black clouds.
amidst the black clouds. I followed it and on The compass, radio and other instruments in
coming closer I waved at the other pilot to follow his plane were dead. Then in the black clouds
me and he did obediently. Almost half an hour quite near to him, suddenly he spotted another
later the runway was visible. I continued forward aeroplane. Though he could not see the pilot’s
whereas the Dakota landed there at the airport. face, he understood the pilot was signalling with
I wanted to meet the Dakota pilot to ensure that his hand that he (the first pilot) should follow
he was alright but I was in a hurry. I hope he him. He turned his aeroplane slowly towards
landed safely. the black aeroplane and went behind it like
an obedient child. After about half an hour he
5. Describe the flight of the Dakota aeroplane till it
started going down and suddenly they came out
landed safely at the airport.
of the clouds and the first pilot saw the runway
O in front of him but the aeroplane that he had
What did the pilot of the Dakota encounter 150 followed just disappeared.
km away from Paris ? Recount his experience
inside the black clouds. 7. Explain with the help of your lesson that we
Ans : 2017, 2011, 2009, 2005 need courage, will-power and determination in
Thinking of his holidays and about seeing his family overcoming the difficulties.
soon, the narrator was flying back to England on Ans : 2014

his old Dakota DS 088 aeroplane. It was an easy To face the challenges of life we need courage,
flight until his plane was entrapped in the black will-power and strong determination.
clouds and he lost his way. Since he did not have Frederick Forsyth was on his way to England.
enough fuel, he could not fly up and above the By chance he became short of fuel. He switched
clouds nor he could fly around them towards the on the radio and talked with Paris Control who
north or south. He decided to take risk and flew advised him to turn twelve degrees west. He did
his Dakota straight into the stormy clouds. After accordingly. But soon he saw mountains of black
getting lost in the storm, at a distance, he saw a clouds before him. He was troubled. But he decided
plane flying next to him. The pilot was waving to take the risk. He flew his old Dakota into the
his left hand as if telling him to follow him. With storm. His compass, radio and other instruments
the help of the black aeroplane all of a sudden, became dead. There was no answer from Paris
the narrator saw his Dakota coming out of the Control. His aeroplane was twisting and jumping
in the air. He was lost in the storm. By chance

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clouds, but he did so in order to save his fuel. plane and its pilot.
The narrator blindly followed the other pilot as Ans : 2006

he thought that the other pilot would guide him Last week, my friend, who is a pilot had a
to the right, path. mysterious experience. During his flight from Paris
to England, he got lost in the storm clouds. His
18. Describe the first pilot’s experience with the black compass, radio and other instruments had gone
clouds. How did he get out of these clouds? dead. He did not know which direction to go. He
O was lost and he panicked as the sky was stormy.
Recount the experience of the pilot of the Dakota Then, he saw a strange black aeroplane without
inside the black clouds. lights on wings, flying near his plane. Its pilot
O lifted one hand, waved and signalled my friend
What did the pilot of the Dakota experience to follow him. He guided my friend through the
inside the black clouds? storm clouds and helped him land safely. When
Ans : 2009, 2003, 2000
my friend looked back to thank the pilot of the
The black clouds appeared after the first pilot had black aeroplane, he found neither the pilot nor
covered 150 kilometers from Paris. They looked the aeroplane. When he asked the control room
like black mountains standing in front of him lady about the strange black plane and its pilot,
across the sky. He knew he did not have enough the reply was that no other plane was seen on the
fuel to fly above or around them. Once he was radar except his Dakota. Then who rescued him?
inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. There was no answer. It was a mystery. But all is
It became impossible to see anything outside the well that ends well.
plane. The old aeroplane jumped and twisted in 21. Describe the flight of the pilot before he
the air and the instruments in the plane, including encountered dark clouds.
the radio and compass, were dead. The first pilot Ans : 2006
was totally lost in the storm. Suddenly, in the The writer of this story is a pilot. One night he
black clouds, he saw another plane. Though it had was flying his old Dakota aeroplane over France.
no lights on its wings the first pilot could see the It was a starry night. He was going to England.
other pilot’s signalling to follow him. Following He hoped to spend his holiday with his family
him, the first pilot came out of the clouds. It was an easy journey and he was in a joyful
19. The narrator asked a question at the end of the mood. He looked at his watch. It was one thirty in
lesson ‘The Black Aeroplane’, “Who was the pilot the morning. Through his wireless, he contacted
in the strange black aeroplane?” Answer this the Paris Control room. They told him to turn
question. twelve degrees west. He did as he was advised to
Ans : 2006
do. He was 150 kilometres from Paris when the
It is indeed a mystery as to who the pilot of the writer saw huge black clouds before him. It was
strange black aeroplane was. It is quite probable not possible to fly up and over the clouds. He had
that the pilot was actually a ghost whose plane not much fuel with him. So it was not possible
might have crashed in a storm so he felt it was to fly around the big mountains of clouds to the
his moral duty to avert another such disaster. right or left. He decided to take the risk and flew
That is the reason the ghost seems to appear out his aeroplane straight into the clouds.
of nowhere just to guide the pilot safely to the 22. ‘Everything was going well - was an easy flight.’
airport and once this job is done he just vanishes Why was the pilot happy?
into thin air and is not seen again. Another
probability is that the pilot of the old Dakota O
had imagined it all in his distress. No definite Give two reasons why the pilot was happy?
explanation can be given for this mystery as the Ans : 2005

story has a supernatural element attached to it The pilot was flying his aeroplane in a clear sky
which is inexplicable. where he could see the moon coming up in the
east, behind him, and the stars were shining
20. Your friend was the pilot who was flying from above him. He was happy to be alone high up
Paris to England when he was lost in the storm above the sleeping countryside and was dreaming
clouds. Narrate his experience to your family and of his holiday and looking forward to being with
tell them how he was rescued by a strange black his family. He thought that he would be home in
time for breakfast and devour a good big English
breakfast. Everything was going pretty well for

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

flew his plane straight into the storm. He lost his the black clouds quite near him, he saw another
way amidst the black clouds and his radio and aeroplane without any lights on its wings. He
compass also stopped functioning. Then, a black could see this plane flying next to him through
aeroplane at once appeared and his pilot waved to the storm. The pilot lifted his hand, waved and
the narrator to follow him. After following him, instructed the narrator to follow him. Then, he
the narrator landed safely on the airport where turned the plane slowly to the north, in front
he failed to find the pilot of the black aeroplane of the narrator’s plane so that he could follow
anywhere. Moreover, the women in the Control him. The narrator followed the plane through the
Centre also informed him that no other plane was storm for half an hour. Later, he came out of the
flying that night and his was the only plane she clouds and landed on the airport safely.
could see on the radar.
I think it was some mysterious or supernatural 16. “I’ll take the risk.” The narrator did take the risk.
power that had guided him. Or it could be the What difficulties did he face ? Who do you think
hallucination of his mind. must have helped him ? As a pilot what would
you do in such a situation ? Take risk or take a
14. Do you agree that this story is a mystery ? Justify. wise decision ?
Ans : 2011 Ans : 2011
Yes, I agree that the story The Black Aeroplane’ The storm clouds were huge. They looked like
is a mystery. It is a mystery because the existence black mountains standing in front of the narrator
of the black aeroplane and its pilot is beyond across the sky. In spite of knowing that he could
our understanding or comprehension. When the not fly up and over them the narrator took the
narrator’s old Dakota aeroplane was entrapped risk of flying straight into the storm. It was not
in the black stormy clouds, he lost his way and at all safe. He could not see anything outside the
could not see anything. The radio and compass of aeroplane. The old aeroplane jumped and twisted
his plane failed to function and he was distressed. in the air. The compass and the radio were dead.
At that time, he saw a black aeroplane whose He was lost in the storm.
wings were without lights. The pilot of that The desire to land safely was so strong that
strange plane guided the narrator till he landed he imagined that there was another plane and his
safely on the runway. The narrator then asked pilot was guiding him. His will to reach England
the person incharged in the Control Room about was so strong that he guided himself. According
the whereabouts of that strange plane because to the lady in the Central Room, there was no
he wanted to thank its pilot. But, she told him other plane flying that night. When he wanted to
that his was the only plane which she could see thank the pilot, the lady in the Control Room told
on the radar. So, the mystery remains unsolved him that his was the only plane on the radar that
about the black plane and its pilot. The story is a night. So there had actually been no one to help
mystery because the solution to this riddle seems him except his own will. If I, had been in a similar
impossible to be found. situation, in spite of the will and determination of
taking risks, I would not have taken such a rash
15. How did the weather change during the flight decision. I would have gone back to the nearest
? Describe the narrator’s journey through the airport, which would have been the safest decision.
storm clouds.
Ans : 2011 17. The narrator made every possible endeavour
Paris was about 150 kilometres behind him when to save himself. He did not lose hope in dire
the narrator saw the storm clouds. While flying situations. What values helped him endure the
his old Dakota aeroplane over France back to critical situation bravely? Discuss in 100-120
England, the clouds were huge and stormy. They words.
looked like black mountains standing in front of Ans : 2010

him across the sky. The narrator knew that he The narrator’s plane did not have enough fuel. He
could not fly up and over them as he didn’t have knew that because of the paucity of fuel, he could
enough fuel. He also did not want to go back not fly up and over the clouds nor he could fly
to Paris, so he flew his old Dakota straight into around them to the north or south. But then he
the storm. But inside the clouds, everything was decided to take the risk to enter his plane in the
suddenly back. He was not able to see anything clouds because he wanted to go home and wanted
outside the aeroplane to find his way home. The to join his family at breakfast. This shows that
old aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air. he was a family-loving person. He was courageous
The narrator was lost in the storm. Then, in as he knew that it would be risky to enter the

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iv. If this extract were to be filmed, what would be Garima bent the iron rod using a lot of force.
required to bring out the dramatic effect of this Ans : 2016

moment? i. (d) It was moving in a zig-zag manner.

Ans : 2018
ii. False
i. (d) It was probably the author’s subconscious iii. The speaker was flying an old Dakota
that was trying to find a way out. aeroplane. It was impossible to see anything
ii. The author saw the runway and landed his outside the aeroplane because there were dark
aeroplane safely but the black plane is nowhere clouds all around.
to be seen in the sky. It has disappeared as iv. twisted
mysteriously as it had appeared. When he
asks about the Black aeroplane at the control 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
room, he is informed there that there was no questions that follows :
other plane in the sky except his flight that Paris was about 150 kilometres behind me when
night. I saw the clouds. Storm clouds. They were huge.
iii. (a) simile They looked like black mountains standing in
iv. The director would be required to rely on CGI front of me across the sky. I knew I could not fly
or visual effects to bring out the dramatic up and over them, and 1 did not have enough fuel
effect of this moment. to fly around them to the north or south. “I ought
to go back to Paris,” I thought, but I Wanted to
3. Read the extract given below and answer the get home. 1 wanted that breakfast ‘I’ll take the
questions that follows : risk,’ I thought, and flew that old Dakota straight
Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. in to the storm.
It was impossible to see anything outside the i. Why has the author used the word ‘Wanted’
aeroplane. The old aeroplane jumped and twisted with a capital ‘W’ ?
in the air. I looked at the compass. I couldn’t ii. The final decision of the pilot was _____.
believe my eyes: the compass was turning round
(a) not to return back to Paris.
and round and round. It was dead. It would not
(b) to take risk and fly straight into the
work!
storm.
i. How did the old aeroplane react in the clouds?
(c) to fly around the clouds from north.
(a) It was perfectly working
(d) fly around the clouds from south.
(b) It was going down
iii. From the quotations given below, choose the
(c) It had stopped working
one that best captures the mindset of the
(d) It was moving in a zig-zag manner pilot.
ii. State True or False. (a) Life is either a daring adventure or
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be nothing at all.
applied to the statement - In the given
(b) The struggles we endure today will be the
extract, the narrator seems to be panicking.
‘good old days’ we laugh about tomorrow.
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for (c) Life rewarded courage, even when that
a phenomenon first step was taken neck-deep in fear.
(b) An assumption - something that is taken (d) Safety is indeed stability, but it is not
for granted or assumed to be true without progression.
proof
iv What did the pilot notice when Paris was
(c) A premise - a proposition that forms the already 150 km behind him? Answer in about
basis of an argument 40 words.
(d) A theory - a well-substantiated Ans : 2015
explanation for a natural phenomenon i. The author wants to emphasize his intense
iii. What kind of aeroplane was the speaker desire to be home.
flying? Why was it impossible to see anything ii. (b) to take risk and fly straight into the
outside the aeroplane? storm.
iv. Which word would correctly substitute ‘bent’, iii. (c) Life rewarded courage, even when that
in the given sentence from the extract? first step was taken neck-deep in fear.

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

him. He was getting fine signals from the Paris heard by other characters on stage.
Control Room which was giving him the accurate (d) An abstract refers to a short summary or
direction on which he was to proceed. His compass outline of a longer work.
and full tank were also up to the mark. So, all in Ans : 2019

all, it was an easy flight for him. i. The significance of not a single cloud in the
sky is that the sky is clear.
23. Do you agree that the story ‘The Black Aeroplane’
ii. The pilot was flying Darkota aeroplane.
is a mystery? Justify your answer.
Ans : 2001
iii. When the pilot called the Paris Control the
This story is no doubt a mystery because the first time he was happy that he would reach
writer leaves many questions unanswered which England on time for a big English breakfast.
not only puzzle us but also mystify us. We all are He thought that everything was going well
extremely eager to know as to who the pilot in and it was an easy flight.
the strange plane was and if there was actually a iv. FALSE (description (b) correctly corresponds
plane that had guided the first plane, or its pilot to the extract)
had imagined it all in distress. All this could just
be a figment of the imagination of the first pilot 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
cm-it could actually be a plane whose pilot had questions that follows :
probably crashed in a storm and so his ghost had “He knows that I am lost”, I thought ‘He’s trying
come to ensure that another pilot did not meet to help me.” He turned his aeroplane slowly
a similar fate. This mystery remains unsolved to the north, in front of my Dakota, so that it
and we are left guessing if there is indeed a would be easier for me to follow him. I was very
supernatural element in the story. All we can do happy to go behind the strange aeroplane like
is make our own assumptions and let our own an obedient child. After half an hour the strange
imaginations run wild. black aeroplane was still there in front of me in
the clouds. Now, there was only enough fuel in
the old Dakota’s last tank to fly for five or ten
Extract Based Question minutes more. I was starting to feel frightened
1. Read the extract given below and answer the again. But then he started to go down and I
questions that follows : followed through the storm.
The moon was coming up in the east, behind me, i. Which of the following options perfectly
and stars were shining in the clear sky above me. justifies this statement. “He knows that I am
There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I was happy to lost”, I thought ‘He’s trying to help me.”
be alone high up above the sleeping countryside. (a) It’s true because the stranger-pilot knew
i. What is the significance of not a single cloud how to negotiate the storm quite well.
in the sky? (b) It’s false because the stranger-pilot was
ii. What was the pilot flying? out to trick the author.
iii. How did the pilot feel after calling the Paris (c) Definitely true because the stranger pilot
Control the first time? Answer in about 40 had been sent by God to help the author.
words. (d) It was probably the author’s subconscious
iv. State TRUE or FALSE. that was trying to find a way out.
None of the following descriptions (a)-(d) ii. The author says, “But then he started to
correctly corresponds to the extract. go down and I followed through the storm.”
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a What happened after this? Answer in about
particular topic, usually with two or more 40 words.
people presenting different viewpoints iii. Read the following options (a)-(c) and identify
and arguments. which figure of speech has been used in the
(b) A description is the pattern of narrative given statement: “I was very happy to go
development that aims to make vivid a behind the strange aeroplane like an obedient
place, object, character, or group. child”?
(c) An aside is a brief comment or remark (a) simile
made by a character directly to the (b) contrast
audience, which is not intended to be (c) consonance

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Page 336 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

Chapter 4

F rom the Diary of Anne Frank

1. INTRODUCTION she has not written anything earlier. Secondly,

no one would be interested in reading something
This chapter is an excerpt from the ‘Diary of written by her as she is a small girl.
a Young Girl’ written by Anne Frank. It is an
autobiography that was first published in 1947. In Writes a Diary
this chapter the writer Anne Frank tells about her One day Anne felt a bit depressed. She felt that
true companion - a diary. She writes everything paper had more patience than people. She was
about her life in her diary and considers it her wondering whether to stay in or go out. Finally,
true friend. At the time of invasion of German she stayed in and thought. She felt that she won’t
over Holland, her family hid itself. At that time let anyone read her ‘diary’ unless she found a real
she started to write in her diary. She spent her friend. So she wrote it.
adolescent years hidden from outside world, and Writing About Her Family
her diary kept all her secrets. She wrote that she was not completely alone
in the world. But she had loving parents and
a sixteen-year-old sister. She had about thirty
2. CHARACTERS people around her, she could call friends. Then
she had a family, aunts and a good home. But
Anne Frank she had had no true friend. She thought of having
The 13 years old Jewish girl who writes a diary a good time when she was with friends. But she
while she is hiding in Amsterdam from the Nazis could not get closer. She admitted it her fault
during World War II. that she didn’t confide in each other. Since they
Margot Frank were not liable to change, she started writing a
Anne’s sister who is three years older than Anne. diary. She made it her friend.
Otto Frank Diary Named As ‘Kitty’ - Brief Sketch of Life
Anne’s father who is a Jewish businessman who She wanted the diary to be her friend. So she
left Germany after Hitler’s rise to power, hoping named it as her friend Kitty. She wrote a brief
to find refuge in Holland. sketch of her life, though she disliked doing so. So,
Mrs Frank she wrote it. She wrote that her father married her
Anne’s mother who is the source of many conflicts twenty-five year old mother at the age of thirty-
with Anne during the two years that the family six. Her sister Margot was bom in Frankfurt
spends in hiding. in Germany in 1926. She was born on 12 June
1929. Her father emigrated to Holland in 1933.
Mr Van Daan Her mother Edith Hollander Frank went with her
A Jewish business and an associate of Mr Frank. father to Holland. But she and her sister were
Mr Keesing sent to Aachen to stay with their grandmother.
Anne Frank’s teacher who punishes Anne as he Then they went to Holland.
gets annoyed by her talkative nature. Anne’s School
There she was sent to a Montessori nursery
school. She stayed there until she was six. In the
3. SUMMARY sixth class her teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the
Anne’s Feelings About Diary headmistress. Both had tears when they bade
Anne writes her diary. She feels that doing so is a farewell.
strange experience for one like her. It is so because

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage
Reasons for Not Writing the Diary death by the father. It was because they quacked
In the summer of 1941 her grandma fell ill. She too much. Luckily, Mr. Keesing took the joke the
had to be operated upon. She died in January right way. Mr. Keesing had played a joke on her.
1942. She thought of her greatly and she loved her But she had had it on him. He read the poem to
still. They celebrated Anne’s birthday in 1942. the class adding his own comments. Since then she
The four of them were doing well till 20 June had been allowed to talk. She hadn’t even been
1942. Then Anne wrote her diary again. It was given extra homework. Mr. Keesing continued
like this. making jokes in the class.
About Class Affairs
It was the day of the declaration of results.
Everyone in her class was in tension. The reason 4. Word meanings
was who would go to the next class and who would 1. Musings - a period of reflection or thought
not. They had bets with other boys on who would 2. Adorable - lovable, cute
pass and who would not. She found the teachers
3. Confide - to tell personal things privately to a
as the most unpredictable creatures on the earth.
person that one trusts
She was not worried about her girl-friends and
herself. She was sure to make that. But she was 4. Contrary - opposite in nature, direction, or
not sure about Maths. They could wait and told meaning
each other not to lose heart. 5. Enhance - intensify, increase, or further
improve the quality, value, or extent of.
Mr. Keesing Gives Extra Work As Punishment
She went along her teachers pretty well. Mr. 6. Farewell - an act of parting or of making
Keesing was a dull person who taught them someone’s departure
Maths. He was always annoyed with her as she 7. Intended - planned
talked much. He gave her as a punishment, extra 8. Listless - with no energy or interest
homework. It was in the form of an essay on ‘A 9. Not to lose heart - not be discouraged
Chatterbox’. She was unable to understand what 10. Old fogey - an old fashioned person
she could write about it. She put a slip of it on her
11. Quaking - shake or tremble
school bag. It was to remind herself to write later.
12. Roared - laughed (here)
Does the Homework Given Extra
13. Annoyed - slightly angry; irritated
In the evening, she had done her homework. She
began thinking of the subject of the essay. She 14. Assigned - gave crammed
thought to write good points of arguing to prove 15. Celebration - festivity
the necessity of talking. Then she had an idea. She 16. Chatterbox - a person who likes to chatter;
then wrote the three pages to her satisfaction. She talkative
wrote that talking was a feature of a student. Her 17. Convincing - capable of causing someone
mother also used to talk much. She inherited this to believe that something is true or real;
trait from her mother. She tried to keep quiet. powerful
Homework As Punishment Given Again 18. Dedication - commitment
Mr. Keesing read it and laughed. Then he gave 19. Depressed -sad
her another essay as she didn’t stop talking. She 20. Dummies - an object designed to resemble
was to write it on ‘An Incorrigible’ Chatterbox’.
and serve as a substitute for the real or usual
She wrote it and it satisfied Mr. Keesing. She did
one
not talk for two lessons. But she started speaking
again in the third lesson. He again asked her to 21. Emigrated - leave one’s own country in order
write an essay. It was : ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, to settle permanently in another.
Said Mistress, Chatterbox’. The class too roared 22. Exhausted - completely used up
into laughter hearing it. She also laughed. She 23. Fault - mistake
wanted to write something original now. Her 24. Forthcoming - imminent
friend Sanne was good at poetry. She helped her 25. Get along - deal with
to write the essay in verse.
26. Glances - take a brief or hurried look
Anne’s Poem a Joke on Mr. Keesing Himself 27. Grandma - grandmother
Anne had finished her poem. It was about a
28. Incorrigible - not able to be changed
mother duck and a father swan with three baby
ducklings. The three ducklings were bitten to 29. Ingenuity - the quality of being clever, original

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Page 338 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

and inventive (ii) Diary A full record of a journey, a

30. Inherited - derived genetically from one’s period of time, or an event,
parents or ancestors. written every day.
31. Jotted - write (something) quickly (iii) Log A record of a person’s own
32. Liable - likely (here) life and experiences (usually,
33. Mistress - a woman in a position of authority a famous person)
or control
(iv) Memoir(s) A written record of events
34. On the surface - apparently with times and dates, usually
35. Outbursts - a sudden release of strong emotion official
36. Pleading - to make an emotional appeal Ans :
37. Plunge - jump or dive quickly
38. Proceeded - to begin a course of action (i) Journal A full record of a journey, a
period of time, or an event,
39. Prompted - provoke
written every day.
40. Ramble - to talk or write at length in a
confused or inconsequential ways (ii) Diary A book with a separate
41. Ridiculous - deserving or inviting derision or space or page for each day,
in which you write down
mockery; absurd
your thoughts and feelings
42. Several - many or what has happened on
43. Solemn - characterised by deep sincerity that day
44. Staked - bet, chanced
(iii) Log A written record of events
45. Trait - quality with times and dates,
46. Unpredictable - not able to be predicted; usually official
changeable
(iv) Memoir(s) A record of a person’s own
47. Verse - writing arranged with a metrical life and experiences (usually,
rhythm, typically having a rhyme a famous person)

5. MESSAGE 2. Here are some entries from personal records.

Use the definitions above to decide which of the
The chapter conveys the message that a young entries might be from a diary, a journal, a log or
student should be allowed to interact in class in a memoir
order to feel joyous, stay mentally fit and have an
(i) I woke up very late today and promptly got a
enjoyable learning experience.
scolding from Mum! I can’t help it - how can
I miss the FIFA World Cup matches?
6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions (ii) 10:30 a.m. Went to the office of the Director
01:00 p.m. Had lunch with Chairman
Activity 05:45 p.m. Received Rahul at the airport
09:30 p.m. Dinner at home
1. Do you keep a diary? Given below under ‘A’ are (iii) The ride to Ooty was uneventful. We rested
some terms we use to describe a written record of for a while every 50 km or so, and used the
personal experience. Can you match them with time to capture the magnificent landscape
their descriptions under ‘B’ ? (You may look up with my HandyCam. From Ooty we went on
the terms in a dictionary if you wish.) to Bangalore.
(i) Journal A book with a separate What a contrast! The noise and pollution of
space or page for each day, this once-beautiful city really broke my heart.
in which you write down (iv) This is how Raj Kapoor found me — all wet
your thoughts and feelings or and ragged outside R.K.Studios. He was then
what has happened on that looking for just someone like this for a small
day role in Mera Naam Joker, and he cast me on
the spot. The rest, as they say, is history!

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2018
24. Write down Anne’s rapport with school teachers.
Anne did not want to jot down the facts in her Ans : 2013
diary, the way most people do. She wanted diary There were nine teachers in school. Among them
to be her friend. She called it kitty. She wrote her there were two women and seven males. One Mr.
feelings and experiences in it. It was a mature Keesing was an old fashioned type of teacher. He
work, reflecting deep insight. was a strict fellow. He remained angry with Anne
18. Anne had a heart-breaking farewell. Give a reason. because of her talkative habits.
Ans : 2018
25. “I don’t have a friend.” Why did Anne feel like
When Anne was sent to Aachen to stay with her this?
grandmother, she was sent to the Montessori Ans : 2011
nursery school. There she stayed until sixth form. Of course, Anne had loving parents and relatives.
In reality she had developed a deep affection for She also had friends with whom she could enjoy
the headmistress, Mrs. Kuperus. So leaving her and have fun. Yet, there was no one in whom she
was full of tears. could confide. That is why she felt that she had
19. How did Anne answer her essay on ‘A Chatterbox’ ? no friends.
Ans : 2018
26. Why was Mr. Keesing annoyed with Anne and
Anne was a very wise girl. She pleaded that what extra homework did he give to her after
talking is a student’s trait. On her side she always several warnings?
tried to keep it under control. But her mother Ans : 2009, 2008
was more talkative than her. Thus she could do Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne because she
nothing about the inherited traits. talked too much. In spite of giving her several
20. What was the last essay for Anne and write its warnings she continued to talk excessively. After
result? this Mr. Keesing assigned her extra homework,
Ans : 2017
to write an essay on the subject - ‘A Chatterbox’
The last essay was-“Quack, Quack, Quack, said 27. “...but I want the diary to be my friend.” Why
Mistress Chatterbox.” At this topic the whole did Anne feel so and what name did she give to
class roared. Anne was too troubled. Her friend her diary?
Sanne came to her help to write in verse. So the Ans : 2008
essay was written like a poem. The teacher fell a Anne did not want to jot down the facts in her
prey to it. diary the way most people would do. She wanted
21. Explain ‘teachers are the most unpredictable to enhance the image of this long-awaited friend
creatures’. in her imagination. She wanted the diary to be her
Ans : 2015
friend and thus she called her diary as “Kitty”.
Anne and her classmates thought that teachers 28. How does Anne describe her family ?
were the most unpredictable creatures as nobody Ans : 2007
would know what there was in their minds and Anne liked her father very much and called him
what their next step would be. “the most adorable father”. She mentioned that
22. Anne is not alone in this world. How? her father did not marry her mother Edith, till her
Ans : 2015
father was 36 and her mother was 25. Meanwhile,
Anne is not alone in this world. She has loving her sister Margot was older than her by 3 years.
parents and a sixteen year old sister. She has a Anne had also written that she was very much
deep intimacy with thirty people. She can call fond of her grandmother and missed her dearly
them friends. She has a family, loving aunts and after her death.
a sweet home. 29. What does Anne write in the diary about herself
23. What does Anne tell about her father? and her sister ?
Ans : 2014
Ans : 2007, 2002

Anne says that her father is the most adorable Anne mentiond in her diary that Margot was born
man. He married at the age of thirty-six. At that in Frankfurt in Germany in 1926, while Anne was
time her mother Edith was twenty-five. Due to born on 12 June 1929. She further said that she
Nazi’s occupation, he emigrated to Holland in lived in Frankfurt till she was four. But when her
1933. parents migrated to Holland in 1933, she and her
sister Margot stayed with her grandmother at

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since no one will understand a word of her stories (i) The first statement speaks the importance of
to kitty if she plunges right in. She treats ‘kitty’ having the need of a real friend.
as an insider. (ii) The second statement speaks of Anne’s
conviction of considering the diary as her real
4. How does Anne feel about her father , her
friend.
grandmother, Mrs. Kuperus and Mr. Keesing ?
What do these tell you about her ? (iii) The third statement shows her profound love
Ans : 2016 for her elder sister.
Anne feels her father is the most adorable father. (iv) The fourth statement is about teachers. She
She loved her grand mother very much. She was forms an opinion that these are unpredictable.
in tears when she said a heartbreaking farewell to (v) The last statement points out her skill in
her teacher, Mrs Kuperus. She calls Mr. Keesing writing an essay.
an old fogey, who was annoyed with her for ages. Thus Anne was a skilled girl having the
These tell that Anne was sweet and intelligent decent qualities of mind, body and soul.
child.

5. What does Anne write in her first essay ? Thinking About Language
Ans :
1. Look at the following words :
She writes that talking is a student’s trait and that
she would do her best to keep it under control, headmistress, long-awaited, homework,
but she would never be able to cure herself of the notebook, stiff-backed, outbursts
habit, since her mother talked as much as she
does and not much can be done about inherited These words are compound words. They are made
habits. up of two or more words. Compound words can
be :
6. Anne says teachers are most unpredictable? Is Compound words can be :
Mr. Keesing unpredictable ? Why ? • Nouns : headmistress, homework, notebook,
Ans : outbursts
Yes, Mr. Keesing is unpredictable. He was so • Adjectives : long-awaited, stiff-backed
amused by his writing that he allowed Anne to • Verbs : sleep-walk, baby-sit
talk in the class. Match these compound words under ‘A’ with
their meanings under ‘B’. Use each in a sentence.
7. What do these statements tell you about Anne
Frank as a person ? 1. H e a r t - - obeying and respecting
(i) We don’t seem to be able to get any closer, breaking the law
and that’s the problem. May be it’s my fault 2. Homesick - think about pleasant
that we don’t confide in each other. things, forgetting about
(ii) I don’t want to jot down the facts in this the present
diary the way most people would, but I want
3. Blockhead - something produced by
the diary to be my friend.
a person, machine or
(iii) Margot went to Holland in December, and organisation
I followed in February, when I was plunked
down on the table as a birthday present for 4. Law-abiding - producing great sadness
Margot. 5. Overdo - an occasion when
(iv) If you ask me, there are so many dummies that vehicles/machines stop
about a quarter of the class should be kept working
back, but teachers are the most unpredictable 6. Day dream - an informal word which
creatures on earth. means a very stupid
(v) Anyone could ramble on you and leave big person
spaces between the words, but the trick was 7. Breakdown - missing home and
to come up with convincing arguments to family very much
prove the necessity of talking.
Ans : 8. Output - do something to an
To Anne as a person these statements have excessive degree
different meanings.

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

3. from the (bottom of your) heart we’ll - we will

4. have a heart
won’t - would not
5. have a heart of stone
who’ll - who will
6. your heart goes out to somebody
Ans : there’s - there is
I’ve - I have
1. Break somebody’s - overwhelm with
heart someone with you’re - you are
sadness.
2.
2. Close/dear/near to - of deep interest
somebody’s heart and concern to it’s - it is, it has
one. I’d - I would, I had
3. From the (bottom - with sincere who’s - who is or has
of your) heart feeling.
4. Have a heart - Show pity or have Speaking
courage.
1. Here is an extract adapted from a one-act play. In
5. Have a heart of - cruel person. this extract, angry neighbours who think Joe the
stone Inventor’s new spinning machine will make them
6. Your heart goes - to show love for lose their jobs come to destroy Joe’s model of the
out to somebody someone. machine.
You’ve just seen how contracted forms can make a
5. Contracted Forms written text sound like actual speech. Try to make
When we speak, we use ‘contracted forms’ or this extract sound more like a real conversation by
short forms such as these : changing some of the verbs back into contracted
can’t (for cannot) forms. Then speak out the lines.
I’d (for I would or I had) [The door is flung open, and several men tramp
she’s (for she has or is) in. They carry sticks, and one of them, HOB, has
Notice that contracted forms are also written with a hammer]
an apostrophe to show a shortening of the spelling
HOB - Now where is your
of not, is or would, as in the above example.
husband, mistress ?
Writing a diary is like speaking to oneself. Plays
(and often, novels) also have speech in written MARY - In his bed. He is sick, and
form. So we usually come across contracted forms weary. You would not
in diaries, plays and novels. harm him!
1. Make a list of the contracted forms in the HOB - We are going to smash his
text. Rewrite them as full forms of two words. evil work to pieces. Where
For example : is the machine ?
I’ve = I have
S E C O N D - On the table yonder.
2. We have seen that some contracted forms can MAN
stand for two different full forms :
I’d = I had or I would HOB - Then here is the end of it!
Find in the text the contracted forms that [HOB smashes the model.
MARY screams.]
stand for two different full forms, and say
what these are. HOB - And now for your husband!
Ans : MARY - Neighbours, he is a sickman
1. and almost a cripple. You
would not hurt him!
I’m - I am.
HOB - He is planning to take away
don’t - do not our daily bread ... We will
didn’t - did not show him what we think of
him and his ways !

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Page 342 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

(vii) stay in - stay indoors (iii) L a u g h - We laughed ourselves

(viii) make up - have a good relationship ourselves silly on seeing a joker.
for with silly

(ix) hand in - give an assignment (iv) Can’t bring - I can’t bring myself to
(homework) to a person myself to speak about medicines.
in authority (the teacher)
4. Do you know how to use a dictionary to find out
3. Idioms the meaning of idiomatic expression ? Take for
Idioms are groups of words with a fixed order, and example, the expression caught my eyes in the
a particular meaning, different from the meanings story. Where - under which word - would you look
of each of their words put together. (Phrasal for it in the dictionary ?
verbs can also be idioms; they are said to be Look for it under the first word. But if the first
idiomatic when their meaning is unpredictable.) word is a ‘grammatical’ word like a, the, for, etc.,
For example, do you know what it means to then take the next word. That is look for the
‘meet one’s match’ in English ? It means to meet first ‘meaningful’ word in the expression. In our
someone who is as good as oneself, or even better, example, this is the word caught.
in some skill or quality. Do you know what it But you won’t find caught in the dictionary,
means to ‘let the cat out of the bag’ ? Can you because it is the past tense of catch. You’ll find
guess? caught listed under catch. So you must look under
catch for the expression caught my eye. What
1. Here are a few sentences from the text which other expressions with catch are listed in your
have idiomatic expressions. Can you say what dictionary ?
each means? (You might want to consult a Note that a dictionary entry usually first gives
dictionary first.) the meanings of the word itself, and then gives
(i) Our entire class is quaking in its boots a list of idiomatic expressions using that word.
_____ For example, study this partial entry for the
(ii) Until then, we keep telling each other not noun ‘eye’ (from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s
to lose heart _____ Dictionary 2005).
Eye
(iii) Mr. Keesing was annoyed with me for
• Noun
ages because I talked so much _____
• PART OF BODY 1 [C] either of the two
(iv) Mr. Keesing was trying to play a joke on organs on the face that you see with : The
me with this ridiculous subject, but I’d suspect has dark hair and green eyes.
make sure the joke was on him, _____ • ABILITY TO SEE 3 [sing.] the ability to see
2. Here are a few other idiomatic expressions : A surgeon needs a good eye and a steady
that occur in the text. Try to use them in hand.
sentences of your own. • WAY OF SEEING 4 [C usually sing.] a
(i) caught my eye particular way of seeing sth : He looked at
(ii) he’d had enough the design with the eye of an engineer.
(iii) laugh ourselves silly • OF NEEDLE 5 [C] the hole in the end of a
needle that you put the thread through.
(iv) can’t bring myself to
IDM be all eyes to be watching sb/sth carefully
Ans :
and with a lot of interest before/in front of sb’s
1. (i) become nervous, (ii) not to feel troubled, (very) eyes in sb’s presence; in front of sb : He had
(iii) for a long time, (iv) to turn the table seen his life’s work destroyed before his very eyes.
2. Be up to your eyes in sth to have a lot of sth to
deal with : we’re up to our eyes in work.
(i) Caught my - All of a sudden the bare You have read the expression not to lose heart
eyes electric wire caught my in this text. Now find out the meanings of these
eyes. other expressions using the word ‘heart’. Write
(ii) He’d had - When the teachers have down an example for each.
enough had enough we declared 1. break somebody’s heart
strike. 2. close/dear/near to heart

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

3. Why does Anne want to keep a diary? (c) Dutch (d) French
(a) she has no close friends Ans : 2016

(c) Dutch
(b) she loves to write
(c) she wants people to read about her later 10. How did Anne justify her being talkative in the
(d) she likes the idea of it essay?
Ans : 2020 (a) she discussed the subject topics in class
(a) she has no close friends (b) it is a habit
4. What did she name her diary? (c) it is an inherited trait from her mother and
you can’t do much about it
(a) Anne (b) Catty
(d) the class is boring
(c) Kitty (d) Kitten Ans : 2016
Ans : 2020
(c) it is an inherited trait from her mother and
(c) Kitty
you can’t do much about it
5. Why does she give a brief sketch about her family
11. What shows Anne’s love for her grandmother?
in the diary?
(a) she still thinks about her
(a) no one would understand it if she dove right
(b) she misses her
in
(c) she let her birthday pass with little celebration
(b) to introduce Kitty to her family
(d) both a and b
(c) she would forget facts about her family
Ans : 2015
(d) she liked talking about her family (d) both a and b
Ans : 2020

(a) no one would understand it if she dove right in 12. Why does Anne think she was lonely?
(a) she had no friends
6. Which subject was she not sure of passing?
(b) she had no real friends
(a) Maths (b) science
(c) she was all alone
(c) english (d) all of these
Ans : 2020
(d) she was an introvert
Ans : 2015, 2010
(a) Maths
(b) she had no real friends
7. Why was Mr Keesing annoyed with her?
13. Why was she unable to get closer to her already
(a) she was not a good student existing friends?
(b) she was talkative (a) she didn’t like her friends
(c) she was rude (b) her friends are not understanding
(d) all of the above (c) she can’t bring herself to talk about personal
Ans : 2016,
stuff
(b) she was talkative
(d) all of the above
8. Which topic was she to write an essay on as a part Ans : 2015

of her punishment? (c) she can’t bring herself to talk about personal
(a) A Chatterbox stuff
(b) An incorrigible chatterbox 14. What would the kids bet about in class?
(c) Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress (a) who is more talkative
Chatterbox (b) who would pass the class
(d) all of the above (c) football matches
Ans : 2016
(d) baseball matches
(d) all of the above Ans : 2015

(b) who would pass the class

9. What language was the diary originally written
in ? 15. What did she write in her last essay?
(a) Spanish (b) English (a) a poem (b) a joke

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Page 344 Discursive Passage Chapter 4
Ans :
MARY - You have broken his Activity to be done by yourself.
machine... You have done
enough ... Listening
Ans :
See the use of contract forms 1. Your teacher will read out the following extract
from ‘The Diary of Samuel Pepys’ about the
HOB - Now where’s your great fire of London! As you listen complete this
husband, mistress ? summary of the happenings.
MARY - In his bed, he’s sick, and Summary
weary. You won’t harm This entry in the diary has been made on (a) _____
him. by (b) _____. The person who told Pepys about
HOB - We’re going to smash the fire was called (c) _____. She called at
his evil work to pieces. (d) _____ in the morning. Pepys went
Where’s the machine ? back to sleep because (e) _____ Pepys
rose again at (f) _____ in the morning.
S E C O N D - On the table yonder.
By then about (g) _____ houses had
MAN
been burned down. The fire had spread to
HOB - Then here’s the end of it. (h) _____ by London Bridge. Pepys then walked
(Hob smashes the model, to the (i) _____ along with Sir J. Robinson’s
Mary screams) (j) _____.
HOB - And now for your husband! Ans :
MARY - Neighbours, he’s a sick (a) 2nd September (b) Samuel Pepys
man and almost a cripple.
(c) Jane (d) three
You won’t hurt him!
(e) it was too early (f) seven
HOB - He’s planning to take away
our daily bread ... we’ll (g) 300 (h) all fish street
show him what we think (i) tower (j) little son
of him and his ways.
MARY - You’ve broken his machine
... You’ve done enough.
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Writing
Multiple Choice
Type Question
1. Now you know what a diary is and how to keep
one. Can you keep a diary for a week recording 1. Why was writing in a diary a strange experience
the events that occur? You may share your diary for Anne?
with your class, if you wish to. Use the following (a) she had never written anything before
hints to write your diary. (b) she didn’t know how to write
• Though your diary is very private, write as if (c) neither she nor anyone else would be interested
you are writing for someone else. in it later
• Present your thoughts in a convincing manner.
(d) Both a and c
• Use words that convey your feelings, and
Ans : 2021
words that ‘paint pictures’ for the reader. Be
(d) Both a and c
brief.
‘Diary language’ has some typical features such 2. Who would Anne allow to read her diary?
as subjectless sentences (Got up late in the (a) her sister
morning), sentence fragments without subjects or
(b) her parents
verbs (…too bad, boring, not good), contracted
forms (they’re, I’ve, can’t, didn’t, etc.), and (c) a real friend (if she got one)
everyday expressions which people use in speech. (d) no one
Remember not to use such language in more Ans : 2021

formal kinds of writing. (c) a real friend (if she got one)

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

13. How does Anne feel about her father, her The teacher was so impressed by her little poem
grandmother, Mrs Kuperus and Mr. Keesing? that he decided not to punish her. Thus, we see
How does Anne’s description of these characters that she is capable of writing good essays and win
reflect her own values? Is she fair, critical or the heart of Mr. Keesing and make him, realise
biased about them? his mistake. Her fearlessness, critical thinking,
Ans : 2009, 2004 humility and unbiased approach are some of
Anne Frank loved her father too mouth. She the values reflected in her personality. I like her
described him as the most adorable father she creativity and humorous approach to deal with
had ever seen. She was deeply attached to her her strict maths teacher, Mr. Keesing.
grandmother. She felt extremely lonely after her
death and she even lit a candle for her on her next 16. How did Otto make her daughter Anne, who died
birthday. Anne got attached to her headmistress, of typhus in Bergen-Belsen, immortal?
Mrs. Kuperus and became emotional when Ans : 2008

bidding farewell. Mr. Keesing, her maths teacher Anne’s father Otto, who was the only survivor of
was very strict and she got pretty well with him. the Frank family, after the war found that Anne’s
Anne’s description of these characters shows that diary had been somehow saved. When he read
Anne herself is a good human being. She has it, he was convinced that it was a unique record,
respect for all. She does not hesitate in making her so he took action and got it published in English
teacher realise that he is wrong. She is fearless but under the name The Diary of a Young Girl.’
talkative. She is fair and critical in her approach. That diary had been given to Anne Frank for
She in not biased. her thirteenth birthday and it had the events of
her life from 12 June, 1942 until its last entry of
14. Talking is also a great quality. Do you think that 1 August, 1944. This diary was translated from
we should also learn positive traits of this quality the original Dutch into many languages and is
? Explain. What views did Anne Frank give about now one of the world’s most widely read books.
her trait of talking? There have also been several films, television
Ans : 2009 and theatrical productions, and even an opera
Talking is indeed a great quality. It helps a person based on the diary. Anne Frank’s diary has been
to open up and express oneself. We should not be described as the work of a mature and insightful
timid and unexpressive. This would make us mix mind, which provides an intimate examination of
with people and make friends. There are some daily life under the Nazi occupation.
persons who avoid talking, they always remain Anne Frank died very young but in the
stay away from crow. Such people are even termed present times she has become one of the most
egoistic as well as proud. By talking one learns to renowned and discussed of the Holocaust victims.
socialise and enjoy laughter. The world is largely interested in the musings of
Anne Frank was herself a talkative girl. She a thirteen year old girl and she lives on in every
was even punished again and again for talking one’s heart.
too much. But she advocated that talking is a
student’s trait. She had inherited this quality 17. Why did Mr. Keesing punish Anne ? How did he
from her mother. She was never ashamed of this bring a change in his attitude towards her ?
quality of hers and infact felt proud. Ans : 2005

Mr. Keesing, Anne’s mathematics teacher, was

15. Write a brief character sketch of Anne. How does annoyed with her because she talked too much
she impress you? What value will you imbibe in in the class. When she did not stop talking,
your character from her? despite several warnings, he punished her. But
Ans : 2008 the punishment was in the form of doing extra
Young Anne was a very intelligent girl and had a homework. She was assigned to write an essay on,
flair for writing essays. She could write essays and ‘A chatterbox’ then “An Incorrigible Chatterbox”
convinced her teacher that the talkativeness was and finally on “Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mrs.
her birthright and that she had no control over Chatterbox.”
her talkativeness as she had inherited the art from In her essay on “A Chatterbox,” Anne wrote
her mother. She outwitted her teacher by writing that talking was a natural trait of a student and
the essay. But when the teacher punished her her mother also talked as much as she did. She
again and asked her to write another essay, “The further wrote that as she had inherited this trait
Incorrigible Chatterbox”, she composed a poem from her mother, she thus could not help talking.
and gave a message through it to the teacher. Finally, she had written her third assignment in

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Page 346 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

(c) a paragraph (d) a funny poem 23. In which city were Anne and Margot sent to live
Ans : 2015 with their grandmother?
(d) a funny poem (a) Berlin (b) Aachen
16. When was the diary given to Anne? (c) Munich (d) Bonn
Ans : 2012
(a) 11th birthday (b) 12th birthday
(b) Aachen
(c) 13th birthday (d) 14th birthday
Ans : 2014 24. How old was Anne’s father when he married her
(c) 13th birthday mother?
(a) 34 (b) 35
17. What name was her book published with?
(c) 36 (d) 32
(a) From the Diary of Anne Frank
Ans : 2012
(b) The Diary of a Young girl (c) 36
(c) Anne Frank
(d) Anne Frank’s Diary 25. On which date did Anne record the incident in Mr
Ans : 2014
Keesing’s class in her diary?
(b) The Diary of a Young girl (a) 12 June, 1942 (b) 21 June, 1942
(c) 20 June, 1942 (d) 22 June, 1942
18. Why did she not want to give a brief in the diary Ans : 2012
at first? (c) 20 June, 1942
(a) she didn’t want to be formal
(b) she wanted the diary to be her real friend 26. What was the subject on which she had to write?
(c) She did not like the idea (a) Necessity of Walking
(d) both a and b (b) Necessity of Running
Ans : 2014 (c) Necessity of Talking
(d) both a and b (d) Necessity of Studying
Ans : 2012, 2004
19. How many siblings did Anne have? (c) Necessity of Talking
(a) 1 (b) 2
(c) 3 (d) 4 27. What was topic of the essay written by Anne?
Ans : 2014 (a) My Diary (b) A Chatterbox
(a) 1 (c) A letterbox (d) None of these
Ans : 2011
20. What was Anne Frank’s full name? (b) A Chatterbox
(a) Anneliese Marie Frank
(b) Anna Mariam Frank 28. How does the Anne explain his father?
(c) Anne Mark Frank (a) Most Adorable father
(d) Anneliese Martina Frank (b) Most Angry Father
Ans : 2013 (c) Most delicate Father
(a) Anneliese Marie Frank (d) None of these
Ans : 2011
21. Who was the only survivor from Anne’s family (a) Most Adorable father
(a) Anne (b) Anne’s father
(c) Anne’s mother (d) Anne’s sister 29. Who is Anne’s long awaited friend?
Ans : 2013 (a) Her pen (b) Her cat
(b) Anne’s father (c) Her diary (d) Her Dog
Ans : 2011
22. What was the name of Anne Frank’s sister? (c) Her diary
(a) Margaret (b) Margot
(c) Marrie (d) Martina 30. How does she want to begin her diary?
Ans : 2012 (a) By writing her name
(b) Margot (b) By giving an introduction

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

(c) By writing about her hobby (b) 1929

(d) None of these
Ans : 2011
39. In the year _____ her father emigrated to
(b) By giving an introduction Holland.
(a) 1920 (b) 1929
31. Anne was _____ years old when she started (c) 1931 (d) 1933
writing diary. Ans : 2009

(a) 10 (b) 15 (d) 1933

(c) 12 (d) 13
Ans : 2010
40. Edith Hollander Frank is the name of Anne’s –
(d) 13 (a) Mother (b) Grand mother
(c) Sister (d) Aunt
32. _____ has more patience than people. Ans : 2009

(a) Animal (b) Papers (a) Mother

(c) Birds (d) Books
Ans : 2010
41. Margot and Anne went to Holland in the month
(b) Papers of _____ and _____ consistently.
(a) August, December
33. Anne Frank started writing diary as she had no – (b) December, February
(a) Friend (b) Siblings (c) November, December
(c) Family members (d) Toy (d) March, May
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2009
(a) Friend (b) December, February
34. There were near about _____ people in her 42. In the summer of 1941 _____ had an operation.
family.
(a) Grandfather (b) Margot
(a) 25 (b) 5
(c) Grandmother (d) Father
(c) 30 (d) 10 Ans : 2008, 2001
Ans : 2010 (c) Grandmother
(c) 30
43. Anne studied till _____ standard in his first
35. Anne Frank had sister _____ years old. school of Holland.
(a) 16 (b) 10 (a) Sixth (b) Fourth
(c) 15 (d) 12 (c) Fifth (d) Third
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2008
(a) 16 (a) Sixth
36. Margot was the name of Anne’s – 44. Mrs. _____ was the headmistress of Anne’s
(a) Aunt (b) Mother first school.
(c) Sister (d) Diary (a) Sink (b) Smith
Ans : 2010
(c) Kuperus (d) Thomson
(c) Sister Ans : 2008

(c) Kuperus
37. Both the sisters were born in Frankfurt, _____.
(a) Germany (b) Italy 45. Grandma died in January, _____.
(c) Japan (d) China (a) 1945 (b) 1941
Ans : 2009
(c) 1940 (d) 1942
(a) Germany Ans : 2008

(d) 1942
38. Anne Frank was born on 12th June,
(a) 1930 (b) 1929 46. Anne Frank started writing diary on _____,
(c) 1931 (d) 1933 1942.
Ans : 2009 (a) 25th January (b) 20th June

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(c) 20th May (d) 21st June (a) Poetry (b) Hand writing
Ans : 2008 (c) Essay writing (d) Story writing
(b) 20th June Ans : 2006

(a) Poetry.
47. The centre class was waiting for their upcoming.
(a) Result (b) Annual concert 55. At her third assignment Anne wrote a poem
about –
(c) Football match (d) Examination
Ans : 2007
(a) Parrot (b) A family of sparrow
(a) Result (c) A duck family (d) Herself
Ans : 2006
48. Name of Anne’s school friend was (c) A duck family.
(a) R.N (b) Kitty
56. The lesson is extracted from
(c) G.N. (d) N.N.
Ans : 2007
(a) The diary
(c) G.N. (b) The diary of a young girl
(c) The diary of Anne frank
49. Anne Frank had a doubt only in the result of one
(d) The diary of a young girl
subject i.e.
Ans : 2006
(a) Maths (b) History (b) The diary of a young girl.
(c) Geography (d) Hindi
Ans : 2007 57. The name of the maths teacher of Anne frank
(a) Maths. was –
(a) Mr. Kessing (b) Mr. Smith
50. There were _____ teachers in Anne’s school.
(c) Mr. Arnold (d) Mr. Kaperus
(a) Ten (b) Seven Ans : 2006
(c) Nine (d) Five (a) Mr. Kessing.
Ans : 2007

(c) Nine. 58. Who was Anne’s true friend?

(a) Her pen ‘kitty’ (b) Her cat ‘kitty’
51. Anne got _____ as a punishment from her
(c) Her diary ‘kitty’ (d) None of these
maths teacher.
Ans : 2006
(a) Extra homework (b) Parents call (c) Her diary ‘kitty’
(c) Scolding (d) Rewrite the chapter
Ans : 2007 59. What do most people do in their diary?
(a) Extra homework. (a) About their hobby
(b) Write facts
52. The topic of the essay given by the teacher to
Anne was (c) Write their happiest moment
(a) My work (b) Chatter box (d) None of these
Ans : 2005
(c) Discipline (d) Myself
(b) Write facts
Ans : 2007

(b) Chatterbox. 60. When was Anne’s born?

53. The third assignment given by Mr. Kessing to (a) On 12th June, 1929
Anne was an essay on (b) On 12th June, 1930
(a) Chatterbox (c) On 12th June, 1931
(b) Quack Quack Mistress chart (d) On 12th June, 1932
(c) Incorrigible chatterbox Ans : 2005

(a) On 12th June, 1929

(d) Quack Quack Quack said mister chatterbox
Ans : 2006 61. Who was Mr. Keesing?
(d) Quack Quack Quack said mister chatterbox. (a) Anne’s Father (b) Anne’s Maths
54. Sanne, Anne’s friend was very good in teacher

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

(c) Anne’s Uncle (d) None of these had punished her thrice for talking in the class.
Ans : 2005 Although he appreciated Anne’s poetry in front of
(b) Anne’s Maths teacher other students later on.

62. What is a student’s trait? 4. Anne wrote in her diary to get things off her
(a) Walking (b) Talking chest. List any two reasons why getting things
off one’s chest is recommended by counsellors as
(c) Running (d) Studying
therapeutic.
Ans : 2005
Ans : 2021
(b) Talking
Giving a vent out to one’s emotions makes the
63. The word ‘plunked down’ means body and mind feel light which is good for health
and works as a healing therapy for mind and body.
(a) put down knowingly
Here, Anne Frank write her intimate feelings in
(b) put down in a casual way her diary and thus feels relaxed.
(c) put down without effort
(d) pull down in a way
5. Explain the emotion vested in Anne’s statement,
Ans : 2005
“…I was plunked down on the table as a birthday
(b) put down in a casual way
present for Margot.”
64. Anne’s father was thirty six year old when Ans : 2021

It might show the love between two sisters. It also

(a) he got married (b) he had a job
implies that Anne was shifted to Holland just
(c) he was jailed (d) he fought a war to please Margot. It might show her humorous
Ans : 2005
nature wherein she presented things in a funny
(a) he got married way.
65. Mr. Keesing had assigned to Anne the task of 6. Clarify why it is fair to say that Mr Keesing was
(a) drawing a scene (b) collecting stamps innovative with his punishments.
(c) painting a glass (d) writing an essay Ans : 2021

Ans : 2005 Mr Keesing punished Anne Frank in a unique

(d) writing an essay style. Despite being a Maths teacher he asked her
to write an essay on the topic chatterbox so that
she understands the ill effects of non-stop talking
Short Answer Type Question and behave in a disciplined manner.

1. Kitty was a trusted friend to Anne. Elaborate. 7. Do you agree with Anne when she says that
Ans : 2023 teachers are the most unpredictable creatures on
Kitty was indeed a trusted friend to Anne. It earth. Rationalise.
allowed Anne to express her wild innermost. It Ans : 2021

also provided her with a space to confide in and I do agree with the above statement. On one hand
unburden herself to, serving as a form of therapy Mr Keesing punished Anne to write an essay for
for her loneliness and isolation. being talkative in the class. While on the other
hand he laughed on reading her argument for
2. Enumerate any two reasons that justify Mr too much talking. Just a few moments later he
Keesing’s displeasure at Anne’s talking in class. punished her again to write another essay. It was
Ans : 2021 unpredictable of Mr Keesing when he shared her
Mr Keesing was an old fashioned and strict poetry with other students and cracked jokes
teacher. He wanted the students to be attentive about her.
in class. He was displeased at Anne’s talkative
behaviour during the class. Moreover, she was not 8. Anne bid a ‘heartbreaking farewell’ to Mrs
good at Maths. Kuperus. As Anne, write a brief farewell note
to Mr Keesing after being promoted to the next
3. Comment on the teacher-student relationship
shared between Anne and Mr Keesing.
Ans : 2021

The teacher-student relationship between Anne

and Mr Keesing was not amiable because he

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Page 350 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

class. 11. Annie writes that it was fortunate that Mr

Keesing took the joke the right way. Why does
Dear Mr Keesing she feel so?
It has been ..................................................... Ans : 2020
... Poem referred to the father swan who bit his three
Ans : 2021 ducks because they quacked too much; allusion
to Mr Keesing – Poem written to turn the joke
Dear Mr keesing, around on Mr Keesing; metaphorically convey the
It has been a great year with you. Your value of talking – fortunate that Mr Keesing got
punishment made me realise that the habit the joke, else, the disciplinary action could have
of talking too much in the classroom had a been severe.
negative effect on my studies. I have learnt the
importance of discipline now. Moreover, your 12. Why did Mr.Keesing call Anne ‘an incorrigible
appreciation of my poetry inspired me to write chatterbox’ ?
even more. I feel your innovative punishment Ans : 2020

was a blessing for me in disguise. Anne was very talkative, didn’t stop despite
Thank you being punished, wrote an essay as a punishment,
Anne Frank justified her over-talkative nature.

13. Explain the phrase ‘quaking in its boots’. Why

9. Anne said that the only thing missing was the was the whole class quacking in boots ?
presence of a true friend. Imagine that Anne had Ans : 2020
access to the internet and had chosen to blog The whole class was busy in activities as the
instead of writing a diary. As Anne, write a blog forthcoming of the meeting in which teachers
post on the value of a true friend. were to decide who’ll move to the next form had
Dearestkittyblogger.com to be decided. All the students were busy about
Anne Frank, 25th June 1942 these discussion and were also putting their entire
savings on bet.
The Value of a True Friend
14. Mrs. Keesing is a kind, but strict teacher. Explain.
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2019

Mr Keesing is a kind but a strict teacher. He

Dearestkittyblogger.com
was annoyed with Anne as she was very talkative
Anne Frank, 25th June 1942
girl. He warned her several times but she didn’t
The Value of a True Friend change. So, he punished her by giving an essay
‘A friend in need is a friend indeed’ But for me, to write.
a true friend is a good listener and confidant.
15. How did Sanne help Anne Frank in writing the
A true friend must be able to hold secretly
third eassy ?
the intimate feelings of her or his friend from
Ans : 2019, 2017
others. If one can’t find these qualities in a real
Sanne was Anne’s close friend, and good at
friend, a diary is the best option because the
poetry. She helped Anne write the third eassay in
paper has more tolerance than people. A true
verse. It turned out to be a good poem, and even
friend is a blessing.
the teacher, Mr. Keesing, took it in the right way.
10. Anne says that there were so many dummies in 16. ‘Paper has more patience that people.’ Do you
the class that about a quarter of them shouldn’t agree/disagree ? Give reason.
be promoted. Is she being rude or brutally honest? Ans : 2019
Evaluate. I do agree to the above statement. People
Ans : 2021 sometimes get bored, tired or have no mood or
Anne is being brutally honest. She said so because time to listen to you. They can get irritated,
almost a quarter of students kept on betting grudge or complaint for forcing them to listen
throughout the year instead of studying. They to you but paper never grudges. It definitely has
remained anxious about being promoted to the more patience than people.
next class and had spent their money on betting.
Two boys CN and Jacques had even staked their 17. How did Anne want her diary to be different ?
entire holiday savings on the bet.

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage
Ans : (iii) ramble on
1. H e a r t - - producing great sadness (iv) get along with
breaking 2. Now find the sentences in the lesson that have
2. Homesick - missing home and the phrasal verbs given below. Match them
family very much with their meanings. (You have already found
out the meanings for some of them). Are their
3. Blockhead - an informal word which meanings the same as that of their parts ?
means a very stupid (Note that two parts of the phrasal verb may
person
occur separate in the text.)
4. Law-abiding - obeying and respecting
the law (i) plunge in - speak or write without
focus
5. Overdo - do something to an
excessive degree (ii) kept back - stay indoors
6. Day dream - think about pleasant (iii) move up - make (them) remain
things, forgetting about quiet
the present (iv) ramble on - have a good
7. Breakdown - an occasion when relationship with
vehicles/machines stop (v) get along - give an assignment
working with (homework) to a
8. Output - something produced by person in authority
a person, machine or (the teacher)
organisation (vi) calm down - compensate
(vii) stay in - go straight to the
2. Phrasal Verbs
topic
A phrasal verb is a verb followed by a preposition
or an adverb. Its meaning is often different from (viii) make up for - go to the next grade
the meanings of its parts. (ix) hand in - not promoted
Compare the meanings of the verbs get on and
Ans :
run away in (a) and (b) below. You can easily
guess their meanings in (a), but in (b) they have 1.
special meanings. (i) Plunge (right) - push or thrust quickly.
(a) • She got on at Agra when the bus in
stopped for breakfast. (ii) Ramble on - Walking or talking at
• Dev Anand ran away from home when length in a confused
he was a teenager. way
(b) • She’s eager to get on in life. (succeed) (iii) Kept back - To withtold
• The visitors ran away with the match. (iv) Get along with - To move forward
*(won easily) 2.
Some phrasal verbs have three parts : a verb
followed by an adverb and a preposition. (i) plunge in - go straight to the topic
(c) Our car ran out of petrol just outside the city (ii) kept back - not promoted
limits.
(iii) move up - go to the next grade
(d) The government wants to reach out to the
people with this new campaign. (iv) ramble on - speak or write without
1. The text you’ve just read has a number of focus
phrasal verbs commonly used in English. Look (v) get along - compensate
these up in a dictionary for their meanings with
(under the entry for the italicised words) : (vi) calm down - make (them) remain
(i) plunge (right) in quiet
(ii) kept back

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Page 352 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

Aachen. Eventually, the same year, first Marget 35. When did Mr. Keesing stop punishing Anne?
and then she moved to Holland to live with their Ans : 2005

parents. When Anne did not listen to Mr. Keesing about

not talking in the dass, he asked her to write the
30. Where did Anne get her primary education? essay for the third time on the topic, ‘Quack,
Ans : 2007 Quack, Quack’ as punishment. She wanted to
Anne got her primary education at the Montessori write something real. So, she decided to take help
nursery school. She had started her education in from her friend, Sanne who was good at writing
the first form at this school and had stayed there poeM. This time she came up with an marvellous
until she was six. In the sixth form, her teacher essay in the form of a verse which was actually
was the headmistress, Mrs. Kuperus. a joke on Mr. Keesing. Therefore, this was the
culmination of her punishment.
31. What arguments did Anne give in her essay titled
‘A Chatterbox’ ? 36. What does the narrator inform the readers about
Ans : 2006
her childhood?
In her essay ‘A Chatterbox’ Anne argued that Ans : 2005
talking was a student’s trait and that the only She mentioned in her diary that she was born on
thing she could do was to try and control it. But 12 June, 1929. She lived in Frankfurt until she was
she further argued that her trying to manage her four. Her parents immigrated to Holland in 1933.
talking would not be very effective because her She and her sister, Margot, were sent to Aachen
mother talked as much as she did. Therefore, with their grandmother. Their grandmother died
nothing could it be done about an inherited trait. in January 1942.
32. “I jumped for joy.” Why did Anne jump joyfully 37. Why did Anne say that she is not completely
at her friend Sanne’s idea? alone in the world?
Ans : 2006 Ans : 2004, 2001
Anne had already written two essays as Anne says that she is not completely alone in the
punishment for talking in maths class. As she, world because she has loving parents, a sixteen
by that time, had exhausted all her views about year old sister and there are about thirty people
Chatterbox, she was at a loss about what to write whom she can call friends. She has a family, loving
when she got a third essay as punishment. That aunts and a good home.
is why, Anne jumped joyfully when Sanne helped
her to write the third essay in verse. 38. What prompted Anne to maintain a diary?
O
33. What was the impact of Mr. Keesing’s punishment
Why does Anne want to keep a diary?
on Anne?
Ans : 2006 O
In spite of getting repeated warnings to stop What urged Anne to keep a diary ?
talking, Anne did not listen to him. So, he O
decided to give her a punishment of writing an Why did Anne feel like writing ?
essay as extra homework in which she came up
with convincing arguments in favour of talking Ans : 2001

in the class. This too did not work with her. So Anne did not have a real friend to whom she
he gave her another homework. This time the could pour out her thoughts and emotions. She
topic of writing an essay was ‘An Incorrigible could only talk with her friends about ordinary,
Chatterbox’. After this, there was no disturbance everyday things but couldn’t confide in them. So,
for the next whole two lessons. she decided to maintain a diary.

34. Why did the entire class put their saving on bet?
Ans : 2005 Long Answer Type Question
Anne Frank wrote about her class humorously.
She said that the entire class quacked in its boot 1. Your teacher has organised a debate and you
due to tension. The class was busy in activities have been asked to speak on: ‘Consequences and
and the teachers were busy in deciding about the Positive Reinforcements Have a Great Impact on
result of the class. This is why the entire class put Student Behaviour’. Write the debate script with
their savings on bet. three-four points to supplement your stand, either

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

as a proposition speaker or as an opposition one. character traits that would help in creating this
Ans : 2021 special bond of friendship.
I was unsure of my science project although Ans : 2021

I tried my best. But my hesitation went into Wanda Petronski from ‘the hundred dresses’
the air on getting a positive pat on my back would be the right selection to become a true
from the principal ma’am. Similarly, a positive friend of Anne Frank. As she is a good listener
appraisal by teachers infuses a motivational force and confidant. Unlike Anne, Wanda is a sensible
among the students. This positive reinforcement girl who talks very little and would be able to
can take monetary and non-monetary forms. give some tips to Anne to correct her talkative
Immediate positive consequences work like behaviour. Both of them want a true friend.
wonder in students’ lives. Students can be praised Valli from ‘Madam Rides the Bus‘ lesson is
personally or publicly. Students’ behaviour will a responsible girl who would not disclose Anne’s
be strengthened if they get positive reinforcement secrets to others. Moreover, she too is alone like
even for their minutest efforts. Everybody expect Anne. So, they can complement each other by
appreciation for their hard work from concerned creating a special bond of friendship. Both are
people. Positive reinforcement creates a healthy self-respecting and fun-loving girls.
relationship between a teacher and a student
which can last longer. 4. How did Mr. Keesing assign Anne extra homework,
an essay on “A Chatterbox”? How did she justify
2. You are stressed and anxious since your Annual her being a chatterbox?
results are going to be announced soon. You Ans : 2017, 2016, 2009

decide to meet the school counsellor to share your Mr. Keesing who taught maths to Anne was annoyed
anxiety and apprehensions. Write the dialogue with her because she talked too much. After several
between you and your school counsellor. warnings, he assigned her extra homework. He asked
You may begin like this: her to write an essay on the subject ‘A Chatterbox’.
School Counsellor : Hello Anne, please sit down. Anne took this up as a challenge and in her three-
You look very disturbed and irritated. What’s the p.7ge long essay she justified her being a chatterbox
matter? by coming up with convincing arguments to prove
You : Well, to be honest, we all are disturbed. But the necessity of talking. She argued that talking is
the irritation is because of the two boys sitting a student’s trait and that she would do her best to
behind…………… keep it under control. Mr. Keesing had a good laugh
School Counsellor : First of all, you need to relax. at her arguments.
Take a deep breath. How do you feel we can deal 5. How did Anne finally stop Mr. Keesing from
with this situation rationally? punishing her? Explain.
You.............................Continue Ans : 2017, 2005
Ans : 2021
Anne had annoyed Mr. Keesing by her incessant
You : These boys keep on betting about their chatting. He assigned her to write an essay each
promotion to the next class. Their talks make me time. When Anne wrote her third essay entitled
curious. ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox’,
Counsellor : How are you in your studies? she wrote the whole essay in verse with help from
You : I am good in all the subjects except Maths. her friend Sanne. She made sure the joke in her
Counsellor : How did you perform in the final poem aimed at Mr. Keesing. Luckily Mr. Keesing
exams? took the joke in the right way. He read the poem to
You: I hope to get first division. the whole class and finally stopped punishing Anne
Counsellor : then you should stop worrying and and allowed her to talk.
think positively. besides, you can request your
teacher to change your seat so that the boys do 6. Why was Anne’s teacher annoyed with her?
not bother you in future as well. How was she able to bring about a change in his
You : Thank you for the session, I feel relaxed attitude towards her?
now.
Ans : 2013, 2007

3. Anne was a sensitive and mature girl. From Mr. Keesing who taught maths to Anne was
the chapters and poems in your textbook, First annoyed with her because she talked too much.
Flight, think of any two characters who could be After several warnings, he assigned her extra
her friends or confidantes. Analyse the common homework. She tried to prove that talking was a
student’s trait and she would do her best to keep

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Page 354 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

it under control. Mr. Keesing had a hearty laugh because they quacked too much. Surprisingly I
at her arguments and assigned her a second essay. did not get angry. I took the joke in the right way.
But in her final essay she succeeded to convince I decided not to assign any extra work and allow
Mr. Keesing. She wrote a poem about a mother Anne to talk in the class.
duck and a father swan with three baby ducklings
who were bitten to death by the father because 10. What do you know about Mr. Keesing ? How did
they quacked too much. Luckily, Mr. Keesing he punish Anne ?
took the joke in the right way. He allowed Anne Ans : 2010

to talk in the class and did not give her any extra Mr. Keesing was the maths teacher of Anne
homework. Frank. Anne was a talkative student. This teacher
was an old fashioned-person. He did not like much
7. “Paper has more patience than people.” Elucidate. troubles in school. So he was annoyed with Anne.
Ans : 2012 He gave her several warnings but there was no
Anne was in need of a true friend with whom good result.
she could share her joys and sorrows and in Ultimately he assigned Anne, an extra
whom she could confide all her feelings. She had homework. It was an essay on “A Chatterbox”.
loving parents and there were about thirty people Anne wrote that talking is a student’s trait. She
whom she could call friends. When she was with had inherited this quality from her mother, who
her friends she could talk only about everyday is more talkative. But the teacher was adamant.
things. She was not able to confide with them. He assigned two more essays. “An Incorrigible
She wanted someone whom she could tell all kinds Chatterbox” and “Quack, Quack, Quack, said
of things. She needed a real friend. So she decided Mistress Chatterbox”. By chance the joke fell on
to keep a diary. No one would ever know what she the teacher when Anne read it. After that he gave
had written in her diary. The paper would never her no more assignment or punishment.
ask any question. So, it is rightly said that paper
has more patience than people. 11. Explain “Our entire class is quaking in its boots.”
Ans : 2010

8. Write the character-sketch of Anne highlighting Anne was admitted in a school. There were nine
intelligence and politeness. teachers. Among them two were females and rest
Ans : 2012, 2008, 2001 were the male teachers.
Anne was a sober, witty and intelligent girl The meeting was going on among the teachers.
of Otto Frank. She was a Jewish girl born in They had to decide who will be moved up to the
German. Her book written in Dutch become the next form and who will be kept back. This was a
one of the world’s most widely read books. Many movement of nervousness for the entire class. They
films, television and opera have been produced were uncertain for their fate. Even some of the
based on her diary. She felt lonely at not having students had staked their savings in bets. There
a real friend. So she dedicated her feelings to a were some of the dummies who could be kept
diary named Kitty. Her teachers had a good view back. All the students were confused about them.
about her except her talkative nature. She had an Even Anne was not sure due to mathematics. So
intense love for her grandmother and her teacher, the entire class was quaking in its boots.
Mrs. Kuperus. Only Mr. Keesing, her maths
teacher punished her for her talkative nature by 12. Maintaining a diary is a very innovative habit.
assigning essays. How do you review this habit?
Ans : 2010

9. Imagine yourself as Mr. Keesing. Describe your Maintaining a diary is a innovative habit. It helps
reaction which Anne Frank read out her third one to express one’s ideas and puts off expression
essay in the class. on piece of paper. By this we can vent our feelings
Ans : 2011 and anger. Paper and pen is a very good habit. I
I was much troubled in the class as Anne was very feel that those who keep such habits never become
talkative. As a punishment I assigned Anne extra frustrated. They can atleast befriend themselves
homework. Third time I asked her to write an and enjoy to the maximum. One will never feel
essay on ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox and Quack, lonely. Writing diary also keeps us well occupied
Quack, Quack said Mistress Chatterbox.’ She had and shall never feel betrayed. In today’s world
written the essay in form of a verse. It was about where no one has time for the other diary writing
mother Duck and father Swan with three baby is a good and successful habit. I am very happy
ducklings who were bitten to death by father with myself for maintaining this habit.

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

questions that follow : time it was supposed to be on ‘An Incorrigible

Writing in a diary is a really strange experience Chatterbox.’ I handed it in, and Mr. Keesing had
for someone like me. Not only because I’ve never nothing to complain about for two whole lessons.
written anything before, but also because it seems However, during the third lesson, he’d finally had
to me that later on neither I nor anyone else will enough. “Anne Frank, as a punishment for talking
be interested in the musings of a thirteen-year-old in class, write an essay entitled-‘Quack, Quack,
schoolgirl. Oh well, it doesn’t matter. I feel like Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox.’
writing, and I have an even greater need to get all i. How does Mr. Keesing’s assignment of the
kinds of things off my chest. essay “‘Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress
‘Paper has more patience than people.’ I Chatterbox’” serve as both a punishment and
thought of this saying on one of those days when a creative response to Anne Frank’s talkative
I was feeling a little depressed and was sitting nature?
at home with my chin in my hands, bored and ii. In the context of Mr. Keesing, the phrase,
listless, wondering whether to stay in or go out. I ‘had a good laugh’ implies _____.
finally stayed where I was, brooding: Yes, paper
iii. With reference to Anne Frank’s approach
does have more patience, and since I’m not
to authority figures like Mr. Keesing, which
planning to let anyone else read this stiff-backed
option is the LEAST likely?
notebook grandly referred to as a ‘diary’, unless
I should ever find a real friend, it probably won’t (a) Subtle resistance to authority
make a bit of difference. (b) Assertiveness and independence
i. Why does Anne use quotes around the word (c) Enthusiasm for intellectual discourse
‘diary’ ? (d) Compliance with classroom norms
ii. Why writing is an effective way to express iv. The use of terms like “ _____ ” and
emotions? Describe in 40 words. “_____”, point towards Anne’s talkative
iii. Give a line/phrase from the extract that and lively communication style.
Ans : 2023
justifies why the following statement is
FALSE. i. Mr. Keesing aims to curb Anne’s chattiness
Anne was able to confide in a lot of people. while nurturing a more disciplined and
imaginative approach to expression. He
iv. Mention one word that can correctly replace
playfully penalises Anne for her talkative
‘musings’ in the sentence given below from
behaviour - incorporates to address the issue.
the extract.
...neither I nor anyone else will be interested in ii. that he did not take Anne’s arguments too
the musings of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl. seriously
Ans : 2023 iii. (d) Compliance with classroom norms
i. Anne uses quotes around the word ‘diary’ iv. chatterbox ; quack
because she was being sarcastic. Also, she did
not think of her notebook as a grand diary. 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows :
ii. In her diary, Anne mentions that ‘Paper has
Our entire class is quaking in its boots. The
more patience than people’, which implies
reason, of course, is the forthcoming meeting in
that it is easier to express emotions by writing
which the teachers decide who’ll move up to the
them down as compared to expressing them
next form and who’ll be kept back. Half the class
to another person. Writing thus serves as an
is making bets. G.N. and I laugh ourselves silly at
effective, patient, and non-judgemental outlet
the two boys behind us, C.N. and Jacques, who
for thoughts and feelings.
have staked their entire holiday savings on their
iii. unless I should ever find a real friend. bet. From morning to night, it’s “You’re going to
iv. thoughts/reflections pass”, “No, I’m not”, “Yes, you are”, “No, I’m
not”. Even G.’s pleading glances and my angry
4. Read the extract given below and answer the
outbursts can’t calm them down. If you ask me,
questions that follow :
there are so many dummies that about a quarter
Mr. Keesing had a good laugh at my arguments,
of the class should be kept back, but teachers are
but when I proceeded to talk my way through the
the most unpredictable creatures on earth.
next lesson, he assigned me a second essay. This

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Page 356 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

a verse form. Mr Keesing read this poem to the iii. (b) persuasive
class, which was about three ducklings who were iv. to talk continuously in a confused manner.
bitten to death by their swan father because they
quacked too much. This brought a change in Mr. 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
Keesing’s attitude and he never punished Anne questions that follow :
again. I started right away at the Montessori Nursery
School. I stayed there until I was six, at which
time I started in the first form. In the sixth form,
Extract Based Question my teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress.
At the end of the year we were both in tears as
1. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follow : we said a heartbreaking farewell. In the summer
Anyone could ramble on and leave big spaces of 1941, Grandma fell ill and had to have an
between the words, but the trick was to come up operation, so my birthday passed with little
with convincing arguments to prove the necessity celebration.
of talking I thought and suddenly I had an idea. I i. “In the summer of 1941, Grandma fell ill and
wrote the three pages, Mr. Keesing had assigned had to have an operation, so my birthday
me and was satisfied. I argued that talking is a passed with little celebration.”
students’ trait and that I would do my best to keep State any one inference about Anne from the
it under control, but that I would never be able to above context.
cure myself of the habit since my mother talked ii. The first education of Anne started at
as much as I did if not more, and that there’s not _____.
much you can do about inherited traits. (a) some Kindergarten School
i. State any one inference about Anne from the (b) a Nursery School
given context. (c) Montessori Nursery School
“Anyone could ramble on and leave big spaces (d) Elementary School
between the words, but the trick was to come
iii. Who was Mrs. Kuperus? What kind of
up with convincing arguments to prove the
relationship did Anne share with her?
necessity of talking.”
iv. Substitute the word ‘heartbreaking’ with
ii. In about 40 words, elaborate on the
a word similar in meaning in the following
justification Anne gives for her talkative
sentence :
nature.
“At the end of the year we were both in tears
iii. Which one of the following best describes the as we said a heartbreaking farewell.”
tone of the given extract ? Ans : 2024
(a) derogatory (b) persuasive i. One possible inference about Anne from
(c) nostalgic (d) cautionary this context is that she experienced
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute disappointment or sadness during her birthday
‘ramble on’ in the given sentence from the due to her grandmother’s illness and the lack
extract ? of celebration, indicating her empathy and
Ans : 2024 concern for her family members.
i. The given context suggests that Anne ii. (c) Montessori Nursery School
was a clever and reflective individual. She iii. Mrs. Kuperus was Anne’s teacher and the
understood the importance of presenting headmistress during her time in the sixth
logical arguments to validate her actions form. Anne shared a close and emotional
rather than merely offering excuses. relationship with Mrs. Kuperus, as evidenced
ii. Anne justifies her talkative nature by arguing by their tearful farewell at the end of the
that being talkative is a trait inherent among year. This suggests that Anne respected and
students - it’s part of their character to be admired Mrs. Kuperus and formed a strong
lively and expressive. Furthermore, she links bond with her.
her talkativeness to heredity, suggesting it’s iv. Emotional/poignant/painful
an inherited trait from her mother, implying
that it’s a natural aspect of her personality 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
that is difficult to change.

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage
Ans : talked too much in his period. As a punishment
(i) Diary, (ii) Log, (iii) Journal, (iv) Memoir. he asked her, to write an essay on the topic
‘Chartterbox’.
Oral Comprehension Check - 1
1. What makes writing in a diary a strange 2. How did Anne justify her being a chatterbox in
experience for Anne Frank ? her essay ?
Ans : Ans :
It was because Anne had never written anything Anne was an intelligent girl. She gave in writing
before in a diary and it seemed to her that nobody the necessity of talking. She argued that talking
would be interesting later in her musings. Nobody is a student’s trait. She tries to control it but she
would care to read the thoughts of a 13 years old is helpless since her mother is more talkative than
school girl. her. It is her inherited trait.

2. Why does Anne want to keep a diary? 3. Do you think Mr. Keesing was a strict teacher ?
Ans : 2019 Ans :
Anne felt sad and alone as she had no true friends. In the beginning Mr. Keesing seems to be a hard
She had many things to tell. She thought that no task master. He wants to ridicule Anne but he
one would listen to her patiently. So she felt like himself becomes the victim. Since then he starts
writing all her thoughts in a diary. participating in jokes with the students.
3. Why did Anne think she could confide more in 4. What made Mr. Keesing allow Anne to talk in
her diary than in people ? class ?
Ans : Ans :
Anne felt bored and listless, She had many Mr. Keesing thrice gave Anne a writing job on
thoughts in her mind. But she had nobody to her talkative nature. On all the three occasions
listen patiently. She thought that paper has more she came out successful. In the third attempt the
patience than people. She could write everything ball fell on the teacher and he became her victim.
on paper. There was no boundation of time as Finding himself unsuccessful, he allowed Anne to
well. So, Anne thought that she could confide talk in the class.
more in her diary than in people.
Thinking About The Text
Oral Comprehension Check - 2
1. Was Anne right when she said that the world
1. Why does Anne provide a brief sketch of her life ? would not be interested in the musings of thirteen-
Ans : year old girl ?
Anne felt that no one would understand anything Ans :
about her stories written in her diary if she started No, Anne was not right when said this. This
out writing without giving any background. That work became very Popular, translated into
is why, she thought it was better to provide a many languages. There have also been several
brief sketch of her life in her diary, though she film, television and theatrical Production ,
disliked doing that as well. based on diary. It has been described as the
work of a mature and insight mind.
2. What tells you that Anne loved her grandmother
? 2. There are some examples of diary or journal
Ans : entries in the ‘Before You Read’ section. Compare
Anne’s birthday was celebrated without her these with what Anne writes in her diary. What
grandmother. Anne was not happy. Grandmother languages was the diary originally written in ? In
candle was lit along the rest. The birthday was a what way is Anne’s diary different ?
make up for others. This shows that Anne loved her Ans :
grandmother. Anne’s diary is different. She Poured out her heart
in it. It was originally written in Dutch Language.
Oral Comprehension Check - 3
3. Why does Anne need to give a brief sketch about
1. Why was Mr. Keesing annoyed with Anne ? What
her family ? Does she treat ‘Kitty’ as an insider
did he ask her to do ?
or an outsider ?
Ans :
Ans :
Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne because she
Anne needs to give a brief sketch about her family

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Page 358 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

i. What does the following imply? (d) Students are not supposed to crack jokes
C. N and Jacques staking their entire holiday on their teachers.
savings on their bet. ii. What had transpired between Mr. Keesing
ii. Anne says that there were so many dummies and Anne Frank for her to feel relieved on
in the class that about a quarter of them seeing his response to her poem? Answer in
shouldn’t be promoted. Is she being rude or about 40 words.
brutally honest? Evaluate in about 40 words. iii. Why do you think Mr Keesing chose the
iii. State TRUE or FALSE. title— ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’ — for
None of the following options (a)-(d) below, Anne, to write on? This was so because he
showcase the reality : expected _____.
(a) the teachers will decide whom to promote (a) Anne to express her inability to elaborate
to the next form on such a topic.
(b) the teachers will decide who should be (b) that this would embarrass Anne and
kept back would check her indiscipline.
(c) a quarter of the class was dummies who (c) her to apologise and not repeat her
should be kept back talkative behaviour.
(d) a quarter of the class was dummies who
iv. What does this extract tell us about Mr.
should be kept back
Keesing as a teacher? Mention two qualities.
iv. Which emotion is portrayed in the expression Ans : 2018
‘quaking in their boots’ ?
i. (a) Anne had turned the tables on her teacher.
Ans : 2020
ii. Anne who talks a lot in class gets punished by
i. C. N. and Jacques staking their entire holiday
her Maths teacher, Mr Keesing.
savings on their bet implies that they both
He asks her to write essays on the subject,
think that the other one will pass.
‘A Chatterbox’ as punishment thrice. She
ii. Anne is being brutally honest. Many students used her intelligence to outwit Mr. Keesing
in the class doubted if they would be who on the contrary, ended up accepting her
promoted to the next class. They remained jokes, her talkative nature in the right spirit.
anxious and would discuss this all day. They Eventually, he takes the jokes on his chin.
would make bets on who would be promoted. iii. (b) that this would embarrass Anne and
CN and Jacques had even staked their entire would check her indiscipline.
holiday saving on the bet.
iv. Mr. Keesing was jovial and quite creative in
iii. False handing over punishment tasks.
iv. fear or nervousness.
7. Read the extract given below and answer the
6. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
questions that follows : That evening, after I’d finished the rest of my
I finished my poem, and it was beautiful! It was homework, the note about the essay caught my
about a mother duck and a father swan with three eye. I began thinking about the subject while
baby ducklings who were bitten to death by the chewing the tip of my fountain pen. Anyone could
father because they quacked too much. Luckily, ramble on and leave big spaces between the words,
Mr: Keesing took the joke the right way. He read but the trick was to come up with convincing
the poem to the class, adding his own comments, arguments to prove the necessity of talking.
and to several other classes as well. i. According to the passage and the story, Anne
i. Anne Frank says that ‘Mr. Keesing took the was
joke the right way.’ What does she mean by (a) thinking about what to write in the essay
this? (b) angry with Mr Keesing
(a) Anne had turned the tables on her (c) too tired to write the essay
teacher.
(d) unable to write the essay
(b) The teacher was already tired of her
ii. What does she (Anne Frank) write in her
constant jokes in class.
essay? Answer in about 40 words.
(c) Anne Frank had a nasty sense of humour.
iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

identify which one correctly corresponds to (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
the extract. a phenomenon
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a (b) An assumption - something that is taken
particular topic, usually with two or more for granted or assumed to be true without
people presenting different viewpoints proof
and arguments. (c) A premise - a proposition that forms the
(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a basis of an argument
character alone on stage, which reveals
(d) A theory - a well-substantiated
their innermost thoughts and feelings to
explanation for a natural phenomenon
the audience.
Ans : 2014
(c) An aside is a brief comment or remark
made by a character directly to the i. (c) Her diary
audience, which is not intended to be ii. Anne wanted to write each and every detail of
heard by other characters on stage. her life in her diary.
iv. What is integral to writing her essay according iii. Anne wanted to keep a diary as she did not
to Anne? have any close and true friends whom she
could confide in. Though she had friends, she
Ans : 2017
was never able to truly open up about her
i. (a) thinking about what to write in the essay feelings to them.
ii. In her essay titled ‘Chatterbox’, Anne wanted iv. True
to come up with convincing arguments to
prove the necessity of talking. She wrote three
pages and argued that talking was a student’s

trait and she would do her best to keep it
under control.
iii. (c) An aside is a brief comment or remark
made by a character directly to the audience,
which is not intended to be heard by other
characters on stage.
iv. According to Anne, it is important to give
convincing arguments in support of the
necessity to talk in her essay.

8. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follows :
To enhance the image of this long-awaited friend
in my imagination, I don’t want to jot down the
facts in this diary the way most people would do,
but I want the diary to be my friend and I’m
going to call this friend ‘Kitty’.
i. Who is the long-awaited friend mentioned in
the extract?
(a) Mrs. Kuperus
(b) Anne’s Grandmother
(c) Her diary
(d) Margot
ii. What did Anne want to write in her diary?
iii. Why does Anne want to keep a diary?
iv. State TRUE or FALSE.
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be
applied to the statement - Anne was a
reserved and introvert person.

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Page 360 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

Chapter 5

G limpses of India

I the evening, returning after selling all his bread.

Delivering the Loaves
The jingling thud of the bamboo the baker carried
A BAKER FROM GOA woke them up in the morning and they ran to
meet and greet him. They also ran to get the
bread bangles which were especially made bread.
As the baker came, he would call the lady of the
1. INTRODUCTION house and greet her ‘good morning’. The children
The chapter ‘Glimpses of India’ is divided into would be pushed aside and the loaves would be
three parts. The first part ‘A Baker from Goa’ delivered to the maid servant. The author recalls
written by Lucio Rodrigues is a pen portrait of a the fresh aroma of loaves that filled the air. The
traditional Gaon village baker or pader who still children would not even brush their teeth and
has an important place in Gaon culture although would eat bread bangles made of bread.
the Portuguese have left India long back. Significance of Bread in Goan Culture
Various kinds of breads have always been
important in the culture of Goa. On different
2. Characters occasions, different breads would be made. No
Baker marriage ceremony was complete until and unless
The baker was an important part of the Goan the traditional bol was served. The lady of the
villages under Portuguese rule. He used to come house on the occasion of her daughter’s marriage
everyday to the street to sell loaves of bread and would prepare sandwiches and bolinhas would be
bread-bangles. Everyone used to wait for the prepared for Christmas and other festivals.
‘thang-thang’ sound of his stick in the morning Baker’s Attire
which announced his arrival. The baker was usually dressed in a kabai, a long
frock reaching down to the knees or a shirt and
a trouser which was shorter than full lenght ones
3. summary and longer than half pants.
Bread Making in Goa A Lucrative Business-Bread Making
This is a pen portrait of the traditional Goan The baker usually collected his bills at the end
village baker who is still remembered by Goans. of the month. All the accounts were written on a
Bread making is an ancient technique mastered wall in the house with a pencil. Since the ancient
by the Portuguese. They were the lovers of times bread making has been a profitable business
bread. Bread making was an art which needed becuase Portuguese loved bread and even today
lot of expertise and perfection ,mixing, moulding bread enjoys great popularity in Goa. The
and baking were the areas of specialization of bakers and his family used to be one of the most
making bread. The loaves were baked in time prosperous members of the society.
tested furnaces. This profession was passionately
continued by the descendants of the bakers.
The author fondly remembers his childhood 4. Word meanings
days which remind him of the bakers who used to 1. Glimpses - views
be their friend, companion and guide. The baker 2. Destinations - fixed points/places
used to visit the houses twice a day , once in the 3. Influences - impact/effect
morning during his selling hours and then again in 4. Baker - who bakes bread

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

5. Pen-portrait - painting the character of a man 2. You may know that apart from the British, the
6. Traditions - old customs Dutch and the French, the Portuguese have also
7. Reminiscing - remembrances/old played a part in the history of our country. Can
8. Nostalgically - thinking fondly you say which parts of India show French and
9. Loaves of bread - bread Portuguese influences?
10. Vanished - disappeared Ans :
11. Moulders - wasters curb Goa, Pondicherry and other coastal regions show
12. Furnaces - fire places French and Portuguese influences.
13. Extinguished - blown out
14. Thud - a low dull sound Oral Comprehension Check - 1
15. Heralding - announcing
1. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?
16. Profession - work/business Ans : 2015, 2014
17. Pader - slow-moving The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the good
18. Companion - friend old Portuguese days and their love for bread and
19. Jingling - a kind of sound loaves. The writer says that the eaters of loaves
20. Supported - helped have left but the makers still exist.
21. Banged - break/a kind of sound
22. Vertical - straight 2. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you
23. Pushed aside - turned back know?
24. Rebuke - scolding Ans :
25. Parapet - wall at the edge of a bridge Yes, bread making is still popular in Goa. The
26. Peep into - looked eaters may have gone away but they have left the
27. Fragrance - scent/smell makers behind. There are mixers, moulders and
28. Properly - rightly the ones who bake the loaves. The time tested
29. Loses - finishes furnaces still exist there.
30. Engagement - marriage
31. Bolinhas - a kind of sweet 3. What is the baker called?
32. Absolutely - completely Ans :
33. Kabai - a kind of dress The baker is called a pader in Goa.
34. Comment - remarks
35. Recorded - noted 4. When would the baker come everyday? Why did
36. Profitable - beneficial the children run to meet him?
Ans :
37. Starved - remained hungry
The baker would come twice a day-once early in
38. Prosperous - happy and rich
the morning and the second time when he returned
39. Plump - fat
40. Physique - body structure after selling his stuff. The children would run to
meet him as they wanted to have bread-bangles.
41. Testimony - statement
42. Jack fruit - a kind of fruit
Oral Comprehension Check - 2
1. Match the following. What is a must?
5. MESSAGE (i) as marriage gifts? - cakes and bolinhas
From this chapter the author is trying to convey (ii) for a party or a feast? - sweet bread called bol
a message about the rich culture and diversity of (iii) for a daughter’s engagement? - bread
India and also the importance of bakers in Goa. (iv) for Christmas? - sandwiches
Ans :
6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions (i) as marriage gifts - sweet bread called bol
(ii) for a party or a feast - bread
Activity (iii) for a daughter’s engagement - sandwiches
(iv) for Christmas - cakes and bolinhas
1. What images — of people and of places — come
to your mind, when you think of our country? 2. What did the bakers wear :
Ans : (i) In the Portuguese days
Pictures of people of my state, Punjab and other (ii) When the author was young
states come to my mind.

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Page 362 Discursive Passage Chapter 5
Ans : for every occasion, because of which the presence
(i) The bakers were usually dressed up in a of a baker’s furnace in the village is very important
peculiar dress called kabai. It was a single
piece long frock reaching down to the knees. 3. Tick the right answer. What is the tone of the
(ii) During his childhood days, the author saw author when he says the following?
the bakers wearing a shirt and trousers which 1. The thud and the jingle of the traditional
were shorter than full length ones and longer baker ‘s bamboo can still be heard in some
than half pants. places, (nostalgic, hopeful, sad)
2. Maybe the father is not alive but the son still
3. Who invites the comment - “he is dressed like a carries on the family profession, (nostalgic,
pader” Why? hopeful, sad)
Ans :
3. I still recall the typical fragrance of those
Any person who is wearing a half pant which
loaves, (nostalgic, hopeful, naughty)
reaches just below the knees invites this comment.
This is because the baker, known as a pader, used 4. The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea
to dress like that. could wash and clean up everything so nicely,
after all. (naughty, angry, funny)
4. Where were the monthly accounts of the baker 5. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas
recorded? as well as other festivals, (sad, hopeful,
Ans : matter-of-fact)
Monthly accounts of the baker were recorded on
6. The baker and his family never starved. They
some wall in the house with a pencil.
always looked happy and prosperous, (matter-
5. What does a ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ mean? of-fact, hopeful, sad)
Ans : Ans :
It means having a plump physique, like a jackfruit. 1. Nostalgic, 2. Hopeful, 3. Nostalgic, 4. Funny, 5.
Matter-of-fact, 6. Matter-of-fact

Thinking About The Text Writing - I

1. Which of these statements are correct? 1. In this extract, the author talks about traditional
bread-baking during his childhood days. Complete
1. The pader was an important person in the
the table with the help of clues on the left. Then
village in old times.
write a paragraph about the author’s childhood
2. Paders still exist in Goan villages. days.
3. The paders went away with the Portuguese.
4. The paders continue to wear a single-piece Clues Author’s childhood
days
long frock.
5. Bread and cakes were an integral part of the way bread was baked
Goan life in the old days. the way the pader sold
6. Traditional bread-baking is still a very bread
profitable business. what the pader wore
7. Paders and their families starve in the present when the pader was paid
times.
Ans : how the pader looked
1. Correct, 2. Correct, 3. Incorrect, 4. Incorrect, 5. Ans :
Correct, 6. Correct, 7. Incorrect The way bread was baked : The stuff was mixed,
the bread was moulded and it was baked in
2. Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do furance. Their smell was delicious.
you know this? The way the pader sold bread : The baker comes
Ans : to sell bread twice a day. In the morning jingling
Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. It thud of his bamboo woke the author from sleep.
is an important part of marriage gifts, parties The loaves were bought by the servant of the
and feasts. Bread is also prepared by a mother house. Children ran to him to have bread bangles
for preparing sandwiches during her daughter’s or special sweet cake. His one hand supported
engagement. Thus, it is necessary to have breads the basket on his head and the other banged the

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

iv. What is the author’s tone in the given iii. False

extract? iv. When in Coorg, the most laidback
Ans : 2017 individuals change to become people who love
i. (d) All of these participating in adventure sports.
ii. A long black coat with an embroidered waist-
4. Read the extract given below and answer the
belt resembling the Kuffia is the point of
questions that follows :
similarlity between the Kodavus and Arabs.
Midway between Mysore and the coastal town of
iii. (c) A brochure which gives us a picture of the Mangalore sits a piece of heaven that must have
places’ culture, people and tourist destination. drifted from the kingdom of God. This land of
iv. In the given extract, the author’s tone is rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial
informative. men, beautiful women and wild creatures.
3. Read the extract given below and answer the i. The meaning of rolling hills is _____.
questions that follows : (a) chains of hills
The most laidback individuals become converts (b) hills rounded at the top
to the life of high-energy adventure with river (c) ancient hills
rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock-climbing and (d) sloping hills
mountain-biking. Numerous walking trails in this ii. What does the author mean by a ‘piece of
region are a favourite with trekkers. Birds, bees heaven that must have drifted from the
and butterflies are there to give you company. kingdom of God’ ?
Macaques. Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender
iii. In the statement, ‘Midway between Mysore
loris keep a watchful eye from the tree canopy. I do,
and the coastal town of Mangalore sits a piece
however; prefer to step aside for wild elephants.
of heaven’ the word ‘sits’ actually means
i. How does Coorg change the most-laidback _____.
individuals?
(a) seated (b) located
(a) Into high energy adventurists
(c) established (d) placed
(b) Into trekkers
(d) Find the meaning of the word ‘warlike or
(c) Into hikers
connected with war’ from the extract.
(d) None of these
(a) coastal (b) inhibited
ii. Which high-energy adventure sports can be (c) drifted (d) martial
done in Coorg? Ans : 2013
iii. State true or false. i. (a) chains of hills
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be
ii. The author is referring to the mesmerising
applied to the statement - Coorg is the best
natural beauty of Coorg which looks like
place for staycation.
heaven.
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
iii. (b) located
a phenomenon
iv. (d) martial
(b) An assumption - something that is taken
for granted or assumed to be true without
proof
III
(c) A premise - a proposition that forms the
basis of an argument TEA FROM ASSAM
(d) A theory - a well-substantiated
explanation for a natural phenomenon
iv. How does Coorg change the most laidback 1. introduction
individuals? The chapter ‘Glimpses of India’ is divided into
Ans : 2016
three parts. This is the third part of the chapter
i. (a) Into high energy adventurists written by Arup Kumar Datta. This is about two
ii. River rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock- friends - Pranjol and Rajvir. Pranjol, a youngster
climbing and mountain-biking can be done in from Assam, is Rajvir’s classmate at school in
Coorg. Delhi. Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit his home

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Page 364 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

6. Making jute products 5. How many times did the baker come everyday?
7. Embroidery (a) Once (b) Twice
8. Handloom (c) Thrice (d) varies daily
Ans : Ans : 2015
Not only the above mentioned craft-based (b) Twice
professions are declining but also so many
others have come to a stand-still. It is because 6. The baker was also their _____.
the modern innovations and techniques are so (a) friend (b) companion
advanced that the ancient techniques are very (c) guide (d) all of these
costly, time-consuming, laborious, troublesome, Ans : 2015
ancient, complicated and tensed. (d) all of these
For the revival of any craft much depends
on the policies of the government. It is a matter 7. What are the bakers known as in Goa?
of worth understanding as to who will use the
(a) Pader (b) Portugese
traditional modes when he is getting more
accurate, less costly item in the twinkling of an (c) pekar (d) Baker
eye. Ans : 2012

(a) Pader

7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS 8. What did the children long for?

(a) Loaves (b) bread bangles
Multiple Choice
Type Question (c) banana bread (d) all of these
Ans : 2012

1. Who is the author of “A Baker from Goa”? (b) bread bangles

(a) Arup Kumar Datta 9. _____ was called kabai.
(b) Lokesh Abrol (a) Baker’s dress (b) baker’s basket
(c) Lucio Rodrigues (c) baker’s bamboo (d) baker’s song
(d) None of these Ans : 2010
Ans : 2021 (a) Baker’s dress
(c) Lucio Rodrigues
10. What does the narrator still remember?
2. Which word in the following means the same as (a) Typical fragrance of the loaves
‘sweet smell’ ?
(b) Typical fragrance of the dough
(a) Good morning (b) Loaves
(c) Typical fragrance of the mould
(c) Fragrance (d) None of these
Ans : 2021
(d) None of these
Ans : 2007
(c) Fragrance
(a) Typical fragrance of the loaves
3. Which one of the following task is done by bakers?
11. Where were the monthly accounts of the baker
(a) Bake the loaves (b) Bake the dough recorded?
(c) Bake the mould (d) None of these (a) In a copy, with a pencil
Ans : 2020

(a) Bake the loaves (b) On a wall,with a pencil

(c) On a board,with a pencil
4. Why do the elders think about their past? (d) None of these
(a) They miss the good old days. Ans : 2007

(b) They remember their bad days. (b) On a wall,with a pencil

(c) They think younger are slow. 12. How is the family profession still carried?
(d) None of these (a) By their nephews (b) By their sons
Ans : 2020, 2007

(a) They miss the good old days. (c) By their workers (d) None of these
Ans : 2005

(b) By their sons

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

every day throughout the world. It shows the 3. The State Government plans to build a
increasing popularity of tea. The lesson gives _____ for Bhubaneswar to speed up traffic
a graphic description of the sea of tea bushes on the main highway, (pass)
stretching as far as eyes can go in Assam. The 4. Gautama’s _____ on life changed when he
plucking of the newly sprouted leaves by groups of realised that the world is full of sorrow, (look)
tea - pluckers with bamboo baskets on their backs
5. Rakesh seemed unusually _____ after the
are vividly described in the lesson.
game, (cast)
Ans :
6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions 1. overthrow, 2. breakthrough, 3. bypass,
4. lookout, 5. downcast.
Activity
Thinking About Language - II
1. Can you say which parts of India grow (i) tea,
(ii) coffee? Notice how these -ing and -ed adjectives are used.
Ans : 1. Chess is an interesting game.
(i) Tea is grown in Darjeeling, Siliguri, Ooty, I am very interested in chess.
Kerala. 2. Going trekking in the Himalayas this summer
(ii) Coffee is grown in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. is an exciting idea.
We are very excited about the trek.
Thinking About Language - I 3. Are all your School books this boring?
He was bored as he had no friends there.
1. Look at these words: upkeep, downpour, undergo, The -ing adjectives show the qualities that chess,
dropout, walk-in. They are built up from a verb trekking or these books have: they cause interest,
(keep, pour, go, drop, walk) and an adverb or a excitement, or boredom in you. The -ed/-en
preposition (up, down, under, out, in). adjectives show your mental state or your physical
Use these words appropriately in the sentences state: how you feel in response to ideas, events or
below. You may consult a dictionary. things.
1. A heavy _____ has been forecast due to
low pressure in the Bay of Bengal. 1. Think of suitable -ing or -ed adjectives to answer
the following questions. You may also use words
2. Rakesh will _____ major surgery tomorrow
from those given above.
morning. How would you describe?
3. My brother is responsible for the _____ of 1. a good detective serial on television?
our family property. __________
4. The _____ rate for this accountancy course 2. a debate on your favourite topic ‘Homework
is very high. Should Be Banned’ ? __________
5. She went to the Enterprise Company to 3. how you feel when you stay indoors due to
attend a _____ interview. incessant rain? __________
Ans :
4. how you feel when you open a present?
1. downpour, 2. undergo, 3. upkeep, 4. drop-out,
5. walk-in. __________
5. how you feel when you watch your favourite
2. Now fill in the blanks in the sentences given below programme on television? __________
by combining the verb given in brackets with one 6. the look on your mother’s face as you waited
of the words from the box as appropriate. in a queue? __________
7. how you feel when tracking a tiger in a tiger
over by through reserve forest? __________
out up down 8. the story you have recently read, or a film you
have seen? __________
1. The Army attempted unsuccessfully to Ans :
_____ the Government, (throw) 1. exciting, 2. interesting, 3. bored, 4. excited, 5.
2. Scientists are on the brink of a major _____ interested, 6. disappointed, 7. thrilled, 8. thrilling.
in cancer research, (break)

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of his traditional bamboo stick with which he arrival can be known by the thud and jingle of
enters with a thud. Moreover his dress is also very their traditional bamboo.
particular. It is a single piece long frock reaching
down to the knees called Kabai. 16. What did the baker mean to the narrator during
his childhood ? How many times did he pay a
10. How can you say, ‘bread-baking is still popular visit ?
in Goa’ ? Ans : 2010

Ans : 2014 The baker or pader was an important person in the

Bread-baking is still popular in Goa. We can find author’s life. He was treated like a friend. He used
mixers, moulders and bakers in Goa. The age-old to come twice a day, once in the morning to sell
furnaces are still found there. The main festivals the bread and then while returning after emptying
are celebrated with loaves, ‘bol’ or bread-bangles. his basket. The author used to run to meet him in
order to take the bread-bangles. He chatted and
11. What are the different varieties of bread popular gossiped with him.
in Goa? What occasions are they associated with?
Ans : 2012 17. What were the bakers called? Describe their
Bread is very popular in Goa. The Goan bakers peculiar dress.
make different breads of superb quality such as Ans : 2010

bread-bangles, loaves, sweet bread ‘bol’, cakes The bakers were known as “pader”. These bakers
and ‘bolinhas’ wore a peculiar dress known as the kabai’. It was
‘Marriage gifts are always special with sweet a single piece long frock reaching down to the
bread ‘bol’. children love to eat bread-bangles knees.
as its fragrance attracts them. Loaves were of
special make’ Cakes and ‘bolinhas’ are a must for 18. How was a baker important for the village ?
Christmas and other festival’s Ans : 2009

A baker was very important for the village.

12. How is the Goan baker still an important part of He prepared sweet bread. They were known as
the life of a Goan village? the “bol”. The marriage gifts were considered
Ans : 2012 meaningless without “bol”. For the engagement of
The Goan baker is still an important part of the a daughter, sandwiches were prepared. On other
life of a village in Goa. His bread and cakes were festivals and occasions, cakes and bolinhas were
an essential part of the Goan life. They were made.
needed in marriages, festivals and other occasions.
19. What used to be the dress of a baker?
13. The author says: ‘The baker and his family never Ans : 2009

starved.’ Why does he say so? Give reasons. A baker wore a peculiar dress known as Kabai. It
Ans : 2011 was a single piece frock down to the knees. In the
The author says that the baker and his family childhood of the author the bakers wore a shirt
never starved. This is because baking was and trousers shorter than full length but longer
a profitable business in Goa since old days. than half pants.
Moreover, the baker’s family and even servants
looked happy and prosperous. Their robust body 20. What was Kabai ? Give a brief description.
was a testimony to this fact. Ans : 2008

Kabai was a particular dress - a single piece long

14. What do we hear from our elders about the frock reaching down the knees which the bakers
Portuguese? used to wear in old days. Later it was replaced by
Ans : 2011 a shirt and trousers which were longer than the
Our elders often remember the Portuguese in shorts and shorter than the full length.
Goa. They were famous for preparing the loaves
or bread. Their furnaces still exist in Goa. They 21. What do we hear from our elders about the
were the mixers, moulders and the bakers. Portuguese?
Ans : 2008

15. What are the bakers called now-a-days and what Our elders often remember the Portuguese in
is traditional about them ? Goa. They were famous for preparing the loaves
Ans : 2010 or bread. Their furnaces still exist in Goa. There
Now-a-days the bakers are called “pader” in Goa. were the mixers, moulders and the bakers.
They have bamboo and a basket with them. Their

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

Short Answer Type Question 5. How is bread an important part of life in Goa?
O
1. The author says — ‘During our childhood in Goa,
Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do
the baker used to be our friend, companion and
you know this?
guide.’ Elaborate.
Ans : 2020, 2017
Ans : 2024
Yes, bread is an important part of the Goan life.
The narrator Lucio Rodrigues becomes nostalgic
It is needed for marriage gifts, parties and feasts.
as he talked about a traditional Goan village
Bread is also needed by a mother for preparing
baker who occupied a special place in the society.
sandwiches during her daughter’s engagement.
He referred to the baker as his friend, companion
Thus, it is necessary to have breads for every
and guide. It shows that the people of Goa are rich
occasion because of which the presence of a
in human values. The narrator himself has respect
baker’s furnace in the village is very important.
for all the professions. He never looks down upon
anybody. The baker with his disciplined routine 6. When did the baker come every day? Why did the
and the most sought after loaves of bread teaches children run to meet him?
the children the value of being punctual.
O
2. “During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to When would the baker come everyday?
be our friend, companion and guide.” What does O
this statement imply in relation to the character Why did the children run to meet him?
of the baker ? O
Ans : 2024
Why did the children run to meet the baker every
The statement “During our childhood in Goa, day?
the baker used to be our friend, companion and Ans : 2018, 2017, 2015
guide” implies that the baker was a man of good The baker in the traditional goan village came
character. The children were fond of him, which twice a day. Once in the morning when he set act
suggests that he was patient with children, an on his selling round and then when he reberhed
affectionate/loving person, and more than just a after empting his huge basket. The children
baker, but more of a family friend. He was also a considered the baker their friend, companion and
respected person in the Goan society who would guide. They ran to meet him for the delicious
guide the children about good behavior. bread bangles or sometimes it was for the sweet
bread a special make.
3. Justify the opinion that the traditional baker and
his bread play a significant role in the cultural 7. What do we learn about the financial condition of
and social fabric of Goan society. the bakers of Goa?
Ans : 2023 O
The traditional baker and his bread play a Why did the baker and his family always look
significant role in the cultural and social fabric happy and prosperous
of Goan society. The baker’s bread was not an Ans : 2017, 2011
ordinary food item but an essential part of every The financial condition of the bakers of Goa seems
Goan wedding or special occasion. The bread to be good. It was a profitable profession. Their
used to be a symbol of social and economic status. jack-fruit like plump physique was an evidence
to this. The bakers usually looked happy and
4. How did the baker become synonymous with
prosperous.
celebrations and occasions in Goa?
Ans : 2021
8. What do the elders in Goa still love to remember?
Bread occupied a significant place in Goan Ans : 2017
celebrations and occasions. Cakes and bolinhas The elders in Goa still love to remember about
(coconut cookies) were a must for Christmas and the good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese
other festivals. A girl’s mother must serve bread and their famous loaves of bread. The Portuguese
sandwiches on her daughter’s engagement. The might have left but their art of baking is still
Engagements and marriages were charmless in being carried as a tradition.
the absence of bread preparations.
9. How can a baker be recognised?
Ans : 2016, 2012

A baker can be recognised by the jingling sound

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Portuguese days and their famous loaves of bread. 8. Rodrigues describes his childhood and the bakers
The loaves were baked in the furnaces and one of Goa. What does he remember so fondly about
can see them even today. those bakers ?
The author points out that during his Ans : 2009

childhood in Goa the baker used to be his friend. Rodrigues describes his childhood. Those were
He visited the house twice a day. His morning good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and
thud and jingle of the bamboo would awake and their famous loaves of bread. The eaters of loaves
the children would run to greet him. The maid might have vanished but the makers are still there.
servants of house bought the bread. Children We still have amongst us mixers, the moulders
were fond of sweet bread and the bread bangles. and those who bake the loaves. Those time tested
Bread-baking is their family profession and they furnaces still exist. It is their traditional family
are much prosperous. Today the bakers are known work. Those bakers are known as paders in Goa.
as “pader” in Goa. They have their peculiar dress. The writer remembers a baker fondly. He used to
be their friend. He used to visit their house twice
6. Baking was considered an essential and a a day. In the morning the jingling sound of the
profitable profession in a traditional Goan village. bamboo woke them from sleep. The maid servants
What reasons does the writer give to support his purchased the loaves. The bakers also sold bread
point ? bangles, sweet bread of special make, cakes and
O bolinhas. He collected the bill at the end of the
Bread and cakes were an integral part of Goan life month.
in olden days. Discuss the memories that author
recollects about good old Portuguese days and 9. The author of ‘A Baker from Goa’ Lucio Rodrigues
their loaves of bread. cherishes the traditional practices in Goa; making
Ans : 2011, 2009
of ‘bol’ cakes and bolinhas, putting on Kadai by
Goa is very much influenced by the Portuguese. bakers etc. Do yoy think our traditions - heritage,
Baking was considered an essential and a profitable values and practices are the roots that nourish us
profession in a traditional Goan village. The ? Why/Why not ?
Portuguese are famous for preparing the loaves of Ans : 2009

bread. We can come across the bakers of bread. During the childhood days of the author the
It is their traditional family work. The villagers bread was baked in the furnace. The bakers were
were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘bol’. called the paders. In Portuguese times there were
The marriage gifts were meaningless without it. eaters of loaves who cherished traditional bread
So the bakers’ furnaces were the most essential. making. We agree that old traditions and past
‘Cakes’ and ‘bolinhas’ formed an important culture shape our personality. We are always
item on various occasions like Christmas and in some way or the other attached to the past.
other festivals. The baker would collect the bill These traditional values enable us to deal with
at the end of the month. They recorded their the difficult situation and make part of our strong
accounts on the wall in pencil. Baking was a system. We find that we imbibe a lot of human
profitable business in old days. The baker and his values from the past and try to carry it forward
family never starved and they looked happy and to coming generations. This also becomes part of
prosperous. behavioural pattern. We should thus never ignore
traditional values.
7. Why was the baker’s furnace essential in a
traditional Goan village? 10. Instead of enjoying their childhood the children
Ans : 2010 today are keen to enter adulthood. After reading
The baker’s furnace is essential in a traditional about all the joy the author Lucio Rodrigues had
Goan village because without the baker’s furnace in his childhood do you think such a keenness on
bread, cakes, bolinhas and sandwiches cannot the part of the children is desirable?
be made. Marriage gifts are meaningless if sweet Ans : 2008

bread cannot be supplied. The lady of the house Lucio Rodrigues describes his childhood, the time
needs to prepare sandwiches for her daughter’s when he had very good time. During those times
engagement. For Christmas and other festivals children enjoyed simple acts like eating loaves of
cakes and bolinhas are a must. Thus, the presence bread in different shapes.
of the baker’s furnace is absolutely essential in a Even today I feel that it is not desirable to
traditional Goan village. find children losing their innocence. They are

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

22. What detail do you get about the baker and his Nelson Mandela had spent his childhood around
family? fields and streams whereas the childhood of
Ans : 2007, 2002 Lucio Rodrigues, the narrator of the Glimpses of
The baker and his family remained prosperous India, seems to be inspired by the English and
and healthy. They never starved. Their servants Portuguese culture. Mandela lived life as a cattle
always looked happy and prosperous. They boy but Lucio belonged to a civilized and literate
possessed plump physique. family where he talks about basic hygiene and
etiquette. Mandela grew up in a poor family and
23. State the importance of the presence of furnace in
the village in Goa ? ate whatever he got in the fields, like roasted
Ans : 2006
mealies. On the contrary, Lucio was born in a
Even today Portuguese are famous for loaves well-settled family who could afford bread bangles
of bread. The furnaces still exist where on and other delicacies available in Goa. Mandela
occasions bread and cakes are prepared. It is their had to struggle for his basic freedom throughout
traditional family work. So the bakers furnaces his life. Lucio lived a privileged life as interpreted
are most essential. from the lesson ‘Baker from Goa’.

3. After reading the story “A Baker from Goa”, do

Long Answer Type Question you think our traditions, heritage, values and
practices are the roots that nourish us? Why/why
1. The narrator shares, “Baking was indeed a not?
profitable profession in the old days.” Ans : 2015

(a) What do you feel has changed now? Why? ‘A Baker from Goa’ highlights the importance
(b) State any one way, you feel, the Paders can of the traditional practice of making bread for
regain their lost glory. every occasion and festival of the Goan people.
Ans : 2021
This tradition continues even today. This shows
how our traditional practices can keep us to our
(a) Baking was indeed a profitable profession in
past and heritage. Traditional values shape our
the old days. A lot of things have changed
personality as well as provide us with emotional
now that reduced the profitability of the local
support. They enable us to face difficult situations
bakers. Big business houses have replaced and make us emotionally strong. Traditional
small bakers with their competitive prices. practices also have an impact on our behavioural
Today’s generation gets attracted to fancy patterns towards the other people in the society.
advertisements and prefers to buy highly
advertised products. Local Bakers find it 4. For what reasons was a baker in the Goan village
difficult to sell their high in quality but a less considered very essential ? What was the peculiar
known or less advertised product. The flavour dress of the baker in the Portuguese days ?
and quality of their products fail to appeal to O
today’s youth whose senses are blindfolded by What was the peculiar dress of the bakers during
branded goods. the Portuguese days?
(b) The Paders can regain their lost Glory by Ans : 2014, 2012

Government’s support for locally made A baker was very essential in the Goan village.
goods. We should be vocal for locals by He prepared sweet bread. They were known as
buying and publicising local bakery products. the ‘bol’. The marriage gifts were considered
The government’s self-reliant India initiative meaningless without ‘bol’. For the engagement
might help the small scale workers to earn of a daughter sandwiches were prepared. On
their livelihood and lost glory. other festivals and occasions cakes and bolinhas
were made. Children bought bread bangles from
2. In the chapter, ‘A Baker from Goa’ the narrator them. In the Portuguese days, the bakers wore a
talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond particular dress called Kabai. It was a single piece
memories. long frock reaching down to the knees.
Compare the childhood of Nelson Mandela with
5. Give a pen-portrait of a traditional Goan village
that of the narrator.
baker.
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2013, 2012
The childhood memories of both the writers give
We can hear from our elders about the old
us a glimpse into their traditions and cultures.

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iv. The traditional name of the bakers was ‘pader’ iii. The author’s tone is nostalgic for the
and since they were a prosperous community, Portuguese loaves of bread and at the same
they resembled a jackfruit in appearance. time hopeful that these bread and the
Portuguese bakers exist in Goa.
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
iv. (b) heralding
questions that follows :
Our elders are often heard reminiscing 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
nostalgically about those good old Portuguese questions that follows :
days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke
bread. Those eaters of loaves might have vanished, and the loaves would be delivered to the servant.
but the makers are still there. We still have But we would not give up. We would climb a
amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those bench or the parapet and peep into the basket,
who bake the loaves. Those age-old, time-tested somehow. I can still recall the typical fragrance of
furnaces still exist. The fire in the furnaces has those loaves. Loaves for the elders and the bangles
not yet been extinguished. The thud and jingle for the children.
of the traditional baker’s bamboo, heralding his i. Why were the children pushed aside?
arrival in the morning, can still be heard in some
(a) Because they were making noise
places. Maybe the father is not alive, but the son
(b) To deliver the bread to the servant
still carries on the family profession. These bakers
are, even today, known as pader in Goa. What are (c) To give them bread loves
elders often heard reminiscing nostalgically? (d) So that bread seller could go inside the
i. The narrator says that the furnaces were house
‘time-tested’ because ii. What was there in the basket?
(a) they had been thoroughly tested each iii. What did children do when they were pushed
time before being used. aside by the baker?
(b) they had proved the test of time and were iv. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
working well. identify which one correctly corresponds to the
(c) they had been tested by modern-day extract.
experts. (a) An autobiographical account describing
(d) they had the power to withstand the author’s feelings and thought
inexperienced usage. regarding an event in her life.
ii. What does the “fire in the furnaces has not (b) A nostalgic remembrance of the daily
yet been extinguished” imply? routine of the narrator when he was a
iii. In the line “Those eaters of loaves might have child.
vanished, but the makers are still there”, (c) A soliloquy is a speech given by a
What is the tone of narrator and why? character alone on stage, which reveals
Answer in about 40 words. their innermost thoughts and feelings to
iv. Read the following options from (a)-(c) the audience.
and identify which word would correctly Ans : 2016

substitute ‘signalling’ in the given sentence i. (b) To deliver the bread to the servant
from the extract. ii. The basket contained bread bangles for
A horn sounded, signalling the arrival of children and loaves for elders.
Peter’s opponent. iii. When the children were pushed aside by the
(a) unimportant baker they climbed a bench or the parapet to
(b) heralding peep into the baker’s basket.
(c) mediocre iv. (b) A nostalgic remembrance of the daily
Ans : 2017 routine of the narrator when he was a child.
i. (b) they had proved the test of time and were
4. Read the extract given below and answer the
working well.
questions that follows :
ii. The ‘‘fire in the furnaces has not yet been During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be
extinguished” implies furnaces are still being our friend, companion and guide. lie used to come
used to bake the loaves of bread.

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

forgetting their family bonds. Simple matters of Extract Based Question

everyday are getting replaced by complex style of
living. Children should remember that small acts 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
of innocence maintained in childhood are greatly questions that follows :
cherished later. Children should not try to rush “Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet
into adulthood and stay in childhood stage as bread known as the ‘bol’ just as a party or a feast
long as possible. loses its charm without bread. Not enough can
be said to show how important a baker can be
11. ‘During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to for a village. The lady of the house must prepare
be our friend, companion and guide’. What does sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s
this statement tell you about the character of the engagement. Cakes and ‘bor are a must for
narrator? Are there some traits of the character of Christmas as well as other festivals. Thus, the
the narrator which need to be developed in you?
presence of the baker in the village is absolutely
Ans : 2007
essential.”
The narrator Lucio Rodrigues becomes nostalgic
as he talked about a traditional Goan village i. Breads are a very important part of the
baker who occupied a special place in the society. culture of the people in Goa. Which of
He referred to the baker as his friend, companion the given options does not corroborate the
and guide. It shows that the people of Goa are rich statement?
in human values. The narrator himself has respect (a) Bols are central to marriage celebrations
for all the professions. He never looks down upon and festivals.
anybody. The baker with his disciplined routine (b) Festivals especially Christmas are
and the most sought after loaves of bread teaches incomplete without cakes.
the children the value of being punctual. Certain (c) Every house has their own furnace in
social values like love, compassion, empathy and
Goa.
a sense of cooperation are there that need to be
developed. These qualities make a person a useful (d) Special sandwiches are made on a
member of the society. Moreover, no profession daughter’s engagement.
should be looked down upon. ii. What makes the marriage gifts meaningless?
Answer in about 40 words.
12. The Portuguese still remember their good old iii. The word ‘sandwich’ is named after the Earl
days, the traditional bakers and their loaves of
of Sandwich who loved eating sandwiches.
bread. This fact reflected the deep-rooted love for
Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
their culture and traditions. What lesson do you
identify which one does not correspond to the
learn from their life ?
name of a person in its origin as shown in the
Ans : 2004

The author enjoys listening to the stories of his extract.

elders about the Portuguese baker and their (a) It is Murphy’s Law.
delicious loaves of bread. Time has changed now. (b) Maintain the temperature at 200
Bakers are still remembered but metaphorically. If Fahrenheit.
any person is seen wearing a half pant that reaches (c) We are leaving for the Indira Gandhi
just below the knees or has a plump physique, he International airport.
is called a baker. This reflects the Goan’s love and iv. What is the traditional name of bakers in
respect for their tradition and culture. Their life
Goa and what made them different from
teaches us a valuable lesson to be connected to
other people in appearance?
our roots. It helps us in maintaining our identity
Ans : 2021
all over the world. We should not be influenced by
Western culture. Indian tradition is well known i. (c) Every house has their own furnace in Goa.
for its unity in diversity. We have a rich legacy ii. A marriage gift would have no meaning if a
of culture and values. It is our duty to preserve sweet bread known as the ‘bol’ is not served
our heritage and have love and respect for age-old to the guests just like a party feast loses its
traditions. charm without this sweet bread.
iii. (c) We are leaving for the Indira Gandhi
International airport.

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Page 372 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

its coffee plantations and rain forests. The place Water Games of Coorgi
has an amazing weather throughout the year There flows the Cauvery river from the hills and
with enough rain during the monsoon season. A forests of Coorg. Fish like Mahaseer and Kingfishers
variety of animals can be found here while the etc. are abundant in these waters. Other creatures
place is surrounded by beautiful Brahmagiri hills, like squirrels, langurs and elephants enjoy the
islands and Tibetan settlements. splash and ripple effect in the clear water. The
elephants can be seen bathing and their mahouts
scrub them. The games like rafting, canoeing,
2. Characters rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking and
Coorgis walking trails are favourite with the trekkers.
The people of Coorg are very brave and courageous. There one can enjoy the birds, bees, butterflies,
It is said that they are of Greek descent. Some macaques, malabar squirrels. Langurs and slender
people say that they are the descendents of the loris are there to company us. They sit on the trees
Arabs. The first chief of the Indian army was and keep a watchful eye on the visitors.
General Cariappa who was a Coorgi. Other Surprises of Coorg
The ride on the elephant is very joyous. One can
enjoy a climb on the Brahmagiri hills. It provides
3. summary a clear cut worth seeing view of Coorg. There
Situation of Coorg one can see the rope bridge which leads to the
Coorg. is situated midway between Mysore and sixty-four acre island of Nisargadhama. Walking
the coastal town of Mangalore. It is a heaven on over this rope-bridge creates trembling sensations
earth carried gently by the air with great efforts in the body. There one can come across India’s
from the kingdom of God. Here one can find the largest Tibetan colony. It is run by the Buddhist
martial men who have shown their valour in the monks. It is near Bylakuppe. It is inhabited by
war. It is a home of evergreen forests, spices, monks who wear red, ochre and yellow clothes. A
coffee, wild animals and other kinds of shrubs. number of visitors visit to discover the heart and
During the monsoon, it rains heavily and visitors soul of India in Coorg. One can reach there by
fail to enjoy the perfect bliss of kilt earth. From reaching Madikeri. It is the district headquarter.
September to March the weather is all embracing The misty hills, lush forests and coffee plantation
and the air breathes of invigorating coffee. In will cost a spell on us. From Bangalore, Mysore
prime corners one can see coffee estates and and Mangalore one can reach Coorg. From
colonial bungalows. Bangalore it is about 250-260 km.
Origin of People of Coorg
Coorg or Kodagu is the smallest district of 4. Word meanings
Karnataka. Its people are possibly of Greek
or Arabic descent. As the story goes on that a 1. Midway - in the mid path
part of Alexander’s army moved south along the 2. Coastal - near the coast
coast and settled here since the return became 3. Heaven - paradise
impossible. So these people married the locals and 4. Drifted from - carried along
adopted their rites. Even today we can see some 5. Kingdom - country
difference from the Hindu mainstream. There is 6. Inhabited - resided by
another theory of Arab origin. The Kodagus wear 7. Martial - relating with war
black coat with an embroidered waist belt known 8. Creatures - animals that remains
as Kuppia, it resembles the Kuffia worn by the 9. Evergreen - always green
Arabs and the Kurds. 10. Spices - spices
11. Pours - rains
Famous for Valour 12. Commences - starts
Coorgi homes are very hospitable. There are so 13. Showers - rain
many tales of valour related to their sons and 14. Invigorating - enlivening
fathers. Coorg Regiment is famous in the Indian 15. Colonial - pertaining to a colony
Army. General Cariappa, the first chief of Indian 16. Tucked - with complete nearness
Army was a Coorgi. Only the Kodagus are the 17. Canopies - hanging covers that form a shelter
people in India who are permitted to carry firearms 18. Prime - best quality
without a licence. They are famous for showing 19. Fiercely - very much
utmost bravery before the enemy. 20. Descent - lineage

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

at least twice a day. Once, when he set out in saw bakers wearing a shin and trousers which
the morning on his selling round, and then again, were shorter than full-length ones and longer than
when he returned after emptying his huge basket. half pants. Even today, anyone who wears a half
The jingling thud of his bamboo woke us up from pant which reaches just below the knees invites
sleep and we ran to meet and greet him. Why the comment that he is dressed like a pader! The
was it so? Was it for the love of the loaf? Not baker usually collected his bills at the end of the
at all. The loaves were bought by some Paskine month. Monthly accounts used to be recorded
or Bastine, the maid-servant of the house! What on some wall in pencil. Baking was indeed a
we longed for were those bread-bangles which we profitable profession in the old days.
chose carefully. Sometimes it was sweet bread of i. The author says that ‘Baking was indeed a
special make. profitable profession in the old days.’ Which
i. The author says, ‘He used to come at least of the following reasons justify this claim?
twice a day.’ What is meant by this? (a) Everyone routinely bought bread.
(a) The pader had a habit of visiting the (b) Bread was always sold fresh.
neighbourhood multiple times. (c) All social occasions were somehow linked
(b) The bread was baked fresh and delivered with bread.
fresh. (d) Monthly accounts used to be recorded on
(c) The customers demanded more than one some wall in pencil.
visit. ii. People wearing half-pants were taunted in
(d) A pader tried to sell all the loaves he had Goa. Why? Answer in 40 words.
baked for the day. iii. The presence of the baker’s furnace in the
ii. What attracted the children to rush to the village was absolutely essential because
door on hearing the jingle of the pader’s _____.
bamboo? iv. Paders used to wear a peculiar dress known
iii. We know that the pader used to come early as the ‘kabar. Replace the word ‘peculiar’
morning because _____. with another from the options given below so
iv. ‘The jingling thud of his bamboo woke us that the meaning remains the same.
up from sleep...’ In the options given below, (a) absurd (b) strange
which words express the same relationship as (c) silly (d) ridiculous
‘jingling thud’ in the extract? Ans : 2015
(a) ecstatic joy (b) eerie silence i. (c) All social occasions were somehow linked
(c) shrieking cry (d) boiling rage with bread.
Ans : 2014
ii. People dressed in half pants were teased
i. (d) A pader tried to sell all the loaves he had because of its local association with the
baked for the day. traditional dress of the baker. Such people
ii. The children were attracted by either sweet were derided as ‘dressed like paders.’
bread or bread-bangles in the pader’s basket. iii. no function, no festival, no party was possible
Allured by the aroma of loaves of fresh bread, in the absence of a baker.
they used to climb on parapets or on a bench
iv. (ii) strange
to peep into the baker’s basket. The bangles
of sweet bread were a great fascination for
them.
iii. the children would be still sleeping. II
iv. (c) shrieking cry
COORG
5. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows :
Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the 1. introduction
village is absolutely essential. The baker or bread- The chapter ‘Glimpses of India’ is divided into
seller of those days had a peculiar dress known three parts. This is the second part of the chapter
as the ‘kabai. It was a single-piece long frock written by Lokesh Abrol. This is a pen portrait
reaching down to the knees. In our childhood we of Coorg which is a beautiful place favours for

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Page 374 Discursive Passage Chapter 5
Ans : 2. a pleasant person
1. They are fiercely independent people and a pleasant pillow
have descended from the Greeks or the Arabs. Ans :
2. Coffee is the main crop of Coorg. 1. The odd sentence is ‘How young are you?’
3. It mostly offers adventure sports which 2. The odd phrase is ‘a pleasant pillow’.
include river rafting, canoeing, rappelling,
rock climbing and mountain biking. 2. Here are some nouns from the text.
4. The animals likely to be seen in Coorg are
macaques, Malabar squirrel, langurs, slender culture monks surprise
loris, elephants etc. experience weather tradition
5. By road, it is around 250 - 260 km. from
Bangalore. Work with a partner and discuss which of the
nouns can collocate with which of the adjectives
4. Here are six sentences with some words in italics. given below. The first one has been done for you.
Find phrases from the text that have the same
meaning. (Look in the paragraphs indicated) unique terrible unforgettable
1. During monsoons it rains so heavily that
serious ancient wide
tourists do not visit Coorg. (Para 2)
2. Some people say that Alexander’s army moved sudden
south along the coast and settled there. (Para
3) 1. culture : unique culture, ancient culture
3. The Coorg people are always ready to tell 2. monks : ______________
stories of their son’s and father’s valour. 3. surprise : ______________
(Para 4) 4. experience : ______________
4. Even people who normally lead an easy 5. weather : ______________
and slow life get smitten by the high energy 6. tradition : ______________
adventure sports of Coorg. (Para 6)
5. The theory of the Arab origin is supported Ans :
by the long coat with embroidered waist-belt
they wear. (Para 3) 1. culture unique culture, ancient
culture
6. Macaques, Malabar squirrels observe you
carefully from the tree canopy. (Para 7) 2. monks unforgettable monks, unique
Ans : monks
1. to keep visitors away. 3. surprise sudden surprise, terrible
2. As one story goes. surprise
3. are more than willing to recount. 4. experience serious experience, sudden
4. The most laid-back individuals become experience, wide experience
converts to the high.
5. weather unforgettable weather
5. draws support from.
6. keep a watchful eye. 6. tradition ancient tradition

Thinking About Language 3. Complete the following phrases from the text. For
each phrase, can you find at least one other word
1. Collocations that would fit into the blank?
Certain words ‘go together’. Such ‘word friends’
are called collocations’. The collocation of a word 1. tales of _____
is ‘the company it keeps’. 2. coastal _____
For example, look at the paired sentences and 3. a piece of _____
phrases below. Which is a common collocation, 4. evergreen _____
and which one is odd? Strike out the odd sentence
5. _____ plantations
or phrase.
6. _____ bridge
1. ‘How old are you?’
‘How young are you?’ 7. wild _____

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

21. Alexander - name of a brave warrior 5. MESSAGE

22. Impractical - impossible
The lesson gives us a beautiful insight of the
23. Apparent - clear
smallest district of Karnataka and its people.
24. Traditions - customs
Coorg is beautifully located and described as a
25. Rites - customs
piece of heaven that must have drifted from the
26. Distinct - different
kingdom of God. It has rolling hillsides with a
27. Mainstream - a tradition that most people
pollution free river and forests teeming with
follow
wildlife. Here nature exists in its pristine glory,
28. Embroidered - work of needle and thread
which adds to the diversity of India. The local
29. Hospitality - custom of welcoming
people, the Kodavus, are well known for their
30. Recount - recall
hospitality, just like all Indians. All these features
31. Numerous - many
of Coorg add to the diversity of our country.
32. Tales - stories
33. Valour - bravery
34. Related - concerning 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
35. Most decorated - receiving maximum awards
for bravery in a war
36. Permitted - allowed Activity
37. Abound - overflow 1. What parts of India have you lived in, or visited?
38. Partially - a small part Can you name some popular tourist destinations?
39. Ripple - current of the waves
40. Splash - dripping I have lived in East India and Rajasthan. Popular
41. Scrubbed - rubbed tourist destinations are Darjeeling, Kalimpong,
42. Mahouts - who takes care of an elephant Shillong, Jaipur, Jaisalmer etc.
43. Laidback - peaceful
44. Adventure - courageously Thinking About the Text
45. Converts - changes
46. Rafting - travel in a river in a raft 1. Where is Coorg?
47. Raft - a platform made by tying planks O
together Where is Coorg? What is it famous for?
48. Canoeing - travel in a river in a large narrow Ans : 2012
boat Coorg or Kodagu is the smallest district of
49. Numerous - many Karnataka. It is situated midway between Mysore
50. Trails - paths created by walking and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is famous
51. Region - area for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather and lush
52. Rappelling - going down a rock by sliding green rainforests.
down a rope
53. Favourite - lovely 2. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s
54. Trekkers - travellers descent?
55. Watchful - vigilant Ans : 2013

56. Loris - a kind of lemur The fiercely independent people of Coorg are
57. Slender - polite descendents of Greeks or Arabs. A section of
58. Step aside - keep away Alexander’s army moved South along the coast
59. Prefer - look nice and settled here only when they were unable to
60. Panoramic view - a view of a wide area return to their country. These people married
61. Entire - complete among the locals.
62. Misty - foggy
63. Settlement - colony 3. What are some of the things you now know about?
64. Bonus - extra dividend
1. the people of Coorg?
65. Monks - sadhu
2. the main crop of Coorg?
66. Ochre - yellowish and orange colour
67. Robes - dress 3. the sports it offers to a tourists?
68. Discovered - found out 4. the animals you are likely to see in Coorg?
69. Surprises - wonders 5. its distance from Bangalore and how to get
70. Wild - wicked there?

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Page 376 Discursive Passage Chapter 5
Ans : 2010
tales of valour related to their sons and fathers.”
(b) Evergreen Forests Elaborate with reference to the chapter “Glimpses
14. What is referred to as ‘a piece of heaven’ ? of India”.
Ans : 2023
(a) Swimming Pool (b) Coorg Coorgi Regiment of Army is the most decorated
(c) Night (d) None of these regiment with several awards and accolades.
Ans : 2009 Coorgis are the only people allowed to carry
(b) Coorg firearms without a license in India. In these
ways, Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery is
15. Where is Coorg situated? recognized in modern India.
(a) between Mysore and the coastal town of
Bangalore. 3. Why does the author in ‘Coorg’ say that the
(b) between Mysore and the coastal town of visitors’ search for the heart and soul of India
would be found in Coorg?
Mangalore.
Ans : 2021
(c) between Mangalore and the coastal town of Different aspects of Indian culture and tradition
Bangalore. can be experienced in Coorg. It is home to
(d) None of these beautiful landscapes, coffee plantations, spice
Ans : 2008
gardens, Buddhist monks and monasteries. India’s
(b) between Mysore and the coastal town of amazing diversity is present here. That’s why the
Mangalore. author says that the visitors’ search for the heart
and soul of India would be found in Coorg.
16. What are the activities available in Coorg?
(a) River-rafting (b) Canoeing 4. Coorgis belong to a valorous and hospitable race.
(c) Mountain climbing (d) All of these Comment on this statement with reference to the
Ans : 2007 text.
(d) All of these Ans : 2021

The people of Coorg are known for their bravery.

17. What type of people inhabit this land of rolling Even now only Kodavus (people of Coorg) are
hills? allowed to carry firearms without a licence.
(a) Martial Man (b) Evergreen Man Coorgis are said to be very hospitable. They
(c) Mountain Man (d) None of these entertain their guests with the stories of their
Ans : 2005 ancestors’ bravery.
(a) Martial Man
5. Do adventure sports like river rafting and rock
climbing require a person to possess just physical
Short Answer Type Question strength? Why/Why not?
Ans : 2021

1. Coorg has been defined as a ‘piece of heaven’ by Besides physical strength, psychological or mental
the writer. Justify. stability is equally important for adventurous
Ans : 2024 sports. The adventurer should be able to take
Coorg, described in “Glimpses of India,” earns its quick action in case of any emergency. He should
‘piece of heaven’ title through its stunning natural be aware of natural disasters and must have taken
beauty. With its undulating hills, lush coffee precautionary safety measures with him.
plantations, dense forests, and rich biodiversity,
Coorg offers a breathtaking escape into nature. 6. Describe Coorg’s weather. When is it most
The serene ambience, coupled with the region’s pleasant for the tourists to visit Coorg?
exotic wildlife, cascading waterfalls, and soothing O
climate, encapsulates a paradise-like setting that In Coorg, which is the season of joy? Why?
mesmerizes visitors, making it a vivid portrayal of Ans : 2021, 2011

heaven on Earth. The weather of Coorg is pleasant during the

months from September to March. During that
2. “Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and time, the weather is perfect with some showers
they are more than willing to recount numerous thrown in for good measure. During the monsoon,
it receives heavy rainfall.

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

looking at the beautiful scenery.” iii. Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only.
ii. State True or False : Pranjol’s _____ comes through clearly
The reason Rajvir was interested in looking at when he exclaims, “You will see enough
the beautiful scenery was that the detective gardens to last you a lifetime!”
book he was reading, was not interesting. iv Select the option that correctly captures the
iii. People who live in big cities are always application of the word ‘cried’ as used in line
fascinated by the natural beauty and 1 of the extract.
abundant greenery. Elaborate in about 40 (a) Jaspreet cried a lot in spite of winning
words, with reference to the extract. second place in a competition.
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute (b) Jaspreet cried out loud when she saw a
‘doll-like figures’, in the given sentence from white tiger in the sanctuary.
the extract ? (c) Jaspreet cried for hours when the police
Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy were unable to find her lost pet.
shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of (d) Jaspreet has barely cried since she was
bushes busily moved doll-like figures. three years of age.
Ans : 2024 Ans : 2022

i. Rajvir, while also interested in reading i. (c) He had grown up in and around tea
detective stories, was currently captivated by gardens.
the greenery of the place, choosing to cherish ii. By this statement Pranjol means that Assam
it rather than delve into a novel. has the largest number of plantations in a
ii. False given area. A high concentration means that
iii. People residing in metropolitan cities often the tea gardens are tightly packed next to
lack exposure to scenic beauty amidst the each other.
hustle and bustle of urban life. When they iii. boredom
encounter natural landscapes., they appreciate iv. (b) Jaspreet cried out loud when she saw a
them. Rajvir exemplifies this; despite his love white tiger in the sanctuary.
for detective stories, he opted to enjoy the
scenery instead. 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
iv. tea pluckers/tiny people questions that follows :
“Tell me another!” scoffed Pranjol.
2. Read the extract given below and answer the “We have an Indian legend too.
questions that follow : Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic,
“Hey, a tea garden!” Rajvir cried excitedly. cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during
Pranjol, who had been born and brought up on a meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the
plantation didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement. “Oh, eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in
this is tea country now,” he said. “Assam has the hot water and drunk, banished sleep.”
largest concentration of plantations in the world. “Tea was first drunk in China,” Rajvir added,
You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!” “as far back as 2700 B.C.! In fact, words such
“I have been reading as much as I could about as tea, chai and chini are from the Chinese. Tea
tea,” Rajvir said. “No one really knows who came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and
discovered tea but there are many legends.” was drunk more as medicine than as beverage.”
i. Why was Pranjol not as excited as Rajvir i. What is the main idea of this extract?
about the tea gardens? ii. Why do you think Pranjol ‘scoffed’ ? Answer
(a) He disliked looking at tea gardens. in about 40 words.
(b) He had worked in tea gardens himself. iii. When did tea come to Europe?
(c) He had grown up in and around tea iv. State TRUE or FALSE.
gardens. None of the descriptions (a)-(d) correctly
(d) He was bored with tea gardens. corresponds to the extract.
ii. What does Pranjol mean by saying that (a) A conversation is a talk between two or
Assam has the largest concentration of more people, in which news and ideas are
plantations in the world? exchange.

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Page 378 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

19. How do we know that Kodavus are a race of polluted air gives an indication when I enter my
warriors? native place. I visited Coorg to satisfy my urge
Ans : 2007 for a natural adventure that is present in Delhi
The Coorg families take pride in narrating the in a different form altogether. Boarding and
tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. deboarding a crowded bus or train is an adventure
The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in itself in metropolitan cities. For the first time,
with bravery medals. The first chief of the Indian after seeing the monks and the monasteries
Army, General Cariappa was a Coorgi. I realised that the Tibetan culture is so pure
and unique. Being a nature lover I understand
20. How can one reach Coorg ? the value of flora and fauna in maintaining the
Ans : 2006
ecosystem that is getting worse day by day in
One can reach Coorg either by road, rail or air. our city. I hope the Corona pandemic would
There are two road routes from Bangalore. Both make people understand the importance of the
are about 250-260 km. The route via Mysore is conservation of the environment.
frequented one. The other route is via Neelamangal,
Kurigal and Chanrayanapatna. 2. How do Coorg’s location, people and natural
features add to the diversity of India?
21. Describe the natural beauty of Coorg.
O
Ans : 2006

Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and Reading ‘Coorg’ gives us an opportunity to see
the coastal town of Mangalore in Karnataka state. the beautiful Coorg and to know the people and
It is a beautiful region of ‘rolling hills’ and lush beauty of it. This way lies its beauty which adds
green rain forests. It is famous for coffee, spices to the diversity of the country. This value lies in
and wildlife. Coorg’s location, people and nature. Do you agree
with it? If so write a paragraph on these aspects
22. Why are the people of Coorg known as descendants and the need to know all these.
of the Arabs? Ans : 2017, 2016
Ans : 2005 Coorg is beautifully located and described as
The theory of the people of Coorg as descendants a piece of heaven that must have drifted from
of the Arabs draws support from the long, black the kingdom of God. It has rolling hillsides with
coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the a pollution free river and forests teaming with
Kodavus known as kuppia. It resembles the kuffia wildlife. Here nature exists in its pristine glory,
worn by the Arabs and the Kurds. which ads to the diversity of India. Further, it has
coffee and spices plantations, quite different from
the rest of India. The local people, the Kodavus,
Long Answer Type Question are a martial race. Of course, they are well known
for their hospitality, just like all Indians. All these
1. Pen down a brief travelogue* entry, narrating
features of Coorg add to the diversity of our
any personal impression/s about a visit to Coorg.
country.
Include your reflections about the differences
between the place where you live and the place 3. One is known by one’s roots. The people of Coorg
you’ve visited. are also recognized for their values and traits in
(*A travelogue is a person’s account of a journey spite of being thousands of miles away from their
to another country or place. It can either be a places of origin-Greece and Arabia. Describe their
written report with many factual details or a values and traits.
narrative story about personal impressions and Ans : 2017
experiences.) You may begin like this… It is true that one is known by one’s roots. So,
As I stepped into the land of evergreen forests, in the context, the fiercely independent people
I was blown away by the pristine beauty and of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic origin.
………… The Coorgis have their roots in their places of
Ans : 2021 origin, that is, Greece and Arabia. So, their blood
As I stepped into the land of Evergreen forest, or culture is apparent in their martial traditions.
I was blown away by the Pristine beauty and They are more than willing to recount
lush greenery of Coorg. The invigorating coffee numerous tales of valour related to their sons and
and spices flavour keep reminding you that you fathers. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most
are in Coorg. At this moment I recalled how the decorated in the Indian Army. Although Coorgis

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

You may add your own examples to this list. 6. “The climb to the _____ hills brings you into
Ans : a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape
of Coorg.”
Missing Alternate word
(a) Brahmagiri (b) Himalayan
1. valour bravery (c) Nilgiri (d) Parvati
2. town belt, village Ans : 2015

(a) Brahmagiri
3. heaven cake
4. rainforests jungle 7. The first chief of the Indian Army is from
_____.
5. coffee tea, banana
(a) coorg (b) Goa
6. rope steel, concrete
(c) Mysore (d) Punjab
7. creatures animals Ans : 2013

(a) coorg

7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS 8. Coorg is a _____ country.

(a) tea (b) bread
Multiple Choice
Type Question (c) coffee (d) green
Ans : 2013

1. Who is the author of “Coorg”? (c) coffee

(a) Arup Kumar Datta (b) Lokesh Abrol
9. Where is Coorg situated?
(c) Lucio Rodrigues (d) None of these
(a) Mysore (b) Mangalore
Ans : 2021

(b) Lokesh Abrol (c) Karnataka (d) Kerala

Ans : 2013

2. Which plantation is popular there? (c) Karnataka

(a) Tea Plantation (b) Coffee Plantation
10. _____ river obtains its water from Coorg.
(c) Wheat Plantation (d) None of these
(a) Yamuna (b) Narmada
Ans : 2020

(b) Coffee Plantation (c) Kaveri (d) Tapi

Ans : 2011, 2006

3. What covers thirty percent area of the district of (c) Kaveri

Kodagu?
11. What are the activities available in Coorg?
(a) Deciduous Forests (b) Evergreen Forests
(a) River-rafting (b) Canoeing
(c) Mountains (d) None of these
Ans : 2020
(c) Mountain biking (d) All of these
(b) Evergreen Forests Ans : 2013

(d) All of these

4. What is referred to as ‘a piece of heaven’ ?
12. What is canoeing?
(a) Swimming Pool (b) Coorg
(a) travelling in a river in a canoe
(c) Night (d) None of these
Ans : 2020
(b) travelling in a river in a raft
(b) Coorg (c) going down a cliff by sliding down a rope
(d) All of these
5. What is rappelling? Ans : 2011
(a) travelling in a river in a canoe (a) travelling in a river in a canoe
(b) travelling in a river in a raft
13. What covers thirty percent area of the district of
(c) going down a cliff by sliding down a rope
Kodagu?
(d) None of these
(a) Deciduous Forests (b) Evergreen Forests
Ans : 2015

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Page 380 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

9. The Coorgis are the descendants of the Greeks or (c) An aside is a brief comment or remark
the Arabs and are still are able to maintain their made by a character directly to the
traditional practices. Do you agree that following audience, which is not intended to be
these practices today is important ? Why/Why heard by other characters on stage.
not? (d) A Ballad is a short poem that tells a
Ans : 2006
simple story and has a repeated refrain.
After reading the text, I feel that it is important
iv. Which is the best time to visit Coorg? Answer
to follow the traditional practices, as it has kept
the tradition of Coorgis known to the people in about 40 words.
even today. If the people of Coorg had not Ans : 2018

followed it their tradition would have perished i. The residential unit for members of the
and nobody would have remembered them today British colonial community.
because of their culture and traditional practices. ii. The given line means that it rains very heavily
According to the text, their traditions can be during monsoons. So, only a very few people
seen in the martial traditions, religious rites and visit Coorg during this time.
marriages. The Kodavus even wear the dress iii. True
which resembles Arabs. Traditional practices also
play a very important role in maintaining values iv. The weather of Coorg is pleasant for the
amongst people and have an impact on shaping tourists during the months from September
the behaviour of people. to March. At this time, the smell of coffee is
spread all around making it the best time to
visit Coorg.
Extract Based Question
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
questions that follows : These people married amongst the locals and
Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of their culture is apparent in the martial traditions,
Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices marriage and religious rites, which are distinct
and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests from the Hindu mainstream. The theory of Arab
cover thirty per cent of this district. During origin draws support from the long, black coat
the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the
visitors away. The season of joy commences from Kodavus. Known as kuppia, it resembles the
September and continues till March. The weather kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good i. Which things show that their culture is
measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. distinct from Hindu mainstream in the above
Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand extract?
tucked under tree canopies in prime corners. (a) Martial traditions (b) Marriage
i. What do you understand by the term colonial (c) Religious rites (d) All of these
bungalow? ii. What is so similar between Kodavus and
ii. What can be inferred from the given line? Arabs?
“During the monsoons, it pours enough to iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
keep many visitors away” identify which one correctly corresponds to
iii. State TRUE or FALSE. the extract.
Only (b) correctly corresponds to the extract. (a) An autobiographical account describing
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a the author’s feelings and thought
particular topic, usually with two or more regarding an event in her life.
people presenting different viewpoints
(b) A debate is a formal discussion on a
and arguments.
particular topic, usually with two or more
(b) A description is the pattern of narrative people presenting different viewpoints
development that aims to make vivid a and arguments.
place, object, character, or group.
(c) A brochure which gives us a picture of
the places’ culture, people and tourist
destination.

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

7. How will a tourist enjoy when he climbs the or Arabic origin. A part of Alexander’s Army is
Brahmagiri hills? said to have settled here. This is clear from their
Ans : 2021 traditions and religious rites, which are ‘distinct
he climb to the Brahmagiri hills not only from the Hindu mainstream’. The theory of Arab
offers the panoramic view of the entire misty origin draws support from the long, black coat
landscape of coorg, but also it is a geteway to worn by the Kodavus, known as Kuppia.
many hidden surprises. Besides, a walk across
the rope bridge leads to the sixty-four-acre island 13. Write down Alexander’s story about Coorg’s
of Nisargadhama. Then, there is India’s largest descent.
Tibbetan settlement, Bylakuppe. Ans : 2011

According to one story, Coorgs are the Greek or

8. The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage Arabic descent. It is said that a part of Alexander’s
and bravery. How has it been recognised in army moved along the south coast. When their
modern India? return become impossible,they settled there and
Ans : 2015 married the locals.
Coorgis are a proud race of martial men and
beautiful women. They are very hospitable and 14. Why do most of the visitors keep away from Coorg
entertain their guests by relating stories of bravery during the monsoons? When do they resume their
of their sons and fathers. journey? Give reasons.
The Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery Ans : 2011

has been recognized by awarding the Coorg Most of the visitors keep away from Coorg during
Regiment with the most number of gallantry the monsoons because it pours very heavily during
awards. Besides, the Coorgis are the only Indians the monsoons. They resume their journey from
allowed to carry firearms without a license. September till March when the weather is perfect
with little showers.
9. Which season is the best to visit Coorg?
Ans : 2015 15. Describe the wild life of Coorg.
The best season to visit Coorg is from autumn to Ans : 2010

spring, that is, the season of joy from September A large freshwater fish abound in these water.
to March. Then, the weather is perfect, with Kingfishers dive for their catch. Squirrels and
some showers thrown in for good measure. The langurs drop partially eaten fruit to enjoy the
air breathes of invigorating coffee. splash and ripple effect. Elephants enjoy bathing
in the river.
10. What proves Kodavu people’s Arab descent?
Ans : 2015 16. Why is Coorg called the land of rolling hills?
It is believed that part of Alexander’s army moved Ans : 2010

south along the coast and settled there. They Coorg is called the land of rolling hills because it
married the local people. Their dress, long black has a lot of hills and is itself a hill station. The
coat known as Kuppia, resembles the Kuffia worn hills seem to roll down in a panoramic view.
by the Arabs. This proves that Kodavu people are
17. How do the wild animals, birds and beasts enjoy
of Arab descent.
the clear water of the Kavery?
11. What attractions in Coorg wait to be discovered by Ans : 2008

tourists? In the fresh water of Kavery one can see the fish
and other animals enjoying. Squirrels and langurs
Ans : 2012, 2008 threw half eaten fruits to enjoy the splash of water.
Coorg is a place of beautiful sights and tourists The elephants enjoy bathing and the fish dive for
have full interest in it. The main attractions in their catch.
Coorg that wait to be discovered by tourists are
river rafting, rock climbing, canoeing, rappelling, 18. Coorgis are hospitable by nature. Explain.
mountain biking and elephant-riding. Natural
Ans : 2008
sights like rainforests also attract the tourists.
Coorgis are a proud race of martial men and beautiful
12. What is Coorg famous for? What is the story women. They are very hospitable and entertain their
about the Kodavu people’s descent guests by relating stories of bravery of their soon and
Ans : 2012 fathers.
It is said that the people of Coorg are of Greek

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during the summer vacation. The chapter talks sixteenth century that tea came to Europe. That
about the journey of Rajvir to Assam, the city of time it was used as medicine. Then the train
tea plantations. Rajvir is impressed by the beauty reached Mariani junction. These boys collected
of the tea plantations and mesmerising natural their luggage. Pranjol’s parents took them in a
beauty of the place. car towards Dhekiabari. It was Pronjol’s father’s
tea-garden. There were tea bushes on both sides
of the road. Women were plucking the tea leaves
2. Characters in bamboo baskets. May to July are the best
months of tea yielding.
Pranjol
Pranjol is a native of Assam. He is studying in
Delhi and loves to read detective stories. 4. Word meanings
Rajvir 1. Youngster - a young lad
Rajvir is Pranjol’s friend. He loves to do his work 2. Classmate - class-fellow
meticulously. He is going to Assam to visit the tea 3. Vendor - seller
estates. He is very excited about it. 4. High pitched - high voice
5. Sipped - drank
6. Steaming - vapoured
3. summary 7. Whew - surprise
Train Journey for Assam 8. Exclaimed - said in wonder
Pranjol and Rajvir are class-fellows in Delhi. The 9. Detective - spy
parents of Pranjol are living in Assam. Pranjol’s 10. Ardent - firm
father is a manager of a tea-garden in Upper 11. Keener - anxious
Assam. So Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit 12. Admitted - accepted
Assam during the summer vacation. Both are in a 13. Magnificent - grand and decent
train journey. When the train stopped, the vender 14. Densely - deep
called out ‘Chai garam, garam...chai.” Pranjol 15. Stretched - spread
ordered for two cups of tea. Other passengers 16. Dwarfing - small
were also sipping tea in the compartment. Rajvir 17. Sturdy - powerful
told that over 8,00,000,000 cups of tea were drunk 18. Billowing - moving mass of cloud steam etc.
daily in the world. The train proceeded onwards. like a wave
19. Excitedly - with excitement
Magnificent View of Tea Plants 20. Brought up - cared for
When they were travelling, they came to view a 21. Concentration - attention
magnificent sight of tea bushes. There were tea- 22. Discovered - searched
plants like the stretch of the sea. They saw the tea 23. Legends - old stories
plants in orderly rows and a smoke was coming 24. Twigs - branches
out from a tall chimney of an ugly building. 25. Delicious - tasty
Rajvir was excited to see the tea-garden. Pranjol 26. Flavour - smell
told that it is a tea country. Rajvir told some 27. Ascetic - holy man
legends about tea. 28. Meditations - thinking of God
29. Banished - exiled
Legends about Tea
30. Beverage - liquid for drinking (excluding
According to one legend there was an ancient
water)
Buddhist ascetic. He felt asleep while meditating.
31. Clattered - made a sound
He did not like it and cut off his eyelids and threw
32. Veered - turned in a direction
on the ground. Ten tea plants grew out of the
33. Gravel-road - small pebbled road
eye-lids. When their leaves were put in hot water,
34. Pruned - trimmed
the drink removed sleep. There is another story
35. Aprons - cloth
of the Chinese emperor. He always boiled water
36. Sprouted - grown
before drinking. One day while boiling the water,
a few leaves of the twigs fell into the water. It
gave a delicious flavour. It is said that they were 5. MESSAGE
the tea-leaves.
Rajvir told that tea was first drunk in China. The story tells us about the popularity of tea as
Chai and Chini are from Chinese. It was in the a beverage. Over 80 crore cups of tea are drunk

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

are thousands of miles away from their places of 6. What do you know about the descent of people
origin - Greece and Arabia, they are virtually of Coorg ?
recognized for their values and traits. They have Ans : 2012, 2004

a tradition of hospitality. They are brave, fierce, The people of Coorg are said to be possibly of
independent and daredevil. This quality makes Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a
them unique. part of Alexander’s Army moved south along the
coast and settled at Coorg. When their return
4. Explain “The people of Coorg are famous for their became impracticable, these people married
tradition of hospitality and valour in the army”. amongst the locals. Their culture is apparent in
O the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites
The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage which are quite distinct from what most Hindus
and bravery. How has it been recognized in follow.
modern India? The theory of Arab origin draws support
Ans : 2015, 2012 from the long black coat with an embroidered
It is quite true that the people of Coorg are famous waist belt worn by the people of Coorg known
for their tradition of hospitality, love, respect and as ‘Kuppia’, it resembles the ‘kuffia’ worn by the
fellow-feeling. People visiting Coorg always feel Arabs and the Kurds.
at home there and enjoy the panoramic view of The theory of a part of Alexander’s army
the whole landscape of Coorg. The visitors get settling in Coorg seems more appealing. Their
pleasure in riding over the elephants and the being a martial race and winning laurels in Indian
fresh smell of coffee plantation. The residents are Army and their rites being distinct from the
always eager to tell the tales of vigour; bravery Hindus points out favourably to this theory.
and courage only related to their sons and fathers.
These people show utmost courage and exemplary 7. Describe what you know about the descent of the
bravery during the war period. people of Coorg?
Coorg Regiment is famous for its bravery. Ans : 2010

The first Chief of Indian Army, General Cariappa The people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or
was a Coorgi. Even the Government has allowed Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of
the Coorgi people to carry firearms with them Alexander’s army moved south along the coast
without a licence. and settled here when return became impractical.
These people married among the locals. Their
5. How can one enjoy life in the region of Coorg? culture is evident in the martial traditions,
O marriage and religious rites. They are different
Describe Coorg’s weather, main crops and the from those of the Hindu mainstream. The theory
of Arab origin draws support from the long, black
sports which fascinate the visitors.
Ans : 2014
coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the
Coorg is a worth-seeing and worth-enjoying Kodavus known as Kuppia. This is like the Kuffia
tourist-cum-knowledgeable resort. Its people are worn by the Arabs and Kurds.
famous for valour and hospitality. If one wants to 8. The Coorgies are thousands of miles away from
visit, he must visit during September to March. their origin, Greece and Arab. Yet they carry on
During the Monsoon, heavy rains spoil the their unique values, customs and practices. Does
charm of the trip. The Kavery river is famous this makes them appreciable to you ?
for Mahaseer and Kingfisher. Both are the giant Ans : 2008
fish. In the forests one can enjoy the company of The Coorgies are said to descent of Greek
the squirrels, langurs, slender elephants and so or Arabic. It was by chance that had to settle
on. The elephant ride is a great attraction for thousands of miles away along south. But they
children. Coorg’s main crops are spices and coffee. never forgot their traditions and customs.
People having the relaxed mood can enjoy Coorgies leave a very important message to all of
numerous water games. Rock climbing and us. We learn that we should not forget our roots.
walking trails are very much favourite with the We always appreciate those Indians who inspite
trekkers. A climb to the Brahmagiri hills gives us of staying in west do not forget their culture.
the entire view of Coorg. One can enjoy walking It is our values and customs which bind us. We
over the rope bridge. always inherit traditional family values. A person
is mirror of his past. So I think that family and
traditional bonding should never be forgotten.

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2. Now use the adjectives in the exercise above, as • It is my feeling .....

appropriate, to write a paragraph about Coorg. • I suggest .....
Ans : • May I know why you .....
Coorg
• I am afraid .....
A trip to the smallest district of Coorg is very
Ans :
interesting as well as exciting. September to
March are the best months that will give you an Tea
invigorating effect on your health. The season It is very important to know that tea has become
of monsoon is boring. One can feel excited in very favourite with people. None of the festive
the company of birds, beasts, langurs in the party or occasion will be graceful without the
forests. The water games like rafting, canoeing availability of hot tea. Assam is the tea home of
and rappelling are worth-exciting and do not India and it is exported to other countries. The
create boredom for the trekkers. Coorgi people scientific research has established that tea has
show much interest and excitement in the Army. medicinal qualities. It gives relief in exhaustion,
The Coorgi Regiment is famous for its valour tooth ache and blood pressure. It is a real
and courage. There is the largest Indian Tibetan panacea for cold, cough and flu. Today one can
colony. The monks wear interesting robes of see that there are so many brands of tea. Sipping
yellow colour. tea twice a day will never harm our body. More
than 8,00,000,000 cups of tea are consumed daily.
Speaking and Writing In order to have a good flavour one can add
cardamom, etc.
1. Read the following passage about tea.
India and tea are so intertwined together that life 2. You are the sales executive of a famous tea company
without the brew is unimaginable. Tea entered and you have been asked to draft an advertisement
our life only in the mid-nineteenth century when for the product. Draft the advertisement using
the British started plantations in Assam and the information you collected for the role play.
Darjeeling. In the beginning though, Indians You can draw pictures or add photographs and
shunned the drink as they thought it was a poison make your advertisement colourful.
that led to unforeseen diseases. Ironically, tea Ans :
colonised Britain where it became a part of their
social diary and also led to the establishment of Green Tea Label Company of Assam has come
numerous tea houses. out with its new brand “Power Tea”. It removes
Today, scientific research across the world has tiredness and energies the body. Pack of 200
attempted to establish the beneficial qualities of gram is available from all local stores throughout
tea - a fact the Japanese and the Chinese knew India. Every pack has a lottery award and can
anyway from ancient times, attributing to it be received from the shopkeeper.
numerous medicinal properties. Assam Tea Assam Tea
[Source : History : Tea Anytime by Ranjit Biswas,
Literary Review, The Hindu, Oct. 1, 2006)]
Collect information about tea, e.g. its evolution 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
as a drink, its beneficial qualities. You can
consult an encyclopedia or visit internet sites.
They form groups of five and play the following Multiple Choice
Type Question
roles. Imagine a meeting of a tea planter, a sales
1. Who is the author of “Tea from Assam”?
agent, a tea-lover (consumer), a physician and a
tea-shop owner. Each person in group has to put (a) Arup Kumar Datta
forward his/her views about tea. You may use the (b) Lokesh AbrolWS
following words and phrases. (c) Lucio Rodrigues
• I feel ..... (d) None of these
• It is important to know ..... Ans : 2021

• I disagree with you ..... (a) Arup Kumar Datta

• I think that tea .....
2. How many tea plants grew out of the eyelids?
• I would like you to know .....
(a) Five tea plants (b) Ten tea plants
• I agree with .....
(c) Twenty tea plants (d) Thirty tea plants

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

bamboo on the ground. He would greet the lady 2. Now find a travel brochure about a place you have
of the house with ‘Good Morning’ and then place visited. Look at the description in the brochure.
the basket on the vertical bamboo peculiar. Then write your own account, adding details from
What the pader wore : The pader wore a peculiar your own experience, to give the reader a picture
dress known as kabai. It was single-piece long of the place, rather than an impersonal, factual
frock reaching down the knees. description.
When the pader was paid : The baker usually Ans :
collected his bills at the end of the month. For our best understanding let us study the
Monthly accounts used to be recorded on some following paragraph.
wall in pencil. A Visit To Delhi
How the pader looked : The pader was a fat plump Being adjacent to Delhi, we had an educational
man . He always looked happy and prosperous. tour of Delhi. We were four friends. We hired a
He gave the appearance of a jackfruit. radio taxi and reached the Qutab Minar. It is
the highest tower in India. Then we reached the
Indira Gandhi Airport. The aeroplanes added to
Writing - II our knowledge. We turned our taxi towards the
Budha Jayanti Park and neared the India Gate.
1. Compare the piece from the text (on the left
We were happy to see the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’. It
below) with this other piece on Goan bakers (on
reminds us of our brave soldiers. The Parliament
the right). What makes the two texts so different
House, the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Jantar
? Are the facts the same ? Do both writers give
Mantar are the wonderful works of art. It filled
you a picture of the baker ?
our heart with delight. The Rashtrapati Bhawan
is really awe-inspiring. Having a glance at the
Our elders are often After Goa’s liberation,
Appu Ghar and the Zoo, we returned towards the
heard reminisces people used to say
nostalgically about those nostalgically that the
Red Fort. It is the Moghul art of architecture.
g6od old Portuguese Portuguese bread There was a large crowd to see the Diwan-e-aam,
days, the Portuguese vanished with the Diwan-e-khas and the Rang Mahal. Our hearts
and their famous loaves paders. But the paders were full of wonder and joy.
of bread. Those eaters have managed to survive
of loaves might have because they have Group Discussion
vanished but the makers perfected the art of door
are still there. We still to door delivery service. 1. In groups, collect information on how bakeries
have amongst us the The paders pick up the bake bread now and how the process has changed
mixers, the moulders knowledge of bread- over time.
and those who bake the making from traditions Ans :
loaves. Those age-old in the family. The
The students will make a request and arrange a
time-tested furnaces leavened, over-baked
still exist. The fire in bread is a gift of the visit to any neighbouring bakery unit. They will
the furnaces had not yet Portuguese to India. collect the information and jot down the points
been extinguished. The involved in the different processes. Then they will
thud and the jingle of (Adapted from Nanda present it in a class in the shape of a paragraph.
the traditional baker’s kumar Kamat’s The Since everything is automatic, the man is only
bamboo, heralding his Unsung Lives of Goan to handle the machinery and note its proper
arrival in the morning, Paders’)
functioning.
can still be heard in
some places. 2. There are a number of craft-based professions
May be the father is which are dying out. Pick one of the crafts below.
not alive but the son
Make a group presentation to the class about the
still carries on the family
skills required, and the possible reasons for decline
profession.
of the craft.
Ans : Can you think of ways to revive these crafts?
Both the pieces are different. The piece on the 1. Pottery.
left gives a vivid and correct description of the 2. Carpentry
baker but on the right, it is hazy and different. 3. Batik work
Their language and the text fail to serve the real
4. Bamboo weaving
purpose.
5. Dhurri (rug) weaving

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17. The newly sprouted tea-leaves were being plucked before it is actually started. Pre-study brings out
by: possible advantages and disadvantages of the
(a) paid men labour (b) professionals proposed project. It might safeguard the venturer
from major physical or financial loss. Rajvir’s
(c) the group of women (d) the group of
study about the tea plantation increased both
shepherd
his knowledge and excitement about Assam’s tea
Ans : 2005
gardens. Researching before the start of a new
(c) the group of women
project, in fact, adds to the thrill of the discovery.
18. The large number of tea plantation is found in:
4. Inspired by the diversity in the chapter, ‘Glimpses
(a) Himachal (b) Punjab
of India’, you wrote an article for your school
(c) Haryana (d) Assam magazine on the topic, ‘Diversity-the Uniqueness
Ans : 2005
of India’. Write a paragraph, sharing two key
(d) Assam opinions from the article.
Ans : 2021
19. What have the tea plantations been compared to?
‘Diversity-the Uniqueness of India’India is a land
(a) A sea of Tea Bushes of different cultures and traditions. Every culture
(b) A house of Tea Bushes has its own uniqueness that makes it stand apart
(c) A continent of Tea Bushes from the other. The geographical and cultural
dissimilarities make a place distinct from the
(d) None of these
other. On one hand, Coorg exemplifies martial
Ans : 2001
bravery, beautiful women, and magnificent
(a) A sea of Tea Bushes
landscapes. While Assam’s geographical features
make it appropriate for tea production. Every
Short Answer Type Question region is identified by its own lifestyle.

1. What did Pranjol and Rajvir do during the 5. The culture, lifestyle and traditions of a place
journey? Why? are influenced by the people who lived or settled
Ans : 2023
there at some point in time. Cultural assimilation
Pranjol and Rajvir enjoyed their journey to adds flavour to the existing structure of a society.
Assam on a train. Rajvir was much excited as it Summarise your opinion on the given idea.
was for the first time he was visiting Assam to see Ans : 2021

the tea gardens. So, he was looking at the lush People bring with them their ideas, food recipes,
greenery outside the train. However, Pranjol read culture, lifestyle and tradition. These get
stories and listened to Rajvir as Assam was his assimilated with the existing structure of the
home so he had seen everything before. society. The Chinese tradition of drinking chai as
a morning energy booster is followed in almost
2. Pranjol buried his head in his detective book every household all over the world. Similarly,
while Rajvir was eager to look at the beautiful bread recipes invented by the Portuguese are a
scenery during the train journey. Why was there part of every festival and celebration. Today, the
a difference in their attitude? world respects Ayurved and Yog of Indian origin
Ans : 2021
more than any other way of treating diseases.
Pranjol had seen the tea gardens many times
because his father worked in a tea estate. But 6. What excited Rajvir? Why did Pranjol not share
it was Rajvir’s first visit to Assam who was his excitement?
admiring the scenic beauty outside while Pranjal Ans : 2018

was busy reading the book as there was nothing Rajvir was quite excited because it was his first
new for him to look outside. visit to Assam. He was looking at the tea gardens
in amazement. Pranjol didn’t share his excitement
3. Rajvir did his study before his visit to the tea as he lived in Assam and the tea estates were a
plantation. Is it good to do one’s research before daily affair for him and therefore he didn’t find
the start of a new venture or does it take away the anything special about these as Rajvir did.
thrill of discovery? Elucidate your stance.
7. What happened to the Chinese emperor in “Tea
Ans : 2021
from Assam” who always boiled water before
Researching gives an outline of the new venture

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

iii. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol going? iv. The picturesque beauty of tea plantations with
Answer in about 40 words. thick carpets of tea-bushes spread up to the
iv. Substitute the word ‘ardent’ with another horizon and tall trees having dense canopies
without changing the meaning of the sentence: is marred by an ugly building probably, a tea
‘Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective processing unit with billowing chimneys for
stories, but at the moment he was keener on the author.
looking at the beautiful scenery.’
Ans : 2014


i. (b) to be a bibliographer
ii. (c) Over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk
every day throughout the world.
iii. Classmates and friends, Rajvir and Pranjol
were travelling by train to Assam. Pranjol’s
father had tea-estates in Assam and Rajvir
had been invited to stay at the estate and get
to know about life on a plantation up close.
iv. passionate

6. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follows :
It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of
densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes stretched
as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea
plants were tall sturdy shade-trees and amidst
the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like
figures. In the distance was an ugly building with
smoke billowing out of tall chimneys.
“Hey, a tea garden!” Rajvir cried excitedly.
Pranjol, who had been born and brought up
on a plantation, didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement.
i. Which figure of speech has been used in ‘a sea
of bushes’ ?
(a) metaphor (b) simile
(c) personification (d) irony
ii. Who does the author refer to when he says
“doll like figures”?
(a) estate managers
(b) tea-pluckers
(c) agricultural machines
(d) gardeners
iii. Which of these words has the same meaning
as the word ‘billowing’ in the passage?
(a) rising (b) fluttering
(c) flapping (d) inflating
iv. What can be called or described as the
proverbial ‘blot on the landscape’ in the
extract?
Ans : 2012

i. (a) metaphor
ii. (b) tea-pluckers
iii. (a) rising

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state of anger, he cut his eyelids and threw them Ans : 2008, 2004

on the earth. There appeared ten plants out of Tea was first drunk in China. Even the words
these eyelids. Then these leaves were put in the ‘chaff’ and ‘chini’ are from Chinese. It goes back
hot water. When people drank the hot drink, it to 2700 B.C. In the 16th century, tea came to
banished their sleep. Europe and was drunk more as a medicine than as
a beverage. Assam has the largest concentration
2. What are the various legends about the origin of of tea plantations in the world. There are large
tea? groups of women with bamboo baskets on their
Ans : 2012 backs. They pluck the newly sprouted tea leaves
No one really knows who discovered tea, but there from the plants and store them in the baskets.
are various legends about the origin of tea.
However, there are two legends about the origin 5. Rajvir felt too excited on reaching Assam while
of tea-the first is the Chinese legend, and the Pranjol showed least interest in his excitement.
second is the Indian legend. What could be the reason behind this ? Do you
The Chinese legend says that one of the Chinese think it is appropriate on Pranjol’s part to react
emperors always boiled water before drinking it. like this? Justify you answer with reason.
One day, a few leaves of the twigs burning under Ans : 2005

the pot, fell into the water, giving it a delicious Pranjol invited his friend Rajvir to spend some
flavour. It is said that they were tea leaves. days with him in his hometown Assam. On reaching
The Indian legend says that Bodhidharma, there, Rajvir was stunned to see the beauty of tea
an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids plantations. It was an entirely new experience for
because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea him while for Pranjol, these were a common sight
plants grew out of his eyelids. The leaves of these so he showed least interest in Rajvir’s excitement.
plants when put in hot water and drunk, banished I think it is not appropriate on Pranjol’s part to
sleep. react thus. No doubt his indifference was natural
Hence, the legends about the origin of tea as but it might dampen Rajvir’s spirit. Sometimes we
told above is really interesting. In fact, the words, have to act according to the wishes of the person
“Chai” and “Chini” come from Chinese. Tea opposite us, especially when the person is very
came Europe only in the sixteenth century. It was close to us. A true friend is one who understands
drunk more as medicine than as beverage. the feelings of his friend and tries to make him
happier. Although Pranjol and Rajvir were very
3. What landscape did Rajvir notice while sitting in close yet one should always try to strengthen the
the train? bond of friendship.
Ans : 2010

Rajvir was fascinated by the scenic beauty of the Extract Based Question
place. There were vast green tea gardens on both
sides of the road. The tall trees at the back of the 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
gardens in the forest on the rolling hills looked questions that follow :
beautiful. The women plucking tea leaves looked The train pulled out of the station — Pranjol
like dolls. On the way he saw people drinking tea. buried his nose in his detective book again. Rajvir
He also saw an ugly building with smoke coming too was an ardent fan of detective stories but,
out of its chimneys. Rajvir was received by Mrs. at the moment he was keener on looking at the
and Mr. Barua and was taken towards Dhekiabari beautiful scenery. It was green, green everywhere.
Tea Estate. On both sides of the gravel road were Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before.
acres and acres of neatly pruned tea bushes. It Then the soft green paddy fields gave way to
was the second sprouting period. Women were
tea bushes. It was a magnificent view. Against
wearing plastic aprons and plucking new tea
the backdrop of densely wooded hills a sea of
leaves and putting them in the bamboo baskets
tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see.
on their backs.
Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall, sturdy,
4. What details do you gather about tea from the shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes
lesson, ‘Tea from Assam’ ? busily moved doll-like figures.
O i. State any one inference about Rajvir from the
What information do you gather about the history given context :
of tea after reading the lesson, ‘Tea from Assam’. “Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective
stories, but at the moment he was keen on

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

drinking it ? were daily sipped in the world. They were reading

O the detective stories.
What is the history of tea in China.
13. What made Rajvir amazed in the way ?
Ans : 2016
Ans : 2009
A Chinese emperor had the habit of drinking
In their way Rajvir had never seen such a huge
boiled water. One day a twig fell into the pot in
greenery. There were tea plantations every where.
which water was being boiled. It gave delicious
They were spread like a wide sea. This made
flavour to the water. It is said that those were
Rajvir much amazed. They were grown in the
tea leaves.
orderly rows of the bushes.
8. Why was Rajvir excited to see the tea-garden?
Ans : 2014 14. What was the Indian legend about the discovery of
Rajvir was excited to see the tea-garden because tea ?
he had never seen such a magnificent view of tea O
garden. Write down the buddhist legend about tea.
9. How does Rajvir describe the tea-garden at Ans : 2009

Dhekiabari? An Indian legend goes like this. Once there was

Ans : 2014 a Buddhist, ascetic Bodhidharma who used to
The tea-garden at Dhekiabari filled Rajvir’s feel sleepy during meditations. So he cut off his
heart with happiness and delight because of its eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids.
beautiful sight. On both sides of the road were When the leaves of these plants were put in hot
acres of tea bushes, all neatly pruned to the same water and drunk, they banished sleep.
height. Groups of tea-pluckers, wearing plastic
15. What more do you know about tea?
aprons, were plucking the newly sprouted leaves.
Ans : 2006

10. How are the tea pluckers different from the other Tea was first drunk in China. It is said that ‘Chai’
farm labourers? and ‘Chini’ are the Chinese words. In the sixteenth
Ans : 2013, 2006 century, tea came to Europe. At that time it was
The tea-pluckers are busy during the sprouting drunk as medicine instead of a beverage.
period from May to July, whereas the farm-
16. How are the tea leaves collected in Assam ?
labourers are busy throughout the year. Again,
Ans : 2005
the tea-pluckers wear plastic aprons, with bamboo
Assam is a tea country with largest plantation in
baskets on their backs, whereas the farm-labourers
the world. Ladies in groups go to the fields with
wear ordinary dress. Thus, they differ from each
bamboo baskets on their backs. They wear plastic
other both in their style and nature of work as
approns. They pluck tea-leaves and collect them
well as in dress.
in their baskets.
11. What is the Chinese legend about tea ?
O Long Answer Type Question
What is the Chinese legend associated with the
discovery of tea? 1. What are some of the discoveries about tea?
Ans : 2011 O
There is a Chinese legend about tea. It is said What are the legends associated with the discovery
that there was a Chinese emperor. He always of tea?
drank boiled water. Once while boiling the water, Ans : 2016, 2012, 2010

some leaves of the burning twigs fell into the pot. There are two legends associated with the discovery
The boiled water gave a delicious flavour. They of tea. According to first legend, there was a Chinese
were tea-leaves. emperor. He always boiled his water before drinking
it. Once it so happened that leaves from the burning
12. What did Rajvir and Pranjol discuss in their twigs fell into the pot of water. When the emperor
journey? drank the water, it had a delicious flavour. These
Ans : 2010
were the tea leaves.
Pranjol and Rajvir were going to Assam in a According to another legend, there was an
train. Rajvir had been invited by Pranjol to see ancient Buddhist ascetic. He was busy in his
the tea plantation. In the way they sipped hot meditation for God. By chance he fell asleep
tea. Rajvir told that over 8,00,000,000 tea cups and his thinking broke. He did not like it. In a

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Page 390 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a iv. Which word would correctly substitute
character alone on stage, which reveals ‘produces’, in the given sentence from the
their innermost thoughts and feelings to extract?
the audience. Do you know which of the following methods
(c) An aside is a brief comment or remark produces the best result?
made by a character directly to the Ans : 2015

audience, which is not intended to be i. (b) May to July

heard by other characters on stage. ii. Rajvir wanted to spend his time discovering
(d) A climax is a turning point in a narrative the beauty of Assam. He wanted to learn
the moment when the conflict is at its more about the tea plantations of Assam.
most intense.
iii. (b) A story narrated from the perspective of
Ans : 2019
an all knowing narrator.
i. Indian legend on tea and how it travelled
iv. yields
from China to Europe.
ii. Pranjol scoffed because he was amused and 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
tickled at what Rajvir shared about tea. He questions that follows :
did not believe or found it hard to believe the They sipped the steaming hot liquid. Almost
story shared by Rajvir. The legend of Bodhi- everyone in their compartment was drinking tea
dharma cutting off his, eyelids and tea plants too. “Do you know that over eighty crore cups of
growing from them is quite extra ordinary tea are drunk every day throughout the world?”
and may seem far-fetched to some people. Rajvir said.
iii. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. “Whew!” exclaimed Pranjol. “Tea really is
iv. False very popular”
The train pulled out of the station. Pranjol
4. Read the extract given below and answer the buried his nose in his detective book again.
questions that follows : Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective
Pranjol’s father slowed down to allow a tractor, stories, but at the moment he was keener on
pulling a trailer-load of tea leaves, to pass. This looking at the beautiful scenery.
is the second-flush or sprouting period, isn’t it, It was green, green everywhere. Rajvir had
Mr. Barua? Rajvir asked, “It lasts from May to never seen so much greenery before. Then the soft
July and yields the best tea.” “You seem to have green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes.
done your homework before coming”, Pranjol’s i. Remove the most unsuitable synonym of the
father said in surprise, “Yes, Mr. Barua”, Rajvir idiomatic expression in, ‘Primp! buried his
admitted. nose in his detective book again’ from the
“But I hope to learn much more while I’m options given below.
here.” (a) to be a bibliophile
i. What is the sprouting period of tea? (b) to be a bibliographer
(a) July to August (b) May to July (c) to be engrossed
(c) June to July (d) May to June (d) to be a bookworm
ii. How did Rajvir want to spend his stay there? ii. Which one of the following statements is a
iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and testament to the enormous popularity of tea?
identify which one correctly corresponds to (a) Almost everyone in the author’s
the extract. compartment was drinking tea with
(a) An autobiographical account describing relish.
the author’s feelings and thought (b) The author and his friend also enjoyed
regarding an event in her life. the hot tea.
(b) A story narrated from the perspective of (c) Over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk
an all knowing narrator. every day throughout the world.
(c) A brochure which gives us a picture of (d) The author is describing his life on a tea
the places’ culture, people and tourist plantation in Assam.
destination.

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2011
10. The words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are derived from
(b) Ten tea plants _____.
3. Why was Rajvir excited? (a) Indi (b) China
(a) because he had spotted coffee garden. (c) France (d) None of these
Ans : 2013
(b) because he had spotted tea garden.
(b) China
(c) because he had spotted wheat garden.
(d) None of these 11. What was Dhekiabari?
Ans : 2021 (a) name of a station
(b) because he had spotted tea garden. (b) tea garden managed by Pranjol’s father
4. Where did Rajvir and Pranjol study? (c) tea garden managed by Rajvir’s father
(a) Assam (b) Coorg (d) name of a hill
Ans : 2012
(c) Goa (d) Delhi
Ans : 2020
(b) tea garden managed by Pranjol’s father
(d) Delhi 12. “You seem to have done your homework before
5. What is the duration of the second flush or coming,” Pranjol’s father said in surprise. Which
sprouting period? homework is he talking about?
(a) June-August (b) October-December (a) Holiday homework
(c) May-July (d) August-November (b) Tuition homework
Ans : 2020 (c) Knowledge about Assam
(c) May-July (d) All of these
Ans : 2010
6. In Europe, tea was drunk as more of a _____ (c) Knowledge about Assam
than _____.
(a) medicine, beverage 13. The boys’ here refers to:
(b) beverage, medicine (a) Rajvir and Pranjol
(c) sleep waver, medicine (b) Rajvir and Bijendra
(d) sleep banisher, medicine (c) Pranjol and Virender
Ans : 2016, 2006 (d) Pranjol and Rafique
(a) medicine, beverage Ans : 2010

(a) Rajvir and Pranjol

7. What is Assam popularly known as?
(a) Tea country (b) Coffee country 14. The tea-bushes were spread as far as:
(c) Green country (d) Plantation country (a) possible (b) the legs could reach
Ans : 2015 (c) the arm could go (d) the eye could see
(a) Tea country Ans : 2007

(d) the eye could see

8. “Almost everyone in the compartment was
drinking _____ too” 15. The chimney was placed in the:
(a) Coffee (b) Juice (a) office (b) pantry house
(c) Tea (d) Water (c) ugly building (d) kitchen
Ans : 2015 Ans : 2006

(c) Tea (c) ugly building

9. Was Rajvir a fan of detective stories? 16. What was ordered by Pranjol?
(a) Yes (b) No (a) Two cups of Tea (b) Two cups of Coffee
(c) maybe (d) don’t know (c) Two Chapattis (d) None of these
Ans : 2014 Ans : 2006

(a) Yes (a) Two cups of Tea

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Page 392 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

Chapter 6

M ijbil the Otter

1. INTRODUCTION mail was due. So with his friend he went to Basra.

The Consulate General informed that the mail for
The writer of the story is Gavin Maxwell. In this the author had not arrived. His friend took his
story, the writer tells us how his life changed after mails and left. After five days his mail arrived. He
he decided to keep an otter. Here he is taking received his mail and returned.
us through his journey and his experiences with
Mijbil (or Mij) the otter. The journey begins from Otter’s Likings
Iraq to London and via a flight. The Otter created When the author reached his bedroom, he found
havoc in flight and scared everyone. However, a two Arabs with a note from his friend. In a sack
generous air hostess helped the author to travel there was an otter. It was a small creature like a
with Mijbil. Later in London, people are clueless dragon. From the head to the tail it was coated
about the otter and keep guessing the animal’s with mud-armour. He christened it Mijbil. In
name. the beginning it chose to sleep on the floor. But
on the second night it entered the bed until the
servant brought tea in the morning. The otter
2. Characters started taking an interest in its surroundings.
When it was taken to the bathroom, it plunged
Gavin Maxwell and rolled in it with joy. The author knew that
Maxwell is the author as well as the narrator the otters are much fond of water and it must be
of the story. He is a naturalist and author, best kept on the move. After two days it was found in
known for his work with otters. He describes the bathroom. The author was surprised to see
how he brought a smooth-coated otter back from it struggling with the watertap. Soon it became
Iraq and raised it in Camusfearna. Maxwell’s life habitual to be called as Mij. It spent most of its
changed due to the presence of the otter. time in playing with a rubber ball and marbles.
Mijbil, the Otter There it would lie on the floor and roll two or
Mijbil is the titular otter who is adopted by the more marbles with his back. It enjoyed with them
narrator. Mijbil was in fact, of a species previously very much.
unknown to science. At last, it was christened Packing of Mij
Lutrogale perspicillata Maxwell by zoologists. He Now the author was staying at Basra. He was
resembled like a very small imaginary dragon of to move to England and then to Camusfearna.
the Middle Ages. It was like a chocolate brown He approached the British Airlines for taking an
mole. The main characteristic of an otter is to otter with him but it refused. Then he had to go
extend and spread every drop of water. The real to Paris and then to London. On the insistence of
game which Mijbil enjoyed most was juggling with the Airlines, Mij was packed in a box of 18 square.
small objects with his paws lying on his back. His The author went for his hurried meal.
favourite toys for his play were marbles. Mij in Trouble
When he returned there was silence from the box.
He noticed blood from the airholes. He opened
3. SUMMARY
it and found Mij troubled and blood-spattered.
Journey to Southern Iraq It whimpered and caught his leg. The time was
The author Maxwell had a dog. It died. He decided very short. So he again put the animal into the
to have another dog. In early 1956, he travelled to box and held the lid with his hands. He hired a
Southern Iraq. There it came to his mind to have car that ran like a bullet from the street of Basra.
an otter. It would be a suitable experiment. His The aircraft people were waiting for the author.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

They became angry but soon he was on the front 11. Unwanted - undesirable
seat. 12. Adorable - lovely
Mij’s Disappearance 13. Alike - similar
He admired the Air hostess who advised the 14. Attracted - fascinated
author to keep his pet on his knees. But soon 15. Unfortunately - due to unluck
there arose a trouble. The otter disappeared at 16. Cute - attractive as well as beautiful
high speed down the aircraft. There were cries. 17. Disadvantage - harmful
Even one lady screamed out ‘A rat! a rat!’ The 18. Consideration - thinking about
author too peeped but soon he was covered with 19. Adopting - act of adoption
curry for its hunt. The air-hostess assured that 20. Vaccination - act of injecting
she would find and hand it over to him. Very soon 21. Grooming - taking care of
the otter was on his knees. 22. Obedience - act of obeying
23. Socialisation - act of socialism
Games of Mij 24. Confined - limited
The author remained there in London for a 25. Tied up - bind
month. There the otter would play for hours with 26. Chewing - act of grinding from teeth
toys, rubber fruit and terrapin shell. During the 27. Beforehand - earlier
journey, the author’s suitcase became damaged. 28. Requirement - necessity
Mij always intended that the author would keep 29. Breeds - race, family
a ball on the high end and it would run down to 30. Otters - a fish eating animal
its length. The author even took it for exercises 31. Marshes - wet areas
and both walked through the London Streets. 32. Information - news
It worked like a dog. Opposite to his flat, there 33. Temperate - part of earth between the tropics
was a primary school and the front wall was very and the poles
small. Mij would take the author there and gallop 34. Crossed my mind - came into my mind
over it. 35. Ringed - ringing sound
Different Guesses of Londoners for Mij 36. A stone’s throw - very near
In London people did not recognise an otter. They 37. Eminently - high in rank
guessed what kind of animal it was. People used 38. Suitable - appropriate
to ask the author if it was from the small group 39. Spot - place
of animals called Mustellines. Some thought it to 40. Casually - sudden
be a walrus mister. The author was in an odd 41. Mentioned - told
situation. People were guessing it with some other 42. Tamed - act of looking after and breeding
names like a beaver, a bear cub and a brontosaur 43. Consulate - an office of government
and so on but for the author it was an otter. 44. Mail - post
Then the author once saw a labourer in 45. Cabled - sent a message by telegraph
surprise. He was digging a hole in the street. 46. Breakdown - collapse
Seeing the animal, he laid down his tools. When 47. Squatting - sitting on haunches
the author neared him, there was a surprise on 48. Sack - a bag
his face. He seemed to say that no joke could be 49. Squirmed - moved
played on him. He growled out, “Here, Mister- 50. Phase - period
what is that supposed to be ?” 51. Thraldom - being under the control
52. Fixation - a very strong attachment
53. Emerged - came out
4. Word meanings 54. Spacious - having space
1. Highlands - hilly area 55. Resembled - look like
2. Lonely - solitary, single 56. Medievally - the middle age
3. Serious - heavy 57. Coated - layer of colour
4. Responsibility - liability 58. Symmetrical - regularly
5. Owning - having 59. Armour - covering used in a war
6. Lifetime - life long 60. Velvet - soft silk material
7. Commitment - pledging 61. Mole - a spot on skin
8. Involving - including 62. At length - at last
9. Considerable - to great extent 63. Christened - to give name
10. Acquire - get mica 64. Hostile - unfriendly

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Page 394 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

65. Aloof and indifferent - keeping a distance 117.Disappeared - invisible

66. Choosing - have a choice 118.Squawks - shrill cry
67. Remained - go on keeping 119.Shrieks - cries
68. Crook - bending 120.Screaming - weeping
69. Apathy - absence of interest 121.Beneath - under
70. Wild with joy - remained happy 122.Portly - stout
71. Plunging - jumping 123.Turbaned - small long cloth-band of the head
72. Rolling - moving 124.Resumed - to sit again
73. Shooting up - standing up 125.Curry - a kind of soup
74. Slash - move irregularly in water 126.Distressed - troubled
75. Splash - sprinkling of water 127.Craning - lifting the neck
76. Hippo - an African animal 128.Bounded on - climbed on
77. So to speak - one could say this 129.Nuzzle - rub the nose gently
78. Bowl - a small container 130.Eventful - famous, full of event
79. Overturned - turned over 131.Terrapin shell - shell of a small turtle in South
80. Static - still Africa
81. Provoking - causing excitement 132.Pingpong - a kind of game-table tennis
82. Escaped - go away 133.Engrossed - completely interested in
83. Corridor - varanda 134.Damaged - harmed
84. Fumbling - trying to do something in a clumsy 135.Ambush - suddenly attack from a hidden
manner position
85. Chromium - name of a metal 136.Crouching - sat
86. Trickle - falling in drops 137.Trot off - jump
87. Disappointment - dejection 138.Precisely - appropriately
88. Shuffling - moving with dragging 139.Compulsive habits - habits impossible to
89. Soccer - a form of football control
90. Dribble - to move slowly 140.Rituals - customs
91. A flick - a quick and light movement 141.Squarely - equally
92. Juggles - cheating 142.Upright - straight
93. Drooping - bending 143.Frontage - front
94. Dreaded - fear 144.Tug - drag
95. Prospect - something that would happen in 145.Gallop - jump
future 146.Distraction - take away one’s attention
96. Transporting - sending in a vehicle 147.Badger - animal like a bear
97. Insisted - said forcefully 148.Mongoose - a small animal
98. Accustomed to - habitual to 149.Stoat - a kind of animal
99. Appalling - shocking 150.Mink - a kind of animal
100.Spectacle - scene 151.Barrage - dam
101.Chinks - peeholes 152.Conjectural - guessed questions
102.Trickled - falling in drops 153.Sprayed - sprinkled
103.Whipped off - cause 154.Random - sudden
104.Exhausted - tired 155.Walrus - a long tusked carnivorous sea-animal
105.Spattered - spots 156.Giggles - laugh in s silly manner
106.Whimpered - crying with a low voice 157.Beaver - a kind of animal
107.Shreds - pieces 158.Brontosaur - a kind of animal
108.Miserable - troubled 159.Affront - to insult
109.Ricochetting bullet - a bullet that changes 160.Abreast - side by side
direction after hitting a surface 161.Growled - grumbled
110.Take off - getting down
111.Infuriated - very angry 5. Message
112.Retained - kept
The story conveys a message that it is very
113.Profound - deep
difficult to look after a pet. It involves a lot of
114.Gratitude - obligation
responsibilities both for the keeper and the family
115.Unprepared - not readying
as well. One has to think for its proper care, safety,
116.In a flash - very soon
bathing, training, food and other requisite facts.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

Thinking About the Text different occasions. Given below are some things
the otter does. Complete the columns below to
1. What things does Mij do which tell you that he is say what Maxwell says about what Mij feels and
an intelligent animal who needs love? thinks.
Ans : 2014, 2013, 2008

Mijbil befriended the narrator on the second What Mij does How Mij feels or
night itself, came to his bed and remained asleep thinks
in the crook of his knees. He was intelligent and
1. plunges, rolls in the
quickly learnt to turn the taps on. Two days after
water and makes the
Mijbil came to the writer’s house, he entered
water splash and splash
the bathroom and before the writer could get in
Mijbil was up on the end of the bathtub, fumbling 2. screws the tap in the
at the taps with his paws. Much to the writer’s wrong way
amazement he managed to turn the tap in less 3. nuzzles Maxwell’s face
than a minute and after a moment he achieved and neck in the aeroplane
the full flow of water. In the bathtub, he went
Ans :
wild with joy in the water, plunging and rolling
in it and shooting up and down. The narrator’s 1. Mij feels and thinks that water should not be
love for Mijbil made him follow the narrator even saved. Its every drop must be spread about
without a lead. He spent most of his time in play on the place. It gets him happiness.
and would often lie on his back and juggle with 2. When the tap was screwed, it got
small objects between his paws. disappointment. It felt irritation and was
deeply troubled.
2. What are some of the things we come to know
3. It shows Mij’s deep affection, recognition and
about otters from this text ?
love for his master.
Ans :
Otters are very intelligent animals and friendly 5. Read the story and find the sentences where
creatures on the earth. They are much fond of Maxwell describes his pet otter. Then choose
enjoying games. Mij enjoyed the game with and arrange your sentences to illustrate those
marbles and the terrapin shell very much. He statements below that you think are true.
loved the game of the ping-pong ball very much.
They are much fond of galloping, jumping and Maxwell’s description
wasting the water. It is their desire that the water (i) makes Mij seem almost human, like a small
should go on flowing before them. boy.
(ii) shows that he is often irritated with what Mij
does.
(iii) shows that he is often surprised by what Mij
does.
(iv) of Mij’s antics is comical.
(v) shows that he observes the antics of Mij very
carefully.
(vi) shows that he thinks Mij is a very ordinary
3. Why is Mij’s species now known to the world as otter.
Maxwell’s otter ? (vii) shows that he thinks the otter is very unusual.
Ans : Ans :
The race of the Mijbil was previously unknown
(i) Maxwell’s description makes Mij seem almost
to the science. When Maxwell came to London
human, like a small boy.
with it, the residents started guessing with so
many species. At last, the zoologists Lutrogale (iii) Maxwell’s description shows that he is often
Perspicillata Maxwelli. He christened it Maxwell’s surprised by what Mij does.
otter. Since then its species came to be known as (iv) Maxwell’s description of Mij’s antics is
Maxwell’s otter. comical.
(vi) Maxwell’s description shows that he thinks
4. Maxwell in the story speaks for the otter, Mij. Mij is a very ordinary otter.
He tells us what the otter feels and thinks on

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Page 396 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

from Europe. He waited therefore five days Ans :

because his mail had not arrived. MaxWell says that the air-hostess was very kind
and considerate type of lady. It advised the author
3. How does he get the otter ? Does he like it ? Pick that he could keep his animal on his knees. She
out the words that tell you this ? had the true qualities of a queen.
Ans :
He obtained the otter with the help of two Arabs. 5. What happened when the box was opened?
The author liked it. He says that he had an otter Ans :
fixation. The words ‘an otter fixation’ tell us this. Mij was travelling in the aeroplane with Maxwell.
On the advice of the air-hostess, it was to be put
4. Why was the otter named Maxwell’s otter ? by the author on his knees. When the box was
Ans : opened, it was out from the box in a flash. It
Otter belonged to an unknown race in science. It was immediately disappeared at high speed down the
first christened by zoologist Lutrogale perspicillata air-craft.
maxwell. So it was called Maxwell’s otter.
Oral Comprehension Check - 3
5. Tick the right answer. In the beginning, the otter
was 1. What game had Mij invented ?
• aloof and indifferent Ans : 2016

• friendly Mij invented his game with a ping-pong ball.

• hostile During the journey, the suitcase of the author
Ans : was damaged. It got a slope on one end. Mij
Aloof and indifferent. discovered if the ball was placed on its high end, it
would rather run down the length of the suitcase.
6. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the
bathroom ? What did it do two days after that. 2. What are the ‘compulsive habits’ ? What does
Ans : 2014, 2012, 2011, 2008 Maxwell say are the compulsive habits of
When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, it (i) school children
became wild with joy for about half an hour. (ii) Mij ?
Then it rolled and plunged into it. After two days, Ans :
it went itself and struggled with the chromium These compulsive habits about school children
tap till it had a full flow. It was very much happy and Mij are as under :
with the water. (i) placing their feet squarely on the centre of
each paving block.
Oral Comprehension Check - 2
(ii) must touch every seventh upright of the iron
1. How was Mij to be transported to England ? railings.
Ans :
(iii) pass to the outside of every second lamp post.
Mij was to be packed into a box not more than
eighteen inches square. 3. What group of animals do otters belong to ?
Ans :
2. What did Mij do to the box ? The otter belongs to a comparatively small group
Ans :
of animals. The zoologists call it Mustellines.
Mijbil had torn the lining of the box to shreds. He
This group includes animals like - a badger, a
had injured himself.
mongoose, a weasel, a stout, a mink or others like
3. Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box ? that.
How do you think he left when he did this ?
4. What guesses did the Londoners make about
Ans :
what Mij was ?
He put the otter in the box again as the airlines
Ans : 2015, 2012
did not allow to transport in without a box. The
The Londoners could not form a confirmed view
otter had injured itself so perhaps Maxwell felt a
about Mij. They could not recognise him. For
deep sympathy for the otter while putting it into
them it was a baby seal, walrus mister, a hippo,
the box next time.
a beaver, a bear-cub, a leopard and a brontosaur,
4. Why does Maxwell say - the air-hostess was “the etc.
very queen of her kind” ?

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

that his friend’s mail had arrived but his had not 2. How did the otter behave in the beginning? How
arrived. did he become familiar with the author?
Ans : 2017, 2011, 2009
32. What happened when Mij disappeared at speed For the first twenty-four hours the Otter, Mijbil
down the aircraft? was neither hostile nor friendly. He was simply
Ans : 2002 aloof and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the
When Maxwell opened the box, Mijbil flashed out floor as far from the author’s bed as possible. The
and disappeared at high speed down the aircraft. second night Mijbil came up to his bed in the
He caused a great hue and cry in the aircraft. small hours and remained asleep in the crook of
There were sounds of shrieks across the flight. his knees until morning and then during the day he
began to lose his feelings of disinterest and started
33. Prove that Mijbil loved the water, giving two
taking an over-keen interest in his surroundings.
instances in support of your answer.
Later, he went wild with joy, plunging and rolling
Ans : 2002
in the water in the bathtub making enough splash
Mij loved to play in the water. Only once did the
worthy of a hippo.
author lead him to the bathroom. Next time he
went to the bathroom on his own. He went wild 3. Imagine you are the air hostess of the flight on
in water, plunged and rolled in it. He shot up and which Maxwell flew with his otter. Narrate the
down the bathtub and made enough slosh and events on board the plane.
splash in it. He even learnt to open the tap. Ans : 2012

I, Marriane Jones, was the air hostess in the flight

34. Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’ ?
to Paris in which Mij, the otter was also present
Ans : 2002
with his master Maxwell. Luckily the seat booked
The otter was of a race previously unknown to
for Maxwell was on the extreme front. He rang
science and was at length christened by zoologists
for me and handed over to me a parcel of fish for
as ‘Maxwell’s otter’.
otter to keep in a cool place.
35. What routine did Mijbil follow everyday while on Maxwell took me in his confidence. I made
the walk in London? him to allow me to have to otter on the knee.
Ans : 2001 And then Mij was out of the box in a flash and
Mij on his way home every day used to tug Maxwell disappeared at a very high speed. Otter ran down
to the low wall of a primary school opposite to his the aircraft.
flat. Mij would jump on to it, gallop to the full There were squawks and shrieks and a woman
length of its thirty yards and cause a hopeless stood up on her seat screaming ‘a rat, a rat’.
distraction to both pupils and staff within the Maxwell tried to catch but his face got covered
primary school. with curry. I offered him my help to get him the
animal at his seat. Soon the otter Mij bounded on
his knee of its own and began to nuzzle his face
Long Answer Type Question and neck during the flight.

1. Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. 4. Maxwell and his otter, Mijbil, share a unique
Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a relationship. How is it developed in the lesson?
pet is a life of commitment. Mention any two qualities of Mijbil which you
Ans : 2024 would want in a pet of your own?
Maxwell was very concerned about his pet, Mijbil Ans : 2012

when he had to undertake the plane journey. He Maxwell and his otter, Mijbil, shared a unique
wanted him to get used to the box in which he had relationship. Mijbil got attached to the author
to travel. When Mijbil was injured in his attempt within two days of becoming his pet. He was
to come out of the box, the author was really friendly and intelligent. He loved playing in the
concerned about his well being. He took his food water. He learnt how to operate taps quickly.
on the flight. The lesson definitely shows that Maxwell planned his own journey to England
when we decide to keep a pet, it is a commitment according to Mijbil. He took Mijbil in a box in
the plane. Mijbil hurt himself inside the box
of lifetime. This is so because we are responsible
and therefore Maxwell took him in his lap. The
for the well-being of that life and in fact, keeping
journey was quite adventurous but Maxwell was
a pet at home is like bringing up and nurturing
happy to be with his otter. In London, too, both
a child.
of them spent a lot of time together playing and

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Page 398 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

Thinking About Language 4. Every evening we would take long walks on

the beach.
I. Describing a Repeated Action in the Past 5. Fifty years ago, very few people used to own
To talk about something that happened regularly cars.
in the past, but does not happen any longer, we
6. Fifty years ago very few people would buy
use would or used to. Both would and used to can
cars.
describe repeated actions in the past.
7. Till the 1980s Shanghai used to have very
(a) Mij would follow me without a lead and come
dirty streets.
to me when I called his name.
8. Till the 1980s Shanghai would have good
(b) He would play for hours with a selection of
roads.
toys.
9. My uncle used to spend his holidays by the
(c) On his way home ... Mij would tug me to this
sea.
wall.
10. My uncle would never drive a bicycle.
(d) When I was five years old, I used to follow my
brother all over the place.
II. Noun Modifiers
(e) He used to tease me when mother was not To describe or give more information about a
around. noun (or to modify a noun), we use adjectives or
To describe repeated states or situations in the adjective phrases. Look at these examples from
past, however, we use only used to. (We cannot the text :
use would for states or situations in the past).
(a) An eminently suitable spot
So we do not use would with verbs like be, have,
believe, etc. Look at the following sentences : (b) Symmetrical pointed scales
(a) When we were young, we used to believe (c) His wide, flat belly
.there were ghosts in school. (d) A ricocheting bullet
(Note : believe shows a state of mind) Nouns can also be used as modifiers
(b) Thirty years ago, more women used to (a) The dinner party
be housewives than now. (Note : be here (b) A designer dress
describes a situation) (c) The car keys
We can use more than one noun as modifier.
1. From the table below, make as many correct Proper nouns can also be used
sentences as you can using would and / or used
to, as appropriate. (Hint : First decide whether (a) The Christmas dinner party
the words in italic show an action, or a state or (b) A silk designer dress
situation, in the past.) Then add two or three (c) The Maruti car keys
sentences of your own to it. In the examples below, there is an adjective
phrase in front of a noun modifier :
Emperor Akbar be fond of musical
(a) The lovely Christmas party.
evenings.
(b) A trendy silk designer dress.
Every evening we would take long walks
on the beach. (c) The frightfully expensive golden Maruti car
keys.
Fifty years ago, own cars.
very few people 1. Look at these examples from the text, and say
whether the modifiers (in italics) are nouns,
Till the 1980s, used to have very dirty
proper nouns, or adjective plus noun :
Shanghai streets.
(i) An otter fixation
My uncle spend his holidays
by the sea. (ii) The iron railings
(iii) The Tigris marshes
Ans :
(iv) The London streets
1. Emperor Akbar used to hold his courts once
in a week. (v) Soft velvet fur
2. Emperor Akbar would be fond of musical (vi) A four-footed soccer player
evenings. Ans :
3. Every evening we used to run a race. (i) An otter fixation - Noun

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

i. Which of the following options correctly states 1. I feel the author was in a hurry about his
Maxwell’s likely feelings, in the situation mail.
below? 2. I know the author arranged to meet his
_____ I put the miserable Mij back into friend a week later.
the box, holding down the lid with my hand.” 3. Let’s not forget, these two friends were
(a) Anxious (b) Disappointed wanting their mail from England.
(c) Terrified (d) Surprised 4. But the author had tried to telephone
ii. What is the appalling spectacle as mentioned when nothing happened.
in the extract? (a) F 1 and 2, O 3 and 4
iii. State true or false. (b) F 2 and 4, O 1 and 3
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be (c) F 3 and 4, O 1 and 2
applied to the statement - While I returned,
(d) F 1 and 4, O 2 and 3
there was an appalling spectacle.
ii. Which word corresponds to ‘booked’ as used
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
in the passage?
a phenomenon
iii. In the statement, ‘On the first day the line
(b) An assumption - something that is taken
was out of order; on the second the exchange
for granted or assumed to be true without
was closed for a religious holiday’ another
proof
synonym of the underlined words would be
(c) A premise - a proposition that forms the _____.
basis of an argument (a) stumped (b) confounded
(d) A theory - a well-substantiated (c) breakup (d) breakdown
explanation for a natural phenomenon
iv. Why did Gavin Maxwell got stuck in Basra
iv. Fill in the blank appropriately. for five days? What does this tell you about
The author put Mij back into the box the state of communication in those times?
_____. Answer in about 40 words.
Ans : 2012
Ans : 2010
i. (a) Anxious i. (a) F 2 and 4, O 1 and 3
ii. The appalling spectacle was that Mij had ii. pre-arrange
shredded the lining of the box and blood iii. (d) breakdown
from airholes and chinks had come out and
iv. Maxwell was waiting for his mail from England
dried. Also, there was complete silence from
but for various reasons it didn’t arrive in time.
the box.
He couldn’t place a call because the exchange
iii. True was closed for a holiday. Communication used
iv. because he was getting late for the flight. to be snail-paced because even a phone call
had to be reserved 24 hours in advance.
5. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows : 6. Read the extract given below and answer the
We were going to Basra to the Consulate-General questions that follows :
to collect and answer our mail from Europe. At Mijbil as I called the otter, was in fact of a race
the Consulate-General we found that my friend’s previously unknown to science and was at length
mail had arrived but mine had not. I cabled to christened ..... or Maxwell’s otter. For the first
England, and when three days later, nothing had twenty-four hours, Mijbil was neither hostile nor
happened I tried to telephone. The call had to friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent,
be booked twenty-four in advance. On the first choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed
day the line was out of order; on the second the as possible.
exchange was closed for a religious holiday. On i. Pick the option that classifies (F) Fact from
the third day there was another break down. My (O) opinion.
friend left and/arranged to meet him in a week’s
1. I think the otter was very aloof at first.
time. Five days later; my mail arrived.
2. I feel the otter did not like the author at
i. Pick the option that classifies (F) Fact from
first.
(O) opinion.

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Page 400 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

2. Use a bit of/a piece of/a bunch of/a cloud of/a Writing
lump of with the italicised nouns in the following
sentences. The first has been done for you as an 1. Write a description of a person or an animal (such
example. as a pet) that you know very well and love very
much. Questions (4) and (5) in Thinking About
(i) My teacher gave me My teacher gave the Text would have given you some ideas about
some advice. me a bit of advice. how to do this. Mention some things the person or
(ii) Can you give me animal does, what you think the person or animal
some clay, please. __________ feels, etc.
Ans :
(iii) The information you
Description of a Person
gave was very useful. __________
There are so many students in my class but
(iv) Because of these Naveen is my most favourite. His interests, antics
factories, smoke and thinking are very specific. He always thinks
hangs over the city. __________ to help all the students and helps the needy with
(v) Two stones rubbed small articles like pen, pencils, rubber and copies,
together can produce etc. Those who have not done their home task, he
sparks of fire. __________ helps them in completing the same. During recess
he enjoys playing with them. To the depressed
(vi) He gave me some students he enhances their spirits with his antics.
flowers on my Before leaving school, he spends half an hour to
birthday. __________ teach the poor and weak students of his class. He
Ans : is a friendly, lovely and fun-loving fellow.
(ii) Can you give me a lump of clay ? please.
(iii) The piece of information you gave was very
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
useful.
(iv) Because of these factories a cloud of smoke
hangs over the city.
Multiple Choice
Type Question
(v) Two lumps of stones rubbed together can 1. Who is the author of “Mijbil the Otter’ ?
produce sparks of fire. (a) Gavin Maxwell (b) Roald Dahl
(vi) He gave me a bunch of flowers on my birthday. (c) Paulo Coehlo (d) Arup Kumar Dutta
Ans : 2021
Speaking (a) Gavin Maxwell
1. You have seen how Maxwell describes Mij the 2. Where does the author live?
otter’s feelings and thoughts by watching him.
Play the game of dumb charades. Take turns (a) London (b) Southern Iraq
to express a feeling or thought silently (anger, (c) India (d) None of these
happiness ...). Let the class speak out their guesses Ans : 2021

about the feelings or thoughts you are trying to (a) London

express.
Ans : 3. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think
All have their different ways of guessing about Camusfearna would be suitable for?
Mij. Some of the most appropriate guesses can be (a) to pet a dog (b) to pet an otter
as follows : (c) both of them (d) none of these
1. The pranks of the otters are very comical in Ans : 2020

nature. (b) to pet an otter

2. They are much fond of water and will enjoy
4. The otter was brought to the author by _____
rolling and galloping in it.
3. Most of their habits are similar to school (a) his friend (b) two Arabs
children. (c) hotel staff (d) non of these
Ans : 2020

(b) two Arabs

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

(ii) The iron-railings - Noun 18. coffee invigorating coffee

(iii) The Tigris marshes - Proper noun
19. view a heart-breaking view
(iv) The London streets - Proper noun
20. farewell a family farewell
(v) Soft velvet fur - Adjective plus noun
(vi) A four-footed soccer player - Adjective plus 21. celebration a marriage celebration
noun 22. scream a loud scream

2. Given below are some nouns, and a set of modifiers 23. chatterbox an incorrigible
(in the box). Combine the nouns and modifiers to chatterbox.
make as many appropriate phrases as you can. 24. roar aloud roar
(Hint : The nouns and modifiers are all from the
texts in textbook.)
III. Read this Sentence :
temple three girls triangle dresses He shook himself, and I half expected a cloud of
dust.
person thoughts boys roar
The author uses a cloud of dust to give a picture
gifts scream farewell expression of a large quantity of dust.
time subject landscape handkerchief Phrases like this indicate a particular quantity
of something that is not usually countable. For
crossing flight chatterbox profession
example :
physique coffee view celebration a bit of land, a drop of blood, a pinch of salt, a
piece of paper.
college rough hundred stone ordinary

love uncomfortable white slang slack

1. Match the words on the left with a word on the
right. Some words on the left can go with more
bare railroad tremendous family marriage
than one word on the right.
plump invigorating panoramic heartbreaking birthday
(i) a portion of - blood
incorrigible ridiculous loud first
(ii) a pool of - cotton
Ans : (iii) flakes of - stones
1. temple a stone temple (iv) a huge heap of - gold
(v) a gust of - fried fish
2. three girls three (uncomfortable
girls) (vi) little drops of - snow
3. triangle a slack triangle (vii)a piece of - water
(viii)a pot of - wind
4. dresses hundred dresses Ans :
5. a/an person an ordinary person (i) a portion of cotton
6. thoughts bare thoughts (ii) a pool of water
7. boys rough boys (iii) flakes of snow
8. gifts birthday gifts (iv) a huge heap of stones
(v) a gust of wind
9. a handkerchief a white handkerchief
(vi) little drops of blood
10. a/an expression a love expression (vii)a piece of fried fish
11. time college time (viii)a pot of gold.
12. subject a rough subject
13. landscape a panoramic landscape
14. crossing a railroad crossing
15. flight a ridiculous flight
16. profession a slang profession
17. physique plump physique

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Page 402 Discursive Passage Chapter 6
Ans : 2011
27. Early in the new year of 1956 Maxwell travelled
(b) dragon to _____
19. What was the name given to the otter? (a) London (b) Southern Iraq
(a) Major (b) Mijbil (c) India (d) None of these
Ans : 2010
(c) Mad (d) Majhis
Ans : 2011
(b) Southern Iraq
(b) Mijbil 28. Why does Maxwell go to Basra?
20. What were Mijbil’s favourite toys? (a) Broke the toy car
(a) Stones (b) Marbles (b) Threw the marbles
(c) Soft toys (d) Newspaper (c) Torn the lining of box
Ans : 2011 (d) None of the Above
(b) Marbles Ans : 2010

(c) Torn the lining of box

21. What did the woman in the aeroplane think that
the otter was? 29. Mijbil would spend hours shuffling:
(a) a dog (b) an otter (a) some grains (b) some marbles
(c) a rat (d) a seal (c) a rubber ball (d) some twigs
Ans : 2011 Ans : 2010

(c) a rat (c) a rubber ball

22. In the Tigris marshes otters were as common as 30. The author travelled to _____ Iraq.
_____. (a) Southern (b) Eastern
(a) bees (b) lizards (c) Western (d) Northern
(c) rodents (d) mosquitoes Ans : 2010

Ans : 2011 (a) Southern

(d) mosquitoes
31. Mijbil used to behave like _____ while roaming
23. What had trickled out of the box? around the street.
(a) juice (b) blood (a) Dog (b) School kids
(c) water (d) paint (c) Cat (d) Old man
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2009

(b) blood (b) School kids

24. What group of animals does otters belongs to? 32. The author went to Iraq in the year –
(a) Elk (b) Hedgehogs (a) 1957 (b) 1954
(c) Mustellines (d) By his friend (c) 1956 (d) 1856
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2009

(c) Mustellines (c) 1956.

25. How did the otter spend most of his time? 33. The author wanted to keep _____ as a pet.
(a) New year of 1955 (b) New year of 1956 (a) Dog (b) Otter
(c) New year of 1957 (d) New year of 1958 (c) Rabbit (d) Cat
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2009

(b) New year of 1956 (b) Otter

26. What did the otter look like? 34. Camusfearna is a place surrounded by –
(a) Small dog (b) Small dragon (a) Grenary (b) Water
(c) Small cat (d) Small rabbit (c) Mountain (d) Forest
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2009

(b) Small dragon (b) Water.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

5. What is the meaning of apathy? (c) overturned it

(a) absence of interest (d) all of the above
(b) the ability to understand and share the Ans : 2013

feelings of another (b) tore the lining of the box

(c) unfriendly 12. Maxwell called the _____ “the very queen of
(d) rude her kind”.
Ans : 2020
(a) airhostess (b) driver
(a) absence of interest
(c) Mijbil (d) Pilot
6. What is wasted and provoking when left static? Ans : 2013

(according to the otter) (a) airhostess

(a) sand (b) tea 13. What do you mean by “compulsive habits”?
(c) juice (d) water (a) destructive habits
Ans : 2016
(b) good habits
(d) water
(c) addictive habits
7. In the beginning, the Otter was _____ (d) habits impossible to control
(a) friendly Ans : 2013

(b) hostile (d) habits impossible to control

(c) aloof and indifferent (a) baby seal (b) squirrel

(a) In a separate compartment (d) All of these

(b) In a box 15. What kept Mij engaged when they shifted to
(c) In his bag London?
(d) None of the above (a) Ping-pong game (b) the children
Ans : 2015, 2004
(c) the author (d) All of these
(b) In a box Ans : 2012

9. What is the meaning of “an appalling spectacle”? (a) Ping-pong game

(a) a safe space 16. Why were Otters known as Maxwell Otters?
(b) a funny scene (a) they were found by Maxwell
(c) a mysterious situation (b) they are fount at a place called Maxwell
(d) a shocking scene
(c) Its the species name in science
Ans : 2015

(d) a shocking scene (d) None of the Above

Ans : 2012

10. Why did the driver drive through the streets of (a) they were found by Maxwell
Basra like a ricochetting bullet?
17. Where did the Arabs keep the otter?
(a) author was late for his flight
(a) in a box (b) in a bag
(b) Mijbil had hurt himself
(c) in a sack (d) in the pocket
(c) someone was after the driver
Ans : 2012
(d) All of the above
(c) in a sack
Ans : 2013

(a) author was late for his flight 18. When the auther saw the otter for the first time,
it resembled a _____
11. What did Mij do to the box?
(a) dog (b) dragon
(a) made it wet
(c) cat (d) seal
(b) tore the lining of the box

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Page 404 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

51. Just like a dog the narrator took Mujbil outside 2. Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet.
for – Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a
(a) Taking bath (b) A search of food pet is a life of commitment.
Ans : 2024
(c) Exercise (d) Roaming
Maxwell’s journey back to England with Mijbil
Ans : 2003
highlights the adjustments and considerations
(c) Exercise.
pet owners must make. He needed to make sure
52. There was _____ feet high wall ran along the Mijbil was comfortable on the flight and find an
school boundary. airline that accepted pets. The flight incident
demonstrated that having a pet requires being
(a) Five (b) Three
ready for unexpected situations.
(c) One (d) Two.
Ans : 2003 3. What does Mijbil’s behaviour suggest aboutthe
(d) Two. otter’s adaptability to urban surroundings?
Ans : 2023
53. How does Maxwell get the otter? Mijbil’s behaviour, such as engaging in playful
(a) by his uncle (b) by his mother activities with urban objects like a suitcase
(c) by his father (d) by his friend and a ping-pong ball, indicates a high level of
Ans : 2003
adaptability to urban surroundings. His ability to
(d) by his friend create entertainment for himself in a London flat
and his acceptance of walks on a lead in the city
54. What did Mijbil do during the second night? streets suggest that otters, or at least Mijbil, can
(a) Came on to Maxwell’s bed soon after adapt and find amusement even in non-natural
midnight. environments.
(b) Run away from Maxwell’s house 4. What compulsive habits had Mijbil developed?
(c) Slip away from Maxwell’s hand Ans : 2015

(d) None of the Above Mijbil quickly developed certain compulsive

Ans : 2002
habits on walks in the London streets, like the
(a) Came on to Maxwell’s bed soon after midnight. rituals of children who on their way to and from
school must place their feet squarely on the centre
55. How would Mij follow the author? of each paving block, must touch every seventh
(a) With a lead (b) Via a thread upright of the iron railings. On his way back
home, Mijbil would tug the author to the wall of
(c) Without a lead (d) None of these a primary school, jump on to it, and gallop the
(c) Without a lead full length of its thirty yards.
Ans : 2002

5. What special characteristic of Mijbil did Maxwell

56. How was Mij to be transported to England? learn after he took him to the bathroom?
(a) By packing in a box Ans : 2015

(b) On a seat Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom. For half an

(c) Through Ship hour he went wild with joy in the water, plunging
and rolling in it, shooting up and down the length
(d) None of the Above
of the bathtub underwater, and making enough
Ans : 2001
slosh and splash for a hippo. Maxwell learnt that
(a) By packing in a box
Mijbil had immense love for water.

6. Give an example from the text to show that Mijbil

Short Answer Type Question is an intelligent animal.
Ans : 2014
1. Mijbil turned out to be a playful pet. Elaborate.
One day Mijbil escaped from Maxwell’s room and
Ans : 2024
went to the bathroom. When the author reached
Mijbil was a playful pet who created his own games
there he found that the otter had turned the tap
using ping pong balls. He delighted in playing and
in less than a minute and he had managed to get
splashing in the water, as well as engaging with
full flow of water for a bath.
marbles and terrapin shells. His leisure time was
predominantly spent playing with a rubber ball.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

7. What is the most common characteristic of an Ans : 2010

otter ? When the otter disappeared at high speed down

Ans : 2014
the air-craft, the author tried to search him here
The otters are very much fond of water. They will and there in the aircraft. During his adventure, his
roll, jump and plunge in the water. They become face was covered in curry. The hostess requested
wild on seeing it. They do not want to see the him to hand it over after search.
water stored. They will act to keep the water on 14. What did Mijbil do during the second night ?
the move so as to spread and extend every drop Ans : 2010
of water about the place. Mijbil came onto Maxwell’s bed soon after
8. How did the otter look ? midnight. It remained asleep in the crook of his
Ans : 2013
knees until the morning.
The otter was a small creature and it resembled a 15. Describe the havoc created by Mijbil on the
medievally-conceived dragon. It was coated with airplane when it came out of the box.
symmetrical scales of mud armour from head to Ans : 2010
the tip of the tail. On the soft velvet fur there was When Maxwell opened the box, Mijbill flashed out
a chocolate brown mole. and disappeared at high speed down the aircraft.
9. What was the amusing scene of the otter in the He caused a great hue and cry in the aircraft.
plane? There were sounds of shrieks across the flight.
Ans : 2013
16. What were the conjectural questions that the
In the plane, Mij was out of the box in a flash. author faced ?
It disappeared speedily down the air craft. There Ans : 2009
were squeaks and shrieks in the plane. A woman These conjectural questions were about the otter
stood up and screamed ‘A rat! a rat!’ When the since the Londoners do not recognise an otter.
author tried to search, his face was covered in They guessed it a baby seal, and a squirrel. They
curry. Then the author was in his seat. In no time thought it as a walrus mister or a hippo. They
it came on his knee and started nuzzling author’s thought it to be a brontosaur even.
face and neck.
17. What does Maxwell say about the compulsive
10. How was ‘Mijbil’ a source of amazement on habit of Mij ? Give an example from the story.
London streets ? Ans : 2009
Ans : 2012
Mij had developed certain compulsive habits like
The otter was a constant source of amazement to small children. In the streets it placed its feet on
the Londoners as very few people had ever seen the centre of each paving block. It must touch the
an otter. They were filled with surprise on seeing every seventh upright of iron railings.
such a strange animal. They guessed it with
different names of animals. 18. Where and when did Maxwell think of keeping an
otter as a pet ? Why did he think so ?
11. What did the otter look like ? Ans : 2009
Ans : 2012, 2003
Maxwell happened to travel to Southern Iraq
The otter looked like a small dragon belonging to early in the New Year of 1956. Around that
the middle ages. It was covered with symmetrical time, he thought of keeping an otter as a pet. He
pointed scales of mud. One could see between the thought so because Camusfearna, surrounded by
scales as soft velvet fur like that of a chocolate- water at a close distance, would be a good place
brown mole. for keeping an otter.
12. How did Mij spend his time ?
Ans : 2012 19. From where did Maxwell’s friend suggest him to
Mij spent most of his time in play. He spent hours get an otter ?
shuffling the rubber ball round the room like a Ans : 2008

four-footed soccer player. His real play was when Maxwell casually mentioned to his friend that
he used to juggle small objects between his paws. he wished to keep an otter as a pet. His friend
Marbles were his favourite toy for his pastime. suggested that he should get the otter from the
Tigris marshes because over there otters were as
13. What happened when the author tried to search common as mosquitoes.
his otter ?

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Page 406 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

20. “Five days later, my mail arrived.” What 26. What did the airline insist for the transportation
happened when Maxwell went to his bedroom to of Mij ?
read his mail ? Ans : 2006

Ans : 2008 The airline insisted that Mij should be packed in

When Maxwell’s mail arrived five days later, he a box not more than eighteen inches square. They
carried it to his bedroom to read it. There he also said that the box should be carried on the
found two Arabs squatting on the floor and beside floor, near Maxwell’s feet.
them lay a sack that twisted about from time to
time. Those men handed him a note from his 27. What was the ‘appalling spectacle’ Maxwell
friend which said : ‘Here is your otter.....’ noticed when he returned from having a hurried
meal ?
21. How did Maxwell feel when the sack was opened ? Ans : 2006

Ans : 2008 When Maxwell returned from a hurried meal, he

Maxwell felt that with the opening of that sack noticed that there was complete silence from the
had begun a phase of his life that might never box. But from its airholes and chinks around the
end. He said that he suddenly had an otter lid, blood had trickled and dried. He immediately
fixation, meaning that he was under the control of tore open the box and found that Mij had torn
otters or had a very strong attachment or feeling the lining of the box to small pieces and injured
towards them. himself in the process.

22. How did the otter look when he emerged from 28. “He disappeared at high speed down the aircraft.”
the sack ? What did Mij do when he came back to Maxwell’s
Ans : 2008 seat ?
When the otter emerged from the sack, he was Ans : 2006

coated with symmetrical pointed scales of mud Maxwell tried to catch Mij in the aeroplane but
from his head to the tip of the tail like a mud failed to do so. Later, when he returned to his
armour. Between his tips was visible a soft velvet seat, he suddenly heard from his feet a distressed
fur like that of a chocolate-brown mole. chitter of recognition and welcome. Immediately,
Mij jumped on his knee and began to rub his nose
23. How did Mijbil behave in the first twenty-four on Maxwell’s face and neck.
hours ?
Ans : 2007 29. Why was the author not allowed to take a flight
For the first twenty-four hours Mijbil was neither of British Airways?
hostile nor friendly. Rather, he was aloof and Ans : 2005

indifferent and kept a distance. He chose to sleep The British Airways did not allow pets on its
on the floor as far from Maxwell’s bed as it was flight, while the author had to carry his pet otter
possible. along with him. So he booked a flight to Paris on
another airline and from there to London.
24. What did Maxwell learn is a characteristic of
otters ? 30. What according to the writer is the ‘real play’ of
Ans : 2007
an otter?
Maxwell learnt that it was a characteristic of Ans : 2004
otters that every drop of water must be extended The ‘real play’ of an otter is when he lies on his
and spread about the place. According to them, back and juggles with small objects between his
water must be kept on the move and made to paws. Mij would lie on his back and roll two or
do things because when the water is static, it is three marbles up and down without ever dropping
wasted and provoking. one on the floor.
25. How would Mij play with the marbles ? 31. Why were Maxwell and his friends going to Basra?
Ans : 2007, 2001
Ans : 2004
Mij would lie on his back and juggle with marbles Maxwell and his friends were going to Basra to
between his paws. He would even be rolling two or the Consulate-General (of Iraq) to collect and
more of marbles up and down his wide, flat belly answer their mail from Europe. At the Consulate-
without ever dropping one to the floor. General, the author found that his friends mail
had arrived but he had not arrived.
At the Consulate-General the author found

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage
Ans :
6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
(ii) Exercise routine
Activity (iii) Hygiene
(iv) Vaccinations
1. Do you have a pet? If you do, you perhaps know
that a pet is a serious responsibility. Read in the (v) Regular Checkups
box below what the SPCA — the Society for the
3. Otters are found in large numbers in the marshes
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — has to say
(i.e. wet areas near lakes, rivers or seas) near
about how to care for a pet.
Basra, a town in Iraq. Imagine you wanted to
Owning a pet is a lifetime of commitment (up
bring an otter from Iraq to London, as a pet.
to ten years or more if you own a dog or a cat) What special arrangements would you need to
involving considerable responsibility. The decision make for your pet otter? You would need to find a
to acquire one, therefore, should be made by the place with lots of water, for example. What other
whole family. Without full agreement by everyone, points should you think about? The information
the pet could end up unwanted. Puppies and about Iraq and London given below may help you.
kittens are so adorable, it is easy to understand
why adults and children alike would be attracted Iraq London
to them. Unfortunately their cute looks are often Iraq has mostly broad London has a large
a disadvantage, because people purchase them plains and marshes population and is a very
without consideration and the knowledge on how along the Iranian busy city. In addition
to take proper care of them. The basic points you border in the south, to multistoreyed
should keep in mind before adopting a puppy are : with large flooded buildings, however, it
• an annual dog licence in accordance with areas. A large part has many open spaces
government regulations of Iraq’s land area or parks. It has a
• its annual vaccination against major diseases is desert, so it has temperate climate (i.e.
• toilet training cool winters and dry, it is neither very hot,
• regular grooming and bathing hot and cloudless nor very cold), with
• obedience training summers. The regular but generally
• don’t forget you should feed your pet a mountain areas near light rainfall or snow
balanced diet Iran and Turkey have throughout the year.
• socialisation (many dogs are kept confined in cold winters. There is The warmest month is
cages or tied up to stop them from dirtying heavy snowfall there, July, and the coolest
the garden or from chewing on shoes — this and when the snow month is January.
melts in spring, it February is the driest
is wrong) is very important
causes floods in central month. Snow is not
• a daily dose of exercise, affection and play.
and southern Iraq. very common in
Reading up on the subject beforehand is
London.
another important requirement and will guide you
towards being a responsible pet owner. Selected Ans :
pet shops and major book stores provide books I will ensure that my pet otter has enough water
on the care of various breeds/pets. to play in. I would make a pond for it to frolic in
Ans : and give it marbles to play with. I would give it
Yes I have a pet dog and I treat it like my fish to eat.
companion. I make sure it is fed proper diet, has Oral Comprehension Check - 1
regular baths and vet visits.
1. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think
2. Imagine someone has gifted you a pet. With your Camusfearna would be suitable for?
partner’s help, make a list of the things you need Ans :
to know about the pet in order to take good care Maxwell thought that camusfearna would be
of it. One has been done for you. suitable for the experiment of catching an otter
(i) The food it eats. for a pet animal.
(ii) _______________
2. Why does he go to Basra ? How long does he wait
(iii) _______________ there, and why ?
(iv) _______________ Ans :
(v) _______________ He goes to Basra to collect and answer his mail

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Page 408 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

going out for walks. life without a pet was lonely. While travelling to
I would like my pet to be as attached to me as southern Iraq in the early year of 1956, it came to
Mijbil was to the author. Mijbil loved and cared a his mind that he must keep an otter rather than
lot for Maxwell. My pet should also be like that. a dog. Since in his Camusfearna, the water was
Another quality of Mijbil worth taking notice is available in great abundance and it would be fine
his intelligence. He invented games for himself to keep an otter because the otters are much fond
and entertained all around him. of water.

5. How was Mij to be transported to England? 8. What do you know about the short stay of Mijbil
Ans : 2012, 2008 in London ?
Maxwell and Mij had peaceful time at Basra. Ans : 2011

Then there arose the problem of transporting In London, Mij and the author stayed for a
Mij to England. Since British airlines did not fly month. Then Mijbil spent his time in playing with
animals so Maxwell had to book a special flight ping-pong balls, toys, marbles, rubber fruit and a
to Paris on another airline and from there to terrapin shell. Mij always desired to place the ball
London. The airline laid two conditions. First, on its high end and run down its full length.
the animals should be packed in a box not more The author used to take him for walks in the
than eighteen inches square. Second, the box London streets. It developed certain compulsive
should be carried on the floor of his feet. Mij was habits. It walked like children on the centre of
put in the box and after an hour when Maxwell each paving block and must touch every seventh
retired after having meal, he saw a horrible sight. upright of the iron railings. It was also to pass
He saw blood trickled and dried at the air holes to the outside of very second lamp post. There
of the box. He tore open the lid. Exhausted and was a primary school opposite to the flat. Along
bloodstained Mij emerged from the box. He was the frontage there was a low wall of thirty yards
badly injured. He had torn the lining of the box. length. There it galloped. The school students
and the teachers were disturbed through its
6. Give an account of Mijbil’s journey to London. pranks. On seeing his otter, the Londoners failed
Ans : 2011
to recognize it. The author was reduced to giggles.
The author want to go to England. So he Then a labourer growled out, ‘Here, Mister -what
approached the British Airline which refused the is that supposed to be ?’ Thus ended the stay of
flight for his Mijbil. The author then had a flight both of them in London.
for Paris and then to London. They insisted a box
of 18 square for the otter. The author had a box 9. The narrator called the airhostess the queen of
made and put the otter in it. When he came after her kind. This shows how caring and supportive
his meal, he was surprised to see that the blood she was. Do you find such people these days ? Are
had trickled from the airholes and the chinks. He people having a change in their values ?
opened the box and was sorry to see the otter Ans : 2010
blood spattered. In today’s world, it is getting difficult to find
In the airplane, the author was advised by people who show their care and support. Rather
the air hostess to keep Mijbil on his knees. When than helping others, they start giving excuses and
it opened, the otter was out of the box in a flash. quote rules and regulations. Earlier, people used
It disappeared down the aircraft. A woman cried to think about the situation faced by others and
‘A rat! a rat!’ The author tried to search but he helped them in all possible ways.
found his mouth covered with curry. Then the This is changing because of the change in
author returned to his seat. Soon Mijbil came the values of the people. People give first priority
bouncing on his knees. It began to nuzzle his face to their own safety and security. They care for
and neck. themselves first and then think about others.

7. Describe how the author came to have an otter. 10. In the name of rules and regulations, basic values
O are ignored but people like the airhostess in
How did it come to his mind to have an otter ? ‘Mijbil the Otter’ are a ray of hope. What virtues
Write down its earlier stay with the author. do we find in the airhostess?
Ans : 2011
Ans : 2010

The author Gavin Maxwell had a pet dog named The airhostess was somewhat friendly, and she
Jonnie. It died and the author became very sad. allowed the narrator to place the otter on his lap.
He thought to keep a dog again since he felt that She could relate and empathise with the situation

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

35. Otters love _____. 43. The Otters full body was covered with –
(a) Water (b) Dense forest (a) Grass (b) Mud
(c) Green grass (d) Sand (c) Thorn (d) Sand
Ans : 2009 Ans : 2007

(a) Water. (b) Mud.

36. The narrator’s friend said that others were 44. The fur of the Otter was looking like _____
commonly found in that river color made.
(a) Tigris (b) Maha Nadi (a) Chocolate – brown (b) Red
(c) Ganga (d) Nile (c) Black (d) Yellow
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2007

(a) Tigris. (a) Chocolate-brown.

37. The narrator and his friend were going to 45. It took a _____ to bring out his actual color.
(a) England (b) Camusfearna (a) Day (b) Year
(c) Basara (d) Basana (c) Month (d) Week
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2006

(c) Basara. (c) Month.

38. At that time a call had to be booked before 46. Lutrogale Perspicillate Maxwelli was the –
(a) 1 day (b) 48 hours (a) Scientist (b) Writer
(c) One hour (d) 4 hours (c) Zoologist (d) Wild life
Ans : 2008 photographer
(a) 1 day. Ans : 2006

(c) Zoologist.
39. On the second of calling the telephone exchange
was closed due to 47. The narrator made a _____ for the Otter.
(a) Religious holiday (b) National holiday (a) House (b) Belt
(c) Breakdown (d) Technical fault (c) Tub (d) Playing area
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2006

(a) Religious holiday. (b) Belt.

40. After _____ days the mail of the narrator is 48. Two days later Mijbil escaped to the –
friend arrived to him. (a) Garden (b) Pond
(a) 4 (b) 3 (c) Forest (d) Bathroom
(c) 5 (d) 2 Ans : 2005, 2001

Ans : 2008, 2004 (d) Bathroom.

(c) 5.
49. Mijbil was being packed in _____ inches square
41. The Otter was the gift for the narrator from his box while travelling to England.
friend (a) 16 (b) 15
(a) Friend (b) Father (c) 18 (d) 20
(c) Teacher (d) Brothers Ans : 2005

Ans : 2008 (c) 18.

(a) Friend.
50. _____ Airline refused to allow animals along
42. Meaning of Thraldom is – with passenger.
(a) New version (b) Thunder (a) American (b) British
(c) Old fashioned (d) Rough (c) Indian (d) Australia
Ans : 2007 Ans : 2003

(c) Old fashioned. (b) British.

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Page 410 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

16. One has to be very patient and loving with pets. attempt to come out of it. Afterwards on the flight,
Was Maxwell an animal lover ? Give his character he was out of the box in a flash when the narrator
sketch. For every adjective that you use, give an opened the box, but later, after frightening some
instance also. passengers on the plane, he bounded on to the
Ans : 2005 narrators knee unaffected.
The narrator, Maxwell was an animal lover, In London, with the ping pong ball he invented
therefore instead of a dog that time he wanted a game of his own for his own entertainment.
an otter as a pet. He even said that he was When he was taken for a walk, like a child, he
almost in control of an otter fixation, a fixation developed a compulsive habit. On his way back
he wasn’t sure would ever end. When the otter from the walk, he would jump on the two feet
had arrived at his room, he had been coated with high wall of a primary school, after dragging the
symmetrical pointed scales of mud. The mud had narrator with him. He would gallop the full length
been embedded into the otter’s skin so much that of its thirty yards, disturbing everyone inside the
when he tried to shake off the mud, he couldn’t school. It seemed like he enjoyed playing one trick
remove it. But the narrator himself diligently or the other just like a mischievous child.
removed every speck of mud till he was able to
see the true colours of the otter. 18. Mijbil did things which demonstrated its
The narrator knew every detail about his pet personality. Which qualities of the narrator are
and knew every minute detail of how he played. shown in his care for Mijbil?
He named him Mijbil and lovingly called him Mij Ans : 2004, 2000

as well. Mijbil was an intelligent, fun-loving and playful

The narrator was quite kind as well. He allowed otter. It was fond of water. When Maxwell took
Mijbil to adjust to his surroundings slowly. He let it to the bathroom, for half an hour, it went wild
him sleep in the crook of his kness. He watched with joy in the water, plunging and rolling in it.
his tricks lovingly and did not express any anger Maxwell treated Mijbil like his own son. He took
when Mijbil was fumbling at the chromium taps. care of him very well. He gave him lots of toys
For transporting him to England, he even including marbles, rubber balls, rubber fruits
made adequate arrangements to suit Mij’s needs. and a terrapin shell to play with. He also noticed
But when Mijbil disappeared at high speed down Mijbil’s habits and traits. Maxwell encouraged
the aircraft, and returned on the narrator’s knee Mijbil to do whatever he liked to do. He took
later and began to nuzzle his face and his neck, him out for exercise every day had put it in a box
he was overjoyed to get him back and not once and in order to set himself free. The otter had
did he express his displeasure. He was truly an injured itself. The author saw him in blood and
amazing person and a true animal-lover, quite was horrified.
loving and patient at heart.
19. Why did Maxwell want to have an otter for a pet?
How did he get one?
17. Mij, the otter, was mischievous. Justify the Ans : 2003
statement with examples from the text. Gavin Maxwell, the author, wanted to own a
Ans : 2005
pet. His pet dog had died recently and he was
Mij, the otter, was quite mischievous. In the feeling too sad to think of keeping a dog as a
beginning, he was aloof and indifferent, but on pet again. So, when he travelled to Southern
the second night he came on to the narrator’s bed Iraq, he decided to keep an otter instead of a dog.
and remained asleep in the crook of his knees for His friend suggested to Maxwell that he could
long. get an otter in the Tigris marshes for they were
Once in the bathroom, he would go wild with very common there, like mosquitoes. Moreover,
joy in the water. He would go up on the end of the friend also informed, that otters were often
the bathtub and turn the tap on himself, so that trained by the Arabs. finally Maxwell and his
he could play in the water. friend went to Basra to the Consulate-General to
He spent most of his time in play. He spent collect their mail. A few days later the author
hours shuffling a rubber ball like a four-footed received his mail. When he went to his bedroom
soccer player. He could even juggle the marbles to read his mail, he found two Arabs squatting on
between his paws, which was his favourite toy for the floor with the sack that contained the otter
his pastime. with a letter from his friend that said, “Here is
When the narrator had to transport Mij to your otter....”
London, he put him in a box, but Mij made every

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

faced by the narrator. This shows that apart still could not contact anyone by phone. So, his
from being professional, she was a caring lady. friend left and Maxwell arranged to meet him in
She not only wanted to do her job but was also a week’s time.
responsible as she helped the narrator in finding However, five days later, Maxwell’s mail
the otter back. She did all that she could do for arrived. When he carried it to his bedroom to
Maxwell and the otter. She was hard working and read, he saw two Arabs squatting on the floor and
was ready to help as she did not say ‘no’ to help beside them lay a sack that twisted about from
the narrator. time to time. Those men handed him a note from
his friend that said- “Here is your otter”.
11. Why do you think the otter was not friendly at
first with the narrator ? Can you relate this to the 14. “Water must be kept on the move and made to do
human nature as well? things; when static it is wasted and provoking.”
Ans : 2009, 2007 Do you think this statement was true in case of
At first, the otter was not very friendly with the Mijbil, the otter ?
narrator as he had seen him for the first time. He Ans : 2007

was brought to a new place and new surroundings. Yes, I think this statement is true in the case of
He neither knew the narrator nor the place which Mijbil, the otter. Maxwell took Mijbil on a lead
made him stay away from the narrator. But, as to the bathroom and Mij just went wild with joy
soon as he started becoming comfortable with the while in water. Mij was plunging and rolling in
surroundings, he became friendly and came close water. He was even shooting up and down the
to the narrator. length of the bathtub underwater and was making
This is very similar to the human nature. too much slosh and splash.
Even, the human beings first take time to This, Maxwell learnt, is a characteristic of
understand others and then only become friendly otters. According to them, every drop of water
with them. Unless they are comfortable in being must be extended and spread about the place.
with somebody, they try to stay away from that It was further proved when two days later, Mij
person. escaped from Maxwell’s bedroom as Maxwell
entered it. Maxwell followed Mijbil who had
12. “But not knowing otters, I was quite unprepared gone to the bathroom and was fumbling at the
for what followed”. Why does the writer say this? chromium taps with his paws. Maxwell watched
Ans : 2009
with surprise when Mij, turned the tap, which
As soon as the writer was seated in the aircraft he ultimately achieved full flow. This shows that
opened the box. Mij was out of the box in a flash. when an otter is in the water, water must be
He disappeared down the aircraft at a high speed. kept on the move and made to do things because,
There were shrieks and screams, and a woman according to the otter, otherwise it is wasted.
stood up on her seat on seeing, what she called,
‘a rat’. Just then the writer spotted Mij’s tail
disappearing beneath the legs of a stout white-
turbaned Indian. He dived at it to get hold of Mij 15. He spent most of his time in play.” How would
but missed the tail and found his face covered in Mij spend most of his time in play ?
curry. He was not prepared for the sequence of Ans : 2006

events. After getting comfortable with the author, very

soon Mij would follow Maxwell without a lead
13. Why had Maxwell gone to Basra ? How did he get and would come to him when he called Mij’s
the otter there ? name. Later, Mij would spend most of his time
Ans : 2007 in play. He would spend hours shuffling a rubber
Gavin Maxwell along with his friend had gone ball round the room. Mij could also throw the
to Basra to the Consulate-General to collect and ball with a powerful quick, light movement, to a
answer their mail from Europe. There they found surprising height and distance. But Mijbil’s real
that the mail of Maxwell’s friend had arrived, but play would be when he would lie on his back and
Maxwell’s had not. He immediately sent a cable would juggle with small objects between his paws.
to England. Still, when three days later, nothing Marbles were Mij’s favourite toys for this pastime
had happened, he tried to contact telephonically. and he would lie on his back rolling two or more
But in those days the international call had to be of the marbles up and down his wide, flat belly
booked twenty-four hours in advance. Even after without ever dropping one of the marbles on to
waiting for the required time, for three days he the floor.

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Page 412 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

i. Pick the option that classifies (F) Fact from sat in and sploshed in until it overflows. Water
(O) opinion. must be kept on the move and made to do things;
1. I think the otter was caked with mud, when static it is wasted and provoking.
initially. i. What is the scientific name of the species of
2. I feel he was a fine pet for the author. the Otter referred to in the extract?
3. Oh come on, his fur was like that of a (a) Lutrogale maxwelli
mole. (b) Lutrogale perspicillata
4. Let’s not forget the otter needed to be (c) Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli
cleaned for a month. (d) Maxwelli perspicillata lutrogale
(a) F 1 and 3, O 2 and 4 ii. What does ‘this’ refer to in the given extract?
(b) F 2 and 3, O 1 and 4 iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
(c) F 1 and 4, O 2 and 3 identify which one correctly corresponds to
(d) F 1 and 2, O 3 and 4 the extract.
ii. What do these words reveal about the author’s (a) An autobiographical account describing
personality? Answer in about 40 words. the author’s feelings and thought
‘But in fact, it was not for another month that regarding an event.
I managed to remove the last of the mud and (b) A description of the narrator’s experiences
see the otter, as it were, in his true colours. and observations.
iii. Study the statement, ‘From the head to the (c) A brochure which gives us a picture of
tip of the tail he was coated with symmetrical the places’ culture, people and tourist
pointed scales...’ In which of the options given destination.
below, the meaning of the word coated as iv. Which word would correctly substitute ‘spills’,
used in the statement has been used? in the given sentence from the extract? The
(a) Roll the potato wedges in crumbs and fry. oil spills when it is poured into a smaller
(b) His tongue is layered yellow due to long container.
sickness. Ans : 2017

(c) My shoes were covered with mud after a i. (c) Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli
long walk. ii. ‘This’ in the given extract refers to the otter’s
iv. The meaning of the word armour in, ‘From infatuation with water. The otter in the given
the head to the tip of the tail he was coated extract loved to play in water.
with symmetrical pointed scales of mud iii. (b) A description of the narrator’s experiences
armour’ is _____. and observations.
Ans : 2018
iv. overflows
i. (a) F 1 and 3, O 2 and 4
ii. The author half expected the otter to shake 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
down all the mud but it didn’t happen. Maxwell questions that follows :
proved to be an animal lover because he showed When I returned, there was an appalling spectacle.
utmost patience in removing the mud from There was complete silence from the box, but
the otter’s scales. The otter looked like a small from its air holes and chinks around the lid, blood
medievally conceived dragon and thus, revealed had trickled and dried. I whipped off the lock and
its true beauty. tore open the lid and Mij, exhausted and blood-
spattered, whimpered and caught at my leg. He
iii. (c) My shoes were covered with mud after a
had torn the lining of the box to shreds; when
long walk.
I removed the last of it so that there were no
iv. a shield or a protective covering. cutting edges left, it was just ten minutes until
3. Read the extract given below and answer the the time of the flight and the airport was five
questions that follows : miles distant. I put the miserable Mij back into
This, I was to learn, is a characteristic of Otters; the box, holding down the lid with my hand. I sat
every drop of water must be, so to speak, extended in the back of the car with the box beside me as
and spread about the place; a bowl must at once the driver tore through the streets of Basra like a
be overturned or, if it will not be overturned, be ricocheting bullet.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

20. Describe the relationship between the otter and (a) He had started taking interest in his
Maxwell in your own words. surroundings.
Ans : 2003 (b) He was becoming friendly with Maxwell.
Maxwell and the otter Mijbil shared a lovely (c) He wanted to play with Maxwell on his
relationship. Maxwell treated Mij like any other
bed.
normal pet. He took very good care of him. He
gave him many toys including marbles, rubber (d) He wanted to feel safe and not remain
bans, rubber fruits and a terrapin shell to play indifferent.
with. He took him to the bathtub to play in the ii. Maxwell says that Mijbil was neither
water knowing the fascination of otters with water. hostile nor friendly, he was simply aloof and
He noticed his habits and traits. Mijbil hesitated indifferent for the first twenty-four hours.
on the first day but then became very friendly. Give reasons in not more than 40 words.
Maxwell encouraged Mijbil to do whatever he iii. Read the following descriptions (a) - (d) and
liked to do. He took him out for exercise every identify which one correctly corresponds to
day. When Maxwell saw blood on the box in the extract.
which Mij was packed, he was horrified. When
(a) Owning a pet is tedious and needs
Mij came out of the box he jumped all over but
commitment.
then came and sat on Maxwell’s knees quietly.
The author used to enjoy the activities of Mijbil. (b) A pet needs his own space and time to
get adjusted to his owner’s environment.
21. How did it, come to the mind of the writer that (c) Maxwell decided to bring Mijbil because
an otter can be substituted for dogs or cats? he was very sad to lose his dog.
Ans : 2001
(d) Maxwell and Mijbil loved travelling.
The author’s pet dog had died, he was too sad
iv. Which characteristic trait of otters is revealed
to think of keeping a dog again. Maxwell’s friend
suggested him to get an otter from Tigris marshes when Mijbil is taken to the bathroom ?
Ans : 2020
for they were as common as mosquitoes over
there. Moreover, they were often trained by the i. (c) He wanted to play with Maxwell on his
Arabs. He had to go to Basra to the Consulate- bed.
General to collect and answer his mail. His mail ii. Mijbil was in a new environment, which likely
had not arrived yet so he had to wait. There he made him feel unsure and cautious. Being in
received an otter sent by his friend through two unfamiliar surroundings, he needed time to
Arabs. The author felt a strong attachment and adjust and feel comfortable around Maxwell,
feelings for it. He liked it and kept it. thus initially showing indifference and
aloofness as a natural response to the change
in his setting.
Extract Based Question
iii. (b) A pet needs his own space and time to get
1. Read the extract given below and answer the adjusted to his owner’s environment.
questions that follow: iv. Joy in water.
For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was
neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof
and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as
far from my bed as possible. The second night 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows :
Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and
The creature that emerged from this sack on to
remained asleep in the crook of my knees until the
the spacious tiled floor of the Consulate bedroom,
servant brought tea in the morning, and during
resembled most of all a very small medievally-
the day he began to lose his apathy and take a
conceived, dragon. From the head to the tip of the
keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings.
tail he was coated with symmetrical pointed scales
I made a body-belt for him and took him on a
of mud armour, between whose tips was visible soft
lead to the bathroom, where for half an hour he
velvet fur like that of a chocolate-brown mole. He
went wild with joy in the water.
shook himself and I half expected a cloud of dust,
i. Which of the following is not a reason why
but in fact, it was not for another month that I
Mijbil came on to Maxwell’s bed in the small
managed to remove the last of the mud and see the
hours ?
otter, as it were, in his true colours.

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Page 414 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

3. Oh let’s not forget his species was not ii. Choose the statements that are NOT TRUE.
well known to scientists at first. 1. The otter escaped from the bedroom two
4. It is possible that the otter preferred the days later.
floor to the bed. 2. The author ran after the otter.
(a) F 2 and 3, O 1 and 4 3. The otter disappeared round the bed of
(b) F 3 and 4, O I and 2 the corridor.
(c) F 1 and 2, O 3 and 4 4. The otter used his paws to turn on the
(d) F 1 and 3, O 2 and 4 tap.
ii. Which of the following options correctly 5. The author helped the otter to turn on
display the author’s attitude towards Mijbil? the tap.
(a) scientific and racial 6. In a moment the otter had achieved the
(b) gentle and understanding full flow of the tap.
(c) humourous (a) 2 and 5 (b) 1 and 4
(d) patronising (c) 3 and 5 (d) 4 and 6
iii. In the statement, ‘Mijbil as I called the otter, iii. Pick the option that classifies (F) Fact from
was in fact of a race previously unknown to (O) opinion.
science and was at length christened ...’ the 1. I think otters are very clever animals.
underlined word can be perfectly substituted 2. Just look at the way Mijbil turned on the
with _____. full flow of the tap.
(a) debuted (b) baptised
3. I feel Mijbil wanted to be freed.
(c) named (d) labelled
4. Let’s not forget Mijbil could fumble with
iv. Did Mijbil remain aloof and indifferent the chromium tap with his paws.
through his stay with Maxwell or did his
(a) F 1 and 3, O 2 and 4
behaviour change with the passage of time?
(b) F 2 and 4, O 1 and 3
Ans : 2009
(c) F 3 and 4, O 1 and 2
i. (d) F 1 and 3, O 2 and 4
(d) F 1 and 4, O 2 and 3
ii. (ii) gentle and understanding
iv. Mijbil was resourceful and dexterous enough
iii. (iii) named
to find his way around his master’s house and
iv. At first, the otter was aloof and indifferent, also to amuse himself. Answer with relevant
keeping distance from the author but with examples in about 40 words.
time, it soon started taking keen interest in his Ans : 2008
surroundings and getting familiar with Maxwell.
i. (a) groping
He began looking up to the author for love, play,
ii. (a) 2 and 5
and protection just like any other pet.
iii. (b) F 2 and 4, O 1 and 3
7. Read the extract given below and answer the iv. Mijbil disappeared into the bathroom and
questions that follows : fumbled with the taps within moments, he
Two days later Mijbil escaped from my bedroom had produced a trickle and then, a full flow
as I entered it and/turned to see his tail of water to enjoy himself because otters like
disappearing round the bend of the corridor that hippos love water. Mijbil also invented games
led to the bathroom. By the time I got there he to amuse himself, juggled with small objects
was up on the end of the bathtub and fumbling and played with marbles.
at the chromium taps with his paws. I watched,
amazed; in less than a minute he had turned the 8. Read the extract given below and answer the
tap far enough to produce a trickle of water and questions that follows :
after a moment or two achieved the full flow. A suitcase that I had taken to Iraq had become
i. Which synonym does the word ‘fumbling’ damaged on the journey home, so that the lid,
(as used in the passage) correspond to in the when closed, remained at a slope from one end to
following options? the other. Mij discovered that if he placed the ball
(a) groping (b) drubbing on the high end it would run down the length of
the suitcase. He would dash around to the other
(c) mishandling (d) blundering

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

end to ambush its arrival, hide from it, crouching must place their feet squarely on the centre of
to spring up and take it by surprise, grab it and each paving block; must touch every seventh
trot off with it to the high end once more. upright of the iron railings, or pass to the outside
i. Which of the following sentences best captures of every second lamp post.
the word ‘ambush’ as used in the passage by Opposite to my flat was a single-storied
the author? primary schoo4 along whose frontage ran a low
(a) The stray dogs were trapped and sterilised wall some two feet high. On the way home, but
by the municipal authorities. never on his way out, Mij would tug me to this
wall, jump on to it, and gallop the full length of
(b) Turtles routinely get entangled in
its thirty yards, to the hopeless distraction both
discarded nets by the fisher folk.
of pupils and of staff within.
(c) The robbers waylay the unsuspecting
travellers on the highway. i. Complete the statement :
The author talks about compulsive habits
(d) The children lay in wait for the lights to
acquired by Mijbil to _____.
go off to plan their next mischief.
(a) point at some psychological disorder in
ii. Mijbil discovered the joy of rolling a ball from
him.
a slope and catching it from the other end.
(b) tell us about his exclusive playful and
What do you infer from it?
bubbly personality.
(a) Mijbil was a mischief-loving otter.
(c) compare him with the general liveliness
(b) He could play alone.
of children.
(c) Mijbil was intelligent enough to invent
(d) portray that all otters and human
games for his amusement.
children are the same.
(d) He could keep himself engrossed and
ii. With what objective does the author describe
busy.
‘the rituals of children’ ?
iii. Mijbil’s antics can be compared to a human
iii. Cite an example of a ritual that Mij developed
child. Comment in about 40 words with
just like the school children do.
examples.
iv. What does the word ‘gallop’ in, ‘Mg would
iv. Write a synonym of the phrasal verb ‘trot off
tug me to this wall, jump on to it, and gallop
and use it in a sentence of your own.
Ans : 2006
the full length of its thirty yards’ contextually
refer to?
i. (d) The children lay in wait for the lights to
(a) charge like a bull (b) run like a
go off to plan their next mischief.
sprinter
ii. (c) Mijbil was intelligent enough to invent
(c) fly like a plane (d) bolt like a cat
games for his amusement.
Ans : 2005
iii. Mijbil invented his own games and had fun.
i. (c) compare him with the general liveliness of
He would dash around the other side of the
children.
author’s damaged suitcase to catch a rolling
ii. The author wants to tell the readers that
ball. He placed marbles on his tummy and
children have their own ways to keep
rolled them around without dropping any of
themselves entertained and occupied.
them, dribbled with a ball and kicked it with
his stretched neck. iii. Mij would regularly gallop the full length of
thirty yards of a low wall outside a primary
iv. walk briskly; The horse trotted off after the
school on the way home from his walk.
race and stood under a tree quietly enjoying
the fresh grass. iv. (b) run like a sprinter

9. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follows :

Outside the house I exercised him on a lead,
precisely as if he had been a dog. Mij quickly
developed certain compulsive habits on these
walks in the London streets, like the rituals of
children who on their way to and from school

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Page 416 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Mada m Rides the Bus

1. INTRODUCTION Collecting Details about Bus Journey

There travelled a bus between her village and
The chapter “Madam Rides the Bus” is written a nearest town on an interval of an hour. She
by Vallikkannan. This is about a brave eight-year- stared at the passengers who got on or off the
old who had a strong desire and along with it, the bus. She listened to the conversation between her
courage to fulfill it. She liked gazing at the hustle neighbours and the people who regularly used the
and bustle of the street and her favourite part was bus. More often, she asked a few questions from
the sight of a bus arriving and departing. Thus, them. In a way she had collected some details
she developed a deep desire to travel by bus. For about the bus journey. The last destination of the
that, she needed all sorts of information about the bus was a town. It was about six miles from her
bus journey, collect the bus fare and then plan village. The fare was thirty paise for one way. The
it so that she could be back at home before her trip to the town took forty-five minutes. So she
mother woke up from her afternoon nap. Thus, planned to take the one o’ clock afternoon bus so
the story brings us recounts of how innocently but that she could return by about two forty-five.
responsibly she fulfilled her deepest desire and
her experiences on the bus ride. How an incident Boarding the Bus
makes her realize the reality of death. On one afternoon, it was a fine spring day. The
afternoon bus was on the point of leaving the
village. Valli called ‘Stop the bus! Stop the bus.’
2. Characters The bus slowed down and the conductor peeped
Valliammai outside. He called to hurry up. Standing outside
Valliammai, better known as Valli is an eight- the bus, Valli told that she had to go to the town.
year-old girl who wishes to take a ride in the bus She showed some coins and got into the bus. The
that goes to the town everyday. She is a curions conductor was a jolly fellow. He called her a fine
girl who collects details about the bus journey. madam and pointed towards a seat. It was the
Since she is determined to go, she saves money for slack time of the day. So very few passengers were
the bus journey and rides the bus. travelling in the bus. Then the conductor asked
her if they could start the bus. All passengers were
Bus Conductor looking at the conductor and Valli. On hearing
The bus conductor is a jolly kind of fellow who the whistle, the bus started. It was a new bus. It
calls Valli as ‘madam’ because of her mannerisms. had a fine painting of green stripes on the white.
Throughout the journey, he never gets irritated The seats were soft and luxurious.
with her. Instead he treats her with affection.
Looking Outside
In the way, Valli was enjoying everything through
3. summary her own eyes. The road was narrow. On one side
there was a canal. Beyond it there were palm trees,
Valli’s and Her Pastimes grassland, mountains, sky and green fields. To have
Valli or Valliammai was a Tamil girl of eight years. full view, she stood on the seat. All looked very
She was very much curious about things. She wonderful for Valli. An elderly man shouted and
had no playmates. So standing in the doorway called Valli as ‘child’. He asked her to sit down. Valli
of her house had become her favourite pastime. was surprised for calling her a child. The conductor
She watched what was happening in the street told that she was a very grown-up madam as a mere
outside. Thus she had got many new unusual girl could not travel all alone. In an angry way, she
experiences. But she was very much fascinated looked towards the conductor and demanded the
for the bus ride. It was an unending joy for her. ticket. The conductor punched a ticket and gave her.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

He asked her not to stand when she had paid for a felt surprised and questioned what the matter
seat. The bus stopped. Some passengers got on. Valli was. Valli replied that she only felt to have a ride
sat down on her seat lest some passenger should sit in the bus and nothing else. The conductor was
over it. greatly amused. He requested her to go and look
An Old Woman in the Bus at the lights till the bus started. But Valli replied
At that time, an elderly woman got into the bus. that she was much afraid. She went on sitting till
She sat beside Valli. She questioned her if she the bus resumed its journey. She got her ticket.
was all alone. Valli did not like her. There were The same wonderful sights were before her eyes.
big holes in her ears. The earrings were very ugly. The Dead Cow
She was chewing the betelnut. Valli was fearing Then she suddenly saw a young cow dead by
lest its juice should fall at any moment. She again the road side. She enquired the conductor if it
interrogated Valli. In turn Valli gave a curt reply was the same cow. The conductor nodded his
and asked her to mind her own business. But the head. Now she was overcome with sadness. Her
old woman went on with her talk. She tried to memory haunted her. She thought that she had
know the house number, town and street, where been a lovely animal a little while ago but all
she was going. Valli was much troubled. She asked her charm was lost. She no longer wanted to look
her not to bother about her. Then Valli turned out of the window. She glued to her seat. It was
her face and stared outside the window. three-forty when the bus reached her village. She
A Very Planned Journey stood up and told the conductor to see him again.
It was her first journey. She had planned it very The conductor smiled and answered. Madam,
well. She had saved all her stray coins that came whenever you feel like bus ride, come and join us.
her way. She even resisted the temptation of And don’t forget to bring your fare. Valli laughed
buying toys and balloons etc. At the village fair and went running straight for her home.
too she controlled herself not to enjoy the ride Valli Returns Home
in the merry-go-round. Thus she had collected When Valli entered her house, she saw her mother
enough money for her journey. Her next problem talking with one of her aunts. She was from South
was to slip out of the house. She knew that her Street. She was a chatterbox. Her mouth never
mother used to sleep daily after lunch. Valli stopped once she started talking. She asked Valli
decided to use these hours for her journey. Most where she had been. Valli only smiled. Her mother
often she used these hours for her excursion. remained busy with her. Both were discussing
Journeying in the Bus about the things outside the world. Valli told
The bus was rolling across a landscape. Everything that so many things were happening without their
seemed to be fast running. But it was passing knowledge. Her aunt was surprised and said that
smoothly leaving all obstacles safely behind. Valli Valli was talking like a grown-up lady.
was happy. She clapped her hands with glee.
There came a young cow, running fast, in front of
the bus. The driver sounded his horn loudly. But
4. Word meanings
the animal became more and more frightened. 1. Sensitive - full of feelings
It galloped in front of the bus. It was funny for 2. Induction - entry
Valli. At last the cow moved off the road. The bus 3. Mystery - surprise
came to a railroad crossing. The train looked like 4. Fast-moving - that moves fast
a speck from the distance. The train passed with 5. Suggestions - proposals, advices
utmost roar and rattle. It shook the bus even. 6. Curious - anxious
Then the bus passed through a busy shopping 7. Favourite - lovely
street and came on a wider thoroughfare. Valli 8. Pastime - game, mode of passing leisure
was fascinated and happy to see the displays of 9. Watching - seeing
clothes and the big crowd. She was watching 10. Playmates - co-players
everything. It was the last destination of the bus. 11. Bit - a little
12. Enjoyable - full of enjoyment
Some Interrogation by the Conductor
13. Elaborate - detailed
Now all the passengers got off the bus. Valli
14. Unusual - extraordinary
remained there in the bus. The conductor asked
15. Fascinating - attractive
if she was not ready to get off the bus. Valli
16. Passed through - go between
replied that she would return on this same bus
17. Source - means
and gave her thirty coins to the conductor. He

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Page 418 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

18. Unending - that which do not end 72. Ditch - a narrow trench
19. Gradually - slowly and steadily 73. Suddenly - all of a sudden
20. Tiny - a bit, a little 74. Startled - surprised
21. Crept into - came, entered 75. Concerned - caring for
22. Overwhelming desire - a keen desire 76. Annoyed - angry
23. Stare - look keenly 77. Haughtily - proudly
24. Wistfully - sadly 78. Chimed in - to be in rhyme
25. Got on - board 79. Mere - small
26. Kindle - set alight 80. Glance - stare
27. Longings - desires 81. Mimicking - copying
28. Describe - explain 82. Punched - making a hole
29. Sights - scenes 83. Handed - gave
30. Jealous - feeling-ill will 84. Comfortable - cosy
31. Disapproval - unacceptable disagreement 85. Turn - to turn, to move
32. Slang expression - using informal words 86. Hits - strikes
33. Listened - heard 87. Bump - push against
34. Conversations - discussions 88. Irritably - in an anger
35. Regularly - continuously 89. Stupid - foolish
36. Discreet questions - quiet, careful 90. Finally - in the end
37. Details - knowledge 91. Absolutely - completely
38. Picked up - got 92. Repulsive - causing strong dislike
39. Scarcely - hardly 93. Lobes - soft hanging part of the ear
40. On and on - further and further 94. Betelnut - nut of palm
41. Calculated - counted 95. Chewing - eating, grinding
42. Planned - scheming 96. Juice - water like substance
43. Commandingly - with order, command 97. Threatening - warning
44. Crawl - more slowly 98. Spill over - fall
45. Sticking - bringing 99. At any moment - in any second
46. Conductor - one who gives the tickets 100.Ugh - said in surprise
47. Simply - only 101.Sociable - who is social
48. Okay - well 102.Answered - replied
49. Jolly - funny 103.Curtly - showing displeasure
50. Sort - kind 104.Drivel - silly nonsense
51. Fond of - habitual of 105.Proper - correct
52. Move aside - move/go away 106.Bother - feel concern
53. Slack time - a time when there is not much 107.Careful - full of care
work 108.Pains taking - taking pains
54. Passengers - travellers 109.Thriftly - careful in spending money
55. Avoiding - saving, escaping 110.Saved - kept safe
56. Empty - vacant 111.Stray coins. - extra coins
57. Smiling - laughing 112.Resisting - controlling, opposing
58. Roar - a loud voice 113.Temptation - greed
59. Gleaming - shining 114.Particularly - specially
60. Stripes - lines 115.Resolutely - with strong determination
61. Overhead - above head 116.Stifled - controlled
62. Directly - straightly 117.Slip out - go away without telling other
63. Windshield - wind screen 118.Managed - arranged
64. Luxurious - magnificent 119.Nap - a small short sleep
65. Soft - tender 120.Excursions - tours and travels
66. Devoured - saw with keenness 121.Gobbling up - walking hurriedly
67. Canvas - curtain 122.Pedestrian - those who walk on foot
68. Peered over - seeing through 123.Smoothly - carefully
69. Narrow - with short space to pass 124.Obstacles - difficulties
70. Palm trees - a kind of tree 125.Clapped - clapping with both hands
71. Grassland - land with grass 126.Slowed - running slowly

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

while seated. (b) Anti-climax- sudden transition in

iii. The canvas blind of the window that covered discourse from a significant idea to
the lower part of the window was obstructing atrivial one
Valli’s view. She was just an eight-year-old (c) Open-ended story - the reader is left
girl and her small height didn’t allow her to to draw his conclusions from whatis
enjoy the sights while sitting so, she stood up presented to him
on the seat. (d) Expanded ending- a jump forward in time,
iv. Valli was observant and noticed everything and occasionally a changein perspective
keenly. She was a naturally curious girl and of the reader
quite smart for her age. She was aware of Ans : 2012

her surroundings, the neighbours, and the i. (b) her mood had got spoiled.
conversations taking place and absorbed ii. (c) she saw a dead cow lying on the road.
everything like a sponge. iii. On her way back, Valli saw the cow lying in a
6. Read the extract given below and answer the pool of blood, legs spread-eagled, with a fixed
questions that follows : stare in its lifeless eyes. In death, it looked
The conductor nodded, and she was overcome horrible and sad lying abandoned by the
with sadness. What had been a lovable, beautiful roadside. It must have been hit by a speeding
creature just a little while ago had now suddenly bus.
lost its charm and its life and looked so horrible, iv. (b) Anti-climax- sudden transition in
so frightening as it lay there, legs spreadeagled, a discourse from a significant idea to a trivial
fired stare in its lifeless eyes, blood all over... one
The bus moved on. The memory of the dead
7. Read the extract given below and answer the
cow haunted her, dampening her enthusiasm. She
questions that follows :
no longer wanted to look out the window.
Her first journey -what careful, painstaking
i. Valli no longer wanted to look out of the elaborate plans she had had to make for it! She
window because _____. had thriftily saved whatever stray coins came
(a) she was tired after a long journey her way, resisting every temptation to buy
(b) her mood had got spoiled peppermints, toys, balloons, and the like, and
(c) she felt satisfied with her adventures for a finally she had saved a total of sixty poise. How
day difficult it had been particularly that day at the
(d) she was now bored village fair, but she had resolutely stifled a strong
ii. Valli looked sad and upset at the end of the desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though
journey because _____. she had the money.
(a) the ride had finally come to an end. i. Valli saved the money for bus fare by resisting
(b) she will have to save money for another the temptations. So she did not _____.
bus ride. (a) give up the temptations.
(c) she saw a dead cow lying on the road. (b) give in to the temptations.
(d) the ride was not as exciting as she had (c) give away the temptations.
anticipated. (d) give off the temptations.
iii. What do you think happened to the cow? ii. How was Valli able to save enough for the bus
What was the cause of its death? Answer in fare? Answer in about 40 words.
about 40 words. iii. What did Valli have to do for her first bus
iv. Study the statement: ‘The memory of the dead ride to be successful?
cow haunted her, dampening her enthusiasm.’ (a) She had to oppress her desire to enjoy at
State which of the options from (a) to (d) the fair.
can be applied to the given situation in the (b) She had to restrain herself from eating
extract. sweetmeats.
(a) Climax- the highest point of tension or (c) She had to suppress her wish to spend
drama in a narrative’s plot the money on little frills.

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Page 420 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

that you have seen; or write a sentence or two 4. What do you think Valli was planning to do?
about them. Ans :
Valli had a plan to fulfil her strongest desire which
rivers green fields hills
was to go on a bus ride.
roadside shops market places railway tracks
moving trains vehicles on the road trees Oral Comprehension Check - 2
a crowd clothes in shops animals
1. Why does the conductor call Valli as ‘madam’ ?
Ans : Ans : 2015
While travelling by bus, we see all the above- Valli is trying to behave more mature than her
mentioned things. Some of the scenes from the age. She is trying to look overconfident and smart.
above list: The conductor is amused at her behaviour and in
1. Rivers : While travelling by bus, we see rivers an effort to tease her calls her as ‘madam’.
which look very beautiful. The boatmen in 2. Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does
their boats make the scene of river more she see now?
beautiful. Ans : 2013, 2012
2. Green fields : From the moving bus, we see Valli’s view was obstructed because of a canvas
fascinating green fields with different crops. blind on the window and because of her short
The beauty of green fields fill our heart with height as well she was unable to see outside. She
joy. stood up on her seat to have a better view of the
3. Market places : We see varieties of shops in scenery outside. She could see a canal with palm
the market. We find people with bags and trees, grasslands, distant mountains and blue sky
different kinds of goods. as backdrop. On the other side, there was a ditch
followed by a vast tract of greenery.
Oral Comprehension Check - 1 3. What does Valli tell the elderly woman when she
1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime? calls her a child?
O Ans :
What was Valli’s favourite pastime and what was Valli doesn’t like to be called a child. She thinks
the source of unending joy for her? that she is grown up. She says that she has paid
Ans : 2015, 2012
her full fare the way adults do. This is typical
As Valli had no playmate of her age, so her behaviour shown by many kids of Valli’s age.
favourite pastime was to stand in her doorway
4. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the
and watch the street. The street outside used to
elderly woman?
be full of activities which were enough to keep her
Ans :
amused and engaged.
The elderly woman was having big earlobes with
2. What was a source of unending joy for Valli? bigger holes. She was chewing betel nut and the
What was her strongest desire? betel juice was about to seep out of her mouth.
Ans : 2014 She was giving a sight of unrefined elderly lady.
The bus was a source of unending joy for her. That is why Valli did not want to make friends
The bus used to bring a new set of passengers with her.
every-time it came from the town. The diversity
of people, their activities were a treat to watch for Oral Comprehension Check - 3
Valli. Her strongest desire was to take a ride in 1. How did Valli save money for her first journey?
the bus at least once. Was it easy for her?
Ans :
3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey?
Valli saved every coin that came her way. She
How did she find out these details?
Ans : 2014
made great sacrifices by controlling her normal
Valli tried to listen to her neighbours to get the childish urges of having candies, toys and joyrides.
desired information about the bus journey. She This must have been difficult for her. Kids find it
would ask some discrete questions to get more very difficult to resist a candy or to enjoy a toy.
information. She got information about distance 2. What did Valli see on her way that made her
of the town from her village and the total journey laugh?
time it usually took.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

strong determination and willpower. He also every day. So, a temptation raised in her mind to
sacrificed material possessions for fulfilling his ride on this bus.
desire of getting freedom from apartheid in South As her desire and temptation go together,
Africa. For this, he had to spend a large part of so Valli was courageous and confident to fulfil
his life in prison away from his family. These three her desire. She collected every desired piece of
characters portrayed similar attributes in their information about journey such as distance, fare
respective lessons. and time of bus journey. So, she took a great
risk to ride the bus. However, she slipped out of
8. Valli is very organised, bold and at the same time the house without her mother’s knowledge and
very sensitive. Comment. managed to fulfil her desire of enjoying a bus ride.
O
Write a Character sketch of Valli. 10. Once we decide to achieve something, so many
difficulties come in our way. With focused
O
attention we can make that achievement. How
Give, in brief, a pen portrait of Valli.
did Valli succeed in fulfilling her desire of riding
O a bus?
What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your Ans : 2017
answer from the text that you have read. It is absolutely true that once we decide to achieve
Ans : 2021, 2011 something, many difficulties come in our way. If
Valli was an eight-year-old girl born in a small we are determined to do it with focused attention,
village. However, she was a very curious girl. She we can make that achievement. In the story, Valli
spend her time standing in the front door way of had an indomitable desire of riding a bus, as she
her house, watching what was happening in the had never made a journey by bus in her life.
street outside. Watching the street gave her many Valli collected each and every possible piece
new and unusual experiences. Her curiosity about of information about the bus journey - like how
travelling on the bus to the town urged her on to many miles away the town was and what the fare
plan her trip. She was very meticulous in planning was and how much time it took to complete this
for the trip. She calculated the distance between journey. She even did not buy toys, balloons, etc.
her home and the town, the time it took for a trip in order to save money. At last, on a fine spring
up and down by bus etc. Valli also proved to be afternoon, she rode on the bus and succeeded her
very impressive and bold by finally deciding to long-cherished desire of riding a bus.
ride in the bus. Her childish innocence veiled by
her smart and bold outlook amused the conductor 11. We want to fulfil our desires. Some temptations
who offered her a seat in the bus. Valli thoroughly always come in our way. We have to face them.
enjoyed her ride to the town, and laughed and How did Valli fight the temptations that came in
clapped when the young cow ran on the middle of her way and manage to fulfil her desire of enjoying
the road in front of the bus. But her enjoyable bus a bus ride?
ride became a nightmare on her return journey. Ans : 2017

She saw the same cow lying dead on the road. It is quite natural when we want to fulfil our desires;
This right haunted her, dampened her spirits, and some temptations always come in our way. In the
saddened her. This is typical of the tendency of story, we see that Valli had the deepest desire to
a matured person. She refused to look out of the enjoy a ride on the bus. She usually stood in the
window thereafter. Valli, on the whole, can be front doorway of her house and carefully watched
described as a curious, joyful, disciplined smart, how a bus ran from her village to the nearby town
bold, and at the same time, a mature girl. every day. So, a temptation raised in her mind to
ride on this bus.
9. Valli’s dream was to enjoy a ride on the bus to the As her desire and temptation go together,
nearest town. What preparations did she make to so Valli was courageous and confident to fulfil
realize her dream? her desire. She collected every desired piece of
Ans : 2019 information about journey such as distance, fare
It is quite natural when we want to fulfil our desires; and time of bus journey. So, she took a great
some temptations always come in our way. In the risk to ride the bus. However, she slipped out of
story, we see that Valli had the deepest desire to the house without her mother’s knowledge and
enjoy a ride on the bus. She usually stood in the managed to fulfil her desire of enjoying a bus ride.
front doorway of her house and carefully watched
how a bus ran from her village to the nearby town

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Page 422 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

world outside. All of them could not know about would you make road travel safer and more
everything. Even some of them could not be enjoyable?
understood by them. At this juncture, Valli too Ans :
opined likewise and told that many things were About these three topics, we can discuss topic
happening without their knowledge. number 2.

8. The author describes the things that Valli sees An Unforgettable Journey
from an eight year old’s point of view. Can you It is about a journey which will remain fresh till
find evidence from the text for this statement ? there are breaths left with me. The incident goes
Ans : back to the year 2006 when all the members of
The author has rightly described many things my family were returning after worshipping the
from an eight years old Valli’s point of view. Some shrine of Vaishno Devi. We were accompanied by
of the sentences can be mentioned as under : two other families from our neighbourhood. The
Jammu Mail started well in time from Jammu.
1. On seeing her one of her friends describing
Every thing was in high spirits. All were happy
the sights, Valli would shout “Proud! Proud
to have a decent trip. In the way we enjoyed with
!!”
songs tit- bits and other amusing material.
2. From the regular bus commuters, she would It was 8.00 a.m. when the train passed
ask a few discreet questions here and there. Jalandhar. There we heard the rattling and roaring.
3. And here’s my money. In no time, the train stopped with a sudden and
4. I can get on by myself. You don’t have to help rapid jerk. Many passengers fell from their upper
me. berths. There were wailings, cries and stampede
5. There’s nobody here who’s a child. every where. The passengers were jumping from
the compartment to save themselves. All were
6. Ugh! who could be sociable with such a
in a very odd as well as tantalising situation.
person.
There was no alternative left with the people. We
7. No, no one will be looking for me, she said. too got down from- the train and came in the
open. On having a close look at the train, we saw
Speaking eight bogies were derailed with their wheels in
1. This story has a lot of people talking in it. The the concrete and the small pebbles. On further
conductor jokes and laughs with Valli, some enquiry it was found that the track was damaged.
passengers try to show their concern for her, and Near about one full length of the rail measuring
her mother and her aunt spends time chattering. seven metres was not there.
Read the conversations carefully. Then think All left the place. Ambulance and police
of similar people or similar situations that you arrived in no time. The railway officials and
have experienced. Mimic a person or persons who the nearby villagers came running to help the
spoke to you, saying what they said, along with passengers. It was a heart-rending scene. Small
your replies. children along with their mothers were weeping
Ans : bitterly. But God be thanked that there was no
This is an individual activity. It is to be done by loss of life! A few passengers got slight injuries
the students alone. otherwise all were okay. Whenever I enjoy a
long journey, I immediately think of journey by
Jammu Mail.
Writing
1. Write a page - about three paragraphs - on one of
the following topics. 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1. Have you ever planned something entirely
on your own, without taking grown-ups into Multiple Choice
Type Question
your confidence ? What did you plan, and
how ? Did you carry out your plan ? 1. Who is the author of the lesson “Madam rides
the Bus”?
2. Have you made a journey that was
unforgettable in some way ? What made it (a) Gavin Maxwell (b) Vallikkannan
memorable ? (c) Paulo Coehlo (d) Arup Kumar Dutta
3. Are you concerned about traffic, and road Ans : 2021

safety? What are your concerns ? How (b) Vallikkannan

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

127.Sounded - ringing 181.Grown - old

128.Honked - ringing with force 182.Chance - opportunity
129.Frightened - afraid, fearful 183.Deepest - keen
130.Galloped - jumped 184.Desire - wish
131.Funny - making one laugh 185.Situations - conditions
132.Moved off - to get aside 186.Entirely - completely
133.Speck - a small point 187.Confidence - belief, faith
134.Tremendous - violent
135.Rattle - shuttering and violent sound
136.Shaking - moving
5. MESSAGE
Amongst all the banter and light-hearted
137.Traversed - lying across
situations, the story gives us the serious and
138.Thorough fare - a busy public road
philosophical message about the mystery of life
139.Glittering - shining
and death. It tells that life is beautiful, while death
140.Displays - show
is horrifying. The death of the cow makes the girl
141.Merchandise - things for sale
realize the transience of life and the inevitability
142.Struck dumb with wonder - keeping mum due
of death. However, the story makes it clear that
to wonder
life never comes to a standstill. It goes on and
143.Gaped at - stared at
on, endlessly and rhythmically. Another message
144.Treat - feast
from the story is that sometimes we should listen
145.Firmly - with belief
to our elders and what other people are saying
146.Shrugged - move shoulders in helplessness
to us.
147.Looking for - searching
148.Bored - troubled
149.In the slightest - a bit 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
150.Greeted - welcomed
151.Excitement - courage
152.Lying dead - lay in death Activity
153.In front of - opposite to
1. Look at the words and phrases given below. Then
154.Nodded - moving the head and saying ‘yes’
put a tick against the ones you think you will find
155.Overcome with sadness - feels troubled
in the text.
156.Horrible - terrible
157.Spread-eagled - with legs spread out -a set of passengers -get on the bus
158.Lifeless - dead
159.Memory - remembrance -get off the bus -platform
160.Haunted - troubled -Tickets, please -a roar and a rattle
161.Dampening - wetting
-a row of seats -slowing down to a
162.Enthusiasm - excitement
crawl
163.Glued to - stuck to
164.Stretched - spread -blowing a whistle
165.Answered - replied Ans :
166.Smiling - with laugh Based on the context provided, I would expect to
167.Fare - rent of paying to travel find the following words and phrases in the text:
168.Forget - not to learn
1. a set of passengers
169.Straight - direct
170.Awake - got up 2. get off the bus
171.Chatterbox - who talks much 3. Tickets, please
172.Very casually - off and on 4. a row of seats
173.Expecting - hoping 5. get on the bus
174.Conversation - talk
6. a roar and a rattle
175.Went on - continued
176.Midst - in between 7. slowing down to a crawl
177.Possibly - probably
2. You must have travelled by bus more than once.
178.Completely - fully
What can you see from a fast-moving bus? Given
179.A chit of a girl - a small girl
below are some suggestions. Speak briefly about
180.Pokes her nose - speaks in between
some of these scenes, or about other such scenes

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Page 424 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

(b) he asked why she’s alone Ans : 2012

(b) she wasn’t able to look outside properly

(c) he merely asked her to sit
(d) None of these 22. “Valli found the woman absolutely repulsive”.
Ans : 2014 What do you mean by “repulsive”?
(c) he merely asked her to sit (a) causing strong dislike
15. “Valli would stare wistfully at the people who (b) showing displeasure
got on or off the bus.” What is the meaning of (c) extremely attractive
‘wistfully’ ? (d) admirable
(a) fearfully (b) carefully Ans : 2012

(c) willingly (d) longingly (a) causing strong dislike

Ans : 2014
23. Why did the old lady ask Valli so many questions?
(d) longingly
(a) she was bothered about Valli
16. How many times did the bus cross her street per (b) she liked Valli
hour? (c) she was poking her nose
(a) 1 (b) 2 (d) she was bored
(c) 4 (d) 6 Ans : 2011
Ans : 2014 (a) she was bothered about Valli
(b) 2
24. What was the next challenge once she’d saved
17. What was Valli’s age? enough money?
(a) 7 (b) 8 (a) tell her mom about it
(c) 9 (d) None of these (b) know about the timings
Ans : 2014
(c) buy a ticket
(b) 8
(d) to sneak out of the house
18. What was Valli’s full name? Ans : 2011

(d) to sneak out of the house

(a) Vallikkannan (b) Valliammai
(c) Valliannai (d) Vallikannam 25. Why did Valli not get off the bus for sight-seeing?
Ans : 2013
(a) she was afraid
(b) Valliammai
(b) she didn’t want to
19. What was her overwhelming desire? (c) she didn’t have the time
(a) to have friends (b) to travel by bus (d) she didn’t like the city
(c) to top the class (d) None of these Ans : 2010

Ans : 2013
(a) she was afraid
(b) to travel by bus
26. Who was a “real chatterbox”?
20. What would make Valli jealous? (a) Valli (b) conductor
(a) strangers ravelling by bus (c) her aunt (d) all of these
(b) hearing stories of her friend’s bus journey Ans : 2010

(c) her aunt

(c) her mother travelling the bus
(d) all of these 27. What was the one way fare from the village to the
Ans : 2012 town?
(b) hearing stories of her friend’s bus journey (a) one rupee (b) 50 paise
21. Why did Valli stand up? (c) 40 paise (d) 30 paise
Ans : 2010
(a) She wanted to enjoy the ride
(d) 30 paise
(b) she wasn’t able to look outside properly
(c) she liked standing
(d) she was tired of sitting

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

(b) observing people and everyday happenings ii. Fill in the blank appropriately.
(c) eavesdropping on neighbours and visitors While standing at the door, Valli was
(d) looking for an opportunity to hop into a especially excited by the sight of _____.
bus iii. Why did Valli choose a different pastime for
ii. Why was ‘The sight of the bus, filled each her?
time with a new set of passengers was a iv. Which word would correctly substitute
source of unending joy for Valli?’ Answer in ‘friends’, in the given sentence from the
about 40 words. extract?
iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and Being an extrovert, Rajnish had many friends.
identify which one correctly corresponds to Ans : 2018

the figure of speech in the given line from the i. (a) Watching the street outside
extract. ii. a moving bus
‘But for Valli, standing at the front door was iii. Valli chose a different pastime for herself
every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate because there were no playmates of her own
games other children played. age in her locality.
(a) “Either way, or both, he died like a bug iv. Playmates
under a microscope.” - Stephen King.
(b) “And how my soul was as a lampless 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
sea.”- Shelley questions that follows :
(c) “Dying is a wild night and a new road” - Over many days and months, Valli listened
Emily Dickinson carefully to conversations between her neighbours
and people who regularly used the bus and she
iv. What does Valli’s interest in a ‘new set of
also asked a few discreet questions here and there.
passengers’ as a source of unending joy show
This way she picked up various small details
about her?
about the bus journey. The town was six miles
Ans : 2020
from her village.
i. (b) observing people and everyday happenings
i. How did Valli picked up small details about
ii. Valli had never taken a bus ride. She was
the bus journey?
confined to her home and her neighbourhood.
(a) Listening to conversations of neighbours
The bus, the journey, and the town fascinated
her no end. She wanted to experience the (b) Asking a few discreet questions
reality of the outside world. She was envious (c) Both (a) and (b)
of her friends who had been to the town and (d) None of the above
labelled them ‘proud.’ ii. What did Valli find about the bus journey?
iii. (a) “Either way, or both, he died like a bug iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
under a microscope.” - Stephen King. identify which one correctly corresponds to
iv. Valli was sociable and a people person. the extract.
(a) An autobiographical account describing
2. Read the extract given below and answer the the author’s feelings and thought
questions that follows :
regarding an event in her life.
There was a girl named Valliammai who was
(b) A story narrated from the perspective of
called Valli for short. She was eight years old
an all knowing narrator.
and very curious about things. Her favourite
pastime was standing in the front doorway of her (c) A brochure which gives us a picture of
house, watching what was happening in the street the places’ culture, people and tourist
outside. There were no playmates of her own age destination.
on her street and this was about all she had to do. iv. Why did Valli listen to the conversations?
i. What was Valli’s favourite pastime? Ans : 2017

(a) Watching the street outside i. (c) Both (a) and (b)
(b) Playing outside ii. Valli found at that the bus journey to the
(c) Travelling on a bus town took 45 minutes and the two-way fare
was 60 paise.
(d) Reading books

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Page 426 Discursive Passage Chapter 7
Ans : 2005
50. In her returning journey the sight of _____
(c) disliked what the conductor said but was made valli depressed.
amused.
(a) Dead cow (b) Shopping street
43. _____ was a source of unending joy for valli. (c) Dead goat (d) Pair
(a) Street seller Ans : 2002

(a) Dead cow.

(b) Street full of cars
(c) Bus full of passengers 51. Valli reached home at
(d) Children playing at the street (a) 2:45 pm (b) 4:45 pm
Ans : 2004, 2001
(c) 3:45 pm (d) 3:00 pm
(c) Children playing at the street. Ans : 2001

(c) 3:45 pm.

44. _____ had become a single wish of valli.
(a) Riding on the bus 52. What did the conductor offer Valli at the bus stop
(b) Watching street activity in the town?
(c) Playing with other children (a) Water (b) Soft Drink
(d) Gardening (c) Pizza (d) Burger
Ans : 2004 Ans : 2001

(a) Riding on the bus. (b) Soft Drink

45. It takes _____ to reach to the town. 53. How did she collect information about the bus?
(a) 2 hours (b) 45 minutes (a) By checking the bags of passengers every
(c) 30 minutes (d) 1 hour time.
Ans : 2004 (b) By asking some discreet questions.
(b) 45 minutes. (c) By checking the luggage of passengers every
time.
46. There only _____ passengers were reading on
the bus with Valli. (d) None of these
Ans : 2001
(a) 6-7 (b) 5-6
(b) By asking some discreet questions.
(c) 8-10 (d) 7-8
Ans : 2004

(a) 6-7. Short Answer Type Question

47. The bus was _____ color. 1. How does education play a transformative role in
(a) Red-white (b) Silver-yellow Bholi’s life?
Ans : 2023
(c) White-green (d) Yellow-black
Education plays a huge transformational role in
Ans : 2003
Bholi’s life. It induced in her confidence and self-
(c) White-green.
esteem. It made her able to take right decisions,
48. Suddenly a _____ came in front of the way of choose wisely and speak up for her ownself.
the bus. Education was her weapon to fight against
Bishamber and to stand up for herself.
(a) Sheep (b) Cow
(c) Cat (d) Dog 2. During her journey, Valli absorbed the natural
Ans : 2002 beauty and clapped her hands in happiness on
(b) Cow. seeing a young cow running very fast. What does
this reveal about Valli?
49. After crossing the railroad the bus reached to the Ans : 2021

(a) Bus stop (b) Shopping street This reveals the childish behaviour of Valli. She
(c) Small ally (d) Destination admired natural beauty on the way. She clapped
Ans : 2002
on seeing the running cow because kids like
(b) Shopping street. running and jumping at this age. She thought
that the cow was running for fun.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage
Ans : (iv) “Never mind,” she said, “I can _____ You
A scared cow was running for her life in the
don’t have to help me. -” I’m not a child, I
middle of the road. It was jumping with its tail
tell you,“she said haughtily.”
up. The more incessantly the bus driver honked
the more furious the cow became. Valli could not (v) “You needn’t bother about me. I _____,”
control her laughter after seeing this. Valli said, turning her face toward the window
and staring out.
3. Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
(vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said,
Ans :
“Well, sir, I hope _____.”
She did not know anything about the town so was
Ans :
afraid of getting lost. Moreover, her meticulous
(i) commandingly, (ii) simply have, (iii) who’s a
savings plan allowed her enough money to buy
child, (iv) get on by myself, (v) can take care of
only tickets for her journey. Additionally, she had
myself, (vi) to see you again.
to return before her mother could find her missing.
4. Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have 4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as
a drink? What does this tell you about her? “Madam”?
Ans : 2015 Ans :
She did not want to take obligation from the The conductor is a man of worldly wise nature.
conductor. This indicates that she is taught not He has evaluated that the girl has innocence and
to accept anything from strangers. She may be a ignorance in her behaviour. In order to enjoy a
small child but she knows how to behave properly fun and not to make her unhappy, he calls Valli
in the outside world. as “Madam” though she is simply a girl of eight
year only.
Thinking About the Text
5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli
1. What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words was enjoying her ride on the bus.
and phrases in the story that tell you this. Ans :
Ans : Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus. The
Valli’s deepest desire was to enjoy a ride on following sentences from the text tell us about it :
the bus. Terms like ‘overwhelming desire’ and 1. ‘Oh, it was all so wonderful!’
‘wistfully’ show that Valli was desperate to ride 2. “So, she stood up on the seat and peered over
the bus. the blind.” ‘Suddenly Valli clapped her hands
with glee.’
2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find
out about the bus, and .how did she save up for 3. ‘Somehow this was very funny to Valli. She
the fare? laughed and laughed until there were tears in
Ans : her eyes’
Valli had to plan on two aspects. The first aspect 4. ‘Valli was not bored in the slightest and
was saving enough money to arrange for two-way greeted everything with the same excitement?’
fare. The second aspect, was to give a slip to her
mother because a child of her age would not be 6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window
allowed to go all alone. She came to know about on her way back ?
the distance of the town and total time of journey. Ans :
She also gathered information about the fare. Valli became sad to see a cow dead on the road.
Some Vehicle ran over it. It was the same cow
3. What kind of a person is Valli? To answer this which Valli met and laughed to see it running in
question, pick out the following sentences from front of the bus. This made Valli less enthusiastic.
the text and fill in the blanks. The words you fill So, she was not looking outside.
in are the clues to your answer.
(i) “Stop the bus! Stop the bus!” And a tiny 7. What does Valli mean when she says, “I was
just agreeing with what you said about things
hand was raised _____.
happening without our knowledge ?”
(ii) “Yes, I _____ go to town,” said Valli, still Ans :
standing outside the bus. Valli entered her house after her bus journey.
(iii) “There’s nobody here _____,” she said She found her mother conversing with one of
haughtily. “I’ve paid my thirty paisa like her aunts. She overheard their discussion on the
everyone else.” things happening in their midst as well as in the

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Page 428 Discursive Passage Chapter 7
Ans : 2015
carefully the conversations between her neighbours
Valli did not want to make friends with the and people who regularly used the bus. She also
elderly woman because she found her repulsive as asked a few discreet questions here and there.
she had big holes in her ear lobes and was wearing This way she gathered all the information about
ugly earrings. She could smell the beetal nut the the bus.
woman was chewing.
20. Where was the town located? What was the fare
14. Give examples to show that Valli was a good to travel there by bus?
planner. Ans : 2011
Ans : 2015
The town was located six miles from Valli’s village.
Valli was indeed a good planner at her very young The fare to travel to town by bus was thirty paisa
age. She made careful plans for her visit to the for one way. The bus passed through the village
town by bus. She saved every coin she could to street each hour, once going to the town and once
ride the bus. She calculated the time to cover the coming back.
complete journey. She decided to take the one
o’clock bus so that she would come back by two 21. What did Valli keep on planning and calculating
forty-five to her village. continuously?
Ans : 2011
15. How can you say that the conductor was a good- Valli kept on planning and calculating which bus
natured jolly fellow? Support your answer with to take, how much time it will take to reach the
examples. town and the fare that would be required for
Ans : 2014
completing her journey.
Undoubtedly, the conductor was a good natured
jolly fellow. If we study his behaviour towards 22. How was the interior and exterior of the bus?
Valli, an eight-year-old girl in the story, we can Ans : 2011
make out his conduct. When she entered the bus, It was a new bus. Its outside was painted a
he guided her towards the seat. Jokingly he called gleaming white with some green stripes along the
her ‘my fine madam’ as a comment because she sides. Inside, the overhead bars shone like silver.
behaved like a mature woman. There was a beautiful clock above the windshield
and its seats were soft and luxurious.
16. What sight did Valli experience during her first
journey by bus? 23. Why did the conductor want Valli to sit?
Ans : 2013, 2001 Ans : 2008
During her first journey by bus, Valli experienced The conductor initially told Valli that as she
beautiful sights such as mountains, green grass had paid for the ticket, she should sit. When she
fields and palm trees on the way. More fascinating refused, he told her that she might fall and hurt
was her journey when she saw a cow came herself when the bus takes a sharp turn.
galloping in front of the bus. This made her laugh
heartily. 24. Why didn’t Valli want to talk to the elderly
woman?
17. Who was Valli? Ans : 2008
Ans : 2012 The elderly woman was wearing ugly earrings and
Valli was the short name of Valliamai. She was an was chewing betel nut. The betel juice was about
eight year old girl who was very curious by nature. to seep out of her mouth. Valli found all this
She wanted to know about the things around. repulsive and hence did not want to talk to her.
18. Why did Valli keep standing in front of the door? 25. What questions did the old woman ask Valli?
Ans : 2012 Ans : 2007
Valli kept standing in front of the door as there The old woman asked Valli if she was travelling
were no playmates of her age on her street. So, alone. She also asked her whether she knew where
she used to keep on watching the street outside exactly she had to go in the town. She also asked
her house. her if she thought it was fine for a young person
like her to travel alone.
19. How did Valli gather all the information about
the bus? 26. How did Valli manage to travel by bus without
Ans : 2012 the knowledge of her mother?
Over many days and months Valli had heard

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

2. What amused Valli the most? Ans : 2016

(a) he was funny

(a) The sight of buffalo running in front of the
bus. 8. What was the timing of the afternoon nap taken
(b) The sight of people running in front of the by Valli’s mother?
bus. (a) 1 to 3 (b) 1 to 4
(c) The sight of dog running in front of the bus. (c) 2 to 4 (d) 2 to 3
(d) The sight of cow running in front of the bus. Ans : 2016, 2014

Ans : 2021 (b) 1 to 4

(d) The sight of cow running in front of the bus.
9. What saddened Valli?
3. What did Valli do one fine spring day? (a) the dead cow
(a) Caught the bus to the town. (b) car accident
(b) Caught the bus to the village. (c) the handicapped passenger
(c) Caught the car to the town. (d) all of these
(d) Caught the car to the village. Ans : 2016
Ans : 2021 (a) the dead cow
(a) Caught the bus to the town.
10. What does it tell you about Valli when she refused
4. What did Valli wish? to accept the conductor’s treat?
(a) Bus ride (b) Truck ride (a) responsible (b) stubborn
(c) Car ride (d) Cycle ride (c) rude (d) disrespectful
Ans : 2020 Ans : 2016
(a) Bus ride (a) responsible
5. What was her favourite pastime? 11. What made her laugh on her journey?
(a) To stand at the front doorway and look into (a) the sight of a running cow
the street. (b) the old woman’s earrings
(b) To stand at the front doorway and look every (c) the old man
passenger.
(d) None of these
(c) To stand at the back doorway and look every Ans : 2016
passenger. (a) the sight of a running cow
(d) None of these
Ans : 2020 12. What did she have to resist on Village Fair Day
(a) To stand at the front doorway and look into to save for the ride?
the street. (a) balloons (b) merry go round
(c) toys (d) peppermint
6. What was the most fascinating scene for Valli in
Ans : 2015
the street?
(b) merry go round
(a) The bus with new set of curtains every time.
(b) The bus with new set of passengers every 13. Why did Vali find the woman repulsive?
time. (a) she had large piercings in her ears
(c) The bus with new driver every time. (b) she wore ugly earrings
(d) The bus with new conductor every time. (c) she was chewing betel nut which could spill
Ans : 2020 out any moment
(b) The bus with new set of passengers every time. (d) all of these
Ans : 2014
7. What can you tell about the conductor from the
(d) all of these
text?
(a) he was funny (b) he was grumpy 14. What did the old man say to Valli that annoyed
(c) he was quiet (d) all of these her?
(a) He shouted at her

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Page 430 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

pleasures and the beauty found in everyday life. 6. After reading the story about Valli; you realise
Valli’s exploration contributes to her personal that she had such a small desire and demanded
growth, and resourcefulness. nothing from her mother. After reflecting on this,
In contrast, Rajvir’s explorations in Assam you decide to write a diary entry on how you felt
represent a broader quest, introducing him to you have been unreasonable about the demands
a new and unfamiliar culture. His exploration you have posed to your parents. You also realise
involves encountering diverse landscapes, people, that life is not all about materialistic possessions.
and customs, reflecting a more profound impact You may begin like this:
on his worldview. The thematic role of exploration
here extends beyond personal growth to cultural 15 August 2020, Saturday 9:00 pm
exposure and understanding. I feel I have learnt a lesson in life after reading
The impact of exploration on the characters’ about Valli. I feel ashamed for the way I have
perspectives is evident in Valli’s case through been...........
a deepened sense of wonder and personal
accomplishment, while for Rajvir, it broadens his Ans : 2021
understanding of the diversity within India.
Both narratives celebrate the power of exploration, 15 August 2020, Saturday 9:00 pm
whether within one’s immediate environment or in I feel I have learnt a lesson in life after reading
distant lands, shaping the characters’ outlook on about Valli. I feel ashamed for the way I have
life and contributing to their overall development. been so demanding about the materialistic
possessions from my parents. Valli had given up
5. Travelling teaches us many life lessons and enriches
a lot of things to save 60 paise to experience a
us with experiences. You and your classmate have
bus ride. Whereas I never care about this meagre
a discussion on this statement and your love for
amount of money. She sacrificed materialistic
travel. Write the dialogue. You may begin like
possessions to experience something new in
this…
her life. Her story taught me a lesson to enjoy
Friend : I think travelling is one of the best ways
the real fun instead of running after costly and
to explore the world around you and helps you
branded products. It made me realise that rich
introspect about life itself.
people should use a part of their money and
You : …………………………………………
resources to help the poor and needy people. I
Friend : Travelling enriches us with so many
have resolved that from now onwards I would
varied experiences.
not pressurise my parents by making undue
You : ………………………………………
demands from them. I have planned that I would
Ans : 2021
celebrate my birthday with 10 less fortunate
Dialogue Writing
kids and take them for a metro train ride and
Friend : I think travelling is one of the best ways
enjoy watching their happy faces.
to explore the world around you and helps you
Bye, dear diary.
introspect about life itself.
You : I agree with you.
Friend : Travelling enriches us with so many 7. Valli was sensitive, but at the same time, she was
varied experiences. fearless and quite determined. Think of another
You : While travelling we tend to learn new character from your textbook, First Flight, who
languages from signboards, cab drivers and street displayed similar character traits. Compare and
hawkers. contrast the lives of Valli and the other character.
Friend : Last year, when I visited Pune city in Ans : 2021

India I observed that the people of Pune prefer Valli was a young girl of 8 years who still displayed
Hindi and Sanskrit language over English from mature and responsible behaviour in the story.
reading their signboards. She was bold enough to fulfil her desire of riding
You : Travelling lets you taste different cuisines. a bus without her parents help in any way. I
Friend : Oh yes. On my Pune trip, I got to taste think Anne Frank had the same characteristics.
a protein-packed street food ‘Misal pav’ which is Even after being punished thrice for talking in
approved even by the dietitians. class, she did not get depressed and accepted the
You : I love travelling so much. I wish to explore punishment intelligently. Her answers impressed
the whole world! her teacher and he praised her writings in front of
other students.
I feel Nelson Mandela, too, was a man of

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

3. Valli didn’t like the way adults treated her during research the places to visit there and she would
her bus journey. Describe how you would feel make a list of important things to be carried with
and react if you were to find yourself in a similar them. For example- Water bottle, torch, ready
situation. to eat food items, medicines for emergency and
Ans : 2021 official documents required for travelling.
Had I been riding alone for the first time I would
have reacted in a similar manner. Adults keep on 8. What was the most fascinating thing that Valli
nagging children in everything. They forget that saw on the street?
once they were also children. Elders think that Ans : 2019

kids are a fool and cannot take decisions on their The most fascinating thing that Valli saw on the
own, but this is not so. street was the bus that travelled between her
village and the nearest town. It passed through
4. Imagine you come across a little girl travelling her street each hour, once going to the town and
alone in a bus. Write down any two questions you once coming back.
would ask her and your reasons for asking them.
Ans : 2021 9. How was the view outside the bus when it went
Usually kids of the age of Valli do not travel through the canal?
alone so I would be tempted to ask her why she Ans : 2017, 2015

is riding alone. Out of general curiosity, I will ask On one side there was the canal and, beyond it,
her where is she going and why. I would offer help palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the
in case she needs it. sky. On the other side was a deep ditch and then
acres and acres of green fields.
5. If you were to advise Valli on the two things she
ought to take with her if she were travelling alone 10. Why would Valli stand at the front door?
for the first time, what would they be and why? Ans : 2017

Ans : 2021 Valli would stand at the front door because she
I would advise Valli to keep her address and watched what was happening in the street outside
parents phone number in her pocket; in case of very carefully. She also watched the bus every day.
any mishappening people can contact her parents. The sight of the bus was a source of unending joy
Another important tool is a whistle that can make for Valli.
noise in case of emergency. Other safety tools
11. How did Valli feel on seeing the dead cow on the
for females can be a dummy wallet and Pepper
road?
powder.
O
6. Do you think Valli’s mother would have taken her How did Valli react when she saw the dead cow
for the bus ride if she had requested her to do so? by the roadside ?
Why/ Why not? Ans : 2016, 2015
Ans : 2021 On seeing the dead cow on the road, Valli was
I think Valli’s mother would not have taken her for grief-stricken. She thought what had happen to
a bus ride as she would not find it as adventurous a lovable beautiful creature that was so joyous a
as she dreamt. Her mother would disapprove of little while ago. But having lost its life, it lost its
the idea of a bus ride treating it as a waste of charm and looked so horrible and frightening.
money. They were not so well off that they could
afford to fulfil even the very small desires of their 12. Valli was an eight year old girl who was very
child. curious about things. What was her favourite
pastime?
7. Imagine Valli had to plan a day-long budget trip Ans : 2016
to a domestic destination for her family all by Valli’s favourite pastime was to stand in the front
herself. doorway of her house. She did not play like most
What things do you think she would keep in mind other children because there were no playmates
while planning? of her age on her street. Watching the street also
Ans : 2021 gave her many unusual experiences which were
Valli has been described as a mature girl who equally enjoyable.
planned her first trip wisely. While planning a
domestic tour for her family she would consider the 13. Give two reasons why Valli found the elderly
cost of travelling, food, and sightseeing. She would woman on the bus, repulsive.

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12. In modern era people are selfish and insensitive 14. In such a fast moving world when we hear so
to the sufferings of their neighbours. But Valli is many incidents happening with people, do you
not one of them. She grieves over the accidental think Valli did right by not telling her mother
death of a young cow. Thus, Valli’s character about the bus journey ?
brings forth some values. Discuss these values on O
the basis of ‘Madam Rides the Bus’. ‘Parents always keep their children’s safety their
Ans : 2017 priority and children should take their parents in
It is absolutely true that in modern era people confidence’. Do you think Valli did right by not
are selfish and insensitive to the sufferings of telling her mother about the bus journey?
their neighbours. They are so much occupied Ans : 2015
with their household matters and burdened with No, I don’t think that Valli did the right thing
responsibilities of the family that they cannot by travelling alone to the town without informing
think of their neighbours. So, they only think for her mother. By doing this, she put herself in a
the good of their family, and become unsensitive vulnerable position as she could have easily been
to the sufferings of their neighbours, because the a victim of child abuse had she come in contact
selfish motive gains ground them. with wrong people. In fact, she was lucky to
But Valli, the protagonist of the story, is not return home safely.
like the so-called selfish and insensitive people. Children should always travel along with
She is only eight-year old. She is quite sensitive their parents or elders as they are easy targets
to see the world through her innocent eyes. She for criminals. We hear a lot of instances of
grieved over the accidental death of a young cow. crimes committed against children these days like
Her young heart was moved by the tragic death of kidnapping or child abuse etc.
the cow. Thus, we see that little Valli’s character Valli could have expressed her desire of
is an eye-opener to the selfish people today. travelling in the bus to her mother. I am sure that
her mother would have fulfilled her wish by talking
13. How did Valli save money for her first bus journey
her on a bus ride.
? Was it easy for her ? What does it show about
her ? 15. ‘Never mind,’ she said, “I can get on by myself.”
O “You don’t have to help me,” said Valli to the
How did Valli plan herself to have a ride in the conductor. She shows extraordinary courage
bus? in making the bus journey all alone. Taking
inspiration from Valli’s character, write how
O
ability and courage to take risk are essential to
How did Valli save money for her first bus journey?
fulfil one’s dream.
O Ans : 2015
How did valli save up money for her first journey? It is absolutely true that ability and courage to
What made her laugh on her way? take risks are essential to fulfil one’s dream.
Ans : 2016, 2014, 2010 In the story, Valli is the epitome of extraordinary
Valli was overwhelmed with a tiny desire of courage in making the bus journey all alone. She
having a bus ride. She had two problems namely was only an eight-year-old girl. She had never
fare-money and leaving the house without experienced any bus journey in her life. Her parents
intimating her mother. In order to overcome never allowed her to go outside her house. However,
both the problems, she planned everything very she mustered enough courage to take the risk to
well. About the fare and the bus, she heard the ride a bus on a fine spring morning. She told the
conversation of daily commuters. Thus she had conductor that she did not need any help from him
picked up various small details about the bus to ride the bus. Hence, Valli is a glowing example of
journey, fare, timings etc. inspiration and courage to all budding youngsters.
About the fare, she saved all the stray So, courage to take risks in life is a beacon of hope
coins that came in her hands. The next severe and ability to fulfil one’s dream.
problem pertained when and how to leave the
house. Ultimately she decided that the afternoon 16. Behaviour of the conductor in ‘Madam Rides the
time was most suitable for that. At that time Bus’ is an example of good manners. Mentioning
her mother had a short nap after lunch. So she the instances of good manners shown by the
decided to ride the afternoon bus and return by conductor in the story, write how you can make
two-forty-five. your life happy by observing good manners.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2004
To conclude, I would like to say that...
Valli managed to travel by bus without the
Thank you.
knowledge of her mother as she was asleep when Ans : 2023
Valli went out. Every day, after lunch, her mother Good morning, everyone. Today, I would like
would nap from 1 o’clock to 4 o’clock. Valli to talk to you about how the journeys that we
always used these hours for her excursions into experience in life are often more important than
the village. their destinations.
27. What did Valli see when she reached home? In ‘Madam Rides the Bus’, Valli’s journey was
Ans : 2002
initially filled with excitement. It was only when
On reaching back home Valli saw that her mother she saw the young cow dead on the road that her
was awake and talking to one of her aunts. spirits dampened. This experience made her learn
about life and death. Similarly, the pilot in ‘The
Black Aeroplane’ was guided to safety by another
Long Answer Type Question plane when his plane went into a storm. However,
he later learned that there were no other planes
1. Valli was sensitive, but at the same time, she was
in the sky! Valli’s bus ride symbolises a journey of
fearless and quite determined. Think of another
exploration and self-discovery,
character from your text book, who displayed
through the storm represents a journey of courage
similar character traits.
and resilience.
Compare and contrast the lives of Valli and the To conclude, I would like to say that you should
other character, that you have chosen from the enjoy every moment of your journey, because
text of Two Stories about Flying. that’s where you’ll find the true treasures.
You may begin this way. Thank you
The characters who are fearless and determined
from two texts are Valli and _____. 3. Whenever we want to achieve something,
Ans : 2024 difficulties always come in our way. What did
Valli was a young girl of 8 years who still displayed Valli have to do to go and ride in a bus?
mature and responsible behaviour in the story.
Ans : 2023
She was bold enough to fulfil her desire of riding
It is true that in order to achieve our desires, we
a bus without her parents help in any way. I
have to struggle a lot. Valliammai, an 8-year-old
think Anne Frank had the same characteristics.
girl, is a good example of this. Valli had a desire
Even after being punished thrice for talking in
to ride a bus alone. To achieve her dream, she had
class, she did not get depressed and accepted the
to make so many efforts. She planned the entire
punishment intelligently. Her answers impressed
journey on her own at such a young age.
her teacher and he praised her writings in front of
She discovered the bus timings, stops and its fare
other students.
from her friends and people in general. Valli’s
While Valli’s flight may have been a personal
meticulous planning made her successful in her
journey of growth and self-discovery, the seagull’s maiden bus journey. She paid her own fare,
flight could be driven by its natural instincts and travelled alone and returned safely to her village
the need to find food or migrate. Both experiences the same day without getting down the bus. She
highlight the importance of courage and risk- even restrained herself from losing money to cold-
taking in pursuing our dreams and exploring the drinks or toys in the town as she had to buy
world around us. the return ticket with it. Valli’s journey proved
us that even if difficulties come our way, we can
2. You have been asked to give a speech on the
achieve our dreams if we are headstrong.
topic ‘The journey is more important than the
destination’. Prepare a draft for the speech, in not 4. Examine how, both ‘Madam Rides the Bus’
more than 120 words, with reference to the texts and ‘Tea from Assam (Glimpses of India III)’,
Madam Rides the Bus and The Black Aeroplane. celebrate the power of exploration, with reference
You may begin this way: to Valli and Rajvir, respectively.
Good morning, everyone. Today, I would like Ans : 2023
to talk to you about how the journeys that we Valli’s exploration is marked by a child’s sense
experience in life are often more important than of wonder and discovery within her familiar
their destinations. local environment. Her journey is a small-scale
You may end this way : adventure, emphasising the importance of simple

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Page 434 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

the village fair. At last, on a fine spring afternoon, time and ticket money. Showing self-restraint, she
she rode on the bus and started her journey. resisted the temptation to buy peppermint, toys
Thus, Valli fulfilled her indomitable desire to ride or a ride on the merry-go-round in order to save
the bus. 60 paisa for the bus journey. She boarded the bus
without anyone’s help, refused a free treat by the
22. How did Valli plan carefully before she undertook conductor and didn’t talk to strangers. This shows
a journey by bus? her commanding, confident and self-dependent
Ans : 2010
nature. This also shows her determination and
Valli planned very carefully before she undertook maturity at such a little age.
a bus journey. She saved every coin she could. She
controlled her temptation to buy peppermints, 25. Valli’s journey to the city makes her unfold the
toys, balloons, and the like. Finally, she saved a mysteries of life and death. Elaborate.
total of sixty paise. She also did not ride on a Ans : 2002

merry-go-round at the village fair. Valli gets introduced to the mystery of life and
Valli’s next plan was to slip out of the house death on her first bus journey in the outside
without her mother’s knowledge. She managed world. She was wonder struck and enjoyed the
this without much of a difficulty. Every day her beauty of the outside world. She clapped, laughed
mother took a nap after lunch for four or more and enjoyed when she saw a young cow running
hours. So, it was her opportunity to visit the town in the middle of the road in front of the bus. The
during this period. driver sounded the horn to warn it but the more
he honked, the faster it galloped. Valli found it
23. Valli’s bus journey made her familiar with funny and amusing. She laughed till tears came
the world outside her house where she got the into her eyes. On her way back, she saw the same
opportunity to interact with her surroundings. cow lying dead on the road. Some fast speeding
Mention the traits of her character which helps vehicle must have hit it. It was a horrible sight.
her to learn from her surroundings. It looked quite frightening. It was lying with its
Ans : 2008
legs spread out, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes
Valli dreamt of riding on the bus. Her eagerness and blood around it. The image of the dead cow
to fulfill her dream fired her curiosity: This haunted her, dampening her spirits and making
curiousness led her to listen to the conversations her sad.
of people going on the bus ride and asking
discreet questions so that she could gather as
much information as she could regarding the
bus journey. On the bus journey, Valli acted
confidently and behaved in a mature manner.
She did not consider herself to be any less than Extract Based Question
an adult. She was focused on fulfilling her dream
1. Read the extract given below and answer the
and did not get tempted to go outside the bus
questions that follows :
and explore the town when the bus reached the
“But for Valli, standing at the front door was
town. On the return journey, she learnt about
every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate
death when she came to terms with the dead
cow. This made her aware of the fact that death games other children played. Watching the street
is a part of life and should be accepted as it is gave her many new unusual experiences.
a natural phenomenon. Thus, the bus journey The most fascinating of all was the bus that
made her learn a lot of things. travelled between her village and the nearest
town. It passed through her street each hour, once
24. What are the incidents and experiences that going to the town and once coming back. The
present Valli as a mature girl ahead of her age? sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of
Ans : 2005 passengers was a source of unending joy for Valli”
Valli was an eight-year-old village girl. She had no i. The author says that ‘Watching the street
playmates. Her favourite pastime was to stand at
gave her many new unusual experiences.’
the doorstep and watch things and people. This
Which of the options given below confirms
way she not only satisfied her curiosity but also
this statement?
gained new experiences. Her strongest desire was
Valli had a habit of _____.
to go for a bus-ride. She meticulously planned
for it - gathered information about the distance, (a) passing time as she had no friends

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

28. How does the conductor address Valli? 37. Valli clapped her hands with
(a) as Valli (b) as Madam (a) tears in eyes (b) smile on lips
(c) as kiddo (d) None of these (c) delight (d) sadness
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2006

(b) as Madam (c) delight

29. Town was _____ miles from the village. 38. The word ‘annoyed’ means
(a) Five (b) Ten (a) became sad (b) became happy
(c) Six (d) Three (c) became dull (d) became angry
Ans : 2009, 2003 Ans : 2006

(c) Six (d) became angry

30. An old woman sitting beside Valli was _____. 39. How much money did Valli pay for her to and
(a) Reading book (b) Sleeping from journey?
(c) Chewing betel (d) Listening song (a) Fifty paise (b) Sixty paise
Ans : 2009 (c) Seventy paise (d) Hundred paise
(c) Chewing betel Ans : 2006

(b) Sixty paise

31. Valli’s aunt lived in
(a) South Street (b) William street 40. Valli would stare wistfully at the people as she
(c) Elvin street (d) North Street (a) had been watching the bus for a long time.
Ans : 2008 (b) was inspired by the people travelling on the
(a) South Street bus.
(c) had a strong desire to take a ride on the bus.
32. The train looked like a speck
(d) envied the people who could travel on the
(a) in the distance (b) in the border
bus.
(c) in the grass (d) in the delight Ans : 2005
Ans : 2008
(c) had a strong desire to take a ride on the bus.
(a) in the distance
41. What does the line ‘gradually a tiny wish crept
33. She had to make careful and elaborate plans for into her head and grew there’, mean?
(a) her first journey (b) her beautiful dress (a) The wish developed in her head over a period
(c) her doll (d) her icecream of time.
Ans : 2008
(b) The wish was a feeling of wanting to prove
(a) her first journey
her strength.
34. The outside of the bus was painted (c) The wish was planted in her head by someone’s
(a) black (b) brown suggestion.
(c) white (d) green (d) The wish was small and was overpowered by
Ans : 2008
a sense of doubt.
(c) white Ans : 2005

(a) The wish developed in her head over a period

35. The word ‘fascinating’ means of time.
(a) re-creative (b) everlasting
42. Valli told the conductor to mind his own business
(c) attractive (d) longingly and laughed as well. This shows that Valli
Ans : 2007
(a) was not really bothered about what the
(c) attractive
conductor said.
36. The lines show that the animal was (b) didn’t like the conductor speaking about her.
(a) dead (b) asleep (c) disliked what the conductor said but was
(c) lost (d) desperate amused.
Ans : 2006 (d) was impressed with what the conductor said.
(a) dead

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Page 436 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

iii. (b) A story narrated from the perspective of boarded the bus and got off.
an all knowing narrator. (a) (1) active (2) overt (3) longingly
iv. Valli listened to the conversations to gather
(b) (1) vigorous (2) overpowering (3) cheerfully
information regarding the journey in the bus
which she wanted to take. (c) (1) staunch (2) overt (3) joyfully

(d) (1) vigorous (2) overpowering (3) longingly

4. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows : v. What does the line ‘gradually a tiny wish
“Day after day she watched the bus, and gradually crept into her head and grew there’, mean?
a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there: (a) The wish developed in her head over a
she wanted to ride on that bus, even if it was just period of time.
once. This wish became stronger, until it was an (b) The wish was a feeling of wanting to
overwhelming desire. Valli would stare wistfully prove her strength.
at the people who got on and off the bus when (c) The wish was planted in her head by
it stood at the street comer. Their faces would someone’s suggestion.
kindle in her longings, dreams, and hopes. If one (d) The wish was small and was overpowered
of her friends happened to ride the bus and tried by a sense of doubt.
to describe the sights of the town to her. Valli Ans : 2015
would be jealous to listen and would shout, in i. (c) had a strong desire to take a ride on the
English: “Proud! Proud!” bus.
i. Valli would stare wistfully at the people as ii. (b) 1, 3 and 4
she _____.
iii. (a) longing to ride the bus.
(a) had been watching the bus for a long
time. iv. (d)
(b) was inspired by the people travelling on v. (a) The wish developed in her head over a
the bus. period of time.
(c) had a strong desire to take a ride on the 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
bus. questions that follows :
(d) envied the people who could travel on the Valli devoured everything with her eyes. But
bus. when she started to look outside, she found her
ii. Pick the option that shows the list of words view cut off by a canvas blind that covered the
that collocate with ‘overwhelming’ (e.g. lower pan of her window. So she stood up on the
overwhelming desire). seat and peered over the blind.
1. response, 2. lies, 3. support, 4. majority, 5. i. The word ‘devoured’ as used in the passage
pets, 6. places shows that Valli _____ everything she saw.
(a) 1, 5 and 6 (a) ate greedily (b) consumed
(b) 1, 3 and 4 (c) obsessed (d) absorbed
(c) 2 and 5 ii. Valli stood up on her seat because _____.
(d) 3, 5 and 6 (a) she didn’t get enough space on the seat.
iii. Valli would be jealous to listen...’ This (b) she could not see outside the window
indicates Valli’s _____. while seated.
(a) longing to ride the bus. (c) her legs were aching.
(b) nature as an envious person. (d) she felt uncomfortable.
(c) denial to accept her situation. iii. What was obstructing Valli’s view? Why else
(d) inclination to trouble travellers. was she facing the problem? Answer in about
iv. A part of the extract has been paraphrased. 40 words.
Choose the option that includes the most iv. Which traits of Valli’s personality get reflected
appropriate solution to the blanks. in this extract?
The desire became so (1) _____ that it Ans : 2014

transformed into an (2) _____ one. Valli i. (d) absorbed

would look (3) _____ at people who ii. (b) she could not see outside the window

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2014, 2011
execution. She controlled her wishes to save
Good manners make one’s life happy, graceful money for the bus ride. Also, she was a very good
and respectful. In the context, behaviour of observer and learner. All these qualities made her
the conductor of the bus is an example of good realise the dream of visiting the town. Hence, one
manner. When Valli said to the conductor, ‘I can should always remember that there is no age to
get on by myself. You don’t have to help me,’ the learn and experience new things.
conductor jokingly replied, ‘Oh, please don’t be
angry with me, my fine madam. Here, have a seat 19. How can you say that Valli was enjoying her first
right up there in front.’ Again the conductor said, ride on a bus ? Give examples from the story,
‘Okay, madam, whenever you feel like a bus ride, ‘Madam Rides the Bus’, in support of your answer.
come and join us.’ Ans : 2013
These are the instances of good manners Valli experienced excitement, enthusiasm and
shown by the conductor in the story. In the light enjoyment during her journey. When her bus cut
of these instances, we can make our life happier across a bare landscape, Valli clapped her hands
and more respectful if we give respect to others. If with glee. The scene of young cow in front of the
we are polite, can others be rude to us? Our sweet bus put her in laughter.
words and our graceful behaviour make us happy The cow came right in front of the bus. This
in life in all circumstances. was very funny to Valli. Valli felt very happy on
seeing running of the bus through the shopping
17. Valli was so overcome with sadness to see the street. The driver sounded the horn loudly. But it
dead cow that she lost all enthusiasm. Do you feel was frightened and become faster. It galloped and
the same way? If you feel concerned about the always came right in front of the bus. This scene
plight of animals falling prey to the fast moving made Valli clap her hands with happiness.
traffic, what efforts will you make to make road
travel safer? 20. What saddened Valli on her first journey by bus?
Ans : 2014 How did it affect her?
In the story, we see that Valli is overcome with Ans : 2012
sadness to see the dead cow that she lost all The most unpleasant thing for Valli that made
enthusiasm. The sight of the dead cow dampened her sad on her first journey by bus was the sight
her spirits. In fact, it is a shattering blow to her of the dead cow, lying on the roadside. It affected
sensitive heart. Dead cow is a symbol of sadness her terribly. She could not imagine what had been
to her and the image of the dead cow haunted her a lovable, beautiful creature just a little while
all the while. ago, had now suddenly lost charm and life. The
Yes, I also feel the same way because in today’s little madam was overcome with sadness. The
scenario, we can see the plight of animals, falling memory of the dead cow haunted her, dampening
prey to the fast moving traffic almost daily. I her enthusiasm. So, Valli no longer wanted to look
think that traffic rules should be followed strictly. out the window.
In the case of animals, speeding traffic should be
controlled. Moreover, to make road travel safer, 21. What was Valli’s greatest desire? How did she
traffic authorities should take necessary steps to fulfil it?
check reckless driving. Ans : 2012

Valli’s greatest desire was to ride on the bus that

18. Age is not a barrier when it comes to travelled between her village and the nearest
doing something different and great. Which town. The sight of the bus, filled each time with
characteristics of Valli help her achieve the wonder a new set of passengers, was a source of unending
of visiting the town at scuh a tender age ? joy for Valli.
Ans : 2014 Over many days and months, Valli listened
In today’s era, age is no more a barrier. Children conversations between her neighbours and the
are doing wonders at a very young age. Same goes passengers who rode the bus. This way, she picked
with Valli. At an age of 8 years, Valli was able to up various small details about the bus journey.
pursue her dream all alone by travelling in the Valli had the desired information about
bus to town. She was no different from others, journey like how many miles away the town was,
except that she had certain characteristics that what the fare was and how much time it took to
made her fulfil her dreams. complete the bus journey. Then she started to
Valli was a very confident and a bold girl. save money. She did not buy toys, balloons, etc.
She had a knowledge of proper planning and Even she did not ride on the merry-go-round in

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(d) She had to oppress herself from going on

the merry-go-round.
iv. What is the contextual antonym of the word
‘painstaking’ in the passage above? Use it in
a sentence of your own.
Ans : 2011

i. (b) give in to the temptations.

ii. By not buying peppermints, toys, or balloons,
and resisting a joyride on the merry-go-round
Valli was able to save enough for to and fro
bus fare. Valli’s ability to resist temptation
tells us that she was a resolute girl who could
resist temptation.
iii. (c) She had to suppress her wish to spend the
money on little frills.
iv. ‘fussy’. Mother fussed over the details of the
ceremonies at the wedding.



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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

Chapter 8

T he Sermon at Benares

1. INTRODUCTION He immediately decided to become a beggar and

went out to seek enlightenment.
The Chapter “The Sermon at Benares” is written
by Betty Renshaw. The chapter covers the Sitting Under a Bo-tree
journey of Gautama Buddha from princehood to For long seven years, Buddha went on wandering
his saintly life. After seeing the suffering of the here and there in search of enlightenment but in
world, he decided to give up all worldly pleasures vain. At last he sat down under a big fig tree and
and sought enlightenment. He finally attained vowed down to stay until enlightenment came.
salvation under a tree at Bodhgaya. After this, he After a period of seven days, enlightenment came
delivered his first sermon at Benares, a holy city upon him. He renamed the tree the Bo-Tree (Tree
in Uttar Pradesh. Through his sermon he made of Wisdom). Now Gautama started his teachings
the lady Kisa Gotami realize that human beings and he was known as the Buddha. He preached
are mortal and death is inevitable. his first sermon at the city of Benares near the
holy banks of the river Ganges.

Death of Kisa Gotami’s Son

2. Characters Once the only son of Kisa Gotami died. She went
Gautama Buddha to-and-fro with her dead child. She requested for
The childhood name of Gautama Buddha was medicine but people called that she had lost her
prince Siddhartha. He obtained enlightenment senses since the boy was dead. At last a man told
under the Bodhi tree began to share his new her to go to Salyamuni, the Buddha. So she saw
understandings with common people through his the Buddha and cried “Lord and My Master,
preachings. give me the medicine that will cure my boy.”
After a deep thought, the Buddha asked to bring
Kisa Gotami a handful of mustard - seed. But it must be from
Kisa Gotami lost her only son and went from one that house where no one had died.
house to another asking for medicine to cure her
son. It we Gautama Buddha who made her realise Kisa Gotami’s Hopelessness
that death is inevitable and must come to all. Kisa Gotami went from house to house for
taking the mustard-seed. Side by side she asked
if anyone had died in their family. She found no
3. summary such house where some beloved had not died.
Gotami became weary and hopeless. She became
Early life of Buddha
sad and troubled. She sat down at the wayside
Gautama Buddha was born in 483 B.C. in
and saw the flickering lights of the city. At last
northern India. He was a prince known as
darkness of the night spread everywhere. She
Siddhartha Gautama. At the age of twelve he
realised that the faces of men were like the lights
was sent away for schooling to read the Hindu
that flickered and extinguished. She thought.
scriptures. He returned after four years and was
“How selfish am I in my grief ?” Death is common
married with a princess named Yashodhara. They
to all. But there is a path for immortality if one
had a son. The family was leading a royal life. At
has surrendered all selfishness.
the age of twenty-five, he went out for hunting.
Till this period he did not know suffering. In the The Buddha’s Wisdom
way Buddha happened to see a sick man, an aged The Buddha said, “Our life is brief. It is mixed
man, a funeral procession and a monk begging with pain. After birth, one has to approach the
for alms. These sights moved him very much.

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danger of death. All are subject to death. As ripe 36. Version - translation
fruits are early in the danger of falling, so mortals 37. Rendered - done
when born are always in danger of death.” 38. Reflects - points out
Further, Buddha said that “Neither a father 39. Sacred - holy
nor a kinsman can save the life. We lament deeply 40. Scriptures - religious books
but one by one, mortals are carried off like an ox 41. Here to fore - from here onward
that is led to the slaughter. The world is affected 42. Inscrutable - something that can’t be
by suffering, death and decay. Therefore, it is not understood
wise to grieve. We must know the terms of the 43. Senses - conscience
world. Through weeping or grieving we cannot 44. At length - in the end
obtain the peace of mind but our body suffers. We 45. Thee - you
become sick and pale even then the dead are not 46. Pray - urge
saved at any cost. We can seek peace by drawing 47. Repaired - went to
out the arrow of lamentation, complaint and grief. 48. Mustard seed - seeds of mustard
One who has drawn out this arrow has become 49. Procure - bring safe and got
composed and will obtain peace of mind. Such a 50. Added - said
man will be free from sorrow and be blessed.” 51. Pitied - had mercy
52. Remind - to recollect
53. Deepest grief - melancholy
4. Word meanings 54. Beloved - lovely
1. Sermon - moral teachings 55. Weary - tired
2. Discuss - talk 56. Hopeless - depressed
3. Joke - fun 57. Wayside - path
4. Delivered - to give a speech 58. Watching - saw
5. Centuries - a period of hundred years 59. Flickered - shone
6. Era - time period 60. Extinguished - blew out
7. Princess - daughter of a king 61. Reigned - came
8. Befitted - magnificent 62. Considered - thought
9. Royalty - luxurious 63. Fate - fortune
10. While out - go for wandering 64. Desolation - deep sorrow
11. Hunting - to kill animals, etc. 65. Path - way
12. Chanced - happened 66. Leads to - takes
13. Funeral procession - a procession of death 67. Immortality - that never dies
14. Finally - at the end 68. Surrendered - dedicated, given up
15. Monk - holyman 69. Selfishness - self-interest
16. Begging for alms - act of begging 70. Mortals - bound to die
17. Sights - scenes 71. Troubled - feel sad
18. Moved - melted 72. Combined with - mixed with
19. Very deeply - very much 73. Means - way
20. Shielded - protected 74. Avoid - saved
21. Suffering - troubles 75. Vessels - utensils
22. Seek - find 76. Potter - who prepares pot
23. Enlightenment - knowledge, wisdom 77. Subject to - liable to
24. Concerning - relating to 78. Overcome - control
25. Sorrows - troubles 79. Depart - separate
26. Witnessed - saw 80. Kinsmen - relatives
27. Wandered - roamed aimlessly 81. Lamenting - feeling sad
28. Fig - a kind of tree 82. Carried off - taken
29. Vowed to stay - promised to stay 83. Slaughter - butchered
30. Awakened - a state of knowledge, got up 84. Afflicted with - troubled with pain
31. Preached - sermonized 85. Decay - ruin
32. Holy - pious 86. Grieve - feel troubled
33. Dipping - taking a bath 87. Obtain - get
34. Preserved - protected 88. Contrary - in opposition to
35. Printed - published 89. Lamentation - expression of sorrow

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2014 Ans : 2011

12. “The wise do not _____, knowing the terms of 19. What was Gautama Buddha’s early name?
the world”. (a) Sidhha (b) Sadhu
(a) laugh (b) smile (c) Siddhartha (d) Sidhanth
Ans : 2010
(c) grieve (d) all of these
Ans : 2014, 2007
(c) Siddhartha
(c) grieve 20. What moved him to seek out enlightenment?
13. What does Kisa search for from house to house in (a) A sick man (b) An aged man
the first place? (c) A monk begging (d) All of these
(a) Mustard seed Ans : 2010

(d) All of these

(b) A medicine to bring her son back to life
(c) Pumpkin seeds 21. Where did he vow to stay until his enlightenment
(d) None of these came?
Ans : 2013 (a) His palace (b) Under peepal tree
(b) A medicine to bring her son back to life (c) Under banyan tree (d) Under a tree
Ans : 2010
14. Both young and adults, fools and wise fall into
(b) Under peepal tree
the power of _____.
(a) life (b) death 22. Which seed did Buddha ask Kisa to bring?
(c) food (d) all of these (a) Pumpkin seeds (b) Mustard seeds
Ans : 2012
(c) Sunflower seeds (d) Seesame seeds
(b) death Ans : 2010

(b) Mustard seeds

15. What did the flickering lights made her realise?
(a) She is being selfish 23. How did Kisa feel at first on being unable to find
such seeds?
(b) Death is common to all
(a) weary (b) hopeless
(c) Men are mortals
(c) Motivated (d) Both a and b
(d) All of these
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2011
(d) Both a and b
(d) All of these
24. What did Buddha tell her about life?
16. What was the condition imposed upon the source
(a) It is troubled
of the seeds?
(b) It is brief
(a) To be borrowed from a man
(c) Combined with pain
(b) To be borrowed from a woman
(d) All of these
(c) To be borrowed from a child Ans : 2009
(d) None of these (d) All of these
Ans : 2011

(d) None of these 25. What is the meaning of lamentation?

(a) Expression of sorrow
17. What did he name the tree?
(b) Expression of gratefulness
(a) Bodhi tree (b) Buddha tree
(c) Expression of joy
(c) Gautama tree (d) Siddhartha tree
Ans : 2011
(d) Expression of laughter
Ans : 2009
(a) Bodhi tree
(a) Expression of sorrow
18. For how many years did he wander?
26. “Of those who, overcome by death, _____”.
(a) 7 (b) 8
(a) depart from life (b) become immortal
(c) 9 (d) 6
(c) become free (d) become dead

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3. What does Kisa Gotami understand the second 3. Kisa repaired to the Buddha
time that she failed to understand the first 4. There was no house but someone had died in
time? Was this what the Buddha wanted her to it.
understand? 5. Kinsmen
Ans :
6. Mark !
Kisa Gotami understood the second time that
Ans :
death is the ultimate truth. All creatures that
are born must die one day. This is what Buddha 1. Give you medicine for your child.
wanted her understand. 2. Please tell me.
3. Kisa went to the Buddha.
4. Why do you think Kisa Gotami understood
4. There was no single house that had not lost a
this only the second time ? In what way did the
person.
Buddha change her understanding?
Ans : 2010
5. Kith and Kin.
Kisa Gotami understood the reality of death the 6. Note/notice.
second time because Gautama Buddha, by asking
2. You know that we can combine sentences using
her to get a handful of mustard-seeds from a
words like and, or, but, yet and then. But
house where no near and dear had died, made her
sometimes no such word seems appropriate. In
realise that death is inevitable. He did not preach
such a case we can use a semicolon (;) or a dash
because due to her excessive grief, she was not
(-) to combine two clauses.
in a position to understand otherwise. Thus, the
She has no interest in music; I doubt she will
Buddha changed her understanding by making
become a singer like her mother.
her see that every family had faced the loss of
The second clause gives here the speaker’s opinion
their loved one sometime or the other, and that
on the first clause.
death was actually common to all. When she had
Here is a sentence from the text that uses
sat down at the wayside watching the lights of the
semicolons to combine clauses. Break up the
city, as they flickered up and were extinguished
sentence into three simple sentences. Can you
again and saw at last the darkness of the night
then say which has a better rhythm when you
spread everywhere, she realised that just like the
read it, the single sentence using semicolons, or
lights the fate of men was to flicker up with life
the three simple sentences ?
and in the end be extinguished by death.
For there is not any means by which those who
5. How do you usually understand the idea of have been born can avoid dying; after reaching
selfishness? Do you agree with Kisa Gotami that old age there is death; of such a nature are living
she was being ‘selfish in her grief’ ? beings.
Ans : Ans :
I think the idea of selfishness is that we are just Three sentences can be as under :
concerned mainly about ourselves, while ignoring 1. For there is not any means by which those
other realities. A selfish person is one who only who have been born can avoid dying.
thinks about himself or herself, and to some 2. After reaching an old age there is death.
extent Kisa Gotami was being selfish because we 3. All living beings are endowed with such a
are humans and it is natural for us to die. We nature.
do not easily accept the death of our loved ones. The single sentence using semicolons has a
Same has happened with Kisa Gotami. As it was better rhythm. This is because the three parts
her only child, she did not want him to die, finally of the sentence are connected to each other in
went to Buddha to ask for help. their meanings. The second clause gives further
information on the first clause. The third clause is
Thinking About Language directly related to both the first and the second.
1. This text is written in an old fashioned style, for it Their meanings are better conveyed when they
reports an incident more than two millennia old. are joined by semicolons.
Look for those words and phrases in the text, and
try to rephrase them in more current language, Speaking
based on how you understand them. 1. The Buddha’s sermon is over 2500 years old. Given
1. give thee medicine for thy child below are two recent texts on the topic of grief.
2. pray tell me. Read the texts, comparing them with each other

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

7. Why did Gotami go to the Buddha? What lesson realized that death comes to all. No one can
did he teach her? escape death. The lights of the city flicker and
Ans : 2019 resemble the fate of men.
Kisa Gotami lost her only son and grieved. She If a common man realizes that death is
is desperate in saving his life. She went to the common to all, he will not weep on death and
Buddha. Gautama Buddha relieves her from her never grieve on sorrows. He can get peace of mind
pain by his guidance and kindness. All human by drawing out the arrow of lamentation from his
beings are victims of such desires and they suffer heart. He who has overcome sorrows will be free
but the timely guidance and kindness may help from sorrows and be blessed.
them. Timely help and sympathy is a great help
for those who are in grief. Gautama Buddha 10. ‘The life of mortals in this world is troubled
helped Kisa Gotami by his words love and and brief and combined with pain....’ With this
guidance in overcoming her grief. It is a big relief statement of the Buddha, find out the moral
for the grieving person if support and care are value that Kisa Gotami learnt after the death of
extended to them in time. her child.
Ans : 2016

8. What lesson on death and suffering did Buddha According to Buddha, the life of mortals in this
teach Gotami in the chapter, ‘The Sermon at world is troubled and brief and combined with
Benares’ ? pain. He told Kisa Gotami about this ultimate
Ans : 2018 truth of life.
Gautam Buddha taught Kisa Gotami in her After the death of her son, she could not find
hour of grief that the life of human beings is any house where no one had died ever. Now, she
troubled as human beings are mortals. Their life came to realize that death is common to all. We
is combined with pain. Death is common to all cannot console ourselves by weeping and grieving.
and is inevitable. Human lines are similar to the She also learnt that no one can escape death. As
ripe fruits which will fall down after ripening or all earthen vessels end in being broken, so is the
earthern vessels which will break one day. One life of mortals. So, when born, mortals are always
should accept death and must understand that in danger of death and agony.
weeping and grieving will never bring back the Kisa Gotami learnt that he who does not
dead alive. lament, complain and grieve, would be free from
sorrow and will be blessed.
9. Gotami comes to Buddha praying to him to revive
her dead son. Buddha asks her to bring a handful 11. Personal losses are a part and parcel of life.
of mustard seeds from a house where no one has Instead of wailing on them, we should move on
lost a child, husband, parent or friend. Through in life. This message of Gautama Buddha has
this simple act, Buddha communicates the most become more relevant in modern times. Do you
profound truth of life, not only to Gotami but agree ? Why/Why not ?
also to the whole mankind. What is the truth that Ans : 2015

Buddha communicates? What lesson does Gotami Yes, I agree with the message that Gautama
learn? What changes would take place in a common Buddha has given about life. In the modern times,
man’s life if that truth is understood? people have a lot to explore and move with the
world at the same pace. If people don’t understand
O the practicality of life, they will be under stress
Why did Buddha ask Gotami to bring a handful which would in turn affects, their personal and
of mustard seeds? What did he want to teach her? professional lives. People need to understand that
Ans : 2017, 2013 everyone who is born will have to die one day.
The Buddha communicates the truth of life that There is no use being sad or crying over the loss.
death is common to all. The life of mortals, i.e. People should remain calm and composed in such
human beings, is troubled, brief and combined situations. They should face the truth and move
with pain and untold sufferings. Nobody can on in life.
escape death. So, those who are born, will
certainly die one day. Hence, we should not grieve 12. Through ‘The Sermon at Benares’, the Buddha
on death. preached that death is inevitable and we need to
Kisa Gotami learns the lesson that death overcome the suffering and pain that follows.
is the ultimate truth of life. She could not find Based on your reading of the lesson, write how
any house where no one had ever died. She now one should cope with the death of a loved one.

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Page 444 Discursive Passage Chapter 8
Ans : 4. What is the world afflicted with?
About these three topics, we can discuss topic
number 2. (a) Love (b) Diseases
(c) Death and decay (d) None of these
Helping Each Other to Get Ans : 2020
over Difficult Times (c) Death and decay
Man is a social animal duly created by His
Almighty on this pious earth. During his/her 5. What does the ripe fruit fear?
stay, one has to experience both troubles and (a) Someone will eat them
happiness since at every step there are tension,
trouble, stress, difficulties, grief, sorrow, sadness (b) They will rot
and shock. One can never free himself from these (c) Falling down
behavioural feelings as these are to occur at any (d) None of these
moment. Ans : 2020
In the Chapter Gotami is deeply shocked (c) Falling down
with the death of her only son. She goes from
door to door for medicine but to no relief. At the 6. Where did Buddha sit?
advice of a man, she seeks the Buddha’s advice. (a) Peepal Tree (b) Fig Tree
He asks her to bring the mustard seeds from the (c) Mango Tree (d) Deodar cedar
house of a man where none has died. But she Ans : 2016
finds none. She turns back tired and despaired. (b) Fig Tree
In the way she experiences the lights of the
city both flickering and extinguishing. Ultimately 7. According to Buddha, what is an inscrutable kind
wisdom enters her and she realises the fate of men. of suffering?
She understands that all are like the lights. Death (a) Loss of a loved one (b) Beating
is common to all. Thus through advice, talks,
conversations, examples, sermons or with other (c) Hatred (d) Verbal abuse
Ans : 2016
kinds of sympathy, we can help other in getting
over their times. (a) Loss of a loved one

8. Those who do not grieve are _____.

7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS (a) arrogant (b) proud
(c) happy (d) wise
Multiple Choice
Type Question Ans : 2015

(d) wise
1. Who is the writer of the lesson “The Sermon At
Benares”? 9. Who is free from sorrow?
(a) Robert Frost (b) Betty Renshaw (a) Who overcomes sorrow
(c) Carolyn Wells (d) Robin Klein (b) Who does not see sorrow
Ans : 2021 (c) Who remains happy
(b) Betty Renshaw (d) Who gives sorrow to others
Ans : 2015
2. Why was Kisa Gotami sad?
(a) Who overcomes sorrow
(a) Her only son had died.
(b) Her all property was snatched. 10. What did Kisa ask for to bring her son back to
(c) She was beaten up. life?
(d) None of these (a) Medicine (c) Money
Ans : 2021 (c) Doctor (d) Prayers
(a) Her only son had died. Ans : 2015

(a) Medicine
3. Where did Buddha preach his first sermon?
(a) Haridwar (b) Benares 11. He got enlightenment after how many days?
(c) Chennai (d) Patliputra (a) 10 (b) 15
Ans : 2021 (c) 7 (d) 1
(b) Benares

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

42. When was Budhha sent for Schooling? Short Answer Type Question
(a) At the age of eight
1. What message might the Buddha’s story hold for
(b) At the age of ten those who are in positions of power and privilege?
(c) At the age of twelve Ans : 2024

(d) At the age of fourteen The Buddha’s story teaches those in positions of
Ans : 2002 power and privilege the importance of humility,
(c) At the age of twelve compassion, and selflessness. It emphasizes the
transient nature of worldly wealth and status,
43. Where was Budhha born? urging individuals to seek inner peace and
(a) South India (b) North India enlightenment rather than clinging to material
(c) West part of India (d) None of these possessions.
Ans : 2002

(b) North India 2. How did the Buddha respond to Kisa Gotami’s
request? What can be inferred about his method
44. Kisa Gotami felt tired and of teaching from the same?
(a) bored (b) depressed Ans : 2023
When Kisa Gotami requested the Buddha to cure
(c) delighted (d) devoid of hope her son, he asked her to collect mustard seeds
Ans : 2002
from a house that had not experienced death. He
(d) devoid of hope presented her with a task that required her to
45. She asked the villagers if they had reflect and learn about the universal nature of
suffering. Buddha’s method of teaching can be
(a) lost a loved one in their family understood as one where he engages his student
(b) some rice for her in a journey of self-discovery.
(c) worshipped Buddha
3. What does the Buddha say about the world?
(d) lost their pet
Ans : 2023, 2012
Ans : 2002
According to the Buddha, this world is full of
(a) lost a loved one in their family sufferings, death and sorrows. And knowing the
46. By no means death can be avoided by those terms of this temporary world, no wise man
should mourn for its loss. Mourning can only
(a) that have been born bring discord in life while acceptance is the key
(b) that have never born to peace.
(c) that have courage
4. Elucidate any one quality that Siddhartha
(d) that have ambition
demonstrated when he gave up his status and
Ans : 2001
family. Explain your choice.
(a) that have been born
Ans : 2021

47. What did Kisa Gotami learn in the end? Siddhartha demonstrated his sacrificing nature
when he gave up his status and princely home.
(a) Love is common (b) Death is common
He was disturbed to see people’s suffering and
(c) War is common (d) None of these wanted to find out a solution to eradicate their
Ans : 2001 suffering and diseases. This shows his empathetic
(b) Death is common nature.
48. The mortals are always in danger of 5. Do you think being enlightened placed a far
(a) birth (b) death greater responsibility on the Buddha than being
(c) sickness (d) rudeness king would have? Justify your stance.
Ans : 2001
Ans : 2021

(b) death Yes, enlightenment added to his responsibilities.

As a king, he was more concerned with the
physical well being of his countrymen but now
he had an obligation to take care of their mental
health also. Now he was a changed man who could
help people with his spiritual lessons.

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Ans : 2008 Ans : 2005

(a) depart from life (a) 10

27. How old was Siddhartha when he renounced the 35. Gautama Buddha gave the name to the Peepal
princely life? tree the Bodhi tree, which means
(a) 22 (b) 32 (a) Tree of enlightend
(c) 35 (d) 25 (b) Tree of knowledge
Ans : 2008, 2003 (c) Tree of enlightenment
(d) 25
(d) Tree of wisdom
28. How many more children did Kisa have? Ans : 2005

(d) Tree of wisdom

(a) 5 (b) 3
(c) 4 (d) None of these 36. Gautama Buddha’s first sermon was about
Ans : 2008 (a) Truth
(d) None of these
(b) Man’s unending sufferings
29. How can one save his loved ones from death? (c) Moksh
(a) By grief (b) By crying (d) Man’s true knowledge
(c) By both (d) None of these Ans : 2005, 2001

Ans : 2007
(b) Man’s unending sufferings
(d) None of these
37. _____ had a only son who died.
30. What quantity of Mustard seeds did Buddha ask (a) Laxmi (b) Brahmani
for? (c) Risa Gotami (d) Kisa Mitra
(a) A sackful (b) A handful Ans : 2004

(c) A pinch (d) A cup (c) Kisa Gotami

Ans : 2007
38. Sakyamuni is the name of _____.
(b) A handful
(a) Mahavira (b) Gautama Buddha
31. The birth year of Gautama Buddha was (c) kabir (d) A renowned priest
(a) 643 BC (b) 563 BC Ans : 2004

(c) 483 BC (d) 463 BC (b) Gautama Buddha

Ans : 2006
39. Gautama Buddha asked for _____ from Kisa
(b) 563 BC
Gotami which should be collected from a house,
32. Gautama Buddha died in the year where no death has occuerd.
(a) 483 BC (b) 583 BC (a) Mustard seed (b) been seeds
(c) 453 BC (d) 643 BC (c) Rice grain (d) Pulses
Ans : 2006
Ans : 2003

(a) 483 BC (a) Mustard seed

33. Gautama Buddha got married with a princess at 40. Lord Buddha explained the ultimate truth of
the age of (a) Sorrow (b) Live
(a) 16 (b) 18 (c) Death (d) Knowledge
(c) 17 (d) 15 Ans : 2003

Ans : 2005
(c) Death
(a) 16
41. The only way to the path of salvation is to
34. Gautama Buddha spent his royal married life for overcome all
about _____ year. (a) Negativity (b) Sorrow
(a) 10 (b) 15 (c) Merry (d) Happiness
(c) 12 (d) 8 Ans : 2003

(b) Sorrow

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

personality. He left his house and wandered for kept away from the sufferings of the world. But,
seven years. Ultimately he sat under a fig tree. at about the age of twenty-five, he came across
Enlightenment came after seven days under the by chance a sick man, then an aged man, then
fig tree. He named the tree the Bo-Tree. He a funeral procession, and finally a monk begging
started his teaching and delivered his first sermon for alms. These sights moved the prince so much
at the city of Benares. that he at once went out into the world to seek
enlightenment concerning the sorrows he had
witnessed.
18. How did Buddha seek and achieve enlightenment
?
Ans : 2009
21. How and what did Kisa Gotami realise about
Once Gautama went for hunting. On the way he death ?
saw a sick man, an old man, a funeral procession Ans : 2005, 2001

and a begging monk. He was filled with sorrow. He Kisa Gotami’s only son had died. In her grief, she
renounced everything and went out into the world had carried the dead child to all her neighbours
to seek enlightenment concerning the sorrows he asking them for medicine. The people thought
had witnessed. After having wandered for seven that she had lost her senses as the child was
years, Buddha sat under a fig tree with a vow not already dead. At last, a man had suggested that
to move from their till he was enlightened. After she should go to the Buddha. So, she went to
being enlightened that took a week’s time, he the Buddha and pleaded with him to give her
renamed the tree as Bodhi Tree (Tree of Wisdom) the medicine that would cure her dead son. The
and began to preach. Buddha answered that to fulfil her request he first
needed a handful of mustard-seeds from a house
19. Kisa Gotami lost her only son, so grief over- where no one had lost a child, a husband, a parent
whelemed her. How did she learn that death is as or a friend. Hence, poor Kisa Gotami went from
normal in life as birth is? house to house asking for seeds, but she could not
Ans : 2009 find a single house where some loved one had not
Kisa Gotami understood that death is common died.
to all and that she was being selfish in her grief. Thus, Kisa Gotami realised that death is
She understood this only the second time because common to all and that the lives of all human
it was then that she found that there was not a beings, just like the lights, flicker up and are
single house where some beloved had not died. The extinguished again. She thought that how selfish
first time around, she was only thinking about her she had been in her grief, when it was a grief
grief and was, therefore, asking for a medicine that that was shared by all living beings. She realised,
would cure her son, when she met the Buddha, however, that in this world which is filled with
he asked her to get a handful of mustard seeds deep sorrows, there is a path that leads one to
from a house where no one had died. He did this immortality if one has surrendered all selfishness.
purposely to make her realize that there was not
a single house where no beloved had died and that 22. How does the Buddha elucidate to mortals that
death is natural. When she went to all the houses death is inevitable ?
the second time, she felt dejected that she could Ans : 2003

not gather the mustard seeds. Then, when she sat The Buddha said that the life of mortals in this
and thought about it, she realized that the fate world is troubled, brief and combined with pain.
of men is such that they live and die. Death is Because, there are no means by which those that
common to all. This was what the Buddha had have been born can avoid dying. After reaching
intended her to understand. old age, there is only death that waits at the end.
Just like ripe fruits are in danger of falling early,
mortals too when they are born they are always
20. Why did prince Siddhartha Gautama seek the
in danger of death. Both young and adult, both
path of enlightenment ?
those who are fools and those who are wise, they
Ans : 2007
are all subject to death. A father cannot save his
Gautama Buddha began life as a prince named
son, nor kinsmen their relations. That is why,
Siddhartha Gautama, in northern India. At the
the world is affected by suffering, disease, pain,
age of twelve, he was sent away for schooling in
death and decay because death is the inevitable
the Hindu sacred scriptures. Four years later, he
end that all must reach. This is how the Buddha
returned home to marry a princess and was soon
elucidates that death to mortals is inevitable.
blessed with a son. As a prince, he was always

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6. The Buddha renounced his worldly life to attain or avoided by positions of power and privilege.
enlightenment. How might the sermon at Benares Power, position and relatives are left behind here
have helped Siddhartha Gautama’s wife if she had in this world only after death. A man goes empty-
heard it? handed in the same manner as he came at the
Ans : 2021 time of his birth.
On hearing Gautam’s lessons his wife might
realise that every person was born into this world 11. How did Kisa Gotami realise that life and death
to fulfil a particular role in this world. She should is a normal process?
stop lamenting her husband’s departure from her Ans : 2019, 2016

married life thinking it was the end of the role of Kisa Gotami went from house to house but was
a husband. Moreover, he was a different person unable to find any where nobody had died. She
altogether now. grew tired and became hopeless; she sat down at
the wayside watching the lights of the city as they
7. How can death be considered an equaliser? flickered up and were extinguished again. She
Ans : 2021 realised that similar to the city lights the human
Death works as an equaliser in two ways. For lives also flicker up for some time and then are
an individual, it equalizes by ending his griefs, finally extinguished.
sorrows, wants and desires. Death is even a great
equaliser for nature by eliminating old and sick 12. Why did Prince Siddhartha leave the palace and
people from the world and thereby creating a become a beggar?
balance between deaths and births on the earth. Ans : 2017, 2011

Once Prince Siddhartha, while hunting, saw a sick

8. Kisa understood the temporality of life as she sat man, then an aged man, then a funeral procession
at the wayside watching the city lights. Can you and finally a monk begging for alms. Looking at
think of any other object or phenomenon, natural their suffering, he left the palace and moved to
or man-made, that might similarly reflect the the path of attaining enlightenment.
fragile nature of human life? Justify your choice.
Ans : 2021
13. Where and when did Siddhartha become the
We can think of an earthen pitcher, a flower’s
Buddha?
blooming and drying, changing seasons and the
Ans : 2016
daily occurrence and exit of a day and night to
At the age of twenty five, Siddhartha confronted
understand the fragile nature of human life. They
a sick man then an aged man then a funeral
depict that nothing is permanent in this world and
procession and finally a monk. These sights
no one waits for another. Everything is bound to
moved him so much that he left the palace and
leave after the expiration of its time periods like
wandered for seven years to seek enlightenment.
the sun and moon come and go at a particular
Finally he sat under a fig tree until enlightenment
time every day.
came. He renamed the tree ‘The Bodhi Tree’ and
9. Grief is often seen as a measure of love. Do you got the name Buddha.
think the Buddha’s sermon undermines a mother’s
love? Justify your response. 14. Kisa compared human life to an inanimate object.
Ans : 2021 What is it and why does she do so ?
Kisa Gotami was in grief because she had lost her Ans : 2016

son at an early age. Her motherhood was stopping Kisa compared human life with the lights of the
her from accepting the reality of his son’s death. city which flickered up and then extinguished again
Buddha was a wise man who knew that death and the darkness of the night spreads everywhere.
was inevitable. He did not undermine a mother’s Similarly human life takes birth, flickers up and then
love instead he made it easy for Kisa to accept extinguished and the darkness of sadness spreads in
the ultimate truth of life and stop lamenting her the life of the remains. She compared so because she
sorrows. was in great grief of the death of his son.

10. What message might the Buddha’s story hold for 15. Why was Kisa Gotami sad? What did she do in
those who are in positions of power and privilege? her hour of grief?
Ans : 2021 Ans : 2015
Buddha’s story illustrates that death is the Kisa Gotami was sad because her only son had
ultimate reality of this world that can’t be delayed died. In her hour of grief, she went from door to

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

90. Arrow - a pointed stick used to shoot from an This word can also be used in a negative way
arrow or as a joke. It that case it will mean a taunt, an
91. Draw out - draw irony or a sarcasm.
92. Complaint - to say something against
93. Composed - at peace 2. Find out the meanings of the words and phrases
94. Blessed - lucky given in the box.
95. Repeated - say again
afflicted with be composed desolation
96. Millennia - a period of thousand years
97. Incident - event lamentation procure be subject to
98. Appropriate - correct Ans :
99. Cope with - go hand in hand
1. Afflicted with - affected with bodily or mental
100.Lately - late
trouble.
101.Recently - just now
102.Unique - special 2. Be composed - to be under mental control or
103.Personal - individual at peace with self.
104.Manifested - to clear 3. Desolation - in a ruined or neglected state.
105.Frustration - confusion 4. Lamentation - expressing one’s sorrow or
106.Reminiscence - remembrance grieving.
107.Psychologist - who studies mind, etc.
5. Procure - to obtain, to get, to find etc.
108.Consolation - peace
109.Solace - peace 6. Be subject to - to be under the effect of.
110.Wallow - to lie and roll in water or mud
3. Have you heard of the Sermon on the Mount?
111.Bereft - separated
Who delivered it? Who do you think delivered a
sermon at Benares?
Ans :
5. MESSAGE I think the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ was delivered
The chapter gives the message that life is full of by Lord Christ. ‘A Sermon at Benaras’ was
sufferings, physical as well as mental; and sooner delivered by Gautama the Buddha. It was his first
or later one is bound to become aware of them. It sermon after he got Enlightenment.
also brings home the idea that death is inevitable
and one must submit to it. If one wants to rise Thinking About the Text
above the life of frustration and desolation, one
must shed all selfishness. The sermon also teaches 1. When her son dies, Kisa Gotami goes from house to
us that it is futile to grieve over the departed ones. house. What does she ask for? Does she get it? Why
Grief makes one sick and our lamentations are not?
never able to save the dead or bring them back. O
In order to be blessed, one must keep oneself free After her son’s death, why does Kisa Gotani go
from sorrow. from house to house?
Ans : 2012

When her son dies, Kisa Gotami goes from house

6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions to house asking for medicine to bring her son
back to life. She did not get it because there is no
Activity medicine which can bring a dead man back to life.

1. What is a sermon? Is it different from a lecture or 2. Kisa Gotami again goes from house to house after
a talk? Can this word also be used in a negative she speaks with the Buddha. What does she ask
way or as a joke (as in “my mother’s sermon for, the Second time around? Does she get it?
about getting my work done on time…”)? Why not?
Ans : Ans : 2010

A sermon is a ‘spolen or written address on a After she speaks with the Buddha, Kisa Gotami
religious or moral subject.’ It is a serious talk. It again goes from house to house asking for
is different from a lecture or a talk. It is because mustard-seeds but in vain because there is no
a lecture or a talk can be on anything. A sermon house where no one has lost a child, a husband,
has to be on religion or a moral subject. parent or friend.

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Page 450 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

house where no one had lost a child, husband or a Ans : 2008

friend. Then he would be able to help her. Siddhartha as a prince was kept away from the
sufferings of the world. But when he was about
28. How does Buddha illustrate that death to mortals twenty-five year old, Siddhartha came across
is inevitable ? by chance a sick man, an aged man, a funeral
Ans : 2010 procession and a monk begging for alms, which
The Buddha said that the life of mortals in this made him seek enlightenment concerning the
world is troubled and brief and combined with pain. sorrows of the world.
After reaching an old age there is death. As fruits 35. Where did Siddhartha vow to stay until the
ripen, they are in danger of falling. So mortals who enlightenment came to him?
are born are always in danger of death. Ans : 2007

After wandering for seven years, Siddhartha sat

29. While going for hunting what did Gautama see ?
down under a fig tree to seek enlightenment. He
Write down its effect.
vowed to stay there until enlightenment came to
Ans : 2009
him.
While going out for hunting, Gautama saw a sick-
man, an aged man and then a funeral procession. 36. What did Siddhartha do after the enlightenment
Then he saw a monk begging for alms. These ?
sights shocked him very much. He realised that Ans : 2006
the world is full of sorrows. He turned a beggar Siddhartha reached enlightenment after seven days.
and went out to seek enlightenment. After that, he renamed the tree, under which he had
achieved enlightenment, as the Bodhi Tree or the Tree
30. Write down the reply given by the people.
of Wisdom, and began to teach and share his new
Ans : 2009
understandings with other people. Thus, he became
All pitied Kisa Gotami. But at her next query all
known as the Buddha, meaning the Awakened or the
were deeply moved. They exclaimed with deep
Enlightened.
sorrow that the dead were many and the living are
few. They requested her not to open the thread of 37. Where did the Buddha preach his first sermon ?
their deepest grief. What does the sermon reflect ?
Ans : 2006
31. Why did Prince Siddhartha leave the palace and
The Buddha preached his first sermon at the city
become a beggar ?
of Benares, most holy of the dipping places on the
Ans : 2009, 2007
river Ganges. That sermon had been preserved
While going out for hunting Siddhartha saw a sick
and it reflects the Buddha’s wisdom about the
man, an aged man and then a funeral procession.
kind of sufferings which cannot be understood.
Then he saw a monk begging for alms These sights
mourned him very much. He realised that the 38. “I want a handful of mustard-seed.” From where
world is full of sorrows. He thus turned a beggar. did the Buddha ask Gotami to bring the mustard-
seed ?
32. How did Gautama Buddha begin life and where
Ans : 2005
was he sent when he was twelve years old ?
Kisa Gotami approached the Buddha and asked
Ans : 2008
him to give her a medicine that would cure her
Gautama Buddha began life as a prince named
dead son. Hearing her request, the Buddha then
Siddhartha Gautama in northern India. When
asked her to bring a handful of mustard-seeds from
he was twelve years old, he was sent away for
a house where no one had lost a child, husband,
schooling in the Hindu sacred scriptures.
parent, or friend
33. When did Siddhartha marry ? For how long did
39. “How selfish am I in my grief !” What did Kisa
he remain as a royal prince ?
Gotami realise about death and immortality ?
Ans : 2008
Ans : 2004
Siddhartha married a princess when he was about
Kisa Gotami thought that she was selfish in her
sixteen years old and they were soon blessed with
grief to ignore the reality of death. She realised
a son. After marriage, Siddartha remained as a
that death is common to all. However, in this
royal prince for about ten years.
world, which is filled with deep sorrow, there is a
34. What sights moved Siddhartha to seek the path path that leads to immortality if one surrenders
of enlightenment ? all selfishness.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

and with the Buddha’s sermon. Do you think the Be patient and let the grieving person know
Buddha’s ideas and way of teaching continue to that you care and are there to support him or her.
hold meaning for us? or have we found better way II. Good Grief - Amitai Etzioni
to deal with grief? Discuss this in groups or in Soon after my wife died - her car slid off an icy
class. road in 1985 - a school psychologist warned me
I. A Guide to Coping With the that my children and I were not mourning in the
Death of a Loved One right way. We felt angry; the proper first stage, he
Martha is having difficulty in sleeping lately and said, is denial.
no longer enjoys doing things with her friends. In late August this year, my 38-year-old
Martha lost her husband of 26 years to cancer a son, Michael, died suddenly in his sleep, leaving
month ago. behind a 2-year-old son and a wife expecting their
Anya, age 17, doesn’t feel like eating and spends next child.
the days in her room crying. Her grandmother There is not set form for grief, and no
recently died. ‘right’ way to express it. There seems to be
Both of these individuals are experiencing an expectation that, after a great loss, we will
grief. Grief is an emotion natural to all types of progress systematically through the well-known
loss or significant change. stages of grief. It is wrong, we are told, to jump to
Feelings of Grief anger - or to wallow too long in this stage before
Although grief is unique and personal, a broad moving toward acceptance.
range of feelings and behaviours are commonly But I was, and am, angry. To make parents bury
experienced after the death of a loved one. their children is wrong; to have both my wife and son
takes from me, for forever and a day, is cruel beyond
• Sadness : This is the most common, and it is
words.
not necessarily manifested by crying. A relative from Jerusalem, who is a
• Anger : This is one of the most confusing psychiatrist, brought some solace by citing the
feelings for a survivor. There may be maxim: ‘We are not to ask why, but what.’ The
frustration at not being able to prevent the ‘what’ is that which survivors in grief are bound
death, and a sense of not being able to exist to do for one another. Following that advice, my
without the loved one. family, close friends and I keep busy, calling each
• Guilt and Self-reproach : People may believe other and giving long answers to simple questions
that they were not kind enough or caring like, “How did your day go today ?” We try to
enough to the person who died, or that the avoid thinking about either the immediate past
person should have seen the doctor sooner. or the bereft future. We take turns playing with
• Anxiety : An individual may fear that she Max, Michael’s two-year-old son. Friends spend
nights with the young widow, and will be among
won’t be able to care for herself/himself.
those holding her hand when the baby is born.
• Loneliness : There are reminders throughout Focusing on what we do for one another is the
the day that a partner, family member or only consolation we can find.
friend is gone. For example, meals are no Ans :
longer prepared the same way, phone calls to It is very pertinent to note that the teachings of
share a special moment don’t happen. the Buddha are ever-green. They will remain true
• Fatigue : There is an overall sense of feeling and beneficial to all the coming generations. But
tired. there is a need to console the grieved family.
• Disbelief : This occurs particularly if it was a
sudden death. Writing
Helping Others who are Experiencing Grief 1. Write a page (about three paragraphs) on one
When a friend, loved one, or co-worker is of the following topics. You can think about the
experiencing grief - how can we help ? It helps ideas in the text that are relevant to these topics,
to understand that grief is expressed through a and add your own ideas and experiences to them.
variety of behaviours. 1. Teaching someone to understand a new or
Reach out to others in their grief, but difficult idea.
understand that some may not want to accept
2. Helping each other to get over difficult times.
help and will not share their grief. Others will
want to talk about their thoughts and feelings or 3. Thinking about oneself as unique, or as one
reminisce. among billions of others.

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3. Through the story of Kisa Gotami, what did the 5. Sermon at Benares could just as well be considered
Buddha try to preach to the commonman? another glimpse of India. If it were part of the
Ans : 2023 story ‘Glimpses of India’, what ideas, values and/
Through the story of Kisa Gotami, the Budhha or experiences would it highlight? How would you
tried to teach the world the harsh truth of life present this historical part of India?
and death. Kisa Gotami was a lady who had lost Ans : 2021

her only child to illness. She was so disheartened If it were part of the story ‘Glimpses of India’ the
that she couldn’t accept his death. She asked spiritual teachings of Buddha can be included to
everybody to bring her son back to life. give mental clarity to the people. The experience
Later, she went to ask Buddha for help. Buddha of Kisa Gotami can be added to impart a lesson
asked Kisa to bring mustard seeds from a house to the grieving people. Benares or Varanasi is
where no one has ever died, in order to bring his one of the seven sacred cities of Hindusim due to
son back to life. Regretfully, Kisa couldn’t find such the presence of the river Ganges there. Besides
a house. Then, Budhha told her the truth of life, Ganga, Bodhgaya and Bodhi trees in Sarnath can
i.e., death is ultimate and inescapable. Every mortal be highlighted. Buddha delivered his first sermon
has to die one day. This world is full of sorrows and there.
griefs but a wise man should not mourn his loss for The fact that Varanasi or Benares is popular
this temporary world. Surely, acceptance of loss and for its traditional silk sarees known as Benarasi
saree worldwide is worth highlighting in the
death is the only way to live with peace.
history of Benares. Varanasi is also called the
city of Lord Shiva. Rare crystal and stone shiva
lingas are available here. At last, Gulabi Minakari
of Benares can’t be left behind in the lessons’ s
4. Read the given quote by actor Jim Carrey. highlights.
6. What lesson did Kisa Gotami learn the second
time that she had failed to learn the first time?
O
Life is full of trials and tribulations. Kisa Gotami
also passes through a period of grief in her life.
How does she behave in those circumstances?
O
Life is full of trials and tribulations. Kisa Gotami
Can you relate this to the Buddha’s life before also passes through a period of grief in her life.
and after he attained enlightenment? Provide How does she behave in those circumstances?
examples from the text to support your answer what lesson does a reader learn from the story of
Ans : 2021 her life? Give any two points how you would like
Yes, this quote directly applies to Buddha’s life. to act in the midst of adverse circumstances
The quotation stresses that getting money and Ans : 2020, 2013
popularity should not be the only aim of a person. After the death of Kisa Gotami’s only child, she
Prince Siddharth was born with a silver spoon became very sad. She carried her dead child to
who had not heard of money or name. He had her neighbours in order to get medicine to bring
been living a happy married life. But one day his him to life. Her neighbours thought that she had
heart moved on seeing an old and sick man. He gone insane as she was unable to accept the fact
realised that his power and position could not buy that . It was then that someone suggested her to
health and happiness. He renounced his worldly meet Gautama Buddha. When she met Gautama
life in the search for real power and peace. After Buddha he gave her an exercise to do. She was
getting enlightenment he got to know the truths asked to collect mustard seeds from a house where
of life and he decided to help people to come out no one has ever died. She went from one house
of the darkness of ignorance. He explained this to another but was unable to find a single house
truth to a grieved mother by asking her to bring where no one has died. This way she realised that
a handful of mustard seeds from a house where death is a part of life and anyone who is born is
no one had died. Buddha’s wisdom helped the bound to die one day. Thus, Buddha changed her
mother to reflect upon life and accept her son’s understanding of death by this exercise.
untimely death.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

iii. What did the sights Gautama witnessed at 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
the age of twenty-five years drive him to? questions that follows :
Answer in about 40 words. The Buddha said, “The life of mortals in this world
iv. Why was Prince Siddhartha sent away at the is troubled and brief and combined with pain. For
age of twelve? there is not any means by which those that have
Ans : 2018 been born can avoid dying; after reaching old age
i. (a) He felt dejected and sorrowful there is death; of such a nature are living beings.
As ripe fruits are early in danger of falling, so
ii. (c) A narrative a story or account of events,
mortals when born are always in danger of death.”
experiences, or the like, whether true or
fictitious. i. Where did Buddha say the given lines in the
above extract? What does he highlight in this
iii. The sights Gautama witnessed at the age
extract?
of twenty-five years drove him to become a
beggar. He went out into the world to seek ii. Fill in the blank appropriately.
enlightenment concerning the sorrows he had Human life has been compared to _____.
witnessed. He wandered for seven years and (a) ripe fruits (b) hatred
finally sat down under a peepal tree, where he (c) death (d) belief
vowed to stay until enlightenment came. iii. What do you understand by the term
iv. Prince Siddhartha was sent away at the ‘Buddha’ ?
age of twelve for schooling in sacred Hindu iv. What did Buddha say about death and
scriptures. suffering?
Ans : 2013
3. Read the extract given below and answer the
i. The Buddha said the given lines in her sermon
questions that follows :
at Benares. in the extract, he highlights that
A. Mark! While relatives are looking on and
no one in this world can escape death.
lamenting deeply, one by one mortals are carried
off, like an ox that is led to the slaughter. So the ii. (a) ripe fruits
world is afflicted with death and decay, therefore iii. Buddha means the awakened or the
the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the enlightened.
world. iv. Buddha said about death and suffering that
i. Why don’t the wise grieve? they are part and parcel of life. None can avoid
ii. According to the extract, what characteristic this truth. We have to meet our destined end
can be attached to people who do not grieve? one day. Whoever has come to the world, will
die one day.
iii. Which animal are men compared to?
(a) All animals 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
(b) Someone named Mark questions that follows :
(c) All wise people At about the age of twenty-five, the Prince,
(d) An ox therefore shielded from the sufferings of the world,
while out hunting chanced upon a sick man, then
iv. Which word would correctly substitute
an aged man, then a funeral procession, and finally
‘hence’, in the given sentence from the
a monk begging for alms. These sights so moved
extract?
him that he at once went out into the world to
It’s not dark, hence you can see everything
seek enlightenment concerning the sorrows he had
properly.
Ans : 2014
witnessed.
i. The wise don’t grieve because they understand i. Which statement is not true according to the
that death is inevitable. They understand given passage?
that the all hiving beings are afflicted with (a) The prince was never exposed to death or
death and deary. sorrow.
ii. According to the extract, those who do not (b) Since childhood the prince served the
grieve are wise. poor and sick.
iii. (d) An ox (c) The prince once witnessed suffering
people one after the other.
iv. therefore’

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Page 454 Discursive Passage Chapter 8
Ans : 2015
The Buddha preached his first sermon at the
Death, sorrows and pain are reality of our life. No city of Benares, a holy place on the banks of River
one can deny it. But, it is human nature to be Ganges. That sermon has been preserved and it
grieved on the personal losses, although everyone reflects the Buddha’s wisdom about the kind of
knows that one who takes birth has to die one sufferings which cannot be understood.
day. No one on this earth is immortal. Gautama
Buddha did not know anything about pains, 15. What did Buddha say about death and suffering ?
sorrows and death of men before he saw a sick Ans : 2011, 2007
man, then an aged man, then a funeral procession After enlightenment, Buddha started to spread
and a monk begging for alms. He decided to save his teachings about life, truth and the likes of it.
the man from these sufferings. He told that death and suffering are the part and
So, Buddha made the people realize that parcel of life. None can avoid this truth. One has
death is a reality and is inevitable. So, men must to meet one’s destined end one day. Whoever has
not grieve on death, even one should cope with come to the world, will die one day. In the hour of
the death of a loved one. grief, one must remain calm and composed so that
grief doesn’t overcome one. People who are wise,
13. The Buddha said, ‘The world is afflicted with never complain or lament over their loss. They
death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, accept the truth and be blessed with it. So, the
knowing the terms of the world.’ Do you think wisdom lies in the fact that people should not get
the statement is appropriate even for today’s distressed with pain, suffering and death.
life? Write your views in the context of the above
statement. 16. Through the story of Kisa Gotami, what did the
Ans : 2014 Buddha try to preach to the common man ?
The world is afflicted with death and decay; Ans : 2010
therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the Buddha said that death is common to all mortals.
terms of the world. This statement of the Buddha Those who are born must die one day. You cannot
is appropriate and relevant even for today’s life. avoid it. Death is certain. He taught this, through
In the context of the above statement, death the story of Kisa Gotami. Kisa was a common
and decay is inevitable on this earth. Men are woman whose son had died. She could not believe
led to death as an ox is led to the slaughter. We it and carried her son to neighbours requesting
cannot console ourselves by weeping and grieving, them to give her a medicine to cure him. People
rather it will make us sick and pale. So, the wise thought that she was not in her senses. She
never weep on death and never grieve on sorrows approached Buddha. He asked her to procure a
as they know that these are the realities and truth handful of mustard seeds but he put a condition
of our lives. that they should be procured from a house where
I think that the Buddha’s statement teaches no death has ever taken place. Kisa could not find
the humans today that no one can escape from such a house. She, sad and depressed, sat on the
death. So. we should not grieve on death. sideways and watched city lights that flickered and
extinguished. It made her realise that human lives
14. How did Siddhartha Gautama become enlightened flicker and extinguish as well and that death is an
? Where did he deliver his first sermon ? unavoidable phenomenon. She thought herself to
O be selfish for thinking only about her grief.
How did Siddhartha Gautama become Buddha?
Ans : 2012 17. Sketch Gautama Buddha as the enlightened
After Siddartha Gautama was confronted with the personality.
sorrows and sufferings of the world, he wandered Ans : 2010
for seven years. Finally he sat down under a fig Gautama Buddha (563 B.C.-483 B.C.) was born in
tree, where he vowed to stay until enlightenment northern India. He was known as a prince named
came to him. At this place, he reached Siddhartha Gautama. When he was about twenty
enlightenment after seven days. Immediately, he five years old, the Prince happened to while out
renamed the free, under which he had achieved for hunting. In the way he saw a sickman, and
his goal, as the Bodhi Tree, which means the Tree aged man and then a funeral procession. He was
of Wisdom. He then began to teach and share deeply touched on seeing a monk begging for
his new understandings with the people. At that alms. All these sights moved him very deeply.
point, he became known as the Buddha, which Till that day he was always shielded from seeing
means the Awakened or the Enlightened. the worldly sufferings. Now he was a changed

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

door asking for some medicine which would bring of immortality to mankind by surrendering ‘all
her son back to life but could not find it. selfishness and grief’.

16. What did the Buddha want Kisa Gotami to 22. Kisa Gotami is being selfish in her grief. What is
understand? her selfishness ? Do you agree with her ?
Ans : 2015 O
Ans. The Buddha wanted Kisa Gotami to Do you agree that Kisa Gotami was being selfish
understand’ that death is common and must in her grief? Give a reasoned answer.
come to all. One should not grieve and lament Ans : 2012
the death of near and dear ones. Everyone must Kisa Gotami is selfish in her grief. She goes from
accept the truth of death. house to house for the medicine to save her child
but there is no alternative. Yes, we agree with her
17. Why did the Buddha choose Benares to preach
that she had lost her senses when her only son
his first sermon?
had died.
Ans : 2015

The Buddha chose Benares to preach his first 23. What did Siddhartha Gautama see when he went
sermon because he regarded it the most holy place out for hunting? What impression did it make on
on the bank of the Ganges. The devotees take a his mind?
holy dip in it. His sermon reflects wisdom about Ans : 2012
one kind of suffering beyond one’s realization. When Siddhartha Gautama went out for hunting,
he saw a sick man, then an aged man, then a
18. Why did Kisa Gotami go from house to house?
funeral procession, and finally a monk begging for
Ans : 2015
alms.
Kisa Gotami went from house to house because
These sights moved him so much that he at once
she wanted medicine to cure her dead son. At last,
went out into the world to seek enlightenment
someone told about Buddha who could cure her
about the sorrows that he had witnessed.
dead son. Buddha told her to find a house where
the death had not touched. 24. Gautama Buddha made Kisa Gotami realise a
hard fact of life. What was it ?
19. Why did the Buddha ask Kisa Gotami to bring a
Ans : 2011
handful of mustard seeds?
Gotami felt herself to be selfish in her grief. She
Ans : 2015
knew that death is common to all of them. She
The Buddha asked Kisa Gotami to bring a handful
realised that this world is filled with deep sorrow
of mustard seeds from a house where no one had
and there is a path that leads one to immortality
died ever, because he wanted her to realize the
who has surrendered all selfishness.
ultimate truth of life. Now she came to know that
no one can escape death as death is common to 25. Who was Gautama Buddha ?
all. Ans : 2011

Gautama Buddha was a prince in northern India.

20. How did the Buddha teach Kisa Gotami the truth
His full name was Siddhartha Gautama. He was
of life?
sent away for schooling at the age of twelve. He
Ans : 2014
returned after four years and was married to
The Buddha asked Kisa Gotami to bring a handful
Yashodhara.
of mustard seeds from a house where no one had
died. She could not find such a house. She now 26. How was Gautama known as the Buddha ?
realised the ultimate truth of life that no one can Ans : 2011
escape death. So, she should not grieve on the After wandering for seven years, Gautama sat
death of her son. Thus, the Buddha taught Kisa under a fig tree. He stayed under the tree till
Gotami the truth of life. he got enlightenment. After seven days he got
enlightenment. He named the tree the Bo tree
21. What did the Buddha do after he had attained
(Tree of Wisdom).He started teaching. From this
enlightenment? Why?
point he became known as the Buddha.
Ans : 2014

After the Buddha had attained enlightenment, he 27. What did Buddha ask the lady to do ?
began to teach and share his new understandings Ans : 2010
of truth of life - Death is a universal truth. The The Buddha asked the lady to bring a handful of
basics of his first sermon were to show the path mustard seeds. But these must be taken from a

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23. Who according to the Buddha, can obtain peace Ans : 2020

of mind and become free from sorrow ? i. (d) she realised that death could not be
Ans : 2003 averted
According to the Buddha, neither from weeping ii. Buddha asked Kisa to collect mustard
nor from grieving will anyone obtain a peace of seed from those houses where death had
mind. On the contrary, that person’s pain will not knocked. His idea was based on the
enhance and his body will suffer from all the acceptance of two truths: the continuity of life
weeping and grieving. He will make himself sick and the inevitability of death, that humans
and pale, yet the dead will not be saved by his are mortal and death is the only truth, and
expression of sorrow. That is why, the one who cultivating detachment from loved ones and
seeks peace should draw out from himself the
the importance of silence for attaining inner
arrow of lamentation, complaint and grief. The
peace.
person who has drawn out the arrow and has
become composed, will be able to obtain a peace iii. (c) unfortunate or miserable
of mind. Thus, the person who has overcome iv. Yes, he could have been either a counsellor
sorrow will be able to become free from sorrow, or a psychologist because both provide
and shall be blessed. behavioural therapy to a disturbed person.

2. Read the extract given below and answer the

Extract Based Question questions that follows :
At twelve, he was sent away for schooling in
1. Read the extract given below and answer the the Hindu sacred scriptures and years later he
questions that follows : returned home to marry a princess. They had a
Poor Kisa Gotami now went from house to house, son and lived for ten years as befitted royalty.
and the people pitied her and said, “Here is At about the age of twenty-five, the prince
mustard-seed; take it!” But when she asked, “Did here to fore shielded from the sufferings of the
a son or daughter, a father or mother, die in your world, while going out on hunting, chanced upon
family?” they answered her, ‘Alas! the living are a sick man, then an aged man, then a funeral
few, but the dead are many. Do not remind us of procession, and finally a monk begging for alms.
our deepest grief”. And there was no house but These sights so moved him that he at once
some beloved one had died in it. became a beggar and went out into the world to
i. Kisa Gotami’s joy was short-lived because seek enlightenment concerning the sorrows he had
_____. witnessed.
(a) she was not assured any help by her i. What was the unintended effect of the sights
neighbours Buddha saw?
(b) no physician could revive her son (a) He felt dejected and sorrowful
(c) she could not get mustard seed from each (b) He renounced royalty
house (c) He decided to become an ascetic
(d) she realised that death could not be (d) He decided to consult a pandit
averted ii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
ii. In sending Kisa Gotami from house to house, identify which one correctly corresponds to
what was Buddha trying to teach her. Answer the extract.
in about 40 words. (a) A debate is a formal discussion on a
iii. Read the following interpretations (a)- particular topic, usually with two or more
(c) of the word ‘poor’ and identify which people presenting different viewpoints
one correctly corresponds to its contextual and arguments.
meaning. (b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a
(a) in need or want of money character alone on stage, which reveals
(b) weak or feeble their innermost thoughts and feelings to
(c) unfortunate or miserable the audience.
iv. Is it correct to say that had Buddha been (c) A narrative a story or account of events,
alive today, he could have become either a experiences, or the like, whether true or
counsellor or a psychologist? Why? fictitious.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

40. Who, according to the Buddha are subject to maintaining a somewhat static stance towards
death ? his situation. In contrast, Kisa Gotami’s journey
Ans : 2001 represents an internal transformation, a move
According to Gautama Buddha, both young and from denial towards acceptance, facilitated by a
adult, both those who are fools and those who are broader engagement with her community and the
wise, all fall into the power of death and are all human condition itself.
subject to death. Through these narratives, we observe that
while faith and hope can offer comfort in times
of loss, the path to acceptance and understanding
Long Answer Type Question
often requires confronting the reality of our shared
1. Grief or sadness is an emotion natural to all types experiences of suffering and mortality. Lencho’s
of loss or significant change. You have been asked story teaches us about the strength and resilience
to present an analysis of the approaches of Lencho that faith in a higher power can provide, whereas
and Kisa Gotami in dealing with their respective Kisa Gotami’s story offers a lesson in the healing
losses. Write this presentation draft including that comes from acknowledging our shared human
your insights, and comparing the approaches of vulnerabilities and the cyclical nature of life and
both. death. Both approaches, though different in their
You may begin like this : methods and outcomes, highlight the complex and
One acknowledges that Lencho had unwavering multifaceted nature of human response to loss.
faith in God whereas Kisa Gotami in her grief,
believed that her son ..... however ..... 2. You have been chosen to address the student
Ans : 2024 gathering from the nearby schools, to speak on
One acknowledges that Lencho had unwavering “How to Deal with Loss — Personal or Material”.
faith in God, whereas Kisa Gotami in her grief Prepare the speech draft in not more than 120
believed that her son could be brought back to words, with reference to the commonality of
life, however, she eventually learns a profound themes in John Benyman’s ‘The Ball Poem’ and
‘A Sermon at Benaras’.
lesson on the universality of death. Lencho’s faith
You may begin this way .
in divine intervention led him to seek help directly
Good Morning everyone. Today, I’d. like to discuss
from God, illustrating a deep-rooted belief in
two pieces of literature that offer a powerful
the supernatural’s benevolence towards human
insight into how we can learn to deal with loss .....
affairs. He was so confident in this belief that he
You may end in this way :
attributed the arrival of help solely to a divine
To conclude, I’d like to say that .....
source, overlooking the human agency involved.
Thank you.
This faith guided his actions entirely, showing
Ans : 2024
a single-minded reliance on a higher power for
Good morning everyone, Today I would like
resolution.
to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a
Conversely, Kisa Gotami’s initial denial of her
powerful insight into how we can learn to deal
son’s death reflects a desperate hope for reversal,
with loss. The loss of the ball in the poem leaves
a common initial response to grief. Her journey,
the small boy grief stricken as it is his first
prompted by the Buddha’s task to find a mustard
experience of a loss of a possession. Whereas the
seed from a household untouched by death,
mother Kisa Gotami also experienced the same
gradually unveils to her the universal nature of
feeling when she lost her only child. The poet who
suffering and loss. This task, while seemingly
has seen the boy grieving leaves him alone instead
simple, leads her to the realization that death is
of consoling him as he wants him to learn how to
an inevitable part of life that affects all, teaching
take life in its stride and bear the losses bravely.
her acceptance and the importance of moving
While Budhha made Kisa Gotami learn that loss
forward.
is inevitable and so should not give a set back
The contrast between Lencho’s unwavering
to the person. She learns a lesson that death is
faith in God as a direct benefactor and Kisa
common to all and no grieving or lamenting can
Gotami’s eventual understanding of death’s
bring back dead to life. To conclude I would like
universality underlines different dimensions of
to say that loss of any type is irreparable. but
dealing with loss. Lencho’s approach is rooted
grieving cannot provide respite. So, one should
in externalizing hope towards a divine figure,
learn to face all the hurdles bravely.

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Page 458 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

(d) The sufferings and sorrows of others

moved the prince.
ii. Which of the following sentences expresses
the antonym of the word ‘shielded’ ?
(a) The pitch was immediately covered and
protected from rain.
(b) The police safeguarded the public
property from getting harmed by the
protesting crowds.
(c) The mounds of harvested crops lay
exposed to rain and infestation.
(d) The abandoned strays have been sheltered
in an animal home.
iii. What do a sick man, an old man, a monk
begging for alms and a death symbolised
for Gautama Buddha? Answer in about 40
words.
iv. What would be the antonym of ‘enlightenment’
as used in the passage? Also use it in a
sentence of your own.
Ans : 2012

i. (b) Since childhood the prince served the

poor and sick.
ii. (c) The mounds of harvested crops lay
exposed to rain and infestation.
iii. They all symbolised various forms of suffering
and sorrow. The incidents revealed a great
truth- life is short. Beauty, riches, comforts,
and youth all are transitory. One should
cultivate detachment and free oneself from
bondage.
iv. ‘ignorance’
The ignorance of the young generation about
the history of the country is appalling to say
the least.



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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

Chapter 9

T he Proposal

1. INTRODUCTION dressed. So, Chubukov rises to greet him. He asks

the reason of his being nicely dressed. Lomov
The chapter “The Proposal” is written by Anton takes his arm and requests to give a trouble.
Chekov, a famous Russian playwright. This is a Chubukov thinks that he will ask for some money.
highly humorous play which satirises marriages But Lomov goes on having rounds of Chubukov.
of convenience that are solemnized without any Chubukov asks him to be clear in his aim. He
feeling of love or affection between the partners. requests that he has come to ask the hand of
The play, with three quarrelsome characters, is his daughter Natalya Stepanovna in marriage.
replete with comic situations that generate a Chubukov becomes happy and embraces Lomov.
lot of humour. In the play, Ivan Lomov, a long He gives his blessings as well. Chubukov goes to
time wealthy neighbour of Stepan Chubukov, also call Natalya. Lomov is alone. He starts thinking
wealthy, comes to seek the hand of Chubukov’s about himself, his age and heart palpitations, etc.
twenty-five-year-old daughter, Natalya. But as all
three are quarrelsome people, they quarrel over Arrival of Natalya
petty issues in the play, and thus, the proposal Natalya arrives and both have a discussion.
is in danger of being forgotten amidst all this Lomov is excited and he tells that he has made up
quarrelling. But economic good sense ensures a mind to ask her to hear him out in brief. He tells
that the proposal is made after all, although the that Lomov and the Chubukovs have remained
quarrelling continues. the most friendly. His Oxen Meadows touch her
Birchwoods. Immediately Natalya interferes that
they have been the owners of the Oxen Meadows.
2. Characters Lomov points out that they have been his and are
in between the Birchwoods and the Burnt Marsh.
Lomov Debate over Oxen Meadows
Lomov is a wealthy young man who visits his Ivan tells that she is mistaken over it. She can see
neighbour to ask for his daughter’s hand in from the documents that Oxen Meadows remained
marriage. He has a dog whom he calls ‘Guess’ and the subject of dispute once but everybody knows
loves his pet very much. He is very argumentative that these belong to Lomov. She must know that
in nature. his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these
Chubukov meadows to the peasants who belonged to her
Chubukov is Lomov’s neighbour. He has a (Natalya’s) father’s grandfather on the condition
daughter named Natalya, whom Lomov wishes to that they were to prepare bricks for his aunt.
marry. He is a wealthy land owner. Those peasants went on using it for the last forty
Natalya years and became habitual to call them their own.
Natalya is Chubukov’s daughter. She is also But Natalya calls it a silly idea. Lomov tells that
argumentative and never steps back is any he can show the documents.
argument. She also has a pet named ‘Squeezer’ Natalya’s View Point
and is very possessive about it. Natalya tells that they have been using the land
for nearly three hundred years. She cannot believe
his story. These meadows are worth perhaps 300
3. summary roubles and she will not tolerate this unfairness.
Arrival of Lomov She tells that she cannot understand about aunts,
Chubukov is sitting in his drawing-room. There grandfathers and grandmothers but the meadows
enters Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov. He is very well- belong to Chubukovs. She will not give anything

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Page 460 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

of her. Lomov tells that he is acting on principle. Talk of Lomov and Natalya
If she likes, he can present them. Natalya tells Lomov tells that his heart is palpitating and so
that she can make a present of them herself. She on. Natalya feels sorry and tells that the Oxen
has thought them a good neighbour and a fine Meadows have been the property of Lomov. She
friend. But he has been behaving as if they were requests him to sit down and talk something else.
gipsies. Lomov tells that he is not a land grabber. Then Lomov tells that his dog Guess has gone
He will never allow anyone to blame like this lame. His leg must have been bitten by some
but Oxen Meadows are his. Thus, there starts a other dog. He purchased it for 125 roubles from
heating debate between the two. There is much Mironov. Natalya tells that her father purchased
noise. Squeezer for 85 roubles. Lomov tells that her
Squeezer is better than Guess but he is overshot
Arrival of Chubukov
i.e., it is a bad hunter. Even its lower jaw is
Hearing their noise, Chubukov enters and asks
shorter than the upper. Both discuss more facts
why they have been shouting. Immediately
about these dogs. Natalya revealed that Squeezer
Natalya asks her father to tell Lomov that the
is a hundred times better than the silly Guess.
Oxen Meadows belong to them. Lomov requests
Immediately Lomov told not to discuss such facts
him to be a reasonable man. These meadows were
as his heart is palpitating.
given by his aunt’s grandmother for the temporary
There enters Chubukov and asks what has
and free use of his (Chubukov’s) grandfather’s
been the matter. Natalya asks her father which
peasants. They have been using them for the last
has been the better one : Squeezer or Guess.
forty years and became accustomed to call them
their own. Chubukov did not agree but he pointed Chubukov’s Pleading
out that the meadows were in dispute. Chubukov told that it was no use arguing and
Lomov told that he could prove that these blaming. In between Lomov tells that his foot has
were his. Calling him his dear one, Chubukov told gone to sleep. Natalya too points out that her
that he could even give up the meadows to the heart is under trouble. So many other talks go
peasants than to him (Lomov). Lomov pointed on but Lomov falls into an arm chair. A doctor is
out that he (Chubukov) had no right to give away called for. Natalya asks her father what has gone
somebody else’s property. Chubukov requested wrong with Lomov. She too falls into an armchair
him to speak politely and calmly. These words and calls for a doctor. Chubukov is deeply
enraged Lomov and told him that it was not fair troubled. Natalya wails and tells that Lomov’s
to call his land theirs (Chubukov’s). He called him dead. Suddenly Lomov moves and drinks some
a grabber. Natalya told that these Oxen Meadows water. Chubukov tells them to get married very
won’t be given up. soon. He puts Lomov’s hand into his daughter’s.
She is smiling. He gives them his blessing. He
Threatening By Lomov
asks them to kiss each other. They kiss each
Lomov threatened that he would go to the court
other. Natalya says that she is happy. Chubukov
and show them the reality. Chubukov became
tells that he is free from a heavy weight on his
angry and called Lomov pettifogger. He even called
shoulders. Chubukov advises them to start their
them drunkard and so on. Lomov too blamed the
family. He blesses them.
family of Chubukov for various reasons. Lomov
goes to the door and Chubukov warns him never
to set foot in his house again. Natalya calls Lomov 4. Word meanings
a rascal and monster, etc. Chubukov called him 1. Proposal - suggestion, an idea to think about
a blind hen who had come to make a proposal. and decide
Immediately Natalya intervened and asked what 2. Suspicious - doubtful
proposal. Chubukov told that he had come to 3. Gloves - a covering for hands
propose to her. 4. Extremely - very much
Wailing of Natalya 5. Squeezes - twists
Hearing these words, Natalya falls into an easy 6. Treasure - very lovely like wealth
chair and wails. She calls to bring Lomov back 7. Get along - move further
very immediately since she is dying. She starts 8. Honoured - respectful
wailing. Chubukov runs to bring Lomov back. 9. Precious - valuable
There enters Lomov. Seeing him coming back, 10. Privilege - special right
Chubukov tells Natalya that she will talk to him 11. Borrow - to get on loan
herself. Then Chubukov leaves the house. 12. Awfully - very much
13. Deserve - expect

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

ii. Natalya and Lomov had been quarrelling (laughs) Squeezer better than Guess!
over the ownership of Oxen Meadows Natalya Of course he’s better! Of course,
when suddenly Natalya took a U-turn and Squeezer is young, he may develop a bit, but
admitted to the reality that the Meadows on points and pedigree he’s better than
were not worth fighting or arguing over as anything that even Volchanetsky has got.
they only came to five dessiatins and were i. Natalya’s father bought Squeezer for
worth perhaps 300 roubles only. _____.
iii. (c) The extract is an argument or an exchange (a) 105 roubles (b) 85 roubies
of diverging or opposite views, typically a (c) he was adopted (d) 150 roubles
heated or angry one.
ii. Why is Squeezer better than Guess, according
iv. Both Natalya and Lomov are obstinate and to Natalya?
argumentative by nature.
iii. How does Natalya defend Squeezer?
5. Read the extract given below and answer the iv. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
questions that follows : identify which one correctly corresponds to
Natalya I can make you a present of them myself, the extract.
because they’re mine! Your behaviour, Ivan (a) An argument wherein two or more people
Vassilevitch, is strange, to say the least! Up to with contrasting thoughts or ideas are
this we have always thought of you as a good fighting for their cause.
neighbour, a friend; last year we lent you our (b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a
threshing-machine, although on that account we character alone on stage, which reveals
had to put off our own threshing till November, their innermost thoughts and feelings to
but you behave to us as if we were gypsies. the audience.
i. Where do Lomov and Natalya get on the (c) A narrative from the point of view of
wrong foot? an omniscient narrator, who knows
(a) While talking about the weather everything about the story and the
(b) While talking about their land character.
(c) While talking about their family relations Ans : 2012

(d) While talking about their hobbies i. (b) 85 roubles

ii. Fill in the blank appropriately. ‘Them’ here ii. Squeezer is better according to Natalya
refers to because he has a better pedigree.
iii. To defend Squeezer, her father’s dog, Natalya
iii. What does the given lines tell us about states that Squeezer is young but in points/
Natalya? features and pedigree he is better than many
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute other dogs.
‘postpone’, in the given sentence from the iv. (a) An argument wherein two or more people
passage? with contrasting thoughts or ideas are fighting
I had to postpone my plane due to shortage for their cause.
of money.
Ans : 2015
7. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows :
i. (b) While talking about their land
“Natalya Stephenova is an excellent housekeeper,
ii. Oxen Meadows not bad looking, well-educated. What more do
iii. The given lines tell us that Natalya is a short I want? But I,m getting noise in my ears from
tempered girl ready to fight for the smallest excitement. [Drinksl And it,s impossible for me
of things. not to marry In the first place, I’m already 35-a
iv. put off critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I
ought to lead a quiet and regular life.”
6. Read the extract given below and answer the
i. When the speaker says, ,What more do I
questions that follows :
want?’, he means that
Natalya Papa gave 85 roubles for his Squeezer,
(a) he wants to get married soon.
and Squeezer is heaps better than Guess! Lomov
Squeezer better than Guess? What an idea! (b) Natalya is a good match for him.

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Page 462 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

2. A Russian Wedding Customs similar to Customs different

Do you know anything about a Russian marriage Indian ones from Indian ones
ceremony? Read this article about a Russian
wedding.
Preparations for a Russian Wedding: A Russian
wedding is very simple. The planning only includes
arranging for rings, brides’ dress, cars, and a
reception. Earlier, the bride’s family paid for the
reception, but now-a-days brides’ and grooms’
families usually share expenses. A Russian wedding Ans :
lasts for two days; some weddings last as long Indian and Russian wedding have many customs
as a week, and the occasion becomes something in common. The information showing it is given
to remember for years. The necessary part of below:
the wedding ceremony is a wedding procession
of several cars. The best friends of the groom/ Customs similar to Customs different
bride meet before the wedding a few times, make Indian ones from Indian ones
posters, write speeches and organise contests.
1. Wedding procession Making posters,
When the groom arrives to fetch the bride for the
writing speeches,
registration, he has to fight to get her! Russians
organising contests
usually live in apartments in tall buildings, and the
groom has to climb several stairs to reach his bride. 2. Groom coming to Fight involving this
But at each landing he must answer a question bride’s house to
to be allowed to go up. The bride’s friends ask fetch her
difficult questions (sometimes about the bride, 3. Honeymoon Climbing stairs and
sometimes just difficult riddles), and the groom answering questions
must answer with the help of his friends. For etc.
example, he may be shown a few photos of baby
4. Reception City tour
girls and he must say which one his bride is. If he
guesses wrong, he must pay cash to move ahead. 5. Stealing of the shoe Ceremonial toasting
After the marriage registration, the newly-married 6. Grooms paying Kissing the bride
couple leaves the guests for a tour of the city
sights. After two or three hours of the city tour the 7. Stealing of the bride
couple arrives at the reception. The couple sits at
a specially arranged table with their family, friends Thinking About the Play
and invited guests. The reception starts with toasts
1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov
to the couple. A wedding toast is a custom where
has come for? Is he sincere when he later says
a close friend or relative of the groom or the bride
“and I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you
says a few words to wish the couple, then everyone
were my own son”? Find reason for your answer
raises their glass of wine, and drink it up at the
from the play.
same moment. The groom is then asked to kiss the Ans :
bride. After a few toasts, people start eating and Chubukov at first suspects that Lomov has come
drinking, and generally have fun. After some time, to borrow money. Chubukov is not sincere in
the bride gets ‘stolen’ ! She disappears, and when saying this. After some minutes, Chubukov starts
the groom starts looking for her, he is asked to pay fighting with Lomov over petty matters. In fact,
a fee. Usually it is his friends who ‘steal’ the bride. he sides with his daughter in fighting with Lomov.
Then there are the bride’s friends — they steal the He even abuses Lomov calling him bad names.
bride’s shoe. The groom must pay money for the This shows his insincerity in saying this flattering
shoe too. The guests enjoy watching these tussles, sentence.
and continue partying.
2. Chubukov says of Natalya : “....as if she won’t
Do you think Indian and Russian weddings have consent! She is in love; egad, she is like a lovesick
any customs in common? With the help of a cat..” Would you agree? Find reason for your
partner, fill in the table below. answer.

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage
Ans : Thinking About Language - I
Yes, Natalya is in love. This is clear in her
behaviour when she get to know that Lomov 1. This play has been translated into English from
came to propose her. She then starts weeping; she the Russian original. Are there any expressions or
calls her father to bring him back at once. Lomov ways of speaking that strike you as more Russian
had left the house after the quarrel. She becomes than English? For example, would an adult man
hysteric. be addressed by an older man as my darling or
my treasure in an English play?
3. Answer the following questions: Read through the play carefully and find
(i) Find all the words and expressions in the expressions that you think are not used in
play that the characters used to speak about contemporary English and contrast these with
other, and accusations and insults they idiomatic modern English expressions that also
hurl .at each other. (For example, Lomov occur in the play.
in the end calls Chubukov an intriguer; but Ans :
earlier, Chubukov has himself called Lomov Expressions not used in contemporary English
a “malicious, doublefaced intriguer.” Again, are as folllows:
Lomov begins by describing Natalya as “an 1. “my darling”, “my beauty”, “my precious”,
excellent housekeeper. not bad-looking. well- “my angel”, “my beloved” (here, an older
educated.”) man is addressing an adult man)
(ii) Then think of five adjectives or adjectival 2. “...and so on...” (here, it is used after a
expressions of your own to describe each sentence in order to complete it)
character in the play. 3. “...and all that sort of thing.” (not explaining
(iii) Can you imagine what these characters will what it is, just leaving it as it is)
quarrel about next? 4. “...and all that.” (again leaving the sentence
Ans : as it is)
(i) Natalya calls Lomov ‘rascal’, ‘The monster’. 5. “the scarecrow”, “the stuffed sausage”, “the
Chubukov calls him ‘the villain! The wizen-faced frump” (In this way, they hurled
scarecrow!’, ‘that blind hen’ ,’turnip ghost’, insults at each other)
‘the stuffed sausage’, ‘the wizen-faced frump’,
6. “And how may you be getting on?” (Here,
‘malicious, double-faced intriguer’, ‘pup’, ‘old
Lomov is asking Chubukov about his well
rat’, ‘Jesuit’, ‘milk soap’, ‘fool’.
being)
Chubukov calls Lomov’s father as ‘a guzzling
gambler’.
Lomov calls Chubukov ‘intreguer’, Natalvya’s Modern English expressions are as follows:
mother as ‘hump-backed’, ‘back-bitters’, etc. 1. “Madam”, “my heart”, “honoured Natalya
Chubukov calls Lomov as ‘my precious’. Stepanovna” (used by Lomov for Natalya)
Lomov calls Natalya as ‘an excellent house 2. “Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch” (used by
keeper, not bad looking, well educated’. Lomov for Chubukov)
(ii) Adjectives or adjectival expressions that 3. “I beg your pardon...”
describe the characters in the play are as 4. “My dear fellow” (Chubukov addressing Lomov)
follows : 5. “malicious, double-faced intriguer”, “fool”
(a) Lomov : weak hearted bachelor, nervous, (Chubukov insulting Lomov)
short tempered, quarrelsome, rigid.
(b) Natalya : excellent housekeeper, good 2. Look up the following words in a dictionary and
looking, well educated, sharp tongued, find out how to pronounce them. Pay attention to
short tempered, rigid touchy and how many syllables there are in each word, and
sensitive. find out which syllable is stressed, or said more
(c) Chubukov : old, quarrelsome, uses funny forcefully.
abusive language (turnip ghost, stuffed
palpitations interfere implore thoroughbred
sausage), intriguer, concerned father.
pedigree principle evidence misfortune
(iii) Perhaps they will quarrel on the quality of
champagne. malicious embezzlement architects neighbours
accustomed temporary behaviour documents

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Page 464 Discursive Passage Chapter 9
Ans : sentence in reported speech is made up of two
Words Pronunciation Stressing the Syllables parts - a reporting clause and a reported clause.
In sentence (b), Mamta said is the reporting clause
Palpitations iy&fi&Vs&'kUl pal-pi-ta-tions
containing the reporting verb said. The other
Interfere bu&Vj&fQvj in’-ter-fere clause - that she had gone to visit her grandma
Implore be~&Iyksj im’-plore last week - is the reported clause.
Notice that in sentence (b) we put the reporting
Thoroughbred FkWj&czsM thorough’-bred clause first. This is done to show that we are not
Pedigree is&fM&xzh Pe’-di-gree speaking directly, but reporting someone else’s
Principle
words. The tense of the verb also changes; past
fÁfUl&iy princi’-ple
tense (went) become past perfect (had gone).
Evidence ,W&foMsUl evi’-dence Here are some pairs of sentences in direct and
Misfortune fel&QkWj&pwu mis-for’-tune reported speech. Read them carefully, and do the
Malicious
task that follows :
ek&fy&’kl ma’-li-cious
1. (i) Lomov : Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch,
Accustomed ,Wd~&dl~&VEM accus’tomed
do you think I may count on her consent?
Embezzlement ,e&ost&tyesUV embezz’lement (Direct Speech)
Architect vkdZ&b&VsDV arch’-i-tect (ii) Lomov asked Stepan Stepanovitch
Neighbours us&cjl nei’-bours respectfully if he thought he might count on
her consent. (Reported Speech)
Behaviour fcgs&fo;j behav’-iour
2. (i) Lomov : I’m getting a noise in my ears
Documents MkWd~&;w&esUVl doc’-u-ments from excitement. (Direct Speech)
Temporary VsEijsfj temp’-rary (ii) Lomov said that he was getting a noise in
his ears from excitement. (Reported Speech)
3. Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to 3. (i) Natalya : Why haven’t you been here for
find out their meaning and then use each in a such a long time? (Direct Speech)
sentence of your own. (ii) Natalya Stepanovana asked why he hadn’t
(i) you may take it that been there for such a long time. (Reported
(ii) He seems to be coming round Speech)
(iii) My foot’s gone to sleep 4. (i) Chubukov : What’s the matter? (Direct
Ans : Speech)
(i) You may take it that I an lying, but in fact it (ii) Chubukov asked him what the matter
will help you in the long run. was. (Reported Speech)
(ii) He seems to be coming round after the trauma 5. (i) Natalya : My mowers will be there this
of his father’s death. very day! (Direct Speech)
(iii) After the three hour long yoga session, my (ii) Natalya Stepanovna declared that
foot’s gone to sleep. her mowers would be there that very day.
(Reported Speech)
Thinking About Language - II
You must have noticed that when we report
1. Reported speech someone’s exact words, we have to make some
A sentence in reported speech consists of two changes in the sentence structure. In the following
parts : a reporting clause, which contains the sentences fill in the blanks to list the changes that
reporting verb, and the reported clause. Look at have occurred in the above pairs of sentences, One
the following sentences : has been done for you.
(a) “I went to visit my grandma last week,” said 1. To report a question, we use the reporting
Mamta. verb asked (as in Sentence Set 1).
(b) Mamta said that she had gone to visit her 2. To report a declaration, we use the reporting
grandma the previous week. verb _____.
In sentence (a), we have Mamta’s exact words. 3. The adverb of place here changes to _____.
This is an example of direct speech. In sentence 4. When the verb in direct speech is in the
(b), someone is reporting what Mamta said. This present tense, the verb in reported speech is
is called indirect speech or reported speech. A in the _____ tense (as in Sentence Set 3).

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

5. If the verb in direct speech is in the present and he walked a lot. He further told that he had
continuous tense, the verb in reported speech joined the industry when people retired. He was
changes to _____ tense. For example, in his 40s so he didn’t miss being called a star. He
_____ changes to was getting. was still respected and given work when actors
6. When the sentence in direct speech contains of his age were living in poverty and without
a word denoting respect, we add the adverb work. He didn’t have any complaints. He adds
_____ the reporting clause (as in Sentence that he had always been underpaid. Recipient of
Set 1). the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after
money or materialistic gains He regrets telling
7. The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which
us that no doubt he was contented that day but
are used in the first person in direct speech, money was important and that he was a fool not
change to third person pronouns such as to understand the value of money earlier.
_____, _____, _____, or _____ in
reported speech. Speaking and Writing
Ans :
2. declared 2. Anger Management : As adults, one important
3. there thing to learn is how to manage our temper. Some
of us tend to get angry quickly, while others remain
4. Past
calm. Can you think of three ill-effects that result
5. past continuous, getting from anger? Note them down. Suggest ways to
6. respectfully avoid losing your temper in such situations. Are
7. he, him, their, his there any benefits from anger?
Ans :
Thinking about Language - III Ill-Effects of Anger are as follows:
1. Here is an excerpt from an article from the 1. It directly affects our blood circulation and
Times of India dated 27 August 2006. Rewrite we increase blood pressure.
it, changing the sentences in direct speech into 2. It has impact on our heart and may create
reported speech. Leave the other sentences any trouble relating to heart.
unchanged. 3. It creates tension, stress and trouble.
“Why do you want to know my age? If people There is no benefit from anger.
know I am so old, I wont get work!” laughs
90-year-old A K Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s 3. In pairs, prepare a script based on the given
most famous character actors. For his age, he is excerpt from ‘The Home and The World’ by
rather energetic. “What’s the secret?” we ask. Rabindranath Tagore. You may write five
“My intake of everything is in small quantities. exchanges between the characters with other
And I walk a lot,” he replies. “I joined the direction such as movements on stage and way of
industry when people retire. I was in my 40s. So I speaking etc.
don’t miss being called a star. I am still respected One afternoon, when I happened to be
and given work” when actors of my age are living specially busy, word came to my office room that
in poverty and without work. I don’t have any Bimala had sent for me. I was startled.
complaints,” he says, adding, “but yes, I have “Who did you say had sent for me?” I asked the
always been underpaid.” Recipient of the Padma messenger.
Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money “The Rani Mother”.
or materialistic gains. “No doubt I am content “The Bari Rani?”
today, but money is important. I was a fool not “No, sir, the Choti Rani Mother.”
to understand the value of money earlier,” he The Choti Rani! It seemed a century since I
regrets. had been sent for by her. I kept them all waiting
Ans : there, and went off into the inner apartments.
90 year old A K Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s When I stepped into our room I had another shock
most famous character actors laughs asking why of surprise to find Bimala there with a distinct
did he want to know his age. He added that if suggestion of being dressed up. The room, which
people knew that he was so old he won’t get from persistent neglect, had latterly acquired an
work. For his age, he is rather energetic. When air of having grown absent-minded, had regained
we asked what was the secret he replied that something of its old order this afternoon. I stood
his intake of everything was in small quantities there silently, looking enquiringly at Bimala.

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She flushed a little and the fingers of her right (iii) Attitude to money and wealth
hand toyed for a time with the bangles on her left 3. Education and professional background.
arm. Then she abruptly broke the silence. “Look Ans :
here! Is it right that ours should be the only It is for group discussion. However, certain more
market in all Bengal which allows foreign goods?” points can be given for help:
“What, then, would be the right thing to (i) Percentage and their background
do?” I asked.
(ii) Caste and religion
“Order them to be cleared out!”
“But the goods are not mine.” (iii) Traditions prevalent in the community
“Is not the market yours?” (iv) Her consent as well as the consent of the
“Let them trade in Indian goods, then.” parents on both the sides
“Nothing would please me better. But (v) Her behaviour and so on
suppose they do not?”
(vi) Social status
“Nonsense! How dare they be so insolent?
Are you not....” (vii)Serving and welfare attitude.
“I am very busy this afternoon and cannot
5. Are there parts of the play that remind you of
stop to argue it out. But I must refuse to
film scenes from romantic comedies? Discuss this
tyrannise.”
in groups, and recount to the rest of the class
“It would not be tyranny for selfish gain, but
episodes similar to those in the play.
for the sake of the country.”
Ans :
“To tyrannise for the country is to tyrannise
For discussion in groups and at the class level.
over the country. But that I am afraid you will
The student may consider romantic comedy films
never understand.” With this I came away.
Ans : like Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Padosan, Shree 420,
Tagore : Who did you say had sent for me? The Hero No.1, Hangama, etc.
Messenger : The Rani Mother.
Tagore (inquired with confusion): The Bara Rani? 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
The messenger (said respectfully) : No, sir, the
Chota Rani Mother.
The Chota Rani : Look here! Is it right that ours Multiple Choice
Type Question
should be the only market in all Bengal which
1. Who is the writer of the play “The Proposal”?
allows foreign goods?
(a) Robert Frost (b) Anton Chekov
Tagore : What, then, would be the right thing to
do? (c) Carolyn Wells (d) Robin Klein
The Chota Rani (commandingly) : Order them to Ans : 2021

be cleared out. (b) Anton Chekov

Tagore (inquiringly) : Is not the market years?
2. What request did Chubukov think Lomov would
The Chota Rani : It is much more theirs who use
make?
it for trade.
(a) Ask for her daughter’s hand in marriage
Tagore (suggested) : Let them trade in Indian
goods, then. (b) Borrow money
The statements may be done like this... (c) Borrow land
(d) All of these
4. In groups, discuss the qualities one should look Ans : 2020
for in a marriage partner. You might consider the (b) Borrow money
following points :
1. Personal qualities 3. Why was Lomov wearing his evening dress?
(i) Appearance or looks (a) To pay New Year Eve’s visit
(ii) Attitudes and beliefs (b) Ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage
(iii) Sense of humour (c) Borrow money
2. Value system (d) Borrow land
(i) Compassion and kindness Ans : 2020

(ii) Tolerance, ambition (b) Ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

4. Who does Chubukov call a “lovesick cat”? (a) His frustration

(a) Lomov (b) Himself (b) His short temper
(c) His maid (d) Natalya (c) His palpitations
Ans : 2020 (d) He can’t stand unfairness
(d) Natalya Ans : 2015

(c) His palpitations

5. “And it’s impossible for me not to marry”. Why
does he say so? 11. Who threatened to take the matter to court?
(a) He’s thirty five already (a) Natalya (b) Lomov
(b) He suffer from palpitations (c) Chubukov (d) None of these
(c) He has troubled sleep Ans : 2014

(d) All of these (b) Lomov

Ans : 2016
12. Why did Chubukov think it was a curse to be a
(d) All of these
father of a grown up daughter?
6. Where do Lomov and Natalya get on the wrong (a) He had to go to call the man they had just
foot? shun out
(a) While talking about the weather (b) He had to go to call the man who insulted
(b) While talking about their land them
(c) While talking about their family relations (c) He had to go call tthe man who shouted at
(d) While the proposal them
Ans : 2016, 2005 (d) All of these
(b) While talking about their land Ans : 2014

(d) All of these

7. Which land were they fighting about?
(a) Oxen Meadows (b) Birchwoods 13. What was the topic of the second argument?
(c) Burnt Marsh (d) All of these (a) The land (b) The proposal
Ans : 2016 (c) The dogs (d) None of these
(a) Oxen Meadows Ans : 2014

(c) The dogs

8. What is Lomov’s side of justification about the
land? 14. When does Natalya accept the proposal?
(a) Their land extended till Burnt Marsh (a) When Lomov went unconscious
(b) His grandmother always talked about it (b) When they finished arguing
(c) His grandmother gave it to her great (c) When he proposed her
grandfather’s peasants (d) When Lomov came back in
(d) None of these Ans : 2013

Ans : 2015 (a) When Lomov went unconscious

(c) His grandmother gave it to her great
15. What do they argue about after holding each
grandfather’s peasants
other’s hands?
9. Why was Natalya arguing about the land? (a) Dogs (b) Land
(a) She can’t stand unfairness (c) Marriage venue (d) The cuisine
(b) It was worth a lot Ans : 2013

(a) Dogs
(c) She was jealous of Lomov
(d) All of these 16. How are the Lomovs and Chubukovs related?
Ans : 2015
(a) friends (b) cousins
(a) She can’t stand unfairness
(c) neighbours (d) business associates
10. What explanation did Lomov give for his Ans : 2013

shouting? (c) neighbours

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Page 468 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

17. What had Natalya been doing when Lomov called (a) a tight gown for wearing inside
for her? (b) a loose gown for doing household work.
(a) Cleaning the house (b) Washing clothes (c) an apron.
(c) Shelling peas (d) Cooking food (d) a shirt.
Ans : 2013 Ans : 2011
(c) Shelling peas (b) a loose gown for doing household work
18. What did Natalya offer Lomov? 26. The play “The Proposal” is
(a) Tea (b) Breakfast (a) one act play (b) three act play
(c) Coffee (d) Lunch (c) four act play (d) five act play
Ans : 2013 Ans : 2011
(d) Lunch (a) one act play
19. The play is set in which country? 27. The worst of lomov physical problem is
(a) India (b) France (a) the way he sleeps
(c) Russia (d) Japan (b) his palpitations
Ans : 2013, 2001
(c) his headache
(c) Russia
(d) his limp
20. What is the name of Lomov’s dog? Ans : 2011

(a) Guess (b) Guard (a) the way he sleeps

(c) Squeezer (d) Sweater 28. Anton Chekhov was a famous
Ans : 2012
(a) American playwright
(a) Guess
(b) Russian playwright
21. According to Lomov, what amount would be good (c) Indian playwright
enough for buying squeezer? (d) English playwright
(a) 60 Roubles (b) 35 Roubles Ans : 2011

(c) 25 Roubles (d) 40 Roubles (b) Russian playwright

Ans : 2012
29. The play revolves around
(c) 25 Roubles
(a) one character (b) two characters
22. According to Lomov, what defect does squeezer (c) three characters (d) four characters
have? Ans : 2010

(a) lame (b) old age (c) three characters

(c) overshot (a) friend (b) father

(a) Lame (b) Short in the muzzle (b) father

(c) Old age (d) All of these
31. The first argument between Lomov and Natalya
Ans : 2012
was over
(d) All of these
(a) land (b) labour
24. Lomov inherited Oxen Meadows from (c) hunting dogs (d) inheritance
(a) uncle and aunt (b) parents Ans : 2010

(c) sisters (d) brothers (a) land

Ans : 2012
32. Lomov calls Chubukov a ‘Jesuit’ because of his
(a) uncle and aunt
(a) stubbornness (b) happiness
25. Nataliya wears a negligee _____ here ‘negligee’ (c) timidity (d) laziness
refers to

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

This attitude can be found in almost every increased their real estates and brought them
patriarchal family in our time too. chances of economic growth.
Thus it clearly appears from his behavioural It is evident from the play that Lomov and
aspects that Chubukov is out and out a matter of Natalya enter into an argument even if they talk
fact father with lack of personality and very little of simple things. They are not attracted towards
sensible concerns. each other still they agree to marry just because
they share the same financial status. Their
2. Based on your understanding of the Play, ‘The disagreement about dog’s breed shows to the
Proposal’, what do you think of relationships ? readers that they can stoop down to the lowest
Prepare a speech draft on relationships based on level to show off their riches and status.
Natalya’s and Anne Frank’s characters.
You may begin this way. 4. Look at the given matrimonial advertisement
Good morning everyone. published in the Morning Post (newspaper) in
Relationships are the bond between two people December 1822.
based on mutual likes, understanding, need or It was fairly common practice in the nineteenth
love. I’d like to discuss relationships as portrayed century for gentlemen and ladies to seek
in the two texts ..... courtship and matrimony by placing a suitable
You may end this way advertisement.
To conclude, I’d like to say that .....
Thank you,
Ans : 2024

Relationships are the bond between two people

based on mutual likes, understanding, need, or
love. I’d like to discuss relationships as portrayed
in the two texts, “The Proposal” and “from the
Diary of Anne Frank.” In “The Proposal,” we
see the character of Natalya, who embodies the (a) Based on your reading of the play and an
complexities of romantic relationships. Natalya’s understanding of the characters, what details
interactions with her suitor, Lomov, highlight the would Lomov provide (and specifically leave
sometimes absurd and comical nature of courtship. out) in a matrimonial advertisement to find a
However, beneath the surface, Natalya’s behavior bride like Natalya?
also reflects deeper issues such as pride, insecurity,
(b) Think of what might make Chubukov shortlist
and societal expectations. Through Natalya’s
Lomov’s advertisement if he were scanning
character, we are reminded that relationships can
the matrimonial section of the newspaper.
be fraught with misunderstandings and challenges, Ans : 2021
yet they also have the potential to bring joy and
(a) To find a bride like Natalya, lomov would
fulfillment when based on genuine affection and
include the following points in his matrimonial
understanding.
advertisement –
3. Though the play revolves around three people, A tall and average looking boy of high rank
Russian society emerges as an important who earns more than 500 pounds a year.
character through the ongoings of the play and Having inherited many real estates and owns
the thoughts and interactions of its characters. a magnificent house. He is looking for a
Imagine yourself to be a historian who has been suitable bride of equal status, not more than
invited to speak about nineteenth-century upper- 35 years of age, well educated and should be
class Russian society. Based on your reading of an excellent housekeeper.
the play, how might you describe it? Support your (b) From the above advertisement, Chubukov
evaluation with instances from the text. would shortlist the points that matter to
Ans : 2021 him the most, like, financial status, monthly
The Proposal play was written in the late income, real estates’ net worth. If he finds
nineteenth century. Through this play we can everything matches with his own status, he
clearly visualise the tendency of wealthy families would be ready to marry off his daughter
to marry their son or daughter in other rich Natalya with the advertiser.
families. Because this type of family bonding

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48. Chubukov ordered Lomov to shut up or he would (a) Natalya can at last return her love for Lomov
shoot him like a _____. (b) Lomov loves Natalya
(a) partridge (b) dog (c) Chubukov had moved this proposal a long
(c) fox (d) wolf time ago
Ans : 2008 (d) Chubukov would like to see his daughter
(a) partridge married
Ans : 2007
49. Natalya was shelling _____ for drying.
(d) Chubukov would like to see his daughter
(a) peas (b) meadows married
(c) beans (d) barley
Ans : 2008, 2002 56. Lomov, Chubukov and Natalya approach marriage
(d) peas (a) with the sense of practicality
(b) with a sense of romanticism
50. Natalya was a
(c) with a sense of idealism
(a) Thirty years old
(d) with the sense of cynicism
(b) Thirty three years old
Ans : 2006
(c) Twenty years old (a) with the sense of practicality
(d) Twenty five years old
Ans : 2007 57. Lomov has two considerations regarding marriage
(d) Twenty five years old (a) that he is 35 and must lead a stable life
(b) that he suffers from lunacy and sleeplessness
51. Natalya and Lomov first argued over
(c) that he must consolidate property and make
(a) Birchwood (b) Burnt Marsh
gains
(c) Dog (d) Oxen Meadows
(d) that he must enjoy love and passion
Ans : 2007
Ans : 2006
(d) Oxen Meadows
(a) that he is 35 and must lead a stable life
52. The name of Natalya’s dog is
58. Chubukov comments that Lomovs have had in
(a) Mrironov (b) Squeezer their family
(c) Ivan (d) Guess (a) autocracy (b) lunacy
Ans : 2007
(c) hypocrisy (d) democracy
(b) Squeezer
Ans : 2006

53. According to Lomov, Chubukov’s mother was (b) lunacy

(a) ill-tempered (b) kind hearted 59. Lomov went to his neighbour, Chubukov’s house
(c) humpbacked (d) insolent (a) to borrow money
Ans : 2007
(b) to settle a dispute
(c) humpbacked
(c) to give a marriage proposal
54. Lomov is dressed in formal clothes (d) to complain
(a) because it is New Year’s Eve Ans : 2006

(b) because he loves Natalya and is going to (c) to give a marriage proposal
propose to her
60. Lomov gave _____ to Mironov for his dog.
(c) because he has come to propose to Natalya
(a) 120 roubles (b) 125 roubles
(d) because he has come to finalize a business
(c) 25 roubles (d) 85 roubles
deal with Chubukov
Ans : 2006
Ans : 2007
(b) 125 roubles
(b) because he loves Natalya and is going to
propose to her 61. Lomov’s aunt’s name is
55. Chubukov is delighted with the proposal for the (a) Natalya Stepnova
following reasons (b) Natasha Vassilvitch

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2009

(a) stubbornness (b) Squeezer’s

33. Chubukov warns Lomov to take the matter of 41. Lomov hoped to go for shooting
oxen Meadows to (a) before the harvest (b) in November
(a) the court (b) the Prime Minister (c) in June (d) after the hervest
(c) the police (d) the teacher Ans : 2009

Ans : 2010 (d) after the harvest

(a) the court
42. According to Natalya, they had lent Lomov their
34. Chubukov in “The Proposal” uses a plot which is (a) hunting dog (b) lands
(a) simple (b) loose (c) peasants (d) threshing machine
(c) sloppy (d) complicated Ans : 2008

Ans : 2009, 2007 (d) threshing machine

(a) simple
43. Lomov wanted to remind Natalya that her dog
35. Who utters the name of Volchanetsky was
(a) Natalya (b) Chubukov (a) ugly (b) old
(c) Lomov (d) Natasya (c) overshot (d) lame
Ans : 2009 Ans : 2008

(d) Natalya (c) overshot

36. According to Chubukov Lomov’ dog has 44. “I don’t want anything of yours, and don’t intend
(a) one defect (b) two defects to give up what I have.” This is said by
(c) three defects (d) four defects (a) Lomov to Natalya
Ans : 2009 (b) Natalya to Lomov
(b) two defects (c) Chubukov to Lomov
37. Partridge here is a (d) Lomov to Chubukov
Ans : 2008
(a) singing bird (b) game bird
(c) Chubukov to Lomov
(c) preying bird (d) dancing bird
Ans : 2009 45. “You are not a neighbour, you’re a grabber.” This
(b) game bird is said by
(a) Lomov to Natalya
38. According to Chubukov, Lomov’s younger aunt
eloped with (b) Natalya to Lomov
(a) a singer (b) an architect (c) Lomov to Chubukov
(c) a doctor (d) a carpenter (d) Chubukov to Lomov
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2008

(b) an architect (c) Lomov to Chubukov

39. Squeezer is the son of 46. “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods.” The
‘goods’ refer to
(a) Harness and Chisels
(a) corns (b) luggages
(b) Rock and Roll
(c) Natalya (d) clothes
(c) Rimi and Jhim
Ans : 2008
(d) Lalu and Vulu (c) Natalya
Ans : 2009

(a) Harness and Chisels 47. Chubukov addresses Lomov as _____.

(a) a peasant (b) an angle
40. Whose lower jaw is shorter according to Lomov?
(c) a devil (d) an angel
(a) Chubukov’s (b) Squeezer’s
Ans : 2008
(c) Lomov’s (d) Guess’s (d) an angel

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76. Lomov is Chubukov’s 84. Who gave the meadows to Natalya’s father?
(a) son (b) neighbour (a) Aunt’s grandmother of Lomov
(c) daughter (d) nephew (b) Aunt’s grandfather of Lomov
Ans : 2004 (c) Aunt’s sister of Lomov
(b) neighbour
(d) Aunt’s brother of Lomov
77. The word ‘guzzling’ means Ans : 2003

(a) Aunt’s grandmother of Lomov

(a) drunkard (b) robber
(c) lawyer (d) hunter] 85. What did Chubukov had to say about the land?
Ans : 2004 (a) they were his
(a) drunkard
(b) They were Lomov’s
78. Chubukov had the habit of using the phrase (c) they were still disputed
(a) that is (b) et cetera (d) they belong to none of them
(c) so (d) so on Ans : 2003

Ans : 2003
(a) they were his
(d) so on
86. Meaning of force is
79. “The Proposal” is a (a) Tragic drama (b) Tragic comedy
(a) comedy (b) tragedy (c) Comic drama (d) Romantic drama
(c) farce (d) tragi-comedy Ans : 2002

Ans : 2003
(c) Comic drama
(c) farce
87. The play “The proposal” was written in the year
80. After listening to Lomov’s proposal, Chubukov is (a) 1988 – 89 (b) 1888 – 89
off his balance with (c) 1887 – 88 (d) 1987 – 88
(a) anger (b) excitement Ans : 2002

(c) joy (d) disgust (b) 1888 – 89

Ans : 2003 88. Lomov was wearing
(c) joy (a) Jacket (b) T-shirt
81. What happens to Lomov when he is in an excited (c) Coat (d) Shirt
state? Ans : 2002

(a) Jacket
(a) He started running
(b) His heart beat increases 89. _____ was in a formal evening attire.
(c) His brain started working (a) Stepan (b) Natalya
(d) None of these (c) Lomov (d) Stiphen
Ans : 2003
Ans : 2002

(a) He started running (c) Lomov

82. Who is squeezed between Lomov and Natalya 90. Which talking with Chubukov Lomov had some
emotionally? _____ to relax himself.
(a) Natalya’s father (b) Natalya’s mother (a) Water (b) Juice
(c) Natalya’s brother (d) Natalya’s aunt (c) Drink (d) Chocolates
Ans : 2003
Ans : 2002

(a) Natalya’s father (a) Water

83. How much are the meadows worth? 91. Chubukov assumed that Lomov had come to ask
for
(a) 100 roubles (b) 200 roubles
(a) His daughters hand (b) Money
(c) 300 roubles (d) 500 roubles
Ans : 2003
(c) Help (d) Important papers
(c) 300 roubles Ans : 2002

(b) Money

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

her that their families know each other for a long At last, When Natalya came to know about
period. He thinks that she is a good housekeeper. Lomov’s marriage proposal, they forgot quarrel,
and she was desperate to marry him.
14. How did Chubukov react when Lomov told him
that he had come to propose to his daughter, 19. What makes you laugh when Lomov and
Natalya? Chubukov first meet together?
Ans : 2012 Ans : 2010

When Lomov told Chubukov that he had come to When Lomov and Chubukov first met, it created
propose to his daughter, Natalya, Chubukov was a funny scene. Lomov entered Chubukov’s house,
very glad to hear of the proposal. He embraced wearing a jacket and white gloves, a formal
and kissed Lomov. He said that he had been evening dress. Chubukov suspected him and was
hoping for it for a long time. With a wistful smile, surprised because Lomov had come without an
Chubukov said, ‘I’ve always loved you my angel; invitation. But later on, Chubukov was glad to
as if you were my son. May God give you and hear that he had come to propose to his daughter.
Natalya his love and help, and so on!’ So, this makes us laugh.

15. Who is Lomov? Why does he visit Chubukov? 20. What do you think would have been Chubukov’s
Ans : 2010
reaction on hearing the reason for which Lomov
Lomov is the long-time wealthy neighbour had come to his house?
of Stepan Chubukov. He is a romantic hero of Ans : 2010
thirty-five, crazy to seek the hand of Natalya, When Chubukov came to know that the reason
Chubukov’s daughter. of Lomov’s coming to their house is to marry
Lomov visits Chubukov because he wanted to Natalya, he was overwhelmed with joy. He
ask Chubukov for his daughter Natalya’s hand in embraced and kissed Lomov and told him that he
marriage. So he came in a formal dress to propose was hoping for it for a long time. He told Lomov
marriage. that he had always loved him as if he were his
16. How does Natalya react when she comes to know own son.
that Lomov had come to propose for her hand?
Ans : 2010 21. What justification did Lomov give to Natalya and
After Lomov’s departure, when Natalya comes to Chubukov to prove that he is the rightful owner
know that Lomov had come to Chubukov to seek of Meadows?
her hand, she started weeping and asked her father Ans : 2009

to call him back. She was very excited because she Lomov told Natalya and Chubukov that his aunt’s
was desperate to marry him. Her father blessed grandmother gave the Meadows for the temporary
them to be happy. and free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants.
So he is the rightful owner of the open meadows.

17. What makes Chubukov misunderstand the 22. Lomov was a quarrelsome person. Do you agree?
purpose of Lomov’s visit? Justify.
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2009

Lomov came to Chubukov’s house in a formal Lomov was a quarrelsome person. He came to
dress. So, Chubukov thought that Lomov must Chubukov’s house to propose Natalya. But he
have come to borrow money as he had been started arguing about the meadows and insisted
doing the same earlier. But the actual purpose that those meadows belonged to him. Later he
of his visit was to propose to his daughter. Thus, kept on proving that his dog Squeezer was better
Chubukov misunderstood the purpose of Lomov’s than ‘Guess’ -the dog of Chubukov’s. He did not
visit. care for his health or his proposal but kept on
fighting for one or the other reason. It proves that
18. Why does Natalya quarrel with Lomov? What is he was a quarrelsome person.
the result?
Ans : 2010 23. Describe, in brief, the character of Natalya as
Natalya quarrels with Lomov because Lomov fights sketched in ‘The Proposal’.
with her on the issue of ownership of Oxen Meadows Ans : 2009

and superiority of their dogs Squeezer and Guess. Natalya was twenty five years old, daughter of
Lomov says that his dog Guess is better than her Chubukov. She was a good housekeeper, not bad
Squeezer. looking and well educated. She secretly loved

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Lomov was a wealthy neighbour of Natalya with ownership of oxen meadows. Still, he forgets
a lot of real estate. Moreover, Natalya was already everything when his daughter cries and asked
25, an age suitable for marriage. She was a lovesick him to bring Lomov back. He is ready to get her
cat and wanted to get married to a rich man. married to a man of her choice.

4. When Natalya comes to meet Lomov, she quotes 9. Read the statements given below:
her father’s words – “and papa said, “Go; there’s Statement 1 – ‘Lomov is looking to marry.’
a merchant come for his goods.” What do you Statement 2 – ‘Lomov is looking to marry
think Chubukov meant? Natalya.’
Ans : 2021 Bring out the difference between the two
The play highlights the money-minded people statements and explain what it tells you about
of Russian society. Chubukov called Lomov a Lomov.
merchant and Natalya is referred to as his goods Ans : 2021
that he will take away with him after their The first statement shows that Lomov is on the
marriage. lookout for a suitable bride for himself to get
married. Whereas the second statement implies
5. The argument about the dogs reflected that both
that Lomov is considering marriage for himself
Lomov and Natalya loved their respective dogs
and Natalya.
very much.
It tells us that Lomov is well aware of the
Do you agree? Why/why not?
fact that he would not get a perfect match as he
Ans : 2021
was already 35. He should compromise at certain
ANS: I do not agree with the above statement.
points. This shows his urgency of marriage.
They were arguing to show off their richness
and superior choice over the other. Dog owners 10. How did Chubukov react when Lomov asked for
carry a status respective to their dog’s breed. The the hand of his daughter in marriage?
maintenance of high breed dogs is a pricey issue Ans : 2019
and a status symbol among elite people of society. Chubukov was very happy when Lomov asked
for his daughter’s land in marriage. He was
6. Provide a brief insight into what Lomov and
rather overjoyed and blessed him. He kissed and
Natalya’s married life might look like.
embraced him.
Ans : 2021

Both of them are quarrelsome people. They can

easily enter into an argument over money matters. 11. How does the argument about Oxen Meadows
They will discuss and argue over petty issues even start?
Ans : 2017
after their marriage.
Both Lomov and Natalya are argumentative in
7. “The Lomovs and the Chubukovs have always nature. Both of them claim for Oxen Meadows.
had the most friendly, and I might almost say Natalya is of the opinion that she owns the Oxen
the most affectionate, regard for each other.” Meadows whereas Lomov insists that the Oxen
How would you evaluate Lomov and Chubukov’s Meadows belong to him. Thus, the argument
relationship as neighbours? starts between both of them.
Ans : 2021

According to the given statement, they had a 12. Why does Chubukov suspect Lomov’s arrival?
cordial relationship as neighbours. They were O
pretending to be polite and respectful towards each Why does Chubukov suspect Lomov when he
other. But, in reality, they considered themselves comes to his house?
to be superior to the other. They despised each Ans : 2016, 2011
other to the extent that they laughed upon each Chubukov suspects that Lomov may be going
other’s family members by calling funny names somewhere as he wears formal dress. When Lomov
and made fun of them by various ways. explains that he has come seeking help, Chubukov
suspects that he has come to borrow money.
8. Do you think Chubukov is a good father? Justify
your opinion based on your reading of the text. 13. Why does Lomov wish to propose to Natalya?
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2012, 2010
According to the text, Chubukov is a good father. Lomov wishes to propose to Natalya because he is
He is ready to do anything for his daughter’s in love with her and wants to marry her. He tells
will. He had an argument with Lomov over the

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14. Assistance- help 66. Confounded - confusing

15. Interrupting - disturbing 67. Stuffed - filled
16. Embraces - shows affection 68. Sausage - minced meat
17. Continual - continuous 69. Wizen-faced - wicked
18. Idiotic - like an idiot 70. Frump - an old fashioned shabby woman Curse
19. Absolutely - completely - abuse
20. Consent - approval 71. Twitching - twisting
21. Excellent - very fine 72. Pedigree - ancient descent
22. Palpitations - movement of heart 73. Overshot - shot beyond the mark
23. Trembling - shivering 74. Assure - to give belief
24. Merchant - businessman 75. Thoroughbred - breed of best blood
25. Apron - dress 76. Handsome - much
26. Splendid - pleasant 77. Contradiction - opposition
27. Stacked - pile up of the straw 78. Pretend - excuse
28. Aside - on one side 79. Silly - useless
29. Birchwoods - a kind of smooth skinned long 80. Acknowledge - accept
trees 81. Worrying - bothering
30. Meadows - grassy land for grazing 82. Blameless - without blame
31. Documents - deeds 83. Teasing - troubling
32. Dispute - quarrel 84. Partridge - a kind of animal
33. Perpetuity - continuity 85. Screams - cries
34. Peasants - farmers 86. Damned - unwelcome
35. Reckoned - consider 87. Champagne - a kind of wine
36. Simply - only
37. Dessiatins - currency of Russia
38. Implore - request 5. MESSAGE
39. Principle - rule
40. Threshing machine - a machine for threshing The chapter “The Proposal” indirectly presents
straw the author’s reflection on how not to commence
41. Opinion - view one’s married life. Marriage is a solemn bond
42. Impudent - wicked between two persons which must be based on
43. Mowers - those who cut the grass mutual respect and love. Thus, we should not spoil
44. Hoarse - very sharply the sacred relationship of marriage by quarrelling
45. Restrain - resist control and by being mean and selfish. Marriage is pious
46. Excruciating - painful and there must be a perfect accord between the
47. Accustomed to - habitual to partners who should be free from all prejudice
48. Yelling - crying etc. and selfishness. Short-temper, rage, intolerance,
49. Beloved - lovely vain pride and unnecessary arguments ruin
50. Agitating - opposing relationships. So, these should be controlled and
51. Grabber - usurper kept under check.
52. Pettifogger - a contemptible solicitor
53. Embezzlement - fraudulently taking money
54. Lunacy - foolishness
55. Hump - a large lump on the back of an animal 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
56. Guzzling - like a greedy to consume something
57. Gambler - one who gambles Activity
58. Backbiters - one who back-bites
59. Malicious - wicked 1. The word ‘proposal’ has several meanings. Can
60. Intriguer - attackers you guess what sort of proposal the play is about?
61. Numb - wet (i) a suggestion, plan or scheme for doing
62. Staggers - hesitatingly something
63. Rascal - wicked (ii) an offer for a possible plan or action
64. Villain - a wicked person (iii) the act of asking someone’s hand in marriage
65. Scarecrow - something to frighten away in the
(iii) the act of asking someone’s hand in marriage
fields

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Lomov. She was greedy and short-sighted. She 30. What is the ailment that Lomov is suffering from?
was short-tempered as well. Ans : 2007

Lomov is thirty five years old. It is high time that

24. Lomov went to Chubukov’s house and was seeking he should settle for a quiet and regular life. He is
permission so that he could trouble him with a suffering due to a weak heart and sleep-sickness.
request. What is the trouble that he is talking In need of a companion who may look after him,
about? he wants to get married.
Ans : 2009

Lomov went to Chubukov’s house to ask him to 31. What request did Lomov make to Chubukov?
marry his daughter, Natalya. He asked Chubukov Ans : 2006
for Natalya’s hand. This is the trouble he was Lomov went to Chubukov in a formal dress in
talking about. order to propose marriage to his daughter,
25. Natalya was not Lomov’s real love. But still, he Natalya. Hesitatingly, he told Chubukov that he
wanted to marry her. Give two reasons for his needed his help and had come to trouble him with
decision. a request. He told him that he wanted to marry
Ans : 2008
Natalya.
Though Lomov was not in love with Natalya, he 32. Is Natalya really a love-sick cat as called by her
wanted to marry her because he was suffering due father? If it is so, why does she quarrel with
to a weak heart and sleep-sickness. He wanted a Lomov?
companion who could look after him. Ans : 2005

26. Lomov calls himself a ‘land grabber’. Justify the Natalya is really a love-sick cat as called by her
statement in about 20-25 words. father Chubukov emotionally. Chubukov has been
Ans : 2008, 2006
hoping for a long time to get Natalya married
Lomov and Natalya argue over the ownership of to Lomov. He knows that she is very keen to get
Oxen Meadows. Natalya calls him a ‘land grabber’ married.
as he claims his ownership over it. Lomov says Both Natalya and Lomov quarrell on petty
that he is not a ‘land grabber’ as he has never issues like land and dogs, for argument’s sake.
done so and would never let anyone do so. ‘A true merchant knows his goods’, as her father
says. So, behind the quarrel or hate lies a hidden
27. How and why did Lomov come to meet the love, the call of two to unite forever.
Chubukov family?
Ans : 2008

Lomov came in a formal evening dress - wearing a Long Answer Type Question
jacket and white gloves. He had come to meet the
1. “Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a
Chubukov family to put his proposal for Natalya.
grown-up daughter!”
He wanted to marry her.
Explain what this line conveys about Chubukov
28. How can you say that Natalya was not convinced as a father.
that Oxen Meadows were owned by Lomov? Ans : 2024

Ans : 2007 Here Chubukov, the father of Natalya, is the

Natalya was not convinced as she said that they speaker of the above line. He considers himself
owned Oxen Meadows for nearly 300 years. It was the most unhappy man in the world.
surprising and ridiculous if someone else claimed In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The
it to be his own. Chubukov also joined the quarrel. Proposal: Chubukov is a landowner with feudal
mindset. He is better described as a shrewd
29. What did Natalya say about Guess? landowner and a businesslike father than a
Ans : 2007
sensible one. He looks at marriage as an economic
Natalya said that Squeezer was superior to Guess settlement rather than a personal desire.
- Lomov’s dog. Lomov said that his dog Guess
Chubukov is the father of a grown up daughter
was better than Squeezer. Natalya believed that
Natalya. Chubukov thinks her daughter a liability
Guess had become old and ought to be shot. She
and wants her to get married soon. Though he
also claimed that Squeezer was a hundred times
does not welcome Lomov cordially, his address is
better than Guess.
full of tender words. He is happy with Lomov’s
proposal as it will offer him a permanent relief.

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

92. Lomov did not want to marry after the age of Ans : 2001

(a) Bricks
(a) 34 (b) 39
(c) 30 (d) 35 100.To prove their ownership Natalya decided to send
Ans : 2002, 2000 _____ to that land.
(d) 35 (a) Grass cutters (b) Lawyer
93. Who was suffering from palpitation (c) Mails (d) Government officials
Ans : 2001
(a) Lomov (b) Stepan
(a) Grass cutters
(c) Natalya (d) Chubukov
Ans : 2002 101.“Your late wife used to beat you” – who is the
(a) Lomov speaker?
(a) Lomov (b) Natalya
94. Natalya was in _____ when she met with
Lomov. (c) Chubukov (d) Stephen
Ans : 2001
(a) Evening gown (b) Saree
(a) Lomov
(c) Nightgown (d) Salwar suit
Ans : 2002 102.Finally they celebrated their weeding occasions
(c) Nightgown by opening the bottle of
(a) Champagne (b) Lemon juice
95. Secondly Natalya offered Lomov to _____.
(c) Whiskey (d) Coca-Cola
(a) Dine with them (b) Smoke
Ans : 2001
(c) Have lunch (d) Drink (a) Champagne
Ans : 2001

(b) Smoke
Short Answer Type Question
96. _____ had given the land to Natalya’s father’s
grandfather. 1. Justify the title of the play “The Proposal’ with
(a) Lomov’s father reference to the characters and plot.
(b) Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother Ans : 2024

The title “The Proposal” is justified as the central

(c) Lomov’s grandfather theme revolves around Ivan Lomov’s intent to
(d) Lomov’s grandmother propose to Natalya Stepanovna. A string of
Ans : 2001 misunderstandings and humorous confrontations,
(b) Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother including arguments about dogs and land, are
started by Lomov’s visit. Chubukov’s support
97. Natalya’s father’s grandfather had used the and Natalya’s responses in the play highlight how
barren land for important the proposal is to the plot’s development.
(a) 50 Years (b) 10 Years
(c) 60 Years (d) 40 Years 2. To what end does the playwright employ Lomov’s
Ans : 2001
palpitations in the play?
Ans : 2021
(d) 40 Years
Lomov’s palpitations play a main role in the play. In
98. Natalya believed that the land belonged to them the first scene, his palpitations are used to show his
since past _____ years. excitement and nervousness. Later on, his heart’s
weakness is used to terminate the heated argument
(a) 300 Years (b) 200 Years
over Oxen meadows. Finally, the playwright ends
(c) 100 Years (d) 40 Years the play by showing that the palpitations can
Ans : 2001
extend to an almost heart attack situation.
(a) 300 Years
3. Why do you think Natalya Stepanova asked her
99. According to Lomov the peasants of Natalya’s father to call Lomov back when she heard that he
father’s grandfather used to make _____. had come with a proposal?
(a) Bricks (b) Pots Ans : 2021

(c) Houses (d) Cut grasses The play highlights the tendency of wealthy
families to seek ties with other wealthy families.

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5. Natalya and Ivan argued about the ownership over the dogs and their superiority.
of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of their Ans : 2016

respective dogs in the play, The Proposal. Imagine Natalya and Lomov were argumentative in nature.
yourself as the playwright of the play. Based on They fought over trivial issues without realising
your understanding of the personality traits of that arguments and disputes seldom solve a
Natalya and Ivan, write a dialogue based on an problem. They fought the superiority of their
imaginary event, showcasing another argument dogs-Squeezer and Guess. Squeezer was called to
between them. be an overshot and a bad hunter whereas Natalya
Ans : 2021 called Guess a lame dog. It was difficult for both
Natalya enters Ivan’s house furious. of them to accept the other’s bad statement. Both
Natalya : Your dogs have ruined my meadow. were sure that their dogs were well-bred and good
Why are you letting them loose? hunters. But all this was incorrect. One must
Ivan : My dogs are in my compound. How do you realise that silly arguments should never come in
know it was my dogs, and not anybody else’s, the way of matrimony. It is only tolerance and
that ruined your meadow? acceptance that paves the way towards a good
Natalya : It happened in the middle of the night. relationship.
I heard the cows mooing when the dogs entered
the meadow, and woke up. 8. Chekov has used humour and exaggeration in
Ivan : You should have shooed them away. Why the play to comment on courtship in his times.
didn’t you? Illustrate with examples from the lesson, ‘The
Natalya : Before I came out into the meadow, Proposal’. Also mention the values, you think any
they ran away. They were frightened by the cow healthy relationship requires.
mooing. Next time, ensure you tie your dogs to a Ans : 2015

pole before going to bed. Now, you ensure that In the one-act play, ‘The Proposal’ Chekov has
my meadow is cleaned up. used humour and exaggeration in order to create a
She storms out of his house in anger. ridiculous situation. It is a farce in which Chekov
employs highly exaggerated or caricatured types
6. Among neighbours we should have cordial of characters like Chubukov, Natalya and Lomov
relations and not lose our temper. How do Natalya in the play.
and Lomov lose their temper on trivial issues? The play is about neighbours, Chubukov, her
O daughter Natalya and Lomov, who quarreled over
Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which petty issues such a ownership of the land, Oxen
Lomov and Natalya do not have Describe the first Meadows and the superiority of their dogs. They
fight between them. were stubborn and rigid but humane too.
Ans : 2018, 2016 In fact, the play focuses on the tendency of
Neighbours must have a cordial relationship wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy
which Lomov and Natalya do not have. Although families, which was the prevailing Russian
he had come there to propose Natalya, he started wedding culture in Chekov’s times.
fighting with her over a small piece of land. This Hence, in this play, this economic sense evokes
land adjoined her land and his Oxen meadows and ensures that the proposal is made, after all.
touched her Birch woods. Lomov tried to explain Although the quarrelling perhaps continues.
that the meadows belonged to her but Lomov
9. On what issues did Lomov and Natalya quarrel?
claimed that the Oxen meadows are his. He
What does their quarrel reveal about them?
further tried to convince Natalya by telling her
Ans : 2012
that his aunt’s grandmother gave the meadows
Lomov and Natalya quarrelled over two
for the temporary and free use to Chubukov’s
controversial issues. First issue deals with their
grandfather’s peasants. They did not demand
point of controversy over the ownership of their
money for it for a longtime so the Chubukov’s
land, Oxen Meadows. Lomov argues that his
misunderstood that the meadows belonged to
aunt’s grandmother had given the free use of the
them. While Chubukov insisted that yelling could
Meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s
not prove anything because everyone knows that
grandfather for forty years. But, the peasants
those meadows belonged to Chubukov since last
thought that they were owners of the land.
three hundred years. Both threatened each other.
Second issue of controversy is regarding the
7. Arguments and disputes seldom solve a problem. superiority of their pet dogs, Guess and Squeezer.
Describe the dispute between Natalya and Lomov When Lomov praises his dog, Guess, Natalya tries

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

And it’s impossible for me not to marry. In the 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
first place, I’m already 35— a critical age, so to questions that follows :
speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet CHUBUKOV : And that blind hen, yes, that
and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, I’m turnip-ghost has the confounded cheek to make a
excitable and always getting awfully upset; at this proposal, and so on!
very moment my lips are trembling, and there’s a NATALYA : What proposal?
twitch in my right eyebrow. CHUBUKOV : Why, he came here to propose to
i. Which of the following is NOT a reason why you.
Lomov thinks he must marry? NATALYA : To propose? To me? Why didn’t you
(a) He is already 35 years old. tell me so before?
(b) He suffers from palpitations. i. Identify Natalya’s reaction at this point in
(c) He is excitable and easily upset. the play.
(d) He is in love with Natalya. ii. What made Natalya react so sharply to her
father’s words? Explain the irony in her
ii. Why is it fair to say that Lomov’s tone, when
words. Answer in about 40 words.
he says “What more do I want?”, is uncertain
and questioning? Answer in about 40 words. iii. State TRUE or FALSE.
None of the descriptions (a)-(d) correctly
iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
corresponds to the extract.
identify which one correctly corresponds to
the extract. (a) A debate is a formal discussion on a
particular topic, usually with two or more
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a
people presenting different viewpoints
particular topic, usually with two or more
and arguments.
people presenting different viewpoints
and arguments. (b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a
character alone on stage, which reveals
(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a
their innermost thoughts and feelings to
character alone on stage, which reveals
the audience.
their innermost thoughts and feelings to
the audience. (c) An aside is a brief comment or remark
made by a character directly to the
(c) An aside is a brief comment or remark
audience, which is not intended to be
made by a character directly to the
heard by other characters on stage.
audience, which is not intended to be
heard by other characters on stage. (d) A dialogue is the exchange of spoken
words between two or more characters in
iv. If an actor were to enact this extract, what
a book, play, or other written work.
would he be required to focus on, while
modulating his voice? iv. If an actor were to enact this extract, what
Ans : 2023
would he be required to focus on, while
modulating his voice?
i. (d) He is in love with Natalya.
Ans : 2020
ii. Lomov’s tone when he says “What more do I
i. shock and anger
want?” is uncertain and questioning because
he is trying to convince himself that Natalya ii. Natalya had been overly critical of Lomov’s
Stepanovna is a suitable match for him, but claims and had mocked him unsparingly
at the same time, he seems to be struggling without displaying even basic civil behaviour
with doubts and fears. His tone suggests that to her neighbour. But the moment she learned
he is trying to reassure himself that he has about the marriage proposal, she took a
made the right decision, but he is not entirely U-turn and took her father to task.
convinced. iii. False (description (d) correctly corresponds
iii. (b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a character to the extract.)
alone on stage, which reveals their innermost iv. An actor while modulating his voice to enact
thoughts and feelings to the audience. this extract should pay attention to his pitch
iv. The actor would be required to convey and pauses.
Lomov’s nervousness and excitement through
his voice modulation.

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is desperate to settle down in life and lead a quiet 17. Give a brief description of Natalya as a person
and regular life. Despite his ailments, Lomov was a who is firm and resolute.
rich and prosperous farmer. This makes Chubukov Ans : 2007

secretly wish him to marry his daughter Natalya. Natalya was twenty five years old and the daughter
As for Lomov, he did not love her, though he was of Chubukov. She was a good housekeeper, not
desperate to have a life partner, and so wanted to bad to look at and educated; that was why Lomov
marry Natalya. Lomov was however hesitant to ask wanted to marry her. She could be a good wife
for her hand from Chubukov. That made him beat to him. She secretly loved Lomov. She became
around the bush, argue with Natalya and leave hysterical when she came to know that Lomov
without proposing. Thus we can find that Lomov’s had come to propose to her. She asked her father
conditions overpower the other traits he has. He is to call him back. To please Lomov she asked him
an eligible, assertive, rich, bachelor, who could be to forgive her and agreed to his ownership of
liked by any girl. However, we also know that he is the Oxen Meadows. She was greedy and short-
nervous, lacks confidence and is prone to talk in a sighted. She got the whole field of hay cut. She
long-winded manner. was also very inquisitive and wanted to know why
Lomov was dressed up formally. She was touchy
15. Describe what circumstances made Chubukov to and short-tempered and fell into contradiction
marry Natalya with Lomov. and argument on two occasions-once over the
Ans : 2009
ownership of Oxen Meadows and second time
Chubukov was thinking that Lomov had come to over the superiority of her dog Squeezer. She is
borrow money from him but when he told him as rigid as Lomov. She is not ready to give up the
that he had come to propose to his daughter he ownership of her land even after getting ready to
was overjoyed and even shed a tear. He kissed marry him.
and embraced Lomov. He told Lomov that he was
hoping it for a long time. He also told Lomov that 18. There is a certain way in which the characters
he loved him as his own son. speak in the play ‘The Proposal’. What does it
In fact, Chubukov, secretly wished Lomov tell us about the Russian men?
to marry his daughter as he knew that Lomov Ans : 2004

was a rich and prosperous farmer and his only As the story belongs to the Russian character. So,
daughter could lead a comfortable life with him. through the dialogues of the characters, we come
No wonder, he was overjoyed to know that Lomov to know a lot about Russian men. According to
was there to propose to his daughter. the story, the Russians are very particular about
their dress and have particular dresses for the
16. Relate some incidents of humour in the play, ‘The special occasion. Secondly, they are hypocrites.
Proposal’ ? They show off to be sweet but the very next
Ans : 2008 moment, they start fighting. They pretend to
‘The Proposal’ is certainly a humorous play. The be good neighbours but within their heart, they
very entry of Lomov in a formal dress and the way have so many grudges. They love to have dogs as
Chubukov greets calling him ‘darling’, ‘my treasure’ pets and consider their pets better than that of
or ‘my beauty’ makes one laugh. Marriage proposal, the others one. All of them are stubborn, short-
which was supposed to be romantic turns to be tempered, quarrelsome and rigid.
humorous as the way Natalya and Lomov indulge in
arguments over petty issues like ownership of Oxen
Meadows and superiority of dogs . This makes the Extract Based Question
play even more humorous. The critical terms that
the characters use for each other like a scarecrow, 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
turnip ghost, blind hen, stuffed sausage, etc., force questions that follow :
one to laugh. The hysterical fit of Natalya when she LOMOV : It’s cold... I’m trembling all over, just
comes to know about the proposal and the wailing as if I’d got an examination before me. The great
of the father and daughter when they think Lomov thing is, I must have my mind made up. If I give
is dead create immense humour. Finally, the way myself time to think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to
Natalya puts her hand on Lomov under continuous look for an ideal, or for real love, then I’ll never
arguments indicating acceptance of the proposal is get married. Brr...It’s cold! Natalya Stepanovna
really humorous. Thus we see that the whole play is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-
is replete with fun making it a humorous play. educated. What more do I want? But I’m getting
a noise in my ears from excitement. (Drinks)

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

(c) Nastasya Mihailovna 69. Why doesn’t Lomov directly ask Natalya to
(d) Natalya Mihailovna marry her?
Ans : 2006 (a) because he has palpitations
(c) Natasya Mihailovna (b) because he is not sure about her reaction
62. Lomov comes to Chubukov’s house (c) because he is trying to be calm
(a) to propose to his daughter (d) because he knows Chubukov has already told
Natalya
(b) like a good neighbour
Ans : 2005
(c) for a formal meeting (b) because he is not sure about her reaction
(d) to borrow money from Chubukov
Ans : 2006, 2005 70. Why are the arguments funny?
(a) to propose to his daughter (a) Because Lomov and Natalya quickly lose
sight of the marriage proposal
63. When Lomov arrived, Chubukov was surprised by
(b) Because the story of Oxen Meadows is absurd
(a) evening dress (b) palpitations
(c) Because the hunting dogs are ridiculous
(c) shyness (d) impudence
(d) Because they seem funny while they argue
Ans : 2005
Ans : 2005
(a) evening dress
(d) Because they seem funny while they argue
64. Chubukov is a
71. When Natalya comes to know that Lomov had
(a) landowner (b) lawyer come to propose her, she asks her father to
(c) merchant (d) physician (a) take him to court
Ans : 2005
(b) never allow him again
(a) landowner
(c) bring him back
65. Chubukov said that Lomov’s younger aunt had (d) get him by the neck
run away with Ans : 2005

(a) a hunter (b) a drunkard (c) bring him back

(d) an architect (a) before the harvest (b) in November

(c) in June (d) after the harvest
66. Natalya suggested that Lomov should not go after Ans : 2004
foxes but (d) after the harvest
(a) catch black beetles
73. “I jump like a lunatic.” – What is the meaning of
(b) go after horses
‘lunatic’ ?
(c) shoot partridgees
(a) lewd (b) insane
(d) go for the doctor
(c) lovely (d) insensible
Ans : 2005
Ans : 2004
(a) catch black beetles
(b) insane
67. The worst of Lomov’s physical problems is
(a) the way he sleeps (b) his palpitations 74. The word ‘pedigree’ means.
(c) his headache (d) his limp (a) forefathers (b) ancestry
Ans : 2005 (c) relation (d) succession
(a) the way he sleeps Ans : 2004

(b) ancestry
68. Lomov wanted to remind Natalya that her dog
was 75. The meaning of the word ‘excruciating’ is
(a) ugly (b) old (a) severe (b) tolerable
(c) overshot (d) lame (c) enjoyable (d) soft
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2004

(c) overshot (a) severe

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3. Read the extract given below and answer the 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows : questions that follows :
“But, please, Stephen Stepanovitch, how can they NATALYA : No you’re simply joking, or making
be yours? Do be a reasonable man! My aunt’s fun of me. What a surprise! We’ve had the land
grandmother gave the Meadows for the temporary for nearly three hundred years, and then we’re
and free use of your grandfather’s peasants. The suddenly told that it isn’t ours! Ivan Vassilevitch,
peasants used the land for forty years and got I can hardly believe my own ears. These Meadows
accustomed to it as if it was their own, when it aren’t worth much to me. They only come to five
happened that..... dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles,
i. Why did the peasants treat the land as their but I can’t stand unfairness. Say what you will, I
own? can’t stand unfairness.
(a) They used the land for forty years. LOMOV : Hear me out, I implore you! The
peasants of your father’s grandfather, as I have
(b) They got accustomed to using the land.
already had the honour of explaining to you,
(c) Both (a) and (b)
used to make bricks for my aunt’s grandmother,
(d) None of the above wishing to make them a pleasant ...
ii. Who is the speaker of the above lines? What i. Which of the facts given below is the most
light do these lines throw on the speaker’s accurate explanation to complete the
character? What reaction did his words get? statement:
Answer in about 40 words. Natalya told Lomov that he was simply joking
iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and or making fun of her because _____.
identify which one correctly corresponds to (a) Chabukovs’ land extended to Burnt
the extract. Marsh which included Oxen Meadows.
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a (b) he claimed that Oxen Meadows was his
particular topic, usually with two or more ancestral property.
people presenting different viewpoints
(c) he declared that his land extended to
and arguments.
Burnt Marsh.
(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a
(d) Oxen Meadows had belonged to Natalya’s
character alone on stage, which reveals
mother for generations.
their innermost thoughts and feelings to
ii. Why were the Meadows not worth fighting or
the audience.
arguing over between the neighbours? Answer
(c) None of the above
in about 40 words.
iv. Why did his aunt’s grandmother give the
iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and
meadows?
identify which one correctly corresponds to
Ans : 2018
the extract given to you for analysis.
i. (c) Both (a) and (b)
(a) The extract is a debate usually with
ii. Lomov said the given lines. The given lines two or more people presenting different
show his poor personality and a bad sense of viewpoints and arguments.
talking that seems irrelevant with place and
(b) The extract is a soliloquy or a speech
person. He is interrupted by Chubukov who
given by a character alone on stage,
refuted his claim by pointing out that Oxen
which reveals their innermost thoughts
Meadows’ standing as disputed land was the
and feelings to the audience.
only reason the peasants were permitted to
(c) The extract is an argument or an
use it at no cost.
exchange of diverging or opposite views,
iii. (c) None of the above typically a heated or angry one.
iv. His aunt’s grandmother gave the meadows for iv. On the basis of your understanding of the
the temporary and free use of the peasants extract, which common character traits are
employed by Stephan Chubukov’s grandfather exhibited by both Natalya and Lomov?
in return for which they were to make bricks Ans : 2017
for her.
i. (a) Chabukovs’ land extended to Burnt Marsh
which included Oxen Meadows.

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

to prove her dog Squeezer better than his dog. to each other. They should not have been rigid and
Natalya argues that Squeezer is a thoroughbred stubborn. Their priority should have been their
animal. Lomov’s dog Guess is old and short. So, marriage and not meadows or dogs. Only then the
there is a heated argument between them. proposal could have been carried on.
The quarrel between Lomov and Natalya
reveals that both of them are quarrelsome and 12. ‘The way Chubukov, Natalya and Lomov fought
short-tempered. Basically, the quarrel is based on over petty issues is against the behaviour and
petty issues, but the sweet marriage proposal is mannerisms of good neighbours.” Comment.
made after all, which ensures economic good sense. What would you have done to resolve the issue?
(if you were in the place of Chubukov)
10. What type of person is Natalya? Give two Ans : 2011

examples to show her quarrelsome nature. Lomov and Chubukovs were neighbours. Lomov
Ans : 2012 came to Chubukovs to propose Natalya. But
Natalya is the daughter of Chubukov. She is instead of proposing they started fighting over
talkative, short-tempered and quarrelsome. She is petty issues like the ownership of Oxen meadows
very much concerned about her family’s honour and quality of dogs. This is not characteristic
and ownership of Oxen Meadows, her father’s of good neighbours. Neighbours should live like
property. She is also extremely argumentative. friends. There should be a positive relationship
We can refer here two examples that will between the two neighbours. There should be
show her quarrelsome nature. First, Natalya understanding and patience among neighbours.
quarrels with Lomov about the ownership of The fight between Lomovs and Chubukovs could
Oxen Meadows. She claims that Oxen Meadows have been avoided if handled carefully. The issue
have been theirs for long. Lomov argues that his of meadows could have been resolved calmly
aunt’s grandmother had given the free use of the and quietly through a good conversation. There
Meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s grandfather. must have been some documents showing the
So, the Oxen Meadows is theirs. Thus, they start ownership of the meadows or both the parties
quarrelling each other. could have convinced each other by making each
Secondly, they start quarrelling on the point other understand that if they got married, the
of dispute about the superiority of their dogs. meadows would belong to both of them.
When Lomov praises his dog, Guess, Natalya tries Similarly, the issue of dogs could have been
to prove her dog, Squeezer, better than his. Thus, solved peacefully instead of counting the negative
there was a heated argument between themselves. points of each other’s dogs. They could have
discussed the positive features of the dogs. Thus
the issues could have been resolved.
11. The proposal was forgotten amidst argumentation.
Which right approach should have been followed
by both parties? 13. Why does Lomov think of marrying Natalya
Ans : 2011, 2005
Stepanovna and settle into a quiet and regular
Lomov came to Chubukovs to propose Natalya. marriage?
Both were neighbours and lomov was at the Ans : 2010

right age to marry. But instead of forwarding the Lomov was thirty five years old. It was high time
proposal both Lomov and Natalya started fighting that life settled for him. Moreover, he was suffering
over trifles. Firstly, they fought over a small piece of from some mental and emotional disorders. He
land called Oxen meadows. Both of them claimed found it difficult to put his proposal to Natalya,
that the land belonged to them and not to the other due to a weak heart and sleeplessness. He wanted
one. Somehow, the argument came to an end and company and someone to look after him, so he
they started fighting over dogs and claimed each wanted to get married. He visited Chubukov.
of their dog to be better than the other one. The However, Lomov was not in love with Natalya.
proposal was forgotten amidst all these arguments. Besides his ill health, he understood quite well that
The situation might have been different if both she was an excellent housekeeper, not bad looking,
the parties had followed the right approach. Oxen and well-educated. Thus, he thought of marrying
meadows would belong to both of them if they got her because of all these practical reasons.
married. Similarly, dogs were too petty a thing to 14. Delineate the character sketch of Lomov.
argue about while a marriage is going to take place. Ans : 2010
There should not have been any ego in between Lomov is a man who is of marriageable age. He also
them. They should have been polite and ‘patient suffers from a weak heart and sleeplessness. So, he

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Page 484 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

(c) he and Natalya are both quarrelsome.

(d) Natalya would add to his glory.
ii. What do the given lines tell us about the
speaker?
iii. The statement that is true about the speaker
according to the passage is
(a) he is an old man.
(b) he suffers from attacks of excitements.
(c) he wants to make Natalya his business
partner.
(d) he wants to travel to the world.
iv. What happens to Lomov when he is in excited
state? Elaborate in about 40 words.
Ans : 2010

i. (b) Natalya is a good match for him.

ii. The given lines tell us that the speaker wanted
to live a regular life’
iii. (b) he suffers from attacks of excitements
iv. when Lamov is in an excited state his
heartbeat increases, lips start to tremble and
there is a twitch in his right eyebrow. When
he goes to sleep in such’a stale, something
pulls him from the left side and he jumps like
a lunatic.



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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

Chapter 1

D ust of Snow

1. INTRODUCTION and gladden his heart. Now he realizes that at

least some part of the day has been spent happily.
The poem “Dust of Snow” is written by American In the end, satisfaction replaces regret.
poet Robert Frost. It is a simple and short poem,
yet with a deeper and larger meaning. The poet
explains how an act as petty as experiencing snow 3. Explanation
on one’s body can brighten one’s day up.
Stanza 1
2. summary The way a crow
Shook down on me
Flakes of Snow The dust of snow
It was a day of winter. It was snowing all around. From a hemlock tree
A fine dust of snow had covered the tops of the
trees. A hemlock tree was standing there. The top Word Meaning
of the hemlock tree was all covered with the fine 1. Shook - shake
dust of snow. The poet was standing under that 2. Hemlock - a poisonous tree with small white
hemlock tree.
flowers
Falling of Snow Dust on Poet
Explanation
A crow from nowhere came and perched on the
The poem is set in a scene where the poet is in a
top of the tree. The sudden movement of the crow
bad mood and is walking by a tree, a hemlock tree.
made the dust of snow fall down. The flakes of
Hemlock tree is a poisonous tree. As he passes
snow fell on the poet who was standing under
by, a crow happens to throw some snow dust on
that tree.
him. Whether it falls on his head or shoulders is
Simple Natural Happening unknown as there is no specific mention in the
The arrival of a crow and its sitting on the poem. Also, the readers are left in doubt about
hemlock tree is just an ordinary happening. There the bird’s specific action. Whether the crow was
is nothing great about the incident. On the other landing, shivering with cold, re adjusting itself
hand, the crow stands for an ill omen and the on the branch or taking off, it happened to send
hemlock tree is associated with poison. But these some particles of snow upon the author. Here, the
seemingly simple things of nature leave a deep two agents of nature, the hemlock tree and the
impact on the mind and mood of the poet. crow are signifies of sadness and gloom just like
Change in the Mood the poet’s mood was in the opening scene.
This ordinary incident leaves a deep impact
Stanza 2
on the poet. So far it has been a very dull and
disappointing day for the poet. The day has not Has given my heart
gone well for him. But the falling of the flakes A change of mood
and the dust of snow on him are welcome signs And saved some part
for the poet. His mood changes for the better and Of a day I had rued.
his spirits are uplifted. Now he realizes that the
whole day has not gone to waste. Those moments Word Meaning
while he is enjoying the fall of snow dust on him 1. Rued - held in regret
are his happy moments. They lift up his mood

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Page 486 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

Explanation scope for a change. The message of the poem is

For reasons unknown, the author was having a put into words by Robert Frost:
terrible day. But the falling of the snow on his “Always, always a larger significance…
head lifted his mood instantly. He had already A little thing touches a larger thing.”
spent his day in a bad mood but the rest of it was
saved by the crow and the hemlock tree. Generally,
hemlock tree and crow are used for negative
references but the poet used them beautifully to
portray that inauspicious things can bring joy
and happiness too. One must not take things for
granted and should be open and accept whichever
way the nature chooses to bless us. 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
Thinking About the Poem
4. Literary Devices
1. What is a “dust of snow” ? What does the poet say
1. Rhyme Scheme - abab cdcd has changed his mood. How has the poet’s mood
2. Alliteration - the occurrence of the same changed ?
letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent Ans :
or closely connected words. The instances of ‘Dust of snow’ are small particles of snow that
alliteration are as follows: remain on the body after the snowfall. The poet
was in depressive, and sorrowful mood but with
Has given my heart
the shower of snow he changed his mood. Now he
And saved some part
becomes positive in his mood.
3. Inversion - when the structure of a sentence
is changed by the poet to create rhyme, this 2. How does Frost present nature in this poem ? The
poetic license is called inversion. In stanza 1, following questions may help you to think of an
inversion can be seen. answer.
4. Assonance - the prominence of a vowel sound (i) What are the birds that are usually named
throughout a line is called assonance. In in poems ? Do you think a crow is often
stanza 1, line 2 - “Shook down on me” - ‘o’ mentioned in poems ? What images come to
sound is prominent. your mind when you think of a crow ?
5. Enjambment - when the same sentence (ii) Again, what is ‘a hemlock tree’ ? Why doesn’t
continues to the next line without the the poet write about a more ‘beautiful’ tree
use of any punctuation marks, it is called such as a maple, or an oak or a pine?
enjambment. It has been used throughout the (iii) What do the ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent-joy
poem. or sorrow ? What does the dust of snow that
6. Symbolism - Both crow and the hemlock tree the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for ?
represent sorrow. Frost has used both the Ans :
negative creatures (crow and the hemlock (i) The birds mainly named in poems nightingale,
tree) as the carriers of positivism and strength cuckoo, sparrow, pigeon, dove, duck etc. But
that transformed his day for the better. By crow is not oftenly mentioned in poems. If
not using birds like sparrow and nightingale we think about any crow then our mind feels
and trees like maple, oak or a pine, the poet with sad and sorrow.
has tried to break down all the preconceived (ii) A Poisonous plant having white flowers is
notions we have about certain agents of nature. a hemlock tree. The poet must have some
He has tried to make us understand that we rough, bitter experiences that made him sad
see the world not as how it is, but as how we that is why the poet doesn’t write about a
want to see it. Thus, the crow sitting and a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as a maple or an
hemlock tree together made his day better. oak, or a pine.
(iii) The ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent joy.
5. MESSAGE The dust of snow that the crow shakes off
The poem conveys the message that one should a hemlock tree stand for dry, cold, gloomy
never be desperate and hopeless. There is always winter.

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

And saved some part Ans : 2018

Of a day I had rued. i. changed his sad mood

i. Complete the sentence appropriately. ii. (a) Emphasis
The poet was out on the cold snowy day when iii. The symbol of healing is one that Frost drew
the dust of snow fell on him and _____. upon, in all likelihood, for this poem.
ii. What is ‘dust of snow’ ? iv. The poet, Robert Frost, uses very simple,
iii. The crow and hemlock are usually used as everyday and accessible language in the poem
negative references in literature. How is this and it is through this language that he is able
different in this poem? Answer in about 40 to invoke the strongest of emotions. The poet
words. tells us though his mood at the beginning
iv. How does the use of ‘a crow’ and ‘a hemlock was sorrowful and despairing, overshadowed
tree’ impact this extract? by darkness, which is symbolised by the crow,
it has changed now to hopeful and devoid
(a) If forces the beauty of nature
of regret, which is symbolised by the snow
(b) Represents prosperity
covered tree. Thus, an in-depth reading of the
(c) Sets a gloomy atmosphere poem reveals that there’s much more going on
(d) Tells about happy times in what appears to be simple, straightforward
Ans : 2018 lines.
i. changed his sad mood.
4. Read the extract given below and answer the
ii. The ‘dust of snow’ means the fine particles of
questions that follows :
snow
“The way a crow
iii. It is true that the crow and the hemlock tree shook down on me
are considered negative images and symbols The dust of snow
of bad omen. However, in the poem, they are From a hemlock tree.”
shown in a positive light. They are shown to
i. In what way does the language used in this
bring about a positive change in the poet who
poem challenge traditional ideas of what
was in sorrow and despair.
poetry should be?
iv. (c) Sets a gloomy atmosphere
ii. What is the significance of an uncommon bird
3. Read the extract given below and answer the like a crow and a poisonous tree in the poem?
questions that follows : What do they reflect about the poet and his
The way a crow overall mood and tone of the poem? Answer
Shook down on me in about 40 words.
The dust of snow iii. Complete the sentence with the appropriate
From a hemlock tree option.
Has given my heart Of the many symbols the Hemlock tree
A change of mood represents, the one that Frost drew upon in
And saved some part all likelihood, for this poem is _____.
Of a day I had rued. (a) longevity
i. Complete the sentence appropriately. (b) togetherness
The poet was out on the cold snowy day when (c) healing
the dust of snow fell on him and _____. (d) protection
ii. The poetic device used in the line ‘And saved iv. Identify how has Frost used contrast in the
some part’ is Alliteration. given lines of the poem.
What effect does the poet wish to create? Ans : 2017
(a) Emphasis (b) Comparison i. Frost uses everyday symbols and language in
(c) Humour (d) Personification free verse to expose his disheartened heart to
iii. Of the many symbols the hemlock tree the reader. It resembles more of simple prose
represents, state the one that Frost drew but the imagery and the choice of vocabulary
upon, in all likelihood, for this poem. more than make up for the missing rhyme.
iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in ii. The poet seems to be in a sorrowful mood
these lines. so, he cannot either see or appreciate the

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(d) None of these (c) some part of the day

Ans : 2016, 2011

(b) It changed his mood 19. What does crow generally symbolise?
(a) Happiness (b) Good fortune
12. What was the mood of the poet in the beginning
(c) Bad omen (d) Life
of the poem? Ans : 2012
(a) Sad mood (b) Happy mood (c) Bad omen
(c) Confuse mood (d) None of these
Ans : 2016 20. what fell on the poet?
(a) Sad mood (a) dust of snow (b) dust of crow
13. What did crow shake on the poet? (c) dust of rain (d) dust of tree
Ans : 2011
(a) dust of tree (b) dust of garden
(a) dust of snow
(c) dust of snow (d) dust of land
Ans : 2015 21. The dust of snow falls on the part from the
(c) dust of snow (a) Coconut tree (b) Shade of a house
14. What did the poet think of the day before the (c) Hemlock tree (d) Sky
Ans : 2011
dust of snow fell on him?
(c) Hemlock tree
(a) He was energetic (b) He was rude
(c) He was lucky (d) His day was ruined. 22. Snow dust falls on the poet because of the
Ans : 2015 (a) Bad weather (b) Snowfall
(d) His day was ruined. (c) Crow (d) Rough wind
Ans : 2010
15. How does the poet’s mood get changed?
(c) Crow
(a) When he started running
(b) When started laughing 23. Hemlock is a –
(c) When dust of snow fall on him (a) Poisonous tree (b) Cottage
(d) None of these (c) None of a bird (d) Snowfall
Ans : 2014 Ans : 2010

(c) When dust of snow fall on him (a) Poisonous tree

16. Whose part of the day has been saved? 24. The poet is in a –
(a) Crow’s part of the day (a) Cheerful mood (b) Pleasant mood
(b) Tree’s part of the day (c) Gloomy mood (d) Marry mood
(c) Poet’s part of the day Ans : 2010

(c) Gloomy mood

(d) None of these
Ans : 2014
25. _____ has lifted the mood of the poet.
(c) Poet’s part of the day
(a) View of Hemlock tree
17. Where was the crow? (b) The falling snow
(a) Peepal Tree (b) Hemlock Tree (c) The environment
(c) Deodar Cedar (d) Banyan Tree (d) The sound by crow
Ans : 2013 Ans : 2009, 2007

(b) Hemlock Tree (b) The falling snow

18. What was saved for the poet? 26. Here the rest of the day of the poet was saved
(a) crow by –
(b) tree (a) Winself (b) Snow
(c) some part of the day (c) Weather (d) Crow and Hemlock
(d) snow tree
Ans : 2012
Ans : 2009

(d) Crow and Hemlock tree

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2021
crow shakes off the dust of snow on the poet. The
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining crow’s action is unintentional. But this small deed
I was standing under the hemlock tree and waiting has a deep significant impact on the poet.
for my office cab. I was heartbroken due to the A moment that seems quite simple, proves
sudden death of my father. I loved my father so to have a larger significance in the poem-Frost
much that I was unable to accept his demise. makes us understand that little things have a big
Suddenly a crow shook off some snow on me, I impact.
looked up angrily and picked up a stone to hit the The dust of snow is like a shower of blessings
crow. But, he flew fast and disappeared into the from the heaven above. The poet is delighted
clouds. After his disappearance, a thought came by the sudden shower. The dust of snow acts as
to my mind that everyone has to leave one day. a catalyst and changes his mood. The negative
We are mortal. we cannot live here permanent. thoughts disappear and the poet is overjoyed that
I consoled my aching heart and diverted my the dust of snow has saved some part of the day
thoughts toward otherworldly matters. I realised that he had rued.
that every dark cloud has a silver lining. Our life
is a swing of ups and downs, but nature has the 7. In the poem ‘Dust of Snow’ the poet describes
power to heal all the sorrow and grief. nature in different forms. Explain how he presents
nature.
5. Positive attitude in life can make the world a Ans : 2017

better place to live in. Do you agree or disagree The poem ‘Dust of Snow’ by Robert Frost presents
with reference to the poem ‘Dust of Snow’ ? nature as a combination of joy and sorrow. In
Express your views bringing out the inherent his poem of two verses, the poet describes the
values. transition of his personality from a depressed
Ans : 2020 person to a happy person. The nature plays a
I completely agree with the statement that significant role in changing his mood.
positive attitude can make the world a better In the poem, the poet is sad and depressed
place to live in Robert Frost, in ‘Dust of Snow’, and is under a hemlock tree. A hemlock free is
talks of how an otherwise bad day altered into a poisonous tree with small white flowers. It
a not so bad one, due to the action of a crow. represents grief as its leaves can kill a person.
It was a seemingly disconnected occurrence that The crow that alights the tree is also a symbol of
brought about a change of mood in the poet. One sorrow. These two appear to heighten the sorrow
lesson that can be learnt from the poet, is to see of the poet. Snow is almost opposite to the crow.
the brightness amidst the gloom. The crow, the The snow represents purity and joy.
hemlock and the snow are all dark images, and So, when the crow shakes off the dust of snow
yet, the peot sees the colour of happiness. Another on the poet, the mere touch with pure and joyful
lesson is that life is made up of small joys. It is nature transforms the personality of the poet. It
through them that one can always manage to see changes his mood and inspires him to live happily.
positivity in negativity. Hence, the poet is overjoyed that some part of the
day or his life that he had rued was saved.
6. Simple moment proves to be very significant
and saves rest of the day of the poet from being 8. There are times when we feel depressed and
wasted. Explain on the basis of the poem ‘Dust hopeless. We think that things will never change.
of Snow’. Suddenly, a change comes in our mood when
Ans : 2018 cheerfulness replaces the sense of regret. Justify
The poet is in a depressive and sorrowful mood. the above statement in the context of the poem
Something sad and regretful has happened in ‘Dust of Snow’.
his life. He is unable to overcome his negative Ans : 2014

thoughts. Change is the law of nature. Man’s mood and

A moment that seems quite simple, proves spirits change like the change of the weather. In
to have a larger significance in the poem-Frost the poem, the poet is in a depressed and hopeless
makes us understand that little things have a big mood. He feels that the whole day has been
impact. wasted. But fortunately, this is not so. The falling
A crow on a hemlock tree is irrelevant. It of the fine dust of snow on him brings a sudden
does not offer an enchanting picture. Both the change in his mood. He realizes that all is not lost
crow and the hemlock tree are dark symbols and that there is still hope for redemption. No
associated with death and negative thoughts. The doubt, a large part of the day has already been

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42. Who shook down the hemlock tree? the poem is set in a scene where the poet is in a
(a) a crow (b) a cuckoo bad mood.
(c) a mynah (d) a squirrel 5. The dusting of snow on account of the crow helped
Ans : 2003
make the poet’s day better. How do you think the
(a) a crow crow’s droppings might have impacted the poet?
Ans : 2021
43. Dust of snow means
The crow’s droppings might have spoilt the poet’s
(a) big particles of snow clothes and hair. It could delay his planned work
(b) tiny particles of snow and trigger his anger toward the crow. He might
(c) Snow that has become dirty. have to go back to his home to change his clothes.
(d) small drops of rain and mist. 6. ‘Dust of Snow’ is one of Frost’s most loved poems.
Ans : 2003
Elaborate why you think this is so.
(b) tiny particles of snow Ans : 2021

The poem describes a very simple happening in

easy words. It tells us that sometimes even a small
Short Answer Type Question incident may prove to be of a larger significance.
If one looks beyond the prejudices, he/she will
1. What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem get to know that nature can heal anything and
‘Dust of Snow’ initially ? What images are used everything.
by the poet to bring about the effect ? Comment.
Ans : 2024 7. The poem evokes a sense of black and white.
Initially, the poet’s mood in “Dust of Snow” Justify.
is somber and melancholic. Images of a crow, Ans : 2021

hemlock tree, and dust of snow evoke a sense of The poem is set in all white surroundings;
gloom. However, the transformative effect of the everything is covered with snow. Amidst this
snow on the poet’s mood brings about a shift white surrounding, a black crow appears and
towards a more positive outlook. does something that clears the blackness from the
poet’s mind and heart. Hence, we can say that
2. It is our attitude towards a situation that makes crow and sorrow depict ‘black’ and snow and the
it positive or negative. Do you agree with it ? happiness of the poet signify white colour in the
Express your views with reference to the poem, poem.
‘Dust of Snow’.
Ans : 2024 8. The crow and hemlock are usually used as negative
It is quite true our attitude to a situation references in literature. How is this different in
determines everything, including our state of this poem?
mind. Optimistic attitude brings us lasting Ans : 2021

happiness; on the contrary, negative attitude The poet Robert Frost is trying to break the
results in worry, tensions, and depression. In stereotypes that consider a crow and a hemlock
tree inauspicious. The poet has represented nature
the poem Dust of Snow, the poet’s mood was
in quite an unconventional manner. He is trying
transformed by a nature.
to emphasise that even a crow and a hemlock tree
3. Rationalise what you think the poet was probably can bring about positive change in a person’s life.
doing when the dust of snow fell on him?
9. What is the underlying message for us in our
Ans : 2021
hectic life with reference to the poem, ‘Dust of
The poet was feeling extremely sad when the dust
Snow’ ?
of snow fell on him. He was lost in his thoughts
but the falling of snow changed his mood and O
attention. What is the central idea of the poem ‘Dust of
Snow’ ?
4. What does the presence of a hemlock tree tell you O
about the setting of the poem? What does the poet want to convey through the
Ans : 2021
poem ‘Dust of Snow’ ?
The hemlock tree is a poisonous tree that Ans : 2020
symbolises a bad omen. Its presence shows that In the poem ‘Dust of Snow’, the poet wants

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

27. The poet stood under which tree? (c) That the whole day is not wasted
(a) Pine (b) Hemlock
35. How many lines are there in the poem “Dust of
(c) Fir (d) Goldilock snow”?
Ans : 2009

(b) Hemlock (a) 9 (b) 8

(a) hailstones (b) raindrops (b) 8

(d) snow (a) 9 (b) 8

the poet? (c) 2

(a) The poet became angry
37. Which symbol has not been used in the poem?
(b) The poet’s mood changed
(a) hemlock (b) crow
(c) The poet’s coat got wet.
(c) road (d) snow
(d) The poet moved away from the tree. Ans : 2006
Ans : 2008
(c) road
(b) The poet’s mood changed
38. In this line of the poem “of the day I had rued”,
30. The crow is generally considered as the word rued means-
(a) a sign of good luck (b) a naughty bird (a) forgotten (b) bitterly regretted
(c) a friend of man (d) a sign of bad luck (c) happily passed (d) not liked
Ans : 2008
Ans : 2006
(d) a sign of bad luck (b) bitterly regretted
31. The hemlock tree is cosidered to be 39. The message of the poem is
(a) a medicinal plant (b) a poisnous plant (a) Stay away from Hemlock trees
(c) a holy plant (d) a rare plant (b) Stay away from crows.
Ans : 2008

(b) a poisnous plant (c) Nature heals us no matter how bad our day
was.
32. The poem is set on a? (d) We must save nature .
(a) hot summer day (b) pleasant spring day Ans : 2005

(c) cold wintry day (d) dry autumn day (c) Nature heals us no matter how bad our day
Ans : 2008
was.
(c) cold wintry day
40. Which word in the first stanza rhymes with crow?
33. Robert Frost was a famous .......... poet. (a) tree (b) me
(a) British (b) Russian (c) hemlock (d) snow
(c) Indian (d) American Ans : 2005

Ans : 2007
(d) snow
(d) American
41. By the end of the poem, the poet’s mood changed
34. The fall of snow flakes on the poet made him from
realize that (a) sad mood to angry mood
(a) That it is winter (b) happy mood to sad mood
(b) That the whole day is wasted. (c) sad mood to happy mood
(c) That the whole day is not wasted (d) angry mood to sad mood
(d) That crow is a symbol of ill omen Ans : 2005

Ans : 2007
(c) sad mood to happy mood

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O the various ways nature can influence a person’s

What do ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent, joy or mood. Create this conversation in not more than
sorrow. 120 words.
Ans : 2008 You may begin this way:
Robert Frost talks about a crow, a bird that is Lencho: As a farmer, my livelihood depends on
generally not mentioned in poems. He then talks nature and sometimes nature can be cruel.
about a hemlock tree, which is a poisonous plant Ans : 2023
and not about a beautiful tree. Lencho: As a farmer, my livelihood depends on
nature, and sometimes nature can be cruel. Just
22. How does Frost present nature in this poem? like that hailstorm that destroyed my crops, it felt
Ans : 2006, 2002
like God himself was testing my faith.
The poet Robert Frost presents nature in a
Robert Frost: I understand, Lencho. Nature can
depressed and gloomy manner. It portrays sorrow.
be both a friend and a foe. Take, for instance, the
23. What does the dust of snow that the crow shake dust of snow shaken from a hemlock tree. It seems
off a hemlock tree stand for? so insignificant, but it changed my entire mood
Ans : 2005 that day. It reminded me that even in the midst
‘The dust of snow’ stands for hope and joy in the of life’s challenges, nature can offer unexpected
midst of sorrow. moments of beauty and solace.
Lencho: Indeed, Mr. Frost, your poem reminds
me that nature’s smallest gestures can have a
Long Answer Type Question profound impact on our lives. Perhaps God’s
response to my letter wasn’t just about the
1. In the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’, the crow symbolically money, but a reminder of His presence in the
transforms the narrator’s mood, while in the story, world around me.
‘His First Flight’, the baby seagull undergoes a Robert Frost: Nature has its own way of speaking
literal transformation as it learns to fly. Analyse to us, often when we least expect it.
how these avian characters play similar or different
thematic roles in their respective poem and story. 3. As a crow you feel highly injured by the incorrect
Ans : 2023 perception humans have about your species.
In ‘Dust of Snow’, the crow and the baby seagull Imagine yourself being a crow and write your
in ‘His First Flight’, both serve as pivotal opinion about this prejudice. Make a case for
symbols of transformation and redemption, in breaking stereotypes.
their distinct ways. The crow’s sudden interaction Ans : 2021

with the speaker in the poem brings about an “I am a crow. How hard I try to make people
unexpected change in the narrator’s mood. The happy with my cawing, humans consider me the
simple act of the crow shaking off snow onto the bringer of bad luck. They shoo me away whenever
speaker becomes a metaphor for a transformative I try to befriend them. Once a thief was trying to
moment, shifting the narrator from a state of break into a house. I gathered all my crow friends
sadness to a renewed appreciation for the beauty and started nipping him in his head. It saved
of nature. the house from burglary. The residents, instead
On the other hand, the baby seagull’s literal of thanking, blamed the crows for the incident.
transformation through flight in the story signifies Humans are getting logical and modernized. So,
no species should be incorrectly perceived by
a rite of passage and growth. World but also gains
them and these stereotypes must be broken now.
a newfound sense of confidence and independence,
Enough is enough.”
contributing to the overall theme of self-discovery
and growth in the narrative. 4. Imagine that Frost is of present-day and has been
The avian characters, while differing in their invited to write for an ezine – “Teen Talk”. He
modes of impact, share the thematic role of chooses to draw upon his experience with the crow
catalyzing positive change, whether through a and the dusting of snow to share his thoughts on
change in perspective or the achievement of a ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’. As Frost, express
significant milestone. your thoughts on the e-zine.
2. Imagine Robert Frost from ‘A Dust of Snow’ met
with Lencho from ‘A Letter to God’ and discussed

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

to convey that sometimes certain moments or flowers. The poet writes about the hemlock tree to
actions which are simple have larger significance. make us understand how upset, sad and depressed
They can change the mood of life of a person. he was. In such a mood, the harsh, bitter and
The way a crow shakes down dust of snow on the poisonous images come to his mind. So, he used
poet inspires and gives him the idea to shake off them in his poem. It is a known fact that Socrates
his depressive thoughts, become cheerful and do died by drinking a cup of poison hemlock. The
something useful. hemlock tree represents sorrow and depression.

10. How has the poet observed nature in the poem 16. Do you think that the poet presents a very bright
‘Dust of Snow’ ? or cheerful side of nature in the poem? Give a
Ans : 2018, 2010 reasoned answer.
The poet has observed the nature as a positive Ans : 2013

medium of change for him. The poet had been No, Robert Frost has presented nature in its
sorrowful and depressive mood in the poem. But elemental and raw form. It is quite a dull and
then the way a crow shook snow dust off, it changed depressive wintry day. But the fall of fine dust
his mood. The nature gave him an inspiration to of snow does bring a sudden change in the mood
behave in positive manner. of the poet. It refreshes his spirits and brings
cheerfulness to his depressed spirits and mood.
11. What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem ?
How does it reflect ? 17. Where was the poet and what happened to him ?
Ans : 2017 Ans : 2011

The sorrowful and depressive mood of the poet is There was snow everywhere. The poet was under
reflected in the poem. The use of the bird ‘crow’, a hemlock tree. The tree was covered with snow.
which is ugly and harsh, and hemlock tree, which Suddenly, a crow shook the tree. The dust of snow
is a poisonous plant, reflect the poet’s mood. fell on the poet. It changed his mood.

12. Justify the role of the crow in the poem “Dust of 18. What aspect of nature do the ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’
Snow” in changing the poet’s mood. represent?
Ans : 2017 Ans : 2010

I think, the way snow dust was shaken off changed ‘Crow’ is a black, harsh-voiced bird and ‘hemlock’
his mood. Perhaps it gave the poet inspiration/ is a tree with poisonous bitter fruit. Both are
idea to behave in the same manner-shake off his ugly and not beautiful. They represent the dark,
depressive thoughts and revive his cheerful mood. depressive, sorrowful and bitter side of nature.

13. Why does the poet use such poetically uncommon 19. What does the poet’s selection of such poetically
bird and tree ? What does it reflect ? uncommon bird and tree reflect?
Ans : 2015 Ans : 2009

The poet seems to be in a depressive and sorrowful The poet seems to be in a depressive and sorrowful
mood. In such a mood, one cannot think of sweet mood. In such a mood, one cannot think of the
and beautiful side of nature. The harsh, bitter sweet and beautiful side of the nature. The harsh,
and poisonous images come to his mind. That is bitter and poisonous images come to his mind.
why he uses an uncommon, harsh, ugly crow and That is why he uses an uncommon, harsh, ugly
poisonous tree like hemlock. crow and a poisonous tree like hemlock.

14. How was the poet’s mood before the dust of snow 20. What emotions and feelings of the poet are
fell down on him ? projected in the poem?
Ans : 2014 Ans : 2009

The poet was in a pensive and regretful mood. He A sorrowful and depressive mood of the poet is
considered that his day was ruined. It is because reflected in the beginning of the poem. Mentioning
he felt bad about something that had happened of the bird ‘crow’, which is ugly and harsh, and
that day. Perhaps, he was not able to achieve hemlock tree, which is a poisonous plant, reflect
what he wanted to achieve on that day. the poet’s sad mood which finally transformed
into a happy mood.
15. What is a hemlock tree ? Why does the poet write
about this tree ? 21. What unusual beings of nature does Robert Frost
Ans : 2013 talk about in his poem?
A hemlock tree is a poisonous tree with white

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lost as it has been rather a bad day so far. But Extract Based Question
no more now. Now, a part of the day has been
1. Read the extract given below and answer the
redeemed. The change of landscape has changed
questions that follows :
his mood. Cheerfulness has replaced the feeling
The way a crow
of regret. His spirits are no more depressed. The
Shook down on me
sudden change outside also cheers his heart and
The dust of snow
mood.
From a hemlock tree
9. Our attitude towards a situation evokes both Has given my heart
negative and positive response. Analyze this with A change of mood
reference to the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’ to bring out And saved some part
the fact that life is unpredictable and uncertain. Of a day I had rued.
Ans : 2011 i. Fill the blank with one word.
Whatever situation life throws at us, it evokes The poet was out on the cold snowy day when
both positive and negative responses. The poet, the dust of snow fell on him and changed his
in the poem ‘Dust of Snow,’ was in a sorrowful sad _____.
mood initially. However, when a crow shook
down the ‘dust of snow’ on him, his bitter mood ii. The poetic device used in the line And saved
changed into a more optimistic one. Now, being some part’ is Alliteration.
in a sorrowful or bad mood already, the poet What effect does the poet wish to create?
could have got angry at the crow also. However, (a) Emphasis (b) Comparison
the dust of snow becomes a positive medium of (c) Humour (d) Personification
change for him. It made him cheerful to some iii. Of the many symbols the hemlock tree
extent and helped him forget his sadness, at least represents, state the one that Frost drew
for a few moments. Thus, we see that instead of upon, in all likelihood, for this poem.
seeing the negative aspect of a happening, one
iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in
should focus on the positive aspect and as a result
these lines.
one’s response may greatly affect the outcome of
Ans : 2020
the incidents.
i. mood
10. How has the poet succeeded in commenting on ii. (a) Emphasis
the philosophical aspect of life in a light-hearted
iii. The symbol of healing is one that Frost drew
manner? Highlight its importance in the present
upon, in all likelihood, for this poem.
day life.
Ans : 2010, 2006
iv. The poet, Robert Frost, uses very simple,
Truly, Frost has used simple language to drive everyday and accessible language in the poem
home a very significant message, that little and it is through this language that he is able
thing sometimes, have a big impact. An easy, to invoke the strongest of emotions. The poet
uncomplicated language, coupled with unusual tells us though his mood at the beginning
visual imagery and brevity of words in the was sorrowful and despairing, overshadowed
poem created the desired effect. The poet’s by darkness, which is symbolised by the crow,
bitterness had found reflection even in the it has changed now to hopeful and devoid
environment around him. The noisy, dark crow, of regret, which is symbolised by the snow
the poisonous hemlock and the icy snow around- covered tree. Thus, an in-depth reading of the
all are depressing images. However, despite the poem reveals that there’s much more going on
negativity, when the crow shakes down the dust in what appears to be simple, straightforward
of snow onto the poet, it also shakes off some lines.
of the author’s regretful thoughts. Today, when
all of us live in a stressful atmosphere, the poem 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
teaches us to gain happiness from little things. In questions that follows :
gloomy time, one must be patient and positive to The way a crow
wait for good things to happen. In modern times, Shook down on me
faith in the general goodness of the world and its The dust of snow
people can hold great importance in making their From a hemlock tree
situation more positive. Has given my heart
A change of mood

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

3. Have there been times when you felt depressed (c) hemlock tree
or helpeless ? Have you experienced a similar (d) all of the above
moment that changed your mood that day ? Ans : 2021
Ans : (a) falling of snow on his shoulder
In our day today we often have times when we feel
depressed as well as hopeless. One such similar 5. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
moment can be detailed here from my daily (a) baba cdcd (b) abab cdcd
experience.
(c) abab cddc (d) abba cdcd
My son Ajay had been to Russia for his medical
Ans : 2020
studies. For one week neither the call nor the
(b) abab cdcd
mail was received at the house. Not only myself
but also everybody in the family was deeply 6. Name the poetic device used in the line “Has
depressed. There was nothing to be done. Even given my heart”
his arrival was due very soon but nothing was
(a) alliteration (b) metaphor
being heard. I was pacing here and there in the
veranda. My wife was deeply shocked and had (c) oxymoron (d) similie
not taken anything since morning. All of a sudden Ans : 2020

at 12.30 in the noon, horn of a car was heard. (a) alliteration

The car stopped outside the gate. I ran to see
what was there. To my surprise my son was there 7. Name the poetic device used in the line “And
with his maternal uncle Mr. Vijay Aggrawal. All saved some part”
were happy and recovered from shock. His arrival (a) alliteration (b) metaphor
brought a sudden change in our mood. (c) oxymoron (d) similie
Ans : 2020

(a) alliteration
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
8. What does “Dust of Snow” represent?
Multiple Choice
Type Question (a) healing power of nature
(b) particles of snow
1. Who is the poet of the poem “Dust of Snow”?
(c) cool weather
(a) Leslie Norris (b) Robert Frost
(d) none of the above
(c) Carolyn Wells (d) Robin Klein Ans : 2020
Ans : 2021
(a) healing power of nature
(b) Robert Frost
9. What are the two negative creatures that Frost
2. Why does the poet call it “dust of snow”? used as carriers of positivity?
(a) snow particles were too tiny (a) snow, dust
(b) they came over him like dust (b) hemlock tree, snow
(c) they felt like dust (c) snow, crow
(d) they looked like dust (d) hemlock tree, crow
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2020
(a) snow particles were too tiny (d) hemlock tree, crow
3. The poet says, “Of a day I had rued”. What is the 10. The crow and Hemlock tree symbolize ____
meaning of “rued”?
(a) sorrow (b) happiness
(a) ruined (b) held in regret
(c) celebration (d) death
(c) ruled (d) conquered Ans : 2016
Ans : 2021
(a) sorrow
(b) held in regret
11. How did the dust of snow affect the poet?
4. What uplifted his mood?
(a) It made him energetic
(a) falling of snow on his shoulder
(b) It changed his mood
(b) the crow
(c) It made him superior

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beautiful and sweet side of nature. Only

bitter and harsh images crop up in his mind.
That’s why, he uses an uncommon bird like a
crow and poisonous hemlock in the poem.
iii. (c) healing
iv. Frost has used the contrast between the
fortitude displayed by the crow and the poet’s
own spell of indulging in self-pity to show
that life moves forward and survives on hope.

5. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follows :
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
i. Fill the blank with one word.
_____ Figure of speech is used in the
phrase ‘dust of snow’.
ii. What does the poet want to convey through
the poem?
iii. Which of the following best describes the use
of synecdoche by the poet?
(a) A gun is only use
(b) Has given my heart, A change of mood
(c) And saved some part, Of a day I had rued
(d) A crow, Shook down on me
iv. Comment on the poet’s use of symbolism in
these lines.
Ans : 2011

i. Metaphor.
ii. Robert Frost wishes to convey that sometimes
ordinary moments or simple actions have a
larger significance. They have the power to
change the mood and sometimes perspective
of a person. The shaking off the snowflakes by
a crow inspires the poet to shed his bitterness
and do something useful.
iii. (b) Has given my heart, A change of mood
iv. The poet has used the ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock
tree’ as symbols to show emotions like
dejection, gloom, and depression because
he was bitter about life. Although these
are ordinarily considered inauspicious, they
change the poet’s mood and uplift his spirits.



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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

Chapter 2

F ire and Ice

1. INTRODUCTION 3. Explanation
The poem “Fire and Ice” is written by Robert
Frost. It expresses the profound idea that the Stanza 1
world would end in either of two ways, either by “Some say the world will end in fire
ice or fire. Both the components are compared Some say in ice.
with self-destructing human emotions: hatred From what I tasted of desire
and desire. The poem, very artistically, underpins I hold with those who favour fire”
the philosophy that we let our emotions rule us
and if don’t control them they will surely destroy Word Meaning
everything around us. Similarly, he thinks fire and 1. Desire – A strong feeling to have something.
ice, both are just as competent in bringing the
2. Favour – Approval, support
world to a catastrophic end.
Explanation
In these lines the poet discusses about the
2. SUMMARY possibilities by which the world will come to an
end. One such possibility is the world ending in
End of the world flames of fire. The poet compares the fire with
Robert Frost wants to aware the humanity that human passion and desire. He also says that he is
everything is perishable. Even the world will quite familiar with this concept of desire.
perish one day since it is inevitable. Death will He also knows about the capability of desire
come. It will spare none. The poet deals with a which can be produced in human being. The
very sublime subject - the end of the world. poet frankly confesses that he agrees with those
Two Different Beliefs who believe that the world will be burnt to ash.
According to the poet people say that the world He brings about the idea that human being let
will end either in fire or in ice. Some say that their emotions rule them and the consequence of
this world will ‘end in the fire’. The world will be unmonitored longing is chaos.
reduced to a fireball in the end. There are others
who think that this world will end in ice, freezing Stanza 2
all kinds of life into death and destruction. “But if it had to perish twice,
Poet’s View I think I know enough of hate
Poet holds his view with those people who agree To say that for destruction ice
that the world will end in fire. ‘Fire’ is a symbol Is also great
of human passions and unbridled desires. From And would suffice
the deepest desires often comes the deadliest hate
that has a great capacity for destruction. Word Meaning
1. Perish – die
Destruction through Ice
But he also says that if the world had to perish 2. Suffice – be sufficient
twice, then ice too can be a good weapon Explanation
of destruction. Ice is lack of warmth, and it In these lines the poet waves off the first option
represents hate. Hate in any form can lead to only of fire and says that if the world has to expire
deshuction. Thus, ice would too be sufficient to twice, ice would be equally competent in ending
wipe out our existence. So we should shun hatred, it. He brings about a contrast between ‘ice’ and
avarice and coldness. ‘hatred’. He says that hatred is also an emotion

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he is familiar with and that he knows what kind and colder ?

of danger can arise from hatred. Though slow and Ans :
steady , it has the same effect that desire has on Many theories are present about ‘end’ of world.
us. So if given an option between fire and ice, ice Many scholars think that there is age of sun and
would be just as destructive as fire to destroy the after completing the cycle of this age, the world
world. will get ‘end’. But the poet had different theory
about it. He thinks that the world will ‘end’ with
fire and with ice.
4. LITERARY DEVICEs
2. For Frost, what do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for ? Here
1. Rhyme Scheme – abaa bcbcb are some ideas :
2. Alliteration – Repetition of a consonant sound greed, avarice, cruelty, lust, conflict, fury,
at the start of two or more closely placed intolerance, rigidity, insensitivity, coldness,
words. The Sound of ‘f’ in favour fire,‘w’ in indifference, hatred
world will. Ans :
3. Personification – It is to give human qualities For Frost both ‘Ice’ and ‘Fire’ stand for ‘end’.
to inanimate objects. In this poem, ‘fire’ and ‘Fire’ stands for : hatred, conflict fury, avarice,
‘ice’ are capable of destructions. Thus the and greed.
poet personifies fire and ice by giving them ‘Ice’ stands for : lust, rigidity, a intolerance,
mind and Power to destroy anything. insensitivity, coldness, indifferences.
4. Enjambment – It is defined as the thought or 3. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? How
clause that does not come to an end at a line does it help in bringing out the contrasting ideas
break, rather it moves over to the next line. in the poem?
For example, Ans :
‘From what I’ve tasted of desire The rhyme scheme of the poem in the first stanza
I hold with those who favour fire’ is abaa and in the second stanza, it is- bcbcb The
lines ending with the same rhyme have the same
idea but the line that ends with a different note
5. MESSAGE has the contrasting idea. In the first stanza, the
Fire and Ice symbolism has a message that is first, third and fourth lines end with the words
often ignored. It wants to convey the destructive fire, desire, fire-same rhythm but the second line
nature of human emotions and how it can take ends with the word ‘ice’, a different note, also it
us to such extremes. Notice that for both the contrasts with ‘fire’. Thus, the poet has brought
emotions, the poet mentions that he has tasted out the contrasting ideas in the poem by using
both the fiery desire and ice-cold hatred. He says different rhyme.
that these emotions might seem harmless, but
they can fester and turn us into someone who
does not care about anyone or anything. 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
It is on us to keep things under control. These
human emotions make us humans and we cannot Multiple Choice
Type Question
discard them completely, but we have to keep
them under control. We cannot let them take hold 1. Who is the poet of the poem “Fire and Ice”?
of us, or the whole world will come to an end’ (a) Leslie Norris (b) Robert Frost
either from fire or from ice or even both.
(c) Carolyn Wells (d) Robin Klein
Ans : 2021

(b) Robert Frost

6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
2. What does the poet compare fire with?
Thinking About the Poem (a) hatred (b) desire
1. There are many ideas about how the world will (c) hot (d) both a and c
‘end’. Do you think the world will end some day Ans : 2021

? Have you ever thought what would happen if (b) desire

the sun got so hot that it ‘burst’, or grew colder

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2023
3. Read the extract given below and answer the
i. hatred/indifference/bitterness/apathy/ questions that follows :
detachment/rigidity Some say the world will end in fire
ii. The speaker’s alignment with those who Some say in ice.
favour ice suggests that they have seen the From what I’ve tasted of desire
destructive consequences of a lack of empathy I hold with those who favour fire
and emotional connection. i. Fill the blank with one word.
iii. (d) Respectful The poetic device used in the line ‘Some say
iv. The language in these lines is simple and the world will end in fire’ is _____.
easy to understand. The tone of the lines ii. What is the speaker’s mood when he talks of
is conversational and states an important ‘what I’ve tasted of desire’ ?
message through its simple words. The iii. State which of the terms given below, can be
simplicity of these lines create awareness for a applied to the statement taking into account
wider audience. the poet’s belief system.
The above stanza ponders over whether the
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
world will end due to fire or ice.
questions that follows :
Some say that the world will end in fire, (a) It is a hypothesis.
Some say in ice. (b) It is an irrefutable belief.
From what I’ve tasted of desire (c) It is a debatable issue.
I hold with those who favour fire. (d) It is a scientific theory.
But if it had to perish twice, iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in
I think I know enough of hate these lines.
to say that for destruction ice Ans : 2018
is also great and would suffice. i. metaphor
i. Fill the blank with one word. ii. Frost is pessimistic and hopeless about the
According to the poet, fire refers to violent politicians’ hunger for destruction.
desires passion and _____.
iii. (b) It is an irrefutable belief.
ii. What does the poet wants to convey through
iv. The poet has used figurative language with
the poem?
fire as a symbol of war and violence and ice as
iii. Identify the most likely tone of the poet in a symbol of hatred and cold-bloodedness. The
the given lines : word ‘desire’ denotes the power-hungry heads
‘to say that for destruction ice is also great’ of governments and militaries. Frost thinks
(a) Sarcastic (b) Humorous that war will destroy the world.
(c) Optimistic (d) Encouraging
iv. How does Robert Frost caution the common
man? Answer in about 40 words. 
Ans : 2021

i. jealousy
ii. Through the poem ‘Fire and Ice’, the poet
wants to convey that the world will come
to an end either by fire or by ice. Fire, here
stands for desire and greed and ice here stands
for hatred and rigidity.
iii. (a) Sarcastic
iv. Robert Frost cautions the common man and
says that he should not forget the bitter reality
that everything in this world is transitory
and death is inevitable. So man should avoid
being too desirous or too indifferent.

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Page 500 Discursive Passage Chapter 2
Ans : 2009
26. According to Robert frost, what will end one day
(c) Fire
(a) Fire (b) Ice
18. _____ is the better option if the world had to (c) Both a and b (d) the world
perish. Ans : 2006

(a) Fire (b) Ice (d) the world

(c) Strom (d) Rain 27. Can hatred destroy the world?
Ans : 2008
(a) Yes (b) No
(b) Ice
(c) May be (d) may not be
19. _____ is the better option to destroy the world. Ans : 2006

(a) Rain (b) Strom (a) Yes

(c) Fire (d) Ice 28. What is the Meaning of ‘desire’ ?
Ans : 2008
(a) Favour (b) Repulsion
(d) Ice
(c) Quest (d) wish
20. The poet brings about the contrast between the Ans : 2005

ice and _____ through this poem. (d) wish

(a) Slow Hatred (b) Destruction
29. What does the poet want to Convey through this
(c) Love (d) Fire poem?
Ans : 2008
(a) We should not be greedy
(a) Slow Hatred
(b) all humans should check their desires and
21. The destruction procedure is slow through hatred
(a) Fire (b) Storm (c) restrain our desires and love fellow beings
(c) Ice (d) Rain (d) both a and c
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2005

(c) Ice (d) both a and c

22. The cause of man’s destruction is 30. What do some people say ?
(a) family (b) gold (a) they believe that this existing world will end
(c) lust (d) money in fire
Ans : 2007 (b) they believe that this existing world will end
(c) lust in moon light
(c) they believe that this existing world will end
23. If the world is to perish twice, the poet favours
in sun light
(a) atom bomb (b) water
(d) they believe that this existing world will end
(c) ice (d) fire in darkness
Ans : 2007
Ans : 2005
(d) fire (a) they believe that this existing world will end
24. What enough to destroy the world is in fire
(a) dictatorship (b) affection 31. What do the other say?
(c) love (d) hatred (a) they believe that the world will end in water
Ans : 2007
(b) they believe that the world will end in Flames
(d) hatred
(c) they believe that the world will end Frozen to
25. What does violent desire refer to in this poem? Ice
(a) fire (b) ice (d) they believe that the world will end in Sea
(c) both a and b (d) None of these Ans : 2005

Ans : 2006, 2001

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32. Whom does the poet support? economic and intellectual progress led to self-
(a) the poet stands with those who believe that destruction. The speaker is worried about the
this existing world will end in fire survival of the world.
(b) the poet stands with those who believe that 2. Create a tag line / slogan / catchphrase for the
this existing world will end in Moon light poem.
(c) the poet stands with those who believe that Ans : 2021

existing world will end sun light Tagline/ slogans for the poem-
(d) The poet stands with those who believe that “Overdevelopment sometimes lead to self-
this existing world will end in darkness destruction”
Ans : 2004 “If you ignore nature, nature will ignore you”
(a) the poet stands with those who believe that “Self-satisfaction is mandatory to avoid self-
this existing world will end in fire destruction”
“Show empathy towards nature”
33. What has the poet tasted?
(a) the poet has tasted the fruit juice 3. The tone of the speaker contrasts with the
seriousness of the subject matter. Justify.
(b) the poet has tasted the sadness Ans : 2021
(c) the poet has tasted the passion and pangs of The speaker is presenting his personal opinion
love and desire about the possibilities of the end of the world
(d) None of these which is a serious matter. But the speaker’s tone
Ans : 2002 is casual and conversational. He talks with the
(c) the poet has tasted the passion and pangs of reader as if they are his friend. He is using casual
love and desire words like, ‘some say’, ‘I hold with’, ‘I think I
know’ etc.
34. Both, Fire and Ice will be enough for _____.
4. Fire and Ice project a pessimistic outlook.
(a) Humanity (b) Nature
Comment.
(c) Destruction (d) all living beings Ans : 2021
Ans : 2002
The poet links human desire to be the reason for
(c) Destruction the possible extinction of the world. The poem
tries to imply that humanity should not try to
35. Both the elements mentioned in the poem have
innovate and develop new weapons. It projects a
one similarly what is this similarity?
pessimistic outlook by suggesting that following
(a) they both are very important dreams and passion by humankind may lead to
(b) they both are friends to humans catastrophic destruction on the earth.
(c) they both can end the world
5. Evaluate the line- Some say the world will end
(d) all of these in fire/Some say in ice- in the context of volcanic
Ans : 2002
eruptions, forest fires, meteor collisions, melting
(c) they both can end the world ice caps etc.
Ans : 2021
36. Which word is opposite to ‘adequate’
There have been incidents of natural disasters
(a) fire (b) desire that created havoc on earth. Every year forest
(c) Perish (d) Inadequate fires, volcanic eruptions account for a huge loss
Ans : 2001 of flora and fauna and even humans. Fires due to
(d) Inadequate meteor collisions cause measurable effects on life.
Loss of person and property in Uttrakhand, India
Short Answer Type Question (Kedarnath temple) could be attributed to the
melting ice caps.
1. “Fire and Ice” was first published in 1920. Briefly
explain how WW I might have influenced the 6. The use of symbolism in the poem ‘Fire and Ice’
theme of the poem. conveys the poet’s message effectively.
Ans : 2021
Expand with reference to the poem.
Ans: The poem is written shortly after the end Ans : 2020
of the first world war and is greatly influenced. Poem discusses the way the world can end – Fire
The war proved it right how men’s technological,

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stands for greed/lust/human desire; Ice stands for fire. Here, fire symbolizes greed, desire, lust
hatred/coldness/human indifference; – world can and intolerance. People will kill each other for
end with either greed or indifference materialistic gain and hence, annihilate mankind.

7. For the poet, what does ‘ice’ stand for’ ? How is it 13. Why does the poet hold with those who believe
sufficient to bring destruction? that the world will end in fire ? How else can the
Ans : 2016, 2009 world be destroyed ?
For the poet, ‘ice’ stands for insensitivity and Ans : 2010, 2004

coldness, indifference and intolerance. These The poet takes side with those who believe that
qualities are sufficient to bring destruction the world will end in fire. In the poem, fire stands
because they promote hatred amongst people and for desire, greed and lust. It can burn the bonds
ultimately lead to destruction. of love and destroy mankind.
If the world had to perish twice, ice could also
8. What do you think would be enough to destroy ruin it. Ice stands for lack of warmth. It stands for
the world ? Can Fire and Ice contribute to it ? hatred and indifference, and thus has the capacity
Ans : 2015
for destruction.
Our desires and hatred would be enough to destroy
the world. According to the poet, ‘fire’ represents 14. What message does the poem ‘Fire and Ice’
‘desire’ and ‘ice’ represents ‘hatred’. Desires like convey ?
fire, spread rapidly and engulf one’s whole life. Ans : 2010

Similarly, ‘hatred’ fills the life with poison. The world can be ruined by negative emotions but
9. What is the underlying idea of the poem ‘Fire the poem does not compare fire and ice. It tells
and Ice’ ? us that both fire and ice are capable of ruining
Ans : 2014
mankind. The poet wants us to live in harmony
The poet equates fire with ‘desire’ and ice with and give up greed, hatred and intolerance. The
‘hatred’. Both of these are growing with enormous poem conveys the message that in order to save
speed. If we don’t check them from growing, the the world, we must be kind, loving and contented.
world will perish: So we must restrain our desires 15. Do you think ‘Fire and Ice’ is a symbolic poem ?
and love our fellow-beings. Ans : 2010

10. Which two ideas about how the world will end Yes, I think that the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ is a
have been mentioned in the poem? Which ideas symbolic poem. In the poem, fire stands for
does the poet support more ? greed, avarice, lust and fury. The ice stands for
Ans : 2013
coldness, cruelty, hatred, conflict, intolerance
The two ideas mentioned are that the world will and indifference. Both fire and ice are capable of
end in fire or in ice. Though the poet thinks both destroying mankind.
are great for destruction, yet he seems to favour 16. What will be the cause of the end of the world if
the idea of destruction of world in fire a little it has to perish twice ?
more than in ice. Ans : 2009

11. What does ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for and what is This world is not eternal. Its end is certain. The
the general opinion regarding the world ? poet sides with those people who think that ‘fire’
will cause the end of the existing world. But if
O this world has to perish twice then ‘ice’ is just as
According to the poet what do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ strong to bring the end of the world as ‘fire’ is. Icy
represent? Do you agree with him ? reasoning devoid of human love and sympathy,
Ans : 2013
and full of hatred is sufficient to bring an end of
According to the poet, ‘fire’ represents desire and this world.
‘ice’ represents hatred. I do agree with the poet.
Desires like fire spread rapidly and engulf one’s 17. How does Robert Frost caution the common man?
whole life. Similarly ‘hatred’ fills the whole life Ans : 2007
with poison. It makes one hard-hearted and cruel. Man is selfish, avaricious, lustful, indifferent and
hateful. Robert Frost cautions the common man
12. According to some people, how will the world end and says that he should not forget the bitter
? Why do they think so ? reality that everything in this world is transitory
Ans : 2011
and death is inevitable.
Some people think that the world will end in

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

3. What is the meaning of “perish”? (c) earth (d) both a and b

(a) bloom (b) rise Ans : 2014

(d) both a and b

(c) die (d) glow
Ans : 2021
11. Why do some people say that the world will end
(c) die in ice?
4. What would suffice if the world were to perish (a) because love among people is increasing fast.
twice? (b) because hatred among people is increasing
(a) ice (b) fire fast.
(c) hatred (d) both (a) and (b) (c) because lust among people is increasing fast.
Ans : 2020 (d) None of these
(d) both (a) and (b) Ans : 2014

(b) because hatred among people is increasing

5. What would be a better option to end the earth? fast.
(a) fire
(b) ice 12. What is ‘Ice’ a symbol of?
(c) both are equally competent (a) Lust (b) Love
(d) none of these (c) Desire (d) Hatred
Ans : 2020
Ans : 2013

(c) both are equally competent (d) Hatred

6. What is the rhyming scheme of the poem? 13. What is ‘fire’ a symbol of?
(a) abaa bcbcb (b) aaba bcbcb (a) love and new desires
(c) aaab bcbcb (d) abab bcbcb (b) lust and endless desires
Ans : 2020 (c) love and beginning of a new thing.
(a) abaa bcbcb (d) Revolution
Ans : 2012
7. Name the poetic device used in the line “I hold (b) lust and endless desires
with those who favour fire”
(a) Assonance 14. What will the world end in?
(b) Alliteration (a) Fire and Ice (b) Fire
(c) Both a and b (c) Ice (d) None of these
Ans : 2011
(d) None of these
Ans : 2015
(a) Fire and Ice
(c) Both a and b 15. What will fire do to the world?
8. Name the poetic device used in the line “Some (a) put the world to an end.
say the world will end in fire” (b) put the world to a new beginning.
(a) Metaphor (b) Imagery (c) make the world developed
(c) Alliteration (d) Oxymoron (d) None of the above
Ans : 2015 Ans : 2010

(b) Imagery (a) put the world to an end.

9. Name the poetic device used in the line “To say 16. The world may end either in fire or in
that for destruction ice is also great” (a) Ice (b) Rain
(a) Metaphor (b) Imagery (c) Storm (d) Earthquake
(c) Alliteration (d) Oxymoron Ans : 2010

Ans : 2014 (a) Ice

(b) Imagery
17. The poet favours the
10. Where has he used personification? (a) Nothing (b) Ice
(a) fire (b) ice (c) Fire (d) Storm

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hatred with ice. Both the desire and hatred extreme behaviour of human beings is born out of
are growing with such a rapid speed that the cold and ‘icy’ reasoning. When our cold reasoning
world will come to an end either of the way. becomes completely devoid of human warmth,
(ii) Yes, hatred can destroy us and the world. feelings, love and sympathy, it breeds hatred.
Intolerance in behaviour creates hatred that Hatred born out of cold indifference, insensitivity
leads to fury and cruelty. One becomes hard- and rigidity are strong enough to cause the end of
this world. According to the poet humanity can
hearted and insensitive to the feelings of others.
redeem itself and possibly save or delay the end of
(iii) Love, brotherhood, tolerance, peace, the world by giving up such extremes of thinking
contentment, sensitivity, benevolence, and behaviour.
generosity among people can make this world
a better place to live in. 6. Discuss how extreme behaviour can hasten the
end of the world with respect to the poem ‘Fire
4. In the poem ‘Fire and Ice’, how does the poet and Ice’.
support the views of others ? How does he express Ans : 2008
his own opinion ? ‘Fire’ symbolises desire and ‘ice’ symbolises
Ans : 2015 hatred. Desire is a kind of intense love or want
‘Fire and Ice’ is one of Robert Frost’s shortest that focuses people on getting and possessing and
poems, The poet starts the poem with the view acquiring. Our society is full of people who spend
of others. The first line of the poem begins with their lives working to get a bigger and better TV,
‘Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in a more stylish car or a more extravagant house.
ice’. According to the poet, there are some people This kind of desire can lead people to destruction
who say that the world will end in fire and some in the form of bankruptcy or even broken
say in ice. relationships. Frost’s poem speaks on the issue
The poet does not contradict their views. of greed corrupting people and even society. The
He says that he has tasted desire, therefore he power of hate, which is symbolised by ice is just
supports those who favour fire. He knows that fire as great as desire. While desire consumes quickly,
symbolizes greed and jealousy, and is capable of hate produces shy yet restrained devastation. For
destroying the world. instance, hate is the root cause of racism and
The poet further says that if by chance the war. It can linger in people’s mind for lifetimes.
world had to perish twice, ice too could be a Moreover, it consumes the hater even more than
potential weapon of destruction. He says that the person hated. It thus, ruins lives.
he has experienced hate too and thus knows its
capacity for destruction. Extract Based Question
According to him, ‘fire and ice’ both these
elements can destroy the world. Fire stands for 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
desire and ice for hatred. The poet says these two questions that follow:
can ruin mankind. But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
5. What do the metaphors of ‘ice’ and ‘fire’ convey
To say that for destruction ice
to the readers ? Don’t they represent the two
Is also great And would suffice.
extremes of human behaviour that can lead to
the destruction and death of this world ? What i. Fill the blank with one word.
is the message that the poet wants to give to the When the speaker says that ice could also
readers ? bring about the end of the world, he refers to
Ans : 2013 _____, as the means for destruction.
The poet has touched the universal issue of the ii. What does the speaker’s alignment with those
ending of this existing world. He gives a message who favour ice, suggest?
as well as a warning to human beings. Man is iii. Which of the following best describes the
swaying between two extremes - lire’ and ‘ice’. speaker’s attitude towards destruction caused
Sometimes he is torn by his unbridled fire of
by ice?
passions, desires, lusts, longings and fury. This
results in greed, avarice and passionate love. All (a) Indifferent (b) Fearful
such extremes can lead to unavoidable conflicts (c) Dismissive (d) Respectful
and disasters. If not controlled, they can help in iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in
bringing an early end of this world. The other these lines.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

18. What are the ideas about how the world will end? Ans : 2021

Ans : 2006
10 May 1994, Tuesday 10 p.m.
The ideas of the poet about how the world will
Today, when I am the President of South Africa,
end are extremely opposite to each other. Some
I can’t help recalling Robert
people say the world will end due to very hot
Frost’s Fire and Ice. As Frost said if the world
conditions and some others say that it will end
had to perish twice ice would suffice. I agree
because of extreme cold conditions.
that hatred and indifference are sharper than
19. How does the use of language help in making the any weapon to end the world. Half of the
poem effective and meaningful ? population of South Africa was forced to bear
Ans : 2006
the tortures of apartheid.
Frost chooses words from the everyday talk in Today, we are free but humanity needs real
his poem. The poem is full of colloquial tone and independence from hatred and partiality. People
conversational language. The contrast between of any colour and caste is no less than the other.
simple and precise vocabulary, and the vague The world seems beautiful only when you have
gravity of its subjects makes the poem serious and beautiful eyes. Everyone has to be empathetic
meaningful. The abrupt beginning of the opening towards the less privileged people and a life-
sets the tone of the speech and makes the poem supporting natural environment. All should try
vivid and lively. to make a strong foundation based on equality
and empathy to sustain life on earth.
20. “I think I know enough of hate”. What does the
speaker know about hate ? 2. Most of your classmates, like Frost, feel that man’s
Ans : 2005 greed and rage or hate would lead the world to
The poet says that he knows enough of hate, but its destruction.
we are not told if he has first-hand knowledge You feel that the ‘fire and ice’ in Mankind can be
about hate or if he experienced it at a distance. addressed to create a harmonious world. Write
But the poet’s intuitive power reminds him that a speech, for your classmates, expressing your
it is no less dangerous than the fire of lust. It can belief/s with respect to the poem.
also play a trick upon anybody as it is a silent Ans : 2021
killer. Fire and Ice
Good morning teachers and my friends! I do
21. What is the central idea that the poem ‘Fire and
not believe in the pessimistic view of Sir Robert
Ice’ is trying to bring out?
Ans : 2004
Frost that our desires can take the world near
The poet equates fire with ‘desire’ and ice with to destruction. I feel that this fire and ice can
‘hatred’. Both of these are growing with enormous be tamed to cultivate a harmonious relationship
. speed. If we don’t check them from growing, the among people.
world will perish. So, we must restrain our desires “Necessity is the mother of invention”. A
and love our fellow-beings. man without desire is no more than an animal.
Human has added comfort to his life by keeping
passions and desires alive. I agree that unchecked
aspirations sometimes turn harmful. However, by
making strict rules and staying vigilant, this fire
can be kept under control. Fire adds taste to food
Long Answer Type Question but burns the house as well if left uncontrolled.
1. Imagine that Nelson Mandela read ‘Fire and Ice’. 3. How does the poem depict the two contrasting
As Mandela, write a diary entry associating the ideas-Tire’ and ‘ice’ ? Can hatred destroy us and
impact of the troubled history of South Africa the world? Explain bringing out values which can
with the idea expressed in the poem. make this world a better place to live in.
You may begin like this: Ans : 2019

10 May 1994, Tuesday 10 p.m. (i) In this poem, Robert Frost refers to two
Today, when I am the President of South Africa, contrasting ideas- Fire and Ice as predictions
I can’t help recalling Robert of how the world will end. According to him,
Frost’s ‘Fire and Ice’………(continue)……… some people to say that the world will end in
fire while some other hold that this will end
in ice. The poet equates desire with fire and

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Page 506 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

Chapter 3

A Tiger in the Zoo

1. INTRODUCTION 3. EXPLANATION
The poem “A Tiger in the Zoo” is written by Leslie Stanza 1
Norris. It explains the agony and helplessness of a
caged tiger that lives in a zoo. The poet explains He stalks in his vivid stripes
what his life could be if he had been a free animal. The few steps of his cage,
The poet has tried to explain about the condition On pads of velvet quiet,
of animals that are caged by human beings for In his quiet rage.
their own fun.
Word Meaning
1. Stalks - follows
2. SUMMARY
2. Vivid - bright coloured
Tiger in the Zoo 3. Pads - paws of tiger
This poem contrasts a tiger in the zoo with the 4. Rage - anger
tiger in its natural habitat. There is a tiger in the
zoo. Lively stripes are visible on his body. In the Explanation
cage he walks in quiet rage over the pads of quiet Here the poet says that the tiger that is confined
veivet. In the zoo, he has no freedom. He is kept in the zoo moves around in the cage under his
in a cemented cell behind the bars. He feels angry, bright coloured skin. He further says that the
frustrated and helpless. tiger can take only a few steps because the cage is
small and it is not easy to move in it. One cannot
Tiger in Jungle hear his footsteps because he has very soft feet,
When the tiger is in his natural habitat, he lurks like velvet because of which there is no sound of
in shadow. He slips through the long grass near the tiger’s footsteps. The tiger tries to control his
the water source where he can catch the healthy anger by quietly walking in the limited area of his
deer. Basically, the poet wants to say that the cage. He is angry because he is not free.
actual life of a tiger is to live in jungle
Terrorising the Village Stanza 2
While moving around the houses at the corner of He should be lurking in shadow,
the jungle, he tries to terrorise the village with his Sliding through long grass
bare teeth and claws. Near the water hole
Ignoring Visitors Where plump deer pass.
If he is put behind the bars in a concrete cell, he
moves in cage there. He pays no attention to the Word Meaning
visitors who came to watch him. 1. Lurking - To be hidden as to wait for your
prey
Staring the Stars
At night in the zoo he hears the sounds of Explanation
patrolling cars. In the silence of the night, he The poet says that if this tiger was free, he would
stares at the brilliant stars with his bright eyes. have hid himself behind the long grass near the
water bodies so that he could easily catch a deer
in order to have it as its food. Basically, the poet

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

wants to say that the actual life of a tiger is to live Word Meaning
in jungle where he could catch his prey and eat it
1. Patrolling - to guard, to vigil
but the tiger in the cage can not do so.
Explanation
Stanza 3 The poet says that in the night, the tiger hears the
tiger with white fangs sounds of the patrolling cars. Patrolling cars are
He should be snarling around houses the vehicles of police which are used to guard at
night. So, in the night the tiger hears the sounds
At the jungle’s edge,
of these cars. He then stares at the shining stars
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
with his shining eyes. The poet wants to say that
Terrorising the village!
the tiger is sad and as he is confined in the cage,
Word Meaning so, he cannot do anything. Therefore, he stares
at the stars in the night and tries to divert his
1. Snarling - warning sounds made by animals
thoughts towards them.
2. Baring - uncovered
3. Fangs - Sharp tooth of animals
Explanation 4. Literary Devices
The poet says that if the tiger would have been 1. Personification – the tiger is personified, e.g.
free, he would have snarled around the houses ‘he stalks’
located at the outskirts of the forest. He would 2. Enjambment – line continues to next line
terrorise people with his sharp tooth and claws. without any punctuation mark, e.g. sliding
This would create fear among the people living in
through long grass………..deer pass
the villages.
3. Oxymoron – use of adjectives opposite in
meaning (quiet rage)
4. Alliteration – use of sound ‘p’ in ‘plump pass’
5. Imagery – the poet has tried to create an
image of tiger’s activities (lurking in shadow)
6. Onomatopoeia – use of sound words e.g.
Stanza 4 snarling.
But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars, 5. MESSAGE
Stalking the length of his cage, In the poem “A Tiger in the Zoo”, the poet
Ignoring visitors. is conveying an important message that wild
animals should be in their natural habitat.
Word Meaning
1. Concrete - building made of bricks, cement,
sand and water 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
Explanation
Now the poet comes to the reality of the tiger Thinking About The Poem
that is inside the cage. He says that the tiger is
1. Read the poem again, and work in pairs or groups
confined in a strong cell which is made of strong
to do the following tasks :
building material. He further says that as the tiger
is behind bars, so his ferociousness is also behind (i) Find the words that describe the movement
the bars. He just stalks in the cage. He never and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the
tries to terrorise the visitors because his power is wild. Arrange them in two columns.
restricted by the cage. Therefore, he never tries (ii) Find the words that describe the two places,
to terrorise the visitors as he cannot attack them. and arrange them in two columns.
Now try to share ideas about how the poet
Stanza 5 uses words and images to contrast the two
He hears the last voice at night, situations.
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.

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Page 508 Discursive Passage Chapter 3
Ans : Ans :
(i) The effect of the repetition is to add musical
rhythm to the poem. The repetition of words
Movement in the cage Movement in the wild show how horrible the situation is. It high-lights
the strange atmosphere.
Stalks lurking
Few steps sliding 3. Read the following two poems-one about a tiger
and the other about a panther. Then discuss : Are
Stalking snarling
zoos necessary for the protection or conservation
Ignoring Terrosiring of some species of animals ? Are they useful for
hears educating the public ? Are there alternatives to
zoos?
stares
The Tiger
The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,
(ii) The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,
Cage Wild The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.
Then he thinks.
Pads of velvet quiet Sliding through long It would be nice not to be behind bars all
grass The time
Concrete cell Water hole Because they spoil my view
I wish I were wild, not on show.
Strength behind bars Jungle’s edge
But if I were wild, hunters might shoot me,
Patrolling cars But if I were wild, food might poison me,
Brilliant stars. But if I were wild, water might drown me.
Then he stops thinking
In this poem, the poet uses words and images And...
to contrast the condition of the tiger in the zoo The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,
and in the jungle. While in the cage’ the tiger The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,
walk in a proud but stiff and angry manner. That The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.
shows that the tiger is not happy there. He hides PETER NIBLETT
his violent, uncontrollable anger which is quite The Panther
evident. He feels helpless because he is locked in His vision, from the constantly passing bars,
a concrete cell. His walking is confined to his cell has grown so weary that it cannot hold
only. He does not feel free because his strength anything else. It seems to him there are
is behind bars. That is why he does not take any a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.
notice of the visitors to the zoo. He just stares As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,
longingly at the bright stars. the movement of his powerful soft strides
On the other hand, the poet shows the tiger in is like a ritual dance around a centre
the jungle quite free. He is lurking in shadow and in which a mighty will stands paralysed.
sliding through long grass. He is waiting in hiding so Only at times, the curtain of the pupils
that he can prey upon the well-built deer who pass lifts, quietly. An image enters in,
by the water hole. As a free animal, he could be rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
snarling around houses baring his white fangs and plunges into the heart and is gone.
his claws so as to terrorise the village people. Thus, RAINER MARIA RILKE
in the cage, hi; movements are quite restrained and Ans :
restricted But, in the jungle, he is quite free to move We all know the importance of freedom. In the
and do whatsoever he likes. same way animals, birds, beasts and other natural
2. Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as entities like to live in their natural habitats. There
these: they are free to move and act. When any species
of an animal is put behind the bars, it loses its
(i) On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage. freedom. All his actions and activities become
(ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes At the controlled in a cell or a cage. For example, a tiger
brilliant stars. likes to kill his prey itself. It does not like the flesh
What do you think is the effect of this repetition ? of an animal killed by others. Its encounter in the

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

restless spirit, which is not satisfied with the movement against the backdrop of his “quiet
confines of the cage. rage” effectively communicates the simmering
ii. The use of the word ‘locked’ emphasizes anger and frustration of a magnificent creature
captivity and the lack of freedom. It contrasts trapped within the confines of a cage.
sharply with the tiger’s natural habitat, where iv. vivid
it would roam freely and be the master of its
own domain. In its natural habitat, the tiger 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
would not be confined or controlled, unlike questions that follow:
the restrictive and unnatural concrete cell. He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle’s edge,
iii. (b) being indifferent to visitors because it is a
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
daily routine for him
Terrorising the village!
iv. The literary device used in the line ‘But But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
he’s locked in a concrete cell’ is a metaphor. His strength behind bars,
The phrase compares the tiger’s cell to a Stalking the length of his cage,
prison, highlighting the confinement and the Ignoring visitors.
unnatural state of living for a wild animal.
i. Fill in the blank with one word.
The speaker describes the tiger as ‘stalking’
3. Read the extract given below and answer the
up and down his cage to show how _____
questions that follow :
the tiger felt.
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage, ii. What could be a reason the speaker mentions
On pads of velvet quiet, the behaviour of the tiger at the jungle’s
In his quiet rage ‘edge’ and not at its centre? Answer in about
40 words.
i. Explain the contrast created by the words,
‘stalks’ and ‘few steps of his cage’. iii. Which of these explains the meaning of the
phrase ‘His strength behind bars’ ?
ii. Which of the following best describes the
(a) The tiger’s strength is in its ability to
tiger’s feelings in the context ?
break free from the cage it is in.
(a) anger (b) conflicted
(b) The tiger’s strength is shown when he
(c) pessimism (d) apprehension
pushes against the bars of the cage.
iii. Comment in about 40 words on the poet’s use
(c) The tiger’s strength is in his resilience and
of imagery in the above extract.
ability to adapt to a new environment.
iv. Which word. in the stanza means the same as (d) The tiger’s strength is confined within
‘clear and bright’ ? the bars of the cage and this makes him
Ans : 2024
less threatening.
i. The word ‘stalks’ suggests a powerful,
iv. Why does the tiger ignore the visitors?
purposeful, and potentially threatening Ans : 2023
movement, typically associated with predators
i. restless/trapped/confined
in the wild, demonstrating their freedom and
dominance. However, this powerful action ii. The author has described the tiger at the
is confined to the “few steps of his cage,” ‘edge’ of the jungle to show how a tiger would
creating a stark contrast the highlights the react and respond to the people encroaching
limitations imposed on the tiger, restricting his territory. He would scare them. This
its natural behaviors and freedom. is done to contrast how the tiger behaves
towards people when caged.
ii. (a) anger
iii. (d) The tiger’s strength is confined within
iii. The poet’s use of imagery in this extract
the bars of the cage and this makes him less
vividly captures the tiger’s condition and
threatening.
emotions. Describing the tiger’s movement as
stalking “in vivid stripes” on “pads of velvet iv. The tiger ignores the visitors because he is
quiet,” conjures a clear, visual image of the disinterested in his confined environment and
tiger’s majestic yet restrained presence. The feels indifferent towards the visitors.
juxtaposition of the tiger’s silent, graceful

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Page 510 Discursive Passage Chapter 3
Ans : 2014
(b) Sound to make afraid the animals
(a) He ignores them
(c) Sound in the water bodies
14. Who passes near the water hole? (d) Sound made by animal
(a) Fat Pig (b) Fat Buffalo Ans : 2010

(d) Sound made by animal

(c) Fat Deer (d) All of these
Ans : 2014
23. Pangs means
(c) Fat Deer
(a) Sharp tooth of animal
15. Where should the tiger hide to himself? (b) Paws of tiger
(a) behind the tree (b) in the shadow (c) One kind of animal
(c) in the house (d) in the jungle (d) White hair of the animal body
Ans : 2014 Ans : 2010

(b) in the shadow (a) Sharp tooth of animal.

16. The tiger has vivid means bright coloured 24. The free tiger could snarled around the
(a) Skin (b) Eyes (a) Zoo (b) Houses near the
(c) Strips (d) Hair forest
Ans : 2014 (c) Forest (d) City
(c) Strips Ans : 2009

(b) Houses near the forest

17. The tiger was moving in the
(a) Forest (b) Bushes 25. The free tiger would terrorise the village people
(c) Cage (d) Locality by showing his
Ans : 2013 (a) Eyes (b) Black stripes
(c) Cage (c) Tooth and claws (d) Huge body
Ans : 2009
18. The tiger should take few steps as the cage is too (c) Tooth and claws
(a) Big (b) Small
(c) Moving (d) Not male for him 26. In reality the tiger is in the
Ans : 2013 (a) Circus tent (b) Jungle
(b) Small (c) Cave (d) Concrete cell
Ans : 2008
19. The tiger has velvet like (d) Concrete cell
(a) Paws (b) Nose
(c) Body (d) Hair 27. Along with the tiger his _____ is also confined
Ans : 2012
believed the cell.
(a) Paws (a) Strength (b) Cuts
(c) Wishes (d) Freedom
20. The tiger is anry because he Ans : 2008
(a) is hungry (b) is ill (a) Strength
(c) is bitten (d) is imprisoned
Ans : 2011
28. At night the tiger hear the sound of
(d) is imprisoned (a) A hunter (b) A patrolling car
(c) An another tiger (d) A deer
21. The free tiger could hide itself behind the Ans : 2008, 2003
(a) Banayan tree (b) Long grass (b) Patrolling car
(c) Cage (d) Big stone
Ans : 2010
29. At night the tiger imprisoned could only do of
(b) Long grass (a) Moving inside the cage
(b) Grambling
22. Snarling means
(c) Eating his stored food
(a) Buzzing sound in the jungle
(d) Staring the stars

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2007 Ans : 2005

(d) Staring the stars (d) angry

30. The patrolling cars come to _____ at night. 38. How are the pads of a tiger?
(a) Vigilate the zoo (b) Kill the tiger (a) velvet (b) rough
(c) Take the animals (d) Visit the place (c) hard (d) all of these
Ans : 2006 Ans : 2004, 2001

(a) Vigilate the zoo (a) velvet

31. What sound does the tiger hear at night? 39. What does the tiger hunt near the water hole?
(a) Patrolling cars (b) Flowing river (a) lions (b) elephants
(c) Truck Horn (d) All of these (c) deer (d) all of these
Ans : 2006 Ans : 2004

(a) Patrolling cars (c) deer

32. Where is the tiger’s strength locked? 40. Where do the tigers hunt the deer?
(a) behind the jungle (b) behind the bars (a) in the cage (b) near the water hole
(c) behind his nature (d) None of these (c) near the cage (d) all of these
Ans : 2006 Ans : 2004

(b) behind the bars (b) near the water hole

33. How should the tiger walk through the grass? 41. Where should the tiger be snarling?
(a) With great difficulty (a) at the jungle’s edge (b) at the cage’s edge
(b) With ease (c) in the cage (d) all of these
(c) With practice Ans : 2003

(a) at the jungle’s edge

(d) None of these
Ans : 2006
42. A tiger Is happy when _____.
(b) With ease
(a) he is in the cage
34. How does the tiger walk in the cage? (b) he is near the cage
(a) With sadness (b) With Happiness (c) he frightens the visitors
(c) With confusion (d) With pride (d) he is free in the forest
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2003

(d) With pride (d) he is free in the forest

35. How does the tiger feel in the cage? 43. What is ‘brilliant’ in the poem ‘Tiger in the Zoo’ ?
(a) he was in sad mood (a) the tiger’s eyes (b) the stars
(b) he was in happy mood (c) both a and b (d) none of these
(c) he was in angry mood Ans : 2001

(c) both a and b

(d) he was in surprised
Ans : 2005

(c) he was in angry mood Short Answer Type Question

36. What does a tiger have on his body? 1. How does Leslie Norris use vivid imagery and
(a) spots (b) stripes metaphorical language in, A Tiger in the Zoo, to
(c) stars (d) all of these effectively depict the confinement and oppression,
Ans : 2005 experienced by the captive tiger.
(b) stripes Ans : 2023

Leslie Norris use vivid imagery and metaphorical

37. How does a tiger feel in a cage? language in ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’, to effectively
(a) happy (b) contented depict the confinement and oppression,
(c) free (d) angry experienced by the captive tiger. Phrases such as
‘vivid stripes’ and ‘pads of velvet quiet’ define

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the tiger’s physical beauty. However, metaphor 7. Write the appropriate response comprising of
like ‘quiet rage’ and ‘ignoring visitors’ depict the at least two reasons to present a counter to the
animal’s frustration of being captivated in a small following:
cage. You may begin this way: That’s just one-sided. Zoos
are beneficial too. Firstly, they…………………
2. It is said that an animal’s eyes have the power to (continue)……
speak a great language. Explain with reference to Ans : 2021
the tiger. That’s just one-sided. Zoos are beneficial too.
Ans : 2021
Firstly they provide a glimpse of the vast wildlife
The tiger is ignoring the visitors depicts that he in a safe and secure environment. Secondly, the
does not want to make eye contact with them. His animals on the verge of extinction can be taken
eyes want to say that he is angry with humans. care of in a simulated environment and restored
His act of staring at the stars shows his desire to to grow their numbers. Animals get a friendly
live in the open sky. place to live after their natural habitats vanish.
3. How does the poem point to the cruelty of animals 8. On pads of velvet quiet,
in captivity? In his quite rage.
Ans : 2021
Who is referred to here? Why does he express his
The poem hints at the cruelty of animals in
anger quietly?
captivity by thinking about their natural habitat
Ans : 2014, 2009
and habits. The poet imagines how a tiger attacks
A tiger caged in the zoo is referred to here. He
a deer near the water hole, terrorises the villagers
expresses his anger quietly because he is in the
living on the outskirts and snarls at night.
confines of his cage, restricted and quite helpless
4. The poet celebrates the strength of the tiger in and he is unable to do anything about it.
this poem. Counter the statement.
9. The tigers in the poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’
Ans : 2021
has some obvious limitations, describe them in
The poet points out that he is stalking in a small
contrast to its natural habitat.
space instead of chasing his prey in the vast forest.
Ans : 2013
His quiet rage has replaced loud roars and velvety
Tiger in the zoo was confined to a small space. He
paws have substituted his sharp claws.
was angry that he couldn’t be free to move, hunt
5. Do you think the tiger in the poem had lost its and do what he pleased forced to be a showpiece;
natural instinct due to captivity? Support your and the cage’s bars obstructed his view of the
response with evidence from the poem. starry night. This was all unlike his natural
Ans : 2021 habitat where he hunted fiercely and slept fitfully.
Tiger is a carnivorous animal and is known for 10. What do you understand by ‘His strength behind
its sharp and sudden attack on other animals and bars’ ? What kind of a cage is he locked in ?
humans. Even after being surrounded by people Ans : 2012
he is attacking nobody. He is full of anger but The tiger is wretched in its cage. His power is
his rage has turned quiet. He is no more than confined behind the bars. He was locked in a
a showpiece or toy for entertainment. All these small cage where he is devoid of freedom. He feels
points show that he has lost his natural instinct unhappy, frustrated, restless and angry.
due to captivity.
11. What is the theme of the poem ?
6. What do you think the tiger would say to you, O
as a visitor? You may begin like this: Please What message does the poet want to convey
stop staring. You have no idea……………
through the poem ‘Tiger in the Zoo’ ?
(continue)………. Ans : 2012
Ans : 2021
The poet wants to convey that it is cruel to keep
Please stop staring. You have no idea how much
the wild animals in small enclosures of the zoo,
it hurts to live within this cage for 24 hours.
away from their natural habitat. They feel angry,
Moreover, you and your children throw food and
helpless and unhappy and remember their life and
other objects at me. You take selfies with me
environment in the forest.
without my permission. Change the places once
and experience my pain and suffering and you will 12. Why do you think the tiger was stalking in the
know yourself how much it hurts.

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cage ? What does it show ? was very small. So, he moves very slowly in a
Ans : 2010 threatening way as his freedom has been curtailed.
I think the tiger was feeling restless and uneasy
in that small cage. He seems to be frustrated and 19. Where should the tiger have been according to
helpless as he could not come out of the cage the poet ?
in the open and enjoy his freedom. He did not Ans : 2006, 2002

want to be a mere showpiece and a source of According to the poet, the tiger should have been
entertainment for the human beings. in the jungle, lurking in the shadow of long grass,
waiting for his prey, a plump deer, somewhere
13. Is it safe to allow tigers to live in their natural near a water hole. He should be on the outskirts
habitat these days ? of the jungle snarling, growing and terrorising the
Ans : 2010, 2008 villagers and not in the concrete cell of the zoo.
Although it is ideal for tigers to live in the wild,
today, it will mean certain death for them. Fast 20. Why should the tiger snarl around houses at the
diminishing jungles and danger posed by poachers edge of the forest ?
have pushed tigers to the brink of extinction, Ans : 2006

making their natural home unsafe. The tiger loves his natural habitat but human
beings are encroaching upon his habitat. So, he
14. Stalking the length of his cage, tends to make his presence felt by showing his
Ignoring visitors. fangs and claws. He wants to scare the people
What is the tiger doing? Why is he ignoring the so that they learn to respect wildlife and their
visitors? habitat.
Ans : 2008

The tiger is moving inside his cage. He is ignoring 21. How does the tiger prepare himself for hunting
visitors because he does not like to be confined when he is in his natural habitat-the jungle ?
in the cage. He would rather wander about in his Ans : 2006

natural habitat, the jungle. The mighty tiger roams freely in his natural
habitat - the wilds. He knows how to ambush
15. “But he’s locked in a concrete cell.” How does the his prey. He waits for his prey lurking unseen in
tiger behave in a concrete cell ? the shadow of trees. He slides through the long
Ans : 2008 grass quite unnoticed. He comes to the water hole
The tiger is locked in a strong and solid concrete where he can find his favourite prey - plump deer.
cell of the zoo. His strength is restrained behind
the bars of the cell. He is walking in his cell in a 22. ‘He stalks in his vivid stripes.” Elaborate this line
proud and stiff manner without taking any notice describing how does the tiger look in his cage?
of the visitors. The tiger is wretched in its cage as Ans : 2005

his power is confined behind the bars. The tiger has sharp, clear stripes on his body. He
looks majestic as he moves slowly and quietly in
16. “He hears the last voice at night.” What kind of his cage. He has soft velvety pads. He makes no
voice is it ? What does the tiger do at night ? noise as he moves. He has brilliant shining eyes.
Ans : 2007

While in the cage of the zoo, the tiger hears at 23. What does the tiger do in his cage?
night the last voice of the patrolling cars which Ans : 2005

keep watch over the area. At night, he stares at It is a very small cage. The tiger can hardly take a
the very bright stars with his bright eyes. few steps along the length of the cage. He doesn’t
take any notice of the visitors who come there.
17. How does the tiger move in the cage in the zoo ? With his shining eyes, he keeps looking at the
Ans : 2007 bright stars.
The tiger, with vivid stripes on his body and soft
velvet pads, walks slowly in anger. He is in a quiet 24. What would the tiger have been doing if he were
rage as he is has been put in a small cage and has in the jungle?
hardly any space to walk freely. Ans : 2005

The tiger would have been lurking in the shadows

18. Explain the line, ‘The few steps of his cage’. of trees. He would have been sliding slowly
Ans : 2007 through the long grass or sitting by some water
The tiger was locked in a concrete cell. He could hole and waiting for some plump deer to pass that
take only a few steps in the cage because the cage way.

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25. What would the tiger have been doing if he were Ans : 2021

at the edge of the jungle?

Tiger's Accusations Man's Defence
Ans : 2003

The tiger would have been moving around the 1. You have been Our ancestors hunted
houses in a nearby village. He would have been killing us for our you to show off hair
growling while moving around. The sight of his velvety skin manhoood. We have
white fangs’ and his terrible claws would have prohibited all sorts of
filled the villagers with terror. hunting and killing of
animals.
26. Why do you think the tiger looks at the stars?
2. You have encroached We are making zoos
Ans : 2003
on our natural and national parks
The tiger has lost all hope from men. Now, he has
habitat to safeguard your
hope from heaven only. It is this hope that has
species
kept the brilliance in his eyes. That is why the
tiger looks at the brilliant stars with his brilliant
eyes. 3. The tiger in the poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’
presents a contrasting image with the tiger in
the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’. Compare
and contrast the two tigers with reference to the
manner in which they have been presented in
both poems.
Ans : 2021

The two tigers have been depicted with a sharp

Long Answer Type Question contrast in two different poems. The main point
of difference is as follows-
1. Imagine the tiger writing a diary entry conveying The poem – A tiger in the zoo – talks about
how he feels helpless, angry and frustrated in the the life and mental status of a tiger who is put
concrete cell. He writes about his desire to be free. behind bars in a cage. He is calm and helpless. He
Write that diary entry. You may begin like this: is strolling inside a limited area in his cage. He
15 October 2020, Thursday 9:00 might be missing his days of freedom. He is angry
pm with visitors at the zoo but he prefers to ignore
I feel so vulnerable and annoyed at my state. them and does not roar or attack anyone.
I don’t know if I can ever be a free denizen of Whereas the second poem – How to tell wild
the forest. animals – references an Asian lion whose roar is
enough to push anyone towards death. This large
Ans : 2021
and tawny animal lives freely in the jungles of the
15 October 2020, Thursday 9:00 pm East. He is looking for his prey and might not
I feel so vulnerable and annoyed at my state. ignore the visitors in the jungle.
I don’t know if I can ever be a free denizen of
4. Some animals are becoming extinct; the tiger is
the forest. I love to eat the fresh meat of a deer
one such animal. What do you think could be
or cow after chasing them for hours. Frozen or
the reason? Should this decrease in number be
stale food is not my cup of tea.
stopped ? Why?
Just eating and lying idle makes me fat and
Ans : 2020
chubby. But, I like to flaunt my muscular body. I
The primary threats to the survival of tigers
am born to live in an open jungle. I am the king
are poaching and habitat loss due to intensive
of a forest and I feel suffocated in this concrete
development. The tigers are getting extinct.
cell. Why do humans interfere in our life and
The tigers are on the list of endangered species
spoil our natural ecosystem? They should mind
and the reason behind it is human interference.
their own business.
Humans hunt tigers for their commercial benefits.
The loss of habitats also leads to a reduction in
2. Imagine that Man has been accused by the tiger prey animals, so the area can support fewer tigers.
of cruelty in an animal court. What would be Moreover, tigers are poached for trophies such
the tiger’s two major accusations and how would as teeth and fur and for traditional medicines.
Man defend them? Present your answer in two The growing population clears the forest areas to
paragraphs. make them agricultural land for food. This create

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

proble of tiger’s habitat. Tigers are the backbone to nature.

of food web and forest, hence should be protected.
7. Freedom is such an essential virtue that is valued
5. Animals, big and small, are being used by humans not only by human beings but also by animals
for their selfish ends ? What is your opinion alike. Justify the statement with reference to
regarding the exploitation of animals ? Leslie Norris’s poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’.
Mention some examples that you can see a
Ans : 2015, 2014
possible solution to this problem. Freedom is an essential virtue valued by all. Not
Ans : 2018
only humans but even the denizens of the forest
It is true that animals, big and small are being used
value it. No one knows it better than a caged tiger
by humans for their selfish ends. We use them for
in a zoo. Animals, particularly the animals of the
our own benefits. Animals are killed, poached and
wilds, feel free only in their natural habitats. Any
captured for commercial benefits. Humans have
attempt to ‘domesticate’ ferocious and mighty
encroached on their space and sheltered them in
animals like lions or tigers by locking them in
zoos which is truly inhuman. In the poem, the poet
concrete cells will be against natural justice.
has showed the plight of a tiger. He is captured and
The tiger roams around in the jungle hunting its
confined in a small cage. He is frustrated, angry and
prey at will. He rarely kills his prey for sport.
restless. It longs for freedom. Confinement brings
He kills them only when he is hungry. He knows
bondage and bondage is cruelty.
how to ambush his prey. He lurks unnoticed in
Everyday we see many animals suffering due
the long grass before pouncing upon his prey. He
to humans. Monkeys bears captured and made to
also knows where he can find his favourite plump
dance on roads. Elephants are chained and forced
deer. He may come out of the forest sometimes
to lift heavy loads. Many animals are sheltered in
and terrorise the villagers living at the outskirts
zoos for the entertainment of human beings. They
of the jungle. But he rarely kills them, untill he
are kept in poor conditions. They are treated
is provoked.
inhumanly. We should learn to respect nature and
The same tiger feels depressed and low in
its inhabitants. After all, these animals to share
spirits when he is put behind the bars. He stalks
the earth with us.
constantly the length of his cage in his ‘quiet rage’.
6. When there is a natural habitat for tigers and He ignores the visitors and feels helpless. Behind
other wild animals, is it justified for humans to the bars, he keeps on staring at the brilliant stars
shift them from there to other locations ? Give a in the open sky. This sadly reminds him of his loss
reasonable answer to justify it. of freedom and intensifies his grief.
Ans : 2017
8. Animals are being used by human beings for their
The tiger in the poem is wretched in its cage. It
selfish ends, for recreation and entertainment.
longs for freedom. It may be well looked after,
What do you feel about the exploitation of
but the fact of the matter is that unless one is
animals?
free, one is not alive. It is rightly said that love
Ans : 2010
for freedom is the natural instinct of every living
It is true that animals, big and small, are being
being. Everyone loves freedom and does not want
used by humans for their selfish ends. We use
to live in confinement. Similarly, the tiger also
them for our own benefits. Animals are killed,
longed for freedom. He was so fed up being caged
poached and captured for commercial benefits.
that he even ignored the visitors. He took to and
Humans have encroached upon their space and
fro steps in the cage as if trying to while away the
sheltered them in zoos which is truly inhuman.
time. The tiger wanted to escape this captivity.
In the poem, the poet has shown the plight of
Confinement brings bondage, and bondage is
a tiger. He is captured and confined to a small
cruelty. One may argue that at least this way
cage. He is frustrated, angry and restless. He
the tigers or animals in general will not be killed
longs for freedom. Confinement brings bondage
and become extinct. However, taking away one’s
and bondage is cruelty. Every day we see many
freedom to keep one alive kill the desire to live
animals suffering due to human callousness.
anyhow. Even humans throughout the world
Monkeys are captured and made to dance on
oppose the chains of slavery and oppression. How
roads, elephants are chained and forced to lift
are other living creatures any different ? Humans
heavy loads. Many animals are sheltered in zoos
have encroached on their space, and sheltering
for the entertainment of human beings. They
them in zoos is truly inhuman. Humans must
are kept in poor conditions. They are treated
learn to respect nature, for humans exist only due

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inhumanly We should learn to respect nature and The few steps of his cage on pads of velvet
its inhabitants. After all, these animals too share quiet in his ‘quiet rage.’
the earth with us. Ans : 2024

i. In its natural habitat, the tiger would roam

9. “And stares with his brilliant eyes, At the brilliant
freely in the jungle, whereas in the zoo, it is
stars”. How does this line sum up the condition of
confined to a cage, highlighting the contrast
the tigers in the zoo? What is expected of human
beings in this regard? between its freedom and captivity.
Ans : 2008 ii. The speaker insinuates that the tiger’s natural
The tiger in the poem is wretched in its cage. behavior involves roaming freely in its jungle
It longs for freedom. It may be well looked habitat, near human settlements, where it can
after, but the fact of the matter is that unless assert its dominance and instill fear, unlike
one is free, one is not alive. Confinement brings the confined and restricted environment of
bondage, and bondage is cruelty. One may argue the zoo.
that at least this way they all will not be killed
and become extinct. However, taking away
iii. The poet vividly portrays the tiger’s captivity
one’s freedom to keep one alive kills the desire
and frustration by contrasting its natural
to live anyhow. Even human beings throughout
the world oppose the chains of slavery and habitat with the confines of the cage. Through
oppression. But they are inhuman towards other imagery like “vivid stripes” and “quiet rage,”
living creatures. Human beings have encroached the poem evokes the sense of confinement and
upon their space, and are sheltering them in zoos captivity experienced by the tiger.
which is truly inhuman. Human beings must iv. Suppressed anger.
learn to respect nature.
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follow :
Extract Based Question But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
1. Read the extract given below and answer the Stalking the length of his cage,
questions that follow : Ignoring visitors.
He stalks in his vivid stripes
i. Why is the tiger ‘stalking the length of his
The few steps of his cage,
cage’ ?
On pads of velvet quiet,
ii. What is the significance of the use of the word
In his quiet rage.
‘locked’ to describe the concrete cell where
He should be lurking in shadow,
the tiger is kept and how does it contrast with
Sliding through long grass
the tiger’s presence in its natural habitat ?
Near the water pole
Answer in about 40 words.
Where plump deer pass.
He should be snarling around houses iii. Complete the sentence with the appropriate
At the jungle’s edge, option :
Baring his white fangs, his claws, The lines from the poem tell us that the tiger
Terrorising the village! is _____.
i. State any one point of contrast between the (a) enjoying his time in the cell
tiger in the zoo and in its natural habitat. (b) being indifferent to visitors because it is a
ii. When the speaker suggests that the tiger daily routine for him
should be “Snarling around houses at the (c) not as strong as his counterpart in the
jungle’s edge”? What does he insinuate about jungle
the tiger’s natural behaviour and habitat? (d) wanting to be free from the cage
iii. The poet’s skillful use of imagery effectively iv. Identify the type of literary device used in the
depicts the confinement and frustration of the line:
tiger. Elaborate in about 40 words. ‘But he’s locked in a concrete cell’
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute Ans : 2024

‘quiet rage’ in the given sentence from the i. The tiger is ‘stalking the length of his cage’
extract ? likely due to a natural instinct to move and a

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jungle gives it more fascination and interest but in (a) metaphor (b) assonance
the captivity all such things come to a standstill. (c) Oxymoron (d) Consonance
It is true that their protection or keeping Ans : 2020
them in a zoo is a must. It provides handsome (d) Consonance
knowledge to the public because one cannot go
in the jungles for fear of being killed. Further 7. Why should he be lurking in shadow?
we know that in a free atmosphere one attains (a) out of fear (b) out of anger
the plump personality very soon but the life in
(c) to catch the deer (d) both a and b
prison is nothing but a living hell.
Ans : 2020

(c) to catch the deer

7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS 8. By “ignoring visitors”, what is the poet trying
to say?
Multiple Choice
Type Question (a) tiger knows his power is restricted
1. The poem draws a contrast between _____ and (b) there is no use of showing rage
_____. (c) he is less terrorising because of the cage
(a) animals, human beings (d) all of the above
(b) tiger in a zoo, tiger in a forest Ans : 2016

(d) all of the above

(c) tiger in a zoo, humans
(d) humans, tiger in forest 9. What describes “tiger in a cell”?
Ans : 2021
(a) Locked in concrete cell
(b) tiger in a zoo, tiger in a forest
(b) snarling around houses
2. What has been personified in the poem? (c) shadow, long grass
(a) tiger (b) forest (d) baring his white fangs
(c) zoo (d) all of these Ans : 2016

Ans : 2021
(a) Locked in concrete cell
(a) tiger
10. What described “tiger in a jungle”?
3. Name the poetic device used in the line “In his (a) Locked in concrete cell
quiet rage”. (b) his strength behind bars
(a) metaphor (b) assonance (c) ignoring visitors
(c) Oxymoron (d) Consonance (d) baring his white fangs
Ans : 2021 Ans : 2015
(c) Oxymoron (d) baring his white fangs

4. Name the poetic device used in the line “He stalks 11. At what does the tiger look at in night?
in his vivid stripes”. (a) Patrolling cars (b) His House
(a) metaphor (b) assonance (c) Stars (d) All of these
(c) Oxymoron (d) Consonance Ans : 2015
Ans : 2021 (c) Stars
(d) Consonance
12. How do the eyes of the tiger look?
5. Name the poetic device used in the line “On pads (a) Sad (b) brilliant
of velvet quiet”. (c) dark (d) Light
(a) metaphor (b) assonance Ans : 2014, 2011

(c) Oxymoron (d) Consonance (b) brilliant

Ans : 2021

(a) metaphor 13. How does the caged tiger react to the visitors?
(a) He ignores them (b) With a happy face
6. Name the poetic device used in the line “Baring (c) With a sad face (d) Proudly
his white fangs,his claws”.

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5. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follows :
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
i. According to the extract, the poet wishes for
the tiger to be ‘sliding’ through the foliage as
this would
(a) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of
the predator’s sound.
(b) aid in camouflaging the presence of the
predator before it rushes in.
(c) help the predator pounce on the prey
comfortably without getting tired.
(d) support the predator’s vision as it eyes its
prey.
ii. Fill the blank with one word.
‘Shadow’ here, refers to the shadow of long
_____
iii. What is the poet trying to convey in the given
extract? Answer in about 40 words.
iv. Which word in the extract means the same as
‘fat’ ?
Ans : 2020

i. (a) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of

the predator’s sound.
ii. grass
iii. In these lines, the poet is filled with sorrow for
the caged tiger. He feels that a tiger should
be free in his natural habitat. He should be
hiding in the shadows and quietly moving
through the long grass near the water hole.
He should be waiting for a fat and healthy
deer to pass, in the hopes of getting a heavy
meal. The poet wants to convey that the
actual life of a tiger is in a jungle and not in
a cage.
iv. plump



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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

Chapter 4

H ow to Tell Wild Animals

1. INTRODUCTION creature. We can always find it on the trees in

the forest.
‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ is a humorous poem Thus we can differentiate different types of forest
by the poet Carolyn Wells. This poem suggests animals. We can enjoy their roaming, activities;
some dangerous ways to identify wild animals. habits and stay in the jungle. It will give us
The poet gives a beautiful description of the knowledge as well as happiness.
Asian Lion and the Bengal Tiger. Then she points
out about the Leopard and the Bear. She also
describes the Hyena for its smiling face and the 3. Explanation
crocodile for its tears. Later, the poet describes
how the Chameleon changes its colour. Basically, Stanza 1
in this poem the poet describes the wildlife vividly “If ever you should go by chance
and in a lively manner. To jungles in the east;
And if there should to you advance
2. Summary A large and tawny beast,
If he roars at you as you’re dyin
Identification Between the Lion and the Tiger You’ll know it is the Asian Lion.”
The poet asks his readers if they happen to visit a
jungle in the east, and if a large and tawny animal Word Meaning
advances and roars at them, it is the Asian Lion. 1. Tawny - brownish yellow in color
Then he tells about a polite type of forest animal.
2. Beast - a dangerous animal
It is the Bengal Tiger. It has black stripes on
his body. Being a noble beast, it may greet you. Explanation
Through their natures, we can identify particular The poet warns us against a chance meeting
animals. with one of the wild beasts that roam about in
the forests of the East. A terrible and ferocious
Difference Between a Leopard and a Bear
brownish-yellow colour beast can be noticed
The skin of a leopard has spots over its body. It
approaching us. And if that beast frightens us to
goes on strolling in the forest. It has the nature
death with its loud roar, then we can be sure it is
of attacking the other. So we must know it to be
the Asian Tiger.
the leopard. It will go on leaping on us. While
walking in our yard, we may come across a bear. Stanza 2
It will hug and love us. It will give us a touch of
love. While differentiating these wild animals a “Or if some time when roaming round,
new person can feel confusion. A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground,
Crocodile and Hyena
Just notice if he eats you.
The poet tells that a crocodile shows sadness
This simple rule may help you learn
because it will fall on its victim immediately.
The Bengal Tiger to discern.”
Another animal hyena is a happy looking animal.
Strolling- to walk in a relaxed manner
It will fascinate a person with its smiling face
but attacks treacherously. Word Meaning
Chameleon and Lizard 1. Discern - make out
The poet tells that a chameleon has neither ears 2. Ground - background
nor wings. It is like a lizard. It is a small type of

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Page 520 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

Explanation Tell from the Hyena thus :

The poet tells us that if we come across another Hyenas come with merry smiles;
animal in the forest and the approaching animal But if they weep they’re Crocodiles.”
has black stripes on a yellow hide and we are
impressed with its size and majesty and if it eats Word Meaning
us, then the simple rule would be that it might 1. Novice - someone new to a job
have been a Bengal Tiger. 2. Nonplus - be puzzle
Stanza 3 Explanation
The poet once again warns us that a novice may
“If strolling forth, a beast you view, not be able to distinguish between animals he
Whose hide with spots is peppered, comes across in a forest. Hence the poet helps us
As soon as he has lept on you, to differentiate between a crocodile and a hyena.
You’ll know it is the Leopard. A hyena always laughs when it swallows its victim
Twill do no good to roar with pain, and it resembles a human laughing. A crocodile
He’ll only lep and lep again.” shed tears while eating its victim. Thus, the poet
warns us not to wait for a hyena to laugh or a
Word Meaning crocodile to weep.
1. Hide - animal skin
2. Peppered - covered with spots Stanza 6
Explanation “The true Chameleon is small,
The poet now introduces us to another animal in A lizard sort of a thing;
the forest. He tells us that if we come across an He hasn’t any ears at all,
animal which has spots on its body and it jumps And not a single wing.
on us, then surely it is a Leopard. It can tear us If there is nothing on the tree,
apart. It will be of no use to cry because it would It’s the chameleon you see.”
still jump on us. So we have to be careful.
Word Meaning
Stanza 4 1. ‘It’s - it is
“If when you are walking around your yard, 2. Chameleon - small lizard that can change its
You meet a creature there, color
Who hugs you very, very hard, Explanation
Be sure it is a Bear. The poet gives a description of a chameleon which
If you have any doubts, I guess can be found in a garden. It is a small lizard which
He’ll give you just one more caress.” doesn’t have ears or wings. We will be unable to
see it on a tree even when it is sitting there. It is
Word Meaning an expert in camouflage. It changes colour as per
1. Yard - a piece of land its surroundings which helps it to escape danger.
2. Caress - love fondly
Explanation
The poet now tells us if we are walking in a-yard
4. Literary Devices
and some animal comes and gives a tight hug, then “How to Tell Wild Animals” is a poem of six
we can be sure it is a Bear. Bears are thought to stanzas, making a total of 36 lines. The rhyme
be very good wrestlers so, it will give us a really scheme of the poem is ‘ababcc’.
tight hug. Though a friendly hug is called a bear- 1. Tone : The poet narrates the poem in a
hug but when an actual bear hugs us it may not humorous tone. Her descriptions of how
be that friendly because it hugs us to kill. If we animals like tiger, lion and leopard kill are
have any doubts, then we can be sure when a bear intended to make us laugh. Her statement
actually hugs us to death. about a bear hug is also an example of
humorous tone employed in the poem.
Stanza 5
2. Imagery : The use of descriptive language
“Though to distinguish beasts of prey
by a poet or an author that helps the reader
A novice might nonplus,
to visualise the pictures in one’s mind. For
The crocodile you always may
example, the image of Bengal tiger is created

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

on the tree, ‘Tie the Chameleon you see”, he (a) adds an incorrect option.
refers to _____ as characteristic trait of a (b) it is associated with beasts.
true Chameleon. (c) it rhymes and adds humour.
ii. What does the speaker mean when he says, (d) it simplifies the meaning.
“A lizard sort of thing” ? Ans : 2023

iii. Which of the following best describes the i. (a) tears

speaker’s disposition while describing the ii. False
Chameleon ?
iii. (d) beginner
(a) indifferent (b) playful
iv. the weeping of crocodiles while swallowing its
(c) dismissive (d) respectful prey and laughter of hyenas while attacking
iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in its prey.
these lines. Answer in about 40 words. v. (c) it rhymes and adds humour.
Ans : 2024

i. Camouflage/Changeability 3. Read the extract given below and answer the

ii. a chameleon - very similar to a lizard but not questions that follows :
a lizard. If when you’re walking round your yard
You meet a creature there, Who hugs you
iii. (b) playful
very, very hard, Be sure it is a Bear,
iv. The poet employs humor in the above lines to
If you have any doubts, I guess
describe the character traits of a chameleon.
He’ll give you just one more caress.
Despite their potentially dangerous nature,
i. How a bear can be recognised by you?
the poet introduces them in a lighthearted
manner. Furthermore, the poet explains (a) By its skin colour
that chameleons possess the remarkable (b) By its roar
ability to change their color to match their (c) By its body size
surroundings, showcasing their adaptability. (d) By its tight hug
ii. How will you judge the poet’s style of writing
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
in the given extract?
questions that follow :
Though to distinguish beasts of prey iii. How does the poet describe the bear in the
A novice might nonplus, extract?
The crocodiles you always may iv. Would you agree that the poet has an in-
Tell from the Hyena thus: depth knowledge of the wild? Support the
Hyenas come with merry smiles; statement in context of the poem from which
But if they weep they’re crocodiles. the given lines are taken. Answer in about 40
i. Select the appropriate option to complete the words.
sentence, according to the extract : Ans : 2021

Crocodiles can be identified by their _____. i. (d) By its tight hug

(a) tears (b) attitude ii. The poet’s manner and style of writing in the
(c) smiles (d) attacks given extract is humorous.
ii. State whether the following statement is True iii. The poet describes the bear in a humourous
or False: way. He says that as soon as a bear sees a human
Hyenas are famous for weeping. being, it hugs him tightly. It clasps its prey very
iii. ‘Novice’ in line 2 means the same as: tightly with both his hands and squeezes him
to death. If he is still alive, it gives him another
(a) learner (b) beast
tight hug to kill him.
(c) tender foot (d) beginner
iv. No, the poet does not seem to have an in-
iv. In this extract the poet has presented two depth knowledge of the animals of the wild.
different behavioural traits of animals. They This is so because her descriptions are very
are _____. common place. People are aware of the general
v. The post uses ‘A novice might nonplus” features that the poet describes in the poem.
instead of the novice might get confused. How
does this usage impact the poem?

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6. Can you find other examples of poets taking 3. Which animal’s roar is enough to kill you?
liberties with language, either in English or in (a) Asian Lion (b) Bengal Tiger
your own language(s) ? Can you find examples of
(c) Leopard (d) Bear
humorous poems in your own language(s)?
Ans : 2020
Ans :
(a) Asian Lion
It is right that much of the humour in the poem
arises from the way language is used. But, in 4. Which animal is she referring to when she says,
the poem, we find many instances of humorous “A noble wild beast greets you”?
situations also. The way one can find the wild
(a) Asian Lion (b) Bengal Tiger
animals is itself presented in a very funny manner.
One has to sacrifice one’s life just to know or to (c) Leopard (d) Bear
identify various animals. But the lines which I like Ans : 2020

most in the poem are : (b) Bengal Tiger

“Hyenas come with merry smiles ; But if they
5. Which animal do you find while walking in a
weep they’re Crocodiles”.
I like these lines because, first of all, these yard?
lines tell us about the fact that the hyenas are (a) Asian Lion (b) Bengal Tiger
the only animals who can laugh. But the most (c) Leopard (d) Bear
humorous point in the second line is the mockery Ans : 2020
on the crocodiles who weep. It is an established (d) Bear
fact that the crocodiles shed fake tears when they
swallow their victim. 6. How does a bear kill you?
(a) By hugging you hard
7. Much of the humour in the poem arises from the
(b) with its roar
way language is used, although the ideas are funny
as well. If there are particular lines in the poem (c) by taking a leap on you
that you especially like, share these with the class, (d) None of the Above
speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas Ans : 2015

or the language that you like or find funny. (a) By hugging you hard
Ans :
The following lines show humour in this poem : 7. Which animals are the beasts of prey?
1. He roars at you as you’re dying. (a) Hyena (b) Crocodile
2. Twill do no good to roar with pain, (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
3. Hyena comes with merry smiles. Ans : 2015

(c) Both (a) and (b)

4. A true Chameleon is small.
8. Who cries while catching their prey?
(a) Hyena (b) Crocodile
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
Ans : 2015
Multiple Choice
Type Question (b) Crocodile
1. Who is the author of “How tell wild animals”? 9. Who smiles while catching their prey?
(a) Paulo Coehlo (b) Roald Dahl (a) Hyena (b) Crocodile
(c) Carolyn Wells (d) Arup Kumar Dutta (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2014
(c) Carolyn Wells (a) Hyena
2. Which animal would you find in the jungles of 10. What is the difference between a chameleon and
the east? a lizard?
(a) Asian Lion (b) Bengal Tiger (a) Chameleon doesn’t have ears and wings
(c) Leopard (d) Bear (b) Lizards don’t have ears and wings
Ans : 2021

(a) Asian Lion (c) Lizards don’t have wings

(d) Chameleons doesn’t have wings

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2013
(d) How to Tell Wild Animals
(a) Chameleon doesn’t have ears and wings Ans : 2010

(d) How to Tell Wild Animals

11. Name the literary device used in the line “He
hasn’t any ears at all”. 19. Where are the Asian Lions found?
(a) Assonance (b) Inversion (a) Eastern countries of the world
(c) Enjambment (d) Alliteration (b) Northern countries of the world
Ans : 2012
(c) Southern countries of the world
(d) Alliteration
(d) Western countries of the world
12. Where is the Chameleon generally found? Ans : 2010

(a) Eastern countries of the world

(a) In the Garden (b) In the trees.
(c) In the sky. (d) In the land. 20. What is the special feature of the Bengal Tiger?
Ans : 2012
(a) white stripes on his yellow body.
(b) In the trees.
(b) black stripes on his white body.
13. The poet was talking about the jungle of _____ (c) red stripes on his yellow body.
in the first stanza of the poem. (d) black stripes on his yellow body.
(a) North (b) South Ans : 2008

(c) East (d) West (d) black stripes on his yellow body.
Ans : 2012
21. The poet makes a guess that the beast will give
(c) East
you
14. What is the special feature of the crocodile? (a) a merry laugh (b) a good roar
(a) weeps while eating its prey. (c) a loving touch (d) a pleasant smile
(b) happy while eating its prey. Ans : 2008

(c) a loving touch

(c) angry while eating its prey
(d) none of the above. 22. How is the Bengal Tiger described?
Ans : 2011
(a) Noble dinosaur (b) Noble wild beast
(a) weeps while eating its prey.
(c) Noble dragon (d) None of these
15. Which animal looks like a lizard? Ans : 2007

(b) Noble wild beast

(a) Crocodile (b) Hyena
(c) Chameleon (d) Giraffe 23. What is the special feature of the Hyena?
Ans : 2011
(a) Merry smiles (b) Sadness
(c) Chameleon
(c) Hapiness (d) None of these
16. A lion could kill man with its simple Ans : 2005

(a) Merry smiles

(a) Look (b) Roar
(c) Paws (d) Jab 24. How is the leopard’s skin?
Ans : 2011
(a) has stripes on his skin
(b) Roar
(b) has holes on his skin
17. Who would huh you while walking in the yard? (c) has spots on his skin
(a) Deer (b) Giraffe (d) none of the above
(c) Bear (d) Leopard Ans : 2005

Ans : 2010, 2009 (c) has spots on his skin

(c) Bear
25. The chameleon has been compared to
18. From which poem has this stanza been taken? (a) a rabbit (b) a lizard
(a) Dust of Snow (c) a mouse (d) a snake
(b) The Ball Poem Ans : 2003

(b) a lizard
(c) Amanda

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Page 524 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

Short Answer Type Question skin meets us and if he starts eating us, we can
recognise that it is the Bengal Tiger.
1. What is the poet’s purpose in using behavioural
cues like roaring, smiling, or weeping in the poem 7. How do you know that it is the leopard who leaps
‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ ? and leaps again ?
Ans : 2023 Ans : 2017

The purpose is to educate the reader humorously According to the poet, if while roaming round, we
and playfully about identifying wild animals happen to see a beast whose skin is covered with
based on their behaviours. By associating specific round small spots and he suddenly jumps at us,
behaviours with certain animals, the poet makes we will know that it is the leopard, who will leap
the information more memorable and engaging. and leap again at us. After that it will be of no
The use of these cues adds an entertaining use if we cry with pain.
element to the educational content, making it
accessible and enjoyable for readers and creating 8. How can you differentiate between a hyena and a
a memorable and light-hearted exploration of the crocodile ?
animal kingdom. Ans : 2016

The poet says that we can easily differentiate

2. What is the famous saying associated with between a hyena and a crocodile because a hyena
crocodiles and what does it mean ? gives a cheerful, lively smile and laughs as it
Ans : 2020 swallows its victim. While, a crocodile weeps and
The famous saying associated with crocodiles sheds tears while swallowing his victim.
is that of ‘shedding crocodile tears’. It actually
means tears or expressions of sorrow that are 9. What does the poet tell us about the chameleon ?
insincere, and are said to be so named from a Ans : 2015

belief that crocodiles wept while devouring their The poet tells us that a chameleon is a lizard-like
prey. creature which has neither ears nor wings. It is
an expert at camouflage. If we see nothing on the
3. What is the theme of the poem ‘How to Tell Wild tree, there are chances that we are actually seeing
Animals’ ? a Chameleon because it can change its colour
Ans : 2019 according to its surroundings.
The theme of the poem is to create humour. The
poet creates humour by suggesting dangerous ways 10. How can you identify the Asian Lion and the
of identifying wild animals. You can identify most Bengal Tiger ?
of the beasts while they are attacking you. Instead Ans : 2014

of shouting for help or trying to protect yourself, The Asian lion has a very large body and a tawny
you are busy in identifying the attacker- the idea colour. He is found in the jungles of the eastern
creates humour. regions. It roars loudly which is loud enough to
terrorise a person to death.
4. Name the different animals and birds found in the The Bengal Tiger is a very grand and
jungles of the east. impressive animal. His hide is yellowish. There
Ans : 2018 are black stripes all over his body. A tiger silently
Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Hyena, Crocodiles attacks his prey.
and Chameleons.
11. How can you distinguish between a tiger and a
5. Peppered spots, tawny beast and noble wild beast leopar?
live in the jungles along-with some others. Name Ans : 2011

them. A tiger has black stripes on its yellow hide.

Ans : 2018 However, a leopard does not have any stripes. It
The leopards, the lion and the Bengal Tiger has spots peppered on its body. A tiger attacks
live along-with the bear, hyenas, crocodiles and only when it is hungry but a leopard can leap
chameleons. at anyone anytime for the pleasure of killing by
pouncing continuously on its prey.
6. How does the poet say you can identify the Bengal
Tiger ? 12. ‘If there is nothing on the tree,
Ans : 2017 ‘Tis the chameleon you see.”
If while walking aimlessly, a noble wild beast with How does the poet create humour in these lines?
black stripes on the yellow background of his Write the words that rhyme.

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2009, 2004
fact that you are petrified and scared, you will
The poet creates humour in these lines through know it is a leopard.
the way he uses language to convey the idea of
a chameleon sitting on the tree. The words ‘tree’ 19. How does the poet describe the hyena and a
and ‘see’ rhyme in the above lines. crocodile?
Ans : 2005
13. Why does the poet say that a bear’s ‘hug’ may The poet describes the crocodile and the hyena in
confuse a novice ? a funny and humorous manner The crocodile shed
Ans : 2008
tears when it approaches its victim. The hyena
It is the tendency of a bear to kill his victim by has happy smiles on its face when it hunts a prey.
embracing him. The bear hugs the victim so tight The laughter of the hyena is similar to that of a
that he usually dies. But a novice who does not human being
know the ways of a bear may misunderstand his
hug. He may think that it is a loving embrace. 20. How does the poet create humor in the poem?
Ans : 2004
14. What are the distinctive features of the Asian The poet creates humor by describing various
Lion as given in the poem? beasts of prey differently and humorously. The
Ans : 2008
humour is created by the use of words and the
The Asian Lion is a large beast. He is brownish- way the emotions of the animals are described
yellow in colour. He roars very loudly and the : The Bengal tiger is never ‘noble’ in his heart.
sound he thus makes is terrible to hear. This The leopard kills his prey in moments. The prey’s
makes one almost die due to great fear. He is crying and pleading won’t save him. The bear’s
found in the forests in the Eastern countries of hug is never loving. The hyena never smiles
Asia. That’s why he is called ‘Asian Lion’. happily.
15. How does a leopard behave when he sees someone? 21. How can you identify a lion in the forest?
Ans : 2007
Ans : 2001
A leopard has spots on his hide. These spots are If you chance to go to the jungles in the east,
black in color and appear on his yellow skin. He you can easily identify the lion as the large beast
has a great speed with which he pounces upon his will advance towards you and also by its towering
prey. As soon as he sees a prey, he leaps over him roar.
at once. He attacks it and devours it in no time.
He is terrifying and powerful.
Long Answer Type Question
16. How does the poet describe the bear?
Ans : 2006 1. ‘Many animals can be identified according to the
The poet describes the bear in a humorous way. poets’ suggestion. Name the animals. Which ones
As soon as the bear comes near a human being, would you like to identify ? Are there any lessons
he embraces him tightly. Then he starts to make for us from this poem ?
his hug tight. He starts squeezing one to death. Ans : 2022

On some occasions, he will hug him lovingly too. The poet has listed down the ways of identifying
That’s why, a warm tight hug is known ‘a bear’s seven animals in the poem, viz., the lion, the
hug’. Bengal tiger, the leopard, the bear, the hyena,
crocodiles and chameleons. As for me, I would
17. How can a chameleon be identified? like to identify the bear, the Bengal Tiger and
Ans : 2006 the leopard. However, putting my life on the line
A chameleon is a small, lizard sort of thing. It has just to identify the tiger and the leopard doesn’t
no ears and not even a single wing. If you can spot seem worth the risk! So if I see a noble beast with
nothing on a tree, then for sure you will be able to black stripes on yellow, I’ll know the tiger and the
see the chameleon. peppered spots will reveal the leopard. The bear
hug, I wouldn’t mind! The poetess, using humour,
18. How, according to the poet, can you identify a
seems to warn readers against venturing too close
leopard?
to these animals.
Ans : 2005, 2001

A leopard can be identified by the black spots on 2. The poet has successfully used humour to be able
his skin. As soon as it makes a leap on you, and to ‘tell’ or identify ‘Wild Animals’. How do you
continues to do so again and again, despite the

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think we need lots of it in our daily life ? characteristics. The Asian Lion is found in the
Ans : 2020 jungles of the eastern regions. It is a huge and
Humour is the fuel of life. Without it, it would mighty creature with brownish hide. His roar
become difficult to continue living. Today, life is enough to terrorise a person to death. The
of the common man is typically mired in stress, Bengal Tiger is a ‘noble’ and impressive wild
tension, problems and sadness. It is amazing animal. He has yellowish hide and black stripes
how the smallest problems may take on epic all over it. The Leopard has dark spots all over
proportions for a common person. In such a his body. He is very agile. The moment he sees
situation, it becomes necessary to have a little its prey, he pounces upon it without showing any
humour in life. It gives us the much needed respite mercy. The bear is known by his strong and tight
from our monotonous routine, and helps us face hug. It becomes rather difficult for a novice to
life more positively. Thus, the poetess’ successful distinguish among wild animals. However, hyenas
use of humour helps liven our minds, and brings a and crocodiles can be easily recognised. Hyenas
smile on our faces. come smiling merrily while crocodiles appear to
be weeping. The chameleon is a small creature
3. Humour is the best medicine for every ailment in like a lizard. He has no ears and doesn’t have even
life. Is the poem humorous ? Give reasons for your a single wing. You can find him sitting on a tree
answer ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’. without even knowing it is there.
Ans : 2018

The poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ is a 5. Carolyn Wells takes liberties with language and
humorous poem. Humour is infectious. When employs humour to describe the wild animals.
homour is shared, it finds people together and Give some examples of humorous descriptions in
increases happiness. Humour strengthens our the poem.
immune system, boosts our energy, diminishes Ans : 2009
pain and protects us from the damaging effects It depends on the subject matter what style a
of stress. poet chooses to adopt while writing a poem. The
The poet tells us ways to identify wild poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ describes wild
animals, only when we are going to be attacked animals and how to distinguish them. To avoid
by them. The poet could have used any other way oversimplification and monotony, the poet uses
to identify them, but the humour is that when ‘humour’ as an effective weapon. The ‘humour’
there is no way to save your life only then you can used in the poem is suggestive and mild. It is
identify a wild beast. What fun it is to know that not biting or scathing in effect. If the Asian Lion
the animal that has just attacked you is the Asian “roars at you as you’re dying”. The Bengal Tiger
Lion, the Bengal tiger or the leopard. The poet is a ‘noble’ wild beast that “greets you” when you
mentions that the bear hug that our parents give are roaming round in the jungle. The unsparing
us is quite different from the real bear hug. The Leopard will show no mercy and it will “do no
bear gives a tight hug, squeezes us tightly and good to roar with pain.” If you have any doubts,
when we cannot free ourselves we come to know the bear will “give you just one more caress.” The
that it is a bear. Also, if we are still in a doubt, poet uses subtle humour when he says: “Hyenas
it will us just give one more caress. Hence, before come with merry smiles; But if they weep, they’re
we realize that it’s a bear, we are already dead. Crocodiles”.
This is an example of how funny the whole poem
is ! The poem mention that a hyena is the only
animal that can laugh. It smiles happily as it kills Extract Based Question
its victim. On the other hand, a crocodile sheds
false tears as it swallows its victim. The poem 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
indeed is very interesting. The reader enjoys every questions that follow :
line and can vividly imagine being killed by a wild The true Chameleon is small
beast. Every stanza ends up in humour. A lizard sort of thing;
He hasn’t any ears at all,
4. Every animal is unique and has some special And not a single wing,
characteristics. What tricks does the poet adopt If there is nothing on the tree,
in distinguishing various wild animals? “Tis the Chameleon you see.
Ans : 2015
i. Fill in the blank with one word :
No doubt, every animal is unique. Every wild
When the speaker says “If there is nothing
animal has his own special trait, colour, size and

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

when we read the lines ‘A noble beast 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions

greets you, with black stripes with yellow
background. Thinking About The Poem
3. Metaphor : This poetic device is used when
a covert comparison is made between two 1. Does ‘dying’ really rhyme with ‘lion’ ? Can you
different things or ideas. Tiger’s paws are say it in such a way that it does?
compared with velvet (pads of velvet) since Ans :
both are soft and smooth when touched. If we speak the full word ‘dying’ then it does not
rhyme with lion, but if ‘g’ of dying is silent, as
4. Alliteration : Alliteration is repetition of the
the poet has done in the poems it does rhyme
same sound that is used in the beginning of with lion.
the closely placed words. The phrases ‘lep and
lep again’, ‘roaming round’, ‘very, very hard’ 2. How does the poet suggest that you identify
and ‘novice might nonplus’ are examples of the lion and the tiger ? When can you do so,
alliteration in the poem. according to him?
5. Repetition : Repetition is a poetic device that Ans : 2000

is used to repeat single words, phrases or even The poet suggests that though roaring or ‘eating’
stanzas at intervals. He’ll only lep and lep one can identify the lion or the tiger. We can do
again. Who hugs you very, very hard so according to him though eating across a large
and tawny beast or a noble wild beast with black
6. Personification : This poetic device is used to strips on a yellow ground.
bestow human qualities on something that is
not human. The poet refers to the tiger not as 3. Do you think the words ‘leapt’ and ‘leap’ in the
‘it’ but as ‘he’. In the poem, the ‘hyena’ and third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the
‘crocodile’ have been personified. The human poet spell them like this ?
qualities of ‘smiling’ and ‘weeping’ have been Ans :
given to the hyena and crocodile respectively. No, the spelling of ‘leapt’ are not correct. The
7. Irony : Irony is a poetic device that is used poet has spelt these words incorrectly for poetic
by the poets to bring humour or satire on effect.
somebody or something. It is done by giving 4. Do you know what a ‘bearhug’ is ? It’s friendly
two meanings to a word or a phrase, i.e., and strong hug-such as bears are thought to give,
surface meaning and underlying meaning. as they attack you! Again, hyenas are thought to
(i) A noble wild beast greets you. laugh, and crocodiles to weep (‘crocodile tears’)
(ii) He’ll give you just one more caress. as they swallow their victims. Are there similar
8. Poetic Licence : With the use of poetic licence, expressions and popular ideas about wild animals
the poet not only maintains the rhyme scheme in your own language (s)?
but also creates a humorous effect in the Ans :
poem. The poet has employed poetic licence Yes, I know that it’s a bear as the bear hugs his
in her use of language in the poem. In some prey tightly with both hands and presses him
stanzas, she has shortened words like ‘lept’, to death. There are indeed similar expressions
‘lep’, and ‘dyin’. Also, certain sentences are and popular ideas about wild animals in every
framed differently in the poem like ‘novice language. For example, Hyenas are the only
animals who can laugh. Crocodiles are known for
might nonplus’ and ‘if strolling forth, a beast
shedding fake tears as they swallow their victims.
you view’.
In my language also are some famous phrases
about wild animals
5. Message 5. Look at the line “A novice might nonplus”. How
In the poem “How Tell Wild Animals” the poet would you write this ‘correctly’ ? Why is the
suggests in a lighter and humorous way that poet’s incorrect line looks better in the poem ?
wild animals are very dangerous and one should Ans :
exercise extreme caution when one is near them. The correct form is ‘A novice might get
One should keep a safe distance from them. nonplussed’. In the poem, the incorrect line seems
better because it helps in maintaining the rhythm
of the poem.

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Page 528 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

4. Read the extract given below and answer the i. Fill in the blank with ONE word only.
questions that follows : A person’s heart begins to beat when the lion
If strolling forth, a beast you view, roars because he is _____.
Whose hide with spots is peppered, ii. What does the poet mean by ‘Jungles in the
As soon as he has lept on you, East’ ?
You’ll know it is the Leopard. (a) Forests in East direction
‘Twill do no good to roar with pain,
(b) Forests of India
He’ll only lep and lep again.
(c) Forests in Asian countries
i. In what way does the language used in this
(d) Forest in the East of London
line challenges the traditional ideas of how
poetry should be written? iii. What does the poet say about the Asian Lion
“I will do no good to roar with pain, He’ll in this extract? Answer in about 40 words.
only lep and lep again.” iv. Which genre is most appropriate for the
ii. What is the significance of humour while poem?
describing the wild beasts in the poem and Ans : 2018

how does this contribute to the overall mood i. scared

and tone of the poem? Answer in about 40 ii. (c) Forests in Asian countries
words. iii. The poet says that the Asian Lion is a large
iii. Complete the sentence with the appropriate beast. He is brown-wish yellow in colour and is
option. found in the forests of the eastern countries of
The contextual meaning of the word the world. Its roar is very loud and terrifying.
‘peppered’ in the stanza _____. iv. The poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ is
(a) refers to the spots of the leopard a humorous poem. It depicts the ways to
(b) refers to the camouflage of the leopard identify different dangerous animals which
(c) means that the leopard has spotted you may not be practical but when read the
(d) means that you have spotted the leopard approaches evoke fun and laughter.
iv. Why does roaring with pain will not do any
good? 
Ans : 2020

i. The poet has opted for poetic licence by using

‘lep and lep’ instead of ‘leapt and leapt’ to
maintain rhythm in the poem.
ii. The poet uses tongue-in-cheek humour to
describe the natural instincts of wild animals
in a humorous manner: ‘A noble beast greets
you,’ ‘A bear-hugs you’ Crocodiles weep,’He’ll
only lep and lep again’ and ‘Hyena smiles.’
These distinctive qualities give them a unique
identification and induce laughter.
iii. (a) refers to the spots of the leopard
iv. It will not do any good because the leopard
will attack you again and again.

5. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follows :
If ever you should go by chance
To jungles in the East;
And if there should to you advance
A large and tawny beast,
If he roars at you as you’re dyin’
You’ll know it is the Asian Lion ....

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

Chapter 5

T he Ball Poem

1. INTRODUCTION in life in his stride. Achievements will follow

losses in life. And a thing that is lost once can’t
The poem “The Ball Poem” is written by John be retrieved or brought back. Money can’t buy
Berryman. This poem has described the reality the lost childhood, the lost dreams and the lost
of life which everyone has to face one day. He has feelings back. Money is external to such losses.
touched the topic of how to stand up against the
miseries and sorrows of life. Standing Up
The poet feels that when the boy will grow up,
this experience of learning from losing something
2. SUMMARY and coping with the losses by himself will help him
a lot. There are bound to the losses, by himself or
The Boy Loses His Ball because of others and nobody might be helpful.
The poem is about a young boy who loses his ball. Then, during his later years, he will be firm and
Usually, losing a ball should not be a big issue. strong to make up or face the losses because he
Young boys usually lose their toys and balls quite will recall the loss of his ball and how he reacted
often. The ball is seen ‘merrily’ bouncing down and learnt. This understanding of the nature of
the street. And ultimately the ball falls down into loss will help him what to do when losses occur.
the water and lost forever. The boy stood there It will also help him to be self-reliant and stand
sadly watching the ball go. But he was helpless. up on his feet.
Nor could he do anything to get the ball back.
The ball here symbolises the innocent childhood
of the boy which has slipped away and he wants 3. explanation
it back.
Other Balls Too Stanza 1
It is of no use to remind him that it was not a What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
big loss. He can get more balls and continue his What, what is he to do? I saw it go
game. But for the boy, the loss of the ball is a Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
great loss. There may be other balls and perhaps Merrily over - there it is in the water!
he can hope to get any one of them. However,
the ball that he has lost can’t be retrieved. It has Word Meaning
fallen into the deep water of the harbour. The 1. Merrily - cheerful
boy is inconsolable. He loses hope in himself and 2. Bouncing - jumping up and down
becomes depressed and hopeless. He stands still,
trembling and looking at the point where his ball Explanation
has gone down into the harbour. Here, the lost The poet is talking about a boy who has lost
ball stands for the lost childhood and the harbour his ball. He wants to know about him and his
stands for the vastness of life. It will not serve any reaction because he has lost his ball. Further, he
purpose to remind him that the ball costs just a asks himself what the boy would do after losing
dime and is worth nothing. his ball. The poet has seen the ball going away
from the boy. He says that the ball was cheerfully
Recovering from the Loss jumping up and down in the street. This means
But there comes a change in his mood and that when the ball skipped from the boy’s hand
thinking. He realises that in this world the loss it went into the street and later on, it fell into the
is the part of the game. He must take such losses nearby river.

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Stanza 2 Explanation
Here the poet says that the boy has to learn
No use to say ‘O there are other balls’:
that in this materialistic world, many of his
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
belongings will be lost. He personifies the ball as
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
his belongings, be it the worldly things or the
All his young days into the harbour where
relationships he is in possession of. So, he says that
His ball went. I would not intrude on him; he has to learn to live without them no matter
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now what. He says no one can buy back such things
He senses first responsibility for him. The poet said so because according to
Word Meaning him money can’t buy you everything. If it does
buy you some materialistic thing, still, it will not
1. Grief - sorrow be able to buy the sense of belongingness. He says
2. Rigid - fixed that the boy is learning how to stand up against
3. Trembling - shaking the sense of lost things. This means that the boy
4. Harbour - dock, port is trying to learn the real truth of life which states
5. Intrude - invader that you have to accept the miseries of life and
stand up again. This is the truth which everyone
6. Dime - 10 cents (U.S)
has to learn in his or her life. The harsh truth of
7. Worthless - valueless, useless standing up against the odd miseries of life that
Explanation everyone has to bear.
The poet says that there is no benefit of consoling
the boy by saying that he will get another ball
because he has other balls too. He says so because
4. literary devices
the boy is feeling very sad. He is completely 1. Personification - It is a figure of speech
surrounded by sorrow. He is sad because all the which shows attribution of a personal nature
memories of the childhood days went down the or human characteristics to something non-
harbour with the ball. Here the poet says that the human. In the poem, the poet describes ball
boy is very sad as the ball which has now gone into merrily bouncing down the street. Merry
the water reminds him of those sweet memories, of means happy. It is a human characteristic
the times when he owned it. This loss is unbearable which is given to the ball.
for him and he is grief stricken. The poet says that
2. Metaphor - It is a literary device in which a
he can’t even tell the boy to take some money
word or phrase is symbolically applied to a
from him in order to buy another ball. He says
so because the new ball will not bring the sense thing to which it is not literally applicable.
of belonging to the boy. Further, the poet says In the poem, poet says, “balls will be lost
that the time has come for the boy to learn the always“. Balls here symbolise possessions
responsibility of taking care of his things. which we lose. It also refers to the childhood
which if lost never comes back.
Stanza 3 3. Apostrophe - It is a literary device in which
In a world of possessions. People will take a person is addressed who is either dead or
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy. physically not present. In the poem, the poet
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external. says, “balls will be lost always, little boy“. The
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes, boy is physically not present with the poet.
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up 4. Repetition - It is a literary device in which
Knowing what every man must one day know a word or phrase is repeated two or more
And most know many days, how to stand up. times. In the poem the poet repeats the word
“what” two lines. “what, what is he to do?”.
Word Meaning 5. Alliteration - It is the occurrence of the same
1. Possessions - ownership letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent
2. External - Here, things with which feelings or closely connected words. e.g. “who has lost
are not attached his ball”, “what, what is he to do?”, “no one
3. Desperate - hopeless buys a ball back”, “the deep and dark floor
4. Epistemology - The Greek word episteme of harbour”, “move my mind and my heart
means ‘knowledge’ move with all that move me”.

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

iii. The term “desperate” used to describe the a sensitivity to the boy’s emotional state and
boy’s eyes signifies a deep sense of loss and an a respect for the _____ of the grieving
earnest desire to reclaim what has been lost, process. (universal occurrence/passing over/
conveying a sense of helplessness and sadness. personal nature)
It contributes to the overall mood and tone Ans : 2023

of the poem by evoking a feeling of empathy i. (a) that the grief experienced by the boy is
from the reader, as it captures and profound profound ; (b) that the grief becomes a central
impact of loss and the struggle to come to and unshakeable part of the boy’s emotional
terms with it, adding depth to the emotional state.
landscape portrayed in the poem. ii. (c) emotional numbness and physical
iv. The poet’s use of metaphor in “ The ball Poem” quivering
is pivotal, as the lost ball represents much more iii. The given claim is False because the loss of
than a physical object; it symbolizes the boy’s the ball signifies a moment of transition, a
first encounter with loss and grief. The ball loss of innocence, and a realisation of the
thus, becomes a metaphor for innocence, the complexities of life which is far more than
carefree nature of childhood, and the things in just a material loss.
life that are lost and cannot be replaced. This
iv. personal nature
metaphor extends to teach a broader lesson
about growing up and learning to handle loss, 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
suggesting that such experiences are integral questions that follow :
to personal development and understanding Merrily over — there it is in the water!
the value of what we hold dear. No use to say ‘O there are other balls,’
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
4. Read the extract given below and answer the
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
questions that follow :
All his young days into the harbour where
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
His ball went. I would not intrude on him;
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
All his young days into the harbour where
He senses first responsibility
His ball went. I would not intrude on him; ...
In a world of possessions. People will take
i. In the line, “ultimate shaking grief fixes the Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.
boy”, what does the following tell us? And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.
(a) “ultimate” - This tells us _____ i. Complete the conversation with what the boy
(b) “fixes” – This tells us _____ would most likely say. Answer in one sentence.
ii. Complete the following with a correct option. John: Oh don’t worry, there are plenty of
The use of “rigid” and “trembling” in the other balls to play with.
same line creates a powerful contrast between Boy : _____.
_____. ii. Which line first indicates that the ball is a
(a) unchangeable circumstances and visible metaphor for something else?
sobbing (a) Merrily over — there it is in the water!
(b) defence mechanism and submission to a (d) An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
situation (c) All his young days into the harbour where
(c) emotional numbness and physical (d) I would not intrude on him;
quivering iii. Which literary device does the speaker use
(d) strong beliefs and unexpected reality to describe the boy’s sorrow? Why does
iii. State why the following is FALSE. the speaker use this device? Answer in one
The line “All his young days into the harbour sentence.
where/His ball went” refers to losing the ball iv. Based on the extract, what makes a possession
as just a material loss. valuable? Answer in about 40 words.
iv. Fill the blank with an appropriate phrase Ans : 2023
from those given in the brackets. i. No, there is none like that ball.
The speaker chooses not to intrude on the ii. (c) All his young days into the harbour where
boy. The decision of not to intrude, reflects

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2. What is the boy playing with? Ans : 2011

(c) Alliteration
(a) bat (b) ball
(c) car (d) bus 11. Why are the boy’s eyes desperate?
Ans : 2021
(a) Because he has lost his ball.
(b) ball
(b) Because he has lost his money.
3. Where does the ball go? (c) Because he has lost his gloves
(a) drain (b) well (d) None of these
(c) house (d) water Ans : 2010

Ans : 2020
(a) Because he has lost his ball.
(d) water
12. What does ‘in the world of possessions’ means?
4. What does a ball cost? (a) Love (b) Lust
(a) 5 dimes (b) 10 dimes (c) Materialistic things (d) None of these
(c) 1 dime (d) 4 dimes Ans : 2009

Ans : 2016
(c) Materialistic things
(c) 1 dime
13. Where was the boy staring down?
5. How does the child react at the loss? (a) the sea (b) the ocean
(a) stands rigid (b) trembles (c) the harbour (d) the lake
(c) stares (d) all of these Ans : 2009

Ans : 2015
(c) the harbour
(d) all of these
14. Who would not intrude the boy?
6. According to the poet, what is the child learning? (a) The Ball (b) The Poet
(a) to bear loss (b) to take care of things (c) The Gloves (d) None of these
(c) to be responsible (d) to be careful Ans : 2008
Ans : 2014 (b) The Poet
(a) to bear loss
15. Why is money called external?
7. Does the poet condole the boy?
(a) We need to earn money through hard-worker.
(a) can’t say (b) yes
(b) We can replace the lost things with its help.
(c) no (d) All of these
Ans : 2013
(c) It is made from artificial way.
(c) no (d) None of these
Ans : 2007
8. Why does the poet decide not to condole the boy?
(b) We can replace the lost things with its help.
(a) He is busy (b) He is indifferent
(c) It will be of no use (d) He is happy 16. What was the reaction of the boy at the loss of
Ans : 2013, 2011 his ball?
(c) It will be of no use (a) Sad (b) Confused
(c) Happy (d) None of these
9. Name the literary device used in “Merrily
Ans : 2007
bouncing, down the street, and then Merrily over
(a) Sad
- there it is in the water!”
(a) Metaphor (b) Simile 17. What has the boy lost in the water?
(c) Alliteration (d) Anaphora (a) his ball (b) his bat
Ans : 2012 (c) his wicket (d) his gloves
(d) Anaphora Ans : 2006

(a) his ball

10. Name the literary device used in “And no one
buys a ball back.” 18. Later the ball went into the –
(a) Metaphor (b) Simile (a) Garden (b) River
(c) Alliteration (d) Anaphora (c) Street (d) House

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2006
4. Explain how, “Out of sight, out of mind” might
(b) River apply to the boy, towards the end of the poem.
Ans : 2021
19. The boy lost his ball at the –
The ball flowed away with the water and was out
(a) Street (b) Water of sight of the boy who was grief-stricken and
(c) Forest (d) Garden could not think of anything else so he was out of
Ans : 2005 mind.
(a) Street
5. A popular quote states: Responsibility is self-
20. Here the ball symbolizes _____ in the poem. taught. How does the poem address this thought?
(a) Hope (b) Simple toy far play Ans : 2021

The poem addresses the fact that one must be

(c) Dreams (d) Memories of
careful about their possessions otherwise they can
childhood
be lost. After losing the ball the boy will be more
Ans : 2005
responsible and vigilant about his belongings to
(c) Memories of childhood
avoid losing something in future. It is our duty
21. Now the boy should understand the responsibility to take care of our possessions to keep enjoying
of _____ of his things. them.
(a) Taking care (b) Giving value 6. Suggest a suitable by-line for ‘The Ball Poem”
(c) Loving (d) Giving worth with a reason for your choice.
Ans : 2004 Ans : 2021

(a) Taking care I would suggest a byline for the ball poem-
“Lessons of Life” The poem begins with the first
loss of a little boy that leaves a huge impact on his
Short Answer Type Question mind. The poem emphasizes that life will give you
many toys, friends, and possessions that might
1. ‘The Ball Poem’ initially appears simple but it is get lost at some point in time. So, the boy has
actually quite impactful and intense. Comment to accept this lesson that nothing is permanent
upon the theme of ‘The Ball Poem’. in this world and everyone has to bear losses and
Ans : 2024
failures besides achievements.
“The Ball Poem” delves deeply into themes More ByLines-
of loss, maturation, and the harsh reality of “Life is a process of give and take”
impermanence. Through the lens of a boy losing “learning the eternal truth”
his ball, it reflects on the poignant moment of “Nothing is permanent in the world”
coming to terms with loss and the inevitable What is a byline– A byline can be understood as a
process of growing up, teaching a profound lesson short phrase or sentence that describes the theme
on the acceptance of life’s transient nature and of the poem.
the inevitability of letting go.
7. Recount your reaction to the loss of a favourite
2. If you were the poet, which toy would you use, object as a very young child. Would you have
instead of a ball. Give a reason for your response. behaved the same way now? Explain with reason.
Ans : 2021 Ans : 2021
I were the poet of this poem I would have used As a young child I felt upset after losing my
a remote-controlled car because children like favourite doll/toy car as it was my first loss. I
battery-operated toys more nowadays, although a didn’t feel like playing with any other toy. Now,
ball is the best option for all ages and generations I am sensible enough to accept the losses in life.
of children. Although it is difficult to let go of something or
someone that is close to our heart.
3. Do you think the ‘I’ in the poem is the poet or
an observer? Give a reason for your choice of 8. What feelings do you think, might be experienced,
response. at the loss of a mobile phone, for a youngster
Ans : 2021 today?
I think the ‘I’ in the poem is an observer who later Explain how these would be different from those
on got inspired to write a poem on his observation felt by the boy in the poem.
about a child’s grief who lost his favourite toy.

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Page 534 Discursive Passage Chapter 5
Ans : 2021, 2019
understand that the past is gone and it will never
Mobile phone has become a necessity today. come back. Experiencing loss sometimes helps us
Losing a mobile phone might attract fear and to grow up and face hardships, like loss. This helps
sadness among youngsters today. I think the loss us in breaking all the boundaries into freedom.
of a mobile phone would be even greater than the
boy’s loss of the ball because losing a phone means 13. What does John Berryman wants to convey
getting disconnected from the virtual world of the through this poem ?
internet and social media. They would insist on Ans : 2016
buying a new phone as soon as possible. The poet wants us to understand that we don’t
need to grieve too much if we lose anything.
9. When we think of losses, we generally think of We need to be responsible and accountable for
people or possessions. Time is considered a very our actions. If we have lost something, we must
precious commodity. Explain why time can understand the epistemology of loss. We must
probably be one of the things people bitterly not feel disheartened, dejected and desperate but
regret losing/wasting. try to stand up and bear the loss through self-
Ans : 2021
understanding as the boy who lost the ball he
It is often said that “Time went never comes loved was trying to learn.
back”. Thus, it is a very precious commodity.
Those who do not complete their tasks on time 14. “He senses first responsibility/ In a world of
regret it later because incompletion may result in possessions.” About what does the poet feel the
losing money, status, promotion or satisfaction. boy has to be aware of ?
For instance- crops not irrigated on time will not Ans : 2015
produce a harvest, and children who waste their The poet feels that the boy who has lost his
precious time throughout the year regret it during ball should be aware of his first responsibility
exams. in a world of possessions. People may cause loss
to him and the boy may suffer losses in future
10. Imagine you are the boy’s elder sibling. He tells also. He wanted him to stand up or bear the loss
you about the loss of the ball on reaching home. through self-understanding and trying to console
How would you assure him? You may begin your oneself on his own as the boy who lost his ball was
reply like this: I don’t think you should take this trying to do.
to heart. You see…
Ans : 2021 15. How is the boy learning ‘the epistemology of loss”
I don’t think you should take this to heart. You from the loss of his ball ?
see toys come and break. Dad will buy you a new Ans : 2013
ball and you will find it prettier than the previous The poet feels that the boy is learning to
one. Moreover, it had torn off in many places. understand what it means to lose something. This
Stop thinking about that ball. Come, let’s play is what most people learn by losing something,
together with my ball. that gain and loss are the two sides of the same
coin. They must learn to make a determined effort
11. Write the sum and substance of the poem “The to cope with their losses on their own.
Ball Poem”.
Ans : 2020 16. How did the boy react after his ball fell into the
In “The Ball Poem”, Berryman tells us about how water of the harbour?
our childhood can quickly fly by, as quickly as a Ans : 2013
ball is lost and how we sometimes unsuspectingly The falling of the ball in the water was quite
must grow up and face hardships, like loss. sudden. Actually, it was an unexpected loss. The
boy was completely shaken but couldn’t even
12. Why is it important for everyone to experience move a step. He stood there fixed to the ground
loss and to stand up after it? like a statue. He continued staring at the point
Ans : 2018
where his ball fell into the harbour. It seemed as
It is important for everyone to experience loss and if he was thinking of his childhood days which had
to stand up after it in order to be strong and disappeared forever like the lost ball.
to get on with life. One needs to stay strong no
matter how much it hurts inside. Staying strong 17. Does the lost ball stand for the metaphor of the
is the only way to survive. Moreover, one needs boy’s lost childhood? How?
to learn to accept and let go and not cling to Ans : 2011, 2007
something that they can never have. One should The boy had lost his ball. It had fallen down

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

into the harbour. Thus, it will not be found back 23. No use to say ‘O there are other balls’:
again. However, through the metaphor of the lost What do the words in inverted commas mean?
ball, the poet wants to highlight a bigger loss. It Why does the poet think that it is useless to give
is the loss of his childhood. Like the lost ball, the this suggestion to the boy?
childhood days which he cherishes even now, have Ans : 2008
been lost forever. This makes the loss inconsolable. The words in the inverted commas try to suggest
that the loss of the ball is not that significant.
18. Why did the poet not console the boy ? The poet thinks that it is useless to give this
Ans : 2011
suggestion to the boy as the boy has lost his
The poet did not console the boy for two reasons- priceless possession.
One, the boy was too shocked and grief-stricken to
listen to any sense. Second, the poet also observed 24. ‘An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy’.
that the boy was trying to stand up or bear the Who is the boy? What is his state of mind? Why
loss on his own through self-understanding, which is he in such a state of mind?
is much more reflective and lasting. The poet’s Ans : 2008
or anybody else’s consoling would not be that The boy is playing with the ball. He is in the
effective. state of grief, sadness and disappointment. His
ball has fallen down into the water which can’t
19. Express your views on the title of the poem, ‘The
be retrieved.
Ball Poem’.
Ans : 2010 25. What is the theme of the poem- ‘The Ball Poem’ ?
When one reads the title ‘The Ball Poem’, one Ans : 2007
assumes that the poem may be a light-hearted In this world, sometimes we lose things which we
one, perhaps about the joys of childhood. But on love and are deeply attached to. We must not feel
the contrary, it talks about how we must not feel dejected and lament the loss. We must face the
disheartened, dejected and desperate about some loss with positivity and anticipation of gains in
loss in life but try to stand up and bear the loss the future. The boy in the poem who lost the ball
through self-understanding. he loved, was trying to learn to accept his loss and
move ahead in life .
20. “Money is external”. What does the poet mean
by this expression taken from ‘The Ball Poem’ ? 26. A ball is an easily available, inexpensive thing.
Ans : 2009
Then, why is the boy so sad to lose it?
By this expression the poet intends to make us Ans : 2006

realize the mere material value of money which in No doubt, the ball is an easily available and
no way helps us to understand the essential worth inexpensive item but the ball the boy has lost is
of a commodity. In this world of possessions, the valuable for him. His memories of young days are
value of money is only to buy things and this does associated with it for he had been playing with
not make us understand the true value of things. it for a long time. It was not an ordinary but a
special ball for him. No other ball could take its
21. “And no one buys a ball back. Money is external”. place. So, he is sad to lose it.
What does the poet imply by this expression?
Ans : 2009
27. What does show that the ball was valuable for the
Through this expression the poet implies that a boy?
lost ball cannot be bought back even with money. Ans : 2005

Money can only be used to buy valuable things The ball was valuable for the boy is obvious from
but not to restore or compensate for a thing that the way he reacts after losing it, he was under
is lost. shock, remained fixed, trembled with grief staring
at the place where the ball had fallen. All this
22. ‘He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes’. shows that he loved the ball and it was valuable
What is the boy learning from the loss of the ball? for him.
Ans : 2009

The boy is learning the epistemology of loss from 28. ‘He senses first responsibility’- what responsibility
the loss of the ball. He is understanding what it is referred to here?
Ans : 2003
means to lose something he greatly admires.
The responsibility referred to here is how to stand
up or bear the loss through self-understanding

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and trying to console oneself on his own as the beforehand that there is an equal probability of
boy who lost his ball was trying to do. losing the match. Still, they strive hard to win.
A child must not feel depressed or demotivated
rather he should think about working harder the
Long Answer Type Question next time. Besides the loss acceptance, matches
1. You have been chosen to address the school bring about a feeling of team spirit, endurance,
assembly, to speak on the epistemology of loss and hard work and, of course, celebrating every win
the resilience of the human spirit during times of in life.
crisis. Prepare the speech draft, with reference to
3. If the Buddha were to summarise the life lessons
the commonality of themes in The Ball Poem’ by
of ‘the Ball poem’ what would that sermon be?
John Ber ryman and ‘From the Diary of Anne
Think and create this address for people of your
Frank’.
age.
You may begin this way :
Ans : 2021
Good morning everyone. If Buddha were to summarise the life lessons of
Today, I’d like to discuss two pieces of literature ‘the ball poem’ it would be as follows:
that offer a powerful insight into how to deal Life is a never-ending process of sacrifices,
with loss and the resilience of the human spirit whatever you get in life, maybe seized at any time
required during times of crisis. without prior notice. So, don’t get emotionally
You may end this way : attached to any living or nonliving things.
To conclude, I’d like to say that _____ Attachment gives pain on separation. Nothing is
Thank you. permanent in this world, one who has come here
Ans : 2024 will definitely take leave. When you did not bring
Good morning everyone! anything with you how can you claim ownership
Today, I’d like to discuss two pieces of literature over anything? You might be the owner of this
that offer a powerful insight into how to deal with ball today but tomorrow it may tear off, stolen or
loss and the resilience of the human spirit required broken. You will get new toys in life as you grow.
during times of crisis. In “The Ball Poem” by Make a habit of enjoying things and relations as
John Berryman and the excerpt from Anne if they might not stay tomorrow.
Frank’s diary, we see a common theme of loss and
its impact on individuals. In Berryman’s poem, 4. Should the boy be allowed to grieve for his ball
a young boy is shown struggling after losing his ? If his loss is irreparable or irretrievable then
ball. Comparably, during the turbulent years of how should one handle it ? What lessons can be
World War II, Anne Frank writes in her diary learnt ?
about her feelings of loss and loneliness. These Ans : 2018

works impart lessons about the struggles of life Yes, the boy should be allowed to grieve for his
and the importance of resilience in the face of ball, as had that ball for a long time. He had
challenges. many old memories associated with it since his
To conclude, I’d like to say that these pieces childhood. Moreover, when a person is trying to
of literature serve as poignant reminders of our come over his grief on his own, then one should
capacity to grow from the challenges that life not intrude or disturb him as it may break his
throws at us rather than giving up. chain of thoughts and may irritate him.
Thank you. One should have self-consolation, and self-
understanding in order to bear the loss. Self-
2. The poem deals with a child understanding loss realisation and understanding is more effective
for the first time. Matches and championships and lasting than when it is done by an external
too, deal with a different sense of loss. Explain agency or a person.
how games and sports are a good way to train
children to take losses in their stride. 5. How did the boy really react on the loss of the ball
Ans : 2021
or was he fearful of something or someone.....?
The ball poem shows the pain of a child after Can our attention be directed towards his family
losing his favourite toy, a ball. It is important to and other people ? Are there any lessons to be
teach children to accept losses and defeats in a learnt?
positive way. Matches and championships are a Ans : 2015

better way to inculcate this habit during their (i) The boy was not fearful of anyone, infact he
childhood itself. The participants of a match know was really upset on the loss of the ball. The

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

ball was valuable for him. He was shocked, small. The boy seems to be making a big fuss over
remained fixed, trembled with grief staring at a small loss. Many boys have lost such balls and
the place where the ball had fallen. His family will lose so in future as well as. A new ball can be
must not have been affected by the loss as easily bought in a dime. But the metaphor of the
a ball is an easily available and inexpensive lost ball is beautifully linked to the loss of sweet
item. childhood. No amount of money can buy the ball
back that has been lost forever. Similarly, no
(ii) The loss of the ball teaches a lesson to us.
worldly wealth can buy back the lost childhood.
Money is external in the sense that it can
The poet doesn’t want to sermonise on this issue.
give you only outer happiness or pleasure not
The boy himself has to learn epistemology or the
inner. Money cannot buy the emotions and
nature of the loss. He has to move ahead in life
heavenly virtues. It cannot be linked with forgetting all the losses he has suffered in the past.
old memories. More-over, self-consolation,
realisation or understanding is more effective 8. What is the epistemology of loss in this world of
and lasting than done by an external agency possessions ? How has the child learned to stand
or a person. up in life ?
Ans : 2005
6. Why is it important for everyone to experience Gain and loss are the two sides of the same coin.
loss and stand up after it ? Getting, spending and losing things forms a
Ans : 2010, 2007 natural cycle of life. The boy is inconsolable at
It is important for everyone to understand the the loss of his ball. Actually, it is not the ordinary
epistemology of loss. Loss is inevitable. Every ball but his long association and attachment with
human being has to face loss in one form or it that makes the loss so unbearable. It is like
another. Too much grieving can hinder progress the good sweet days of childhood that the boy
and make a person depressed. It is important to cherishes so much but are lost and gone forever.
understand the nature of loss and overcome it. They will never come back again. So, what is the
One must learn to cope with loss. remedy? He can bear this loss by understanding
All human relations, different stages of life the epistemology or nature of the loss. In this
and all memories are prized possessions that world of material wealth and possessions, it seems
can be lost due to one reason or another. It is that money can buy anything. However, it is a
our responsibility to keep all our precious things false conception. Money has its own limitations.
carefully. But if lost, we must learn to move on Its nature is external. It cannot compensate for
without harming ourselves. A sad mind cannot the losses that a person suffers emotionally or
unfurl its full potential so it is important to internally. No wealth can buy back the ball that
understand that life should go on in spite of any has been lost forever. Similarly, no wealth can buy
kind of loss. The poet does not console the boy, back the lost childhood. The child will have to
or offer to get him any other ball. Because, the move ahead and stand up in life. He has to stop
one who has lost some needs to stand up, learn weeping over his past losses and start living life as
to face reality, and cope with the loss and should it should be lived.
not keep grieving.

7. How is the lost ball, the metaphor of the lost Extract Based Question
childhood of the boy ? Why doesn’t the poet want
to ‘intrude on’ the boy by offering him money to 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
buy another ball ? questions that follow :
Ans : 2008 In a world of possessions. People will take
Perhaps the boy has a lot of love for the ball Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.
and has been keeping it for a long time. He must And no one buys a ball back. Money is external
have developed a lot of attachment and love He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
with the ball. Suddenly, while he is playing, the The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
ball bounces down the street. And after a few Knowing what every man must one day know
bounces, it falls down into the harbour. Thus, And most know many days, how to stand up.
it is lost forever. The boy stands there shocked i. Fill in the blank with one word.
and fixed to the ground. He continuously goes on When the speaker says “People will take
staring at the spot where his ball fell down into balls, Balls will be lost always, little boy”, his
the water. Outwardly, the loss seems to be quite tone is _____.

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ii. The poet says that money is external. What in the above extract.
inference can be drawn from this statement? Ans : 2024

Answer in about 40 words. i. (b) sympathetic, understanding the depth of

iii. Which of the following best describes the boy’s loss
the speaker’s attitude towards material ii. The metaphor of the lost ball symbolizes
possessions? the loss of innocence and the transition
(a) indifferent (b) emotional into adulthood. It represents the boy’s first
(c) casual (d) respectful encounter with responsibility and the harsh
iv. Identify the poetic device used in “And no realities of life, as he learns that possessions
one buys a ball back’’. can be lost and cannot always be replaced.
Ans : 2024 iii. The phrase ‘all his young days into the harbor’
i. resigned suggests that the boy’s entire childhood is
encapsulated in the moment of losing his ball.
ii. The inference drawn from the poet’s
It symbolizes the profound impact of this loss
statement that “money is external” is that
on his innocence and his transition into the
material wealth cannot compensate for
complexities of adulthood.
emotional losses. It suggests that the true
value of sentimental possessions cannot be iv. The boy initially experiences intense grief
replaced or restored with monetary means. and sorrow over losing his ball, but as the
speaker observes his reaction, he recognizes
iii. (a) indifferent
the boy’s realization of responsibility and the
iv. Alliteration.
inevitability of loss, marking his transition
2. Read the extract given below and answer the into maturity.
questions that follow :
3. Read the extract given below and answer the
No use to say ‘O there are other balls
questions that follow :
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
And no one buys a ball back, Money is external
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes
All his young days into the harbour where his
The epistemology of loss, how to standup.
ball went.
i. When the poet says that “no one buys a ball
I would not intrude on him,
back’, what does he refer to in the context of
A dime, another ball, is worthless.
the poem ?
Now he senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions. People will take ii. Complete the sentence with an appropriate
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy option:
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external The lines from the poem tell us that the boy
He is learning is experiencing _____.
i. Which of the following best describes the (a) distress (b) terror
speaker’s attitude towards the boy’s reaction (c) realisation (d) elation
to losing his ball? iii. What is the significance of the term
(a) indifferent as the ball is inexpensive “desperate” used to describe the boy’s eyes in
(b) sympathetic, understanding the depth of the poem, and how does it contribute to the
the boy’s loss overall mood and tone of the poem ?
(c) mocking, finding the boy’s reaction iv. Identify and discuss the poet’s use of metaphor
exaggerated and unnecessary. in the poem
(d) panicked, sharing the boy’s distress over Ans : 2024

the lost ball. i. When the poet says that “no one buys a
ii. Comment on the use of metaphor in the above ball back,” he is referring to the irrevocable
extract. nature of loss. In the context of the poem,
it symbolizes that certain things, once gone,
iii. Explain the phrase ‘all his young days into
cannot be retrieved or replaced, highlighting
the harbour’ with reference to the extract.
the permanence of some losses in life.
iv. Briefly state in about 40 words the boy’s
ii. (c) realisation
journey from ‘shaking grief to ‘he is learning’

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

6. Enjambment - It is the continuation of a 4. Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier ?
sentence without a pause beyond the end of Pick out the words that suggest the answer.
a line, couplet, or stanza. e.g. “I saw it go Ans :
merrily, down the street” I don’t think the boy has lost anything earlier.
7. Symbolism - It is the use of symbols to The first loss is shocking and full of grief-the line-
represent ideas or qualities. In the poem, ball ‘An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy’ reflects
it. Also in the ‘senses first responsibility’ -the
and balls represent childhood, possessions
word ‘first’ shows that it was his first loss.
and even the father of poet.
5. What does the poet say the boy is learning from
the loss of ball ? Try to explain this in your own
5. MESSAGE words ?
The message of the poem “The Ball Poem” is that Ans :
we get things in our life which become a part of our The poet says that the boy is learning to cope
lives. We feel that they will always remain with us. up with the loss of the ball. He is experiencing
Thus we form an attachment with them. However grief and learning to grow up in this world of
a day comes when the thing is no more with us. At possessions. He learns that there are so many
such a situation, we feel depressed and hopeless. things in life that are to be lost and cannot be
According to the poet, losing our possessions is brought back. It is useless to feel sorrow for it.
a harsh reality of our life on earth. We cannot
get away from it. Hence we have to face such a 6. Have you ever lost something you liked very
situation and then try to move on. much? Write a paragraph describing how you felt
then, and saying whether-and how-you got over
your loss.
6. ncert textbook questions Ans :
Grieving Over The Loss of One Rupee
Thinking About The Poem It is a case of bye-gone times when I was studying
in VIth class. My father was a head teacher. We
1. Why does the poet say, “I would not intrude on were five brothers and two sisters. At that time
him”? Why doesn’t he offer him money to buy only three chaps were school going. He used to
another ball ? give us one rupee each daily. It was made of brass
Ans : and silver. While leaving for the house from the
The poet says, I would not intrude on him, school, we bought some eatables from the shop.
because he has entered a situation where he is The shopkeeper gave us so many items that we
not welcomed. He has lost a ball. He doesn’t offer could fill our belly. One day while returning, I lost
him money to buy another ball because he wants my rupee from the pocket. I did not accompany
the boy to realise that losing anything in life is my brothers and returned earlier than them. My
not good. mother asked about my earlier arrival. I could
not contain myself and a river of tears started
2. “.....Staring down/All his young days into the
rolling from my eyes. I hesitatingly uttered ...
harbour where/His ball went.....” Do you think
rupee. She understood the loss of the rupee since
the boy has had the ball for a long time ? Is it
it had a great value in those days. Immediately
linked to the memories of days when he played
my mother showered me deep affection and gave
with it ?
another rupee. I got relief and felt happiness.
Ans :
Yes, I think the boy had that ball for a long time.
The expression ‘all his young days into harbour’ 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
suggest this. It is also linked with old memories
when he used to play with it.
Multiple Choice
Type Question
3. What does “In the world of possessions” mean ?
Ans : 1. Who is the poet of the poem ‘The Ball Poem’ ?
It implies that this world is full of persons who (a) Sylvia Plath (b) W.B Yeats
want to possess more and more strength, wealth (c) Robert Frost (d) John Berryman.
and power. Ans : 2021

(d) John Berryman.

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Page 540 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

iii. The speaker uses visual imagery to describe draw attention to a specific moment in the
the boy’s sorrow because it creates a clear poem for a dramatic pause or a suspenseful
picture of the depth of the boy’s grief. The moment. The ball has gone for good.
lines ‘An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy. iii. (c) contrast with the dejected feeling of the
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring boy.
down’ paints a visual picture of the boy’s grief iv. The poet repeatedly uses ‘what’ to address
and sorrow the absent audience. He uses assonance by
iv. The line ‘And no one buys a ball back. repeating the vowel ‘o’ in “now, who has lost
Money is external’ indicates that the value his ball” ‘bouncing’, ‘over.’ He has repeated
of a possession is not determined by its cost the word ‘what’ in lines 1 and 2 and ‘merrily’
or monetary value. Instead, the value of a in lines 3 and 4 for emphasis and rhythmic
possession is determined by the emotional effect.
attachment towards it, as seen in the way the
boy values his ball.


6. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows :
What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over-there it is in the water!
i. In what way does the language used in this
poem challenge traditional ideas of what
poetry should be?
ii. What is the significance of the use of no
punctuation after the words ‘What is the boy
now, who has lost his ball,’ and the use of a
dash in ‘Meetly over-there it is in the water!’
in the poem and how does this contribute
to the overall mood and tone of the poem?
Answer in about 40 words.
iii. Complete the sentence with the appropriate
option.
The poet seems to have indicated the merry
bouncing of the ball to _____.
(a) create a sense of rhythm in these lines.
(b) support the happiness of the experience
of playing.
(c) contrast with the dejected feeling of the
boy.
(d) indicate the cheerful mood of the boy.
iv. Identify the use and purpose of repetitive
sounds used in the given lines of the poem.
Ans : 2020

i. The poem is written in free verse with ample

use of enjambment. These features combine
to show a very unusual and unconventional
style of writing poetry.
ii. The unusual use of punctuation makes the loss
of the boy more final and transformational. It
suggests that the boy is nothing now that his
ball is gone. A dash after ‘Merrily over’ helps

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

Chapter 6

A manda!

1. INTRODUCTION that he is finding fault in the girl but he is rather

advising her.
The Poem ‘Amanda’ is written by Robin Klein.
This poem focuses on the upbringing of a small
child, whose name is Amanda. It focuses on the 3. Explanation
struggles which a child is facing. Poet Robin Klein
makes the important point that the children Stanza 1
should never be deprived of their freedom.
However, it is the parents who are responsible Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!
for the proper upbringing of their child. But that Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
should not make the children feel imprisoned. The Stop that slouching and sit up straight,
whole trajectory of this poem is something with Amanda!
which we are all very much familiar.
Word Meaning
1. Hunch - bend
2. Summary 2. Slouching - sitting in a lazy way
Advice by the Speaker Explanation
The speaker advises Amanda neither to bite her The poet is describing Amanda, a little girl who is
nails nor to bend her shoulders. He advises her to always pointed out by her mother for her mistakes
sit straight. and how she imagines her life to be. The poet
says that the mother is pointing out Amanda for
Reply by Amanda biting nails which is a bad habit. Next she asks
On hearing him, Amanda replies that there is a her to sit straight without bending her shoulders.
very decent green sea. It is her dwelling place. She Amanda who has habit of bending her shoulders
feels rest and relaxed in it. She is a mermaid who and sitting lazily is being pointed out because her
enjoys her life with highest happiness. mother wants her to sit in the right posture.
Interrogation with Amanda
The poet interrogates Amanda if she had finished Stanza 2
her home task and cleaned her room. He had
already asked her to clean her shoes. He advices (There is a languid, emerald sea,
her not to eat chocolate. She must remember where the sole inhabitant is me-
her acne. He asks her if she will look at him on a mermaid, drifting blissfully.)
speaking.
Word Meaning
Amanda’s Views 1. Languid - relaxed
Amanda replies that she is an orphan who roams
2. Emerald - here, green color
in the street and makes pattern with dust from her
feet. She believes that the silence is golden and the 3. Inhabitant - resident
freedom is sweet. She calls herself Rapunzel who 4. Drifting - moving slowly, carried slowly by the
lives in a tower where life is very much peaceful. water
She will never let down her golden hair. 5. Blissfully - happily
Final Words of the Speaker Explanation
In the end the poet advises her to stop sulking When Amanda is being scolded by her mother,
as she is always very moody. People may think she imagines herself to be in a deep green sea.

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Page 542 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

She says that she wants to be the only resident of Stanza 5

this beautiful green sea. She imagines herself like
Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
a mermaid who is alone there and leads her life in
Remember your acne, Amanda!
a very relaxing way. She says that she wants to be
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to
carried away by the current of water and feel the
you,
relaxing environment there.
Amanda!
Stanza 3 Word Meaning
Did you finish your homework, Amanda? 1. Acne - Pimples
Did you tidy your room, Amanda? Explanation
I thought I told you to clean your shoes, Next, Amanda’s mother is disallowing her to
Amanda! eat chocolates. She reminds her of pimples that
Amanda faces due to eating chocolates. At last
Word Meaning she scolds her for not paying attention to what
1. Tidy - clean up her mother says.
Explanation Stanza 6
Here the poet says that Amanda’s mother is
inquiring her about whether she has done her (I am Rapunzel; I have not a care;
homework or not? And then she asks her whether life in a tower is tranquil and rare;
she has cleaned her room or not. Moreover she I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!)
is also reminded to clean her shoes. So, here we
can see that the mother is constantly asking her Word Meaning
questions regarding her homework being done or 1. Rapunzel - A girl in the fairy tale by Brothers
not or whether she had cleaned up her room and Grimm
shoes or not. 2. Tranquil - calm, quiet
3. Rare - uncommon
Stanza 4 Explanation
(I am an orphan, roaming the street. Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel.
I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet. Rapunzel was a character from a fairy tale that
The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.) was captured in tower by a witch. The witch used
to climb the tower with the help of long hair of
Word Meaning Rapunzel that were let down by her through the
1. Orphan - a child whose parents are dead window. So, now Amanda wants to be Rapunzel
2. Pattern - make patterns because she feels that life in the tower will be
peaceful and unusual. She thinks she will be free
3. Hushed - quiet and still place
and live in a peaceful environment in the tower.
Explanation She also confirms to herself that she will never
Amanda is listening to her mother’s instructions, let her hair down to anyone so that nobody could
she imagines herself to be an orphan who is come to her in the tower.
roaming in the streets. This means that she
imagines if she would have been without parents Stanza 7
she would have walked freely in the streets. She Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!
would have drawn designs on the soft dust with
You’re always so moody, Amanda!
her uncovered feet very quietly. So, we can see
Anyone would think that I nagged at you,
that she thinks opposite to her mother. Her
Amanda!
mother wants her to keep everything neat and
clean. But Amanda wants to play in dust with Word Meaning
her bare feet. Moreover, she is so fed up of these
1. Sulking - be in a bad mood
constant instructions from her mother, that she
says silence is golden which means that silence is 2. Moody - unstable
very crucial and precious. She further says that 3. Nagged - harass
freedom is sweet. This means she never feels free Explanation
when she is with her mother. Amanda’s mother now warns her for behaving in
a very odd manner. She asks her to stop being in

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2020
12. What should Amanda not to do to her soldiers?
(c) Metaphor
(a) Straight (b) Hunch
6. What does she imagine being when she pictures (c) Ring (d) None of these
herself in a tower? Ans : 2013

(a) Mermaid (b) Orphan (b) Hunch

(c) Rapunzel (d) None of these 13. What does the speaker ask Amanda not to do to
Ans : 2015
her nails?
(c) Rapunzel
(a) wash it (b) bite it
7. What does she picture herself as in the last (c) hurt it (d) none of these
stanza? Ans : 2012

(a) Mermaid (b) Orphan (b) bite it

(c) Rapunzel (d) None of these 14. What is the meaning of “slouching”?
Ans : 2015
(a) Bend (b) Sit in a lazy way
(d) None of these
(c) lie down (d) bend backwards
8. What will Amanda’s behaviour make people Ans : 2012

think? (b) Sit in a lazy way

(a) her mother loves her
15. Rapunzel is a character from a _____ fairy
(b) her mother harasses her tale.
(c) her mother is understanding (a) German (b) Irish
(d) both a and c (c) English (d) Indian
Ans : 2015
Ans : 2012
(b) her mother harasses her (a) German
9. What made Amanda sulk and become moody? 16. How should Amanda sit?
(a) When she had to complete her homework (a) Long Sit (b) Side Sit
(b) When her mother gives her too many (c) Straight (d) Ring Sit
instructions Ans : 2011
(c) When she has to clean her shoes (c) Straight
(d) None of these
Ans : 2014
17. What does she want to do as an orphan?
(b) When her mother gives her too many (a) walk freely in the streets
instructions (b) play in dust with bare feet
(c) both a and b
10. Why should Amanda not eat chocolate?
(d) None of these
(a) it causes heart disease
Ans : 2011
(b) it will damage liver (c) both a and b
(c) it causes acne
(d) it causes cancer 18. Amanda is a _____.
Ans : 2014 (a) Little girl
(c) it causes acne (b) Little boy
(c) Puppy
11. If Amanda is an orphan, what will she do?
(d) Name of a cat
(a) She will roam about in the streets
Ans : 2010
(b) She will tease everyone in the streets (a) Little girl
(c) She will not complete her homework
(d) All of the above 19. Amanda’s mother instructed her not to eat
Ans : 2014
_____ for her acne.
(a) She will roam about in the streets (a) Oil (b) Sweets
(c) Chocolate (d) Fast food

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Page 544 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid? begins at a very young age. Parents ignore the
Ans : innocence and understanding level of their
Amanda wishes to be a mermaid so she could children and thereby the young ends up killing
carelessly move along on a languid emerald sea. their imagination and thoughts.
She just wishes to be carried away by the green
sea waves slowly and gradually. Amanda longs 9. Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is
for a place where she is all by herself as her sulking and is moody?
happiness is not dependant on any other human Ans :
being. Hence, she desires to be a mermaid because No, Amanda is neither sulking nor moody. She
for a child, mermaid is a symbol of freedom and is simply not interested enough in the nagging
wonder. business of her parents. Amanda cares more
about her imagination and thought process over
6. Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so? the manners her parents are trying to inculcate
Ans : into her.
No, Amanda is not an orphan, though she
wishes to be one. She is so much stressed with
the continuous nagging of her parents that she
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
imagines herself to be better without them. The
mere presence of her parents around her depresses Multiple Choice
Type Question
her. Amanda is a little girl who seeks ‘golden’
silence and ‘sweet’ freedom. She wishes to roam 1. Who is the poet of the poem “Amanda”?
around the streets and draw patterns with her (a) Leslie Norris (b) Robert Frost
bare feet. Indeed, it is horribly depressing that (c) Carolyn Wells (d) Robin Klein
Amanda expects being an orphan. Ans : 2021

(d) Robin Klein

7. Do you know the story of Rapunzel? Why does
she want to be Rapunzel? 2. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
Ans :
(a) be in the green sea
Rapunzel’s story revolves around her life in a tower.
Rapunzel was made to live in a high tower, by a (b) lead a relaxing life
witch. She eventually got used to living there. She (c) both a and b
was happy and satisfied with her life. Rapunzel (d) None of these
had very long golden hair, using which the witch Ans : 2021
used to pay her a visit. The fate of Rapunzel took (c) both a and b
a turn when one day a prince came to meet her
using her hair. The witch had punished both of 3. Name the literary devices used in the line “Stop
them by separating them. Finally, they met after that slouching and sit up straight”.
a couple of years only to be united forever this (a) Anaphora (b) Assonance
time. Amanda wishes to live like Rapunzel in a
(c) Metaphor (d) Alliteration
high tower away from everyone. She seeks peace Ans : 2021
and harmony. That is the reason Amanda wishes
(d) Alliteration
so. However, she also makes a point that in order
to avoid being disturbed, she would never let her 4. Name the literary device used in the line:
hair down for anyone to climb to her. She needs “Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!
no one to make her life happy. Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!”
8. What does the girl yearn for? What does this (a) Anaphora (b) Enjambment
poem tell you about Amanda? (c) Metaphor (d) Alliteration
Ans : 2007, 2002 Ans : 2020
Amanda yearns for freedom and space for herself. (a) Anaphora
She is incapable to fulfill the expectations of her
parents. Amanda is no less than a symbol for all 5. Name the literary device used in the line “freedom
the children who face similar fate irrespective of is sweet”
class, colour or nationality. Traditional societies (a) Anaphora (b) Enjambment
demand a certain type of behaviour from the (c) Metaphor (d) Alliteration
individuals and the training to produce such

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2024
iv. The use of “I thought” suggests a reminder/
i. The central idea of the poem is the conflict frustration on the part of the speaker,
between parental authority and the desire for supporting the idea that Amanda’s behaviour
independence experienced by the speaker, is under close scrutiny. (This implies a
Amanda. The repeated instructions of her relationship where Amanda is expected to
mother highlight the mundane concerns and adhere to specific instructions and fulfill
pressures that Amanda faces. assigned tasks, reinforcing a sense of external
ii. (c) authoritative. control and authority over her actions.)
iii. Repetition.
3. Read the extract given below and answer the
iv. Amanda imagines herself as Rapunzel to questions that follows :
express her longing for freedom and escape There is a languid, emerald Sea
from the constraints and authority imposed where the sole inhabitant is me-
upon her, similar to Rapunzel’s situation in a mermaid, drifting blissfully.
the tower.
i. The colour of the sea is
(a) blue
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follow: (b) yellow
I thought I told you to clean your shoes, Amanda! (c) red
(I am an orphan, roaming the street. (d) None of these
I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet. ii. Identify the poetic device used in the lines 2
The silence is golden; the freedom is sweet.) and 3 of the extract.
Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda! (Amanda!) iii. Why is the extract given in paranthesis?
i. Which of the following best describes the iv. What does Amanda want to be a mermaid?
symbolic meaning of the soft dust and hushed, Answer in about 40 words.
bare feet in Amanda’s orphan daydream? Ans : 2018
(a) A sense of isolation and loneliness i. (d) None of these
(b) Freedom and independence ii. Metaphor
(c) Poverty and hardship
iii. The extract is given in paranthesis as they
(d) Conformity and obedience are the thoughts of the child (Amanda) in
ii. What does the contrast between the speaker’s between the instruction she is being given by
commands and Amanda’s daydream suggest her mother.
about her imaginative escape? (Answer in 30- iv. Amanda is an escapist. She imagines herself
40 words) to be a mermaid and wants to live on an
iii. Complete the sentence appropriately: island where she is the only inhabitant. She
The lack of the special use of parentheses loves freedom and wants to drift, blissfully
would have resulted in _____. like a mermaid on that lonely island.
iv. How does the line, “I thought I told you to
clean your shoes, Amanda!” help us infer that 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows :
Amanda’s actions are being closely monitored
(There is a languid, emerald sea,
and directed?
Ans : 2023
where the sole inhabitant is me-
a mermaid, drifting blissfully.)
i. (b) Freedom and independence
i. Complete the sentence with the appropriate
ii. The stark contrast between the speaker’s
option.
commands and Amanda’s daydreams suggests
“There is a languid, emerald sea,
that amanda uses her imagination as a form
where the sole inhabitant is me”
of escape from the demands and pressures
The poet has used _____ poetic device in
placed upon her.
the given lines.
iii. in a loss of the distinct separation between
(a) Assonance (b) Personification
Amanda’s inner thoughts and the external
(c) Enjambment (d) Synecdoche
demands of the speaker.

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Page 546 Discursive Passage Chapter 6
Ans : 2010, 2007 Ans : 2006, 2004

(c) Chocolate (b) Long Hair.

20. What was Amanda to finish? 28. Amanda thinks that she’ll never let down her
(a) her homework (b) her hair (a) white hair (b) bright hair
(c) her bath (d) catch the fishes (c) yellow hair (d) bronze hair
Ans : 2009 Ans : 2006

(a) her homework (b) bright hair

21. Amanda’s mother stopped her from biting 29. She is being instructed to
(a) the back of the pencil (a) clean her room (b) clean her uniform
(b) other friends (c) wash the dress (d) lit the candle
(c) nail Ans : 2005

(a) clean her room

(d) hands
Ans : 2009
30. What does Amanda wish to do in the sea?
(c) nail.
(a) catch the fishes
22. Meaning of ‘hunch’ is (b) hunt various animals
(a) Bend (b) Sudden attack (c) watch soft-moving waves
(c) Bite (d) Laugh (d) None of these
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2005

(a) Bend (c) watch soft-moving waves

23. Emerald sea means _____ coloured sea. 31. Who is asked to stop sulking?
(a) Blue (b) Black (a) Amanda (b) Poet
(c) Green (d) Red (c) Amanda’s mother (d) Poet’s friend
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2004

(c) Green. (a) Amanda

24. Amanda imagined herself as a _____ of emerald 32. How is silence described?
sea. (a) Golden (b) Silver
(a) Flower (b) Mermaid (c) Platinum (d) Love
(c) Island (d) Fish Ans : 2004

Ans : 2007 (a) Golden

(b) Mermaid.
33. She is instructed to
25. Amanda’s mother instructed her to clean up her (a) eat meals (b) take tea
room as well as (c) blow the fire out (d) sit up straight
(a) Shoes (b) Clothes Ans : 2002

(c) Bed (d) Table (d) sit up straight

Ans : 2007

(a) Shoes
Short Answer Type Question
26. After getting tired from her mother’s interference
Amanda wanted to be 1. In every alternate stanza, Amanda drifts into
fantasy and yearns for more freedom and silence.
(a) Mermaid (b) Rapunzel
Justify and elaborate the reason.
(c) Cinderella (d) High tower Ans : 2024
Ans : 2006
In every alternate stanza, Amanda drifts into
(d) High tower. fantasy and yearns for more freedom and silence.
Amanda does not like restrictions on her freedom.
27. Amanda wanted _____ like Rapunzel.
The poem tells us that Amanda’s mind wanders
(a) Soft heart (b) Long hair to imaginary scenarios where she is a mermaid, an
(c) Magic stick (d) Bright face orphan or Rapunzel. This shows that she craves

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

a bad mood. Moreover she blames her of having a. Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!
such an unstable mood. She also scolds her by Don’ t hunch your shoulders, AinaliA!
saying that her behavior will one day make people Each sentence in this example starts with
think that Amanda was constantly being harassed “Don’t” which stresses the authoritative
by her mother. So, here we can say that though tone of the mother.
Amanda is always pointed out by her mother on b. Did you finish your homework, Amanda?
every small thing but she can’t react to this. If Did you tidy your room, Amanda?
she reacts towards this by getting emotional her Here, each line begins with ‘Did you’
mother takes this against her sense of pride and and emphasizes the harsh treatment of
scolds her that she should not behave like this as Amanda at the hands of her mother.
others would think that Amanda’s mother is very
dominating towards her child.
5. MESSAGE
4. LITERARY DEVICES This poem conveys the moral that children need
to be allowed more freedom. Excessive nagging
The poem ‘Amanda!’ is a poem of seven stanzas. may make them disobedient and hence they may
The rhyme schemes of stanzas are aaba ccc aada develop a type of dislike for real life and start
eee aafa ggg aaha respectfully. escaping into the world of dreams and imagination.
1. Alliteration : Repetition of initial consonant In fact, the poem indirectly emphasizes the need
sounds in the same line. of a healthy bond between parents and children.
a. Stop that slouching and sit up straight Parents should understand the psychology of
b. I thought I told you to clean your shoes children, who in turn, should be respectful and
c. Stop that sulking at once, Amanda! responsible to their parents.
2. Allusion : A reference to statement, person,
place etc. from history , religion, literature or
6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
any other field.
a. Mermaid – To be free and contained in
their own. (Taken from fairy tales) Thinking about the Poem
b. Rapunzel – Who lived alone on a tower 1. How old do you think Amanda is? How do you
for a long time. (Part of German fairy know this ?
tale) Ans :
3. Metaphor : A device which compares two Amanda is little school going girl having the age
things or qualities which are unlike. of 7 or 8 years. Amanda is strictly advised by her
a. Orphan – Who don’t have nagging mother for all matter and for her home work.
parents above their head as Amanda’s.
b. Languid, emerald sea – languid and 2. Who do you think is speaking to her ?
emerald type qualities are assigned to Ans :
sea. Perhaps, Amanda’s parents are speaking to her.
c. Silent is golden
d. Freedom is sweet 3. Why are stanzas 2, 4 and 6 given in parenthesis ?
4. Repetition : Poets often repeat single words Ans :
or phrases, lines, and even whole stanzas at They are in parenthesis because the ideas in them
intervals to create a musical effcet to emphasize are different. They effect the inner thoughts of the
a point, to draw the readers’ attention or to girls and not response to the mother’s instructions.
lend unity to a piece. In the poem the name
of ‘Amanda’ has been repeatedly used to 4. Who is the speaker in stanzas 2, 4 and 6? Do you
emphasize the commanding manner in which think this speaker is listening to the speaker in
stanzas 1, 3, 5 and 7?
the mother addresses the young girl.
Ans :
5. Anaphora : A poetic device in which a word Speaker of the stanzas 2, 4 and 6 is the child,
or group of words is used repeatdly at the Amanda. No, she is not paying any attention to
beginning of sentence or clauses to creat a the speaker of stanzas 1, 3 and 5 as she is lost in
special effect or to emphasise something. For a world of her own. Her imagination provides her
example, an escape from the harsh reality.

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Page 548 Discursive Passage Chapter 6
Ans : 2021
16. What is Amanda asked to do or not to do?
Yes, Amanda can say this because the last part Ans : 2012
of all the stanzas show up that she is selective Amanda is asked not to bite her nails, not to hunch
about her life. She is not denying things but her shoulders and not to eat chocolate. She is asked
she wants to choose things as per her wish. Like to sit up straight, to finish her homework, to tidy
most teenagers, she does not want to receive her room and to clean her shoes. In fact, she is
instructions for her routine work. constantly asked to do this or not to do that.
12. Justify the poet’s allusion to Rapunzel in
‘Amanda’. 17. What does Amanda long to do at the sea?
Ans : 2021 Ans : 2011

It is justified as Amanda wants to be the sole inhabitant of the

1. Rapunzel lived with a witch who would constantly sea. She wants to be as free as a mermaid. She
keep a check on her and had several rules to be wants to be a mermaid so that ‘she could drift
followed. joyfully with the gentle waves of sea’.
2. Amanda too, feels caged by the impositions
18. Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet
3. Amanda desires ‘peace in isolation like
would not like to do what all she did. Identify and
Rapunzel had in her tower; clarifying she will
state the reasons for her decision.
not let her hair down for anyone. Ans : 2011, 2009

13. ‘The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet’ Why Amanda wants to be Rapunzel to live a peaceful
does Amanda say so? life in a tower, where no one gives any instruction
Ans : 2017, 2011, 2010
and she doesn’t have to do any work. But
Amanda says that ‘the silence is golden, the she doesn’t want to escape with a prince like
freedom is sweet’ because she wants to lead a life Rapunzel. She never wants to escape and leave
without any restrictions. She likes silence because such a peaceful atmosphere, with no instruction
she wants to roam freely and undisturbed in a and no work to do.
calm green sea like a mermaid. Again, she likes
freedom in life like an orphan to escape the 19. Who is the mermaid in ‘Amanda’, what does she
nagging of her parents and have the liberty to wish to do ?
roam freely on the streets. Ans : 2011

The mermaid is Amanda herself, as imagined

14. (I am an orphan, roaming the street ....) by Amanda. She wishes to drift blissfully on a
Who is ‘I’ ? Is she an orphan? Why does she say dreamy, emerald emerald sea, without anyone else
so? accompanying her.
Ans : 2013

‘I’ here refers to Amanda. No, she is not an 20. What is the role/importance of punctuation marrs in
orphan. She imagines to be an orphan as she feels language ? Why has the poet used the exclamation
her freedom is curtailed in her present position. mark after Amanda ? Comment on the title of the
By imagining herself as an orphan she can do poem.
whatever she wants to do. Ans : 2010

1. Punctuation is an important part of grammar.

15. What picture of Amanda do you form from the It is used to create sense, clarity and stress in
poem ‘Amanda’ ? sentences. It is used to structure and organise
Ans : 2013 our writing.
Amanda is a little school going girl. She is 2. Exclamation mark is used after Amanda!
constantly nagged by her parent. It is probably to show the mother’s surprise on seeing
the mother who keeps commenting and giving Amanda. Amanda is a sulky and moody girl
suggestions to Amanda. She keeps asking which upsets the mother.
Amanda to do or not to do certain things. But
poor Amanda longs to be free and live life in her 21. What is the theme of the poem ‘Amanda’ ?
own way. Ans : 2010

Too many instructions and too much control is

resented by children. They get bored and fed up.
Then, they listen to their parents half-heartedly
and indulge in daydreaming.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

to be alone so that she will not be bothered by Ans : 2021

The speaker, probably her mother, is worried

her parents and she also wants the freedom to do
about her posture, skin, and school homework.
whatever she pleases.
But, Amanda gives her a deaf ear which makes
2. Explain why Amanda wants to be an orphan. the reader sympathizes with the speaker.
Refer to the given lines, from the text — I am
8. What do you think is the significance of the
an orphan, roaming the street. I pattern soft dust
exclamation mark in the title of the poem
with my hushed, bare feet. The silence is golden,
‘Amanda!’ ?
the freedom is sweet.
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2024
An exclamation mark is used to show sudden
Amanda wants to be an orphan so that she can
happiness, sadness, or anger. This mark is used
live without parental interference. She does not
with the word ‘Amanda’ In the poem to display
like restrictions on her freedom. The poem tells the anger of the speaker who is not replied to even
us that Amanda’s mind wanders to imaginary after repeated calling.
scenarios where she is a mermaid, an orphan or
Rapunzel. This shows that she craves to be alone 9. How would you characterise the speaker in
so that she will not be bothered by her parents the poem ‘Amanda!’ ? List any two qualities,
and she also wants the freedom to do whatever supporting the reason for your choice, with
she pleases. evidence from the poem.
Ans : 2021
3. How does the repeated use of the name ‘Amanda’ The speaker is a perfectionist and a nagging mother.
influence the overall tone of the poem? She wants her child to learn social etiquette and
Ans : 2023 present herself in a socially acceptable manner.
The repetition of the name also adds a sense of She stops Amanda from eating chocolates for the
familiarity and intimacy to the tone. It suggests fear of pimples. At the same time, she is afraid of
a close relationship between the speaker and how society would react to know that the mother
Amanda, indicating that the instructions and is constantly nagging her child. But, one should
restrictions come from a place of care and concern. know how to strike a balance between maintaining
responsibilities and taking good care.
4. Would you call Amanda a disrespectful child?
Provide one reason to justify your opinion. 10. ‘Amanda is alone but not lonely in the world she
Ans : 2021 envisions.’ Justify the statement with reference to
ANS: Yes, we can call Amanda a disrespectful anyone image she pictures in her mind.
child. She does not respond to her parent’s Ans : 2021
repeated instructions. She does not even look She wants to live alone and away from her
towards her mother when she is yelling at her. parent’s do’s and don’ts. She imagines herself as
She is lost in her world of imagination. a mermaid who is drifting happily in the sea. She
envisions herself enjoying her solitude, whereas a
5. What kind of an image does “languid, emerald lonely person feels sad and upset. That’s why it is
sea” evoke? said that she wants to live alone and not lonely.
Ans : 2021

It evokes the image of a calm and green sea. 11. This is Calvin, a character from a comic strip
The word ‘languid’ means ‘relaxed’ which points created by Bill Watterson. Do you think this
towards silent water. ‘Emerald’ is a green coloured might be something Amanda would say? Why/
gemstone that refers to the green colour of seawater. why not? Give reasons.
6. What does the line “never let down my bright
hair” tell us about Amanda?
Ans : 2021

It tells us that Amanda does not want anybody

to come up and spoil the silence or disturb her in
any way. She is fed up with the chaos and constant
nagging in her life and wants to live alone.

7. The reader sympathises with the speaker in the

poem. Support this opinion with a reason.

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33. What does Amanda imagine doing as an orphan? as she continuously corrected her daughter’s flaws
Ans : 2004 and nagged at her for the same throughout the
Amanda imagines herself as an orphan just day. Instead of understanding her daughter’s
roaming about carelessly in the streets. She makes emotions and her abilities, she bickered at her for
patterns on the dust with her bare feet. There is everything. However, the intention of both the
no one to nag her and her freedom is sweet. mothers were just to help their children with their
lives and bring the best out of them.
Even though both mothers have good
Long Answer Type Question intentions and want to better their children’s
1. Amanda from the poem ‘Amanda!’ is a teenager lives, their methods, in part, may be misguided
like Anne Frank and lives in her fantasy world or ineffective. The seagull’s mother could benefit
whereas Anne is a chatter box. What conversation from being more sensitive to her child’s emotions,
will Anne Frank have with Amanda about while Amanda’s mother could benefit from
different perspectives of life ? Write your answer focusing on her daughter’s strengths and building
in about 120 words. her self-esteem.
Ans : 2024

In a conversation between Anne Frank and 3. Look at the given image of a book cover. If the
Amanda, Anne, the chatterbox, would likely share author, Jason Kotecki were to ask a grown-up
her experiences of living in hiding during the Amanda to help with his book by writing one of
Holocaust. She would emphasize the importance the 8 secrets based on her experiences, what might
she share? Elaborate based on your understanding
of facing reality and finding strength in adversity.
of the poem.
On the other hand, Amanda, living in her fantasy
world, might express her desire to escape from
harsh realities. Anne would encourage Amanda
to find courage in confronting life’s challenges,
while Amanda might enlighten Anne about the
power of imagination as a coping mechanism.
Their conversation would highlight the contrast
between facing reality and seeking solace in
fantasy, illustrating the different perspectives
people adopt to navigate life’s complexities.

2. You have been asked to present an evaluation

of the approaches of the mothers of both, the
baby seagull and Amanda, towards helping their
children. Write this presentation draft including Ans : 2021
your insights, in about 120 words, comparing the Amanda would say that she had gone through a
approaches of both parents. distressing childhood. In the words of Amanda-
You may begin this way: “My mother always expected perfect behaviour
One acknowledges that both parents, Amanda’s from me. I never denied completing my daily
mother and the baby seagull’s mother both.... tasks but my mother wanted me to perform
however, ... everything as per her will and time. My mom
Ans : 2023 never understood that I wanted to enjoy my life in
One acknowledges that both parents, Amanda’s solitude. I wanted to enjoy making patterns in the
mother and the baby seagull’s mother both were sand but she was worried about people and society.
quite harsh on their children. While they were I did not like to keep everything well tucked and
attentive of their children’s flaws and scope inside the cupboards. Why I was not allowed to
of improvements, their methods of correcting keep my things handy in my room? Why was my
them were a bit strict. The seagull’s mother was mum always tense about my homework? I was
determined to make his child take his first flight. so fed up with all these repeated naggings that I
So much so she let him starved in order to achieve wanted to live alone as an orphan. I thought even
the goal. the orphans would have been living a better life
On the other hand, Amanda’s mother was than me. I wanted to enjoy that phase of my life
slightly harsher than the baby seagull’s mother but I was not allowed and now my childhood has

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

22. Is the purpose of someone constantly giving instruction. Therefore, the name of the poem is
instructions to Amanda being fulfilled? Explain. suitable and apt. Moreover, Amanda is lost in her
Ans : 2009 own world and ignores her mother’s instructions
No, Amanda sulks and becomes moody when her and directions, as a result, the mother has to call
mother gives her too many instructions. She does out her name louder and louder with a degree
not listen to her mother and didn’t care to follow of expression. Hence, the sign of exclamation has
them but she can’t dare to ignore them either been appropriately used in the title.
so, she sulks. Parents in their endeavour to make
their children well behaved, give them too many 28. How would a life on a tower be different from a
instructions. life anywhere else for Amanda ?
Ans : 2007

23. What is Amanda asked to do about her nails, Life on a tower for Amanda would be very different
shoulders and how is she asked to sit ? from her reality. Just like Rapunzel, even she desires
Ans : 2009 to live on top of a tower, away from everyday
Amanda is a little girl who is asked not to bite chaos. Amanda suffers due to the constant nagging
her nails. She is asked not to raise and bend her from her parents. She seeks a place full of peace
shoulders. She is asked to sit up straight and not and serenity, where there is no one to disturb her.
in a lazy, drooping way. Hence, she wishes to live on a tower.

24. What is Amanda asked to do about her homework, 29. Do you think Amanda is at fault ?
her room and her shoes ? Ans : 2007, 2001
Ans : 2009 Amanda is not at fault at all. It is too harsh for a
Amanda is asked if she has finished her homework. small child to understand the concept of acne and
She is asked to arrange her room neatly and in not eating a chocolate. Love of parents is missing
order. Then, she is asked to clean her shoes. from Amanda’s life. It is with pity that we look
towards Amanda. There is nothing worst for a
25. “Anyone would think that I nagged at you, child who wishes to be an orphan. Amanda just
Amanda!” Do you think the speaker had a seeks freedom from the overpowering environment
nagging attitude ? around her.
Ans : 2008

Nagging is a state of harassing someone constantly 30. Do you consider Amanda’s mother to be a nagging
for doing something they dislike. As the speaker, mother ?
which I suppose is her mother, always and Ans : 2006
constantly told Amanda to do or not to do one Amanda’s mother is indeed a nagging mother.
thing or another, which she disliked. Thus, I can She is all about instructions and finding faults.
say that the speaker had a nagging attitude. No doubt it is her responsibility to instil good
values into her daughter, but not at the cost of her
26. Why does Amanda seem moody most of the time child’s happiness. One should know how to strike
? a balance between maintaining responsibilities
Ans : 2008
and taking good care.
Amanda is being given instructions every moment.
She is being told to do so many things one after 31. There is a languid emerald sea, (stanza 2) where
the other in a negative way. She does not want the sole inhabitant is me-
to follow them, but she can’t dare to ignore them (a) Give the meaning of the word ‘languid’ ?
either, so she sulks and seems moody most of
(b) Who is ‘me’ in the above lines?
the time. Hence, she has made up her mind that
Ans : 2006
her mother doesn’t love her, that is why she is
always nagging. This makes her even more sad (a) ‘Languid’ in the above lines means relaxed.
and moody. (b) ‘Me’ in the above lines refers to Amanda.

27. Justify the title of the poem, ‘Amanda !’ Why has 32. What are the instructions that Amanda gets
an exclamation mark been used in the title ? which all school-going children must follow?
Ans : 2007 Ans : 2005, 2003

The poem revolves around a little girl and her Amanda gets instructions to finish her homework,
mother. The mother ‘in one breath’ keeps giving to tidy her room, to clean her shoes, to walk
her instructions. Amanda is the little girl and straight, to not to eat chocolates, not to bite her
her mother keeps repeating her name with every nails and finally to stop sulking.

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Page 552 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

only make matters worse. Forcing decisions on 11. Discuss the importance of proper upbringing with
them only makes them more detached as we see in reference to the poem ‘Amanda’ by Robin Klein.
Amanda’s case, where she wishes to be an alone Ans : 2011

mermaid, an orphan or the lonely Rapunzel. She Upbringing plays an essential role in the personality
doesn’t want to listen to anyone. development of an adult. Whenever we wish to
admire or criticise someone, we question the
9. Why does Amanda escape into the dreamy world upbringing of that person. Robin Klein’s poem
of mermaids, fairies and orphans ? Does she find Amanda highlights the tension in the ‘proper’
any solace there ? upbringing of a child. To instil good values and
Ans : 2018 moral principles in a growing child comes as a
Amanda is a teenager. Like all teenagers, she too foremost duty for the parents. However, the poem
loves freedom. She wants to lead her own kind Amanda shows how a child feels trapped within
of life. She doesn’t want to be an overprotected the cluster of instructions. Amanda is no less
child. Nor does she want that her parents should than a victim in this travesty. No proper space
control and guide her activities. What she should is given to her creativity. She is instructed for
do and what not is her own choice. She should not everything. As a result, she feels trapped and
be dictated by her mother. Her mother’s constant seeks an escape. Her imagination proves to be her
nagging leads her away from her. She creates a escape and which is also her defence against her
world of her own. Her world is not the world of nagging parents. The situation of Amanda is so
harsh realities, but it is an imaginary world of worse that she wishes to be an orphan, in order
fairies and mermaids. There she finds solace as to get rid of her parents. She imagines enacting
she can wander in a lonely island blissfully like various roles varying from a mermaid to Rapunzel.
a mermaid. She can enjoy freedom by roaming Amanda wishes to live alone and carefree. It
around the streets like an orphan. She craves to is very important to understand the situation
live in a lonely tower leading a peaceful life like of Amanda where her freedom is cut short by
Rapunzel. This way, she avoids her mother as she constant instructions and guidelines. Proper
doesn’t like her constant nagging. She doesn’t balance should be maintained when dealing with
even look at her while she is speaking to her. such delicate issues. Love and care should always
be part of this two-way transaction.
10. How does Amanda tackle the nagging nature
of her parents ? Explain with examples from
the poem. What values does it portray about Extract Based Question
Amanda ?
Ans : 2013, 2008 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
Amanda is a small girl who is termed as questions that follow :
moody for her careless behaviour. But it is Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
very surprising to know that this is her defence Remember your acne, Amanda!
mechanism to shield her self against her nagging Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to
parents. Amanda is getting instructions from her you, Amanda!
parents, which become too much to handle for (I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;
the small girl. She is told not to eat her nails life in a tower is tranquil and rare;)
and sit in a proper position. Amanda’s response
to it is her work of imagination where she is a i. What is the central idea of the poem as
mermaid drifting effortlessly by the languid river. reflected in the lines above? Answer in about
Further, she is asked about cleaning her room 40 words.
and finishing her homework to which she reacts ii. Complete the sentence with the appropriate
by imagining herself being an orphan roaming option. “Will you please look at me when I’m
in the street and making patterns with her bare speaking to you, Amanda!” tells us that the
feet. Amanda then faces the heat for eating a mother’s attitude is _____.
chocolate, which had once caused her acne. This (a) loving (b) relaxed
time in her imagination, she takes the form of (c) authoritative (d) thoughtful
Rapunzel and wishes to live on top of a tower
iii. Identify any one poetic device used in the
away from everyone. Amanda’s parents are upset
over her behaviour and casualness, but she stays above extract.
in her own world. All these portray Amanda in a iv. For wat reason does Amanda imagine herself
positive light while her parents in a negative light. to be Rapunzel?

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

passed. sadly, I will never be able to enjoy that Amanda : I don’t have a true friend. Have you
childhood fun for the rest of my life. got one?
Anne Frank : Yes, Kitty, my diary, is my best
4. Read the quote given below carefully. Based on friend. I share my personal talks with her and feel
your understanding of the poem, explain how and light-headed.
why this quote can be applied to the poem. Amanda : But, I don’t know how to write a diary.
Will you help me, Anne?
Anne Frank : Of course, it will give me pleasure.

6. Colin Wilson, an English author, said, “Your

imagination should be used not to escape reality
but to create it.” Compare/contrast Wanda and
Amanda in the light of this author’s opinion.
Ans : 2021

It is evident from the poem ‘Amanda’ that the girl

is fed up with continuous nagging by her parent.
Instead of facing the situation, she wants to avoid
reality and get riddance by hiding in the imaginary
world of mermaids and fairy tales. On the
Ans : 2021 contrary, Wanda Petronski faced discrimination
“All grown-ups were once children but only a few boldly. She used her imagination not to escape
of them remember it”. Poem Amanda wants to reality but to create it. She won everyone’s heart
give the same message to all the parents. There by displaying her talent. Her peers ridiculed her
is a wide gap between the behaviour of adults unusual name and shabby dress but with the
and children. Parents set limitations on children’s power of her imagination, she not only won the
thoughts and behaviour. They want their children drawing competition but children’s appreciation
to behave in a socially acceptable manner rather too. We should try to understand from these two
than what gives pleasure to the child. Adults want references that we cannot escape reality. We have
to decide children’s clothes, toys, professions and to face and reshape it.
even life partners. In this race of social show off
7. Bringing up teenagers can be both a challenge
they forget that every child has his own likes and
and fun. How far do you agree? Express your
dislikes and he or she should be left free to live his
views with reference to Amanda’s life.
life. No doubt, adults want to instil good values
Ans : 2020
into their children but not at the cost of children’s
Bringing up teenagers is truly challenging and fun.
happiness. They should know how to strike a
Teenagers can be rebellious and apparently hot-
balance between maintaining responsibilities
headed with a highly independent perspective. In
and taking good care. They must examine their
such circumstances, yelling at them, and nagging
narrow-mindedness and see the world through
them, as done in the poem with Amanda, will
their child’s eyes.
only make matters worse. Forcing decisions on
5. What advice might “chatterbox” Anne (Frank) them only makes them more detached, as we see
have for the quietly imaginative Amanda? Present in Amanda’s case, where she wishes to be a lone
this as a conversation between the two. You may mermaid, an orphan or the lonely Rapunzel. To
begin this way: make things fun, one must become a friend where
Anne : Gosh! You do run off into some strange needed. Sometimes, one needs to just ‘chill’ with
worlds, don’t you? one’s kids!
Amanda : (nods) Well…
8. Is Amanda’s attitude similar to a typical teenage
Ans : 2021
behaviour? What is the lesson for parents from
Anne : Gosh! You do run off into some strange
this poem?
worlds, don’t you?
Ans : 2020
Amanda : (nods) Well, change places with me to
Amanda’s attitude is typical of a teenager.
understand my plight. I am always surrounded by
Teenagers can be rebellious and apparently hot-
instructions that I don’t want to follow anymore.
headed with a highly independent perspective. In
Anne Frank : Adults do not feel like children.
such circumstances, yelling at them and nagging
Why don’t you share your thoughts with your
them, as done in the poem with Amanda, will
true friend?

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Page 554 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

ii. Comment on the imagery that the poet Ans : 2015,

creates in these lines in about 40 words. i. concerned

iii. Why does Amanda want to be sole inhabitant ii. The use of metaphor impacts the extract by
of sea? an imagination and by helping the writer
iv. Why is this stanza given within brackets in convey more emotions.
the poem? iii. Amanda is imagining being an orphan to live
Ans : 2017 a life of freedom. She is constantly scolded
i. (c) Enjambment by her mother. So, she escapes into her own
world of imagination wherein she lives a
ii. While Amanda’s mother reprimands her, she
peaceful life, all alone.
imagines herself as a mermaid in a deep green
sea. She imagines being the only resident of iv. (a) The worth of silence
the sea who lives her life in a very relaxing
way. Her mother’s constant nagging drives 
her to escape into her imagination wherein
she can live a peaceful and solitary life. She
imagines it to be a life of freedom
iii. Amanda wants to be away from this noisy
and disturbing atmosphere and hence wishes
to be the sole inhabitant of the sea
iv. This stanza is given within brackets because
it reveals the inner thoughts of Amanda.
Brackets have been used for visual contrast
between what Amanda is saying and what
her mother is instructing.

5. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follows :
I am an orphan, roaming the street,
I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.
The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.
Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to
you,
i. Fill the blank with one word.
The extract shows that the speaker, Amanda’s
mother is _____ about Amanda’s acne and
cares for her.
ii. How does the use of metaphor impact this
extract?
iii. Why is Amanda imagining being an orphan?
Answer in about 40 words.
iv. What is the poet estimating by making silence
golden?
(a) The worth of silence
(b) The worth of beauty
(c) The value of independence
(d) The worth of privacy

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

Chapter 7

T he Trees

1. INTRODUCTION the wind is working and it is rushing to welcome

them. The moon too has broken into the pieces
The writer of the poem is Adrienne Rich who is and its flash can be seen on the highest place on
a fine writer of this century. Her writings mostly the oak as if it were in a crown.
pertain to the freedom. In this poem as well, there
are trees in her house. She pictures that a forest
without trees is meaningless. The trees, roots, 3. EXPLANATION
leaves and boughs are struggling hard to move out
of the house but the poet is unable to bear their Stanza 1
departure. On the other side nature is waiting to
welcome them. Thus the idea of freeness is very “The trees inside are moving out into the forest,
much prominent here. It is natural with all to the forest that was empty all these clays
have freedom and stay in their surroundings. where no bird could sit
no insect hide
no sun bury its feet in shadow
2. Summary the forest that was empty all these nights
A Forest Without Trees will be full of trees by morning.”
There are trees in the house of the poet which
are moving out into the forest. The forest without
Word Meaning
trees looked empty and the birds and insects do 1. Empty - vacant
not stay in it. In the absence of the shadow no 2. Bury - cover something so that it is not visible
rays of the sun could pass. Explanation
A Good Comparison The poet observes that the trees in his house have
The night remains busy in her work. The roots been moving outside into the forest which was
of the trees try to separate themselves from the empty since so long. The trees are not actually
cracks in the floor of the veranda. The leaves and moving . The poet has used imagery to convey
twigs try to move and come out of the glass. The that human beings have been destroying nature
poet compares the happiness as well as struggle of and falsely have been trying to maintain it in their
the branches which are trying to come out under houses. Since the forests outside have been empty,
the roof of the poet’s house. They are as happy as there have been no birds sitting on the branches
the patients who have been discharged from the of the trees, no insects could hide into the trees
clinic and are ready to move to their houses. and sunlight could never disappear under the
shadow of the trees. The poet expects that the
Poet’s Sadness
forest would be full of trees by next morning.
The poet is much sad at the departure of the trees
from the house. She is unable to mention it in her Stanza 2
letters. The night has started with the shining of
the moon in the sky. She can experience the smell “All night the roots work
and voice of the leaves and lichen. She is troubled to disengage themselves from the cracks
at their whispering. in the veranda floor.
The leaves strain toward the glass
Breaking of the Moon
small twigs stiff with exertion
In the night the trees are struggling to come
long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof
forward in the forest. Their encounter to come out
from the house has broken the glass. In the night, like newly discharged patients

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Page 556 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

half-dazed, moving Listen. The glass is breaking.

to the clinic doors.” The trees are stumbling fofward
into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
Word Meaning The moon is broken like a mirror,
1. Exertion - pressure its pieces flash now in the crown
2. Twigs - topmost part of a tree of the tallest oak.”
3. Cramped - shrunk
4. Disengage - get free
Word Meaning
1. Flash - shine
Explanation
2. Stumbling - walk unsteadily
It seems that the trees work silently at night in
order to complete their mission of getting free 3. Silent - quite
from the boundaries of the house. They work to Explanation
free themselves from the cracks of the verandah The poet hears the sounds coining from the leaves
floor. The leaves of the trees put a lot of pressure and lichens of the trees. These sounds will vanish
on the glass so that it breaks As a result, the in the morning when the trees would have moved
twigs have hardened. The large branches of out of the house into the forests. The poet can
the trees have shrunk because they didn’t have hear the glass breaking due to the efforts of the
enough space to spread out. They try to move out twigs of the tree. As the trees move outside they
slowly like newly discharged patients who are half fall on each other and get struck. As they move
shocked to enter the outside world. out the wind seems to come to meet them. The
tall trees can stand straight as they are now free.
Stanza 3 These trees have broken the moon into pieces like
broken mirror. The moon now sits on the trees
“I sit inside, doors open to the veranda
like a crown. The use of moon is an imagery to
writing long letters show that in between the land and the sky are the
in which I scarcely mention the departure trees. One can only see moon in parts and not the
of the forest from the house. complete moon because of these trees.
The night is fresh, the whole moon shines
in a sky still open
the smell of leaves and lichen 4. LITERARY DEVICES
still reaches like a voice into the rooms.” “The Trees” is a free verse poem of four stanzas,
Word Meaning making a total of 32 lines. There is no set rhyme
scheme and no regular metric beat pattern, each
1. Departure - leaving line is different rhythmically, and the lines vary
2. Lichen - crusty patches on a tree from short to long.
3. Scarcely - hardly In this poem there is an uncertainty as
Explanation the poem progresses. Some lines end without
The poet sits in the house, the doors of which punctuation, but no true enjambment is in evidence
open into the veranda. She is writing letters but (For example, lines 2, 3, 4 and 5) suggesting the
hardly mentions about the trees which are trying reader is free to carry on regardless or, treat the
to move out to the empty forests. The conflict line ending as a natural caesura (pause).
between man and nature is presented by the 1. Repetition : Repetition(anaphora) occurs in
poet. Man uses nature to decorate the interiors the first stanza (the forest that was empty),
of his house and cuts down trees to make a house reinforcing the idea that previously there was
for himself. Nature has been shown to rebel no life outside. Take note also of: where no
against man as the trees strive to move out in bird/no insect/no sun.
the moonlight where night is fresh. The poet can 2. Simile : Similes, in the second, third and final
smell the leaves and lichens coming from the trees stanzas, involve both human and domestic
that reach her room like voices. elements: like newly discharged patients/like
a voice/like a mirror.
Stanza 4
3. Personification : Personification is to be
“My head is full of whispers found in the first stanza (no sun bury its feet
which tomorrow will be silent. in shadow), the second stanza (small twigs

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

environment. They have been forced to

abandon the forest. She uses extended
metaphors in the poem. Trees are women who
are in need of healing or having been healed,
are now ready for their true purpose, and will
renew the empty forest soon.
iii. (a) the emancipation of women from their
confinement.
iv. The poet has personified the sun by using
‘bury its feet’ for it. she makes good use of
kinaesthetic imagery by giving us a visual
description throughout the stanza.



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Page 558 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

(ii) If trees have been used as a metaphor for 2. Who has been personified in the line “no sun bury
human beings, then the poem would mean its feet in shadow”
that like the trees, humans too want to break (a) sun (b) feet
free of the boundaries that life puts on them. (c) shadow (d) none of these
Modern life with all kinds of physical comfort Ans : 2021
has also brought a lot of moral downfall. Our (a) sun
lives have become busy and we have become
selfish and greedy. Man would also want to 3. What are the trees compared to?
enjoy the beauty of nature and go out in the (a) insects
open and be free, just like trees. (b) newly discharged patients
5. You may read the poem “On Killing a Tree” by (c) birds
Gieve Patel (Beehive-Textbook in English for (d) children
Class IX, NCERT). Compare and contrast it with Ans : 2021
the poem you have just read. (b) newly discharged patients
Ans :
In the poem “On Killing a Tree” the poet Give 4. What reaches like a voice into the rooms?
Patel explains that killing a tree is not an easy (a) Noise of the roots
task and it takes time to completely kill a tree. (b) shuffling of the branches
The tree has absorbed sunlight, air and water
(c) smell of leaves and lichens
for many years and therefore, it has deep roots
which have been securely held in the earth for (d) light of the moon
many years. Hence, to kill a tree, as the poet Ans : 2021

sarcastically explains, one has to completely (c) smell of leaves and lichens
uproot and pull it out. After that, when the
5. What rushes to meet the trees?
tree gets dried, hardened, twisted and withered
and turns brownish, that is when it has been (a) wind (b) light
completely killed. In other words, through this (c) Sun (d) Moon
poem the poet inspires us not to “kill” trees. Ans : 2020
Meanwhile, the poem ‘The Trees’ also points (a) wind
out that man is devoiding the forests of their flora
and fauna and is thus ‘killing’ trees. Man plants 6. The pieces of the moon can be seen in the crown
trees and plants in the houses of the concrete of which tree?
jungles built by him where the frees feel suffocated (a) Apple tree (b) Hemlock tree
and cramped. Therefore, the poet Adrienne Rich (c) oak tree (d) walnut tree
imagines them moving back to forests ‘where no Ans : 2020
bird could sit’ and ‘no insect hide’ because the forest (c) oak tree
was ‘empty’ of the trees. But later, the ‘winds rush
to meet them’ and greet the trees when they finally 7. What had been empty?
to the forests, their rightful place. Thus, both the (a) trees (b) forest
poems are a sensitive commentary on, how we
(c) house (d) World
should not treat the trees or how the frees must
Ans : 2016
be treated and makes us aware of the deteriorating
condition of nature. (b) forest

8. What is the poetess doing?

7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS (a) writing long letters (b) reading
(c) sleeping (d) watching television
Ans :
Multiple Choice
Type Question 2016, 2007

(a) writing long letters

1. Name the poet of the poem ‘The trees”
9. Name the literary device used in ‘The moon is
(a) Adrienne Rich (b) Robert Frost broken like a mirror,”
(c) Carolyn Wells (d) Walt Whitman (a) metaphor (b) simile
Ans : 2021

(a) Adrienne Rich (c) alliteration (d) imagery

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2015 Ans : 2012

(b) simile (d) the veranda floor

10. By morning, the forest will be full of _____ 18. The word ‘disengage’ means
(a) insects (b) Sun (a) combine (b) separate
(c) trees (d) birds (c) join (d) refuse
Ans : 2015
Ans : 2012
(c) trees (b) separate
11. What rushes out to meet the trees? 19. The dramatic changes in body features associated
(a) Wind (b) Man with puberty are mainly because of the secretions
(c) Water (d) Fire of:
Ans : 2015
(a) Estrogen from testes and testosterone from
(a) Wind ovary
12. What does the poetess compare the tree branches (b) Estrogen from adrenal gland and testosterone
to? from pituitary gland
(a) An old patient. (c) Testosterone from testes and estrogen from
ovary
(b) A newly discharged patient.
(d) Testosterone from thyroid gland and estrogen
(c) A Doctor
from pituitary gland
(d) None of the above Ans : 2011
Ans : 2014
(c) Testosterone from testes and estrogen from
(b) A newly discharged patient. ovary
13. Where are the decorative plants kept? 20. The number of pairs of nerves which arises from
(a) in open areas (b) in play areas the spinal cord is:
(c) in houses (d) none of these (a) 21 (b) 31
Ans : 2014
(c) 41 (d) 51
(c) in houses Ans : 2011

14. What type of trees are described in the poem (b) 31

‘The ‘Frees’ ? 21. A big tree falls in a forest, but its roots are still in
(a) Tall Trees (b) Short Plants contact with the soil. The branches of this fallen
(c) Decorative trees (d) All of these tree grow straight up (vertically). This happens
Ans : 2014 in response to:
(c) Decorative trees (a) Water and light (b) Water and minerals
15. Name the literary device used in “The moon is (c) Gravity and water (d) Light and gravity
broken like a mirror,” Ans : 2011

(d) Light and gravity

(a) metaphor (b) simile
(c) alliteration (d) imagery 22. Trees are usually the shelter of –
Ans : 2013
(a) Birds (b) Human beings
(b) simile
(c) Rabbits. (d) None of these
16. The roots are entangled in the Ans : 2011, 2004

(a) Birds
(a) earth (b) pot
(c) cracks (d) stone 23. What do the roots do all night?
Ans : 2012
(a) try to free themselves
(c) cracks
(b) try to respire
17. The cracks have appeared on (c) try to appear long
(a) the ceiling (b) the flower pots (d) none of the above
(c) the roof (d) the veranda floor Ans : 2010

(a) try to free themselves

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Page 560 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

24. The plant hormone which triggers the fall of and welcome new beginnings. The journey of
mature leaves and fruits from the plant body is: human transformation and reconnection with
(a) Auxin (b) Gibberellin nature is mirrored in the trees’ journey from
captivity to the forest.
(c) Abscisic acid (d) Cytokinin
Ans : 2010
2. What is the central idea of the poem, ‘The Trees’ ?
(c) Abscisic acid Ans : 2022

The central idea of the poem is the conflict between

25. Why can’t birds sit and insects hide in them?
man and nature. A plant is brought inside the
(a) Because they are very tall. house when it is a sapling. But as it grows into
(b) Because they are too much short. a tree, it gets suffocated with the limited space
(c) Because they are decorative trees available. So it departs to feel free. The tree is
thus, moving out to occupy the now empty forest,
(d) All of the above
made so by man’s indiscriminate felling of trees.
Ans : 2009
Humans must understand the negative impact
(c) Because they are decorative trees
of their actions on nature and mend their ways
26. Where do the decorative plants grow? before it is too late.
(a) in open areas 3. Why is the description of the moon different in
(b) in small pots and pans the beginning and at the end of the third stanza?
(c) in houses Ans : 2020

At the beginning of the third stanza, the poet

(d) none of these
Ans : 2008
says that one can see the whole moon shining in
the open sky, but in the end, the moon seems to
(b) in small pots and pans.
be broken like a mirror and its pieces shine in the
27. In a summer tree crown of the tallest oak tree. The change is caused
by the shifting of the trees outside.
(a) Make a cool shelter (b) Give us no cool
shelter 4. Justify the revolt of the trees and state two values
(c) Make us warmer (d) None of these which the man should possess to stop the revolt.
Ans : 2007 Ans : 2020

(a) Make a cool shelter The trees inside the house get suffocated as they
grow. They try to free themselves from the cracks
28. The poet is writing long letters sitting of the veranda floor and the leaves stretch out as
(a) in a garden (b) on ther of if to move towards the glass. They are justified
(c) outside (d) inside in their revolt. Men should learn the importance
Ans : 2007 of trees.
(d) inside
5. How does the poet describe the night? How does
29. What shines in the night? she feel?
Ans : 2017
(a) halogen light (b) full sun
It is night time. The night is fresh. In the open
(c) full moon (d) night bulb sky, the full moon is shining. The poet feels the
Ans : 2005
smell of leaves and lichen reaching inside the
(c) full moon room. Her head is full of whispers. But she thinks
that the next day these whispers will be silent.
Short Answer Type Question 6. Why are the trees described in the first stanza not
useful for birds or insects?
1. “The Trees” is a symbolic poem and Adrienne Ans : 2017, 2012
Rick has used trees as a metaphor for human The trees described in the first stanza are either
beings. What do they symbolize? Explain. decorative plants kept inside a house, or they are
Ans : 2024
shown only in a painting or picture. Therefore,
In “The Trees,” Adrienne Rich uses trees as a they are not useful for birds or insects. Birds
metaphor for human resilience, growth, and cannot sit on their branches. Insects cannot hide
liberation. They represent the ability of humans in them.
to transform, liberate themselves from limitations,

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

7. What happens to the roots and leaves of these 13. Explain : “The moon is broken like a mirror”.
trees at night? Ans : 2014

Ans : 2016 Previously, the forest was without trees and

The roots of these trees are engaged into the cracks therefore the unobstructive view of the moon was
of the veranda floor. At night, these roots try to visible. But now, as the trees have moved towards
free themselves from the cracks. The leaves try to the forest, only a fragmented view of the moon
move towards the glass. Twigs become harden and is visible, which looks like a broken mirror to the
the boughs try to expand under the roof. poet.

8. How does the poet describe the growth of the 14. What is going on in the poet’s house at night ?
trees inside the house? Ans : 2011

Ans : 2016 The trees inside the poet’s house are moving out
These trees grow in pots and pans. So their roots into the forest. All night, the roots try hard and
feel cramped. These roots try to free themselves free themselves from the cracks on the veranda
from the cracks of the veranda floor. The leaves floor. The leaves, small twigs and the branches
need light. So they move towards the glass. The also strain themselves to move out. Meanwhile,
twigs are stiff and the boughs are like the newly the poet can hear the glass breaking and can see
discharged patients coming out of clinic doors. the trees stumbling forward into the night. As she
writes long letters.
9. Why does the poet use the metaphor of newly
discharged patients? 15. What was the poet doing in the poem ‘The
Ans : 2015 Trees’ ?
A patient feels depressed in a hospital. As soon Ans : 2011

as he recovers, he is eager to leave the hospital. In the poem ‘The Trees’ the poet was sitting inside
He rushes towards the clinic doors. In the same the house, with the doors open to the veranda,
way, the plants in the pots feel suffocated. They and was writing long letters. In those letters,
are deprived of adequate light. So they stretch she hardly mentioned the departure of the trees
themselves towards the glass door, in the hope of from the house. While writing, she could hear the
finding the light. feeble sounds the trees made as they moved and
so, her head was full of whispers. But at the same
10. How are the branches “shuffling under the roof” ? time, she was aware that once the trees reach the
Ans : 2014
forest, there will be no more sounds in the house.
The poet feels that the moving of the branches
of the trees from the house to the forest is like 16. Do you think the trees are justified in the revolt?
the movement of the patients who have just been State two values which man should possess to
allowed to leave the clinic after a really long stay. stop the revolt.
That is why, they looked so bewildered and dazed Ans : 2010

as they rushed out of the house eagerly. The trees inside the house get suffocated as they
grow. They try to free themselves from the cracks
11. How does the poet feel about the night, moon and of the veranda floor and the leaves stretch out as
sky, while she is sitting with the doors open to the if to move towards the glass. They are justified
veranda ? What does she smell ? in their revolt. Men should learn the importance
Ans : 2014
of trees.
While sitting with the doors open to the veranda,
the poet feels that the night is fresh and full moon 17. Long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof
is shining in the clear and open sky. At the same like newly discharged patients. Why does the poet
time, there is the smell of leaves and lichens that compare branches with patients?
reaches into her room like a voice. Ans : 2009

The poet compares the ‘long-cramped’ branches

12. Explain : “My head is full of whispers which that have been shuffling under the roof to newly
tomorrow will be silent”. discharged patients who look half-dazed as they
Ans : 2014
move towards the hospital doors after long illnesses
The poet feels that her head is full of whispers and wait to get out of the hospital. The branches
of the trees moving in the night from her house also have cramped under the roof and want to get
to the forest. But these whispers will be silent by out into the open to spread themselves in fresh
tomorrow morning, as all the trees in her house air.
would have moved away to the forest permanently.

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18. Why does the poet compare the branches with the gushing sound of the wind which seems to
patients? move out to meet the trees.
Ans : 2009, 2005

The poet compares the branches to newly

discharged patients who move to the Clinic doors
Long Answer Type Question
in a half-dazed state of mind because like the 1. ‘Departure is painful’. So is the departure of the
patients these branches are not sure where exactly trees painful for the poetess. What will happen
to go and what the future holds in store for them. after their departure?
Ans : 2016
19. What does the poet mean by the sun’s feet? What
Just like the departure of someone close to us is
picture do these words create in mind?
painful, so also is the departure of a tree. When
Ans : 2008
they are planted as a sapling they look nice and
The sun’s feet refer to the sunrays which are
enhance the beauty of our surroundings. But as
not able to penetrate through the thick cluster
they grow and spread out their branches, they
of trees. These words create a dark and gloomy
look wild and require more space for their growth.
image in the mind.
The roots create cracks in the floor and the leaves
stretch out as if to move towards the glass, perhaps
20. What changes can be seen in the moon during the in need of sunlight. The soft twigs become strong
course of the poem ‘The Trees’ ? and stiff. So the trees need to be removed from
Ans : 2006
the house. No more do the leaves cover the sky,
Initially the moon is whole and shines in an open but the trees breathe and they are welcomed by
and clear sky. Later the full moon is broken like the wind. The moon resembles a broken mirror,
a mirror and its pieces are flashing on the top of reflecting off the leaves. The poetess reveals that
the tallest oak tree. she will feel lonely after the trees’ departure.
21. Where are the trees at present? What do their 2. A conflict between Man and Nature is going on.
roots, and leaves do? In this civilization pursuit men are disregarding
Ans : 2005
the natural growth of plants and trees. In total
At present, the trees are in the house. The roots
confinement, nature also rebels against civilization
try to free themselves from the cracks of the
and becomes destructive. Elaborate.
veranda floor, and the leaves make efforts to move Ans : 2014
towards the glass, perhaps in search of light. The In the conflict between man and nature, man has
small branches become stiff as they try to pull caused much harm to nature. With civilization,
themselves towards the light. man has learnt to acquire a lot of material goods
but forgotten the importance of nature and cut
22. Describe the atmosphere outside while the poet down large forests. killed animals, destroyed
sits to write long letters? water bodies and done several other such acts.
Ans : 2004
But, man wrongly judges nature to be weak,
Ans. At that time the night is fresh and the full while nature is the most powerful. No matter how
moon is shining in an open and clear night sky. much technologically advance we become, we can
The smell of leaves and lichens of the departed never prevent any natural disaster from taking
trees still reaches into the rooms of the house. place. Such destructive forms of nature, like flood,
earthquake, volcanoes, tornadoes, etc. teach man
23. Where do the trees go? How?
that the real power lies with nature and it can do
Ans : 2004, 2001
anything.
The trees inside the house are moving out into
the forest. All night, the roots have worked to 3. The trees in the poem stretch out their branches,
disengage themselves from the cracks in the break barriers and struggle hard to move out in
veranda floor so that the trees can be free to go open in their natural environments. Analyse the
to the forest. efforts that one puts into break away captivity and
strive for freedom.
24. What all can the poet listen to at the conclusion
Ans : 2010
of the poem ‘The Trees’ ?
For anyone, freedom is much more important
Ans : 2003
than any kind of comfort, growth or development.
The poet can listen to the breaking of glass, the
Even, when we have all the riches in the world but
stumbling forward of the trees into the night and
no freedom, we do not really have anything. And

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

stiff with exertion/long-cramped boughs (iii) Why do you think the poet does not mention
shuffling) and the fourth stanza (The trees “the departure of the forest form the house”
are stumbling forward). in her letter? (could it be that we are often
silent about important happening that are so
unexpected that they embarrass us ? Think
5. message about this again when you answer the next
The message of the poem “The Trees” is that set of questions.)
freedom and equality should be for all the living Ans :
organisms in the world. Whether we take this (i) The poet describes the Moon
poem as nature’s poem or a feminist oriented (a) One can see the whole moon shining in
poem, the poet gives a clear message that we the open sky.
should have equal rights. No one’s freedom should (b) The moon is broken like a mirror and
be taken away. its pieces flash now in the crown of the
tallest oak.
6. ncert textbook questions (ii) When the trees move out of the house, the
smell of leaves and crusty patches or bushy
Thinking About The Poem growth on tree trunks or bare ground still
reaches like a voice into the rooms of the house.
1. (i) Find, the first stanza, three things that
cannot happen in a treeless forest. (iii) The poet does not mention these words in her
letter because she is silent about important
(ii) What picture do these words create in your
happening that are so unexpected that they
mind: “...sun bury its feet in shadow ....” ?
embarrass her. The trees are morning out of
What could the poet mean by the sun’s feet?
Ans : 2017
the gouse.
(i) In a treeless forest, no bird can sit, no insect 4. Now that you have read the poem in detail, we
can hide, no sun can bury its feet or rays in can begin to ask what the poem might mean. Here
shadow. are two suggestions. Can you think of others ?
(ii) The words mean that the sun is setting. These (i) Does the poem present a conflict between man
words show that it is the time of dusk. The and nature ? Compare it with %Tiger in the
sun is not shining at this time. The shadow Zoo.’ Is the poet suggesting that plants and
starts falling down. trees, used for ‘interior decoration’ in cities
while forests are cut down, are ‘imprisoned’,
2. (i) Where are the trees in the poem ? What do
and need to ‘break out’ ?
their roots, their leaves and their twigs do ?
(ii) What does the poet compare their branches (ii) On the other hand, Adrienne Rich has been
to ? known to use trees as a metaphor for human
Ans : 2017, 2007
beings; this is a recurrent image in her poetry.
What new meanings emerge from the poem
(i) The trees are in the room attached with the
if you take its trees to be symbolic of their
veranda. The roots try to move out from the
particular meaning.
cracks in the veranda floor. The leaves try to
Ans :
struggle to come near the glass. The twigs
are shrivelled and they try to come under the (i) Yes, the poem presents a conflict between
roof like the newly discharged patients from man and nature. Man has always caused
the hospitals. much harm to nature, without realizing that
it actually is a harm to the human race.
(ii) The poet compares their branches with the
Humans cut down forests for forest goods,
newly discharged patients who are leaving
which has destroyed a lot of natural beauty.
from the hospitals.
By keeping trees inside walls and denying
3. (i) How does the poet describe the moon : them their natural home, they are denying
(a) at the beginning of the third stanza, and them their freedom. That is why, the trees
want to move out. Similarly, in the poem A
(b) at its end. What causes this change?
Tiger in the Zoo, the poet shows that animals
(ii) What happens to the house when the trees feel bounded by cages and they want to get
move out of it? free and run wild in the open.

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Page 564 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

small twigs stiff with exertion iii. Who is the wind rushing to meet?
long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof (a) the birds and the insects
like newly discharged patients (b) the trees
half-dazed, moving (c) the poet
to the clinic doors.
(d) the sun and the moon.
i. In what way does the language used in this
extract challenge traditional ideas of what iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in
poetry should be? these lines in 40 words.
Ans : 2018
ii. What is the significance of the use of the
i. personification.
word ‘roots’ and ‘disengage’ to describe the
social change in the poem and how does this ii. The way a mirror with cracks reflects a
word choice contribute to the overall mood fractured image similarly, the moon looks
and tone of the poem? Answer in about 40 broken like a mirror because the poet sees it
words. through the branches of a tall, oak tree.
iii. The leaves strain through the glass, small iii. (b) the trees
twigs are stiff with exertion and long-cramped iv. The wind symbolises the welcoming spirit
boughs are shuffling under the roof- all of the outside world which also favours the
indicate the presence of these poetic devices: freedom of women. The simile of the moon
(a) metaphors and imagery. broken like a mirror is a symbol of the broken
(b) enjambment and allusion. dominance of a patriarchal hierarchy and the
tall oak stands for the victory of the strugglers
(c) allusion and alliteration.
i.e. the women.
(d) personification and imagery.
iv. Complete the statement. 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
The words ‘in the veranda floor’ clearly questions that follows :
suggest that the change is taking place “Where no bird could sit
_____ and _____. no insect hide
Ans : 2020 no sun bury its feet in shadow
i. The poem has been penned in free verse and the forest that was empty all these nights
uses heavy symbolism. will be full of trees by morning.”
ii. Roots constitute the base of trees. They i. Fill the blank with one word.
symbolise the courage and the traditional When the speaker rattles off her thoughts in
role of women. The women are struggling to a run-on manner, she is using this figure of
disengage (liberate) from the cracks of the speech _____.
veranda floor. The veranda floor symbolises ii. What is the symbolism in the ‘forest’ and
the burden of domestic duties and cracks refer why is the forest empty?
to the breaking of the patriarchal notions. iii. Complete the statement with reference to the
The mood and the tone are optimistic. extract.
iii. (d) personification and imagery. The poet uses the trees as a symbol of
iv. in domestic setups and society. _____.
(a) the emancipation of women from their
3. Read the extract given below and answer the confinement.
questions that follows : (b) the fight of people for their civil rights.
.... Winds rush to meet them.
(c) the emancipation of trees from the room.
The moon is broken like a mirror,
(d) the fight of people for their political
its pieces flash now in the crown
rights
of the tallest oak.
iv. Comment on the poet’s use of poetic devices
i. Fill in the blank with suitable words on the
in these lines.
basis of your understanding of the given lines.
Ans : 2015
The figure of speech used by Adrienne Rich
in ‘.... Winds rush to meet them’ is _____. i. Enjambment.
ii. Why does the moon look like a broken mirror? ii. Adrienne Rich describes the confinement
and the escape of the trees to their new

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

those, who live with bare minimum necessities Extract Based Question
but are able to live freely are always the happiest.
Just like the trees in the poem, freedom is gained 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
after a lot of effort. For example, the freedom questions that follow :
movements of countries all around the world, My head is full of whispers
where people give up their lives to get freedom. Which tomorrow will be silent.
Listen. The glass is breaking.
4. How does the poem ‘The Trees’ make a strong The trees are stumbling forward
plea against deforestation? into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
Ans : 2009 The moon is broken like a mirror,
The poem, ‘The Trees’ sends home a strong message its pieces flash now in the crown
against deforestation. At the beginning of the of the tallest Oak.
poem, the poetess indirectly highlights importance i. Identify the figure of speech used in the line:
of trees when she says that if there is no forest, “The Trees are stumbling forward into the
there is no place for birds to sit, insects to hide and night”.
the sun to bury its feet in shadow. As a sapling, the
plant adds to the beauty of the surroundings when ii. Explain the significance of the line :
placed inside the house. But as it grows, it spreads “The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces
its branches, leaves and roots around. It gets flash now in the crown of the tallest Oak.”
suffocated unless it is brought into the open. Thus, Answer in about 40 words.
in the poem, the trees are said to ‘depart’ from the iii. Complete the sentence with the appropriate
house to be welcomed by the strong winds and the option. In the third line, the word ‘Listen’ is
moon. But there is no forest inside the house any used to _____.
more, as there are no trees. The poetess does not (a) serve no purpose but to complete the
want to mention the departure of the forests as she sentence.
feels guilty for merely looking silently at them as
(b) emphasize listening carefully to the sound
they depart. This way she subtly points out the
of glass breaking.
thanklessness of man towards forest.
(c) emphasize listening carefully as a change
5. Explain the phrase “the forest that was empty all is about to take place.
these days”. After reading the poem, for whom (d) make the reader more attentive.
do you think are the forests needed ? Imagine you iv. What does the line : “My head is full of
are a tree in a forest, what values would you like whispers which tomorrow will be silent” tell
the humans to learn from the tree ? us about the poet’s state of mind ?
O Ans : 2024
What message does Adrienne Rich want to convey i. personification
through her poem, ‘The Trees’ ?
ii. The moon is metaphorically compared to a
Ans : 2006
mirror, appearing fragmented as the shadow
In her poem ‘The Trees’ poetess Adrienne
Rich subtly drives home the message about the of the oak tree splits it into many pieces.
importance of trees. Without trees, the birds iii. (c) emphasize listening carefully as a change
would not have a place to sit, insects will have is about to take place.
no place to hide and the sun would not bury its iv. The poet describes the sensation of her head
feet in shadow. As saplings we enjoy the beauty of being filled with the slow sounds emitted by
plants as they adorn the surroundings. But slowly trees, which seem eager to escape. However,
the tree spreads its roots, its branches and leaves the poet feels regretful, knowing that these
and seems to yearn to go outside where it can live sounds will not be audible the following day,
and grow without any restrictions. No more does as everything will become silent.
the tree look attractive indoors. The trees are,
however, welcomed into nature by strong winds 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
and the moon. The author hereby emphasizes questions that follows :
that trees need to be kept alive, but should not be All night the roots work
‘imprisoned’ inside the house as they look more to disengage themselves from the cracks
beautiful, and tend to thrive outdoors - that is in the veranda floor.
where trees belong. The leaves strain toward the glass

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Page 566 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

Chapter 8

F og

1. INTRODUCTION Explanation
The poem is an expression of how the poet sees
Fog is a very small poem written by Carl the fog. The poet feels that fog is not just a
Sandburg. He has described the process of arrival natural phenomenon but a creature. A parallel
of the fog into a city and the harbour. He has very between the fog and a cat has been drawn. Just as
beautifully compared it to cat. Carl Sandburg has a cat comes slowly and slyly, the fog appears very
portrayed the nature and its silent working. He slowly and engulfs the entire city avoiding anyone
tells that the fog comes without a noise like a cat. noticing it. The presence of the fog over the city
It leaves us in the same way after sitting for some seems as if a cat is sitting silently on its haunches
time. The poet impresses the point of doing work. and looking over the harbour and the city. When
the fog moves out of a city, it seems as if a cat has
2. Summary silently stepped out of the place.

Poet Compares the Fog to a Cat

Carl Sandburg has given a very fine picture of fog. 4. LITERARY DEVICES
It is a natural phenomenon. The poet has compared The poem does not have a rhyme scheme since it
its arrival just like a cat. The cat arrives silently, is written in free verse.
slowly, suddenly and gradually leaves without 1. Metaphor : Sandburg extensively uses
making any kind of noise. It does not disturb us. metaphors in the poem to draw comparisons
Landmark of Success between nature and a cat. In the line ‘The
Then the poet tells that the fog does not interfere. fog comes on little cat feet’, Sandburg has
It sits. It goes on falling and looking silently and indirectly compared the fog with a cat. He
vigilantly over the harbours and cities. It sits silently also compares the fog settled over the city
on her knees like the cat. After sometime it leaves us to a cat sitting on its hind legs in the line ‘It
completely. Thus the activities in the nature go on sits looking over harbour and city on silent
perennially. Following its principle, we must remain haunches and then moves on’. In the same
busy in our work. This is the landmark of success. line, the poet says that fog leaving the city is
like a cat leaving a place quietly.
2. Personification : The words ‘It sits looking/
3. EXPLANATION over harbour and city’ are an example of
personification. The fog, which is a thing, has
Stanza 1
been shown doing the actions of sitting and
“The fog comes ‘looking’ here.
on little cat feet. 3. Imagery : Sandburg uses simple words to
It sits looking create a vivid description of the fog. The
over harbour and city phrases ‘the fog comes on’, ‘sits looking’
on silent haunches and ‘moves on’ invoke imagery of movement
and then moves on.” in the poem. They create an image of the
Word Meaning fog entering, settling over and, then finally
moving away from the city. The phrases along
1. Harbour - port for ships
with ‘little cat feet’ and ‘silent haunches’
2. Haunches - hips come together to compare the actions of the

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

fog to that of a cat. (ii) Think about a storm. Try to visualize the
4. Transferred Epithet : The phrase ‘on silent force of the storm, hear the sound of the
haunches’ is an example of transferred epithet. storm, to feel the power of the storm and the
Here, ‘haunches’ are not ‘silent’. Rather, the sudden calm that happens afterward. Write
phrase refers to how a cat silently sits on its a poem about the storm comparing it with
back legs. some animal.
Ans :
(i)
5. message
Storm tiger pounces over the
The poem ‘Fog’ gives the message of change and
fields, growls.
hope. Change is the integral part of nature as well
as of humans. Everything changes. In the poem, Train snake crawls, wriggles.
we find that the city was quiet and everything Fire flood ruins and disturbs.
was normal. However soon fog appears and puts
everything into halt. However it does not remain School knowledge provides wisdom and
tree fills qualities of a
there forever and finally goes away.
good citizen.
Home mother breeds, looks after.
6. NCERT TEXTBOOK questions
(ii)
Thinking About The Poem A Storm
1. (i) What does Sandburg think the fog is like ? A storm and a tiger both are same
One is violent, other is ferocious in name
(ii) How does the fog come ?
They howl, growl, roar and ruin
(iii) What does ‘It’ in the third line refer to ? Read their nature since they are mean
(iv) Does the poet actually say that the fog is like No fear, no rear, no hear, no drop
a cat ? Find three things that tell us that the Create troubles unable to sleep
fog is like a cat. Look dangerous, spill and spat
Ans : Visit silently like fog and cat.
(i) The poet Sandburg thinks the fog is like the God save us from both of them
cat. They remain there like the sheltering helm.
(ii) The fog comes silently like a cat. 3. Does these poem have a rhyme scheme ? Poetry
(iii) In the third line, ‘It’ refers to Tog. that does not have an obvious rhythm or rhyme
(iv) following points can be given for reference is called free verse.
(Comparison between the fog and the cat) : Ans :
1. Fog comes on little cat feet. This poem has no rhyming scheme. So it is a free
2. It sits looking silently on haunches. verse.
3. It moves away.

2. You know that a metaphor compares two things 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
by transferring a feature of one thing to the other
(see Unit 1).
Multiple Choice
Type Question
(i) Find metaphors for the following words and
complete the table below. Also try to say how 1. Name the poet of the poem “Fog”.
they are like. The first one is done for you. (a) Carl Sandburg (b) Robert Frost
Storm tiger pounces over the (c) Carolyn Wells (d) Walt Whitman
fields, growls. Ans : 2021

Train (a) Carl Sandburg

Fire 2. What has the poet compared the fog with?

School (a) Dog (b) Cat
Home (c) Woman (d) None of these

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Page 568 Discursive Passage Chapter 8
Ans : 2021 Ans : 2012

(b) Cat (a) Slowly and silently

3. Where does the fog arrive? 11. How does the fog arrive and depart?
(a) City (b) Harbour (a) by announcing its arrival
(c) Village (d) Both (a) and (b) (b) silently
Ans : 2020 (c) loudly
(d) Both (a) and (b)
(d) both (a) and (c)
4. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? Ans : 2012

(b) silently
(a) ababab (b) aababa
(c) aabaab (d) No rhyme scheme 12. The feet of the fog are like _____ feet.
Ans : 2020 (a) cat (b) lion
(d) No rhyme scheme
(c) tiger (d) dog
5. What has been personified in the poem? Ans : 2011

(a) cat
(a) Fog (b) City
(c) Cat (d) Harbour 13. How does fog comes on ?
Ans : 2015 (a) little dog feet (b) little rat feet
(a) Fog
(c) little birds feet (d) little cat feet
6. The feet of the fog are like feet of _____ Ans : 2010

(d) little cat feet

(a) cat (b) lion
(c) tiger (d) dog 14. Where does the fog sit on ?
Ans : 2015 (a) harbour and city
(a) cat
(b) top of the mountains
7. What does the fog do while it looks over the city (c) top of the tall trees
and the harbour? (d) top of buildings
(a) Sits (b) Moves Ans : 2010

(c) Stands (d) Dances (a) harbour and city

Ans : 2015, 2006
15. The fog is compared to what ?
(a) Sits
(a) mouse (b) cat
8. After sitting, the fog _____ (c) dog (d) ant
(a) disappears (b) sits there only Ans : 2010

(c) moves on (d) gets dense (b) cat

Ans : 2015
16. What is the rhyming scheme of poem?
(c) moves on
(a) aabb (b) abab
9. What does the fog look over? (c) Free Verse (d) None of these
(a) Over houses Ans : 2007

(b) Over the harbour and the city (c) Free Verse
(c) Over offices 17. How does the cat sits ?
(d) None of the Above (a) on its paws (b) on its back
Ans : 2014
(c) on its haunches (d) on its stomach
(b) Over the harbour and the city. Ans : 2007

10. How does the fog come? (c) on its haunches

(a) Slowly and silently 18. Fog comes like a
(b) Faster and silently (a) Cat (b) Bear
(c) Faster and making noise (c) Dog (d) Skyline
(d) None of the Above

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in

these lines.
Ans : 2015,

i. Enjambment
ii. The fog sneaks in slyly and quietly enveloping
the entire harbour and the city. It sits on ‘silent
haunches’ like a cat observing life around it
and then moves on. Fog is personified by Carl
Sandsberg and its movement and conduct are
compared to a cat.
iii. (a) The sneaky movement of the fog and
those of a cat.
iv. The poet uses a common weather occurrence
and an ordinary cat for comparison and
uses the commonality of their movements
in a striking manner using consonance,
enjambment and personification. The choice
of words is simple but effective because it
pops up vivid images or visuals.



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Page 570 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

does not stay at one place for long. After engulfing on silent haunches
the entire city for some time, it moves away like and then moves on.
a cat. i. The fog arrives and departs _____.
(a) by announcing its arrival
Long Answer Type Question (b) silently
(c) loudly
1. “Difficulties do come in our lives, but they are (d) Both (a) and (c)
not there to stay forever.” Comment on this
ii. Which image does the poet give to the fog?
statement with reference to the poem ‘Fog’ by
What are the similarities between that image
Carl Sandburg.
and fog? Answer in about 40 words.
Ans : 2020

When people face difficulties in their lives, at the iii. Identify the figure of speech is prominent in
end, these problems tend to leave them hopeless the poem ‘Fog’ _____.
and shattered. It takes a lot of courage for anyone iv. What is fog doing?
to overcome their problems and to even try to Ans : 2017

solve it. But if we take a lesson from this poem i. (b) silently
‘Fog’ and compare our difficulties to a fog, we find ii. The poet looks at fog as a living creature and
that just like a fog, the difficulties also come and compares it to a cat. The fog covers a place
go. They are not a permanent resident in our lives suddenly and disappears in the same manner
and hence, don’t stay forever. just like the coming and going of a cat. The
There is no need for us to become hopeless fog remains over any area like a cat sitting by
and lose courage when are faced with problems. folding its knees. Just like a cat that cannot
We should rather try to think of those difficulties sit and relax in one place, the fog is also a
or problems as a fog, meaning that think of it as temporary visitor to a place. Both move on
something that has not come to stay for long, but after some time.
something will always leave, like every other bad
period of our lives. iii. The figure of speech prominent in the poem
‘Fog’ is metaphor.
2. Nature has many wonders that people take for iv. Fog is sitting silently and watching over the
granted and never pay attention to. How is the harbour and city.
poem ‘Fog’ different from this perspective?
Ans : 2016 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
The poet has taken utmost pleasure in nature and questions that follows :
natural phenomenon like fog. Fog is so special to It sits looking
the poet that he cared enough not only to write over harbour and city
about it, but also thinks of its resemblance with on silent haunches
other things in the world. In his close attention and then moves on.
to fog, he found fog resembles a cat, in the way i. In the given extract, the poet uses the poetic
it moves and sits on its haunches. The fact that device, _____ in which one line runs onto
such a resemblance was found by the poet shows another without any punctuation mark.
how connected he is to various things in nature. ii. What is the significance of the use of the
This poem serves as a motivation for people, who word “silent” to describe the fog in the poem
take nature for granted to find such interesting and how does this word choice contribute to
comparisons and similarities around them. the overall mood and tone of the poem?
iii. The poet has used the poetic device
Extract Based Question ‘transferred epithet’ in the third line. What
does the poet wish to emphasize?
1. Read the extract given below and answer the (a) The sneaky movement of the fog and
questions that follows : those of a cat.
The fog comes (b) The purring of the fog and the cat.
on little cat feet.
(c) The fluffiness of the fog and a cat’s fur.
It sits looking
(d) The playfulness of the fog and a cat.
over harbour and city

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2005
fog moves on soon, because a cat does not stay in
(a) Cat one place for long.
19. Here fog has compared with the cat because of 5. What is the message of the poem ‘Fog’ ?
his – Ans : 2007

(a) Soft nature (b) Unpredictable The poem ‘Fog’ by Carl Sandburg describes fog
manner in a simple yet interesting way. He describes the
(c) Silent manner (d) Witty manner fog, as if it were a cat. When it is foggy and things
Ans : 2005 around us cannot be seen clearly, one should be
(b) Unpredictable manner patient and must not give up because the fog
disappears as suddenly it comes.
Similarly, the difficulties in life are like the
Short Answer Type Question fog, meaning unpredictable. They come suddenly,
stay for some time, cause discomfort but then one
1. What effect does the short structure of the poem day, they too disappear. This is the message that
Fog have on its meaning? the poet is trying to convey through the poem.
Ans : 2023

The short and precise nature of the poem 6. Why has the fog been compared to a cat ?
creates a clear and focused message. It conveys Ans : 2006
the simplicity of the fog’s presence. The concise The fog comes all of a sudden without any
structure allows for vivid and impactful visual warning, similarly, a cat too walks in silently and
imagery. Each line presents a distinct image, softly.
such as the fog sitting “looking over harbour and A cat stops, lingers on, looks around and then
city” or “on silent haunches.” Each visual image suddenly disappears. You can never tell what a
depicted contributes to the overall mood and cat will do next. The fog too spreads and engulfs
atmosphere of the poem. the whole area, hangs over for sometime and then
moves on. Both of them are unpredictable and
2. ‘The fog comes on little cat feet’
therefore the comparison is apt.
How does the poet compare the fog with the cat?
Which poetic device is used here? 7. How does the poet describe the fog as if it were a
Ans : 2015, 2009 living being ?
The poet compares the fog to a cat as just like a Ans : 2006
cat the fog comes on its little cat feet and seems The poet uses ‘metaphor’ and assumes the fog to
to settle over the city on its silent haunches. A be a cat. He says that the fog comes on little cat
personification is used here, the fog is personified feet and sits looking over the harbour and the city
as a cat. on its haunches, a position a cat usually sits in,
and then moves on.
3. What are the three things that tell us that the fog
is like a cat? 8. How does the poet compare fog to a living being?
O Ans : 2005
Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a The poet compares the fog to a cat. The silent
cat? Find three things that tell us that the fog is steps of a cat and the way it sits on its haunches,
like a cat. is very similar to the way fog comes and surrounds
Ans : 2007, 2006
the city and looks over it.
The three things that tell us that the fog is like
a cat, are that the fog comes on little cat feet, it 9. What image does the poet give to the fog? What
looks quietly over the harbour and the city and are the similarities between that image and fog?
moves on silent haunches. Ans : 2003

The poet looks at fog as a living creature and

4. With what does the poet compare the fog ? compares it to a cat. The fog moves like a cat on
Ans : 2007
little cat feet and sits on haunches like a cat.
The poet compares fog to a cat. The fog comes
suddenly and stealthily just like the little feet 10. Explain the nature of fog.
of a cat. It looks over harbour and city on its Ans : 2002

haunches, just as a cat looks over sitting with The fog arrives silently and covers the city. But it
knees bent (haunches). And then like a cat the is temporary and has a fickle state. As a result, it

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Page 572 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

Chapter 9

T he Tale of Custard the Dragon

1. INTRODUCTION engine knowing about the pirate. He attacked him

with a fierce sound but the pirate was trying to
The poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is overpower the Custard. Very soon the Custard
written by Ogden Nash. It is written in the style started gobbling him slowly.
of a ballad (A song or a poem that tells a story -
usually about courage or valour or heroism). But Showering Affection
this poem is a humorous ballad, which is quite Finding free from the danger, Belinda embraced
close to a parody. In the poem, Belinda lived the Custard. Mustard too licked him. But there was
in a little white house with a little black kitten none who could mourn at the pirate. Ink and Blink
called Ink, a little grey mouse called Blink, a little were happily circling around the Dragon. They all
yellow dog called Mustard and a little pet dragon boasted of their bravery. The Custard agreed that
called Custard. The poet says that all of them are all were brave except himself. Belinda was in her
very brave except the dragon. But his perception white house with the black kitten, grey mouse and
changes when the dragon saves everyone from the the yellow dog. She told that she was brave as a
attack of pirates on Belinda’s house. barrel full of bears. Ink, Blink, and the Mustard
too called themselves brave. But the Custard went
on crying for a nice safe cage.
2. Summary
Pets at the House of Belinda 3. Explanation
There lived a girl named Belinda in a little white
house. She had pets, i.e., a black kitten, a grey Stanza 1
mouse, a dragon and a yellow dog. All were little. Belinda lived in a little white house,
They had their names namely, Ink, Blink, Custard With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse,
and Mustard. All praised their bravery. The And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,
Custard had big sharp teeth. There were scales And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.
underneath its body but the top had spikes. Its
mouth was like a fireplace and nose like a chimney. Word Meaning
Belinda was brave but Mustard was brave like a 1. Wagon - a vehicle used for transporting goods
tiger. The Custard always cried for a safe cage. or another specified purpose.
Tickling by Belinda 2. Realio - really (used in the poem for effect)
It was the habit of Belinda to tickle the custard. All 3. Trulio - truly (used in the poem for effect)
three Ink, Blink and Mustard called him Percival.
They were sitting in the little red wagon with the Explanation
coward dragon. All of a sudden, Belinda shook the The poet says that once there was a little girl
house. All the pets cried but Belinda spoke that a named Belinda. She lived in a little white house.
pirate had climbed in the window. She told that he She lived with some creatures who were her pets.
had pistols in his hands. There was a sharp sword They were a black kitten, a grey mouse, a yellow
in his teeth. He had a black beard. His one leg was dog, a little red wagon and a creature that the
of wood. poet says was really and truly a dragon.
Trouble of Belinda Stanza 2
Immediately Belinda cried for help. Mustard ran
away with a terrifying yelp. Ink went down of the Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,
household and the Blink hid in the mousehole. And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink,
The Custard was sleeping and snorting like an And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

But the dragon was a coward, Explanation

and she called him Custard. So, now the poet explains the inner strength or
the bravery of various characters of the poem.
Word Meaning He says that Belinda was as brave as a group
1. Mustard - a yellow coloured flower of bears and ink and blink were so brave that
2. Coward - weakling they could hunt lions. So here he has shown the
bravery of the kitten and the little mouse that
Explanation
could hunt even a lion. The dog was very brave
The poet explains the name of all the animals
just like an angry tiger. But to contrast of all
that are tamed by Belinda. He says that the name
of them was Custard. Custard, the dragon was
of black kitten is ink. The name of grey mouse
not brave he was so afraid of everything that he
is blink. The little yellow dog had yellow colour
always demanded a safe cage.
and so she calls him mustard and the dragon that
was a coward means was a weakling was called
custard. Stanza 5
Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful,
Stanza 3 Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him
Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth, Percival,
And spikes on top of him and scales underneath, They all sat laughing in the little red wagon
Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose, At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon.
And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.
Word Meaning
Word Meaning 1. Tickled - stroke, here it means to tease
1. Spikes - thin pointed surface 2. Unmerciful - cruel
2. Scales - Thin bony plates protecting the skin 3. Rudely - not in a civil manner or mannerlessly
of fish and reptiles. 4. Percival - A knight in King Arthur’s court
3. Underneath - situated directly below Explanation
4. Fire place - An outdoor structure of brick, Belinda used to stroke the dragon in a very cruel
stone or metal for an open fire way. Ink, blink and mustard made fun of him by
5. Chimney - a long pipe that opens on the comparing him to a knight named Percival who
roof to let out the smoke released from the was thought to be brave but ran away due to lack
fireplace. of courage. They used to tease the dragon while
6. Dagger - A sharp knife sitting in their little red wagon.
Explanation
Stanza 6
The poet describes the dragon that it had big
sharp teeth and spikes on top. This means that its Belinda giggled till she shook the house,
skin was pointed on the top. On the lower part it And Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a
had scales which were bony plates to protect the mouse,
skin. His mouth has been compared to a fireplace Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,
because it is assumed that dragons can release fire When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
from the mouth. Even his nose is compared to a
chimney which is used to pass out smoke. His feet Word Meaning
are like a sharp knife i.e. a dagger. 1. Giggled - to laugh
2. Weeck - Here it is the sound made by the
Stanza 4
mouse
Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
Explanation
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
The poet says that Belinda used to laugh so loudly
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage, that her voice echoed in the house. Blink, the mouse
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage. used to laugh and make a sound of weeck. On the
Word Meaning other hand, ink and mustard would tease him by
asking the dragon his age whenever he used to
1. Barrel - drum
demand for a nice safe cage.
2. Chased - hunt, follow
3. Rage - anger

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Page 574 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

Stanza 7 6. Mouseholed - here it is the hole where the

Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound, mouse lives.
And Mustard growled, and they all looked around. Explanation
Meowch! cried Ink, and ooh! cried Belinda, When all of them saw the pirate they got
For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda frightened. Belinda was so frightened that she
turned yellow due to fear and started crying for
Word Meaning help. Mustard the dog started crying for help too.
1. Nasty - bad or unpleasant The kitten ink ran down towards the bottom of
2. Growled - bark the house as if he had already planned for it. The
mouse ink ran into his little mouse hole in order
3. Pirate - A person who robs ship in the sea
to save himself.
4. Winda - it is used for window
Explanation Stanza 10
So, while all of them were making fun of the But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
dragon, they heard a sound of someone entering Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
the house. When they looked towards the window With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,
they saw a pirate climbing up the wall. The dog He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
barked at him and the kitten meowed to him.
Belinda cried ‘ooh’ because all of them were Word Meaning
scared of the pirate (who robs ships). 1. Snorting - make a sudden explosive sound
through one’s nose
Stanza 8
2. Clashed - fought, strike
Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right, 3. Dungeon - an underground prison
And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright, 4. Clatter Clank - sound of hard object falling
His beard was black, one leg was wood; on each other
It was clear that the pirate meant no good 5. Jangling squirm - sound of hard object falling
Word Meaning on each other
6. Robin - A bird
1. Pistol - a handgun
2. Cutlass - a short sword with a curved blade. Explanation
When all the other characters that were earlier
3. Meant : intended
defined as very brave got frightened, the dragon
Explanation did the most unexpected thing. He jumped onto
The poet describes the appearance of the pirate. the pirate and made such a strong sound with
He says that the pirate was holding handguns in his nose as if the engine was producing a sound.
both his hands and had a little sword too. He Not only this, he hit his tail on the ground with
was holding his sword with his teeth. He had a great force that it produced a heavy sound of
black beard and his one leg was made of wood. metal being rubbed against each other in the
This means that though the pirate was a disabled underground prisons. He attacked the pirate just
person but still he was frightening all the other like robin bird that attacks the worms.
characters. Moreover, he intended to harm them.
Stanza 11
Stanza 9
The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon,
Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help! And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon,
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp, He fired two bullets, but they didn’t hit,
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household, And Custard gobbled him, every bit.
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed
Word Meaning
Word Meaning 1. Gaped - stared with mouth wide open
1. Paled - turn yellow due to fear 2. Gulped - swallow
2. Terrified - horrified 3. Grog - a drink
3. Yelp - a short sharp cry 4. Flagon - a container made of silver in which
4. Trickled - here, run, step down drink is stored
5. Strategically - planned 5. Gobbled - swallowed hurriedly

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2022
shows that the poet wants to convey that
i. (a) It is to emphasise on the might and whether someone is truly brave or not can
boldness of Custard. only be discovered in the face of real danger.
ii. The given lines show that the animal, that iii. (d) Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid.
was considered by all to be a coward, was Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.
actually braver than them. While the rest of iv. iron chains holding the prisoners captive
Belinda’s pets cower in fear at the sight of the
pirate, it is Custard the cowardly dragon that 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
attacks him and saves everyone. This shows questions that follows :
that the poet wants to convey that whether Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him,
someone is truly brave or not can only be No one mourned for his pirate victim.
discovered in the face of real danger Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate
iii. Custard jumped in front of the pirate to fight Around the dragon that ate the pirate.
with him. He then swallowed the pirate whole. i. Fill in the blanks.
iv. simile The figure of speech other than alliteration in
‘Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate’ is _____
3. Read the extract given below and answer the because of _____.
questions that follows : ii. What is the reason for this sudden show of
“Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household, affection? Which words indicate this change
And little mouse Blink strategically mouse-holed. in behaviour and mood in the extract?
But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
iii. Which of the following best describes the way
Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
the dragon drove fear into the heart of the
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,
pirate?
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.”
(a) He whistled like an engine.
i. What is the poet’s purpose of using
(b) He snorted like an engine.
onomatopoeic words in the extract ?
(c) He cluttered, clinked, and jingled.
ii. What does the poet want to convey through
these lines? Answer in about 40 words. (d) He clashed and crushed the pirate.
iii. Select the appropriate option that supports iv. Comment on the poet’s use of repetition of
the idea in the extract. sounds in these lines.
Ans : 2019
(a) You get in life what you have the courage
to ask for. i. assonance; the repetition of the vowel sound
‘i’.
(b) Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is
strong. ii. Custard, the cowardly dragon gobbling up
the pirate who was threatening Belinda and
(c) Fear makes strangers of people who would
her pets the reason for this sudden show of
be friends.
affection. The words that indicate this change
(d) Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get
in the mood and behaviour in the extract are
afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear
‘embraced’, ‘licked’ and gyrate.’
stop you.
iii. (b) He snorted like an engine.
iv. The extract mentions ‘irons’ in dungeons
According to the extract, ‘irons’ refers to iv. The poet uses consonance and assonance for
_____. rhythm and rhyme by repeating the sounds
Ans : 2020
‘d’, ‘t’ ‘I’, and ‘r’ in lines 1 to 4 respectively.
The alliterative sound ‘g’ in ‘glee did gyrate’
i. The poet’s purpose of using such words is
adds to the rhythm. The poet sticks to the
to emphasise on the might and boldness of
regular rhyme scheme aabb in the extract for
Custard.
rhyming purposes.
ii. The poet wants to convey that the animal,
which was considered by all to be a coward, 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
was actually braver than them. While the rest questions that follows :
of Belinda’s pets cower in fear at the sight of Belinda giggled till she shook the house,
the pirate, it is Custard the cowardly dragon And Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a
that attacks him and saves everyone. This mouse,

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Page 576 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

the critical hour when their help is needed. But Belinda’s bravery is compared to that of
Custard, considered to be timid hearted like a a group of bears.
baby, has displayed exemplary bravery and saved d. Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage
the life of all the inmates by killing the pirate. Here the bravery of Mustard, the dog is
The stanza shows that Belinda, the cat, the compared to the bravery or ferociousness
mouse and the dog are incorrigible braggarts. The of a tiger in anger.
dragon, on the other hand, is modest. After the e. Snorting like an engine
pirate incident, the remarks about Belinda and her The loud snorting of Custard is compared
pets are ironical. to the sound of an engine.
f. Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon
The tail of the dragon is compared to the
4. LITERARY DEVICES chains in prison.
There are a total of 15 stanzas in the poem each g. He went at the pirate like a robin at a
having four lines in it. Only the 13th stanza worm
contains six lines. The poem consistently follows The attack of Custard on the pirate is
the same rhyme scheme in all the stanzas i.e. compared to that of the bird ‘robin’ on a
‘aabb’, except for the last but two stanza i.e. worm.
stanza 13, which is a six line stanza with the 3. Metaphor : A metaphor is a figure of speech
rhyme scheme ‘aabbcc’. that is used to make a comparison between two
1. Alliteration : An Alliteration is the occurrence things that aren’t alike but do have something
of the same sound at the beginning of adjacent in common. Unlike a simile, where two things
or closely connected words. It creates a are compared directly using ‘like’ or ‘as’, a
musical effect and enhances the pleasure of metaphor’s comparison is more indirect, usually
reading a literary work. made by stating ‘something is something else’.
a. Belinda lived in a little white house A metaphor is very expressive; it is not meant
Here ‘i’ sound has been repeated. to be taken ‘literally’.
b. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of a. Chimney for a nose
bears Here the poet compares the dragon’s
Here, ‘b’ sound has been repeatedly used. nose with a chimney because it jutted
c. And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright out sharply like a chimney. No word of
Here we find the repetition of ‘h’ sound. comparison ‘like’ or ‘as’ has been used.
d. With a clatter and a clank b. And realio, trulio, daggers on his toes
Here there is repetition of ‘k’ and ‘i’ Here the poet compares the sharp nails
sounds. on the toes of the dragon to daggers
e. He gulped some grog from his pocket without using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
flagon 4. Repetition : Poets often repeat single words
‘g’ sound has been repeated in this line. or phrases, lines, and sometimes’ even whole
2. Simile : A simile is a figure of speech that stanzas at intervals to create a musical effect;
makes a comparison, showing similarities to emphasize a point; to draw the readers’
between two different things. Unlike a attention or to lend unity to a piece.
metaphor, a simile draws resemblance with a. The word ‘little’ has been used six times
the help of words ‘like’ or ‘as’. Therefore, it is in stanza 1, three times in stanza 2, and
a direct comparison. six times in stanza 13 to emphasize that
a. And the little yellow dog was sharp as the white house of Belinda and all its
Mustard inmates were small in size. It also makes
Here the poet compares Belinda’s dog the lines musical and lyrical.
with Mustard because of its sharpness as b. Belinda tickled him, she tickled him
Mustard seeds have sharp, pungent taste. unmerciful.
b. Mouth like a fireplace Here the repetition of ‘tickled’ shows the
Here the mouth of Custard, the dragon is repeated action of tickling.
compared to a furnace. c. Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right.
c. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of Here, the repetition of ‘pistol’ emphasizes
bears that the pirate was well- armed. The

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

3. Imagine that Custard writes a blog on ‘Overcoming You: Everything depends on one’s perception and
fears’. A part of the blog focuses on ways to personal nature.
overcome the fears within. As Custard, write
this part of the blog. You may proceed like this: 5. What values should Belinda have possessed so
While we agree that fear is like a big monster that that Custard too could have been among her
resides within us. This monster shall continue to favourites?
overpower us if we do not overpower it…… Ans : 2016

Ans : 2021 The dragon appeared to be a coward as he always

While we agree that fear is like a big monster that cried for a safe cage so he was called a cowardly
resides within us. This monster will continue to dragon. Later, when the pirate entered the house
overpower us if we don’t overpower it. I shall discuss with pistols in his left and right hand, everyone
with you some easy ways to overcome the fear was scared and ran away and disappeared, except
1. first of all keep a positive approach towards Custard who faced him boldly-attacked him, hit
him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled every
life.
bit of him. Belinda should have been nice to him.
2. don’t think about the problem too much. She should have made him feel comfortable and
3. courage has to be activated from within safe in the house instead of laughing and making
yourself. fun of him with other pets. Belind should have
4. be prepared to face the consequences of been protective towards him.
fighting with the problem.
6. Who was the real hero ? How did he save the other
5. don’t accept failure without trying.
animals ? Was he proud of his bravery? Justify
6. don’t think about the consequences of failing; your answer with instances from the poem.
failure opens the door for success. Ans : 2016, 2014

4. Blowing one’s trumpet is a well-known idiom. Custard the dragon was the real hero in the poem.
Disagree with a friend’s opinion in the context of When the pirate had entered their house, he had
this idiom. proved his bravery while the others had escaped
to safety.
Friend: It’s important to recount your achievements
On hearing the sound of the pirate’s entry,
whenever there’s an opportunity. People need to
Custard had jumped up and snorting like an
know about your qualities, accomplishments and
engine, he had attacked the pirate. On the other
awards. Always project yourself as superior.
hand, the pirate had gulped some grog and
You: Gosh! I disagree. What’s the point blowing fired two bullets at him, but they had not hit
one’s own trumpet? You see, ……………………… the dragon at all. So, Custard went a head and
(continue). gobbled up the pirate.
Ans : 2021
As he had saved everyone’s lives, everybody
Dialogue writing over the idiom- “Blowing one’s appreciated his bravery. But the dragon did not
trumpet” acknowledge his bravery as he was a humble
Friend: It’s important to recount your achievements dragon. Moreover, when the others boasted
whenever there is an opportunity. People need to about their bravery, Custard readily agreed that
know about your qualities, accomplishments and everyone was braver than him.
awards. Always project yourself as superior. In the end, though he was the saviour who
You: Gosh, I disagree. What is the point of had gobbled up the pirate, Custard kept crying
blowing one’s own trumpet, you see. for a nice safe cage and went back to his cowardly
Friend: If you do not speak about your work or ways.
qualities how would others know about it.
You: I feel actions speak louder than words. The
7. Why do you think Custard, the dragon, was called
quality of work done by a person tells everything
a coward? How was Custard able to save all his
on its own.
house-mates from the pirate? What values should
Friend: But it takes a lot of time to get noticed
Belinda have possessed so that Custard too could
by people.
have been among her favourites?
You: When you don’t boast of yourself, people
Ans : 2010
trust you and get attracted to you like a magnet.
The dragon appeared to be a coward as he always
Humbleness is a virtue worth possessing.
cried for a safe cage so he was called’a cowardly
Friend: I believe it has lost its value in today’s
dragon. Later, when the pirate entered the house
time.
with pistols in his left and right hand, everyone

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Page 578 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

bears, Ink and Blink can chase lions and Mustard ability to speak to and tease another being.
is as brave as an angry tiger. 9. Onomatopoeia : The poet uses the device
of onomatopoeia in the 2nd line of the 6th
3. “Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful..”
stanza, where he uses the word ‘weeck’ to
Why ?
describe the sound a mouse makes while
Ans : 2020

Tickling always works on people, who are a little giggling.

softer. So, Belinda tickled the dragon unmerciful 5. Read stanza three again to know how the poet
as it worked a lot on him. Despite being a dragon, describes the appearance of the dragon.
a tickling could disturb him and this showed his Ans :
cowardice on which everyone laughed. The poet describes that the dragon has big sharp
teeth. There are spikes on its top. Below its body
4. The poet has employed many poetic devices in
one can see scales. He has compared its mouth with
the poem. For example, “Clashed his tail like iron
a fireplace and nose with a chimney. There are
in a dungeon”- the poetic device here is simile.
daggers on his toes. They can harm anyone. But it
Can you, with your partner, list some more such
is very coward and always longs for a safe cage.
poetic devices used in the poem ?
Ans : 6. Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or
In the poem, ‘The Tale of Custard, the Dragon’, three stanzas of the poem?
the poet has used a lot of poetic devices. Following Ans :
are the devices used in the poem : The poem consistently follows the same rhyme
1. Simile : mouth like a fireplace scheme in all the stanzas i.e. ‘aabb’, except for
2. Repetition : the repetitive use of the word the last but two stanza i.e. stanza 13, which is a
‘little’ in stanza 1. six line stanza with the rhyme scheme ‘aabbcc’.
3. Alliteration : Belinda lived in a little white
7. Writers use words to give us a picture or image
house.
without actually saying what they mean. Can you
Here ‘i’ sound has been repeated. trace some images used in the poem?
4. Metaphor : Chimney for a nose. Ans :
Here the poet compares the dragon’s nose with It is the device of putting an impact on the reader.
a chimney because it jutted out sharply like a Through them they try to put the readers into
chimney. No word of comparison ‘like’ or ‘as’ reality. Some of the words showing the images can
has been used. be given as under :
5. Anaphora : In stanza 1, lines 3 and 4 begin 1. Big sharp teeth
with ‘And’, and in stanza 2 lines 2 and 3 2. Mouth like fireplace
begin with ‘And the little...’ 3. Chimney for a nose
6. Allusion : Ink, Blink and Mustard, they 4. Tail like iron.
rudely called him Percival.
Here is a reference to the legendary knight 8. Do you find the Tale of Custard the Dragon to be
Percival, one of the knights of King Arthur, a serious or a light-hearted poem ? Give reasons
who was renowned for his strength and fighting to support your answer.
prowess. The poet alludes to Percival to mock Ans :
at the cowardly demand of the dragon for a ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a very light
nice, safe cage. The contrast makes the poem and funny poem meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
humorous. The way the poem has been written with a fix
rhyme scheme, makes it very easy and enjoyable
7. Oxymoron : In this poem, the poet uses the
to read. The poet has even used wrong spelling
device of an oxymoron when he writes the
to maintain the rhyme scheme. The features of
phrase ‘pet dragon’. We know that dragons Belinda and her pets described in the poem make it
are dangerous creatures, and therefore, quite funny. Belinda’s bravery has been compared
cannot be kept as pets. to a barrel full of bears, a liquid substance. All the
8. Personification : The poet uses the device tiny creatures such as the kitten and the mouse
of personification with respect to Belinda’s have been shown so brave that they can scare a
kitten, mouse, and dog. In the 2nd line of lion and the dog’s bravery is like a tiger’s rage.
the 5th stanza, he gives them all the human The biggest of them all, the dragon is the only

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

repetition lends a rhythm and musicality kitten, mouse, and dog. In the 2nd line of
to the line. the 5th stanza, he gives them all the human
d. In the last stanza ‘as brave as’ is used ability to speak to and tease another being.
twice to mock at the false bravery of 9. Onomatopoeia : The poet uses the device
Belinda and Mustard. of onomatopoeia in the 2nd line of the 6th
e. Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty stanza, where he uses the word ‘weeck’ to
sound describe the sound a mouse makes while
The word ‘suddenly’ has been repeated giggling.
to emphasize that the sound heard by
everyone was sudden and unexpected.
f. The self-coined words ‘realio’ and ‘Indio’
5. MESSAGE
have also been repeated four times. The poem “The Tale of Custard the Dragon”
g. The first and the fourth stanzas appear conveys the message that we must not judge
at the end of the poem once again with people from their appearances or from their own
change in the tense to show that life still claims because appearances usually prove to be
goes on without any change for Belinda deceptive and claims prove to be false. A true
and her pets. However, the repetition has evaluation of a person can be made only in times
irony underlying it as it emphasizes the of adversity. Another message the poem gives
is that those who are really brave, need not to
incorrigible nature of Belinda and her
boast of their bravery. Their mettle is proved only
pets.
when they encounter a dangerous situation. Thus,
5. Anaphora : A literary device in which the instead of boasting, we should do something
writer repeats the same beginning of a clause worth valuable.
or a sentence, chiefly with the purpose of
emphasis on the repeated element, but also
to create rhythm in the writing. 6. ncert textbook questions
a. In stanza 1, lines 3 and 4 begin with
‘And’, and in stanza 2 lines 2 and 3 begin Thinking About The Poem
with ‘And the little...’
1. Who are the characters in this poem ? List them
6. Allusion : Allusion means an indirect reference with their pet names.
or suggestion. It is a figure of speech in which Ans :
a passing but significant reference is made to The characters in the poem are a little girl,
a well-known person, place, thing or idea of a Belinda, and her pets; a little black kitten, a little
historical, mythological, cultural, literary or grey mouse, a little yellow dog, a little pet dragon
political significance. It does not describe in and a pirate.
detail the person or thing it refers to.
a. Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely Character Pet Name
called him Percival A little girl Belinda
Here is a reference to the legendary
knight Percival, one of the knights of Dragon Custard
King Arthur, who was renowned for Kitten Ink
his strength and fighting prowess. The Mouse Blink
poet alludes to Percival to mock at the
cowardly demand of the dragon for a Dog Mustard
nice, safe cage. The contrast makes the
poem humorous. 2. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why is
the dragon called ‘cowardly’ dragon?
7. Oxymoron : In this poem, the poet uses the
Ans :
device of an oxymoron when he writes the
Custard cried for a nice safe cage because it was
phrase ‘pet dragon’. We know that dragons a coward and was scared very easily. It is called
are dangerous creatures, and therefore, “cowardly dragon” because everyone else in the
cannot be kept as pets. house is very brave while the dragon is the only
8. Personification : The poet uses the device one, who fears a lot and looks for a nice safe cage
of personification with respect to Belinda’s for himself. Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of

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(c) Belinda’s little yellow dog. Ans : 2013

(d) Simile
(d) Belinda’s little grey dragon.
Ans : 2016
14. Name the poetic device used in the line “mouth
(c) Belinda’s little yellow dog. like a fireplace”
6. Where did Belinda live? (a) Oxymoron (b) metaphor
(a) In a little white house (c) Assonance (d) Simile
Ans : 2013
(b) In a little yellow house
(d) Simile
(c) In a little grey house
(d) In a little pink house 15. Who saved everyone from the pirate?
Ans : 2016 (a) Kitten (b) Mouse
(a) In a little white house (c) Dragon (d) Dog
Ans : 2013
7. What did Custard do to the pirate?
(c) Dragon
(a) Ate him (b) Scared him away
(c) Held him hostage (d) None of these 16. The pirate attacked the dragon by firing _____
Ans : 2016 bullets.
(a) Ate him (a) 3 (b) 2
(c) 4 (d) 5
8. Who did Belinda used to tease?
Ans : 2013
(a) Kitten (b) Mouse (b) 2
(c) Dragon (d) Dog
Ans : 2015 17. Belinda was as brave as a group of
(c) Dragon (a) Lion (b) Tiger
(c) Bear (d) Elephant
9. What all does the dragon possess?
Ans : 2012
(a) Big sharp teeth (b) Spikes on top of him (c) Bear
(c) Sharp toes (d) All of these
Ans : 2015 18. The pirate had a wooden _____.
(d) All of these (a) leg (b) teeth
(c) hand (d) pistol
10. Who is described as the most timid of all?
Ans : 2012
(a) Kitten (b) Mouse (a) leg
(c) Dragon (d) Dog
Ans : 2014, 2011 19. Belinda lived in a little _____ coloured house.
(c) Dragon (a) white (b) brown
(c) red (d) yellow
11. What was the name of the black kitten?
Ans : 2012
(a) Custard (b) Ink (a) white
(c) Blink (d) Mustard
Ans : 2014 20. What happened to the pirate?
(b) Ink (a) He got hurt by dragon
(b) He got a new ship
12. What was the name of the grey mouse?
(c) He got a new workers.
(a) Custard (b) ink
(d) He was killed by the dragon.
(c) blink (d) mustard
Ans : 2011
Ans : 2013
(d) He was killed by the dragon.
(c) blink
21. Who faced the pirate bravely?
13. Name the poetic device used in the line “And the
little yellow dog was sharp as mustard” (a) Blink (b) Custard
(a) Oxymoron (b) metaphor (c) Ink (d) Rither
(c) Assonance (d) Simile

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

one, who has been shown as a coward and soft Verse

being, who looks for a cage for himself, which is Fountain, grooviest spurt,
very ironic, hence making the poem funny. The fresh cascade of love,
Where all the darling birds welcome
9. This poem, in ballad form, tells a story. Have you For soothing-but one,
come across any such modern song or lyric that A widow turtledove,
tells a story ? If you know one, tell it to the class. Mournfully lamenting,
Collect such songs as a project. At when the nightingale,
Ans :
That wicked bird showed by,
“An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” is a ballad
And told these honied phrases:
that has been read. It is a good ballad and tells
“My woman, if you will,
a good story.
I shall be your bondslave.”
Writing “You are my foe:
Foregone, you are not real!”
1. Have fun writing your ballad. Gather information Green scions not most time prop me,
(choose/decide an idea/theme), organise your Nor any suckering clump.
materials under characters and story and then
write. Revise and edit your ballad to make it
entertaining. Use the following guidelines to write 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
your ballad.
• Purpose of writing the ballad: to entertain Multiple Choice
Type Question
and interest
• To whom I am writing: decide for whom you 1. Who is the poet of the poem “The Tale of Custard
are writing the Dragon”?
• How should I structure features?: (a) Carl Sandburg (b) Ogden Nash
– Tell a simple narrative (c) Carolyn Wells (d) Walt Whitman
– A few major characters Ans : 2021
– A strong rhythm and rhyme (b) Ogden Nash
– May have a refrain (single or two line(s)
repeated often) 2. Who mourned over the death of the pirate?
– Divide into verses (a) Blink (b) Custard
Ans : (c) Ink (d) None of these
When writing the ballad, follow all of the Ans : 2021
requirements provided. Create a system and (d) None of these
organise your thoughts on the characters.
Maintain the poem’s rhyme scheme. 3. What did the dragon cry for?
Explanation: (a) Because he was hurt.
Draw a tale and give your ballad a title. It must (b) For a new mouse
be written in plain terms. Write the lyrics and
(c) For a nice safe cage.
assign the characters roles. Set appropriate music
that relates to the ballad’s theme. The four-line (d) None of these
stanzas usually follow the ABCB pattern. Divide Ans : 2020

it into verses and make it a 13-line ballad. To (c) For a nice safe cage.
create a rhyme system, use the ABAB pattern, 4. Who was called cowardly?
BCBC pattern, or ABAC pattern. Make a single
(a) Blink (b) Custard
or two-line refrain and repeat it. Keep the rhyme
till the conclusion. (c) Ink (d) Rither
The first and third lines should have four Ans : 2016

syllables, while the second and fourth lines should (b) Custard
have three. 5. Who was Mustard?
The song should be structured by describing
(a) Belinda’s little yellow rat.
all of the events in the plot and ending with a
dramatic finale. (b) Belinda’s little yellow mouse.

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Page 582 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

pervasive themes in the poem, Ogden Nash never thought about it and always asked for a
uses playful language, clever wordplay, and safe cage to accept his cowardice. Ironically, in the
exaggerated descriptions to create a whimsical end of the poem, Custard was the one who fought
and amusing tone. This theme contributes to the bravely while the other fled away. This challenges
porm’s overall joyous and entertaining nature. the notion that individuals should conform to
societal expectations.
2. Belinda and other animals have been described as
7. Custard humbly accepts that other animals are
brave. But on seeing the pirate they behaved in a
braver than him. Give a reason to support your
cowardly way. How did they react ?
stance that humility is a virtue worth possessing.
Ans : 2024
Ans : 2021
On seeing the pirate, Belinda became pale with
Humility is a great virtue as it shows real maturity,
fear and cried for help. Meanwhile, Mustard the
confidence and strength. Custard knew of his
dog ran away fast, uttering a short, sharp cry.
capabilities and showed it through his action rather
On the other hand, Ink went slowly, down to the
than speaking in front of others. He was a humble
bottom of the house and Blink hid himself in his
dragon.
mousehole.
8. The usage of words like ‘realio trulio’ creates a
3. Ogden Nash uses vivid imagery in ‘The Tale of
wonderful poetic effect. How?
Custard the Dragon’ to appeal to the senses.
Ans : 2021
Elaborate the imagery used for the Pirate.
This poem is a Ballad. The poet has changed the
Ans : 2024
spellings of the words ‘real’ and ‘true’ to realio
The poet has used vivid imagery in describing the and trulio. It has created a musical effect on the
pirate. He looked scary with a cutlass bright in his poem. These words would not have added the
teeth, which means he was holding a glass in his same effect with their correct spelling.
teeth. Also, he had a wooden peg for a le& which
means that his leg was artificial. The poet has 9. Why is it fair to say that Custard could be the
‘poster boy’ for the belief that the real nature
described the pirate in a scary manner.
of a person is revealed at times of the greatest
difficulty?
4. What makes Custard, the dragon look fearsome?
Ans : 2021
Explain.
Belinda and her pets used to make fun of Custard
Ans : 2024
and call her a coward. But Custard displayed his
Custard, the dragon, looks fearsome due to courage and strength in times of real danger by
his large size, sharp claws, and fiery breath. fighting with the pirate. This incident proved
His intimidating appearance, coupled with his him a superhero who was capable of becoming a
reputation for causing mischief and chaos, instills poster boy.
fear in the townspeople. However, beneath his
fearsome exterior lies a timid and gentle nature. 10. State the reason you think the poet named the
animals- Ink, Blink, Mustard and Custard?
5. How does the poem ‘The Tale of Custard The
Ans : 2021
Dragon’ differ from the traditional ballad ?
It seems the poet had named the kitten- Ink,
Ans : 2023
because she was black in colour, mustard is a
The poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is
yellow plant and the dog was also yellow in colour.
not a traditional ballad as a ballad narrates the
I believe she changed the name slightly and called
tale of courage and heroism and are usually not
him Custard to rhyme with Mustard.
humorous. However, this poem is different as it is
a humorous ballad that ends with a parody. 11. The poet could have included a burglar or an
intruder in the poem but chose to include a pirate.
6. How does Ogden Nash’s ‘the Tale of Custard the
Explain this choice.
Dragon’, challenge the notion that individuals
Ans : 2021
should conform to societal expectations?
Ans : A normal burglar or intruder could not portray
2023
the frightening appearance correctly. The pirate
In Ogden Nash’s ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’,
can easily be visualised as a man carrying pistols
the characters of small animals Ink, Blink and
and cutlass. The attributes of a black beard and
Mustard were seemed as shy to accept fear due
wooden leg adds to the terror.
to societal judgement while Custard the dragon

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2011
30. _____ was as brave as an angry tiger.
(b) Custard
(a) Ink (b) Mustard
22. What name was given to the dragon? (c) Belinda (d) Custard
(a) Blink (b) Custard Ans : 2007

(b) Mustard
(c) Shrake (d) Rither
Ans : 2010
31. _____ Compared with a coward knight
(b) Custard Percival.
23. Who was Blink? (a) Custard (b) Ink
(a) Belinda’s little grey rat. (c) Mustard (d) Belinda
Ans : 2005
(b) Belinda’s little grey mouse.
(a) Custard
(c) Belinda’s little grey dog.
(d) Belinda’s little grey dragon. 32. A _____ suddenly came to Belinda’s house
Ans : 2010 through window.
(b) Belinda’s little grey mouse (a) thief (b) pirate
24. Belinda had a _____ coloured kitten. (c) lizard (d) bird
Ans : 2005
(a) white (b) brown
(b) pirate
(c) black (d) chocolate
Ans : 2010 33. The pirate was holding pistol in his _____.
(c) black (a) right hand (b) both hands
25. The colour of the rat was (c) left hand (d) jacket
Ans : 2005
(a) yellow (b) grey
(b) both hands
(c) red (d) white
Ans : 2009 34. The dragon made a sound like Alan _____
(b) grey after seeing the pirate.
(a) Engine (b) Tiger
26. Belinda also had yellow coloured _____.
(c) Horn of bus (d) Chimney
(a) wagon (b) cat
Ans : 2004, 2001
(c) dragon (d) dog (a) Engine
Ans : 2009

(d) dog 35. The dragon hit the pirate with his _____.
(a) leg (b) fire mouth
27. _____ was named as mustard.
(c) tail (d) thorn
(a) Dog (b) Dragon
Ans : 2004
(c) Kitten (d) Mouse (c) tail
Ans : 2009, 2007

(a) Dog 36. The colour of the wagon was

(a) red (b) white
28. The dragon was named as custard as he was
(c) black (d) yellow
(a) silly (b) brave
Ans : 2002
(c) fat (d) coward (a) red
Ans : 2008

(d) coward
Short Answer Type Question
29. The dragon’s feet was like _____.
1. ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a humorous
(a) knife (b) sword
ballad. How does Ogden Nash create humour and
(c) fireplace (d) chimney entertainment in the poem ?
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2024
(a) knife The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a humorous
ballad. Humour and light-heartedness are

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Page 584 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

23. Why did Belinda cry for help? Who came to her advice on addressing the situation with her young
help? brother. Write Custard’s response to this letter.
Ans : 2010 Base the advice from his experiences.
Belinda cried for help because she was afraid of You may begin like this:
the pirate. Custard came to her help. Dear Ms Seagull,
Thank you for seeking me out. I am humbled.
24. What did Custard do when he saw the pirate? Based on my limited experiences I feel...
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2021
When Custard saw the pirate, he jumped up Dear Ms Seagull,
emitting an explosive sound and clashed his tail Thank you for seeking me out. I am humbled.
on the floor. Then with a loud rattling sound he Based on my limited experiences I feel if we
went to the pirate and ate the pirate hurriedly, run away from the difficult situation it becomes
noisily and completely. monstrous. A courageous person is always ready
to face the inverse conditions without boasting
25. What did others do when Custard gobbled the
of his bravery. Cowards run away when the real
pirate?
Ans : 2008
problem comes up and give baseless explanations
After Custard had gobbled the pirate, Belinda for their fleet.
embraced him and Mustard licked him. At the The case with your brother is somewhat
same time, Ink and Blink moved around Custard different. he is not a coward but he is unable to
with joy and no one mourned the dead pirate. muster up the courage for his first flight. He is
worried about the consequences of falling down.
26. What did Custard look like ? Try to explain to him that birds are born with
Ans : 2005 innate flying skills and he should not worry about
Custard, the little dragon, looked really dangerous falling down. If he focuses on his aim, success will
with spikes on his top and scales underneath. automatically follow.
His mouth was like a fireplace and nose like a
chimney. He had sharp teeth and his toes looked 2. Custard though mocked for his cowardice,
like daggers. His physical appearance was very displayed courage and was the one who saved the
scary, but he was a coward who always cried for a day in the end.
nice and safe cage. Pick a character from any of the units (lessons/
poems) in First Flight, who displayed similar
27. What did everyone do when the pirate came? characteristics, like Custard and overcame a
Ans : 2002 troubling issue?
The moment the pirate entered the house, everyone What similarities and differences do you find
got scared and ran away as fast as they could. between the character and Custard?
Belinda become pale with fear and Mustard ran away Ans : 2021
with a terrified cry. Meanwhile, Ink trickled to the Similarities and Differences between Custard and
bottom of the household and Blink ran back into his the Seagull
mousehole. Belinda even cried out for help. But it I think the young Seagull from the lesson ‘His
was only Custard who went bravely to attack the first flight’ resembles Custard dragon. Though he
pirate like a robin at a worm. is different from custard on some criteria. Let’s
discuss it one by one. Custard, the dragon, was
28. ‘Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears’ very humble to talk about his strengths but he
Identify two poetic devices used in the above line. was not afraid to face any problem. Whereas
Ans : 2002
the seagull was worried and unable to take his
The two poetic devices used in the given line are as first flight. The dragon did not involve in any
follows: celebrations after defeating the pirate. Rather
1. Simile : As brave as a barrel. he calmly accepted that other pets are braver
2. Alliteration : Brave, a barrel full of bears. than him. In contrast, the seagull celebrated his
first flight with screams and dancing. His family
members joined him in his victory over his fear.
Long Answer Type Question They both displayed their true courage
when the situation fell on them. They were
1. Being impressed by Custard’s feat, the young underestimated by their families. They proved
seagull’s sister wrote a letter to Custard seeking that real courage is in facing danger.

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

12. Belinda shares a post on Instagram 17. How brave are Belinda, Ink, Blink and Mustard
with the following hashtags as shown in first part of the poem ?
# I n k # B l i n k # M u s t a r d # B r ave h e a r t s # M y Ans : 2018

family#My world# In the first part of the poem, Belinda is described

She doesn’t mention Custard in her post. as brave as a barrel full of bears, while Ink
As a friend of Belinda, what would be your advice and Blink could chase lions down the stairs.
to her and why? Meanwhile, Mustard the dog was as brave as a
Ans : 2021 tiger who was in an angry mood.
I would advise her not to underestimate someone
due to his modesty and introverted nature. 18. Why did everyone make fun of the dragon?
Bravery is not about beating your own trumpet Ans : 2017

in front of others. A real Braveheart faces the Everyone in the house used to laugh at the dragon
problem and takes quick action. At the end of the because he always cried for a safe cage whereas
poem, it was proved that custard was a real hero others used to boast about their bravery.
who fought with the pirate while other pets hid 19. How was Custard considered and treated by
here and there. others ?
Ans : 2016
13. The poem is a light-hearted ballad with a
Custard was considered a coward by Belinda and
powerful message. If the poem was written in any
others because he always cried for a nice and
other style, do you think it would have created
safe cage. Belinda would tickle him unmercifully
the same effect on readers? Justify your response
because he was a scaredy-cat, and even Ink, Blink
with reason(s).
and Mustard would be quite rude to him. All of
Ans : 2021 them would usually laugh at the cowardly dragon.
Obviously, the Ballad style has added a musical
effect to the poem. But, I think it could have 20. How did the pirate appear in the house of Belinda?
conveyed its message had it been written in O
any other style. Besides the style, the rhyming Give a brief description of the pirate in the poem
scheme, literary devices and words selected also ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’.
make an effect on the readers. Moreover, it’s not Ans : 2014
a pure ballad, the humourous elements make it a The pirate appeared in Belinda’s house with a
‘Parody’. It can also be called a ‘Fable’ as it gives pistol in his left hand and another one in his
a moral lesson with the help of speaking animals. right hand, and he even held a short sword in his
teeth. His beard was black and one of his legs was
14. Describe how Custard’s reaction was different wooden and it was quite obvious that he had not
from that of others, on seeing the pirate? come with good intentions.
Ans : 2021, 2020
Custard’s reaction was different from that of 21. How did Belinda, Ink, Blink and Mustard react
others, on seeing the pirate. When the pirate on seeing the pirate ?
arrived, others ran away to hide. But it was only Ans : 2013, 2011
Custard who went bravely to attack the pirate On seeing the pirate, Belinda became pale with
like a robin at a worm. fear and cried for help. Meanwhile, Mustard the
dog ran away fast, uttering a short, sharp cry.
15. Why did Belinda tickle the dragon? On the other hand, Ink went slowly, down to the
Ans : 2019, 2017
bottom of the house and Blink hid himself in his
Belinda tickled the dragon unmercifully because mousehole.
it was very scared and cried for a safe cage. They
all laughed at it as it was a coward.
22. ‘But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.’ Who is
16. In which kind of a house did Belinda live ? And Custard? Why did he cry for a ‘nice safe cage’ ?
with whom ? Ans : 2010
Ans : 2019 Custard is a small pet dragon of Belinda. He was
Belinda lived in a little white house with a little a coward and cried for a nice safe cage because he
black kitten called Ink, a little grey mouse called wanted to hide in it in case of any danger. He felt
Blink, a little yellow dog called Mustard and a that he would be safe in the cage.
little pet dragon called Custard.

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Page 586 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

was scared and ran away and disappeared, except iii. Comment on the poet’s use of language in
Custard who faced him boldly-attacked him, hit these lines in about 40 words.
him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled every iv. Which of the following best describes the
bit of him. Belinda should have been nice to him. theme of the poem ?
She should have made him feel comfortable and
(a) Bravery and heroism
safe in the house instead of laughing and making
fun of him with other pets. Belinda should have (b) Humility leads to bravery
been protective towards him. (c) Valour and diligence
(d) Crisis reveals character
8. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why Ans : 2024
the dragon is called ‘cowardly dragon’ ? How did i. The contrast in the last two lines reflects the
he prove everyone wrong?
disparity between the purported bravery of
Ans : 2008
Mustard, likened to a tiger in a rage, and the
The Custard every time cried for a nice safe cage
reality of Custard’s fear, expressing a wish
because he thought that the little white house in
which he lived with Belinda and her other friends for the safety of a cage. Despite Mustard’s
was not safe. aggressive comparison, it’s Custard’s honest
The dragon appeared to be a coward as he expression of fear that stands out.
always cried for a safe cage so he was called a ii. While describing Ink and Blink, the speaker
dragon. Later when the pirate entered the house says that they could chase lions down the
everyone was scared and ran and disappeared, stairs.
except Custard who faced him boldly, attacked By saying so, he is revealing the imaginary
him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and characteristic of their personality.
gobbled every bit of him. iii. The poet’s use of language is playful and uses
hyperbole to humorously contrast the bravado of
9. Describe the fight between the dragon and the
pirate. the characters with Custard’s openly admitted
Ans : 2007, 2002
fear. The vivid and exaggerated comparisons
The dragon had big sharp teeth, and spikes on enhance the comedic tone of the poem.
top of him and scales underneath but everyone iv. (d) Crisis reveals character
laughed at him as he always cried for a safe cage
whereas everyone boasted about their bravery. 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
But when the pirate entered, all were scared and questions that follows :
ran away and disappeared except Custard who But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
faced him boldly, attacked him, hit him hard with Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
his forceful tail and gobbled every bit of him. All With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm
of them, later felt obliged to Custard for saving He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
their lives. i. What is the poet’s purpose of using the
onomatopoeic words given in the extract?
(a) It is to emphasise on the might and
Extract Based Question boldness of Custard.
1. Read the extract given below and answer the (b) It is to introduce the character Custard
questions that follow : to the readers.
Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears, (c) It is to impress upon the readers that
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs, Custard was ready.
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage, (d) It is to make Custard bold enough to face
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage. the situation.
i. Comment upon the contrast that is reflected ii. Mention what the poet wants to convey
in the last two lines of the extract. through these lines. Answer in about 40
ii. Fill in the blank with one word. words.
While describing Ink and Blink, the speaker iii. What does Custard do to the pirate?
says that they could chase lions down the iv. Fill the blank with one word.
stairs. By saying so, he is revealing the Custard’s comparison to an engine shows a
_____ characteristic of their personality. literary device of _____.

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

Explanation as brave as custard. Both ink and blink also said

The pirate got so shocked by the dragon’s reaction that they would have been three times braver
that he opened his mouth wide with shock. To than custard. To this, the dragon said that he
gather some strength, he drank some alcohol from fully agreed to this that all of them were more
a container in his pocket. After gathering some powerful and braver than him.
courage, he fired two bullets on the dragon but
missed it. Custard the dragon ate every bit of this Stanza 14
fierce looking pirate. Belinda still lives in her little white house,
With her little black kitten and her little grey
Stanza 12
mouse,
Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him, And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon,
No one mourned for his pirate victim. And her realio, trulio little pet dragon.
Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate
Around the dragon that ate the pirate. Word Meaning
Word Meaning 1. Wagon - a carriage, a cart
2. Realio - really (used in the poem for effect)
1. Embraced - to hug
3. Trulio - truly (used in the poem for effect)
2. licked - to touch with tongue
3. Mourned - feel sorrow for the death of Explanation
someone After the incident of the pirate breaking into the
4. Victim - sufferer house and being killed by the dragon, Belinda
still lives in the white house with her pets as she
5. Glee - delight
lived earlier. There is the black kitten, Ink, the
6. Gyrate - danced
grey mouse, Blink,the yellow dog Mustard and
Explanation her really, truly pet dragon, Custard. Belinda still
When the pirate was dead, Belinda hugged the has the red wagon.
dragon and mustard licked him. No one was sad The stanza is a repetition of the opening
for the death of the pirate, they all were happy. stanza and its gives unity to the poem. It also
Both ink and blink were running around the shows that life for Belinda and her pets has
dragon in happiness. So, here the poet says that returned to normalcy after the pirate incident.
all the characters were happy and they were
showing their gratitude towards the dragon as he Stanza 15
had saved them.
Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears,
Stanza 13 And Ink and Blink chase lions down the stairs,
Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But presently up spoke little dog Mustard,
But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage
I’d have been twice as brave if I hadn’t been
flustered. Word Meaning
And up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink, 1. Barrel - a box (usually used for keeping
We’d have been three times as brave, we think, liquids)
And Custard said, I quite agree
2. Chase - to follow in order to capture
That everybody is braver than me.
3. Rage - anger
Word Meaning Explanation
1. Flustered - upset or confused Repeating the fourth stanza, here the poet
2. Quite : completely satirically remarks that Belinda has the bravery
equal to that of a number of bears. Ink and
Explanation
After they thanked and showed their love towards Blink are considered to be brave enough to be
the dragon, they changed their mind. They were able to give a chase to the lions down the stairs.
reminded of how they used to make fun of this Mustard’s bravery may be compared to that of an
coward dragon and now they all were praising angry tiger. And Custard, the dragon still longs
him. So at once the dog said that it was just for the comfort of a nice safe cage.
because of some confusion that he wasn’t able to Here, the satire is obvious as the cat,the
do anything otherwise he would have been twice mouse and the dog have cut a sorry figure at

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Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age, ii. What was the name of the little yellow dog?
When Custard cried for a nice safe cage. What has it been compared to and why?
Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound, iii. Complete the sentence using ONE word only.
And Mustard growled, and they all looked around. The poetic device used in the third line of the
i. In what way does the dragon’s desperate wish extract is _____.
to remain in a cage challenge the traditional iv. Did Custard match his physical appearance?
behaviour of dragons? Ans : 2015

ii. What is the significance of the use of the i. (a) with Belinda in her house
words ‘giggled’ and ‘weeck’ to describe ii. The name of the little yellow dog is not
laughter in the poem and to what effect is mentioned in the extract. It has been
this word choice used by the poet? Answer in compared to mustard as the taste of mustard
about 40 words. is sharp and so is the dog.
iii. What can you infer from the repetition iii. simile
‘suddenly, suddenly’ in the above extract?
iv. No, Custard did not match his appearance,
(a) There was an immediate change in the as he looked dangerous but actually was a
scene. coward. He always cried for a nice and safe
(b) It focuses on the hasty attack and the cage, while everyone laughed at him for his
loud noise. cowardice.
(c) It emphasises that an unexpected noise
was heard. 7. Read the extract given below and answer the
(d) It draws our attention to the loud cry questions that follows :
that occurred. Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right,
And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright,
iv. Identify the contrasting belief about dragons
His beard was black, one leg was wood;
that does not apply to Custard in the poem.
It was clear that the pirate meant no good.
Ans : 2017
i. Fill in the blank appropriately.
i. For Custard, his cage was his refuge and he
‘he’ in the given extract refers to _____.
desperately wished to remain in the safety of
his sanctuary because he was a coward. ii. What did everyone do when the pirate came?
ii. Ogden Nash has used the onomatopoeic words iii. Describe the appearance of the pirate.
‘giggled’ and ‘weeck’ to describe the giggling iv. What is the rhyming scheme of the given
of Belinda and the mouse Blink respectively. stanza?
The poet has used hyperbole to obviously (a) aabb (b) abcbc
exaggerate Belinda shaking the house with (c) ababc (d) ababa
her giggling and has imagined how the mouse Ans : 2012

would sound in this fun mood for comic effect. i. the pirate
iii. (c) It emphasises that an unexpected noise ii. When the pirate came, Belinda cried for help
was heard. and became pale with fear. Mustard ran away
iv. All dragons are brave and fearsome animals. with a terrified cry and Ink hid himself at the
bottom of the house, while Blink disappeared
6. Read the extract given below and answer the in his hole. It was only Custard who jumped
questions that follows : in front of the pirate and showed the courage
Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink, to face the pirate.
And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink,
iii. The pirate had a beard and a wooden leg.
And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,
He held a gun in both his hands and a knife
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him
between his teeth. All in all, his appearance
Custard.
was quite sinister.
i. The animals mentioned in the given lines live
iv. (a) aabb
(a) with Belinda in her house
(b) in a circus owned by Belinda’s father
(c) in a zoo managed by Belinda’s family 
(d) at Belinda’s animal farm

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Chapter 10 Discursive Passage

Chapter 10

F or Anne Gregory

1. INTRODUCTION Word Meaning

The present poem ‘For Anne Gregory’ is written 1. Despair - hopelessness
by William Butler Yeats. This poem is one of 2. Ramparts - lock of hair around ears
his one of his best poems specifying love. It is
Explanation
between a man and a woman. It does not entail in
The poem begins with the speaker addressing
turning of yellow or white hair but love is sweet
Lady Gregory. He says that her beautiful honey—
and a highly blissful form. It is done from the core
coloured hair make any man fall for her. This
of one’s heart. The poet is in deep love with Anne.
love is not for her but for her hair and beautiful
But the lady is mystified by a religious man who
features. Her hair have been compared to walls that
has told that her lover has got a text stating that
symbolize external beauty that prevents anyone
God could love her alone.
from looking inside her soul. This beauty can
captivate any man’s attention but no man would
2. Summary ever be able to see the beauty of her character.
This is why the speaker believes that no man can
Love for Anne
love Anne for what she is without her beauty.
The poet is in love for Anne. But Anne thinks
her lover is in great despair because of her yellow Stanza 2
hair. These are visible on the back of her ear. She
thinks that he will not mind her hair but love her. “But I can get a hair-dye
And set such color there,
Ready to Dye Her Hair
Brown, or black, or carrot,
She is ready to dye them brown, black or carrot
That young men in despair
for his sake so that he may love her alone and not
May love me for myself alone
her yellow hair.
And not my yellow hair.”
Hearing a Religious Man
She heard a holy man yesterday night with a Word Meaning
declaration. It is from her lover. It states that 1. hair dye - colour used for hair
only God could love her. There the yellow hair
had got no meaning. So to attain supreme bliss, Explanation
we must love God. Anne replies to the speaker saying that what is
visible from the surface is very superficial and is
less important than the inner beauty of a person.
3. Explanation She supports her statement by saying that she
could dye her hair and change their colour to
Stanza 1 black, brown or carrot. Just as the colour of her
hair is changeable, the external beauty is also
“Never shall a young man,
prone to change and hence not enduring. She tells
Thrown into despair
the speaker that anyone falling in love with her
By those great honey-coloured
must also peep inside her soul.
Ramparts at your ear,
Love you for yourself alone Stanza 3
And not your yellow hair.”
“I heard an old religious man
But yesternight declare

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That he had found a text to prove 5. message

That only God, my dear, The poem “For Anne Gregory” conveys the
Could love you for yourself alone message that we should give importance to the
And not your yellow hair.” inner beauty and not to the physical appearance.
The poem talks about the poet and his beloved
Word Meaning Anne. The lady has yellow hair and she wants to
1. Declare - to announce dye them in order to impress her lover because she
Explanation believes that he likes it that way. She wants to look
The speaker replies to Anne’s statement about love good and beautiful in her lover’s eye. However,
for internal beauty not just for external beauty. after a point in time, she understands that it is
He mentions an old religious man who announced only God who can love her unconditionally and
that he had found a text in which it is written that that she must not worry about the poet’s love. She
only god is capable of looking beyond the external realizes that it is the inner beauty that matters
beauty. He means to say that human beings are and not the physical appearance and she need not
not capable of having a deep understanding of change her outer self for someone.
things beyond the concrete. Human beings easily
get carried away by the shine and splendor of
things. Therefore the speaker concludes that only 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
god can love Anne for her inner beauty.
Thinking About The Poem
4. LITERARY DEVICES 1. What does the young man mean by great honey
If we divide this poem of 18 lines into 3 units of 6 coloured/ramparts at your ear ? Why does he
lines each, then each of these units will be found say that young men are ‘thrown with despair’ by
to follow the rhyme scheme abcbdb. them ?
1. Metaphor : In the poem, the phrase ‘honey- Ans :
coloured ramparts’ is an example of metaphor. ‘Great honey coloured’ here means the yellow
Yeats, through the metaphor, compares Anne coloured grey type hair. It is this colour which is
Gregory’s hair to the walls of a fort. Just like possessed by honey. Ramparts at your ear means
the walls of a fort hide and protect the city, the back position of head above the ear. He says
the hair hides the true self of Anne Gregory. so that most of the youth become despaired on
seeing the white, or grey colour of the lady. They
2. Apostrophe : Yeats is seen talking to Anne think her to be old.
Gregory, but the readers don’t see her at any
point in the poem. The poet makes use of 2. What colour is the young woman’s hair ? What
apostrophe to address the poem to Anne, an does she say she can change it to ? Why would
absent audience. she want to do ?
3. Alliteration : The phrase ‘your yellow hair’ Ans :
is an example of alliteration. Yeats uses The colour of the young woman’s hair is yellow.
alliteration to enhance the musical quality of She says she can change it to brown, black or
carrot. She wants to do so in order to get man’s
his poem.
love for herself.
4. Repetition : The phrase ‘yellow hair’ has
been repeated many times in the poem. By 3. Objects have qualities which make them desirable
repeating this phrase, the poet is reinforcing to others. Can you think of some objects (a car,
the notion of external beauty. The word a Phone, a dress....) and say what qualities make
‘despair’ is also repeated in the poem. It one object more desirable than another ? Imagine
reflects the young men’s feelings for Anne you were trying to sell an object : What qualities
Gregory. would you emphasise ?
5. Metonymy : The poet uses the device of Ans :
Yes, there are many objects like a television, a
metonymy in the 9th line when he uses the
refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven
word “carrot” to mean the colour orange
etc. Love and affection make one object more
while making suggestions about what colour
desirable than other. If I were trying to sell one
she can dye her hair in.
object, I would emphasise the qualities of true

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Chapter 10 Discursive Passage

Extract Based Question That he had found a text to prove

That only God, my dear,
1. Read the extract given below and answer the Could love you for yourself alone
questions that follow : And not your yellow hair.
But I can get a hair-dye
i. The above stanza strongly defies the idea of
And set such colour there,
_____.
Brown, or black, or carrot,
That young men in despair (a) internal qualities
May love me for myself alone (b) external beauty
And not my yellow hair.” (c) spiritual self
i. What causes the young men to ‘despair’, (d) divinity
according to the extract? ii. What does the poet mean by the word
ii. Identify the reason for the speaker’s need to ‘yesternight’, in the extract?
colour her hair, as per the extract. iii. What wisdom was imparted to the poet and
(a) Her conviction that she is beautiful by whom it was imparted? Answer in about
inside. 40 words.
(b) Her desire to be loved for her inner iv. Where did the religious man find that God
beauty. loves everyone selflessly?
(c) Her need to change people’s perceptions Ans : 2020

about beauty. i. (b) external beauty

(d) Her control over what makes her look ii. The poet means ‘the previous night’ by the
beautiful. word ‘yesternight.’
iii. Complete the analogy about the speaker’s iii. An old religious man imparted the wisdom
hair. to the poet. He quoted a text and according
yellow: blonde :: _____ : carrot to it only God could love a person for
himself regardless of his appearance or other
iv. Select the sentence in which the word ‘set’ is
attributes.
used in the same manner as in line 2 of the
extract. iv. The religious man found it in a religious text
(a) The set for the school play looked quite that God loves everyone selflessly.
grand. 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
(b) Do you have another set of the books questions that follows :
that I can read? “Never shall a young man,
(c) The dessert needs to set for two hours Thrown into despair
before being served. By those great honey-coloured
(d) I want to set him up and get my work Ramparts at your my;
done this time. Love you for yourself alone
Ans : 2022 And not your yellow hair.”
i. The young men experience despair after being i. What is the contextual meaning of the word
attracted to Anne’s external beauty, but their ‘rampart’
feelings are not reciprocated. Anne desires a ii. Why does Anne want to change the colour of
genuine connection with someone who loves her hair? Answer in about 40 words.
her for her true self. iii. Choose the phrase that best represents, ‘love
ii. (b) Her desire to be loved for her inner beauty. you for yourself alone’.
iii. red (a) one-sided love
iv. (c) The dessert needs to set for two hours (b) mutual love
before being served. (c) unconditional love
2. Read the extract given below and answer the (d) blind love
questions that follows : iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in
I heard an old religious man these lines.
But yesternight declare

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7. What is the mood of the young man? 14. What is the colour of the ramparts of the young
(a) sad (b) happy lady?
(c) romantic (d) miserable (a) Golden (b) Honey
Ans : 2015, 2012 (c) Silver (d) Brown
(a) sad Ans : 2009

(b) Honey
8. Name the literary device used in “Never shall a
young man, Thrown into despair By those great 15. How will the young man react to seeing the honey
honey-coloured”. coloured ramparts?
(a) Oxymoron (b) metaphor (a) He will be thrown into despair.
(c) Assonance (d) Enjambment (b) He will be thrown into happiness.
Ans : 2015 (c) He will be thrown into confused.
(d) Enjambment
(d) None of the Above
9. What hair colour is the lover attracted to? Ans : 2008

(a) carrot (b) black (a) He will be thrown into despair.

(c) brown (d) yellow 16. The old man declared that only god could love
Ans : 2012
her
(d) yellow
(a) for himself alone (b) for herself alone
10. What does the girl want? (c) for the humanity (d) none of these
(a) To be loved for herself Ans : 2008

(b) to be loved for her hair (b) for herself alone

(c) to be loved for her appearance 17. What feature of the woman has put the young
(d) to be loved for her riches man into despair?
Ans : 2012
(a) The outer part of the woman’s nose
(a) To be loved for herself
(b) The outer part of the woman’s eyes
11. What did the young lady expect? (c) The outer part of the woman’s ear
(a) her lover should love her for wealth. (d) The outer part of the woman’s lips
(b) her lover should love her for herself only. Ans : 2007

(c) The outer part of the woman’s ear

(c) her lover should love her for behaviour only.
(d) None of the above 18. Her ears are compared with
Ans : 2011
(a) fans (b) fangs
(b) her lover should love her for herself only.
(c) leaves (d) ramparts
12. Who was it that the poet had heard? Ans : 2005

(d) ramparts
(a) A Priest
(b) An old religious man. 19. Why does she want to dye her hair?
(c) A King (a) So that young men may not for her brown
(d) None of these hair.
Ans : 2010 (b) So that young men may not for her green
(b) An old religious man. hair.
(c) So that young men may not for her yellow
13. What matters for God more to love human
hair.
beings?
(d) None of the above
(a) the outer qualities of human beings
Ans : 2005
(b) the inner qualities of human beings (c) So that young men may not for her yellow
(c) their rituals hair.
(d) none of the above
Ans : 2010, 2008

(c) The outer part of the woman’s ear

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Chapter 10 Discursive Passage

Short Answer Type Question O

Write the central idea of the poem “For Anne
1. Do you think you can love a person for his/ Gregory.”
her inner beauty alone and not care about the Ans : 2021, 2017
physical appearance ? People are often charmed and fascinated by the
Justify with reference to the theme of the poem beautiful appearance of a person. We should love a
‘For Anne Gregory’. person for his/her qualities of head and heart and
Ans : 2024
not go after his/her appearance for appearance
Yes it is quite possible. There are so many changes. It is transitory but one’s qualities are
trait involved falling in love although physical lasting and remain with him/her till he/she lives.
appearance is one of the important trait. The
poem ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys the idea that 6. How would you, as a young adult of your times,
physical beauty may be important for young men title this poem. Give a reason for your choice.
or human beings, but God does not love human Ans : 2021
beings for their physical beauty. In this poem, the As a young adult I would title this poem- Is love
poet gives an example of a lover who loves the really blind. The poem says that true love should
yellow hair of a young lady but does not like her not look at the physical appearance of a person.
ramparts. So, we should give importance to the But I think it is not possible to love anyone without
inner beauty and not to the physical appearance. looking at them and without knowing them.
2. Explain, why the speaker mentions God in the 7. The advice given by elders is crucial to young
poem “For Anne Gregory”. lives. Explain in the context of the poem “For
Ans : 2024
Anne Gregory”.
The speaker mentions God in “For Anne Ans : 2021
Gregory” to emphasize the transcendental beauty Elders are more experienced and aged. They can
and perfection he seeks in Anne’s appearance. guide the younger generation with their knowledge
By invoking God’s name, the speaker highlights and experience. It can save time and energy for
Anne’s ethereal qualities, portraying her as a the youth to learn from elders’ mistakes.
divine being worthy of admiration and reverence.
8. The “yellow hair” is a symbol in the poem. Briefly
3. In the poem “For Anne Gregory”, Anne Gregory’s
support the statement with reference to the poem
suggestion to dye her hair serves two main
“For Anne Gregory”.
purposes. What are these?
Ans : 2021
Present your response this way:
In some countries, yellow or blonde hair is
(a) One purpose is _____. considered appealing in contrast to dark hair.
(b) Another purpose is _____. Girls with lighter hair colour are portrayed as
Ans : 2023 beautiful in movies and stories. So the yellow
(a) One purpose is to gain genuine love by hair of Anne Gregory in the poem emphasises her
proposing that she can change her hair colour beautiful outlook.
to make young men love her for her inner self,
9. Expound on any two ways in which Anne Gregory
not just her yellow hair.
could practically put the poet persona’s advice
(b) Another purpose is to prove her point to the to use.
speaker who initially expressed doubt that Ans : 2021
anyone would love her for anything other After hearing about the poet persona’s advice she
than her external beauty. might try to check if she is loved by a young man
4. Describe the method Anne Gregory suggested in just for her physical appearance or for her inner
order to prove that she is loved for who she is. nobility. She could change the colour of her yellow
Ans : 2021
hair to darker shades. She might wear a different
She said that she would change her hair from hairstyle. She could try playing a quiz with them
yellow to some other colour by applying a hair to know how better the boys understand her.
dye to confirm that she is loved for her inner
10. Write the reaction of a 21st century teenager
beauty and not for her outer personality.
(boy or girl), to the idea of being loved for one’s
5. Highlight the central theme of the poem “For appearance or the things one represents/possess.
Anne Gregory”. Give a reason for the reaction.

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Page 594 Discursive Passage Chapter 10
Ans : 2021
14. Does the young man love the young woman for
It is a common perception that women with lighter her own sake or for her yellow hair ?
hair or lighter skin are beautiful. This idea is so Ans : 2012
pervasive that everyone takes it for granted and The poet says that the young man is thrown into a
believes in it blindly. So the teenagers of the 21st state of hopelessness by the young woman’s great
century would behave the same way. Moreover, honey-coloured rampart at her ear. He thinks
people have become more looks conscious with that no young man will love for her own sake
the invention of Smartphones. Teenagers’ selfie alone, but will only love her for her yellow hair.
obsession is known to everyone.
15. Why does the young woman want to dye her hair
11. Evaluate the poem in the context of the given ?
quote. Ans : 2012
“If only our eyes saw souls instead of bodies, how The young woman wants to dye her hair in black,
very different our ideals of beauty would be.” You brown or carrot colour, so that the young men in
may begin like this: The poet shares that God loves despair may love her for herself alone and not for
us unconditionally, for who we are and not our the yellow colour of her hair.
appearance. This quote (continue)………………
Ans : 2021 16. How does the poet try to justify his statement ?
The poet shares that God loves us unconditionally Ans : 2010
for who we are and not for our outer appearance. The poet does not believe in what Anne tells him
If humans could love or praise each other on the about internal and external beauty. He justifies
basis of inner qualities, our ideals of beauty would his view by telling her that on old religious man
be somewhat different. We could have talked more had found a text which clearly proved that only
about a true, confident, reliable, kind, honest God can love a person for himself or herself and
or sympathetic person. People would be less not for the physical appearance.
concerned about skin or hair colour or texture.
If our eyes could see souls instead of bodies, 17. Why do young men love Anne for her hair and
humans would be praised for their generosity or not for herself alone?
kind behaviour. Similarly, girls or boys would be Ans : 2010

disliked for their non-cooperative nature or the Anne Gregory is so beautiful that no man is
habit of backbiting. capable of ignoring her external beauty and
looking inside her real nature. Her attractive
12. The poem is interactive. Between whom does the external features stop men from knowing the real
conversation take place ? person. This is what that makes the speaker say
Ans : 2016 that young men love Anne for her hair and not
The poem is a conversation between the poet and for herself alone.
Anne Gregory. The poet is adamant that all the
young men will like Anne only for her yellow hair. 18. What are Anne’s views on external beauty?
Anne firmly contradicts him. She says that the Ans : 2010

colour of her hair is not important as she could Anne does not believe in external beauty and
easily use hair-dye and change it, but regardless wants to be loved for herself. She says that her
of her hair colour, her inner beauty is permanent beautiful hair that attract so many men can be
and will remain the same. changed and colored differently. This shows that
Anne thinks that external beauty is not important
13. What Anne’s views about beauty ? and is changeable.
Ans : 2015

Anne is a beautiful girl with honey-coloured 19. What has, According to the speaker, an old
yellow hair. She believes that inner beauty, good religious man found?
values and overall personality is more important Ans : 2009

than mere physical appearance. When the poet The speaker says that an old religious man has
insists that young men are thrown into despair found a text that proves that only God is capable
because of her yellow hair, she says that the of looking at a person’s real self, beyond the
colour of the hair can be easily changed. Thus, external beauty.
she explains that the physical appearance is only
20. “That only God, my dear,
temporary and by the end, it is important to be a
Could love you for yourself alone
good human being.
And not your yellow hair.”

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Chapter 10 Discursive Passage

What colour is the young woman’s hair? What Dear friends

does the poet suggest by these lines? The importance of believing in oneself can never
Ans : 2008 be overstated. It becomes most important,
Ans. The young woman’s hair is yellow in colour. therefore, to love oneself. I learnt this, as a young
The poet suggests that the God only can love you teen, the day a poet pointed out that (continue)
for your human qualities and for physical beauty. .....
Ans : 2021
21. Why is only God capable of loving Anne for
herself? Motivational Speech
Ans : 2008, 2005 Dear friends
Only God is capable of loving Anne for herself The importance of believing in oneself can
because humans do not have the power to look the never be overstated. It becomes most important
beauty of soul. Only God is capable of not caring therefore to love oneself. I learnt this as a young
for the outer beauty and looking the beauty of teen, the day a poet pointed out that men are
one’s soul. attracted towards females’ outer beauty. Does it
mean the not so beautiful people are not loved
22. “That only God, my dear, in this world? I think to escape this situation an
Could love you for yourself alone individual should invest their time in self-love.
And not your yellow hair.” It’s the unconditional support and compassion
What do these lines suggest about God’s ideas that translates to good health, great self-esteem,
about love? happiness, and well-being. Self-love allows us to fill
Ans : 2007 in the gaps external sources of love may leave. No
The poet suggests that God loves you not only one has a better understanding of our innermost
for your uniqueness but for what qualities you thoughts and needs than we do. Everyone is
possess. Only God has this ability to love you for born with a unique set of characteristics so we
your qualities as a human being and not for your should not compare ourselves with others and
physical appearance. let ourselves down But it should not be confused
with selfishness or singing one’s own praises.
23. How will the hair-dye help Anne?
Ans : 2006 2. Just as a love for outer appearances is not true
The hair-dye will help Anne to get any kind of love, love for the sake of money is not true love
colour like brown, black or carrot, on her hair. either. Pen down a dialogue exchange between
This will improve her appearance and enable the Anne Gregory and any character from “The
young men to love Anne for her appearance. Proposal” where Anne tries to explain how
loving others simply for who they are is the most
24. What did the religious man tell the poet? important virtue that everyone must possess.
Ans : 2004
Ans : 2021
The religious man declared to the poet that he had Dialogue exchange between Anne Gregory and
found a text to prove that only God could love you Lomov-
for your uniqueness. He will never discriminate Lomov : Will you be my girlfriend?
people on the basis of their appearance. Anne Gregory: I am sorry. I don’t like your
attitude.
25. What message does the poem convey?
Ans : 2003
Lomov : Don’t you know, I have a lot of money.
The poem conveys the message that love should be Anne Gregory: Money does not form a solid base
unconditional and should not depend on physical for true friendship.
appearance. Young men may love women based Lomov : Girls want to marry me just because I
on their beauty but God alone is the only one who am a rich man
loves all human beings for who and what they are. Anne Gregory: That means they are your money’s
friend and not yours.
Lomov : I can buy them a lot of gifts with my
Long Answer Type Question money
Anne Gregory: Sorry to say, but I like to be with
1. Imagine Anne Gregory grows up to be a people whom I like for their character, attitude
motivational speaker. As Anne Gregory, write a and etiquettes rather than their financial status.
short speech on the importance of loving oneself. Moreover, money is volatile, it never stays in a
You may begin this way: single pocket.

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Page 596 Discursive Passage Chapter 10

Lomov : As you wish, but money is second to Ans : 2018

God. In the conversation that takes place between Anne

Anne Gregory: Yes you are right, it is second but Gregory and another speaker, the poet has tried
not first. I will wait for my true love. to show that inner beauty is real beauty whereas
physical appearance is changeable and hence,
3. Imagine the poem was written for Anne Gregory’s unimportant. The first speaker says to Anne that
brother, Miller Gregory. young men love her for her beautiful yellow hair
(a) Would that poem be different from the and may never love her for what she really is.
original poem? If so, highlight the differences To this, Anne replies that her hair-colour can be
changed into black, brown or carrot, meaning that
it would have.
external beauty is all superficial and men should
(b) Pen down the advice, you think the poet not love her for that. Through Anne’s reply, the
persona would have given to Miller Gregory. poet has made clear his preference for internal
Ans : 2021
beauty over physical appearance.
Yes, the poem would be different in the following
aspects: 6. The poet’s views about beauty are not justified.
(a) Had the poem been written for a boy it would Anne’s arguments are correct. Express your views
emphasize some other bodily features of the in support of Anne.
masculine body. For example, the hair falling Ans : 2015, 2009

over the ear can add to the beauty of a woman The poet in the poem Tor Anne Gregory’ tells
but for a man, his muscular body, long height, Anne that a young man will love her only for
and wide chest deserves a mention. Besides, her lovely yellow hair and not for anything else.
fair-skinned guys attract girls quite easily. He says that her inner beauty does not matter
because a man only looks at the outward
(b) The poet persona would advise Miller
appearance to fall in love. The speaker even tries
Gregory that he will never be loved for his
to influence Anne by telling her that a text found
virtues but for his physical appearance. Girls by an old religious man proves that only God
would fall in love with him on seeing his can love a person for who he/she is, while all the
shoulders, strong chest, moustache or beard other people in the world only look for external
sometimes. Women search for masculinity in appearance. Meanwhile, Anne argues against the
boys. According to the poet only God has speaker’s views by saying that her beauty lies
the capability to see through a person’s inner in her values and good qualities and not in her
traits. Common man loves others for their yellow hair. She says that she can easily change
skin, hair and other physical attributes. the colour of her hair but it will be impossible to
change who she is as a person or human being.
4. How right or wrong is it to judge someone on the Therefore, what actually matters is the true inner-
basis of his/her physical appearance? self because superficial beauty is not genuine.
Ans : 2020
As the physical appearance or beauty is neither
Physical appearances never give the true account real nor permanent, internal beauty is what each
of a person as it can be changed with the help of one of us should look for in our friends, lovers or
clothing, make-up and other such things. anybody else.
Something which is not true and real should
not be used to judge the person carrying it. 7. Why do you think the other speaker mentioned
A person must be judged on the basis of his the old religious man and the text that proves
behaviour that shows the true characteristics of that only God can love Anne for herself alone?
his personality. This is explained by Anne in her Ans : 2010
reply to the first speaker that her beautiful hair- The speaker mentioned the text found by an
colour which attracts men is changeable, hence, old religious man that proves that only God can
men should not fall in love with her based on love Anne for herself alone. It is so because the
her-hair colour. speaker wanted to tell Anne that her desire that
men should not see her outer beauty is not going
5. “The poet in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’ to be fulfilled. The speaker tells Anne that only
conveys that we should give importance to the God can be so great as to avoid external beauty
inner beauty and not the physical appearance. and look beyond it. Man, on the other hand, falls
Elaborate with reference to the poem. for all things that appear pretty from outside and
never bothers about what lies inside.

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Chapter 10 Discursive Passage

love for it. And for all of us this love will not be destiny of a person. Here are many cases where
for its outer but for innerself. we can see them in a great change. Within years
they become so prosperous that none can believe.
4. What about people ? Do we love others because But a real person maintain his relationship in the
we like their qualities, whether physical or mental most appropriate and desirable way. He never
? Or is it possible to love someone “for themselves expresses his/her pride in any case.
alone” ? Are some people ‘more lovable’ than
others ? 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Discuss this question in pairs or in groups,
considering points like the following.
(i) a parent or caregiver’s love for a newborn
Multiple Choice
Type Question
baby, for a mentally or physically challenged 1. Who is the poet of the poem “For Anne Gregory”?
child, for a clever child or a prodigy.
(a) Carl Sandburg
(ii) the public’s love for a film star, a sportsperson,
(b) William Butler Yeats
a politician or a social worker.
(c) Carolyn Wells
(iii) your love for a friend, or brother or sister.
(d) Walt Whitman
(iv) your love for pet, and the pet’s love for you.
Ans : 2021
Ans :
(b) William Butler Yeats
We love other people not only because of their
qualities but also due to certain other factors. It is 2. Name the literary device used in the line “honey-
also possible to love someone for themselves alone. coloured ramparts at your ear”
In this universe some people are more lovable
(a) Oxymoron (b) metaphor
than others. It depends upon their category. For
example, a parent will always love his child. The (c) Assonance (d) None of these
love of a parent for grandmother, mother, son, Ans : 2021

wife, daughter, brother, sister, leader, friends or (b) metaphor

pet etc. will differ according to their category,
3. Name the literary device used in the line “and set
quality, characteristics etc.
such colour there”
5. You have perhaps concluded that people are not (a) Oxymoron (b) Alliteration
objects to be valued for their qualities or riches (c) Assonance (d) None of these
rather than for themselves. But elsewhere Yeats Ans : 2021
asks the question : How can we separate the (b) Alliteration
dancer from the dance ? Is it possible to separate
‘the person himself or herself from how the person 4. Who can love us for who we are and not for how
looks, sounds, walks and so on ? Think of how you we look?
or a friend or member of your family has changed (a) poet (b) young boy
over the years. Has your relationship also changed
? In what way ? (c) God (d) None of these
Ans : Ans : 2020

It is an accepted fact that people are not objects. (c) God

They are living beings. They have power to think
5. What does the girl think she can do to get rid of
and act. They have wisdom. They have life since
lovers?
objects are deprived of such qualities. We should
value a man for his self only keeping in view his (a) cut her hair (b) dye her hair
qualities as well. (c) cover her hair (d) all of these
The poet wants to express here that we Ans : 2020

cannot separate a man from his characteristics. (b) dye her hair
He quotes an example that a dancer cannot be
separated from dance. But it is possible since 6. What colour will the girl dye her hair into?
time and circumstances have their own role to (a) black (b) brown
play in this universe. His connection, category, (c) carrot (d) all of these
looks, sounds, walks and other factors also work. Ans : 2016
Circumstances and luck can make or mar the (d) all of them

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Page 598 Discursive Passage Chapter 10
Ans : 2016

i. A lock of hair
ii. Anne’s hair is yellow. She says that she could
get her hair dyed to brown, black or carrot
colour so that the young men in despair
would love her only and not her yellow hair.
She wanted them to love her for what she
was and not for her appearance. She wishes
to emphasise that external beauty is not real.
iii. (c) unconditional love
iv. The language used is conversational
and simple. The use of poetic devices is
straightforward. The poet has applied the
poetic device metonymy-‘carrot’ to show
orange colour; the repetition of the sound ‘u’
in “Love you for yourself alone,” and ‘your
yellow hair” for alliterative purposes; and
used a metaphor in ‘Ramparts at your ear.’



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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

Chapter 1

A Triumph of Surgery

1. INTRODUCTION was that it had become greedy. It did not refuse

food. Herriot asked Mrs. Pumphrey if she had
The Story “A Triumph of Surgery” is written been giving the dog plenty of exercise. She said
by James Herriot. It is about a small dog Tricki she had not. Herriot warned her. If she didn’t
who is pampered a lot by his rich mistress, Mrs. cut its food and gave it more physical exercise, it
Pumphrey. He (Tricki) falls sick as a result of would be really ill. She said that he was right. But
being overfed and is cured by Mr. Herriot, a it was difficult for her.
veterinarian, at his surgery.
Tricki To Be in Hospital
Within next few days Mrs. Pumphrey told
2. CHARACTERS Herriot that Tricki didn’t eat anything. It refused
to eat even its favourite dishes. It spent all its
Mrs. Pumphrey time lying panting. The narrator had made his
Mrs. Pumphrey is a wealthy single woman. She is plans in advance. He suggested that Tricki should
very much attached to her dog, Tricki. She is very be hospitalised for about a fortnight. The lady
loving but weak at heart. almost became unconscious. She was sure that it
James Herriot would die if he did not see it.
James is a veterinary surgeon who proves to be Tricki in Hospital
a capable doctor and a wise individual. He is an The narrator took the dog in his car. Mrs.
animal lover and a caring guardian. Pumphrey gave Tricki’s belongings like bed,
Tricki cushions, toys, various bowls, coats etc. At the
Tricki is a lazy and fat dog who loves food. He is hospital Tricki looked down at other dogs. They
very fond of his owner. He turns out to be energetic sniffed around it and ignored it.
and lively after recovering from his illness. Tricki’s Treatment
The narrator kept an eye on Tricki for two days.
He gave it plenty of water but no food. On the
3. SUMMARY
third day, it started whimpering on seeing other
Tricki’s illness dogs. It followed them down the garden. Later
The narrator of the story is Mr. Herriot. He is a that day other dogs had their food. When they
veterinary surgeon. He was really worried about had finished, Tricki walked round the bowls. He
the dog. Its name was Tricki. He was shocked to also licked them. It meant he was hungry. It was
see it with its mistress. It had become hugely’fat. given some food.
Its eyes had become red. Its tongue came out Tricki Shows Improvement
from its jaws. It was in a state of disease. Tricki started to show progress. It was given
Tricki’s Mistress Made Tricki ill no medicinal treatment. It ran about with the
The mistress of the dog was Mrs. Pumphrey. She dogs all day. It discovered the joy of being with
told Mr. Herriot that the dog seemed to have no other dogs. Meanwhile Mrs. Pumphrey continued
energy. So she gave it more malt and cod liver ringing regularly. She asked various questions
oil and a bowl of Horlicks. She also gave it some about Tricki. But the narrator told her that the
cream cakes and chocolates despite Herriot’s dog was out of danger.
refusal. It was a rich diet. When Tricki Becomes All Right
Herriot’s Warning to Mrs. Pumphrey Mrs. Pumphrey started to bring round fresh eggs
Herriot looked at the dog again. Its big trouble to build up Tricki’s strength. The narrator began

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Page 600 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

giving Tricki wine before and during the meal. 18. Reverently - with deep and solemn respect.
The dog began to drink brandy also. Tricki now 19. Chauffeur - a person employed to drive a
had one extra egg in the morning. It had wine at private or hired car.
noon and brandy in the evening. After a fortnight, 20. Hurtling - moving or causing to move at a
the narrator rang her up saying the dog was all high speed, typically in an uncontrolled
right.
manner.
Mrs. Pumphrey Comes to Take Tricki Home 21. Leap - jump to a great height.
Mrs. Pumphrey arrived at the narrator’s Surgery 22. Startled - felt sudden shock or alarm.
in a big car. She asked him if the dog was better.
The narrator told her that the dog was fine. He
would bring it to her. When Tricki saw its mistress, 5. MESSAGE
it ran into Mrs. Pumphrey’s lap. It began licking
her face and barking. This story conveys the message that excess
of anything is not good. Exercise is equally
Tricki’s Cure - A Triumph of Surgery important for the well being along with nutritious
The narrator helped the driver to bring out food. Pampering spoils physical as well as mental
Tricki’s various things. These were Tricki’s beds, health. Many kids get spoilt because they are
toys, cushions, coats and bowls. They had not unreasonably pampered by their parents. Mrs.
been used. As the car moved away, Mrs. Pumphrey Pumphrey can be related to an overindulgent
leaned out of the window. Tears shone in her eyes. mother who pampers Tricki like her own
Her lips trembled. She told the narrator that it child, spoils him without thinking about the
was a triumph of surgery. consequences and becomes the cause of his misery,
unintentionally.
4. word meanings
6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
1. Bloated - swollen; excessive in size.
2. Bloodshot - inflamed or tinged with blood. Read And Find Out - 1
3. Tottering - moving in a feeble or unsteady
way. 1. Why is Mrs. Pumphrey worried about Tricki ?
Ans :
4. Tweed - a rough-surfaced woollen cloth.
Tricki has become hugely fat. He has lost interest
5. Harness - a set of straps and fittings. in everything. He seems to be lost his strength.
6. Bouts - a short period of intense activity of a So, she is worried about Tricki.
specified type.
7. Roused - made active or excited. 2. What does she do to help him ? Is she wise in
8. Gasping - catching one’s breath with an open this ?
Ans :
mouth.
She starts giving him more food to eat. She thinks
9. Surged - moved suddenly and powerfully that he is suffering from malnutrition. But she is
forward or upward. not wise in doing this.
10. Whimper - make a series of low, feeble sounds
expressive of fear, pain, or unhappiness. 3. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story ?
11. Trotted - ran at a moderate pace with short Ans :
steps. ‘I’ in this story refers to the author ‘James
Herriot’.
12. Slopped - spilt over the edge of a container,
typically as a result of careless handling.
Read And Find Out - 2
13. Jostling - pushing or bumping against
someone roughly, typically in a crowd. 1. Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress ?
14. Rapid - happening in a short time or at a Ans :
great rate. No, the narrator is not as rich as Tricki’s mistress.
15. Scrimmages - confused struggle or fights. He is a vet.
16. Bowled over - pushed and made to fall on the 2. How does he treat the dog ?
ground. Ans :
17. Dodged - avoided He treats the dog very wisely. He knows the real

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

Explain. Ans : 2021

Ans : 2023
I think it was not unprofessional. Mr Herriot
The story, ‘A Triumph of Surgery’ is a powerful knew that Mrs Pumphrey would never allow him
example of the importance of saying “no”. When to keep the dog on fasting which was the only and
Dr. Herriot met Tricky with her owner Mrs. the natural treatment to save the dog.
Pumphrey, he asked her to say “no” to overeating 8. “Tricki’s only fault was greed”, says the narrator.
for Tricky as it would lead him to get ill. However, What might be Mrs? Pumphrey’s “only fault”?
she was not able to say “no” to Tricky’s overfeeding Ans : 2021
and over-pampering and thus, had to send him to Mrs Pumphrey’s only fault was her richness and
the hospital as he got seriously ill. over caring nature. She had provided luxurious
3. What was the impact of the goodies that came for things to an animal that replaced his actual needs
Tricki during his convalescence, on the household? and made him ill and obese.
Ans : 2023
9. According to a popular quote- Where there is no
The impact of all the goodies on the household struggle, there is no strength. In what way is this
was that they led to a period of indulgence quote relevant to the events of the story?
and luxurious living. The household members, Ans : 2021
including the doctor and his partners, enjoyed the The quote given above is quite relevant to the
extra eggs, wine, and brandy. It added a sense events of the story. The beginning of the story
of festivity to their daily routines, with lunch proved that Tricki was lifeless because he did not
becoming a ceremonial occasion and evenings by struggle to digest his food. In the later part of
the fire becoming more enjoyable. the lesson, Dr Herriot authenticated that real
4. What was Mr. Herriot’s strict advice? Did Mrs. strength comes only after struggle and hard
Pumphrey agree to his advice? work. He helped the dog to regain his strength by
Ans : 2023
involving him in regular exercise and food regime.
Mr. Herriot’s strict advice to Mrs. Pumphrey Food without exercise can lead to disease and
was to restrain from giving her pet dog Tricky, discomfort for everyone.
unnecessary rich diet that would cause him serious 10. ‘Privilege often confuses actual needs for perceived
illness and to give him plenty of exercises. No, ones.’ Evaluate this statement with reference to
Mrs. Pumphrey did not agree to his advice as she Mrs Pumphrey.
continued spoiling her dog’s health by giving him Ans : 2021
unrequited things like malt, cod liver, cupcakes, It is a fact known to all that animals do not need
etc and no exercise. silk clothes, playful toys, and various utensils to
5. What do you think would happen to Tricki after stay happy. But Mrs Pumphrey had provided
he went back to Mrs Pumphrey? these privileges to an animal. Being a pet to a
Ans : 2021
rich lady, these luxuries replaced the dog’s actual
I think Tricki would again be over-pampered by needs and made him ill and dull.
Mrs Pumphrey. He might develop the same health 11. Why was it important for Mrs Pumphrey to be
issues gradually because Mrs Pumphrey was not a little cruel in order to be kind towards Tricki?
aware of the actual treatment given to him. Ans : 2020

6. “I was really worried about Tricki this time.” She was overfeeding Tricki; being overindulgent
Comment on the writer’s choice of beginning the – she needed to cut down Tricki’s food intake to
story in this manner. What purpose does it serve? help him regain his health (be cruel to be kind)
Ans : 2021
12. How did Mrs. Pumphrey and her servants behave
The writer chose this statement to begin the story when Tricki was being sent to the surgery?
to put the reader’s focus entirely on Tricki and Ans : 2018
his health from the very beginning of the lesson. Mrs. Pumphrey began to cry loudly when Dr.
Moreover, Tricki is the main character of the Herriot carried Tricki in a blanket to his car. She
story. gave out a despairing cry when the doctor moved
7. Do you think the narrator’s decision to not reveal off with Tricki. The entire staff was roused and
the actual treatment to Mrs Pumphrey was maids-were rushed in and out bringing Tricki’s
unprofessional? Justify your stance. day bed, night bed, favourite cushions, toys and
bowls. As Dr. Herriot drove away with Tricki,

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Page 602 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

cause harm to others also. advised?

In general, my life would have been simple (a) yes
as I certainly might have convinced Mrs. (b) no
Pumphery that pampering is not good.
(c) only for a while
4. What would you have done if you were in the (d) she was not advised anything like that
narrator’s place ? Ans : 2016
Ans : (c) only for a while
If I were in the narrator’s place I would have done
the same as the narrator had done to cure Tricki. 6. Who is Hodgkin?
Since Mrs. Pumphrey was very ignorant and was (a) dog owner (b) gardener
not realising the seriousness of matter, only this (c) Veterinary surgeon (d) Dog
step was left to take Tricki out of the house. One Ans : 2016
must be very tactful and full of common sense (b) gardener
while handling such a situation. The narrator
knew that Tricki needed nothing else except 7. What was the dog unable to play?
plenty of exercises. Again the writer successfully (a) ring-throw (b) walk
came out of the temptation of keeping Tricki as a
(c) hide and seek (d) all of these
permanent guest. So, what the narrator had done
Ans : 2016
was absolutely correct and I would have done the
(a) ring-throw
same.
8. What did the doctor advise?
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS (a) cut his food
(b) give him more exercise
Multiple Choice
Type Question (c) keep him on a very strict diet
(d) all of the above
1. Who is the author of the story “A Triumph of Ans : 2015
Surgery”? (d) all of the above
(a) James Herriot (b) Ruskin Bond
9. Was the narrator waiting for a call from Mrs
(c) Robert Arthur (d) Victor Canning
Pumphrey?
Ans : 2021

(a) James Herriot (a) no (b) yes

(a) Tricki (b) Mrs. Pumphrey (b) yes

(c) Veterinary surgeon (a) bend (b) worried

(a) Tricki (b) Mrs. Pumphrey (d) both b and c

(d) Mr. Herriot (a) refusing to eat his favourite food

(b) didn’t go for walks
4. What problem does Mrs Pumphrey think Tricki (c) vomiting
has?
(d) all of the above
(a) diarrhoea (b) malnutrition Ans : 2014
(c) allergies (d) all of these (d) all of the above
Ans : 2020

(b) malnutrition 12. What was best according to the vet?

(a) to take him to the hospital
5. Did Mrs Pumphrey cut down on sweets as was
(b) to take him for a walk

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

(c) to let him have sugar (d) none of the above

(d) both b and c Ans : 2013

Ans : 2014 (a) silky little object

(a) to take him to the hospital
20. What is the meaning of the word “convalescing”?
13. Why did the other dogs ignore Tricki? (a) condescending (b) worsen
(a) he was an uninteresting object (c) disappointing (d) recover
(b) he was ill Ans : 2013

(d) recover
(c) he was furious
(d) all of the above 21. What did Mrs Pumphrey bring first?
Ans : 2014
(a) Eggs (b) Brandy
(a) he was an uninteresting object
(c) Wine (d) None of these
14. For how many days he was given no food? Ans : 2012

(a) Eggs
(a) 1 (b) 2
(c) 3 (d) 5 22. How did the staff benefit from Mrs Pumphrey’s
Ans : 2014 overdoing?
(b) 2 (a) breakfast with eggs (b) lunch with wine
15. Who was Joe? (c) dinner with brandy (d) all of these
Ans : 2012
(a) nurse (b) pug
(d) all of these
(c) greyhound (d) cat
Ans : 2013 23. What made the narrator call Mrs Pumphrey after
(c) greyhound a fortnight?
16. What did the dogs know about food? (a) Tricki got recovered
(a) last ones will be liable to have competition for (b) Tricki got unwell
the leftover food (c) he knew she is suffering
(b) there was no competition (d) both a and c
Ans : 2012
(c) it wasn’t good
(d) both a and c
(d) it was the best part of the day
Ans : 2013 24. “In two weeks he had been transformed into a
(a) last ones will be liable to have competition for lithe, hard-musled animal” . What is the meaning
the leftover food of the word “lithe”?
17. What is the meaning of the word “jostling”? (a) dirty (b) graceful
(a) running (b) struggling (c) misbehaving (d) rude
Ans : 2012
(c) walking (d) none of these
(b) graceful
Ans : 2013

(b) struggling 25. What did they use out of these?

18. What is the meaning of the word “scrimmage”? (a) toys (b) cushions
(a) fight (b) play (c) coats (d) none of these
Ans : 2011
(c) run (d) none of these
(d) none of the above
Ans : 2013

(a) fight 26. How would you describe Mrs. Pumphrey?

19. What does the narrator refer to Tricki as, in the (a) loving (b) over-doing
group of other dogs? (c) intelligent (d) rational
Ans : 2011, 2005
(a) silky little object
(b) over-doing
(b) shaggy little object
(c) he didn’t say anything

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Page 604 Discursive Passage Chapter 1

27. How would you decribe the vet? (b) Mrs Pumphrey’s husband
(a) tactful (b) over-doing (c) Mr Herriot
(c) careless (d) irrational (d) Mrs Pumphrey’s servant
Ans : 2011 Ans : 2010

(a) tactful (c) Mr Herriot

28. Was Tricki happy on seeing Mrs. Pumphrey? 35. What did the doctor give Tricki at his clinic?
(a) yes (b) No (a) many injections
(c) maybe (d) she showed no (b) medicines
emotions (c) no food for two days
Ans : 2011
(d) only milk and chocolate
(a) yes Ans : 2009

29. Who do you blame for Tricki’s illness? (c) no food for two days
(a) Mrs. Pumphrey (b) Tricki 36. Where did Mr Herriot take Tricki?
(c) Herriot (d) Vet (a) to his clinic
Ans : 2011
(b) to Mrs Pumphrey’s house
(a) Mrs. Pumphrey
(c) to a public hospital for vets
30. Why is the narrator tempted to keep Tricki as a (d) nowhere
permanent guest? Ans : 2009

(a) because he loved Tricki (a) to his clinic

(b) he thought Mrs. Pumphrey woudn’t take 37. How did ‘hick’ look?
good care of Tricki
(a) very thin
(c) they would lose all Luxuries like eggs, wine
(b) like a bloated sausage
and brandy
(c) very smart
(d) none of the above
Ans : 2010
(d) always ready to run
(c) they would lose all Luxuries like eggs, wine Ans : 2009

and brandy (b) like a bloated sausage

31. What was Tricki’s main fault? 38. Who was Mrs Pumphrey worried about?
(a) fatness (b) inactivity (a) herself (b) her maid-servant
(c) laziness (d) greed (c) her dog Tricki (d) her son
Ans : 2010
Ans : 2009

(d) greed (c) her dog Tricki

32. Mrs Pumphrey was a very _____ Lady. 39. What did Mrs Pumphrey bring at first?
(a) miser (b) poor (a) two dozen fresh eggs
(c) cruel (d) rich (b) four dozen fresh eggs
Ans : 2010, 2004 (c) wine
(d) rich (d) both a and c
Ans : 2009
33. What did Mrs Pumphrey think her dog is suffering (b) four dozen fresh eggs
from?
(a) fever (b) malnutrition 40. When Mr Herriot took Tricki to his clinic, Mrs
(c) stomach pain (d) footsore Pumphrey was:
Ans : 2010 (a) happy (b) excited
(b) malnutrition (c) wailing (d) thanking the doctor
Ans : 2008
34. “I think I know a cure for you.” Who is ‘I’ ? (c) wailing
(a) Mrs Pumphrey

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

reason of the dog’s illness. So, he does not give She was very emotional towards the cute puppy
any medicine to the dog. He just gives him water and could not bear the separation from her doting
to drink for three days. pet. There is nothing unusual in a wardrobe
of dresses for the dog as rich people believe in
3. Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a showing the world that they are very rich to spoil
permanent guest ? even their pets.
Ans :
Mrs. Pumphrey sends eggs and brandy and wine Talk About It
for the dog. But the narrator gives nothing to
the dog. Instead he himself uses them. So, he is 1. This episode describes the silly behaviour of a
tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanant guest. rich woman who is foolishly indulgent, perhaps
because she is lonely. Do you think such people
4. Why does Mrs. Pumphery think the dog’s recovery are merely silly, or can their actions cause harm
is “a triumph of surgery”? to others ?
Ans : Ans :
Mrs. Pumphery is an innocent lady. She loves her Mrs. Pumphrey was quite a rich lady. She had a
dog too much. She cannot understand that her too small pet dog and named it Tricki. This episode
much love has made the dog ill. So, when the dog describes the behaviour of the rich woman who
gets recovered at the surgery, she calls it a triumph indulges in foolish behaviour. It makes her keep
of surgery. such delicacies as cushions, toy, rubber rings,
breakfast and all stuff. When Tricki is sent to the
Think About It surgery, the delicacies are sent to the hospital.
The tears in her eyes at Tricki’s departure are
1. What kind of a person do you think the narrator, real. Every day she makes a phone call at the
a veterinary surgeon, is ? Would you say he is surgery.
tactful as well as full of common sense ? The worry and concern shown by her are
Ans : merely silly. She is just busy in her own world
Doctor Herriot was a veterinary surgeon. He had and would not cause harm to others.
a deep regard for Mrs. Pumphrey and concern for
Tricki. He was worried for the health of Tricki. 2. Do you think there are parents like Mrs.
Herriot took great care of Tricki at the surgery. Pumphrey?
He felt happy on watching Pricki improve. He is Ans :
a person with human quality of being tactful and Of course, there are parents like Mrs. Pumphrey.
full of commonsense. It is his tact which makes They take too much care of their children. They
Mrs. Pumphrey agree to send Tricki to the surgery. never let their children play outside and overfeeds
He felt happy on watching Tricki improve. At the them when they seem weak. It results in making
surgery it is the triumph of Mr. Herriot which is their children ill. They become hugely fat and
mainly earned through his commonsense. often suffer from many diseases. Then they consult
the doctors as Mrs. Pumphrey does. Children of
2. Do you think Tricki was happy to go home ? such parents also suffer many mental diseases.
What do you think will happen now ? They become coward. They lose confidence. In
Ans : fact pampering is a crime for a child.
No, I think Tricki was not happy to go home. At
home Tricki had no company, no friends to play 3. What would you have done if you were (i) a
with but in the hospital he knew the pleasures of member of the staff in Mrs Pumphrey’s household
sharing his food and things and he played with (ii) a neighbour ? What would your life have been
other animals. He even enjoyed catching rats. like, in general ?
Naturally, he would not feel comfortable at Mrs. Ans :
Pumphrey’s house with no friends and no games (i) If I were a member of the staff in Mrs.
at all. Pumphrey’s household, I certainly would
have tried to make her understand that
3. Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere
pampering is bad. I would advise her not to
fiction? Or is it a mixture of both ?
show excessive love towards Tricki.
Ans :
The story seems to be quite real because rich (ii) If I were her neighbour I would again have
people overfeed their children. As Mrs Pumphrey advised her not to spoil the dog by pampering
loved Tricki like her own child she overfed him. him. These actions of her certainly would

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56. For the first two days Mr. Herriot kept Tricki just 64. What was Tricki’s real disease?
on – (a) stomach pain
(a) Soup (b) Milk (b) vomiting due to over-feeding
(c) Water (d) Juice (c) cholera
Ans : 2004
(d) fever
(c) Water Ans : 2002

57. The name of the greyhound was (b) vomiting due to over-feeding
(a) Joe (b) Jack 65. The dogs at the clinic took no interest in Tricki
(c) Jiwi (d) Micky because he was:
Ans : 2003 (a) dull and boring
(a) Joe
(b) not of their race
58. At the dinner Mr. Herriot should keep his eyes (c) of small size
specially on (d) more powerful than them
(a) Tricki (b) Joe Ans : 2002

(c) Titan (d) Tristan (a) dull and boring

Ans : 2003
66. When Tricki was seriously ill, who did Mrs
(d) Tristan
Pumphrey make a frantic call?
59. At night Tricki used to go for hunting _____ (a) to her son
with his other fellow dogs. (b) to her husband
(a) Rats (b) Hews (c) to a vet doctor Mr Herriot
(c) Cats (d) Birds (d) to her maid-servant
Ans : 2003 Ans : 2001

(a) Rats (c) to a vet doctor Mr Herriot

60. For Tricki’s fastest recovery Mrs Pumphery 67. Tricki falls ill because
started sending _____ daily. (a) he met an accident
(a) One dozen egg (b) Three dozen eggs (b) of bad weather
(c) Two dozen eggs (d) 5 eggs (c) he did not get proper food to eat
Ans : 2003
(d) his mistress overfed him
(c) Two dozen eggs Ans : 2001

61. To improve the quality of blood, Mrs Pumphery (d) his mistress overfed him
started sending _____ for Tricki. 68. What was the name of Mrs Pumphrey’s dog?
(a) Milk (b) Code liver oil (a) Ben (b) Tommy
(c) Juice (d) Wine (c) Tricki (d) Jonny
Ans : 2002
Ans : 2001
(d) Wine (c) Tricki
62. Meaning of ‘chauffeur’ is
(a) Driver (b) Helicopter Short Answer Type Question
(c) Car (d) Dog 1. What does Mr. Herriot mean by “happy period”
Ans : 2002
for himself and his partners ? Explain.
(a) Driver. Ans : 2024

63. What was the dog unable to play? Mr. Herriot was tempted to keep Tricki
as apermanent guest as he and his friends
(a) ring-throw (b) walk
enjoyedeggs for breakfast, wine and brandy for
(c) hide and seek (d) all of these lunch. Hetherefore calls it a happy period.
Ans : 2002

(a) ring-throw 2. The story, A Triumph of Surgery is a powerful

example of the importance of saying “no”.

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41. I think “I know a cure for you.” What is the (b) Cakes and chocolates
‘cure’ ? (c) Kichdi and Fish
(a) controlling Tricki’s diet (d) Cakes and cookies
(b) giving him a surgery Ans : 2006

(c) giving injections (b) Cakes and chocolates

(d) keeping under observation 49. The narrator Mr. Herriot instructed Mrs.
Ans : 2008
Pumphery to cut down _____ from the diet
(a) controlling Tricki’s diet of Tricki
42. What made the narrator call Mrs Pumphrey after (a) Sweets (b) Meat
a fortnight? (c) Milk (d) Rice
(a) Tricki got recovered Ans : 2005

(a) Sweets
(b) Tricki got unwell
(c) he knew she is suffering 50. The reason behind the garden’s not coming to
Ans : 2008 take Tricki out for playing was –
(d) both a and c (a) Fever (b) Cold
(d) both a and c (c) Lower back pain (d) Stomach pain
Ans : 2005
43. Tricki was a pet –
(c) Lower back pain
(a) Dog (b) Wolf
(c) Cat (d) Bear 51. Tricki was wearing _____.
Ans : 2007 (a) Coat (b) Jacket
(a) Dog (c) Rain Coat (d) Pull over
Ans : 2004
44. According to Mr. Herriot Tricki looked like a –
(a) Coat
(a) Wolf (b) Chicken roll
(c) Sausage (d) Tiger 52. Mr. Herriot was a _____ by profession.
Ans : 2007 (a) Business person (b) Service holder
(c) Sausage (c) Veterinary doctor (d) Banker
Ans : 2004
45. _____ was the owner of Tricki.
(c) Veterinary doctor
(a) Mr. Herriot (b) Mrs. Pumphery
(c) Mrs. Herriot (d) Mr. Stephen 53. Mr. Herriot suggested Mrs. Pumphrey to get Tricki
Ans : 2007 hospitalized and keep him under observation for
(b) Mrs. Pumphery _____ days.
(a) 3 (b) 15
46. The color of the eyes of Tricki was –
(c) 5 (d) 20
(a) Black (b) Yellow
Ans : 2004
(c) White (d) Red (b) 15
Ans : 2006

(d) Red 54. Tricki was wrapped in a _____ while sending

to the hospital.
47. Tricki’s owner used to give a bowl of apart from
(a) Rain coat (b) Mat
his regular diet along with malt and cod liver oil –
(c) Cotton (d) Blanket
(a) Milk (b) Horlicks
Ans : 2004
(c) Water (d) Juice (d) Blanket
Ans : 2006

(b) Horlicks 55. Mr. Herriot made a bed for Tricki in a

(a) Warm box (b) Blanket
48. _____ and _____ were Tricki’s favourite
thing. (c) Warm hour (d) Cage
Ans : 2004, 2000
(a) Rice and chicken
(a) Warm box

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Mrs. Pumphrey, with a despairing cry, threw an and even brandy to build Tricki up. All these
armful of little coats through the window. were consumed by Mr. Herriot and his partners.
Thus for a fortnight, lunch became ‘a ceremonial
13. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey call the doctor ? occasion’ for them.
O
Why did Mrs. Pumphrey take Tricki to the 19. What did Mrs. Pumphrey do to bring Tricki back
doctor? to normal health? Was she successful?
Ans : 2016, 2012 Ans : 2009, 2007

Tricki was not eating anything for the past few Mrs. Pumphrey felt Tricki must be suffering from
days. He had refused even his favourite dishes malnutrition. She began to give him some little
and had bouts of vomiting. Moreover, he was extras between meals to build him up, some malt
spending his time lying on a rug, panting. He was and cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night
not going for walks. All these symptoms, forced to make him sleep. It made the things worse for
Mrs. Pumphrey to visit the doctor. the dog. Finally, he was admitted to the hospital.

14. How does Dr. Herriot treat Tricki? 20. How did Tricki become an accepted member of
Ans : 2016 the gang and start enjoying company of other
Dr. Herriot cut down Tricki’s food and made him dogs?
exercise. For first three days, he did not give him Ans : 2008

food but only water. He did not give any medicinal Tricki was given no food but plenty of water for
treatment but made him run all the day with the two days. He began to show some interest in his
dogs. He discovered the joys of being bowled over, surroundings. He began to participate in social
tramped on and squashed. He enjoyed a lot along activities of the other dogs. He ran about with the
with his recovery. dogs, joining in their friendly scrimmages. Soon
he became an accepted member of the gang.
15. What makes you know that Mrs. Pumphrey was
a rich lady ? 21. Why was Tricki an uninteresting object for other
Ans : 2016 dogs at the surgery?
Mrs. Pumphrey was a wealthy lady as she had Ans : 2008

many servants and maids. She also had a pet. She At the surgery, the household dogs surged around
used to feed her pet with lot of dishes, sweets and Dr. Herriot to see Tricki. Tricki looked down at the
snacks. Moreover, she had a separate room and noisy pack with dull eyes and when put down, lay
wardrobe for her pet. All these things show that motionless on the carpet. The other dogs sniffed
she was a rich lady. around for a few seconds and then deciding he
was an uninteresting object and ignored him.
16. What was Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction when Dr.
Herriot suggested Tricki’s hospitalization? 22. What was Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction when Tricki
Ans : 2014 showed little enthusiasm for exertion?
Dr. Herriot had made his plan in advance. So Ans : 2008

when Mrs. Pumphrey reported Tricki’s illness, When Tricki showed little enthusiasm for exertion
he at once suggested him to be hospitalized for Mrs. Pumphrey assumed he had no energy and
about a fortnight to be kept under observation. thought he wassuffering from malnutrition. She
The poor lady almost swooned. She was sure he decided to give him some little extras between
would pine and die if he did not see her every day. meals to build him up.

17. Why is Mrs. Pumphrey worried about Tricki? 23. Which two suggestions did Mr. Herriot give to
Ans : 2011 Mrs. Pumphrey at the initial stage? Did she
Mrs. Pumphrey has dog named Tricki. It becomes follow?
listless and seems to have no energy. It falls ill Ans : 2008, 2004

so, Mrs. Pumphrey gets worried about Tricki. At the initial stage Dr. Herriot told Mrs.
Ironically, she herself is responsible for the Pumphrey to cut down Tricki’s food and to give
miserable condition of the dog. him more exercise or he would become really ill.
No, she did not follow his advice.
18. How did lunch become ‘a ceremonial occasion for
Mr. Herriot and his partners’ ? 24. What immediate step did Dr. Herriot take to save
Ans : 2010 Tricki?
Mrs. Pumphrey used to send extra eggs and wine

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the statement - She started to bring round (a) to (d) given below, can be applied to the
fresh eggs, two dozen at a time, to build up question given below.
Tricki’s strength. What is Mrs. Pumphrey’s belief that “Tricki
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for was so listless, Mr. Herriot. He seemed to
a phenomenon have no energy. I thought he must be suffering
(b) An assumption - something that is taken from malnutrition” based on?
for granted or assumed to be true (a) A hypothesis — a proposed explanation
for a phenomenon.
(c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or
claims not meant to be taken literally (b) An assumption — something that is
taken for granted or assumed to be true
(d) A premise - a proposition that forms the
without proof.
basis of an argument
(c) A premise — a proposition that forms
iii. Which phrase would correctly substitute
the basis of an argument.
‘convalescing’ in the given sentence from the
(d) A theory — a well-substantiated
extract?
explanation for a natural phenomenon.
The word ‘convalescing’ seemed to do
something to Mrs. Pumphrey. iv. ‘I thought he must be suffering from
malnutrition, so I have been giving him some
iv. What did Mrs. Pumphrey do when she heard
little extras between meals to build him up...’
that Tricki was recovering?
Ans : 2018
What does the above statement reflect about
both the mistress and her dog? Elaborate in
i. It can be inferred from the given extract that
about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
Mrs. Pumphrey was very attached to her dog,
Tricki. Sheloved him a lot, which is why she iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
became very worried when he fell sick. ‘bloated’ in the given sentence from the
extract?
ii. True
He had become hugely fat, like a bloated
iii. recovering sausage with a leg at each comer.
iv. When Mrs. Pumphrey heard that Tricki was Ans : 2016
recovering, she started to bring two dozen i. The dog’s mistress had been overindulging
eggs to build up Tricki’s strength. Later, she him despite the doctor’s earlier advice.
started bringing bottles of wine which would ii. (b) An assumption — something that is taken
help in enriching his blood. for granted or assumed to be true without
proof.
5. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follow : iii. If Mrs. Pumphrey was blindly into pampering
I was really worried about Tricki this time. I had and fussing over her pet, the dog was also
pulled up my car when I saw him in the street with greedy and didn’t mind hogging the extra
his mistress and I was shocked at his appearance. helpings day in and day out. It made him sick
He had become hugely fat, like a bloated sausage and listless and ironically, he was fed more to
with a leg at each corner. His eyes, bloodshot and overcome this.
rheumy, stared straight ahead and his tongue iv. overstuffed
lolled from his jaws.
Mrs. Pumphrey hastened to explain, “He 6. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follow :
was so listless, Mr. Herriot. lie seemed to have
Out on the road’, I glanced’ down at the pathetic
no energy. I thought he must be suffering from
little animal gasping on the seat by my side. I
malnutrition, so I have been giving him some
patted the head and Tricki made a brave effort to
little extras between meals to build him up, some
wag his tail. “Poor old lad,” I said. “You haven’t
malt and cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at
a kick in you but I think I know a cure for you.”
night to make him sleep — nothing much really”
At the surgery, the household dogs surged
i. The author describes the dog’s obesity as “ike
round me. Thricki looked down at the noisy
a bloated sausage”. State any one inference
pack with dull eyes and, when put down, lay
about Mrs. Pumphrey from the given context.
motionless on the carpet. The other dogs, after
ii. State TRUE or FALSE that none of the terms sniffing round him for a few seconds, decided he

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her mistakes, and writes a diary entry about the experiences of keeping a pet. As a reporter for the
consequences of overindulgence. Write this diary local pet magazine, write an article recording and
entry as Mrs. Pumphrey in about 120 words. comparing their perspectives. Don’t forget to give
Ans : 2023 it an interesting title.
January 20XX, Tuesday Ans : 2021

9 p.m. Community Pet Adoption Drive

Dear Diary, The veterinary society invited Dr Herriot, a
Today, I had a dreadful realisation. I love my dear senior vet and Mrs Pumphrey to share their
Tricki, but I fear that that love has caused me to experiences of keeping a pet on the occasion of
excessively indulge and pamper my dear pet. The the Pet adoption drive. Mrs Pumphrey believes
sight of him, bloated and unhealthy, broke my in providing luxurious clothes and toys and tasty
heart. I believed that showering him with treats food to pets. Whereas Dr Herriot explained that
was a sign of care. overfeeding without any physical work or exercise
But instead, I was causing him more harm can make the animals ill and sluggish. According
than good. Thank goodness for Mr. Herriot. He to him discipline and simple food is the key to the
aptly deduced that the reason for Tricki’s decline pets’ health. Both shared different pet parenting
in health was my lack of strict boundaries with tips for pet lovers. Every dog has its day, they say.
Tricki. When he noticed that I was not following The event came to an end with the handing over
his advice, he took Tricki away from me to take of 10 pets to the interested veterinarians. Finally,
care of him. During Tricki’s absence, I began to the pets looked happy with their new family.
reflect on my actions. Old habits die hard, but I Other Interesting Titles for this answer-
will try my best to be a better caretaker for Tricki Community pet adoption drive, Adoptathon,
now that he is back home. Rich vs Poor Pet, Paws for a cause
Mrs. Pumphrey
5. Imagine that Walt Whitman shares his poem
3. Imagine that one of Mr Herriot’s partners can ‘Animals’ in response to Dr Herriot’s narration of
understand dogs’ language and listen to Tricki on Tricki’s story.
his last night with them Dr Herriot reflects on the poem and his experience
(a) What might Tricki share about his experience? with Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey draws a connection
(b) How would he evaluate it in comparison to between them and records his thoughts in his
his home experience? diary. Write the diary entry as Dr Herriot.
Ans : 2021 You may begin this way:
(a) Tricki might share that he gets less to eat at 12 May 1950, Friday 9.30
the surgery but he feels more energetic there. pm
He has to fight with other dogs to grab his Walt’s poem has compelled me to think again
share of the meal. Though his mates kick him about my experience with Tricki and Mrs
and bowl him over, he loves and enjoys their Pumphrey. All those materialistic playthings ….
company. He might say that he is getting to Ans : 2021

be quite stronger at the surgery. 12 May 1950, Friday

9.30 pm
(b) He would evaluate from Tricki’s experience
Walt’s poem has compelled me to think again about
that overprotectiveness and overeating
my experience with Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey. All
without exercise can make anyone unhealthy. those materialistic playthings are useless in front
We must understand that life is not about of the natural habitat and mates of animals. Mrs
eating all the time. Besides every discomfort Pumphrey does not feel happy and satisfied even
does not need medicine or surgery. Lifestyle after offering heavy privileges to her pet dog. It
disorders can be treated with the right made the dog ill. Still, he did not weep about
routine and eating habits. He might conclude his condition. Animals do not aspire for material
from Tricki’s experience that richness does things. They are calm and self-sufficient. Tricki
not guarantee health and happiness. was happy and healthy without any fancy toys,
clothes, food or wine. Mrs Pumphrey exemplifies
4. Mrs Pumphrey and Dr Herriot have been invited that the life of humans is full of stress, depression,
to speak at a community pet adoption drive. anxiety and unhappiness. Like Walt Witman, I,
There were some differences in Mrs Pumphrey too, wish to live with animals in their natural
and Dr Herriot’s notions of responsibility and surroundings.

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can prove to be detrimental for the health of their time lying on a rug, panting. Didn’t want to go
kinds? for walks, didn’t want to do anything.
Ans : 2001, 2000 I had made my plans in advance. The only
Mrs. Pumphrey was a wealthy lady with a fat pet way was to get Tricki out of the house for a
dog named Tricki. Tricki was too dear to Mrs. period. I suggested that he be hospitalised for
Pumphrey. Hence, she took extra care of him. She about a fortnight to be kept under observation.
had pampered the dog with all kinds of comforts.
i. Which of the following is not a reason why
The dog had many coats worn according to the
Mr. Herriot thinks Tricki needs to be taken
weather, had different cushions for his comfort
out of the house for a period ?
and also had various dishes to eat. Some extras
between meals were given to him, some malt, (a) He wanted to keep Tricki away from Mrs.
cod- liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night to Pumphrey.
make him sleep. He was also given cream cakes (b) He wanted to keep Tricki under
and chocolates. This made him fat and lethargic. observation.
He became hugely fat like a bloated sausage. (c) He wanted to do an experiment on Tricki.
His eyes bloodshot and rheumy, stared straight (d) He wanted to improve Tricki’s health.
ahead and his tongue lolled from his jaws. I think
ii. What was the main reason for Mrs. Pumphrey
Mrs. Pumphrey’s extra-caring nature resulted in
to be distraught ? Answer in about 40 words.
Tricki’s declined health. Such an attitude can be
fatal for the health of their kins. One should not iii. State True or False :
over care of them. Exercise and proper meal are When Mr. Herriot says, “I had made my
important for one’s health. The same was taken plans in advance” —what he actually means
care by Dr Herriot, which resulted in the speedy is, he had already seen this trauma coming
recovery of Tricki. for Tricki.
iv. Which of the following best describes Mrs.
42. “He had never been known to refuse food; he
Pumphrey?
would tackle a meal at any hour of the day or
night.” Herriot believed that Tricki’s problem was (a) unkind and inconsiderate
his greed. Do you think a little tolerance would (b) impractical but compassionate
have done him good? Elucidate. (c) anxious and ambitious
Ans : 2001 (d) fearful but confident
Dr Herriot was not entirely wrong in believing Ans : 2024
that Tricki’s problem was greed. Tricki was indeed i. (c) He wanted to do an experiment on Tricki.
greedy, but Mrs. Pumphrey only made matters
ii. Mrs. Pumphrey was distraught because
worse by stuffing him with rich food. Herriot
Tricki, her beloved pet, refused to eat any of
did not lack intolerance; he was just stating the
obvious. Tricki’s ill-health made him concerned, his favorite dishes and had bouts of vomiting.
and he made the observation as a veterinary He spent all his time lying on a rug, panting,
doctor. Tricki, on the other hand, needed to and showed no interest in going for walks or
exercise and to control on his eating habits. It doing anything.
would have been good if he did not greedily iii. Ture
gobble up everything that was placed in front of iv. (b) impractical but compassionate
him. Mrs. Pumphrey herself revealed that Tricky
loved cream cakes and chocolates very much. 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
Thus, Tricki ought to have been less gluttonous questions that follows :
and luxury-loving, and behaved more like a dog! All the while Mrs. Pumphrey hovered anxiously
in the background, ringing a dozen times a day for
Extract Based Question the latest bulletins. I dodged the questions about
whether his cushions were being turned regularly
1. Read the extract given below and answer the or his correct coat worn according to the weather,
questions that follow : but 1 was able to tell her that the little fellow
The expected call came within a few days. Mrs. was out of danger and convalescing rapidly. The
Pumphrey was distraught. Tricki would eat word ‘convalescing’ seemed to do something to
nothing. Refused even his favourite dishes; and Mrs. Pumphrey. She started to bring round fresh
besides he had bouts of vomiting. He spent all his eggs, two dozen at a time, to build up Trick’s

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he was given strict diet. The Vet. doctor ensured the household got emotional. The entire staff was
that he got sufficient physical exercise. Within roused and maids rushed in and out bringing his
a fortnight the dog recovered fully. When Mrs. day bed, his night bed, favourite cushions, toys
Pumphrey came to receive him, she was surprised and rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl,
to see him fit and fine. So she declared it a supper bowl. During his stay in the hospital, Mrs.
triumph of surgery. Pumphrey kept asking whether his cushions were
being turned regularly or his correct coat worn
11. “He had never been known to refuse food, he according to weather. Mrs. Pumphrey had over-
would tackle a meal at any hour of the day or pampered the dog as normally children are over-
night.” Herriot believed that Tricki’s problem was pampered by the parents.
his greed. Did he lack tolerance ? What values
would you like Tricki to imbibe ? Elucidate. 14. Tricki showed less enthusiasm for exertion. What
steps were taken by Mrs. Pumphrey to bring him
Ans : 2015
back to normal health? Was she successful in her
Dr. Herriot was not entirely wrong in believing
efforts ?
that Tricki’s problem was greed. Tricki was indeed
greedy, but Mrs. Pumphrey only made matters
Ans : 2013
worse by stuffing him with rich food. Herriot
Mrs. Pumphrey was deeply worried when Tricki
did not lack in tolerance, he was just stating the
showed less enthusiasm for exertion. She was in
obvious. Tricki’s ill-health made him concerned,
the gross misunderstanding that he was suffering
and he made the observation as a veterinary
from malnutrition. She gave Tricki some little
doctor. Tricki, on the other hand, needed to
extras between meals to build him up. No, she
exercise control on his eating habits. It would
was not successful. She could not bring his health
have been good if he did not greedily gobble up
back to normal.
everything that was placed in front of him. Mrs.
Pumphrey herself reveals that Tricki loved cream 15. Mrs. Pumphrey gave many excuses for not
cakes and chocolates very much. Thus, Tricki following Dr. Herriot’s advice. What were these ?
ought to have been less gluttonous and luxury- What had happened to dog then ?
loving, and behaved more like a dog. Ans : 2013

Mrs. Pumphrey was very worried about Tricki

12. Everyone at Mr. Herriot’s Surgery was tempted
when she found him to have grown listless. She
to keep Tricki as a permanent guest. Why? Give
thought that he must have been suffering from
a reasoned answer.
malnutrition. She told Doctor Herriot that she
Ans : 2014, 2009
had been giving little extras like malt and cod
During Tricki’s stay at Surgery, his mistress used
liver oil to build up. Mrs. Pumphrey also could
to send extra eggs and wine to build him up. As
not follow Dr. Herriot’s advise of keeping away
Tricki was kept on a strict diet these things were
from cakes and chocolates.
consumed by the Vet. and his partners. Lunch
became a ceremonial occasion with two glasses 16. How can you say that Mrs. Pumphrey pampered
of wine before and several during the meal. Mrs. Tricki to extremity ?
Pumphrey began to send brandy. It was also
O
consumed reverently by them.
Mrs. Pumphrey was responsible for Tricki’s
For Dr. Herriot and his partners, they were the
ailment? How ?
days of deep content, starting well with the extra
Ans : 2012
egg in the morning, improved and sustained by
Mrs. Pumphrey pampered Tricki to the extremity.
the mid-day wine and finishing luxuriously round
The dog was hugely fat. He had blood-red and
the fire with the brandy. So it was temptation to
rheumy eyes. His tongue lolled from his eyes. He
keep Tricki as a permanent guest.
had become listless. Tricki cannot even wag his
13. Tricki was more a member of the family than a tail. Mrs. Pumphrey gave him fatty foods like
mere dog. Explain by giving examples from the chocolate, cream, cakes and even malt as well
text. as cod liver oil. The greed of Tricki and Mrs.
Ans : 2014, 2012, 2009, 2008
Pumphrey pampering him, doing no exercise were
Tricki was more a member of the family of Mrs. the reasons of his ailment.
Pumphrey than a mere dog. She was always
17. How did Tricki become an accepted member of
concerned about his health and unwittingly
the gang and start enjoying the company of other
over-fed him. When he is taken to hospital all

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6. Imagine Mrs Pumphrey came to know how Tricki inquired, Mr. Pumphrey whether she had cut
was actually treated. down the sweet things given to him and above
Write a brief note to the narrator on her behalf. Tricki was given exercise or not. She made excuse
You may begin this way: to hide her failure to follow the Vet.’s suggestions.
Dear Mr Herriot Dr. Herriot knew that over-pampering was the
I recently met Mrs Mallard when she brought her real cause of the miserable condition of the little
Pixie to visit dear Tricki. I spoke to her about the fellow. Later on, he advised to hospitalize the dog
great triumph of surgery that had brought him to keep under observation. He behaved tactfully
back to me. Imagine my surprise when she told to keep the dog away from his mistress.
me how mistaken I was! I am writing to you to No medicine was given to Tricki. He was
share……(continue)……… kept on strict diet and prorided enough physical
Ans : 2021
activities to shed down his listlessness. He was
Dear Mr Harriot, allowed to mingle with the other dogs of the
I recently met Mrs Mallard when she brought her Surgery. It proved miraculous and he recovered
Pixie to visit dear Tricki. I spoke to her about within a fortnight.
the great triumph of surgery that had brought 9. ‘Over-pampering is not only bad for humans but
him back to me. Imagine my surprise, when she also for animals’. Prove this statement in the light
told me how mistaken I was. I am writing to you of the lesson ‘A Triumph of Surgery’.
to share that I am full of guilt and regret for my Ans : 2015
mistakes. My little Tricki had to suffer because of We all know that children are over-pampered by
my ignorance and over possessiveness. You had the parents due to their sentimental attachment to
warned me earlier also but I did not take your them. In the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’ a dog
words seriously. You did it right by hiding the Tricki is over-pampered by his wealthy mistress
secrets from me. Still, I would call it a triumph of Mrs. Pumphrey. She believes that her little dog is
surgery but a natural surgery. suffering from malnutrition so she gives him some
Thank you, little extras between meals to build him up, some
Mrs Pumphrey malt and cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at
7. What advice did the doctor give to Mrs. night to make him sleep. Above all, he gets cream
Pumphrey? Why did she not follow it? What cakes and chocolates. To make the things worse
excuses did she make? he had been doing no exercise. When Dr. Herriot
takes the dog to his Vet.. hospital, it seems all
O the items of Tricki’s comfort would be sent with
What was Mr. Herriot’s strict advice? Did Mrs. him. Even during his stay in the hospital, Mrs.
Pumphrey pay heed to his advice? What excuses Pumphrey tries to provide him all the comforts.
did she make? But Dr. Herriot deals with the situation cleverly
Ans : 2017, 2008, 2005
and the dog cures rapidly to return back to his
The doctor told Mrs. Pumphrey that she should mistress.
control Tricki’s diet. She should cut down on
the sweet things. He had to be given plenty of 10. Mrs. Pumphrey said, ‘This is a triumph of
exercise or he would really become very ill. He surgery.’ Did she know what Tricki’s ailment was?
advised her to harden her heart and keep Tricki Ans : 2015, 2008
on a very strict diet. But Mrs. Pumphrey found Mrs. Pumphrey had unwittingly made Tricki sick
it rather difficult to follow the doctor’s advice. by over feeding. Due to her over-pampering the
She felt that Tricki was rather listless and seemed dog had grown hugely fat. She felt that the little
to have no energy. She assumed he was suffering fellow must be suffering from malnutrition so she
from malnutrition so she gave him little extras began to over feed. The dog grew greedy and
between meals. She told the doctor that Tricki found hard to refuse food offered to him anytime
could not exercise as the gardener was unwell, so of the day.
there could be no ring-throwing lately. Dr. Herriot knew it well that the only way
to rescue the dog was to keep him away from his
8. What was the problem with Tricki? How did Mr. mistress for a while. He convinced Mrs. Pumphrey
Herriot cure it? to get the dog admitted to hospital to keep under
Ans : 2016, 2011, 2009
observation. Mrs. Pumphrey did not know what
Tricki had become hugely fat, like a bloated medicines were being given to Tricki. The dog was
sausage with a leg at each corner. When he given plenty of water for couple of days. Later on

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able to make out that the excess of weight and suggested that the dog be hospitalized for about a
the fur coats do not allow the dog to move and fortnight to be kept under observation.
play. She was so fond of her dog that she had Mr. Herriot knew it well that the dog had no
got a wardrobe separate for daytime and night real disease except over-pampering by his mistress.
time beds, and a number of lovely fur coats. She He gave the dog strict diet and provided him ample
pampered Tricki by giving him the food, that physical exercise. When Mrs. Pumphrey got the
should not be given to a dog. She could not refuse news of her pet’s rapid recovery, she began to
delicious and favourite food to Tricki which made send eggs and wine to build him up. Mr. Herriot
him overweight and inactive. Even in the hospital, distributed that stuff among his staff to relish.
she sent him eggs and brandy. Her fondness for the Mr. Herriot kept the medication of the dog
dog and care were in excess. She forgot that excess a secret and made his mistress believe that the
of every thing is bad. She fed him like anything dog was undergoing a serious treatment. Thus he
and made him sick. No doubt, Mrs. Pumphrey tactfully by using common sense rescued the dog.
was a very loving and caring mistress but her
excess pampering of Trickly proved otherwise. 30. Why did the dogs at the surgery reject Tricki as
“an uninteresting object”? How did he become an
28. Give a brief character sketch of Tricki. accepted member of the gang?
Ans : 2009 Ans : 2007

Tricki is thoroughly pampered by his mistress At the surgery the household dogs surrounded Dr.
Mrs. Pumphrey. He has become hugely fat, like Herriot when he entered with Tricki. Tricki looked
a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. His at the noisy pack with dull eyes and when he
eyes, bloodshot and rheumy, stared straight ahead was put down, he lay motionless on the carpet.
his tongue lolled from his jaws. He is greedy and The other dogs sniffed him for a few seconds and
never refuses food. His mistress gives him some then rejected him after deciding that he was “an
little extras between meals to build him up, some uninteresting object.” Later as he was progressing,
malt and cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks he gradually lost weight and became more active.
at night to make him sleep. Above all, he gets Slowly he discsssovered the joys of being bowled
cream cakes and chocolates. To make the things over, tramped on and squashed every few minutes.
worse he had been doing no exercise. When Tricki He then became an accepted member of the gang
is sent to Vet. hospital, the entire staff of Mrs. and joined the household dogs in their various
Pumphrey’s house rush to bring his day bed, his feats.
night bed, favourite cushions, toys and rubber
rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper bowl. It 31. Give a brief character sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey.
all shows that Tricki has an affluent living. What values are reflected through her character ?
At the hospital Tricki is given plenty of water Ans : 2006
and he joins other dogs in a couple of days. Within Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich lady with a lot of love
a fortnight he becomes fit and fine and returns for pet dog, Tricki. She loved to live comfortably
back to his mistress. It is evident that the little in a luxurious way. She took an extra care of Tricki
fellow is over-pampered by his mistress. by overfeeding him. She was not very intelligent
as she was not able to make out that the excess
29. Mr. Herriot, a Vet erinary surgeon is tactful
of weight and the fur coats do not allow the dog
as well as full of common sense. Do you agree?
to move and play. She thought that her loving
Justify your answer giving instances from the
pet was serious. She was so fond of her dog that
story you have read.
she had got a wardrobe separate for daytime and
Ans : 2008
night-time beds, and a number of lovely fur coats.
When Mr. Herriot saw Tricki with his mistress,
She pampered Tricki by giving him the food, that
he was shocked to see his physical appearance.
should not be given to a dog. She was really a
He questioned Mrs. Pumphrey whether she was
loving lady as the news about the surgery of her
following his instructions to ensure good health
pet dog shocked her and her eyes brimmed with
of the little fellow. She made excuse to hide her
tears. She could not refuse delicious and favourite
failure to adhere to his suggestions. The Vet.
food to Tricki which made him overweight and
doctor was expecting a call from the mistress any
inactive. Even in the hospital, she sent him eggs
time soon to inform him about the dog’s severe
and brandy. Her fondness for the dog and extra
illness. He had made his plans in advance. He
care showed that she had motherly attitude
knew that the only way to save Tricki was to
towards Tricki.
get him away from his mistress for a period. He

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dogs. 23. “Tricki’s only fault was greed.” How did it get
Ans : 2012 him into trouble ?
Tricki started out on the third day. Joe, the Ans : 2010

Greyhound and his friends surrounded him. They Tricki’s only fault was greed. He had never been
rolled him over and inspected him. Tricki followed known to refuse food. He would tackle a meal
the other dogs to the garden. He enjoyed a lot in at any hour of the day or night. As a result, he
their company though he was rolling slightly with became listless. He seemed to have no energy. He
his surplus fat. became like a bloated sausage with legs. His eyes,
bloodshot and rheumy, stared straight ahead and
18. What was Tricki’s condition when Mrs. Pumphrey his tongue lolled from his jaws. He couldn’t even
recollected him ? walk. Later, he had bouts of vomiting when his
Ans : 2012
sickness increased. He refused even his favourite
Tricki’s ears were flapping. His tail was waving. dishes and spent all his time lying on the rug,
He had been transformed into a lithe, hard panting. He didn’t want to go for walks or do
muscled animal. His chest was almost brushing anything in general.
the ground. He was a frolicsome, rather than an
uninteresting object. The other dogs enjoyed his 24. Why did the author want to take Tricki to his
company. hospital?
Ans : 2010
19. “I think I know a cure for you.” What was the After seeing Tricki’s condition, the author felt
‘cure’ ? that the only way to cure Tricki was to get him
Ans : 2011
out of the house for sometime, so that nobody
Mr. Herriot knew that Mrs. Pumphrey’s could over-feed him or pamper him. He suggested
pampering was hindering Tricki’s recovery. The that Tricki should be hospitalised for about a
cure he had for Tricki was to take him out of the fortnight and kept under observation at his clinic.
house for some time. Surgery was also the cure for
Tricki, according to Herriot. 25. How did Mrs. Pumphrey react on hearing that
Tricki had recovered ?
20. How did Mrs. Pumphrey show her concern for Ans : 2010
Tricki when he was at the surgery ? When Mrs. Pumphrey came to know of Tricki’s
Ans : 2011
recovery, she arrived within minutes in her car to
Mrs. Pumphrey was deeply concerned and collect Tricki. She looked very tense and wanted
attached with Tricki. At the surgery she started to know if her dog was really better. There were
sending fresh eggs, bottles of wine to build up tears in her eyes and her lips trembled on seeing
Tricki’s strength. Bottles of Brandy were also Tricki healthy and in good shape.
send.
26. How did Mrs. Pumphrey find Tricki after recovery
21. “I was really worried about Tricki this time.” ?
Why was the author worried ? Ans : 2009
Ans : 2011, 2010
After recovery, Mrs. Pumphrey found that Tricki
The author found that the dog had grown had been transformed into a little, hard-muscled
abnormally fat. Tricki looked like a bloated animal at the clinic. He was hurtling round
sausage with a leg at each corner. His eyes were and round the lawn with the other dogs. Tricki
bloodshot and watery, while his tongue lolled was now flapping his ears, waving his tail and
from his jaws. He looked extremely sick, so the stretching out in great bounds as he played with
doctor was worried about him. the other dogs.
22. Do you think Mrs. Pumphrey was responsible for 27. Mrs. Pumphrey is a very loving and caring
Tricki’s condition ? mistress for Tricki. But excess of everything is
Ans : 2010
bad. Elaborate with reference to Mrs. Pumphery
Yes, Mrs. Pumphrey was responsible for Tricki’s and Tricki.
condition. She had pampered Tricki by giving Ans : 2009
him excess of ice cream, cakes chocolates, etc. Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich lady with a lot of
She had been overfeeding Tricki without letting love for her pet dog Tricki. She loved to live
him exercise. She even avoided taking Tricki for comfortably in a luxurious way. She took an extra
regular walks or playing with him, thus Tricki’s care of Tricki by overfeeding him. She was not
condition was getting worse.

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37. Compare and contrast Tricki’s condition in the Recently, I have heard that he is improving and
beginning and in the end of the story. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing him soon.
Ans : 2004 Your sincerely,
In the beginning of his the story, we find Tricki Mrs. Pumphrey
to be extremely fat. His eyes were bloodshot and
rheumy, while his tongue lolled from his jaws. He 39. Herriot enjoyed the lavish meal during Tricki’s
was lethargic and listless and never seemed to stay but still, he felt compelled to inform Mrs.
have any energy. So, tt was very difficult for him Pumphrey about the recovery of Tricky. Why did
to move along the road. On the other hand, he he not keep Tricki for a longer time? Did he feel
was very greedy. He would not refuse food at any concerned for Mrs. Pumphrey?
hour of the day. Therefore, as the days passed, Ans : 2003

his condition worsened. He even refused to touch Tricki was a fat dog, pet of Mrs. Pumphrey. He
food and did not want to go for walks. became listless and seemed to have no energy. It
Because of his declining health, Tricki refused fell ill. So, Mrs. Pumphrey called the veterinary
his favourite dishes and besides, he had bouts of surgeon, Dr Herriot for the help. Dr Herriot took
vomiting. He spent all his time lying on a rug, Tricki to his surgery. He kept an eye on him for
panting. He didn’t want to do anything. He was in two days and gave him no food but plenty of
such a pathetic state that he could hardly wag his water. At the end of the second day, he started
tail. Later, at the surgery when he was put down, showing some interest in his surroundings and
he lay motionless on the carpet. He looked at the on the third day, began to whimper on the
household dogs with dull eyes. The other dogs, sound of dogs. While his stay at the surgery,
after sniffing round him for a few seconds, found Mrs. Pumphrey started to bring round fresh eggs
him to be an uninteresting object and ignored to a dozen at a time. She also sent bottles of
him. wine and brandy for Tricki’s health. But that
At this place, he was given no food but plenty was consumed by Mr. Herriot and his colleagues.
of water on the first day. This place seemed to Hence, Herriot enjoyed the stay of Tricki. He did
have had a positive impact on Tricki. Because not want to keep Tricki for a longer time because
within some days, Tricki ran about with the dogs, he felt concerned for Mrs. Pumphrey. He did not
joining in the friendly scrimmages. Eventually, in want to separate the pet from his owner. He
two weeks, he had been transformed into a lithe, could understand Mrs. Pumphrey’s concern for
hard-muscled animal. the little dog. So he returned him back.

38. Imagining yourself as Mrs. Pumphrey, write a 40. What was the narrator’s cure for the lad?
letter to your friend Anne, expressing how you Ans : 2003

felt when Tricki was away for treatment. Your Dr. Herriot knew that the only way to ‘cure’ Tricki
address is, 33, Heritage Mansion, Hamilton Road, was to get him out of Mrs. Pumphrey’s house
London. for a period. For two days, Dr. Herriot gave him
Ans : 2004 no food, but plenty of water. Gradually, Tricki
33, Heritage Mansion, was seen jostling his way towards his feeding
Hamilton Road, bowl and trying to follow the other dogs, rolling
London. slightly with his surplus fat. Later his progress
5 August, 20xx became rapid. He had no medicinal treatment of
Dear Anne, any kind but all day he ran about with the dogs
These days everything seems so dull because and discovered the joys of being bowled over and
my poor, little Tricki is away from me. Mr. Herriot tramped on. He even learnt to fight like a tiger
has taken him to his hospital for treatment for a for his share at meal times and hunting rats in
fortnight. Tricki’s condition was worsening day the old hen house at night. In two weeks Tricki
by day. Finding him listless and without energy, had been transformed into a lithe, hard-muscled
I had served him some malt, cod liver oil and animal.
Horlicks at night. But due to his deteriorating
41. “A Triumph of Surgery” highlights the absurd
condition, I was forced to send Tricki away.
and negligent behaviour of rich people like Mrs
Anne, I nearly swooned when Mr. Herriot told
.Pumphrey who may harm their near and dear
me that for Tricki to become healthy again, he
ones by their extra caring nature. Tricki’s declined
had to be taken away. I could not resist weeping
health was the outcome of Mrs. Pumphrey’s over-
when he was taken away. Several times a day,
caring nature. Do you think such people’s actions
I call Mr. Herriot for the latest news of Tricki.

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32. Write a brief character sketch of Mr. Herriot, the those values of Herriot which you would like to
veterinary surgeon. What value in his character emulate in yourself also and give reasons for the
impresses you the most ? Do you think he is a same.
good judge of human nature ? Ans : 2005

Ans : 2006 Herriot was a duty bound veterinary doctor. He

Mr. Herriot was a genius veterinary surgeon and used to visit Mrs. Pumphrey’s house regularly
above that he was a good human being. for the regular check-up of her dog Tricki. Mrs.
Mr. Herriot had a deep understanding of Pumphrey was a very rich lady who had pampered
veterinary medical science and psychology. Mr. her dog. Dr. Herriot was quite worried about
Herriot was quick to analyse the factors responsible Tricki’s health. He knew that the dog was over-fed
for lack of fitness and ill health of Pumphrey. by his owner. He advised Mrs. Pumphery to keep
Apart from being an expert veterinary surgeon, him off rich diet and give him a lot of exercise.
he also had a lighter side which is evident from But she didn’t bother. Hence, in order to improve
what he did with the eggs and brandy sent for Tricki’s health, he decided to take him away from
Tricky. Hence, we can say that Mr. Herriot was a Mrs. Pumphrey. He told her that Tricki needed
successful veterinary surgeon with a caring heart a surgery. He made Tricki cut down his diet and
for animals as well as for human beings. made him do certain exercise which improved his
health. Although he knew Mrs. Pumphrey was
33. How is an unduly kind attitude of Tricki’s mistress very rich and much attached to the dog, he did
responsible for his ailment ? not take any advantage of it. He just performed
Ans : 2005
his duties. We should also learn the same values
Tricki was a small pet dog of Mrs. Pumphrey. in our life.
He lived an affluent life. He loved to eat fatty
foods like cream-cakes and chocolates. He was 36. Suppose you are Mr. Herriot, the veterinary
very greedy for food. He could eat at any time. doctor. You are worried about the condition of
He was fed thrice a day but whenever he looked your rich client Mrs. Pumphrey’s dog Tricki. Write
slow, Mrs. Pumphrey thought it better to feed in your diary about the condition and reasons of
him extra times. She gave him malt, cod liver oil Tricki’s ailment.
and Horlicks to make him build up. The greed Ans : 2004

of Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey’s pampering him, Sunday

doing no exercise were the main reasons behind 16 August, 20xx
his ailment. The vet had directed dieting and 11:10 p.m.
regular exercise for Tricki but the ailment of her Dear Diary,
gardener left Tricki with no exercise at all. When I saw Tricki today, I was really worried.
I was rather shocked at Tricki’s appearance. Tricki
34. How did the ‘parting scene’ between Tricki and had become very fat. His bloodshot watery eyes
Mrs. Pumphrey’s household come to end ? stared straight ahead and his tongue lolled from
his jaws. He looked like a bloated sausage.
Ans : 2005, 2001 Mrs. Pumphrey told me that Tricki seemed
Tricki, the dog was very ill. He had to be sent to have no energy. She thought that he was
to the surgery for a fortnight. There was quite a suffering from malnutrition. So, she was giving
sensation at the time of parting. Mrs. Pumphrey him some malt, cod-liver oil and Horlicks. Also,
the owner, started wailing. The entire staff was I had advised her earlier not to give sweet things
roused. The maids rushed in and out. They ran to to Tricki. But, she has been giving him cream
collect Tricki’s things. cakes and chocolates regardless. Before things
Mr. Herriot saw that his car could not hold all get worse, I have decided to keep Tricki at the
these things. So he sat in with Tricki and started surgery. I have planned in advance how I’m going
his car. Mrs. Pumphrey was carrying a number of to treat him. Of course, the plan is less food and
coats on her arm which she threw in through the more exercise. Tricki’s problem has always been
window of Mr. Herriot’s car. Mr. Herriot reached greed and over-eating. Plenty of food and too
the corner of the street. He looked in the mirror little exercise had made him lethargic and listless.
and noticed everybody was in tears. So, I have decided to finally solve this problem.
Bye for now,
35. Herriot seems to be a duty-bound doctor who
James
values others’ emotions’ than his personal
interests. Elucidate the above statement. Mention

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strength. For a happy period, my partners and I The entire staff was roused and maids
had two each for breakfast, but when the bottles rushed in and out bringing his day bed, his night
of wine began to arrive, the real possibilities of bed, favourite cushions, toys and rubber rings,
the situation began to dawn on the household. breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper bowl.
i. State any one inference about Mrs. Pumphrey i. Who carried the little dog wrapped in a
from the given context. blanket?
Mrs. Pumphrey ‘hovered anxiously in the ii. State true or false.
background’. None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be
ii. State TRUE of FALSE. applied to the statement — Mrs. Pumphrey
None of the options displays how the doctor carried the little dog in a blanket.
‘successfully’ tackled Mrs. Pumphrey’s constant (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
queries regarding Tricki’s health and convinced a phenomenon
her. (b) An assumption - something that is taken
(a) He was vague about the details of Tricki’s for granted or assumed to be true without
coats and cushions. proof
(b) He told her that Tricki was stable after the (c) A premise - a proposition that forms the
surgery. basis of an argument
(c) He told her that Tricki was eating well (d) A theory - a well-substantiated
and exercising. explanation for a natural phenomenon
(d) He told her that Tricki was well and
iii. Comment on the lifestyle of the little dog.
recovering.
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
iii. The word ‘convalescing’ seemed to do
‘marched’, in the given sentence from the
something to Mrs. Pumphrey. Elaborate in
extract.
about 40 words, with reference to the extract
He marched into the room and demanded
what does the conduct of the lady portray
money.
about her? Ans : 2019, 2011
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute i. Dr. James Herriot carried the little dog
‘ducked,’ in the given sentence from the wrapped in a blanket.
extract?
ii. True
The batsman at the crease ducked and
avoided a bouncer that came at him with iii. The little dog, Tricki, led a luxurious life. He
lightning speed. had a wardrobe of tweed coats with separate
Ans : 2022
coats for the cold and rainy weather. He had
separate beds for day and night. He even
i. She called the vet at least a dozen times a day
had separate bowls for breakfast, lunch and
for details of Tricki’s recovery.
supper.
ii. FALSE (option (a) and (d) display how the
iv. walked
doctor successfully tackled Mrs. Pumphrey’s
constant queries regarding Trick’s health and 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
convinced her) questions that follows :
iii. The word ‘convalescing’ had a magical effect The word ‘convalescing’ seemed to do something
on the incorrigible Mrs. Pumphrey. She was to Mrs. Pumphrey. She started to bring round
happy and hopeful to have Tricki back home fresh eggs, two dozen at a time, to build up
soon. In her enthusiasm, she began to bring Tricki’s strength. For a happy period my partners
fresh eggs two dozen at a time to build up and I had two eggs each for breakfast, but when
Tricki’s strength. Later, she sent in bottles of the bottles of wine began to arrive, the real
wine too to nourish her pet. possibilities of the situation began to dawn on the
iv. dodged household.
i. State any one inference about Mrs. Pumphrey
3. Read the extract given below and answer the from the given extract.
questions that follows :
ii. State true or false.
I marched out to the car carrying the little dog
None of the terms (a) - (d) can be applied to
wrapped in a blanket.

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O and coats were of premium quality and rather

“I think I know a cure for you.” What was Dr. expensive.
Herriot’s ‘cure’ for Tricki?
Ans : 2007, 2000
30. What was the main cause of ‘Tricki’s ill-health’ ?
Seeing the miserable condition of Tricki, Dr. Ans : 2003, 2001

Herriot at once decided to keep him away from Tricky was overfed by Mrs. Pumphrey. He became
his mistress Mrs. Pumprey for a while. So, he hugely fat and inactive. He was pampered with a
suggested that Tricki should be hospitalized for lot of cream cakes, chocolates and Horlicks. This
about a fortnight as he had to be kept under was the main cause of his illness.
observation. 31. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey treat Tricki in a special
25. How can you say Tricki had an affluent life ? way?
Ans : 2006, 2004
Ans : 2003

Tricki had a rich mistress Mrs. Pumphrey. He Mrs. Humphrey was an extremely rich lady
lived an affluent life. Tricki wore a little tweed but was foolishly indulgent in pampering her
coat. He had a whole wardrobe of coats and rain dog, Tricki. She served him with cream cakes,
coats. He had many beds and bowls. He was given chocolates and cod-liver oil. She did so because
two dozen eggs and many glasses of wine in the she treated Tricki like her son.
hospital. He was fond of cream, chocolates and 32. What were Mrs. Pumphrey’s queries when she
cakes. called to enquire about Tricki in the hospital?
26. Why was Dr Herriot confident that Tricki would Ans : 2002

be in hospital soon? Mrs. Pumphrey rang a dozen times for the latest
Ans : 2005
bulletins on Tricki. Her queries were whether
Tricki was tottering slowly in the house. He was Tricki’s cushions were being turned regularly or
not eating anything, not even his favourite dishes was he wearing the correct coat according to the
and besides, he had bouts of vomiting. Dr Herriot weather.
was sure that if his food was not cut down and
more exercise was not given to him, he would be Long Answer Type Question
really ill soon.
1. “We are often over-indulgent towards people we
27. Why was the entire staff of Mrs. Pumphrey at care about.” Explain with reference to the context
work while Tricki was going to the hospital? of the story “A Triumph of Surgery”.
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2024

Tricki was Mrs. Pumphrey’s beloved dog, and In the story “A Triumph of Surgery” from
when he was going to the hospital, the entire staff James Herriot’s collection, the over-indulgence
got to work. His day and night beds, favourite towards those we care about is depicted through
cushions, toys and rubber rings, and food bowls the relationship between Mrs. Pumphrey, a
were loaded into the narrator’s car by them. wealthy lady, and her Pekingese dog, Tricki. Mrs.
Pumphrey’s deep affection for Tricki leads her to
28. Describe the ‘parting scene’ between Tricki and pamper him excessively with luxurious treats and
Mrs. Pumphrey’s household. little exercise, mistakenly believing that this is
Ans : 2004
the best way to express her love. This indulgence
The entire staff was roused and maids rushed in and
results in Tricki becoming grossly overweight and
out bringing his day bed, his night bed, favourite
lethargic, a direct consequence of his owner’s
cushions, toys and rubber rings, breakfast bowl,
overbearing love and lack of understanding of
lunch bowl, supper bowl. Dr. Herriot realised that
his car would not all the stuff, he started to drive his actual needs. The story illustrates how our
away. As he moved off, Mrs. Pumphrey, with a affection can sometimes cloud our judgment,
despairing cry, threw an armful of the little coats leading to actions that may not be in the best
through the window. Everybody was weeping. interest of those we care for. It’s a cautionary tale
on the importance of balancing love with wisdom,
29. How do you know that Tricki had an affluent life? especially when it comes to the health and well-
Ans : 2004 being of others.
Tricki led an affluent life which included
extravagant meals of horlicks, cream cakes, 2. Imagine that Mrs. Pumphrey from ‘A Triumph of
chocolates etc. His beds, cushions, toys, bowls Surgery’, reflects upon her behaviour, learns from

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was an uninteresting object and ignored him. 7. Read the extract given below and answer the
i. State any one inference about Tricki from the questions that follows :
given context. In two weeks he had been transformed into a lithe,
The other dogs, after sniffing around him for a hard-muscled animal; he was keeping up well with
few seconds, decided he was an uninteresting the pack, stretching out in great bounds, his chest
object and ignored him almost brushing the ground.
I carried him back along the passage to the
ii. Which of the terms (a) to (d) given below,
front of the house. The chauffeur was still holding
can be applied to the question?
the car door open and when Tricki saw his mistress
‘Out on the road, I glanced down at the
he took off from my arms in a tremendous leap
pathetic little animal gasping on the seat by
and sailed into Mrs Pumphrey’s lap. She gave a
my side.’ What was wrong with the gasping
startled “Ooh!” And then had to defend herself as
dog?
he swarmed over her, licking her face and barking.
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
i. State any one inference about Tricki’s show of
a phenomenon Maybe,
emotions from the given context.
Mrs. Pumphrey had not given him And then had to defend herself as he swarmed
Horlicks that day over her licking her face and barking.
(b) An assumption - something that is taken ii. Which of the explanations given below can
for granted or assumed to be true without be applied to this statement that captures
proof He had eaten more than on other Tricki’s mood? Label it TRUE making others
days automatically FALSE.
(c) A premise - a proposition that forms the The chauffeur was still holding the car door
basis of an argument open and when Tricki saw his mistress he
He had been indifferent and sickly the took off from my arms in a tremendous leap
past few weeks. and sailed into Mrs Pumphrey’s lap.
(c) A theory-a well-substantiated explanation (a) Tricki had not enjoyed his stay at the
for a natural phenomenon vet’s hospital.
Dogs need ample playtime, and regular (b) He was relieved to be rescued from the
food for good health. big, shaggy dogs.
iii. What does the author calling Tricki ‘pathetic’ (c) Tricki had recognised his dog-parent and
and the expression “You haven’t a kick in was happy to see her.
you” mean? Elaborate in about 30-40 words, (d) He wanted to go home and be pampered
with reference to the extract. again.
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute (c) ‘...he was keeping up well with the pack,
‘surged’ as given in the extract? stretching out in great bounds, his chest
At the surgery, the household dogs surged almost brushing the ground.’ Which
round me. treatment had transformed Tricki?
Ans : 2015 Elaborate in about 40 words, with
i. Tricki was not as active, energetic, and noisy reference to the extract.
as them. (d) Which phrase would correctly substitute
ii. (c) A premise — a proposition that forms the ‘lithe’ in the given sentence from the
basis of an argument extract?
He had been indifferent and sickly the past He (Tricki) had been transformed into a
few weeks. lithe, hard-muscled animal.
iii. The doctor pitied the dog because he Ans : 2013

was listless, indifferent, and sick due to i. Tricki overwhelmed Mrs. Pumphrey with his
overindulgence. He had no thrill in life love because he had never stayed apart from
because he was busy dragging his weight her.
around and eating whatever was given to him ii. (c) Tricki had recognised his dog-parent and
to recuperate. was happy to see her.(TRUE)
iv. rushed iii. Tricki had become as healthy as the pack,

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Chapter 1 Discursive Passage

discovering the joys of being bowled over,

tramped on, and squashed every few minutes.
He also learned to fight like a tiger for his
share at mealtimes and hunt rats in the old
henhouse at night with his gang.
iv. agile or active



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Page 622 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

Chapter 2

T he Thief’s Story

1. INTRODUCTION the meal cooked by Hari was terrible. Anil had

realised that Hari didn’t know how to cook. He
The story “The Thief’s Story” is written by asked Hari to go off to sleep, but Hari hung
Ruskin Bond. The story is about a 15 year old around, giving his most appealing smile. Anil
thief who changes his name every month to stay patted Hari’s head and told him that he would
ahead of the police and old employers. This time teach him how to cook.
he kept his name Hari Singh. The other person in
the story is a 25 year old writer named Anil. The Anil Teach Hari to Read and Write
thief meets Anil and asks him if he can work for Anil taught Hari to write his name and promised
him. The story unfolds on how the thief betrays to teach him how to write whole sentences and
Anil by committing a theft but retracts later on. to add numbers eventually. Hari was happy and
grateful for this as he knew that he could achieve
anything he wanted once he knew how to read
2. CHARACTERS and write like an educated man. He liked working
for Anil. He started making tea in the morning
Hari Singh and buying the day’s supplies later. He used to
He is a 15 year old, fair handed thief. He is keen make a profit of about a rupee on buying the
on learning how to read and write. He is so day’s supplies but knew that Anil didn’t mind.
experienced robber that he knows how different Hari Had Gained Anil’s Trust
people will react when they are robbed. One evening Anil came back with a bundle of
Anil currency notes he had got from selling a book he
He is a 25-year-old, tall and lean man. He earns had written to a publisher. He kept the money
his living by writing. He is a kind, simple and an under the mattress and slept peacefully. Hari had
easy-going person. been working for Anil for almost a month and he
had gained Anil’s trust. Hari saw the opportunity
to rob Anil. It was not an easy task as he knew
3. SUMMARY that Anil will be sad about the loss of money. He
Hari Singh Approaches Anil brushed away his thought and decided to execute
Hari Singh approached Anil while he was watching the robbery the same night, as Anil would’ve
a wrestling match, as he seemed to be an easy otherwise wasted the money on his friends.
target to him. Hari used some flattering words Hari Robbed Anil
to gain Anil’s confidence and soon they started Hari considered the situation and crawled up to
conversing. After a while, when Anil started the bed when Anil was asleep. He slid his hand
to walk off, Hari followed him with his most under the mattress and drew the money out
appealing smile. He expressed his wish to work quietly. He rushed out of the room and began
for Anil. But Anil bluntly expressed his inability to run on the road. He had secured the money
to pay Hari. Hari questioned Anil if he could feed with the string of his pyjama. He was heading
him. Anil agreed to feed Hari only if he knew how towards the railway station to catch 10:30 express
to cook. Hari said that he knew how to cook but to Lucknow as planned. He was elated when he
this was a lie. counted the money on his way.
Anil Brings Hari to His Room Hari didn’t Board the Train
Anil took Hari to his room over Jumna Sweet Hari reached the station just when the train was
Shop and let him occupy the balcony to sleep. about to pick up speed. He could have managed
Anil gave that night’s meal to a stray dog because to get into one of the carriages but something

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

unexplainable stopped him. He was left behind on 14. Borrow - take and use (something belonging to
the station. He decided to leave the station and someone else) with the intention of returning
thought while walking through the bazaar about it.
how would Anil feel when he would come to know 15. Lend - grant to (someone) the use of
about the theft. Hari had realised by then that (something) on the understanding that it will
he could not only cook the meals or go to the be returned.
market to buy daily supplies, but he had also lost
16. Queer - strange; odd.
the chance to learn how to read and write. Due to
these thoughts and his feeling of guilt, he decided 17. Tuck - push, fold, or turn (the edges or
to go back to Anil, if only for the sake of learning ends of something, especially a garment or
how to read and write. bedclothes) so as to hide or secure them.
18. Line of work - the principal activity in your
Hari Kept The Money Back
life that you do to earn money
Hari hurried towards the room. He opened the
door cautiously so as not to wake Anil up. He 19. Beam - a ray or shaft of light.
quickly took out the currency notes which were 20. Crept - move slowly and carefully in order to
damp because of the rain. He crept up to the bed avoid being heard or noticed.
and placed the notes under the mattress. After 21. Drew - pull or drag
that, he went off to sleep in the balcony. 22. Sighed - emit a long, deep audible breath
Anil Reacted Normally in the Morning expressing sadness, relief, tiredness.
Hari woke up late in the morning. He found that 23. Startled - feeling or showing sudden shock or
Anil had already prepared tea. Anil gave a fifty alarm.
rupee note to Hari, telling him that he had earned 24. Dashed - Quickly ran towards something
some money by selling a book to a publisher
25. Carriages - any of the separate sections of a
and now he would pay him regularly. Hari was
train that carry passengers.
motivated but he could make out that Anil knew
everything though he didn’t say anything to him 26. Hesitated - pause in indecision before saying
about it. or doing something.
27. Deserted - (of a place) empty of people.
28. Curious - eager to know or learn something.
4. word meanings
29. Robbed - take property unlawfully from (a
1. Lean - thin person or place) by force or threat of force.
2. Flattery - excessive and insincere praise 30. Maidan - a park
3. Modestly - in an unassuming manner; without 31. Drizzle - light rain falling in very fine drops.
vanity or arrogance. 32. Shelter - a place giving temporary protection
4. Employers - a person or organization that from bad weather or danger.
employs people. 33. Clock Tower - a tower, typically forming part
5. Grunting - make a low, short guttural sound. of a church or civic building, with a large
6. Appealing - attractive or interesting. clock at the top.
7. Misjudged - form a wrong opinion or 34. Damp - slightly wet.
conclusion about. 35. Hurried - done in a hurry; rushed.
8. Balcony -a platform enclosed by a wall or 36. Undetected - not detected or discovered.
balustrade on the outside of a building, with 37. Clouded - make or become less clear or
access from an upper-floor window or door. transparent.
9. Terrible - extremely bad or serious.
10. Patted - touch quickly and gently with the
flat of the hand. 5. MESSAGE
11. Pleasant - giving a sense of happy satisfaction The story “The Thief’s Story” conveys the
or enjoyment. message that human values and relations are
12. Supplies - a stock or amount of something important in life and it can change a person.
supplied or available for use. True values and kindness wins everyone’s heart,
13. Fits and Starts - not working on something even a thief’s heart. Even a person’s honesty can
change an evil person and a person’s life could be
consistently
changed if he meets a mentor who could guide and

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Page 624 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

help him to choose right path in life. The story was something else ? What makes him return to
conveys another beautiful message that we should Anil?
not betray the trust reposed on us by a person. Ans :
Once the trust of a person is lost, everything is Hari Singh is in his teens. He is a successful thief.
lost. Kindness touches hearts and brings about a He always changed his name. However he had
change in even in the worst person. not lost all his goodness. He aspired to learn how
to read and write. Though Anil did not pay him
but still he knew that if he could write like an
6. ncert textbook questions educated man there would be no limit to what he
could achieve.
Read and Find Out - 1 Still forced by circumstances and habit Hari
Singh robs Anil of rupees six hundred. He goes to
1. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story ? board the train but his conscience pricks him. He
Ans : returns and puts the money under the mattress.
‘I’ is Hari Singh, the narrator of the story. He knew that he could learn to become an honest
man. So the desire to become big man, a clever
2. What is he ‘a fairly successful hand’ at ? and respected man was something which made
Ans : him return.
He is a fairly successful hand at stealing.
2. Why does not Anil hand the thief over to the
3. What does he get from Anil in return for his police? Do you think most people would have
work? done so ? In what ways is Anil different from such
Ans : employers ?
He is promised to get food in return for his work. Ans :
Anil is a writer by profession. He writes for
Read and Find Out - 2 magazines. His income was not regular. He could
understand the condition of Hari Singh. Anil
1. How does the thief think Anil will react to the shows compassion towards Hari Singh. He even
theft ? agreed to pay him fifty rupees regularly. He knows
Ans : that handing him over to police would never make
He thinks Anil would show only a touch of sadness him a respectable gentleman. Being noble minded
but not for the loss of money but for the loss of he did not wish to expose his theft. He turned
trust. a thief into a respectable person. A very good
employer would excuse such behaviour of the
2. What does he say about the different reactions of
servants.
people when they are robbed ?
Ans : Talk About It
According to him a greedy man shows fear, a
rich man shows anger and a poor man shows 1. Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are
acceptance. found only in fiction, or are there such people in
real life ?
3. Does Anil realise that he has been robbed? Ans :
Ans : Human nature is very complex. Relations are
Of course, Anil realises that he has been robbed more complex than human nature. Anil and Hari
after finding the notes wet. Singh are no figment of imagination. They are
also characters of blood and flesh. Hari Singh
Think About It is a thief not by wish but by circumstances.
1. What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospects Compulsion turns a person to take up dishonest
of receiving an education? Do they change over means. Sometimes lack of love and care are also
time ? (Hint : Compare, for example, he thought “I great factors. By heart Hari Singh is a good
knew that once I could write like an educated man fellow. His conscience pricks him and makes him
there would be no limit to what I could achieve” change into a good human being. Many hard core
with these later thoughts: “Whole sentences, I criminals have also been transformed by love and
knew could one day bring me more than a few compassion.
hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal- Anil is a writer though not very successful.
and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to He cannot earn a handsome figure. He is a
be a really big man, a clever and respected man, careless fellow but with feelings of kindness. Such

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

a character like Anil can exist in real life. It is Ans : 2021

goodness of such people in the world which makes (b) Ruskin Bond
the evil diminish.
2. What is he “a fairly successful hand” at?
2. Do you think it a significant detail in the story (a) wrestling (b) stealing
that Anil is a struggling writer ? Does this explain (c) deceiving (d) working hard
his behaviour in any way ? Ans : 2021
Ans : (b) stealing
Anil is a writer. He writes for magazines. But he
is a struggling writer. We come to this conclusion 3. What was the boy’s age?
as the narrator says that Anil earns by fits and (a) 15 (b) 25
starts. He borrows one week, lends the next week.
(c) 20 (d) none of these
He keeps worrying about his next cheque. He Ans : 2021
had become an extravagant. As soon as he gets
(a) 15
money, he goes out and spends on his friends. He
is also very careless. 4. What was Anil’s age?
3. Have you met anyone like Hari Singh ? Can you (a) 15 (b) 25
think and imagine the cirtunstances that can turn (c) 20 (d) none of these
a fifteen year old boy into a thief ? Ans : 2021

(b) 25
Ans :
No, I have not met anyone like Hari Singh. But 5. How has the narrator described Anil?
I can understand that no one is born thief. The
(a) simple (b) kind
circumstances make a person thief. lithe parents
of a child are not careful and they do not give full (c) easy-going (d) all of these
attention towards the child, certainly the child Ans : 2020

will grow up into a thief. Besides it, an orphan (d) all of these
child has more chances to become a thief. The
6. What was Anil doing when the boy met him?
child does not get proper love and attention and
becomes so. (a) cooking (b) watching a match
(c) playing (d) writing an article
4. Where is the story set ? (You can get clues from Ans : 2020
the name of the persons and places mentioned in (b) watching a match
it.) What language or languages are spoken in
these places. Do you think the characters in the 7. How did the narrator attempt at being friends
story spoke to each other in English ? with Anil?
Ans : (a) flattering him
The story is set in ‘India’. We come to this
(b) teasing him
conclusion as the names of the characters as Anil
and Hari Singh are Indian. Again, the places (c) introducing himself
mentioned in the story are Indian as Lucknow, (d) none of these
maidan and bazaar. The currency, rupee also tells Ans : 2015

us that the story is set in India. In these places (a) flattering him
Hindi languages is spoken. The characters in the
story did not speak English. Rather they used 8. What did the boy ask Anil for?
Hindi. (a) to give him food (b) to employ him
(c) to give him money (d) to teach him
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS Ans : 2015

(b) to employ him

Multiple Choice
Type Question 9. How often did he change his name?
1. Who is the author of the story “The Thief’s (a) every day (b) every week
story”? (c) every month (d) every year
(a) James Herriot (b) Ruskin Bond Ans : 2014, 2010

(c) Robert Arthur (d) Victor Canning (c) every month

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Page 626 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

10. He changed his name in order to stay ahead of Ans : 2012, 2005

_____. (a) Anil

(a) police (b) employers 18. Who is easier to rob?
(c) both a and b (d) none of these (a) a careless man (b) a greedy man
Ans : 2014
(c) a trusting man (d) Anil
(c) both a and b Ans : 2012

11. What name did he tell Anil? (b) a greedy man

(a) Anil Singh (b) Hari Lal 19. What takes all the pleasure out of work?
(c) Hari Singh (d) Anil Lal (a) robbing a careless man
Ans : 2014
(b) robbing a greedy man
(c) Hari Singh
(c) when someone doesn’t notice they’ve been
12. What do you mean by the word “grunting”? robbed
(a) make a low inarticulate sound (d) both a and c
(b) say something which is clearly audible Ans : 2012

(d) both a and c

(c) shouting
(d) none of the above 20. How much money did he steal?
Ans : 2013
(a) 500 Rupees (b) 600 Rupees
(a) make a low inarticulate sound
(c) 700 Rupees (d) 800 Rupees
13. How was the meal he cooked first night? Ans : 2012

(b) 600 Rupees

(a) delicious (b) mouth-watering
(c) finger-licking good (d) terrible 21. How, according to the narrator, would Anil feel
Ans : 2013 upon finding out?
(d) terrible (a) angry (b) fear
14. How did he infer that about his food? (c) acceptance (d) sad
Ans : 2011
(a) Anil said he liked it
(d) sad
(b) Anil couldn’t have enough of it
(c) Anil was licking his fingers 22. What did he do with the money?
(d) Anil gave it to a stray dog (a) ran away with it
Ans : 2013 (b) threw it
(d) Anil gave it to a stray dog (c) bought a cycle with it
15. What did Anil promise him to teach? (d) returned it
Ans : 2011
(a) write his name (b) cook
(d) returned it
(c) write full sentences (d) all of these
Ans : 2013 23. Why does Hari return the money?
(d) all of these (a) he wanted to learn to write
16. “a queer way to earn money”. What is the (b) he was worried about how Anil would feel
meaning of the word “queer”? (c) he felt bad
(a) strange (b) famous (d) none of the above
(c) rare (d) illegal Ans : 2011
Ans : 2012 (a) he wanted to learn to write
(a) strange
24. What do you mean by the word “unlined”?
17. Who was the most trusting person narrator had
(a) in a line
ever met ?
(b) not in a line
(a) Anil (b) publisher
(c) showing no sign of worry or anxiety
(c) Anil’s friends (d) none of these
(d) none of the above

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

Yours sincerely, In the end, he decided to keep the stolen

Anil money back and stay on with Anil. His decision
24. Suppose that you are Anil, the writer. You are was right because a thief has no future, one or
aware that Hari Singh had stolen the money but the other day he will be caught. Meanwhile, an
had come back. Write a diary entry stating why educated person can lead an honest life and be a
you preferred not to show it to Hari Singh. really big man, a clever and respected man.
Ans : 2005, 2000
26. If you were Anil, would you have pardoned the
Monday, 11 July, 20xx thief? If yes/no, why?
10:30 p.m. Ans : 2004
Dear Diary, I would definitely have pardoned the thief if I
Hari Singh was a poor cook. So, I started was Anil. It is remarkable that the thief himself
teaching him how to cook and how to write and realised his mistake and even though he had the
even add numbers. He was turning out to be opportunity to escape he came back. It would be
more of a companion than a servant. Recently, wrong to rebuke or punish a person who attains
by selling a book, I had earned 600 rupees, which self-realisation of the mistake he has committed
I kept under my mattress. At midnight, I woke and decides to reform it. Anil had trusted the
up to find that Hari Singh was not in the house. thief and even though the thief had the chance
I checked and found that my money was missing to run away, Anil could not bring himself to
too. I thought that if I complain to the police betraying Anil’s trust. I feel such a person
about the theft, Hari Singh might become a deserves admiration and should be pardoned as
hardened criminal. he has taken the first step for becoming a better
So, without doing anything I went back to my human being and, therefore, we should encourage
bed. I was awake when Hari came back and kept him in this positive direction.
the money under my mattress. But I pretended to
be asleep, though I felt quite happy because of his 27. What kind of life was the thief leading with Anil?
transformation. Hence, I preferred to pose that I Ans : 2003
was unaware about his having stolen the money Anil had taken the thief to his room and told
and help him lead a better life. him he could sleep in the balcony. Anil told the
In satisfaction. thief that he would teach him how to cook. He
Anil also taught the thief how to write his name. For
25. What did Hari do when the train had left ? the thief it was quite pleasant working for Anil.
Why didn’t he make friends ? Who was the only He made the tea in the morning and then would
person he really knew very well ? What had Hari buy the day’s supplies, usually making a profit
forgotten in the excitement of the theft ? What of about one rupee every day. Anil had also told
did he decide to do ? Was it a right decision ? him that he would soon teach him to write whole
Ans : 2005 sentences and add numbers. The thief was grateful
When the train had gone, Hari found himself because he knew that once he could write like an
standing alone on the deserted platform. He sat educated man there would be no limit to what he
down on a bench, feeling lost and confused. It was could achieve. Anil was a trusting person who had
chilly at night and a light drizzle added to his given the thief a key of his house also.
discomfort. Soon, it started raining very heavily
28. “But to be a really big man, a clever and respected
and Hari went back to the bazaar and sat down
man was something else.” Hari finally accepted
in the shelter of the clock tower. Sitting down, he
the importance of education and honest living.
saw that the clock showed midnight.
What do you think about the role of education in
Hari had not made any friends because he
changing people like Hari . Comment on the role
believed that friends were more trouble than help.
of education in the life of a person.
Thus, it turned out that the only person he knew
well was the person he had robbed. Ans : 2003

Later, he remembered that in the excitement Hari Singh finally realized the significance of
of the theft, he had forgotten about the whole education in life. He understood that he would
sentences, that Anil was going to teach him. He only provide him money temporarily. Also, there
wanted to learn to write whole sentences because was the risk of being caught. Education provides
he wanted to become an educated and respected one with respectability and Hari finally had
person. So, he decided to go back to Anil’s house seen that. Children must be taught to see the
to learn to read and write. difference between wrong and right. It leads them

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Page 628 Discursive Passage Chapter 2
Ans : 2006
(c) watching wrestling match with him
(c) Pyjama
(d) talking with him
41. It was the time of _____ when the incident Ans : 2004

happened. (a) giving him a job

(a) Mid December (b) January 48. What did Anil do with the money when he
(c) Early February (d) Mid November received a cheque?
Ans : 2006
(a) deposited it in his account
(d) Mid November
(b) bought household things
42. At the incident night Hari took shelter (c) went out to celebrate
(a) Under the clock tower (d) paid salary to the boy
(b) In the tea shop Ans : 2003

(c) went out to celebrate

(c) At the church
(d) In the barandah of the house 49. What did Had Singh want from Anil?
Ans : 2005
(a) help (b) shelter
(a) Under the clock tower.
(c) money (d) work
43. Anil gave Rs _____ to Hari from the stolen Ans : 2003

money. (d) work

(a) 100 (b) 50
(c) 20 (d) 150
Ans : 2005
Short Answer Type Question
(b) 50 1. Why does Anil not hand over Hari Singh to the
police?
44. Hari was actually supposed to loss _____ by
Ans : 2023
stealing money. Anil didn’t hand over Hari to the police because
(a) Money (b) Knowledge of if Anil had done it, Hari would have never
stealing reformed. He would have gone back to his old
(c) Trust (d) House ways of cheating and stealing from people, which
Ans : 2005 Anil didn’t want. Thus, by doing so, he gave Hari
(c) Trust another chance to reform.

45. Hari got _____ after returning. 2. The narrator followed Anil ‘casually’. Why?
(a) Trust (b) Permanent Job Ans : 2021

The narrator who was a thief by profession wanted

(c) House (d) Friend to win Anil’s trust to rob him later. That’s why
Ans : 2004
he followed him casually so that Anil does not
(b) Permanent Job doubt him.
46. ‘I hadn’t had much luck of late’ means that the 3. What was the thought behind using appealing
boy hadn’t smiles frequently on Anil?
(a) ever conned people successfully. Ans : 2021

(b) been successful in duping people lately. One can attract others through the right gestures
(c) understood the consequences of thievery till and facial expressions. The narrator wanted to
appear honest and trustable in front of Anil,
date.
hence, he used appealing smiles frequently on him
(d) considered the role of fate in deceiving others. to win over his trust.
Ans : 2004

(b) been successful in duping people lately. 4. How do you think the narrator made a profit of
about a rupee a day?
47. The thief boy was grateful to Anil for: Ans : 2021
(a) giving him a job He might have charged Anil a higher price of
(b) giving him money vegetables and groceries than he actually paid.
This way he managed to save some money himself.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2008

(b) not in a line (a) Wrestler

25. Who does “I” refer to in the story? 33. The house of Anil was over the
(a) Hari (b) Anil (a) Jamuna sweet shop (b) Bhajram sweet shop
(c) a greedy man (d) none of these (c) Jamuna Textile (d) Sharma Motors
Ans : 2010 Ans : 2008

(a) Hari (a) Jamuna sweet shop

26. What promise did Anil make to the thief boy? 34. Anil instructed the thief to sleep on the
(a) giving him a good job (a) Study (b) Balcony
(b) giving him good clothes (c) Dinning room (d) Drawing room
(c) teaching him reading and writing Ans : 2008

(b) Balcony
(d) playing with him
Ans : 2010
35. The thief used to take _____ from the money
(c) teaching him reading and writing everyday which was given by Anil for grocery
27. Which of the following traits describes Anil? shopping.
(a) easy-going (b) careful (a) 10 Rs (b) 50 Rs
(c) greedy (d) extravagant (c) 5 Rs (d) Rs 1
Ans : 2010
Ans : 2008

(a) easy-going (d) Rs 1

28. What was the boy’s real profession? 36. Anil put the money
(a) a household servant (b) theft (a) Inside the cup boar (b) Inside the locker
(c) cheating (d) working honestly (c) Under the mattress (d) Inside the drawer
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2007

(b) theft (c) Under the mattress

29. What did Anil do for a living? 37. There was a little lit of light over Anil’s bed
because of
(a) wrote articles for magazines
(a) Bedside lamp (b) Road light
(b) wrestling
(c) Tube light (d) Moonlight
(c) acting
Ans : 2007
(d) business (d) Moonlight
Ans : 2009

(a) wrote articles for magazines 38. Hari planned to leave the city by _____ after
stealing the money from Anil.
30. What was the name of the thief boy?
(a) 10:30 p.m. (b) 1’O clock
(a) Anil (b) Ajit Singh
(c) 12:30 p.m. (d) 1 p.m.
(c) Hari Singh (d) Chander Ans : 2007
Ans : 2009
(a) 10:30 p.m.
(c) Hari Singh
39. Hari planned to catch _____ while escaping.
31. At the beginning of the story the thief met with
(a) Dhanbad mail (b) Delhi mail
a fellow named
(c) Lucknow Express (d) Satabdi Express
(a) Anil (b) Ali
Ans : 2007
(c) Amit (d) Amal (c) Lucknow Express
Ans : 2009

(a) Anil 40. Hari kept all the stolen notes in his
(a) Hand bag (b) Pocket
32. Anil was a _____.
(c) Pyjama (d) Hand
(a) Wrestler (b) Footballer
(c) Cricketer (d) Chess player

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Page 630 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

15. Why was the thief able to steal from Anil easily ? man, the correct person or his purpose. He found
Ans : 2015 him an easy target to win confidence.
Anil was a person who trusted Hari Singh easily.
Also, he seemed to be a shightly careless person. 22. Why did Hari Singh not got to his friend’s house
Thus, his gullibility and trusting nature made it or a hotel just after he missed the train ?
easy for Hari to rob him. Ans : 2011, 2007

Hari Singh did not have any friend and he did not
16. What did Anil’ and Hari agree upon to be the want to make anyone curious by staying at one of
mode of payment ? the small hotels near he station.
Ans : 2015., 2011

When Anil stated his inability to pay Hari, Anil 23. How did Hari Singh know that Anil had forgiven
questioned Hari if he could feed Hari. Hari realised him?
that he had misjudged his target and moulded the Ans : 2011, 2009

situation for his benefit. Anil then agreed to feed It seems Anil knew about theft but neither his
him if he knew how to cook. lips nor his eyes showed anything. He gave him
fifty rupees and told him that now he would be
17. Why did Hari Singh feel bad after stealing the paid regularly. He informed him that he would
money? teach him writing sentences. It shows that Anil
Ans : 2015 had forgiven him.
Anil had trusted Hari Singh completely and also
taught him how to cook. Anil also started teaching 24. What did Hari Singh get, from Anil in return for
him how to read and write. Thus, when Hari stole his work?
money from Anil, his conscience pricked him as he Ans : 2008

had broken Anil’s trust. Anil gave him food and shelter. Hari Singh would
usually make, a profit of about a rupee a day from
18. What did Hari Singh do with the money he stole the purchasing of day’s supplies. It seems that
from Anil? Anil knew it but he never minded it.
Ans : 2015, 2013, 2009

Hari Singh at once left Anil’s room and rushed to 25. How, according to Hari Singh, would the greedy
the railway station to catch train. But he realised man, the rich man and the poor man react when
his mistake and came back to Anil’s room late at they had lost their goods?
night. He put the money under the mattress. Ans : 2008

Hari Singh had made a study of men’s faces when

19. Why according to Hari Singh, is it easier to rob a they had lost their goods. According to the thief
greedy man than a careless person like Anil? on losing their goods- a greedy man’s face would
show fear, the rich man’s face would show anger
Ans : 2014, 2004
and the poor man’s face would show acceptance.
Hari Singh had made a study of men’s faces when
they had lost their goods. According to him, it 26. Did Hari like working for Anil ? Give reasons in
is easier to rob a greedy man because he can support of your answer.
afford to be robbed but a careless person like Anil
doesn’t even notice that he has been robbed and Ans : 2008

it takes the pleasure out of the work. Yes, Hari liked working for Anil. He was happy to
carry on the chores for him and was grateful for
20. Why did Hari Singh decide to come back to Anil ? the education he was receiving. He used to make
Ans : 2013 profit of about a rupee a day as well, which was a
Hari Singh decided to come back to Anil because decent amount besides being fed.
he felt that when Anil would come to know about
the theft, he would feel sad, not for the loss of 27. How and where did Hari Singh spend the night ?
money but for the loss of trust. He did not want Ans : 2008

to lose his trust. Hari Singh had left Anil’s home after stealing
money. He did not take the train bound for
21. Why did Hari Singh choose Anil to be his next Lucknow. But he spend some time during the
victim? night in a maidan on a bench. Since it was raining,
Ans : 2011 he sat down in the shelter of the clock tower till
Hari Singh was an experienced theif. He found midnight. Then he hurried back to Anil’s home.
Anuil, a wrestler an easy-going, kind and simple

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5. Why do you think the young thief had quite a few taken (dampness of notes) Anil chose to
scars on his face? remain quiet about the matter
Ans : 2021
2. Pretended that all was normal – realised that
He was involved in the profession of robbery for Hari Singh’s honesty had prevailed over his
quite a long time. He would have got the scars temptation
from stealing or snatching valuable things from
people. 3. Wanted to reward him/encourage him
4. Discussing the theft would have been
6. It’s not easy to be mean to people who are very counterproductive.
nice to you. Do you think that the young thief
had to work on giving himself valid reasons to be 10. Why did Hari Singh think that Anil’s job was
able to commit the theft? did the thieving come queer?
as naturally to him this time, too? Write a brief Ans : 2019

analysis of his mood before the theft. Hari Singh thought Anil’s job was queer because
Ans : 2021, 2019 he did not have a fixed source of income. At times
This time thrilling did not come to him naturally. he had to borrow; and at times he would lend. He
Anil had full trust in the boy it was not easy often waited for his cheque. It appeared he wrote
for the thief to dupe him. That’s why it was for a magazine. As soon as the cheque arrived, he
not easy for him to rob his new employee Anil. would celebrate by spending it lavishly.
His conscience objected to stealing Anil but he
reminded himself that he could not cook for 11. In which queer way did Anil make a living?
Ans : 2018
him any longer. Moreover, Anil did not pay him
The queer way in which Anil made a living
regularly for the work. He convinced himself by
was by writing for magazines. Also, his money
saying that he could not wait to learn the whole
management skills were really odd. One week he
sentences to bring a turning point in his life.
would be borrowing money and the next week he
7. Why do you think the narrator used to feel that would be lending money to others. He thus made
‘friends were more trouble than help’ ? money by fits and starts.
What could have led him to believe this?
12. Why did Hari Singh tell a lie about cooking?
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2016, 2015
He was a robber and a conman and did not want
Hari Singh knew that Anil would hire him only if
to share his secrets and whereabouts with anyone.
he could cook. However, Hari did not know how
In his profession, even minor dishonesty might
to cook. Still, as he wanted to somehow rob Anil,
take him behind the bars. Moreover, he used to
he told the lie to gain entry into Anil’s house.
take a new name every month to hide from the
police and his previous employers. 13. Why was it difficult for Hari Singh to rob Anil ?
8. At the end of the story, we realise that Anil knew O
about the incident of the previous night, yet he Why was it not easy for the thief to rob Anil?
chose to overlook such a breach of trust. Explain. Ans : 2016, 2007

Ans : 2021 It was difficult to rob Anil because he was the

Anil chose to overlook such a breach of trust most trusting person Hari Singh had ever met.
because he wanted Hari Singh to get an education According to Hari Singh, it’s easy to rob a greedy
and live a respectable life. He knew that handing man because he can afford to be robbed but it’s
him over to the police would only spoil him. His difficult to rob a careless man because he doesn’t
coming back proved that he had realised his even notice that he’s been robbed and that takes
mistake. That’s why Anil had given him a chance all the pleasure out of the work.
to improve his lifestyle.
14. How did Hari Singh realize that Anil knew that
9. Hari Singh says- “He knew it but neither his lips his money had been stolen?
nor his eyes showed anything.” Ans : 2016, 2010

Anil successfully addressed the situation by not The next morning Anil gave him fifty rupees and
addressing it at all. Elaborate based on your the note was still damp. He informed that now he
reading of The Thief’s Story. would be paid regularly. Hari Singh understood
Ans : 2020 that Anil had known about the theft. Anil told
him that he would teach him writing sentences. It
1. Despite knowing that the money had been
means he had been forgiven for his mistake.

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Page 632 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

board the train and lost his chance to get away. Long Answer Type Question
39. I found myself standing on the deserted platform. 1. Imagine that Hari Singh from ‘The Thief’s Story’
I had no idea where to spend the night. I had no by Ruskin Bond, writes a diary entry, exploring
friends. the theme of human values and relations that are
(i) Why was the speaker alone on the platform ? essential in life and can transform a person in the
(ii) Why did he not have any friends ? context of his own experience. Write this diary
Ans : 2003
entry as Hari Singh.
Ans : 2024
(i) When Hari reached the station after stealing
Today has been a roller coaster of emotions for
money from Anil, the Lucknow Express was
me. Meeting Mr. Anil changed my life. He didn’t
moving out. The train was still moving quite
see me as just another street kid; he saw potential
slowly and he would have been able to catch
in me and taught me the importance of trust,
the train, but he did not even attempt to
kindness, and honesty. He gave me a chance to
jump into the moving train. For some reason,
learn to read and write, opening up a whole new
he had hesitated. Therefore, when the train
world for me.
was gone, Hari was left alone on the deserted
But tonight, I made a huge mistake. I stole
platform.
money from Mr. Anil, thinking only of the
(ii) Hari believed that friends were more trouble immediate gain. However, sitting here in the cold,
than help. Therefore, he did not have any I realize how wrong I was. Money isn’t everything.
friends. It’s the human connections and trust that truly
matter.
40. Had Anil really forgiven Hari Singh ? Support
I’ve decided to go back to Mr. Anil tomorrow,
your answer with evidence.
Ans : 2003
return the money, and apologize. I’m scared, but
Anil did not make much money, so the amount I hope he can forgive me and give me another
stolen by Hari must have been very important. chance. I’ve learned a valuable lesson about the
The situation must have made him very angry. true value of relationships and honesty. This
But when he found out that Hari had made an diary entry is a promise to myself to be a better
attempt to change his habits, Anil forgave him. person, to value what matters, and to make Mr.
He thought that if Hari was given a chance, it will Anil proud. Tomorrow is a new beginning, and
help transform him. So, he forgave him and gave I’m ready to face it with everything I’ve learned.
him an opportunity improve himself. He even
gave him Rupees 50 and promised to pay him 2. Hari Singh says “He knew it but neither his lips
regularly from then on. nor his eyes showed anything.” Anil successfully
addressed the situation by not addressing it all.
41. Why did Anil decide to pay Hari Singh regularly? Elaborate based on your reading of ‘The Thief a
Ans : 2002 Story.
Anil handed Han Singh fifty-rupee note as Ans : 2024

payment for his services. He went on to that since Yes, it is absolutely true that anil addressed the
he had started making money, he would pay Hari situation but he behaved like he had not addressed
regularly. However, Anil knew about Han and did anything. It was not only because of his kind heart.
not want him to be tempted again for want of There were many things that made him to do that.
money. Anil had a great trust on Hari Singh. He made Hari
his selfless friend. Hari Singh took the money but
42. How did Anil earn his livelihood ?
after that he didn’t escaped. This is because he felt
Ans : 2000
anil’s trust, love and compassion towards him. He
The main source of Anil’s income was by writing
didn’t wanted to break the trust, so he returned.
for various magazines. Occasionally, he would
write a book as well. But his income was not As he understood his mistake so anil showed the
regular. Anil mostly kept on waiting for his similar behaviour . Anil also felt that if he would
cheque, but as soon as the cheque would come, he address him as a thief and send him to jail then
would go out and celebrate. there could be a greater possibility that the small
thief would be converted into a criminal after
coming out. so not to destroy Hari Singh future
was one of the thought that made anil to the act in

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28. “But to be a really big man ... was something taking his time. Because of the shopping, Hari
else.” What does this suggest about Hari Singh Singh would make a profit of about a rupee per
himself ? day.
O
34. “Well, it’s time I did some real work, I told myself,
Why did Hari Singh want to became an educated
I’m out of practice”.
man?
Ans : 2007 (i) What ‘real work’ is the speaker talking about
Hari Singh was still in his teens. He was an ?
experienced, seasoned and successful thief. He (ii) Why does he say “I’m out of practice” ?
never missed an opportunity and occasionally Ans : 2006, 2003
changed his name. Thus he averted being caught (i) The speaker is the thief Hari Singh and his
by the police and his former employers. However, real work is stealing from people.
he had not lost all his goodness. He aspired to
(ii) At Anil’s place, he was only buying things
learn how to read and write.
from the market for the house and cheating
29. What made Hari Singh a successful thief ? and manipulating a rupee or two here and
Ans : 2007 there. He was also learning how to cook and
Anil was a trusting and generous fellow. He how to write, but he had not robbed anyone
did not turn Hari Singh out when he proved a for a long time. Therefore, that he thought
hopeless cook. He did not mind Hari Singh’s that he was out of practice.
making money from daily purchases. He even
gave him the keys of his room. He never kept his 35. What was the thief’s immediate reaction when he
money under lock and key. These things made stole Anil’s money?
Hari Singh a successful thief. Ans : 2006, 2002

After stealing Anil’s money the thief quickly

30. Why did Hari Singh not make many friends ? crawled out of the room. When he was on the
Ans : 2007 road, he began to run. He had the notes at his
Hari Singh did not have friends as he believed that waist, that were held there by the string of his
friends were more trouble than help. Moreover, he pyjamas. He counted that he had 600 rupees and
did not want to make anyone curious. could live like an oil-rich Arab for a week or two.

31. How did the thief react when Anil told him ‘to be 36. How did Hari Singh justify himself his intentions
off’ after he cooked food very badly for the first of stealing Anil’s money?
time ? Ans : 2005
Ans : 2007 Hari Singh thought that he had been out of
The thief stayed in Anil’s room over the Jumna practice for a fairly long time period. If he didn’t
Sweet Shop and slept in the balcony. When the take the money, Anil would squander it on his
food cooked by the thief was so terrible that it friends and celebration. He further justified his
had to be given to a stray dog, Anil told him to intention arguing that Anil did not even pay him.
be off. But Hari Singh still hung around smiling
in his most appealing way to convince Anil to let 37. What was Anil’s job? How did he usually spend
him stay. the money he earned?
Ans : 2004

32. What did Anil offer to teach Hari Singh ? Anil made money by fits and starts. He would
Ans : 2007 borrow one week and would lend the next. He
Anil told Hari Singh, the thief, that he would wrote for magazines to earn his living. As soon as
teach him how to cook. Anil also offered to teach he got a cheque he would go out and have a great
him how to write his name, whole sentences and time celebrating.
even how to add numbers.
38. At the station, why did the thief lose his chance
33. “It was quite pleasant working for Anil.” Why did to get away with the money?
the thief feel so ? Ans : 2004
Ans : 2006 When the thief reached the railway station, the
The thief found working for Anil quite pleasant. ‘Lucknow Express’ was just moving out. He would
He had to only make tea in the morning. Then he have been able to jump into one of its carriages
would go to the market to buy things for the day, but for some inexplicable reason he hesitated to

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Page 634 Discursive Passage Chapter 2
Ans : 2017, 2014, 2010 2001
at. After stealing money, he tried to go away
Hari Singh was a thief and though he was only forever but some inner voice stopped him from
fifteen years old, he was fairly experienced and doing so. He returned to Anil because he wanted
successful in his job. He was very eager to learn to live a life of respect. Anil did not show that
to read and write because he knew that once he he knew the incident and accepted Hari with
could write, there would be no limit to what he open hands. Thus, a well intentioned person,
could achieve. He was very grateful to Anil and Anil changed Hari Singh and brought him on
quite liked working for him. He found it difficult right path. The story shows that trust and spirit
to rob him since Anil was also the most trusting to forgive someone can bring big changes in
person he had ever met. The thief could not someone’s life.
bring himself to cheat him. Even though the thief
finally managed to rob Anil, his conscience did 10. What does the thief say about the reactions of the
not allow him to run away with the money. He people whom he had robbed? What did he think
understood that Anil’s face would show only a would be Anil’s reaction?
touch of sadness when he discovered the theft- not Ans : 2016, 2012
for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust. So, Standing at the platform the thief reflected upon
he hurried back to Anil and was now a reformed his career. In his short career as a thief, he had
and better person. robbed many types of people. He had made
a study of their faces when they had lost their
8. Hari Singh didn’t confess that he robbed Anil. goods. He remembered their reactions. The greedy
Did he lack courage to do so or he really wanted man showed fear; the rich man showed anger; the
to maintain his relationship with Anil at any cost poor man showed acceptance. He had never seen
? Explain the values Hari needed to imbibe in a man so trusting as Anil. He knew that Anil’s
about 100-120 words. face, when he discovered the theft, would show
Ans : 2016
only a touch of sadness. Not for the loss of money,
Hari Singh was a teenager, of 15. He was good at but for the loss of trust.
stealing. He chose Anil to be his next target as
he was a struggling author and a simple person. 11. State the events that took place on the night of
Hari Singh started living with Anil who in truth, the theft.
started teaching him how to read and write. Ans : 2016
Hari Singh, one day got the opportunity to steal The night of robbery was quite eventful for Hari
Anils’ money. He left out with the money to go Singh. After stealing Anil’s money and leaving
away forever but his inner voice stopped him. He Anil’s house, Hari went to the railway station but
returned back and kept the money in place. Next didn’t board the train to Lucknow. He walked
morning he started with his routine work and slowly through the bazaar as he did not know
didn’t tell anything about the incident to Anil. anyone who would provide him shelter except
He was a teenager and lacked courage to face Anil Anil, for he didn’t have any friends. He was forced
with his truth. He did not want to lose Anil’s to take shelter under the clock tower later when it
trust. He wanted to maintain the relationship started raining heavily. That is where he realised
with Anil, wanted to get education and become a the importance of education and decided to go
respected man. So he hid the incident from Anil. back to Anil.
9. Anil plays a major role in the transformation 12. What made the thief return to Anil?
of Hari Singh. Comment on the statement by Ans : 2014
highlighting the values possessed by Anil which Hari Singh had a plan to catch the 10.30 Express
touched Hari’s heart and made him return to to Lucknow so that he was never traced. After
his honest ways fearings his livelihood. Write in stealing the money he rushed to the railway
about 100-120 words. station. But for some inexplicable reason he did
Ans : 2016 not board the train. He decided to return back
Anil was a struggling writer who befriended Hari to the man whom he had robbed. He sat down
Singh. Hari Singh was an experienced, 15 year in the shelter of the clock tower and began to
old thief. He found Anil an easy target to steal. ponder about his life. Suddenly he realised that
Anil offered him to stay with him and to teach Anil was helping him to learn, read and write and
how to read and write. Gradually, Anil develops that could change his life once and for all. In his
trust in Hari Singh. But Hari Singh was waiting further mediation, he made his mind to return
for the right opportunity to do what he was best back to Anil at once.

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13. Love can transform even a thief. How is it true in and natural capacity to distinguish right from
the case of Hari Singh? wrong stopped him from doing further wrong.
Ans : 2014, 2008 These values halp others too.
There is no doubt that love and trust can
transform even a thief. Hari Singh approached 16. Evaluate Hari Singh both as a thief and as a
Anil to cheat him but found him easy-going human being.
and without money. Anil gave him shelter and Ans : 2011

food. Above all, he began to give him lessons in Hari Singh had become an-experienced seasoned
reading and writing. It ignited hope in the thief and successful thief at the age of fifteen. He
to lead a decent life. But one day he could not changed his name occasionally to avoid being
refrain himself and stole Anil’s money. He went caught by police. He got many opportunities,to
to the railway station to abscond from the city. rob Anil. But at heart he was not bad. He was a
But for some inexplicable reason he did not board man of noble conscience. He was not a betrayer.
the train. He decided to return back to Anil. It One day Hari Singh made off with Anil’s money
dawned upon him that if he did not go back to and reached the station. He did not board the
Anil read, the life would not give him a second slow moving train intentionally. His conscience
chance. He felt a sense of gratitude for Anil for pricked him for betraying Anil’s trust. Though
teaching him and writing to change the course of he was an experienced seasoned and successful
his life. thief yet he had taken to stealing only by force
of circumstances. He was a grateful person with a
14. Who was Anil ? Give his character sketch. self-conscience. He was not an outright betrayer.
Ans : 2012 Above all, he was career conscious.
Anil was an easy-going and careless man. He spent
whatever he earned by writing for magazines. He 17. Give a character-sketch of Hari Singh.
was a simple and kind-hearted person. He was Ans : 2010

trusting and generous. He agreed to feed Hari Hari Singh had become an experienced, seasoned
Singh when he said that he could cook. However, and successful thief at the age of fifteen. He stole
he did not turn him out of his house when he from his employers and escaped every time. He
proved a hopeless cook. Rather he decided to changed his name occasionally to avoid being
teach him both to cook and to read and write. caught by the police or his previous employers.
Though he knew that Hari Singh made money He started working for Anil, a writer. He made
from daily purchases yet he did not mind it. profit from the daily supplies.
Rather he trusted Hari Singh fully. He gave him He got many opportunities to rob Anil. However,
every opportunity to mend or reform himself. he did not like to rob a careless fellow who would
Anil was a noble-minded person. He chose fail to notice his skill. One day, he made off with
not to expose Hari Singh’s attempted theft. He Anil’s money and reached the station. He did not
turned a thief into a respectable person. board the slow-moving train intentionally.
Hari Singh could show false smile on his face
15. Hari Singh believed that it was difficult to rob to exploit the situation. He was a man of noble
a man like Anil. Do you think that he really conscience. He was a grateful person. He was not
appreciated kind people ? Why do you think a betrayer. He was career-conscious.
he found it difficult to cheat a man like Anil ?
Discuss the values that stop a person from doing 18. Who was Anil? How did he treat Hari Singh and
something wrong. how did it influence Hari’s life?
Ans : 2011, 2001 O
Hari did appreciate and kind people as is evident Who was Anil? How did he transform Hari Singh’s
from the story. In the descriptions that he gives character?
about various people, Anil stands apart. Perhaps Ans : 2009, 2007, 2005
it was the first time that anyone had done so Anil was about 25 years old, a tall and lean man
much for Hari. who looked easy-going, kind-hearted and simple
Later, as he was running away after robbing enough to the thief Hari Singh so as to get into
Anil, his conscience kept pricking him. He was his confidence. Anil allowed him to stay in his
unable to betary the trust of the kind Anil. It was room, fed him and began to teach him reading
perhaps also because Hari was not a hardened and writing. In fact, the thief began to enjoy
criminal. He had probably become a thief due to working for Anil.
circumstance, not by choice. His innate goodness After stealing the money Hari Singh decided

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Page 636 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

to escape but for some inexplicable reason he did him to learn reading and writing and that could
not board the train. He reflected upon his life and change his life once and for all. In his further
suddenly it dawned upon him that he would spoil mediation he made his mind to return back to
his life once and for all. So he changed his way of Anil at once.
life. Anil’s trust and affection made him change It shows Hari Singh was grateful to Anil for
his course of life. helping him to learn read and write. It also shows
that deep in heart he had a desire to change the
19. ‘A thief in Hari Singh changed into a good human course of his life. He wanted to give up theft and
being’. How far was Anil’s considerate nature wanted to lead a life of a respectable person.
responsible for this transformation?
Ans : 2008 22. Anil is a real teacher, Justify the statement in
Anil’s trust and compassion brought about a light of the story The Thieft’s Story.
change in Hari Singh. The thief had come to Anil’s Ans : 2006

house with the sole intention of robbing him. But It is love and sympathy which has transformed
gradually he began to realise that Anil was one Hari Singh into a responsible person. Anil
of the most trusting persons he had ever met and sympathised with Hari Singh and got ready to
it became difficult for the thief to rob him. Anil’s feed him if he could cook food for him. Anil threw
compassionate and sincere attitude reformed the the bad meal prepared by Hari Singh to dogs
thief to such an extent that he was willing to give the first day. Out of sympathy, Anil too upon
up stealing altogether only to remain with Anil. himself to teach him how to cook and read. Hari
Even though the thief tried hard, he could not Singh made a profit when he bought the daily
betray Anil’s trust. supplies. Anil was aware of it. However, he loved
him like his younger brother. Anil even trusted
20. ‘Trust and compassion can reform a person.’ him with the keys of the house. Hari Singh stole
Justify this statement in the light of the lesson the money but his conscience urged him to return
‘The Thief’s the same. Anil understood everything but showed
Story’. sympathy for him. He promised to teach him and
Ans : 2008
pay him regularly. In this way love and sympathy
There is no doubt about the fact that trust and transformed even an artful thief.
compassion can indeed reform a person. The thief
had come to live in Anil’s house with the sole 23. Suppose you are Anil, the writer. Write a letter to
intention of robbing him. But gradually began your friend ? Vivek telling him how you met Hari
to realise that Anil was one of the most trusting Singh and let him work for you. You live at 22,
people he had ever met and it became difficult M.G. Road, above Jumna Sweet Shop, Dehradun.
for the thief to rob him. Even when the thief Ans : 2005

had robbed him, he could not bring himself to 22, M.G. Road,
cheat a good and respected man like Anil. He Above Jumna Sweet Shop,
decided that he should go back to him because Dehradun.
he had started to like living and working with 13 April 20xx
Anil. Anil’s trusting, compassionate and sincere My dear Vivek,
attitude reformed the thief to such an extent that Today something interesting happened,
he was willing to give up stealing altogether only which I would like to share with you. I happened
to remain with Anil. Even though the thief tried to meet a young lad of fifteen while watching
to, he could not betray Anil’s trust and deceive a wrestling match. The boy’s smile was really
him. fascinating. I was surprised when he told me that
I looked a bit of a wrestler. Though he was slim
21. Why did Hari Singh decide to return stolen like me, I complimented him that he also looked
money? What light does it throw on his character? like a wrestler. This boy told me his name as Hari
Ans : 2006
Singh.
After stealing the money Hari Singh rushed to the Hari Singh expressed his desire to work for
railway station to catch 10.30 express to Lucknow. me. As you know my income is not regular, I told
But for some inexplicable reason he did not board Hari Singh that I could not pay him. But then he
the train. He decided to return back to the man asked if I could feed him. I told him truthfully if
whom he had robbed. He sat down in the shelter he knows how to cook then I can let him work for
of the clock tower and began to reflect upon his me. So, somehow through this encounter I have
life. Suddenly he realised that Anil was helping found myself a worker.

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2024
iv. Hari Singh had made a study of men’s faces
i. (d) He had no money to take admission in when they had lost their goods. As per his
school. observation, the greedy man showed fear; the
ii. Anil had complete remit in Hari Singh arid rich man showed anger; and the poor man
even taught him how to cook. When Hari showed acceptance.
Singh stole money from Anil, his conscience
troubled him, realizing he had betrayed Anil’s 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
trust. questions that follows :
I think he knew I made a little money this way
iii. Hari Singh was confident that by learning
but he did not seem to mind. Anil made money
to read and write, he could potentially earn
by fits and starts. He would borrow one week,
more money and cease working as a servant
lend the next. He kept worrying about his next
iv. True. cheque, but as soon as it arrived, he would go out
2. Read the extract given below and answer the and celebrate. It seems he wrote for magazines-a
questions that follows : queer way to make a living!
I found myself in the maidan and sat down on a i. Why did ‘I’ feel that uniting for magazines
bench. The night was chilly-it was early November- was a queer way to make a living? Answer in
and a light drizzle added to my discomfort. Soon about 40 words.
it was raining quite heavily. My shirt and pyjamas ii. State TRUE or FALSE
stuck to my skin, and a cold wind blew the rain None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to
across my face. I went back to the bazaar and sat the statement — I think he knew I made a
down in the shelter of the clock tower. The clock little money this way but he did not seem to
showed midnight. I felt for the notes. They were mind.
damp from the rain. Anil’s money. In the morning (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
he would probably have given me two or three a phenomenon
rupees to go to the cinema, but now I had it all. (b) An assumption - something that is taken
i. State TRUE or FALSE. for granted or assumed to be true
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be (c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or
applied to the sentence - Hari came to the claims not meant to be taken literally
maidan from the railway station. (d) A premise - a proposition that forms the
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for basis of an argument
a phenomenon
iii. The information in the extract suggests that
(b) An assumption - something that is taken
Anil could be a _____.
for granted or assumed to be true without
proof iv. What did the narrator mean by ‘I made a
(c) A premise - a proposition that forms the little money this way’ ?
Ans : 2018, 2016
basis of an argument
(d) A theory - a well-substantiated i. ‘I’ (Hari Singh) was not an educated person,
explanation for a natural phenomenon so he could not understand what Anil wrote.
He was surprised to know that writing for
ii. How is Hari feeling in the given extract?
magazines could be a profession and that
iii. State any one point for the following question
people paid Anil for writing in magazines.
:
ii. False
What was Hari Singh thinking while sitting
in the shelter of clock tower? iii. freelancer
iv. What study was done by Hari Singh? Answer iv. The narrator meant that he used to earn
in about 40 words. money by keeping the change left from buying
Ans : 2020 daily’s supplies.
i. True 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
ii. Hari is feeling very doubtful for his action of questions that follows :
stealing from Anil. I was still a thief when I met Anil. And though
iii. I should go back to Anil for the sake of only 15, I was an experienced and fairly successful
learning to read and write. hand. Anil was watching a wrestling match when

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Page 638 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

on the path of truth and rational thinking. Thus, Ans : 2000

education is an essential aspect of any child’s life “The Thief’s Story” is indeed a study of the
and can help one lead an honourable life. complexities of the human mind. More than often
a man himself fails to understand his own mind.
29. The chapter shows Hari Singh’s journey from a The human mind is rather vulnerable to outside
thief to an honest man who value friendship and influences. The young boy, who is a thief, picks up
other human values. Do you think it was Anil’s a job with Anil with the sole intention of robbing
selfless friendship that he Hari to redeem himself? him. But when he does get an opportunity to rob
Give reasons in support of your answer. him, he does so and then makes a retreat. He
Ans : 2002 cannot cheat Anil who has been quite good and
The chapter reveals Hari Singh’s transformation kind to him. Anil seems to him the fulfillment of
from a thief into an honest. It was Anil’s selfless his hope. He feels, with Anil he can learn, lead an
friendship that helped Hari to redeem himself. honest life and finally become a big man.
Gradually Hari Singh began to understand
human values such as friendship and trust. When Extract Based Question
he robbed Anil, he felt guilty of having violated
the trust that Anil had reposed in him. He could 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
not board the train and missed his chance to get questions that follow :
away. Moreover, he valued Anil’s feelings towards I went back to the bazaar and sat down in the
him as he knew that after discovering the theft, shelter of the clock tower. The clock showed
Anil would not be sad for the loss of money, but midnight. I felt for the notes. They were damp
for loss of trust. from the rain.
Anil’s Money. In the morning he would probably
30. How did Hari steal the money from Anil ?
Ans : 2002, 2001
have given me two or three rupees to go to the
One evening, Anil came home with a bundle of cinema, but now I had it all.
notes, and tucked them under the mattress. Since, I couldn’t cook his meals, run to the bazaar, or
Hari could not resist the temptation to steal, when learn to write whole sentences any more.
Anil was fast asleep, Hari slid his hand under the I had forgotten about them in the excitement of
mattress, searching for the notes. When he found the theft. Whole sentences, I knew, could one day
them, he drew them out without a sound. But, at bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was
that moment, Anil suddenly turned on his side a simple matter to steal- and. sometimes just as
towards Hari. Startled, Hari quickly crawled out simple to be caught.
of the room and reaching the road, he began to i. Which of the following is NOT a reason why
run. He had the notes at his waist, held there by Hari Singh thinks he would not be able to
the string of his pyjamas. When he reached a fair write whole sentences ?
distance, Hari counted them and found that they
(a) Anil would not be there to teach him.
were six hundred in amount.
(b) He had robbed Anil and left.
31. How did Hari Singh steal Anil’s money? What (c) He would not go back to Anil to learn.
justification did he give? (d) He had no money to take admission in
Ans : 2000 school.
One evening Hari Singh saw Anil tuck a bundle of
ii. Why is it fair to say that Hari Singh’s tone,
notes under his mattress. That was the time Hari
when he says “I couldn’t cook his meals, run
Singh decided to get down to some real work and
to the bazaar or learn to write whole sentences
steal the money for Anil had been out of practice
for long. As Anil lay asleep, Hari Singh slid his any more,” is filled with remorse and regret ?
hand under the mattress and drew out the notes Answer in about 40 words.
without a sound. He justified his act by thinking iii. What do you infer about Hari Singh from this
that if he did not take Anil’s money, he would statement ?
only waste it on his friends and the fact that Anil ‘Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring
did not even pay him proved another incentive for me more than a few hundred rupees.”
Hari Singh to rob him of this money. iv. State True or False with reference to the
given extract.
32. “The Thief’s Story” is a study of the complexities
The reason Hari Singh was filled with a feeling
of the human mind.
of guilt was because Anil trusted him

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

a simple manner. Hari Singh also required studies. reaches a climax when he is presented with an
Anil always taught Hari due to which his education opportunity to steal money from Anil but instead
level was also increasing. so Anil believed that if chooses to resist the temptation and considers the
he would continue his teaching then there could be consequences of his actions. This is a significant
the possibility that Hari Singh would change his change from the beginning of the story, when the
mood and passion. thief was only interested in self-gain.

3. Examine how Anil’s identity as a writer could 5. Based on the given context, write a diary entry,
have contributed to his understanding of Hari as the narrator, on what you experienced and the
Singh. possible reason for it. I should have been able to
Ans : 2023 jump into one of the carriages, but I hesitated -
Anil’s identity as a writer plays a significant for some reason, I can’t explain - and I lost the
role in the narrative and contributes to his chance to get away.
understanding of Hari Singh in several ways. Ans : 2021, 2012

Firstly, being a writer allows Anil to possess a Diary Entry

heightened sense of observation and empathy. 8.00 pm, 7 August 2020
Writers often possess a keen understanding of Dear Diary,
human behaviour, enabling them to read between I should have been able to jump into one of the
the lines and determine shades in people’s carriages but I hesitated for some reason I can’t
actions and expressions. This skill becomes explain and I lost the chance to get away. Earlier
crucial in Anil’s interaction with Hari Singh, as I was so quick to run away in similar situations.
he could perceive more than what meets the eye. But this time I could not get it because Anil’s
Additionally, Anil’s profession as a writer might trust and simplicity shackled my legs and brain. I
have made him more open-minded and receptive could not breach his trust. He had entrusted the
to diverse experiences and personalities. Writers keys of his home to me to come and go whenever
often explore a wide range of characters in their I wished. I imagined that he would feel bad in the
work, fostering a broader understanding of human morning not for the loss of money but for the loss
nature. This openness could have enabled Anil to of trust. If I had run away that evening I would
approach Hari Singh with empathy and without have not forgiven myself for my whole life. These
immediate judgment. Lastly, Anil’s familiarity considerations turned me back to Anil with the
with constructing narratives may have enabled money. I hope I took the right decision.
him to appreciate the complexity of Hari Singh’s
life story, recognizing the underlying factors 6. Education means different things to different
influencing his actions. people. Evaluate how it impacted the young thief
in the story.
4. A character arc is the transformation or Ans : 2021

development of a character throughout a story Education means different things to different

and refers to the changes a character undergoes people. The young boy had come after Anil with
as a result of their experiences, challenges, and the sole purpose to cheat and dupe him. When
interactions with other characters. Anil taught him to add numbers he realised that
In the light of the above information, trace the education could make a big difference in his life.
character arc of the thief in Ruskin Bond’s ‘The Now, he had understood that to become a big,
Thief’s Story’, in about 120 words. clever and respectable man, he must be educated.
Ans : 2023 He felt that he could achieve anything if he learned
The thief’s character arc in the story shows a to read and write whole sentences. Later when he
transformation from a career criminal to a person was thinking to flee with the stolen money, his
who learns to trust and work hard for a living. mind was struck again with the importance of
At the beginning of the story, Hari Singh education. Besides, the nice behaviour and trust
is portrayed as an experienced criminal who is of his employer had transformed a thief’s heart
focused on staying ahead of the law. He is initially and he returned and put the money back. This
attracted to Anil because he believes he can exploit way it can be said that education had a makeover
the young man’s trusting nature. As the story effect on the thief, Hari Singh.
progresses, he begins to develop a friendship with 7. What impression do you form of Hari Singh after
Anil, who teaches him how to cook, write, and reading the lesson ?
read. This transformation of the thief’s character

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Page 640 Discursive Passage Chapter 2

I approached him. He was about 25-a tall, lean he would soon teach me to write whole sentences
fellow-and he looked easy-going, kind and simple and to add numbers. I was grateful. I knew that
enough for my purpose. I hadn’t had much luck once I could write like an educated man there
of late and thought I might be able to get into the would be no limit to what I could achieve.
young man’s confidence. i. What did Hari do to earn his living?
“You look a bit of a wrestler yourself,” I said. ii. What could he do as an educated man?
A little flattery helps in making friends.
iii. Why was the narrator patted on his head?
“So do you,” he replied, which put me off for
a moment because at that time I was rather thin. iv. State true or false.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied
i. State any one inference about Hari from the
to the statement -The narrator was feeling
given context.
happy at the prospect of being educated.
“I was an experienced and fairly successful
hand.” (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
a phenomenon
ii. State TRUE or FALSE
None of the terms (a)-(d) given below, can be (b) An assumption - something that is taken
applied to the following lines. for granted or assumed to be true
“You look a bit of a wrestler yourself,” I said. (c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or
A little flattery helps in making friends. “So claims not meant to be taken literally
do you,” he replied, which put me off for a (d) A premise - a proposition that forms the
moment because at that time I was rather basis of an argument
thin. Ans : 2013

(a) Anil didn’t have any malicious intent. i. Had used to steal for a living.
(b) Anil was just being funny and easy. ii. As an educated man, Hari could achieve
(c) Both were trying to make pleasant anything and everything respectfully.
conversation. iii. The narrator had cooked a meal last night
(d) Both needed each other. that was not up to the mark. His master,
iii. Hari found Anil ‘simple enough for my Anil, gave the meal to a stray dog and
purpose’. What does he mean by this? asked the narrator to leave his place. The
Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference narrator was puffed on his head as a mark of
to the extract. encouragement from his master and to forget
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute what happened earlier.
‘easy-going’, in the given sentence from in the iv. False
extract?
6. Read the extract given below and answer the
He was about 25-a tall, lean fellow-and he
questions that follows :
looked easy-going, kind and simple enough
When the train had gone, I found myself standing
for my purpose.
alone on the deserted platform. I had no idea where
Ans : 2014
to spend the night. I had no friends, believing
i. Hari, who was now fifteen, became a thief at that friends were more trouble than help.
a very young age.
i. Why was the speaker standing alone on the
ii. False platform?
iii. He means that Anil was too gullible and ii. The speaker did not catch the train
trusting for his own good. Hari describes him deliberately while he could catch it easily.
as ‘kind and simple enough’ for his purpose Why?
which was to rob him after winning his
iii. Why did the speaker not have any friends?
confidence with sweet talk.
iv. State true or false.
iv. laid-back
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to
5. Read the extract given below and answer the the statement -The narrator has bought a
questions that follows : ticket for the train journey.
Later, he patted me on the head and said never (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
mind, he’d teach me to cook. a phenomenon
He also taught me to write my name and said

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Chapter 2 Discursive Passage

(b) An assumption - something that is taken

for granted or assumed to be true
(c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or
claims not meant to be taken literally
(d) A premise - a proposition that forms the
basis of an argument
Ans : 2011

i. The speaker was standing alone on the

platform because the train had left.
ii. The speaker did not catch the train
deliberately while he could catch it easily
because his inner conscience held him back.
Further, he didn’t want to lose the chance of
learning.
iii. The narrator did not have any friends. He
refrained from making friends as he thought
that the trouble caused by friends outweighted
the benefits of having friends.
iv. True



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Page 642 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

Chapter 3

T he Midnight Visitor

1. INTRODUCTION his mind. He finds Ausable not cracking pistols

or surrounded by dark-eyed beauties like James
‘The story The Midnight Visitor’ by Robert Bond. He feels let down after meeting Ausable.
Arthur depicts how two secret agents, Ausable
and Max, try to outsmart each other to gain
access to some important documents. Meanwhile, 3. Summary
this interaction is being looked upon by Fowler,
a writer, who had at first thought that Ausable Ausable, A Secret Agent
was someone who defied the stereotype of secret Ausable was a secret agent in an organisation. He
agents he had seen in movies or read in books, was a fat man with a strange accent. He was an
and lead a boring life. American and could speak German and French
fluently. He lived in a small room on the top floor
of a French hotel in Paris.
2. CHARACTERS Fowler’s Visit
Ausable Fowler was a young and romantic writer. One day,
He is a different kind of secret agent. Generally, he visited Ausable in the hope of finding some
secret agents that are described in detective unusual happenings there. He was also a spy and
books and shown in films, are very smart and dealt in espionage and danger. However, he felt
gun-friendly. Wine and dark-eyed beauties disappointed at Ausable’s sight.
are associated with them. However, Ausable A Telephone Call
doesn’t present such a romantic picture. He is Ausable and Fowler spent the evening in a French
very fat and sloppy. Physically, he may be fat music hall. Fowler was feeling bored. Ausable
but mentally he is very agile and quick-witted. informed him that he would soon receive an
He knows all the tricks of his trade. He is very important paper. The paper might affect the
quick to react and can cook up stories that may course of history. It had also made many men and
fit in all kinds of situations. He convinces even women risk their lives. He had got a telephone
the crafty Max that there is a balcony below call making an appointment in his room.
the window of his room.
Max’s Presence
Max Ausable switched on the light after closing the
Max is a secret agent and a rival and enemy of door. They saw a man with a pistol standing half
Ausable. He is slender, a little less than tall. He way across the room. Fowler was thrilled. Ausable
appears crafty and has a countenance of a fox. was surprised to see Max (another secret agent
There is nothing especially menacing about him belonging to another agent’s organisation) in his
except his pistol. He enters Ausable’s room to room. On being asked, Max informed him that he
take away a very important paper concerning had come there at the odd hour to take from him
some new missiles. the prospective report about some new missiles.
Fowler
Handling the Situation
Fowler is a young and romantic writer. He wants
Ausable sat in an armchair in a serious and
to write a book on detectives. Fowler forms a very
angry mood. He started saying that it was the
romantic and grand picture of a secret agent in
second time in a month that somebody had got

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

into his room through a balcony. Max had no 8. Prosaic - routine

knowledge about the balcony. He reported that 9. Chuckled - laughed quietly
he had a passkey. Ausable explained that the 10. Wheezed - spoke noisily, spoke breathing
balcony belonged to the next apartment which noisily and heavily
used to be the living room. The balcony extended 11. Missiles - weapons directed by remote control
under his window. The management had still not or automatically.
blocked it off and intruders could get on it from
12. Accent - way of pronouncing words in a
the apartment.
language
Max’s Warning 13. Slender - gracefully thin
Max asked Fowler to sit down, rather than stand 14. Menacing - irritating
stiffly for half an hour till the report arrived.
15. Grimly - seriously
Ausable was at a loss to find how Max had learnt
about the incoming report. 16. Inflection - change of
17. Moodily - tone sadly
Knock At the Door
18. Check on - meet
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Fowler
jumped at it. Ausable concocted another story 19. Deftly - skillfully
that the police might have come taprovide him 20. Uncorked - removed the top
security for the important paper. 21. Shrilly - at a high pitch
Max’s Nervousness
Ausable told Max that the police would enter the 5. Message
room any way and shoot if he did not open the
door. Max got unnerved. The story conveys the message that in any
situation we should not panic instead we should
Max’s End take a step and face the situation with our
Max got infuriated and started backing swiftly presence of mind.
towards the window. He opened the window with
one hand behind. He wanted to escape through
the balcony. He informed Ausable that he would 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions
wait on the balcony. He would shoot and take his
chances if Ausable did not send the police away. Read And Find Out - 1
The knocking became louder. Somebody called
Ausable repeatedly. Max dropped to the balcony 1. How is Ausable different from other secret agents
and screamed loudly. ?
Ans : 2016, 2009
Fowler’s Surprise
Ausable, unlike other secret agents, wwas very
A waiter entered the room with a bottle and
fat with an accent of both French and German.
two glasses set on a tray, the drink ordered by
Fowler was expecting a smart and active agent
Ausable. Fowler got perplexed. Ausable explained
having messages slipped into his hand by a dark
that he was waiting for the waiter and not for the
beauty. Whereas, Ausable received a telephone
police. Fowler was afraid lest Max should shoot
call making an appointment in his room.
them from the balcony. Ausable assured Fowler
that Max would never return. 2. Who is Fowler and what is his first authentic
thrill of the day ?
Ans :
4. Word meanings Fowler is a writer. His authentic thrill of the day
1. Gloomy - nearly dark is finding a man with pistol in Ausable’s locked
2. Chuckled - laughed quietly room.
3. Passably - just well enough.
4. Wheezily - with a whistling sound
Read And Find Out - 2
5. Espionage - spying 1. How has Max got in ?
6. Envisioned - imagined Ans :
7. Sloppy - carelessly dressed Max has a pass key. He has got in through the
main door.

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Page 644 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

2. How does Ausable say he got in ? 3. Looking back at the story, when do you think
Ans : Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of
Ausable says that he got in through the balcony Max ? Do you think he had worked out his plan
of the room. in detail right from the beginning ? Or did he
make up a plan taking advantage of events as
Think About It they happened ?
Ans :
1. “Ausable did not fit any description of a secret Ausable didn’t have the slightest idea that there
agent Fowler had ever read” What do secret would be someone in his room. When he entered
agents in books and films look like, in your the room, he blinked his eyes a few times. He got
opinion ? Discuss in groups or in class some a shock to find Max in his room. Ausable was
stories or movies featuring spies, detective and not handsome, attractive and smart. But being a
secret agents, and compare their appearance with good spy he did not panic. With his intelligence
that of Ausable in this story. (You many mention
and presence of mind he was able to find the
characters from fiction in languages other than
solution. He collected the facts and planned very
English. In English fiction you may have come
fast. He convinced Max that there was a balcony
across Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, or Miss
outside the window. He also told that there was
Marple. Have you watched any movies featuring
James Bond)? police knocking at the door though he knew that
Ans : it was the waiter knocking. He gave Max no time
Fowler, the young and romantic writer got to think. He did not use strength but mind to
disillusioned and disappointed when he failed to overcome the danger.
find something unusual. Ausable did not fit the So, it is true to say that nothing was planned.
description of a secret agent. Ausable was fat, It was by taking the advantage of the situation
things were worked out.
very fat. He spoke French and German passably.
Fowler had imagined to see a mysterious figure.
Talk About It
The setting in which Fowler met Ausable also
disappointed him. 1. In this story, Ausable shows great ‘presence of
In books and films the secret agents are some mind,’ or the ability to think quickly, and act
mysterious character. They are the members calmly and wisely, in a situation of danger and
of C.B.I. or C.I.D. Interpol, an international surprise. Give examples from your own experience,
organisation has one of the best detectives. We or narrate a story, which shows someone’s presence
would find them mostly to be very active and of mind.
smart unlike Ausable. Sherlock Holmes one of Ans :
the best detectives in fiction leaves the readers Just like Ausable showed great ‘presence of mind’
shocked. or the ability to think quickly and act calmly and
wisely in a situation of danger and surprise, we all
2. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe
must stick to our senses and wits and behave in
that there is a balcony attached to his room ?
Look back at his detailed description of it. What a composed yet clever manner in times of crisis.
makes it a convincin story? I too remember having behaved in such a way
Ans : some months back. While playing in the park one
Ausable was a clever secret agent. When he day, one of my friends fell from the swing and
entered his room, he found another person from was hit hard on his head. He fainted and his head
other organisation in his room. Ausable did not started bleeding. We were five friends playing
lose his calm. He made up a false story. He said in the park and there was nobody around us.
that it was the second time, someone had entered Everybody was scared and started crying. I sent
his room through the balcony under the window. one of them to that boy’s place to call his parents
Max took the story to be true. and rushed to fetch my bag which had a water
It becomes a convincing story due to the bottle in it. I sprinkled some water on my friend’s
simplicity and ease with which Ausable behaves. face after which he regained consciousness. By
He does not even panic on finding pistol in hand this time, his parents came and they thanked me
of Max. If Ausable had acted smartly, Max would for acting wisely in such a situation and took him
not have believed him. The story might have to the doctor timely. My parents were also very
turned into a different one. impressed with me.

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

2. Discuss what you would do in the situations unforeseen consequences. The pipes can get
described below. Remember that presence of choked and cause a kind of danger to the
mind comes out of a state of mental preparedness. building structure. Call a plumber to get all
If you have thought about possible problems or the pipes checked. The road may form pits
dangers, and about how to act in such situations, and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
you have a better chance of dealing with such The danger of accident also increases. Try to
situations if they do arise. form a group with friends of your own age.
(i) a small fire starts in your kitchen. Sort of community participation would be
(ii) a child starts to choke on a piece of food. of great help. Insecticides can be sprayed in
(iii) an electrical appliance starts to hiss and gives stagnant water and water should be cleared
out sparks. off the roads.
(iv) a bicycle knocks down a pedestrian. (vi) It is human nature to show worry for our near
and dear ones. If a member of our family does
(v) it rains continuously for more than twenty
not return home at the usual time then first
four hours.
of all we should check at the place where he
(vi) a member of your family does not return was expected to go. After knowing about his
home at the usual or expected time. time of departure, check with his friends and
Ans :
other associates. If no whereabouts are found
(i) Fire in a kitchen can make us turn panicky. out report at the nearest Police Station. You
Infact in kitchen there is a gas cylinder, which may suggest other such situations.
can burst any moment. If a small fire starts in
our kitchen, the first step should be to close
the regulator and try to open the doors and 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
window of the kitchen. In such a situation
we should also put off the main switch. If Multiple Choice
Type Question
possible try to put sand over the fire.
(ii) Food choked in the mouth of a child can be 1. Who is the author of the story “The Midnight
quite risky. Calm and patience are must for Visitor”?
any kind of calamity. The child should be (a) James Herriot (b) Ruskin Bond
asked to keep quiet and his back should be (c) Robert Arthur (d) Victor Canning
rubbed softly. If need arises a glass of water Ans : 2021
can be given to drink. The child should be (c) Robert Arthur
advised that while eating he should not talk.
(iii) Electrical fires can be very dangerous. They 2. “_____ did not fit any description of a secret
can not be put off by throwing water. There agent”.
can cause short circuit and even bring the (a) Fowler (b) Ausable
whole structure down. In case of such fires, (c) Max (d) None of these
the foremost priority should be to put off Ans : 2021

the main switch. One should never touch any (b) Ausable
switch with wet hands and always keep your
foot covered. 3. Ausable was a _____ fellow.
(iv) If you are a passer-by and witness a pedestrian (a) fat and sloppy
being knocked down. In such a situation, some (b) fat and enthusiastic
people simply laugh and create fun. But you (c) thin and sloppy
must act sensibly. Go near the pedestrian. (d) thin and enthusiastic
Try to see where he has been hurt. If need Ans : 2020
arises, take him to the nearby doctor. At least (a) fat and sloppy
try to give him first-aid. Such a good act will
always pay you in later life. If the injury is 4. What is the meaning of the word “wheezily”?
serious, take him to the hospital and inform (a) making a sound when you can’t breather
his relatives. easily
(v) Continuous rain can also have some (b) sneezing

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(c) coughing (a) excited (b) overwhelmed

(d) None of the above (c) disappointed (d) None of these
Ans : 2020 Ans : 2013

(a) making a sound when you can’t breather easily (c) disappointed

5. Where was Ausable staying? 14. What was Fowler’s “first thrill of the day”?
(a) Fowler’s home (b) French hotel (a) meeting Ausable
(c) Max’s home (d) French Inn (b) sight of a man with automatic pistol
Ans : 2020, 2007 (c) seeing a very important paper
(b) French hotel
(d) none of the above
6. Which floor was he staying at? Ans : 2013

(b) sight of a man with automatic pistol

(a) ground floor (b) first floor
(c) second floor (d) top floor 15. What is different about Ausable ?
Ans : 2020 (a) doesn’t look like an agent
(d) top floor
(b) doesn’t get messages slipped by dark-eyed
7. What language did Ausable speak? beauties
(a) German (b) French (c) gets only a phone call for appointments in his
room
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
Ans : 2015
(d) all of the above
(c) Both (a) and (b) Ans : 2013

(d) all of the above

8. Where did he come from?
16. What is the meaning of the word “slender”?
(a) Paris (b) Germany
(a) weak (b) slim
(c) Boston (d) None of these
Ans : 2015
(c) fat (d) none of these
(c) Boston Ans : 2012

(b) slim
9. When did he move to Paris?
17. Where did Ausable think Max was?
(a) 5 years ago (b) 10 years ago
(a) Paris (b) Berlin
(c) 20 years ago (d) 25 years ago
Ans : 2015
(c) Boston (d) None of these
(c) 20 years ago Ans : 2012

(b) Berlin
10. “he had never lost this _____ accent”.
18. What did Max want?
(a) American (b) French
(a) Fowler (b) phone
(c) British (d) None of these
Ans : 2014
(c) report (d) all of these
(a) American Ans : 2012

(c) report
11. What is the meaning of the word “espionage”?
19. How did Max claim to have entered?
(a) spying (b) writing
(a) a passkey (b) balcony
(c) hunt (d) None of these
Ans : 2014
(c) window (d) none of these
(a) spying Ans : 2012

(a) a passkey
12. Who is Fowler?
20. How, according to Ausable did Max enter?
(a) secret agent (b) personal investigator
(a) a passkey (b) balcony
(c) spy (d) writer
Ans : 2013
(c) window (d) none of these
(d) writer Ans : 2012, 2010

(b) balcony
13. How did Fowler feel after meeting Ausable?

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

will you do now, Max?” and over the window-sill.

Ausable asked. “If I do not answer the door; The doorknob turned. Swiftly Max pushed
they will enter anyway. The door is unlocked. And with his left hand to free himself from the sill and
they will not hesitate to shoot “ drop to the balcony. And then, as he dropped, he
i. State any one inference about Ausable from screamed once, shrilly.
the given context. i. State any one inference about the armed man
Ausable asked. “If I do not answer the door; from the given context.
they will enter anyway. The door is unlocked. The man at the window was holding a gun at
And they will not hesitate to shoot “ the fat man and his guest.
ii. State which of the options from 1 to 4 can ii. State TRUE or FALSE that none of the terms
be applied to the given statement or context: (a) to (d) given below, can be applied to the
True (T), False (F), Partially true (PT), Not question.
applicable (NA). The writer says ‘And then, as he dropped,
When Ausable claimed that he had asked the he screamed once, shrilly.’ Why did the man
police to check on him, he _____. scream?
1. he was being economical with the truth. (a) A hypothesis: the balcony was two floors
2. he was talking through his hat. down.
3. he was swallowing a lie. (b) An assumption: he thought that there
was a balcony.
4. he was spilling the beans.
(c) A premise: the existence of the balcony
(a) 2 - T, 1 - F, 3 - PT, 4 - NA
was a calculated lie.
(b) 1 - T, 2 - F, 3 - PT, 4 - NA
(d) A theory: had the man known about the
(c) 3 - T, 1 - F, 2 - PT, 4 - NA
absence of the balcony, he wouldn’t have
(d) 4 - T, 3 - I; 2 - PT, 1 - NA jumped.
iii. Max bit his lip nervously. The knocking was iii. Who was at the door? Were the police able
repeated. “What will you do now, Max?” to apprehend the armed man? Elaborate in
Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference about 40 words, with reference to the given
to the extract, what did Max do in the next extract.
few moments?
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘shrilly’ in the given sentence from the
‘jumped at’ in the given sentence from the extract?
extract? And then, as he dropped, he screamed once,
Fowler jumped at the sudden knocking at the shrilly.
door. Ans : 2009
Ans : 2011
i. He was planning his escape by jumping out
i. He showed an immense presence of mind and the window into the balcony below.
cleverness.
ii. (c) A premise: the existence of the balcony
ii. (b) 1 - T, 2 - F, 3 - PT, 4 - NA was a calculated lie (True)
iii. Max instinctively knew that the police were iii. Ausable fooled Max by saying that it was the
at the door. He stood there feeling nervous police who wanted to come inside to provide
and biting his lip because he did not want to him protection. Actually, it was a waiter
be shot dead by them. So, he jumped out the bearing drinks for Fowler and Ausable. Since
window to escape through the balcony that Max wanted to avoid the police, he jumped
didn’t exist. out the window.
iv. got a scare iv. piercingly
7. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows : 
Keeping his body twisted so that his gun still
covered the fat man and his guest, the man at the
window grasped the frame with his free hand to
support himself Then he swung his other leg up

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37. What was Fowler’s profession? (c) work under pressure

(a) writer (b) actor (d) Both (a) and (b)
(c) fireman (d) policeman Ans : 2003

Ans : 2005 (d) Both (a) and (b)

(a) writer
45. What did Ausable not live up to?
38. Ausable was brought to Paris twenty years ago (a) to the romantic picture of a secret agent from
from: a book or movie
(a) London (b) Berlin (b) to his commitment
(c) Kathmandu (d) Boston (c) to his parents’ advice
Ans : 2005 (d) all of these
(d) Boston Ans : 2003

(a) to the romantic picture of a secret agent from

39. Where was Ausable’s room situated in the hotel?
a book or movie
(a) on the ground floor
(b) on the sixth and top floor 46. How was Ausable’s physical appearance?
(c) on the first and third floor (a) Fat and sloppy
(d) on the fourth floor (b) Fair and heighted
Ans : 2005
(d) Extremely good looking
(b) on the sixth and top floor
(d) Tall, dark and handsome
40. What leads to Max’s death? Ans : 2002

(a) Fat and sloppy

(a) Fighting (b) Trick
(c) Bullet (d) Shooting 47. Who was ‘quick of action’ in the story?
Ans : 2005
(a) Robert (b) Max
(b) Trick
(c) Ausable (d) None of these
41. Who was the intruder? Ans : 2002

(c) Ausable
(a) Ausable (b) Max
(c) Robert (d) None of these
Ans : 2004 Short Answer Type Question
(b) Max
1. One should never judge a book by its cover.
42. What was Ausable expecting? Explain with reference to Ausable and how he
(a) An important magazine outwits Max with his presence of mind.
(b) An important paper Ans : 2024

Ausable’s character in “The Midnight Visitor”

(c) An important information
exemplifies the adage “never judge a book by
(d) All of these its cover.” Despite his unassuming appearance,
Ans : 2004
Ausable proves to be quick-witted and resourceful,
(b) An important paper outsmarting Max through his cleverness and
43. What did Max carry with him while trying to get presence of mind, which contrasts with his initial
the paper from Ausable? impression.
(a) Pistol (b) Tobacco 2. Who was Henry? What role did he play in
(c) Rifle (d) Knife Ausable’s plans.
Ans : 2004 Ans : 2024, 2003

(a) Pistol Henry was a waiter at the hotel where Ausable

was staying in France. He unknowingly helped
44. What were the qualities of Ausable’s fertile brain? Ausable in his plan by knocking at Ausable’s
(a) invent and cook up stories door at the right moment. His persistent knocking
(b) invent and cook up situations that would helped Ausable in getting rid of the intruder.
confuse and unnerve his rivals
3. The various elements of Robert Arthur’s writing

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

mediocre French hotel. But I think it must have he met his end. It shows that he was a careless
been a thrilling experience for Fowler to see and foolish fellow who was outwitted by Ausable
another secret agent with a small automatic pistol comprehensively.
in his hand, when he had entered with Ausable in
his hotel room. Moreover, Fowler must have been 16. Fowler feels bored and disappointed but get’s “his
thrilled to watch the way Ausable outsmarted first authentic thrill of the day”. How? Explain.
Ans : 2006, 2005
Max with his tactful handling and presence of
Though Fowler feels bored and disappointed at
mind. Ausable had convince Max that there was
first, his mysterious imagination did get its first
a balcony outside the window of his room, when
authentic thrill. When Fowler saw Ausable, he
there was none. Then, Ausable had made Max
was pretty disillusioned as Ausable did not fit the
believe that the policemen were the ones who
description of any secret agent Fowler had ever
were knocking at the door, whereas he very well
read about. Fowler, being a young and romantic
knew that it was the waiter. Fowler must have
writer, was forced to spend a dull evening with
been thrilled to see how Ausable got rid of Max.
a sloppy, fat man. But he finally got his taste of
14. How did Max meet his end? Do you sympathise the first authentic thrill by the sequence of events
with him? Why? Why not? Justify your answer. that followed later and he got to see Ausable’s
Ans : 2007, 2001 quick-witted intelligence. He was absolutely
Max jumped through the window to escape from amazed and dumbfounded by the ease with which
the police, he thought there was a balcony. But Ausable handled a dangerously tricky situation.
he fell down and met his end. We do sympathise Max is no match to Ausable as a secret agent.
with him because he was too easily fooled by Explain giving examples from the text.
Ausable. Even he was armed but he could not O
outwit Ausable. Max was gullible and Ausable Though Max was very cunning, still he was but ‘a
easily made him believe that there was a balcony little spy’ before Ausable. Explain.
attached to his room. When there was a knock Ans :
at the door, Ausabler took no time to announce It is generally observed that in a difficult situation
that it was the police to provide extra protection mere physical strength is not enough. A person’s
to him. intelligence and presence of mind play a more
He was but a “little spy” before Ausable’s important role while handling a difficult situation.
quick-witted intelligence. It seems he was a A physically weak man, gifted with intelligence
bit naive. He did not try to verify any of the and presence of mind, can definitely outsmart
information provided by Ausable. We feel pity as a person who is only endowed with physical
his own foolishness brings his end. strength. In the story ‘The Midnight Visitor’,
15. What makes you think Max was a careless, foolish we found that Max was physically stronger and
fellow? more active. On the other hand, Ausable was
Ans : 2006, 2003
a very fat secret agent, who outwitted Max by
On the surface Max seems to be very intelligent his cleverness, intelligence and presence of mind.
and smart. He managed to arrange a passkey to Ausable had found Max unexpectedly in his
enter Ausable’s room. He kept his pistol aimed room, when he had entered it with Fowler. Max
at Ausable so that he could not play smart. But had been carrying a small automatic pistol with
he forgot that a spy is known more for using his/ him, but even then Ausable was able to outsmart
her wit than physical strength. Ausable made Max due to his intelligence and presence of mind.
him believe that there was a balcony attached Ausable had done so by misleading Max about
to his room. When there was a knock at the the balcony and about the policemen knocking at
door Ausable again used his presence of mind the door. Neither there was a balcony nor were
and announced that it was police to ensure his there any policemen at the door, but even then
safety. Max could not handle the situation. He Ausable had made Max drop on what he thought
did not try to check the authenticity of any of was a balcony to save himself from the police.
the information provided by Ausable. He feared That is why presence of mind and intelligence are
to be caught and in his nervousness he jumped more important than physical strength to save
through the window. He believed to escape from ourselves from difficult situations.
the balcony. But there was no balcony and thus
17. Presence of mind and intelligence are more

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knocked at the door, Max fearing it to be the When there was a knock at the door, Ausable
police, jumped out of the window and died. used presence of his mind. He announced it was
police as he had asked for extra protection. It
14. Why was Ausable angry with the hotel’s made Max puzzled and he asked Ausable to send
management? them away. Ausable further added that the door
Ans : 2016, 2012, 2004
was unlocked and the police would not hesitate to
Ausable pretended to be angry with the hotel’s
shoot him. Max feared to be caught and jumped
management to misguide Max. He said that he
through the window and as there was no balcony
had complained to the hotel management to block
met his end.
off the balcony extended under the window of his
room. They did not act upon and this was the 20. How did Ausable manage to make Max believe
second time in a month an intruder entered his that there was a balcony attached to his room?
room. Ans : 2009

Ausable made up a story very beautifully. He

15. Did Max really deserve to get a chance to showed disappointment that in spite of his
accomplish a risky task ? Why/Why not ? complaint to block off the balcony attached to his
Ans : 2015
room, no action had been taken. He said that it
I do not believe that Max deserved a chance to
was the second chance in a month that an intruder
accomplish a risky task, as he was neither very
had entered his room through balcony.
smart, not very intelligent. He did not even look
threatening to Fowler except for his gun. A spy 21. What role did the non-existent balcony play in
without these apparent qualities will most likely the story “The Midnight Visitor’ ?
be a failure. Ans : 2009

The non-existent balcony plays a very important

16. Why did Fowler want to meet Ausable? Why was role in the story. It is on this balcony that Max
he disillusioned? jumps to save himself from being caught by the
Ans : 2013, 2008, 2000
police but instead ends up being a dead man.
Fowler was a very young and romantic writer. He
wanted to meet Ausable, the secret agent to learn 22. Why did Fowler want to meet Ausable? Why was
how Ausable tackled with some exciting events. He he disappointed?
was disillusioned because he thought Ausable was O
an unfit secret agent on account of his fat body and Why was Fowler disappointed when he saw
American accent. Ausable for the first time?
Ans : 2008
17. In the beginning of the story Fowler was
Fowler was a writer who had often read about
disappointed with Ausable. Do you think his
thrilling life of spies and secret agents and now
feelings changed towards the end?
he was keen to meet one. He was disappointed
Ans : 2010, 2001 as Ausable did not fit any description of a
In the beginning Fowler was disappointed with secret agent. Ausable’s personality was not that
Ausable as he did not fit any description of a impressive and Fowler spent a very dull evening
secret agent. But the way Ausable outwitted with him.
armed Max surely made him changed his feelings
towards Ausable. 23. Was there any balcony outside the window? What
role does it play in the story, ‘The Midnight
18. Who was in Ausable’s room? Why had he come Visitor’ ?
there? Ans : 2008
Ans : 2010, 2007, 2004 When Ausable saw Max holding a pistol aimed at
It was Max who was in Ausable’s room. He was him, he made up a story that there was a balcony
another secret agent. He wanted to grab the through which it was the second time in a month
important report on a new missile which was that an intruder had entered his room. When
supposed to be delivered to Ausable that night. there was a knock at the door and Max feared
that he would be caught by the police, he jumped
19. What did Ausable tell Max when he heard the
down on the balcony and met his end.
knock? Why did he tell him so?
Ans : 2010 24. What was someone expected to bring to Ausable’s

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

style work together to create a sense of tension, 8. How did Ausable befool Max about the balcony ?
uncertainty, and suspense, well-suited to the Ans : 2017

mystery and suspense genre of the story, The Ausable was a very intelligent spy agent. When
Midnight Visitor. Comment, with reference to he found Max waiting for him in his room, he
any one element. immediately thought of the plan. He told Max
Ans : 2023 that there is a balcony from where people enter in
The conversation between Ausable and Max is his room that Max must have also entered from
filled with half-truths and mystification, which there. Max got convinced about the story and
creates a sense of ambiguity and heightens hence when someone knocked at the door, he ran
the story’s sense of mystery. The reader is towards the balcony to hide and died.
left wondering about Max’s true motives and
intentions, which adds to the sense of uncertainty 9. Why was Ausable confident that Max would
and tension in the story. never return ?
Ans : 2017
4. Discuss, briefly, the reasons owing to which Fowler Believing Ausable’s story about the balcony to be
was interested in meeting Ausable. true, Max stepped out of the window. Ausable,
Ans : 2021
however, had concocted a very convincing story,
Fowler was a writer by profession. He wanted
and knew that what awaited him was a drop from
to meet Ausable, a secret agent, to learn about
the sixth floor. Hence, he was confident that Max
his interesting cases and how he solved them.
would never return.
He might be interested to use the information in
creating his stories or drama. 10. How and why did Max come inside Ausable’s
room ?
5. Ausable was always one step ahead of everyone. Ans : 2016
Highlight any two instances from “The Midnight Max had come into the room using a pass key. He
Visitor” when this holds true.
had come to get the secret report about some new
Ans : 2021
missiles which, he was sure, was with Ausable.
In the first instance, Ausable guessed rightly what
was going on in Fowler’s mind even in their first 11. How did Max go out of Ausable’s room to save
meeting. Later on, very cleverly he framed a story himself from the police ?
on the spur of the moment to move Max out of
the room by telling him the fake incident of the Ans : 2016
balcony and the intruder. Max was very nervous to find the police at the
door. He went out of the window saying that he
6. Henry unintentionally saved Ausable’s life. Briefly would wait in the balcony. He warned Ausable to
comment.
send them away or he would shoot him. Max did
Ans : 2021
not confirm about the balcony and stepped out of
Henry had come to serve water in the room. But,
the window and died.
Ausable took the benefit of his knocking at the
door. He warned Max that it was police and he 12. What made the story of balcony so convincing ?
would be caught soon if he did not jump out of Ans : 2016
the window. In this way, Ausable was saved by Ausable showed his annoyance for the nuisance
Henry, though, intentionally. created by the balcony. He said that this was the
second time that someone had got into his room
7. Ausable displays an acute sense of awareness of
through it. He also said that the balcony was not
his surroundings. Justify with any two instances
his but belongs to the next apartment and earlier
from the text.
his room used to be a part of a large unit.
Ans : 2021

Ausable displayed an acute sense of awareness of 13. How did Ausable kill Max without using a weapon
his surroundings at two incidence. He was fully ?
aware of his hotel room’s entrance and exit. He Ans : 2016
confirmed it already that his room did not have Ausable was an intelligent spy. When he found
an attached balcony. He had calculated well in Max waiting for him in his room, he made a story
advance the time for the waiter’s arrival for room of a balcony under his window. He convinced
service. Max about the balcony. And thus, when someone

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imaginary balcony. He convinced Max that in Long Answer Type Question

case police came into his room, he could hide
in the balcony that nobody knew of. This was 1. “Despite his unusual appearance, Ausable’s
his game to get rid of Max. presence of mind helped him get rid of Max.”
Comment with reference to the story ‘The
34. Describe Fowler’s reaction after entering Ausable’s Midnight Visitor’.
room in the hotel. Ans : 2024
Ans : 2003, 2001 In “The Midnight Visitor,” Ausable, despite not
On entering the room, Fowler still appeared to be fitting the stereotypical image of a cunning and
disillusioned. But as the lights came on, Fowler physically agile secret agent due to his unusual
had his first authentic thrill of the day. For halfway appearance, showcases his exceptional presence
across the room, with a small automatic pistol in of mind and quick thinking. When confronted by
his hand, a man called Max was standing. Max, an adversary, in his hotel room, Ausable
cleverly invents a story about a non-existent
35. Why did Max’s face turn black with anger ? What balcony and an imaginary police arrival. His
did he want Ausable to do ?
ingenious bluff about the hotel room being
Ans : 2002
under surveillance with the police due to arrive
On hearing the sudden knocking at the door,
through a fictional balcony convinces Max. This
Ausable told Max that that would be the police
mental agility and the ability to think on his feet
he had called beforehand. The knocking was
enable Ausable to outwit Max, leading to Max’s
repeated and Max bit his lips nervously while
panicked attempt to escape through the supposed
his face became black with anger because of the
balcony, which results in his downfall. Ausable’s
incoming threat. Max wanted Ausable to send the
sharp mind, therefore, compensates for his
police away and he threatened to shoot them all,
physical appearance, proving that intellect and
but the knocking at the door kept on becoming
psychological tactics can be far more effective in
louder and louder and at the same time, a voice
espionage than mere physical prowess.
calling out for Ausable was heard.
2. Ausable wins over a very critical situation by his
36. Why did Fowler come to meet Ausable? Was he
sheer presence of mind without using any physical
able to achieve his target?
force. Justify giving examples from the text.
Ans : 2001

Fowler was a young and romantic writer. He had O

come to see Ausable to know about the life of a Ausable has the ability to think quickly, act
secret agent. Fowler was fascinated by them and calmly and wisely in a situation of danger and
thought of them as mysterious and romantic. He surprise. Do you agree? Support your answer
was not able to achieve his target as Ausable was from the story that you have read.
a boring man. His physical appearance didn’t O
match with that of a normal detective. We need intelligence more than physical strength
in a difficult situation. How is it proved true in
37. Why did so many people risk their lives? the story, “The Midnight Visitor”?
Ans : 2000 Ans : 2017, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009
Ausable had received a paper which had certain Ausable wins over a very critical situation by his
important information about new missiles. The sheer presence of mind without using any physical
paper was so important that several men and force. When Ausable entered the hotel room he
women had risked their lives to get it. found Max Standing with a pistol aimed at him.
Ausable showed no nervousness and sat in an
38. Why did Fowler feel let down when he met
armchair. He used his presence of mind and made
Ausable?
up a story at once. He made Max believe that
Ans : 2000
there was a balcony attached to his room. When
Fowler felt let down and disappointed to meet
there was a knock at door, Ausable took no time
Ausable. He had a different picture of a secret
to announce that it was police to provide him
agent in his mind. He thought they looked very
extra protection as he was expecting an important
mysterious and romantic but he found Ausable a
paper. Max feared to be caught and to save his
very fat and boring man.
life he jumped through the window and met his
end.

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

room? his hotel room ?

Ans : 2007 (DB), 2007 (OD) Ans : 2004

Ausable was expecting a very important paper Ausable told Max that another person before him
to be delivered to him that night. He told Fowler had also entered his room through the balcony
that many men and women have endangered their sometime back. Ausable said that it was not the
lives to obtain that paper. The paper might well balcony of his room but the balcony of the next
affect the course of history someday soon. apartment, that extended under his window now.
Because his apartment and the next apartment
25. Did Ausable know who had knocked at the door? used to be one unit once.
How did he know?
Ans : 2006 31. How was Max outwitted by Ausable in the end of
When there was a knock at the door Ausable used the story ‘The Midnight Visitor’ ?
his presence of mind and announced that it was Ans : 2004

police. He knew that a waiter had come to serve Ausable made Max believe that there was a
him wine which he had ordered earlier. balcony outside the window of his hotel room,
when there was none. Ausable also made Max
26. What story did Ausable tell about the unwelcome believe that the policemen were knocking at the
guests that entered his room? door. Therefore, Max dropped out to the balcony
Ans : 2005
to avoid the police but died due to the fall, six
Ausable made up a story that it was the second
storeys below.
time in a month that somebody had got into his
room through the balcony attached to his room. 32. “You are disillusional”, Ausable told him. “But
It made Max bewildered and made him believe take cheer my young friend. You will see a paper,
that there was a balcony. a quite important paper.”
(a) Who is ‘my young friend’ ?
27. Who was Fowler and what image did he have
about the secret agents ? (b) Why is he disillusioned ?
Ans : 2005 (c) What is the important paper referred to here
Fowler was a young and romantic writer. Having ?
read about the lives of secret agents, Fowler was Ans : 2003

fascinated by them. He thought that secret agents (a) ‘My young friend’ is Fowler, a young romantic
were mysterious people and their lives were filled writer.
with adventures. That is why, he wanted to meet (b) Fowler is disillusioned because he had thought
Ausable. that secret agents had a life like he had read
in books or seen in movies, but it turned out
28. Whom did Ausable find when he entered his hotel that Ausable did not look like a secret agent
room with Fowler ? as he was a sloppy fat man.
Ans : 2005
(c) The important paper referred here is a report
Ausable unlocked his hotel room and entered
regarding some new missiles.
along with Fowler. Ausable had just closed the
door behind him and switched on the light, when 33. “You can get onto it from the empty room two
both of them were surprised to see a man halfway doors down - and somebody did, last month. The
across the room with a small automatic pistol management promised to block it off. But they
in his hand. This man was Max, another secret haven’t.”
agent. (a) Who is speaking to whom ?
29. With what purpose had Max entered Ausable’s (b) What is ‘it’ in the above extract ?
room? (c) Why is ‘it’ being discussed ?
Ans : 2004 Ans : 2003

Max had entered Ausable’s room by using a (a) Ausable is speaking these words to Fowler.
passkey in his absence. Max had come there (b) ‘It’ refers to the imaginary balcony.
to forcibly get the report regarding some new (c) Ausable was shocked to see Max in his room
missiles, which was being delivered to Ausable by with an automatic pistol. Ausable was caught
somebody that very night. unaware and in order to save himself and the
writer, Ausable started talking about the
30. What did Ausable tell Max about the balcony of

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Page 654 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

Fowler is a young romantic writer, who loves in a French music hall.

reading mysterious stories. He has a fantasy to Ans : 2008

meet a secret agent or to see mysterious figures Wednesday

in the night, the crack of guns, drugs in wine, etc. May, 20xx 10:50 p.m.
He is not much interested in meeting dull people. Dear Diary,
He gets easily bored and disappointed. Being a young and romantic writer, I have read
Though he is a writer, he is very timid by many books depicting the heroic deeds of secret
heart. He easily loses his cool and gets nervous. agents. I have always imagined them to be
The moment he enters Ausable’s room and his romantic, mysterious, smart and dashing people.
eyes meet Max with an automatic pistol in his So, I was thrilled when I got a telephonic
hand, he is thrilled. He is scared, the moment appointment with Ausable, a very famous secret
he realises that it is a waiter and not the police agent. He told me to meet him at a French music
who has knocked at the door. He wants to know hall in the evening. I was happy because I was
about the man in the balcony. He has a horrible going to meet a renowned mysterious figure. But
experience with Ausable tackling risky situations later, I was disappointed to see an extremely
so calmly. fat man wearing casual clothes. This secret
agent spoke French and German passably with
9. How did Ausable get rid of Max ? Would you call a slight American accent. In fact, the more time
the act of Ausable a violent act ? Do you support I spent in his company, the more I got bored
violence in prevention of crime ? and disillusioned. He lived in an ordinary hotel
Ans : 2009
and used an ordinary telephone for the purpose
Max was in Ausable’s room with a pistol in his of communication, nothing like the life I had
hand. When there was a knock at the door Ausable imagined for a secret agent.
convinced Max that it was police. He excited him I am disillusioned. Waiting for some action.
to hide himself on the non-existent balcony. Max, In disappointment.
in terror, jumped from the sixth floor and met his Fowler
end. No, it cannot be called nonviolence. Ausable
saved himself but led Max to death. He made 12. Why was Fowler “disillusioned” and why did
him jump from the eight floor. He concocted the Ausable tell him to “take cheer” ?
story of a non-existent balcony and convinced Ans : 2008

him to hide there. He trusted him and jumped Fowler was a young and romantic writer. He
to death. Violence should never be supported but thought that the secret agents were mysterious
in prevention of crime it is inevitable. We cannot figures who lived adventurous lives. Therefore,
tackle the criminals without the use of weapons he was very eager and keen to meet Ausable.
and violence is inevitable. But he found Ausable to be an extremely fat
man who lived in a mediocre French hotel and
10. Pride before a fall, befits Max, who said “I will used an ordinary telephone to communicate with
get it back tonight.” Was he successful ? What others. After passing a dull evening with Ausable
lesson can be learnt from this ? in a French music hall, Fowler got bored and
Ans : 2009
disillusioned.
Max was a spy who was overconfident and too But Ausable told Fowler `to take cheer’ or
proud. His pride blinded him, and he thought to be happy because in his hotel room he would
that wielding a gun would give a further edge over show Fowler a very important paper. He further
the seemingly slow Ausable. However, despite this told Fowler that several men and women had
apparent pride and confidence, Max was utterly risked their lives to get that paper and that some
unsuccessful. Ausable outwitted him without day in the near future, that paper might as well
lifting a finger. Max, in fact, jumped to his own affect the course of history.
death by taking Ausable’s words at face value.
Thus, one learns that one should not be proud 13. Did Fowler find this episode thrilling or
and must pay attention to the finer details before disappointing? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans : 2008
attempting to do anything.
Fowler thought that a secret agent’s life was
11. Suppose you are Fowler. Write a diary entry about very mysterious, thrilling and romantic. When
your first impression of Ausable after meeting him he contacted the secret agent Ausable, he was
disappointed to see a very fat man living in a

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

21. Where did Max actually enter from? 29. How did Fowler feel at the end of the story?
(a) door (b) balcony (a) disappointed (b) thrilled
(c) window (d) none of these (c) sad (d) unhappy
Ans : 2011 Ans : 2009

(a) door (b) thrilled

22. Ausable was going to raise the issue of the balcony 30. Who fell down from the top floor of the hotel?
with _____. (a) Fowler (b) Max
(a) government (b) management (c) Ausable (d) Waiter
(c) Max (d) Fowler Ans : 2008

Ans : 2011 (b) Max

(b) management
31. What story Ausable cocked up to Max?
23. What did Max have in his hand ? (a) about the report (b)about a balcony
(a) a knife (b) an important report (c) about his fatness (d)about Fowler
(c) a pistol (d) all of these Ans : 2008

Ans : 2011 (b)about a balcony

(c) a pistol
32. Why did Max enter Ausable’s room?
24. Whose knocking did Ausable claim it to be ? (a) to meet Ausable
(a) police (b) waiter (b) to snatch an important report
(c) Max (d) none of these (c) to give information to Ausable
Ans : 2011
(d) to spend the night
(a) police Ans : 2007

25. Who was actually knocking on the door? (b) to snatch an important report
(a) police (b) waiter 33. Max entered Ausable’s room through the _____
(c) Max (d) none of these (a) balcony (b) main door
Ans : 2010
(c) back door (d) roof
(b) waiter Ans : 2007

26. Who jumped off the window believing there was (b) main door
a balcony? 34. Who was Max?
(a) Max (b) Police (a) the manager of the hotel
(c) Ausable (d) Fowler (b) another secret agent
Ans : 2010, 2004
(c) Ausable’s friend
(a) Max
(d) Fowler’s friend
27. How would you describe Ausable? Ans : 2007

(a) witty (b) lazy (b) another secret agent

(c) selfish (d) all of these 35. Who knocked at Ausable’s door?
Ans : 2010
(a) a policeman (b) Max
(a) witty
(c) the waiter (d) Fowler
28. How did Ausable made Max believe there was a Ans : 2006

balcony? (c) the waiter

(a) he made him see it
36. Who came to meet Ausable?
(b) with detailed description
(a) Ausable’s father (b) Policeman
(c) there was actually a balcony
(c) Fowler (d) Max
(d) none of the above Ans : 2006
Ans : 2010
(c) Fowler
(b) with detailed description

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Page 656 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

powerful than a gun. How far is it true in the case from Boston twenty years ago.
of Ausable, the secret agent? “You are disappointed,” Ausable said
Ans : 2003 wheezily over his shoulder. “You were told that
Max lay in wait for Ausable to steal the important I was a secret agent, a spy, dealing in espionage
paper from him. As Fowler observed, apart from and danger. You wished to meet me because you
the pointed gun he didn’t look very menacing. are a writer, young and romantic. You envisioned
Even this proved useless for him as Ausable mysterious figures in the night, the crack of
outwitted him with his presence of mind and pistols, drugs in the wine.”
intelligence. Ausable cleverly found out how Max i. Which of these describes how Fowler felt at
had entered the room and created an extremely the beginning of the extract?
believable story about a non-existent balcony. He (a) His heart sank.
kept calm, and, hearing the waiter knock, declared
(b) He was shaken up.
it to be the police. Max, in an attempt to hide, fell
to his death. Thus, Ausable got rid of Max without (c) His stomach was in knots.
moving a muscle. So, Ausable proved that presence (d) He was at the end of his rope.
of mind and intelligence are more powerful than a ii. State one observation about Ausable based on
gun. the way he handled Fowler’s disappointment
with him.
18. Ausable was a successful secret agent. What
iii. How did the atmosphere of the French hotel
qualities can be attributed to him? Give some
influence Fowler’s mood? Answer in 40 words.
examples.
Ans : 2001
iv. Which of these means the same as ‘romantic’
Ausable didn’t look like a usual secret agent. in the line below?
Ausable was very fat. He appeared to be a slow It was a small room, on the sixth and top
and sluggish person. But inside that fat body, he floor, and scarcely a setting for a romantic
had a very sharp brain. It was through his presence adventure.
of mind, intelligence and cleverness that he got (a) great (b) exciting
rid of Max easily. When Max heard a knock at (c) idealistic (d) passionate
the poor Ausable told him that it was the police Ans : 2020

whom he had called for the extra protection of the i. (a) His heart sank.
papers. Max wanted him to send them off quickly ii. We can infer that Ausable was smart and
till he waited on the balcony. Ausable had ordered quick-witted in the way he responded to
for drinks and it was the waiter who had knocked Fowler’s disappointment.
the door. Max was frightened thinking Ausable’s iii. The French hotel is described as ‘gloomy’,
cooked up story to be true. He jumped from the ‘musty’ and ‘small’. This sombre atmosphere
window thinking he would land up on the balcony of the hotel added to Fowler’s feeling of
but he fell on the ground from the sixth floor. disappointment. He expected a grand
Ausable’s presence of mind was his greatest asset atmosphere of mystery and danger, and was
and he used this asset to get rid of Max. disappointed by the reality of the situation.
iv. (b) exciting
Extract Based Question
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
questions that follow: “It’s not my balcony,” Ausable said with extreme
Ausable did not fit any description of a secret irritation. “It belongs to the next apartment.”
agent Fowler had ever read. Following him down He glanced explanatorily at Fowler “You see,”
the musty corridor of the gloomy French hotel he said, “this room used to be part of a large
where Ausable had a room, Fowler felt let down. unit, and the next room-through that door there-
It was a small room, on the sixth and top floor, used to be the living room. It had the balcony,
and scarcely a setting for a romantic adventure. which extends under my window now. You can
Ausable was, for one thing, fat. Very fat. And get onto it from the empty room two doors down-
then there was his accent. Though he spoke French and somebody did, last month. The management
and German passably, he had never altogether promised to block it off. But they haven’t.” Max
lost the American accent he had brought to Paris glanced at Fowler, who was standing stiffly not

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

Ausable’s ability to think quickly, act calmly got through an unimaginable difficult situation.
and wisely in a situation of danger and surprise
gets him through unharmed. 5. How did Ausable get rid of Max?
O
3. Ausable knew Fowler was very disappointed on How did Ausable fool Max and get rid of him?
seeing him. What did Ausable say to him and Ans : 2013, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2003, 2002
how did he console him? Ausable got rid of Max by using his intelligence,
O alertness and presence of mind. Max met his
What impression do you form of Ausable as a end by jumping out of a window, which Ausable
secret agent after reading story “The Midnight said had a balcony outside, but there was no
Visitor”? balcony and Max dropped down dead. Max’s own
O foolishness makes him an easy prey to Ausable’s
Ausable did not fit any description of a secret clever thinking. When there was a knock on the
agent Fowler had ever read.” Elaborate, Justify door, Ausable told Max it was the police who had
from text? come to check on him. Max was convinced and in
Ans : 2016, 2009, 2004, 2004 a bid to escape jumped out of the window without
Ausable knew that Fowler was pretty disappointed thinking.
on seeing him. Fowler had been told that he was
to meet a secret agent, a spy, dealing in espionage 6. Ausable was a clever secret agent. Do you agree
and danger. He had wished to meet Ausable with the statement ? Justify your answer.
Ans : 2011, 2008
because Fowler was a young and romantic writer
Ausable did not look at all like the conventional
who imagined a secret agent to be associated with
image of a secret agent. He was short and very
mysterious figures in the night, the crack of pistols
fat. Besides, he spoke French and German which
and drugs in the wine. Instead, Fowler had to spend
lacked fluency as well as the right accent; the
a dull evening in a French music hall with a sloppy
American accent was quite palpable in his speech.
fat man who, instead of having messages slipped
However, Ausable had a very sharp and active
into his hand by dark-eyed beauties, got only an
mind because he invented two stories, one about
ordinary telephone call making an appointment in
a non-existent balcony outside his hotel window
his room. Though Ausable’s appearance did not
and another about the police arriving to give
match that of a secret agent and he did not really
extra security to some important documents he
fit the description of one, he was indeed a very
was about to receive.
intelligent and smart agent. Ausable understood
He was an intelligent man and a clever secret
Fowler’s disillusionment and told him to take cheer
agent to be able to invent such stories on the spur
because he would presently see an important paper
of the moment in the face of imminent danger in
for which several people had risked their lives and
the form of Max, a rival secret agent.
that could well affect the course of history.
7. What information did Ausable give about the
4. How did Ausable use ‘the knock’ at the door in imaginary balcony ? Why did he do so ?
his favour? What light does this throw on his Ans : 2011
character? Ausable created a detailed description of how
Ans : 2014
his room was part a bigger apartment and how
There was a sudden knock at the door. Ausable
the next room had a direct connection with a
knew it that the water had come to serve the
balcony. His statement that somebody else had
drink ordered by him. He used his presence of
also broken into his office through that balcony
mind and informed Max that it would be the
made it a convincing story. Ausable did this to
police. Even in the most difficult situation when
fool Max into thinking tha a balcony existed just
a man was standing aiming a pistol at him, he
outside the window, as he knew that soon the
did not lose his nerves. He said that he demanded
waiter bringing the drinks he had ordered would
extra police protection and asked them to check
be knocking at the door, which may prompt Max
on him regularly so nothing went wrong with
to jump into the imaginary balcony to hide.
him. He said that the room was unlocked and
the police would not hesitate to shoot Max. Max 8. Give a brief character sketch of Fowler ? What are
unwittingly jumped outside the room and .got the values reflected in his character ?
injured. Thus Ausable with his sheer intelligence Ans : 2010

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Page 658 Discursive Passage Chapter 3

making an appointment in his room. You have start. I thought you were in Berlin. What are you
been bored!” The fat man chuckled to himself as doing here in my room?”
he unlocked the door of his room and stood aside i. State any one inference about Max’s entry
to let his frustrated guest enter. into Ausable’s room from the given context.
i. State any one inference about Detective “Max,” he wheezed, ‘you gave me quite a
Fowler from the given context. start. I thought you were in Berlin. What are
“You have been bored!” you doing here in my room?”
ii. State which of the options from (a) to (d) can ii. State which of the options from (a) to (d) can
be applied to the given statement or context. be applied to the given statement to complete
(a) Aside- a direct address to the audience it?
that other characters aren’t privy to, For halfway across the room, a small
(b) Monologue- a long speech delivered by a automatic pistol in his hand, stood a man,
character during a conversation Max _____.
(c) Point of View- narration of a story can (a) who had come to steal the secret report
be from a first, second, or third person’s which was to be shortly delivered to
point of view Ausable.
(d) Soliloquy- a long speech with no audience (b) who was an ordinary thief out to make
in the story some money.
iii. The speaker talks about many disappointments (c) another secret agent double-crossing
for the listener. Which was the primary cause Fowler.
of disappointment? Elaborate in about 40 (d) a police officer in disguise.
words, with reference to the given extract. iii. “Max,” he wheezed, “you gave me quite a start. I
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute thought you were in Berlin. What are you doing
‘chuckled’ in the given sentence from the here in my room?” Why was Ausable wheezing?
extract? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to
The fat man chuckled to himself as he the extract.
unlocked the door of his room and stood aside iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
to let his frustrated guest enter. ‘authentic’ in the given sentence from the
Ans : 2015 extract? And as the light came on, Fowler
i. Detective Fowler’s expectations about had his first authentic thrill of the day.
Ausable were belied because the latter was Ans : 2013

too fat to be a secret agent. i. He had entered his room by using a key to
ii. (c) Point of View- narration of a story can be take the report.
from a first, second, or third person’s point of ii. (a) who had come to steal the secret report
view which was to be shortly delivered to Ausable.
iii. The evening was rather unexciting with no iii. For a secret agent, Ausable was sloppy and
beautiful girls hovering around. Fowler had very fat. On top of it, he had hired a small
spent a dull day waiting for some excitement room in a hotel on the sixth or the top floor
but his biggest disappointment was Ausable to execute his secret business of meeting
—a sloppy, fat detective, not a dashingly another agent who was to deliver papers on a
dressed secret agent. new missile.
iv. laughed quietly iv. real

5. Read the extract given below and answer the 6. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows : questions that follows :
As he spoke, Ausable closed the door behind him. Fowler jumped at the sudden knocking at the door.
Then he switched on the light. And as the light Ausable just smiled. “That will be the police,” he
came on, Fowler had his first authentic thrill of said. “I thought that such an important paper
the day. For halfway across the room, a small as the one we are waiting for should have a little
automatic pistol in his hand, stood a man. extra protection. I told them to check on me to
Ausable blinked a few times. make sure everything was all right.” Mar bit his
“Max,” he wheezed, “you gave me quite a lip nervously. The knocking was repeated. “What

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Chapter 3 Discursive Passage

far from Ausable, and waved the gun with a 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
commanding gesture. “Please sit down,” he said. questions that follows :
“We have a wait of half an hour, I think Max was slender, a little less than tall, with
i. State any one inference about the balcony features that suggested slightly the crafty, pointed
spoken at length by Ausable from the given countenance of a fox. There was about him - aside
context. from the gun nothing especially menacing. “The
The management promised to block it off. report,” he murmured. “The report that is being
But they haven’t. brought to you tonight concerning some new
ii. State TRUE or FALSE. missiles. I thought I would take it from you. It
None of the options from (a) to (d) can be will be safer in my hands than in yours.” Ausable
applied to the given question or context- “It’s moved to an armchair and sat down heavily. “I’m
not my balcony,” Ausable said with extreme going to raise the devil with the management this
irritation. “It belongs to the next apartment.” time, and you can bet on it,” he said grimly. “This
When Ausable said this, what was he relying is the second time in a month that somebody
on? has got into my room through that nuisance of
(a) A hypothesis: Max had no idea about the a balcony!”
balcony. i. State True or False.
(b) An assumption: Fowler had no idea about None of the terms (a) - (d) can be applied
the balcony. to the statement - The report that is being
(c) A premise: Only he knew that there was brought to you tonight concerning some new
no balcony. missiles.
(d) A theory: The waiter had no idea about (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
the balcony. a phenomenon
iii. ‘It had the balcony, which extends under my (b) An assumption - something that is taken
window now. You can get onto it from the for granted or assumed to be true
empty room two doors down-and somebody (c) A statement - a definite or clear expression
did, last month. The management promised of something in speech or writing.
to block it off But they haven’t.’ (d) A premise - a proposition that forms the
Why does Ausable explain the existence of basis of an argument.
a balcony at such great length to Fowler? ii. Which word replaces ‘sat down heavily’ in the
Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference sentence- Ausable moved to an armchair and
to the extract. sat down heavily’ ?
iv. Max told Fowler that they had to wait for a iii. Was there a balcony in Ausable’s room?
good thirty minutes for a paper to arrive. iv. How was Max described in the extract?
The paper here refers to _____. Answer in about 40 words.
Ans : 2019 Ans : 2017

i. Ausable dropped a hint for Max that the i. (c) A statement - a definite or clear expression
balcony could be used for escaping in an of something in speech or writing.
emergency. ii. Flumped.
ii. False. (option (c) can be applied to the given iii. No. there was no balcony in Ausable’s room.
question or context)
iv. Max was described as slender, little less
iii. Max was armed. Ausable, sensing the danger, than tall with crafty features that suggested
fabricated a story about the non-existent slightly the crafty, pointed countenance of a
balcony. When there was a knock at the door, fox. There was about him-aside from the gun-
Ausable again fooled Max saying that it was nothing especially menacing.
the police. Max jumped out the window
hoping to land on that non-existent balcony 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
and died. questions that follows :
iv. a report regarding some new missiles. “Instead, you have spent a dull evening in a French
music hall with a sloppy fat man who, instead of
having messages slipped into his hand by dark-
eyed beauties, gets only a prosaic telephone call

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Page 660 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

Chapter 4

A Question of Trust

1. INTRODUCTION bachelor. He lived with a housekeeper. He was

an expert lock maker. However, he was not
‘A Question of Trust’ is an interesting and completely honest. He had been to prison, fifteen
thrilling story which has been well written by years ago for stealing tewels. He had no desire to
Victor Canning. In the story, Horace Danby become honest. He was careful lest he should run
commits theft once in a year to buy some rare into difficulties for his dishonesty.
and expensive books he loves to read. For this
purpose, when he goes to rob the safe in a house Likings and Dislikings
at Shotover Grange, he finds a young lady, posing Horace Danby hated prison. He was heartily fond
and pretending to be the owner of the house, who of rare and expensive books. He used to commit
asks him to open the safe. one theft a year on the average. The stolen
money lasted for the year. He chose the house
at Shotover Grange to commit his next burglary.
2. CHARACTERS He studied the design of the house carefully for
a fortnight. He found that the family had gone
Horace Danby to London and the servants to the movies. He
Horace Danby was about fifty years old and broke into the house one afternoon. He hoped to
unmarried. Everyone thought him a good and get fifteen thousand pounds worth of jewels from
honest citizen. He was otherwise very well and the safe. The jewellery would enable him to buy
happy except for attacks of hay fever in summer. the books he wanted. He put on his gloves. He
He made locks and was fairly successful at his took the key from its usual place. He pacified the
business. Horace Danby was good and respectable pet dog by addressing it with love. He reached
but not completely honest. He used to rob a safe the safe, placed in the drawing room behind a
every year. He used to do so because he needed painting. He was suffering from hay fever. The
money to buy books. He had a passion for buying smell of the flowers at the table made him sneeze.
rare and costly books. He would rob only the
rich person. He never hurt anyone and carried no Appearance of a Woman
weapon with him. He was not very aggressive and Just then, a young beautiful woman in red clothes
didn’t want to go to prison. entered the house. She posed to be the mistress
of the house. She suggested to him that he should
The Lady in Red see a doctor if he was serious about his work. His
The lady in red is gifted with a rare personality. sneezing has brought her down from the top of
She is full of confidence. She acts like a perfect the house. She thanked her stars that she had
actress presenting herself as the lady of the house. returned in time not expecting to see a burglar
Even the dog was rubbing against her in a friendly in the house. To avoid trouble, Horace started
manner. In a very subtle way, she told Horace conversing with her in a pleasant manner. He
that she wanted to wear the jewels in the safe to replied that he too had not expected to find her
a party that night. She made him open the safe there. She got furious when he asked her to let
without gloves. Horace willingly hands over the him go. She threatened to get him arrested. The
jewels and she decamps with them. thought of going to prison made Horace shudder.
He pledged that he would never repeat such kind
3. Summary of thing if he was let off.
Horace Danby The Woman’s Mischievous Role
He was generally considered to be a good and The woman took a cigarette from a silver box.
respectable citizen. He was a fifty year old Horace took off his gloves and held his lighter

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

towards her. She promised to let him go if he 39. Mended - repaired

did something for her. Horace readily consented 40. Plan - project, scheme
to the proposal. The woman said that she had 41. Nonsense - meaningless
come to take her jewels as she had to attend a 42. Profession - line of action
party. She had forgotten the numbers to open the 43. Honour - self-respect
safe. She bade Horace to open it. She would get
the safe repaired. Horace broke the safe open and
gave her the jewels. Then he was allowed to go. 5. Message
Horace was arrested The story conveys the message that we should
Horace’s fingerprints were found on the safe, He not trust anyone without discovering out about
was arrested for the jewel robbery on the third that person. The story gives us another beautiful
day. The house lady was an aged woman of sixty. message that theft is theft, regardless of whether
He realised that he was befooled by a lady who it is done for a good or noble cause And no after
was also a thief. how smart a thief is, he or she will be caught one
day.

4. Word meanings 6. ncert TEXTBOOK questions

1. Safe - an iron almirah
2. Rare - uncommon
Read and Find Out - 1
3. Housekeeper - male servant
4. Usually - normally 1. What does Horace Danby like to collect ?
5. Except - leaving aside Ans :
6. Expensive - costly Horace Danby likes to collect rare and expensive
7. Secretly - without anybody’s knowledge books.
8. Remained - stayed
9. Movie - picture, film 2. Why does he steal every year ?
10. Tickle - light touch Ans :
11. Fingerprints - signs of fingers He is a lock maker. He leads a good life. But
12. Stirred - moved he steals once a year to buy rare and expensive
13. Wondered - got amazed books as he loves them.
14. Bowl - pot
15. Arranged - put in order Read And Find Out - 2
16. Burglar - a breaker of house
17. Described - given full account details 1. Who is speaking to Horace Danby ?
18. Mentioned - referred to, spoken about. Ans :
19. Hindering - obstructing The lady in red is speaking to Horace Danby.
20. Treatment - cure 2. Who is the real culprit in the story ?
21. Serious - solemn, grave Ans :
22. Firmness - steadiness The real culprit in the story is the lady in red.
23. Pretty - good looking
24. Straightened - unfolded, spread Think About It
25. However - nevertheless, anyhow
26. Amused - in a merry mood 1. Did you begin to suspect, before the end of the
27. Expect - hope story, that the lady was not the person Horace
28. Nodded - made a sign with the head Danby took her to be ? If so, at what point did
29. Inconvenience - uneasiness you realise this and how ?
30. Hurt - strike Ans :
31. Paused - halted Yes, I started to suspect, before the end of the
32. Frighten - terrify, threaten story, that the lady was not the person Horace
33. Persuaded - convinced Danby took her to be.
34. Desperate - in despair I realised this when the lady told Horace that
35. Watching - observing she had forgotten the numbers to open the safe
36. Shaking - waving and she asked him to break open the safe. She
37. Picked up - lifted also promised him that she would let him go if
38. Eager - anxious, curious only he opened the safe. In fact on one would

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do this kind of act if she is the real owner of the even once met the owner of the house. He did not
house. know that the land lady was quite an old lady
of sixty. If he had known the lady of the house
2. What are the subtle ways in which the lady than the lady in red could not have tricked him.
manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking The other mistake was that he had not cut the
she is the lady of the house ? Why doesn’t Horace telephone wires. He also opened the safe without
suspect that something is wrong ? gloves, which left his fingerprint all over. He was
Ans : easily found and arrested for the jewels robbery.
The lady in the red dress was very clever. She
was also a thief like Horace. She was also a good Talk About It
planner. She called the dog by its name. She told
Horace that she had heard him from the top of 1. Do you think Horace Danby was unfairly punished,
the house. She also suggested him to go to some or that he deserved what he got ?
good doctor for the treatment of his hay fever. Ans :
She threatened to call the police. There was a Horace Danby was a thief but not a typical thief.
firmness in her voice. She showed full confidence. He had planned robbery at Shotover Grange but
Thus Horace was trapped. Since he was a thief, not with any bad intention. In this story Horace
he could not resist and he also did not get time was punished for the crime which he had not
to think. He was caught red haded and was directly done. He had not got the jewels from the
so trapped in that he could not suspect that Grange Safe. It was his carelessness which had
something was wrong. got him caught. He was held culprit and was
arrested though he did not get a single jewel. The
3. ‘Horace Danby was good and respectable-but lady in red posed to be the mistress of the house.
not completely honest’, why do you think this She made Horace open the safe. She took all the
description is apt for Horace ? Why can’t he be jewellery in her possession.
categorized as a typical thief ? So it is wrong to say Horace Danby was
Ans : punished for his crime. He was unfairly punished.
Horace Danby was unmarried. He was about fifty
years old. He was a good-natured man. Therefore, 2. Do intentions justify actions ? Would you, like
everyone liked him. He was fairly successful in his Horace Danby, do something wrong if you thought
profession of lock making. As he lived peaceful your ends justified the means ? Do you think that
so he was considered a respectable citizen. But there are situations in which it is excusable to act
he was not completely honest. He had a keen less than honestly ?
fondness of rare and expensive books. He needed Ans :
a great deal of money to buy books. Intentions and actions go hand in hand. Intentions
He can’t be described as a typical thief and actions are two sides of a coin. If we have
because he committed just one theft every year. good intentions then we will never stoop to do
Moreover, he would rob only rich people. He never bad even if we are going to be rewarded high.
hurt anyone and did not carry any weapons. He No, I would not do anything wrong like
was submissive and did not want to go to the Horace Danby. Even if I am being promised a
prison. So we can justify to say that he was not a rich reward, I would not do wrong acts. We know
typical thief. that even a bad company or witnessing a crime
can be bad.
4. Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still Honesty is the best policy but still at times we
he faltered. Where did he go wrong and why ? have to keep aside true honesty. Suppose we have
Ans : not completed our destined task then we have to
Horace Danby robbed a safe every year which was make some untoward excuses. Such excuses can
enough to last for twelve months. He planned his save us for the moment and save our prestige.
robbery very meticulously. For two weeks he had
been studying the complex situation of the house
at Shotover Grange. In the magazine he had read 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
the situation of rooms, electric wires, paths and
its garden. He had studied the detailed plan of the Multiple Choice
Type Question
drawing room. He had seen the housekeeper hang
the key. He had even learnt the name of the dog. 1. Who is the author of “A Question of Trust”?
The only major mistake had been that he had not (a) James Herriot (b) Ruskin Bond

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

(a) Probably, it was the mistress of the time.

Grange. Ans : 2014

(b) Maybe, it was another thief. i. ‘He’ carefully planned his robbery every year.
(c) It could have been the housekeeper of the ii. False
Grange. iii. ‘he’ (Horace Danby) was passionate about
(d) In all probability, it was a neighbour collecting rare and expensive books. To
keeping an eye on the Grange. satisfy his passion, Danby needed money and
iii. What advice did the lady give Horace arranged it by robbing one safe every year
regarding his hay fever? Was she really and then secretly buying the books through
interested in his health? Elaborate in about an agent.
40 words, with reference to the extract. iv. carefully
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
‘buried’ as given in the extract? 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows :
He buried his face in his handkerchief
Ans : 2016
Everyone thought that horace danby was a good,
honest citizen. He was about fifty years old and
i. The flowers made Horace Danby’s nose itch
unmarried, and he lived with a housekeeper who
because of hay fever.
worried over his health. In fact, he was usually
ii. False (option (b) can be applied to the given very well and happy except for attacks of hay fever
question or context) in summer. He made locks and was successful
iii. The lady advised Horace that he could find a enough at his business to have two helpers. Yes,
cure for hay fever by trying to find which plant Horace Danby was good and respectable — but
he was allergic to. She was not interested in not completely honest.
his allergy or its cure; she was rather making i. State any one inference about Horace Danby
fun of him. from the given context.
iv. concealed or covered. Everyone thought that horace danby was a
good, honest citizen.
3. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows : iii. State which of the options from 1 to 4 can
So, he robbed a safe every year. Each year he be applied to the given question or context:
planned carefully just what he would do, stole True (T), False (F), Partially true (PT), Not
enough to last for twelve months and secretly applicable (NA).
bought the books he loved through an agent. Which of these proverbs fits the personality
of Horace Danby?
i. What did ‘he’ plan carefully every year?
1. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
ii. State true or false.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to 2. If you can’t beat them, join them.
the statement - He was an expert locksmith. 3. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for 4. All that glitters is not gold.
a phenomenon (a) 2 - T, 1 - E 3 - PT, 4 - NA
(b) An assumption - something that is taken (b) 1 - T, 2 - E 3 - PT, 4 - NA
for granted or assumed to be true (c) 3 - T, 1 - E 4 - PT, 2 - NA
(c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or (d) 4 - T, 3 - E 2 - PT, 1 - NA
claims not meant to be taken literally ii. ‘We can say that Horace Danby was quite well
(d) A premise - a proposition that forms the off’
basis of an argument Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference
iii. What was ‘he’ passionate about and how did to the extract.
‘he’ satisfy his passion? iv. Which phrase or word would be the correct
iv. Which word would correctly substitute antonym of ‘respectable’ in the given sentence
‘thoughtfully’, in the given sentence from the from the extract?
extract? Yes, Horace Danby was good and respectable
Vidushi arranged all the books thoughtfully — but not completely honest.
so that she could find them easily at a later

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Page 664 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

(a) his lighter (b) his gloves of the safe?

(c) his fingerprints (d) all of these (a) she wanted him to steal
Ans : 2010 (b) she had forgotten the numbers
(c) his fingerprints
(c) she wanted to see if he could break it
18. What did the lady say about his story? (d) none of these
(a) it was nonsense (b) it was true Ans : 2007

(b) she had forgotten the numbers

(c) it was a joke (d) none of these
Ans : 2010 26. Who stole the jewels?
(a) it was nonsense
(a) Horace (b) Sherry
19. What makes him angry? (c) the woman (d) all of these
(a) talking about the woman Ans : 2007

(c) the woman

(b) prison
(c) talking about honour among thieves 27. What does Horace do in jail?
(d) none of the above (a) Clean floor (b) Assistant Librarian
Ans : 2010, 2007 (c) Typist (d) Accountant
(c) talking about honour among thieves Ans : 2007

(b) Assistant Librarian

20. What was Horace allergic to ?
(a) dust (b) smell of flowers 28. How old was he?
(c) pollen (d) milk (a) about 40 (b) about 50
Ans : 2010 (c) about 60 (d) none of these
(b) smell of flowers Ans : 2006

(b) about 50
21. Where had the servants gone?
(a) doctor (b) movie 29. Why did Horace take-off his gloves?
(c) shopping (d) to meet relatives (a) to break the safe (b) to leave that place
Ans : 2009 (c) to light the lighter (d) to give her the jewels
(b) movie Ans : 2006

(c) to light the lighter

22. Where were the house keys kept?
(a) under the pot (b) hung on a hook 30. How was Horace in his business of lock making?
(c) under the doormat (d) in the letter box (a) failure (b) very successful
Ans : 2009 (c) not took interest (d) was in a big debt
(b) hung on a hook Ans : 2006

(b) very successful

23. What colour dress was the woman wearing?
(a) red (b) black 31. When Horace was busy doing his work of theft,
(c) green (d) white what thing proved a hindrance in his work?
Ans : 2009, 2005 (a) the dog Sherry (b) flowers
(a) red (c) the lady (d) the heat of the day
Ans : 2006
24. How did Horace think that she was the owner’s
(b) flowers
wife?
(a) she was confident 32. Sherry was the name of _____
(b) she knew the place well (a) a servant
(c) Sheery rubbed against her (b) dog at Shotover Grange
(d) all of them (c) a safe in the Grange
Ans : 2008 (d) the lady in red
(d) all of them

25. Why did the woman want him to break the lock Ans : 2006

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

was nowhere to be found. appreciated. Horace has some good qualities as

well, like he knows how to keep his promise. He
10. Suppose that you are Horace Danby. You are had promised the lady who was a thief that he
sentenced. Write to your friend Morris how you wouldn’t steal, so he didn’t. This tells us that if
trusted the lady and how she cheated you. You Horace can change his habits then he can become
write to him from the Westend Prison Library, a person who will be appreciated by all.
Victoria Road, London, England.
Ans : 2005 12. Horace Danby represents such people who adopt
Westend Prison Library, the wrong ways to fulfil their wishes. What values
Victoria Road, would you like such people to imbibe to reform
London, themselves?
England Ans : 2004

25 July 20xx Horace Danby was a successful businessman. He

My dear Morris, was about fifty years old and a respectable citizen
You will be surprised to know that I am now but had a habit that led him to do robberies.
the Assistant Librarian in this prison. I came here Danby loved rare, expensive books and to get
due to a charming but a shrewd lady, who was also them he used to rob a safe every year. Every
a robber. She tricked, duped and outwitted me in year he planned carefully just to get what he
a very clever manner. This is because I blindly wanted. Danby adopted wrong ways to fulfil his
trusted that lady, who was a perfect actress. She wishes and hence, later got trapped in a plot
had told me that she had forgotten the number by a thief like him. People should imbibe good
of the safe. She acted so well that I could never values. They should learn that hard work is the
doubt her intentions. only key to success. One should work hard to fulfil
I trusted the lady so blindly that I opened the one’s desires. I think such people should imbibe
safe without putting on my gloves. I will suffer the values of honesty, responsibility, hard work,
for the rest of my life because I misjudged her. dedication and self-confidence in order to reform
However, it is a good lesson for me as I would themselves. One should either curb one’s wishes
never commit the same mistake again. or try to fulfil them by working hard. There is no
Yours sincerely, shortcut to hard work.
Horace
13. Horace Danby was a respectable man but he
11. Horace was a successful thief because he carefully could not be called loyal. What do you think
planned is robberies. Should we call him a could be the reasons for leading a respectable
successful thief and appreciate his work ? Why man like him on the path of thievery? Did he feel
or why not ? lack of sense of freedom? Was it not in his nature
Ans : 2005 to accept the differences among people regarding
Horace meticulously planned his thefts so he their social status? Discuss the values he should
that was never caught. He was successful in have possessed .
carrying out his plans, but he could have used his Ans : 2003

meticulously planning technique in some honest Horace Danby’s habits were not typical of a thief.
venture. He bought books with the wealth he He was fond of books and was a respectable man
stole, but it was still bought in a criminal way. but his passion for books led him to commit
Robbing others is a crime and the criminal needs thefts. He used to steal only once in a year so,
to be punished, irrespective of what he does with he was never stealing more than his needs. He
the stolen things. stole only to buy rare books; he loved rare and
Horace is not a successful person because expensive books. Moreover, Danby used to rob
a person who robs others cannot be called only rich people. It was his nature to accept the
successful. One who earns money by working hard differences among people regarding their social
in an honest manner is said to be a successful status. He was aware that people with high socio-
person, irrespective of how much he earns. background could help him fulfil his desire. He
It is good that while stealing the jewels he found such people easy to rob.
was tricked and robbed by another thief. Now
working as an assistant librarian in the prison, 14. Horace promised the young lady that he would
he will get enough time to read those books and follow the path of honesty if sills would not hand
transform himself. Reading books is a good habit, him over to the police but he could not keep
but stealing to buy books is wrong and cannot be his promise for more than days. Did he lack

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Page 666 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

3. What was Horace Danby’s hobby? How did he 9. What made Horace believe that the lady was the
manage to fulfil it? actual lady of the house ?
Ans : 2018, 2016 Ans : 2013

Horace Danby had the hobby of collecting rare The young lady had a quiet, firm voice. Entering
and expensive books. He managed to fulfill it by the room, she walked gracefully to the fireplace
robbing a safe every year. Each year he planned and straightened the ornaments there as if she
carefully just what he would do to steal enough was the owner of the house. Her natural reaction
to last for twelve months, and secretly bought the and at ease behaviour, made Horace believe that
books he loved through an agent. she was the actual lady of the house.

4. How did the flowers cause him trouble ? 10. “Society must be protected from men like you.”
Ans : 2016
Do you find this statement ironic ?
Horace Danby had an allergy for flowers especially Ans : 2013
during pollen season. Whenever flowers are The lady in the red dress was very shrewd and
nearby, he got sneezings. The only cure for it was cunning. She talked about protecting the society
to stay away from those particular flowers. from the criminals like Horace when in fact, the
5. How did the lady spoil his plan ? lady was the greater culprit. She had come into
Ans : 2015
that house with the same intention as Horace, but
The lady posed as the owner of the house in front had somehow made Horace the culprit when she
of Horace. Horace got scared and believed her. was the one who had actually stolen the jewels
She asked him to open the safe as she had forgot from the house.
the password. Horace opened the safe and handed 11. What do you think is the meaning of the phrase
over the jewels to her. Hence, Horace’s plan of ‘honour among thieves’ ?
robbing the safe was spoiled. Ans : 2012

6. Why did Horace mistake the young lady for the The phrase ‘honour among thieves’ means that
mistress of the house ? amongst the thieves there ought to be mutual
Ans : 2015
trust, and that thieves do not compromise the
The young lady snubbed the house-dog with theft or activities of other thieves. They are
authority as well as love. She stared at Horace supposed to be honest among fellow criminals and
with an imposing air of confidence. She spoke thus, honour each other’s feeling of trust.
that she had returned just in time. Her manner 12. Which of the two thieves lacked honour ?
of speaking and actions made Horace mistake her Ans : 2012
for the mistress of the house. It is the young, clever lady who lacked honour as
7. “Every one thought that Horace Danby was a she had breached the mutual trust among thieves.
good, honest citizen.” Do you agree with this Posing as the lady of the house, she had taken
statement ? away the jewels for which Horace was arrested
Ans : 2014
and punished.
Horace Danby was considered to be a good, honest 13. A small dog was lying in the kitchen. It stirred,
and respectable citizen. He might have been good made a noise, and moved its tail in a friendly way.
and respected, but he was not completely honest.
Horace loved rare and expensive books. Therefore, (a) What is the name of the dog and where is the
he would rob a safe once every year to buy those kitchen located ?
books he loved. (b) What tact did Horace apply here ?
Ans : 2012
8. What made Horace sneeze frequently at the house (a) The name of the dog is Sherry. The kitchen
in Shotover Grange ? was located in a house at Shotover Grange.
Ans : 2014, 2010

Horace had hay fever or was allergic to flowers. (b) Horace was very tactful. He had a simple way
There was a great bowl of flowers lying on the to keep the dogs quiet. All he had to do was
table in the house he was supposed to rob in to call them by their right names and show
Shotover Grange. Therefore, he felt his nose tickle them love.
and he sneezed. He sneezed loudly whenever the
14. Where was the safe in the house at Shotover
smell of flowers came to him again and again in
Grange ? What was there inside it ? What did
that house.

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

(b) dog at Shotover Grange (b) smell of flowers

33. What did the young lady threaten to do? 40. There were _____ very interesting books
(a) to inform the police coming up for sale in the autumn.
(b) to let Sherry loose at him (a) Five (b) Thee
(c) to raise alarm (c) Four (d) Two
Ans : 2003
(d) to call the neighbours
Ans : 2005
(b) Thee
(a) to inform the police 41. The woman did not want to let Horace go as she
34. Where did Horace decide to make a theft this wanted to protect the _____.
time? (a) House (b) Society
(a) Montex Grange (c) Herself (d) Thief
Ans : 2003
(b) Shotover Grange
(b) Society
(c) Westbury Grange
(d) Mintunbury Grange 42. The safe was in the _____ room, behind the
Ans : 2005 painting.
(b) Shotover Grange (a) Bed room (b) Drawing
35. Horace Danby was fond of: (c) Study (d) Dinning
Ans : 2003
(a) watching movies
(b) Drawing
(b) listening to music
(c) going to public parks 43. Horace served in the prison for _____.
(d) reading rare and expensive books (a) Garden (b) Bathroom
Ans : 2005 (c) Library (d) Office
(d) reading rare and expensive books Ans : 2002

(c) Library
36. Horace Danby _____.
(a) was unmarried
(b) was going to be married Short Answer Type Question
(c) had one son 1. “Horace Danby is a thief who was cheated by
(d) had two sons and a daughter another thief.” Justify.
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2024

(a) was unmarried Horace Danby’s portrayal in “A Question of

Trust” reflects the irony of his situation. While he
37. Horace Danby was _____ years old. is indeed a thief, his trust is betrayed by another
(a) 50 (b) 40 thief, Mr. Cornelius. This deception underscores
(c) 60 (d) 45 the complexity of trust and the unpredictable
Ans : 2004, 2002 nature of human behavior, even among criminals.
(a) 50
2. How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and
38. How many times did Horace Danby make a theft out maneuver the other thief, Horace Danby,
in a year? by robbing the safe without leaving a single
fingerprint ?
(a) only once (b) twice
Ans : 2024
(c) thrice (d) every month The young lady in red was also a thief but she
Ans : 2004
presented herself as the lady of the house. ...
(a) only once
Horace thought that he was opening the safe for
39. What was Horace allergic to? the lady of the house. He handed the jewels over
to her and went out happily. He had forgotten to
(a) dust (b) smell of flowers
wear his gloves and left his fingerprints on the
(c) pollen (d) milk safe.
Ans : 2004

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Page 668 Discursive Passage Chapter 4
Ans : 2006, 2005
30. What did Horace Danby know about the Shotover
Horace did not get the jewels from the Grange safe Grange House ?
but he was arrested by the police. His fingerprints Ans : 2005
were traced on the lighter which he gave the lady Horace Danby had studied the house carefully. He
to light the cigarette. He was eager to please the took note of its rooms, electric wiring, paths and
lady to win her favour and unwittingly took off garden. He also knew that the family had gone
his gloves. to London. He had seen the servants hanging the
25. How were flowers hindering Horace in his work? keys to the kitchen door and going to pictures.
Ans : 2006
31. Why did Horace feel sure that year’s robbery at
Horace had attacks of hay fever in summer. While Shotover Grange would be as successful as all the
he was preparing to break the safe at Shotover others ?
Grange, there was a great bowl of flowers on the Ans : 2005, 2000
table and his nose tickled quite often. He sneezed Horace Danby chose the house at Shotover Grange
loudly. So he was finding it difficult to carry on to commit his next burglary. He studied the design
his work undisturbed. of the house carefully. He took note of the rooms,
26. Why did the police arrest Horace Danby when he electric wiring, paths and garden. He also knew
had not kept the jewels stolen from Grange safe? that the family had gone to London. He had seen
Ans : 2006, 2005
the servants hanging the keys to the kitchen door
The police arrested Horace Danby even when he and going to pictures.
had not kept the jewels stolen from the Grange 32. How did Horace manage to get into the house ?
Safe because his fingerprints were all over the Ans : 2004
room. No one believed him when he said that the Horace was attempting to rob the house at
wife of the owner of the house had asked him to Shotover Grange. A small dog stirred, made a
open the safe for her and his story was termed as noise and moved its tail in a friendly way. Horace
utter ‘nonsense’. kept the house-dog quiet by calling him by his
27. Horace was no ordinary thief. How can you say right name, Sherry and showing him love.
this ? 33. Do you think that the young lady was smarter
Ans : 2006
than Horace Danby ?
Horace Danby was a typical thief. He robbed just Ans : 2004
one safe every year. Moreover, he stole only from Yes, the young lady in red was far smarter than
those who had a lot of money. He never thought Horace. She played her part unhesitatingly in the
of hurting anybody. Therefore, he did not carry most natural manner. She had a grip on Horace.
any weapons. He obeyed her command like a puppet. She made
28. What advice did the lady give Horace about his him open the safe for her as if he got spell-bound.
hay fever ? Was she really interested in his health He was so much fooled that he could not suspect
? her to be a thief like himself.
Ans : 2006
34. How did Horace know all the details of the house?
The lady advised him that he could cure the Ans : 2004
disease with a special treatment and if he found Horace had been studying the house for the past
out that which plant gave him the disease. She two weeks. Moreover, a magazine article had
also told him that he should see the doctor if he described this house, giving a plan of all the
was serious about work. No, she was not interested rooms and a picture of the room. There were also
in his health. the details of the safe hidden behind the painting.
29. Why would Horace get angry when anyone talked 35. How did Horace fulfil his desire of reading books
on honour among thieves ? after he was arrested?
Ans : 2005
Ans : 2004, 2001
Horace got angry when anyone talked about After Horace was arrested, he became the
honour among thieves because being a thief lady assistant librarian in the prison and fulfilled his
in red played a trick on Horace, another thief. desire of reading books.
She played foul with him and grabbed the entire
jewellery. She should have disclosed her identity
and shared booty with Horace.

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

Horace expect to get if he sold them one by one ? Each year he planned carefully just what he
What did he intend to buy ? would do. He stole enough to last him for twelve
Ans : 2011 months and with the rest of the money be bought
The safe in the house at Shotover Grange was in rare and expensive books, that he loved, through
the drawing room, behind a rather poor painting. an agent.
The safe had a burglar alarm that was poorly
built and there were about fifteen thousand 20. How did Horace quieten the dog at Shotover
pounds’ worth of jewels in it. Grange?
Horace expected to get at least five thousand, O
if he sold those jewels one by one. After getting the How did Horace Manage the small dog when he
money, he wanted to buy three very interesting, attempted to rob the house at Sohtover Grange?
rare and expensive books that were coming up for Ans : 2008, 2007, 2002

sale in the autumn. A small dog was lying in the kitchen. It stirred,
made a noise, and moved its tail in a friendly
15. How did Horace open the door ? way. Horace quietened the dog by calling it by its
Ans : 2011 correct name, and showed it love.
Horace knew where the key to the house was kept
as he had seen the housekeeper hang the key to 21. What does the writer tell us about Horace Danby’s
the kitchen door on a hook outside. So, he put life?
on a pair of gloves, took the key, and opened the Ans : 2008, 2004

door. He had worn the gloves because he was Horace Danby was about fifty years old and
always careful not to leave any fingerprints in the unmarried, and lived with a housekeeper who
houses he robbed. bothered about his health. He had hay fever attacks
in summer. He made locks and was successful in
16. What did Horace Danby wonder about for a his business. He was good and respectable-but not
moment? What did he think and decide ? completely honest.
Ans : 2010

On seeing the poor painting in the drawing 22. Why did Horace Danby feel sure of his success in
room, behind which the safe was, Horace Danby that year’s robbery?
wondered for a moment whether he should collect Ans : 2008, 2005

pictures instead of books. But they took up too Horace Danby felt sure of his success in that
much room so he soon gave up the idea, as in a year’s robbery as he had been studying rooms,
small house like his books were better. electric wiring, paths and gardens of the house at
Shotover Grange for two weeks. He knew that the
17. Was Horace a typical thief? family was in London and the two servants who
Ans : 2010, 2007, 2002 lived in the house had gone to watch movie that
Horace was not a typical thief. He made locks and afternoon.
was successful in his business. He loved rare and
expensive books. To purchase these books he used 23. What story did the lady tell Horace to get the
to rob only a safe every year. jewels?
Ans : 2007 (DB), 2007 (OD)
18. Why was it not difficult for Horace to open the The lady made up a story that before going to
safe? London, she promised her husband to take her
Ans : 2009 jewels to their bank; but she left them there in
It was not difficult for Horace to open the safe as the safe. She wished to put on the jewels to a
he had lived with locks and safes all his life. The party that night. Above all she had forgotten the
burglar alarm was poorly built. He cut the wire of it numbers to open the safe. Thus she convinced
without difficulty. Horace to open the safe.
19. How Horace Danby planned his work? 24. Why did the police arrest Horace Danby when he
O could not keep the jewels stolen from the Grange
How often did Horace Danby commit a robbery Safe?
every year? What did he do with the stolen O
material? Did Horace get the jewels from the Grange safe?
Ans : 2009, 2007, 2000 Then why did the police arrest him?
Horace Danby robbed only one safe every year.

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Page 670 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

minutely study the location of rooms in the locks and was successful enough at his business.
house, its electric wiring, its paths and gardens. He was good and respectable but not completely
Danby would always enter the house, with his honest. Danby’s habits were not typical of a thief.
tools carefully packed in a bag on his back. He He was fond of books. He used to steal only once
would put on the gloves as he did not want to in a year so he was never stealing more than his
leave any fingerprints for anyone to catch. In this needs. Act of theft is still a crime no matter how
way, he planned his work quite carefully. good a thief behaves, so Danby can’t be termed
as completely honest. He is not a regular offender
5. Describe how Horace Danby planned his robbery like other thieves so he can’t be categorized as a
of Shotover Grange. typical thief.
O
8. Why did Horace choose that house in Shotover
Horace was the thief who planned his work
Grange for committing a theft ?
carefully. Describe what he did before attempting
Ans : 2006
to rob the house at Shotover Grange.
Horace knew that there were about fifteen
Ans : 2009, 2008
thousand pounds worth of jewels in the safe of
A magazine article had described the house
that house in Shotover Grange. That is why,
Shotover Grange, giving a plan of all the rooms
he decided to commit a theft in that house. He
and a picture of the room where the safe was
expected to get at least five thousand pounds by
located. The writer had even mentioned that a
selling the jewels one by one, which would make
painting hid the safe.
him happy for another year.
He had studied the house, looking at its
Horace wanted this money to buy three very
rooms, its electric wiring, its paths and gardens
interesting books, which were coming for sale the
for two weeks. He knew that the family lived in
next winter. Moreover, a magazine article had
London and the two servants who remained in the
described that house in detail, giving a plan of all
house had gone to watch movie that afternoon. So
the rooms along with the pictures. The magazine
he was sure that it was going to be a successful
had even mentioned that the painting in the room
robbery.
hid the safe. On top of that, the two servants
6. Describe how the lady in red was a more had gone to the movies and the family was in
professional thief than Horace Danby. London. Because of all of these circumstances,
O Horace Danby had chosen that house as the place
How did the lady in red prove to be smarter and for committing a theft.
cleverer than Horace Danby? 9. Describe in 100-120 words what happened at
Ans : 2009
Shotover Grange.
Horace Danby missed to get enough information Ans : 2006
about all the members of the house. He seems to Horace studied the house and came near from
be too occupied with collecting information about behind the garden wall. Carrying his tools
house map, wiring and location of valuable things. carefully packed in a bag on his back, he put on a
Although he was smart enough to know the dog’s pair of gloves, took the keys and opened the door
actual name but overlooked getting identity of to the house. A small dog was lying in the kitchen
each and every member of the house. Once he was when he entered, but he made the dog quiet by
in problem then probably his clever mind gave greeting him. In the house, there was a great bowl
way to carelessness leading him to open the safe of flowers on the table which forced him to sneeze
without wearing gloves. as he had hay fever. Meanwhile, the safe was in
On the other hand, the young lady’s confident the drawing room, hidden behind a painting.
walk, her act of touching up her make-up and When Horace was carefully arranging his tools, a
the ease with which she picked cigarette from the quiet, kindly voice shook him. The voice was that
right place were enough to make Horace believe of a young and pretty lady, who was posing as the
that she was lady of the house. Horace was too owner of the house. The lady made Horace believe
frightened to think properly so he didn’t suspect that she had forgotten the number to open the
anything. lock of the safe. Thus, Horace readily agreed to
open the safe, so that she did not call the police,
7. Why is Horace described as good and respectable,
and handed her all the jewels. But he was later
but not completely honest?
Ans : 2007, 2005
arrested for robbery because his fingerprints were
Horace was a good and honest citizen. He made all over the safe, while, that young lady, a thief,

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

36. Though Horace planned everything meticulously, 2. Horace stated that he robbed only those who
why did he fail? had a lot of money. Was he really a threat to
Ans : 2003 the society ? Did he lack the qualities of a good
Though Horace planned everything meticulously; citizen ? Discuss the values he needs to imbibe to
he failed led because of the smart lady. She lead a path of righteousness.
posed herself to be the owner of the house and Ans : 2017

convinced him to open the shelf as she had “not I don’t think Horace was a threat to the society.
the password of the shelf. Horace got trapped in He never threatened anyone and rather stole for a
her plot. very good reason. He used to rob a safe every year
to pursue his hobby of getting rare and expensive
37. Did the young lady expect Horace to be caught books to read. He was not a professional thief.
after the theft? Moreover, he never harmed anyone. He was
Ans : 2003
considered a good and honest citizen by everyone.
The young lady knew very well that Horace would He was about fifty years old and unmarried. He
be caught after the theft. She had made him break had all the qualities of a good citizen. He was not
open the lock without gloves. His fingerprints too a criminal or a typical thief. He did so only to
were all over the safe. fulfil his need.
He was an honest and good man. He believed
38. Why did the lady report to the police though she
in the lady’s story and gave away all the jewels
promised that she would not report to the police?
to her. If he had been a criminal, he would have
O killed the lady or would have never handed the
How did the lady deceive Horace? jewels to her.
Ans : 2002

The lady was very clever and shrewd. She 3. Horace Danby requested the lady to forget what
promised Horace that she would not report to the she saw. Was Horace afraid of being caught ?
police if he helped her in getting the jewels from Did he lack courage to accept his crime publicly
the safe. Horace broke the safe and helped her. ? Explain the values one must imbibe to accept
But she didn’t keep her promise as she was also a one’s mistake.
thief and did not want to get into trouble. Ans : 2012, 2009

Yes, Horace Danby was afraid of being caught. He

39. How did Horace enter the Shotover Grange? lacked the courage to accept his crime publicly. He
Ans : 2002
was not a professional criminal or thief. He was
Horace had seen the housekeeper hang the key considered a good and honest man by everyone.
in the hook outside the kitchen door. He came He was about fifty years old and unmarried. His
out from behind the garden wall. He put on his house was looked after by a housekeeper. He used
gloves, took the key and opened the door of the to rob only one safe every year to pursue his habit
kitchen and entered the Shotover Grange. of getting rare and expensive books to read. He
used to rob only those who were rich.
Long Answer Type Question He had a good reputation in the society and
hence did not want anyone to know about his
1. Who do you think is the real culprit in the story
crimes. Although he helped the lady, but was
‘A Question of Trust’ ?
caught by the police for the crime he did not
Ans : 2020
commit. He learnt from his mistake.
Obviously the young lady who pretended to be
the member of the family was real culprit. She 4. Describe how Horace Danby planned his work.
innocently asked Horace to open the safe as she Ans : 2010
would need the jewels to wear in the party that Horace Danby was a happy and a healthy man,
day. Horace found himself trapped in a tricky except when he suffered from hay fever in summer.
situation and could not make out how to escape. His business was to make locks and he was quite
He readily opened the safe; unwittingly leaving his successful. He was considered to be a good honest
fingerprints. He was arrested and nobody believed citizen. But he would rob one safe once in a year
that the lady of house asked him to open the safe. to buy rare and expensive books he loved to read
It seems the young lady outwitted experienced and collect.
Horace. She cheated and deceived Horace Horace always carefully examined the
scrupulously. house which he intended to rob. He would plan
his robbery in a systematic manner. He would

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Page 672 Discursive Passage Chapter 4

reconciliation? Was it not in his nature to keep the kitchen.

his promise? Did he lack the courage to fulfil (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
his needs through an honest living? Discuss the a phenomenon
valuer he needed to imbibe. (b) An assumption - something that is taken
Ans : 2002
for granted or assumed to be true
The lady manipulated the whole situation as
well as Horace and very skillfully got the jewels (c) A statement - a definite or clear expression
without even touching anything. She talked high of something in speech or writing.
things like protecting the society from culprits ii. Which word in the passage means the same as
like Horace. Horace promised her that he would ‘cordial’ ?
follow the path of honesty. He helped her in (a) Friendly (b) Hurting
getting the jewels by breaking the safe without (c) Ignorant (d) Distant
wearing gloves. But after two days, police caught iii. Whom did Horace Danby see in the kitchen?
him for stealing the jewels. He could not convince How did they greet each there? What tact
them that he had not taken the jewels and had did Horace apply there? Answer in about 40
helped the owner’s wife. The condition provoked words.
him to break his promise. Although he honestly
iv. The kitchen referred to is located in _____.
felt that he would not rob any more he could not
Ans : 2019
do so as he had no other choice left.
i. (c) A statement - a definite or clear expression
15. “Horace had some hope because she seemed to of something in speech or writing.
be amused at meeting him.” Why did Horace feel ii. (a) Friendly
so? Did he consider the young lady compassionate
iii. Horace Danby saw the family dog, Sherry,
towards him? Did he find her free from biases?
in the kitchen. The dog greeted Horace by
Discuss the values Horace should have imbibe
stirring, making a noise and wagging its tail
understanding of the person.
Ans : 2002
in a friendly way. Horace greeted the dog by
Horace was a fifty-year-old man who used to rob tactfully calming it down, calling it by its
only to buy rare and expensive. This time he name and showing love to it.
decided to rob Shot over Grange. But as soon as iv. Shotover Grange.
he entered the room, a young lady appeared. She
posed to be the lady of the house. She was very 2. Read the extract given below and answer the
confident in her way of mannerism. Then she tried questions that follows :
to be polite and nice to him. On hearing her, Horace But Horace found that the flowers were hindering
felt that he had a hope of escaping. He found her him in his work He buried his face in his
a bit compassionate towards him. He was amused handkerchief Then he heard a voice say from the
at Horace. She acted in quite a subtle manner and doorway, “What is it? A cold or hay fever?”
showed her sympathy and admiration towards a Before he could think, Horace said, “Hay
simple and honest man. He could not judge her fever,” and found himself sneezing again.
ace. She made Horace promise that he would never The voice went on, “You can cure it with a
commit the crime again. Horace should have been special treatment, you know, if you find out just
clever, shrewd and witty like the lady. what plant gives you the disease. I think you’d
better see a doctor, if you’re serious about your
Extract Based Question work. I heard you from the top of the house just
now.”
1. Read the extract given below and answer the
i. State any one inference about Danby from
questions that follows :
the given context. But Horace found that the
A small dog was lying in the kitchen. It stirred,
flowers were hindering him in his work.
made a noise, and moved its tail in a friendly way.
‘All right, Sherry,” Horace said as he passed. All ii. State TRUE or FALSE.
you had to do to keep dogs quiet was to call them None of the options from (a) to (d) can be
by their right names, and show them love. applied to the given question or context.
Who asked Horace, “What is it? A cold or
i. State TRUE or FALSE.
hay fever”?
Which of the following (a)-(c) can be applied
to the statement - A small dog was lying in

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Chapter 4 Discursive Passage

(c) Robert Arthur (d) Victor Canning (a) selfish (b) foolish
Ans : 2021 (c) lucky (d) fortunate
(d) Victor Canning Ans : 2014

(b) foolish
2. What did everyone think about Horace Danby?
(a) good (b) honest 11. How did he come to know about the safe ?
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) none of these (a) servant (b) eavesdropping
Ans : 2021 (c) by spying on them (d) a magazine article
(c) both (a) and (b) Ans : 2014

(d) a magazine article

3. Who did he live with?
(a) wife (b) friends 12. Who is talking to Horace?
(c) children (d) none of these (a) servant (b) sherry
Ans : 2020 (c) Horace himself (d) none of these
(d) none of these Ans : 2013

(b) sherry
4. How old was he ?
(a) about 40 (b) about 50 13. What was Horace’s first thought?
(c) about 60 (d) none of these (a) to kill them (b) to shout
Ans : 2020 (c) to run (d) to blackmail them
(b) about 50 Ans : 2013

(c) to run
5. What did he study about the house?
(a) rooms and garden (b) electric wiring 14. How did she respond when he told her to forget
(c) paths (d) all of these she ever saw him?
Ans : 2015 (a) she forgot she saw him
(d) all of these (b) she told him she won’t pretend anything like
that
6. Where did the family who lived in the Grange go?
(c) she didn’t respond
(a) London (b) Las Vegas
(d) none of the above
(c) Los Angeles (d) None of these
Ans : 2012
Ans : 2015
(b) she told him she won’t pretend anything like
(a) London
that
7. What was Horace fond of?
(a) books (b) robbing 15. How does he justify his act?
(c) locks (d) none of these (a) by saying he steals for a good reason
Ans : 2015, 2010 (b) by saying he steals only from those who
(a) books already have plenty
(c) by saying he is not harming the society
8. Where was the safe?
(d) all of the above
(a) bedroom (b) kitchen Ans : 2012
(c) bathroom (d) drawing room (d) all of the above
Ans : 2015

(d) drawing room 16. What happened on the third morning?

(a) he prepared a new plan
9. Where was the safe hidden?
(b) he ran away
(a) behind a painting (b) inside an almirah
(c) he got arrested by the police
(c) it was kept open (d) none of these
Ans : 2014
(d) none of the above
Ans : 2012
(a) behind a painting
(c) he got arrested by the police
10. “How _____ people are when they own valuable
17. What was the piece of evidence against him?
things, Horace thought”

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MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SOCIAL

STANDARD BASIC SCIENCE
SCIENCE
Class 10 Class 10 Class 10 Class 10

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

POLITICAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 10 Class 10 Class 10
Class 10

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

ARTIFICAL
HOME INTELIGENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 10 Class 10 Class 10

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MATHEMATICS PHYSICS CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY BIOTECHNOLOGY

Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

COMPUTER
SCIENCE ACCOUNTANCY ECONOMICS BUSINESS
STUDIES
APPLIED
MATHEMATICS
Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

ENGLISH HINDI ENGLISH HINDI

CORE CORE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE GEOGRAPHY
Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

History POLITICAL
SCIENCE SOCIOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY
HOME
SCIENCE
Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11 Class 11

MATHEMATICS PHYSICS CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY BIOTECHNOLOGY

Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

COMPUTER
SCIENCE ACCOUNTANCY ECONOMICS BUSINESS
STUDIES
APPLIED
MATHEMATICS
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

ENGLISH HINDI ENGLISH HINDI

CORE CORE ELECTIVE ELECTIVE GEOGRAPHY
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

History POLITICAL
SCIENCE SOCIOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY
HOME
SCIENCE
Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12 Class 12

MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SOCIAL

STANDARD BASIC SCIENCE
SCIENCE
Class 9 Class 9 Class 9 Class 9

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

POLITICAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY ECONOMICS TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 9 Class 9 Class 9
Class 9

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

ARTIFICAL
HOME INTELIGENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
Class 9 Class 9 Class 9

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Page 674 Discursive Passage Chapter 4
Ans : 2013
big bowl of flowers kept in the drawing room
i. It was hard to think of him as a thief who caused him to sneeze.
stole money to buy expensive books because iv. tingle or itch
he had an established business.
ii. (c) 3 - T, 1 - F, 4 - PT, 2 - NA

iii. Horace Danby was a successful businessman
of manufacturing locks. Two helpers kept
his business in good shape. He also had a
housekeeper to look after his house and him.
He didn’t have a family to spend his money
on.
iv. disreputable

5. Read the extract given below and answer the

questions that follows :
There was a great bowl of flowers on the table,
and Horace felt his nose tickle. He gave a little
sneeze and then put down his bag. He carefully
arranged his tools. He had four hours before the
servants returned.
The safe was not going to be hard to open.
After all, he had lived with locks and safes all his
life. The burglar alarm was poorly built.
i. State any one inference about Danby from
the given context.
He carefully arranged his tools.
ii. State which of the options from (a) to (d) can
be applied to the given question or context?
Which of the reasons CANNOT be used to
complete this statement?
The safe was not going to be hard to open.
(a) True because Horace knew the code.
(b) False because he had lived with locks and
safes all his life.
(c) Partially true because he had all the
tools.
(d) Not applicable because the servants were
out for four hours.
iii. Horace Danby sneezed. What caused it?
Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference
to the given extract.
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
‘tickle’ in the given sentence from the extract?
There was a great bowl of flowers on the
table, and Horace felt his nose tickle.
Ans : 2011

i. Horace was a meticulous thief and took his

job seriously.
ii. (a) True because Horace knew the code.
iii. Horace Danby suffered from attacks of hay
fever because he had an allergy to pollens. A

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

Chapter 5

F ootprints Without Feet

1. INTRODUCTION drugs and his body became transparent. He was

a lawless person. His landlord disliked him and
The story “Footprints Without Feet” is an excerpt tried to eject him. In revenge, Griffin set his house
from the novel “The Invisible Man” written by on fire.
H.G wells. The novel deals with the adventures
of a scientist - Griffin, who discovers a mysterious Unseen when Naked
drug that could make the human body invisible. Griffin had to remove all his clothes if he wanted
This story is about how instead of using that rare to be unseen by the people. He became a homeless
drug for benefit of people, Griffin misused it for wanderer without clothes. He had no money. He
his selfish purpose and troubled other people. left footmarks as he moved.
In a Big London Store
The air was bitterly cold. Griffin was naked.
2. CHARACTERS Instead of walking about the streets, he entered a
London store for warmth. He enjoyed the pleasure
Griffin of clothes and food freely. He fitted himself
He was an extraordinary and brilliant scientist. out with warm clothes there. He became fully
He discovered that the human body could become dressed up with shoes, an overcoat and a hat.
invisible and transparent as a sheet of glass. After putting on clothes, he became visible. He
Mrs Hall had cold meat and coffee, sweets and wine from
The landlord’s wife at the local inn in Iping. the grocery store. He slept on a pile of quilts. He
Jaffers didn’t wake up until the assistants arrived the
He is the village constable. next morning. When they came near, he panicked
and began to run. But he could become invisible
only when he was totally naked. So he took off his
3. SUMMARY newly found clothes. Once more he became naked
in the chilling January air.
Muddy Imprints
In Drury Lane
Two boys were highly surprised. They saw muddy
He hurried to Drury Lane, the centre of the theatre
impressions on the steps of a house in London.
world. He entered the shop of a theatrical company
They were the fresh footmarks of a barefooted
to become invisible. He came out of the shop wearing
man. The boys followed them. The impressions
bandages around his forehead, glasses, false nose,
got fainter and finally disappeared.
side-whiskers and a large hat. Then, he attacked
The Mystery of Footmarks a shopkeeper and robbed him of all the money he
The mystery of footmarks was quite simple. could find.
The boys were following a scientist. He had
Arrival in Iping Village
just discovered how to make the human body
Griffin wanted to get away from the crowded
transparent.
London. He came to the village of Iping. He booked
Griffin two rooms in a local inn. He paid the rent in
Great but Eccentric Scientist: Griffin was a advance. The arrival of a stranger of such strange
great scientist. He carried out many experiments appearance became the talk of the town. Mrs.
to prove that the human body could become Hall tried to be friendly with her guest Griffin. He
invisible. In the end, he swallowed some rare told her that he didn’t want to be disturbed. He

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Page 676 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

wanted to be alone. She thought that her guest off one garment after another. Finally, the man
was an eccentric scientist. She didn’t mind his became invisible. Some people who tried to hold
strange habits and irritable temper. Griffin’s cash him were beaten by the unseen blows that came
finished. He told a lie that he was expecting a from nowhere. In the end, Jeffers was knocked
cheque at any moment. unconscious. Nervous and excited people started
Clergyman Burgled crying “Hold him!” Griffin was invisible and free
A strange episode occurred. A clergyman and his now. No one knew where to lay hands on him.
wife were awakened by the noises in the study
very early in the morning. They came downstairs
and heard the chink of money being taken from
4. word meanings
the desk. With a poker in his hand, the clergyman 1. Imprints – impressions
flung open the door. He shouted, “surrender!” He 2. Gazed – looked fixedly
was surprised to see the room empty. They looked 3. Remarkable – strange
under the desk, behind the curtains and even
4. Descending – coming down
up the chimney. No one was there. They found
the desk open and the money missing. They 5. Progressing – moving
were highly surprised but couldn’t understand 6. Faint – dim
anything. 7. Mystery – secret
Mrs. Hall’s Furniture Shows Strange Behaviour 8. Bewildered – confused/surprised
The landlord and his wife (Mrs. Hall) woke up 9. Carried out – conducted
very early. They found Griffin’s door wide open. 10. Rare – not often seen
Usually, it was shut and locked. They peeped 11. Drug – medicine
around but found nobody. They found Griffin’s
12. Eject – to force someone out
clothes and bandages lying about. All of a sudden
13. Revenge – vindictive feeling
Mrs. Hall heard a sniff close to her ear. A hat
leapt up and dashed itself into her face. The 14. By no means – not at all
chair became alive. They turned away in fear. 15. Regard – concern
Then the chair pushed both of them out of the 16. Wrappers – covers
room. Even the door was slammed and locked 17. Grocery – provisional store
after them. Mrs. Hall almost fell down the stairs 18. Quilts – warm covers
and started crying. She was sure that the room
19. Settled down – laid comfortably
was haunted by spirits. The villagers suspected
that the trouble was caused by witchcraft. When 20. Managed – succeeded in
the news of burglary at the clergyman’s home 21. Panicked – be afraid
became known, everyone doubted Griffin’s hand 22. Gave chase – followed
in it. This suspicion grew stronger when Griffin 23. Shivering – trembling
suddenly showed some ready cash. He had no 24. Side-whiskers – beard
cash a few days before.
25. Callously – without mercy
Invisible Man Shows Himself 26. Set all tongues wagging – made all people
Mrs. Hall went to Griffin’s room. He was there. talk about
She asked what he had done to her chair upstairs.
27. Solitude – loneliness
She also asked how he had entered a locked room.
The scientist lost his temper. He became furious 28. Eccentrical – whimsical
and cried “I’ll show you.” Suddenly he threw 29. Temper – nature
away all bandages, whiskers, spectacles and even 30. Presently – soon
nose. The horrified men in the bar stared at a 31. Episode – event
headless man. 32. Clergyman – priest
Encounter with Constable Jeffers 33. Creeping – moving quietly
The police constable who had been informed, 34. Chink – sound of coins
arrived now. He was totally surprised to find that
35. Poker – rod for poking fire
he was to arrest a man without a head. There
followed a wonderful scene. The scientist (Griffin) 36. Grasped – held firmly
started throwing his clothes one by one. He was 37. Firmly – steadily
becoming more and more invisible as he threw 38. Surrender – submit

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

19. Describe the scene which took place after the stairs. She was convinced that the room was
arrival of Mr. Jaffers, the constable, in the story haunted by spirits.
‘Footprints Without Feet’.
22. Griffin’s great discovery did not make him a
O
popular and a respectable person. Explain with
Describe the scene when Mr. Jaffers tries ‘to
instances from the text.
arrest a man without head’.
Ans : 2005, 2003
Ans : 2006
Griffm was not a true scientist as he misused his
Mr. Jaffers, the constable, arrived and he was
scientific discovery. Once he had a quarrel with
quite surprised to find that he had to arrest a man
his landlord. He tried to eject Griffin. In revenge,
without a head. But it does not matter. There
Griffin set fire to his house. To get away-without
followed a remarkable scene as the policeman tried
being seen, he had to remove his clothes. Thus it
to get hold of a man who was becoming more and
was that he became a homeless wanderer, without
more invisible as he was taking off one garment
clothes, without money and quite invisible.
after another. Finally the constable found himself
Then he hired two rooms at the village of
struggling with someone invisible. Some people tried
Iping. He decided to steal money from the
to help him, but found themselves hit by blows that
clergyman’s home. One night, he made himself
seemed to come from nowhere.
invisible and entered his study. The clergyman
In the end the constable was knocked
and his wife woke up when they heard a noise in
unconscious as he made a last attempt to hold on
their study. They went downstairs. They heard
to the Invisible scientist.
the chink of money being stolen from the desk.
20. “Griffin indeed made a great discovery, yet we do They opened the door with a poker but there was
not sympathise with him”. Why? no trace of the burglar.
Ans : 2006
In this way, Griffin misused his scientific
Griffin’s discovery of making the human body discovery without making benefit to the mankind.
transparent was unprecedented. But he was rather
23. Give a character-sketch of Griffin.
a lawless person. He misused his discovery of
Ans : 2004, 2000
being invisible to trouble the people around him.
Griffin was a brilliant scientist. He had carried out
He missed no opportunity to harm the people.
a number of experiments to develop a technique
His discovery could help police to arrest criminals
of turning human body transparent and making
but he used his ability to break the law. We saw
it invisible. It was really a great discovery. Griffin
him troubling innocent people throughout the
did not use it for the benefit of mankind. He
story. Griffin set fire to the house and became a
misused it. He was not a true scientist. As a
homeless wanderer. He also robbed a shopkeeper
matter of fact, he was a lawless person. He set fire
of all the money he could find. He stole the
to the landlord’s house, entered a London store
housekeeping money from the clergyman’s desk.
where he broke open the boxes and put on warm
Griffin also attacked Mrs. Hall when she entered
clothes. In Iping village, he stole the clergyman’s
his room. All these activities and instances prove
money and hit Mrs. Hall first with a hat and then
that he was really a lawless person. We cannot
with a chair. He hit the policeman and the people
sympathise to such a lawless person.
who tried to help the policeman.
21. What happened to the landlord and his wife in
24. Griffin was a brilliant scientist but not a true one.
Griffin’s bedroom ?
What made him a bad scientist ? What does it
Ans : 2005
show about his character ? How is the value of
One morning, the landlord and his wife woke
‘welfare for all’ important in the life of a scientist
up very early. They were surprised to see the
?
scientist’s door wide open. Usually it was shut
Ans : 2004
and locked. They became curious. They looked
Griffin was a brilliant scientist but not a true one.
into the room but found nobody. The clothes and
He discovered how human body could be made
bandages of Griffin were lying about the room.
transparent. It was an amazing discovery that could
Griffin was furious. He first hit Mrs. Hall on the
be used the welfare of society. But Griffin misused
face with a hat. Then he flung the bedroom chair
it. He used it to puzzle others. He disturbed the
at her.
peace of others. He robbed the innocent people.
They panicked and turned away in terror.
He took revenge upon his landlady. It shows he
They were pushed out of the room by the flying
was not a man of good character. He lacked the
chair. The landlord’s wife almost fell down the

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a number of experiments to develop (technique) 3. What makes glass or water transparent (what is
of making human body transparent and making the scientific explanation for this)? Do you think
it invisible. He swallowed rare drugs and his body it would be scientifically possible for a man to
became transparent. He could have easily used become invisible, or transparent ? (Keep in mind
this knowledge of his for betterment of society that writers of science fiction have often turned
but rather he was a lawless scientist. He hit the out to be prophetic in their imagination!)
shopkeeper and stole his money. At the inn he Ans :
entered the clergyman’s study and stole money Glass or water are substances in which the
from his desk. Thus he proved to be an eccentric molecules are not rigid. Such flexibility in the
scientist who used his scientific knowledge for molecules gives them ability of free movement.
wrong doings and posed a threat to the society. When they move freely cohesive forces are
He misused his scientific discovery. We can call weakened. Such an aspect makes them invisible
him stupid, false and a childish scientist. or transparent.
The man becoming invisible is just a figment
Talk About It of imagination. It would not be possible and can
just be imagined and felt. There are some things.
1. Would you like to become invisible ? What We can feel but can’t see. Scientifically it would
advantages and disadvantages do you foresee, if not be possible for a man to be invisible. It is like
you did ? we imagine. We have wings of fancy and touch
Ans : the limitless horizons and soar higher. But these
Yes, becoming invisible can both be a curse as are just thought which have made-us believe that
well as a boon. I would love to become invisible as we are soaring higher but actually we are on the
this would give me a chance to face the difficulties gound. So this is just a kind of hypnotism of our
and joys of life. If even I become invisible I would feelings and thoughts.
try to use this for spreading message of peace over
humanity. If I realise that I can scatter wealth
to help the poor even if it is at the cost of rich 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
people, I would feel delighted. At times invisibility
can be a great help to spy over the enemies and to
catch the culprits.
Multiple Choice
Type Question
1. Who is the author of the chapter “Footprints
2. Are there forces around us that are invisible, for
example, magnetism? Are there aspects of matter without feet”?
that are “invisible” or not visible to the naked eye (a) HG Wells (b) James Herriot
? What would the world be like if you could see (c) John Keats (d) WB Butler
such forces or such aspects of matter ? Ans : 2021
Ans : (a) HG Wells
There are many forces around us that are invisible.
For example, magnetism or the gravitational force 2. “The two boys started in surprise at the fresh
is the force which we can feel but cannot see. It muddy imprints of a pair of _____”.
is the existence of such a force which has held (a) bare feet (b) shoes
the planets in their respective position and make (c) tyres (d) none of these
the things fall to the earth. Had these forces Ans : 2021
not existed we would have been floating in the (a) bare feet
atmosphere.
Some heavenly bodies can be seen with the 3. He was leaving his imprints in _____
help of the naked eye. While there are some stars (a) Paris (b) London
which cannot be seen with the help of naked (c) Iping (d) Canada
eyes. Such stars are so far off that visibility is not Ans : 2021
possible. (b) London
If we could see such forces then the world
would be surrounded by various rays which will 4. What is the meaning of “bewildered”?
be crossing each other like a maze. The confusion (a) perplexed (b) confused
will be so great that one will not be able to (c) puzzled (d) all of these
understand which path to follow or which is Ans : 2021, 2012
restricted. (d) all of the above

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

(b) An assumption - something that is taken 7. Read the extract given below and answer the
for granted or assumed to be true questions that follows :
(c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or He pretended, however, that he was expecting
claims not meant to be taken literally a cheque to arrive at any moment. Shortly
(d) A premise - a proposition that forms the afterwards a curious episode occured. Very
basis of an argument early in the morning a clergyman and his wife
iii. State the reason he was wandering on the were awakened by noises in the study. Creeping
streets. downstairs, they heard the chink of money being
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute taken from the clergyman’s desk.
‘a lawless’ in the given sentence from the i. What is the ‘curious episode’ referred to in
extract? the extract?
Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was ii. Why did they creep downstairs?
rather a lawless person. iii. To whom did Griffin pretend that he was
Ans : 2018 expecting a cheque soon? Why?
i. It can be said that Griffin was a brilliant iv. Which word would correctly substitute the
scientist because he carried on various phrase ‘looking forward’, in the given sentence
experiments to prove that human body could from the extract?
become invisible. Shamshu looking forward to meeting his old
ii. True friends at the reunion.
iii. He was wandering on the streets because he Ans : 2015

had set fire to his landlord’s house. i. The curious episode referred to in the
iv. An anarchic extract is a theft by an unknown force at the
clergyman’s house.
6. Read the extract given below and answer the ii. They crept downstairs because they heard
questions that follows : some noises coming from their study.
He broke open boxes and wrappers and fitted
iii. Griffin pretended to Mrs. Hall that he was
himself out with warm clothes. Soon, with shoes,
expecting a cheque soon. He did this because
an overcoat and a wide-brimmed hat, he became
all his stolen money had been spent and now
a fully dressed and visible person.
he did not have any money to pay rent to
i. Why does the author state “he became a fully Mrs. Griffin.
dressed and a visible person”?
iv. expecting
ii. Where was he?
iii. Why did ‘he’ come to the place where he was
in?

iv. Which word would correctly substitute
‘completely’, in the given sentence from the
extract?
The PM was completely aware of the
shortcomings of his government.
Ans : 2017

i. The author state “he became a fully dressed

and a visible person” because the protagonist
was invisible.
ii. He was at the London Store.
iii. ‘he’ (Griffin) decided to ship into a big London
store because it was mid-winter season. Due
to this it became difficult to wander around
without clothes in London.
iv. fully

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Page 680 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

Hall? Ans : 2010

(b) quick-tempered
(a) She is not friendly
(b) She is money-minded 26. What was easier said than done?
(c) she is disinterested in her guests (a) to see him (b) to talk to him
(d) all of the above (c) to hold him (d) none of these
Ans : 2012
Ans : 2010

(b) She is money-minded (b) to talk to him

20. What is being referred to as the “strange incident” 27. Where was the theatrical company shop situated?
that happened in the study? (a) Dury lane (b) Drury lane
(a) Griffin stealing money while being invisible (c) Druy lane (d) Druri Lane
Ans : 2010
(b) Griffin arriving at the inn during off season
(c) Druy lane
(c) Griffin pretending to be waiting for a cheque
(d) none of the above 28. At Iping where did Griffin stay?
Ans : 2012 (a) in a hotel (b) in an inn
(a) Griffin stealing money while being invisible (c) in a church (d) in a but
Ans : 2010
21. Who called the incident “an extraordinary affair”?
(b) in an inn
(a) clergyman (b) clergyman’s wife
(c) Mrs Hall (d) all of these 29. According to Mrs Hall, what type of a scientist
Ans : 2011 was her guest?
(a) clergyman (a) good (b) brilliant
22. What did she think had happened to her furniture? (c) eccentric (d) all of these
Ans : 2009
(a) nothing
(c) eccentric
(b) the scientist had put spirits in them
(c) the scientist was playing with them 30. What did Griffin do in the big London store?
(d) the furniture had gone mad (a) he wore shoes
Ans : 2011 (b) he wore an overcoat
(b) the scientist had put spirits in them (c) he ate cold meat and sweets
23. What do you mean by the word “hysterics”? (d) all of the above
Ans : 2009
(a) a normal reacion
(d) all of the above
(b) an exaggerated reaction
(c) no reaction 31. Why was it a bad time to wander about in London
(d) none of these without clothes?
Ans : 2011, 2009 (a) it was very hot (b) it was a rainy season
(b) an exaggerated reaction (c) it was bitterly cold (d) none of these
Ans : 2009, 2005
24. What caused the villagers to suspect the scientist? (c) it was bitterly cold
(a) the robery
(b) the furniture incident 32. Who were following the muddy footprints?
(c) unexpected availability of cash on him (a) the landlord (b) two girls
(d) all of the above (c) Mr and Mrs Hall (d) two boys
Ans : 2011
Ans : 2009

(a) the robery (d) two boys

25. “The scientist was always _____; now he 33. Griffin swallowed certain rare drugs and his body
became furious.” became as _____ as a sheet of glass.
(a) patient (b) quick-tempered (a) shining (b) thin
(c) calm (d) none of these (c) transparent (d) thick

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

39. Affair – matter 1. Why does Mrs. Hall find the scientist eccentric?
40. Furious – very angry Ans : 2008

41. Bedpost – leg of bed Griffin looked very strange with his uncommon
appearance. He also told her that he did not
42. Slam – shut forcefully
wish to be disturbed. He had no desire to talk to
43. Hysterics – great excitement anyone. So, she found him eccentric.
44. Extraordinary – unusual
45. Convinced – sure 2. What curious episode occure in the study ?
Ans : 2008, 2006, 2003
46. Haunted – visited by ghosts
The clergyman and his wife awoke to hear noises
47. Moaned – cried in pain in the study. They heard the chink of money
48. Witchcraft – sorcery/black magic being taken from the drawer. They flung open
49. Burglary – theft the door. But they were amused to find the room
50. Suspected – doubted empty. No body was there yet the drawer was
51. Quick tempered – short tempered opened and the money was missing. It was the
52. Horrified – frightened curious episode.
53. Warrant – written official order 3. What other extraordinary things happen at the
54. Blows – (here) attack of fists inn ?
55. Knocked – hit Ans :
56. Unconscious – fainted The extraordinary things happened at the inn are
57. Nervous – anxious (a) The bedroom chair of the scientist became
58. Lay hand on - catch alive. It attacked Mrs. Hall and then pushed
her and her husband out of the room. Then it
slammed and locked the room.
5. MESSAGE (b) The scientist appeared from his empty
bedroom.
The chapter conveys a message that misuse of
(c) The scientist became first a headless man and
science and its great discoveries can make even
a brilliant scientist like Griffin a monster and a then completely invisibly by throwing off his
threatening lawless person. An another message clothes.
given in this chapter is that excessive greed can
have unintended and disastrous consequences as Think About It
is evidently reflected in the story.
1. ‘Griffin was rather a lawless person.’ Comment.
Ans : 2009

Griffin was not a true scientist as he misused his

6. ncert textbook questions scientific discovery. Once he had a quarrel with
his landlord. He had to eject Griffin. In revenge
Read And Find Out - 1 Griffin set fire to the house. To get away without
being seen, he had to remove his clothes. Thus
1. How did the invisible man first become visible ? he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes,
Ans :
without money and quite invisible.
The invisible man entered into a big London
He decided to steal money from the
store. When the store was closed, he broke open
clergyman’s house. He made himself invisible and
the boxes and put on warm clothes. Only then he
entered his study. The clergyman and his wife
became visible.
woke-up, when they heard noise in their study.
2. Why was he wandering the streets ? They heard the chunk of money being stolen from
Ans : the desk. They opened the door with a poker but
He was wandering the streets to get rid of the two there was no trace of the burglar.
boys who were following his footprints. He had set Griffin misued his scientific discovery without
fire to the house and was homeless. making benefit to the mankind.

2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist ?

Read And Find Out - 2 Ans : 2008, 2007

Griffin was a brilliant scientist. He had carried out

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Page 682 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

49. Only _____ can prove the presence of griffin 57. Griffin ran away to the village named _____
after getting invisible. after the incident of robbery.
(a) Mud (b) Grass (a) Lping (b) Leong
(c) Water (d) Clothes (c) Iping (d) Irish
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2004

(a) Mud. (c) Lping.

50. It was _____ when he started roaming without 58. Mrs. Hall was the _____ of the landlord.
clothes after getting invisible. (a) Manger (b) Wife
(a) Mid-autumn (b) Mid-winter (c) Daughter (d) Housekeeper
(c) Rainy season (d) Mid-summer Ans : 2003

Ans : 2005 (b) Wife.

(b) Mid-winter.
59. Griffin again robbed money from _____.
51. Griffin decided to stay at the _____ to keep (a) Mrs. Hall (b) Another shopkeeper
himself warm. (c) Clergy man (d) Bank
(a) Store (b) Library Ans : 2003, 2001

(c) Science Lab (d) Random house. (c) Clergy man.

Ans : 2005

(a) Store. 60. Mrs. Hall got angry by seeing the door of the
_____ open.
52. Griffin ate cold meat and _____ from the store. (a) Drawing room (b) Bed room
(a) Tea (b) Water (c) Guest room (d) Study room
(c) Coffee (d) Coca- cola Ans : 2003

Ans : 2005 (c) Guest room.

(c) Coffee.
61. The flying _____ from the bedpost hit and
53. _____ was the centre of the theater world. Mrs. Halls face.
(a) Samson Street (b) Drury Lane (a) Bandage (b) Hat
(c) Welson street (d) Dubry Lane (c) Umbrella (d) Stick
Ans : 2005 Ans : 2002

(b) Drury Lane. (b) Hat.

54. Griffin decided to try the stock of a theatrical 62. Mrs. Hall got hurt in her leg by the moving
company in the hope getting some cloth to hide _____of the room.
his (a) Bed (b) Table
(a) Face (b) Feet (c) Stick (d) Chair
(c) Hand (d) Body Ans : 2002

Ans : 2005 (d) Chair.

(a) Face. 63. The stick belonged to the _____ of Mrs. Hall
55. Griffin robbed the money from the – by which she got hurt.
(a) Streetma (b) Shopkeeper (a) Mother (b) Grand mother
(c) Random house (d) Bank (c) Father (d) Mother-in-law
Ans : 2004 Ans : 2002

(b) Shopkeeper. (a) Mother.

56. Griffin wore _____ on his forehead 64. Mr. Jaffers was
(a) Bandages (b) Mask (a) The constable (b) Village head
(c) White cloth (d) False hair (c) Another scientist (d) Ownerof the another
Ans : 2004 inn
(a) Bandages. Ans : 2001

(a) The constable.

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2009 Ans : 2007

(c) transparent (a) London

34. Griffin discovered a medicine that could make his 41. What type of man was Griffin?
body _____. (a) brilliant scientist (b) lawless person
(a) large (b) small (c) both (a) and (b) (d) none of these
(c) invisible (d) all Ans : 2007

Ans : 2008 (c) both (a) and (b)

(c) invisible
42. Whose house did Griffin set on fire?
35. Why was Mrs Hall prepared and ready to tolerate (a) the landlord (b) the clergyman
strange habits and irritable temper? (c) Mrs Hall (d) the shopkeeper
(a) he was a scientist Ans : 2007

(b) he had paid in advance (a) the landlord

(b) he had paid in advance (c) shopkeeper (d) landlord

Ans : 2007

36. After making a theft in the shop of a theatrical (a) scientist

company where did Griffin decide to go?
44. _____ Boys noticed the muddy imprint of bare
(a) Iping village (b) Oxford city
feet.
(c) Paris (d) London
(a) Two (b) Four
Ans : 2008

(a) Iping village (c) Three (d) Five

Ans : 2007

37. Who did Griffin attack and rob all the money? (a) Two
(a) the landlord
45. The story occurred in
(b) the assistance of the London store
(a) America (b) Berlin
(c) the owner of the big London store
(c) London (d) Paris
(d) the owner of the theatrical company Ans : 2006
Ans : 2008
(c) London
(d) the owner of the theatrical company
46. The name of the scientist was
38. How did Griffin escape from the assistants?
(a) Gruffer (b) Griffin
(a) by running hard
(c) Genny (d) Affin
(b) by removing his newly worn clothes Ans : 2006, 2002
(c) by hitting the assistants (b) Griffin.
(d) by hiding in a shed
Ans : 2007
47. Griffin the scientist was making
(b) by removing his newly worn clothes (a) A walking plant (b) A talking plant
(c) Invisible footprints (d) An invisible man
39. For what did Griffin enter the big London store? Ans : 2006
(a) for coldness (b) for warmth (d) An invisible man.
(c) for money (d) all of these
Ans : 2007, 2005
48. Griffin was a lawless man as he once
(b) for warmth (a) Discovered a nrus
(b) Burned the house of his landlord
40. Griffin left his muddy footprints on the steps of a
(c) Took the advantage of his best friend
house in the middle of _____.
(d) Took the money of his landlord
(a) London (b) Paris
Ans : 2005
(c) Moscow (d) Iping (b) Burned the house of his landlord.

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Page 684 Discursive Passage Chapter 5

13. How did Griffin try to become visible? another, progressing down the street, until the
Ans : 2015 footprints became fainter and then disappeared
Griffin went into a shop in Drury Lane, the heart altogether.
of the theatre world, with the aim of finding
something to wear, and becoming visible. He 19. What reasons does Griffin give to Mrs. Hall for
emerged from the shop wearing bandages around coming to Iping ?
his forehead, dark glasses, a false nose, bushy Ans : 2011

sideburns and a large hat. Griffin remained secluded in the village of Iping.
He did not speak and mix with anybody in the
14. How did Griffin enjoy himself at the big London village. He told Mrs. Hall that he wanted solitude
store? and did not wish to be disturbed in his work. He
Ans : 2014 further added that an accident had affected his
Griffin gave himself the pleasure of clothing and face so he should just be left alone.
feeding himself without thinking of the expenses.
He broke open boxes and fitted himself with warm 20. Did Griffin reciprocate when Mrs. Hall wanted to
clothes. In the kitchen of the store he found food be friendly with him ?
and had a hearty meal before sleeping on a pile Ans : 2010

of quilts. No, Griffin was not keen to mix with people in the
village of Iping. He told Mrs. Hall that his reason
15. Why was Mrs. Hall angry with Griffin, the strange for coming to Iping was a desire for solitude. He
scientist ? even told her that he did not want to be disturbed
Ans : 2014 in his work.
Griffin had attacked Mr. and Mrs. Hall and even
threw her mother’s chair at her. Moreover, Griffm 21. Why was “the strange scientist strongly suspected
had not paid the rent for a long time. This made of having had a hand” in the burglary at the
Mrs. Hall angry. clergyman’s home ?
Ans : 2010

16. “The two boys stared in surprise at the fresh The news of the burglary at the clergyman’s
muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet.” What did home had become known throughout the village.
the bewildered boys observe ? The people of the village strongly suspected the
Ans : 2014 strange scientist Griffin of having a hand in it.
The two boys were surprised to see the fresh Moreover, he had suddenly produced some ready
muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet. They cash, when he had admitted not long before that
wondered what a barefoot man was doing on he had no money anymore.
the steps of a house, in the middle of London.
22. What did Griffin do in the shop of a theatrical
They even observed that the footprints were
company ?
appearing from out of nowhere as they could not
Ans : 2009
see a person. It is was a remarkable sight that
Griffin wanted to conceal his identity and move
bewildered the boys.
away from London. So he entered the shop of a
17. What kind of discovery had Griffin made ? What theatrical company, invisibly and wore bandages
was Griffin’s nature ? around his forehead. He even wore dark glasses,
Ans : 2013 a false nose, big bushy side whiskers and a large
Griffin was a brilliant scientist. He had made brimmed hat to hide his appearance. After getting
an unusual discovery due to which a man could ready, he attacked the shopkeeper and ran away
become invisible. But, at the same time, he was after taking all of his money.
short-tempered, selfish and engaged in unlawful
23. How did he save himself from the chasing staff of
activities. He had set his landlord’s house on fire
the store?
and hit the shopkeeper and the policeman just for
his own selfish needs and gains. Ans : 2008

Griffin took advantage of his being invisible and

18. What did the boys follow and why were they took shelter in a store at night. When Griffin
“fascinated” ? saw that the salesmen of the store were coming
Ans : 2013
near him, he took off all his clothes and became
The boys were fascinated because fresh footprints invisible. He did not have any other choice to save
of a barefooted man were appearing from out of himself.
nowhere. They followed the footprints, one after

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65. Finally Jaffers failed to catch Griffin as he Though Horace planned everything meticulously,
(a) Ran away (b) Proved his innocence he failed because of the smart lady. She posed
herself to be the owner of the house and convinced
(c) became invisible (d) Was a great scientist
him to open the shelf as she had forgot the
Ans : 2001
password of the shelf. Horace got trapped in her
(c) Became invisible.
plot.

Short Answer Type Question 7. How did Griffin try to get rid of Mrs. Hall’s
accusations?
1. Griffin’s brilliance as a man of science fades before Ans : 2016
his darker traits. Give reasons from the text to Griffin got furious with Mrs. Hall’s accusation of
support your answer. stealing money and of not paying her rent. He
O threw off his bandages, spectacles and became
Griffin’s brilliance as a man of science fades before invisible. He hit everyone and escaped from there.
his darker traits. Comment.
Ans : 2024, 2020 8. Why did Griffin set the landlord’s house on fire ?
Griffin was a lawless person, he was disliked by Ans : 2016
most people, was quick tempered, burnt the house Griffin was not liked by his landlord. He decided
of the landlord to take a revenge on him, stole to take revenge on him, so one day he set his
money at priest’s house. Thus we can say that house on fire. Moreover, he did not want anyone
he was undoubtedly brilliant scientist but his to know about his secret discovery.
brilliance eclipsed by his negative traits.
9. How did Griffin escape from the London store ?
2. Scientists contribute to make the world a better Ans : 2016
place. Griffin is an antithesis to this statement. When two attendants of the store discovered
Justify. Griffin, they chased him. Hence, in order to
Ans : 2024 protect himself he threw away his clothes and
Griffin was a brilliant scientist but he was an became invisible and escaped from the London
antithesis because he use his mind for making a store.
good drug that is which can make anyone body
invisible but he use that drug in wrong way. 10. How did Griffin become invisible?
O
3. Why did Griffin go inside a big London store ?
Ans : 2016, 2015
What experiments did Griffin carry out? What
Griffin went inside a big London store to gain was the final result of these experiments?
some warmth, find a place for the night, and also Ans : 2016, 2015, 2005

to put on some clothes. Griffin had carried out several experiments

to prove that the human body could become
4. Why were the two boys surprised when they saw invisible. Once he swallowed certain rare drugs
the imprints of a pair of bare feet ? and his body became as transparent as a sheet
Ans : 2016, 2015 of glass.
The two boys could see muddy footprints on the
steps of a house in central London, descending 11. Why were the landlord and his wife surprised to
towards the street. It was surprising to see the see the scientist’s door open ?
footprints without seeing anybody making them. Ans : 2015

They were surprised because typically the door to

5. How did Horace fulfil his desire of reading books the scientist’s room was shut and locked, and he
after he was arrested ? would be very angry if anyone entered it.
Ans : 2016
12. Why did Griffin not get a suitable house to live
After Horace was arrested, he became the
in ?
assistant librarian in the prison and fulfilled his
Ans : 2015
desire of reading books.
Griffin was a lawless person, who was largely
disliked by all. When his landlord tried to evict
6. Though Horace planned everything meticulously,
him, he set fire to the house, and escaped due to
why did he fail ?
his invisibility. Thereafter, it became difficult for
Ans : 2016
him to find a proper place to live in.

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in case you ever need any assistance, feel free to but simply because he enjoyed doing them. The
call me... way he looted the owner of a small costume shop,
Griffin : Madam, stop being overindulgent. I can and left him helpless after striking him on his head,
manage all my needs. Please leave and close the spoke volumes about his inhumanity.
door behind you. He terrorized Marvel when he was on the run,
fought with the policemen. His plan to spread
4. Did Griffin from ‘Footprints without Feet’ reign of terror among people using his powers
follow the saying ‘With great power comes great of invisibility really shocked Dr. Kemp. He even
responsibility’ ? Justify your answer in 120 words. tried to kill him for betraying him. In his final run
Ans : 2023 from the people hunting him, he killed an old man
No, Griffin did not follow the saying ‘with great with a rod because he bumped into him. Before
power comes great responsibility’. Since Griffin his death, he had sunk to the lowest depth a man
did not think of anyone else except himself, could go and was truly a monster in human form.
this saying is not what he followed. After he All the bad and immoral things that Griffin did
managed to make himself invisible, he did not could have been avoided if he had abided by the
use his powers of invisibility for good. Instead, law of his country.
one of the first things he did was set fire to his
landlord’s house in an act of revenge. He did 6. How did the invisible scientist first become
not think of helping anyone with his newfound visible? What compelled him to become invisible
powers; instead, he harmed other people for his again in the chilly air of January?
own gain. He stole clothes and food for himself Ans : 2017, 2009

without feeling any remorse. When his money ran The invisible scientist first became visible when
low once more, he again resorted to stealing and he slipped into a big London store for warmth
robbed a clergyman. Finally, when the police were from the bitterly cold weather. There he broke
about to catch him, instead of going quietly and open boxes and wrappers and fitted himself into
accepting his arrest, he fought back and escaped. warm clothes. Fully dressed he was now also a
At no time did Griffin take any responsibility for fully visible person. Finally he settled down to
his actions. sleep but he did not manage to get up on time,
before the shop assistants arrived. Seeing them
5. Readers believe that Griffin was a man without approach Griffin panicked and began to run. The
a conscience. You have a class discussion on why shop assistants began chasing him and he could
our conscience plays a vital role in shaping our only escape by quickly taking off his newly found
character. clothes. So once more he became invisible in the
Present a summary of your views on this. chilly January air.
Ans : 2021

Griffin was a man without conscience. It is true 7. Describe the landlord’s and his wife’s experience
he was not a law abiding citizen of his country. He with the strange scientist.
broke one law after another and made himself an Ans : 2016

undesirable person. He did not hesitate robbing Both Mrs. Hall and her husband were surprised
the vicar at Iping for money he needed. He should to find the scientist’s room door open because
have left a religious priest. When he was short of normally it was always locked. So they peeped in,
money he continued his experiments, without any but found nobody there. The clothes and bandages
thoughts of the consequences, he robbed his own that he always wore were lying about the room.
father, who committed suicide because the money Suddenly Mrs. Hall heard a sniff close to her ear
was not his. He attended his father’s funeral and the hat on the bedpost leapt up and dashed
without feeling sorry for his own act; instead he itself into her face. Then the bedroom chair
blamed his father for being a sentimental fool. sprang into the air and pushed them both out of
He experimented on a cat, with no concern the room and then appeared to slam and lock the
for the poor creature’s cries of pain. He threw it door after them. Mrs. Hall became hysterical and
out and never tried to find whether it was alive or almost fell down the stairs. She thought that her
dead. He burnt down the house at Great Portland furniture was haunted. They decided to confront
Street when the landlord and his sons found about the scientist next time when they met him.
his experiments and were horrified. He was only
8. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist and
worried about covering his trail. After becoming
a human being ? What qualities or values would
invisible he committed one brutal act after another,
not because they were necessary for his survival,

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24. Why was Mrs Hall hysterical and fell down the by his descent into madness and amorality as
stairs? he abuses his newfound power of invisibility for
Ans : 2008 personal gain and revenge. By the end of the story,
When Mrs. Hall went to see the invisible man in Griffin’s transformation is complete, culminating
his room, she found the bedroom chair had alive, in his tragic demise as a cautionary tale about the
springing into the air, it charged straight into dangers of unchecked ambition and hubris.
her. Then the chair pushed both the husband and
the wife out of the room. She felt that the spirits 2. Imagine that Griffin’s conscience pricks him and
had entered into her furniture and she became he decides to write a diary entry, about misusing
hysterical. science and endangering society, in the context of
his own experience.
25. What happened when Griffin didn’t wake up in Write this diary entry, as Griffin, in about 120
time? words.
Ans : 2007
Ans : 2024
Griffin did not wake up in time and when he saw 10 March 20XX, Monday 9:00 pm
the assistants at the shop approaching the next Dear Dairy,
morning, he just panicked and ran. They gave him
Today, as I reflect on my actions, I am overwhelmed
a chase and he could escape only after he took off
by a profound sense of guilt and remorse. My
his clothes. So, he was once again out in the open
pursuit of scientific discovery has led me down a
without clothes in the chilly air of January.
dark path, blinding me to the ethical implications
26. Why did Mrs. Hall ignore Griffin’s strange habits? of my experiments. In my quest for power and
Ans : 2006, 2003 invisibility, I have misused science to satisfy my
Mrs. Hall ignored Griffin’s strange habits because own selfish desires, heedless of the consequences
she was satisfied that her guest was an eccentric for society. My actions have endangered countless
scientist and above all he had paid her in advance. lives and unleashed chaos upon the world. The
Arrival of a stranger at an inn in winter was in weight of my transgressions bears heavily upon my
any case an unusual even in Iping. conscience, and I am haunted by the realization
that I have become the very monster I sought to
27. Mr. Griffin entered the shop of the theatrical
create. I can only hope that future generations
company. What did he do there?
will learn from my mistakes and wield science
Ans : 2003
responsibly, for the betterment of humankind.
Mr. Griffin entered the shop to find clothes. He
covered himself above his shoulders with bandages. Griffin
He then wore dark glasses, a false nose and a large 3. Based on your reading of the textual cue given
hat. He hit the shopkeeper and robbed him. below, write a conversation between the two
characters – Mrs. Hall and Griffn.
Long Answer Type Question “Mrs. Hall, the landlord’s wife made every effort
to be friendly, but Griffin had no desire to talk.”
1. A character arc is the transformation or Ans : 2023

development of a character throughout a story Conversation between Mrs. Hall and Griffn
and refers to the changes a character undergoes Mrs. Hall : It is such a pleasure to have you as my
as a result of his/her experiences, challenges and guest, Mr. ....
interactions with other characters. Griffin : Never mind my name, Madam. I guess
In light of the above information, trace the I have made my payment in advance, and you
character arc of Griffin in H.G. Wells’ Footprints should not bother me any further.
without Feet’. Mrs. Hall : Well, yes of course. Thanks a lot for
Ans : 2024
the payment. I was just wondering if you would
Griffin in H.G. Wells’ ‘Footprints without Feet’
need any help with something since you seem to
undergoes a significant character arc throughout
be in a terrible state, these bandages and all.
the story. Initially, he is portrayed as a brilliant
Griffin : O h, n o! All is fine with me. N o concern
yet eccentric scientist obsessed with achieving
required at all. Now, if you may please leave me to
invisibility. However, as the narrative progresses,
do my important work for which I sought solitude
his obsession leads him down a path of moral
in this village on the outskirts of the city.
degradation. Griffin’s character arc is marked
Mrs. Hall : Sure. Its fine with me. Still, ... I mean

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and told her that he had no desire to talk. His his discovery of being invisible to trouble the
irritable temper also forced him to tell Mrs Hall people around him. He missed no opportunity to
that he wanted solitude and did not wish to be harm the people. His discovery could help police
disturbed in his work. to arrest criminals but he used his ability to break
14. How did Griffin’s invisibility come to his help the law. While escaping from the shop he callously
whenever he found himself in trouble? attacked the shopkeeper from behind, after which
Ans : 2010, 2007
he robbed him of all the money he could find.
Griffin invented a formula to become invisible. He troubled Mr. Jaffers, the constable, a lot and
His landlord was suspicious of his activities. He knocked him unconscious.
processed himself to hide from his landlord, and 17. It was a remarkable scene when Mr. Jaffers tried
set fire to the building to cover his tracks. He to arrest Griffin. What was remarkable about it ?
wound up alone, wandering invisible and naked Ans : 2008
through the streets of London, struggling to At Iping, Griffin did not stop his criminal actions
survive out in the open, unseen by those around and continued to be lawless. He stole money from
him. the clergyman’s desk by becoming invisible. Then,
To make himself visible again, Griffin stole soon thereafter Griffin hit Mrs. Hall with his hat
some clothes from theatre shop, including a trench- and hurled a chair at her just to make her get out
coat and hat. He wrapped his head in bandages of his room. Since, he was invisible he thought
to conceal his invisibility, covering his eyes with that he could not be caught by anybody. But
large dark goggles. He took up residence in the the people reported the matter to the police and
Coach and Horses Inn in the village of Iping. To Griffin was suspected of committing the theft.
pay the bill, Griffin burgled the home of Reverend Eventually, the village constable Mr. Jaffers
Bunting. The police pursued him, and in a fit arrived at the scene. But he found it very difficult
of frustrated anger he revealed his invisibility by to arrest an invisible man. The constable tried
throwing off his clothes and escaping. his best to arrest him, but Griffin took advantage
15. Describe Griffin’s activities in the village of Iping. of his being invisible and knocked down the
Ans : 2010, 2009
constable. After freeing himself, Griffin then
The Invisible man’s first adventure in Iping was at disappeared from the sight of everybody.
the vicar’s house. He stole money from the vicar’s 18. Imagine that you are Jaffers, the village constable.
desk. The vicar and his wife heard the chink of Write a letter to your wife Isabel telling about
money. But they saw nobody in the room. Still the your encounter with an invisible man.
desk had been opened and money was missing. His Ans : 2007, 2005
next adventure was at Mrs. Hall’s inn, remaining Police Quarters,
invisible he threw his hat at Mrs. Hall. Then a Iping,
chair rose and pushed her out of the room. His U.K.
third adventure was with Mr. Jaffers who had a 7 December, 20xx
warrant against him. When Jaffers tried to arrest My dear Isabel,
him , the man started taking off his clothes and Today I had a very strange experience. It
soon became invisible. He hits jaffers with unseen has never happened in my life before. Can you
blows and escaped from Iping. believe me if I say that today I had an encounter
16. “Discoveries of science can be used for welfare as with a man, who threw off his clothes one by one,
well as for destruction”. How is this applicable and became invisible. It happened just before my
to Griffin’s scientific discovery? Explain giving own eyes. The man who turned invisible was a
examples from the text. strange scientist who had hired two rooms at the
village inn. He was suspected of having stolen
O clergyman’s money from his house.
Science is a good servant but a bad master. How Today, I had gone to arrest him with the
is his applicable to Griffin’s scientific discovery? magistrate’s warrant. I fought bravely, but he took
Give examples from the text. advantage of his invisibility. I was hit by so many
Ans : 2009, 2006, 2005
unseen blows that I soon became unconscious. He
Discoveries of science can be used either for knocked me down and escaped.
benefit of the society or to harm the society. Yours affectionately,
Griffin’s discovery was no doubt unprecedented. Jaffers
But he was rather a lawless person. He misused

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5. Who were the boys following? Ans : 2014, 2010

(b) a big store

(a) a scientist (b) a dog
(c) a rat (d) none of these 13. How did Griffin finaly escape?
Ans : 2020
(a) by hitting them
(a) a scientist
(b) by taking off all his clothes
6. What was he working on? (c) by running away as fast as he could
(a) making fake footprints (d) by hiding
(b) making human bodies invisible Ans : 2014

(b) by taking off all his clothes

(c) making a fool of children
(d) all of the above 14. what was an unusual event?
Ans : 2020
(a) a guest at the inn during winters
(b) making human bodies invisible
(b) a guest at the inn during summers
7. “Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was (c) a guest at the inn during spring
rather a _____ person.” (d) nothing was unusual there
(a) lawless (b) lawful Ans : 2013

(c) good (d) rude (b) a guest at the inn during summers
Ans : 2015
15. How did he justify his disinterest in having a
(a) lawless
conversation with Mrs Hall?
8. What did he do for revenge? (a) desired solitude
(a) burned himself (b) didn’t want to be disturbed during work
(b) burned the landlord (c) both (a) and (b)
(c) burned the house (d) none of the above
(d) he didn’t do anything for revenge Ans : 2013

Ans : 2015
(c) both (a) and (b)
(c) burned the house
16. What do you mean by the word “eccentric”?
9. Griffin’s body became as transparent as _____ (a) uncommon (b) extra
(a) glass (b) ice (c) catchy (d) none of these
(c) air (d) none of these Ans : 2013

Ans : 2015
(a) uncommon
(a) glass
17. Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?
10. What suggests that he was a homeless wanderer? (a) he visited during off season
(a) no clothes (b) no money (b) his intention was only to work
(c) invisible (d) all of these (c) he looked weird
Ans : 2015 (d) all of the above
(d) all of the above Ans : 2013

(d) all of the above

11. Why was it a bad time to wander in London?
(a) it was mid winter 18. Why was Mrs Hall prepared and ready to tolerate
(b) he was without clothes strange habits and irritable temper?
(c) both (a) and (b) (a) he had paid in advance
(d) none of these (b) he was a scientist
Ans : 2014 (c) both (a) and (b)
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) none of the above
Ans : 2012, 2009
12. Where did he find comfort in London? (a) he had paid in advance
(a) at the inn (b) a big store
19. What does the first encounter tell us about Mrs
(c) theatre store (d) none of these

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value of kindness, cooperation and humility. He the values he should have possessed.
was an eccentric dishonest and lawless scientist Ans : 2003

who brought bad name to science. He did not A man who doesn’t know how to manage his
understand the value of welfare for all. If he had temper is the worst enemy of himself. This way,
used his invention for good cause, he would have Griffin was truly his own enemy. He was short-
become immortal and remembered forever. tempered, violent and lawless. Being a person
prone to anger, and a scientist, proved to be a
25. “A lawless scientist is a curse to the society.” dangerous combination. He would attack without
Discuss with reference to the story ‘Footprints provocation, as he attacked the Drury Lane
without Feet’. shopkeeper. Despite being invisible, he was
Ans : 2004 careless enough to be ‘discovered’ stealing at the
A true scientist is always dedicated and concerned clergyman’s house. Thus, all these character flaws,
about the welfare and well-being of the society as i.e., uncontrolled anger, aggression, impatience,
a whole. A scientist should never be selfish but restlessness, vexation and uncontrolled behaviour
use his inventions and discoveries for the benefit led to his downfall. He was an intelligent scientist
of the entire mankind. His goal should be to see who could earn good money by adopting good
the people of the world happy, prosperous and ways. He could have helped the people of his
leading their lives comfortably. community and earn a good name for himself.
But a scientist, if he is lawless, is a curse
to the society. For instance, Griffin in the story 28. Griffin’s unlawful activities devalue his scientific
‘Footprints without Feet’ was a brilliant scientist, discovery. What are some of the qualities that he
who made a rare discovery of making the human should. develop?
body invisible. But he was selfish, lawless and Ans : 2001

concerned more about his own petty gains. He Griffin was a scientist who had actually made a
was a lawless scientist who misused his discovery major discovery. He had discovered a medicine and
by setting his landlord’s house on fire, stealing if a person drank that medicine, he would easily go
from the London store, attacking a shopkeeper invisible. However, his unlawful activities greatly
and robbing him of his money, while he was in undermined his discovery. People were afraid of
London. At Iping also, he stole the clergyman’s him and did not recognize his achievement due
money, hit Mrs. Hall by hurling a chair at her to his anger and violent nature. Griffin ought to
and knocked down the constable after becoming have been more tolerant and patient. Instead of
invisible. This shows that a scientist like him is a terrorizing people with his discovery, he should
curse to society and rather than causing benefit, have exercised patience, and gradually revealed
he causes more harm to the people around him. himself to the world. Patience would have been
an asset for him, as he would have waited for the
26. Science is a good servant but a bad master. How right time and right opportunities to make his
is this applicable to Griffin’s scientific discovery? discovery public and enjoy his fame and riches
Give examples from the text. brought by the discovery.
Ans : 2003

Griffin’s scientific discovery was misused by him. 29. Why did Griffin decide to slip into a big London
Being a lawless person he used his discovery to store? What was the outcome ?
trouble other people. When his landlord in London Ans : 2000

tried to eject him he set fire to the landlord’s house Griffin’s landlord wanted him to leave the house,
in revenge and then he became invisible so that so, in revenge, he set fire to the house. But he had
he could get away without being seen. He never no clothes to wear as he had left all his clothes
used his discovery for a constructive purpose but to escape from his crime. Therefore, now he was
always misused it to escape after committing an invisible and without clothes. But the air was
unlawful act. He troubled and harassed people bitterly cold outside and he could not do without
after becoming invisible. He evades arrest, after clothes, so he decided to slip into a big London
knocking down the village constable Jaffers by store. When the doors of the shop were shut, he
becoming invisible. So the saying - ‘Science is a broke open some boxes and wrappers and fitted
good servant but a bad master’ is truly applicable himself with warm clothes. He wore shoes, an
to Griffin’s scientific discovery. overcoat and a wide-brimmed hat, and became
a fully dressed and visible man. Later, he had
27. Griffin was his own enemy. What typical traits of cold meat and coffee followed with sweets and
his character led to his downfall? Mention some of wine and slept on a pile of quilts in that very

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

you suggest will make him a better person ? constable. All these lawless activities of Griffin
Ans : 2016 made him an undesirable person in society. He
Griffin was an eccentric scientist who had used his invention for self-interest and for taking
discovered a rare drug which could make him revenge upon the people around him.
invisible. Griffin became invisible not for the
welfare of the society but to satisfy his own ego 11. What happened when Griffin went to Iping ?
and carry out santanic deeds. He was a brilliant Ans : 2014

scientist but not a law abiding person. He was a It had become difficult for Griffin to hide his
criminal scientist who had no respect for humanity. identity in London. Also, he could not survive
He stole money from the clergyman’s house, set without clothes in the severe cold. So, he decided
the landlord’s house on fire and even killed his to go to a small village Iping. At this place, he
father for his own benefit. He was not also a good hired two rooms at the local village inn. But soon,
human being. He was rude to everyone. When he had used all the money he had robbed from the
everyone asked about his secret, he hit them and shopkeeper. Griffin then committed another theft
escaped becoming invisible. at the clergyman’s house in his invisible form.
I would like to suggest him to imbibe empathy, But eventually, his landlord and his wife became
kindness, helpfulness, honesty, generosity, social suspicious of Griffin. Later, he even charged the
responsibility, etc. These values will make him a landlady with the chair when she peeped round
better person. He should have used his discovery the door of Griffin’s room to investigate. He was
for the benefit of the society and his country. in invisible form when he committed these actions.
In the end, Griffin had become furious when
9. Mrs. Hall found the scientist rather eccentric. Jaffers, the constable, who had come to arrest
How can he be helped to lead a normal life ? him with the magistrate’s warrant. To escape the
Highlight the values that can help him become a mess, he became invisible and hit blows on Jaffers,
better person. who was eventually knocked down unconscious.
Ans : 2016

Griffin was an eccentric scientist who had come 12. What did the scientist do when he became
to Ping in a desire for solitude. He did not wish furious? What happened to the constable and the
to be disturbed and moreover, he had come to the people at the bar?
town at that time of winter when no one comes. Ans : 2012, 2007

Mrs. Hall found him eccentric also because of his When the scientist was furious, in anger he threw
looks. He was over dressed with all parts of his off bandages, whiskers, spectacles and all other
body covered. He was wearing dark glasses, big worn costumes over the shoulders and became
bushy side whiskers and a large hat all the time, a headless man. The people in the bar were
even at night. horrified because they found themselves staring
He could be helped to lead a normal life by at a headless man. The constable tried to arrest
guiding him patiently. He should be counselled to the scientist. He threw off his clothes one by one
work for the welfare of the society. in order to become invisible. After sometime he
The values of empathy, social responsibility, could not be seen at all. Then the constable was
kindness, helpfulness, honesty to his profession, trying to get hold of the invisible scientist. Some
generosity can help Griffin to become a better people tried to help him, but found themselves
person. getting back blows which seemed to come from
nowhere. At the end, the constable was knocked
10. One must be a law abiding citizen of the country. down unconscious by the scientist.
Griffin lacked this value in his character. How
did it make him an undesirable person ? How 13. How did the scientist look when he came to the
did lawlessness overshadowed his greatness as a inn? Give examples to show that he was a man of
scientist? irritable temperament.
Ans : 2015
Ans : 2012

One must be a law abiding person. Those who The scientist came to the inn with an uncommon
don’t follow rules become a nuisance for society. appearance. He had bandages around his forehead.
Griffin was no doubt a brilliant scientist but He had put on dark glasses and had also put a
his lawlessness overshadowed his brilliance. He false nose with big bushy side whiskers and was
misused his discovery and disturbed the peace wearing a large hat. The scientist was indeed a
of society. He robbed a storehouse, hit the man with an irritable temper because he foiled
landlady and the shopkeeper, had a fight with the all of Mrs Hall’s attempts to be friendly with him

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her furniture. know what you have been doing to my chair

“My poor mother used to sit in that chair,” upstairs,” she demanded. ‘And I want to know
she moaned! To think it should rise up against me how it is you came out of an empty room and how
now! The feeling among the neighbours was that you entered a locked room.” The scientist was
the trouble was caused by witchcraft. always quick-tempered; now he became furious.
i. State any one inference about Mrs. Hall “You don’t understand who or what I am!” he
‘moaning’ about ‘the extraordinary chair’ shouted. “Very well — I’ll show you.”
from the given context. i. Why did Mrs. Hall feel that the room was
‘the extraordinary chair pushed them both haunted by spirits?
out of the room and then appeared to slam ii. State TRUE or FALSE.
and lock the door after them.’ The neighbours thought the trouble was
ii. State TRUE or FALSE. caused by ‘witchcraft’. This statement tells
The spirits haunted the house and the us that the neighbours were superstitious.
furniture in Griffin’s room was surely iii. Why was the village constable secretly sent
possessed according to the Halls. for? Answer in about 40 words.
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be iv. What did the scientist do on becoming
applied to the given statement. furious?
(a) a hypothesis Ans : 2020
(b) an assumption i. Mrs. Hall felt that the room was haunted
(c) just a superstition by spirits because she had witnessed strange
(d) a theory waiting to be proved things like a chair mysteriously pushing her
iii. Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference out of the room had happened there.
to the extract. ii. True
Mrs. Hall ‘was convinced that the room was iii. The village constable was sent for because
haunted by spirits’ and other people thought the neighbours felt that Griffin had stolen
so too. the clergyman’s money. Moreover, they also
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘in believed that he was involved in some kind of
hysterics’ as given in the extract? witch craft.
Mrs. Hall almost fell down the stairs in iv. He threw off bandages, whiskers, spectacles
hysterics. and even nose.
Ans : 2022

i. Mrs. Hall was alarmed as well as pained 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
on realising that the eccentric stranger had questions that follows :
caused even her mother’s favourite chair to Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was
be possessed by an evil spirit that was out to rather a lawless person. His landlord disliked him
harm her. and tried to eject him. In revenge Griffin set fire
to the house, to get away without being seen he
ii. False (term (c) can be applied to the given
had to remove his clothes. Thus, it was that he
statement)
became a homeless wanderer, without clothes,
iii. The violent conduct of the chair convinced without money and quite invisible-until he
the Halls about the furniture being haunted happened to step in some mud and left footprints
and that the stranger had somehow caused as he walked!
spirits to enter into their furniture. Even the
i. The writer says that Griffin was a brilliant
neighbours believed that the trouble was
scientist. Elaborate in about 40 words with
caused by witchcraft.
evidence.
iv. getting panic attacks.
ii. State TRUE or FALSE.
4. Read the extract given below and answer the None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to
questions that follows : the statement - His landlord disliked him and
The village constable was secretly sent for. Instead tried to eject him.
of waiting for the constable, Mrs. Hall went to (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
the scientist, who had somehow mysteriously a phenomenon
appeared from his empty bedroom. “I want to

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Chapter 5 Discursive Passage

store. In the morning, he did not wake up in time. privacy due to his upfront payment and the
Therefore, the assistants chased him and he could explanation that he was an eccentric scientist
escape only by removing his new-found clothes. In affected by an accident, which seemed to
the end, he once again became invisible and cold. provide a sufficient reason for his unusual
behavior and appearance.
iv. sparked everyone’s curiosity.
Extract Based Question
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
1. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions given below :
questions given below :
Mrs. Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics.
The arrival of a stranger at an inn in winter was
She was convinced that the room was haunted by
in any case an unusual event. A stranger of such
spirits and that the stranger had somehow caused
uncommon appearance set all tongues wagging.
then to enter into her furniture.
Mrs. Hall, the landlord’s wife, made every effort
to be friendly. But Griffin had no desire to talk, i. Mrs. Hall tripped because
and told her, “My reason for coming to Iping is a (a) the floor was oily.
desire for solitude. I do not wish to be disturbed (b) she was standing on a chair.
in my work. Besides, an accident has affected my (c) she was in a state of panic.
face.” Satisfied that her guest was an eccentric (d) the door was slammed.
scientist, and in view of the fact that he had paid ii. Mrs. Hall suspected everything in the room
her in advance, Mrs. Hall was prepared to excuse was put under a spell of witchcraft by
his strange habits and irritable temper. _____.
i. State any one inference about Griffin from iii. Fill in the blank with one word only :
the given context : Mrs. Hall was afraid that spirits had entered
“My reason for coming to Iping is a desire _____.
for solitude. I do not wish to be disturbed in
iv. According to the extract, the feeling of Mrs.
my work. Besides, an accident has affected
Hall can be best described as :
my face.”
1. stunned 2. happy
ii. State True or False :
Even though Mrs. Hall was satisfied with 3. awestruck 4. nervous
Griffin, she was skeptical to excuse his strange 5. outraged 6. agitated
habits and irritable temper. Select the correct option :
iii. It was not difficult for Griffin to convince (a) (2) and (4) (b) (3) and (6)
the landlord and his wife about his strange (c) (5) and (6) (d) (1) and (6)
appearance and eccentric behaviour. v. ‘Spirits’ in the above lines means the same as
Elaborate in about 40 words with reference :
to the context. (a) ghosts (b) conscience
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘set (c) ego (d) attitude
all tongues wagging’ in the given sentence Ans : 2023
from the extract ? i. (c) she was in a state of panic.
A stranger of such uncommon appearance ii. Griffin
_____. iii. the furnitures
Ans : 2024 iv. (d) (1) and (6)
i. An inference about Griffin from the given v. (a) ghosts
context is that he is a private person who
3. Read the extract given below and answer the
values his solitude, is possibly working
questions that follows :
on something that requires concentration
As she and her husband turned away in terror,
and isolation, and has experienced some
the extraordinary chair pushed them both out of
misfortune or incident that has disfigured his
the room and then appeared to slam and lock
face, which he is sensitive about.
the door after them. Mrs Hall almost fell down
ii. False the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that
iii. It was relatively easy for Griffin to convince the room was haunted by spirits, and that the
the landlord and his wife about his need for stranger had somehow caused these to enter into

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Page 694 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

Chapter 6

T he Making of a Scientist

1. INTRODUCTION cause of viral diseases that killed monarch

caterpillars. This theory led testing viceroy
The chapter “The Making of a Scientist” is written butterflies copy monarchs. His project which
by Robert W. Peterson. This is a biographical concluded that starling would not eat ordinary
sketch of a renowned scientist, Richard H. Ebright, bird food, was highly acclaimed by the zoology
who excelled in his research on butterflies. His division.
work on the hormones from the spots on a
monarch pupa and his resultant findings about Probe into Need of Tiny Gold Spots on a Monarch Pupa
the chemical structure of the hormones came out Earlier these spots were regarded ornamental.
as an answer to one of biology’s major puzzles. A device was built to study about the spots
producing hormone. This project was praised at
International Science and Engineering Fair and
2. Characters Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He
concluded that cells would divide and develop
Richard Ebright into normal butterfly wing if fed on the hormone
Richard Ebright was a person of perseverance and from gold spots.
positive attitude. Although he earned top grades
in school he faced many failures in his life but he Discovery of New Theory About Cell Life
used each of his failure as a springboard to achieve While taking x-ray photos of structure of
succeed. Ebright possessed all the qualities of a hormone, DNA, blueprint for life was discovered.
scientist. First-rate mind, curiosity and mix in the This theory was a big step to understand process
will to win opened the world of science for him. of life.
Other Qualities Developed in Ebright
Apart from being a scientist, Richard Ebright
3. summary became a champion debater, public speaker
and good canoeist. He also became expert
Richard H. Ebright, a Scientist
photographer of nature. Mr. Weiherer was his
At the age of twenty-two Ebright formed a
social studies teacher.
new theory on how cells work. He started his
experiments with butterflies. He had to stop Qualities As a Scientist
many of his childhood activities. First-rate mind, curiosity and mix in the will to
win opened the world of science for him.
Role of Ebright’s Mother
Ebright’s mother always encouraged him. She
was his best companion who bought all kinds of 4. Word meaningss
instruments needed. Mother also brought ‘The
Travels of Monarch X’ which also opened the 1. Excited - to rouse
world of science. 2. Proceedings - action, operation
3. Journal - daily record of transactions
Raising of Butterflies 4. Determination - fix attention
Ebright caught a female monarch, took her eggs 5. Eager - strongly desirous
and raised them through life cycle. As required, 6. Leagues - team
he lost interest in tagging butterflies. 7. String - series or rope
Losing at Science Fair 8. Achievements - attainments
When he was in seventh grade, he lost on his slide 9. Activities - deeds
of frog tissues. He realised that real experiments 10. Fossils - remains of the dead preserved in
were needed. Then Ebright worked to find the rocks

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

11. Mounting - to climb over the other in setting out challenges for him. This helped him
12. Companion - an associate learn a lot.
13. Probably - more likely than not
14. Migrate - to go to other country Read and Find Out - 2
15. Adhesive - apt to stick 1. What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not
16. Tags - a flap of garment win anything at a science fair?
17. Basement - lowest part of building Ans : 2021
18. Tedious - wearisome When Ebright does not win anything at a science
19. Recaptured - to capture again fair, he learns that winner had tried to show real
20. Tissues - a fine woven cloth experiments.
21. Display - exhibition
22. Competitive - a situation in which people act 2. What experiments and projects does he then
against each other undertake ?
23. Stack - a pile of hay Ans :
24. Research - a careful inquiry He decided to do a real experiment. He tried to
25. Ornamental - serving to adorn find the cause of a viral disease that kills nearly
26. Hormone - a chemical secretion from certain all monarch caterpillars every few years. Then he
glands of the body began his research into discovery of an unknown
27. Entomology - study of insects insect monarch.

3. What are the qualities that go into making of a

5. MESSAGE scientist ?
Ans : 2011
The chapter “The Making of a Scientist” conveys
There are many qualities (ingredients) that
the message that if one wants to succeed in
go into making of a scientist. Richard Ebright
life and reach great heights like Ebright, one
became a scientist since he was competitive and
must have sincerity of purpose, single-minded
put in that extra effort. He had a first-rate mind
devotion and determined will. One needs to put
with curiosity and mix in the will to win for the
in extraordinary and consistent efforts to achieve
right reasons.
rare distinctions. In addition, one must be keen to
learn and also have a “driving curiosity” to utilize
the potential of a bright mind. The desire to work
Think About It
for the right cause, supplemented with a healthy 1. How can one become a scientist, an economist,
competitive spirit, are added qualities that help a a historian Does it simply involve reading many
genius to gain recognition. books on the subject? Does it involve observing;
thinking and doing experiments?
6. ncert textbook questions Ans :
One can perform a job to the best of his capabilities
if one is really interested in it. Once we choose a
Read and Find Out - 1 goal or an aim, we should strive hard to achieve it.
1. How did a book become a turning point in Richard I think reading books is just one aspect of learning.
Ebright’s life? This is an exercise in information gathering. It
Ans : 2012
is how your brain processes the information that
The book “The Travels of Monarch X” opened affects the degree of learning. The first and the
the world of science for Richard. After reading it, foremost criterion to become a genius in one’s
he became interested in tracking the migration of chosen field is to have great curiosity and unending
butterflies. This interest led him to other projects hunger to discover more. Next criterion is a good
and experiments. Finally, he became a great sense of observation which helps you correlate
scientist. your findings with what you see or experience in
the real world. Experiments are must to test your
2. How did his mother help him? findings against possible variables and in real life
Ans : 2019 situations. And last, but not the least criterion
Richard’s mother proved to be a great help. is an urge to work really hard on your area of
She took him on trips and bought scientific interest. Hard work is actually the key to success.
equipments for him. She encouraged the scientific One should have perseverance and strong will-
temperament in Richard. She spent all her time power to achieve what one aspires to.

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Page 696 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

2. You must have read about cells and DNA in your a great opinion and get deep into the concepts
science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s work in involved.
the light of what you have studied. If you get (i) DNA carries genetic information to each living
an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright on thing. DNA is inherited from our parents.
projects and experiments, which field would you DNA fingerprinting is important in Forensic
like to work on and why? Department. Even from a single hair or a drop
Ans : of blood DNA can help us to find out the true
It is known that origin of life on earth is an
culprit.
established fact. By the process of gradual and
continuous change, living organisms have evolved. (ii) Honeybees use such as a guide. They also
After many number of experiments, scientists appear to have a good memory. They try to
have established that gene is a segment of a find through a clever dance language. The
large molecule called DNA. DNA carries genetic dance indicates the direction and distance
information from generation to generation. of the food source. Thus they have a well
Richard Ebright worked on his basis. He developed direction finding mechanism and a
raised flock of butterflies and raised the eggs of way of reckoning distance.
female Monarch. He studied the various stages (iii) Rain is formed as a result of condensation
of female Monarch. He further studied the of vapour when air is cooled below the dew
cause of a viral disease that killed all Monarch point. The raindrops start out as tiny ice
caterpillars. Next he tried to find similarities crystals and on the way they collect moisture.
between viceroy butterflies and monarchs. Study The crystals change into water droplets and
of insects’ hormone further give a new theory fall on the ground as drops.
on the life of cells. Then he found the hormone
behind butterfly’s full development. Thus, all 2. You also must have wondered about certain things
these experiments led him to form a theory that around you. Share these questions with your class
cells grew from a monarch’s wings. The cell would and try and answer them.
divide and grow in a normal butterfly. If they Ans :
were fed into a hormone from the gold spots. There are many questions which are a question of
Thus, he proved a new cell theory which formed worry for me:
the blue print of DNA. (i) Is there any material which does not burn in
If I am given a chance I would like to work fire?
in the sphere of stem cells which has a very wide
(ii) Why do rain bearing clouds appear black?
range and would be a great keep for future.
(iii) Why do some people snort during sleep?
Talk About It
1. Children everywhere wonder about the world 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
around them. The questions they ask are the
beginning of scientific inquiry. Given below are Multiple Choice
Type Question
some questions that children in India have asked
Professor Yash pal and Dr. Rahul Pal as reported 1. Who is the writer of the lesson “The Making of
in their book, ‘Discovered Questions’ (NCERT a Scientist”?
2006) (a) HG Wells
(i) What is DNA fingerprinting? What are its
(b) Robert W. Peterson
uses?
(c) Ruskin Bond
(ii) How do honeybees identify their own
honeycombs? (d) Guy De Maupassant
Ans : 2021
(iii) Why does rain fall in drops?
(b) Robert W. Peterson
Can you answer these questions? You will find
Professor Yash Pal’s and Dr Rahul Pal’s answers 2. Name Richard’s college room mate
(as given in ‘Discovered Questions’) on page 75.
(a) John (b) James
Ans : 2006

Yes, we can answer these questions. The answers (c) Jack (d) Jeff
given by Dr. Yash Pal and Dr. Rahul Pal are Ans : 2021

very helpful. These answers have helped us from (a) John

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

pursuit of knowledge and understanding. The telescopes, microscopes? Give two reasons to
text likely highlights instances where he actively support your answer.
sought answers, questioned the world around him, Ans : 2021

or engaged in activities that showcased a natural Yes, she was indulgent and concerned about her
inclination towards scientific exploration. Look for son’s likings and hobbies. Firstly, she arranged for
evidence in the text that illustrates how Ebright’s his favourite things to bring out his latent talent.
curiosity played a significant role in shaping his Secondly, this way she helped him to become a
path toward becoming a scientist. scientist naturally and not forcefully.

2. Justify how Ebright’s mother played an important 6. Suggest two ways by which you feel scientific
part in his becoming a scientist. temperament can be developed in a child.
O Ans : 2021

Every child is born with more or less scientific

How did Ebright’s mother encourage his interest
temperament inside. This temperament can be
in learning ?
further developed by providing him with related
O
toys and games and supporting his experiments.
How did Ebright’s mother help him in becoming
Besides parents can encourage their children by
a scientist ? asking questions and replying with satisfactory
O answers.
How did Richard Ebright’s mother help him?
O 7. Do you think we always need sophisticated
Describe the role of Ebright’s mother in making instruments for all science experiments? Why/
him a scientist Why not?
Ans : 2024 , 2019, 2015, 2013, 2012 Ans : 2021

Ebright’s mother played a crucial role in his No, not really. Great discoveries and inventions
scientific journey by nurturing his curiosity and have been made by using raw instruments in the
providing him with books and resources to explore past. Everyone knows how the falling of an apple
his interests. She encouraged his inquisitive nature gave us the theory of gravitational force. So, it is
and instilled in him a love for learning, laying the not necessary that we always need sophisticated
foundation for his future success as a scientist. instruments to create wonders.

8. Richard’s mother was his companion and spent a

lot of time with him. A parent should try to be a
3. How important is curiosity to scientific exploration companion to a child. Justify.
and discovery? Justify your answer with examples Ans : 2021

from the story ‘The Making of a Scientist’. A parent can best judge a child’s needs and
Ans : 2023 psychology. If a parent spends time with his child,
Curiosity is extremely important to scientific like a friend, the child can feel confident, safe and
exploration and discovery. It was Ebright’s motivated. Richard’s mother supported him by
curiosity that led him to collect items such as recognising his inclination towards butterflies
butterflies, fossils and coins. His desire to explore that helped him in becoming a great scientist.
and constantly learn served as the foundation for
his future scientific pursuits. 9. The book, ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ ignited
Richard’s curiosity in butterflies further. Do you
4. What opinion did Mr. Weiherer, Ebright’s Social think sometimes, people or things around us can
Science teacher have about him? act as catalysts to shape our lives? Explain how.
Ans : 2023 Ans : 2021

Mr. Weiherer was of a great opinion about It is absolutely true that sometimes people or
Ebright. According to him, Ebritht was things can act as a catalyst to bring a change in
competitive in a true sense as he didn’t want to our lives. Even a gift, a quotation, a statement or
just win the competition for the sake of winning it an incident can turn our life 360 degrees. When
but he wanted to prove his experiments truly and Richard’s fascination with butterfly collecting
contribute to the field of science. was about to fade over, the gifted book opened
a new world of butterflies to him and ignited his
5. Do you think Richard’s mother was too indulgent curiosity to research more about the insects.
when she bought him things like cameras,

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Page 698 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

19. Which book did Ebright’s mother give him to? (c) when he lost
(a) Travels of Monarch X (d) all of these
(b) Travels of Ebright Ans : 2010

(d) all of these

(c) Travels of Dr Urquhart
(d) Travels of Viceroy X 27. “_____ is the blueprint for life.”
Ans : 2012 (a) cells (b) DNA
(a) Travels of Monarch X (c) both of these (d) none of these
Ans : 2010
20. Which of the following is a type of butterflies?
(b) DNA
(a) viceroy (b) monarch
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) none of these 28. Where did he come from?
Ans : 2012 (a) Reading (b) Oxford
(c) both (a) and (b) (c) London (d) none of these
Ans : 2010
21. Ebright tried to grow caterpillars in the presence
(a) Reading
of :
(a) betties (b) snakes 29. What did he realise was necessary for winning a
(c) wasps (d) all of these prize at the fair?
Ans : 2011 (a) display (b) experiment
(a) betties (c) both a and b (d) none of these
Ans : 2009
22. Who encouraged Ebright in his interest in
(b) experiment
learning?
(a) his mother (b) his father 30. Where did he graduate from?
(c) his brother (d) his teacher (a) Oxford (b) Yale
Ans : 2011 (c) Harvard (d) none of these
(a) his mother Ans : 2009

(c) Harvard
23. Richard H. Ebright was famous :
(a) singer (b) scientist 31. Where did Richard grew up?
(c) doctor (d) engineer (a) Pennsylvania (b) Chicago
Ans : 2011 (c) New York (d) London
(b) scientist Ans : 2009

(a) Pennsylvania
24. At what age did he invent the theory on how cells
work? 32. Which butterflies copied monarchs to prevent
(a) twenty (b) twenty one being eaten by birds?
(c) twenty two (d) twenty four (a) vice president (b) viceroy
Ans : 2011 (c) vice principal (d) vices
(c) twenty two Ans : 2009

25. How did his mother help him? (b) viceroy

(a) took him on trips 33. What was the purpose of the gold spots on the
(b) bought him telescopes and microscopes monarch pupa?
(c) encouraged him to learn (a) ornamental
(d) all of these (b) secreted hormones
Ans : 2010, 2008
(c) they were the breathing points
(d) all of these
(d) none of these
26. When did he get a hint of real science? Ans : 2008

(b) secreted hormones

(a) in the 7th grade
(b) when he entered a county science fair

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

3. What did Richard’s dad do? 11. He tried to grow _____ in the presence of
(a) scientist (b) doctor betties
(c) he was dead (d) teacher (a) butterflies (b) catterpillar
Ans : 2020 (c) rats (d) snakes
(c) he was dead Ans : 2014

(b) catterpillar
4. Name Ebright’s social science teacher.
(a) Mr Weiherer (b) Dr Urquhart 12. What did he collect during his childhood?
(c) James R Wong (d) Taplow (a) coins (b) rocks
Ans : 2020 (c) butterflies (d) all of these
(a) Mr Weiherer Ans : 2014

(d) all of these

5. How many gold spots were there on a Monarch
pupa? 13. When did he find the cause of a viral disease
(a) 10 (b) 15 common among caterpillars?
(c) 11 (d) 12 (a) in the 7th grade (b) in the 8th grade
Ans : 2015 (c) in college (d) none of these
(d) 12 Ans : 2013

(b) in the 8th grade

6. In which class was Ebright when he lost at the
county science fair? 14. How many species of butterflies had he collected
(a) 5 (b) 8 till second grade?
(c) 7 (d) 4 (a) 20 (b) 21
Ans : 2015 (c) 24 (d) 25
(c) 7 Ans : 2013

(d) 25
7. What groundbreaking research did Ebright do?
(a) working of body (b) working of DNA 15. What was he fond of in his childhood?
(c) Working of heart (d) none of these (a) basketball (b) collecting things
Ans : 2015 (c) baseball (d) none of these
(b) working of DNA Ans : 2013

(b) collecting things

8. He was an excellent _____
(a) debator (b) scientist 16. “It was his fascination for _____ that opened
(c) photographer (d) all of these the world of science to him.”
Ans : 2015 (a) cats (b) dogs
(d) all of these (c) birds (d) butterflies
Ans : 2013
9. Who did he write to get an idea for a real science (d) butterflies
experiment?
(a) his mother 17. Which of the following is a part of the life cycle
(b) his friend of butterflies?
(c) Dr Frederick A. Urquhart (a) egg (b) caterpillar
(d) his father (c) pupa (d) all of these
Ans : 2014, 2010
Ans : 2012

(c) Dr Frederick A. Urquhart (d) all of these

18. At what grade did Richard get a hint of what real
10. Which butterflies were not eaten by birds? science is?
(a) viceroy (b) monarch (a) fourth grade (b) fifth grade
(c) both a and b (d) none of these (c) sixth grade (d) seventh grade
Ans : 2014
Ans : 2012
(b) monarch (d) seventh grade

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Page 700 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

46. _____ was Ebright’s only friend until he went Ans : 2003

to school. (a) Monarch’s wing

(a) Mother (b) Brother 53. Ebright also identified the chemical structure of
(c) Father (d) Grandfather (a) Chlorine (b) Calcium
Ans : 2005
(c) Hormone (d) Clorofluro Carbon
(a) Mother Ans : 2003

47. Ebright’s father died when he was in _____ (c) Hormone

grade. 54. The most important discovery of Ebright was
(a) Third (b) Second (a) Cell life
(c) Fourth (d) First (b) Atomic structure
Ans : 2005
(c) Chemical structure of Hormone
(a) Third
(d) Viceroy butterfly copies Monarch butterfly
48. The book, which encouraged Ebright and turned Ans : 2003

his life towards science was (a) Cell life

(a) The travels of Monarch (X) 55. _____, the room-mate of Ebright helped him
(b) 100 Shade o butterflies to draw pictures and to construct the plastic
(c) The 50 collection of butterflies models of molecules.
(d) The travels of Monarch (XI) (a) J.K Upright (b) James K long
Ans : 2005
(c) Thomas Wilson (d) James R. Wong
(a) The travels Monarch (X) Ans : 2002

49. At the end of the children’s book the readers (d) James R. Wong
were invited to tag butterflies to Dr. Frederick A. 56. Ebright used to admire his _____ teacher.
Urquhart of the university of (a) SST
(a) Zurich (b) London (b) Science
(c) Toronto (d) Oxford (c) Mathematics
Ans : 2004
(d) Language teaches
(c) Toronto Ans : 2002

50. After doing experiment on the theory that viceroy (a) SST
butterflies copy monarchs, Ebright won the 57. Apart from scientist research Ebright had a keen
_____ division in the zoology department and interest in
_____ position in the overall science fair.
(a) SST (b) Drawing
(a) 2nd and 3rd (b) 1st and 3rd
(c) Debate (d) Travelling
(c) 2nd and 1st (d) 1st and 2nd Ans : 2002
Ans : 2004
(c) Debate
(b) 1st and 2nd
58. Ebright took part in county _____ fair.
51. The _____ tiny gold spots on monarch pupa
(a) handicraft (b) science
produced a necessary hormone for the full
development of butterfly from a pupa. (c) cattle (d) insects
Ans : 2002
(a) 10 (b) 11
(b) science
(c) 13 (d) 12
Ans : 2004
Short Answer Type Question
(d) 12
1. How can one say that Ebright’s curiosity/
52. The research on growing cells from a _____ inquisitiveness drove him to become a scientist ?
helped him to won the first prize at the Ans : 2024
international fair. In “The Making of a Scientist,” one can infer
(a) Monarch’s wing (b) Frog’s body that Ebright’s curiosity or inquisitiveness drove
(c) Monarch’s body (d) Pupa him to become a scientist based on his relentless

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

the blueprint of its DNA. DNA is the substance

in the nucleus of a cell that controls heredity.
It determines the form and function of the cell.
Thus, DNA is the blueprint for life. Ebright and
his college room-mate, James R. Wong, worked
all that night drawing pictures and constructing
plastic models of molecules to show how it could
happen. Together they later wrote the paper that
explained the theory.
i. State any one inference about Richard
Ebright from the given context.
When he saw those photos, Ebright didn’t
shout, ‘Eureka!’ or even, ‘I’ve got it!’
ii. State which of the options from (a) to (d) can
be applied to the given statement or context.
According to the extract, DNA can be
considered the fulcrum around which the
nucleus of a cell, the form and function of the
cell revolve.
(a) A hypothesis (b) An assumption
(c) A premise (d) A theory
ii. ‘Together they later wrote the paper that
explained the theory.’ What were the
repercussions of the theory going to be for
mankind? Elaborate in about 40 words, with
reference to the extract.
iii. Which phrase would correctly substitute
‘blueprint’ in the given sentence from the
extract?
“Thus, DNA is the blueprint for life.”
Ans : 20111

i. Ebright displayed a well-rounded, mature

personality.
ii. (d) A theory
iii. If the theory about cell life would prove correct,
it will be a big step toward understanding the
processes of life. It might also lead to new
ideas for preventing some types of cancer and
other diseases.
(d) plan or design



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10. Why do you think Mr. Weiherer was pleased 15. What, according to Mr. Weiherer, makes Richard
that Richard Ebright not only put in the nightly Ebright a winner ?
research hours towards butterflies, but also his O
other interests? According to Mr. Weiherer, what makes Richard
Ans : 2021
Ebright a winner?
Mr. Weiherer was pleased that Ebright balanced Ans : 2017, 2014
academics as well as recreational pursuits, According to Mr. Weiherer, Richard Ebright was
his hobbies etc. He was impressed by richard’s not interested in winning for winnings sake or
commitment towards his work. As a teacher, winning to get a prize. Rather, he was a winner
he wanted Ebright’s growth as a well-rounded because he wanted to do the best job he could.
personality.

11. Why do you think Mr Weiherer was pleased 16. Which project did Ebright submit in his eighth
that Richard Ebright not only put in the nightly grade? Why did he win ?
research hours towards butterflies, but also his Ans : 2016

other interests? For his eighth grade project he tried to find the
Ans : 2020
cause of a viral disease that killed nearly all
Mr Weiherer was pleased that Ebright balanced monarch caterpillars every few year. He thought
academics as well as recreational pursuits (hobbies it all happened because of a beetle and tried
etc.); – Asa teacher, he wanted Ebright’s growth raising caterpillars in the presence of beetles but
as a well-rounded personality. he did not get any results. But he went ahead
and showed his experiments and trials and won
12. What lesson did Ebright learn when in the seventh a prize.
grade he entered a country science fair?
O 17. Why did Ebright raise a flock of butterflies?
What lesson did Ebright learn when he could not Ans : 2015

win a prize at the science fair? Ebright wanted to tag the monarch butterflies
Ans : 2017, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2011 to study their migration. Since butterfly season
Ebright exhibited slides of frog tissues at a country lasted only six weeks he wouldn’t be able catch
science fair. He did not get any prize. He learnt many and tag them.
an important lesson that science is not just about
18. What were the factors which contributed to
display. It is about projects and real experiments.
making Ebright a scientist?
He began conducting experiments from that day
Ans : 2014
onwards.
There are some genuine factors that contribute
13. Which book did Ebright’s mother get for him? to making Ebright a scientist. First, he had a
How did it change his life? ‘driving curiosity along with a bright mind’ and
Ans : 2017 zeal to do new ideas. Secondly, his mother’s
Ebright’s mother got him a children’s book called encouragement and inspiration stood him in
‘The Travels of Monarch X.’ good stead to create interest in science. Finally,
‘The Travels of Monarch X’ opened the world of
1. The book described how Monarch butterflies
science to Ebright.
migrate to Central America.
2. This opened the world of science to young 19. Mention any two of Ebright’s contributions to the
Ebright. world of science.
Ans : 2012
14. Who were the important people in Ebright’s life In his senior year in the high school, Ebright
? Why ? began to search an unkown hormone in the gold
Ans : 2017 sports of the butterflies. He proved that the cells
Ebright’s mother who encouraged him as a of a monard would develop into a normal butterfly
child and Dr. Frederick A. Urquhart who had wing only if they were fed the hormone from the
inspired him to study about butterflies were gold spots.
quite important in Ebright’s life. Also, Richard A Another contribution of Ebright in the world of
Weiherer, Ebright’s Social Studies teacher opened science is that he discovered how the cell could
Ebright’s mind to new ideas and praised him for read the blue print of its DNA.
his hardwork and indomitable spirit.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

34. What qualities did Richard possess? Ans : 2007

(b) that chasing the butterflies one by one won’t

(a) inquisitive (b) intelligent
enable him to catch many
(c) will to win (d) all of these
Ans : 2008 40. What did the book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’
(d) all of these describe?
(a) how monarch butterflies migrate to Southern
35. Which theory is discovered by Ebright?
America
(a) how mutation works (b) how motion works
(b) how monarch butterflies migrate to Northern
(c) how cells work (d) all of these America
Ans : 2008
(c) how monarch butterflies migrate to Central
(c) how cells work
America
36. What did Ebright start searching in the 2nd year (d) how monarch butterflies migrate to Western
of high school? America
(a) An unknown hormone in the gold spots of Ans : 2006

butterflies (c) how monarch butterflies migrate to Central

(b) An unknown hormone in the green spots of America
leaves 41. What did Ebright start tagging?
(c) An unknown hormone in the different species (a) insects (b) monarch butterflies
of butterflies
(c) vibrant butterflies (d) none of these
(d) An unknown hormone in the gold spots of Ans : 2006
monarch butterflies (b) monarch butterflies
Ans : 2008

(a) An unknown hormone in the gold spots of 42. The cell theory got published in the proceeding
butterflies of the
(a) World Academy of technology
37. What did the book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’
give Ebright a thorough knowledge about? (b) National Academy of science
(a) Knowledge about the monarch rocks (c) National science and technology
(b) Knowledge about the monarch fossils (d) World innovative science
Ans : 2006
(c) Knowledge about the monarch butterflies
(b) National Academy of Science.
(d) Knowledge about the monarch coins
Ans : 2007 43. Richard’s interests on experiments started with a
(c) Knowledge about the monarch butterflies small things i.e.
(a) Rat (b) Money Plant
38. Richard H Ebright is a leading scientist who has
contributed significantly to which branches of (c) Bed bug (d) Butterfly
science? Ans : 2006

(d) Butterfly.
(a) Biochemistry
(b) Molecular Biology 44. Ebright started collecting butterflies from the
(c) Biology stage of
(d) Both (a) and (b) (a) Kinder garden (b) Class V
Ans : 2007 (c) Nursery (d) Class II
(d) Both (a) and (b) Ans : 2006, 2001

(a) Kinder Garden

39. What did Ebright realise?
(a) that this wasn’t his foray 45. Ebright wanted to become
(b) that chasing the butterflies one by one won’t (a) A scientist (b) A Journalist
enable him to catch many (c) An astronomer (d) A writer
(c) that it was a difficult task Ans : 2005

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Long Answer Type Question 3. Richard’s mother had been invited to a talk show
after Richard’s graduation from Harvard with the
1. You have been requested to write a brief blog post highest honours. You attended that talk show.
for a Science blog for kids on the theme-‘Science Write the most memorable thing she spoke about
is Real’. Based on your understanding of the and what you think it reveals about her.
chapter, write the blog highlighting how science Ans : 2021
pervades every aspect of our lives.
The Talk Show With Richard’s Mother
You may begin like this :
Host : Well, Ms Ebright, how do you feel about
Scienceforkidsblogger.com
Richard’s homecoming with the greatest Honours
Monday, October 19, 2021
from Harvard.
Science Is Real Mother : It feels really great! My son has brought
……………………………………………………… honours to me and our country.
……………………………………………………… Host : Was he a special child or an average child?
…… ………………………………………………… Mother : He was absolutely an average child in
……………………………………………………….. his school. He used to observe things happening
Ans : 2021 in nature very keenly and It helped him a lot. He
Scienceforkidsblogger.com kept himself busy researching whatever fascinated
Monday, October 19, 2021 him.
Science Is Real Host : Do you want to give any parenting tips?
Science is present in every aspect of our life. Mother : Keep your kids busy with constructive
science is not just a theory to learn from books. ideas and try to understand their talent at the
It has to be observed minutely because science is initial stage itself.
real. If you want to understand science in an easy Host : Do you see any change in Richard’s attitude
and practical way, you should visit the kitchen or now?
the garden in your house. Try to understand the Mother : Oh yes, he is more sincere, more
science working behind the small objects present determined and more dedicated now.
in our kitchens – lemon squeezer, garlic presser,
4. Imagine Richard wrote a letter to his mother
grater etc. Have you ever asked your mother
when he was studying at Harvard University for
why the ginger turns to pink colour when lemon
motivating him and being a constant source of
juice was poured on it? One can understand the
support throughout his growing up years. Write
concept of condensation by taking up the lid
that letter of gratitude as Richard.
from a cooking utensil. If you have a scientific
You may begin like this :
temperament you can experience that science is
Harvard University
real and it pervades every field of our life.
Cambridge
2. The will to win, for the right reasons, was a quality Massachusetts
that Richard had. Do you think this quality alone 20 September 1981
can help us accomplish great feats? Why/ Why Mrs Ebright
not? Reading
Ans : 2021 Pennsylvania
It is an important quality that is seen among Dear Mom
winners. But, I feel, this quality alone cannot It’s been long since I’ve written to you. ……………
help us accomplish great feats. Besides the will Ans : 2021

to win several other factors like family support, Letter of gratitude as Richard
physical and mental well being and awareness, Harvard University
financial status etc. do matter in making someone Cambridge
a winner. Richard was an average student in his Massachusetts
school but his mother’s timely support and other 20 September 1981
favourable conditions worked positively to help Mrs Ebright
him to become a successful scientist. No doubt Reading
once stepped onto the right path, he worked hard Pennsylvania
with determination and never looked back. Dear Mom,
It has been long since I have written to you. You
will be glad to know that all the teachers here
praise me for my real knowledge of Science. You

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

ii. True. constructing plastic models of molecules to show

iii. Ebright’s approach towards finding the how it could happen. Together they later wrote
purpose of the gold spots on a monarch pupa the paper that explained the theory. Surprising
was indeed highly effective. He built a device no one who knew him, Richard Ebright graduated
that showed the spots were producing a from Harvard with highest honours, second in his
hormone that was necessary for a butterfly’s class of 1510.
full development. His approach cleared i. How did Richard Ebright graduate?
the assumption that the spots were just ii. State true or false.
ornamental on the butterflies. None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to
iv. an opportunity. the statement — Ebright was a spectacular
student.
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
questions that follows :
a phenomenon
“Richard would always give that extra effort, Mr.
Weiherer said. What pleased me was, here was (b) An assumption - something that is taken
this person who put in three or four hours at night for granted or assumed to be true
doing debate research besides doing all his research (c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or
with butterflies and his other interests. ‘Richard claims not meant to be taken literally
was competitive,’ Mr. Weiherer continued, ‘but (d) A premise - a proposition that forms the
not in a bad sense’. He explained, “Richard basis of an argument
wasn’t interested in winning for winning’s sake iii. What paper was written by Ebright and his
or winning to get a prize. Rather, he was winning friend? Where was it published?
because he wanted to do the best job he could. iv. Which word would correctly substitute
For the right reasons, he wants to be the best.” ‘making’, in the given sentence from the
i. Why did Mr. Weiherer consider Richard to be extract?
a hard worker? My friend, Rahul, was busy making a
ii. State TRUE or FALSE. 3D-wallpaper when I went to see him.
Only option (d) correctly corresponds to the Ans : 2017

extract. i. Richard Ebright graduate with highest

(a) A review (b) An interview honours as second in a class of 1510 from
(c) An analysis (d) A comment Harvard University.
iii. Why did Mr. Weiherer call Richard a true ii. False
winner?.Answer in about 40 words. iii. The paper about a theory of how cells work
iv. Why was Richard trying to win? was written by Ebright and his friend. It was
Ans : 2021 published in the scientific journal ‘Proceedings
i. Mr. Weiherer considered Richard to be a hard of the National Academy of Science’.
worker because he put in three or four hours iv. constructing
at night doing debate research besides doing
all his research with butterflies and his other 4. Read the extract given below and answer the
interests. questions that follows :
ii. True From the first he had a driving curiosity along
with a bright mind. He also had a mother who
iii. Mr. Weiherer caved Richard a true winner
encouraged his interest in learning. She took him
because he wasn’t intereasted in winning
on trips, bought him telescopes, microscopes,
for winning’s sake or winning to get a prize.
cameras, mounting materials, and other equipment
Rather, he wanted to give his best.
and helped him in many other ways.
iv. Richard was trying to win because he wanted “I was his only companion until he started
to do the best job he could. schoo4” his mother said. “After that I would
3. Read the extract given below and answer the bring home friends for him. But at night we just
questions that follows : did things together. Richie was my whole life after
Ebright and his college roommate, James R his father died when Richie was in third grade.”
Wong, worked all that night drawing pictures and

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Page 706 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

9. “Richard was the focus of his mother’s attention”. from egg to caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly.
Compose a thesis on this. Then he would tag the butterflies’ wings and let
Ans : 2016 them go.
Richard was three years old when he lost his father.
Then he became the whole life of his mother. His 12. Describe Richard Ebright’s childhood.
mother was his only companion until he started Ans : 2013

school. His mother brought home friends for Richard Ebright grew up in the north of Reading,
him. At night they just did the things together. Pennsylvania. Beginning in the Kindergarten, he
His mother encouraged his interest in learning. had the fascination to collect butterflies. From
She took him on trips, bought him telescopes, the dawn of his life, he had a driving curiosity
microscopes, cameras and other equipments with a bright mind. Ebright was everything for
that helped him in many other ways. It was his his mother since his father’s death. However, he
mother who brought him the book “The Travel used to get top grade in the school. When he
of Monarch X”. Thus he was the focus of his was in second standard, he collected twenty-five
mother’s attention. species of butterflies found around his hometown.
The book, ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ brought
10. “Where there is a will, there is a way.”. Elaborate a turning point in his life, when he was in the
in context of the story of ‘The Making of a eighth standard, he tried to find the cause of the
Scientist.’ viral disease of the monarchs. His trial of this
Ans : 2015 experiment won him a prize. Thus, Ebright bids
Ebright had a will to become a scientist. However, fair to be an outstanding scientist in future.
he did not have enough resources for his dream.
This curiosity and will made him work hard on 13. What other interests besides science did Richad
various projects and models and helped him win Ebright pursue? What opinion did Mr. Weiherer,
many prizes. As a high school junior, he continued his social studies teacher, have about Ebright?
his advanced experiments on the monarch pupa. O
His hard work and determination rewarded him What opinion did Mr Weiherer, his social studies
and he won a prize. In his senior year he got an
teacher, have about Ebright?
opportunity to work at the army laboratory where
Ans : 2013, 2012
he was able to conduct many experiments. This
Besides science, Richard Ebright had also interest
shows that if one has a will to do something, then
in other fields. He also became a champion debater
God opens all doors for him. Ebright’s will to work
and public speaker. He was a good canoeist and
and his curiosity overcame the lack of resources
an all-round outdoors-person. He was an expert
and helped him in becoming a successful scientist.
photographer, particularly of nature and scientific
exhibits. In high school, Richard Ebright was a
11. How and why did Richard Ebright raise a flock of straight-A student. He rendered a lot of energy
butterflies ? towards the Debating and Model United Nations
O Club.
Why did Richard Ebright raise a flock of Mr Weiherer, his social studies teacher,
butterflies? cherished a high opinion about Richard Ebright.
Ans : 2014 He admired for the extra efforts that Richard gave
At the end of the book ‘The Travels of Monarch for doing debate research besides his research
X’ the readers were asked to tag butterflies for with butterflies and other interests. Mr Weiherer
research by Dr. Frederick A. Urquhart of the emphasized that Richard was winning because he
university of Toronto, Canada. So, soon Ebright wanted to do the best job he could do. For the
was attaching light adhesive tags to the wings of right reasons, he wanted to be the best of the
monarchs to help Dr. Urquhart in his research. But best.
the butterfly collecting season around Ebright’s
hometown, Reading, was for only six weeks in late 14. When did Ebright learn what real science is? How
summer. Hence, it was not possible to catch many did it help him to become a successful scientist?
butterflies by chasing them one by one. Ans : 2011

Therefore, the next step for Ebright was to When Ebright could not win any thing at a science
raise a flock of butterflies. He would catch a female fair, he understood that he would have to do real
monarch and take her eggs. Then he would raise experiments to win the prize. So, his competitive
them in his basement through out their life cycle, spirit encouraged him’ to do a real experiment.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

20. Why did Richard Ebright give up tagging with highest honours, being second in his class of
butterflies? 1,510. After graduation, he went on to become a
Ans : 2010 graduate student researcher at Harvard Medical
Richard Ebright gave up tagging butterflies School.
because he gradually lost interest in it. He found
it absolutely a tedious work. Moreover, there was 26. What can Ebright’s theory of cell life lead to if it
not much feedback. He tagged many butterflies is proved correct ?
but only two of them were captured. In fact, in Ans : 2007, 2003
the book, “The Travels of Monarch”, readers If Ebright’s theory of cell life is proved correct,
were asked by Dr. Frederick to tag butterflies for it will be a big step towards understanding the
research. process of life. It might also lead to new ideas
for preventing some types of cancer and other
21. What other interests besides science did Richard diseases.
Ebright pursue?
Ans : 2010 27. If the theory proves correct, it will be a big step
Richard Bright had other interests besides science. towards understanding the processes of life. What
To his credit, he became a champion debater and is the theory and who proposed it ?
public speaker. He was also a good canoeist and Ans : 2007
an all-around outdoor person. He was also an Richard Ebright’s new theory was about cell life.
expert photographer, particularly of nature and It came to him while he was looking at X-ray
scientific exhibits. photos of the chemical structure of a hormone.
The photos gave him an answer as to how the cell
22. Who is Richard H. Ebright ? What was he fond can read the blue print of its DNA. DNA is the
of collecting ? substance in the nucleus of a cell that controls
Ans : 2009
heredity. It determines the form and function
Richard H. Ebright, an award-winning scientist, of the cell. Thus, DNA is the blueprint for life.
was the only child of his parents. He grew up Ebright proposed this theory with the help of his
north of Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He was roommate James R. Wong.
fond of collecting butterflies. rocks, fossils, and
coins. He first started collecting butterflies when
28. Identify four values which Richard Ebright
he was in kindergarten.
projected as a man of substance.
23. What did Richard Ebright like and want to do Ans : 2006

ever since his childhood ? How many species of Ebright was not only a good scientist but also
butterflies had he collected by the time he was in a keen observer. He was good as a champion
the second grade ? debater and a public speaker. He was an expert
Ans : 2009 photographer particularly of nature and scientific
Ever since his childhood, Richard Ebright liked exhibits.
and wanted to learn. Therefore, he earned top
29. Why do viceroy butterflies copy monarchs ?
grades in school. Also, by the time he was in the
Ans : 2005
second grade, Ebright had collected all twenty-five
Elbright’s theory proved that viceroys look like
species of butterflies found around his hometown.
monarchs because monarchs don’t taste good to
birds. But viceroys taste good to birds. Therefore,
24. Which children’s book opened the world of science butterflies try to look like (copy) monarchs so
to the young Ebright ? that they can be saved.
Ans : 2009

Ebright’s mother got him a children’s book called

30. “When he saw those photos.” Which photos did
‘The Travels of Monarch X’. That book, which
he see and what discovery did this lead to ?
told how monarch butterflies migrate to Central
Ans : 2005
America, opened the world of science for the
He saw photos of the chemical structure of a
young Richard Ebright.
hormone in the X-ray. This photo enabled him to
25. From where had Richard Ebright graduated? answer one of the biology puzzles. His doubt on
What did he do immediately after graduation? DNA was solved. He determined that DNA is the
Ans : 2008 substance in the nucleus that controls heredity. So
Richard Ebright had graduated from Harvard DNA was established to be the blueprint for life.

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Page 708 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

saw those photos, he believed that, along with Extract Based Question
his findings about insect hormones, the photos
gave him the answer to one of biology’s puzzles : 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
how the cell can ‘read’ the blueprint of its DNA. questions that follow :
DNA is the substance in the nucleus of a cell that The question he tried to answer was simple: What
controls heredity. It determines the form and is the purpose of the twelve tiny gold spots on a
function of the cell. Thus, DNA is the blueprint monarch pupa?
for life. Ebright and his college room-mate, James “Everyone assumed the spots were just
R. Wong worked all that night drawing pictures ornamental,” Ebright said.
and constructing plastic models of molecules to “But Dr. Urquhart didn’t believe it.”
show how it could happen. Together, they later To find the answer, Ebright and another
wrote the paper that explained the theory. excellent science student first had to build a
device that showed that the spots were producing
20. What are the values required to become a successful
a hormone necessary for the butterfly’s full
scientist like Richard Ebright ? Elaborate with
development. This project won Ebright first place
reference to the lesson ‘The Making of a Scientist’.
in the county fair and entry into the International
Ans : 2006
Curiosity to know more and a motivation to find Science and Engineering Fair. There he won third
reasons for existence of anything or any phenomena place for zoology. He also got a chance to work
are necessary for becoming a successful scientist. during the summer at the entomology laboratory
The urge to know more develops the scientific of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
aptitude in a person. i. State any one inference about Dr. Urquhart
At a very young age, Ebright became from the given context:
competitive by participating in various county Everyone assumed the spots were just
fairs. He never lost hope and kept on trying to do ornamental,” Ebright said, “But Dr. Urquhart
better. In addition to curiosity and motivation, didn’t believe it.”
Ebright displayed the qualities of hard work, ii. State TRUE or FALSE.
sincerity, determination and patience. He also None of the terms (a) - (d) below, can be
accepted failure and success in the right spirit.
applied to the question - What is the purpose of
Thus, he became a successful scientist.
the twelve tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa?
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
a phenomenon.
(b) An assumption - something that is taken
21. Dr Urquhart contributed significantly to Ebright’s
for granted or assumed to be true without
growth as a scientist. Explain.
Ans : 2005
proof.
Richard had become bored with collecting (c) A premise - a proposition that forms the
butterflies. His mother got him a book on the basis of an argument.
migration of butterflies. Richard came in contact (d) A theory - a well-substantiated
with Dr. Urquhart through the book. Dr. explanation for a natural phenomenon.
Urquhart directed him to study the migration iii. Ebright’s approach towards finding the
pattern of butterflies. purpose of the gold spots on a monarch pupa
When he did not win any prize in the science was highly effective. Elaborate in about 40
fair in seventh grade, he again wrote to Dr words, with reference to the extract.
Urquhart to guide him. The scientist gave him
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
many suggestions for new experiments. Richard
performed these experiments throughout his high ‘a chance’, in the given sentence from the
school and won many prizes. Later, he worked extract?
on why bright spots are found on a monarch He also got a chance to work during the
pupa, motivated by Dr. Urquhart. It led to the summer at the entomology laboratory of the
discovery of a new hormone. The discovery of this Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
new hormone further led to an important theory. Ans : 2023

The theory was about how cells read their DNA. i. From the given context, it can be said that
In this way Dr. Urquhart proved to be his true Dr. Urquhart was a great scientist who had a
mentor. curiosity to question assumptions.

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

know, all the credit goes to you. I can never forget facilities we enjoy in our lives today. From a
your friendly and fun-filled ways to enable me to small needle to a big aeroplane everything is the
learn new things. The evenings we spent together product of scientists’ hard work and patience. I
at the dining table were proved to be most helpful. feel that every child should take up the study of
I don’t know how you managed to buy those toys science in school to grow with confidence in life.
and materials after my father’s death. Stop cramming and start experimenting.
Your foresightedness in buying the ‘The
Migration of Monarch’ changed my life all the 7. Richard Ebright displayed a well-rounded personality.
way for good. Do you agree ? Elucidate in the context of the given
Mumma, I am blessed to have a mother like text.
you. I wish you to be my mother in every birth. Ans : 2020, 2016

Take care Richard’s genius was obvious by the time he

Goodbye was in his second grade. He managed to collect
Your loving son all twenty-five species of butterflies around his
Richie hometown and classify them. He also loved to
collect coins, fossils and rocks. Science was not
5. Albert Einstein said, ‘The important thing is to his only passion. He was an active member of his
never stop questioning.’ Richard was a genius who school’s oratory club and model United Nations
proved this quote true. Justify. club and was an effective debater and a public
Ans : 2021 speaker. He loved photography as well.
Surely, this statement is true in the case of He was an enthusiastic canoeist and an all-
Richard Ebright because he always kept himself around outdoors person. Learning was easy for
busy in constructive experiments since his him. So he found it simple to devote time and
early childhood. Richard had a habit of asking energy to many other interests. He became a
questions about new things and his mother champion in whatever he did. He believed in the
answered all his questions in the most satisfying spirit of competition to win. But, he did not wish
manner. This question and answer round turned to defeat others just to win. He wanted to win to
into a habit in Richard and he kept on probing do his best. Thus, he displayed a well-rounded
things. His scientific bent of mind led him to personality.
carry on experiments after experiment and reach
a purposeful conclusion. Although to reach his 8. How did Ebright use determination and
goal he was helped by many people in his journey, perseverance to achieve his aim of becoming a
especially his mother whose contribution is scientist?
commendable. He had patiently waited for almost Ans : 2019
a year to study butterflies’ migration. This shows Richard Ebright had been inquisitive since
that he never stopped midway and finally became his, kindergarten days. His quest for scientific
a great scientist. knowledge prompted him to collect rocks, fossils,
coins and butterflies. His mother was a great
6. Imagine you are Richard. You have been invited source of encouragement and played a prominent
by Mr Weiherer to deliver a short address to the role in his career. His mother got him books that
students at your erstwhile school. You have been would help him get a deeper understanding about
asked to encourage them to take an interest in the the world of science. Then in the seventh grade, he
study of Science and how research in Science can got a hint of what real science is when he entered
help the world. Write that short speech. a country science fair and lost. He realized that
Ans : 2021
winners had tried to do real experiments, not
Hello, my dear young friends simply make a neat display. Thereafter, Ebright
It is an honour to stand amongst you and say a worked sincerely on every science project he got
few words on how the study of science changed every year in school. Then he stood first in a county
my life. I think curiosity is the key to invention. fair that gave him entry into international science
You know, as a child, I was always curious to and engineering fair where he won third place.
know why things happened in a particular way. He then went on to win the highest honours and
Curiosity led me to experiment and experiments graduated from Harvard. His high school research
led me to conclusions and eventually inventions. into the purpose of the spots on a monarch pupa
You must be knowing that all the inventions are eventually led him to his theory about cell life.
backed by a series of research by great scientists. Thus he became a celebrated scientist.
Scientific developments have created all the

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Page 710 Discursive Passage Chapter 6

i. State any one inference about Mrs. Ebright caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly. Then he
from the given context. would tag the butterflies’ wings and let them
She took him on trips, bought him telescopes, go. For several years his basement was home
microscopes, cameras, mounting materials, to thousands of monarchs in different stages of
and other equipment, and helped him in development.
many other ways. i. State any one inference about the butterfly
ii. State which of the options from (a) to (d) can specimens from the given context.
be applied to the given question or context? The butterfly collecting season around
Can we say that what set Ebright apart from Reading lasts six weeks in late summer
other children of his age was only curiosity? ii. State which of the options from (a) to (d)
(a) True because that was the most unique is True and can be applied to the given
trait in his personality. statement.
(b) False because his mother entirely drove Ebright tagged the butterflies to determine
his success. their movement and migration patterns
(c) Partially true because he also had a because he was working on _____.
bright mind and a strong desire to learn. (a) a hypothesis: what happens if a butterfly
(d) Not applicable because his interest waned species do not migrate?
in butterflies and he stopped collecting (b) an assumption that all butterflies migrate.
them. (c) a premise that monarch butterflies fly
iii. What was the approach of Richard’s mother thousands of miles.
towards his life as a parent? (d) a theory that all winged insects migrate.
She says, ‘Richie was my whole life after his iii. ‘He would catch a female monarch, take her
father died when Richie was in third grade.” eggs, and raise them in his basement through
Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference their life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to pupa
to the extract. to adult butterfly’- What does this show us
iv. Which phrase would be the correct antonym about Ebright? Elaborate in about 40 words,
of ‘curiosity’ in the given sentence from the with reference to the extract.
extract? iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
“From the first, he had a driving curiosity ‘basement’ in the given sentence from the
along with a bright mind.” extract?
Ans : 2015 For several years his basement was home to
i. She nurtured her son’s curiosity and provided thousands of monarchs in different stages of
him with learning aids. development.
ii. (c) Partially true because he also had a bright Ans : 2013

mind and a strong desire to learn. i. It is practical to have your own stock of
iii. She did not merely spend time with him specimen butterflies for research.
but invested it fruitfully. She gave his life ii. (c) a premise that monarch butterflies fly
direction, played a major role in his success, thousands of miles.
and ensured above all his emotional well-being iii. Ebright’s basement was host to thousands
by being his friend and companion because of monarch butterflies in different stages of
there were no children in the neighbourhood. development that he painstakingly preserved
iv. apathy and observed. It shows Ebright’s perseverance,
dedication, and resolve as a researcher.
5. Read the extract given below and answer the
iv. cellar or mezzanine floor
questions that follows :
The butterfly collecting season around Reading 6. Read the extract given below and answer the
lasts sir weeks in late summer. If you’re going to questions that follows :
chase them one by one,e you won’t catch very When he saw those photos, Ebright didn’t show,
many. So the next step for Ebright was to raise ‘Eureka!’ or even, ‘I’ve got it!’ But he believed
a flock of butterflies. He would catch a female that, along with his findings about insect
monarch, take her eggs, and raise them in his hormones, the photos gave him the answer to
basement through their life cycle, from ex to one of biology’s puzzles: how the cell can ‘read’

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Chapter 6 Discursive Passage

Moreover, the book, ‘The Travels of Monarch X’, you and encouraged you.
opened the world of science to him. After that he Ans : 2010

never lost in the competition as he had learnt what Diary Entry

real science is the book ‘The Travels of Monarch Wednesday,
X’ helped him to become a successful scientist. It 25 May, 20XX
inspired him to research the fact how Monarch 10.30 p.m.
butterflies migrated to Central America. It makes me proud to think that how great my
15. Hobbies play a very important role into one’s life. mother is. She has not only taken very good care
Elaborate this with reference ‘The Making of a of me but has also always encouraged me to learn
Scientist.’ more and more. She took me on trips, bought
Ans : 2011
me telescopes, microscopes, cameras, mounting
Hobbies channelize one’s energy and increase materials and other equipments. She has also
one’s creativity and curiosity. Richard Ebright helped me in many other ways that cannot be
had collected butterflies as a hobby and also highlighted in words.
collected rocks, fossils and coins. He even became She even devoted her complete attention to me,
an eager astronomer, sometimes stargazing all until I started going to the school. After that she
night. These hobbies increased his creativity and would bring home friends for me. Unfortunately,
curiosity about the world, and he wanted to learn my father died when I was in third grade. But
more and more about the mysteries that he saw still, as always she wished that I should learn
around him. Because hobbies make the mind more and more. Above all, my mother got me a
bright and inculcate a spirit of trying new ideas, children’s book called ‘The Travels of Monarch
Richard Ebright’s mind was opened to the world X.’ This book had a great impact on me and my
of science when he read the book ‘The travels of fascination for collecting and tagging butterflies
Monarch X’. In the end, it was Ebright’s reading grew more and more. This fascination opened a
habit or curiosity as a child that has made him world of science to me and this was all because
the scientist he is today. my mother has always supported me.

Richard Ebright
16. What was the impact of the book ‘The Travels of
Monarch X’ on Richard Ebright ? 18. What did Richard Ebright find about the purpose
Ans : 2010
of the twelve tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa ?
Richard Ebright had started collecting butterflies Ans : 2008, 2001

when he was in kindergarten. So, to maintain his When Richard Ebright was in second year in high
interest in this field in his later years, his mother school, he tried to answer one question through
had got him a children’s book called ‘The Travels his research : What is the purpose of the twelve
of Monarch X.’ This book had told how monarch tiny gold spots on a monarch pupa ? Ebright
butterflies migrate to Central America. The said that everyone assumed the spots were just
impact of this book was so strong on Ebright’s ornamental, but Dr. Urquhart did not believe it.
mind that it opened the world of science for To find the answer, Ebright and another excellent
him. At the end of this book, readers had been science student named James R. Wong first had
invited to help study butterfly migrations. They to build a device that showed that the spots were
had been asked to tag butterflies for research by producing a hormone necessary for the butterfly’s
Dr. Frederick A. Urquhart of the university of full development. This research led Ebright to
Toronto, Canada. Ebright’s mother wrote to Dr. the discovery of an unknown insect hormone.
Urquhart, and soon Ebright was also taking part Indirectly, it also led to his new theory on the life
in the study by attaching light adhesive tags to the of cells. This project won Ebright first place in
wings of the monarchs. According to the research, the county fair and entry into the International
anyone who found a tagged butterfly was asked to Science and Engineering Fair, where he won third
send the tag to Dr. Urquhart. Ultimately, it was place for zoology.
Richard’s fascination for butterflies that opened 19. How did Richard Ebright get the idea for his new
the world of science to him. It also indirectly led theory about cell life ? What was the idea ?
to his theory on how cells work. Ans : 2007

17. Imagine that you are Richard Ebright. Write a Ebright got the idea for his new theory about cell
diary entry stating how your mother looked after life when he was looking at the X-ray photos of the
chemical structure of a hormone. When Ebright

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Page 712 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

Chapter 7

T he Necklace

1. INTRODUCTION 3. Summary
The chapter “The Necklace” is written by Guy De Matilda - An Introduction
Maupassant. The story describes the unfortunate She was a young and pretty girl. She was born
disaster that befalls a lower middle class woman into a family of clerks. She was simple and had
who was never content with who she was and what married a petty office clerk. She got annoyed at
she had. She always felt sad at the absence of a her poor condition. She loved to have frocks, jewels
lavish lifestyle and succumbed to this urge one and silver dishes in vain. She dared not visit even
day. She borrowed a diamond necklace from a rich her friendly school mate’s house which was richly
friend in order to attend a ball. Unfortunately, furnished lest she should be full of despair.
she lost this piece of jewellery and had to undergo
a difficult struggle to compensate this loss. Husband Elated but Wife Depressed
One day, Mr. Loisel and Mme Loisel (Matilda) got
an invitation to dinner from the Minister of public
2. Characters instruction and his spouse at their residence. This
select invitation caused different reactions in the
Matilda minds of the couple. The husband got elated to
Matilda is a very pretty woman born in a very get the select invitation. The wife got irritated
poor family. She always dreams of living a and threw the invitation card away. She didn’t
luxurious life and be a part of elite society group. have proper clothes or jewellery to wear at the
But she is married to a middle class man who is a ball. She started shedding tears. She had no desire
clerk by profession. Though he makes every effort to have a poor look amidst rich ladies adorning
to fulfil his wife’s desires, she remains unhappy. themselves with jewels. She declined to wear
She yearns for expensive clothes and jewellery. All natural flowers which would provide her shabby
this troubles her a lot. In order to fit in the ‘rich look.
society group’ she borrows a necklace from her
Mme Forestier’s Help
rich friend as she has to attend a ball hosted by
At her husband’s suggestion, Mme Loisel went to
the minister. However, she loses it at the party,
Mme forestier’s house. On hearing her story of
Matilda assuming that it was a real one, starts
distress, Mme forestier got ready to lend her, her
working hard enough to earn money so that she
entire jewellery. However, she borrowed only the
can buy a similar one and return it to her friend.
diamond necklace.
Her husband too, works day in and day out to
earn enough money for the same consequently, Mme Loisel at the Ball
during all this Matilda’s life is ruined. Mme Loisel danced at the ball with enthusiasm.
She won the hearts of all the men with her pretty
Monsieur Loisel
looks and elegant smile. She proved a roaring
Monsieur Loisel is contented with his life and does
success at the ball. It made her swell with joy.
not seek unnecessary materialistic pleasures. He
makes every effort to ensure that he is able to Pleasure Spoiled
fullfill his wife’s desires. When Matilda loses the Mme Loisel enjoyed the company of other dancing
necklace, Moniseur Loisel sacrifices his own future ladies till dawn. Then she wrapped her shoulders
to help her repay the debt. He pays dearly for in poor wraps. They hired a carriage and reached
something he had never wanted in the first place. home. Both of them were deadly tired. Mr. Loisel
went to the apartment to take rest. Mme Loisel
removed the wraps from her shoulders before the

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

glass. Instantly she noticed that the necklace was 19. Costume - dress
missing. She started crying. 20. Reflected - meditated
Loisels’ Dismay 21. Exclamation - surprise
Mr Loisel and Mme Loisel looked in the folds of 22. Economical - careful in spending
the dress and in the pockets. They could not find 23. Hesitating - halting
the necklace. He went over the track where they 24. Finally - in the end
had gone on foot. He lodged a report with the 25. Pale - yellowish
police and put an advertisement in the newspapers 26. Nevertheless - however
in vain. 27. Approached - arrived
28. Seemed - appeared
Thought of Replacing Necklace 29. Anxious - worried
The Loisels found a chaplet of diamonds in a 30. Vexed - distressed
shop. It was exactly like the lost necklace. They 31. Chick - fashionable
borrowed eighteen thousand francs from lenders 32. Humiliating - downgrading
and bought the chaplet for thirty six thousand 33. Closet - a private room
francs. They handed the jewel box to Mrs. 34. Admirable - praiseworthy
Forestier. Mrs. Forestier did not open the jewel 35. Superb - excellent, grand
box. 36. Elegant - graceful
Loisels’ Changed Living 37. Gracious - pleasing
The Loisels sent away the maid and lived in 38. Enthusiasm - high spirit
rented rooms in an attic. Mine Loisel did all 39. Admiration - praise
the household work. Mr.Loisel worked evenings 40. Salons - large and well-fitted room
and nights to earn small wages. They led quite 41. Detained - prevented from going
a humble and poor life for ten years. Thus they 42. Descended - got down
repaid their loan. Mme Loisel had become a 43. Hailing - calling
physical wreck. 44. Wraps - loose scarf or shawl
45. Coachman - cab driver
A Strange Revelation
46. Shivering - trembling
One day Mrs Loisel happened to meet Mme
47. Wearily - as if tired
Forestier while they were taking a walk. She
48. Apartment - chamber
told Mme Forestier how they had replaced her
49. Already - beforehand, in advance
necklace. They had led a miserable life because
50. Matter - affair
they had to repay the heavy loan. Mrs. Forestier
51. Towards - in the direction
revealed that her false necklace was only worth
52. Excitedly - out of stimulation
five hundred francs.
53. Folds - wrapping
54. Cloak - loose upper garment
4. Word meanings 55. Utterly - totally
56. Cast down - ashamed
1. Error - fault 57. Track - path
2. Destiny - fortune 58. Reward - prize
3. Distinguished - marked out 59. Bewilderment - perplexity
4. Petty - small 60. Frightful - horrible
5. Incessantly - continuously 61. Disaster - misery, calamity
6. Tureen - a dish 62. Clasp - (here) link
7. Delighted - merry 63. Replace - to substitute
8. Exquisite - marvellous 64. Chaplet - wreath
9. Despair - hopelessness, disappointment 65. Possessed - owned
10. Spitefully - with envy 66. Ruinous - (here) false
11. Occasion - chance 67. Usurers - moneylenders on interest
12. Irritated - offended 68. Depositing - laying, placing
13. Impatiently - restlessly 69. Frigid - cold
14. Stammered - stuttered 70. Perceive - notice
15. Stupefied - made stupid 71. Robber - thief
16. Dismay - grief 72. Horrible - dreadful, frightful
17. Moist - damp 73. Lodgings - place of residence
18. Consequently - as a result

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Page 714 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

74. Attic - loft, room in the roof Read and Find Out - 2
75. Odious - hateful
76. Haggling - quarrelling over prices 1. What fresh problem now disturbs Mme Loisel?
77. Restored - paid back Ans :
78. Crude - rude The fresh problem is that Mme Loisel doesn’t
79. Awry - twisted have a pretty and proper dress.
80. Tone - voice
2. How is the problem solved?
81. Pails - buckets
Ans :
82. Former - previous, bygone
The problem is solved when her husband gives her
83. Flattered - given false praise
four hundred francs. It is to buy a pretty dress.
84. Singular - rare, remarkable
85. Affected - moved in feelings
Read and Find Out - 3
86. Certainly - by all means
87. Approached - went near 1. What do M. and Mme Loisel do next?
88. Astonished - amazed Ans :
89. Familiarly - as if known quite well M. and Mme Loisel decide to borrow a diamond
90. Stammered - spoke haltingly necklace. It is from her friend Mine Forestier.
91. Miserable - wretched
92. Recall - remember 2. How do they replace the necklace?
93. Ball - a social assembly for dancing Ans :
94. Content - satisfied They borrow money. They shift to a cheap house.
95. Replace - to put back in place They see every seen possibility. Mme Loisel does
96. Perceive - to see minutely all her work herself. They buy a new diamond
97. Alike - similar necklace to replace the lost one.

Think About It
5. MESSAGE 1. The course of Loisel’s life changed due to necklace.
The story “The Necklace” conveys the message Comment.
of contentment. It is advisable to count one’s Ans :
blessings instead of yearning for false glory. Life underwent a lot of change when because of
Unreasonable desires can prove to be disastrous the necklace Loisel fell in a debt trap which forced
as it did in the case of the Loisels. Matilda had her to live like an ordinary lower middle class
enough to live with dignity but her desire for the housewife. She started doing all the household
excesses and extravagance deprived her even of chores which a lady of her status normally does.
the little that she had. Therefore, her story gives This was good for her as it taught her to cut
us a message that one should live within one’s her coat according to her cloth. People should
means. always try to live within their means. Aspirations
have no limits but one should never forget the
ground realities. She had a loving husband who
6. ncert textbook questions always wanted her to stay happy but she didn’t
want to remain happy with whatever she had. She
Read and Find Out - 1 craved for money and for a good life-style. She
pressurised her husband for buying an expensive
1. What kind of a person is Mme Loisel - why is she dress though he couldn’t afford to.
always unhappy?
Ans : 2. What was the cause of Matilda’s ruin? How could
Mme Loisel is a dreamy woman. She gives much she have avoided it?
value to her dreams. She over-looks the realities of Ans : 2015, 2013

life. That is why, she is always unhappy because Matilda wanted to live life like a queen. Her
dreams can’t be true. She wants them to be true. family background did not permit this. She was
not ready to accept her life’s realities. She was
2. What kind of a person is her husband? bent on showing off. She could have avoided it by
Ans : learning to accept her current situation. Another
Her husband is a very simple hearted person. He way could have been to try getting a job or starting
is an ordinary person. He is a caring husband. He a business. One should either try to work hard to
wants to see Mme Loisel happy. realise one’s dreams or stop dreaming altogether.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

She suffered incessantly, feeling herself born ii. State which of the options from (a) to (d)
for all delicacies and luxuries. can be applied to the given situation in the
i. State any one inference about Matilda from extract.
the given context. (a) Climax- the highest point of tension or
“She could not many a rich and distinguished drama in a narrative’s plot
man.” (b) Anti-climax- sudden transition in
ii. State which of these statements are facts (F) discourse from a significant idea to a
and which ones are opinions (O)? trivial one
I. She was born into an ordinary family. (c) Open-ended story - the reader is left
II. She dreamt of being famous and popular. to draw his conclusions from what is
presented to him
III. She married a government clerk.
(d) Expanded ending- a jump forward in time,
IV. We know she led a simple life.
and occasionally a change in perspective
V. I think she was frustrated at heart. of the reader
VI. She perhaps loathed her life. iii. He stammered, “What is the matter? What is
(a) I, II and IV. (F) III, V and VI (0) the matter?”
(b) I, III and IV (F) II, V and VI (0) What was actually the matter? What was her
(c) I, III and V (F) II, IV and VI (0) objective in crying? Elaborate in about 40
(d) II, III and IV (F) I, V and VI (0) words, with reference to the extract.
iii. What kind of person is Mme Loisel- why is iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
she always unhappy? Elaborate in about 40 ‘stupefied’ in the given sentence from the
words, with reference to the extract. extract?
iv. Which phrase/word would correctly “He was silent, stupefied, in dismay, at the
substitute ‘luxuries’ in the given sentence sight of his wife weeping.”
Ans : 2012
from the extract?
She suffered incessantly, feeling herself from i. He was a weak personality and lacked
for all delicacies and luxuries. assertiveness.
Ans : 2015 ii. Anti-climax- sudden transition in discourse
i. Her middle-class family could not arrange a from a significant idea to a trivial one
dowry for her. iii. Matilda complained to her husband that she
ii. (b) I, III and IV (F) II, V and VI (O) didn’t have a good enough dress to wear at
iii. Mme. Loisel is a woman who lives in the the ball. She asked him to give the invitation
world of dreams. She gives much value to her card to someone whose wife was ‘better fitted
dreams and hence overlooks the realities of out’ than her. It was her way of pressuring
life. That is why she is always unhappy as her him to buy her a new ball gown.
dreams are wild and borne of overambition. iv. dazed
They can’t come true.
5. Read the extract given below and answer the
iv. extravagances questions that follows :
She went home towards four o’clock in the
4. Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follows : morning. Her husband had been half asleep in one
He had not thought of that; he stammered, of the little salons since midnight, with three other
“Why, the dress you wear when we go to the gentlemen whose wives were enjoying themselves
theatre. It seems very pretty to me...” He was very much.
silent, stupefied, in dismay, at the sight of his wife He threw around her shoulders the modest
weeping. He stammered, “What is the matter? wraps they had carried whose poverty clashed
What is the matter?” with the elegance of the ball costume. She wished
to huny away in order not to be noticed by the
i. State any one inference about M Loisel from
other women who were wrapping themselves in
the given context:
rich furs.
“M Loisel is described as ‘stammering’ in the
presence of his wife.” i. State any one inference about M Loisel from
the given context.

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Page 716 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

5. How did she look on the day of the ball? (a) Five hundred francs
(a) Elegant (b) Gracious (b) Ten thousand francs
(c) Full of joy (d) All of these (c) One hundred francs
Ans : 2020 (d) Five thousand francs
(d) All of these Ans : 2014

(a) Five hundred francs

6. What solution did her husband come up with?
(a) Helping her find a dress 13. How did the loan affect Mrs Loisel’s life?
(b) Telling her to wear natural flowers in the (a) She learned the odious work of a kitchen
name of jewels (b) She washed the dishes
(c) He didn’t suggest anything (c) She took down the refuse to the street
(d) None of these (d) All of the above
Ans : 2020 Ans : 2014
(b) Telling her to wear natural flowers in the (d) All of the above
name of jewels
14. How much Loisels had to spend to replace the
7. What did his face look like upon hearing the necklace?
amount her wife asked from him? (a) Eighteen thousand francs
(a) Pale (b) Fine (b) Thirty-six thousand francs
(c) Unbothered (d) None of these (c) Forty thousand francs
Ans : 2020
(d) Fifty thousand francs
(a) Pale
Ans : 2013

8. How did the husband expect her to react on (b) Thirty-six thousand francs
handing her the letter?
15. What spoiled Mr and Mrs Loisel pleasure?
(a) Happy (b) Sad
(a) The loss of necklace (b) The loss of the dress
(c) Jealous (d) None of these
(c) The loss of money (d) All of these
Ans : 2015
Ans : 2013
(a) Happy
(a) The loss of necklace
9. When would she weep for whole days?
16. Matilda always remained
(a) After dinner
(a) happy (b) unhappy
(b) After lunch
(c) contended (d) delighted
(c) After visiting her friend Ans : 2013
(d) Any time (b) unhappy
Ans : 2015
17. What did Mrs Loisel borrow from Mme Forestier?
(c) After visiting her friend
(a) A bracelet (b) A necklace
10. What tortured and angered her? (c) A Venetian Cross (d) All of these
(a) Shabby walls (b) Worn chairs Ans : 2012

(c) Poverty (d) All of these (b) A necklace

Ans : 2015 18. For what had Loisel saved four hundred francs?
(d) All of these (a) To buy a gun (b) To buy a T.V.
11. What does she think she deserves? (c) To buy a shirt (d) To buy a bicycle
Ans : 2012
(a) Suffering (b) Luxury
(a) To buy a gun
(c) Delicacies (d) Both (b) and (c)
Ans : 2014 19. How did Loisel feel on receiving the invitation?
(d) Both (b) and (c) (a) Sad’ (b) Elated
12. What was the actual cost of Mme Forestier’s (c) Puzzled (d) Surprised
necklace? Ans : 2011

(b) Elated

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

I would have told that Madam Forestier. Then I 23. When Matilda lost the necklace, what should she
would have known at that very time that it was have done?
not a real diamond but an artificial one. And my Ans : 2015

life would have been saved from being ruined as When Matilda lost the necklace, she should have
Madam Loisel’s life was. gone directly to her friend Mme Foresteir and
confessed to her about the loss of the necklace.
18. How was Mr. Loisel able to arrange 36,000 francs She could know that it was an artificial necklace.
?
Ans : 2016 24. Why did Matilda change her lifestyle after the
Loisel possessed eighteen thousand francs, which ball?
his father had left for him. Rest of the money Ans : 2014

he borrowed from usurers and a whole race of After the ball, the lifestyle of Matilda changed
lenders. He made ruinous promises for that. because she realized that her poverty clashed
And to repay this debt they had to change their with the elegance of the ball costume. She walked
lodgings. Madam Loisel had to do all tedious jobs towards the river, hopeless and shivering. She
like washing, grocery shopping and carrying water reached home by an old carriage. She lost the
upstairs herself. necklace in the ball and then her hardship in life
began.
19. Do you think M. Loisel had an enjoyable evening
at the ball? Give reasons for your answer. 25. Why was Matilda sad after the ball?
Ans : 2015 Ans : 2014

No. He was quite bored with the ball, as he had Matilda was sad after the ball because she found
been half asleep in one of the little salons since that her necklace was not around her neck. When
midnight with three other gentlemen whose wives she removed the wraps from her shoulders before
were enjoying themselves very much. the glass, for a final view of herself in glory, she
told her husband that she no longer had the
20. Give examples from the text to show that Loisel necklace after the ball.
was a simple man and loved his wife.
Ans : 2015 26. How had Mme Loisel’s sacrifice all been in vain?
Loisel was a simple man. He worked for every Ans : 2014

wish of his wife. Mr. Loisel bought a dress for his Matilda always thought that she was born to
wife by for going 400 francs to buy gun. When enjoy all the material comforts of life. But after
Madam Loisel lost the borrowed necklace, Mr. the loss of the necklace in the ball, she had to
Loisel worked day and night to repay off the debt. sacrifice all the comforts of life in order to replace
the necklace. She had to do all hazardous works
21. How did the Loisels react when they realized that herself. But all these sacrifices and ‘distress’ were
the necklace had been lost? in vain because that was an artificial necklace. The
Ans : 2015 real one was still with her friend, Mme Forestier.
The Loisels became very unhappy when they
understood that the necklace had been lost. They 27. What was Loisel’s reaction to his wife’s desire to
were sure that the loss of the necklace would make buy a new dress?
their life miserable because Mr Loisel was a poor O
clerk. So, it was very difficult for them to replace What was Loisel’s reaction to his wife’s demand
the lost diamond necklace. for a new dress
Ans : 2013
22. How did the Loisels replace the necklace? Matilda desired a new dress. It would cost her
O around four hundred francs. On hearing this his
What did Loisels do to replace the necklace? face turned pale. He had saved only four hundred
Ans : 2015, 2013 francs to buy a gun. The new dress would consume
The Loisels replaced the necklace by purchasing his entire savings and aspirations.
a diamond necklace with same design. The cost
of the necklace was 36,000 francs. Mr Loisel had 28. Why did Matilda’s husband go out into the cold
to borrow money on a high rate of interest from night minutes after returning from the ball? Was
a moneylender. Thus, they could replace the he successful in his purpose?
necklace but their hard life started. Ans : 2013

Matilda’s husband Mr Loisel went into the cold

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Page 718 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

34. How long did the struggle continue for? Ans : 2006

(a) Table
(a) 6 months (b) 1 year
(c) 2 years (d) 10 years 42. Loisel suggested Matilda to borrow Jewellery for
Ans : 2008 the dinner party from her friend Mme _____.
(d) 10 years (a) Fedrich (b) Forestier
35. What did her friend say when she was told the (c) William (d) Welson
entire story? Ans : 2006

(b) Forestier
(a) She was angry
(b) She hated her for that 43. In reality the necklace borrowed by Matilda from
(c) She cursed her Mme Forestier was not a real diamond necklace
(d) She told that hers were false and was not worth more than
Ans : 2008 (a) 500 Frances (b) 600 Frances
(d) She told that hers were false (c) 100 Frances (d) 1000 Frances
Ans : 2006
36. Monsieur Loisel works for the Ministry of _____. (a) 500 Frances
(a) Finance (b) Foreign Affairs
(c) Education (d) Culture 44. How much time did they take to repay the loan?
Ans : 2008 (a) Two years (b) Five years
(c) Education (c) Ten years (d) Twenty years
Ans : 2006
37. The husband of the lady worked as a clerk in the (c) Ten years
(a) Board of education (b) Electricity board
(c) Bank (d) Post Office 45. How did Mrs Loisel perform at the ball?
Ans : 2008 (a) She had great success
(a) Board of education (b) None noticed her
(c) She did not enjoy the ball
38. Which word does ‘delicacies’ NOT correspond to?
(d) All of the above
(a) Etherealness (b) Elegance
Ans : 2006
(c) Exquisiteness (d) Robustness (a) She had great success
Ans : 2007

(d) Robustness 46. Monsieur Loisel underestimates the depth of his

wife’s _____.
39. Both the couple noticed that _____ was
(a) Intelligence
missing after returning from the party.
(b) Confidence
(a) Diamond Necklace (b) Money
(c) Unhappiness
(c) Diamond earrings (d) Fur wrap
Ans : 2007 (d) Resourcefulness
(a) Diamond Necklace Ans : 2005

(c) Unhappiness
40. After paying 36,000 francs to replace the necklace,
what does Matilda learn the original necklace was 47. What change came in the life of Loisels after
worth? raising a big loan?
(a) 50,000 francs (b) 30,000 francs (a) They sent away the maid
(a) 5,000 francs (a) Nothing (b) They changed their lodgings
Ans : 2007 (c) They rented some rooms in an attic
(d) Nothing (d) All of the above
Ans : 2005
41. Mme Loisel threw the invitation card on the (d) All of the above
_____.
(a) Table (b) Floor
(c) Bed (d) Sofa

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

20. Whom was Matilda married to? 28. What was he planning to do with the money he
(a) A petty clerk (b) A minister had saved?
(c) An officer (d) A businessman (a) Buy her a dress
Ans : 2011 (b) Buy a gun for himself
(a) A petty clerk (c) Invest somewhere
21. Matilda was born into a family of (d) All of these
Ans : 2009
(a) ministers (b) officers
(b) Buy a gun for himself
(c) clerks (d) shopkeepers
Ans : 2011 29. What seemed as the next problem to her?
(c) clerks (a) Not finding a dress good enough
22. She always remained _____. (b) Having no jewels
(a) happy (b) unhappy (c) There was no problem
(c) fulfilled (d) grateful (d) None of the above
Ans : 2011
Ans : 2009

(b) unhappy (b) Having no jewels

23. What is the actual state of her family? 30. What solution did the come up to?
(a) Rich (b) Middle-class (a) Wearing natural flowers in the name of jewels
(c) Poor (d) Wealhy (b) Asking her friend to lend some of her jewels
Ans : 2010 (c) Buy some new jewellery
(c) Poor (d) None of the above
Ans : 2009, 2007
24. What did she dream of while having dinner? (b) Asking her friend to lend some of her jewels
(a) Elegant dinner (b) Exquisite food
(c) Marvellous dishes (d) All of these 31. What all did she do there?
Ans : 2010 (a) Danced with enthusiasm
(d) All of these (b) Intoxicated with pleasure
(c) Thought of all the admiration
25. Who did he receive an invitation from?
(d) All of the above
(a) The Minister of Public Instruction
Ans : 2009
(b) The Minister of Public Health (d) All of the above
(c) The Minister of Public Safety
(d) The Minister of Public Education 32. What all did they do as an attempt to find the
Ans : 2010, 2006
necklace?
(a) The Minister of Public Instruction (a) He went looking for it
(b) Went to the police
26. What do you mean by the word “stupefied”?
(c) Posted an advertisement for ir offering a
(a) Make someone unable to think reward
(b) Make someone to think (d) All of the above
(c) To think Ans : 2009

(d) None of these (d) All of the above

Ans : 2010

(a) Make someone unable to think 33. How did they pay for the new jewels?
(a) Using the money gave by his father
27. What do you mean by the word “dismay”? (b) Borrowing
(a) Shock (b) Surprise (c) Her money
(c) Concern (d) All of these (d) Both (a) and (b)
Ans : 2010
Ans : 2008
(d) all of these (d) Both (a) and (b)

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8. What mademe Forestier exclaim in astonishment, and luxuries and in the absence of these she
when she saw Matilda, years after the Minister’s suffered again and again. Moreover, she was born
ball? into a family of clerks and she got married to a
Ans : 2021 petty clerk in a government office.
When Madame Forestier met Matilda after 10 She longed for good dresses and jewels to
years, she uttered a cry of astonishment, “Oh! adorn her body. She loved these things, so she
my poor Matilda! How you have changed!” The suffered a lot due to their absence.
change was in Matilda’s physical appearance
(comparison from what she was at the time of the 14. How did Loisel and Matilda arrange the money to
minister’s ball, to current). buy the necklace?
Ans : 2017

9. Why do you think M. Loisel was a loving husband? The necklace that Loisel and Matilda was going
O to buy to replace the necklace, was valued at forty
How did M. Loisel try to make his wife happy? thousand francs. However, they could get it for
Ans : 2019, 2017, 2014 thirty-six thousand francs. So, for them, it was a
M. Loisel tried to make his wife happy by offering difficult task because they possessed only eighteen
to give her four hundred francs to buy a suitable thousand francs. So, they borrowed money from
costume, that he had saved that sum to buy a gun the money lenders with high interest to buy the
to join some hunting parties the next summer. necklace.

10. Why did Matilda (Mme Loisel) leave the ball in a 15. Why did Matilda not like to visit her rich friends?
hurry? What does it show about her character ? O
O Why did Matilda not want to see her rich friends?
Why was Matilda in a hurry to go to her house O
after the ball? Why did Matilda not like to visit her friend Mme
Ans : 2018, 2015 Forestier
Matilda left the ball in a hurry because she did Ans : 2016, 2010, 2007
not want to be seen with the ordinary wrap that Some of Matilda’s schoolmates were rich and full
she carried, as its poverty contrasted with the of money power. She felt envious and small in
elegance of the other ladies, who were wrapping front of these rich schoolmates. Moreover, she
themselves in rich furs. would weep from despair and disappointment
after visiting them.
11. What was the main cause of Matilda’s
unhappiness? 16. What changes occurred in Mme Loisel after 10
O years ?
Why was Matilda Loisel always unhappy? Ans : 2016

Ans : 2017, 2016 Madam Loisel now knew the horrible life of
Matilda was a pretty young lady who had aspired necessity. She sent away her maid and learned
to lead a luxurious life. But being married to a the odious work of a kitchen. She washed the
clerk, she could not do so. She had to live in a dishes, and the clothes on her own, she took down
shabby apartment and wear simple dresses, which wastes to the street and brought up the water
made her unhappy. stopping at each landing to breath. They changed
their lodging and rented some rooms in attic. She
12. What was Mme Loisel shocked to know at the end seemed old now and became a strong and hard
of the story? woman. Her hair badly dressed her skirts awry,
Ans : 2017 her hands red and spoke in a loud voice.
Mme Loisel was shocked to know at the end of
the story that the necklace, she had worked so 17. Mme. Loisel lost the necklace that Mme. Forestier
hard to return was actually a low priced imitation had lent her. If it would have been you at Mme.
necklace. Loisel’s place, what would have been your first
and foremost step ?
13. Why was Matilda always unhappy after her Ans : 2016
marriage? If I had been at Madam Loisel’s place firstly I
Ans : 2017 would not have borrowed the necklace. I would
Matilda was always unhappy after her marriage have been satisfied with the assets that I
because she felt that she was born for all delicacies possessed. Secondly if I had borrowed and lost it,

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

48. When did Mr and Mrs Loisel return home from the the narrative into a cautionary tale, and makes
ball? us reflect on the true worth of one’s aspirations.
(a) At 2 a.m. (b) At 3 a.m.
3. How does the story, ‘The Necklace’ teach a moral
(c) At 4 a.m. (d) At 5 a.m. lesson on the importance of contentment?
Ans : 2005
Ans : 2023
(c) At 4 a.m. The story teaches a powerful moral lesson on the
importance of finding contentment in what one
49. From where did Mrs Loisel borrow the necklace?
already has. Matilda’s desire for social status and
(a) Mme Hillary (b) Mme Forestier material possessions led to her own downfall and
(c) Mme Many (d) Mme Anne a decade of hardship. Had Matilda simply been
Ans : 2003 grateful and content with all that she had, she
(b) Mme Forestier could have avoided a lot of pain.

50. Why did Mrs Loisel throw the invitation 4. Madam Loisel now knew the horrible life of
spitefully? necessity. Do you think Madam Loisel accepted
(a) She had no jewellery to wear this change willingly? Give two reasons in support
of your answer.
(b) She had not any beautiful dress to wear
Ans : 2021
(c) She did not like parties Madam Loisel accepted this change willingly
(d) Both (a) and (b) because she agreed to shift to a smaller apartment.
Ans : 2003 She laid off all the housemaids and did all the
(d) Both (a) and (b) household work on her own and never complained
about it.
51. What did Matilda suffer from?
(a) Delicacies (b) Luxuries 5. Mention two things you would have done, other
than what M Loisel did, to help resolve the
(c) Poverty (d) All of these
problem of the lost necklace.
Ans : 2002
Ans : 2021
(c) Poverty
If I were in place of M Loisel, I would have told
Mme Forestier the truth and promised her that
Short Answer Type Question the necklace would be replaced. I would ask her
the price of the necklace rather than making
1. What is the twist at the end of the story ‘The vague guesses.
Necklace’ ?
Ans : 2024
6. Mention one of the most pleasurable things,
according to you, that money can’t buy and
The twist at the end of the story “The Necklace”
support your choice with an appropriate reason.
is the fact that Mathilde borrowed the necklace
Ans : 2021
to appear more beautiful but ended up losing
The most pleasurable thing, according to me, is
her beauty completely. She borrows Madame the company and health of our loved ones. One
Forestier’s necklace made with fake diamonds to can’t buy someone’s life with money. Satisfaction
give the appearance of being rich but lost both and peace of mind should be the utmost priority
her money and looks. of a human being rather than a fake show-off.
2. How does the writer’s use of the literary device a 7. Imagine Matilda got to know that M Loisel had
twist in the tale, towards the story’s end, impact given her four hundred francs, which he had saved
the narrative of ‘The Necklace’ ? to buy a gun. How do you think she would have
Ans : 2023
reacted?
It significantly impacts the narrative. The Ans : 2021
revelation that the lost necklace was a mere I don’t think she would have reacted differently
imitation rather than a valuable piece turns because she always thought of her own luxuries.
the story on its head. This twist adds irony, Even if she would have come to know that M.
and highlights the story’s theme of materialism. Loisel had kept that money to buy that gun she
The impact leaves a lasting impression on our would not have bothered as she wanted to look
understanding of the characters’ choices and the the best in the ball.
consequences of relentless desire. It transforms

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Page 722 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

night minutes after returning from the ball to dance with her. She danced enthusiastically
because he went to find out the necklace that and was drunk with pleasure and the admiration
Matilda lost somewhere on the way when they people showered on her. Thus, she fared extremely
were returning from the ball. He went everywhere well at the ball.
but it was all in vain. Towards seven o’clock he
returned, but he had found nothing. 34. How and when did, Matilda find the borrowed
No, M Loisel was not successful in finding the necklace missing?
necklace. Ans : 2010

Matilda went home from the ball at about four

29. What changes came in the lifestyle of Matilda o’clock in the morning. After reaching home,
after she had lost the necklace? she removed the wraps from her shoulder before
Ans : 2012 the glass so that she could have a final view of
After the loss of the necklace, Matilda had to her glory. It was at that time that she found her
sacrifice all her comforts and even all her needs to necklace missing.
get money to buy a new necklace and give it to
her friend. Because of overwork, tension and lack 35. Where did Loisel go to find the lost necklace?
of care, she became a physical wreck. Happiness Ans : 2010, 2008

of one night changed her whole life’s ways and First, Loisel went to look for the necklace at
style. the place where they had walked on foot. Then.
he went to the police and the cab offices to get
30. “She suffered incessantly...” Why did Matilda some information about the necklace. When
suffer ? the necklace was still not found, he even put an
Ans : 2012 advertisement in the newspapers.
Matilda thought that she was born to enjoy the
delicacies and luxuries of life. But her meagre 36. How was the money for the replaced necklace
means could not provide her elegant dinners, arranged?
shining silver, costly frocks and jewels. She suffered Ans : 2009

for living in a poor apartment with shabby walls When Loisel and Matilda were able to find a similar
and worn chairs. necklace, the shopkeeper demanded 40,000 francs.
After bargaining, the price was settled for 36,000
31. What had Matilda’s husband saved the money for francs. But Loisel had only 18,000 francs which his
? Why did he decide to part with that money ? father had left for him. So, Loisel had to borrow
Ans : 2011 the remaining amount on higher rates of interest so
Matilda’s husband had saved a substantial amount that they could return the necklace in time.
of money to buy a gun for himself, so that he
could join the hunting parties the next summer. 37. How did Matilda gain time from Mme Forestier
But, he gave the entire money to Matilda to buy for returning her necklace?
a pretty dress for herself to go to the ball. Ans : 2009

When the lost necklace was not found, Matilda

32. Did Matilda agree happily to attend the party ? wrote to her friend Mme Forestier that she had
Ans : 2011
broken the clasp of the necklace, and it had
No, Matilda initially refused to attend the party been sent for repairs. She did so to gain time for
because she did not have a proper dress for the arranging money to buy a similar necklace.
occasion. Later, when Loisel gave her four hundred 38. How did Mme Forestier react when Matilda told
francs he had actually saved to buy a gun. so that her that she had to buy a diamond necklace to
she could buy a dress, she agreed to attend the replace the one she had borrowed from her?
ball. But again she was reluctant to attend the Ans : 2009
ball because she said that she did not have any After listening to Matilda’s miserable story,
jewellery. Eventually, when Loisel suggested that Mme Forestier was deeply touched and she took
she could borrow jewellery from her rich friend, Matilda’s hands with sympathy. Moved by what
did. she finally agreed on attending the party. Matilda had done, she replied that her necklace
33. How did Matilda fare at the ball? had not been made of pure diamonds. It had not
Ans : 2010
been worth more than 500 francs.
Matilda was the centre of attraction at the ball.
Every man wanted to be introduced to her and

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

3. What would have happened to Matilda if she 3. We should be content with what life gives us.
had confessed to her friend that she had lost her Ans :
necklace? We should be content with what life gives us.
Ans : 2012 But it doesn’t mean that we should stop having
At the end of the story we get to know that the dreams and aspirations about a better tomorrow.
necklace Matilda borrowed was made of fake Because if we stop dreaming, we will not be able
diamonds so it was possible that Matilda and her to progress and better our conditions. The right
husband did not have borrow beyond their means. policy is to make our best efforts for a better
Another angle worth attention is the good nature tomorrow. But if luck doesn’t favour us and we
of her friend. The ease by which she showed all fail in our efforts, then we should be content with
her jewellery to Matilda suggests that even if it what life offers to us. And we should continue to
was of original diamonds she would not have been make our endeavours to improve us.
angry at getting it lost or she might have told her
to pay some of the amount as and when she could.
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
4. If you were caught in a situation like this, how
would you have dealt with it? Multiple Choice
Type Question
Ans :
I would have probably behaved in the same way 1. Who is the author of the story “The Necklace”?
as Loisel and her husband did. Scarcity of money (a) HG Wells
does not give confidence to most of the people to (b) Robert W. Peterson
tell the truth. Most of the people would be caught (c) Guy De Maupassant
in similar debt trap as the couple in this story.
(d) None of these
But in case I had shared a good rapport with my
Ans : 2021
friend, I would have told her the truth and asked
(c) Guy De Maupassant
for her forgiveness.
2. What all did they do to repay?
Talk About It
(a) Sent away the maid
1. The characters in this story speak in English. Do (b) Change their lodgings
you think this is their language? What clues are (c) Husband working the evenings and nights too
there in the story about the language its character
(d) All of the above
must be speaking in? Ans : 2021
Ans :
(d) All of the above
No, I don’t think that English is the language of
the characters mentioned in this story. According 3. What did they do to buy themselves time?
to me, the language of its characters is French.
(a) Stopped answering the friend’s calls
We get its clues in the story through use of words
like frank, sou, Madame and M. Franc is a unit (b) Wrote to her that the jewel needs repair
of money that is used in France and in few other (c) Distracted her from the necklace
countries. Sou is a former French coin of low value. (d) None of the above
Madame is a form of address for a woman in Ans : 2021
French. M. is the abbreviation for Monsieur which (b) Wrote to her that the jewel needs repair
is a form of address for a man in French. Moreover
the capital of France, Paris has been mentioned in 4. Why did she utter a cry?
the story, which confirms that the story is set in (a) Seeing other ladies wrapping themselves in
Paris and the language of its characters is French. fur
2. Honesty is the best policy. Comment. (b) Poverty
Ans : (c) The jewels were not to be seen when she
Honesty is the best policy as an honest person reached home
doesn’t feel any burden on his conscience on (d) None of the above
account of any dishonest deed. He doesn’t feel any Ans : 2021, 2009
kind of guilt. And as a result, he remains fearless (c) The jewels were not to be seen when she
and does not feel intimidated by any thing. reached home

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Page 724 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

Long Answer Type Question several years when she lost the borrowed necklace.
Had she not tried to pretend the upper class that
1. A character arc is the transformation or development night, we would have been living a different life.
of a character throughout a story and refers to the People should never lose their happiness for such
changes a character undergoes as a result of their unattainable dreams.
experiences, challenges, and interactions with other M. Loisel
characters.
In the light of the above information, trace the 3. Those who are satisfied with what they have are
character arc of Matilda in Guy De Maupassants happy in life. Those who aspire more than what
‘The Necklace’, in about 120 words. they can afford ruin their life. Matilda was one
Ans : 2024 such person. If she were content with her life she
Mathilde Loisel is the protagonist of Guy de would have led a happy life. Elaborate on the
Maupassant’s The Necklace, a short story that basis of the chapter ‘The Necklace.’
depicts her character arc from a dissatisfied and Ans : 2023

vain woman to a humble and hardworking one. There is n o doubt in the fact that acceptance
Mathilde’s character arc is driven by the events of one’s reality leads to utmost peace. Pretence
and consequences of losing a borrowed diamond often ruin lives and it ruined that of Matilda’s.
necklace, which she wears to a high-society party Matilda was such a beautiful girl who could have
to impress others and escape her middle-class life. earned every luxe in her life due to her loving
At the beginning of the story, Mathilde is husband had she waited for her time to come.
Sadly, she was full of pretence and always desired
unhappy with her modest lifestyle and marriage.
for more than she could afford.
She believes that she deserves more wealth,
When her husband brought her the party
luxury, and admiration, and she envies her rich
invitation, she desired to wear an expensive
friend Madame Forestier. She is obsessed with
dress to it. After that, she desired to even wear a
appearance and status, and she neglects the
diamond necklace on top of it which she borrowed
simple pleasures and comforts that her husband
from her friend. She could have never afford any
provides. She is also ungrateful and selfish, as
of these but could have spent her life with peace
she does not appreciate her husband’s efforts to
in a small house with her family. Instead, due to
please her and make her happy.
her greed, she lost everything to buy the necklace
2. Imagine that M. Loisel, from The Necklace she lost at the party. Unfortunately, the necklace
by Guy de Maupassant, writes a diary entry, was not even real diamond but artificial.
exploring the theme of class and social status, and
the nature of social mobility, in the context of his 4. Mme Forestier writes a diary entry after having
own experience. met Matilda, knowing the truth and seeing the
Write this diary entry, as M. Loisel, in about 120 transformation in her friend. Write a short diary
entry as Mme Forestier about your encounter and
words.
Ans : 2023
how you felt.
November 19XX, Wednesday You may begin like this:
9:00 pm 20th July, Monday 9:00 pm
9 p.m. I couldn’t recognise Matilda at all. I wish she
Dear Diary had told me the truth about the necklace.
Today, I recall my experience of class and social
status and the predicaments it brought to me Ans : 2021

and my wife Matilda. Both me and my wife were 20th July, Monday 9:00 pm
happy until one night we fell into this ugly trap Dear diary,
of upward social mobility which leads to the I couldn’t recognise Matilda at all. I wish she had
destruction of houses. told me the truth about the necklace. She had to
This whole circle of social mobility, from undergo a troubled life to repay the price of the
end to top, is quite vicious. The rich gets richer necklace which was actually 400 francs only. She
while the poor gets poorer. The middle class is no more a pretty woman now. I am surprised
gets entirely stuck in between and tries to make that despite being sharing good relations with
ends meet with his little bucks but pretends to each other she did not share the news about the
be classy. Matilda was too a victim of this fake accidental loss of the piece of jewellery.
pretence and this gave us a very tough time for I remember that she always criticised her

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

39. What did Matilda’s husband bring home one Ans : 2007

evening? Why was he so elated? Mme Loisel’s pretty dress was ready for the party,
Ans : 2009
but as the day of the ball approached, she had no
One evening, Matilda’s husband brought an jewellery to wear in the ball. Her husband had no
invitation card inviting them to the residence of money. She would have a poverty stricken look at
the Minister of Public Instruction. He was quite the ball if she wore flowers as suggested by her
elated to receive the invitation because it was a husband.
rare honour, and on top of that, he thought that 45. Why did Jeanne not recognise her friend Matilda?
his wife would feel delighted to attend the ball. Ans : 2006

40. Was Loisel’s action appreciated? What was Matilda had been working very hard for ten years.
Matilda’s response? She had become very rough, strong and hard
Ans : 2008
women. She had unkempt hair and awry skirts.
No, Matilda did not appreciate the action of She was completely changed. So, Jeanne did not
arranging the invitation card made by her recognise her.
husband to make her happy. Rather, she refused 46. Describe how necklace has a twist in the end.
to go there because she did not have any good Ans : 2006
dress to wear on that occasion. The Loisels bought a necklace for thirty six
41. What happened at the ball ? Was her dream thousand francs. They gave it in place of Mrs.
fulfilled? Forestier’s false and cheap necklace. Both of them
Ans : 2008
did menial jobs for ten years to repay their heavy
At the ball, Matilda was drunk with pleasure and loan. It gives Mme Loisel a sense of repentance.
filled with joy. She danced joyfully and excitedly. However, she could not recover her loss of about
Fascinated with her charm and beauty, all the thirty six thousand francs.
men wanted to be introduced to her. The officials 47. How did a tendency to show off become a curse
of the ministry even desired to dance with her. for Matilda ?
She danced with passion and forgot everything in Ans : 2006, 2000
the victory of her glory. Matilda was a pretty and young lady. She always
42. Why does the writer say that Matilda was born as thought about elegant dinner parties. Due to her
if through an error of destiny into a family of clerks? habit of showing off she borrowed necklace from
Ans : 2008
madam Forestier. But her happiness did not last
Matilda was a pretty and young lady. She should long. She lost the necklace. She suffered for ten
have taken birth in a family of delicacies and years to replace the false necklace with genuine
luxuries. She thought of elegant dinners and necklace. So tendency to show off become a curse.
marvellous dishes. She loved frocks and jewels. 48. What were the changes that take place in
But the ill-fated girl was born in a poor clerk’s Matilda’s life after the ball?
family. The very idea of poverty angered and Ans : 2005
tortured her. After the ball Matilda lost Mrs. Forestier’s necklace.
43. What was the financial position of Matilda’s She and her husband bought a chaplet of diamonds
husband? by borrowing eighteen thousand francs. Both the
Ans : 2007
husband and wife led a life of misery. Matilda send
Matilda’s husband was a petty clerk in the office away the maid. She lived in a rented room and did
of the Board of Education. He was both poor and all the household work. She lived a wretched life
economical. He could not afford even to purchase for ten years.
a party dress or some jewels for his wife. She 49. If Mme Forestier returns the necklace to Matilda
had to attend the dance party after borrowing a what value would it reflect? What would you have
necklace from Mrs. Forestier. He had to do menial done if you were in her place?
jobs to earn paltry sums. Ans : 2005

44. Madam Loisel’s pretty dress was ready for the If Mme forestier returns the necklace to Matilda
party but as the day of the ball approached, a it would reflect honesty,intelligence and a strong
fresh problem disturbed her. What was the bond If we’re in Mme forestier place I would
problem? return the necklace to matlida and will not feel
guilty because I am no more upset.

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Page 726 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

You : I know it’s your farewell party and you want and understanding lady. She is good friend
to shine out amid the crowd… of Matilda. She was very rich. Despite this
Friend : You know me well. Now, I can easily discrepancy in their wealth Madam Forestier
convince my papa to buy me that blazer for 10000 does not hesitate to help Matilda. When Matilda
rupees. wants jewels to wear to the ball. Madame
You : Hey, hold on! Let me finish. I want to say Forestier shows her generosity by lending Matilda
that you are already a gem whose shine pervades the jewellery without hesitation. When Madame
the whole school. Forestier reveals the truth about the necklace, she
Friend : Hey, don’t move round and round, come exhibits a great deal of pity toward Matilda as she
straight. realizes what the couple went through to restore
You : I want to say that you have been a her necklace back to her. This reveals Madame
meritorious student of your school. All the Forestier as compassionate and understanding.
teachers and students already know your calibre.
You don’t need any fancy clothes or accessories 11. Ostentation and vanity often land people in
for that. You have a decent reputation among all. trouble. Matilda is an apt example of this. Justify.
The blazer that you purchased for your cousin’s O
marriage will suffice. Matilda wanted to live a life above her status.
Besides, you can use this money to enrol for the How did this desire of hers lead to her sufferings?
Digital Marketing course that you were yearning Ans : 2020, 2019
for for the last six months. Matilda always wanted a life above her status.
Friend : You have suggested a great idea. I will This desire of hers had led her to sufferings
definitely take it seriously. Good Bye! as for the party she had borrowed her friend’s
diamond necklace. After the party when she lost
9. Read the following quote. it she decided to bend the truth. She lied that
“We are too involved in materialistic things, and the necklaces’ clasp was broken and it was away
they don’t satisfy us. The loving relationships we for mending. She instead bought a very similar
have, the universe around us, we take these things looking diamond necklace. Due to that she and
for granted.” – Mitch Albom Matilda was never her husband were under the debt of many people.
satisfied with her life and desired more. The given They had to shift into a new and a smaller
quote reflects her character. Justify. apartment, She had to leave the maid and do
Ans : 2021
everything by herself, She had to bargain for
Despite having a mediocre lifestyle, Matilda was every penny, Her voice had become cracked and
always full of complaints. She always longed for she seemed old and weary.
luxuries in life. She wanted to look the most When she told her friend about the four
beautiful at the ball. For that, she insisted her painful years she was shocked and told Matilda
husband buy her a pretty dress, which he somehow that her necklace was an imitation one and it did
managed. Matilda was still dissatisfied and not cost over five hundred francs.
borrowed a necklace from her friend. She didn’t
want to understand the fact that materialistic 12. Mme Forestier proved to be a true friend of the
things create a vicious circle around us and do Loisels. Elaborate.
not let satisfaction come in. Coincidentally, the Ans : 2019
necklace was lost and Matilda and Loisel were 1. Mme Forestier helps her in their hour of need.
forced to lead a life of hardships for years to repay
2. Mme Loisel needs necklace to wear in the party.
for that necklace. Rather than focussing on fancy
things people should try to understand the real 3. She opens up the entire array of her jewels for
love and beauty in relations that bring ultimate Loisels to choose from.
happiness forever. 4. Considerate when Loisels delay the return of
the necklace.
10. Supposing Mme Forestier comes to know that
5. Honestly reveals to Matilda that necklace was
Matilda has returned real diamonds for the
fake.
artificial ones she had lost. What do you think
she would do? Why? 6. Mme Forestier - like a true friend feels bad for
her unnecessary sufferings.
Ans : 2021

I think Madame Forestier would return the 13. Not to accept the limitations of our life makes us
necklace to couple because she is a compassionate unhappy in our lives. Describe how Matilda Loisel

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

status. But, the hard time has made her realise our real diamond. She is a genuine lady and a
that one should value their possessions. That’s all good friend of mine.
for now. M Loisel : Do as you wish.
Bye
7. Your teacher conducted Turn Tables in class, and
5. Imagine you’re one of the columnists in a asked you to put forth your views on ‘Frugality in
magazine. People write to you about their issues, Life is the Ideal Way to Live’.
seeking your advice. Matilda writes to you about Write the debate script with points to supplement
the guilt she feels for having lost a necklace and your stand, both for and against the motion and
how it changed the course of her life and her conclude with your own views.
husband’s. What would be your advice to her? Ans : 2021

Ans : 2021
Frugality in Life is the Ideal Way to Live
Hi Matilda, I have always heard from my parents that a penny
I can understand that you are going through saved is a penny earned. For many years, I did
a difficult phase in life. You know, everything not like their idealism of spend thriftiness. If
happening in our life is not controllable by us. we have the resources we should use them fully
Don’t feel guilty about it as whatever happens, because life is so uncertain. Moreover, a phase in
happens for the best. I admit that you had to life gone never comes back. So, one should have
sacrifice your youth and your luxuries for the a big heart to enjoy life to the fullest. But, life
repayment of the lost necklace. But, it’s never taught me a lesson when Covid 19 hit the world
too late. Make a fresh beginning and save even and specifically my family badly. During that
the smallest penny to secure your old age. Your time the money that my parents saved miserly
struggle has made you laborious and hard working. helped us to sustain. Now, I had understood that
Stop regretting about the past and try to enjoy we should not waste our resources unnecessarily.
your present life with your loving husband. If we adopt minimalism, we can help the poor and
needy and hence the nation. Spending money on
6. Matilda goes home after meeting Mme Forestier
useless things does not serve any purpose. Money
after ten years and shares the fact with M Loisel
keeps changing hands. Life is so uncertain, today’s
that the necklace was a false one. Write the
meagre savings can become a great reliever in
dialogue between Matilda and M Loisel
times of need. So, I believe that ‘Frugality in Life
Matilda : I don’t know how to tell you this but
is the ideal way to live’.
I met Mme Forestier today and she told me that
her necklace was 8. One of your friends has to attend a class party at
M Loisel : What! I can’t believe my ears. That his / her school and wants to purchase the most
huge debt was for nothing! expensive clothes and shoes. He/ She feels that
Matilda : …………………………………………… this would make him/ her stand out in the crowd.
………………………………………........………… You receive a call from your friend seeking advice
M Loisel : ………………………………………… on this matter. Write down that telephonic
……………………………………………………..... conversation between your friend and yourself.
Ans : 2021
You may begin this way:
Matilda : I don’t know how to tell you this but Friend : Hey, I want an honest opinion from you.
I met Mme Forestier today and she told me that Will you please help me?
her necklace was an artificial one. You: …………………………………………………
M Loisel : What! I can’t believe my ears. That ……………………………………………….………
huge debt was for nothing! Friend : So, there’s this class party I have to
Matilda : Ah! What a fool I was! Why it didn’t attend. It’s a big deal!
strike me that I should have checked it once with You : ……............................................................
Mme Forestier. .............................................................................
M Loisel : Unbelievable! Did you ask her or did Ans : 2021
she tell it herself? I mean how the topic started. Friend : Hey, I want an honest opinion from you.
Matilda : When I greeted her, she could not Will you please help me?
recognise me. And the story began from there. You : Anytime, We are true friends and you can
Meanwhile, she disclosed that the necklace was always count on me.
not of a real diamond. Friend : So, there’s this class party I have to
M Loisel : We can do nothing now. It is gone. attend. It’s a big deal!
Matilda : Why not? We can ask her to give back

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Page 728 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

miseries to repay the debt. All this had happened 21. Give the character-sketch of Matilda.
because she had lost the necklace she had borrowed Ans : 2012

from her rich friend Mme Forestier or Jeanne. Matilda was a pretty and young lady. She was
Because of this debt, they had to move to a born in the family of clerks and was married to
cheaper room and even remain without a servant. a clerk. Having been born in a poor family she
Matilda had to do all the household work and had no dowry, no hopes, no means of becoming
shopping by herself. She had to fetch water, wash known, loved or married by some rich man of
the floor, utensils and dirty clothes by herself. It dignity. She always suffered from poverty both at
took them ten years to finally repay the debt. But the homes of her husband and parents.
after those difficult ten years, Matilda now looked She was a short-tempered but tactful lady.
like an ordinary woman, wearing simple clothes. She convinced her poor husband to buy her a
She even looked older than her age. That is why, party dress simply by rejecting the invitation to
Jeanne was not able to recognise Matilda. the ball. She was of showy nature and loved only
delicacies and luxuries. She borrowed a necklace
only to be noticed by the spectators. She repented
19. What kind of person is Matilda’s husband?
when the necklace was lost. She suffered poverty
Support your answer giving examples from the
for ten years after replacing the false necklace
text.
with a genuine necklace. She ever remained in
O distress. She was not a considerate and contented
What kind of person is Matilda’s husband? Give a character.
reasoned answer supporting it from the text.
Ans : 2013, 2011 22. Give the character-sketch of Mr. Loisel.
Matilda’s husband is a petty clerk. He works in the Ans : 2012

office of Board of Education. He is a very humble Mr. Loisel was a petty clerk in the office of the
person. He loves and cares for his wife very much. Board of Education. He had no other source of
He tries to make his wife always happy despite income. Therefore, he lived from hand to mouth.
his poor economic condition. So, his behaviour He was very economical. He ate humble food in
shows that he is a caring husband. In the story, cheap dishes. He lived in a humble apartment.
when Matilda was vexed not to have a jewel to He was meek and gentle. He was considerate
attend the ball, Mr Loisel suggested, ‘You can to the wishes of his short-tempered, pretty and
wear some natural flowers that look very chic.’ sophisticated wife.
He is also very economical, but he always faces Loisel forgoes buying a gun to purchase a
problems to fulfil his wife’s wishes. Moreover, he pretty dress for his wife. To keep her in good
is a duty-conscious and disciplined man. When cheer, he urged her to borrow a necklace from her
they returned home wearily after Matilda’s loss friend. He tried his level best to search the lost
of necklace, he remembered that he would have to necklace. He was adventurous. He did not hesitate
be at the office by ten o’clock. All these show that in spending his entire inherited money and even
he was a responsible and disciplined husband. borrowing from money-lenders to replace the lost
necklace. He was of flexible nature but a man of
20. What kind of person was Matilda Loisel ? Support good character. He was a loving husband and had
your answer by giving examples from the story. poor tastes.
Ans : 2012
23. Describe the role of Mrs. Forestier in the story.
Matilda was a pretty woman. But she was born in Ans : 2010, 2007
a poor family. She always desired to have things Mrs. Forestier was a rich lady. She was a good
of luxury. She thought she was born to live a life friend of Matilda. Her jewel case and black satin
of luxury. She wanted to be loved and admired. box were full of costly ornaments. She is a helpful,
She wanted to move in rich society. But she kind and considerate lady. When Matilda told her
couldn’t find any rich man to marry her. She had the story of her distress, she got ready to help
to marry a poor clerk. She was not happy with her. She showed her all the golden ornaments and
him. She had to live in a simple house, she had jewels of admirable workmanship. She did not
to wear simple clothes. She didn’t have any costly hesitate the least in lending her superb necklace
furniture or curtains. She didn’t have any jewels of diamonds to Matilda.
to wear. All these troubled her and she remained Mrs. Forestier snubbed Matilda for returning
unhappy. the necklace a bit late. She was a pure-hearted
lady. She kept the jewel box without opening it

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

suffers in her life because she does not accept that little act of negligence can lead to total ruin. We
she is not a rich person. will prefer to move on in life according to the
Ans : 2017 situation. If we had committed any mistake we
There is no doubt in it that to accept the have to pay for it. And we should pay it bravely.
limitations of our life or not to accept it, is a There is no harm in doing all house hold jobs or
pertinent question related to our happiness or in earning extra money after office time. If we can
unhappiness. However, most of the people become live in a big house, we should learn to live in a
unhappy and suffer because of not accepting the small one too with the demand of times.
limitation of life. In the context of the story,
Matilda Loisel suffered in her life because she 16. What lessons of life do we learn from the character
did not accept her limitation of life. Although of M. Loisel which can make us succeed in life?
she was born in a poor family yet she dreamt to Ans : 2015

enjoy all the delicacies and luxuries like the rich Mme. Loisel (Matilda) was a short tempered but
people. She did not understand her limitations. tactful lady. She was pretty and sophisticated.
She was not conscious of her capacity, reality and One day, her husband brought an invitation to
condition. So, she suffered because of her greed dinner from the Minister of Public Instruction and
for high lifestyle and not accepting her limitations his spouse at their residence. This was a select
and condition. invitation. The husband got elated. But Mme
Loisel instead of being delighted as her husband
14. Matilda proved a roaring success due to Mme had hoped, threw the invitation card spitefully.
Forestier lending her the necklace. How would you The new problem that disturbed her mind was
attain the stature of being generous ? that she did not have a party dress to wear on the
Ans : 2016 occasion. She did not have a necklace too. Loisel
Matilda got the invitation to attend a ball at forgoes buying a gun to purchase a party dress for
the minister’s residence. But she did not have a his wife. They borrowed a necklace from Matilda’s
good dress and jewellery to wear for the occasion. friend Mrs Forestier and handled the situation.
Her husband bought her a new dress with all his
savings, and she borrowed a diamond necklace 17. The ‘Necklace’ reveals that vanity is an evil. It
from her friend to match her dress wear on the may bring joy for a short period but ultimately
occasion. it leads to ruin. If you were placed in a situation
On the day of ball Mme Loisel was a great similar to that of Matilda, what would you have
success. She looked the prettiest of all elegant, done? Write your views.
gracious, smiling and full of joy. All the men Ans : 2014

noticed her, asked her name and wanted to be It is true that vanity is an evil. Ultimately, too
presented. She danced with enthusiasm intoxicated much vanity leads one to ruin. The ‘Necklace’ is
with pleasure, thinking of nothing but all this an ornament that ornaments and adorns a woman
admiration. All these because of Mme Forestier to be proud. In the context, Matilda’s vanity is
lending her the necklace. She was so generous her necklace that she adorns in the ball to be the
that she offered all her jewellery without any most attractive. It brought her pleasure and joy
hesitation. She did not even check the necklace for a short period. When she lost the necklace, she
returned by Mme Loisel. Later on she told her took a lot of pains and distress to replace it.
that it was not a real diamond necklace but an If I were placed in a situation similar to that
artificial one. of Matilda, I would not become a daydreamer
like her. Of course, I would adorn a jewel like
15. Matilda realised that one little act of negligence Matilda’s necklace and attend the party to grace
can lead to total ruin. How would you prefer to be the occasion, but I would never have the vanity
guided to move on in life ? for the ornament. I prefer to live a simple life
Ans : 2016 unlike Matilda as she is the symbol of vanity in
Matilda lost the necklace that she borrowed from the context.
Mme Forestier. She had to buy a new necklace for
thirty six thousand franks which ruined all her 18. Why did Jeanne not recognise her friend?
savings. She had to change her lodgings and do O
all odd jobs like washing, cleaning and shopping Why could Mme Forestier not recognize her friend
grocery while her husband had to do extra work Matilda at the end of the story?
of copying after his office time. She lost all her Ans : 2013, 2011
charm and beauty. Now she realized that one Matilda had to undergo a lot of hardships and

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Page 730 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

shocked to see Matilda’s condition. She couldn’t Ans : 2020

even recognise her because she looked older than i. (a) To go to a party of rich people
her age. When Matilda told her the story about ii. Matilda’s husband suggested that she should
the lost necklace and the miserable days she had borrow jewels from her rich friend.
and how it took them ten years to pay for the iii. (c) A dialogue is a conversation between two
diamond necklace that she had returned, she felt or more people as a feature of a book, play, or
quite disheartened. Mme Froestier was saddened film.
to hear the story and felt even more regretful to
tell her friend that her diamonds were false. iv. Mme Loisel was a pretty young lady but she
The story could have ended on a positive note. belonged to a poor family. She was married
The story could have said that after hearing the to a clerk. She had great aspirations in life.
depressing story, Mme Forestier finds the necklace Her poverty and lack of recognition made her
in her discarded jewellery box and returns it to angry and unhappy.
Matilda. She does this so that Matilda could then
2. Read the extract given below and answer the
wear the necklace that she had worked hard to
questions that follows :
pay for ten years forever.
‘No, I am Matilda Loisel’.
Her friend uttered a cry of astonishment, ‘Oh!
Extract Based Question
My poor Matilda! How you have changed!’ “Yes,
1. Read the extract given below and answer the I have had some hard days since I saw you; and
questions that follows : some miserable ones-and all because of you ...”.
She was not convinced. ‘No’, she replied, “there is i. Why did Matilda have ‘some hard days’ ?
nothing more humiliating than to have a shabby ii. What change had come in Matilda?
air in the midst of rich women.”
iii. Why did Matilda say that her friend is
Then her husband cried out, “How stupid we
responsible for the ‘hard days’ ?
are! Go and find your friend Madame Forestier
iv. Which word would correctly replace ‘tough’,
and ask her to lend you her jewels.”
in the given sentence from the extract?
She uttered a cry of joy. ‘It is true!’ she said.
Pranutan had a tough time after losing her
“I had not thought of that.”
job.
i. Why did she need the jewels? Ans : 2017
(a) To go to a party of rich people
i. Matilda had some hard days because she and
(b) For a photoshoot
her husband had to pay back the loans they
(c) To get a replica made
had taken.
(d) For wearing them at home
ii. Ten years of poverty and hardship had
ii. What did Matilda’s husband suggest her?
stolen away Matilda’s youth and beauty.
iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and She became a strong and hard woman, who
identify which one correctly corresponds to is poorly dressed with untidy hair and red
the extract. ragged hands.
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a iii. Matilda said that her friends is responsible
particular topic, usually with two or more for her ‘hard days’ because they had to take
people presenting different viewpoints loan to return her friend’s necklace.
and arguments.
iv. hard
(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a
character alone on stage, which reveals 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
their innermost thoughts and feelings to questions that follows :
the audience. She was one of those pretty, young ladies, born
(c) A dialogue is a conversation between two as if through an error of destiny, into a family
or more people as a feature of a book, of clerks. She had no dowry, no hopes, no means
play, or film. of becoming known, loved, and married by a
iv. What kind of a person is Mme Loisel and why man either rich or distinguished; and she allowed
is she always unhappy? Answer in about 40 herself to many a petty clerk in the office of the
words. Board of Education. She was simple, but she was
unhappy.

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Chapter 7 Discursive Passage

or viewing her necklace. Her honesty and large- But Loisel was much more practical than her.
heartedness became evident when she declared He was happy, realistic and much more contented
that her necklace was false and of only five with his life. He did not dream of those things
hundred francs in worth. which were not possible to achieve. At the same
time, he was a loving and caring husband. He gave
Matilda 400 francs to buy a dress, which he had
24. Based on your reading of the story, write a
originally saved to buy himself a gun. He was also
paragraph on the topic “Living on Borrowed
self-respecting and honest. After the necklace was
Money can Ruin One’s Happiness in Life.”
lost, he worked hard for many years to pay off the
Ans : 2010
borrowed amount. He willingly worked hard to pay
Living on Borrowed Money Can Ruin off the debt without any complains.
One’s Happiness in Life
27. ‘Matilda was a grand success at the ball’. Explain.
Money is responsible for not only bringing Ans : 2008
happiness but also misery. The more the money is, Of course, Matilda enjoyed at the ball very much.
the more greed it brings with it. And greed always She reached the party wearing a costly dress and
leads to destruction. It is therefore essential to be a borrowed necklace. She was the main centre of
satisfied with what one’s got. Living on borrowed attraction at the party. Everybody praised her for
money can only provide us with temporry her grace, elegance, beauty and charm. She felt
happiness. Once that fades away, it leads to loss quite elated to dance with the high officials.
of trust and relations, arguments and fights over In the party, every man wanted to get
trivial matters etc. The more we borrow, the more introduced to her and wished to dance with her.
we get trapped in the debts. And eventually there She danced with enthusiasm and was intoxicated
is no looking back. Therefore, if we are happy with pleasure. She just thought of nothing, but all
with our own possessions, we can save ourselves that admiration that she was being given. She felt
from such debts traps and lead a happy and that the victory was so complete and sweet to her
contended life. heart. So, Matilda was a great success at the ball
25. Matilda was very proud of her beauty and charm and she enjoyed every moment of it.
and this led to her downfall. Based on your 28. How did Matilda and Loisel suffer to pay off the
reading of the story write a paragraph on the debt?
topic : “Prides Goes Before a Fall.” Ans : 2007
Ans : 2009
Matilda had lost the necklace, which she had
Prides Goes Before a Fall borrowed from her rich friend Mme Forestier. So,
People who are pround always walk with their Matilda and her husband decided to buy a similar
chin up and don’t really see the dangers that are necklace and send it to her. But the cost of the
lying on their path. Hence, they stumble on some similar necklace was 36,000 francs and the Loisels
of those obstacles and fall down. On the other had only 18000 francs. So, they had to borrow
hand people who are humble look down while 18000 francs on a higher rate of interest to pay
they walk and see what obstacles lie on their way. for the necklace.
Hence, they are always down to earth and don’t To pay this debt, they had to lead a miserable
really fail in life. Similarly, if we’re too conceited life, full of hardships. They had to shift to a cheap
or feel self-important, something will happen to room and had to even dismiss their servant. Matilda
make us look foolish. Hence, it is important that started to do all the household work herself. She
we always remain humble in our life so that we fetched water, washed the floor, utensils and dirty
don’t fall. clothes. She even did her shopping on her own
to save money. Meanwhile, her husband worked
26. Do you think Matilda’s husband was more in the evening and late at night to earn enough
accommodating than her? money to pay the debt. It took them ten years to
Ans : 2009
finally pay off the entire debt.
Yes, of course, we find that Loisel was more
accommodating and practical than Matilda. 29. ‘Mme Forestier proved to be a true friend’.
Matilda was ambitious and dreamt of leading a Elaborate this point in a paragraph or two and
luxurious life. But being married to a clerk, she then end the story the way you want to.
could not fulfil her over-ambitious desires with Ans : 2005

her limited means. Mme Forestier was a sincere friend. She was

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Page 732 Discursive Passage Chapter 7

He threw around her shoulders the modest One Sunday as she was taking a walk in the
wraps they had carried whose poverty clashed Champs-Elysees to rid herself of the cares of the
with the elegance of the ball costume. week, she suddenly perceived a woman walking
ii. State which of the options from I to 4 can be with a child. It was Mme Forestier, still young, still
applied with reference to the given question pretty, still attractive. Mme Loisel was affected.
or context: True (T), False (F), Partially or Should she speak to her? Yes, certainly. And now
maybe true (PT), Not applicable (NA). that she had paid, she would tell her all. Why not?
Which of the following interpretations best i. State any one inference about Mme Loisel
describes the attitudes of the men and women from the given context.
in the extract? ‘One Sunday as she was taking a walk in the
1. All the women were social beings; the Champs-Elysees to rid herself of the cares of
men were private. the week’
2. The men had vanity but the women were ii. State which of the options from I to 4 can be
modest. applied with reference to the given statement
3. The men were reasonably balanced but or context :
the women were vain. True (T), False (F), Partially true (PT), Not
applicable (NA).
4. The men were social beings; the women
Mme Loisel says, Wow singular is life, and
were private.
how full of changes! How small a thing will
(a) 3 - F 2 - PT, 1 - T, 4 - NA ruin or save one! Because _____.
(b) 2 - T, 1 - PT, 3 - E 4 - NA
1. she had had a remarkable life.
(c) 4 - T, 1 - F, 2 - PT, 3 - NA
2. her life had changed for the better.
(d) 3 - T, 2 -F, 1 - PT, 4 - NA
3. her stubbornness had wrecked her life.
iii. ‘She went home towards four o’clock in the
4. she had lived an ordinary life.
morning’
What does this description tell us about (a) 3 - F, 2 - PT, 1 - T, 4 - NA
Matilda? Elaborate in about 40 words, with (b) 3 - T, 1 - PT, 2 - F, 4 - NA
reference to the extract. (c) 4 - T, 1 - F, 2 - PT, 3 - NA
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘the (d) 2 - T, 1 - F, 3 - PT, 4 - NA
modest wraps’ in the given sentence from the iii. ‘Mme Loire! was affected. Should she speak
extract? to her? Yes certainly. And now that she had
“He threw around her shoulders the modest paid, she would tell her all. Why not?’
wraps they had carried.” Why does the author say, ‘Mme Loisel was
Ans : 2009 affected? Elaborate in about 40 words, with
i. M Loisel was a caring husband who didn’t reference to the extract.
want his wife to fall sick due to cold. iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
ii. (d) 3 - T, 2 - F, 1 - PT, 4 - NA ‘singular’ in the given sentence from the extract?
iii. Matilda enjoyed to the hilt at the ball. She How singular is life, and how full of changes!
danced with enthusiasm and was intoxicated Ans : 2007

with all the attention she received. The i. Matilda was taking a break after a long week
night of the ball had been the realisation of of hard labour.
a long cherished dream for her when every ii. (b) 3 - T, 1 - PT, 2 - F, 4 - NA
eye admired her. She didn’t want to leave the iii. Matilda chanced to meet Mrs. Forestier who
party early. still looked young and pretty whereas Matilda
iv. an ordinary shawl had grown old and tough because of her
blind ambition and vanity. She now decided
6. Read the extract given below and answer the to confess the loss and replacement of the
questions that follows : necklace and face the truth.
How would it have been if she had not lost the
iv. remarkable
necklace? Who knows? How singular is life, and
how full of changes!
How small a thing will ruin or save one! 

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

Chapter 8

B holi

1. INTRODUCTION her to overcome her fears and gave her the confidence
that she too, like other children had the potential
The Chapter “Bholi” is written by K. A. Abbas. to read and write. She supported Bholi’s decision of
The story of Bholi alias Sulekha takes the readers rejecting Bishamber Nath as a groom because he was
through the complicated social structures of greedy being.
a section of Indian families that are biased in
their attitudes towards daughters. The manner
in which Bholi is victimized by the patriarchal 3. summary
mindset of her family and the people around her,
Bholi, the Simpleton
evokes both pity and anger. In addition, the ill-
Since her childhood, Sulekha was called Bholi. She
treatment meted out to differently abled children
was the fourth daughter of Numberdar, Ramlal.
as depicted in the story compels the readers to
Her brain got damaged when she fell off the cot at
think about such silent evils that plague our
the age of ten months. Therefore, she was a little
society. However, the courageous defiance by
slow and was known as Bholi.
Bholi in the end, assures a ray of hope.
Victim of Small Pox
The pretty girl had an attack of small pox. She
2. Characters had pock-marks all over her body. She started
speaking at the age of five. She stammered. She
Bholi talked little because the children made fun of her.
Bholi was the fourth daughter of Ramlal. She
was neglected by her family and always looked Bholi’s Family
down upon. In fact she was considered a burden. Bholi was born in a prosperous farmer’s family.
Her life changed when she was sent to school. She Bholi was the youngest and weakest child of
was fortunate to have teachers who encouraged Ramlal. Her brothers were studying in the city. Her
her and ensured that she is able to perform well sister, Radha, Mangla and Champa were healthy,
enough academically. Moreover, her teacher’s strong and good looking girls. Ramlal found good
encouragement had instilled in her tremendous bridegrooms for them.
confidence. She rejected a marriage proposal Bholi, the Cause of Ramlal’s Anxiety
because the groom had demanded dowry in order Bholi had ugly looks and had absence of brain.
to get married to Bholi. She was seven years old. A primary school for
Bholi’s Father girls was opened in her village. Ramlal, the
Bholi’s father Ramlal had seven children three revenue official of the village longed to send his
sons and four daughters, and the youngest of them daughters to school. His wife objected because
was Bholi. He was a prosperous man. He loved no one married an educated girl. However, she
his children and ways always concerned regarding agreed to send Bholi to school.
Bholi especially her wedding. He like other family Bholi at the School
members considered Bholi as a burden only and Bholi was unwilling to go to school. She pulled
therefore was more than willing to get off her her hand away when her father desired to take
married to man who was much elder than Bholi. her to school. She was given a clean dress to wear.
Bholi’s Teacher Ramlal took her to school. She was afraid of
Bholi’s teacher was a great source of inspiration in other girls but was glad to be amidst them. They
Bholi’s life It was her teacher only who encouraged were of her age. She wished to befriend some girl.
Bholi looked at pictures on the wall. Their colours

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Page 734 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

attracted her. The teacher asked her name. Bholi to marry the coward and lame old man who was
stammered. She kept her head down. The other also mean, greedy and contemptible. She was
girls were laughing at her. She kept sitting there no more a dumb cow. She called Bishamber a
even after the last bell. She kept sobbing. The heartless creature. She took a vow to remain
teacher’s soft and soothing voice calling her Bholi unmarried lifelong and earn her living as a
touched her heart. teacher. She would serve her parents in old age.
Kindly Teacher
The teacher asked Bholi to tell her name. Fearfully,
Bholi made an effort. The teacher encouraged her.
4. Word meanings
On the second chance, Bholi succeeded in telling 1. Stammered - spoke haltingly
her name. The teacher patted her. She asked 2. Interest - fondness, care
Bholi to come to school everyday. Bholi could say 3. Expectations - hopes
the word “yes” properly. 4. Simpleton - quite simple
5. Cot - bed
Picture-book
6. Perhaps - probably
The book contained pictures and words in big
7. Damaged - injured
black letters. The sight of the pictures made
8. Brain - mind
Bholi’s heart glad. The teacher’s encouraging
9. Pretty - good looking
and soothing words did a miracle. Her heart was
10. Entire - total
beaming with a new hope.
11. Permanently - for ever
Changes in Village 12. Disfigured - made ugly
The village became a small town. The primary 13. Pock-marks - marks (spots) left by small pox
school was raised to the high school. The town 14. Mimicked - aped, imitated
became a railway station. A cinema hall and a 15. Prosperous - progressive, flourishing
cotton ginning mill were also set up there. 16. Plenty - enough
Decision about Bholi’s Marriage 17. Except - leaving aside
Ramlal found a match for Bholi without her 18. Already - beforehand
consent. His name was Bishamber. He had 19. Settled - fixed
a big shop, a house of his own and a fat bank 20. Bridegrooms - male matches
balance. He was under fifty and had limps. He 21. Worried - anxious
was a widower with grown up children. He was 22. Intelligence - quick understanding
from another village. He had no knowledge about 23. Ceremony - religious rites
Bholi’s pock marks and lack of sense. The parents 24. Representative - one who acts for others
considered Bholi as a witless girl like a dumb cow. 25. Consulted - sought counsel
She had heard them say so. 26. Crazy - mad, insane
27. Courage - boldness
Bholi’s Wedding Day 28. Frightened - scared
Bishamber Nath came to Bholi’s house with 29. Terror - dread
his marriage party in all splendour. Everybody 30. Grip - hold
including Bholi’s sister rejoiced at her luck. Bholi 31. Decent - (here) proper, nice
was brought to the altar. Bishamber got ready 32. Mend - repair, stitch
to garland her. A woman removed Bholi’s silken 33. Shrunk - to have folds
veil. The bridegroom got shocked on seeing pock 34. Matted - entangled
marks on her face. He did not garland Bholi. On 35. About - (here) around
the contrary, he demanded five thousand rupees. 36. Several - few, not many
He did not listen to Ramlal’s appeals. 37. Squatted - sitting on heels
Ramlal’s Role 38. Exactly - accurately
To keep his honour in the village, Ramlal paid five 39. Happened - took place
thousand rupees to Bishamber. Then Bishamber 40. Glad - quite happy
got ready to garland Bholi. 41. Almost - nearly
Bholi’s Role 42. Fascinated - attracted
There was contempt in Bholi’s eyes when her 43. Suddenly - instantly
veil was slipped back. She threw away the 44. Noticed - observed, viewed
garland and the veil. She asked her father in 45. Further - ahead
clear words to take back his money. She declined 46. Tears - drops (water) falling from the eyes

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

and lame. Still he demands dowry. Her father is 32. “But Ramlal was worried about Bholi.” Why was
ready to pay him also. Ramlal worried about his daughter Sulekha or
It is the girl herself who raises her voice against Bholi?
this marriage. She is criticised and humiliated Ans : 2007

for standing up for her dignity. But she is firm a Sulekha, also called Bholi, was the fourth daughter
decides the course of her life. and the youngest child of Numberdar’ Ramlal.
All his children, except Bholi, were healthy and
30. “Love and encouragement make the impossible strong. But Ramlal was worried about Bholi.
possible.” Justify it in the light of Bholi’s story. It was because she had neither good looks nor
Ans : 2008, 2005 intelligence. At birth, she was very fair and pretty.
Bholi was one of the seven children of Ramlal But when she was ten months old, she had fallen
Numberdar. She had pock marks and looked weak off the cot on her head. Perhaps, this accident
and ugly. She was mentally slow. She stammered had damaged some part of her brain. Due to this,
while speaking. She was not cared and loved. she remained a backward child and came to be
She wore the old dresses of her sisters. Even her known as Bholi, the simpleton. Also, when she
mother did not like her. She was sent to school was two years old, she had an attack of small-
as she was the most useless member of the house. pox. Because of this, her entire body had been
She liked colours on the wall of the school and permanently disfigured by deep black pockmarks.
wanted someone to be her friend. She got a loving On top of that, she could not speak properly and
and caring teacher in school who helped her to even stammered.
gain self-confidence and taught her reading and
writing. She brought new hopes into her otherwise 33. Do you think Bholi’s mother treated her well?
ill-fated encouraged and inspired her to get over O
her stammer. She treated her like her daughter. What kind of treatment is given to Bholi by her
She was her true guide. parents? Is it justified?
She inculcated the qualities of confidence, and Ans : 2007
daring in her. She never scoffed at Bholi whom all No, Bholi’s mother did not treat her nicely. She
the other girls mimicked. She urged her to make had more love for Bholi’s sisters than for her. Ever
persistent efforts to get over her handicap. She since her childhood, she regarded Bholi as a girl
enabled Bholi to challenge the dowry-seeker. with an ugly face and for having a lack of sense.
When Bholi was seven years old, Bholi’s
31. Bholi has multiple handicaps. She is a girl. She has
mother wanted to put all the responsibility of
pock-marks, she stammers. How can we change
Bholi on her teachers. Even new clothes were
the social attitudes towards the differently abled?
not given to Bholi and she had to use the clothes
Ans : 2008
discarded by her older sisters. The worst part
Bholi is physically challenged. She is a slow girl.
was that, Bholi’s mother readily agreed to accept
She has pock-marks and also stammers. What
Bishamber’s proposal. Bishamber was almost a
difference does it make? She is a human being and
fifty year old man with grown-up children. But
she should also be treated and honoured like other
even then, Bholi’s mother wanted to marry Bholi
human beings. If a person lacks something on the
to him because she thought that Bholi could
one hand, he or she is compensated on the other
never have anything better than that man. Thus,
by God. We see so many examples and instances
we can say that she did not treat Bholi properly
in the society which that disability of any kind is
like a mother does.
not an obstacle in one’s life. Helen Keller was blind
but proved to be a successful writer at the end. 34. After reading the story, what impression do you
Sudha Chandran is an example of indomitable form about Bholi ?
will, who, despite losing one leg, became a dancer Ans : 2006
of world-fame. The social attitude towards these Bholi was a neglected child in the family. Due to
people should not be one of pity. They should be her deep black pockmarks, impaired speech and
appreciated that in spite on one’s weakness, they lack of sense, she was considered backward and a
are struggling hard to survive. The society will simpleton. The day she was brought to school, she
have to change its attitude towards differently avoided other girls, who made fun of her and she
abled people. could not even understand their language.
But due to her teacher’s encouragement
and sympathetic treatment, she became a bold
girl. Moreover, she turned out to be a good and

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Page 736 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

2. For what unusual reasons is Bholi sent to school? 3. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match?
Ans : 2018, 2015, 2012 Why did she later reject the marriage? What does
Bholi is sent to school because there is little chance this tell us about her?
of her getting married, with her ugly face and lack Ans :
of sense. It is the tradition in India that girls seldom oppose
their parents’ choice for a groom. The upbringing
Read and Find Out - 2 of daughters brings a kind of mental conditioning
which doesn’t give them enough courage to rebel
1. Does Bholi enjoy her first day at school? against their parents’ wishes. Bholi more or less
Ans : followed the tradition of being an ideal Indian girl.
Yes, Bholi enjoys her first day at school as she is Later on when the prospective groom depicted his
glad to find so many girls almost of her own age greed for money it repulsed Bholi and made her
present there. She hopes that one of these girls reject the marriage. This incident highlights the
may become her friend. fact that education does produce some positive
effects in terms of sense of empowerment. Unlike
2. Does she find her teacher different from the people
her sisters, Bholi is educated and has a mind of
at home?
her own. She is as independent as any modern girl
Ans :
of a big city.
Yes, she finds her teacher different from the people
at home as the teacher is polite and this touches 4. Bholi’s real name is Sulekha. We are told this
her heart. right at the beginning. But only in the last but
one paragraph of the story is Bholi called Sulekha
Read and Find Out - 3 again. Why do you think she is called Sulekha at
that point in the story?
1. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s
Ans :
marriage proposal?
The word Bholi means a simpleton. Throughout
Ans :
the story she had been a simpleton hardly
Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage
expressing her opinion. The word Sulekha means
proposal because if they don’t accept it, she will
the person with beautiful sense of letters. In this
not be married for the rest of her life.
story this word has a larger meaning of being
2. Why does the marriage not take place? a literate, intelligent and mature individual.
Ans : After her education Bholi has really changed to
The marriage does not take place because the Sulekha and her assertion during marriage is her
groom demands dowry. announcement to the world that she is no more a
Bholi but Sulekha. She had been a suppressed child
Think About It since her childhood. She was an innocent girl who
didn’t have her own say. But her teacher helped
1. Bholi had many apprehensions about going to her overcome social barriers by encouraging and
school. What made her feel that she was going to motivating her. She then becomes more assertive
a better place than her home? and feels that there is a world beyond.
Ans :
The day she was going to school her parents were 5. Bholi’s story must have moved you. Do you think
forced to dress her nicely. She was bathed and her girl children are not treated at par with boys? You
hair was properly done. Until then she was not are aware that the government has introduced a
being taken care of. The special treatment she scheme to save the girl child as the sex ratio is
received, made her feel that she was going to a declining. The scheme is called Beti Bachao Beti
better place. Padhao. Save the Girl Child. Read about the
scheme and design a poster in groups of four and
2. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in display on the school notice board.
changing the course of her life? Ans :
Ans : In some parts of India, girls children’s are not
Bholi’s teacher talked affectionately with Bholi. equally treated as boys. Boys are given more
This gave her the required confidence. Moreover, benefits. Some families feels that girl child is a
the teacher’s appreciation and encouragement burden for them. They think that educating a girl
helped her overcome her low morale. child is useless as one day she has to get married
and move to her in-laws house.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

ii. State TRUE or FALSE. (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for

None of the options from (a)-(d) can be a phenomenon
applied with reference to the given question (b) An assumption - something that is
or context : assumed to be true without proof or
What does the fact that Bholi could associate taken for granted
the colours in the pictures with the real (c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or
animals prove? claims not meant to be taken literally
(a) She was not intimidated by the new (d) A statement - a definite or clear expression
environment. of something in speech or writing
(b) She knew a good deal about animals and iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
colours. ‘splendor’ in the given sentence from the
(c) She was observant by nature. extract?
(d) She must have known every nook and Ramlal was overjoyed to see such pomp and
corner in the village. splendor.
iii. And suddenly Bholi noticed that the teacher Ans : 2019

was standing by her side, smiling at her’ this i. It is the day of Bholi’s wedding to Bishambher.
changed something in Bholi. Elaborate in No, the wedding doesn’t take place. As soon
about 40 words, with reference to the extract. as Bishambher saw Bholi’s face, he threatened
iv. Which word or phrase would correctly to not marry her if not given a dowry of 5000.
substitute ‘orchard’ as given in the extract? Ramlal pleads to him and arranges the money
The parrot was green like the parrots she had but seeing all this, Bholi refuses to marry.
seen in the mango orchard. ii. It is the day of Bholi’s wedding to Bishambher.
Ans : 2020 No, the wedding doesn’t take place. As soon
i. She was overwhelmed by everything in school: as Bishambher saw Bholi’s face, he threatened
the pictures, the students, and the teacher. to not marry her if not given a dowry of 5000.
ii. False Ramlal pleads to him and arranges the money
iii. The teacher was polite and kind to Bholi who but seeing all this, Bholi refuses to marry.
had never been treated like this by anyone. iii. False
She recognized Bholi’s low confidence and iv. Magnificent appearance
told her that with practice she could become
a learned person who could speak without 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
stammering. This filled little Bholi with hope questions that follows :
and led to a change in the course of her life. “What’s the matter with you, you fool? Shouted
Ramlal. “I am only taking you to school.” Then
iv. fruit garden or plantation.
he told his wife, “Let her wear some decent clothes
2. Read the extract given below and answer the today or else what will the teachers and the other
questions that follows : school girls think of us when they see her? New
He came with a big party of relations with him for clothes had never been made for Bholi. The old
the wedding. A brass-band playing a popular tune dresses of her sisters were passed on to her. No
from an Indian film headed the procession, with one cared to mend or wash her clothes. But today
the bridegroom riding a decorated horse. Ramlal she was lucky to receive a clean dress which had
was overjoyed to see such pomp and splendor. He shrunk after many washings and no longer fitted
had never dreamt that his. Champa. She was even bathed and oil was rubbed
i. The given extract depicts an Indian wedding into her dry and matted hair. Only then did she
about to happen. Whose wedding is it? Does believe that she was being taken to a place better
the wedding take place? Elaborate in about than her home! When they reached the school,
40 words with reference to the extract. the children were already in their classrooms.”
ii. What had Ramlal never dreamt? i. Why was Bholi’s hair matted?
iii. State TRUE or FALSE. ii. State TRUE or FALSE.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to
the statement - He came with a big party of the statement - What’s the matter with you,
relations with him for the wedding. you fool?

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Page 738 Discursive Passage Chapter 8
Ans : 2021
(c) send his daughters to school
(c) contempt
(d) none of the above
5. What is the meaning of the word “envious”? Ans : 2014

(c) send his daughters to school

(a) jealous (b) looking down on
someone 12. How is the situation of the house described?
(c) hatred (d) none of these (a) poor (b) miserable
Ans : 2020
(c) prosperous (d) fine
(a) jealous
Ans : 2014

6. Why did Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s (c) prosperous

marriage proposal?
13. At what age did she begin to speak?
(a) he has a big shop
(a) 2 (b) 5
(b) he has a house
(c) 4 (d) 1
(c) he has good bank balance Ans : 2014
(d) all of the above (b) 5
Ans : 2020
14. What damaged some part of her brain?
(d) all of the above
(a) falling off a cot (b) falling off the stairs
7. How did she leave school on the first day? (c) small-pox (d) falling off a verandah
(a) sad Ans : 2013

(b) with a ray of hope for new life (a) falling off a cot
(c) depressed that she’ll stay where she is 15. How many siblings did Bholi have?
(d) none of the above (a) 1 (b) 2
Ans : 2020
(c) 4 (d) 6
(b) with a ray of hope for new life
Ans : 2013

8. Who comforted Bholi? (d) 6

(a) her friends (b) her father 16. What do you mean by the word “simpleton”?
(c) her mother (d) her teacher (a) simple (b) foolish
Ans : 2020
(c) basic (d) none of these
(d) her teacher
Ans : 2012

9. What did it take for Bholi to believe she was (b) foolish
being taken to a place better than home?
17. What did Bishamber demand as dowry?
(a) clean dress (b) hair oiling
(a) two thousand rupees
(c) a bath (d) all of these
(b) five thousand rupees
Ans : 2015

(d) all of these (c) ten thousand rupees

(d) twenty thousand rupees
10. Why did she suggest they send Bholi to school? Ans : 2011

(a) there was little chance of her getting married (b) five thousand rupees
(b) her husband couldn’t disobey Tehsildar’s
18. How did Bholi find the teacher on her very first
orders
day in the school?
(c) she took it to teachers at school to worry
(a) cruel (b) hard
about her
(c) kind and loving (d) all of these
(d) all of the above Ans : 2011
Ans : 2015
(c) kind and loving
(d) all of the above
11. What did the Tehsildar ask Ramlal to do? 19. Who was Lakshmi?
(a) drop him back to the city (a) Bholi’s mother (b) Bholi’s cow
(b) have dinner with him (c) Bholi’s teacher (d) Bholi’s classmate

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage
Poster education than girls.
People still believe that a person will be
Save Girl Child, Save Nation able to attain salvation only if his last rites are
Educating a women = Educating a Nation performed by his son. And the father’s name is
carried forward only through a son. These false
There is no HE if there is no SHE myths are chiefly responsible for girl infanticide.
Innumerable girl foetus are destroyed through
illegal sex detection. Hence when we speak about
Educating Women is equal to developing a
human rights, we do not differentiate between the
society or nation.
rights of girls and boys. But the real picture is far
different and grim than this.
Girl Child’s are not a burden ; they are a gift
from God. 3. Do you think the characters in the story were
speaking to each other in English? If not, in
Talk About It which language were they speaking? (You can get
clues from the names of the persons and the non-
1. Bholi’s teacher helped her overcome social barriers English words used in the story.)
by encouraging and motivating her. How do you Ans :
think you can contribute towards changing the According to me, the characters of the story don’t
social attitudes illustrated in this story? talk in English with each other. Their names
Ans : Bholi, Bishamber, Ramlal, Radha, Mangla,
Bholi’s teacher has indeed played a commendable Champa, Sulekha, Lakshmi, etc. are all Hindi
job. She gave such encouragement to Bholi which names. Moreover, the use of certain Hindi words
made her face the world. When Bholi was brought like Numberdar, Tehsildar, Pitaji, Sahib, disclose
to the school, she could hardly speak her name. that the characters must be speaking in Hindi
The teacher provided all help to her and inspired among themselves.
her. She developed the qualities of confidence.
It was her efforts which made her challenge the
dowry-seeker. 7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
This story plays a very important role in giving
message to those people who keep their daughter
uneducated. The society should understand that
Multiple Choice
Type Question
education can do any wonders and can help to do 1. Who is the author of the story “Bholi”?
away with curse like dowry. Bholi has shocked the
(a) KA Abbas (b) Guy De Maupassant
world with her confidence and such serials should
be telecast to change the attitude. (c) Mark Twain (d) Sinclair Lewis
Ans : 2021

2. Should girls be aware of their rights and asserts (a) KA Abbas

them? Should girls and boys have the same rights,
duties and privileges? What are some of the ways 2. Who is the artist’s work of art?
in which society treats them differently? When (a) Bholi’s friend (b) Bholi
we speak of ‘human rights’, do we differentiate (c) Bholi’s cow (d) Bholi’s teacher
between girls rights and boys rights? Ans : 2021
Ans : (b) Bholi
Yes, according to me girls should be aware of their
rights as well as they should assert them. Boys 3. What did he demand as dowry?
and girls have equal rights and privileges. Even (a) money (b) refrigerator
the law has granted them equal rights in property,
(c) television (d) all of these
job, etc. At present, women are excelling in every
Ans : 2021
profession.
(a) money
The traditional trend to restrict women
folk of the house to only domestic chores is still 4. What was in her eyes when the veil was pulled
continuing, especially in rural areas. In rural down the second time?
areas, where the education and awareness are less,
(a) hate (b) fear
the boys are favoured than girls to the extent that
they are given more nutritious diet and higher (c) contempt (d) none of these

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Page 740 Discursive Passage Chapter 8
Ans : 2006
42. Why was Ramlal very worried about Bholi?
(d) Bholi’s teacher
(a) She was neither good looking nor intelligent
35. Who came to marry Bholi? (b) She was too cunning
(a) Bishamber Nath (b) Hari Nath (c) She was too talkative and outgoing
(c) Pran Nath (d) Deena Nath (d) All of the above
Ans : 2006 Ans : 2002

(a) Bishamber Nath (a) She was neither good looking nor intelligent

36. Who was Ramlal’s eldest daughter?

(a) Radha (b) Rama Short Answer Type Question
(c) Megha (d) Champa 1. Why did Bholi’s teacher feel like an artist admiring
Ans : 2005
her masterpiece ?
(a) Radha Ans : 2024

37. Which post did Ramlal hold in the village? Bholi’s teacher felt like an artist admiring her
(a) Sarpanch (b) Tehsildar masterpiece, when she realised how her soothing
(c) Numberdar (d) Headmaster words, education, and motivation gave confidence
Ans : 2005
to Bholi to face the world and transformed her
(c) Numberdar from a girl who was unsure about herself and a
backward child, to a bold and confident girl.
38. Of the four daughters of Ramlal, who was sent
to school? 2. Do you think Bholi could have confidently refused
to marry Bishamber if she wasn’t educated? Give
(a) Radha (b) Mangla reasons.
(c) Champa (d) Bholi Ans : 2024, 2021
Ans : 2005 Without education, she could not have mustered
(d) Bholi up the courage and confidence to refuse to marry
the groom of his parents’ choice. Now, she could
39. How old was Bholi when she suffered an attack earn and feed her old parents with self-respect.
of smallpox?
(a) 2 years old (b) 3 years old 3. How does education play a transformative role in
(c) 4 years old (d) 5 years old Bholi’s life?
Ans : 2004
Ans : 2023

Education plays a huge transformational role in

(a) 2 years old
Bholi’s life. It induced in her confidence and self-
40. What transformation did education bring in esteem. It made her able to take right decisions,
Bholi? choose wisely and speak up for her ownself.
Education was her weapon to fight against
(a) She became fearless
Bishamber and to stand up for herself.
(b) She became courageous
(c) She became confident 4. Ramlal was worried about Bholi as she didn’t have
(d) All of the above good looks. Counter the belief that it’s important
Ans : 2004
for a girl to be good looking and give a reason for
the same.
(d) All of the above
Ans : 2021

41. Why was Bholi always discriminated in the In today’s world girls can earn at par with boys.
chapter ‘Bholi’ ? So, they are neither a showpiece nor a burden on
others. Hence, a girl doesn’t have to be always
(a) She had pock-marks on her face
good looking irrespective of the boy’s appearance
(b) She stammered and status. Besides a girl’s looks, her intelligence
(c) She was a simpleton and confidence matter more to today’s youth.
(d) All of the above Today, girls are recognised and praised for their
Ans : 2002 work rather than their appearance.
(d) All of the above

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47. Daring - having the courage 101.Triumphant - victorious

48. Still - till then 102.Announced - declared
49. Scurried out - hurried out 103.Prospective - would be
50. Lowered - bent low 104.Contempt - hatred
51. Sobbing - weeping in a suppressed manner 105.Streak - a long irregular line of colour
52. Soothing -becalming 106.Lightning - electric flash from clouds
53. Command - order 107.Flung - thrown
54. Sweat - perspiration 108.Startled - amazed
55. Disgrace - humiliate 109.Thunderstruck - amazed
56. However - even then 110.Regard - respect
57. Effort - attempt 111.Lame - disabled in limbs
58. Encouraged - urged 112.Mean - low-graded
59. Relieved - got a sense of freedom 113.Contemptible - hateful
60. Achievement - attainment 114.Coward - fearful person
61. Patted - gave mild strokes on the back 115.Violently - rashly, wildly
62. Affectionately - lovingly 116.Creature - an animate being
63. Really - actually 117.Confused - bewildered
64. Nodded - shook the head 118.Bowed - bent
65. Aloud - loudly 119.Grief- sorrow
66. Astonished - amazed, surprised 120.Steady - firm
67. Respect - honour 121.Watching - noticing
68. Slightest - least 122.Satisfaction - gratification
69. Blossomed - put forth flowers 123.Contemplates - meditates
70. Throbbed - pulsated
71. Thus - in this way
72. Ginning - separate raw cotton from its seeds
5. MESSAGE
73. Proposal - scheme The chapter “Bholi” conveys a clear message
74. Certainly - definitely that certain evils in the Indian social system
75. Moreover - besides must be rooted out. The writer, K. A. Abbas,
76. Wonder - to get surprised voices his displeasure about the discrimination
77. Witless - foolish between sons and daughters that is practised in
78. Muttered - spoke, uttered rural middle class families. In his own inimitable
79. Whispered - spoke in low tone style, he is critical of the practice of keeping
80. Conversation - personal talk the daughters illiterate. He also brings to light
81. Grocer - a dealer in general the inhuman reaction of people towards those
82. Wedding - marriage who are differently abled. This shatters the self-
83. Popular - liked by all confidence of those affected and pushes them
84. Procession - persons in orderly succession further into darkness. The evil of dowry system is
Decorated - adorned also criticized in the story to convey the message
85. Splendour - grandeur of equality for women and men. Thus, through
86. Occasion - chance the story, the author gives the message to build a
87. Envious - jealous society where girls will be at par with boys.
88. Auspicious - of good sign
89. Moment - a short period of time
90. Clad - dressed
91. Bridal - relating to marriage
92. Sacred - pure
93. Prompted - urged 6. ncert textbook questions
94. Veil - mask
95. Glance - look Read and Find Out - 1
96. Poised - held in balance
97. Humiliate - downcast 1. Why is Bholi’s father worried about her?
98. Considerate - regard for others Ans :
99. Streaming - flowing Bholi’s father is worried about her as she has
100.Placed - put, kept neither good looks nor intelligence. He does not
know how he will find a suitable groom for her.

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her from a girl who was unsure about herself and 21. What kind of mother was Ramlal’s wife?
a backward child, to a bold and confident girl. O
What kind of a mother, do you think, Ramlal’s wife
16. Give two points to demonstrate that Bholi’s
was?
wedding was a grand one.
Ans : 2015, 2012
Ans : 2016
Ramlal’s wife, mother of Bholi, was quite
Bholi’s marriage was fixed with Bishamber
indifferent to Bholi. She thought that she was a
who had a big shop, his own house and several
burden on them. Secondly, her consent to Bholi’s
thousand in the bank. It was a grand marriage.
marriage with greedy Bishamber, shows that she
A brass-band playing a popular tune from an
was blind to social evils due to her illiteracy and
Indian film headed the procession. Secondly the
ignorance.
bridegroom was riding on a decorated horse.
He came there with a big party of friends and 22. Give examples from the text to show that Bholi
relatives which looked like a procession. was a neglected child?
Ans : 2014
17. What two actions did Bholi take to stop her In the text, Bholi is shown as a neglected
marriage to Bishamber ? child. There are examples galore. First, since
Ans : 2016
her childhood everyone called her Bholi, the
Bholi’s marriage was going to take place with
simpleton, because she remained a deformed child
Bishamber who himself was forty five or fifty
after the accident. Secondly, she had neither good
years old. He also limped and had two children
looks nor intelligence. Finally, she was called a
from his first wife. Even then he demanded 5000
dumb cow because she stammered.
rupees as dowry. Bholi stopped the marriage by
throwing away the garland in the fair. She threw 23. How did the teacher build up Bholi’s confidence
away the veil and asked her father to take back on her first day at school?
the money and refused to marry Bishamber. Ans : 2014

On the first day at school, Bholi was very

18. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s frightened. When her teacher asked her name, she
marriage? only stammered. At this, other children laughed
Ans : 2015
at her, but her teacher motivated her to speak
Bholi had a slow mental growth, had pock marks affectionately. At last she was able to speak her
of small pox. Parents were much worried because name to her teacher. Thus, the teacher built up
of their daughter’s shortcoming. Moreover, Bholi’s confidence on her first day at school.
Bishamber was well-to-do bridegroom and he was
also not demanding any dowry from them. 24. Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi and not
about his other children?
19. Why did Bishamber’s marriage with Bholi not Ans : 2013
take place? Numberdar Ramlal was worried about his
Ans : 2015 fourth child Bholi because her entire body was
Bishamber’s marriage with Bholi did not take permanently disfigured by deep black pock-
place because at the time of garland ceremony, he marks due to the attack of small pox. Secondly,
saw pock-marks on Bholi’s face and demanded five she had neither good looks nor intelligence, and
thousand rupees. At this Bholi refused to marry stammered from childhood due to her accident.
such a greedy person and threw the garland into Lastly, he was worried about her marriage
the fire. because of her ugly face and lack of sense.
20. What filled Bholi, a dumb cow, with a new hope? 25. Bholi’s first day at school gave her a new hope
Ans : 2015 and a new life. How was she able to have these
There is no doubt that Bholi was like a dumb feelings?
cow, a simpleton before going to school. In fact, Ans : 2013

in the school, the teacher’s love, affection and Truly, Bholi’s first day at school gave her a ray
inspiration changed Bholi’s life. She asked her to of new hope and a new life to change her hateful
put fear out of her heart and speak like everyone life into respectful life. It was her teacher who
else. She also gave her a book of knowledge. In played an important role to change Bholi, a
time, she would be learned more than anyone in simpleton, into Sulekha, an intelligent and brave
the village. Thus, Bholi got a new hope and a new girl. Everybody hated her, called her a ‘dumb
life at school. cow’ because she only stammered. Her teacher

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage
Ans : 2010
27. How did Ramlal’s wife react about sending her
(b) Bholi’s cow girls to school?
20. How was Bholi treated in the family? (a) she laughed (b) she got angry
(a) she was not given new clothes (c) no reaction (d) she cried
Ans : 2008
(b) none cared to wash her clothes
(d) she cried
(c) none cared to comb her hair
(d) all of the above 28. What was Bholi’s first reaction on hearing that
Ans : 2010 she was going to school?
(d) all of the above (a) she cried with tears of joy
21. How many children did Ramlal have? (b) she cried with fear
(a) four (b) five (c) she screamed
(c) six (d) seven (d) she was excited
Ans : 2010
Ans : 2008

(d) seven (b) she cried with fear

22. How many daughters did Ramlal have? 29. Why did the girls laugh at Bholi?
(a) one (b) two (a) at her dress (b) at her looks
(c) three (d) four (c) at her stammering (d) all of these
Ans : 2010
Ans : 2008

(d) four (c) at her stammering

23. What was Bholi’s real name? 30. Whose paintings did she see in the classroom
wall?
(a) Champa (b) Radha
(a) cow (b) goat
(c) Mangla (d) Sulekha
Ans : 2009
(c) parrot (d) all of these
(d) Sulekha Ans : 2007

(d) all of these

24. Who was her father?
31. What according to you, was wrong in Bishamber
(a) Village Numberdar (b) Village Sarpanch
marrying Bholi?
(c) Village Tehsildar (d) none of these
(a) his age (b) his limbs
Ans : 2009

(a) Village Numberdar (c) another village (d) all of these

Ans : 2007

25. Why did she talk very little? (a) his age
(a) she stammered
32. How did he react on seeing Bholi’s face?
(b) other kids mimicked her and made fun of her
(a) got frightened (b) asked for
(c) she was an introvert compensation
(d) none of the above (c) both of these (d) none of these
Ans : 2009
Ans : 2007
(b) other kids mimicked her and made fun of her (b) asked for compensation
26. What was the purpose of the Tehsildar’s village 33. How does she describe her prospective husband?
visit? (a) mean (b) greedy
(a) to inaugrate a girl’s school (c) coward (d) all of these
(b) to address complaints of the village Ans : 2006

(c) to meet the people of the village (d) all of these

(d) none of these 34. Who is referred to as the “artist” in the lesson?
Ans : 2009
(a) Bholi’s friend (b) Bholi
(a) to inaugrate a girl’s school
(c) Bholi’s cow (d) Bholi’s teacher

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school properly dressed. Because of this reason, 41. What did Bholi relate the pictures in the school
Bholi was given dresses she had never worn before. wall to ?
Ans : 2002
36. How did Bholi feel on the first day at school? There were a lot of pictures on the school wall.
Ans : 2005 Bholi related the picture of a horse with that of
Bholi felt disheartened on her first day at the the Tehsildar’s horse, the picture of a goat with
school. At the school, she could not even speak the goat in her neighbourhood, the picture of
her name properly without stammering. Tears parrot she related to the parrots she had seen in
flowed down from her eyes due to her helplessness the mango orchards and the cow looked like their
and she felt that the girls were laughing at her. cow Lakshmi.
But at the same time, she was glad to see so many
girls of her age in the class because she hoped
that one of those girls might become her friend. Long Answer Type Question
37. How did Bholi’s teacher encourage her to speak 1. Imagine that Bholi wrties a diary entry, exploring
without stammering? the themes of ‘Girl Child’ and ‘Impact of
Ans : 2005 Education’, in the context of her own experiences.
Bholi’s teacher encouraged her by trying to Write this diary entry, as Bholi.
convince her that one day she would be the most Ans : 2024
learned one in the village, if she kept on studying. February 20XX, Monday
Then people would not laugh at her but listen to 9:00 pm
her with respect, at that time she would also be Dear Diary,
able to speak without the slightest stammer. Today, I am feeling utmost proud of myself
for rejecting the marriage with the old man
38. What were the reasons given by Ramlal’s wife (Bishamber Nath). From the moment I was
for accepting Bishamber’s marriage proposal for born, I was ridiculed by my family members and
Bholi? friends because of my pock-marked face. People
Ans : 2004
used to call me Bholi because they considered
Ramlal’s wife was in favour of Bishamber’s me a simpleton whom nobody would marry. My
marriage proposal because he had a big shop, his teacher showed me a world where my stammering
own house and several thousand rupees in the voice and pockmarked face didn’t define me
bank. Secondly, he did not know about Bholi’s with her patience and kind words. Where others
pockmarks and her lack of sense. Thirdly, he was saw limitations, she saw potential in me. I’ve
not demanding dowry, Fourthly, Bholi would discovered my voice in education. I defied injustice
never have a better marriage proposal than this today by declining to wed a man who treated me
one, according to her mother. like a commodity. My education has given me the
39. Why were the relatives surprised when Bholi confidence to dream bigger and to challenge social
started speaking and refused to marry Bishamber? norms.
Ans : 2004
Bholi
Bholi was not able to speak properly and had 2. A character arc is the transformation or
stammered since her childhood. But that day, development of a character throughout a story
she had spoken in a clear and loud voice asking and refers to the changes a character undergoes
Bishamber to return the five thousand rupees. as a result of his/her experiences, challenges and
Moreover, her courage in refusing to marry interactions with other characters.
Bishamber for being greedy and humiliating her
In the light of the above information, trace the
father, startled everybody.
character arc of Bholi in K.A. Abbas’s Bholi’.
40. Why was Bholi reluctant to go to school with her Ans : 2024

father? Bholi, the protagonist of K.A. Abbas’s story,

Ans : 2004 starts as a timid and self-conscious girl, scarred
Bholi had no idea what a school was like. So, by a childhood accident and ridiculed for her lack
she was reluctant to go to school with her father of beauty and stammer. Her parents consider her
because she compared herself to their old cow a burden, and her future seems bleak. However,
Lakshmi, who was taken out of the house and Bholi’s character arc is a beautiful journey of
was later sold. She felt that the same thing would empowerment and self-discovery, beginning when
happen to her at the school. she starts attending school.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

5. How did you feel when you read about Bholi being influence that made Bholi differentiate between
ignored and ill-treated by her parents as a child? right and wrong. Now, she could speak boldly in
Ans : 2021 front of all to save her own life as well as her
I felt bad about her parents’ ill-treatment. She parents’ honour and respect.
was unfortunate that destiny did not favour her.
Her parents’ dejection worsened her situation 10. Which character traits of Bholi have had an
and pushed her even backwards. Parents should everlasting impression on you? Why?
always work for the upliftment of their children. Ans : 2021

When Bholi’s teacher asked her name, she

6. How would you have reacted if you were one of stammered and could not speak her name. All
the guests witnessing Bholi’s wedding when she the students laughed at her but she did not give
refused to marry Bishamber Nath? up. Gradually, with the help and support of her
Ans : 2021 teacher, she became bold and confident. Her never
If I were a guest at Bholi’s wedding, I would have give up attitude impressed me a lot.
supported Bholi’s decision and praised her for
displaying courage and boldness to stand against 11. List any one characteristic of Bholi’s teacher with
the orthodox of the society. reference to her first day at school. Give a reason
for your answer.
7. Do you think Bholi’s father would have agreed to Ans : 2021

the match if her mother hadn’t insisted upon it? Bholi’s teacher identified Bholi to be different from
Why/ Why not? others; shy, scared and stammering. She comforted
Ans : 2021 Bholi by being kind and friendly to her, this changed
No, Bholi’s father was doubtful about the groom’s Bholi and transformed her into a confident young
age but her mother’s insistence and orthodox lady who could read, write and speak clearly.
arguments convinced him to marry off their
daughter to Bishambhar. 12. Bholi was a neglected child. Explain.
Ans : 2020

8. Bholi’s parents accepted the match for her though No new clothes for Bholi, old dresses passed on
Bishamber Nath was nearly the same age as her to her, nobody cared for or mended her clothes,
father. Bholi also accepted her parents’ decision parents sent her to school as they thought there
without voicing her opinion. was a little chance of her getting married.
(a) What does this tell you about the social
13. Why was Sulekha nicknamed Bholi?
conditions prevailing in our society?
Ans : 2016
(b) How do you think these problems can be When ten months old she fell off from the cot.
addressed? Head and some part of her brain got damaged,
Ans : 2021
stammered. She remained a backward child and
(a) This story tells us that girls were considered came to be known as Bholi, the simpleton.
a burden on their parents and they were not
discussed on any matter not even for selecting 14. How did Bholi console her father in the end?
their life partner. Earlier girls too accepted it O
as their fate and did not raise voices against How did Bholi console her father after she had
any partiality. refused to marry Bishamber?
(b) These problems can be addressed by Ans : 2016, 2015

educating the whole society. People should be Bholi consoled her father that even if she did not
made aware that men and women have equal get married, she would take care of her parents in
rights. their old age. She also tells them that she would
teach in the same school where she had learnt so
9. You’ve read the quote: ‘A teacher affects eternity. much.
He can never tell where his influence stops.’ In the
context of this statement, comment on the role of 15. Draw a conclusion as to why Bholi’s teacher felt
Bholi’s teacher in her life. like an artist admiring her masterpiece ?
Ans : 2021
Ans : 2016

Bholi’s teacher supported her by showing Bholi’s teacher felt like an artist admiring her
confidence in her. She helped her in the school masterpiece, when she realised how her soothing
lessons but “a teacher affects eternity”. It was her words, education, and motivation gave confidence
to Bholi to face to face the world, and transformed

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fearful, dependent, ignorant and a stammerer. 8. “l am only one but, I am one. I cannot do
But, my school helped me to get educated and my everything but I can do something. And I will not
teacher supported me in bringing out my hidden let what I cannot do interfere with what I do.”
confidence. Bholi’s evolution from ‘dumb cow’ to a
Education is a weapon. You get a chance ‘masterpiece’ supports the given quote. Justify.
to explore your latent talents and capabilities Ans : 2020

through education which makes you fearless. A Bholi was initially referred to as a dumb cow due
confident person can distinguish between right and to her lack of sense and stammering. She fell from
wrong. You must think twice before accepting the the cot when she was ten months old damaging a
stereotypes laid down by society for us. Through part of her brain. Therefore, she was called Bholi
education, I could muster up the courage to refuse the simpleton.
to marry a greedy man who disgraced my parents. But her life changed as she started going to
Today, I can earn like my brother and give financial school. She got such an encouraging teacher who
support to my old parents. In the end, I want to helped her to build her self confidence and self-
say that you must educate yourself and show your esteem that helped her to overcome the problem
real worth to the world. of stammering. Gradually she was transformed
Good Luck to all of you! from a dumb cow to a masterpiece.
Hence from this we can say that quote stands
7. Why did Ramlal agree to accept Bishamber as true on all basis for Bholi. She didn’t not make
husband for Bholi? How would he have felt about her fear of speaking her weakness but made it as
the events that took place at the wedding? her strength through confidence. And this was the
Ans : 2021
reason she was able to make a wise decision of
Ramlal was the revenue officer of the village. He not marrying such a greedy mean and self centred
was a prosperous farmer and had seven children. man. Instead stand on her own legs and serve her
He was orthodox. He did not believe in the parents life long.
ideology of sending girls to school as it would be
difficult to find a good match for them. Ramlal 9. What do you know about Bishamber Nath? Why
was worried about Bholi. She had neither good did Bholi refuse to marry him?
looks nor intelligence. The proposal of Bishamber Ans : 2020
for her marriage was a pleasant surprise for him. Bishambar Nath was a middle aged man. He was
His wife gave her acceptance to this unequal a well-to-do grocer and lived in another village.
match. She felt that Bholi was lucky to have such He was a widower and had children from his first
a rich bridegroom. He had a big shop, his own wife. He was of the same age as Bholi’s father and
house and several thousand rupees in the bank. was a rich man. He owned a house, a shop and
Moreover, he was not asking for dowry. The much money in the bank. When he showed his
bridegroom, Bishamber was happy and excited willingness to marry Bholi, her parents were more
about the wedding day. He has come with a large than happy that she would get married to someone
party of friends and relatives with him for the who was not asking for any dowry.
wedding. Bholi too agreed to the match at first to fulfil
A brass-band headed the procession. Ramlal her parents wishes. Later on, she rejected the
was overjoyed to see such pomp and splendour. marriage when the bridegroom asked for dowry.
When the groom saw that Bholi’s face was This tells us that Bholi was not a timid and dumb
covered with pock-marks, he declared that he girl. She was aware of her rights. She also knew
would marry her only it her father would pay him how to fight for her own dignity and feared no-one.
a dowry of five thousand rupees. Ramlal had to She had become confident and bold after being
give the money in order to save both his family’s educated. So she refused to marry a lame, old,
honour and his daughters marriage. Bholi could greedy man, Bishambar Nath.
not bear all this and refused to marry a greedy
old man. The wedding party returned. Her father 10. Bholi is a child different from others. This
was surrounded by grief and said that now no difference makes her an object of neglect and
one would marry her and worried about her laughter. Elaborate.
future. Bholi consoled her father that she would Ans : 2019

serve them in their old age and she said that she Society does not tolerate difference very easily.
would teach in the same school where she got the Bholi is not like others. She is slow for her age.
eduction. She stammers when speaks. Small pox leaves her
all covered with pock-marks. As a result, she has

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

encouraged her to speak and come to school daily 30. Give the details of Ramlal’s family.
so that she could speak properly. She assured her Ans : 2009

that one day she would be the most educated girl Ramlal and his wife had seven children. They had
in the village, and no one would dare to hate her three sons who studied in colleges in a city. Their
and laugh at her. eldest daughter, Radha had already been married.
At this, Bholi was highly motivated and The marriage of their daughter Mangla had also
confident to take challenge in her life. Thus, her been settled. Champa was their next daughter.
heart throbbed with a new hope and a new life. Bholi was the youngest of their children.

26. Why did Ramlal’s wife not agree to send Bholi 31. Why did Ramlal not send all his daughters to
to school? school?
Ans : 2013
Ans : 2009

Ramlal’s wife was prejudiced to send girls to Ramlal had four daughters. Their names were
school. She was illiterate and ignorant and she Radha, Mangla, Champa and Bholi. The Tehsildar
herself never went to school due to the then had asked Ramlal to send his daughters to school.
social barriers and lackadaisical attitude. She Ramlal dared not disobey the Tehsildar. However,
was very conservative and thought that nobody Ramlal did not send all his daughters to school
would marry girls if they were sent to school. It because three of them were already married.
was against the tradition and norms of the then
society. Hence, Ramlal’s wife did not agree to 32. How did Bholi react when her father caught her
send Bholi to school. by the hand to take her to school?
Ans : 2009, 2007

Bholi’s father caught her by the hand to take her

27. When did Bholi begin to believe that she was
to school. Bholi was scared. Bholi did not know
going to a better place than her home?
Ans : 2012
what a school was like. She remembered how their
When Ramlal decide to send Bholi to school and old cow had been turned out of the house (school)
asked her to come to school along with him, she and sold. Therefore, she was frightened and was
was frightened because she did not know anything reluctant to go to school with her father. She
about school. She refused to go school. But, when shouted in terror and pulled her hand away from
she was dressed up properly with a clean dress, her father’s grip.
bathed and oiled her hair, she thought that she 33. In what respect was Bholi different from her
was going to a place better than her home. sisters?
Ans : 2008
28. When did Bholi realize that she was going to a
Bholi was the weakest and youngest child of
better place than her home?
Ans : 2010
Ramlal. Bholi had ugly looks and absence of
When Bholi went to school, she realized that it was brain. Her sisters Radha, Mangla and Champa
a better place than her home. She saw many other were healthy, strong and good looking. They had
girls of her age and felt happy and comfortable. been happily married.
She thought that she will get good friends and 34. Why was Bholi frightened to go to school?
good teacher who will love her. However, after Ans : 2008
getting a book full of pictures, she becomes more Bholi did not know what a school was like. On
happy in the school. top of that, she remembered how four days ago
their old cow, Lakshmi had been turned out of the
29. What do you know about Sulekha from the text ?
Ans : 2010
house and later sold. She was frightened to go to
Sulekha was a simple and introvert; girl. She had school because she thought that the same thing
pock marks on all over her body which made her might happen to her.
ugly. She had slow mind and learnt speaking at the 35. Why were new and decent dresses given to Bholi
age of five. She used to stammer. She remained a when she started going to the school?
mentally backward child. ne was hard worker and Ans : 2007
devoted herself to her aim. Bholi was the youngest daughter of the revenue
official Ramlal. He was worried about the
reputation of his family in front of the teachers
and other school girls, if Bholi was not sent to the

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Page 748 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

silently. In her family, nobody noticed the changes between right and wrong. Thus, it is her education
that took place in her personality, and got her and the teacher’s help that turned her into a
engaged to a fifty years old lame man with two fearless, bold and confident girl.
children. She kept the honour of her parents and
agreed to this marriage. But she could not stand 18. ‘Put the fear out of your heart and you will be
with the demand of dowry. She threw away her able to speak like anyone else.’ These words of
garland in the fire and asked her father to take encouragement from the teacher highlight that
back the money. She raised her voice against change of social attitude and encouragement
dowry. She asked the ladies of the village why can help a child like Bholi to become confident
girls should be treated like dumb cow. and face the world bravely. Taking help from
This was the change I always wanted to see the lesson, ‘Bholi’ write how the social attitude
in her personality. Today, I feel I have completed towards Bholi made her an introvert. What
my masterpiece without any error. Today she should be done to help such children to face the
signified her real name Sulekha. world bravely?
Ans : 2015
16. ‘Don’t you worry, Pitaji! In your old age I will ‘Put the fear out of your heart and you will be
serve you and mother.’ Through this statement able to speak like anyone else,’ are the words
the narrator wants to highlight the moral values of Bholi’s teacher to ignite Bholi’s heart with
Bholi was imbued with. Based on the reading of a new hope and a new life. These words also
the lesson, what made Bholi aware of her rights motivated her to become confident and face the
and how did she use them? world bravely. It also helped her overcome social
Ans : 2016 barriers, otherwise the result would be opposite as
‘Don’t you worry, Pitaji! In your old age I will serve we see in the end of the story.
you and mother.’ Through this bold statement of Bholi challenged the social evils and attitudes
Bholi (now Sulekha), we understand her sense of by her power of education and inspiration of
responsibility, courage and confidence in life. her teacher who showed her the path to be self-
It is the teacher of her school who inculcated confident and respectable in the society. Simpleton
a sense of responsibility in Bholi and taught her Bholi converted herself into an extrovert who now
how to lead a respectable life. She made her aware understands her rights in the society. It is her
of her rights in the society in order to change education that helped her to revolt against male
social norms. domination. Hence, education is the power of
Bholi is the narrator’s voice in story that children like Bholi to face the world bravely.
represents the drama of her life. Once she was
a simpleton - a dumb cow, now a responsible, 19. The story, ‘Bholi’ throws light on some social evils
fearless and intelligent woman to perform her being practised in our society. Bholi took a stand
basic rights. In the context, Bholi refused to marry and succeeded in overcoming social barriers. What
greedy Bishamber, and proved the woman’s rights, can you contribute to change the social attitudes
assuring her parents that she would shoulder their illustrated in the story?
responsibility. Ans : 2014

In our society, we find that social evils are being

17. Bholi was believed to be a ‘dumb cow’. What practised due to illiteracy and ignorance. In the
turned her into a fearless, bold and confident girl? story, we see that Bholi is a classic example of
Ans : 2016, 2010 how the social evils deprived her of getting
There is no doubt that Bholi was believed to be equal opportunities. The social attitudes,
a ‘dumb cow’. Everybody used to call her Bholi, particularly in Indian villages, are making the
the simpleton, because she stammered. But, the girls underprivileged and discriminated against to
teacher’s love, inspiration and affection impressed get their rights in the society.
her a lot. The teacher taught her how to lead In the story, we see that Bholi’s teacher helped
a respectable life. She motivated her to be the her overcome social barriers by encouraging
most educated person in the village. So, Bholi got and motivating her to understand her rights in
a new hope and a new life at school. It is her the society. Bholi took a stand and succeed in
teacher who changed her life and brought a sea overcoming social barriers, challenging the age-
change in her personality. old superstitions - dowry and child marriage.
In the end of the story we see that Bholi’s We can challenge these social barriers like
refusal to marry greedy Bishamber proved that dowry and male domination by empowering the
she was courageous enough and could distinguish women through spreading the light of education

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

At first, Bholi is scared and hesitant, but her Ans : 2021

Friend : I don’t think discrimination in terms of

teacher’s kindness and encouragement become
gender is a thing of the past.
a turning point. She learns to read and write,
You : No, we are living in the 21st century where
which opens new worlds for her and builds her
girls and boys are treated equally.
confidence. Over time, Bholi transforms from a
Friend : Hmmm. Yes, I agree, though we are in
shy, insecure girl into a confident and educated the 21st century it still continues blatantly in
woman who can stand up for herself. many parts of the country.
The climax of her character arc occurs at her You : Exceptions are always there. Some states of
wedding, where she refuses to marry a greedy India still face gender discrimination. I think our
man who demands a dowry, asserting her self- government is doing a lot to curb this practice.
worth and independence. This act of defiance not The 100% equality can be brought in only when
only marks her complete transformation but also the public participates.
challenges societal norms. Friend : What can we do?
Bholi’s journey from a neglected child to You: We should educate our children and spread
an assertive woman underscores the impact of awareness among adults to stop discrimination
education and personal growth on an individual’s among boys and girls.
self-esteem and their ability to challenge and Friend: I think you are right.
change their circumstances. Her story is a
testament to the power of resilience and the 5. After reading Bholi’s story you decide to write
a blog on the importance of educating the girl
importance of finding one’s voice.
child and how it empowers her. Write that blog
3. Education is always a great asset in the life of a expressing your views.
woman. How did Bholi, an educated girl, face the Ans : 2021

challenge posed by Bishamber’s greed? Power of Education

Ans : 2023 Yesterday, I read the story of Bholi, a neglected
It is true that education is always a great asset in child. It provoked me to rethink the importance
the life of a woman. Bholi was an educated girl and of education; especially for a girl child. They say,
this helped her swim through the challenge posed “A teacher affects eternity, you never know how
by her fiancé Bishamber Nath. He was a wealthy much the impact lasts”. Additionally, a mother is
landlord who had grown-up children from his first the first teacher of a child. If a mother is educated
marriage. Bholi’s parents agreed to marry her to she can make a difference to the whole family’s
him only because they thought Bholi could never thought process. Education broadens her intellect
get married due to her appearance and dull mind. and awareness. Thus, she safeguards herself from
On the day of wedding, Bishamber asked a dominating men in society. Bholi’s parents were
huge amount of dowry from Bholi’s father as a marrying her off to a lame, greedy and middle-
compensation for marrying their pock - marked aged man. But, the power of education made her
face daughter. Bholi instantly rejected marrying capable of raising her voice against it. Besides, she
Bishamber, knowing his greed. She decided not was confident enough to face the consequences of
marry ever and serve her village by teaching the challenging the age-old stereotypes. Today, women
children. All of this was possible due to Bholi’s can work in any field and earn money equal to
education, which made her aware of her rights their male counterparts. We must try to narrow
and made her independent enough to make her the gap of gender discrimination by educating our
own life’s decision. girl children.
4. You and your friend have a conversation about 6. Imagine you are Bholi and you have been invited
prevalent discrimination between boys and girls, by a girl’s secondary school in another village
even today. Write the dialogue. You may begin to address a group of students about being
like this: independent, fearless and breaking stereotypes.
Friend: I don’t think discrimination in terms of Write that speech.
gender is a thing of the past. Ans : 2021
You: ……………………………………… Hello students!
Friend: Hmmm. Yes, I agree, though we are in the It is an honour to stand here and share my
21st century it continues blatantly in many parts life experiences with you. Today, you find me
of the country. a confident and self-dependent girl. But it was
You: …………………………………....... totally opposite before I joined a school. I was

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from Bholi’s father, Ramlal and threatened not Bholi later rejected the marriage because she
to marry Bholi if he did not get that amount. came to know that Bishamber was greedy, mean and
This shows that Bishamber was a mean-minded, contemptible. She was not a dumb cow, a stammering
greedy, heartless fellow. fool. She could speak well. She understood the social
Moreover, Bishamber was not an equal match evils - the injustice to a backward girl. So, she threw
for Bholi. He had also grown-up children from his the garland into the fire. Bholi proved herself to
first wife. He is a morally degraded person because be a fearless, intelligent, responsible and confident
his conscience did not strike him to marry such girl. Bholi’s example shows that social barriers and
a poor girl of tender age. Although Bishamber attitudes towards girls can be challenged through
did not take any dowry from Bholi’s parents, proper education.
but at the garland ceremony he demanded five
thousand rupees. This proves that Bishamber was 27. Give the character-sketch of Ramlal.
a crooked, dishonest fellow who is very dangerous Ans : 2009

for the human being. Ramlal was a man of about fifty years. He had three
sons and four daughters. They had a prosperous
25. God created this world but teachers create human farmer’s household. They had enough to eat and
beings. How does Bholi’s teacher succeed in drink. Theirs was a status family. His sons studied
changing the course of her life? in colleges in the cities. He was the Numberdar or
Ans : 2010, 2008 revenue official of the government in his village.
It is true that God created this world but teachers Even the Tehsildar had high expectations from
create human beings. No doubt, man is the best him for the smooth running of the newly-opened
creation of God in this world but it is the teacher, primary school. He was a considerate father. He
a true guru, who shows or guides his or her disciple got ready even to pay five thousand rupees to
to the right path in life. So, the disciple’s success in Bishamber to see his daughter happy. He was a
life depends on the teacher’s love, inspiration and man of honour. He put his honour at stake but
proper guidance. did not compel his daughter to marry a mean
In the story ‘Bholi’, the author shows that coward. He was a practical man.
Bholi’s teacher plays a great role in changing the
course of her life. When Bholi came to school, she 28. Give the character-sketch of Bholi’s teacher.
was very shy and timid. All students made fun of Ans : 2009

her because she tried to speak but could not, and Bholi’s teacher was a gem. Such teachers are very
only stammered. The teacher realised the cause rare. She gave congenial atmosphere to Bholi who
of her stammering. She encouraged her to speak was handicapped. She had full sympathies with
with affection and told her if she (Bholi) would Bholi who was suffering from physical disability
come to school daily, she could speak properly. as well as mental infirmity. She provided all
She also said “Put the fear out of your heart and possible help and assistance to her. She made her
you will be able to speak like everyone else”. Bholi feel at home. She encouraged and inspired her to
got excited with these words. She also said, “In get over her stammer. She treated her like her
time you will be more learned than anyone else in daughter. She was her true guide.
the village, no one would dare to laugh at you”. She inculcated the qualities of confidence, and
These words motivated Bholi very much. Thus, daring in her. She never scoffed at Bholi whom all
her teacher succeeded in changing the course of the other girls mimicked. She urged her to make
her life through her inspiration, encouragement persistent efforts to get over her handicap. She
and love. enabled Bholi to challenge the dowry-seeker.

26. Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match? 29. The chapter Bholi highlights the discrimination
Why did she later reject the marriage? What does against the girl child. Analyse.
this tell us about her? Ans : 2009

Ans : 2010
Nature does not discriminate, but society
At first, Bholi agreed to marry Bishamber, an does. From time immemorial the world has
aged grocer, not because of her own choice and discriminated against the girl child. The chapter,
consent but because of her parents’ choice. She ‘Bholi’ throws up many such instances. Ramlal’s
knew that it was absolutely an unequal match. sons go to school and college. His daughters are
Even then Bholi agreed and said, “I was willing not educated but married off.
to marry this lame old man for the sake of izzat Her mother does not think it necessary to take
of my parents.” Bholi’s consent for her marriage. The groom is old

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

to suffer a lot. that of a young woman. In the story, Bholi is the

Her parents do not even bathe her. She is burning example.
ignored and neglected. They take her only as a When Bholi came to school and met her
burden. People laugh at her. Children imitate her teacher, she was very shy and innocent. She
when she speaks. So, she remains silent most of did not know anything about hardships of life.
the time. She has no confidence or self esteem. She could not speak properly, she muttered.
Society must realise that it must accept those Everybody made fun of her. But, her teacher was
who are different. They must be treated with the very affectionate to her. She encouraged her to
same love and respect as others. speak and asked her to come to school daily. She
also told when Bholi would be most educated in
11. Education is always a great asset in the life of a the village, no one could dare to laugh at her.
woman. How did Bholi, an educated girl, face the These words of the teacher motivated Bholi
challenge posed by Bishambar’s greed? very much. Thus, her teacher brought about a
Ans : 2017
change in her life.
Education is always a great asset in the life of
a woman. It is one of the most critical areas of 14. Demanding dowry is an evil practice. Describe
empowerment for women. Bholi, an educated girl, how Bholi, a dumb cow girl fought against this
at first agreed to marry an old man because her evil.
father’s honour was at stake; thereby she placed Ans : 2016

her family’s interest over her own. However, later Bholi was considered a dumb cow girl. She was
she refused to marry him because she saw how sent to school just to obey the orders of Tehsildar.
greedy and contemptible he was. By demanding a Her teacher played an important role in changing
hefty dowry, Bishamber took advantage of her bad her life from Bholi to Sulekha. Now she became
looks and the desperateness of her father to get confident, educated girl but nobody noticed any
her married. That’s the reason why she rejected change in her personality because she was no
the marriage and shut the mouth of her detractors one for her family. She got engaged with a fifty
who called her shameless. All this was possible years old lame man for which she agreed silently.
because education gave her the confidence needed But when he demanded five thousand rupees
to face a situation boldly. as dowry Bholi at once stood up against it. She
refused to marry him. She gave her consent for
12. School education turned Bholi from a dumb cow a mismatch marriage but she did not support
into a bold girl. How did she save her father from dowry. She called Bishamber a mean, greedy and
a huge expense and become his support in his old contemptible coward. She was no more a dumb
age? driven cow. She set an example for the society
Ans : 2017, 2015
and became the role model for all the girls.
There is no doubt that school education turned
Bholi from a dumb cow into a bold girl. The school 15. ‘And in her smiling eyes was the right of deep
teacher inculcated a sense of responsibility into satisfaction that an artist feels when he is
Bholi and taught her how to lead a respectable life. contemplating the completion of his masterpiece.’
She became confident and showed the courage to Imagine you are Bholi’s teacher. You are
change social norms. overwhelmed with a sense of satisfaction to see
Thus, Bholi became fearless and refused to the conversion of ‘Bholi’ to ‘Sulekha’. Express
marry Bishamber, an aged grocer, who demanded your feelings in the form of a diary entry.
five thousand rupees from her father. She saved Ans : 2016
her father from this huge expense. She also
Diary Entry
assured her father that she would support him in
11.04.20XX
his old age by teaching in the same school where
Today I felt very much satisfied as I got success in
she learnt so much.
changing Bholi to Sulekha. As her name signifies
13. The teacher plays an important role in changing Bholi was really a simple girl. I cannot forgot her
the course of a person’s life especially that of a first entry in my class. A frightened, confused and
young woman. What role did Bholi’s teacher play a simple girl was her first appearance. She used
in bringing about a change in her life? to stammer while speaking. But my two words
Ans : 2017
of affection filled her with confidence. She left
It is true that the teacher plays an important role stammering and became a confident, determined
in changing the course of a person’s life especially girl. She was determined to learn everything

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Page 752 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

understanding person who was submissive to her 37. How does Bholi become so confident ? What did
parents’ wishes. She yielded to the wish of her she do? Explain the role of education in shaping
parents to marry her off to Bishamber, a man the life of a child with respect to the lesson ‘Bholi’.
who was lame, old enough to be the age of her, Ans : 2005

father and she had grown-up children. But later, Bholi becomes so confident because of education
she even had the courage to reject her marriage and the encouragement given to her by her teacher,
because she did not want a husband who to study and speak boldly. When Bholi’s parents
disrespected her father. had arranged her marriage to an elderly widower,
she had agreed to marry the man just because it
35. Narrate Bholi’s experience in the class. How was was her parents’ wish. But when she saw how the
she treated by the teacher ? bridegroom was demanding five thousand rupees
Ans : 2006, 2001 as dowry just because she had pockmarks on her
Bholi’s was a simple girl. At first, she was face, she got angry and felt disgusted.
reluctant to go to school due to her inner fear. She was even more furious when her father
But she was glad to find so many girls of her age placed his turban at the bridegroom’s feet and
in the school. She was fascinated by the colours requested him to take two thousand rupees,
on the wall later filled with pictures of goats, but the greedy groom refused to do so and even
parrot, mango orchard and cow. Coupled with the threatened to leave. Having no other choice, with
teacher’s encouragement and her own courage, tears streaming down his face, her father went
Bholi was able to say her full name. The teacher inside the house, counted the notes and placed the
was happy over her achievement and patted her five thousand rupees bundle at his feet. At that
with affection, a treatment Bholi rarely received. moment, Bholi threw the garland from the groom’s
The teacher also asked Bholi to come to the hands and even her veil, and refused to marry
school regularly, and therefore played a vital role Bishambar, a man who had humiliated her father.
in shaping a simpleton into a bold and brave girl. In front of all the people, she spoke about
Her teacher told Bholi that after reading bigger her opinion confidently, boldly and without
books over the years, she would be more learned stammering. Education had transformed her and
than anyone else in the village. A fact she proved made her a courageous girl. Further, she promised
at the end. to look after her parents and said that she would
teach in the same school from where she had
36. “What a shameless girl! We all thought she was
learnt so much. We can, through her actions, say
a harmless dumb cow.” Do you agree with this
that education had made her capable of taking
statement about Bholi ?
the right decisions.
Ans : 2005

Due to her peculiar problems, Bholi was considered

to be a dumb cow from her childhood. On top of Extract Based Question
that, she got least attention in the family and
was neglected. She always cowed before the will 1. Read the extract given below and answer the
of others. She could hardly speak when she was questions that follows :
sent to school. She even stammered and could The lady teacher who was in the class was saying
not stand before anyone to talk or otherwise. But something to the girls but Bholi could understand
her teacher’s encouragement and psychological nothing. She looked at the pictures on the wall.
treatment, instilled a new hope and a new life The colours fascinated her-the horse was brown
in her. Throughout the story, she remained quite just like the horse on which the Tehsildar had
submissive and respectful towards her parents. come to visit their village; the goat was black
For their sake, she even agreed to marry a man of
like the goat of their neighbour; the parrot was
her father’s age who had grown-up children. But,
green like the parrots she had seen in the mango
when Bishamber demanded five thousand rupees
orchard; and the cow was just like their Lakshmi.
as dowry, she could not stand the humiliation
And suddenly Bholi noticed that the teacher was
of her father. She rightly refused to marry
Bishamber. So, we can say that at the end of the standing by her side, smiling at her
story she was a courageous and an educated girl i. State any one inference about Bholi from the
who was no more a dumb cow. given context.
The lady teacher who was in the class was
saying something to the girls but Bholi could
understand nothing.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

among them. We can contribute towards changing O

the social attitudes illustrated in the story by On the basis of your understanding of the story,
educating the people, especially girls because sketch the character of Bholi.
education makes them self-confident, courageous, O
responsible and intelligent. Write a character sketch of Bholi.
20. What social attitudes are presented in the story, O
‘Bholi’ ? How does Bholi’s teacher help her How did the teacher transform Bholi into a
overcome these barriers? confident girl?
Ans : 2013, 2011 Ans : 2013, 2012, 2011

In the story Bholi’, social attitudes of the prevailing Bholi was a simpleton. She lacked sense, her
society are portrayed through characterizing Bholi body was disfigured with the pockmarks and
as the neglected child, called ‘simpleton’. It also she looked ugly. Moreover, she stammered while
delineates the real picture of the Indian village. speaking. That is why, she was ignored and was
Villagers were prejudiced about their daughters’ often laughed at. Therefore, she suffered from
education and believed in child marriage. They inferiority complex and felt ashamed of herself.
were reluctant to send their daughters to school. But with the encouragement and affection of
In the story, Bholi’s mother said to Ramlal, ‘Are her teacher, her entire life changed for the better.
you crazy? If girls go to school, who will marry It was her education which moulded her into a
them?’ bold and courageous girl. She could now take
So, this is a social evil and attitude that her own decisions and could not be cowed down
existed in the then society due to illiteracy and by anyone. She refused to marry the man, who
ignorance. In Bholi’s case, her school teacher humiliated her father. On top of that, she did
helped her overcome social barriers by educating not stammer anymore and spoke clearly. It was
her and inculcating a sense of responsibility into all due to the role her teacher played in her life,
her. She taught her how to lead a responsible life. which transformed her into a girl who was bold
Bholi became confident and showed courage to enough to take independent decisions. At the end,
change social norms. She became fearless and she was determined to be a teacher in the school
refused to marry greedy Bishamber. from where she had gained a lot.

21. Why did Bholi react when her father caught her 23. How was Bholi like a ‘dumb cow’ ? How did she
by the hand to take her to school? How did her become a confident person?
fear disappear after she had gone to school? O
Ans : 2013 Bholi was known to be a ‘dumb cow’. How did
When Bholi’s father caught her by the hand to she turn out to be an outspoken and fearless girl?
take her to school, Bholi was frightened and did Ans : 2012
not want to go to school. In fact, she did not There is no doubt that school education turned
know what a school was. She also remembered Bholi from a dumb cow into a bold girl. The school
and incident how a few days ago, their old cow teacher inculcated a sense of responsibility into
had been turned out of the house and sold. She Bholi and taught her how to lead a respectable life.
apprehended that the same incident might repeat She became confident and showed the courage to
in her case. So, she shouted in terror and pulled her change social norms.
hand away from her father’s grip. Thus, Bholi became fearless and refused to
After Bholi had gone to school, she was glad marry Bishamber, an aged grocer, who demanded
to find so many girls, almost of her own age. She five thousand rupees from her father. She saved
hoped that one of these girls might become her her father from this huge expense. She also
friend. Her lady class teacher helped her to remove assured her father that she would support him in
her fear by encouraging her to speak without any his old age by teaching in the same school where
fear as she stammered. she learnt so much.
22. On the basis of your understanding of the story, 24. Write a character sketch of Bishamber.
sketch the character of Bholi and describe the role Ans : 2012
the teacher played in her life. Bishamber was a rich grocer in the neighbouring
O village where Bholi lived. He was forty-five or fifty
Bholi was known to be “dumb cow”. How did she years old and lame also. He had a greedy nature.
turn out to be an outspoken and fearless girl ? Bishamber demanded five thousand rupees

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Page 754 Discursive Passage Chapter 8

(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for iv. Which word would correctly replace ‘mad’, in
a phenomenon the given sentence from the extract?
(b) An assumption - something that is taken Vinayak acted in a mad manner by throwing
for granted or assumed to be true articles at his boss.
(c) A statement - a definite or clear expression Ans : 2015

of something in speech or writing. i. Ramlal was ‘thunderstruck’ because Bholi

had refused to marry Bishamber.
(d) A premise - a proposition that forms the
basis of an argument ii. True
iii. Bholi had many apprehensions about going to iii. Bholi had stopped her marriage by throwing
school. What made her feel that she was going the garland that Bishamber was going to
to a better place than her home? Answer in place round her neck into the fire. She also
about 40 words. threw away her veil and asked her father to
take back his money as she was not going to
iv. How did Bholi feel at the end of her first day
marry Bishamber. All this made the guests
in school?
Ans : 2017
react in this manner.
i. Bholi’s hair was matted because it was never iv. crazy
oiled or combed. 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
ii. True questions that follows :
iii. Bholi had many apprehensions about going Bholi was seven years old when Mangla was
to school because the day she was going to married. The same year a primary school for
school she was forced by her parents to dress girls was opened in their village. The Tehsildar
nicely. She was bathed and her hair was oiled. Sahib came to perform its opening ceremony. He
She was even given a clean dress to wear. The said to Ramlal, “As a revenue official you are the
special way in which everyone treated her representative of the government in the village
made her feel that she was going to a better and so you must set an example to the villagers.”
place. i. When did the Tehsilder come to Bholi’s
iv. Hopeful and elated Village?
ii. Which kind of example must be set by Ramlal
4. Read the extract given below and answer the
as per the Tehsildar?
questions that follows :
Ramlal was thunderstruck. The guests began to iii. Why did the Tehsildar came to Ramlal’s
whisper, “So shameless! So ugly and so shameless.” village?
“Bholi, are you crazy?” shouted Ramlal. iv. How was this event significant for Bholi?
“You want to disgrace your family? Have some Ans : 2011

regard for our izzat!” i. The Tehsildar Shahib had come to the village
i. Why was Ramlal ‘thunderstruck’ ? to open the primary school for girls.
ii. State true or false. ii. As per the Tehsildar, Ramlal must set an
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied exmpale by sending his daughter to school.
to the statement — Bholi refused for the iii. The Tehsildar came to Ramlal’s village to
marriage because Bishamber had demanded perform the opening ceremony of a girls
dowry. school.
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for iv. Due to the opening of a primary school in her
a phenomenon village, Bholi was sent to the village school.
(b) An assumption - something that is taken This transformed her into a bold girl. Her
for granted or assumed to be true teacher’s hope and affection gave her a new
hope and new life. As a result of this, she
(c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or
became a sharp, outspoken and fearless girl.
claims not meant to be taken literally
(d) A premise - a proposition that forms the 6. Read the extract given below and answer the
basis of an argument questions that follows :
iii. What had Bholi done to make the guests “N-n-n-n NO, no-no-no,” she shouted in tenor
react in this manner? and pulled her hand away from her father’s grip.

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Chapter 8 Discursive Passage

“What’s the matter with you, you fool?” shouted 7. Read the extract given below and answer the
Ramlal “I am only taking you to school” Then he questions that follows :
told his wife, “Let her wear some decent clothes “Yes, certainly,” his wife said. “Bholi will be lucky
today, or else what will the teachers and the other to get such a well-to-do bridegroom. A big shop,
schoolgirls think of us when they see her?” a house of his own and I hear several thousand
i. State any one example about social pressure in the bank. Moreover, he is not asking for any
from the given extract. dowry.”
ii. State which of the options from 1 to 4 can be “That’s right, but he is not so young, you
applied with reference to the given statement know — almost the same age as I am — and he
or context: True (T), False (F), Partially true also limps. Moreover, the children from his first
(PT), Not applicable (NA) . wife are quite grown up.”
“What’s the matter with you, you fool?” i. State any one inference about Bishamber
shouted Ramlal “I am only taking you to from the given context.
school” Bholi behaved like ‘a fool’ because “Moreover, he is not asking for any dowry.”
_____. ii. State which of the options from (a) to (d)
1. she had never stepped out of home. cannot be associated with social maladies as
2. she thought that her father would beat mentioned in the given extract?
her up. (a) Remarriage for men was an option but
not for women.
3. she suspected that her family was
abandoning her. (b) A rich man could marry a girl young
enough for his daughter.
4. she feared that she will be forcibly
married. (c) A physical or other handicap didn’t
matter in a man’s marriage.
(a) 1 - T, 2 - PT, 3 - F, 4 - NA
(d) The more ordinary a girl, the bigger the
(b) 3 - T, 1 - PT, 2 - F, 4 - NA
demand for dowry
(c) 4 - T, 1 - F, 2 - PT, 3 - NA
iii. The extract clearly mentions the reasons why
(d) 1 - F, 3 - T, 4 - PT, 2 - NA
Bishamber was considered a suitable groom
iii. “Let her wear some decent clothes today, for Bholi. What apprehensions did Ramlal
or else what will the teachers and the other and his wife had other than those mentioned
schoolgirls think of us when they see her?” in the extract? Elaborate in about 40 words,
Why didn’t Bholi have any decent clothes? with reference to the extract.
Give two reasons. Elaborate in about 40
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute
words, with reference to the extract.
‘limps’ in the given sentence from the extract?
iv. Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘grip’ That’s right, but he is not so young, you
in the given sentence from the extract? “N-n- know — almost the same age as I am — and
n-n NO, no-no-no,” she shouted in terror and he also limps.
pulled her hand away from her father’s grip. Ans : 2005
Ans : 2009
i. For Bholi’s family, that had many daughters,
i. “Let her wear some decent clothes today Bishamber was a good catch.
or else what will the teachers and the other
ii. (d) The more ordinary a girl, the bigger the
schoolgirls think of us when they see her?
demand for dowry
ii. (d) 1 - F, 3 - T, 4 - PT, 2 - NA
iii. Bholi’s father was worried about her as she
iii. 1. Bholi was given old dresses of her older had neither good looks nor intelligence. He
sisters. This was an acceptable social did not know how he would find a suitable
practice that was widely prevalent for groom for her. Her mother thought she was
both genders. a burden because she had pock-marks on her
2. New clothes had never been made for face and would therefore, need a big dowry.
Bholi. Typically, in olden times the
iv. hobbles
youngest children would get new clothes
only when they grew up and got married.
iv. grasp 

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Page 756 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

Chapter 9

T he Book That Saved The Earth

1. INTRODUCTION is also a great leader, which can be seen in the

conclusion of the play. After 500 years, the people
The play ‘The Book That Saved The Earth’ is of earth are in good relationship with Martians
set in the twenty-fifth century. The Historian of with Noodle as the commander.
the ‘Museum of Ancient History : Department of
the Twentieth Century’ tells the audience that
the twentieth century was often called the Era of 3. Summary
the Book, because in those days there were books
about everything. She further tells the audience Introduction
that the strangest thing a book ever did was to The play is set in the twenty-fifth century. But
save the Earth from the Martian invasion in the Historian turns on the hysteroscope back. He
year 2040. shows a very important historical event that took
place in the twentieth century. So all the actions
in the play and characters are set in the 20th
2. CHARACTERS Wintory of Martian Invasion
Think Tank The play ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’
The Think-Tank may be a living being from describes a great historical event of 2040. It
Mars who has a large and oval head. He wears was the Martian invasion on the planet Earth.
a protracted gown embellished with stars and However, that invasion was averted. Surprisingly,
circles. He considers himself to be the foremost an old book of rhymes ‘Mother Goose’ was able
powerful and intelligent creature within the whole to avert that disaster and it saved the world from
universe. He thinks himself to be the ruler of Mars Martian invasion.
and commands the Mars area. He is the leader of Great and Mightly Think Tank
a crew that has captain Omega, Lieutenant Iota, Great and Mightly Think Tank was the
and Sergeant Oop and apprentice Noodle. He Commander-in-Chief and the ruler of Mars. He
likes to be praised owing to his intelligence and behaved like a despot. He relished being praised
authority. As he’s from Mars, he considers books and flattered by all who were under him. He was
as communication sandwiches. He smacks his called the most powerful and the most intelligent
mirror because it delays in complimentary him. creature in the whole universe. He was feared and
He boasts of his intelligence and power however obeyed. No one dared to disagree or argue with
decides to evacuate his planet and escapes as him. Disobedience of great and Mighty Think
shortly as he gets to understand that the folks Tank was unimaginable.
from Earth had planned to take management the He ordered apprentice Noodle to make
Mars. him talk to their manned space probe to the
Noodle planet Earth. He looked into his magical minor
Noodle is the apprentice of Think-Tank. He is a and felt satisfied. He declared that Martians
smart and intelligent fellow. Though he is the one are a handsome race in comparison to the ugly
to make the right decisions, he makes sure that his Earthlings.
boss gets all the praise. This shows his modesty Think Tank Makes Wild Guesses About Books
and humility. He is good at handling tasks by Captain Omega informs that they have arrived
himself. He is wise and uses logical reasoning, on Earth without any trouble. They have taken
which is evident in the way he recognizes that shelter in a square place. Omega wants to know
the books are some means of communication. He the exact location. Iota can’t tell it. She holds a

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

book. There are two thousand books stored in Rhyme of ‘Humpty Dumpty’
a library. Martians have never seen such books Opp shows Think-Tank a picture of Humpty
in their lives. So they make wild guesses about Dumpty. He looks like Think Tank. Think-Tank
the books. Great and Mighty Think-Tank makes suddenly screams. He declares that the Earthlings
a ridiculous guess about the books. He identifies have seen him. They are after him. They plan to
books as sandwiches. capture Mars Central Central Control and him.
He orders Noodle to prepare a space capsule for
Books As Sandwiches
him.
Think-Tank identifies that those peculiar items
(books) are nothing but sandwiches which are Orders for Evacuation of Mars
the staple diet of the Earthlings. He identifies the Think-Tank orders the space people to leave
library as a store of hay. To confirm his theory Earth at once. He tells Omega that they will go
that those items (books) are actually sandwiches, a hundred Million miles away from mars. He even
he asks captain Omega to eat one of them. At orders the invasion fleet to evacuate the entire
last, Oop bites down on a corner of the book. He planet of Mars.
doesn’t find it delicious. Noodle intervenes and A Book of Nursery Rhymes Saves the World
saves the situation. He tells that he has noticed Historian chuckles that how one dusty old book
through films that the Earthlings don’t eat those of nursery rhymes ‘Mother Goose’ saves the world
sandwiches. They are actually communication from a Martian invasion. Historian also informs
devices. Think-Tank orders Omega to listen to that the wise and wonderful Noodle replaces great
them. Omega takes a book and brings it close to and mighty Think Tank. Friendly relations are
his ears. But he hears nothing. Noodle again saves resumed between the Earthlings and Martians.
the situation. He discloses that the Earthlings The people of Earth teach Martians the differences
don’t listen to sandwiches (books) but they open between sandwiches and books.
and watch them. Think-Tank gives his judgement.
He declares that those sandwiches are not for ear
communication. They are for eye communication. 4. Word meanings
He orders captain Omega to observe a large
colourful sandwich (book) and tell what he has 1. Historian - an expert in History
observed. 2. Era - period of time
3. Zulus - ethnic group of people
Misinterpretation of Rhymes
Oop sees thousands of little lines and dots 4. Easel - wooden frame to support a board
alongside the pictures on them. Think-Tank 5. Peevishly - feeling irritation
feels that the Earthlings are not as primitive as 6. Apprentice - trainee
they have thought. He orders to find out the real 7. Primitive - very ancient
meaning of the code language. Clever Noodle 8. Riffling - turning pages
manages the situation. He suggests that their
9. Intellectually - showing intellect
space people should be given vitamins to increase
their intelligence. Vitamins are brought and 10. Barn - large farm building for storing grain
everyone pops the vitamins into their mouth. 11. Crew - group of people who operate in a ship
or aircraft
Rhymes of ‘Mistress Mary’
Omega reads the rhyme of ‘Mistress Mary’. Think- 12. Haberdashery - shop selling clothes and other
Tank interprets the rhymes. He declares that things
the Earthlings have discovered how to combine
agriculture with mining. They can actually grow
crops of rare metals such as silver. He interprets 5. Message
that ‘cockleshells’ are actually explosives and the The play “The book That Saved The Earth”
Earthlings can also grow high explosives. Conveys a message that misunderstanding of
Rhyme of ‘Hey Diddle Diddle!’ cultural differences between various races can
Then Iota reads the “Hey diddle!” Think Tank cause confusion and conflict. The confusion
finds this rhyme more alarming. The Earthlings in the mid of Think-Tank occurred due to the
have reacted to a high level of civilisation. They literal interpretation of the nursery rhymes in the
have taught their domestic animal’s music culture book- ‘Mother Goose’. to ensure that conflicts
and space techniques. They may be launching an are checked so that peace and harmony are
interplanetary attack on million cows soon. maintained, cultural differences should be sorted

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Page 758 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

out by initially sending mature and wise people a very clever creature. He knows that Think-Tank
from one culture to the other to establish contact being Commander-in-Chief has to be obeyed.
before deciding to wage war. Think-Tank had sent There is no escape from his clutches. So very
an initial probe, but the crew members of the cleverly, Noodle keeps on praising Think-Tank
probe were not sufficiently intelligent or mature and also passing sarcastic remarks. The adjectives
to understand Earth’s culture. That is why they used by Noodle make the situation all the more
literally interpreted the nursery rhymes and exaggerated.
caused misunderstanding in the mind of Think-
Tank. 2. If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you
Another beautiful message of the play is that handle Think-Tank’s mistakes ?
half-fed knowledge is always dangerous. Ans :
If I had been in place of Noodle, I would not have
been able to praise Think-Tank for no reason. His
behaviour might have turned the situation into
a conflict. At some places when things sound
too exaggerated, I might have acid harsh. It is
6. ncert textbook questions very difficult to act like Noodle who is the best
flatterer in the play.
Read And Find Out - 1 3. Do you think books are being replaced by the
electronic media? Can we do away with books
1. Why was the twentieth century called “The Era
altogether?
of the Books” ?
Ans :
O In a way Yes we can say that books are being
What does the Historian say about the twentieth replaced by the electronic media . Most of the
century ? children no longer read story books and prefer
Ans : 2010, 2009, 2008
to watch television and use internet. Although
Twentieth century was called the ‘Era of the
textbooks are still there but they may soon be
book’ because there were books about everything.
replaced by electronic version. Books have their
Books taught people how to, and when to, and
own utility value because one can read a book
where to, and why to. They illustrated, educated
punctuated and even decorated. at his own pace and a book does not need to
be powered by electricity. But as the technology
2. Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first is advancing and newer versions of it are being
century ? discovered every day a time may come when
Ans : books will become a thing of the past.
The Martain tried to invade the earth int he
twenty-first century. 4. Why are books referred to as a man’s best
companion ? Which is your favourite book and
Read And Find Out - 2 why ? Write a paragraph about that book ?
Ans :
1. What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the Books are regarded as the man’s best friends
books found on earth ? as they have more patience than human beings.
Ans : We can visit any country, talk to anybody, fly
Think-Tank of Mars guesses so many things about to any heights through books. Books are those
the books found on the earth. He guesses that companions which never desert us when we fall
they may be hats, sandwiches and secret codes. prey to bad times. They are constant source of
our happiness.
Think About It I have always enjoyed reading books and till
now I have read innumerable books. But the book
1. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the which has left deep impact on my mind is “The
same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he Wings of Fire”. This book is the autobiography
manage to do that ? of our former President Dr. Abdul Kalam. It gives
Ans : such a joy to know that how a simple boy rose
Think-Tank is a great and mighty character who to become the President of India. No angle of
is Commander-in-Chief. He is taken to be the his life has been left out. Very minute details are
most powerful and intelligent creature. Noodle is included, which make the work very interesting.

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

Talk About It (c) Claire Boiko

(d) Sinclair Lewis
1. In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret
Ans : 2021
innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the
(c) Claire Boiko
Martians ? Can you think of any incidents where
you misinterpreted a word or an action ? How did 2. “You haven’t heard about the Martian invasion
you resolve the misunderstanding ? of _____?”
Ans :
Think-Tank interprets the rhymes in a complete (a) 2010 (b) 2020
verbal manner. He does not go into the depth of (c) 2040 (d) 2050
the words and the context in which they are used. Ans : 2021

The rhyme Mistress Mary makes him ponder over (c) 2040
the discovery of the Earth. He is shocked to know
that Earthlings here combined agriculture and 3. Which century is named the “Era of the Book”,
mining. Moreover silver crop and high explosives according to the Historian?
can be grown. (a) twentieth century
The other rhyme “Hey diddle, diddle .....” (b) twenty-first century
makes Think-Tank more alarmed. He is surprised (c) twenty-second century
to find that earthlings have reached a high level
(d) none of the above
of civilization. At such level the animals have
Ans : 2021
mastered space techniques and must be planning
(a) twentieth century
for interplanetary attack.
The next rhyme “Humpty Dumpty had a 4. Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Mars
great fall .....” is making Think-Tank scream. He Space Control?
interprets “Had I great fall to the fall of Mars.
He immediately turns to his plans of action of (a) Oop (b) Omega
capturing Earth.” (c) lota (d) Think Tank
Such an incident occurred with me when I did Ans : 2021

not know any meaning of phrases. I had a fight (d) Think Tank
with my brother and he shouted at me saying
“Empty vessels make much noise”. I could not 5. Who is the lieutenant of the rew?
understand anything and started hitting all the (a) Oop (b) Omega
empty vessels. In the process many vessels broke (c) lota (d) Think Tank
and later I realised my foolishness. Ans : 2020

(c) lota
2. The Aliens in this play speak English. Do you
think this is their language? What could be the 6. Who is the sergeant of the crew?
language of the Aliens ? (a) Oop (b) Omega
Ans : (c) lota (d) Think Tank
The Aliens in this play speak English which seems Ans : 2020
to be quite a probable language. It may be possible (a) Oop
that they are speaking English with a different
accent and slangs. Had they not known English 7. Which “ridiculous little planet” is being talked
it would not have been possible to decipher the about?
code. This makes them understand the code of (a) Mars (b) Earth
the books
(c) Jupiter (d) Saturn
Ans : 2016
7. OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS (b) Earth
8. What is the place according to the Think Tank
Multiple Choice
Type Question where they are about to take a refuge?
1. Who is the writer of the play “The Book that (a) hat
saved the Earth”? (b) storage barn
(a) KA Abbas (c) haberdashery
(b) Guy De Maupassant (d) crude refreshment stand

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Page 760 Discursive Passage Chapter 9
Ans : 2016
16. What did Think Tank think books were for ?
(d) crude refreshment stand
(a) hearing (b) reading
9. What was a sandwich according to the Think (c) eating (d) smelling
Tank? Ans : 2013, 2012

(a) hat (b) book (c) eating

(c) sandwich (d) none of these 17. At first, what did Noodle suggest that the books
Ans : 2016
were for ?
(b) book
(a) hearing (b) reading
10. Who tasted the “sandwich”? (c) eating (d) smelling
(a) Oop (b) Omega Ans : 2013

(a) hearing
(c) lota (d) Noodle
Ans : 2015
18. In the second instance, what did Noodle suggest
(a) Oop that the books were for ?
11. What is the “sandwich” used for on Earth, (a) hearing (b) reading
according to Noodle? (c) eating (d) smelling
(a) satiating hunger (b) communication Ans : 2013

(c) dessert (d) none of these (b) reading

Ans : 2015

(b) communication 19. The invaders were from _____.

(a) Jupiter (b) Mercury
12. How did they find codes insider the sandwich? (c) Venus (d) Mars
(a) through hearing communication Ans : 2012

(b) through eye communication (d) Mars

(b) through eye communication (c) future (d) all of these

Ans : 2012

13. What did they infer from the picture of Humpty (c) future
Dumpty?
21. In which century did the invasion occur?
(a) Think tank’s balloon brain
(a) 24th (b) 20th
(b) Earthians are after Think Tank
(c) 21st (d) 25th
(c) Earthians have seen Think Tank
Ans : 2012
(d) all of the above (d) 25th
Ans : 2014

(d) all of the above 22. Name the book of nursery rhymes which saved
Earth.
14. Which book saved the planet Earth from Martian (a) Mother goose (b) Father goose
invasion? (c) Baby goose (d) None of these
(a) nursery rhymes (b) noble encyclopedia Ans : 2011

(a) nursery rhymes 23. Name the capital of Mars.

(a) Martian (b) Mart
15. What did Think Tank mistake books for ? (c) Marsopolis (d) Martyr
(a) CD (b) Cassette Ans : 2011

(c) Sandwich (d) Burger (c) Marsopolis

Ans : 2013

(c) Sandwich 24. What are the invaders called ?

(a) Marser (b) Martian

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

musical culture and space techniques. Even their a high level of civilization and planning to invade
dogs have a sense of humour and at that moment the Mars. It made him call off his mission.
they were launching interplanetary attack of
millions of cows. 12. In what way did Think Tank misinterpret the
following innocent nursery rhyme as a threat to
7. What happened between the Earthlings and the Martians ?
Martians in the twenty-fifth century? ‘Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall
Ans : 2017 Humpty Dumpty had a great fall....’
In the twenty-fifth century the Earthlings Ans : 2012, 2009

resumed contact with Mars and even became Think-Tank interprets the rhymes in a complete
very friendly with Martians. By then the Great verbal manner. He does not go into the depth
and Mighty Think-Tank had been replaced by of the words and the context in which they are
the very clever, wise and wonderful Noodle. The used. The rhyme “Humpty Dumpty had a great
Earthlings taught the Martians the difference fall .....” is making Think-Tank scream.
between sandwiches and books and even taught He interprets “Had I great fall to the fall of
them how to read. They also established a model Mars. He immediately turns to his plans of action
library in the capital city of Marsopolis. of capturing Earth.

8. What does Noodle tell Think-Tank about the 13. How does Think-Tank compare the Martians with
books? the people on Earth? What does he call the Earth
Ans : 2016 mockingly?
Noodle hesitantly informed Think-Tank that Ans : 2011, 2010

the books were a sort of communication device. Think-Tank considers earth ‘a ridiculous little
He told that he had seen surveyor films of those planet’ and intends to put under his generous
‘sandwiches’. He had noticed that the Earthlings rulership. He feels the earth is actually an
did not eat them. They used them as sort of unimportant place where ugly earthlings, with
communication device. their tiny heads, reside. He believes the Martians
to be a superior race. He mockingly calls the
9. What does ‘Think-Tank’ infer on listening to the earth’ primitive ball of mud’.
nursery rhyme, ‘Hey diddle diddle _____?
Ans : 2015 14. What type of person is Think-Tank?
On listening to the nursery rhyme “Hey diddle Ans : 2011

diddle_____?,” Think Tank inferred that the Think-Tank thought intelligent is a very proud
earthlings have reached a high level of civilization. person. He wishes to be addressed with great
They had taught their domesticated animals salutations as powerful, intelligent. His consulting
musical culture and space techniques. Even their the mirror for listening to the praise is true
dogs had a sense of humour. reflection of pride. He is also proud of belonging
to handsome race. He thinks that he is always
10. How does Think-Tank interpret the library found right and also poses as such.
by his crew on earth ? Why does he ask Omega to
eat a book ? 15. What was Oop’s opinion about the ‘sandwiches’
Ans : 2014 he had eaten?
Think-Tank makes ridiculous and fantastic Ans : 2008, 2004

guesses about books that are found on the planet Oop was forced to eat ‘sandwiches’ and he made
Earth. Using his unusual fertile brain, he makes terrible faces while chewing. He said that it was
a wild guess that books are actually sandwiches, not delicious; rather as dry as Martian dust. He
the staple diet of the Earthlings. To confirm his remarked that he could not understand how the
opinion, he asks the captain Omega to eat a book. Earthlings could get those ‘sandwiches’ down
without water.
11. How did the book change Think-Tank’s opinion
about the Earthlings? 16. What was Noodle’s version to describe the so-
Ans : 2014 called ‘sandwich’ ?
Think-Tank used to, believe that the Martian Ans : 2008, 2004

was a superior race to the Earthlings. But after Noodle hesitantly told Thin-tank that he
cracking the so-called code of an old nursery rhyme had’ insignificant’ information about those
book, he changed his view about the Earthlings. ‘sandwiches’. He informed him that he had seen
He now thought that the Earthlings had reached surveyor films of those films. He had noticed that

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Page 762 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

(c) Era of the Mars 2. How did Think-Tank interpret the following
(d) Era of the Invasion nursery rhyme?
Ans : 2005 “How does your garden grow with cockle shells
(a) The era of the Book and silver bells ?”
O
41. What do the crew members find on the earth? How does Think-Tank interpret the nursery
(a) books stones (b) Stones rhymes on Mistress Mary ?
(c) sandwiches (d) all of these Ans : 2024, 2013

Ans : 2005
Think-Tank was alarmed at learning that pretty
(d) all of the above maids are growing in a garden. Think-Tank
is surprised at the discovery of Earthlings who
42. Who included the crew of the Martian Space have combined agriculture and mining. They can
Craft? grow crops of rare metals such as silver and high
(a) Omega (b) Iota explosives. Think-Tank orders Noodle to contact
their invasion fleet.
(c) Oop (d) All of these
Ans : 2003 3. A satire is when a person, idea, or institution
(d) All of these is criticised by highlighting their faults and
weaknesses using humour. Describe how ‘The
43. The story ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’ is Book That Saved the Earth’ can be considered
set in: a satire with supporting examples from the text.
(a) twentieth century Ans : 2023

(b) twenty-fifth century The Martians misinterpret Earth’s books, especially

(c) twenty-fourth century the nursery rhymes. This creates a satirical
commentary on cultural misunderstandings and
(d) twenty-first century the dangers of jumping to conclusions. In the
Ans : 2003
end, it was a simple book of nursery rhymes that
(b) twenty-fifth century became the key to saving the Earth from the
44. At the end who is replaced for Think Tank? invasion by an alien military force, creating an
ironic and satirical twist to the story.
(a) Omega (b) Noodle
(c) Oop (d) Iota 4. Why did Think-Tank decide to evacuate the Mars?
Ans : 2003 Ans : 2019

(b) Noodle Think-Tank misinterpreted the rhymes and

thought the earthlings were a threat to him as
45. Finally, who decides not to invade the earth? well as to Mars. He got scared and called back
(a) Omega (b) Think-Tank Probe One, dropped the idea ‘of invading and
(c) Noodle (d) all of these escaped to Alpha Centauri, a hundred million
Ans : 2002
miles away from Mars.
(b) Think-Tank 5. How did Think-Tank interpret the nursery rhyme
‘Mistress Mary ...... in a row’ ?
Ans :
Short Answer Type Question 2019

On hearing the words like garden, cockle shells,

1. A well known book of nursery rhymes saved the and silver bells, Think-Tank is not amused. He
world from a Martian invasion. Comment with concludes that the Earthlings have discovered
reference to ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’. how to combine agriculture and mining. They
Ans : 2024 have discovered how to grow crops with metals
In ‘The Book that Saved the Earth,’ a book of like silver and also high explosives.
nursery rhymes inadvertently saves the world from
6. What high levels of civilization have Earthlings
a Martian invasion by confusing the alien invaders reached according to Think-Tank?
with its nonsensical verses. The Martians, unable Ans : 2017
to comprehend the illogical content, retreat in According to Think-Tank the ‘high levels of
confusion, highlighting the unexpected power of civilization’ that Earthlings have reached is that
literature in unexpected circumstances. they have taught their domesticated animals

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

5. Who tried to invade the Earth in the twenty-first 8. Attempt character sketch of Great and Mighty
century and what saved it? Think-Tank.
O Ans : 2007

What saved the Earth? How? Great and Mighty Think-Tank is introduced to
Ans : 2012, 2010, 2008
us to be the most mighty, powerful and intelligent
The creatures from Mars tried to invade Earth creature. He is regarded as the ruler of Mars who
in the twenty-first century. A book saved the is very proud of being Martian. His pride makes
Earth from being invaded. The Martians could him consult mirror to hear self-praise. He has a
not understand and figure out the true utility, quick mind and wishes to attack the Earth in a
value and function of books. When they decided great hurry.
to decipher what was written in these books they The ways he makes guesses about the book
were shocked. They took the nursery rhymes are also funny. He has respect for no one in front of
written in these books a little too seriously. They him and regards others views as trifling. But still
thought that the Earthlings had reached a high his wit is too great. He makes Omega swallow. the
level of civilization and after reading the nursery vitamin to decipher the code. At every nursery
rhyme ‘Humpty Dumpty rhyme, he prepares to go to Earth for invasion. He
had a great fall,’ the Martian leader Think-Tank is also fickle-minded. One moment he orders the
decided to run for his life as he thought, ‘Humpty invasion to be taken next day and then he orders
Dumpty’ referred to his own self because of their for immediate invasion. He ordered the invasion
similar appearance. flat to evacuate the entire planet and head for
He thought that the Earthling’s were all set Alpha Centauri. It is his commanding power
to attack him and bring about his fall. Thus, he which earns him name of general.
ordered Noodle to get a space capsule ready for
9. Justify the title of the play ‘The Book that Saved
him so that he could escape to Alpha Centauri.
the Earth’.
6. How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the Ans : 2006

world from a Martian invasion? A good title should reflect the theme, idea or the
Ans : 2009, 2008
traits of a character. It should revolve around any
The Martians sent a mission to invade the Earth. of the above. The story or the play should be
The crew landed in a library and could not make woven around any one of them.
out what the books were actually. It was believed In the play ‘The Book that Saved The Earth’,
that the books were a sort of communication a book of nurse rhymes of ‘Mother Goose’ is
device. Think-Tank asked the members to decipher responsible for stopping the Martian invasion on
the code of the ‘sandwiches’. The nursery rhymes Earth. Think-Tank, the ruler of Mars plans to
were totally misinterpreted and it was believed invade Earth before lunch and sends Probe One
that the Earthlings had developed an advance to get more information about the Earthlings.
civilization and were planning to invade the Mars. They enter a library but can’t figure out what
The mission was called off and the Martians items books are. They take vitamins, increase
escaped to a remote place to save their lives. Thus their intelligence then read the rhymes from
the books saved the Earth. ‘Mother Goose’. Think-Tank misinterprets the
rhymes, takes them as threats to him and the
7. What is Think-Tank’s opinion about the Earth? Mars. Scared, he calls back Probe One, drops the
Ans : 2007 idea of invading and escapes with his subjects to
Think-Tank called the Earth a ridiculous little Alpha Centauri, a hundred million miles away
planet and showed his wish to put it under from Mars.
his generous rulership. The planet Earth was Thus, the book ‘Mother Goose’ was
insignificant to him. He believed that the Martians responsible for stopping the Martian invasion
were the most handsome race. He referred to the of Earth. The title ‘The Book That Saved the
people of the Earth as Earthlings and mocked Earth’, reflect the theme of the play, so it is an
their tiny heads. He showed his desire to invade apt (appropriate) title.
‘primitive ball of mud’ called Earth before lunch.
But after misinterpreting the book of nursery 10. Half knowledge is dangerous. I never helps
rhyme he began to believe that the Earthlings to achieve success. Discuss how incomplete
had developed a more advanced civilization and knowledge can lead to disaster in reference to the
were even planning to invade the Mars. lesson ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’.

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the Earthlings did not eat them. They used them ever did was to save the Earth. She explained
as some sort of communication device. that the Martian invasion of 2040 never really
happened because a single book stopped it.
17. What things does Historian speak about the
books ? 23. How does Think-Tank look like ?
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2006

The Historian spoke very high about the books. In the play. Think-Tank was shown as seated on
Books taught people how to and when to and a raised box with arms folded. He had a huge
where to and why to. The books also helped in egg-shaped head, which was quite unique and
illustration, education and even decoration. The extraordinary. Moreover, Think-Tank wore a long
best thing books did was to save the earth. robe decorated with stars and circles.

18. What information do you gain about Lieutenant 24. Where is the crew of Probe One ? What are they
Iota? doing?
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2006, 2001

Lieutenant Iota is introduced to us to be counting The crew of Probe One. Captain Omega.
books in a book case. He is confused about his Lieutenant Iota and Seargeant Oop were at the
destination. He regards the books to be peculiar Centerville Public Library on Earth. They were
items. The place where books are kept must be a confused about where they were as they did not
sort of a storage barn. Iota is also very cunning. know what kind of place a library was and what
He makes Oop eat up the so-called sandwich. books were.

19. How is it established that books are communication 25. What does Think-Tank say about the place and
channels ? the books ?
Ans : 2008 Ans : 2006

When some insignificant bit of data flowed in the The crew of Probe One were confused about what
mind of Noodle, it was declared by Think-Tank a library was and what books were as they had
that these are communication sandwiches. They never seen them before. So, they asked Think-
can’t hear any sounds. Noodle being clever is able to Tank’s opinion about it, who told them that the
recall that Earthlings watched them. Think-Tank place was a crude refreshment stand and the
clarifies that these are for eye-communication. books were sandwiches.
Omega on Think-Tank’s suggestion swallows
vitamins and is able to decipher the code. 26. What happens when Captain Omega and others
fail to hear anything from the sandwiches ?
20. How does Think-Tank interpret the poem on The Ans : 2005

Cat and the fiddle ? When Captain Omega and the others failed to
Ans : 2007 hear anything from the sandwiches, Noodle
Think-Tank gets alarmed at this poem. He clarified that the Earthlings did not listen to the
feels that Earthlings have reached a high level sandwiches, but opened them and watched them.
of civilization by teaching their domesticated Think Tank then immediately commented that
animals musical culture and space techniques. He those sandwiches were for eye communication.
interprets jumping of cow over the moon as an
invasion. 27. Which book does Think-Tank ask Captain Omega
to observe ?
21. Where does the Scene I of the play ‘The Book Ans : 2005

That Saved the Earth’ open ? What is the place ? Think-Tank asked Captain Omega to take the
Ans : 2007 large colourful ‘sandwich’ that he pointed at and
The Scene I of the play opened in the twenty-fifth tell him what she observed in it. The book Omega
century. The place was the Museum of Ancient picked up was actually a very large volume of
History : Department of the Twentieth Century ‘Mother Goose’, a book of nursery rhymes.
on the Planet Earth. So, we can say that the play
was set in the twenty-fifth century. 28. How were Captain Omega and others able to
describe the code of the book ‘Mother Goose’ ?
22. What according to the Historian, is the strangest Ans : 2005

thing a book ever did ? Noodle suggested to Think-Tank that their chemical
Ans : 2007 department had given the space people vitamins
The Historian said that the strangest thing a book to increase their intelligence. Hearing this, Think-

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

(c) Martina (d) Marsant 33. What does Think-Tank consider the books?
Ans : 2010 (a) sandwiches
(b) Martian
(b) ear communication devices
25. Who suggests that the book is a hat? (c) eye communication devices
(a) Oop (b) lota (d) all of the above
(c) Omega (d) Think Tank Ans : 2007, 2004

Ans : 2010
(d) all of the above
(a) Oop
34. Who was Great and Mighty?
26. What do the Martians eat in order to read the (a) Think-Tank (b) Noodle
books? (c) Oop (d) Omega
(a) Fruits (b) Vitamins Ans : 2007

(c) Vegetables (d) Bread (a) Think-Tank

Ans : 2009
35. What was the name of the sergeant spacecraft
(b) Vitamins
crew?
27. According to Think Tank’s decoding, which (a) Think-Tank (b) Iota
animal can fly on the Earth? (c) Oop (d) Noodle
(a) dog (b) cat Ans : 2007

(c) cow (d) horse (c) Oop

Ans : 2009

(c) cow 36. Who was the captain of the spacecraft crew?
(a) Think-Tank (b) Omega
28. What is the rank of Iota?
(c) Iota (d) Oop
(a) Sergent (b) Marshall
Ans : 2006
(c) Lieutenant (d) Commander (b) Omega
Ans : 2009

(c) Commander 37. Which book saved the earth from invasion?
(a) a book of science
29. The story is set in the ______.
(b) a world encyclopedia
(a) Past (b) present
(c) a book of military techniques
(c) future (d) All of these
Ans : 2008 (d) a book of nursery rhymes
(c) future Ans : 2006

(d) a book of nursery rhymes

30. What did Think Tank think books were for?
38. Who was the deputy of Think-Tank?
(a) hearing (b) reading
(a) Omega (b) Iota
(c) eating (d) smelling
Ans : 2008 (c) Noodle (d) Oop
(c) eating Ans : 2006

(c) Noodle
31. How many moons does Mars have?
39. Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first
(a) 1 (b) 2
century?
(c) 4 (d) 5
Ans : 2008
(a) Martians (b) Earthlings
(b) 2 (c) Anteaters (d) Zulus
Ans : 2006

32. Who was the ruler of Mars? (a) Martians

(a) Omega (b) Iota
40. With what name is the twentieth century called?
(c) Think-Tank (d) Oop
Ans : 2007
(a) The era of the Book
(c) Think-Tank (b) Era of the Science

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40. Who was Omega? Why did he try to oat the invade the Earth. The crew landed in a library
book? and could not make out what the books were
Ans : 2001 actually. It was believed that the books were a sort
Omega was the captain of the space control Probe of communication device. Think-Tank asked the
One, on the earth. Think-Tank asked him to pick members to decipher the code of the ‘sandwiches’.
up the most colourful sandwich (book) and report The nursery rhymes were totally misinterpreted
him about his observation on it. and it was believed that the Earthlings had
developed an advance civilization and were
41. Why books referred to as a man’s best companion? planning to invade the Mars. The mission was
Which book saved the Earth from Martian called off and the Martians escaped to a remote
invasion? place to save their lives. Thus the books saved
Ans : 2001
the Earth.
Books are our best friends and companions. They
are never demanding but always giving knowledge 3. What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the
and pleasure. They give us company. The book books found on Earth?
that saved the Earth from Martian invasion was O
‘Mother Goose.’ What does Noodle tell Think-Tank about the
book?
O
Long Answer Type Question Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the
1. How did Apprentice Noodle act smartly by same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he
suggesting something about the book without manage to do that?
offending Think-Tank ? Ans : 2016, 2013, 2009

Ans : 2024
Think-Tank at first thinks the book found on
In “The Book That Saved the Earth,” Apprentice Earth was a sandwich. His next opinion was that
Noodle acts smartly by suggesting that the book, they were actually communication sandwiches
initially misunderstood as a “sandwich” by Think- which were meant for ear communication. Later,
on Noodle’s suggestion, he agrees that the book is
Tank, might be a communication device-specifically,
meant for eye communication. Noodle asks Think-
a “corn communicator” due to its resemblance
Tank to observe these so-called ‘sandwiches’ by
to corn, which they speculate could be Earth’s
consuming certain vitamins given to the space
primary form of communication. This suggestion
people by the chemical department to increase
cleverly shifts Think-Tank’s perception of the their intelligence. The meaning of the code would
book without directly contradicting or offending then slowly unfold before them. In this way
him, preserving his ego. Noodle’s tactful approach Noodle manages to correct him without offending
allows Think-Tank to reconsider his stance without him.
feeling challenged, showcasing Noodle’s ability
to navigate the delicate situation wisely. This 4. How do the three nursery rhymes frighten Think-
move not only prevents direct confrontation but Tank in the story, ‘The Book That Saved the
also plays a crucial role in the unfolding events, Earth’ ?
highlighting how diplomacy and creative thinking Ans : 2016, 2012

can influence outcomes positively The rhyme ‘Mistress Mary, quite contrary’ makes
Think-Tank believe that the Earthlings have
2. It is morally incorrect to invade another country/ discovered how to combine agriculture and mining.
planet for one’s own benefit. The Martians did He thinks that they can grow explosives. The
not understand the value of peaceful coexistence. rhyme ‘Hey diddle diddle!’ makes him conclude
How did the book of nursery rhymes save the that the Earthlings have reached a high level
Earth from the Martian invasion? of civilization; even their animals have musical
Ans : 2017, 2016 culture and know space techniques. He fears that
Great and Mighty Think-Tank believed that the at that very moment, the Earthlings might be
Martians were a superior race so they must invade launching an interplanetary attack of millions of
and put the Earth under his generous rulership. cows. Oop reads the rhyme ‘Humpty Dumpty’
He scornfully called the Earth ‘primitive ball of and shows him a picture of Humpty Dumpty.
mud’. The Martians did not understand the value Think-Tank concludes that it is his picture and
of peaceful co-existence and sent a mission to the Earthlings are planning to invade Mars.

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Tank asked the space people to take the vitamins could actually grow crops of rare metals and even
immediately. After swallowing those vitamins, explosives also, which were dangerous for him.
they were able to transcribe the code of the book
‘Mother Goose’. 35. What steps did the Crew take to decipher the
code in the sandwich?
29. What does Think-Tank say about Earthlings Ans : 2003

teaching their domesticated animals ? Martians reached the library in the process of
Ans : 2005 invasion of earth. They had never seen books
Think-Tank said that it was quite alarming that before that. They did not understand where they
the Earthlings had taught their domesticated were and what the things placed in different
animals musical culture and space technology. racks were. Firstly they thought that they were
Thus, he was scared that at that very moment, sandwiches and tried to eat them. Then they
they might have been launching an interplanetary misunderstood that sandwiches were used as
attack of millions of cows. some sort of communication device. Later they
took them as eye communication and not ear
30. How does Think-Tank react after seeing the communication, and understand that they had to
picture of Humpty Dumpty in the book ‘Mother take vitamins to understand all these codes.
Goose’ ?
Ans : 2004 36. Why did Think-Tank send his crew on the earth?
After seeing the picture of Humpty Dumpty in Ans : 2002

book ‘Mother Goose’, Think-Tank screamed, and Think-Tank, the ruler of Mars regarded the
holding his head, he said that the picture was earth as a mass of mud, and Earthlings as ugly,
of him and his Great and Mighty Balloon Brain. tiny-headed creatures. He planned to invade the
He further explained that the Earthlings had seen earth and expand his domain. He sent Probe
him and were now after him. One to Earth to get more information about the
Earthlings.
31. Where does Think-Tank intend to escape ?
Ans : 2004 37. How did Think-Tank interpret the poem “The
Being afraid of an invasion of Mars by the Cat and the Fiddle”.
Earthlings, Think Tank thought that he must Ans : 2002

escape without delay. He intended to escape to The second rhyme was about the cat and the fiddle,
Alpha Centauri, a hundred million miles away wherein the cow jumped over the moon, the dog
from Mars. laughed to see it and the dish ran away with the
spoon. Think-Tank misinterpreted it. He thought
32. What does the Historian say about the relation that Earthlings had taught their domesticated
between the Earthlings and the Martians in the animals’ musical culture and Space Techniques.
twenty-fifth century ? They might be launching an interplanetary attack
Ans : 2004
on millions of cows!
The Historian said that in the twenty-fifth
century, the Earthlings resumed contact with 38. How does Think-Tank describe the people on the
Mars. She further mentioned that they became earth? Why does he command Noodle to contact
very friendly with the Martians and taught them the Space probe?
the differences between sandwiches and books, Ans : 2002

and even established a model library on Mars. Think-Tank thought Earthlings were weak,
ignorant, uncivilized persons and hence planned
33. How did the children’s book transform his life? to invade the earth. He sent his commander
Ans : 2003
Noodle to make contact with the crew of the
The children’s book transformed his life as he had manned space probe, now on Earth to seek more
to leave his kin and evacuate the entire planet. information about the Earth.
He had to go Alpha Centauri, a hundred million
miles away to save his life. 39. What do the historians speak about the books?
Ans : 2001
34. Why did Think-Tank react in alarm to the third The historians tell that the twentieth century was
passage to read? called - The Era of Books. They motivate them
Ans : 2003
when they are man’s best friends and companions.
Think-Tank reacted in alarm as he misunderstood They inspire disheartened. They give us pleasure
the meaning of the poem and thought that they and knowledge.

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Page 768 Discursive Passage Chapter 9
Ans : 2005, 2002
Omega had said that the book appeared to
It is a fact that incomplete knowledge can lead to contain pictures of the Earthlings. Iota had said
disaster. Suppose we sit to work on a satellite and that there seemed to be some sort of code written
able to command only half of the instructions. in the book as well.
In that case things would fail and cause disaster. Think-Tank had then asked Sergeant Oop
Half knowledge is dangerous and never helps to to describe the code, and he had told him that
achieve success. there were little lines and squiggles and dots-
If we are able to apply knowledge fully to any thousands of those codes alongside the pictures.
kind of task, we can have self contentment. At that moment, Noodle had politely pointed
We read in the lesson ‘The Book that Saved out that their chemical department people had
the Earth’ Martians had to suffer. They had the given the space people vitamins to increase their
mission to invade the earth but due to incomplete intelligence. Saying that he had a thought of
knowledge they misinterpreted the nursery rhyme magnificent brilliance, Think-Tank then asked
book. Omega and the others to take the vitamins
11. Do you think that in the play Noodle is shown immediately. They swallowed those vitamins and
wiser and more balanced than Think Tank ? therefore were able to describe the code.
Ans : 2004
13. What does Think-Tank say the Earthlings can
Think-Tank was the Commander-in-Chief and grow ? How does he react to it ?
Ruler of Mars. He was proud and haughty, and Ans : 2003
thought himself to be the most powerful and Think-Tank misinterpreted the lines of the
intelligent creature in the whole universe. But, in nursery rhyme :
the play we found that his apprentice Noodle was
Mistress Mary, quite coutrary,
definitely more wiser and calmer than him.
How does your garden grow ?
Think-Tank had told the crew that the
With cockle shells and silvers bells,
books were sandwiches and had asked Captain
And pretty maids all in a row.
Omega to eat one of those sandwiches. But then
Oops commented jokingly that pretty maids
Noodle had pointed out that the Earthlings did
were growing in a garden. But Think-Tank
not eat them but used them as some sort of
asked him to stop his foolishness. Alarmingly,
communication device. Then Think-Tank, on
Think-Tank commented that the Earthlings
the basis of this information, “clarified” that
had discovered how to combine agriculture and
those sandwiches were actually communication
mining. He said that the Earthlings could actually
sandwiches. After that, he had ordered Captain
grow crops of rare metals such as silver, cockle
Omega and the others to listen to them, but they
shells and even grow high explosives. Think-Tank
had failed to hear anything. At that moment,
had then told Noodle to contact their invasion
Noodle had again pointed out that Earthlings did
fleet immediately and to tell them to hold the
not listen to them, but opened them and watched
invasion because he had realised that he should
them. This information prompted Think-Tank
not underestimate the Earthlings.
to then say that those sandwiches were not for
ear communication, but for eye communication. 14. What was the effect of, Humpty Dumpty, nursery
Therefore, all these points prove that Noodle was rhyme on Think-Tank, when it was transcribed
more wiser and calmer than Think-Tank, because to him ?
nowhere in the play do we see Noodle get agitated. Ans : 2003, 2001
Later, at the end of the play, Noodle replaced Sergeant Oop had transcribed the nursery rhyme
Think-Tank and the Historian even called him about Humpty-Dumpty and then showed Think-
“wise and wonderful”. Tank the picture of Humpty-Dumpty as well.
Seeing the picture, screaming and holding his
12. How was the crew of Space Probe One able to
head, Think-Tank had said that in the picture
describe the code of the book ‘Mother Goose’ ?
it was him and his Mighty Balloon Brain. He
Ans : 2004
further said that the Earthlings had seen him and
Think-Tank had asked Captain Omega to take
were now after him. Also, by the lines “Humpty
the large, colourful ‘sandwich’ he had pointed at
Dumpty had a great fall” he drew the meaning
and tell him what was observed by her. The book
that the Earthlings planned to capture Mars
Omega had picked up was a very large volume of
Central Control and him as well. He explained
‘Mother Goose’, a book of nursery rhymes, which
that it was an invasion of Mars and told Noodle
Think-Tank thought was a sandwich. Captain
to prepare a space capsule for him, so that he

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Chapter 9 Discursive Passage

capsule for me. I must escape without delay. Space those sandwiches down without water. They’re
people, you must leave Earth at once, but be sure dry as Martian dust.
to remove all traces of your visit. The Earthlings Noodle : Sir, sir. Great and Mighty Think-Tank. I
must not know that I know” beg your pardon, but an insignificant bit of data
i. State any one inference about the speaker floated into my mind about those sandwiches.
from the given context. Think-Tank : It can’t be worth much, but go
It’s an invasion of Mars!’ ahead. Give us your trifling bit of data.
ii. Stae TRUE or FALSE. i. Why did Oop coughed?
Think Tank was worried about his ‘Great and ii. State true or false.
Mighty Balloon Brain’ and thought that the None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to
earthlings would catch him because of this. the statement — The sandwiches referred to
This thought matches none of the options in the extract are actually books.
given below. (a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for
(a) It was a hypothesis. a phenomenon
(b) Think tank’s thought was based on an (b) An assumption - something that is taken
assumption. for granted or assumed to be true
(c) Think Tank’s premise was incorrect. (c) A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or
(d) This is not a valid theory. claims not meant to be taken literally
iii. Elaborate in about 40 words the irony in the (d) A premise - a proposition that forms the
statement. basis of an argument
“Had a great fail”.... That means they plan to iii. What is the ‘trifling bit of data’ that floated
capture Mars Central Control and me!’ with into Noodle’s mind?
reference to the extract.
iv. Which word would correctly substitute
iv. Which rhyme would correctly substitute ‘unimportant’, in the given sentence from the
‘signs’ in the given sentence from the extract? extract?
No signs of Jewish worship have been found The couple fought over unimportant issues.
at Ostia, but at Portus a considerable number Ans : 2015
of Jewish inscriptions in Greek have come to i. Oop coughed because he had difficulty in
light. swallowing the sandwich.
Ans : 2018
ii. True
i. The speaker, Think Tank, the epitome of self-
iii. Noodle told Think-Tank that he had seen
importance is overreacting and exaggerating
surveyor films of those sandwiches. The
as usual.
‘trifling bit of data’ that came to his mind
ii. False (The thought matches with option (c))
after that was that the Earthlings did not
iii. Think Tank is a self-obsessed Martian who eat them. They used them as some sort of
takes a phrase from a book of nursery rhymes communiction devices.
as a clue of the earthlings’ plan to attack and
iv. trifling
colonise Mars. Nothing could be further from
the truth. The irony is that the Martians 5. Read the extract given below and answer the
have such plans because they consider the questions that follows :
earthlings to be less intelligent owing to their Omega : Listen to them?
small heads. Iota and Oop: (To each other, puzzled): Listen
iv. Traces to them?
Think-Tank: Do you have marbles in your ears?
4. Read the extract given below and answer the I said, listen to them. (Martians bow very low).
questions that follows : Omega: It shall be done, sir. (They each take two
Omega : Well, Oop? books from the case and hold them to their ears,
Iota : Well, Oop? (Oop coughs. Omega and Iota listening intently.)
pound him on the back.) Iota : (whispering to Omega) Do you hear anything?
Think-Tank : Was it not delicious, sergeant Omega : (Whispering back) Nothing. Do you hear
Oop : (saluting) That is correct, sir. It was not anything, Oop?
delicious. I don’t know how the Earthlings can get

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Page 770 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

THINK -TANK : Now, contact the space probe. OOP : Well, the Earthlings certainly have a
I want to invade that primitive ball of mud called strange diet.
Earth before lunch. i. State any one inference about Oop and his
NOODLE : It shall be done, sir. (He adjusts levers crewmates from the given context.
on switchboard. Electronic buzzes and beeps are I’ve been to seven galaxies, but I’ve never
heard as the curtains open.) seen anything like this. Maybe they’re hats.
i. What does Think-Tank’s interaction with ii. State TRUE or FALSE.
the mirror reveal about his attitude towards Think-Tank thought that the crew had landed
intelligence and appearance? Answer in 30-40 in a strange food stand stacked with tough
words. to-eat sandwiches.
ii. State whether TRUE or FALSE. None of the terms (a)-(d) below, correctly
Noodle’s hopeful response to Think-Tank’s corresponds to the idea of Think-Tank.
comment lends an insight into the rich (a) a hypothesis or a possible explanation for
heritage and culture of the Martian society. something that has not yet been found to
iii. Select the appropriate option to fill the blank. be true or correct
The desire to conquer a “primitive ball of (b) an assumption that is accepted without
mud” reflects a _____ mindset. any proof.
(a) diplomatic (b) colonial (c) a misconception is a wrong idea or
(c) conciliatory (d) democratic understanding of something.
iv. The playwright’s decision to put certain (d) a theory or a set of ideas that tries to
content in brackets serves the purpose of explain something.
_____. iii. Oop says, “Well, the Earthlings certainly have
Ans : 2023 a strange diet.” What was wrong with the
i. Think-Tank’s interaction with the mirror diet of human beings according to the aliens?
reflects his extreme arrogance. He seeks Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference
confirmation of his intellectual superiority and to the extract.
places high value on physical appearance. His iv. Which phrase or word would correctly
contempt for Earthlings and admiration for substitute ‘rudimentary,’ in the given sentence
Martian aesthetics show a superiority complex from the extract.
rooted in intelligence and appearance. I made my own rudimentary garden furniture
ii. False that was beautiful but uncomfortable.
iii. (b) colonial Ans : 2021

iv. guiding the performance and production i. They were all dumb and clueless about earth
aspects of the play/providing stage directions. and earthlings despite claiming to be more
intelligent and visiting seven galaxies.
2. Read the extract given below and answer the ii. False (term (c) correctly corresponds to the
questions that follows : idea of Think-Tank)
OOP : I haven’t a clue. I’ve been to seven
iii. Think-Tank thought that books were actually
galaxies, but I’ve never seen anything like this.
sandwiches-the staple diet of Earthlings. Oop
Maybe they’re hats. (He opens a book and puts it
also wondered how could Earthlings swallow
on his head.) Say, maybe this is a haberdashery!
those sandwiches without water because they
OMEGA: (bowing low) Perhaps the Great and
were as dry as Martian dust. No wonder they
Mighty Think-Tank will give us the benefit of his
found this ‘diet’ strange.
thought on the matter.
iv. crude
THINK-TANK : Elementary, my dear Omega.
Hold one of the items up so that I may view 3. Read the extract given below and answer the
it closely. (Omega holds a book on the palm of questions that follows :
herr hand.) Yes, yes, I understand now. Since “It’s me! It’s my Great and Mighty Balloon
Earth creatures are always eating, the place in Brain. The Earthlings have seen me, and they’re
which you find yourselves is undoubtedly a crude after me. “Had a great fail”.... That means they
refreshment stand. OMEGA: (to Iota and Oop) plan to capture Mars Central Control and me!
He says we’re in a refreshment stand. It’s an invasion of Mars! Noodle, prepare a space

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can escape without delay. He even told the crew people how to and when to and where to and
of Space Probe One to leave Earth at once after why to. They illustrate, educate, punctuate and
removing all the traces of their visit. After that, even decorate the life of the people. According
he ordered Noodle to tell the invasion fleet to to the Historian, only the books saved the earth
evacuate the entire planet of Mars because they from Martian invasion, for the Martians had
were heading for Alpha Centauri, a hundred misunderstood the meaning of the poems and got
million miles away from Mars. frightened of them. So they left the earth in a
hurry and even evacuated the Mars and headed
15. ‘Pride has a fall’. Justify this statement giving over to Alpha Centauri. Even in our day to days
relevant points from how Think-Tank reacted to life, we get all our solutions from books whether-it
the readings from Mother Goose. is health related or anything else. So we can say
Ans : 2002
that books help us in preventing a catastrophe.
Martians invaded the earth and reached in a
library. Think-Tank was their boss. He was very 18. How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the
proud of his wisdom, as he was having a big earth from a Martian invasion?
balloon like head. He thought that he was the Ans : 2000

wisest person on Mars. Nobody could disobey The old, dusty book of nursery rhymes was
him, or even dare to speak against him. He ‘Mother Goose’. Think-Tank wanted to invade
claimed that he had a quick mind. He had no the earth. He had sent Probe One to get more
respect for anyone and regarded other’s views as information about the Earthlings. The crew
trifling. He was also fickle-minded. enters a. library. There, after taking vitamins,
He misinterpreted the rhymes in a complete they take out ‘Mother Goose’ and decipher the
verbal manner. The rhyme mistress Mar made rhymes. The rhymes are misinterpreted as threats
him ponder over the discovery of the earth. From by Think-Tank. After listening to the first rhyme,
the poem diddle-diddle he got alarmed and from ‘Mistress Mary,’ he concluded that Earthlings
the poem Humpty-Dumpty, he was so frightened had discovered how to combine agriculture and
that he decided to leave his kingdom and run mining. The second rhyme, ‘Hey Diddle, Diddle’,
away to Alpha Centauri. Thus his great wisdom seemed to suggest to him that the Earthlings
was defeated and had a great fall. might be launching an interplanetary attack
on millions of cows. The third rhyme, ‘Humpty
16. Attempt a character-sketch of Noodle highlighting Dumpty’ wherein Humpty had a great fall and its
the values projected by him. picture that resembled him threatened him and
Ans : 2002
his planet Mars. He got so scared that he dropped
Noodle is one of the crew members of the invasion the idea of invading Earth, and escaped to Alpha
team that came to invade earth. He is known Centauri. Thus a book of nursery rhymes saved
as Apprentice Noodle. He is the co-coordinator the earth from Martian invasion.
between Think-Tank and the invasion team. He
echoes Think-Tank in every manner. He is a very
clever creature. He knows that Think-Tank being Extract Based Question
the commander-in-chief has to be obeyed. So he
1. Read the extract given below and answer the
keeps on praising Think-Tank and also passing
questions that follow :
sarcastic remarks. It is only Noodles who think
THINK-TANK: Mirror, mirror, in my hand. Who
practically and differently about the books which
were considered as sandwiches to eat. But Think- is the most fantastically intellectually gifted being
Tank took over the idea as his own. But Noodle in the land?
is not sad at all. He is a blind and true follower OFFSTAGE VOICE : (after a pause) You, sir.
of Think-Tank. THINK -TANK : (smacking mirror) Quicker.
Answer quicker next time. I hate a slow mirror.
17. Historian speaks highly about books. How can (He admires himself in the mirror.) Ah, there I
books help in averting a catastrophic situation? am. Are we Martians not a handsome race? So
Ans : 2001 much more attractive than those ugly Earthlings
The Historian is placed in the twenty-fifth century. with their tiny heads. Noodle, you keep on
He is trying to clear of the twentieth century. exercising your mind, and someday you’ll have a
He calls it as the Era of the Book and speaks balloon brain just like mine.
highly about the books, According to him books NOODLE : Oh, I hope so, Mighty Think-Tank.
control all life. Books teach children. Books teach I hope so.

Downloaded From www.mcqgpt.com

Page 772 Discursive Passage Chapter 9

Oop : (Loudly) Not a thing! (Omega and Iota

jump in fright.)
Omega and Iota : Sh-h-h! (They listen intently
again).
Think-Tank : Well? Well? Report to me. What
do you hear?
Omega : Nothing, sir. Perhaps we are not on the
correct frequency.
Iota : Nothing, sir. Perhaps the Earthlings have
sharper ears than we do.
Oop : I don’t hear a thing. Maybe these sandwiches
don’t make sounds.
i. Where are Omega, Oop and Iota in this
conversation?
ii. How does Think-Tank explain the books to
his probe crew?
iii. Describe Think-Tank in your our words.
iv. Who made the next guess about what the
sandwiches actually were? What was the
guess?
Ans : 2013

i. Omega, Oop and Iota are at the Centerville

Public Library.
ii. Think-Tank told his crew that the books were
communication devices and asked the probe
crew to listen to them.
iii. Think-Tank was the ruler of the planet Mars.
His head is huge and egg-shaped. He wears
a robe decorated with stars and circles. He
considered himself very mighty and was very
proud of his intelligence.
iv. Noodle made the next guess about what the
sandwiches actually were. He guessed that the
sandwiches were something to be watched.



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MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SOCIAL

STANDARD BASIC SCIENCE
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NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE NODIA CBSE

POLITICAL INFORMATION
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